#only pairs couple i actively watch even if i can't tell apart the jumps or throws at all

[flores-desyatov]

Olivia Flores & Luke Wang

JGP Ankara 2024 practice

[imagines-by-a-typical-fangirl]

The Perfect Bad Boy (Pt. 05 of 18)

Pairing: Billy Hargrove X Reader

Word count: 2.8K

Summary: Working as a lifeguard in the Hawkins Community Pool, you try to fit in after moving from New York. Things were going pretty well when you notice you've been under someone's stare. Billy Hargrove, Hawkins' bad boy, has been staring at you since day one. You never intended to have anything to do with him, judging by the reputation he has. But Billy won't leave you alone, determined to show you his feelings are different this time...

As if your heart flooding you with confusing feelings wasn't enough, there are weird, strange animals lurking in the woods... But those have to be just part of the wild live of the woods surrounding Hawkins... Right?

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{Stranger Things Masterlist}

×

Would You Believe Me?

“When are you planning to tell me about this Billy?” Diane stands by the kitchen door frame, an eyebrow raised at you.

Taking another bite of your apple, you roll your eyes. “He's just a friend. I have nothing to say.”

“I know you, (Y/N). And I know you've been hanging out with him.” She comes to sit across from you at the table, and you feel like a child under her stare. Diane has always been your best adviser, the one you tell everything since you can remember. But you couldn't bring yourself to tell her about Billy yet. With Monica, you don't have a choice since you work with her, and she has been around when some stuff happened. But with Diane... You feel like it'll make things real.

You're just about to deny everything again when you remember how confused you are, how there's always a fight inside of you, between two different lines of thought, and suddenly you need Diane's opinion on it. “Billy is a friend.” It's different now, you're admitting it. “He... He offered me a ride home when my car wouldn't start and we stopped to eat tacos. A couple of days after he stopped by this snack bar I was with Monica's friends and... Well, he punched David in the face because he called me dumb.” The memory brings a smile to your lips.

“What?” My aunt smiles too. “I heard some kids talking about David being beat up but I'd never guess that. What else?”

“Uhm... He said he likes me that day.”

“Oh...” She mumbles, furrowing her eyebrows. “So Billy is interested in you.”

Shaking your head slightly, you look down. “He's as interested as he would be in any other girl, right?” Your voice is lower now. “Aunt, Billy is the perfect bad boy. He has the looks, the attitudes, the pretty face, the breathtaking body, and the long list of heartbroken girls.”

“Honey, haven't you heard?” Diane keeps her voice light, taking your hand over the table. “They say the perfect bad boy is bad with everyone except to his girl.”

“Well, I'm not his girl,” you mutter, not sure why saying this makes you feel sad. You shouldn't be so sad about something that's true, something that you made up your mind about. “We're bound to break apart.”

“(Y/N), you're a smart woman. You can read the signs and I trust you to choose what's best for you, as you always have. Even when it meant to leave New York behind and come to such a strange place.” Her eyes are like beacons, reassuring you. You wish she was your mother instead of Kate. “You'll know if you're meant to be with Billy or not. I trust you enough for that, as should you.”

“I love you, aunt.” You breathe out, standing up and hugging her. “Thank you... And not only for this, but for everything. For taking me in and for moving here with me.”

“It was a pleasure, honey. Both to come back to my hometown and to be with you.” Diane never had kids, and her husband died eight years ago. She's still young though, and you hope she finds someone. But until then, you're ok with being somehow her kid. “Now I gotta go. Have a nice day at work.”

“You too.”

Half an hour later you're at the pool, on your chair, eyes scanning the sea of people. The sun is shining bright, and the kids seem especially electrified today. Despite having a lot of people to watch over, you're getting bored by the second, finally understanding why Monica sometimes complains so much about this job.

Billy, as usual, keeps shooting you glances every now and then, winking and smiling when you look his way. After rolling your eyes at him for the hundredth time this morning, you turn your gaze at Monica, who has a meaningful smile on her lips. You get the feeling she'll never stop teasing you about it. Well, she will have to one day. 'We're bound to break', the sentence comes to your mind again, and you decide to let the hot wind blow it away. Mon has a weird expression on her face, which makes you furrow my eyebrows at her.

She then gestures at her eyes. 'Look', you read the word on her lips, just before she gestures at Billy.

That again. You don't want to stare at him. You know he's hot, you don't need to be constantly reminded of that. Running a hand through your hair, you force yourself to focus on the activity that gives you some money at the end of the month. You're not bored anymore, you're thankful you have something to keep your mind off things you certainly shouldn't be thinking about.

When your lunch break finally comes, you jump from your chair to the ground, making the way over Monica, touching her leg. “Hey, you. Lunch, c'mon. I'm starving.”

“I'm a good friend.” She simply says, not even bothering to look at you. Monica can be a freaking interrogation sign sometimes, and you're about to ask her what she means when you notice Billy, standing a few feet away. “I switched my lunch breaks with him.” She looks down, taking her sunglasses off. “You're welcome.”

“I hate you, Mon,” you mumble, sighing at the laugh that leaves her lips.

You have no choice but to walk towards Billy, trying to keep your eyes on his face. But you use the distance to take a quick look, just so you can tell Mon you did it and she'll stop bugging you about it. He's tall, obviously, way taller than you. So you have to look up not to have your eyes glued on his chest. The guy works out. A damn lot, you're sure, and his tan is perfect. It makes you wonder if he even tries because it doesn't seem like he does. Billy doesn't have to act, he just is who he is. No doubt why he had no trouble carrying that heavy backpack during the trail, his muscles look like stone, iron. Even though the small distance you can see how his chest moves when he breathes, and the well-defined muscles of his bare arms. But you're getting close now, so you avert your eyes.

“Was it your idea or hers?” You inquire as soon as you're walking side by side to the cafeteria.

“Mine. I asked her this morning and she accepted.” As you walk, you notice all the heads turning.

The boys look with either anger or envy, and the girls keep checking him out shamelessly. Even the married ladies don't seem to hide the lust in their eyes. You feel a little weird, suddenly so small and out of place. But you can't blame them. Billy is a hell of a view. “You ok?” He suddenly asks. “You tuned out for a moment.”

“Just thinking.” You reach the cafeteria and you get your lunch from the fridge, moving to the microwave.

“About what?”

“The stares you were getting while we walked over here.” It comes out abruptly, and you realize you're angry. Why are you angry? You can't be mad because people are staring, he's not yours.

“People always stare.” He says, coming to seat with you on the table next to the microwave. “But today is for a different reason.”

“Oh, of course.” You avoid his eyes, letting your hair down from the ponytail and detangling it with your fingers, just so you have something to do.

“You only notice half of what's going on around you.” You mumble as a response, not sure if there's anything else you can say. “I never spent this much time without going on dates, and I never spent this much time hanging out with the same girl.” Billy's lower voice slowly makes you raise your eyes, meeting his. “People are impressed. I am impressed.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. It's been a while and I still want to be around you, to get to know you.” As he speaks, you look at the door, because you don't want anyone listening. It's bad enough that you'll end up telling Monica, which only makes you even more confused. You don't need someone else adding up to the mix.

'We're bound to break'. It comes to your head again. “How long do you think it'll last? You know you'll get tired of this little game you're playing, Billy.”

“From the bottom of my heart... I don't think I could ever get tired of you.”

The sudden beeps of the microwave make you jump up, thankful for it breaking through the atmosphere. You get your food and hand Billy his since he shoved it into the microwave with yours.

“Every time I see you it's like the first damn time. It took me by surprise too, believe me.”

“Just eat, Billy. Or it'll get cold.” A stupid thing to say since there's smoke coming from both your meals.

“If I find a way to prove you I'm not joking, that I mean every word I say when I say you're nothing like the other girls, that I'm being serious this time... Would you believe me?”

Holy shit, you need to get the hell out of this cafeteria. You don't want to listen, you want to be left alone until whatever is driving you towards Billy disappears. But can you do that? Stand up and walk away when you're right here with him, nobody else around... You don't think so. “I'd like to see what you would come up with.”

He takes a deep breath, resting his back against the chair. You can only watch as he takes one of his earrings off, doing the same with his necklace. “The hell are you doing, Hargrove?” You mumble, crossing your arms.

He gives a quick glance before focusing on whatever he's doing. He removes the pendant of the necklace, throwing it on the trash next to the fridge. You raise an eyebrow, your hunger momentarily put aside. Billy passes the silver chain through the tiny hoop of his earring, making a whole new necklace. The earring is kinda nice, and it looks badass on him. It has four black little stones and a metal piece at the end, which reminds you a claw.

Your eyes follow him as he stands up, walking around the table to stand behind you. You were just about to ask what he's doing when he puts the necklace around your neck. “Move your hair up, please.”

With wide eyes fixed on the light green wall across the cafeteria, you do as he says, feeling the cold metal against your skin. You're even more confused now. “Wear this every day, and I'll wear mine every day too.”

“Is it... Is it supposed to make people think I belong to you or something?” You burst out, still a little shocked, a little perplexed, trying to control the butterflies on your stomach.

“Then they'll think I belong to you too.”

“Just-just eat, Billy. Please.” You stutter, looking down at your food as your heart drums on your ears.

“And I making you nervous?”

Biting back a smile, you don't answer. You quickly search through your mind for anything else, just so you can change the subject. “I heard you study at Indianapolis University. The same I happen to have transferred to. Which course do you take?” That's good. You got your mind to function.

“Mechanical engineering.” He shrugs his shoulders when you raise your eyebrows. “I always liked cars, so it wasn't a difficult choice. What about you?”

“Biomedicine. I'm planning on specializing in Hematology and get a job on Hawkins National Hematology Lab.”

“So you plan on staying here?”

“Yes. I came to stay.”

There's a change in his expression, as it softens like he just realized something new about himself. A small, genuine smile breaks into his lips, beautiful lips. You were just about to ask what's on his mind when James, another lifeguard comes into the cafeteria and you decide to keep your mouth shut.

•••

When you walk out of the bathroom, still drying your hair with a towel, your eyes fall on the necklace lying on the nightstand, near your telephone. Sitting on the bed, you touch the earring, wondering if Billy is wearing his now. “What's happening to me?” You breathe out, throwing yourself down on the bed.

Your phone starts ringing, but you don't pick up. You know Diane will answer it downstairs. You hear her low voice coming from the living room, your eyes on the ceiling, and your thoughts revolving around him again.

Him.

You don't even need a name, he's the only guy you think about.

“Honey! It's Monica!” Your aunt yells.

“I'll pick up!” You shout back, moving up just to pick up the phone before lying down again. “Hi, Mom.” You hear the sound of the downstairs phone being put down as you speak.

“So. How was it?”

“Uhm... It was a lunch break. We had our breaks together and we had lunch.”

“Seriously? That was it? Don't you think I noticed something very unusual around your neck when you came out?”

Sighing, you let out a humorless laugh. Monica is very perceptive, the reason why she's coursing psychology. She's always paying attention to everything. “Mon...” It's almost like a cry.

“Talk to me, (Y/N).”

“I can't keep doing this.” You cover your eyes with one hand, and the image that immediately comes to my mind is him. “I'm... Scared.”

“What happened in the lunch break?”

“Billy said stuff, you know... That he won't get tired of me, that still wants to be around me...” Tossing around, you hug a pillow. “He took one of his earrings and made it into a necklace... He gave me and told me to wear it every day because he will wear it too.”

“(Y/N), I think Billy is falling in love with you.”

“No, Mon, I–”

“I've seen how he treats girls, (Y/N). He never acted like that. All day long I see them walking around the pool in the tiniest bikinis they have, but he never looks. He used to devour them with his eyes, but since that Monday, when you started working... His eyes are on you, on such a... Kind way. It's like he's someone else entirely.”

“I want to believe you,” you whisper, eyes focusing on the necklace. “What if we're bound to break?”

“Give yourself time, then. And give you both a chance. (Y/N), you need to stop overthinking and enjoy your summer. If you're bound to break, you'll know. But for now, enjoy the attention he's giving you. And if it doesn't work, at least you would have enjoyed it... I mean, you like being around him, don't you?”

“Way more than I should.”

“Then try living in the moment for a while. When it's time to think and make big decisions, you will make them.”

Nodding to yourself, you know she's right. If you keep overthinking, maybe you'll be the one to ruin everything. “You're right...”

“Now, you can either stay there or come with me, Chris and Jason to the mall. What will it be?”

Smiling, you stand up, already moving to chose what to wear.

An hour later you're at Starcourt Mall, completely reformed about a year ago, Monica tells you, after it was destroyed by an explosion. The place is very modern, but it's still very different from those in New York. But you like it, how lit up it is, and crowded. Families, teenagers, and kids, who pass by, running. You take in the lights, the laughers. Monica laughs at something Christopher says, his arms around her shoulders. Jason had to bring his two toddler siblings, so he's walking a few feets away, carrying the two years old Michael on his arms and holding Melanie's hand, who's the five years old.

“Hey. Have you crossed paths with David? After he had his ass kicked?” Chris asks.

“No. And I hope it remains that way.”

“It's a small town, you'll bump into him eventually. But I think he won't bother you anymore.” He says and Monica nods.

“Yeah...”

“You and Billy dating yet?” Jason asks, making it clear he was paying attention.

“Not yet,” Monica answers before you can say anything. Rolling your eyes, you decide not to say argue.

Blushing a little, you touch Billy's earring around your neck. A smile comes to your lips, and you hope he'll be wearing his tomorrow... It's stupid, but it kinda makes you feel closer to him, even though he's not here.

You decide to follow Monica's advice, but you'll still be careful. You can do both.

×

@chloe-skywalker @dpaccione @tilesandtokens

[phil-g-writes]

Andy's Dinosaur Adventure: Hattie's Goodbye

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*Disclaimer: Between the last series of Andy's Dinosaur Adventure and the first series of Andy's Prehistoric Adventure, shown on Cbeebies, the character of Hattie didn't return. I always wondered what happened to her, so while sitting with my toddler as he watched Andy and his adventures (he absolutely loves anything Andy Day does) I decided to write what I think happened. It's just for fun and for a way for me to improve my writing skills. All feedback and constructive criticism welcome.

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Andy had been working with Hattie for a couple of years now. He hoped to one day replace her as head of the Dinosaur Gallery when it's her time to move on. But she was so experienced and knowledgeable that he didn't see that happening any time soon.

Today was like any other day. Hattie was busy creating a new display in the main exhibition area. She had asked him to fetch a new fern for the Diplodocus model as the last one he had got her had strangely wilted, almost as if it was real.

He'd done as he always does. Hat, check. Gizmo, check. Waistcoat, check. Hattie's backpack, check. Jumping into the glowing clock he was transported in a haze of blue light and ticking clockwork, arriving exactly where he needed to be.

Humming a content tune Andy searched for a fresh fern as he stepped out of the way of the humongous Diplodocus stomping around him heading to the edge of the forest for the larger ferns.

Thankfully Diplodocus are messy eaters and so drop large ferns all the time. Picking one of a good size, Andy retraced his steps just in time for the clock to make its familiar warning sound of a loud bong, that told him his time here was up.

Flying through time back to the museum, he was almost getting bored of this part. Hiding his secret was becoming too easy. He had wanted to tell Hattie so many times. But she's so much smarter than him, she probably wouldn't believe him or have him locked up for being insane. No, it was best she didn't know.

Thrown from the clock back into the grand hall of the museum, Andy adjusted his shirt and glanced up to see what looked like visitors coming through the main doors, thankfully too far away to see his time traveling activities. He quickly threw off Hattie's backpack, hat, waistcoat and gizmo, tucking them down the side of the clock as best he could.

The visitors got closer just as he stood to attention. It was then he noticed one of the people coming towards him was the curator of the museum, Mr Hammond. Next to him was a small lady. She wore a light coloured pants suit, with a short bob of dark brown hair.

"Ah Andy, perfect timing. This is Mrs Pickles." Mr Hammond motioned to the lady next to him. Andy automatically reached out and shook Mrs Pickles' hand. Keeping his other hand holding the large fern behind his back. "Lovely to meet you" Andy said with a grin.

"As you know I'm due to leave the museum soon and I am very pleased to tell you Mrs Pickles will be my replacement" Mr Hammond said in an upbeat tone. Andy's eyebrows raised with surprise. He knew Me Hammond was leaving but he hadn't even considered who would replace him.

"Ah brilliant! That's great news!" Andy said cheerily. "Well, not that you're leaving sir, just that it will be Mrs Pickles who is to be, what I mean to say is…" "Yes I think we understand what you're trying to say" Mr Hammond interrupted to save Andy any more embarrassment.

"Well we best get moving. Lots of the museum to see!" And with that Andy nodded his head and looked at the floor as the pair walked up the large stairs. Once they had left Andy remembered the large fern behind his back. "Oh no, Hattie!" he said out loud as he ran as fast as he could back towards the dinosaur exhibit.

Just as Andy disappeared from view Hattie came trotting down the grand staircase and into the main hall. "Andy! Andy where are you?" she called out into the echoing hall.

She reached the bottom of the stairs, looking left to right just as the clock clicked and bonged in a sort of half hearted way, not quite a full bong but enough to get your attention.

Hattie looked over and noticed her backpack peeking out from around the corner of the clock. "What is that doing out here?" she said out loud to herself. Walking over and immediately picking up her backpack, the waistcoat, hat and gizmo fell from their hiding place and onto the floor.

She immediately thought of Andy. He's always acted suspiciously since he started. Friendly enough but sneaks off regularly and comes back with sudden knowledge of the dinosaur or fossil they're talking about. Things he definitely wouldn't have known before.

Hattie always thought he had been secretly searching the internet for information so not to appear dumb in front of her, but sometimes he comes out with the strangest theories, some even proven to be correct more recently.

Just as she was about to turn back to the dinosaur exhibit the clock lightly bonged once again. Standing right next to it she could hear the inner workings ticking, clunking and winding. So much activity inside for just an old grandfather clock she thought.

Looking at the clock face for the first time she only now realised it had a specific display for the year, this year in fact, and under it a picture of a man, well a human, as you would see sketched in an old history book.

She leaned in for a closer look just as two small doors in the front of the clock burst open and out shot a toy terrorsaur, as if it was a Cuckoo clock. Hattie screamed at the sudden shock and jumped back, dropping her backpack on the floor.

Andy was busy in the dinosaur exhibit when he heard Hattie's scream and the familiar noise of the clock. He dropped the fern he was carefully placing on the display and ran for the grand hall.

Zooming into the hall, his feet screeching across the perfectly waxed flooring he stopped just as the blue light emanating from the clock wrapped itself around Hattie who was watching it swirl around her arms and legs. She looked up and locked eyes with Andy. "I knew it!" she shouted at him, pointing her finger as the light enveloped her completely.

Andy launched himself at the clock, reaching it just as Hattie disappeared into mist. Her backpack, his hat, waistcoat and crucially his gizmo were still on the floor. Realising Hattie must have found them he scooped the items up and into the backpack.

Andy walked closer to the clock to check the dial which read 152 million years, with a sketch of a Diplodocus underneath. Andy sighed with some relief. It had taken Hattie to exactly the same time he had just been to. Maybe it could only do one time and location a day he thought. It wasn't something he'd ever tested.

Putting the backpack away carefully in his secret cupboard, Andy then headed back to the Dinosaur exhibit. All he could do now was wait. But what would he say to her? How do you explain that of course he knew about the time travelling clock but he never thought to mention it.

Now his mind moved to Hattie messing with time. Andy knows enough about time travel to know that meddling with it is risky business. He believes in his heart of hearts that he's very careful when he time travels. Though in reality he's risked changing history many times, such as giving a kazoo to a caveman for example.

Though when you think about it, who invented kazoos?

Andy had retreated back to the dinosaur exhibit and was half heartedly working when the clock sprang back into action. The museum was closed and empty now apart from Andy.

He ran back onto the now dark grand hall to see the blue light illuminating the corner of the hall next to the staircase. Andy stood about ten feet away, arms folded as Hattie reappeared with a jump into the here and now. She immediately collapsed to her knees, out of breath and shocked to her core.

Hattie looked up to see Andy standing nearby. "So, now you know" he said as a matter of fact.

"Diplodocus." she took a breath staring at the floor again. "Huge, real, Diplodocus" another breath. "Baby's hatch in the forest." another gulp of air. "Just as we thought" By this point Hattie was starting to catch her breath and looking up at him.

"Andy, this, this is incredible. Wonderful. Stupendous!" She exclaimed as she rose to her feet. "This can change everything about what we understand of dinosaurs, of human evolution!" She announces with grandiose. "We need to tell somebody!"

"Absolutely not." Andy states with a firm tone, his arms still crossed. "What do you mean?" Hattie says exasperated. "This will advance science! It will explain so many mysteries of why we're here! We can actually go and see it for ourselves!" She cheered.

Andy stands firm still with his arms crossed. "Exactly. And what sort of people will want to go see it? Scientists, historians?" he asks.

Hattie nods "Well, yes probably" she agrees. Andy continues "Or will it be billionaires looking for oil, millionaires looking for pet dinosaurs, despicable people looking for a place to hide. Never mind the people who'd want to change history to suit themselves" Andy says with a calm but firm teacher-like tone.

Hattie takes a moment to consider what Andy had said. It's obvious he has had plenty of time to think up that little speech so she moves on. "So how long have you known about this?"

Andy's bravado suddenly disappears, feeling like he's been caught out he unfolds his arms and buries his hands into his pockets "Since about 6 months after I started" he mumbles looking at the ground.

"What?!" Hattie exclaims, stepping closer to him in disbelief, making Andy take a step back in defence. "And you didn't think to tell me?" Hattie shouts obviously feeling quite hurt now. "I, I didn't think you'd believe me" he whispers.

"Well, I believe you now!" she shouts again, motioning back at the clock manically waving her arm. Andy looks up at her and smiles, he can't help but find that last sentence a little funny and he knows Hattie can't resist his silly sense of humour. A smile cracks in the corner of her mouth.

Hattie breaks eye contact with him, sighing as she turns to the side and folds her arms, a smirk still showing in the corner of her mouth. "How many times have you used it?" She asks, still not looking at him.

"Pretty much every day" he admits. "Usually when something goes wrong in the dinosaur exhibit…" "which is pretty much every day" they both say together and at that they both crack up laughing.

Fighting through the giggles Hattie attempts to say "So where have you been, or should I say when?" still chuckling to herself. "Oh you know, lots of different places and times. T-Rex to get that pumice stone I broke, Eustreptospondylus to get a replacement ammonite…" he realises now Hattie is staring at him with her mouth wide open.

"How many of my things have you broken?" she exclaims. "Ah…" he begins before Hattie bursts into laughter again, still a little delirious from her first adventure through time.

As the giggles subside she looks at him again. "So what do we do now?" Andy shrugs "I'd prefer it if you didn't tell anyone. It's just too dangerous." "Yes agreed" Hattie says in her forthright way and yet still to Andy's surprise. "Let's get some sleep and we can discuss this tomorrow" she offers. "Great idea Hattie" Andy brightens.

They walk away from the clock, gather their things to head home and exit through the staff door out onto the street as Andy locks up. Just before they part ways Hattie pipes up "Oh Andy?" she says holding a finger up. "How do you program in where you want to go?" Andy turns to face Hattie. "You just ask it. Only seems to activate when I need it though, like it knows" he shrugs again. "Hmmm" Hattie now thinking deeply "Interesting." Andy breaks the moment of thought "Anyway, see you tomorrow, and please don't tell anyone" he pleads. "I promise" Hattie beams with a big smile.

********

Though the weight of his secret is now feeling lighter, Andy struggles to sleep that night and gets to work early the next day, rather than lie awake in bed thinking. Coming through the main doors Andy decides he's going to be positive about Hattie knowing. Now he has someone to share this with. Someone he can talk to about it.

Feeling cheered up he skips through the doors, past Dippy the Diplodocus and towards the staircase. He looks up to see Hattie in front of the clock. The familiar sound of winding clockwork and swirling blue light surrounds Hattie as she turns to face him. Her face is a picture of regret.

"I'm so sorry Andy. I had to know" and with that Hattie is taken. Andy runs over to the clock to see where and when Hattie has gone. He looks at the familiar dial but there's a symbol he's never seen before. It looks like a ball flying through the air with bits coming off it and a tail trailing behind. Looking at the numbers above it reads: 65 million years.

"Extinction event" Andy whispers looking away from the clock. "Why would she go there?" With a sudden burst of speed he runs to his secret cupboard. Hat, backpack, waistcoat, gizmo, check. He runs back to the clock through the twisting corridors and double doors of the museum, finally reaching the clock. Making sure he's alone he then announces "to the time the dinosaurs died out".

The clock bursts into life and the blue light immediately pulls him in. In what feels like a shorter time than usual he's spat out into the environmental equivalent of a war zone.

Hot lava is erupting from the ground all around him. Searing hot rocks and debris is falling from the sky in every direction, dinosaurs and animals of all shapes and sizes flee past him and around the clock, the unfortunate ones falling into the lava or are trampled by larger creatures.

The air is thick, extremely hot and choking. The noise of destruction and stampeding animals is deafening. Andy coughs hard as his eyes begin to sting with the chemicals in the air. He takes a moment where he's not coughing to shout "Hattie! Hattie where are you?"

Andy takes another breath of poisonous air and immediately coughs so hard he thinks he's going to be sick.

Over the noise of the world ending around him he hears a distant voice "Andy! Wait! Please wait!" Andy looks through the dust and smog of poisonous gases to see Hattie running as fast as she can between the fleeing creatures who are also seeking sanctuary.

"Hattie, quick! We haven't got much time!" Andy shouts motioning her towards him, making sure to stay very close to the clock, using one hand to hold on to the wooden box behind him.

Hattie, now getting closer and running like hell, gently barges some of the smaller fleeing creatures out of her way as the ground beneath them cracks and crumbles under foot.

With about fifteen feet to go the integrity of the ground beneath Hattie and the creatures around her completely gives up to the chaos and collapses. Hattie, using a falling velociraptor as a leg up, leaps towards Andy who is standing on the only part of the ground not yet crumbling away.

He reaches out as far as he can while still having one hand on the clock. Hattie reaches out as she pushes the raptor to the crumbling floor, flying through the air towards him. Their arms cross paths and Andy grips tightly onto her forearm as she does to his.

Andy swings Hattie towards him and they both shout at the same time to the clock "time to head back!" "take me back home!" both exchanging looks of confusion as the blue light blurs their vision.

**********

Andy has traveled in the clock more times than he can remember. But something feels different now. It's quiet, silent in fact, and he realises he's got his eyes closed tight.

"Andy" says an echoing voice. He opens his eyes to almost pitch black. Streaks of blue light zip past him in silent fork lightning as he floats suspended in whatever space he finds himself in.

"Andy" says the echoing voice again. He turns in the space as best he can to see a circular portal about 50 yards away, framed in the familiar blue light which is crackling and giving off noiseless sparks. Through the portal he can see old fashion buildings and cars from many years ago. A figure floating near the portal comes into view. "Andy" says Hattie again, who is now visible in glimpses as the streaks of blue light illuminate her face.

"What's happening?" the echoing voice of Hattie asks, her tone quivering with worry. "I don't know Hattie. This has never happened before" he answers. "Normally I just say it's time to head back and it takes me to the museum, like it knows."

He thinks for a moment. "What did you say when you got back to the clock?" Hattie thinks before answering "I said take me back home" "And what did you mean by that, I mean what were you thinking at the time?" asks Andy.

This time Hattie pauses for a long moment. Andy broke the silence "Hattie, what were you thinking?" "I guess I was thinking of home. Of my parents. I didn't think I was going to make it back there and I just wanted to see them again" she says with a sigh.

Making sense of it Andy realises "I think the clock is pulling us between two destinations. It wants to send me back to the museum and you back to your parents." He says as he looks behind him to see his portal and an image of the grand hall where the clock is kept.

"All we've got to do is follow our portals and we'll be fine" he says with a smile. "But Andy" Hattie hesitates "My parents passed away when I was ten. If I go through that portal...it won't be the same time as your portal." Andy's face drops with realisation.

"I'm so sorry Andy" Hattie begins to cry. "Oh don't be daft" Andy dismisses. "You have been amazing. You've done nothing wrong." He nods and grins hoping Hattie will see. Hattie smiles through her tears. "You're always so kind."

"So I guess this is goodbye" Andy says solemnly. "I guess it is. Be good, and don't break any more of my stuff!" she mockingly tells him off wagging a finger in the darkness. Andy chuckles "I'll try my best" he answers honestly.

They both take a deep breath and in their suspended state push themselves towards their portals. The further they move the more out of focus they become to each other until a flash of blue light surrounds them and the familiar feel of time travel takes over.

Andy is thrown from the clock which is mechanically whining and groaning as he hits the floor of the museum. He looks up to see the clock spit sparks of blue embers. "Well you didn't like that did you?" he says to the clock as he stands up brushing himself down.

His gear safely stored away Andy returns to the dinosaur exhibit and checks the date and time on the laptop. He's been gone barely an hour, the museum will be opening soon. "Huh" he says to himself out loud, sitting down on the edge of the exhibit display.

"Ah there you are Andy!" a Scottish voice announces, shattering the silence and making Andy jump out of his skin. He shoots round to see who it is. "Are you OK Andy?" says Mrs Pickles who is rather startled by his reaction. "Sorry Mrs Pickles, you just surprised me" he says attempting a smile as he stands up to approach her.

"Well, I have been told I have that effect on people" jokes Mrs Pickles. Andy again attempts a smile, failing miserably. Mrs Pickles, noticing the strange atmosphere in the room, remembers why she needed to find him. "Oh yes, this letter came for you. It's wax sealed so must be official" she says with a nod.

Frowning as he takes the letter he thanks Mrs Pickles who disappears back into the corridors of the museum. Andy sits back down on the edge of the exhibit display and turns the letter over in his hands. He eventually decides to open it.

"Dear Andy,

It's Hattie. If my calculations are correct you should receive this letter just after you arrive back at the museum.

I wanted to write to you to let you know I'm safe and well. The landing was a little bumpy but you were right. I found my parents and they're still alive. Oh Andy it's the greatest gift I have ever been given. I have introduced myself, I know I shouldn't have, but I just had to speak to them. It took some convincing I can tell you! But they eventually accepted it was me.

I have had so many wonderful years with them. Being careful to avoid their young daughter of course!

Don't worry about explaining any of this to the museum. I've arranged for my resignation to arrive by post just after this letter. All I ask is you pretend to be shocked. I've recommended you as my replacement and included examples that will help your case. Good luck!

Look after my museum Andy. And no more breaking my things you noodle!

Love always,

Hattie"

"Andy?" It was Mrs Pickles again. "Yes Mrs Pickles?" Andy croaks, fighting back the tears. "We've just received Hattie's resignation by post! Something about going abroad on a fact finding mission. Did you know anything about this?"

Andy sniffs back his upset and turns to face Mrs Pickles. "No nothing Mrs Pickles. That's quite a shock." Andy says very unconvincingly while dabbing his eyes and looking at the floor.

Mrs Pickles narrows her eyes at him which goes unnoticed by Andy. "Well, she speaks very highly of you in her letter and recommends you take her position running the Dinosaur Gallery!" she says to him expectantly. "That's very kind of her" he manages to say while still looking at the ground. "Yes well, we'd still have to go through an interview process you understand" "Of course Mrs Pickles" Andy says quietly.

"But I have to say, she makes a very good case for you" she says with a smirk and a wink which Andy catches just as he looks up. Mrs Pickles turns to leave while flicking through the pages of Hattie's resignation.

Andy looks back at the letter in his hands and smiles as his tears tap on to the paper. "Thanks Hattie" he says to himself.

END.