#this is knifed engagement so I won't be able to see it and that makes me wanna cry so much

[ineffably-human]

The day Guillermo slaughtered a theatre of vampires, Nandor looked up and actually saw him. 'My name is Guillermo de la Cruz' burned like a silver knife in his brain. And that's the day Nandor started rooting for him.

Making him a bodyguard, insistent that's what he was. Watching him so carefully. 'Push back. Break the rules. Talk about yourself. I can't do it for you. If I do it for you then you've already lost.' Guillermo slapped him and his eyes lit up. Guillermo fought him, and he only wanted more. Guillermo said 'I can kill you whenever I want, I choose not to,' and it's what he was waiting for.

Nandor stands at the train station, feeling awake for the first time in months as he considers all the variables. The normal bite won't be enough, not for a Van Helsing. He'll have to drink someone right away, just to be sure. Will it feel the same for him, to hunt a human the way Nandor's watched him hunt a vampire? Maybe if they do it together. Maybe there's a lot that Guillermo can do very easily, if they do it together. Maybe there's a lot Nandor can do, very easily, if-

(...he's not coming. Well, familiars have balked at less.)

--

It's such a genuine surprise when he reappears. Why everything happened doesn't matter, exactly; Guillermo doesn't fight to get any of it back. He's so angry, so ready to leave, and by all rights Nandor should let him. But all he can feel is the instinct to stop him. Perhaps if he has actual love in this house, something to fill the void... Maybe there's one more thing Guillermo can do for him before his exit.

It's a strange year. Guillermo is not in his service, so much as he's a friend charged with service. His mind is so pulled in different directions - raising the Colin-creature, helping at the club, buying his gaudy new clothes that aren't vampire-like at all. Talking on the phone, sometimes in the other language he speaks, sometimes in secret whispers Nandor doesn't try to figure out.

If Guillermo doesn't want him to know, then he doesn't. He can't begrudge him a life outside this house anymore. It's like Guillermo has remembered how to be human.

Maybe he has. Nandor takes him to fight, wants to see that fire in his eyes again, but Guillermo only wants peace. They never talk about him becoming a vampire. Guillermo doesn't ask once. At the wedding, Guillermo promises to always be there when Nandor is afraid. Nandor wonders what 'always' means to him.

When he meets Freddie, things click into place a bit. Nandor is happy for him, truly. Suspicious, of course - this is a stranger in their home, one who clearly doesn't know their secrets. But such a kind and engaging stranger. And intriguing, like a little secret corner of Guillermo Nandor has never been able to reach. Nandor has been so lonely lately, he keeps getting everything he wants and yet he's lonelier than ever -

Nandor fucks up. Nandor fixes. Or does his best, anyway.

Guillermo goes to London one day, comes home with a look in his eyes like something broken. They don't talk about it.

Guillermo is back to dusting. He sits beside Nandor and smiles, placid and friendly. 'So, what's next?' But he doesn't ask. And Nandor can't ask it for him. That's not how this works.

--

And suddenly, Guillermo is a million miles away. Suddenly, Guillermo would rather be anywhere than with Nandor.

He talks about being a vampire for the first time in a year, but there's a strangeness to it. A wariness. When they laugh at the idea, he doesn't push back. There's no fire.

Something is wrong, honestly wrong, but Nandor can't bring himself to think about it seriously. Guillermo still runs from even the thought of their orgies. (So it can't be what he's thinking of, can it?) Their first big crisis as a household in a while, their bodyguard is nowhere to be found. (Is he a bodyguard anymore? A familiar? A lot more like Laszlo's familiar, these days...)

'I'm not going to be around forever.' Well, fine. He can survive that. He's survived far worse, and so has Guillermo.

And Guillermo is not just here right now, but is alive right now - wonderfully, blessedly alive - and Nandor won't be forced to think about his death for a while yet.

The one thing he knows for sure is that Guillermo would never do anything to hurt him, to hurt any of them. And maybe that's why it never worked out. You have to do so much more than survive, to be a vampire.

-- When everything that happened becomes clear, when his rage fades to anger fades to acceptance, there's still responsibility. Responsibility to his familiar, responsibility to his friend.

And when Guillermo's heart is too full, and spills over whatever bloodlust he had, Nandor wishes he were surprised. Guillermo has iron in him but it's been forged into a shield, after all this time. There are no little leftover bits Nandor might have helped him shape into a pair of fangs.

Guillermo can feed a family, or defend one, or defend himself. But he won't kill unless he has to, and his own survival - or his own happiness - is not a 'has to'. Fine. Guillermo has fought for him. Nandor can fight, too.

His own anger still needs a more constructive place to go. So he looks at Guillermo's wretched sire - who never even wanted to be a vampire, and then made a vampire so thoughtlessly. Who hasn't come to see Guillermo, who couldn't figure out how to help him, who doesn't even know that he's in pain.

Nandor drives a stake into the heart of a vampire. And it feels good.

Maybe now, he can also be angry at himself a little less.

[theskeletonprior]

Write Time: Day Nine

This month, my goal is a cool 30 000 words written. I’ll be carrying on with more RAVENOT. If you’re curious, you can take a look at my WIP intro right here. And if you’re really keen, you can read the first chapter (sort of a pilot as I toil) right here! Now onto the daily ramble.

I have a little bit of time before I set off for work today to make this entry, but I don't really have much commentary. I'm expecting to be about 900 words behind after the weekend, which isn't huge given my target. I'll try to write on the train like I did last week, and get some time in after work, but I have a couple of social engagements to keep up, so that will cut into my post-work writing time. If I can get about 500 words a day, I'll be pleased. I think I'm beginning to hit my stride with the story, and I still manage to feel some modicum of confidence. I have questioned whether or not these daily journals are a worthy cut into my writing time, but I think ultimately that reflection is an important part of the process. I'm already considering doing another Write Time in January, and keeping up a cycle of low-pressure writing every other month, and then turning it up the next. Because I have other obligations, I might tone down the expected word count even more for January's Write Time, but I think if I mean to pursue my writing honestly and earnestly, I need to be able to achieve that balance. Funny how I said I didn't have much commentary and then the words came rumbling out. That's all for now. Please behold my excerpt for today. (And do let me know if you have thoughts about my work--it's lonely out here!) Please behold.

"Anything?" Hadan shifted on the balls of his feet, but was more careful this time not to take another step closer to the carcass. Ravenot worked in silence, but for the wet shifting of organs as they examined them. The rot had spread with catastrophic efficiency, but where it had began remained an unknown. "The catalyst is not here. It must have come into contact with it elsewhere." Ravenot's mask turned toward the arch, the two trees growing together, the risk they now knew must be taken. But there was still the matter of the carcass rotting here. Ravenot cleaned Hadan's knife in the grass, leaving the remains to return it to him. “I will bury the organs," he said. "The forest will make safe the rest, if't is left alone. When I am finished, I must move on. For the final time, Hadan, get thee gone from these woods. Hast thou not heard tell of the fey lands? Thy nephew might live out his whole life ere we pass through this arch again." "What about you, then? You won't be much good, either, if no one sees you for a lifetime." "I may return by roads the living cannot." They took out their spade from its case on their right hip, threading the shaft into the collar until it was tight. Ravenot tested the handle idly, and then began to dig a shallow grave, as he had done many times. It's quick work, and the rhythm of it quiets their mind, attunes them well to the path ahead, the calling which tells him that he will surely pass into fey lands before this day is done.

Until next time!

Taglist: @alexanderflowerbird @void-botanist @carmillasboywife @ceph-the-ghost-writer @wintherlywords

As always, let me know if you’d like to join or leave the taglist, and I’ll act accordingly.

[bloodysurvivors]

Listen.

I like the general idea of Creeps not taking care of themselves. Like not bathing, forgetting to eat and body care ect. It makes sense, because most of these characters have traumatic backstories that makes them mentally unstable. When you add the factor of stressful and not-so-healthy life of a criminal on the run on top of that, it makes sense why self-care would be at the rock bottom of their priority. But I have a different idea.

What if Slenderman - or whoever they are working under - forces them to take care of themselves? After all, these are people on the run and living at a mansion inside a big forest.

If they don't shower, than it'll be easier for police dogs to track them down. If they don't eat and sleep, they won't have enough energy to lead patrols, murdering people and making sure that the crime scene is untraceable.

If the Creeps don't take care of themselves, then their fall from their hidden glory will get closer and faster. Until one day, the police corners everybody's ass in a way that Slenderman won't be able to defend them from.

So he tries his very best to make sure everybody's in shape and healthy before going out for any reason, which gives the fans the impression of him being a caring person when he is not really gentle with any of them. And that clashes a lot with Sully and Liu, especially the latter.

When Sully's out, it means two things: 1. An event happened that convinced him - and their brain - that there is danger nearby. 2. Liu, for some reason, won't be able to continue fronting but the body needs to keep moving and doing stuff, so their brain brings Sully to keep the show going.

Sully, who can't even lay down in a dark room because how bad his paranoia and flashbacks about The Murder gets. Sully who can't even touch or look himself, because he feels the touch of a knife whenever he - or someone else - does. Sully who can't even talk normally, let alone eating, because he hates how the stitches feels on his cheeks when he moves his mouth or lips. That's why he either talks too slow, or too fast.

Soo, you can guess how much these two argues about the body's physical health at the smallest slip Sully makes. Sure, Liu does tries his best to not let their body crumble under Sullivan's poor mental health; but a two man show is destined to fail, if one of the runners stops engaging with it. Of course, Liu is understanding and supportive of him, but sometimes he is just not doing OKAY. AT ALL. That doesn't make Slenderman happy, which ends in very long arguments between two.

Slenderman doesn't understand why it's sooo hard for mentally ill people to just keep moving. He barely remembers the struggles of being an alive human, how could he understand Sully's struggles?

Because of that - and many other reasons -, Sully absolutely hates Slenderman. The only reason why the two are keep staying under him is that they see Slenderman as the strongest being that can protect them from the police and society - which he does. To be honest, Slenderman successfully protecting the forest from any other trespassers - aka police, soldiers, reporters, nosy and thrill seeking fans... - is the only reason why anyone stays under him.

[reccyls]

William Chapter 18 POV story

Finest Evil, Finest Love

Half summary, half actual translation. Context below the cut.

Context/Summary: William has been hmm, framed isn't the exact right word, but he's been accused of collaborating with a group engaging in things like morphine production and trade, blackmail, human trafficking, slave labor, etc. Thus in order to prevent Crown from being investigated, he left on his own.

A few days later, it becomes clear that anyone who has ever associated with William, namely a bunch of people that he has kind of been a patron to, are being kidnapped and imprisoned in the Tower of London. They are also being tortured for William's location.

Kate thinks that this is a lot of effort to go to just for one man's location, and slowly she starts unraveling the actual plan: by torturing the people to the breaking point, the prison guards hope to turn them against William. Get the prisoners to think that it's all William's fault: he's a murderer and monster who deceived them, and it's because of him that they're in this situation. Among all the prisoners, surely there'd be one resentful enough to see an opportunity when a guard "accidentally" leaves a weapon out. And when William comes to rescue the prisoners, just have the people he was set to rescue be the ones to kill him instead.

So obviously, nobody wants that to happen. Kate, Liam, and Alfons go to the Tower of London to try and free the prisoners before William can, but they are just a little too late.

William and Kate reunite at the Tower of London just as the prisoners have been freed. He didn't expect to encounter her there. But he quickly figures out that she must be here to free the prisoners first, just in case that the prisoners were a trap for him.

However, before Kate can tell him to leave, some of the prisoners arrive. He recognizes them, looking at him with mixed emotions. While he knows that Kate wants him to leave, he still has something he needs to do here first.

He orders them to approach him, he's here, after all. He recognizes one of them as Charlie, a young man with a revolutionary spirit. Charlie, however, has internalized everything that was written about William in the news article and shaken from the torture he underwent, and thus thinks William is responsible for everything, calling him a demon and a murderer.

William can feel Kate's distress at all the accusations being hurled his way. He thinks that if this is enough to hurt her, then she really shouldn't be by his side. She won't be able to be truly free if she's chained by the pain she feels when others are hurt.

Kate tries one more time to convince William to leave. However, Charlie won't let William go. He doesn't want to be accused of being William's collaborator, so he pulls out a knife he picked up from one of the prison guards, and runs to stab William, who makes no move to avoid it. If this is what Charlie wants and needs, then he's not about to get in the way of that. After all, he doesn't believe that he'll die here.

He's cursed to meet his tragic end as befitting his fairytale curse. The current situation is missing something to make it a true tragedy. So, he's quite certain that even if he were to be stabbed, he wouldn't die. The only thing that he'd regret is if Kate, standing nearby, would blame herself for something she couldn't control.

But as Charlie runs to stab him…

(--?)

I heard the sound of the knife that sought freedom hit its target. Before my eyes, Kate's hair curled through the air as if in slow motion.

(…Kate?)

Liam: Kate!!

As Liam's distant-sounding shout pierced through the air, I caught Kate's collapsing body in my arms.

William: …

I didn't need to ask her why she did it. Her actions, and the red engraved on her body, spoke more eloquently than words ever could. It was all for her own selfish love.

"Even if you wish for your own destruction, I won't allow it." "That is my conviction, what I want to stay true to." "Because I and I alone am my master." "Look, William." "When loving you, am I not the most free I have ever been?"

(…Yes. Yes, you are.) (You have chosen to be true to what your heart desires.)

-Start flashback- Kate: I… Kate: When I die, I want to be able to think that I am here because I've been able to choose to pursue what is precious to me. -End flashback-

As she lay in my arms having made that choice, her white clothes were being dyed deep red. The color of her desire. The color of selfish love, of the pursuit of freedom.

When we first met, I had imagined it. The sight of her throwing off all shackles, how she could be a flower blooming in the darkness-- How beautiful such a sight would be.

And now in my arms, the blossoming crimson of her, now free and unshackled… far surpassed my expectations.

(Beautiful.) (So absurdly beautiful.)

William: …Kate. William: …On the night that we first met, I remembed wiping off the blood that stained your cheek.

My hand carressed her pale cheek. What name should I give to this surge of emotion welling up from the dark abyss of my heart? If I could put a proper name to it, would that make you happy?

William: Ever since then, I've always thought… William: …that red suits you best.

The wish that I never had any intention of realizing has now fallen into the palm of my hand. If I decided to consume it, have it dance atop my tongue, if I fully savored its flavor- How sweet would it taste?

(My foolish, lovely, pitiful robin.) (If even the fear of death can't stop your love-) (-then someday my destiny shall surely kill you.)

Because even now, even with Kate bleeding out in my arms, I had no desire to avoid meeting whatever fate was in store for me.

Allow me to offer you the finest evil (love) that will lead you to your ruin.

[tobiasdrake]

So that job was a dud. We did keep the 100k, right? He said he was paying it up-front so I have to assume Yakou already collected it.

I can't stop marveling at that gorgeous sky over Kanai Ward. I never thought I'd miss something so ordinary as the sky but after a full game spent in the rains of the Mind-Cleansing Bath, being able to see a moon occupying a starry sky above this city is breathtaking.

I hope ghost/homunculus lady can heal this city so its denizens can see this some day.

Yakou's saying farewell to his office. Don't worry, man. You get to keep visiting the rooftop, at least. This rooftop becomes the hippest hangout spot in Kanai Ward.

Aww, she came back. Makes sense. A man's trying to kill her, after all. Who's she going to go to? The Peacekeepers? She's smarter than that.

._. There goes our 100k consolation prize. Even though Yakou was visibly not the aggressor there. The man pulled a gun!

That's okay. Five years from now, Fubuki will drown half of their clientele so we get the last laugh in the end.

To be fair, as frustrated as Yakou is, she's done nothing wrong. Aside from the weird contradictory writing bit earlier, anyway. She didn't want to go see the sketchy guy, which turned out to be a good call 'cause he tried to murder her.

Aww, she came because she's interested in you, Yakou!

Note to writers: This is fine.

"Why does Character do the thing?" "Because it's what he enjoys doing."

That is absolutely a suitable enough backstory. Not everything needs a complex and traumatic explanation. Sometimes characters just like doing things.

Of course, Yakou will obtain a traumatic and complex backstory. He is, in fact, speaking with his traumatic and complex backstory right now. But my point is that he's still engaging enough even without it.

OH MY GOD

OH MY GOD

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA YES HAHAHAHA

That completely blindsided me in a good way. I love it. They're old, estranged childhood friends and Yakou didn't even know it.

This relationship development is so good.

...

The badge has "Nocturnal Detective Agency" written on it. Nocturnal Detective Agency was the name Yakou came up with as a little boy for the operation he wanted to some day run. T_T

He won't live to see that dream come true but his homunculus, at least, will get to Play Detective with some of the most brilliant experts from across the world. This is filling me with all of the feels.

This is so sweet. It's so sweet. This is the best ship in the game. Hands down.

Look at that face. He's beaten to hell and he barely knows this woman, even if they are childhood friends. He'd have to be out of his mind to accept the deal.

Of course he'll do it! He'd betray every unnecessarily gendered chat he ever had with Yuma about women and a man's duty and such if he didn't.

You can feel how good these two were together. This is what building up a ship can be like when you just sit back and let it bake rather than shilling it at every opportunity.

And the fact that she hired him to be her bodyguard is such a twist of the knife too. Like. It already made sense that her death haunted him for so long that it ultimately drove him to revenge. But that extra layer adds even more dramatic spice to it. She didn't just die. He failed in his duty, in an actual terms-on-paper contractual duty and not just, like, "A man's duty to protect his woman".

It wasn't just spiritually his job to make sure this didn't happen to her because Gender Stuff. I mean, to him, it was, but it wasn't just that. It was. Also. Literally. His actual job.

[my-brothers-corrupted]

Thank you for letting us see you again, you are all so beautiful and doing so good. Even in the dark times there will be singing… Even when you’re having lows and hurting, you’ve all grown so much and found pieces of you that were taken. When I look at you, I only see Jackie, Marvin, Chase, Henrik, and Jameson - the things Anti tried to make you into never mattered. Your brains made you shelters and safeguards under those names, sure, but not a single one of you ‘died’. You’ve always been you, just you. And I’m very glad you have the safety to be yourselves freely now!

Everybody's about fallen asleep by the time JJ gets up and grabs his backpack, signing something about going to put on pajamas. As he rises, he glances around, grinning at Jackie half-buried against Max's chest, Chase and Marvin covered in popcorn bits from the war they started over the remote, and Henrik drowsily petting Noodle. They're all bandaged up now, tired and sore, but full, cozy, together.

No, they did not die. Here they are. And JJ, who has caught glimpses of other possibilities in dreams, in fragments, he knows that that is a lucky thing, a beautiful thing - and that you were a great part of it. It's why he couldn't leave you behind today. They were created under your gaze. Shouldn't you witness every rebirth?

Jameson wanders back to his room, putting down his pack and beginning to take out the things he brought: a well-used medical kit, snacks, an extra camera, an old gold knife once melted down to the hilt, and that file that Quintrell gave him, marked with the symbol for the British Magical Order. He pauses to open the file, glancing through it and setting it down on his desk, only then remembering that your camera is still there, looking at him.

"Ah," he says. "You've caught my last mystery. But that we must save for another time. It will take a lot of discussion between all of us to decide what to do. If you see him, though, say hi to him, okay? Being able to keep him safe was the greatest thing I ever did - but I took his creations from him, too, and the more time goes on, the more I begin to feel it must be remedied."

The first page inside the folder has a familiar face smiling at you, marked at the top with the words "Class Twelve Magician - Non-Native Resident - UNAWARE, DO NOT ENGAGE."

Beneath it is Sean's name and contact information, including an address in Brighton, just a mirror's journey away.

"That will have to be all for now, my friends," Jameson tells you. "I better get my brothers to bed. Take care of yourselves, won't you? What would your cameras say to you if they could watch you through the dark times? I think they would tell you to be very kind to yourself. And that better things will come, and come, and come, every time the darkness seeps in again. And have you eaten? And have you slept? And do you know that nothing you have done makes you unworthy of peace and affection and a warm cat in your lap? Those are the things you've always told us, no matter what."

He's looking away now, looking up at the stars through his window, and you can tell his mind is already drifting to other things. To the future, to his brothers, to the order he will lead and the people he will care for, to his first real girlfriend, who might let her kiss him again if he's gentle, to everything that could be and will be and stretches before him like a path through meadows and mountains.

"Yes," he signs distantly. "I'll have to let you go. It's bedtime, and then morning will come, and so, so many things with it. Isn't that exciting?"

They turn the cameras off one by one. In the living room, they are hugging each other good night, and Peanut is licking the popcorn bowl.

End continuation.

[traumasurvivorshelpingsurvivors]

[TWs: Intrusive thoughts, CSA and Online NCCSA mentions, rape mentions, self harm mentions (specifically via cutting), masturbation mentions, there will probably be a suicide mention too but I'm not sure I'm writing this before writing the actual post] Hey. You probably don't remember me, so I'll reintroduce myself. I'm ☀️, that's what I went by last time anyway. I'm 15 now, and I still have all the same issues. I've been groomed and/or sexually objectified five times, developed intrusive thoughts after the fifth time, still struggling with hypersexuality and compulsive masturbation, ADHD, there's a high chance I have Moral OCD or POCD maybe both I don't know, and it's been I think a good six months since my previous real message And I'm here again because everything has gotten ten times worse. I found out a few months ago that I often have intrusive thoughts when I'm aroused or masturbating, meaning when I engage in any type of sexual activity with myself, my thoughts that I find arousing are often in the same presence as thoughts I find disgusting all the while I'm still bodily aroused, and I do not think I have to say just how absolutely fucking awful that feels. That is a feeling I wouldn't wish on even the most deplorable people in the world. And because I am hypersexual and compulsively masturbate, nothing will ever truly satisfy me, so I am forced to feel this torture again and again and again until i am physically too tired to do any more. I've never been actually raped or assaulted thank god but I feel like this is the closest I'll ever get to experiencing it cause it honestly feels like I'm assaulting myself. And it's been too much. I don't know when it started but I know it was this month, but recently I've started cutting my upper arms and shoulders with a knife that's in my room. It's not a sharp knife as it's part of a gold utensils set, but it's enough to leave scars. I know I'm doing a bad thing to myself but I'm honestly starting to not care, maybe I deserve it for allowing myself to sink this low. That's not to say it's been all bad, I've recently taken up both platonic and romantic self shipping to sorta distract myself from all of these problems, and it has been nice but even that has had it's down side. One of my platonic f/os (fictional ones) is a character that I see as my little sister due to our similar traumas, and that has been sweet, but recently all of my intrusive thoughts have been about her. I would never hurt her or draw anything gross with her that's my goddamn baby, but that doesn't stop intrusive thoughts I'm honestly just at a loss on what to do. If it weren't for the fact that I have people who care about me I probably would've jumped off a balcony by now, and I'm not planning on doing that because that's stupid, I'm not going to hurt other people just because I'm hurt. But honestly, the other options don't seem pleasing either. I'm definitely dropping out of high school once I legally can because I've just about given up on my education, I've missed weeks of schoolwork due to my mental health and I'm definitely going to have to repeat the 9th grade. And I don't have a chance in college. I'm barely able to draw anymore because of my mental health so I probably can't make a job out of that, and there's honestly not much out for me. The only thing I have is my cringy story that probably won't become an actual thing until I'm like 17. At this point, I feel hopeless. Please tell me what you would do in my shoes.

HI ☀️,

I remember you and I appreciate you reintroducing yourself. I'm sorry to hear that things have gotten worse for you lately. It takes a lot of courage to open up about your struggles, and please know you're not alone.

The presence of intrusive thoughts during sexual activities can be distressing and confusing, especially when they involve things that goes against your values and beliefs. It's important to remember that intrusive thoughts are not a reflection of who you are as a person or your true desires. They are a common experience, especially for trauma survivors.

Please know that intrusive thoughts don't reflect your values. Thoughts like these tend to get more persistent the more you fight them. It's not easy at first, but learning to simply acknowledge that you're having the thought and allowing it to pass like every other thought can help. Some people benefit from visualizing a stream (of consciousness) where each thought is a lily pad, placing the thought on the lily pad and watching it drift away.

It's positive to hear that you've found some distraction and solace through platonic and romantic self-shipping. Engaging in creative outlets can provide momentary escape and comfort. But if you find that intrusive thoughts are interfering with your enjoyment of these activities, it might be helpful to explore different coping strategies or expand your interests to other hobbies that feel safer and more fulfilling for you.

I understand that it feels daunting to contemplate your future, especially when you're feeling hopeless. It's essential to give yourself time and space to heal, seek professional support, and explore different avenues that align with your interests and strengths. While it may feel challenging now, it's important to remember that circumstances can change, and there are opportunities for personal growth and fulfillment ahead.

Given the intensity of your experiences, you may want to speak with a mental health professional such as a therapist who specializes in trauma or OCD. A therapist can provide you with guidance, support, and evidence-based techniques to help manage your intrusive thoughts, hypersexuality, and compulsive behaviors. Therapy can also help you navigate your self-worth, process your traumas, and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Please know that we care about you and want to support you through this difficult time. Consider reaching out to trusted individuals in your life and seeking professional help. You deserve care, understanding, and the opportunity to heal.

I hope I could help, and please let us know if you need anything.

-Bun

[minutiaeoflife]

A Journey of Thousand Miles Begins With a Single Step

Before I begin, let me tell you something little about me. Being the only child, I never had the opportunity to grow up with siblings, therefore I find it difficult to engage with children sometimes. But when I do engage with them, I often find that being around them makes me naturally softer. Although I'm not very accustomed to being around kids, especially infants, and sometimes find their behavior a bit overwhelming, I also find them endearing because of their innocence. In fact, I often see a bit of my younger self in them, and it makes me want to have a sibling as well.

Now, back to the main topic: from their house, he was keeping an eye on us even though we were still quite far away. When I got a closer look at the kid, I was filled with awe. He's too cute too handle. He's small and a happy kid.

Infants are naturally curious about everything, and I can attest to this from both the questions I've asked and from the things that I have observed. Based on my observations of Liam, upon our arrival, he appeared distant and fixed his gaze on us for approximately five (5) minutes. For a while, he didn't even acknowledge his "tata", Jairine, who is my groupmate. Eventually, Liam was able to recognized his "tata" and went near to her asking for a hug.

We were able to ask Liam's mother a couple of questions regarding Liam's physical, cognitive, and socioemotional milestones.

First, let's talk about Liam's physical development milestones. Liam's quite an active kid. He's bubbly, he likes to play around, likes to touch things that he find appealing. So we started asking his mother about his motor skills, in which we received a good response. Liam can now reach and grasps objects, such as glass, spoon, "tabo", and other objects that he find interesting. His mother shared to us that there was an instance where Liam was able to grab a knife; that concerned me for a bit because of the danger the kid might've experienced. Liam can now sit up, and even walk. He was sitting up on his own when he was just 8 months old, and started crawling when he was just 6 months old, which surprised me because I didn’t expect infants to reach those milestones so early. He started walking at the age of 1 year and 2 months old, without support from anyone. When it comes to reflexes and movements, he's not yet attentive or responsive on things yet, it's because when some objects fall, he won't take it unless he was told to do so. Liam's growth development has been impressive. The last time they've checked, Liam's height was about 60 cm, which is a good start for an infant. He has grown from 3.8 kg (newborn) to 10 kg (present). Liam started having his teeth when he was 8 months old; currently he has a total of 16 teeth—8 on the upper, and another 8 for the bottom. For the time being, Liam cannot yet transfer things or object from one place to another.

In Liam's cognitive aspect, he is still in the process of learning new things. From what I have observed, Liam is a curious kid, just like any other infants out there. Just as I've mentioned before, when he sees fascinating and appealing things, he tends to touch and grasp them; he doesn't need any specific colors or shapes to hold them; when he sees one, he grabs it immediately. He also tends to copy other people's action, for example when they clap or wave. So whenever his happy, he claps or whenever you wave at him, he waves back. I even gave him a high five which he returned afterwards. One thing that I noticed as well is that, when I gave him a high five and then laughed afterwards, he mimicked my action in which I covered my face when I laugh. When it comes to Liam's memory and recognition, he still has difficulty recognizing people. It seems like he can't recognize those people who he haven't seen for a long time, however, when you spend time with him for a little while, he would probably start to sense familiarity. For example, just like what happened when Jairine came back to their house, and he can't recognize her, he was being shy and was behave for a minute then Jairine gave him time to adjust then eventually he went near her and could recognize her again. He can also recognize his name, when someone calls him by his nickname which is "motmot", he would reply "oh!". He's actually quite responsive, he would go near you when you call his name.

With Liam's socio-emotional development, he acts typically like how an infant would act. When his father will be out of his sight, he would bawl his eyes out. Although his mother is the one who's taking care of him, he seems to be more attached to his father and prefers to be wherever his father is. He can now express his anger too, especially when being teased by his sister or anyone which may result for baby Liam to react hysterically, say gibberish words, and would shout his lungs out. He also throws objects within his reach. Whenever his angry, he would seek his mother's presence for comfort, and would call her "Mama" and make her carry him.

There's a few achievements of Liam that his mother shared to us:

- He knows how to hold a glass and drink on his own.

- He knows how to remove his slippers.

- He knows how to brush his teeth

- And he can manage to put soap on his body while taking a bath.

His mother also shared that she is happy as baby Liam grow into a healthy boy. She is grateful of the incredible development he has made and appreciates each achievement and milestone in his development. It has brought her great pleasure and delight to see him grow and flourish.

The title of this blog which is "A Journey of Thousand Miles Begins With a Single Step" is a reflection of life, our development as a human being. Infancy, being the earliest stage of life, in which this is where everything started. The meaning behind "A Journey of Thousand Miles Begins With a Single Step" is that every journey begins with a single step toward one's purpose or goal. No matter how huge the work is, the first step toward completing it is crucial. It's like a reminder to us that we won't be able to make it if we won't take the first step, which can be comparable to infancy, because infancy is in fact where everyone of us started. Some people may find this analogy unimportant, but I find it to be very meaningful. Interviewing people who were raising infants gave me the insight that the growth and development we witness in the early years can serve as a metaphor for the larger struggles we encounter in life. We must take our first steps in order to make progress in our own goals, just as infants must do in order to begin walking. I have been able to recognize the similarities between early development and personal growth because of this knowledge. Every milestone, no matter how minor, is an evidence of the significance of taking that first step.

Love,

Irish & Jairine <3

[devilofthehounds]

God Eater 3 Character Novel | Spinning Bonds: Chapter 7

[image id: A novel cover. Zeke Pennywort from God Eater 3 stands with his back to the viewer, his scarf billowing in the wind. Overlaid within the scarf is an image of a young Zeke with his four brothers, smiling happily. The text, when translated into English, reads “God Eater 3 Character Novel | Chapter 4: Zeke Edition | Spinning Bonds”. /end id]

This is a fan translation. Original text here.

Masterpost 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

The mission in the old city had begun.

"Hraaah!"

I fought frantically, mowing down small Aragami with my Boost Hammer to vent my frustration.

Even at a time like this, there were only Blast Spiders. Disgusting. They brought back memories of the past I didn't want to remember.

"Heh, you're really motivated, huh, Zeke?"

"Shut up... Don't act like we're friends!"

I was so frustrated, I ended up yelling at them. Though I was more frustrated with myself than them.

"I don't know what your deal is, but let's all stay calm. ...If we lose our focus out here, we'll die."

Hugo and Luca. The two of them seemed to work well together.

They fought as if they knew each other's every move. And when they Engaged, they were even more in sync.

If they could move like that, they could definitely hold their own against even a large Aragami.

Then why?

"Zeke?"

Luca looked back at me as I stood still, his face full of concern.

"It's nothing... Let's keep going."

What happened during the Vajra subjugation mission? I was scared to ask.

If I heard what they had to say, and I found out it couldn't have been helped...

I wasn't sure if I'd be able to go on.

I couldn't decide what to do, so I ended up going on ahead on my own. At that moment—

A high-pitched, bird-like cry echoed from between the buildings.

"What the—?!"

A moment later, a brightly colored Aragami descended right in front of me.

It was a medium-sized Aragami, something I'd never fought before. If I remembered right, this one was... a Nemain?

"Zeke, get back!"

Luca came running up behind me.

At that moment, I felt Luca's presence in my heart.

If I reached out to him, we'd be able to Engage.

But then, in my mind, I saw Neal's smiling face.

"...Forget it. I don't need your help!"

I shook off Luca's will and leapt at the Nemain.

But in my haste, I forgot to activate my God Arc's Boost Ignition. I ended up getting hit head-on by the Nemain's knife-like feathers and fell over.

"Gh... Ack..."

What was I doing? Everything I wanted to do, everything I needed to do—I was making a mess of it all.

Oh, right. I wasn't even sure what to do from here.

How could I protect Keith from here on?

I didn't even know how to motivate myself.

"Move, you idiot!"

Hugo's yell brought me back to my senses.

In front of me was the Nemain, its blade raised.

I'd seen this scene before. It was just like when my brothers died.

In times like this, I was reminded of my powerlessness.

"...Gh!"

The blade swung down.

"Luca!"

"Hraaah!"

Propelled by a Link Burst Round from Hugo, Luca deployed his shield and dove at the Nemain.

Hugo and Luca readied their God Arcs to protect me from the now-reeling Aragami.

"Hang in there, Zeke! We won't die! We won't let you die, either!"

"We'll make it there together. A place... where everyone's dreams can come true!"

I gasped at Luca's words.

"How do you...?"

"Let's go, Zeke!"

Luca turned and reached out to me.

In my heart, I could still feel his warm presence.

Guided by that presence, I took his outstretched hand.

At that moment, our consciousnesses connected.

Oracle energy erupted from our bodies, and Luca's thoughts flowed into my head clearly.

In the midst of that warm, powerful light, I thought I could see Din and Oulu.

"So... that's how it is..."

Their dream—it lived on inside these two.

If they'd really entrusted these two with this light.

"...I get it now... Let's go, Luca!"

There was no way I'd let it go to waste.

Remembering what Din had taught me, I finally activated my Boost Hammer.

Hugo's diversion combined with Luca's tempest of attacks created an opening.

Now. Propelled by the voices of the connections inside my heart.

"Take this!"

I struck the Nemain in the head with all my might.

Unable to resist, it collapsed. Hugo and Luca immediately moved in to devour.

Seeing the Nemain turn to ash and disappear with its core removed, all strength left my body.

"Hah... Hah... That's the first time I've ever fought a medium-sized one."

I laid down on the ground, spreading out my arms and legs.

Even though we were in the Ashlands, the sky was beautiful.

"Geez... You begged to come along, full of energy, and now you're flopping down on the ground? Pull yourself together."

What Hugo said made sense.

Now, I knew exactly what I had to do.

"...Sorry for causing so much trouble. Really, I am!"

I hung my head. I really did feel bad, making them go along with my pointless stubbornness.

"Everyone's safe. Don't worry about it."

Luca smiled as he spoke. It was a little unnerving. Even so, I couldn't help but smile back.

"More importantly, what you said earlier... A place where everyone's dreams can come true... Did you really mean it?"

Luca and Hugo looked at each other.

"Yeah, we're serious. No matter what happens, we won't give up on that dream. We'll carry the feelings of those who died and entrusted their wishes to us into the future."

When I saw the choker wrapped around Hugo's right arm, I realized who it had belonged to.

For them, death wasn't the end.

For me, someone's death had always been a source of regret.

I had always thought of it as a burden I'd have to carry for the rest of my life.

But that wasn't the case.

The wishes and wills that were passed down would continue on into the future.

And I knew I had the same will in me that shined in these two.

"I see..."

Finally, I felt like I could move forward.

But... if they were saying they'd carry on that dream...

"Then..."

I stood up, grabbed Hugo and Luca by their shirts, and pulled them towards me.

"Then promise me one thing!"

What if that dream was something we inherited from our heroes?

"This dream doesn't just belong to you two! The other kids at the Port... don't you dare leave them behind!"

How much hope did the dream those two told us about give us, that day in the prison?

How much had they saved me?

I'd shoulder all the burdens they couldn't. So—

"If you can promise me that... then count me in!"

I'd made a promise, too.

To make our dreams come true together.

My words, echoing throughout the Ashlands, were met with an honest answer from both Hugo and Luca.

"Of course. We won't abandon anyone."

"This dream connects all of us. ...We won't let anyone die."

Luca's words reminded me of what Saul had said.

"Yeah! There's nobody in this world that should just be left to die!"

Saul. Rhys. Neal.

I remembered all the wishes that had been entrusted to me.

Our journey would continue. And...

I'd try to believe once again that at the end of it, there'd be a place we could all reach together.

Having gained a second wind, I returned to my cell.

But... I still needed to properly tell Keith what had happened with Neal.

I wasn't sure if Keith would forgive his failure of a big brother.

"...Huh?"

There was no sign of Keith in the cell.

He'd been coughing so much, wracked with pain.

My mind immediately turned to Neal, who'd been taken away.

No, it couldn't be...! My blood ran cold. And then—

"*cough* *cough* Zeke..."

Keith came from the other side of the bars, dragging a heavy-looking package.

"Keith?! Were you... on a mission?!"

"Yeah... but I'm okay. Take a look at this."

Keith opened the package, revealing it to be packed with food.

"I found it all by myself. There's enough for everyone, so why don't we share?"

"You..."

Putting the package aside, Keith stood proudly in front of me.

"...The guards told me what happened to Neal. That must have been why you were so down, Zeke..."

Keith shook his head.

"You've always tried to protect me, but look. I'll be fine on my own, okay? I'll do my best to complete missions, so don't worry."

Keith smiled gently and looked at me.

"So, Zeke... Don't try to carry everything all on your own. I don't want to just be protected anymore!"

"Keith..."

"I couldn't do anything when Din and Oulu died, or when Neal was taken away! I... know how sad and frustrated you must've been!"

Tears started streaming down Keith's face as he rested his head against my chest.

"I-I'll get stronger! I'll stay by your side! So... So let me protect you, too...!"

Geez, I really was a useless big brother.

How could I let my little brother worry so much?

"...Thanks, Keith."

My armlets were restrained, so I couldn't hug him. Instead, I held his hand tightly.

I wouldn't let him see me gloomy anymore. I wouldn't let him see any of my bad sides.

There wasn't much I could do, but at least I was no longer lost.

"We'll keep going together, Keith. From now 'til forever... we're one, the five of us."

"...Yeah!"

As long as we kept these feelings close, someday, we'd see Neal again...

I looked back at everyone in the prison.

The heroes' dream that dwelled in everyone's hearts. To make it shine once more.

"...Hey, guys. My brother found some food! Let's eat!"

I, Zeke Pennywort, began to connect the pieces of my dream.

[forensicated]

This is part one of an octology of episodes centered around Smithy, the Samuels' family and assorted friends/not-so-friends (putting it mildly!) of theirs. Over the last few months, Smithy has become quite fond of Carly as their paths have crossed in various ways and he's almost a little bit of a paternal figure towards her at times.

Smiffina Episodes: Witness Part 1 - Innocent Blood

Uniform are called to a house party at Carly's bestie's house Alesha "With 2 N's" Danniels that has gotten out of hand on the Jasmine Allen Estate. The doorman was Alesha's boyfriend, Tito Morientes. He has been stabbed but won't say who by, only "the money, the money." Smithy spots Carly sneaking out and questions her about what happened to Tito, realising it was her who called it in. She tells him that she saw a man argue with him. Alesha is in a state of shock, saying there was only meant to be 10 people present. As more backup arrives, Smithy tells them to shut down the party and he takes Carly's arm, telling Diane to come with him because Carly said she'd help them pick out the suspect. "When did I say that?!" Carly scowls. "Just now." Smithy says, leading her along to the car.

"Why didn't I get an unlicensed mini cab? I could have been robbed or assaulted but at least I'd be home by now!" Carly's phone rings and she refuses the call, claiming it's an ex who doesn't know he's an ex yet. "Good!" Smithy glances back at her for a second. "A boyfriend would just distract you!" Carly spots the suspect and points him out to Smithy. "Right, I'm gonna have to get you out the car, but go straight home!" "Yes, Dad." Carly mocks with a sigh.

Unfortunately their suspect, Eric, is rather good at parkour and escapes onto the roof. "Not going to get after him then Sarge?" Diane quips. "Don't let me stop you." Smithy smirks, picking up the bag he's left behind that contains a reflective yellow vest. "He's half man, half goat!" Diane insists.

At Alesha's, Beth has found advertising that says it was a pay party and there's drug evidence. Alesha's father returns and is horrified at what has happened to his house. The locals on the estate are not exactly forthcoming with information either and a group of children set fire to things from Alesha's house in a pile in the middle of the estate. Nate follows one to his flat and knocks. The woman who answers it is very confused and claims her grandson is still in bed. She calls for him to come to see the officers. He appears, wearing his dressing gown and pretending to have just woken up. He's given away by his jogger bottoms falling down his leg. It becomes clear through the interview that Dennis is his grandma's carer and she isn't able to look after him and he hasn't been able to bathe in a while.

At the hospital, Smithy tells Emma that it was a pay party. There's no sign of the money on him when he reached hospital so they suspect the motive to be robbery. Emma thinks the scars on Tito's back have a definite pattern to them, potentially a gang sign. The knife is a craft knife, customised to have two blades instead of one so that it's harder for wounds to heal. Smithy finds Tito has a caution for possession of cannabis but the lad he was arrested with was a member of the Creekside Boys gang. Other than that, peoples opinion is that he's 'a good kid' but it is noted that his father threw him out of the house a few months ago.

Later, Tito insists he's fine, that it's just a scratch and no big deal. He claims he didn't see who did it despite the defensive wounds on his hands. His only description is that he was 'white'. He denies it's anything to do with the Creekside Boys. They track down his suspected attacker to a local rubbish tip where he works and are given his name and address by his boss.

In the canteen, uniform discuss "Noddy's Caravan" or rather a Community Social Hub on the Estate. Most mock the idea but Beth thinks it would really help because engaging with the residents makes them open up to them. She tells them a resident told her that the bullet holes on the ticket mean that it was Marlon Reed's party. Marlon is known to the police but also known for witness intimidation so the cases never get to court. He's also Carly's boyfriend.

Smithy goes to see Leanne and Carly at their new flat. Leanne explains that - thanks to Smithy - Carly has bucked her ideas up and is looking after Brooke herself and things have gotten better with Brooke's dad Dwayne. The downside is Marlon and his 'designer thugs' that are always present. Smithy and Marlon face off and Marlon insists he knows nothing about their suspect or the stabbing and claims that the tag on the invites is nothing to do with him as he hasn't used it for months. "Is that it?" "For now." Smithy growls.

Carly admits to Smithy that Marlon is a mistake and she doesn't want to be with him now she's realised what he's like. 'Marlon isn't someone you can just dump'. Smithy suggests she finds a nice accountant or librarian. She rolls her eyes and tells him that Tito will say he is a Creekside member but he isn't really, he only hangs around with them so others leave him alone as he is biding his time until he can get to college. Marlon isn't a member either and "does his own thing." Carly also tells him she feels guilty about the party. She'd let Marlon know he could come over with a few friends as her dad had agreed to 10 people. Tito was overwhelmed by the amount of people who rushed in and daren't say no. She thinks the money was for Tito's rent arrears and without it he's likely to get evicted from his council flat. The council tell Smithy the flat is actually listed as vacant. As Eric works for the council on the bins as well as living on the estate it's likely he knows which properties are vacant and could be subletting them illegally.

When uniform arrive to arrest Eric they find Marlon is already beating him up with some thugs. Marlon is caught but Eric manages to get free and leads the officers on an elaborate race using his parkour skills that lasts for quite some time. At the end of it, Eric thinks he's outrun them all ... only to get slammed face first into a wall by Gina who arrests him. "Oooh hello!" She says to Smithy and Reg who appear over the wall and are literally gasping for breath. "I really hate running!" she snaps to Eric - despite being the only uniform officer on the estate who HASN'T been running after him. 😂

Jo interviews Eric who claims he did nothing to Tito. He goes quiet when he realises they know about his rent scam. He then admits hitting Tito but has nothing to do with Tito's back and Marlon was only beating him up because the money he took was Marlon's.

Nate flirts with a pharmacy assistant to get some information about the tablets that Dennis' gran is on. In doing so, he also scores a date. Vera is on serious medication for a number of conditions. She has seizures and is also very forgetful. Like Dennis, she also tries not to let on it's only the two of them. Nate suspects Dennis is setting fire to things as a cry for help and to release frustration. As they discuss it they have a call to a burning car he has gotten trapped in. Nate has to pull him out with seconds to spare before it explodes. At the station Nate tells Gina he's researched Dennis' parents. There's no sign of his father and his mother is in prison for another 18m. He's been looking after his gran alone for 2 years since he was 10. Gina tells him to look deeper into the family. Thankfully they track down Vera's brother who she dropped contact with when her daughter was sentenced out of embarrassment and he's keen to help. He's not the only one. Nate cancels his date, side steps a drink with Sally and goes to see Dennis after work on the quiet to make sure he's really ok and explains that everything's going to change for the better from now on.

CID update Smithy that Marlon is the most likely suspect as it's similar to another 'tag' that he uses. Marlon is brought in and plays the nice guy, insisting he only went to get the money back from Eric to give to Alesha to pay for the damage to the house.

Smithy goes to ask Carly why she identified Eric as Tito's attacker when she knows it was Marlon. She blames Smithy for making her care about other people, especially Brooke and her mum and points out that he can't protect her from Marlon for the rest of their lives. Smithy suggests if she can't/won't make a statement then she could give them a clue that could help them put Marlon away. She tells him she told the truth, she did see Eric and Tito arguing but she didn't tell him that Marlon got angry and took it out on Tito. She tells Smithy that Marlon's 'boys' held him down whilst Marlon slashed him. She also tells him the rough area to find proof. Back at the station, Jo and Grace take Tito's shoes to 'test for blood traces.' He's happy to hand them over... until he sees the police dog sniffing them for his scent to track as a cover for how they'll hopefully find the evidence. The dog - Sheila - alerts the handler to a blooded hoody discarded in a quiet corner. Emma bags it and before long, Sheila finds the knife. "Clever girl!" Jo smiles. "... It's all part of the job." Beth beams back before Jo clarifies she meant the dog.

Alesha subtly tells Jo and Grace that Tito is changing and hanging around with the gang more to the point he's given up one of his hobbies - football. They tell him they suspect Marlon but Tito insists not and won't be drawn even when they tell him that they know the stabbing was a 'tagging'. The detectives continue telling him that if he goes up against Marlon he will keep coming back again and again. He refuses to press charges and leaves the hospital with his 'crew.'

Marlon claims the hoody was stolen at the party. He shrugs off claims that the knife will have his fingerprints on because Tito won't press charges. Unfortunately Marlon gets bail. There's a strong uniform presence on the estate in case of reprisals. Smithy goes to give Carly the heads up. He promises her it'll be ok and that the forensics should tie in and Tito can still be called to court as a hostile witness. Carly closes the door so Leanne can't hear, telling Smithy that she's going to take Brooke and move away so that Marlon can't find her. Smithy's shocked but tells her he reluctantly understands, but not to change her mind about Marlon. She promises him she won't and that she'll send him a postcard when settled.

Gina and Smithy head up a briefing of a group who volunteered for overtime. They bring everyone up to date about Tito and Marlon and that they are going to be visible on the Jasmine Allen Estate for a long while incase war kicks off between the two groups. They also confirm that there will be a new community hub soon on the estate so residents can drop in with information, tip offs and get help.

Later, Smithy's not happy to see Carly heading towards Marlon and his friends, but she tells him she's only going to see Alesha to apologise for what happened. Marlon stakes his claim, waving to Smithy as he keeps his arm around Carly's waist.

The girls bust Nate's mission of mercy as they spot him leaving Dennis' flat whilst patrolling the estate on overtime. He tries to claim it's a coincidence but Dennis, his gran and great uncle grass him up by coming out to thank him and Dennis apologises for what he'd been doing. The girls tease him about his 'hot date' and Nate laughs but then grabs the girls and pulls them down with him as he thinks he hears gunshots but thankfully it's just Marlon's gang letting off loud fire crackers.

They continue to watch as seconds later, a car pulls up. Two hands appear out the blackened windows, firing at least 9 shots at the group before speeding off. The gang scatters as Emma calls in with a partial index and Smithy speeds back. Carly is on the ground and Marlon is slumped, staring at her as all the officers arrive. He then gets to his feet, giving Carly one last look before pulling his head up and walking off (!) whilst Smithy drops to his knees to try save Carly.

[amessageonthewind]

Hellow Zinnia! Would you mind answering Headstone and Pumpkin from the Halloween ask game?

What’s something you’re really looking forward to in your future with Rachel?

"It's honestly incredible to think that I even have one, let alone that I've been able to have everything I've had, thus far. I think what I'm most looking forward to is...getting to see Lily grow up. Our daughter is more than I could've ever wanted, and she's an incredible person all on her own already and I can't wait to see what she'll be like when she grows up."

"Naturally, Rachel's worried about how she'll be when we have to send her to school. After all, neither of us are exactly 'regular' by any stretch, and Lily takes after the both of us in a lot of ways. But as long as we're in her corner cheering her on, it won't be so bad if she gets flack for being herself."

"Besides, I know for a fact that Guzma won't let anyone bully his favourite niece."

How does a pumpkin carving session between you and Rachel go? What designs do you carve together?

"Rachel's had a lot more practice than me when it comes to crafting things with her hands. The best I've been able to do is when I made her her engagement necklace. But as far as pumpkin carving goes, she's had plenty of practice with crafting Pokeballs when she time travelled to Hisui. It honestly impresses me how good she's gotten with making things with her hands and her pumpkin carving skills are no exception!"

"I, uh...I've definitely broken a pumpkin carving knife a few times. I don't even know how. As good as I am with my hands, I'm not necessarily good at making things. It takes me a while to make something because I have to be so careful with it, and you can't exactly be careful with pumpkins."

"But she loves my wonky pumpkins anyways."

[firelord-frowny]

omg so like. several years ago, in uhhh 2012 i think, my bestestfrand was a student at bowie state university, and she called me one night all freaked out bc there had been a fuckinnnn deadly stabbing on her dorm floor??????????? one girl had stabbed another in the neck, who then bled to death in the hallway, and I remember hearing on the news that the altercation was ultimately about a disagreement over music that was being played on an ipod. basically one girl wanted the music on, and the other wanted it off, and a Fight ensued.

And I never remember hearing about what ultimately became of that case, so I googled it, and WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW

the girl who did the stabbing was found not guilty!

Basically, if I understood correctly, the two girls were room mates, and they hadn't been getting along and had already had a few altercations. Girl A (the stabber) claimed that during the argument, Girl B (the stabbee*) had a few friends who then began to gang up on her, causing her to ~feel threatened.~ And beacuse she felt threatened, she went into her bedroom to get her knife??? Just In Case??? Which I meeeeaaan.... if she was able to walk away to go get a knife, seeeems like she could have ALSO just, ya know, walked out of the dorm entirely and perhaps walked to the campus police department to report that she felt she was in danger?? but whatever i guess!

anyway, girl A gets her knife, and Girl B along with her friends, began to jump her, unaware that Girl A had gotten a knife. According to Girl A, Girl B and at least one other girl grabbed her by the hair and started hitting her, and Girl A started just swinging her knife around, not intending to kill anyone, but intending to get them to leave her alone, and in this process, she sliced Girl B in the neck, and Girl B starts bleeding out, stumbles out of the room, collapses, and dies.

And like, frankly, I do buy the story that Girl B probably ~started it.~ Apparently Girl A's lawyer stated that Girl A had reported a hostile environment to dorm management, told them that Girl B had been threatening her, and asked to be able to change rooms, but that dorm management denied the request (I can't find anything that suggests the school ever denied that claim, so i'm accepting it as true).

And I also believe that Girl A did genuinely fear that she would be seriously hurt in the fight if it didn't stop.

But I DOOOOOOOOOOON'T BELIEVE that "grab my knife so i can stab/intimidate them when they start hitting me again" was even REMOTELY the acceptable thing to do omfg! Just from the info that's available online (which I know can never give the Full Story), there didn't seem to be any reason to believe that Girl A was trapped in the dorm room, or that anyone was going to try to prevent her from leaving. And like, the stabbing apparently happened after a lull in a previous physical fight, so like, Girl B swings on Girl A, they break contact for a while, and it's during this time that Girl A goes and gets her knife, and when she comes back out of her room, a second fight ensues, and Girl A uses the knife to defend herself with deadly consequences. In my mind, I can't make myself see the wisdom behind using that lull to GET A KNIFE instead of using it to LEAVE THE ROOM. Like, you've already been attacked. A crime has already been committed against you, which means you have justification for immediately calling 911 or campus police. You don't need to wait to be attacked again. You don't need to stick around in hopes that maybe you WON'T be attacked again. The smart thing to do after someone has been violent with you isn't to engage them further - it's to get away to someplace safe!

So like, this whole story just makes me think about how fucking sad it is that a dumb argument over music caused a bunch of young women to engage in some HELLA unwise choices that resulted in one person dying, one person having to live with the guilt of having taken another person's life, several other people being traumatized from having witnessed it and/or participated in the events leading up to it, and family and friends of Girl B having to grieve the sudden and tragic death of their loved one.

Too many people think that a willingness to fight, or a willingness to refuse to ~back down~ from a fight, is a virtue. Too many people think it's incumbent upon them to Let A Bitch Know That I Am Not The One every time somebody catches an attitude with them. Too many people's egos are wrapped up in a fear of being perceived as "weak" if they walk away from a fight instead of engaging in it.

Girl B did not need to start a physical altercation. That was so fucking stupid of her. Girl A did not need to remain in the room after the initial fight ended. That was ALSO so fucking stupid of her.

It's just??? So fucking sad all around.

I'm not sure that I accept that the stabbing was a genuine instance of self defense. I mean, I definitely don't think anyone ever meant for anyone to die, and I don't think of Girl A as being guilty of murder, but I think she's HELLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA guilty of being irresponsible and negligent. To her credit, she did try to take steps to get herself out of a hostile living situation by bringing the issues to the school's attention and requesting a room change, but just because they denied it doesn't mean she shouldn't have still taken measures to get herself out of there. Stay in a friend's dorm! If you live close enough to the school, consider commuting from home! If that's not a viable option, go sit your ass down at the campus police station and tell them you're not leaving until someone does SOMETHING to allow you to have no contact with this room mate. Tell your parents. Tell your teachers. Reach out to other branches of student life department. Just don't return to a situation where you KNOW you fear you might have to use deadly force to protect yourself. Drop out of school if you fuckin have to! Live at a shelter if you have to!

Bc ya know what??? "self defense" isn't just the action of using force to ward off an attacker. It's ALSO the act of taking any necessary actions to avoid contact with an attacker in the first place.

It's not just your physical body that you need to protect.

You also need to protect your future. You need to protect your goals. You need to protect your conscience. You need to protect your freedom.

Yeah, Girl A was ultimately found ~not guilty~, but that trial could have EASILY gone the other way, and all she likely would have needed to do to avoid that possibility entirely was to just get away from that girl by any means necessary. It's THAT serious. Your choices are

1. Stay in a hostile situation and run the risk of being seriously hurt or killed

2. Stay in a hostile situation and run the risk of ruining your own life by seriously hurting or killing someone ELSE

or,

3. doing EVERYTHING POSSIBLE to avoid the hostile situation in the first place

choice 3 is almost completely and objectively the Best Choice!

idk, i'm just! Sad for everyone involved. :(

[drariellevalentine]

Medically Inevitable

Chapter 13- Surprising Scenerio

Characters:- Arielle Valentine, Ethan Ramsey, Liam Mercado, Ava Day, Sienna Trinh, Elijah Greene, Bryce Lahela, Danny Cardinal

Pairing:- Ethan Ramsey x Arielle Valentine

Warnings:- Slight angst, PTSD

Arielle’s PoV:-

You’re woke up by a loud thud sound. “Huh!” You sit up and rub your eyes until they adjust to the very little sunlight streaming from the windows.

“Well look who’s up!” You would know this voice anywhere. Looking around, memories of last night slowly recollect in your head when you spot her.

“Ava!” You’re one step away from engulfing her in a bear hug when you remember she’s pregnant.

“So I see Liam’s let the cat out of the bag, huh?”, she laughs as she wraps you carefully in a hug. “You of all people should know it’s safe to hug pregnant women.”

You snort out of laughter. “Says the woman who has an MD in gynaecology.”, you retort. Both of you giggle. “Oh, it’s sooo good to see you Ava! It’s been so long! Way too long that you didn’t tell me one, you’re engaged and two, you’re pregnant!”

“I see the two of you have gotten acquainted already.” Both of you give him a look.

“Need I remind you that Arielle was the one who introduced us? We were best friends way back.”, Ava says.

“Ok, I get the point. It’s obviously not a fight I’m going to win with my fiancée and my childhood best friend against me!”, he says raising his hand in mock surrender as he heads inside.

“We need to catch up sometime! I would love to right now but I have work in about…”, you scan the room for a clock, “...an hour. Shit, an hour! I have to go!”, you say.

“Residency’s kicking your ass, isn’t it? Don’t worry, it’s kicking mine too!”, she replies.

“Anyways, what are you doing here in Boston? I asked Liam but he was all”- You gesture your hands wildly.

She laughs. “I’ll tell you, on one condition.”

“What?”

“Brunch.”

“I have work.” You give her a look as she rolls her eyes. “I see pregnancy hasn’t changed your personality one bit.”, you joke.

“I meant later this week, what do you say?”

You smirk, “I’ll have to check my schedule.”

“You’re not the only one who’s an intern, you know that right?”

“I know! I’ll call you, I promise!”, you say as you gather your things.

“In one month or two?”, she pokes.

“Okay, that’s just unfair. It was one time!”, you retort as you slip on your shoes.

“Where are you going already?” You turn around to see Liam dressed in work attire.

“She has work in an hour. Don’t worry, I made her promise to meet us for brunch later.”, Ava says.

“In a year or two?”, Mark asks sarcastically.

“Ughhh…. not you too!” All three of you laugh.

“Did you even eat anything?”, Liam asks.

“Nope, I’ll get something on the way.”, you reply.

“Nuh uh, sit your ass down. I’ll make you a breakfast bagel.”, Liam says.

“But”-

“Nope, you’re eating or else I’m not giving you your car keys.” You turn around to see your rose gold car keys dangling from Ava’s finger.

“Hey! I’m late for work and my boss is going to kill me!”, you say as a certain someone crosses your mind.

“Ooh! Who’s your boss?! ….is he hot?”, Ava asks with a smirk. You feel a slight blush settling on your cheeks.

“Ava! I’m right here!”

“Oh please, we’ve already established that you’re the only man in my life. Well maybe one of two…”, Ava says as she gestures to her stomach.

“Okay, now sit down, Arielle. I know you can’t resist my breakfast bagels. And I’m sure you need an aspirin for that hangover….”

One delicious bagel later, you’re in the locker room at Edenbrook with Sienna, Bryce and Elijah.

“So where’d you run off to yesterday?”, Elijah asks.

“Wait, she didn’t go back with you guys?”, Bryce asks.

“Nope!”, Sienna replies.

“I stayed at Liam’s house last night, and no Bryce.”, you respond as you grab your towel and shower gel.

“No to what? I didn’t even ask a question!”, Bryce asks.

“Exactly, keep your mouth shut.”, you reply while slipping into the shower. After pulling on a pair of scrubs, you head towards the nurses’ station.

“Hey Arielle, here for the PITA’s tests?”, Danny asks.

“Huh? Who’s PITA?”, you ask.

“PITA is a name the nurses gave Mr. Platt. It stands for pain in the ass.”, he says as she laughs.

You groan. “Ugh, you’re right about that. That man just loves to call my credentials in question! If he wasn’t a patient, I would just”-

“Woah, woah, woah. Take a chill pill. Heard that Dr. Ramsey assigned you this case, wouldn’t want to blow it if I were you.”, he says as he hands you the tests.

“God, nurses are like spies these days. They seem to know everything!”

You look through the test results as you walk up to Mr. Platt’s room.

“Damnit! These are negative too! Ughhhh…”

You take a deep breath before entering Nigel's room. You fake a smile as you enter.

"Good morning Mr.Pl-" you start to say as nicely as possible before he interrupts.

"Know what's wrong with me?" He asks angrily.

"No, not yet," you say sympathetically, " You recent tests came back negative as well."

"This is absurd," he burps, " I’m calling consumer affairs. I'll have you demoted before you can blink!”, he rudely barks at you. Your anger is starting to flare.

“Keep your cool, Arielle. He’s still a patient.”, you say to yourself.

"Why don't you get some rest while I figure out how to help you, Mr. Platt?" You reply as nicely as you can.

"Why don't you send someone worth listening to?", he says. The utter disrespect in his voice makes you want to sock him in the jaw. But instead, gritting your teeth you walk out of the room.

"Turn the A/C down while you are at it, will you?" He calls out from behind but you decide not to shout back, your hands curling into fists.

You make your way towards Dr. Ramsey's office. Your steps are slow and unsure as you question your abilities.

“Maybe father was right? After all, he always believed I wouldn’t be able to help people, at least in this way.”

You shake your head, as a futile attempt to throw the self-doubts outside your head. Bad memories surface, past fights and conversations arise. Words repeat again and again until you find it hard to breathe.

“Damn it!” Taking a few deep breaths to center yourself, you continue to his office.

“Come on, Arielle. You are capable of anything. You’ve come this far. What’s one patient?”, you try and convince yourself. That's when you spot Ethan. Anger boils up inside you, seeing his nonchalant face look over charts, assigning you this case for “a reason”? And when you ask, “figure it out”! What the hell does that mean?! You need answers, everything else can wait.

So you run up to him. "Dr. Ramsey, we need to talk!”, you voice louder than you expected.

“Yes?”, he asks with a questioning look, surprisingly ignoring your raised voice.

You steel yourself. “Mr. Platt is rude, belligerent and always questioning my credits. I would like to be taken off of this case.”

He looks at you for a second, straight in your eyes and says, “No.”

You’re taken aback, completely forgetting that you’re talking to your boss. “What?!”, you gawk.

“No. What part of that did you not understand?” Without waiting for your reply, he swiftly steps into his office and closes the door in your face. The anger gets to you, and against all common sense you pull open the the door and storm into his office. Ethan’s face betrays him, portraying his imminent shock.

“What do you think you’re doing?!”

“I’m trying to know why you’ve assigned me this case!”, you say a little loudly.

“I already told you to figure it out.”, he says coldly.

“Well I tried but the only reason I came up with is that it’s a joke.”, you say completely burnt out.

His face turns deadly serious. “Do I look like someone who uses patients as a joke?”

“Well I don’t know! It feels like you’re punishing me!”

His face is slightly red as he suddenly gets up, his chair tumbling down to the floor. “And why would I punish you, for God’s sake?”, he asks as he takes long strides towards you.

“I don’t know, maybe because you enjoy it!!”, you shout completely out of your mind.

"You need to keep your personal feelings sperate from your professional life, Dr. Valentine." He shouts, hurting you more.

He doesn't even let you say anything, " I'd think very carefully before you say something to embarrass yourself even more." He slams his hand on his desk.

You can feel tears welling in your eyes, you close your eyes for a second in a attempt to make them stay there.

"Would I be saying anything that wasn't true?" Anger can be still hinted in your voice. "You told me you have me that awful patient for a reason! But you won't tell me what the reason is! You won't even take me off the case! Why?"

"Because I assigned you to the case to challenge you! To push you!" His voice bellows.

"To push me?" You let out a humorless laugh. " To push me to what?" You shout.

"To be the best doctor you can be."

"I selected you for a reason. I selected you because I saw something special in your application."

All the wind is knocked out of you. Shock and embarrassment taking your anger‘s place." Wait… you selected me?"

"Yes. It was my evaluation that got you matched here. I believed I saw someone who could be truly great," he says his voice filled with disappoinment.

"It's very rare that I am wrong, Rookie. But I'm willing to admit when I am," he paused," And I was wrong about you.”

“I was wrong about you…”, the phrase triggers something in your mind, it being played on a loop inside your head.

The words are like acid poured on you, making memories surface, memories which you buried deep inside you a long time ago.

Your father’s voice takes over your mind. “I thought you were mature, and understood the importance of what I’m talking about! Turns out, you are just a disgrace to this family. I had such high hopes for you, but I was wrong about you. Don’t ever tell anybody that you’re apart of this family, you’ll bring nothing but shame and bad luck to this family. After all, ever since you were born everything went downhill…” The words your father spoke, each feeling like a knife embedded deep inside your heart, are playing in your head again and again. You shout, not being able to take it anymore.

Ethan’s PoV:-

Seething, you look to your side seeing the young resident gasp as she takes in the shocking information you just relayed. You’re about to shout again when instead you turn around, pinching the bridge of your nose and sigh. You turn around, ready to reprimand her when you notice her pale face. She’s on her knees, hands around herself in a protective way and having a difficult time to breathe.

“Fuck!” You bound towards her calling her name but she doesn’t hear you. Her small whispers turn into agonised shouts.

“No, no, no, no! Stop! Please, no!”

You sink down to your knees and try to calm her down. “Arielle, look at me…Arielle!” She finally looks up, violet eyes wide and breath ragged.

“Listen to me. To my voice. I want you to take a deep breath, five times.” She nods and tries to take a breath.

“That’s it. In and out, five times.” Her breathing and heart rate start to normalise when you notice your pulse racing. As she collects herself, your mind puts the pieces together. You lead her to the small loveseat in your office and hand her a bottle of water.

“...you’re suffering from PTSD, aren’t you?”, you ask.

“I was. My last attack was 4 years back.”, she replies softly, the usual melodic tone of her voice completely gone without a trace.

“4 years? Then why”-

“My last attack was when I had gotten a really bad score on one of my midterms because I was sick. Luckily, my professor allowed me to retake the test though. The attacks started after the big fight with my father. Sometimes I would feel like whatever my father said was right or sometimes events would instigate it but they haven’t happened for a while.”

“So why suddenly now?”, you ask.

”I’ve just been feeling a little unsure of myself, with the fellowship competition and Naveen… All the tension probably just built up…”

You nod. “Residency can be stressful, especially the first year.” Suddenly she looks around and abruptly gets up. You realise you’ve been holding her.

“Uh, I should get going. My lunch break is almost over.”

“You should.” You walk towards your desk to pick up another one of Naveen’s tests when suddenly Arielle swivels around, almost colliding with you.

“Sorry! I didn’t know you were behind me…” She stutters. “Um…uh I just wanted to uh.. thank you. So, thank you, Dr. Ramsey.” You look down, her violet irises cauciously peering into yours. Her face slightly tilts upward as her perfectly pink lips slighly apart. You stare at her eyes, like inevitable magnets, attracting you even closer when her pager suddenly beeps, pulling both of you back into reality.

Her eyes widen as her cheeks turn a shade of pink. She says something extremely rapid which you can’t make out as she rushes out the door. You slump down in your desk chair, raking a hand through your hair.

“Damn it…”

———————————————————————————

Authors’ Note:- Hey everyone! So, you guys are going to hate us even more cause guess what?! We’re going on a two-week break! Aurora has exams and I just finished mine (well, I when I post this I would have) and we found it convenient cause it’s a cliffhanger...of a sort. But don’t worry, we will be posting Character Moodboards and Aesthetics for all the characters and pairings instead for the next two weeks so stay tuned for that!

Permanent taglist:- @nikki-2406 | @iemcpbchoices | @xxxxxxxx04 | @sizzlingcashherohumanoid | @archveexz | @deepikakkannan | @nishas-paradise | @maurine07 | @archxxronrookie | @adrex04 | @everythingchoices | @rivenni | @annekebbphotography | @mrsethanfreakingramsey | @jamespotterthefirst | @natureblooms24 | @katkart122 | @udishaman | @hopelessromantics4life | @custaroonie | @mvalentine | @queencarb | @lisha1valecha | @ezekielbhandarivalleros | @ejrownsme @the-pale-goddess | @justanotherrookie | @miss-smrxtiee | @missmiimiie | @choicesfics | @romewritingshop | @taniasethi | @keithandlevi-ontheroof | @choicesfan10 | @open-heart-ramseyyy | @sistatribe | @crookedkittyperson

Ethan x MC taglist:- @tsrookie | @starrystarrytrouble | @mysticaurathings | @caseyvalentineramsey | @alina-yol-ramsey | @openheartthot | @gryffindordaughterofathena | @binny1985 | @ramseysno1rookie

Let us know if you want to be added to my taglist!

Love,

@drariellevalentine 😘

[topsytervy]

Colorful Notes ~ Pope Heyward

Naming and knowing how to end my writings is my Kryptonite, I swear.

Blurb: Pope stops by your house after school while your sick and informs you his notes are boring.

Word Count: 1,451 (it's a short one peeps)

Warnings: swearing, mentions of a cold?, spelling/grammar mistakes, there's not really anything else that needs a warning I think.

~~~~~~

You laid on your couch a sniffling, coughing mess as some random soap opera played on your tv. Well, random being the Young and the Restless cause you saw it on Hulu and decided you had nothing better to do. 

You were called in from school by your father, much to your dismay considering you had an AP world history test that day, and were forced to rest. 

You heard a knock on the front door before it opened, a familiar voice calling throughout your house. "Y/N! Sweetheart!"

"In here, Pope!" You called out, immediately regretting it when you started coughing.

Within a couple of seconds, the face of your sweet boyfriend came into view and you smiled. 

"How are you feeling, baby?" He asked, walking over to the couch and setting his backpack down next to it. 

He placed a quick kiss to the top of your head as you sat up. "Like shit. And when I figure out who got me feeling like shit, they will be feeling like shit when I punch them for making me miss a test." You grumbled. Pope let out a small laugh as he sat down, pulling you into his side. You rested your head on his chest as you wrapped your arms around his waist. "Please tell me you brought me my homework."

"I did but your dad told me not to give it to you because you'll do it now and you need to rest. He thinks you got sick cause of stress and I think-"

"You think it was John B cause he was sick that one day." You cut him off and he shot you a look.

"I think your dads right." Pope finished, emphasizing the 'I' in his sentence.

You pouted. "I think he's wrong." 

Pope rubbed your back and sighed, changing the subject. "What on earth are you watching?"

"The Young and The Restless." 

"Why?" 

"Well, there's 48 seasons of Young and the Restless and I started thinking about how easy it is for us nowadays to go through an entire season. We go through a season as if it's a hot knife cutting through butter. So I wondered how long it would take me to watch all 48 seasons if I didn't just stick to a season a day which made me do the math and if I can get through 2 seasons a day, I can watch all of it on 24 days. I now have a goal to watch all 48 seasons before day 24 hits all while keeping up with everything happening." You rambled.

"And how long are these episodes?" Pope inquired.

"The show started in 1973 and up until 1980, episodes were about half an hour. Every episode after 1980 is about an hour."

"Sounds like you have your work cut out for you then."

"Well, I need something to keep me busy, Pope."

"You're not gonna be sick for 24 days sweetheart which means you won't be able to watch at least 2 and a half seasons a day if you wanna get it done before day 24 because you'll be back at school." He reasoned.

You grinned. "I know. Which is why once I'm back at school I'm dropping the knowing what's going on bit. Then it can just play while I get ready, or eat, or do homework." Pope rolled his eyes and reached for the remote but you pulled it away from him. "I'm only half a season in and this is season 5, bucko."

"Alright. Alright. I just thought maybe," Pope sighed, reaching over and unzipping his backpack and pulling out some of his notebooks. You perked up at the movement, pulling away from Pope and staring at your boyfriend. "I have all these boring notes from the past week and they're so dull. I thought you would want to do your thing and make them a little less dull but I guess not." He shrugged.

You grinned and wrapped your arms around his neck, kissing his cheek. "Pope, you are the greatest human being on earth. Do you know that?" 

"You tell me everyday." He smiled before getting up to go grab your gel pens from your room.

This wasn't the first time Pope had done this. Letting you doodle/color code his notes when you were bored or needed a break from whatever or even to just calm you down. It was enough to keep you relaxed while also engaging your brain.

Freshman year was the first time he ever let you do it and since then, he hasn't liked his notes in just boring pencil. He also hasn't thrown away any of his notebooks and barely lets anyone touch them, besides you of course, in fear that someone will destroy your work.

"Please John B. I just wanna do something." You pleaded.

You sat at a table in the library during study hall, all your homework done, with your friends Pope, John B, and JJ.

John B looked over at you. "They're notes, Y/N/N. I'm throwing all of them in a bonfire at the end of the year. It's pointless."

You rolled your eyes before turning them onto JJ. "JJ, can I please do something with your notes. I'm dying of boredom over here." 

JJ laughed.  "Bold of you to assume I took down notes. Come on, Y/L/N. I thought you knew me better than that."

"Why didn't you take notes?" 

"I can give you many reasons. One is why waste paper on useless shit. Deforestation and shit exists. Save some trees. Two is because then I don't have to buy new notebooks next year and I can save some money. Three is why the hell would I when I can just look at yours or Pope's." JJ listed before resuming his paper airplane. You stared at JJ and he glanced back up before sighing. "This is actually for science this time. Don't worry. I'm not gonna use it to piss off the librarian."

You were about to say something when a notebook was pushed towards you. You looked across to see Pope with a small smile. "Knock yourself out."

You grinned before opening it up and grabbing your gel pens from your backpack.

JJ leaned in close, knowing of his best friends small, but growing, crush on you. "Fuckin' whipped, dude." He chuckled which caused Pope to hit him.

Since then, Pope made sure to write light enough so you could trace over the words and left enough space for small doodles if you felt some were needed.

"Do you have a color scheme in mind?" You asked, sitting on the living room floor and laying out all your pens in front of you with Pope's science notebook opened to where you left off.

Pope thought about it for a minute before shaking his head. "You do whatever you deem fit, sweetheart." 

You grinned before turning your full attention onto the small project in front of you, reading over the words in front of you to see what colors you wanted to use. 

Pope sat behind you, playing with your hair as he watched you do your thing, content written all over your face. 

"I love you." You told him after a while, sniffling as you felt your nose begin to run

Pope smiled, kissing the back of your head as he reached for the box of tissues that sat beside you guys. "I love you too. Snot and all." He responded, holding the box out in front of you.

You grabbed a tissue with a pout before blowing your nose, Pope reaching for the trash can to bring it closer. "I hope I get you sick." 

Pope laughed. "Good luck with that. My immune system is solid, baby. It'll take more than this to get me sick."

You rolled your eyes before looking up at him and tapping your lips. "Kiss." 

Pope laughed once more as he shook his head. "Nice try, Y/N/N, but no."

You narrowed your eyes at him "I'll get ya, Heyward. I'll get ya when you least expect it. You won't even see it coming."

"I bet you will. Until then, and by then I mean better, all kisses will be placed on the cheek, hand, shoulder, top of the head, back of the head, and forehead." 

You made a face. "That's rude." 

"So is getting me sick. Now are you gonna do your thing or argue with me?"

"Both." You responded as you went back to Pope's notebook.

Pope smiled as he wrapped his arms around you and placed his head on your shoulder. "Bring on the debate then baby."

~~~~

[silverypurple-rosedlions]

The Ring | T.P.R

Annual September Mafia Gathering

12.9.20 - 7:00 PM

The Gathering Has Begun

"Jeonghan?"

Jeonghan looked up from his hands, being greeted by a shape he didn't recognize. They towered over him, casting their shadow over him as his eyes strained. But something in him clicked, the urge to protect himself as he whipped out his butterfly knife. He flicked it open, the blade shining as the light reflected off from it as his grip tightened. But someone placed their hand on his, a touch he recognized too well as he relaxes, his vision obscured.

"Hannie, it's Mingyu and me," Jeonghan closed his eyes, recognizing the smooth and comforting voice of his partner, flicking his knife closed.

"I don't think you should be here with us tonight," Mingyu sighed.

Jeonghan shook his head in denial, feeling Joshua draping himself over him. Jeonghan leaned his head against Joshua's gently, feeling secured within his embrace. "Don't speak nonsense, Mingyu. I have to do it tonight, and my condition won't stop me from doing so,"

"Listen to me, Hannie," Jeonghan opened his eyes, shifting his gaze towards Joshua. The two locked eyes and the minute Jeonghan could register that it was Joshua, Jeonghan noticed the look of worry fogging his lover's dark brown orbs and the anxiety hidden behind that fog. "You haven't been able to pull yourself together after you talked to Seungcheol..." Jeonghan sighed, turning his head away from Joshua. "What did he say to you, Hannie?"

"Seungcheol..."

══════◄••❀••►══════

"Everyone's lives are on the table, Jeonghan," Seungcheol said, his head dropping into hands in despair. "We thought we had it under control, and that our plans were perfect, almost impeccable... But we were too desperate and naive, thinking too highly of our plan. We made numerous mistakes because we didn't calculate it and because we didn't prepare ourselves for the unimaginable, and I'm the one to blame."

Jeonghan's chest tightened as he listened, his brows furrowed as his leg bounced vigorously under the table, but never causing it to rock with him.

"We were forced to cut ties with you and your group and to leave you all behind. Not because we had our differences, because even then, we found ground between each other. But if we defied them, then too many were going to be slaughtered like lambs for being "disobedient." Even your own, Jeonghan," Seungcheol explained. "So we left. Others understood, and others misunderstood, believing that it was the time to turn away from people "who were far from grace and were guided by Satan," Seungcheol shook his head.

"Believe me, Jeonghan." Seungcheol looked into Jeonghan's eyes, conflicting the other who was unfamiliar with a man he saw as strong and stern, to now being a pitiful and regretful man before him. "I wanted to send supplies. I wanted to send members one by one to help without being detected, but the stakes were too high. We had already crossed territory we had attempted to avoid for years, and if we pushed farther, then you wouldn't see us today. Not a single one of us,"

Jeonghan leaned back, his expression void of emotion as his mind spiraled. "And so you did it anyway... What you would gain was another day to live, and another, and further on until now. But to do so, you were forced to abandon us..."

With a solemn expression, Seungcheol nodded to The Purple Rose leader, who was contemplating.

"So we continued as usual, but there were times that things were changed, and not by us... No. We had to fulfill what "they" requested unless another disappeared, and another. It was excruciating." Seungcheol sighed heavily, crossing his arms over his chest. "Every day, I had to wait for something, anything, to ensure that it wouldn't contain anything that would hint of a member dying. And sometimes, they did arrive. One disappeared, and then we found them already buried. Another was kidnapped and left for dead after being brutally attacked, and then another,"

"Has anyone else experienced this?" Jeonghan questioned, studying the older's expressions and movement. "Anyone else tugged like puppets by this group?"

"I haven't the slightest clue. We couldn't speak to anyone about this till now," Seungcheol said. "This is the only opportunity we have to converse with each other about this ordeal because of the proposal,"

"So, they still abide by some rules, huh? No one can touch two Bosses and their group if they are to be engaged. What a joke." Jeonghan scoffed, leaning his head back. But when he looked towards the ceiling, a figure greeted him. Their face loomed over his, faint and black. But their smile, her smile, was the most distinguishable. It was mocking, big and white, stretching from ear to ear while her hair was in a messy bun.

"Someone's watching, Jeonghan," She mouthed, her hands moving to his shoulders. "They're listening, Jeonghan. Don't you see it? They're here,"

Jeonghan closed his eyes, lifting his head and looking back to Seungcheol. She was still there too, nothing but a foggy figure that was unable to stay together, their legs like smoke engulfing the floor. While she petted Seungcheol's head, shaking her head, Seungcheol was talking, but his voice was too far, too static. Static. Static.

"You may not trust him, Jeonghan. But you know better. Oh, yes, you do," The woman giggled, draping herself over the other Boss, who took a sip of his drink, brows furrowed. "But who cares if they'll die. They deserve it, don't they? Don't they deserve to feel the pain and abandonment you and your group bear?" She said with a sly voice, but Jeonghan tsked in response. He took his cup and downed the entire glass. The woman scoffed in response, and the static noise became bearable, slowly subsiding as Jeonghan consumed every drop of the drink. So when he looked back at Seungcheol, it was only him. Just him. Just him.

"I don't have any interest in you, Jeonghan," Seungcheol said, finally breaking the remaining whispers of noise, of unbearable static noise. "This proposal has no other meaning but to ensure the safety of my group, and to ensure your groups' safety if they attempt to conduct this again. Just like anyone here, they won't be able to do a single thing to us if we're combined, no matter if they affected one group and not the other."

"That's a brilliant idea, you know?" Jeonghan mocked, his lip curling. "Do you hear yourself, Seungcheol? Relying on this to think it will silence this group? Have you lost your mind within two years?"

"Probably," Seungcheol responded with slight amusement, causing Jeonghan to laugh. "And yet it took you three months to lose yours," Jeonghan could be offended, reaching over the table and grabbing the Boss by the sweater, but he didn't. Instead, he smiled to himself. He smiled a wicked smile.

"Indeed. Three months and I was creating massacres after another," Jeonghan said, relishing the memories of his cruel nature.

"But tell me, Jeonghan," Seungcheol began, becoming stern. "Do you think I'm lying now?"

Jeonghan tilted his head, leaning back in his chair with a faint smile. His eyes narrowed on Seungcheol, taking one last look before his eyes darted to the left, his smile fading.

"Perhaps..." Jeonghan responded calmly, but then a smirk blossomed on his face. "Perhaps not,"

"At least find it in yourself to spare my group. Spare them, and not me. You may do as you like to me, make me go through unbearable pain, make me a fool in front of everyone, or remove me, permanently. Whatever you want from me, you may do, but in exchange, have mercy on my group," Seungcheol said, causing Jeonghan to sigh softly. "That's all I ask. Protection for the thousands of members I lead,"

"Seungcheol-"

══════◄••❀••►══════

"He explained to me everything," Jeonghan finished. Listening as people clanked their glass cups together, laughing and gossiping.

"And it able to justify his actions?" Joshua asked, pulling a chair over and sitting in front of Jeonghan.

"Well... It certainly made me think deeply about it," Jeonghan sighed, running his free hand through his hair before gently tugging his hair with irritation, feeling as if something was crawling inside him, making his insides itch.

"Don't do that, Jeonghan," Joshua said, taking Jeonghan's other hand gently from his hair and holding both in his. "But... Does it change anything? Anything we all agreed on?"

"...In some ways, yes," Jeonghan answered reluctantly, someone letting out a laugh of dismay.

"Is that so?" Jihoon interrupted, causing the three to look towards the Consigliere, his arms crossed over his chest. "Then explain to us what in the world he said-"

But Jihoon didn't finish as the gathering commenced, mafias shuffling to their tables and sitting down. Jihoon glared towards the host, snapping his head back towards Jeonghan, mouthing to him, "You need to explain," before moving towards his assigned seat and sat down. Jeonghan looked towards Mingyu, who shook his head, patting Jeonghan's shoulder and wheeling to his assigned seat. As for Joshua, he sighed, turning his chair and holding Jeonghan's hand under the table. 

"You won't explain it to us until afterward, won't you?" Joshua whispered. But before Jeonghan could respond, Joshua shook his head, squeezing his hand. "That's fine."

As usual, the gathering began with a welcome from the numerous staff members of the Worldwide International Mafia Organization, the very people who documented everything and everyone within the mafia community. It was a boring introduction, many of them introducing themselves for new members and groups, going into depth of rules, and so on. The essentials that the groups needed to understand, to be specific. From there, they transitioned into the recognition of new groups and members, welcoming them. Afterward, having them take oaths to their superiors within their groups and accept the rules that all mafias needed to follow. And of course, Jeonghan and various Bosses of each group stood together in their rankings, congratulating the new groups.

Jeonghan was among the first ranks, the first that the groups would see. And it was no surprise that all were hesitant to approach him, some trembling as they took his hand and shook it, giving forced smiles, some shocked when they held his icy, cold hand, immediately jerking away. Others looked towards him as a role model, but when they walked away from him, their legs were weak and appeared like mush as they attempted to continue down the line of Bosses. It was always an amusing sight for Jeonghan, but his thoughts and voices plagued him, making his presence seem as if anyone approaching such a stoic and deranged man like him would die from a deathly plague that he emitted.

Luckily, there weren't that many new groups but various members to greet. But it wasn't long before Jeonghan was seated beside Joshua, wanting nothing more but to be intoxicated with Joshua, embracing him as he slipped into slumber. But that wouldn't happen any time soon as the Organizations' leader lifted the microphone to his lips, addressing the three heads of each group to move to the meeting rooms. 

From there, Jeonghan, Joshua, and Jihoon listened to all present and exchanged their updates, their achievements, and so forth. Jeonghan sat through it, listening towards Bosses accusing one another, others cursing and spitting malice, some mocking the other, and those who spoke calmly despite the turmoil within the room. It was long, longer than the previous meeting they had in August before they closed it, moving back into the prior space the rest were residing, waiting.

But before Jeonghan could sit down, massaging his temples as he grumbled in agitation about the nonsense with the groups, the moment they had been waiting for came.

"And before we proceed with the rest of the gathering, we must recognize and congratulate two mafias this year," A plump man said, looking towards Jeonghan and nodding towards him with a bright, toothy grin. Jeonghan breathed in, standing straight as the man continued. "After many years, it appears that these two mafias have finally agreed to become one in unity! Please congratulate The Purple Rose Boss, Yoon Jeonghan, and The Purple Rose Underboss, Hong Joshua Jisoo!" The room filled with cheers and the thunderous sounds of claps, bouncing off the walls and causing Jeonghan's head to pound. But he didn't comment about it, seeing the plump man gesture for Joshua and him to walk onto the platform he stood with the staff.

Jeonghan then turned to Joshua, seeing him look down to his lap. Taking Joshua's hand, Jeonghan gently helped his partner from his seat, giving a reassuring smile towards Joshua, who looked at him with furrowed eyebrows, relaxing. Together, accompanied by Jihoon and Wonwoo, walked towards the platform.

But instead, Jeonghan handed Joshua to Wonwoo, stopping at the steps as whispers of confusion filled the room, the sounds of cheers and congratulations subsided. Wonwoo took Joshua to the side of the platform, patting his back gently while Jeonghan turned his head towards Seungcheol, Jihoon waiting at his side with his eyes narrowed with dissatisfaction.

Jeonghan watched as Seungcheol stood up, followed by his Consigliere, Vernon, fixing his coat as he maneuvered around the tables and walked towards Jeonghan. Suddenly, gasps filled the room, people exclaiming and whispering as Seungcheol stood beside Jeonghan, stepping onto the platform together. Following them was Jihoon and Vernon, refusing to look at each other as the staff exchanged baffled looks with one another. But Jeonghan could hear the mafias whispering, and even those who shouted.

"Since when did the two agree upon this?"

"Disgusting!"

"Did Joshua and Jeonghan break up?"

"When did this happen?!"

"Talk about being greedy for power,"

"Absolutely not!"

"Typical,"

"Is it possible Jeonghan cheated?"

But nothing was done about it despite the angered voices that clashed against those who proposed absurd suggestions, and Jeonghan noticed Joshua beginning to turn red with rage, and if Wonwoo hadn't been there at his side, he'd lose it.

"You mean to say-... Oh my," The man had said, looking flustered and confused.

"FORTUNATELY OR NOT," Jeonghan bellowed, his voice loud and silencing the chaos within the room, startling various groups that shrank, others grumbling, "I haven't given my answer to the proposal,"

Jeonghan turned from the people, facing Seungcheol, who's shoulders were straight and brought back, portraying that familiar sophisticated and dominating appearance that many recognized. But he was nervous, and Jeonghan didn't need to see it in his eyes or have the need to study his body movements.

"Although it isn't an ideal proposal, we have gone through the following agreements if I accept, isn't that right?" Jeonghan said, making sure all heard him as the air became thick with anticipation.

"That's right," Seungcheol responded calmly.

"If I were to accept, our groups will conjoin and share the burden we both carry individually. Both will receive an equal share, protection for all members, and to work together as one. No feelings will be involved, as this is for business reasons. And from then on, no longer will The Purple Rose exist, and no longer will The Silver Lions exist, but one invincible group," Jeonghan said, addressing the agreed terms as the staff rushed to write down these terms. "Not only will both gain this, but Choi Seungcheol will submit himself to my group, unable to refuse what will become of him as his group will continue from then on,"

"So it's revenge that he may be accepting this?"

"He's risking himself? How foolish,"

"Shush!"

"With this accounted, have you both considered this? Are you both willing to accept these terms, and what will become of your group?" The plump man questioned, stepping forward towards the two.

TW: This will contain mentioning of blood and self-harm, but it is nothing severe. But I still warn you in advance in case this may be triggering to anyone reading this.

"I have," Seungcheol answered, keeping his eyes on Jeonghan, who didn't waver. "But I am not the one who has the choice to deny this proposal, or to accept it, establishing this,"

Jeonghan didn't respond, his eyes shifting towards his group that was on the edge of their seats, some nervously biting their nails, others twitching and whispering among each other. When he changed his gaze towards The Silver Lions, he could easily spot the familiar face of a boy he once called his own, looking towards him with desperation. And finally, he looked towards Joshua, who looked back at him with trust.

"I..." Jeonghan began, looking into Seungcheol's eyes.

"Deny," Jeonghan said with a devilish smile on his ghostly face, the room going into an uproar.

Seungcheol's eyes widened, his mouth slightly open, but no words came out. The Silver Lions exclaimed in dismay, some standing up while others held their heads down in their hands. The Purple Rose remained silent, but they were smiling wickedly, relishing the despair The Silver Lions' were under as Jeonghan took the ring off his finger, taking Seungcheol's hand and placing the jewelry on his palm, closing it and patting his hand.

"Whether feelings are involved or not, beneficial gain from one another or not, it will be HELL marrying you. To accept and take your name as mine, following terms and accepting vows, you weren't able to stay true the first time we established it? How silly," Jeonghan growled, standing tall as Seungcheol stumbled backward, clenching the ring in his hand while Vernon took hold of him.

"You-... You're risking my members' lives! Do you understand that?!" Seungcheol exclaimed, looking at Jeonghan in disbelief and distress while the mafia Boss pulled out his butterfly knife, raising his other hand to silence Seungcheol.

"Ah, ah, ah. I didn't finish," Jeonghan flicked his wrist, the weapon opening to reveal the sharp and long blade. Some gasped, others readying themselves for a possible massacre, but instead, Jeonghan calmly brought his knife to his hand, pushing it into his palm and cutting a large cut, blood oozing from the wound, trickling down his wrist. Many looked at him in repulse as he only smiled his devilish smile softly, and he then pointed his weapon towards Seungcheol, his blood dripping from the blade, slowly. "Rather than making the mistake of marrying, let's create a NEW alliance. The same terms applied from before, and the terms now aside from becoming one group,"

And that was enough to cause outbursts of disagreements from his group, even Jihoon and Joshua took a step forward in disbelief.

The mafias within the room were astonished, all conversing with each other about the predicament before them. Not even the staff of the organization could piece together the situation, who were unsure. But Jeonghan was indifferent, turning his knife so that he held the blade, offering it to Seungcheol, who was looking at him with an indescribable expression. Perhaps astonishment and a mixture of rage? Or was he lost?

But Seungcheol took the knife, stuffing the ring into his pocket, and doing the same as Jeonghan after wiping off Jeonghan's blood from the blade. Both of their palms cut, blood dripping as the staff rushed a table over with the following materials for ensuring the alliance and an agreement paper between them.  

"This will be the only time you will ever have the chance to redeem your sorry ass, Seungcheol. If you dare, ordered or not, to do the same thing again, then you will be removed permanently. Understood?" Jeonghan said, dropping his blood onto the paper and wrapping his hand with bandages, and Seungcheol followed. 

"Of course, Jeonghan," 

With their hand bandaged, their Consiglieres moved forward, conflicted as they took a red cloth from the table, allowing the Bosses to hold each other's bandaged hand, wrapping the silky fabric around their hands before taking a step back, waiting. 

And in unison, the two proceeded with the alliance ceremony, the staff creating a half-circle around them, performing the ceremony as everyone went silent, some boiling with anger, others too shocked to process, and those who were unable to differ what they felt. But one thing was for sure. . . 

"You better step up your level if you want your strings cut from the group, Seungcheol. I can't be doing all the work here,"

Things were going to become complicated, but interesting.

Admin Moon: I'm not attempting to do the "keep reading" shenanigan again. That was a pain in the ass, so deal with this- 🤧😂

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Death Eaters, Eh?

A/N: i’ve always liked the idea of a supernatural x harry potter crossover idk why sksksk and then this happened sjjsjssjjs i’m not too proud of this but i hope you guys like it :))

|| Masterlist ||

pairing: harry potter x fem!reader, dad!dean winchester x daughter!reader

timeline: harry potter and the deathly hallows

summary: Hunting all her life is a handful—especially when having Dean Winchester for a father—so when Y/N catches a glimpse of leaving to make her own apple pie life, she seizes it. However, she discovers that what they say is true: No one can truly escape the hunter's life.

warnings: swearing

THIRD PERSON P.O.V.

Y/N sighed, tiredly, as she struggled to fix herself another mug of coffee. The coffee maker, for some reason, refused to function properly no matter what she did to try and make it work. She was already experiencing difficulty with her attempt at being normal, and it really showed.

Ever since she had moved to London to live the 'apple pie life', as her father so referred to it, she had had trouble adjusting. The shift from full-time hunter of the supernatural to full-time normal teenager, balancing work and uni, constantly made her want to vomit. Back at home, things were dealt with a simple "Shoot first. Ask questions later," and voila—problem solved. Although, she knew that she would someday become accustomed to living the normal life.

She allowed her phone's screen to illuminate. Thursday, it read. She groaned.

Her paper was due on Friday, which was the next day, and she had been too caught up with work to notice the days that went by. As a result, here she was—struggling to write a paper.

It was during these moments that made Y/N miss hunting with her dad and uncle. She missed researching in the vast library of the bunker, and she longed to once again experience another banter with her dad in the Impala. That was home to her.

It did not help that her wonderful boyfriend was away at a mysterious boarding school—one that only permitted letters delivered via literal owls for communication—for most of the year. It was weird, but then again, Y/N thought, who was she to judge?

She hadn't heard from Harry until earlier in the week, receiving a piece of parchment delivered to her by an owl named Errol with forward, hastily scribbled words that read:

School won't be allowing mail this year. Don't send Errol back. Love you. -Harry

This left Y/N confused beyond words, but she brushed it off, nevertheless. She was able to learn how to care for an owl in a span of a few days.

-

When Y/N finally got the coffee machine working, she unintentionally filled her mug to the brim, streams of her coffee furiously cascading down her mug and onto the counter.

"Dammit," she swore, frustrated that pouring coffee was just another thing she failed at doing properly. She just wanted to sleep.

It was when Y/N turned to find a rag, to clean up the mess she made, that she heard a loud crack which seemed to have emanated from the living area.

Y/N jerked at the alarming noise as her hunter instincts kicked her in the face, she suddenly felt awake. Someone was in her apartment. She abandoned the idea of finding a rag, and she snatched a knife off of the counter instead, crouching behind the granite kitchen island.

She then heard another loud crack, and another, followed by a voice unknown to her as well as some violent sniffing.

"Where's the girl?" one of them inquired—male, Y/N made sure to note. Y/N concluded that she was the 'girl' in question. Now, she was aware that the unwelcome visitors were after her. Was this another Men of Letters thing? It couldn't possibly be.

The sound of footsteps seemed to get louder, indicating that the intruders were getting closer. Her right hand clutched the knife firmly, mentally preparing to engage. She could then make out the three sets of feet making their way to the island she was hiding behind.

When Y/N decided it was time to make an appearance, she popped up from behind the counter, and threw it at the first figure she saw. She noted that in her kitchen stood two male figures and one female.

The knife plunged itself into the shoulder of a man she deemed as one hairy bastard. The said hairy bastard let out an animalistic growl and launched himself at her. Werewolf.

Y/N fought back as best as she could, remembering all of her training as a hunter. She felt a wave of adrenaline engulf her at the experience, which she had longed for. The werewolf's bizarre female companion let out a maniacal cackle.

"GREYBACK!" the male associate with the long white-blonde hair scolded—the dude screamed authority. "We need her," but 'Greyback', as he was now known, refused to move, "Alive."

And Greyback hesitantly retreated slowly. Snarling, he revealed his canines.

Seeing wands in the hands of the intruders, Y/N knew they practiced magic. Witches—lovely, she bitterly thought, having momentary recollections of how much her dad had openly expressed his distaste for witches.

Y/N knew it was a dumb decision, but she was a Winchester and she could not conjure a more sensible idea. She made a break for it, managing to push past the woman, only to have her arms forced to her sides and thrashing in the grip of Greyback.

Blondie spoke again, this time directed at Y/N. He tutted, "Filthy muggle."

Y/N growled at him, and then shouted in frustration. "Son of a bitch! Damn I hate witches." She fully understood where her father's fiery hate came from now.

"Oh, so I see Potter's told you about us?" sneered the woman.

Y/N was confused. "Potter? As in Harry? What does he have to do with this?"

The three froze in surprise before the woman spoke again, "So it seems as though he has not," before letting out another cackle. She seemed to ne enjoying this a little much.

"Curious," Blondie observed.

"Would you cut the shit? What's curious, and what does my boyfriend have to do with this?" Y/N was annoyed, the slightest bit betrayed even. She suddenly felt as though significant details on Harry's life had been kept from her knowledge.

Blondie ignored her. "What are you?"

"I'm a hunter, you genious," Y/N rolled her eyes. Blondie looked surprised, but quickly put himself together and smirked. "Thought you might've known that already, but.. guess not."

He hummed, "Bellatrix, you've got a new toy."

-

"Death Eaters? Seriously? Okay, so you're Death Eaters.. So.. You eat d– is that how it works?"

Y/N was bound on her desk chair with rope in the middle of her living area, surrounded by more witches and wizards who referred to themselves as 'Death Eaters'. They gave her the privilege of experiencing the Cruciatus Curse, which hurt like a bitch, but this was not the first time Y/N had to endure torture.

"I am not going to repeat myself. Now, where is Harry Potter?" demanded Lucius.

"That depends," Y/N pursed her lips. She would protect Harry with her life. It's her job as a hunter to protect, and she was only driven all the more by her undying love for him. "Who's asking?"

Lucius responded with a look of disbelief and irritation as he was slowly getting fed up with her games. It was silent for a moment.

"Well then.. I ain't tellin' ya." Y/N flashed them a wide smile.

Y/N was bloody, bruised, and tired; but, she refused to lose her charisma and give the damn wizards the satisfaction of breaking her. Moreover, she would rather they torture her than Harry.

Lucius looked to Bellatrix. She raised her wand, but before she could screetch the word 'Crucio', a red beam of light interrupted, followed by many more, and the Death Eaters all made their escape.

None other than Harry, Ron, and Hermione emerged from the source of the lights. Y/N let out a breath she was not aware she was holding.

Harry rushed over to her side, removing the ropes that bound her to the chair and allowing her to collapse onto the floor. Looking her over, he was horrified at her injuries and at the evidence of torture.

Hugging Y/N to himself, he kept mumbling the words "I'm sorry" over and over again while tears fell down his cheeks. He could hardly see over his glasses, which were situated crookedly on his nose.

"It's okay," Y/N tried to get Harry's attention, but it seemed as though he could not hear her over his tears and apologies. "Hey– Harry!"

That caught his attention. When he finally brought his green eyes to meet hers, he did not expect to be met with Y/E/C orbs that seemed to be filled with experience with these kinds of things. Y/N was composed—not fully, but enough—and she did not seem very fazed by the fact that she'd been tortured.

Bringing her hands up to cup his cheeks and wipe away his tears, Y/N whispered, "I'm okay," before attempting for a smile, pressing her forehead to his, and allowing a single tear to leak out of her left eye.

Harry kissed Y/N’s forehead, and let out a shuddered breath. He then rested his right hand on the nape of her neck, his left hand around her waist, and he nestled his face on the crook of her neck. In turn, Y/N wrapped her arms around him.

They remained on the floor like this, in tears, holding each other close before Ron popped the question: "What are we to do now?"

Slowly pulling away, Harry rested his hands on Y/N's arms. "I guess she comes with us."