#what paul really wanted to say was we don't want to rip each other's heads off just yet but we'll get there eventually

[blacclotusss]

Don't Be Afraid, Just Start the Tape

Starting off strong, I want to discuss the argument between Louis and Armand. This, in my opinion, is where everything fell apart. It's just them going back and forth hitting each other in the jugular and it made me want to rip my hair out just hearing it. I, personally, have always hated when things like that get thrown up in arguments so that's my own personal bias. Just hearing Louis throw back the CSA in Armand's face and Armand throwing Paul's suicide, Grace leaving him, and his history with Lestat back up brought me to tears almost. It really sucks that these two felt that they had to resort to these things, but that's the tragedy of it all.

But, for some reason, I think Armand was more hurt that Louis called him dull and boring. My belief is that it hit harder because being boring and dull to Louis means he goes out to look for more exciting things and people, leaving Armand home all night. He doesn't want to lose Louis and the first ounce of real love that he's experienced, so he was taken aback by that. Louis walking out into the sun wasn't much of a surprise to me, but I think him doing it at that moment was. I would have expected a suicide attempt back in Paris, or even in Dubai, but not in San Francisco. I do understand now that the story has unfolded. 

I think Louis has just had enough of it all, talking about it with Daniel who kind of brushed it off in his intoxicated state and his argument with Armand only fuels that. He wants to be with Claudia, she's the one that he says is calling him, and if dying is how he's going to get to meet her again, then so be it. Now, the whole situation with Armand leaving Louis on that bed to suffer while he begs for relief definitely rubbed me the wrong way. Louis no longer has Claudia to nurse him back to health, as she did when he was dropped, so he has no choice but to rely on Armand and that sucks. Armand is in here torturing Daniel while he leaves Louis to holler and yell for him, that's so messed up. Even going as far as to contact Lestat and relay messages from him to Louis, and omitting some things. The psychological abuse at play here is crazy to think about.

I also want to talk about the power balance that has been discussed as well. Yes, Louis is able to express himself a bit more and in a different way in his relationship with Armand. They have an understanding of each other and what the other needs and their roles and positions switch based on what one needs at that moment. The whole Arun/Maitre thing is really working in Armand's favor more, in my personal opinion. He knows just how to push enough to get Louis to fall in line with that. You can see that towards the end when Armand calls Louis maitre after all he said. He's all of a sudden asking Louis to lead after everything that has happened, after Louis had to beg, and Louis will happily oblige in order to keep the peace between them. I wonder in what other instances has this happened before. We see Louis trying to keep Armand from falling off of the deep end while he, himself, is the one sitting in the coffin burned and charred begging for blood. So curious as to how this will all unfold in the coming episodes, I know Dubai will be a madhouse just as much as Paris. 

Aside from the analysis of relationships and arguments, this episode was amazing. The styling choices in both the filming and wardrobe were superb. I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that this was Jacob and Assad's first episode they shot. It had to be funny to go from this to all the sweet lovey dovey stuff in the earlier episodes. I want to hear them talk about this more. Also, the SFX makeup was amazing! Much love to everyone involved with that! And it was nice to finally see Luke! He played that part so well. This and episode two are my absolute favorites so far. I wonder what's to come next in Dubai... 

[nikidontsurf]

The Beatles during their interview at Dublin Airport, before their concert at Adelphi Cinema, November 7 1963.

[imaginingmanyfandoms]

Paul's Lullaby | part one

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"Sam?" Paul was, he was in pain. He respect Sam and Emily's privacy, but he needed to talk to Sam now.

Paul wasn't angry, he was in pain. He felt like the world had opened up and swallowed him whole. He ruined his own life, and he didn't know where else to turn.

"Paul?" Sam asked, opening the door. Emily was behind him, face covered in concern.

"I imprinted tonight," Paul said, "but she hates me. She really, really hates me."

"I'm sure it's nothing you can't fix," Sam said, ushering Emily to come closer.

"Sam, I'm not exaggerating, she told me that she hates me. In fact, she should hate me." Paul looked at his feet, but only to try and hide the distress on his face. "If anyone treated her that way I used to, I'd rip them apart."

"Paul," Emily said, reaching out. Paul flinched back.

"I don't deserve your sympathy. I just, I don't know what to do."

"Be patient. Maybe you just have to prove you're a different man now," Emily offered a sad smile, but it was the exact thing Paul didn't want. He shouldn't pitied, he didn't deserve it. He could feel his heart bruise and falter. He broke his own heart and has no clue on how to fix it.

Emily had to go back to sleep, but Sam sat up with Paul for a while longer.

When Paul finally left, it was almost two in the morning. He took off running through the woods, shifting when he knew he was hidden by the tree line. He tried to outrun the heartbreak, but obviously it didn't work.

You were sitting at your desk, staring at your computer. You wanted to work on your writing, but you were so angry at the audacity that Paul had.

You had done everything you could to avoid him the last couple years - and you managed to make it to the first day of summer after graduation. You'd run into him on the beach.

He was just such a jerk, acting like his words had no effect on anyone. Like he could just laugh behind your back and it wouldn't hurt.

But he used to tell people nasty rumours about you. Until nobody really wanted you around them. And then he had to take it that much farther, when you were both fifteen, he took you on a date, acted like he'd changed and grown. And right before he kissed you he said, "I know you fall for it."

That date alone triggered years of trust issues. You'd felt alone ever since.

Back to the beach, he was blocking the trail you needed to head down to get to work on time. You'd hoped that putting your head down and just trying to slide passed would work, but he recognized you. He tried talking to you, but you ignored him.

After taking a couple steps down the path he said, "don't be like that."

This made you look up, astounded that he would even say something like that. Until you finally looked into his eyes, and you recognized how beautiful he was. He also looked stunned, like he'd run into a glass door. He reached out to you, but recoiled, dodging his touch like he was on fire. Somehow, you'd felt even lonelier than ever.

One look at his face and you felt like you were missing something. You tried to keep your cool but you just couldn't. Tears brimmed at your eyes, and his friend Jared Cameron coughed, before walking to the water just to give you two some space.

"Y/N," he said, his voice low and hesitant. Making you panic, thinking he was toying with you again.

"Stay away from me," you warned, taking a defensive step back.

That hit Paul harder in the heart than you would ever know. His soulmate, his imprint, recoiling away from him defensively. He found the person he was supposed to protect, to be needed by, and you couldn't stand the sight of him.

"Just wait a second," he begged, not moving towards you again. He didn't want to scare you.

"I hate you," you whispered, and then louder said it again. And louder again. Until you had screamed it, and the tears had taken over your cheeks. Every time you said it was an arrow to Paul's heart. He nodded, and let you turn around to run off without another word.

You didn't notice him run into the woods, followed by his friend.

You called work saying you had a personal emergency, and then went back home for the night.

Back in the present, you were tearing up at the memory of it. You were sick, you think. Addicted to red flag behaviour because there was no way you were thinking of Paul's hurt face, and feeling bad for causing it. He should feel bad for all the pain he caused.

You looked at the clock, it was almost three in the morning, but you were too caught up in all your feelings to send yourself to bed. You walked to the window, and noticed some kind of animal by the tree line. You lived in the middle of the woods, in an old cabin your grandma used to live in. You moved in when she got sick but never moved out. You liked it. It was cozy. It was private.

Finally relenting, you crawl into bed and did your best to sleep.

The next day, you were walking along the same path on the beach. You offered to cover the shift of the girl who had covered yours at such last minute.

Paul was in the same spot, but alone this time. You tried to walk passed him without acknowledging him, but something stopped you. You didn't want to see him sad again, it hurt you. And it made no sense why, you'd spent two years hating him.

You were only a few steps passed him, so you turned around, gripping the end of your sweater sleeves in each hand.

Paul had his head down, but looked up when he heard you sigh. You were standing in front of him, looking so terrified to speak to him. Paul could've started crying.

"I'm sorry about yelling at you like that yesterday," you said. "I should've just walked away so... sorry."

"Don't be sorry," he said, a flash of excitement crossed his eyes, and you mistook it for something sinister. You tried to remain calm, but you were feeling lightheaded. You just couldn't trust his motives. "I deserved it."

Now that, threw you for a bit of a loop.

Fool me once, you thought.

"I still think we should just keep our distance," you said. "You kind of broke my heart."

"I'm really sorry about that, I was trying to impress the seniors. I was a tool. An idiot."

"Finally we agree on something," you said. He looked at you, and you both let out a small smile. He pushed some sand with his foot. His bashfulness made you want to believe him. "I work just up the hill. You can walk me if you want."

"Can I walk you home when you're done?" he asked, quickly falling in perfect tandem with you.

"No," you said. "But you can walk with me right now."

"I'll take it," he said.

"Why do you want to talk to me anyway? I thought you hated me," you said.

"I could never hate you," he said. "I do hate how I treated you though. Not my finest hour."

"I think your finest hour remains to be seen."

Paul stayed quiet after that. And you were oddly comfortable in the silence. You're not even sure why you invited him to come along, but some sick part of you wanted him to. You wanted to reach out and touch him. His arms just looked so welcoming, and the way he stretched his hand open and shut made you think he wanted the same thing. But you couldn't let him in, not after one day.

"Have a good shift," he said, putting his hands in his pocket.

You smiled at him ,and thanked him for walking you. When you smiled, he smiled. And you caught onto that.

Paul had been standing in the same spot every day to walk you to work. Out of curiosity, on one of your days off, you snuck close to the spot to see if he was there. And he was, leaning against the same railing, in the same spot that he waited for you everyday.

You got comfortable in a cozy little spot in the trees. You wanted to see how long he waited for you. You dozed off before you could get your question answered.

You woke up hours later, when the sun was already setting. You hated walking through the trees in the dark. You started walking on your own, but you had a bad feeling in the pit of your stomach. So you swallowed your pride and called someone you knew would answer.

Paul was sitting at Sam and Emily's table, enjoying the dinner she made while waiting for his turn to go on patrol. It was Jared and Quil out there now. Paul could hear Seth snoring on the couch, making him laugh. Things that used to annoy him, didn't really seem to annoy him anymore. Not since you started letting him walk you to work. He even got Sam to let him change his patrol times to make sure he could be there every day.

His phone rang, and with a mouthful of food checked the number. He almost chocked on his food when he saw your number. He answered, hitting his chest to dislodge the food.

"Y/N, hi," he said, big grin on his face as he stood up and walked outside. Behind his back, Emily and Sam shared a knowing look, and he leaned in to kiss his wife.

Paul noticed Jared sitting nearby with Kim, and didn't think too much of it with you on the line.

"This may sound stupid," you said, "but can you walk me home? I don't like to go in the dark."

"You never let me walk you home," he said.

"If this is a bad time, it's okay," you said, disappointment clear in your voice.

"No, no... where are you? I'll be right there." He stepped back inside the house to grab his shoes, but the sound of you gasping stalled his movements.

"I'm by our meeting spot," you said. His grin returned when you called it that. "It's so dumb, I wanted to see if you went there when I didn't work and fell asleep."

"You were spying on me?" he asked. You were silent on the other end and he laughed. "I'll be right there."

"Who are you?" you asked.

"Huh?"

He heard you scream, as did Sam and Emily who's cheeky glances turned to concern quickly. "Y/N?" he asked, panicked. He was already running outside, Sam on his heals.

"Jared!" Sam shouted, "Why aren't you on patrol?"

"Seth said he'd do it!" Jared yelled back. Paul dropped his phone, and shifted, running top speeds to where you said you were.

Never in his whole life had he been this scared. He could hear Jared apologizing for the mixup in his thoughts, but Paul didn't really care what he had to say. If you were hurt, Paul would die. Paul would simply die.

He needed you to be there safe.

I knew something was wrong, Embry thought. Paul didn't even see him show up. Sorry I didn't act on it.

Shut the shit up and run, dammit!

When he got to the meeting point, you were gone, but your bag was abandoned nearby. Paul sniffed it, getting your current scent memorized. He took off when he found the trail. He also smelled a retched, filthy bloodsucker. It wasn't one of the Cullens. No, this was different. And it started at the water, that's how it got passed their lines. Not that they had enough people around.

Paul howled, the pain in it was evident for anyone around. It was him saying get here, or suffer the consequences.

I don't smell their blood, Jared thought.

You don't get to talk about them. This anger didn't derive from a bad temper, it was fear. It was just fear talking.

Paul kept running, catching a fork in the scent trails. One way was Quil, Leah and the bloodsucker. And the other was you, all alone. Alone but alive. If he couldn't hear Leah or Quil think, that was a good sign. Meant that they'd changed back, and Leah would never do that unless she killed them.

Go to her, we'll find Leah. Sam nodded at Paul.

You were crying as you ran, clumsy feet stumbling over tree roots and your own blurred vision totally betrayed you. Someone had come out of the water, eyes red like rubies. And they were so pretty that you just had to look at her. Until the showed her teeth, forcing you to flee in fear. She was faster than you, but you think she was playing with you.

And then if that wasn't scary enough, when she was jumping down from a tree to kill you, a wolf jumped from the shadows and grabbed the woman. And it was her turn to flee. Another wolf jumped out, and you were sure you were a goner.

But it just chased after the other two. Leaving you alone and confused.

You stumbled back to your feet, running as fast as you could towards your cabin. You would be safe in there. Maybe. It was the best you could do right now.

You cried harder when you thought you heard more rustling in the trees. You were at your door, struggling to get your keys out and unlock the door. When you did, you slammed it shut and locked it behind you. You dove over the sofa and kept your eyes on the door, as if that's all it took to keep you safe.

Your phone was lost somewhere in the woods, but you could still hear them. Out there. Maybe it wasn't real.

There was a feverish knocking on your door, and you couldn't peel yourself away from the couch.

"Y/N! Are you in there," Paul shouted. Oh my God, thank everything, it's Paul.

"Paul, I'm coming," you struggled, fighting through your tears to answer. It killed him, but he was so happy you were okay.

You opened the door, and cried even harder when you saw his face. You couldn't hate him now, now when he came running for you. He ignored his usual boundaries and pulled you in for a hug. He was so warm wrapped around you. Your arms were still tucked into your chest. And his totally encompassed you.

"Just breath, honey," he said, rubbing his hand up and down your back. You tried to take his advice, but you couldn't focus.

"You came for me."

"I always will, you can always call me. I will always come running," he said. And you believed him.

"Will you stay with me tonight?" you asked, pushing yourself away from him enough to look up at his face. His features were uncharacteristically soft as they looked down at you.

"Of course," he said. He kissed your forehead, and you felt the instinct of pushing him away - but you ignored it this time.

"On the couch," you said.

"Sure, honey." He brushed his hands up and down your biceps, helping you take a few deep breaths. "I'm not going anywhere, don't worry."

"I don't understand what happened," you said, pushing yourself away from him. "She came out of the water, and then she..."

"It's okay," he cooed, "you don't have to say anything."

"And this doesn't change anything," you said. "I trust you with some things but not other things."

"Some things?" he asked, more amused than anything.

"I trust you with my life, not my heart."

"We'll work on it," he said, pulling you in close for another hug.

"Yeah," you agreed. "We'll work on it."

[requested] [part 2?]

I kind of love this?

[xxx-wounded-angel-xxx]

Thank you so much for answering my "Poly!Lost Boys x Male!Reader with anger issues." Request, I appreciate it! I like the headcannons so I was wondering if you were okay in writing a fic about it? It doesn't have to be super long, or anything and I don't want to stress, or force you into writing something you're not wanting to do. I was just wondering if you were okay with it! I really like your posts btw.<3 🍃anon

Thanks! I wrote quite quickly your Hcs this morning in the hospital waiting room as my doctor was late, so I wasn't entierly satisfied with it. I hope you enjoy this longer fic I based on it! It was nice to take a break from the Eddie in Santa Carla fic I'm currently working and kinda stuck on. I hope you enjoy this 🍃anon

Looking through the thrift store, you were on a hunt for a leather jacket. Your old one was too used, and to be honest with yourself it was also gifted to you by someone in your family you did not likes and it was getting hard to stand this jacket because of it.  You saw a nice brown one, but after trying it, it happened to be too big. You looked at a dark one just to notice how it was ripped on a sleeve. Putting it down, you were getting ready to give up, and wanted to leave the choice of your future beloved jacket to your dear boyfriends. With the good sense of style they had, you were sure your boys would choose something really cool for you, and it would be a nice memory tied to the piece of clothing.

The boys were the greatest thing that happened to you in a while. You met them, one night on the boardwalk. You had already heard of them, of course, the four bikers terrorizing the boardwalk, always touching each other, exchanging sloppy kisses between milkshakes and cigs. You were admiring them. They were hot, and so confident in their sexuality… you wished you were like them. And one night, they noticed you. They came to you, and flirted, and somehow at the end of the night you had four very hot boyfriends. You were proud to call them yours, and were even more to be theirs.  “Yeah, you thought, I’m gonna let them chose my jacket.”

But as you were turning to leave the shop, a surf nazi bumped archly in your shoulder, and started to talk to you as if it was your fault. You saw red, and in a burst of anger your fist collided with his face. It was over, your self-control had left the picture. You saw yourself launching punch after punch at him, and dodging the surfer’s attack the best you could. But as one of his friends joined the fight, you saw from the corner of your eyes blond curly hair joining on your side. You could always count on Marko to have your back when it came to fight.  The fight turned into general fight, Lost Boys against Surf Nazis, until you were separated and kicked out of the boardwalk by security guards.

Now calmed down, you knew that you could say goodbye to the boardwalk, at least for the night. You silently followed your boyfriends where they were heading to, feeling bad to have completely ruined the night with your impulsive behavior.

As you sat on the sand close to your boyfriends, by the bonfire they had gotten by making its precedent owner scram, you saw your Paulie turn to you. “You okay Sugar? You’ve been quite silent. They didn’t hurt you too bad, did they?” Worried, Paul started to look you up and down, looking for an injury.

“No babe, I’m okay. It’s just… I’m sorry for ruining the night” you blurted. It was now Dwayne’s turn to be worried. “What do you mean, love? I don’t get it”

“If I didn’t start this stupid fight with this scumbag, you guys would not have to join in and we would not have been kicked out of the boardwalk for the night. If it wasn’t for me and my fucking anger issues, we would be having a fun shopping date…”

You did not get to finish your sentence as David interrupted you. “We’re not mad, you know? And we would certainly not love you less for what you did. So, what, you have anger issues? Have you seen Marko? The babe starting so many fights despite his height…” This time, it was Marko who cut David, by an outraged loud “HEY!”, hitting the platinium blond in the shoulder. “See?” David said with one of his usual smirks. “Marko has a short temper yet we still love him. Don’t worry about that kitten. But we sure would be less worried if you were like us…” “Not yet, David. But one day…”

Feeling better about yourself, you let yourself go in Paul’s embrace, and fully relax as he sloppily kissed you. Your boys knew about your anger issues, and yet they still loved you no matter what. Finally, it wasn’t that bad of an evening.

Read on AO3

[morganaspendragonss]

I hope that you are doing well! I love the your writing! If you are open to a Tarlos fic request: TK to Carlos after the doctor has told him Carlos might not make it through the next 48hrs "I cannot imagine life without you, please don't let me live my greatest fear. I won't survive."

Carlos has been working a case and it happens that he becomes a target. He starts getting messages at work, at home and becomes paranoid but doesn't tell TK, but TK can see that Carlos is on edge. Carlos picks a fight with TK so that he goes to stay with Owen for a while. Carlos does this to protect him, let him at least stay away so that if anything happens, TK is safe. Then one night, Carlos is alone at home and someone breaks in, torture ensues and he is barely clinging to life. He calls 911, Grace answers and he can barely get the words out "it's Carlos, send help". 📍

holly's august extravaganza day 10: i can't imagine my life without you

thank you!

ao3 | 1.9k | descriptions of torture, major character injury, angst, hopeful ending, open ending

TK knows he’s annoying people. The atmosphere in the ambulance is thick with tension whenever they’re out on a call, and it’s not much better back at the firehouse. He tries to keep his distance, occupying himself in the gym or aggressively doing chores, but he can’t avoid everyone forever and his bad mood is starting to spill over.

Like when he and Nancy fell back into their old pattern of snipping at each other, or when he nearly bit Paul’s head off when he asked what was wrong. It was less the question itself—though TK certainly doesn’t want to get into why he’s so out of it—and more the way Paul phrased it. Nobody likes to be asked ‘trouble in paradise?’, particularly when the answer is yes.

He just doesn’t understand. It had come completely out of left field—one minute everything was fine, the next Carlos had turned to him with guarded eyes and a clenched jaw, and said six words that sent TK’s whole world crashing down.

“I think we need a break.”

Carlos hadn’t explained why; when TK had tried to push, he’d turned it into a fight, until TK had no choice but to leave. He’s been staying with his dad for a week now and he desperately misses his boyfriend, torn between wanting to go over and check on him and wanting to give him space.

He’d settled on a text, a simple you okay?, which still felt woefully inadequate. Carlos had been on edge for weeks before the blow up and TK hadn’t been able to get a word out of him about why.

The text is still unanswered, though it’s been marked as Read.

TK huffs and hauls himself up into the ambulance to check stock. He knows Nancy has already done it and she’s going to be pissed if she catches him, but he needs to keep his mind occupied somehow, lest he start to spin out. But the peace he finds is short-lived, as not ten minutes after he starts, TK looks up from his clipboard to see Judd approaching, hands held out in a pacifying gesture.

It has the opposite effect, TK’s nerves becoming that bit more frayed at the spooked animal treatment he’s getting, but his pointed glare does nothing to deter Judd. Nor does turning his back and returning to work, as he finds out when Judd’s heavy footsteps stop behind the rig and don’t move away.

“TK,” Judd says, his voice suspiciously rough.

TK doesn’t bother turning around, hoping it will get the message across. “Fuck off, Judd,” he says, which would normally be a guarantee of riling him up enough to get him to either leave TK alone or engage in a more physical manner.

At this point, TK doesn’t really care which reaction he gets.

Unfortunately, he’s not in luck today. Which, honestly, tracks.

“I got a phone call,” Judd continues, undeterred, “from Grace. Now, I figure you’ll be getting a similar one soon enough, but we thought it might be better if you heard it from us first.”

TK sighs and hangs his head, reluctantly turning around. “What?” he snaps out. When Judd doesn’t react, not even with a raised eyebrow, a quiet dread begins to pool in his gut, a little voice in the back of his head telling him he already knows ‘what’.

He tries to push it down, but there are very few reasons why Grace would call Judd and ask to talk to him. TK takes the proffered phone in a shaking hand, his heart starting to pound as he lifts it to his ear.

“Grace?”

“Hey, TK.” Grace’s voice is gentle, as it always is, but there’s a soothing note to it now, and more of the pieces start to slot together in TK’s head. “Listen, honey, I’m at work and I just got a call come through. I’m… I’m so sorry, TK. It was Carlos.”

TK’s breath catches, tears pricking the back of his eyes. “What do you mean?” he demands, voice shaky. “What do you mean ‘you’re sorry’?”

“He was… I don’t know. He was barely able to talk, but it sounded real bad. EMS 122 were in the area at the time so I sent them out; they should have arrived at the hospital by now.”

And TK… TK doesn’t know what to say to that. He slumps back on the bench in the rig, breathing turning shallow as he imagines what could have happened to Carlos. The last time they’d seen each other—the last time they’d spoken—it had ended with them throwing insults across the kitchen island and with TK packing a bag and slamming the door behind him.

The thought that it might be the last memory they have together kills him inside.

He needs answers. Before he can face this new reality, he needs to know what happened, which means there’s only one thing he can do right now.

“Grace?”

“Yes, sweetie?”

“I want to hear it.”

*

Judd has followed him up to the mercifully empty bunkroom, refusing to leave after both his and Grace’s attempts to dissuade him had failed. TK ignores him for the most part, but he does give in to his request to put the phone on speaker. Much as he wants to deal with this on his own, it is a kind of comfort to have Judd’s steady presence next to him.

“Are you sure about this, TK?” Grace asks for the millionth time. TK appreciates her concern, but he needs this. He needs to hear it for himself.

“I’m sure.”

“Alright then.”

He hears a few clicks and then the recording starts, Grace’s voice coming over the speaker.

“9-1-1, what’s your emergency?”

No response.

“Hello?”

The silence continues, broken only by static, and then what TK recognises as heavy, gasping breaths.

“Hello, is anyone there?”

A few more seconds pass, and then, “Grace.”

TK has to suppress a sob at the sound of his boyfriend’s voice—though, if he didn’t know for sure it was Carlos, he wouldn’t have recognised it. His words come out ragged and hoarse, riding on breaths that seem to be getting slower and more laboured by the second. TK clutches the phone tighter in his hand, biting down hard on his lip.

“It’s… It’s Carlos. I… Send help. Please.”

“Carlos, can you tell me what’s wrong?”

But Grace goes unanswered, and TK suddenly notices that he can no longer hear the sound of Carlos breathing. His own breaths hitch, his lungs refusing to expand properly, and his vision blurs with tears as he curls in on himself, hands braced on the edge of the bed and gripping tightly onto the covers.

He doesn’t notice Judd taking the phone back, nor is he aware of him moving to sit next to him until he’s being pulled into a strong embrace, TK’s head cradled against Judd’s chest. Judd whispers things TK doesn’t hear as his hands gently rub his back, the touch grounding him as he loses himself to tears and the overwhelming pain in his heart.

Five minutes later, TK’s phone rings.

Fifteen minutes after that, they arrive at the hospital.

*

“Please,” TK whispers, clutching onto the hand in both of his. “Please don’t make me do this. I don’t… I don’t want to live a life without you in it. I can’t, you understand me? I can’t. If you leave, I won’t survive it, so you just hang on for me, alright? Forget what the doctor thinks, you keep fighting, and come back to me. Please, Carlos. Please.”

TK looks up, hoping to see Carlos’s beautiful brown eyes staring right back at him, but of course they’re not. He might never see them again, which is something TK is still trying to wrap his head around. That’s not the only thing either; Carlos has so many injuries that he’s struggling to remember them all—the only thing he does remember with horrific clarity is the doctor’s words when he’d asked to speak to TK privately.

“We’ve done what we can, but I’m afraid Officer Reyes’s wounds are grave and there is a significant possibility that he may not make it beyond the next 48 hours. If he does, then we will re-evaluate, but currently his chances of recovery are slim. I’m truly sorry.”

TK wipes away a stray tear and presses a kiss to Carlos’s bruised knuckles. His other hand is completely shattered, and TK can barely stand to look at his face; it’s been beaten to a pulp, there’s a patch over one eye, and whoever attacked him even went so far as to rip out some of his teeth.

It’s grim, and that’s to say nothing of the rest of his body. Torture is the only word to describe what happened to Carlos—brutal, savage, and without mercy, somebody tortured him in their home.

And he was alone.

*

“Son, you didn't know.”

“That’s no excuse. I left him.”

“Carlos pushed you away. He was trying to protect you.”

“And where was I when he needed protection?”

“TK—”

“Don’t, Dad.”

*

“TK, I really shouldn’t be doing this.”

“Please, Mitchell. I need to know. Carlos knew something was going to happen but he chose to drive me away instead of letting me in. I just… I just want answers.”

“...I’ll see what I can do.”

*

Carlos makes it through the 48 hours, but not without incident. Somewhere around hour 32, the machines had started going haywire, summoning an army of doctors who shoved TK out of the room, leaving him to stare in through the blinds as they worked to save Carlos’s life.

They’d done it, but it had taken TK hours to come down from the resulting panic attack.

*

“Oh my god.”

Mitchell is standing at his shoulder, watching him warily as he flips through the file she brought him from the station. She keeps looking around anxiously, as if her sergeant is going to appear and arrest her for misconduct at any moment, but TK only has eyes for the images and words in front of him.

“Did you know about this?” he asks, gesturing to the myriad of threatening messages they’d apparently found in Carlos’s desk.

She shakes her head. “We noticed he’d been acting weird, but we figured something was going on between you two. He never said a word to anyone that I know of.” She pauses and sighs shakily, placing a comforting hand on TK’s shoulder. “We, um. We found some at your house, too. In Carlos’s nightstand.”

TK stares, first at Mitchell, then at the file, then at Carlos, still just as silent and motionless as he’s been since the day all this happened. “Why?” he breathes, and he doesn’t know which one of them he’s addressing the question to.

*

The doctors are amazed when they get to a week and Carlos’s heart is still beating. He still has a ventilator breathing for him and there’s still been no sign of him waking up, but he’s not giving up.

TK wants to say that he never doubted him, but he can’t ignore his paramedic training. He’d heard how badly Carlos was injured; he’d seen the crime scene photos and all the blood coating their bedroom.

(He’d needed several minutes in the bathroom to recover from that sight)

Much as he didn’t want to admit it, all the signs pointed to Carlos not making it.

But he’s still here. Still fighting. And TK can’t help but let that little bit of hope into his heart.

[migilini]

I Do - Charlie Gillespie

a/n: I watched to many seasons of married at first sight and this came to mind. Just pretend that Charlie in this GIF is wearing a suit. Kinda a part two to Fifth Time Workes A Charm

Requests are open btw! (not just for Charlie)

words: 3k

warnings: none just fluff and a lot of crying

MASTERLIST

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

You barely slept during the night. You kept waking up what felt like every hour to check if it was time to get up. The bed felt awfully empty and you would give everything right now to be in his arms. Then finally, the clock strikes 9 am and you are up on your feet, the nerves getting the better of you. The hotel room was nice and clean, you didn't like it, it felt too white and too lifeless to you right now.

You looked at yourself in the mirror, glowing but tired eyes staring right back at you. Taking a deep breath you tried to shake the nerves with a silly little body shake, then you smiled at yourself before heading into the bathroom to wash your face.

A knock on the door interrupted you mid-splash and you went to the door with a dripping face. “We’ve arrived!” your best friend Elouise or Eli for short exclaimed and hieved her whole baggage onto your bed. “What do you mean we?” you leaned your head out of the room and into the empty hallway. Just as you were about to close the door, feet pounded on the carpeted floor. “Sorry, sorry! Had to finish the call with hair and makeup.” Tris, your other best friend screamed through the halls, as she frantically came running towards you, phone clutched in one hand while the other held two dresses that flattered behind her.

You looked at her in amusement "Need a glass of water?" You chuckled at her heavy breathing and closed the door behind you.

"Oh yes please"

"Y/N you're so not ready...well lucky for you we are here. So hop hop go shower ma lady." Eli shushed you into the bathroom "and scrub every inch! I'll check if I have to!” You still heard their laughter as you get rid of your clothes and step into the shower. The warm water relaxed your muscles and your nerves immediately.

Several minutes later, now smelling like a goddess and wrapped into a soft white towel, you sat on the bed in your now crowded hotel room. While you were showering your nerves away, your dress, the hairdresser and makeup artist arrived.

“There she is!” greeted the makeup artist “Come sit down, we’ve got everything out and you and I already discussed your look. Are we still okay with it?”

“Yes, Carlos. But make everything as cry proof as possible okay?” you said laughing slightly.

“I also brought you a coffee and a croissant. I know you don’t usually eat something in the mornings but we don’t want you to faint now do we?” Tris held a tablet in front of her with several cups of coffees and something to eat. You took a cup gratefully, shooting her a quick thanks, holding the cup as Carlos started on your face and Melissa, the hairdresser started drying and styling your hair.

“Can I have my phone back?” You said to no one in particular.

“Nope, sorry.”

“Emi! What--It’s my phone!”

“I do know that. And you should know that Tris and I know you very well and you would’ve called or more likely face timed him by now and put a bad omen over the whole day.”

“Yeah. You and Charlie can’t be away from each other for long.” Tris acknowledged and sided with Emi.

“You’re just jealous that I’m in love.” You shot back with a smile and stuck your tongue out at your friends which in return gave you a growl from Carlos and Melissa who needed you to sit still.

After what felt like an eternity you were done and now it was time for your bridesmaids to get ready. They purposefully taped a piece of cloth over all mirrors so could only see yourself when you were 100% finished with getting ready.

Now that you had some time to actually think about today, your mind started to wander. Was Charlie ready by now or were there some complications? Tris did get a call earlier to then just run out of the room and come back 20 minutes later. What suit would he wear? Was he just as nervous as you? Totally unaware of how much time you passed, you were ripped out of your thoughts with a forceful swat on your shoulder.

“Miss Bride? It’s time to get the dress on.” Tris squealed.

You took a look at your best friends who looked absolutely stunning, at some time they got changed into their dresses. Emi smiled at you with a glossed lipped smile, her brown hair up in a bun while little strands of glitter strings framed her face. She wore a turquoise halter dress with some nude heels. Tris wore a bit of a darker turquoise strapless dress, her colourful hair falling straight over her shoulder. Both had simple makeup, a nude smokey eye with eyeliner.

Your eyes started to tear up. “Guys...you look absolutely stunning.” Emi walked over to you and embraced you in a hug. “We look really fudhing good but you’re gonna look even better. Now hop hop get undressed we have to lace up the dress.”

While your friends were working on lacing your dress up, you wondered out loud. “How much do we wanna bet that Owen lost the rings?” You chuckled and then yelled, “That's way too tight!”

“Oh Owen is so gonna lose the rings but we'll be fine. You’re gonna have rings or I'll run and get you some new ones.” Tris reassured you with a smile.

“Can I finally look at myself? I want to see if I look like a bride.” Emi and Tris shared a quick look before agreeing. Emi ripped the cloth away from the closest mirror. An audible gasp was all that was heard, everybody fixated on your reaction to yourself.

“I look like a real ass bride. I- oh my god… I look so good.” You coaxed out, trying not to cry, this got all a bit real too fast.

And you really did look amazing. Your open hair fell over your shoulders and ended right underneath your boob. It had a lot of volume and little glitter braids in it and Melissa had curled them to perfection so they framed your face perfectly. Your makeup was stunning as well, the reddish-brown and glittery smokey eye complementing your skin tone and eye colour. Carlos finished the look with a pinkish nude lipstick. You were glowing.

The cream coloured dress sat perfectly on your figure, the A-line cut highlighting your waist, the flowery lace flowing from the corset top down to your feet. The dress was poofy but not too much. You looked more like Sofie from Mamma Mia and less like Cinderella. You adjusted the straps and smiled at yourself.

“And I’m telling you, Charlie will bawl his eyes out when he sees you.” Emi patted your back and finished lacing up your dress. Tris couldn't contain herself anymore and let out a little sob “I’m sorry. You just look so gorgeous. I can’t believe you're getting married.” You pulled her into a hug.

“We don't have that much time anymore. the photographer should be here in five minutes to take your bridal pictures and pictures with the bridesmaids.”

The photo session went by quickly and you could tell that they turned out amazingly, by the way, Paul, the photographer, smiled at his screen. Megan, Charlie's sister and your other Bridesmaid came in at the last minute, due to the fact that she just flew in in the morning.

Then it was time for the first look. At first, you weren't sure if you should do this or if it would be better if the first look would be at the ceremony itself. You thought it would be funny to send Tris to the first look instead of you. So you, Megan and Emi sat in the hotel room waiting patiently.

The door opened “You two are really made for each other.” Tris came back in with a huge smile on her face. “Why? What happened?” You asked, the nervousness in your voice was evident. “Was he mad?”. She started to laugh “No absolutely not because he had the same idea as you and sent Owen.”

The room erupted in laughter “Oh no he didn't!” “Of course he did”

The next couple of hours flew by so quickly. You got to the venue. Your parents came by to say hello to you and to shed some tears. They also told you that most of the guests have arrived and everybody is waiting excitedly.

Finally, it was time. You nervously cracked your fingers, as you waited for all the guests to take a seat, the closed door in front of you the only thing shielding you from your fiance, your dad standing beside you in a suit.

“Nervous?” he asked you with a slight smile, you could tell that he was trying hard not to cry.

“Very. But I’m telling you if he doesn't cry I'll turn around and we gotta try again.” you joked.

“Oh my dear...he will.” he quickly took a look at his watch and then linked his arm with yours.

“Ready?” you shot him a smile and nodded “As ready as I'll ever be.”

The outside speakers started to play the instrumental version of Cherry Wine by Hozier and the doors opened.

It was mid-May and you and Charlie decided on an Outside wedding. After searching for a great venue you finally found one. It was an old brick house with a small colonnade of bushes in the garden. It was absolutely perfect but you didn't even look at the decorations because as soon as your eyes met his, the world stood still.

He stood at the front of the colonnade where some candles burned beside him. He wore a forest green tuxedo and that dashing smile of his. The closer you got, the more you saw how much he was crying and all you wanted to do is hug him and wipe the tears away. Your cheeks hurt from all the smiling but you couldn't stop, some tears of your own spilling out of the corners of your eyes.

You kissed your dad on the cheek and let him sit down in the front row, your eyes only momentarily leaving Charlies. “Hi, handsome.” You smiled up at him and instinctively used your thumb to wipe away some tears. “Did you cut your hair?” you asked, nodding to his now chin-length hair (think October Charlie) He grabbed your hands in his and kissed your knuckles while slightly nodding his head “You look...just wow,” he whispered so that only you could hear. You just wanted to give him a compliment when the officiant interrupted you.

“Now it's getting serious.” you said while he said “No backing out.” with a wink.

“The couple standing in front of me met at the young age of 18 in the middle of the street. Y/N bumped into Charlie here and practically fell for him right there and then. She shot him a quick sorry and went her way but the universe knew that these two needed to be together so the next day he bumped into her, totally accidental of course.” the crowd laughed and you and Charlie beamed at each other. “Sadly for Y/N that day she carried an expensive Cake that flew to the other side of the pavement. Charlie felt so bad that he promptly invited her to the next bakery where they got a cup of coffee and a new cake. Today we’re gathered here today to celebrate that love.”

“I believe that the two of you wrote your own vows? Y/N would you like to start?” You nodded and turned around to take a piece of paper from Emi who stood behind you, already missing the warmth of his hands in yours.

“Charlie, you know I’m not very good with words so I really struggled to write this, but here we are standing in front of your family and friends to share our love. I knew I loved you…” your voice wavered and you let out a sob “sorry...I knew I loved you in the first week that we’ve met. We sat on a bench in the little park right around the corner from where we met. You were late and totally out of breath when you arrived. You apologized like crazy but I didn't care, you don't know this but I had a really shitty day that day and just seeing you made it all worth it. That smile of yours knocked me off my feet completely.

From that day on I only loved you more and more. I love the way you try to wake up every day with a smile. The way you always seem to have so much energy and that you try to share that energy and love with the whole world. I love waking up in your arms because they feel like home and I miss you like crazy when I don't see you for a day.

I never really believed in love at first sight before I met you and I’m so glad that you ruined my cake. I promise to try and make you smile at least twice a day, to listen and care for you, to dance with you in the kitchen while our pizza is in the oven. I also promise to try your questionable food combinations at least once every time.

I can’t promise you that we won't fight or that we won't have our ups and downs but I will promise that we’ll work it out, that we’re not going to bed with grudges, to talk about our problems and thoughts and to always make up. I promise to be your partner in crime and to take all the blame if we ever get caught and lastly, and most importantly...

I promise to love you more and more until my heart stops beating, even when the day comes that we're old and grey, I promise to always see you with the same eyes and the same heart that I see you with at this exact moment.” You took a deep breath to try and stop your sobbing. Now it was Charlie's turn to wipe away some tears.

“Baby, don’t cry your makeup will get ruined.” he joked and you let out a small laugh. “Charlie, I believe now it's your turn to speak your vow.”

He took a shaky breath in before taking a folded piece of paper from the inside of his tuxedo pocket. “I want to start off with a simple I love you. I love the way you still give me butterflies every time I see you. I love the way you care not only for me but for everyone around you. I love the way you're patient with me. I love how much you're willing to try new things with me to make me happy because you really didn't like swimming with sharks. I admire how hard you work to help others and above all, I love how you love me.

It's in the way you look at me with such patience and compassion, the way you listen to me even if I'm rambling on, the way you push me to try harder even when I feel like I've done enough. You love me without judgment and chose to see the beauty in my flaws. Today, I want to make promises to you that I will always keep. I promise to love you back forever and harder each day. I promise never to get angry at you for making honest mistakes, even if I asked you to turn the lights off every night for the past week...

I promise to never stop holding your hand or give you a goodbye kiss. I promise to walk through life, as your biggest fan, your shoulder to lean on, and your best friend and I vow to stay silly, to never take ourselves too seriously, and stay just immature enough for cake and breakfast for dinner.

You're my soldier, my lover and above all, my best friend and I'm so excited to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Both of you were grinning and crying like idiots. “Now can we have the rings please?” the officiant asked the crowd and a teary-eyed Owen stepped forward the rings clutched in his hands.

“Thank you.” the officiant gave each of you a ring. “Do you Y/N Y/L/ want to take this man as your husband in sickness and in health?”

“I do.” You smiled up at Charlie and slid the ring on his left ring finger. “Oh good it fits,” you murmured and made him chuckle.

“And do you Charlie Gillespie want to take this woman as your wife in sickness and in health?”

“I do.” He grinned widely and also slid the ring on your left hand.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. Charlie, you may kiss the bride.” Your lips locked with his and you couldn't be happier. Your hands found their way into his hair while his hands gripped your waist. His lips were soft and warm and you missed them dearly in the night the two of you were apart. The crowd cheered when he dipped you.

“I present to you for the first time Mr and Mrs Gillespie!”

[runwithwolvcs]

You Know I'm No Good - t w o

Temptation vs Freedom

Warnings (future chapters): Drugs/Alcohol, Sexual Content, Sexual Tension, Jealousy, Mental Health, (Mentions of SA, but no details)

I don't like memories because the tears come easily, and once again I break my promise to myself for this day. Its a constant battle . A war between remembering and forgetting.

Back in her darkened bedroom, Tallulah still couldn't wrap her head around her current situation. The rest of the night consisted of her being introduced to people who seemed to know more about her then she had wanted, clearly word spreads fast around La Push. Josie had introduced her to some of her friends that had arrived later, after the tribal stories. Clearly only there for the party. They seemed nice, but they were definitely not the type of people she would choose to be friends with herself.

Lenna had made herself scarce throughout the entire, to which her twin stated was typical behaviour. But Tallulah figured it had more to do with her presence than anything else. Tally couldn't help but look for the tan boy she had locked eyes with, something about him was so alluring. It was almost frustrating, Tallulah Forester doesn't get captivated by anyone, not ever. She was the captivating one, at least that's what Xander had always said. “You're like a tornado, with pretty eyes and a heartbeat. Luring in bystanders until you’ve ruined their lives..That's what I enjoy so much about you”, that was the last thing he had said to her before she had left his house party the night she had been caught. Their relationship was a mess, both of them struggling for control, even if it meant hurting each other in the process. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, but it was all she ever had. She craved it in an almost masochist way.

Tallulah's phone had been off all night, not in the mood to deal with the onslaught of messages she was sure to get, now that she had a moment to breath by herself she figured she may as well read them, 1 5 messages from Lina and 3 missed calls, her best friend, was more than likely freaking out, consumed by guilt over the fact that their lies to their parents had been crossed. 7 messages from Kit, who she figured was already trying to plan how to spin this to make herself the victim, as Kit does, and 1 lone message from Xander, the only one she read before she shut off her phone to go to sleep.

That sucks :(

Was all that it said.

-

After a lot of tossing and turning in the bed that was almost too soft, mixed with the pillows that weren’t soft enough, Tallulah drifted off to sleep. She dreamed of the boy who had taken her by storm, his smile seemed brighter than the sun and the way he laughed was like music to her ears. They were on a cliff overlooking the ocean, she could see that he was talking, but couldn't hear what he was saying, she watched as he stood up and walked towards the edge of the cliff, looking as though he was about to jump, she stood up in a panic--

Tallulah startled awake to Kira shaking her shoulder gently, a soft smile graced her face. It was raining, but Tallulah could tell it was early morning.

“Tally, sweetie, you’re dad and I would like to speak with you before he goes to a meeting” she said quietly, “Get dressed and meet us downstairs in ten minutes,” she spoke, the smile never leaving her lips. Tallulah groaned, not one to be a morning person in the slightest, she swung her legs out of bed, toes touching the cool hardwood floors. She could hear low murmurs outside her door as she heaved herself out of bed, still not used to her surroundings she walked to her two duffle bags and sifted through the clothes before settling on an oversized, green long sleeve to cover the stick and poke tattoos that littered her arms, with ripped, loose, blue jeans. One disappointment at a time, she thought to herself as she got dressed. She grabbed her hairbrush from her bag and ran it through her hair, leaving it to lay in its natural waves down her back before quietly heading downstairs to whatever talk she was awaiting.

She was met with Kira and her father sitting at the kitchen table next to each other, and as they beckoned her over to sit, she noticed the thin, blue rectangle laying in the middle of the table. The same blue rectangle she had so carefully hid in her room back in Seattle, or so she thought. She could feel anger begin to bubble in her belly as realization dawned on her, her mother had been through her room.

She sat expectantly, waiting for her dad to chastise her for using drugs, or even alcohol, as a minor and how that could affect her future, but he looked to Kira to begin. The gentle smile that was near permanent on her stepmom was almost comforting in the moment, almost. “Tally”, She starts, “We are aware of your.. pastimes, in Seattle, however, we will not be encouraging that same behaviour here.” she sounds like a damn counselor, Tallulah thought to herself. She’d honestly prefer being yelled at. “We have a few ground rules that we expect you to follow, as we do Lenna and Josette.” Kira continued, “Under no circumstances, will we allow drugs under our roof, including nicotine,” she says referring to the vape sitting in between them, “Or alcohol that does not belong to your father and I. If you are to partake in these activities and are caught you will have consequences.” She looks at Joseph, as if they had rehearsed their own parts, looking towards her dad expectantly, “Secondly,” He speaks up, “As we expect with the twins, any boy, or girl, that you are,, having relations with, we expect to meet, no sneaking them through bedroom windows.” Tallulah cringes internally, it was one time, she wanted to yell. “Curfew will be 11:00 pm on school nights and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, no exceptions.. Understood?” he asked, looking at his eldest daughter. She wants to argue with them, tell them that policing her life won’t make her change, not the way that they wanted her to at least. That was something her mother learned the hard way. She had taken the door off her bedroom when she had found out she was sneaking out in the night, which only caused Tallulah to start sneaking out the front door instead, right in front of her.

“You done?” she asks, yawning, this wasn’t new to her at all, and she really didn’t care to be frank. The two adults look at each other, Kira nodding her head in Tallulah's direction, Joseph sighed before tossing a key chain on the table next to her vape. A small house key was connected to what looked like a car key. “Choose one.”

Temptation or Freedom?

Tallulah spent the rest of the day running errands with Josie, who had offered to show her around the reservation. They had stopped at Monets, the local cafe, run by the Littleseas, its the go to hangout spot, according to Josie. Who happens to be friends with Colin Littlesea, the eldest son of the owners.

Tallulah picked at the half eaten muffin sitting in front of her as she waited for Josie to return with a refill of both of their coffees. They were so different from each other, Tallulah drinking hers black, while Josies consisted of mainly cream and sugar, just like their personalities, but for some odd reason they clicked.

The car her father and Kira gave her was originally supposed to go to Josie, so that the twins no longer would have to share their current one. Finding out that alone made her reconsider her choice, at least a nicotine addiction only really affected her, but with a lot of reassurance from Josie, and the simple ask that Tallulah help run her errands eased her guilt. She didn't want to upend the twins' life, it wasn’t their fault her parents decided to force her to move to La Push. While Josie seemed to enjoy her presence, Lenna did not, and it's clear now she was avoiding her.

Tallulah gazed around the quaint yet homey cafe, its hand painted walls consisted of the same trees that surrounded the reservation, it was peaceful. She looked towards the door as it chimed, alerting the staff of new customers entering, a group of extremely tall, good looking men walked through the door, causing the calm energy to shift with their booming laughs, everyone seemed to be used to this behaviour, considering she was the only one to look in their direction.

Her eyes followed the group of boys, taking each one in, by the time she reached the last, he was already looking at her. Paul Lahote. The largest of them all, in height and muscle, she thought to herself as her eyes raked his body.

Josie setting her coffee down in front of her broke her concentration on the boy, her attention fully shifted to her half-sister. “What do they feed the men here? They are all so tall” Tallulah asked jokingly, to which Josie laughed, shaking her head. “Not all of them. Just the ones who hang around Sam Uley. Some people say he's giving them steroids but dad swears against it. So does mom.” She watched Josie grimace, and cut her off before she could correct herself, “--I’ve seen boys roided, they look nothing like them.” she spoke before taking a sip of her coffee. Josie nodded, an almost fascinated look on her young face, “So it's true then..” At this, Tallulah raises her eyebrows, “ what's true?”

“Your mom sent you here because you got mixed up with some guys who did drugs or whatever. At least that's what Lenna said she heard dad say”

Of course she did, so much for a fresh start, she thought.

Tallulah rolled her eyes, “Sort of, I guess --”

Now she was being interrupted, a large looming figure was now standing at the edge of their table, greeting Josie, she watched as the younger girl blushed in response, before saying “Hey, Ethan. Uh, this is my older sister, Tally or um, Tallulah,” Josie fumbled over her words as she introduced her. Tallulah looked up at the towering boy with a half smile, nodding her head as a way to say ‘hey’ , Ethan nodded back before asking, “I didn’t realize you guys were sisters. Do you go to school off the rez?”

Tallulah shook her head, “I did but I just moved here from Seattle. I start at the rez school tomorrow.”

He nods before engaging with Josie in conversation about some project they were working on and she can’t help but look over at the boisterous table in the far corner, she can see Paul and another boy glance at her as they talk, she excuses herself from Josie and Ethan, the coffee in her mug no longer appetizing and itching for her little blue rectangle in that moment.

Tallulah makes her way up to the bar-like counter, the waitress coming to take her order almost immediately. She orders a sweet tea, hoping to wash some of the lingering bitterness from her mouth, hoping it would help curve her cravings. She can feel someone come up next to her but doesn't bother to look who it is as she fiddles with a napkin, the waitress comes to take their order and their voice sounds like velvet in her ears despite the hint of gruffness to it.

“You're Joseph Forester's daughter, right?” She hears him ask, she looks in his direction to see he's already looking at her, a small cocky, smirk toying on his lips. He already knows the answer clearly. She wants to roll her eyes and tell him to fuck off, but she can’t bring herself to do so. So, she nods and softly says, “Yeah, Tallulah.” This causes him to actually smile, like he's thankful she didn’t just blow him off. That hot, cocky persona is nearly untraceable now,

“I’m Paul Lahote.”

[headinthestaticsky]

Frozen Within the Night Wind: Jasper Hale x Fleur Swan, Chapter 11.

None of the characters in Twilight belong to me, all rights go to Stephenie Meyer.

Authors note:I was reading up on the Newborn Battle and saw that it took place in June... I get that snow storms can happen on mountains but why is everyone else wearing jackets in the battle haha.

"When the mako flies Up from the bottom in your eyes Then I know the twilight skies Are not so broken hearted."

Stylo by, Gorillaz

Today was the day, they would finally arrive ending the constant tension of the inevitable battle. We all stood tense in the field, the wolves were hiding so they weren't immediately sought after.

"Fleur, do you think you could track Riley? We need to know how close he is." Esme asked.

"On it... They aren't to far from here, it'll take them about... 2 minutes before they find us. They're falling for Bella's blood trap quite easily."

"That's good, we don't need them finding her." Carlisle said.

I felt someone grab my hand I turned and looked at them, Jasper was staring back at me.

"We're gonna be fine." He said. I turned my head due to the sound of rustling coming from the far side of the field. I looked back at him and smiled.

"I know we are."

I then saw the crowd coming toward us, they all were yelling. We then began to run toward them as soon as the got close enough both Jasper and I punched two of the vampires heads off. The rest of us had separated at that point as the new born vampires spread out. Two vampires came toward me both of them trying to take out my head. I dunk under them both easily and took out there legs, leaving them defenseless. I then took off both of there heads, another vampire snuck up behind my and grabbed me by the back of my neck, I grabbed both of there hands and flipped them over, crushing there head into the ground and shattering it.

I looked around me and saw Paul with two vampires on his back, I quickly made it toward him. Kicking two other vampires in the process and flipping over another one that was being chased by a wolf before making it to him. I ripped the first one off his body taking it's head clean off with it. Paul had gotten the other one off of him and looked at me quickly before running off again. I ran toward a tree and rock, suspecting someone to be hiding there. My theory proved to be correct, I saw a girl coming out of the little nook.

She looked about 15 years old and scared out of her mind. I stopped myself from attacking her and saw Carlisle and Esme next to me, we were unsure about her.

"Let's leave her here...I really don't think she'll try anything. She looks absolutely terrified." I said Esme and Carlisle nodded. I then ran back toward the fight. I was in the midst of a power struggle with one vampire, my arms, shoulders, sides of my neck, and cheeks began to crack from the pressure. It was unbearable, it was as if a thousand needles were stabbing each individual nerve rendering it useless. Suddenly the pressure was gone and angry amber eyes looked down at the vampire's dismembered body. I healed quickly thankfully and Jasper and I ran off together to defeat the remaining vampires left. They had all been taken out with ease with the exception of a few. Before we both could react a vampire bite Jasper right on the neck, trying to tear apart his skin. Jasper had let out a yell due to the pain and I quickly pushed him off of Jasper, stomping his head in. Emmett and Paul took out the last vampire. When we all dragged them to the middle of the field to burn them I noticed I never saw Riley.

"Hey... did any of you guys run into Riley?"

I saw uncertain faces on the Cullens, which gave me the answer.

I decided to track him, to see if he was still around. I saw him stalking up a mountain, Bella and Edward suddenly came into view.

"Riley... listen to me. Victoria is just using you to distract me. She knows I’ll kill you. In fact, she’ll be glad she didn’t have to deal with you anymore." Edward stated.

Bella looked terrified behind him. I saw Victoria come down a tree landing on a rock covered in snow.

"Don’t listen, Riley. I told you about their mind tricks." Victoria persuaded.

"I can read her mind. So I know what she thinks of you." Edward interjected.

"He's lying."

"She only created you and this army to avenge her true mate, James. That’s the only thing she cares about. Not you."

Riley turned his head to her, and an unsure look was on his pale, deadly face.

Victoria froze, her eyes slightly widened.

"There's only you, you know that!" She said.

Riley then began to walk toward Edward again, Both he and Bella backed up.

"Think about it. You’re from Forks, you know the area. That’s the only reason she chose you. She doesn’t love you."

"Riley, don’t let him do this to us. You know I love you."

Riley turned his head back to Edward a smirk was on his face.

"You're...dead."

I broke out of trance before a fight could break out.

"Guys...They're both with Edward and Bella..."

All of the Cullens's eyes widened with shock.

"Look I got a plan, Dean, you're the second-fastest in the family so you need to get that girl out of here take her back to the house... I have a feeling the Volturi are going to show up and I don't think they'll spare her. I am going to get as close to the fight as I can from the mountains and try to get Victoria to hallucinate again. We don't have any time to waste, MOVE IT!" I demanded before running toward the fight. I could hear Jasper in the distance as I kept running.

"That's my girl..."

As I ran it felt like I was having deja-vu, it reminded me of the ballet studio situation 2 years ago. That same mantra was going through my head. "Please...let me get there in time." No matter how cruel and unkind Bella could be...I couldn't stand the thought of her getting killed by the cold hands of revenge.

Flashback: 4 years ago.

"THAT'S IT... I CAN'T STAND TO BE AROUND YOU TWO ANYMORE!" I yelled at Bella and Renee.

"OH GET OVER YOURSELF, YOU'RE THE ONE ALWAYS CAUSING TROUBLE AROUND HERE!" Renee yelled back.

"Causing trouble....CAUSING TROUBLE? WHAT THE FUCK DID I DO THIS TIME?"

"YOU WATCH YOUR MOUTH YOUNG LADY! I HAVE RAISED YOU FOR 15 YEARS!"

"THAT DOESN'T MAKE YOU A GOOD MOTHER!"

"How dare you..."

"What did I do.... what do I always do? Want love? Reassurance? Someone I can trust? That's not "causing problems"... that's something a parent should give to their child. Oh sorry... both of their children!"

"Well...it's hard to give that to a child you just can't stand. You act just like your father..."

"You say that like it's an insult... my father is an intelligent, compassionate man, I'm glad you left him... I didn't want to see him get abused like me."

Bella just sat back and smirked, enjoying the chaos that was in front of her.

"If you love him so much why don't you go live with him."

"Fine... I will just buy the damn plane ticket and I swear I will never come back here again!"

"I will... Bella will finally be able to get away from your poisonous mind."

I scoffed and rolled my eyes before speaking again.

"Goodbye Renee, I'll see you at my wedding. I know you won't be able to resist showing up, you'll have so much fun at the open bar being the boozer you were meant to be. Your speech will probably be you upchucking on the stage. It'll be a hit with the guest."

Renee and Bella's eyes widened with shock. Renee decided to speak up.

"Like you'll ever get married... no sane person would want to be with a disgraceful woman such as you."

I ignored her, I stopped at Bella and looked at her.

"Isabella... get away from her, you'll end up just as toxic and abusive as she is." I then ran upstairs and started packing my bags... eager to leave.

Flashback: OVER

I ran up the mountain and saw a glimpse of the fight, Victoria and Riley held Edward by the arms and neck. Bella stood there paralyzed in fear. I prayed that this plan would work, I tried creating that image of James again but instead... my body changed turning into him. I stood there for a second shocked before making my way up to them. Victoria froze in fear, Riley looked at her in confusion, and Bella and Edward didn't know what to think.

"J-james... how... how are you here? She isn't here is she?" Victoria asked.

I prayed my voice would've changed along with my appearance before I spoke.

"Who? Fleur... no no no, she's too busy dealing with the army you created with... this pipsqueak. I said, my voice was not of my own.

She dropped Edward, which in return made Edward throw off Riley who was then dragged away by a wolf... it seemed to be Seth.

"VICTORIA!" "VICTORIA HELP!"

Seth pulled him down the slope, I could still hear him scream on the way down. Edward just observed us, pulling Bella behind him again.

"James... you have to understand I did this for us, I thought you were dead. Why didn't you come and find me?"

"I did find you...but then I saw what you were doing, whoring yourself out there after you came back from Texas... persuading that man by kissing him the same way you kissed me. You're disgusting!"

"James no... please don't do this."

"You should know...we began this by me hunting you... you've always been my prey. And now..."

My voice switched back to my own.

"I will take you out the same way I intended to from the beginning."

Her eyes widened but before she could escape I snapped her neck, ripping her head off a few seconds later.

"Whoa..." I heard Bella say meekly.

Edward handed me a lighter he was carrying, I lit it and threw it on her body, it busted into flames. I saw Seth carrying Riley back up, he too was dead. I threw him in the fire too, making sure both of them were taken out.

"Fleur... Carlisle said you could make hallucinations... but you completely morphed into James." Edward said in shock.

"T-that's the first time I have ever done that..."

Before either of us could say anything Edward gasped.

"What is it?" Bella asked.

"Alice needs us to go...NOW!"

[theyreonlynoodlesmike]

K so for an angsty headcanon thing, I was wonderin if you'd write something where reader is in a relationship with the boys and overhears a conversation where they say the were using her for food, but like she didn't hear the part where they say they changed their minds. If you don't want to thats chill tho, just wanted to ask cause I love your writing x

Oh god I love me some angst. Here you go babs, I hope you enjoy!! (Also, rip this turned more into a fic I hope you don't mind)

If That’s How You See Me (Poly!Lost Boys x Fem!Reader) fic

Warning: angst, slight smut

You had been dating the boys for a few months now. You knew what they were, as they hadn’t actually tried to hide it from you. They’d told you almost immediately, and, while it took some time to get used to, you’d accepted it pretty gracefully. After a little over a month, you’d even let them start feeding off of you.

They only ever took a little. Well, compared to their usual meals. They each had their place that they liked to bite, and you had learned to wear long sleeves and high collars to prevent their marks from showing. David always went for your neck. He would hold the other side of your throat, and thumb your jugular lightly as he drank. Marko would almost always go for your wrist. He liked to be able to look into your eyes as he drank, and he’d wipe his mouth and chin so he could quickly press his lips against yours. It never failed to make him aroused, and you barely minded. Dwayne would bite your shoulder. He was always the most careful, and he’d only drink from you during your most intimate moments. It’d never fail to make him groan and still, and he’d hold you so close that you’d think he was trying to meld you two together. Paul, being the cheeky little bastard he was, always bit the inside of your thigh. He’d do it whenever he ate you out, and he’d always treasure the small yelp of surprise you made each time. You swore that he purposely chose the moment when you were most relaxed to tear into your flesh. As soon as he was done, he’d dive back down and finish you off.

You’d settled into a comfortable routine with them. You’d meet them at the boardwalk, hang out for a bit, and then you’d go back to the cave. You’d get some alone time with them, and then one of them would drive you home. You never had to see them feed, and they assured you that it helped their cravings. Even if it was just a little bit.

But you’d had a particularly bad day, and you wanted to skip the boardwalk and go straight to cuddling them. You wanted Marko to hold you close and kiss your nose, for Paul to make you laugh, for Dwayne to be your silent shoulder to cry on, and for David to tell you that everything would be fine. The sun had only set only a little bit less than a half hour ago, and you knew they would still be groggy. Their senses probably wouldn’t be at their highest, but you didn’t want to aggravate them by making a lot of noise. So, you climbed into the cave as quietly as possible to not disturb them. To your surprise, you found that they were awake already. You were just outside the mouth of the cave when you heard their voices clear as day, and you realized they were talking about you. You paused. You knew you should announce yourself. Make your presence known. But when else would you ever get to hear their true thoughts about you? So, you stopped and you listened.

“-great fuck. God, and those legs?” It was Pauls voice first, and you smiled to yourself. So far, only good things, even if they were mostly just sexual. You knew you shouldn’t have expected much else. At least you knew that they thought you were good in bed. Markos voice continued,

“She’s such a babe. You better not have taken too much, man. I have dibs tonight, and I’m starved.” He said, and you furrowed your brows. The way he said the word made you think of only one thing. Marko wasn’t talking about sex. He was talking about feeding.

“I’ve told you before. She tastes better when she cums.” It was Dwaynes voice then, and you felt a pang go through your heart. Dwayne had always been the sweetest. The kindest of the four. The way they were talking was like you were a meal more than anything, and it worried you that even Dwayne seemed to think the same. It wasn’t like you’d told the boys you’d loved them yet, but the feelings were still there. Just unspoken. Marko let out a laugh, and then he said something that made your blood run cold.

“Remember when we first saw her and Paul wanted to eat her that night?” It made you freeze. You remembered that night. Paul had walked right up to you. He’d flirted with you, won you prizes, and even taken you to a show on the beach. It had just been coincidence that they’d run into the others. Or so you thought.

“Yeah, and David wanted to keep her around. Make her last longer.” You could hear a small scuffle, and you guessed some of the boys were rough housing. Your heart felt like it was going to stop. You couldn’t believe what you were hearing. The boys had wanted to eat you. Kill you. The only reason they hadn’t was because David had wanted to make you last. A personal snack. It didn’t help when he finally said,

“Took long enough for her to let us take a bite.” You could practically hear the grin in his voice and your heart truly fell out of your chest then. You felt your heart break, and the betrayal laid heavily on everything else that had bothered you that day. The boys had been using you. All they’d wanted was to feed from you. All they’d wanted was your blood. You rushed back up the stairs, and you could feel hot tears pouring out of your eyes as you went back up to your car. You hadn’t stayed long enough to hear the end of his comment. “Didn’t think we’d end up falling for her in the meantime.”

You didn’t go to the boardwalk that night. You stayed in your room with your window firmly closed and locked. Of course, that didn’t deter the boys. You were laying on your bed, doing your best not to let your heartbreak consume you, when you heard a knock at your window. You lifted your head, and outside was Marko. He called your name in a teasing voice. You weren’t surprised. He had called dibs, hadn’t he? He probably just thought that this was just a way to get him alone. You went to your window and he smiled as you came closer. Instead of letting him in, you closed the curtain. 

“Hey!” He called, but you paid no attention to him. You didn’t want to speak to any of the boys ever again. You heard another persistent knock, but you grabbed your cassette player and headphones. You’d ignore him all night if you had to. You put the headphones on your ears and laid back down in bed, resuming the ball you had been in before he’d arrived. No matter how loud you turned up your music, you could still hear him saying your name. You knew it was a trick. A vampire power. You turned off your bedside light. It shrouded the room in darkness. After a few minutes, the mantra quickly turned softer and softer until finally it stopped. You could feel silent tears streaming down your cheeks, and you knew he must’ve been gone. He must’ve left. It had been nearly a half-hour of silence, and you almost found peace in it. You took off your headphones and rolled onto your other side. Your back was to the door, but the idea of monsters didn’t scare you as much anymore. Not since you’d met them. You thought that perhaps you’d be rid of them, that they’d entertain themselves with some other meal. Until you felt cold hands grab you and you heard your name fall from his lips instead of by poking his way into your mind.

You started to shriek, but a hand clapped down on your mouth. It wasn’t Markos. it was Davids. It didn’t take you long to realize all the boys had invited themselves into your room. You knew it was too good to be true to think that they’d left you alone. Marko and David sat on either side of you on the bed. Dwayne and Paul stood, with Dwayne on Davids side and Paul at the end of the bed. Dwayne turned on the light, and you glared at the sight of them. Were they really so persistent? Could they not find another girl to drain? You glared at them with such hatred in your eyes that it surprised them. It was Paul that ungracefully asked,

“What’s your damage, babe? You didn’t come to the boardwalk and now-” And you could feel your angel boiling over. Your damage? Your damage? You quickly interrupted the blonde.

“My damage is you four. Get the fuck out of my house. I don’t want to speak to any of you.” You spat, and the boys were taken aback. You hopped off the bed, shrugging off Davids hand when he tried to grab you, and you went to the window. You unlocked it and threw it open, and you pointed out of it. “Out. Now.” You demanded, and the vampires stared at you. There were mixes of anger and hurt on their faces, and you wanted to laugh. They were hurt? Then, they were truly eviler than you thought. You couldn’t stand the sight of them. Your four beautiful boys. Before this night you would have done anything for them. But finding out they only saw you as an over-glorified juice box changed some things. The two angriest were Paul and David. Paul was an explosion of emotions on a good day, and he couldn’t do anything to keep his mouth shut. The moment you two fought, you had to expect there’d be some tears. Marko, despite the hurt in his voice and on his face, tried to dispel the tension. Even if his own anger was starting to tick like a time bomb. He asked quietly,

“Y/n, why are you acting like this? Like, you’re acting like you hate us.” He said, and you glared at him. At his perfect angelic features. At his eyes and lips that didn’t hold even a bit of a smile. He looked confused and hurt. For some reason, the very sound of his voice enraged you. Perhaps it was because you were supposed to hang out with him that night. Your intimate moments had been nothing but a feeding to him. Your heart had frozen over, and you didn’t have a modicum of sympathy for any of the vampires. They were assholes, dogs, pigs. Worse than any of your ex-boyfriends. They’d been after something worse than sex. They’d been after your blood, and there had been a time where they’d considered killing you to get it. It was why the words slipped from your mouth, even if they weren’t entirely true.

“Because I do hate you.” You said, and you watched Markos eyes fill with hurt. It was a hard blow, for all of them. Dwayne and David hadn’t said a word yet, and their eyes were the most unreadable. But you knew it had stung them too from the way Dwayne refused to look at you, and how David scoffed and shook his head. Like he refused to believe it.

“What the fuck, babe. Why are you being such a bitch?” Paul asked, and you wanted to rip the blondes hair right of his skull. You were a bitch? You set your eyes on him and you swore, vampire or not, you were about to kick his ass and force him out that window. The smarter part of you knew that Paul would simply pick you up and throw you over his shoulder the second you tried to force him. Instead, you reached up to your ear. You yanked out the earring they’d given you, and you threw it at the rocker. He caught it, and he gasped. His face had been filled with anger before, but now it was filled with shock and pain. The boys knew what that meant. You weren’t just mad at them over something small. Whatever had happened, you were willing to break up with them over it. It looked like Paul regretted opening his big mouth instantly, and he didn’t even try to say a single thing as he held the earring in his hand. 

David stood then. He was silent, and the air changed as soon as he did. You’d been in charge of the situation before, but, suddenly, that was no longer the case. David was in front of you in a moment, and he grabbed you by your shoulders. You knew that when it came to all of them, it was going to be his hooks that were the hardest to dig out. He’d told you that you were his, and he truly believed it. David didn’t like it when things that were his tried to leave him. He stared down at you and snapped,

“What happened? Did hunters get to you? Are you cursed? Tell me, now.” You could hear the suggestion in his voice. He was using his powers on you, but he didn’t need to. You already knew exactly what words you were going to throw into his face.

“’Took her long enough to let us take a bite’ ring any bells? You know, you guys have a lot of nerve being mad at me. I’m the one that was turned into a meal. I’m the one that was reduced to nothing but a juice box. I’m the one that you were going to kill, right, Paul?” You asked, and you set your glare on him. His face fell, and he opened his mouth to speak. For once in his life, he thought better of it. David stared and his hands dropped.

“It’s not like that. We would never hurt you.” He said, and you scoffed. Really? For some reason, you couldn’t believe him. You were on a roll, and fresh tears were in your eyes as you pointed to Dwayne.

“Really? Because Dwayne, Dwayne, even seems to think so. I don’t have to worry about him trying to eat me though because he only likes me when I’m cumming, huh?” Your voice was harsh and cruel, and the brunette stared at you. He shook his head, and he took a step forward. You weren’t going to let him calm you down this time. You continued. “Or is it only Marko that I have to worry about. I mean, he did call dibs, didn’t he?” You snarked. You knew you were playing with fire, but you didn’t care. You were pissing off four vampires. Four vampires that had admitted they’d wanted to kill you earlier that night. But you didn’t care. The tears were spilling over and the hurt was swallowing your heart. They were pricks, every single one of them. You never wanted to see any of their faces again. “Or is it because you wanted to make me last?” You finished, and David clicked his jaw. You had thrown all of their own words back at them. Revealing just how much you’d heard. You expected harsh words, maybe even a slap. Maybe he’d even kill you. Instead, he spat,

“It’s because we fell for you, y/n.” He said, and you stared. You didn’t believe him. How could you? His words from earlier, when you weren’t around, had been completely different. “We love you. I love you.” He said, and your eyes didn’t leave his. You didn’t know if this was a trick or not, but it felt like it was. Honestly, David’s mind tricks made it impossible to know. You shook your head in disbelief, and muttered a small,

“Yeah, sure.” It hurt you to say it. The second it left your lips, you regretted it. For the first time in your life, you saw Davids eyes fill with pain. You sniffled and wiped your face, and you kept your mouth closed so you wouldn’t say anything else. Wouldn't take it back. His voice was quiet as he said,

“You’re not going to forgive us.” It wasn’t a question. It was a statement, a realization. It settled over the room, and all of you knew it was true. Your lips loosened then.

“How can I? If that’s how you see me.”

[brideofcthulhu10]

Alright I was finally able to get this finished. I'm pooped, but don't worry to all you who've sent in requests, I'll get to yours either tonight or tomorrow. Asks are still very much open, don't worry about that. Okay, now get ready to cry! I'm serious, I was actually CRYING while typing this! So, here we are my fang babes! Get your tissues ready, here it is:

The Tragedy of Marko [2/2]

CONTENT WARNING: Gore, Themes of Violence, Self Harm, and Suicide, Offensive Language

The drive up to the abandoned hotel made your heart race. You were a few hours late and that did not look great. Well being up till 5 am was a new habit. You were sure it must've been easy for him but you weren't the nocturnal dweller he was. Well now the sun was down, so he had to be awake. 

Gripping the steering wheel you took a slow, deep breath inward. The engine shut off with a sputter, the whole road turning pick black once your headlights were gone. 

It was eerily silent. No music, no cheering echoing out the cave. Just the waves rolling over. "Maybe they slept in too," you quietly spoke to yourself. Every step down that staircase gave you a heart attack. This was easy hundred year old wood being hit all day and all night by ocean water. One wrong step could really hurt. Even as you stepped inside it just felt.. wrong. Where were they? Only one fire was lit, barely illuminating the walls of the hotel's unstable walls. You waited in the darkness. Any second now Paul would jump out and scare you, or Marko would fly down and smother you with kisses. But there was nothing. Nothing but those waves. 

"Marko?" The first time you asked you were almost afraid to say it too loud. Those caves could echo, and who knows how stable the structure of this hotel was. No answer.

"Marko?!" Your voice echoed throughout the room, spoken softer with each utterance. It sounded lonely. A draft whistled out an old collapsed tunnel. That had to be where they were. It didn't take you long to touch damp cobwebs, rapidly shaking your hands. "God! Ew!" 

Oooh if they were hiding in there you were gonna kill them! Carefully scooting yourself across your stomach you dodged sticky cobwebs, obnoxious flies that wouldn't stop buzzing around you and ugh, there was something slimy all over the dirt. Further in the stink went from sweaty men to just full on rotting corpses. Pulling through you nearly screamed at the drop, still trying to cover your mouth to shield your delicate nose from the foul odor. "Marko?!"

Come to think of it, no one was in here. Not Paul, David or Dwayne. Just you in the dark. A hard piece of plastic brushed against your hand, and after a few rapid taps a thick flashlight flickered before shooting out a fluorescent beam. There was a bizarrely blackish-red substance all over the walls. It coated the ground, your hands, your clothes. You followed the trail. 

"NO!"

Still limp atop the edge of cave rock was Marko with his chest heaved upward. Bhis beautiful blonde hair was caked to his face in that slimy substance, head tilted back with his hands still clutching what had killed him. There was a splintered stake of wood jutting out between his ribcage coated in this sludge that was just everywhere. This morning's breakfast rose up in a flood of bile, splattering to the dirt in a sickly horrid concoction. It was his blood! This black sludge was his blood! You could only scream. Such a blood curdling scream that tore over waves and echoed out into the sky.  "Marko, oh god-! No, no no no no! Marko baby, please no, fuck, no," you sobbed, pulling his body to you. Tears dripped onto pale cheeks, his blue eyes shut. "Wake up baby, wake up! Please, please! Don't die, please Marko, open your fucking eyes!"

Using everything you had you grasped at the end of the stake with both hands. It was wedged tight between torn muscles and ripped flesh, blood squirting onto you the more you pulled. You yelled as loud as you could, face red until you finally wrenched the abomination from him. Barely able to drag him over, you held his head to your chest. Fingers dug into his jacket while you rocked him back and forth. You just spoke to him. It had only been this morning that he left with that mischievous smile plastered on his face. You wanted to see it again. You wanted so desperately for him to crack open his sky kissed eyes, make a Cheshire cat's grin jealous and yell "gotcha". But he just laid in your arms, almost like he was just sleeping. There was no pain known by men or beasts alike that was akin to what you felt. Everything burned, your head was being crushed, lung burned and all you could do was cry…

Well. It wasn't all you could do. A sudden rush hit you, such an unfamiliar feeling. Just… hollow. 

You didn't turn your head. Just your eyes wandered to the stake beside you. It was still sharp, cruel edges jutting out mockingly. Taking it into your hand you tightly wedged it between his fingers. What could have been was all that remained. Nights of gandure, riding through the Santa Carla nightlife together, choosing to abandon your mortal life for one with the vampire you loved so dearly. If you knew that was your last chance for goodbye you would have never let him leave. Wrapping his limp, gloved hands around the stake you propped it tightly so the end was breaking the skin of your sternum. "I love you," you whispered, savoring one last look at his beautiful face. "I'll see you in Hell, my darling. Save me a spot, okay?"

Taking in a deep, slowly breath you used every ounce of strength in your muscles to ram in right into your heart. You didn't feel much after that. One hot, searing shot of pain that resonated through every limb, screaming until the blood flooding your lungs left a silent gurgle. Then, only blackness

There your body sat hunched above his in a massive pool of blood, flooding his pale face. It stained everything until you were painted in the forbidden color. Your fingers over his, his clenching the stake straight through you. The universe showed Marko a sliver of mercy, allowing your cold lips to grace his just one final time, eternally kissing each other. Forever lost in time. Forever lost together.

Just you, and your only love, Marko.

[beatles-slash-fiction]

I had this Starrison idea in my head and I called it Teddy Love with the them as teenagers:

It was Valentine's Day and the school was bustling with horny teenagers. Ringo was digging through his locker for his books before first period started, he sighs softly he had the perfect gift for his boyfriend George in his backpack. He nearly screams when someone comes yelling in behind him and all he sees is a giant teddy bear face, "Happy Valentine's Day, baby boy!" George was behind the massive teddy.

"George Harold Harrison!" Ringo scolds,

"Richard Henry Parkin Starkey, Jr." George teases.

"You bout near gave me a heart attack!" the older boy tells him before George thrusts the bear into his arms.

Ringo blushes darkly and snuggles into it, "This definitely isn't going to fit in my locker.''

George laughs, "I love you that much!"

The teddy is twice as big as Ringo and fat very fat, "You really love me that much?" Ringo asks shyly.

George nods grinning, "Yeah that much!"

Ringo sets the bear down and fishes out a box covered in strawberry print, ''George Harrison,'' Ringo looks up at him, "I promise to marry you once we finish high school and college." he put the promise ring on George's finger.

George tears up and kisses him lovingly, "You made me so happy."

Then the bell rings and the lovers have to part ways. As the day wears on and Ringo keeps getting started at the bear was becoming a little annoying. He was so grateful for when the bell rang and he could go home with his gift. He stuffs it into his car along with his back, he squeaks when George wraps his arms around his waist, "I got the best boyfriend ever." he sings.

Ringo turns and kisses him, "You dork."

George grins and holds up his ringed hand, "I'm going to get married! Married!!"

Ringo giggles and gets him inside his car, he takes the boy to a lake. George perks up, "What are we doing?"

"This area is very secluded." Ringo says a blush dusts his cheek.

''Oh?''

Ringo pulls him to the backseat and kisses him. George blushes and kisses him back, Ringo presses his tongue against George's lips and the younger man happily allows him. Ringo nips George's jaw and dips his head to his neck. Ringo unbuttons George's rip. He sucked on the skin of George's collarbone harder than a vacuum on high power, leaving behind appropriately dark purple hickeys.

"R-Rich." George said with a breathy sigh.

Ringo grabs onto George's hips he bites down again grinding his hips into George's. The younger pants into Ringo's mouth, "F-Fuck, I-I need you." George arches his back.

A bang on the window scares the shit out of both of them, John was at the window a hockey mask hanging on his head Paul was behind John filming. John keeps beating at the window, Ringo rolls down the window fuming, "John Winston Lennon."

John removes his mask grinning, "You blue balled me. So I got you back."

George looks humiliated he tugs on his shirt trying to cover himself, his face burning and he felt tears in his eyes. He blocked out the boys arguing and started to cry softly, he was sick and tired of John doing shit like this. Ever since he got with the foreign exchange student he's been an ass to anyone. He heard the window be rolled up and warm arms pulled him into a chest, "Im sorry."

George rubs at his face a choked breath escapes his lips, "I hate him! I hate him!!"

Ringo rubs his shoulders and whispers words of comfort to him as he rants once done he asks George, "You want to go home?'

George nods and sniffles rubbing at his face, "My place or yours?" Ringo asks.

George sniffles again, "Yours." he says softly.

Ringo nods and helps George get his clothes on, "Oh darling." Ringo tilts up his chin, "You're so beautiful."

George smiles a little and he nuzzles his hand, "I love you."

"I love you too."

Ringo drives to his home he opens the car and front doors for George who blushes and mutters that he's such a gentleman, Ringo carries the giant teddy in, ''I hope you're hungry." Ringo announces.

George's jaw drops seeing the table setting as they walk in, ''I texted mum that we were coming home and she got everything ready and went out with dad for the day."

George hugs him tight and peppers him with kisses, ''Oh you're the best boyfriend ever!"

Ringo pulls out George's chair and ties a napkin around his neck, "Here's a nice pork loin for the both of us to share.''

George gladly eats when Ringo hands him his plate, he feels starved. Soon as George lays back feeling like a bear in winter Ringo brings out wine, "How?"

"Shh, don't tell mother."

George giggles and the two share the whole bottle between them. They stumble upstairs after cleaning up the kitchen and dining room, "I-I love you." George hiccups.

Ringo squeezes his hands and kisses his knuckles, "I love you too."

"Why do you love me?" George asks.

"Your smarts, your adorable smile, you treat me equally, and you don't make fun of my low education level, and you don't make fun of my scars."

George hugs him tight making the older boy squeal, '' I want to keep you in my pocket forever.''

Ringo giggles and lays him on the bed, they start snogging each other again. Humping and grinding on each other like horny badgers, I don't know it's fucking nearly midnight and no one is going to read this.

George arches his back moaning and whimpering, he's never felt this way before, ''R-Rich!" he cries out.

''I got you baby." Ringo tells him dry humping him like he's life depends on it.

George grabs his bicep and kisses him deeply, "M-Make me yours."

Ringo fumbles trying to get George's pants off both their heads were fuzzy from the bottle of wine. Then things went still and Ringo dead weights him laying on top of him, "Rich?" George shakes him, "Richard?" he shakes him hard a snore leaves him.

George sighs and snuggles him letting himself sleep, it was quite the Valentine's Day to remember.

😍😍😍

[i-run-with-a-wolfpack]

I Can't Help But Wait - Chapter 2

Twilight fic/Post Breaking Dawn/Embry Call imprint fic/mature warning/ part 2 of ?

2 - More Questions Than Answers

Embry's POV - 

"Can I go now?"

Officer Grant huffed out a breath through his nose, barely glancing up at me before replying, "Just a few more questions."

"You said that a half hour ago," I growled. "I need to go check on my girl."

A smirk graced his stubbled face as he finally made eye contact. "So the victim is your girlfriend?" he prodded. 

I rolled my neck around a few times, causing my bones to crack a bit. "No. Not exactly."

He nodded and tapped his pen to his temple. "So which is it? I mean...are you screwing her or what?"

Before I knew it, I had lunged at him, springing off the gurney at an inhuman speed. I refrained from grabbing him, but I was definitely in his face. "You need to watch your mouth."

"Did I hit a nerve?" the officer baited me. "Either you're screwing her or…"

"I'm done answering your dumbass questions. Charge me with something or fuck off."

We stood eye to eye, neither wanting to be the first to back down. Paul appeared at my side and I flinched when he gripped my shoulder. "Take it easy, man."

Officer Grant chuckled and backed away slowly. "Don't leave town, boys. We may need you to testify as to what that kid did to...what did you call her...your girl? Yeah. Her."

With that, he retreated into the hallway and I noticed how he glanced at me and Paul as he spoke to the other officer in the hall. They were both smirking and laughing. I didn't know what they found so entertaining, but I hoped they weren't going to interrogate Nicolle with the same level of inappropriateness that I had just seen. By the time they wandered out of my sight, I was ready to tear this room to shreds.

From the moment we arrived at the hospital, I had been treated like a criminal, for reasons I didn't understand. Of course, showing up in a police car probably didn't help.

"Are you gonna tell me what the hell's going on with you?"

I lifted my gaze to find Paul giving me an intense stare. "Don't ask," I mumbled before going back to the gurney and having a seat. 

"Come on, Embry. Just tell me what's going on in your head. You looked like you wanted to rip that cop's head off." Paul was concerned, I could feel it. He had stood by me through this, so I had to be honest.

"I imprinted, man. And...it's like I can't even control myself anymore. I would've killed that kid if you hadn't pulled me back," I announced breathlessly, pulling the ends of my hair.  "He hurt her. And I just couldn't see straight. This feels insane."

Paul sighed and shrugged. "The imprint pull is insane. Your need to protect her will make you crazy. Sometimes my jealousy makes Rachel wanna beat my head in. I can't help it. And neither can you."

I didn't have a chance to respond because a nurse appeared with a folder and gave me a concerned look. "Mr. Call? You've indicated that you'd like to decline treatment?"

"Yeah. I just wanna go."

She cocked her head and sighed. "How about I just check your vitals and we can leave it at that?"

I jumped up from my spot on the gurney and backed away. "I said no. Just tell me what I need to sign so I can get the hell out of here." 

I cringed when I saw how my harsh words had affected her. This was not me. I don't attack humans. I don't scream at strangers. I'm not short-tempered and testy with people. I hated the person I was becoming. If this was what being imprinted was like, I'd rather not.

"Listen…Amanda, is it?" Paul paused and the young nurse nodded. "My friend here is just real anxious to get back to his girl. You know, the one he came in with? So if there's anything we can do to speed this along…"

I shook my head and stifled a chuckle when I saw how fast the young nurse had changed her tune. She was laughing and tossing her ponytail aside as Paul leaned in closer and smiled. Yes, Paul had an imprint and no, he'd never cheat but he had never forgotten how to flirt, especially when it helped him get what he needed.

A little while later, I was moving through the hallway with Paul, thanking him for his assistance. We both knew my cuts had already healed and it was always in our best interest to never be checked over by humans. We couldn't explain our high temps or why our injuries had healed so quickly. If I had really been hurt, I would have called Carlisle. 

I scowled when I heard my imprint's voice behind a curtain. She was upset and that upset me. I peeled the ugly fabric back and scanned the room before poking my head in. "Can I come in?" I murmured softly when my gaze met hers.  I noticed how her face lit up when I smiled at her. I coasted over to her bedside and smoothed my hand over her hair.

"We're not finished," Officer Grant grumbled from the corner of the room. I sighed deeply and began to retreat when I felt Nicolle's hand grip the edge of my t-shirt and pull me closer. 

"He can stay," she defied. "But I'm really tired, so do you think we could finish this later?"

"The details are important.. " he began as he approached the bed and I sat beside her. "But I guess we can be done for now." 

I watched as the officer fished a business card from his front pocket and thrust it in our direction. I snatched the card up and gave him a curt nod, one that he chose not to return. Paul caught my gaze as I watched Officer Grant leave the room. I gave Paul a look that indicated everything was okay.

An hour later, I had my arm around my imprint, helping hold her up as she sagged against me. It was late and we were both exhausted. "Where's Paul?" Nicolle sighed when his truck was finally in sight.

"His wife picked him up. He left me his truck so I could take you home."

She hummed and nodded. "I'm still waiting for you to explain why you don't have any cuts on your body, Embry."

I sighed as I reached for the passenger door handle, ignoring her questions that started the moment we left the hospital. I gasped when she pressed her back against the truck door and effectively stopped me from opening it. I ran both hands through my hair and stared up at the night sky. "I'm tired, honey. Can we please just go home?"

I lowered my gaze and caught her staring up at me. I squeezed her shoulders and forced a smile. "Please?"

She seemed to be tongue-tied. Whether it was from my second time slipping up and calling her 'honey' or the fact that I was still refusing to answer her questions, she didn't look amused.  "You promised me some answers, Embry."

I leaned forward and pressed my forehead to hers, eye contact super intense, and I felt her resolve soften a little. She gasped when I hoisted her over my shoulder, yanked the truck door open and forced her inside. By the time I got around to the driver's side, she was fuming. "You can't just kidnap me!" she insisted.

I started the truck and backed out, chuckling as we headed out of the parking lot. "This isn't a kidnapping, darling."

Nicolle sat there huffing for a moment and I glanced at her as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Won't your girlfriend get mad if she finds out you've been calling me honey and darling?"

My jaw clenched as I glanced at my blindspot and jerked the wheel toward the side of the road. I skidded to a stop and slammed the gear shifter into park. Nicolle gripped the dashboard and stared at me incredulously. "Are you crazy?"

I shrugged as I slid across the seat and caged her in my arms, one on the back of the seat and one on the door. "Maybe I am. Or maybe you are?"

I was in her face, I could see her pulse racing in her neck, hear her panting breaths and even smell the apple juice she drank at the hospital. My gaze darted from her mouth to her eyes and back again. I considered kissing her to make her shut up, but I knew better. She needed answers, not my tongue down her throat.

"Nicolle?"

She blinked quickly, her eyes scanning my face as she waited for me to continue. "Do you really think I'd be here, now, with you if I had a girlfriend?"

Nicolle shrugged and I watched as tears welled in her eyes. "I don't know what to think, Embry. This is so crazy. I asked my cousin about you and she said you had a girlfriend. Was she wrong?"

I sucked in a deep breath and pulled away from her. I shifted to sit next to her, resting my elbows on my knees. This is difficult for me to say, even harder to go through it. "No. I used to have a girlfriend."

She scooted closer to me and let her hand drift lightly up my back. "Used to?"

I nodded and continued to hold my head in my hands. "I...broke up with her. I didn't want to, but there was no way I could stay with her. Not when I felt this strongly for you."

She continued to stroke my back and my whole body tingled from the contact. She didn't reply, so I continued. "I didn't want to ruin a four year relationship and I really hurt her. But..it wasn't fair to her. I couldn't stay away from you, Nicolle.  I tried to, but it was hopeless."

"Embry...I don't get this. We barely know each other. I hate that you would do that for me."

I shifted my body toward hers and made eye contact. "I did it for me." I lifted my hand to her face, holding it inches from her cheek. I wanted to touch her, reassure her, but the thought of her rejecting me just scared the shit out of me. "I tried to stay away from you, but I couldn't."

I smiled softly when her hand covered mine and she held it against her face. "I've felt it too. There's this...pull between us. The more you came to the store, the more anxious I got to see you again. I tried to ignore it…" she paused and squeezed her eyes shut when my thumb brushed across her cheek. 

"I know. I'm sorry. I never meant to screw up your life...or Casey's. I just couldn't deny the imprint."

"Imprint?" she echoed as her eyes snapped open. "You imprinted on me?"

I furrowed my brow in confusion. How did she know about imprinting? I thought for a moment and considered my next move. "Is your cousin Quileute?"

"Yes. She lives on the rez. She was the one who told me about your girlfriend and that you worked with Paul. Her name is Kim."

I laughed as I pulled her across my lap and nuzzled my nose into her neck. She smelled amazing and I couldn't hold back anymore. I was partially relieved to hear she knew about imprinting from Kim. Kim and Jared were married and I can't believe I didn't figure this out sooner. "I have so much to tell you," I admitted when I pulled away from her.  

Nicolle stared down and me and nodded. "I'm ready to hear it."

I leaned up to kiss her, unable to wait another minute. Chickening out at the last second, my kiss landed on her cheek instead. She leaned into me and I could hear her heart pounding. It made me feel powerful. I wanted to drive her mad. But for now, we both needed sleep.

A little while later, we were parking and I hated to wake her, but it was getting late. "Nicolle," I whispered. "Wake up, honey." I held her tightly against my side, my arm wrapped snugly around her waist. I kissed the top of her head and gathered her into my arms. "You're home now," I murmured as I carried her to the front door.

I put her on the couch, covered her in a blanket and stayed close to her as she slept. I sat at the end of the couch with her feet in my lap and my mind raced. I was falling for her. I needed her to know about my wolf and soon. 

The longer I waited, the more it would kill me if she rejected our bond. I couldn't even imagine it. I couldn't bear to be without her now that I had held her in my arms. When I ran away from her yesterday, I felt like someone was twisting my guts from the inside out. 

I didn't mean to get so upset when she brought up Casey. I hated that she thought I could cheat. Although I guess I had been. I was still with Casey, but I couldn't get Nicolle out of my head. That's why I had to end it.

I could feel my eyes getting heavier as the thoughts of Nicolle became more positive. Maybe she could love me? Maybe she would accept my wolf?

…..

"Embry?"

My eyes fluttered open, but closed quickly to ward off the bright sunlight pouring inside. I was lying on my back, still on the couch but no longer sitting up. With my eyes still squeezed tightly shut, I turned my head and my nose was met with a soft tangle of hair. I sucked in a deep breath and drank in the undeniable scent of my imprint. 

I could feel her hand snaking across my abdomen, my skin sparking from the contact. I groaned when her cheek brushed against my bare chest and my morning wood became even more firm. I smoothed my hand over her forearm, while the other ran down the length of her hair. "Morning," I sighed, my voice groggy from sleep.

Nicolle raised her head, tilting it up to gaze at me. A small, slow smile began to spread across her face before her whole body stiffened. She blinked quickly, reaching up to brush the sleep from her drowsy lids. "Where am I?"

I shifted to sit up against the arm of the couch a little, dragging her up with me because I loved how she felt resting on my bare chest. Shit. What happened to my shirt? I glanced around nervously, spying the bloody, torn mess on a heap on the coffee table. "This is my house," I finally blurted. "I couldn't wake you up to ask where you lived, so I brought you home."

I winced a little and played it off like a stiff neck, but in reality, I was lying and the imprint bond was punishing me. I knew where Nicolle lived. I had been following her home for weeks. I couldn't tell her that though. She seemed to accept the news that I was her imprint, but could she also stand to find out how my obsessive need to protect her had led me to follow her home and watch her bedroom window from a distance? The imprint bond made me do some crazy, stalker things, but bringing her here may have been the craziest.

"Oh."

I watched as her eyes darted nervously around the room. I fully expected her to jump up and run or demand I take her home immediately. So imagine my surprise when Nicolle leaned up, let her lips brush the shell of my ear, and whispered, "Thank you for taking care of me."

My whole body was buzzing and I couldn't stop the ridiculous grin on my face. I used my arms to drag her body on top of me. She rested her forearms on top of my chest and rested her chin on top of them. Her grin matched mine.  She was...happy? Happy to be here, happy to be with me, happy to be my imprint? I hoped for all three.

"You're really warm," she sighed as she gazed up at me dreamily. "No wonder you took your shirt off."

I couldn't stop smiling when Nicolle wrapped her arms around my neck and rested her cheek in the crook of my neck. I ran both hands up and down her back, loving the way she shivered at my touch. I jerked my hands back when my hands slid lower and instead of her pants, I felt the smooth fabric of her panties. "What the hell happened to your pants?" I croaked like a 15-year-old virgin. 

Nicolle giggled and lifted off of me a bit. We both glanced down between us, but honestly my eyes diverted to her chest. She had worn home an over-sized scrub top as her bloody shirt and bra had been too destroyed to wear any longer. And I knew she wore a pair of borrowed gray sweats, but when she kicked out her leg, she showed me they were gone. "I guess I got hot," she blushed, her eyes trailing up my body and back to my eyes. 

I couldn't glance up fast enough to hide the fact that I'd been staring down her shirt. She looked amused at my embarrassment, even snuggling a little closer to me. I held her body tightly to mine as I willed my morning wood to go the hell away. Shit, I was coming off like some sort of pervert. Even the sight of her bandaged chest was turning me on.

"Does it hurt?" I asked as I let my fingers drift over the bandage.

Nicolle shifted again, lying only half on top of me. She looked down at her injury and sighed. "Just a little sore from the stitches."

She captured my hand as I dragged it away, wrapping her fingers around mine as she pressed my palm to her breast. "Nicolle," I panted. "What are you doing?"

She held my hand in place as she peered up at me, her lashes fluttering adorably. "I'm sorry, Embry. I never meant to insult you when I asked about the girl you were dating." She paused and swallowed thickly, then continued, "I was honestly so torn about what to do. I couldn't stop thinking about you, but I couldn't let myself go there when I knew you loved someone else."

When Nicolle reached up to cup my face, I felt my eyes drift closed. I was still palming her breast, but too nervous to do anything else. "Are you even ready to move on so soon?" I heard her tiny voice say.

I let my thumb brush over her already stiff nipple before I responded. Her whole body clenched from the contact and my mind went wild with thoughts of how electric this could really be between us. The urge was right there. The need to shove her back and dive between her legs was consuming me. My whole body vibrated with need. "I'm ready for you, honey. I'm ready for us to be together with nothing standing in our way."

Okay, maybe my mind was totally in the gutter right now, but I meant what I said. I was ready for her. And the first step was a kiss. When she gazed up at me with her parted lips, I growled in anticipation. She was eager too. I smiled as she pushed her lithe body toward me and I moved to meet her halfway.

In that moment, I heard a brash knock at the door before it swung open. "Fucking hell, Embry. Were you just never coming to pick me up for work today? I mean…"

Paul's voice trailed off as he moved around the couch and caught a glimpse of our compromising position. His eyes went wide at the sight of Nicolle's panty covered backside. "Oh shit!" he exclaimed as his hand darted over his eyes. "I'm sorry, dude. I had no idea you had company!"

Nicolle laughed as she fumbled for the blanket on the floor and I struggled to get her covered. "Paul, what the fuck! Can't you pick up the phone like everyone else?"

I groaned in frustration as Nicolle shifted around to sit up, still laughing at Paul. "You can look now." I was relieved that she didn't freak out.

Paul was blushing ten shades of red and still wouldn't make eye contact with either of us. "Dude, I've been calling you for an hour. Your phone must be dead." 

I glanced at my phone on the coffee table, vaguely remembering how low the battery was when we left the hospital. But I never plugged it when I got home, therefore he was probably right about it being dead. "My bad," I chuckled a halfass apology his way as I ran a hand through my hair and then pulled Nicolle into my lap.

She smiled up at me, cupping my jaw in her hand and brushing a thumb over my lower lip. My chest heaved in anticipation for the kiss that had yet to happen. Paul cleared his throat and smirked at me. "So...I take it you'll be needing a sick day then?"

I returned my attention to my beautiful imprinted and nodded. She laughed when I fake coughed into her neck and murmured, "Yeah, I'm really sick. Better go without me."

Paul chuckled to himself and wheeled back out the door. I leaned over Nicolle, pressing her back against the couch as I hovered over her. 

"Now where were we?"

[princess-sethie-boo]

Safe Haven 4/?

Rating: E

Pairings: Drew McIntyre/Becky Lynch, Eventually Drew McIntyre/Becky Lynch/Seth Rollins, Jon Moxley/Renee Young, Sasha Banks/Bayley/Charlotte Flair, Mandy Rose/Trent Seven, Jordan Devlin/Millie McKenzie, Ruby Riott/Liv Morgan

Warnings for this Chapter: mentions of violence

Chapter Summary: Drew and Becky get to know their new mate better while meeting members of his unorthodox family, Plans are made to rescue Roman from Heyman's evil clutches.

Taglist:

@hitory--chan @sethsevolution @finnsauroraborealis @the-beastslayers-queen @pikapuff316 @writinglionqueen @writtingrose

"SETHIE!" Seth hadn't even made it back to town before being tackled by a overly hyperactive blonde girl.

"I missed you too Liv" Seth groaned, slightly out of breath.

"You're lucky I'm here and not Rubes, she's very mad at ya"

Seth grimaced at the thought of seeing his older sister.

"Hey! Redhead!" Liv yelled at Becky. "Is this too basic" she gestured at her hair.

"Um-"

"You're right, too boring" Liv pulled out a compact mirror and smiled at it, Becky and Drew staring in shock as her hair turned bubblegum pink.

"How?" Drew asked Seth.

"Liv's a chaos fairy. Hyper 24/7, pranks everybody. C'mon brat" Liv squealed and hopped onto his back..

"Hey Livvie, Mom conjured my clothes..would you mind?" Seth asked his sister's girlfriend

Drew and Becky watched curiously as the unremarkable clothes Seth's mother had put on him morphed into dark-grey skinny jeans and a blood-red t-shirt.

"Hair too?" the fairy asked

"Yes please."

Seth shook his head and a quarter of it immediately went blond "There ya go Sethie! You look like you again, only bigger!" Liv giggles, patting the wolf on the head.

"Thanks Livvy" Seth grinned. "You're still small though"

"I'm still bigger than Millie!" Liv managed to kick Seth in the hip. "Good luck apologizing to everyone. Trent's mad because you made Tyler cry!"

"Tyler always cries!"

"Okay true, but you also made Mandy upset!"

"How long have you been away from home?" Becky asks

"I haven't lived in Haven in 8 years. I lost contact with everyone 18 months ago." Seth explained

"Dude the only reason we didn't completely lose it was because we still felt you through the pack bond" Liv tells him "We knew you weren't dead but...it was hard, anyway so why are you with the newbies?" Liv asked as they made their way to the main house.

"They're my mates." Seth said simply.

"Oooooh, Sethie's got two mates!" Liv said excitedly. Becky looking at her with caution. "I need to see Sarah, you are making me coffee later!" Liv hugged him and skipped off, Becky and Drew watching her.

"I've only heard of chaos fairies, she was...unique" Becky said.

"I need to remind Ceasero she's not allowed any caffeine" Seth said shaking his head

The three mates walked along the path back to the town in silence after Liv left. None of them really knowing what to say.

"So you guys have had this town for a long time?" Becky finally broke the increasingly uncomfortable tension

"My grandparents founded Haven. Grandfather...used to run a circus and all of the acts were different beings. When he retired, everyone just settled here. Haven was these old fairgrounds and some of the woods surrounding it."

"A Circus?" Drew exclaimed

"Grandfather was a warlock, especially skilled in persuasion and he figured it would be a way for him and his friends to not only use their abilities for profit, but to not have to hide as much. Normies will ignore most Supe shit if they think its a trick"

"Absolutely true, they're dense as hell" Becky replied.

"So, you knew Finn?" Seth asked.

"Sort of, his name was Prince back then, always wondered what happened, not surprised that vampires had something to do with it...when they helped save you. I can't believe I just said that" Becky facepalmed, remembering what Mox and Stephanie had said.

Seth smiled and shook his head "I know Haven is an odd case. Weird even amongst the weird. I mean, I'm the Wolf/Warlock hybrid that claims a Lion, a Witch, a Vampire Queen and a Vampire thats the vessel for a literal demon king for parents. Weird is kinda my thing"

"Do you remember that night?" Becky asked. Seth looked down, toying with his amulet before sitting down.

"A little. I remember being in a car with my mommy and daddy" Seth said in a faraway voice "The was a big flash of light and loud noise, and then I was flying through the woods. I had bite marks on the back of my neck. Knowing now what I know about my bio parents, I think my Mom shifted and was carrying me through the woods by the scruff of my neck."

Becky hesitantly reached over and touched the top of Seth's bowed head. Drew looking on silently. It seemed like his spitfire was already growing attached to the younger man, while Drew himself was more hesitant. Seth lived...by Drew's upbringing, an unnatural life. Haven was a lot to get used to and he'd had Becky to himself for so long.

"Do you think it's possible that your mom changed you?" Drew asked. "To protect you?"

"Could be I don't know" Seth pulled his hair. "I don't like thinking about it"

"Hey brat" A girl said, materializing next to the three. She was holding a coffee cup and had red lowlights and was so pale, Drew thought she could be a vampire.

"Hey, Ruby." Seth said quietly, "Guys this is one of my sisters."

"Yo." The girl greeted them easily and handed her brother the Chicago Bears to-go mug "One Double Chocolate Cappuccino, courtesy of Cesaro. Figured you could use it, heard you haven't had coffee in a year or so."

"No espresso?" Seth groaned.

"You know he puts too much in" Ruby said, "Besides I want to be able to sleep tonight. Your howling was obnoxious" she turned to Drew and Becky. "If either of you hurt my little brother, I will rip out your eyes and shove them down your throats"

"Ruby."

"What it's true. We lost you once, brat. Never again" She replied with a smile

"Did anyone mention that Seth is the baby?" Ruby asked

"Millie is younger then me thank you very much" Seth said rolling his eyes and taking a sip of his drink

"Millie hasn't been missing for 18 months, and gone for 7 and a half years before that. So excuse us if we're all a bit concerned about all this" she says waving a hand at Drew and Becky.

"Excuse me, who's Millie?" Becky asked.

"My baby cousin" Seth replied fondly. "She's my Uncle Shawn's kid"

"She's a fire siren, sneezes out fire like crazy" Ruby added, drinking her coffee.

"She doesn't have much in the way of control yet. So she sets shit on fire a lot...luckily her mate is a water sprite. Jordan is really great st putting out flare-ups" Seth explains "Please don't threaten my mates. Honestly, I'm a hot mess. I doubt they even want to be with me anyway"

"Nonsense" Ruby waved her hand. "Mates are mates always. Do you think I would have gotten with Liv by choice?" Seth chuckled and blushed when Becky smiled at him. " Does anyone know about Ro?" He asked.

Ruby's face fell. "Mom is working on a tracking spell, since you don't remember exactly where Heyman's compound is located. Dad is making her rest before she casts it though so that won't be done until tomorrow, the good this is that Heyman can only do his enslaving curse during the full moon...so we have 6 days to find Ro."

"Fuck" Seth pulled at his hair. "None of this would have happened if I hadn't ran away"

"Stop it" Drew said, gently pulling Seth's hands down.

Drew had sat there quietly listening to the exchange between Seth and his sister, trying to learn more about the odd man the fates had bound him and his firecracker to. From what he'd gathered so far Seth was well-loved by his mismatched pack and had been sorely missed while on his journey of self-discovery.

"Don't beat yourself up. You couldn't have known any of this would happen" Drew says softly, still holding Seth's hands in his larger ones. Seth's brother had been right. Seth did look amazingly...like a slightly smaller version of himself, less so now that part of his hair was platinum blonde.

"He's my big brother" Seth whimpered. "He doesn't even know I'm not mad at him anymore, if Paul's spell works on him, he'll be gone for good" Drew unknowingly wiped away a tear that had trailed down Seth's face.

Becky wrapped her arms around Seth's waist "That isn't going to happen, sweetheart. We are going to get your brother back and Heyman will pay for everything he's done to both of you." She says fiercely. To which Seth nodded but said nothing.

"Forgive me for asking but are you his sister from the witch side or vampire side?" Drew asked Ruby.

"Stephanie and Hunter, can't be around Finn and Violet, my blood is toxic and Bálor hates me" Ruby answered

"I only have one sibling from Finn and Violet and that's Jordan. He's the last of Finn's pre vampiric bloodline. His parents died when he was a baby, and an old woman from his clan brought him to Haven shortly after" Seth tells them.

"Is this the same Jordan that's your cousin's mate?" Becky asked. "Yeah, thought my uncle was gonna kill him, then Finn was gonna kill him" Seth shook his head.

"Haven is completely integrated? " Drew asked, he and Becky hadn't realized just how many different species of Supernatural inhabited the small town.

"Unless they can't be around each other for a physiological reason, yep" Ruby answered "One of our cousins is a sun sprite, and she glows with actual sunlight. So she can't be around Finn and Violet."

"No one gets turned away unless you give our father a reason to" Seth said, "The pack is a family"

[theyreonlynoodlesmike]

Could you write about the boys (separately) reading with S/O. Do they prefer reading or being read to? What is their go to book? What is their favourite part of that book? Do they prefer books from their pasts or more modern books? If they don't like reading, do they bother S/O while they're reading? How?

OH I LOVE THIS ASK. Thank you so much for asking this and I hope you enjoy

The Lost Boys x Reading with their S/O

David

This boy isn’t the biggest reader of the four, but he still reads a decent amount. The boys had seen the development of the “moving picture”, but silent movies were still the only movies available until the 1920s. So, reading was still a big part of their early lives, even when things started to go on screen

David prefers to read, but he doesn’t mind being read to. He just likes to have control, and he likes to dictate how fast you end up going through the book. This way, he also gets to choose when you two stop, and, more often than not, he’ll read you a book that he’s already read. Books that he hasn’t read he’ll read by himself, and he’ll offer to read them to you if he liked them. He likes to have you lay your head on his chest as he reads to you, and he’ll run his fingers through your hair as his eyes scan the page. He knows he has a nice voice, and he definitely uses it to his advantage during these times. If you’re the one that’s reading, he’ll only half-listen. He’ll have you lay against his chest as you hold the book in front of you, sitting up against the cave wall. He’d rather use this time to run his fingers through your hair and kiss your neck, only purposely distracting you just a little bit.

David likes horror books, almost as much as he likes horror movies. His go-to book is Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, only because he’s read it so many times. He likes how descriptive it is, and how the monster is portrayed in the book (He hated the movie so much he almost wanted to burn down the theater he saw it in). He relates far too much to the monsters disdain for his creator, and draws far too many parallels between Frankenstein and his monster with his relationship with Max. His favorite part is when the monster tells of how he’s lived before he confronted Frankenstein, and it reminds him of the life he had before Max had found him and his boys. 

The only way he cannot relate to Frankenstein’s monster is with the loneliness the monster feels. David has always had his brothers, and, now, you. Though, he sees you as similar to the mate that Frankenstein’s monster had always dreamed of, and he smiles when he tells you that once after reading the book to you. You’d given his chest a small hit, reminding him that both the monster and his desired mate were supposed to be hideous. He’d smirked, and pressed a kiss to the top of your head. “We’re not exactly gorgeous when we wear our true faces, sweetheart.” He’d reminded you, and you’d rolled your eyes.

David likes gothic horror, but he’s a bit of a slut for Stephen King. King started releasing his books in the seventies, and David was just happy that more horror books were being written. He hadn’t expected to become such a fan, and he has a small collection of both his books and the movie adaptations. Though, he has varying opinions on all of them

Dwayne

This boy READS. He’s the most well-read of the boys, and, even as movies became more popular over the last century, he still reads more than anything. He’s had to see and sit through various movies because of the other boys, but Dwayne genuine prefers books. He’d rather spend two hours at the cave in his imagination as he scans the pages of whatever book he nabbed from the library than go to whatever movie the others picked. Movies are cool, but he didn’t really start paying attention to them until they were in color

Dwayne has so many books it’s a little insane. They’re stacked around the cave, and the other boys, if they want to read, never really have to go to the library or a store to find a new book to read. All they have to do is pick one from Dwayne’s stacks, and promise that it’ll be returned to it’s proper place. Dwayne has started writing his name inside his copies so none of the other boys can claim that it was actually theirs. He frowns whenever he sees a dog-ear or a ripped page, and he always gives whoever was responsible a death glare

Dwayne has spent so much time reading to himself that he practically melts when you offer to read to him. He’s not much of a talker, so he’s far too willing to cuddle with you on the couch and let you read your latest book to him. After that, he definitely prefers to have you read to him. Sure, he’ll read to you from time to time. Usually, when it’s late at night and you’re far too tired to focus on the pages. But, he’d much rather hear your voice make the authors work come to life. It’s a bit of a coin toss as to who will be read to, because you like to hear his voice as much as he likes to hear yours. Eventually, the two of you decide to take turns

His go-to book is a book that infuriates him. It’s The Trial by Franz Kafka, and the first time he read it he laid face down for nearly an hour. The others had asked him if he was okay, and he’d replied by giving them finger-guns. He proceeded to read the book over and over, trying to make sense of it because there had to be something he was missing. Something that explained the absurdness of the plot. His favorite part is the parable the priest gives him, and he once told it to Paul just to make him as confused as he had been the first time he read it. When you ask him for a book suggestion, he offers that one. A week later you throw your copy at him and yell at him for suggesting it. He laughs and catches it, as he knows exactly what you’re feeling. It’s a book he always suggests, mainly because, as far as he’s concerned, everyone should suffer reading it just as he had. The two of you will rant about it for hours

Dwayne will read anything. He’s not necessarily picky, and he’s read pretty much whatever book he could get his hands on. He can’t necessarily get a library card, so a lot of the books he has have to be found some other way. He doesn’t like to have to steal from the library, and prefers to either buy or steal a book from a bookstore on the boardwalk

Paul

Paul doesn’t read

The boy can’t sit still long enough to actually get into a book, and it wasn’t like movies weren’t already a thing. He quickly had a preference for them instead, though he finds it hard to sit through movies as they become longer and longer. Movies, specifically comedies, only used to be two reels long, which ran for about twenty minutes tops. As movies started hitting the hour and two hour marks, the other boys became accustomed to how much Paul would interrupt them

He will only tolerate books if you read them to him, but even then his attention isn’t guaranteed. He’ll spend the entire time kissing your neck and face, and he’ll try to tug any clothes that you’re wearing off your frame. Eventually, he’ll settle in bed next to you. It may take awhile, but Paul will finally lay down with his head on your chest and close his eyes as he listens to your voice. He’ll even lay still if you pet his hair, and he’ll nuzzle your chest if you begin scratching one of his sweet spots. Sometimes he’ll ask questions or make comments, just like he would if it was a movie. You’ll have to pause to answer them or respond, and there’s a chance he might use the distraction to start a conversation with you. If you’re really determined to keep on reading, he’ll sigh and roll his eyes as he lays his head back on your chest. There have been a few times where he’s fallen asleep, but he tells you it was purely out of boredom. Not because he was actually relaxed or something

Even if you’re reading by yourself, he stills spends a good chunk of time trying to get you to pay attention to him instead. Whether that’s just to talk to you or to get into your pants. He’ll walk around the cave, blasting his music and smoking a joint. When you give him a small glare for the loudness of the music, he’ll return his own bright smile. He’ll flop onto your bed in your nest, shaking the mattress. He’ll poke you and attempt to tickle you, before crawling up to kiss your cheek and neck. Then, before you can swat him away, he’ll flip to lay on his back and stare at you like a playful tomcat

If you tell him to stop, he’ll whine. “It’s not my fault!” He’ll sit up and prop his head up by his elbow. “C’mon, we’re already laying in bed. Why don’t we do something a little bit more...stimulating?” He’ll say with a suggestive lift of his eyebrows. He was using ‘big words’ on purpose, since he was convinced that since you like books that you must think those were sexy or something. You’ll roll your eyes, but he’s not nearly as willing to lay down and relax if you’re the only one hearing the story. He’ll rip the book right out of your hand, ignore your cry of “Hey!”, and will plant his lips on yours. There, that’s much more like it.

He genuinely doesn’t understand your interest in them, but he’ll support it anyways. He’ll knick books from bookstores for you and give them to you as gifts. He smiles whenever you thank him/like whatever he chose, and then tap his cheek for a ‘thank you’ kiss

Marko

Marko doesn’t read that much, but he’s not nearly as bad as Paul. He reads a few short novels here or there, but he was ecstatic when comics became a thing in 1933. He was quick to ditch novels in favor of whatever publication company had come up with that month. By the eighties, he has a collection that any comic book junkie would kill for, and even own a few ‘rare’ copies. He doesn’t let Paul, or either of the others, near them and god forbid the inclemate weather coming inside the cave ruins them

Because of his preference of comic books, neither of you can really read to eachother. Instead, you two will lay on the bed inside your nest, each with your own individual comic to page through. Marko chews on his thumb the entire time that he reads, and the two of you will pause to make comments about whatever you’re reading. Most of your reading material are comics that he’s lent you, and he only lets you touch them because he loves you. He swears that you’re the only one allowed to look through them, but he doesn’t go far enough as letting you take them with you

Due to his preference, he prefers new over old. He wholly believes that comic books have gotten better over time. With everything from the art style, the characters, and just the different writers that have come up over the years. He still reminisces about the golden and silver age, but modern is where it’s at! Of course, the bronze age only just ended in 1984

His favorite comic book series is Watchmen by Alan Moore. He watched the superhero genre grow and develop, so he loved when the writers decided to point out how flawed some of the caped crusaders could be. While also creating some pretty awesome ones of their own. He understands that they’re all caricatures of what’s wrong in society/people, and he lives for the symbolism. The characters, the plot, the dialogue? Marko loved everything about it, especially the ending. The giant squid monster? Epic. Marko geeked when it was revealed who the real villain was, and he wouldn’t stop ranting about it for hours

He’s really upset that the Frog brothers just happen to run the best comic book store on the boardwalk, and he has to be dragged away from the store each night. He still remembers when their parents ran it instead, and he’s been pissed about the “new management” ever since the kids were old enough to sweep floors and run the cash register. Marko may or may not be the reason they were tipped off about vampires, but he swears that it was an accident. He also swore that it wasn’t like they had any proof, so they didn’t need to kill the teens immediately (he just didn’t want the store to get shut down)

If you ever want to get him to read a regular novel, you’re gonna have to read it to him. He’ll take a page out of Pauls book and lay his head on your chest as you read, closing his eyes as he listens to your voice. He’ll actually keep his hands to himself, and will focus on just holding you tightly to him instead. He treasures these moments, especially because he just gets to listen to you for over an hour. When you decide to stop for the night, Marko will whine and beg you to keep going. You’ll giggle and promise to pick it up tomorrow, and he’ll sigh. He can be won over with kisses, and the two of you can have some regular cuddle time instead

[junker-town]

Browns could ace the 2017 NFL draft, if they don't screw it up

It seems almost impossible for Cleveland to mess up this draft with 11 picks, but history hasn’t been kind to the Browns on draft day. They can change that this year.

The Cleveland Browns are in an ideal situation heading into the 2017 NFL draft. All they have to do is not screw it up.

Cleveland has 11 picks this year, including two first-rounders for the fifth time in franchise history. With that many picks, it should be impossible not to come out of the draft with a bright future. But years of bad drafting have left Cleveland fans, and everyone else, skeptical that the Browns can get it right this time.

“Collecting all these draft picks, it’s going to be hard to, in my opinion, screw it up,” said Jeff Simmons, a lifelong Browns fan. “But if any one franchise can do it, it’s the Browns.”

Draft day failures are the reason they haven’t had a winning campaign in nine seasons. Their selection struggles go back even further than that. The Browns have been using the draft to set themselves back since 1999, when the team returned to Cleveland and took quarterback Tim Couch with the first overall pick. Couch never panned out, and he was the first of 26 quarterbacks to start for the Browns over the past 18 seasons.

That’s just scratching the surface.

The Browns’ sad draft history

Their other misfires include, but aren’t limited to:

Remember Brady Quinn? The Browns traded up to select him in the first round of the 2007 draft, and it cost Cleveland its first-round pick the next year. He started 12 games for them, going 3-9, before Cleveland gave up on Quinn and traded him to the Denver Broncos.

The Browns could have had Julio Jones. Instead, they traded with the Atlanta Falcons and got five picks. On paper, that sounds like a great deal, but Cleveland used those picks to draft Trent Richardson, Brandon Weeden, Phil Taylor, Greg Little, and Owen Marecic.

There are only two players from the first round of the 2014 draft who are no longer in the NFL; the Browns drafted them both. Justin Gilbert played just 23 games for the Browns. Johnny Manziel washed out of the NFL after eight starts.

In fact, the Browns had six first-round picks from 2011-14. None of those players are with the team anymore.

This year is the Browns’ chance to finally leave those draft nightmares in the past and start working toward turning around years of futility in the draft.

Are there signs that this won’t be a typical Browns draft?

The approach Cleveland has taken this offseason has been different, and it all started last year with the hire of new chief strategy officer Paul DePodesta.

If you saw the movie Moneyball (or even better, read the book), you may recognize DePodesta’s name. He was Billy Beane’s assistant when Beane was the Oakland Athletics’ general manager. He used his Harvard education to help Beane perfect the revolutionary approach the A’s utilized to change the team’s fortunes.

Beane and DePodesta successfully built the A’s roster with a limited payroll by using advanced statistics to find market inefficiencies and underrated, cheaper talent. They were also willing to move on from any player whose performance justified a greater salary than the team was willing to pay.

We’ve already seen shades of a shift toward this in Cleveland. After DePodesta was hired, the Browns started making moves to stockpile picks for the next two seasons.

Before the 2016 draft, the Browns passed up on the opportunity to draft a potential franchise quarterback. Instead, they worked out a deal to send the No. 2 overall pick to Philadelphia. The Eagles got Carson Wentz, and the Browns moved back to No. 8 and grabbed three additional picks from Philadelphia, including a 2016 first-rounder.

“I think this is a trade when you probably look back at it that will work out for both teams,” Browns general manager Sashi Brown said this year at the combine. “It allowed us to be in the position today where we have two 1s, two 2s, and had two 3s as well. So we do like the trade for our side, and I think time will tell how all these guys that came out of that trade will develop.”

And the Browns weren’t done. A trade with the Tennessee Titans let Tennessee move up to No. 8, giving Cleveland two more picks.

We’ve seen more of the new approach this offseason, when the Browns pulled off an NBA-style trade with the Houston Texans to acquire quarterback Brock Osweiler and his $16 million cap hit. The Browns got a 2018 second-round pick for their troubles. Now Cleveland has 22 picks over the next two years to add talent.

The Browns need a total rebuild, and for a team that hasn’t had a winning season since 2007, getting talent through the draft is the only way to climb out of that hole and build something sustainable. DePodesta said that having as many picks as possible can only help their cause.

“How are we going to increase our chances? We need to have more picks. So, if we have the same number of picks every year as everyone else, we don’t expect do better than anyone else,” DePodesta said, via The MMQB.

Which current players can the Browns build around through the draft?

Cleveland got off to a good start this offseason by shoring up the offensive line, which surrendered an NFL-high 66 sacks and 140 quarterback hits last year. The Browns signed former Green Bay Packers center J.C. Tretter and paid a boatload of money to right guard Kevin Zeitler. They extended left guard Joe Bitonio, and with perpetual All-Pro Joe Thomas anchoring the left tackle spot, the remade line is solid.

Although the Browns’ offensive line didn’t give him much help last season, Isaiah Crowell rushed for nearly 1,000 yards. Just imagine what he should be able to do behind the improved line.

And the impact of the rebuilt line doesn’t stop there. If the Browns draft a quarterback to develop into the franchise signal caller the team has needed since 1999, he’ll have a solid line to play behind. That, coupled with Crowell’s production, should ease a young player’s transition to the NFL.

Corey Coleman, last year’s first-round pick, has the potential to become the Browns’ top wideout this season. Last year’s quarterback woes and injuries kept him from contributing much in his rookie year.

On defense, the Browns acquired outside linebacker Jamie Collins from the New England Patriots via trade last season. Collins only played in eight games, but finished 2016 third on the team for tackles and added two sacks. The Browns signed him to an extension this offseason, locking him up for the next four years. He could have an even bigger impact on the defensive side if the Browns can add an edge rusher to complement him.

Who do the Browns need to draft?

Take Myles Garrett with the first overall pick. Garrett is a game changer, and could single-handedly overhaul Cleveland’s pass rush, which ended last season with the second-fewest sacks in the league. Garrett had 24 sacks over his first two years at Texas A&M. He was injured last season, but still managed to notch 8.5 sacks. He’s got rare explosion and athleticism, and teams don’t often get the opportunity to draft this caliber of player. Do not pass on him.

Draft a quarterback, but don’t reach for one. So in other words, do not draft Mitchell Trubisky first overall. This isn’t the strongest quarterback class, and if the Browns are not in love with any of these guys, they should wait. This is a lesson they should have learned after Couch. And Quinn. And Weeden. And Manziel. If need be, the Browns could just give Cody Kessler a shot next season while the quarterback of the future develops. Kessler showed potential last year when healthy.

Get some secondary help. The Browns ranked 21st in the league last year against the pass, but Pro Football Focus ranked Cleveland’s secondary 28th in the league for 2016. It’s a deep class for cornerbacks and safeties. Improved pass coverage should help the front seven get pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Find offensive playmakers. After letting Terrelle Pryor go in free agency, the Browns lack dynamic playmakers who are dangerous with the ball in their hands. They could go with someone like tight end O.J. Howard, who is a versatile playmaker, with the 12th overall pick. If they want to wait until later in the draft, someone like wide receiver ArDarius Stewart out of Alabama may be a good choice in the third round.

Add a lineman, but not until Day 3. Right tackle is really the only question after bolstering their line during the offseason. The Browns could still bring back Austin Pasztor, and they have Cam Erving and Shon Coleman on the roster to compete for the job. This isn’t the best draft class for tackles, but Cleveland should consider a developmental prospect, like Florida’s David Sharpe, who should be available in the fourth round.

But the most important thing the Browns have to do is use each pick wisely.

“We don’t get any points or win any games for having the most picks,” DePodesta said. “We need to turn that into talent.”

Can the Browns turn things around in one offseason?

After a 1-15 finish in 2016, it’s easy to look at the Browns and say there’s nowhere for the team to go but up. However, it’s hard for fans to give Cleveland the benefit of the doubt.

“I think every year there’s less and less confidence that they’re going to do something that will actually turn the franchise around,” Ryan Born, a Browns fan from Springfield, Ohio, said. “You look at how many first-round draft picks they’ve had since 1999, you look at how many No. 1 overall picks they’ve had. How many quarterbacks can you possibly draft in the first round that never pan out?

“I think we’ve just gotten used to the fact that they don’t get it right, and I don’t know — it’s hard to have that hope anymore.”

DePodesta knows that he and his colleagues have their work cut out for them.

“[Rebuilding a team] is like redoing a house — you need to rip down all the walls and get it down to the studs,” DePodesta told MMQB. “When you do that, you look at it and go, ‘wow this looks terrible.’ We never want to go through this again and I think that is our attitude.”

The Oakland Raiders were in a similar situation a few years ago, without the luxury of loads of cap space, which the Browns do have. They had a long string of losing seasons, a revolving door at quarterback, and a defense that couldn’t stop many teams. Now they’re coming off their first playoff appearance in 14 years, and it all started with the draft. Since 2012, Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie has made a habit of trading back to acquire more picks, and made some franchise-changing decisions in the draft.

The Raiders took Khalil Mack fifth overall in the 2014 draft, and he was last season’s Defensive Player of the Year and has already been named a first-team All-Pro twice in his three-year career. Quarterback Derek Carr was a second-rounder in 2014, and was an MVP candidate throughout last year until a fractured fibula in Week 16 cut his season short.

There might not be a Carr waiting for the Browns this year, but they can bounce back if they approach each pick like it’s their only pick. Eleven solid picks would help start a turnaround in Cleveland. A couple of wasted ones, and it’s just another year of the same old Browns.

If that happens, there’s only one thing left for Browns fans to do.

“Drink,” Simmons said. “It’s the Browns. That’s a very real possibility that they might not get it right.”