#to make sure we’re doing the time loop correctly

[ahwuum]

Worst thing about being obsessed with a dnd campaign is there’s NO content, NO fandom, all the content has to be made by ME and I’m chronically employed

[navybrat817]

Dark and Light

Pairing: Winter Soldier x Female Reader, Bucky Barnes x Female Reader

Summary: You learn the real reason why Hydra wants to keep you.

Word Count: Over 2.65k

Warnings: Threat of dubcon/noncon, minor character death, violence, canon divergent, captivity, brainwashing, slight feels (it's me, okay?), Bucky Barnes (he's a warning, okay?).

A/N: It's been almost 3 years since the last part of Soldat and Sparrow. Are you lovelies still interested? ❤️ Not beta read and written on my phone, so any and all mistakes are my own. Divider by the talented @silkholland . Please follow @navybrat817-sideblog for new fics and notifications. Comments, reblogs, feedback are loved and appreciated!

The cell they kept you in this time was larger than your last. It didn't make it any less uncomfortable. The thick gray walls surrounding you made the room suffocatingly quiet and hollow. You only knew the color thanks to the singular lightbulb in the center of the ceiling, too high for you to try and make a weapon out of the glass. Without windows, you didn't know it was dark or light outside.

There was no escape, but you couldn't give up hope.

It was maddening not knowing the time of day as you played the waiting game on the worn mattress in between meals and sleeping. The screams of your lover played on a morbid loop in your mind and you had to will yourself to not let tears surface. Other than temporary relief for your emotions and aching heart, crying would do you no good. It never did.

What you needed to do was focus.

The man on the bridge.

He triggered something inside of the Winter Soldier. Something Hydra wanted to keep locked away. But what was it?

Bucky. He called him Bucky. He knew him. But how?

Two hard knocks on the door pushed the thought away before it swung open. Narrowing your eyes as Brock walked in, you wondered if he could’ve been a good man in another life and fought for the people who needed it most the way he pretended to. This wasn’t that life though. He chose his side.

The wrong side.

“You know, I don’t get it,” he said, crossing his arms as he stood in the doorway. He didn’t hide the lust from his eyes as he looked you over. “I mean, the Asset does his job well, but it’s like he forgets all about being a soldier when he’s deep in your pussy.”

“What can I say? I guess my pussy’s just that good,” you sneered, not in the mood for his taunts or anything else.

“Is that right? Maybe he should fuck your ass next to get the stick out of it,” he snapped back. “Or are you too stuck up for that?”

Pierce had a range of prostitutes lined up to satisfy his soldiers, but Brock didn’t hide how pissed off he was that you were “given” to the Asset after that fateful training day. He claimed it was special treatment. He dropped the issue almost as quickly as it was brought up, which led you to believe he was either reprimanded or given something to shut him up.

“Is that what bothers you, Rumlow? That I'd rather fuck him than you?” You asked, tilting your head as you regarded him. “And just so we’re clear, I’ll never want you.”

Brock clenched his fists as he took a step forward. “You really are a fucking-”

“Let her be,” a melodic voice ordered behind him, making you stiffen as he moved out of the way.

The doctor, or Doc as most called him, stepped into the room with a kind smile on his face. Unassuming in stature, you knew better from the start than to judge him by appearance. The man was a snake in the grass ready to spread his venom to unsuspecting victims.

“How are you?” He asked.

You kept your eyes on him as he moved closer, doing your best not to show any emotion. The doctor somehow made you more uncomfortable than Rumlow and that said something. “How do you think I'm doing?”

“Hmm. Not well, I'm sure.”

“You guessed correctly,” you said.

You didn’t know why he bothered asking. Maybe he thought he was better than the others because he didn't physically hurt you. If anything, his indifference to the evil around him made it worse. It told you that he either justified or accepted it.

Either way, he disgusted you.

“Don't worry. You'll have the Soldat back soon and I’m sure you'll feel all better,” he assured you.

“You wiped him,” you reminded him, your voice cracking.

His screams echoed in your mind again, your heart aching as you tried to block it out. When pain knocked on the door, it didn't wait for an answer. It broke it down and made itself at home. But in the pain Hydra inflicted, the soldier found solace with you and you found the same with him. The light for each other within the darkness.

While you failed to protect him and couldn't stop what they did to his mind, you had to believe you’d help heal his soul once you had him back.

“We did indeed as we have many times.”

You knocked his hand away as he tried to place it on your shoulder, your stomach turning from his words. “Don't touch me.”

He held his hands up in surrender as he took a step back. “I mean no harm.”

“All of you mean harm,” you whispered.

The Soldat was your only bright spot in this nightmare. Ironic that he thought you were fire, bright and warm. The truth was you burned because of him. He was your eternal fuel that made the flames grow.

“I only want what is best for you,” Doc argued, his eyes void of any emotional depth behind his rimless glasses.

“Liar,” you whispered.

An exasperated sigh left his lips. “Now, now. I really do want what’s best for you. Don't you realize how important you are?”

“I'm not important,” you said. You never were. “Pierce made it clear that I don't have a purpose.”

But if that was the case, why were you still alive?

The doctor's chuckle made your blood run cold. “That's what he wants you to think. You see, the more they cut you down and make you question your worth, the easier it becomes for you to comply. Because by that point you’re so desperate for survival you'll do what is asked of you,” he explained, pushing his glasses up. “Yet you still only comply to an extent. It’s rather fascinating.”

He stared at you like you were a bug under a magnifying glass. And wasn’t that what you were to him? An experiment or something for him to study? “I haven't complied. I won't.”

“Oh, but you have,” Brock chimed in. You almost forgot he was still in the room. “Those missions you completed. The lives you took.”

Bile rose in your throat as images of violence and blood flashed in your mind. They would haunt you for the rest of your days. “No, I didn't want to hurt anyone.”

“Of course, you didn't. It’s as I said: desperation. You did what you had to do to survive,” the false sympathy from Doc grated on your nerves. “Don't let the weight of those souls wear you down. They were meaningless. But you? Oh, you are meant for more.”

He attempted to touch you again, but his hand moved toward your stomach this time instead of your shoulder. “I said don't touch me!” you snapped, scrambling backward to put distance between the two of you. As much as you wanted to hurt him, Brock was still there and could do a lot of damage.

The doctor pressed his lips together before he smirked. “Pierce and Rumlow are right. You have a hold on him. Even with his programming and orders, it all comes back to you,” he said, your body going rigid. Where was he going with this? “And it’s you that we want to carry his child.”

Your stomach churned again, but you weren’t sure if it was more at the thought that he wanted to force a child on you or that he’d try and force your soldier to impregnate you. “Care to repeat that?”

“You’re going to carry his child. You’re going to give birth to the perfect soldier. And you’ll keep doing so,” he said slowly like you were a petulant child, standing tall and proud as your mouth fell open in horror. “You’re the perfect incubator.”

Your stomach sank as you looked between him and Brock, wishing it was a sick joke. “No, I won't.”

“You think you have a choice?” The doctor questioned nonchalantly, like he was asking what you wanted for dinner. “And do you think the Asset needs to remember exactly what you mean to him to fuck you? I guess we'll see if he does. Science versus instinct.”

The room became eerily silent as the doctor gave you his first genuine smile since he walked in. You struggled to get your bearings and process the words. That was why you were still alive. They were going to make you an incubator. Force your soldier to breed you. They would take another choice away from him. And raise your children in captivity.

In Hell on earth.

“Well, that shut the bitch up,” Brock chuckled.

Before you could think, you launched yourself from the bed. The doctor’s eyes widened as you tackled him to the ground, unable to brace himself as you landed the first blow to his face. You straddled his waist, the second hit knocking his glasses away as fury rushed through your veins like a wildfire. He didn’t try to fight you off.

You could’ve cried. Screamed. Anything to keep him from making his twisted plan a reality.

The sound of a gun cocking stopped you from hitting Doc a third time.

“I won’t kill you,” Brock said, your fist frozen in the air as you looked toward him. Your chest heaved as you stared down the barrel of the gun. “But I’ll make it hurt if you don’t get up.”

“Go ahead,” you said through clenched teeth.

The doctor coughed, but held up a hand. “No shooting,” he croaked as you looked at him out of the corner of your eye. “No harming her.”

Brock’s eyes nearly rolled into the back of his head. “She can still lie down and take a cock if-”

None of you could have foreseen the metal hand punching through the wall. Before you could blink, the hand closed around Brock’s shoulder and pulled him through, his cry of pain silenced almost immediately by the sound of a gunshot. The doctor beneath you was long forgotten as you scrambled to your feet just in time to see your soldier step into the room through the hole, his face obscured by his typical mask and goggles.

But you felt his gaze on you as he stood like a dark angel ready to avenge you.

Hope launched into your chest like a shooting star as you smiled. “Soldat,” you whispered.

He came for you. Found you. But the star that filled your heart quickly faded when he didn’t move toward you or say “Sparrow”.

The dread grew stronger when he holstered his gun and took out his signature knife.

Was this the beginning of the end?

The doctor smiled as he wiped the blood from his lap and slowly stood up. “You really think he’s here to save you? Oh, no. He just doesn’t want any competition near his breeding partner,” he taunted as your eyes stung. “Back from your assignment early, Soldat? Good. Now you can complete your mission.”

The Winter Soldier tilted his head before he took a step forward.

You remained rooted to the spot, casting your fear that he’d force himself on you aside. “Bucky,” you said, using the name you heard. His real name. A tear rolled down your cheek when he flinched and tightened his fingers around the handle. “I’m not going to fight you. Or hurt you. Do you know why?”

Another step forward, your heart pounded as you stood as still as a statue. “Why?” He asked, the word clear to you through his mask.

The tears flowed freely as he stopped in front of you and slipped his goggles off, your heart breaking when he dispassionately looked at you. “Because I’m your Sparrow. Remember? My fire burns for you and you only,” you told him and pointed to your chest. You needed him to remember. “We swore we’d be free together. Somehow.”

“Don’t listen to her. Breed her and be done with it,” the doctor ordered.

The soldier’s brows furrowed before his metal hand came up around your neck, not squeezing or bringing you any harm.

But it felt like a warning.

“You won’t hurt me,” you breathed out, placing your hand on his arm as you kept your panic at bay. “They won’t break me. And I won’t leave you,” you promised, echoing his words when he took you the first time. “I’m yours.”

No matter what they forced him to do to you, he would never be to blame.

The doctor had the gall to smack the flesh arm when he made no move to shove you down on the bed or remove your clothes. “Finish your mission. Now.”

“It’s okay,” you mouthed.

Somehow, it would be okay.

“My mission…” the soldier began mechanically, not taking his eyes off you as he plunged the knife into the doctor’s jugular. You weren’t sure you could breathe. “Is to keep my Sparrow safe.”

An intake of air caught your sob as the metal hand fell away, the doctor collapsing as he tried in vain to stop the blood from leaving his body. It was useless. And a kinder death than he deserved.

“Hail,” he gurgled, his fingers stained red. “Hydra.”

“Just shut up and die,” you snapped as your soldier ripped his mask off. “Soldat,” you said, softer, almost crying all over again.

“Sparrow,” he whispered.

There was nothing gentle or sweet in the way pressed his lips to yours, but it was warm and safe as he pulled you against you. Your arms slipped around him as you returned the kiss, your cheeks still wet from crying. For a second there, you thought you’d lost him. For once, fate decided not to be cruel to you.

It brought you back together.

“I’m sorry I couldn't get to you sooner,” he said when he allowed you a moment to breathe, quickly scanning as much of you as he could. “Did they hurt you?”

“No, I’m okay. I just thought…” you trailed off with a shake of your head. “You came back to me.”

But how?

“I’ll always find you, Sparrow,” he said, touching your cheek as your heart swelled. “Steve helped me remember a lot of things. Including you.”

“The man on the bridge? You saw him again?” You asked before an alarm sounded, the blaring force echoing in the room.

“Yes. And his friend is sending reinforcements, so we need to go,” he said over the noise, nudging the doctor’s body with the toe of his boot before he stepped on his glasses.

“Where are we going?” You asked.

Where could you go since you no longer had a home? You had so many questions, but understood that you’d have to wait for answers. Getting out of there in one piece was your priority.

“Somewhere safe,” he answered, fear flickering in his eyes for a moment. “Do you trust me?”

“With my life,” you promised without hesitation. And anything else you had to offer him.

The next kiss was one of gentleness, relief, and thanks. “One thing before we leave.”

“What’s that?” You asked as he took your hand.

Love and determination filled his eyes as he glanced back at you and put a gun in your other hand. “We burn it down.”

You could hardly contain the fire inside you as you smiled. “Together.”

You didn’t know what the reinforcements would do or what would await you once you got out. It didn’t matter. Your soldier found his way back to you and you would follow wherever he went. The two of you would finally leave Hydra behind.

In a pile of rubble and ash.

But you’d find out soon enough that the man on the bridge wouldn't let your soldier go either.

I'll try not to let so much time pass before the next update. Love and thanks for reading! ❤️

Masterlist ⚓ Bucky Barnes Masterlist ⚓ Ko-Fi

[illdowhatiwantthanks]

i am so desperate for rosa diaz x reader idm what the plot is i will read ANYTHING

/lh

Hey, lh! 🥰 Sorry it's taken me like a million years to get to your request, but I hope you enjoy! –illdowhatiwantthanks

Passenger Princess

Rosa Diaz x fem!reader Warnings: explicit language, motorcycle riding (let me know if I've missed anything) Word count: 1.5k

Summary: You've always been too scared to ride Rosa's motorcycle with her, but for her birthday? You just might make yourself be brave.

Rosa turned your head this way and that, making sure the helmet fit you correctly.

“How do I look?” you asked her.

“Like a bobblehead,” she responded, straddling her motorcycle. “Come on, we don’t have all day.”

“We quite literally have all day,” you grumbled.

You gingerly approached the bike. You’d never been on a motorcycle before, and you’d be lying if you said you weren’t scared. Rosa had been trying to get you on the back of her bike for a long time, and you’d always said no, but… it was her birthday this weekend and your gift to her was being brave for once. You’d suggested a day’s ride on the Fort Lee Loop, through the Hudson River Valley and Greenwood Lake and the Wanaque Reservoir.

“We could stop for lunch, too,” you’d said, blushing and losing confidence as Rosa gaped at you after you’d brought it up. “I mean, only if you want to. We don’t have to go. We could do something else.”

She’d kissed you, quickly and firmly, before you could say anything else. “You’re offering to ride the motorcycle?” she confirmed after pulling away. “On purpose?”

“Yeah,” you shrugged, avoiding her eyes. “I trust you to keep me safe.”

And, oh, she’d gone feral for that, hands all over you, lips crashing into yours, until you’d pushed her away, breathless and flushed and hissed, “Rosa, we’re in public.”

She’d dropped cash on the restaurant table and all but dragged you out of your seat. “Well, let’s get private then.”

But now that you looked at the motorcycle, now that the helmet was on your head and Rosa looked expectantly at you to hop on… you weren’t so sure about it.

“Hey,” she said, taking your fingers in her hand and rubbing them softly. “We don’t have to do this if you don’t want to.”

“No, I–” You gulped. “I do. I really do.”

“I’ll keep you safe. I promise,” she assured you, her eyes kind and soft underneath the shield of her helmet.

You exhaled deeply, then clambered behind Rosa on the motorcycle, trying to convince yourself this was no different than riding a rollercoaster really.

“Alright,” Rosa said. “You have to keep your feet on the footrests. The metal pipes can burn you, so be careful.”

You nodded against her back, your hands snaking around her waist.

“And you can hold onto me as tight as you need to, okay?” She pressed one of her arms against yours, squeezing the back of your hand as you pressed your palm into her stomach. “Just follow my body language. If I lean, lean with me, even if it seems scary. I won’t let you fall.”

You nodded again, your heart pounding. You were sure Rosa could feel it through her jacket as you pressed into her back.

“And if you need to stop for any reason at all, tap my thigh twice with two fingers, okay? That’ll be our signal.”

You didn’t respond, simply held onto Rosa as tight as you could, waiting for the bike to roar to life.

“Hey,” she called, and you could feel the vibrations of her voice against your chest and hands.

You lifted your head slightly.

“Are you sure you’re okay with this?” she asked.

You nodded, letting out a shaky breath.

“I need words, mi amor.”

“Yes,” you managed to croak out.

“Alright,” she conceded. “Tap my thigh twice if you need to stop.”

And the roar of the motorcycle as Rosa started the engine–it was so loud, so aggressive it made you jump a bit. Rosa squeezed your hand, and the bike started to inch forward. You held onto Rosa for dear life, positive that before the day was over you might suffocate her.

Rosa took it slow at first, driving you down slow, back streets and easing you into turns, so you could get used to the way your body had to move with hers. Before you knew it, you were on the road. You kept your head down and your eyes squeezed shut for most of the ride in the city, the roar of the traffic and angry cab horns overwhelming you.

But once you and Rosa made it out of the city proper, you managed to open your eyes. The wind that rushed around your body, the vibrations of the bike that surged through you, your body pressed warm and firm against Rosa’s… well, it was kind of enjoyable. It did feel a bit like a rollercoaster. A rollercoaster where you were firmly on the ground and you got to hug your girlfriend the whole time, so maybe even an improvement on a rollercoaster.

You were well into the Fort Lee Loop before your body relaxed enough to sit up a bit and look around, though at any hint of a turn, you clung to Rosa like a baby monkey. But it was beautiful. And it was different than just going on a drive. The foliage was turning lovely golds and reds and oranges, and the sun flitted through the trees in a way that felt almost magical. Warm and wonderful and right despite the crisp fall air. You were thankful for Rosa’s body pressed against yours, thankful that she made you brave in ways you’d never be brave on your own.

You stopped for lunch at a small marina restaurant, overlooking Greenwood Lake. You stumbled as you stepped off the bike and Rosa laughed, catching you by the waist to hold you steady.

“You okay?” she asked, smiling, both amused and concerned.

“Mmhm.” You held onto her hand as you walked into the restaurant, even though you’d already found your footing. “I kind of like it, I think.”’

She kissed your cheek, and you took it as a thank you and am I’m proud of you.

For her part, Rosa’s face was flushed, her hair messy, and she looked so happy. So genuinely happy. It wasn’t a rare occurrence for her to look happy when you were together, but it was different knowing you were doing something Rosa truly loved. She was happy to be with you, she always was. But she was even happier to be with you doing something that already made her happy in the first place. 

“Thanks for doing this,” she said, both of you picking at the leftover fries on your plate. “Really.”

“I would do anything for you, Ro,” you said softly.

And the quiet you sat in afterward, looking out over the lake, the lovely leaves floating one by one into the water and spiraling it out in mesmerizing, concentric circles–it was such a warm quiet, close and comfortable and familiar, and you wondered briefly if this was what it would feel like with Rosa in five years, ten, twenty. When you were old women sitting on a bench in Prospect Park or motorcycling across the country because god knows old age wasn’t going to stop Rosa–you wondered if this was what it would feel like, the quiet familiarity of someone who knew you and loved you completely, so deeply that words were not needed. There was no need to fill a space already full of love.

When you left the restaurant, you stood by Rosa’s motorcycle and looked out at the lake, moving to put your helmet back on.

“Wait,” Rosa protested, gently taking the helmet from your hands and balancing it on one of the motorcycle handles.

You looked at her curiously, and she cupped your face in her hands, leaning in to kiss you. Rosa kissing you always took your breath away, but something was different about this one. Maybe it was adrenaline from being on the motorcycle all day, maybe the flush in your cheeks from the cool, fall air or the smell of the leaves mingling with the scent of Rosa’s perfume. You felt almost drunk on her, drunk on the warmth of her mouth against yours, the softness of her hands. She was always so soft with you, so gentle, such a contrast from how she was with everyone else.

“What was that for?” you asked, out of breath when she finally pulled away and tucked your hair behind your ear.

“I just really love you,” she said quietly, her eyes soft as they stared into yours.

You pecked her once more on the lips, then pulled her back toward the motorcycle. “Let’s go home, love,” you said.

And if riding off into the crisp, autumn horizon on the back of your girlfriend’s motorcycle wasn’t a storybook ending of Shakespearean proportions, you didn’t know what was. Because you and Rosa, well, it was the kind of love people told their grandkids about. Or at least that’s how it felt to you and her.

[avatarmerida]

Buckle up y’all, this took me through a loop. This is based on an idea that @rebeccaartsy had awhile ago about Hunter being in the show earlier and it inspired this and it kinda just went… woah. So lemme know if it’s confusing at all there’s just a *smidge* of angst but I really like it okay bye

UPDATE: mini sequel here

———

“Gus, listen,” said Hunter, as he walked through the open door of the Owl House. “Obviously, there is classified information that I can’t divulge but upon consideration I am willing to grant you an interview for your class. The Emperor’s Coven values education, and so I could definitely offer you information regarding our selection process which I’m sure your teachers will find impressive and- why is Willow upside down?”

“Oh, Amity set Willow’s mind on fire and now she’s losing all her memories,” said Luz with a nervous chuckle as both girls tried to keep her from falling off the couch. “But uh, whaaat’s up with you?”

“What?” He said running over to her side and helping her sit correctly on the couch and immediately began checking her vitals. “Is she okay?”

“Don’t worry blondie, we’re gonna get these knuckleheads in there to set things right,” said Eda from behind them. “Or at least less wrong.”

“You’re gonna entrust Willow’s mind in the hands of… them?” Said Hunter in disdain as he glared at Luz and Amity who honestly couldn’t argue with him. Willow was limpm in his arms, her eyes unable to focus. “They were the ones who put her in this situation in the first place! Not to mention, this location isn’t zoned for a spell of that caliber and as a member of the Emperor’s Coven I could-.”

“Listen, do you want it done soon or do you want it done legally?” Asked Eda. “Cause by the time we get the permits to do it your way Goldie, there won’t be any of Willow’s memories left to save.”

“Very well then,” said Hunter, pretending as though it was a hard decision. “I’ll allow it. Just… be careful with her.”

“Alright then,” said Eda. “Lemme whip up something to put her to sleep. She’s not gonna wanna be awake for this.”

“Oh look, the prince is here,” giggled Willow, leaning on Hunter’s shoulder for support as she noticed his presence for the first time. “Helloooo, your highness.”

“Uh, hi,” he said, not expecting her to be this close to him but knowing that pouting distance between them would cause her to fall. “A-re you oka-.”

“Shhh,” she said, putting her finger to his lips, whispering as though it was the most serious thing on earth. “There’s something I need to tell you.”

“What?” he said despite his lips being smushed, hanging on to her words with concern.

She took a deep breath. “You have beautiful eyes.” She whispered with intensity.

His face turned bright crimson as he tried to laugh, assuming it must be a joke of some sort. But Willow’s voice didn’t carry the disdain most jokes at Hunter’s expense carried. She wasn’t in her right mind, but maybe that didn’t mean she wasn’t serious.

“Oh uh… thank you?” He said, clearing his throat. “So, uh, s-so do you?”

“Hmmm,” she giggled then hiccuped, squinting at him and then leaning in closer as though she couldn’t quite see something. “Do they make you wear that mask because you're so handsome all the time?”

“What?”

To the side, Luz and Amity were trying in vain not to giggle. Hunter shot them another glare, knowing this was no time for laughter let alone from them.

“How could you let this happen?” he asked them through clenched teeth and they quickly felt guilty. Even though Eda had a solution, this was serious. As Hunter’s stern eyes reminded them that this was their doing, Willow’s finger slowly made its way to trap Hunter’s forelock, twirling it around her finger.

“Awwwh, look at the widdle worm,” she whispered, enchanted by its delicate spring. Hunter couldn’t help but smile.

“Oh suuuure when she calls it a worm it's cute but when I do it you threaten to banish me!” said Hooty with disdain.

“Well that’s because you tried to eat it!” said Hunter as Willow continued to coo at his hair. She did this often, usually when he was upset or grumpy she’d flick it or pull it and for some reason it calmed him down. Her teasing wasn’t cruel or spiteful, it was silly and sweet. Now, she was beyond silly but playing with his hair seemed to distrust her from wandering away so Hunter said nothing of it.

“Woooormy wormy worm,” Willow sang to herself as Hunter steadied her by her shoulders and subtly checked her for any signs of external injury. But it appeared the only damage was her mind, for now at least. He would find time to be furious with Blight and the human later, but now his concern outweighed any other emotion he could hope to have now.

Soon Willow erupted into a sea of giggles as she remembered her worm friend was attached to a person. “Well helloooo again, princey” she said, her voice low and playful, trying to wiggle her eyebrows. “You come here often?”

“Uh… yeah?”

“Hmmm exactly how many worms are you hiding?” she whispered as though she was being spied on. “Are you stealing them from my garden?”

“Uh, I don’t know how to answer that, it’s not-.”

“Nap time!” Said Eda, zapping something in their direction and Willow instantly fell asleep, leaning forward onto Hunter’s shoulder. He was unprepared to say the least, but tentatively put an arm around her to keep her upright, his eyes wide as his movements were careful.

“Alright coven boy, you keep Princess Planter comfy while I tell these two how to keep things from getting worse,” instructed Eda, pointing to Luz and Amity.

“Yeah sure okay,” replied Hunter, barely listening. Eda was telling Luz and Amity something but all Hunter could hear was the gentle sound of Willow snoring, her breathing slow and deep and peaceful. He has never been so close to her, he could see every delicate freckle that decorated her face. Her glasses were askew so he carefully removed them, because it just seemed like the thing to do. Her mind was on fire, the least he could do was make her more comfortable.

—

After Amity and Luz had been on their mission for a while, Hunter did not leave Willow’s side as he watched her eyes shift behind her eyelids as she… dreamed? Would she think this was all a dream? She would mumble things occasionally, hopefully that meant something good? She just looked so-

“Hey Hunter, you want in on this?” Asked Gus.

“Huh?” He looked up quickly as though he was being accused of something. He hadn’t been listening. Hadn’t he been tasked with monitoring her? Is that what Eda said or had he just done it naturally? “Sorry, what?”

“King and Eda are competing to be the subject of my interview,” repeated Gus. “You still want in?”

Hunter had forgotten all about being the subject of Gus’ report as he became engrossed in watching Willow sleep. Was that creepy? He didn’t mean it to be. He just felt… protective. He felt responsible. He could never fall asleep like this with anyone unless he trusted them completely. He had never fallen asleep around anyone. And he knew Willow did not have a choice in the matter but he wanted to be worthy of her trust anyway.

“Uh, no thanks maybe next time,” he said, uncharacteristically soft. “Someone should keep an eye on Willow.”

“Eh, she’s not going anywhere goldie,” said Eda as a twinkle entered her eye. “Buuuut when she does wake up, she’s probably gonna be hungry. Having the essence of your inner being threatened really takes alot out of you.”

“Oh yeah, sure,” said Hunter, looking at her in wonder. She seemed to be doing fine, but no doubt there would be brutal side effects. “Should I-.”

“Snacks! Snacks! Snacks!” chanted King.

“Oh yeah, uh I guess I could… do that,” he said softly. He wasn’t sure why he was being quiet, no one else was. But his usual tone didn’t seem fitting now. Normally, he would not take orders (or even suggestions) from civilians but if it was for Willow then it didn’t feel like succumbing to rank. It felt like helping. It felt purposeful. He carefully stood up, mourning the loss of warmth for only a moment, and placed Willow comfortably on the couch carefully guiding her head to a throw pillow. As he made his way to the kitchen, his eyes were glued to her until it was impossible to continue. Eda,King, and Gus were too occupied in their debate to notice.

Willow was going to be fine, she had to be. Everyone would be acting more worried if she wasn’t, right? She had always been strong and capable, he knew her mind couldn’t be much different. He turned his focus from concern into purpose. He wouldn’t admit it to the others, but he was thankful for the distraction. He felt foolish just sitting there not being able to do anything for her. He had never actually made something before, but how hard could it be? He had studied under the head of the Potions coven, how different was baking from that?

As he looked through Eda’s cupboards, Willow’s words echoed in his ears. Well, not all of them. There was one in particular, occupied by the way the ends of her mouth turned up as she said it that made his stomach flip.

Handsome.

No one had ever called him that before, not even ironically. Did she really think that? Why did he care so much if she did? Why, suddenly, did he want so much for her to?

Was it really suddenly though?

Ugh! Why hadn’t he said something cooler? He wasn’t sure she’d even remember saying it, but if she did he didn’t want his surprised reaction to prevent her from possibly repeating herself! He had never had issue thinking of clever retorts (though, to be fair he did do a fair deal of practicing in his bedroom mirror each night) and they often fell into a comfortable conversation. But sometimes she would say something a certain way or look at him too long and it would throw him off. Not in a bad way, no nothing at all like that, just… unexpected. She laughed at the jokes people would roll their eyes at or ask him to continue where normally he was cut off and all the little things just kept adding and piling up until Hunter didn’t know how he was supposed to carry them. She was so many little things, like the way she tilted her head when she asked him a silly question or how her glasses would slide off her edge of her nose when she got excited or the way she would stand close to him and sometimes their hands would brush like she didn’t care if they-

Focus! He thought, taking ingredients from the cabinets. There wasn’t much and what there was seemed to have no organizational system but he could resolve that after he figured out what to whip up. Something simple, something to show Willow he wanted to help. He didn’t know her well enough to enter her mind with Luz and Amity, but secretly he hoped he was getting there.

Eventually, he managed to make something that resembled cookies, the smell filled the kitchen and it surprisingly wasn't an awful smell?. He remembered Willow mentioned once she was eager to get home as her father had made some and they were waiting for her. Truthfully, Hunter had never tasted a cookie but he had seen them when he walked by the bakery in town and knew the basics of their structure. Surely if he had taken a wrong turn the smell would reflect that, right? He imagined the look on Willow’s face when she saw his creation, and maybe even liked it. The flipped feeling returned to his stomach and spread through his whole chest like a wild fire when the potential look of delight on her face graced his mind.

In his efforts, he had made quite the mess. But he couldn’t help but feel pride as he quickly plated his creation, eager to return to Willow’s side. He didn’t think too much into this, he was always excited to see Willow. He tried not to think too much into that, chalking it up to the fact that she was interesting and a good listener and funny and smart and pretty and-

The point was she didn’t find him totally annoying, so why shouldn’t he enjoy her company?

And if she happened to think he was a little handsome then, well, that wasn’t the worst thing.

As he set the cookies to cool, he heard a sudden commotion from the next room. He quickly ran to see the cause, hoping it was a good sign. There was a bright flash and then he heard Luz and Amity. He stood back a moment, trying to deduce their tone before he heard Willow speak. Her voice was horse and soft, but he could tell she was back to normal. Good, he thought, feeling as though he could finally breathe again. She’s okay, she’s okay.

He went to greet her but before he could leave the kitchen, he was stopped by Luz. Before he could offer a snarky question as to what exactly she thought she was doing, she looked at him with wide, concerned eyes.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, furrowing his brow. He tried to look past her to see what was going on. “Is she okay? Did something happen to-?”

“Willow’s fine.” she assured him, putting her arm up to stop him. “There were just some… complications.”

“What complications? Was she hurt? Does she need-?”

“No no, nothing like that but um there were some memories… we couldn’t save,” said Luz carefully.

“Like what? Did she forget something for a test she has? Because I can always-.”

“No, no uh there were more… recent memories,” Luz tried to figure out the nicest way to say this. ”Hunter, I’m sorry but we were still figuring out how things worked and it all happened so fast but… Willow doesn’t remember you.”

“What?” He felt something shatter.

“I’m so sorry, but hey, it’s an easy fix! Right? We can just introduce you now!”

“Yeah, uh I guess…” he said, looking at his current state. He had thrown on an old apron and was covered in flour, his hair a mess. This night was already so chaotic, it hardly seemed like a time Willow would want to meet someone new. He didn’t know how Luz would even go about it.

When he and Willow had first met, Luz had already given her opinions to her friends when it came to the Golden Guard. She described him as pretentious and rude and socially awkward. But when she had stumbled upon Hunter hanging upside down by his ankles after taking a wrong turn and falling into a den of wild climbing hysteria vines, she had no idea who he was. He had been so grumpy and flustered and embarrassed but had he known exactly who had come to his rescue his gratitude would not have been so halfhearted.

She didn’t seem to be bothered by it, and she didn’t brag or showboat as she easily helped him down. She laughed, not to mock him but to try and lessen his embarrassment as though she could relate. It could happen to anyone, she had said as she helped remove the remaining vines from him. When I first started on the plant track I had my fair share of run-ins with these troublemakers, she said as she carefully untangled them. Hunter could tell she could do it easily with magic but she did it by hand so as to ensure he was not hurt. He was speechless as he watched her work, she was focused; she didn’t ridicule him or ask for anything in return or gripe about how he was making her late, she just helped him because doing so was just in her nature. When she finished, he managed to mumble something resembling a thank you before she kept running to her destination, unaware they were heading to the same place.

She didn’t ask for anything in return, not snails or a favor or did anything to use the moment as blackmail. She didn’t mention it in front of the others when they met again at the Owl House. From that moment on, she occupied a part of Hunter’s mind he didn’t know was available. Now he had a chance for her to see him exactly as he wanted to be seen from the beginning and it felt like a chance he needed to seize.

He had a second chance at a first impression.

His mind made up, he looked around for a way out before the human could return with Willow. Quickly, he climbed out the window and landed in a bush. He ducked beneath the window and pressed his back against the wall as he heard Willow and Luz enter the kitchen.

“Huh, where did he go?” he heard Luz wonder.

“Who was this again?” Willow asked, her voice still raspy as though she was utterly exhausted.

“Uh, it’s kinda hard to explain,” Luz admitted. “But, he’ll be around again. I know he really wants to meet you!”

“Okay,” said Willow, uncertain. “If you say so.”

He couldn't help but think about the chill that went up his spine when she looked into his eyes. He didn’t understand exactly what it was but he knew it wasn’t nothing. He wanted Willow to know a better version of him. He cared what she thought. When she met him this time, he wanted it to be a meeting worth remembering.

—

But the more time that passed, the more Hunter built it up in his mind.

He wanted to be charming and funny and brave and smart and cool and so many things he wasn't totally sure he had ever actually been, forget all at once. But there was so much to condired! The setting, the time of day, how her day had been, He didn;t want to be associated with a bad day and he wasn’t totally sure what preconceived notions she had about him. Luz and Gus had promised not to say anything about him to her, feeling guilty that she had lost a part of herself, but the Golden Guard was a public figure and he couldn’t control things she might overhear.

And then his uncle made him head of the Emperor's Coven, and he had less time to conduct his perfect meeting.

Then one day, Darius told him to collect new recruits for the Coven and Hunter knew he couldn’t wait any longer.

---

Willow just couldn’t shake the feeling that she had seen Hunter before. Had he been posing as a student awhile before she had used her vine to rip him from the sky? Despite his upbringing, Willow had a feeling this form of undercover did not come so naturally to him. She was certain that had he been at Hexisde before today she would’ve noticed with certainty. Had she seen him at the market maybe? Perhaps there was a day where he wanted to avoid attention and did not wear his mask as he bought trinkets and groceries. Even then, he was hardly the type to indulge in leisure; she had a feeling it was unlikely he’d linger in a crowd long enough for her to catch a glimpse of his maroon eyes or the way his gap tooth showed when he smiled.

Stranger still, the things that seemed most familiar about him were the more detail oriented. He seldom smiled, as though he was saving it, but when he did it made Willow’s heart and head spin like they were working together to create a whirlpool of deja vu.

There weren’t many places their paths could have crossed, maybe it was as far back as before she and Amity had their falling out. The Blights did alot of business with the emperor, maybe he had accompanied Darius once when he was picking up an order while she was over visiting.

Maybe she had walked by him at Covention? But wouldn’t he be too busy and wearing his mask the whole time? Oh, it was going to kill her! She had to know! As her mind began to race, her scroll let out a tiny ding.

Willow’s heart froze for a moment as she opened the app and a huge smile engulfed her face.

Rulerzreachf4n wants to send you a message

She quickly accepted.

RULERZREACHF4N: hI

RULERZREACHF4N: iT s hunt er.

RULERZREACHF4N: Im s orry about the ki DNApping stuf f

“Woah,” giggled Willow as another text bubble appeared. “He is a slow typer.”

“Is that Hunter?” Gus asked. “Oh thank Titan, is he finally messaging you?”

“Yeah, he-,” her smiled dropped and she brought her scroll closer to her face. “Huh, that’s weird.”

“What?” asked Gus.

“I went to respond to him and it looks like we already had other messages,” said Willow, scrolling. “But how? Unless he was already following me but i- wait.” She went silent again as she explored the interactions of their profiles. “Hunter was already following me on penstagram and he liked like all of my pictures too.”

“Oh haha that’s so weird,” said Gus nervously. “Lemme see your scroll, I bet it’s like a virus or something I can fix, just let me-.”

He went to reach for her scroll but Willow pulled it aware, giving him a suspicious look.

Gus sighed. “Okay, listen; it’s… complicated. But we all promised Hunter we wouldn’t say anything. I didn’t wanna delete your conversations so I blocked him on your account until he was ready, but I didn’t know he was gonna wait this long!”

“What are you talking about?”

“I think… this might be something he has to tell you in person.”

---

Could he just message her?

Hey, this is totally random but I actually already kind of knew you but you don’t remember me. So I know alot about you, but not in a creepy way because I like you… also not in a creepy way. I might seem creepy but I-

“Oh boy that’s a run-on sentence for sure,” he said, looking at the gibberish he typed. But every time he went to try and fix it it made things worse. He put his scroll away as he continued to walk around the castle garden, hoping inspiration would strike.

Wasn’t the plan always to start over? Didn’t he want her view of him to be brand new? The fresh start was tempting, but now that he had Willow back in his life, he couldn’t wait any longer. He wanted to dive back in, he wanted to know everything that had happened since the last time he saw her. He had an outside view from her penstagram, Gus had found a way to still allow him access to her through that but we wanted to know more beyond her cute captions. He wanted to show her all the cute photos of Flapjack he had taken (the palisman wanted more than anything to meet the girl his boy ranted about so often), to share with her all the new plants he had seen on mission in demand dangerous parts of the Isles, more than anything he wanted to hear her laugh again.

Okay, maybe he could compromise. Maybe he could still be this cool and confident person to her, and slowly bring up other moments they had shared. But to only keep the good parts and omit the awkward and embarrassing moments was lying, wasn’t it? Willow had never lied to him, even in her attempts to spare his feelings she always found a better way to phrase things, but she would never lie to him.

But if he wanted her to know about the way his heart stopped when she held his hand during their moonlight conjuring, he’d have to admit that he had not been invited and how Luz did not hesitate to remind him every time he spoke. If he wanted her to know about the fun they had at Covention darting to all the different booths as he pulled rank to get her the best swag, he’d have to share that he was only able to do so because Lilith thought he was an annoying twerp and said she gave him a headache. If he wanted Willow to know him, she had to know all the parts of him that he didn’t like.

But she hadn’t seemed to mind them so much the first time around.

He would have been Caleb forever if he had his way. To have Willow look at him with pride when they had won the match, to be someone she associated with strength and victory and talent. But Gus would know of his deception and conceal his connection to the coven would only create more trouble. But- oh his head was spinning with all the things he could do next he felt like he was upside down.

And then he was literally upside down.

He could tell by the skillful way the vines wrapped around him that she had captured him by launching the vine over the branch of the nearby tree and pulling back like a well crafted trap so he’d be helpless to her ambush. His eyes shook open to meet hers, a sparkling peridot green littered with embers of suspicion and determination.

“H-hey captain,” he sputtered both happy and terrified to see her. “W-what’s going on?”

“You tell me,” she said, holding up her scroll and using her finger to scroll through a stream of messages spanning over several months.

Oh yeah, he thought, she can see those now.

“Heh, uh I-I can explain…”

“I’m waiting.”

He could explain, he just didn’t know how. Where was he supposed to start?

“So, uh, here’s the thing I was… well, we were… I mean, okay so-.”

Willow slowly released him to the ground, trying to decipher why exactly he’d be so nervous. She wasn’t totally sure what she had been expecting. As he dusted himself off, she tried to pinpoint what exactly she had been hoping he’d say. Maybe it was more complicated than she thought. The fact that she had come all this way so late instead of messaging or calling him told her that deep down she already knew it was complicated.

Hunter took a deep breath and started over, from the beginning.

“We’ve met before.”

“Hmmm,” said Willow, careful not to jump to conclusions. Hunter could tell she was rightfully skeptical.

“Wait, wait! Proof! I have proof!” He frantically exclaimed, reaching into the pocket of his jacket to grab something. “Here!”

He held between his fingers what appeared to be a small piece of paper. Willow reached out and carefully took it, sensing he kept it on his person and close by for a reason. She turned it around and saw it was a photograph of them. She could tell by the texture that it was a memory, her memory. But she could not recall it.

She was laughing, her smile bright and wide. In one arm, she held a stunning Juliet orchid, a bright healthy golden yellow and the other one pulled Hunter close to her as his face held an expression of pride. She remembered when she had finally gotten the orchid to bloom, getting her into the advanced perennial placements which was composed of only the most gifted students about to graduate. She had been so proud of herself for finally conjuring it, but her memory had her alone when the orchid appeared.

“How did you get this?”

“Luz said you had been doing a school assignment about memory and ones involving me had somehow been destroyed,” he said. “But then she mentioned that there might be memories of me intact back in your classroom. So I went to the school and this was one she had pulled that had me in it. It wasn’t anything major and Eda said trying to restore them would do more harm than good, that it wouldn’t make me relevant or anything, just familiar looking, like any other stranger.”

He said the words delicately like being a stranger to her was a fate worse than death. Despite the seriousness of the matter, Willow had a feeling he had. A flair for the dramatics.

“But it meant that if we ever did meet again that you wouldn’t be able to totally register me,” he said. “So I kept it because strangers don’t produce vivid memories like this.”

“This is only one photo,” she said. “It’s possible that it did-.”

“No, because I have a matching memory!” He said, reaching down to pull another photo from his pocket. “See?”

The photos were nearly identical. They were of the same moment, that was certain, but there was variation in their faces. In Willow’s memory, Hunter’s face matched her own but in Hunter's there was a rosy tint to the scene and his smile seemed more flustered.

“Weird,” she breathed. “Why does yours look different?”

“Because I think that’s the moment when I started…”

Her eyes darted from the photo to him now, trying to read his expression to know why he couldn’t finish that sentence.

“Yeah?”

“It was… an important moment.”

“Oh,” she said, looking at the photo again. “Yeah, it was for me. But how did helping me with an assignment make it important for you?”

“Because I helped you,” he said simply. “I mean, I’m supposed to help people all the time I-I try to, but you were so excited that I felt… important. I was happy because you were happy and… I dunno, it just felt nice.”

Willow brought the picture closer to her face. She couldn’t help but feel slightly memorized by her own face, seeing herself smile so wide, so obviously happy in a moment that was partially lost to her. There was no question about how she felt here, and it felt odd to feel envious of herself. Something in her heart told her that she really liked knowing this boy, and even more so she liked being known by him.

Had it been any other girl in the photo, she’d say with complete confidence that they were a couple.

“Were we… friends?” She asked carefully, hoping he’d understand the deeper meaning within the question.

He didn’t. “Oh yeah,” he said. “Well… yeah, I like to think so. Sorry, I’m still getting used to a lot of normal teenager things but I think… yeah; we were friends. You were a really great friends, er are a really great friend.”

“Were we… just friends?” She tried again, biting her lip trying not to get her hopes up. But something told her it needed to be asked. Maybe it was how incredibly charming she found his smile, was her mind trying to bring back a memory or had she always just thought he was cute?

“Yeah,” he said quickly, his face turning a faint red. “Well, uh, I-I-I uh think so. I mean, there were times where we- where I- thought that maybe we could-.”

He looked back up at her and caught her eyes, wide and hanging on his every word. She trusted him, he held parts of her past that were unreachable to her. He didn’t want to risk twisting her understanding or putting his own thoughts in her mind just because he hoped they had once been similar. But as much as he admired her, those eyes reminded him how he chickened out every time he got close to bringing up his feelings. They just left him too paralyzed and entranced, even when she considered him a stranger.

“Yeah?” She prompted him to finish. He gulped and pressed on.

“Well, I guess… I know how I felt but I can’t speak for how you felt,” he said carefully.

“Do you… still feel that way?”

“I mean I uh…. Well, it doesn’t really matter,” he said with a forced chuckle that suggested the opposite. “I can’t just expect things to go back to the way they were.”

“Why not?”

“Well, I have more responsibilities now- we both do, I suppose,” he said. “Before, I’d have the occasional mission but now I’m the head of the Emperor's coven. And I’m not supposed to have those feelings anyway.”

She felt her breath stop, as though trying to make the world quieter so she could hear his words longer. She could tell Hunter had a hard time with words if they were informal, so it was possible he was referring merely to friendship. But something about the way he couldn’t decide if he should or shouldn’t look at her, the way she could tell he definitely wanted to, allowed her to assume it was more. Either way, he had feelings for her and she wanted so desperately to hear more about them.

“Well, I won’t hold that against you,” she assured him. “I know we can’t undo me forgetting you, and I know I’m never going to remember things involving you from my perspective, but it makes sense. There are times where I feel like there’s a hole, like a skip. Things that Luz or Gus will say that just don’t quite line up or make total sense and I’m guessing those are things that involve you, conversations we had.”

“Yeah,” said Hunter. “I really liked talking to you.”

“I liked talking to you too,” she said. “Well, I’m assuming so after browsing through our old messages on penstagram. A lot of late nights.”

He blushed. “Yeah, I uh keep strange hours,” he said. “But you always said it was okay.”

“Is your keyboard broken or something?” She chuckled. “Cuz a lot of them I had to read two or three times.”

“Oh, uh no I’m still getting used to typing,” he laughed. “I’m probably not better now, you were really the only person I ever messaged.”

“Well, I’d love to go over them with you,” she said. “And maybe you can fill me in on some other things we used to talk about.”

“Like what?”

She shrugged. “Luz said you used to come to Owl House all the time,” said Willow. “But did we ever hang out, like just us? Did we have inside jokes or did I tell you all my secrets? I’ve got some catching up to do.”

“I can write them down for you too,” he said with a smile. “My handwriting is much better than my typing, I promise.”

“I’d like that,” she smiled, she always did love getting letters. “But why didn’t you try sooner?”

“I wanted to make a better first impression, I wanted to be better,” he said. “When I first met you, I was unkind and rude and just not very pleasant. But spending time with you… made me happier and I think it made me more fun to be around. I wanted you to see the best version of me because I just really… value your opinion.”

“So why didn’t you just introduce yourself?”

“There was never a good time,” he sighed as he started to pace. “Whenever I did see you before, it was because I snuck away or you found me. I didn’t want to rush it because what if I said something that would be okay if you knew me but not if it was the first thing I ever said to you and it made you never want to see me again? It had to be perfect. I wanted you to think I was cool and worth knowing.”

“Well, I think it’s sweet how important to you it was but I’m pretty sure you had nothing to worry about.”

He smiled and shook his head. He knew it was true, deep down. He knew Willow was wise and kind and patient. He knew she’d give him a second chance if he embarrassed himself, he knew she could see more in people than they could see in themselves.

“Anyway, I just couldn’t wait any longer because I-.”

“Realized how silly you were being?”

“Because I missed you too much,” he finished softly. He said it like it was the only constant truth he had ever known, so simple and yet the weight it carried could easily crush him. He missed seeing her smile up close, he missed his name on her lips, he missed the way the air seemed lighter around her. Starting over didn't seem so bad as long as he got the chance to spend time with her again. The feeling was almost overwhelming, being so close to the way things were before.

Willow wondered if the feeling in her heart was familiar or brand new as she felt his gaze surround her. Everything about him seemed sharp and jagged but the moment she found his eyes, he was the softest boy in the world. They had known pain, anger and loneliness but the moment they registered her she saw it all melt away and he gladly succumbed to the comfort of her company. She had a feeling the adrenaline that coursed through her veins and made her face flush wasn’t solely from the match.

“I think… I missed you too,” she said. She knew it didn’t make sense but at the same time nothing had ever made more sense. She knew was saying she missed someone she had never met as far as she knew, but she had felt this way before. She had felt this way with Gus and with Luz, like they were always meant to be with her. Like when she’d think of a happy memory from before they had met, her mind wanted to insert them in it. But this was different. Because Hunter actually could fall into these memories.

He smiled, welcoming the contradiction, grateful for it even. He looked like he might cry, as though no one had ever said they had missed him before.

A comfortable silence twirled between them and just like with every comfort Hunter provided Willow wondered how many times she had felt this way and if she had intended to do anything about it.

“So… have you tried to come back any other times?” she asked, fiddling with her braid.

“Well, uh… the first time,” started Hunter clearing his throat, slightly self-conscious. “Was uh, a little while after the incident. I wanted to see if you recovered, give you time to see if anything could be done because I uh… well, right before that happened I was bringing you some reading material I had found about Gromethius, since he lives beneath your school.”

Translation: Suddenly I could tie everything I read back to you somehow as an excuse to come share it with you.

“And you told me that they treat his awakening as a big party and I was commenting on how ridiculous the event sounded and you asked me if I wanted to see it for myself. I said I couldn’t just go because I didn’t attend Hexisde and it wasn't a threat that constituted coven involvement. And you asked if I wanted to go so you could show me that it could be fun.”

“And you said yes?” Willow blushed. She had never had the courage to ask someone to Grom and he made her seem like it wasn’t something she’d freak out about. Was she actually this cool or did it just seem that way to him?

“Of course I did,” he said instinctively, suddenly unable to look at her. “Then Gus mentioned how going to Grom with someone has certain… implications. And it was all I could think about the whole week. Whether you had asked me as a friend or a-as a date.”

“So… which was it?”

“Well, we didn’t actually get to go to Grom.” He chuckled softly. “When it came around, you had already forgotten me so I couldn’t really ask you about something you couldn’t remember. But I thought it might be a good time to meet again.”

It really would’ve been, she thought.

“But then there was added pressure because I still don't know if it was a date and you don’t remember asking me and you could’ve asked someone else or been asked by someone else so what if I showed up and you were-.”

“So you didn’t come?”

“No, I did… er, for a minute,” he said. “At the end.”

Her eyes lit up, making a connection. She let out a small gasp. “You were the boy with the bouquet.”

“I… yeah,” he said quietly.

She remembered it so clearly.

When the excitement of Grom was winding down, Willow had stepped outside for some air. It was the most interesting Grom in years, that was sure. She was there with her friend, she loved how she looked, she was having fun but it still felt like something was… missing. It itched at the back of her mind all night. Had she forgotten to turn in an assignment? Had she left the oven on? Was there something she had meant to bring with her?

Nevertheless, she took in the nighttime view in solitude, the distant sound of music pouring into the dark sky from the school. Usually at this point she would be overcome with nerves at the possibility of being Grom queen, but this year she didn’t have that anxiety. Of course, no one wants to face Grom and she certainly wasn’t disagreeing with that logic but something inside felt that now she would be capable of it. Funny how so much has changed in so little time. Who knows what next year would look like? Maybe she’d even have someone to-

“Wow,” her thoughts were interrupted by a soft voice she was sure she wouldn’t be able to hear if the door wasn’t closed. She turned and saw a boy in a finely tailored golden suit, like a prince who had escaped from a fairytale book.

“You look beautiful,” he breathed. And despite knowing that no one else was outside except her, it took her a moment to realize he was talking to her.

“Oh, uh thank you?” She said, not certain why she had phrased it like a question. She tucked her hair behind her ear, eating to see if he’d correct himself or take it back. But he didn’t. He just stood there, staring at her like she had been staring at the moon as he held his bouquet tightly. Despite a matching gold masquerade mask covering most of his face, the strong burgundy of his eyes found her in the moonlight. He looked like he was waiting for someone.

“Oh, sorry,” she said. “I’m probably interrupting something, huh? Sorry if you were waiting for someone I should-.”

“No!” He said, louder than he meant to before becoming bashful. “I-I mean uh well, I am kind of. Waiting for someone that is.”

“Oh, okay,” she said, understanding what waiting for someone on Grom night with a bouquet of flowers signified. She smiled. “Do you want me to go see if they’re inside?”

“No, no I uh know she’s not in there,” he said.

“Oh,” she said, and her heart sank for this lonely golden boy. “Oh, I’m sorry. Does she know you’re waiting?”

“No, I don’t think so,” he said. “But it’s okay, really. I just uh… it’s complicated.”

“Gotcha,” she said. For some reason, she related. She had never had something beyond a crush that the other party never even knew about, for some reason her heart understood the sentiment of not knowing where you stood with someone. Like she had been in his shoes in another life. “It’s uh, a really nice bouquet. You have good taste.”

“Yeah? Uh, thanks,” he said looking down at the flowers, as though waiting for them to weigh in.

“You’re welcome.’

“Would it be okay if I… gave them to you?” he asked, tentatively handing her the flowers. It was a lovely collection, she could tell it was carefully chosen and obviously made by someone who knew about floriography or made for someone who knew a lot about floriography.

“Are you sure?” She asked, captivated by the colors. “It’s so lovely, I wouldn’t want to-.”

“No, please,” he said. “It would mean a lot to me, really.”

“Well, okay,” she obliged, her nose instantly filing with the sweet, fresh aroma. Whoever this girl was, she had clearly done quite a number on him. “Thank you, I’ll take good care of them.”

“I know you will,” he said as though he knew her. She took in the collection and when she looked up to ask if he wanted to go inside and dance with her and her friends, he was gone. Had she not held the bouquet she had crafted, she would have sworn she had imagined him.

And now he stood before her once again.

“I still have it,” she said.

“What?”

“The bouquet,” she said. “You picked lovely, healthy flowers. They’re still in a vase on my desk in my room.

“Oh,” said Hunter, trying to hide his blush. “That’s… cool. I-I’m glad.”

“You should’ve stayed,” she continued. “We still could’ve danced.”

“Yeah, well…” he sighed, he wished he had stayed too.

“So… if it had been a date… you still would’ve came?” Willow asked as nonchalantly as she could.

“Huh?” Hunter said

“I uh… well, I mean it would be rude to turn down an invitation,” he stammered. “Especially to such a formal event I mean I-.”

“Did you want it to be a date?” She asked more directly.

“I… don’t know,” he admitted. “I don’t know if I’d know the difference? I just know I wanted to spend time with you and you looked really pretty and it made me feel stupid. I don’t know what that’s about.”

“I think I might,” she said, tucking her hair behind her air. The action felt familiar, instinctual. Like something about his voice triggered the response as though it had done it before. “Did you know there’s different kinds of memories?”

“Well yes, there’s important and less important, pleasant ones and unpleasant ones...”

“No,” she giggled. “I mean there’s different ways to remember things. Like smells can be linked to memories, not just visual things. Feelings and sounds.”

“Oh, yeah sure.”

“And when you talk to me, the sound of your voice just feels… familiar,” she said. “And I know I’ve never heard someone with a voice like yours before because it’s very-.”

“Annoying, I know,” he sighed as though embarrassed. “I hear the scouts talk about it all the time I’m trying to-.”

“No, not at all,” she cut him off. “No, I think it’s nice. It’s very unique is what I wanted to say. Like at Grom it was like my mind was racing trying to place it trying to connect it. The way it does when you hear part of a song you know you like but you don’t know the name. The way I feel when I smell a flower I’ve only ever smelled before in a bigger garden. ”

“Oh,” was all he could say. He had never had someone genuinely like his voice, let alone compare any aspect of him to a flower or a song .

“So even though I can’t remember things we did or things we said, I think I somehow can remember the way you made me feel,” she said. “I don’t think we got that far in the lesson so I’m not sure how it’s possible but I just… feel like I know you.’

“Is it… a good feeling?” He hesitated to ask.

She smiled and reached out to take his hand. “It’s a very good feeling,” she said.

He looked down at their hands and as much as everything about it made his heart race in elation, a twinge of guilt made its way through as memories he tried to forget bubbled up to the surface.

He sighed. This was the part he was dreading, this is what made coming back to her so hard. “It’s just…things have changed.”

“Yeah, but they’d change anyway,” she shrugged.

“But what if…” he hated himself for what he was about to say. “What if you’re better off without me?”

“What?”

“I mean, I dunno,” he removed his hand from hers and wrung his together, trying to delay the panic the realization brought with it. “W-what if I would’ve held you back? Or distracted you? I mean you’re so amazing and talented and people are always saying I’m in the way, what if I got in the way of you realizing your potential?”

“Hunter,” she couldn’t help but chuckle, considering the fact that she had just shown her a core memory that had started her rise to the top of her track that directly involved him. But he continued to rant.

“I-I mean whose to say I wouldn’t have ruined things eventually? I mean, you were always helping me and listening to me but why would I just assume that I was as important to you as you are to me-.”

“Hunter…”

“I mean, what if the enemies of the coven try to put your life in danger because of how they feel about me? Not to mention the Blight girl told me to stay away from you-.”

“Wait, what?”

Hunter’s words caught up with him and he was just too on a roll to not explain himself further.

“We had a… run in at Exclipe Lake,” he said. “She said I was a lot like her, and that you and her weren’t on the best terms. I mean, I figured that from the fact that she set your mind on fire. But she said that I would make your life complicated, that I might hurt you even if I didn’t mean to. And I … I don’t want to do that..”

“She thought you would hurt me?”

“I would never try to!” He said in a panic. “But I know what she means, the younger Blight and I have certain expectations to fill. My responsibilities nearly put you in danger, this wasn’t the first time. I should have realized I couldn’t change that.”

Willow’s hands balled into fists at her sides, thorny vines rose from the ground as though preparing to strike. “Did she say…” Willow took a deep breath and tried to steady her voice. “Did she say you shouldn’t be in my life?”

“Not in so many words,” Hunter admitted. He knew the youngest Blight had history with Willow, he knew she knew her better than maybe he ever could. He had to entertain the possibility that she was right about him. “But the evidence… is pretty compelling.”

“I see,” Willow said softly.

After all this time, after everything that’s happened… she still thinks I’m weak. She thinks I’m foolish, that I can’t handle getting hurt. I can’t make my own choices. She thinks she knows better. She doesn’t see that she’s being a total hypocrite. After everything I’ve done to support her and Luz despite how uncomfortable it made me, despite how it stung, despite how I’m still not sure if Amity would work as hard as Hunter had to come back into my life had Luz not landed on the Isles. But once again, what does it matter what I want? Had Amity been behind everyone keeping Hunter from her? Why had they not tried harder to help him?

Because once again, Amity is deciding who can and can’t be in my life.

“So… I want you to decide,” he said. “And I’ll accept whatever decision you make, good and or indifferent. I’ll tell you whatever you want or know and if you decide your life is better without me… I won’t intervene. I just… I had to try. I at least wanted to see you one last time.”

Willow’s eyes darted back up to him, this boy so certain and uncertain at the same time. He was willing to fight for her, he trusted her, he knew her.

He wanted her.

Maybe it was stupid and soon and impulsive and reckless but when his waiting eyes called out to her, they drew her in with such a force that even the Titan themself could not hold her back. The next thing she knew, Hunter’s face was squished between her hands, his ears wiggling and his face crimson as Willow committed the expression to memory and took one final breath before pressing her lips to his. He quickly melted into the contact, somehow knowing to place his hand on her cheek as he pulled her closer to make sure this was real, that she was finally real again. As she felt his lips form a timid smile, Willow knew the sensation was new but the excitement was undoubtedly familiar.

[intoxicatingimmediacy]

A Long Talk With clipping. About CLPPNG

10 years later, Daveed Diggs, Jonathan Snipes, and William Hutson discuss their sophomore album and Sub Pop debut.

[...] In the 10 years since clipping.’s first studio album, CLPPNG, was released with legendary Seattle label Sub Pop, a lot has happened: Donald Trump, #BlackLivesMatter, the pandemic, Hamilton (which might seem out of place in this list, but it was certainly life-changing for Diggs, who suddenly found himself a household name—and not for his rap projects, but for his swaggering, indelible Broadway portrayal of America’s third president, Thomas Jefferson). But despite Diggs’s meteoric rise and clipping.’s growing cult following��despite undergoing the hellscape of the past decade like the rest of us—the beating (or, perhaps, beeping) heart of the trio remains the same: a sheer love for music, experimentation and each other.

[...] I love that you have this philosophy of constraints that’s really generative, but at the same time, you don’t constrain yourself to the constraints, and you’re willing to let them go in service of a song. Where does that philosophy originate for you all?

Snipes: The sweet spot, at least for me, is when the concept is incredibly audible, you know? It’s actually not when we gear the concept with layers and production stuff, it’s when we actually are very, very narrow in how we present it. And there are times where the concept becomes inaudible, when we’ve done all this work and we don’t get credit for it. In those cases, we’re pretty quick to abandon it and just make something that has, like, an aesthetic. But I think the real goal for me when doing this really conceptual stuff—and not all our songs are like this—are creating songs that you hear and you know exactly how they’re working, like “Run For Your Life” or “Get Up.” And it’s still a good song and the process is communicated. It’s like a weird little triumvirate of all these things lighting up. This was true to a degree in “Dream,” too—there are a lot of concepts sort of coexisting in that song. We have field recordings of birds cut into rhythmic loops so that they’re falling on beat; we have these drums re-amped from hundreds of feet away in nature, and I think that’s audible. I think you can tell that that’s happening. And then Daveed is rapping very closely into binaural mics and a dummy head—the idea is, if you listen to it in headphones, it’s like Daveed is literally behind your head, which…sort of works! [laughter]

[...] Misogyny has a long history in rap—and in most music, honestly—and while clipping. plays on those tropes, it often feels carefully constructed, such that it doesn’t ever quite feel like it’s perpetuating them. I’d imagine that’s always a bit of a minefield, though, so how much does that awareness play into your songwriting? Or is it more of a subconscious choice?

Diggs: I think we’re aware of it, or we were certainly aware of it early on—I don’t think about it as much anymore. I used to be really careful about pronouns; there were songs that switched gender pronouns in the middle for no reason. Like, I used to be really specific about this.

Like “Wriggle,” I think—the chorus says “girl” one time and “boy” the next, if I’m remembering correctly.

Diggs: Yeah, “Wriggle” for sure. But even things about a single character, I used to try and sneak those things in just to complicate the issue a little bit more—and also to feed into the initial “no first-person,” the “no central narrative spine” or “human at the center” of these things. I mean, of course it’s clearly my voice rapping it, but I thought maybe, “Oh, if we complicate the gender pronouns a little bit, that might make it more amorphous, might help with that.”

Hutson: We definitely do use misogyny as a trope—as a feature of rap music. It’s deployed in our music in a way that’s, like, referential more than anything else. It feels like there’s scare quotes around it, almost. We started out as a band that played at The Smell and all these places where we knew the people who ran the place, we knew everyone in the audience, we knew all the other bands and they knew exactly who we were. So when Daveed would say “it’s clipping., bitch” at the end of the show, they knew we were sort of jokingly referring to Britney Spears saying that, you know? But once we grew outside of an audience that knew us personally, that knew our politics and felt safe with us, I think we started to use those things less often. We were aware of and worried that people are going to hear us and actually take meaning from it about who we are or might be, and we don’t want to have to go around explaining the use of that word. That word does still appear, but again, it always feels, to me, like it’s in some sort of scare quotes in the songs. I think it’s clear, and we haven’t run into people, like, willfully misinterpreting our deployment of misogyny as anything more than a sonic choice—as something that feels recognizable as rap. Because there are words like that, you know?

[...] Daveed, I think you’ve talked before about how rap is all about partying with the horror—through the horror—of day-to-day miseries, which feels like such a central thematic beat for clipping. The third-person-omniscient perspective of many of the songs on CLPPNG, for instance, allows for both distance and intimacy in a really interesting way. Thinking of, for example, “Inside Out” or “Check the Lock,” although that’s from a later album—those are songs that let us see reality in all its clinical brutality while still highlighting the desperate attempts to party through it. How do you maintain that balancing act of party/horror, of dance music/grim reality?

Diggs: I think horror is maybe too strong of a word, unless we’re talking about our horror records, but I think what rap music is good at is not only refusing to soften the hardness of reality but sometimes exaggerating it too—and then making it into party music. It’s the revelation in the late ‘70s, early ‘80s, that just because you were sampling disco music didn’t mean it had to be “hip hop, hippie to the hippie, the hip, hip a hop, and you don’t stop,” you know what I’m saying? Like, you could tell real life stories on top of danceable beats. That’s the thing that rap music has always been really good at—so we’re just continuing that. Although these are not real life stories, they are doing the same thing. They’re not fun stories, on top of danceable beats.

Hutson: Yeah, they take place in a version of the world as it is. And joy still exists, even though everything looks terribly fucked up.

[...] Final question: Back in 2014, did you think that you would still be doing clipping. 10 years later?

Hutson: I think—well, we expected to still be friends, and we’d been friends for so long before this that I always figured this is a band that will never break up. We can always just make another album when we feel like it. So no, I didn’t think that we were going to be a success. But, I did think that the three of us would hang out and keep doing this, when we had the time, for, really, the rest of our lives.

[crabbunch]

“She’s allergic to nuts,” Cleo says, shaking her head. 

“So?” Joe bites back. “It’s a chocolate cake. It doesn’t have nuts.”

“They make peanut butter cakes here, though,” Cleo points out. “There could be cross-contamination.”

“Ugh…” Joe groans. “Can’t he just- I don’t know, not be allergic to nuts. Let’s just get the chocolate cake and call it a day. It’s not a big deal.”

“Do you want her to keel over and die?” Cleo raises an eyebrow. “Do you want that? On his birthday?”

“...no,” Joe sighs. “Fine. What other bakeries are even open at this time of night?”

“None,” Cleo purses her lips. “We’ll have to make the cake ourselves.”

“Wh- Cleo, do you want to light the kitchen on fire?” Joe hisses.

“I believe in us,” Cleo smirks. “We- we’ve really only ever started 7 fires while cooking, and 3 while baking. We’ve got a good track record. Fairly good.”

“No??” Joe wrinkles his nose. “We’ve started more fires cooking because we cook more than we bake. We’ve only baked like 8 times ever, tops.”

“And we’ve got more than a 50% success rate!” Cleo cheers. “Come on, Joe, we’re gonna do great!”

“I’m gonna go update my insurance real quick…” Joe mutters. “You go buy the ingredients. I’ll meet you at your house.”

- - -

“Joe,” Cleo says conversationally. “Is it just me, or are we in that shop, buying a cake?”

“Mmm, just you, I think,” Joe replies. “If I remember correctly, we didn’t end up buying a cake here.”

“Oh, right, we’re about to burn down my starter base…” Cleo reminisces. “Do you think we should stop ourselves?”

“Well, will that completely destroy the stream of time, do you think?” Joe squints. “Is this time travel?”

“No, my com’s still displaying the correct date,” Cleo says. 

“Hmm. Maybe they’re the ones who time traveled,” Joe muses. 

“That’s a good theory,” Cleo agrees. 

They sit in silence for a few moments, watching their past- present- other selves argue about if the convex were a reliable source for insurance.

“Remember when we were worried about insurance policies?” Joe asks fondly. 

“How could I forget?” Cleo laughs. “You never stopped.”

“Well…” Joe rubs the back of his neck sheepishly. 

The other Joe and the other Cleo shake hands, apparently coming to some sort of agreement-  no, they remember this, they did come to an agreement. 

“Do you think something’s wrong with us?” Cleo glances at Joe. 

“Well, nothing’s disintegrating yet, and I don’t think we’re stuck in a time loop, so we’re probably good,” Joe smiles. 

- - -

Cleo and Joe are walking down the street when Cleo pauses, and yanks Joe back. 

“Oh,” Joe says, staring at the other Joe and Cleo who are staring intently at a bakery. If he craned his neck, he could see another Joe and Cleo through the window, discussing insurance. “That’s us, again.”

“It would appear so!” Cleo says, smiling anxiously. “I don’t suppose- do you think there’s anyone watching us?” 

They whirl around, and search for a Joe and Cleo that might be from the future. There’s no one there.

“Well!” Joe says, clapping his hands together. “That’s- that’s- hopefully it won’t happen again!”

“We’ve ignored it before, and it always turned out fine!” Cleo agrees. “I say we ignore it again and hope for the best!”

“Is there an insurance policy for willful ignorance in an effort not to break the space-time continuum?” Joe wonders.

“Not from the convex,” Cleo laughs. 

“Well- okay, yeah, but they’re not reliable for anything,” Joe reasons. “Are there any other insurance providers on the server?”

- - -

Joe freezes, and tackles Cleo into an alleyway. 

“Ow!” she hisses. “Joe, what-”

“We looked!” Joe wails quietly. “We checked to make sure it wouldn’t happen again!”

“What are you talking about?” Cleo asks, dusting off her shorts. She looks up, and sees a Joe and Cleo watching a Joe and Cleo who are watching a Joe and Cleo. 

“We checked!” Joe says again. 

“Well, you did just tackle is into an ally,” Cleo points out. “I’d reckon that would make it hard for us to- for them to-”

Joe and Cleo look around wildly, trying to spot themselves. Joe and Cleo stay crouched in the ally. 

“This might be a little problem,” Joe says. 

“It’s fine,” Cleo says. “We’ll just- all we’re doing is seeing ourselves whenever we come to the shopping district. If we stop coming here we’ll stop seeing ourselves.”

“Right,” Joe says. “I love avoiding problems! That sounds like a great plan.”

- - -

They get lazy. 

Joe needs concrete for his pinball machine and Cleo needs deepslate for her islands and neither of them want to grind for it. They go to the shopping district. 

They fly over it, mostly- they’re not going to start confronting their past selves. What if the universe collapses or something?

They still see them, though. Joe and Cleo in the bakery, Joe and Cleo watching Joe and Cleo in the Bakery, Joe and Cleo watching the both of them, Joe and Cleo in the ally-

It’s all getting a little ridiculous.

“You know,” Cleo tells Joe as he shovels concrete into a shulker box. “Most of the time, when you meet your past self, it’s because you have some unresolved emotions, or something.”

“We haven’t actually met them yet,” Joe says. “Mostly we’ve been observing and avoiding.”

“Do you have any unresolved emotions?” Cleo asks. 

“Do you?” Joe shoots back. 

They stare at each other.

“Well, I mean, yeah, who doesn’t?” Cleo says. “I don’t think talking to myself from a week ago will help with that, though.”

“Darn,” says Joe. 

- - -

Cleo and Joe go shopping. When they look up, they see themselves circling the shopping district like hawks. 

“I don’t know how we missed ourselves, this time,” Cleo says. “You think we would have noticed.”

“Maybe we weren’t here last time,” Joe says. “Maybe it’s sort of a case by case basis.”

“What do you mean by that, Joe,” Cleo mutters. She stares off at the Joe and Cleo in the bakery. 

“We should go talk to ourselves,” Joe suggests. 

“What,” Cleo says. “Okay, sure.”

They march up to the Joe and Cleo in the alleyway. They jump and whirl around, mouths gaping like fishes. There’s something off about them- Cleo narrows her eyes and grabs the past Joe’s arm.

It comes off.

The past Joe sighs, and takes off his head. 

“Zedaph?” Joe asks, wrinkling his nose in confusion. 

“Hello,” Zedaph gives him a little wave and continues to take off the Joe mascot costume. 

“...are all of us you?” Cleo asks. 

“Yep!” says Zedaph cheerfully. 

“Why?” Joe asks.

“For science,” Zedaph proclaims. 

“What science was happening?” Cleo asks carefully. 

“I was seeing what your reaction would be if you thought your past selves were wandering around!” Zedaph smiles. “I dresses up as you guys and repeated your past interactions in the shopping district- just the shopping district, to keep the scale reasonable.”

“Right!” Joe says. “Well, can we get compensated for our involvement?” 

��Sure thing!” Zedaph says. He pats his pockets and pulls out a small, malformed pumpkin and hands it to Joe. “You’ll have to share, I’m afraid.”

“That’s fine,” Cleo says. “Hope your experiment gave you the information you needed.”

“Oh, it did!” Zedaph beams. “Thank you guys so much!”

The Zedaph still dressed as Cleo takes off the costume’s head. “Should we gather up all the clones and throw ‘em into the void now that the experiments over?”

“Yes, please!” Zedaph says. 

Joe and Cleo leave. 

[serial-serializednovelreader]

LOL I’ve noticed that too! Not trying to call anyone out, but I saw a post where someone was calling out our first go-around for giving him the title of “oblivious protagonist” and I saw someone rb with “no it’s just the time loop making him smarter!” …….that’s…ok. I understand it was probably a joke, but still.

I fully acknowledge I saw Jonathan as a clueless protagonist the first time around when I read Dracula back in 2022. That was my bad, I started Dracula Daily late so I skimmed the first part of the book and didn’t really absorb him as a character with genre awareness. I look back at most of my first posts with shame because of that. Don’t get me wrong, I still saw him as a character with a ton of personality and smarts, I just couldn’t fathom *why he was there* (for his job, Nova) or why he didn’t read the warning signs (he says goodbye to Mina on day two, Nova!!!!!!!).

I’d like to consider myself someone with good reading comprehension skills, but to be fair to me and the rest of us, there is a lot to absorb in Dracula. It’s not exactly a “light read”, at least I don’t think so. It is a book that deserves several rereads. I’m glad we do something like Dracula Daily so we *can* go back and be like “hey so Jonathan actually does know what kind of book he’s in and we kind of mischaracterized him the first time we read Dracula Daily.”

I think we got so absorbed in “queer paprika dreams” and “lizard fashion” that we didn’t fullu appreciate Jonathan’s smarts and honestly, why would we? In 99.9% of horror movies/books, the main characters are, at best, suspicious there’s something wrong and, at worst, completely oblivious. Jonathan himself is portrayed as such in every Dracula adaptation ever, if they bother to give him enough of a personality. I know I projected that “horror protagonist is oblivious to what’s around him” onto him, so I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s what happened. There’s also the mob mentality. If one person makes a funny meme…

And I’m not saying everyone read him this way. In fact, I’m sure there’s plenty of people who read him the way he is and either didn’t blog about it, or we didn’t listen because we got swept up in the funny memes about him being oblivious. So shoutout to anyone who did that, sorry you weren’t heard!

I think part of the reason why some want to blame it on the time loop is because you know who else misread Jonathan Harker? Movie producers who make Dracula adaptations. They too probably read the book once, didn’t get Jonathan’s character at all (read: less than us), and made him into what we have today. So I can understand wanting to distance myself from that.

In case it’s not coming across correctly, here’s what I’m not saying:

People who make time loop memes are bad (they are quite funny when done right, to me at least)

People who mischaracterized Jonathan are bad (I was literally one of them!!! And I still come across people who do so, usually first-time readers. Almost like there’s a pattern…….)

Movie producers are bad (they ruined my blorbos but I have hope)

Horror protagonists being oblivious to the horrors around them are bad (usually there’s a good reason for it).

Here’s what I am saying:

Have kindness for yourself and others

Rereads are good!

Spread awareness that Jonathan is Genre-AwareTM

Own up to not reading Jonathan right if you’d like. I don’t think anyone’s going to judge you for it. I won’t!

We may not have gotten everything right about him, but we did better most of the producers!!! We still understood his kind and honest nature. I’d say that’s far and away better than most adaptations can say.

Finally, it’s not fair to our good friend Jonathan Harker to just blame it on the time loop. By saying that, you’re kind of invalidating the way Stoker wrote him. Again, I get it’s a joke and this is a fictional character we’re talking about but…I really don’t know, it just feels important.

Seeing people trying to excuse their past shallow readings and mischaracterization for Dracula with “it’s actually because of the time loop changing things! I was right the first time too!!” as if the time loop posts couldn’t get any more obnoxious……

[craig144]

You've never had to worry about opening a safe. But what if you find yourself in a situation where you need to get into one, and the combination is long gone? Don't worry; we're here to help. This article will walk you through opening a Winchester safe without the combination. Remember that this process can be tricky, so if you're not confident in your abilities, leave it to the professionals. Follow these steps, and you'll be able to open your safe in no time. How To Open A Winchester Safe Without A Combination What You Need to Open a Winchester Safe Without Combination The first thing you need is a paper clip. Straighten it out and then make a small loop at one end. The second thing you need is a flashlight. The brighter, the better. With those two things in hand, you're ready to open your Winchester safe without the combination. How Winchester Safes Are Constructed The Winchester safe comprises five primary parts: the door, the front, the rear, the top, and the bottom. The combination lock is mounted on the door. There are three rotating disks with the numbers 0 to 9 on them. Each disk has a notch that lines up with a corresponding number on the other disks when the safe is open. The safe can only be opened if the disks are positioned correctly. The Different Types of Lock Mechanisms Used in Winchester Safes Three common lock mechanisms are used in Winchester safes: the double-bitted key lock, the four-wheel combination lock, and the electronic keypad. The double-bitted key lock is the oldest and simplest type of lock mechanism and is activated by inserting a key into the keyhole and turning it.  The four-wheel combination lock is more secure than the key lock, as it requires the correct sequence of numbers to be entered to unlock the safe. The electronic keypad is the most secure type of lock, as a passcode protects it that only you know. If you have lost your combination or misplaced your keys, don't panic! There are ways to open a Winchester safe without using the combination or keys. You should remember the last combination or key code you used to open the safe. If you cannot remember the combination codekeyCode, special tools can be used to open the safe. What to Do if the Combination Is Locked Out Sometimes, the combination can be lost or forgotten. If that happens, you'll need to find another way to open the safe. Luckily, there are a few ways to do this. First, you can call a professional locksmith, and they can help you out. However, remember that this can be quite expensive and might only work if the safe is properly maintained. Another option is getting a locksmith drill bit kit and drilling into the safe. This will take quite a bit of effort and experience, so make sure you know what you are doing before attempting this method. Finally, your last resort may be to use a bump key. This advanced technique requires skill and precision; otherwise, you may damage your safe beyond repair! So definitely proceed with caution if you decide to try this method. Methods to Unlock a Malfunctioning Combination Lock If your combination lock is malfunctioning and you cannot open your Winchester safe, don't worry; there are some methods you can use to unlock it. The most important thing to remember is to be extra careful when attempting any of these methods, as wrong moves could damage the components of your safe irrevocably. One way you can attempt to unlock a malfunctioning combination lock is by using a flex shaft tool. These tools come in various sizes and can turn the lock's tumblers inside the safe. You can also use dental tools or a small pick for this process, but be sure you know what you're doing or have a professional help you. Alternatively, you feel uncomfortable with this yourself. In that case, some professionals specialize in opening safes, and they will have the necessary tools and techniques required to open your Winchester safe without damaging it. Tools and Techniques That Require Professional Assistance

You may need to resort to specialized tools and techniques to open your safe. If this is the case, it's best to get professional help. For instance, if you're dealing with an older model safe and circular locks, you may require a specialized bit set for drill locks. On the other hand, newer safes may require advanced tools such as an electronic lock pick gun or a video borescope to access the inner mechanisms from above. In any case, it's important to get professional help when attempting to open a Winchester safe without the combination. Using the wrong tool can cause permanent damage and significantly depreciate your safe's value. Conclusion The process of how to open a Winchester safe without a combination is a challenging task. It requires a great deal of patience, practice, and knowledge. However, it is a task that can be completed with the right tools and a little bit of know-how.

[robert98]

You've never had to worry about opening a safe. But what if you find yourself in a situation where you need to get into one, and the combination is long gone? Don't worry; we're here to help. This article will walk you through opening a Winchester safe without the combination. Remember that this process can be tricky, so if you're not confident in your abilities, leave it to the professionals. Follow these steps, and you'll be able to open your safe in no time. How To Open A Winchester Safe Without A Combination What You Need to Open a Winchester Safe Without Combination The first thing you need is a paper clip. Straighten it out and then make a small loop at one end. The second thing you need is a flashlight. The brighter, the better. With those two things in hand, you're ready to open your Winchester safe without the combination. How Winchester Safes Are Constructed The Winchester safe comprises five primary parts: the door, the front, the rear, the top, and the bottom. The combination lock is mounted on the door. There are three rotating disks with the numbers 0 to 9 on them. Each disk has a notch that lines up with a corresponding number on the other disks when the safe is open. The safe can only be opened if the disks are positioned correctly. The Different Types of Lock Mechanisms Used in Winchester Safes Three common lock mechanisms are used in Winchester safes: the double-bitted key lock, the four-wheel combination lock, and the electronic keypad. The double-bitted key lock is the oldest and simplest type of lock mechanism and is activated by inserting a key into the keyhole and turning it.  The four-wheel combination lock is more secure than the key lock, as it requires the correct sequence of numbers to be entered to unlock the safe. The electronic keypad is the most secure type of lock, as a passcode protects it that only you know. If you have lost your combination or misplaced your keys, don't panic! There are ways to open a Winchester safe without using the combination or keys. You should remember the last combination or key code you used to open the safe. If you cannot remember the combination codekeyCode, special tools can be used to open the safe. What to Do if the Combination Is Locked Out Sometimes, the combination can be lost or forgotten. If that happens, you'll need to find another way to open the safe. Luckily, there are a few ways to do this. First, you can call a professional locksmith, and they can help you out. However, remember that this can be quite expensive and might only work if the safe is properly maintained. Another option is getting a locksmith drill bit kit and drilling into the safe. This will take quite a bit of effort and experience, so make sure you know what you are doing before attempting this method. Finally, your last resort may be to use a bump key. This advanced technique requires skill and precision; otherwise, you may damage your safe beyond repair! So definitely proceed with caution if you decide to try this method. Methods to Unlock a Malfunctioning Combination Lock If your combination lock is malfunctioning and you cannot open your Winchester safe, don't worry; there are some methods you can use to unlock it. The most important thing to remember is to be extra careful when attempting any of these methods, as wrong moves could damage the components of your safe irrevocably. One way you can attempt to unlock a malfunctioning combination lock is by using a flex shaft tool. These tools come in various sizes and can turn the lock's tumblers inside the safe. You can also use dental tools or a small pick for this process, but be sure you know what you're doing or have a professional help you. Alternatively, you feel uncomfortable with this yourself. In that case, some professionals specialize in opening safes, and they will have the necessary tools and techniques required to open your Winchester safe without damaging it. Tools and Techniques That Require Professional Assistance

You may need to resort to specialized tools and techniques to open your safe. If this is the case, it's best to get professional help. For instance, if you're dealing with an older model safe and circular locks, you may require a specialized bit set for drill locks. On the other hand, newer safes may require advanced tools such as an electronic lock pick gun or a video borescope to access the inner mechanisms from above. In any case, it's important to get professional help when attempting to open a Winchester safe without the combination. Using the wrong tool can cause permanent damage and significantly depreciate your safe's value. Conclusion The process of how to open a Winchester safe without a combination is a challenging task. It requires a great deal of patience, practice, and knowledge. However, it is a task that can be completed with the right tools and a little bit of know-how.

[cress857]

You've never had to worry about opening a safe. But what if you find yourself in a situation where you need to get into one, and the combination is long gone? Don't worry; we're here to help. This article will walk you through opening a Winchester safe without the combination. Remember that this process can be tricky, so if you're not confident in your abilities, leave it to the professionals. Follow these steps, and you'll be able to open your safe in no time. How To Open A Winchester Safe Without A Combination What You Need to Open a Winchester Safe Without Combination The first thing you need is a paper clip. Straighten it out and then make a small loop at one end. The second thing you need is a flashlight. The brighter, the better. With those two things in hand, you're ready to open your Winchester safe without the combination. How Winchester Safes Are Constructed The Winchester safe comprises five primary parts: the door, the front, the rear, the top, and the bottom. The combination lock is mounted on the door. There are three rotating disks with the numbers 0 to 9 on them. Each disk has a notch that lines up with a corresponding number on the other disks when the safe is open. The safe can only be opened if the disks are positioned correctly. The Different Types of Lock Mechanisms Used in Winchester Safes Three common lock mechanisms are used in Winchester safes: the double-bitted key lock, the four-wheel combination lock, and the electronic keypad. The double-bitted key lock is the oldest and simplest type of lock mechanism and is activated by inserting a key into the keyhole and turning it.  The four-wheel combination lock is more secure than the key lock, as it requires the correct sequence of numbers to be entered to unlock the safe. The electronic keypad is the most secure type of lock, as a passcode protects it that only you know. If you have lost your combination or misplaced your keys, don't panic! There are ways to open a Winchester safe without using the combination or keys. You should remember the last combination or key code you used to open the safe. If you cannot remember the combination codekeyCode, special tools can be used to open the safe. What to Do if the Combination Is Locked Out Sometimes, the combination can be lost or forgotten. If that happens, you'll need to find another way to open the safe. Luckily, there are a few ways to do this. First, you can call a professional locksmith, and they can help you out. However, remember that this can be quite expensive and might only work if the safe is properly maintained. Another option is getting a locksmith drill bit kit and drilling into the safe. This will take quite a bit of effort and experience, so make sure you know what you are doing before attempting this method. Finally, your last resort may be to use a bump key. This advanced technique requires skill and precision; otherwise, you may damage your safe beyond repair! So definitely proceed with caution if you decide to try this method. Methods to Unlock a Malfunctioning Combination Lock If your combination lock is malfunctioning and you cannot open your Winchester safe, don't worry; there are some methods you can use to unlock it. The most important thing to remember is to be extra careful when attempting any of these methods, as wrong moves could damage the components of your safe irrevocably. One way you can attempt to unlock a malfunctioning combination lock is by using a flex shaft tool. These tools come in various sizes and can turn the lock's tumblers inside the safe. You can also use dental tools or a small pick for this process, but be sure you know what you're doing or have a professional help you. Alternatively, you feel uncomfortable with this yourself. In that case, some professionals specialize in opening safes, and they will have the necessary tools and techniques required to open your Winchester safe without damaging it. Tools and Techniques That Require Professional Assistance

You may need to resort to specialized tools and techniques to open your safe. If this is the case, it's best to get professional help. For instance, if you're dealing with an older model safe and circular locks, you may require a specialized bit set for drill locks. On the other hand, newer safes may require advanced tools such as an electronic lock pick gun or a video borescope to access the inner mechanisms from above. In any case, it's important to get professional help when attempting to open a Winchester safe without the combination. Using the wrong tool can cause permanent damage and significantly depreciate your safe's value. Conclusion The process of how to open a Winchester safe without a combination is a challenging task. It requires a great deal of patience, practice, and knowledge. However, it is a task that can be completed with the right tools and a little bit of know-how.

[marion485]

You've never had to worry about opening a safe. But what if you find yourself in a situation where you need to get into one, and the combination is long gone? Don't worry; we're here to help. This article will walk you through opening a Winchester safe without the combination. Remember that this process can be tricky, so if you're not confident in your abilities, leave it to the professionals. Follow these steps, and you'll be able to open your safe in no time. How To Open A Winchester Safe Without A Combination What You Need to Open a Winchester Safe Without Combination The first thing you need is a paper clip. Straighten it out and then make a small loop at one end. The second thing you need is a flashlight. The brighter, the better. With those two things in hand, you're ready to open your Winchester safe without the combination. How Winchester Safes Are Constructed The Winchester safe comprises five primary parts: the door, the front, the rear, the top, and the bottom. The combination lock is mounted on the door. There are three rotating disks with the numbers 0 to 9 on them. Each disk has a notch that lines up with a corresponding number on the other disks when the safe is open. The safe can only be opened if the disks are positioned correctly. The Different Types of Lock Mechanisms Used in Winchester Safes Three common lock mechanisms are used in Winchester safes: the double-bitted key lock, the four-wheel combination lock, and the electronic keypad. The double-bitted key lock is the oldest and simplest type of lock mechanism and is activated by inserting a key into the keyhole and turning it.  The four-wheel combination lock is more secure than the key lock, as it requires the correct sequence of numbers to be entered to unlock the safe. The electronic keypad is the most secure type of lock, as a passcode protects it that only you know. If you have lost your combination or misplaced your keys, don't panic! There are ways to open a Winchester safe without using the combination or keys. You should remember the last combination or key code you used to open the safe. If you cannot remember the combination codekeyCode, special tools can be used to open the safe. What to Do if the Combination Is Locked Out Sometimes, the combination can be lost or forgotten. If that happens, you'll need to find another way to open the safe. Luckily, there are a few ways to do this. First, you can call a professional locksmith, and they can help you out. However, remember that this can be quite expensive and might only work if the safe is properly maintained. Another option is getting a locksmith drill bit kit and drilling into the safe. This will take quite a bit of effort and experience, so make sure you know what you are doing before attempting this method. Finally, your last resort may be to use a bump key. This advanced technique requires skill and precision; otherwise, you may damage your safe beyond repair! So definitely proceed with caution if you decide to try this method. Methods to Unlock a Malfunctioning Combination Lock If your combination lock is malfunctioning and you cannot open your Winchester safe, don't worry; there are some methods you can use to unlock it. The most important thing to remember is to be extra careful when attempting any of these methods, as wrong moves could damage the components of your safe irrevocably. One way you can attempt to unlock a malfunctioning combination lock is by using a flex shaft tool. These tools come in various sizes and can turn the lock's tumblers inside the safe. You can also use dental tools or a small pick for this process, but be sure you know what you're doing or have a professional help you. Alternatively, you feel uncomfortable with this yourself. In that case, some professionals specialize in opening safes, and they will have the necessary tools and techniques required to open your Winchester safe without damaging it. Tools and Techniques That Require Professional Assistance

You may need to resort to specialized tools and techniques to open your safe. If this is the case, it's best to get professional help. For instance, if you're dealing with an older model safe and circular locks, you may require a specialized bit set for drill locks. On the other hand, newer safes may require advanced tools such as an electronic lock pick gun or a video borescope to access the inner mechanisms from above. In any case, it's important to get professional help when attempting to open a Winchester safe without the combination. Using the wrong tool can cause permanent damage and significantly depreciate your safe's value. Conclusion The process of how to open a Winchester safe without a combination is a challenging task. It requires a great deal of patience, practice, and knowledge. However, it is a task that can be completed with the right tools and a little bit of know-how.

[partida752]

You've never had to worry about opening a safe. But what if you find yourself in a situation where you need to get into one, and the combination is long gone? Don't worry; we're here to help. This article will walk you through opening a Winchester safe without the combination. Remember that this process can be tricky, so if you're not confident in your abilities, leave it to the professionals. Follow these steps, and you'll be able to open your safe in no time. How To Open A Winchester Safe Without A Combination What You Need to Open a Winchester Safe Without Combination The first thing you need is a paper clip. Straighten it out and then make a small loop at one end. The second thing you need is a flashlight. The brighter, the better. With those two things in hand, you're ready to open your Winchester safe without the combination. How Winchester Safes Are Constructed The Winchester safe comprises five primary parts: the door, the front, the rear, the top, and the bottom. The combination lock is mounted on the door. There are three rotating disks with the numbers 0 to 9 on them. Each disk has a notch that lines up with a corresponding number on the other disks when the safe is open. The safe can only be opened if the disks are positioned correctly. The Different Types of Lock Mechanisms Used in Winchester Safes Three common lock mechanisms are used in Winchester safes: the double-bitted key lock, the four-wheel combination lock, and the electronic keypad. The double-bitted key lock is the oldest and simplest type of lock mechanism and is activated by inserting a key into the keyhole and turning it.  The four-wheel combination lock is more secure than the key lock, as it requires the correct sequence of numbers to be entered to unlock the safe. The electronic keypad is the most secure type of lock, as a passcode protects it that only you know. If you have lost your combination or misplaced your keys, don't panic! There are ways to open a Winchester safe without using the combination or keys. You should remember the last combination or key code you used to open the safe. If you cannot remember the combination codekeyCode, special tools can be used to open the safe. What to Do if the Combination Is Locked Out Sometimes, the combination can be lost or forgotten. If that happens, you'll need to find another way to open the safe. Luckily, there are a few ways to do this. First, you can call a professional locksmith, and they can help you out. However, remember that this can be quite expensive and might only work if the safe is properly maintained. Another option is getting a locksmith drill bit kit and drilling into the safe. This will take quite a bit of effort and experience, so make sure you know what you are doing before attempting this method. Finally, your last resort may be to use a bump key. This advanced technique requires skill and precision; otherwise, you may damage your safe beyond repair! So definitely proceed with caution if you decide to try this method. Methods to Unlock a Malfunctioning Combination Lock If your combination lock is malfunctioning and you cannot open your Winchester safe, don't worry; there are some methods you can use to unlock it. The most important thing to remember is to be extra careful when attempting any of these methods, as wrong moves could damage the components of your safe irrevocably. One way you can attempt to unlock a malfunctioning combination lock is by using a flex shaft tool. These tools come in various sizes and can turn the lock's tumblers inside the safe. You can also use dental tools or a small pick for this process, but be sure you know what you're doing or have a professional help you. Alternatively, you feel uncomfortable with this yourself. In that case, some professionals specialize in opening safes, and they will have the necessary tools and techniques required to open your Winchester safe without damaging it. Tools and Techniques That Require Professional Assistance

You may need to resort to specialized tools and techniques to open your safe. If this is the case, it's best to get professional help. For instance, if you're dealing with an older model safe and circular locks, you may require a specialized bit set for drill locks. On the other hand, newer safes may require advanced tools such as an electronic lock pick gun or a video borescope to access the inner mechanisms from above. In any case, it's important to get professional help when attempting to open a Winchester safe without the combination. Using the wrong tool can cause permanent damage and significantly depreciate your safe's value. Conclusion The process of how to open a Winchester safe without a combination is a challenging task. It requires a great deal of patience, practice, and knowledge. However, it is a task that can be completed with the right tools and a little bit of know-how.

[wayland23]

You've never had to worry about opening a safe. But what if you find yourself in a situation where you need to get into one, and the combination is long gone? Don't worry; we're here to help. This article will walk you through opening a Winchester safe without the combination. Remember that this process can be tricky, so if you're not confident in your abilities, leave it to the professionals. Follow these steps, and you'll be able to open your safe in no time. How To Open A Winchester Safe Without A Combination What You Need to Open a Winchester Safe Without Combination The first thing you need is a paper clip. Straighten it out and then make a small loop at one end. The second thing you need is a flashlight. The brighter, the better. With those two things in hand, you're ready to open your Winchester safe without the combination. How Winchester Safes Are Constructed The Winchester safe comprises five primary parts: the door, the front, the rear, the top, and the bottom. The combination lock is mounted on the door. There are three rotating disks with the numbers 0 to 9 on them. Each disk has a notch that lines up with a corresponding number on the other disks when the safe is open. The safe can only be opened if the disks are positioned correctly. The Different Types of Lock Mechanisms Used in Winchester Safes Three common lock mechanisms are used in Winchester safes: the double-bitted key lock, the four-wheel combination lock, and the electronic keypad. The double-bitted key lock is the oldest and simplest type of lock mechanism and is activated by inserting a key into the keyhole and turning it.  The four-wheel combination lock is more secure than the key lock, as it requires the correct sequence of numbers to be entered to unlock the safe. The electronic keypad is the most secure type of lock, as a passcode protects it that only you know. If you have lost your combination or misplaced your keys, don't panic! There are ways to open a Winchester safe without using the combination or keys. You should remember the last combination or key code you used to open the safe. If you cannot remember the combination codekeyCode, special tools can be used to open the safe. What to Do if the Combination Is Locked Out Sometimes, the combination can be lost or forgotten. If that happens, you'll need to find another way to open the safe. Luckily, there are a few ways to do this. First, you can call a professional locksmith, and they can help you out. However, remember that this can be quite expensive and might only work if the safe is properly maintained. Another option is getting a locksmith drill bit kit and drilling into the safe. This will take quite a bit of effort and experience, so make sure you know what you are doing before attempting this method. Finally, your last resort may be to use a bump key. This advanced technique requires skill and precision; otherwise, you may damage your safe beyond repair! So definitely proceed with caution if you decide to try this method. Methods to Unlock a Malfunctioning Combination Lock If your combination lock is malfunctioning and you cannot open your Winchester safe, don't worry; there are some methods you can use to unlock it. The most important thing to remember is to be extra careful when attempting any of these methods, as wrong moves could damage the components of your safe irrevocably. One way you can attempt to unlock a malfunctioning combination lock is by using a flex shaft tool. These tools come in various sizes and can turn the lock's tumblers inside the safe. You can also use dental tools or a small pick for this process, but be sure you know what you're doing or have a professional help you. Alternatively, you feel uncomfortable with this yourself. In that case, some professionals specialize in opening safes, and they will have the necessary tools and techniques required to open your Winchester safe without damaging it. Tools and Techniques That Require Professional Assistance

You may need to resort to specialized tools and techniques to open your safe. If this is the case, it's best to get professional help. For instance, if you're dealing with an older model safe and circular locks, you may require a specialized bit set for drill locks. On the other hand, newer safes may require advanced tools such as an electronic lock pick gun or a video borescope to access the inner mechanisms from above. In any case, it's important to get professional help when attempting to open a Winchester safe without the combination. Using the wrong tool can cause permanent damage and significantly depreciate your safe's value. Conclusion The process of how to open a Winchester safe without a combination is a challenging task. It requires a great deal of patience, practice, and knowledge. However, it is a task that can be completed with the right tools and a little bit of know-how.

[conley748]

You've never had to worry about opening a safe. But what if you find yourself in a situation where you need to get into one, and the combination is long gone? Don't worry; we're here to help. This article will walk you through opening a Winchester safe without the combination. Remember that this process can be tricky, so if you're not confident in your abilities, leave it to the professionals. Follow these steps, and you'll be able to open your safe in no time. How To Open A Winchester Safe Without A Combination What You Need to Open a Winchester Safe Without Combination The first thing you need is a paper clip. Straighten it out and then make a small loop at one end. The second thing you need is a flashlight. The brighter, the better. With those two things in hand, you're ready to open your Winchester safe without the combination. How Winchester Safes Are Constructed The Winchester safe comprises five primary parts: the door, the front, the rear, the top, and the bottom. The combination lock is mounted on the door. There are three rotating disks with the numbers 0 to 9 on them. Each disk has a notch that lines up with a corresponding number on the other disks when the safe is open. The safe can only be opened if the disks are positioned correctly. The Different Types of Lock Mechanisms Used in Winchester Safes Three common lock mechanisms are used in Winchester safes: the double-bitted key lock, the four-wheel combination lock, and the electronic keypad. The double-bitted key lock is the oldest and simplest type of lock mechanism and is activated by inserting a key into the keyhole and turning it.  The four-wheel combination lock is more secure than the key lock, as it requires the correct sequence of numbers to be entered to unlock the safe. The electronic keypad is the most secure type of lock, as a passcode protects it that only you know. If you have lost your combination or misplaced your keys, don't panic! There are ways to open a Winchester safe without using the combination or keys. You should remember the last combination or key code you used to open the safe. If you cannot remember the combination codekeyCode, special tools can be used to open the safe. What to Do if the Combination Is Locked Out Sometimes, the combination can be lost or forgotten. If that happens, you'll need to find another way to open the safe. Luckily, there are a few ways to do this. First, you can call a professional locksmith, and they can help you out. However, remember that this can be quite expensive and might only work if the safe is properly maintained. Another option is getting a locksmith drill bit kit and drilling into the safe. This will take quite a bit of effort and experience, so make sure you know what you are doing before attempting this method. Finally, your last resort may be to use a bump key. This advanced technique requires skill and precision; otherwise, you may damage your safe beyond repair! So definitely proceed with caution if you decide to try this method. Methods to Unlock a Malfunctioning Combination Lock If your combination lock is malfunctioning and you cannot open your Winchester safe, don't worry; there are some methods you can use to unlock it. The most important thing to remember is to be extra careful when attempting any of these methods, as wrong moves could damage the components of your safe irrevocably. One way you can attempt to unlock a malfunctioning combination lock is by using a flex shaft tool. These tools come in various sizes and can turn the lock's tumblers inside the safe. You can also use dental tools or a small pick for this process, but be sure you know what you're doing or have a professional help you. Alternatively, you feel uncomfortable with this yourself. In that case, some professionals specialize in opening safes, and they will have the necessary tools and techniques required to open your Winchester safe without damaging it. Tools and Techniques That Require Professional Assistance

You may need to resort to specialized tools and techniques to open your safe. If this is the case, it's best to get professional help. For instance, if you're dealing with an older model safe and circular locks, you may require a specialized bit set for drill locks. On the other hand, newer safes may require advanced tools such as an electronic lock pick gun or a video borescope to access the inner mechanisms from above. In any case, it's important to get professional help when attempting to open a Winchester safe without the combination. Using the wrong tool can cause permanent damage and significantly depreciate your safe's value. Conclusion The process of how to open a Winchester safe without a combination is a challenging task. It requires a great deal of patience, practice, and knowledge. However, it is a task that can be completed with the right tools and a little bit of know-how.

[ibrian1476]

You've never had to worry about opening a safe. But what if you find yourself in a situation where you need to get into one, and the combination is long gone? Don't worry; we're here to help. This article will walk you through opening a Winchester safe without the combination. Remember that this process can be tricky, so if you're not confident in your abilities, leave it to the professionals. Follow these steps, and you'll be able to open your safe in no time. How To Open A Winchester Safe Without A Combination What You Need to Open a Winchester Safe Without Combination The first thing you need is a paper clip. Straighten it out and then make a small loop at one end. The second thing you need is a flashlight. The brighter, the better. With those two things in hand, you're ready to open your Winchester safe without the combination. How Winchester Safes Are Constructed The Winchester safe comprises five primary parts: the door, the front, the rear, the top, and the bottom. The combination lock is mounted on the door. There are three rotating disks with the numbers 0 to 9 on them. Each disk has a notch that lines up with a corresponding number on the other disks when the safe is open. The safe can only be opened if the disks are positioned correctly. The Different Types of Lock Mechanisms Used in Winchester Safes Three common lock mechanisms are used in Winchester safes: the double-bitted key lock, the four-wheel combination lock, and the electronic keypad. The double-bitted key lock is the oldest and simplest type of lock mechanism and is activated by inserting a key into the keyhole and turning it.  The four-wheel combination lock is more secure than the key lock, as it requires the correct sequence of numbers to be entered to unlock the safe. The electronic keypad is the most secure type of lock, as a passcode protects it that only you know. If you have lost your combination or misplaced your keys, don't panic! There are ways to open a Winchester safe without using the combination or keys. You should remember the last combination or key code you used to open the safe. If you cannot remember the combination codekeyCode, special tools can be used to open the safe. What to Do if the Combination Is Locked Out Sometimes, the combination can be lost or forgotten. If that happens, you'll need to find another way to open the safe. Luckily, there are a few ways to do this. First, you can call a professional locksmith, and they can help you out. However, remember that this can be quite expensive and might only work if the safe is properly maintained. Another option is getting a locksmith drill bit kit and drilling into the safe. This will take quite a bit of effort and experience, so make sure you know what you are doing before attempting this method. Finally, your last resort may be to use a bump key. This advanced technique requires skill and precision; otherwise, you may damage your safe beyond repair! So definitely proceed with caution if you decide to try this method. Methods to Unlock a Malfunctioning Combination Lock If your combination lock is malfunctioning and you cannot open your Winchester safe, don't worry; there are some methods you can use to unlock it. The most important thing to remember is to be extra careful when attempting any of these methods, as wrong moves could damage the components of your safe irrevocably. One way you can attempt to unlock a malfunctioning combination lock is by using a flex shaft tool. These tools come in various sizes and can turn the lock's tumblers inside the safe. You can also use dental tools or a small pick for this process, but be sure you know what you're doing or have a professional help you. Alternatively, you feel uncomfortable with this yourself. In that case, some professionals specialize in opening safes, and they will have the necessary tools and techniques required to open your Winchester safe without damaging it. Tools and Techniques That Require Professional Assistance

You may need to resort to specialized tools and techniques to open your safe. If this is the case, it's best to get professional help. For instance, if you're dealing with an older model safe and circular locks, you may require a specialized bit set for drill locks. On the other hand, newer safes may require advanced tools such as an electronic lock pick gun or a video borescope to access the inner mechanisms from above. In any case, it's important to get professional help when attempting to open a Winchester safe without the combination. Using the wrong tool can cause permanent damage and significantly depreciate your safe's value. Conclusion The process of how to open a Winchester safe without a combination is a challenging task. It requires a great deal of patience, practice, and knowledge. However, it is a task that can be completed with the right tools and a little bit of know-how.

[wilson120]

You've never had to worry about opening a safe. But what if you find yourself in a situation where you need to get into one, and the combination is long gone? Don't worry; we're here to help. This article will walk you through opening a Winchester safe without the combination. Remember that this process can be tricky, so if you're not confident in your abilities, leave it to the professionals. Follow these steps, and you'll be able to open your safe in no time. How To Open A Winchester Safe Without A Combination What You Need to Open a Winchester Safe Without Combination The first thing you need is a paper clip. Straighten it out and then make a small loop at one end. The second thing you need is a flashlight. The brighter, the better. With those two things in hand, you're ready to open your Winchester safe without the combination. How Winchester Safes Are Constructed The Winchester safe comprises five primary parts: the door, the front, the rear, the top, and the bottom. The combination lock is mounted on the door. There are three rotating disks with the numbers 0 to 9 on them. Each disk has a notch that lines up with a corresponding number on the other disks when the safe is open. The safe can only be opened if the disks are positioned correctly. The Different Types of Lock Mechanisms Used in Winchester Safes Three common lock mechanisms are used in Winchester safes: the double-bitted key lock, the four-wheel combination lock, and the electronic keypad. The double-bitted key lock is the oldest and simplest type of lock mechanism and is activated by inserting a key into the keyhole and turning it.  The four-wheel combination lock is more secure than the key lock, as it requires the correct sequence of numbers to be entered to unlock the safe. The electronic keypad is the most secure type of lock, as a passcode protects it that only you know. If you have lost your combination or misplaced your keys, don't panic! There are ways to open a Winchester safe without using the combination or keys. You should remember the last combination or key code you used to open the safe. If you cannot remember the combination codekeyCode, special tools can be used to open the safe. What to Do if the Combination Is Locked Out Sometimes, the combination can be lost or forgotten. If that happens, you'll need to find another way to open the safe. Luckily, there are a few ways to do this. First, you can call a professional locksmith, and they can help you out. However, remember that this can be quite expensive and might only work if the safe is properly maintained. Another option is getting a locksmith drill bit kit and drilling into the safe. This will take quite a bit of effort and experience, so make sure you know what you are doing before attempting this method. Finally, your last resort may be to use a bump key. This advanced technique requires skill and precision; otherwise, you may damage your safe beyond repair! So definitely proceed with caution if you decide to try this method. Methods to Unlock a Malfunctioning Combination Lock If your combination lock is malfunctioning and you cannot open your Winchester safe, don't worry; there are some methods you can use to unlock it. The most important thing to remember is to be extra careful when attempting any of these methods, as wrong moves could damage the components of your safe irrevocably. One way you can attempt to unlock a malfunctioning combination lock is by using a flex shaft tool. These tools come in various sizes and can turn the lock's tumblers inside the safe. You can also use dental tools or a small pick for this process, but be sure you know what you're doing or have a professional help you. Alternatively, you feel uncomfortable with this yourself. In that case, some professionals specialize in opening safes, and they will have the necessary tools and techniques required to open your Winchester safe without damaging it. Tools and Techniques That Require Professional Assistance

You may need to resort to specialized tools and techniques to open your safe. If this is the case, it's best to get professional help. For instance, if you're dealing with an older model safe and circular locks, you may require a specialized bit set for drill locks. On the other hand, newer safes may require advanced tools such as an electronic lock pick gun or a video borescope to access the inner mechanisms from above. In any case, it's important to get professional help when attempting to open a Winchester safe without the combination. Using the wrong tool can cause permanent damage and significantly depreciate your safe's value. Conclusion The process of how to open a Winchester safe without a combination is a challenging task. It requires a great deal of patience, practice, and knowledge. However, it is a task that can be completed with the right tools and a little bit of know-how.