#stranger things jericho

[henrysglock]

Do You Have A Minute To Talk About Our Lord And Savior: Vecna?

Specifically, I'd like to talk about Jericho, Book of Revelation, Paradise Lost, and the concepts of God and Satan as "good" and "evil", and try to decode who is who.

Let's start with Jericho, and go from there. Like everything else in Stranger Things, though...we'll loop back to the beginning eventually.

Season 5: Jericho

We all know about the nuclear disaster aspect, I don't think I need to continue beating that particular dead horse. (There are plenty of topics to beat into the afterlife. I witnessed a public beating re: production errors just a few days ago.)

I want to talk biblical.

I want to talk about the Battle of Jericho.

The Battle of Jericho is an old testament tale from the Book of Joshua, and there are some basics of the battle you should know:

The Israelites, who have been wandering in the desert for 40 years, prepare to invade and take the City of Jericho from its king. Joshua sends ahead 2 spies in preparation.

These spies are housed and hidden by Rahab, a prostitute. The Israelites promise to spare her and her kin for this, so long as she marks her house with a red cord.

The River Jordan dries up, allowing Joshua and his people to cross. The King of Jericho orders the walls of the city to be closed (This is important to note: He closes the walls. This is not a Rifts parallel. God opens the walls.)

God commands that for 6 days the Israelites march about the walls of the City of Jericho, one time each day. Then, on the seventh day, they are to march around the city seven times.

On this seventh day, seven trumpets are to be blown by seven priests from behind the Ark of the Covenant.

The Israelites do as God commands, and the walls of Jericho fall under the sounding of the trumpets and the cheer of the Israelites.

The Israelites kill all of Jericho's citizens except Rahab and her kin, who are accepted into their community. All of this per God's command.

Wow, that's a lot of sevens, a lot of miracles, and a lot of death.

Here's the thing about Jericho: It lay in a rift valley, and the area is historically prone to both earthquakes and landslides, which have been noted to block the Jordan for days at a time. The fall of Jericho's walls...could very well have been the result seismic activity.

If we take the recounting at face value, God likely triggered an earthquake, which caused the walls to fall.

Sound familiar?

What's also interesting about the Battle of Jericho is that there is no mention of Satan, the Devil, anything of that sort. It's just God vs Jericho on behalf of the Israelites. It's Old Testament (OT), and it's projected to have happened in 1400-1500 BC, whereas the New Testament (NT) material is all AD. (Jesus's crucifixion happens in 33 AD, and Book of Revelation is set in 81-96 AD.)

We know the OT God is highkey obsessed with 2 main things: Truth and Oppression. This guy hates being lied to, having oaths broken, being betrayed/deceived/not obeyed, etc. He has very strict commandments for his followers, and he isn't keen on people going against them. He hates human oppressors and is avid about punishing them in massively brutal ways (see: the Israelites and the King/People of Jericho). OT God is a wrathful God, and from the point of view of some...an oppressor himself.

If the other thing didn't sound familiar...boy...doesn't that one sound familiar?

Not gonna tell you who it sounds similar to yet, though. We'll save that for later. No biases in my house.

Anyway, that's all well before Christ figures and Satan as a major definable force against God. In fact, there's almost no mention of Satan as a physical adversary in the OT. "Satan" in the OT literally translates to just...adversary/traitor. There's no mention of the devil as a single entity. We know there's a fallen angel, Lucifer, a serpent in the Garden of Eden, etc., but Satan as a single, definable, physical adversary who physically fights God? Not a thing yet.

This is very different from NT literature, where Satan/the Devil/the Antichrist/etc. appear as physical figures. This is especially apparent in Book of Revelation, in which Jesus and the heavenly forces literally fight the demonic forces with swords.

This is where it starts to get spicy.

Book of Revelation

I'm just going to give you all the Cliffs Notes, because John of Patmos was definitely tripping balls...and I don't want to subject you all to that:

John of Patmos has a vision of the apocalypse: It's Jesus's second coming and the decimation of the Earth. (This is debatable historically, but for the purposes of this section lets take it at face value.)

He writes of his visions to the 7 Churches of Asia: Ephesus: "He who overcomes is granted to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God" - They are praised for not harboring evil, exposing fake apostles, and being a symbol of perseverance and patience. Smyrna: "Those who are faithful until death will be given the crown of life. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second dead" - They are praised for being rich in faith in times of hardship, and is told not to fear imprisonment for holding fast against false prophets. Pergamum: "He who overcomes will be given the hidden manna to eat and a white stone with a secret name on it." - They are praised as a faithful martyr, but admonished for sexual immorality, holding false idols, and holding the doctrine of both Balaam and the Nicolaitans. Thyatria: "He who overcomes until the end will be given power over the nations in order to dash them to pieces with a rod of iron; he will also be given the morning star." - They are praised for works of love, service, faith, and patience, but admonished for allowing a prophetess to engage in sexual immorality and holding false idols. Sardis: "He who overcomes will be clothed in white garments, and his name will not be blotted out from the Book of Life; his name will also be confessed before the Father and his angels." - They are told to strengthen their works in order to achieve perfection before God. Philadelphia (yes, Philadelphia): "He who overcomes will be made a pillar in the temple of God having the name of God, the names of the City of God, "New Jerusalem", and the Son of God's new name" - They are praised for keeping God's name holy, and is reminded to hold fast to what they have. Laodicea: "He who overcomes will be granted the opportunity to sit with the Son of God on his throne" - They are admonished for being lukewarm in their faith, reminded to be zealous. They're told to buy "gold refined in fire", white garments, and to anoint their eyes in salve so they may see.

The throne of God appears, surrounded by 24 elders. All of this happens before the throne of God: - The 4 living beings appear: A lion, and ox, a man, and an eagle. They are akin to biblically accurate angels, each having 6 wings and a multitude of eyes. - A scroll with 7 seals is presented, and only the "Lion of the tribe of Judah, from the Root of David" can open it. - The "Lamb of God, with 7 eyes and 7 horns" accepts the scroll, and all present bow before it.

The seven seals are opened: First Seal: White horse, Conquering. Second Seal: Red horse, War. Third Seal: Black horse, Famine/Hunger. Fourth Seal: Pale horse, Death. Fifth Seal: The souls of the martyrs, dressed in white robes, are told to rest until the martyrdom of their brothers is complete. Sixth Seal: A great earthquake, wherein the the sun goes dark, the stars fall to earth, and the sky rolls back like a scroll. Mountains are moved, and the people of earth hide within them from the "wrath of the Lamb". 144,000 Hebrews are marked upon their foreheads with the seal of God and sealed within the caves. Seventh Seal: Introduces the 7 trumpets, one for each of 7 angels. An eighth angel devastates the Earth with heavenly fire just before the 7 trumpets begin.

The angelic trumpets are sounded: First Trumpet: Hail and fire and blood rain upon the Earth and burn up 1/3 of plant life. Second Trumpet: A "great, flaming mountain" falls from the sky and devastates 1/3 of the seas. Third Trumpet: Wormwood, a great star, falls from the heavens and poisons 1/3 of all freshwater sources. (Radiationgate!) Fourth Trumpet: 1/3 of the sun, moon, and stars are darkened, casting the world into total darkness for 1/3 of day and night. Fifth Trumpet: The First Woe. - A star falls from the sky, and is given the key to the bottomless abyss. - The abyss opens, and the smoke of the giant abyss blots out the sky. - Locusts, in the form of humans with lions' teeth, wings like hoofbeats, and iron breastplates come and kill any who are not marked with the seal of god on their forehead (the 144k Hebrews from the 12 tribes of Israel). *** Sixth Trumpet: The Second Woe. - The four angels bound in the Euphrates are released to prepare two million horsemen. These armies kill 1/3 of mankind. Seventh Trumpet: The Third Woe, in preparation for the 7 Bowls. - The temple of God, in heaven, opens. There is lightning, an earthquake, and hail.

*** ST4 leaves off at the asterisks

The 7 Spiritual Figures, leading up to the Third Woe:

A heavenly woman is pregnant with a male child.

A dragon pulls stars from the heavens and awaits the birth of the child so he can devour it: The Archangel Michael fights this dragon, as it is revealed to be the devil. The dragon is cast out of heaven, and becomes obsessed with waging war against all the woman's offspring.

A Beast with 7 heads, 10 horns, and the names of blasphemy on his heads emerges from the sea: The people of the world follow the Sea Beast in wonder, and the dragon empowers the beast for 42 months. The Sea Beast goes on to blaspheme God's name and wage war against the Saints. He is victorious.

The antichrist/false prophet appears from the Earth: He has 2 horns like a lamb but speaks like a dragon. He instructs the people of the Earth to build a likeness of the Sea Beast, and all who participate are marked with the Sign of the Beast: 666.

The "One like the Son of Man", aka Jesus, goes and defeats the beast with the 144k Hebrews bearing the seal of God.

Heaven opens, and the 7 Bowls Revelation begins with the sounding of the Third Woe/7th trumpet.

The 7 Bowls Revelation:

First Bowl: "A foul and malignant sore" afflicts the followers of the Beast (Radiationgate Sweep!)

Second Bowl: The seas turn to blood, and everything in it dies.

Third Bowl: All fresh water turns to blood.

Fourth Bowl: The sun scorches the Earth.

Fifth Bowl: Total darkness and great pain floods the beast's kingdom.

Sixth Bowl: The Euphrates dries up, and the forces of good and evil prepare to face off.

Seventh Bowl: Another earthquake and hailstorm essentially flatten the surface of the Earth.

Aftermath Vision:

The Whore of Babylon and the Scarlet Beast are shown to John, revealing their identities and fates as such.

New Babylon is destroyed, and is mourned by its people.

Marriage Supper of the Lamb: Not a whole lot to say here, people praise God (...for decimating the Earth? Okay whatever floats your goat--I mean boat I'm not a satanist hahahaha what???)

The Judgment of the Beasts, the Dragon, and the Dead:

The Beast and the Antichrist: Both are imprisoned in the Lake of Fire.

The Dragon: He is imprisoned the Bottomless Pit for 1,000 years.

The Resurrected Martyrs: All of them live with God in peace for those 1,000 years.

After the 1,000 year time jump: - Gog and Magog: The dragon is freed, and goes on to deceive the corners of the Earth once more. He gathers them for a final battle against the City of God, and is defeated by heavenly forces, at which time he is cast into the Lake of Fire alongside the Beast and the Antichrist. - The Final Judgment: Death and Hades, along with the wicked who followed the Devil, are also cast into the Lake of Fire. This is known as the Second Death, and ensures that no more suffering or death may afflict God's chosen people.

New Heaven and New Earth:

After the fighting ends, the City of God meets the Earth and it's essentially a neat and tidy "eternal life, no more suffering, we're all in paradise with God" ending. The City of God is said to be a paradise for the pure and strong of faith, and God lives among them.

Phew. That was a whole fucking trip.

Most of it is a) allegorical and highly debated based on that fact, and b) highly disputed as to its accuracy as part of the Bible...because it was written by a second generation disciple 60 years after Jesus's death. On top of that, it just doesn't fit with the vibe of the New Testament. New Testament is very much about love and forgiveness, not wrath. Wrath is very Old Testament, which I'll come back to re: Brenner and Vecna...and Lucifer.

I'm not gonna delve into allegory tonight because while the Duffers are picking and choosing bits of the story, they seem to be taking it all very literally. That is to say, this isn't a perfect one-to-one, but what is there? Tells a story.

Let's review:

The 7 Letters: Max writes letters, a total of 10. However, we only focus on 7 of them: Steve, Lucas, Dustin, Mike, El, Will, and Billy. We don't know what they say inside, however it is interesting that Billy is the final letter, akin then to Laodicea (see: Laodicea's entry), which is essentially about lukewarm faith, white robes, and anointed eyes. Max lies to Vecna in her confession, wavers on whether or not she actually wants to die, and ends up in a white hospital gown with healing eyes.

The Living Creatures: - Lion: El in Brenner's lab has a lion doll - Ox: We've got a handful of cow references, the most prominent being 010 and Brenner's dog drawing. Funny how it all seems to tie back, huh. - Man: "He was nothing but an ordinary, mediocre man." re: Brenner and opening the Rifts. - Eagle: "Fly right, Bald Eagle!" re: closing the Gate.

The 4 Horsemen: - Chrissy: First, Conquest, our intro to Vecna Visions. - Fred: Second, War, our intro into the conflict between Hellfire and the Basketball Team. - Patrick: Third, Famine, presented alongside Hopper in Russia before the feast in The Dive (which is actually presented very similarly to The Last Supper). - Max: Fourth, Death, the fourth gate. 22 dead, and the death toll continues to rise.

The Fifth Seal: The martyrs are told to rest until the martyring of their brothers is complete. Max is in her white hospital gown, indefinitely in a coma.

The Sixth Seal: One of many great earthquakes in BoR, after which 144k Hebrews are sealed in the caves. We see one earthquake in the UD in The Dive, where Nancy, Steve, Robin, and Eddie are trapped in the UD.

The Trumpets: - First Trumpet: 1/3 of plant life is killed...I'm looking at the rot in ST2 and the dead flowers in ST4. - Third Trumpet: Wormwood, a great star, falls from the sky in and poisons all fresh water. The spores. Radiationgate. - Fifth Trumpet: The abyss opens, and the smoke from it blots out the sky. Fucked up "locusts" emerge and begin killing. The rifts open, and the smoke blots out the sky. Demo-creatures will spill out into Hawkins and begin killing.

This is where we leave off at the end of ST4. We have not met Satan yet. So far? It's all God.

God did all this, up until this point, as the beginning of a final reckoning for the sinners who populated the Earth. None of that was Satan.

Things do start to get complicated here...because we do technically have a false prophet of sorts. Jason. Jason inspires the people of Hawkins to go against the forces of good in the name of defeating the tragedy befalling Hawkins. He is killed by the Rifts. He is literally killed by a fiery pit. (More on this later, because it's more complex than it seems.)

What's spicy about all this is that...the forces of good are not the religious ones, the "pure" ones, the "normal" ones. They're the freaks. The "satanic cult". They're Hellfire.

So...What is going on in the house of commons?

If Vecna is meant to be Satan, the Antichrist, whatever...why is he so obsessed with truth, penance, and giving himself the artificial moral high ground? Why does he wait for a confession, explicit or implicit, to kill? Why does he torment his victims while claiming to be relieving their suffering?

Because he's punishing the sinners, and he's doing so under the guise of saving them/freeing them from their suffering. Punishing sinners is God's job, not Satan's. Satan punishing sinners is a misconception. Satan is being punished as much as anyone else.

Vecna has the ultimate goal of decimating the human world and remaking it into a "beautiful" place where he and those like him will never suffer or die. Vecna punishes people he deems to be bad until he receives an acceptable confession of guilt, and then he soothes himself about it by killing them and "relieving their suffering".

All things considered:

Vecna, 001, The One, is New Testament God...and plot twist: he's a wrathful dick who hides behind artificial morality...just like Old Testament God.

Okay...so what about Henry? Brenner?

In true Creel form...this is my first loop backward in time. I'm going straight back to the very beginning of Satan's story.

Let's talk Lucifer. God's most beautiful angel. Smart, powerful, capable...and cast out of heaven in disgrace.

His crimes? Daring to believe he and the other angels were equal to God, and later instructing Eve that she didn't have to obey God either, alerting her to the fact that God was hiding things from her. God didn't like that, and sent Lucifer to Hell as punishment.

I'm very very much seeing Brenner and Henry here. Brenner, a wrathful, controlling OT God. He shocks those who disobey (Henry), those who lie or whom Brenner would have you perceive as a liar (Henry and 002), those who oppress (002)...all while being an oppressor and liar himself.

Brenner also quite literally calls himself Papa. Abba. The Almighty Father...and he punishes Henry repeatedly and brutally for being a) uncontrollable and b) spreading information Brenner would rather keep hidden.

He takes away Henry's status as 001, gives him a fake name...and makes him watch as he oppress the other angel--I mean numbers through the same torment he once suffered with no way of stopping it. Henry himself calls it Hell. No one ever said Hell was literally and physically separate from Heaven. Hell is very much a state of mind, and experience. Victor is "still very much in Hell"...but he's in Pennhurst. Henry is in Hell in Brenner's lab. Hell is not a physical place, it is inescapable torment and suffering.

We also get many Lucifer shots of Henry during the Rainbow Room fight...but when his hair is in the Henry style. Not the swept-back Brenner style.

Example:

So Henry is Lucifer, then, right? He's definitely not God then, right?

Yeah. Exactly. He's the fallen angel, and he's also the serpent in OT God's garden of Eden, offering knowledge and awareness to the ignorant Eleve--I mean Eve. He inspires Eve--I mean Eleven to question Papa, who has trapped her in ignorance in the Garden of E--I mean Hawkins National Lab.

But...didn't we just say he's God? Well...no. Not exactly. I said that Vecna is God.

Are we ready for the mindfuck?

Henry and Edward, and the frankly unnecessary swapping in NINA.

As per Em's analysis of The First Shadow...it's highly highly likely that Edward Creel is Vecna, not Henry.

This absolutely tracks with multiple facets:

The cyclical nature of Brenner and one of the Creel boys re: behavior and appearance.

The inexplicable hairstyle change between whichever Creel is in the store closet and...whichever Creel is in the Rainbow Room.

The inconsistency between Vecna's retelling of his childhood...and the expressions of the Creel boy on screen.

Ok, so we've got Brenner as OT God the Father, clearly...but we have Vecna as NT God, 001, The One. That's two Gods in one timeline, and we can't explain how they all seemingly ended up in the same timeline...unless Martin Brenner, Edward Creel, and Vecna are the same person at different times in different circumstances. At least one of the Creel boys is shown to have time travel abilities. Martin Brenner, Edward (?) Creel, and Vecna behave very similarly. All this to say...they're very much seeming like the same guy. There is one God, and you shall not have any other Gods but me...and all that jazz.

Henry said he spent years with 001 in the Rainbow Room. Did anyone ever stop to consider that he may have meant that literally? Did we ever consider that we swap between Henry-hairstyle and Brenner-hairstyle throughout the Rainbow Room fight because El is being fucked with by Brenner/Edward/Vecna...and by extension so are we?

Some supporting evidence here: Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) is very much about swapping places and experiences.

To Summarize: Brenner/Edward are God and Henry is Lucifer. Hellfire club is the satanic cult fighting God....while being the protagonists who believe they're fighting a dark wizard because his actions are horrible.

A clue into this narrative fuckery is Will's painting. The Party is depicated fighting a red dragon, which reeks of the red dragon of Satan. This is likely the represent the fact that they all see Vecna as a demon/monster/Satan figure, despite his God-coding. They see him as Henry...when he is not Henry at all. Vecna is very much God-coded, but he's represented as Satan in Will's painting because everyone sees his deeds as evil...and they are horrible and unjust...and they're all pinned on Henry, our Lucifer.

If there is a physical dragon, it's not going to be biblical...because the biblical dragon does not exist here. There is no satanic dragon, we just discussed that. The dragon is going to be something else, and I'm going to touch on that later.

I want to bring in another source to speak to Henry's probable innocence: Paradise Lost.

Paradise Lost (documentary series) was an inspiration for ST4 and Eddie/The Hellfire Club, specifically in that Eddie was misjudged specifically based on his interests and the way he looks.

Paradise Lost, the docuseries, is about Damien Echols as part of the West Memphis Three, who were falsely accused of brutally murdering and sexually mutilating 3 local boys. The West Memphis Three were Damien Echols, Jesse Misskelly, and Jason Baldwin.

Paradise Lost was originally a poem about Lucifer and the fall of Man. Lucifer is presented as the tragic yet villainous protagonist. His motivations remain very much "evil". I recognize this.

However, the Duffers didn't reference the poem. They referenced the docuseries, in which our "satanic cult" was never proved guilty due to lack of evidence. Just recently, in December of 2021, evidence that was supposedly destroyed in a fire was discovered to have been kept and catalogued by the West Memphis PD (source). The lawyers of the West Memphis 3 now believe all of them may be exonerated when the DNA testing comes back.

We know Eddie is caught up in the timeline fuckery, given the age change between his physical age (19, likely) and his poster age (17), and he also has the whole satanic ritual thing, which wasn't the truth at all. He was trying to stop the murders. This ties into Victor's "demon", who we believe to be Henry based on how ST4 is presented to us on the surface...but based on the surface view, Henry would be Vecna and through him...God. That makes the demon label categorically incorrect. Victor also says he heard the voice of an angel, which drew him out of his trance. Lucifer was originally an angel. However, in the other retelling, Victor is freed by Edward (?) passing out. There is no mention of music.

The thing here is...we have no evidence which conclusively links Henry Creel to any of these murders. We don't have concrete evidence of anything, other than the fact that the murders happened and that a Creel was involved somehow. We don't see the killing of the children. There's no footage of Alice's death. We're not even given the Creel boy's name in the second retelling. We have no conclusive evidence that that's Henry. We do, however, see a blood-splattered 001 in the lab...and a blood-free Henry (?).

Just like the West Memphis Three, there's no evidence of guilt for Henry in any of the murders. However, we also don't see a concrete Henry again after the blood-free shot. It's highly possible that Edward (?)/Vecna killed him. We simply don't know what happened to him.

Lucifer may already be dead by God's hand. We just don't know.

I'd also like to point out a couple of details re: Paradise Lost and Stranger Things:

Jesse Misskelly: Miss Kelley, who was supposedly seeing all of Vecna's victims, and who wears a pendant of a clock on a key. She also shows up on the board beside the Library-Progress poster, the Drama Club/Monologues flyer, and the Tutors Needed poster. There's no evidence that she did anything wrong, and it's likely she doesn't know any more than anyone else, but it's suspicious that she's so connected to Vecna/The Creels in both plot and imagery. It makes you question the depth of her involvement.

Jason Baldwin: Jason Carver. The guy I said was a false prophet, but who I also indicated is more complicated than he seems. The thing about Jason is that he is not knowingly a false prophet. If he had all the facts, he'd likely be siding with Hellfire. He's trying to fight what he perceives as the evil in Hawkins...based on limited information. Even so, he's raising an army to fight the evil, and Vecna is aware of that because it's happening in Hawkins. Jason is an adversary. Adverary. Satan. He believes it's Hellfire who is responsible, that Hellfire is in cahoots with Vecna, who is perceived as Satan. However, Hellfire is anti Vecna. When Jason blasphemes Vecna via Hellfire...he's unknowingly blaspheming God. Thus, the fiery pit. There was no true false prophet, just some guy who went mad with grief and didn't have all the necessary information and wanted to fight the evil that killed his girlfriend.

Along those lines, I also want to talk about Nancy's beast.

Nancy's beast should at least be representative of Satan, then, right? Not necessarily. The beast in Book of Revelation is highly symbolic, and is thought to be representative of the oppressive Roman Empire.

There's one player everyone seems to forget in Stranger Things: The US Military.

The military, who consume most of our national budget like a gaping maw, and who are currently coming after the person committing murders in Hawkins. The believe it's El, but the person they want is Vecna. It's exactly the same as Jason and Eddie. They're all unknowingly coming after God while chasing someone who isn't God. Like Hopper says in ST1...they're chasing the wrong kid.

All those with the sign of the beast will be condemned. Guns don't work on Demogorgons. The military, who bear symbols that designate them as such...signs of the beast if you will...will be decimated.

That isn't to say a beast won't appear. It very much may, but it's not actually linked to Henry/Lucifer. The beast is more likely representative of the US Military as an adversary of Vecna, just like the dragon in the painting is only representative of Vecna via narrative fuckery.

The dragon in the painting will not exist in relation to Vecna/God, hence it doesn't appear in Nancy's vision. The military does exist as an adversary to Vecna/God, hence the beast appears in Nancy's vision.

Adversary. Satan.

In true Creel fashion, it's time to loop back to the very beginning of this post.

Jericho. The working title of ST5. What did I say about the Battle of Jericho?

There was no Devil. Lucifer exists vaguely, somewhere offscreen. We don't know where he is. Satan, though, simply translates to adversary.

It was just God, an earthquake, and Jericho.

There is no "Evil Devil" in Stranger Things' rendition of the Book of Revelation. Henry may exist, but he also may have been dead before the plot even began. We don't know where he is. Our figures of Satan are just a collection of adversaries against Vecna.

It's just Vecna, an earthquake, and Hawkins.

Right?

Well. We've missed a couple figures here, haven't we?

Jesus, the Archangel Michael, and the Holy Spirit.

Will Byers (Guillermo Maldonado?) and Mike Wheeler...and the Shadow.

This is where we come back to the tone of the Book of Revelation in comparison to the tone of the New Testament.

The Book of Revelation is very out of place in comparison to Jesus' teachings of love, peace, and forgiveness. God goes ham in Book of Revelation, to the point of frankly unnecessary pain, harm, and cruelty. So why would Jesus, Mr. "Loves Saves All", get involved in that? Why would Archangel Michael, "healer of the sick and champion of goodness", get caught up in that?

Logically, they shouldn't. Unnecessary cruelty goes against everything they seem to advocate for.

Everything Vecna does goes against everything Will and Mike stand for. Byler won't have a villain arc. Byler will not join Vecna. Jesus is not going to join God, here...and neither will Archangel Michael.

Archangel Michael fights Satan's red dragon, which we discussed as nothing but a narrative distortion of Vecna and Henry when present in Will's painting.

However, the painting is not biblical. Will didn't literally paint Mike fighting the devil. It's DnD. That dragon is likely Tiamat, the evil mother of all dragons. She is very similar in personality to the Whore of Babylon, who rides upon Satan's red dragon, and who reeks of Virginia...and by extension Karen.

Mike is fighting the mommy issues dragon. He's fighting the physical manifestation of his neglectful relationship with his mother, and Will is going to be be his side to help him.

Classic Byler W.

Finally...The Shadow, our Holy Spirit.

I'd like to call attention to some wording surrounding the Holy Spirit and the Shadow especially in relation to Jesus.

Luke 4:1: Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness.

Matthew 10:20: For it is not you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

John 16:5-7: Holy Spirit cannot come to help you until I leave. But after I am gone, I will send the Spirit to you.

Acts 2:1-4: Suddenly a sound came from heaven. It was like a strong wind blowing...The flames separated and settled on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit. 

In ST2, Will is possessed by the Shadow via Vecna. One might say he is full of the Shadow. When Will first sees the Shadow in one of his visions, there is a strong wind. He becomes more and more replaced by Vecna/the Shadow as time goes on. Vecna speaks through Will. Joyce asks "What happens when my boy is gone?"

In ST3, once Billy is all but gone, when Vecna can truly speak though him, he begins to send the Shadow to others. They were filled with the Shadow.

Then, in ST4, we see the Shadow in Russia. When asked about the freed/revived demodogs, the Russians say the Shadow "went into them". They were filled with the Shadow.

Are we convinced yet? Do we need more? How about this:

The Holy Spirit acts at God's command; it is an agent of divine action.

The Shadow acts at Vecna's command; it is an agent of his action.

All this, all these hundreds of words to say a few things:

In Stranger Things, Jericho = Book of Revelation.

There is no "Evil Devil" figure in Stranger Things. God is the bad guy.

Vecna is God, and so is Brenner.

Vecna is most likely Edward Creel.

Via the canonical time-travel powers of at least one Creel boy, Edward Creel and Martin Brenner are likely the same person.

Henry Creel is Lucifer.

Henry Creel is also innocent.

We don't know if Henry's alive or not, and if he is alive we don't know where he is.

Mike's dragon is most likely Tiamat, the DnD Mommy Issues Dragon.

The Duffers ship Jesus and Archangel Michael. Deadass.

A few interesting but ultimately unnecessary details below the cut:

In 1984, the same year ST2 is set in, Depeche Mode released Blasphemous Rumors. It's a song about the perceived cruelty of God. In it, a girl attempts suicide and fails. She finds new life in the church, only to be struck by a car and killed. The chorus goes: "I don't want to start any blasphemous rumors, but I think that God's got a sick sense of humor // and when I die, I expect to find Him laughing."

U2 released Joshua Tree in 1987, the year ST5 is supposedly going to be set in and/or skip. It was immensely popular and jam-packed with biblical references. The Mormons (Suzie!) named the physical Joshua Tree is named after biblical Joshua...the same Joshua from the Battle of Jericho. Here's some more about The Joshua Tree:

Book of Revelation is a wartime piece. It's highly debated as to whether it's an actual vision, or if it's just John of Patmos, a second-generation disciple embittered by Jesus' failure to return as promised to save his people from the Romans, writing a fix-it fic where God brutally kills everyone except John's people. Is it a vision? Is it God? Or is it just the vengeance-porn work of a traumatized second-generation disciple who feels abandoned? No one actually knows. Is Vecna literally God? Or is he just a traumatized, abused boy who wants vengeance on the society that harmed and abandoned him? No one actually knows.

Kronos, in Greek mythology, is the god of time. He's the father of the Greek gods, all of whom he tried to consume. He is equated to Father Time in modern folklore. Edward (?) Creel has time travel abilities...god of time...Father Time...Papa...Brenner...consuming the Greek gods...consuming the numbers...just something to chew on.

Henry's costuming seems to be modeled after altar boy robes, both as a child and as an adult. We all know about the rape scandals with altar boys in the Catholic church. The Pope, God's official mouthpiece to the world, let it happen. Priests, also referred to as Father (cough Papa cough) were involved in raping boys...and the Pope covered it up. God, essentially, let it happen. Both our God figures being rapists, specifically of children/boys, may be a commentary on this scandal.

[henrysglock]

OHOHOOOOO LOOK AT THAT!!!

As if all the technical STEM analysis wasn’t enough…they really did went and did that, huh? Sheeeeeesh.

I also need to look into the biblical implications of JERICHO because there was a battle of Jericho in the Book of Joshua.

There’s also a TV show airing currently called Servant, about a girl with biblical abilities, Leanne, who’s a) trying to escape a cult that’s trying to track her down and b) violently obsessed with a family she’s the nanny for, particularly the mother, Dorothy (Wizard of Oz link!) and her baby…Jericho.

The whole basis of the first season is that the baby is dead and somehow Leanne is able to turn the hyperrealistic grief processing doll into a living baby over and over again, back and forth. The girl is highly Henry coded in her behavior, strict black and white morality, mannerisms, and backstory.

Hell, she has an abusive mother, a barely-mentioned father, and she supposedly died with her family in a fire but was stolen by the cult currently chasing her in present day, who essentially treat her like a biblical creature. Baby Jericho is giving Will and his dead body doll, and Dorothy (who is very protective of Jericho and consistently tries to rid the family of Leanne) feels like a somewhat meaner version of Joyce.

Leanne’s big thing is that she wants Dorothy to replace her own mother. Leanne’s unhinged and morally questionable, but she very much just wants to be safe and loved.

There’s also a lot of “you (the audience and characters alike) are being lied to, and you don’t know it” fuckery in that show…and the most recent season even heavily features spiders and Leanne opening rifts up in the streets of town when betrayed by that family.

I actually said out loud while watching the last season of Servant that I “wanted to take away their copy-paste rights”. Now I wonder if I’m not more correct than I thought 🤔

Everybody get your thinking hats ON (source)

[thequeenofshebasays]

[archangeldyke-all]

prologue to the next ao3 fic i'm writing! it's childhood friends to enemies (to lovers) with sevika! hope you enjoy <33

30 years ago

Sevika trudges through the streets, kicking a rock along as she goes. Being ten fucking sucks. 

At the time, Sevika always thought that six would be the worst year of her life. That was the year her mom died. It was also the year her dad started drinking. But now she’s older and wiser; finally big enough to work in the mines: and Sevika’s beginning to suspect that life just gets worse and worse until you’re lucky enough to die.

Seven was worse than six. Seven was when Sevika learned that if she was going to steal and scam to feed herself, she was also going to have to fight. Sevika got her nose broken four times when she was seven. 

Eight was when she got tall and smart enough for her dad to feel threatened by her. It was the first time her nose had ever been broken by him.

And nine was when her childhood cat died. She found poor little Ladybug in the back corner of her dad’s closet, cold and stiff, curled up on top of her mom’s favorite red poncho. 

But even in those years Sevika wasn’t constantly sore, and her feet weren’t always blistered and bleeding, and she wasn’t coughing up dust all the time. 

And now she is. For less than a hundred bucks a week. 

Still. She has found one nice thing about being ten. 

“Sevika!” You squeal as you sprint up to your best friend’s side. Sevika tries to bite back her smile. She’s pretty sure she succeeds. 

“Easy.” She grunts as you launch yourself into her arms. You’re clinging around her waist, uncaring of the fact that she’s covered in soot. When you pull away to grin up at her, your cheek is smeared in black dust. Sevika chuckles and wipes it clean for you. “Hey, Honeybun.” She greets. The nickname makes your smile impossibly wider. 

“How were the mines today?” You ask as you haul your old flour bag over your shoulder. You’re so tiny, still only seven, and the bag is half your size. Sevika sighs, easily lifting it out of your grasp and hitching it over her shoulder for you. 

“Eh. You know.” She shrugs, trying to act tough, like she wasn’t just on the verge of tears from exhaustion. “How’s your Gramps?” She asks. You shrug, digging around in the little satchel you keep slung over your side. 

“He says to say hi to you. He said if I sell all these buns I can take five dollars of the profits.” You gesture to the bag hanging off Sevika’s shoulder. “Wanna help? We can use the money we earn to get some spicy slugs from Jericho’s!” You offer. Sevika grins. She’d say yes even if you weren’t buying her food. 

“I got nothin’ better to do.” She says cooly as you pull a bundle of fabric out of your bag. You unravel the scrap, and Sevika knows what’s wrapped in it before you can even unveil it. She can smell the cinnamon. You reveal the pastry to her with a grin, and her belly growls. Sevika briefly wonders if the sound is from her hunger, or if it's from the bugs that always seem to be crawling around in her stomach when she’s with you. She snatches the treat out of your grip and tears into it, trying to distract herself from the fuzzy feeling in her chest. “Cinna-roll for my Cinna-Sev.” You sing-song. Sevika rolls her eyes, nudging you with her elbow and huffing an embarrassed laugh. 

“Fuck off.”

She follows you blindly, letting you lead her up the winding streets of the Undercity and toward the docks. You’ve got a few spots around the city you frequently visit to sell baked goods, and judging by the way sailors are grinning and waving at you, this is one of them. 

“Bread girl!” A woman hauling a net full of fish off a boat calls. You giggle and wave at her. 

This has been the best part of Sevika’s days as of late: passing out bread to strangers with one hand, snacking on treats with the other,  as you exchange and count coins and loafs with your adoring customers. 

Sevika first bumped into you three days into starting work at the mines. You came down to pass out rolls to the miners dismissed at lunch time, and a few teenagers were giving you trouble. Two of them were throwing your bag of rolls over your head in a cruel game of keep away, while the third teen was snooping through the little coin purse you’d dropped. You were pathetic, and clearly about to be robbed blind, and Sevika was tired. But… She couldn’t help herself, and she stepped in to defend you.

You both ended up getting beaten to a pulp, and you still got robbed; but she earned your friendship. 

You’ve been there to pick her up from work when she gets off every day since then. She gets teased endlessly for it. She’s ten, and you’re only seven. All the kids she works with want to know what she’s doing with a baby like you. But those kids haven’t tasted your grandpa’s treats. And they’ve never made her laugh like you do. 

Sevika watches you work with a small smile. She wonders if you know how cute you are and play it up to sell more buns, or if it’s really just you. Bugs start crawling around in her stomach again, and Sevika tears her eyes away from you, looking up at the sky instead. 

It’s rare that she ever gets to see so much sky. Down in the Undercity, the sky is sliced into thin slivers, only visible from the right angles. Up here you can’t escape it. The sun’s starting its slow descent, and the blue sky’s turning a sweet yellow. A storm’s brewing in the west, dark clouds starting to cover the very edge of the horizon. 

In the river, the dock starts to fill up with fishermen and tug boats docking for the night. The swell of sailors and seamen quickly buy up all your buns, but you’re in no rush to leave the docks, and Sevika’s never in a rush to get home. 

So, she kicks off her shoes and socks and rolls her pants up, sitting beside you at the end of the dock, both of your feet gently kicking your feet in the river below. You’re counting your earnings on your lap, and Sevika watches with a cringe as coins start to slide off your legs and toward the water below. She reaches out and catches a few. “Thanks Sev.” You giggle, reaching for the coins and putting them in your satchel. You snap your bag closed then sigh, leaning over to rest your head on her shoulder. Sevika freezes for a second, and then she rests her head on top of yours. 

“How’s your dad?” You ask. Sevika swallows the lump in her throat. She’s never talked about him with you… or anyone, really. But you seem to know anyway. 

“Eh. Fine.” She shrugs. You kick her ankle in the water, and a tear falls down her cheek. It's quiet as both of you allow the lie to be true for a while.

“Do you wanna run away to my house? Gramps won’ mind. Y’know he loves you.” You whisper. Sevika’s heart swells, and she wraps her arm around your shoulders and pulls you to her chest, hiding her tears from you by kissing the top of your head. You’re so young. Nothing’s hurt you yet. Sometimes, Sevika scares herself thinking of all the things she’d do to keep you safe.

“I’m alright, Honeybun. You don’ gotta worry about me.” She whispers. 

Across the bay two men chat, waist deep in the water and clinking bottles of ale together as they bait their fishing hooks. You and Sevika watch the pair for a while, one broad tall man, one skinny and short. They seem to be in a deep conversation, and occasionally their laughs will carry across the river to reach the two of you. 

“They’re not gonna catch anything. Storm’s comin’ in, the fish’re all hiding.” Sevika says. 

“You’re full'a shit.” You giggle.

“‘M tellin’ Gramps you’re cursing.” Sevika threatens. You jam your elbow into her side, and Sevika cackles. “C’mon, let’s go to Jericho’s before it starts raining.” She says once she catches her breath. 

Before either of you can rise, shouts float across the water. The fishing friends have started fighting with one another, their rods forgotten as they shout, splash and tussle. “Are they… playing?” You ask.

Sevika studies the scene. An animalistic roar floats across the bay, and the big man shoves the skinny guy's head underwater. Her stomach drops and she springs to her feet, gathering your shoes and trying to tug you away as quickly as she can. “We need to get outta here.” 

“Sev.” You whimper, pointing. Sevika’s eyes catch on what’s got you scared: a growing splotch of red staining the water where skinny arms are flailing and clawing at the hulking figure holding him down.

“C’mon, Honeybun.” She grunts, trying to pull you away from the docks. The sky opens up, the first drops of the storm starting to fall.

“S-Stop!” You squeal. Sevika lets go, worried she’s hurt you, but when you fall to your knees and start screaming across the river Sevika’s heart shatters in her chest. “You’re hurting him! Y-you’re gonna k-kill him!” Your screams are ignored, carried away by a strong gust of wind before they can reach the other side of the bay. Sevika’s tugs on your arm cease, she collapses to her knees beside you.

“Honey, let’s go home.” She begs, her voice wobbling as her hands try to guide your face away from the scene ahead of you. Your eyes keep darting between hers and the fight where the skinny man has stopped struggling completely. The surface of the river is still beside the small echoing rings of raindrops falling. 

“S-S-Sevika--” You cry as you lean forward, burying your face against her chest. A crack of lightning flashes in the sky. Sevika puts her hands under your armpits and hauls you up, keeping you tucked against her as she drags the two of you as far away from the docks as she can.

Right before she ducks around the corner, a clap of thunder booms, and a skinny arm bearing a knife breaches the water.

taglist!

@fyeahnix @lavendersgirl @half-of-a-gay @thesevi0lentdelights @sexysapphicshopowner

@shimtarofstupidity @chuucanchuucan @badbye666 @femme-historian @lia-winther

@ellsss @sevikaspillowprincess @emiliabby @sevikasbeloved @hellorai

@glass-apothecary @macaroni676 @artinvain @realgreeniebeanie @k3n-dyll

@sevsdollette @ellieslob

[weemssapphic]

Hello, friend!

Would you be so kind as to write a one-shot where r is a local boudoir photographer in Jericho and Larissa gets a shoot done(for whatever reason)? Then it becomes an often thing and r just can't stand seeing such a beautiful woman single ;) maybe some fluffy smut at the end?

A/N: HELLO FRIEND. i'm actually embarrassed looking at the date on this ask and i request your sincerest apologies. i really loved writing this and i hope you enjoy it!

All My Pictures of You

Words: ~5.4k | ao3 link in title

Content/warnings: mutual pining, boudoir photography, lingerie, nsfw (smut) - vaginal fingering

Larissa sat in her car in front of the small cottage, her gaze shifting nervously to her watch. 2:57 pm. Her appointment was at 3. She still had a few minutes - she still had time to turn around, to reverse out of the long, winding drive and send an apologetic cancellation email.

No, Larissa told herself firmly. She would go through with this, she wouldn’t back out now. With a deep breath, Larissa wiped her clammy palms on her skirt and stepped out of her car, striding up to the door of the cottage and knocking firmly.

You opened the door quickly, as if you’d been waiting for her, a wide smile on your face as you introduced yourself and gestured for Larissa to come in. Her heart stuttered in her chest as she gave you a once over - you’d been so kind and attentive over the phone, and your voice had been rather attractive, but she hadn’t expected you to be so beautiful. Now she found herself even more nervous than before.

“Please, sit for a moment,” you said warmly, guiding Larissa into your small, homey living room. She perched herself awkwardly at the edge of your couch, her back stiff as a board. “What would you like to drink? I have water, coffee, tea, wine, champagne…”

Larissa clasped her hands in her lap, picking subconsciously at her cuticles. “Wine would be lovely, I suppose.” She was definitely going to need a glass if she was going to get through this afternoon.

“White or red? Wait - let me guess.” You tapped your finger on your lip, giving Larissa a not-so-subtle once-over that had Larissa blushing profusely. “Red?”

Larissa nodded, her heart rate picking up considerably at your adorably wide smile as you sauntered into what she could only assume was your kitchen, before returning a few moments later with a large glass of wine and a glass of water.

She accepted the wine gratefully, muttering out a nervous “thank you” as you sat down across from her and took a sip of your water.

“Before we get started, I just wanted to go over some of the notes I made during our call last week, just to make sure we’re on the same page.”

Larissa nodded, watching as you plucked a notebook off the coffee table and set it on your lap.

“Seeing as you said that this is your first boudoir shoot, I want it to be as comfortable as possible for you. My only ‘rule’ is that you speak up if you feel uncomfortable or self-conscious, and we can go ahead and work through that or stop the session, okay?”

Larissa nodded again, taking a healthy swig of her wine and feeling her cheeks glow with warmth.

“Now I know you’ve come with your hair and makeup already done, as you’d said you would, but I can do touch-ups throughout the afternoon if you’d like. You said you wanted to do the shoot in lingerie, is that still the case?”

“Yes,” she replied breathlessly, feeling more than a little flustered at the prospect of undressing in front of a stranger - a very attractive stranger.

“I assume you’re wearing it right now?” You raised an eyebrow and Larissa nodded sheepishly, her cheeks tinged pink. “I’ll show you where the bathroom is, then, for you to freshen up and get ready, and then we can move into my studio space. Do you have any questions for me before we get started?”

Larissa shook her head no and watched you stand, following your lead as you padded down the hall and opened a door for her. “Take all the time you need.”

Stepping into the bathroom, Larissa shut the door behind her and slumped back against it, squeezing her eyes shut.

She still didn’t know what had compelled her to book a boudoir shoot. She supposed it came down to a desire to feel young and attractive again - years of all-nighters to catch up on work, the stress of running an entire school coupled with dealing with children and constantly putting out fires left her feeling more than a bit run-down. Her age was showing, her crows feet and laugh lines becoming more prominent with each passing day, and she couldn’t help but feel a bit self-conscious.

The photographer had gotten back to her quickly and suggested an introductory call - despite her nerves, she felt too bad to call the whole thing off and say “never mind”, so she’d gone through with the call. You’d seemed nice enough, very enthusiastic but also very considerate when she’d explained she’d never done something like this before.

And now, Larissa stood in your bathroom, slowly removing her clothing with shaking hands to reveal a red lace bodysuit. It wasn’t particularly revealing as far as lingerie went, yet Larissa blushed furiously as she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. It wasn’t that she didn’t find herself beautiful - despite her reservations about her own aging, she did possess a certain confidence in her appearance. But the thin lace left little to the imagination, particularly in comparison to her usual, more conservative attire, and Larissa was about to pose in front of a total stranger with a camera - the implications were just now beginning to hit her.

It’s now or never. Larissa opened the bathroom door almost robotically, slipping out into the narrow hallway. You seemed to have heard the creak of the floorboards, because you poked your head out of a room at the end of the hallway and beamed at her - her heart skipped a beat and she swallowed nervously.

“I’m in here,” you said brightly, waiting for Larissa to walk the length of the hallway and join you in your studio. 

The studio space was a large, well-lit room at the back of your cottage. Lots of natural light filtered in through the window, spilling onto a beautiful, vintage-looking rug. An intricately framed mirror stood across from a large bed with a plush, velvet headboard that took up much of the wall.

Larissa didn’t have much time to think about how awkward she felt - from the moment she stepped into the room you were talking up a storm, walking her through the room, showing her your camera and equipment, cracking jokes. She couldn’t help but be enamored with you, and she found herself relaxing slightly as your enthusiasm began to rub off on her.

“I was thinking we could start at the window, the lighting is really great there and it doesn’t feel quite as intimate as shooting in the bed.” You directed Larissa towards the window seat - she perched at the edge of the cushions, unsure of how to pose, but you took over for her in an instant. “Can you lean back against the wall a bit? And turn your head to the right? Just like that.”

Larissa followed your instructions, hearing the shutter of your camera click, her face flushing. She was certain she looked ridiculous, but you kept instructing her to pose and encouraging her happily as if she wasn’t blushing like a schoolgirl - after a few minutes, Larissa found her blush fading slightly, feeling more confident in herself.

~~~

You felt the air leave your lungs when you saw Larissa standing in your hallway in nothing but a lacy bodysuit, looking terribly yet adorably awkward. The next minutes as you started the shoot were no better - you were definitely overcompensating for your attraction to the woman with over-the-top enthusiasm, over-explaining your process and trying to bring the blonde just a bit of comfort.

Being fairly good at your job, you could tell that Larissa was beginning to relax - she wasn’t blushing as much, her posing was less tense, her smile came more naturally. It was then that you were able to admire her beauty in full - and, God, what a stunning woman she was.

She was perched on the window seat, overlooking your lush garden. Sunlight hit her face at the perfect angle, casting a soft shadow across the left side of her face and creating a subtle halo around her perfectly coiffed white hair. Her eyes sparkled like sapphires, bright and clear, and her pale, freckled skin was practically glowing in contrast to the red lace.

You tried your best not to ogle her - she was your paying client, after all, and the last thing you wanted was to make her feel uncomfortable. You normally had no trouble with this, but you’d also never been this attracted to a client before.

“You are very beautiful,” you whispered - the words left your mouth before you could stop them, and your heart skipped a beat as Larissa’s gaze met yours, those deep blue eyes widening and her lips parting slightly as your compliment registered in her brain. Then she smiled, ducking her head shyly, and it was the most breathtaking thing you’d ever seen - you quickly snapped a few photos, Larissa’s smile widening as she heard the sound of the shutter.

~~~

“I’ll upload the photos tonight and start the editing process,” you told Larissa as you led her to your front door. “I have a light workload this week so I should be able to send you the photos in 2-3 days, and then if you want physical copies of any of them, I can help you get those printed.”

“Thank you, I appreciate it,” Larissa replied with a genuine smile - it was your turn to blush. “I’ll be awaiting your email, then.”

“I’ll try not to keep you waiting,” you teased lightly, noting how Larissa’s pupils widened slightly at your tone.

You watched Larissa walk to her car, noting how long and toned her legs looked in her heels - you should have asked her to keep those on, you thought to yourself. Closing the door, you rushed back into your studio and grabbed your camera, then settled on your couch with your laptop - you couldn’t wait to edit her photos.

It was something that kept you busy for the entire evening, and most of the following morning. One of your regulars canceled on you at the last minute, so you ended up having some extra time before your next late afternoon shoot to finish up the editing. You wanted to be done quickly for Larissa, eager for her reaction to the pictures, but it was proving to be quite difficult - your eyes would get stuck on each picture, drinking in the details and getting so lost in simply looking that the editing took ages.

You’d never been this affected by a client before. Sure, you took pictures of beautiful, scantily clad women all the time, you’d been doing it for years at this point. And some of them you did find really attractive. But they were still just clients to you - beautiful, certainly, but strictly off-limits.

But Larissa? There was something about her that captivated you, that made it nearly impossible to think straight - it was entirely inappropriate, but every time you’d caught her smiling in your direction, you’d been overcome with the urge to lunge forward and kiss her senseless. Even now, looking at the pictures you’d taken, your heart skipped a beat.

There was one in particular that you couldn’t seem to stop sneaking glances at. Larissa was lying on her back, her long legs bent, her arms draped over her head. You’d taken the picture from above, and you’d been cracking jokes hoping to make her laugh. And laugh she did - it was loud and unabashed, and it left her with a beaming grin stretching from ear to ear and little crinkles around her eyes. The bridge of her nose crinkled the tiniest bit, bright blue eyes scrunching up. You were grateful for your years of experience, because the sight briefly made you forget how to work your camera - your finger worked on autopilot to snap photos while your brain short-circuited.

Once you finished the editing, you uploaded the photos to your cloud and sent Larissa an email with the link - butterflies erupted in your stomach as your finger hovered over the “send” button, and you realized how fucked you truly were.

~~~

Late the following afternoon, you had another shoot - Sam, a woman you’d taken pictures of on occasion and developed an easy rapport with. After she left, you decided to make yourself some dinner before doing some editing for the evening. Just as the water for your pasta had started to boil, your phone began to vibrate in your pocket.

“Hello?”

The voice at the other end of the line - smooth, sultry, British - made your heart stutter in your chest.

“Hello, this is Larissa. Weems.”

“Oh, hi! I’m assuming you’re calling about the edited photos I sent you?” You tried hard to keep your voice level, to treat her as you did every other woman you took photos of - it proved to be a challenge however, as your voice rose nervously in pitch. Oh, God, what if she was unhappy with them? What if she hated them? What if- 

“Yes, I wanted to thank you again. I wasn’t expecting them to turn out so well, I- well, I’m unsure what I was expecting, but they really have turned out beautifully.”

“I’m glad to hear that.” They’re only beautiful because you’re beautiful. “If there are any that you want physical copies of, you can send me an email with the file name and we can go over exactly what you’re looking for?” You paced about your kitchen, filled with too much nervous energy to stand still.

“Oh, yes. There are a few, I suppose. Actually… I wanted to know if there is any way we could do a second shoot?”

A second shoot? 

You felt your pulse skyrocket.

“A second shoot? I mean, yeah, of course - whatever you want. Do you have a day in mind already?”

Larissa hesitated a moment before speaking again. “Perhaps next Saturday, the same time as this week?”

“Sure, Larissa.” You trailed off, caught off-guard - you’d thought (at least you’d hoped) that Larissa had become more comfortable by the end of her shoot, but you hadn’t dared dream you’d ever see her again. “Is there something you were unhappy with or…?”

“I just really enjoyed myself and… I think this could be good for me.” You could practically hear the blush in her tone - it made your stomach flip.

“Oh. Yeah. I mean, that’s the goal with these photos, you know?” You paused for a moment, your next words slipping out before you could stop yourself. “Did your partner like them?”

“Oh, no it’s nothing like that… I don’t have a partner.”

You could feel your breath catch in your lungs as you processed her words, scrambling to come up with a suitable answer as you worried you’d made things awkward. “Shit, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to assume. I mean I just thought- you know, you’re so beautiful, I assumed…” Way to make things even more awkward…

“It’s quite alright, my dear.” My dear. Swoon. Her voice was filled with warmth, bordering on teasing, and it made your stomach do a somersault.

“I’ll see you next week then? If you still want to, that is.”

“Yes. I would love to. Thank you.”

“Thank you,” you whispered, before hanging up the phone.

~~~

This time, when Larissa walked up to the front door of your cottage, she felt a little more confident. She knew what to expect now - and honestly, the first shoot hadn’t been as awkward or humiliating as she’d thought it would be. Really, the photos had turned out so well - they’d made her feel sexy, they’d made her feel young again. And you’d been very patient with her, always making sure to direct her into poses so that she never felt helpless - there was a reason your clients spoke so highly of you in online reviews, she supposed.

But there was something else. The way you’d looked at her during that first shoot, particularly when you thought she wasn’t watching, had stirred up feelings inside of Larissa that she hadn’t felt in years. She felt desirable. Under your gaze, she felt attractive - it felt natural to pose in lingerie when you were the one watching her. And it was insane, really - she didn’t even know you, and you were simply doing your job. But Larissa couldn’t help but feel like there was something more there.

You let Larissa into your cottage and, after offering her a drink, directed her to get changed and meet you in the studio. Larissa didn’t miss the way you blushed and squirmed when she stepped into the studio in a matching set - a mesh, sage green bra and panties. 

She still found herself a bit shy about her body - her stomach was on display a lot more this time around, and she crossed her arms subconsciously over her torso.

“That, uh, that color really suits you.”

It was Larissa’s turn to blush, and she smiled a shy, closed-lip smile. You directed her to the floor in front of the mirror, explaining that you would love to use the mirror for some shots. Larissa agreed and sat down, drawing her legs up to her chest to hide the stomach rolls that formed as she sat.

“None of that,” you teased, tapping her knee and instructing her to stretch out her legs. Larissa leaned back on her elbows, her body now on almost full display for you. Your eyes roamed her bare skin - just briefly - and you bit your lip. “You have a gorgeous figure, Larissa. Really, most women would kill to look like you.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t say that…” Larissa felt her stomach flip at your compliment. You gave her a look that she couldn’t quite place, your eyes briefly flicking over her body. Part of her did feel self-conscious but another part, a part that was quickly taking over, felt alive under your gaze. She felt her body come to life as she posed for you, and she almost found herself forgetting there was even a camera present - she often looked past the lens, directly at you, admiring you in your element, basking in the soft smiles you would shoot at her when you caught her looking.

“Um, Larissa?” you asked suddenly, lowering your camera slightly and cocking your head to the side.

“Hmm?”

“Could we try… maybe we could try taking your hair down for a few photos?” You bit your lip and watched intently for Larissa’s reaction - her eyes widened at your suggestion and you immediately started to backtrack. “I mean, it looks like it was a bitch to put up so I totally get it if you’d rather not! And I mean it looks amazing, you look really beautiful, so it’s nice as is!”

Larissa did have to admit your suggestion caught her off-guard - her updo had become an integral part of her uniform, another part of her mask. She’d figured out long ago that it suited her, gave her an untouchable air of sophistication, and it became a staple for her - there were few people in her life today who’d seen her with her hair down, and so wearing her hair down had begun to feel very intimate.

But something about you, about the entire situation, felt different. She felt safe here in this little studio space. So, after a moment’s hesitation, she smiled and nodded. “I can take it down. It’ll take a few minutes though, there are quite a few pins.”

“I could help - I mean, only if you want me to, of course, sorry.”

Larissa couldn’t help but grin at your chaotic nature. “I would appreciate your help.”

You set your camera on the floor and scooted closer, settling on your knees behind Larissa and running your fingers over the intricate curls. “Wow,” you breathed, before gently beginning to pry pins out of her hair - Larissa felt her cheeks go pink, unused to so much praise.

Your fingers danced over her curls, setting them free one by one. The pressure from the pins was slowly being released, and she couldn’t help but let out a soft moan of pleasure. She felt embarrassed by the noise, but it seemed to embolden you - you began to gently massage her scalp.

“Is this okay?” you whispered.

“Mmh… yes, it is.” Larissa let out another hum of pleasure and leaned into your touch.

“Why do you wear it up like that if it’s so tight?” Your voice was curious as the pads of your fingers reached the muscles at the nape of her neck.

“I just do.” Larissa shrugged, another soft moan escaping her lips - this time, she didn’t try to hold it back. “I found it suits me. And I enjoy the process, I like having my routine and my structure.”

You carded your fingers through loose, platinum curls, draping the long locks over Larissa’s shoulders and moving around to face her. Your eyes were wide as they roamed over Larissa’s face, over long lengths of hair - your cheeks turning red in real time.

“Uh, looks good. The light is kind of coming in from the side, if I go over there and you kind of pose in front of the mirror, I think that would look cool. Maybe we could do some standing shots?”

Larissa grinned, very aware of how you were trying to cover up your own embarrassment at the sudden intimacy. How endearing, she thought. 

After the shoot, when she was sitting in her car, Larissa realized just how good that intimacy had felt. She craved it, and most importantly, she craved it with you. What she didn’t know was that you were sitting on your couch, your stomach flipping as you reviewed the photos you’d taken - completely smitten by her and wondering when you’d get to see her again.

~~~

You did that dance for months - every so often, Larissa would book a shoot, seeming to become more and more comfortable each time. Her lingerie became more revealing, her posing more confident - she often wore her hair down, once she even decided to forgo makeup. Both of you flirted - just a little - dancing around each other, perfectly in sync but never daring to go for more. Every so often your hand would linger just a little longer than it should when you’d direct Larissa into a pose, every so often Larissa’s gaze would travel over your own body as you snapped photo after photo.

Today’s shoot was no different. Larissa wore a white teddy, nearly see-through, with lace around the cups and a deep plunge. Her hair hung in loose waves down her back, one side pinned back from her face. It had stolen the breath from your lungs when she’d entered the room and you’d busied yourself with your equipment as you tried to compose yourself.

Larissa sat down on the bed, legs crossed demurely as she waited for you, hands clasped in her lap. Little did you know that today’s shoot would be very different to the rest - Larissa would make sure of that.

“Do you want to start on the bed today then?” you asked, glancing over at Larissa as you fiddled with some settings on your camera.

“Yes, I think so,” Larissa purred, her voice sending a shiver down your spine.

“Whenever you’re ready.” You tried for a casual smile, hating the way your voice broke slightly - it was getting harder and harder to keep your composure around the woman.

Larissa shifted slightly on the bed and you stepped forward to get a closer angle. The blonde looked straight into the camera, eyes seductive and heavy-lidded, and uncrossed her legs - you snapped a few photos. Then, at an almost glacial pace, she spread her legs, a smirk playing upon her lips.

You were so focussed on her full, red lips that it took you a moment before you glanced down between her legs - the sight had your mouth going dry. Larissa’s lingerie was crotchless - there, between soft, milky thighs, was her pussy, bare and glistening with arousal.

Larissa rested her hands on her thighs, gently squeezing the soft flesh there, before trailing her palms slowly inward and upward, subtly spreading her legs even farther, spreading herself open in the process.

You watched, mesmerized. As if pulled by an invisible force, you found yourself setting down your camera and crawling up the bed towards Larissa, until you were nestled between her thighs. You could feel heat radiating off her in waves - it made desire pool in your core, like a tightening coil. Leaning in, you stopped until your face was inches away from hers, until you could feel her breath fan across your face. Your eyes were glued to her lips - red and plush - as you closed the gap, your eyelids fluttering shut as your lips connected with her own - soft and warm.

A soft sigh escaped your throat when Larissa began to kiss you back, moving her mouth against your own. Her hands landed on the curve of your hips, causing your heart to flutter madly. You pressed forward, your hand resting on Larissa’s shoulder as you guided her backwards - Larissa followed your lead until she was lying on her back and you were hovering over her, your knee inches away from her warm core. “I’m very attracted to you, Larissa,” you mumbled against her lips.

“Do you do this with all the women you take pictures of?” Larissa’s voice was deep and sultry, her eyes half-lidded, but you could tell from the way her fingers twitched against your hips, the absence of her breath against your face, that your answer mattered to her.

“It never even crossed my mind until I met you…” It was true. You’d never desired another person this much before, and you’d certainly never dreamed of pursuing a client. Except Larissa. Larissa, who was staring up at you with wide eyes and rosy cheeks. Larissa, who in that moment wrapped her arms around your neck and pulled you down, her lips meeting yours in a hungry, passionate kiss that stole the breath from your lungs.

It was as if Larissa was trying to devour you, her lips moving against yours in desperation. She deepened the kiss, her tongue swirling around yours as her hands found purchase in your hair, nails gently scratching your scalp.

You let out a deep groan as Larissa arched her back off the bed, pushing her body up into your own and letting out a soft whine.

“Fuck, Larissa.”

“Please.”

That one syllable was so needy, so filled with desire that your thighs clenched together of their own accord, the heat between your bodies becoming absolutely unbearable. Your hand traveled lower and lower, caressing Larissa’s waist, her hips, her thigh, your fingertips memorizing the softness of her skin - every dip and curve of her body. Your hand reached her inner thigh and Larissa let out a gasp, her legs twitching. 

“Can I?” you breathed, pausing in your ministrations. You were met with a breathy ‘yes’ and an enthusiastic nod of Larissa’s head - then with a whimper as your fingers brushed against her wet folds.

Larissa tightened her grip on your hips, squirming slightly beneath you as your fingers explored her cunt, trailing up her slit to gather the juices there and smearing them over her clit. 

“Mmh, right there, keep going.” Larissa’s voice was becoming breathier as she began to roll her hips. It was so incredibly hot, how you could see the muscles in her thighs and stomach tighten as she ground her pelvis into your fingers. 

Larissa arched her back off the bed, tilting her head back as she let out a low groan when your fingers began to tease her entrance. “P-please,” she whimpered.

You happily obliged, letting out a moan of your own when you slipped a digit inside of her hole and felt her walls clench needily around it, drawing you in. 

“You feel so good.” You leaned down to press your lips to Larissa’s - the kiss was hungry and desperate and hot, the blonde’s breathing labored. Her hands slipped under your shirt and clawed at your back, leaving angry red scratches in their wake - the pain felt delicious and you dragged Larissa’s bottom lip between your teeth in response. 

Your finger pumped in and out of Larissa at a steady pace and you soon added a second finger. The pads of your fingers found her sweet spot while your thumb began to flick gently across her clit, drawing a whine from her throat.

You drew back slightly from the kiss to catch a glimpse of Larissa’s face - she took your breath away. Her face and chest were flushed, her eyes were heavy-lidded, mascara-coated lashes fluttering slightly, lips parted as her jaw went slack. When she noticed you watching her, the corners of her lips quirked up slightly into a seductive smile, and she squeezed your waist.

“You’re gorgeous,” you breathed.

“Then kiss me.”

You didn’t need to be told twice - you descended upon her again, pouring all of your passion and desire into the kiss as your fingers curled inside of her and your thumb massaged her sensitive clit. You swallowed her moans as she got closer and closer to the edge, fucking her through her first orgasm - and keeping up your pace even as her thighs trembled and her nails dug into your skin.

A second orgasm quickly followed, then a third, then Larissa was gently pushing your hand away.

“I need a moment,” she admitted between deep, labored breaths, a soft smile on her face as her eyelids fluttered shut.

You happily scooted up the bed to join her, settling next to her and pressing a kiss to her temple as she nestled into your side. Propping yourself up on your elbow, you watched Larissa come down from her high, allowing yourself to freely admire her stunning features.

“Larissa?” you whispered, resting your hand on her hip and gently stroking the soft skin.

Larissa hummed in response, burrowing her head deeper into the crook of your neck and placing a kiss to the side of your throat - it sent a shiver down your spine.

“I have a confession to make.” You bit your lip, your pulse hammering as Larissa leaned back slightly to fix you with a curious gaze, her eyes wide and blue and gleaming, kiss-swollen lips parted slightly. “I have wanted to do… this since our first shoot.” As if to emphasize your point you caressed the curve of Larissa’s hip as you watched for her reaction.

A contented smile spread across Larissa’s face and she leaned in for a kiss, her lips warm and comforting against your own. “I know,” she whispered with a smirk.

“You know? What do you mean you know?” You suddenly remembered that Larissa had mentioned during your intro call that she was the principal of Nevermore Academy and your eyes widened. “You can’t read minds, can you?”

Larissa chuckled at your perplexed expression. “No, I can’t read minds. But I’m afraid you’re not very good at hiding your attraction.” Her tone was teasing and light, and you could feel your cheeks turn scarlet.

“God, I’m so sorry if I creeped you out,” you mumbled, burying your face in the pillow.

“I found it quite endearing actually.” Larissa’s voice was inches away from your ear, her breath washing over the side of your face before she placed a kiss to your cheek. “In case you failed to notice, I’m attracted to you as well.”

Larissa’s fingers found your chin and she tilted your head to face her. Her eyes swam with warmth as she inched towards you until her lips captured yours in a languid kiss.

“Larissa?”

“Yes, darling?”

Darling. Your breath caught in your throat.

“Would it be… I mean would you be interested in… Would you like to-”

The blonde watched you struggle, her shoulders beginning to shake with laughter before she (mercifully) cut you off. 

“Are you trying to ask me on a date?” She grinned at the blush on your cheeks as you nodded your head. “Yes. I would be interested in going out with you, darling.”

You couldn’t help the smile that spread across your face as you leaned in to kiss Larissa again, your head clouded with euphoria and your heart pounding. Her hands came to grip your waist and she flipped you onto your back, hovering over you as her lips began to mark every inch of you she could reach, her hands slowly unbuttoning your shirt.

It was something you’d been picturing over and over again since you’d first laid eyes on Larissa - but reality was definitely proving to be better than even your wildest fantasies.

x

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[alex-thegiraffeboyy]

Chapter 6: Serendipidy

Bewitched Masterlist

Summary: They meet after 7 years. But they swear that everything is Serendipidy

Words: 2.1k

Warning: Constantly changes of POV's

N/A: I'm trying to find ways to get through the end of Arcane. Expect continuous updates.💕

Serendipidy: the faculty or phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for.

Since Violet left Stillwater there has been a strange feeling in her chest. A feeling she can't put a name to.

She walks beside the enforcer, Caitlyn, for a while before she starts running and jumping across the rooftops of the place where she grew up. It's at that moment that she feels that tug in her chest again, and that's when it hits her. She's excited, but at the same time she feels terribly desolate and anxious. She feels sad and melancholy.

She passes by streets she used to frequent and realizes how much things have changed. Stalls that used to be there in her childhood are now closed or new stores take their place. She feels like she doesn't recognize anything even though she knows where she is.

She feels like a stranger in her own home.

🦋

The day Vi returned to the Lanes you can sense that something is going on. But you don't know what.

It's like a tingling in the back of your neck, a dull sound throbbing in your ears. But you don't think much of it, you have better things to worry about than this.

So you keep busy, as usual. You stop by the kitchen as you do every morning to help make breakfast for everyone, you stand there for a while and chat with people as they arrive, and when you see Ekko arrive with Scar you join them to sit down for breakfast at one of the tables while they coordinate for the day's activities.

"I'm going to make rounds today to oversee how everything is going after the raid on the ship last week" Ekko commented as he ate, looking at the two of you one at a time. He paused for a moment at you, noticing that you seemed distracted, you hadn't touched your food much, that tingle still nagging at the back of your neck, making your stomach churn "You come with me?"

You shake your head sideways, not turning to look at him, you didn't dare "Nope, I have things to check and reorganize in the warehouse. My next monitoring season out of the tree is coming up, so I have to know how much I have to earn and bring when I get back" you decide to take a bite of your food after a moment, you're not very hungry, but you won't waste that food "Besides, I promised Elma I'd help her with the new portraits on the mural".

After a while the three of you say goodbye and part ways, each going to their respective places.

But as you make your way to the mural you realize something. You almost didn't see it, almost stepped on it, in fact. But that tingle made you look at just the right moment. A four-leaf clover.

You stared at it for a few seconds, remembering when you used to look for them with Powder, a healthy competition between sisters. You almost always found them, but you always gave them to Powder "So Mylo can't tell you that you're unlucky" you used to tell her. That's why Vi sometimes teased you by call you that you were her good luck charm. But you didn't get too carried away with that memory, so you shook your head and kept walking.

🦋

After a few laps around undercity and stopping to eat and get information at Jericho's she headed with the grumpy enforcer to the brothel. There Babette filled her in on the current situation on the Lanes and offered her information on where she could find Sevika.

Vi thanked and hesitated for a moment, wrung her hands against each other nervously. She didn't need to ask, Babette was going to tell her anyway.

"She's fine," Babette tells her in a soft tone, fearing that if she spoke too loudly it might make Vi snap.

"What?" Babette responded with your name softly, watching as the girl in front of her took a shaky breath before daring to ask more. "Do you know anything about her, do you know where I can find her?" The woman could only shake her head.

"She stops here from time to time to drop off some things for me to defend the girls and the business. She told me she's coming next week. I don't know where she lives, but I know you're not going to find her on the streets of Zaun" And though Babette was tempted to tell her that there were a few years you worked for her, she knew that was not for her to tell her. That was your decision.

Violet, now more hopeful than before, thanks Babette and gets up from the couch to walk to the person who will lead her to the person who should provide her with the information she needs.

Out of the corner of her eye she sees some lucky dimes. And only then she decide to believe that it will bring her luck. Because remember that for you this kind of thing has always been important.

Maybe it will help her get to you.

🦋

That tingling keeps going throughout the morning and early afternoon. You scratch a couple of times and start to think you might get sick.

You hope you're wrong.

Although you have to admit that painting helps. It makes your head go quiet for a while. It also helps with that incessant tingling and anxious feeling.

Ekko stops by to say goodbye before leaving the lair. You wish him luck and give him a hug, and before he can take two steps towards the exit you stop him, remembering the clover you saw that morning. You run over to the spot and grab it from the floor before returning to your brother, tucking it into his jacket pocket.

"I know you don't need it, but it never hurts" Ekko shakes his head, a smile on his lips as he says goodbye to you again, this time for real.

Something tells you it's going to be an interesting afternoon.

🦋

At that moment, as she bleeds out, Violet sees you again in her hallucinations. She sees you playing with her sister and wandering around what was once her home.

She still remembers the time she brought you here. She remembers telling you about what her life was like then as she held your hand tightly, keeping from crying and how you held her and hugged her when she eventually broke down. She remembers your warmth and the gentleness and softness with which you held her.

God, she wishes you were there to hold her hand at that moment. She misses you so much

🦋

Ekko expected almost anything after spending 7 years on this.

Nothing could have prepared him for meeting a friend he thought was dead. The same one who found herself with an executioner and Jinx.

Nothing good could be happening, but he decided to give her a chance. He owed it to her and to himself.

But most of all to his sister.

So he puts bags over Vi and the enforcer's heads and leads them to the firelights' lair. He is grateful that you are not in sight, imagine you're still checking things out in the hold.

His companions take them to a secluded room while he takes a moment to breathe. He wants to tell you so badly... But he doesn't want to get your hopes up if Vi has decided on a different side. So he keeps silent. Soon one of his companions lets him know that they've both woken up, so he gives the go-ahead. He takes a big breath of air and lets it out slowly, just as you have taught him since he was a child. He puts his mask back on as he hears footsteps approaching.

On your side things weren't much better. Since a few minutes ago that tingling had become more intense, it had been there for so long that it was almost starting to overstimulate you.

You tried to breathe as you normally did, but nothing seemed to want to calm that sensation. Something was happening, or so your body wanted you to believe. You hate anxiety with all your heart.

So you resort to what has served you best all these years. Busyness. You go through and count supply by supply, item by item and put them on lists. You give instructions and ask question after question. You rearrange and rearrange, you do everything you can so that eventually your anxiety will subside and leave you alone. But your frustration only gets bigger and bigger when you realize it's still there, haunting you.

Meanwhile Ekko was talking to Vi, who after having ironed out the kinks and doled out some affection had worked up enough courage to ask about you.

"I knew you'd ask that" he replies looking at her with a smirk. So he opens the door and waits for her to adjust to the light. He tells her a bit about how you both found this place. Though of course he leaves out a few things (only because he knows it's up to you whether you want her to know or not). He shows her a few things as they walk, keeping up a light conversation as they go along.

And Violet can't pretend she's not anxious. Her hands clasp against each other every so often. Her smile trembles a little and her eyes move to everything and nothing. A warm feeling stirring in her chest.

And the butterflies. The ones she thought were already dead because they hadn't fluttered for so long, start fluttering all over her system, making her feel like she's 15 again. Reminding her of all the times she went looking for you at Benzo's to confess how she's loved you from the start, only to take a step back. Every time.

But not this time.

Finally Ekko stops in front of a thick metal door. He lets out a sigh before looking at it. "It may be a bit difficult. I ask you to be patient."

Vi nods slowly, feeling even more nervous. Ekko reaches into his pocket and pulls out the clover you gave him that morning, handing it to Vi. "A little luck never hurts, don't you think?"

Vi doesn't need to ask. She knows you found it, you've always had a knack for that. Then, slowly but surely, Ekko opens the metal door, lets the girl in, then goes in himself and closes it.

He greets a couple of people and gestures for them to come out. Violet's eyes move from side to side, looking for you.

You, on the other hand, don't hear the door open, too busy organizing. You move from side to side, unable to stand still. What you do feel is that the tingling suddenly runs through your whole body before it stops. You crouch for a moment between the boxes, feeling relief for the first time that day.

Ekko pulls out a last couple of people while Vi stands paralyzed, only one person is left at the end of the room, among some boxes and stacked objects. She almost doesn't notice you there, crouching down, massaging your neck. She only catches a glimpse of your hair, as messy as she remembers it. But maybe a little longer.

"Everything okay over there Sunny?" Vi can feel the air attacking in her throat as she hears the sound of your tired laughter.

"Kinda tired, but I'm better" you reply in a tired voice as you stand up and stretch your body. Vi can feel her heart racing as her eyes begin to sting.

A sob threatens to come from her throat, but Violet forces herself to keep her mouth shut. Her hands clench into fists as she watches you turn toward them.

"Remember that discomfort I told you I had in the morning? A while ago it stopped and-" you quickly shut your mouth when you see a pink-haired girl crying in front of you. Your heart races as you see the strong resemblance, but you don't allow yourself to hope. "Ekko... What's-?"

Vi makes a crooked smile "Hey Sunshine" she manages to whisper with a broken voice.

Your eyes start to sting. No one here calls you like that. Everyone knows you by your first name or as Sunny (this last one is only with Ekko and some friends). You never let anyone else call you Sunshine. You couldn't stand it. So when you heard it...

"Violet?"

Your suspicions come true.

Vi lets out a small laugh combined with a sob, nodding as she walks towards you.

You bring your hands to your mouth as a loud sob escapes your lips, shaking your head. "No... You're not... You can't..."

Vi quickly finishes reaching up to you and holds you against her. A firm but delicate grip. You too wrap your arms around her clinging to her jacket. The crying from both of you getting louder.

"I missed you so much" Vi manages to utter between sobs. You, on the other hand, feel unable to speak, so you just nod into the hollow of her neck.

Time seems to stand still when you both finally hold each other in your arms.

Four-leaf clovers, lucky dimes and cosmic coincidences.

But they swear it's a coincidence.

The best coincidence of their lives. Finding each other again.

[crow-raven-crow]

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 (𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬)

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞: 𝐓𝐨 𝐁𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝..

Larissa Weems x Sorcerer f!reader pervious chapter | series page | masterlist words: ~6k chapter-specific warnings/content: overthinking, /description of: anxiety, rapid thoughts, crying, dread/, angst, FLUFF

✧･.☽˚｡･ﾟ✧ :══════⊹⊹══════: ✧･ﾟ｡˚☾.･✧

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: To be seen is one thing.. but to be found? To be found is to know that someone has seen your soul, that someone has cared about you enough to see through the mask.. In your time spent at the academy, you had successfully made it a home - a home in which you can't bare to leave.. But.. you'll be able to find this feeling, this love again elsewhere.. right?

✧･.☽˚｡･ﾟ✧ :══════⊹⊹══════: ✧･ﾟ｡˚☾.･✧

✧･.☽˚｡･ﾟ✧ :══════⊹⊹══════: ✧･ﾟ｡˚☾.･✧

The hiss of the breaks and the small jerk forward of the bus confirmed the fact that you were all now in Jericho. You stood just as Marilyn did and she proceeded to give the students one last run down of what was expected for the day. You gestured for her to step out first so she could send each pupil in their designated direction as you made sure the bus was officially clear.

You stepped off the vehicle and proceeded to do the same with the others, ensuring that all busses were officially empty. You did one last check in with the chaperones, giving out your cell if they didn't have it already, then beelined for Larissa.

The nerves were getting to you slightly, but you were able to push everything to the side to be certain that your focus was in check, to hopefully give one good, smooth event to the tall blonde. You saw her with a group of chaperones, presumably going through their checks one last time, before they dispersed deeper into the town. Her professional smile faded as the distance grew, showing off the true emotions of the sapphire beauty. You took this opportunity to give her some reassurance and do your last check in before you became a stranger to them all.

"All the busses are clear," You started. "Every student has been directed to their respective place and I checked in with the chaperones one last time before coming to you."

"You are a blessing, my darling.." She said, her gaze softening as a weak smile graced her lips.

"You have my number, Larissa.." You mentioned, closing the distance between the two of you. You grabbed one of her hands gently, running your thumb across her knuckles. "I promise I'll do my best to give you a good day, hmm?"

She let out a deep breath that she didn't know she was holding as her shoulders relaxed. "There is much to do.." She sighed as she squeezed your hand lightly.

The energy around you two shifted as unspoken words drifted in the breeze that encompassed you both. There was no guarantee in what the two of you shared, no guarantee in being together, no guarantee in being found, but you both held hope in a vise grip, praying to the old gods and the new that today would be the day that you both gained a piece of home..

You moved her to face you completely and brought your hands to her shoulders. "And.. I'll be with you every step of the way. Well- I mean.. as much as I can be." You both laughed at your realization, the air around you becoming lighter.

Her gloved hands met your waist as she pulled you flush against her. "I read your note.. Thank you for the little hint, my love.." She whispered, her voice low as one of her hands came to hold your chin causing a shiver to run through your being. "Trust me when I say I'm a woman who won't turn down a challenge.." She finished, planting a kiss on your cheek before slipping away completely.

"I look forward to seeing you, my darling!" She said with one last glance over her shoulder.

~~

With the principal off to her meetings and other duties, it was time for you to find a place to change your clothes and take off your concealing sigils without a soul being able to piece together who you were.

Jericho, though seemingly small, was actually much larger than you originally thought. A lake curled around the town on one side while the other was backed by forest. It was beautiful, especially in autumn as the leaves were showing off their change in color and the breeze ran cool against the skin of many. The buildings ran tall, all blending together perfectly in their respective colors.

You turned down one street and were thankful to find it empty. You went behind one of the buildings, after making sure it was completely clear, and started casting the spells that would change your clothes and remove your sigils, showing your form out to the world.

As you whispered the spells, a purple mist left your mouth and started to swirl around your body, changing your clothes into an outfit a little more your style. The black turtle neck hugged you close as necklaces clinked together on appearance. It was tucked into brown cuffed pants, and a belt appeared in its loops as black healed boots switched into reality. A few more touches like earrings, rings and your signature lipstick were added as your deep red sigils faded into your skin, revealing the woman that stood behind it all.

Satisfied with your look, you left the alley in another direction as a precaution. The dark brick turned into weathered red ones the closer you got to the outside world. It had been a little while since you did this; the last event Nevermore held wasn't nearly as long. To say you were a bit anxious was an understatement, but no one would know you. It was just up to you not to mess it up.

~~

You stepped into the Weathervane, the smell of coffee grounds and baked goods filling your lungs within seconds. You ordered a hot chocolate as a rush started, the bell on the door ringing every few seconds. As more and more customers filled the store, more people crowded at the end of the counter waiting for their drinks.

You noticed Enid walk in with a paper in her hands and watched her order with great focus, glancing back and forth between the cashier and the paper, ensuring an order wouldn't be missed. She was probably ordering for a group of volunteers, handing the worker cash and saying to keep the change as she finished. She moved through the handful of people and stood at the end right next to you. You fought back the urge to say hello with a welcoming smile, trying to come up with any reason to speak to the girl. When you had finally taken a full look at her in your unmasked form, Larissa had walked in and your eyes moved to her figure as though they were in a trance.

"That's Principal Weems," Enid said, after finding your gaze in that direction. "She's the principal of Nevermore Academy. She's probably the main reason we have days like this in the first place." She finished, looking back in your direction and locking eyes with you.

"Oh, is that your school? I know there's Outreach Day today." You started, trying your best to act normal towards the small blonde. "She is quite beautiful.." You admitted, finally being able to voice some of your thoughts about the woman.

"I do, yeah! And she is! Though.." She looked in the direction of Larissa then back to you, her voice a bit quieter this time at the start. "I think she has a crush on our schools Protector.. She's been a lot more light hearted since our current one came to Nevermore.. and well- I like to think that I know our Protector enough to the point that she likes her back.. I hope they meet soon because I TOTES ship it!!"

Your face flushed at this. In your time of being there, you had never heard about the assumptions the students or staff made about you. Just as you were about to give the student your thoughts, Larissa walked towards the both of you.

"Miss Sinclair," she said with a smile on her face. "I do hope you're not avoiding your volunteer work or," she looked you up and down, a small blush gracing her features as her gaze landed on your lips, before she brought her eyes to yours. After a small pause, she finished, "bothering any of the patrons.."

You shivered slightly under her intense gaze but played it off by adjusting the rings on your fingers. You hadn't expected to see her so soon.

Enid gasped in playful offense at the taller ones comment, scrambling to pull out the paper again and explain that the owner of the boutique across the street had sent her to get drinks for her and the rest of the workers and volunteers that were present that day.

"Here! Look, see!" She said while pushing the paper she had at the register into Larissa's hands. "These are all the drinks I got for anyone who wanted one." At this, Larissa let out a small laugh, enjoying the smaller ones reaction to her playful comment, while looking over the list of different drinks.

You took this moment to chime in, "And-" at the sound of your voice, they both turned to look at you, causing a sudden wave of nervousness to shroud over your being. You cleared your throat in an attempt to ground yourself. "She's quite alright.. She's not bothering me at all. I can tell she's a sweet girl." You offered up with a smile towards the little wolf.

That last note had Enid beaming and curiosity run through the sapphire goddess, but just as she was about to say something, a loud voice was heard from the other side of the counter.

"I got a medium hot chocolate!"

You both shifted your gaze, reaching for the cup but immediately froze at the close proximity to each other. The realization clicked for the both of you.

"Did you also-" "Did we both-" You spoke at the same time, and, after realizing you both basically said the same thing, started to laugh. It was a beautiful sight to know that the real you was able to elicit the contagious laugh from the woman.

"Here," you started, reaching for the drink. "You have this one," you said, offering the drink in her direction knowing full well that you had ordered before her. "A principal is a busy job - I'm sure you have a lot on your plate right now."

"Are you sure, darling?" She asked, softly taking the cup from your hands, being sure to brush her gloved fingers against yours in the process. The action made a deep blush appear on your features, kissing the tips of your ears, as your breath hitched at the contact. Her tone was lined with nothing but appreciation and curiosity. Surely, she had to be catching hints by now..

"Yes, of course." You responded with a smile she can now see, reassuring her that it was okay. "Plus.. I'll be of help if I wait a second. A part of me has a feeling that a certain volunteer student can't carry all those drinks back to the boutique by herself.." You said while moving your gaze towards Enid, a blush covering her cheeks as she realized that she cannot, in fact, carry it all back herself.

You both let out a soft chuckle as the smaller one's expression shifted. Larissa looked back towards you, being sure to lock eyes with yours before speaking.

"I really do appreciate it, thank you. And.. Enid?" She shifted towards the smaller blonde. "You be careful, hmm? And be sure to thank her once you've got everything back to the shop. I'll see you later. And you.. maybe I'll see you around as well.." She ended with a smile as she moved towards the blue door to exit the Weathervane.

~~

You left the Weathervane with your drink in one hand and a tray full of more in the other. You walked beside Enid who was holding two more trays. It felt nice to be with the girl in your own skin - to react, to speak, for her to see you. It was refreshing and a light feeling filled your chest.

As you crossed the street, Enid started to speak. "Thank you for helping me.. I'm sure you heard in the Weathervane, but I'm Enid, by the way.. What's your name?"

You stopped in your tracks, making the smaller girl stop as well a few steps away, though confused. You looked at her, wondering if your expression alone was enough to convey your thoughts. You could feel your heartbeat pound in your ears and sweat started to slightly surface on the palms of your hands. This had never happened before.. and, in this moment, you couldn't have been happier that it was Enid who found you first.

Just as you were about to speak, it was as if it clicked for the small blonde as a bright, excited expression took over her features.

"OHMYGOD!! OHMYGOD!!! IT'S YOU, ISN'T IT-"

"SHHH ENID-" You couldn't help but laugh hard, your smile reaching your eyes as you ran up to her, capturing her in your arms, though careful enough not to spill the drinks. "This is not exactly how my cover is supposed to be blown!" You whisper screamed, a chuckle laced in your words.

"My name is Y/n - F/n M/n L/n." You said, looking down at her with a big smile, wrapping an arm around her shoulder as you continued to walk to the boutique. "Congratulations on being the first person to ever find me."

Your heart swelled with happiness. Even if today didn't go as planned in the end, the soft spot that you had for Enid was jumping in joy. You could tell that the feeling was mutual as you looked over at the girl.

"You're so pretty! I don't really know what I was expecting but what I see is so beautiful. And your voice! Gods, it's so nice to be able to talk to you.." She said, leaning into your touch a bit more. "I'm so glad I found you, you have no idea."

You let out a laugh as you turned another corner. The boutique was now in your sights and you were glad that you were able to help at all this time. It was different interacting instead of watching from a far, but you enjoyed it nevertheless.

"Y/n.. about those things I said earlier-" She started, though your laugh cut her off. You recalled what she said in the Weathervane before she found out who you were and a small blush came back to your features.

"You don't need to worry about it, love.." You started, reaching over to grab the door handle of the boutique she was volunteering at. "You were right about them after all."

"WAIT, YOU LIKE WEEMS?" She shouted and you were thankful you hadn't exactly opened the door yet.

"ENID!!" You said while shooting your gaze towards her. You both paused before bursting out into a fit of laughter. You walked in after her and set your tray out on the counter. Before helping pass the drinks you, you whispered to the girl, "This stays between you and me!"

~~

You spent a good chunk of your time watching the students and chaperones from afar, finding a bench to sit at after thinking you walked around quite enough. You saw groups as they went on their breaks, all seemingly enjoying their day so far. There was a moment in which you caught sight of Larissa with the mayor, your heart skipping a beat when you saw the familiar stature and grey dress. A part of you yearned to introduce yourself, to speak to her again, but you pressed on and distracted yourself by listening to conversations as people passed by.

By four o'clock, groups were dismissed to the bleachers set up in the town square. They all overlooked a big sheet covering the new statue and a red ribbon that stood in front of it. A pedestal stood to the side for individuals to speak while not completely blocking the reveal when the time came. You took advantage of this dismissal period by doing a round to make sure no students were missing. Though you weren't present to watch it all go down, you didn't want a replay of last year.

As you walked back towards the square on the main street, Enid skipped up to you with an excited expression on her face. "I was looking everywhere for you!" She said while grabbing your hand. "Are you allowed to be by us during the speech?"

"Well.." You started, squeezing her hand when it was secured in yours. "I don't see why not." You answered with a smile. The small wolf proceeded to lead you to the bottom of a set of bleachers as a familiar raven haired girl came into view.

"Wednesday, look who I found!" She said, thrilled that the girl in front of her would soon see who you were.

"Do you think I should know a complete stranger?" She asked, her voice monotone. In the moment, she didn't seem the littlest bit interested in who you were and that fact made you laugh slightly.

"Oh, wait, right.. Hold on.." Enid said, the gears turning in her brain. You watched the scene unfold in front of you, the small lycan figuring out a way for Wednesday to ask the question.

"She helped me bring drinks to the boutique earlier.. She was super nice in the Weathervane and got to.. somewhat?? meet Principal Weems-"

"Oh, I see.. What is your name, Protector?" She asked, cutting Enid off. You let out a sign of relief, loving how quick the young Addams brain worked.

"Y/n.. M/n is my middle name. Thanks for catching onto that." You say, complimenting the way they worked together. You stood to the side while they both sat, understanding that you were right by the Nevermore student section and trying not to take up space a student may need. Your shoulder met Enid's as she leaned to the side, the height the bleachers provided made it so you were close in height as she sat.

"Are you nervous to meet Principal Weems?" She whispered, her gaze fixed on the podium. Your eyes followed her line of sight before they landed on the tall beauty. You couldn't help the way you held your breath for a moment as you felt your heart rate pick up.

"Yes.." You said with a sigh. "But I've also never wanted something more.." At this, she looked at you and took in your expression. The only feeling that filled your entire being in that moment was longing - pure, painful, lustful, loving, careful, longing..

"In all the schools I've been to, none have felt as this school does, and the thought alone scares me.. There are so many what ifs in the world.. but I've never wanted anything to be more certain in my life.. This is my home, and I don't want to have to leave.."

"She'll find you." The certainty in her tone alone was enough to shock you back to reality and turn towards her. "She's a smart lady, and I think we can all see how badly she wants you to stay.. I know she hasn't found you yet, and that sucks.. but.. it's like somethings changed. There's a new feeling that wasn't here before, and I think that's enough of a push for her to be able to find you. I have a good feeling about it, Y/n."

Her words lifted a weight off of your shoulders as each one registered in your ears. No one has ever talked to you sincerely about this, in all your time of being a Protector, let alone tried. It spewed a newfound confidence within you. You would be found.

"Thank you, Enid. That means a lot to me.. You're a good kid." That last part you say with a smile as your bump your shoulder into her lightly, eliciting a small giggle from the girl. Just as she's about to say something else, light bumps on the mic can be heard from the speakers that litter the square, signaling the start of the speeches.

"Hello, everyone!" The mayors voice booms through the area, small echos could be heard bouncing through the streets of the town. From what Enid whispered to you throughout his speech, the mayor said around the same things last year, going on about the relations and stereotypes that are often false.

Throughout all this, you had no idea that you had caught the eye of the tall sapphire standing beside the speaker at the podium. When she first saw you, there was a bit of hope, but she pieced together that you two were friendly due to the situation at the Weathervane. She determined, at that point, to put her focus on her duties before giving into her loud (yet lovely) thoughts about you.

As she stepped onto the podium, she was the only thing to take over your senses. You took this moment of adoration to whisper a protection spell, ensuring that anything bad that would happen within a certain radius would fail or fizzle out. You promised to make today good for her and you planned to hold up to it.

With the spell done, you took in the way she addressed the crowd with ease. She spoke with her hands as she moved her gaze in all directions. Her eyes landed on your figure longer than it had in other directions, something that didn't go unnoticed, and you couldn't help but smile, making her return the gesture. You weren't far from her, close enough to see the blues of her eyes, but you weren't exactly close either, appreciating the thought that went into setting up the audio to cast out her velvet voice.

After some final notes from the mayor, the ribbon was cut and the cloth was pulled away, revealing two figures underneath it. A knight stood tall alongside a being with large wings encompassing the both of them. You immediately recognized it as a kinder outcast story in which a normie and outcast worked together to save a town. When you looked over towards the rest of your students, you could see that they recognized it as well, big smiles filling the crowd, though the mayor went on to explain the story as well.

You took a moment to look at Larissa, taking in the expression that graced her face. She was shocked at the start, something that made you laugh softly, but it was quickly replaced by a wide smile. You could tell this was something big for her - it was a big leap for the relations between outcasts and normies, and the fact that the idea from last years statue to this years changed so much in a good direction made you proud to be at this point. It made you and a lot of others proud to be an outcast.

As the reveal ended, everyone was dismissed to go back to their duties. You could see relief wash over Larissa as only good came from the ceremony. An appreciative smile met her lips as she looked around to find you, only to remember that you weren't quite in her reach. You celebrated quietly, thankful that you thought of a protection spell just in case, before walking Enid back to her volunteer work.

~~

You took your time during your last rounds in Jericho, making sure that every student and every chaperone of yours had made it back to the academy as the moon slowly said hello and softly illuminated the sky. You stopped in the town square - where the bleachers and ribbon once stood was now cleared and filled with the soft, gold lights that surrounded it and littered most of the town. You craned your neck up slightly and took a moment to admire the new statue.

Your thoughts that were filled to the brim with what ifs and every possible situation were now quiet, blank, in shock.. Every thought had shut down the moment you took in the empty square. Today could've been the day.. the day she could've found you.. the day your feelings, both of your feelings, could've truly been admitted, the day she could've finally saw you.. the real you, the one behind the cloak, the spells.. the rules..

But here you stood, with no one but the moon and the stars.. truly this time..

You looked up as you fought back tears, beckoning them to pool back into your eyes as the tightness in your throat made itself known to you. This was part of the job, you told yourself.. What is meant to be is meant to be.. You allowed yourself to get too attached, and this was the consequence you brought upon yourself..

This is why we put our trust in The Fates..

So there you stood, with heavy limbs and a heavy heart, near the places where some had found you for the first time and where others didn't and may never will.. This was an important lesson that you needed to learn.. though, it didn't make the pain any weaker…

~~

…

….

or so you thought..

Just as you were about to leave, a particular, frantic yet familiar voice filled your ears.

"Excuse me!!" You turned towards the direction of the noise and saw the blonde beauty making powerful strides in your direction, closing the distance in record time. She looked concerned, worried even.. but, as she drew near, her expression softened into a more welcoming one.

"Hello, darling. Sorry.. I was wondering if I could get your help with something…?" Her smooth voice scattered along your skin and to your ears, blessing you with her beautiful accent. She took in your figure as she spoke, looking you up and down slowly before meeting your eyes again. You stood tall, but she could see through that, deciding to speak nothing of it.

"Oh.. yes, sorry.. What seems to be the issue?" You asked, composing yourself as your spoke, pushing down the dread and forcing through the professionalism of your role. "You're.. the principal, correct? For the school for outcasts here?"

"I am, yes, good memory." She smiled at you as she offered the small compliment, and you couldn't help but smile back. Even if you were upset over the outcome of today so far, you could never get tired of the beautiful smile she sent your way. "If I recall correctly.. you were the one in the Weathervane that helped Miss Sinclair, yes?"

"Yes, I was. She's a lovely girl. I joined her for your speech too. Well.. more like she dragged me with her - amazing job, by the way. I can tell you truly care about what goes on here."

"Thank you.. Their lives are very important to me, and I would hate to represent them as anything less."

A small silence fell over the two of you. She would be the death of you, again, you were sure. You wondered how you kept this up as it was killing you from the inside out. You spoke, hoping to help the hardworking principal. "What.. was it that you needed, miss?"

"Oh, right, sorry.. I um.." She was nervous, that much was clear. Her demeanor had changed so quickly that you thought you had did something wrong in breaking the silence. She struggled holding eye contact and fiddled with her fingers as a pink hue lit up her cheeks. Adorable, you thought, for it was not often that you got to see the woman in such a state.

For a moment, she faltered and wondered if the person in front of her was truly you or if she was looking too much into things.. Everything about this was left to chance, but Larissa Weems was a woman who spotted everything. So she pushed through, confident in her knowledge of you, sure in what she knew and caught about the real you..

With a deep breath, she moved her gaze to yours and finally spoke again. "I was looking for someone and you were the first person I saw.. I was wondering if you could help me look, if it's not too much trouble.."

You moved your hands to your hips, and a small sigh fell from your lips as you took a moment to look around the streets of the town. A few places were still open, and technically you'd be doing your job of protecting a member of your school while helping.. You looked down and shook your head softly as a smile grew on your lips. "Sure, why not?" You said, moving your gaze back to hers.

Your smile made her pause, taking in the sight that made her heart skip a beat as a smile of her own grew.

"Ok, good.. because I had this suspicion-" She grabbed your arm gently and led you closer to a streetlamp. The sporadic energy that she gave off was enough to catch you off guard, but your feet carried you along.

She turned to face you quickly, fast enough that you bumped into her as she stopped. A soft 'sorry' left your mouth as you collided with the beauty, but it died on your tongue as her hands came out to grab your hips firmly in a way to catch and steady you. The action made you look at her with wide eyes. She held your hand in hers now as her eyes moved to every unhidden feature of your face. Confusion took over your being.. but a big thought repeated over and over in your head… maybe-

She moved a hand to cup your cheek, making your mind short circuit. Big, beautiful orbs pierced your own as time slowed, causing only the two of you to exist in this moment.

"Your lipstick.." She whispered, her eyes filled with desperation. "I noticed it before but I.. I needed to be sure.. And your actions throughout the day only proved my suspicions.." Her eyes looked between yours as she spoke, her touch and tone the gentlest to ever welcome your being.

"I'm sorry for taking so long.." Your breath stilled in your lungs, as your eyes pleaded for the unasked question.

"My darling.." She started.

"Y-Yes..?"

"What is your name?" It felt as though everything had lead up to this moment, the schools you didn't accept, the ones that didn't accept you, all seemed to fade away as you stood with each other in that moment.

"Y/n.. M/n L/n.." You answered as tears filled your eyes and you placed your hand atop of hers. "You found me, Larissa.."

She let out a breath she didn't know she was holding as relief washed over the both of you. Her gaze moved down to your lips quickly then back to your eyes - something you noticed as the energy in the air shifted.

You leaned in slowly, stopping with the smallest gap between the two of you, a silent question being sent to her. Your breath walked along her skin, making her own hitch slightly. With a gentle pull from her hand on your cheek, her lips were on yours.

The kiss was soft yet so full of emotion, so full of long days and tired nights of wanting to find the other, to hold them, to know them.. The feeling of her lips on yours was enough to make every worry, every issue, every thing fade away.. so soft and so gentle - a touch you dreamt of, a touch you longed for, a touch you now had..

She hummed into the kiss then pulled away slightly, her lips brushing against yours as she spoke. "Y/n.. how beautiful.."

This made a laugh escape your throat as you wrapped your arms around her shoulders, pulling her closer. The action made her wrap her hands around your lower waist, the touch sending goosebumps across your skin. "Mmm.. and how's my voice, hmm? How does it feel to finally be able to see me? Because my view for these past few months has been nothing but delectable.." You whispered against her lips, teasing the older woman but putting every ounce of truth your being can provide in your enjoyment of seeing her every day.

Though it was the first time she was really able to be with you, to interact with you, she'd be lying if she said she didn't think you were intoxicating, even at her early suspicions.. The way your outfit hugged your every curve or the gentleness and care that was translated into your actions was something she fell for.. hard. But.. your voice.. being able to see your face, see your eyes that she'd have no trouble getting lost in.. well..

"It's like a dream I've been waiting for.. Though, in this case, I don't need to be afraid of waking up.. You are absolutely addicting, Y/n.." She said, her voice dropping an octave as she said those last words, then leaned in to capture your lips with her own once more.

~~

The next day, an assembly was called right at the start of classes. Your representative had arrived at the school and stood next to you. The sight alone made the students nervous, only seeing this when a Protector finished their term or got traded out, though.. there were a few in the crowd that smiled, due to knowing otherwise.

Larissa came into view and started off on her compliments on how Outreach Day went this year, acknowledging the work the students and teachers put in to make it smooth as well as mentioning you in the process. There was a small pause as a slight jittery energy filled the principal - this would be the first time she'd be doing this, and the thought excited her.

"I met a special someone yesterday during Outreach Day.." You took this moment to step forward, gasps and small cheers making your smile, the smile that they'll finally get to see, widen.

"I'm glad to say that, even if you heard this voice once, you'll be getting to hear my next words in my real voice, a voice that is here to stay.." A wave of excitement washed through the teachers, students, and other staff - the relief of not having to go through this again, the relief of not having to say goodbye to you, catching up to them.

Your representative stepped forward, planting themselves beside you as you moved your body to completely face theirs. A smile lined their face as they whispered small congratulations to you, happy that you found your place, that you found your home..

"It is with great honor, Y/n M/n L/n, to tell you that you are hereby released from your concealing restrictions and deemed Nevermore Academies official Protector." Cheers filled the quad as you bowed to your representative in thanks. As they turned to leave, you started casting your removal spell when you turned to face the rest of the school. The area was filled in awe when they finally got to see you.

"Hello, everyone," you said with a smile that reached your eyes. The day had finally come and you couldn't be happier as your heart pounded in your chest, and you chanced a glance at Larissa who was looking at you with nothing but love and adoration.

The quad filled with comments about your looks and voice as Enid ran up to hug you in pride. "I told you she could do it!" She said as she looked up at you, her arms wrapped around your torso as you hugged her back. You let her go, laughing at her small 'I told you so' and looked over the crowd of students and teachers alike.

Larissa walked up behind you and wrapped an arm around your waist. "Now, now.. there's no need to overwhelm her so fast. She's staying here now, after all.." She turned her head to look at you with a big smile, making yours become brighter. You placed you hand on top of hers at your waist.

"Yeah," you said, "I have no plans on leaving.."

~~

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𝐚/𝐧: HAHAAAAHHHHH HOW MANY OF YOU DID I FOOL? HOW MANY OF YOUR HEARTS BROKE AT THAT PART? i am not sorry it was just TOO good not to add my favorite little touch is Larissa adding "my" in front of her pet names the harder she fell for reader :,,,)))) so fucking cute

Well! This was the final chapter of this series. I love it sososoosososo much and i absolutely adore how it turned out. It's really sad to see it go but it will always be held so close to my heart. THOUGHHHH i don't mind writing little drabbles or one shots in this universe! I think the concept is so interesting and is super fun to write in

Thank you all for the support you've given me on every single chapter.. It means the world to me that people love the very fist fic I've ever put out like WOW. It was such a cool experience going from reading these to writing one of my own..

As I'm starting college again, things might slow down a bit BUTTT i have a lot more ideas in my notes that I'm slowly working on. The next one I have planned is HELLA angsty but I loveeeee writing it HAH. If theres anything you guys want me to write then my reqs are open!

~ 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐯𝐲𝐧

✧･.☽˚｡･ﾟ✧ :══════⊹⊹══════: ✧･ﾟ｡˚☾.･✧

𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐬: (tagged anyone who asked or seemed interested in comments)

@sapphos-ode @barbarasstar @one-pining-queer @eveymay @leftoverenvy @readingtheentrails @theonefairygodmother @h-doodles @gela123 @sugipla @poorwritingandstalecoffee @s-c-rambledegggs @jeepingay @milciak

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[suckerforcate]

if you want i was wondering if you could larissa weems x reader where in the readers past relationships they’ve made the reader feel like an inadequate partner (too clingy, annoying sorta stuff like that) but larissa is there for them to make sure they know how amazing they are and how much larissa appreciates them if this doesn’t interest you totally ignore this hope you have a lovely day :)

You're safe now

Pairing: Larissa Weems x Reader

Word Count: 1318

Warning: previous abusive/toxic relationship

A/n: Really liked the idea, hope you like my try on it! <3

Larissa had noticed a few strange situations in the past few weeks that you had been together. At first, she didn't think much of it, but they were growing stranger and stranger.

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

She had been under the shower when she heard her phone ring. Damn it.

"(Y/n) could you check my phone real fast, it might be important." A few seconds later you had stood in the bathroom, phone in hand.

"I- what? No, I wanted you to answer it. But thanks." She had laughed at it, but you had looked incredibly confused before leaving the bathroom, while she was talking on the phone.

"No, (Y/n). You'll need to take the phone." But you were already out of reach.

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

You two had been walking through Jericho, after having had a coffee at Weathervanes as the Sheriff had approached you.

"Principle Weems, Mrs. (Y/l/n), nice to see you." Immediately you let go of Larissa's hand and took a step back. Confused she looked at you but kept on talking to the Sheriff. You just grabbed her hand again when the Sheriff was so far away, he couldn't see you anymore.

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

Situations like that had been strange, yes, but she had always tried explaining it somehow. Maybe you didn't like to display affection in public. Maybe you didn't like taking on the phone. But with every situation it got harder finding reasonable explanations.

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

Larissa had come home after a long day, incredibly happy to see you. You had already laid in bed, reading a book. She took off her shoes and crawled into bed. Kissing your neck and pulling you closer.

But she fast stopped, sensing that you weren't in the mood.

"(Y/n), we don't have to so this." You looked at her, and for a second she thought she saw panic flash through your eyes.

"No, it's okay. Go on." So she kissed you again, but the usual reaction to her touches wasn't there.

"(Y/n), I can sense that you don't want this. I will not sleep with you, if you don't want to."

"I'm sorry." Your voice had been unrecognisably quiet.

"Darling, there is nothing to be sorry about. We'll just watch a movie or cuddle, okay?"

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

And it was fully impossible after the latest situation yesterday.

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

Larissa had come home, expecting you to be there. So, of course she was mildly disappointed, when you weren't.

She had called you and asked what had happened to sleeping at hers.

"Oh, I've gotten my period. I'm sorry."

"Aren't you feeling well? I can come over and massage you or bring you my hot water bottle for cramps."

"Oh no, I'm feeling quite alright. I just know you probably don't want me sleeping in your bed, and I'd rather sleep in my bed than on your couch." Larissa was absolutely perplexed at that and didn't say anything for a hot minute. To you that was a sufficient explanation, so you told her you loved her and hung up. Leaving a still absolutely stunned Larissa at the other end.

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

The next day, first thing in the morning Larissa's went to your room. You really needed to talk. Gently she knocked and entered after you called.

"Oh, Larissa. God morning." You still laid in bed, having just woken up.

"Good morning, love." Larissa kissed you and opened the curtains, to let the room be flooded with sunlight. She couldn't stop herself from staring at you. You just looked so incredibly beautiful, not really woken up yet and bathed in the sunshine.

She sat down on the edge of your bed, face sterner than before. Stern but still gentle, the look confused you. It made you feel like you had done something wrong, but she would be angry or scold you for it. But that couldn't be, right? Anger and punishment was the reasonable reaction.

"Darling, I want to talk to you." You had done something wrong. Of course, you had. Panic flushed through you, your mind working fast to find out what you had done wrong. Maybe if you'd apologise before she said something she would be less angry. But you had no idea. You had tried so hard not to mess things up.

"Whatever I've done, I'm really sorry. I didn't want to anger or annoy you." Larissa's eyes softened, and she took your hand in hers.

"I'm not angry, why would you think that. I've just noticed a few things in the last weeks that I didn't understand." You slightly nodded, showing her to go on.

"You never use my phone, even if I tell you to. You display nearly no affection in the public at all, you're always very careful with what you say, you apologise an awful lot for awfully much. That were all things I kind of looked over, but I absolutely didn't understand why you didn't sleep over last night, and it seems you always want to sleep with me, even if you yourself aren't in the mood at all. It's as if you'd just follow my word, without looking at your own needs. And as much as I appreciate that, I don't want it. I want you to listen to your body, to your needs and always communicate them." She gently stroked your cheek, you didn't know what to say. You were absolutely startled by her affectionate, loving being. The adoration in her eyes nearly brought you to tears.

"Well I just- my previous partner never wanted me to sleep in his bed when I had my period. He said it was disgusting." You were ashamed even talking about it.

"Firstly that is absolutely horrible. It's an absolute human thing and there is nothing disgusting about it whatsoever. Secondly, I'm a woman too. I also get my period, so if I can handle that I can most definitely handle yours as well. Can I ask, all the rest that I mentioned. Was that also because of your previous partner?" You nodded.

"He had been my first ever boyfriend. I just didn't know better, I thought that's how it's supposed to be, but you're making me question things right now. Her never let me look into his phone, but he had to be able to look into mine at all times. He always told me I was too clingy and affectionate. And if I didn't want to have sex he asked me what I was good for if I didn't pleasure his needs. He always punished me with days of not talking to me, if I'd anger him. And what I feel with you is so much stronger than what I felt for him, so I was really scared to mess thing up and have you not talk to me. I wanted to make you happy at all costs." Larissa was shocked, how could people do something like that? She had had shit relationships and people take advantage of her, but she thought that was mainly because of her ability to shape-shift. But people did this without any reason whatsoever.

"Oh love, come here." She opened her arms for a big hug, which you gladly accepted. Gently she stroked your hair and whispered in your ear.

"What that man did to you is unforgivable. That's not how a relationship works. It's not all about Sex, it's about trust, loving each other, having fun together and being there for each other no matter what. I don't keep any secrets, neither from you, nor from the people at this school. I'd gladly walk through the school and the town, arm in arm, kissing you, showing everyone how happy I am to have you as my girlfriend." You nodded into her chest, clinging to her like a hurt child. But you knew, with Larissa by your side everything would get better. You would get a chance to heal and be unconditionally happy.

[swiss-mrs]

EVERMORE

(Modern!KAS!Eddie Munson x POC!Werewolf!OC)

Multi-Part Series

Synopsis: After trying and failing to teach himself restraint and control, Eddie is shipped off to Jericho, Vermont, to Nevermore Academy. While studying and relearning the world, he quickly learns that he is not alone. The world is actually full of magical, supernatural beings just like him, monsters of fiction, creatures of tale. Along his journey, he makes new friends and new life-long bonds. He even gets to enjoy a little 'Hellfire' at his new school. For once in his life, Eddie seems to be thriving in school, but, unfortunately, not everything good stays that way for long. Some very unwanted, unwelcomed things start to resurface from Eddie's past. When people around town start to show up dead or reported missing, Eddie and his new group of friends are forced to embark on an adventure to potentially save the town and, possibly, the world.

Series Rating: M (Mature), Adult Language and Themes, Gore and Violence, Characters Age Range 13+.

Warnings! Mentions and Explicit Depictions of: Split Personalities, Death, Murder, Magic, Supernatural Elements and Beings, Manipulation, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bodily Transformations, and Corruption.

OC Description: No Mentions of Height, Weight. Mentioned at 18 y/o. Mentioned to have shoulder/collarbone length natural/curly hair and braided hairstyles. Mentioned to be physically fit for running/fighting/battle. She/They Pronouns. Intended to be of African decent/mixed race. Given Name: Laika "Reid" Reider.

Upside Down Canon, Stranger Things Season 4-5 AU.

World References

Welcome to Evermore The Slayers Club

Chapters

Preface Chapter One Chapter Two Additional Chapters Coming Soon!!

Extras

Coming Soon!!

Evermore Tag List (OPEN):

@ali-r3n  @mother-oshun @madelynraemunson  @starmilks @ohmeg @avidreader73 @princesssunderworld

Swisslist (General Taglist): @rosecentury @smashingmodels

[befuddled-calico-whump]

Total $hit$how: Hand Me My Shovel

in which Joy has some strong opinions

cw: referenced violence, death mentions

previous // masterlist // next

×~×~×

Joy’s meeting with Sahota had felt a lot like treading water; expending a shit ton of energy and still going nowhere. The others hadn't fared much better. Kaius seemed more sour than usual on his return, and Benji came back from his hour half an hour early. Harbor hadn't come back at all. She'd almost been afraid the morale would slip completely after the bout of failures, but she should've known she could count on Jer to save the day.

“How'd you do it?” It was the number one question on her mind as soon as she’d caught the look of quiet triumph on his face. He might as well have lassoed the sun.

Jericho took a seat across from her. Training had dissolved into lunchtime not long after he’d left, and Joy’d gotten lost in her own thoughts and lingered in the kitchen even after the other two had gone back to the mats.

Hi mouth tightened at her question. “I guess… I convinced him we could help.”

A fair strategy, but it felt like there was more to it. “What did you say?”

“I'll tell you later.” His voice dropped. “Joy, I think we should talk about something.”

Oh she did not like that tone. One syllable in and she knew something was wrong. “What is it?” she asked carefully, casting a habitual glance over her shoulder. No one in the kitchen, no one in the hall.

“It’s Harbor,” Jer replied, glancing down at the table, eyes on his clasped hands. “He… he hurt Sahota. Pretty bad.”

“What?” She felt her brows knit together at his words. “How bad is pretty bad?”

“He started…” Jericho exhaled, paused as if considering something. “I don't know the extent. He was pretty beat up when I got there. Seemed like he was in a lot of pain.”

“Fuck.” Was that why Harbor hadn't come back once his time was up? She'd thought nothing of it until now; he didn't like hanging out with the group, and was all scowls and bitey comments when he was forced to. Nothing new there, but beating up Sahota? That was lower than she'd thought he'd stoop. Did he resent losing the fight on day one? Was he trying to prove something?

“Are you going to tell anyone else?” she said at last.

Jer shook his head. “No, not… not yet. We're supposed to work together. We don't need any more of a rift between us and Harbor.”

“We also don't need a bully on the team,” Joy said. One bad apple would spoil the mission. She didn't want to have to worry about looking over her shoulder whenever Harbor was around.

“I don't know the full story,” Jericho said. “I think we should talk to him about it before jumping to any conclusions—” 

“I trust everyone had a productive training day?” Vic’s voice seemed to come out of nowhere, and Joy nearly jumped out of her skin.

Shit, how much did he hear?  The thought was instinctive, another habit from making quiet deals and trying to keep out of trouble. She felt she should laugh at her paranoia, especially regarding this, but didn’t it make sense?

Vic was good at acting friendly, but in the last three days alone he’d encouraged them to kill a stranger and watched his partner’s torture as casually as he would a popcorn flick. She had the feeling he’d be quicker to encourage Harbor’s violence than put a stop to it, and that was the last thing they needed.

“I heard Sahota let you all dabble in interrogation,” Vic said, striding into the kitchen. “Did you have fun?”

“I wouldn't call it that,” Joy said, shifting in her chair.

“That's life for you. Never as interesting as the movies.” He took a seat at the end of the table, steepling his fingers. “I understand you made a wager on behalf of Rebecca Finley.”

Sahota’s deal. She’d gotten so wrapped up in the Harbor bullshit she’d forgotten what they’d won.

“Unfortunately, said wager was made without my knowledge,” Vic continued, “and can't be honored in either direction.”

Her mouth was open before she could stop herself. “What? You can't—”

“Cavan.” His tone was a warning, like a rattlesnake shaking its tail, and Joy snapped her mouth shut, clenching her teeth together to keep the words in. The evening meeting where he'd shown them the video was still sharp in her head. Vic could be real fucking mean when provoked. He was a little too similar to some of the army sergeants she'd known in that way, and that wasn't a fact to be proud of.

“As I was saying,” Vic said, “I'm vetoing the deal you made. However, in an effort to reach a compromise, we will be going with a third option instead of either extreme. Finley's off the menu. No more energy will be wasted on deciding what to do about her; we'll just bypass the matter entirely.”

But we earned it.

With the effort of pushing back the sea, Joy managed to bite her tongue. Jericho had earned it, and he hadn’t said a word. Better not to provoke another shouting match with Vic. She knew she wouldn’t come out on top.

“Is that all you have to tell us?” she muttered, unable to keep the irritation out of her voice.

“What are we doing instead?” Jericho asked at the same time, his tone considerably more reasonable than hers.

Vic inclined his head towards Jer. “In the last hour, I've been scouting new assignments,” he replied. “I'm pleased to say I came out the other end with a task for each of you.”

Joy crossed her arms, pressing clenched fists into her sides. Okay, this was good. As long as she was beholden to Vic’s will, she’d better be getting shit done.

“I’ve already spoken to Mr. Manak and Mr. Ruebin. They'll be leaving tomorrow morning to search Finley's drop site for relevant intelligence.”

Her knuckles pressed in deeper, and she had to fight to keep a neutral tone. “Didn't you just say she was off the menu?”

Vic chuckled, and she couldn’t help but think he was entertained by her frustration. Why? Because she couldn’t protest without being threatened with jail time?

“Finley is,” he said. “Finley’s stuff is another matter. Mr. Davis, you and Mr. Harbor will be using my computer to access anything you can on Rotorworx. With your combined skills, you should be able to find weaknesses in their website. Get us some usable information if you can. And Miss Cavan.” His eyes landed on her. “You'll be accompanying Sahota on an expedition of sorts. I've located one of Rotorworx's old project sites. There may be residue there that can clue us in on the Reality Cage.”

Finley could’ve clued them in on the Reality Cage, if Vic wasn’t so hell-bent on doing things his way.

“Okay,” she said, still rigid in her seat. “Cool. Where is he?”

“He’s resting,” Vic said.

She and Jericho shared a glance. Bet he was. The one bright spot here was that the assignments had been divvied up in such a way that Harbor and Jer were paired together. If there was any sense, any fucking decency left in the guy, Jericho could bring it out. If not… Maybe he and Vic were just cut from the same cloth. And in that case, she wanted nothing to do with him.

“I expect you both to tackle your taskings first thing in the morning,�� Vic said, getting to his feet. “Rest while you can. It’s imperative we don’t waste another day.”

With that, he left.

Joy slouched back in her chair as soon as his footsteps had faded, looking up at the ceiling. “Guess I shouldn’t be surprised.”

“He has a plan in mind,” Jericho said. “If he thinks Finley is a waste of time—”

“So what if she is? He can’t just snatch that away.”

“He’s in charge.”

“So is Sahota. Doesn’t he get a say?” She huffed, letting her arms drop to her sides. “What if this keeps happening? The whole ‘my way or the highway’ thing?” She shot a sharp look in Jericho’s direction. “What if it gets one of us killed?” She’d dealt with bad leadership before. Experience didn’t mean shit if you weren’t willing to choke down your ego and listen to your troops.

“I don’t think it’ll go that far,” Jericho said quietly. She wondered if he was trying to convince himself.

“He was fine abandoning Sahota. What if next time it’s one of us on the screen?”

Jericho winced. “I don’t think there’s anything we can do about it.” He let out a sigh, tapping the back of his hand. “It’s just this one mission, then we’re done. We won’t have to deal with it anymore.”

She knew he was right, but it still felt like the wrong call. “Is it worth it? What if we end up with another Finley, but he makes us go through with the murder part? Is it worth it?”

He was looking at his hands again. “What about the Cage? This mission isn’t just for us. People are in danger.”

“I know, just…” She clenched her jaw. “Maybe we can do it without them?”

“Joy…”

“We could.” Just her and Jer could do it. Sneak out of here and break the dangergate before things went south. Benji would probably get in on it too, maybe even Manak. Then they could do things her way. They had a location. All they really needed was a crate of C-4 and a description of the Reality Cage.

But Jericho was shaking his head. “I can’t,” he said. “I can’t take that risk based on a maybe. If we leave, we’re still on the wanted posters. I can’t run forever.”

Her burst of rebellion deflated as quickly as it had risen. He was right. She couldn’t ask him to put his kid on the line like that, and even if she was acting alone, she still wanted to see her family again someday.

“Okay,” she said, nodding. “Okay.” The kitchen fell silent. No distant footsteps, no brilliant new ideas. They were stuck following Vic’s orders. She just had to hope he’d keep them in the realm of sanity.

“So,” she said, once again slouching in her chair. “Harbor.”

“Harbor,” Jericho echoed.

“Should we talk to him now? Before tomorrow?”

“I don’t know,” Jer answered. “I don’t think so.”

“No?”

“I think he might see it as an attack. I think… I should just try to bring it up naturally.”

“It should feel like an attack,” Joy protested. “He did something wrong, and he needs to know it.”

“I don’t know,” Jer said again. “I think he… I don’t know, there’s something not adding up with him. It doesn’t fit.”

“Maybe he just hates Sahota,” she offered. “He was the only one who voted against the rescue.”

Jericho shook his head. “I don't think he meant to take it as far as he did. Maybe something set him off.”

And that was just what they needed on the team, someone with an unpredictable temper. Harbor was already hard enough to work with.

“That's no excuse,” she said.

“Let me try tomorrow, okay?” Jer replied, giving her a sincere look. “If it goes bad, we’ll confront him together.”

If it went bad, she wanted him gone. Sure, the guy had psychic powers or whatever, but that didn’t excuse any of his bullshit. If he wound up going overboard and hurting anyone else, she’d take care of him herself.

“Okay,” she said. 

“And speaking of…” He gave her a curious look. “You'll be with Sahota tomorrow.”

“Yeah?”

“Can you…” Jer grimaced. “Can you try to check on him? See how he's doing?”

She raised an eyebrow. “Because that went so well last time.”

“This is different.”

“Different how?”

“He…” There was that hesitation again, like Jericho was about to drop some big reveal but thought better of it at the last second. “He seemed upset,” he said.

“Sahota was upset?” She frowned. “Like… he was mad?” Hell, she would be too.

“More like… sad,” Jericho said. “Overwhelmed. I don't know.”

Sahota and sad just didn't compute. Overwhelmed, she could understand, but sad about what? Harbor? The failures of his trainees? Based on everything she'd seen from him so far, it didn't make sense.

“Can you do it?” Jericho said, giving her what could only be described as puppydog eyes. "See if he's okay? Tomorrow?”

Joy sighed. Taserbot mazes she could handle. Lab expeditions, she could handle. Feelings? That's where things got dicey. But despite her own reservations, she nodded. “Tomorrow.”

×~×~×

@theonewithallthefixations , @violets-whumperflies , @whump-me , @pirefyrelight , @soheavyaburden , @snakebites-and-ink ,

@sodacreampuff , @starfields08000

@whumpsday , @kixngiggles , @echo-goes-aaa , @whumpcateyes , @clickerflight ,

[tanith-rhea]

Hi!! Can I request a Larissa x teacher!reader where reader has younger siblings so they understand the references, jokes, and slang that the students use so they get along well with them. Larissa hears reader talking to the students one day and is confused, but reader finds it adorable and tease Larissa a little (in the lighthearted way). Thanks!!

From Newark to Burlington #2

Hey, anon! I won't lie, I was sneaky with this one. I loved your request and thought the liveliness would go just perfect with my From Newark to Burlington reader, so I hope you don't mind I incorporated that in the part 2. It is just a tiny bit more steamy and angsty than I think you envisioned, but there is almost nothing there but lighthearted teasing and fun, so don't worry! I hope you enjoy it and thank you so much! Also, can you tell I don't know half a thing about slangs?

Word count: 2.6k

Larissa Weems is your new boss. Who knew that your crush could get any weirder and more complicated? Congratulations, Universe! Good one!

Being a normie teacher in a school for outcasts was too fun to be allowed. You never thought your students could give you such a good time but when a vampire kid explained the entire Russian Vampire Affair from the early 1920s in vivid detail because their "parents were there" was a treat; or when another described the burning of the meeting house in Jericho itself because they saw it in a vision, chef's kiss.

You were thrilled. Teaching those kids was the most fun you've had for a while in an academic setting. But that was not the only thing keeping your high spirits. Larissa Weems was your new boss.

Could the Universe come up with a bigger joke? How would it surprise you now? Or worst: how could it fuck you over harder than this?

It was unprofessional to fantasize about your employer, but you're sure it was also unprofessional to look that good when stopping by "just to check how things are going."

Your students thought you were afraid of the principal because every time she appeared you looked sickly pale or lost all semblance of coherence while talking. Larissa Weems made you a lusty mess, and you were not having it!

You: Can I take you up on the hot chocolate offer?

You waited a bit for a reply, but Weems was probably busy overworking herself to answer. Her contact name was still "Larissa" from when she typed it into your phone; she wasn't Larissa anymore. Now she was boss, or principal, or headmistress. It was only three weeks, but you missed the flight where she was just the stranger who ruined your jacket and slept on your shoulder.

Larissa: Please do. When would you like to meet? Is 4 p.m. ok?

Wow, replying under ten minutes! Principal Weems was wild today!

You: Perfect. I'll meet you there...

You typed and erased and typed and erased. At the end you sent:

You: Perfect. I'll meet you there, gorgeous x

Was flirting with your boss okay? It was when you didn't know each other, but now it seemed illicit and even more exciting.

She was already there when you arrived, but hadn't ordered. You slipped into the booth with a half-smile, looking up at her beautiful blue eyes.

"Hello there," she had a charming warm smile on her face, looking almost like a proud mother when their child did something kind.

I wouldn't object to calling you mommy. You thought and had to cough to hide your heating face from her.

"I took the liberty of asking for them to keep our drinks warm, they'll bring it over anytime soon," she rested her hand on top of each other on the table "So, how have you been acclimatizing? Are the students warming up to you?" she could not stop being the principal of Nevermore even while on a date. Was it a date? You counted it as one.

"They are soo much fun. I love them all," you beamed at her and a young barista came if two cups of hot chocolate with extra cream "Thank you!-"

"I must say that I was worried they'd be a bit weary of having another normie teacher after the incident of last year. We accidentally employed a radical with plans of destroying the school." she said carefully, her eyes trained on yours.

"Gee, that sound horrible. Was everyone ok?" she seemed to approve of your reaction. Was she testing you?

"One student, unfortunately, died, along with several normies hitchhiking in the proximities, but the teacher and her accomplice were emprisioned."

"I'm so sorry," you reached for her hands, caressing them in a way you hoped was comforting "I swear I don't want to kill anyone. At least while they're all behaving." you joked and immediately regretted it thinking it was too soon to make fun on something so serious, but to your delight and absolute relief, Larissa burst into a fit of laughter, breathtakingly full.

After that, it was much easier to talk. She seemed to drift to other topics instead of school, even sharing that she was almost sure you were the new teacher when you discussed your class plans on the airplane. You joked and attempted flirting a bit, feeling almost frustrated that it was so easy with everyone else but with her, it seemed like you were stepping on a bed of nails, scared she might reject you.

In the end, it was a lot of fun. You were almost sure she wanted you, even if she tried to conceal it, and your hopes were up.

It was the last class of the day and everyone was choosing their seats at the rearranged tables to form four big groups. Today your little hell-sents would recreate historical moments when outcasts advanced in their fight for acceptance in society by building dioramas. They seemed excited enough when you told them and started working as soon as each got their prompt.

About ten minutes into the class, someone politely knocked at the door. How could a knock sound polite you didn't know, but you very much knew who could be the only person to achieve that.

Larissa greeted you with a warm smile, saying she just wanted to pass by to see how everyone was acclimatising to you. Luckily, your students seemed to like you well enough, and when Principal Weems asked what they thought of you so far Enid said, "Professor l/n slays, principal"

Some other students also contributed, complimenting you on how your classes were banging compared to last year's. You didn't like to be compared but couldn't contain the smugness from being the "cool teacher"; maybe having your pest younger siblings was not so bad if you could relate to teenagers more easily.

After hearing the praises, Larissa seemed half-satisfied half-confused. You didn't realize why that was, but quickly forgot about it when she said:

"Also, I meant to ask you after our lovely outing yesterday but ended up forgetting it," she explained "Would you like to visit me later for wine? After dinner, maybe?" she seemed perfectly innocent, but her accentuated Ts and low voice made your stomach lurch nonetheless.

"Of course-" you stopped abruptly, your voice too high and certainly perking up a few students' ears "I would love too. I'll see you at dinner?"

Larissa only nodded, amused, and left you to continue the class.

The class ran smoothly after that. The dioramas were not completely finished but you allowed everyone to pick up on their work the next week, they were having fun while learning and that was all that mattered.

While your students were leaving you started packing up your own things; you would grade in your rooms since they had a more comfortable sitting arrangement. When you were finished and ready to go, you noticed four students still in the room, whispering amongst themselves by the door.

"Hey, guys. Can I help you with anything?" you smiled at the girls, Wednesday, Enid, Bianca and Yoko. Curious how they would be friends, being all so very different from each other.

Enid eyed her companions unsurely before taking a step forward, "We were just wondering... we heard you and Principal Weems talking earlier, and after you seemed very..." she fumbled for words, and Wednesday provided an end to her sentence:

"Out of sorts, in a way. Have you done anything to upset the headmistress?" she arched a brow, very to the point, that girl.

"No, why would you guys think that?"

"You just seemed very bothered, pale and breathing fast. We thought you were in trouble," Yoko provided.

While you discussed, Larissa passed by your class, assuming it was ended and no one would be there beside you, but stopped at the sound of multiple people talking about... was it her name she was hearing?

"Girls, I am not in trouble. Don't worry."

"Then why did you look upset?" Bianca jumped in, in a demanding tone you couldn't blame a siren from sporting. It was rather becoming on her, really.

You debated with yourself what to tell them. Maybe it was that you missed the twins, or maybe the madness you felt for repressing your lust for the principal, but you decided to confide in them.

"Do you really want to know?" you asked in an almost desperate tone, they seemed to thrive by the prospect of gossip and nodded vehemently "I'm just... I'm just... simpingsofuckingmuchforthatwoman" you finished in a rush.

They were quiet for a moment, you didn't know if it was shock, disgust, or just plain simple confusion.

"Called it," Wednesday said.

"What?!" you squeaked.

"I mean it was obvious..." Yoko drawled.

Were they having you on all this time? Just to get the information out of you?

"I completely understand, I mean she's so boujee with her clothes and that air about her"

While you were slowly melting to the ground, Larissa was at levels upon levels of confusion on the other side of the door. What were you talking about? Simping? Boujee? What in heaven was all that?

"How did you know?" you asked in a disbelieving voice.

"The way you look at her? How your face looses all colour? Kinda sus," Enid chirped in. Jesus, you were so obvious, weren't you? Weems probably was just having some fun with you, watching all the different expressions your panicked lusty mind painted on your face.

"Your reaction is fully understandable and supported by us," Wednesday said in her monotone, was she saying they ship you?

"Absolutely, I'm a total stan" Enid agreed.

"Yes girl, she's totally sliving it and you deserve something good, you're the coolest teacher in this school but your awkward-ass baby vibes demand a good mommy," Yoko finished.

At the end of it, you were laughing and joking about how much of a mommy she would be, and Larissa could only gather that maybe you felt intimidated by her and the girls thought you deserved someone better, softer and that didn't make you feel so nervous. She left in a haze of thoughts, thinking about how had she managed to make you uncomfortable when she had only ever tried to flirt and be approachable. Maybe her appearance was too much for you, maybe you two were never going to work because you felt you had no choice but to be responsive and flirt back. She was so very confused, she thought you had a connection but maybe she interpreted it all wrong. Well, she had certainly dealt with disappointment before, you would only add to a long list. She wasn't necessarily sad, it was almost funny actually, she'd just have to deal with the embarrassment of it.

Dinner felt charged. When you waved to the principal, she gave you a curt nod and a smile. You sat beside her to talk, maybe flirt a bit, but she only seemed dismissive of your attempts. It was as if electricity filled your veins and tensed your spine, but not in a fun way. Larissa was weirdly relaxed, almost like you hadn't gone on a date and she had invited you for drinks. She was civil enough, talking with Vlad and Persephone, but the jovial remarks and amused smirk didn't include you.

Later, when you were getting ready to go to her office, you realized your shoulders were still tense. Maybe her behaviour at dinner was she trying to tell you she thought better of it and didn't want you to come. You were almost giving up going when the girl's voices came to your mind, about how they thought your energy balanced so well and your tentative banter was the cutest (according to Enid and very much not Wednesday). If she didn't want you she might as well say it to your face, you decided and marched confidently down the corridor.

"Oh, you came," Larissa greeted you surprised after three curt knocks "I thought you wouldn't want to after all." she seemed eerily calm and polite.

"Why wouldn't I want to come?" you asked genuinely curious while following her inside.

She filled two glasses of red wine, sweet but earthy you realized, and sat on one of the chairs by the fire.

"I'm not prone to dancing around a subject," she said matter-of-factly, looking into the fire "I may have been in the past but I learned it only causes unnecessary discomfort."

You had no idea where this was going, but hey, being direct was a great trait, right?

"I heard you talking to some girls after your last class. I was going to stop by for a chat but ended up listening in."

You felt your face heating up. Had she heard you nonsensically thirsting over her to your students? Jesus Christ, that was so embarrassing. Wait, would she scold you for talking about the principal with them? It would only be fair but you thought the mortification of knowing she heard it was punishment enough, honestly.

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry!" you felt laughter slowly rise from the nervousness "They forced me to tell them, I swear!" now you were laughing, so embarrassed you could only laugh more and by the confused and almost amused expression on Larissa's face it was not helping your case.

She wasn't taking your regret seriously, and thinking it funny wouldn't alleviate any reprimand she might give you.

"I just..." you wheezed "I just had to tell someone" you coughed, cleaning tears from your eyes. You were so desperate.

"I'm upset about it," Larissa said calmly, and that made your laughter slowly subside "But I do agree that it is a bit humorous, if not to me. It is completely fine, really, I just wish you had told me you didn't think about me that way."

She was so put together. What the fuck was she talking about, though?

"What do you mean 'didn't think about me that way'?" you frowned, tilting your head.

She seemed equally confused, "You were discussing how intimidating I was? I believe someone mentioned I was 'boujee'? and 'sliving it'?"

It didn't make any sense to you. What was she talking about? You literally confessed simping for her... unless she didn't know... what it meant?

"And what do you think it means to be those things?" you asked carefully, picking up your wine glass and sipping with an arched brow.

She frowned and accompanied the movement of your hands with her eyes when you put the glass back down.

"Because I remember saying I am a simp for you, which means I would do whatever the hell you asked me and say thank you," her eyes went wide at that, and you smirked, continuing in a lower tone "and boujee means you are so fucking stylish and screams classy mommy all over,"

"And what does sliving mean...?" Larissa replied in a whisper, taking you in with a tight swallow, her hand dropping her own glass of wine on the floor.

"It means," you started, getting up from your chair to walk toward her, silently asking for permission to come close "that you are a glamourous and powerful woman in complete control of your life and consequentially the reason I drink three liters of water a day because I'm always so fucking thursty," you finished sitting in her lap, her hands around your waist.

"How was I supposed to understand that from all the gibberish you were talking?" if ".exe stopped working" was a facial expression, that would be her at that moment and you could not keep from laughing again.

"You weren't," you chuckled, that woman was adorable "Because as I and the girls agree, you are such a mommy" you finished before kissing her with the biggest smile.

I know this was a long time coming, guys, sorry!

@mayfair-fleur, @clairebear1251, @poorwritingandstalecoffee, @readingtheentrails, @flightlexsbird, @witchesmortuary

[henrysglock]

me watching tumblr figure out that ST5 is going to be the apocalyptic nuclear fallout season as if I didn’t predict and explain exactly that all the way back in December:

[evermoreseries]

EVERMORE

evermoreseries.tumblr.com

(Modern!KAS!Eddie Munson x Werewolf!POC)

Multi-Part Series

Synopsis: After trying and failing to teach himself restraint and control, Eddie is shipped off to Jericho, Vermont, to Nevermore Academy. While studying and relearning the world, he quickly learns that he is not alone. The world is actually full of magical, supernatural beings just like him, monsters of fiction, creatures of tale. Along his journey, he makes new friends and new life-long bonds. He even gets to enjoy a little 'Hellfire' at his new school. For once in his life, Eddie seems to be thriving in school, but, unfortunately, not everything good stays that way for long. Some very unwanted, unwelcome things start to resurface from Eddie's past. When people around town start to show up dead or reported missing, Eddie and his new group of friends are forced to embark on an adventure to potentially save the town and, possibly, the world.

Series Rating: M (Mature), Adult Language and Themes, Gore and Violence, Characters Age Range 13+.

Warnings! Mentions and Explicit Depictions of: Split Personalities, Character Death, Murder, Violence, Magic, Supernatural Elements and Beings, Manipulation, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bodily Transformations, and Corruption.

OC Description: No Mentions of Height, Weight. Mentioned at 18 y/o. Mentioned to have shoulder/collarbone length natural/curly hair and braided hairstyles. Mentioned to be physically fit for running/fighting/battle. She/They Pronouns. Mentioned to have dated a man in past. Intended to be of African decent/mixed race. Given Name: Laika "Reid" Reider.

Upside Down Canon, Stranger Things Season 4-5 AU.

World References

Welcome to Evermore The Slayers Club

Chapters

Preface Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Additional Chapters Coming Soon!!

Extras

OC Q&As More Coming Soon!!

Evermore Tag List (OPEN):

@ali-r3n @mother-oshun @madelynraemunson @starmilks @ohmeg @avidreader73 @evileyeandthecattywhumps

[nikimisery]

Supernatural Season 1 Episode 1: Pilot

Pairings: Dean Winchester x OC (eventual)

Tags/Warnings: Cussing

All Freya had known, her entire life was pain, in one shape or another. Physical pain, from all the days spent in the foster care system, emotional pain from the death of her parents and older brother… She carried her scars like badges of honor. She had known right from the start that she wasn’t like the other kids. Sometimes, when she got angry, her fingernails got really sharp, or sometimes, if she clenched a glass just a little too tightly, it would shatter. She could hear the conversations of her neighbors four houses down, she could smell the chocolate bar, still in the wrapper, in the pocket of her jacket downstairs, and she could see in the dark, just as well as she could see during the daylight, but she never knew why. Her parents and older brother had been killed when she was five. The only thing she still had from them was her mother’s journal. It didn’t give her a lot of information on who or what she was, but she did learn all about everything that goes bump in the night. Ghosts? Easy, salt and burn them, baby! Demons? Holy water and exorcisms. But there was one thing in her journal that didn’t make sense. The name John Winchester, a phone number, and the simple phrase that says, “Freya, find him.” So when she turned 18 and she was turned out of the foster care system, she decided to start looking for him. She wouldn’t find him until five years later, completely by accident, when she was trying to catch a few hours of sleep on a small bridge on the way out of a small town called Jericho, California.

Laying on this bridge to try and catch some sleep was, admittingly, not one of my best ideas, but maybe if I positioned myself under the railing, just right, I could, maybe, get a little shelter from the cold. However, the bolts from the old wooden planks were digging into my back and the creaking metal was so loud in my ears, it was probably going to be impossible to get any sleep. It was better than my other options though. I wasn’t going to sleep down by the river, it was too cold, not to mention the smell of absolute shit that was wafting off of the water that made my eyes sting and I wasn’t even down there by it! Couldn’t sleep in town, the cops there had already warned me off. Couldn’t have ‘vagabonds’ littering the town square, even if they were ‘easy on the eyes’ as Officer Jaffe had so nicely put it, so this was my only option. I would get a few hours of sleep, then move on to the next town. I had heard rumors of a Winchester being in the area, and I could only hope it was the one from my mom’s journal. 

I had just started to nod off when I saw the headlights, blinding me, even with my eyes closed. Sometimes the heightened senses really pissed me off. It took me a couple of seconds for my eyes to adjust after the lights hit my eyes, but I saw a man coming around the front of a black 1983 Sierra. Tall, broad shoulders, salt and pepper hair… overall not bad on the eyes. 

“You okay, kid?” he asked me.

“Ummm, yeah. Just trying to lay down for a few minutes.” I said wearily. I didn’t know this guy, and while I was fairly confident that I could take him in a fight if it came down to it, I was just so tired. I just wanted to sleep and be left alone.

“Where are your parents?” 

“Dead.” I replied bluntly. 

“You got anywhere to sleep tonight out of the cold?” 

“Right here…” I said quietly. 

“What’s your name, kid?” He asked me, kindly.

“Freya.” 

“You got a last name, Freya?” 

“Do you?”

“That’s fair. If I told you my name, would you let me get you some food? Maybe a pillow?” 

“It’s possible.” I replied, again wary of this stranger. He didn’t smell off, each person had their own unique scent, I had noticed, demons smelled like rotting eggs, regardless of their host, so I knew he wasn’t one. He smelled like engine oil and freshly cut grass. It was a weird combination, but it worked for him. He reminded me of my dad a little. 

“My name is John. John Winchester.” As soon as the words left his mouth, I could feel myself freezing. This was it. This was the man I had been looking for. Holy shit, how lucky could I get?

“Winchester? I’ve been looking for you.” It was his turn to look a little wary, at that. “My mom’s journal. She wrote in there, your name and the sentence ‘find him’.” I told him.

“What is your last name kid,” He asked me.

“Ashford.” 

“Get in the truck, kid. Looks like we have a lot to talk about.” He said simply, turning on his heel and getting back in his truck. Getting up off the ground, I grabbed my backpack that I was using as a pillow, dusted myself off and walked over to the passenger side of the truck. 

“This is an ’83, right? My dad had one almost just like it, before he died.” I said to him. 

“You know cars?” he asked me

“My dad was a mechanic. I may have only had five years with him, but I remember how much he loved them. I’ve tried to teach myself as much as I can. I’d hope he would be proud of that much, at least.” I answered him honestly. 

“Your dad was a good man. I knew them both, your mom and your dad. They were good people.” 

“You knew them? Then, maybe…” I trailed off. How the hell was I going to ask this dude I just met if he knew what I was? He knew my parents, maybe he knew what they were, or he knew nothing and would think I was crazy and there would go my dinner and a warm bed. 

“Maybe, what?” he pressed.

“Nothing, it’s stupid.” 

“No, go ahead.” 

“You’ll think it’s crazy.” I said. He kind of chuckled to himself at that, shaking his head a little. 

“You’d be surprised. Try me.” Thinking about it for a few more seconds, I considered my options. At this point in my life, what did I have to lose? We had just pulled into a cheap motel parking lot and he killed the truck as he turned to me, waiting on my response. Taking a deep breath, I decided to try my luck. 

“Do you know what I am?” I asked him quietly. He regarded me for a moment, just looking over my face, while he thought about his answer. 

“Lets go inside and we can talk about this more, where it’s a little more comfortable.” He said, as he opened the door, grabbing his coat. “And warm.” He added. Nodding, I got out of the truck, grabbing my bag and following him inside. 

Stepping into the room, I realized when I looked around at the news articles covering the walls, that this dude might actually be able to help me. This looked a lot like the stuff in my moms journal, so that made me feel a lot better about being here and trusting him, just a little.

I didn’t know how long it had been since John had left me here in this motel room. After our talk, he ran out to get us something to eat. After we ate, he told me to take a shower, gave me one of his shirts and told me to get some sleep. He had talked to me about this case he was working on, a ghost who was killing men out on the old highway. But he had left a couple of days ago to talk to the husband, giving me strict instructions to stay here “until I come get you” and I haven’t seen him since. I knew it had to be at least 3 days, but I had slept a lot, seeing as how this was the first time I had gotten to sleep in an actual bed and wasn’t running for my life. I took full advantage of it, but at this point, I was drinking water out of the sink, seeing as how I ran out of the water in the bottles yesterday. 

“Where are you John?” I thought out loud to myself. “Great. Now I’m talking to myself… and I’m answering myself… Jesus Christ, I need help.” I paced for a bit, my legs were getting a bit stiff sitting on the bed the whole time. It was getting close to dark at this point. The tv was on in the background, giving me something to listen to so I didn’t go completely crazy, but there was only so much daytime tv that I could watch without going absolutely crazy. I had just settled back down on the bed, tv remote in hand, when I heard the door handle rattling. John had a key, that wasn’t the sound of someone unlocking the door with a room key, that was the sound of someone trying to pick the lock. “Fuck.” I swore to myself. I quickly shut the TV off and looked around. Under the bed might work, but it would take too long, they are almost in. Small closet by the bathroom door? Better than nothing. Fear crept into the back of my mind as I threw myself into that small closet and closed the door, just in time too, as the front door opened and I could hear two sets of footprints coming in the room. I couldn’t see much out of the crack in the door, but I could smell them. One of them smelled like opening up my favorite book, that clean scent of paper, and coffee. Weird combination, but hey, whatever works, right? The second person? He smelled like the river, covered in shit. I couldn’t get a read on his personal scent, because that was so overpowering. It was nauseating, honestly. How anyone could stand to stay like that was beyond her, but hey, who was she to judge? She didn’t even have a place to shower, she couldn’t talk much. 

“Whoa.” Coffee smell said. I could tell it was him, his voice sounded further away, and the strong smell of that river water shit was closer to the closet door. I could hear them walking around the room, then the click of the lamp by the bed. 

“I don’t think he’s been here for a couple days, at least.” Said shit smell. He did have a REALLY nice sounding voice. Gruff, deep, sexy…. I could listen to that all day, I won’t lie. 

“Salt, cats-eye shells… he was worried. Trying to keep something from coming in.” Said coffee. “What have you got here?” I could hear his footsteps moving closer to the second voice. 

“Centennial Highway victims. I don’t get it. I mean, different men, different jobs, ages, ethnicities. There’s always a connection, right? What do these guys have in common?” 

They had to be talking about the case John was working on, which means they haven’t figured out what is going on. Woman in white. That’s what John had said anyways, she didn’t exactly know what it was, but he said it shouldn’t be an issue to deal with. 

“Dad figured it out.” Coffee said. Dad? John’s kids? She had seen the picture on the mirror he had out, two boys, a long time ago, on the hood of a beautiful impala. Could these be those boys? 

“What do you mean?” 

“He found the same article we did. Constance Welch. She’s a woman in white.” 

“You sly dogs.” Shit smell said. “All right, so if we’re dealing with a woman in white, Dad would have found the corpse and destroyed it.” Destroyed it? Right, salt and burned it. That would mean that a woman in white was a ghost. Okay, I can work with that. 

“She might have another weakness.” 

“Well, Dad would want to make sure. He’d dig her up. Does it say where she’s buried?” Ohhhhhh I knew that one! John had mentioned it was behind her old house! 

“No, not that I can tell. If I were Dad, though, I’d go ask her husband. If he’s still alive.” Husband. Right. Joseph Welch. He was still alive. She even remembered the address John had said he was living at now. 

“All right. Why don’t you, uh, see if you can find an address, I’m gonna go get cleaned up.” Oh thank god. She wasn’t sure she could handle that smell much longer. 

“Hey, Dean?” Said Coffee smell. Dean. The name attached to shit smell. I rolled the name around in my head a bit. Dean Winchester. I liked that name, probably a little more than I should. “What I said earlier, about Mom and Dad, I’m sorry.” 

“No chick-flick moments.” Said Dean. Coffee smell let out a little laugh at that, even she was shanking her head with a smile. She liked him. 

“All right. Jerk.” 

“Bitch.” 

Hearing another small laugh, then the door to the bathroom opened and closed, which stirred up some of the dust in the small closet from under the door. Oh fuck. No…. not right now… please….. I do NOT need to sneeze. I heard the water turn on in the shower, and I tried to think about strawberries, blueberries, anything to keep this stupid sneeze in. But no, this time, luck was not on her side. 

“Achoo! Dammit!” 

Fuck. I closed my eyes, holding my hand up to my mouth, fear was really pushing at the front of my brain. I’m pretty sure these are John’s boys, but fucking hell, I didn’t know them. What if they tried to kill me? John had said that I needed to be careful, hunters out there wouldn’t stop to ask questions, they would try to kill me for being different. If I got caught, he was going to be so mad at me. Just when I finally found him, finally getting the help I needed to figure myself out, he was going to leave me… 

The door jerked open a few seconds later and I couldn’t help but let out a little scream-squeak thing. 

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry! Please, don’t hurt me!” I said as quickly as I could. I had ducked my head and covered it with my arms. I would rather my arms take the brunt of the impacts than my head. I healed quickly, but the head always hurt the worst. 

“I’m not going to hurt you. Take a deep breath. Can you come out? Maybe we could talk? And you could tell me why you’re hiding in my dad’s motel room closet?” He said softly, adding a little chuckle at the end of his words. 

“John is your dad?” I asked him. No harm in making sure, right?

“Yeah, my name is Sam. Can you tell me your name?” He asked me. Sam Winchester, nice name. Since he’s John’s son, maybe he won’t be so angry that I am speaking to him…

“Freya. My name is Freya.” I said quietly. Past experiences have proven that I should stay quiet and unseen. Logically, I knew that I was stronger than him. I could very easily overpower him, but I couldn’t get past the fear that was still there, and I think he could tell, no matter how hard I tried to hide it. I looked up at him, noticing the shaggy hair. He was tall, really tall, his head reaching past the doorway to the closet. He was cute, with hazel eyes, long brown hair, and a big heavy jacket. 

“Would you like to come out of there, Freya? It can’t be too comfortable.” He asked me. Honestly, what’s the worst that’s going to happen? Lead pipe to the head again? Been there, done that, plus there wasn’t anything in the room that he could use that would hurt me too bad, so maybe it would be okay. But then remembering there was a second one, Dean, I glanced over at the bathroom door, thinking. Two of them might actually be able to overpower me. I don’t really know how strong I am. Is it worth the risk? “I promise I’m not going to hurt you.” Sam says. “And neither will my brother.” So he did notice my glance, my fear. Great. Not a good first impression. Fuck it. I can do this, plus, I’m not really seeing any other options. So I reached up and very slowly put my hand in his outstretched one. He smiled at me a little bit as he was helping me out of the closet, he seemed to be trying to put me at ease and the only thing I could smell coming off of him was confusion and curiosity, so maybe I’m safe. Climbing out of the closet, he led me over to the bed so I could sit down, and at that exact moment, the bathroom door opens and out comes a bunch of steam, and a shirtless Dean Winchester. Holy shit, I’m pretty sure I forgot to breathe for a second. Short, dark blonde, almost brunette hair, piercing green eyes, not quite as tall as Sam, but he was still pretty tall. At 5’5, I wasn’t exactly a basketball player, so they both easily towered over me. Broad shoulders, small scars scattered across his chest and stomach. He had a towel in his hand, running it over his short hair. A couple of drops of water he missed escaped down his neck to run down his chest and I found myself following their path with my eyes. 

“Ummm… Hi? Who are you?” He asked me, breaking me out of my stupid little day dream. “Who is she? Getting the party started a little early there, Sammy? Don’t you have a girlfriend?” He turned to Sam before I had the chance to answer. My brain was still a little foggy from the vision that was Dean Winchester, so the statement didn’t fully register at first. 

“Don’t be an ass, Dean.” He gave his brother a look. “I found her hiding in the closet.” He pointed to the door by the bathroom as he spoke. 

“Hiding… in the closet… of dad’s motel room? That’s not creepy, at all.” He says, rolling his eyes. 

“Well, if you could maybe not be a jerk for the next few minutes, I was just about to ask why.” Sam replied as he turned back to me. Next thing I know, both brothers are staring at me, but feeling the weight of their stares, I lowered my head, looking at the floor. Quiet and unseen. Quiet and unseen. I kept repeating it to myself. 

“He told me I wasn’t allowed to talk to anyone else, I’m not sure…” I trailed off. I could hear Dean sign, but it was Sam who spoke up.

“John, our dad, is missing and maybe if you could help us, tell us why you’re with him, it could help us find him.” His words caused a snort to leave my lips. Super attractive, Freya. 

“I highly doubt that, he told me he was going to ask some questions and to stay here. I only met him about two weeks ago. He said I needed to stay in the room and not talk to anyone else. He hasn’t been here in about three or four days, I think… I slept a lot, I’m sorry…” I trailed off again. This time it was Dean who spoke up. I still couldn’t make myself look up at them. 

“What’s your name?” He asked her

“Freya.” Still speaking quietly. 

“Freya,” He started. He was speaking softly, matching her tone. She loved the way his voice curled around her name. She wanted to hear him say it again. “Could you look at me?” He requested. Slowly I raised my head and the moment my eyes locked on his, it was like all the breath had been knocked out of my body. I couldn’t breathe. He even staggered back a couple of steps, his breathing becoming uneven. I felt like I had lived an entire lifetime in the few seconds I had looked into his eyes. The spell was soon broken when Sam moved the chair in the corner, catching it on the leg of the desk it was under. “Our dad is missing, he left me a voicemail, telling me that we were all in danger, and now we can’t find him. Even if you don’t think it would help us find him, maybe you could still tell us why you’re with him and maybe, we could help each other.” I couldn’t help but keep looking at his eyes, and the longer I stared, the more I could feel the tension slowly leaving my shoulders. Sighing, I realized, I didn’t really have anything to lose by telling them. If John was really missing, that meant that I was alone again. 

“I met your dad on the bridge out of town. It was dark and he was out looking for Constance.” I said, pointing at the article of said ghost. “Her husband is still alive, by the way, and she’s buried out behind her old house. Your dad mentioned it before he left.” I paused to take another deep breath before continuing. “I was trying to get some sleep, I hadn’t been there for very long when he pulled up and found me. Honestly I had been looking for him, so it was nothing short of a stroke of luck that he drove up on that bridge. He asked me what I was doing there, and why I wasn’t at home. I told him the same thing I’m about to tell you. My mom and dad both died when I was a baby, I bounced around from foster home to foster home my whole life and when I turned 18, I was turned out and left on my own, I don’t have a home. So then he asked me what my name was and when I told him, he asked me if I would like somewhere to stay out of the cold for the night.” This time, when I paused, emotions were swirling in my head, I could feel my body shuddering as I took another breath. “When he told me his name, I couldn’t believe it. My mom’s journal said I needed to find him, and I had been searching for him for five years, so imagine my surprise.” I said with a small chuckle. “He said he could help me.” 

“Help you with what?” Sam asked. Glancing between the boys, I had the fleeting thought, what if they are like the hunters John had warned me about? Would they try to kill me? I think they could see the fear on my face because Dean spoke up not long after.

“It’s okay, sweetheart, you don’t have to be scared of us.” He said. I could feel the blush hit my cheeks as soon as the nickname was out of his mouth. I had hoped that maybe he hadn’t noticed, but the smirk on his face said otherwise.

“I asked him if he could help me figure out what I was…” I heard Dean’s sharp inhale as soon as the words left my mouth, I could see his body tensing out of the corner of my eye. 

“What do you mean, what you are?” Sam asked me. Looking back and forth between the brothers again, I could feel my anxiety rising. My eyes caught Dean’s as he simply gave me a small nod to continue.

“My parents and older brother died when I was five, in a car wreck. I didn’t get the chance to really know my family, so I have had no one to walk me through whatever is going on with me. My whole life, I’ve been able to hear things I shouldn’t, smell things, see better than all of the other kids in the foster home, I’m stronger than anyone else I’ve ever met, you can cut me and in the next few minutes it will be like it was never there. Sometimes, when I get really scared, my body changes. I don’t know why. I don’t know anything about my family. He said he knew my parents…” I trailed off, desperately trying to hide the tears in my eyes. 

“What all did our dad have to say?” Dean asked me. The tension in his body seemed to have doubled.

“Well, he asked me a bunch of questions, touched me with one of his knives…” thinking for a second before I continued. “He told me a little about my parents. He said he didn’t really know my brother, but he said my parents were special, so he figured I was as well. He said he didn’t know exactly what I was, but he thought I would at least be able to help him at times.”

“What happened when he touched you with the blade?” Sam asked. She could hear Dean’s breath catch when he asked me that. 

“Nothing.” I replied. “Nothing at all happened. I’m not a werewolf, that much I know.” Looking up at the brothers, I could tell they were relaxing a little bit at my response, but Dean held his right hand out to me. Not sure what he wanted, I looked at him and raised my eyebrow at him. 

“All you have to do is shake my hand,” He said to me. He was still trying to keep his voice soft, but when I locked eyes with him again, I could see the apprehension there. So I reached out and put my hand in his. His hand dwarfed mine, but it felt nice. His calloused palm scratched against the soft skin of my wrist, sending flutters through my stomach. “It’s a pure silver ring.” He explained, turning our hands over to show me. “It’s not reacting to your skin, which tells us, you’re right, you aren’t a werewolf.” He said with a small chuckle. “That’s good news, sweetheart.” He said, causing her cheeks to heat up again. She saw Sam sitting back in the chair out of the corner of her eye, just watching the two of them with a look on his face she couldn’t quite read. 

“What questions did he ask you?” Sam cut in. 

“Well, he asked me about my appetite. How strong I was, how my body changed… we didn’t talk about a whole lot, he said he wanted to get this case finished up first, so he could focus on helping me. Then he left to get us some food, came back, we slept and then he went about trying to figure everything out.” I said with a hand gesturing around at all of the new articles and papers covering the walls. “He left to speak to a witness, told me not to open the door for anyone and not to speak to anyone that wasn’t him. I haven’t seen him since.” 

“Can you tell us the answers to those questions?” Sam probed gently.

“Yeah, okay. Food. Honestly, a bacon cheeseburger and a slice of apple pie sound heavenly right about now.” I said with a small chuckle. Apple pie was my weakness. I noticed a small smile grace Dean’s lips for a second, before it was gone and he was back to the brooding gentlemen he had been all night. “As for how strong I am, I’m not 100% sure, if I’m being honest, but I could lift the engine bay of his truck off the ground.” I said. Glancing between the brothers to gauge their reaction, all I could see was curiosity and Dean almost looked like he might be a bit impressed. “I know that when I get scared, my fingernails change. They get longer, sharper. I grow fangs, like a wolf, but we’ve already established I’m not a werewolf, so it’s all very confusing. Your dad also mentioned my eyes were glowing, but that’s it.” I could see how both brothers tensed up again when I spoke, so my next words were spoken quickly and quietly. “I’m sorry. Please don’t be mad at me. Please don’t hurt me.” I hated how scared I sounded, but there was just something in me that couldn’t help but cower. They were hunters, I knew that much from John, but I still didn’t know they weren’t going to kill me where I sat. 

“Hey, hey. Take a deep breath. We aren’t mad at you, it’s okay.” Sam said. 

“If our dad didn’t hurt you, we aren’t going to hurt you either, sweetheart. You don’t have to be scared of us.” Dean followed up.

“Promise?” I hated that the stupid small sentence Dean had just uttered to me caused more hope to flare up in my chest than I had felt in a long time. They could be lying. 

“Have you ever killed a human?” He asked me.

“No. I’ve never killed anyone or anything before.” I responded with no hesitation. I hated the thought of hurting anyone. Not like I had been hurt in the past. 

“Then there you go. No reason to hurt you. Just breathe.” Sam said. “It’s getting pretty late. Why don’t we sleep on it, we can talk more tomorrow.” 

“You’ll still be here in the morning?” I asked quietly. 

“Yeah, sweetheart. We’ll still be here.” Dean responded. Nodding, satisfied with his answer, I stood up, walked back to the closet to get the extra blanket up on the shelf and made a small spot on the floor at the end of the bed to lay down on. 

“What are you doing?” Sam asked me. 

“I’m used to sleeping on the ground. I can sleep here, you guys can take the beds.” I responded. 

“Are you sure?” Dean asked me. “You don’t have to be uncomfortable.” 

“I’m sure. It’s all I’ve known for half a decade. I’ll be okay.” I said as I moved past him to grab a pillow off the bed. “Can I use this?” 

“You don’t have to ask, there are plenty of pillows.” Dean said. He almost looked confused as to why I asked. 

“Thank you.” I said as I laid down, closing my eyes. I heard the boys shuffling around a little more before the lights went out and everyone got quiet. Breathing evened out on the beds, and I finally felt like I would be safe to sleep for a few hours.

Morning came faster than I had expected, I can’t remember the last time I slept that long when I was around other people. Dean was coming out of the bathroom, slipping his jacket on as I sat up and leaned against the wall, trying to shake the sleepiness from my body.

            “Hey, man. I’m starving, I’m gonna grab a little something to eat from that diner down the street. You two want anything?” Dean asked.

            “No.” Sam said, but he was a bit distracted, staring at his phone in his hand.

            “Aframian’s buying.” He says, lifting his hand, waving a credit card around, but Sam only shakes his head.  “Sweetheart?” he says, turning his head towards me. Damnit with that fucking nickname. I could feel my cheeks heating up again as he looked at me, waiting for my answer.

            “No thank you, I don’t want to bother you.” I said quietly. Quiet and unseen. Quiet and unseen.

            “Nonsense, everyone needs to eat!” He said with a grin on his face. “Bacon cheeseburger and apple pie, right?” He asked me. Shocked, I smiled shyly at him, ducking my head and nodding lightly. Apparently both of the brothers thought that was funny because they both laughed in response. I was surprised he remembered. “Don’t look so surprised, Freya, I listen.” He says, almost sounding a little insulted.

            “Thank you.” I smiled at him. My mom used to tell me to remember to be kind, a smile always makes the world a bit more bright. Maybe, she wasn’t so wrong. Dean nodded at her, as if saying ‘you’re welcome’ before grabbing his keys and leaving through the front door. I found myself staring at the door, not used to someone looking out for me like that, when I heard a woman’s voice. Glancing at Sam, I noticed he had his phone up to his ear, listening to a voicemail.

            “Hey, it’s me, it’s about 10:27 Saturday night –“ I zoned out for a second, listening to the sounds outside, I didn’t want to listen in to his private voicemails from, who I assumed was his girlfriend. But I could hear the sounds of Jaffe, the officer who had made me uncomfortable before, outside talking to the motel manager. “So come home soon, okay? I love you.”

            “She sounds really nice.” I said to him as soon as he shut his phone. “What’s her name?”

            “Jessica. Jess. She’s my girlfriend.” He answered with a soft smile on his face. He opened his mouth to say something else when his phone beeped again, cutting him off. He looked down at it, pressed the green button and raised it back to his ear.

            “What?” He says into the phone.

            “Dude, 5-0, take off.” She heard Dean say.

            “What about you?”

            “Uh, they kinda spotted me. Get Freya, go find dad.” Dean replied, ending the call. Sam turned to me, with a look of panic in his eye. Standing up, he slipped his phone back in his pocket as he made his way over to the window, moving the curtain to look out at what was happening. I could hear the officers talking to Dean outside and had to hold my laughter in when I heard him say his boobs were real.

“They are walking this way, Sam. I can hear them.”

            “We need to leave. There is a window in the bathroom. Let’s go. Get your bag.” He instructed me and he moved towards the bathroom door. I had just grabbed my bag when I heard him. “Shit. It’s not big enough for us to fit through.” I could hear them on the sidewalk just outside the door, so without thinking I grabbed him by the collar of his jacket and pulled him into the small closet he had caught me hiding in. The space was clearly way too small for him, let alone both of us, but he put his arm around my shoulders and stayed very still. If it weren’t for the cops walking around the room outside and the whole, holding our breath so we don’t get caught thing, it would almost feel like a hug. I could hear the officers shuffling around outside of the door. One of them quietly shuffled through some of the papers. “What the fuck?” I heard him say. “Man, let’s get out of here. This place gives me the creeps.”

            “You said you’ve got really good hearing?” Sam whispered in my ear. Instead of answering him, I just nodded. “What can you hear now?” Closing my eyes, I concentrated.

            “Three, maybe four people walking around outside. They are getting in their cars. I can hear Dean griping about the cuffs being too tight. Tires on gravel… They’re gone.” I relayed to him in real time.

            “Good. They won’t be gone for long, we need to move.” He said to me as he opened the closet door. Making sure I hadn’t forgotten anything in my haste, I looked around. My jacket was on the back of the chair and the current book I was reading was on the nightstand. I quickly gathered them up and Sam made his way over to the front door and peaked out, confirming that the coast was clear. He motioned me to follow him, then made his way out into the parking lot. Dean’s keys were still in the car door from where he was unlocking it, so Sam pulled them out and opened the door.

            “This is your car? Holy shit. 1967 Chevy Impala. She’s beautiful!” I said, forgetting the whole quiet and unseen thing for a second as I admired the black beauty in front of me.

            “It’s Dean’s. He calls it his baby.” He said as he laughed at me. “Are you petting the car?” He said between laughs as I ran my hand over her hood.

            “Hush, I’m just saying hello!” I said to him, which only made him laugh that much harder.

            “Oh, I’m definitely telling Dean. He’ll love this.”

            “You wouldn’t.” I said, slightly mortified about Dean finding out.

            “I definitely would. Now get in the damn car.” He said laughing again. “Do you remember Joseph’s address?” He asked me after he had calmed down and started the car up. Good lord the way she purred…. “Freya.” He said again.

            “Huh?”

            “I asked if you remembered where Joseph lived?” He said with a small smile on his face.

            “Oh yeah. Your dad told me the address.” I said. Embarrassed, I had been caught admiring the car again. I rattled off the address at him as I sat back in the seat. It was clear this car had been very well taken care of. The seats were a soft, black leather I couldn’t help but sink into. The scent of the leather and gunpowder was strong in the car, but I didn’t mind it. It was comforting.

            They pulled up to Mr. Welch’s house and Sam killed the engine, then turned to face me.

            “You can stay in the car if you’d like, or you can come with me. It’s your choice.” He said. My choice. He was letting me choose what I wanted to do. I thought about it for a second, and came to the conclusion that I can only learn so much about this world, my world, from a book.

            “Can I come with you? Is that okay?” I asked him tentatively. I wanted to learn, but I didn’t want to overstep.

            “Absolutely.” He smiled at me. That smile put me at ease. Made me feel like I had made the right decision.

            “Okay. Great.”

            We both climbed out of the car and shut the doors. I let him walk in front, taking the lead. I couldn’t wait to learn more about this case. I followed him to the door as he knocked on it. Not a few seconds later, it was opened by an older looking man wearing a baseball cap.

            “Hi. Are you Joseph Welch?”

“Yeah.”

            “Do you mind if we ask you a couple of questions?” Sam asked him. Closing the door behind him, Joseph stepped out of the house and started walking down the driveway. Sam pulled out the picture he had found of Dean, his dad and himself and showed it to Joseph as they walked, and asked him if he had come to see him.

           “Yeah, he was older, but that's him. He came by three or four days ago. Said he was a reporter.”

“That's right. We're working on a story together.”

            “Well, I don't know what the hell kinda story you're working on. The questions he asked me?”

“About your wife Constance?”

“He asked me where she was buried.”

“And where is that again?”

“What, I gotta go through this twice?”

“It's fact-checking. If you don't mind.”

“In a plot. Behind my old place over on Breckenridge.”

“And why did you move?”

            “I'm not gonna live in the house where my children died.” Both men stop walking, turning to each other.

“Mr. Welch, did you ever marry again?” Sam asked him.

“No way. Constance, she was the love of my life. Prettiest woman I ever knew.”

             “So you had a happy marriage?” I looked at Sam funny at that one. What did that have to do with anything? But I did notice Joseph’s hesitation.

“Definitely.”

            “Well, that should do it. Thanks for your time.” Sam said as he put his hand on my elbow, starting to guide me back towards the impala, but he paused for a moment, looking back at Joseph. “Mr. Welch, did you ever hear of a woman in white?” That’s what John had said he was looking for. Turning back around, Joseph responded to him.

“A what?”

            “A woman in white. Or sometimes weeping woman?” Noticing Joseph’s silence, Sam continued on, “It's a ghost story. Well, it's more of a phenomenon, really.” Taking a few steps back in Joseph’s direction, Sam kept talking. “Um, they're spirits. They've been sighted for hundreds of years, dozens of places, in Hawaii, Mexico, lately in Arizona, Indiana. All these are different women. You understand. But all share the same story.”

            “Boy, I don't care much for nonsense.” Joseph replied angrily as he turned and started to walk away from Sam.

            “See, when they were alive, their husbands were unfaithful to them. And these women, basically suffering from temporary insanity, murdered their children.” At this, Joseph stopped and turned on Sam with tears in his eyes, glaring at him. “Then once they realized what they had done, they took their own lives. So now their spirits are cursed, walking back roads, waterways. And if they find an unfaithful man, they kill him. And that man is never seen again.”

           “You think...you think that has something to do with...Constance? You smartass!” He replies. I could smell the anger coming off of him as he took a step back in our direction. It scared me, more than I would like to admit, so I took a step closer to Sam. Glancing back at me, he focused his attention back on Joseph, positioning himself between us.

“You tell me.”

            “I mean, maybe...maybe I made some mistakes. But no matter what I did, Constance, she never would have killed her own children. Now, you get the hell out of here! And you don't come back!” As Joseph turned to walk away from us, I grabbed Sam’s elbow.

“Can we leave now?” I asked him quietly.

            “Yeah. Yeah, we can leave now.” He nodded to me. As we turned around to head back to the car, he set his hand on my back, guiding me. It’s strange how the smallest things can make you feel so much more comfortable with a situation. I felt so much better knowing he was there. I think he could tell how unsettled Joseph’s anger made me, but he didn’t comment on it as he opened my door for me, closing it as soon as I was settled. Climbing into the driver's seat, he put the key in the ignition and started the car up. As we pulled out of the driveway, back onto the main road, he glanced over in my direction.

           “We need a way to get Dean out of jail. Some sort of distraction so he can get out of there.” He said to me.

“I may have an idea, but it’s a bit illegal.” I said to him, ducking my head as I spoke.

“Let’s hear it.”

            “You got a gun in here?” I asked him. He pulled back his jacket to show the pistol he had tucked into his jacket. “Can I use your phone?” I asked him as I motioned for the gun and held my hand out for the gun. He eyed me warily, but decided to trust me with both the gun and the phone. Once I had the phone secured in my hand, I checked that the gun was loaded, leaned over and rolled the passenger window down, opened the phone, dialed 9-1-1 and clicked the safety off.

“9-1-1, what’s the location of your emergency?” I heard the dispatcher say.

            “Oh my god! You’ve got to help me!” I screamed into the phone “They are shooting at each other! Someone’s going to get killed! Please help me!” I continued as I held the phone closer to Sam, held the gun out of the window, pointed it towards the sky and let off a few rounds.

“Ma’am, where are you located?”

            “Out on Saddlebrook road. Please hurry!” I screamed, letting off one more shot before I closed the phone, put the safety back on and handed them both back to Sam. Silence rained for several minutes as he just kept looking back and forth between me and the road before he lost it and just started laughing so hard I thought he was going to wreck the car.

            “That was the best thing I think I have ever seen. That was amazing!” he says between laughs.

            “Thank you, Thank you.” I say as I giggle, bowing to him as well as I can in the front seat. Our laughter was cut off by his phone ringing a few minutes later.

            “Fake 9-1-1 phone call? Sammy, I don’t know, that’s pretty illegal.” Dean says when Sam answered the phone

            “It was actually Freya’s idea, she made the call, blame her.” He said with a small laugh.

            “You’re welcome!” I yell out towards the phone and I can hear Dean let out a small chuckle.

“Listen, we gotta talk.”

            “Tell me about it. So the husband was unfaithful. We are dealing with a woman in white. And she’s buried behind her old house, so that should have been Dad’s next stop.”

“Sammy, would you shut up for a second?”

“I just can't figure out why Dad hasn't destroyed the corpse yet.”

“Well, that's what I'm trying to tell you. He's gone. Dad left Jericho.”

“What? How do you know?”

“I've got his journal.”

“He doesn't go anywhere without that thing.”

“Yeah, well, he did this time.”

“What's it say?”

            “Ah, the same old ex-Marine crap, when he wants to let us know where he's going. And a note about helping Freya.”

“Coordinates. Where to? What did the note say?”

            “I'm not sure yet. The note didn’t say much, just that she needed help and protection and he intended to do both.”

            “I don't understand. I mean, what could be so important that Dad would just skip out in the middle of a job? Dean, what the hell is going on?”

            “Sam, look out!” I yelled. There, standing in the middle of the road, was Constance. He slammed on the breaks, but the car went right through her before it stopped. “I’m guessing that’s our Casper?” I asked him. He didn’t get a chance to answer me before she showed up in the backseat.

“Sam? Freya? Sam!” I could hear Dean yelling at us through the phone, but I couldn’t see it anywhere. It must have fallen on Sam's floorboard, but honestly, that was the least of my worries right now. My mom’s journal said that iron and salt can deflect ghosts, but looking around the small space of the car, I wasn’t seeing a whole lot of either.

             “Take me home.” The ghost said. When we didn’t reply, she got a bit more forceful with it. “Take me home!” She demanded.

              “No.” Sam replied. I didn’t say anything, I just kept my eyes on her. Noticing the glare on her face, I decided to speak up.

              “Hey, Sam, Casper the friendly ghost isn’t looking so friendly right now.” He didn’t answer me, but Constance decided that was the perfect time to turn her glare on me, locking the doors and pressing down on the gas pedal. “Sam, are you doing this?” I asked him as the car started to move.

               “Nope! Not me!” he replied. We both kept trying to unlock the doors, hit the brakes, anything to get the car to stop, but we weren’t having much luck in that department.

               A few minutes later, the car finally rolled to a stop in front of a run down, two story house. The sun had set, so it was dark out at this point.

“Don’t do this.” Sam said to Constance, as she flickers in the backseat.

“I can never go home.” She said, sounding sad as she looked out the window.

            “You’re scared to go home.” Realization set in, but before either of us could comment, the back of the seat slammed down and I found myself pinned in place, I couldn’t move a muscle. Panic began to creep up my throat, but I tried to force it down when I noticed that Constance was now straddling Sam’s lap, leaning down over him.

“Hold me. I’m so cold.”

“You can’t kill me. I’m not unfaithful. I’ve never been!”

            “You will be. Just hold me.” She says as she leans back down over him and kisses him. He struggled against her, trying to reach the keys, but he was having a hard time. I finally was able to move, so I sat up as quickly as I could and put the keys in his hand. Constance pulled back at that point, her face flickering into her true form for a moment, before she vanished.

“Where did she go?” I asked him

            “I don’t know.” He responded, glancing around before all of the sudden throwing himself back against the seat, yelling out in pain and pulling at his jacket. Five holes, five finger shaped holes are burned through his shirt and into his chest, right over his heart, Constance flickering back into view with her hand trying to dig its way into his chest.

            “Freya, drop!” Dean’s voice vaguely registers in my head before I land on the floorboard. Gunshots ring out and glass flies all over the seat, embedding itself in my cheek.

            “I’m taking you home.” I heard Sam say and before I had the chance to climb back into the seat, the car was flying through the side of the house. The ringing in my ears is all I can hear for a second, I must have hit my head on the dash when the car came to a stop.

“Sam! Sam! You okay?” Dean yells.

“I think…”

“Can you move?”

“Yeah. Help me?”

             I can see Dean���s hand coming through the window to help Sam, pulling him out of the car. I was finally able to crawl out of the floorboard, sitting myself down on the passenger seat, my eyes immediately finding Constance.

            “Hey, Casper, whatcha got there?” I asked her, of course she isn’t going to answer me, I think to myself as I step out of the car, eyes on her. Instead, she dropped the picture frame, backed up and sent a bureau flying at the three of us, pinning us to the side of the car. “Fuck.” I let out.

“You okay?” Dean asks me, trying to help Sam push the bureau off of us. 

             “Peachy. Pretty sure the bitchy spook just broke a couple of my ribs.” Again, my eyes are on Constance. She had started walking towards us, but she paused when the lights started to flicker. Normally, I would revel in the fact that she looked scared out of her mind, but then, that just means that something else is headed our way… great…

“You’ve come home to us, Mommy.”

            “Aww fuck. Why is it always kids? Man… kids are creepy!” I complained. Of course, the brothers just laugh at me. “Am I wrong? Even Casper looks freaked!” I said to them.

             Suddenly, the children appear behind their mom, hugging her tightly as she starts screaming, their image flickering. In a surge of energy, still screaming, Constance and the two Children melted into a puddle on the floor, and we were finally able to shove the bureau off of us. The boys walked over to where Constance and her children vanished, looking at the spot on the floor.

“So this is where she drowned her kids.” Dean says.

            Nodding, Sam replied, “That's why she could never go home. She was too scared to face them.”

            “You found her weak spot. Nice work, Sammy.” He said as he smacked Sam in the chest, right where Constance dug her fingers.

            “Yeah, I wish I could say the same for you. What were you thinking shooting Casper in the face, you freak?” he said with a laugh, wincing at the sore spot on his chest.

            “Hey. Saved your ass.” he replied as he walked over to me. Taking my face in his hands, he examined my forehead. “Sweetheart, you okay?” Fucking hell with that nickname! I could literally feel the blood rushing to my face as he spoke.

“I’m okay, it will be healed in a couple of minutes” I said, smiling at him.

           “Well that’s handy…” I kept my eyes on his as the cut literally healed as he watched it, looking for any signs of danger, but all I saw on his face was fascination. Once he was satisfied my head was okay, he grabbed the edge of my shirt, lifting it slightly to check on my ribs, but upon seeing nothing, he just nodded to himself and turned back around to face Sam. “I’ll tell you another thing. If you screwed up my car? I’ll kill you.”

I couldn’t help it at that point, I started laughing, Sam joining in almost immediately.

           “Yeah, yeah, okay, you two, get in the damn car. I gotta get her out of this shithole.” Dean said, shaking his head at us. 

We were driving down the road, listening to the radio as Sam had his flashlight on, John’s journal and a map sitting in his lap. I found myself bobbing my head to the song, sitting up, sitting my elbows on the front seat between the boys as I spoke up.

             “Hey, is that AC/DC?” I asked Dean. Turning down the radio, he leaned a little closer to me.

             “Hell yeah, it is!” he smirks.    

         “I love this song.” I reply with a small smile.

“Okay, here’s where Dad went.” Sam cuts in. “It’s called Blackwater Ridge, Colorado.”

             Nodding, Dean responds, “Charming. How far?”

             “About 600 miles.”

             “Hey, if we shag ass, we could make it by morning.”

             “Dean, I, um…” I could feel the mood shifting in the car, so I sat back in my seat, looking at the floorboard. I didn’t want to intrude on the moment.

             “You’re not going.” Dean said. That caught my attention, I didn’t want Sam to leave. His presence was comforting.

             “The interview’s in like, 10 hours. I gotta be there.”

             “Yeah. Yeah, whatever.” Not only could I hear the disappointment in the sound of his voice, but I could smell it in the air. Dean’s scent had finally, fully hit me a little while earlier when we first got in the car. Whiskey, gunpowder, and pine trees. It was a very intoxicating scent, but to have it soured by the disappointment in the car, made me sad. “I’ll take you home.”

             “What interview?” I asked Sam, as he clicked off the flashlight, putting everything away.

             “Law School. I’m hoping for a full ride.”

             “I’m gonna be honest with you, I’m not sure what that means. Why do you need to interview for school?”

             “It’s an admissions interview. It’s how the schools gauge the fit of the potential student.”

             “That sounds…. Fancy.” I said with a bit of a laugh. “I barely finished high school.” I’m thinking he may be a bit too smart, that’s not intimidating, at all….

             “Hey, don’t feel bad, sweetheart, I got a GED.” Dean piped up. Catching his eye through the rear view mirror, he winked at me, causing me to blush even harder. The fuck is up with this guy, man? Smiling at him, I couldn’t help but duck my head again. But I caught the smirk on his face as I turned away. Laying down in the back seat, it wasn’t long before the rumble of the engine lulled me to sleep.

             “Hey, sleepyhead.” I heard as I slowly opened my eyes. Sam was leaning over the back seat, trying to get me to wake up. “This is my stop. I didn’t want to leave without saying goodbye.” He smiled at me. Sitting up, I looked up at him. “You gotta do me a favor and keep this one in line, yeah?” He nodded to Dean as he spoke, and I could hear him let out a little scoff at that. He turned back to his brother before he spoke again. “Call me if you find him?” Dean just nodded to him as he climbed out of the car, leaning down to the widow. “And maybe I can meet up with you two later, huh?”          

   “Yeah, all right.” Was Dean’s response, but he still wouldn’t look at him. Sam patted the door twice, looked at me one more then, then turned and started walking away. “Sam?” Dean called after him, leaning towards the passenger door, one arm going over the back of the seat. “You know, we made a hell of a team back there.”

“Yeah.”

             Nodding his head one more time, Dean put the car in gear and drove out of the parking lot, leaving Sam behind.

             “You want to ride up here with me?”

             “Umm, yeah. Sure, okay.” I smiled at him as I climbed over the seat, settling in the passenger seat. “Thank you. For taking me with you. You didn’t have to, you don’t have to keep helping me. I don’t want to impose or cause any issues.” I said quietly to him.

             “What are you talking about? You’ve already ‘pet’ my car, it would be rude to leave her now!” he said, teasing me.

             “He didn’t…”

             “He did! Even mentioned you were ‘saying hello’” He says with a laugh. I couldn’t help the blood rushing to my face, so I put my hand over my cheeks, covering myself up. “Don’t be embarrassed, sweetheart! It’s cute! She is a pretty car!” He laughs again

             “I can’t with you!” I laughed back, finally uncovering my face to look at him, but I noticed his watch had stopped working.

             “What?” he asked me, catching me staring at his wrist.

             “Oh I’m sorry, your watch battery is dead.”

             “What do you mean?”

             “Your watch, it stopped. The battery died, I guess.” I said, poking his watch a couple of times to make my point. He pulls it back to his face so he can look at it, but instead of brushing it off, like I expected him to, his face turns hard. “What’s wrong?” I asked him

             “Hold on.” Was all he said as he flipped the car around, pushing on the gas and rushing back towards Sam’s apartment.

             As he pulled up, he slammed the car into park and yelled at me, not even bothering to close his door after he got out, rushing towards the apartment building. “Stay in the car. No matter what happens, don’t come out until you see me, do you understand?” Nodding at him, I move to close his door. “Words, sweetheart.” He speaks again, impatience coloring his tone.

             “Yes, of course. Go. Be careful.” I barely got the words out before he disappeared into the building. It couldn’t have been more than five minutes before he appears again, this time dragging Sam along with him, but he’s struggling against Dean, fighting to get back into the building.

             “Freya, a little help?” Dean called out to me, having a hard time keeping Sam back. Just as I got the door open, flames burst out of the windows of the building.

             “Holy fuck…” I muttered to myself.

             “Freya!” Dean’s voice broke me out of my daze as I rushed over to help him. Grabbing Sam by the shoulders, I noticed the tears streaming down his face. I backed him up against the car and hugged him. I wouldn’t let him go no matter how hard he fought me. I could feel his body shaking as he started to sob into my shoulder. Fire trucks fill the parking lot, one after the other, fighting to get the flames under control. Listening to Dean answering the questions for Sam, I started to piece together what had happened. Sam found Jess, pinned to the ceiling, stomach cut open, flames bursting out of her. The more I hear, the more I can’t help but just hug him tighter. He just lost the love of his life. I can see Dean glancing over at us every now and then, but all I could focus on was Sam.

             After he finished up with the questions, Dean made his way back over to us, a silent question in his eyes when he looked at me, but all I could do was shake my head. Sam had finally stopped shaking, but I could still feel the tears. When he caught sight of his brother, though, he sat up, wiped his tears away and made his way to the trunk.

             “We’ve got work to do.” 

Picture of Freya

[ahumblenipple]

Rating: Explicit

Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply

Category: M/M

Fandom: Detroit: Become Human (Video Game)

Relationship: Hank Anderson/Connor

Characters: Hank Anderson ,Connor (Detroit: Become Human), Cole Anderson, Jericho Members (Detroit: Become Human), Kara (Detroit: Become Human), Luther (Detroit: Become Human), Alice Williams (Detroit: Become Human), Ralph (Detroit: Become Human), Markus (Detroit: Become Human), Carl Manfred, Various Character(s)

Additional Tags: Emotionally Repressed, Friends to Lovers, Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Alternate Universe, Alternate Universe - Circus, Alternate Universe - 1920s, Doctor!Connor, Strongman!Hank Anderson, Eventual Smut, Everyone lives, Medical Inaccuracies, I'm not a doctor lets be real, Top Hank Anderson, Bottom Connor (Detroit: Become Human), Fluff and Smut, Found Family, will update smut tags, its gonna be there tho and its gonna be sappy

Language: English Collections: Detroit: Become Human Reverse Big Bang 2024

Did I mention I'm doing a second piece for the RBB? This one was a collab with @connor-sent-by-cyberlife who did all the amazing renders and came up with the concept!! Please check out their work when you have the chance, as well as the other great stuff in the @dbh-bb page. All of the pieces are absolutely phenomenal

He drifted across the rows of patrons and up to the stage in a fever dream, certain that any moment all of this would evaporate because for whatever reason, this didn’t feel real. The warm smile greeting him and the wide palm that settled on his shoulder were the only grounding thing as nerves continued to gnaw away at Connor’s throat. “What’s your name, stranger?” Hank asked as he leaned forward. This close, Connor could see that icy blue all the better, and he’s stuck staring at the clearest eyes he has ever seen. --- Connor O'Sullivan has lived his entire life according to his family's wishes. Attending Med School, working in a Detroit Hospital, and now? Becoming engaged to the woman his Step-Mother picked out for him. But something feels wrong in the middle of it all. If his life is so perfect, why does it feel hollow? An impulsive decision leads Connor to a circus show, and the single greatest change in his entire life. So called "The World's Strongest Man", Hank Anderson is incredible, and all Connor can think about, even if he doesn't truly understand why. This is a story about self-discovery, found family, and the joys of early 1920's medicine.

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

The Faith of Many

1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for.

3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

4 By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.

5 By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: ‘He could not be found, because God had taken him away.’ For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.

8 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 9 By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 11 And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. 12 And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.

13 All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. 14 People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. 15 If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 Instead, they were longing for a better country – a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

17 By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, 18 even though God had said to him, ‘It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.’ 19 Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death.

20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future.

21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons, and worshipped as he leaned on the top of his staff.

22 By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions concerning the burial of his bones.

23 By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.

24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 25 He chose to be ill-treated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and the application of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.

29 By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.

30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched round them for seven days.

31 By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.

32 And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. 35 Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. 36 Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were put to death by stoning; they were sawn in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and ill-treated – 38 the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground.

39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, 40 since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. — Hebrews 11 | New International Version - UK (NIVUK) Holy Bible, New International Version® Anglicized, NIV® Copyright © 1979, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide. Cross References: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 4:4; Genesis 5:21; Genesis 6:9; Genesis 12:1; Genesis 12:8; Genesis 17:9; Genesis 23:4; Genesis 24:6; Genesis 27:4; Genesis 39:20; Genesis 47:31; Exodus 2:10-11; Exodus 2:13-14 and 15; Exodus 2:22; Exodus 3:15; Exodus 14:22; Exodus 18:4; Joshua 2:1; Joshua 6:15; Judges 4:1; judges 6:2; Judges 14:6; 2 Samuel 12:31; 1 Kings 17:22-23; Job 36:21; Isaiah 14:32; Matthew 12:36; Luke 9:31; Luke 14:33; Acts 7:20; Romans 8:24; Romans 9:7; Hebrews 1:1; Hebrews 7:19; Hebrews 9:15; Hebrews 12:23; James 2:21-22; Revelation 6:11; Revelation 20:8

What is Faith?