#nobody seems to want to get punished by the ogre but those of you that do...you are valid and hilarious that was my favorite lmao

[orcboxer]

last day to get tortured and punished by the ogre everyone

[jellywriteskpop]

THE BEAUTY & THE STUDENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT

SCENARIO SUMMARY

fandom | dreamcatcher pairing | jiu x reader genre | fluff warnings | n/a

word count | 1400+

   “Be quiet, she’s here.”

   "Ogre coming this way."

   "Don't look at her, it's bad luck."

   “Watch out for the ogre.”

   Ogre. Ice Queen. The whispers. You've heard it all it already, many times before today. It doesn't matter. You know what they think, and you know exactly why they think that way — you've given them reasons to.

   Having the rest of the student body fear you isn't something that you dislike or want to change. It means that you can fulfill your duties as student council president without much opposition. You glare at them and they cower in fear, and yet, every day, it feels like they do their best to exhaust you and get on your nerves as much as humanly possible. 

   There isn't a day where you don't give anyone detention. It's just how it is. You're used to it by now. Still, it doesn't make all of it okay. Some days, you just want to go home and disappear under your blanket..

   You can't go home, though. The student council has a reunion scheduled today. You know that it will be like every other reunion of the council; long, tiresome, and useless for the most part, as nobody listens to each other and all they want is to be heard.

   When you open the door to find most of the council already there, you know that it's going to be one hell of a long reunion. You can't help but reflect on the fact that, the moment you entered the room, everyone went silent — it's almost funny to see how even the student council thinks you're too strict and demanding, and yet how dependent they are on you. Anything goes wrong with a student and they just wait for you to scare the crap out of them until they behave and respect all the rules.

   The door opens again, but you don't look up, you don't care. And you have a reputation to uphold anyway. You close your eyes instead, sighing, waiting. The last thing you expect is for someone to pull the chair the closest to yours and settle right there. So you open your eyes and look to your side, only to find Minji staring at you, bright smile on her lips. It takes a great effort for you not to just smile back at her - the other members of the council cannot see you smile; they would think you’re softening up.

   The meeting is just as long as usual. And, as usual, not much progress is made, and not much is said. Try as you might, you never get anything done during those meetings; they are too late, everyone is too tired, and nobody cares because all everyone is thinking about is getting home. How many times do you have to discipline each council member for getting distracted or using their phone? Too many times. Maybe you should go back to making everyone put their phone in the “punishment basket”, as they call it.

   “Everything alright, President?”

   You blink, confused, realizing that you zoned out as everyone was exiting the room. Minji is standing by your side, staring at you expectantly. Waiting.

   “Oh,” you blink again, “sorry, I got lost in my thoughts. I’m all good.”

   Her soft smile brightens and you can feel your heart melting at the sight. No matter what everyone says, no matter what everyone thinks, you have feelings. You truly do have feelings, you just don’t go around sharing them with people. Minji is the exception, the one who is willing to see past your tough facade, and you appreciate her for that, for everything she does for you, to make you feel like a normal person and not just the Ogre or the Ice Queen.

   “Let’s go?” she asks, extending a hand towards you.

   You shake your head a little, and, instead of taking her hand, you wrap your arms around her hips and pull her close so that you can rest your head against her stomach. Minji doesn’t protest, doesn’t say anything. You feel a hand rest gently on your shoulder and the other one on your hand. Soon enough, Minji is running her fingers through your hair.

   “Long day today, uh?”

   All you can do is nod at her question, too tired to try and form a coherent sentence. You feel like you could fall asleep right here, in her arms.

   “Do you want me to stay here for a bit?” she inquires, her voice low and soft.

   “Aren’t your friends waiting for you to get home?”

   “They can wait,” she says before taking a step away from you, gently removing your arms from around her hips. You want to complain, to ask why she would move away, but she takes your hands in hers and settles back down in her chair, “come here.”

   You don’t resist when she tugs at your hands, you simply stand up and follow. She makes you sit on her lap, as she has many times before today. Never in this room, though, never at school, really

   Never at school. To protect your privacy and your relationship. That’s what you’ve agreed on at the New Year’s Eve party where you started dating. The only party you don’t regret going to.

   “Hi, babe,” she whispers in your ear, and you don’t even need to see her face to know that she is smiling. “Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?”

   “You send me a text every day, Minji. You tell me literally every day.”

   Minji grins at you proudly.

   “That does not sound like me. But it sure sounds like your girlfriend is very cheesy.”

   You shake your head, trying, and failing, not to laugh at her antics. This is why you love this girl, from the beginning, she’s always been the sweetest in the world, and she never judged you for the reputation you built for yourself. To this day, you still aren’t sure you deserve such an amazing girlfriend.

   “My girlfriend is cheesy alright, and she’s also gorgeous.”

   You lean your forehead against hers, content to be in her presence.

   “Your girlfriend sounds amazing, you should introduce me.”

   You chuckle at her words and shake your head once more. There’s no doubt in your head that you hit the jackpot with Minji.

   “Sure, I’ll introduce you to yourself some time.”

   Her smile widens for a second before disappearing almost completely. You don’t even have time to think before she’s leaning closer to kiss you. You smile against her lips and kiss her again, a mere peck of the lips.

   “Minji?!”

   You both startle at the sound of a voice that belongs to neither of you. You glance at the door and find Minji’s usual little group of friends standing there, staring at the two of you. As you try to get up, escape the situation as fast as possible, you feel Minji’s grip on your hips tighten, keeping you right where you are.

   “You’re dating the Student Council President?!” Bora asks, gasping loudly.

   “Yes, I am, and I’m trying to say bye here. So... shoo.”

   There’s chatter between all of Minji’s friends and they are starting to give you the headache of a life time.

   “Kim Bora, Lee Siyeon, Kim Yoohyeon. If you do not leave right now, I will make sure you spend the rest of the year in detention.”

   They seem to be smart enough to recognize the annoyance in your voice and finally shut up and step back. You wait a few seconds before looking at your girlfriend again. Minji isn’t smiling anymore; she’s frowning a little, worry obvious on her traits.

   “Sorry they discovered it like that,” she says, not quite meeting your eyes.

   “It isn’t your fault. We were reckless.”

   Minji arcs an eyebrow.

   “Oh? So you think we should never make out at school? Is that what you’re saying?”

   “Minji,” you warn her.

   “Babe?”

   “Don’t.”

   She offers you the most innocent of smiles as she gently wraps her fingers around your arms to guide them around her shoulders. Minji places her hands on your hips and smirks, more mischievous than ever before.

[amnachil]

The College Society Chapter 3 Part 7

I’m back ! Holidays were fun but it’s time to go back to my very serious schedule. (Believe it please).

Damian Nicholas Smith-Carrey Monday February 11

The blond lad moaned when he felt the girl's tongue lick his balls. Softly, she grabbed his prick, and put it in her mouth. He grunted. It was good. That's what I'm supposed to do. It was exactly his place. Here, on his feet, while someone was sucking his cock. With an ultimate groan, he came. His dick had a convulsion when he ejaculated. With both hands, he forced the girl to keep it in her mouth. For a moment, they stayed like this. Then, he let her go. Damian Nicholas Smith-Carrey was extremely satisfied. I'm at the right place. Yeah, this is me.

"Was it good ?" asked the whore.

"Shut up stupid. I told you, I don't like your voice."

She lowered her head. What an idiot. He had finished a lesson half an hour ago, and decided to take some good time. His timer rang. The pancakes are ready. He let the stupid girl put her clothes back on. They were doing it in the kitchen, because he had these pastries to do. He put them out of the frying pan and tasted one. Good. Not my best shot, but I hope it'll be enough. He had made quite a generous amount.

"It's so hot when you're cooking in the same time." the girl said.

"Just shut up already ! Your voice make me nauseous and I don't want to puke on the pancakes !"

She stood back and mumbled an apology. The Dean's grandson couldn't wait to see Liam. I hate to admit it but... It was as enjoyable as sex. His boyfriend was so lovely, so cute... And I'm worried for Nate. I think he must tell the truth, but I can't force him. It was a real disappointment. Him, Damian Nicholas Smith-Carrey, the king of the hunter, couldn't force someone to do what he wanted. Just because he respected Liam too much. Me. I respect this baboon.

"You're still so hard." commented the girl. "I should take care of this..."

"Cut it out ! It's not... I mean I'm not... Whatever, you can't understand."

Even think about Liam was making everything awkward. He told to this bitch to leave, and then put on some clothes. When he looked at himself in the mirror, he pouted. He had always been a chameleon. Sometimes skinny, sometimes chubby, sometimes athletic. As the best hunter, he was adapting at his prey's taste. And for Liam, his frame started to fill out again. He had this bad habit to taste everything he was cooking, and since his boyfriend asked for a lot of bakes, there he was. He patted genltly his butt. As always, the weight made it rounder, softer. Same for his belly, which had a little curve, he noticed. It had been only a bit more than two weeks since he had begun to date Liam, one month since he had begun to cook all those pastries. But I'm not doing any sport at all at the moment. Well, except sex. A short moment, he thought it was fine as long as Liam liked him. But he was the hunter here, not the prey. Stop thinking this way. I'm gaining only to catch him. Yeah, that's it.

Damian Nicholas Smith-Carrey was going to his ferrari when Theo came to talk to him. All around, some students looked at them. Especially hunters. The newbies... They all think this was an important war. They don't realise it was nothing but daily life among the hunters. You're always fighting for a meal.

"I'm sure you've heard about my withdrawal." started Theo without a hello. "You won the bet."

"Of course I did." smiled the blond lad. "I gave you a chance to give up before, but you refused."

"Well, Liam is such a special prey... I was desesperate. Of course, D.R. didn't like my last strategy and punished me. I can't come next to Liam nor his relatives. Otherwise, I would be kicked out of the hunters, and even the university. And I'm not allowed to hunt for the end of the year. Will you still try to catch him ?"

The Dean's grandson hesitated. For now, nobody knew about the boyfriend stuff. They all were thinking he was still hunting. But honestly, I'm just happy to be with him. I'm not looking for sex. Which is weird. For a hunter like him, it was a shame.

"He's my prey." he eventually ansewered. "You all know that, so don't approach him."

He knew there were hunters interested. A prey who escaped to Theo and made Damian Nicholas Smith-Carrey struggle ? Some people would maybe try their luck. That was why the blond lad had to be clear.

"Well, you don't have to worry about me anymore." mumbled the dark-haired lad. "However, I have a question. Did you do something to Laura ? She said you talked together."

"I intended to but I changed my mind, lucky bastard."

It's Liam fault, again. His boyfriend asked him to not punish Theo. And they had this condition... I'm not allowed to have sex with people he knows. I'm lucky he's not a star athlete or somethin' like that.

"Thank you." whispered the swimteam captain. "I don't know why you decided to be nice all of sudden, but thank you. I can survive without Liam or Nick but Laura... You know like me what she went through. She shouldn't be involved with hunters anymore. D.R. has been clear about it, I'm supposed to protect her."

"Yeah, I know. And you did quite a bad job here. Are we done you idiotic stupid pig ? I mean, I don't like you being so nice, it make me uncomfortable."

Theo just smiled. Such a sexual smile. If I had time, we would do sex for peace but sorry man, I have a date.

Damian Nicholas Smith-Carrey waited Liam outside a building in town. His boyfriend had this session with a shrink. God knows he needs a treatment. The guy was believing in unicorns, ogres and aliens. And me, I'm waiting. Not normal. I'm never waiting anyone. He masturbated discreetly before Liam arrived. When this one entered in the car, he had a bad expression. He was upset.

"What happened baboon ?" asked the blond lad.

"Ms. Hang wants me to see my father and to learn from him. I don't like this." explained the freshman. "It's like going to hell to learn from the devil."

"Why ?"

They never really talked about their respectives families until now. I know he has issues, but not much more.

"My mother brought up my siblings and me all by herself. He was never here. She sacrified everything for us. And then, last summer, he showed up and decided to take the custody. They've been in trial since, and he's winning everytime. Even now, I thought Theo's father would help, but it seems like he didn't. My mother will have to pay 800$ per month as child support !"

"Hold on a sec. Mr. Meyers is your dad's lawyer ?"

"Yeah, why ?"

"You're Isaac Stucker's son ?!"

Why Nancy didn't found that ? Bad. Bad. Really bad !

"You know him ?" asked Liam, surprised.

"My father and yours worked together a long time ago. Let's say they have a little argument still ongoing..."

Fuck it. My dad will kill my boyfriend. Let's forget about any form of introductions before he dies.

"You know what ? I'm gonna come with you next weekend to see your father. Will you feel better that way ?"

"Yeah. But I would feel even better if you give me these delicious pancake I smell."

Liam Wednesday February 13

"I got a call from your parents. They said to me they got a letter from your college..."

The chestnut lad sat next to Nate, in their shared bedroom. It had been a week, and things weren't getting better. His bestfriend wasn't eating well, he stayed inside, mostly alone. He started to grow a beard, and looked sloppy. And now Liam had got this call. According to Nate's parents, the university was asking where he was, because he was missing lessons. Which means he's not expelled. It was good news, but also meant the short guy had lied. I just don't know why.

"Bro, you can talk to me, you know that right ?"

"Yes." mumbled his bestfriend.

The unicorns were using her whole power to cheer him up. Nick was doing his best too. But still, Nate looked depressed, and Liam didn't like it. Dami had told him to give it time. According to his boyfriend, it was extremely important to be there and wait.

"Can I get you something to eat or drink ? You ain't eating enough."

It showed. Nate was melting like icecream in the heat. For Liam, it was another source of stress. He felt bad for his friend, and didn't know why.

"It's not necessary." assured the dark-haired lad. "Stop worrying for me, I'm fine."

He said that, but the unicorns could guess a lie. Nate remembered to Liam how himself was after all the stuff with his ex. When he had been sued for attempt of involuntary manslaughter.

"You shouldn't feel guilty." he whispered. "Whatever you did, I'm sure you had a good reason. Please, stop punish yourself, you're the best man I know."

Nate looked at him with anger.

"Maybe you know craps Liam. Just... let me alone please. Thank you for being nice, but I don't need nor deserve your pity."

The words hurt the chestnut lad's feeling, but he said nothing. I'm sure he doesn't mean this. To see his bestfriend like this was heartbreaking. He had tried to bring him to some event in order to take his mind off this darkness, but never succeeded. Liam stood up and left, respecting Nate's demand.

This late afternoon, he decided to go to the pool before his date with Dami. It wasn't exactly date anymore, they just saw each other at least one hour per day minimum and a lot more when they had time. It was hard to manage the lessons, his workout routine, Nate and his boyfriend, but until now, he did. (He had also to feed the unicorns with his dreams, which meant he had to sleep a lot). (They got their magic from his dreams, yes). Anyway, he started to do some lenght when he glimpsed Nick, near to the water, looking scared. I promised to help him too... (Liam had this bad habit to promise things to a lot of people). (Besides, he didn't know how to help his roommate against his irrational fear. He didn't know any mermaid eager to show him it wasn't dangerous).

"Dude. Do you hear me ?"

He turned towards Colton, surprised.

"Sorry, I'm preoccupied and didn't see you."

"No problem, I'm used to it now." smiled his friend. "You're just in my way for my lenght. What's the matter with Nick ?"

"Sorry again, I can't tell."

He had promised to keep it secret.

"Is it because he can't swim ? Rebecca told everyone." revealed Colton. "She was laughing at him until Laura showed up."

Oh. It wasn't good. Why she turned so mean ? Liam looked at her : she was hanging with Matthew. This latter was said to be the next head of the club, when Theo would retire. Once the freshman heard someone call him a "good hunter". What did that even mean ?

"You know... I think I can help him." whispered Colton. "I already teach youngs kids in my town how to swim."

"Really ? It would be wonderful !"

They decided to try. Colton was so nice and considerate. At start, he reminded me of Raphaël but the more I know him, the more I can see their differences. He's just a real teddy bear.

This evening, Liam and his boyfriend had agreed to meet at the second's apartment. The chestnut lad had been there only once before. It was a vast flat in the campus, provided by the Dean. (Dami and this old man had a connection, but he couldn't figure which one). Before, Liam had thought the apartment would be decorated with photos of all the conquest of his man. But it wasn't the case. In fact, it was austere, with only the most necessary. Well, except one room : the kitchen. Dami had such an impressive equipment. (Liam had also noticed a lot of boxes full of condoms. A whole closet to be honest). (He had freaked out a bit, but he had made himself a reason, his boyfriend was a clairvoyant and a succubus). Anyway, when the freshman entered, Dami was cooking some aromatic plates.

"You're early baboon !" he yelled. "It's not ready."

"I never thought you were feeding the army." laughed Liam, impressed by all the food he saw.

He kissed his beloved and took off his jacket and shoes. I shouldn't have worn this jeans.

"By the way, I'm coming in France with you." announced Dami. "I asked the autorisation this afternoon."

They had talked about this yesterday. Liam really wanted his boyfriend to come. But with Nate...

"I don't know if I'll go." he confessed. "I'm worried for Nate, and I don't want to let him alone."

His partner rolled his eyes.

"Look, there's still more than two weeks." he recalled with reluctance. "I'll talk to Nate, and we'll try to find a solution. I think I can even manage to make him come with us in the worst case."

"Really ? You're so sweet."

Dami mumbled something incomprehensible. (He often did, it was weird but cute). (Liam assumed it was visions). The cook put all his plates onto the table. He sure did a lot.

"Dami, I have a question I wanted to ask for a while now... Would you prefer me fatter, or are you just cooking this to please me ?"

He had decided to be straight. He needed to know, not that it really matter. But if he likes me soft, I'll go for it. His boyfriend remained silent for a while. He seemed on the point of screaming. (Vision again).

"I cook because I like it." he eventually replied. "And I'm glad you enjoy it. But your physique ? I'm not a chubby chaser but I'm not particulary fond of muscle and abs either. I guess I... like change. Sometimes soft, sometimes ripped. I would say both can be attractive. Your physique isn't the first reason why I... appreciate you."

He almost said it. He almost said love. Liam blushed. They both did. (The tomato couple, it was a good movie name wasn't it ?)

"So you're fine if I stick to my workout routine ? I have nothing against a bit of belly, but I would like to remain in a relatively good shape."

"Baboon, you do whatever please you. If you feel more confident like this, so be it. But I count on you to be okay with my softer figure too. All the cooking is taking a toll on me, and I definitely don't have time for exercise at the moment."

"I think you're cute." replied Liam. You know I love you."

And again, they blushed.

Barbara Thursday February 14

Irina Peskov was a tall and beautiful young adult. Barbara wouldn't have been surprised if she did modeling. To meet her, the blond girl had gone through assault course. As a senior, she had a lot of work, and Barbara had to take an appointment. For this, she had met three different secretaries from different departments. She doesn't want to be found, I can tell this. And Javier hadn't been helpful, since he had refused to give her an adress. According to him, it was too risky, and Summer could have find out. But after all, I succeeded eventually. Now she was in this little work room with Irina, the previous queen of the university.

"So, why are you here ?" asked the russian after the introductions. "I'm not involved in these things anymore."

"I know, but I've heard you have some rancor against Summer." Barbara confessed. "Since I'm gonna run against her for the next election, I thought you could give me a hand."

Nothing official yet, but Summer would stand, for sure. For now, the freshman had Steve Callagan, Ms. Linda Weber and Amber at her side. This latter had said she was perfect for the role. I can guess she wants to manipulate me, but she'll end up disappointed.

"It's not that simple." stated Irina. "I'm not allowed to do whatever I want. I'm under surveillance."

She probably was speaking about Damian Nicholas Smith-Carrey, or his greatfather himself. It could explain why she had shut herself away.

"Well, can you at least give me information ?" begged Barbara. "Nobody will know it's from you."

Irina pouted.

"What do you know about the hunters and the community exactly ?"

"We use it to refer to people who are hunting for sex or power." the blonde girl supposed.

"Not exactly." contradicted the old queen. "The community is a closed group of people who are specialized in hunting for sex, power or whatever as long as their hunt is more enjoyable than the outcome. You for example, you want to become more powerful. You like each stage which make you stronger and better. You can't stop. It's the same for all the hunters, they like the difficulty, the struggle."

Barbara nodded. It was right, she liked the ordeal. The fight.

"In our college, it had been reducted to sexual hunters, mostly because Damian Nicholas Smith-Carrey is a perfect specimen, but there are also other sorts. Anyway Summer's what we call a collector hunter."

"Wait. Do you mean there are different names ?"

"Of course, only for sexual content there are collector, alpha, omega, exlusive, voracious, satisfied and home-hunter... And you have to take note of their sexual preference, hetero, gay, lesbian ect... there is a list but I don't have it. Besisdes, we're running out of time, I have a presentation in five minutes. About Summer, her kind of hunter is known to have between three and five partners at the same time. They're all official, which means they don't know each other, and she pretends to be in a relationship with each."

"So if I manage to make two of them meet..."

"Yeah, it would be explosive. Summer can't handle the break-up part, like a lot of hunters. They start a collection, and sometimes, it implode. And before I leave, I'll tell you a name. Samuel Bayers. He was the first boyfriend of this bitch when she arrived at this college, and she never get rid of him, even if he's himself a collector hunter too."

When she left the old queen, Barbara felt pretty proud of herself. It was more interesting than I expected. Now, she could attack Summer personally. She just had to meet this Samuel as soon as possible. She entered her apartment with a smile. I'm gonna be the queen even before the next election if I deal with it well. The youngest queen ever of this college.

"Hey Barb." greeted Jessy. "Your sister came by two hours ago. She looked pissed."

Damn. Not her.

"What did she want ?"

"Well, she asked why you left Colton, and assured you would regret it later." related her roommate. "And she also said she was ashamed by your weakness. According to her, you should've already take down Summer. I don't know what it mean, how can you take down the summer ?"

"Forget it." mumbled Barbara.

I shouldn't have told her I was at war with another girl. Her sister could be quite annoying when it came to make a war. Anyway, she had a strategy and a head start. I can't lose. It's impossible.

Barbara headed towards her bedroom, and called Javier. This little roach answered almost immediately.

"Hey dude." she greeted. "I need your help."

"Well, you know what I want in exchange."

Always the same. Men were pigs. Stupid pigs. She could've asked Ms. Weber or Amber, but it was safer with Javier. He was devoted to her.

"First, did you send to Archie the expensive gold ball I bought ?"

"I gave it to Oliver. He said he would pass it, but it wouldn't change his quaterback's mind. Seems like he's quite stubborn."

"Yeah, I knew this."

She could see he was a dangerous and famous hunter. She expected the same kind of aura from Amber, the captain of the cheerleader, but it appeared she wasn't that much impressive. That's why I need Archie, and the whole football club with him.

"I'll come to your flat." she said. "But you've to find for me everything possible about Samuel Bayers. I need to meet him."

To be continued

As promised, it gets better. A long part again because there are a lot of thing going on.

Damian and Liam are evolving as a couple. It’s weird and confusing but they manage. Our hero deals with his friends and family at the same time. Damn, did he become mature ?

No surprise but Barbara is ploting again. Nothing good will come from this.

There are still 6 part for chapter 3 !

And To the Perfection is back ! Chapter 2 on monday.

[rufeepeach]

37 — meeting in prison AU for Rumbelle. (Optional EF setting; it popped into my mind for some reason.)

A/N: I really enjoyed this one! Enjoy :D

He hears her hurled into her cell. A high cry, a whimper, and then the door slammed.

They never lock prisoners in with the Dark One. Never. Snow and Charming are too kind for that, at least. Or maybe they just think isolation will soften his mind.

Through the dark silence of the cell, the girl begins to cry.

He shifts, scuttles, tries to find a spot in the cell to sit where he cannot hear her. It is an impossible task; she stops abruptly when he sighs.

“Is anyone there?” her voice comes high and frightened.

“‘Tis just I, dearie,” he trills, his voice sharp and mocking but his heart not in it. “They’ve trapped you alone with the Dark One, fancy that!”

“Oh,” she sniffles, but she does not scream or renew her sobs. “Well at least I’m not alone, then.”

It’s a brave answer, if somewhat foolish. “Some would say you would be better off alone,” he says. He cannot hide the bitterness creeping into his voice. “Better that than trapped alone in the dark with me.”

“If you could hurt me you wouldn’t be here,” she replies, shrewdly. “You’d be out there, hurting them.”

That brings him up short. The sobbing waif has a mind, then. Perhaps a conversational companion wouldn’t be such a burden, at least until they move her elsewhere. Or until Regina gets up the nerve to cast the curse, whichever comes first.

“Y-your name is Rumpelstiltskin, isn’t it?” she says, after a long moment in silence. “I’ve read about you.”

“They write books about me now?” he muses, with a spiralling gesture nobody but him can see. “How quaint. And what do these books of yours say?”

“That you barter in firstborns and hunt children for their pelts,” the woman replies, with a note of irony in her voice. “Is that true?”

“I’ve… facilitated the occasional adoption,” he replies, idly. “The pelts would be a waste of time, however. Any tanner will tell you that adult flesh hardens into better leather, and you get more of it per kill.”

He hears her sharp intake of breath. He has shocked her.

“That one was a quip,” he advises, when she does not speak. “Not serious.”

Her gusty sigh is accompanied by a laugh of relief. “Oh,” she says. “Of course.” She pauses, then speaks again, “That’s why you’re in here, isn’t it?”

“Why? Because our illustrious rulers have no sense of humour? I quite agree.”

“No,” she chuckles again, and it’s a pleasant sound, a reprieve from dank, dripping water and his own mutterings. “Because you… ah… facilitated an adoption?”

“Oh yes,” he grins into the darkness, leaning his head back against the stone wall. “Dear Cinderella, who tried to break our bargain.”

“They say you tricked her,” she says. Rumpelstiltskin shrugged.

“She didn’t read the contract, so desperate was she to don that pretty dress and run off to the ball. The words 'you owe me your firstborn’ weren’t even in particularly small print. I cannot be held responsible for other people’s idiocy, can I?”

Silence. He sighs.

“I was very easily apprehended,” he says, betraying a secret he has no business speaking aloud. “And Cinderella’s baby will be born healthy.”

She doesn’t reply. They sit in silence for a long time.

“What was your crime, then?” he asks, when the stifling quiet has become tiresome.

“I started the ogre war,” the woman replies.

He should have known her immediately by her accent. Who else would they throw down here, with him?

“Princess Belle of the Frontlands,” he murmurs, toying with her title, “The girl who tortured an ogre child.”

“That’s what they say,” she says, and he can hear her gritting her teeth, her voice tight and bitter.

“Is it true?”

“No.”

“I suppose that’s what they all say,” he muses.

“I was trying to save the poor thing!” Belle cries. “I was… you don’t care.”

“That’s where you’re wrong, dearie,” he trills. “I am interested in what you have to say. Please continue.”

“I…” Belle trails off, and sighs in frustration. “My fiance wanted a war. He tortured the child to punish its tribe for its role in the war a century ago. He wanted to provoke them.”

“And why would he do that?”

“He had to prove himself,” Belle mutters, with a depth of disdain that impresses even Rumpelstiltskin. “He thought he could provoke the tribe into a fight, buy an easy victory, and prove to his father he was no longer the runt of the litter.”

“Well,” Rumpelstiltskin drawls, thinking of the wreckage and devastation of the following months, the villages razed and crops burned. “That was a miscalculation.”

Belle snorts. “That’s an understatement.”

“Then why are you here, and not he?” he queries. “Surely he would not blame his blushing bride!”

“I was no longer his bride,” Belle replies, simply. “I refused to marry him and threatened to expose him. I miscalculated too. I thought my father would believe me… but he needed men and arms more than he needed a daughter.”

“Ah,” Rumpelstiltskin sighs. It is a sad story, and one undeserving of an innocent woman. There is nothing so dangerous, he thinks, as a strong man with something to prove.

“Yeah,” Belle replies.

“Even the great Snow White will not hear your pleas for clemency?” Rumpelstiltskin enquires. “I, at least, am guilty of what they have accused me of.”

“I have told my story loudly and clearly everyb day,” Belle replies, stoutly. “And they continue to buy arms from Gaston’s father, and throw Gaston’s soldiers at their enemies. They are allies of Snow White and detractors of Queen Regina. They call me a monster, so why should they listen?”

“Why indeed?” Rumpelstiltskin murmurs.

He has no more to say. It seems neither does she.

After a while, he hears her whimper. Her stomach growls so loudly, he can hear it in the next cell.

“Belle?”

“Yes?”

“Can you keep a secret?” he asks. He can almost taste her confusion.

“Who would I tell?”

It’s a fair point. He waves a hand, and hears the clatter as an array of dishes laden with hot food appear before her. He can smell the meal wafting through, although the cavern walls prevent him from seeing it. He hears her cry out with delight.

“I have let them believe I am powerless down here,” he says. “I would prefer if that myth was maintained.”

“Mmm-hmm!” comes the response: he chuckles, as her mouth is clearly full of food.

“Thank you!” she gasps, as she pauses for breath. “I haven’t had a - thank you so much!”

“You’re very welcome, dearie,” he says. He wonders if he should demand payment, some price to be exacted when the world ends and they are both free.

But he keeps his mouth shut. He does have a karmic debt to pay, after all.

“What do I owe you?” she asks, when the sounds of her ravenous eating have calmed somewhat. “I don’t think I’ll have a firstborn any time soon.”

He considers the question. She has nothing to offer him, not really, and he didn’t ask for payment in advance. Sometimes, maybe, a meal can just be a meal. Kindness can just be kindness, even from a monster.

“Consider it a gift,” he says, lightly. “One monster to another.”

“Thank you,” she breathes. “I… I don’t think you’re a monster, Rumpelstiltskin. Any more than I am.”

“That’s a full belly talking,” he says, indulgently. “Sleep it off and you’ll regain your senses.”

“No. No, I’ve… I’ve heard more of your deeds than just Cinderella. I heard you helped Prince Charming to reawaken Snow White, is that true?”

“The fool was lost in the endless forest,” he says. “Someone had to fish him out.”

She snickers. “And now you provide free food to a starving prisoner. Not so monstrous after all.”

“You promised to keep secrets, dearie,” he sing-songs. “Don’t be putting it around.”

“Who would I tell?” she asks again. He waves a negligent hand and banishes the dishes. A moment later, she yawns, and he imagines she has gone to sleep.

If she awakens with a pillow beneath her head, its twin beneath his, then there’s no one to know but the rats.

—

It is eleven pm before Gold’s stomach rumbles.

He has forgotten that, in this world, he needs to eat. His body in Storybrooke is none so powerful as he had been in the Enchanted Forest, weak and human once more, and so his invulnerability to hunger and exhaustion have fled. It’s been a steep learning curve, these past twenty-four hours since the Saviour arrived, and he can’t say he’s enjoying his renewed frailty.

Perhaps when the curse breaks, and magic returns, his strength will return. For now, he continues to acclimatise.

The door to the shop swings open. “We’re closed, dearie!” he calls out. “Come back tomorrow!”

“Your light was on!” A voice comes through, low and feminine. A voice he recognises, although only the voice. His one-time cellmate survived the journey, then. He only knew her a few weeks, and most of that in silence as she slept or read the books he summoned to entertain her. He’d liked her, though. She was smart, and funny, and her company had lifted those long days.

He is curious, too curious. He never saw her face.

He comes through the curtain, to see an astonishingly beautiful woman standing in his shop, clutching a take-out bag from Granny’s.

When she sees him, there is no recognition in her eyes. But then, why would there be? His face and voice have changed immeasurably, and even had they not, she is still cursed. Mr Gold’s false memories fill in the blanks. Here she is Lacey French, the flighty daughter of an oafish florist. She is engaged to Gary Hunter, and works as a waitress at Granny’s Diner. She is unhappy, but then, everyone is unhappy here. Such is the nature of the Dark Curse.

“I told you,” he says, but gentler now, gentler than he intended it. “We’re closed.”

“I saw your light on,” she says, pressing on with false, brassy confidence. “I thought you might be hungry, since it’s so late.”

“Why would you presume I haven’t eaten at home?” he asks.

“I had a hunch,” she says, shrugging her slender shoulders. She really is remarkably pretty, he thinks. He’d assumed it impossible her face could match her mind and her heart, but here she is, proof that inner and outer beauty can coexist. He wonders if the outfit she wears, a sinfully short, tight black skirt and sheer blue blouse, would have been her preference had she her true mind about her. He assumes not, but then, how would he know?

“Why?” he presses. Of course she does not know. Some small, instinctive part of her remembers that once upon a time he fed her, and that part is reaching to repay the debt. Lacey doesn’t know, but somewhere deep down Belle does.

“Was I right?” she challenges back. This new girl has all of Belle’s stubbornness, but none of her ability to pause for thought. His stomach growls again, betraying him.

She laughs, and hands him the bag. “Bottom one has extra pickle,” she says. “The usual.”

“Indeed,” he murmurs, remembering now his visits to Granny’s, curse memories sliding neatly into place. “Thank you.”

“Yeah, well, don’t let it get around.”

She winks, and settles herself in. They eat in silence.

“What do I owe you?” he asks, when they’re finished. Lacey shrugs.

“’S on the house,” she says, swallowing her final mouthful. “A burger’s just a burger, right?”

[amnachil]

The College Society Chapter 2 Part 6

I hope you’ll like it ! Two part left for chapter 2 !

Liam holidays from Thursday December 20 to Sunday January 6

Rachel Strucker picked Liam up on Wednesday evening and they went back home in three hours. They passed thursday together. To be honest, he stayed shut off in their house the whole time. He had a bad reputation in the town, since 12th grade. He feared to meet some old classmate... The only one who paid him a visit was Raphaël, his childhood friend. On Friday, they eventually went to the court. Liam got an hard time to wake up this particular morning. (More than usual, yes it's possible). When he saw his father Isaac, he felt the anger seize him. I need to keep cool. Mom tell me to be as calm as possible. Thankfully, his sister Chloe was here too and she calmed him. She had her own testimony to do, and by her expression, he knew she wasn't happy about it.

"The judge want to hear your daughter first." explained Isaac's lawyer, a man called Mr. Meyers. "Then your son."

And so the chestnut lad had to wait. He sat alone in the hallway and stared at the trash can in front of him. I wonder how it would look with somes kicks... Wait, what's wrong with me ? Eventually, Chloe came out and he went in.

The judge smiled cheerfully. She was apparently the only one glad to be there.

"Liam I presume ? Have a sit please. Both lawyers will ask you some questions, and you have to answer with honesty, is that ok for you ?"

He nodded. (He felt a bit disappointed, he wanted to swear on the bible like in TV series). (And could he play with the gavel ?). At first, Rachel's lawyer asked him several question about his childhood. He described the life with his mother, and emphazised that she was always there for him. Then, Mr. Meyers started his own questioning.

"Tell me young man, is that true you were at the hospital only two days ago ?"

Why is he asking this ? It's Isaac's fault.

"Yes I was." he answered conscientiously.

"Can you tell us what happened ?"

"I did a panic attack and some hypoglicemia. But it was because my dad..."

"A panic attack." cuted Mr. Meyers. "Isn't it the same thing you did when your ex-boyfriend almost died ?"

Liam shuddered. Don't talk about this. He tried to say something, but the lawyer continued :

"Tell me if I'm wrong but you did many others panic attack when his family sued you ? Often with urges of violence right ?"

The boy saw red. He didn't want to hear it. Please, shut up. Please.

"It's a dismissed case !" stepped in his mother. "He didn't do anything wrong !"

"But it's relevant." insisted Mr. Meyers. "I mean according to the psychiatrist he saw back then, Liam had been suffering from several panic attacks and he had anger issues. He might even still be violent as far as I know ! And eveything happened while he were under your custody Mrs. Strucker !"

"Because Isaac left me alone !"

"Is it your excuse for everything Ma'am ? Your son almost killed someone else, and it's on you. We can't let his siblings turn the same, can we ?"

Liam tried his best. He wanted to stay calm, as his mother asked him to. But memories were haunting him. He heard screams, rain and thunder. He thought about aliens, mutants, ogre. Things were passing before his eyes. Suddenly he stood up, half crying, half enraged.

"Shut up !" he yelled. "Let me alone !"

A deep silent followed. They all looked at him with chock. I screwed up. Liam, why are you such a pathetic and idiotic piece of shit ? He sat back, holding his tears. He just ruined his mother's chances.

"This is speaking for itself." concluded Mr. Meyers. "Your honor, it's your call now."

One week per year. It's all she got. And Isaac sued her for incompetence. He asked money. They were going to court in january again. And the judge advised the young lad to see a psychologist. Honestly, Liam couldn't even say it was the worst day of his life. He had known worst. He had felt even more miserable. But he never hated himself this much. These holidays started to look like the highway to hell.

At start, he expected to spend christmas with his mother. But this one asked him some space, because she needed to think. And another person who's blaming me... And she has all the right to. Eventually, he crashed Nate's home. His bestfriend welcomed him just before the Christmas Eve dinner.

"Dude, you know I'll always be there or you." he assured when they entered his room.

"Thank you. Maybe you're the only one who cares now."

"That's not true." lectured his bestfriend. "Your mother loves you. Your siblings love you too. Don't say thing like that. And now come, my parents are waiting us for the dinner."

Almost one entire week went just like this. Nate did his best to cheer him up, but Liam was extremely depressed. New Year was coming, and he still felt as crappy as before. Eventually, the New's Year Eve party Nate was supposed to attend came.

"Dude, I decided you will come with me." he stated. "Leave this couch and get ready."

"Is it necessary ?"

Liam didn't want to make a party. He was fine in his bed, warn and comfy. Nobody bothered him for an entire week, it was like a miracle, wasn't it ? But Nate dragged him out of bed.

"Yeah, it's really important. You can't stay hidden under this blanket forever."

Eventually, the chestnut lad stood up and yawned. (Why can't he exactly ? This blanket had everything he ever asked for).

"I know you don't want to do anything for now, but you need to realise there ain't only bad things in the world." stated Nate. "And first, be lucky to have such a good metabolism."

"What do you mean ?"

"You're so ripped even if you did nothing for the last two week. Okay, you lost your abs, but you're still so muscled."

"Thanks I guess ?"

Nate was short and rather tubby at the moment. Even before he had started college, he had had some vacations gains, but after four months of parties... Well, he had quite the beerbelly now. Nothing too fat, just a round, soft tummy. Besisdes, he had always liked stuff himself freely, without a thought for the consequences. I think he's the lucky one to be so little self-conscious.

"Liam, are you gonna stare at me like this forever ?"

"Sorry, I just get out of touch."

"No problem, I'm used to it. Get dressed now, we have to go."

The party took place near to Nate's college. They drove for two hours to get there, but the short boy assured it would be nice. Honestly, during the trip, Liam started to feel better. After one entire week cloistered in a little room, everything seemed brighter. The clouds looked like living things. The snow was so yummy (yeah, he tasted the snow, just don't ask). And Nate good mood made him happy. They arrived in the evening, and went inside. There was already a lot of people, mainly dancing. Some were drinking. I'm not a big fan of party but... Liam had fun. Thanks to his bestfriend, he had way more fun than he had thought. They won some game of beerbong. They stuffed themselves greedily. The chestnut lad forgot about his family's problem for once.

Around 2am, they started to slow down. They talked a bit, cosily ensconsed in a corner of the hall. Liam was rubbing his belly with diligence. It had been a long time since the last time I overdid it like this. The feeling of fullness was satisfying. Next to him, Nate's belly had significantly rounded up, bloated with all those beer he had chugged and food he had consumed. They were both positively stuffed.

"Oh dude." sighed the short one. "Dare tell me it wasn't... burp... fun."

"It was. Thanks you."

Nate belched again, a bit louder.

"I though I would meet Gwendoline ?" asked Liam. "She isn't here ?"

"She's. Over there I think." replied Nate. "But it appeared... burp... she didn't like me being... what did she said ? Ah yeah, a fatty. So I told her we were stopping, even the sex. I'm not complaining tho. She can't accept my body, she can't be with me."

"Well said bro."

They remained silent for a bit. Liam had always admired his friend's confidence. Short, chubby, whatever he could be, he always liked himself. I can't say the same.

"What about ya ?" asked suddenly Nate. "I think Damian is hitting on you. He seems nice."

"He's. But I think he just wants to be my friend you know ?"

"Why would he ? I mean, why would he decide to be friend with a perfect stranger, just like that ?"

"Because he's nice ?"

Liam really thought that way. Dami wasn't making a move or anything. Friend, we're friend.

"You're a lost cause." mumbled Nate.

After the party, Liam started to be his old self again. (Yes, the Liam dreamy and simple-minded). During the end of the holidays, he often had his head in the clouds, thinking about his own world. Gwendoline wasn't a fairy, as Nate and him discovered, but a young witch. As for Theo, he still needed a solution before he decided to eat Nick. About him, the two bestfriend had a long conversation. Liam learnt his roommate had a scolarship because he was a genius back in highschool, who finished the 12th grade's syllabus two month before the end of the year. It explained some mysteries. Anyway, the chestnut lad visited his siblings two day before the beginning of the exams. Then he realised he had exams. So he went back to the campus as fast as possible, and asked Nick to save his ass.

Rebecca holidays from Thursday December 20 to Sunday January 6

Two hours. His parents shouted for two hours. Needless to say, Bob was enjoying this. It was his idea after all. Rebecca stayed quiet. She lowered her eyes and waited the end. Finally, they decided several change she disliked. First of all, his father would come monthly at the university to keep a close eye on her. Like if I needed this. Secondly, she had to bring them back good grades for the january's exams, or she would be grounded. I'm 19, and they think they can punish me. Where is the logic ? Lastly, Bob had now the right to control her phone and her computer. Anything he would evaluate distracting would be removed. What the actual fuck ? This idea is the worst they ever had. Honestly, Rebecca wanted to contest, but she hadn't the guts. She knew it would lead to some reals problems soon, but... I'll negociate with Bob once we'll be back at the university. For now, let's fake to agree.

Christmas came and went. She met her family's relative with mixed feelings. She hadn't much close cousins to speak to. And she wasn't celebrating with feast or anything else. It was very simple. She never stopped to train. Bob was watching her every day. Eventually, one day, after an especially hard race, he said :

"Good time girl. You're back in action. I'm glad Emilio warned me about this Nick."

"Wait. What ?"

"Your boyfriend told me the boy was disturbing you. I wrote him a letter to tell him to back off. He must have received it by now."

You must be kidding me ? Fuck it. This asshole.

"You can relax Rebbie." assured Bob. "If this young man continue to bother you, I'm going to have a little chat with him."

"It won't be necessary." she quickly replied.

"Oh girl you're too nice. That's why people are mean with you. This guy is a bad influence we need to get rid of."

Oh yes, I'm really naive. But not about Nick. It was true, she had noticed the geek's figure getting chubbier. She knew he was hiding a little belly under his loose jacket. And yes, he was consuming junkfood, drinking beer and playing videogames. But she never felt influenced by him. I've been influenced by this fucking hunter Emilio. God I hate him. But she couldn't speak about this with Bob. His trainer wouldn't understand. He would blame her. So she remained quiet, and hoped Nick wouldn't be too mad about the letter...

December was finally over. She celebrated the New Year's Eve with her family. She hadn't many friends from highschool, and she didn't want to go back to the university. For all that, on the first day of january, she met an old classmate while she was doing the groceries. The girl, Ollie, greeted her cheerfully, and they talked about their own respective college.

"I'm also surprised by the freedom of the people." said this one during the conversation. "I mean, I can literally have sex with everyone, and just leave them the next day. In highschool, people called me slut when I did that."

Yeah, that kinda was your reputation. Ollie was well-known to be open-minded. And thigh-opened too. Nonetheless, even if Rebecca didn't like the principle, she was interested. Accroding to her research, Ollie was a hunter.

"Ain't people hating you afterwards ?" she asked.

"Sometimes, but when there are three thousands dudes in the campus, it's not really a problem. And they know what they signed for."

"And if a guy become overly attached ? I mean emotionally attached to you ?"

"It doesn't matter." assured Ollie. "I'm kind of... a collector anyway. I date at least three men in the same time, so I'm sure to have one everynight."

Holy shit. That's why I call a whore. But if a girl like Ollie was able to do it, Rebecca could have sex with one guy, one time, couldn't she ? Now that I think about it, it's impressive she managed to go to community college. Anyway, their little talk caused the young woman to make a choice. She would tell to Matthew she was ready. And she would get rid of Emilio.

To be continued

No Damian’s POV today, but don’t worry, he’ll come first next week ! We have to see what he has done during his holidays :)

Our poor Liam, things are getting worst each week... But at least there are Nate and food to comfort him right ? He did said he likes to be stuffed ;)

Rebecca has her own problems to deal with. Will she be able to end things with Emilio this time ?