#oh my god. oh my god. just remembering i promised that one halloween peter and wade would dress up as mr mistofelees and rum tum tugger.

[sciderman]

Hey sci what are you favorite musicals

to the surprise of no one my favourite musical is probably book of mormon,, i think i just love the genre of musicals that make you belly laugh

recently i watched the spongebob musical and honestly... has no right to be as good as it is

underrated genre that are my favourite: showtunes about living in blissful denial. that involve pink sequins.

[fun-k-board]

Got a cool idea for you my friend.

The insomniac spider-men, both Peter and miles. And how they’d go when y/n offers to do a horror movie night with the likes of classics like Halloween or modern stuff like talk to me

The Insomniac Spider-Men with a horror movie night

Note(s) : I did Headcanons for how the Spider-Men are with horror movies and then a scenario at the end where the reader does the horror movie night.

I don't know anything about Talk To Me so I chose M3GAN instead, and I haven't seen Halloween in years so I'm sorry if I got something wrong.

Peter Parker / Spider-Man

I don't think Peter would really watch movies or shows all that often, he probably hasn't even finished any piece of media since before the spider bite. Even then, he was probably that kid who watched those really bad ones to make fun of with Harry and MJ.

I imagine his tolerance is most likely high, because of his real life experiences, he can handle fake blood, he can handle the fake injuries, most of them can't compare to what he's gone through.

But what he really can't handle? Psychological thrillers, and really good kid actors.

That scene in the shining where the two twins are standing there? He had to hold MJ's hand, Harry made fun of him for an entire month.

He tends to humanise fictional characters, especially the victims in horror movies. Maybe for some slashers he can understand their motives, but most of them hurt people who can't defend themselves and it makes him a little sick.

To see movies where this is used so effectively is honestly a little uncomfortable, he appreciates the mastery of how it's crafted and how realistic the pain is, but he can never watch it all the way through.

Peter's always been terrified of Carrie because he was also bullied, she, in a way, reflected on him. Of course, she also experienced abuse from her mother, unlike Peter, but the scene of everybody screaming in that hall will probably haunt him forever.

In a way, it keeps him grounded, it makes him remember Uncle Ben's words, it makes him remember to use his powers for good, and not for evil.

Miles Morales / Spider-Man

Miles and Ganke most likely sit down and watch some shows or movies every once and a while, he's never been a huge horror fan, and he's never watched any that really stuck with him.

He's mostly impressed with the art direction most of the time, the way they shot that scene in Carrie where it goes all around the prom in one, long, continuous shot?

It's beautiful, it gets him so engrossed he forgets it's supposed to be a scary movie.

Miles can't handle any that tackle and treat the loss of a parent as a main plot point, he could maybe handle it as a side plot, but it reminds him so much of how his dad's death affected him, his hands clam up, he feels sweaty, he just can't handle it.

It never really makes him connect with the story, it just makes me remember it as the 'oh God don't watch that' movie

The ones that get him truly terrified are honestly any that involve children and the elderly as the villains, that's not to say he'll be completely fine if he watches an adult brutally murder people.

Both

Peter and Miles haven't had a day off in months, they've been so focused on saving the city, helping their friends and family, they just don't have time for themselves.

Until today.

You had finally convinced the two, after hours of subtle and not so subtle convincing, they relented, under the promise that if any serious crimes were reported, they would get Ganke to check if the police have it handled or not, if they don't? They're abandoning the movie night.

Which you agreed with, because one night having fun is better than no time to yourself at all.

Peter and Miles sit down on the couch, while you make the popcorn and drinks, carrying the bowls of food and bottles of coke to the table, the microwave hums, drowned out by the two men chatting.

"Can you believe that Electro got out again." Miles sounds exasperated, and he looks it too, he and Electro had fought for what felt like hours, in reality it was only a few minutes, shocking each other until they couldn't fight any more.

"You get used to it, he'll probably stay a month in prison at most." Peter shrugs, leaning back on the couch and wincing slightly, an aching pain in his back started up again, but he was honestly too tired to ask for someone to crack it.

"This job is crazy." Miles laughs, shaking his head with an amused smile. "I can't believe it, each day, fighting bad guys, swinging for hours and hours, it's just... I love it." You cut the conversation short by bringing in the last bowl of popcorn.

"Whooo! Movie time!" You happily say, placing the bowl on the table with the other snacks and drinks, making sure it's perfectly placed before sitting on the couch. You grab the remote next to you and smile at Miles and Peter.

"What should we watch?" Before either can respond, you suddenly gasp, your eyes snapping back to the TV. "Oh! Actually, there's this new horror movie called M3GAN, I bought it a few weeks back and forgot to watch it." You ramble, turning the television on and searching for the movie.

"I guess we go with that one then." Peter mumbles, raising an eyebrow in amusement, you all haven't hung out in a while, even then, you do wish that Harry and MJ could've made it. So, it's clear you're just excited to spend time with them for once.

"It's about this robot that this lady makes after her niece loses her parents in a car accident." You cheerfully say, pressing play on the movie and taking a swig of coke. "After this, we're so watching Halloween."

The movie was something different to the two, when they think horror, both Peter and Miles would typically think 'man with knife stabs people', so it was a refreshing change.

Both men went through a flurry of emotions, the movie was sad, then funny, than horrifying, then funny, then scary, and then funny, it was a constant switch.

The fact that the girl lost her parents and she's clinging to the first thing that shows her respect, the lady stepped up at the end and proved she's a capable mother figure, it broke their hearts, but the jokes made them forget that temporarily.

They laughed, they went quiet in shock, and most of all? Peter cried, he couldn't help it, he isn't ashamed about it either, the girl losing her parents at such a young age reminds him of himself. Miles feels a similar way, he cried like a baby, he sobbed so much at that scene where the girl and the robot have that test and she breaks down.

Now it's time for the next movie.

"Halloween! You can't go wrong with the classics." You click on the movie. "Well, that's a lie, actually, plenty of classics suck." You mutter under your breath, pressing pause and turning to the two Spider-Men.

"Okay, first, bathroom breaks and refill time, you two ate all the popcorn so I'm making double." You get up from the couch and walk to the kitchen, both Peter and Miles go to the bathroom in that time, refilling their drinks with the bottle of coke on the floor, you return a few moments later with the multiple bowls of popcorn.

You all sit down, grab your bowls and drinks, and press play.

Overall, both men did enjoy the experience, they liked the costume of Micheal Myers, the mask and coveralls are iconic, they also both enjoyed the acting, if a bit subpar at times.

The plot was something they found to be interesting, the characters as well, they thought the therapist was a strange and weird character, who seemed a bit more unstable than Micheal.

Laurie Strode is a really inspiring character to the two, a survivor, someone who managed to take down one of the biggest threats her towns ever faced.

Just as the movie ends, you turn to the two men to see if they have any movie recommendations, but to your surprise, they've both fallen asleep.

Peter's mouth hangs open, his body pressed flat against the couch, his arms crossed and occasional light snores escapes his mouth. Miles is leaning his head on his arms, his body bent in an awkward position so he's sitting and leaning on the armrest.

For a few moments, you debate on whether or not you should wake them up, but decide against it. They need the rest. You gently move them into slightly more comfortable positions, placing blankets over the two, you stand up and reach for your phone.

You text MJ and Rio Morales, letting them know that the two would be staying at yours for the night.

[ravenoclock]

@labyrinthhofmymind

IM BACCKKK

Spoilers for a fic called presque vu by bizzarestars

TYSM FOR UR RESPONSE AAAA UR THE FIRST PERSOM WHO’S LISTENED TO MY RANTS AND AVGUALLY LIKES THWM SO TYSM UR THE BEST <33

CHAPTER ELEVEN MFS

Shit’s getting deep yall I grabbed the tissues just in case.

*clears throat* okay so starting off sad with Lily’s parents dying right off the bat. Holy fuck. And the fact that she didn’t cry until after the funeral?? MY GIRL DJSKSKKSKA. I CANT RN. and Sirius being like ‘I wanna fuck Remus’ and Harry being like ‘nuh-uh’ and crying LMAO. Hilarious.

He lives anyway, in the end. They both do. Rats can survive in even the most dire of conditions, and all dogs were wild once. They both make it through, just not together. Rats and dogs rarely get along.

Foreshadowing comes in many forms.

Fuck. I can’t today. PETER PETER PETER. JUST ARGHH. WHY WHY WHY.

"No," Sirius croaks. "I can't ever imagine grieving you."

I’m on my way to go dig a grave for myself who’s with me? Cuz why? Would? You? Do? That? To? Me? Why? What? What the fuck??? I’ve spent so long deluding myself into believing canon isn’t real and that the marauders grew old and grey and happy together and then I read fics like these because I think im strong enough but in reality I just created a dream I can shatter (catch my reference? No? Yes?) but id rather the delusion shatter than my sanity but at this point idk. BEAR WITH ME. I’ll get therapy dw.

Sirius is right there with him, as that saying goes. She's growing, too, one day at a time even as she digs her heels in for every inch. She's just as imprisoned as him, in her own way. A prison of her own body, her blood, her name. She's been a prisoner her whole life.

Dead. Why is this so amazing??? Like I feel it in the very depths of my soul I swear.

JAMES WANTED CHILDREN. PLURAL. WHAT THE ACTUAL- I CANT. HARRY WAS GOING TO HAVE SIBLINGS. I FEEL NAUSEATED. IM GONNA THROW UP EVERYTJING INSIDE OF ME I SWEAR.

(This, too, is a prison. You feel that, don't you, deep down inside? One day soon, you'll be free from it, only for it to be replaced by another.)

The foreshadowing is crazy. Insane. Every other word for practically amazingly heart wrenchingly horrible.

Lily was pregnant. Lily was pregnant Lily was pregnant Lily was pregnant she had a baby she had a baby there was a baby THERE WAS ANOTHER BABY COMING THERE WAS ANOTHER FUCKING BABY COMING AND THEY FUCKING DIED AND THE BABY NEVER GOT TO LIVE THEY HAD ANOTHER BABY. HARRY WAS GOING TO HAVE A SIBLING. LILY WAS FUCKING PREFNANT. OH LORD IM GOING TO CRY A WHOLE FUCKING LOT NOW.

What if Halloween just doesn’t exist. They’ll live happily ever after right? Right? RIGHT????????

For Peter, this is, as the saying goes, his final straw. The camel's back is not only broken, it's been cleaved in half, and the fear spills out over the sides like blood, leading only to the promise of more. He's been straddling the line between both sides for nearly a year now, giving only bits and pieces of information to the death eaters just to make sure they won't kill him in duels, never enough for the Order to even suspect a proper spy at all, but now he knows which side is losing for sure, after this side has suffered so much loss, so it's time he throws his lot in where he can stop being afraid. He wants to survive like a rat, and gets his wish.

Fucking coward. I hope he dies a painful dead. Oh wait, he does. (I actually don’t remember. Does he? Idk if he dies at all ngl.)

Out of everyone, Marlene's are the only dreams that come true.

God fucking damn. Can I cry now? Oh my god. Oh my god oh my god oh my god oh my god. Marlene ml. You will be missed.

I rly can’t. The first death out of the main group came and went. It doesn’t feel as heart wrenching as it does when I read Marlene’s death in The Hand That Feeds cuz it wasn’t in her perspective, and Sirius is awfully and unhealthily detached and it’s just so so fucking sad I can’t even.

She died. I cried.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Strapping in because Zar said so.

The fact that people think the spy is Sirius. Because of his last name. A name she can’t control. A name that came from a reputation they tried so hard to remove themselves from only for others to only see it. The name ‘Black’ and what it’s associated with. I hope they all fuck themselves.

Sirius shouldn't even know about it, nor should Remus, or Peter, or Augusta—but of course, they all find out because Frank and Alice trust the latter, while James and Lily trust the former three. One couple here has made a mistake. Hint: it's not the one with parents.

OHHHHH MY GOD.

"Sirius isn't a fucking toy," James snaps.

Remus arches an eyebrow. "Then why do you treat him like one?"

Oh my lord. Oh my fucking lord.

It's funny. When the doubt creeps in, Remus will think about the question Sirius asked, and Sirius will think about the answer Remus gave, but neither will think about how Peter said nothing at all.

So…I don’t know what to say anymore. I can’t say anything. It’s so awful.

Mary ran. Dorcas died. Peter should die.

The emmary makes me want to die, too. WHY DIDNT EMMELINE GO WITH HER. MARY OBLIVIATED HERSELF TRYING TO PROTECT HETSELF.

Whoever the spy is, Sirius thinks that day, they're smart, and they're brutal, and they're not doing this just out of fear. There's more to it than just that, more that Sirius can recognize in the mirror; a deep, dark pit that the worst crawls out of, unleashed on those who don't think it exists there. This is someone who may not have always been a monster, but knows how to become one, and maybe believes that's the only option they have. This is someone, despite how hard it is to fathom and how hard it is to accept, that Sirius knows.

Irony never misses a chance to take center-stage in the tragic play of their lives. Believe it or not, they're still in act one. They're on their way to act two, though, one cut from the cast of characters at a time.

Peter doesn’t deserve to cry for deaths he fucking caused. He doesn’t deserve Sirius comforting him. He doesn’t deserve any mercy at all.

Very close now, with Dorcas out. Take a wild guess at who's next.

Emmeline. Lily and James. Those are my guesses.

Sirius starting to doubt Remus kills me.

Sirius thinking Remus is Dumbledore’s spy…im pretty sure he wasn’t? Was he? Maybe he was but I only remember Peter being both. Like Peter was the double agent before turning to work for baldy voldy.

The fact that Sirius thinks it’s Remus. The fact that none of them suspect Peter not even once.

Them trying to convince their best friends that the other is the spy. Why. Peter wasn’t mentioned once. I actually want to puke.

Also Dorcas. Just. Dorcas :( And then Mary running tf away cuz she’s done. I wanna die. Wolfstar fighting and falling in love during A WAR. MY LOVES. THEY FONT DESERVE IT.

I read like chapters 13-21 in a haze. Here’s my thoughts (not in any order whatsoever):

- Azkaban is so shitty to the extent that there’s no words to describe how fucked it is and how dehumanizing it makes its prisoners feel, innocent or not

- The entire chapter where Sirius was described without any pronouns was GENIUS and so brilliant I loved it

- Sirius passing time as Padfoot but forgetting a lot because of Padfoot and Azkaban :(

- Sirius using the dementors as a way of sh :(

- Sirius not remembering who his first kiss was (JAMES) actually KILLED ME

- OLDER WOLFSTAR REUNION WHOOP WHOOP I LOVE THEM

- THE HURT/COMFORT SCENE <333333

- THEYRE SO IN LOVE THAT I MIGHT STOP BREATHING

- THE BUGS oh the FUCKING bugs thing destroys me. i cried, threw up, did the whole thing. cuz GOD I WANT SOMEONE TO UNDERSTAND ME LIKE THAT HOLY SHIT. I LOVE THEM.

- Sirius and Crookshanks are cool asf

- DUMBKEDORE YOU MAD MAN WHY DO I LIKE YOU

- KINGSLEY

- Remus being jealous of Kingsley low key had me giggling and twirling my hair cuz Sirius is so oblivious like ‘oh he’s funny, and we’re mates’ AGAHSHGAA

- also Remus being like ‘we’re just friends’ you and who buddy? Ain’t no one buying that. And Sirius glaring holes into his head is so AHAHAHAHH. And then Sirius holding it against him for the next few chapters is actually hilarious. He’s so petty. I love them.

- Sirius: ‘hello buddy, best mate, my best of all pals’

Remus: ‘I sense I’ve made a mistake somewhere’

ZAR WRUTING THAT IS SO FUNNY. I think i might’ve cried from laughter.

- REMUS TELLS SIRIUS EVERYTHING. WOLFSTAR IS COMMUNICATING. WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK. I LOVE IT.

- Sirius being upset that she’s not allowed to be there on Remus’ full moons is so cute, and then Remus letting her take care of him after, always, is so so adorable.

- MOLLY. THE WEASLEY TWINS. HERMIONE. HARRYYY MY DARLING.

- WE MET THE GOLDEN ERA KIDDSSSSSS

- also the doubt that maybe Peter wasn’t the spy and he had a reasonable explanation for it is so heartbreaking I actually wanted to puke. I think i did puke.

- PROFESSOR LUPIN. ENDEARING. FOND. SIRIUS COMBUSTING EVERYTIME REMUS FLIRTS WITH HIM. PERFECTION.

- Sirius singing in Azkaban :((

- the cross words. WAXING MOON.

THEY WERE MADE FLR EACHOTHER YOUR HONOR.

Thx for coming to my Ted Talk <3.

Btw I’m so sorry i haven’t been on tumblr recently. Been a bit busy.

[lovinghiddleston]

Cupid ; Peter Parker

Ned pretends to be Cupid and tries to get you and Peter together.

Pairings: Peter Parker x fem!reader

Word count: 2,6k

Warnings: none, pure fluff.

You gave Ned a confused glance. He was your best friend since you could remember, he was always there for you and he was so funny you laughed with him all the days along. Peter was your friend too, but things were a little more complicated than that. You already knew that he was SpiderMan, since you and Ned were so close, it was impossible for him not to tell you. So, one day, after school, Ned and Peter went to your house to watch Star Wars movies and they revealed the secret.

You were totally fine with Peter being a superhero, - not that you were fine with him being punched by bad guys, that part wasn't good, but you always noticed his big and pure heart. He was always there to help people and now that he had a cool superhero suit, he was still the same boy you had fallen in love with. Damn, you couldn't remember when your crush at him started. Maybe it was in the Halloween party you organized and only a few of your classmates appeared. He was a silly boy back then and you were too young to recognize your feelings yet.

Now that you were a little older and Peter too, it was obvious that you were in love with him. And that sucked, because you were sure that Peter was in love with this cute girl of the decathlon. That's how you ended up in Ned's bedroom, he was staring you with a weird look, as if he was thinking about something that included you. You took one of the Lego pieces and threw it in his face.

"Hey, that hurts!"

"Fine, you were acting weird."

Ned's smile got bigger.

"I realized something, you know. Everytime I say a name that starts with a P, you are the one acting weird."

"Paul? Pablo? Pamela?" you joked, trying to avoid the topic of the conversation that involved Peter and you.

"Peter Parker, you dumb."

"What about Peter? You asked, looking at your nails without showing interest. You knew that it was getting harder for you to pretend that your heart didn’t beat for that brown-haired boy with brown eyes, it was impossible not to pretend to be disappointed when he treated you like a friend.

"You know what happens with Peter. Don't try to fake it, I know."

"Oh, now you are clairvoyant?"

"No, I recognize when my friends are falling for each other."

Damn, you didn’t know where Ned got that, you didn’t know when he realized it and read through your face. Ned opened his mouth in surprise and leapt from his bed as he shouted.

"It's real, oh my god!"

"What? But you…"

"I wasn't really sure, but now I know. You love him, you love Peter."

Just in that moment, you heard Ned’s grandmother’s voice, saying that Peter had already arrived. You gave Ned a look, making him promise not to say anything, and he wouldn’t embarrass you in front of the guy you liked. It was common that on weekends you organized a night with your friends, you watched movies and spent time acting as some weird fans of vintage movies and sagas that seemed never to end. Barely five seconds later, Peter entered Ned’s room and his eyes set on you, then passed to his friend.

"Hi, Peter, look who's here." said Ned, pointing his finger at you.

"Yes, I'm here. Stop acting weird." you said, as you gave a hateful look at your best friend. Then, you looked at Peter and smiled at him." Hi, Peter, how are you doing?"

Just a couple minutes later and the three of you were watching the movie start, you were thinking about Ned knowing about your feelings for Peter and you felt so nervous about that. Ned was a good friend but he didn't know how to keep secrets. Just days after he knew that his friend was Spiderman, he kindly forced Peter to tell you too. On the other hand, he was always telling secrets he heard about other people and gossiping with you. Sometimes it was cool to know things about your school mates but other times, you wished you never knew things people kept in secret for a good reason. However, your revealed secret was something that you didn't want to share so soon and you prefered to keep for yourself.

Peter was seated next to you, your head was on his chest, while you watched the movie on screen. You loved these moments with Peter, those moments when you both were so comfortable with the other that no boundaries existed between both of you. That was your big dilemma, sometimes you wanted to tell him the truth but what if things went too complicated after telling you like him? Just in that moment, his hand went through your hair and started doing a hairstyle. You had taught her how to braid a year ago, and ever since then, he took the opportunity to braid them every time you lay on her chest. His hand in your hair calmed you and made you close your eyes, because you could think of nothing but him.

"Mm if you keep doing that, I think I’m going to fall asleep all over you, Peter." you whispered, as you yawned.

You looked up and Peter was staring at you in silence. He was too cute to be real, his brown eyes were magical. As you looked at him, you were afraid that a thread of drool would come out of your mouth, but the boy just watched you as if you were the only girl in the world, not caring about the movie at all. Before you could say anything, Ned jumped out of his place and made you miss the moment you were sharing. Ned was scared after seeing a scene in the scary movie you were watching. You took advantage of the interruption to get up and go to the bathroom.

You looked at yourself in the mirror and thought of Peter. You felt comfortable with him, it was like you could spend all your days lying on his chest and with his hands in your hair. He gave you peace, your heart beating for him it was impossible to reverse. You were in love with Peter Parker, aka Spiderman.

A few minutes later, you came out of the bathroom and went back to Ned’s bedroom. The door was ajar and you heard that the two boys were talking low. You didn’t want to look nosy, your intentions weren’t to get into what they didn’t tell you, but you thought it was weird that your friends were talking when you weren’t there. They usually tell you everything.

"I’m not interested in her, Ned. I like her and I like spending time with her, but I’m not interested romantically." the silence was abrupt, but then, he kept talking." Besides, there’s someone else I like."

Your heart broke into hundreds of pieces. Ned must have said something to Peter, your best friend must have told Peter how you felt about him. But hearing his rejection was worse than what you could have imagined. Your eyes filled with tears and you walked away, avoiding making sounds. You didn’t want to go back to Ned’s bedroom now that your heart was broken, it was much more than you could bear. So you went downstairs and said bye to Ned’s grandmother, and you added that something had come up at the last minute and you’d see Ned at school.

The next morning, you struggled to walk to school. It wasn’t just because you felt sad, but because you were ashamed. Shame on what Peter could tell you, shame on looking at Ned. You didn’t know the whole story, you’d just heard a piece of the conversation before you left, but it was enough to know that Peter was in love with Liz and that he just saw you as a friend. It was nothing new, but no matter what, your heart was still sore. You didn’t know how you could see your friends now that you knew the truth. Maybe you would have preferred ignorance.

The first class you had was math and you noticed that Peter greeted you from a distance, his smile lit up his eyes and you thought he looked like a puppy. Other days you would have raised your hand, and the fact of seeing him in class would have done everything to make your day better. However, he being there was a constant reminder that he was not romantically interested in you. So you just sat in a chair and avoided paying attention to him for the rest of the class. At recess, you locked yourself in the girls' bathroom so you wouldn’t have to talk with Ned or Peter. However, Ned sent you a bunch of texts, saying that Peter was worried and that he was too. He asked if something had happened to you, and after 20 messages he started ringing your phone with calls. Your only solution was to turn off the device and continue to ignore your friends.

The next class was PE, which you also shared with Ned and Peter. You wanted to skip and go home, but you couldn’t miss class. So you tried to ignore them once more, as you watched Liz sit in the bleachers, talking to her friends. While you were doing an exercise, Ned came up to you and Peter looked at you like a fucking stalker from a distance.

"What 's going on?

"I heard you talking yesterday."

Ned started smiling. "That’s great! So why are you ignoring us? I’m the fucking Cupid himself."

Yeah, Liz and Peter would make a nice couple, you thought sarcastically. You got up off the floor and continued with the class, while Ned came back to Peter’s side and told him he didn’t know what the hell was going on with you. The next attempt was Peter’s. He approached you in the same class and ran his hand timidly through his hair.

"Are you alright? D' you have your period? I thought it was gone last week."

You were embarrassed by the fact that Peter knew that detail, maybe you should start to control a little of the things you said in front of your friends, but you denied with your head.

"I’m fine, Peter, I’m not menstruating."

"So what happens? I’m worried."

"I think you have other things to worry about, like superhero stuff, not the things that happen with your friend."

"But you worry me too."

You shook your head. "I’m fine, believe me."

In the distance, Ned knew it was time to talk to you and Peter.

Ned advised Peter to walk you home after school and you’d refused, saying it wasn’t necessary because you only lived a few blocks away. Peter seemed really confused by the fact that you were denying spending time with him. On other occasions you would have said yes, although now everything felt bittersweet. Anyways, you walked the streets in absolute silence, not wanting to interrupt the quiet walk. Peter threw a lot of glances at you but you kept yourself seeing your own feets moving. Once you got to your front door, you whispered goodbye and Peter took your arm, stopping you.

"Wait."

You turned at him, you felt the electricity running through your skin and for a moment, you wanted him to feel the same for you. You looked at his face, he wanted to read what was going on in your mind. A part of you wanted everything to go back to normal, to see him smile again. You wanted to send to the trash your pride and your own thoughts, you didn’t like being apart from Ned and Peter.

"What 's up, Pete? It’s late and I have to do math homework."

Peter shook his head and didn’t let go of your hand. "I know something is happening to you, and if I was the one to blame I…"

"You’re not the one to blame, it’s not like you can change your feelings, anyway."

You shut your mouth and cursed, you didn't want to reveal what you felt about him but you had been all the morning trying to hide your feelings, that now was hard to keep pretending you were fine. You weren't fine with Peter dating someone else, you weren't okay with Peter thinking of you just as a friend.

"What feelings do you have?"

"The feelings I have for you that you clearly don’t have for me. You have that kind of feelings for Liz."

"Liz?"

Damn, Peter’s confusion was starting to irritate you.

"Yeah, the girl who drives you crazy."

"Liz doesn’t drive me crazy. You bring me crazy."

It was your turn to get confused.

"I heard you talking yesterday, Peter. You obviously have feelings for Liz and you see me as a friend."

He spent a few seconds in silence, Peter looked confused. You wondered if you heard wrong, if maybe your own illusions had caused you to hear things that hadn’t happened. It was impossible for Peter to have feelings for you. Almost as if he was reading your thoughts, he continued to speak, unable to separate his hand from your arm.

"I was talking 'bout you. You’re the girl I like. You're the girl who is always in my mind. Ned suddenly asked me about Liz when you weren't around and I told him that I saw her as a friend. I'm not interested in her, not the way I'm interested in you."

"So… I misunderstood the whole conversation?"

"You did." as he answered your question, he smiled like a puppy. Damn, he was cute just like a puppy.

Realization came to your face, you had heard a small part of your friends' conversation and regretted not staying a while longer. You’d avoided the boys because you thought Peter wasn’t interested in you, and now that you knew the truth, your heart started beating like crazy. His hand was still attached to your arm and you were so close that it didn’t take much effort to get even closer. You stared at his lips, you asked yourself if it was okay if you both kissed each other.

"Now stop acting like two idiots and kiss each other, please."

You both looked at Ned, who was standing a few feet away from you, listening and watching the whole scene as if it were a romantic comedy. He even had his cellphone recording your conversation. You didn’t know when he arrived, maybe he'd been all the way behind you and you hadn’t even noticed. You laughed, because Ned really felt like Cupid among his friends.

"It's weird if you look at us while we kiss." you said to him, showing your point and Peter agreed with you.

"But I'm Cupid, I'm the one who did this for you."

"Get out!"

Peter and you yelled at him, and Ned turned around while you stared at each other. You could hear the boy whispering that you were terrible friends but you were focused only on Peter. It was weird to kiss him, you had imagined a lot of ways you could do it and nothing looked like the situation that was happening at the time. You held your hands to Peter’s cheeks and his lips brushed against yours, until the kiss was consummated. It was soft and cute, just as Peter.

"Yes, I'm fucking Cupid!" you heard Ned yelling in front of all the people in the streets.

You and Peter laughed in the middle of the kiss.

[moonlightserenadeeznutz]

Raising The-Boy-Who-Lived

(Part 1)

Decided to write a wolfstar raising Harry au, which may turn into a long fic, which is why I’m publishing it on tumblr so it doesn’t seem so intimidating.

~

Sirius stared blankly at the ruined house of Godric’s Hollow. The roof was half destroyed, the windows smashed right out of their frames, and the entire place was submerged in darkness.

“James... Lily... Harry...” Sirius almost couldn’t bring himself to enter, desperate to put it off for as long as possible. But something compelled him into moving. Hope compelled him.

The front door was off its hinges, one push nearly sent it crashing to the ground.

Sirius could see him. There, on the landing, lying face up and motionless.

“No...” he breathed, running up to James’s body. Maybe he was just stunned. Stupefied. Anything but...

“No no no NO!” His breaths turned to wails. There was no doubt about it. James was dead. “Please, please don’t do this, please...” He was blinded by tears and he couldn’t move. He couldn’t move from his best friend’s side.

How could this have happened? Just a few hours ago he and Remus had come round for Halloween, before Remus had to return to the pack of werewolves that Dumbledore had stationed him with, a task he was not looking forward to. But they’d all had a laugh, drinking, eating, playing with Harry. They’d all expressed their disappointment at Peter not being able to join them.

Sirius held James even tighter as his breath hitched.

Peter... That bastard... That traitorous, cowardly, sneaking, lying bastard... Sirius shook in anger. That man would pay for what he did. The pain Sirius wanted to inflict upon him, more and more until he begged for death, and...

Sirius stopped. Something caught his ear. A cry. Crying.

A baby crying.

“Oh my god, oh my god, Harry!” He forced himself away from James and ran in the direction of the crying, towards the nursery...

Where he found Lily.

“Please, no...” he had to support himself on the doorframe as he stared at the second body, sinking to his knees as he held her hand tightly in his.

“Lily, I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry,” he sobbed under his breath.

The room had gone silent when he entered, but he suddenly heard noises from the corner of the room as Harry began crying again. Sirius immediately went to him, pure relief quickly replacing his grief as it flooded through his body at the sight of the child alive and well. He picked up the crying baby, and held him to his chest, expecting him to break at the smallest touch, a mirage shattering in front of him.

But Harry was okay. There was a scar on his forehead in the shape of a lightning bolt but other than that he seemed okay.

“Sweet boy, sweet, sweet boy...” Harry began to calm down, exhausted as he was from crying. “It’s okay, I’m here now. I’ll protect you. No one’s going to hurt you, no one will ever hurt you.” Sirius had to get Harry out of here. He didn’t know what Dumbledore was planning, but he couldn’t guarantee that Harry would be allowed to stay with him.

“No one will take you away from me,” promised Sirius firmly. “I’m your godfather. I’ll look after you.” Sirius didn’t want to leave. He didn’t want to take Harry away from his parents forever. But Dumbledore would be quick to find out. Sirius had no time to lose.

He bent down towards Lily and kissed her on the forehead.

“Your son is safe...” he whispered against her ear, reluctantly standing up, Harry in his arms, and crossing the threshold underneath the doorway back into the hall.

When he returned to James, he allowed himself to sit next to him for a moment. He didn’t like James’s unseeing eyes staring emptily at the ceiling. Sirius gently shut them for him.

“Goodbye, Prongs.” His voice broke. He never imagine he’d be saying these words. “You were the best friend anyone could have asked for. Thank you.” Sirius heard a loud CRACK! from behind the house. Someone had apparated into the garden.

“Shit...” Sirius gave one last look at his friend, and turned to leave. The now sleeping Harry still tucked under his arm.

His motorcycle was stood outside. He only had around five seconds to charm the side car, in order to make it safe for Harry to lie in as they made their escape. He couldn’t risk carrying Harry himself while driving. So he slipped Harry onto the padded seat, careful not to wake him up, and placed an invisible barrier around the entire area to ensure there was no way for the baby to fall out. Sirius also made sure the inside was protected from the cold and the wind.

He could see the light of a wand within the house. He had no more time to waste, and he jumped onto the front seat of the motorbike, kicking the stand away and launching the engine into life. There was no doubt that he’d be heard immediately by whomever was in the house, but by the time they reached the front door, it would be too late.

Sirius and Harry were gone.

~ So now he was on the run. He was on the run with an orphaned baby, and nowhere to go. He couldn’t go back to his flat. It wouldn’t take a genius to put together the sound of a motorcycle engine and a disappearing baby to work out that Sirius had taken Harry. Dumbledore would be banging his door down within the hour.

Sirius’s first thought was to go to Remus.

But oh Merlin. Remus wouldn’t yet know... he’d have to tell him the news. Not only that, but he’d have to tell Remus that they’d changed secret keepers without telling him.

Remus would hate him. What if he blamed Sirius for getting James and Lily killed? If they’d never changed secret keepers this never would have happened, and it was Sirius’s idea in the first place.

No... he couldn’t think like that. It was Peter’s fault, it was all Peter’s fault.

And where the fuck was Peter right now? In hiding no doubt. Ran off as soon as the deed was done, the cowardly bastard. Sirius was so angry he almost turned the motorcycle around to go after Peter himself.

But then he glanced at the sleeping baby beside him, and he calmed down. He was angry, yes. Hurt, betrayed, furious. But Harry was his priority right now. Nothing else mattered. Everything else could wait. He just needed to get Harry to safety.

But first he had to find Remus. Which would involve entering a forest filled with feral werewolves. How would he do that? And how would he do that without putting Harry in any danger?

The forest was all the way in Wales. Dumbledore had put Remus there, knowing  that he was the perfect man for the job. He’d fit right in with all the other Welsh werewolves. Remus didn’t want to. He didn’t want to go back to his homeland to live his life as a monster. Not where he’d grown up as a little boy. But Dumbledore was adamant.

“They’re Welsh-speaking,” Dumbledore had explained. “You’re the only person who can infiltrate them.” Eventually Remus had reluctantly agreed. Sirius was rather satisfied in thinking that he was on his way to get Remus out of there. Away from the forest. Away from the other werewolves. Away from Dumbledore’s orders, and the Order of the...

The Order. Sirius couldn’t go back to the Order, not now. But shit... he couldn’t just abandon them.

‘Now’s not the time,’ he thought. He’d think through the logistics with Remus when they were all safe.

~ It took hours to reach the forest. Harry hadn’t woken up yet, which was a relief. But Sirius acted like a mother hen when they had landed. He finally had time to properly check Harry over, making sure he had no other injuries besides the lightning shaped scar on his forehead. But no. He seemed fine. He was sleeping peacefully, blissfully unaware of how drastically his life had changed in the past few hours.

It was dark. Dark, cold... and scary. He hated the thought of Remus having to live here. Out in the open, sleeping on the ground, at the mercy of the harsh Welsh weather.

How was he going to find him? He could be anywhere in the huge forest. And how could he find him without alerting any of the other werewolves? And he couldn’t possibly take Harry with him. But he couldn’t leave him out here on his own either.

He really hadn’t thought this through.

But wait... he suddenly remembered a passing instruction that Dumbledore had given Remus.

“Make sure you wake up early. Before it gets light. Before any of the other werewolves wake up. If I need you, I shall be there at those hours and I shall send up red sparks into the sky. Meet me outside the forest when you see them, and don’t let anyone spot you.”

What time was it? Judging by the sky, it was on the verge of getting light. It couldn’t have been any more than around four or five in the morning, and the days were getting shorter.

Sirius raised his wand and send up three consecutive sparks, and waited.

It was around five minutes later that he spotted movement, and very soon he could make out the tall figure of his friend. This was it. He had to tell him everything. He took a deep breath, and readied himself.

“Sirius? What the hell are you doing here? And what... why- why do you have Harry?” At Sirius’s delayed reply, fear shot across Remus’s eyes. Sirius studied him for a second, taking in the shabby clothes he’d been wearing when he’d left Godric’s Hollow, barely a day ago now, and the pale skin which was already looking sallow. Sirius couldn’t compose himself for long though, and he felt himself breaking down.

“Moony, I’m sorry. But they’re gone. James and Lily are gone. He got to them. He got to them and it’s all my fault.” 

[lovelyirony]

"a single thread of gold/tied me to you" for ironhusbands?💛

If there is one thing that James Rhodes cannot stand, it is “love at first sight.” In his professional and personal opinion, there is no such thing. It is simply a concept that Disney invented so they could make cutesy stories about princesses finding their princes immediately and give people hope about love, but in the end it is all about the money. 

“You’re a cynic,” his sister Jeanie tells him over breakfast. She flings a stray Cheerio at him. “You are a cynic and you’re never gonna date someone because they’re going to think you suck.” 

“People are going to date me and realize that I’m a good, realistic choice,” James responds, sticking his tongue out and stealing a drink of her orange juice. “People are going to date you and you’ll be disappointed because you watched too many romantic movies and you let it taint reality.” 

“Loser.” 

“Dork.” 

And then he’s in college. 

Surprisingly, he doesn’t meet Tony Stark for two years despite the fact that every single year, they live in the same building on different floors. He has had to evacuate about twenty different times because Tony cannot stop himself from doing experiments in his room. 

The third year, James is an RA and required to live with one of the residents because of “experimental tendencies.” They don’t elaborate on why he’s stuck with a roommate, what the tendencies are, or who he is. 

“You’ll know,” comes the email from the coordinator, and he has never wanted to curse so badly in an email before, but here he is. 

But he’ll deal with it. Just like how he’s going to deal with everything this year. 

-

He thought he would get the room to himself for a little while before everyone moved in and brought everything and he would check them in. 

But no. 

There’s his roommate, lounging on a bed, and grinning. 

“Simply enlightening to meet you, James. They told me I could come back if I had a trusted roommate.” 

“And they stuck you with me?” 

“Well they were going to stick me with some dude who got the email, and then immediately transferred to Dartmouth. So I think you were the second option.” 

“Great.” 

He hates life, maybe just a little bit. 

Tony wants to do things. Which is fine, but he isn’t really in the mood to have the conversation of the fact that he can do things, but he doesn’t want to do them. He has to focus on being an RA and preparing for the Air Force. 

“Why prepare for that when you could be living?” Tony asks, lounging on Rhodey’s bed. 

Oh yeah, that’s new too. Rhodey. Apparently, “Jim,” “James,” and “Rhodes” were unacceptable nicknames. 

What is acceptable is Rhodey. And of course, the “honey bunches of oats” and “loveliest RA of all time in the history of MIT” and “sugar-puff” and “sweetness overload” 

He’s responding to all of them, by the way. 

Rhodey didn’t think his mental health would get this bad by the beginning. He had actually scheduled it to be around October. 

- 

And then the students come. There are nervous freshmen, the sophomores who don’t say anything as they move in and get settled, and the returning juniors and seniors greet Rhodey and Tony with familiarity and laugh about the posters that Rhodey’s worked hard on. 

“So, we’re having joint-RA’s or something?” Miles asks, throwing his comforter over his bed. 

“No, we’re not,” Rhodey says, hoping his expression is somewhere along the lines of not-showing-emotion. “Tony’s just...” 

“I’m simply too exhausting for Housing to deal with anymore, so I have a babysitter,” Tony says with a wink. “And who better than our lovely Rhodey?” 

“Don’t call me that.” 

“Sugar-puff?” 

“Still no.” 

Miles snorts. 

“This year should be good. Tony, you gonna pull any fire alarms this year?” 

“Rhodey has expressly banned experiments in the building, unfortunately,” Tony sighs. “It’s like he doesn’t want everyone to bond over having to leave at two in the morning...” 

“Nothing says bonding like hating a rude wake-up call,” Rhodey says, and Tony nods. “We’ll let you get all moved in, Miles. Remember that floor dinner is at six!” 

“You got it!” 

Rhodey gives Tony a look. 

“You know, I can do this on my own.” 

“Aw shutterbug, I’m not gonna let you.” 

“Are you really this intent on following me around?” 

“Well, what if I want to overtake your position next year? What if you tragically get a raging headache and it’s up to me to know what to do? What if your mother kidnaps you and never lets you come here again?” 

“I’m sure the college kids will be fine,” Rhodey stresses. “And I’ll still have access to email and the groupchat, genius.” 

Tony just laughs. 

“Alright, okay. I gotta go get some shit for my new class. The teacher sent out an email stating that the textbook is mandatory, and we have to do book work. This feels like eighth grade all over again.” 

Rhodey snorts. 

“Is it for Professor Casper?” 

“Yeah, did you have him?” 

“Yeah, you don’t need the book. You can find it online for free, and he never collects the book work. It’s a waste of time to get the book.” 

“You’re an angel-and-a-half, love of my life,” Tony says. “And for that, I’ll snag an extra pudding for you at the dining hall.” 

“Is it vanilla or chocolate this time?” 

“Chocolate with cookies in it.” 

“Oh my god, seriously? Already?” 

“Guess they must have had a jump,” Tony teases. “I’ll see you at dinner.” 

- 

Tony has a specific way of getting people to open up and actually talk with others that Rhodey envies. 

If Tony wasn’t so hellbent on convincing the group that if Miles and Kamala create a distraction, they could totally sneak out one of the pictures of the mascot. 

“We are not doing that the first week,” Rhodey says. “Maybe the last.” 

“It’s a beaver,” Tony whines. “Who’s gonna miss it, a Canadian?” 

“It’ll be the floor bonding activity,” Gwen says, finishing off her fifth (maybe sixth) slice of pizza. “Better than talking about your feelings about the campus or whatever.” 

“No.” 

“We’ll convince him soon,” Tony whispers conspiratorially. “Also, who here is a freshman? I have some advice regarding the math classes and which teacher you want...” 

- 

Rhodey does have to admit, that sometimes it’s easier to have Tony around, who is so willing to stay up until the late hours because of some stupid drama or to help Peter at his chemistry homework and also ease his anxiety about leaving his Aunt May all alone. 

Tony isn’t all wild and crazy as stories have led him up to be. 

"I wore out all my crazy freshman year after going to two frat parties and deciding that no one knew anything about how to have fun,” he declared. “I mean, come on. Why have beer pong when you could quiz people about obscure fashion facts?” 

Rhodey snorts. 

“Don’t make that the next game night. Hey, what do you think about having a movie night this Friday? I’m thinking something not scary, we’ve been doing a lot of those.” 

“It is October, what do you mean not scary?” 

“Some of our residents don’t like scary,” Rhodey reminds him. “Honestly, I think we could do with a bit of Halloween fun.” 

“Hocus Pocus? Double Double, Toil and Trouble? If you want to be slightly scared of old women and clown parties, I’d recommend it.” 

“You weren’t scared of clowns beforehand?” 

“Of course not, I wanted what they have; the ability to fit eighteen people in a car.” 

“Couldn’t you just gut the car?” 

“Not the same effect, honey-pie. Not the same effect.” 

Miles and Peter both end up lobbying for Hocus Pocus, with little to no competition other than a promise that the other choice would be shown later on in the semester. 

They’ve shoved all the chairs together and multiple people have brought out their own chairs, and Tony saves a seat for Rhodey under the premise of “Rhodey organized it, he gets a seat.” 

It’s a tough squeeze, and Tony and Rhodey get all tangled up together. 

Tony smells like expensive cologne and coffee, and he grins up at Rhodey and maybe the lights from the TV aren’t bright enough, but for a moment his heart skips a beat. 

Well. Shit. 

When he goes home for Thanksgiving break, Tony seems a bit...sad. 

“What, your mom cook the worst turkey in the world?” he jokes. 

"Sure,” Tony says, eyes unfocused. “Yeah.” 

"Dude, you okay?” 

“Yeah,” Tony says, turning. His smile brightens, eyes crinkling. “Why wouldn’t I be fine, buttercup?” 

Rhodey gives him a look. 

“I’m gonna call you when I get home, okay? You better answer.” 

“I always answer to you,” Tony says, and damn Rhodey’s mind shouldn’t be going where it is. 

Rhodey waves, gets in his car, and thinks about how Tony most likely has a problem on his mind, how he should probably not room with him, and his Aunt Ada’s green beans. 

God, he loves those green beans. 

- 

Tony is alone for Thanksgiving. Jarvis and Ana got an opportunity to visit Aunt Peggy in England, and he knew that they hadn’t seen her in two years. He didn’t want to be selfish, have them stay just for him. 

So, it looked like deli turkey sandwiches were in his future. If there’s still some soda in the fridge, maybe that too. 

He sighs, and turns towards the lab. Dum-E’s not even here, as he didn’t fit in the travel car, so Tony let him loose on the floor to “keep guard” over the dorms and make sure that no one broke in or stole the cords that he knows he accidentally left in the common room. 

The odd thing is, he had almost told Rhodey. Almost let him know that he’d be alone for Thanksgiving, but is that weird? That’s weird, right? To tell people your emotions just...it’s so messy. 

They have to deal with it, you have to deal with the fact that they’re dealing with it, and then other people know that you both are dealing with it and it’s just a whole mess of epic proportions, you know? 

-

Rhodey finds out on Thanksgiving, when they’re doing the parade on the TV and there’s a new snippet on the gossip channel when they go on commercial break. 

Howard and Maria Stark, vacationing off the Mediterranean Coast. 

“It’s reported that Tony Stark has preferred to spend his time in the vacation home,” the news reporter said, her smile wide and placid. 

“Tony’s lucky,” Mama says, wrapping golden yarn around her fingers as she works on another sweater. (A small one, a tiny one. It’s for the new baby in the family for Christmas.) “He tell you about it?” 

“He’s not there,” Rhodey says numbly. 

“He’s not?” Dad says, eyes raised over the newspaper. 

“No.” 

“He didn’t tell you, did he?” Dad asks. 

“No, no he didn’t.” 

“Well then. Next time he’ll come with us.” 

Rhodey nods. 

“Christmas?” 

“Clear it with his parents if they’re not spending time together.” 

“Got it.” 

- 

Rhodey’s Thanksgiving is...nice. He can’t stop thinking about Tony going alone. 

So he calls him. It’s two in the morning, he might be asleep, and Rhodey’s not sure if he got the “eight” in the last four digits right or not. 

“Howard’s out, who is it?” comes a sleep-addled voice. 

“Good thing I’m not looking for Howard, Tones.” 

“Rhodey? Why are you calling me?” Tony asks, and Rhodey can imagine his eyes lighting up and that’s...that’s something. 

“You spent Thanksgiving alone, I wanted to see how you were.” 

“Aw, checking in your residents?” 

“Checking in on you.” 

Tony stills for a moment at the phone. 

Besides Jarvis, no one had ever really checked in on him. 

“Um, I’m fine?” 

“You sure?” 

“Yeah. I mean, it sucks to be alone on Thanksgiving, but I don’t really like any of the foods that people usually have, so I’ve been fine. I ordered wraps from my favorite place.” 

“Good to hear, good to hear.” 

There’s a silent pause for a moment, the one where they both try to find something to say. 

“Listen,” Rhodey says. “If you’re ever stuck for a holiday alone, you’re coming with me, okay?” 

“I don’t want to intrude on your family,” Tony says softly. 

“They all wanna meet you. Jeanie says she can kick your ass at ice hockey!” 

“You guys can actually play ice hockey?” 

“With limited degrees of success.” 

“Oh, now that I gotta see some time.”

- 

They come back to college, and Tony is back to his usual antics, greeting everyone who comes through the elevator with a shower of shredded paper. 

“Welcome to Winter Wonderland! Next stop: suffering through finals!” 

“Ugh,” Kamala groans, “stop it. Stop making me think. I have to memorize Byronic poetry. Do you know how boring that is?” 

"Speak for yourself, I have to build a wooden chair,” Riri whines. “Who works with wood these days? It’s so old-fashioned.” 

“Create the most bitching chair alive,” Tony says. “And I’ll help you with the necessary tools. Your professor isn’t expecting much, mainly just that it can support the weight of two people, you’ll be fine. Kam, Byronic poetry is not that bad, you will be good. We will bake cookies.” 

“Can we even bake cookies? I thought our floor got banned from kitchen usage,” Peter says. “Hey Rhodey.” 

“Hey kiddo,” Rhodey says. “First of all, yes we are banned from the kitchen. Second, we’re only banned and get in trouble so long as they know we’re there. And since more than half of us are nocturnal creatures and I am willing to wake up to help, we can bake cookies.” 

There are cheers around the room, and Tony mocks offense. 

“You don’t trust me to help the future youth?” 

“Given that we’re not allowed to rent out any more equipment from the front office? Yes.” 

“You wound me, darling.” 

“Only as much as kitchen equipment goes, sweetheart.” 

Tony grins. 

“Aw, you missed me.” 

“Yeah, I did. Now come on, you gotta help me with a billboard about the movie night this Friday. We thinking a romantic comedy or something mildly terrifying but probably won an award?” 

“Mildly terrifying!” Gwen calls from her dorm. “If we watch two people falling in love I’ll choke! We’ve been doing it all year!” 

“We’ve only watched, like, three rom-coms?” 

Gwen rolls her eyes, as if he’s missed something completely obvious. 

“You don’t get it. I’ll try again later. Hey, are we doing floor dinner tonight?” 

���They’re serving pizza sandwiches, so obviously,” Tony says. “We will feast like kings.” 

- 

Christmas is a festive time for Tony. He loves it, and goes overboard with decorations. Rhodey lets him, because you can’t stop Tony once he loves something (and Rhodey is kind of. Fond of him). 

Pepper comes up from the fifth floor, whistling. 

“Damn, Jim. I knew you would do a good job with decorations, but not this good. Is this...did you buy a miniature village? How was this budgeted?” 

“It wasn’t,” Rhodey says. “Tony’s really into Christmas and the floor convinced him that the theme should be Christmas Village. He’s been crafting identities for each villager instead of studying for any exam. The craft store employees know him by name now.” 

“Well, we all have our vices. You two seem to get along well. Housing is pleased that he hasn’t blown up anything yet.” 

“If they try to serve cheese ravioli again, he might.” 

“That’s a problem for Dining,” Pepper reminds him.  

“Still, it’s abominable. Where did they get them, bottom of the Hudson River?” 

She snorts, adjusting her shirt. 

“Probably, but hey. They still got eaten, even if that one freshman threw them all back up at the entrance.” 

“It was payback, they were vile.” 

Tony waltzes into the lobby, arms filled with glittering tinsel. 

“We are not letting you hang that,” Pepper says, gaping at it all. “Do you know how hard it is to get rid of tinsel?”

“We’ll manage!” Tony says. “Also, are you free at six-thirty?” 

“No, that’s when we’re getting dinner on my floor, what do you need?” 

“Just that little tidbit of knowledge,” Tony says, looking down at his phone. 

A message buzzes from the groupchat, and Rhodey glances at it: 

We are a go for the real Christmas tree. I have the vacuum, and a believable lie. Rhodey’s gonna tell us when the RA on duty is gonna come so we can hide it. 

Rhodey looks at Tony, grinning. He smiles right back. 

“Is there some weird roommate telekinesis I’m missing here?” Pepper asks. 

“Yes,” Rhodey says. “We’re discussing dinner plans.” 

Another text from Harley: 

I’m already picking one out with Peter. I have good taste. When is the ornament-making party? 

Pepper looks at them. 

“You’re planning something that I probably would have to disapprove of. I’ll tell people I got your floor watched tonight.” 

“Pepper, light of my life, my absolute sunshine? You’re the best,” Tony says, grinning. “Rhodey-darling, help me with tinsel?” 

He can’t say no. Simple as that. 

That is how tinsel gets strung throughout his hair as he’s watching Tony climb onto chairs that shouldn’t be climbed on to hang it from everywhere. 

“People deserve to have a good-looking Christmas,” he says. “Besides, I wanna win the decoration contest.” 

Rhodey laughs. 

“Okay, okay. I think we got it in the bag.” 

Later on in the week, Tony can be seen flitting about from room to room with help and jokes to lighten the mood. 

Rhodey has to admit, being an RA with Tony around is...nice. Better than he thought. 

And maybe he has feelings. He’s not going to say anything about it. After all, they’re roommates. He also isn’t allowed to have a relationship with anyone on the floor, regardless of anything. 

It doesn’t mean every RA follows it. God knows Sharon’s snuck down to the fourth floor to see Sam near-about every night, and her residents usually keep it a pretty good secret. 

Still. There’s also everything else to consider, and the fact that he doesn’t even know if Tony likes him like that. 

He doesn’t have to focus on it. 

- 

At least, not until the week of finals when he’s dying and Tony’s made him peppermint hot chocolate and sits on his bed, just about an inch away from his notes for his history class. 

“Do you remember what you told me on the phone?” Tony asks softly. 

“You up to compete against Jeanie for this year’s ice hockey championship?” Rhodey asks, smiling. 

Tension releases from Tony’s shoulders. 

“Only so long as you’ll have me.” 

“Always, genius. Always.” 

- 

After the last resident leaves for the holiday and Rhodey checks in with those who are staying, he and Tony hit the road, dragging suitcases behind them. 

“Are you sure I’m allowed?” Tony asks. “I can always find a hotel along the way...” 

“Mama wants to meet you, I keep telling them a ton about you,” Rhodey says, laughing. “They told me they want to hear your side of the great Glitter Debacle.” 

Tony laughs. 

“You mean the truth?” 

“Uh, I’m sorry, how are you going to convince them that green glitter was needed? And that you could clean it out of carpet?” 

“Determination and grit?” 

Rhodey laughs again as they pull onto the highway. 

- 

After a couple of hours, they make it to Rhodey’s home. His sister comes out, hugs for both. 

“Good to meet you Tony,” Jeanie says. “I’ve heard a lot, and I think we’re going to get along awesomely after I tell you every single embarrassing thing that Jim’s ever done.” 

“Only if I get to share stories too,” Tony teases, grinning. “Aw, they call you Jim?” 

“What do you call him?” Jeanie asks. 

“Jim-Jam, angel-dear, sugar-puff, Rhodey. You know, the usual.” 

Jeanie snorts, taking one of Rhodey’s bags. 

“Calling you the first one from now on.” 

“Tony did you have to let her hear any of those?” Rhodey asks, exasperated in a teasing manner. 

“Of course I did,” Tony sing-songed. “Now after you, I’m sure your mom is waiting to hug the living daylights out of you.” 

- 

It’s not until Rhodey gets all settled in and Tony is downstairs competing with his dad in a round of chess that Jeanie sits on his bed, the intention to annoy. 

But it’s...different. She looks at him. 

“You love him a lot, don’t you?” 

Rhodey stills. 

“You wouldn’t have told him he could come here if you didn’t.” 

“You’re right.” 

“I’m always right,” Jeanie says, flipping braids over her shoulder. “Nice of you to finally realize that I’m the smart one.” 

Rhodey doesn’t say anything as she saunters out of the room. 

He makes the decision not to tell Tony. 

If it goes wrong and if Tony says no, he doesn’t want it to be an awkward family event but more importantly, the most awkward rest of the year ever. He can say it as they’re moving out, and that’s that. 

He tells Jeanie as such. 

“I thought you didn’t believe in love,” she says as they’re preparing the soup for dinner.” 

“I don’t believe in love at first sight,” Rhodey says. “I do believe in love. There’s a difference.” 

There’s a hell of a difference. 

First sight, you don’t know everything. The second, third, fourth, fifth, and so on? Oh you learn so much more, and they become that more important. 

He learns that he doesn’t mind picking up tinsel, so long as Tony is laughing and singing along to all of the worst Christmas songs ever, and maybe. Just maybe he could picture looking at Tony underneath the fairy-lights that they hung in the dorm room for all time. 

Love is terrifyingly exhilarating, even when it isn’t supposed to be. 

Rhodey did not think his heart would race so much as Tony listened to his Mama talk about her wedding china, about the utter disaster that his father was. 

“He forgot his tie,” Mama said, smiling. “Oh my lord, my mother had a cow about that. I thought he looked kind of dashing.” 

Tony’s eyes drift towards the wedding pictures, which are slightly shaky, but everyone had such wide smiles. 

It’s a far cry from the publicity photos from the Stark wedding, Rhodey remembers the solemn expressions, the stuff tuxedos. 

“I love it,” Tony says softly. He looks at Rhodey across the table, setting down the final plate. “Tell me more, Mrs. Rhodes.” 

“Call me Mama, honey, Mrs. Rhodes is for people I don’t like that much. I think you’re gonna be my new favorite.” 

“Even over me?” Jeanie says, grinning as she kisses Dad on the cheek. “I’m your favorite.” 

“You’re my favorite until now,” Mama says. “Don’t think I don’t know that you skipped out on setting the table because Tony was here and graciously offered.” 

“It was nothing,” Tony says. “Just happy to help. Thank you for letting me stay at your home for the holidays.” 

“We’re always lucky to have guests,” Dad says, setting down the main dish. “Now let’s eat.” 

Family dinner is a brand new concept to Tony. He’s had maybe four or five of them, and the majority of which were staged for some holiday shoot or some “celebrating American values” shoot. 

It was awkward, weird, and he didn’t get why. 

Now, he does. Jeanie has been steadily moving mashed potatoes away from Rhodey’s plate, and Mama caught her eye and winked, distracting him with talk about his college major and news about the neighbors. 

Mr. Rhodes watches it all with a careful eye and a lax smile. 

After dinner, they play cards. 

It should be boring, but Jeanie puts on an old record and Rhodey keeps trying to count cards, and Tony didn’t think you could count cards in a game of Spoons. 

“You can’t, he’s just a try-hard,” Jeanie stage-whispers. 

“You-” 

Jeanie laughs, rolling herself out of Rhodey’s grasp as he chases her around the family room. Tony leans back into the couch, and shouts with surprise as Jeanie trips Rhodey into the couch. 

His body twists, and Rhodey’s facing him on the couch and they’re close and with the fire roaring in the fireplace and the Christmas lights outside shining through the windows, it’s almost magic. 

It is magic, but Rhodey is kind of terrified of that. 

Tony breathes in, breathes out. 

“Hello sugar-puff,” he says. 

“Hello genius,” Rhodey says, a smile on his face. 

Oh. 

The night does not get much sleep. 

Tony doesn’t sleep anyway, but Rhodey finds that quite often he can’t sleep without some softly-playing rock in the background, doesn’t matter if it is a highly-questionable AC/DC song. That and Tony softly murmuring about his plans, and it’s like a personalized lullaby. 

Rhodey cannot sleep. Tony’s in the guest room, and he can’t sleep. 

There’s a soft knock on his door. 

Tony’s there in shorts and a t-shirt that’s probably expensive, but he’ll never say if it is or not. 

“Can I...I can’t sleep.” 

“Get in here, Tones. I can’t sleep either.” 

The bed is a tight squeeze, but they make it work. 

Rhodey whispers until he drifts off to sleep about Christmas and school and everything else. 

Tony watches with quiet eyes, interjecting with his own stories occasionally. 

They fall asleep tangled up together, and Rhodey doesn’t mind it one bit, not as he pulls Tony in closer. 

-

Waking up is bittersweet, honestly. Rhodey has Tony in his arms, and that’s...that’s perfect. He thinks this is going to be the best thing that’s ever happened in his lifetime. 

“It’s too early, darling,” Tony groans. The light from outside is already peeking through the blinds, and he has stuffed his head right back into a pillow. 

“Jeanie’ll be here soon to bother us for Christmas breakfast,” Rhodey says. “And unless you want her pouncing on the bed and landing on wrong everything, we better get down there.” 

Tony smiles sleepily, stretching. 

“Thanks for letting me sleep in your room, honey-bunch.” 

“No problem,” Rhodey said. “Missed the constant AC/DC and late-night discussions about robotics.” 

“Not like I did much talking, Mr. Sap,” Tony teased. “Or was it me who mentioned that they had a favorite plate for dinner?” 

“Listen, it’s superior and you did not once interrupt that story to complain. I think I did a great job explaining it.” 

Tony laughs. 

“I’m gonna go get dressed, okay?” 

“Not until after present unwrapping,” Rhodey says. “We stay in pajamas.” 

“I’m cold,” Tony whines. 

Rhodey chucks his sweatshirt at him. 

“Then here you go.” 

Tony’s eyes light up as he shrugs it on, wiggling as he brings it up to his nose. It shouldn’t be that cute. But it is. 

“You are the light of my life.” 

Rhodey laughs, rolling his eyes. 

“Maybe. Now come on.” 

They head downstairs together, and they both get swept up into the speed of things, with Jeanie racing around the house and telling Tony that he got treats too, they just didn’t have a back-up stocking. 

“Hush,” Mr. Rhodes says, handing Tony a carefully wrapped gift. “After breakfast, we’ll go ahead and open it.” 

He smiles, and Rhodey thinks it’s the best thing he’ll ever see. 

- 

Christmas gifts, Rhodey thinks, are his new favorite thing to see Tony interact with. 

It’s painfully obvious that he’s never really had any personal gifts, anything that reminds people of himself. He carefully unwraps the paper, careful not to rip it. 

“You nerd,” Rhodey says, grinning. “Come on, show us what you got.” 

Tony laughs as he opens a box with two coffee mugs from the rest of the family, emblazoned with “Rhodes” on one cup, and the other being a simple red with gold trim. 

“They’re perfect,” he says. “Thank you so much.” 

“You’re feeding his coffee addiction,” Rhodey answers. 

“Like you aren’t doing the same,” Jeanie teases. “You made him his cups of coffee this morning.” 

“That is because I have trained him well,” Tony says, grinning. “Rhodey, here’s my present to you, open it.” 

He’s nervous. 

Both of them are, but Tony especially so. 

He told Rhodey once that he’s not good at shopping for other people. He tends to have the phrase “go big or go home” permanently circling in his mind, and it can lead to...complications. 

(Rhodey remembers the overhaul of his closet for his birthday, complete with a visit from a rather well-known designer.) 

Inside is a beautiful jacket. It’s all patchwork, artfully sewn together with embroidery thread spelling out “James” at the lapel. 

“I commissioned Janet,” Tony says, smiling softly. “She wants you to still walk in her fashion show, by the way. Says you’re a model.” 

Rhodey snorts, shrugging on the jacket. 

“You helped with this, right?” Rhodey says. “I can see it in the gold thread you got on the sleeves.” 

“I may have had some creative input.” 

“I love it,” Rhodey says. “Now here’s mine.” 

Tony breathes, and Rhodey wonders if this gift will be enough. He feels a bit stupid, it doesn’t seem like that great of a gift, in retrospect- 

It’s a puzzle. 

A puzzle of their favorite cafe and restaurant to go to at MIT. It was in a shop window, and Rhodey could tell that Tony would love it. 

On top is a scarf, since Tony gave away his last one to another student in their philosophy class. 

“I love it,” Tony breathes, tackling Rhodey in a hug. “I love it, I love it! We have to do the puzzle after this.” 

Mrs. Rhodes sends her husband a look. 

Yeah, Tony would be around for a long time. 

- 

They set up the puzzle on the floor of Rhodey’s room, clearing away any luggage. It’s silent for a while, Tony moving around the pieces and Rhodey looking for edge pieces. 

They work closely together, side by side. 

Rhodey can’t stop staring. 

He should be able to. He’s stopped himself before, but now? 

Sunlight is coming in through the window, playing around Tony’s fingers as he nimbly picks up puzzle pieces, and this is the eternity that Rhodey wants so badly. If he died right now, he thinks he would choose for Heaven to look like this. 

“You okay?” Tony asks, eyes looking up. He took his contacts out, and now he’s just in his tortoiseshell glasses, the ones that he secretly likes more and Rhodey loves. 

“I’m in love with you,” Rhodey blurts out, because he can’t stop thinking about how beautiful Tony is and how much he loves him. 

He realizes that this could very well be considered a mistake. Because they still have to live together and drive back together and it won’t be the same, and the residents will notice no matter how well they both act--

Tony pops his head right under Rhodey’s chin. 

“Kiss me?” 

That’s all it takes. 

They mess up part of the puzzle, but that’s okay. They find they don’t mind it too much. They can work on it later, when Tony’s done getting Rhodey out of his new jacket and Rhodey works his hands underneath Tony’s sweatshirt. 

-

Mama takes one look at them for dinner and grins. 

“Jeanie, you owe me a night of dish-washing.” 

“Seriously?” 

“Mama!” Rhodey hisses, embarrassed beyond belief. 

Tony just cackles, and elbows Rhodey out of the way so he can get to his chair at the table. 

“Couldn’t have fooled you for a second, could we?” Tony teases. 

“Not at all,” Mama states proudly. 

Rhodey rolls his eyes and squeezes Tony’s hand under the table. All will be well. 

- 

When they both get back to college, none of their residents are surprised, at least not until they have to have a “knocking before entering” policy put in place after one particular late morning. 

[theladyofmanyfandomsfanfiction]

Spook-vengers Tower

Characters: Reader, Steve Rogers, Tony Stark, Bruce Banner, Peter Parker, Natasha Romanoff, Clint Barton, Bucky Barnes, Sam Wilson (all platonic)

Inspiration: Halloween!

Warnings: None.

Summary: Your plan to host a Halloween party at the tower was sabotaged and so, you enlist the help of the mighty Avengers. What could go wrong?

It had been perfectly planned out from decorations to the catering and music - that was, until Baron Zemo attacked the tower the day before. It was a futile, and frankly petty, retaliation that he knew he would lose given that all Avengers were stationed at the base. The villain was quickly tossed out but the damage had been done to the top floor where you were meant to be hosting a Halloween party for the children of New York as a charity fundraiser.

With less than twenty-four hours on the clock you thought that a full home of superheroes could be wrangled together for the common cause to help fix the mess.

Oh, how you were wrong.

Yes, they banded like a team. And yes, they allocated specific tasks.

The only problem was that they appeared to be working according to their own time and party design post-tower fight. Your only saviour was Natasha who you trusted to pick up a themed-cake from Hell’s Kitchen without a fuss.

With the Black Widow out on a dessert mission, you found yourself watching the rest of the team put up the ‘emergency’ decorations after a quick clean up of shattered glass and broken tables.

“I don’t know if I should be in the kitchen, (Y/n). It’s a stressful place.” Bruce confessed a little sheepishly. You would have taken sympathy on the doctor but the man with multiple PhD’s had the easiest job. All he needed to do was follow the recipe for all the cold treats - you even organised the ingredients.

“Bruce. There’s literally nothing to bake or measure. And if following instructions to mix melted chocolate is too hard then you really don’t have a promising career as a chef.”

You hadn’t meant for it to sound snappy but his complaint came across as meagre. Of course, despite being overwhelmed with the volume of things happening, you weren’t a horrible person and your eyes caught themselves on the short, tousled brown hair of their youngest member. Peter had been carrying orange and black chairs three times his weight across the room when he spotted you waving him over. The young boy quickly set the chairs down by an overturned table and jogged over.

“(Y/n), this is going to be an amazing party. What can I do to help?”

His peppy voice and eager eyes managed to coax a brief smile from you and you gestured to the scientist standing to your side. “Think you can give Bruce a hand in the kitchen with the party treats?”

“Halloween candy preparation with the Hulk?” Peter clapped his hands together. “Count me in!”

Bruce gave a nervous laugh as he led his chatty partner back towards the kitchen. You took in a deep breath and closed your eyes hoping that you hadn’t just added to your list of problems. 

Ready to check on the rest of the preparation, you turned around and managed to take a step forward before Steve approached you with a pumpkin and a proud smile. He shifted the pumpkin ‘face’ around in his hands so you could see it.

“What do you think?”

A monkey - the man carved a damn monkey onto the hull of the vegetable. You glanced over his shoulder to the table and found that the primate wasn’t alone. It’s like he had created a pumpkin zoo.

“They’re meant to be scary.” You told him bluntly, no trace of an amused smile on your face. “Scary - not educational.”

Steve looked at his creation, shoulders and smile dropping a little. “Well, I thought that...”

“It’s pumpkin carving, you shouldn’t need to think when there’s less than fifteen hours until people arrive!”

The outburst came out louder than expected and drew the attention of the few in the room. Tony sauntered over and draped an arm around your shoulders, “You know, I think I might change my costume and just go as you. Honestly, it’s a lot more frightening.”

You heard a roar of laughter from the God of Thunder by the balcony and shot him a scathing look that made the man swallow down any further jests in pure fear. Tony gestured to the newfound silence, emphasising his point. “See?”

You lifted his arm and freed yourself from his carefree attitude with a huff. It was difficult enough that your earlier preparations were ruined and now the team - who usually had your back when villains rained hell - were treating this like a joke.

“Lighten up, (Y/n). We’re going to have a great ‘Spooky Town Monster Mash’.” Clint commented as he attached some fake cobwebs to an arrow. With his eyes cast down, he couldn’t see how furious you were when he got the name of the party wrong - and you had repeated it several times in the last week! 

The avenger aimed his bow high above the elevator door and let it the loaded arrow fly until it hit its mark and splattered the white cotton messily against the wall. The only thing he succeeded in doing was jamming the doors as they attempted to close - the mechanics whirring and grinding loudly. 

The Hawkeye pursed his lips and hummed at what had just unfolded. “I think your decorations are a little dodgy.” He assumed despite it being clear that his idea to use his weapons indoors backfired.

You were raging at this point and probably just about to scream at the top of your lungs when there was the distinct beep of an incoming message was heard through the room. A holographic screen appeared in the centre of the room with the familiar faces of Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes. All eyes were drawn to it and Steve paused what he was doing as he stepped forward.

“Hey guys.” Sam greeted in a quick whisper, eyes glancing around the figures in the room before landing on the blonde-haired man. “We’ve tracked Zemo to an abandoned medical facility but he’s got more friends than the two of us can handle and-”

Suddenly, the Falcon was nudged aside as Bucky leaned in closer. “Did you carve a monkey on that pumpkin?” He asked with a frown. Steve glanced down at the orange vegetable in his hands and racked his brain for a response when Sam took charge of the call once more, pushing his co-Avenger out of frame.

“So, can you spare a helping hand?”

Straightening his shoulders, the Captain nodded. “I’m on it.” He confirmed and waved his hand to close the projection. He had just turned to ask if there were any volunteers when you stormed past him in a blur.

“I’ll go.” You said quickly, leaving no room to argue. “This tower is a nightmare.”

Almost two hours later, you found yourself wrapping the last five of Zemo’s henchmen together with some rope while narrating how their boss destroyed your event which was being ruined further by your friends.

“...so, you can’t blame me for wanting to throw one of them off the tower, right? All I wanted was a fun night for the children.”

The henchmen looked at each other confused and gave a small grunt in reply. It didn’t really answer you but at least it meant that they were listening. You fastened the rope together and began to talk again about classic Halloween parties when Sam and Bucky returned. They jogged past the knocked out soldiers until they reached you.

“Zemo took off.” Bucky sighed, head shaking with disappointment.

You couldn’t blame him or Sam, sometimes the bad guy got away but it just meant that you’d be ready to strike them down when they resurfaced.

“We’ll get another shot at him.” You smiled.

Sam nudged his friend in the metal arm and chuckled. “Come on, we’ve got a Halloween party to get to.”

And just like that - you remembered why you came on this mission.

“Can’t we just stay here or go out for a drink instead of going back home?” You asked only for Sam to laugh and shake his head.

“Not a chance. Friends don’t let friends attend party disasters alone.”

Bucky perked up at the change of topic and sent you a sympathetic smile. “(Y/n) you just took out twenty armed henchmen. The party has nothing on you.”

You would have stayed to argue the point further but it would have been futile as the duo refused to step back. With a reluctant sigh, you agreed to return to the tower and found yourself standing in front of the tenth floor doors, mentally preparing yourself for the chaos inside.

Alright, let’s get this over with. You thought and pushed the wooden panels wide open.

The first thing you saw was a bright orange and black banner hanging across the balcony window reading ‘Happy Halloween’. Then your eyes dropped lower to a confectionary table that was decorated and hosted party snacks, including a mystical bowl of fruit punch that sent plumes of smoke over the edges until it fell into nothing. Children were laughing and screaming and you noticed the spookily-carved pumpkins - not a monkey in sight!

“What the...?”

Tony strolled over and handed you a glass of red wine. “Welcome to Spook-vengers Tower.” He smiled, taking a sip.

You watched a few children run around and play while some pulled down the fake webs and others grabbed as much candy as possible. When you had left, this place was a shamble so the turn around was surprising until you spotted a few of the Avengers by the table.

“Nat put the fear of god into you, didn’t she?”

Tony smacked his lips together, enjoying the beverage. “Like you have no idea.”

Masterlist here

[casualmaraudering]

so i started drafting a fic and thought i’d post a little wip cause i rather like it  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

James feels like he might vomit when he sees the house. 

It’s a complete ruin. There’s smoke coming from the inside, the fence and the front door are in ruins, and half of the roof has collapsed. 

His heart is hammering, and he feels panic rise in his chest. 

Peter betrayed them.

But maybe, just maybe, this isn’t what it looks like. Maybe the inside is empty. Maybe they’ve noticed in time and fled, Sirius and Remus and Navi. They’re okay, they must be okay. 

James runs inside, not bothering to wait for Lily. He has to know, he needs to know, he needs to be sure.

Please, please, not him, not them.

The lounge is in disarray. Most of the furniture is either broken into pieces beyond repair or in smoke. Picture frames lay smashed on the floor, toys and books are scattered throughout the room. The walls have nasty hex stains on them, so does the floor and ceiling.

James can barely notice, though. He doesn’t hear the glass crunching below his feet, he can’t smell the smoke. He feels no pain when he stumbles on a piece of what might have once been the coffee table. 

His eyes are fixed on a body, half sitting completely still against the back wall of the room.

“No,” he chokes out, tears already spilling down his cheeks. It’s not real, it can’t be real. “No no no no no no no.”

He’s down on his knees crouching towards it, refusing to believe in what he sees. 

Not him, no, not him, it can’t be him, it can’t be, not him.

His hands are shaking as he grabs Sirius by the shoulders - there’s no response. Absolutely nothing. Sirius is motionless and limp as James shakes him.

“Come on, come on!” James sobs. “Wake up! Please, please, please wake up.”

Sirius’s face is even paler than James remembers it being. His hair is a mess, falling down around his face, long like he always keeps it. There’s a small trail of blood from his lips down to his chin, already dried up.

Sirius has his eyes open. Hollow, and empty, and painfully grey. 

“Padfoot, Sirius, please,” James keeps on babbling through the tears. He can’t control his breath anymore, pulling Sirius into his arms. His fingers run through his hair, rub Sirius’s back, touch his arms, chest, face. Anything to make him do something, to stop with that stupid game, to just wake up. “Please, please, fuck, wake up, don’t do this to me! Not you!” 

He waits for a witty remark, a laugh and an explanation of it all being a prank that went a bit too far.

But there’s nothing. Sirius remains cold and still in James’s arms, his eyes open, not a single movement, or breath. No heartbeat. 

Sirius Black lies dead in James’s arms that Halloween night. 

“NO!” 

Mere hours ago he chatted with Sirius through their mirrors, talking about tonight’s visit, babbling mindlessly about Navi and Remus and how excited they were to see James and Lily again. And now James is here, in the ruins of Sirius’s home, cradling his lifeless body, clinging to it as if maybe, somehow, it will make a difference. 

“James?”

He sobs into Sirius’s shoulder, soaking his shirt; he’s wearing his favourite t-shirt, some Muggle punk band James never bothered to listen to. And now Sirius won’t ever make him listen to any Muggle records again.

Lily stumbles next to him, falling to her knees.

“James-”

“He’s gone,” he chokes out. “Lily, he’s-”

“Oh God,” her voice sounds strained, but James can’t bear to let go of Sirius to even look at her. He doesn’t want to let go, he can’t leave, he can’t just leave Sirius here. 

He’s unaware of Lily, shaking and soundlessly crying, taking one of Sirius’s hands in hers. Her other hand, trembling, gently closes Sirius’s eyes. 

“Please wake up,” James says again. Deep down he knows it won’t make a difference; nothing can bring Sirius back now. Yet he keeps his body in an embrace, talking as if Sirius can hear. “Padfoot, please. You promised we’d talk tonight, you promised.”

“James-”

“You can’t leave me, you can’t, not you, anyone but you. You’re my brother, Sirius, my baby brother, you can’t just do that!” 

There’s a hand on his shoulder, and then he’s being pulled into Lily’s arms, still holding onto Sirius’s body.

“What do I do?” he chokes out. “He’s gone, Lily.”

“We need to check the rest of the house, James. Maybe-”

“I can’t.” 

“Yes, you can. Sirius wouldn’t want-”

“Don’t. Don’t talk to him like he’s-” dead. James can’t make himself say it. It’d be too real. 

“We need to check. Remus, and Navi, Jesus, I hope-” she stumbles up, leaving James on the floor. He can hear her going up the stairs.

He wants to move. He needs to see if maybe, hopefully, Remus and Navi made it out. But he can’t make himself let go of Sirius. 

'If anything happens, promise me, James. Promise you’ll keep them safe for me.’

He rests Sirius’s body against the wall, just like it had been when James entered the house.

“I’m so sorry,” he sobs. “I wish-... I love you, Pads. I love you so much.”

He slowly gets up, tearing his eyes away from the body that once was his best friend. 

He makes it to the hallway when he hears Lily’s shriek, piercing through his entire body. He stumbles up the stairs, even if deep down he knows what it means.

Lily is in the nursery, on the floor, clutching yet another body. James looks away, tears spilling again, a sob escaping his throat.

Remus didn’t make it either. 

James pieces it all together. They’ve lost the war. And yet, he can’t bring himself to care. 

He’s lost two of his closest friends and his niece. All in one night. 

James slumps down next to Lily.

Remus, in a way, looks just like after every full moon; pale skin, drops of blood dried on his face, hair a mess of curls. His wand lies next to him; he tried protecting himself and Navi, most likely.

James feels another wave of nausea at the thought of the little girl. He doesn’t want to see her, he can’t bare to see her like this, like Sirius and Remus.

James takes hold of Remus’s hand, not holding back the tears. Beside him, Lily sobs. 

They’ve lost their whole family tonight. 

They were so happy, once upon a time. When she was born, Sirius and Remus were glowing, never having thought they’d get to raise a child of their own. It all seemed too good to be true, even in the mids of a war. And James was so happy, too. He’s always wished nothing but happiness for Sirius.

And then the prophecy happened. And of course, it had to be Sirius’s family. Of all the kids in the world, Sirius’s daughter had to be the ‘lucky’ chosen one.

James isn’t sure how much time passes with him and Lily on the nursery floor, Lily crying into Remus’s shirt, James clinging to his hand. They really should leave. The place is bound to be crawling with people once the news gets around. 

Yet he can’t make himself go. He has no strength left. They war is lost. 

Then, there’s a noise. A noise James can recognize anywhere. 

“God,” Lily gets up and stumbles towards the crib, covered with rubble. She pushes away the roof tiles and the pieces of wood, and then there’s the noise again and-

“James, she’s okay.”

James rushes to her.

And in the crib, there is Navi, making small noises. She seems to be asleep, and untouched aside one a wound on her forehead. 

“Oh my God.”

“Jesus,” Lily carefully picks her up. Navi squirms in her arms. “It’s okay. Auntie Lily is here, it’s okay, we’ve got you darling.”

“How did-”

“I don’t know, but we need to go.”

“Lily-”

“I know, it’s… it’s awful, I don’t want to leave them here, but if she’s alive then something must have happened, and we can’t stay here any longer. We promised to keep her safe. We need to leave now.”

‘Make sure she’s safe. In case Rem and I don’t make it.’

James takes one last look at the body lying on the floor. He takes Lily’s hand, and apparates.

[aion-rsa]

“God God – Whose Hand Was I Holding?”: the Scariest Sentences Ever Written, Selected by Top Horror Authors

https://ift.tt/3kHWU1Y

Many people have a very intimate relationship with books. And horror books can get under your skin like no other medium, whether you’re peering at a scary novel under the covers as a youngster or devouring new or classic horror as a grown up. Good horror writing sticks with you. 

For Halloween we’ve attempted to round up some of the scariest sentences ever written – and who better to ask for their recommendations than some of the finest horror writers and editors around? We asked some of our favourite experts to tell us the line that scared them most and why. Any suggestions of your own? Let us know in the comments.

To Serve Man by Damon Knight

Scariest sentence: “It’s a cookbook,” he said.

Is there a better whammy of an end line than this? Ten to one you’ll know the story that precedes it: Seemingly benevolent aliens, the Kanamit, arrive on earth, promising peace and prosperity. The aliens are as good as their word, and start whisking “lucky” humans off to their planet for a “ten year exchange programme”. A U.N translator, who (rightly) thinks this is all too good to be true, sets about translating the aliens’ favourite book, which, from its title, “To Serve Man,” is assumed to be an innocent handbook. It ain’t (see the last line). The story and its funny/bleak ending has haunted me since I first read it as a ten-year-old, way too young to consider that it could be read as an allegory about the horrors of colonialism. Back then all I could think about were the people the Kanamit had lured aboard their ships, unaware that they were destined for the table (or the Kanamit version of Masterchef). It still gives me chills. – Sarah Lotz author of Missing Person out now from Hodder. 

I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream by Harlan Ellison

Scariest sentence: “I have no mouth. And I must scream.”

If I tell you the name of this Harlan Ellison story, it’ll give away the last line… “I have no mouth. And I must scream.” I remember when I first read that ending, only to find myself caught in a loop where those two sentences kept echoing through my head. Reading it again right now, it’s still hard not to pinch my lips as tightly together as possible and try giving the ol’ lungs a good bellow. Still sends shivers down my spine. – Clay McLeod Chapman, author of The Remaking, out now from Quirk Books

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Movies

How Hulu’s Books of Blood Movie Taps The Mind of Clive Barker

By Don Kaye

Cabal by Clive Barker

Scariest Sentence: “She knew what men afraid, and afraid of their fear, were capable of.“

According to some criminologists, the root cause of many violent acts isn’t anger but fear. Fear of rejection, of failure, of abandonment, of loss. In this early novel by Barker, the link between fear and violence is only subtly hinted at–which makes it all the more frightening. He alludes to the heroine’s personal history with violent men, leaving the reader to fill in the blanks. – Andrew Schaffer, author of Secret Santa, out 10 November from Quirk Books 

The Sibling by Adam Hall

Scariest sentence: “He’s put the clown in her room,” Lorraine said quietly.

As a species, our goal is to keep clowns out of our bedrooms and living spaces and yet here’s some monster deliberately inserting a clown into someone’s room, ignoring the fact that since at least the dawn of time clowns have been mankind’s natural predator. The resigned tone of that “quietly” really drives home the horror because clearly this is not the first time. – Grady Hendrix.

Squelch, John Halkn

Scariest sentence: “It still doesn’t make sense to me. Moths attack sweaters and fly around light bulbs. They don’t devour humans.”

It doesn’t make sense to me, either, but if moths have stopped attacking our clothing and started attacking our bodies then count me out. I’m done. – Grady Hendrix.

Night of the Crabs by Guy N. Smith

Scariest sentence:“What a beautiful night,” Pat remarked, as they passed alongside the barbed-wire fence which enclosed War Department property. “If only we didn’t have to worry about giant crabs.”

Sometimes you just wish you lived in a simpler world. – Grady Hendrix.

The Farm by Richard Haigh

Scariest sentence: “The pigs,” then her control snapped. “Look, they’re coming out,” she shrieked. “Oh, sweet Christ. The pigs!!”

Every time I leave the safety of New York City I fully expect this to be the last sentence I hear as I am devoured by angry livestock. – Grady Hendrix, author of The Final Girl Support Group out July 2021 from Titan Books

The Girl Next Door by Jack Ketchum

Scariest sentence: “I’m not going to tell you about this. I refuse to.”

That’s half of chapter 42 from Jack Ketchum’s The Girl Next Door. And The Girl Next Door is a novel that, just as Joe R. Lansdale says at the head of his story “The Night They Missed the Horror Show,” doesn’t flinch. So, if the narrator is looking back to having seen something that even he can’t put on the page, then . . . how bad must it be, right? I’ve talked to other readers of this novel and they’ve told me about chapter 42 as if the narrator actually fleshes it all out for us, and they (myself as well) all flinch as if traumatized from having had to read those words. Except they never did read the words of what actually happened. But that’s Jack Ketchum, for you. He doesn’t need to actually say it on the page to get it into our head. Worse, this is a chapter that never leaves you, either. Worse than that, you kind of become complicit just for reading it. – Stephen Graham Jones author of The Only Good Indians, out now.

In the Hills, the Cities by Clive Barker

Scariest sentence: “In Popolac a kind of peace reigned. Instead of a frenzy of panic there was a numbness, a sheep-like acceptance of the world as it was. Locked in their positions, strapped, roped and harnessed to each other in a living system that allowed for no single voice to be louder than any other, nor any back to labour less than its neighbour’s, they let an insane consensus replace the tranquil voice of reason.” 

As a much younger person, reading this story for the first time, I was overtaken by awe at the imagery; not unlike Mick who chooses to hitch a ride on the impossible doomed giant made of city denizens. Re-reading it now decades later, the story and these lines fill me with bone-deep dread. Like the referee/car thief and Mick’s lover Judd, I cannot bear to view the inevitable fall. – Paul Tremblay, author of Survivor Song, out now from Titan Books. 

Home Burial by Robert Frost

Scariest sentences: ”Don’t – don’t go.  Don’t carry it to someone else this time. Tell me about it if it’s something human.”

The line here that I consider scary is ‘Tell me about it if it’s something human.’ Because of the implication that people may carry within them things that are not human. In this case, I imagine the ‘it’ that may not be human to be something so deeply felt and instinctive that it is pre-language – and so pre-human, almost. Something primordial that requires translation or mediation – and perhaps in that, change or diminishment – in order to be sensible to another sentient being. It is the suggestion that maybe our most fundamental aspects or thoughts – our most important feelings – cannot be properly communicated that is terrifying, to me. It makes me think of each person as a dark pool, with their lived experience and true feelings becoming manifest at the bottom, and the communication of these things to others being only what is visible through the surface of the water, from above.

As much as I do believe that all communication is imperfect, and that it is difficult for people to know each other truly, I take comfort from two things – one is love, which is, I think, a kind of deep, fundamental knowing and acceptance of each other. The other is fiction, which (in my opinion) is often an attempt at translating ideas and feelings that, coming from our deepest places, we don’t otherwise have the language for. – Tom Fletcher, author The Witch Bottle, out 12 November from Jo Fletcher Books.

The Talisman by Stephen King and Peter Straub

Scariest sentence: “You’re the herd now, Jacky.” 

I read King & Straub’s The Talisman when I was 15, at a time in my life when I’d said goodbye to one bunch of friends and hello to another, and the friendship between Jack Sawyer and his werewolf friend Wolf resonated strongly with me. In Wolf’s culture werewolves are farmers and fiercely protective of their herds who they protect by locking themselves away every month. The problem is that Jack and Wolf are on the run and Wolf’s change is coming upon him, and there’s nowhere to shut Wolf away. So when Wolf turns to Jack with blazing eyes and says this, it’s simultaneously a promise of protection (‘I will die for you’) but also a warning (‘I will tear you to pieces’). The chill with which Jack realises that his best friend loves him but will probably kill him anyway has stayed with me ever since. – James Brogden, author of Bone Harvest, out now from Titan Books

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Movies

I Am Legend: Why Can’t Matheson’s Masterpiece be Done Justice on Film?

By Dan Hajducky

I Am Legend by Richard Matheson

Scariest sentence: “The watch had stopped”

I think a lot of us can relate to the feeling of getting caught up in our work and letting the hours pass us by without much thought. In the case of Robert Neville, the central figure in Richard Matheson’s seminal I Am Legend, getting lost in the hours is the most horrific thing he could possibly do. The simple four-word-sentence that has scared me more than any other in all my days of reading is “The watch had stopped.” If you’ve read the story, I’m sure you remember how those words burned into you. – Rachel Autumn Deering, editor of Hex Life, out in paperback from Titan Books on November 10 2020

One for the Road by Stephen King

Scariest sentence: “And I think she’s still waiting for her good-night kiss.”

I’m not easily scared, but occasionally I get a real chill up my spine. Shirley Jackson did that with the last line of The Haunting of Hill House. But if we’re talking about one line that lingers, that still makes me remember the way it felt the very first time I read it, I have to go with the last line in Stephen King’s short story “One for the Road,” from his collection Night Shift. It’s a vampire story, a sequel to ’Salem’s Lot, about a family whose car is trapped in a blizzard on the outskirts of a town plagued by vampires. That last line is “And I think she’s still waiting for her good-night kiss.” There, I just felt it again. That shiver. All these years later, it still works on me. – Christopher Golden, editor of Hex Life, out in paperback from Titan Books on November 10 2020

The New Mother by Lucy Clifford

Scariest sentence: “Now and then, when the darkness has fallen and the night is still, hand in hand Blue-Eyes and the Turkey creep up near to the home in which they once were so happy, and with beating hearts they watch and listen; sometimes a blinding flash comes through the window, and they know it is the light from the new mother’s glass eyes, or they hear a strange muffled noise, and they know it is the sound of her wooden tail as she drags it along the floor.”

The scariest sentence ever is from The New Mother by Lucy Clifford. The strange tone of the writing, the situation in the story and the fact that the new mother is not in any way human… – David Quantick, author of Night Train, out now from Titan Books 

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson 

Scariest sentence: “God God! Whose hand was I holding?” 

This scene perfectly conjures the feeling of being afraid in the night. Distance, time, sound – all the natural laws of the daylight world grow slippery and loosen. It’s a unique sensation – no other fear has the visceral, unhinged quality of cold terror in the dark. Shirley Jackson puts all of this on the page – she takes Eleanor and the reader into that same heightened, accelerated state, she makes our hearts race, she makes us feel alone, disoriented, lost in the night with only a friend’s hand to cling to. And then she saves us – the lights come on, our heart rate slows, and the rational world seems to settle into its proper channel again. And at last Eleanor sees: the friend whose comforting hand she held in the dark has been on the other side of the room all along. – Catriona Ward is the author of The Last House on Needless Street out 18th March 2021 from Viper Books 

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TV

The Haunting Of Hill House: How the Extraordinary Episode 6 was Made

By Louisa Mellor

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

Scariest sentence: “God god – whose hand was I holding?”

It’s from a scene about two-thirds of the way through the novel. Eleanor and Theodora go to sleep in their adjacent beds in one of the many bedrooms in Hill House. They sleep with the lights on because of previous frightening incidents. But Eleanor wakes in the night to find the room plunged in darkness, and hears an eerie voice muttering from the next room. The darkness and the frightening sounds go on endlessly, and Eleanor is filled with a mounting sense of dread. She reaches out blindly for Theodora’s hand and holds on tight.

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But when the lights finally come back on, Theodora is several feet away, sitting up in her own bed, too far away for Eleanor to have touched her. So the hand she was holding belonged to someone or something else. It’s a brilliantly oblique bit of horror – the realisation that the monster was right alongside you, inside your guard – and every adaptation of the novel references it in some form or other. But I don’t think you can beat Jackson’s chilling, deadpan prose. – Mike Carey author of The Trials of Koli, out now from Orbit Books

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Books

Who Was The Haunting of Hill House Author Shirley Jackson?

By Don Kaye

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson 

Scariest sentence: “No live organism can continue for long to exist sanely under conditions of absolute reality; even larks and katydids are supposed, by some, to dream. Hill House, not sane, stood by itself against its hills, holding darkness within; it had stood for eighty years and might stand for eighty more. Within, walls continued upright, bricks met neatly, floors were firm, and doors were sensibly shut; silence lay steadily against the wood and stone of Hill House, and whatever walked there, walked alone.” 

I’ll be surprised if no one else has picked these sentences, although maybe not, because I’m blatantly cheating for choosing the entire first paragraph of The Haunting of Hill House. It is a classic of looming dread, and it’s probably generated more commentary and criticism than any other first paragraph in a horror novel. I love it. – Ellen Datlow, editor of the Best Horror of the Year annual series.

A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay

Scariest sentence: “It was so dark it was like nothing was there in the room but us. Only the nothing was actually something because it filled my eyes and lungs and it sat on my shoulders.”

Paul Tremblay perfectly captures our universal fear of the dark in these two lines from A Head Full of Ghosts. That made the flesh on my skull crawl when I read it. The wording is simple but so effective: in one, two, three increasingly creepy instances Paul transforms what’s simply darkness into the tangible, the intimately dangerous… as darkness tends to do. – Thomas Olde Heuvalt, author Hex and Echo, forthcoming from Nightfire in 2021

Naked Lunch by William S. Burroughs

Scariest sentence: The Black Meat is like a tainted cheese, overpoweringly delicious and nauseating so that the eaters eat and vomit and eat again until they fall exhausted.

I read Naked Lunch in high school and it was a mind-destroyer. Thankfully, it is also a mind rebuilder. You can turn to any page and find sentences that bewildered, disoriented, horrified, and excited me. So that’s exactly what I just did: I opened the book randomly to page 55 and found one. Disgusting, delightful decadence! – Daniel Kraus, coauthor with George A. Romero of The Living Dead, out now from Tor Books.

The Masque of the Red Death by Edgar Allan Poe

Scariest sentence: “And Darkness and Decay and the Red Death held illimitable dominion over all.“

It’s ‘illimitable’ that does it for me, though the capitalisations and the against-the-advice-of-grammarians superfluous first and second usages of ‘and’ add quite a bit.  That first ‘And’ – the one your teacher told you not to start a sentence with – is a pointed touch and does a lot of work, indicating that all the bad stuff in the rest of the sentence is a consequence of what’s gone before in the story … which, this season, seems like the most pointed tale of mystery and imagination ever written. – Kim Newman author Anno Dracula 1999 Daikaiju out now from Titan Books.

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

Scariest sentence: “In the unending, crashing second before the car hurled into the tree she thought clearly, Why am I doing this?  Why am I doing this?  Why don’t they stop me?” 

Discussions of the prose of Shirley Jackson’s monumental The Haunting of Hill House tend to focus on its famous opening paragraph.  Certainly the beginnings of both the novel’s first and second chapters offer a wealth of riches for scholarly consideration, rhetorical analysis.  Yet it’s this long sentence from the novel’s second-to-last paragraph that comes to mind if I’m asked to name the most frightening line in the book.  Indeed, it seems to me one of the most frightening sentences of any novel or story I’ve read.  Obviously, there are lines whose immediate impact is greater, which have a more substantial visceral effect (Clive Barker’s fiction is rife with these).  But I’m not sure any echo in quite the same way.  At this moment in Jackson’s narrative, Eleanor Vance is being made to leave Hill House, the dwelling with whose structure her personality has become entangled and confused.  Seemingly unwilling to be separated from the place, she steers her car straight toward an enormous tree at a curve in the driveway and steps on the gas.  “I am really doing it,” she thinks, “I am doing this all by myself, now, at last.”  This would be an awful enough end for Jackson’s protagonist, but with the sentence that follows and finishes the paragraph, she gives the screw a final, diabolical turn.  Eleanor experiences a moment of clarity, which tells us that her thoughts of just a line before were not clear.  She is not accelerating toward the tree of her own volition—or, not only of her own volition.  Something else is at play here, some other factor.  Is it the “whatever” Jackson has described walking in Hill House, the unspecified, (possibly) supernatural force (which might be any one of a number of ghosts, or an aggregate of those ghosts, or the house itself, brought to occult life by the peculiarities of its design)?  Or is it some submerged part of Eleanor—guilt at her role in her mother’s death, or anger at her expulsion from the group brought to Hill House to study it?  She doesn’t know, and she is trapped in her unknowing, as the final instant of her life stretches on and on, “unending.”  Her ultimate motivation obscure to her, all she can do is wonder why no one is stopping her.  With hideous irony, the power, the control Eleanor was celebrating a moment prior turns on her, her freedom becoming the freedom of death.  The line passes as quickly as the crash it describes, and in its speed, it’s easy to miss everything going on it.  To say it’s another example of Jackson’s skill as a writer feels somehow inadequate, as it doesn’t get at the way the sentence braids claustrophobia, terror, and confusion.  It’s the kind of writing that haunts you in quiet moments, long after flashier, louder lines have faded into silence.  It’s the kind of writing that reminds you of the horror story’s particular power, its reach and its resonance. – John Langan, author of The Fisherman, out now.

Pet Sematary by Stephen King

Scariest sentence: “Sometimes dead is better.”

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Nobody says this line better than that guy in the first Pet Sematary movie who used to play Herman Munster. Although John Lithgow did his best. King struck on an age-old wisdom when he showed us the folly of trying to bring people back once they’re gone. Just as WW. Jacobs did in The Monkey’s Paw and Shelley demonstrated (albeit piecemeal) in Frankenstein. You’ve got to be careful what you wish for. Sometimes, dead really is better, and far less likely to come back and stab you to death with a scalpel. C.S. O’Cinneide is the author of Petra’s Ghost, out now from Titan Books.

Pet Sematary by Stephen King

Scariest sentence: “Darling,” it said

This line has to be read in the context of an entire, brilliant novel that went before. It’s really not something I want to give away, because of spoilers, but if you’ve read this one, even hearing the final line again should send a shiver through you. The writer was at the top of his game – and that’s saying something – and it remains his most terrifying novel.  Here’s the line: “Darling,” it said. – Tim Lebbon, author of Eden, out now from Titan Books 

The post “God God – Whose Hand Was I Holding?”: the Scariest Sentences Ever Written, Selected by Top Horror Authors appeared first on Den of Geek.

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*****

The Mate Fairy

When a young werewolf turns 18, a person dubbed “the Mate Fairy” appears to give the birthday wolf a letter containing the name of their eternal love, their mate.

This “fairy” is usually the emissary of the pack. A letter appears in the emissary’s mailbox, and they are tasked to immediately deliver the letter to the intended werewolf.

Talia Hale received her letter from her mother’s emissary May Deaton at 11.30 am on a Saturday morning. Talia was painting her toenails on the front porch of the Hale House when May approached with the letter containing her mate’s name, Samuel Cahill. The gold script gleamed in the sunlight, shining into Talia’s eyes. Recapping the nail polish, she yells out to her mother that she’s going out to catch her mate, and to set another place at the lunch table.

When Talia’s firstborn turned 18, they were in the cereal aisle of the local grocery store arguing over Cheerios when Laura was handed her letter from Alan Deaton. The name Jordan Parrish in beautiful gold script shining in stark contrast to the pure white paper. Dropping a box of Fruit Loops in her mother’s trolley, she high-tailed it out of the grocery store whooping and hollering while other shoppers laughed.

Scott McCall was in the shower getting ready for his 18th birthday party when Deaton knocked on the front door. His mom Melissa let Alan in, offering him a cup of herbal tea while they waited for her son. Strolling down the stairs Scott almost tripped on the final two steps upon seeing the “Mate Fairy” waiting with his envelope. After frantically ripping the envelope, he pulls out the paper and gasps upon seeing Isaac Lahey in the infamous gold script. Folding it gently and placing it in his pocket, Scott races off to his party to sweep Isaac off his feet.

The night before his 18th birthday, Derek Hale sits staring into the fireplace. Tomorrow he finds out who his mate is. He’s both excited and terrified. What if his mate isn’t who he wants it to be? What if he rips open the envelope and sees the name Mabel Earnest, the 90-year-old lady who lives on the corner of Thompson and Third, that likes to give embroidered dishtowels at Halloween? What if he opens the envelope and sees Marcus Winbourne, the owner of the town florist who smells like moss and feet?

Derek looks forlornly at the flames and tries not to panic. What if Alan shows up at school? Maybe Derek can beg his mom to stay home tomorrow. What if Alan shows up at the school and Derek has successfully convinced his mom to stay home and he misses him? What if Alan doesn’t show up?

“We can hear your brain whirling from the kitchen, pup”, Uncle Peter says as he slides into one of the high-back chairs. “Don’t overthink this. It’s an exciting time for you. Only you would think of all the what-ifs. There is no need to be over-emotional about this.”

Derek turns to face his uncle, eyes narrowing in contempt. “I distinctly remember mom telling us the story of your 18th birthday where you were found sobbing in the bathtub because you didn’t think there was anyone worthy of you. She said and I quote, ‘Peter was blubbering because he was worried his lofty standards of a mate weren’t going to be met, and he was worried his greatness wouldn’t be fully realised.’”

Peter scoffs. “That’s a highly dramatic retelling of what actually happened.”

Samuel Hale comes in laughing. “No Peter, that’s almost word for word what you said. Nice try though.”

Samuel sits down on the sofa. “Bun, if anyone deserves an amazing mate it’s you. You have a heart of gold, you are kind, thoughtful, and gracious. Everyone can count on you. It’s why you’re slated to be Laura’s second. Your mate will balance you out. They’ll support you in your role. They’ll build you up. And they’ll give you all the love you deserve. Please don’t fret my son, you will be blessed tomorrow, I promise you.”

Tala glides into the room. “Your father is right Derek. Tomorrow is a day for celebration! Not just you turning 18, but you finding your other half. Our ancestors aren’t going to give you someone that isn’t 100% your match. That’s not how it works.”  

“I know mom. I’m just nervous.”

Peter leans forward and runs his hand down Derek’s shoulder, pausing to give it a squeeze.

“Pup, I know you’ve been waiting for your mate for a long time but your mom is right. Our ancestors guide us to the one who completes us in every way. Just like Sam completes Talia, and Aunt Lisa completes me. We each have our foibles, but our mate smooths them out. This is a time for pure joy and celebration. You have nothing to worry about.”

Peter gets up from the chair ruffling Derek’s hair before leaving the room.

Derek sighs as Talia and Samuel come to sit on either side of their son.

Turning to his mom Derek asks softly, “What if they don’t want to be my mate?”

“Oh, honey that doesn’t happen. You know this. I understand you are worried, I really do, but werewolf mates are a certainty.”

“Any chance I can stay home tomorrow?”

“Nope. Sorry bun. It will be ok, I promise.” Talia leans forward and kisses Derek on the forehead.

“Your mom’s right. Everything will be ok. And we’ll set a place at the table for your mate tomorrow night, just like grandma did for me. Ok?”

“Ok, dad. Thanks, mom.” Derek smiles as his parents get up from the floor. The smile stays as they walk away, the nerves blossoming into hope.

*****

Stiles Stilinski sits at the breakfast table, right leg fidgeting under the table. One particularly strong jerk knocks the table sending orange juice cascading over the side of his glass. Stiles gets up quickly to grab paper towel, while his dad John holds up the morning paper away from the spill, stopping it from being soaked with juice.

Mopping up the liquid as best he can, Stiles grabs a damp cloth to wipe away the stickiness of the juice, while his dad watches him. His mom Claudia places down their plates, piled high with breakfasty goodness. Eyeing her son speculatively, she smiles. “What has you in a tizzy this morning Mischief?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about mom.”

The Sheriff sighs. “Really Stiles? You’re twitchier than normal. Do you forget your adderall this morning?”

Stiles shakes his head. “No, I remembered.”

John puts his paper down. “So what’s up?”

Stiles slumps in his chair. “It’s Derek’s birthday today.”

Claudia reaches forward and takes one of her son’s hands in hers. “Oh Mischief. There’s no need to worry. Derek will have the perfect outcome. You know that.”

Tears begin to form in Stiles’ eyes as he looks at his mother. “But what if his mate isn’t me?”

John places his hand on top of his wife’s. “Stiles, there’s always a chance that you aren’t his mate, but honestly? Everyone sees the way you two look at each other. Everyone knows how close you are. You are mates in every way except officially. Now I’m not as knowledgeable with werewolf culture as your mother is, but Stiles, the Hale ancestors know what they are doing. They see all. They would see how well you two fit together before the official mating. They would see how it is after.”

“That still doesn’t mean it’s me, dad.”

“What if it isn’t you? Are you going to stop being friends with Derek? Are you going to stop associating with the Hales? Are you going to tell Laura that you aren’t going to be her emissary?”

“No, dad! Of course not. But …”

“No buts Stiles. You go to school today, and you support Derek in any way you can. You know he’s a sensitive soul, so you go and stand by him and you make sure he knows that you have his back 100%.”

“Yes, dad.”

“Good. Now eat your bacon before I do.”

*****

In the carpark of the school, Claudia pulls up in the kiss and ride to drop off Stiles.

“Remember that today is about Derek, Mischief. Be supportive no matter what, and remember that no matter what your father and I are here for you.”

“I will mom, I promise.”

Giving his mom a quick kiss on the cheek Stiles exits the Jeep, patting his bag to make sure his two gifts for Derek are still in there. Confirming that they are still there after checking 5 minutes earlier, he shoulders his backpack and makes his way into the school.

As Stiles approaches his locker he sees Derek standing nearby surrounded by all their friends. He can hear the happy birthdays and the claps on the back as he gets closer, his nerves beginning to rise.

He opens his locker and puts the books in he doesn’t need yet, and pulls out the first gift for Derek. The crowd around the birthday wolf has lessened, leaving plenty of room for Stiles.

As Derek turns to Stiles, Stiles jumps on Derek with a laugh and a loud, “Happy birthday big guy!” wrapping his arms around the wolf in a massive hug.

Derek turns his nose into Stiles’ neck and hugs his friend back, letting the scent of Stiles fill him with warmth. When they part, Stiles gives Derek his gift. “Open it! Open it!”

Derek tilts his head in confusion. “My party is on Saturday Stiles, didn’t you want me to open it then?”

“Nope! This is for your ACTUAL birthday. I have another gift for your party too”.

“You didn’t have to do that Stiles.”

“Uh, yeah I did. Anyways, open it!”

Derek rolls his eyes and carefully peels back the wrapping paper making sure not to rip it. The paper reveals an old book titled, “An Alpha and Their Second: a Guide to Leading the Pack”.

“Holy shit Stiles where did you find this?”

“You like it? It’s ok?”

Derek nods quickly. “YES. Oh my god, Stiles. Mom and Peter had this book when mom became Alpha, but it went missing. They both swore by this book. I’ve wanted to read this for years!! Where did you find it?”

Stiles blushes. “I asked my babcia if she knew where to find a copy. A pack in Poland had a few spare copies and owed babcia a favor, and voila! Happy birthday, Der.”

“Thank you so much, Stiles! This is amazing!” Derek sweeps Stiles into another hug just as the bell goes for the first period.

Stiles pulls away first. “Sorry Der I have Harris and I don’t want detention. I’ll see you at lunch?”

“Yep! See you then!!”

Derek watches as Stiles races down the hallway and disappears around the corner. He runs a hand down the front of the book and takes a deep breath, trying to keep his emotions in check. This book is one that’s handed down through the family over generations. The loss of the Hales book was one that brought frustration and sorrow, and to have one back is going to mean the world of difference to the Hale family, and to Laura as the future Hale Alpha.

As Derek gently puts the book into his bag, he wonders if Stiles knows how big of a deal gifting this book is.

*****

The Hale Betas and friends are sitting around the lunch table. Scott and Isaac and hunched together talking quietly, hands entwined under the table.

Jackson and Lydia and discussing the party on Saturday, arguing over what Jackson will be wearing while Allison and Cora are laughing at them. Erica is sitting on Boyd’s lap laughing along with Allison and Cora, while Boyd rests his head on Erica’s shoulder.

Derek and Stiles are arguing about whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie when the cafeteria goes deathly quiet. Derek’s eyes snap up immediately to Stiles’ so he sees when the color drains from Stiles’ face.

Derek manages a whispered “Stiles …” before footfalls can be heard getting closer to their table. Pulling his eyes away from Stiles’ Derek turns to see Alan Deaton holding an envelope.

Deaton stops at the table. “Mr Hale.”

Derek stands. “Hello, Mr Deaton.”

“It is my honor as the emissary of Talia Hale, protector of the Hale pack, to give to you the name of your beloved mate. The one who will cherish you above all. The one who will support you until the end. Derek Hale, Happy Birthday, and congratulations.”

Deaton hands over the envelope to Derek who takes it with shaky hands. His heart is beating so loud it drowns out the sound of Deaton walking away. The cafeteria remains silent.

Sliding a finger into the side of the envelope, Derek slowly separates the top flap from the rest of the envelope.

He pulls the paper from the envelope and looks in shock at the gold script.

The tears that had begun to pool in his eyes start to escape, and he takes a shuddering breath. Derek looks at Stiles whose face is pale and filled with worry.

Derek hands over the page to Stiles.

Mieczyslaw Stilinski

Stiles bursts into tears and throws himself at Derek who once again catches him. The cafeteria erupts in cheers as Stiles holds up the letter and yells, “I FUCKING KNEW IT WAS ME!!”

Derek laughs through his tears at Stiles and leans forward to kiss his mate gently on the lips.

“I’m so glad it’s you, Stiles.”

“I’m so glad it’s me too. Let me down I have another gift for you.”

As Derek lets Stiles down, he throws his confused puppy look. “I thought you said you were giving me the gift on Saturday?”

“I am but that’s a different gift. This gift is from your mate.”

Derek’s smile lights up his face as he hears Stiles call himself Derek’s mate. He takes the gift but this time rips the paper off, sending gift wrap fluttering to the ground.

Inside is a photo frame with a picture of 5-year-old Derek, and 4-year-old Stiles. They stand by the pool at the Hale house with their arms around each other, smiles as bright as the sun. Stiles is looking directly at the camera and Derek? Derek is looking directly at Stiles.

The photo is framed with the words “This is when I knew, that it was you.”

Derek sighs in happiness. “This is when I knew too. That summer was when I had realised that I just couldn’t be without you. I didn’t know what it meant then, but I realized only a few years back what it could mean. I wanted to say something but I was scared I was wrong.”

Stiles cups Derek’s cheek. “I know Derek, I understand. Every time I looked at you I knew you were the one. My spark reacts to you more than it does my future Alpha. My heart soars when you smile my way. I’m going to woo the fuck out of you, and make you so damn proud.”

“You already do Stiles. But you don’t need to woo me. I’m a sure thing.”

Stiles laughs loudly. “But I WANT to woo you Der. You deserve to be wooed.”

*****

Stiles Phone

Text sent 1.30 pm - Mama and Daddio

Hey Mom, Dad, won’t be home tonight because I have to have dinner with my MATE!!! It was me! I’m Derek’s mate! I’m so happy I’m still crying but it’s ok because Derek’s still crying, and I’m so happy right now. I freaking LOVE the Mate Fairy! Even if it’s Deaton. Ew.

Text sent 1.32 pm

I’M SO HAPPY!!!

Text received 1.45 pm - Mama

This is the best news Mischief! Please ask Derek to come to dinner on Sunday night.

Text received 2.37 pm - Daddio

I’m proud of you kid. Derek couldn’t ask for a better mate, and neither could you.

*****

Derek’s Phone

Text sent 1.31 pm - Mom and Dad

IT’S HIM

Text received 1.35 pm - Mom

Oh Bun I’m so happy for you! Uncle Peter and I will be making yours and Stiles’ favorite meal in celebration. This is the best news honey!

Text received 1.36 pm - Dad

A great match! Almost as great as your mother and I :) <3

Text received 2.22 pm - Laura Stink Butt

I freaking told you brat!! I knew it would be him! But noooooo don’t believe your future Alpha.

Text received 2.24 pm - Laura Stink Butt

All jokes aside, this is the best news and I’m really stoked he’s yours Bunny.

*****

Later that evening after a meal that consisted of lasagne, schnitzels, and curly fries, plus and entire table dedicated to dessert, Derek and Stiles are lounging on the outdoor swing sofa. Stiles is nestled against Derek’s chest, while Derek has his arms wrapped around his mate. Stiles runs the tips of his fingers up and down Derek’s arms, swirling around the palm of his hands.

While Derek has his nose buried in Stiles’ hair, Stiles sighs. “I’m so happy Der. I’m just so stupidly, blissfully happy.”

Derek rumbles in agreement. Stiles turns around to look at his wolf. “Gone non verbal on me?”

Derek shakes his head. “I’m just enjoying the moment. Our scents together is really calming for me.”

“Are you happy?”

Derek smiles. “Stiles. I’m blown away. I was so worried it wasn’t going to be you. I’m relieved more than everything. But yes, I’m happy.”

Stiles leans forward and kisses Derek. They lose themselves in the kiss, the swinging sofa swaying gently. They break apart slowly, Derek quickly kissing Stiles on the nose.

“Is it too early to say I love you?”

Stiles smiles gently. “I love you too Der.”

[intothestarkerverse]

So Fluffy It Hurts - Starker Week (Day Four)

Summary:    For @starkerweek  Day Four’s prompt:  So Fluffy It Hurts.  I give you Peter’s attempt to find a way to please the man who has everything with an extra special anniversary present.

There was one major downfall to falling in love with a billionaire…buying them gifts for special occasions was utterly impossible.  A man worth more than the Gross Domestic Product of most developing nations could afford to buy himself anything and everything he wanted.  What was worse, he did.  It didn’t matter how many time Tony told Peter that he didn’t care about gifts and not to spend so much time worrying about them, Peter did worry.  He worried all the time.  The worry began months before the holiday.  Peter began wracking his brain for Christmas before the leaves had begun to change color.  He fretted about Valentines Day while most people were hard at work on Halloween costumes.  He agonized over Tony’s birthday as he was taking down Christmas lights, and he lost sleep over their anniversary while the windows were still crusted over by a layer of ice and snow.

It was Ned who presented the solution to Peter’s problem.  Dear, sweet, wonderful Ned.  “Peter, if you’re that worried about it…why don’t you ask Tony if he’d mind if you two made your own gifts this year.  You know, cause then you can be crafty and he’ll have to be crafty too and you won’t have to worry about finding him something he doesn’t have or competing with his grand romantic gestures.”

Peter had wanted to kiss Ned.  He didn’t, but he wanted to.  It was the answer to all of his problems, and if it worked for their Anniversary, he was going to insist on it being the new Stark-Parker family tradition.

Tony had laughed at the suggestion, though he’d sobered up soon enough upon realizing that Peter was serious about the suggestion.  With a grimace, he’d agreed.  “Fine, I’ll only give you an anniversary present that I make with my own two hands.”

Peter’s first mistake was not paying attention to semantics.  The way Tony worded his promise had been vital to the gift giving scheme, but Peter had been so happy with his solution that he just hadn’t stopped to think about how Tony had phrased his promise.

His second mistake was not realizing the true scope of what the man could make with his own two hands…

He realized both mistakes when he was presented with his gift.

“Oh.  My.  God.”  Peter nearly dropped the package, whirling around to stare at Tony before returning to the box.  “It’s not…not really, right?  I mean…no…no way…no…you didn’t…oh my god.”

Tony chuckled, “I mean…I can’t really market the things because of copyright infringement and I did have to install a few safety parameters so you didn’t cute your hand off, but yeah…one working light saber.  Or, at least, the best I can approximate with the human and alien tech at my disposal.  You like?”

“I love!  But Tony…we were supposed to make our gifts!”

“I made that.  With my own two hands.  Just like I said I would.”

Peter scowled, looking down at the present he had placed in Tony’s lap and instantly regretting his gift.  “Tony, I need that back…you can’t…”

“Can’t open it?  I assure you, Peter, I fully intend to open this.”

“No, but, it’s not…it’s stupid.  You can’t.  Tony please give it back…”  Peter reached out for it desperately, trying to snatch it away with superhuman reflexes but Tony seemed utterly determined to open it.

Turning a thousand shades of pink, Peter sank into the couch and pulled a cushion over to put in front of his face.  “Okay…fine…just…just get over with.”

Tony opened the package slowly, pealing the red and gold paper away to reveal a think shirt box.  Nestled within that was a portrait sized picture frame containing a single piece of carefully lettered paper that proclaimed:

13 Reasons That I Will Always Love You

1.  You make me laugh. 2.  You’re actually as good looking as you think you are.  (Don’t make me regret putting that in writing.) 3.  You’re willing to die for people you love…and people, you don’t.  (But don’t die, please.) 4.  You keep my feet warm at night better than any blanket or pair of socks I’ve ever owned.  Ever. 5.  You’re a genius, but you still let me feel smart sometimes even though I know I’ll never compare to you. 6.  You eat May’s cooking and pretend it’s good even though we all know it sucks.  (Even May). 7.  Even though you told me that the Baby Monitor Protocol was no longer a thing, I know you just hid it and gave it another name in the coding…and that’s okay because it means you worry about me and want to make sure I’m safe and that’s sweet.  (But also, stop it.  Seriously.) 8.  You try very hard to get along with my friends.  (You let MJ rail at you about the 1% and how evil capitalism is and how you’re part of the problem and not the solution and you always act like she’s making valid points and she may be making you see the light  You don’t complain when Ned comes to visit and we dork out about Star Wars or superheros or whatever.  It’s nice.  I appreciate it.) 9.  You let me hold you after you have nightmares or panic attacks.  (I know it makes you feel vulnerable and you hate that, but you’ll be vulnerable for me.  Just for me.  That makes me feel…needed.) 10.  You comfort me when I have nightmares or panic attacks.  (You hold me and let me feel vulnerable because you’re needed, too.) 11.  You remember the littlest things.  (Like what flavor of ice cream my parents would always buy me at Coney Island, basically my only real memory of them, and you surprise me with those little things when I absolutely need them the most.) 12.  You understand me.  (I think you’re the only person in the whole world that can, actually.) 13.  You let me hand you things.  (Don’t think I don’t know what a big deal that is, Mister.)

Peter didn’t move, burying his face in the couch cushion as he waited for Tony to read the paper.  When he felt like enough time had passed and he hadn’t heard Tony laughing at his pathetic attempt at gift giving compared to a literal working light saber, Peter dropped the cushion into his lap and hazarded a glance at his husband.  What he saw shocked him to his very core.

Tony was crying.  Holding the gift and actually crying.

Grinning with a new self confidence, Peter lobbed the cushion in Tony’s direction.  “I win!  And we are totally doing this form now on!”

[imagining-hogwarts]

Just friends - Young!Sirius Black imagine

Request 1: Could you please do a young!Sirius x reader imagine, where they are best friends that slowly fall in love with each other!

Request 2: Hello! Can I get a Sirius x reader imagine where the Marauders are throwing a Halloween party and Sirius reveals his feelings and leads to smut? Thank you!

A/N: So I got request 1 recently, and I found request 2 among my very old inbox-mails. So I thought I’d take two birds with one stone so to speak. Although I haven’t really made up my mind regarding how I feel about writing smut.. I have nothing against it, I read it, but I don’t know how I feel writing about it.. Also, this is actually the longest imagine I’ve ever written. I’m honestly pretty proud over myself for letting it take it’s time and not rushing it. I’m pretty satisfied with how it turned out. Hope you like it!

Words: 2138

---

You had never seen the boys this excited before. They were practically skipping through the great hall towards you, as they talked to each other with frantic voices. 

They all took a seat next to you and Marlene who were eating breakfast. Well Marlene was eating breakfast, you were far to busy trying to finish the potions essay Slughorn had given you a couple days back.

“Guys, you will never guess what we have planned!” Sirius said as he took a seat opposite you, almost knocking over your cup of juice.

Marlene raised an eyebrow at him, unimpressed. “What? Is it another party?”

Sirius looked back at her, disappointed. “Well you’re no fun..” he said as he took a bite of your cinnamon bun.

You smiled into the cup you had just saved from Sirius as you took a sip, continuing with your essay. The boys throwing a party wasn’t exactly a rare thing.

“But listen, guys, this is not a regular common-room party. It’s halloween-themed!” James leaned over the table, trying to get you to pay attention. “Isn’t it brilliant!”

“Yeah sure, who could’ve guessed. You know, since it’s one week until halloween and all.” James rolled his eyes at Marlenes comment. “But I mean sure, I’ll come. You guys do know how to throw parties.”

Sirius seemed to be waiting for you to say something about whether you were coming or not. You didn’t notice though since you had your nose in your potions-book. “Y/N? You’re coming too right?”

“Uhm.. well..” You didn’t even look up as you answered him, you were to busy. “I do have this essay I have to finish.. And also some homework from all the extra classes I’m taking.” You paused as you wrote a few more words. “I should practice charms aswell so.. I guess we’ll see..”

“If I had that much to balance I would probably explode” Peter said, looking shocked.

Sirius just looked at you silently, concerned.

“Well we’re going to hogsmeade to find all the decorations and stuff for the party.” Remus said as he stood up, James and Peter following. “You coming Sirius?”

“Go ahead, I’ll catch up with you.” Sirius said, still keeping his eyes on you.

The boys scrambled away through the door to the great hall.

“Y/N, I don’t want you to feel stressed out about homework.” Sirius tried to catch your eye but he didn’t succeed. “Remember how it went last year?”

“Mhm..” You mumbled, barely listening. It wasn’t until you felt his hand on top of yours that you look up at him and met his eyes. Concerned, beautiful grey eyes.

“I’m just worried about you.” It wasn’t unusal for Sirius to be worried about you, and for good reason. Last year you had gotten so stressed about all the things you had to do, it had ended in a big breakdown late at night in the gryffindor common room. Sirius had found you, books and unfinished homework everywere, and you crying on the couch. He had taken you up to his room and let you sleep next to him all night, holding you. Your friends had often questioned your friendship, -whether or not it was only a friendship. But you had never been nothing more than best friends.

“Just promise you’ll take a break and come hang out with us this weekend? For me?” His hand still on yours.

A smiled formed on your lips. “Okey fine, I promise. I’ll take a break.”

“Good.” He smiled broadly as he squeezed your hand. A warm feeling flooded your body. “See you guys later then!” You gazed at his back as he got up and ran towards the exit, trying to catch up with the others. His black curls bouncing at the back of his neck. You snapped out of it as you noticed Marlene staring at you with an eyebrow raised. You had barely remembered she was there.

“What?” You couldn’t read the look on her face. Like she was trying to prove something obvious but you couldn’t understand what it was.

“Oh my god Y/N” She groaned. “Are you really that oblivious?”

You still couldn’t understand what she was talking about.

She sighed at your look of confusion. “You’re really telling me there’s no feelings between you and Sirius?”

This again? “How many times are you going to bring this up?”

“Y/N, please, can’t you see the way he looks at you? It’s so obvious.”

“Stop it, Sirius and I are just friends! It’s totally platonic.”

She rolled her eyes and went back to focus on her magazine. “Yeah, we’ll see how long that’ll last..”

You didn’t answer, you just looked towards the exit again where Sirius had just disappeared. There’s nothing more. You thought to yourself. Totally platonic..

---

“I don’t know about this..” You sighed as you looked yourself in the mirror.

“What are you talking about?” Marlene was doing her makeup on the other side of the room. She was dressing up as a cat. Classic. “You look totally smoking hot!”

You turned around and tried tugging your shorts down a bit. It felt like they were barely covering your behind. “Half my ass is showing!”

“Oh stop it, it’s sexy!”

The rest of your legs were covered in black fishnet tights. You were wearing high boots, a crop top, jacket and your hair was in two ponytails, one of them colored pink and the other one blue.

“Don’t forget the baseball bat!” Marlene exclaimed as she inspected your look.

You grabbed the baseball bat and held it against your shoulder.

Marlene had convinced you to dress up as Harley Quinn. Although you were not so sure about it anymore.

“Alright, let’s get this over with.” You sighed as you and Marlene headed towards the door.

The party was in full swing as you two walked down the stairs to the common room. It was packed with people and the music was blasting through the speakers.

As you slowly decended down the stairs, you spotted the back of Sirius in the middle of the crowd. Almost as if he could sense you were coming, he turned around and looked straight at you. Your heart skipped a beat.

You didn’t really know what to make of the look he gave you. At first he stared at you for a few seconds, stunned. But then his face softened and a small smile formed on his face before he made his way towards you.

He was wearing his usual black jeans, and an unbuttoned white shirt. His whole upper-body was showing, tattoos were covering his chest and abs, a big chain hanging from his neck. You forced your eyes to look back up at his face. His face was covered in white makeup. His hair was colored green.

He was dressed up as the joker.

He chuckled a little as he studied you. “I guess great minds think alike.” His eyes scanned your body up and down, his eyes lingering for just an extra second on your legs.

Your cheeks felt hot as you smiled shyly towards the ground. “Yeah I guess so.” You looked into his eyes again and he did the same. You just watched each other for a few seconds, small smiles on your faces.

You almost jumped as you felt a hand grabbing your shoulder. Turning around you’d come face to face with Remus and James.

“Y/N! You’re finally here!” Remus smiled at you and hugged you. You could tell that he’d already had the time to shallow a few fire-whiskey shots.

You laughed. “Hi Remus.”

James placed a around your shoulder. “You don’t have a drink in your hand though. And you know we can’t have that. What are you feeling tonight? We’ve got a huge assortment. Come with me.” He started to lead you away, towards the drinks.

You shot a glace back towards Sirius. He chuckled as he watched you go.

---

It was an understatement that this party had been the best one of the year so far. It was probably the best one the marauders had thrown ever. You had been dancing, drinking, singing, laughing and having the best time ever. You hadn’t really talked to Sirius that much this evening. Atleast not alone. There had however been alot of watching. From both of you. Especially while dancing, your eyes would lock and it would end up with you blushing and looking away. There had also been a few incidents where you had noticed some random ravenclaw girl trying to chat him up. You didn’t really know why you were watching, you didn’t really invest in Sirius’s dating life normally. You were just curius about how he would handle the girl, just curius. But as soon as you started watching, Sirius’s eyes darted up, looking back at you. And then it would seem like he wasn’t even listening to the girl who were standing opposite him, trying to talk to him. He would just watch you instead, a small smile forming on his lips once again. And you would feel a heat rushing through your chest towards your stomach.

You turned around and walked towards the table as you tried to shake the feeling that something was different between the two of you. You needed a drink.

While pouring another glass of firewhiskey, you could see from the corner of your eye, someone coming over and leaning against the table, right next to you.

“Another glass huh?”

You put the bottle down, and picked the glass up. “It’s a party after all.” You turned around and leaned against the table too, taking a sip. “No luck with that Ravenclaw girl?” You didn’t look at him as you spoke, you looked down at your firewhiskey.

“I wasn’t really feeling it.” He shrugged.

You looked at him. “Really? You? Sirius Black, turning down the chance to spend the night with a beautiful girl?” You laughed. “Who are you and what have you done to my friend?”

“Maybe she wasn’t the beautiful girl I would really like to spend the night with.” He looked at you dead in the eyes.

Your laugh died down as you watched him. You could literally feel the electricity in the air. Something was definitely different between the two of you.

“Hey, do you want to dance?” He broke the silence.

“Uhm, yeah.. Sure!” You smiled, a little suprised at his sudden offer.

He took your hand and led you out onto the dance floor, placing your arms around his neck and his hands against the small of your back.

“Uhm, Sirius..? You know this isn’t a slow song right?” You said as the people next to you kept on dancing to the upbeat song blasting in your ears.

“I know.” He said as he pulled you a little closer. “Just let me have this.”

You danced for a few minutes, not saying anything, just swaying from side to side. You didn’t really mind that people around you thought it was a little weird, all you could focus on was Sirius’s grey eyes. And his large hands, pulling you close to his body. You felt warm. Safe.

He leaned his forhead against yours and you could feel your heart starting to speed up.

You looked up at him. “Sirius..” barely a whisper.

“Schh.. I need to try something..” He slowly brought his hand up to your cheek, caressing it carefully.

 It felt like ages, until you could finally feel his lips against yours. Gentle at first. But as soon as he could feel you kissing him back, he grabbed your face with both of his hands. Stroking your cheeks with his thumbs.

You both pulled away, breathless. Staring at each other for a few seconds before you both burst into happy grins and laughter.

He pulled a strand of hair from your face and placed it behing your ear. “You have no idea how long I’ve been wanting to do that.”

“Actually, I think I do.” You laughed. “I think I’ve known for a while, but.. I haven’t really admitted it to myself.”

“Known what?”

“That I love you, Sirius.” You blushed.

He caressed your cheek once again with a huge smile on his face. “I love you too.” Just as he was about to lean in to kiss you again, you were interrupted by Marlene’s voice.

“Oh finally!” She exclaimed.

The both of you turned your heads towards the side, only to find Marlene, James, Remus and Peter watching you guys.

“I told you it would happen! Pay up!” Peter looked slightly disappointed as he handed over the money to James.

“Awww” Remus watched you guys with glittering eyes. “So cute”

“Oh sod off!” Sirius exclamied, holding you tight as you buried your head against his neck, blushing.

[thou-crusty-batch-of-nature]

Friends will be friends (or more)

pairing sirius x reader

warnings  angst, swearing and fluff

A/N Soo this is my first fic. I would like to thank @futurewriter2000 for everything she has done for me. She is such a kind, caring friend and such a good writer. She helped me so much and without her I probably wouldn't have posted this. 

GIF IS NOT MINE

READER'S POV

 I knew I was in deep shit when I realised that I had a crush on my best friend, Sirius Black. But how could I not, with his silky, thick, curly hair and those eyes that seemed like the sky on a - ugh, I was daydreaming again. And the worst part, I was almost certain that he liked me just as a friend. Fortunately, I was able to act like I wasn't l̶o̶v̶i̶n̶g̶ liking him. I was just leaving the classroom with the marauders after a really boring, long class of history of magic, spent doodling on my parchment. Despite the fact that they had been talking about Quidditch for the last five minutes (I disliked Quidditch because I was as tactful as a bull in a china shop), I was too busy to make a sarcastic comment as I was doing more important things - meaning that I was stealing glances from Sirius.

 I began the deep friendship with the marauders in my fourth year. I was the first person who outranked them at a rather unsuccessful prank.

 -throwback-

 I barely woke up after the last night's Halloween feast, swearing that I would never eat so many sweets again - a lie that I had told myself every other year. I lazily got up and went to the bathroom, then got dressed. My best friends, Lily and Marlene, were still sleeping. I chuckled as I heard Marlene mumbling in her sleep, catching the words "pastries everywhere". However, when I looked in the mirror, I couldn't help but scream.

"FUCKING HELL I SWEAR I'M GONNA-" before I could stop the door was ripped open, a red-head staying in front of me.

 "Wha-what is happening?" asked Lily worried, but as soon as she saw me she started laughing hysterically.

 "LILY IT'S NOT FUNNY MY BLOODY HAIR IS BABY BLUE! IT LOOKS LIKE MERLIN'S HAT!" I roared annoyed.

 "Calm down, Y/N, stop being ridiculous. It was obviously the 'mighty' marauders." she joked. Then she stopped and looked at me for a moment. "This morning we go to Hogsmeade, don't we?"

 "Yeah...but where do you want to go with that?" I asked confused, not seeing any connection.

 "Oh sweet, innocent Y/N/N, " she teased, a devilish smirk spreading on her face, "today you are going to make such a big statement that you are going to leave our dear Sirius with his mouth open like he is at the dentist. Marls, it's a fashion emergency!" I have never seen Marlene getting up so quickly before.

 Long story short, when I arrived in the Great Hall wearing a lace crop top, skinny jeans, high heels all matching to my now slightly wavy hair, I could have sworn I saw Sirius spilling his pumpkin juice in his lap. Then, James complimented my hair. Remus apologised and Sirius invited me to go with them at The Three Broomsticks. I spent my day talking, laughing and drinking Butterbeer, and, to be honest, it was one of the most beautiful days of my life.

 -end of throwback-

 That's how we became friends. I figured out Remus' "furry little problem" at the end of the fourth year, and by now I was known as the fifth marauder. I've always helped them with their pranks; setting them up, finding ideas or even getting them out of trouble. After all, I was considered by most of the professors a quiet, model student, and it was quite useful added to a completely chaste smile.

 "Um... Y/N/N?" a pinch on my cheek broke the trance in which I was. I saw the boys all staring at me. 𝘚𝘩𝘪𝘵.

 "You said something?"

 "No...We just asked you two times if you want to have lunch outside?" Remus admitted in a sarcastic tone.

"Yes! Sorry, I zoned out a bit." I mumbled. 'Yeah, thinking about the constant cliche drama-love-story in which I star for some time. Keep going that way, Y/N!' I thought.

 "Well it's certainly not the first time, is it honey? Is something or someone on your mind?" James retorted, followed by a knowing smirk and a wink. How did he knew? It wasn't like I told anyone. That annoying brat!

 Later that day, after an uncomfortable meal, I finally ran into James sitting on an armchair in the common room, reading a quidditch magazine.

 "How do you know?" I asked as soon as I'd seen him, taking the magazine from his face.

"Well good afternoon to you, too, my dear friend! What a beautiful day it is, isn't it? Bright sun, a warm breeze, teenage love -" I gave him a smack. "Augh! I don't think I deserved that!" he stopped, dramatically rubbing his shoulder.

 "Tell me this instant, Potter!"

 "What?"

 "How do you know I have a crush on Sirius?" I said, feeling the blush starting to creep up on my cheeks.

 "I've only suspected, but now I certainly know that it's true!" Prongs stated, proud smile on his face, turning to leave.

 "Oh, don't you dare leave! I haven't finished yet! Promise me that you won't tell a soul! He can't find out!" I exclaimed, a little panicked.

 "Ok, ok! I swear! Geez, chill out, crazy woman! But what are you going to do about it?"

 "What do you mean?"

 "I mean - you can't just act like nothing's happening forever. Won't you tell him?"

 "It's useless. He doesn't like me that way. It will only destroy our friendship!" and that was my biggest fear. I couldn't let that happen.

 Both of us were startled when we heard the door swung open, Sirius bursting happily in the common room.

 "What happened?" I asked curiously.

 "Guess who's got a girlfriend?" Sirius said proudly, adding then in a whisper "Hint: it's me!"

 "What!? Who?" I asked cautiously, hoping that my voice wasn't as brittle as I thought.

 "Madeline" he responded, his eyes twinkling like stars.

 I felt my heart sunk. Madeline Vega was a gorgeous Hufflepuff; beautiful, funny, charismatic, smart, she had it all. All in all, she was a perfect match for Sirius. Like he'd read my thoughts, James shot me a pitiful look. And I tried to be happy for my friend, I really wanted to. But at that moment all I wanted to do was to tell him the truth and run away from everybody. But I didn't.

 SIRIUS' POV

 I arrived in the common room after I had spent the whole day in Hogsmeade with Maddy. 𝘎𝘰𝘴𝘩, 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭. She was a light in the darkness that seemed to follow me everywhere. She was the breath of fresh air that I needed. However, she was not the only girl that cared for me. Y/N has been quite distant lately and it started to feel strange. She always loved to make people laugh and now she barely speaks. 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘴𝘬 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳. I reached the dorm where the boys were lying casually on their beds, looking at me.

 "So you have a girlfriend now, don't you?" Remus broke the silence. "How come?"

 "Remy, you know that no one can resist my charms! Just look at me!"

 "I am serious."

 "No, you are Remus!" I reminded him, earning a death glare and a thrown book, from which I dodged easily. "Ok, ok. I started being friends with her through Potions, and we'd become closer and closer until I asked her to be my girlfriend today!" I was assigned with Maddy at the beginning of the year and I've always liked her. "She is wonderful," I said. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘵, 𝘢𝘯𝘥- "Hey! Where is Y/N? Weren't we supposed to meet this afternoon?" I asked, remembering that today I promised Y/N to help her with the Transfiguration's essay.

 "Yes. She came here at three o'clock when you should have met, waiting here for an hour, but 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 clearly had better things to do than keep promises!" James frowned. I looked at the clock - 6 o'clock. 𝘉𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘴!

 "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go to the Quidditch practice and be there on time because I respect a fixed arrangement!" he'd added before storming off.

 "What should I do, Moony? She'll never forgive me." I asked hopelessly.

 "Of course she'll forgive you, you drama queen, you just need to apologise."

 "And give her some sweets!" Peter added, pointing at the Honeydukes bag I had bought earlier. I took it and headed to the girls' dorm. 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝗰𝗸, 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝗰𝗸.

 READER'S POV

 I was still mad at Sirius for forgetting about our study meeting, but fortunately, James helped me with that essay. I was on my way to the girls' dorm when I saw Sirius staying on the ground, waiting for somebody.

 "Oh! Y/N! Thank god! I am so sorry! I know you needed help and I am so, so sorry that I forgot! Please let me at least make up!" Siriuis implored, sadness darkening his grey eyes.

 "Calm down! Of course, I'll forgive you, you're my best friend!" I said reassuringly.

 "Thank you! Thank you!" he shouted exited, squeezing me in a bone-crushing hug. "Oh! I almost forgot - I also got you some sweets!" he remembered, giving me the bag. It was full of my favourite chocolates and jellies from Honeydukes.

 "You shouldn't have, thank you! But why were you waiting on the floor?" I asked, suddenly remembering how I've found him.

 "Well, actually Lily didn't want to let me in..." he admitted, scratching the back of his neck. "She said, I quote, 'We don't let losers here!'" he imitated Lily's voice."But I guess I deserved that."

 "Yeah, you kinda did," I told him, but at his shocked expression, you added "What? You are a loser! Forgetting about a meeting with your amazing, smart beautiful friend!"

 We both stared at each other for a few seconds, then laughed. 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘐 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘺𝘴!

 But everything came back to the usual awkwardness the next day at breakfast. I couldn't stand watching them holding hands while eating, or kissing after class, so I started to avoid him. Every day I spent my free time in places where I knew for sure he wouldn't be, but I still saw him in the common room or at lunchtime.

 Today, for example, I went to the library and stayed at the most isolated desk. I'd just finished my Potions essay when I saw a couple kissing near me. 𝘐𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘮𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘎𝘰𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘦. Taking a closer look, I couldn't believe my eyes. Corey McLaren, a seventh-year Hufflepuff was snogging with... Madeline! She's Sirius girlfriend! That cheating liar! How could she?

 I quickly took my books and left without being seen. I needed to tell him. I hurried to the boys' dorm and knocked a few times. In a moment, Remus opened the door.

 "Hey Y/N/N! What are you doing here?" he asked happily.

 "I need to find Sirius! Do you know where he is?"

 "He left a couple of minutes ago to the Great Lake. Why?"

 "I can't tell you right now! I have to go! and with that, you left.

 I saw Sirius sitting on a bench, staring at the lake. I quickly sat next to him.

 "Y/N! What happened?" he asked worriedly.

 SIRIUS' POV

 I have received another letter from mother. Last summer I ran away from that hell, and now apparently she disowned me. 𝘓𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘵. Still, after I'd read it, I needed to go outside. I wanted to break free.

 Soon I saw a silhouette that resembled Y/N coming closer. When I saw her face, her big, usually bright, Y/E/C eyes now veiled with sadness, I knew something was wrong. Very wrong.

 "Y/N! What happened?" I asked, seeing that she was avoiding my stare.

 "Sirius I am so sorry - I was in the library, studying when I saw Madeline... Maddy kissing Corey McLaren," she confessed. "As soon as I'd seen her, I looked for you in your room, and Remus -"

 "Stop. She couldn't have done that. She is Madeline, she wouldn't cheat on me." I interrupted her.

 "Maybe she is not the angel she pretends to be." she tried to explain.

 "I knew you didn't like Maddy, but did you really think that you could come and lie to me like that?" I spat.

 "You don't believe me? I had seen her with my own eyes!" she snapped.

 "Of course I don't believe you! I thought higher of you, but you clearly let the jealousy talking! I rebuked.

 "You know what, you're a bloody idiot! I can't believe that I actually loved you!" she shouted. "Stay with your cheating girlfriend, for all I care- but don't ever come back to me when you find the truth!" with tears spilling on her cheeks she left.

 She loved me and I had just broken her heart. 𝘉𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘵.

 I lit a cigarette. 𝘐𝘯𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘦. 𝘉𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘰𝘶𝘵. I haven't realised when it started to rain. A hurricane of thoughts was ravishing my mind. Did Maddy really do such a thing? Did I destroy my friendship with Y/N? Did she love me? I threw the stump in the lake and left. I was soaking wet, but I didn't care. 𝘒𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘢'𝘴 𝘢 𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩.

 When I reached the dorm I was welcomed by a furious James. He smacked me right in the face.

 "What the fuck, mate!" I asked, feeling the blood trickling from my nose.

 "Do you really believe that cheating bitch instead of Y/N, our best friend for two years?" James roared.

 "Hey! She's my girlfriend!"

 "Look at him! Then go to your pretty, angelic girlfriend who is more important than your friends!" James frowned.

 "Remus?" I asked, hoping that he would understand me.

 "I agree with James here, mate," he responded.

 "Fine," I said. And I left.

 READER'S POV

 I had been crying long before I got into my dorm, our argument playing and replaying in my mind. Lily and Marlene weren't there, so I decided that I needed a nap.

 I was woken up by Lily, who was nudging me gently.

 "Y/N? What happened? Have you been crying?"

 So I told them everything; how I'd seen Madeline, then went to Remus, found Sirius, then finally the argument we had.

 "Hmm...A cheating liar and a stupid brat, I think they deserve each other!" Marlene stated after I'd finished.

 "A stupid brat that I happen to know and love!" I said, with dried tears on my cheeks.

 "Oh, I promise if he tries to hurt you once more I am personally going to beat the shit out of him!" Lily vowed. I laughed for the first time that day.

 "There's that beautiful laugh!" Marlene smiled.

 They stayed with me for a while, chatting and eating our stash of sweets, listening to old records.

 "We have to go to dinner!" Lily announced after two hours of fun.

 "You go, I'm going to stay here!" I told them. I still wasn't ready to face the boys.

 "Are you sure?" Marlene asked.

 "Yes."

 They hugged me warmly and left.

 Two weeks have passed and I have barely talked with the marauders. James tried to reach out to me several times, but I've brushed him off. We only greeted each other in the common room. And Sirius - he was still with Madeline. He made his choice not to believe me and I made my choice, too.

 It was another night when I only shifted in my bed; I couldn't sleep. 𝘕𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘯.  Suddenly, I heard a knock at my door. And another one, and another one.

 "Y/N, OPEN THE BLOODY DOOR!" Marlene shouted from her bed, her head under the pillow.

 I got up, put on my slippers and opened the door. I immediately recognized the person in front of me.

 "Sirius."

 SIRIUS' POV

 The weeks without Y/N being near us, speaking, laughing, drove me mad. Maddy still was my girlfriend, though not a day passed without thinking about Y/N's words.

 𝘔𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘭 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦.

 I was in the library with Remus. While he was looking for books, I took the liberty to wander around. As I was turning to leave, I saw two people snogging in the darkest corner. However, I could recognise that wavy, golden hair anywhere.

 "Maddy?" I saw her jump a little when she heard my voice. She turned to look at me and I saw the boy she was kissing - Corey McLaren.

 "𝘚𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘶𝘴 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘴𝘰 𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺 - 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘺, 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘴𝘢𝘸 𝘔𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦... 𝘔𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘺 𝘬𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘊𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘺 𝘔𝘤𝘓𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯."

 "𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦?"

 "𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥, 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦- 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩!"

 She was right. And I was an idiot.

"We're over," I told her with a deathly calm, but before I'd left, I punched Corey in the face.

 I went outside to the bench by the lake and looked around. The sun was setting. The sky looked like a canvas, colours blending in harmony. How could I let everything happen that way? Why didn't I believe Y/N?

 Soon the night came, but I didn't care. I stayed outside, looking at the stars. Then, I got up and let my feet carry me anywhere they wanted.

 I was in front of her bedroom. Before I could stop myself, I knocked.

 READER'S POV

 "Sirius."

 "Please listen to me for a few minutes. Then, I won't bother you anymore." he begged.

 "Ok."

 "Follow me," he said. We walked without saying anything, finally arriving in the Astronomy Tower. He stopped near the window and turned to me.

 "I am an idiot and I know it. And you were right. So right. I was blinded by the idea of love and forgot about those who really care for me, truly love me. And I was lying that day, I trust you with my life. I am truly sorry that you had to distance yourself from your friends because of me. I love you. I realised when you told me that you had loved me. Please give me one more chance- "

 "I love you too," I interrupted and came closer. I could feel his warm breath on my face, "I love you so much that it hurts."

 Then he kissed me so gently and softly, yet so lovingly. I put my hand in his curly, dark hair and he put a hand on my back, slowly drawing patterns. Then he broke it, not letting go of my back.

 "I love you." he whispered, before pulling me in another sweet, long kiss.

MASTERLIST

taglist   @futurewriter2000 

[artificialqueens]

intents wicked or charitable (trixya) 9/10 - beanierose

AN: validation station, your support means the world to me and i’m so grateful. and stutter. i don’t have the words. i don’t have the time. i just love you.

(read on ao3) | (find me at katiehoughton)

[one.] [two.] [three.] [four.] [five.] [six.] [seven.] [eight.]

a practical magic au for the spooky season. there’s a curse on any man who dares love you? love a woman, instead. | 5,468 words

“Oh, my God, mama.” Violet clicks her tongue and snatches the family pack of M&Ms from Trixie before she can rip the top off of it. “No. Not three. We’re not doing three.”

Trixie lets out a petulant little whine and folds her arms over her chest. She’s stolen a swivel chair from one of the empty cash desks and she’s spent the entire afternoon alternating between spinning around and around and eating peanut M&Ms by the handful.

It’s been just over a week since she’s spoken with Katya. She’s seen her a couple of times, on accident. The spot outside of Verbena is always open. This morning it was the only one free on the whole street. Trixie had done an awful job parallel parking because she knew Katya would be watching. Sure enough, when she’d hopped down from the driver’s seat she’d caught a flash of blonde hair whipping around to face away from her. At least Katya hadn’t seen her land in the slushy brown melt at the edge of the curb and splatter mud all the way up to the ass of her pants.

“I’m not done yet,” Trixie scowls, but she doesn’t reach for the package of M&Ms again. Violet has been letting her sit in the grocery store and eat her feelings. It’s good to be held accountable, and she can’t bear to be in the empty house for long stretches of time.

“I think you’re done,” Violet says.

There’s a customer approaching from the end of an aisle and Trixie gets up from her stolen seat and wanders away a little ways. Violet hates this job and doesn’t care about it at all, but Trixie doesn’t want to get her in trouble with her manager. He’s a man in his thirties with an inflated ego that neither Trixie nor Violet find at all tolerable.

Trixie typically only comes in to the store on the days Betty isn’t working. She’s here today but she’s stocking shelves, and she doesn’t seem any more enthusiastic about spending time together than Trixie is. It means it’s easy to avoid her.

The heat is turned up uncomfortably high in the store — Violet’s boss said something about wanting to create an oasis of warmth to bring people in — and it’s making Trixie’s skin dry. She misses her moisturiser and she misses her home and she misses Katya most of all. Trixie smoothes her hands over her head to try and flatten her frizzing hair a bit.

Katya has asked her for space.

She’d sobered up a lot, but it had felt nice to allow herself to be taken upstairs and tucked in to bed. Trixie had kissed Katya clumsily, her hands graceless and fumbling through Katya’s hair and against her cheeks. She’d had to unbutton her own pants and circle her fingers at Katya’s wrist so she’d slide her warm hand inside. Katya had protested a little bit, insisted that she didn’t want to take advantage, but Trixie had promised her she wasn’t drunk anymore. Had begged her, just to add to the humiliation of the entire awful day. Katya wouldn’t let Trixie reciprocate, and she had cried, afterwards.

The morning had been unkind to both of them. Trixie isn’t in her twenties anymore and she’d been groggy and disoriented, had kept rubbing at her eyes with her fists like that would help. Katya had made her tea and stood in silence to watch her drink it. She’d asked Trixie, then, for some time apart. Said she thought it was safer for both of them that way.

Trixie touches the five fingertips of her left hand to the window next to the store entrance. It’s starting to get dark already, at barely four in the afternoon. Trixie loves Christmas, loves the lights and the singing and the warm gentle feeling she gets inside of her chest. It’s only a couple of weeks away, and she can’t bear the thought of spending it alone.

Outside the store, there’s a sudden commotion. A gaggle of teenagers sprint past from the direction of the wharf. Trixie recognises a couple of them from Halloween and feels a vague stirring of irritation just to be reminded that they exist. Behind them, more slowly, come two of the boys she definitely knows. They’ve each got their arm around a third boy and they’re dragging him, making powdery snow cascade up from his heels in a great shower as they struggle along the sidewalk.

As they go by the store, the boy’s head lolls sideways and Trixie gasps. It makes Violet and the customer both look up at her and she turns around, mouth agape. “It’s Peter. Something’s wrong. Something’s happened.”

“Peter?” Violet says, and Trixie nods. Violet gets up from her chair and comes around the cash desk, head turned towards the frozen aisle. “Betty! It’s Peter!”

The three of them all come hurrying towards Trixie then, Betty struggling out of the gloves they wear for restocking the freezers. A few days ago Trixie had been complaining about Peter, and Violet had very quietly informed her that Betty is his aunt. It hadn’t done much to deter her, since she doesn’t much like Betty either.

It did make her a little claustrophobic. She knows that in towns like this, people stay their whole lives. Everybody knows everybody. Everyone is related to everyone else. It’d still jarred her a bit and she’d found herself bringing it up several times over the course of the afternoon, until Violet snapped at her to get over it.

She’s always careful to leave the grocery store before five, because she knows that Katya has been coming in after Verbena is closed to talk to Violet too. It’s making her more and more cantankerous as the days go on. Just this morning, she told Trixie that the two of them need to start talking again because she can’t bear one more day of their lesbian drama.

The four of them head outside into the cold, without their jackets. A small crowd has started forming and as they get closer, Trixie sees Peter’s lifeless form sprawled on the ground. It reminds her of the crime scene outlines in the police procedurals Kim used to make her watch. She always thought it was ridiculous, that no one would ever end up splayed like that. The sight of it makes nausea start bubbling low in her stomach.

“What happened?” Betty says, elbowing a couple of the kids aside so she can get to her nephew. She drops to her knees with a sick thud and a little flurry of snow and cradles Peter’s face in her hands. His lips are blue and his skin mottled red and purple. His clothes are soaked through and tiny ice crystals are beginning to form at the ends of his hair. Betty lifts her head to look at one of the boys Trixie recognised, Jake. “What happened?”

“He uh- he went in the water. He jumped off the dock. He said he was doing like a, a polar plunge? I told him it was a dumb idea.”

Betty makes a frustrated noise and shakes her head. “Go get his mom, one of you. Now! Go!”

A couple of the boys disperse from the group and disappear off in the direction of the school. Peter’s mom teaches there, Trixie remembers from their very brief conversation when she first moved in. Mrs Davis had shown up at her door with a muffin basket and done her best to milk Trixie for information, come away knowing nothing about her at all.

Violet is hovering uncomfortably just behind Betty. Of all of them, she’s the only one in short sleeves. She has her arms folded over her chest like that’ll help her uniform polo keep her any warmer.

“Betty,” Violet says, and levels her with a look when she turns around. “Go on. Go get her.”

“No.” Betty shakes her head vehemently. Peter is so still beneath her hands, and Trixie can’t stop staring at him. Everyone’s warm breaths are making little puffs, but not Peter’s. His chest isn’t rising and falling at all as far as Trixie can tell from this distance.

“You need her help. And you know she’ll do it. Even if you are a hateful bitch to her.”

Trixie is taken by surprise and doesn’t quite manage to choke back the splutter that wants to escape her. Violet hears and lifts an eyebrow in Trixie’s direction, but Betty is getting to her feet and she hurries down the street towards Verbena.

Handling a crisis has never really been Trixie’s strong suit. She works well under pressure, had to hone that skill quickly to survive as a line cook, but her brain just absolutely scrambles whenever she has to formulate a plan. Violet is snapping orders at everyone, sending some of the kids to go and find some blankets and making everybody else clear back to form a wide arc around the body.

Peter. He’s not a body, not yet.

Someone is on the phone to emergency services, but the town is so out of the way it’s going to take a while for an ambulance to make it here. Longer than Peter’s got. A few of the teenage girls in his group of friends are crying noisily a couple of feet away from where Trixie is standing.

Now that it’s getting dark, all of the Christmas lights adorning the storefronts are beginning to come on one by one. It feels inappropriate with Peter still splayed out like a rag doll at their feet. The colours are vivid red and green and blue splashes in the snow, reflecting off of windows and the sides of cars.

When she gets to them, Mrs Davis lets out a scream and drops to her knees beside her son. It’s not a noise Trixie has ever heard before, and not one she’d like to hear again. She paws desperately at his face, her body bowed over his as if to shield him. The kids Violet sent to get blankets come back and pile three or four on top of Peter. Everyone is hurrying to make themselves useful, but Trixie is absolutely still.

Betty comes rushing back along the main street, and behind her is Katya. It’s been a week or so since Trixie’s seen her. Apart from this morning, she’s been deliberately avoiding Verbena, looping the long way along the back streets so that she won’t have to catch a glimpse of the store or of Katya alone inside.

She hasn’t had time to pull on a coat and she has the sleeves of her sweater pulled down over her hands. Her bangs need to be trimmed again, and the threadbare patch at the knee of her pants has burst open finally. Trixie offered to sew it for her, offered to patch it, offered to drive her a couple towns over so she could buy a new pair.

The people gathered in throngs around Peter scrabble to back out of Katya’s way. She hurries right to his side and goes to her knees, lays her palms flat against his chest. Mrs Davis gets up and collapses immediately into her sister’s arms, her whole body sagging against Betty.

“Oh dear,” comes a voice from behind Trixie. “It seems we’ve not arrived in the nick of time.”

She turns to see two older women, one with red hair and one dark. A murmur ripples through the crowd at the sight of them. The dark haired one lifts both eyebrows. “Well, I see our instincts are getting a little rusty.”

Trixie ducks her head in close to Violet’s. It feels a little juvenile, like trading gossip in the back of the classroom. “Who’s that?”

“Those are Katya’s aunts, mama. One’s an empath and the other one’s clairvoyant or whatever. I don’t know which one’s which.”

She feels herself staring, slack-jawed, but she can’t seem to do anything about it. Trixie has heard a lot about them. Jinkx and Dela. They raised Katya, after her parents died. She’s seen a photograph or two, but nothing from the last twenty years.

Katya has gotten clumsily to her feet and has an arm around each of them now, her face hidden against the redhead’s shoulder. That one’s Jinkx, Trixie is pretty certain. Katya lets go of her aunts and shakes her head. “You heard me. I didn’t think that would work. You’re here.”

Jinkx wraps her arms around Katya again with a little squeal. Over her shoulder, Katya seeks out Trixie in the crowd. It doesn’t seem to be on purpose, because she immediately lowers her eyes to the ground.

There really isn’t time for this right now. Later, Trixie will think about how she should have been holding Katya’s hand the first time she met her aunts. How she should have been introduced as Katya’s girlfriend. Dela has crouched down beside Peter’s lifeless body and she looks up at Katya with a little frown.

“Katenka, what has happened to this child? What needs to be done?”

“I don’t know,” Katya shakes her head. She seems suddenly aware of the entire population of the town, all standing around waiting for her to perform a miracle. “Just tell me what you want me to do and I’ll do it.”

Dela casts her eyes rapidly over the assembled crowd. She lingers on Trixie for a beat longer than everybody else. She saw Katya looking, then. Trixie sets her jaw and tries to look braver than she feels.

“We need a full coven.”

“Nine women,” Jinkx says.

Dela focuses her gaze on Katya then. The tiniest grin quirks at one corner of her mouth like tugging on a loose thread. “Do you have any friends?”

Violet steps forwards immediately and hurries to Katya’s side. It’s the least apathetic Trixie has ever seen her be about anything. She rests a hand at Katya’s shoulder and squeezes for a moment. Trixie has spent enough time with Violet now that she’s not jealous, but a little prickle of envy still rises along her spine. She misses touching Katya.

She wants to step forward, wants to go to her. She should — Peter’s life is at stake — and her body jerks in Katya’s direction but her feet don’t move. They were friends, before everything, and Trixie still thinks of Katya as her best friend. She misses her best friend. It’s truly awful to stand just a couple of feet away and not know if she would be welcomed at Katya’s side.

The aunts are shooing people back from the scene, Jinkx with wide swooping hand motions and soft words and Dela with the impenetrable seam of her lips and her folded arms. They also seem to be assessing the capabilities of the townsfolk. A couple of the girls from the night of the bonfire are hovering awkwardly, like they’re waiting for permission to join the circle.

“Now’s not the time to be shy,” Jinkx says warmly, and touches her fingers to one of the girls’ elbows to bring both of them closer to Katya. Trixie can see where Katya got her gentleness.

Peter’s mother is swiping at tears with the flat of her palms. Jinkx goes to her and produces a handkerchief from the pocket of her long coat, offers it to her. “What’s your name, dear?”

“Kasha.” She blots at her pink cheeks a couple of times and clears her throat. “That’s my son. That’s my baby.”

“And that's my baby.” Jinkx tips her head in Katya’s direction. “You can trust her. She can do this.”

Kasha is already beginning to collect herself, with Jinkx’s gentle words and her kind face right there. There’s so much Katya in her that Trixie has to look away and swallow down the noise of grief that wants out.

“Once I was halfway across town, my husband was sick and I swear to God I could hear him snoring,” Kasha says.

Jinkx smiles and pats her hand. “There’s a little witch in all of us.”

Most of the other people who gathered have retreated to a safe distance further down the street now. Trixie stays right where she is, arrested by how badly she wants to go to Katya and how afraid she is that Katya won’t want her there.

The women have begun to arrange themselves around Peter per Dela’s instructions. Kasha and Betty. Violet and Jinkx and Dela. The two girls from the bonfire. Katya. That’s eight. While everybody has been stumbling around Peter’s prone form, Katya has remained on her knees beside him. She has both hands flat over his chest and her eyes closed, bottom lip caught between her teeth in concentration.

“We need one more,” Dela says. Kasha lets out a tiny, pitiful wail like an animal caught in a snare.

Katya opens her eyes, finally, and looks right at Trixie. She’s not wearing any makeup today and her eyelashes are pale and delicate. She looks very small, all of the sudden, and very afraid. Katya leaves her right hand spread out wide with her palm over Peter’s heart, but she lifts her left and holds it out towards Trixie. She’s trembling, her knuckles pink and swollen with cold. She seems to be rapidly diminishing the longer Trixie looks at her, collapsing in on herself.

It’s been a hard week. It’s been a miserable, lonely, unpleasant week. Time has seemed to stretch out bleak and unforgiving and white as the snow-bellied clouds. Each morning Trixie has woken up cold and uncomfortable in her big house, missing Katya so fiercely. It’s like a hole in the centre of her: as long as she lies very still it’s not so bad, but the moment she moves or breathes it starts opening wider and wider.

“Please?” Katya says very softly.

There are seven other women watching them, waiting to see what Trixie is going to do. She is suddenly very aware of all that attention, all those solemn, sincere faces, and she does her best not to squirm. Katya looks so sorrowful. Even though she’s the one who wanted space, even though she’s the one who lied over and over again, Trixie can’t stand to see it.

She takes two easy, confident steps and slides her hand into Katya’s.

Her fingers are warmer than Trixie expected and she clings tight, uses that grip to haul herself to her feet. They share a quiet, conspiratorial look. Trixie almost, almost leans in and touches her nose to Katya’s, but Dela claps her hands a couple of times and it startles them both.

“Alright, ladies. Form a circle.” Everybody does as Dela says until the nine of them are standing around Peter. Kasha can’t look at him; Betty can’t look at anything else.

Trixie feels a little hostile, still. She’s heard several of these women be actively cruel towards Katya. They’ve shown her deliberate, meticulous unkindness. She’s on Katya’s right and Violet is on her left, so at least she’s flanked by people that care about her, but Trixie still has to choke back a fierce wave of protectiveness. Adrenaline is a coppery taste and she works her tongue around her teeth a couple of times to try and dispel it.

“Would each of you now join hands,” Jinkx says, and waits a beat for them all to do so. “Remember that as we go forth, it is only with our hearts beating as one that we can save the life of this child. Katenka.”

“Right. Um. Okay.”

Katya is clinging so tight to Trixie’s left hand that it’s making her fingers crunch together uncomfortably. Every head in the circle has turned towards her now. She looks at Trixie wide-eyed and Trixie gives her a tiny nod, lets her mouth tug into a smile for half a second.

“You got this, babe.”

It seems to steel her. Katya turns back around to face the circle of women and takes a slow, deep breath. Her grip on Trixie’s fingers loosens enough that the blood comes rushing back into them and they start tingling. When everyone is silent and still and hand in hand, Katya begins talking.

Her voice is middle-of-the-night low. It sends gooseflesh up the outsides of Trixie’s thighs. She thinks of Katya sliding a knee across Trixie’s hips and sinking down, cold air rushing inside the gap in the sheets. She thinks of Katya’s intelligent hands and warm breathing against the side of her neck. The words aren’t any language that Trixie recognises, but a fist tightens low down in her stomach all the same.

Right away, Jinkx and Dela begin the recitation along with her. The other women in the circle join in and Trixie does too, doing her best to sound out the phrases. She likes the sensation of the unfamiliar words rolling around in her mouth, and the pleased little glance Katya darts at her. They’re all stumbling over the incantation a bit, even Violet, although she’s doing her best to be aloof about it. A hush has fallen over the gathered crowd, and the snow makes everything insular so the only sound in the whole world is the voices of nine women in unison.

This might be the closest thing to faith that Trixie has ever felt.

They go on chanting all together, lapsing in and out of rhythm when someone stutters or messes up the phrasing. At their feet, Peter is unmoving. Trixie entertains the possibility that some of the colour might be coming back into his skin, but it’s gotten all the way dark now so it’s difficult to tell.

After a couple of minutes Katya stops very suddenly and breaks the circle, takes her hands back from Violet and Trixie. She balls them into fists and tucks them up beneath her chin, takes a half step backwards. “I can’t, I can’t, it’s not working.”

Jinkx looks as if she’s going to come towards Katya, but Trixie gets there first. She feels strangely defensive about it. Katya’s her favourite person, the person she leans on, and she wants to be that for her, too.

“Look at me,” Trixie says, and captures Katya’s ashen face in her hands. “Katya. Intention, right? You have to believe it. You can do this.”

“I can’t,” she cries. She doesn’t try to break out of Trixie’s grip, instead wraps her hands around Trixie’s wrists as if to keep her there.

Trixie shifts to the left a tiny bit to try and shield Katya from everyone watching. It puts her closer, close enough that she can smell Katya’s perfume and her laundry detergent. She’s missed this so much. Just having her near, getting to touch her.

“Baby, listen to me. I know you can do this. I’ve seen you do it. Everybody here believes in you. Betty asked you for help. Betty!”

Katya twitches in Trixie’s grip like she’s galvanised by that, but she’s still panicking. Her eyes are so wide and so white and she seems to be having trouble making them stick on any one point. Trixie comes in a little closer to try to fill her field of vision and force Katya to look at her. She’s close enough now that she can feel how warm Katya is.

It’s a very small, very courageous thing. Trixie closes the distance and touches her mouth to Katya’s. It’s soft, but she lingers and she tries to let Katya feel how certain she is. The whole town is watching, but it’s not like they don’t know. Trixie pulls back just enough that the tip of her nose touches Katya’s.

“I love you.” She’s never gotten to say it quite so plainly. Her smile unravels without her really thinking about it, but Katya’s smiling too. “You got this. Focus.”

Katya gives her a small, determined nod and steps forwards, closes the circle again. She takes Trixie’s hand, takes Violet’s too. She’s looking at the two of them with something close to fondness, but when she catches Trixie smiling at her she scoffs and rolls her eyes.

They begin the recitation again, all of them together. Katya’s voice cuts above the rest of them, strong and sure. It’s difficult to tell how long they chant for. Trixie could do this all night. She believes in Katya so intensely, and she knows she’s probably clinging to her hand too tightly but she needs her to know.

When it happens, it’s not at all like Trixie expects. It’s not cinematic; there’s no crescendo and no shower of light. Peter just sits up and coughs a couple of times and then seeks out Kasha in the crowd and says “Mom, I’m cold.”

She and Betty detach themselves from the circle of women and hurry to him, fumbling to wrap the blankets tighter around him and help keep him upright. The girls from the night of the bonfire, Peter’s friends, are kneeling either side of him and sobbing wildly.

Everyone seems to have started moving all at once. Violet is headed back to the store; Trixie has never seen her so enthusiastic to be there, but she’s shivering violently enough now that it’s making her ponytail fly around her head. People are dispersing now that the excitement is over, but Trixie holds tight to Katya’s hand and refuses to allow them to be separated.

“Well done Katenka, dear,” Jinkx says. She wraps Katya up in a hug that Trixie becomes a part of too, by extension. “I knew you could do it.”

Dela comes over to them as well and Trixie has to let go of Katya’s hand so her aunts can have her for a minute or two. Her wide eyes seek Trixie’s and she smiles, does her best to look reassuring. She’s not about to abandon her.

“And who might this be?” Dela says and gives Trixie a once over. She lifts her chin and tries to look less nervous than she feels. She hasn’t ever met the family of anyone she’s dated, before.

Katya grins widely. She has one arm hooked through each of her aunts’ elbows, and Trixie notices with alarm that her legs are bowing inward so that her knees touch. “This is Trixie Mattel. This is my girlfriend.”

Jinkx lets out a little scream of joy and rushes Trixie, throwing both arms around her and squeezing tight. As a rule, Trixie is not a hugger, but she sticks it out for Katya’s sake. Jinkx is petting at her hair and when she lets go, she actually pinches Trixie’s cheeks. It should be irritating, but she’s still reeling from getting to hear Katya say that and it makes everything else less important.

The aunts extricate themselves from the conversation after a few questions about Trixie. Some of the people in the town haven’t seen them in years and there’s a cluster of middle-aged women anxious to catch up.

Without their support, Katya sways where she stands. She scrubs a hand over her face, pallid even in the moonlight, and her mouth opens and closes soundlessly a couple of times.

“Trixie-” she manages to get out, right before she hits the ground.

Trixie goes down with her, palms at her elbows to control the fall as best she can, and she brings Katya into her lap to protect her from the snow. The far off noise of sirens is swelling louder and louder now, and most of the people still out in the cold are busying themselves trying to help Peter, but a couple of heads turn their way. Trixie brings her other arm up around Katya to shield her face.

“I’ve got you. You’re okay, it’s okay. I’ve got you.”

“M'so tired,” Katya slurs.

Trixie kisses the crown of her head and stays there for a moment, gives herself the space to just breathe. “Do you think you can make it to the store, sweetheart?”

She helps Katya to her feet and holds on to her as they make their way down the street towards Verbena. Katya stumbles a couple of times, scuffing her feet through the snow. There are multicoloured lights strung up along the guttering that Trixie helped her to hang a couple of weeks ago. She’d held the stepladder steady while Katya stretched up on tiptoe to get them fixed into place just right.

Trixie helps her through the door and closes it behind them, flips the deadbolt for good measure. Katya is clinging to Trixie’s arm with both hands now. It’s bright inside the store and she scrunches her eyes closed, hides her face against Trixie’s shoulder. Trixie reaches around Katya to turn out the lights. She is warm and soft and scented and Trixie holds her there, fingers light and shifting through Katya’s hair.

“Do you want me to make tea?”

“No,” Katya murmurs. “Don’t let go of me.”

She sounds so young. Not afraid, not exactly, but exhausted. Trixie wraps her arms around Katya and eases both of them very carefully to the ground. It’s uncomfortable on the hardwood and she wishes they were in one of their beds, so she could drape herself over Katya and tuck the quilt in tight around them both. There’s time for that later. For now, she holds Katya close against her chest and rocks her.

“You did so good, babe. It’s okay to rest now, I’m right here. I won’t let go of you.”

Katya, with some difficulty, lifts her head to look at Trixie. “Where’s your second shadow?”

“Huh?” Trixie nudges gently on Katya’s head to get her to relax and she slumps against her again. “Oh. She’s fine, she’s safe at the house.”

“Trixie,” Katya says, and then nothing more. Trixie tugs on her earlobe very gently, touches her lips to Katya’s forehead to bring her back. “I missed you so much. I’m so sorry.”

It sounds like she might be crying a little bit, but when Trixie dusts the pads of her fingers over Katya’s cheeks to check they come away dry. Her body is lengthening in Trixie’s grip as all the adrenaline drains away, but Trixie can still smell it on her like woodsmoke.

“I know you think you’re gonna hurt me,” Trixie starts, and gets a little grunt of acknowledgement. “But this is worse. This hurts worse. Please don’t shut me out again. I can’t- I just want to get to see you and kiss you every day. That’s all.”

Katya disentangles herself from Trixie’s arms and with a great deal of effort arranges her legs beneath herself so that she’s kneeling. She kisses Trixie, wet and desperate, opening Trixie’s mouth with her own. Trixie moans low in her throat and kisses back, slides both hands into Katya’s hair to scratch her nails over her scalp.

When they separate some of the colour has come back into Katya’s cheeks and her mouth is smudged. Trixie smoothes her thumb over Katya’s bottom lip and can’t help her little whine when the tip of Katya’s tongue darts out to touch.

“Are you still gonna make jokes about me murdering you?”

“Duh,” Trixie rolls her eyes. “Have you seen yourself? Awful. Haunted. You’re like something that would come out of a lake and fuck up my whole situation.”

Katya screams a laugh and grabs Trixie’s accusatory pointer finger to shake it around in her fist. “Like a kelpie? Mama, you don’t even know. You should meet my cousin.”

“I don’t need to. I’ve seen your hooves.”

It makes Katya gasp loudly and press her free hand to her chest like she’s wounded. Since the day they met, they’ve laughed together. It’s been the thing Trixie has missed the most, and she’s so full up with joy that she has to bite the inside of her cheek so she doesn’t cry.

Katya is looking at her so fondly, and it’s like she’s coming back to herself finally. She reaches out to tuck Trixie’s hair back out of her face and leaves her hand there, palm against her cheek. The floor is uncomfortable, but she’s happy to stay right here for a long time as long as she gets to have Katya touching her again.

“Hey, Trix?” Trixie hums a little noise of encouragement. “I really love you.”

“You do?”

It’s not like her to need reassurance, and she doesn’t, not really. She believes her, believes in the smile that’s so wide and bright it’s making her nose crinkle, believes in her soft and certain hands. She’s just waited such a long time to hear it, and she wants to hear it again and again.

“I do. So much.”

“I love you so much, too,” Trixie says. “Now can we please go home? I’m numb from below the waist. I need you to check for a pulse.”

[theslasherchild]

Michael Myers love story part 1

Hi guys!, this is a story I've bine thinking about writing for a while the characters in this are my own, except for obviously any characters from John Carpenter's Halloween 1978- which is wear the story is being based from (I'm also ignoring every film from after 1978 + this version of Michael is what I think of him to look like BUT I don't wn tis character at all).

hope you enjoy it x

chapter one ~ beginning

As a sun beam shined through the small gap in my curtains I look over to my alarm clock 7:00,”CRAP” I thought as i rushed into the bathroom to take a shower and quickly get dressed I pulled on a white blouse, black pencil skirt and some tights with some kitten heels. I rushed down to the kitchen t make myself some coffee. minute later Ellie come bursting in waving a newspaper article in my face, “ILEEENNNEEE LOOK LOOK ITS HORRIBLE LOOOOOKKKK”, my tired eyes took a moment to focus on the hovering paper in front of me. 

KILLER HAD DISAPEARED OUT OF SIGHT AFTER HAVE BEENING SHOT OUT OF WINDOW BY CHILD PSCHOLOGIST “oh my god that's awful” I said as I read the article. “ I know right, and he went after that little strode girl, remember her we used to babysit her when we were in university and she goes to the school we both work at you know, I teach her English”. ”yeah I remember she’d be 17 now, poor thing she must have been terrified”, “right, anyway well chat more about this later, lets get too work, if you want we’ll pass by her house to see if she alright after work” , “okay, yeah well do that”. 

during the car ride to work I realised I was still clutching onto the newspaper, I stared at it for a few moments my eyes kept running over the word ‘killer’ that word it so dangerous..yet oddly sexy to me. “Ilene hey, Ilene wakey wakey were here” I look up from the paper to see the school, I worked at the local school in Haddonfield, I was a chemistry teacher I taught in the secondary grade 6-10.

we walk into the school and I said goodbye to Ellie and started to walk to my classroom, I sat down at my desk when I noticed a man standing outside the school on the side of the road from the big window at the back of my classroom, at first I thought he might be a parent for one of the infants or primary kids...but the drop of was at the other side of the school and he was staring at me, the anxiousness crept up my back slowly the feeling was so strange I got up and swiftly made my way to the exit door at the back of my classroom next to  the big window to go  and ask this strange man what he was doing and if he wasn't dropping off a child he needed to leave immediately, but the second I exited the door and look around to see the man again he wasn't there.” how strange I thought” and that maybe I just imagined him I mean I was pretty sleep deprived.

just as I was going to walk out and look around to see if I could see him, “ miss Johnson what ae you doing?” I turn around to see Jennifer Williams a 8 grade student how always tended to turn up earlier then others to my lesson. “n-nothing sweetheart I just thought I saw someone, please sit down and wait for the others to come in”.

Finally it was lunch break I tiredly walked to the staff room where I saw Ellie sitting next to the window and slumped my way across the room to sit next to her. “hey Ellie, how your day bine so far”, “ it was alright, unless you are trying to teach Shakespeare to a bunch of 15 year olds” she said half laughing.

“so I've bine thinking”, she began making me look at her curiously look at her, “how do y feel abut having some fun this weekend” I didn't say anything just gave her a annoyed look, “oh come on Ilene it'll be fun I promise, besides...” she lowered her voice and looked me right in the eye, “how long has it bine since you got any”, “Ellieee” I half yelled at her, “wwhhaaatt” she said laughing at m cherry red face. “Ilene come on you haven't done anything fun since Peter, loo I promise itll be fun and you now we don't have to even talk to any guys it can just be us too...and David ”, I sad nothing, “Ilene you know David doesn't technically count as a guy you know he gay”. ”fine” I said whilst watching her face light up.

~ time skip ~

As I dismissed my final students for the day and started to make my way up to Ellies classroom I suddenly got this strange feeling I was being watched, this feeling similar to his morning crept up my back making my spin crawl as I walked along the long corridors, finally I made my way into Ellies classroom, she must have notice the anxiety on my face because she immediately asked me what was wrong, I told her I was fine and we walked back to her car, “do you still wanna go to the strode house to see if Laurie there” she asked “ yeah, lets go see if she there”, I said franticly still feeling this strange feeling.

once we got to the house there were still swarms of policemen scoping the area, we got out and began walked t the house but we were stopped by a policeman, “sorry no more reporters” he said sharply “oh no were not reporters, we were just wondering if Laurie was still here and if she is can w see her please”, Ellie asked hopefully “sorry ladies, but miss strode bine taken to the hospital poor lass” the policeman said “you ladies should probably get home, you must have read the news, crazy bastards still loose you should make sure your keeping safe”, as Ellie continued to talk to the officer I walked off back to the car to wait for Ellie there, suddenly the feeling came back but lot stronger, I spun my head around to scope the area but all I could see was police men and a few neighbours talking to them abut that night.

ugh, I thought, pull yourself together Ilene your being ridiculous, you don't even live in this area there's no way your being stalked. after about five minutes Ellie came back to the car and took me home just before I got out the car she grab my arm “Ilene are you sure your okay” she asked with worried tone “ El honestly I'm fine I'm just really tired”, she let go of my arm an we said goodbye as I started to unlock my door this dumb feeling came back again, I fumbled with my keys and finally unlocked my door slamming it shut and locking quickly a wash of relief came over my body as I went upstairs to get a shower.

after I had showered I walked into my bedroom I caught myself in the mirror and stood there for a moment as I studied my body, I had always bine small I think I around 5,0ft 5,3ft in the heels I wore for work I had a body type sort of like a triangle I guess I had most of my weight on my hips and bum, pear shape is what Ellie always told me considering I had small shoulders and smaller breast .my thought were interrupted by a loud crash coming from my kitchen, I quickly threw on a oversized shirt and a pair of baggy pj pants and grabbed the only thing that I cold uses as a weapon, my straightener, and as quietly as I could I made my way to my kitchen.

I noticed footprints that definitely weren’t mine, they were much bigger than my feet and the footprints were dirty, my anxiety was high and the fear of who was in my house terrified me. as I as only a steps away from my kitchen I stay there for a few moments before swinging around in the kitchen ready to put a fight...but there was on one there.

suddenly I felt a pair of big hands grab my waist firmly and fight or flight kicked In and I swung around waking the stranger In the face with my straighteners, the man flew back slamming himself into the wall behind him, I stood there panicking on what to do...when suddenly he just fainted and I thought damn how hard did I hit the guy considering I’m the legit height of a child. I dropped my straightener and ran to go get the phone to call the police, but...something was compelling me to check him out in a sense, I walked slowly to this strange man. it was then when I noticed how tall this man was, he looked strong and stocky but he wore a mask. I kneeled down and slowly tugged of the mask which revealed such a handsome face even despite the filth it was covered in, he had sandy blonde hair that brushed past his shoulders and such strong feature that together made him so attractive, as much I didn't want to admit it,he look...sexy.

I don't really know what compelled me not to call the police but for a odd reason I wanted to help him. Then I notice the reason real why he had fainted, on the right side of his body he had a large gash, bleeding heavily. I remembered the newspaper article, he had bine shot, I ran back into my kitchen grabbing towels and the first aid kit in my kitchen, luckily I had been trained to clear this up, before I became a teacher I wanted to be a doctor but i dropped out because it wasn't what i really wanted to do.

I started to clean the wound and a relief strangely came over me when realised the bullet only grazed him and didn't go into him, after a while I had clean the wound out as well as disinfecting it I couldn't bandage it with him lying on the floor, I had to move him but the only problem was I tiny he's not so these are definitely problems for me.

after I dragged him to my sofa and force him to sit up and started to wrap a bandage around his torso to cover the wound, I couldn't help myself I couldn't stop blushing, he was very well built I wouldn't say he was ripped but there were definitely sign of muscle, he look like one of those statues you'd see in a museum. I cursed myself for finding this criminal sexy, for the love of god Ilene what are you doing, i thought as I finished bandaging him up. 

I went up stairs to grab some cloth's for him because I cant have him sleeping in a dirty jumpsuit all night, I still had some cloths from when my ex-boyfriend used to live with me but honestly I wasn't sure if Peters cloths would even fit Michael definitely the shirts wouldn't. I pick out some pj pant in hope that they would fit him, I remember Peter always complaining they where too baggy on him.

luckily they fit him, even though I was blushing like teenager through out changing his cloths. for some reason hiding a killer in my home and letting him sleep in my living room and giving him clothing seem completely fine and dandy as I tiredly dragged my body to bed thanking it was Friday and I didn't have to go to work tomorrow.

Thankyou so much for reading my first chapter and hope you are okay with me ignoring pretty much all the other Halloween films

I’ll most likely be writing another chapter pretty soon so if anyone does read this thankyou and I’ll have the next one out as soon as I can x 

[lacrossepapi]

Remember Me 

Summary: What if Stiles met Peter in the two year window between his mother's death and the Hale fire? Though, there's always a fire. There's always a man. There's always a city. Does loving someone actually change anything?

Chapter One:

“Honey where’s the phone?” A seemingly innocent question.

“Mommy it’s on the counter.” Stiles answered from his spot on the floor surrounded by Halloween coloring books.

“How on Earth could it be on the counter? The cord can’t reach that far.” Stiles stopped coloring as he processed those words.

He had noticed his dad getting more and more nervous, had noticed the multiple trips out to some place he wasn’t allowed to go with. Despite his parent’s increasingly suspicious actions Stiles had just shrugged it off and enjoyed his time with Scott while they were gone. His mom was acting weird, not suspicious. Stiles had no reason to be as worried as he was, but his mom was his favorite person in the whole world and she should’ve known they didn’t have a corded phone.

“Mommy? We threw away the phone with the cord a long time ago. Don’t you ‘member?” He asked, his head tilting to the left as he glanced over his mom making sure she wasn’t hurt or something.

“Oh! Yes I remember now sweet baby!” She laughed as she said it, but it wasn’t her normal happy laugh and that made Stiles nervous.

_

“Well hello there cutie.” Stiles loved when his mommy called him nice things.

“Hi!” he chirped happily bouncing on his toes.

“Did you lose your parents? Want me to help you find them?” Claudia asked with a kind smile as she crouched in front of him.

“M-Mommy?” Stiles asked confused by the game his mommy was playing.

“My husband’s a police officer, let’s go find him so he can help!” Claudia cheered, grabbing his hand and walking to his father.

“Hey darling! A precious little boy needs some help finding his parents, wanna help me look for them?” Claudia asked her husband, her hand still firmly holding her son’s.

“Sure thing my love. What’s your-“ Noah stopped short when he turned around and saw Stiles.

“Stiles, baby boy, can you go wait in the car? Me and your mommy will meet you out there in a little bit, okay?” Stiles smiled at his daddy, happy that someone was finally making sense.

He waited in the car, making sure to buckle himself into his booster seat. Mrs.Mcall was the one that came to get him, not his daddy.

“Hello there sunshine!” Melissa smiled at him as she opened the door.

“Hi Mrs.Melissa! Do you know how long mommy and daddy are going to be inside? I’ve been waiting for them because daddy told me to, but I’m bored!” He whined, though he was still smiling at his friend’s mom.

Her face flickered for a second, her smile dropping, before she said, “Your daddy took your mommy out for some candy. I’m here to take you and Scott out for some ice cream, which is better right?”

Stiles nodded because ice cream was better than candy, especially if his daddy was the one picking out the candy. He always picked out the gross ones like Swedish Fish and those weird root beer barrels.

-

“What are you doing in my house?” The question stopped Stiles in his tracks.

“Mommy? What do you mean? I live here wich you.” Stiles was now worried, this was the second time his mommy forgot him.

“No you do not. You must be here to steal something. You need to go! My husbands a deputy and I’ll have you arrested! Get out of here right now!” His mommy was screaming at him.

Stiles had never heard his mommy scream, much less at him. Stiles has been in trouble, more often than not actually, but his parent’s never yelled at him for it. This was new and Stiles was scared. He dropped his pencil and ran out the door before she could throw the book in her hand. He knew that he shouldn’t be crying, that clearly he had done something wrong and his mommy had finally stopped being patient with his mess ups.

He was startled out of his dark thoughts when a big big dog was suddenly beside him, but maybe he wasn’t suddenly there maybe he had been walking beside Stiles for a while. Stiles really hadn’t been paying attention as he wandered around crying.

“H-hullo there. Are you gonna walk with me? That’s nice of you Mr. Doggy.” Stiles muttered through his tears.

The dog huffed beside him and Stiles gave a small laugh before saying, “You’re right that’s not a good name. I’ll come up with something better I promise.”

He hesitantly raised his hand and pushed it through the dog’s fur, hoping he wasn’t going to make it mad like he’d made his mommy.

“I made mommy mad. Sh-She thought I was a boogerler and that I wanted to hurt her. I’d never hurt my mommy! I don’t like mommy when she’s that mad, so I’m gonna stay out of the house for a little bit. I didn’t mean to make her mad. She’s my favoritest person in the world!” Stiles vented his thoughts to the quiet dog beside him.

“You’re really big for a puppy. All dogs are puppies by the way so I’m gonna call you a puppy if I wanna. Why are you so big? You’re as tall as me and I’m the tallest boy in the third grade!” He smiled at the big black dog.

“Fluffy!” Stiles shouted throwing his hands in the arm.

The dog stopped and turned to face Stiles, who was standing still with a bright smile and dry tears on his freckled face. The dog tilted his head as he waited for Stiles to elaborate.

“You’re name is Fluffy!! Cause you’re a big scary black dog like Hagrid’s!! You don’t have three heads but that’s okay!” Stiles smiled at the dog before stepping forward and placing his hand slowly on the dog’s head.

The dog huffed again, but lowered his head slightly to let Stiles pet him, which made Stiles smiled so wide it hurt.

“My daddy’s a police ocifer! He gets to play with big puppies too. Not as big as you though!” Stiles exclaimed as he continued walking.

“If you wanna you can come home with me. We have a big back yard! It has trees in the backyard! A lot of trees make a forest so my backyard is actually part of a forest! Isn’t that cool?” Stiles asked his head tilting like the dog’s.

Before the dog could do anything like yip or bark it suddenly stopped and turned its head so it was looking behind them. Stiles was about to ask the puppy what was wrong when it turned back to him and licked his face before running off into the dark forest.

“I guess he didn’t want to come home with me. I don’t blame him. Mommy’s scary when she’s mad and I’m gonna asidentily make her mad again. I don’t mean to be bad.” His words ended in a sob as fresh tear spilled from his eyes.

“Stiles! Stiles oh my god I found you!” Stiles turned to find his daddy getting out of his bright, loud car, “Come here angel. My sweet baby boy why did you leave? You’re mommy called and said someone was in the house but you weren’t there when I came to check on you two.” Noah was panting as he dropped to his knees and pulled his son into his arms.

“D-Daddy! Mommy th-thought I was trynna h-h-hurt her! Th-Thought I was a robber! T-told me to go!” Stiles wailed in his father’s arms, clutching his uniform tightly.

-

“We shouldn’t be doing this.” Scott whispered.

“Scott I gotta know what’s wrong with my mommy!” Stiles snapped as he turned back to the computer.

“But we’re supposed to be in the cafeteria not the liberry!” Scott whined.

Stiles just shook his head and ignored him.

“We’re gonna get in trouble!!” Scott whined louder.

Stiles closed his eyes for a moment to breathe.

“It’s gotta be either All-z-heemers or D-men-ti-a. They both cause memory loss and para-no-ia. There’s no cure. My mommy is going to keep forgetting me.” Stiles finished with a whimper and bolted out the door.

Stiles didn’t realize he was running until he was out the front doors of the school and tearing down sidewalk. He didn’t know where he was going, he just needed to get away. Soon he was passing the high school’s lacrosse field and into the woods. He knew better than to wander the forest in a distressed state but being around people felt suffocating. Stiles had always liked the woods they were calm and quiet, so unlike his world. He knew the woods behind his house well, but these woods were different, more chaotic. Darker.

Stiles stumbled over a root and landed face first in mud.

“Great! Just great! My mommy is forgetting me, my daddy knows, but wouldn’t tell me, Mrs. Melissa always looks at me like she’s gonna cry, and now I’m covered in dumb mud out in the middle of the dumb woods instead of in dumb school! I don’t wanna be in trouble anymore! I don’t want mommy to hate me anymore! I don’t want daddy to cry again! I don’t wanna go home anymore! I’m gonna live out here in the woods!” Stiles was so angry, his blood was roaring in his ears as he screamed and thrashed around.

A soft, wet nose was suddenly nudging his cheek. Stiles shot up with a startled squawk as his eyes scanned his surroundings.

“Fluffy?” he asked softly, his head tilting to the left.

The dog dipped his head in greeting before sitting back on his hind legs.

“I missed you.” Stiles sighed, his fury dissipating as he smiled softly at the dog.

Fluffy leaned forward and licked his cheek making Stiles giggle.

“You’re so nice to me.” He had started with a smile, but that quickly faded as a sob tore out of his mouth

Fluffy whined quietly and shuffled forward so that they were leaning together. Stiles leaned his face into Fluffy’s fur and cried.

-

Stiles didn’t remember how he made it home, but he woke up curled up on the couch with a blanket covering him.

Stiles had woken up to his daddy yelling his name. He had scared his daddy by running away, and now he was grounded.

That was fair, so Stiles stuck to his punishment; no more going to the Mcall house after school, no more video games, no more computer. Stiles decided to start running through the woods in his backyard. He never went too far in case his dad came home, but he didn’t stay too close incase his mom forgot him again. Stiles doesn’t know if she ever remembered him again. He hid from her, made sure they were only together if his daddy was home too.

Stiles was on his way back when he heard a short scream and a loud thump from his house. He ran back as fast as he could, that had been Claudia’s scream. He ran straight into the house and to his collapsed mother. He skidded to a halt beside her as she started screaming again.

“Get away! Get away from me! I won’t let you kill me! Demon! Monster! Someone help me! He’s going to kill me!” His mommy screamed and screamed as she twisted away from him trying to drag her broken leg as quickly as she could.

“Mommy?” Stiles voice broke as he watched her crawl away and call him a demon.

He didn’t know what to do. He wanted to help her, but she was trying to get away from him. He started backing away so that maybe she’d stop moving and hurting herself more. His back hit the back door and he slid into the floor. He couldn’t get to her phone to call his daddy, he couldn’t help her, he couldn’t do anything.

“C-Call your husband! Call Noah!” Stiles shouted at his mom as tears fell down his face.

She must have heard him because she fumbled for the phone in her pocket, “I don’t know how to use this! What is this! Where is my cell phone?”

“Claudia slide it to me! I’ll call Noah!” It made his skin crawl to call his parents anything other than mommy and daddy, but it seemed to be calming her down.

Claudia started shaking her head wildly shouting her disagreement to his idea. Before Stiles could do anything a dark hair man was crashing through the door.

“Mrs.Stilinski! Stop moving! We’ve got to get you to a hospital!” The man yelled over her screams as he picked her up like she weighed nothing.

“P-Peter? Peter Hale?” Claudia asked, her voice sounding scratchy and strained.

“Yes ma’am. Let’s get you to a doctor.” The man, Peter Hale, said as he turned back towards the door.

“Please take care of my mom.” Stiles whispered as he curled in on himself.

The man’s head whipped around to him, his eyes flashing in the light.

“Sweet boy you’re coming with. Her leg’s going to be fine but we need to go. I called the station and your dad is going to meet us there.” Peter assured him before stepping out the door.

Stiles followed slowly, scared that he was going to upset his mother again. He didn’t need to worry because it seemed she had fallen asleep in the back seat of Peter’s car. Stiles stood in front of the car fiddling with his sleeves, wondering what to do now, when a warm hand landed on his shoulder. Stiles looked up and found himself reassured by the blue eyes and kind smile he found on Peter’s face.

“Let’s go sweet boy.” Peter’s calm voice soothing Stiles’ panic.

“Thank you. She’s my favoritest person in world. She needs to be okay. She has to be.” Stiles quietly pleaded as he got into the passenger seat and buckled himself in.

Peter watched the boy get in and smiled to himself, “I know angel.”

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