#she asked if she should get candles and if we’re gonna have time to talk about Passed Loved Ones

[androidboy]

invited my gf to celebrate dia de los muertos with me and she’s approaching the holiday in literally the cutest way. like she’s being very shy and kind of embarrassed to not know much about it but also 100% wanting to experience the entire deal in a very genuine and respectful way

[baptismbaby]

† GOD, FORGIVE ME PT. 2

mean!ellie x innocent!reader a/n: posted this to ao3: baptismsbaby warnings: toxic!ellie, corruption, virgin!reader, praise, degrading, gaslighter!ellie, belittling, strap on (r!receiving), not rlly angsty but sorta? creds to elliesgalaxy on pinterest for the pic of ellie wc: 4k<3 part one here

You kneeled by your Bible and candles praying for forgiveness for what happened the previous night. Although you enjoyed your time with Ellie, you felt guilty for going against your own morals. You didn’t judge your friends for having premarital sex and you didn’t think you’d go to Hell over it. If so, everyone would burn and not reach paradise. But you always told yourself that you’d wait until you were married before having sex. You blamed the alcohol and the weed but a part of you believed you would’ve done it sober.

You stood up with a sigh, knowing you had promised to meet Dina for lunch to talk about Ellie’s apology. You spent all night coming up with a lie, which you also felt horrible about. You grabbed your bag and headed out the door. You greeted everyone with a smile as you walked past them. You were thankful that no one knew you drank and smoked the night before.

You walked in and almost ran face first into Seth, who glared down at you. “Sorry!” you apologized, stepping past him and heading towards the table where Dina was sitting.

“Hey you,” she greeted with a smile. “How are you feeling today?”

You sat down and set your bag in the chair next to you. “I woke up with a slight headache this morning but it went away after an hour. So I guess not too bad,” you responded.

“You’re a champ. I feel much better but I woke up feeling like complete shit.”

“I guess I didn’t drink enough to get a proper hangover.”

“Which means you didn’t get drunk enough. Gotta try again!”

“Absolutely not!” you disagreed. “I don’t think I wanna drink again. It tasted horrible!”

“That’s why you get a chaser,” said Dina. “Anyways, let’s get to why we’re here.”

She grabbed your wrist and looked deep into your eyes with a smirk. “Please tell me what Ellie said! I’m so shocked she apologized. She never admits when she’s in the wrong.”

“Well, she came up there and basically told me that she felt bad for making me upset. Even though she’s always doing that,” you laughed. “But she said she realized it went too far and that really, I’m not that bad or something like that. She promised she wouldn’t make fun of me again but who knows.”

“So, are you two gonna be friends?” Dina asked.

You shrugged. “I don’t know… she actually invited me over to watch a movie tonight but I think I’m gonna pass.”

“I think you should go. Ellie never invites people to her place unless it’s for a party or she’s bringing a girl home to fuck. Damn, she really feels bad then,” said Dina.

You couldn’t help but smile. Even though she wanted you to come over to fuck you again, you liked the idea of Dina believing Ellie was going out of her way to prove how sorry she was to you. You originally were going to come over and tell her you weren’t sure if y’all should continue seeing each other but it wouldn’t hurt convincing her to watch a movie. 

“Maybe I will go,” you stated. “I wouldn’t want things going back to how they were before.”

Dina peeked behind you and smiled. “Speak of the devil,” she said. You glanced back to see Ellie walking in. Her hair was messy, the top half of it tied up. She wore her gray hoodie still and baggy jeans. She looked over and made eye contact with you. She fixed her gaze on Dina and made her way to the table.

“Sup, Dina,” she said.

“Hey Ellie.”

Ellie looked back at you and nodded. She walked away and sat with a dark haired woman across the room. She smirked at you before starting a conversation with the girl. You frowned, holding your head up with her hand.

“Well, she didn’t say anything to you but she acknowledged you,” Dina uttered.

You couldn’t stop staring at Ellie and the girl. “Who is she sitting with?” you interrogated.

“That’s Cat. You know Cat, she just cut her hair so she’s a bit unrecognizable now.”

You felt a pain shoot through your stomach in jealousy. “Oh, her ex?”

“Yeah. I think they’re talking again. After you left the party, she came by and they disappeared for a couple minutes.”

You felt sick. Ellie used you and knew how much it meant to you to have sex. You got up quickly, the chair scraping across the floor loudly. Ellie turned her head from across the room, staring at you in confusion.

“I-I forgot,” you said. “I forgot I was supposed to help Sadie with something for bible study.”

Dina cocked an eyebrow at you. “Sadie’s on patrol?”

You smacked your face with your hand. “Shoot, you’re right. That’s next Saturday. Nevermind. I do need to go, though. My head is beginning to hurt again. I think I need a nap. It’s starting to get busy and all the chatter is killing me.”

“You alright?” asked Dina with concern.

“I’ll be okay. I’ll take a nap and feel better.”

“Let me know if you need anything. Oh, and come by tomorrow around noon! I wanna know what you and Ellie are gonna talk about tonight.”

You said nothing to Dina, spinning around to leave. As you walked out, you could see through the window that Ellie was at Dina’s table, leaned over and talking to her. You turned away and sped up so you could get home quickly. 

-

You stood at the mirror on your door, looking up and down at your outfit. You wore your normal baggy clothes so Ellie wouldn’t get any ideas when you went over to talk to her. You grabbed your coat as you exited the door and headed down the steps. Ellie was just two blocks over but you knew you would be freezing to death before you got there. You shoved the jacket on and started walking down the road, your thoughts running rampant as you figured out what’d you say. You couldn’t stop thinking about the way Ellie looked at Cat as they spoke. The more you thought about it, the more you thought about the way Ellie looked in your eyes as she hovered over you. You got close to Ellie’s home and shook those thoughts away, mumbling a quick prayer to yourself so you would stay strong and stay on track.

You knocked on Ellie’s door and waited for her to open it. You heard shuffling inside and then the knob turned, revealing Ellie in a tank top and jeans. You looked down at her exposed tattoo then back up at her face. She wore a shit-eating grin as she stepped aside to let you in. You brushed past her, throwing yourself on her couch in irritation.

“What’s wrong?” asked Ellie, coming to sit next to you. “Mad that I didn’t say hi earlier? Is that it?”

You scooted away from her and refused to look at her. “No,” you muttered.

“Aw, talk to me, pretty girl.” 

She reached out to grab your thigh but you smacked her hand away. You stood up and towered over Ellie, glaring at her sweet face. “I-I came here originally to tell you that maybe we shouldn’t have sex again!” you declared. Ellie leaned back, an amused look on her face. “I told myself that I would wait for marriage. My virginity was important to me, Ellie.”

“So… you’re upset that you had sex before being married?” questioned Ellie, still looking entertained about what you were saying.

“I was at first! I prayed and cried, begging God to forgive me. Mostly prayed that He’d forgive me for blaspheming Him. But now I feel stupid for losing my virginity to you,” you explained bitterly.

Ellie frowned. “You didn’t enjoy last night?” she asked in a mocking tone.

“You don’t want me. You’re talking to Cat again! And I’m angry that I was a fool to think you really wanted me. You just wanted in my pants so that you could say you made the good Christian girl go back on her morals, made her give herself to you completely! Just another thing to brag to your friends about.”

Ellie broke out into laughter. “This is about me having lunch with Cat?” She almost couldn’t believe it. You were jealous and assuming something was going on between her and Cat all because you saw them two together.

“Well, you’re sleeping with her again aren’t you?”

“No,” Ellie scoffed. “Who put that idea in your head anyway? Dina?”

“When I left the party, what happened?”

Ellie felt like she was being tested. She hated feeling that way. She only fucked you once and you were already testing her as if you two were in a relationship.

“Cat came by and we talked,” Ellie replied honestly.

“Dina said y’all left the party for a couple minutes.”

“Exactly! I wouldn’t even say a couple minutes, it was probably less than a minute.”

“What did she want?”

“Really? Why does it matter?”

“I can’t sleep with you if you’re sleeping with her too,” you said.

“You’re gonna feel really stupid when I tell you why we met up today.”

You groaned, frustrated that Ellie was making you feel this way. You wished you ghosted her instead. If she wanted her ex, fine. But she was an idiot to think she could still fuck you on the side.

“She wanted advice on how to ask out the girl she’s been seeing.”

Ellie watched as your face turned red in embarrassment.

“You feel stupid, huh?” she teased, smirking at your mortified expression.

“Don’t,” you scolded. “Don’t even… don’t go back to that or I’ll leave.”

“I’m not being mean, baby. I’m stating a fact. C’mere… I know you’re sorry. I forgive you.”

You walked over to her, your knees almost touching hers as she sat up and brushed her fingers along your arms.

“I like that you were jealous. I like that you felt dumb for assuming shit. That’s all you are, my dumb puppy,” she spoke in a low raspy voice. She actually didn’t enjoy that you had gotten jealous. All you were to her was a fucktoy. Jealousy ruins her fun. Ellie decided to let it slide for the night, wanting nothing more than to fuck you until all you can say is a string of apologies for thinking bad of her.

You pulled your arms away, sighing at the loss of her touch but wanting to stand your ground.

“I am sorry, Ellie. But it doesn’t change the fact that we shouldn’t have sex anymore. I wanted to wait until marriage and I want to wait until marriage to have sex again. I messed up once and it’s okay but I cannot sin this way again.”

Ellie hummed, her finger lifting up your shirt slightly to stick it in the hem of your jeans. She slid it across your skin, looking up as your breathing got faster.

“But it felt so good to sin, didn’t it, baby?” she cooed.

“I refuse to confess that to you. God has already forgiven me. I mean it.”

“Then make me stop.”

Ellie started to unbutton your pants, sliding them down around your ankles. She chuckled at the sight of your soaked panties. “You want this as much as I do,” she taunted.

You watched as she pulled them back up. “But if you really don’t want to… well, I won’t make you. But it makes me sad. I had so much planned for tonight.”

You fought with yourself internally as a part of you was desperate for her to take them off again and touch you. You hadn’t moved an inch, not even to button your jeans up. They were falling down slowly, too slow for your liking.

You knew it was wrong but decided it would be okay. All of your friends do it and they’re good people. You truly believed that there was no way that they would go to hell for having sex. They were the best friends you ever had. You never judged them for it so why would they judge you?

You hesitated before you spoke up. “W-What did you have planned?”

Ellie smirked devilishly. She knew you’d give in if she made you feel bad about it. While she realized it was wrong, she didn’t care because things were going her way.

“Follow me,” she demanded. She stood up and you walked after her, feeling nervous but in a good way. Ellie stepped inside her room and you admired the walls. There were so many posters and trinkets scattered over her dressers. In one corner of the room, she had a desk with papers all over it and a guitar next to it. Ellie was digging through her closet as you inched closer to read the papers. Before you could pick one up, Ellie dropped something which startled you. You spun around to see her eyeing you closely. She had thrown something back in the closet on purpose to gain your attention. She shook her head no, her eyes squinted into a glare. You backed away from her desk, choosing to sit on the bed instead.

“Atta girl,” Ellie complimented. She made her way over to the bed with a box. She placed it in front of you on the floor and you peeked in, gasping. 

“You’re gonna use all of that on me?”

She chuckled. “No, I want you to pick.”

“To put inside me?”

“For me to wear so I can fuck you properly,” she explained, her voice soft and almost condescending. She knew you had no idea what she meant and how she was going to use it. “Do you see this? It’s a harness,” she continued, holding it up to show you. “I wear it over my boxers and I’ll have whichever one you pick attached to it.”

You looked back in the box and started going through it, picking up different ones and making a face before putting it back in. “These are too big, Ellie,” you admitted. “I think it’ll hurt too much.”

“It’s supposed to hurt the first time, honey. Do you want me to take out the smallest one I have?”

You nodded and slid the box over to her. She reached in and grabbed one, passing it over to you. “It’s five and a half inches long,” she said. “Pretty average. Thick enough but not too thick. Is this okay?”

“It’s okay. Please be gentle, though,” you begged.

“What, you really think I’d be rough on you? I’m not gonna do that until you’re used to it, dummy. I’ll be real slow and gentle until you say otherwise. Although, I’ll probably keep it slow. Not sure if you deserve to be fucked hard. You did come in here accusing me of bullshit earlier.”

You pouted at Ellie, feeling that it was unfair for her to bring it up. Your pout went away though as you watched her take her shirt off. Your eyes followed her hands as she slowly unbuckled her belt and pulled it out of the loops. She shoved her jeans off and stepped out of them. Ellie walked over to you, smirking as you stared at her in awe. “Give it,” she whispered. You handed her the dildo. “Take off your clothes, pup. You wanna be ready for me once this is put together, don’t you?”

You obliged, standing up to discard your clothes as fast as you could. Ellie laughed softly at your desperation. You were completely naked by the time the strap was ready. Ellie stepped closer to you as you pushed yourself further up on the bed. You laid back on the pillow, Ellie now hovering over you. “Such a needy girl,” she murmured. “You’re so desperate for my cock, aren’t you?”

“Yes, Ellie,” you breathed. She looked down at your pussy, gliding her fingers along your thighs.

“I could touch you,” she began. “But do you really deserve that?”

“Y-You bullied me for years, Els, do you deserve to fuck me?” you said slightly above a whisper. You realized what you had said as Ellie’s face twisted into an expression of annoyance. “I-I didn’t mean it-”

“You meant it,” she interrupted. “You want to be a brat now baby? Now you really have to prove how sorry you are.”

“I am sorry!” you whined. You reached up to touch her but she smacked your hand away.

“I’m pissed because I can’t fuck you how I want to. If you continue to act like a brat by the time you’re adjusted to my cock, I’ll fuck the attitude right out of you. I’ll make a mess of you. A braindead little bitch with an aching cunt, crying because I won’t let you cum no matter how much you beg. Got it?”

You nodded, her threats turning you on even more. You liked when she called you a good girl but you also enjoyed the side of her that was angry with you. You couldn’t wait until you got used to getting fucked with a strap so that she could do whatever she wanted with you.

“Use your words,” she demanded.

“I got it, Ellie.”

“Good girl. You want me to continue?”

“Yes please,” you answered.

“God, you’re so beautiful when you’re like this,” said Ellie, going back to being soft and sweet with you. She began to press the tip of her dick to your clit, a soft gasp escaping your lips. “Does that feel good, pup?”

“Mhm!” you moaned in agreement. “S’ good, Ellie!”

“Do you want more or do you want me to put it in?”

“In,” you responded eagerly. 

“You’re sure?”

“I’m sure.”

“If you need me to stop or go slower or anything like that, tell me,” she said as she lined her cock up with your entrance. “Are you ready?”

You nodded. Ellie leaned closer so that her face was right in front of yours to watch your reaction. She slowly pushed into you, making you yelp in pain.

“Sh, just like that baby,” Ellie whispered in a raspy voice. “It’s okay. You can take it.”

Ellie kept it inside you for a few seconds so you could adjust to the feeling before she started to thrust into you gently. You whined in both pain and pleasure, loving the feeling of Ellie’s strap inside of you.

“Good girl, you’re taking it so well.”

Ellie kissed you softly as you wrapped your arms around her. Your nails dug into her back, scratching her with every thrust. Ellie rolled her hips at a steady pace, talking you through it until you reached down and tugged at her waist.

“You want more baby?”

“Please, go harder.”

Ellie went harder but still kept the slow pace, watching as your eyes squeezed shut from how good it felt. “Fuck,” Ellie moaned, the sound of your wet pussy making her throb. “You feel good, pup? Is your cunt adjusting well to my cock? Hm?”

“Yes,” you whimpered. “I-I want you to go-to go faster, Els. Please!”

Ellie grinned at your pleading and sped up, hitting all the right spots inside of you. You moaned louder, gripping Ellie’s shoulders and crying out her name.

“Yeah? You like that, honey? Tell me how good it feels,” said Ellie between grunts.

“Fuck it feels s-so good! I’m about to cum, please let me cum!” you begged.

“Such a good little slut, asking for permission. Cum for me like the good girl you are, my good girl,” Ellie growled.

She plunged deeper into you and faster, watching your face as you squealed and whined. Your orgasm took over your body, making you scream out Ellie’s name. Ellie slowed down as you trembled beneath her.

“Atta girl,” she praised. 

She pulled out of you and laid back on the bed beside you, turning on her side to watch you catch your breath.

“Was that okay? Did I hurt you?”

You looked over at her and shook your head. “It stung at first but I got used to it. It felt really good,” you uttered between breaths.

“Good, I got a bit too carried away at the end but you seemed to enjoy it.”

You giggled. “Yeah, I did like it when you were rougher.”

“Noted,” Ellie said as she reached over to her drawer, opening it and pulling out an already rolled blunt. She lit it up and offered it to you but you declined.

“I can barely think, Ellie.”

Ellie shrugged and puffed on it, blowing it out away from you. “Suit yourself, doll.”

“Can I ask you something?”

Ellie nodded. “I was wondering… if maybe you could teach me how to touch you?”

“No,” Ellie said almost too quickly. “I can get myself off when you leave. You can stay until I finish this.”

“Oh, I’m not staying the night?”

Ellie shook her head no. You sighed, realizing that you had to walk home with weak legs.

“Why won’t you teach me?” 

“Teach you what?”

“Um, teach me how to touch you? I don’t think it’s fair I cum and you don’t,” you stated.

“I don’t do that unless I’m in a relationship with that person.”

“Well, something will come out of this probably so you might as well show me now!” you said as you laughed. You saw the confused expression Ellie made, your smile faltering. “I mean, it is going to, isn’t it?”

“It’s going to what?”

You sighed in frustration, getting mad that Ellie was playing dumb. You knew her better than that. Ellie was a smart girl but would fight her way out of admitting something she didn’t want to. You raised up and grabbed your clothes, suddenly feeling embarrassed and nauseous. “I feel so stupid,” you whispered to yourself. “I should just go.”

“Hey, I want you to stay until I finish my joint so I can walk you out.”

“Such a gentleman, Ellie,” you spat back sarcastically.

“What was that? Did I not just let you cum on my cock after you insulted me earlier? I wasn’t going to let you but I did out of kindness. You should watch your tone with me, church girl, because I won’t be so nice next time.”

“You’re fucking me but don’t plan on having anything with me at some point?” you asked as you stood up. You tumbled a bit due to how shaky your legs were but you tried your best to not let it show. “You could’ve told me.”

Ellie scoffed. “I’m just havin’ fun. I didn’t realize you would want this to be a relationship.”

“I assumed you knew because of how I am. I’m a Christian who dates to marry,” you argued.

“Right, just like you assumed I was fucking Cat again all because you saw us sitting together. Relax, I don’t know where this will go. I like fucking you and I plan on fucking you as often as I can. Not if you’re gonna let your feelings get in the way, though.”

You rolled your eyes and started to get dressed. Ellie continued to smoke her joint while she observed you. “I already know you’re gonna say this is the last time,” Ellie continued. “But you’ll come back. I know you will. I think you need me.”

“What I need is to go home and sleep. I also need you to leave me alone,” you mumbled.

“When I show up to your door tomorrow night, are you really gonna turn me away?”

“Bye, Ellie,” you said as you started to walk away.

“Wait,” Ellie stood up and put her joint out. She slid out of the harness and threw it on the bed, grabbing her tank top and shoving it on as she chased after you. You were almost at the door when she jogged in front of you, opening it for you. “I’ll see you tomorrow, pup,” she said in a teasing tone.

“Fuck you.”

You walked out, Ellie still at the door to watch you go. “You’re gonna regret that tomorrow!”

[sierrale8ne]

40 DAYS AND 40 NIGHTS CHAPTER THREE

thought i’d be lying if i said ‘i didn’t want you to myself.’ when you look me in my eyes and, tell me that it’s mine, i…

pairing wnba!paige bueckers x singer!oc

taglist @thaatdigitaldiary @patscorner @makethemhoesmad @ohbueckers @rosemariiaa @wbbgetsmewetter @authentic-girl03

kalena speakss 🪽! paige has known maraye for no more than two days and she is down baddddd! yall gonna hate me for the end of this chapter icl 🙂‍↔️

May 2025 — Phoenix, Arizona 

“P, she has a boyfriend. She’s straight! Do you understand?” Rickea leans over towards me from her seat beside mine.

We’re in the trainers room, through the glass Cam is doing her rehab while Rae and Dearica talk about God knows what in front of us. This conversation has happened in different variations multiple times during the last two days.

Once when Rickea texted me immediately after the game, telling me I was insane for sizing Maraye up in public (which I was not doing, she’s just dramatic). Another when our flight landed last night, at our lift 20 minutes ago, and once more right now.

I roll my eyes. “I’m not gonna do anything! She’s pretty, I have eyes. That’s it.” I speak in my defense. Maraye having a boyfriend was enough for me to take a step back, she was someone else’s which I simply had to respect. I’m not one to break up a happy home. 

I guess her being straight should also tell me to walk away too, given my track record of hooking up with wildly toxic straight women. Los Angeles would probably not be the best place to continue that tradition.

“Okay but do you understand what I’m telling you. You will get yourself hurt, either by her or— if you fuck something up— by me; and I’m actually starting to like you.”

“Starting to? What about all the tampering you were doing to get me here?” I ask Rickea.

“I ain’t say you weren’t good.” She points, “but that’s not the point. She’s in a relationship.” 

It takes a minute, but everything my teammate says sticks in my head. I was getting ahead of myself in multiple ways. Plus, it probably wouldn’t be ideal for my first pro scandal to involve the most popular musician in the country. If CD was here she’d have probably torn my other ACL if she knew what I was up to.

So I nod. Looking over at Rickea’s stern expression makes me shift in my spot, very clearly irritating the lovely older woman who tapes my ankles. “I’m on my best behavior, swear to God.” I speak. My right hand falls over my heart in promise. 

“Better be. It’s your ass not mine, Rook.” 

—

May 2025 — Los Angeles, California 

When the door to Cameron and Ben’s gorgeous home swings open, I’m greeted by a very tall and very and very smiley stunning Cameron Brink. She wears a black off-the-shoulder maxi dress that touches the floor.

There is a container of Banana Pudding in my hand and with the way she smiles and sighs a breath of relief, I think she likes it.

“Maraye, you’re a lifesaver.” She pulls me into a warm greeting hug and I return the gesture, clutching to the dessert in my other hand. “Don’t tell anyone, but Ben burned the dessert and I was getting a bit nervous.” She whispers in my ear.

I giggle. “Anything I can do to help. Thank you for having me!”

“Are you kidding? Thank you for coming!” Cameron steps to the side, allowing me to walk into the home. I hear the voices of all the guests in the home, specifically the yelling of Ben and his friends to my far left. “Come on, all the girls are in the kitchen, guys will be there in a minute.”

She takes the dessert from my hand and I follow behind her into the kitchen. It was out before me, a vast expanse of modern elegance that seemed to breathe life into the home. Sleek lines and a minimalist design, and an organization that seemed to make it more open. Cameron definitely had good taste. It was around 6, and the sun peered through the blinds and covered the room in a yellow haze.

The dining table nearby is decorated white clean white tablecloth and candles and flowers. We would be making pasta, which is why we started out in the kitchen, but each seat at the table was decorated with crisp plates and personalized name tags.

“This place is beautiful, Cameron.” I comment.

“Thank you! Spent a little too much of the rookie contract on it.” She responds, pushing me just a tad with her finger further into the kitchen. “Everyone grab a partner, you two will be working together on your pasta dough!” Cameron instructs with her voice full of enthusiasm.

So I look up, and all spaces in the kitchen area are all occupied. All but the one and only spot besides Paige Bueckers herself.

She calls me over with a cock of her head. There’s a smirk on her face, one that she seems to keep in her back pocket. She wears dark wash jeans and a white loose fitting top that’s kinda cropped; of course. There’s a red and white short sleeve flannel over it and a gold cross chain that I can’t seem to remove my eyes from.

“How’re you, ma, you good?” She asks me. I think she doesn’t register the pet name before it leaves her mouth, but it still makes my heart race. 

“Look who showed up.”

—

I’m fucked.

I’m so totally, absolutely, fucking fucked.

Maraye is standing in front of me in a short strapless red dress. The top is skin tight but the bottom flows nicely against her thighs and it’s taking everything in me to not stare down at her tits and have her think I’m a perv. It’s like everything that Rickea had told me earlier in the week just went in one ear and out of the other. Just like that. Off of one look.

“Uh, yeah. Couldn’t miss it.” I smile, taking a few steps to my right and allowing her to stand next to me.

Her scent is intoxicating, some sort of Chanel perfume that makes me dizzy in the best way imaginable. 

“You ever done this before?” She asks me. I nervously look out over the counter, the eggs and flour and the cookbook of all different types of pasta shapes. 

“Yeah, once.”

“And It worked out?”

“You’re not giving me enough credit. I’m a great chef.” I defend.

It only takes a matter of minutes for everyone else to get into their own worlds. Cameron and Ben start giving us instructions, mixing up the ingredients and getting to know each other better. I silently thank God for bringing Maraye next to me right now.

“Unt-uh. I���m not touching those eggs, you got it.” I hear her laugh. There’s flour on the waistline of her dress, a matching smear similar to the one across my jeans and my cheek. It got a little messy.

“Nah, I did the flour—”

“—You got it on my dress—”

“—And you got it on my face. C’mon.” I call out for her. Maraye looks up at me again, with those insanely addicting eyes of hers. She takes a step closer towards me and I take hold of both of her wrists, plunging her hands into the well of flour and eggs.

She gasps, the ingredients splashing towards both of us again and I find great satisfaction in the scowl she sends my way. What is wrong with me?

“You’re a dickhead!” She laughs, followed by a huff as she attempts to blow a strand of hair away from her face. “Paige, there’s shit all over me!”

“You’ll be aight, angel. I’ll pay for your dry cleaning, how ‘bout that?” My hand lets go of one of her hands and naturally finds the hair in her vision and pushes it behind her ear. 

“Angel?”

“I gotta call you something, right?” I ask. 

Without a word, Maraye starts kneading the dough together. Her eyes met mine briefly before darting back down. “You can call me Raye.” Her voice is quiet, shy almost. I’ve never heard her speak to me like that but for whatever reason I find it adorable.

“Yeah, but that’s gonna get confusing with that one over there.” I comment, pointing to my teammate Rae just a few feet away from us. “And I can’t call you what everyone else calls you.” 

I step aside from her, my back flush against the counter and my arms crossed. I reach for the glass of red wine that we had each poured out, grimacing at the taste because I hate wine but if Maraye loves it I might as well pretend.

“Alright. Since you think you’re special.” Maraye rolls her eyes with a tight lip grin. “But keep it cordial, before Kea gets an idea.”

“It’s not an ‘idea’ if you actually like me”

“I’m straight.”

“That septum in your nose says otherwise.”

Then the second those words leave my mouth, there’s more flour across my face. I don’t even have time to register it.

“You didn’t.” I shut my eyes in disbelief.

“Oh I sure did.” Maraye is giggling to herself moving her dirty hands back to the pasta dough in front of her. “Go grab me a towel, please.”

I think I’ve met my match with this one.

“You’re still standing here, and I don’t have a towel.” She jokes, looking up at me with a smirk that damn near mirrored mine. 

“You’re not angelic even in the slightest.” I reply. She juts her lip out at me in triumph and I hop off the counter, reaching for the nearest clean towel and tossing it over to her.

“You two having fun over there?” Rickea yells from across the room. Her hands are muddled together with sticky dough strings. She’s eying me intently, basically telling me telepathically to keep it in my pants.

“Yep!”

“So much fun!”

—

I fumble with my keys as I try to enter my high rise apartment. In my left hand, holds the leftovers of all the pasta we made earlier. A container of fettuccine alfredo and another with shrimp scampi. To my chest I clutch the tupperware of empty banana pudding (Paige literally ate it all and made me give her my number to promise to make her more).

I finally get the door open and push it further with my hip. It’s completely dark, except for a yellow haze that comes through my hallway. Did I leave a light on?

I set everything on the nearest table top, and walk deeper into the home.

That’s when I see it. The candles and flowers on my coffee table, and him. Julian. He’s nervously rubbing his palms on his jeans, but he stands up almost instantly when he sees me.

“Ju, what-what’re you doing here? It’s late, and—”

He cuts me off before I can finish my stammering. “Just listen? Okay? I’m-I’m sorry. I’ve been the biggest asshole about everything, about us. It’s not right. It’s your career, I should respect whatever you have to do to be successful.”

I can feel my hands sweat and my knees buckle.

“I want to be with you. At all costs, I want to support you. And I’m sorry I’ve made you feel like I don’t.” He pauses and reaches over for the bouquet of roses wrapped in red paper sitting on the table. “So, this probably isn’t the most romantic way to go about it, but can y— can I be your boyfriend?”

He’s rambling, I know he’s nervous, and suddenly I feel like the biggest piece of shit on the planet because I just spent the last four hours shamelessly flirting with Paige Bueckers and here Julian was doing the exact thing I’ve been hoping for, for the last three months. 

Except I don’t feel the way I think I should.

I’m not giddy and my stomach isn’t full of butterflies like I thought they’d be. Instead my heart is beating out of my chest so badly that I can hear it. Maybe Paige can hear it however far away she is.

Why on Earth am I thinking about Paige?

“Raye, baby? What d’you say?”

So I nod. My mouth ajar but no words can form on my tongue. I just nod and force a smile to my face as I walk closer to him. He hugs me, arms so tight around my waist that they feel suffocating, but I hug him back. 

“Yeah.” I whisper, trying to wrap my head around what is happening.

[yesbutmakeitgay]

Once Upon A Time I Used To Know A Girl

Chapter 20

Carol Danvers x Reader

Masterlist | This work's masterlist | AO3

Summary: You have news for Carol and Carol has news for you.

Angst, Slow Burn, Amnesia.

Word count: 1078

A/N: It's the final chapter, let's goooooo!!!!

These Stars Defy Love

"You got this, keep going," Fury encourages you, looking at his stopwatch. You’re performing a physical test to see if you’re ready to get back to work, "Just a little longer," you let go of the weights and exhale heavily, "that was pretty good, still six seconds short though, you’re almost there."

After resting for a few minutes, you go up to Valkyrie’s room to tell her about your progress, secretly hoping Carol would be around to hear it too. You knock on the door and are met with The Captain, "Hey, is Val around?" You try to play it cool.

"She went out."

"Oh, okay." You remain standing in the doorway.

"You’re looking good," Carol remarks.

"Thanks, I've been working really hard to get my job back."

"I’m glad."

You bite the inside of your cheek for a moment, "Can I talk to you for a minute."

"Come in." She steps aside so you can enter the room. As you walk in you see her bags half packed.

"You’re leaving?" You ask, slightly disappointed.

She looks at you apologetically, "Duty calls."

"When?"

"First thing in the morning."

"Without saying goodbye?" You’re offended.

"I was gonna tell you, I just wanted it to last longer."

"You’re leaving alone?"

"I don't really have a willing partner this time," she responds tentatively, her words drive right through you, it breaks your heart to see her go.

"I realized we never broke up," you blurt out, making her look at you in confusion, "I should do that now."

"Okay," is all she can say, there is no tension in the room, it almost feels like a joke.

"Carol Danvers, I think we should break up, it's for the best." You reach out your hand and Carol giggles before shaking it.

"For the best," she repeats after you.

"Now that you're single, maybe I can take you out on a date sometime?" She looks at you amused, but your features turn serious.

"For real?"

"For real." You smile again.

She’s a little skeptical, "I’m still leaving tomorrow."

"Then I’ll pick you up at 8." You wink at her before exiting.

That night you go to her room to pick her up, you take her hand and start walking her down the hall, "The stairs are that way," she notes suspiciously, pointing in the opposite direction.

"We’re not going down, angel, we’re going up," you exaggerate the pet name.

You arrive at the rooftop of the compound where you have carefully set up a picnic full of her favorite snacks and some drinks, all adorned with candles and surrounded by strings of fairy lights. Carol is in awe, "You did all this for me?"

"That’s right, I can be charming sometimes." You’re wearing a satisfied smile as you guide her to sit and settle beside her.

"This is my favorite spot in the compound," she whispers, still admiring your work.

"I know." You bite your lip.

Carol tries not to get her hopes up, "You remember?"

"I asked around." That somehow makes it even sweeter, she thinks. You both eat and have some drinks and eventually end up cuddling together under a blanket, stargazing.

"Don’t go yet," you murmur after a while, still staring at the sky.

"I have to." Her tone is gentle, almost like an apology. She turns around and places a soft kiss on your cheek, to her it's almost an afterthought, but to you it's like fireworks going off in your chest. You turn to her, feeling your entire body flutter and your faces come impossibly close.

You stay like that for a moment, neither of you daring to move, "Do you have a gym on your ship?" you whisper, she snorts and hums in response. You slowly move away from her and sit up, "I have to go."

She bolts up, "Already? I thought we were having a nice time." She starts to panic.

"I have to go pack my bags," you say coyly.

"Where are you going?"

"You tell me." With that, you stand up, and leave. She watches you go with a huge grin on her face.

It’s the next morning and you’re taking all your stuff into Carol’s ship, you see Valkyrie walking to her own ship, parked right next to Carol’s, "Leaving so soon, Princess?"

"Yeah," you respond in a dopey state.

"Oh, don’t be so sad about it," she teases you.

"Shut up," you chuckle, she walks towards you, looking unimpressed by how smitten you are, "Thank you, for everything."

"Any time," The King holds your hands in hers and leaves a cordial kiss on your cheek, "may our next meeting be joyful." You lower your head almost like a bow.

"And thank you for the ring," you add.

"Better give it to her this time."

"We’ll see." Valkyrie says her goodbyes to Carol, and retires to her ship.

Kamala approaches you with the last of your things, "Is that all?" you ask her.

"Yes," she sighs.

"Thank you, little Marv," Kamala giggles at Valkyrie’s pet name coming out of your mouth.

"Of course."

"I mean it," you reiterate, in a more serious tone, "thank you for looking after me, even when I was a pain in the ass, I owe you my life."

"Are you gonna become my knight in shining armor?" she mocks, you roll your eyes and pull her into a hug that doesn’t last long enough to your liking, but you don’t have three hours to spare.

Carol comes out to the back of the ship looking for you, "It’s time." The smile on her face could light up a whole galaxy, you hum in response. She instinctively opens her arms as she walks towards Kamala and the girl accepts the embrace.

"Are you sure I can’t come with?" Kamala pleads with her eyes looking up at The Captain.

"You have to protect the Earth while we’re away and you have to finish high school." Carol quips, "You can call anytime, day or night," Kamala opens her mouth, but Carol responds faster, "I promise to pick up, every time."

The Captain turns to you as she lets go of the girl, "You ready, angel?"

"Right behind you, Captain." You both enter the ship while Kamala stands outside watching the ship’s entrance retract with a bittersweet tear escaping her eyes.

You still have a long way to go in your recovery, but you know you are on the right track.

That is the end of this story, thank you so much for sticking around and going through this journey with me. I appreciate every single one of you, thank you for the love and I hope to see you in the next one :)

Let me know if you wanna be tagged in my next Carol adventure, maybe? It's coming out very soon, I pinky promise!

Tags: @graniairish @carols-photonblast @thelittleliars @unicorniusfallapatorius @prplepeony @eringranola @cordeliasdarling

[itzpookiepooh]

25 Days of the Washingtons: Are You Gonna Tell Her?

You and Josh were outside playing baseball. Well more like he hits the ball and you go find where it landed and do it over again since everyone else thought it was too cold. You thought it was the perfect time to bring up Sam.

“So…how’s Sam?” You ask hesitantly as you toss the ball to him.

“Fine? Isn’t she in the cabin? Why didn’t you ask her?” He asks confused as he caught the ball.

“You know what I mean, Joshua.” You sassily said, a hand on your hip.

Josh rolled his eyes, lowering his bat. You raise an eyebrow and cock your neck out. You waited for him to say something but nothing came out of his mouth. This was an ongoing thing with him. Josh wasn’t bashful he was the complete opposite apparently not when it came to Sam.

“I’m not gonna tell her.” He bluntly says throwing the ball in the air before hitting it and missing.

“Why not?” You cock your hip and cross your arms.

“It’s no point in doing it. Besides it’ll make the friend group awkward. I think we’ve had enough of that.” He explains making you huff.

“Well Jess and Emily do that on their own.” You mumble scratching your neck, an idea makes up lift your head in surprise.

“You better hurry because Mike is planning on making his move.” You shrug looking around. Josh raises his eyebrow.

“Mike?” He questioned, facing you fully.

“Oh yeah! He’s been talking about her since before we came up here. Big gesture and all that.” You wave your hands around, brushing it off.

“W-What kind of gesture?” He crosses his arms, visibly bothered by Mike trying to make a move on Sam.

“Flowers, candles, the whole shabang.” You mention with a shrug. “I think they should go for it.” You add.

Josh glares at you before shaking his head. He put his bat down before turning away from you thinking. You smirk as you cross your arms. You knew Josh like the back of your hand. You knew he’d get jealous even if he was more of the protective type than the jealous type.

“We should head back.” He called as he was already walking away. You knew your plan worked.

When you both arrive back to your surprise Sam and Mike were laughing together. This just pulled your plan together. Josh was visibly tense making you try and hold back a laugh. He pushed his bat into your chest and walked up to them quickly.

“Sam can we talk?” She smiled at him and nodded putting her mug down.

They walk upstairs into a separate room, the door shutting behind them. Mike stands next to you sipping his hot coco while handing you one. He exhaled and shook his head as you both stared upstairs.

“I assumed it worked.” Mike asked making you snort.

“Of course it did.” You replied as you walk towards the sofa. He plops behind you putting his arm around the back of the sofa.

“We’re geniuses.” He compliments as you both clink your mugs, sipping the chocolatey goodness.

This story was going somewhere else but it deleted so we have this.

Divider: @bernardsbendystraws

Day 3

[the-name-is-z]

SKELETONS | ch. 50

daryl dixon x f!oc

masterlist

a03 link

Summary: Whilst Gabriel gives the group shelter in his church, Abraham makes plans for D.C.. Daryl, Iris and Carol follow a lead to find someone they'd lost. Warnings/Information: AMC's The Walking Dead OC Insert | 18+ Advised | strangers to lovers; the slowest of slow burns; gore; angst; horror; humour; m/f; mocking religion; implications of abandonment/forced human sacrifice (I don't know what to call it); discussions of damnation; discussions of kidnapping; pep-talk turned judgement; cops

Chapter 50 - Perception

Rick left with a small group consisting of Sasha, Bob, Michonne and Gabriel to see to a nearby building that supposedly had supplies they could use. Food, water, whatever it was, the place was apparently overrun. Daryl and Iris discovered some empty water jugs in the back of the church where Gabriel had been storing the cans from a church food drive, and the pair of them decided they would walk down to the nearby creek to fill them. Even if it was creek water, it could be boiled and sterilized to the best of their ability. Make it as potable as possible.

“Hey,” Daryl called to Iris as he trudged back to the creek to grab the third jug Iris had filled. She was on her knees, filling the last one, looking up at him through the sun. He side-stepped to block her eyes with his shadow. “Can I ask you something?”

“Yeah.” Iris replied, twisting the cap onto the jug as she stood. The two of them walked back up the bank toward the road they’d walked down, now carrying two jugs each.

“They didn’t come back for you, at Terminus, did they?” He asked, mumbling somewhat. Iris frowned.

“No, not after they took you. Why?” She asked. Daryl shook his head.

“Said they were gonna. Found Glenn with your knife.” He explained gruffly. “Guess Carol distracted ‘em in time.” Iris hummed in agreement, watching Daryl in her peripheral. 

“You worried about me?” She asked with a teasing grin. His side-eye was lethal in response, and Iris almost giggled. 

“‘Course I am.” He grunted quietly. Iris’ grin shrank, and she looked over at him fully.

“I was worried about you too.” She admitted. “I was climbing on the damn ceiling, asking Eugene how the railcars open. But all I could think about were those piles of bones, the room with the candles. I was so scared that the last thing I ever would have said to you was some sarcastic shit about knives. The last moment we spent alone together was running after…” She shook her head, turning half-way to see that Daryl had stopped walking. She looked to him, simply staring back at her. “I worry about you, too.” She repeated. He swallowed thickly.

“We get to start over.” He said quietly, after a moment. “We made it.”

“We got lucky.” Iris said with a half-hearted chuckle. “We should be dead.”

“Long dead.” Daryl agreed softly, the two of them still staring deeply into one another’s eyes. Iris broke the hold to glance back over her shoulder. An abandoned car sat in the ditch ahead, seemingly untouched, at least for a while. She turned back to Daryl.

“I’ll check it.” She offered. He nodded and they continued onward, Iris placing the jugs of water down beside Daryl before jogging toward the car. He picked up the other two jugs easily, carrying the four over to the car as she emerged, unlocking the trunk with the keys and testing the battery.

“We’re not dead.” He stated, and she turned back to face him, leaning her hip on the edge of the car. 

“Yeah.” She agreed, and he stepped forward to rest the four gallons of water in the empty trunk, though he had really only stepped forward to get closer. He was practically breathing on her neck. She tilted her head back to look up at him, trying to hide her surprise at his proximity. 

“So let’s start living.” He suggested with a small shrug, Iris turning to face him fully. Her eyebrows knit together and her lips curled upward.

“That was really corny.” She stated, pursing her lips. Daryl’s lips curled upward to match hers.

“Got you to smile, though, didn’t it?” He replied nonchalantly. Iris’ smile grew, and she conceded. They pulled the water jugs from the back of the car and Iris pulled the trunk shut.

“We should keep this here in case something goes south at the church.” She suggested. Daryl nodded in agreement.

“Want me to take one of those?” He asked, and he gestured to the water jugs in her hand, but the one in his slipped, the plastic breaking apart as it hit the asphalt, water spilling out and splashing both of their boots. Iris blinked at the jug on the ground, turning up to face him. His hair hung down over his face, but it did little to hide the rosy flush coming to his face. Her grin widened further.

“I think I’m good.” She replied as he ran his empty hand over his face. 

They walked cheerfully back to the church, and Iris said not a single word about the mishap with the water jug. She got back to work, helping Abraham and Rosita, or rather, they helped her, fix up the small bus near the back of the church. Carl was milling about, entertaining himself, and not long after, Rick, Michonne and the others returned with carts full of non-perishable food items from the building Gabriel led them to. The food bank.

“Hey, Iris? Can I get your professional opinion?” Carl called. 

“Uh-oh.” She replied with a small grin, wiping her hands off on a rag before making her way to where Carl stood at the side of the church. Rick followed suit, out of curiosity. “What is it?”

“You think these came from knives?” Carl asked, gesturing to the church wall. Iris leaned closer, finding a plethora of scratch marks left in the paint around the window and shutters. “They’re deep. Someone was trying to get in.” Not unusual, especially when walkers were involved, but they weren’t deep enough to be knives, and too organized to be walkers. Iris and Rick glanced at one another, thinking the same thing.

“Too thick and too shallow to be knives, cowboy.” Iris said quietly, pulling out one of her own knives with a small flourish, demonstrating a scratch down the window frame. The scratch was evidently different. “Those came from fingernails.” He glanced up at his father.

“There’s something else. I don’t know what happened, but whatever it is, we can handle it.” Carl assured. They followed him around the corner of the church, finding another set of scratch marks in the wall. These were definitely from a knife. They spelled out, in perfect, ominous-as-hell fashion, YOU’LL BURN FOR THIS. “Doesn’t mean Gabriel’s a bad guy for sure, but it means something.” Rick ran his thumb along the words, looking over at Iris. She sighed, catching his knowing look. She’d keep her head up.

-

After the sun set, Gabriel lit enough candles in the church to rival Terminus’ creepy memorial room, and it added a good amount of ambiance to the room. There was loud laughter, chatting between the group. The lovely sound of spoons and forks and fingers scraping plates, bowls and the bottom of tin cans. A true feast. 

“I’d like to propose a toast.” Abraham announced loudly. Iris was more than happy to make good use out of the ceremonial wine they’d brought out for the occasion. Everyone quieted down, taking their seats at various points between and in front of the pews. “I look around this room, and I see survivors. Each and every one of you has earned that title. To the survivors.”

“Survivors! Cheers!”

“Cheers!”

“Woo!”

“Survivors.”

“Is that all you want to be?” Abraham asked. Iris looked up from her plate, raising an eyebrow. They all paused at the insinuation. “Wake up in the morning, fight the undead pricks, forage for food, go to sleep at night with two eyes open, rinse and repeat? ‘Cause you can do that. I mean, you got the strength. You got the skill. Thing is, for you people, for what you can do, that’s just surrender. Now, we get Eugene to Washington and he will make the dead die and the living will have this world again. And that is not a bad takeaway for a little road trip. Eugene, what’s in DC?”

“Infrastructure constructed to withstand pandemics even of this fubar magnitude.” Eugene replied after clearing his throat. “That means food, fuel, refuge. Restart.”

“However this plays out,” Abraham continued, “however long it takes for the reset button to kick in, you can be safe there. Safer than you’ve been since this whole thing started. Come with us. Save the world for that little one. Save it for yourselves. Save it for the people out there who don’t got nothing else to do except survive.” Rick chuckled softly, looking down into Judith’s eyes as she cooed.

“What was that?” He asked her gently, earning a few laughs from the others. “I think she knows what I’m about to say.”

“That was a damn good speech?” Iris asked. Abraham tipped an invisible hat. 

“She’s in. If she’s in, I’m in.” Rick replied, smiling. “We’re in.”

“Yeah!” Tyreese called. “Let’s do it.” A few of the group cheered, laughing. Abraham grinned. 

After a few minutes of peaceful eating and idle chatter, Daryl nudged Iris with his elbow. She looked up, following his minuscule gesture to the doors of the church as they gently clicked shut. She nodded and they both stood, slipping out. Carol’s figure disappeared down the trail toward the highway. Daryl jerked his chin at the woods beside the trail and Iris nodded.

They followed Carol a good ways, Daryl’s footsteps carefully placed so as to be silent, Iris following carefully to ensure the same. They watched her come upon the emergency vehicle they’d discovered, and Iris watched her start it up effortlessly. A walker growled, emerging from the woods on the opposite side of the road, and Carol grunted as she put an end to it with her knife. Daryl motioned his head toward her and Iris nodded, the two of them coming out from their own hiding spot in the forest. Carol whipped around, Daryl purposefully stepping on a twig so as to alert her to their presence. 

“What are you doing?” Iris asked quietly. Carol glanced around, as if caught doing something she was not supposed to be doing. 

“I don’t know.” She replied, shaking her head. Iris raised an eyebrow. Daryl gestured down the road back to the church.

“Come on.” He urged. They all paused at the sound of another car, ducking behind theirs to get a better look. It sped down the adjacent highway, and Daryl ran a few steps after it, but Iris already knew. The same black car with the same white cross. The one that took Beth. He lunged for his crossbow, using the butt of it to break the taillights of their car.

“What are you doing?” Carol asked loudly, in a slight panic.

“They got Beth.” He replied. He practically ripped open the driver’s-side door, and Iris was already in the passenger’s seat. Carol climbed in the back, looking confusedly between the two of them. The tires squealed against the asphalt as they tore out onto the road after the car. 

-

After a while, Daryl let Iris drive. She and Carol could both see how stressed he was, and with good reason, but they also knew he had quite the temper. None of them wanted to wind up dead in a ditch because he couldn’t control his anger. Besides, Iris was definitely no stranger to speeding behind the wheel. Felix taught her to drive. 

There was a part of her that liked it. The thrill, the adrenaline. The feeling of the wheel in one hand, the gearshift in the other, and her foot on the gas. She’d made quite the street racer in her late teens. And then here she was, a world a way, and yet, less than a hundred miles. And decreasing. Carol spent her time in the backseat trying to distract Daryl, leaving Iris to focus on the road.

“So it was just you two and Beth after?” She asked.

“Uh-huh.” Daryl grunted.

“You save her?”

“She’s tough. She saved herself.” Daryl replied with a half-shrug. His eyes were glued to the highway in front of them. “We were out there for a while. We got cornered, she got out in front of us and… I don’t know, she was gone. We came out and a black car was pulling out with a white cross on the window.”

“Just like that one?”

“Yep.”  

The engine roared, and they were close enough behind the car now to see the red of the taillights in the distance. Iris flicked the headlights off, making sure to leave a decent distance between the two cars. Daryl gripped the handle above the window, grimacing.

“Rick’s gonna wonder where we went.” He murmured.

“They’ll head toward D.C., and they won’t go far without us. They can handle themselves, and so can we.” Iris replied. He hummed in agreement. Iris glanced down at the dash as the engine started to change in pitch. “Running low on gas.”

“We can end this quick. Just run him off the road.” Carol muttered.

“We’ll be good for a bit.” Iris grimaced, shaking her head.

“If they’re holding her somewhere, we can get it out of the driver.” Carol suggested.

“Yeah, but if he don’t talk, we’re back to square one.” Daryl replied. “Right now we’ve got the advantage. We’ll see who they are. If they’re a group, see what they can do. Then we’ll do what we gotta do to get her back.”

“They’re heading north, I-85.” Carol pointed out, reading the road sign as they passed it.

“Mm-hmm.” Iris replied. She knew exactly where they were headed. She’d driven down this damn road before. One-way direct to Atlanta. She exchanged a look with Daryl across the console.

They continued down the highway and reached the darkened city. It was strange, barely seeing the silhouettes of skyscrapers in the night, the moon their only source of light. Iris had learned fast when it all started— if you left a light on in the city, a fire, a damn flashlight, you’d be raided for everything you had and more. She found a few camps— or the remains of a few camps— after they’d been raided. It wasn’t pretty. 

Now, however, it all seemed so quiet. Barely any walkers, and if there were any, they wandered aimlessly toward the closest sound or smell. Iris followed the car at a closer distance now, especially as they began to weave down streets that had at one point been flooded with debris, abandoned cars and bodies. The car ahead slowed and stopped at an intersection, unmoving for at least thirty seconds. Iris stopped about two blocks back, waiting for them to make a move.

“What the hell’s he waiting for?” Daryl murmured.

“Maybe he saw us.” Iris replied, bracing herself with a heavy breath. The taillights flashed as he put the car in park, killing the engine. There was no movement for a minute before the passenger’s side door opened, a man with a gun stepping out onto the street. He was wearing a bullet proof vest and what looked like a uniform.

“There’s two of them.” Daryl observed. “Is that a cop?” Whoever it was stepped up onto the sidewalk, purposefully striding around the corner before disappearing. There was a light source of some sort around the corner, though it could have been anything.  

The three of them gasped loudly as a walker pounded against the window. Iris had leapt out of her damn skin, clutching a hand to her chest. Daryl scowled at it through the window, clawing and mouthing at the glass. It thudded loudly, and Iris prayed it would not draw any unwanted attention.

The man from before came back around to the car, tossing two bicycles onto the sidewalk beside a lamp post. He dragged something across the ground before dusting off his hands and meandering closer toward them. His steps slowed as he took notice of the walker slamming against the car. Iris clenched her jaw. The man stared for a moment longer before opening the car door once again, slowly and calmly getting inside. The car started again and they turned around that same corner.

Iris turned the key for their own vehicle, frowning as it sputtered. 

“Shit.” She breathed. Daryl sighed, looking up.

“They would have taken the bypass and they didn’t. They have to be holed up in the city somewhere.” He pointed out.

“There wasn’t many places left that weren’t overrun. But… I suppose it’s been more than a year.” Iris murmured. The noise had started to draw walkers, and the familiar grunts and moans accompanied by shuffling footsteps started to draw nearer.

“We gotta move, find someplace to hole up till sunlight.” Daryl stated.

“I know a place just a couple of blocks from here. We can make it.” Carol assured. Iris nodded, gathering herself. Daryl rolled down the window, stabbing the walker that had been making eyes at him.

-

TAGLIST:

@heidiland05

@ryoujoking

@catlalice

@maxinehufflepuffprincess

@lowkeyhottho

@fadingpalacebonkpsychic

@hayley1998

[enhaloverss]

Do you hate me? pt. 2

After a dinner full of gossiping, laughing and stolen glances between the Gryffindor and I, we made our way to the dungeons to go to our dorms, me following Violet because I obviously didn’t know the way. While we were walking, she was telling me anecdotes about the castle and the classes we were gonna share tomorrow, which were potions and divination in the morning with students from Slytherin and Ravenclaw and after lunch (the moment I was waiting for the most) we would have flying lessons with the Gryffindors. Not the wisest choice if you ask me, I don’t think after having eaten like you do on Christmas Eve flying is the best option. What was actually cool is that we were finished with our day after flying, by four. Violet told me it was not usual to get that much spare time so we should use it wisely.

Upon entering the common room, I immediately thought it looked amazing. There was a big fireplace surrounded by wooden couches topped by hundreds of fluffy blankets and yellow and green colored cushions. I just wanted to throw myself onto one and stay there until the next morning. The room was illuminated by candles which gave It a really cozy vibe. On one of the walls was hanging a painting of a woman, holding a cup of beverage.

-Violet, who’s this?

She turned to me, before looking at the painting.

-This is Helga Hufflepuff my dear.

She said to me, while putting her hand on my shoulder.

-She’s the founder of our house.

-Yeah I kind of got that with the name you know?

She laughed before asking me how I thought the room was.

-It’s cool, I like it. The plants look amazing tho, do you use magic on them?

-Sometimes, but nothing’s better then just watering them every morning. We’re supposed to do it in rotations but I always avoid it.

-I could take yours if you want, I don’t mind.

-We’ll see if you still think that after being completely soaked ten minutes after you just woke up.

We were interrupted by our prefect telling us that it was time to go to bed since it was already ten, and we still needed to shower and tidy our rooms. And one thing was crystal clear, we needed to wake up at seven the next morning, breakfast was at eight and classes began at nine.

We entered our room and it looked like the common part but tinier and with more furniture of course. There was two desks, one bed for each person of course and shelves to put our clothes and stuff on it.

I was sharing the room with Violet and another girl from our year, Sarah.

I was finishing putting my clothes and all of my other stuff on my shelf when she talked to me for the first time.

-Hey, I’m Sarah, nice to meet you.

She extended her hand and smiled at me.

-Y/n, nice to meet you too.

She seemed like she wanted to say something else for a minute but maybe she thought she could save it for later, or not.

-Look, I know you’re Sam’s sister and I promise I don’t care about it, I just wanna be friends with you, you seem cool.

I smiled at that, maybe not everybody was gonna be interested in my status more than my person.

-Thanks, and it’s cool don’t worry, it’s not like my brother’s in Azkaban or something.

Violet showed me the showers and told me that I could use it in the evening or in the morning but not both, so I settled for the morning, I can’t go to class feeling dirty personally. The three of us changed into our pajamas and went to bed. It was only ten thirty so I decided to get a book and read for half an hour before going to sleep. I picked one about magical creatures that I already started a few weeks ago. I’ve always liked magical creatures, observing them in Beauxbâtons was one of my favorite things to do in my spare time. I hope Hogwarts has as much as my old school. One class I know I was gonna enjoy for sure was magical creature’s care.

The next morning I was woken up by Violet’s loud ass alarm, that I urged her to stop.

-Jeez Violet, did you enchant that thing? Why is it so damn loud?

-I don’t even know myself, I’ve been trying to get it to shut up for the past year but I don’t know how to turn it off.

-Why don’t you just smash it?

-It’s a gift from my mom she’d kill me if I do.

I groaned before getting up and heading straight to the shower and putting my uniform on, a plain grey skirt with a shirt and of course, the famous tie harboring the colors of my house. I decided to also put the high knee socks because why not and got out of the shower. When I came back in the room, Sarah and Violet were dressed and waiting for me. They were both night shower persons.

The temperature in the dungeons was really cold compared to the inside of the room but it got better as soon as we took the stairs to the Great Hall.

There were already a lot of students inside when we got here so we decided to quickly sit somewhere before there was no space anymore. I chose to eat some eggs and a slice of bread, despite the stares of Violet, who was way more of a sweet breakfast kind of girl.

-Seems like we really are opposites, between the shower and this.

I pointed out to her, while she smiled before telling me the corniest sentence I’ve ever heard.

-That’s why we’re made to be friends.

-Oh my god don’t ever say anything like that again.

We were bickering and going back and forth at each other while Sarah was holding her tummy because of laughing so hard.

-By the way y/n, you’re born in December aren’t you?

-Yes, 1st why?

-Oh so you’re the only one who’s still fourteen you baby.

-Hey, there’s only a few months left before I’m fifteen, don’t tease me like that.

-Kidding kidding, we’ll do something big for you birthday I swear.

-Why am I scared.

-With Violet and her weird ideas you should be.

-Hey!

Violet suddenly got up and started chasing Sarah in the hall, leaving me laughing like crazy at the table, but a bit ashamed at the same time that these two were my friends. I was finishing my plate when I noticed a shadow on the table, right next to me. I turned around smiling.

-You’re done chasing each other?

But instead of seeing Violet or Sarah, I met none other than Yang Jungwon, who was staring at me, his gaze once again piercing my soul.

-Hum, hello?

He just stared at me before furrowing his eyebrows and finally letting his eyes wander somewhere else, coughing a little bit when he probably figured that starring at someone wasn’t the most polite thing, and finally carried on to his table.

My eyes were fixed on his back, watching him go away before turning back to my plate, confusion written on my face.

Violet and Sarah came back running probably from having seen the interaction from the other side of the room.

-What just happened??? said Sarah.

-Yeah what the frick was that about?

-I don’t know, he just stopped here, looked at me very intensely and then just left.

-Man that’s weird.

-Yeah, you tell me about it Violet.

I said while turning around, seeing him at a table with his friends, his behavior completely different, laughing with the biggest smile ever.

We realized it was already eight forty five and we needed to head to potion class if we didn’t want to be late, which we definitely didn’t want to be according to Sarah.

-Professor Snape doesn’t like Sarah at all, explained Violet, she’s really bad at potions and blows a cauldron at least two times a week.

I laughed at that while Sarah was sulking.

-I’m trying my best Vi, you know that.

-Don’t worry Sarah, I’m also not that good at potions, we’ll cry together, both from the lessons and Snape.

I said while intertwining our arms.

The door of the classroom was already open when we arrived and we sat at a table with two other girls, both from Ravenclaw. We said hi to each other and got our stuff out.

Minutes later the professor came in and explained really quickly the lesson of today.

We were gonna do a common antidote. Or ‘try to do it properly’ said professor Snape while eyeing Sarah, who just smiled in return.

The recipe was pretty simple and I was actually surprised at myself for doing it right. Maybe I was just struggling in Beauxbâtons, or it was just a simple one and things were gonna get complicated, who knows?

Violet finished her potion in first and Snape allowed her to clean her stuff while he was checking on the other students. I finished mine ten minutes later and I felt like Snape analyzed my face more than my potion.

-Good enough y/l/n, but I must admit your brother was better.

I raised my eyebrows in surprise at his comment but nodded and got up to wash my cauldron, Violet in the background trying to hold back her laugh.

-Your face was priceless.

-Does this dude always get into personal stuff like that?

-Yep, once he told Sarah she was bad because her parents probably never told her about it.

I tilted my head to the side, not understanding.

-Sarah’s parents are muggles.

My eyes went wide at that statement and I whispered for nobody but us to hear.

-That asshole!

-No chatting in the classroom, if you are done cleaning your cauldrons you can go you are dismissed.

We waved to Sarah on our way out and told her we were waiting for her in the corridor to go to our next class together.

She nodded and continued her potion, hoping to finish on time. We waited a little further in the corridor for her and started talking to pass time.

-So, what did you think of your first class?

-I would’ve rather for it to be something else than potions but I’m glad Snape went easy on me.

-Next is divination, I hope you’re ready because this class is something.

-Do you need to be high to understand what the teacher is saying?

-If someone is high it’s her trust me. By the way, I think you were too immersed in your potion to notice, but you got someone’s attention.

She wiggled her eyebrows at me in a playful manner and I scoffed.

-Who?

-His name is Cole, a Slytherin, he is a third year like us.

-God it was already enough to have one guy’s attention on me.

-You should talk to him, he’s cute.

-Thank you for trying to be my wings-woman but you know sometimes being cute isn’t enough, take Jungwon for example.

She nodded before turning her head back at me.

-Wait a minute, you thing Jungwon’s cute????

-I mean, did you see the guy, he’s far from being unattractive and I know I’m not the only one that can possibly be thinking this.

-You’re actually right, he’s pretty cute.

-Oh my god, I’m free, FREE.

We turned around seeing Sarah running towards us while holding her book in a dramatic manner, repeating that she thought she was gonna die.

-Come on Sarah, let’s go to divination, you can sleep all you want in this one.

Her face lit up at that comment and she grabbed our hands to run to divination. Our next class took place in the astronomy tower, a beautiful aisle, the tallest point of Hogwarts. I was glad to finally be able to feel the air and breath, after an hour of class in the dungeons were it smelled like rotten carrots this was heaven. We took place in the middle of the classroom, Sarah complained that she couldn’t sleep well if she was to close to Trelawney, her sudden screaming bothering her.

Professor Trelawney was a weird lady, but quite interesting I must say, I don’t honestly know if she’s believing in what she says or just playing along.

She gave us the work of “reading in the crystal balls to see and try to understand each others future”. Sarah fell asleep pretty quickly, tired from Snape’s harassment and Violet and I were trying to understand whatever we could of this class.

-Okay Violet, I see, hum I see…

She nodded, interesting in what I was about to say, her eyes showing excitement.

-I don’t know I don’t see anything except weird smoke wandering inside that thing.

-I had hope in you! Come on tell me I’m gonna be drowning in money!

-Unfortunately, this might mean that you are gonna end up really poor Violet… Sorry for you.

-Man, it sucks…

We looked at each other briefly before laughing, waking up Sarah by the same occasion.

-Girls, my dream was good.

She said sadly, us apologizing a hundred times before getting back at laughing at whatever stupidities we were saying.

The bell rang and I was actually surprised at how fast students were getting up, not even paying attention to the poor teacher who was trying to give homework. This class really was the opposite of potions. As soon as we got to the Great Hall, my stomach was rumbling because of the delicious smell that was lingering in the air. We opened the heavy doors and found a table to sit at.

We didn’t waste a second and got up to fill our plates with delicious foods. I opted for a slice of meat pie and sweet potatoes. I then filled my glass with water and when I turned around, I noticed that Sarah and Violet weren’t next to me anymore, but a few meters away from me, saying goodbye to a boy I only saw the back of, but recognized the green and silver robe.

-Who was that? I asked as they approached me.

-Remember the guy from potion class, Cole?

Answered Violet.

-He asked your name, seems like he fancies you.

Continued Sarah, wiggling her eyebrows at me and giving side eyes to Violet.

-Don’t pull that face, I don’t even know the guy I’m not gonna date him.

-If you say so… I’m still hoping to see some romance tho, from one of you two!

Violet sighed at Sarah’s comment, before asking her when she was gonna find someone. The pair bickering once again. Seems like the great hall was their favorite place to do so.

-Anyways, we should eat guys, next is flying lessons and we’re gonna need some strength believe me.

We all agreed at Sarah’s comment and decided to dive in our plates and get our stomachs full, but not to much, it’ll be better if I don’t throw up and embarrass myself in my first flying class.

The training stadium was great at this time of the year, a little breeze was making our hair slightly dance and was bringing freshness. We each grabbed a broom and walked in direction of professor Hooch, ready to start the class.

-Okay everybody, welcome to your first class of flying of this year, I’m excepting you to behave as well as to stay focused once in the air since accidents happen quickly. We are gonna learn how to do a roll. Miss y/l/n, I heard that you already learned it in Beauxbâtons?

All eyes were suddenly focused on me from both Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs and it took me quite a second before focusing back on the teacher and answering her.

-Hum, yes, we’ve haven’t learned diving neither loopings but we did learn how to roll.

-Perfect then, can you do a demonstration and maybe help students who aren’t comfortable on their brooms?

-Yes professor of course.

I slowly advanced in front of the group, not comfortable myself in giving a demo, rolling was something I only did a few times last year and I hadn’t flown on a broom since then.

I sat and quickly breathed out, trying to ease my stress before launching. The roll was pretty quick to do and I thanked my muscle memory for remembering how to do it well.

I landed back on the ground, silence overtaking the class before professor Hooch started talking again.

-Wonderful y/n! You fly great, you should start thinking about applying to be in the Quidditch team, 10 points for Hufflepuff.

I turned around to meet the proud faces of Violet and Sarah, smiling at me like proud moms and showing me their thumbs. I went back to them before thanking our teacher, and the lesson started.

Some students started trying, failing most of the time on the first attempt which was normal. All except one. I was looking up the sky when I saw a Gryffindor failing once, before successfully doing a roll and landing on the ground. Yang Jungwon.

Professor Hooch felicitated him, also giving points to his house before also telling him to help the other. The hour went on with me trying to explain to Violet how to do a roll without her breaking her neck and she actually did! I jumped in her arms when she landed, proud of her. Sarah on the other side did her first roll twenty minutes ago and didn’t stop since then.

-Sarah!!!

Both Violet and I screamed from the floor. She came to us, her hair in all places and her cheeks as red as the Gryffindors ties.

-What?

-Stop going around like that you’re gonna throw up.

She laughed and came back down, realizing that we were probably right. Miss Hooch whistled and the class was dismissed and allowed to go. Violet and Sarah were ahead of me when I noticed my shoelace was untied, I crouched to tie it back, telling them they could go again and I’d join them in the library in a few minutes. When I stood up again, something hard crashed in my back, or rather someone. I quickly turned around to apologize, when I came face to face with none other than the dark haired Gryffindor boy.

-Oh, hum, I’m sorry, I didn’t see that you were coming.

He just looked at me with an expression I quite didn’t recognize before getting back to normal and continuing walking.

-Do you never talk?

I asked him smiling even tho he couldn’t see it. He stopped in his tracks, and mumbled something, probably choosing whether to answer or not. After a few seconds, he turned back to me and came closer.

-What exactly do you want me to say?

I don’t know how to explain it but he sounded exactly like how he looked, if that makes sense.

-I don’t know, anything. Are you just gonna stare at me and go away each time we meet?

-Do you want me to start a conversation, to be my friend? Because that’s not gonna happen.

-Ouch okay, hum rude. Anyways, pleased to meet you.

And this time I was the one to go away, passing him before muttering a quiet ‘shithead’ that I hope he didn’t hear.

When I arrived in the corridor, I realized that I actually didn’t know were the library was. I was about to go full on exploration mode when I noticed a familiar figure approaching me. I sighed and mentally cursed, before the person was right in front me.

-Hey, hum, y/n right? We share potion class, I’m Cole.

-Hum, yeah. Would you tell me where the library is please?

-Yeah of course no problem, I could take you there if you want.

He said smiling with a weird look in his eyes, and I wondered for a moment in what sense he meant it. I was suddenly not feeling really comfortable in his presence.

-No it’s fine I’ll go alone.

-Sure?

-Yes sure.

-Alright, it’s on the first floor.

-Thanks.

I continued walking when he stopped me, grabbing my arm. What the fuck. I tried to distance myself a bit for him to stop holding onto me, and he did, thank god.

-I was wondering if you wanted to hang out with me sometime, you know, get to know each other.

-I’m not sure I’ll have time for that.

I answered distancing myself again, trying not to sound like I was lying, even if I was.

-Or we could grab lunch together if you think-

-I don’t think she wants to see you at all Cole.

Interrupted a voice. I looked over Cole’s shoulder to see none other than Jungwon, leaning on the wall only a few meters away from us.

-Jungwon! Nice to see you again.

I honestly didn’t think I’d say that one day but I was actually pleased to see him right now. At least he knew how to read the room.

-Can’t you see the girl’s not interested?

-How would you know that? I believe you don’t have a lot of experience with girls.

-No need to have to understand she doesn’t want you unless if it’s five feet away from her. And if by saying that to me, you imply that you have experience with girls, sorry to break it to you but harassing doesn’t count.

Cole didn’t answer but just fixed him and I thought for a moment he was gonna punch him in the face, but the tension was broke when we heard footsteps approaching.

-There you are! We started getting worried when we saw you weren’t arriving.

Sarah said, before looking between the three of us, surely noting the weird atmosphere.

-On time. I said quietly only for me to hear.

I joined them and looked back one more time, seeing Jungwon going back to the stadium. I’m gonna have to thank him later.

-What was that all about?

Asked Violet.

-Why don’t we go to our room, we’ll go to the library after I explained you guys.

And with that, we were on our way to our dorm.

[ooglyboooglybitxh]

𝐍𝐚𝐡𝐢𝐫’𝐬 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐬

contains: MEGA FLUFF

summary:its Nahir’s birthday 🎂

🧸💙🐳🐢🧸💙🐳🐢🧸💙🐳🐢🧸💙🐳

The Day Before:

★ How old is he turning you ask??, OUR BOI IS TURNING A YEAR OLD🥹🥹🥹

★ Shuri has been thinking about it all month, shit she could barely focus on her work she was excited, but stressed for her son’s first birthday.

____________________________________

☆ “ok y/n listen ive been planning this week for Nahir's birthday im thinking about the theme what should we do?" Shuri said pacing around the room

“baby, we’re not inviting that much people remember?”

“yes but still should we have a theme”

“yeah but he doesn’t like big stuff like that remember?”

“oh yeah, shit how did i forget that” she says putting her hands on her face “im so stupid”

“no baby your not stupid, you’re just trying to make sure it’s perfect”

“but what if he doesn’t like it?”

“Shuri he’s gonna love it, he’ll be fine i promise” you say kissing her cheek

____________________________________

The day of:

★ when you and Shuri tell him happy birthday he just looks at yall like

★ he’s also confused about why tf YOU cooked him a mini gourmet breakfast. He tore that shit up tho😭

★ He was kinda catching on when Riri came over for his party talking about “HAPPY BIRTHDAY NEPHEW” and gave you a bag with shit on top of it

★ But he didn’t care about anything else When his cousin Toussaint came over they went to go play immediately, like he didn’t let Nakia say Happy Birthday 😭

★ But best believe he seen Aneka and Okoye, don’t worry yall Nakia got her hug in😹

★ When it was time to blow out candles🤦🏾‍♀️… bro, he kept backing up from the cake because he seen fire😭😭

____________________________________

☆ “its ok Nahir it won't hurt you“ Shuri said as she rubbed his back as he sadly cooed into her chest

They tried again and he backed up into Shuri’s chest again

“it's ok Nahir it won't burn you“ Toussaint said patting his head

Then he finally blew out the candles

Well Shuri did.

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

★ you could tell his favorite part was opening presents bc he had a blast

★ Nakia and Toussaint got gave him T'Challa's Black Panther necklace, which made Shuri tear up

(A/N: I almost cried getting that idea😕😕😕)

★ Riri got him a Spin toy from his favorite show

★ Aneka and Okoye got him a Meows Morales plushie that he is in love with

★ Shuri gave him kimoyo beads since he is so interested in them

★ You gave him two new pairs of shoes

★ he was so tired after everything he fell asleep on the floor in the living room. You carried him to his crib and sat on the bed continuing to what you were doing on your computer

____________________________________

🧸💙🐳🐢🧸💙🐳🐢🧸💙🐳🐢🧸💙🐳

its short and a day late ik but if yall enjoyed this request more and see yall

(A/N: I might keep updating this post as I get more ideas)

🩵- Aaliyah

[devouredbyflame]

Good morning! It’s Ari, again.

I might drop by to DM sometime, but since I’m about to work, I didn’t want to be rude and just DM/start a conversation to throw questions at you and run off lol I’d rather DM to get to know someone if that makes sense. I thought it might be more appropriate to drop little questions here if any really drive me nuts while I’m reading your blog in the meantime.

If I ever ask anything you don’t want to share, feel free to say so! I’m trying to understand what I’ve read you say about finding your path yourself and avoiding echo chambers when you should be learning from the Divine, so I’m gonna try to limit my questions, but between my having ADHD, anxiety, and just generally being kind of detail-oriented, I still find myself fixated on specific details a lot

So with that ramble out of the way (sorry, I’m kinda long-winded, I’m sure you noticed in my email lol) my actual question(s) for today!:

(I see how long this got, so for a summary, this jumble of questions is about the likenesses of Deities you mention putting on altars)

In your first post about altar creation, I saw you say one of the things you need is a likeness of the Deity you’re making it for. It might be a silly question, but what really counts as a “likeness”? Is it just anything made with the intention of being His likeness? Or are we supposed to make an intuitive guess? I could see maybe going by personal UPG, but assuming we’re just starting out and not confident in anything like that, trying to make the altar to connect in the first place, I’m wondering how we know what we’re looking for.

Since I’m not able to practice openly at home, but my family knows I was a bigger fan of Hiddleston Loki than the MCU itself, I was thinking of finding a good/affordable figure of MCU Loki. So if the owner of the household rifles through my things, as she’s prone to do, and she finds a candle, a marvel figure and a couple of (to her) random things in a box, she’s more likely to think it’s just a box of knickknacks. But I’m afraid this will be seen as some kind of joke, I don’t want to be too familiar, in case I’ve been wrong about my connecting to Him so far.

Final thought- do Deities even really have human-looking appearances? I see Loki appearing differently to different people, especially as a shapeshifter, but is it really a thing that any of Them look a certain way? Like I’ve read you talk about meeting Him face-to-face when He has possessed people in front of you, and how He’s your roommate/in-and-out-of-your-body way of being with you now. But is there a way you “see” Him? And is that a way He’s appeared to you, in a dream or meditation or something, or is it just kinda a creative idea of how He looks?

Sorry for the length, and any errors! I’d stop to edit it down and fix run-on sentences, but I’m already kinda late starting work (oops). So I hope you have a good day! Hopefully I’ll have time to actually chat this weekend, if you’re open to that!

Hi Ari! You're totally fine. I love answering questions so give me what you got and I can do my best to further clarify for you. And also, I am ADHD so I 100% understand the need for detail-oriented clarification. My numerous questions is how I got to where I am today because I would ask Loki so many things about how stuff works so I can better grasp the nature of the concept. I am more than delighted to share what I've learned, how it works, and why it's been successful and that's kind of the point of my being here.

My answers are also really long-winded and mostly because I have a lot of knowledge and experiences and very few places to share it so bear with me.

So, in regards to the likeness question, I would say anything that is made with the intention of it being the Deity in question would be the best point of reference. However, it doesn't necessarily mean it has to be an obvious representation, just something that is synonymous with Their energy. Like, if you had a candle vaguely in the shape of the Deity in question or a clay model, a doll, or a picture that reminds you of Them, that also works. The purpose is to draw the energy of that particular Deity into the shrine which means you would need to "open the door" to both sides. Like, the Deity would need to know it is for Them as well as you so you can look at it and go, "ah, yes, that is the God in question." You would think They wouldn't care because They know your heart and your intention, but it is easiest when the object is designed with the God in mind.

That being said, I personally had MCU Loki on my altar for a year or two when I first began, knowing Loki probably was aware of my situation and that I needed to be closeted until I had my own place to live. I don't think it would necessarily be a problem if you have Tom Hiddleston instead of Loki Himself. When I got my own place, I got Him a statue carved out of wood and quite a bit of art by various artists I've found who I think draw Him really well.

The whole debate about whether or not Loki cares for MCU Loki itself is complex and I can possibly get into that in more detail if anyone is ever interested. But based on my experiences with Him, He has indicated that no, He doesn't really care for it to be on your shrine. It's fine if that's what you need to be conspicuous. He only really seems to care if you don't ask Him if it's okay. The point, I think, He wants to make is that by asking Him His opinion, He will make it okay because you gave Him your reasoning and didn't just assume. Which makes sense considering a shrine is a Deity's possession and not a devotee's after the point of making it a shrine. So, as long as you're asking His permission to use it on His shrine, I think that's absolutely clear with Him.

I cannot speak for Him, but I sincerely doubt He would ever wish to put you in the way of any danger when it comes to His shrine being made. However, I know Him to be very possessive of His belongings and prefers giving His consent with certain things. If you invite Him when creating a shrine, He will more than likely give you a sense of what you need to be doing for Him and whether or not it's okay. If you don't trust that, using a pendulum, flipping a coin, or other "yes/no" random generators are helpful. I wouldn't worry too much that you are afraid of insulting Him just because you don't have an option.

Just don't ask Him multiple times the same question because that's when He starts giving false answers. It can get aggravating but typically He doesn't like having only one-sided answers and would prefer to say both "yes" and "no" because He tends to swing both ways when talking about the nature of Himself as well as the Gods since it's never only ever just one single way.

I think He does mind Tom Hiddleston being used as His likeness if you have no reason to hide your shrine and if you don't ask His permission to so so He may say "no" but then "yes" later on given His consent and an explanation of your reasoning.

Now, I don't know your situation, obviously, and there's no reason for you to get into more detail about it to some random stranger on the internet but I will point out that having a shrine is a lot less obvious than you would think. People won't know what they are looking at if they are not pagan. I kept my shrine on my desk for the years I was closeted and my ex who was an atheist as well as my Christian parents did not know what they were looking at unless I specifically told them what it was. Even then, they were confused. I think unless the people you live with know what a pagan is or what a shrine should be, you likely are going to be fine even if they go through your belongings.

I recommend keeping it in a shoe box somewhere or an even smaller box that's tucked away somewhere no one will get to it even if they are looking. It's probably for the best regardless because it would keep other energy from getting to it that would be less than savory and could interrupt the energetic transaction between Loki and yourself.

Also, in regards to appearances, no, Loki does not have a physical appearance whatsoever. He is energy and energy does not have a form that we can see clearly with our two eyes. He likes to call Himself an "orb of light" and that He "floats around all day and does not do much of anything on this physical plane except wait around for stuff to happen."

I have seen Him manifest physically before but it is not human-like nor is it remotely something that is a common occurrence. It looks like glimmers of golden light that shines in the corner of my eye and flashes before it can ever be seen fully. My cats see Him all the time, actually, and watch as He zooms around the apartment and plays with them since cats have a keener sense of vision than we do.

So, no, He does not have any actual human-like qualities. However, it is my understanding that the way we perceive Him is translated by various triggers in our brain. Just like how we visualize a person as they are described that we haven't seen before, Loki essentially has a means to assist people with seeing Him who may have trouble recognizing who He is so He gives a common appearance. He's explained to me that when it's important for someone to know who they are looking at, He will appear to them as a lanky ginger with long red hair, golden eyes and pointed ears. But if it's not, then He can show up as anyone He wants to in any way.

So I suppose it's both the way He wants to be seen and also our own brains piecing together visuals that He triggers and we conceptualize as vaguely human but very obviously not given the amount of energy that resonates off of Him. So it's both intentional that He looks the same way to a lot of people while also being intentional when He doesn't. Regardless of where, how, and why He manifests, though, He feels the exact same way all the time and you'll know who He is just by being in His presence. So, I suppose, also, it doesn't truly matter about what He looks like on your shrine.

I hope that answers your questions (probably more info than you ever asked for) but I'm always open to clarifying things here and otherwise and that goes with anyone who stumbles on my blog. That's why I'm here. Also, yes, please DM whenever you want! I love meeting people. It's my favorite. Talking about this shit is my jam.

[summerwritesfics]

🧊An Unexpected Twist

Pairing: None Length: 613 Words Rating: General Warnings: Mortal Kombat 1 timeline, Kuai Liang is Scorpion, Pyromancer!Kuai Liang, Fluff, Power Awakening, Bàba Zero is trying his best

Ice, Ice, Smoke And Fire Masterlist

Notes: Another one I’ve had written up and edited for a while. Ice, Ice, Smoke And Fire is just gonna be a series of silly fluffy oneshots following Bàba Zero (dubbed Sub Zero in this, I’m kinda going with Bi-Han taking the title after Bàba Zero’s death) trying his best… cuz tbh I just want to write the Lin Kuei trio as children getting into trouble and making their dad’s life difficult. I kinda like the idea that Kuai being a pyromancer was a surprise to everyone, hence why he still has an ice related name. I’d also like to say I wrote this before MK1 came out (just after Dominic accidentally dropped that Kuai was Scorpion in that IGN interview), so we didn’t have the intro’s where Bi-Han and Tomas talk about Mama Zero. That said, Kuai never really talks about her, so I’m going with the headcanon that she died when he was still young and he doesn’t have as many memories of her as Bi-Han and Tomas do (I headcanon Tomas is the middle brother). Anyway, enough of me clarifying stuff: enjoy the fluff :)

“Bàba, look what I can do!”

Sub Zero looked up from his paperwork to watch as Kuai Liang ran into the room. He was 6 years old now, around the age where his cryomancy should be starting to come through. He held his breath and smiled, eagerly awaiting to see if indeed Kuai’s cryomancy was finally taking form.

Kuai held his little hands up in the air, his face scrunching up as he did his best to summon his new abilities. Sub Zero didn’t say anything, wanting his son to do this by himself. Finally, there was a small flash, as magic finally erupted from his hands.

Except… that was not ice.

Inside Kuai’s palm was a small flame, flickering away like a lit candle.

“Look! My ice is orange!” Kuai seemed blissfully unaware that what he held in his hand was pretty much the complete opposite of ice.

Sub Zero could only stare in shocked silence, trying to wrack his brain as to some explanation of how this could have happened. His bloodline had been one of cryomancy for generations, and as far as he remembered, his late wife had no inherent magical abilities that could offer an explanation.

“I can also do this,” Kuai announced, quickly turning to his left, and putting the flame directly under the room's curtains.

Unfortunately, Sub Zero had not quite realised what Kuai was about to do until the curtain set ablaze. He scrambled out of the seat, grabbing Kuai around the waist with one arm, while summoning a thick layer of ice to douse the flames. Kuai giggled the entire time, not grasping the danger he’d just posed to them. Despite Sub Zero’s delayed reaction, thankfully the damage was minimal.

Sub Zero let out a relieved breath, before shifting his arms until Kuai was comfortable and in front of him. Kuai clapped his hands in triumph, clearly very proud of himself. Weirdly, Sub Zero was proud of him too, even if he was a menace. Even if this entire debacle raised so many questions.

“Kuai Liang, could you show me again?” He asked gently, wanting to see it one more time, slightly closer up this time. “Cup your hands together, and let the magic flow to them.”

Kuai nodded confidently. He cupped his hands together, that same look of sheer concentration gracing his features. Eventually, the same thing happened again, and there in Kuai’s hands was a flame. Sub Zero smiled, this was in no way something he ever expected, but it was what was happening. He would just have to find a way to help navigate his son through this strange new power.

“Grandmaster!” The door slammed open and Hydro stumbled inside, looking extremely panicked. “We believe we’re under attack, we’ve found fire’s all over the temp-“

He stopped speaking when he noticed the small flame in Kuai Liang’s hands.

“Stand down, Master Hydro,” Sub Zero replied, trying not to laugh. “I suspect the attack came from within and have apprehended the culprit.”

He shot Kuai a glance, and he still looked far too happy with himself.

“I… see…” Hydro sounded as shocked as Sub Zero had been. Still he straightened himself out. “I will… Uh… Go and aid the efforts to fix the damage.”

Hydro bowed to him, before turning to leave. Sub Zero redirected his attention back to Kuai Liang, who had put out the flame and was now looking at his father with bright eyes. The child needed guidance, and even though Sub Zero wasn’t sure he would be enough, he would do everything possible to do so.

No matter what, he would always do his best to support his child.

[pagingharu]

title: interviewing the crew

summary: gitta and tai decide to interview the crew about rune, and what could possibly be going on with him and scarlet

status: one-shot. there was an attempt to make it like a script

gitta & rune @ me ; tai @lilandraws

[ Rune’s crew are docking the ship, and in comes Gitta before they could finish up. Jumping onto the ship with ease that she looked rather proud of herself ]

Tai: [ still at the port ] Couldn’t you wait before getting onboard? You could’ve fallen over.

Gitta: Nope! Besides, I made it, didn’t I? [ turns around to grin at Tai ]

Tai: I guess… [ steps onto the ship ] Anyway, are you really going to do it?

Gitta: Yeah, which is why I’m here. I don’t know why you followed me though.

Tai: Because I’m curious how it’ll go, and also what everyone is going to say. It’s not everyday we get to do this.

Gitta: ‘We?’

Tai: [ rolls his eyes ] Come on, I want to join you.

[ Just then Rune appears, smiling at the sight of the two ]

Rune: Well, if it isn’t you two! Missed me?

Gitta: Not really. Why don’t you go away?

Rune: Ouch, I guess you don’t want my surprise for you.

Gitta: [ her eyes light up ] Surprise—? [ she paused, then shook her head ] That can wait. I’m busy.

Tai: How about me? I’m glad to see you [ sarcasm, teasing ], so where’s my surprise?

Rune: [ ruffles Tai’s hair with a laugh ] Yeah, yeah. I got your highly requested tea and other goodies.

[ A crewmate calls out to Rune; something about helping with the goods. Rune leaves the two be, telling them not to mess with anything before shifting his attention ]

Gitta: He’s busy. Good. Now, who do I start with?

Tai: You mean who do we start with?

Gitta: Augh, whatever! Just don’t get in my way, Fishfood.

Tai: [ scrunches his nose at the nickname ] Stop calling me that!

Gitta: [ ignores Tai and moves on, eyeing everyone working around until it lands on one potential target who has yet to join the workload ] Let’s start with that fella, shall we?

[ scene shifts to Gitta and Tai sitting on one cargo box, and the selected crewmate sitting across from them on another cargo box. They’re in one corner of the ship, away from all the happenings ]

Crew1: What do you two want? I got places to be, and trades to work with.

Gitta: Relax, we won’t take much of your time.

Tai: We’re just going to ask some questions, and that’s it.

Gitta: [ annoyed ] I told you not to get in my way.

Tai: [ confused ] How am I getting in your way?

Crew1: Alright, no fighting. Let’s just get on with it. What questions?

[ Gitta and Tai share a look ]

Gitta: Has Old Man been acting weird around you guys?

Crew1: What do you mean? He’s as healthy as a dragon!

Tai: Not that. It’s more like… does he ever act weird when it concerns Scarlet?

Crew1: Oh, that tall and scary lady? [ scratches his beard ] He talked about her eyes once when we were gathered around the campfire.

Gitta: Why the hell would he do that?

Crew1: [ looks left and right before leaning in close to the two ] That lady might have done some witchcraft or something on Rune!

Tai: [ holds back a chuckle ] W-witchcraft?

Crew1: I mean, he’s never been this intrigued with a girl before. So witchcraft’s gotta be in the mix somehow.

Gitta: You can’t be serious [ deadpan ]

Crew1: [ nods his head, all serious ] I’m sure of it.

Gitta: [ stares at the man, then sighs at the sky ] This won’t do. Next!

[ scene shifts with a different crewmate with the two this time ]

Crew2: What’s going on? I’m not in trouble, am I?

Gitta: Nope. Just need you to answer a few questions. How’s Old Man so far with you guys?

Crew2: I got one word for you— energetic. Sometimes, my knees can’t keep up!

Gitta: Okay, but how is he exactly when it comes to Candles?

Crew2: Candles?

Tai: She means Scarlet. How’s Rune when it comes to her?

Crew2: Gitta, you should really start using people’s actual names. It’s gonna get confusing for everyone else if you don’t.

Tai: He’s got a point though.

Gitta: Yeah, yeah. Just answer the question.

Crew2: Hm, energetic doesn’t feel like the right word for that. [ crosses his brows before they shoot up with an idea ] It’s like he becomes alive when it comes to that scary lady!

Tai: Oh, I can’t wait to tell Scarlet how not one, but two people called her scary.

Crew2: Because she is! I mean, just one glare from her and I know I’m as good as dead, but somehow the opposite thing happens to Rune.

Tai: [ all smiles ] Really? That guy?

Crew2: Yes, really! You should’ve seen the look on Rune’s face when we decided to go here next.

Tai: See? [ looks at Gitta ] Something’s blooming, trust me!

Gitta: Blooming, schooming. He could be excited to see me!

Crew2 and Tai: [ almost immediately ] I doubt it.

Gitta: Ugh, you’re both annoying! Next!

[ scene shifts with a different crewmate being interviewed ]

Gitta: I’ll cut straight to the point. Do you think Old Man is— [ shudders ] —in love with Candles?

Crew3: Your nicknames are really funny, you know that?

Gitta: Of course. I made them after all. [ flips hair ]

Tai: Let’s not get sidetracked. Anyway, Rune and Scarlet. Thoughts?

Crew3: [ grins real big ] My mates and I are betting if their wedding is gonna happen sometime in the future.

Tai: Oh, wow. [ whistles ] Wedding already?

Crew3: Why not? Rune isn’t really the type to be hung over by some girl, but with Scarlet? Something’s in the air between those two, I tell you!

Tai: Can’t argue with that, because you’re right. Honestly, if they could just stop beating around the bush already!

Crew3: Right? But then again, watching them go about it is funny so I don’t mind how long it takes for them to get together.

Gitta: Odin’s beard, this conversation makes me wanna hurl my guts out.

Tai: Well, you did jump into this.

Gitta: [ shoves Tai’s shoulder ] Shut up, I know.

Tai: Ow!

Crew3: Why are you asking anyway?

Gitta: Because Old Man’s been acting weird— well, weirder— around Candles, and don’t get me started with their exchange of letters! It’s driving me insane! I have to run to Gramps just to escape them sometimes.

Crew3: Oh my gods, they exchange letters?! [ all giddy ] I knew those Terrible Terrors sending him mail had to be connected with Scarlet somehow! [ calls and beckons a few of his mates to come over ]

[ Crew3 ends up sharing the information he just learned, causing all of them to cheer excitedly ]

Gitta: [ side eye ] You guys are unbelievable. It’s just a bunch of stupid letters!

Tai: No, no, this is like a miracle for them. Look at their reactions! [ smiling at the sight of the upbeat crew ]

Crew4: What else do you know, Gitta?

Crew5: This just confirms that Rune’s heart got stolen.

Crew6: He doesn’t even know it! Ah, youth.

[ Gitta, Tai, and the group’s noise doesn’t go unnoticed by the others ]

Rune: [ from the port ] Hey! Don’t you guys know we have work to do? [ laughs ] Get your ass moving!

Crew3: Thanks for the info, Gitta. [ messes her hair ] Share with us more if you learn some in the future!

Gitta: You guys are just gonna get all weird about it!

Crewmates: Thanks, Gitta! [ they all smile before heading back to work ]

Tai: Well, at least now I know I’m not the only one who sees it.

Gitta: Ugh, this was a waste of time. C’mon, let’s go to Old Man and mess with him.

Tai: Is now the right time to tell you ‘I told you so?’

Gitta: Shut up.

[ Tai dodges another shove from her and laughs as they both get off the ship and head over to Rune ]

[im-just-a-br0adway-baby]

It was a quiet, sunny morning on the first of April. Angel Dust was sleeping peacefully in his bed until he heard his door open wide and he jumped out of his bed. He saw Charlie, Vaggie, and Cherri Bomb at the side of his bed with a banner that said “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” on it. Angel opened his eyes when he saw the girls at his door.

“Happy birthday, Angel!” the girls yelled once he woke up.

Angel lifted his head to see the banner the girls were holding, with several balloons tied to the edge of his bed. “Oh my gosh! Thank you so much! I haven’t had a real birthday celebration since… I can’t even remember when!”

“Well, we have something special for you downstairs! Come on!” Charlie replied as Angel got up from the bed and went downstairs with the girls.

Once the four of them got downstairs, they saw Alastor, Lucifer, Husk, and Niffty by the table with breakfast prepared and a special chair just for Angel with balloons tied to it. He sat down and saw a little stack of pancakes that Lucifer made with a singular candle on it. He closed his eyes and blew out the candle while everyone else took their phones out to take pictures of him. He shed a tear before looking at his friends.

“We’ll make you a bigger cake tonight after dinner,” Husk mentioned.

“So… what did you wish for?” Cherri Bomb asked.

“I don’t think it’s gonna matter, anyway. It ain’t gonna come true,” Angel replied as he took the candle out of his pancake stack.

“Just tell us! We’ll try our hardest to make sure it does!” Charlie said.

“Okay, I’ll tell you; you know that I’m a twin, right?”

“Yes! Your sister’s name is Molly, right?” Vaggie asked.

“Yes; well, I haven’t seen her since I died, although I’ve seen my brother and dad several times since. So my biggest birthday wish is to see her again.”

The rest of the hotel crew looked at each other once Angel revealed his big birthday wish. If he hasn’t seen his sister since his own death, that could only mean that Molly was in heaven. Charlie pulled Vaggie to the corner of the lobby to talk to her while everyone else sat with Angel for breakfast.

“Okay, Vaggie, I know this may sound a little bit out there, but I think we should look for Molly. It will make Angel’s birthday extra special if he could see her again. And since they’re twins, it could make Molly’s birthday special to see Angel again.”

“I’m not sure about this, Charlie. If she actually is in Heaven, how are we going to get in contact with her?”

“It’s okay. I can call Emily after breakfast and I’ll see if she can find her.”

“Are you sure about this?”

“Positive; when have my plans ever blown up in my face?”

“Is… that a trick question?”

“Just trust me on this, Vaggie. It’s going to make Angel remember this birthday forever.”

Vaggie let out a deep sigh and nodded. “Fine, I’m sure you will make this wish come true for Angel. I would never doubt you.”

Lucifer walked up to his daughter and girlfriend to see them still talking. “Girls, are you going to eat breakfast with us? Your pancakes are starting to get cold.”

“We’re coming, Dad.” She then leaned over to Vaggie. “I got this. This will be Angel’s best birthday ever.”

Charlie and Vaggie went back to the lobby to join everyone else for Angel’s birthday breakfast. While Charlie was still thinking about how to get Molly to Hell, she tried not to focus on that and enjoyed the moment with Angel and the rest of the crew. They talked and laughed together until they finished and cleaned up together.

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

Once breakfast was finished, Charlie and Vaggie made their way to their room and Charlie took out her phone to call Emily. She dialed her number to video chat her; it only took three rings for her to answer.

“Hi, Charlie! Hi, Vaggie! It’s been a while! How’s everything?”

“Everything’s great! You know, today is Angel’s birthday, and I wanted to ask you something that would really make his day!” Charlie explained.

“Wait! Before you ask me what you want to ask me, I have someone here that wants to say hi!” Sir Pentious then popped his head to see Charlie and Vaggie.

“Hi, Charlie! Hi, Vaggie!” Sir Pentious said with excitement.

“Hi, Sir Pentious! We miss you so much!” Charlie replied.

“How’s Heaven treating you?” Vaggie asked.

“I love it here! Emily has been such a great mentor and I’ve been finding my place here so well! I even made a new friend on my first day! And you wouldn’t believe this! She looks just like Angel Dust!”

Charlie and Vaggie looked at each other for a brief minute before looking back at Emily and Sir Pentious. “That was what we wanted to ask Emily! Today is Angel’s birthday, and he mentioned having a twin sister named Molly. His biggest birthday wish is to see her again, so they could both celebrate each other’s birthdays together,” Charlie explained.

“I can totally do that! I know who you’re talking about, and I know her birthday is today and she mentioned having a twin brother named Anthony. I didn’t know who she was talking about at first, but after seeing who Angel Dust is, I know now!” Emily replied.

“I was also talking about you guys with Molly when I first met her, and when she saw Angel Dust, she immediately recognized him. I didn’t know his real name was Anthony,” Sir Pentious added.

“Yeah, we’re sorry about that. He never really used his real name anywhere, but we know Husk knew the whole time because he accidentally called Angel by his real name one time a couple weeks ago and it shocked us. He probably has called him Anthony in private and it just slipped out of nowhere,” Vaggie explained.

“Well, we’re planning on meeting her for lunch for her birthday later today, so we can probably talk to her about coming down tonight for dinner,” said Emily.

“That sounds great! Sir Pentious, would you like to come too?” Charlie asked.

“I would love to! I’m sure Angel would be so happy to see me!”

“I know for a fact that he would. Emily, do you know how to get here? Would Sera be okay with you coming down here with Sir Pentious and Molly?”

“She’ll be okay as long as we’re back after a couple of hours. She knows that we’re friends and as long as you’re with us, we’ll be fine. What time do you want us to come by?”

“We would love it if you came at five o’clock. We will be doing this dinner potluck-style, so everyone is going to make something. If you each want to bring something, that would be awesome! Meet us in front of the hotel so we can show Angel our special present!”

“Perfect! We’ll see you then!”

Once Charlie and Emily hung up their phones, Charlie hugged Vaggie and jumped up and down and squealed with excitement. Vaggie hugged her girlfriend back once Charlie put her down and rubbed her back.

“We’re going to have Molly AND Sir Pentious here for Angel’s birthday! This is going to be the best birthday ever for him!” Charlie exclaimed.

“This is going to be awesome! Husk and Cherri Bomb are going to take Angel out this afternoon, so we have time to get the lobby ready for the potluck,” Vaggie replied.

Charlie and Vaggie made their way downstairs to check up on everyone before Husk, Cherri Bomb, and Angel left for the birthday outing. They could not stop talking about how excited they were about Molly coming by and how happy Angel was going to be when he saw her for the first time since he died.

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

Emily and Sir Pentious walked through Heaven to go to Molly’s house. It was a short walk from where Sir Pentious currently lived, so he and Molly would often drop by each other’s houses during the week. Emily knocked on the door, and at the door, was a white and pink spider humanoid that looked just like Angel Dust, only with long hair. She welcomed Emily and Sir Pentious inside.

“Hi, Emily! Hi, Sir Pentious! You’re here a bit early. Our lunch reservations are not for another hour,” Molly mentioned.

“We know, but we wanted to talk about something with you first,” Emily replied as the trio walked inside the living room and sat down on her couch.

“Do you remember when we first met, and I was talking about my friends, and one of them ended up being your twin brother, Anthony, and I just didn’t know it because I always knew him as Angel Dust?” Sir Pentious started.

“Yes, I remember that conversation,” Molly responded.

“Well, I just got a call from Charlie Morningstar, the Princess of Hell, this morning, and she mentioned that Angel’s biggest birthday wish is to see you again,” Emily added.

Molly put her hand on her mouth in shock. She did not think Angel would have remembered her after all that time. Her eyes began to tear, and she hugged Emily and Sir Pentious simultaneously.

“That would be such an amazing birthday gift! She wants us down in Hell? Tonight?”

“She would; we’re all invited. She’s planning a potluck tonight so she would love it if we each brought a dish.”

Molly smiled her bright smile when Emily mentioned bringing a dish to the hotel. She knew exactly what she wanted to make and bring to the party.

“Ooh! Do you guys know what to bring? I know what I’m bringing, and it’s gonna bring him back to when we were kids!”

“I don’t know yet, but we can talk about that when we’re at lunch,” Emily said.

“I don’t know either, but whatever it is, I’m sure Angel and everyone else would love it,” Sir Pentious added.

The trio continued talking about Angel Dust, Molly’s own birthday memories with Angel when they were alive, and what they were going to bring to the party for the next half hour until Emily looked at her phone.

“It’s time to go! We’ll talk more about this during lunch,” Emily proclaimed.

Molly, Emily, and Sir Pentious got up from the couch and made their way out the door to have their lunch. They even talked about how they were going to enter the hotel once they arrived. They figured that Charlie was going to do all the talking, and they would just enter once she was finished.

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

Angel Dust, Husk, and Cherri Bomb took a seat in front of the local cafe with several shopping bags in their hands, and Fat Nuggets on a leash. Angel figured he would also take Fat Nuggets for a walk on his birthday outing with Husk and Cherri Bomb, since has not been outside all day. The trio spent the day having lunch together, going shopping, and now they were having a light dessert at the cafe. Charlie also asked them to not come back to the hotel until four-thirty so she and the rest of the staff could have ample time to decorate and set up for the potluck. They put their bags down once they sat at their table and laughed together. Angel then tied Fat Nuggets’ leash to his chair.

“So, I know you mentioned this morning you would love to see your sister again. I know you talked about your family a lot with me, and you did tell me how much you miss your sister. Do you really think there’s a chance you will see her again?” Husk asked.

“I know I’m probably ain’t gonna to see her today; I don’t know why I even said that’s what I wanted for my birthday in the first place,” Angel explained.

“Well, you didn’t expect it to come true, right? That’s why you said that?” Cherri Bomb asked.

“I guess.” The cafe server came by their table and gave the trio their coffee and croissants as Angel took a bite, then a sip. “It’s just that my favorite memories from my life were my birthdays with Molly. My mom always made sure our birthdays were special, even when we were babies.” 

Fat Nuggets squealed and Angel picked him up to scratch him underneath his chin. Once he put him down, he took out his phone to show Husk and Cherri Bomb an old picture of Molly and himself on their first birthday. They were sitting in their little wooden highchairs together with toddler Arackniss standing between them, resting his arms on the trays of the highchairs. There were banners behind each highchair that said “ANTHONY” and “MOLLY” on them. The twins were shoving cake in their faces and on Arackniss’s face as well. Husk and Cherri Bomb could not help but laugh at the picture.

“It seems like you and your sister were really close,” Cherri Bomb said, still laughing.

“We were; and all of our birthdays together were so special. I think around the time we were in high school there was this one teacher that didn’t know us and thought we were dating? She mentioned this to another teacher and she let her know we were twins, and she felt so embarrassed.”

Angel, Husk, and Cherri Bomb laughed again before the trio took another bite of their croissants. “But my favorite birthday memory with Molly was when we turned ten, and our family took us to the carnival that was back in town that year. Molly used to be terrified of most of the rides, but she would calm down when I held her.”

“That is so sweet,” Husk replied. “I’m sure she cherishes those memories with you just as much as you do.”

“I hope she does; and, knowing Charlie, I’m sure she’s doing everything in her power to find Molly right now.”

“I thought you said you didn’t think that wish was gonna come true?” Cherri Bomb mentioned.

“I know, but I know Charlie very well. When someone tells her they want something, she’s gonna try and get it for them.”

“Do you think she’s gonna find her?” Husk asked.

“I don’t know, but if she doesn’t she’s gonna cry about it for the rest of the week. If she does, out of some miracle, I’d be surprised.”

“I wouldn’t; Charlie’s the most driven person I ever met, and she always saw you as a big brother that she never had. I’m sure she will find her.”

Husk and Cherri Bomb hugged Angel before he took his phone out and checked the time. “Shit! It’s almost four-thirty! Charlie and the gang are probably finished setting up and waiting for us!”

“And we still have to make our dishes for the potluck! We should get going.”

“Wait! Before we go, I want a few more pictures.”

Angel then set up his phone for a silly selfie together and held it up to make sure Husk and Cherri Bomb were also in the shot. Husk picked up Fat Nuggets and placed him underneath his chin before Angel flashed the picture. After they made a few more silly poses together for several more pictures, Angel put his phone away and the trio grabbed their shopping bags. He untied Fat Nuggets from his chair and he, Husk, and Cherri Bomb began to make their way back to the hotel.

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

Charlie and Vaggie finished setting up the lobby as Alastor, Lucifer, and Niffty finished up in the kitchen. When Alastor, Lucifer, and Niffty came out with their dishes in food covers, they each placed their dishes on the big, round table in the middle of the lobby, covered with Charlie’s special, sparkly tablecloth that she only takes out for birthdays and holidays.

“Okay; Angel, Husk, and Cherri should be back soon, so Vaggie and I will get started on our dishes, and Husk and Cherri can catch up with us,” Charlie explained.

Right on cue, Angel, Husk, and Cherri Bomb made their way through the door. They dropped their shopping bags before giving the rest of the crew hugs and kisses. 

“Do you want us to start making our food soon?” Husk asked.

“Sure; Alastor, Niffty, and Dad finished theirs, and Vaggie and I just finished decorating, so we were just about to start ours,” Charlie replied.

Husk and Cherri Bomb made their way to the kitchen with Charlie and Vaggie as Angel took everyone’s shopping bags and made his way upstairs with Fat Nuggets. He put Husk’s and Cherri Bomb’s bags in front of their rooms and made his way to his room, putting his bags down and taking Fat Nuggets off his leash. He went into his closet to find an outfit to wear for the potluck. He was always the type to have a different outfit for every event for his birthday, even if there were multiple events on the same day.

“Whadaya think, Fat Nuggets? Should I wear one of the new outfits I bought today? Or is that not the best idea? Charlie did plan a potluck, and I don’t wanna mess up these cute outfits immediately.” Fat Nuggets squealed. “You’re right; it’s my birthday, so I should show off one of my new outfits now for everyone. Husky and Cherri even said they wanted to see me in one of these today.”

Angel dug into one of his shopping bags to take out a sparkly, pastel-colored loose top and a pair of black leggings. He spent the next half hour changing and touching up on his makeup and hair before going downstairs. Once he finished getting ready, he made his way to the stairs and saw his friends finishing up the touches for the potluck, but Charlie was nowhere to be seen. He raised his eyebrow, but he still began going down the stairs to see the rest of the crew looking up at him. Husk and Cherri Bomb peaked through the kitchen doorway with their dishes and dropped their jaws.

“Wow! Angel… you look…” Husk stammered as he blushed and put his dish on the table.

“You look gorgeous!” Cherri Bomb continued.

“Yeah… that.” The rest of the crew stared at Husk as his face turned a darker shade of red. “Why are y’all staring at me!? I just think he looks pretty!”

“Sure, okay,” Alastor said sarcastically.

“We know,” Niffty added.

“So… where’s Charlie? Wasn’t she just here?” Angel asked.

“She’s outside; she invited a few more people that haven’t seen you in a while and wanted to meet them in front of the hotel before coming in,” Vaggie said as she put her dish on the table.

Angel raised his eyebrow again suspiciously. Charlie invited some more people to the party? Maybe his wish would come true after all. But, Angel did not want to jump to conclusions just yet. But then again, he did not know anyone else in Hell that he was super close to besides everyone that was already in the room.

Outside the hotel, Charlie met up with Emily and Sir Pentious and saw that Molly ended up coming with them. She tried her hardest to hold in an excited squeal so everyone that was inside could not hear her, thus, spoiling the surprise. Once Charlie was finished getting her silent squeals and giggles out, she took a deep breath and looked at the Heaven trio.

“Happy birthday, Molly! I’m so glad you could make it! I’m Charlie, by the way, the Princess of Hell.”

“Emily and Sir Pentious have told me a lot about you. I’m so happy you got the chance to become friends with Anthony. Sir Pentious also told me he’s been so much happier since he started staying here. He was always such an energetic and talkative kid, but when we were alive, so many people were put off by his dirty jokes, so I’m so glad he has friends that accept him for who he is. Thank you for being a great friend to him, Charlie.”

“You’re very welcome, Molly. Did you have a great birthday?”

“I did, Emily and Sir Pentious took me out to lunch today and Emily told me about your plans to have me see Anthony again. Emily also told me about the potluck, so we each made something.”

“That’s great! Before you come inside, I’m going to make sure everyone’s situated. I’ll let you know when it’s time.”

Molly, Emily, and Sir Pentious nodded as Charlie made her way back inside the hotel. Angel, Lucifer, Husk, Alastor, Niffty, Vaggie, and Cherri Bomb were sitting at the table together, waiting for Charlie to come back inside.

“Okay, everyone, before we start dinner, I just want to say, happy birthday again, Angel! I know that your birthdays since you arrived in Hell were… not the best. That’s why I wanted to make sure your birthday was extra special this year. So, I managed to get a few guests that haven’t seen you in a while, and someone I became friends with in Heaven that really wanted to become friends with you.”

Charlie went back outside to get Emily, Sir Pentious, and Molly as Angel held Husk’s hand as hard as he could. His gut feeling was telling him even more that his wish was going to come true, but he still did not want to jump to conclusions just yet.

“Are you okay?” Husk asked as he was feeling the pain of Angel holding his hand tighter than he usually does.

“I’m fine, I’m just excited because maybe Charlie really did it.”

Charlie came back inside with Emily, Sir Pentious, and Molly. Angel and everyone else’s mouths dropped wide open once they saw Molly and Sir Pentious. They tried to find a place to put their dishes on the crowded table, but once they did, Angel got up from his seat and tackled Molly in a hug. They squealed as loud as they could and jumped up and down together. Alastor began to static and held his ears down until the twins finished.

“Are you quite done?” Alastor asked.

“We are, sorry, this is probably the best day ever!” Angel replied.

“So, Tony, introduce me to your friends! Sir Pentious was just telling me about them and all the fun things you’ve been doing!”

“Wait, before I do, I want to say hi to Sir Pentious.” Angel then gave Sir Pentious a hug and the rest of the crew except for Alastor got up to give him a hug.

“We missed you so much! You need to tell us all about Heaven!” Cherri Bomb said.

“I’ll tell you all about it at dinner. But for now, I think Molly has a lot of new friends to meet right now.”

“Well, I know you met Charlie already, and this is my best friend Cherri Bomb. She was the first friend I made here before I came to the hotel; and this is Charlie’s girlfriend, Vaggie, and her dad, the Big Dick in Charge himself, Lucifer. These are two other great friends, Alastor and Niffty, and… my boyfriend, Husk.”

Angel tried his hardest to hide his feelings for Husk for the longest time, but the rest of the hotel knew from how they looked at each other that something more was going on between the two of them. But now, he was feeling more comfortable telling everyone that he and Husk were official. He walked over to Husk and gave him a kiss on the lips.

“Were you planning on telling us today?” Charlie asked.

“I wanted to wait until we were both ready, and we thought today would be the day,” Angel replied.

“He’s really cute, I told ya one day you’d find someone!” Molly teased as she lightly punched Angel’s arm.

“Yeah, even though I found him after I died.”

“It still counts!”

Molly hugged Husk and started to pet him until he flinched and moved away from her. “Sorry, Molly, I just… don’t like being pet in front of people,” he mentioned.

“Oh, sorry, Husk.”

“Y’know, Angel has been telling me all about you and the rest of your family. You must’ve been really close when you were alive.”

“We were; even after we became adults we were attached to the hip.”

“We can clearly tell when you came into the door,” Alastor interrupted, still staticed up with annoyance.

Sir Pentious slithered up to Angel and gave him a hug. Cherri Bomb followed by hugging Sir Pentious and giving him a kiss on the cheek. He blushed and gave her another kiss on the lips before going back to hugging Angel.

“So, Sir Pentious, I wasn’t expecting to see you here. Did Charlie end up finding you too and invited you?” Angel asked.

“Kind of; she called Emily to see if she knew Molly and I was with her, soI said ‘hi’ and she invited me to the party.”

“Well, I’m so happy you’re here! You made my party even better!”

The entire crew sat down and set up for the potluck. Everyone took their covers off their dishes to reveal them, but what stood out to him was Molly’s dish. She made the lasagna that their mother taught them to make when they were alive. They each made their own versions when they were alive and they always ended up turning out just like their mother’s. Angel cried and put his hands over his mouth when he saw Molly’s dish.

“I knew you would react that way when you saw my dish,” Molly mentioned.

“It’s just… it’s been such a long time since someone even made ma’s lasagna for me. I have made it for everyone else, but I miss when it was made for me. Thank you, Molls.”

Angel hugged his sister and gave her a kiss on the cheek, and Molly hugged him back. “No problem, Tony. When Charlie said we were doing a potluck, I knew exactly what I wanted to make, because I knew you’d appreciate it.”

The crew began to pass around each dish so everyone could get a serving of each. There was so much food, the crew figured they would be having leftovers for the next three days. The potluck was spent catching up with each other and Sir Pentious telling everyone the stories of his time in Heaven so far, and how he met Molly in the first place.

“It’s so funny, actually, I passed by Molly and I thought she was you for a second, so I thought you were redeemed too. She looked at me and had no idea what I was talking about, so I told her she reminded me of a friend, and I told her about my time in Hell and all of you guys, and once she saw the picture of you, that was when she realized that was you!” Sir Pentious explained.

“I also mentioned to him how much I missed you and how much I wanted to see you again. I’m guessin’ you said something to Charlie because Emily told me she called this morning about this,'' Molly continued.

Angel rolled his eyes playfully and looked at Charlie. “Something was tellin’ me Charlie took my wish literally. She was always one to go outta her way for anything. I just said that because I didn’t think it would come true.”

“Well, it did, and I did it just for you. I care about you so much, Angel, just like I care about everyone else in this hotel,” Charlie explained.

“Thank you, Charlie; I didn’t necessarily doubt you, but since I haven’t seen her in Hell, I didn’t think I was gonna see her.”

The crew continued talking and catching up as they continued eating. There was so much to catch up on, the potluck lasted for almost two hours. Seeing Angel at his happiest in a long time made Charlie feel fuzzy inside, knowing she made her friend’s birthday wish come true. Once the potluck was finished and everyone cleaned up, Charlie and Lucifer went back into the kitchen to get the cake. It was the biggest cake they ended up making for anyone. Once the father and daughter placed the cake on the table, Angel and Molly stood up to blow out the candles together. The rest of the crew took their phones out again to take pictures of them before they came back to the table to slice the cake. The crew continued talking as they ate their cake until it was getting late. Once they were finished, the crew went on the hotel’s rooftop to sit and relax. It was time for Emily, Sir Pentious, and Molly to go back to Heaven, so Angel gave his sister one last hug.

“It was so great seeing you again, Molls. I hope I get to see you again soon.”

“It was great seeing you again too, Tony. Your new friends are so great, and I hope to see you again soon too.”

“We got each other’s numbers now, so I’ll call you tomorrow. And thank you again, Charlie, for inviting Molly here. You made my birthday extra special.”

Charlie cried tears of joy and hugged Angel. “You’re very welcome, Angel; and thank you, Molly, for coming to celebrate Angel’s and your birthday tonight. You too, Sir Pentious and Emily. You also made today special for Angel.”

“Thanks for inviting us, Charlie; we hope to come back to visit again too,” Sir Pentious mentioned.

Before the trio could leave, Molly stopped them to take one more picture with the entire crew. She held her phone up in a selfie, with Angel behind her and hugging her as tightly as he could, and the rest of the crew posing around them. The crew continued making different fun poses as Molly continued taking photos until several were taken.

“I’ll send ‘em to all of you, okay?” Molly confirmed.

“Okay, I really wanna see them. Oh, and if I ever do get redeemed, I’ll let Emily know to look for you first,” Angel replied.

Once everyone hugged each other goodbye, Emily, Sir Pentious, and Molly made their way back to the portal to Heaven. The rest of the crew waved goodbye and Angel shed a tear before hugging Husk.

“So, Angel, did’ja have a good birthday?” Husk asked as everyone else made their way back downstairs.

Angel gave Husk a long kiss on the lips. “I didn’t just have a good birthday, Husky, I had the best birthday ever.”

[aravenwriter]

Aravenwriter’s Prompt List Part 5

I want to go with you. To the ends of the world, if necessary

I don’t understand them being so similar and yet… they really can’t stand each other

Why aren't you like them? What makes you special?

We’ve been good, but we can’t last

I think everything’s ending and I can’t do anything to stop it

She's the only person I trust with this information 

Fine. If that’s gonna make him stop throwing a tantrum every time he sees me, tell him. Tell him everything

No, not again, not again, we're not losing anyone else!

I'm better now, I think... It's just that...

It’s not your fault, honey. It was never your fault 

We can talk about... well, All of That when I get back okay?

I can take care of her tonight, don't worry 

How do I know you’re not lying to me?

This is just a suggestion, but we could maybe ask them about it? 

No, no, no, this can't happen right now, I can't do this now-

It's important to me because it's important to you! 

We’ll find her, I promise. Even if we have to look in every corner and under every rock, we’ll find her

We want you to become part of our family 

This is all my fault! If I hadn't left him alone...

Just hold my hand, I'll help you out 

What are you doing here? How did you find me?

I try so hard to fix everything all the time and now I’m just exhausted, so this time it stays broken 

No wonder you're always so tense! Do you ever rest?

You said something when you were drunk last night… 

I didn’t think i would last this long here, so I thought I may as well make some friends in the meantime

That was a long time ago, I'm sure she's forgotten about it 

I just thought I wasn’t needed here, so I left

She's a ray of sunshine, how the hell did you even get together?? 

I’m overwhelmed but there’s nothing I can do… There’s nothing anyone can do

If I'm in danger I really shouldn't be going anywhere... 

That little shit... I'll have a couple words with them

She said she was going on a trip 

This could end badly for either of us. Or both. So I say we live a little, while we still can

I’m not fond of lying unless I’m telling a story 

What are we doing in the middle of a sunflower field at 2AM?

I did what I always do when something good happens to me... I destroyed it

As long as he's with me I'll be fine

I don't think that's a good idea, he's VERY afraid of needles 

I bought some nice candles for you, they smell like strawberries!

I feel like I'm abandoning them 

My throat hurts a lot, do you have anything for that?

He just offered to keep you company just because he knew you'd refuse 

Now you know why I had to leave that place

I don’t want them to hear us, okay? So shut up!

I'm really happy about it though, it means I have a lot of friends!

Can't I wear something more... Comfortable?

It works a bit like karma, but if karma hated you specifically

Just ask him out, god, it really isn't that difficult! 

Take care of her, I know she’s in good hands

All of you should already be sleeping, so go to bed!

[isbus]

The Sinful Affection

Chapter 5: The DJ is Crying for Help

LAST TIME ON-

Just kidding! This is not a drama TV series- in fact- this isn’t a TV show to begin with! So no recaps necessary, right? Since you are aware of your current situation, it’s time to walk with them. You were confused as to why the narrator is talking about random things instead of what was happening, but the narrator decides to stop.

You looked around as you walked, watching the people that headed in the same direction as your group. When seeing characters with object heads and more demonesque characters. Before you could get lost in the sights, a limousine nearly drove by. Once the driver noticed us, the limo stopped and the driver’s window opened.

“Need a ride, devilish creatures?” A girl with a sucker for a head began asking and talking. “Ya see; my family got invited to this ball, they bought this limo, then they all got sick! So I thought about how big a waste this would be and began searching for some peeps to drive to Dev’s castle!” Her mouth looked as if it shouldn’t be there and she spoke like a true Jersey girl. It was kind of cool.

Luke smiled. “Ah, a blessing from the Devil himself.” He put his hand on his chin. “So how much for a ride?”

“How much?! Well I WOULD have a debt on your head, but I think I should be nice. It’s not like you're asking for a fav on Bianca’s Birthday.” She laughed. Everyone began laughing, except for you. You were about to ask who Bianca was. “Hey, who’s she?” The sucker head turns.

Like a person in front of a dinosaur from a movie*, you were frozen in fear. She sounded angry, as if she might bust your kneecaps. “Her name is [Y/N]. She’s new here..” Luke steps over to you and holds your shoulders. His scent- candles and cologne- rubbed off on you while drawing you closer. It was as if he wanted you by his side.

“Hmm.. Well I like her! She ain’t afraid of Mob Daughters, like some of y’all..!” She laughs. Everyone laughs again. “See what I mean?”

Bertram cocks his head. “To be fair, you are the daughter of the most powerful mafia in the city.” Did he actually speak? You thought he was the type to not say anything towards her, but he actually said it. Honestly, you thought if anyone said something, it would be Samuel. In reality, Samuel either didn’t care, or he was mad at his clothes.

“Someone’s got a mouth.. Y’know I don’t have to let you ride! I could just leave you out and make it worse than just leaving out one!” The way she worded it was confusing at first, but you thought about the words then remembered Vaughn.

Bertram started dozing off. “Don’t mind him!” Alfonse exclaimed. “He’s always been a little..”

“Oh.. I got ya. He’s the ‘just-turned-thirteen’ type.” The girl waved us in. “Well, get in! We’re gonna be late if we keep this up!” Right. That’s what these chapters have been about. Everyone rushes to the vehicle, Luke opens the door, and ushers you in.

It’s nice to have someone like him. A lot of people are like him, but some you don’t know much about. In fact, the only people in the group that you really haven’t talked to much are Alfonse, Ben, and Bertram. You hoped to talk to them more. But you couldn’t stop and think; you had to get in the car before Samuel’s patience dwindled!

You entered the vehicle, taking a seat and taking a breath. “Can I sit by [Y/N]?” Alfonse chirps.

“Sure, Alfonse. Just make sure she’s in the middle, because I would like to sit next to her as well.” Luke says. It almost sounded romantic. But that’s probably just your imagination.

Alfonse chuckles. “That sounds like you want to steal her away..” He pauses. “AHA! You do, don’t you?!” The pink haired one laughs.

“N-No..” Luke somehow sounded embarrassed.

“Don’t lie! I can see the truth!”

“I guess [Y/N] will sit in the corner and I’ll take the middle!” Luke begins entering the limousine.

Alfonse gasps. “Haven’t you heard about ‘ladies first’?!” Alfonse enters after Luke. “[Y/N], sit away from him! If you do, I'll give you a reward~” He purrs.

“A reward? He just wants to fuck you and leave you in your lonesome until he feels lustful!” Luke spat.

“STOP BICKERING AND SIT DOWN!” Samuel shouts at the two. “AND YOU FOUR, GET IN THE DAMN CAR!” Samuel gets in and sits down. Levi enters after Samuel, then Ben, then Matt, then Bertram. Samuel curses after Bertram shuts the door.

The girl claps. “Thank you, Sam! Now let’s get this show on the road..” Everyone took their seat, sitting in a rainbow formation. Samuel, Luke, Matt, Levi, Bertram, Ben, Alfonse, then you. “How colorful. Well! Next stop: Dev’s Castle!”

The engine revved, and the limo moved as we all sat in silence. Everyone did their own thing in silence.. Very awkward silence. Luke gave an aura of worry as he looked down. Sometimes he looks over at Alfonse, but then he looks down again. You had felt something was wrong, but if you asked, that something would get worse. There’s a crack in the glass of happiness and touching it would shatter the glass.

“Yeesh. Y’all mind if I put on some music? Good.” The girl doesn’t even wait for a response. She puts on some pop music. It was hard to hear the lyrics, but the vibe feels like a rave. Sounds like a motherfuckin’ club yo.

Despite the limo moving forward, it felt like we were stuck. It’s hard to say how. Even though the sucker-head was cursing at vehicles, we were stuck in silence. No one perked up to chat, or smile at someone. It was so weird, Bertram wasn’t even napping! But, before I could worry more, the limo stopped.

The girl looked back at us. “We’ve arrived at our destination! Now, get out! Me and Bianca will make our exit after you guys. Wouldn’t want them to get it twisted.”

Luke inhaled, then let it out once he opened the door. Lights immediately panned on him. “Looks like the special guests have arrived! First appears to be Luke!” An announcer guy exclaims. Once Luke steps out, he waves at the crowd. “What a charmer!”

Matt exits next, smiling and waving like those penguins from that movie*. “Next is Matt! Lookin’ good there bud!” Matt smiles wider when hearing that, then gives his thanks. Levi leaves the vehicle next. “Levi! I never expected him to look that good in a skirt!” Levi blushes.

“Samuel! Who would’ve thought he would look great in military lolita fashion?” Samuel facepalms. “Alfonse looks great either way. Ben, making a grape impression! Get it? Cause he has grapes on his dress?” Ben laughs heartily.

“We’re closing in.. Bertram! Number seven and looking like a ten! Vau- Nope, it’s [Y/N]!” You wave at the crowd, who immediately started taking pictures of all of you together. “Now, Vaughn! Wait… did she just shut the door on him?” You shut the door by accident.

Luke shakes his head. “Oh. OH! False alarm! Vaughn’s not here!” The limo drives away, leaving you and the group on this red carpet over some stairs. The group begins walking towards the castle, so you follow behind.

The announcer keeps doing his job as more people arrive. He said important names like Lolita, Amanda, Freyr, Xena, Victor, Pierce, and more. So many more.. As you followed behind, you kept watching the crowd and such while they took pictures of the group. They seemed to enjoy taking pictures of the group, but a LOT of denizens were taking pictures of you. Sometimes you would hear gasps from the crowd when you passed by.

After a lot of stairs and a lot of stares, you finally made it to the doors leading to the castle. The doors opened, but you couldn’t see the inside behind SEVEN FUCKING GUYS. So as they got greeted by the bouncer (you assumed), you took a few breaths to relax yourself.

“Luke Cyfer, Matt Mon, Levi Thann, Samuel Tin, Alfonse Deux, Ben Bubs, Bertram Guro, and [Y/N]...” You heard Atlante list off you and your friends’ names. “Where’s Vaughn Naty?”

“He told us that he didn’t want anyone to see his gorgeous face except for him.” Levi fibbed. “Can we come in now? We’re holding the line.”

Atlante hums. “That’s your choice to make, not mine.” Luke walks in with everyone following once again.

Once we entered, Luke went over to one side and cleared his throat for us to come closer. “I’m not saying ‘go crazy’ but don’t hesitate to take your chance. BEFORE YOU GO THOUGH; Matt- no pickpocketing. Levi- you’re good. Samuel- try to keep your cool. Alfonse- don’t make me repeat what I said to you last time when you tried to flirt with that ONE CHICK. Ben- go easy on the buffet table. And Bertram!” Everyone nodded or made a noise to show they understood. “Bertram- go find a place to nap, you need some rest after nearly making us lose our ride.”

Bertram blinked slowly. “Can’t I just nap on you?”

“Haha! No.” He stared down Bertram to make sure he understood. “Are we good? Good. Now, let’s party like it’s Dev’s birthday party!”

As soon as Luke said that, everyone went their separate ways. “Luke?” Before Luke could get too far, you called out his name. “What should I do?”

“Whatever you want, dear [Y/N].”

“Oh! And Luke!” You catch him once again. “Relax a bit, okay?”

He blushes, making you feel like you just hit his heart. His slightly shocked expression relaxes- just as you told him to. “Th-Thank you, [Y/N].” He clears his throat again after his stutter session. If you thought him being worried or him honestly smiling was rare, you should know that THIS was less common than those two things. He didn’t seem like the type to be embarrassed, he was more like the type to get others embarrassed.

Luke walks away to do.. Whatever he’s going to do. You felt a person tap your shoulder. “Ahem.. Miss [Y/N].” Looking behind you it was just Sir Lucien.

“What’s up, Sir Lucien?”

“Just ‘Lucien’ is fine.” He bows. “Our lord Dev Vil wishes to see you.” You were stunned to hear it.

Dev, the fucking king of Hell, wanted to see you?! “What did I do?” You asked with a scared tone.

“Honestly, I don’t know myself. But I’m sure you're safe from his wrath.” He put his arm out for you to take. You didn’t want to do it, but you did it anyway… You held his arm as he led you towards the stairs.

You could hear whispering from the crowd. You couldn’t hear exactly what they were saying, but you could imagine what they were saying. ‘Oh my god, Sir Lucien got a girlfriend’ or something like that. Now that you thought of that you blushed, realizing that what he said might be a lie.

Oh no. That’s all you could think. Oh no, they’re staring at us. Oh no, they’re whispering about us. Oh no, he’s going to show me the tops*.

You were getting more anxious with each step. When we got to a place away from the eyes of many, you saw a sign that said ‘Dev’s office’. Maybe he was telling the truth. One way to find out…

“So.. are you single?” You tried saying nonchalantly. He heard that and looked down at you. Lucien looked like an elephant that just heard a bee.

“What..?”

“Do you have a girlfriend or something?” You continue the conversation as normally as possible.

“I’m sorry to break it to you, but I’m gay. No hard feelings-”

Now you were the elephant that just heard a bee. “NO! I was just curious. I didn’t mean it like that!”

“No worries. You don’t have to lie to fight off those feelings. I understand.” He waves his hand softly at you. You wanted to say something else, but you knew it would be like talking to a brick wall. So you continued in awkward silence.

…

Because of the lack of talking, you could hear footsteps and the lightbulbs. It sure was annoying, but what could you say? ‘You come here often?’ Of fucking course he does. Besides, he would probably take that as flirting anyway. “We’re here. I’ll tell him before you can come in.”

“Thanks-”

“If you want to date someone so bad, Dev is always open. Besides, he wants a new girlfriend anyway.” You nearly vomited in your mouth. He knocks on the door. “Dev, [Y/N] is here.”

You could hear his muffled voice from inside. “Well, what are you waiting for? Let her in!”

But before you could walk in, the screen turned to black and white text appeared. It said..

TO BE CONTINUED!

Of fucking course. Fuck my life.

~ End Scene ~

* The Motherfuckin' Club Yo is a club from The City.

* Just smile and wave boys, smile and wave.

* For you, @t3chn1c0l0r , a Fallout: New Vegas reference.

[marshmallows2345]

Jay performing a roleplay BDSM session with Erin and reader involving handcuffs, Dom!Jay and Dom!Erin, spanking, interrogation and candle wax

now this is a) a perfect example of a request and b) RIGHT UP MY ALLEY HELLO.

Content warning: BDSM themes, smut, like filthy smut, waxplay, impact play, interrogation, degradation, FFM threesome, dirty talk(a lot of it), general filth.

a/n: this was so kskskeneo yes. i love this.

The steel cuffs locked around your wrists slightly dig into the soft skin, leaving behind angry red marks that are sure to remain tomorrow. A cold metal chair is situated underneath you, sending shivers up your spine and making every hair stand on edge. Your dominants, Jay and Erin are sat in front of you, their faces locked in icy glares. The air in the room seems to drop 20 degrees every time you think about what’s gonna happen tonight. Not to mention, you’re in just a thin tank top and panties, nipples poking through.

“Tell us what you did, huh? You tell us what you did, and we’ll be nice.”

You swallow thickly as you glance up at her, into her hardened hazel eyes. She leans back in her chair, pushing her chest out. Not that she needs to, her top showcases her cleavage perfectly.

“I don’t think she wants to talk, Erin,” the guy says, his arms folded over his chest. His forearms are so huge, so built. You can’t think of anything other than how one of them would feel locked around your throat. “I don’t think that pretty mouth will open unless we make it open.”

“Got any ideas, Jay?” She asks, and he pushes his chair back, the scraping making your back tense.

Jay comes around and stands behind you, his body pressed right up against the back of your chair. You swallow thickly as his hand comes to wrap around your throat, ever so gently squeezing the sides.

“Oh,” you gasp, lips slightly parting as he makes you look up at him.

“There we go,” he says with the cruelest smirk you’ve seen. “Just needed a push, hm?”

Jay moves his hand up to grip your chin, squeezing your cheeks so your lips are pushed into a pout. You whimper, pressing your thighs together, and he murmurs,

“You disobeyed us, hm? Started riding the biggest dildo even though we never gave you permission to play with yourself. Then, you decided to film it and send it to us, while we’re at work no less. One of our coworkers could have seen, and neither Erin or me feels like whoring you out to them. Especially since our lessons haven’t gotten through to you, hm?”

You glance over at Erin, eyes pleading for sympathy, but her face is cold as ice. She softly chuckles before getting up and strutting over to you, the cropped tank top she’s in leaving very little to the imagination. She undoes the cuffs, a knowing smirk on her face. This “nice” gesture is not nice, not in the slightest. Red circles adorn your wrists, reminding you that you still are not calling the shots here.

“You thought I was gonna be nice? Do you have any idea the hell Voight gave us? All because our slut couldn’t wait. You just had to be a whore, stuffing yourself,” Erin sneered as she looked down at you. “Get your shirt off.”

You quickly pull off your shirt, throwing it aside as Erin’s hands reach around to cup your breasts. Jay pulls his hand away, opting instead to watch as Erin plays with her toy. He perches himself on the table, and he watches with an intrigued look on his face.

“What do you think, Erin? What should we do with her tonight?”

“I promised her I’d turn her into a work of art. I think I’ll keep my promise, but only after she takes her punishment. 25 spankings with the ruler?” Erin purrs, her eyes hardened with lust.

“I think that should suffice. Bend over the arm of the couch, little whore.”

You obey Jay’s command, not wanting to extend your punishment further. He comes up behind you and presses the very prominent erection that’s in his pants to your ass. Erin hands him the ruler, and she sits in front of you, monitoring your body to make sure you’re okay.

“Count,” Jay orders as he runs his hand along the smooth wood of the ruler. “You lose count, we start over. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Detective,” you obediently reply, swallowing thickly.

“Can you tell me your color, and your safeword?”

“Green, and my safeword is berry.”

“Good girl,” Erin praised as she cups your chin. “Telling us your safeword. You use it if you need to, okay?”

“I will, I promise.”

“Good,” she murmured as she kisses your head. “You ready?”

You nodded, and the first strike comes cracking down on your ass. You yelp out a “one” before the second one comes down, this time on the other cheek. Erin’s hand finds yours and she lets you squeeze it after every strike. You count after every strike, no matter how many tears come down your face. Luckily, Jay isn’t cruel, and he keeps his pace fairly steady throughout. He knows impact play is difficult for you to get through, and he keeps a careful eye on you. Jay knows when you’ve had enough, and since he has Erin watching your face, he knows she’ll tell him when you really can’t take it anymore.

Your cries turn to sobs as the number of strikes increase, body trembling as Jay slams the ruler down on your ass. Tears roll down your cheeks, but as much as it hurts and burns, your thighs press together with a searing hot need. Your outer lips become slick with arousal, and it does not go unnoticed by Jay. He smirks as he continues his assault, all the way up until you cry out,

“Twenty five!”

Jay tosses the ruler aside, and he sits away from you to let the complicated mess of feelings that arise wash over him. You collapse into Erin, who holds you and strokes your hair, murmuring soft reassurances.

“Such a good girl, taking your punishment. We’re so proud of you, hm? Our good girl, she just needed a reminder. That’s all, hm?” She softly asks, and you nod, giving her a small whimper as a response.

Once Jay takes his few moments, he comes over and gently taps your shoulder, and you immediately lean into him. His strong arms wrap around you as his lips place a tender kiss to your head.

“Our good girl,” he murmurs as his hand rubs your back, making you arch into him. “Erin’s right, you just needed a little reminder.”

You nod as he kisses your cheek, softly murmuring how good, how you’re his good girl. That was the beautiful thing about Jay and Erin. They knew what they were doing, they respected what you gave them and how important it was to reassure you.

The warm wax dribbles down your body, creating a river of red down the valley of your chest and down your stomach. They take turns dropping it onto you, sometimes from higher heights, sometimes lower. The lower heights make you keen at the warmth, body arching as the wax drops and runs all over. Higher heights draw out soft gasps as the wax hardens right as it touches your skin, surely to leave red marks when it gets taken off at the end of the night.

Jay pays special attention to your breasts, covering them with pools of red and white. As the wax drips onto your nipples, you grit your teeth at the pleasantly uncomfortable sensation. When he’s done, your breasts look almost like a melted peppermint, white and red mixing together to create swirled and smudged pink. Erin blows out the candle in her hands before she drops down to her knees and runs her hands up your sides, feeling the hardened wax underneath her slender fingers as her mouth lays kisses to your neck. She kisses up your jaw before her plump lips lock on yours in a sweet and spicy kiss, teeth gently nipping at your bottom lip.

Jay takes one of the larger candles, and he holds it in his hand, not lighting it just yet. He crouches down behind you, lips grazing the top of your ear as he softly whispers,

“Checking in, sweet girl, can you tell me your color?”

“So fucking green, Detective,” you breath as you pull away from Erin, her taste still on your lips.

“Good girl, using your words. My good girl, all she needed was a reminder,” he purrs as he nibbles the top of your ear. “Let’s finish turning you into a pretty work of art.”

He lights the larger candle before starting on your back. Your soft moans are swallowed by Erin’s mouth as you writhe underneath the warm wax and Jay’s scrutinizing gaze. She kisses down your neck as Jay continues letting droplets and rivers rest and race down your back. You let out soft gasps and moans as he covers your skin in wax. When he’s satisfied with the amount of wax adorning your body, he gives a nod of approval and blows out the candle.

“Look at her, Erin. She’s a living, breathing work of art.”

“She is. She’s our work of art,” Erin muses as she kisses down your body, her hands slipping up your sides. She pulls you onto her lap, her chest pressed against yours as Jay comes up behind you.

He dwarfs the two of you as he looks down at his girls and you let out the prettiest moan as his hand slips in between your thighs.

“So, what do you think, gorgeous? Want me to let you sit on my face and you can ride me til you cum? Or do you want me to pound you while Erin watches, knowing whichever decision you make, she’ll have her way with you after?”

[brokenjere]

seventeen going under (j.f) (part 8)

seventeen going under (j.f)

AN: hey guys! I added a tag list for this fic, so if you wanna be added leave a comment on the most recent chapter or send me an inbox to be added! Thanks for enjoying💖

synopsis: Taylor’s in town, Conrad forgets Belly’s birthday, a mean game of chicken, and a long awaited kiss and run

i don’t wanna be your friend, i wanna kiss your neck - the 1975 fallingforyou

catch up here

I stayed home while Jeremiah went to get Taylor from the bus stop with Belly. I wasn’t the biggest fan of Taylor and any chance to avoid her was taken even if it meant she was shamelessly flirting with Jeremiah and I wasn’t around to gauge his reaction. But his reaction wasn’t my business. I made that very clear. 

I went into town to get groceries with my parents and watched as they acted like a newlywed couple picking out staples for their new home. I lagged behind like a puppy with too short of legs to keep up. Dad picked up something too sugary and Mom scolded him to put it back and when she wasn’t looking, he tossed it in the cart anyway and gave me a thumbs up. 

At home, I helped mom make a lemon loaf for Belly’s birthday. It was one of the only things she knew how to bake well and made it every year for her. As it cooled down on the counter, I added one candle right in the middle. Happy birthday, Bells. 

My phone went off in my back pocket and I pulled it out to see a text from Jeremiah: 

We’re going swimming in 10. Be there :)

I didn’t reply and put my phone back in my pocket. “I’m gonna go next door, okay?” I called up to my mom who was upstairs in her bedroom. She yelled back, “okay!” And I went out the back door. I didn’t really care to go swimming, but I had my suit on underneath my clothes anyway. It was a written rule that when in Cousins, you always had to have a suit.

I was still reeling from my talk with Jeremiah and took my time walking through the backyard. It all just felt too heavy for me to carry right now. I don't even know how I'll feel once I see him.

Jeremiah, Steven, Belly, and Taylor were all in the pool already when I snuck through our bushes. Belly saw me first, waving me down and calling out my name. I smiled and called out, “Happy sweet sixteen!” Steven and Jeremiah were hanging off the edge of the other side of the pool, talking to themselves. Jeremiah looked at me when Belly called my name and he smiled. Really smiled. Like nothing had happened, which I guess for Jeremiah, things were easy to let go of. 

“Are you coming in?” She asked, checking out what I was wearing. I shook my head but kicked off my flip-flops so I could sit on the edge of the pool with my feet in the water. 

“Why not?” She swam over to me as I sat down, the water hitting just below my knees. She held herself up on the pavement with her arms and she was getting water all over the place but I didn’t mind. 

I looked out at the pool where Jeremiah and Steven were talking when I arrived. They were now both staring at me instead of engrossed in whatever conversation they were having. I looked down at Belly instead. “Not in the mood. What are you guys doing?” 

“I think we should play chicken,” Taylor said as she waded in the pool, a big grin on her face. Belly smiled and agreed, swimming back over to her friend. I kicked my feet in the water as the four of them decided who was gonna be whose partner and Jeremiah kept stealing looks over at me and I kept dodging them. 

Belly got up on Jeremiah’s shoulders and Taylor got up on Steven’s and as they pushed at each other in the water, I watched as Jeremiah gripped Belly’s thighs. The way her legs hugged his upper chest and how, if she wanted to, she could run her fingers through his hair without even having to try. I was jealous of her in that moment. That she was that close to him. That her skin was touching his. 

“What are they doing?” I heard Conrad speak behind me. Somehow, he snuck in the backyard when I wasn’t paying attention and he was with Nicole. 

“Chicken,” I told him. He laughed a little and went to sit down next to me when Belly called out for Nicole. During the whole deb ball process, her and Nicole had kind of become close, I noticed. She had become close with all the girls, I think. Slowly. Without me noticing. 

“Aren’t you guys a little too old to be playing chicken?” Nicole asked, laughing through her words. I saw Belly’s face drop and Conrad stiffened next to me as he dropped his feet in the water. His calf was touching mine under the warm pool water. 

“It was Taylor’s idea,” Belly said. 

There was an awkward pause and then Jeremiah broke the silence, “wanna play water volleyball?” Before anyone answered, he threw Belly off his shoulders behind him and into the pool and everyone laughed and it was no longer awkward. Always the comedic relief. 

“Kind of rude of her,” I mumbled, only Conrad could hear. Nicole was taking off her shoes and setting her stuff down and Conrad glanced over his shoulder to make sure she didn’t hear. I didn’t care. 

“That was kind of rude.” 

“She can’t hear me.”

“So what,” he hissed. I looked at him and his eyebrows were furrowed and he looked more serious than I thought he would have and I recoiled into my body for a moment. 

“Since when don’t you side with your friends?” I asked as Nicole sat down next to Conrad, smiling because she had no idea what we were talking about or that it was about her. 

“Side with his friends about what?” Nicole asked. She wrapped her arm around Conrad’s shoulders and leaned into him, smiling. He smiled down at her and shook his head and we both said “nothing” at the same time. “Oh, okay," she mumbled, brushing it off.

I looked back out at the pool. The net was now set up and they had started playing their game and Conrad and Nicole engaged in small talk next to me but I tried not to evesdrop. I envied the time it was just the five of us. Me, Belly, Conrad, Steven, and Jeremiah. There was no Taylor crashing our party and Nicole would not be soaking up Conrad’s attention and it would have been me on Jeremiah’s shoulders. 

When we were younger, before all the hard stuff happened, chicken was one of our favorite things to play. Belly would go up on Conrad’s shoulders and I’d get up on Jeremiah’s and our hands would be really slippery and we would laugh too hard until our stomach cramped and I’d fall off of Jeremiah’s shoulders before he was able to catch me. 

Belly always described Conrad’s shoulders as a safe place to be. She said that Jeremiah felt too wobbly like she would fall and crash at any second but to me, Jeremiah was the most stable of them all. His were the ones I wanted to lean on. 

I stood up and started to pull down my shorts but Conrad caught my wrists frantically when he noticed. “What the hell are you doing?” He scolded, looking around at everyone. No one was looking except for Nicole, who was peeking at us but trying to look like she wasn’t. 

“I have a swimsuit on underneath,” I informed him, still trying to pull down my shorts but resisting from his grip. He looked over at everyone in the water, then back up at me, and released his grip. “What the hell is your issue?” I chuckled, taking my shorts off. 

Conrad shook his head and rang out his fingers with his hand. I took off my shirt and tossed myself in the pool. I felt Conrad staring at me the entire time I swam over to Jeremiah and Steven. “YN! Finally,” Jeremiah laughed, reaching out to me. I put my hands in his and he pulled me the rest of the way. I let my body glide through the water until it crashed into his chest. He instinctively wrapped his arms around me and I couldn’t help but lean into him like he was an old blanket. 

“You gonna be on my team?” He asked into my now wet hair and I nodded. He twisted his fingers into my hair as he hugged me tight and that’s how I knew we will always be okay. 

+

I walked into Belly’s bedroom, towel drying my hair, as she and Taylor gushed on her bed about her birthday presents. I dropped the lemon loaf off in the kitchen as we ran through Susannah’s house trailing water behind us all. Susannah and Laurel yelled as we booked it up the stairs, the boys going left toward Conrad and Jeremiah’s rooms and the girls going right toward Belly’s. 

“Aren’t they pretty?” Belly asked, inspecting each of the pearls between her fingers.

It was a gorgeous pearl necklace. “Susannah gave it to me.” 

“You got to wear that tonight,” Taylor grabbed it from Belly’s hand and held it up to Belly’s neck where it would sit right above her collarbone. The white contrasted her skintone perfectly. 

“What else did you get?” I asked her as I sat down on the bed, bunching the wet towel up and putting it in my lap. She beamed and reached over her bed to her nightstand, opening the drawer, and pulling out a small box. 

“This is from Jeremiah,” she said, handing it over. I took the box from her and opened it. A car keychain. “Because he’s been teaching me how to drive,” she explained as she dangled the charm bracelet that rested on her wrist. I knew the bracelet. I knew Susannah got it for her a long time ago but I didn’t know he was teaching her how to drive. When did he have the time? 

“He’s teaching you to drive?” I asked, glancing up at her but then concentrating back down at the charm. It was silver and perfect and I ran my finger over it gently. 

“Yeah, he let me drive to get muffins one morning and I drove to go get Taylor.” 

I nodded and closed the box, handing it back to her. I don’t know why the bottom of my stomach feels like it’s on fire. A burning rage that made its way up my small intestines and through my chest making me feel like I wanted to vomit. “What did Connie get you?” I changed the subject. 

Belly looked down at her lap with the box in it and shrugged. Her hair fell into her face. “He said he forgot.” 

“What?” 

“He forgot,” she spoke louder, looking up at me. Her eyes were soft and sad like now she was finally really feeling the feelings of him forgetting. Conrad forgot? I couldn’t imagine him forgetting. The entire month of June, every year, he asked about Belly’s gift. Always wanting to get the perfect one. He was good at that: finding the perfect thing to make you feel all the feelings. 

“How could he have forgotten?” I asked quietly, almost more to myself than to Belly. Taylor clapped her hands and said, “who cares! He’s a dick anyway. Jeremiah and Steven mentioned Nicole’s having a party later. We’re gonna go, right?” 

I started to protest but Taylor held up her hand to stop me. “It’s Belly’s birthday. You wanna go Bells?” Belly looked between me and Taylor and quite frankly, I didn’t care if we went or not. Not really. Like Taylor said, it was Belly’s birthday. Hesitantly, she agreed. 

“After the dinner Susannah made, okay?” Belly conditioned. Taylor nodded eagerly and I excused myself to head home and get changed and showered for dinner but Jeremiah stopped me on my way down the hallway. 

“Hey, where are you going?” He was hanging halfway out of his bedroom, his bicep holding him off the doorframe. I could see his muscles, focusing on them before I even knew what was happening. He had a small smile on his face, his hair messily laying over his eyes and he was happy. Happy to see me. Happy I was there. 

“I was gonna go home and change and stuff. Just refresh before dinner, you know?” He nodded and held out his hand, his door swinging open, inviting me to take it. I did. “What?” 

“Come downstairs with me. We’ll watch a movie and hang out.” I hesitated to reply, looking away from him momentarily. He tugged on my hand a little bit and eventually, a smile grew on my face unwillingly and I nodded. “Okay, hold on,” he said as he went back into his room. My palm felt cold now that it didn’t have his in it. He grabbed some clothes out of his dresser and handed them to me. “Change into these. They’re dry,” he looked me up and down, “and clean.” 

“My clothes are clean!” My voice cracked and I looked down at the t-shirt and jean shorts I was wearing that were clean this morning when I put them on, but now the shirt had wet spots where my boobs touched from my wet swimsuit and my shorts were wrinkly, riding up my thighs and giving me a wedgie. Wet, damp swimsuit underneath it all. 

“Change,” he demanded with a laugh, pushing me into his room and shutting the door as he waited out in the hallway. I loved his room. Both this one and the one in Boston. Being in here was like getting a hug from him. Enveloped by his scent, consumed in his energy. I would drown in it forever if he asked. I exchanged my clothes and wet suit for his warm, baggy t-shirt and cloth shorts that were both too large for me. I tightened the strings on the shorts so they wouldn’t fall off and I bunched my clothes together in a pile next to his dirty laundry. 

“I’ll grab my stuff before I leave, okay?” I told him as I exited the room. His eyes slid over my body, taking in how homeless I look, probably, but he smiled. 

“Are you naked under those?” I scrunched my nose up. Partly in distaste for the comment and partly to give my face something to do other than produce a bright pink hue on my cheeks. 

“Well I’m not wearing my wet bikini, that’s for sure.” Jeremiah bit his lip but it happened so quickly that I think it might have been an accident. He shook his head and then took my hand to lead me down to the living room.

Jeremiah flipped all the lights off, closed all the curtains, and piled a bunch of blankets and pillows on the couch. I moved the giant ottoman to the couch, creating a bed for the two of us. This was how we always did movie nights. “Do we have snacks?” I asked. 

Jeremiah scoffed, holding his hand to his chest. “Do we have snacks? Would it be the Fisher house without snacks?” He trotted to the kitchen, pulling bags of chips and two bottles of sodas out of the fridge. I threw myself on the couch, wrapping myself up in the blanket. Jeremiah was next to me within seconds, handing me my Diet Coke and a bag of Sun Chips. I took them greedily and did a happy dance, making Jeremiah laugh. 

“What movie are we watching?” I asked. Jeremiah flipped through the channels on his TV, eventually landing on On Demand. It was something my mom would be offended by if she heard me call old school, but in the age of Netflix and streaming, On Demand was old school but it was our tradition. 

Jeremiah eventually found Napoleon Dynamite, a usual for us that we hadn’t watched in a long time. It was one of our favorites. I snuggled into the pillows and opened my bag of chips. “Can I have one?” Jeremiah pouted, eyeing up my bag. 

“You gave them to me,” I said, furrowing my brows. He shrugged and tried to reach for my chips but I swatted his hand away. He laughed and tried again until we were in a full on wrestling match over the garden salsa. His hands were attacking my hips, tickling my sides until I was hiccuping from laughing so much and I was pushing him away and off of me but he pinned me down. 

His fingers were interlaced with mine and he held my hands down above my head. His face was only inches away from mine and I bet he could taste the chips in the air between us which made me feel self-conscious. I swam in the blue of his eyes and he searched mine. My heart was pounding so fast I wondered if he could hear it. I wondered if he could feel it. “Jere-” I breathed but then he was kissing me. His lips were on mine and I was kissing him back. I couldn’t help it. His lips were soft and sweet and he tasted like Jeremiah, my Jeremiah. 

He ripped himself off of me when a voice cleared its throat from behind us. Jeremiah sat up, his hands no longer connected to mine. He was sitting on his legs on the ottoman in front of me, looking behind me toward the kitchen. “Conrad, you scared the hell out of me,” Jeremiah laughed. 

Conrad.

I sat up and looked behind me. Conrad stood there with his hands in his hoodie pocket and stared at us. He didn’t speak, just looked between me and his brother. His fucking brother. I felt like I couldn’t breathe. “Conrad,” I said. His eyes snapped to mine and suddenly, I was alone on an island. Water rushed over my body as it washed up on the shore.

I frantically started to grab my phone, shooting up off the couch. I could hear Jeremiah calling my name, but it was like it was off in the distance. He was a sailor, just him and his boat off in the ocean calling me out to sea. “I gotta go home,” I said, pushing past Conrad and out the door. 

The summer air hit me like a brick. It was humid out, the sun beating down on the pavement. I didn’t even realize I wasn’t wearing shoes. “YN!” It wasn’t Jeremiah. He didn’t come after me. Did I want him to? I think so. 

Conrad caught up to me, stepping in front of me to stop me from going further. “What?” I choked out. Conrad glanced back at the house. I almost did, too. To see if maybe he was standing on the porch watching us. Letting his big brother pick up all the broken pieces. Jeremiah was good at that. 

“What’s wrong?” He whispered, dipping his head low to match mine. I bit my lip and tried to look away but he used his fingers to guide my chin so that I was forced to read his face. His concern, sadness, and pain. It was all right there being served up on a silver platter. So unlike him.

“I don’t know,” I lied. “I just have to change, okay? Susannah will be home soon to start dinner, right?” Conrad shrugged. “I just have to go.” 

“Are you going to be at Nicole’s party?” 

“Are you?” 

“Yeah,” he said. “Yeah. We’re all going to go. For Belly’s birthday.” 

“You forgot,” I whispered. I don’t know if that really even mattered at this moment. It wasn’t my birthday. He wasn’t mine to scold. He wasn’t anybody’s and neither was I. “You didn’t get her anything.”

Conrad looked stunned. His face changed from concern to irritation but only briefly. “I-”

“You never forget. She deserves an apology.” I stepped around him and ran to my house. My feet slapped the pavement but I didn’t feel the pain of the heat or the rocks beneath my feet. I didn’t feel it until I was in the comfort of my own bedroom. Until I was sobbing into my pillow.

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