#we’re doin’ this still BUT IT’S GONNA SUCK

[pearynice]

Steve is too drunk. Because he doesn’t get drunk anymore. Not since-

But he’s drunk now. Because he’s sad, and acting pathetic, and thus getting fucking wasted at a high school party for a school he graduated from back in the spring sounded like the thing to do.

Because he’s fucking pitiful.

It’s not Robin’s fault. She’d dragged him here, sure, but he’d assured her- promised her- that he’d be fine. That she should leave with her other friends. Because she deserves to hang out with people who aren’t just him. To have a tiny slice of her life be normal.

He takes another sip of his drink, because he doesn’t want to think about normal, anymore. He just wants to- wants-

He doesn’t know what he wants.

“Harrington?”

Blearily, he looks up, and a guy he vaguely recognizes is standing above him.

Steve hiccups.

“Eddie,” the guy says, pointing to himself. “Doin’ okay?”

Now, Steve remembers him. He does that fantasy game Dustin likes so much. “Munson,” he says, and Eddie grins at him.

“That’s me.”

Steve hiccups again, and takes another sip of his drink.

“Where’d your friend go? The band girl?” Eddie inches closer, his Reeboks now inches from Steve’s fingertips.

Steve gestures vaguely with his beer bottle. He takes another sip, and frowns at the empty bottle. He really doesn’t want to have to go back into the house for another.

He’s still staring at it when Eddie sits next to him. 

“Cigarette?” Eddie offers. “Maybe that’s better than another drink, hm?”

Steve watches him pull out a crumpled pack from his back pocket, shaking out two.

He hands one to Steve.

The cigarettes are kind of smashed, but Eddie lights both of them up, and the smoke clears Steve’s head slightly.

“Thanks.”

Eddie shrugs.

Steve’s hands and mouth feel staticky and disjointed as he pulls the cigarette to his mouth, the effects of the multiple drinks he’s had finally making themselves known. His mouth tastes stale and puffy, and the reality of getting drunk- alone at a high school party- sours in his chest.

He groans, dropping his head into his free hand.

“Oh fuck,” Eddie mumbles, “you’re not- Harrington, if you’re about to puke, man, you gotta let me know, cause I can’t handle that shit.”

Steve, despite his wave of mortification, snorts a laugh. He might be pathetic, but he’s not about to stoop as low as hurling on the back porch. “Not gonna puke.” He promises, lifting his head back up to look out across the back lawn.“I just… can’t understand my own choices, sometimes,” he continues, quiet, chewing on his bottom lip. He takes another drag, his tongue feeling heavy and uncoordinated.

“I mean,” he begins again, exhaling a cloud of smoke and gesturing vaguely to himself, “talk about fucking embarrassing.”

Eddie’s quiet again, and nerves of a different sort begin to eat at him. Steve always shares too much, especially when he’s drunk, loose lips and all that. They’ve never spoken, really, and Eddie has more reason to hate him than most- Steve knows the basketball team was cruel to him, knows Carol and Tommy had to’ve been, too, knows this guy’s sympathy can only stretch so far before Steve snaps it-

“I gotta repeat senior year.” Eddie blurts. He’s looking down at his Reeboks, scuffed and dirty, eyes trained on the glowing embers of his burning cigarette. “Again.”

“Fuck, dude.” Steve exhales, “that sucks.”

Eddie snorts, lips twitching, and his shoulders relax as he leans back on one arm. Steve can see most of a tattoo there, some creepy puppet thing that shifts over his flexing muscle. “Yeah, well, sounds like maybe we’re both fuck-ups.” Eddie blows out a puff of smoke, and Steve watches as he does, his lips shining against the porch light. 

“I don’t think you’re a fuck up.” Steve says, then catches himself. “I mean-” he starts, backpedaling at once, nerves collecting at the base of his skull, “fuck high school. You know?” 

Eddie’s eyes, big and dark, watch him, crinkling slightly at the corners as Steve stutters through his addendum.

“You’ll know the kids I babysit,” Steve adds, a non sequitur that causes Eddie’s eyes to crinkle further. “They do that sci-fi game you run.”

Eddie dips into Steve’s space, his face scrunched in amusement. “Sci-fi game? Are you, Steve Harrington, referring to Dungeons and Dragons?”

For some reason, the way Eddie says it makes Steve flush. “Yes.”

“Steve Harrington.” Eddie says again, and Steve can smell the nicotine in his breath, can see his eyelashes despite the dark, and he knows he should shift away, out of Eddie’s personal space, but Eddie’s eyes are on him. And his shoes are close to Steve’s, and Steve’s still thinking about that creepy tattoo on Eddie’s forearm. He wants to know what it is. What it means.

“Look out for ‘em, okay?” Steve manages, the nagging worry about his little dweebs starting high school cutting through. “They’re, um…” he trails off, unsure. “I think they’ll need it.”

Eddie eyes him again, more considering, now, than humorous. 

“‘Course, Steve.” He agrees, and his tone is soft. “I’ll be their big bad protector.”

It shouldn’t feel as comforting as it does. He doesn’t know Eddie. And what he does know is that he sells a lot worse than weed behind the school, and yet-

And yet Eddie’s smiling at him. Warm and friendly and something like kind- and Steve- Steve thinks he might trust him, anyways. 

“Harrington?”

It’s a different voice that says his name, this time. Steve turns, squinting against the light from the house, and a stone forms in his gut.

Eddie starts, pulling up from his relaxed position to bring his arms to his sides.

“Carver,” Steve greets, with a nod. He takes another drag, hoping his tone reads as dismissive as he intends.

He must miss his mark because Jason comes closer. 

“Am I interrupting?” Jason kicks a black lunchbox by Eddie’s side, not far, but far enough that it’s no longer within Eddie’s reach. “Needed to make sure you’re not ripping off my friend, here, freak.”

Steve’s gut churns. “It’s all good, man.” He’s still trying to sound friendly, doesn’t want to start something, especially not now, five beers deep and in the dark, but Jason’s still staring at Eddie, that wicked smile still on his face. “Eddie’s not ripping me off.”

But Jason takes another step towards the two of them. “Well, it’s always good to take preventative measures, Harrington.” Jason grins, gaze flicking to Steve, and Steve knows that smile. Has seen it far too many times from people like Carver. Like Tommy. The look that’s asking him to join in on the fun.

Steve stands. He feels unsteady, and his head spins, but he doesn’t sway.

Even here, a step below Jason, Steve’s taller than him. “I said we’re good.” He drops his voice, verging on threatening, taking a half step towards Eddie to block as much of Jason’s gaze from him as he can. “Go back to the party.” 

Jason’s eyes find his once again. He narrows them, like he’s assessing just how big of a threat Steve really is. Jason’s shoulders tense. His jaw muscles flex and Steve balls his fists at his sides, ready, ready-

Jason smiles. “Right.” He says, and takes a half step away. His cold smile is directed as Steve, now, and he clicks his tongue. “See you around, Harrington.”

The porch door closes behind him, and Steve exhales. Unclenches his fists. He walks over to Eddie’s lunch box.

“Thanks,” Eddie murmurs, when Steve hands it to him. He’s not looking at Steve, but he’s white-knuckling the box, now, his elbows locked in against his sides.

Steve, a little sloppily, sits back down next to him. “Sorry.” He offers, and Eddie looks back up. 

Steve smiles a little, goes for reassuring, dipping back into Eddie’s space. “He’s always been an ass.”

Eddie’s lips twitch. “Don’t know why you think those kids need me, Steve. Looks like you’re a big bad protector all on your own.” His smile turns tentative. “Even for someone you barely know.”

And Steve- Steve’s never been one to think things through. Not when it comes to feelings and relationships and the giddy feeling he gets in his chest and in his gut when someone he likes smiles at him. He dives in head first without thought to consequences or repercussions or any what ifs- and Eddie’s smiling at him. And there’s pop rocks in Steve’s chest. And he thinks, maybe, there’s pop rocks in Eddie’s chest, too. 

Steve nudges his foot forward. Knocks it against Eddie’s. “Wouldn’t let him mess with you. That’s not-“

Not who I am. Not who I want to be. It’s the person I’m trying so hard to grow out of. 

“-what I’d let happen. Anymore.”

He knows it’s not enough. That standing up to Jason goddamn Carver doesn’t make up for Steve’s lifetime of sitting on the sidelines, of letting people like Eddie- of letting Eddie- get teased and pushed and worse and so much worse, but it’s something. It’s something, and Robin’s always telling him to forgive himself. 

And Steve’s pretty sure he’s not imagining it when he sees a blush on Eddie’s cheeks. Rosy against the yellow light of what’s emanating from inside the house, and he’s definitely not imagining it when he feels Eddie’s foot tap against his.

“You should probably get out of here.” Steve adds, and jerks his head to the house. “Don’t want to give him another opportunity to come back.”

Eddie pulls his foot away. “Right.” He says. “Yeah, yeah, you’re right.” But Eddie feels tense again, feels like he’s moving much more away than just his shoe. 

“D’you think-” Steve hedges, and he risks sounding more pathetic, because he doesn’t want Eddie to move away, not his shoes or his eyes or his anything else, and Steve was planning on walking, it’s 15 minutes tops, but- “think you could give me a ride? Robin’s friend drove us here.” He crawls his hand forward, just a little. Just enough for Eddie to see. 

Eddie’s eyes flick to his hand. And when he meets Steve’s gaze again he’s smiling, a little, his eyes crinkling. “Sure, Stevie.”

✨✨✨

Truly- I don't know what this is? Let me know if it's worth a part 2!

Part 2

[rowdydevs]

+18 -> smut | Rafe comes home from jail.

𝓻𝓪𝓯𝓮 𝓬𝓪𝓶𝓮𝓻𝓸𝓷 𝔁 𝓯𝓮𝓶𝓪𝓵𝓮 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓮𝓻

c/w: ownership, pet names, brief degradation,  drinking, heavy praise, size difference, unprotected p in v + *cross-posted on my nhl account*

1.8k

You were pacing in front of the door, heart racing as you waited for Rafe. The apartment smelled like the strawberries you’d dropped into the flutes, like the faint hint of your perfume warmed by nervous excitement. You smoothed your silk robe, the cool slide of it over bare skin doing absolutely nothing to calm your anticipation.

Rafe had served his time. Six long months, countless lonely nights; counting down the days ‘til he’d be home again, and the day was finally here. You were buzzing with excitement and need. He deserved to be worshiped, and you were gonna do just that.

The keys jingled outside the door, and your breath caught. You grabbed the bottle of champagne, thumb pressed against the loosened cork.

He stepped in, his cheeks flushed from the cold, his smile soft and proud—until he saw you. You grinned, eyes gleaming. “WELCOME HOME, BABY!” You cheered, cracking the cork with a loud pop.

Champagne erupted, a fizzy stream catching the light as it splashed and glittered to the floor. You laughed, careless and radiant, holding the bottle aloft like a trophy. 

His eyes dropped slowly, lingering on the robe slipping off your shoulder, to the lace peeking through the part in the silk. That boyish grin of his twisted turned darker, hungrier even, because how the hell was he supposed to think about anything but you?

He chuckled low in his chest, shaking his head. You hadn’t forgotten how horny he was on the phone last night, how he talked shamelessly on the recorded line about all the things he wanted to do to you before the timed phone call got cut short. You hadn’t forgotten all the promises he made to take care of you tonight. 

His eyes roamed slowly, drinking you in like every inch of you was a prize he’d earned. Rafe’s stride was lazy, full of that natural swagger. Your eyes drifted higher the closer he got, the man towering over you, even as you stood in heels. Your heart hammered in your chest, your stomach fluttering, pussy throbbing because you were finally his to handle.

“Hey, princess,” he murmured, his voice low and tender. His hand brushed your waist, fingers curling around the satin tie. Rafe played with it for a second, teasingly twirling his fingers through it; letting his thumb drag under the knot. “Fuck, I missed you.”

“I missed you too, baby,” you whisper, watching as the corners of his pretty lips curl into a smirk.

“You really know how to work me, don’t you? You still know the shit I like. Damn, you look good.”

And in one soft tug from him, the robe opened, slipping down your body, pooling around your heels. He stepped forward, arms wrapping around you in one smooth motion, lifting you, those big hands gripping your thighs as you wrapped your legs around his trim waist.

Your body molded to his, soft against the hard lines of muscles. Rafe leaned in, and you didn’t wait, claiming his mouth in a deep, hungry kiss as he started walking straight to the bedroom. You giggle teasingly against his lips, your nose brushing his as he carries you down the hall. “That was fast—”

“You knew exactly what you were doin’,” he hums, his voice sweet and thick like honey. You grin, pressing a soft kiss to the corner of his mouth. “I’m a free man,” he continues, nudging the bedroom door open with his foot. “You got all pretty for me… Now we’re gonna celebrate all night long.”

“Is that so?” you ask, capturing his bottom lip between yours, sucking off nice and slow.

“Mhmm,” he groans, the sound vibrating against your mouth. “You’re gonna ride me.” You giggle again, making him grin at the sound, his grip on you tightening just a little. “Such a slut for me, baby. I knew you’d love that.”

Rafe kicks the door shut with a loud slam, the sound echoing through the room as he strides straight to the bed with you still clinging to him.

He tosses you down and you bounce slightly on the mattress, hair splayed, laughter bubbling from your lips as you look up at him. Rafe yanks off his shirt, muscles flexing, eyes locked on you. He reaches for the bottle of champagne and takes a sip, drinking in every inch of skin.

His boxers are the only thing left, his long, thick cock pushing against the fabric, stressed from the stretch. He moves to the mattress, landing on you, crushing you beneath him, your body trapped under only a fraction of his weight.

You gasped as he rolled you onto his lap, his big hands settling on your hips as you straddled him, your knees sinking into the plush mattress on either side. You reached behind your back, fingers finding the clasp of your bra, undoing it, lowering the straps teasingly, before letting the lace fall away completely.

Your breasts bounce free, nipples hard, body bare, nothing but a pair of crotchless panties and garter belt cinched around your waist, hugging the fullness of your thighs.

“Fuck,” he groaned, voice gravelly and thick as his eyes fell low. “These new? They are, aren’t they—Holy shit, baby,” he mumbles as his hands find the waistband of his boxers, his eyes devouring you like you were already stuffed full of his dick, riding him like he’s been dreaming about since his first night behind bars. Having you like he’s been craving you for months.

Rafe sat up and pulled you into a deep, claiming kiss as his big hands came up to cup your tits, fingers spreading wide.

“I missed you, baby. Fuck, you look good,” you praised, soft and sultry, scratching your fingers through the hair at the nape of his neck. He let out a dark, smug laugh.

“Yeah? You look good, pretty. So fuckin’ good.”

He leaned back slightly, grabbed the chilled champagne off the nightstand, and took a long, satisfied sip before handing it to you. You tipped it back a little too fast, and some of the bubbly liquid spilled over, slipping from your lips and trickling down your neck, over your tits.

“So fuckin’ messy,” he murmured, dipping his head and dragging his tongue along your skin, licking up the trail of champagne on the swell of your breast. Rafe grabbed the bottle out of your hands, dribbling just a little more onto one nipple, watching the way it beaded cold before he wrapped his lips around you, moaning as he sucked, his hot tongue circling slowly.

He kissed and licked his way back up, following the curve of your neck until his mouth met yours again.

Your hand slid between your bodies, wrapping around his thick, throbbing cock. He moaned against your lips as you squeezed, his dick hot and heavy in your grip, pulsing with every beat of his heart.

He let out a shuddering breath, hips twitching as you stroked him slowly, letting your thumb brush over the slick bead of pre-cum.

“Goddamn,” he groaned, his voice strained as his eyes fluttered shut for just a second. You pressed your hand to his broad chest, pushing him to the mattress. His back hit with a soft thud, eyes flickering to yours as he smiled as you pinned him beneath your palm. Rafe could easily overpower you in any situation, but this is exactly what he wanted.

His hand tightened on your hip as he held his cock steady, thick and twitching, guiding you closer. You swirl your hips, teasing the fat tip of his cock with your soaked pussy.

“C’mon, baby. Let me have it, huh? Didn’t you miss me?”

“Is that even a question?” You whisper as you lower yourself slightly, already feeling the stretch.

“Guess not… Not with how soaked you are. Mpfhh, shit–You always this wet, or just for me?” He smiled, his hooded eyes twinkling as he looked up at you. 

“Only for you.”

Rafe grabs your hips, lowering you the rest of the way, inch by delicious inch. Letting you feel every curve and throbbing vein as your body swallows him up.

His eyes glued to the spot where your bodies met. “Ugh, fuck. That’s it, baby. Feels so good. So tight. So fucking deep,” he mumbled as he pressed his hand against your lower stomach, letting his thumb rub soothing circles on your clit. You started to move and grind, making his eyes roll back, feeling the way your pussy clenched around him.

His grip tightened with desperation hand wrapped around your neck, fisting your hair to guide you down, pulling you into a deep kiss. “You’re unreal,” he whispered against your lips. “Look at what you’re doin’ to me.” His breathing was quick against yours, the man driving his heels into the mattress, fucking up into your drenched core for a moment before giving you back control.

“You know how lucky I am? I’ve got it all. I’ve got you. Right here. In my bed. On my cock. You’re everything, baby.” His head dropped back with a growl, his hands flying to your hips, gripping tight as his entire body arched under you. “Ride me again. Let me have it—”

You moaned through a smile, pushing off his strong chest to sit up again, bouncing, skin slapping against skin. “Fuck, just like that. Just like that, baby. Feels so good… Don’t stop. Don’t fucking stop—”

He reaches up, guiding you up and down, the wet clap of skin getting louder with his added muscle.

You lean back slightly, hands braced on his strong thighs as he fills you over and over again. His praises pour from his lips between gritted teeth. “God, look at this view,” he groans.

You feel your orgasm building, sharp and fast, the pressure coiling in your stomach, and he feels it, too. Rafe sits up, wrapping his arm tight around your waist, the other twisting in your hair again as your body trembles uncontrollably. You gasp, swiveling your hips, grinding down as he presses his face into the crook of your neck, breathing heavy.

“Cum for me, baby. Let go. Show me how perfect you are, huh? Show me what I’ve been missin’.”

Your whole body clenches, back arching as you cry out, pulsing hard around him, your orgasm triggering his own. He growls your name, hips jerking as he buries himself deep, cumming hard, holding you so close.

He lets out a deep, satisfied sigh, pulling back just enough to find your lips for a tender kiss. “You’re amazing,” he breathes. “So good to me. You know that?” He whispers as his hands hold your cheeks, forehead resting against yours. “So perfect for me.”

You nod, still dazed, lips brushing his. “You’re perfect for me too.”

He grins, eyes dark and heavy-lidded as he pulls you closer, his voice a husky whisper against your lips. “Nothin’ like coming home to you.”

tags | @rafesthroatbaby | @matthewssweetheart | @slut-4-rafey | @blair-bears-blog | @iikximii | @akobx | @gri959 | @misatxox | @ch4rrykisses | @st8rkey | @laniirackssss | @barnesboo1967 | @justdamnpeachy | @dylsdaily | @rafesapprentice | @rafesheaven | @my-name-is-baby | @wtfisastiles | @skye-44 @romaescapes | @anothershorthuman | @rafeslovergirly | @vanessa-rafesgirl | @v3n1ce-bxtch | @maybankslover | @theater-bitch | @frankoceanluvr11 | @rcameronlova1 | @lhhlver | @yourmomdotcom42069 | @cameronsprincess | @kdoll-7 | @angelicameron | @imsiriuslyreal | @alphabetically-deranged | @sabrina-carpenter-stan-account | @hyperfixationgirl | @faephoria | @wtfdudesblog | @rafesdoll | @yasmin-oviedo | @lizzysmith110 | @ietss | @livie4lifestarkeyblyth | @lilithblackkk | @premiumshitt | @littlelamy | @dulcescorderitas | @prettybabyyyy | @star017 | @hannieskzzz | @biascriptum

[cupidsworstcrime]

Gaz x f!reader - learning from the best

mmmmm

smut below the cut

Gaz leans against the headboard, bare chest gleaming slightly with heat, breath warm as he coaxes you up between his thighs. His voice is low, encouraging. “‘S alright, love. We’re not in a rush.”

You’re nervous—clearly. He sees the way your hands tremble a bit on his thighs, your eyes flicking to his cock and back again, unsure.

“You ever done this before?” he asks, tone gentle, teasing but not mocking.

You shake your head. “Not… not really. Tried once. Gagged too much. Felt gross.”

Kyle's smile softens. “Yeah? Well, good news is—my cock loves attention, even if it’s messy. So let’s start slow, yeah?”

He props himself up on one elbow and guides your hand to wrap around his shaft. “First—spit on it a bit. I got lube if you need it, but I like it wet and sloppy.”

You do, cheeks warming when he groans at just the sight of your spit gliding down his tip. He reaches down to tuck hair behind your ear.

“Good. Real good. Now kiss it—just the tip. That’s it.” He sucks in a breath. “Don’t worry ‘bout takin’ it all. Just get used to the taste. The weight of it.”

He keeps coaching you, soft and breathless, calling you “sweetheart” and “brave thing,” praising the way your mouth looks wrapped around him—even when you pull back, embarrassed by your own gag reflex.

“You alright?”

You nod, frustrated. “I’m trying.”

“I know,” he murmurs. “And I love that you are. You’re doin’ better than you think.” His fingers brush your jaw. “Lemme show you something—open up for me?”

You part your lips and he guides you down, slow and gentle, just to the point where your throat starts to twitch. He holds you there, thumb stroking your cheek. “Good… good. Now pull off. Don’t fight it. You breathe through your nose, yeah? Stay relaxed. Pretend you’re kissing, not swallowing me whole.”

You laugh a little, and he grins—until you go down again and moan.

“Oh—fuck,” he hisses, head tipping back. “You feel that? My cock loves your mouth, baby.”

He lets you take breaks, wipes the spit from your chin, kisses your forehead. “We’ll work on that reflex, yeah? But for now—just keep makin’ a mess. I don’t care if you choke. I’ll clean you up after.”

And true to his word—when you do gag a little again, when your eyes water and you try to apologize—he just cups your face and says:

“You’re perfect. Try again, yeah? And this time, keep lookin’ up at me like that.”

You nod, licking your lips, eyes a little watery but determined. “I wanna try again.”

Kyle doesn’t even try to hide his grin. “That’s my fuckin’ star,” he says, voice low and reverent like he’s talking to a miracle. He runs his thumb across your bottom lip. “C’mon then. Let’s see how far that sweet mouth can go.”

This time, you’re more confident. You let your spit coat his cock with ease, hand stroking at the base as you take him in again. You still gag a little—but you push past it, and he lets out a ragged, “F-fuck, yes, just like that—keep goin’, love.”

You bob your head, messy and slow, drool slipping down your chin. His thighs are tensing. You can tell he’s close when his fingers dig into the sheets.

And then he warns, voice shaking, “M’gonna cum—pull off if you want to—fuck—”

You don’t. Not fast enough, anyway. Hot spurts hit your tongue and the back of your throat before you pull off, spit and cum spilling from your lips as you immediately turn and spit it out onto the towel he’d set nearby.

You grimace. “Fuck, that’s gross.”

Kyle’s panting, staring at you like you just painted the ceiling gold. He blinks slowly, dazed, then laughs. Not mocking—just overwhelmed.

“Yeah? Can’t say I blame you.” He sits up, tugs you gently into his lap despite the mess. “Told you it wasn’t gonna taste like strawberries.”

You pout a little, wiping your mouth with the back of your hand. “You could’ve warned me it was gonna hit that hard.”

He presses a kiss to your shoulder. “You looked so good on your knees, sweetheart, I forgot how to speak.” Then, sheepishly: “I owe you something now, yeah? Want my mouth next?”

You nod slowly, and he grins against your skin.

“Good. Let me make it up to you. Bet I can make you taste better.”

You’re still catching your breath, wiping away the last remnants of your attempts, feeling both satisfied and a little frazzled. Gaz watches you with that mischievous grin, his cock still hard and twitching as he sits back against the bed, running a hand through his messy hair.

“Alright, love, you did well. But I think it’s only fair I show you what it feels like,” he says, voice smooth and full of that dangerous promise.

You raise an eyebrow, a little curious but still unsure.

He chuckles low, practically smirking. “Sit on my face, sweetheart. I’ll show you exactly how good it feels when someone makes you lose your mind.”

You blink, processing what he said. “Wait, what?”

“C’mon, don’t be shy now,” he teases. “You think I wouldn’t return the favor? Let me taste that sweet cunt of yours. Bet you won’t want me to stop once I get started.”

Your heart races, a mix of excitement and nervousness running through you. But Gaz isn’t giving you the chance to back out. He grips your hips, guiding you over him, his cock twitching as you straddle his face. His eyes are full of hunger as he looks up at you, hands sliding up your thighs, pulling your legs apart just a little to give him a better view.

“You’re gonna love this,” he murmurs, the low tone making your body shiver. “Trust me.”

With that, he pulls you down, gently but firmly, until you feel his warm breath on your cunt, his lips barely brushing against your folds.

“Fuckin’ beautiful,” he breathes, “just like I imagined. You look perfect like this, baby.”

You gasp when he presses his tongue to you for the first time, slow and deliberate, teasing just the tip against your slit before swirling it in a smooth, firm motion.

The shock of pleasure shoots up your spine. The sensation is overwhelming—more intense than you expected, and it has you gripping his hair, desperately holding onto something as your hips instinctively start grinding down into his face.

“God, Ky,” you moan, eyes fluttering shut. “You—fuck…”

He grins, knowing full well what he’s doing to you. “That’s it, sweetheart. Ride my face. Let me feel how good you are when you’re on top. Fuck, you taste so good.”

His hands find your hips again, helping you move in a rhythm that has your whole body trembling. His tongue flicks against your clit, teasing and sucking, and you can't stop yourself from moaning louder.

But he doesn’t stop. He pushes you further, pulling you down just a bit harder, until your body is quivering, your breath catching in your throat.

“You close, baby? You gonna cum all over my face?” Gaz growls, the words almost making you shudder.

With his mouth on you, he doesn’t let up. His tongue moves in time with the way your hips grind, skillfully coaxing you closer to the edge, the feeling of his face buried in your cunt leaving you breathless.

“Come on, sweetheart,” he urges, his grip tightening on your thighs as he holds you in place, “let go. I want you to come all over me.”

And just like that, you snap—back arching as you lose control, your thighs shaking as you come hard, spilling your release all over his face.

He doesn’t pull back, not even for a second. Instead, he sucks and licks you clean, making sure you feel every sensation, every pulse of pleasure. His hands keep you in place, gently but firmly holding you as you ride out the aftershocks of your orgasm.

When you finally pull away, he’s panting, eyes hazy with lust and satisfaction. “Told you, didn’t I? It feels fucking incredible when someone really takes care of you.”

You collapse beside him, still catching your breath, and he immediately turns to kiss your forehead.

“Best fucking thing I’ve ever tasted,” he mutters, voice rough. “I could spend all day between your legs, baby.”

You smile, weak but satisfied. “You’re a fucking freak,” you say, but you say it with affection, because, well… you kind of love it.

It’s late. You’re curled up beside him, both of you still half-naked and lazily basking in the afterglow after he practically made your cunt weep. Kyle’s fingertips are trailing lazy shapes on your thigh, his lips brushing your temple every so often, and everything just feels… soft.

That’s when you mumble it, barely above a whisper.

“…I practiced.”

He pauses. “Hmm?”

You glance up at him, shy and pink-cheeked. “After that first time. When you, um… taught me how to… y’know. I practiced. On a toy. A lot.”

There’s a second of silence. Just one.

Then: a slow, absolutely devastating grin spreads across his face. “You what?”

Your face is burning now, and you half-bury it into his shoulder. “Shut up.”

“No, no, no—hold on.” He sits up a little, guiding your chin so he can see you. His eyes are wide, his pupils blown, voice dropping low. “You’re tellin’ me… you took what I showed you and—studied? Practiced on a toy? For me?”

You nod, mortified.

And Kyle? He groans, like it physically hurts him.

“Oh, fuck me,” he breathes. “That’s the hottest thing I’ve ever heard. You—you sat there, all quiet and sweet, workin’ your pretty little mouth on some plastic cock just to make me feel good?”

He’s rock hard again. No shame. “Jesus Christ, baby, you could’ve just told me. I would’ve helped. We could’ve had study sessions.”

You smack his chest weakly, still hiding your face.

But he’s already kissing you—soft and slow at first, then deeper, dirtier. He murmurs against your lips:

“You gonna show me what you learned, yeah? Let professor Ky grade your homework?”

It starts the same way it did before. You drop between his thighs, palms smooth on his skin, and he’s already smirking, cock heavy in his hand.

“You sure about this?” he teases, like he hasn’t been watching your progress like it’s the World Cup.

But you don’t answer. You show him.

You wrap your lips around the tip and take him slow and steady—and this time? No gag, no panic. Just the wet slide of your mouth and your tongue curling under the shaft like you were made for this.

Kyle chokes on his breath. “Oh. Oh fuck—you—”

You glance up through your lashes, hollow your cheeks a little, and that’s it. He’s gone.

“Jesus Christ,” he groans, gripping the sheets like they insulted his mum. “Where the fuck did you learn that—no, don’t answer—don’t stop—fuck, please don’t stop.”

Your hand works in tandem, spit glistening from your chin to his balls, the slick sound filthy. He’s already babbling.

“Oh my god, you’ve—you’ve been practicing, all for me? You dirty little thing—training that throat just for me—fuck, fuck, fuck.”

He twitches against your tongue and you push down further—past where you used to gag. Your throat relaxes just enough to take him deep. He feels the squeeze.

Kyle gasps. His hips jerk up before he catches himself. He’s shaking.

“Holy shit—‘m not gonna last, I can’t—fuck, if you keep doin’ that I’ll cum so hard I’ll forget my name—”

You hum around him and he screams.

“BABY. You’re—goddamn, you're gonna kill me—”

You don’t stop.

You don’t need to stop. You’re in your element now, sucking him like you want to crawl inside him and stay there. Your tongue flicks just under the crown, just how he taught you, and when you flatten your tongue and let him thrust just a bit? He fucking loses it.

Kyle comes with a strangled sob, back arching, hand over his eyes like he can’t bear to watch you swallow it all—but he does, peeking through his fingers like a mess.

“Ohhh fuck me,” he groans, voice wrecked. “You—what the fuck—where have you been all my life?”

You pull off with a satisfied little pop and wipe your mouth. He stares like he’s never seen you before.

“…I think I saw God,” he finally whispers. “And she was wearing your mouth.”

[fanoc18plus]

Fast & Fucking Furious

NSFW The night air is thick with heat, the scent of burnt rubber and gasoline clinging to the streets like a challenge. The low growl of his muscle car echoes off the empty road, engine snarling like a beast on a leash, waiting—begging—to be let loose. And Bakugo? He’s got one hand on the wheel, wrist draped over the top like he doesn’t give a damn, but his eyes—those molten, wicked red eyes—are locked onto her like he’s already decided how this night’s gonna go.

He smirks, all sharp teeth and cocky arrogance, leaning out the window just enough to make her shiver.

“Get the fuck in, dumbass.”

She doesn’t hesitate. Of course, she doesn’t.

The door slams shut behind her, and before she can even get her seatbelt on, he’s already tearing down the road, one hand gripping the wheel, the other resting on the gearshift—tattooed fingers flexing, shifting, controlling. The bass from the speakers is violent, thumping through her chest, but it’s got nothing on the tension humming between them, crackling like the fuse of a goddamn bomb.

She watches him, eyes tracing the sharp angles of his jaw, the way his throat bobs when he swallows, the way his tongue darts out to wet his lips—fuck, she’s staring and she doesn’t care. She wants him to notice.

And he does. Of course, he does.

His eyes flick toward her for half a second, full of heat and challenge, before snapping back to the road. “The hell you lookin’ at?”

She doesn’t answer—not with words. Instead, her hand moves—slow, teasing—dragging up his thigh like she owns him, fingers ghosting over the bulge in his sweats.

The reaction is instant. His grip on the wheel tightens, his knuckles white, his jaw clenching hard enough to crack.

“Tch—fuckin’ hell—”

His foot slams heavier on the gas, the engine screaming as he pushes it faster, burning through the streets like a goddamn reckless menace.

But she’s not done. Not even close.

She unclicks her seatbelt.

His head snaps toward her. “What the fuck are you doin’? We’re—”

Too late. She’s already moving, already climbing over the console, swinging a leg over his lap, settling her weight right where she knows he needs her the most.

His growl is feral, deep in his throat, vibrating against her chest as she presses close. His hands find her immediately—one gripping her thigh so tight it’ll leave bruises, the other still barely holding onto the wheel, struggling to stay in control of the car and himself.

She leans in, lips grazing his jaw, his pulse hammering against her teeth as she whispers, “Drive faster, Dynamight.”

And fuck—it wrecks him.

His snarl is sharp and breathless as he yanks the wheel, throwing them onto a side road so fast the tires scream against the pavement. The moment he slams the car into park, his hands are on her, gripping, pulling, shoving, moving her exactly where he wants her.

She barely has time to process what’s happening before he’s twisting their bodies, flipping their positions so fast it knocks the breath from her lungs. One second she’s straddling him, teasing him with slow, torturous rolls of her hips—

The next, her back is pressed to the cold leather of the passenger seat, and he’s caging her in, red eyes dark and fucking dangerous.

His hands roam, rough and greedy, dragging up her thighs, his breath hot against her lips as he growls, “Think you can fuckin’ play with me? Hah?”

She barely has time to smirk before he’s manhandling her again—gripping her by the thighs and dragging her across the seat like she weighs nothing. The car door flies open, and suddenly, she’s being hauled out, her back hitting the side of the car as he presses into her, trapping her between the heat of his body and the cold metal.

His lips are on her neck, biting, sucking, marking, hands everywhere, groping, squeezing, owning every inch of her. Her nails rake down his back, pulling a guttural growl from his throat that makes her throb between her legs.

And then—he’s lifting her again.

Her gasp is swallowed by his lips as he carries her, arms locking under her thighs, and before she knows it—

She’s flat on her back on the hood of his car.

The metal is warm beneath her, heat from the engine seeping into her spine as he towers over her, eyes burning with pure, unfiltered hunger.

His fingers curl around the waistband of her panties, yanking them down with zero finesse.

And she barely has time to whimper before his lips are on her—hot, relentless, tongue flicking over her clit in fast, messy strokes like he’s devouring her.

Her thighs try to close around his head, but he growls, shoving them apart, fingers digging into her skin hard enough to bruise. “Don’t you fuckin’ run from me.”

She can’t. Not with the way he’s holding her down, the way his tongue is working her so perfectly she can barely breathe, let alone think.

His name spills from her lips like a prayer, back arching, nails raking through his spiky hair, tugging hard enough to make him groan against her. The vibrations send a shockwave through her, and she’s done for, coming apart so hard she nearly screams.

When he finally pulls back, his lips are slick, his eyes wild, pupils blown so wide they’re nearly black. He wipes his mouth with the back of his hand, grinning like the cocky bastard he is.

“You’re not fuckin’ done.”

She barely has time to catch her breath before he’s undoing his sweats, shoving them low enough to free his cock—thick, aching, already dripping for her.

She reaches for him, but he catches her wrist, pinning it to the hood as he lines himself up, teasing her with slow, torturous drags of his tip against her still-throbbing clit.

“You wanna act like a fuckin’ brat?” His voice is all gravel and sin, lips brushing her ear as he pushes just the tip inside before pulling out again. “Then you’re gonna beg for it.”

Her hips jerk. “Bakugo—”

He cuts her off, sinking in, inch by inch, until he’s so deep she swears she sees stars.

Her breath stutters. “F—fuck—”

“Yeah?” His grip on her thighs tightens, spreading her wider, forcing her to take every inch. “That what you wanted, hah? Thought you could fuckin’ play with me, baby? You wanted this dick so bad—then fuckin’ take it.”

And fuck, does he give it to her.

Each thrust is brutal, punishing, the hood of the car rocking beneath them as he wrecks her in the open night, the moon bearing witness to the way he completely owns her body.

His forehead drops to hers, sweat slicking their skin, breath ragged as he snarls, “Say my name.”

She gasps it, moans it, screams it.

And when she shatters around him, body locking up, nails biting into his back, he loses it, growling curses against her lips as he fucks her through it, spilling everything he’s got inside her, marking her in every possible way.

When the high fades, they’re a mess—panting, tangled, completely spent.

She smirks up at him, chest still heaving. “Think we broke your car, Dynamight.”

He huffs, running a hand through his sweaty hair, looking at her like she’s the only fucking thing that matters.

“Who gives a shit?” He leans down, biting her lower lip, voice dropping into something dangerously soft.

“I’m not fuckin’ done with you yet.” End

[landitolover]

𝒈𝒊𝒓𝒍𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒇𝒊𝒍𝒎 in which pierre is dating everyone’s favorite singer! ౨ৎ pierre x female!singer!reader

Liked by ynswife, pierregasly, xoxoyn, and 43,789 others

ynupdates Y/n, her first night and her first time playing in paris!! She preformed amazing and gave us a sneak peak of her new song, “dance with me” 🥹 who could this song be about ? 🧐🧐

view all 678 comments..

user why did paris do to deserve this..😐😐 Like wdym they got a sneak peak of her new song????? 😭😭

→ user RIGHT like stop it oui oui bitches.

user she made dance with me for me wdym

user i’d kill to see her live 😭

user what’s happening to me?? 🧍‍♀️-🧎‍♀️-🎸

user PARIS GO SUCK A DICK

user i lost a song i didnt even know i could Lose.

→ user LITERALLY.

user PIERRE SIR WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE

user her outfit is so cute 😭❤️

→ user rightt, shes always eating

Liked by yourbestie, charles_leclerc, and 998,788 others

yourusername thank u france 🥖🥖🇫🇷🇫🇷 love u ❤️❤️🙈🙈

view all 3,479 comments..

yourbestie who is this french man mrs ……. ?!?!?!!!!

→ yourusername Idk i was just kissing a random baguette man i found on the street :///

→ yourbestie ur gonna get a disease from kissing a random french man………

→ yourusername ouch. -french man

user we lost her to a french man ☹️

→ yourusername dw he will never compete with u guys

user IS THIS THE MAN SHES WRITING A SONG FOR?????

→ yourusername thank u to my maaan 🫡

user i can tell pierres hair, and thats his hair in the 3rd pic.

→ user yeah cause that bitch is balding

→ user LMFAO THATS FOUL 😭😭

user the last picture is literally PIERRE.. ARE THEY TRYING TO BE OBVIOUS

→ user right they’re not even hiding it

Liked by yourbestie, yukitsunoda0511, and 345,971 others

pierregasly Over the break 💕

View all 484 comments

yukitsunoda0511 I really like your photographer 😂

→ pierregasly Thanks yuki, I love her too 😂

charles_leclerc Seems like you’ve been having some fun over the break 🫣

→ pierregasly 🤔🤔

user AAAHSOXOSAOS YN YN YN

→ user who is yn and why do people think she’s with pierre??

→ user she’s an artist! you should search her up/ listen to her!!

user pierres soft launch era!! get rid of it. I NEED TO KNOW WHO SHE IS

user i love how yuki is still in these photo dumps ❤️

Liked by pierregasly, yourbestie, and 134,889 others

yourusername hellloooo everybody!!!!!!!! new single out in a few days (yay) it’s called “dance with you” 💌

View all 589 comments

user WE’RE FINALLY GETTING FEED

user EVERYONE SAY THANK YOU TO HER MAN, HE GAVE OUR GIRL INSPO

→ user thank you kind sir we don’t know of

→ user thank you for making our mother write love songs x

→ user THANK 😭 U 😭 YN’S 😭 MAN 😭😭😭😭😭😭

user my prayers have been answered 😭🙏🏼

user CANT WAIT OH MU GOD

user I’m so ready to stream this song everyday and cry.

→ yourusername don’t cry babes 😞❤️ ILY

user LETS GO LESTS GOO WE WON

user cancelling all my plans just in case she calls !!

→ yourusername BACK WHEN I WAS LIVIN FOR THE HOPE OF IT ALL

user GIRL I CANT WAIT U NEED TO RELEASE IT RIGHT THIS SECOND

user this is so AUAAGDUWOQDFC

pierregasly added to their story

seen by ynupdates charles_leclerc 252,676 others

YN 💕

PIERRE OH MY GOD

WHY WOULD U …

BAEB 🙊🤍

I MEANT TO PUT IT ON MY CLOSE FRIENDS I SWEAR

i mean ITS NOT LIKE PEOPLE DIDNT ALREADY KNOW..??

YN 💕

well YEAH.. but I wanted to tell my fans myself 😒

BAEB 🙊🤍

i’m sorry 😞

at least your single comes out in a few days .. ??

YN 💕

😒😒

ok wait

i forgive u 🤍🤍🥖🥖

BAEB 🙊🤍

❤️❤️❤️

Liked by yukitsunoda0511, pierregasly, and 88,992 others

yourusername a very wise man once told me it wouldn’t b a photo dump if yuki weren’t in it … so i kidnapped him so he could be in my photo dump, thanks yuki ❤️🙊🐈‍⬛🥖

tagged yukitsunoda0511 pierregasly

View all 989 comments

user YUKI WHAT ARE U DOIN HERE

→ user more like what is PIERRE doing here …

user i hope yk how to fight pierre fucking gasly

user plot twist what if shes dating yuki

→ user its time to take ur meds babe! all these soft launch pictures we’ve gotten have BROWN HAIR !! does yuki have brown hair ? no!!

→ user jesus girl i was joking .. maybe YOU should take ur meds, insane ass…

user the last photo 😭😭

→ user shes so real fo that though cause what is up with these sassy men

→ yourusername sassy men apocalypse 🧟

user this is by far my favorite post ever cause YUKI LOOKS SO ADORABLE 😞❤️

user i am so SICK. HUST POST YOU AND PIERRE KISSING OR SOMETHING 😭😭😭 PLEASE I CANNOT KEEP WAITING FOR YOU GUYS TO CONFIRM IT YOURSELF. PLEASE YOU GUYS ARE SO SICK AND FUCKIGN TWISTED 😭😭😭😭

→ user preach 🗣️🗣️🗣️💯💯💯

user poor yuki he had to third wheel

→ user wdym yn was third wheeling

yukitsunoda0511 I have a family please let me go

→ yourusername never 😹🙊

pierregasly my little photographer

→ yourusername i should start charging u..

→ pierregasly no … you can’t, I’m broke

→ yourusername you make more money than I do ????

Liked by pierregasly, yourbestie, and 99,192 others

yourusername heeyyoo! “dance with me” out noow…!!! and by the way, I DO really like you pierregasly 🤍🤍🥖🥖⭐️⭐️

View 1,230 comments

user SHUT UP OH MY GOD

user no…. NO….. I LOST MY WIFE……

user yn does this mean we’ll get more love songs 🎀

→ yourusername oui ☺️☺️🫰🏼🫰🏼⭐️⭐️

user i just fell to my knees in a walmart parking lot

user what if i just 🪦

user you’re so silly bae 😂😂 you and ur a.i boyfriend 😂😂

→ yourusername sorry x

→ user excuse me where can i get a french a.i boyfriend like u

→ yourusername uhm ask yukitsunoda0511 he got it for me!!!!

user DANCE WITH ME STAYS ON REPEAT

user im throwing up

charles_leclerc Does this mean I can’t take him on dates anymore ?

→ yourusername can i take your girlfriend out? cause then the answer is yes charlie 🦎🦎

→ charles_leclerc 🧐🧐 Maybe….

pierregasly dance with me is the best song in existence ❤️❤️

→ yourusername thank u babe 🤍🤍😊😊🫰🏼🫰🏼

pierregasly I’m glad that I can finally post you

→ yourusername I love you 🥹🤍🤍

user AUATAAHH FINALLY

→ user I WON I WON I WON

→ user MY PARENTS

→ user SCREAMING AND SOBBING SO HARD RIGHT NOW

user they’re so ☺️☺️

user I ALWAYS KNEW U WERE MEANT FOR THAT WAG LIFE QUEEN

→ user wait PLS tell me you’ll be at the races 😭🙏🏼

→ yourusername of course! definitely not all of them but i’ll try my hardest to come 💕😊

Liked by yourusername, yukitsunoda0511, and 87,778 others

pierregasly Je t'aime my red panda 🤍

tagged yourusername

View all 767 comments

user HE CAN’T KEEP GETTING AWAY WITH THIS 😭😭

user seeing this makes me feel . DISGUSTED

user if you look closely you can see me violently sobbing in the corner.

user you guys are so cute!!!!!!!!! 😂 (i literally just kms)

user always these damn white men

user my parents 4eva

user yourusername when does the love album for pierre come out babes x

→ yourusername feb 7th 🦎

user the 😭 caption 😭. my 😭 red 😭 panda 😭

user pierre how do u feel after pulling the baddest girl ever

pierregasly amazing cause i ❤️ my gf

user yn bae how long has this been going on !!

→ yourusername 50 years

landonorris LET ME GO TO YOUR CONCERTS YN

→ yourusername of course landobum x

charles_leclerc so cute (yuck)

yukitsnoda0511 you’re welcome for setting you up with her 🙄

→ yourusername THANK YOU SO SO SO MUCH FOR THE MOST WONDERFUL BF EVER YUKI ⭐️⭐️🫰🏼🫰🏼

→ pierregasly THANK YOU YUKI!! I’LL BUY YOU ALL THE FOOD YOU WANT🫡❤️

౨ৎ helloooo ! i hope u like this 😁😁 idk what to say tbh cause this is just a re upload …. I WILL TRY TO POST FOR DULCE HOTLINE SOON 🤓 i’ve been kinda busy tho, sorry ☹️😞

[elektramustdie]

𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐨 𝐱 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐱 𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐲

The sound of skin on skin filled the room, dimly lit by just one bedside lamp, everything cast in a tangerine flow. You were fisting the bedsheets, elbows on the mattress, bent over, hips hitched high, back arched real pretty. “That’s it, sweetheart,” Frank praised. “Gonna fuck this bad mood right out of you, huh?” His hand pressed into the dip in your back as he kept up those slow thrust that he liked to tease you with, pushing your body down lower still, barely managing to keep yourself up. “You’re doin’ so good.”

You whined, happy at his words, happier with the attention. You were almost going slack, the pleasure too much but you knew what would happen if you let yourself fall. You’d been bratty all day, pushing buttons, toeing the line and the least you could do now was keep yourself in the position Frank had told you to get into.

“Baby,” you cried out, pleading, needing Frank to go faster. “C’mon, please.”

“Oh listen to her,” another voice said, breathing out a soft laugh. “All sweet and polite now, isn’t she?” Frank just chuckled, palming at your hips before he gave them an appreciative squeeze, sliding his cock back into you inch by inch. You could feel him throbbing, wanting nothing more than to fuck himself into you hard and fast, but he wasn’t allowed to.

Not yet.

Gerard moved to the bottom of the bed, kneeling on the floor so he was level with your face. He was pouting, shirt unbuttoned with his sleeved rolled up, dress pants still on ‘cause you’d been a bitch the minute he’d gotten home from work. He cupped one side your face with a big hand, warm and calloused. “Found your manners, have you?” He teased, all smiles now that you were speechless. His gaze roamed over your body, the way the other boy held you up and pinned you down all at once. “Is Frank making you feel good?” You nodded furiously, lips parting in a moan when Frank rolled his hips, grinding against the plush of your ass. “So good,” you agreed. “Really wanna come, Gee, please.”

Gerard tutted, soft and pouty and still watch you closely, loving the way your lashes would flutter shut, how he could see the way you swallowed thickly to hold back your cries. Your eyes were turning glassy, a tell tale sign. “Think you deserve it?” He asked and Frank slowed right back down again, keeping his cock seated inside you as Gerard rubbed a thumb over your cheek, your bottom lip. You whimpered, pouting. Gerard tutted again, like he wasn’t the one in charge of what was happening. “I know, I know honey, we’re just awful, huh?” You didn’t answer, knowing that you couldn’t agree when you’d been a downright horror to both boys after a bad day at work. It hadn’t been their faults, they just happened to be there when everything kicked off. It didn’t take long for you to be pushed onto the bed. “It’s so good though, right?” Gerard was still talking in that maddeningly soft way, tone dripping with sticky sweetness, complete adoration even when he swept his thumb over your parted lips and into your mouth. He rubbed the pad of it over your tongue and waited for you to suck. He kissed at your cheek, your nose, your jaw when you did. “Show me what that mouth does and I’ll let Frank make you come, honey.”

[kinq-sleazee]

i was reading some things from my old blog and i just had to repost this because …

Kirishima’s Balls | MDNI

I know they’re heavy. So big and fat and filled with cum. Just wanna hold ‘em in my hand. Squeezing softly just to get his body to tense as he jerks forward with a “oof” before groaning and closing his eyes. Huge huge balls— and one’s bigger than the other. They’re not smooth because he doesn’t manscape (it isn’t manly) but it’s still pretty and won’t stop us from letting him drop em in our mouth. Dunking em like an Oreo in some milk. Tongue darting out to roll over each sac before sucking one into our mouth. We love to suck Kirishima’s balls. Moaning as we work his scrotum with our spit covered lips and fingers. The vibration has his dick jumping, bouncing against our forehead as we bob up and down on his hot jizz goblets. We’re really making a mess of him at these point. He’s panting, face lax and head thrown back in ecstasy as we coax his orgasm forward. “Doin’ so good f’me” “gonna cum like this” His words signal a fresh gush of arousal between your legs. All you want is for him to cum. No you need it. Need him to paint your face in hot sticky white lines. Want him to make you a toaster strudel. So you lean back on your heels, popping his testicles out of your mouth, massaging his balls in your hand as you lift them up and start licking at his perineum. Within seconds he’s spurting buckets of cum— some lands on your back, some in your hair. What a shame it couldn’t make it in your mouth but don’t worry too much. Eijiro’s gonna make sure to fill up your pretty little pussy instead.

[dbnightingale24]

React

A Stepcest Love Story About Jim

~~

~~

Chapter 1

See? I'm actually updating in a non-annoying time frame.

Word Count: 4,958

Warning: Swearing, Family Drama, Stepdaughter/Step Father interest, Drinking, Drinking Relapse, Minors DNI, Emotional Cheating, Forbidden Love, Slow Burn, Flirting...I think that's it.

Summary: Things become more intimate between you and Jim.

~~

I do not give permission/consent for my stories/works to get posted elsewhere. I do not condone this type of behavior/relationship, this is for entertainment purposes only.

~~

~~

Chapter 2

“Why don’t you want to go tonight?” your best friend, Ciara, asks you take a seat next to her on the sofa, and you both watch Nora play on the floor. 

“Why do you want to go so bad? You hate her,” you laugh.

“Be that as it may, your Mum knows how to throw a party, and she seems to want you to go pretty damn bad.”

“Eh, she probably just wants to make up for embarrassing herself in front of her new husband,” you mutter with an eye roll.

“That’s the other thing! I wanna see your hot new step daddy,” she smirks mischievously, and you burst out laughing. 

“I thought you and Darragh are trying to make a go of it?”

With a shrug, she simply responds with, “I didn’t say I’d touch, I just wanna look.”

“You’re a fuckin’ mess,” you laugh as your phone buzzes for the millionth time. “Fuckin’ hell,” you groan, checking another text from your Mother.

Life Giver: Jim and I would really like it if Ciara and you came tonight. We’re gonna have so many friends...it’ll be good for us.

Since the fiasco that was you coming home two weeks ago, your Mother has been doing her best to get on your good side, and has only blamed her “blowup” on you a handful of times.

For her, that’s growth.

In all honesty, you’re not even mad at her, you’re just not in the mood for any of her theatrics. You already know how the rest of the Summer will play out if you give in and forgive her but, at the same time, she does have Jim now. The last thing she wants to do is make a fool of herself again. He seems like the kind of man who’s finally giving her the life she wants, and she’ll kill herself before she fucks that up.

“C’mon, maybe it’ll be fun,” Ciara encourages, pulling you from your thoughts.

“You just want free booze.”

“Well, there’s also that,” she agrees with a laugh. “Darragh is picking up Nora, and he’ll have her for the week. So, if this party sucks, I’ll have the rest of the week to make it up to you,” she promises with pleading eyes. 

“Do you really think it’ll be worth it?”

“Y/M/N is a lot of things, but a bad party thrower is not one of them.”

She had you there. For all of the faults your Mother has, she’s always been able to throw a party that people talk about for months. It’s one of the perks about having a young Mother. She had you when she was 16, and the second you were out of her, she went right back to partying. She may be turning 40, but you’re more than sure she still knows how to throw a party. 

“We’ll go for an hour, and then we’ll go dancing,” you smirk as Ciara lets out a squeal of delight.

Picking up your phone, you’re quick to respond to your Mother and let her know that you Ciara will come by for a little bit before going out.

“Darragh will be here in about an hour, so I’m gonna get Nora’s bag together, and we’ll get outfits together after they leave.” “How’s that going by the way? Where do you two stand?”

“I don’t know. It was a nasty and we can both still be pretty nasty to one another, and we don’t wanna raise Nora around that. We were so young when we had her, no clue what we were doin’, and we blamed each other. However, the love is still strong and we’ve ended up in each other’s beds more times than either of us can count. I don’t know, it’s hard but we’re trying. My parents aren’t happy.”

“Your parents put you out, who gives a fuck what they think?”

“I don’t know, they’ve been asking to come around and see Nora more, we’ve had a few talks and they apologized...they were disappointed in me-”

“My grandparents were disappointed in my Mum, but they didn’t put her out, and they sure as shit didn’t leave me alone to fend for myself. I’m glad you’re working things out with them, but I still don’t forgive them.”

“Babe, could this be some leftover anger towards your parents?”

“Nah, I’m just tired of shit parents. We get stuck with the suffering, and then we’re just supposed to forgive ‘em like it’s nothin’, and it’s not fair. You got top marks, there’s not a single person who can find somethin’ negative to say about you, and you’ve always been honest with them. Even when it was hard. You do one thing they don’t like and they put you out. Now, after the damage has been done, they’re ready to talk. Even if you actually want nothing to do with them, you’re not going to deny Nora the chance to have a relationship with them. They mess everything up and you’re the one stuck with cleaning it up.”

“I didn’t say it was any easy talk,” she mutters, running a frustrated hand through her hair, “there was a lot of yelling and crying. You’re not wrong in what you’re saying.”

“Even with my Mum, the argument we’re having is my fault. It can’t be that she lied to Jim, it’s my fault because I ruined the lie she set up.”

“What exactly did she tell him?”

“She told him she doesn’t drink that much, that she and I have always had a really great relationship but I made her take a backseat for school, and she doesn’t blame me for it-” “You’re serious?”

“Yup, and she told him that I’m not good with young kids, that’s why she’s been anxious for me to meet his.”

“You’re great with kids!”

“But this is my fault. I’m just tired of shitty parents. Why is always our job to be the ones to clean up after them?”

“Well, lets get little miss ready for her Father, then we’ll get ready to go,” she smiles as she picks up Nora, who claps and laughs at her Mother. “Like you said, we’ll go for a bit then we’ll go out.”

Smiling as you take Nora from her, you nod in agreement, “sounds good to me.”

Being the paranoid Mother shes always been, Ciara takes her time packing, double and triple checking everything as you dance around with Nora. By the time Darragh arrives, she’s packing the bag for the fourth time.

Laughing as he takes Nora from you, he assures her, “I’m sure you packed everything.”

 “We’re going out tonight and I don’t want you to have to come back because I left one of her comfort toys out. She’s been really fussy lately, and it really helps.”

“She has toys at my house too, love. It’ll be fine. What’s going on tonight?”

“My Mum’s birthday party.”

“You’re talking to her?”

“She won’t leave me alone about it, so I figured we’ll just go for a bit, then go to the Pub or something.”

“Don’t hit her.”

“She hit me!” you groan as he starts laughing. “Take good care of my goddaughter.”

He smiles as he starts to bounce her in his arms, promising, “only the very best.”

He’s quick to give Ciara a kiss before rushing out, and she bites her lip to fight off a smile.

“So uh, when’s the last time you two ended up in each other’s bed?”

“Last Saturday when I went to pick up Nora.”

“I hear chaotic wedding bells.”

“Lets get ready!” she laughs, pulling you up the steps along with her.

Getting ready proves to be harder than you can you imagine, because you truly have no idea what to wear. You haven’t been to one of your Mother’s parties in over a year, and you don’t want to overdress, and you also don’t want to under dress. 

Plus, there’s Jim. Your stepfather.

You’re so anxious about seeing him again, and you can’t figure out why. You’ve only met him the one time, but he left a lasting impression. You honestly don’t know why it matters so much, because it’s not like he’s anything to you. Yes, by marriage he’s your stepfather, but what the hell do you need one of those for? As far as you’re concerned, you’ve only ever had one father figure and he was your grandfather. Once he died, you didn’t need anyone else. You didn’t trust anyone else. 

You take about 20 minutes going back and forth between your favorite plaid mini-skirt, and your favorite black denim shorts, before Ciara finally took the reins and decided for you. She dresses you up in the plaid mini-skirt, your old ‘Siouxsie & The Banshees’ t-shirt that you stole from your Mother when you were 13, and black combat boots.

Looking yourself over in the mirror, you ask, “do you really think this is alright?”

“It’s the best of both worlds, babe. We’ll do your hair up in simple little space buns, and you’re all set.”

“Why do you always know how to dress me better than I dress myself?”

“Because you overthink every little thing,” she laughs as she sits you down and parts your hair. “I’m really happy we re-dyed your hair. The blue blends perfectly with the black. These buns are gonna look amazing!”

“Maybe leave a strand down on either side. That’ll look nice.”

“Now we’re talking!” she squeals.

As you start working on your makeup, your thoughts slowly start to calm down. You’re overthinking for no reason. You’d both had a long day, drinks were had, and you were both tired. No more no less. Once you see him again, and feel nothing towards him, you’ll see that all of your worrying is for nothing.

You hope.

~~

“How is it that your Mum always has a house full of people, and never runs out of booze? What was point of bringin’ the whiskey?” Ciara gripes as you two make your way inside.

“Cause, it’s her birthday and you’re supposed to bring a gift.”

“And what, might I ask, did she get you for your birthday?”

“Peace and bloody quiet.”

Ciara laughs and nods in agreement, “the best gift she could ever give you, honestly.”

“GIRLS!” your Mother’s voice rings out as she stumbles out of the living area.

Ciara scowls as she covers her face, “Christ on a bike.”

“Shes had to been drinking since morning,” you mutter with a smile as your Mother finally reaches the both of you and sloppily hugs you both.

The party started an hour ago.

“Happy birthday!” you beam, hugging her back. “We brought whiskey.”

“Not as if she needs it,” Ciara mutters and you stomp on her foot.

You’ll be dammed if an argument breaks out just as soon as you’ve arrived.

“Jim’s in the kitchen talking with Rose. Come and say hi!” she slurs excitedly, grabbing your hand and dragging you along with her, and your quick to latch onto Ciara and pull her along.

Not surprisingly, Rose is standing a little too close to Jim, but you know she won’t actually act on anything. For as much as you’ve never liked Rose, she’s most loyal friend your Mother has. They’ve been friends since they were 8, and wherever there’s an adventure, you’ll find them together and ready to engage.

Rose gushes once her eyes land on you, “there’s our girl!”

“Hey Aunt Rose.”

“And you brought Ciara! It’s been so long since I’ve seen the both of you!” she practically screams, engulfing you both in a tight hug. Clearly just as drunk as your Mother.

Your Mother pulls the bottle of Ciara’s hands as she comments, “I’ll take this and make you two drinks! I’m so happy you’re both here!”

Well, at least she’s having a good birthday.

“So, any big news? Anything happenin’ back at school? Any boys? Any jobs lined up after?” Rose questions off at rapid fire once she finally lets go of you and Ciara.

“Oh, uh, well I’m just-” “Hold that thought! I see Amy!” she squeals before running off.

“Is everyone fuckin’ drunk already?!” Ciara exclaims, gaining a small laugh from Jim.

“Well, Y/M/N has been up since 10, so she started drinking at 10:01.”

“Ah, you’re learning fast,” you giggle.

“Yeah, she wasn’t like this last year for any of the parties she threw. She drank, but it was actually during the party.”

“Just you wait till I finish school.”

Ciara snickers and shakes her head, “God, that’s gonna be so much fun, and we won’t remember a thing.”

“Right you are,” you laugh in agreement. “Jim, this is Ciara, my best friend since grade school. Ciara, this is Jim, my Mother’s new husband.”

“So you’re the hot stepdad? I get it, I completely understand,” she nods, slowly taking him in, as you burst out laughing and Jim becomes visibly flustered. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Hot stepdad, eh?” he nods towards you.

“Words were said,” you shrug with a smirk as your Mother finally makes her way back over with the drinks.

“Jim, I’ve made you one too! This is party!” she laughs, handing out all three cups. “AMY!” she yells before stumbling out.

“You may as well drink up, because it’s only going to get worse from here,” you promise, raising your cup. “Cheers.”

“Cheers,” Ciara and Jim cheered in unison.

As you take a large sip of your drink, you feel Jim’s eyes glued to you, and every feeling you thought felt wash away comes rushing back. You look him directly in the eyes while continuing to drink, and Ciara between the both of you with a smirk tugging on her lips.

Oh God, you know that look.

Once Jim puts his cup down, he clears his throat, “are you girls staying for the whole party?”

“Uh-”

“Yes,” Ciara interjects, and you shoot her a look, which she completely ignores. “Figured it would be best, since everything was left such a mess before. If there’s one thing that’ll make Y/M/N forget that she’s irrationally upset, it’s booze and a party.”

Oh my God.

“Jim! Come say hi!” your Mother calls, laughing along with Rose, Amy, and you’re guessing Amy’s boyfriend.

“I’ll circle back,” he promises with a nod and a soft smile, before walking off.

“What are you doing?!” you snap once Jim is out of ear shot.

“Investigating.”

“Investigating what?!”

“Just how long you should be staying at my place.”

“What?”

“You don’t fool me. I saw the look you two exchanged, plus, Daddy Dearest couldn’t keep his eyes off of you.” “Stop it, he’s just being nice. It’s an awkward situation to be in because my Mother is...my Mother, and I guarantee he doesn’t know a majority of the people here.”

“What does have to do with you?”

“He knows me!”

“He met you the one time.”

“Ci-”

“There’s no harm in staying, besides, we can get shit faced here and sleep it off at my place.”

“I really don’t want to be around Rose all night,” you scowl, taking another sip of your drink.

“I won’t leave you to these assholes. Lets just stay and see what happens,” she suggests with a shrug before downing her drink. “Refill!”

You should’ve gone to the pub. You should’ve gone anywhere but your Mother’s house.

~~

4 Hours Later...

You and Ciara are absolutely shit faced, along with everyone else in the house. Between the calls for shots, not drinking as much water as you should have, and the drinks Ciara kept making for you, there was no other choice for you.

“Do you think your Mum locked the door to your room?” Ciara slurs, leaning against you.

“Hmm? What? Why?”

“I have to pee!”

You giggle and grab her hand, leading her through the crowd of people and make your way upstairs, “come on.”

“I love Nora, but I’m so happy I get to sleep this off.”

“Feel shit already?”

“No, but I know I will in the mornin’,” she groans and you giggle. “I’ll stand guard, go to the bathroom,” you encourage with a smile once you reach your room. 

“You’re a saint, baby,” she praises as she stumbles into your bedroom, practically running to the connected bathroom.

Giggling to yourself, you lean against the wall and take a sip of your drink. 

“What’re you doin’ up here?” a deep voice asks, causing you to jump.

You laugh when you see Jim stumbling out of your Mother’s bedroom, “Ciara needed to use the toilet, so she’s using the one in my room.”

“The ones downstairs are taken?”

“Guess so,” you smile up at him, taking another sip of your drink, “what’s your excuse?”

He sighs as he goes to take a sip of his drink, “I was hiding.”

“Ha! She finally wore you down?”

“How does she know so many people?!”

“She assumes everyone she parties with is her lifelong friend. They don’t judge her so, naturally, she wants to be around them all the time.”

“You don’t like them, then?” 

You scoff, “not in the slightest.” “Not even Rose?”

“That bitch. I especially don’t like Rose.”

There’s a small silence before he comments, “you look nice tonight.”

“Yeah?”

“I think you know you do.”

“Wasn’t too sure, didn’t get many compliments tonight.”

“Then they weren’t payin attention.”

What the fuck are you doing?

“You should probably go and find my Mother.”

“She’s fine on her own.”

“It’s her birthday.”

“She threw the party. I’m having much more fun where I’m at.”

“And why’s that?”

“I’m going home,” Ciara states, suddenly coming out of your room, surprising both you and Jim.

“What? Why?”

“I need sleep.”

“You can sleep here.”

“Too fuckin’ loud and, knowing your Mother, she’ll want to keep this up for another few hours.”

“Well, how the hell are ya gettin’ home? You’re not walkin’.”

“I spent the last 5 minutes orderin’ a service. By the time I get downstairs, it should be here. I take you’re stayin?”

“You how she gets. Jim’s never dealt with her and Rose never stays to help.”

“You’re a better daughter than she deserves,” she smiles, wrapping you in a hug. “You’ll come round tomorrow?” “Yeah, let me know when you’re home safe, okay?”

She lets go of you and nods, “promise. Nice meeting you, Jim.”

“You too, get home safe,” he smiles as Ciara starts down the stairs. 

And just like that, you and Jim are alone again.

“You can go back into hiding again, she’s useless at this point.” “I can handle her.”

“While I believe that,” you giggle, “I’m saving you.” “And who saves you?”

“Me,” you smirk before walking off.

It’s nothing. Nothing at all. You’re both drunk, irritated, and it’ll mean nothing in the morning. It can’t mean anything, because you’re not that awful of a person. It’s just a bit of innocent fun. Nothing that can’t be shrugged off. 

For the rest of the night, you do your best to distance yourself from Jim, no matter how many times you catch him looking your way. When the party finally starts to wind down, as you predicted, Rose is the first one out the door, leaving your Mother half asleep on the couch.

“C’mon Mum, time to get you upstairs,” you groan, lifting her up.

“No-”

“Literally everyone has gone. It’s just you, Jim, and myself. It’s time for bed.”

“Great, your mad-”

“Not mad, just drunk and tired. Everyone needs to go to sleep. Now, up.”

With a huff of annoyance, she forces herself up and puts most of her weight on you, and you both slowly start on your way to the stairs.

“She alright?” Jim asks, coming to help, and wrapping your Mother’s other arm around his neck.

“She’s fine, just drunk.”

Your Mother scoffs in annoyance, “it’s not even that late.”

“It’s 2am,” you grunt, trying to keep everyone balanced.

Once you’re all finally at the top of the stairs, both you and Jim start to struggle, because your Mother has officially passed out and is now dragging her feet. Nonetheless, you both get her to bed and, while Jim undresses and dresses her, you set up water and ibuprofen on her bedside. 

“Got it from here?” you ask softly.

“Yeah, you alright?”

“Mhm, I’ll see you in the morning,” you smile before quietly making your way out.

Against your better judgement, after you’ve changed into one of your old nightshirts, you go downstairs and start to clean. No, you don’t plan on cleaning everything tonight, but your Mother won’t be up until late afternoon and there’s no way in fuck you’re gonna wanna clean all of this when you get up.

“What are ya doin’? I’ll take care of this,” Jim states gently, causing you to jump.

“No, get some rest. I’ve got it.” “Y/N-”

“I’m used to it. I’ll do some now and the rest tomorrow.” “You don’t have to take care-”

“I’m just used to it.”

“You don’t have to be anymore.”

“Jim-”

“I’ll take this side, you take the other,” he half smiles and you giggle.

“Sounds good.”

Maybe you should’ve gone home with Ciara, because the fact that it’s just the both of you, and you’re walking around in a long t-shirt and panties, and you’re once again drunker than you ever meant to get. If there’s one thing your Mother can unite everyone in, it’s getting people entirely too drunk. However, you can’t lie and say the extra help isn’t nice. Ciara would help if she was able, but her parents always hated her staying over as well as the state she would come back in, so help didn’t happen often. 

It’s only your second time with the older gentleman, but gentleman he is indeed.

“I think that’s a good bit for tonight,” you smile when you both meet up in the kitchen.

“There’s barely anything left for tomorrow.”

You scoff, “which makes my life easier.”

“You don’t have to take care of it, angel.”

Angel? That goes straight to foggy brain. 

“It’s just what I’m used to-”

“You don’t have to be, not anymore. You’re not alone,” he promises softly, faintly slurring, as he softly caresses your right cheek with his right hand.

The hand without his wedding band.

You find yourself leaning into it for just a moment, before pulling away and looking up at him, “goodnight Jim.”

“Night angel.”

Stumbling up the steps, you’re quick to escape into your room, finally letting out a breath didn’t even know you’d been holding. You don’t even bother to turn on the light, you just plop down on your bed and grab your phone to send Ciara a quick text. 

Y/N: Thanks for letting me know you’re back safe. Lots to talk about when I get back, and what the fuck? I should’ve left with you, lol. Anyway, I love you, night.

Too wired from your interaction with Jim, you decided to mindlessly scroll through your phone, trying to find literally anything to take your mind off of him. However, nothing seemed to do the trick. God, why couldn’t you just have decided to stay with Ciara from the very beginning? At this point, you would’ve much rather stayed oblivious to this whole damn thing. Your Mother clearly had no problem hiding it, so why now?

You’re just about to send Ciara another text when you hear your door open. 

“Jim?”

Almost instantly, the light comes on and he looks mortified, “fuck! I’m sorry, I wasn’t...I didn’t...I’m-” Laughing and waving your hand to beckon him in, you shake your head, “it’s fine.”

“I wasn’t payin’ attention-”

“It’s really alright, Jim. You’re drunk and it’s late. I don’t take it as you creepin’ in on me.”

“Good...thanks,” he laughs awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Everything alright?”

“Yeah no, I’ll leave you to it-” “What’s bothering you?” you ask, placing your phone down and sitting up.

“It’s no big deal-”

“Then you should have no problem telling me.”

He motions towards the room and you nod, as he enters and closes the door softly behind him.

“I’m just wonderin’-” “Jim, you can sit on my bed, I won’t bite,” you laugh. “I promise to be a good girl, daddy,” you tease, not noticing how he swallows thickly as he makes his way over and sits on the edge of the bed. “What’s got you all worked up after such a rowdy party?”

“Well, that’s it,” he laughs nervously, “has it always been like this? How did I not see it?”

“In your defense, I triggered it. I trigger her.”

“How? You’re an...an angel, and I don’t see how-”

“No one wants to commit themselves to a teen Mother, she didn’t want the responsibility, and my grandparents didn’t hold their tongues on how disappointed they were in her. I represent failure and resentment. I didn’t get knocked up in the back of some loser’s car at a concert, I’m continuing my education, my grandparents always made sure to tell me how much they love me and how proud they were...she feels like they wished I would’ve been their daughter instead. Which, isn’t the case at all, they just wanted her to do better. Her argument was always that she was young, and they always told her that it didn’t stop her from opening her legs,” you shrug with an awkward laugh. “We’ve had our rows in the past, some of them bad, and she knows how I feel towards her. I guess, now, she wants me to see that she’s changed. Stable man, stable life...she’s finally grown up. However, when I first met you, I was rightfully angry with her, and now she feels all those things again and she just...she spirals,” you smile weakly, wiping your eyes. “So, it’s not that you’re not a good judge of character or anything, you just didn’t know everything.”

He’s looking at you with the softest eyes, and you force yourself to look away, because it’s entirely too much for you to handle in your current state.

“I just...I’m not giving up on her or anything, I just don’t know how to handle her when she’s like this,” he mutters, turning away from.

You clear your throat and reach out for his hand, “well, take into account that tonight was a good night. She was hanging all over you, she wanted you by her side, and she was laughing and dancing almost the entire time. Yeah, she still drank her face off, but she was bearable. On her off nights...”

“What?”

“You go for a walk, go see friends, maybe go to the cinema...just let her have her fit. There’s no reasoning, because she’ll just want to argue and won’t take any accountability. It’s never worth it. Especially if Rose is with her.”

“Yeah, what’s the story there?”

“Rose is the worst fucking person. She’s selfish and a deadbeat. Whenever my Mother wanted to actually make an actual attempt to be a parent, Rose was always there to say ‘your parents will take care of her! You’re young!’ and yeah, my Mother is her own person, but Rose didn’t help anything. The moment I was able to drink, they brought me everywhere so they’d have someone to bring them home, and Rose would talk her into going off with her to do God knows what and leave me on my own.”

“Why does she keep her around?”

“That’s her best friend. When Ma got knocked up, Rose stayed by her side, she doesn’t make her feel bad about herself, she’s been there after every guy left, and they party together. Rose is a terrible influence, but she’s always been a good friend. Gotta give her that,” you mutter.

Jim looks as if he wants to say something, but he’s at a loss for words. So, you smile and take control of the conversation.

“I couldn’t help but notice you going through the record collection tonight.”

He laughs softly, finally taking your hand in his, “you noticed, eh?”

“This has always been a family of impeccable music taste.”

“I could tell by the shirt you wore tonight.”

“Yeah? Tell me more about what you love.”

It’s not like you mean to keep him in your room for so long, but you two get so caught up in conversation, and you lose track of time. At some point, you both end up laying down on your bed (your head on his chest and leg around his waist while his hand is wrapped around you and stroking your hair), and none of it feels wrong. You know it is, but you feel so at peace with him, that it just feels as if it’s meant to be.

‘None of this will matter in the morning,’ you tell yourself mentally.

You yawn as you slowly start to succumb to sleep, “Jim?”

“Yeah angel?”

“When I leave, she’ll go back to normal. It won’t always be like this,” you promise softly and he lets out a heavy sigh. “What?”

“You shouldn’t have to leave for her to go back to how she was.”

“It’s what’s best for everyone.” “Not me,” he mutters into your hair before pressing a soft kiss into it, and your heart breaks at his words. “Just sleep. We both need to sleep.”

As you drift off, you tell yourself that none of this matters. Nothing that’s been discussed, and not you two holding each other close while your Mother snores the night away in the next room. All of this is just temporary until you leave.

Too bad your heart won’t follow suit.

~~

[hiddenwritingsintheworld]

Cruel Summer Ch. 5

Donations | Thoughts & Feelings | Cruel Summer Series | Chapter 4

(Thank you all so much for being patient as I worked through personal issues!! I'm trying to write and get new chapters out for you guys. I'm still dealing with personal issues but for now, I'll push through, thank you all so much for always sending kind supportive messages. Love you guys! Enjoy!

P.S. you can find clues about future chapters if you read through the tags ;) )

-Chapter 5-

You stared at him before giggling, “Funny Chris, you know….. about us…now that we’re…ya know…gonna be public and all that.” you smiled as he chuckled. “Baby…you know we could never be public…I can't ditch the perfect, good girl next door, to go out with an old co star…besides, we’d never work out publicly, we're better this way. Private, just you and me, locked away in a bedroom somewhere.” he leaned in to kiss you again, but you pulled back feeling bile rise in your throat. “You never planned on leaving her for me…did you?” you asked, staring at the bed. “Babygirl,” he walked around the bed to sit by you on your side of the bed. 

He pulled your chin up kissing your lips before you pulled back, he only had a moment to see your eyes before you slapped him as hard as you could. “Get out. Get the fuck out!” you glared at him before you moved quickly off the other side of the bed. “Sweethear-” “FUCK YOU!” you screamed. “GET OUT!!” you grabbed his clothes throwing them at him, he ducked as his shoes flew at his head. 

The door busted open, your security guards and Megan stood there. “Oh Y/N…” She said softly as Chris stood up after sliding his jeans on. “Y/N! Baby come on! Knock it off, let's talk about this!” he snapped back at you. You raced off into the bathroom, locking the door as the tears fell. You started the shower, a sob leaving your lips as you slid down to the floor crying. 

A few weeks later

“And in other news mega worldwide Popstar Y/N, has deleted all posts from her social media. Sources say, She’s “Blacking out any and all communication on tour, and while she loves sharing her life with her fans, touring has taken a toll on her, she’ll return eventually, but for now. She’s got to focus on herself.” wow, so no more thank you posts to all her concert goers? That’s gonna feel like a slap to the face.” the news reporter stated as her co-star started in on you and your reputation. You sat by the window staring out over the city, thankful that no one could see you all the way up here. “Turn it off.” you grumbled out, “You know it's interesting, one former Avenger star announces his wedding date with pictures of his fiance’ the same time another former Avenger star blacks out her social media? I smell drama!” he chuckled as she gasped. 

“I don’t need to hear how Lacey and Simon think I’m some big fuck up for not wanting to be on social media right now.” you said getting up and grabbing your phone. “I’m going down to the gym, maybe running will clear my head.” you said matter of factly before grabbing your headphones. “Maybe you shouldn’t go alone?” Megan asked as she stood up. Your phone had been blowing up from friends and family checking in on you, wondering why you’d gone radio silent. 

You felt your phone go off as you exited your room and felt the corners of your mouth turn up for the first time in what felt like forever. 

Hemsworthy: ‘This place is super boring without you here.’ 

Y/N: ‘Tell me about it. I wish you were here. Life fucking sucks right now.’ 

Hemsworthy: ‘Heard you went black out on socials….you doin okay? 

Y/N: ‘Yep…got a lot going on & I don’t want to see anything online…just, want to focus back on friends and myself for a while…’ 

You sighed as you sent the message, heading into the gym where you began to walk on the treadmill. You thought back over all your time with Chris lately, before he left for South America. The movie nights eating ice cream, playing new songs for him, talking him through his depression when it came to the divorce. You felt tears in your eyes, how could you have been so fucking stupid. 

Were you this desperate to fall in love and be with someone? You’d mistook your friendship with Chris, the things that friends did, as romantic interest and felt yourself developing feelings for him. He was just recently divorced…why would he even think about dating anyone; you needed serious help. 

Hemsworthy: ‘You know if you keep running on the treadmill, you’re gonna burn holes in those tennis shoes missy. :P’ 

You glanced at the message before you did a double take; you didn’t remember telling him you were going to work out to clear your head. “If I have to stand back here any longer I’m gonna go insane.” his thick Australian accent startled you, causing you to whip around as you pulled your headphones off. “Oh my god!” you dashed over to him jumping into his arms as he laughed and hugged you tight. “I missed you popstar,” he mumbled in your ear as you buried your face into his hoodie, breathing in his scent. “I missed you too,” you whispered against his shoulder. 

You jumped down smiling up at him, “Let’s go order some room service and catch up,” he chuckled and cleared his throat, “Uh…I wanted to see if you wanted to go to dinner tonight, with me?” he smiled softly. “Somewhere nice?” he asked as you grinned and nodded, “yeah! That sounds fun!” you said as you both walked to the Elevators. “I have this super cute outfit I’ve been wanting to wear anyways!” you grinned as he chuckled. “I’m sure you’re going to look as beautiful as you always do,” Chris smiled at you, his eyes twinkled softly as you talked about your upcoming show, which was a couple of nights away and Chris was thrilled he was going to attend it. 

When he was touring with you, he would stay back at the hotel, usually cooking a meal for the two of you and picking out a couple of movies for you guys to watch and relax after your shows. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to go to your shows, it was just easier to avoid the press. After the divorce, anytime they had the opportunity to print something about him or his ex wife, they jumped on it.  

Once you guys made it back up to the hotel suite, you got ready for the evening, excited to have a nice dinner with someone who didn’t give a shit how famous you were, or what was happening in your life. You looked in the mirror and smiled at the black sequinned dress, which looked like a night sky, with clouds and a half moon on it. You wore strappy black heels and a fur jacket; and paired it with a silver flashy purse with a diamond studded necklace. 

Chris grinned as he saw you come from your bedroom, “Whoa…you look…..incredible,” he held his hand out spinning you around as you giggled softly, “Thank you. My friend Kayleigh had this made for me, and I hadn't found the right occasion to wear it yet, but thought tonight was perfect.” you smiled as he smiled tenderly at you. “Well it’s perfect, come, I’ve made reservations for us.” he chuckled as you giggled excitedly. “Yay! It’s going to be so nice just…going to dinner and relaxing,” you said as you both headed to the car. 

Pulling up to your favorite restaurant you sighed softly, the paparazzi were covering the street and you looked at Chris. “I’m sorry…I know you want to avoid them, I can go first…maybe see if they have a back entrance you can come through?” you said as he reached over and grabbed your hand, smiling softly. “I think I can manage a few photos with a beautiful girl before we go to dinner.” 

The way he smiled at you, something felt different, you were starting to convince yourself that it was all in your head, but a small part of you wanted him to be into you. You knew you were developing feelings for him. “Y/N! Over here! Over here!” several voices shouted at you as you climbed out of the SUV and made your way around to the sidewalk. You smiled, waved at them, clearly not showing annoyance that you held toward them sometimes and even asked a few of them how they were doing this evening. 

You stopped and posed for a couple of photos, when the other door opened and Chris got out smiling and waving at them for a moment before he put his hand on the small of your back as he walked with you to the door. The camera clicks intensified as he placed his hand on your back and you could hear them shouting more questions as you walked in together.

Tag List:

@notebooks-of-nonsense @fdl305 @bval-1 @calimoi @syntheticavenger @mrsjenniferwinchester @chaneajoyyy @mommad @ellen-reincarnated1967 @adriellej @coffeebooksandfandom @patzammit @posiemax @auriel187 @ladybug05 @stoneyggirl2 @fallenoutofrose @mrspeacem1nusone @teamfreewill-imagine @inlovewith3 @auvisanspeur @whiskeytangofoxtrot555 @leaveitbythewave @sleutherclaw @sandlee44 @aaqua-tofana @nohumanswereharmed @msgrandma49 @traceyaudette @cevansbaby-dove

[if-tomorrow-never-comes]

GLU - Boogie Man *Official Music Video*

(feat. Miles Kane)

Video Director – Ewan Ogden 

 Lyrics 

Here comes the boogie man 

We’ll be doin the can can 

Dickin round like Clark, un-American bandstand 

Flash in the pan 

Not a fan of the jam band 

Sweating on the floor til we no longer stand 

Hey Mister Sandman, bring me a dream 

Gimme the girls and the drugs cause I need all the things 

Listen to Damned Damned Damned 

cause I’m Neat Neat Neat 

Hear that punk rock pumpin 

While you shuffle your feet 

Life in the fast lane 

Guaranteed to win in a rat race 

Speeding down my hall 

Up and stuck in a bad place 

Fat face, fuck it, shug in the gas tank 

Sucking on my tail pipe 

Fuck at my pace 

Nothing to gain 

No one to blame 

It’s always the same 

And you can’t tame 

All of my game 

Don’t care bout the fame 

Whether I’m paid 

Whether I’m laid 

I’m never amazed 

That I can die happily while you’re screaming my name 

CHORUS 

Can’t dance, 

Nah, you can’t feel it 

Standing at the top of the hill 

Can’t dance 

Nah, you can’t feel it 

Lord I’m gonna love you still 

 Take your mask off 

I think you know what I’m after 

If you wanna get in, baby gimme the Password 

Let’s go faster, drink til we’re plastered 

But why’s it always feel like I only go backwards 

Got patterns, no way to escape this 

Eyes wide shut, someone hit me with lasik 

Can’t shake this, take this, fake it, or make this 

Feeling go away you’re in love with the fame, bitch 

Feeling lonely, no one to blow me 

I caught myself a bird, now I’m over the homies 

Not every kid should be getting a trophy, 

Phonies and cronies will need to turn to fans only 

Can’t buy my love with paper or plastic 

Just need your touch, this shit is fantastic 

This is classic, practice my verbal gymnastics 

Came to blast hits from the park of drastic 

 Two kids in a parking lot 

When Sunday’s Best just wasn’t good enough 

I remember those days, in my golden age 

When I was fucking up and pissing off 

So hey, look at me now 

I’m so statuesque 

So bloody picturesque 

Oh what is this feeling 

Come on honey, tell me the meaning 

What cult is this? 

Cause I just wanna be a part of it

[razzmatome]

First

         Lifting on her toes, she pressed her lips to his. She saw his eyes narrow further, but they didn’t close. He was still waiting to see how far she was willing to go.

         Which annoyed her. He annoyed her.

Pairing: Jude/fOC

Words: 2296

CW: Mild suggestive sexual behaviour

Prompt: First kiss

A/N: First fic in a long time but when the prompt was posted in the Discord, my brain went into hyper drive. OC isn't Kate but got caught up with Jude through other means. Headers and borders from @/natimiles

         She was not cut out for physical activity.

         Panting as she ran, Bea could only focus on making sure she didn’t trip over her own feet. The vice grip Jude had on her wrist told her he was unlikely to stop if she fell and being hauled through streets and back alleys was embarrassing enough as it was. She didn’t need to add insult to injury and have him drag her as well.

         But, God, she needed him to stop running!

         They’d been going to check one of his warehouses for a new shipment when he’d realised they were being followed. He hadn’t wasted any time hustling her into an alleyway to cut across town. But it hadn’t done any good as they’d run into even more people who’d ‘wanted to have a word with Mr Jazza’.

         Now they were running. Because she was there. If he’d been alone, he probably would have dealt with them, but he’d made her come along because it was her shipment that had come in. She had tried to tell him that it was fine, that she could check them later, but no. He’d wanted her there, telling her it was pointless for him to check the quality of the fabric later when they could check it now. But now she was a liability to him instead of just an annoyance.

         “J-Jude,” she gasped as he turned down another alley. “Stop!”

         She heard the sharp noise he made but he didn’t slow. At this rate, she was going to pass out. A sharp ache was throbbing in her side and she couldn’t breathe. She needed him to stop. Surely, they’d gone far enough and didn’t need to keep up this pace.

         It finally happened when he rounded a corner sharply. She overbalanced and stumbled. There was no time to react, and she resigned herself to the pain that was coming. Along with the tongue lashing that was sure to come immediately after.

         But it didn’t. Jude pulled on her arm as he turned, keeping her from completely tipping over, and grunted as she fell into him. She felt him stiffen as he braced them both to keep them out of the dirt.

         When he didn’t say anything, she gripped his shirt and fought to get her breathing back under control. Her everything felt like it was on fire and-

         “We ain’t got time to stop, princess.”

         -he was completely fine. Maybe a little winded but fine. Because this was a normal part of his life. She sucked in a deep breath and shook her head. “You go,” she panted.

         “Ha? The fuck you sayin’? They saw ya with me,” he said shortly, pulling away from her and not letting go of her arm. “You think they’re just gonna let ya walk away?”

         She knew that but she was going to slow him down. She could tuck away somewhere to hide and make her way back to safety after they’d passed. Maybe it was wrong to use him as bait to save her own skin, but this was his fault in the first place.

         He took a step back toward her when she didn’t move, making her head tip back to meet his gaze. “Ya thinkin’ of doin’ somethin’ dumb, princess? Somethin’ noble?” he sneered.

         Hiding was hardly noble. “I’m going to fucking pass out,” she snapped back. “I can’t run anymore!”

         “Quit yer yappin’. If you can do that, you can run.”

         She was going to kill him. Tugging on her arm, she hissed as he held on tighter. “Jude, just let-”

         “We’re wastin’ time.”

         “No!” she said, digging her heels in. She could not run anymore!

         “We don’t have time to-”

         “Spread out and find them!”

         Her spine stiffened even as Jude swore sharply at the shout that was far too close for comfort. She reached for his hand, trying to pry his grip off her. “Jude, just go!” she said tightly.

         “Not happenin’ and now yer gonna owe me for this shit.”

         God, what was he going to do? Fight all of them? When he stepped in front of her, she realised he fully intended to do that. She gaped at his back, her thoughts whirling. How was this better than him leaving her behind? He thought she had had noble thoughts? What was this?! It certainly wasn’t going to end with him walking away unscathed and if he got hurt because she was here, she’d owe him even more. She was tired of owing him.

         Looking around, she grabbed the back of his coat and pulled.

         “What the f-”

         “Shh!” Bea snapped, pulling him into a shadowed alcove between buildings. This was a long shot and probably dumb. She could have made it easier, but her sister would kill her if she ever found out she exposed her abilities to anyone. Even if this was a life or death situation, Cate would tell her she wasn’t allowed to do it unless she was prepared to kill everyone around her who saw.

         “This ain’t gonna work,” he growled, crowding into her despite his words.

         She backed into the wall, ignoring how close he was to her. It wasn’t a great idea but if it did come down to a fight, it would be harder for anyone to get past him to use her against him. But her heart was hammering in her chest because he was right. God, this wasn’t going to be enough. They wouldn’t be clearly seen if someone went running past but if they looked back? Maybe she should have tried to push her tired body and kept running. Maybe she should have tried harder to get him to leave her behind. Maybe-

         “Calm down,” Jude muttered. “Yer breathin�� too loud.”

         She was? She couldn’t hear it over the pounding of her heart. This wasn’t enough. They were going to be found unless she did something more. Maybe she could warp the shadows without him realising. It would be tricky without moving her hands and he was so close he was sure to feel her moving. Was there anything else she could do? Anything that didn’t involve using her magic?

         “Princess, quit-” He grunted when she reached up to grab his face.

         This was absolutely a dumb idea, but she was out of good ones. Bea expected him to resist her, he never did what she wanted, but he leaned in when she pulled on him. A curious light was in his eyes, almost like he was waiting to see if she was bold enough to follow through with where they both knew she was going.

         She could feel his breath on her lips, could smell the tobacco on it. But she was focused on his eyes. They’d narrowed but she could still see that damned look in them, daring her to do it.

         “Check that way!”

         Lifting on her toes, she pressed her lips to his. She saw his eyes narrow further, but they didn’t close. He was still waiting to see how far she was willing to go.

         Which annoyed her. He annoyed her.

         She slipped her fingers into his hair, holding him to her. It had to be convincing if they were spotted. They needed to look like a couple stealing a moment in the shadows, not a pair on the run. But she couldn’t do it by herself and right now she was.

         Pulling just away from him, she breathed, “You ass.”

         Oh, she recognised that smug smirk. He wanted her to work for it. This was her idea so it was up to her to do it.

         Ass, she repeated silently. But she leaned in again, slanting her mouth over his. He was watching her still, that smugness hanging in the air around him. Would he rather fight them instead of kissing her? Was this really so horrible that he’d rather risk getting hurt?

         Her irritation got the better of her and she bit his lip.

         His eyes widened a fraction before she felt something shift in him.

         Gasping as he pressed fully into her, her fingers dug into his hair as he deepened the kiss. Her eyes squeezed shut as he didn’t let up. Damn it, she’d wanted him to respond but she hadn’t expected this from him! The kiss was rough and now she was struggling to breathe for an entirely new reason. All she could feel and taste was him and it was overwhelming.

         Hands grasped her hips, holding her right where he wanted. She hissed as his fingers squeezed through her clothes and dug into soft flesh. There were going to be bruises. She already knew her wrist was going to be covered in them and now he was marking her further.

         “Can’t keep up, princess?”

         Damn him. Cracking her eyes open, she was surprised he was still so close. Pale eyes caught her gaze almost immediately but it was the hint of heat in them that truly caught her off-guard.

         “Jude.” She didn’t get to say more as they both heard feet pounding down the alleyway and his mouth found hers again.

         It was hard not to moan as he didn’t hesitate, biting her lip this time. She felt him shift a little before she jumped when he gripped her leg and hauled it up against his hip. Her cheeks heated as cool air hit her skin, her skirt rucking up to expose far more than she wanted, and one hand dropped to his shoulder to push at him. Surely that was too far!

         But she stopped when she heard a low whistle come from behind him. “Well, damn!”

         Jude’s fingers dug into her thigh and he crowded closer between her legs. His kiss was still rough, but it was clear he was paying attention to whoever had spotted them. It seemed they were in the shadows enough that they weren’t immediately recognised but would that last if they couldn’t make this look real.

         Throwing caution to the wind, Bea hooked her leg around his hips and let herself moan. She hated that it wasn’t entirely fake. Her annoyance at him and all of this aside…he did feel far too good settled against her like this.

         “Oi, what are you doin’?”

         Her heart sank and Jude tensed. “No, wait,” she whispered as he leaned back from her.

         “Had yer chance, princess,” he muttered. “Now-”

         “Leave a man alone,” another voice yelled. “We ain’t got business with them!”

         “But-”

         “You really think a man like Jazza is gonna stop to get his dick wet? Get out of there! We’re gonna lose them!”

         Bea held her breath as they listened to the goons leave. Had it…really worked? She sighed before yelping when he snapped the strap of her garter against her thigh. “Excuse me!” she snapped, trying to move away from him.

         He didn’t budge, eyeing her for a long moment. “Didn’t know ya had that in ya.”

         She huffed and pushed at him. “Let go,” she said tightly.

         Her mouth flattened when he snapped the garter again, lifting it further this time. Great. A welt to add to the bruises because she was sure there were impressions of his fingertips on the back of her thigh from how hard he’d been holding it. “Yer the one clingin’ to me,” he pointed out.

         Her fingers jerked open as she realised she was still clutching at the back of his head. But she couldn’t do anything about the leg he was holding. “Jude,” she said, trying to keep calm. “Let go.”

         She felt him toying with the garter again and wanted to smack him when he tugged on it. But the snap wasn’t as hard this time and his hand dropped from her.

         Her leg came down fast, a small hiss leaving her as the heel of her shoe jostled her ankle, and she quickly reached to smooth her skirt down as he stepped back. She watched him out of the corner of her eye as he lit a cigarette and kept an eye on the alley. Once again, he seemed completely unbothered by anything that had transpired. Well, no, not entirely. She pressed her lips together, an amused little huff leaving her as she saw that his hair was messed from her hands.

         “Somethin’ funny?”

         She could not tell him…but someone would and he would know that she hadn’t. “Stand still,” she muttered, reaching out to smooth his hair back into place. She’d messed it up; it was only proper for her to fix it.

         He was eyeing her again and slowly exhaled a long stream of smoke once she stepped back from him. “Make up yer mind, princess,” he muttered, turning away from her.

         About what? She moved after him when he started to leave their little alcove before almost running into him when he stopped suddenly to look at her. “What?’ Bea asked warily.

         Jude rolled his eyes at her. “Ya got us out of that mess so I owe ya for that and for the other thing.”

         “What other thing?”

         “Ya gonna look me in the eyes and tell me ya didn’t just waste your first kiss on someone like me?”

         Her cheeks heated but she didn’t say anything as she looked away from him. “I don’t need anything for that,” she mumbled.

         “Ha, liked it that much, did ya?”

         “I like being alive, Jude.”

         “Shouldn’t be around me then. But I clear my debts, princess, and this won’t be any different.”

         It was just a kiss. If it had mattered to her that much, she wouldn’t have done it in the first place. But as she followed him back toward the main street, she couldn’t help wondering what he considered equivalent payment for a first kiss.

[that-stanford-girlie]

Be My Baby (Chapter 6)

Chapter 6 (by winchester-mysteries)

The first hunt I went on: 

“Good ol’ fashioned vamp hunt. These sons of bitches are easy to kill. Just gotta decapitate them,” Dean grumbled. 

“Make sure you’re careful, Baby. They’re still dangerous,” Sam whispered.

“They’re easy,” Dean scoffed. “She has nothing to worry about!”

“And when she almost dies cuz of one?”

My face pales when Sam says that, but Dean just laughs. “She’s gonna have us with her, Sasquatch. She’ll be fine.”

“You know Chuck wants us to be miserable,” Sam argues. “He wants us to give up. He’d make us lose her. Right when we think we’re doing good, he’s gonna snatch her from us. He’ll make sure these vamps get her.”

I groan. “I can fuckin’ take care of myself! It ain’t that big of a deal!”

“See, Sam?”

Sam turns to me, his gaze softening a fraction. “Baby… We don’t want to lose you. I just want to make sure you’re safe.”

“My first hunt was a goddamn wendigo. I’ll be okay, Sam.”

Both brothers stared at me in shock. “A… A wendigo?” Sam whispered.

Dean looked at Sam, a wide grin on his face. “She’s badass,” he smiles. “She’s an absolute fuckin’ badass,” Dean laughs.

Sam smiles a little bit. “Welcome to Team Free Will, Baby. You’re gonna love it here.”

—

I sneak through the barn, sticking near the shadows. My black leather and hair help me blend in. Jokes on you, Marilyn Ophellia. The black does do some good, I think to myself. All that bullying in high school, and for what? For you to go suck my big fat cock?

I listen closely and keep an eye out for any noise or movement. But there’s nothing. 

And then there stands a giant shadow next to me.

I raise my machete immediately, and barely stop my swing when I realize it’s just Sam. “God dammit, Baby… I thought you were gonna kill me!” he whispers softly.

“To be fair, I thought you were a fuckin’ vampires tryna come kill me,” I retort with a smirk.

We quietly go our separate ways, and I also run into Dean once every few minutes.

But the vamp nest is empty.

I climb up to the rafters of the barn, and there’s some old hay, but nothing else.

And then, before I know it, there’s a hand over my mouth and an arm pinning me against the body.

I flail, kicking and clawing. I grab my machete out from my waistband and stab the arm around my front. I spin around, not even having lost my breath. And with a large swing, a vamp head falls down to the main ground of the barn.

Right into Dean’s arms.

He looks up, staring at me. He looks between the head and me, right before breaking into a large grin. 

“Nice!” he says.

“Thanks,” I respond, climbing down.

“You’re actually doin’ pretty fuckin’ well, kid. I’m startin’ to like ya already.” 

I smile. Dean’s actually starting to like me. I reach the ground, taking the head from Dean. “I’m keepin’ this.”

[minefield-of-a-ninja]

BLACK TIE OPTIONAL: PART ONE

Summary: The last time we saw Vanessa, she was swooning over Dean’s lasting impression. Now, we fast-forward a year to see what she’s up to.

Pairing: Dean Winchester x OFC Vanessa Martinelli, (eventual) Sam Winchester x OFC Emma Olsen

Warnings: 18+ ONLY, HBO RomCom bullshit

Author's notes: Follow-up to Plus One.

Joe's Barber Shop is a 55-year-old ship in Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood.

Thanks, as always, to @stunudo and @brrose-apothecary for pre-reading and being my friends.

Black Tie Optional master list

PART ONE

As planned, Dean and Sam leave bright and early on Thursday morning. They make a stop in Lincoln to hit up a priest who was rumored to have intel on Amara. That priest sends them to a rabbi in Omaha, who sends them to a Lutheran pastor in Des Moines. Their last lead is a psychic in Davenport; she tries to stab Sam because she’s still mad about the demon blood thing, and they walk away no better than they were at 5 AM.

Around midnight, Dean pulls into the Naperville Motel 6. He cuts the engine and unfolds from the driver’s seat.

“Grab those burritos, would ya? I’ll get our suits.” He ducks into the back seat to retrieve his duffle and their hanging clothes for the weekend. When he looks up, Sam is giving him a look.

Dean rolls his eyes. “What?” He secures the bags and knees Baby’s backdoor shut.

Sam arches both brows as he shuts his own door. “You like this girl.”

“No, Sam, I’m blowing off my soul-sucking ‘soul mate,’” he pauses, juggling bags and keys to air-quote his point, “and hauled ass halfway across the country for bupkis.”

Dean rounds the trunk, and Sam stifles a snort. “I just can’t believe we’re dressing like this, and it isn’t for a job.”

Dean mutters something as he slots the key into the room lock. “Sam, we just got these suits cleaned-”

“Dude, you don’t need to make excuses.” Sam follows his brother inside the room.

“Plus,” Dean continues as he strides toward the small clothes rack, “we got an all-expenses paid weekend with two beautiful women waitin’ for us at a swank hotel.”

“I’m not complaining-”

“Good.” Dean hangs the garment bags on the bar and separates them before unzipping his bag. As he assesses the colors and reconsiders his shoes, he thinks of another reason. “Besides, we own this shit, might as well get our money’s worth off the clock.”

He swipes a hand down the front of his (brand-new) black button-up before turning to face his brother again, who doesn’t appear impressed.

“What?!”

Sam doesn’t stifle anything this time; he laughs out loud. “How are you the same brother of mine who thinks turning boxers inside out is the same as washing them?”

Dean cocks his jaw and glares at Sam. “First of all, that was a joke I made one time. Second...” His eyes start to glaze over with memories. “Vanessa is one of the Top 5 best nights of my life — like I still have a pair of her panties in my nightstand drawer-”

“OK,” Sam interrupts his brother with one word and a large open palm facing out. “I don’t need the details. I’m taking a shower.” He crosses the room to set his bag on one of the beds before zipping it open to retrieve his Dopp kit. 

“I’m gonna text Vanessa.” Dean drops his duffle on the other bed and pulls out his phone.

“Fine, just get your sexting done before I’m out.” Sam firmly closes the bathroom door behind him.

“Pssh,” Dean brushes Sam off as he taps out a message to his wedding date.

How ya doin, kitten?

Looking forward to seeing you.

Me too... crashing in Naperville tonight, got a couple errands to run, probably get in around 3 tomorrow

Perfect. Em and I are in a double queen lakefront suite. We’ll get the adjoining king room tomorrow for you and me.

Lakefront suite, sounds fancy

It’s not The Peninsula, but it’s a cool old hotel.

We’re at Motel 6 right now and that’s nice compared to what we’re used to

Well, then, I’ll make sure you get the royal treatment

Nessa, honey, you could make a tent in the woods royal

Jesus, I can’t wait to get my hands on you

Same, kitten, fucking same 

Sam peeks around the open bathroom door, letting wet heat spill out around him and foaming at the mouth with Crest. “You done?” he mumbles.

Dean winces at his brother’s indelicacy. “Like I’m gonna start something I only have three minutes to finish, please.”

...can’t wait to get other things on you as well

Believe me when I say that I would love to continue this conversation straight up until and including when I finally lay eyes on you, but Sammy’s outta the shower and being a little bitch, so I better go

😆😆😆

(Sorry about the little bitch comment)

Don’t apologize, he’s your brother, I’m sure you’ve called him worse

Dean doesn’t give that assumption any real recognition, but she’s right.

Goodnight, pretty girl. See you tomorrow afternoon.

Night, Dean 💋

Despite Sam’s grumpiness and the utter lack of even a whiff of Amara, Dean sleeps well. He wakes up Friday morning in plenty of time to shower and find a barber.

“A barber. Dean, when was the last time you went to a barber?”

“About two months ago, Sam. Look at yourself in the mirror and then look at me. Outta the two of us, I’m the one Most Likely To Visit A Barber.”

Sam smirks like he’s got something to smirk about. “You go to a barber for that haircut?”

“Keep it to yourself, Fabio. I’m goin’ for a shave and a haircut. You should consider the same. If they shave faces at the place you go for haircuts, I dunno.”

Sam rolls his eyes so hard Dean thinks he can hear it.

One hour later, Dean’s flipping through a magazine at Joe’s Barber Shop on Fullerton Avenue in Chicago. They don’t take appointments, but he’s heard enough about Joe’s that he doesn’t mind waiting. 

Dean doesn’t usually like unfamiliar environments, but the vintage interiors, and family business, blue-collar vibe make him feel right at home. When his number’s called, he tosses the magazine to the table and walks right up to the barber.

“Welcome in, I’m Joe.”

The man’s neat beard, meticulous high and tight haircut, and detailed tattoo work give Dean a sense of confidence already.

“No way — thee Joe?”

The man chuckles as he spins the freshly cleaned chair in invitation.

“I’m Junior, my pops is Thee Joe. Take a seat.”

Dean settles into the old-fashioned barber chair in awe. 

“What’re you in for today?”

“Well, I got a hot date this weekend. I could go for a real old school shave and one of those high and tights like you got goin’ on there.”

Joe Jr. nods and sets about gathering his tools. “You got it, my friend.”

xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Dean raps three times on the hotel door before stepping back, squaring his hips and shoulders, and letting the smirk he knows she loves settle onto his lips. The door swings open to reveal Vanessa, barefoot in a bathrobe, face made up, and hair in massive pink hair rollers.

“Dean...” she breathes. Her wide, bright eyes rake over him. “God, you look- I look... ugh, sorry.” 

Dean grins, reaching for her and closing the gap between them. “What’re you sorry about?” 

He slips his free arm around her waist and dips in to kiss her where they stand in the doorway. Vanessa melts against him, one hand on his chest and the other sliding up to brush her fingertips over the freshly shaved sides of his head. Her hand dances around the warm velvet of his skull and down his nape, making Dean groan into her mouth. 

He wants to drag her to a broom closet or bed. Instead, he breaks the kiss without pulling away.  

“We need to do a lot more of that this weekend.” He grins down at her, attempting to kiss her again when a pretty blonde woman appears in their periphery.

“Hey.” She smiles and raises a hand in a half-wave, but the smile doesn’t quite reach her jade eyes.

“Oh, hey.” Vanessa wiggles out of Dean’s embrace, patting her rollers and sliding a hand into one of his. “Em, this Dean, and-” She pauses and peeks around Dean at the man standing in the hall. “Sam, I assume?”

Sam grins and mirrors Emma’s small wave. “That’s me. Thank you both for the invitation. Should be a really nice weekend.”

Emma’s smile floats up to her eyes this time. Dean remembers what Vanessa said about Emma’s ex-boyfriend and thinks the guy must be a real idiot. He doesn’t say that out loud, though.

“It’s gonna be a great weekend.” He winks at Emma before glancing back down at Vanessa. “You look beautiful.”

Vanessa blushes and bites her lip as she rises on her tiptoes to press a quick kiss to his lips. “So do you,” she whispers.

“Well, come on in, you guys.” Emma motions to the living area. “We’ll show you around.”

Vanessa pulls Dean inside, not that he resists, and Sam follows. 

“There’s a kitchen and a little dining table, and we got the adjoining King room today, which Van’s already called dibs on.” She rounds the kitchen island and opens the small fridge. “Anybody want a beer?”

Vanessa and the brothers accept Emma’s offer, so she retrieves four bottles, quickly popping the caps off each as Dean and Sam drape their bags over the back of the couch. She joins them in the living area and hands a beer to each of them before raising her bottle in a toast.

“Thank you, Sam and Dean, for coming this weekend. I know Van told you about my ex-boyfriend,” she pauses and rolls her eyes, “so I appreciate you being such good sports about it as well.” 

Vanessa, Dean, and Sam raise their bottles so the four of them can toast. After a long first sip, Dean speaks up. “Well, we needed a break, the pleasure’s all ours.”

Emma seems to appreciate that sentiment. She turns to Sam with a mischievous smile. “I know we don’t know each other at all, but you are very good-looking, and I already dig your vibe, so... whatever happens, happens. Cool?”

Sam laughs out loud and nods, toasting with Emma again as he turns toward her, practically shutting Dean and Vanessa out. But they don't even notice; .

Behind closed doors, Dean makes quick work of hanging his garment bag and dropping his duffle on the luggage rack. 

“Any special requests for the weekend?” 

When he turns from the closet, he finds Vanessa in the middle of the room — her hair is still in rollers, but the robe is long gone. She’s slipped into a pair of strappy black heels and nothing else. 

“Requests?” she asks as she saunters toward him, bronzed and glowing.

Dean licks his bottom lip in between his teeth and bites down as he slides his hands into the pockets of his oxblood dress pants.

“Last time you wanted me to make a scene,” he says, recalling her succinct proposition.

“I’ll get you drunk and fed... and suck your cock. On one condition.” “And what’s that?” “Give ‘em something to remember me by, and maybe I’ll never be asked back again.”

Vanessa thoughtfully halts when the toes of her Steve Maddens are touching Dean’s shiny, black dress shoes. 

“Ohh, right!” She plays like she forgot. “How could I forget?”

Dean pokes his tongue inside his cheek and nods, narrowing his eyes. “And I seem to remember somethin’ about wantin’ to feel me for days afterward.”

“How many days?”  “Oh, I dunno... Six or seven?”

Vanessa reaches out to brush a hand across one shoulder of his black button-up and then down to hook her fingers in his waistband. “And you didn’t disappoint.”

Dean groans, reaching out to gently grip her hips. “C’mon, kitten, tell me what you want.”

She closes her eyes and lets him press his lips to her throat and collarbone. He slides his hands from her hips up the curve of her waist and grips her ribcage, teasing the soft underside of her breasts with his thumbs.

“Anything you want,” he whispers in her ear before scraping its shell between his teeth.

Vanessa releases a shaking exhale, and her throat convulses as she swallows the saliva pooling in her mouth. 

“We’re supposed to be downstairs in 15 minutes...”

He hums and brushes his lips along her jaw and thumbs up and across her tight nipples.

“But... I only need five to finish my hair.”

“Mhmm.” Dean dips in to capture one nipple between his lips, then the other.

Vanessa cradles the back of his neck and hangs her head back. “What can you do in 10 minutes without getting all wrinkly?”

Dean chuckles. “Honey, I can do a lot in 10 minutes. But, uhh,” he pauses and glances around the room. Then he grins. “C’mere.”

He leads her across the room, walking backward as his eyes roam every inch of bare, silky skin. When he reaches their destination, he pats her hip. “Hop up.”

She giggles, and he helps her to sit on the desk. 

“Now, stay right there.” He leans in and kisses her mouth as he sinks into the desk chair. He cups her calves in his hands to tuck her knees and heeled feet at his sides. 

Once he’s in position, he peeks at his watch. “Eight minutes,” he mutters, then kisses and nips his way down her body. He sighs at the apex of her thighs and barely suppresses a little groan before pressing a kiss to her glistening pussy lips. 

Vanessa gasps at the sight and grips the top tuft of his hair. “I’m such a mess... all I could think about the last two days was this.” Her breath hitches.

“Me too,” Dean murmurs, wrapping an arm around her hips and bringing his other hand in to spread her lips open. He gently sucks her clit, blows it a kiss, and lightly massages it in a light circular motion.

“Nessa, honey, you taste so good.” He dips his tongue inside her and sucks her smooth lips. “So sweet and tangy.”

He slips his long middle finger inside her, then purposefully anchors it with her g-spot. He presses against it and rotates the position of the wide pad of his finger right there — no slide, just manipulation and gentle pressure. 

“You look so hot, Dean…” She peers down at him, his mouth and hand shining with her slick juices and his spit.

Dean grins and licks her. He sucks the fleshiest parts of her between his lips as his thumb swipes across and back, hovering, barely kissing her clit, and she bucks against his face, twisting his hair in her hand.

“This fucking haircut… and your hands and mouth on me… I’m gonna come right now.”

Dean moans against her, thumbing the side of her clit as she starts to throb around his finger. As she catches her breath, he kisses the insides of her thighs until she tugs him up to stand. 

“Inside, Dean, please.” She yanks at his belt and pants, and Dean wipes his mouth, letting her have her way. 

“God, your dick is beautiful.” Vanessa wraps her hand around him as Dean tilts her head back to kiss her neck and breasts. He swears and plants a fist on the desk beside her hip when she gets him notched inside. 

“Oh, fucking…” Vanessa braces her hands behind her and lifts her feet to position her heels on the edge of the desk. “Fuck me.”

Dean braces one hand on the mirror behind her and wraps a arm around her waist, grits his teeth, and does exactly as she requested. 

xoxoxoxoxox

“Part of me’s disappointed you’re not in jeans and a henley,” Vanessa speculates as she puts the finishing touches on her hair. 

Dean arches a brow at her in the mirror as he dries his face with a hand towel. “If I’d known that”-

“But,” she pauses, pointedly reapplying her lipstick. “This is even better. You and your brother are gonna be the hottest guys there.”

Dean smirks back at her. “Wait’ll you see me in a suit.”

Vanessa turns to face him, capping her lipstick. “Thank you again for coming.” 

There’s something in her eyes that Dean can’t quite define, and it makes his heart skip. He holds her gaze as he offers her his elbow. 

“Wouldn’t miss it for anything, kitten.”  

Vanessa accepts his offer, and they exit the bedroom to join Emma and Sam before heading down to the rehearsal.

Part Two

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[thesimonthedevious]

I wish you would write a fic where Cal & Pickles babysit Seth's son for a day

this got.... so long....... but i love it. thank you!!!

Australia. Fucking, Australia. They had to gig there again at some point, and Pickles knows any time would be too soon, so might as well rip the band-aid off. The “We Will Get Better” tour is being accepted on a broader scale than imagined. The world is ablaze, or mostly is now, but everyone still wants to preach to the choir. Sing the hymns that Nathan gives them and raise their hands in praise.

“Fuck, Australia got hit bad.” Pickles remarks, staring out of their hotel room window at what is left of Sydney – the place is awful. Calypso clears her throat.

“Uh, actually, because of its location, only the West got hit by the Doomstar… Australia’s one of the few places that didn’t get, like, wrecked completely…”

“Oh… Well… Shit.”

She laughs, until there’s a knock on the door. She barely has it open before the person on the other side barges in, Seth grinning in his sickening way as he sees Pickles first thing. Pickles glares, watching Cal flex her fist before thinking better of it. He saunters in, a small figure behind him.

“Hey brother, you didn’t come by and see me when you landed.” He muses, the fake accent grating on Pickles. Not that he has any pride in where he comes from – but somehow when Seth gets involved, he can be mad about anything. “Gutted but uh – I’ll get over it. Hey, listen, your ain’t playing tonight, huh?”

“No, Cal and I are- we’re tomorrow.” Pickles is thankful for the swapping aspect of the band, if only because he can fiddle with the roster and get some alone time with her.

“Cool, cool, cool, cool, uh hey, this is my son.” Seth steps aside, looking out at the city – his city, as far as he’s concerned. The mayor can go stick a rusty nail up his ass. Anyone who helps run Dethklok, runs the world. Seth knows that now; he knows how to play the game. “Look, I’m kinda busy today. Amber wants to uh, I dunno, go shoppin’. I dunno. But we need to, y’know, bond. Get close again. Can’t do that with this little guy around, right? You get where I’m goin’ with this, brother.” Pickles’ face crumples, “Look, you got a whole, a whole day to yourself. I don’t get any time. With Amber or myself, haha. So do me a favour, huh?”

“Do you a favour,” Pickles is interrupted by Seth shoving a paper bag in his arms, “Seth, look, Cal and I gotta relax before the gig tomorrow, and we probably gotta help ‘em set up,”

“Sounds fun,” Seth is not listening, walking back towards the door – he stops by his son, patting him on the head, and the boy leans back out of his reach, “Alright, you can send him home at uh, 9.”

“Nine?!” Cal snaps, but Seth barely looks at her, walking out backwards and giving Pickles some very lazy finger guns.

“Thanks, brother.”

The door slams shut. Cal and Pickles look at each other, and then down at the red headed boy who is playing with the fringes of the blanket on the bed. He finally looks up at them. Immediately Cal can’t be mad – cause she isn’t gonna be mad at a kid. But Pickles is still tense, and he slams the paper bag down on the desk. “This ain’t fair! He can’t keep doin’ this to me, man! I told you every time I’m near him, he just drives me fucking insane!”

“I know- Pickles,” Cal walks over, trying to quell him before he says something he might regret. Pickles shakes her away.

“No, I can’t keep doin’ this, he sucks! I don’t wanna fuckin’ babysit a kid, I wanna go out for a fuckin’ drink with my girlfriend, and see my friends play their fuckin’ music!”

“PICKLES!” Cal raises her voice over him, angling her head at the nephew. He’s staring at them, still, but with a more resigned expression than she expected. Pickles freezes, staring down at the boy. Red headed, in clothes that don’t quite fit. He’s trying to stay angry, trying to keep it all contained so that he can release it on Seth later. But he’s angry now, and Seth isn’t here now, so what good is that? No doubt he won’t even be around at 9 either.

“Oh.” He deflates, “Uh – sorry. Kid.”

“Ok.”

Pickles feels even worse. He wonders what Seth is like as a parent – how often Amber is on her phone, or if she tries at least… A little. He’s never been interested in being a dad, mostly because he’s older now and it isn’t in the cards for him anymore. He doesn’t know how to interact with this kid. But he doesn’t have to be the kid’s dad – he just has to be… Present. “You wanna watch tv?”

The boy sits on the bed, legs crossed, and eats his little grapes. Cal watches, and peers into the bag for the rest of his lunch; a sandwich, pathetic and squished, with a bite out of it already. That’s it? “This is pathetic.” Cal whispers to Pickles, who glances at the back.

“Seems like a pretty normal lunch to me.”

Cal rolls her eyes, patting Pickles on the arm, “Oh, sug’.” She ignores Pickles’ questioning look, knowing they’ll get into it later. “I’m gonna go get some real food – you’d like that, right? Both of ya?”

“Yeah!”

“O-Okay.” Pickles suddenly follows her to the door, “Wait, can I go too,”

“Hon, no.” she pushes him back into the room, “I won’t be long, alright?”

“You can’t leave me alone wit’ him! What do we talk about?”

“He’s watching tv, he won’t even want to talk.” She leans in and kisses his cheek – and though he looks worried, he leans his head to kiss her cheek back before she retreats. “I won’t be long. Promise.”

And then she closes the door. He turns, and well, true enough: the boy is just staring at the tv, perhaps willing Pickles to disappear into another dimension.

Pickles stares at the tv. A kid’s show – or a babies show, really – with Anthro dogs. The only reason he even recognises it is, he knows the episode: Toki has some of the stuffed animals in his room. “Aren’t you too old for this?”

“Aren’t you too bald for that hair cut?” he snaps back, and Pickles clenches his fist. But he’s a kid. He’s a kid. He’s a kid. And it was so quick, he almost admires it. Suddenly a Lhasa Apso came on screen, with exaggerated snout whiskers. Toki’s voice comes out of it, and then a red Komondor appears on the other side of the titular character. Pickles barely remembers recording those lines.

“You know dat’s me, right?” he points. His nephew looks sceptical, but does seem familiar enough.

He hesitates before replying, as if he might get into trouble, but surely if his dad said it then there must be some truth to it: “My dad says you don’t do anything.”

“Your dad doesn’t know shit.” He doesn’t hold back, tired of sticking up for Seth or saving his ass when it is undeserved. And his nephew doesn’t seem phased by the language or the disparaging comments. “I saved the world, kid.”

“That’s kinda cool.” He mutters, and Pickles almost straightens up. They both sit quiet, and when the episode ends, Pickles offers to show him some real entertainment, changing it to a rock music channel. The boy’s eyes widen as he stares at the guitars and the drums and the music fills the room. He’s enamoured; neither of them speak.

Then Cal comes back with proper food – burgers and fries and chicken nuggets and juice. Both boys’ faces light up and they grin, and Cal looks between them both. It’s like staring at the past and the present. The moment she puts the stuff down on the bed, they rip apart the bags, creating a free for all.

“What happened to your eye?” the boy peers at her, and Cal hesitates. Pickles doesn’t give any helpful indication of what to do. She shrugs, crossing her legs.

“Uhm, I got into a fight. They took it out.”

“Sick.” The boy stares at her, but it isn’t in disgust. She looks back at him, smirking a little.

“You ever get into any fights?”

“Ugh, yeah.” He jabs a fry into the sauce, “Peter keeps shoving me into lockers ‘cause of dad. He sucks.���

“Fuck yeah!” Pickles can’t hold back, and he doesn’t even care about the look Cal gives him. “I’ll drink t’that!”

He holds out his beer, crouching to get to face height. He raises an eyebrow, and Pickles picks up the boy’s wrist and clinks his beer with his juice box, “Why aren’t you fightin’ back?”

“I dunno how.” He mumbles, sipping his apple juice, watching the way Pickles downs his beer. Cal makes a face, shaking her head and finishing the nugget in her hand.

“Nuh-uh, that won’t fly with me.” She stands, gesturing for him to stand too – “I’ll show you some defensive stuff, ‘kay? And then I’ll show you an uppercut. And some other stuff if we have time.”

Pickles watches her, leaning back on the headboard of the bed. He smirks a little, and his nephew seems absolutely ready to learn. She shows him a block, and how to tip someone over his shoulder (he laughs so loudly, so jovially, as Cal picks him up and throws him back onto the bed. Pickles can’t help but laugh too). And then she shows him how to trap someone’s arm, “And if you do it this way, you’ll break it. But uh, y’know. You’ll only use that in self-defence, right?” she stares at him, and he nods slowly, “Ya promise?” she holds out her pinky. She notices he hesitates, before finally interlocking his pinky with hers, and they shake on it. Unable to stay out of the conversation, Pickles offers to show some more backhanded stuff; less flashy, but it got him out of plenty of situations on the streets.

Before they know it, a Klokateer knocks on their door.

“We have been contacted by your brother, my lord. He wants his child back.”

“Oh – uh,” Pickles looks over at his nephew, who is drawing something with Cal, “Really? So soon?”

“It is midnight, my lord.” He pauses, “And a school night.”

“Oh.” Pickles assumes that’s a bad thing. The boy looks up, and Cal notices the way his face changes. He knows it’s time to go home. “Okay, well uh – let’s go, kid.” He waves him over. The boy reluctantly makes his way to the door, and Pickles hesitates. They stare at each other, and Pickles can’t handle the vulnerable, truthful face of a child up close. He kneels down. “Look, uh, come see me play tamarrow, okay? I’ll send Seth tickets, right? VIP. You can watch me and Cal do our thing. And we’re the best.”

They smile at each other. His nephew hands him the paper he was doodling on, before saying bye to them both. At least he was leaving the room with a smile. When he feels Cal stand next to him, he looks down at the paper: a fairly well put together drawing of Pickles playing the drums and his nephew playing a guitar. Or a bass. There’s seven strings, so it’s hard to tell.

“Aw, well.” He takes in a deep breath, “That uh, you know. That was fun. He’s cool, y’know?”

“Wonder where he got that from.” Cal wraps her arms around Pickles waist, chin on his shoulder. He tries to humble himself with a laugh. But he sees it too. She pauses, thinking. “Do you remember his name?”

“. . . Ah shit.”

[deke-rivers-1957]

Toby's First Day

Ah wake up an' Ah feel like Ah'm gonna throw up. But Ah feel a lil better 'cause Ah'm layin' down on ma bed an it's a whole lot less scary. Ah can't see anything. Ah try an lift mah head up an' Ah fall right back down.

"Ow."

Ah try an get mah head up so Ah can look at Trevor when he ribbits an' see how he doin', but Ah can't. Ah feel like Ah jus wanna curl up in a ball. Ah remember the things Ah said ta Jacklin an Ah wish Ah didn't. Mah head still feels a lil woozy so Ah think Ah'll just lie here an... uh... an...

Time Skip

Ah finally stop snorin' an' wake up a little. Ah sit up real slow an' Ah look at Trevor. He's jus' lyin' there in his tank an' it looks like he ain't moved at all since Ah last saw him. Ah'm a lil confused bout how mah stuff an Ah got here. Somebody musta brought 'em while Ah was sleepin.

"Ya doin good lil buddy?"

He ribbits so Ah get up real quick an Ah hobble on over ta Trevor's tank. Ah open tha door an' Ah feed 'em. Ah take tha blood worm outta tha fridge an' Ah put tha cold, bloody wormy thing inta Trevor's tank an Ah see em suck it up. It makes a real mess a his face. Trevor looks at me real concerned wit tha wormy mess on his face an Ah know Trevor's worried 'bout mah well bein' so Ah smile a lil for 'em.

"Didja see who brought ya an mah stuff up here lil buddy? Cause Ah sure dunno who did."

Ah pet Trevor’s head.

"Yer a good froggie, Trevor. Even if ya got a bloody wormy all over yer face. Ah'mma wipe ya clean."

Ah go ta get a paper towel but when Ah look at Trevor Ah see him cleanin’ tha worm offa himself. Ah giggle an get closer ta see what he looks like witout tha worm.

"Ya be a good boy, Trevor. Ah'm gonna be goin downstairs fer mah first day a wizardin' school. Be nice ta the other froggies."

Ah finish puttin' on ma uniform, pick up mah backpack an' head off ta tha Great Hall.

"Toby? Are you alright?"

Ah notice Jacklin an' tha cauldron. It doesn't look like Jacklin's had much sleep either, but Ah don't wanna say anythin' yet. Ah've gotta start tha day nice.

"Ah'm real confused bout wha happened last night. How'd Ah end up in mah new bed?"

"Our prefect carried you upstairs after I brought it to his attention that you fainted."

Ah nod then look at tha cauldron an' don't know what else ta say, so Ah ask a question.

"What ya do'n with tha cauldron?"

"I’m bringing it to our Potions class today. I don’t want Professor Snape to take points away because we’re not prepared."

Tha name "Snape" sounds like someone's mispronouncin' "snake." Like "Snakin' around" or somethin'. But Ah don't wanna say that to Jacklin jus' yet, since we jus' got up an' Ah wanna be nice ta Jacklin till m' day goes sour. Ah look "prepared" ta take tha class wit m' friend Jacklin.

"Ya sure do seem prepared."

"I also took the time to look through our schedule and put everything that you need in your strange human device."

Ah raise mah eyebrow cause Ah got no idea what she's sayin.

"Mah what?"

"Oh. That big thing there."

Ah look at where she's pointin an Ah realize wha' she means now.

"Tha's mah backpack. It ain't that strange. Jus bout every kid uses 'em."

"How do you use this?"

"Ah jus' put it on like this."

Ah pick up mah backpack an put it on carefully.

"Tha's how Ah do it."

"Marvelous."

Ah'm glad Ah somehow managed ta impress 'er. Ah ain't realized that showin 'er somethin simple like a backpack'd do tha.

"How'd ya usually carry thangs if ya ain't got a backpack?"

"I put everything in my cauldron. We're not allowed to use magic in the corridors here, so on Potions days I just use that. My wand and quill are in the pockets of my robe."

"So ya really gotta know what ya need fer what day."

She nods at me.

"Yes that’s why I carefully planned how to carry everything last night."

"Well... yer real smart."

Ah look at tha books an' cauldron an' think maybe it's a good idea.

"Ya know, Ah never woulda thought of tha."

"So where did you get this backpack? I noticed that it had a lot of little zippers on it and wasn't sure if it's common."

Ah look at mah backpack.

"This one's giv'n ta me by Pop. It's real tough. Ah could drop it out tha window an' it jus' wouldn't break."

"Do you think you can put your cauldron in there? I wasn't exactly sure how to get it to fit. Your books were easy enough to put inside since they're rectangular."

Ah shrug since Ah jus know she's tryna help me.

"Sure, Ah'll try it."

Ah open up m' backpack an' try ta make room for tha cauldron. There's a buncha' magic stuff in tha way but Ah move it around an' eventually manage ta fit tha cauldron in. When Ah finish Jacklin's lookin up at me wit these big eyes all lil girls get when they're 'mazed by thangs.

"That’s amazing. Humans are so crafty without magic."

Ah don't fully understand wha tha means, but Ah like tha sound of it.

"Yeah. We get crafty, tha's fo sure."

Ah close m' backpack an' get ready ta head on downstairs.

"I hope I don’t lose my balance going down these stairs, Toby."

"Why'd ya think ya'd lose ya balance?"

"I need to use both hands to carry this cauldron. It’s too heavy if I tried to use one hand."

Ah look at tha cauldron an' then look at Jacklin.

"Ah think Ah should carry tha cauldron for ya. Ya can jus' put yer hands in tha pockets of yer robe."

It ain't tha big a deal, but Ah don't want Jacklin fallin' down tha stairs. Ah hold out m' hands ta take pick 'er up an tha cauldron.

"Toby are you sure you can handle both me and your backpack?"

Ah manage ta carry tha cauldron, Jacklin an' m' backpack down tha stairs.

"Ah can handle it. Ah got big muscles in tha farm boy arms."

"Very well then."

Ah walk down tha stairs an' toward tha Great Hall as tha breakfast crowd parts ways for me an' Jacklin.

"Ah'm okay."

Ah like carryin' Jacklin an' tha cauldron an' don't think anythin' about it till suddenly Ah hear some'un callin' out my name loud.

"We're at the bottom of the stairs Toby."

Ah see tha Great Hall in front of m' an' hear Jacklin callin' me. Ah know Ah can't carry Jacklin an' tha cauldron much longer. Ah stop walkin' for a second an' set Jacklin on tha floor.

"Jacklin?"

Jacklin turns to me.

"Yes?"

Ah try ta catch m' breath an' lean against tha wall of tha Great Hall. Ah feel a little tired.

"Thanks."

Ah look at tha empty cauldrons in Jacklin's hands an' feel real foolish.

"Can Ah ask you a question?"

Ah'm wonderin' if Jacklin noticed somethin' while Ah was carry'n her.

"Ah know Ah'm a little slow, but Ah can't help feelin' like Ah done wrong while Ah was carry'n ya."

Ah look at Jacklin's face real close an' look for a sign tha somethin' bad happened.

"You didn't do anything wrong Toby. I just was worried about you getting hurt. I thought my Veela magic was making you want to impress me."

Ah feel relieved.

"Oh. Well, Ah was jus tryin' ta do the right thing."

Ah sit down an look tha table. There's a lot a kids here an' for a second Ah wonder if Ah'm even gonna find m' seat. Ah get a feelin tha Ah'm gonna say someth'in wrong or do somethin' weird an' it's gonna ruin tha day. Ah feel real worried about tha day an' want it ta go slow. Ah start lookin' real worried ta Jacklin 'cause Ah don't wanna make her mad an' Ah don't wanna make the day go bad. Ah can't stand tha not be'in in tha right seat feel.'

"I think those are our tables there, Toby."

Ah look in tha direction Jacklin's pointin' an' see tha tables. Ah feel good 'cause Ah'm findin' m' way an' Ah don't wanna get lost here.

"Let's sit down here. This spot's open for us."

"Okay."

Breakfast foods start to appear on the table. Ah look for tha pancakes an' eggs so Ah can start eat'n them.

"Do you have any special interests Toby?"

"Well, Ah like pancakes a lot, but Ah think tha's jus' normal."

Ah shove as much pancake as Ah can fit in m' mouth.

"Does that mean you like cooking? I was thinking that if you had any special interests you might be able to find classes here that relate to them."

"No, Ah'm not good with cook'n."

Ah shove tha rest a' tha pancake a' in m' mouth an' look around tha hall real worried tha Ah ain't been able ta ask about somethin' Ah need ta know about. Ah finally decide m' need ta ask m' question is so important tha it's like tha whole day depends on it.

"Jacklin."

Jacklin looks over at m' when Ah call her name an' Ah get a real good feelin' tha things are gonna go right.

"Yes Toby?"

"Well, how do Ah fit in here? Ah dunno how we even make it onta the platform ta get ta the train if we ain't spose ta be seen by humans. Ah think Ah jus ain't meant ta be here."

Ah feel like m' whole day's gonna jus' crash an' all tha bad feelin' jus' keep buildin' an' buildin'.

"Everyone in this part of the Great Hall are part of the Gryffindor House. That’s how you fit in. Not everyone here has to be a pureblood like me. I don't think the average wizard in general knows that Platform 9 and 3/4s is charmed so that only those with magic blood can even get near it."

Ah start ta calm down a lil bit. Ah'm a Gryffindor. Ain't so bad. Ah look around tha Great Hall an' most people are wearin' tha Gryffindor colors an' Ah think tha's cool.

"Thank yuh! Nice ta know."

But tha silence jus' feels so loud. Ah feel like tha food is gettin' cold an' tha food smells an' tastes diff'r'nt. Ah know tha's how Ah am an' it's tha way Ah am but it's jus' so quiet right now.

"Have you ever thought about what you want to be when you grow up?"

"Not really."

Ah feel bad 'cause Ah dunno whut Ah wanna do an' there's so much time an' so many things Ah don't know. Ah've been so worried this tha day was fallin' apart tha Ah jus' haven't had any thoughts 'bout tha future.

"That makes sense. It’s hard to figure out how to use your magic if you haven’t learned anything about it yet."

Ah clean m' face an' hands real good so Jacklin won't think Ah'm sloppy. Tha pancake was real good though.

"Do you want to read our Potions book together?"

Ah look at Jacklin an' she's got a book open an' she's sittin' right next to me.

"Okay. Ah don't know if Ah'm gonna understand it though."

"I think this first chapter is about our supplies and why we need them."

"Oh, that's good. Ah could use some supply learnin'."

Ah start lookin' at the book an' it looks like it's letter based. Ah know how to read, but tha letters are real small an' Ah gotta look real hard to know which letter's next. Ah also gotta think real hard 'bout how tha letter sounds.

"Did your Pop ever get your vision checked?"

"No. Do Ah need ta have m' eyes checked?"

Ah keep read'n m' letter very slowly an' Ah'm startin' ta feel a little better 'bout tha day. This isn't so bad.

"I'm not sure since I have no idea why reading this book is difficult for you."

Ah don't wanna give Jacklin tha wrong idea, so Ah try ta explain m'self. The more Ah talk, the more Ah realize tha Ah do have m' problems, but they're jus' part a me.

"Well, when Ah see tha letters Ah can see 'em fine, but Ah dunno. Ah get through 'em real slow an' sometimes Ah... sometimes Ah don't remember what tha letter sounds like an' Ah gotta go back an' re-read it. An' it jus' takes a long time ta... ya know finish."

"Oh. So it’s a reading problem and not a vision problem."

Ah look down an' Ah get a little nervous 'cause Ah notice tha everybody at tha table's watchin' m'. So Ah finish m' lett'der fast an' look up real quick.

"I never thought that a cauldron’s metal would make a difference in how fast a potion’s brewed."

"Well, tha cauldron sure looks real important."

Ah look at tha pictures again an' it looks like tha cauldrons are the place where all tha magic happens in 'potion making.' Ah feel interested an' tha books is startin' ta make sense. M' nerves seem ta be leavin' an' Ah relax jus' a little bit more.

"There's jus' so much tha m' brain's gotta know all at once. So how long d'ya think it's gonna be before Ah figure out tha right way ta use m' magic?"

"As long as we take notes and do all of our assignments through all seven years, our professors will give us passing marks. Magic can be easy as long as you try."

"But how do ya know when you're doin' it right?"

It feels like there's gonna be a lotta mess ups in 'potion makin' an' other magic usin'. It's jus' too much to figure out an' some of it doesn't make any sense so far.

"If you try to say an incantation and you’re saying it wrong, then nothing will happen. With potion making you have to read everything carefully. Each potion is different so a lot can go wrong. From what my father told me about potion making, smoke is normal but nothing should explode or boil over."

"Oh, yeah."

Ah picture m'self at 'potion class. Ah see smoke an' m' mind starts to wonder. M'self an' tha others jus' watchin' 'potion boilin' up an' down an' tha smoke's makin' things seem jus' a little bit different. An' m' body's startin' ta sweat jus' a little bit. Ah imagine the fumes from tha cauldrons makin' m' head spin jus' a little bit. Ah try ta hold it together bu' Ah'm jus' a little nervous about tha whole thing.

"That was the bell. I think we should leave for the dungeons now. Are you feeling better, Toby?"

"Yeah Ah'm ok."

Ah start walkin' but Ah see Jacklin watchin' me an' somehow tha makes me feel a lotta bettah. Ah don't know why really. It jus' does. Maybe 'er Veela magic's hittin me after all. Ain't so bad then.

"Let’s see. I have my wand, our cauldrons, my potion book, and I think everything else is in your backpack. Is that right?"

"Yeah."

It looks like Ah got the basics. Ah don't really know what all Ah'm gonna need yet, but Ah think Ah'm all set for the first potions class. It's scary but... it's ok.

"In that case, I think we can go right to the dungeons for Potions with Professor Snape."

"Why'd Mr. Snape wanna have Potions class down in tha dungeons?"

Ah try ta picture it an' Ah can't see it. All Ah can imagine is some creepy dark place down tha stairs with spiders an' bats an'... who knows what. Ah start gettin' a little nervous agin.

"You have to call him Professor Snape. The dungeons are a great place to teach potions. They’re well ventilated and also act as a storage space for ingredients that are sensitive to sunlight.

"Oh. Well, tha's okay then."

Ah try ta imagine those places better but Ah still mostly see spiders an' bats. Ah shake m' head an' try ta get rid of tha picture.

Time Skip

Ah'm lookin' round tha dungeons. It's dim an' Ah can't see far. Ah notice it's jus' stone an' dirt under tha ground. Looks cold, but it's quiet. Ah think Ah like it.

"It looks like we made it to class a little early today."

"How much time d'ya think we have?"

Ah look over tha classroom door an' Ah start wonderin' what's in the potions room. Ah guess it's the place where the potions class is gonna take place. Maybe it's nice like da classroom. Ah hope so, but tha whole potions class' too much ta figure out.

"I believe we have just enough time to organize everything we could possibly need for today’s class."

Ah look back at tha potions table. Tha potions teacher probably starts teachin' right on tha bell. Ah don't want stuff in a mess when tha potions teacher walks in. Ah get busy try'n ta get tha stuff organized.

"Welp tha's all mah stuff."

Ah sit back straight in mah chair an' watch Professor Snape walk in. He looks real grouchy as Ah watch tha class sit down. Ah don't do anythin but jus' sit there lookin'. Ah figure tha's the smart choice right now. He starts lookin' over m' backpack an' Ah start feelin' kinda nervous again.

"We do not leave objects in the aisle. Move it to the other side of your chair."

Mah head starts ta spin as Professor Snape moves on. This potions class seems like it's gonna be harder than Ah thought. But Ah ain't gonna give up. Ah look around tha classroom an' notice tha other students all look like they knew to move tha object before tha potions teacher started teachin'. That's okay. Ah'm not like m' head's filled with a lotta magic like some of the others. M' job's jus' to get through tha potions class an' learn something.

"You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion-making. As there is little foolish wand waving here, many of you will hardly believe this is magic. I don't expect you will really understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes bewitching the minds, and ensnaring the senses. I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, and even stopper death."

Ah watch Professor Snape talk an' Ah feel a lotta magic words jus' fly into mah head. Ah wanna have m' own bottled magic.

"I can see some of you have brought all of the required ingredients and equipment as if you expected to produce a potion on your first day. Well done. For those of you who brought everything you will be given a point for Gryffindor."

Ah take a deep breath an' Ah get ready for Snape ta start teachin' me stuff. Ah think he's gonna like me.

"Now you all should have read the introductory chapter of the Book of Potions in preparation of todays class. So if I were to ask what the difference is between a brass, copper, and pewter cauldron I would assume you would all know the answer."

Ah know tha a copper cauldron is good as it'll melt tha metal at tha right temp. Ah know that tha pewter doesn't get hot enough. But that's all Ah remember about tha cauldrons right now.

"The difference is the brewing speed. First years normally use a pewter cauldron because it brews at the slowest speed."

Ah look over at Jacklin. Ah guess she knows all tha answers an' Ah can't remember what Ah already know. M' shoulders start ta relax an' Ah listen in. Ah think it'll be safe enough ta just sit back an' let Jacklin tell tha right answers.

"Correct."

Ah see that he looks like he's a little pleased wit tha right answer. Ah hope that Jacklin knows most a tha answers. Ah like her an’ Ah don’t wanna see her get yelled at.

"Turn to page 394. Our first lesson will be about making the Cure for Boils Potion."

Ah find tha page and Ah look up real quick when Ah see it.

"This is your first test to see if you have any skill in potion making. A beginner worth teaching will successfully make such a basic potion before the end of class. You will be working in pairs to complete this potion. I will not tolerate students who backpack off of others."

Am Ah skilled enough ta make tha potion? Ah don't wanna fail this first test. Ah get paired up wit m' friend Jacklin.

"How do you want to divide the work Toby?"

"Well, Ah can read everythang ta make sure we ain't doin nothin wrong."

"So you can read each step and get all of the ingredients together?"

"Uh huh."

Ah point ta m' potion book sittin' on m' table an start readin the first step.

"In that case, I can start the fire. What does the first step say?"

"Well, it says ta take out a pewter cauldron."

Ah see 'er get it.

"What do we need to do next?"

Ah know what tha next step is!

"We gotta add 6 snake fangs an crush 'em in the mortar."

Ah start countin cause Ah can obviously count ta 6 then start crushin 'em.

"How's this look?"

"I think you crushed them enough, Toby. They needed to be a fine powder and it looks a lot like dust."

Ah read the next step.

"All righ', four measures a' tha snake fangs."

Ah see Jacklin count out tha snake fangs an' get all four measures in tha cauldron.

"Alright then. We just finished measuring the crushed snake fangs and added them to the cauldron."

"Ok so now we gotta take the cauldron up ta 250 fer 10 seconds."

Ah see Jacklin turn tha fire up.

"1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Awright turn it down."

She turns down the heat an uses the potion makin spell wit 'er wand.

"Curious Boilus!"

Ah get a little nervous when Ah see the potion boilin'.

Time Skip

"I see the pink smoke. We did it Toby!"

Ah see tha pink smoke come outta tha cauldron an' Ah feel better an' better about mah first potions test.

"Pour the potion into the vials and clean up."

Ah listen ta Snape an' pick up the vials, fillin' em wit tha cure for boils potion. Ah'm a lil nervous bout what he'll say ta us.

"This is a textbook perfect potion. You and Mr. Kwimper will each receive 5 points for Gryffindor."

Thas it! Ah feel real proud when Snape takes tha vials. Ah notice that Jacklin's pretty happy too. She's lookin' over at me and she's givin' me a real nice smile.

"Class is dismissed."

Ah hear tha bell. We're done wit potions! Ah notice a couple a' kids givin' me funny looks when we walk out of tha potion room. Ah don' think Ah've ever got so much attention jus' from doin' potion work. Ah feel good walkin' out wit Jacklin.

"Let me see now. Defense Against The Dark Arts is our next class. We just need to go to the Transfiguration courtyard. The temporary classroom should be located on the ground floor level."

Ah'm so glad Ah'm with Jacklin. She's the only one who seems to understand where all tha stuff is. She looks at me an' then Ah feel like Ah understand too. Ah don't know how she does it, but Ah follow her.

"I hope the other boys weren't too distracted by my Veela magic."

When Ah hear her say "Veela" Ah remember one a' tha things she told me about what they can do. Ah try to think of her as jus’ normal Jacklin, even though Ah can tell tha boys were distracted an even a little scared by her.

"What did you learn today during our first Potions class, Toby?"

Well, Ah dunno much bout why we gotta use wha' we used. But Ah got a lotta experience in pickin' out non-venomous snakes. Like if ya wanna find a snake who ain't venomous ya don't wanna find no copperheads cause they got venom. Does tha count for somethin'?"

"Why of course that is an important skill to have. Especially when working across the world. I'm not familiar with a copperhead. What type of snake is that?"

Ah repeat everythang Ah know from mah book on snakes.

"It's a type a water moccasin tha looks a little different. They live mainly round the eastern coast a North America an round the Mississippi drainage. They're real common here an' compared ta others they're more likely ta bite if they're all scared. They're medium-sized an venomous, but they don't really kill people that much."

"What other snakes do you have there? We don't have a lot of snakes here in the UK or in Bulgaria where my mother's from."

Ah realize she ain't gonna know a lotta thangs Ah do.

"Oh, Ah'm from Florida, Jacklin. Full a snakes. We got big black ones. We got orange an' yellow ones. Ah even had a python in Pop's yard once, but it was only a lil one. They're not the real bad snakes, but they're not the good ones, either."

"So you know what a Common European Adder is?"

"Common European Adder? Yeah, Ah know ‘em. They’re mean little critters, but they ain't as dangerous as rattlesnakes."

"Just how dangerous are they? Adders are the most dangerous snake native to the UK."

Ah jus know this'll get ugly real quick cause she jus ain't used ta dealin wit nature.

"Yep, but they use tha poison in their bites. It don’t hurt as much as tha venom a dangerous kinda snake's got. Now tha rattlesnake'll kill ya deader-than-thou, but Adders ain’t as deadly. ‘Course, Ah ain’t sayin’ Ah'd wanna get bit."

"I understand why you know so much about snakes now, Toby."

Ah get a real nice feelin’ inside when Ah hear this from Jacklin.

"So how exactly do you know what an Adder looks like?"

"Oh Adders're dark. They got like a kind a "x" on their necks. They look mean, even if they really ain't. That's good, cuz Ah think snakes are real beautiful lookin’. They just don’t want no people hangin’ round when they’re sunnin’ themselves like Ah saw a few do in Florida. Snakes don’t like company."

"I don’t know what I would do if I ever saw a snake in real life."

Ah know if Jacklin's like a lotta girls she'd be screamin but Ah don't wanna tell 'er cause she'd probly get all mad.

"Well, if tha snake jus sees ya an' don't do nothin' ta you, then jus' leave it be. They get angry 'cause they're real scared of being stepped on. Jus back away from it or stand real still. Snakes wanna go where they're goin', but they don't bite less they get scared by somethin’. Ah don’t think Ah’ve ever been scared of a snake before, jus' annoyed by ‘em."

"That’s probably because you were raised in an area full of them."

After a little while, Ah notice that Jacklin has a kinda worried look on her face. Ah wonder what she's thinking so Ah ask her, 'cause that's what Pop always says Ah should do when Ah wonder.

"You okay, Jacklin?"

"They don’t have snakes that are as big as pythons native do they Toby?"

"Yeah Ah think there's a whole lotta big snakes in Florida, like the Burmese pythons. They can get as long as twenty feet. But that's jus a big snake in the wild. There’s also boa constrictors. They get pretty long, too. They got a lot more snakes than just pythons in Florida."

"Those are invasive species why are they in Florida?"

"Ah reckon some people wanna keep 'em as pets, an' then tha pets get out or let go. When they breed wit other snakes it can start a lotta trouble. Like, it could be real bad for tha other kinda snakes if they got mixed wit big python snakes. Ah guess someone shoulda thought a' tha before they tried to have tha big snakes for pets."

Ah see 'er try not ta shudder outta fear cause Ah know this' really freakin 'er out.

"What would you do if you saw something that big?"

Ah think real hard an' Ah can see that Jacklin is expectin' a real good answer from me.

"Ah probably wouldn't do much if Ah saw one in the wild... jus' walk real quiet an keep movin', or Ah'd stand still. Ah don't think Ah'd ever do anythin' tha's real dumb like touchin' it."

"So you can’t just run away from snakes?"

"Well, Ah guess Ah could try to run away. But Ah don't think Ah could get very far if a snake like tha was after me. They can move real fast when they want to. An’ they'll chase ya an’ swallow ya a lot of times. It's best ta leave ‘em alone or stand as still as Ah can an' hope they'll jus' move along."

"They can eat people?!"

Ah think Ah'm startin' ta make Jacklin worried wit all the snake talk.

"Yeah, tha big snakes can eat people. That's why they're always on the news when tha snake hunters catch ‘em. It's real rare for tha snakes ta eat people, though. Ah bet news stations go lookin' for big snakes so they can put ‘em on TV an get big ratin's. When they do, it ain’t real good for the snakes. A lot a' people get scared and they’ll want tha snakes killed."

"I hope you won’t take this wrong when I say I do not plan on visiting the States during our winter holidays."

Ah dunno if Jacklin just made a joke, so Ah try ta sound like Ah have a good sense a humor, even though Ah don't have much a one.

"Ah don’t blame ya. Snakes an alligators don’t make fer very fun winter holidays."

Sayin stuff bout gators jus seems ta scare 'er more.

"Alligators?"

"Yeah. We got gators in Florida, too. Ah think it's jus' cause Florida's a real warm place, so it's a real nice place for snakes an' gators. But they ain’t gonna bother you if you leave ‘em alone."

"How is that not scary to you? You have so many dangerous animals that we don’t even have here in the UK."

'Er eyes're gettin all big an Ah know she's freakin out.

"Well, they ain't dangerous if they ain't mad. They only want food an' a place ta rest. Ah gotta say, they're pretty fun ta see if they ain't botherin' ya. Ah do like ‘em better than snakes. You can see ‘em comin', ‘cause a gator don't slither round like a snake."

"Are there any animals you are afraid of then?"

Ah try to think of somethin', but Ah can't think a' nothin'. If Ah say snakes it'll seem like Ah'm afraid a' them, so Ah can't do tha. Ah gotta think of somethin'.

"Oh, yeah. Ah'm a little afraid of raccoons. They can be real mean if they get mad at ya. Most of ‘em are friendly an’ they leave people alone, but sometimes Ah gotta scare off a mad raccoon when it gets ta thievin' stuff or botherin' our chickens."

"What’s a raccoon?"

Ah oughta make a list a thangs we got in Florida an she's only got here.

"Oh. A raccoon's kinda like a cat, like Ah told ya, except it looks a little like a bear kinda, just real small an' wit a long tail. Ah see a lotta raccoons livin' in the woods. They get in places they ain't supposed ta be, so Ah get mad at ‘em for thievin' stuff an' then tha raccoons’ll get mad at Ah an' then we'll have a little war of words. That's why Ah'm a little afraid a' raccoons."

"At least it can’t eat you like a python can."

"That's right. You can probably out-run a raccoon, too. Just try ta stay away from tha young'uns, an' tha raccoons probably won't bother ya. Don't call ‘em "trash pandas" though. Ah mean, you'll be right ta call ‘em that, but they don’t like it at all. They get real mad."

Somethin bout wha' Ah said caused Jacklin ta raise mah eyebrow an Ah dunno why.

"How would you know that as if you can talk to them like a person?"

"Ah know ‘cause when Ah’m chasin' ‘em away from our chickens, Ah yell “you trash pandas,” an’ they act real mean after Ah say tha. Like Ah said, they're a lot like people. If Ah call 'em, “sweet little trash pandas” they don't get nearly as upset wit me."

"So you can talk to animals?"

"Well, Ah talk to the animals Ah like. Ah talk ta tha froggies an’ tha turtles an’ tha toadies, fer sure. Ain't nothin' really special 'bout talkin' ta animals. Ah think they like hearin' kind words, though. Ah know gators never say much, but they seem ta listen when Ah'm talkin' ta ‘em."

Ah dunno why Jacklin's lookin at me like Ah'm a dummy.

"Nothing special? Talking to animals is a rare skill for wizards to have. It can’t be taught."

"Really? Ah wasn't aware of tha'. How come tha's rare?"

"Wizards have to be born with that type of ability."

"Oh… well, then Ah reckon Ah'm special."

Time Skip

"Did you hear that Toby?"

Ah hear this weird hissin noise.

"Yeah Ah heard sumthin'. It sounded like a snake."

Ah listen real hard an' look around. Ah don’t see anythin’, but Ah hear the snakes hiss again.

"It sounds like it's comin' from 'em bushes over there."

Ah think tha snake is goin' ta try ta scare us by hiss'n again.

"Do you think you can try talking to it as we walk by Toby?"

"Ah can try. Ah can try talkin' real nice an' explainin' tha we ain't interested in startin' nothin' with tha snake. We just wanna get on by."

Ah see this big snake coiled up in tha bushes an' Ah start talkin' to it soft. Ah keep walkin' while Ah’m talkin', an’ Ah try ta sound as non-threatening as Ah can. Ah also try ta keep movin’.

"Here, Mr. Snake. Hey, here, here. We jus' wanna go on through tha door, tha one behind ya. We wanna keep movin' an' we don't wanna fight ya. Can we jus' move on, Mr. Snake?"

Ah don’t see any signs tha the snake's movin'. Ah keep talkin’.

"Mr. Snake, we don’t wanna be late fer class. We gotta be in class in ten minutes. Please move fer us."

Ah see tha the snake is moving away from us. Ah keep up tha friendly talk as Ah keep movin’.

"Thank ya, Mr. Snake. Ah ain’t tryin’ to upset ya. You've been a real nice snake, an’ Ah think it's great tha ya got a nice cozy place ta relax an' keep warm, an' Ah hope ya have a good day, Mr. Snake. We gotta go now."

Ah hear the snake hissin an look back. Ah guess tha’s a kind a snake wave. Ah turn back ta the door an’ keep movin’ toward tha door. Ah notice tha tha snake ain’t in tha bushes no more, Ah think it moved off somewhere else. Ah smile 'cause Ah’m proud that Ah handled tha snake situation so good.

"Toby you spoke Parseltongue just now."

"What're ya talkin' bout? Me speakin' ta tha snakes?"

"Yes. You thought you were speaking English, but it just sounded like hissing sounds to me."

Ah stop dead in mah tracks. Ah stare at Jacklin like she's lost her mind.

"Ya mean tha’s really what Ah sound like?"

"That’s what it sounded like to me."

Ah'm stunned an' Ah can't think a anythang ta say.

"Tha's just... tha's... tha's... tha's... Ah don't know what ta say, actually. Ah got nothin' ta say ta that."

"We can talk about it later then. Right now we need to get to class on time."

Ah realize tha Jacklin’s right. Ah can't discuss this now no matter how much Ah wanna know tha answer. Ah pick back up on the walkin' as Jacklin an Ah make our way down tha path ta the DADA class.

Time Skip

"There's Professor Quirrell the new professor for this class."

We're right on time an Ah'm happy bout it.

"Than-thank you for be-being on time. Th-that's a p-p-point for ea-each of you."

Ah smile as we go an sit down.

"Than-thank you all for ma-making it. My na-name is Prof-professor Quir-Quirrell."

Ah try ta focus on tha professor but Ah can’t stop thinkin' 'bout tha snake talk. Ah look at Jacklin real quick ta see if she’s actin’ any diff'rent. Ah try ta read her face but Ah dunno if it's good Ah can’t read 'er face like Ah can a "regular person’s."

"Now to-today we're go-going to be ta-talking about Imps."

Ah know tha Ah should be payin' attention to tha lesson but Ah just can’t stop thinkin' about this thing with tha snakes. Ah just sit there lookin' at his weird scarf hat.

"M-make sure to-to copy th-this in your n-notes."

Ah start ta take some notes as Professor Quirrell stutters through tha assignment. By now Ah been so used ta it that Ah can understand him perfectly fine, even when he stutters.

"For ho-homework, please wr-write a short essay about the-the Knock-knockback Jinx. You ha-have until next we-week to fi-finish it.."

Ah’m not happy ‘bout the homework assignment. Ah know tha Professor Quirrell thinks it’s easy, but Ah can be a little slow sometimes. Ah can get stuck on one thing fer like... forever.

"Toby I was just about to ask if you wanted to start working on our essay during our free period after we get back to Gryffindor Tower."

Ah look up an see Jacklin in front a me.

"Well, Ah’d be happy ta meetcha in tha common room 'cause Ah don’t wanna waste no time. Besides, it'd be good to get the homework over an’ done wit."

"That sounds great Toby."

Ah smile 'cause Ah feel tha Jacklin's bein' real nice an' patient with me today. Ah ain't used ta people bein' all that nice ta me.

"Thanks Jacklin."

Ah keep walkin' an' Ah feel the stairs underneath me movin'.

"Be careful, Toby."

"Ah ain’t afraid o' tha stairs. It don’t even feel like Ah’m movin' much when tha stairs move anyway."

Ah feel tha sudden movement under mah feet when one a tha steps disappears. Ah almost lose mah balance, but Ah manage ta get back ta stable footin an' Ah ain’t at all bothered by tha missin step.

"See? It ain't no big deal, Ah tol ya Ah don’t mind the stairs movin’."

"Now if only we can say that going down the stairs."

Ah smile at Jacklin an' think it was a little joke Ah can laugh at. But Ah'm ready ta get tha homework done so Ah keep followin' Jacklin.

"Do you remember the password Toby?"

Ah think it's "Alohomora."

Ah smile real big when it opens an' go through tha door. Ah look fer Jacklin an’ see tha she's comin' in too. Ah just hope tha tha homework ain't too hard.

"Are you alright, Toby? You look out of breath."

Ah start ta take deep breaths cause Ah ain't used ta all 'em stairs yet.

"Yeah... Ah'm fine..."

Ah catch mah breath an start ta have a weird vision bout a floatin feather. It jus came an went real quick so Ah don't mind it.

Time Skip

Ah'm lookin at tha page with tha Knockback Jinx but Ah'm still stuck on it. Ah look over at Jacklin who's readin' tha DADA assignment like it's jus' normal speakin', but Ah know Ah'm not understandin' tha stuff even a bit.

"Do ya, do ya understand that Knockback Jinx stuff, Jacklin?"

"Yes. When you say the word "flipendo" and do the right wand movement, you can force your opponent to fly backwards away from you."

Ah'm thinkin' all this stuff Ah'm readin' looks like a bunch o' gobbledygook.

"Oh... Ah see. So, it's jus' one word an' then you gotta wave tha wand like this."

Ah make a wild, flickin' motion with mah wand.

"No Toby. It looks more like this."

Ah follow Jacklin's instructions with mah wand movin' down... up... then makin' tha U at tha end of tha movement.

"So, jus' say tha word an' do tha wand movement. Then they'll go flyin' away?"

"Yes it's an important spell to use when you're in a duel."

Ah feel like a total coward. A dark wizard might wanna duel an Ah might not even be able ta say tha word "flipendo" an Ah might be a total sittin duck.

"So, uh... if Ah was in tha middle of a duel wit a dark wizard an' Ah froze up, would that be a real problem?"

"Yes. You could end up getting killed."

Ah feel completely lost like Ah could puke. But Ah keep lookin at Jacklin tryin' ta hide how scared Ah am. Ah don't wanna be a total chicken in front of 'er, so Ah try ta keep myself together.

"So, uh... Jacklin, what's next with tha homework?"

"Now that we know what the Knockback Jinx does, we just need to explain why it can be used against Imps."

Ah think fer a second then say somethin tha sounds smart even if Ah'm guessin' a few words.

"Well, if ya think bout it, an imp's really small an' light like a rat. If Ah ever seen an Imp an Ah hit it wit a Flipendo... Ah mean tha Knockback spell Ah mean... well, it's like a real giant kickin' a real small creature. So, that'll knock tha Imp back an outta tha fight."

"That's right, Toby. Imps can't fly so we can use that to get them to fall into a hole or a cage."

Ah look at Jacklin an’ Ah'm amazed tha Ah'm sayin' tha things Ah'm sayin' an' knowin' bout stuff and even impressin' her. But Ah try ta keep tha positive feelings goin'.

"Oh yeah, tha'll work. Thanks fer lettin' me learn longside ya."

Ah look at Jacklin an' notice we both got it finished wit all tha homework done on it.

"Well, how're we gonna show tha professor that we learned it?"

"Next week we would turn in our scrolls and see if he asks us to do the spell."

Ah look over at 'er an Ah feel tha heat on mah face an hear tha poundin' in mah chest.

"Well it's almost time for lunch. I'm going upstairs to feed Tiger. How often do you need to feed Trevor?"

"Oh... 'bout once a day. But Trevor does like ta stay fed an Ah've been feedin' Trevor a couple times a day now, jus' so he's always full."

"Well, I'm sure your frog would love to see you for a few minutes before lunch."

Ah jump up outta tha chair up ta tha dorm an visit Trevor. Ah got some food an' Ah wanna check tha temperature an' make sure everythang's alright fer him.

"Hey there, Trevor. Ya doin' awright in here? Ain't too hot in here?"

Ah see Trevor startin' ta move round the corner ta me an Ah feel really happy tha Trevor responded.

"So, ya wantin' lunch? Is tha it?"

Ah smile when Ah see his tongue an' Ah realize tha's the best answer. Ah scoop up a few pieces a mealworm an Ah put it in the little area where Trevor is. Trevor jumps outta tha water ta grab the worm an Ah get tha feeling he's enjoyin' tha food.

"There ya go, Trevor. Tha oughta hold ya for a little bit."

Ah smile when Ah see his froggie eyes an' Ah feel like Ah did tha right thang by talkin' ta him. Ah notice tha it's time ta leave, so Ah turn tha light off an' Ah close tha lid of tha tank.

"Bye buddy. Ah'll be seein ya later."

Time Skip

Jacklin an Ah're walkin down the stairs wit our arms looped. Ah dunno why but it sure does help feel like we're friends.

"So uh... how ya likin Hogwarts so far?"

"Oh I love it. My father told me so many stories about his time at Hogwarts, and it's still so incredible to be here as a first year. The only thing I'm concerned about is my Veela magic. You haven't noticed any of the boys being affected by it, have you Toby?"

Ah don't want her ta feel awkward so Ah try findin a different answer.

"Uh… not really, no. It's like they're just happy ta see you. Sure don't wanna do anythin dangerous ta impress ya."

"That sounds good. My mother told me that it's common for the boys to feel the need to look at me."

Ah see tha boys round us as we walk. They're lookin at our linked arms an Ah know they're jus' wonderin' if a romance is startin'. But Ah know tha it ain't, cause Ah understand wha's goin' on. Ah'm too smart ta be fallin fer some girl Ah jus met.

"But that's just a... tha "charm" thang yer people got goin' on. It's jus' some kinda spell tha makes it so tha boys like you, tha's all."

Ah give Jacklin a lil smile as we approach tha door ta tha Great Hall.

"I wouldn't call it a spell. A spell would mean that it can be taught and Veela magic can't be taught like regular magic."

Ah stop an' look up at her before we go through tha doorway.

"So it ain't a spell then. But, uh... it's still somethin' tha ya do a lil naturally an', uh... Ah don't really know how ta put it. Ya gotta have some kinda magic goin fer ya if ya look like one a 'em chubby naked angel babies.

She looks real confused by wha Ah said an ta me it's better than feelin like Ah said somethin mean.

"A what?"

"Ya know in 'em paintin's. Ah think they're cherubs but Ah call 'em chubby naked angel babies cause they look like 'em."

"And how on earth do you think I look like one?"

Ah dunno if she's mad or jus confused so Ah think Ah gotta be honest bout it.

"Ya got one a 'em soft chubby faces. Specially in yer cheeks. Ain't like it can't be pretty but it ain't like yer so perfect like ya say Veela can be."

She starts ta laugh an Ah feel better now cause Ah woulda thought a girl'd be sayin Ah'm a dummy fer callin her chubby.

"Now I know for sure I can trust everything you say Toby."

"Why's that cause Ah'm jus tryna be honest?"

"I can trust you because I know no other boy would ever be able to say something like that. They would only talk about how pretty I look because of my magic."

Ah'm startin' ta understand a little better how all tha Veela magic works.

"Well whatever works fer ya."

Ah still feel awkward talkin' bout it, so Ah switch the subject.

"So what'd we get assigned next after lunch?"

We go over ta tha lunch table where Ah see tha other Gryffindors sittin' down. Ah give tha Gryffindors a little wave ta let them know Ah'm comin' ta sit by 'em.

"After lunch we only have Magical Theory today. Once we finish that class, we have a free period all the way until dinner. I can go over our full schedule later today if you want me to, Toby."

"Ok. Tha sounds nice. Ah don't know what tha Magical Theory's gonna be like tho. Ah hope it ain't as hard as DADA homework."

"I think a lot of it is reading and note taking. As long as you pay attention and read the book, you should get an O in that class."

Ah start to feel a little bit better now. Ah feel like tha day is turnin' out right after all. Ah smile an' Ah listen ta Jacklin.

"Tha sounds like an easy class ta get tha O."

Ah'm tryna figure out wha' ta eat fer lunch an look round the table.

"Could ya do me a favor, Jacklin?"

"What is it, Toby?"

"Ah was wonderin' if ya could grab me a bowl a tha chicken noodle soup. It's all the way down by ya an Ah can't reach it."

Ah know it sounds a lil foolish since Ah ain't sick or nothin', but it looks good ta me.

"Oh. Of course I can."

She gives it ta me an Ah notice 'er eatin a weird lookin sandwich.

"Whacha eatin?"

"Oh this is a cucumber sandwich."

Ah raise mah eyebrow at 'er.

"I... gather you don't eat these in the States do you. No matter. This is meant to be a light snack usually eaten during the afternoon. I'm so used to eating them for afternoon tea that I suppose it was out of habit."

"Oh Ah weren't judgin ya Jacklin. Ah jus ain't seen a cucumber sandwich. How's it suppose ta fill ya?"

Ah see she's lookin a lil better an Ah think it's cause she knows Ah ain't thinkin she's weird.

"It doesn't. Since it's meant to be a tea sandwich, it's only a snack meant to hold you over until supper. I'm sure not everyone does this anymore since we're no longer in the 1800s."

"Well if yer one a 'em wizard princesses Ah guess it makes sense ya still do thangs old people do."

She smiles a lil an Ah'm happy Ah ain't made 'er mad.

"Well this really turned out ta be tha perfect lunch fer me. Ya wanna know why?"

"Why is that, Toby?"

"Cause a tha chicken noodle soup ya got me."

Ah raise tha spoon and take another sip of tha soup. Ah let tha spoon down an' look at Jacklin.

"Why, Ah woulda been too stubborn ta try an' eat it until tha end a the day if ya hadn't give it ta me. But a got a little soup in me, an' now it's actually startin' ta taste good. Plus Ah ain't melted yet so maybe tha's how yer Veela magic's treatin me so thank ya."

Ah see 'er smilin an Ah realize tha first day a school ain't turnin' out half bad after all. So Ah try ta say somethin' ta make a joke.

"Guess what, Jacklin?"

"What, Toby?"

"Chicken butt!"

"What?"

Ah hear the confusion in 'er voice an' Ah look up at 'er again. Ah give her a lil laugh.

"Ya know... chicken... chicken butt. Nothin'.

Ah go back to eatin' tha soup. Ah realize tha Jacklin keeps lookin' at me like Ah'm a lil crazy from tha joke.

"Ain't it a joke 'round here?"

"I don't believe it is."

Ah feel bad 'bout tha joke now. So Ah think bout the next thing tha Ah want ta ask Jacklin.

"Well... Ah was wonderin'... could ya do me another favor, Jacklin?"

"What is it?"

"How do ya send people letters here? Ah wanna write mah Pop an tell 'em Ah'm doin good."

Ah see 'er eyes light up.

"Oh! We can go to the Owlery. There's plenty of owls that can send your letter."

"So ya can show me how ta get there?"

"Of course, Toby. We can write our letters after Magical Theory."

Ah'm glad Jacklin's game fer tha idea a writin' letters together. Ah smile at 'er again an' Ah get back ta eatin' soup.

"Thank ya, Jacklin."

Ah take a lil sip a soup while watchin' Jacklin eat as tha two of us sit together at tha Gryffdor lunch table.

Time Skip

"Lunch is over. We need to find Class 67 for Magical Theory."

"Ok. Ah got mah backpack an Ah'm ready."

Ah finish up tha last of tha soup an stand up.

"Do ya wanna go first, Jacklin? Ah dunno where tha Magical Theory room is an' Ah don't wanna get us both lost."

"I think my father said it was on the 4th floor in the Astronomy Tower."

Ah give Jacklin another nod before Ah start followin' her up tha stairs ta tha Astronomy Tower for tha Magical Theory class.

"The stairs are moving again Toby."

Ah look up tha stairs, but Ah still keep walkin' wit Jacklin up them. Ah kinda try ta ignore tha fact tha stairs are movin' in tha way they are, but Ah wonder why they have tha stairs movin' like that.

"Well, Ah don't like tha stairs, but Ah like tha walkin' wit ya."

"All we have to do now is go up the stairs to the 4th floor."

Ah follow Jacklin up tha stairs to tha 4th floor an' Ah notice tha doors to tha Magical Theory class. Ah see a sign on tha door tha says: "Magical Theory" an Ah follow Jacklin through 'em into tha class.

"I wonder if our first lesson will be on Adalbert Waffling."

Ah look at her curious. Ah don't know nothin' bout Adalbert Wafflin. So Ah ask tha question tha way Ah always ask 'em.

"Who's Adalbert Wafflin?"

"Adalbert Waffling was a famous wizard who created the idea of magical theory. It’s because of him that we even have this class."

"Oh. Is tha why it's called "Magical Theory" Jacklin?"

"Yes. This class talks about how magic is created and who can use it."

Ah nod my head, but Ah don't really understand all tha much about it.

"Ah guess Ah'll find out bout all this magical stuff, huh?"

"Of course. It’s important to understand this topic if you want to learn how to use spells and make potions."

"Well, hopefully Ah can learn ta take care of mah self with tha spells an' potions, but Ah gotta tell ya tha Ah don't really plan on usin' tha spells too often. Ah mean no harm ta anybody, Jacklin, so Ah really don't want ta be usin' any spells tha do 'em harm. Does tha make any sense?"

"Yes Toby."

Ah take up a seat just as tha teacher steps up in front of tha class and Ah can feel Jacklin sittin' right beside me. Jacklin startin ta write. Ah see her writin' an' Ah can see she's writin' pretty fast. Ah try ta write mah own notes tha' best Ah can.

Time Skip

The bell goes off an we start ta leave.

"Can you believe it, Toby? We just finished our first day of classes and can do whatever we want until dinner."

Ah nod mah head an' Ah close mah books.

"You know, Jacklin, Ah'm really startin' ta like tha idea a writin' that letter ta Pop, but Ah'm not so sure what Ah'm gonna say."

"We can write our letters in the common room and go to the Owlery in the West Tower together. I can show you how to give your letter to the owl."

Ah get this big ol' smile on mah face. Ah didn’t know Jacklin was tha kinda gal tha liked ta do somethin' like tha.

"That’d be great."

Ah look at Jacklin then see tha Slytherins comin' up behind her. Ah realize she may not see 'em. So Ah tap her on tha shoulder an warn her bout tha Slytherins.

"Hey Jacklin, be careful. There're some Slytherins comin' up behind ya."

"Oh. I see. That's Draco Malfoy, Toby."

Ah can see Malfoy look like he'd like ta punch me, but Ah ignore tha look an' Ah try ta be friendly wit tha other Gryffindors and tha Slytherins alike.

"Oh, uh, howdy there Malfoy."

Ah extend mah hand ta shake his.

"Well what do you know? He actually has manners."

Ah'm glad tha Malfoy accepted ma hand an' Ah shake it, while lookin' over at Jacklin. Ah try ta speak in a way tha won’t be too dumb.

"Yeah, Ah figured Ah'd come over and say howdy ta all, uh, tha folks in tha other houses too, 'cause Ah mean no harm ta none a 'em."

"I see the Veela's sullying the Gryffindor name and all pure-bloods everywhere as usual. Can't even go five minutes without hypnotizing some poor boy that comes your way."

Ah notice he jus ignored me like he was talkin ta jus Jacklin.

"Godric Gryffindor wanted children of all magical backgrounds to study magic. I’m carrying on the traditions and values of the Gryffindor family just fine. Just because you developed a tolerance after all these years doesn’t mean others are completely helpless Draco."

They go inta this back an forth while Ah'm jus standin there.

"Well, uh, that's exactly what Ah was just thinkin' about. Ya know... how everybody should have an equal shot ta get ahead round here, 'cause Ah think all the kids at Hogwarts should do good, regardless of what house tha belong to. Ah mean... Ah can understand how a person can get inta a house jus' by bein strong or the brains they got, but what really matters' how good a person is. Ah mean... Ah really hope all the folks in tha Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin families could all be good friends."

Malfoy turns ta leave. His friends are still starina at me. He yells fer them.

"Crabbe! Goyle! Let’s go!"

"Ah was jus' tryin' ta say "howdy" is all. It's really hard not ta get nervous around some of tha Slytherins, but Ah really wanna make friends wit 'em. Jacklin, Ah gotta know... Do ya think it's possible ta get tha people at Hogwarts ta like ya more, despite ya bein' a, uh, a Veela?"

She looks a lil sad after talkin ta Malfoy.

"I can never know for sure Toby. Draco is able to resist it because we practically grew up together."

"Well, uh, thanks fer tha explanation. Anyway, Ah'd like ta spend more time wit folks like ya, who ain't gonna look at me funny or treat me like a loser. Ah mean, Ah know ya said tha Slytherins got all these ideas bout how we oughta be, but Ah wanna try ta get ta know some people, even if it means tha Slytherins'll hate me forever."

Ah just laugh at tha idea tha Slytherins would hate me. Ah wonder ta mahself if tha's really true.

"A lot of Slytherins are half blooded or human born just like the other Houses. It’s just that except for the Gryffindor family all of the powerful pure-blooded wizards went to Slytherin and believe children like you shouldn’t be allowed to learn magic. Even if you were pure-blooded like me, you were raised as a human."

"Really? Ah didn’t know tha, Jacklin."

Maybe Ah don’t know as much ‘bout Hogwarts as Jacklin do, but Ah’m pretty glad she’s takin' tha time ta explain tha history of tha Houses ta me while we walk together. Ah think that’s mighty kind a 'er.

"I’m not sure if I can go to the Owlery right away, Toby."

"Oh, okay. Ya mean, we won't be goin' ta tha Owlery today at all?"

"No no. We can still go today. Just not as soon as I originally planned."

"Oh? Why's tha?"

"I have a longer letter to write than I thought."

Ah nod Ah see. Ah feel it'd be best not to ask too many questions, so Ah just follow Jacklin along da path, takin' advantage of the time Ah'm with her to ask a couple things here 'n there bout 'er personal life.

"So, you gonna write a longer letter ta ya folks?"

"That’s right. I’m sure you have a lot to write to your father too."

"Oh, yeah, Ah figure Ah got a lot ta say ta Pop. They been waitin' a long, long time to hear what Ah got ta say. So Ah guess Ah'll be writein' a pretty long letter too."

Ah smile at Jacklin an Ah can't help but wonder what it is she has ta say ta her father in tha letter she's writin'.

"I’m going to my room to write it. How long do you think it will take to finish your letter, Toby?"

Ah think for a quick second 'fore Ah answer.

"Well, it usually takes me most of tha day ta write a letter tha long, but Ah could probably get it done sooner if Ah work real hard. So Ah figure it'll probably take me most of tha day. Why'd ya ask, Jacklin?"

"I want to make sure we can go to the Owlery together without having to wait for the other to finish. We should be able to finish our letters at the same time."

Ah nod at Jacklin an' Ah give her a big ol' smile.

"That's a good idea, Jacklin. Ah can work hard at writin' mah letter faster if tha's whatcha wanna do. Ah'm sure Ah could get mah letter done pretty soon if Ah just work hard at it."

"In that case I’ll meet you down here when we’re finished."

Ah turn ta walk off ta start writin' the letter but Ah stop just fer a quick moment cause Ah know Ah shoulda asked what she was sayin' on tha letter she was writin'. Ah turn back around.

"Hey, uh, Jacklin, jus' wanna ask... whatcha writin' yer folks 'bout anyway? Is it important?"

"Yes there’s a lot of important information I need to tell them."

Ah think bout it for a moment, but Ah know it don't do no good ta pry. Plus, Ah'm jus' too grateful ta be spendin' some time wit Jacklin. So Ah figure Ah'll jus' let it be.

"Ok see ya when we're done."

Ah go up ta mah room an sit on mah bed. Trevor ribbits when he sees me.

"Hi buddy. Ah'm gonna write Pop a letter."

He ribbits in a way tha' tells me he's ok wit it.

"Ok. How do Ah start mah letter?"

Ah try writin thangs tha'll make sense ta Pop.

"Dear Pop, Ah hope this letter finds y'all doin’ okay. Ah’m doin’ real good mahself. Ah jus got ta school las night, an Ah ain’t bein’ picked on yet, which Ah’m real glad about. Ah been takin’ tha subjects they teach here, 'cause all Ah want's ta learn as much as Ah can 'bout tha world an how it works, an so far people say Ah'm doin’ okay with tha spellin' an' stuff. Trevor's doin good too an ain't gotten in trouble wit the other froggies an toadies here."

Ah think Ah'm doin real good by mahself.

"As far as school goes, Ah gotta tell ya that it's like gettin' two schools in one wit how the four families got split up. Ah got sorted inta Griphindor, along wit some of tha really cool people who awready took me under their wings. Ah thought tha teacher who sorted us wanted us ta get ta know each other, 'cause tha more ya know more yer prepared fer tha surprise thangs life throws at ya. Oh, an Ah met this one girl."

Ah realize Ah dunno how ta spell 'er name.

"Her name is... J-A-C-K-L-I-N. An she tol me she's a... uh, V-E-L-A. So some folks keep sayin' she's gonna control me with her womanly ways. Ah ain't too worried 'bout it really, 'cause Ah think she's gonna be more' like a big sister ta me, 'cause when Ah think about it, she sorta reminds me a little bit of tha older sister Ah never had. It ain't like she's awready a woman cause she's only 11 like me an' got one a 'em chubby baby faces some girls got. Ah figure it's jus gonna be good ol' fashioned friendship."

Ah smile an' Ah write tha question down. Ah realize tha's pretty important if Ah wanna know wha the folks think about havin' a Veela at Hogwarts.

"How do ya think folks’ll feel if Ah tell 'em Ah met a Vela girl? Think tha teacher might've known what she was doin' when she sorted us in tha same house? Hope Ah ain't lettin' tha family down cause it turns out we're suppose ta be enemies."

Ah sit fer a moment tryin' ta figure out what else Ah wanna say 'bout Hogwarts. Ah get an idea an' Ah know this is gonna be a little embarrassin ta write, but it's important 'bout how tha folks think of me.

"Okay... so there's one thing more Ah should write 'bout tha girl Ah meet at Hogwarts. Ah ain't exactly bein' treated like tha boy Ah used to be back in Florda. Jacklin well she keeps touchin' me. Ah ain't mad bout it, but Ah dunno if it's somethin only Vela girls do or people're right bout 'er. She ain't been mean ta me none but she jus thinks we gotta be holdin arms when we're goin down the floatin stairs. Kinda weird ta me, Pop."

Ah read tha letter over to mahself an Ah’m pretty satisfied it says everythang Ah wanna say.

"So that's pretty much it fer this letter anyways. Ah'll write ya somethin' later, an' Ah love ya an Ah hope tha folks are takin' care of 'emselves. Say hi ta everyone back home."

Ah sign tha letter, and Ah fold an' seal it up and Ah get ready ta take it down ta tha Owlery as soon as Jacklin finishes her letter. An' Ah hope that'll be very soon.

"Hey, Trevor. Is it okay wit ya if Ah take tha letter an’ head down ta tha Owlery now? If I don't hurry up, Ah might get in trouble for comin' back too late.

Trevor jus' blinks at me a few times. Ah figure tha's as close ta a "Yes" as Ah'm gonna see from mah froggie. Ah take tha letter an' Ah head out ta tha hallway.

"Oh, hey, Jacklin. How's it goin'? Ah figured Ah'd take a trip ta tha Owlery so Ah could mail tha letter off ta Pop like Ah said Ah would. Ya ready fer tha trip yet?"

"Oh yes. I finished my letter."

"That's great! All that writin' must be wearin' ya out. Ya sure ya don't wanna take a rest first?"

"I sat long enough writing the letter so I’m fine, Toby."

Ah nod at Jacklin.

"Fair nough. Well, Ah guess Ah'll just head on down then, so ya won't have ta rush. Ah'm gonna run it down ta the Owlery right quick so Ah don't get in any sorta trouble."

"It’s only 3:00 pm. We have a few more hours before dinner."

"Oh, yeah. So Ah member ya was talkin bout tha West Tower. Do ya really have tha Owlery up there? Ah mean... ain't tha too high up fer tha owls? Ain't they bein' bothered by tha wind or anythin' like that?"

"The owls need the wind and height so they can be able to fly. They can just glide on it and save energy."

We start walkin ta the West Tower an Ah didn't realize it's gonna be real far.

"Ah ain't thought a it that way. So, there ain't no problems wit tha owls not bein' able ta read what people write?"

They’re trained to understand directions so long as you tell them where to go. My family has their own owl so I can simply say “Gryffindor Manor” and Arthur would be on his way.

We get ta the door an Ah'm a lil outta breath.

"I know that this is different than what humans do so be careful trying to find an owl."

Ah nod as Ah start ta worry a lil bit cause Ah got no experience tryin' ta find an owl.

"So Ah jus' gotta look round for tha right one? How'll Ah know tha right one?"

"It depends on where you live. The Gryffindor Manor is in Godric's Hollow, which is in Cornwall, England. Since we're all the way north in the Highlands of Scotland, Arthur was bought because he's Eagle Owl."

"How's Ah gonna know if tha right one's a Eagle Owl or some other kinda owl?"

"You can use one of the school's Eagle Owls, Toby. As long as you tell them your address, it should be able to make it to your house."

Ah look at Jacklin wit real excitement 'cause Ah had no idea Ah could do tha. Ah had no idea there's an easy way ta get this done.

"Well, Ah guess Ah better be startin' already. Hope one a these owls can make tha trip."

Ah start lookin around tha Owlery fer a owl ta talk ta. Ah figure it’s gotta be one tha's awake. Ah find a owl an' Ah walk over ta it. Ah notice it's jus' sittin' on tha perch. It looks real cute and Ah feel like it's the right one. Ah approach tha owl slowly an Ah kneel down in front a it. Then Ah member tha instructions Jacklin gave me an Ah decide to give it a try.

"Heeeey, buddy."

Ah give tha owl tha ol' head rub while Ah speak ta it.

"Wha's yer name, fella?"

Ah wait in eager anticipation, but tha owl don’t respond. Ah try ta give tha owl a pat, so Ah’ll know for sure tha he’s gettin' attention.

"Tha's okay. Ah’m sure yer a good owl in any case."

Ah smile as Ah finally hear from tha owl. Ah decide ta try one more time as Ah speak ta it again.

"That's a pretty neat name, Buckbeak. Ah reckon Ah could call ya Buck for short. Ya think Ah could be use your help?"

Ah watch as Buckbeak looks at me an’ Ah'm not sure tha he's gonna say anything.

"Hooo-oot."

Ah get excited once Ah get tha impression tha Buckbeak's agreed ta carry tha letter. Ah find tha letter Ah wrote an Ah hold it out fer Buckbeak ta pick up wit his beak.

"Buck? Ya wanna take this letter for me?"

Buckbeak looks at me all confused.

"Right. Sorry. So Ah'd like tha letter ta go 59A, S. Road, Croom, County Limerick, Ireland.

Ah look over at Buckbeak to see if he's startin' ta get it or not.

"Hooo-ooot."

Ah look down an smile at Buckbeak. Ah hold tha letter up fer him ta pick up wit his beak. As Buckbeak picks up tha letter, Ah feel a real sense a relief, but tha next concern Ah have is whether Ah’ll ever see Buckbeak again. Ah mean… Ah kinda like tha fella now.

"So that’s all Ah needed ta do?"

Ah coulda swore he nodded at me as he gets up. Ah decide ta wait an watch Buckbeak make his way out tha window. Ah watch Buckbeak slowly get smaller in tha distance an’ then Ah see him disappear.

"Take this to Gryffindor Manor please, Arthur."

Ah nod an' Ah smile again at Jacklin as Arthur starts flyin away.

"Thanks fer tha help, Jacklin. Do ya know when Ah'd be gettin a letter back."

"I think you should be able to get a reply by Friday since you live in the Southern Mid-West of Ireland."

"Ah can’t wait ta hear from Pop. Ah'm gonna tell ‘em bout Buckbeak when they write back."

We leave the Owlery an go back ta our Tower.

"Do you need a break to catch your breath Toby?"

Ah nod my head an’ Ah try ta catch my breath. Ah feel like Ah’ve been runnin all day just ta get tha letter delivered.

"One times one is one… two times one is two…"

Ah look up at Jacklin.

"Ah… Ah feel a little nervous… Ah need ta go lay down… Ah think it’s gonna help."

"I understand, Toby. It’s only our first day of school and we have about two hours before we need to go for dinner."

Ah head fer tha dorm room.

"Ah jus' need ta spend a little time by mahself... jus' quiet time... Ah can start feelin a little normal again."

"Croak."

Ah look over at Trevor as he ribbits. Ah try to calm myself down by lookin' at him. Ah smile at him.

"Ah appreciate it, Trevor. It was a nice ribbit.

Ah lay back down an look back at tha ceilin. Ah close mah eyes ta try ta force mah muscles ta relax.

"Zzzz."

Ah find mahself wanderin' in a field. Ah got tha feeling that Ah know tha way back to tha homestead, but as Ah look around, Ah notice tha field don't look the same. It seems tha grass has been overgrown and tha sky is much darker than normal. Then Ah hear a rustle from tha trees behind me and Ah look behind, Ah notice a dark shadow stalkin me.

"Who's there?"

Ah quickly back away from tha shape. Ah know Ah shouldn't be here an Ah don't understand how Ah got here, but Ah still need ta get out of here quick. Ah make tha shape out a little more and see tha figure standin' there in tha darkness wit its arms behind its back… lookin' like it's watchin’ me.

"Nyakoĭ ni nablyudava."

Ah feel kinda funny. Ah can't understand anythang an Ah realize Ah don't got many choices. Ah step forward ta tha shape, not sure if Ah’m makin’ a mistake or not.

"Zdraveĭte."

Ah'm caught a little of guard by how beautiful tha figure is. Ah step backward, but tha Veela keeps comin' forward. Ah notice tha Veela is still talkin' to me even though Ah still can't understand tha words.

"Do not be scared of me little boy."

Ah smile when tha Veela speaks ta me in English. Ah'm a lil scared, but Ah feel comfortable round tha Veela now tha Ah can understand tha words she's sayin'.

"I am friend with Jacklin's mother."

Ah listen well, cuz Ah'm really feelin' lost here in tha dream. Ah notice one thing Ah feel comfortable wit tha Veela. Ah think maybe she kinda likes me too. Maybe Ah'm just lonely, but it seems like tha Veela cares about me. Ah smile ah bit at her. She smiles back.

"What you normally dream of?"

"Usually Ah dream of livin' wit Pop. Ah don't dream much, but Ah guess if Ah do dream, it's usually just a lil more comfortable place than everywhere else."

"Why dream of open grass?"

Ah think about tha question for a little bit. Ah see that tha Veela look like she wants me ta answer, an' Ah don't wanna let her down.

"So Ah wouldn't have to worry bout anythin' in tha field. It's jus comfortable, ya know."

Ah get a feeling there's somethin else Ah could say, but Ah figure tha's fine for now.

"I have no need for dream. No energy to fuel powers here."

Is it okay if Ah ask a question before ya go?

She nods.

"What's yer name?"

Ah ask tha question even though Ah feel kinda funny askin'. Ah think she's been so nice ta me Ah wanna know her name.

"Sonia. You tell Jacklin I visit you."

Ah smile back.

"Sonia... tha name suits ya. Ah’ll be sure ta tell Jacklin. Will Ah ever see ya again?"

"Visit Bulgaria. I live in Veela village."

"Bulgaria? Tha's a long way away but Ah'll visit ya if Ah can."

Ah see tha Veela is startin to fade away. Ah don't want her ta leave, but Ah also don't want ta hold her up.

"Well, Sonia, it was real nice meetin' ya."

"Ding dong."

Ah slowly raise mah head and look around ta see if anyone else's up. Ah check tha time and notice the bell just tolled. Ah know dinner's gonna be soon. Ah get up an stretch out. Ah can't wait ta eat somethin.

"Awright, Ah'm gonna go, Trevor. Ah'll be back later when Ah get a chance. Go on an eat yer worm like a good froggie."

Ah walk out the door an Ah notice tha castle's real quiet. Ah walk down tha hall and Ah'm in tha mood for somethin to eat, so Ah make mah way towards tha Great Hall.

"How was your nap, Toby?"

"It was good. Ah jus' needed a chance ta rest. Ah'm feelin' better an' tha dream was real nice. Ah can still see tha Veela in my mind. She's pretty. She was nice ta me. Ah even asked her her name. It's Sonia. She said ta tell ya hi."

"Sonia is my mother’s friend from Bulgaria. She has the powers of a succubus."

Ah pause for a second when Ah hear tha word succubus.

"What’s a succubus?"

"They’re magical women who feed off of men’s dreams. You're 11 years old and wouldn’t have the right dreams to feed her."

Ah feel confused when tha word “feed” is thrown in there. Ah don't really understand how dat works.

"So... they feed off men's dreams?"

"Well they feed on what comes from those dreams."

She turns a lil pink an Ah dunno wha' she means.

"What comes from those dreams?"

Ah start ta blush an' Ah look away when she tells me in mah ear. Now Ah know why Veela get called dangerous. They can really give ya ticklin feelins in yer tummy.

"Ah, ok. Ah gotcha."

Ah can feel tha blood runnin’ through mah ears.

Time Skip

"Do you eat roast beef in the States, Toby?"

Ah nod now tha' we're at tha table.

"Yeah a lotta people use it fer sandwiches."

"I can slice a piece for you if you want to try it tonight."

"Uh, sure. Sure, Ah'd like that."

Ah try ta make mah smile a lil bigger.

"Just tell me how big you want your slice to be, Toby."

Ah look at tha roast beef an Ah try ta guess how big Ah should ask fer. Ah notice Jacklin is lookin' at me, so Ah just ask fer whatever Ah think Ah can handle.

"Ah, uh... could ya give me a small piece? A lil piece?"

"Of course I can. Now hold your plate out so I don’t drip gravy onto the table."

Ah hold mah plate out ta tha side an Ah notice Jacklin's cuttin' tha meat real close an' Ah get a little nervous. Then Ah see gravy dripin' from da roast beef but Ah don't wanna look stupid, so Ah don't move mah plate. Instead, Ah take mah fork and catch tha drops of gravy and lick dem off. Ah hope Jacklin doesn't notice, but she does an she laughs a little bit. Tha laugh makes mah stomach do a flip, but Ah still don't wanna move tha plate so Ah can catch all tha gravy.

"There you go, Toby. If you want another piece, I can pass the tray over to you."

"Ah, no, no. This is a lot."

Ah start ta eat tha meat and Ah notice it’s really good. Suddenly, Ah want more, but Ah still dunno if Ah should ask fer any or not. Ah start ta fidget a little bit an Ah look over at Jacklin, as if she might be able ta help.

"Do you like the roast beef or the gravy that’s on it, Toby?"

"Ah like the gravy Ah think. Maybe ya can gimme some more."

"Oh yes, I can pass you the sauce boat."

Ah look back at tha roast beef an Ah notice tha gravy drippin' on the plate. Ah can tell that this gravy's the best thin' Ah've ever tasted an Ah wanna drown every piece a meat Ah get in it.

"That’s a mushroom gravy and goes well with roast beef since it has beef stock in it."

Ah nod an’ Ah start ta eat.

"Mmmmmm. This stuff… is reaaal good. Mmmmmm. Ah like this. Mmm. Mmmmmm. This gravy is… mmmm. Ah gotta have some more."

Ah keep shovelin' tha gravy an' tha roast beef inta mah face and Ah notice Jacklin's lookin' at me in that way Ah can't quite describe. Ah look up and realize Ah’ve eaten tha roast beef in a couple bites. Ah feel real stupid, but Ah gotta have some more of that gravy.

"Do they have mushroom gravy like this in Florida, Toby?"

Ah pause fer a second. Ah swallow tha gravy down.

"Naw, this ain't nowhere near tha food in Florida. They jus eat grits an' shrimp an' catfish an’ Ah gotta have more gravy. Ah’ll finish all tha roast beef so Ah can have more gravy."

Ah start tha process again pourin' gravy over tha meat Ah jus ate. Jacklin still looks real interested. Ah start ta wonder what she's seein' that's so interestin.

"What are grits?"

Ah pause a second, as Ah try ta explain what grits are.

"Well uh... they're a kinda porridge. Like oatmeal, only it don't got any sugar. An' uh, usually they put a lotta butter wit tha grits. We eat 'em fer breakfast a lot. They make 'em outta cornmeal."

"That would explain why I never heard of it. We don’t really use cornmeal in any food here in the UK."

Ah nod an' Ah keep eatin' tha gravy an' tha roast beef. Ah notice Jacklin is back to eatin' chicken an Ah feel a bit better. Ah look down at tha roast beef an' tha gravy. Ah make a huge mess, but Ah finish tha meat an now Ah got all tha gravy tha Ah want. Ah hope Jacklin notices a big boy like me can eat a lot. Then, Ah see tha desserts comin'.

"What do you want to try tonight, Toby?"

Ah look up at Jacklin an Ah clear mah throat.

"Ah always thought chocolate cake was tha best kinda cake, but Ah dunno much 'bout cakes. So could ya tell me what yer favorite cake is?

Ah take tha risk an Ah look at Jacklin. She looks up from tha dessert table an Ah notice when she looks at me Ah feel real good, but Ah also feel real scared. Did Ah say the right thing or the wrong thing?

"I suppose if I had to pick one that was originally made here in the UK it would be a Victorian Sponge Cake."

Ah nod a couple times, even though Ah don't know anythin' bout tha cake she's takin' about. Then Ah take a bite of a chocolate cake.

"Mmmm. This is pretty good. Mmmmm. What kinda cake's this?"

"Oh that’s technically not a cake. It’s a bombe glacée. That top layer you’re eating keeps the ice cream on the inside from melting."

Ah notice the cold ice cream under tha chocolate. Ah swallow tha chocolate an then Ah look at Jacklin an' Ah feel like a big dummy.

"This is a fancy dessert that I wouldn’t expect the average person to know. I wouldn’t expect you to have something like this in the States since it's very famous in France."

"Could ya tell me bout tha cakes from France? Ah thought tha ice cream was cake.

Ah look at Jacklin an’ Ah hope she don't think Ah'm too stupid ta listen to her. Then Ah take another bite of tha chocolate and then Ah wait for Jacklin to tell me all she knows about tha French cakes.

"Yes well this cake right here is exactly what I want. It’s an Opera cake which is an almond sponge cake."

Ah nod an’ Ah look at Jacklin an’ Ah wonder what she means about an opera cake.

"Why's it called an opera cake?"

"Look at the layers, Toby. The cake is so tall because of the number of thin layers. The cake was called an Opera Cake because the layers look like an opera house."

Ah look at tha cake an Ah understand why the layers remind Jacklin of an opera house.

"Is that a... is tha cake somethin' ya would make on... on Valentine's day?"

"I suppose you could since it’s a complicated cake to make and it would be considered something special."

Ah nod an’ Ah look at Jacklin. Ah feel good that Ah asked that.

"So what kinda cake would ya make on Valentine's Day?"

"I suppose I would make a tarte Tatin. Then again warm apples is more of an autumn treat so that might not be in season in February. I have to think about it."

Ah nod a couple times an' Ah feel a little bit better. There didn't seem ta be any problem wit tha tarte Tatin. Of course, Ah dunno what a "tarte Tatin" is.

"Do you know what Crêpes Suzette are, Toby?"

Ah shake mah head an make that dumb look Ah’m so good ta make.

"Nope. What're those?"

"A crêpe is a very thin pancake. Crêpes Suzette use citrus fruits as the sauce. Citrus fruits like oranges are in season during February so it would perfect for Valentine’s Day if someone doesn’t like chocolate."

Ah keep makin’ tha dumb look and Ah try ta think of a question ta ask.

"Hey, Jacklin... how do ya make tha tarte Tatin apple cake wit warm apples?"

"The apples are warm because you cook them in a pan of caramel before baking it."

Ah nod a little bit like that makes sense.

"So what kinda cake would ya make if ya don't use tha tarte Tatin or tha Crêpes Suzette?

"If those don’t work out I guess I can always make some petit fours."

"What's tha difference between a petty four an a cake?"

Ah look at Jacklin an' Ah don't wanna get Jacklin angry by askin' too many questions.

"A petit four doesn’t necessarily have to be a small cake. It can be sweet or savory."

Ah hear Jacklin say somethin' about them bein' small an' Ah realize she might be talkin' bout small cakes.

"If ya don't mind explainin', what other kinda cakes might ya make?"

"A nonnette. Around Christmas. It’s basically a gingerbread cake."

Ah look at Jacklin an' Ah wonder bout this cake. Ah don't know what tha word means, so Ah'll get to tha bottom of dis once and for all.

"What makes that cake unique from any other cake?"

"It’s filled with orange marmalade or honey. You would also pour a glaze over it that’s made of egg whites, sugar and lemon juice."

Ah nod a couple times, just to let Jacklin know Ah'm listenin' good.

"Sounds nice."

Ah look at Jacklin andAh feel like a dummy 'cause she's startin' ta eat again. But Ah don't wanna ruin it fer Jacklin an Ah'll just be satisfied tha Ah gotta learn a bit more bout cakes.

"This' a real nice dessert. Ah really like tha way it gets all creamy."

Ah notice Jacklin's cake is almost gone. Ah think that's what tha girls do when they wanna end a conversation or a date.

"So... so do ya like talkin' 'bout cake?"

"I like to share a lot about what I learned from my family’s travels. When your father is an ambassador for the British magic world, you have to travel a lot."

Ah nod an’ Ah feel a little relieved tha Jacklin is sharein' so much about herself.

"Sounds like ya travel a lot an get ta do a lotta fancy eatin' an learn a lot bout other countries."

Ah think that was a pretty good compliment.

Time Skip

"Jacklin wha's our classes gonna be tomorrow?"

"Oh. Have a look at this. It's our weekly schedule for the year."

Ah look at tha' paper she hands ta me. She's real organized cause Ah can understand all this real well.

"Thank ya. Ah think Ah know how ta divide everythang. Ah'll get mah books fer tomorrow."

"Great. I already have everything organized so I can help you make sure you have everything in the right day."

We go through everythang an now Ah'm in a chair readin mah Charms book wit Jacklin. Ah'm real happy she ain't ever said Ah was bein a dummy.

"Now Charms is similar to Defense Against the Dark Arts in that it relies a lot on spells. You have to be able to know how to pronounce the incantations and memorize wand movements."

"Ok. Ah think Ah can do that."

We keep readin through the book 'till Ah start yawnin.

"Gettin tired Jacklin."

"Yes it is close to lights out. I think we better start getting ready for bed."

Ah yawn agin an close mah book.

"Ok. Ah'll see ya tomorrow then."

"Alright then. Good night Toby."

"Night Jacklin."

We go ta our dorm rooms an Ah look at Trevor one last time.

"Night Trevor. Yer a good froggie. Ah'll feed ya breakfast in the mornin."

He ribbits an Ah turn his light off. Ah get changed an go ta bed. Ah fall asleep an start dreamin bout seein Jacklin flyin round on a broom. She's real good at it an Ah'm happy she ain't gonna fall any time soon. It's a real good dream.

AN: Thanks for sticking with this story. This is a really long chapter lol.

Tag list: @arrolyn1114, @aliengoth3, @vintagepresley, @comebackep, @thetaoofzoe, @presleysgirl6, and @bigdaddyelvislover.

[reality-liver-n0]

Black Lagoon Chapter 0.1 (Viz Manga)

Each paragraph equals the quotes found on a single page. I wanted to make this for Black Lagoon fanfiction writers to help with canon character specific dialogue.

(Note. This is based on the manga. Not the anime dub.)

Dutch

All right. I’ll ask you once again, Mr. Japanese. This is the only disc you brought with you to from Asahi heavy Industries, correct? And you’re supposed to keep it safe ‘n secure ‘till you pass it on to your local Borneo branch head. That sound about right?

No need for that, Revy. We’ve already heard all we need to know.

What’s up? Stay cool, Benny Boy. We’re about done here. Start the engine! Okay, gentleman! We’re leaving. You’re free to go now. But! You start tailing us, the deal’s off!! Unless you want us to blast you into hamburger and scrap with a torpedo, your best bet’s to stay low and keep calm, you got that?!

This is the Black Lagoon. Balalaika, do you read me? Raid complete. The item is in my possession, over. Roger that.

Damn it, Revy! What’s the big idea kidnapping a little fish like him? What’re you trying to prove?

And just how are we gonna cut a deal? We’re busy as it is, damnit! Or perhaps you’ll grow wings and fly around to get this deal together! Revy, get a grip! You’re ruining my boat!

What? All right. Stay cool, Revy. Got that? For Christ’s sake. Hey you, Mr. Japanese. Oay, okay. Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em.

We’ll contact your employer and have them take you back. But first things first. We gotta get that disc back to our client. We’re just couriers. That’s all. Hanging on to that disc doesn’t do us any good. Ain’t worth a damn unless you know what to do with it. Don’t know, don’t wanna know. Snoops get themselves killed quickly in my line of work.

Right now we’re headed for a Thai port. We make the drop-off at a bar there. From there, it’s a matter of how long your luck holds out. You got my condolences and prayers if you want ‘em.

Rokuro Okajima. That’s a weird name. Sorry ‘bout that. Giving people static is second nature to me.

Hey, I like that. This bar was opened by an south ex Vietnamese soldiers…At first it was a safe hideout for army deserters, but before long, all sorts of drifters started congregating here. Hookers, junkies, contract killer-the worst kinds of outlaws you can imagine. Not your kind of place? Eh, Rock?

You look the part. Benny, I gotta make a call. Rock for Rokuro. Cool nickname, huh?

I can hear you fine. Go on.

What? Yeah. This is bad.

Shit, sucks to be him. I will.

Shit! They’re comin’ in fast! Revy! You still in one piece? Benny? Rock?!

Revy! Time to show ‘em why they call you Two Hand!

Rock! Sorry about this. Sudden change in plans. Seems there’s no time to make a swap for you. Frankly, you weren’t in the plan originally. Why don’t we just split up here? Oh, what the hell. Just don’t get in our way, got it, Rock?! Revy! Clear a path for us, baby!

Run! Benny, get the car!

Revy, what the hell are you doin’?!

Assholes, huh? Teardrop in my eye. Guess we’ll have to get Balalaika to give us a raise.

Well, we’ve finally made it through the Thai navy security zone. Thank God. If we can maintain this speed, we’ll reach the Palwan Coast by dawn.

Okay, Rock. Benny is trying to contact your company right now. If we can’t cut a deal with them, then we’ll just drop you off in Malaysia someplace. Lotsa bandits in the area but at least you’ll have your life. Okay?

How’s it going? Rock, do you know a Mr. Kageyama? Is he your boss?

For Christ’s sake. Get him outside for some fresh air.

Benny!

Revy! Revy, listen up! Get the Gepard antitank rifle, damnit! We’re in deep shit!

Are you nuts?! They’ll shoot us full of holes!

What the hell. They disappeared. I agree. Something’s wrong.

The channel?!

Hey now. Cool it, Rock. I said cool it. Getting all worked up isn’t going to make things any better. You gotta use your head if you wanna stay alive. E.O. soldiers may be assholes but they’re not that stupid. Nothing serious. For now I’m more worried about the torpedoes. If they get hit, they’ll blow us to the moon.

Of course. What about it? There’s a overturned shipwreck at the end of the channel. Wait a minute. What are you getting at?

Impossible. No way we can pull that off. This’ll only work if they come at us from dead ahead. Rock, how do you know they’ll go for it?

Jesus H. Christ. I can’t believe I picked up a nut like you. Only a lunatic would come up with something like this. But it sure kicks ass. And that’s important, Rock. All right, let’s get it on.

Revy! Get ‘em to play chicken with us, baby!

I don’t believe it. My head’s still attached. Even my shades are okay. Amen Hallelujah peanut butter. Benny, all right? Christ, where’s Rock?! What happened to him?! Well get a load of this. He looks mighty pleased with himself.

By God, we sure picked up quite a character. Disk delivery confirmed.

I don’t recall planning on visiting the Soho Charcuterie tonight. Just drop it, please.

So, Rock. What are you going to do now?