#which is not the first time thats happened and definitely not the last but aaahhhh

[papermachedragons]

Oh man oh man oh man I have draft chapters of my current fic I need to work on to upload to ao3 but I picked up a 400+k word fic and I CANNOT put it down this fic is insane and intense and I am Hooked

[nightwitchwriter]

New Chapter

Other chapter that was also suppose to be in November.

Will’s POV

“Will! Will! Will! Will!”

My sister kept chanting my name while I stayed under the covers. When I finally had enough, I pushed her off the bed.

“What?”

She quickly got up off the floor.

“Two things. First, school. Time to wake up.”

“Fine. What’s the second thing?”

“Happy Birthday.” and quickly ran out of my room.

As she did, thats when my brain decided to finally wake up.

Today’s my birthday.

I’m officially 17 now!

This is my last year as a marriageable teen! Woohoo!

For those of you who don’t know, let me explain. A marriageable teen is a teenager from 15-17 years old. In Arcanos, that means they are eligible for marriage, but need their parent’s permission. While it may sound old-fashioned, think of it as a trial run for getting married. Anyway, I’ll continue this later. I don’t want to keep my own birthday waiting on me.

Dressed in an oversize turtleneck cardigan, long skirt, leggings and boots for the cold weather, I am ready for the day. I already sent out invitations to my friends and family for my party later tonight, since it's on a Friday. I grinned to myself. I’m so lucky that my birthday’s on a weekend. Among those with invitations, includes Maddy. This is my first time Maddy will come to my birthday party, especially in Arcanos. Hell, this’ll be the first time she’ll meet my friends and family from Arcanos. I’m so excited. And you guys are wondering, why not Halloween, then no. None of my other friends were able to come on Halloween, and also yes! I do have friends besides Maddy!

The school went by pretty much normal. Not many people know that’s it's my birthday, except for a few.

“Happy Birthday Will!”

Maddy hugged me from behind, to which I returned.

“Thanks, Maddy. Are you excited for my party tonight?”

“Uh-huh. Thanks for the invite. I can’t wait to meet your friends on the other side.” she sang

“Don’t make it weird! They’re not like that, I assure you! Oof!”

I looked up to see the last person I wanted to see today.

Nick. Shit.

It’s been a while since Halloween, and after him seeing me like that. That's why I’ve been avoiding him. Too embarrassing. Too awkward. And definitely not worth the conversation. His group of friends were standing nearby, watching us. I quickly grabbed Maddy’s hand and led her to our lockers before he could say anything.

“W-Will? What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing. Let’s just get this day over with.”

I could feel Nick’s stare as I walk away. But after an experience like that, I already know that not many people like him would want to be around people like me.

“Hey Will? Can we talk?”

I instantly froze up when I heard a boy talking to me. Usually they tend to avoid me. I thought it was Nick, but I saw that it was one of his friends. Dylan, I think thats what his name is. I looked at him strangely.

“What do you want?” I asked in my typical annoyed voice

“Relax, Elphaba. I’m not accusing you of anything. Yet. I just want to talk.” he claimed, holding up his hands in surrender.

“About what? In case you haven’t noticed, I’m late for class.”

“Fine, then I’ll be quick. Do you know what happened to Nick? He’s been acting weird since Halloween.”

I hesitated in answering. It’s not like I can’t tell him what happened. He wouldn’t believe me anyway.

“You didn’t-” he started

“No. I didn’t do anything to him. I didn’t steal his soul or anything.” I replied sarcastically. I couldn’t do that even if I wanted to.

“Then why-”

“I DON”T KNOW!” I yelled in frustration. I realized my mistake, when we both looked at each other shocked. I quickly took a deep breath to calm myself. “I don’t, know. You’ll have to ask him yourself.”

I shut my locker and walked away. As I did, I could feel him glaring at me, so maybe a little scare might shake him up off his high horse and give me something to smile about.

“One more thing. Next time you and Nick make a bet, make one that isn’t so cliche?”

“What bet? “Oh, the one you guys betted that if I fell in love with Nick by the end of the year, you give him your motorcycle and for him, his flashy-ass car.”

Dylan looked at me in fearful shock.

“How- how do you-”

“Don’t worry. Nick didn’t tell me. He doesn’t know that I know either. I’ll let you guys off, since I’m not interested in getting into either of your pants, but…”

This time glared at him, harshly. “If you idiots make a bet like this again, and I hear you break that unfortunate girl’s heart, you two will have more of a reason to be scared of me.” I threatened. “Got it?”

He shrank back and nodded. I glared at him again, before walking away. Again, I felt his stare on me, that I ignore. Like I said before, its not like I can’t tell him. He just wouldn’t believe me. Not answering just makes everything easier.

The day continued as normal until…. PARTY TIME!

All my friends and family were back at my house celebrating. Well, most of them. My family from my mom’s side, are still in Ireland, which is too far for teleportation spells. But they sent plenty of gifts. My dad’s family, remember the Italians, came by from NYC earlier. We had a small party, which was fun, but left once the rush hour for leaving NYC for work was over.

Now I’m just waiting for Maddy, so that I can introduce her to my friends. Both Arcanic and coven. My coven has five members, including me.

“So, when’s your friend coming?” asked Max

This is Maxine Murrell. She’s one of my coven members who lives in Maine, and she’s a sea witch. Her father works as a fisherman, while her mother is also a sea witch. And makes the BEST fricking lobster rolls ever! I’m not kidding. Just her bringing those, I consider those my birthday presents.

“She should be here soon.” I answered  

“She’s blind. She probably needs a guide to get here.” spoke Dalila

“If you guys don’t remember, this is Dalila Mau. If you don’t recognize her, she is my friend from earlier. She’s in her human form. Oh, I forgot to tell you, she’s a bakeneko. You can tell now with her ears and tails are out. You can also tell by her eyes.

“She does not. She’ll be fine.” I defended

Just then, the doorbell rang.

“That must be her!”

I eagerly bounced out of my chair and bounded towards the side door entrance.

“Jeez Will. From the look of it, you're making it sound like it's her birthday party, not yours.”

“I’m just excited. One of my “normal” friends, meeting my coven and Arcanic friends. Hehe! This is going to be-”

When I opened the door, my face instantly went from happiness to fearful shock. For behind the door, was not only Maddy, but Nick as well.

“Hi Will! Happy Birthday!” greeted Maddy, the traitor.

She dared to say that while standing behind is the last person I wanted to see, much less invite him to my birthday party. How’d he even know it was today?

“Are you going to let me in?” asked Maddy

Note that she said me, not us.

“Uhhh… sure.”

I moved out of the way so that she could enter my house, but Nick stayed where he was. Here comes the awkward moment.

“Hey…” I started

“Hey…” he returned. “I… heard it was your birthday today. I got you a present. Is that alright?”

“Yeah, sure. Come on in.”

Just as he was about to walk in, I stopped him.

“Just so you know, Antonio’s here.” I warned him

“It’s ok.” he replied, “I think we, buried the hatchet, so to speak.”

“Alright.”

Nick followed me inside, then I closed the door behind him. I saw him shudder and a sliver of fear in his eyes since I didn’t move to close the door.

“Ready to be introduced?” I asked

“Gimme a sec.” He took a deep breath and nodded.

“Ready as I’ll ever be.”

“Everyone! This is Madeline. If you want to be her friend, call her Maddy.” I announced to my friends.

Everyone turned in our direction, and from the corner of my eye, I could see Nick’s eyes widening in full shock of my friends appearances.

“Nice to meet you Maddy. I’m Alice.”

This is Alice Birgitta. She lives all the way in Alaska with her aunt, both who are more traditional witches than me. Alice is a divination witch, which you should already know, means that she can predict the future. She also studies astrology and astronomy, but lets just saw she’s… isolated from the rest of us.

“And who’s this hunk of flesh?” teased Charlie, as she looked over Nick, with hungry eyes. “Your boyfriend?”

Charlotte “Charlie” Delvaux is a witch from Louisiana, deep in the bayou. She practices Voodoo along with a few others here. That’s right. Voodoo. She’s a hereditary witch, like me.

“No! You already have a boyfriend!” I rejected 

 She accidentally turning her boyfriend into a zombie. Well, partly. He’s not dead. It’s illegal, but she didn’t even know how she did it, so she’s not in too much trouble.

“You all do!”

“We know!” They laughed. 

I rolled my eyes and continued introductions.

Dalia, who introduced herself in her human and cat form, which Nick immediately recognized as the cat who’s been stalking him since the Mabon incident. I guess she started doing when I told her and been following him around everywhere, from home, school, even in random places, just staring at him. She found it funny seeing him so scared and creeping him out. Nick didn’t see it as funny, but I sure as hell did. What? I didn’t say she could stop.

Next set of friends. First, Buo Kuo Cheng, my friend from Chinatown. She’s from Arcanos and its NYC Chinatown’s version of it. She’s not a witch, but a skilled martial artist. More on her later. LaFaye Mieux, Martin Aubin and Kwumane Gautier are childhood friends, who also practice Voodoo. Next is…

“AAAHHHH!!!” screamed Nick as he practically jumped away from another friend of mine.

“The heck’s the matter with you?” I asked

“What’s wrong?” asked Maddy

“What do you mean what’s wrong? Your friend is missing a head!” Nick pointed out. I realized that he was talking about Brendan. He’s a dullahan.

“It’s not missing! It’s in his hands! He’s holding it in his hands!” I explained

“That doesn’t make it better!”

I had to drag his scared ass over to Brendan to introduce him, ignoring his protests. After that freak out, he managed to hold it in with my other friends, again ignoring his fearful stiffness.

An hour after introductions, everyone was starting to have fun. Especially Maddy. I’m glad, since she doesn’t have too many friends at school, because of me. I don’t even know if she even has friends outside of school. I tried asking her about it, but she managed to dodged the question. I know that she can take care of herself, but I don’t want her to be isolated and befriended just because she’s blind.

I noticed Nick wasn’t here. I looked and saw him on the balcony. I think I might have pushed it with the teasing. He really looked shaken by my friend's appearances. I excused myself and made my way towards Nick. I grabbed two sodas and opened the balcony door. Seeing that he wasn’t paying attention, I put the soda against his cheek.

“WAH!”

He turned around and saw me holding out a can of SS.

“Here. Thirsty?”

“Who drinks ice cold soda outside in November?” he asked, but still took the can.

“Trust me you’ll like it.”

Cautious, he opened the can and drank it. When he finished, he burped out a small flame. 

“Woah.”

“Hm, impressed?” I asked “It’s called Spicy Soda.”

“Huh…”

Then silence. 

“So…”

Oh no. This is what I wanted to avoid. The awkward silence. The uncertainty. Ugh… Someone shoot me.

“Your friends' looks could put an experienced cosplayer to shame.”

I was surprised by his words.

I chuckled. “Well, they were born like that.”

I decided to take the chance. 

“Everyone else was like that at the Halloween party. Why didn’t you freak out then?”

“Well, I just thought they were really into Halloween or using Illusion magic. That is a thing right?”

“Yes, it is.” 

“Oh.”

Another awkward silent moment.

“Hey, Wil?”

“Hm?”

“Are… you ok? About what happened in the Underworld?”

And here I thought I was going to have start that conversation. I didn’t say anything.

“I didn’t tell anyone about what happened. I doubted they would have believed me. Especially with you crying and being scared, in something we thought you might be interested in.”

I continued to stay silent.

“I… heard that you went through something similar when you were younger.”

Dammit Antonio! I knew Nick would hear about it eventually, but seriously! I was going to explain my sob story! 

“Is that true?”

I sighed. “Yeah. It happened when I was six. I accidentally got seperated from my parents, and found who I thought was my dad. It was an imp in disguise. He pulled off his trick and left me there for a couple of hours in the dark. It was really scary. My fear and sadness ended up attracting ghosts, which made it worse. They’re attracted to strong emotions. Anyway, Antonio was the one who found me, along with his friends after getting lost. He took me back to my parents after that.”

“Ah.”

The final awkward silent moment, before…

“Did you wet your pants?”

“Wha-”

The nerve of this guy! I nearly fell over.

“Seriously? Of all the things you could have asked, you picked that question?”

“Well… Did you?”

“Of course I did! I was six!” That’s when I realized my mistake.

“Ha! Wait until I tell everyone that you wet your pants when you were six. Personally from you, is I may add.” He grinned.

That bastard.

“Oh, then maybe I’ll tell people about that little bet, you and Dylan made about me?”

“What bet?”

“Oh, the one where you idiots betted that I’ll end up crushing on you by the end of the year. Don’t bother denying it. The look on Dylan’s face when I told him was enough to confirm it.”

The shocked look on his face, confirmed it as well. I grinned mischievously.

“Why don’t we make our own bet?” I suggested

“We already have a blood contract. Now you want me to make a bet with you?”

“It’ll be fine. We can actually continue the bet you have now.”

“What do you mean?”

“Like this, I win if I don’t end up crushing on you by the end of the year. Then I’ll use you as my guinea pig.” I said with a smirk

“And if I win?” he asked nervously

“Then I’ll grant you any wish you desire.”

“Any wish?”

“Any wish within my capabilities, which means, not much.”

“You sure you aren’t just being cheap?”

“Any wish! Take it or leave it!”

Nick hesitated for a moment, which I thought he was going to say no. But then he gave me his infamous grins that could make almost any girl blush.

“Sure, why not. I think I know what I want for my wish already.” he answered

“Good.”

I held out my hand to make the gambit spell, but he withheld his.

“There’s no blood this time, is there?”

“Just give me your hand.”

I grabbed his hand, and chanted.

“A bet is a bet,

The timer’s set.

Seven months is the limit,

From the hour to the minute.”

A small pinkish glow appeared and wrapped around our wrists. It then formed into a black band with a timer on the wrist. Since it was a simple spell, there was no need for any elaborations.

“There.” I let go of his hand.

Nick stared at his wrist before asking.

“So, we’re good?”

I looked at him, confused for a second before I understood what he meant. I smiled and sighed. I was sitting on the balcony’s railing while we were making our bet. I leaned back, letting myself fall back. Nick missed catching me, and when he looked down over the railing, I was sitting on my broom, grinning at him.

“Yep. We’re good.” I laughed