#sam carpenter's pov at least

[rollingsins]

Quinn Bailey Must Die, p2

P1 | P2 | P3

summary: Quinn Bailey continues her quest to conquer the Carpenter sisters. Well, one of them, at least. all hers universe.

warnings: (+18), Tara is (was) Ghostface, language. Implied sexual content.

pairing: tara carpenter x reader, sam carpenter x quinn bailey

word count: 6.1k

a/n: set in the all hers universe, sequel to the first. wanted to try something a lil different - this is mostly from Sam's POV. There will be at least one other part after this one. Enjoy and let me know your thoughts!

Sam’s bed is shaking when she wakes. 

She has a fan plugged into the wall. Military grade earplugs. A white noise machine. 

And yet, every morning, she wakes to the sound of a squeaking mattress and you moaning like you’re on a casting couch for a bad 60s porno. 

Aggravated, she sits up. Launches a pillow at the wall in the hope it will quell your happy groans. 

It doesn’t. 

“Tara, YN!” She yells, more than fed up, “Shut up! Shut the fuck up.”

You hear Tara groan through the walls. A quiet shush. The bed stops shaking. Sam slumps back into her pillows, content. 

Tara has never cared, but at least you can be shamed into silence. 

She closes her eyes, snuggles back into her pillows for a couple more hours of precious sleep. 

A few minutes go by, and just as Sam is on the cusp of unconsciousness, she hears you let out another, loud moan. 

“Oh, Tara-” 

Sam sits up. 

Fuck this, she thinks as she grouchily shimmies back into an old hoodie, I’ll sleep outside. 

-

When Sam returns to the kitchen - after seventy minutes of tossing and turning with a pillow and a blanket in the apartment hallway - Tara has the audacity to look pleased with herself. 

She’s wearing one of your old t-shirts, absent-mindedly stroking your hair as she sips on a cup of coffee. As if her bedroom activities hadn’t driven Sam out of hers. 

Sam is fuming. Her cheeks are red as she slams her bedding onto the couch. 

You turn at the same time Tara does. 

“What’s up, Sam?” Asks Tara, like she doesn’t know the answer, “You look like you’ve just been dragged through a bush backwards.” 

“You know what’s up,” Sam growls. She snatches a mug from the kitchen counter and pours herself a healthy helping of coffee, “How many times do I have to tell you-“ 

“Relax, Sam,” Tara says with a roll of her eyes, “We didn’t realize you were awake. We’re sorry-“

“I wasn’t awake until you woke me,” Sam says, jabbing a finger towards her nonplussed sister, “This is ridiculous. It’s the third time this week. If you two can’t respect my boundaries-” 

Your face is a little hot. You shoot an apologetic look towards Sam, “We’re sorry, Sam,” You say, “We get… carried away sometimes.” 

But Tara looks annoyed. 

“This is our home,” Says Tara, “If we want to fuck, we will. You don’t have to stay if you don’t want to-”

Sam slams her hand to the counter, making you jump. 

“You asked me to come here,” She growls. She looks a little wild; red cheek, hair messy and ruffled, dark, tired eyes, “You asked me to pitch in. If you want me to go, I’m taking my share of the rent with me.” 

Tara crosses her arms, unhappily. 

“I’m doing the two of you a favor by being here. You think I can afford to pay New York City rent and California rent? The least you can do is not have loud sex at six AM-” Continues Sam, voice strained. 

“You’re right, we’re sorry, Sam,” You interject, eyebrows pinched, “Right, babe? We’ll be quieter.” 

Tara’s quiet for a moment, but Sam knows her sister. She knows the things Tara’s thinking in her head, and none of them are favorable. 

“I have a life back in California,” Sam warns, “If you want me to go, I’ll go. But I’m taking my money with me.” 

Tara’s brows knit. 

“We don’t want that,” You say, quickly, “We’re very grateful you decided to help us out. Right, Tara?”

“Very grateful,” Tara says, voice tight, “Sorry, Sam.” 

She pauses a moment. 

“Babe, you’ve got the ad up, right?” 

Sam ignores the spark of annoyance that floods through her and grabs her lunch.

She sighs right before she heads out. Decides she doesn't want to start her day swimming in negativity. 

“Bye, YN. Love you, Tara.” 

“Bye Sam,” You say, with a small smile, “Have a good day.”

Sam waits a moment.

“Bye, Tara.” She says, once more. 

Tara rolls her eyes, “Bye Sam. What, you need me to walk you out or something?” 

Sam just sighs and leaves. 

-

Sam has a new job at NYU. 

A job she loves. 

Her life so far? Deadbeat father, emotionally absent mother. A murderous psychopath as a biological father. A murderous psychopath as an ex-boyfriend. 

It hasn’t panned out the way she was hoping. 

Nowadays, there’s only two bright sparks in her life. 

Her baby sister, and her job. 

What more could a girl need? 

She’s working in the history department, a subject she’s always been good at. Tutoring students who apparently don’t share her prowess for the past. 

Her first assignment is a nineteen year old boy with straight D grades. Her second is a girl who point blank asks if “the Nazis won the Korean War?” 

Her third strolls into the library now. 

Doesn’t bother to introduce herself. She walks in like she owns the place. Settles herself next to Sam with a coy look in her eye and flutter of her eyelashes. 

“Hi,” Says the girl, with a coy smile. A smile that is far too friendly for discussing the Yom Kippur war. 

Sam blinks.

“Hi,” She says, a little taken aback. She gets ahold of herself, “I’m Sam. I’ll be your tutor for the next semester.” 

This girl has long, flowing strawberry-blonde hair. Piercing blue eyes. She’s wearing a shirt that rides up over her belly button and a pair of pants that are so tight they look as if they were painted on. 

The girl watches for a moment. Surveys Sam - like a hungry wolf might appraise a rabbit. 

And then she grins. 

“We actually know each other,” Says the girl, “At least - we know of each other.”

Sam tilts her head. 

“Oh?” 

“I know your sister,” Says the girl, and her smile turns sheepish, “I used to live with her. Before she kicked me out.” 

Sam blinks. 

“You’re Quinn Bailey,” Sam realizes with a start. 

Quinn’s cheeks pinch in a tight smile. 

“Guilty,” She says with a nervous laugh, “Sorry. This is awkward. I didn’t know the school was going to pair me with you. I mean - I didn’t even know you worked here.” 

Sam leans back a little, suddenly on guard. 

“It’s fine,” She says, “I’ll ask you to be assigned to another tutor.” 

Quinn squints. 

“Actually, you can’t,” Says Quinn, sounding apologetic, “There’s only two history tutors - I checked. The other guy’s out for the next two weeks.” She leans in close, eyebrows in her hairline, “Mono.” 

She pauses. 

“Sorry, this must be awkward for you. But I really do need help. My first paper is due next Thursday.” 

Sam sighs.

“Look, Quinn,” She says, “I just don’t think it’s a good idea after you-“ 

“Threw myself at your sister?” Quinn finishes. Her face is tight - she looks a little embarrassed, “I get it. I do. But you’re the only one who can help me.” 

Sam tilts her head.

Quinn reaches over, takes Sam’s hand. 

“Please.” 

Clearly, it’s been too long since Sam felt the warmth of human touch. Because Quinn’s hand on hers ignites a spark that sends shockwaves through her body. 

You need a boyfriend, she thinks momentarily, badly. 

Sam retracts her hand, squinting slightly. 

And remembers the horror stories Tara had bellowed down the phone line. 

“Those girls are very special to me,” She says, “What you tried to do? It’s despicable.” 

Quinn looks dismayed as Sam stands. 

“Sorry,” Sam says as she straps her back over her shoulder, “You’ll have to find someone else.” 

-

Tara’s in a mood when Sam gets home that night. 

She orders takeout, instead of eating Sam’s meticulously planned, healthy vegan curry. She ignores Sam’s attempts at conversation, and turns the TV a little louder when Sam tries to offer her dessert. 

Sam gives up, not long after. 

She eats dinner by herself, trying not to let her mind drift to Quinn. 

“Please,” She’d murmured, “I really need your help.” 

Weird, she thinks. Quinn’s touch had imprinted on her mind all night. For such a devilish, evil, homewrecker - she’d seemed kind of sweet. Hopeless, almost. 

Like a lost little child, adorned in red lipstick and Michael Kors. 

But then she remembers her sister. 

You arrive home, not long after Sam’s finishing her plate, batting Quinn’s easy smile out of her brain. 

You press a kiss to Tara’s forehead, offer Sam a small smile. 

And then you throw your bag down to the floor and disappear into your bedroom. 

“Good day, Sam?” You ask when you emerge, towel over your shoulders. 

Sam hums. 

“Weird day,” She admits. She shakes her head as she catches your questioning stare, “Nevermind.” 

You watch her a moment, and then reach down to squeeze Tara’s shoulders. 

“I’m taking a shower. Pick a movie for us?” You say with a quick kiss to her cheek. 

“Sure, babe,” Tara says. 

And then she sits up long enough to shoot a glare over at Sam. 

“Just be careful not to shower too loudly,” Tara says, “We wouldn’t want to interrupt Sam’s precious relaxation time. Who knows? She might threaten to not pay the water bill next time.” 

Irritation flashes through Sam, hot and fast.  

She’d been up at six AM again. Her sister is the culprit. And somehow she’s the bad guy? 

“Stop being a brat, Tara,” Sam says, voice tight, “You’ll be twenty next year, you better start acting like it.” 

“And is that when I’ll be as demanding and bitchy and sexless as you?” Tara deadpans. 

Sam lets her cutlery clatter over her plate. Rage simmers in the pit of her stomach that begs to be unleashed. Primarily on her ungrateful shit-head of a sister. 

I move across the country to bail you out, she wants to scream, and you can’t even be hospitable? 

But you get there first. 

“Stop it.” You say, pulling the remote from her hand, and tugging her up, “You are being a brat. Apologize to Sam and go to bed.” 

Tara glares up at you. 

“But babe-“ 

“Now,” You warn, “Or it’ll be your turn to sleep in the hall.” 

Tara’s face clouds over. 

It’s a familiar look to Sam. 

It’s the one she used to give to their Father. Right after she’d choked Sam, or punched her, or pulled her hair.

Her fake apology face.

“Sorry Sam,” She mumbles, as she stands, looking anything but, “Try earplugs next time, maybe.”

“Bed.” You say, “Now.” 

Tara storms off to bed, shooting a withering glare over to Sam as she leaves. 

Sam’s lips twitch. 

She’s used to this - Tara taking her anger out on her. She’s done their whole lives. 

It doesn’t mean it hurts any less. 

You sigh, throwing your towel over one of the dining chairs. 

“Sorry,” You say, “You know what she’s like sometimes.” 

“That therapy is really working wonders, huh?” Asks Sam, a little sarcastic. Her hands are shaking, a little. 

You bite your lip, sinking into the seat opposite her.

“Good days and bad days,” You say, “Dr Colmann says miracles aren’t going to happen overnight.” 

“That girl needs a miracle.” Sam says, a little frosty. Then, she softens, “Sorry. I didn’t mean that. I’m not trying to put you in the middle.” 

“It’s fine, Sam,” You say, “I know she can be a handful. We’re talking about all the stuff she used to do as a kid in therapy.” 

Sam snorts. 

“You mean like when she cut off all the heads of my teddy bears because I wouldn’t let her blow out the candles on my birthday cake?” 

You blink, a little taken aback. 

“No,” You say, slowly, “She kept that one quiet.”

“You better not be talking about me.” Tara’s voice sounds down the hall, hot and angry. 

You look from Sam long enough to shoot a glare down the hall, “And you better be in bed. I mean it, Tara. I’ll be there in five.” 

Tara huffs, but retreats, nonetheless.

You look back over to Sam, who has a contemplative look on her face. 

“I met Quinn Bailey today,” She says. 

You stare. 

“Why?” Is what you ask, and then you frown, “She’s not trying to worm her way back in here, is she? Because that’s not happening.” 

“The only thing she’s trying to worm her way into is an A+ on her history paper,” Sam says, “I told her to forget it.” 

You’re quiet a moment, and then you nod. 

“Thanks Sam,” You say, “Can you do that? Send her away? Isn’t it your job?” 

Sam shrugs. 

“I don’t know,” She admits, honestly, “I guess I’ll find out tomorrow.” 

-

“You can’t turn her away Sam, it’s your job.” Says Sam’s supervisor, sternly, in the morning, “The poor girl was in here in tears last night. There’s no one else.” 

Sam pauses. 

“It’s just-“ She tries, “She has a complicated relationship with my sister and her girlfriend. They used to be roommates. She made some unwanted advances and they kicked her out. I can’t tutor her. It’s a conflict of interest.”

Her supervisor smiles, a little passive aggressive. 

“Spend less time worrying about conflicts of interest Sam,” He tells her, “And more time teaching them”. 

He punctuates his point by tapping down on a book about Palestine. 

And Sam sighs. 

-

“I could just quit,” Sam says later, over a sad looking salad in the cafeteria with Mindy, “I mean, I only took this job because Tara asked me to help out with rent for a bit.” 

Mindy looks over, eyebrows raised.

“Doesn’t quitting your job defeat the purpose of helping Tara with rent?” She asks.

Sam bites her lip. 

“I suppose…” She admits, “Though it wouldn’t be too hard to get a new one. It’s not like the pay is that great, anyway.” 

“I thought you loved your new job,” Says Mindy, “You were saying only last week how good it feels to finally have something fulfilling in your life.” 

“It’s just a job, at the end of the day, Mindy,” Says Sam. She ponders this over a mouthful of lettuce, “Besides, Tara is my sister. She comes first.” 

Mindy purses her lips. 

“And you think she would do the same for you?” Asks Mindy, after a moment, “Quit her job for you? Fly across the country and move into your apartment to bail her out?” 

Sam straightens her shoulders. 

“I’d like to think so,” She says, somewhat defensively.

Even if she doesn’t believe it. 

Mindy shakes her head with a sigh. 

“She won’t even stop banging her girl at six AM for you,” Mindy says, “She won’t even let you get a decent night’s sleep.”

“They’ve said they’ll be quieter.” Sam says, softly. 

Mindy shoots her a look. 

“And how many times have they told you that?” She asks. 

Sam averts her gaze. 

Too many times to count. 

“Don’t do her any favors, Sam.” 

Sam stares. 

“And I thought she was supposed to be your friend?” Sam asks, somewhat pointedly. 

“She is,” Says Mindy, “She’s my friend. And I love her. But she’s selfish as fuck, Sam. You know that. You’re related to that. You’re already being a good big sister. But you don’t have to give up everything for her, Sam. Do something for yourself for once.” 

“And Quinn Bailey is me doing something for myself?” Sam asks, eyebrows raised. 

“If she lets you keep the job you love, sure.” Says Mindy, “Tara will get over it. Besides, you’re only tutoring the girl. What’s the worst that can happen?” 

Sam chews her lip. 

And considers it. 

-

“I’ll help you,” She tells Quinn, a little later over the phone, “Despite my better judgment, I’ll help you.” 

Quinn lets out a breathy sigh, “Oh, Sam - thank you so much-“ 

“I’m not doing it for you,” Sam says, voice stern, “And we’re not friends. I don’t want you coming to the apartment and upsetting my sister and her girlfriend. We’ll meet at the library, every evening around eight. Okay?” 

“Okay,” Quinn agrees, before she hesitates, “It’s not about Tara, Sam, I really just need the help.” 

Sam hums. 

“See you tonight.” 

-

“You’re meeting who at the library?” Tara explodes over the dinner table. 

Sam sighs. Helps herself to more potatoes. 

“I don’t have a choice, Tara,” She says, “It’s my job.” 

But Tara’s eyes are wide as if Sam has betrayed her. 

This is how Tara works. Black and white, no shades of gray. 

Mindy’s words echo through Sam’s head.

Don’t do her any favors, Sam. 

You touch Tara’s arm. 

“It’s alright, Sam, we know,” You say, voice gentle. 

“Are you doing this to punish me?” Tara asks, eyebrows knit, “You don’t like us fucking loudly and so for revenge you’re going to tutor the girl who tried to destroy our relationship?” 

“I need the money, Tara,” Sam says, voice tired, “If I lose this job I won’t be able to chip in for rent.” 

“So get a new job,” Tara says, immediately, as if it’s a perfectly reasonable request. 

“I like my job.” Says Sam, “I’m not getting a new one.” 

Tara splutters. She looks over to you, wide-eyed, “And you’re okay with this?” She asks, in disbelief. 

“Tara,” You say, knitting your brows, “It’s not our decision-” 

“Like hell, it’s not,” Says Tara, “You’re my sister. You’re supposed to be on my side.” 

“There are no sides, Tara.” Sam says, “This isn’t world war three - as much as you’d like it to be. I’m helping her out because I’ll get fired if I don’t. I’ve already told her she’s not coming to the apartment. You won’t have to see her. If she tries anything, I’ll shut it down. Alright?”

You touch Tara’s back. 

“It’s fine, Sam,” You say, quietly, “Baby, it’s okay. We’re not seeing her again.” 

“Yeah, right.” Tara scoffs, “Please. This is just another one of her ploys.” 

She looks over at Sam. 

“She tried to steal me, Sam, we told you that, right?” She says, sounding scandalized. 

Sam rolls her eyes. 

“Yes, you told me that,” Says Sam, “And it didn’t count for shit because you’re a loyal girlfriend and your head couldn’t be turned. Right?” 

Tara thinks. She blinks as if her brain is short-circuiting. 

“Right.” She says, voice slow. 

“Perfect,” Sam says, voice dry, as she stands, “Look, Tara, please don’t be mad at me. You know I wouldn’t see her if I had the choice.” 

Tara folds her arms. 

Sam sighs. 

She leans down to press a kiss to the top of Tara’s head. 

But Tara jerks away. 

“Go, Sam, you’re going to do what you want anyway." She says, sounding surly. 

Sam slips her bag over her shoulder. 

“Bye, girls.” She says, a little dejected, “Love you.” 

But it falls on deaf ears.  

-

You and Tara are arguing when Sam leaves. 

“Why do you care so much, Tara?” You ask, voice hot, “You’re scared she’ll try to kiss you again and you won’t be able to resist?” 

“Baby, that’s ridiculous.” Tara says, outraged, “I don’t want to see her again because she upsets you.” 

Sam sighs, and clicks the door closed. 

The sound of both your voices echoing down the hall. 

Your neighbors must hate you. 

When Sam arrives in the library, Quinn’s already there.

“Hey,” She says, voice bright, and then pauses, “Thanks for coming.” 

“It’s my job,” Sam reminds her, voice a little tight. 

“Well, regardless, thanks.” Says Quinn. 

She sets her books down, slips into the seat next to Sam, wide-eyed and eager. Sam appraises her. 

She’s dressed a little inappropriately for a library study session. 

Short skirt, crop top. Her hair in pigtails, face flush with eyeliner and blush. 

Sam ignores the flutter that settles in her belly and pulls up a chair. 

“Was YN mad you decided to tutor me?” Is her first question. 

Sam opens her book, and points to the first sentence. 

“We’re not talking about them,” She says. 

Quinn chews her lips. 

“I don’t want to get you in trouble,” Quinn says, “You seem really nice, Sam, you don’t deserve that.” 

“Quinn.” Sam says, a little on edge. 

Like she’s starting to think this is a mistake. 

“Sorry,” Says Quinn, settling onto her elbows, “You’re right. Let’s not talk about them. Tell me all about the Yom Kippur War.” 

And Sam does. 

It’s a little difficult. 

Much more difficult than teaching her other students. Quinn doesn’t take her eyes off her. She plays with her hair, bats her eyelids, licks her lips. 

Sam clears her throat, starting to feel like prey. 

But then Quinn changes the topic. 

“I hope you’re ready to be the most consistent person in my life, Sam,” She says, blowing her hair out of her eyes, “Every night. I think if you were to define my dating life, comedy would be the word that springs to mind.” 

Sam raises her eyebrows. 

“Mine too,” She mumbles. 

Quinn rolls her eyes and sighs. 

“Tell me about it. I always pick the wrong guy,” Says Quinn, sounding a little frustrated, “Or girl most recently. Always the emotionally unavailable ones - or the physically unavailable ones. I think there's something wrong with me. Like a romance disease.” 

Sam cracks a smile. 

“I think we’ve got the same illness,” She teases, “I have a similar track record.” 

Quinn sits a little straighter. 

“Oh, yeah?” She asks, “Like who?”

Flashes of Richie blindsight Sam. His smile. His laugh. They way he’d kissed her.

The way he’d lied to her. 

Tried to literally murder her sister. 

Sam swallows, bad taste suddenly filling her mouth. 

“No-one,” She says, hurriedly, “Just a bad ex-boyfriend.” 

Quinn nods. 

“I have a few of those,” She says, and then she bites her lip. 

Sam reverts to feeling like prey. Something weird simmers in the depths of her belly as she meets Quinn’s piercing gaze. 

“Have you only had boyfriends?” Quinn enquiries suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere.  

Sam’s eyes flicker up. 

“Enough about boyfriends,” She says, clearing her throat, “Back to the Yom Kippur War.” 

Quinn’s smile is sly. 

“I’ll take that as a no.” 

“I’ve only had boyfriends, and I only ever will.” Sam says, voice flat, “Now, the war.” 

“How come?” Quinn blinks, wide-eyed, “You never wondered? You never tried it?” 

“No,” Sam says, “Quinn, please.”

Quinn bites her lip. 

“Fine,” She says, with a stretch, “I’ll stop busting your balls.” 

Her eyes flicker up to Sam’s. 

“As long as you remember - balls aren’t the only option.” 

-

Mindy howls over lunch. 

“It’s not that funny, Mindy,” Sam says, looking around. Well aware people are starting to stare, “Hey, shut up. I’m in a crisis here.” 

Mindy draws her shoulders. Takes a deep breath. But her face breaks out immediately. 

Her laugh turns into a snort. 

“I’m sorry, Sam, it’s just too good-“ She says, between breaths, “She really said that?” 

Sam nods. It sets Mindy off once more. 

“Damn this girl has an agenda,” Mindy says, still laughing, “She wants into those Carpenter panties, she really doesn’t care who’s wearing them.” 

“Stop being gross and help me,” Sam hisses. 

“Just tell her you like dick,” Mindy says, with a shrug, finally calming down. 

“I think we’ve established I tried that already,” Says Sam, cheeks flushed, “I get the impression no means yes to her. You know what - I know it for a fact.” 

She chews her lip. 

“Maybe I should just quit.” 

“Relax, Sam,” Says Mindy, with a groan, “This Quinn girl - she’s persistent, sure. But I doubt she’s dangerous or anything. Worst she’ll do is try to kiss you. Hey, then maybe you can put her in a headlock too. Give you and Tara something to bond about.” 

Sam glares. 

Mindy holds back another laugh. 

“Look - say you quit - then what? You get another job, waiting tables or working at a movie theater and hate your life. More than you already hate it.” 

Sam scowls. 

“I don’t hate my life,” She says. 

Mindy nods. 

“Sure, but you don’t love it. Let’s see,” She lists them off on her fingers, “No college degree, no boyfriend, no parents, your friends are a bunch of kids you used to babysit, and your alarm is having to listen to your sister take her girlfriend to pound town every morning.” 

Sam’s ears flame red. 

“You’re disgusting,” She says, voice flat, “And my life is just fine, thank you.” 

Mindy shrugs. 

“If you say so,” She says, slurping at her milkshake. She pauses, “God, that just made me sad. Maybe you should bang Quinn.” 

“Very helpful,” Sam grumbles, as she stands, “Thanks Mindy.” 

-

Sam gets home late - on purpose. 

The last thing she wants to do is deal with the changing winds of Tara’s mood swings. Or even worse - the “I told you so”, which she’s sure is to come. 

She hits the gym. 

Tries to decompress her own thoughts. 

Quinn is only trying to get close to Tara, she reasons, Quinn wants you because she can’t have your sister. 

Her treadmill jog turns into a sprint. 

And you’re straight.  

It’s dark by the time Sam gets home. 

But when she enters the apartment, expecting an empty living room - Tara’s sprawled across the couch. 

The lights are out, and Sam squints as she makes out her sister's figure. 

Tara sits up, like she’s been waiting for her. 

Storm in her eyes. 

“I hope you’re happy with yourself,” Says Tara, arms crossed. The couch has been transformed into a makeshift bed, in which she is clearly sleeping in. 

Alone. 

“Your new best buddy Quinn has caused disarray in my relationship.” 

Sam sighs, setting down her bag. 

“What happened?” She asks, reaching into the fridge for a beer. Alcohol is always necessary when Tara is like this. 

Tara crosses her arms. 

“You know what happened,” She says, “We got rid of Quinn and you brought her back into our lives.” 

“Quinn’s not in your life, Tara,” Sam reminds her, “She’s barely in mine. You really think she’s worth picking arguments over?” 

Tara frowns. 

“I didn’t pick an argument,” Tara says, “You’re the one who brought it up.” 

“And so you’re sleeping on the couch?” Sam asks, eyebrows raised, “What did you say?” 

Tara huffs. 

“Why do you always assume it was me who said something?” She asks.

“Because it usually is.” Sam retorts. She lifts the beer to her lips and takes a long swig. 

Tara’s quiet. 

“I just suggested we should… maybe help you look for a new job or something.” 

Sam stares. 

“Make you quit your job, is what I said, I think.” Tara says, a little sheepish, “YN’s mad because she doesn’t think I treat you well, or whatever. But I told her you don’t care about that. We’re sisters, we treat each other badly. That’s just how it goes.” 

She looks over to Sam, expectantly. Like she’s waiting for her to agree. 

Sam blinks. A sharp wave of hurt flushes through her chest that she can’t quite swallow. 

“I don’t treat you badly, Tara, I love you.” Says Sam after a long moment. There’s pain in her chest, making her words hard to get out, “I flew across the country for you. I’m living in a shoebox apartment infested with cockroaches for you. I fought Ghostface for you.” 

Tara blinks. 

“I tell you I love you everyday, before I leave, do you know that?” Sam asks, eyebrows crinkled, “But you never say it back. Why do you never say it back?” 

Tara just stares, eyes owlish. 

Sam might cry. 

Mindy’s half-cocked summary of her life had also made Sam a little sad. Because what does she have, truly? 

No boyfriend, no friends, a sister who treats her less than human. Like Sam’s a piece of dog-shit on the bottom of her shoe that she can’t quite shake. 

She won’t cry in front of Tara. 

Sam drops the empty beer bottle to the counter and rubs her eyes. Her sadness momentarily turns to anger. 

“I do everything for you,” Sam tells her, after a long moment, “But I love this job. This time you can do something for me. You can accept it.” 

-

When Sam leaves in the morning, the apartment is strangely somber. 

Tara’s avoiding Sam. You’re not talking to Tara. Sam’s not talking to anyone.

You don’t really talk to anyone, nowadays, anyway, she thinks, and then bats away the dreary thought. 

She spends the day on auto-pilot. Tries to will away the self-deprecating hatred brewing in the pit of her stomach. 

Quinn’s smiling when she finally makes her way into the library. 

Maybe the only person in her life happy to see her. 

It’s a sad thought, even for Sam. 

“Joe’s in the best pizza,” Quinn gushes, touching her arm, a little bit into their study session, “Now you live in New York you’ve got to get serious about this kind of thing.” 

Sam bites her lip. 

“I don’t know how much longer I’ll be in town anyway,” Says Sam, “I’m thinking about going home.”

Quinn tilts her head. 

“How come?” 

Sam shakes her head. 

“I’m just- I’m in Tara’s space. It’s not good for our relationship.” 

Quinn hums. 

Sam blinks. 

“Sorry,” She says, catching herself, “I don’t know why I’m telling you all this. Let’s start on the next chapter.” 

“Tara won’t have any space if you leave her here,” Quinn says, tilting her chin, “Believe me. I lived in that apartment. I know how expensive it is.” 

“It’s an expensive shit-hole,” Sam mumbles, “You know every shower I’ve had this week has been cold?” 

Quinn nods, sympathetically. 

“I remember.” 

Sam surveys her for a moment. 

Her brows crease. And her curiosity gets the better of her. 

“Why’d you do it, anyway?” She asks, “Go for my sister? I mean, five minutes alone with the two of them and anyone could see how in love they are.” 

Quinn shifts. 

Averts her gaze, suddenly shy. 

It makes Sam frown. 

“I don’t know,” Quinn says, after a long moment, “Your sister- she seems like a really good girlfriend. I’ve only had bad boyfriends. Maybe I just wanted a change. Someone to treat me right, for once.” 

“And you really thought you could do it?” Sam asks, eyebrow raised, “Seduce her?” 

“No,” Quinn admits, “But it was fun to try. I like that. People I can’t have.”

Sam quirks an eyebrow. 

“You’re lucky YN didn’t beat your ass,” Sam says, the ghost of a smile on her lips, “I’ve seen her do much worse.” 

Quinn licks her lips. 

“Your sister is really beautiful,” She says, after a moment, “But you’re much prettier. Supermodel pretty.” 

The back of Sam’s neck prickles. 

Quinn scoots in a little closer.  

Their thighs touch. A spark flushes through Sam’s body, embering into wildfire before Sam can get a grip on it. 

Quinn’s lips are red. Her blue eyes are dilated. In the glow of the library-light, Sam could almost lean in…

Instead, she stands. Snapping up like she might die if she doesn’t. 

“Quinn,” She says, voice flustered, “I’m not stupid, I know what you’re trying to do.”

Quinn blinks. She cocks her head, dark eyes flashing with innocence. 

“And what am I trying to do?” 

“You couldn’t have Tara, so you’re throwing yourself at me,” Sam says, voice firm, “You think you’re slick, Quinn, but I see right through you.” 

Quinn tilts her head. 

“I just said you were prettier than her.” She says, “Your sister - she’s nice. She’s cute in a pedestrian sort of way. But you - you’re beautiful. Maybe the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.” 

Sam can’t help the blush that stems from the bloom in her stomach and sprouts beet red in her cheeks. 

Quinn Bailey can talk. 

But Sam isn’t falling for it. 

“I’ve got to go,” She says, slinging her back over her arm, “I have- plans.” 

There are no plans. Sam hopes it isn’t obvious. 

Quinn purses her lips. 

“Anywhere fun?” She asks, easy smile on her lips, “Maybe I could come?” 

“Bye, Quinn,” Sam says, voice firm. 

And all but stumbles out of the library with Quinn watching. 

-

“Mindy,” Sam groans, down the phone line on her walk home, “You have to help me. I’m in trouble. Big trouble.” 

“Let me guess,” Mindy says. She sounds like she’s out somewhere - at a bar, or a particularly echoey house party, “You have a big fat hickey on your neck courtesy of one Quinn Bailey?” 

Sam’s cheeks flame. 

“I’m straight, Mindy,” She says, though her voice hovers, “You know that. Quinn - she won’t stop. She threw herself at me again tonight.” 

“Well, maybe you should just let her fuck you,” Mindy suggests, unhelpfully. She sounds a little drunk, “The girl likes what she can’t have so let her have you. Then she’ll leave you alone.” 

“That is some particularly unhelpful logic,” Snaps Sam, “Where are you, anyway? It sounds like there’s three of you.” 

“We’re at one of Chad’s lame house parties,” Says Mindy, “God, your sister’s in a mood, you know that? She’s scaring off all the cute girls. Not even YN can calm her down.”

“Oh,” Says Sam, stopping in her tracks, “You’re throwing a party? Who’s there?” 

“Me, Tara, YN, Chad, Liv,” Says Mindy, without a beat, “Plus every other freshman on campus. Chad tried to get some seniors to come, but he’s a little far off becoming the campus hotshot again.” 

Something pangs deep within Sam’s chest. 

Loneliness coils like a snake around her heart, tugging, tugging, tugging. 

The line is quiet, and Mindy seems to realize her mistake. 

“You don’t want to be here though Sam, it’s super lame. Just freshmen.” She says, hurriedly. 

“Of course not.” Sam says, trying to keep her voice light.

Why would she want to be there? At some lame party with kids four years younger than her, drinking like it’s the first - and last - drop of alcohol they’ve ever had in their lives. 

Because, sings that little voice in the back of her head, every friend you have in this city is there. And not one thought to invite you. Not even your own sister.

“You can come if you want,” Mindy suggests, a moment later, “I’m really sorry, Sam, I didn’t even think-” 

Sam bites her lip. Hard. 

“The last thing I want to do is watch a bunch of kids get wasted off keg-stands,” Sam says. She takes in a breath, and she doesn’t know why - but she’s desperate for Mindy to believe her, “Enjoy the party, Mindy, I’ll talk to you in the morning.” 

“Sure,” Mindy echoes, “Night, Sam.” 

-

It really is pathetic, Sam thinks as she pours herself a large glass of wine, your life. It’s pathetic. 

It’s Friday night. 

She should be out. She should be drinking and partying with friends her own age. She should be dancing in a club, dragging a stranger home and regretting it in the morning. 

What she shouldn’t be doing - is lounging around in her sister’s apartment, drinking by herself. She shouldn’t be moping about an invitation to a party with a friend group that isn’t even hers.

She’s made Tara her world. 

But in Tara’s world, she’s not even a thought. 

Not a sun, not a star, not even a moon. 

Maybe, if she’s lucky, a bit of space-junk Tara can’t quite shake from her orbit.

Pathetic. 

Space-junk, she thinks briefly, that’s a good name for you. A waste of space, more like. 

Sam sinks another glass of wine. 

The buzz feels nice. But the apartment is too quiet. 

Just Sam and her thoughts - a dangerous mix. 

And then - her phone buzzes. Sam has five glasses of wine in her. She answers, without checking who’s calling. 

And her voice catches in her throat when she hears the voice on the other end of the line. 

“Hey stranger,” Says Quinn, “I just wanted to call. I didn’t want to leave our conversation the way it was.” 

Sam pauses. 

She blinks - the room spins. 

“If you’re not interested, I understand,” Continues Quinn, and her voice lowers, “But I think you’ve misunderstood me.” 

Sam’s heartbeat jumps out of her chest. The hairs on the back of her arm raise, something she can’t quite name surges through her veins. 

She swallows, but her mouth is dry. Despite the constant flow of alcoholic lubrication. 

Quinn pauses a moment, and then sighs. 

“I don’t want you because of your sister,” Quinn says, voice graveled, “I want you because you’re beautiful.”

Sam hums. 

She closes her eyes, but she’s still spinning. 

High off alcohol, high off arousal, high off something. 

It feels nice to be wanted, no matter who is doing the wanting. 

She closes her lips, once. Tries to hang up. But she can’t.  

Then, she bites her lip. 

“Come over.”

[satinsummer]

Chapter 2: Movie Night

Summary: It's been over a week since the group has last seen Y/N or Y/BF/N. After the Friday night soccer game gets cancelled due to the thunder storm, they decided to plan a movie night where one thing leads to another

Pairings: G!P Reader x Fem!Sam Carpenter, Fem!Y/BF/N x Tara Carpenter

Chapter 3: https://www.tumblr.com/satinsummer/761170724084973568/chapter-3-the-morning-after?source=share

Warnings: Suggestive language, Drug Use (smoking weed), Fluff 18+ No men or minors pls and thanks!

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Nobody's POV:

"Why don't we invite everyone over for a movie night and sleepover?" Y/BF/N suggests to the small girl laying on her chest. Tara looks up at her, eyes lighting up immediately "Really!? You know the rest of them have been dying to see where you keep me tied every chance you get" Y/BF/N is now hacking up a lung at her girlfriends bold statement barely getting out a "just invite them" before running to the bathroom to collect herself.

While Y/N was finishing up an article about Blackmore's Women's Flag Football Team comeback. She hears Y/BF/N rushing into their shared bathroom sounding like she was dying. Rushing from her desk and out of her room into the hallway she follows the sound of Y/BF/N crazy ass coughing which luckily subsides as Y/N enter the bathroom. "Bitch are you good?" Y/N asks laughing at the poor girl. "Yeah, Tara was just being Tara" Y/BF/N says, cheeks slightly tinted rose. "EWWWWWW" Y/N teases back, before making her way out of the bathroom. "Hey, Wait up! I told Tara she could invite the girls over for a movie night and sleepover. You in?" Y/BF/N asks. "Double date or is chad going to be keeping me company again bec-" "Chad won't be here, she said GIRLS Y/N" Tara interrupts, now joining both girls in the hallway. "Fine. Can you at least invite Sam? Only so she doesn't think this is another plot to go party. She nearly killed me last weekend" Y/N says whining

Tara and Y/BF/N share a knowing look between them after hearing Y/N complaint understanding there was more to her reasoning but not further pressing the topic. They simply agree and send a group text to which everybody eagerly replies to even, Sam. "Do you want me to send a car for them or should we go pick them up? it's way too rainy outside for walking or trains" Y/N says while staring out of the window watching raindrops chasce each other down the glass. "Sending a car? Since when are you so chivalrous Y/N" Tara teases glancing over at the girl on the other side of the room. "Oh, shove it up yours pipsqueak. Y/BF/N send them both cars unless they are all together then obviously just send one" Y/N says calmly after a moment passes, still staring out of the window. "I'll make sure the guest rooms are re-" "GUEST ROOMS?!?!?! HOW FUCKING BIG IS THIS PLACE" Tara yells, as she's about to start taking off down the hallway she's scooped up by Y/BF/N "I will give you the official tour when everyone gets here, baby" Y/BF/N says. "Fine" Tara huffs, stomping back over to the couch.

Y/N excuses herself to go finish editing the article she was working on and afterwards she heads to the bathroom for a scorching hot shower. Once all is said and done in the bathroom Y/N is making her back to her bedroom when she catches a glimpse of Samantha Carpenter walking past the entrance to the hallway and into the living room with Mindy and Anika close behind. Damn, had she showered that long?

Entering her room, Y/N made sure to lock the door as she started to moisturize and get dressed. She didn't want anybody walking in on her whether they were thinking it was the bathroom or it was on Y/BF/N promised tour of your shared loft. Just as Y/N finished getting dressed a soft knock on her door broke her out of her thoughts about tonight and how seeing Sam made her heart race even though she didn't even see her in the hallway. Opening the door Y/N is greeted by 3 smiling face and 1 curious looking Sam staring back at her. "Last stop on the tour: Y/N's room. Notice the low lighting and collectibles." Y/BF/N says as they all push past her and enter the room. "Y/N has a very strict policy of look but don't touch in here. Everything is meticulously placed and kept very orderly. In the center of the room we have a bed that barely sees anybody especially her body, might be here for decoration. You never know" Y/BF/N teases.

Sam found herself looking around Y/N's room more than she'd ever admit aloud but it was hard not to, she was finally in the girl who occupied all of her thoughts personal space, she was in her room, looking at her bed, skimming her fingers across the jam-packed bookshelf. Just next to it stood Y/N's desk, right underneath the flat screen TV on the wall. It also faintly smelled of lavender? Very soothing, Sam might have added if she cared.

"So Y/N how many poor girls have you had in here" Mindy asks with a smirk on her lips. "Wouldn't you like to know M&M, a true lady never kisses and tells" Y/N says looking over at her from the doorway. "Don't let her fool you Mindy, no girls have gotten the chance to touch her bed with all that time she spends in the kitchen SHE barely touches the bed" Y/BF/N says through a laugh. "HEY! You can't just barge in here touch my stuff and insult me!" Y/N whines. "Alright and that concludes the tour of our loft, no questions please and thanks. You can give your tips to Y/N."

Y/BF/N says walking back to the living room with Tara in hand, while Mindy and Anika were close behind the two. Sam still lingered by Y/N's desk, just looking at the papers scatted about, the sticky notes stuck to her monitor screen reminding her of different tasks she still had to complete.

"What do you think? About my room, of course.. does it really scream chick magnet?" Y/N jokes with Sam. After a moment of silence Sam replies "Definitely, Not" as she exits the room to join the others. Y/N stands there only able to chuckle before turning off her light and heading to the living room as well.

After sitting down on the loveseat across from the couch, Y/N took her hoodie off and almost immediately she felt all eyes on her. "DAMN Y/N/N, when you get so cut?" Anika laughs while Mindy feigns fanning herself off as if it was just too hot to handle. "Did you get a new one?!?" Y/BF/N exclaims as she comes over to examine Y/N arm. Sam hadn't seen her bare arms during any of their other interactions and encounters but now she could fully take the younger girl in without the extra coverage on her body. Tattoos covered both her arms, she has a full sleeve on her left arm stopping ever so slightly where her wrist and hand connect while on her right arm it looks like it stretches from her shoulder down to her elbow.

Sam wonders how long each of them took, she wonders what stories are behind them, she found her self wanting to trace them. "Not on my arm" Y/N replies to Y/BF/N "I did get one on my back, it just finished healing. Wanna See?" Eyes lighting up as she finishes her sentence. Before anybody has a chance to agree, Y/N is standing up and pulling her shirt over her head just enough to keep her front covered while exposing her entire back and shoulders.

Truthfully, Sam thought she had died and gone to heaven, Y/N's back was beautifully sculpted, toned in all the right places just waiting to be lic- "That shit is SICK! Is this the cybersigil piece you designed last year?" Y/BF/N asks reaching out to trace the line of the tattoo covering Y/N's back. "Yeah, With a bit of revision and 12hrs of free time on a random Monday night here she is" Y/N responds softly.

"Are we going to start the movie or keep lying about how hot Y/N is" Sam says "No lies are being told, Sammy" Y/N says smirking at the older girl. "The sooner you admit you like my room, and my tattoo(s) the sooner I'll let you taste me" Y/N adds after pulling her shirt back and on. Sam goes completely red in the face, this is the second time Y/N's boldness had left her SPEECHLESS. Instead of responding she just rolls her eyes and picks her phone back up to distract her from burning holes into Y/N's back. Sam wanted to see the tattoo covering the expanse of the girls back again, maybe inside Y/N's room..in her bed...

As all the girls got settled to watch some random movie Tara picked out without anybody else agreeing but disagreeing meant having to find and pick another movie and none of them really had the energy for that right now. "Has everybody eaten? If not I have some thai chicken satay prepped. Could turn them into rice bowls or serve with some more Thai apps if I've got the ingredie-" Y/N rattles off and is walking towards the kitchen before hearing "BOWLS PLEASE" from Tara and Y/BF/N ."Want us to pause the movie?" Y/BF/N asks now joining you in the kitchen. "No, go ahead. I'm gonna get this started and this maybe go down/out for a smoke. I'll make sure to change and wash up a bit after. I don't to trigger T-bones asthma" Y/N states while chopping the veggies, looking over ever so slightly to check the heat on her cast-iron. Burning food is unacceptable to her and everything must come out fully cooked and on time. She's kinda anal about these types of things.

Y/BF/N made her way back to the living room and rejoined the others while the scent of Y/N's cooking began filling the loft. "What are we watching, my love?" Y/BF/N asks Tara "The Babysitter:Killer Queen" She responds never talking her eyes off of the screen but moving closer to Y/BF/N to be held. Soon after Y/N reenters the living room with a serving tray filled with 4 bowls all neatly packed, with chicken rice and veggies, it smells just as good as it looks. She works her way around kindly serving everyone a bowl, noting all of their specific tastes and personal preferences she had learned throughout the entire year she had been friends with girls. "Sorry Sam, I didn't know what you liked, so I opted to put everything on the side and you put in whatever you'd like. There is a peanut sauce served on the side for dipping or drenching. Enjoy" Y/N states and makes her way back into the kitchen to finish cleaning and she goes out up the rooftop for a well deserved joint.

When Y/N finished on the rooftop she just stood there for a bit, taking in the night air, noting how it smelled of heavy rain that promised to engulf the city once again. Making her way back down to the loft, she quietly slipped back inside and started her journey to the bathroom. As she passes the living room, Y/N noticed Anika and Mindy are now gone, probably in the guest room making babydolls while Tara, Sam and Y/BF/N are on their second movie of the night. After freshening up and changing Y/N went back into the kitchen to complete the rest of the dishes , chopped a bit of fruit to eat. Walking back to the living room fruit and water in hand, she takes a seat next to Sam on the couch, offering her some fruit to which she politely declines until Y/N is holding a strawberry up to her lips, eyes on boring into Sam's. "Open" Y/N says and Sam does just that, taking the strawberry between her lips all the while staring Y/N in her eyes. "Good?" Y/N whispers never breaking eye contact with the girl sitting beside her. Sam says nothing and just turns her back to face the TV.

Once the movie was over Tara and Y/BF/N made their way back to Y/BF/N's room, after mumbling a quick "goodnight, love you" to Y/N from Y/BF/N and one from Tara to Sam. The two girls left on the couch sat in a comfortable silence watching the previews for other movies related to the one they had just finished, shortly afterwards Sam got up taking the bowl from Y/N and made her way back to the kitchen putting the bowl in the fridge and making her way back to a stunned Y/N. Sam was walking around like she owned the place and Y/N kinda found it hot.

Before Y/N could process anything else Sam's voice cut through the silence "You're staring again Y/N" She says with a small smile. "I-Y-you're so pretty Sam" Y/N says looking directly into her eyes, then down at her lips and then she slowly makes her way back up to Sam's eyes who now looks ready for Y/N choose to give her. Y/N can't help but to reach out and tuck a loose strand of hair behind Sam's ear, rubbing her thumb softly over her ear and down her jaw. It feels like her entire body responds to not only the compliment but the touch has her on fire.

"Sleep in my room with me" Y/N whispers and Sam can't do anything but nod, allowing the younger girl to lead her down the hall and into her room. Once in the confines of Y/N's room Sam took her hoodie off and climbed into Y/N's bed with ease, it almost felt like she was supposed to be there. Slipping into bed next to her Y/N softly smiled and reassured Sam "I don't want to do anything and I'm sorry if my abrupt request made you uncomfortable. I jus-" "You didn't make me uncomfortable" Sam gently interrupts the younger girls slight rant. "Okay, good..Um goodnight?" Y/N says, turning off the bedside lamps. Afterwards both the girls laid there in complete darkness, listening to the rain that began falling outside as the storm took over the never sleeping city.

They found themselves moving closer to each other until Y/N reached out and pulled Sam into her body. Now with Sam's back pressed against her front, face buried in chocolate tresses she felt like the world had finally settled down. "Goodnight, Y/N" Sam whispered after turning around in Y/N's arms to face her in the dark. Their faces were inches apart and suddenly Sam was leaning in brushing her nose against Y/N's who took that as her greenlight and she kissed Sam so softly almost thought she might break. The kiss got a bit heated between them and eventually Sam was on top on Y/N, kissing her HARD and letting her hands roam down her down her body feeling the swell of her breasts beneath her fingertips, faintly running down her abs underneath her shirt.

Suddenly Sam was flipped on her back and Y/N was above her pressing into her, almost embedding her body into Sam. As Y/N pulled away from her lips, she began kissing down sam's neck and slowly rocking her hips. They both moaned, each one almost too sinful for the other and that's when Sam knew she had to slow this down but it just felt so good. Here she was in her younger sisters girlfriends best friends room underneath her halfway to the point of no return. She felt Y/N's bulge through her sweats pressing into her while they continued to move against one another and as she moaned Y/N slipped her tongue into the kiss and lord Sam's control was slipping.

"O-o-Okay, we have to stop Y/N" Sam pants as the girl pulls away and starts working back down her neck. She pulls back immediately after hearing what the girl below her said "I'm sorry, I-" "Stop saying sorry, I just want to slow this down with you. That's all" Sam says shyly. "Of course, Let me just.." Y/N trails off as she moves from over top of Sam and shuffles out of the room and into the bathroom.

By the time she comes back Sam is half asleep and now wearing one of Y/N's shirts having taken off her own tank-top after the girl rushed off. "You okay?" Sam asks. "Yeah, just cant sleep with a stiffy, so i took a cold shower" Y/N grunts while settling back into bed beside Sam. Pulling the other girl over to her once again, Y/N buries her face back into Sam's hair. Arms wrapping protectively around her and intertwining their legs both girls fall into one of the most comfortable sleeps either of them have experienced in a long time.

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AN: how do ya'll like chapter 2? took me a bit but here she is!

still trying to come up with an actual name for this fic :(

Lmk what yall think!!

[andsoigotabutterfly]

-Save me from Her - chapter 2

Tara Carpenter x fem!reader

Summary: Continues where the last part ended, delicious dinners and some more action. The canon-kind.

a/n: Heyyy. I'm sorry this took so long to write, but I had some family and friends issues I had to take care off, whilst also finally leaving hospital! I'm still not a native-english speaker, so keep keeping that in mind. Hope you enjoy! (This got a bit long, but at least it's out right?)

warnings: amature writing, wounds, blood, canon-typical violance, cursing-swearing, multiple POV's, mixed POV's, mutilation, Sam getting bullied

tell me if I left something out please!

“I’ll have nightmares after this” Mindy said jokingly after you finished the story. “How do you come up with stuff like this?”

“Milk, genetics and a little imagination” you said, shrugging.

“You mean you can do this as well?” she asked, looking at Anika.

“No, I’m not crazy like her…” she huffed and stood up, to go help Tara out. The young brunette has been cutting, brewing, and running up and down in the kitchen for fifteen minutes now and the smells radiating from her position were delicious. It smelt like something familiar, but you couldn’t quite put your finger around it.

You stayed with the Meeks’ and debated what movie you would watch after dinner. Mindy, the horror lover she is, naturally wanted to watch something nightmarish, but her idea was quickly tossed aside, with a loud ‘no’ coming from you, Chad, and the Carpenter’s voice from the kitchen.

Not long later, Tara called out ‘dinner’ and all three of you got up from your seats to gather at the dining table. Anika appeared from the kitchen, holding a basket of croutons. When realisation hit you, your eyes widened.  Your sister smiled at your reaction, and settled next to Mindy, putting the basket on the table. Your eyes darted to the kitchen door, anticipation coursing through you. Tara emerged from the kitchen, holding a metal pot in her hands. Your stare made her blush, but you didn’t notice, as your eyes were fixated on the covered saucepan. She gently put it down and then raised the cloth that was concealing her creation.

Onion soup. She made onion soup.

As the others started reaching and pouring their own portions, you just stared at Tara in awe. Her sweaty face, her small smile, and her watchful gaze all reciting in your brain. She was gauging your reaction, waiting for you to say something. Instead, when you opened your mouth to speak nothing came out. You were comically similar to a fish. This food could have only been meant for you, as every one of your friends suffered from your constant whining that you couldn’t make one for yourself in ages.

After a few hellish moments, you remembered how to talk. “You…” is all that came out though.

Tara’s smile widened, and she let out a chuckle. “You were always complaining that you couldn’t even remember the time you last ate onion soup, so I made one” she said and sat down next to you.

You were still frozen, mouth agape at the surprise. “Stop dramatizing and start eating, you oversized tuna” you heard Anika say. Finally, you got a hold of yourself, and poured a portion. Slowly some croutons made their way to your plate too, then you grabbed your spoon and delicately tasted it.

Tara was eyeing your every movement, trying to figure out if you like it, but your face wouldn’t tell a thing. Her heart started pounding as she thought you didn’t, ignoring every other compliment that came from the others. You finally smiled and let out a chuckle, at the taste, like it has been weeks since you last ate anything. You looked at her, to which her heart started pounding even faster, face heating up rapidly. The only thing that kept her conscious was your gleaming smile.

“This is witchcraft” you finally said, letting out one last chuckle. Tara let out a quiet breath, that she didn’t know was holding and her chest swelled with pride.

“So, you like it?” she asked, voice full of hope.

“Like it?” you asked back, voice high. “I love it! This is better than anything I could have cooked and even rivals that of our nan!” you exclaimed and gestured between you and your sister. She laughed and smiled again, reaching for the food herself.

Mindy started gagging and rolled her eyes. “Jesus get a room already” she huffed and smiled at you two. Tara reddened even more, whilst you just looked away, embarrassed.

Light chatter filled the room as the group ate. You weren’t over exaggerating; Tara’s soup was as if it was from a five-star restaurant. You didn’t seem to be able to stop complimenting it, which made butterflies erupt in the young Carpenter’s stomach. She was proud and happy you enjoyed it this much. Time flew by and before you knew it, the clock hit nine. As the other’s put on a movie, you helped Tara clean the table.

“Thank you” you said softly, so that only she could hear your voice. “This soup was fabulous.”

“You are going to make me believe I can actually cook” she laughed. “Stop!”

“The truth always comes to the surface, whether you like it or not” you told her as you reached for the plates. Looks like she had the exact same thing in mind, as your hands collided, sending a pleasurable jolt through your hand. You both retracted it, like if touching live wire. “Sorry, take it.”

“No, no you. If you want to take the dishes out this much, who am I to stop you?” you were positive her smile could melt even stone.

“I insist” you said, smiling back.

She huffed, and reached for the plate, picking it up and the other ones as well. “If the lady insists.”

----------------

You watched her as she left for the kitchen, your gaze lingering on the spot you saw her last for a second before finishing cleaning up. You then joined the others in the living room, listening to the debate going on. Mindy was still keen on watching ‘Nightmare on Elm Street’, whilst Tara tried to sell her idea of ‘Oppenheimer’. You sat down next to Anika, clinging your wine glasses together as you both watched the show unfold. “I bet Mindy's going to cave” you whispered to her. “She had way too much wine to be able to reason properly.”

“Five dollars Tara’s going to propose a new movie as she sees he can’t win” she held out her for you to shake. You shook it without a second thought, as you had so many times before, smirking at her. You have never lost a bet against your sister, not once.

Not five minutes later you took the five dollars from Anika and placed a soft kiss on her cheek, smirking at her. Tara victoriously searched up the film and pressed the play button. She slumped down next to you and breathed out slowly whilst grinning like a madman. “Good thing Quinn or Ethan isn’t here” she whispered to you. “They would have made us watch ‘Signs’ again. I swear to God, one more movie with Mel Gibson in it, and I’ll gauge my eyes out.”

“What’s wrong with Gibby?”

“It's not him I just had enough of him. I can’t get my head around why they both love him so much” she answered.

“Quinn is obsessed” you correct her. “Ethan just likes her, so he tries to look appealing.”

“Ethan likes everybody.”

“My point still stands darling.”

“Touché” she said holding her hands up, then focused back on the film.

As the movie progressed, you made snarky comments here and there, making her laugh or smile. Your heart swelled and enjoyed her reactions way more than the movie itself. Her laugh was like music, her gleam could make even the coldest, frozen hearts beat again. Soon, you couldn’t focus on the movie anymore as all you were watching was her.

She found herself in similar boots, as she tried to ignore your gravitating face and focus on the film. Even though Tara tried her best, she still glanced at you from time to time, only to blush under the stare you were trying to hide. She unconsciously leaned into you, her head finding home in your lap. Her heart was pounding like crazy at your closeness, yet she wouldn’t trade it for anything. Maybe your lips on hers. She thought about how you would taste, how you would feel, while touching her own at the thought without even realizing it. She was deep in thought, when she heard the main door swing open and crash into the wall.

“Who’s the-“ you started, snapping your head in the direction, but were cut off by the newly emerged, older Carpenter.

“Get away from the window Chad!” Sam all but screamed, her eyes full of fear. She didn’t stop and rushed towards the curtains. Chad did as ordered, not daring question it and got behind Sam. The girl used her momentum and kicked the cloth fabric with full force. A crack could be heard, as her boots went through the window like knife through butter. She squealed from the surprise and fell.

Everyone was up on their feet by that point, watching the scene. You blinked once in confusion, then twice, looking around you to see if the others were just as confused as you, and to your relief all of them looked clueless. Though they looked way more worried than you were. Silence filled the room, the movie blaring in the background.

“Sam” Mindy started slowly. “Everything okay?” she asked, in the most worried voice, you have ever heard from her.

The woman on the ground pulled her leg back from the window, examining it. Her trousers were cut open, and there were a few small cuts on her skin. She cursed under her nose, then looked at the group. “Do I look okay?”

“Why did you kick in the window?” Anika blurted out before she could stop herself.

Sam was pretty annoyed. She huffed and got up from the floor leaning against the wall and breathed in deeply, before starting. “I got a prank call. Everything felt real, their voice modulator, the way they spoke… They even knew what you were doing and who was here!”

Tara left your side to hug her sister tightly. Sam couldn’t hide her surprise but hugged her back. “I was so scared for you…” she spoke again, voice low but you knew it wasn’t just meant for Tara, even if she felt the most worry for her sister. “I’m sorry I ruined the movie.”

Now you had a better view of the young woman. She looked dishevelled and frightened. Not frightened but hurt you corrected yourself. Water was dripping out of her wet hair from the never ending rain in the streets. She was gripping to Tara for dear life, as if she almost lost her.

“Guys” Anika said, looking at her phone, which then she quickly showed to the rest of the group. “I can’t believe this…”

The device was playing a video of Sam barging into the building, laughing emojis placed everywhere on the screen. After a few seconds one of the windows of the building broke, a leg flying out of it. The camera shook from the holder's laughter. The video looked like it was going viral, the title being ‘Crazy mass murderer lady kicks in a window’.

“You have got to be fuckin’ joking” you said and took the phone away from your sister, shutting the screen off. When you looked back at the Carpenters, Sam was holding her head with both hands, hurt and fury raging in her eyes.

She mumbled something under her nose and left the room Tara quick after her, while the rest of you didn’t quite know what to do. Few moments passed, then Anika and Mindy slumped back down on the couch and Chad paused the movie. After a little consideration you went after the sisters, but stopped before the bathroom’s door, not sure if you would be welcome there. You decided against it and leant on the wall next to it. The noises of quiet conversation came from the restroom as time passed. Sam’s voice seemed calmer and calmer under the never-ending soothing voice of Tara.

After successfully cooling Sam off, Tara took in a deep breath and looked at her sister’s clumsy work on her own leg. “I could have done it way more delicately” she said and stood up.

Sam chuckled and shook her head. “It doesn’t matter how it looks if it works does it?”

“Your leg looks like an oversized mummy’s leg. Next time accept my help please.”

“Okay, mom” Sam said, still chuckling.

“Will you join us? The film is about halfway through.”

“No” her voice was dry, her tiredness showing. “I’m exhausted and tomorrow I’ll need to find someone to fix the damn window. I’m gonna wash up a little, then head of to bed. And tell y/n that I’m okay” she gestured under the door to show Tara your shadow. “She has been standing out the door for god know how long we've been talking.”

“Will do. Good night, Sam” Tara told her and closed the door behind her.

Her eyes immediately found yours, as you leaned away from the wall. She saw your concern in them, your eyebrows shuffled, little crinkles appeared on your forehead. You looked cute this way; concerned, was her first thought.

“Is she alright?” came the question and even though Tara was expecting it, your soft and careful voice still took her off guard.

“I wouldn’t say alright, but she'll survive” the younger Carpenter replied.

“She doesn’t deserve this.”

“She really doesn’t” Tara started. “Sam will head off to bed, so let’s keep the voice of the movie low.”

You nodded and went back to the others with Tara at your side. You didn’t even notice that you put your hand on her lower back. She did though, your closeness having the same effect on her as it always did. She felt her pulse in her palm and her breathing sped up.

You finished the movie in silence, Tara’s head on your shoulder her full body weighing on yours. Her smell, of roses and coconut, filled your nostrils intoxicating your every cell. Your breathing synchronized with hers, chests heaving and slumping together in a calm and peaceful dance.

----------

“This film still hits like a truck” Anika told you.

“That doesn't mean you must act like a truck hit you!” you panted as you tried to push her out the door. Your shoulders were against her back, thrusting her out. “Come on! At least help me a little here please!”

She groaned out and stood on her feet, letting you breathe out. Mindy stretched her arm out for Anika to take, which she did, delicately intertwining their fingers. “We’ll wait for you downstairs!” she said with a smirk on her face, waving hastily.

As you turned around to say your goodbyes to Tara, you saw her already standing in front of you, way closer than what you expected. Her eyes were intently searching you her unwavering gaze making you feel vulnerable. “See you tomorrow then?” you asked with a hopeful voice.

“See you tomorrow y/n” she said. Her lips looked so red, so full, so soft. They captured your eyes and didn’t let go. She leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to your cheek. Before you could think of anything, she pushed you out and shut the door, not letting herself do anything more.

She has known you since Anika and Mindy got together almost three months ago. Before that, she had noticed you in classes, but didn't pay much attention. You always made jokes, references or snarky comments that made many laugh including her, yet she didn't draw close to you. Whenever an opportunity rose to get closer to you, you either evaded it, or got silent, which made her think you weren't fond of her.

When Anika joined the friend group, she dragged you with herself, and Tara couldn't be more grateful for her. You quickly loosened up around her and as it turned out, you were a very nice and kind person. Whenever she needed someone to talk to, you were there for her, whenever she had a panic-attack you soothed her and calmed her down. Where others treated her like porcelain, as if she could crack any time, you treated her like a normal person. You knew her better than anyone else and this quickly became very clear to her. Somewhere along the line, she realized she had fallen for you and this scared her.

Her fear of losing you were greater than anything. This is why she didn’t confess her feelings for you. What if you didn’t reciprocate them and so she would ruin everything? No. She just couldn’t risk that. You were her only cornerstone, her anchor, her lifebelt. She wasn't sure how she would live without you guiding her.

But what if you did like her back?

You were still stunned on the other side of the closed door. After your brain processed what happened, a wide smile took place on your face. You couldn’t wash it off even when you reached your sister, the Meeks' already half a street ahead of you. Anika noticed your mood immediately, her smirk from earlier reappearing and growing. “What’s gotten you so pumped up?”

“What are you talking about? I am always this pumped!” you say with too much enthusiasm.

“Riiiiight, and I'm the pope. Out with it!"

"Nothing! It was nothing."

Anika rolled her eyes and pushed it further. "What was nothing?"

"Well, Tara kissed me-"

"No way!" she interrupted and punched your right shoulder.

"-on the cheek." you finally finished. "She kissed me on the cheek" you said again, believing yourself finally this time. Your shoulder hurt like hell from her punch, since she managed to hit one of your bruises. "What the hell was that for?!"

"Sorry, I'm just thrilled!" she all but screamed, her excitement gleaming out of her. "How was it? What happened? What did you-"

"I'll stop you right here, because if you keep going, I won't remember half your questions" you cut in, placing a hand on her shoulder to calm her down.

"I'm listening."

As you started your walk home, you told her about it. Just as you said before, it wasn't anything big, but you couldn't help but feel that it was something special. After you finished, she teased you like never before, about anything and everything but it didn't even register in your blissful brain. After a while of walking, the rain washed this state out of you, and your sister's giddiness spread to you too. You were laughing as you entered the building of your apartment. When you closed the elevator's door and pressed the sixth floor, you were swallowed by your thoughts though.

Tara was perfect. From her smooth black hair and deep brown eyes to her last toe, you found her stunning and captivating. From the first moment you saw her across the hallway she had made your heart find a new rhythm to beat to. You were surprised when Anika told you about her past, why she didn't trust anyone and about what exactly happened in Woodsboro. Gale Weathers' book helped in understanding her, as you dug yourself into the subject.

In classes, she was smart, sharp minded and active. In projects, she didn't take the leading role, yet her views and suggestions were always great and helpful. When you were assigned together on something, your nervousness got the better of you, afraid that you would scare her away with your personality. So you did what you did best for half high school and all primary school; staying silent and invisible. This all changed when Anika forced you to go with her to Mindy's place so that you would meet her and her friends. You found the courage to talk to her and after a while, you let yourself show. Fortunately, she didn't shy away.

This is when you realised, how deeply scarred she was, even the slightest sudden movement making her freeze or horrifying her. You made it your mission to spend time with her and help her in her struggle. She became a constant part in your imaginary timetable stuffed between your drum practises and taekwondo sessions. Your feelings only grew for her every time she fell apart as you adored her for how great she was doing after what she has been through. You could never imagine, that someone as perfect as she was could like you, so you kept your feelings to yourself. Yet that small kiss made you feel otherwise.

"Penny for your thoughts?" you heard your sister ask.

"Just… Tara" you admitted.

"Last time I saw you down bad like this was before…" she didn't finish, and just gulped down the sentence as she saw your eyes flinch. "Anyway, I remember you coming in my room and sit on my bed to talk my ears of about a girl you met in high school" she chuckled lightly at the memory.

"Yeah, I remember too."

"It was 3 am, and you just wouldn't stop endorsing her eyebrows" she laughed.

"Hey! Her eyebrows were pretty!" you defended as you pouted and threw your hands in the air for good measure.

Her burst filled the small elevator as she held her arm to clear the forming tears of joy in her eyes. "If you say so" she managed to say. "What was her name again?"

"Olivia." You crossed your hands looking at her. "How can you not remember your classmate?"

"She left the school in half a year! You can't expect me to remember her."

 You smiled at her. "She's coming over tomorrow."

"Who, Olivia?" she asked with a doubtful voice.

"Not her. Tara" you said sheepishly.

Anika blinked once, then twice. She then opened her mouth, but not a sound left it. Her eyes were wide and happy. "You look like Remy when he finds out he's going to get fed" you told her, which made her compose herself.

"She… You… I mean… Is it a date?"

"We… didn't define it."

"But is it? You asked her in hopes of one no?"

"I'm not going to ask her on a date!"

"Why not?!" she asked, annoyance clear in her voice. "She is just as heads over heals for you as you are for her!" You blinked at her statement in sync with the elevators loud beep, signing that you have arrived. "Oh my god you really don't see it. You are so useless" she muttered, raising a hand to her face as she left the elevator. You thought about what she said and how Tara acted around you for a moment, then followed her.

"Even if she is, which she is not, I am not going to initiate!" your voice a little less certain than before.

She took out her keys a little too forcefully, selecting the right one. "Oh, please put your pride aside just this once! You guys are killing me!"

"Everything is killing you! In mornings, it’s the uncomfortable pillow, in the afternoon it's the lack of sleep because the uncomfortable pillow."

"You chose the wrong pillow and you know it" her voice was plane and accusative. "But seriously, if you two don't get together in rapid time I am going to be so intolerable you wish you had a pack of hyenas as flatmates." The door opened and she entered. Remy was at the door, ready to greet you and as you entered as well, he rubbed against your leg, making it impossible to get further inside the apartment. You leant down and rubbed his throat gently telling him a small 'Hey there King', then took your shoes of. His light purring filled the dark room. "Would you switch the lights on please?" she asked of you.

You kicked your shoes off, being careful not to hit the cat, and started searching for the switch at the location it should have been. After you found it you switched it, but nothing happened, so you did it again and again. "That isn't gonna work, dingus" she said, with an unimpressed look on her face that you could make out even in the dark.

"Oh really?" you asked and started switching it faster, whilst looking at her challengingly. It, didn't work. She groaned out and shut the door.

"You are insufferable" she headed inwards with her head thrown back. You followed after her, leaving the switch in a lit up state, for when the power comes back up it would light up. "What will you two do tomorrow?"

"I've invited her so that she may try my onion pie, but beside that I think we'll watch something and that’s it."

"If you are afraid to express your feelings, you could maybe do it subtly? I know it's not one of your strong suites but if you really don't believe that she likes you this is the only way!"

"I am not going to accept relationship advice from someone that wanted to date Frankie" you said his name with so much disgust, that it even surprised you. You headed towards the kitchen to feed Remy, switching the light on. To your surprise, the lamp lit up the room in bright yellow light. Great, now you have to change the lightbulb at the entrance.

"I was in a rough spot!"

"He threw up in my lap! In front of you! If that wasn't enough there were so many red flags around him, I am actually impressed he can see other colours."

You didn't hear her reply from the other room as you opened a new can of cat food. Remy was waiting on the counter, watching intently at his usual spot. You spooned the minced meat into his bowl and put it before him then watched him for a while as he eagerly began eating it.

When you got back to the living room, Anika was already half asleep on the couch, head slumped on her stretched out arm. You smiled, and went over to her. "Sleepyhead, do you wanna sleep here or in your own bed?"

She mumbled something inaudible as a response. You sighed, and got up from the couch leaving her there. You were very tired, so you made your way to your bed. Your mind was orbiting around Tara, and how tomorrow would go. You drifted off to sleep with her at the front of your brain.

--------

The next day you got up early, full of energy. You laughed at Anika when you saw her still half asleep on the couch. When she got up she was grumpy and messy, her hair dangling in every direction except where it should have. She excused herself for a bath with a raspy voice and left you in the kitchen with Remy. You petted him whilst drinking your coffee and making a small mental list of what you needed to do today before Tara arrives.

The day flew by faster than you remember it going, yet you didn't mind it one bit. You changed the lightbulb at the main entrance, went to a shop to buy the ingredients for the pie and tidied the house up. Tara messaged you about when she should drop in, and what started as a minute-long text exchange max, ended in a half hour long talk on the phone. Her voice was alluring even through the microphone, so you didn't mind at all. When you hang up, you cooked a small lunch for yourself, since Anika has already left the house for a date with Mindy and continued your work. You called your nan and went over the recipe way more times than it was actually needed. She laughed at your enthusiasm, yet didn't question what it was for. She knew it without you needing to say anything about it.

Just as quickly as the sun came in the morning, it went away and Tara found herself before your apartments building, trying to find the courage to enter. She was early and she didn't want to intrude on you just because she couldn't wait anymore doing nothing at home. She then sighed, and forced herself to enter.

She followed your recommendation and used the lift, even though it wasn't in the best shape. It was small and slow, but it did the trick. As the cabin climbed level after level heroically, her heartbeat got faster and faster, filling her ears. Only the sharp beep snapped her out of her trance. She left the elevator, and searched for your door. When she found it, she reached to knock, but stopped herself again. She just stood there, her hand raised halfway to the door.

A loud bang came from the staircase, so she went to investigate.

"Jesus, I am never choosing the stairs again. Fuck…" you mumbled to yourself as you tried to get up to your feet. One of the stone slabs was displaced and you managed to fall when you kicked your feet in its outstanding corner.

"Y/n?"

You snapped your head to the sounds source, seeing Tara above. You tried compose yourself quickly and look sly, as if you didn't just get off the ground after falling on your nose. "Tara! Hey! How are you… What are you…" She chuckled, which made you smile too.

"I came up with the elevator."

"That makes sense. I was just down at Mrs. Kim to ask for some parsley. She grows it in her window, and it's better than anything that can be bought!" you said, holding up a small amount of freshly cut parsley.

"Are you okay?"

"Other than my pride, nothing got hurt, so I would say I'm devastated" you said as you climbed the rest of the stairs. When you reached her, she hugged you gently as to not press into last night's bruises, or any new ones that you got from the cold floor. A pleasant feeling washed over her as she breathed you in. You didn't dare brake the hug, so she needed to after a while. You smiled at her again, and took out your keys to open the door of your apartment.

She followed after you inside and started peeling of her shoes whilst you were fiddling with the lights switch. White light filled the room in a few moments, and Tara heard your soft sigh of relief. "Can you close the door please?" her voice was soft, almost pleading. It broke your heart.

After you closed it, you started leading her inside. "Welcome to my humble home Miss Carpenter! In here we have a few rules of our own, so please follow them!"

"You? Rules? Really?" she asked in disbelief, a slight smirk forming on her face.

"I take laws and rules very seriously dear, I don't know why you would think otherwise" you told her, mimicking her smile. "Rule number one; if you feel that the host isn't being a good host, you tell them that with utmost cruelty. Rule number two; if you are hungry, nag the host until she caves and gives you something to eat."

"What kind of rules are these?" she laughed.

You shrugged, looking confused. "Remy made them. Any criticism can be guided towards him from nine till ten."

"The cat?"

"Indeed he did. Complaints?"

"No, none here. I'm starving" she said and smiled.

"Good. I will put the pie in the oven and while it bakes, we eat dinner."

"What's for dinner? This smell is delicious!" to prove her point she breathed in deeply.

"Secret" you told her with a mischievous smile on your face.

She sighed and went inside. The place screamed of your presence, everything placed loosely without a real spot, yet connected in a working system of chaos. The furniture's colours complimented each other, a few plants placed near the windows here and there. The brown, leather couch faced the television on a small desk near the one of the windows. An orange-ginger cat laid out on the couch, eyeing her, his green eyes flashing in the dark room.

"That's Remy. He doesn't really like strangers, so don't expect much… Aaand he allowed you to pet him." You rolled your eyes and smiled at them. Tara was beside him, gently caressing his back, whilst he was looking at you with narrowed eyes. You stack your tongue at him and went to the kitchen to put the parsley on the pie and put it in the oven. The you took the food to the table. She followed you there and sat in front of you as you made the table. You then raised the pan's top revealing the still sizzling paella underneath. Her eyes widened as she looked up at you.

"How did you-" she started but you cut in.

"Mindy snitched on you. I hope you like it."

She let you take out a portion for her, and greedily tasted it. Somehow it tasted more than any other version she has ever tried. She moaned out, letting you know it was heavenly, and with a still full mouth asked. "What's in this?"

"Well, only what all other paellas. Oh, and a splash of love. I forgot about that part" you said smiling.

Her laugh filled the room, and filled your ears. "Well, that splash of love really is something because I've never tasted anything this good!"

"No need to over exaggerate" you said even when you felt your chest swell with pride.

"I'm not!" she raised her voice. "Have you tried this?!"

"Well, a few times whilst making it, but not the complete product" you admitted.

"Here, taste it!" she said and raised the spoon to your face. You raised an eyebrow, but tasted your food. It really was great, and you had a similar reaction to Tara's. She laughed and pulled her spoon back.

"I don't want to sound smug, but this is a damn good paella" you smiled.

"You don't. I love it."

When you finished eating, you took the cleared the table, and brought in new plates for the pie. "I'm sorry but I am full" she said, looking apologetically at you. "Maybe after a movie I can try it?"

"Thought so. You more than what I saw you eat in the last two days" you joked.

"Not my fault it was better than what gods eat!"

"Stop it!" you laughed and hit her shoulder gently. She laughed with you. You held your hand out to her to help her up, which she carefully took. You then lead her back to the living room, where she turned to face you.

"What do you want to watch?"

You, you thought and didn't realize you said it out loud.

"Me?" she asked laughing against you, leaning just a little closer. "Why is that?"

"Wha-" you started, but as you comprehended what happened, you stopped. "I… Because… Because you are beautiful Tara" you said, and swallowed. You just realized how close she was, her breathing hitting your nose, her arms around you, yours around her. She was staring into your eyes, her heartbeat faster than ever. Her eyes snapped to your lips, then back. Yours did the same. She was leaning closer, and closer, until her lips reached yours. As she pressed them together she felt how soft they were, how warm and oh so much better than what she imagined. Her eyes shut close letting the feeling encompass her whole body, mind in a blissful state as she deepened the kiss hungrily, pulling you impossibly closer. You felt in heaven, her lips being better than any drug. They tasted like sweet strawberries, you could feel yourself become addicted to the sensation.

You separated for air and pressed your foreheads together. She put her hands on your scalp, gently keeping you close so that if you wanted to, you could break the contact. You tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, and held your hand on her cheek. She chuckled against you and looked up in your eyes. "So you think I'm beautiful?"

"I do. I did from the very start. You are gorgeous" your voice was pure and filled with softness and love. "If I knew what would happen when I call you that I would have done it years ago."

"You didn't even know me back then."

"Well, kissing a random beautiful girl would have still been a great accomplishment."

"Then shut up and do it again" she said, leaning up.

You obliged happily, pressing yourself against her as you guided her to the couch. She span you around and pushed you at the couch, making you fall on it with your back. Then she climbed after you and kissed you eagerly, pressing your body into the pillows. You lost yourself in her, keeping your hands on her hips pulling her closer. Heaven and hell be damned, she was your religion, and praying at her altar felt better than anything in this whole world.

Then her phone rang. Of course something needed to ruin the moment. You groaned out and tried to get up, but she pressed you back, not letting you leave. In moments you forgot about the phone, Tara filling your every sense, but then it rang again. When you didn't answer it there was a small silence until your phone rang too. The Carpenter huffed out and pushed herself off you, letting you grab your phone. It was from an unknown number. You rolled your eyes and picked up.

"Hi, no I don't want to change to a better subscription and no, I don't care what the package contains because as I said before, I am not interested."

"What about a package that lets you keep your lives, Y/N?" a voice asked, that you were far too familiar with. The Stab movies were one of your favourite horror movies, but since you befriended Tara and the others, you felt like it was inappropriate to watch any of them ever again. Your racing heart skipped a few beats as the blood in your arms froze. You blinked towards Tara, trying to keep calm as to avoid her having a panic attack. The last one she had was far too dangerous to happen again.

You stood up and glanced around the room, trying to find any hiding place, but it was dark. Why was it dark? The lights should be on; you didn't shut anything off! "Now you are dying to hang on the line don't you? I'll be honest with you, first I called Tara to play a little game with her for your life, but now? It sounds way more fun to do the exact opposite…"

"You want to play a game to save your own life? That's fucked up man."

You heard light chuckling coming from the other line. You looked at Tara, whose expression said it all. She knew exactly who you were speaking to, her face horrified and fearful. She started looking around the room too. "Have you not seen this movie? I know for a fact you did. Poor little Tara doesn't even know that her love is just as fucked up in the head as her other love, that also tried to kill her…"

"Having a favourite film in a specific genre is way different than trying to cut someone open because of it."

"Is it though?" he was laughing again. "Well, if you are so smart, why don't you play a little game with me."

"When I find you, you are as good as dead freak."

"Freddy, Michael, Jason Voorhees. Learn from those who came before me! You can't kill the boogeyman."

"Billy, Mickey, Roman, Jill and I could go on. They are all dead. You really want to find out when your movie ends?" as you kept him talking, you signalled Tara to start moving towards the exit.

"I don't really care until I did what I wanted. Make her suffer. Either way, you won't be there to witness it" when he finished his sentence, the previously locked main door flew open and there was Ghostface standing, dramatically hanging up the phone and waving at you with his knife.

You pulled Tara behind and grabbed her hand as you darted towards your room. You heard the intruder running after you, but didn't look back until you were both inside and shut the door on his face. Tara quickly pulled the lock, waiting for a force on the other side to force it open, but it never came. Instead, you saw the white steel of his knife enter at the edge of the door.

"Fire escape" you ushered Tara. "Now!"

You didn't need to tell her twice. She was at your window in a second as she pried it open as you heard the same thing happening to your door. Tara's eyes widened, and climbed out the window with haste, screaming for you to do the same. You ran towards the window and jumped out. Your chest hit the railing hard but you recovered in seconds. You glanced back just in time to see him swinging the deadly weapon. You tried to duck away, but he changed the direction in the last second. You screamed out in pain as you felt it cut in your neck. With an adrenaline rush you knocked him over with the full weight of your body and span around to go down the metal stairs.

You heard his heavy boots run after you. He was about two levels behind as all three of you were running down. The six floors were way longer than what you remembered. It looked like they just wouldn't stop coming. You heart was beating in your throat, your neck pulsing and stinging. Neither of you looked back up, but you both knew he was getting closer. Then the stairs finally ended.

You both burst out in the sprint of your lives. Tara was ahead of you, but with your hand you guided her. She glanced back, and slowly stopped in her tracks. You looked back too, halting next to her. People in the street were looking at you confused and scared at the sight of your wound but you couldn't care less about them.

The fire escape's street was a dead end on one side, and you were standing on the other. There were no objects he could have hid behind no windows he could have climbed through. The only thing in the alley was a beggar, at the end of it, slumping his head down on his knees. You slowly approached him, looking around for every little dark spot you could find, but He was nowhere to be found.

When you reached the man, you gasped. His shirt was bloodied, his hands effortlessly laying by his sides. He was familiar, but you didn't know from where. His gray hair was covering his face, the end of it soaked in his own blood. A knife stood out from his chest, pinning a small note to him. You swiped the hair out of his face and you immediately recognized him. He was the drunk man, who insulted Tara last night.

You felt nauseated but your curiosity got the better of you as you flipped the note in a way you could read it. The blood froze in your veins, your head started spinning and you felt breathless. You snapped when you felt a hand on your shoulder, but quickly calmed down when you saw Tara. Yet the note was all you head on your mind right now, repeating the six words written on it; "I remember what you did, Lolly."

[sw-33-ts-stuff]

Killer In NYC

Tara Carpenter X Reader

Part 6-Secrets Secrets II

3rd Person POV

Tara stood outside taking another breath before she received a text with an attachment.

Secret Secrets are no fun....

She opened the message to find her Criminal Psychology professor dead against his car Ghostface sitting next to him as the dead boy was slouched onto him as if they were two friends holding a conversation.

The younger Carpenter's phone rang again with a message from Gale.

The familiar bubble containing nothing more than an address followed by an emphasized "HURRY!"

She ran inside gathering everyone as they began to make their way to the reporter.

Gale looked around the room horrified and if she had to admit slightly impressed, around her where the robes and masks of the infamous Ghostfaces of her past.

Her head whipping around to the creak of the gate opening arms locked as she pointed her pistol at whoever was coming towards her.

Chad threw his hands up panicked.

"WHOA WHOA WHAT THE FUCK?!" She huffed putting the gun down.

"Sorry but you cant be too sure."

The group of young adults stood on a semi circle around her as they looked around x

"What...the fuck...is this?" Sam looked around feeling the bile rise in her throat.

"It's a shrine. Whoever this new Ghostface is they've obtained every piece of the previous killers."

Tara walked around seeing a picture of her grabbing Y/n by her shirt obviously going to kiss her. She glanced at her boyfriend as she grabbed the paper crumbling it up and putting it in her pocket.

"So what do we do?" Evan spoke from beside Chad.

"We execute him." The small girl went back to the group who stared at her in wonder. Chad and Evan glanced to one another before looking back to the brunette.

"How?"

"Let's play them in their own game. We pick the venue and set a trap."

The group slowly began to come up with their plan, Tara grabbing her phone and texting an unsaved number.

We need to Talk

Y/N's phone chimed the familiar click unlocking her phone as she responded.

When and where?

"So it's agreed everyone meet here at 9 and stay in groups." Everyone nodded as they began to split, Gale taking Chad and Mindy, Evan claiming he'd meet with them at Gales as he'd come in his own car.

The boy went to turn to his girlfriend only to find her already leaving with Sam. He sighed running to his car.

.

.

.

"Tara I'm not sure if this is a good idea." Sam tried to stop her sister placing one hand on her forearm and locking the car doors. Tara stared for a moment before she slowly reached into her pocket handing her sister a crumbled piece of paper.

Sam felt her eyes widen as her eyes darted between the photo and her sister.

"At least just give me a couple of minutes." The older girl nodding as she unlocked the car door she passed a bottle of pepper spray to the girl as she went to leave the car as well.

Tara raised one eyebrow. "Sam seriously?"

The Carpenter woman simply shrugged. "It's better than nothing and I'm not leaving you alone, for all we know I'm right and Y/n is one of the killers."

Tara sighed glancing at her phone.

We don't have time for this.

The shorter girl stormed up to the familiar apartment, knocking once, twice, three times before the barista opened the door.

Her eyes widening in surprise at the sight of the girl and her sister standing outside her door.

"Whats-"

Tara stormed past her dragging Sam as she slammed the door shut.

"They know." You felt your eyebrows pull together in confusion.

"Who knows?" She had Sam hand you the photo making you gasp.

"Oh shit." You looked up from the photo to Tara and her sister. "Tara you know I-"

Said girls eyes narrowed as she stalked up to you. Neck craning as she glared.

"Are you fucking with me?"

"What?! Tara-"

"No! It make sense you know my schedule, what I like, what I don't like-"

"So that automatically makes me a murder?!"

"Why else would you know all that?!"

"BECAUSE I FUCKING LIKE YOU! IM SO SORRY THAT YOUR BOYFRIEND CANT DO THE BARE FUCKING MINIMUM!"

"THIS ISNT ABOUT HIM THIS IS ABOUT US!" Her cheeks beating up as she pointed to the picture.

"THERE IS NO US!"

Sam just stood by with wide eyes watching the both of you going back and forth. Unsure of who would come out the winner. She was still cautious of you but something about the slight crack in your voice and the obvious vulnerability in your gaze suggested the opposite.

Your shoulders slumped as you looked at the small pretty girl with freckles feeling yourself grow more disappointed.

"You know it really fucking hurts that you think I got to know you so I could slaughter people." You stepped closer. "Did you ever for one fucking second that maybe not everyone is out to hurt you?"

Tara stood her ground glare still firmly planted on her face. Sam stepped closer making the younger sibling look to her and shake her head.

"How can I trust you when you haven't even been honest with me yourself?”

You sighed in frustration. "When have I ever lied to you?"

She tilted her head slightly, "what happened that night at the bar after you took me home?"

"Nothing." You muttered looking to the side for a brief second.

Tara gritted her teeth. "You're fucking lying."

You shook your head as Tara grabbed another piece of paper from her pocket shoving it into your hands. Oh shit.

You were shirtless hovering above Tara, her hands on your shoulders. You felt yourself almost shiver at the memory.

You cleared your throat as Sam began to size you up. "Did you-"

Tara stopped her again. "I got drunk, really drunk after finals and saw Y/N at a bar the last thing I remembered was kissing her and waking up alone in nothing but a shirt the next day."

You let out a harsh breath through your nose.

"So I'll ask one more time ..what happened after we left the bar that night?"

Taglist: @the-camilucha @natasha25052

[stuffiliketothinkof]

Tittle: hypersensitive and numb

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Category: F/F

Fandom: Scream (Movies)

Relationship: Sam Carpenter/Tara Carpenter

Characters: Sam Carpenter (Scream), Tara Carpenter

Additional Tags: Shipcest , POV First Person, POV Tara Carpenter, Character Study

-----

I'm not okay. Sam, I don't think I'll ever be okay.

It's 3am on a Tuesday and Sam is pinning me to my bed. She has pulled up my shirt and she's touching my stomach, her fingers grazing scars that I always struggle to explain.

She's lucky this wasn't one of the nights that I'm only able to fall asleep with a taser in my hand.

"What the fuck, Sam?"

I'm fighting to get my panic under control, to figure out why my sister is on top of me in the middle of the night. No blades, no mask, just my sister's weight and panicked hands under my shirt.

"Are you dreaming?" I ask. It's Sam. It's Sam. It's not some freak with a knife. It's Sam.

"I thought that I... Fuck, I dreamed that I..." Sam's breath is ragged and her hands are firm on my stomach, finger pads resting on raised scar tissue that alternates between hypersensitive and numb, like all the parts of me these days.

"I'm OK, Sam. I'm alive. You won't hurt me." Two truths and a lie might be my favorite game. For some reason, I always always win.

"I thought that I..."

There's a sob in the edge of her voice and like always Sam won't even say it out loud, whatever it was she dreamed about, which, when I'm feeling judgmentmental, I think is probably why therapy doesn't seem to do much for her.

I reach over and flick on the night light.

"See, Sam, no blood. It was just a dream," I assure her, cracking what I hope is a reassuring smile. She's staring at my stomach and the glaze in her eyes is rapidly fading, and that's good but it's replaced by a blush and that's bad, because I realize why she's blushing. I feel the ghost pressure of her hips against mine even after she has rolled off of me. I have to press my arm against my cheek to cool it off.

"S...sorry. Sorry, Tara. I'll just go. Sorry for waking you up."

Sam looks and sounds like I'll find her sitting up in the kitchen with dark circles under her eyes in the morning if I let her leave now. I grab her hand before she can roll off the bed.

"Sam. I have nightmares too. I get it." She shakes her head slightly but I squeeze her hand in emphasis. "I get it."

My sister's sigh is heavy with guilt. "I wish you didn't have any nightmares, Tara. I wish I could keep everything bad away from you."

I smile wanely. "Same, Sam, big same. But I guess the Carpenter sisters can't catch a break."

She shifts to get up, but I grab her shoulder, holding her back. I'm not going to let my sister get away to be moody all night.

"Stay with me?" I ask her.

I roll half on top of her, pinning her in place with my hip and my arm around her waist before she can respond. Her hair smells nice. “I don't want to sleep alone."

"Tara..."

"I feel better when you're here. Also, you woke me up. The least you could do is help me fall back to sleep."

My superior logic works on her or maybe it's my puppy dog eyes, but she lets me turn off the light and tuck us both into bed. She won't relax right away, but it feels so good to be hugging a warm body, a warm body that is my Sam, that I sink into her curves and ignore how she stiffens at first. She finally lets out a deep sigh and it's like I can feel the nightmare leaving her. Her breath evens out. So does mine. I think she falls asleep before I do, or maybe it's the other way around. I won't recall later.

I don't know when during the night I became the little spoon.

This is only the first night that we sleep together. It's not as weird as you'd think. Or maybe I don't know what normal feels like anymore.

[deadcactuswalking]

REVIEWING THE CHARTS: 30/01/2021 (Wellerman, Fredo, Sabrina Carpenter, Billie Eilish & ROSALÍA)

I’ve never been more thankful for a song being this big – “drivers license” by Olivia Rodrigo spends a third week at #1, blocking “WITHOUT YOU” by The Kid LAROI at #2. Thank God. Anyway, we’ve got 10 new arrivals so let’s cut the chit-chat and start REVIEWING THE CHARTS.

Rundown

Of course, after this brief rundown we always do. Thankfully, the site actually updated last week, so I can go through this as routinely as possible. For drop-outs, it’s a lot of recent new arrivals falling out either off the debut or a few weeks after – most of them being pretty crap – but we do have some notable drop-outs, like “Forever Young” by Becky Hill, “Plugged In Freestyle” by A92 and Fumez the Engineer, “pov” by Ariana Grande, “Love is a Compass” by Griff, “Tick Tock” by Clean Bandit and Mabel featuring 24kGoldn, “Lasting Lover” by Sigala and James Arthur, and finally, “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran. Now to move onto the chart proper, we do have some movement to discuss. Firstly, we have some fallers, those being “Dynamite” by BTS at #32, “positions” by Ariana Grande at #39, “Lemonade” by Internet Money and Gunna featuring Don Toliver and NAV at #41, “All I Want” by Olivia Rodrigo at #43 off of the return, “SO DONE” by The Kid LAROI at #46, “Best Friend” by Saweetie featuring Doja Cat at #47, “Midnight Sky” by Miley Cyrus at #48, “What You Know Bout Love” by the late Pop Smoke at #51, “Wellerman” by the Longest Johns practically being replaced at #52 (We’ll discuss this more later), “See Nobody” by Wes Nelson and Hardy Caprio at #53, “Notorious” by Bugzy Malone and Chip at #55, “Looking for Me” by Paul Woodford, Diplo and Kareen Lomax at #60, “Bad Boy” by the late Juice WRLD and Young Thug unfortunately purging to #62, “WAP” by Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion at #67, “Pinging (6 Figures)” by Central Cee crashing off of the debut to #72 and “Diamonds” by Sam Smith at #74, joining our two returning entries – which are just older songs getting another brief pick-up at the bottom of the charts. Those are “Baby Shark” by Pinkfong and “Shallow” by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper at #75 and #73 respectively, by the way. Oh, and we also have “Martin & Gina” by Polo G at #65, but I honestly can’t see that song going anywhere – and I really like it. This doesn’t mean that we don’t have any gains, however, as finally, we can see some rising hits trying to fill in the cracks, like both of Rudimental’s debuts from last week: “Be the One” with MORGAN, TIKE and Digga D is up to #58, whilst the incredibly worse single “Regardless” with RAYE is cracking into the top 40 at #40. Sigh, well, we do have some more promising gains, like... “Heat Waves” by Glass Animals at #38? “Friday” by Riton, Nightcrawlers and Musafa & Hypeman at #37 off of the debut? Okay, 2021 might end up being pretty rough, huh? Thankfully, we have a plentiful amount of new arrivals to waive any of my fears, so let’s just start with those.

NEW ARRIVALS

#70 – “Overpriced” – M Huncho

Produced by Quincy Tellem

Oh, come on! Okay, so this is M Huncho, UK trao’s answer to the late MF DOOM, except without any of the lyrical complexity, storytelling abilities, genuine wit, charming sampling and production techniques, brilliant discography... he’s pretty much just a guy whose main gimmick is the mask, and it’s on this single cover too, seemingly in a museum. This song in particular is just one of these melodic trap cuts with wavy acoustic guitars blended with synths beyond recognition, topped off with odd bass mastering and a checked-out performance from M Huncho, who spends way too much time on his verses going “doo-doo-doo-doo-doo”, before the beat switches for a verse that fades out after like 20 seconds. What’s the point of any of this, honestly? It’s not awful – the bass does kind of knock – but I really don’t understand why this is here, or why M Huncho is a big name. It’s not even as good as AJ Tracey’s trap bangers and it’s not even as funny as D-Block Europe, which I’m surprised by, considering that he had his own stupid hit with “Pee Pee” around this time last year, and that song was actually good. Also, M Huncho, what do you think your fans get from you dissing them? If you’re going to brag about your “house by the lake” and then rap about how some unnamed individual “still lives at their mum’s in a council estate”, consider that a lot of your audience will still live with their parents in council housing or be surrounded by people who do. Someone who really came from poverty should know that this is classist and disrespectful to your own demographic. Yeah, this is worthless. Why’s this guy still charting? At least Young Adz knows how to write a hook.

#65 – “New Love” – Silk City and Ellie Goulding

Produced by Silk City and Picard Brothers

Okay, so we do have some energy on the chart – or at least half of the credited acts have. Silk City is a duo of producers, those being Diplo, a true weirdo in mainstream EDM who’s honestly kind of fascinating and oftentimes a fluke genius (especially in its work in Major Lazer and Jack U with Skrillex), and Mark Ronson, one of the greatest producers of the 21st century so far, probably most known for “Uptown Funk!”. These guys did have a hit together with Dua Lipa in 2018 in the form of “Electricity”, but it’s been a while and I’m interested to see how they work with the complete non-presence that is Ellie Goulding. It’s with some level of disappointment that I say that she’s not a non-presence here, as this is otherwise a pretty neat house tune with some excellent 90s keys and a deep-house groove I think is pretty fun. The strings in the pre-chorus are great and build-up to a fantastic chorus... or at least the instrumental is fantastic, because Goulding is a waste here, mixed way too high and honestly just faltering her vocals here. She sounds awkward through multi-tracking and even worse without it, as she clearly goes for a rough swagger that cannot work with her light, almost fairy-like voice she’s relied on much of her career. The intricacies of this production are really admirable, but Goulding was clearly an afterthought. With a real diva on vocals, or honestly just a sample of a soul or diva house track, this could be excellent. As it is, I’m bored. Next.

#63 – “Typhoons” – Royal Blood

Produced by Royal Blood

Oh, okay. Well, this is a pleasant surprise. Royal Blood are an English garage rock duo that rock pretty hard, and don’t go for anything else beyond that, which to me is a breath of fresh air, and, yeah, this is good. Is it as good as their debut? Of course not, their biggest hit “Figure it Out” is still incredible, and this one goes for a more synthesized 70s feel, even accentuated by disco keys in the pre-chorus. The riffs are still here though, as that main guitar line is pretty awesome. I see this as a mix of garage rock revival bands from the 2000s like the White Stripes, as well as some stoner-adjacent bands like Queens of the Stone Age, with a more classic hard-rock groove and Mike Kerr’s signature yelp, and it works for what it is, so I’m excited for that upcoming single. Nothing’s particularly impressive here, but I’ll definitely go for this over the rest of what we have charting, so I’m not complaining. This is good, you should check these guys out, even if they tend to be a bit derivative. That tense bridge with the looming background vocals and intensifying riff is genuinely epic, by the way, even if there isn’t much more of a pay-off behind just... the chorus again, which ends up rendering as flat as a result. Regardless, it’s a good break from the norm – which for a chart week like this, I’m especially glad is here.

#61 – “Your Love (9PM)” – ATB, Topic and A75

Produced by ATB, Topic and Rudi Dittmann

German DJ ATB was showing his girlfriend his new recording studio when he got carried away with a single guitar sound and made a song out of it, “9PM (Till I Come)”, named after the time the track was finished. Later on, he took the track and added some whispered vocals from Spanish model Yolanda Riviera. This happened in 1999, by the way, when this song was released to great success in Europe, leading to a hilariously dated album cover but still a UK #1. The song is honestly kind of bad, relying on a pretty typical house groove, ugly MIDI guitars and that seductive vocal loop. Regardless, since 90s nostalgia has come way too fast, Topic has remixed the track with A75, a collaboration we’ve seen before on “Breaking Me” from last year, which sucked. To be fair, the original song is pretty empty, so I’m interested to hear A75 add some vocals... and he just sounds pained over a deep-house rip of the original. The ugly MIDI melody stays, just now it’s drowned out and even more synthesized – this is the guitar sound you liked so much? I hope she left you. Let’s move on.

#59 – “My Head & My Heart” – Ava Max

Produced by Jonas Blue, Earwulf and Cirkut

Speaking of being bored, here’s pop singer Ava Max, with a new lead single from the deluxe edition of her debut studio album, Heaven & Hell. This one’s produced by Jonas Blue, which, alongside a redundant “Jonas Blue remix”, is probably why it’s charting. What’s sad is it’s not really very good, as the vocals are over-processed over fake hand-claps and clipping mixes that make those plastic synths sound even worse. Admittedly, I like the rubbery future bass-esque bass line here, but that’s really as far as my appreciation for this goes, as the writing is non-existent, and Ava Max is barely here. It’s honestly really similar to “New Love”, except this one’s not even as interesting as that track, going for an exhaustingly tired house-pop style that while she is a natural fit for, it does make the 2000s synth-pop she started with sound inspired in comparison. Oh, and the “Jonas Blue remix” is practically a glorified bass-boost that makes this sound even uglier, so, yeah, skip this.

#42 – “Apricots” – Bicep

Produced by Bicep

Bicep is a Northern Irish electronic duo from Belfast, and this is an instrumental from their most recent album, Isles, which clearly must have stood out enough for it to debut at #42. I can understand why too, as that sample from Hugh Tracey’s African music recordings, particularly the vocal sample used, is really infectious and interesting. I don’t think everything surrounding it is enough to really make it less annoying, as it running through nearly the entirety of a four-minute track makes this sample lose its lustre too quickly. It runs its course far before the song has the chance to build up into a house track, with that sample crushing everything that isn’t the percussion in the mix anyway. The keys are really cool, and I can’t fault the strings and ambiance that keeps the song building up for as long as it does. It also takes a sample from a Bulgarian folk choir, which they paralleled to the Celtic folk they grew up hearing, and honestly, this is just a cool blending of global music rather than an actually good song, ending with me respecting this more than actually enjoying it. The synths by the end sound fantastic as does the Bulgarian chanting, but it doesn’t really have a great climax or drop to make the build-up worth it, defaulting to a generic house groove by the end that fades out before it can have any real impact. So, yeah, this isn’t bad, but feels like a waste of some really great ideas. I guess I can say that “Northern Irish remix of an English ethnomusicologist’s recordings of African music that also samples a Bulgarian folk tune” isn’t quite as much of a developed idea as “Kazakh remix of an American rapper of Guyanese descent’s trap song in a Brazilian house style released on a Russian record label”.

#35 – “Lo Vas A Olvidar” – Billie Eilish and ROSALÍA

Produced by FINNEAS

It’s not often that songs in non-English languages chart in the UK. Whilst in the US, Latin music is such a force that it’ll launch hits for many Spanish-speaking artists, this isn’t the case in decidedly smaller Britain, where a still multicultural society tends to produce art that is always in English. To be fair, we don’t have a place like Puerto Rico, and the few songs I’ve talked about this year that have been in a different language... well, basically the one song I can remember off the top of my head, was in a Nigerian Creole language. So, why’s a Spanish song by Spanish artist ROSALÍA charting so high? Well, it’s also a Billie Eilish song, and it’s also from the HBO teen drama Euphoria. Yeah, a teen drama makes a lot of sense for Eilish to soundtrack. This has been teased since 2019, and is actually ROSALÍA’s first song to chart here in the UK, so is it any good? Well, yeah, actually, it is. Both Eilish and ROSALÍA have excellent whispery tones that complement FINNEAS’ muted, ambient production perfectly, and their harmonisation sounds great, with both singing in Spanish here for the most part. That chorus is pretty janky, though, and I don’t really see the point in the Auto-Tuned interludes, even if they both sound great playing off of each other with a lot of tuning in the outro. This is pretty minimal and dare I say awkward, kind of eerie, so I don’t see it sticking around, but as a longing break-up track, they both sell it well. Next.

#28 – “Skin” – Sabrina Carpenter

Produced by Ryan McMahon

Joshua Bassett’s response flopped immensely, meaning that now it’s Sabrina Carpenter’s time to shine, because if it’s anything she gets out of this Disney love triangle, it’s a hit song, and people clearly want to hear more from the women than they do from Josh. Telling. Now I’m not one to follow Disney teen drama because this is all a marketing gimmick. I mean, the songs dropped every Friday so anyone who can’t see through this is either blind or... a child, and considering the audience, that second one is more likely, which is fine. Popular music is, ultimately, in the hands of teenagers and record executives, and all of these break-up response diss track... things, tend to feed into both hands, whilst also giving these talented young actors a bigger break. This is Carpenter’s first charting hit in the UK, after all. The song is decidedly worse than “drivers license” though, and by a lot, as the mixing here isn’t even competent, as Carpenter’s voice clips through these ugly pianos, worsened by how her voice does not sound great here at all, as she struggles through that terrible chorus. She may say that this isn’t a response to Rodrigo, but given the lyrics and how quickly this rushed release was put out, are we really supposed to believe that? The percussion here is gross as well, drowned in bad reverb that makes this just sound grey and dull. The strings building up to a climax are barely there, and when they are, they sound like they’re elevating a really garbage performance from Carpenter, who can barely keep up. This is supposed to be a ballad yet it sounds so stiff and controlled, meaning that Carpenter trying to let loose on the vocals makes this awkward and painful. I’m sorry, but this is really bad, and I hope it doesn’t stick around. Thankfully, I don’t see that happening.

#20 – “Back to Basics” – Fredo

Produced by Dave

Lil Chocolate Frog’s got a new record out this week that I’ve yet to hear, and this is the lead single, produced by his long-time friend and collaborator, Dave – who’s awesome. I’ve typically been less kind to his mate Fredo but honestly, his ever so slightly off-kilter style has grown on me too, and this song is a pretty good introduction to that. It’s one verse over rattling trap hi-hats and a really eerie vocal sample, and Fredo flows casually and smoothly over the beat, in his typical careless, just barely there style, which works well over a pretty subtle beat like this. Fredo’s lyrics are pretty interesting here too, as amidst flexing and gun-play, he has some pretty funny lines, although far from Dave’s wordplay, rather relying on fun one-liners where he says he’s “kind of Christian”, doing revision on drug trafficking, will run for mayor, and because of how much of the gang violence is sadly amongst ethnic minorities, he himself is racially profiling his “opps”. One line near the end of the track actually made me laugh, when he says he counts up twenties while eating porridge. It’s not funny on paper, sure, but the delivery is gold. He shows more character here than he has since “Funky Friday”, also with Dave, so I’m pretty excited to hear this record, which Dave actually executively produced. It’s also got the late Pop Smoke on a track with Young Adz, so at least I’ll let out more of those laughs. This lead single is pretty good though, and I can see it going top 10 next week with the album boost.

#3 – “Wellerman – Sea Shanty” (220 KID x Billen Ted Remix) – Nathan Evans

Produced by Saltwaves, Billen Ted and 220 KID

Last week, the sea shanty “Wellerman” charted as a cover by the Longest Johns. It’s a fine acapella cover, and this version, by Nathan Evans, was originally similarly acapella, except for the tap of a table as percussion to keep time. This version got even more viral on British TikTok, and if I recall correctly, he quit his job to be signed by Polydor, which is pretty scummy on Polydor’s part. I mean, you know this guy won’t have any more hits. Regardless, this version debuted at #3 thanks to a remix by DJs 220 KID and Billen Ted, three English producers. According to their Spotify duo, Billen Ted used to be a death metal band of all things but then transitioned into writing for dance-pop tunes, and have worked with 220 KID, even if this is technically only their second single. This remix is actually pretty cool to be honest, as it takes the original track and adds some needed energy, mostly through this generic 90s house beat and some admittedly really nice pianos. It’s nothing special, and I would usually criticise something this generic, but the song’s not even two minutes and it’s a pretty inoffensive remix that genuinely adds to the original song through that brilliant flip of the original hook melody in the drop, so I can’t complain. This won’t last, but I’m not mad that it’s here.

Conclusion

I’m actually somewhat pleased with this chart week, which I wasn’t expecting initially, as you can probably tell from my above cynicism. Regardless, we’ve got some variety here (though I don’t see much of it sticking) and I’ll give Best of the Week to Royal Blood for “Typhoons”, with a tied Honourable Mention for “Back to Basics” by Fredo, and, God damn it, “Wellerman” by Nathan Evans and remixed by 220 KID and Billen Ted. Shut up, it’s fun! Worst of the Week will probably go to Sabrina Carpenter’s “Skin”, with a Dishonourable Mention for the complete lack of effort that is M Huncho’s “Overpriced”, just being mildly offensive if anything. Here’s our top 10:

For next week, I mean, a girl can hope for some Weezer, but it’s more likely that we’ll be met with a Fredo album bomb and some scattered efforts from that middling Lil Durk deluxe edition. For now though, you can follow me @cactusinthebank for more ramblings and thanks for reading. I’ll see you next week.

[deancasfanficrecs]

Chapters: 22/22 Fandom: Supernatural Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Castiel/Dean Winchester Characters: Dean Winchester, Castiel, Sam Winchester, Garth Fitzgerald IV, Lisa Braeden Additional Tags: Minor Castiel (Supernatural)/Original Male Character(s), Minor Lisa Braeden/Dean Winchester, Angst with a Happy Ending, Slow Burn, Pining, Mutual Pining, idiots to lovers, Human Castiel (Supernatural), Married Dean Winchester, Protective Dean Winchester, CEO Castiel (Supernatural), Cheating, Middle Aged Destiel, dad dean winchester, Woodworker Dean Winchester, Carpenter Dean Winchester, Divorce, Explicit Sexual Content, Top Castiel/Bottom Dean Winchester, Bottom Castiel/Top Dean Winchester, POV Alternating, Sexual Tension, Unresolved Sexual Tension, Denial of Feelings, Porn with Feelings, Anxiety Attacks, Manipulative Relationship, Canon-Typical Violence, Case Fic, Bisexual Dean Winchester, Demisexual Castiel (Supernatural), Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms, Angst, Heavy Angst, Panic Attacks Summary:

It's been ten years since the Apocalypse. Ten years without talking, without knowing one another. Castiel has a company to handle and a wedding to plan, Dean has a broken marriage and a decision to make. They have separate lives, lovers and families of their own, they aren't supposed to meet again, to mess it all up. And yet they do, when they least expect it, and maybe when they most need it.

A story about second chances, about hope and resilience, and a love that feels both doomed and inevitable.

[ao3feed-destiel]

When the Magnolias bloom

Read it on AO3 here!https://ift.tt/2Exs20C

by Flurry_X

It's been ten years since the Apocalypse. Ten years without talking, without knowing one another. Cas has a company to handle and a wedding to plan, Dean has a broken marriage and a decision to make. They have separate lives, lovers and families of their own, they aren't supposed to meet again, to mess it all up. And yet they do, when they least expect it, and maybe when they most need it.

A story about second chances, about hope and resilience, and a love that feels both doomed and inevitable.

Words: 3754, Chapters: 1/20, Language: English

Fandoms: Supernatural

Rating: Explicit

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: M/M

Characters: Dean Winchester, Castiel, Sam Winchester, Garth Fitzgerald IV, Lisa Braeden

Relationships: Castiel/Dean Winchester

Additional Tags: Minor Castiel (Supernatural)/Original Male Character(s), Minor Lisa Braeden/Dean Winchester, Angst with a Happy Ending, Slow Burn, Pining, Mutual Pining, idiots to lovers, Human Castiel (Supernatural), Married Dean Winchester, Protective Dean Winchester, CEO Castiel (Supernatural), Cheating, Middle Aged Destiel, dad dean winchester, Woodworker Dean Winchester, Carpenter Dean Winchester, Divorce, Explicit Sexual Content, Top Castiel/Bottom Dean Winchester, Bottom Castiel/Top Dean Winchester, POV Alternating, Sexual Tension, Unresolved Sexual Tension, Denial of Feelings, Porn with Feelings, Anxiety Attacks, Manipulative Relationship, Canon-Typical Violence, Case Fic, Bisexual Dean Winchester, Demisexual Castiel (Supernatural)

Link: https://ift.tt/2Exs20C

[dalekofchaos]

An analysis of Michael Myers as he's portrayed only in the original Halloween

From reddit user silviod

When we think of Michael Myers, we think of The Shape - standing, staring, white mask and blue overalls. We think of the music, and the relentless pursuit. We think of the iconography of the killer and his permeation into horror and cinema. What we generally don't think of is the human, and that makes sense: John Carpenter has often described him as being 'almost supernatural' and 'a force of nature.' In Halloween itself, released in 1978, Michael Myers' psychiatrist, Dr. Sam Loomis, describes Myers as being "pure and simply evil." He is evil personified, and that is it. But let's get into a bit more detail here, because despite everything, the Michael Myers that we see in the original Halloween has flesh and blood and hair.

Let's just get one thing out of the way straight away: Michael Myers isn't Laurie Strode's brother. This was, of course, a twist invented by the alcohol-infused mind of Carpenter and Hill for the 1981 sequel and has no relevance here. I'm talking specifically about Michael Myers as he's presented in Halloween and Halloween only. So we open with the POV shot of Myers killing his sister Judith. He walks outside and his mask is removed by his parents - he's near catatonic, and seems shocked at what he's done. Bullshit to all those who say he had a blank expression - that is not the fucking look of an expressionless kid. It might not be much, and his shock doesn't imply he's less evil, it just shows that this is probably his first exposure to anything of the magnitude of murder. Skip to years later, and Michael is 21. Let's outline the moments we spend with Michael, as well as his actions and the way he holds himself. Loomis and a nurse are going to Smiths Grove to pick him up and take him to be tried as an adult. As they approach the sanitarium, they notice many wandering inmates in the darkened fields. As Loomis gets out to investigate, Myers leaps onto the car from behind like an animal. He's swift and quick, and is already playful in his actions. He makes noise on top of the car to startle the nurse, then smashes the side window and tries to grab her. He jumps down, throws her out the car and hops in. He drives away. Now he embarks on his 100 mile plus road trip to Haddonfield.

On the way, he stops at a garage, kills a guy there, and steals his overalls. He arrives in Haddonfield, breaks into a shop and steals a mask. He returns to his old home, eats a dog, and sees Laurie walk up to the door. He decides to start following her, so he hops in the car and does so. He follows little Tommy, Laurie, and Laurie's friends. He stands on the streets and in gardens and intentionally exposes himself, then hides. He's letting them know that he's around. In my head, Myers was always robotic, with surgeon-like stillness, but he really isn't like that. He holds onto the trees as he hides behind them and leers out from the side. He stumbles and knocks a plant over when watching a girl in her house and backs away quickly as it made noise - or was this intentional? Either way, he's not anywhere near as robotic in his mannerisms as I remembered.

His stalking is deliberate and unsubtle. He doesn't give a shit if people notice him, as long as the ones he's targeting do. He's really getting off on this. Eventually, he decides to actually start killing them. He sees Annie naked, as she spills whatever-the-fuck-she-spills on herself. He watches her this entire time - these scenes constantly have Myers presence, because he's constantly there. At this point, he's staying within a tiny radius: just two houses. He's got everything else out the way now His sister's gravestone was successfully retrieved earlier and he's already popped that into the house ready to decorate his house-of-horrors. The killing begins. He's stalked for at least twelve hours, and by now he understands the people he's watching and he's figured out their interpersonal relationships. For a man who does twelve hours of stalking, his kills are pretty quick. A strangulation, a cut throat and a stabbing. It seems this isn't the ultimate goal for him, it's just the final piece in a long chain of excitements. When he killed Judith as a kid, he watched her first. It's probably likely that, for hours, days or weeks before the scene that opens Halloween, he was watching Judith not with eyes of a younger brother, but eyes of a killer.

He kills Annie and then takes her corpse upstairs where he positions her on the bed. He waits again, this time for someone else to arrive. Lynda and her boyfriend rock up soon after, so it's time to start killing. Michael has paid the least attention to these two in terms of stalking, so he gets to business quite a bit quicker. He lets them have sex - yes, this is a matter of him allowing them to, because he was there the entire time. Then, the guy goes downstairs to retrieve some beers. There, Michael makes a noise and then hides in a closet, waiting for the guy to investigate. He lunges out the closet and pierces the guys' chest, nailing him to the wall with the knife. The guy dies, and Myers does what is now considered one of his trademarks: his head tilt. He probably had a similar experience after killing Annie, but it cuts pretty soon after that one so we don't get to see it. Nick Castle - the actor portraying Myers - was told by Carpenter to act like a kid who had pinned a butterfly to a board: it's almost as if there is an element of curiosity here. And that's where we get to an interesting point: Myers has been catatonic and lifeless since the killing of his sister 15 years ago. Not a word spoken. We imagine Myers sat in his room, all day, every day, staring. Staring at the walls. He grew. He went through puberty. He grew into a man. All whilst in this state. It's not unreasonable to surmise from this that he's probably, on some level, in a state of arrested development. What could there be to develop him? He was, presumably, a normal child, in a normal household on a normal street in a normal school, before he murdered Judith. Whatever was brewing inside of him took over when he killed Judith, and he froze in that moment - he'd have to. He spent all of his time thinking about that kill, because if not, why would he instantly start trying to memorialise, to relive? Why bring his sister's gravestone to his new house of mayhem if he didn't have some affinity to it? Michael Myers is still that six year old boy, and he's still got that curiosity. Whatever it is that drives Michael to kill, it's in the same state as it was when he was six: he likely killed Judith out of curiosity, and here he is again. He's amazed that he just pinned someone to a wall! Wow, no longer does he only have one kill to fantasise about, but he's wracking up more and more.

He then follows this firey curiosity with another infamous Myers moment - he takes a bedsheet, cuts out two holes, puts it over his head, puts his recent victim's glasses over it and heads upstairs. He opens the door of the bedroom and stands there, then after a moment, edges himself closer. After a while, he strangles her and she dies. But let's think about this: after killing that guy, whose name I have just completely forgotten, he cuts holes out of a bedsheet and wears it like a ghost. What does this say about Michael Myers? He roamed around the kitchen searching for scissors, cut out eyeholes, put the bedsheet on over the mask he's already wearing and puts the glasses on top of that. Is this his sense of humour? Is this just a method of getting closer to his victim without her knowing, so she's easier to attack? Some people say it's that, but Michael Myers simply wouldn't care about that. She was in bed, naked, a few feet from him. If he opened the door as himself or as the bedsheet, it wouldn't matter. He's just curious, and weird. He wanted to watch her for a while. By doing this, he can see her not just in a state of fear, but in an unalarmed, happy state. He didn't know what she'd do, but he was curious and excited to see it. His decision to do this also shows his creative flair - even if he is celebrating an ode to Judith's original kill 15 years ago, he's doing different things. Lynda was in a bedroom, naked and post-sex with her boyfriend. The environmental factors were almost the same as Judith's original kill. If Michael was simply trying to recreate the kill as an obsession to the original kill, he wouldn't be adding new elements. Hes building on the old memories, he's improving himself, pushing himself.

So he starts piling the bodies in different ways: hanging upside-down in a closet, shoved onto a shelve and laid on the bed below his sister's gravestone. Now he waits for his next victim. Laurie comes, but this time she manages to fight back. There are two schools of thought now: was Laurie his final girl, or was she meant to be another victim? Was his plan supposed to end with Laurie, or was she simply going to be another body? Based on what we see, he wanted to fill that room, and likely the house, with bodies. Clearly, he had planned what he was going to do for a long time. In his head, as he sat at Smiths Grove, he thought specifically: I'm going to take Judith's gravestone and surround it with more bodies. Either that, or this is all just on a whim, but I don't buy that. He escaped for a reason, on the anniversary of her death. He knew what he was going to do all along.

I don't think Laurie was all that important to Michael's plan. If he had successfully killed her too, he'd have continued to just find more and more bodies until he couldn't anymore, setting the house he was in as a giant mousetrap for the people of Haddonfield to fall into. But he couldn't because Laurie kept attacking him and he kept falling.

Now let's look at Michael's invincibility and supposed supernatural abilities. She stabs him in the neck with a sewing needle and he falls to the ground. It takes a while for him to get back up, but a wound like that likely wouldn't kill straight away. Sure, it would incapacitate, but we've learnt that Michael can be very "inhumanly patient" when he wants to be, what with his time at Smiths Grove as an example. He gets up and continues - does he feel pain here? Did it affect him at all? The fact he was down for a while implies, at least to me, that Laurie did manage to strike a fatal blow with that needle, otherwise Myers would get up straight away. Either that, or he didn't feel it, and simply allowed her to get away a bit to continue the chase. We've already established how much Michael enjoys the chase and the stalk, so of course he's going to give her that edge again. Then she stabs him in the eye with a coathanger and then in the chest with his own kitchen knife. Fatal blow. He falls. She gets the kids out of the house, and then he... gets up again. What was he experiencing? What was he thinking? He does think, because he isn't an empty vessel, so what was he thinking? Was he confused that he wasn't dying, or was his single desire to kill so overwhelming that he was able to override everything and continue? Either way, he goes for one last attack, where she demasks him. Here, we see that his eye is messed up. So his body does respond normally to physical stimuli - his eye was stabbed so the eyelid curls up. He bleeds. He's definitely human.

Then he's shot six times, falls out of the window and gets up again. This is the moment that a normal human being couldn't survive, so how did he? He must've been baffled! But anyway, through all this, we have to imagine the same scenes playing out not with the globally-recognised Michael Myers horror icon, but with the man behind the mask. He's a weird 21 year old guy who killed his sister when he was six and now he's back. He does weird shit. He's curious about kills and amused at the ways he does them. He stalks and watches. He used his sister's gravestone in his new rituals. He's just a young guy who really fucking likes killing. I don't want to explain why - it wasn't druids, but it might be that he's a pure incarnation of evil. But even if he is, he isn't just a shape. He clearly has a personality, and enjoys the way he stalks, and understands humans and how to get under their skin. If we imagine the same film but without the mask, it's a different picture. He's just a complete fucking weirdo, and somehow, his pure desire to kill grew so overwhelming that it broke reality and transcended life and death, and allowed him to become something more - his giver of death allowed him to escape it himself. This is Michael Myers. Haddonfield weirdo.

Now, I don't want to denounce the concept of evil here. I don't want to portray the concept of evil as being bound to the supernatural - it's often described Myers is the incarnate of pure evil and therefore he is a force of nature and unstoppable/unkillable - not human. There are many cases in real life of men who are truly evil - or at least commit heinous acts in the same vein Myers does - and this is the real world, where there is no supernatural. His ability to withstand stabbings and gunshots is not related to that, and is, to me, the ambiguity and amalgamation of the character of Michael Myers: all of Michael's personality traits are the perfect bedding for pure evil in a supernatural sense, but this doesn't negate Michael from being a human being who has lived 21 years and has his own personality, thoughts and internal lexicon. There is a precise logic and rhythym to Michael, and that's precisely because of the way he's portrayed: hes curious, playful, intelligent, agile, sadistic and childlike. He's inventive and creative and driven. He's Michael fucking Myers!

[silverfacedherald]

Oh yay! I have so many favourites, but I’ll allow myself only to list you ten (not in any particular order). I’m just going to tell you the titles mostly, but of course feel free to check the tags and not read some if you’re not interested. Hopefully you’ll enjoy some of these!

The NASA series by Ferritin 4 is a fun one. Its POV is mostly Castiel’s, with a couple chapters from Dean’s. I won’t say anything about it, except that it’s one of my very top favourite AU fics.

For a heavier AU fic, The Life of Death by yellowturtle is gripping and breathtaking. It’s from Castiel’s POV and might be more canon divergent than AU but *shrugs*.

For angst, of course a good AU fic is Twist & Shout. Make sure to have some tissues near you.

Here’s to Us by Slanguage is a heartwarming AU where Cas and Dean are high schoolers. All I’ll say is that Cas has gone through some stuff.

It’s a Small World (aka the Worst Ride at Disneyland) by ireadhpinenochian is absolutely fantastic. It’s a supernatural AU with a twist.

All That Is And Used To Be by Misachan is an AU with Dean as a carpenter and anything else I say is spoilers. It also has a great twist.

If you haven’t read Cupcakes and Chlamydia by violue, you need to. It’s sweet, hilarious, and just great. It is also a series so... *happy/evil laughter*

Dark Side of the Moon by imogenbynight where Dean goes to the moon and needs help coming back. It’s just great.

Excerpts From Carver Edlund’s Magnum Opus by twentysomething is a brilliant AU where Dean and Cas are FBI partners and Dean has a kid.

Last but not least, Peace And Good Luck To All Men by KismetJeska was the first AU fic I ever read that has more than 10k words. Sam and Dean visit the Milton family during Christmas.

Have fun, my friend!

Can you all please reblog this with your favourite Destiel AU fics? I just finished Ninety-One Whiskey and I am a fucking wreck. (It’s gorgeous and the best thing I have ever read.)

[ao3feed-castiel]

When the Magnolias bloom

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/2Exs20C

by Flurry_X

It's been ten years since the Apocalypse. Ten years without talking, without knowing one another. Cas has a company to handle and a wedding to plan, Dean has a broken marriage and a decision to make. They have separate lives, lovers and families of their own, they aren't supposed to meet again, to mess it all up. And yet they do, when they least expect it, and maybe when they most need it.

A story about second chances, about hope and resilience, and a love that feels both doomed and inevitable.

Words: 3754, Chapters: 1/20, Language: English

Fandoms: Supernatural

Rating: Explicit

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: M/M

Characters: Dean Winchester, Castiel, Sam Winchester, Garth Fitzgerald IV, Lisa Braeden

Relationships: Castiel/Dean Winchester

Additional Tags: Minor Castiel (Supernatural)/Original Male Character(s), Minor Lisa Braeden/Dean Winchester, Angst with a Happy Ending, Slow Burn, Pining, Mutual Pining, idiots to lovers, Human Castiel (Supernatural), Married Dean Winchester, Protective Dean Winchester, CEO Castiel (Supernatural), Cheating, Middle Aged Destiel, dad dean winchester, Woodworker Dean Winchester, Carpenter Dean Winchester, Divorce, Explicit Sexual Content, Top Castiel/Bottom Dean Winchester, Bottom Castiel/Top Dean Winchester, POV Alternating, Sexual Tension, Unresolved Sexual Tension, Denial of Feelings, Porn with Feelings, Anxiety Attacks, Manipulative Relationship, Canon-Typical Violence, Case Fic, Bisexual Dean Winchester, Demisexual Castiel (Supernatural)

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/2Exs20C

[andsoigotabutterfly]

-Save Me From Her - chapter 5

Tara Carpenter x fem!reader

Summary: Hospital talks, and much needed explanations.

a/n: Finally wrote this. Ohmygod it took so long. During writing, I got caught on my own missinterpretations of my own lore, and had to rewrite the story in my head lol. Help me :)

warning: amateur writing, mentions of trauma, mad people, death, wounds, cursing, multiple/mixed POV's

Tara was freaking out. There wasn't any news from you. Even though the doctors said you would be okay, nobody said any facts that she could work with. The only thing even subtly calming her was the steady beeping of your heart monitor, but even that wasn't enough for her anxiety to go away, and her friends were enjoying the fruits of its labor. Well, rather suffering than enjoying. If Tara wouldn't be freaking out, she would laugh at her state right now. But she was. And she wasn't enjoying one second of it.

You have arrived at the hospital a few hours ago. Tara couldn't keep track of time, everything was slow, too slow for her liking. Even when she asked about how long it's been, the information would just leave her mind the moment she heard it. Anika arrived with the rest of the squad not long after the Carpenters and was in a similar state of mind as Tara. Or was it long until they arrived? The younger Carpenter really couldn't tell.

They sat in a circle in the waiting room. Even detective Bailey was there, with an arm around her daughter. Chad and Ethan sat next to each other, silently trying to not get eaten up by their nerves. Mindy managed to calm Anika down enough for her to sit in her lap, still her leg was bouncing up and down, her nails close to disappearing the way she was biting them. Vasco was ordered to stay at the precinct and restore order. Sam also joined the group, after changing her clothes for something less bloody. Tara wasn't willing. Not when she could miss the moment, they would let her in your room. She was pacing around, unable to sit down, her mind running with possibilities of how the doctors mistreated you, and that somehow resulted in you dying. Which couldn't happen. It was out of the question.

Whenever a doctor would approach, she would stop and look at them with hopeful eyes, only for it to be shattered when they approached someone else. It wouldn't matter that they got bad news. It wouldn't matter they broke out in tears. At least they got to know whether their loved ones are alive or dead.

The rush towards the hospital was anything but smooth. After you collapsed on the floor, Bailey stuffed you in a police car and sirened his way to the closest medical station. Tara was in the back with you, trying to keep you awake without any success. Sam sat beside her, trying her best so her sister wouldn't fall apart, failing. Once the doctors got their hands on you, you were rushed into surgery, and did not let anyone in. Tara hasn't seen you since then. It was nerve ending and infuriating. Yet she couldn't do anything. She felt helpless. She hated feeling helpless.

A stern, deep voice broke her out from her fear induced state. "Are you, with Y/N Kayoko?"

The speed at which Tara span around would impress her if she could care about that right now. "Yes! Yes, we are." She felt someone putting a hand on her back, and when she looked, she saw Anika beside her, face full of concern. The doctor who stood before them was about six-foot-tall, pale white and had blonde, stylish hair. Tara decided she didn't…

"She got out of surgery. She is alive and well. It shouldn't take long for her to wake up."

Tara decided she liked this man a lot. Anika let out a breath she was holding and smiled at him. "Thank you doctor. Can we see her?" she asked, her voice full of hope. The blonde smiled before nodding and started leading them towards your room. Sam and the Meeks’ followed right behind them whilst the rest stayed behind.

------------

You were stationed in room 217. 'Of course, they would put you there' Tara thought and huffed. She rolled her eyes as her mind drifted towards 'The Shining'. You would refuse to watch it with her, because, in your words, it was a disgrace to the book and the legacy of Stephen King.

Tara slowly opened the door and looked inside. The sun was shining through the window, right onto your sleeping figure. For someone sliced up from the side of your belly to your chest, you didn't look bad. She felt Anika stiffen beside her, and it sent her mind running. What did she see that her eyes had glanced over? She took you in again, not sparing any detail, yet she still couldn't find what Anika did. Her heart started racing as she turned towards her. "What do you see?"

"N- nothing" Anika managed. She took in a deep breath, then went to your side, Tara following close behind her. "It's just… The last time I saw her like this, she almost died. Before and after." Even though her words didn't make a lot of sense to Tara, her heart clenched at the thought that you were like this before. But she let it slide. Your sister was clearly just as tense as she was. She would have to ask you.

Tara knelt beside you, and took your hand in hers, squeezing lightly. Her nerves were finally calming down as she watched your sleeping figure. She synchronized her breathing with yours, and without realizing, tucked a strain of hair behind your ears, that fell into your face as you slept. How could you look gorgeous even, when you just lost gallons of blood, not even talking about the demanding surgery you went through right after that. Just as beautiful than the day she… No! She stopped herself before the thought could cross her mind. No way in hell you had that much of an effect on her. She did not just almost quote something. She refused to believe that.

The light chatter of Mindy, Chad and Sam filled the room and mixed with the song of the birds coming from outside. The peaceful tranquility that pulsed through the room felt false. You almost just died, and the fucker that attacked you, was still out there somewhere. Tara knew she wouldn't stop until he was dead.

Without realizing, her grip tightened around your hand. Only when you groaned in pain did she notice that she was squeezing the life out of your arm. Then she realized you were awake. Her eyes snapped back to your face, and when she saw your opened eyes as you were watching her, Tara's breath caught in her throat. You were awake. You were alive. You didn't leave her.

The younger Carpenter opened her mouth to speak, but Anika beat her to it. "You braindead monkey!" she lashed out as she started hitting you, careful not to hit any wounds. "You absolute selfish… Morron!"

You groaned out in pain and tried to defend yourself. "Ani- Anika stop!" but she didn’t listen. “Are you guys just going to watch her kill me?” you asked from everyone else in the room.

“Oh, I’m not going to stop her” Mindy smiled.

“Yeah, you brought this to yourself you know” Tara joined in.

You huffed, and moved away from her reach, but Anika followed, and hit you, this time a little more powerful. "This hurts!"

"Good!" she said, emphasizing her point with another hit. "You get attacked, and I'm one of the last person to know about it?"

"Sorry!"

"Sorry isn't good enough! You left me clueless for more than half a day!" she hit your one final time, then continued a much calmer, loving voice. "Now, where does it hurt?" Tara and Sam raised an eyebrow at her sudden change, but you and Mindy didn't even bother.

"Where do you think it hurts? You've just covered all my body with new bruises!" you exclaimed, and wildly gestured at yourself.

"Oh, don't be such a baby! Show me!" You complied with a frown on your face, and raised your shirt. You lifted the cloth to reveal the bandages lying underneath and smirked at Anika.

“Enjoying the view, dear sister?”

“You know I don’t” she replied whilst pouting, even though nothing could be seen.

You then remembered why you got here. Who you got here because and your mood immediately darkened. Any joy, coming from the witty fight with your sister, any happiness from the thought there were people at your bed vanished. Disappeared. Got swallowed by the black hole of dread inside you.

Tara noticed this. Anika noticed this. Everybody saw it on you. Suddenly the room felt suffocating and cold. This was what Tara anticipated the room should have felt like, yet now she wanted the former state to take over once again. She wanted you to feel the peace she felt, the relievement that washed through her when she saw you, but it was far out of reach now.

“Hey, you know we are here, right?” Anika asked of you, and gently put her hand on yours. Tara sat down beside you two and did the same with your shoulder. The Carpenter felt it was a bit cliché, but when Anika smiled at her, and you eased a bit under her touch, the feeling faded.

It took you about a minute to be able to talk. Neither of them let go of you, not even for a second. You couldn’t be more grateful for them. You calmed downed slowly, as they eased you in just the right way. "Is everyone alright?"

Anika rolled her eyes before asking back. "Shouldn't you be worried about yourself?"

"Me and Tara didn't get hurt, if that's what you are thinking about" Sam answered you after you threw a pointed look at your sister. "But the cops… weren't that lucky. Six dead, seven other still in surgery."

"Vasco?"

"I ordered him to stay behind" Bailey's voice cut through the room. He was now standing at the newly opened door, looking firm. "Someone needs to restore order, and now that… And he is the next highest ranking cop there. You know, you really scared us back there?"

Relief flooded through you, knowing he was alright. "It takes more than a cut to bring me down Wayne."

"Any idea who the attacker might have been?" he asked, as he entered the room and stood next to you.

You swallowed before answering. "No. I couldn't really get a proper look at him." Both Anika and Tara narrowed their eyes at you. They knew your signs, and you were lying. There was no denying it. The only question was; why? "Is there anything on the footages of the cameras?"

"He entered the building in costume, and none saw where he went, or how he disappeared, since he cut the power. The smoke must have come from grenades taken from our storage, because there were several missing."

After he finished, silence overtook the room once again, but this time it was awkward. Bailey, noticing that his intrusion has caused this, squeezed your left shoulder tightly, and started heading out. "It's good to have you back, kiddo" he said from the door, before leaving the room. As goodbye, you threw him a weak smile.

You contemplated whether you should say your next sentence before everyone or not. From one side, you did promise your father, you would keep the secret inside the family, from the other, everything said to either Tara or Anika would then be told to Mindy and Sam. Maybe not Sam, but Mindy would surely know. Your thought process was stopped when she spoke.

"Can I start theory crafting now Ika?" she asked, hope evident in the way she spoke.

"Only after my dear sister here explains why she would lie to Wayne" Anika answered, further narrowing her eyes at you. Tara also drew back, expecting you to explain yourself.

"I don…" you started but stopped yourself when Tara raised an eyebrow. You then sighed, and caved in. "Because I promised father we would always keep it inside the family." As Anika's eyes widened in realization, so narrowed the young Carpenter's in confusion. When she looked at the others, she found them just as dumb-founded as she was. "Kiks, I believe it was Anna" you said.

"Who's that supposed to be?" Sam asked.

"Someone who blew up, got burned to death and is now six feet underground" Anika blurted out, not even bothering looking behind her so she would talk towards Sam. She took a deep breath, and continued more calmly. "She's dead Y/N."

"I heard her voice from behind the modulator" you said, a little irritated. "It was her! I know it's her."

Anika looked unconvinced. Everybody else was clueless, and it could have been seen from miles. "Should we leave you alone so you two could talk this through?" the older Carpenter asked and stood.

"Yes, that may be helpful" your sister thanked her.

Whilst the others got ready to leave, Tara looked at you with doe eyes. She didn't want to let you out of her sight, not after what happened. She grasped your hands, like it was her lifeline.

"We'll be quick; I promise" you nudged her. Reluctantly, she let you go, and started scattering out the bed. She stood beside the bed for a moment, then leant back in and kissed you, something she had wanted to do since the moment you woke. You kissed her back, grinning against her lips, then pushed her back and out the bed. "Go" you ushered her with your hands. She threw you an unimpressed look, before leaving the room.

After Mindy closed the door behind herself, she was all over Tara. "What was that?" she asked teasingly, a huge smile plastered on her face. Tara tried to hide her blushy smile, but failed miserably.

"After dinner, and before the… the first attack, we…" She cleared her throat and started looking for words as she reminded herself of the memory of you pulling her in, hands roaming her. "We had a moment."

Mindy all but shrieked at the news, whilst Chad and Sam were only smiling at her. They looked happy for her, and all she wanted to do was to wipe their smug looks off their face. "Tell. Me. Everything!" Mindy demanded and Tara was then forced to do as she said. When she left out even the slightest detail, she would get smacked, and would need to correct her mistake. Her friend felt tyrannical, and cruel. When she accused her of this, she would just thank her for it, and nudge her on.

"Time to pay up Chad!" Mindy declared, and held her hand out towards her brother after Tara finished.

"You betted on whether we would get together?!"

"No, we betted on when you would get together. It took way more time than we first thought!" she answered and after Chad handed her a fifty, started rummaging through her bag for her purse.

"This much?!"

"Well, after months the stakes only grew" the Meeks woman explained nonchalantly. "Now, Sam, this should cover yours?" Mindy asked as she gave her the fifty she just got from Chad, and some more notes she took out from her purse.

"Et tu Sam?"

"Sorry!" she apologized, sincerity far avoiding her voice. "At first I thought it was stupid and unserious, but after a while, it got boring, and I wanted in."

Tara rolled her eyes. God she hated them.

---------

Not long later, the door to your room swung open, and Anika invited everyone back in. She looked a bit sad and tired. Arguments with you, often had that effect on people.

"So, you believe it now?" Mindy asked from her.

"I… Just get in" she said, bit agitated. "We'll explain a few things to you, since we believe we owe that to you."

"You're damn right" Chad spoke, and entered the room, the others quickly following suit.

Tara immediately walked over to you, and lay beside you on the bed, nudging herself into your side. Your heartrate was normal, and it filled her ears, relaxing your body, because it was proof, that you were alive, and would stay that way, at least for a little while longer. You placed a hand around her shoulders and kissed her forehead in response, as you too, relaxed into her.

You waited for everyone to be seated comfortably, and only afterwards did you start speaking. "Annabelle is our half-sister. She was loving, caring and overall a very nice person. Then, an incident happened. You see, since I was born, I've had a heart disease. I was a ticking time bomb, that wouldn't wait for long to show it's teeth." You told them about the symptoms you had, pained chest and all the other shitty things you have had to live through. You told them, that how it worsened when you were eight. Doctors gave you slim to none chance, of you surviving without a transplant, yet because of other circumstances, there were very little of those that were donated by donors that were compatible with you, and none of them were within arms-reach. The only one that could have been used, was that of your mothers. "We had many arguments over this. Neither me, nor Anna accepted the fact that this was the only way, yet I was hospitalized more and more. During one of these arguments and after me I having been stabilized in a hospital, my heart… gave up."

Tara felt you tense when you started talking about what had happened whilst you were blacked out. You were rushed in the surgery once again, but this time your mother accompanied you… and never came back. She felt your somberness, your sadness and your anger, and wished she could just take it away. Yet she couldn't.

Anika took over, since you couldn't continue talking. "Annabelle didn't take the news of the procedure well, so even before it began, she had to be sedated. None of us really know what happened, but she went mad. After waking up, she strangled the woman looking after her, and then brutally murdered all the doctors that had saved Y/N's life. After that, she came for us. She cracked in father's skull, knocked me out and almost killed Y/N too. Uncle Vasco saved us. Our father got sent to a rehab center, and has been there ever since. Annabelle got locked in an asylum, where only Y/N visited her."

"You said she died" Sam spoke. "How?"

"The institution burned to the ground two years later. Her burnt body had been identified."

Silence filled the room. You nestled into Tara more, and synchronized your breathing with hers. She couldn't describe the feelings flowing through her, there were simply too much. Rage, sorrow, anger, misery, fury, bitterness… It was overwhelming her. How could you be so cheery and happy after going through so much shit? Her admiration for you had never been stronger. Your heartrate slowly relaxed her again, yet the emotions didn't go away now. They were only dampened.

"How… How did we never hear about this?" Mindy asked. "It should have been all around the news!"

"It happened in 2011" you explained. "Same year Prescott returned to Woodsboro. We weren't big enough to rival the amount of waters she bothered, thank god. We were able to stay pretty much under the radar. Uncle dealt with the rest."

"You saying she is alive?"

"I'm almost certain. I don't know how she's alive, but it's her."

"So what now?" Tara asked sheepishly. She was afraid she would need to leave your side, and she quickly turned out right as you started scrambling out of bed.

"We kill her" you said, voice plain and emotionless.

Sam huffed at your statement. "A room full of cops couldn't deal with her, not speaking of your current state. You can't fight like this Y/N."

"My wound? Oh please" you mocked, as you reached the end of the bed. "It doesn't even hur- Motherfucker!" you exclaimed as pain rushed through your side after a sudden move.

"Case in point" Sam said.

"This won't stop me" you replied, more determined than ever. "Also, I have an advantage over her."

"And what would that be?"

"I know her weakness."

[sw-33-ts-stuff]

Killer in NYC

Tara Carpenter X Reader

Part 2

Tara POV

We were all sitting at the table joking around when our phones rang.

My eyes widened seeing Carly's lifeless face staring into the camera next to a bloodied Ghostface mask. The panic rose and I began looking around in my bag as everyone else at the table was silent. I couldn't find my inhaler and looked to Sam with wide eyes as I felt myself hyperventilate.

"Where's her inhaler?!" Evan looked around confused.

"Who has asthma?"

Chad stood next to me making sure I sat up straight as Mindy dove into my bag dumping it on the table looking for my pump. My vision beginning to blur.

"Wait Tara has asthma?" Evan began freaking out.

Sam began dialing 9-1-1 when a hand pressed a blue pump to my lips. I inhaled placing my hand on their wrist and felt the air beginning to come back into my lungs. (Y/e/c) eyes peered into mine concerned.

"You good?" I nodded thankful.

"Why do you have an extra inhaler?" Mindy said skeptically. The taller girl shrugged giving me the pump.

"Thought it might come in handy." She turned going back to work. Everyone eyed her before turning back to me.

"Tara.." I hugged Sam feeling myself tear up.

Its happening again.

.

.

.

We had all gathered at our apartment. On the couch Mindy and Chad, standing in the corner was Kirby.

"Well at least we made it to the sequel." Chad turned to his twin incredulous.

"Seriously?" The girl shrugged.

"Uncle Randy would be proud. But we need suspects and at the top of the list we have" Mindy got a napkin and began writing "the love interests" she glanced at Sam and I "or family of the deceased. In the second Stab the killers were revealed to be the mother and the best friend but seeing as this is still a re-quel or legac-sequel I wouldn't put it past them to try and come up with a plot twist."

Kirby stared. "Is it me or does she sound excited about this?"

Sam sighed pinching the bridge of her nose.

"I was really hoping I'd never have to go through this shit again."

"This is bullshit!" Chad ranted standing up. "I don't wanna get stabbed again."

"News flash genius no one does but with our luck...it's even more likely we die this round."

"FUCK!"

"So what do we do?" I felt my mouth move before my brain even processed what I'd said.

"First we have to act natural, chances are we're the core of this movie and any outsiders could potentially be the new killer. We're also gonna need to do some recon." Mindy looked at Sam and I. "Starting with potential love interests."

"Evan wouldn't-"

"David wouldn't-"

"To be fair Sam your last boyfriend was the killer." Sam glared at Chad who put his hands up in surrender. "Sorry but.."

"It's true." I sighed. "And Amber was my best friend so we really can't just trust anyone."

"So..." Mindy smirked. "Who are we stalking first?"

.

.

.

Mindy, Chad and I were sitting across the street outside the coffee shop watching Evan and Y/n. Mindy peering through binoculars as Chad was scarfing down French fries.

"This feels weird."

Mindy shrugged. "Weirder than being one of the new final girls to a real life horror movie?"

I quirked an eyebrow. "How do you know I'm one of the new final girls?"

Chad chuckled as Mindy smirked. "Cause you're still a virgin."

I felt my jaw drop. "How do you know I haven't had sex?!"

Mindy scoffed. "Oh please it's obvious in the way Evan keeps dropping hints at every party." She dropped her voice. "Hey babe let's head upstairs...this party's too noisy wanna go somewhere more quiet?" She wiggled her eyebrows.

Chad started making kissing faces at me as the two continued laughing I rolled my eyes turning back to the coffee shop.

"Fuck the both of you."

3rd Person POV

Tara's phone chimed the text coming from an unknown number.

Never split up.

She looked at Chad and Mindy still preoccupied with their teasing, both growing serious when she showed them the message. They'd looked around before looking back to the coffee shop only seeing Y/n cleaning the counter.

"Suspicious." Mindy muttered.

"That doesn't prove anything."

Mindy shrugged standing up with her brother.

.

.

.

A few blocks over Kirby and Sam were watching her boyfriend David who was sitting in the library taking notes. They sat in Sam's car as time had passed.

Kirby trying to use her Bluetooth as she played with the car radio making Sam smack her hand.

"Seriously?!"

"What? This is boring and I need something to pass the time!" Sam scoffed.

"Sorry people dying is so boring." Kirby glared.

"Technically this shit started with you so how do I know you're not having some psychotic break and the actual murderer?!"

"Fuck you Kirby!" The girl pushed her in her seat.

"No fuck you Sam this shit all started because of your bat shit crazy daddy!" She pushed back and soon the girls were fighting in their seats the car rocking as they did so. A door handle was snatched open as Sam was pulled out Kirby's nose bleeding as she went to apply pressure.

"Fuck you Sam you're on your own!"

"Don't come crying to me when you're next!"

Strong arms held Sam down and she'd looked back to find her boyfriend staring at her.

"Not that I'm unhappy to see you but what the fuck is going on?"

Sam sighed trying to think of an excuse. She couldn't trust anyone especially if it meant risking her sisters life.

"We were headed here to study when Kirby freaked out on me." She lied through her teeth.

David hugged the girl. "Sorry babe if it helps I always thought she was a little off...but how about you tell me what's actually wrong?"

Sam froze still in his embrace. "What do you mean?"

"Don't come to me when you're next?" The girl shook her head.

"Can we just drop it please?" The man looked into her eyes concern filling his features.

"Ok. Why don't you come into the library with me while I finish my assignment and then we can grab a bite?"

The girl shook her head once again. "I need to get home and check on Tara."

His shoulders sagged in disappointment. "Ok I'll see you later then." He went to kiss her but she turned her cheek.

Sam hastily walked to her car heading back to her apartment alone.

She unlocked the door texting Mindy, Chad and Tara, getting her pajamas together before she stepped into the hot shower.

Steam collecting in the bathroom as her phone chimed.

The apartment door creaked open as black boots took calculated steps further into the apartment.

Sam's phone rang again as she began washing her hair eyes closed, a deep sigh leaving her body as she fell deep in thought.

Chad and Mindy had gone across the street to check in with the baristas as Tara (who was believed to be invincible apparently) stayed back to watch if anyone would leave when he did.

"Hey uhh y/n right?" The girl looked up nodding.

"What's up Chad?" The boys eyebrows furrowed.

"How do you know my name?" The girl narrowed her eyes.

"Maybe I stereotyped you and actually got it right. Or I have ears and you're one of the loudest customers ever. Or I have eyes and I noticed you're one of Tara's friends, or maybe I have common sense and can read the name tag on your shirt." The girl glanced at his blue polo his eyes following where low and behold his name tag was. He chuckled sheepishly as his sister laughed.

"So I'll ask again what's up Chad?"

"Where's Evan?" Mindy asked.

"In the bathroom." Chad nodded.

"Mind if I check?" The girl tilted her head to the side.

"Is there a reason you're asking a lot of questions?" The boy puffed out his chest as his sister spoke up again.

"There a reason you're not answering them?" The two stared at each other before the (y/h/c) pointed.

"Down the hall to the right." She went back to counting the money in the register.

Chad and Mindy walked to the bathroom, the body builder going in by himself slowly opening the door.

"Evan?" Chad opened one door slowly.

Empty.

He went to the next stall again opening the door slowly.

Empty.

He peaked down to see black boots in the last stall praying it was the Tara's scrawny boyfriend.

"Ev-" he was cut off by a scream.

"Dude what the fuck?!" Evan was sat on the toilet phone in hand.

"Shit sorry." Chad closed the door walking back out to Mindy. "He's in there."

The two heard a slam and the doors bell ringing.

"Tara!" They ran out to an empty counter. Y/n standing next to her before they got on her bike.

"Get away from her!" The two were unheard over the motorcycles engine as the bike zoomed down the street.

Y/n swerved through traffic as Tara held tight palms sweating as they raced to her apartment. As soon as the bike stopped Tara ran.

Upstairs Sam had just finished her shower drying off and wiping the mirror before seeing none other than Billy Loomis in her reflection.

"You can't outrun the past kid." She closed her eyes counting to ten before reopening them. The all too familiar Ghostface standing right behind her knife raised and ready to strike when they both heard a scream.

"Sam!" Sam pushed Ghostface as she attempted to run out the bathroom the dark figure grabbing her before she slammed her fist into their abdomen cause them to bend over.

She kicked their head making them fall as she ran.

"Tara!" Her sister came up grabbing her and running out of the apartment. "They're inside the apartment!" The two continued to run before they hit a hard body.

"Woah! Y'all good?" Both Tara and her sister looked to see Y/n disheveled.

Sam's eyes narrowed. "What are you doing here?"

Y/n held her hands up as Tara spoke.

"She gave me a ride. I panicked when I got a text."

"What was it?" Tara went to her phone showing Sam the picture of her in the shower eyes closed and washing her hair.

Now you see her...

"How do I know she didn't send that?" Sam again glaring at the barista, who scoffed.

"Why would I give her a ride if I sent that?"

"There's always more than one killer!" The (y/h/c) looked at the woman confused.

"What?"

"Sam it wasn't her."

"Tara you don't-"

"I was watching her. She's Evans coworker."

Both heads turned to her as a blush grew over her face.

"She was wiping down the counters at the shop, Chad and Mindy went to find Evan."

"Tara!" Mindy, Evan and Chad ran in, the boy already sizing up y/n. He quickly took off his jacket wrapping it around Sam.

"Are you ok?" Sam nodded eyes still on Y/n who huffed.

"To be fair you're buying the "killer" in your apartment more time to escape so if you want to point fingers and name accomplices you should put yourself at the top of the list."

The six quickly walked over to the apartment , Tara having already called the police who were on the way there, Chad grabbing a nearby lamp turning the corner only to find it empty. The curtains blowing form the open window.

They looked down to see no one.

Y/n chuckled darkly shaking her head.

"I'm out of here. Glad you're ok."

Tara watched the taller girl leave making Mindy look at her with an eyebrow raised.

"So Tara's boyfriend may check out what about yours Sam?" Evans eyebrows shot up.

“Wait I’m a suspect?” Everyone ignored him.

"He was at the library and still is I have his location."

"And what happened with Kirby?"

"We got into a fight."

Mindys head tilted. "About?"

"She called me a psychotic murderer and I broke her nose."

Chads eyes widened as he started grinning. "Hell yeah Sam!" He held his hand up for a high five making everyone stare at him.

"What?"

3rd Person POV

Twenty some minutes later, Kirby was still making the long walk back to her apartment. She pinched her nose attempting to stop the bleeding Samantha fucking Loomis had caused. Fuck!

Fuck her and her crazy fucking father!

Fuck Ghostface and everything to do with Stab.

Just fuck!

Her phone rang and she answered not even bothering to look at the caller ID assuming it was Sam calling to apologize.

"If this is an apology it's gonna take a lot of liquor, food, and begging."

"Oh Kirby don't you know you should never split up in scary movies?"

Her body froze paralyzed with fear. That familiar voice causing a lump to grow in her throat her eyes darting around as she began to walk faster.

"What the fuck do you want from me? Wasn't murdering my friends enough?"

"Now Kirby everyone loves a good sequel and what better way than to bring back a fan favorite? Now how about we play a little game?"

"How about you fuck off?" Ghostface chuckled.

"Wrong answer." From behind a dumpster the cloaked figure went to stab Kirby who ducked making them fall over her. She stepped on their chest knocking the air out of the killer before trying to run to the nearest bar. She was still far from her destination but the woman was determined to live.

A sharp tug on her jacket sent her flying backwards as the masked figure went to stab her. She rolled away trying to crawl when they went to grab her again. Her boot kicking the killer square in the face making it fall slightly off the killers face. Gloved hands went to fix this giving Kirby the opportunity to run.

She began banging on the windows of a coffee shop.

"Help! Help! There's someone trying to kill me!"

The barista looked up pulling the girl inside quickly before trying to lock the door. Hands shaking as Kirby began dialing 9-1-1 and just as the lock was about to be secured Ghostface appeared going to stab her saviors hand. The killer banged on the window once tilting his head slightly before walking around.

The taller girl running to the back to lock that door as well as they went to barge in.

"RUN!" She yelled to the blonde who was still on the phone. Ghostface had pushed the door open forcing the girl down and going to chase Kirby but was stopped by a hand on his ankle. He stabbed the arm attached to it making Y/n yell. She still didn't let go as she tried to help the blonde. They stabbed her shoulder twice before kicking her knocking her unconscious. A mop to the back of their head distracting him. He turned to find Kirby who hit them again and again sending them to the floor. A siren drawing closer making the killer run.

Kirby kneeling down and applying pressure to her new friends wounds as the police burst in.

[janvba2film-blog]

Post A: Initial Ideas

Characters:

All characters will be named after horror directors, as a sort of meta in-joke (much like when Tatum Riley says “You sound just like a Wes Carpenter film”)

Jennifer – Named after Jennifer Kent (The Babadook, 2014); this will be our protagonist after Karyn is murdered. She will be the final girl in my short film. She is strong, smart, capable, and doesn’t fall over things.

Karyn – Named after Karyn Kusama (The Invitation, 2015); after walking home from her boyfriend’s (after having sex), she hears him scream and runs back to find him dead, only to be killed herself. This is me using the red herring device Mr. Craven makes regular use of.

Sam – Named after Sam Raimi (Evil Dead, 1983); he is just a token character and part of the friend group; he will die.

Eli – Named after Eli Roth (Cabin Fever, 2002); he is dating Karyn.

The Killer - We don’t know who they are .

Messages, Values, and Themes:

I was watching a Cracked podcast (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylzkOPBrdx0) about murderers and the like, one of which was Jean-Claude Roman, a man who pretended to be a medical doctor whilst actually conning people out of their money to afford his 18 year-long lie. When he came close to being discovered, he killed his wife and children. Now, the fear from this scenario doesn’t necessarily come from the fact that he was lying and was truly a monster, the fundamental fear in this situation, and any situation, comes from the not knowing. We take comfort in knowing the face of evil, it provides us with more knowledge to tackle an issue. So why not exploit that aspect in my movie? It seems for the longest time now that horror movies (particularly slashers) end with an expositional monologue detailing the evil’s motives; we see this in the Nightmare on Elm Street series. There is a direct correlation between the amount of information we know about Freddy and how intimidating he is. By the end of the original series we know everything about him, and he’s more of a pop culture icon no one is afraid of than an intimidating force of evil. Compare this to The Last House on the Left; we don’t understand the motivation behind the antagonists, we just know that they’re the bad guys and that worries us. It scares us that people could naturally that evil. Considering Wes’ favourability towards the subversion of audience expectations I feel it justified that I reveal no information about my murderer in an age where it is the norm.

Another aspect I wish to touch upon in my film relates to interior meaning. I would like to touch upon mental illness, which is worryingly present in teenagers in modern society. I needn’t look at statistics either, I can just look at my peers and see it. I would like to have my killer be a representation of a mental illness or a topic surrounding it (E.g. suicide) but it must be done in a way which takes a back seat to what is happening on screen, much like the Vietnam commentary in Wes’ debut film; it cannot be the central plot-line of the movie.

Basic Plot:

We follow Jen, a middle class white female in college as she suffers the trials and tribulations of being faces with a mysterious murderer who plagues the town, stealing people’s eyes after he murders them.

Micro-technical Features:

Cinematography:

Long takes/tracking shots, such as the opening scene of Scream

The shadow of the killer on the wall, much like Freddy is portrayed in A Nightmare on Elm Street

A close up of the murder weapon, much like that of Freddy’s glove

Obscured deaths/body’s

Shots from behind the protagonist, akin to the one in Scream which pays homage to POV shots of the killers.

Mise-en-Scene:

Memorable weapon and attire for the killer

Booby traps, which I learned Wes uses in at least three of his films (NoES, Last House on the Left, and The People Under the Stairs).

References to other films, such as on the TV or on posters, in the film. Obviously like Scream but also like in NoES, which features Evil Dead on the TV because Raimi featured a The Hills Have Eyes poster in it.

If I am to go down the road of discussing mental health issues, then perhaps it would be good to have some medication in certain shots.

Editing:

Long/Tracking shots

Long shots of uncomfortable moments, like the Mari’s rape scene

Jumpscares – a common horror convention used in all my focal films. This is also accounts for false jumpscares (E.g. It was just a cat making noise and jumping out of nowhere)

Montage: These are both used for showing booby traps in my first two focal films so perhaps I will use it in the same manner.

Sound:

Use of time-appropriate music like all of my focal films do; probably some upbeat indie-folk.

Possibly accented sound effects, like the principal’s scissors on Scream or Freddy’s gloves in A Nightmare on Elm Street.

I would like to compose a piece of music for my short film similar to NoES. I didn’t mention the music in my notes because I know Wes had nothing to do with it, but the music is heavily chromatic and I learned in Never Sleep Again that the main theme is in 7/8, an unusual time signature, which causes the viewer to feel strange.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-u9YDDrTFo - This video taught me that playing a low note and high note makes the listener want to fill in the gaps, because a low sound (lion) signifies danger, while a high note signifies something innocent and small (kitten). I can also use  cognitive dissonance by applying something innocent (lullaby) over a sinister image - this was utilised by Nightmare on Elm Street.

[sw-33-ts-stuff]

Killer In NYC (Tara Carpenter X Reader)

WARNING: Possible Spoilers (I haven’t seen the movie yet so this is my own interpretation based of trailers and the franchise)

Part 8- Finale

3rd Person POV

"Sam?! Tara?!"

"Gale?!" The Carpenter sisters both watched in horror as another figure in a Ghostface costume appeared next to them. Both holding the girls by the back of their heads.

"Police don't move!" Detective Brooks pointed his gun as he and Gale surveyed the scene before them. He began to laugh lowering his gun. "Now why don't we play a little game girls? Let's see how long it takes the infamous Gale Weathers to die!"

A gun shot followed as the reporter fell forward blood pooling around her as Y/N began struggling to get out of her seat eyes meeting Chads as he began to do the same. Tara and Sam crouched near her body. Sam grabbing the older woman's hand in support.

Gale squeezed slightly as she looked to the two, the pain radiating through her body as the she felt the blood leaking out of her.

"Sam...." she coughed. Sam leaned closer so she wouldn't strain herself as much. "Tell Sidney I'm sorry."

Tara looked up at Detective Brooks who put a hand on the shoulder of one of the Ghostfaces.

"And I'm sorry to both of you too." The Carpenter Sisters shook their heads as she continued speaking her breathing getting heavier.

Sam cut her off.

"Stop apologizing you're going to be fine." The reporter laughed.

"Not this time sweetie." Tara swallowed the lump in her throat as Sam shook her head in denial. "It's ok Dewey's waiting from me."

She laughed in bittersweet sorrow. “A lot of our family is waiting for me.”

"How sweet..." The detective sneered before he shot her again a harsh wet sound escaping her lips as they coated themselves in blood.

"I hate sweet."

"Why are you doing this?!" The older man smiled.

"Ah ah ah we're not there yet..." he smiled slowly at the two before pointing over to the balcony. "We have plans."

They all looked over to see Chad and Y/N's chairs knocked over as David was slowly inching towards the edge of the stage. Detective Brooks rolled his eyes before shouting.

"ARE YOU ALL DONE?!" The three froze as he began to laugh. Ghostface number 1 and 2 walking towards them. They had gone to grab Chad but Y/N kicked one in the back of their knee as David's chair fell and broke. His eyes wide in realization.

They're stage props!

He went to push Ghostface off quickly breaking one of the legs of the chairs before running up the stairs towards Sam and Tara. The second Ghostface going to chase him before they heard another noise. Y/N had broken Chad's chair.

Detective Brooks quickly grabbed Tara knife tucked under her neck as he gave Sam a gun. David had run up but froze at the scene before him.

"New game Samantha shoot your boyfriend or I shoot your sister."

"Fuck you!"

"You wanna know why I'm doing this?! I want to take everything you love like you did to me!"

Sam just stared at the man.

Chad tackled Ghostface 1 as Y/N swung on Ghostface 2. The latter dropping to the ground as the barista went to help Chad. She grabbed the serial killer and threw them to the ground. They began to kick them sure that at least a few ribs were broke in the process.

"NO!" Both of their heads snapped up as they ran recognizing that scream anywhere.

"Sam..." David began before he looked at Tara. He turned back to his girlfriend nodding. "Shoot me." Sam looked at him with wide eyes.

"Are you-"

"Sam you came back for your sister. I know how much she means to you, so shoot me." The man took a deep breath. "I love you it's ok."

He stepped closer to the girl who had the gun pointed towards the ground. He pushed her arm up gun pointed at his chest. "It's ok."

Tara hit the detective with her head running forward and knocking into Sam. A single gunshot ringing through the air.

"NO!" Tara grabbed Sam as they began to run nearly crashing into Chad and Y/N.

"Where's David?" The two shook their heads as they tried to find a way out.

As they ran the boy would continue to throw objects to slow the murderer down. Ghostface 1 appeared again, Chad cocking his fist back and swinging making them fall back as they ran into what seemed to be an abandoned theater lobby. Tara kicked him before she was pulled back by Sam. Caught off guard Chad was grabbed by the second Ghostface knife driven into his right pec.

"CHAD!" You went to help when the boy shook his head blood leaving his mouth as his eyes darted to Tara.

She comes first.

"Run." He choked out.

You pushed the two girls through the lobby not looking back as Tara continued to cry. She watched as the two took turns stabbing into various parts of the boys body.

The smaller girl pushing you once you all stopped.

"Why didn't you help him?" She kept pushing you until her hands balled into fists. She stopped pushing once she felt her tears come back.

"I'm sorry Tara."

You didn't move as she cried into your shirt eyes locking with Sam's before they widened in horror. A sharp slice made to your back as you fell to your knees, a boot pushing you down and a figure stepping over you. Two more following to surround the girls.

Detective Brooks stood tall as he was flanked by the other two killers.

They removed their masks making the girls gasp. Tara broke the stunned silence first.

"Mom?!" Sam stared at the woman in contempt.

"Hello Tara, Samantha.”

Tara then began to stare into familiar blue eyes too disgusted to look at her mother.

“Why?” Sam whispered.

“Why?! You can really sit there and ask why?!” The older woman came closer to her daughter eyes slightly dazed. “YOU TOOK EVERYTHING FROM ME! YOU AND YOUR PSYCHOTIC FATHER HAVE DONE NOTHING BUT RUIN MY LIFE!”

“NO ONE MADE YOU OPEN YOUR LEGS!YOU DECIDED TO BE A SLUT ALL ON YOUR OWN!” Before she could register it a sharp ring sounded throughout Sam’s ears. Her mothers hand still raised.

“Because of you my husband left me, because of you my daughter left. My only reason for living left me for you!”

“Evan.” The boy smirked.

“You know she’s not the only person you stole family from Sam.” The older girl turned to the boy. “My brother went to Woodsboro to make a movie…except he never came back.”

“Richie.” Tara whispered under her breath.

Evan nodded as she had yet to take her eyes off him.

“When my dad suggested his plan I almost didn’t want to go through with it. But when your mom came to us and showed me you kissing Y/n in the club and finding a note about Chad in your apartment, it was an easy decision.”

Detective Brooks inched behind Sam lips slightly grazing her ear. “Do you know what it’s like to lose your first born son?”

She held back a shiver of disgust. “No and you don’t either because you son was a pussy!” He smacked the butt of his gun to the back of her head.

“My son was a man of his word and I’m here to finish what he started.”

“Your limped dick son was a baby back bitch who let his girlfriend do all the dirty work.” Detective Brooks pulled Sam back up as her mother inched forward.

“Any last words?”

“Fuck you!” She closed her eyes preparing for the worst when she heard a yell.

“EVAN!”

“Y/N!”

She opened her eyes in time to see you pushing Evan off the balcony railing using him to cushion your fall. Both of you still as they all looked on, Tara smirked.

“Guess you lost another son.” He went to hit the girl when he heard shuffling.

“I’m gonna fucking kill you you bitch!” Evan was huffing from his position trying to get back up. You stood cracking your neck as you grabbed his knife.

Detective Brooks began to aim his gun at you when Tara shoved him making the gun begin to loosen in his grip.

Sam tackling their mother as things grew more chaotic.

You stabbed Evan multiple times before you fell to your knees in exhaustion. Gun shots rang in the distance and you looked up to see Tara fighting an older man.

She was pushed over the edge making Sam push away her mother and go to help. The blood on their hands not helping. Down below you began to position yourself.

Sam cried as her grip on Tara loosened her younger sister falling only to be caught by you both of you falling to the floor.

The smaller girl looked to you bewildered as you both heard a scream. You turned to see Sam throwing her mother over the balcony as well. The only ones left were her and Detective Brooks.

“I’m going to kill you Carpenter even if it means I have to die with you.”

“I’ll tell you the same thing I told your son..” she glanced to his gun on the floor making him dive for it as she pulled out the knife she stole from mother. She surged forward stabbing him in the head as he went to shoot her, his gun clicking as he realized he was out of ammunition.

“Don’t fuck with the daughter of a serial killer.”

It was silent for a moment before Sam heard footsteps running towards her. Her shoulders sagging in relief and exhaustion as she sees her boyfriend coming to her. He pulls her into a hug. The girl crying softly into his shoulder which seems to be bleeding.

“SAM?!”

“TARA!” She looks over the balcony at her younger sister who’s sat firmly on your lap. Another scream breaks their moment as Evan runs to you both. You push Tara behind you as you get ready to face him. She slides a knife into your hand as he comes closer. It takes a few seconds but he stumbles when you plunge a knife between his eyes making sure to slit his throat after he falls. You drop the knife as he stops moving, turning back to Tara.

Sam and David coming down to you.

“Can we please get the fuck out of here?”

You chuckle lightly at the small girl nodding as the four of you leave.

.

.

.

“Can I get-“

“An iced matcha latte with oat milk and a vegan wrap?” You smiled at the smaller girl with freckles as she looks surprised to see you.

“Oh and an iced chai with oat milk.” Your eyebrows furrow as she orders your favorite.

“Who’s the chai for?” Tara smirks.

“You. You’re going on break in two minutes so you can make our order and sit with me.” You chuckle shaking your head.

“Yes ma’am and since I’m joining you, it’s on the house.” She looks at you annoyed when you shrug.

Sam and David wave at you once you notice them sitting in Tara’s usual booth. You slide in next to her placing down your order.

“Hey Y/n.” You nod politely at the two turning to Tara who’s staring at you.

“What?” Mindy scoffs as she walks up to the table.

“Can you guys just go out already and save us all the trouble?”

Everyone laughs as Tara blushes. You rub the back of your neck before turning to the smaller girl. You didn’t want to make the same mistake.

“Would you wanna go on a date with me tomorrow night?” Her nose scrunches up as she smiles at you eyes crinkling at the sides.

“I thought you’d never ask.”

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