#we’re digging up the garden and the poor thing

[fishtrouts]

A desperate attempt to have an aesthetic photoshoot with this thing 😐

[egregiousderp]

No snow in Miami since the fifties I can say, lol. People here also flip out if it drops below sixty though so that’s probably for the best. But it’s sweet of you to wish us snow! It’s a pretty warm Christmas right now!

[its-rach-writes]

Starman - Chapter One

Pairing: Sirius Black x Potter!reader

Summary: after feeling overshadowed by your twin brother, your best friend persuades you to get more involved with school activities. You weren't counting on falling for Sirius Black.

Warnings: lil bit of angst, fluff, swearing

A/N: Hope you guys enjoy this, please let me know what you think and if you would like to be tagged! xxx

Chapter One

The sound of laughter drifted up from the garden and through your bedroom window, the sound was not unexpected but it still caused you to jump and upset half a bottle of ink over your nearly finished homework. You uttered a curse beneath your breath as you tried to mop it up before padding over to the window.

Peter, Sirius and Remus were out there, getting ready to play Quidditch. There was no sign of your arsehole brother. You wondered where he was until he spoke up from the doorway.

“Not coming out?”

You glanced up at him, he was leaning against the doorframe with an eyebrow raised and round glasses perched on the end of his nose. You shook your head, “got homework to do,” you mumbled.

James let out a scoff, “we’re barely two weeks into summer, Y/N,” when you said nothing he sighed, “I know you’re mad.”

“I’m not mad.”

He shook his head, running a hand through his hair, “maybe I’ll see you when Lily comes over.”

You don’t know what possessed you to speak out, maybe it was better that it came out now, when you were alone, “why do you get to have her too? The one thing that was just mine,” you said to his retreating back, “isn’t being the golden boy of Gryffindor enough for you?”

Your brother sighed as he glanced over his shoulder at you, “I knew you were mad.”

“I’m not,” you lied.

About thirty minutes later, Lily came into your room, “you might have been able to fool James but you can’t fool me. You’re mad and you have every right to be, I’m sorry we didn’t tell you,” she took your hands in her warm ones, making you look up at her, she was like liquid sunshine, “we just wanted to be sure it was real before telling anyone.”

That was fair enough, “what happened to the Lily who thought he was a prick?” you whined.

“Oh trust me, I still think he’s a prick but he’s grown on me,” she laughed “I can call things off you know.”

You were touched that she’d do that for you but you shook your head, “you look happy.”

“I am,” she shrugged with a warm smile. You must have still looked put out because she spoke up again, “James is never going to come between us. He might be my boyfriend, but you’re my soulmate.”

When you nodded, she pulled you into a hug. Out of every girl in Hogwarts, you were glad James was dating your best friend.

“C’mon, let’s go outside.”

When you walked into the kitchen your mum was pouring out some iced pumpkin juice for everyone and James was waiting to take it outside. She glanced up at you when you walked into the kitchen.

“Thought you were going to be shut up there all summer.”

You scoffed and looked up at James who was watching you nervously, but before he could say anything you walked over and wrapped your arms around his middle, pulling him into a hug, “I’m sorry,” your voice was slightly muffled against his chest but you felt him kiss the top of your head.

“Me too.”

When you walked outside, Sirius whooped at the top of his lungs, “hey, little Potter!”

You rolled your eyes, that had been the nickname from day one, “you know that James is only ten minutes older than me, right?” you called up to him.

He laughed from where he sat on his broomstick, giving you one of his charming smiles, “yeah but you’re still so tiny!”

You shook your head with a laugh as you waved up at Remus and Peter. They always had poor Peter in goal. You and Lily sat on the warm grass, sipping your iced pumpkin juice as you watched the boys play Quidditch. Lily kept on glancing at you as if wanting to say something but thinking better of it.

On the third time, you decided to confront her, “what’s up?”

She flushed, digging the straw into the drink before looking back at you, “I was thinking, well, don’t you think that you might like it if you got more involved with school activities this year?”

“Yeah? Like what?”

She shrugged, “you could come to Slug horn’s parties with me.”

You made a face, “yeah, watching a fully grown man fawn over you is not my idea of a good time,” you heard a buzzing around your head and presumed it was a fly or a fairy. However, when you went to bat it away, your fingers closed around cold metal. The boys erupted into cheers as you held the struggling ball between your fingers.

“Okay ma’am, maybe you should join the Quidditch team.”

You scoffed as you handed James the snitch, “Quidditch is James’ thing. I’m sure he doesn’t need me jumping on the bandwagon.”

“Nah, I’d love it if you took more of an interest in Quidditch,” James flung an arm over your shoulders.

Lily suddenly gasped, her green eyes glittering, “you could be a cheerleader with me! I’ve even brought you an outfit you can try on!” it was clear that she had been planning this, she was the head cheerleader.

“What?” you yelped, “absolutely not.”

“Aw come on!” she whined, “Sirius, wouldn’t Y/N make a great cheerleader?”

The boy smirked as he leaned over you to get his drink – he could have just walked round – “absolutely, those legs in a short little skirt?” his eyes teasingly roamed over you. If it was anyone else you would have felt uncomfortable but you knew Sirius was just messing with you, “killer,” he winked, making you push at his shoulder.

James glared at him but didn’t say anything.

After dinner, your parents went for a nightcap at the pub, your mum had let the boys smoke in the garden as long as you didn’t throw any parties. You were sitting with Sirius and Remus when everyone’s social batteries had drained, you and Sirius were passing a flask of Firewhisky back and forth and you watched the fairy land on his shoulder.

“You should do that whole cheerleading thing y’know.”

“Why because you want to see my legs in a short skirt?” you teased.

He laughed, running a hand through his hair, “no, because I think you’ll actually have fun.”

“Fun?”

“Yeah, you do remember what that is don’t you?” he nudged his shoulder against yours, making you laugh.

“Prick.”

“I know you’re not bothered but it would make you more popular than you already are.”

You let out a snort, “I’m not popular now.”

Without looking up from his book, Remus replied, “you got four Valentines last year, you got one from a person in each house and didn’t loads of people ask you to the ball in fourth year.”

“Ah yes, I’ve entered a parallel universe were three means ‘loads,’” Remus smirked at your reply but said nothing further.

You sighed, biting your lip as you considered it, “if I do it, you won’t laugh at me right?” you asked as you took a swig from Sirius’ flask.

“Y/N, I would never laugh at you.”

You nod, you’d try the costume on for now but that was it. You got off your chair and went to find Lily. When you told her you would at least try the outfit on she squealed and dragged you upstairs to help you put it on, she even tied a Gryffindor ribbon in your hair.

She squeezed your hands, “I’ll see you downstairs, and you can show the boys.”

You sighed as you looked at yourself in the mirror, trying to pull the skirt down, only to have it ping back up. When you were ready you left your room, bumping into Sirius on the way.

He grabbed your arm to steady you and you didn’t miss the way his grey eyes roamed up the length of your body before resting on your face. He looked right into your eyes, like he was scared to look away, “you look great,” he flushed.

You suddenly felt underdressed as you pulled the tank top down, if you were going to be cheerleading in front of the whole school you would have to get used to people looking at you.

“Thanks.”

It seemed like Sirius was in a trance as he stared at you, jumping out of his skin when Lily called you from downstairs. He put his head down as he brushed past you, slamming the door to the bathroom shut.

[silentglassbreak]

The plot with Jolly at the fest sound like very interesting story. I'd love to read it

I didn't get too much detail on this one, so I'm just going to run with it? First time writing for Jolly, so let's give it a shot.

**After writing notes: WOW this one went in an entirely different direction than I expected...

It just happened. I hope someone enjoys it. LOL.

Rating: Explicit

Warnings: Soft smut, mentions of death

Sweater Weather

Why does no one ever have the balls to tell Noah he’s being a diva?

Listen, the man is my brother. We’re family. För alltid mitt blod. I would take a bullet for him, and I have no doubt he would do the same for me.

But, sometimes, he’s so fucking irritating.

How hard it must be to have such talent and be so attractive, everyone loves you, and you work hard to maintain an image. However, taking out the stress and pressures on the only guys who also know how being in this band feels?

Noah was arguing with one of the stage techs, telling him that the image they had prepared to be behind us doing our set was wrong. He’s right, they had prepared the image of the mannequins, when it was supposed to be the album cover, but that wasn’t this poor little man’s fault.

“God, it’s not a hard fucking thing to do!”

“I’m sorry, dude. I’m putting in the request to have it switched.” The man wasn’t exactly cowering, but he was intimidated for sure.

I stepped up behind Noah, letting a gentle hand fall on his shoulder. I could feel his muscles relax slightly under my fingers.

“C’mon man. It’ll be fine. We have an hour until our set. They’ll get it fixed.”

I felt him take a deep breath, and saw how he closed his eyes to center himself. This was something I taught him.

The tech scurried away, leaving us alone in our tent.

It was so fucking hot, which was interesting, given we were in Michigan. Upheaval festival was one of my favorites. It was a smaller event, which meant a more regular experience with the fans. Usually, it also meant better food and beer vendors.

“Hey, guess what I found?” Nick came bounding into the tent, a large mug in his hand.

“Beer, I assume?” Noah pointed his attitude at Nick, who rolled his eyes in return.

“They have a beer garden! Jolly, they’ve got a Swedish ale you might dig!”

I snorted. “Guarantee it isn’t actually Swedish.” Grabbing my hat from the couch, I placed it over my long hair that was pulled back in a low ponytail, and headed for the exit.

“I will go check it out though. Folio out there?”

Nick nodded. “He was spotted, so he’s chatting with some fans.”

I smirked. “Let’s hope he can get out before the set.”

Noah turned and looked at me. “Don’t be late getting back, please! We go on in under an hour.”

Shooting him a thumbs up, I headed for the mayhem of the festival.

As suspected, there was nothing Swedish about the beer, but it did have good flavor. I stood to the right of the beer garden, sipping my mug, and people watched.

It was always so fascinating to see the mix of people who came to these shows. European festivals were one thing but American festivals? You saw everything from multi-colored hair to breasts only barely covered by mesh tops or pasties. It was a sight to behold.

After a moment of zoning out, I looked down at my watch to see I still had twenty minutes before we had to head to the stage. Noah was likely bursting because I wasn’t back yet, and I smiled to myself at the thought. He could sweat for a few minutes, would do him good.

Deciding I should at least start making my way back there, my eyes scanned for the direction I needed to go, somehow getting turned around. Eyes searching over heads and bodies, I didn’t even see the person coming toward me, knocking my shoulder directly into them as I began walking forward.

My beer sloshed over the edge of the cup, pouring foam down the girl’s arm.

“Fuck! I am so sorry!” I turned, and my eyes locked onto the face in front of me.

Wisps of natural, dirty blonde hair floated in the slight breeze, framing a tan, small face. The rest of her hair was pulled up on top of her head in a bun, tightly secured. Her eyes were lightly lined with black, mascara clinging to her lashes. Pink, full lips covered by only a thin gloss were hanging open, startled by the cold liquid on her shoulder.

“Shit! I didn’t even see you, I’m so sorry!” She apologized, wiping her arm with the sweater tied around her waist. Her white tank top was now an amber color on one side.

I couldn’t speak. She was gorgeous.

“Jesus, I’m such a fucking klutz.” She groaned, hastily grabbing napkins off of the cart behind us and wiping at her arm, and then at my hand.

When her ice blue eyes looked up at me, I felt the air rush back into my lungs.

“No, no that was my fault. I’m very sorry.”

When the realization crossed her face, I saw it like a firework exploding behind her vision.

“You’re Jolly fucking Karlsson!”

This made me chuckle. “Something like that, yeah.”

I reached a hand out, which she took graciously, smiling at me with a wide, toothy grin.

“It’s such an honor. I’m a huge fan. I was actually rushing so I could get back to see your set!”

Her words snapped me back.

Fuck.

“Oh, good! I’ve got to get over there! But, uh,” My brain was working overtime. “maybe I can find you after? You can buy me another beer?”

I let any suave I had take over, which seemed to work decently, given she blinked multiple times.

“Sure, of course!”

“Jolly!” My head snapped over to see Matt barreling toward me. “Dude we go on in ten minutes!”

Looking back, I watched as her face fell slightly, my arm now being physically pulled in the opposite direction. Being led away, I hollered.

“I’ll meet you back here!”

I was only given a nod, and a wave in response.

-

The set was electric, Noah's earlier nerves rolling off of him comfortably as he put on a show. Nick was absolutely flawless on his bass, flipping his hair over and over. Folio, as usual, lost himself in the drum beats, freestyling here and there.

I, however, was way off my game. Something about my encounter with the mesmerizing blonde earlier kept me thoroughly distracted. Over and over, my eyes swam through the sea of people in the crowd, trying my hardest to find a blonde messy bun and steel blue eyes, but it was in vain. I couldn't see anything.

I thought about her again and again, unable to shake the feeling of wonder from my bones. For whatever reason, I needed to see this girl again. Her aura, her energy, it radiated beauty, rarity, like a gemstone.

Pärla. A magnificent treasure.

The thoughts racing in my brain made me lose my focus more than once. During Nowhere to Go, I missed several notes, my guitar making an awful screeching sound. I forgot to sing backup vocals during Limits entirely, earning me a glare from Noah, and a look of concern from Nick.

I had ignored it, and continued on, my eyes still searching. It was hopeless. I would find her after. I had to.

Once Dethrone concluded, and I ran off stage, setting my guitar down, I felt a hand pull my arm, flinging my backward.

"Dude, are you okay?" Nick looked straight at me. "You drunk?"

I furrowed my brow. "Of course not."

"Well, you don't really fuck up on stage, Jolly, so what the fuck?" Noah was standing directly behind Nick, eyes shooting me down with fury.

I shrugged. "I'm sorry. I was looking for someone."

This made them both leer backward a moment. "Who?" Noah asked.

"This girl. I met her at the beer garden."

They reacted equally differently. Nick let up a sly smirk, his eyebrows raising. Noah, however, narrowed his eyes.

"You almost blew the set for some broad?"

Rolling my eyes, I turned toward them. "I didn't blow the fucking set, Noah. Quit being so dramatic."

I could see the fire burning behind his irises, which I would definitely pay for later in the form of his attitude.

"Are you fucking kidding, dude?" Noah began scolding me, but Nick held up a hand.

"Chill. Jolly never fucks up, ever." He turned to Noah, giving him stern eyes. "And the set was fine."

Huffing, Noah stomped away, throwing a tantrum like a child.

I smiled at Nick, grateful. "You know how he gets at festivals."

Nodding, I began to walk away. "Got to go."

Waving him off, I weaved through all of the people behind the stage area, making my way back out to our tent, where Davis and Matt were already packing up equipment. I grabbed a clean shirt out of my backpack, and slipped it over my head. I pulled half of my hair up in a tight bun on top of my head, and slipped on my sunglasses.

Headed back out, I noticed the sun was nearly set, and the beer garden area was almost vacant, most people over by the stages. Sleep Token had just started, so the vendors were long abandoned by almost everyone.

I found the napkin cart, and stood, arms crossed, scanning around. After about ten minutes, I had to remove my sunglasses to be able to see clearly as night was falling. A chill ran up my spine as the temperature began to drop. No sign of her, but I didn't mind waiting.

Thirty minutes.

Forty-five.

One hour.

I stood, eyes glancing around, head bobbing to Sleep Token's heavy bass and Vessel's incredible vocals. However, my mind was elsewhere. Maybe she didn't want to miss their set? Maybe she forgot where to meet? I didn't know how to find her.

I didn't even know her name.

It was a mystery, and I couldn't get it out of my head. I was going to have to give up soon. The festival would be ending, and I would have to get back with the guys, head back to the hotel. The thought made my stomach sink. Why was I so entranced with the idea of this girl? All she did was spill beer on me. Why did I insist on finding her?

"Jolly?"

I spun, much faster than I should've, on my heel, and was met with cold, freezing blue eyes, staring up at me. Her gloss was worn off, and her eyeliner was smudging ever so slightly under her eyes. Her bun was long gone, blonde hair now free-flowing down across her shoulders.

"Pärla."

Her smile was confused. "Uh,"

"It means gem. I didn't know your name, so I decided to go with that."

The blush on her cheeks was a sweet addition to that gorgeous sun kissed skin.

"I like that." She rubbed her palms on the front of her jeans. I noticed her sweater was now around her shoulders, covering the beer stain on her tank top. "I'm sorry, I know we said we'd meet after your set. I had to get one of my friends back to our hotel."

Shaking my head, I waved her off. "No worries."

"Did you wait long?"

An hour wasn't a long time, I don't think.

"Nope."

With a finger pointed at the beer garden, she asked, "So, you want that beer?"

I perused this. I wasn't much for a drink right now, comfortable with just talking to her. "You going to have one?"

Shrugging, she looked over toward the crowd. "I don't think so. I've got to get back to the hotel with my friends soon. One of them is really drunk, and is a sick mess."

My face soured. "That doesn't sound fun."

Scrunching her face, she stuck her hands in the pocket of her sweater. "It isn't. I'm pretty annoyed about it, actually."

Nodding, I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. I had been ignoring it for a while.

Matt: Dude, if you're coming with us, we gotta go now.

I typed a quick response.

Me: Meet you back at the hotel.

We walked around the festival grounds for a while, just chatting about different things, somehow managing to distract her from the fact that she should go back to her hotel, and I, mine.

"You're from Florida?"

She nodded. "Daytona. I hate it."

"Why? Isn't it sunny and beautiful all year-round?" I chuckled.

She joined me. "Sure, if you like a lot of drugs and alligators everywhere."

We found some benches, having a seat. I pulled a pack of smokes from my pocket, lighting one.

She stared at me, smirking. I lifted the pack toward her. "Want one?"

She shook her head. "I'm okay. Thanks, though."

Blowing out the smoke, I turned my attention back to her face.

"So why come to Michigan for a festival?"

Her eyes were lost on the crowd, amused. "Why not?" She leaned back on her seat. "I love the adventure of traveling. Seeing different cities. If I get to enjoy good music while I'm at it, why not?"

"You get to meet a lot of cool people doing it, huh?"

Looking over to me, I saw her lips turn up slightly. "Yeah, I do."

A cool silence fell over us for a moment while I finished my cigarette.

Out of my peripheral vision, I saw her head turn toward me. "It's closing."

We noticed the bodies moving past us toward the exit. I nodded. "We should get going soon."

I swore I saw a flash of disappointment cross her features, but only for a second before a look of excitement crept across her face.

"Hey, you want to go somewhere?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Where?"

Smirking, she stood, pulling at my arm. "I know a place, c'mon."

With no time to protest, she pulled me, and I had to nearly jog to keep up. I watched her hair, looking nearly silver against the bright lights at the parking area, fly behind her as she ran toward the Uber line.

We waited, and I slipped my sunglasses back on, and tried not to be obvious.

Once our turn came, she leaned forward to give the driver the address, quiet enough so I wouldn't hear. The driver raised a brow.

"I'm pretty sure it's closed for the night."

She waved at him. "Just go. It'll be fine."

With a nod, he began driving. I stared at her. "Are you taking me somewhere to kill me?"

Her teeth flashed. "You'll have to wait and find out." And she turned to look out at the darkness beyond her window.

Something inside me wasn't worried.

We walked along the boardwalk, out onto the sand. We could hear the soft waves crashing, but it was difficult to see beyond she shoreline.

"Welcome to Lake Michigan!"

The stars, bright and vast, seemed to bounce off of the stillness of the water. It was breathtaking. She bound ahead of me, slipping her shoes off and holding them. Her eyes were fixed on the water, before she dropped down in the sand, looking up at the sky.

I followed suit, taking a heavy seat next to her. It was so quiet, so calm. We weren't supposed to be here at midnight, but something in the chilled air felt so serene.

"What did you call me before?" Her voice was even, still looking at the sky.

"Hm?" I had to shake out of my thoughts.

"At the festival. You called me a name. In another language."

I smiled. "Pärla." She looked back at me. "It means gem."

A warm grin spread across her lips. "I like that." She echoed her earlier sentiment.

It occurred to me at that point, that she still had not told me her first name.

"What else do I call you?"

Her eyes narrowed, thinking. What was there to think about?

"I think that'll do."

I raised an eyebrow. "What?"

Her gaze turned back up to the sky. "Pärla. That's good."

"You're not going to tell me your name?" Confusion laced my voice.

Hugging her knees to her chest, her eyes transfixed on the stars, she bit her lip. "Not yet."

It was strange, but what could I do?

Silence fell over us again, but she eventually spoke up.

"Do you ever miss Sweden?"

Clearing my throat, I mimicked her body language, pulling my knees up.

"Sometimes. It's my home."

Her lips were pulled in a tight line, and I saw what looked to be a tear brimming at her eyes. "I never miss mine. I'm never going back."

"Why not?"

Turning to look at me, a slow tear rolled down her cheek, but she held a sad smile. "I'm happy right where I am."

Trying to process what she said, I struggled, because all I could feel was the urge to grab the tear with my finger, and wipe it from her face. I kept my hands to myself, however.

"So," I tried to lighten the conversation. "how long have you been a fan?"

This made a genuine grin crack across her face. "About a year. I heard you guys for the first time on TikTok. When I looked into the music, I was hooked."

I nodded, listening to the smooth sounds of the waves. "Yeah, that's how a lot of people found us."

"It's good music. I really enjoyed the new album."

"Yeah, it was fun to make."

She looked directly at me. "Do you like being in a band? What's it like?"

That made me huff out a laugh. "It's something else, that's for sure. Chaotic, at times. Rewarding, most others."

Amused, she crossed her legs under her and turned her body to face me. "What are the other guys like?" I raised a brow and she smiled sheepishly. "I'm not trying to fangirl, just curious."

Shaking my head, I turned to face her as well. "Nick is awesome. Mediator when things get tense. He tends to keep a cool head easier than the rest of us." I sighed. "Folio is...young. He's so lighthearted, and full of life. I envy that sometimes." She smiled at that.

"And Noah is..." I trailed off, choosing my words carefully. "Brilliant, but can be a lot sometimes."

"Like how?"

"Like," I intertwined my fingers. "he gets anxious. He's a perfectionist, so there's never room for error. It can be a pain in the ass, but we owe a lot of our success to it."

She nodded. "He's talented."

"Very. So, we put up with it, mostly."

Peering up at me from under her lashes, she spoke low. "And what about you, Jolly? What are you like?"

This gave me pause. How do I answer that?

"I'm..." I really had to think about that answer. "I don't know, really. I'm just, me? The guys call me the 'Dad' of the group, but I'm really only a few years older than Nick."

A hand slid over my knee, and I glanced down at it. "Well, I don't know you very well. Only from what time we've spent the last few hours, but I think you're very interesting."

Resting my chin on a fist, I considered her words. "Do you?"

"Yeah, I do. I think you're very sweet. And complex."

"Complex?"

She let out a giggle, which broke the quiet air with a sweet sound.

"Well, you got in an Uber with a complete stranger, without knowing where you're going, and now you're sitting on a beach in the middle of the night."

This made me smirk. "Point taken."

"That's shows adventure. I like it."

I focused on the ring piercing her left nostril, and the small batch of freckles on her nose. Her hair was hanging long, the moonlight illuminating it.

I felt the pull, the same one that brings the planets together. The pull that gravity is made of. Her eyes flashed back and forth between mine, and her lips parted so slightly. Instinctively, I leaned close to her until I could feel her breath against my face. It was cool, almost cold.

When the soft skin of her lips touched mine, she took a breath in, gasping.

My hand lifted to press against her cheek, pulling her closer, and pressing our lips together.

Like a lightning bolt struck the sand between us, we were lit up with energy. Her body lunged toward me, knees climbing up into my lap as she kissed me, tongue pressing into my mouth. My hands wrapped around to her back, pulling her into me, as she writhed against me.

Her hips pressed down, jeans grinding against mine, the lack of friction making it nearly unbearable. My lips kissed down to her neck, sucking and biting at the soft skin. Her hair had fallen over her face, eyes fluttered closed. Her fingers were grazing down my chest, pulling at the fabric of my t-shirt, and eventually landing to the button of my jeans.

My own hands located the access point of her pants, popping them open. Disconnecting for a moment, she pulled back to shimmy out of her jeans, leaving her in a pair of black panties, kneeling in the sand in front of me.

Staring directly into my eyes, she reached to my jeans and opened them effortlessly, unzipping them, my aching cock bulging against the fabric of my boxers. Her hand slipped to the waistband, freeing my erection. I stared at her with intent. Something in her eyes was dark, something I couldn't place.

"Do you want to?" Her voice was so small. So desperate.

I couldn't respond, so I only reached for her, pulling her face back to me. I laid her down on her back, leaning over her and letting my mouth mold over hers, one hand slipping down her stomach, to her core.

My fingers easily grazed past the elastic of the underwear, running through the soft patch of curls just underneath, until I felt the moisture of her lips between my fingers.

She moaned into my mouth as I slipped my middle finger inside of her, curling it to press against that soft, sweet spot that had her breathing erratic.

"Fuck." She breathed against my mouth. My hand was pumping her hard, a delicious wet sound nearly drowned out by the waves behind us.

"I don't have a condom on me, Pärla."

Her eyes snapped open, and she smiled. "I'm okay, if you are."

Morals? Rational thought? Responsibility? What is that?

I was okay. More than okay. This could be bad. Dangerous, even. Something in my gut - no - my soul told me that this needed to happen, and it needed to happen now.

Steady fingers pulled her panties down, slipping them off, before I hovered over her, lining the head up with her entrance.

As slow and precise as possible, I pressed in, my eyes falling closed with the vibrant sensation that engulfed me. She let out a long, deep groan with me.

"Oh God, Jolly."

I let my lips fall back down to the flesh on her neck, thrusting in and out comfortably, savoring the feel of her on my skin.

We went on like this for longer than I would've expected. Our voices echoed off of the water, the darkness swallowing us as our bodies synchronized. Her pussy tightened around me each time I pulled out, begging for more.

Eventually, I sped up the snapping of my hips, leaning up to get a better angle, pulling her knee up to her chest.

Her hands dug into the sand around us, head careened backward.

"Oh Jolly, fuck, so fucking good." She was biting down on her lip so hard, it was sure to bleed.

I was so close. I needed her release. "Come for me, Pärla." My breathing began stuttering. "Let go, for me."

A long, visceral moan left her lips, and I felt her walls spasm around me as I began emptying into her, my orgasm smacking me hard in the chest.

I pumped us through it, one hand holding her face, watching the waves of pleasure rush over it.

Once we slowed to a stop, I collapsed next to her, a lazy smile on my face.

"That was..." I started, too tired to finish my sentence.

"Unreal." Her words were stark. Matter of fact. Her eyes were looking back up at the stars.

I followed suit, zipping my jeans back up.

"I'm glad I met you today, Jolly."

I let my eyes fall on her again, and smiled. "Me too, Pärla."

My eyes opened to a flashlight shining directly on them.

"Hey, asshole!" I squinted, my hands coming up to shield my vision from the abrasive light. "You can't fucking sleep here. Go find a fucking shelter!"

"What?" I sat up, looking up at the person in front of me. A police officer.

"You've got to get out of here, man. I don't want to take you in."

I held my hands up in defense, standing to my feet. My eyes glanced around, realizing I was very much alone.

"Where's the girl I was with?"

The cop raised an eyebrow. "No one but you here, bud. Let's go."

His hand grabbed my arm, leading me off the beach. I turned back toward the water, hollering out into the darkness.

"Pärla?!"

No response. Just silence.

-

A week had gone by, and I was back home.

I had done everything I could think of to find her, but still came up with nothing. No name. No number. Just a physical description and vague location. Have you any idea how many blonde-haired, blue-eyed, tan-skinned girls are in Daytona, FL? It was comical.

After about four days, I had pretty much given up. Part of me felt hurt. Why had she left? Was she okay? She knew me, why hadn't she reached out?

Was she just in it for the sex? Or to say she screwed a member of the band? Did she regret it?

Something felt wrong. Her presence, her energy. It felt so genuine. I struggled to believe she really just ran off, leaving me to fall asleep alone on that beach.

I had Ubered back to the hotel, heading straight to Noah's room to tell him what happened. It was 4AM by the time I made it back, and he looked at me like I was insane.

Still, he showed his human side for a moment, and empathized with me, offering to help try and find her.

Back in Los Angeles, I was sitting in the studio, trying to perfect a guitar rift, when Noah bounded in with Folio. We had everyone together for the next two weeks before we left for the next festival.

"I don't get why people are so scummy."

I raised an eyebrow at Folio's words. "What's that?"

He turned to look at me, falling into a chair. "This article, man. About Upheaval?"

I stopped my strumming, looking up to give him my full attention.

I took note that Noah was scrolling on his phone fervently.

"What about it?"

Noah looked up at me, pursing his lips. "I guess someone got really hurt?"

"Not hurt. Someone fucking died, dude."

This made me furrow my brows. "What?"

"Yeah. Some girl got trampled in the fucking crowd."

Noah rolled his eyes. "The article I read said she had a seizure, and fell into the crowd. They didn't get her out in time."

"During which set?"

"Sleep Token." Noah responded.

"Wow, really? I saw damn near the entire thing. I didn't see anything happen."

"Well, that's the point, man. No one did, until the end. By that time, she had choked or something." Noah handed his phone to me, and I noticed it was scrolled to the bottom of the article.

"It's bullshit they waited so long to say something." Folio chimed in.

Noah shrugged. "Trying to protect the festival's reputation, I guess. Too bad. She was fucking cute, too."

My thumb scrolled to the top of the article, taking a moment as it was long.

When the picture at the top came into view, my hand that held my rig went slack, dropping the instrument on the floor.

It didn't make sense. It was a mistake of some kind.

25 Year Old Female Dies At Music Festival - Safety Protocols Being Investigated

The photograph that stared back at me, mocking my dropped jaw and widened eyes.

"Jolly, you good, dude?" Folio asked as he reached down to grab my guitar, now on the floor.

I couldn't respond. My blood had coagulated in my veins. My skin hardened to stone as my eyes stared at the picture, mind blanking.

The girl in the picture stared into my very soul.

Dirty blonde hair. Ice blue eyes. Small patch of freckles. Plush pink lips.

Pärla.

[chidoroki]

182 Days of TPN - Day 65

Chapter 65: “The Secret Garden”

I'm so used to seeing GP in black & white because of how often I read through the upcoming chapters, so whenever I do see artwork of Emma and her time here at the hunting ground I’m literally blown away by all the bright colors. 

Back during ch61, Yuugo realized that Emma is the one who decides the plan based on Ray’s knowledge and though I did comment about how that dynamic works really well for them, I also brought up how both kids can function just fine on their own. The reason for that is because they pick up the other’s main role during their time apart. Without Ray, we see how Emma has slowed down and started to analyze her situation (at least it seems more clear to me now anyways).

Emma has always been praised as the more physically fit one out of the fullscore trio (and probably all the GF kids), so the fact that Violet is able to shake her off and get Emma lose sight of her for a little bit is kinda impressive.

The way they have him reaching outside of the panel for her is pretty neat. Really stresses how desperate he was trying to save her.

Thank you geezer for saving my boy but you’re lucky you didn’t break his damn back with that slam.

I have an endless list of reasons why I wanted to see these arcs animated but add Ray’s rage to it too. All that anger, desperation and panic in his voice.. I wanna hear it so badly. It would be such a switch up from the usual calm and collected boy we’re used to.

All the times I skim through these chapters, why am I only remembering now that Yuugo & his family didn’t journey to A08-63 right away? I guess they weren’t too bothered with WM’s instructions with trying to change the world, but aahh, now I wish we could’ve seen more of those couple months of them just chilling out in the bunker.

Oh huzzah, now you wanna be nice. Emma’s little speech warmed up your lonely heart a bit huh?

Here we start to see the role reversal thing with Ray now making final decisions. Sure it leans on his vow from ch38 of protecting his family, but him choosing to go after Emma despite all the things Yuugo just told him about the poachers and the hunting ground is something he doesn’t need to think twice about. It’s a reckless move but hey, that’s exactly how Emma usually functions.

How did Violet know she had the pen? Did she randomly dig around Emma’s pockets looking for it? And she must’ve had her own normal pen on hand to right this message considering the WM pens don’t have any ink, yeah? And Emma slept through all this happening? I’m strangely baffled by it all.

What would have the scary GP music sounded like?? Aahh no doubt that Obata would’ve definitely nailed the chilling yet anxiety filled atmosphere of this place. I forget when or where I tossed out this thought of mine, but I still think it would’ve been pretty bittersweet if it was a very rushed/distorted version of Leslie’s song. Sweet because we’d hear that iconic melody again but bitter because ooohh just imagine what the demons could’ve done to that poor lad to get that song.

Favorite panel/moment:

The absolute fury on Ray’s face lives rent free in my head.. like I have flipped through this story on countless occasions and I have a hard time picking out another moment where we see Ray get this insanely hell-bent on anything. He is just so incredibly pissed off at Yuugo’s schemes but also at himself for not being quick enough to grab Emma. This also contributes to him now calling the shots because no matter what Yuugo tells him, Ray’s beyond adamant in saving Emma no matter the danger to himself.

[garebearandnan]

LITG S2: EP15 Pt2 Coming Clean

SUMMARY: A new challenge unearths some secrets… I have added some new secrets. I hope you enjoy!

Narrator, Iain Stirling:  The producers have been getting their hands dirty, digging up some saucy secrets about the Islanders. They even spoke to Gary’s nan! Lovely lady. So grab your popcorn, because it’s time to drag some skeletons out of the closet, kicking and screaming. 

Challenge Stage

You arrive at the challenge stage with the other Islanders. This afternoon was a hot one, and the platform offered no shade. There was a big banner that read 'Coming Clean', written in white. “What’s all this?” Before you are two tanks with slides leading into them—one is filled with mud, the other with soapy water and sponges. There were also two piles of envelopes—one marked 'boys' and one marked 'girls'.

Jakub leans gingerly over the mud tank, peering inside. He looks disgusted. He wrinkles his nose. “That’s al dente, that is."

“You’re still using it wrong, mate,” Ibrahim tutted. “Mud ain’t al dente.”

Jakub blushes slightly but keeps his face composed. "Yeah, I know that. I was using it ironically, like." Bobby chimed in, trying to keep a serious face, "You can't be ironic about al dente." Jakub nods along as though he understands.

Rahim and Bobby are loving this whole ‘al dente’ thing. “Shame about the mud – This outfit was al dente!”

Gary complimented you with his lopsided, crooked smile, "You're always al dente, darlin’."

“Aww, thanks, babe!” You smiled flirtatiously at your blond, hunky partner. “Right back at ya handsome.”

Poor Jakub, he can’t catch a break! Chelsea said, “Al dente means…” Bobby tries to communicate something with his eyes. It comes out more as a twitch. He silences Chelsea with a look, putting a finger to his lips. “Oops…” Chelsea covered her mouth.

A phone buzzes. Priya announced, “Islanders, in today’s challenge, you need to come clean! In front of you are two piles of envelopes containing secrets  about your fellow Islanders–one for the girls, one for the boys. If you choose to open an envelope and read a secret,  you’ll have to slide into the mud. If you resist the temptation and keep it sealed, you’ll be washed clean by the person whose secret remains inside. #comingclean #muddywaters #secretsrevealled”

Everyone applauds and cheers. Bobby made a clapping sound with his hands. “This is, well, exciting!”

Gary gave his assent, “This is gonna be mint.”

Priya said, "Woop woop," and Marisol echoed her excitement by saying, "Hashtag, bring it on!"

This challenge… You made a comment along the lines of, “Let’s hashtag nail this challenge!”

Chelsea expressed her excitement by clapping both of her hands together. “Woo! Best challenge ever!”

Ibrahim grits his teeth. “Oh, no, my hair!”

Hope exchanges a concerned look with Noah. “I hadn't thought about that!”

Lottie made the suggestion, “Want me to get you girls shower caps?” Hope looked her way before shaking her head and responding, “Er, no, I’m good.”

Lottie gave a nonchalant shrug and added, “Shame. I could've done with one myself. Definitely re-dying my hair after this.”

“Relax, you guys. We’re only sliding in–it’s not like they’re throwing it over us.” Priya continued by saying, “I doubt you’ll get any on your hair or face.”

The girls line up facing the boys. Hope asked, "Who's going first?"

(Lottie's secret) Gary’s phone buzzes. "Me, I guess." He steps forward and takes an envelope from the pile. ‘Lottie’ is written on the back. “Now this is interesting,” he says with a smirk toward the makeup artist. Lottie flushes with colour.

Hope reminded him, “Remember, if you open it, you have less of a chance of winning the challenge.” 

"And you'll have to get covered in mud.” Lottie pouted and added, “Just saying." Gary grins at her and tears open the envelope without further hesitation. He reads it aloud.

“Titanic, Little Women, and The Secret Garden make Lottie cry every time. #CryMeAnAtlanticOcean #WorksEveryTime”

Some of the Islanders looked pleasantly surprised. Marisol commented, “Really? Titanic?” which caused Lottie to side-eye her. “Some of us are sensitive, okay?”

Priya chopped in, “I wouldn’t have guessed. Lottie?" Bobby defended his partner, “Nah, Lottie’s a massive softie once you get to know her.”

Lottie marks him with a look. “Don’t act like you wouldn’t cry too if you’d seen them.”

Bobby laughed. “That’s fair. I’ll throw up my hands and admit I haven’t seen those films.”

Titanic, Little Women, and The Secret Garden make Lottie cry. “Same, to be honest.”

Lottie turned to you, nodding her head and pulling a sad face. “You know then. When they’re lowering her in the lifeboat, and…” Her voice becomes a squeak. “And Jack realises he’s going to die… But then Rose… Rose jumps, and…” She covers her mouth as the tears start rolling.

Hope patted the blonde’s shoulder. “It’s okay, babes. We know the story.”

Chelsea cocked her head as she pondered out loud, “But don't you guys think that Jack could have, like, totally survived if she'd just let him-”

Lottie glared as she cut her off, "Too soon."

"Eep. Sorry." Chelsea looks away pouting. “... They could have, though.”

Lottie regains her composure, dabbing at her eyes. “Looks like you’re first on the slide, Gary.” She gives him a flirty smile.

Gary concedes with a massive smile, “Looks like I am.” He takes his time climbing up the ladder, hesitating when he reaches the top. Gary shouts out when he slides down the ladder, “Geronimo!”

Everyone laughs and cheers.

In the Beach Hut (BH), Grace: “He looked really good. Especially when he was going up. I was like, ‘Oh, okay’. I think Gary looked sexy. His big, well–defined biceps make me gush no-end.”

Priya remarked, “I never quite got why people say that when they jump off things. Or, like, slide into them.”

The mud covers Gary completely. “Oof!” He exhales. He windmills his arms, sending splatters of mud flying everywhere. He’s getting more mud on the platform and himself. “Come on in, guys. The mud’s warm.”

Lottie wrinkled her nose and exclaimed, “Yuck.”

BH Lottie: “He’s pulled off most things. But that was grim.”

You smiled at him enjoying himself. “It’s good for your skin babes. Just let it dry in the sun for about half an hour, then wash it off and viola! Soft, glowing skin.”

“Hell yeah!” Gary takes two wads of mud in his hands and rubs it into the skin on his chest. He returns to his place in line, leaving a trail of muddy footprints on the deck.

BH Gary: “It was just so much fun getting down and dirty…” (He laughs.)

(Gary’s Secret) Another phone beeps. This time it’s yours. “My turn!”  You step forward and pick up an envelope with Gary’s name on it. “This has a secret about Gary inside it!”

You finger the envelope for a moment. Should I read Gary’s secret? Gary gives you a cheeky grin but stays quiet. If I open it, I have to get covered in mud, which means less chance of winning the challenge. Plus, I’ll totally ruin my outfit. But we’re already at a disadvantage now since Gary opened Lottie’s secret, so it might not matter either way. I wanna know. You tear open the envelope and read out the contents.

“It’s no secret that Gary loves his nan, but you know what he won’t tell you? The time his mates switched her name in his phone with a girl he’d been chatting to on Tinder. #ItsInTheFamily #BloodIsThickerThanWater”

The boys all laugh.

 Ibrahim’s eyes go wide. “Mate, that’s savage!” The golfer exclaimed, “Did you, like, text her and stuff?”

“Yeah,” Gary said with a blush. “But I figured it out pretty quick when she replied. It was something like, ‘wash your mouth out with soup’ and ‘no way to speak to your nan’.”

BH Bobby: “Mmm… Very impressive prank. Gotta remember that one for my mates back home. Lookin’ at ya, Junno.”

“Wait, did you just say soup?” Marisol asked with a confused expression, “You meant soap, right? Like, what you would usually use to wash things with?” 

“I think you guys are underestimating my nan’s soup,” said Gary with a chuckle.

Grace (thinking): His nan sounds like a riot. Sounds like a prank my brothers would pull.

When your eyes meet Gary's, you get an uncontrollable attack of the giggles, and you find yourself gripping your side as you do so. “Your mates sound hilarious. I wish I would have thought to prank someone like that.” You give him a cheeky smile.

Hope frowned. “Really? I’d be fuming if one of my girls did that to me.”

“Yeah, I gotta agree with Hope.” Marisol piped up. “They took that a bit far. There's a point where it goes past being funny into just being mean.”

Hope turned to Gary and asked, “Did you get in trouble, Gary?"

Gary nodded and replied, “A whole summer’s worth of chores and driving her to bingo.” Everyone laughs, and Gary joins in.

Beside you, Marisol cleared her throat. “Looks like Grace’s going in the mud.”

“Oh yeah, that part.” You walk over to the mud tank and climb the ladder. Time to slide in the mud. Go as fast as possible. You push yourself off and arrive with a big splash, sending mud flying. "Woo!"

Everyone applauds and cheers.

“Go Grace!” Chelsea cheered.

Now I've got mud on my clothes. I’ve been covered in worse. Probably not a story for today… Hopefully? “It’s not too bad. People pay good money for this sort of thing at fancy resorts!” You return to your place in line, dripping with brown muck.

BH Gary: “I don’t know what was hotter- the heat or how she can look so damn sweet and sexy in MUD! Well damn, boy. As fetishes go seems pretty tame, but seeing Grace get muddy... yeah it just might be a thing.” (He laughs.)

(Noah’s Secret) Hope’s phone goes off. “Me!” She steps forward and takes an envelope from the pile bearing Noah’s name on it.

“Noah “mis-read” the situation when he turned up to Reading Festival with a backpack full of library books! #ReadTheRoom #ReadingAtReading”

“Wait, so you actually thought the Reading Festival was a festival about reading?” Priya asked, a little confused. “And you, what, sat there with a book the whole time?”

“It actually took off. People started reading next to me, then more of them, until eventually someone posted a picture of us on social media,” Noah explained. “Hashtag reading at Reading trended for weeks.” 

The other girls ‘awww’ and everyone claps. Hope flashed a grin at her partner. “You know, I think I actually saw that!”

Chelsea beamed at the handsome librarian. “That's a cute one!”

Hope nods in agreement. “I think it’s really sweet.” Noah smiles sweetly as he looks at Hope.

Noah took ‘Reading Festival’ literally, brought a bunch of books along, and started an internet sensation. “So you're internet famous?”

Noah looked at you. “Kind of? Doesn’t really mean much now that I’m here, does it? Like, what are people going to remember me as the guy who started a hashtag once or the guy who was on Love Island?”

BH Priya: “I just can’t resist that boy anymore. I’ve been trying to fight it, but, like I’m just going with the flow. That was freakin’ cute.”

Noah smiled at Hope. "But you know what this means, right, Hope?”

Chelsea chanted excitedly, “Slidey time! Slidey time!” 

Hope feigns a dramatic sigh, wanders over to the mud tank, climbs the ladder, and slides in. Noah runs over, plunges his hands into the mud, and splashes more of it onto her chest and shoulders. "You melt!” Hope said as she grinned. “I'm gonna get you for that!" She clambers out and envelops Noah in a muddy hug, cackling as she covers him. He wraps his arms around her and gives her a kiss on the forehead.

"Urgh! Goals!” Chelsea scrunched her nose, adding, “Maybe not the mud part, though." Everyone laughs.

Grace (thinking): They're in their own little world. Kind of reminds me of what they were like back at the start… I wonder how long it'll last?

(Lucas’s Secret) A phone buzzes, and Marisol grabs an envelope. The side read ‘Lucas’. “I never did mind getting my hands dirty.” She gives her partner a flirty look. “It’s like they say. Knowledge is the real prize.” She opens it with a flourish, her eyes trained on his.

“Lucas once went on a blind date with a woman who didn’t speak English, and needless to say he doesn’t speak Russian.  #LostInTranslation #InternationalManOfMystery”

Ibrahim inquired, “Mate, what’s that all about?” Lucas elaborated by saying, “It’s talking about the time I went on a date with this Russian girl who didn’t speak any English. And I don’t speak any Russian, so we ended up just typing messages into a language translation app on my phone.” 

The next question that Ibrahim posed was, “And just, like, passing the phone back and forth?”

“Quietest date I’ve ever had.” Lucas smiled. “It’s really weird when one of you laughs, because up until then it’s just been silent.”

Lucas managed a date entirely through a language translation app… “What did you talk about?”

“Only basic things, to be honest with you. I don't know if you’ve ever used an app like that before, but they don’t score high on accuracy. Like, I asked her if she was okay, and the app said her reply was ‘I feel myself’. Which turned out to be… less exciting than I'd hoped.”

The golfer looked confused. “I feel myself?”

Lucas smiled. “Let me put it this way. If I went up to someone who didn’t speak fluent English, and I pointed at their dog and said, ‘Sick dog, mate’, they’d take it to see a vet.”

Ibrahim nodded. “Fair play. I guess the English language doesn’t make that much sense, does it?”

Jakub chimed in, “Yeah, it’s kind of al dente, isn’t if?”

Bobby shook his head. “No. Just… no.”

“Sounds romantic.” Chelsea exhaled with a wistful sigh. “That’s a rom-com just waiting to happen.”

Lucas smiled. “Yeah, I think so.”

According to Marisol, “It sounds awkward.”

"It wasn't that bad, actually. Got some good laughs out of it." Lucas paused. He flashed a cheeky smile and added, "Maybe more than that…"

Gary jabs him playfully in the ribs. "Oi oi!"

Lucas blushed, shaking his head. "Get your head out of the gutter!” Everyone laughs. “I meant that she introduced me to the brilliance of Russian ballet." Lucas smirked. "And maybe a few other things."

The boys all whooped. Gary chanted. ”Oi oi oi!”

“This is all besides the point though…” Lucas turns his attention back to his partner. “Ready to get down and dirty, Marisol?”

“As if you need to ask,” She declared this with a grin on her face and amusement visible in her eyes. Marisol climbs the ladder and slides down into the mud. “It’s not actually too bad.” Everyone applauds and cheers.

(Grace’s Secret) Gary's phone buzzes. He picks up an envelope with your name on it.

Ugh, at this rate we’re never going to win! “We’ve really given up on this whole winning thing, haven’t we?”

He returned your smile. “Maybe I just want to get to know you better.”

A secret about me… Do I want Gary to read my secret? “Read it!” You smiled at him. “I wanna know what it says as much as everyone else here.” Gary grins. He opens the envelope.

“When Grace heard that her bestie's boyfriend was playing away, she swapped his conditioner for hair removal cream. #WomanScorned #GoodbyeGoldilocks”

Lottie grins happily. “That was amazing!”

Grace's mischievous act of revenge had the girls in stitches. Lucas touches a protective hand to his hair. Marisol chimed in, “He must have been a real D-bag.”

“You could say that. He was obsessed with his hair, too. It was even better than Henrik’s… before I intervened.”

All the Islanders ‘Ooooo’.

“Remind me never to come between you and, well, anything,” stated Bobby. An awkward silence lingers as the boys look at each other. Some snickers are heard from the girls. Noah added, “I think Gary’s has earned himself a mudding.”

Gary chuckled. “You say that as if it’s a bad thing.” Gary heads straight for the tank, climbs up, and slides in. With an infectious enthusiasm, he called out, "I'm going in!" Everyone applauds and cheers. He climbs out. Gary's eyes locked onto you with that mischievous grin plastered across his face. He made a beeline toward you.

“Don’t touch me!” you exclaimed, a mix of laughter and protest in your voice.

Gary, undeterred, teased, “Wait, so you’re saying you don’t want a mud hug?” With that, he makes a show of chasing you around the stage with his muddy hands outstretched, creating a spectacle that had the entire group laughing and cheering. You grab an arm-load of sponges and launch them at Gary. He yelps and runs to hide behind Noah, laughing. Chuckling, he wipes his hands on his trunks and returns to his spot in line.

(Jakub’s Secret) A phone buzzes. Priya looks at her phone, steps forward, and picks up an envelope. “This one’s about… Jakub.” Jakub grins at her, puffing out his chest. She tears it open and reads it aloud. “Jakub once had to shave his head after  he got a waxing strip stuck to it. #NeverAgain #LegsOnEEK” Everyone laughs.

“It happened a few years ago, alright?” Jakub’s cheeks burn a brilliant red. “I was trying to do my legs, but it was really hard to yank off, and somehow I smacked it into my forehead. Got it stuck in my hair and everything. Like the text said, I had to shave my whole head.”

The boys jostle about with each other, laughing even more.

Jakub got a wax strip caught in his hair after a failed leg wax attempt.

Lottie gave a snort. “What an amateur.”

“Do you see any hair on these bad boys?” He sticks out a leg, turning it for her to see. “It's completely smooth.”

You chimed in, “That’s happened to me too! The struggle is real. Next time, get it out with corn syrup.

Chelsea was so animated that she appeared to be bouncing in place. “Oh em gee, totally! Corn syrup is absolutely one hundred percent what you need when you get a wax strip caught in your hair.”

“Corn syrup is bae.” Jakub broke into a grin.

Marisol appeared to be surprised. “Well, you learn something new every day.”

“How often does this happen to people?” Bobby asks with a raised eyebrow. Chelsea just giggles at him.

Priya walks over to the mud tank, climbs the ladder, and slides in. “That was fun!” She giggles. “It’s been ages since I went down a slide. Might have to go down to the local playground.”

“I’m sure the dads won’t complain,” Bobby said with a wink.

(Chelsea’s Secret) A phone buzzed. Jakub picks up an envelope. “Chelsea.”

“Read it out! Read it out! Read it out!” Chelsea chanted excitedly.

Jakub hesitates. “Yeah, no.” He grimaced. “I’m not getting thrown in there.” Chelsea’s face dropped and she gazed down at the decking.

“Alright. Hand it over.” Gary grabs the envelope and tears it open with a flourish. Chelsea's expression lit up with joy. He read out.

“Chelsea once signed off an email to an important customer with a smiley face… only it was a big old 8=D. #BDE #GettingCocky”

Everyone cheers. Chelsea covers her face with her hands and squeals.

Hope inquired, “Did you get in trouble?

It appeared that Chelsea was perplexed. “Why would I?”

Priya gave the interior designer a contemplative look, saying,“Well, surely it damaged your reputation?”

“Not at all!”

Priya tapped her chin and said, “That’s actually genius.” Chelsea concurred, “I know, right?”

Chelsea emailed an 8=D to one of her customers. “How did you not know what that was?”

“What do you mean? It’s a smiley. But with a nose. After that, he just kept coming back for more work, so if anything I think this just makes me, like, a better interior designer.” Chelsea paused, took a breath, and then her eyes lit up like a light bulb went off. “OMG! That could be like my brand! Everyone likes a smiley. Especially a smiley with a nose!”

Marisol leans over and whispers, “I don’t think anyone has told her yet.”

Chelsea beamed at the crane operator. “Your turn in the mud now, Gary.”

BH, Chelsea confesses: “Swoon. He’s just the sweetest boy. And he is fit. Grace is so lucky to be coupled with him.”

Gary shrugs. He climbs the ladder and slides down. Gary is covered in mud. “Want me to roll around in the dirt with you?”

“Now that’s what I mean by ‘talk dirty to me’.” Gary grinned broadly. “Come here, you!”

You clamber over to the side and join him in the mud. “Slather me up, babes.”

“I like that word, slather.” Bobby says, “Ssslather.”

“Hey, Gary!”

“Yeah?”

“Catch!” You fling some mud towards him, splattering it across his chest. He laughs and flicks some back at you. You slap some more mud onto Gary, rubbing it into his back and shoulders for good measure. The boys laugh and cheer.

Marisol asked, “Grace, what are you doing?”

“Oops, sorry! Gary had a wasp on him! I was just shooing it away.”

Priya giggled. “Sure you were.”

Gary winks at you. “She really was! Honestly. I swear I felt something crawling on me.”

Lottie rolled her eyes. “Whatever. Can we please get back to focusing on the challenge now?”

“Wow, I’m totally covered. I don’t think I’ll get all this mud out of these shorts. Gary leans in and whispers 

in your ear. “I wouldn’t be opposed to sharing a shower.” You bit your lip as your eyes locked for a moment. 

You blush as you smile. I could get so lost just looking into his eyes…

(Marisol’s Secret) A phone buzzes. With a glance at his phone, Lucas steps up to grab an envelope. “This one’s about… Marisol.” He looks down at the envelope in his hands as he hesitates before looking over at his partner who gives him two thumbs up. Fuck me. He reads aloud.

“Puzzle rooms are ultimately about trying to escape,  but Marisol was in no hurry as she got wild and naughty. #NoEscape #CluelessBits”

Hope and Chelsea squeal in surprise. 

You smirked. “Oh, that was saucy!”

Bobby said, flashing a cheeky grin, “Marisol, you dark horse!” Everyone laughs.

Marisol grinned. “The lights went out, and we were stuck in there for ages. What else were we expected to do? It was a fun place to get naughty.”

Priya chipped in, saying, “That sounds like my kind of night.”

“Total bucket list!” You said, and Gary gave you a flirty look as he replied, “Sounds like a room I’d like to get trapped in.”

BH Jakub: “I’m not a huge fan of puzzles. I’d pass on that one.”

Chelsea claimed, “I’d be too worried about getting locked in the room!”

Bobby flashed another cheeky grin at Lucas. “So, it looks like Lucas is going down the slide and getting himself muddied.”

“And here I was hoping all of you had all forgotten.” Lucas moves reluctantly towards the slide and climbs up. He takes his time climbing the ladder, hesitating when he reaches the top. The others' cheer him on.

Gary calls out in encouragement. “You can do it, Lucas! Just go down quick.”

Lucas looks at him unhappily. “And get more of this on me? No way!” He takes a deep breath and slowly slides down. The mud covers him up to his waist.

BH Lucas: “I’m going to be real. I don’t think it was very fun or sexy.”

Lucas sits absolutely still for a moment before raising his arms, watching with dismay as swathes of mud slide off them. “I’ve made a terrible mistake. I don’t even like mud baths at the best of times. But it’s not even the right kind of mud!”

Priya chimed in with, “Yeah, the real stuff smells like rotten eggs. Sulphur and stuff. Like, from volcanoes.”

He frowns. Lucas replied, “I think I’ll take this over smelling like that.” He returns to his place in line.

(Priya’s Secret) Ibrahim hesitates, sneaking glances at the vat of mud. He looked down at the envelope. He shook his head before opening.

“Priya once got a concussion from pulling the moves  on none other than her sister’s man! #ImWalkingHere #WatchWhereYou'reGoing”

Priya quickly defended. “Before you all go getting ideas, it’s not quite as bad as it sounds.”

Lottie called out, “You sure about that?”

Priya rolled her eyes, and you suggested, “Spill the tea then, babe.”

“They weren’t dating yet. And both of us liked him at the same time anyway, so it was more of a friendly competition. One day they were walking together, and I was walking in front, so I thought I’d try the Over The Shoulder Smoulder.”

Lucas asked, “And what, walked into a lamp post?”

Priya grinned. “Nailed it.” Everyone laughs.

Ibrahim thought to himself, try to slide slowly. He eases his way down, keeping his hands on the sides to slow himself.

Bobby expressed his disbelief by shaking his head. “Where's the fun in that?”

The golfer slid gently into the mud. There’s no splash, and he doesn’t get too much on himself. Lottie looked impressed. “That’s actually not a bad idea.”

(Ibrahim’s Secret) Chelsea’s phone buzzes. She runs up to the front and grabs a card.

“Ibrahim, once lost their date in a garden maze. #HideandSeek #Mazerunner”

Priya claimed, “Oh, that's a good one.”

Gary questioned Rahim with, “How is that even possible, mate?”

Noah offered in his defence by speculating, “Maybe they did it on purpose?”

Ibrahim explained: “Yep! I had no choice but to leave them. It was supposed to be a fun romantic game of hide and seek. She hid, I failed to seek. An hour later we found each other. I thought she saw the funny side...”

Lottie interjected, “I’d be fuming if I got jilted in a maze.”

Ibrahim continued, “I thought we were cool and she suggested going skinny dipping in the nearby lake.”

Bobby chipped in, “Now, that’s a fun time, bro.”

BOYS: WHOOPING

Ibrahim goes red and rubs the back of his neck. “Although, the whole thing’s not as impressive as it sounds. When I got out of the water my clothes were gone. I had to poke some neck and arm holes in a clean bin bag and wear it as I ran back to my car. An unused bean bag, obviously. Now I hide my clothes really well when I skinny dip.”

ALL: LAUGHTER.

Noah chipped in, “Smart.”

Chelsea is cheered on by the boys and girls. She didn’t hesitate as she pushed off and landed in the vat of mud, laughing and whooping.

BH Chelsea: “All the mud just went everywhere. It was just stuck everywhere. I’m like, that’s so fun.”

Several rounds pass, with more and more islanders going down the mudslide.

Narrator Iain Stirling: Hope once played bassoon in a swing band. #JazzHands #QueenOfSwing

Lottie inquired, “You played bassoon in a swing band?” Hope replied, “Metal covers band. We played swing.”

Narrator Iain Stirling: Bobby believed in the mythical animal, ‘The Loch Ness Monster' until he was 13. #MythicalNessie #SeaCreature”

Marisol let out a gasp. “Bobby, you’re literally from Scotland. How did you believe in the Loch Ness Monster until you were thirteen?”

Bobby pouted. “Alright, don’t talk about her like she’s not real. She’ll get offended.”

Narrator Iain Stirling: … And washing each other off.

(Gary’s Secret) Lottie's phone sounds. She steps up to the table with the cards. Gary's name is on it. 

Lottie (thinking): Should I read Gary’s secret? If I open it, I’ll have to slide into the mud. Plus, I’ll totally ruin my hair. She smiles to herself. Though technically I still could still get washed by Gary… She examines the envelope, then drops it on the ground.

Bobby shouts, “Boo!”

“Please, I’m not getting muddy over a secret.”  Lottie smiles at Gary sexily. “I still get washed by Gary…”

Your jaw drops. Hope calls out, “You’re not even muddy!”

“So, isn’t that right, Gary?” 

He looks especially taken aback shifting awkwardly on his feet. “I… I…”  He nods and rubs his neck.

You can’t say anything, You’re too floored.

Lottie sashays, swinging her hips in a seductive manner, over to the pool. She slides down into the soapy water, careful not to let it splash her face or her hair. She gasped. “I thought it was gonna be warm!” She sat up on her knees and flipped her hair over her shoulders looking pretty hot as the water cascaded down her body. She holds her arms up expectantly.

Gary grins and walks over to the pool of mud. Grace flinches, but keeps her cool. Lottie moves her hair above and out of the way as Gary grabs a waterlogged sponge and squeezes it, sending soapy bubbles cascading over her shoulders. Lottie was having a great time being in such close proximity to the gorgeous lad. She couldn't help but look at his chiselled abs as his muscly arms dragged the sponge down her torso.

She cooed, “This is better than any secret.” The other lads uttered "ahhs" and "oohs" in a suggestive manner earning a look from you. Gary blushed when he noticed that Lottie was getting goosebumps, which could have been caused by the cold water or by something else entirely.

BH Jakub: “Oh, my nuts. I didn’t know where to look! Lottie looked hot as she tossed her hair around giving off sex eyes. Got to do what you gotta do in here.”

Was bound to have happened at some point… Stay chill, stay chill. You murmured, “It’s just a bit of fun.” As you shifted slightly uneasily, Gary catches your movement.

Gary squeezed the sponge and scrubbed her skin briskly. Oh, my God, it's freezing! Lottie glares at him. “Not so hard!” 

The sponge lands back in the tank with a plop. Gary pales. “Done.”

BH Grace: “I don’t like seeing it. I know it’s a challenge but I can’t help it. It’s not nice seeing Lottie flirt with him.”

Eventually the challenge comes to an end, the floor covered with torn envelopes. Only Lottie, Bobby, and Jakub show restraint, refusing to open any of the envelopes. 

BH Lottie: “I think me and Bobby have got this challenge in the bag.”

Lottie’s phone buzzes. “Guys, I’ve got a text!” She reads it out.

“Lottie and Bobby, congratulations on winning today’s challenge.  Your prize is a night in the Hideaway.  #JustTheTwoOfUs  #AwayFromItAll  #OneMoreChanceToGetDirty”

Bobby jumps up and down. Everyone applauds and cheers.

Hope said, “Congrats, guys. That’s some serious self control.” Lottie smirked and replied, “I surprise even myself sometimes.”

Chelsea chimed in, “A night in the hideaway is just one night. Secrets are forever.”

Lottie quirked an eyebrow. “Well, we heard the same ones you did. And we still won, so…”

Lottie and Bobby get a night in the hideaway? Selecting the mud had proven to be an unfortunate choice. You'd rather have won the challenge and go to the hideaway with Gary. “Damn it, Gary! I'm so jealous."

Gary looks at you and smiles sheepishly. "Whoops! My bad."

Lottie shoots you a steely look. “Better luck next time.”

“I feel your pain, Grace” Chelsea chipped in, “I’m super jelly.”

"I am her spreadable hero sidekick, Super Peanut Butter!" Bobby laughs.

Chelsea blinks at him and turns back to Lottie. “Do you think you’ll, like, do bits?”

Lottie replied, “Knowing Bobby we'll probably just, like, build a fort or something.”

Chelsea pokes Lottie playfully on the shoulder. “That's still gossip, babes. I want to hear every fort-building detail.”

Bobby blushed. “Why does that sound so aggressive?”

+++

The Islanders start heading back to the Villa. As you leave you notice Chelsea picking up the unopened envelopes. Those must be the secrets we didn’t read. I wonder what she’s planning on doing with them.

Narrator, Iain Stirling: In today’s challenge the islanders found out  more about each other than they needed to know… There’s plenty more drama in store.

Bobby settled onto the lawn. “That challenge was jokes wasn't it!” His smile conveyed a cheerful and happy expression.

Gary agreed as he settled back on the bean bag behind you. “Yeah. Interesting finding out more details about you all.”

You’re sitting in the garden with the other Islanders when Chelsea brings out her stack of collected secrets. “That is definitely one of my favourite looks for you, Grace.”

“Thanks, babe!”

“Who wants to see what they say?” said Chelsea; her eyes twinkled with mischief.

Marisol looked at the cards in her hands curiously. “Isn't that against the rules of the challenge?”

“The challenge is over, babes!” Chelsea waved a dismissive hand. “It's secret time.”

Priya chimed in and shrugged, “I guess nobody’s going to stop us.” 

Chelsea wants to read some secrets that nobody opened… “I want more secrets, too.”

“Amazing!” Chelsea picks up another secret.

Narrator, Iain Stirling: It seems we’re only just beginning to uncover the secrets the Islanders have buried away.

Chelsea wiggles one of the envelopes at you. “Here, this one has Gary’s name on it.” She passes you the envelope with “Gary” written on it.

Gary smiled at his partner. “Up to you. I’m not fussed either way.”

“Free reign, huh?” You had a cheeky twinkle in your eye.

He gives you a sexy grin. Sweetheart, you can do anything you want to me.

His eyes had a sinister sparkle to them that gave you fanny flutters. A large grin spread across your face. You tear it open. “Right now, I’m just excited to get to know you better.”

“Gary once activated a clap-on light using only the power of his digestive system. #ClapOnClapOff #WatchOutOzoneLayer”

Gary looks over your shoulder and blushes. “Oh… that.”

Your eyes widen. “Care to explain?”

He smiled. “It was pretty funny. I was staying over at a mate's house, a whole bunch of us. He had this clap-on light. You know, those ones that turn on when you clap your hands? I don't remember much, but apparently I farted in the middle of the night, and the sound of it switched the light on.”

Gary’s fart story…  “LOL.” You burst out laughing. “You’re so funny. I love it.” You laughed along with a couple of other Islanders.

“Phew! For a minute there, I was scared I’d blown it.” Gary laughs, flashing his cheeky, infectious smile!

“I’ve done worse, mate.” Bobby high-fived the crane operator.

BH Lottie: “That's grim.” (She grimaced.) “Farting is such a turn-off.”

“You could say your performance was cheeky,” Bobby said playfully.

Noah slapped his forehead. “Oh, no…”

Bobby had a mischievous smile on his face as he continued, “Why did the fart open a bakery? It loved sharing its ‘puff’ pastries with everyone!”

Some laughter and a couple of groans. Gary chipped in, “Did you hear about the fart that joined a gym? It wanted to work on its glute-us maximus.” Gary laughs, his eyes gleaming boyishly. You return his smile. “Glad my puns are bringing a smile to your face.”

Jakub laughed. “That was al dente.”

Bobby was grinning with amusement. Too easy. “What do you call a teacher who never farts in the library? A private tutor.”

A few chuckles go around. Chelsea tears open an envelope, grins, then runs over to Lottie, waving a secret in one hand. “Oh. Em. Gee. You are actually my hero!”

You asked, “What did she do?”

Chelsea looked at the makeup artist in awe. “She shaved off a guy’s eyebrows!”

Hope gasped. “Oh, my days!”

“What can I say?” Lottie frowned. “I found his wedding ring.”

Jakub paled. “Wow, that’s harsh.”

“Well, I couldn’t just let him get away with it. So I just took things into my own hands.”

Lottie shaved off a guy’s eyebrows after discovering he was married… “That’s so fierce.”

Lottie smirked. “Don’t worry, I didn’t leave him completely bare. Me and my sharpie gave him a whole new pair of evil eyebrows. On. Fleek.”

“OMG, I can’t even imagine.”

GIRLS: LAUGHTER AND CHEERING

Chelsea picks up another secret and gasps. “This one’s about Bobby!”

She handed it toward Lottie. “Nah, I’m good. You're on your own.”

“Are you sure you don’t wanna know what it says? I love knowing things other people don’t know. I’ll just open one. Actually, maybe two.” She picks up another and opens it.

“Bobby once had to be rescued naked from a hotel rooftop. #AllHangOut #DressCodeNotRequired”

You asked, “Why would you be on a hotel rooftop?”

Jakub claimed, “I’ve been naked in a lot of hotels, but never on a rooftop.” Priya chimes in with a teasing comment, “Hope it was somewhere exotic. Or your packages won’t have been much to write home about.”

“It was a warm night.” Bobby grins mischievously. “There were six of us stuck out there. We were on a massive night, and it escalated quickly. I heard a helicopter, so I thought it’d be funny to all get naked, get on the roof, and do the helicopter with our… equipment.”

Gary smirked, asking, “You mean swinging it round in a circle?

“Yeah! Total banter, until we got locked out on the roof for hours. Gave the builders renovating the roof a surprise in the morning.”

Everyone laughs. Chelsea starts grabbing a whole bunch and tearing them open, reading the secrets to herself before throwing them aside. You take one of the ones she’s discarded. This one’s about Marisol.

“Marisol has a lot of responsibilities, not least running her 100k-strong web page — ‘Duck of the Day’. #CutHerSomeQuack #MysteriousMallard”

Chelsea asked, “What’s Duck of the Day?”

“Oh, it’s just this page where we post pictures of ducks. Mostly mallards, but sometimes the odd swan, maybe a moorhen. On Wednesdays, we do waterfowl.”

Lucas asked, “You run a web page about ducks?”

“Why ducks?”

Bobby chipped in next, “Why any of it?”

The law student explained: “It was just this random fun thing that me and my housemates decided to do in our first year at uni. We had a load of ducks on campus, so it was kind of an in-joke.”

Hope smiled, saying, “I’d join that. Ducks are hilarious.”

Marisol returned the Londoner’s smile. “We get some really wild ones. I’ll sign you up first thing when summer’s over.”

Bobby continued with, “That’s so cool… ducks are-”

Marisol cut Bobby off, claiming, “There’s a joke in there somewhere, but ‘no duck pun’ vibes from you right now, so…”

She is about to say more when Chelsea gasps, staring down at another secret in her hands amid a scattering of torn, empty envelopes. “Oh. Em. Gee. I'm shook!”

Hope looked at her and asked, “What is it?”

Narrator Iain Stirling: The Islanders are winding down after a challenge filled with secrets unknown- but there's about to be a new one spilling out of Chelsea's mouth, and it's a corker!

Chelsea's eyes widen, flickering towards Noah. She presses her lips together and shakes her head. “Mm-mm. Nope. Can't tell.”

Hope asked, “Why not? Is it something to do with me and Noah?” Priya rolls her eyes. Hope doesn't seem to notice. Noah presses his fingers to his temples, shakes his head, and groans.

Chelsea won’t share the secret she just read. “You don’t need to tell us.”

Hope demanded. “I think she does. It’s all of our business. We need to know what we’re getting ourselves into.” Marisol insisted, “Give us a clue.”

Chelsea blushes. “It’s to do with somebody’s ex-girlfriend.”

Hope stated, “I can literally see Noah’s name on the envelope you’re holding. If it’s about his ex-girlfriend, I want to know!” Chelsea bites her lip.

Noah puts his head in his hands. Hope's demand for information leads Chelsea to reveal, “Oh, alright then! I can’t say no to my girls. It says… Noah had an ex called Priya. For, like, three months.”

Grace (thinking): Oh, snap!

The news rattles the group, and there is a mixture of surprise, gasps, and worry in the air. Priya raises her eyebrows in amusement. Hope's face has lost some of its colour. “Noah's ex is called Priya?” The revelation seems to have caught her off guard, and the group awaits her reaction.

Noah quickly added, “Can we not make this bigger than it is?”

Grace (thinking): In three, two, one…

“Oh, this is big. We tell each other everything. Or at least we used to.” Hope crosses her arms and scowls at Noah. “Why did you hide this?”

Noah replied, “Because it didn't feel important to say. Who cares what my ex is called? It doesn't mean anything.” The tension in the air thickened as the conversation took an unexpected turn. 

“It’s interesting, I guess. I’ll add it to my list of fun facts. Pub quiz, here we go, ” Bobby said as he tried to diffuse the atmosphere with humour.You insisted, “It doesn’t mean anything. Plenty of people are called ‘Priya’.”

Noah nodded. ”Thank you, Grace.”

Marisol brought up, “But don't you think that's interesting though? In that people tend to subconsciously go for partners who remind them of their ex.”

“Precisely.” Hope nods, her lips screwed into a tight line. The law student added, “Like, so many of my exes look the same. It's natural to be drawn to what's familiar.” Her cryptic comment had left a cloud of uncertainty. 

Noah huffed, “Not helping, Marisol.” Hope went on, “Next, I'll find out their identical twins.” Priya scowls at her. 

You look around at the rest of the Islanders. I never said anything to Hope about this morning. Keep quiet for now. You clamp your mouth shut and watch the drama unfold.

“I never want to meet another Priya again at this rate,” claimed Hope.

Noah frowned. “Now that's just unfair.”

The islanders were on the edge of their seats, sharing looks with each other as they watched to see how the conflict would unfold. Hope stared at Noah incredulously. “Why? I'm done with her trying to snake her way in with you!”

Priya barks a laugh. She seemed unfazed and challenged Hope. “Please. You still think I’m the problem?” 

Hope snapped at the estate agent, “What's that supposed to mean?”

Grace (thinking): Oh, no. Priya wouldn’t tell Hope what Noah said in front of the group?

Priya explained, “He hasn't talked to you yet, has he?”

Grace (thinking): Bloody hell. 

Gary could feel your shoulders tense up. He gave you a concerned look.

Hope's eyes go wide, and her head turns to look at Priya. “Talk to me about… what?”

Noah looks especially taken aback, shifting awkwardly in his bean bag. “Priya—.”

Hope turns to face Noah and Priya. “Excuse me. I want to hear what Priya has to say.”

Priya continued, saying, “I want it out in the open. Noah said this morning that he's thinking of picking me at the next recoupling.” The colour drains from Hope's face.

Hope's expression now shifts to a mix of shock and hurt as Priya lays out the truth about Noah's roof terrace confession. A collective inhale of breath as the Islanders take in what this means, exchanging glances as they process the bombshell that has just been dropped.

Hope sniffs. “I thought I was going crazy.” She looks as though she might cry. The tension is palpable, and all eyes are fixed on the trio. The vulnerability in Hope’s expression tugs at your heartstrings.

Noah's face pales. “I don’t think—” Noah, now fully aware of the impact of Priya's revelation, looks like a deer caught in headlights.

After a moment, her expression hardens. Hope slowly turns to look at Noah, and she looks at him with a hurt expression. “And just when were you planning on telling me any of this?” 

Everyone stares at Noah. An awkward silence descends. You take hold of Gary’s hand. He gives it a small squeeze. “For the record, I never said I was going to choose her. Just that I... thinking about it. I didn't want to mess up what we have over something I wasn't sure about.” Grace and Lottie look at Hope, supportive. 

“You're waaay beyond messing things up, babe. I'm done with this.” Hope turns on her heel and starts striding back in the direction of the villa, with Noah chasing her. 

Gary lets out a low whistle as he watches them leave. “Phew. For a minute there, I thought that was going to turn into a massive argument.” The group looks at each other; tension hangs in the air.

Narrator Iain Stirling: You wouldn't have been wrong, Gary.

Marisol shook her head. “Wow!”

Lucas, glancing around at the others, echoed her sentiment. “Things just got real.”

Lottie replied, “You think?”

Chelsea asked, “That’s the end of the secrets, then?” An awkward silence lingers. The islanders brace themselves for the inevitable fallout of this news.

BH Marisol: "Well, this changes everything, doesn't it? We can't pretend things are the same after this bombshell. It's out in the open now. It affects all of us."

Narrator Iain Stirling: Well, a game of secrets was never gonna end with the Islanders skipping hand in hand into the Mallorcan sunset now was it?

A phone buzzes. Chelsea announced, “Oh, it's me! Guys, I got a text!”

“What does it say?”

Chelsea reads it to herself, and her face falls. “...” She looked up. “They’ve given me a warning for stealing those envelopes. It’s against the rules, apparently! Lol. Awkward. I’ll have to be on my best behaviour from now on.”

Everyone goes, but Gary stays and catches your eye. “Bloody hell.” Gary rubbed his beard. “Defo feels like there’s a love triangle developing.”

“Feels that way to me.” You move in for a tender hug, and Gary holds you tight in his muscular arms. 

“I’ve never liked triangles. Worst shape ever.” The atmosphere was charged with uncertainty. The revelation about Noah's wavering commitment hung in the air, and the dilemma of whether to share this information with Hope weighed on your mind.

Gary can sense there’s more to the story. “Did you overhear something this morning?”

You take a breath. “Noah and Priya were having a conversation on the roof terrace. He said Priya had turned his head. He’s having doubts, and he’s thinking about choosing her at the next recoupling.”

Gary sighed. “Interesting.”

You pull away from the hug, looking into Gary's eyes. “Should I have told Hope about the conversation I overheard between Noah and Priya right away?” And be the one to start the drama…

Gary, ever direct, said, "Let's not kid ourselves. We might as well brace ourselves for what's coming." He mused internally. Maybe Priya’s not the only one Noah wants to get to know?

Love Island is full of twists and turns, and you can't help but wonder what impact your decision – to share or not to share – will have on the evolving dynamics among the islanders.

Narrator Iain Stirling: Coming up! No place is safe from the wrath of Hope. Operation Nope comes to a head… And the Islanders receive an unexpected text… Find out next time on Love Island! Don’t miss it!

+++

Trending On Twitter:

@lilyzmart1997- THE TEAAAAAA!!! OMG! THINGS ARE GETTING REAL! OOF!!

@annanick09- Okay I was all for Priya but the way she be coming for HOPE... I was a little SHOOK

@katkat445- I’m dead how Priya just spilled the tea like, WOW

@jentrope76- Miss Priya went in on Hope! I’d like to see Noah coupled up with someone different for a change.

@Andre_Kellie- Yaaasss!!! I can't wait for the next one. Omg. The drama is going to peak!!!

@krisbelter18- If Noah hadn't wanted to mess things with Hope, he should have been honest.

[rae-napier64]

I’ve been thinking about this for way too long because my brain hates me

But I’ve had a slight realisation, some of the disconnect with US based liminal spaces and my own experience/ Eastern European and British liminal spaces could stem from class disparities.

And I don’t mean like “poor people liminal spaces gross and stinky, rich people liminal space is shiny and clean” although that’s part of it.

I grew up in poverty, not looking for pity or sympathy just stating a fact, bouncing from council estate to council estate until eventually I was moved into the foster care system and was finally moved into a middle class area and home.

Now, my foster parents are both proudly working class and have given me the chance to also be proudly working class, they’ve built what they have and what they’ve given us on their own backs. But my ideas of liminal spaces don’t feature my current living situation, there’s comfort in the way I live now sure but there’s very little nostalgia.

And I think that’s a big part of why the American liminal spaces that I often see are so far from my own experience, because they’re all based around upper working/middle class lifestyles, the finished basement, the rooms filled with electronics and expensive furniture hell even the wide open spaces of fields and roads seem to echo with the idea that the person were viewing them through is comfortable and content.

Growing up I never had that, I had peeling wallpaper and rooms filled with stuff that was not mine, I shared a room with three other family members at one point (all age appropriate, young female cousins) and don’t get me started on the tower blocks my friends and family lived in, falling apart, moulding and smelling like rot no matter what they did to combat it because the council didn’t care enough to fix it, everywhere you went was haunted by the shadow of poverty even if you didn’t realise it, it took me about ten years to realise i was poor, like genuinely below the poverty line, because the adults in my family never let us kids go without, we’d get last years toys and games and clothes, we’d go camping for holiday and we’d always always have friends and family over the house so we were never alone,

And I think that’s why the Americanised liminal space feels so off to me, it has no personality, it feels empty and alone because it is, it’s an only child who’s parents have bought them the newest games console to distract them whilst the adults are away at work or busy doing other things, it’s the public pools that should be filled with other kids and families but are instead still and quiet,

There’s no life to them because they never had to breathe life into it, they didn’t need to pretend that the house was haunted, or dig holes in the back garden to stave off boredom, they didn’t have one tshirt that went around two whole families before becoming scraps and rags,

Now I’m not denying that some Americans live that way, I’m aware of the poverty issues in America and I know that these experiences are not unique to me, but I rarely see this side of the equation online, poverty is not a set line, it changes with the times and is easily hidden when it needs to be anyone can pretend to have more than they do, but when we’re dealing with liminal space and nostalgia, we shouldn’t be hiding these things, this is what a good majority of peoples childhoods were, why would you want to forget that?

i love it when "liminal space" pictures are described as "strangely familiar" because they do not ever invoke nostalgia in me. on account of me not being american. this is what eastern european liminal spaces look like

[andromerot]

MABEL / THE CRANE WIVES

ids after the cut

episode eight: the freeze / easier

episode sixteen: underworld / canary in a coal mine

episode nineteen: la peregrinación / how to rest

episode twenty: acting out / hollow moon

episode twenty-two: eternal return / tongues and teeth

episode twenty-two: eternal return / take me to war

episode twenty-five: chimera / safe ship, harbored

episode thirty: the consort / shallow river

infinity mirror part one: tressa / the garden

episode fourty one: a superfluity / curses

First image: An excerpt of Mabel, Episode 8, reading: “I feel strange. Not completely real. Disconnected from my body, disconnected from my thoughts. A spinal column trailing over a bed of nerves. This isn’t my house, I shouldn’t be here alone, but I am, I’m drifting through the hallway, I’m running my hand along the wall. If the house is a heart, I’m its blood. Do you know what I mean? Am I making sense? Once upon a time we were strangers. We’d never even heard one another’s names. Now, we’re – something else. Strange, maybe, not strangers. Not now.” Next to it, lyrics from the Crane Wives song Easier, reading: “If you woke and I was gone / From the house that we made our home / Would it bend you, break you, overtake your heart /Like it did my own?”

Second image: An excerpt of Mabel, Episode 16, reading: “Do you know that I love you? Can you hear me? I feel you, I can feel your heartbeat if I press my hand up against my own chest. What do you think happened to the thread, after Theseus had found his way out of the labyrinth? I think he left it there, like a memento. Like an offering. There is something – something in me that has curved around you. If I let you stay down here, if I let you die down here, that part of me will die. So maybe I’m selfish, really. I don’t know. It doesn’t matter. I love you, I love you.” Next to it, lyrics from the Crane Wives song Canary in a Coal Mine, reading: “Let the dirt hang heavy in your chest/Drag me deeper down the long, dark ground/Know that all my love will be your breath/I will save you when your lights go out”

Third image: An excerpt of Mabel, Episode 19, reading: “The sun is out. Of all things I missed, I think the sun is the most significant. Light and warmth. Is it just a poor substitute for you, I wonder? I don’t have your real world skills, Anna. I had to walk here. I never learned to drive, did you know that? The thought’s still a little distasteful to me. All that screeching metal. I’d rather know my feet stretch into the roots of the earth.” Next to it, lyrics from the Crane Wives song How To Rest, reading: “'Cause you'll miss the sun/The warmth of another's embrace/You'll need room to run/And something to chase/And that thing you fear will coax you out of that unholy place/As all you've ever wanted is an escape”

Fourth image: An excerpt of Mabel, Episode 20, reading: “Enough phantoms and masks. I think I understand the lesson, at the very least, I think there is to be no resolution for me, no ending to which I can cling and say, my journey is over. Now I can rest. There is enough rest in the Martin family for me already; all of us in the dirt, one way or another.” Next to it, lyrics from the Crane Wives song Hollow Moon, reading: “I won't be sleeping/There's too many monsters in the backyard/And I feel them creeping/Closer, closer, closer/I'm afraid/Is this a bunker or a shallow grave?/Either way I'm left/Holding onto the shovel and rope/Digging in the dirt/Finding bones, finding ghosts”

Fifth image: An excerpt of Mabel, Episode 22, reading: “You cannot love me, Anna. I am thorns and mist. Do you know that? Do you know what I really am? Or do you only want to matter? You told me that I made you matter. I could have been anyone then, couldn’t I? I could have been any girl made of your moonlit reflection. You had your little adventure, then, Anna. You had your flirtation with danger, your flirtation with the abnormal, with anything that exists outside of yourself. I will only eat you from the inside out. I am death, silver and black, come to ruin you. Do you still want me now? Do you still want the biting thorns of me?I’m sorry. I’m sorry. You don’t deserve this. I just - push and push you, until you dissolve. I am a sharp and vitriolic thing, Anna; you must be unyielding. Or else all we will do is hurt each other. I have no real desire for that. Despite my outbursts, despite my cruelty, I have no real desire to ever bring you anything but feral joy. If I can’t, then I will let you be.” Next to it, lyrics from the Crane Wives song Tongues and Teeth, reading: “I've grown a mouth so sharp and cruel/It's all that I can give to you, my dear/And when you come in quick to steal a kiss/My teeth will only cut your lips, my dear/And I know that you mean so well/But I am not a vessel for your good intent/I will only break your pretty things/I will only wring you dry of everything/But if you're fine with that/You can be mine like that”

Sixth image: An excerpt of Mabel, Episode 22, reading: “ANNA’S DOPPLEGANGER: You’ve cornered yourself up there. There’s nowhere for you to run. I’ll circle you like a shark and wait until you’re asleep, and then I’ll tie up your hair again, and you’ll be mine, and mine, and mine./MABEL: All earth fears the purity of fire./ANNA’S DOPPLEGANGER: Excuse me?/MABEL: I brought my matches with me, you stupid, useless branch! [MATCH LIGHTS; FIRE CRACKLING]/ANNA’S DOPPLEGANGER: [SCREAMS]” Next to it, lyrics from the Crane Wives song Take Me To War, reading: “I watched a weed usurp the garden/And it poisoned the rest of the crops/It would take days of fighting stubborn roots/To tear the whole damn thing out/So I will leave it where it's standing/And instead I will find me a match/I'll turn it all to kindling/I'll burn it all down to ash”

Seventh image: An excerpt of Mabel, Episode 25, reading: “There is no world in which you did not create yourself. And in every way that is true – I know nothing of your mother, your father, your sister, your cousins, your homeland, your habits. I only know what carefully curated self you have shown me, gift-wrapped. A spread of all your bright, best qualities. Is that truth? Is that prayer? Do I have to take the rest of you on faith, Saint Anna? I have a natural inclination towards doubt, towards...questioning. Always a fist to raise against something. Not you. I don’t think. Unless this bower is another cage. Then. Well, then.” Next to it, lyrics from the Crane Wives song Safe Ship Harbored, reading: “Where does your faith fall?/Where does your faith fall in me?/Don't break the bottle/Don't waste your blessings on me”

Eight image: An excerpt of Mabel, Episode 30, reading: “ANNA: I don't remember what I saw, just that it was - someone, a connection, time unravelling, me and - I couldn't bear it. No, that's not. That's not fair, I was just too - weak, I was too weak to bear it./MABEL: To bear what? What was it? What did you do?/ANNA: I - tore it up. I snapped the connection, like a thread. I said I'll never see her, I'll never know her, not in this world.” Next to it, lyrics from the Crane Wives song Shallow River, reading: “Let her leave my sight/Make her leave my mind/Bring it down on my head/If these sins are mine”

Nine image: An excerpt of Mabel, Infinity Mirror Part 1, reading: “The bird – I swear, it laughed at me. It flew away – you know how ravens fly, they’re heavy, you can hear their wings almost whining through the air. And I was alone, and I knew, I knew, I knew that I was going to die. That I’d been tricked. That bird had looked inside me and seen how useless and foolish and disposable and, and impermanent I was, and it offered me a poisoned apple like Snow White’s stepmother and just flew away and left me alone to die.” Next to it, lyrics from the Crane Wives song The Garden, reading: “Tear it down, tear it down around my head/I need you to bury this beneath my bed/The crows in the garden are laughing at my expense/Drowning out all the lies that I might have told instead”

Tenth image: An excerpt of Mabel, Episode 41, reading: “MABEL: They grew too great for their cages. Both the mice and the rats. The experiments were repeated but it was always the same result: the implosion of their known universe, due to endless growth. If a world has boundaries, the seedlings are a menace. What are we supposed to do when the vines outgrow the walls of the house?/ANNA: Burn the house down.” Next to it, lyrics from the Crane Wives song Curses, reading: “Every word I say is kindling/But the smoke clears when you're around/Won't you stay with me, my darling/When my walls start burning down, down, down?”

[weasleyacademia]

Ten Minutes| R.W.

Ron Weasley x Fem!Reader

Word Count: apprx 730

smut

Warnings: sex, mentions of sex, language?

Description: Reader is picking up her boyfriend, Ron Weasley, to spend the rest of the summer at her Summer Cabin

A/N: I really love this.

“Bye Dad, i’m gonna go pick up Ron.” i holler through the house while grabbing my keys off the hook by the front door.

“Bye Love, tell Mr. and Mrs. Weasley hello for me alright!” he calls from the kitchen.

“i will. we’re gonna go straight to surrey and London to get Harry and Hermione if that’s okay?” i say opening the door.

“Yes that’s fine, drive safely please.” he calls.

“Course I will! Bye!” I walk out the front door shutting it quietly, and walk through the garden out to the garage.

I start my car and pull out of the driveway going into town. i stop at a coffee shop and get a drink, then start to drive to the burrow.

I pull into their driveway after 2 hours of driving and see Ron running at full speed out the front door.

I park my car and jump out the door, not bothering to close it, and run straight into his arms. He picks me up hugging me tightly, and i pull my face out of his chest and kiss him softly.

“two months is too long.” he says smiling.

“agreed.” i pull him in again kissing him slowly.

“okay, let’s go inside.” He says setting me down. we walk up into the house and i’m immediately hugged by ginny.

“Ahhhh I’ve missed you so much!” She says squeezing me.

“oi, let the poor thing breath!” Fred says entering the room.

“yeah! she’s just driven 2 hours.” George says just now turning to look at me, “ah look, you’ve got even shorter.”

I hug George then Fred. “missed you guys!” i say after our hugs.

“You boys move, let me get a hug in...” Mrs. Weasley says pushing the boys away from me. She opens up her arms and takes me into a long hug,

“oh darling! it’s so great to see you! looking beautiful as ever,” she says taking my face into her hands, “lucky lucky boy that ron. don’t know how you deal with him.”

Fred snorts, “Oh she definitely deals with him.” he whispers. Ron smacks him upside the head his face bright red.

“well thank you for letting him come along with us to the cabin Mrs. Weasley!” i say.

“oh please you’re doing me a favor, one less crazy ginger to deal with.”

Ron rolls his eyes, “Y/N, why don’t you come help me out with packing upstairs.” He says taking my hand.

We walk up the stairs quickly, “I’m already all the way packed, we have 10 minutes.” He whispers in my ear.

I smirk and run quicker up the stairs. We get into his bedroom and he slams me against the wall kissing me roughly.

He pulls away, “love you’re going to have to be as quiet as possible.” I nod and he pushes me onto the bed and pulls down my light blue skinny jeans and maroon t-shirt off.

He kisses up my stomach to my face. He pulls his pants down and i feel his large bulge grind against my core.

“i need you now.” I whine into his ear. He smiles pulling his boxers down slowly, then thrusts himself into me slowly.

“Oh my fucking god you’re so tight love.” he pants into my ear.

“f-faster please.” I say trying to stay quiet. Ron pumps into me quicker and I dig my nails into his back trying to suppress the moans that so badly want to come out of my mouth.

“Oh bloody hell i’m almost there.” Ron says his face starting to screw up.

“it’s okay love do it.” i say quietly, and he finishes into me and rolls to the side of the bed.

“i love you so damn much.” he says stroking my face.

“I love you too.” i say kissing him slowly.

“okay we should get downstairs before stupid Fred and George notice we’ve been gone for so long” he says rolling out of bed.

I jump up and pull on my clothes. ron grabs his duffle bag full of clothes and opens up the door.

Fred and George are standing outside the door with giant smirks on their faces. they crowd around Ron, “Oh bloody hell you’re so tight love!!!” Fred says into Rons ear slamming his hand on the wall,

“bloody hell i’m almost there!” George says on the other side. Ron flushes and you both walk between them awkwardly down the stairs.

[kcatta-wodahs]

Making Lore Out of the Angel Event

Im the definition of 'its not that deep but I'm going to dig a hole to make it that deep'

In this case its me making it that deep because otherwise this event is upsetting so I'm making some dark lore theories to make it make sense to me.

I'll have a lot of spoilers below. For the event and everything I know, which is up to like lesson 32 I think.

Basically, TLDR; this was an attack by Michael/their Father on Devildom. Simeon and Diavolo have successfully negated the threat by turning it into a game.

TLDR Thesis; The Celestial Realm is governed through careful mind control. The Demon Bros are not "avatars" because of being demons- they have been cursed by their Father to suffer as no other demon nor angel has to.

First we hear direct from Michael, and he's giving these bangles that appear to brainwash the main cast.

This was an attempt by their Father to bring them back under his control. By control, I mean this literally.

I've felt for a long time that the way the Celestial Realm seems to be run is... shady. It's a utopia to outside appearances only, and those who have been most deeply embroiled in the Great Celestial War know this.

The Great Celestial War was over free will, rather than the specifics of Lilith's situation. She was the catalyst for a long-time-coming revolt against the rulers of the Celestial Realm.

My logic for this:

The reason for Lilith's expulsion goes against the current action plan of the Celestial Realm. Peace between the realms? Sure, but their Father is bound to realize that you put angels, humans, and demons together you're going to end up with more angels like Lilith, who fall for other races. Why would he accept this truce if he lost his favored children over an issue that is very similar? Did he have a change of heart? Heavens no.

Luke's behaviour towards the demon's seems case-and-point. Luke is not the strange one out of the angelic transfer students- Simeon is. Not only that, Simeon is chosen not in an attempt to promote peace, but to protect Luke from being influenced. (Which is, again, the whole point\of the exchange program.)

That time we went to the Celestial Realm for real - Lucifer was worried. Scared, even. This can be explained by, you know, the War and Lilith.. but I wonder if it may be more sinister. Like perhaps being brainwashed.

Diavolo and Barbatos weren’t required to wear bangles to become less “demon-like” for the “party”. This is because the bangles were a ploy to get the brothers back.

My theory is that when an angel begins to show signs of rebellion or questioning the divine order, they are forcibly stopped. Michael is that enforcer, and these 'gifts' are a method of stopping them.

The bangles cause a person to act *perfectly angelic* against their free will. The people affected become all smiles and sunshine, so clearly nothing could be wrong with it, right? They’re happy, right?

No. Very not right, and we can see that through Satan.

Poor Satan is always the exception to the rule of the Brothers, as his circumstances are different from everyone else's.

In this case though, he's the one who provides insight on this mind control. 

Let me remind you of the quotes Satan gives us during this time:

“I feel worked up.” “I don’t feel like myself at all.”

“It feels like something foreign is forcing my heart to be calm.” “Like my heart... becoming tranquil.”

Satan has never been an angel. He has never experienced this before. He has something the other brothers don’t: self-reflection. Satan can tell the difference between his feelings and feelings that are being imposed upon him. He tells you what he feels - “worked up” and “not like himself” and he is not smiling during this. He’s clearly unhappy, even though an angel might say he should feel unburdened by losing his anger.

He even mentions this.

“Normally, that wouldn’t seem like something bad, right?” “Something isn’t right.” “Maybe you shouldn’t come near me when I’m in this state.”

Satan is under the effects of the bangle, being forced to act angelic, but he can tell something “isn’t right.” He clearly shows that he thinks this is a “bad” thing, not because being calm is bad, but because it’s not “normal”. And can I remind you that he’s the Avatar of Wrath? The Sin that is most likely to be dangerous to be around - and yet it’s only when his anger is forcibly quelled that he thinks you should stay away from him. He knows that this is not something to desire. He knows that it is not happiness.

“I can’t concentrate on reading today.”

I mean, he’s obviously going through a lot, so that’s fair. But I have the theory that if he were to try and research this condition he wouldn’t be able to either. I have a theory about the Garden of Eden. My theory is about Paradise.

Remember when Eve ate the fruit? Do you know what that fruit was? Sin?

No. That fruit was knowledge.

Specifically, knowledge of good and evil. Now, why would this knowledge be something to keep from those under the control of the Celestial Realm? It sounds rather like they might be able to then make their own decisions of what is right and wrong.

Satan has known this from the beginning. Knowledge is power. The Ruler of the Celestial Realm, the other demons’ Father, knows this, too.

Why are there no other Avatars?

Sin was not something inherent to Devildom. Sin is a judgement sent from the Celestial Realm. There are no other Avatars because they are a wholly angelic creation. There are other posts that have examined the Sins as outlets, and how each of the brothers are attempting to find ways to allow themselves to express their sin so it does not overtake them.

From the get-go, we are shown that these Sins are a defining point for the brothers, but we’re also shown that they cause more trouble than anything else. Again, part-and-parcel of being a demon, right?

So why aren’t other demons like this?

Look at Diavolo and Barbatos, or even just the background demons who work across Devildom. Look at No. 2. They are all far more complex, and could even be considered normal. No. 2 is specifically meant to be based off of Mammon and his greed, but is much more rounded when we interact with it.

If Diavolo is meant to be the ruler of demonkind -- the paragon of what a demon should be -- then why would he not be the epitome of all of these Sins in one? What is Diavolo, instead?

Diavolo is accepting.

Hold up a moment here. What? Sorry y’all but it sounds to me like Mr. Demon Daddy King trusts his son enough to pass the kingdom on to him... so that must mean that Diavolo is behaving as a demon should.

Barbatos doesn’t question Diavolo’s choices. Nobody does. He’s an all around popular ruler. Devildom seems to be quite.. the opposite of what we’ve been trained to expect, huh? Trained by who exactly?

What are the Demon Brothers?

Cursed. They don’t act like other demons because they’re not like other demons. When they rebelled against their Father, they were punished for this act, but I posit that the punishment and the exile were two different acts. Their Father knew that leaving the Celestial Realm was not punishment to those who desired free will. So instead, he gave them Sin. Something that Demons are not normally bound to.

But how would the brothers know this? They only know what they’ve been taught by angels about demons. Surely these new, pressing desires come from turning into demons..? 

So, why was this not taken seriously?

Short answer: it was. But in the way that aligns with Diavolo’s ultimate goals.

Diavolo wants peace. 

Let’s Talk About Simeon

Simeon is an enigma and a half isn’t he?

Simeon is close with Michael, closer than Luke in any case. Now, I’ll be honest, I can’t remember if it was a fanfiction I read that said this or if it was canon so uh - forgive me. But Simeon was chosen to accompany Luke as an exchange student so that Luke would get some education. Simeon says this is to help relations, as Diavolo wants, but of course that’s what you would say as a sleeper agent?

Now, don’t get sad. Because we love Simeon here and we support him.

Simeon is wise and neutral. He seems to support the brothers, and even still wishes to foster a relationship with them. This could be seen as an attempt to bring them back, or some such, but I like to think that Simeon knows what’s wrong with the Celestial Realm.

Simeon, however, doesn’t think that a revolt can solve it. Simeon is working with Diavolo to create a form of peace - and has been transparent about the fact that Michael chose him to prevent Luke from being corrupted. I like to think he’s also been transparent with Diavolo about Michael’s actual goal. 

Simeon believes that the races should co-exist and love freely. How could love be evil, after all? Whether or not this is a new concept to him (because of his falling for you) or if this is just who he is, I’ll leave up to you and your preferences, but since he is now no longer undateable, it is established that he does not believe love between angels and humans to be bad - as his Father did with Lilith.

What happened, then?

My theory is that Simeon told Diavolo that Michael had given him a task - to give these bangles to the brothers to remind them of the joy they were missing by disobeying the Divine Order. Either that, or to brainwash them into coming back home. 

Simeon’s position would be revealed to Michael if he didn’t give the brothers the bangles, but he does not want to instigate another war either. So he told Diavolo Michael’s plan. 

Diavolo wants peace, and he knows that with time, the brothers can overcome this mind control as they had in the past - especially with his help. 

So thus comes the “party”. 

An excuse to make the bangles seem like a “harmless” gift, that had only gone wrong because of strange magical interference, when really they had done exactly what they were supposed to.

And a wonderful way to maintain peace while leaving the Celestial Realm to stew in their own pots. 

Simeon gets to maintain his facade for everyone - and put on a show for Michael as being loyal. He also gets to show Luke that perhaps being wholly angelic isn’t the way for some people, letting him learn a little more about peaceful coexistence. Nothing happens to ruin Diavolo’s grand plan for peace, and he gets to learn more about the curse that is set upon his friends - One that he hopes to be able to break someday, so they can live their lives unfettered by their Father.

[novamirmirsblog]

I am not a woman, I'm a God (17+)

If I can't have love I want power pt 2

If I can't have love masterlist

Word Count: 1640

Genre: dark I guess?

Request: no

Warnings: none? (atm anyways)

A/N: I'm not too happy with this chapter so it's subject to change BUT the next couple chapters should pick things up a little :3 OH and the next chapter might contain smut (Idk yet - I'll try to edit this when I've written the next chapter)

1737 - The middle

The revenge was sweet and drawn out. The redhead and her long-time friend had made sure of that. They let you finish the duke off but not before they had their fun. The two women were gorgeous, both with red hair that would make any woman jealous. The green-eyed woman had hair like a wildfire and the blue-eyed woman had hair the colour of a deep red sunset. Liking women was wrong but you weren’t sure these two counted as women – they certainly weren’t human. Wanda, the one with sunset hair, tortured your husband mentally, angry whisps the same colour as Natasha’s hair crawled in through his ears and buried themselves deep within his brain. While this was happening, Natasha was peeling layer after layer of skin off him with her razor-sharp nails. You weren’t sure if you could even call them nails – not when they looked so much more like claws. While Wanda was exploiting your husband’s deepest darkest fears, Natasha was calmly explaining to you which tools to use where so you could cause the most pain. Apparently pain and torture was an aphrodisiac for them because the two demons decided to show you what you had been missing out on due to your husband’s lack of skill.

That was almost 200 years ago. Wanda and Natasha had given you great gifts, allowing you to have a much longer life, giving you cat-like reflexes and godlike powers. Perhaps your favourite was the enhancements they gave to your voice. People were suddenly compelled to do whatever you suggested they do and the rush it gave you was unexplainable. These gifts were not free however and yet the price was one you willingly paid repeatedly. Especially because it meant spending extra time with your two favourite demons. You were there to cause chaos and have fun which was ironic considering Wanda was a chaos demon and Natasha was a succubus but perhaps that’s why you did what you did. Perhaps it was because you were made by them and therefore must serve them in every way imaginable.

~~~~~

You had watched your siblings grow from afar and made sure every single villager who ever even looked at them wrong suffered. When you were with Wanda and Natasha, it felt as if everything just fit into place. It was strange and you felt as if you shouldn’t miss them – they killed and tortured your husband in front of you, gave you gifts that meant you couldn’t live a normal life and coerced you into sex that you weren’t sure you wanted; yet you still wanted them.

Your story was told countless times and the more times it was told, the deeper the truth was twisted into a legend, a tale mothers told their children to keep them away from the forests late at night. You were turned into a martyr, a victim of the horrible cruelties the evil creatures of the world could bestow onto innocent girls.

You were anything but.

If the storytellers could see you now, they would burn all mentions of your story. You were a problem child, a bad example and you had two of the most powerful demons wrapped around your little finger.

A few years ago, you had mentioned to Natasha and Wanda one evening that you were bored. That’s how you found yourself currently being shot at.

“Natty I’m bored.” You whined, throwing yourself dramatically over the bed. History was going through a dry spell; people weren’t doing anything interesting and there weren’t enough opportunities for you to wreak havoc.

“Natty” Wanda mocked “Our princess is bored.”

“Well, we can’t have that now, can we?” Natasha moved to hover over you, Wanda placed your head in her lap. Natasha’s tail flicked with a cat-like manner before it slithered between your legs.

You grabbed her tail and she let out a moan “Not now Natasha. I’m serious. If I knew living forever was going to be this boring, then I wouldn’t have done it.” That wasn’t quite true, you enjoyed being theirs to use but you were getting restless.

Natasha rolled her eyes, leaning up to kiss Wanda instead. You waited a few moments for the two demons to stop their make-out session, but it didn’t look to be ending any time soon. You rolled out from underneath Natasha and untangled Wanda’s fingers from where she was massaging your scalp.

“Awe come back baby.” Wanda broke the kiss and made grabby arms at you. For a supposed demon, she sure was soft. “I promise we’ll make things more fun.”

Natasha rolled her eyes again “You’ve gone soft Wands.” Although Natasha huffed and puffed about how ‘soft’ Wanda had gotten, she seemed to have a slightly less hardened heart when she looked at you.

You were no longer bored but you were being shot at and while it couldn’t kill you, it sure did sting. Perhaps going after Dick Turpin’s loot was a bad idea but what can you say? You wanted to live a little. All you had wanted was a pretty horse you had seen him steal but nooo – he had to keep them all for himself. You had managed to escape Mr Turpin himself but one of his lackeys just wouldn’t give up. Rather than continuing to run, you decided you may as well get a quick meal.

“Hello darling.” Your voice echoed from all around, you watched as the man trying to kill you frantically whipped his head around.

“Who are you? Come out now!”

You let out a low, predatory chuckle.

“I’m the poor little martyr in all your stories.”

“No. You can’t be- that’s impossible! You should be dead!” You watched as the man continued to spin around and around in circles, watching him trip before revealing yourself.

“I am ancient. I have seen empires rise and fall. I have seen kings and queens and holy men enter the world and I have seen them leave; and yet I am nowhere near as old or as powerful as the women who made me the person I am today. While I watched preestablished civilisations crumble, they were reminiscing the time they created them, all while burning them to the ground. Some call me the end but they are mistaken. They are the end. I am your warning. I am the only kindness they will show you. Trivial things such as death do not concern me.” As you finished your speech, Natasha and Wanda’s comforting aura surrounded you, the dark mist embracing you before forming the two women.

“Couldn’t let you have all the fun now could we dove?” Natasha’s voice rumbled out against your neck, biting it lightly.

“You have to share.” Wanda cooed, lifting your chin up to face her as she captured your lips with hers.

The idiot who you were about to kill and feed on decided now was a good time to make their escape. Luckily, Wanda had other plans as her red magic bought the squirming meal back to you.

“Go away. I want to eat. It’s been so long.” You pouted, making your way back to your meal. It was a little annoying that to continue living in your young body that you had to drain the soul from another person, but it was worth it.

“But if we leave then who’s going to do all the heavy lifting?”

“And who will dig the hole in your garden?”

“Or put the body in the hole?”

“Or-”

“Okay! I get it. Fine. But just hush, okay? I like to eat in peace.” You grabbed the man and kissed him hard, feeling his soul merge with yours before it was consumed by the darkness.

“I don’t know why you always have to kiss them to feed” Natasha bit out, moving away from you with Wanda, voicing her unhappiness at you kissing someone else when only she should be kissing you- her and maybe Wanda.

“Well, it wasn’t me who made her feed that way.” Wanda whispered back

“Are you suggesting this is my fault?” Natasha’s voice got low and dangerous, and you felt the forest drop about 10 degrees.

“Well that’s how you feed isn’t it?” Wanda’s eyes glowed and a wind picked up.

You pulled away from your meal, the faint glow of his soul swirling around your mouth and eyes. “Want to share?” The forest rose back to its original temperature and climate as Natasha kissed you, absorbing small remnants of the soul. Wanda wrapped one arm around your waist while the other snaked up to your neck, her teeth lightly biting and sucking along your shoulders.

“I think you forget dove” Natasha broke the kiss to growl at you

“We’re in charge here. If we wanted to share, then we would share.” Wanda finished off for her.

It dawned on you that perhaps this was about more than just the meal. They were jealous.

“Are you two jealous?” You laughed, not at the situation but at their reactions. Wanda bit you harder and Natasha just glared at you.

“Of course not. Why would we be jealous of some silly insignificant dum-”

“Baby…” You reached up and placed one hand lightly on Wanda’s horn and the other on Natasha’s cheek, effectively stopping Natasha’s rant about how unjealous they are. Wanda moved from where she was standing behind you to stand next to Natasha. “You both know that if I could live off Demon energy then I would, but I can’t.”

Natasha and Wanda shared a look, having a silent conversation in the space of seconds before turning their attention back to you. “That’s not necessarily true love.” Wanda said.

“It will be painful but…well demons aren’t born. They’re made.” Natasha explained.

“And if you wanted to…”

You didn’t even hesitate before giving your answer. “Yes.”

Taglist:

@lucydiibi

[chibiwritesstuff]

Hey! I'm the one that asked for the Lilia and Malleus ask. I love what you wrote so much man! (My poor heart died 😂) I am a big sucker for happy endings tho. So when you get the time can I ask for a happy ending ?

Ha, my laptop thought they won against me but I came out victorious (even though I took literal months to publish this.) In my defense, all the versions I’ve written for this didn't suit my tastes (not that this is any good either.) Hope this makes justice for such a long wait. Here’s the sequel/good ending for the angst fic.

Now, let’s enter this twisted wonderland~

Walking past the now dying garden that used to flourish in Ramshackle dorm, he sighed as he reminisces about the times you two stroll and spends time together. It's been years since you’ve left NRC, He and Lilia are about to graduate tomorrow, Silver will be a fourth-year student and the new vice-dorm leader while Sebek will be in his third year and the dorm leader much to the said fae’s surprise. He chuckled at the memory of how honored and tearful the young fae is upon being selected as its prefect.

“I have so much to tell you, (y/n).” He whispered at the wind.

“Hey, Tsunotarou!” The familiar voice of the tanuki cat being called that long-forgotten name.

“Hey, Tsunotarou! Are we going on a walk again tonight?” You smiled at him, your hand extended as an invitation.

“Grimm, wasn’t it?” He crouched down to pet the said creature.

“Hey! I’m not a pet!” The flames on his ears flared, responding to his emotions. “What are you doing here, anyway? The roses are all dead.”

A wave of sadness flashed in his eyes as another memory resurfaced. Returning his gaze towards the dead flowerbed, he let the memory linger.

“Thanks for the seeds, Tsunotarou!” You excitedly began digging and planting said seeds. “To commemorate our friendship, these roses will be our friendship roses!”

“Yes, they are…” His hand ceased from moving before sitting down the ground. “It’s all gone…”

“By the way, I never managed to get the courage to ask you but why did (y/n) went back home crying that time?”

“I was but a foolish man…” The young heir steered his gaze towards the night sky before closing his eyes. “Had I just enjoyed the present than worry about the future, perhaps they would still be here and smile brightly like they always had.”

“I’m sure if you say sorry, they’ll forgive you.” Grimm responded nonchalantly. “They said saying sorry is the first step to forgiveness… or something like that.”

He chuckled and stood up heading towards his dorm. “If things were only that easy…”

That night, he slept and dreamt about you two walking in the bed of roses you’ve grown at Ramshackle. Loving every single moment that you two get to spend subconsciously knowing that once he wakes up, he’ll return to the harsh reality of you not being by his side.

“Tsunotaro, I think I have fallen for you.” You quietly said warmth spreading across your cheeks. “Will you let me stay by your side till the last breath I take?”

This is all but a dream… so I can keep dreaming, right?

“Yes, only if you’ll let me do the same.”

“Really?!” Joy showed throughout your being which made him smile back. “Then I’ll see you tomorrow! Happy graduation!”

He woke up gasping for air. That dream sounded too good to be true and yet… he can’t help but be hopeful. Putting on a happy face, he got dressed on what Lilia laid out for him and this time, everybody remembered to tell him the time of the celebration. He can’t help but laugh just thinking what your reaction would have been about the changes of the students' behavior towards him after he tried to socialize better. Heading towards the stage getting his diploma as odd as it is, he acted formally as he mingled with the rest of the dorm leaders until a voice echoed throughout the area.

“Tsunotarou!” Receiving a hug from the back as the voice caught him off guard, he turned still not believing what he’s seeing. “Congrats on graduating!”

“(y/n)?” His voice faltered, overwhelmed with so many emotions. “How? Why? I –”

“Uh-oh… Lilia! Your king here is having an information overload!” You called which made the said fae laugh out loud.

“How are you here?” He finally managed to ask. “The mirror –”

“Ah, that would be my doing…” Idia whispered but managed to catch everyone’s attention. “It was an accident! I was messing around to make a teleporter so I can just teleport to the store than having to leave the dorm but it ended up making people travel through dreams then I managed to talk to (y/n). Then we both decided we might as well try to make travel here and back to their world possible.”

“Looks like you did meet me once upon a dream, yeah?” You grinned at the joke about his ancestor’s song.

He merely hugged you, savoring each second of being around your arms. “I don’t have anything ready but if you’ll give me a second chance…”

He lets go and kneeled on one knee before looking up to you once more. “Will you be my spouse till the day you draw your last breath?”

Time is but a blink of an eye for fae and before he knew it, the Star Sending is happening once again. He was happy when Silver and Sebek were chosen to be Star Gazers albeit the mentioned students aren’t. He strummed his electric guitar with no particular music in mind as he lets his mind wander until his gaze dropped on a familiar mug.

“Happy Birthday, Lilia!” You grinned as you handed him a mug that said “No. 1 Gamer Dad” on it. “Hope you like it!”

His lips curled into a faint smile as he remembered that day. It's been a year since you left and yet it felt like it was just yesterday. Letting go of the instrument, he walked towards the mug and lifted it intending to fill it with tomato juice.

“How have you been, little one?” He spoke towards the image of you in his head. “I hope life is treating you better in your world.”

Without me in it… he sighed as sadness filled his chest. If I could change the past, or at least be given another chance… will you give your love to me once more?

“Old m –” Silver cleared his throat before entering. “I mean, Lilia. I’m here to take your wish.”

He took a deep breath before putting a huge smile to face his son. “Ah, yes of course! You know my wish. I wish for both –”

“Stop.”

This surprised the old fae as his son never raised his voice on him. “We both know that that’s not your true wish.”

“Silver, do humor me and just let me finish my wish.” He pouted, swirling the tomato juice in the mug before drinking it.

“Father, we all know how much you love them.” The young knight sighed before taking a seat on a nearby chair. “You always gush about them whenever we eat or do anything.”

“Oh Silver, I appreciate the concern but sometimes you got to let go.” A forlorn smile graced his lips.

“And sometimes you have to be selfish!” Both of them looked surprised at his outburst yet Silver regained his composure and continued. “You love them, right?! Then why not be with them? You took me in out of love, right?”

“There’s a big difference here, Silver.” Lilia rubbed his temple as stress starts to build up.

“What’s the difference? We’re both humans with a short lifespan so you can't use that as an excuse!” His silver eyes narrowing as he gazed upon his father before widening. “You’re afraid, aren’t you?”

He let out a defeated chuckle before nodding. “You’ve grown so much, Silver. I’m so proud of you, you know?”

“Why? You could have been happily living with them.”

“Because I’m afraid to witness her death if we ever do start a family together.” At last, the older fae began letting his tears fall in front of his son. “I don’t think I’ll be able to survive seeing her pass while I still live on. I want it to last for all eternity but to remove her mortality is too inhumane.”

“I-I’m sorry…” Silver lowered his head, having a little understanding of what he meant. “I didn’t mean to –”

“So, for my wish this Star Sending…” After a pathetic attempt to control his tears, he gulped and continued. “I want to be given another chance to be with them… and this time, I’ll bear the pain of losing them when the time comes.”

A shine of light filled the wishing star confirmed his wish inside the item. Silver walked towards him and let the man cry his heart out in his arms. He both felt sad and honored that Lilia is willing to cry in front of him. He truly hopes that his father’s wish is granted. Bringing out the wishing star, he proclaimed his wish.

“I wish (y/n) can return in twisted wonderland once more.”

“Silver, you didn’t have to waste your wish for this…”

“I don’t mind having a parent like them.” He smiled before heading towards the door with both wishing stars at hand. “They’re a much better cook than you anyway.”

“Hey!”

The day of Star Sending has arrived and everybody is once again by the huge tree behind NRC. It went well without a hitch and Lilia’s phone filled with recordings of Sebek and Silver dancing in perfect sync towards the taiko being played by Jack of Savanaclaw. As all students began returning to their dorms, the bat fae decided to stay a little longer and was given privacy by the rest of the Diasomnia students.

“Catch me, Lilia!” A voice screamed from above.

Turning his attention to the voice’s origin. His eyes widened before extending his arms ready to catch the person. A huge smile on his face as you landed safely into his arms. You let out a sigh of relief as you steadied yourself in his hold.

“Do not question why I was up in the air.” You huffed, glaring at the sky. “Safe landing my ass! I was dropped off 50ft up in the air!”

“My oh my, did you fall in love with me all over again?” He teased as he covertly wiped his tears.

“I saw that and maybe but I would still prefer a much safer landing.” You huffed before smiling at him. “What happened to the ‘I wish for world peace between all creatures’ wish, huh?”

“How did you know?”

“My coworker and I were trying to make a portal to get me back here because I forgot some stuff here to grab and funnily enough those wishing stars became our fuel source to open that portal.” You pulled out your phone and confirmed your arrival with a whole long spiel on how the landing would have killed you if you weren’t caught by Lilia. “But by your wish I assume there’s no need for me to get packing away from here?”

“Yes, if you’ll give me another chance.” He held out his hand, a makeshift flower ring on his palm. “Will you give me the honor of being your significant other?”

[axwalker]

CREEP: I’m a creep

HIGH SCHOOL AU 

Pairing: Drake Walker and Lexie O’Brien -- Book TRR 

A/N 1 This came up to me after I got an ask from @nestledonthaveone

I was listening to my iPod on my way home from work yesterday & Radiohead's Creep came on. One of my favorite songs, and I think the lyrics are great for an angsty Drake fic. It reminds me of him. Could you please write an angsty fic inspired by the song? I love how you write angst!!

I used to hear this song when I was a teenager, so when I read this ask, I immediately wanted to write something angsty but situated in high school.

This is part one of two. 

I hope you enjoy it @nestledonthaveone 💕

A/N 2: Because they’re younger than usual, I decided to change my  FC --just for this fic. I’m still picturing Michiel and Valerie when they’ll be older though. 

A/N3: I’m participating in @wackydrabbles Prompt #105   It's definitely ... interesting.”

Thank you ladies! 

WARNINGS: Parental abuse. Eventually some lemons.  ALL MY FICS ARE 18+ 

Tags in the comments. 

LEXIE 

I’ve always loved sunsets. The entire sky is painted orange and pink, streaking with white light and many other colors; I can’t take my eyes away from it. Sunsets remind us that no matter what is happening in our lives, the sun will be out again tomorrow. It’s raw, beautiful, and comforts me—the thought of the sun watching over me. I sit on my porch, my knees against my chest. I’m wearing a white tank top and jean shorts to fight the intense heat that invades Cordonia in early September.  I fix my eyes on the sky, wishing a miracle. Something that takes me away from my father and his new wife. Away from the pain of losing mom.

“What are you doing?” The voice is so resonant, deep, and rasping. Slowly, I sit up and look around, pushing my long, brown hair out of my eyes. I raise my head, and I see him. Drake Walker. 

 My breath catches, and I cross my arms over my breasts, knowing the thin material of my shirt isn’t keeping me remotely modest. What is he doing here? At this time, no less. I go to school with Drake. We’re both sophomores at Valtoria High School. He’s six foot two, with strong shoulders, and has a knowledge of life in his eyes that boys our age simply don’t possess. We have five classes together, and he sits through them like a statue, his chocolate eyes unreadable. Tall, dark, and angry. Handsome in a hard way that makes the other girls nervous when he walks down the hallways. Not me, though. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve stared at him from behind my locker door, breath trapped in my lungs, wondering what he’s thinking of behind his brooding eyes. 

“I asked, what are you doing? This isn’t a safe place to be alone at night. You should get inside.” 

“Inside is no safer.” Why would I say that? My first time talking with this boy, and I tell him my deepest secret? His eyes narrow at me.“I mean, there’s not a lot of crime in this part of Portavira.” That loosens the tension in his broad shoulders. “I’m looking at the sunset. I love it. It’s so beautiful and wild.” I bit my bottom lip noticing his eyes dip to catch the action. 

“It’s definitely ... interesting,” he says, noncommittally. “There are things I like more.” 

“Like what?” I ask. 

He shrugs but looks back down at me, wrestling with something. He lifts a hand, brushing the very tip of his fingers down my cheekbone. “You,” he rasps.

Drake’s deep brown eyes look at me with something I’m only on the cusp of understanding. Is it…lust? His fingers move down my jaw, traveling slowly over the hollow of my throat to tease one of my tank top’s straps. “I like you. I can’t seem to stop…wanting. Wanting you to look at me. Wanting you…period. It’s why I sit behind you in all your classes, O’Brien. You don’t know that?” My knees start to tremble. I’ve always wondered how we end up in the same classes every single semester. He’s arranged for it to happen? He…likes me? That much? Say something, dork. Don’t act like it’s not mutual. 

 As if I haven’t lain my bed after school, when no one is at home and touched myself while thinking of Drake Walker. I must be doing a terrible job of keeping that secret to myself because Drake’s breath begins to grow shallow. “O’Brien.” He drops his forehead to mine, the pads of his thumb rubbing the soft skin of my neck. “Have you ever been kissed?”

I can’t talk, so I shake my head. 

“Please,” he groans. “Let me.” 

My head is spinning. “Let you what?” 

“Kiss you. Finally.” His hands move to cradle my head, making me feel delicate, like something special. His minty breath is close to my ear, setting off an ache low in my belly. “I need to kiss you, O’Brien. I need it.” He leans down and kisses the corner of my lips in the most torturous, exquisite way. My heart is beating wildly in my chest when he puts his soft lips on mine for the first time. My first kiss is an amazing one. He bends his head, and his mouth finds mine with soft pressure. I thought he would be rough or impatient may be clumsy, but I didn’t expect the gentle way his lips caress mine. The way he coaxes my own lips apart before I’m even aware of it. My knees buckle, but he holds me firmly against him. He kisses me as if this wasn’t our first time but our last. It’s the most erotic moment of my life, but all too son Drake leaves my lips. I only feel urgency. Want so deep that it burns inside of me.  It has existed between us all along, hasn’t it? Not one-sided. A yearning pull between two people, orbiting each other in the earthly, incongruous setting of school. 

Drake opens his mouth to say something, but my name is shouted in the distance. From inside the house. With glittering eyes, Drake drops his hands to his side, though it obviously pains him to do so. He gives me a chaste kiss on my cheek. One second later, the back door of my house opens, revealing my father, his imposing frame backlit by the interior. 

“Alexis!” I start to tremble; I try to speak, but I can’t. ““What are you doing out here this late?” There’s a tight smile in his voice. “Did you come out here to retrieve the handyman?” I do a double-take, noticing the strain forming around the corners of Drake’s mouth. 

“Handyman?” 

“Yes.” My father chuckles, coming forward to clap a hand down on Drake’s tense shoulder. “He’s here to repair a leak in the attic. Liam called you by the way.” Drake can’t look at me now, his gaze cast over my shoulder. Empty. A minute ago, we were equals. But my father’s words have called into focus one very important thing. I’m rich, and he’s very poor. It just didn’t matter. To me, it still doesn’t. But the economic divide between us is deepening by the second. 

“Why don’t you get to it?” My father suggests to Drake, his tone hard. “Alexis has to study. She is going places.”

 I down my gaze to the ground, humiliation burning up my throat. My father is an expert at belittling people, and he’s just done it to Drake. I want to say something to make it better, to defend Drake, but I know I’ll only be making it worse. I’ll have to wait until tomorrow to offer Drake an apology. At school. I’ll talk to him then. 

“Yes, sir,” Drake responds stiffly, turning on his boots and stalking toward the house. Behind his back, my father reaches over and digs his thumb into my bicep until I double over, releasing a silent scream. He lets go a moment before Drake glances back over his shoulder, eyes hooded, and my expression is serene. Because I know better than to let anyone see the pain. My father has never been physically abusive, but his temper is getting worse. He hated mom and he’s taking it out on me. As soon as we’re in the house, I run up the stairs to my room and lock the door, leaning back against it. Listening to Drake’s boots walk back and forth in the attic. More than anything, I want to go up there. Feel his hands on me again. Cherishing hands, instead of hateful ones. I ache for that. For him. But an hour later, Drake leaves, and that’s when I face the consequences. My father knocks on my door. When I open it, the look on his eyes let me know it’s going to be worse than usual. 

“If I ever see you talking to that boy again, so help me God, I’ll kick you out of this house.” His face is contorted with rage. “Then, I’ll ruin him, too. I’ll make his life even harder in this town. You know I can do it. I can have him cast off that filthy land and no one will ever hire him again. Is that what you want?” 

“No,” I whisper. 

“No,” he sneers, mocking me. “Never look at him again. Do you hear me? My daughter does not associate with penniless dirt. The only boy you’re allow to date is Liam Rys. No one else.” 

“I won’t. I promise.” 

“See that you keep that promise. Or you’ll both pay the price.” And I pay a good deal of it that night when dad slaps me for the first time. The next day at school, I don’t look at Drake in the hallway. I don’t pause in the doorway of our classes, absorbing the sight of him waiting at the desk behind me. I simply keep my head down and try not to show the bruise on my cheek. On my body and my heart. I could never have predicted he would hate me for it.

 Drake

 Two years later 

I walk past O’Brien in the hallway and slam my fist against the locker to her left, making her jump. Shame, frustration, and resentment have been like a poison inside me, rotting my bones every second of the last two years, ever since that night in her garden when she tricked me into thinking she felt the same. Maybe she did. Until her father reminded her that I’m nothing but a poor handyman. Yeah, she remembered pretty quickly that she’s better than me. Good enough to date a rich quarterback like Rys but definitely not a low life like me. Rich, stuck-up brat. What’s worse is that she fucking ruined me with those lips. She brought me to my knees. Made me reveal myself in ways I’ve never done with anyone. And now? Now she’s left me lonely and fuck-starved for two years. Obsessed with her, unable to let her go and hating her guts for it. Because she won’t even look at me anymore. I’m nothing but the dirt beneath her spotless sneakers. Two years ago, I decided that if she was going to make my life hell by ignoring me after what we shared, then I could return the favor. So I do. By tormenting her. That’s the only term for it. I torture her, and I hate that—I fucking hate it—but so be it. My jaw is close to shattering as I watch O’Brien calmly collect the books from her locker and hurry toward our next class. On top of being a bully, I’m also a masochist because I still trick the school into having the same five classes every year. My aunt Leona works in the front office, and she feels bad for me because of my dad dying and my mom abandoning me when I was still in middle school, leaving me in the trailer alone. Not bad enough to invite me to live with her family, but bad enough that she slips me O’Brien’s schedule every semester so I can match it to mine. Before I follow her, I stop at her locker, sliding something in it, and continue on my way. When I walk into class behind her a moment later, I slow to a stop in the doorway at the sight of Rys kneeling to speak with O’Brien where she sits at her desk—cajoling a smile out of her. She refused to date him two years ago, but fucking Liam didn’t get the memo. No one has as much money as his father in this town. If  Rys is asking her out again, she’d probably say yes. If I let it get that far, which I won’t. I never do. She’s mine. Only mine. 

[isawhitney]

Viola

It was probably the shipwreck that started it.

Such a tempest it was,

Left us bobbing like cork barrels. I thought to myself at the time

That God must be playing some kind of a trick

Or else had run out of convenient plot devices.

Twins, too, which only made it worse.

So we were adrift, our ship coming to bits

Beneath us, a total Wreck of the Hesperus.

Anachronistic. That’s how bad it was.

Eventually I drifted ashore, opening my eyes to the morning glories of

Cold wet stone and rotten seaweed.

The company was rotten. I had to get out of that seaside town,

Find myself better digs with less of a stink

And more opportunities for a twin with a plan.

Of course, there was one problem.

I must say, britches aren’t what they’re cracked up to be,

Especially when one is trying one’s utmost to hide one’s

Womanly curves. I ended up having to wear a kind of a

Scotch piece. No plaid, thank heavens, but still.

The hair was less of a burden, one fairly unkind cut

And it was all over. I hit the town, swanned around Illyria

Showing off the new get-up. Pretty soon

I was sporting the regalia of a duke. Orsino.

Pretty cute, on the whole, but dumb as a pair of bricks

And an absolute dipshit when it came to poetry.

No wonder the poor mourner, when it came to that,

Chose someone with a little more perspicacity.

When I first met her, I rattled off some tripe

About widows’ weeds, her eyes, her lovely face.

She melted.

It was the same schtick I’d been fed since twelve

When we’d come back from school to a herd of pernicious suitors.

Frankly, I was surprised she fell for it. I mean,

The girl was sharp. Like, knife-point sharp.

I suppose any chance of grown-up conversation

After his adolescent twaddle was too much to resist.

I wanted to tell her, sister, look,

The man’s not worth it. Close your gates.

Too bad she only listened to half.

Things got a bit blurry after that. Turned out there was a servant,

An uncle, a gardener, a fool who wasn’t my duke

And, finally, my no-good brother.

He’d been having his fill of our stay,

Ran off with a sailor, he told me, and convinced the clown

To give him his rainy-day fund. Wasn’t the first guy, either.

Anyway, he’d heard I was hanging around, passing the time,

And managed to get engaged to my veiled lady.

Happy-go-lucky as always, cocksure

With a ring on his finger and money in the vault.

We’re doing alright, me and Seb.

We keep it light, uncomplicated. Occasionally we’ll switch for the night, to see if anyone notices.

They never do.

[all-my-love-for-harry]

Puppy love.

summary: Harry finally makes his lover’s wishes come true when they adopt a dog together.

word count: 2.2k

based on this request:

“please could you write a cute domestic puppy piece? Maybe just lazy day / taking their pup for a walk 🥺 and maybe y/n is pregnant and the puppy is super protective”

a/n: send me more ideas pls, i’m in a writing mood but idk what to write haha

you can find the rest of my masterlist here.

*:･ﾟ✧ ✧ﾟ･: *:･ﾟ✧ ✧ﾟ･:

Usually when people decide to adopt a dog, they’re always secretly looking for a puppy, thinking it’d be easier to handle rather than an older dog. It was quite sad, to be honest. There were dozens, if not hundreds of animals looking for a home, waiting to be adopted and it wasn’t fair people ignored big dogs with the excuse that they could be aggressive. Well, at least it to Y/N, it wasn’t fair. A dog was something she’s been wanting for a while. And was also the one thing Harry has been unable to give her. Tight schedules, interviews, traveling and touring were a few reasons why they haven’t adopted a pet, leaving it as the only desire Y/N had that Harry was yet to fulfill.

But today was the day. Y/N has finally convinced Harry and they were on their way to the shelter, ready to meet as many dogs as they could with the hope of finding the one. She wasn’t looking for anything in specific, telling herself she’d go with an open mind.

“We can take one, love.” Harry remained her when they went out of the car, intertwining their fingers as they walked inside of the building. He knew the moment they walked in, his girlfriend would be bawling her eyes out because she can’t take every single one of the dogs home with them.

“This is the best day of my life.” She whispered in excitement and Harry chuckled at the way her eyes light up.

“Oh, evening. What can I do for you?” A middle aged woman spoke from behind her desk, offering them a friendly smile while pushing her glasses.

“We’re here to—”

“We’d like to adopt.” Y/N interrupted him, squeezing his hand.

The woman’s smile grew bigger as she stood up from her chair, taking a set of keys from her desk. “Alright. Follow me, please.” She gestured the door that was a couple of steps from where they were standing and started walking, Harry and Y/N just behind her. “Are you looking for anything specific?”

“No. We, uh, we’d like to look around for a bit, if that’s okay.” Harry said.

“That’s fine, you can take your time.” She smiled at them then opened the door, revealing dozens of dogs in every color and every size. The animals started barking and jumping in their places. Y/N’s eyes filled with instant tears when she saw they had them in cages.

She sniffed and Harry looked down at her, concerned. He furrowed his eyebrows then squeezed her hand, trying to soothe her. “Thank you.” He said to the woman before passing through her and entered the room. For a moment he felt slightly overwhelmed for all the barking and noise the dogs were making, but he quickly recovered when Y/N let go of his hand to kneel in front of a Pomeranian. “He’s cute.”

“His name is Barry, oh my god.” She practically squealed as she read the little card that was attached to the dog’s cage. “Harryyy.” Y/N practically dragged the words, too excited to care.

“He arrived last month.” The woman commented from behind.

“Hi, baby. What a good boy”

Harry started to walk around the room, observing a few dogs himself. He was obviously going to let her pick their new pet, being okay with whatever she desired. But look around wouldn’t hurt either. They spent a little time apart, but Harry was still able to hear Y/N’s squeals as well as his name being called at least a hundred times whenever she knelt in front of another dog.

He smiled as small Chihuahua started barking at him. The little fella was so small it could easily fit on Harry’s big hand, and he knew his baby would love it so he called for her.

“You like this one?” She asked, smiling at the dog. “Her name’s Pippa. Oh my god, who picks their names? I’m gonna cry.”

“A few volunteers like to name them. They come a few times a week.”

Y/N nodded at the woman, returning her vision at Harry. “What do you say?”

“I don’t know. You choose, baby.” He smiled sweetly at her.

“Okay. Come see this one, I was just with him when you called me.” She took his hand in hers and pulled from him gently. Harry let her lead him to whatever part of the room she previously was and his eyes winded when he saw a beautiful Siberian husky laying on the floor.

The dog itself looked majestic in his opinion. It was a big ball of fur with a pair of beautiful, crystal blue eyes that were looking directly at him. “His name’s Thor. He’s so adorable, isn’t he?”

“Ah, I see you found Thor. Poor thing’s been looking for a home for quite some time now. A few people come by and see him but never adopt him.”

“Why wouldn’t someone want him?”

“Big dogs aren’t always practical, Sir.”

Harry pouted unconsciously. “I know he’s large, but look at him.” His girlfriend made puppy eyes at him, and he could tell she was trying to hold it together after hearing no one wanted to adopt Thor.

“He’s perfect.” He turned to the woman. “We’d like to take him with us, please.”

“You don’t want to discuss it first?”

“No need. He’s the one.” The green eyed man said confidently.

//

Thor might look like a whole ass wolf, but in reality he was the biggest softie you’d ever met in your life. In the ride back home, Y/N sat in the back of the car with him, and the dog immediately put his head on her lap, its tail never stopped moving as she scratched its ears. Being almost 2ft, Thor occupied pretty much the whole backseat, leaving Y/N squeezed by the window, not that she minded.

“How are we feeling, uh?” Harry asked after a while.

“He’s perfect. Do you think we have everything we need at home for him? I want him to be comfortable.”

Yesterday they had gone on a trip to the store to buy everything they thought they might need to welcome their new pet into their home. Two bowls for water and food, a couple of collars and leashes to take him out, every toy the store had available and a bed.

The only thing they were lacking was dog food, but it was because they didn’t know which dog they’d take from the shelter and didn’t want to buy the wrong one.

“We can make a quick stop at the store for food, it’s on the way home.”

Y/N smiled, sighing happily while leaning down to hug Thor. She got lost on all its fur, nuzzling him gently. She had read stories about how dogs from shelters often tended to act aggressively at first, as they probably had a bad life before, but she was glad Thor wasn’t like that.

//

“Thor, come right here!”

The large dog ran outside the house and towards Y/N, thinking he was being summoned to play in the backyard, but was met with its owner standing next to a massive whole in the ground, where Y/N’s freshly planted daisies were supposed to be.

“Jesus Christ, look at you!” She exclaimed. Thor’s white fur was now brown because of all of the dirt he played with. “Daddy gave you a shower yesterday.”

At hearing the word ‘daddy’, Thor started jumping around while barking happily, starting to run around in look for Harry. Suddenly, Y/N wasn’t mad at him anymore for destroying her garden, instead, her heart melted at how adorable he was.

Yeah, Thor could dig a hole in the ground whenever he wanted and he could send all her flowers flying if that’s what made him happy.

//

Today but six months ago, Harry and Y/N were on their way to the nearest shelter to finally adopt a pet together, not knowing Thor would be entering their life with its chaotic personality and its big heart, changing their life forever. Having a dog together definitely made the couple closer and stronger, as Thor basically became their child.

They celebrated with a day out. The couple took Thor to the dog park, playing with him for hours. The big husky loved to chase Harry around until the both of them were in the ground, the dog lapping his face happily. Sometimes Thor forgets its size and acted like a baby, practically begging Harry to lift him and carry him around.

There were several pictures the next day of them at the park, and the fans were collapsing over the content of Harry with Thor. Y/N thought one specific picture of the three of them walking down the street and back to their car looked so cute that she had to post it with the caption ‘six’, again making everyone die out of love.

//

One of the things Harry did first thing in the morning was go for a run. Now, before he used to go alone, as he always let Y/N sleep a little longer, but now he had an exercise buddy to take in as many runs he wanted. They were usually out for an hour or so, and when they were back, Thor always went straight to his water bowl first then to his bed to take a nap. However, after he hydrated, he went straight upstairs to the master bedroom.

Harry followed him upstairs, seeing with a smile how the dog jumped on the bed and cuddled with Y/N. Thor was a cuddler, it was no secret, so he going with her wasn’t a surprise for Harry. It was only when Harry sat down beside them and Thor started whining that the man grew confused. Thor put its head on top of Y/N’s stomach, looking at Harry.

“What’s wrong, mate?” He asked as he extended his arm to scratch the dog’s head.

Y/N started moving, fluttering her eyes open and smiling softly when her vision caught her favorite boys there. “Morning.”

“Morning, precious.” Harry smiled. “Just came back from out run.”

“Have you showered yet?” He shocks his head. “Then go, I’ll start breakfast.” She leaned towards him to kiss his check before standing up. “How do you feel about banana pancakes?”

“Sounds delicious.”

Y/N walked out of the room with Thor right behind her. Harry shrugged off Thor’s previously odd behavior and went to take a shower. After he was done, he went downstairs and to the kitchen where he found his girlfriend flipping some pancakes with Thor laying closely by her feet.

Thor’s odd behavior continued for a few days, always wanting to be as close as possible to Y/N and nearly panicking whenever she left his sight. He’d lay by her feet or on her lap if she was on the couch, and he’d follow her around like her personal bodyguard if she was on the move.

At first it was quite adorable, but then Thor started whining whenever Harry wanted to come closer, not allowing him to cuddle with Y/N.

In the seventh day, Y/N started to feel sick, she’d wake up and throw up first thing in the morning. They thought it was just something she ate, thinking it would go away in a few days. But then she started to throw up more and more and Harry started panicking, so they went to the doctor.

“We’ll run a few tests to find out what’s wrong, including a pregnancy one.”

“P-pregnancy?” Harry shuttered.

“I’m not pregnant, doctor.” Y/N assured.

“We might as well be sure.”

The results arrived in just half an hour, but it surely felt like an eternity. Harry couldn’t stop thinking about the pregnancy test. He’d be lying if he said a part of him was excited to know whether he has created a new life with the love of his life or not, but he didn’t want to get his hopes too high. And the other part of him was terrified of the possibility of Y/N being pregnant.

When they were finally back with the doctor, Harry held Y/N’s hand and squeezed it tightly. She looked at him and he gave her a smile, assuring her that no matter what the results said, they’d be fine.

“Congratulations, you’ll be parents.” The doctor lifted her head from the papers, offering the both of them a gentle smile. “You’re three months pregnant, what explains the morning sickness you’ve been experiencing.”

Harry sat there in shock, the fact that he was actually going to be a father finally hitting him. “I’m gonna be a dad.” He whispered. His head snapped up, his eyes looking for Y/N’s. “You’re gonna be a mum.”

Y/n choked a sob, standing from her place at the same time as Harry and hugged him tightly. He pulled her closer to his chest as he kissed the top of her head, a few tears rolling down from his eyes.

“I guess I’m having your baby, eh?” Now it was Harry’s turn to choke a sob, barely able to speak due all the emotions he was feeling right now.

//

“Can you believe Thor knew first?” Harry said when they were finally inside of their car again, ready to drive back home.

“What do you mean?”

“Dogs can tell if a woman is pregnant.” He said. “And that would explain why he behaved like he did.”

“Like what?”

“He panicked whenever you weren’t in the room, always followed you around. He even waited for you outside of the bathroom!”

“He just loves me more than he loves you.” She joked.

“Yeah, but he will love our baby even more.”

Our baby.

Didn’t sound that bad, didn’t it?

[murusagi]

[Ambush Meal] A Collaboration with Lord Toma!? Love and Madness of Delicious Meal Ft. Cage Translation

This is a part of Otomate’s April Fool’s Special Event in which the cast of several of the company’s franchises turn into social media personalities.

Orlok: ...Bonjourno. [Pio House] Episode 1926. Today, we're going to film your favorite series, "Oruru's Ambush☆Delicious Meal Next Door".

In this series, I'm going to make a surprise visit to someone's home and enjoy a meal there.

Nicola: Orlok, can you hear me?

Orlok: Yes. The earphones are working perfectly.

Nicola: Great. I also can see you clearly through this camera.

Gilbert: We better explain the rules to the viewers.

[Rule No. 1: Oruru must obey any instructions given to him through the earphones.]

[Rule No. 2: Oruru must eat the given food without being picky.]

[The ones giving instructions in this episode.]

Orlok: I'll do my best.

Direttore: Nice answer. Now then, without further ado, let us ambush our target this time around! Please press the interphone in front of you.

Orlok: ...Clicks.

Ding Dong

Toma: Who is it--oh, if it isn't Orlok from [Pio House]! Did you come here by yourself? What a good boy.

Orlok: Y-Yes…

Dante: ...He's stroking his head.

Nicola: That's Orlok for you. He's quick at gaining someone's favor.

Orlok: Umm… I'm happy to be able to meet Toma from "Love and Madness of Animal Channel".

Toma: Me too. So, what brings you here? Do you want to hang out with me or what?

Orlok: No. Actually…

Toma: I see, so you want to have dinner here. Hmmm… let's see.

Orlok: Huh… A-Am I not allowed to?

Direttore: ...We already made an appointment, right?

Gilbert: Yeah, we should have made it…

Toma: You kind of remind me of Shin, Orlok.

Orlok: R-Really…?

Toma: Yeah. He's like a lil brother to me. ...Right. Can you try me calling me Onii-chan?

Orlok: What?

Toma: I'll let you in if you do. How?

Direttore: That's quite the painful request from someone whom you just met.

Nicola: I understand his feelings, though. "Onii-chan"... It has a nice ring to it.

Dante: I'll give it some thoughts if you want to be called that…?

Nicola: I don't know how to feel if you call me Onii-chan at this age… You think so, right, Direttore?

Direttore: Fufu… I will hate it, for sure. Well, I don't have little brothers? No need to worry about that?

Orlok: U-Umm, so what should I do?

Gilbert: Oops. M'bad. We stopped giving you instructions. ...Do as he said. We can't go on with the filming if he doesn't let us in.

Orlok: Okay.

...To-Toma Onii-chan.

Toma: Hm? Sorry, your voice is so small I couldn't hear it. Can you say it again?

Dante: He definitely heard it!

Nicola: Orlok, one more time!

Orlok: Toma Onii-chan…!

Toma: ...Nice. This feels satisfying for some reason. That guy will never call me that, after all. Alright, come in.

Orlok: I… I feel like I lost something important… In any case, I'm coming in.

Toma: I'm making dinner right now. Wait a bit, 'kay?

Orlok: Y-Yes.

Nicola: Orlok, how's the target doing?

Orlok: U-Uhh…

Toma: Bolognese with lots of minced meat~I feel like an Italian already~♪

Orlok: He's humming… some spells, I think? He's frying something while doing that… Looks very focused.

Dante: I see. It's time for our usual "House Tour" then.

Yang: Go to his closet.

Orlok: ...What!?

Nicola: Hm? You're up, Yang? Too bad. I wish you wouldn't wake up for eternity.

Yang: You sure are messing around with me, filming while I was sleeping. 5 billion women are crying right now.

Dante: 5 billion…!?

Yang: In any case, off you go to the closet, Orlok. Let's uncover the true nature of our targ--What are you all…?

Knocks.

Orlok: H-Huh? I can't hear you guys all of sudden...

Gilbert: ...Orlok, can you hear us?

Nicola: Don't mind us and just go on, Orlok. Yang is currently reflecting.

Orlok: O… Okay. So, I don't need to go to the closet?

Dante: Unfortunately, you must obey any instructions that have already been given to you. Let's head there while Toma is cooking.

Orlok: A-Alright.

***

Orlok: ...I found the closet.

Gilbert: Looks normal to me.

Nicola: Hey, Direttore? You've been quiet for a while. Come on, say something interesting.

Direttore: ...Ridiculous.

Dante: Where did all his tension from before go!?

Gilbert: H-Hey, you okay? Is your stomach hurt or something?

Direttore: ...I'm not interested in peeking into someone else's room.

Nicola: Hey, your real self is starting to show, you know? Be careful.

Direttore: ...Oops. I sincerely apologize for the mistake, letting out my honest opinions like that.

Orlok: ...I found the closet. It doesn't look suspicious.

Nicola: Where should we go next? He lives in a one-room apartment so there's nothing to look at.

Orlok: The balcony, maybe?

Gilbert: Nice idea. Let's take a look. Maybe he has a kitchen garden or something.

Orlok: Then, I'll open the curtain…

Opens.

Orlok: ...This is…

Dante: ...A cage.

Nicola: A cage.

Direttore: That's undoubtedly a cage.

Dante: This must be… the cage he uses for "Love and Madness of Animal Channel", right?

Orlok: To observe the animals…?

Gilbert: Y-Yea. Let's just think it that way.

Nicola: But any animals who could go into this cage… For example…

Direttore: Human beings.

All: …….

Nicola: ...Let's just pretend we do not see it.

Dante: I-I agree. My capo's intuition tells me this isn't something you can touch carelessly.

Orlok: Y-Yes. I'll close the curtain.

Closes.

Toma: …..

Orlok: !!?

Toma: ...Did you see?

Orlok: I-I didn't…

Toma: Really?

Orlok: (gulps)

Toma: Fine. Follow me, I just finished cooking.

Orlok: O-Okay.

Toma: I could only make this much.

Orlok: Whoa… Amazing.

Gilbert: How could he make this many in such a short amount of time!?

Dante: Now that I look at it again, what are those strange ingredients!?

Toma: You're in your growth period, right, Orlok? Eat a lot.

Orlok: Tha-Thank you. But is it really okay for me to eat this much…?

Toma: This is Latium's famous Volcano Bocca, a soup containing shrimps, shellfish and vegetables. You can warm up your body with this.

Direttore: Latium… I feel like I heard about it somewhere.

Orlok: I'm digging in...ugh!

Dante: A-Are you okay!? Did he put in poison or--!?

Orlok: S-Spicy… But it has such deep flavors…

Toma: These are steamed crab dumplings, dobin-mushi, and fried sesames. I used the vegetables from Kaga, queen crabs and barracuda stocks.

Orlok: T-These are great too! It tastes like something a pro chef makes.

Nicola: I get him. They look like the high-quality food you receive at the inns around Kanazawa.

Gilbert: That's an awfully detailed comment you have there.

Dante: Where is Kanazawa, anyway…?

Nicola: A place with the best onsen around.

Toma: I also have a cake. I heard your birthday is on April 23? Mine is on April 12. Since our birthdays fall on the same month, I made it for celebration.

Orlok: T-Thank you… Hehe… I'm happy…

Dante: …

Direttore: What is wrong, signore? Are you jealous he got sweets?

Dante: W-Why would I…!? I-I-I just think the appearance gets my taste buds tingling…!

Nicola: Endure it for a while. I'll buy you gelato after this.

Gilbert: Anyway, how come Toma knows Orlok's birthday?

Nicola: ...Now that you mention it…

Dante: …

Direttore: Let's put that aside. It's better to keep that a secret.

Orlok: (munch munch)

Toma: How? Is it tasty?

Orlok: Yeah. ...It makes me happy.

Dante: I don't know how to explain it but seeing Orlok eat makes me feel peaceful…

Nicola: I get you. Seeing Gilbert and Yang eat doesn't make me this happy. It's not heart-warming at all.

Gilbert: Yang aside, why do you have to connect it to me?

Yang: For crying out loud, don't put me and Redford on the same shoes.

Nicola: ...Oh? I'm sure I already locked you up. You broke out already?

Yang: Of course. After receiving such a warm welcome, I should give my thanks…

Gilbert: S-Stop it, Yang! Don't pull out your blade!

Dante: You too, Nicola! Put your gun away! We're still filming!

Direttore: Oh… What a scandalous dispute. It pains my heart.

[We are experiencing poor reception issues. Please enjoy this beautiful view of Sakura.]

Orlok: Thanks for the food.

Direttore: What a good boy. He ate them all without leaving anything.

Toma: Amazing, you ate them all by yourself. I was planning to put the leftovers into a container so you can share it with the others.

Gilbert: I wanted to try some after seeing so many interesting foods like those.

Orlok: So-Sorry. All of them were delicious so I just…

Dante: It's all right. Finishing them off is part of the rules so you didn't do anything wrong.

Nicola: Great job, Orlok. We have enough footage with this.

Orlok: Thanks for today, Toma. I'll be going now.

Toma: Ah, wait a minute. I actually have a request for you.

Orlok: ?

Toma: I still need more footage for my channel, can you help me with that?

Gilbert: Well, why not? He helped us wrap up the filming without any troubles.

Dante: We should return the favor.

Orlok: Okay. I'd like to help if there's anything I can do.

Toma: Great to hear that. Now--.

Can you get into the cage?

Orlok: ….Huh? ...What?

Toma: I've been keeping my eyes on you. Since you look like a small animal, it’s just perfect.

Gilbert: I see, so it's come to this…

Toma: I figured you'll be lonely so I put some plushies inside.

Orlok: T-That's not the problem here…

Toma: Now, now. You can't tell unless you try. Get in there.

Orlok: I don't want to--.

Toma: Only you can do this, Orlok. Please.

Orlok: ….

Toma: Can you look here? ...Yes, nice. It'll gain more viewers, I'm sure.

Orlok: Can I… get out of here already?

Toma: No, you just got in here. Oh, right. I have some chains. Can you put them on?

Dante: Even chains… This is abnormal…

Orlok: U-Uuuhhh… Guys, what should I do…?

Nicola: You'll be fine, Orlok. It surprisingly suits you.

Direttore: I agree. I'm sure there are people who are into this kind of thing.

Orlok: ...I'm not fine at all…

Toma: It's not as cute as hamster, but there's a huge demand for something like this. Do you mind if I turn it into a series if it gets good feedback?

Orlok: !!?

Toma: I think we were meant to meet. Shin would scold me again if he were here, though.

Orlok: I want to go home…

Toma: Hm? You want to meet him? He's off for another recording right now, so he probably won't return for a while.

Orlok: ….

...I realized something. I shouldn't trust others. The only one I could rely on is myself…

Toma: Haha. That's a nice expression you have there. With that said, it all depends on you guys whether I should make this a series or not. Don't forget to subscribe to our channel!

T/L Notes:  Dobin-mushi: Food steam-boiled in an earthenware teapot