#why is this thing a fairy-type?? yeah go figure i don't know either

[front-facing-pokemon]

[chronicbeans]

Welcome Home Fae AU x Human Reader (Prologue? Concept?)

While trying to figure out what type of fae folk the other neighbors would be, I kinda came up with this idea if how an x Reader fic might start out. It only really has Wally and the Reader interact, since he is the only fae character I have made, and Eddie is stuck in the Fairy Realm. I just wanted to write it down before I lost it in all my other thoughts. As always, feedback is welcome and appreciated! OwO

TW: Small Mention of Threatened Harm

You watch your father cradle the small baby in his arms, which, in all the years that it has spent in your family, has never grown at all. How many years has it been? Fifteen? Twenty? It doesn't matter exactly. It disturbs and saddens you that this baby, who was acquired before you were even born, has not grown an inch, while you are now an adult.

Your father sighs, rocking in his rocking chair. His hair is a mess and his shirt covered in dirt. "It will be okay, little fella," he says, letting the small babe in his arms grab onto his finger "the wet nurse should be here, soon. Mom may have left, but we can still feed you once the nurse arrives. Isn't that right, (Y/N)?" You weakly smile, nodding "Yeah. She should be here in a couple of minutes. Let me light some candles to warm you up, Liam. I know you don't like fire, so the candles will be a bit better than the fireplace." You hurry over, lighting a few candles as your father mutters a soft "Thank you, sweetie. That would be lovely."

Once you return with the candles, you set them down on the table near your father's rocking chair. He hums, seemingly trying to soothe the now crying baby in his arms. Then, he looks over to you as he asks "Did I ever tell you why I never leave Liam alone?" You nod in response "People want to hurt him, right? They want to hurt him because he never grows." "Yes... but there is more. You see-" the front door to your little cottage resounds as the nurse knocks on it. "I will tell you later. Would you be a dear and go pick some berries from the forest? Some mushrooms, too. I will make us some dinner to eat while we talk."

With that, you take your daily stroll through the woods. Your cartage is close to Faeshire, but not so close as to be able to see the village. There is no path to and from the village from your cottage, either. Your father explained it as a way to protect Liam from the people who wish to hurt him. He even said that it was why he left his mother. She wanted to hurt him, too. The only situation you have heard about that is similar to Liam's is... well, fae folk got involved somehow and messed things up. Despite this, it is clear that your father loves Liam very much, despite his oddities. Who wouldn't? Liam is so sweet and has done nothing wrong...

You are so lost in though, you didn't realize that you were also physically lost in the woods. You look left and right, unable to spot your cottage or Faeshire. You do, however, see a berry bush nearby, deciding that you might as well check them out. They... LOOK edible, but you have never seen them before. Neither have you seen the oddly colored mushroom ring a few feet from the bush, or the singular apple tree a few feet further. Stepping closer the the strange ring, you instantly recognize it as a fairy ring. Blues, reds, yellows and even purples and greens all dust the mushroom tops. You stand a few feet away from the fairy ring, knowing full well that it acts as a transport to the Fairy Realm.

A rustle in the apple tree catches your attention. You look up, expecting to see a squirrel getting ready for winter. It is late autumn, after all. Instead, you see a pair of dark eyes peering through the leaves, as well as a few specks of yellow and blue peeking through. Letting out a yelp, you step back a few paces, causing a snicker to emit from whatever is in the tree. "Hello, human!" A monotone voice says, followed by a few more rustles as the creature climbs down the tree to a lower branch.

Within moments, you finally get to see what it is. A man... no... thing is sitting on a branch. Its yellow skin contrasts its blue hair, which has a few tree branches seemingly tangled or growing alongside it, neatly styled alongside the hair itself. The large, dark eyes stare you down as it grins, a set of pearly white teeth seeming out of place for this clearly inhuman creature. You point to it, your hand shaking as you ask "You are a fae, right? What are you" "Wally Darling, dear human! Do not be afraid. I'm a simple dryad. A kindly dryad. Much better than a pixie or a troll."

You relax slightly. Yes... The dryad are naturally kind, as long as you do not harm the trees. You haven't done so, so this dryad should be kind to you, right? Might as well shoot your shot and see if it can point you in the direction of home, or to Faeshire. Either one is good. "Okay... I am so sorry for asking, Wally, but... Can you help me home? I live in a cottage not far from Faeshire. I lost my way while searching for berries and mushrooms for my father. I am not asking for much more than a simple point of the finger towards either place." He leans back in the tree, resting his back against the bark of the trunk as his legs lie along a large branch. "Hmmm... That should be easy. Too easy. There is something else on your mind, I can tell. A little-big brother, perhaps?" Your eyes widen. How does he know?

He then chuckles as your expression, pointing to you "Here's a little deal for you, human! I know that you want help with his situation. I'll point you in the direction of your cottage, like you asked so kindly for. Once you get home, I'll give you... let's say three days to bring your little-big brother to me. After that, we shall make another deal that gives me something proper in return. The first two days should be spent getting both yourself and your brother prepared for the cold. Then, on the third, simply walk in a straight line through the woods, and I shall put you on course to this exact location. Got it?"

You stand as still as stone, staring up at him. This deal is a bad idea, you know for sure. Deals between humans and fae almost always go wrong. In fact, you are pretty sure they never go right for the human, which... well, you are the human in this deal. The sky is growing darker, though, and the cold is slowly seeping through your cloak to the very marrow of your bones. You didn't dress for the weather, due to only expecting to be out for an hour or so. Soon enough, when the sky goes pitch black with night, the air will freeze you as you wander blindly through the forest. Not only that, but this dryad seems determined to make a deal. Yes, the dryad's are naturally kind to good humans... but what if this one doesn't see you as kind? It may use whatever powers it has to make you even more lost if you don't agree.

"Okay... I agree." It grins, with a smile as wide and sly as a cheshire cat. "Good human. Now, let me see... Over there is the best path. It has the most edible berries and mushrooms, and will lead you straight to your cottage." It points somewhere behind you. As you take a few steps in the direction it pointed in, the dryad calls out "I'll be sure to keep you safe on your way." Then, you hear it scuttle back up its tree.

It was right, as within a mere minute, you have mysteriously arrived home, your basket full of berries and mushrooms and your father holding you tightly. "Never go missing like that again, (Y/N)! I was worried someone might have hurt you, or worse..." "Don't worry, dad. I was just a bit lost. On the bright side, I have brought us a lot of berries and mushrooms for dinner. I don't know what you would make with these... but whatever you make is fine."

You look down into your basket to count how many mushrooms you got, only to be surprised by an odd fruit in the basket. Picking it up, you see a nice, ripe, red delicious apple has somehow found its way into your basket.

[asirensrage]

Bish you made me lose my Discord bet, 10 dollars he didn't make it

This is why no one likes you.

How fucked up do you need to be to apparently not only wish someone's dog was dead, but joke about making bets on it too?

You know, I was fine minding my own business and working on my own fics and art, giving you a crumb or two as you claw at my skirt in my inbox for me to turn my gaze to you. But you're so desperate for my attention, for any attention really, that you always have to try to have the last word and you push buttons that should be left alone because you're not getting the reaction you want. We do this every time and you never learn.

This doesn't work the way you think it will. You're frantically pushing the shock button and continuously ending up surprised when you get electricity instead of the result you think you deserve despite all the warning signs in place.

If you put an ounce of the effort you gave sending copy and pasted anon messages to at least 16 people (based on my notifications because I'm tagged in every ask you sent), in your own work or even in actual positive interaction with other people, you wouldn't be festering in the jealousy you so clearly seem to be suffering from. Your bitch ass whining is old. It's been old since years ago when you started this hate spree against one person and turned towards me after I kept pointing out the fallacies in all of your claims. And since you continue to have no proof, you avoid offering it by either changing the subject or resorting to name-calling like a six-year-old.

Then again, all the children I know actually learn from their mistakes and move on. You don't.

You whine and complain and instead of actually doing anything about it, instead of finding people who enjoy the same things you do and creating your own community (big or small) or spending your efforts on your own creations, you lash out at people who either refuse to give you the time of day or the attention you desperately crave.

Grow the fuck up. It's time to get offline, babes, and go wander into a bog. Maybe the fairies will spit you back out again the moment you open your mouth, but by then time will have passed in the mortal realm and hopefully, therapy will be free and mandatory because you clearly need it if your idea of a good time is trying to force people out of online spaces for the sheer fact that you don't like them. No one gives a shit, anon.

If this is how you act as an anonymous figure, then yeah, I can understand why you crave any type of interaction because your lonesome ass must be struggling for some kind of connection. This isn't it though. You can do better.

In the meantime, leave people alone and go fuck yourself.

[aylacavebear]

Stockroom Antics - Chapter 23

Maria had changed jobs numerous times over the last five years, more to keep herself safe than anything else. Her mother had told her she was a fairy but she thought it was just her mom being weird. Honestly, though, she had no other way of explaining what had happened to her that stormy day before she'd gone into a coma for two weeks.

Please don't take my work. I'll post warnings for each chapter. Will probably be 18+ I haven't decided yet!

Word Count: 2295

Pairing eventually Dean Winchester x OC

Warnings: Angst, Self-deprecating thoughts, Insecurities, Depression. (Please, if you suffer from these things, seek someone trustworthy to talk to. You really aren't alone.)

A/N: This one's written a little differently than my last one. Let me know what you think. It's the first time I've tried this type of writing. Chapters will alternate viewpoints as well. I also looked into an actual area so this one could feel more realistic. This one is taking on a life of it's own in a turn I hadn't anticipated, so adding a new tag.

----------------------------------------- Stockroom Antics Chapter 23

You looked around the bunker for at least half an hour before finally checking the garage. The Impala was gone, and you figured that meant they’d left and taken Bubbles with them—or that was what you were hoping for. After grabbing your cell off your nightstand, you called Dean but were surprised when Sam answered.

“Hello?” Sam asked, sounding confused.

“It’s Maria. I’m uh, I’m at the bunker. Where are you guys? Is Bubbles okay? Is she with you?” you asked him, leaning against the library table.

“Who is it?” you heard Dean practically growl in the background, making you roll your eyes with annoyance.

“It’s Maria. She’s at the bunker,” Sam told him, then began answering your questions, “Bubbles is with us. We’ll be back in a couple hours.”

“Is she alone?” you heard Dean in the background again. He sounded pissed, and you figured it was somehow because of you. Then you heard the screeching of tires.

“Yeah, I’m alone,” you answered Dean’s question, sitting down in the chair closest to you.

“I’m gonna put you on speaker,” Sam told you and did just that.

“What happened? Are you okay? Did that witch do anything to you?” Dean asked you quickly. To you, he sounded as though he was pissed. 

“Slow down. All she did was talk to me. I’m fine,” you said, trying to control your emotions. The things Rowena and Crowley had said were still jumbled in your mind. Plus, there were the things the brothers had said. And all of it was conflicting at the moment.

“What did she want?” Sam asked in a much softer tone. 

At least Sam seemed not to be mad at you, “She just wanted to talk,” you answered.

“What did she want to talk about?” Sam asked, and you felt the burn of tears in your eyes. 

You took several slow, deep breaths, forcing the tears to go away. You really didn’t want to cry while on the phone with either of them, “She said she could do the spell to awaken my powers.”

“What did she want from you?” Dean asked, and he still sounded angry. Why did you feel like it was your fault every time he sounded angry?

“Just a vile of my blood,” you answered as if it was no big thing. You hadn’t understood at the time just how dangerous that really was.

“Please tell me you didn’t agree to that,” Sam said, almost sounding worried.

“No. I told her I wanted to think it over first,” you replied, slightly annoyed. Part of you felt like they were treating you like a child like you couldn’t think for yourself and would just agree to anything without thinking first.

“Look, Sweetheart. We’re not trying to tell you what to do, but that is the last woman you want to give your blood to,” Dean said to you. 

Something about his tone got on your last nerve. You did well, though. You didn’t completely go off on him, but you did give him a mild piece of your mind. 

“I just called to tell you I was back and I’m fine and to find out where you all went. I’m gonna get something to eat and head to bed. Since it seems that you require to know my whereabouts now,” you said flatly, then hung up the phone.

At least you were alone in the bunker, and you yelled in utter frustration. Then, you went to the gym, locating the punching bag. You desperately needed to hit something, and at the moment, you wanted to hit Dean. So, you just pictured his face on the punching bag, letting it all out, hit after hit after hit. You’d never had something to hit before when you were angry, and this was helping far more than you ever thought it would. Then, though, as your body began to get exhausted, the tears slowly streamed down your cheeks.

Out of habit, you ran to your room. It was a long-embedded thing from childhood; if you were emotional, you did it alone in your room. For a while, you were curled in a ball, lying down crying, then sitting up and hugging your legs, your face buried in your knees, crying more. Everything hit you again.

You’d always been independent, taking care of yourself whenever you could. You hated feeling like a burden to anyone or that someone else had to take care of you. Now you felt like more than that, being at the bunker with the brothers. Then there were the things Rowena and Crowley had said about them. Everything felt so confusing, and you weren’t sure what or who to believe about any of it. Would the brothers really do anything for each other and let someone die to save one of them? 

The tears wouldn’t stop. Sometimes, they were slow; other times, they were hard, making your whole body shake as you sobbed. Now, there was this entire soulmate ordeal, and it was supposedly one of the three men you’d recently met. You still were having a hard time believing it was even possible that there was someone out there for you. Any normal person would have found you to be some kind of freak. At least, that was what you figured.

No matter what Astaria or her partner had said, you were still having a hard time thinking about it. The things they had both said about soulmates and how happy the two of them seemed to be only made you cry more. You had figured you’d never have something like that, and attempting even to consider it now only hurt more.

When you felt Bubbles nudge your arm as well as the bed dip, you didn’t even look up. You knew who was there. You didn’t want to see anyone or have anyone see you, even telling them to go away, but at this point, there wasn’t anything you could do about that. You figured they wouldn’t, although you partially couldn’t understand why. You were a mess. Even the touch of his hand on your arm through your flannel made you feel like crying again. It was soft, gentle, welcoming, and all you wanted to do was crawl into his arms and bawl your eyes out. 

After the two of them left, Bubbles stayed with you. Since your anger was gone at this point, you were a little more receptive than usual. Bubbles again nudged your hand, and you looked at her with sadness in your eyes.

“If you like Dean so much better, you could just go hang out with him,” you mumbled sadly to her.

The look of compassion in Bubbles’ eyes made you want to cry again.

Don’t cry.

You furrowed your brow in confusion, hearing those words in your mind. The voice was comforting, and you felt concern as well.

You’re not alone.

“I’m scared,” you whispered, feeling fresh tears.

Bubbles seemed to smile a little up at you. Trusting someone is scary. They’re nice, safe. Rowena is evil. Don’t trust her.

You shifted your position, crossing your legs, as you attempted to fully comprehend what was happening at this moment. This was the most she’d ever communicated with you. More questions flooded your mind, and you had difficulty figuring out where to start.

She tilted her head at you, like she was debating something. Talk to Astaria again. She can help you understand. Your soulmate is important. You need to let him get close to you.

You rolled your eyes, “I don’t even know where to start to believe that’s possible,” you grumbled.

It looked like she rolled her eyes at you, and you couldn’t help the small giggle, which was when Dean and Sam returned to your room. Your smile instantly faded when you saw the sandwich Dean had brought you. The slight burn of fresh tears stung your eyes again, and you couldn’t look up at him.

When Sam spoke though, you looked at him, still fighting the tears. All you could see was what looked like pity, like they saw you as a wounded animal or something, and it hurt. You gingerly reached out and put the hex bag in your flannel pocket after Sam set it down. It was something that somehow made you feel safer.

Not pity, concern. They are worried about you. 

The words in your mind made you want to cry again, but you couldn’t, not with the two of them in your room. There were things so engrained in you, like not crying in front of anyone, that you just couldn’t do it. The gentle way Dean told you to eat something also hurt in a way, although your brain took it wrong. So, when the two did leave your room, you waved your hand, closing it behind them.

Bubbles went over to the plate and pulled it closer to you. Eat. It will help you feel better. They care about you.

“I’m a burden,” you mumbled, and she sighed, but you picked up the sandwich. Even if you wouldn’t admit it, you were hungry. It was surprisingly tasty.

When you finished eating, Bubbles took care of your plate. Now, having a full stomach, though, and after having cried as much as you did, you felt beyond exhausted. You didn’t want to talk to Astaria. Hell, you didn’t want to talk to anyone. You curled up under your blankets and hugged your pillow. Sleep found you quicker than usual that night.

You were in the forest again, although closer to the little community than last time. Bubbles was hovering near your shoulder. A depressed sigh left your lips. You still weren’t sure how this was even going to help. Bubbles began flying further down the path but stopped and turned around when you hadn’t followed her. “Come on. She’s waiting,” the dragon spoke. “You can talk now?” you asked her, puzzled. “Sort of. It’s thoughts in other dimensions. But here it is words. Since our bond is stronger, you can hear me,” she explained. “Can others hear you, too?” you asked, raising an eyebrow in mild confusion. “Only your bloodline,” she answered plainly. You rolled your eyes and followed her as she flew to the community. Astaria was at the same table you sat with her at last time. Bubbles landed on the table between the two of you as you sat down across from Astaria. “Well, now. This is a surprise,” Astaria said. “What do you mean?” you asked her, more confused now than you were with Bubbles. She sighed, “I can tell you didn’t exhaust yourself. Your familiar brought you here. That means that you are having some deep-seated issues, and your familiar needs some help.” You had to think about that, although you were still confused, “I still don’t get it. She likes Dean more than me, though,” you mumbled. “Wait, is she talking to Dean?” Astaria asked you quickly. You looked down at the table. Bubbles had just been looking between the two of you the entire time. “He knew her name before I did,” you said quietly, feeling the sadness again.

That was when she lost it laughing, and you looked up at her. You didn’t find any part of this funny. At first, you wanted to yell at her. Anger was always easier for you. Then the sadness came, and you looked away from her. “I’m sorry,” she said between fits of laughter. Then, she gently scratched Bubbles on the head, looking down at her, “You got a stubborn one, didn’t you,” she chuckled again. You sighed and finally looked at Astaria again, “Can someone please clue me in whatever is going on?” you asked, attempting to keep your emotions in check. Having her call you stubborn only reminded you of the piece of paper which Bubbles had written that word on and handed to you earlier that day. Astaria caught her breath and looked up at you, “Lemme guess. You still don’t want to take a chance on that soulmate thing I told you about last time? Plus, you've just pulled away from everyone due to your life getting turned upside down.”  There was a compassionate sincerity in her tone that brought fresh tears to your eyes, and you quickly wiped them away, attempting to compose yourself. On your last visit you’d shared a lot of your life with Astaria. Plus, you remember her telling you that she had gone through this before, helping others who were like you, non-believers. “You know, if you keep living your life through fear, you’ll be miserable for a really long time,” she said softly, reaching out and gently squeezing your hand. “But… what if it’s Crowley?” you whispered, not trusting your voice and fighting back tears. You did notice how Astaria was holding back her laughter, “If it was Crowley, I’m pretty sure your little familiar here wouldn’t be chatting it up with Dean,” she said, giving you a wink.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” you asked, still confused. With everything that had happened, your mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, and your emotions weren’t any better. All your nerves felt exposed and you felt stuck with the conflicting information and emotions. “You’re gonna have to make a choice, Maria. You can either keep going the way you are, or you can decide to take a chance and stop being afraid of all those what-if’s,” Astaria told you plainly but bluntly. She sighed, “For now, though, you should probably sleep. Your mind and body desperately need it.”

With that, the dream ended, but you slept, as did Bubbles. She was curled up against your chest above the blankets.

----------------------------------------- Chapter 24

Tag List: @djs8891 @deans-spinster-witch

Link to the series Master List

A/N: If you'd like to be tagged in future chapters, leave me a comment, and I'll make sure to tag you

[xfulmen]

10, 11, 12, & 13

( @orphicflames / questions prompt / accepting )

What do you love about your muse?

His willpower and even stubborness to get through things. His motivation to continue on. He has been through so much due to his profession ( and affiliation, let's be real ) and yet he is still here, standing and moving on, fighting to become a better version of himself everyday ( both mentally and physically, since he is a mage ) Like despite what life has thrown at him he still manages to counter it --- hell, he even inhaled those magical barier particles and yet he is still here. That's, one of the many at least, things that I love about him but this one is one of the most prominent ones.

What do you hate about your muse?

Ironically his pridefulness could also be one of his biggest enemies. It is no secret that he is a prideful man, despite everything he has erroneously done. He is the type of individual that would never seek help regardless the situation, yet he would gladly offer his help to those who need it ( and by gladly offering, it applies to his fellow guild members ) Unless he is presented with the utmost worst scenario, he will refuse to seek help and it frustrates me because it's never wrong to ask help when you need it. But knowing him, he will never do so. Exception to the rule would be the raijinshuu but again; not frequent either.

What about your muse amuses you?

Whenever, albeit rarely, he wants --- he can be very smooth with words. And i do not mean it in terms of flirtation. Be it during a battle, be it during a confrontation, or even a mere taunt --- there are times where Laxus has his way with words that makes him look like a complete badass in my eyes. ( cliche i know ) Even though he is known for his poor socialization skills, there are times where he would catch you off guard if the right situation presented. And even though i mentioned not in a flirtations way, he can be one when he wants to~

But yeah, when the right opportunity arrives he could be a delight to converse with?? I don't know if that makes sense ( lmao i'm rambling again ), but depeding on the topic of conversation, depending the person --- you'll spot no anti-socialness from Laxus. Not that he would be the soul of the party, but less hostile?? Anyways.

To summarize i love the fact when he chooses to converse, instead of just speak. I hope that made sense.

What about your muse makes you sad?

BOY OH BOY OH BOOOYYYY.

I'm definitely going to link two posts here because i don't want to be repetitive but i have a lot to say either way. ( X ) ( X )

But another thing that i haven't mentioned much is this; Laxus dying without getting words of approval from his grandfather. Of course we've seen Makarov showing signs of approval towards Laxus ( for example; Laxus' fight against his father during the GMG by making the infamous sign pointing in the sky ) but i feel like it's not enough. Laxus had always been the one under his grandfather shadow, always referred as ' Makarov's grandson '. And with everything going on, leading to the ' Battle of Fairy Tail ' Laxus would constantly get nothing but mostly looks of disapproval from his grandfather. It was even mentioned back then in the Tenrou Island, after the defeat of the former second Master.

In a way it feels to like ' am i enough? ' or ' have i done well enough? '

In my muses backstory, i've mentioned that he didn't have the best childhood but it wasn't the worst of all either. If it wasn't for his father, things would have been so much better. And yet i don't believe that Makarov was the most ideal paternal figure but he was eough to give Laxus a respectable childhood. And it took Laxus a lot of time and thought to acknowledge this and appreciate it, if more so.

That's why i believe that it would kill him knowing that he might end up dying one day without getting the approval that he seeks. And it would kill me as well knowing that Laxus will meet his demise sooner than anticipated, and Makarov being too late in unveiling how much Laxus mean to him.

I feel like Laxus would die thinking that he hasn't accomplished much whereas it's the opposite but it won't matter either way.

[leslutdepointedulac]

13 Book Tag Game

Tagged by: @bubblegum-blackwood Thank you! 💞

1) The last book I read:

The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice. I'm currently doing my annual re-read of TVC from start to finish but it's taking me longer than last time for some reason.

2) A book I recommend:

Loveless by Alice Oseman. Ik it's not the only book out there to explore asexuality and being aromantic as well, but it's the first one I personally read and I think it's a really good example of it.

3) A book that I couldn’t put down:

A Dowry of Blood by S. T. Gibson. Predictably, it's more vampires lmao. I wasn't initially sure about how I would feel reading something in second person, but it actually works really well imo. I really love how it's told by one of Dracula's brides; I can really get into the characters, and understand her situation.

4) A book I’ve read twice (or more):

So many of my books I've read several times, but one in particular is Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver. Actually just the whole Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series. I grew up on them, and I've read the whole series several times over. I like that it's set six thousand years ago, because I don't think I've personally ever read anything in the fantasy kind of genre in that time period. This series has a special place in my heart.

5) A book on my TBR:

I have too many. I think one that I do really want to get to though, is Les Misérables by Victor Hugo. I've wanted to read it for a few years now, and I've had the book since last year but I haven't gotten round to it yet.

6) A book I’ve put down:

Normal People by Sally Rooney. I got it as a birthday present from someone in my family a few years ago, and when I saw what it was about it didn't sound like my kind of thing but I figured I'd give it a chance. Yeah, it wasn't doing it for me lmao. I was bored tbh and the lack of speech marks around dialogue was confusing me. Overall it just wasn't my type of thing anyway and I only got a few pages in before I put it down.

7) A book on my wish list:

I've been really wanting to get a copy of the Grimm's complete fairy tales. I know some of how a few of the fairy tales originally go, but I've been wanting to read them all properly for years now.

8) A favorite book from childhood:

War Horse by Michael Morpurgo. I read this book religiously as a child. I would read it and then as soon as I was done, I'd read it again. I'm honestly not sure why, but there was clearly something about it that resonated with me, even as a kid. I actually still have the same copy I owned as a child, I don't think I'll ever get rid of it. It's very special to me.

9) A book you would give to a friend:

The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien. Idk what you want me to say lmao. It's LOTR, everyone should read it. I know it's a trilogy, not just one book, so I am cheating a bit here, but it's too good not to mention. It's fantasy at its finest, what can I say.

(I was gunna say Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice, but that's obvious coming from me and I don't want this whole thing to be overrun with TVC lmao.)

10) A book of poetry or lyrics that you own:

I won't lie, I don't actually have any of either, I've never really been interested in things like that. It's just not my thing.

11) A nonfiction book you own:

Buried by Professor Alice Roberts. I haven't actually read it yet, but it goes into looking at burials from centuries ago and how people would have lived in different periods of time, based on burial sites.

12) What are you currently reading:

The Queen of the Damned by Anne Rice. Again, this is because I'm doing my annual re-read of TVC, but it's taking me an unusually long time to get through it this time round.

13) What are you planning on reading next?:

Apart from moving onto The Tale of the Body Thief by Anne Rice, I think the next thing I want to get to is Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu. I've never read it before (Ik don't shoot me), not because I didn't want to, but just because I never got round to it. But I got it recently so I'll be reading it soon!

Tagging: @desertfangs @teethingpains @cinnamonclove but no pressure of course ❤

[zi-i-think]

Practicing

Pairing: Jade West x fem!reader

Rating: SFW

Word Count: 1800+

Warnings: mention of drugs

Request: no

AN: I know I’m still not done with requests, but I just really wanted to get in a Jade West oneshot. I don’t think Jade is out of character all that much, but I’d love feed back.

          Things sucked. Like. They royally sucked.

         When Beck and Jade broke up for the second time, it felt like a dark, ominous was looming over the group of talented teens. No one needed to be a genius to realize that both Jade and Beck with miserable. Not just because they were no longer together, but the breakup was emotionally draining.

         And despite it all, y/n couldn’t help but feel a little bit hopeful. She and Jade had been friends since middle school when Jade pushed a boy off his seat because he was bullying Y/n. They were pretty different. Actually very different personality-wise. Y/n was what Jade described as a hippie fairy. Which contrasted Jade’s vampire personality completely. 

         But there were just enough similarities to keep them together. Their hatred for the patriarchy. Interests in a feel-good green herb. They both started practicing Wicca together. And they were killer on the mic.

         It was a fine balance. 

         And over the years, Y/n couldn’t help but fall for the girl. Snarling personality and all. 

         She still recalls when Jade and Beck started dated. How at first she just thought she was annoyed at how Jade didn’t spend as much time with her but later realized that she was indeed feeling jealous.

         She knew it was terrible to be glad they’re no longer together, but she couldn’t help it.

         The first thing she saw when she approached her locker was the dark clothed girl waiting for her; standing cooly against the wall of lockers.

         “Morning.” Y/n greeted her with a smile. Jade hummed her greeting in response, waiting for her friend to get her things from the locker. “How you doing?” Jade sent her a glare, knowing that Y/n what trying to get her to talk about the breakup.Y/n mumbled a “nevermind” and closed the locker.

         “Do you have plans later?” Jade grumbled as the two started to walk to Sicowitz’s class.

         “Uh, yeah. I’m finishing up my script for my play.”

         “The one about the girl who turns into a dragon and then the prince who’s supposed to save her kills her on accident.”

         “That’s the one,” Y/n finger-gunner. “I’m trying to figure out how to make the finally really pull at the heartstrings.”

         “Make it gruesome,”

         “I’ll make a note of it.” 

         The class was already about to start by the time they entered and most people were engaged in their own conversations. Y/n saw Jade and Beck make eye contact. The same longing look on their faces. But stubbornness kept either of them from saying anything.

         “Hey, uh do you want to come over? Help me with the play?” Y/n asked, getting Jade’s attention again.

         “Sure. It’s not like I have any plans.” Jade shrugged before taking a seat upfront.

         Y/n smiled and took the seat next to her friend. A nervous feeling in the pit of her stomach grew as she already started to expect her friend’s arrival.

         “Good day, class!” The eccentric teacher barged into the room. “Your a pack or wolves engaged in a dance party!” He announced, prompting the teans to get up from their seats and act out the prompt.

         Knock Knock Knock

         The front door of Y/n’s house sounded. With a furrowed brow and her hair still wet, the girl opened the door revealing Jade with two coffees

         “You’re early,” Y/n stated the obvious.

         “Only cause I got bored. Now you want your coffee or not?” The dark haired girl outstretched her arm to hand her the tall cup.

         Y/n smiled appreciativly, taking the cup and stepping to the side.

         “Alright. So what does your play need?” Jade asked, already getting down to business. She walked straight to the living room and plopped herself on the blanketed couch.

         “Well, uh. It's mainly the last scene. Where the dragon turns back into a maiden and the prince realizes what he's done.” Y/n described, sitting next to Jade and grabbing the laptop from the coffee table.

         “Ah, so it’s angsty.” Jade smiles and leaned closer to Y/n to get a look at the document with the script.

         “Yeah.” Y/n’s voice cracked as she tried to compose herself over her friends close proximity. “So, I was thinking that once he realizes his mistake, he holds her close. I want him to have a monologue. Describing how he'd never get the chance to talk to her, see her, you know typical human relationship things.”

         “Alright so what's the problem?” Jade asked, not seeing why Y/n needed her there. Not that she was mad, she loved being around her. And truthfully, she missed hanging out and not having Beck in the back of her mind.

         “It just feels like it's missing something. You know.” Y/n said with a tinge of frustration in her voice. “Like. There's something that isn't making the plot complete enough for him to have that monologue. He loves her, but it doesn't feel like he does enough.”

         Without warning, Jade took the laptop from her lap.

         “I’ll read it.” she grumbled. “You go dry your hair or something.”

         “Good idea.” Y/n agreed, leaving the couch and beading back to her bathroom.

         “And order a pizza!” She heard Jade shout.

         It didn’t take long for Y/n to dry her hair and put the pizza order in. And by the time she got back into the living room, Jade was finished with reading over the script. Instead, she was now holding her new pair of scissors and examining the blades.

         “Figure anything out?” Y/n asked, getting the girl’s attention.

         “Yeah.” Jade put down the scissors and turned her body to face Y/n as she came in and sat down. “Your characters don’t kiss.”

         Y/n month dropped and she bit her bottom lip awkwardly.

         “Well, I was thinking about putting one in, but I thought it would be better if there weren’t one. Think about the symbolism behind it. Without the action, it’s expressing how the two never truly experienced being together.” She explained.

         Jade hummed and nodded as if she were understanding.

         “That’s stupid.” she said. Somehow both calmly and aggressively. Y/n furrowed her brow and tilted her head. Asking without words for Jade to go on. “Y/n the script is good, the storyline is paced well, blah blah blah. But the only thing that isn't good is the way you're presenting that they are in love. You want the audience to be heartbroken for the guy, show them that he loved her.”

         “Okay, so, where do you recommend it goes?” Y/n asked, grabbing the laptop and scrolling through.

         “Obvious. Scene 4, during the confession, I think after she falls from the tree.” Jade said. Y/n quickly went there and read it over, thinking about how to go about it.

         “You don't think it's a little fast?” Y/n asked, twisting her face as unsureness creeped into her mind.

         “Course not. You've already presented their infatuation for each other, and after that scene their relationship is already escalating more quickly. If anything it makes more sense.”

         She was right. Y/n knew it. But she couldn't shake the fact that having this discussion with Jade felt unreal. Perhaps because Y/n was crushing on her, but also because while Jade was very knowledgeable in entertainment, relationships were more of a ‘on the surface’ knowledge.

         Typing quickly the placement of the kiss, Y/n let out a heavy breath.

         “And it’s in.” She announced mainly for herself.

         “Good.” Jade nodded, now smirking at her friend. “You wanna see how it flows with the scene?”

         Y/n kept scrolling down the document to the ending, avoiding looking at the vampiresque girl.

         “Uh, ” She cleared her throat to avoid cracking her voice. “What do you mean?”

         “Well do the scene, me and you. As then you can make the final choice on whether you like it or not.” Jade explained casually.

         “Yeah, okay. We can do that.”

         Despite sounding calm and nonchalant on the outside, Y/n was screaming on the inside. Surely Jade wasn't actually intending on kissing her right? They’d work up to it and then stop, right? No kiss?

         “Cool, I'll be the guy and do you have it all memorized?” Jade started, grabbing the laptop and placing it on her lap.

         “Yep, it's all in my noggin.” Y/n knocked on her head awkwardly, receiving a disapproving look from Jade.

         “I’ll start at the beginning of the confession.” The dark haired girl announced, reading the lines. Then she looked up, right into Y/n’s eyes. “Tell me, Ayleth, do you feel what I feel.”

         “Why, I'm not quite sure what you mean, my prince.” Y/n continued, swallowing her nervousness.

         “When you look into my eyes, do you as well feel that fire? The one raging inside of your heart and coursing through you. Making you think illogically, wanting nothing more than to be consumed completely by you.”

         “One shouldn't think illogically. One must think about their duties, their-”

“That wasn't the question.” Jade acted, her usual roughness and anger dropped as she said her lines. “Do you love me?”

         “I suppose it would be unwise to try to divert the conversation.”

         “Most unwise. Especially to your prince.”

         “Well. Yes. I believe I do.”

         There was silence between the two. This was where the kiss was written. In the quiet, they both seemed to be questioning whether they would actually kiss or not. They both leaned in, slowly but surely. Y/n’s heart sped up and she wondered whether Jade was feeling the same. No, of course not. It's part of the scene. She's just acting, obviously.

         The inches between them soon turned to fractions of an inch. And their lips were so close to meeting.

         Knock knock knock.

         They were interrupted by the door. “Y/n pulled away immediately.

         “Pizza. I’ll get it.” She chuckled nervously and got up.

         “They can wait.” Jade said instead. She grabbed Y/n’s wrist and pulled her back down on the couch.

         Before Y/n knew it, Jade placed a firm kiss on Y/n’s lips. Though shocked, Y/n quickly reciprocated the kiss. Jade placed her hand on Y/n’s cheek, while the other girl’s hand went to Jade’s waist. By now, Y/n’s heartbeat was going a million miles per minute and both girls forgot about the person waiting at the door.

         Until they knocked again.

         “Give us a minute!” Jade shouted angrily before turning back to her, uh friend? Y/n was giggling at her rage over small things like that. Jade noticed not only that her dark blue lipstick had smudged onto Y/n’s face, but that she also had a deep red blush that covered her face almost completely.

         “Should we practice again?” Jade asked instead of bring it up. And when Y/n nodded, she didn’t waste another second to lean in again, kissing her with more depth than the one before.

[amour393]

Pokemon Anime Headcanons that butter my bread rolls

Gary either only drinks tea or drinks twelve cups of coffee a day. I don't know how I know this I just DO

Gary eventually corrupts Serena into calling Ash "Ashy Boy"

Ash never forgave him

Misty is rlly short and Ash teases her

One time Iris pranked Misty with a bug type pokémon and so Misty did the same thing with an ice type AND a fairy type

Iris was betrayed

Misty and Iris take turns calling Ash a little kid

Mallow and Sawyer are cousins

Barry calls Dawn "Dee Dee"

Dawn chased Kenny around for two hours the first time he did

When Ursula from DP and Miette meet, Miette hates her guts and challenges her to a performance battle and Miette kicks her butt

Mallow plays ukulele I know this in my soul

K if Misty and Gary are ever a thing they're gonna be the definition of "bicker like an old married couple"

Brock, Gary, Cilan, Serena, Clemont, and Lillie are all BIG morning people

Ash, Misty, May, Dawn, Iris, Bonnie, Lana, Kiawe, and Mallow are all BIG night owls

Everyone else it just perpetually tired

Speaking of, Brock is the perpetually tired dad figure of the friend group

Everyone drains him so much just the dude is so tired Ash please get down from that tree

Iris, Ash, and Lana feed off each other's chaotic energy and get into trouble a lot

"And WHY did you think it would be a good idea to see who climb the highest on the most unstable tree?!" -Serena

The three, in unison: "it seemed like a good idea at the time!"

Bonnie and Max are mischievous together so May and Clemont take turns on keeping track of them

"I thought it was your turn!"

"I thought it was yours!"

Both: "AAAAAAAHHH"

Since both of them are pretty strong trainers when they turn ten, they both have a big head and cause trouble where they shouldn't

Ex. Strolling the Lumiose City allies at night to catch criminals

This time way more than just the tired siblings took turns chewing them out

Clemont, May, Serena, and Brock were all like "that was stupid and dangerous never do that again what were you thinking?!?!"

And then Ash and Iris are like (behing the four's backs, of course, they have no desire to get yelled at too) "look, it's cool you wanted to do that, but take one of us with you next time"

Max, all the time: BONNIE NO

Bonnie, every single time: BONNIE YES

I swear those two are gonna give their siblings a heart attack one day

Dawn and Mallow become super great friends

They make fun of Ash together it's great

Also Dawn and Serena become good friends and gossip while they bake poffins and/or pokepuffs

Again, Lana has such chaotic vibes that anyone who is not Mallow, Lillie, or Brock just rolls with the chaos

I.E. before they know what's happening somehow Lana, Iris, and Dawn are on a three day stake out mission outside Taco Bell

Usually a day or two in someone is like "it occurs to me this probably isn't a good idea" but Lana (and usually Iris) are like nah it's fine

Yeah Lana and Iris are so chaotic together

BARRY LANA AND IRIS ARE THE UNSTOPPABLE TRIO

Iris comes up with the base idea, Lana elaborates on it and makes it 10 times worse, and Barry rushes all three of them in without hesitation so they have no time for doubts

Everyone calls them the Chaotic Threesome

They're okay with that

Goh and Lillie become research pals/they nerd out together

Gary (eventually) gets a doctorate so his title is Doctor Gary Oak so sometimes his friends come to him and he's like "what's wrong??"

And they just go "I'm congested and it hurts when I swallow"

Gary, for the ten millionth time: I'M NOT THAT KIND OF DOCTOR

No one told him this, but they all actually just do it to mess with him

[tedturneriscrazy]

🎶Knock, Knock, Knockin' On Hooty's Door🎵

I wonder if anything will happen in this episode.🙂

(I say as if I didn't watch the episode twice before going to bed and writing this post)

I don't think I'll ever not be amused by the way Hooty just...does things with his face

Seems like he found a thesaurus at some point

Okay so it's canonically spelled "Hootsifer," good to know

Also, this is really all we get of Lilith, huh?

His little hoot/coo at Lilith's letter❤❤❤

To borrow a meme format: If I had a nickel for every time Alex Hirsch was involved in a show where one of the characters was experiencing pubescent voice cracks, I'd have two nickels, which isn't very much but it's weird that it happened twice

Eda's face🤣

As much as this bit is played for laughs, Eda's clearly still shaken by what happened last episode

Jeez, Luz, priorities /j

Pictured: Hooty

The way King talks about being pelleted implies this is something Hooty does on the regular

Hooty's plan to help King is literally a Buzzfeed quiz? Okay then

Betcha never expected lore from Hooty, eh?

"DO NOT INTERRUPT"

Officially a "type of worm"

The dance being a grievous insult wasn't exactly from nowhere, but still funny nonetheless

WE DON'T TALK ABOUT THE FUCKING COCCOON

Tiny Nose playing Switch definitely seems to be drawing from Dana's real life experiences

Wait, Hooty and Tiny Nose are friends?

Well shit, turns out she could use magic this whole time. Guess her going Super Saiyan wasn't just the power glyph.

I am extremely skeptical of your medical credentials, TN

I have so many questions about the methodology they used for the blood test(s)

I think Hooty may have misinterpreted what King was looking for

I'm still amazed at how King has had, and continues to have, moments in the show with some of the greatest emotional weight

Ooh, sound powers!

"IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A CRUMBLE!!!"

It just occurred to me that that segment consisted mostly of Alex Hirsch talking to himself

Hello not-at-all obvious setup

Today I learned that Hooty is the baker of the house. Maybe he'd critique Amity's fairy pie.

Aaaaand there's the sleep inducing

Oh shit

In hindsight the Owl Beast being part of a dream sequence is rather obvious

Wow, Eda, tell us how you really feel about the Owl Beast

Oh we're just gonna ride aboard the Trauma Express today, huh?

Oh, I guess Lilith did make an appearance, after all

Damn, Gwen, not even looking

Oh shit dad issues

Sandy Cohen?! (To anyone who gets that reference, hi. How are your 30s treating you?)

Well, I know who Peter Gallagher voices now, anyway

Oh dear...

(Also, bright flashing lights triggering the curse? There's an epilepsy allegory in here somwhere)

Blood and eye injury? Gotta stretch that Y7 rating

Now we have some context for that look on Eda's face when Lilith mentioned their dad: good old fashioned guilt!

I desparately want to make a "Dude, you're getting a Dell!" joke, but I'm better than that

New memory! Raine!

Oh no...

I get the feeling I'll hate this part, too

They were exes!😢 Guess the fandom called that one

The reasoning for them being exes is understandable, all too real, and goddamn heartbreaking

That said, the fact they never stopped loving each other🥺😢😭

I do hope we can see Raine again under less...traumatic circumstances. Maybe that wedding that was mentioned?

Oh shit, are we getting into the Owl Beast's memories?!?! What a tweest!

Bet nobody expected Cloaked Moonface to show up in the frickin Hooty episode

(Also, holy shit I briefly forgot this was the Hooty episode)

Who is this mysterious cloaked figure? And why are they so tall and long?

So the curse was a sealed beast this whole time. Damn.

And it was just picked up as beach junk to sell as a trinket. So much for it being connected to Belos. (Not that people will stop trying to do so)

Who had "experiencing sympathy for the Owl Beast" on their Bingo cards for this episode? Yeah, me neither.

And here we have the necessary Eda coming to terms with her curse segment. More accurately, Eda and the curse coming to terms with each other.

Goddamnit why does it have to be cute

"It's like sandpaper" IT'S LIKE A CAT I FUCKING CAN'T

Insert Steamed Hams reference here to kill the mood

New transformation!

Oh no she's hot!

No, Hooty, you made it surprisingly much, much better!

She might have a problem pushing people away and holding onto guilt, but Eda always knows that she looks damn good

Oh right, Luz having girl problems. Fuck, so much is happening in this episode!

"Cotton-candy-haired Goddess" LUZ! 🤣

Attuned to other people's emotions = being a fucking creeper

Oh Luz, what happened to you back home?

Also, 99.999% certain Amity would love your cheesiness

That's...rather morbid, Hooty

So much lore development, including the fact the Owl House has a basement

Classic inanimate object silhouette fakeout gag. Subversion in 3...2...1...

There it is!

I can't imagine being pelleted is a fun experience.

Honestly I have so many questions about how Hooty got Amity there in the first place, but I'm not so sure I actually want to know the answers to any of them...

Cue much panicking

Wow, I'm really getting some Into the Bunker flashbacks

Oh this is gonna be amazing isn't it

I commend Luz for not actually dropping dead of embarrassment

Seriously, how can Hooty set all this up so fast yet not hold a pen?!?!?!

Poor Luz, she thinks this is destroying her chances

Meanwhile Amity is just "Oh, Titan, is this actually happening?!"

The way she's fixing her hair!❤

Goddamnit Luz let this play out, she's so clearly into this!

"Again?!" Okay who do I have to kill?

Luz is luzing it

Nooooooo....

JUST TALK FOR FUCK'S SAKE (aka how like 95% of issues in literally any plot could be solved)

Noooo Amity's so heartbroken right now💔

This isn't what either of them wanted!

To be fair, Hooty, Luz had a part in this too. Not that she can be blamed entirely. Poor thing clearly had some awful experiences back home...

Now Hooty is McFucking losing it

Why did I think he was gonna say "Looks like I'm gonna have to JUMP!" I think I've watched too much Homestar Runner (jk there's no such thing)

Those pulsating organs are still gross

Eda swooping in to save her son (No, really, he actually is now)

I'll say things get weird when Hooty gets upset!

Yes, King! Save them with your voice powers!

Damn that is some romantic lighting, and Luz is enjoying the eye candy (cotton candy, if you will)

Luz's reaction to Harpy!Eda is the family-friendly summation of how the fandom has reacted.

Hooty really just tearing up the landscape in remorse

Mother-daughter moment about love life!

I appreciate not just Eda's encouragement but her actually asking Luz what she wanted

God, Eda is best mom

Also, OH FUCK IS THIS HAPPENING?!

OH SHIT

THESE ADORABLY AWKWARD NERDS❤💜💙

"I'm not as cool as you think" could be interpreted as self-deprecating, but here it seems...oddly reassuring?

The way Luz eloquently says how she wants Amity in her future...beautiful❤

Luz making some good faces

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

YOU CUTE DORKS I LOVE YOU SO MUCH

THERE IT IS AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

LOOK HOW HAPPY SHE IS

WE WERE LOSING OUR SHIT OVER A PECK ON THE CHEEK THREE WEEKS AGO AND NOW LOOK WHERE WE ARE HOLY FUCK

Awkwardness is still there, but that's to be expected

BET Y'ALL DIDN'T EXPECT THAT TRAILER SHOT TO BE IN THE HOOTY EPISODE HUH

THE WAY LUZ RUBS AMITY'S HAND😭😭😭😭😭

(And yeah, it's gonna still be scary, but only because it promises to be so wonderful)

Let's give it up for Hootsifer, goddamn!

Let'a also appreciate just how fucking funny it is that Lumity becomes official in the Hooty episode

Fus ro WEH!

Hooty actually saying "Luz's new GF" out loud...

In just about any other show the love interests getting together would be a climax/culmination of the entire plot. Here? It's actually used to advance the plot, and that is brilliant!

Dana Terrace and the crew really just knocking it out of the park again and again, huh

"They're adorable, and deserve all the happiness!" Well said, Hootsifer. Well said.

Probably for the best they had Hooty promise that. As much as what happened/progressed, there was a lot of property damage.

OH SHIT ONCE AGAIN

King's dad/relative! And he's voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson!

GODDAMNIT HOOTY

Wow. Just...wow. This episode.

King has voice powers! Harpy!Eda! Lumity are girlfriends for real!!!!

How do you pack so much into a single episode?! And so expertly?!

I had my suspicions before, but this confirms it: The Owl House is the greatest show of all time.

And we have two episodes left until the hiatus! And 11 episodes in the season after that! What are we in for?!?!?!

I, for one, can't wait to find out!

[bbrandy2002]

Birth of an Heir... Part Two

Book: The Royal Heir

Liam x Riley

Part one

A/N: Turned into another total fluff piece, I'm becoming a softy 😕. I had one of my kids choose the baby's name of the ones given in the comments and @kingliam2019 was the winner.

Warning: Drake Walker has a potty mouth and will use profanity in the chapter, but, he's still lovable marshmallow all the same.

These characters belong to Pixelberry.

Birth of an Heir Part 2

Riley stands at the window of her third floor hospital room, observant of the overflowing press crowded below. It had been several hours since the birth of her son and well past midnight. Exhaustion had reached it's peak, yet, adrenaline and a newborn would keep her awake. Another news crew ascends into the mass influx of cameras, sateliites and curious, Cordonian bystanders. "Do they ever sleep?", she asks with astonishment, however, her question is met with silence. She turns, and instantly her heart melts from a simple, yet, poignant sight.

"You are hopeless, you know that right?", she says with a gentle smile.

Liam is sitting in a rocking chair,  holding his first born child, whom seems to fit perfectly, like a small package in his arms. His thumb grazing the soft cheeks and his eyes focused,  contently, on what he considers the second best thing to enter his life. With heavy eyes, he searches and memorizes every single line and detail, and takes to heart, every sound and breath this tiny creature makes. He is afraid to fall asleep, he cannot fathom for one moment the seperation that comes with it. This baby already has his father under a spell that is similar to the way his mother does.

Riley walks closer to him, still slowed by soreness and tenderness with each step. She shakes her head and playfully rolls her eyes, "Liam, did you hear what I said?"

He looks up to her, "I'm sorry dear, did you need something?".

She bites her bottom lip before lightly rubbing her hand up and down his arm, "I said you're hopeless....you know I have to hold him more than just when feeding him, right?".

Liam nods his head and speaks with a teasing whisper, "We'll see about that", as he gives her a quick wink.

Riley sighs, "yep.....hopeless", then leans in to a soft kiss.

She removes her robe, kicks off her slippers, then lowers herself steadily onto her hospital bed. After pulling the sheet over her tired and worn body, out of habit, she rolls to her left side. Riley wants to drift off, but, the events of the day are flourishing in her thoughts. Suddenly, like a vision of sorts, one that is always present in her mind, a familiar story begins to play......

A flash of bright blue that meets her soft brown. An instant spark, a physical attraction, a moment when two lost souls find one another. A beginning.

"Sorry I'm late. Thank you for your patience, Miss...?"

The first time the heat of his lips devoured hers after an impromtu private tour of the Statue of Liberty.

"You're full of surprises aren't you?"

"I try"

"I'm glad to have met you Riley, I'll never forget this night".

A chance of a lifetime, when fate opened a door and offered her an opportunity.

"You want to sponsor me? Why?".

"I'm not doing it just for you, I saw how Liam looked at you last night. I've never seen him so happy...".

The first time he swept her off her feet, literally....the moment her heart felt more than just an attraction, but, the start of a love affair. A waltz to remember.

"I dont....I'm not sure I know the steps."

"Just follow my lead".

Like something out of a fairy tale, darkness surrounded by small, white lights and the shimmer of the moon. Closed off from the rest of the world, it would become a place where memories are made.

"We made it....the center of the maze..and I do believe I won".

"How do you figure that?".

"Easy, I'm on top".

"Hard to argue with that".

"Then don't"

"Something about you...it just feels...right to be around you".

"Liam, I feel the same way".

An exhilerating jump, involving total trust in one another.

"It's said that if two lovers climb to the top of the waterfall and jump in together, they'll get the blessings of the water".

A warm, spring day, filled with pink blossoms and the aroma of freshly baked pies. When she became a queen for the first time and the apple of his eye.

"Meeting you in New York was one of the best things that ever happened to me. You changed my life".

A country soiree, a swing decorated with flowers. He was giddy, playful and childlike.

"...I want you to know, I can't wait for the coronation".

"I can't wait either".

The simple, yet, perfect candlelit dinner, when he opened up to her and shared his biggest dream.

"Maybe this is sentimental, but, its been on my mind lately.....What I really want is to have a family...and not the type most kings have, but, one where we're close and listen to each other....".

The night the stars glistened in the sky above her, three words that rained down and changed everything. A merging of pleasure and senses like never before. The most beautiful , endearing intertwining of bodies and demonstration of devotion ever.

"I've never said this before, but, its more true than my own name. Which is all to say...Riley...I love you".

"Liam, I've been madly in love with you since the day we met...".

"I love you and I want you".

"Then take me, Liam".

And after a period of turmoil, secrecy , and undeserved scrutiny, when she realized air doesn't exist without Liam....she doesn't exist without Liam....they came full circle.

"Riley...all that I want in this life is to dedicate my life to being the best man and king that I can be...for you...Lady Riley Brooks, queen of my heart, I have yearned to say these four words for a very, very long time...Will you marry me?".

"Yes...a thousand times...yes".

When happily ever after truly began....

"I promise to love you, honor you and cherish you. To support you, fight for you and inspire you....as you have always done for me....No matter what the future holds for us, I know that together is where we're meant to be".

A warmth overcomes her body and the corner of her lips curl. She opens her eyes again and peaks once more at the two most sacred things in her life. One is her soulmate, her king, her love; the other is their finest masterpiece.

A faint cry echo's through the calmness of the darkened room. Liam gently lifts the baby to his chest, its head nuzzled securely into his neck. He places one hand on its bottom and the other lightly presses soft chubby cheeks closer to him. He leans forward, planting a lingering kiss through a blue cap, covering fine, peach fuzz hairs. Liam senses her stare and glances up. A faint smile emerges, that not a human in Cordonia could wipe away. With a low, raspy voice, he utters, "I love you".

Those words always send a chill down her spine, however, the emotion and pride in his voice this time, causes her to shed a tear, "I love you, too".

Her body gives way to sleep, assured that her two boys will keep one another company until she wakes.

************

Eyes slowly flutter open and Riley recognizes the presence of early dawn's light. She lifts her stiffened neck to see Liam laying in a small bed near the window; when you're the King, the hospital ensures you continue to sleep like royalty. Next to his bed, he had slid the baby's cot next to him.

She rubbed her eyes, trying to fully awaken. After getting out of her bed, she slips her shoes back on and treks to her infants side. Liam actually fell asleep with his hand in the cot, so Riley picks it up and moves it, placing it on his chest, -Hopeless.

She then lifts her wiggling bundle up and carries him back to her bed.

Lowering her gown down, the baby latches on after a few tries, suckling with tiny fingers gripped to her breast.

Riley watches in awe and amazement, as the most precious bond in the world takes shape. His little eyes twinkle and he is full of energy. She chuckles at his arm movements and how he seems to be devouring his breakfast.

She smiles at him, then tilts her head; she couldn't tell last night, but, relishes in the fact that he definately looks every bit like her husband.

There is a tap at the door and Riley gives permission for them to enter. The first thing she sees is a cascade of balloons and a large stuffed teddy bear, followed by the always gleeful, Maxwell. Trailing behind him, a seemingly recovered Hana, and weary eyed, Drake.

Once Hana slaps a few balloons from her face, she makes her way over to Riley's bedside. "Oh my goodness...Riles, he's so small and handsome".

After Drake gets caught up in the balloons as well and Maxwell runs into him a few times with the stuffed bear, he gets another glance at his namesake. Realizing she is breastfeeding, his face begins to blush, he stammers and fidgets. "Um...um...yeah...I'm just going to...um...look at this wall...that's some fine craftsmanship...this wall". He starts knocking on the wall as if he is checking the quality of its structure.

Maxwell laughs, "Augh, come on Drake, its just boobies....besides, the kids head is blocking the good stuff."

Hana and Riley look at each other, both chuckling at the two men.

Riley notices that Bertrand was not with them and asks Maxwell if he plans to visit.

Maxwell and Hana look at each other and snorted out in laughter.

Confused, "What's so funny guys...what am I missing?", she asks.

Drake still facing the wall, himself amused by the answer to her question, can't help but chime in, "Let just say, ol' Bertrand....", he starts laughing again, "Bertrand....". Drake can"t get the words out before he starts snickering even harder.

Annoyed by all the laughing, Riley threatens to kick all of them out unless they tell her what is so funny.

All three make attempts, however, are still struggling; they have tears running down their cheeks and faces that are bright red.

"That's it...out", Riley finally tells them.

Drake is able to compose himself, taking in deep breaths, "Okay, so...last night at the shower...everyone got...well..got sick from Maxwell's fucking punch as you know", he continues with some difficulty in spitting the words out.

Maxwell wipes a tear from his eye, "Let's just say, Bertrand had to call someone about the mess Madeleine made off the balcony last night".

Riley's grimaces, "Okay. I don't even want to know".

Hana asks if the baby has a name yet.

She looks down at her son, who has finished his feeding and covers herself back up. Riley adjusts the baby into a more comfortable position and looks up with a smile. "I would like to introduce you to the new Crown Prince of Cordonia...Nikolas Drake Beaumont Lee".

All three are touched as she explains how important each one of them are to her and Liam, and hopes the baby carries a little pieces of his namessake. After a short visit, her friends leave, Maxwell promising to return later with junk food and booze.

Shortly after, Liam stirs, surprised she didn't wake him up.

He shuffles to her bedside, kissing her tenderly. Liam searches her eyes, cupping her cheek, "I just want you to know, you are the most incredible woman I have ever met. You have always amazed me, but, I will never be able to thank you enough for making all of my dreams come true".

He has a way with words, always has, she thinks to herself. She gets a mischievous smile, "I know a way that you can start thanking me".

He raises an eyebrow, intriqued, "Anything for my queen".

She lifts the baby up and gently places him in Liam's loving arms, "He needs a diaper change".

@ao719 @carabeth @emceesynonymroll @romanticatheart-posts @kimmiedoo5 @ladyangel70 @polishchoicesfan @zorjasblog @burnsoslow

[aylacavebear]

Stockroom Antics - Chapter 24

Maria had changed jobs numerous times over the last five years, more to keep herself safe than anything else. Her mother had told her she was a fairy but she thought it was just her mom being weird. Honestly, though, she had no other way of explaining what had happened to her that stormy day before she'd gone into a coma for two weeks.

Please don't take my work. I'll post warnings for each chapter. Will probably be 18+ I haven't decided yet!

Word Count: 2838

Pairing eventually Dean Winchester x OC

Warnings: Angst, Self-deprecating thoughts, Insecurities, Depression, Past Traumas, and Insecurities come to light. (Please, if you suffer from these things, seek someone trustworthy to talk to. You really aren't alone.)

A/N: This one's written a little differently than my last one. Let me know what you think. It's the first time I've tried this type of writing. Chapters will alternate viewpoints as well. I also looked into an actual area so this one could feel more realistic. This one is taking on a life of it's own in a turn I hadn't anticipated, so adding a new tag.

----------------------------------------- Stockroom Antics Chapter 24

Dean lay in bed, lost in his thoughts. He wasn’t feeling the amount of emotions he had been the night before, which he figured was because she was sleeping. Again, he glanced over at the clock; after seven. He rested his arm on his forehead, staring at the ceiling.

How the hell am I supposed to even talk to her with as upset as she seems?

That was the main question that kept circling back in his mind. The others concerned things beyond that. He groaned before climbing out of bed, getting dressed, and going into the kitchen for coffee. There, he found Maria, Sam, and Bubbles sitting at the table. The mood of the room didn’t seem tense, but it wasn’t jovial either.

“Mornin’ Sweetheart,” he told her with a soft smile, sitting next to his brother, who was across from her.

“Morning,” she somewhat mumbled, not looking up at him, making his smile fade.

Dean sighed silently and then went into the library. He was beginning to feel like he was the reason for her down mood. So, he did the only thing he could think of: not be around her.

“Why do you get like that around him?” Sam asked curiously after Dean had left.

She shrugged slightly, still looking down at the table, “I’m scared,” she answered so quietly that he almost didn’t hear her.

“What are you scared of?” he asked, keeping that soft, comforting tone. At least she was opening up a little.

Bubbles climbed into her lap, and Maria rested her hand on her back, not looking up at Sam. He took note of how she wouldn’t look at him, had barely drank any of her coffee, and how she looked utterly terrified.

“Okay, let me try that again. I know Rowena probably said a lot of things to you, things to make Dean and me look like bad people who couldn’t be trusted,” he paused, carefully choosing his next set of words. “Dean and I have had to make some hard choices in the past. We lost people, good people, in the process. The two of us have even been killed a few times along the way.”

She looked up at him, “You died before?” she asked, seeming confused.

He chuckled a little, “Yeah. Somehow, Dean and I have always managed to find a way back, though.” He let out another sigh, “When it comes to Rowena, she’ll tell you what she wants so that she gets what she wants. She’ll even pretend to be your friend and care about you.”

She just stared at him for a few minutes, although he could see so many emotions flash in her eyes before she looked back down at the table. “I guess I just don’t know what to think or believe,” she mumbled, making him sigh again.

He noticed how she almost seemed to shy away, “I’m not upset or mad at you. I just don’t know what to say or do to help you believe me. Dean and I just want to keep you safe. That’s our first priority. We’d also like to get to know you, outside of keeping you safe.”

Again, she wouldn’t look up at him. That was when something hit him, and he had an idea, “Okay. When Dean brought up bringing you here that night at the bar, did he just make you go, taking you against your consent, or did he ask you if you’d come here?” 

Sam noticed how she looked to think about his question, “He asked me,” she replied quietly.

He breathed in a breath of relief. At least he’d gotten her thinking, “He left the decision up to you. Now, when Rowena wanted to talk to you, did she do the same?” he asked, raising an eyebrow, watching her carefully.

“No, she didn’t,” she answered, still quietly, but at least it looked like she was thinking about it.

“That’s the kind of thing I’m talking about. We’re not going to force anything on you, including staying here. If you’d rather be at your home back in Arizona, we wouldn’t stop you,” he told her gently.

That was when the tears fell, and she looked away from him completely, trying to wipe them from her cheeks as fast as they were falling. Sam didn’t think twice. He got up, sat next to her, and pulled her into a hug. Whether she was going to admit it or not, she needed one. He felt her lean in and bury her face in his chest, gripping his shirt as she cried. Sam gently rubbed her back. Her body shook with her sobs. Bubbles woke up but didn’t move from her lap.

Dean had been watching some of the interactions from the kitchen doorway. At least she was letting someone comfort her, even if it wasn’t him. Sam did notice him. The two of them nodded slightly before Dean returned to the library, feeling somewhat relieved.

“Hey, it’s okay,” Sam told her gently, “You’re not alone in all this crazy mess. I know it might feel that way and it’s scary to let people get close, especially a couple of strangers as weird as me and Dean are. But, I can promise you that you’re safe here with us.”

She almost seemed to sob harder at his words. He could only speculate on what had gotten her to the point of not trusting people, or perhaps it was just men, but he wasn’t sure and had no clue how to get her to open up.

He let her cry for a bit longer before he spoke again, “I know you’re probably having some trust issues, with Rowena just taking you yesterday. I had wanted to give you that hex bag earlier, but you were sleeping when I finished making them. We had been worried she’d show up and try something. I’m sorry I didn’t think of it sooner.”

Again, she cried harder, and he gently rubbed her back and held her. He wasn’t sure how much time had passed when she finally started to calm down, but he’d chosen to stop talking. He felt terrible that she seemed to cry more every time he said something.

“I’m sorry,” she finally mumbled but hadn’t pulled away.

“You’ve got nothing to apologize for. After everything that’s happened to you in the last week, I’m surprised you aren’t worse off,” he told her, still gently rubbing her back.

She sniffled a little and pulled away, mostly to dry her eyes and cheeks, “I’m sorry I questioned you and Dean. I didn’t think about it the way you brought it up,” she told him quietly. “I feel bad.”

He gave her a compassionate smile, “You still don’t have to apologize. We honestly just want you to feel comfortable while you’re here if you want to stay.” Sam thought momentarily before continuing, “Is there anything you want me to tell Dean? I understand you’re scared, and I don’t want you to feel obligated to talk to him if you don’t want to.”

That made her look up at him, and Sam could see just how sad she was really feeling, “I’m scared because Astaria had told me that I met my soulmate recently. It’s you, Dean, or Crowley. And that… terrifies me,” she whispered.

“I can tell you that it’s not me. And I can prove that if you let me touch your hand. It might help you not be so scared,” he offered, again being gentle and trying to coax her a little.

When she nodded her head, Sam moved his hand from her back to the hand she had on his shirt. She probably hadn’t even realized that she was still holding onto it. He gave her a soft, reassuring smile as he gently squeezed her hand. Both of them missed Bubbles smile.

“See, no reaction. That’s how you find out, letting someone touch your skin,” he explained softly, “There’s no rush, though, if you want to find out about Dean. When you’re ready, okay?”

She nodded a little before she got up, Bubbles flying so that she was next to her, “I think I’m gonna take a nap,” she whispered. 

“We’ll be here when you wake up,” he replied, giving her another soft smile before she and Bubbles headed out of the kitchen.

Dean watched from where he sat in the library. She barely glanced at him as she went down the hallway to her room, and Dean sighed. Sam joined him shortly after and explained what happened in the kitchen.

“She’s just gonna need some time, but at least now she knows how to find out who her soulmate is,” he tried to reassure Dean.

He sighed, “At least she was talking, even if it’s not to me.”

Sam felt for his brother. They hadn’t found much information on soulmates, and it wasn’t like they could just talk to Astaria to get more information on the topic. Neither of them realized that because Dean felt the pull toward her first, he also felt part of what she was going through.

“Dean,” he began sympathetically, “I already told you, she’s terrified that her soulmate is Crowley. At least try to understand that.”

“I do, Sammy. I just wish I could show her she’s wrong,” he said sadly.

A half-hour later, Bubbles came out of her room and joined the two in the library. Sleeping. The word flashed through Dean’s mind, and he nodded his head. Then, she flew a few feet from the table, reached out, and “drew” a line as tall as the brothers. A golden line appeared that also pulsed slightly. Bubbles looked over at the brothers and motioned them to go over to her. 

The two shared a look, and Bubbles rolled her eyes. Astaria. Dean raised an eyebrow before he looked back over at his brother, “Well, you want to talk to Astaria?” he asked.

“Wait? What?” Sam asked, somewhat confused.

“Bubbles apparently wants to take us to see her,” he answered before he got up and took a deep breath. 

Sam wasn’t entirely sure what to think, but they hoped it might help, so he, too, got up and followed Bubbles and his brother through the dimensional opening. Both of them looked around in utter awe. The trees and plant life were massive.

“I feel like an ant,” Sam said as he looked around.

Bubbles had already begun flying down the path they were on but stopped and turned to them, “You coming?” she asked, tilting her head a bit.

“Dean,” Sam said, smacking his brother on the shoulder, trying to get his attention, “it talked.”

Dean laughed hard, then shook his head in amusement, “At least I don’t have to play middle man,” he replied, still chuckling some. “Come on, Sam.”

He began following Bubbles, and Sam reluctantly followed him. It was a short walk before the path opened up to what looked like a little village. Bubbles kept flying, though, so they kept following. The people there looked at the brothers following the little purple dragon, but that was considered normal to them. The brothers weren’t sure what to think of the friendly smiles and waves they were given, so they just returned the smiles and waves.

Bubbles finally stopped in front of a large tree that looked like it had been turned into a home inside the trunk. She knocked on the door, and a woman opened it. She had long black hair, light blue eyes, a petite figure, and a soft smile.

“You’re back,” she said to Bubbles, who nodded her head and gestured to the brothers. She tilted her head a bit, looking them over. “Well, you aren’t Pari, and neither of you carries the gene. She clearly brought you here for a reason, and it must have something—” she stopped. A look of realization hit her: “OH MY GOD! You’re her soulmate.”

“Finally,” Bubbles said, rolling her eyes before she flew over and landed on the table where Maria and Astaria had sat and talked before. Dean couldn’t help but chuckle a little.

“Can you help us understand soulmates a little more?” Sam asked a little hesitantly.

“Of course,” she replied kindly, gesturing to the table where a third chair appeared.

The brothers sat across from Astaria with Bubbles seated on the table near Dean, “I’m Astaria. I’m going to guess you’re Dean and you’re Sam. Maria has told me about the two of you. It’s nice to put faces to names finally,” she said with a soft smile.

“Nice to meet you,” Dean said, finding it much easier to smile and relax now. 

“Did you believe in soulmates before you met her, Maria?” Astaria asked.

“Honestly, it’s come up a couple of times, but neither of us took any stock in it. We’re hunters. Having a normal life and relationship isn’t something we put much stock in given how dangerous our job is,” Dean replied, almost surprised at how easy it was to just talk to her.

“It wasn’t that we believed or didn’t believe. It’s not something that happens often where we’re from,” Sam added, relaxing more.

“Well, that explains why you were able to hear her familiar before she could. You didn’t have any bias on the topic,” she stated.

Astaria then went on to explain soulmates to the two of them. Every Pari has a soulmate; sometimes, it can take lifetimes before they find each other. Soulmates share a connection and if it’s strong and welcomed, they can even go as far as talking telepathically to each other through that connection. They can feel each other’s emotions, physical pains, and sensations, as well as find each other if they are separated. In order for a non-believer to believe, skin-to-skin contact must be made for the connection to begin. Then, the non-believer has to be open to explore the connection further.

The brothers sat and listened to her. Dean wondered how the hell he was even going to be able to get close enough to her to attempt that or if it was even a good idea to initiate the contact.

“Right now, she’s overwhelmed and terrified. I don’t know how much she shared with you about her life. The dimension you all are from doesn’t welcome those that are different. After her accident, when her powers started, she figured no one would ever want her,” Astaria explained, then sighed, “She figured she’d always be alone.”

Dean felt a tear slide down his cheek, then Bubbles’ hand on his, which was resting on the table in front of him. He quickly wiped it away and took a deep breath. “So, how do I even get close to her?” He was always suave when it came to women, but Maria was different. He wanted more with her than he’d wanted with any woman, and it scared the hell out of him.

Astaria thought momentarily, debating how to answer his question, “Well, just be yourself. That really is my best advice. I did make it clear to her that she’d have to make a choice. It really is up to her, no matter how much being apart from her is hurting you. The dragon will be there for you, let her. It won’t be the same comfort, but the more you let her in, the easier it will be for you.”

That wasn’t the answer he hoped for, but it gave him a starting point. 

“Dean, we should get back, before she wakes up. I told her we’d be there,” Sam told his brother, wanting to ensure he kept his word to her, especially after the Rowena incident.

“Well, it was nice to have met the two of you, and I’m sure I’ll see you again,” Astaria told them with a soft smile. “Dean, just be yourself, honestly. I can see the kind of heart and soul you have. You’re too hard on yourself. You aren’t why she’s sad, so stop thinking that.”

Ouch, Dean thought to himself, but he just gave her a friendly smile, “I’ll remember that.”

“Nice to meet you too, Astaria,” Sam replied.

The brothers followed Bubbles back to the dimensional portal, both lost in their thoughts. Dean even chuckled to himself, having the moment from the Disney movie Aladdin play through his mind, where the genie had told Aladdin to be himself. 

Once back inside the bunker, Bubbles closed the rift and flew to Maria’s room. Dean double-checked the time. They’d been gone a couple of hours, even if it hadn’t felt that long. He just kept reminding himself, to be himself around her. Although now, he needed a drink, so went for the whiskey. He felt like all his nerves were on edge. Give him monsters any day of the week. Ask him to be himself around his soulmate, who doesn’t believe in soulmates, and he turns into a nervous wreck on the inside.

----------------------------------------- Chapter 25

Tag List: @djs8891 @deans-spinster-witch

Link to the series Master List

A/N: If you'd like to be tagged in future chapters, leave me a comment, and I'll make sure to tag you

[aylacavebear]

Stockroom Antics - Chapter 2

Maria had changed jobs numerous times over the last five years, more to keep herself safe than anything else. Her mother had told her she was a fairy but she thought it was just her mom being weird. Honestly, though, she had no other way of explaining what had happened to her that stormy day before she'd gone into a coma for two weeks.

Please don't take my work. I'll post warnings for each chapter. Will probably be 18+ I haven't decided yet!

Word Count: 2163

Pairing eventually Dean Winchester x OC

Warnings: None that I noticed

A/N: This one's written a little differently than my last one. Let me know what you think. It's the first time I've tried this type of writing. Chapters will alternate viewpoints as well. I also looked into an actual area so this one could feel more realistic.

----------------------------------------- Stockroom Antics Chapter 2

“Dude, I think I found something,” Sam said, staring at his laptop at one of the library tables.

Dean came over and sat across from him, “What’d you find?” he asked, watching his younger brother.

Sam is silent for a moment, reading over something, “Weird weather patterns in Southern Arizona,” he replied, still reading.

Dean thinks for a moment, then leans back in his chair, “Weren’t we in that area about six months ago?” he asks, thinking back.

This time Sam looked up at him, “Yeah but it was more like four months ago,” he replied, a bit of teasing at his brother's memory.

Dean rolled his eyes, “Whatever. Don’t they have weird weather anyway?” he asked.

“Not like this. Tempts went down into the twenties this week. That’s normal for the higher elevations, but not near Tucson. Don’t you remember the snow they got last year, three different times,” Sam explained.

“What is going on down there and why is it like it’s a demon hotspot over the last five years?” Dean questions.

“Not sure. Maybe we missed something,” Sam suggests, “It wouldn’t hurt to check it out before it gets that bad again.”

They’d been to Tucson, more the small town just north of it, Marana, almost fifteen times in the last five years due to demonic activity. Sometimes it was just one, at others, there were up to five. The brothers still hadn’t figured out why the demons were so interested in that particular area though. They had questioned witnesses, and local authorities, and even tortured the few demons they had managed to capture. The demons didn’t give up anything though. They all chose death over what would have happened had they squealed.

Dean rubbed his face with his hand before he stood up, “Looks like a road trip. We leave in twenty,” he told his brother. Sam nodded and then closed his laptop.

The Winchester brothers lived in a bunker, built by the Men of Letters in the fifties. It was their home, their sanctuary, and it held more information than either of them could read in one lifetime. Most hunters never worked the same town twice. It was one of the unwritten rules of hunting. However, this case was one they had gotten invested in.

It had started five years ago. There was a monsoon but it ended up being a massive storm. Marana had even gotten an F0 tornado, yeah, that’s a thing. It didn’t do much damage but the storm had also affected areas of Tucson. It made the boys finding any sort of epicenter almost impossible. They spent most of their time driving around and looking at the damage, which was widespread. There was a single demon in the area, out in Avra Valley. It wasn’t the actual name of the area, but it was what the locals called it. The small gas station, a place called Speedway, was where they had found it. The demon had been around the back of the store when the brothers grabbed him, taking him somewhere to question him. Well, more like torturing the information out of him, but the demon didn’t give them anything.

These things went through both the brother’s minds as they drove from Lebanon Kansas to Marana Arizona. There were several hotels in a cluster off a road called Cortaro, which was where they had stayed before. It would take them about a day to get there and would end up sharing the drive time so the other could sleep. There were also numerous other businesses off that same road, places they’d been before and questioned people.

“Agents Frehley and Criss. Nice to see you two again,” the male clerk behind the hotel desk told them, “How long will you be staying?”

“We’ll pay for two weeks, at least. We’ve got a lot of digging to do,” Agent Frehley, Sam, told him.

Both of them were in their suits, to sell it again. They weren’t surprised that the man had recognized them. Once they got settled into their room, which had easy access to the parking lot, they decided to head out and start asking questions. There were too many places to take on in one day so the two split up, covering more ground. Sam took the businesses on the side with the hotels while Dean headed across the street to the larger businesses.

The place hadn’t changed since they had been there four months prior. Dean started with the largest business, a Wal-Mart Supercenter. Questioning the employees took the better part of the day, especially when shifts ended and others began, giving him a whole new set of employees to question. By the time he was done, it was almost five in the evening. Since there wasn’t a bar nearby, he bought a couple of bottles of whiskey and a twenty-four-pack of beer before he began the short walk back to the hotel.

As he stopped at the light, he noticed a truck. It looked somewhat familiar but at the moment, he couldn’t place where he’d seen it. The woman driving didn’t look familiar at all either but he found her kinda hot. She was smiling, comfortably sitting behind the wheel of that large truck. When the light turned green, he began through the crosswalk as the woman drove through and across the street, disappearing down the road behind the businesses. 

“Find anything?” Dean asked his brother as he set the alcohol down on the counter in their room.

Sam sighed, exhausted, “Nothing. Everyone said this happens every so many years, the cold snap.”

Dean chuckled, “If only they knew why.” He then handed his brother a beer while he poured himself a whiskey.

The brothers had brought the case files from the last fifteen or twenty times they’d been to the area. Tonight though, they just wanted a decent night's sleep after the drive and the dead-end interviews they’d had that day. The two took turns showering before having a few more drinks and turning in for the night, deciding to get an early start the following morning.

When morning did come, it was cold again, the thermostat for outside reading twenty-six at seven in the morning. Dean groaned as he saw that. Neither of them was looking forward to being out in this chill. It wasn’t like where it snowed. That cold was tolerable. The cold here though, was bone-chilling, sinking right through your skin, into your muscles, and it felt as though it was trying to freeze your bones. They both knew their suits weren’t going to keep them warm enough but had to keep up appearances, at least for now.

Sam continued on his side of the road while Dean went back across the street. He hit the store next to Wal-Mart and sighed at another dead-end. Then he hit the smaller businesses in the plaza. He grabbed himself another cup of hot coffee before he headed across the street around one. Dean decided to hit the biggest store there first, a Ross. He put on his professional smile as he headed inside, then up to the cashier.

“Agent Criss, FBI. May I speak with your manager please?” he asked the woman, who wasn’t bad looking, so smiling came easy for Dean.

The cashier spoke into the headset she was wearing asking Tay to come to the front of the store while Dean stood there and surveyed the place. There weren’t many customers, probably less than fifteen at the moment. Some with kids, some without. He remembered being here, questioning the employees four months ago, finding nothing then. He was pulled out of his thoughts when a woman approached him.

“Agent Criss. Nice to see you again, I think,” Tay told him, smiling.

He smirked down at her. She was attractive, nicely built, well proportioned with black wavey hair just past her shoulders, dark skin, and very kissable lips, “Didn’t think you’d remember me,” he replies.

She chuckled, “It’s not like we get a lot of FBI in here, especially one as good-looking as you,” she teased him. She was married but still complimented him, “What can I help you with?”

Dean’s smirk only grew but he decided to keep it professional, at least for now, “I just need to talk to your employees.”

“Alright. Do you want to use the office again? Or… can you do that while they’re on the floor?” Tay asked him, wondering if she’d have to supervise moving people around.

“Na. I think they can keep working. They’re just routine questions,” he replies.

“Well, if you need anything, just have one of the cashiers call for me. I have to help with unloading the truck we just got,” she tells him before heading to the back stockroom.

The employee roaster consisted of mostly women, which Dean found interesting. He started with the cashier since she didn’t have any customers, asking if she felt cold patches in the store, saw flickering lights, or smelled sulfur. She answered no to all of those so he headed further into the store.

When he got past the clothing racks he stopped though, watching something rather interesting happening with what looked like four employees. All he could do was attempt to keep from laughing at the antics taking place. One woman was holding a phone, seeming to be filming the other three. Another woman, tiny in frame was laying on a small sitting sofa, posing like a royal woman or something completely opposite that. Then there was the woman and the young man at either end of the small sofa, carrying it as if they were her servants.

“And here we have the amazing Sarah, modeling just how comfortable this beauty is as her servants obediently carry her through the store. Not only is it lightweight, but will give you the feeling of royalty, even if you don’t have servants to carry you around on it,” the woman holding the phone said in an almost infomercial tone.

The two carrying it were doing their best to keep straight faces, as was the woman lying on the thing. Dean couldn’t contain the small bit of laughter as he watched them. They had almost made it to where the other larger store items belonged on the floor before the four erupted in laughter.

“That will do servants,” Sarah said as royally as she could, before the two set her down, now laughing so hard they could barely stand. Now all four of them were laughing. 

He cleared his throat as he approached them, watching as they attempted to look professional. The one holding the camera quickly saved the video and passed it to Sarah, who turned it off and pocketed it. 

“Excuse me. I just have a few questions, if you’re not too busy,” Dean told them, barely able to keep from chuckling at them. They looked like kids who’d been caught with their hands in the cookie jar.

“We’re not gonna get fired for that, are we?” The male asked him.

Dean laughed a little, “I’m not here about your antics, if that’s what you're asking,” he replied. The four of them let out a sigh of relief at that, relaxing a little. “Have any of you felt any cold spots, seen lights flickering, or smelled any sulfur?” he asked them.

The girl, whom Dean learned by her nametag, that was holding the phone was Kendel, the one on the sofa was Sarah, the other Maria, and the male was Angel. All of them said no to his questions. It was the way Maria had said no, as well as her demeanor change, even if it was slight, that caught his attention. Not a single person out of all the times they’d been to the area had even flinched oddly at their questions. 

He fixed his gaze on her, a knowing in his eyes, “You sure?” he asked again, raising an eyebrow.

She smiled a bit, more like smirked, “Yup,” she popped the ‘p’, “Things are pretty plain around here, unless its monsoon season. That’s about the only time we get flickering lights, but that’s just a power thing, due to the electricity in the air.”

“Uh-huh,” was all he said, deciding he wanted to keep more of an eye on her, perhaps even follow her. He’d been reading people his whole life, and he knew she was hiding something, he just wasn’t sure what. It was a gut feeling he couldn’t ignore, as they hadn’t steered him wrong in the past.

The four of them headed back to the stockroom, and Dean questioned the other employees, no luck with any of them. Then he called his brother, “You busy?” he asked as he headed out of the store.

“Just finished here, why?” Sam replied.

“Meet me back at the hotel. I think I have a lead. It’s weak, but it’s something,” Dean explained, walking quickly.

----------------------------------------- Chapter 3

Link to the series Master List