#would we crash parties together in silly couples costumes

[tommyssupercoolblog]

Me and @septiccoffeefreak except we don't make up characters. We just talk about what it would be like if we were in a situation together or went to an event together

esoteric form of roleplay where instead of actually roleplaying you just make up characters together and discuss in abstract how they'd interact and how their story would go

[lumosandnoxwriting]

Can I request 🍂 and prompt 9 “Just trust me” with Fred Weasley please? 😊 happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!! Thanks for the request!!

Title: Come Catch Me. Pairing: Fred x Fem!Reader Prompt: Showing off a spicy costume / Just trust me

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

There’s something about Halloween that makes Y/N feel adventurous. Whether it’s watching a new scary movie, entering a haunted house or going all out with her costume, Y/N craves doing it all. Usually she and Fred try and do some funny couple’s costume, last year they had gone as Dumbledore and McGonagall, which had left their friends in hysterics and landed them first place in the costume contest at Lee Jordan’s annual party.

In early September Fred and suggested that he go as Harry, while Y/N dressed as a golden snitch, something she quickly agreed to. It would be hilarious and fluster Harry, two of her favorite things. Fred had been disappointed when Y/N told him she wanted to put together her own costume to surprise him, but she had assured him it would be worth it.

“What are you getting up to in there?” Fred calls from the living room.

“You’ll see in a second!” Y/N calls back, trying to hold back her giggles.

Y/N had worn far less clothing in front of Fred before, but the thought of parading around in what was basically lingerie in front of Fred and their friends all night excited her. The gold bra she put on accentuated her breasts and was just thin enough that her nipples could barely be seen through the fabric. The tight gold skirt she picked out clung to her hips and thighs in a way that she knew would drive Fred wild. She chose to pair the outfit with thigh high heeled boots that made her legs look like they went on for miles. Y/N had charmed a pair of delicate gold wings to flap lightly and cascade a golden dust around her and gold dust fell from her long hair as it moved.

“Okay Freddie I’m ready,” she shouts, fixing her skirt one last time. “Close your eyes.”

Y/N laughs as she hears Fred groan from his spot on the couch. “Alright woman, I’m ready!”

Y/N tiptoes out into the living room, not wanting the sounds of her heels clicking on the floor to give away her costume. She makes sure that Fred’s eyes really are close before stepping out into the open. She places a hand on her hip and points one leg out, wanting to make Fred drool from his first look.

“How are you feeling?” she asks, finding too much pleasure in the way Fred is fidgeting.

“I’m nervous,” he answers honestly. “You know I take my costumes very seriously Y/N and I will not let Ron and Hermione beat us this year because you wanted to be a prankster.”

Y/N rolls her eyes at Fred’s dramatics, but she can’t help but smile at how cute her boyfriend is. “Just trust me, Freddie.” She adjusts herself one last time, before taking a deep breath. “Alright, open your eyes.”

“Fuck,” Fred curses as his eyes open, his jaw practically hitting the floor. His eyes rake up and down Y/N’s body, a groan falling from his lips as he takes in her appearance. “Are you trying to kill me?” he asks, his eyes trained on the curve of her breasts.

Y/N giggles, taking a few steps forward so she’s standing right in front of Fred. “I told you to trust me,” she teases. She leans forward, watching as Fred’s eyes drag down her cleavage. “You know what you’re supposed to do with a snitch, right?” When Fred just gapes up at her, Y/N licks her lips and grabs his hand, placing it on one of her breasts. “You’re supposed to firmly grasp it.”

Fred massages Y/N’s breast as he crashes their lips together, using her moan as an opportunity to shove his tongue into her mouth. Y/N kisses Fred back passionately for a few moments before pulling away, not wanting to get too distracted. She fully stands up, causing Fred to lose the grip he had on her body.

“That’s not fair,” he pouts, causing Y/N to giggle.

“Well if we sit here any longer we’ll miss the start of the contest, and if I recall you take it very seriously,” she teases with a wink. “So, we better get moving. There will be plenty of time for you to wrap your fingers around other parts of my body later, if you earn it.”

Fred groans, willing his erection to go away. “And how do I do that?

“Well you’re a seeker, silly,” she says, grinning at him wickedly. “You’ve gotta come catch me.”

[chicksung]

One Last Time || Park Jisung

Genre: Fluff, best friends to lovers!au, nonidol!au. Part of the @neo-the-stars-net halloween collab

Pairing: best friend!jisung x fem reader

Word Count: 2.9k (I didn’t intend for this to happen)

Warning/s: Mentions of fake blood (red paint), singular mention of alcohol (not consumed by either party)

Synopsis: Senior year. Full of teenagers trying to pack the most into their last year of high school to make it memorable. You and Jisung have decided that this year will be the end of your tradition, trick or treating. Better make it count, right?

A/N: I was so happy to be able to be a part of this collab and a special thanks to @ncitythoughts for letting me bounce ideas off you. I really appreciate it, elle! This concept also one my favourites. I also couldn’t find a gif of it but the costume that jisung is in is his one from Halloween 2018! Enjoy, spookies!

Adding the final touches to your makeup, you smiled brightly at your mirror image and stood up, looking the same reflection up and down at your costume. You had recently found your obsession with Stephen King horror movies, your favourite of which being It. You knew that was basic, but the character design of Pennywise was something that continued to fascinate you. So, with your slowly growing sewing capability and enough dedication, you created your genderbent Pennywise cosplay. White top with ruffled sleeves, ruffle white skirt, a lot of white, but for a bit of fun (and what was pretty much canon) you had splattered the clean material with red paint, creating fake bloodstains.

Now your face was coloured white and your lips were shaded into the creepy and sinister smile that Pennywise always harboured. Once satisfied with your reflection, you turned to your best friend. “What do you think?” You called out to him, drawing his attention away from the whiskers he was drawing on his cheeks. He looked you up and down for a moment before smiling.

“Truly terrifying.” Jisung smiled, turning back to his reflection to add the last whisker. He placed down the eyeliner pen and stood up. Jisung’s costume was also mainly white, but his taking on a more animalistic and innocent portrayal, polar opposite to your ‘blood’ splattered clothes.

“Look at you, Jwi. So cute.” You said, playfully pinching his cheeks, causing him to groan.

“Y/N stop~ We’re not five anymore.” He stated.

He was right. You weren’t five anymore. You were both eighteen and in your final year of high school. Funniest thing about this whole thing is that you didn’t even know Jisung when you were five. The two of you didn’t meet until you were eleven and the seating plan the teacher had set up had graciously introduced you to Jisung, the soft spoken, gangly boy who spent way too much time in the gymnasium for your liking, yet the two of you became inseparable.

To be quite honest, you had no idea how it happened, it just did. Asking for solutions for the math homework ended up turning into the most important friendship you’ve made.

“Y/N! Y/N! Are you ready?” Your little sister, Gyuri squawked, running into your room in her cheap Halloween store Princess Aurora dress. The young girl was six and only came up to Jisung’s knee, but her excitement was measured to approximately seven feet tall. It was the first year that your mother had let her go trick or treating but only if you went with her, and knowing Jisung, he wasn’t going to mind the girl tagging along. You knew he was very much whipped for Gyuri and she looked up to Jisung like the older brother she never had.

“Give us a minute, GyuGyu. We’re almost done here. Why don’t you go and get the little bags I bought. They’re the purple and black bags I put on the kitchen table. There’s one for each of us, and our names are written on them. Can you do that for me?” You said, slowly shrinking down to her level so she hopefully wouldn’t be to intimidated by the creepy clown makeup, but thankfully she remained bubbly.

“I can do that!” She said, her hands curling up into little fists before running back out the door she had entered not long before.

“Does she ever just...stop?” Jisung asked. He was honestly jealous with how much energy the six year old had. You shook your head, a reminiscent shine glazing over your eyes. You didn’t recognise the trance you were in until Jisung was waving his hands in front of you.

“Hello? Earth to Y/N? Do you copy?” Jisung huffed, his big brown eyes almost touching your own. Your eyes finally snap back to now and you see how close in proximity your face was from his.

“Yes, I copy. Now get out of my face.” You rolled your eyes, shoving Jisung away from you. He chuckled and stepped away from you, a warm feeling buzzing in his chest. A buzz he recognised way too well, and one he only felt when he was with you.

“Okay you two, stand in front of the door. I think you know the drill.” Your mom smiled, camera clamped firmly in her hand as she gestured towards you and Jisung.

Another one for the scrapbook

You shuffled towards the tall boy, looking towards your mom and smiled. Jisung did the same. His heart shaped smile revealed his teeth and gums to the camera and your mother couldn’t stop herself from fawning over him a few seconds after the shuttering of the camera was heard.

“Aww, Jisungie, dont you just look adorable?” She cooed, making you roll your eyes. “Mom, stop it~ It’s embarrassing~”

“What? Am I not allowed to compliment someone?” She teased back before you rolled your eyes and strutted over to see the photo, a soft smile gliding across your face. This was really the end of your tradition, huh?

You and Jisung retreated back to your bedroom and from under your bed, you pulled out a scrapbook with its spine cracked from how many times it had been opened.

It had been your mother’s idea to scrapbook your friendship. Although you thought it was dumb at first, you’re really glad she had suggested it. Calling for Jisung to pass you one of your many orange gel pens, you made small decorations in the page before writing ‘Halloween, Senior Year’ at the top in cursive and glued the picture onto the page.

You couldn’t help but flick back to your very first Halloween together, you dressed in a cheap princess dress and crown (very similar to your little sister’s), and Jisung in an equally as cheap vampire costume, complete with fake teeth. Your pumpkin shaped candy buckets clutches tightly in your hands.

The more pages you flip, the more you watched yourselves grow. Jisung went to being shorter than you to being five feet taller than you and you grew into your body and developed as every girl did.

“God, I was so cringey back then.” Jisung groaned when he saw what picture you were looking at.

“And what makes you think you grew out of that?”

“And what makes you think that...that...” He tried to find something to fire back at you but all he came up with were bent bullets.

“Better luck next time, Sungie.” You smirked slyly, your hand creating a ‘V’ on his face and squishing his cheeks. He puffed his cheeks out and stood up, walking towards your little sister, who was busy imitating a spinning top in her dress.

“Gyuri! You silly, if you keep spinning like that, you won’t be able to come trick or treating with us!” Jisung told her, placing his hands lightly on her back to stop her. Gyuri stumbles for a second when she stopped before smiling up at Jisung.

“I’ve stopped now. Can we go?” She asked excitedly, bouncing on the balls of her heels and with a singular nod from your mother, she squealed (which rang through room in a pitch you didn’t like to think about) and grabbed her little black and purple bag and raced to your side.

“I take it you’re ready to go?” You asked the little girl, who nodded her head enthusiastically. You looked back to Jisung, but his eyes were trained to your sibling and an unconscious smile touched your lips.

“Have fun, kids!” Your mother voice broke your train of thought and you nodded.

“We’ll see you later, mom!”

As dusk turned to nightfall, you, your best friend and your little sister went to the doors of the decorated houses, which broke the familiarity of the normal picket fences neighbourhood. The excited rap on every house’s door was opened with an equally excited parent, placing candy into each of your buckets. There were a few who questioned you and your friend, asking if you were too old for dress up.

“It’s been our tradition for years. It’s what brought us closer together.” You would always tell them before taking Gyuri’s hand and skipping back up the path and onto the next house.

By 9pm, Gyuri was in Jisung’s arms, fast asleep, her pudgy cheek squished up against her eye. The stars were out now and the moon’s reflective rays were the only thing that lit up your path aside from the occasional streetlight. You opened up the front door, Jisung pushing passed you to deliver the six year old to your mother.

“Are you two going to stay out a little later?” She asked the boy. He nodded. “Yes, we are but not too much later.” He promised. Your mom smiled. If there was anyone who was just as whipped for Jisung as you were, it was your mother.

“Alright but no later than midnight, alright kids?” She called out as Jisung made his way to the door. With a call of reassurance delivered, you and Jisung left the house once more and began to wander the streets.

The memories from the past seven years crashed over your mind like a tidal wave, images of a younger set of best friends, running like crazy through the streets, playing chasy with all the other neighbourhood kids while the parents sat around and drank and conversed. The memories of your younger self. A younger friendship, a younger mindset, a younger crush.

Neither you ever confessed your feelings but you lost count of how many people (particularly adults) who assumed you were a couple.

“Do you remember when I would sleep over, if the sky was clear, we would say we would sleep under the stars but chicken out and just sleep in your room?” You reminisced on the story aloud, Jisung giggling in return.

“Yeah. We were so scared something like a cougar was gonna eat us or something.” His laughter picked up again, his eyes squinting as he did.

“The wild imagination of a child, I guess.” You concluded, falling back into comfortable silence before stumbling across a part of the neighbourhood that was all too familiar.

The woods.

Many games of hide and seek and murder in the dark were played here, the latter being played with other friends and children on the same street. You remember the nights of giggling until your sides ached, hiding until you had to find the seekers, being too good that you were always made the seeker.

“We basically know every inch of that wood.” Jisung cocked his head to the side, trying to peer into the wood, seeing if there were any creatures of the night lurking around. There weren’t but it wouldn’t hurt to check.

“I remember making so many cubby houses with Yuna and Seulgi. You, Renjun and Chenle wouldn’t let us into yours so we made our own. Turns out ours was much more stable when it came to windy days.” You teased, letting your shoes tease the edge between the woodly maze and the street. Jisung scrunched his nose up and folded his arms, mumbling something about Chenle being dumb and Renjun being just as dumb when it came to stability.

Jisung stood there for a second longer, before his eyes lit up with an idea. “We should play hide and seek.”

You snapped your head towards him so fast, it almost gave you whiplash. “Huh?”

Jisung looked at you and felt his chest was about to explode from the warmth inside it. “I mean, if we’re stopping our tradition tonight, might as well finish it properly. Let’s play hide and seek one last time, before we become boring adults stuck in office jobs and getting more paper cuts than hours of sleep.”

You couldn’t see why not

“Since it was your suggestion, you’re the seeker.” You declared as you dashed into the woods, looking for the same pile of old plywood that you would hide behind and no one could ever seem to find you. Jisung tried to protest but you were too far into the wood that his complaints fell onto deaf ears.

You could hear Jisung’s footsteps approaching and distancing themselves from the spot you sat. ‘Even after all these years, that idiot still can’t find me.’ You thought to yourself. You checked your phone and you had been crouched in the same position for ten minutes.

“Y/N! Y/N! Where are you?” You heard Jisung’s voice echoing from the other side of the wood.

“Over here, you stupid!” You called out, knowing that he was nowhere near close to finding you. He dashed back to the centre of the forest, looking around and trying to pinpoint where your voice had called out to him moments ago.

“Where’s here?” He asked, but this time, no reply. He groaned before calling your phone. You were quick to decline the desperate boy’s plea and watched as he tossed his head back in annoyance. You watched him slowly make his way closer to you, and you were in perfect alignment with his ankles. Yes. Yes. This is what you wanted.

One step. Two steps.

When he reached his third step, you grasped his right ankle, causing the boy to screech in a high pitch and high decibel rating. You were laughing your ass off, while Jisung calmed his racing heart (mind you, you were dressed as a psychopathic clown). You pouted at him before wrapping your arms around him.

“I’m so sorry. I saw the opportunity and I had to take it. Please please forgive me.” You pleaded, squeezing him tightly and listening as his heart slowed, but his heart still had a skipping rhythm to it.

“I suppose I can. But I can’t promise anything.” Jisung sighed out, plonking down at the base of a thick oak tree whose branches reached over the night sky, obscuring the stars that dimly shimmered above. You sat down beside him and sighed, your head resting against the tree.

Jisung watched over your smiling form, your fascination with the stars saving him from being caught staring at you. His heartbeat quickened once more and unbeknownst to him, a soft pink hue poked at his cheeks and reddened his ears.

“Y/N?” He called out to you, pulling you from your starry trance. You caught the flaming red that flowed on the tips of his ears.

“Yeah, Sungie?”

“Can I tell you something? Something I’ve been hiding from you?” His question was hesitant and his tone was shy, like he was scared of your reaction.

“Jisung, we’ve been friends for years. You don’t need to ask me to tell me something.” You chuckled, nudging his arm to try and get him to lighten up. The blush in his cheeks darkened crazily fast and he sighed.

“I’velikedyouforareallylongtimebu-” His words were jumbled and close together and you couldn’t understand anything he was saying.

“Woah, woah, woah. Slow down, Jwi. Take a deep breath and try again.” You reassured him, turning your body towards him and rubbing his shoulders. Jisung followed your instructions, sighing out his breath and trying again.

“I’ve liked you for a really long time but I didn’t know how to tell you. I felt like tonight would be my last chance before I chickened out again.” This time, you understood him and you couldn’t quite still your pounding heart.

“You don’t have to accept and I know this might ruin our friendship but I had to shoot my shot, you know and Haechan said-”

“I like you too.” You interjected, your own cheeks dusting pink. There was a silence, filled with processed emotions and spiked heartbeats.

“So...”

“Guess Renjun was right.” Jisung snapped his head towards you. “What do you mean?” You chuckled at the boy’s confused face and hummed.

“He said that if we didn’t like each other by the end of high school, there was something wrong with us.” Jisung scrunched up his face and mimicked the words you just, imitating Renjun’s voice. “Well, he wasn’t exactly wrong.” You smiled, picking yourself up and dusting off your knees and butt.

“How long have you liked me?” Jisung asked, standing up himself as the two of you started to wander aimlessly. You looked up to the sky in thought, the stars helping you connect the question to the last seven years.

“Since I was like...13? 14? We had been friends for a while but I kept it quiet because you were still dating Heejin.” You could hear Jisung audibly cringe at the name of his ex-girlfriend. Yes, he and Heejin were only together for two months but she was awfully clingy and had tried to drive you and Jisung apart.

“You know what’s good about this though?” Jisung said, looking back to you, still seeing the sparkle in your eye despite it being almost pitch black.

“What?” No sooner had you said that, you felt Jisung’s lips touch the burning skin of your cheeks and your face flushed red. He laughed at you before pulling your arm towards the street once more.

“I should get you home. Your mom said to be home by 12, didn’t she? Don’t want her thinking I’ve Up and left with her daughter.” He smiled at you.

As the two of you walked side by side, like you had done for years, your pinky fingers wrapped around each other as you set off home. Down the same road you had walked for years, with the person you loved more than anything.

[harveywritings92]

Fatgum x OC: Halloween party

"Man I love Halloween, the school has the best parties!" Denki exclaimed over the loud music in the U.A. Gymnasium as he and Mina (who was dressed as Dorothy Gale.) were in line for the costume contest held by student counsel, this party was big deal considering it was the last party before they graduated, the electric user was dressed as a detective. "I know right? say... wasn't Fatgum and Vi-shock supposed to be here as judges?" she asked looking around for her yellow haired friend's mentor and her large husband.

"Oh yeah, they stepped out for a second, something about helping Fatgum into his costume?" Mina was curious now, she asked Denki and Kirishima {who was dressed as Soul from Soul eater) about what the couple were going to be dressed as? neither of them knew, Violet was very good at keeping it a secret, but for some reason they needed their two year old daughter for it. Mina thought it was going to be something cute like Totoro or little red-riding hood!

Just at that moment the scary music suddenly shifted to a somber tone everyone's attention suddenly drawn to the stage where a person was laying on the ground like a dead body, a random student said out loud "Hey isn't this music from Bioshock2?" as they said this a tiny figure toddled onto the stage everyone stopped their mingling and looked at the little girl they now recognized as Toyomitsu Taiga. She was standing on stage bare foot in a dirty and tattered lavender coloured 1950's style dress holding a large syringe with red liquid inside, who was looking off stage almost impatient.

"Mr. Bubbles let's go!" she called out then was a whale like groan coming from backstage as large form suddenly walked into view jaws were dropped in awe there stood a man who was obviously Fatgum- dressed up as a Big Daddy Bouncer from Bioshock! He walked over to his girl who turned around and gasped seeing her mom laying on the ground. "Look Mr. Bubbles angel!" and crouched down as "Mr. Bubbles" groaned keeping watch, if someone from the audience tried to get closer Taiga would flinch, causing Taishiro to look at them; the lights in his helmet would turn red and spin his drill as a warning the person would quickly snap a photo and back-off.

"Holy shit that's so badass dude!" Denki yelled from audience as the father and daughters pair continued their little act, as they approached "the Angel" Taiga jabbed it with her needled before pulling away and drinking the red liquid inside her syringe, she giggled before sniffing the air exclaiming "More Angels Mr. Bubbles! dis way!" she led him away. The stage lights turned off before turning back on, Violet who was dressed as a rosebud splicer wearing a welding mask.  

Fatgum was standing next to her holding Taiga in one arm; said toddler was busy eating a Mummy rice-krispy pop while her mom and dad, thanked the audience for their patience and hope they enjoyed their family's little skit before announcing the start of the costume contest and reminding any last minute entries to hurry up, before reading out a list of prizes. 

"First prize is a candy shopping spree for the winner and four friends, second place was a large jar of candy and meal ticket, third is little jack-o-lantern filled with candy, fourth giant stuffed bear dressed as a skeleton. other participances will be given gift bags." 

With that family left the stage with Violet helping Taishiro get back stage, where Kirishima and Denki were waiting for them practically bouncing off the walls and immediately started asking questions, how could they hide this from them? how did  Fatgum make the lights change? can the BMI hero even breath and see in that helmet?

"Taishiro's laughter echoed in the helmet as Violet helped him open it up showing them set-up inside, the inside was one of those plastic domes from a playground ,chicken wire, wood and pvc piping, with four tablets were held together synched up to go-pros that were hidden in the cage like casing outside the helmet; letting Fatgum see where he was going. 

At the bottom of the helmet was a vent letting air cycle through, the lights were fairy lights and styrofoam cups. how he was able to change the colour was a small joystick hidden in his drill, he showed them a switch with the settings, Yellow, red and green, as for the drill all he do a was squeeze the trigger and the drill spun around. 

"It took us both 2 months to get this ready!"

"And believe me when I say this helmets heavy!"

"and we had to wear these around Taiga a few times so she wouldn't freak out!"

"Vi's been thinkin of turnin' this suit into a statue, when this is all done!"

After a bit of Q&A Violet helped her husband put the helmet back on. "That so freaking cool, we totally thought you'd come as Totoro or something!" Denki said the older electric user who smirked. "Well, actually that was first idea! but, it seem to... painfully predictable." the redhaired explained. "So, you can imagine my surprise when Taishiro suggested Bioshock to me!" she said grabbing a soda from a cooler, both teens gawked at Fatgum in shock that he was the one who came up with the idea.

The BMI hero shrugged as his distorted voice came from the helmet "Well I mean I’m already her big daddy, so why not?~" Violet choked on her drink as soon those left his mouth, causing Taiga to started giggling at how silly her mommy was being, while Kirishima and Denki blushed and winced at the same time.

 "O-okay, that we didn't need to know" the redhaired teen said before dragging his friend away to watch the costume contest . "That was mean Tai!" Violet wheezed glaring at her husband who just chuckled. "What, I was just tellin' the truth sweet-queen.~" he purred before leading her out to the party to watch the costume contest.

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

if anyone's curious the contest results were.

First prize: Toga Himiko dressed as Harley Quinn from the 90's Batman TAS (She crashed the party as a spy and ran as soon as they gave her the prize.)- mumbles incoherently when they ask for her name. 

Second: Katsuki Bakugou : dressed a fantasy Katsuki.

Third: Tenya Iida as Space sheriff Gavan

Fourth:  Toogata  Mirio  as Vault boy { gave his prize to Eri) 

[queerchoicesblog]

The Cage Of Fools

Hiya, folks! So, as previously announced, the wlw writing project continues after a break with a miniseries set back in the City of Lights - & Love - at the time of the Belle Epoque, at the turn of the century.

What does Élodie has in store for Léa? Find out in today’s chapter!

Hope you enjoy it: if you do, please consider spreading the word!

Next chapter out on Friday, I think!

TRIGGER WARNING: mentions to homophobia, violence

Tagging: @scottishqueer​

Previous chapters: Paris, Paris ; One Night At The Moulin Rouge , The Handkerchief

_______________________

As I wait for her, I look around, savouring the magic atmosphere of the Moulin Rouge backstage. The mix of sweat, champagne and perfume, the lively murmur coming from behind the velvet curtains...it's like being in a world of its own. A crazy secret world where you forget about the other one, outside these walls. Your miseries, the money in your pocket which is never enough, your sorrow. They're not admitted here, this place forges dreams only. It's so different from the atelier or where I live... The door of the changing room opens up again and the sound of laughters and a bottle being popped open comes from the inside. Élodie steps out just as I turn: she changed and is now wearing more ordinary clothes. I notice that she still keeps the handkerchief in her pocket. "Thank you for your patience, my dear" she smiles, approaching with a coat in her hands. "Not joining the party?" I ask, nodding at room she has just left. She looks back for a moment then meets my gaze again and shrugs. "Not tonight"

I'm a bit confused but she's probably tired. Maybe she had a long day too and can't wait to go home and crash to bed. She just asked me to stay out of politeness, maybe for my gift... I gesture her to let me help her putting on her coat. "What way are you heading? Maybe I can walk with you for-" I start but she cuts me short. "Actually I was hoping you would join me for a drink" she says, turning to face me again. "It's too early to go to sleep and I would love some company" She takes a pauses then flashes me an encouraging smile. "If you want to, that is" I'm surprised by her invitation. Me, the seamstress getting a drink with a dancer of the Moulin Rouge? I heard stories of spectators who would fight, maybe even duel for their attention or an invitation from a woman like her and now...this? Me? I try to snap out of it but before I can formulate a single word -and thought-, she speaks again as if reading my mind. "I won't insist if you can't but you've been so kind to me, travelling all the way here to bring me back my handkerchief. And I'd love to get to know you better, seamstress-poet" Her voice softens imperceptibly when she pronounces the epithet she gave me when we first met, in this very same corridor one week ago: seamstress-poet. I still hardly feel like a poet but I feel flattered: it's the second time she used it tonight as if she was quite...fond of it. And she remembered my name too. I'm quite tired to be honest, the hard work of the past few days is kicking in and for some reason my mind goes back to Marie, who's probably now sitting alone at the dinner table after saving some stew for me. She will be worried if I come home too late...yet I find the invitation alluring. And the brave, patient smile on Élodie's lips makes it even harder to decline her offer. "Yes, sure, why not?" I sigh, smiling shyly. "I'm not sure I can stay long but I'd love to". I button up my coat and Élodie claps her hands, her face brightening up. "Marvellous! Drinks on me, no arguing" she winks. Then she wraps her arm around mine and we walk into the court that leads to the main street. The moon is almost full up there in the sky and looks like she's bashfully hiding behind a veil of clouds: what made her so shy tonight? I shake my head at my silly thoughts. The night is cold, I wonder if the temperature will go below zero during the night: thank God tomorrow is my day off, I won't have to sew in miserable conditions. "So, where to, my dear friend?" Élodie asks. "Do you know any good place to go?" An inviting warmth spreads from her arm linked to mine, from our proximity. I don't have to hug myself to shake away the cold. "Mmh...I know a bar in Montmarte. I usually go there with my friends" I say, considering. "With the nice boy who lead you backstage and is not your boyfriend?" she teases, playfully. "Very well then, lead the way, mademoiselle!" I oblige but I stop after a moment. I frown: I completely forgot today's the closing day. Even a week ago we had to go somewhere else, but I can't remember where. I just followed the boys, still drunk of the wondrous performance at the Moulin. Élodie reassures me not to worry about it, we will come up with something. She grabs her chin and looks around, pondering options. After a moment, she turns back to me. "I know a spot, it's not far actually" she says and I get the feeling that she's a bit nervous now even if she tries to look cheerful as usual. "It's probably a bit different from the bars you're used to" "I'm no high-maintenance" I chuckle since she makes it sounds like I'm used to fine things, finer at least. "And I've never been in a bar at Pigalle" The thought thrills me: I know there are places I could afford but we've never been here on our nights out. We usually end up in the suburbs or down the river...Pigalle is a bit too far away from our usual routes. But it also has a reputation: they say it's the place where everyone can find their thrills. I know that some refers to the prostitues walking the streets night and day but I don't care. "No? Oh well...then to The Cage of Fools!" Élodie exclaims. "The Cage of Fools?" I laugh. "As long as you don't drag me straight to the asylum!" She laughs too, gently pushing me forward. "Why would I do that? They don't serve alcohol there!" True to her words, the place is ten minutes away or so it seems to me: I might be too distracted chatting with my new friend to notice but it wasn't far. Set at the corner of a back alley, I wouldn't have taken the Cage of Fools for a bar if I hadn't known better. It looks like a tavern with old worn wooden doors and painted glasses so smoky or dirty that you can't really see the inside. Even the sign threatens to fall any minute. The only hint of its true nature is the echo of music coming from the inside. Élodie holds the door open for me and a mix of cigarette smoke, alcohol and cheap perfumes hits my nostrils. I take a deep breath and we walk in. The place is surprisingly lively for the unassuming exterior. Tables are lined up to the sides to leave plenty of space for a dance floor at the centre. At the bottom, the bar is already crowded with costumers. At one of the stools, a singer is grazing her fingers over a little accordion just like the one one of my roommates owns. When I hear the musician's mastery, I cannot help but think it's a pity she never uses it. Élodie must be a regular here because she seems to know everyone, well almost everyone. She greets some girls chatting and playing cards at a table nearby, who kindly offer to make room for our coats. "You're early today" one of them comments as we take them off. "So what, complaining already, sweetness?" Élodie retorts, eliciting a round of laughters from the table. "She's just afraid of the competition, sunshine" another giggles before getting a shove on the shoulder from her friend who spoke first. Élodie rolls her eyes, smiling. "I'm here with a friend" she says, gesturing me to step closer. "Here, this is Léa, be kind to her, it's her first time here. Léa, my favourite foolish friends" The ladies turn towards me at unison and look at me in a way I cannot describe. Is it surprise the unreadable expression on their faces? Or else? Slightly embarassed, I wave my hand and greet them. "Ah, so this is the Léa" the one who hasn't spoken yet says, her eyes wandering between me and Élodie. "Nice to finally make your acquaintance, mademoiselle" "The Léa? I..." I start, confused, but my friend interrupts me. As a new popular jig starts playing -apparently there's a little orchestra too, not just a solo singer-, she drops our coats into the lap of one of the ladies and exclaims. "Oh I love this tune! The dance floor is screaming my name" "The can-can hasn't tired you out?" I joke, making room for her. Élodie reaches for my hand and smirks. "It takes more than a can-can to do that, my dear girl. Come, let's dance!" She pulls my hand but I freeze and ask the silliest question I could have ever formulated. "Dance? But like...with me?" I've only danced with other girls in private and they were my sisters after mom fell asleep. Oh and Marie when she wanted to rehearse beforehand in case Alain asked her to dance. I've never done it in...public. Élodie shrugs, half amused. "Afraid people will stare? Trust me, it's fine here. So, shall we?" Another sudden realisation hits me: I have never danced with a professional only for fun and when I was a bit tipsy. Or yes, where nobody could see me. I will embarrass myself... "I-I don't know the steps" I admit, blushing. Élodie smiles and pulls my hand again. "I can teach you but the real secret is...don't think, just feel the rhythm and move" When we reach the other dancing couples, I'm still unsure of what to do. I'm suddenly nervous, almost regretting being here. I stand in the position I usually take when we go dancing with the guys. Élodie looks at me, still half amused half....I don't now, maybe it's pity? "Is this how you dance with your non-boyfriend?" she asks but I sense no judgement or derisive intent in her playfulness. Then she takes my hand and places it on her shoulder. "You know what? It's fine, I'll dance the man part to make it easier for you" she winks. "But we have to stand a bit closer" A shiver runs down my spine when she wraps an arm around my waist and pulls me closer until our faces are inches apart and our bodies flushed together. When she speaks again, I can feel her breath on my lips. "And now showtime" she whispers, leading me into the fast paced dance. It's hard to keep pace and not step on her foot at first but she leads with confidence and tells me what to do every now and then. We bump into other couples but nobody seems to care and I don't even have to worry about falling because her arm keeps me steady. I've never danced like this, not even with other girls: she just makes it sound easy, fun. Soon I relax and gain a little bit of confidence to try some moves of my own, Élodie welcomes them with enthusiastic cheers. Just like at the Moulin Rouge the world seems to spin faster and be suddenly lighter. She must feel the same way because she's smiling again. When the tune comes to an end, we exchange a look and wait the next one. Now that my embarrassment has gone, I'm not leaving the dance floor so soon! We keep dancing, careless and free. And as we do so, thanks to less furious jigs and songs, I notice something that God knows why, I missed earlier when we entered. Élodie was right: this place is different from the bars my friends and I usually end the night in. I don't know why it took me all this time to realise such an evident detail but...on the dance floor there are only other women dancing with women and men dancing with men. Pretty much the same goes for the table or the niches or the bar. Some men are in feminine clothes and wear a wig and a rouge on their lips just like girls do; some women, included the singer, are in a masculine attire. Like cheap tuxedos and high hat or blouses and papillon that makes them look young ephebic dandies. I have never been in a place like this. I catch girls throwing lingering looks at me, taking in my full figure as I spin laughing in Élodie's arms. One even gallantly tips her hat at me and mouths something I cannot understand. I shrug smiling to signal I couldn't make out a single word and she smiles back, rising her glass. It's weird and new. I'm used to men asking to dance or dropping compliments when I'm out with my friends but women never look at me this way. At least, if they did, I have never noticed so far. Generally they're either friends or colleagues or clients who only check themselves in the mirror as I fix their clothes. This is different, this is like...being seen, regarded, admired maybe if someone likes what they see. The thought makes me blush furiously and I rest my head on Élodie's shoulder. I breathe in her scent and smile, thrilled and surprised to feel her head leaning over mine. Our hearts pound madly in our chests. We dance until I'm out of breath and ask for a little pause. Élodie takes my hand and leads me to the bar. We find two empty stools and take a seat. She asks me what I'll have and remind me that drinks are on her. Then she calls the bartender, they must know each other. "Pierrette! A glass of your finest cider for my friend here and the usual for me" She turns back to me. I'm still panting, my cheeks on fire. "You did incredibly well to be someone who 'doesn't know the steps'" "I just followed your lead" I laugh, dismissing her compliment. "You're kind but I'm a terrible dancer. Especially compared to you but it was fun" She throws me a smile veiled by the smoke of the cigarette she accepted from a guy, another friend or acquaintance I wager. "You should dance more often then. If you need a partner..." Our conversation is interrupted by the bartender approaching with our drinks. Pierette is one of those men in feminine clothes and has an incredibly sweet and welcoming smile. I tell her so when she hands me my cider and places a glass of cognac in front of my friend. "Thank you, Pierrette, you're a sweetheart" Élodie smiles, dropping coins in her hand and pulling her close to press a kiss on her cheek. The bartender bows her head and hesitates a little. Turning towards me, she adds, placing a flower on the counter: "The gentleman down there sends you this, mademoiselle" I turn towards my friend first and then towards the tables and I meet the gaze of the lady in tuxedo who tipped her hat at me while I was dancing. She courtly bows her head with a charming smile before resuming playing cards. The little violet must have been pinned to her jacket. "Look at you, already an admirer" Élodie comments, blowing off smoke. "That was...unexpected" "Do you like her? Would you like to go thank her?" I consider it for a moment: I probably should but she's playing and my friend invited me here. "Maybe later" I shake my head. "I'm here with you" I rise my glass for a toast and I think I see Élodie blushing a little at my words for the first time. "To our night out, to a new friendship" she proposes and we cling our glasses. We smile at each other then I divert my eyes, embarassed: I don't want my new friend to get the impression that I'm staring on anything. My eyes falls back on the little violet. "So, tell me, Léa, what brings a seamstress-poet like you in the City of Lights?" My story is pretty simple, actually. I tell her about my job at the atelier, a refreshing change from my maid years but at the time it was my only way out of my miserable provincial town. I share a few details of my life there, my father working as a fisherman... "Did your father fish oysters too? I think they do that up North" Élodie asks, pondering. "Oh yes, sometimes during the winter" "Ever found any pearl inside?" I laugh: I wish we did! "Had we, I would have never taken that maid job!" Élodie gives me a long lingering look before speaking again. "Maybe the reason why you never found one is simple. Maybe you are a tiny shining pearl" Sudden warmth spreads inside me, embracing my chest and the tip of my ears. "Don't tell me no one called you 'the pearl of Roscoff' back there" she adds, charming. "No, I was simply Léa, Gilles' daughter back there. If they remembered my name, that is" I shrug. "Weird people the folks of the North: they call themselves the best fishermen yet they cannot recognise a pearl when they see it" "Maybe they thought I was a mermaid" I joke to conceal how her words fluster me. Élodie seems to consider the possibility for a moment then she leans closer, our faces inches apart from each other again, and she sniffs my hair, my neck. The gesture is playful but also sensual. I don't know if that was her aim but I shut my eyes, grateful she can't hear my heart now. "No, you're not. You don't smell of tar or seaweed...and you have no tail" she declares, parting. I make a scene to look relieved as I hope she didn't notice the red on my the tip of my ears. She smiles, a gleam in her eyes. "And you?" I inquiry. "Tell me more about you" She gives a long look then drowns her drink. She tells me that she's been a dancer since the day she arrived here. Even before, actually. She started small but soon joined the dancing crew at Les Folies Bergere: I could have find her performing at the prestigious music hall a couple of months ago. She liked it there, the music acts were glorious but when she heard about the auditions for the Moulin Rouge she decided to give it a try. Why not, she thought. The rest is history. I'm amazed at how she speaks so casually of places that ignite the dreams of common girls like me, used to ordinary music halls and bars. "Do you regret leaving Les Folies?" I ask, taking a last sip of cider. "Not really, no. I still have friends there, they invite me to their acts but the Moulin is where I belong now, where I want to be. You see-" A loud ruckus suddenly erupts and people in the front start screaming. "Shit!" Élodie curses before quickly jumping off her stool. It all happens in the blink of an eye. I turn and see gendarmes pushing their way through the scared crowd that was dancing until a moment ago. Until their arrival. "Enough of your little party, you're under arrest" I hear them yell, cold and angry. Blood runs cold in my veins but I feel Élodie hands grabbing mine and pushing me off my stool too. "Follow me and run. Run!" She doesn't have to tell me twice. We sprint off in the panicked crowd, desperate for a way to escape the raid like everyone else. I only make out one voice among the screams of panic and the shouts of the gendarmes. "We're not doing anything wrong! Leave us alone" a woman is saying but she has little success against their wrath. Too soon the sinister whistle of a baton and the sound of a broken nose reach ears. Cold fear makes me shiver. "Shut up, degenerate! Secure the exits!" "This way, Léa, this way!" Élodie says, keeping pushing forward with the force of despair. We enter what looks like a storage room or a canteen and we keep running towards the door. We're halfway when Élodie let me move ahead as if shielding me from the chaos and panic coming from the main hall. More gendarmes are storming in and the door in front of us seems like our only way out. We're almost there when it slams open and another man in uniform materialises. As he spots us, he sneers and launches forward. I let out a shriek "Where do you think you're going?" he spits, furious. I duck just in time to avoid his baton and before I process what's happening, I hear him wincing. I look back and Élodie still has a fist mid air; then she grabs his shoulders and kick him hard in the groin. The gendarme collapses to the floor whining loudly. Panting, she reaches me and I grab her hand. "Run, Léa, run!" We both sprint off into the street outside and keep pushing forward and against our fatigue as we hear the shouts of other gendarmes in the distance, the echo of their boots appraching. We exchange a look and take a brisk turn to the left then one another, hoping to confuse the guards. We keep running hand in hand until our breath is short and I can hardly recognise the streets anymore. Where are we? Élodie pulls me into a back alley at the corner of a church. My knees threaten to fail to sustain me any longer but she puts an end to our mad run. We hide behind a lateral arc, the niche of a secondary access to the building but the heavy door is now closed. We both pant and I'm about to say something when Élodie spying the street nearby, places one hand on my mouth gesturing me to keep as quiet as possible. I look at her confused and a little scared but then I understand. "You sure they went this way?" The voice of a man, one of the gendarmes chasing us. "I thought so but I don't see anyone" another adds. "You stupid ass, we should have taken the other turn!" "Hey calm down, hot-head! Do you think I had fun running all the way here?" They're panting too. "They went the other way, I told you!" "What makes you so sure? Let...let me check the alley here?" Panic runs through my veins and we both hold our breath despite the exhaustion of the long run. Echoes of steps and a flash of light approaching on the ground. "I don't know, I think I see something" The lights moves closer and now a second set of steps resounds. His colleague must have followed him. I brace myself for the worst. Out of the blue a stray cat meets the light and hisses angrily before running off into the night. I hear a laughter. "Oh fuck off!" "You saw a cat? A fucking cat?" The light moves the other way: we're safe even if it was so close, too close. "Not a word, you moron" "The pussies went the other way, no point in wasting time with a cat" Another derisive laughter echoes. Élodie retrieves her hand but we keep silent until we cannot hear any steps in the distance. Then we let out a laughter, a nervous laughter to soothe our nerves. We even crack a joke about our fortuitous save. When our giggles die out though, Élodie goes quiet for a moment before breaking the silence again. "I'm sorry, I've been foolish...I shouldn't have taken you there" Her voice is somber and her lips are curled in a grimace. "Why? I liked the place and...and I even got to dance with a dancer of the Moulin Rouge: it doesn't happen every day" I say, trying to brighten the mood. I got quite a scare though and my heart is pounding like mad. Élodie smiles weakly, struggling to recover her usual mirth. "I ruined our night" "No...no, don't be silly" I wince and pull her into a hug. I don't even know what I'm doing, I just follow my instinct. I cannot bear the inconsolable guilty look on her face...I want to make it go away and see the cheerful, playful girl who was chatting and dancing with me an hour ago. Élodie hugs me back and I breath in the mix of spices and smoke radiating from her. When we finally part, our eyes meet again. Hers are so pristine like water or the stars floating in the sky above. I feel her hands cupping my cheeks, her thumb stroking my cheek as she did earlier to wipe off her rouge. She's searching my face, I don't know what she's looking for. We're so close, my breath catches again at our proximity. But suddenly she lowers her eyes and hangs her head as if in defeat. Did I do something wrong? What did she read on my face? After a moment she looks at me with a weak smile. "It's getting late and that was enough trouble for one night. Let's find a way to get you home safe and sound" A little confused and disappointed, I take her arm and we wander off into the Main Street. We soon bump into a carriage letting off its passengers and we runs towards it. I still get the feeling there was more than she actually said in her words. Élodie asks the driver to stop in a square I'm not familiar with...I cannot tell if we're in Montmarte or Pigalle. She turns towards me. "That's my stop, I live just over there" she says, pointing at a building round the corner of a street. "I'll give you some coins for your ride and he will take you home" She offers me a bunch of franques and drops them in my hand. I'm about to decline but she places one finger on my lips and closes her hand over mine. "It's the least I can do after all the trouble" "You have nothing to ask forgiveness for" I say, reading what must be going on in her mind. She gives me a tired smile and takes my free hand in hers. "Then tell me we will meet again. You will come visit me again" I smile nodding. We will meet again. "Promise?" "Promise" Her face softens and relaxes a little. She even offers me a brighter smile. Then she rises my hand to her lips and presses a feather like kiss on my knuckles. "Until we meet again, Léa" She takes off of the carriage and hands some coins to the driver before taking a step back and waving me one last goodbye. And she's walking away. The driver asks me where to go now, I stretch out of the window and tell him my address. His wip whistles and we're off into the night. As the carriage takes me away in the night, I sigh and fall back into my seat. Warmth radiates from the hand she held and brought to her lips. I close my eyes and bring it to my chest. My heart pounds just like when we were so close I could feel her breath on my lips in that arc. Or when she called me 'the pearl of Roscoff'.

[wildshub]

WHO: The Fearless Fifteen WHAT: The castaways get lit and eat good. WHEN: Day 8 NOTE: For future reference.

Divya "Alright everyone," Divya approached the camp with her hands clasped together, an excited smile on her lips, "I know we all had a really rough day yesterday, like absolutely terrifying and exhausting, but–" A pause for dramatic effect. "Today is a new day and with everyone here together, me, Lex, and Cherry thought what better way to celebrate our triumphs and what we've overcome than with..." God, she wished she had a drum kit so she could build the adequate amount of suspense she wanted. "...a party!" Divya spread her arms out and flailed her fingers at the reveal. After a moment, she dropped her hands to her sides and continued on with her speech. "Me, Lex, and Cherry have been working all morning. We've got games planned, some treats, and even food! Like not even berries or nuts or anything, like actually. Cherry found a load of clams down somewheres by the beach," she tossed a thumb over her shoulder to give a rough estimation of where that was, "and Lex and I got a fire going with that lighter from the pilot's bag. Thanks again, Mr. Shepard–" She gave a quick salute. "–so it's gonna be like a proper thing. A whole meal!" Divya grinned, looking expectantly at the girls, hoping they were as ecstatic as she was. "So... thoughts, feelings? If you all are ready, we can head down over that ways where the fire's going and get started on the clams. It's honestly taken all of my will power to not just go for them."

Jude the idea of a party with games on a deserted island maybe seemed a little silly to jude, but hey, she wasn't going to turn down a party, and she wasn't gonna rain on everyone's parade. they could all use some kind of dumb distraction, right? and what jude was really excited about was the food. "oh, shit! clams? like, food? real food, with meat and everything?" she stood up immediately, lightheaded by the act of it. "dude, i could kiss you guys right now. fuckin' hunter-gatherers and shit, getting food for us!" she cheered. "let's do it," she said eagerly. holy shit, she just wanted some clams and vodka. never in her life had she wanted seafood this bad. she feels like her stomach is trying to eat herself.

Alexa she stands by Divya shifting on her feet, very nervous as to how the rest of the group will take on their event idea. She spent a good half a day just looking for the perfect herbs to mix in with the clams. She'd only cooked them thrice before so she wasn't exactly certain how to make them perfect, but was sure that some mushrooms from the woods along with thyme and basil would make it work just fine. They'd still had coconuts too and Alexa had kept them cool throughout the day so they could mix the vodka in and not die of dehydration. With Cherry in charge of actual clams and Divya the games, the whole thing came together so perfect Alexa wished she'd had her phone around to brag about it on instagram. "Right, also we've got a real nice surprise for those who join us as well..." she was referring to the weed of course, but it was not the right time to reveal all their secrets just yet. With long earrings dancing around her neck and a dead husband robe hugging her sheer nightgown, she headed to the fire. "Let's go bitches..."

Joss After the unintentional mud bath, courtesy of the depths of the jungle paired with Jude and Divya’s clumsiness, Joss had spent a good hour or two in and out of the ocean, trying to feel even remotely clean again. She’d washed her hair, relishing in the luxurious scent and the sensation of basic hygiene. God she had missed it. With clean hair, clean skin, a fresh pair of Lex’s underwear and freshly brushed teeth, Joss felt like a million bucks - or whatever the plane crash survivor/ desert island castaway equivalent of that was. She returned to camp anew and took her usual seat atop her puffer jacket, looking up at the girl’s as they approached with an announcement. “Oh my god,” she chimed, a couple of gleeful claps following her words “Fuck yeah, you guys, I’m in” she assured them, excited about the clams ahead, she quite liked seafood when it didn’t look like the inside of a sea urchin. “Amazing” she cooed in response to Divya’s question, though she hadn’t the slightest clue who the fuck Mr Shep- oh. Never mind she thought, as it dawned on her. “Nah seriously, you guys are legends, thank you,” she said again, another clap or so, before she realised she could just about see Alexa’s nipples, thanks to the blonde’s costume change. It was then that her eyebrows raised slightly and she made an effort not to make it obvious that she’d judged the outfit already, “Oi, what’s the surprise?” She asked lex directly then, “Do I maybe already know about it?” She asked playfully, adding a cheeky wink for good measure. God she loved being the secret keeper, even if she hadn’t kept the secret at all. Really, she just loved being the first person to know anything.

Jenny Truthfully, Jenny wasn't sure they were up for a party. The day before had been arguably one of the most taxing so far, aside from maybe the first. And once again, they had spent almost all of the night awake, save for a few minutes here and there. However, it was hard to say no to Divya's enthusiasm (or Divya, full stop), even harder when she said how hard she, Lex, and Cherry had worked on it, and then even, even harder when she mentioned actual food. Jenny felt their heart flutter a little bit at the very idea of not having to eat nuts or berries for the first time in a week, and their features visibly lit up at the thought. " No fucking way, that's awesome, " They said, joining in the general consensus of excitement from the group. When Joss thanked the others, they echoed her directly, " Yeah, thank you, " looking back to Divya and the others as they did. Pushing themselves to their feet and dusting off the sand, they tried not to notice Lex and Joss having another little moment, Lex hadn't been lying when she said they got along apparently. They ignored it as best they could, instead looking to the other party planners, " Lead the way then almighty party planners, " they teased, a small chuckle falling from their lips.

Shane to say shane didn’t feel like herself after the day before would be an understatement. she tried to pretend that everything was fine and that what happened wasn’t as serious as it really was, but it was hard. she was sitting in the sand, starting out into space when the girls made their announcement. while a party felt like the last thing shane wanted to do at the moment, the others seemed excited and shane didn’t want to be a downer for the others. plus now they had found something more real to eat which she couldn’t deny didn’t sound amazing after days of berries. so she forced herself to look as happy as the others, probably falling flat by she tried her best, and joined in the chorus of thank you’s for them, “thanks guys.” her eyes shifted to lex at her addition, already guessing what the surprise was since joss is the worst person to keep secrets on the island. but considering shane had snapped at lex the day before, she doubted she would even want to share with her today.

Divya Divya was so pleased that everyone seemed to be excited for the festivities they had planned. She gave a little squeal, clapping her hands together as she stood on her tiptoes for a second before leading the way. “Alright, come along. A feast awaits.” She made her way to where they had set up a small fire, a cooking station of sorts for their clams. It was by this large boulder so the sun didn’t absolutely destroy them that afternoon. “Everyone grab a seat around the fire,” she encouraged, taking a seat on the sand herself. She bounced in place excitedly. “I think Lex found some herbs or summat to mix in with the clams so we are being proper fancy this afternoon." If she closed her eyes and ignored about 90% of their reality, it was almost as if they'd actually made it to Hawaii. "And we aren't just eating today but drinking too! Cherry and I boiled some of the luggage rain water we collected the other day and they've cooled down by now so it's totally safe to drink whilst we eat the clams."

Luna Luna wanted to enjoy the party. She did. She had also wanted to help find Shane. But neither was really possible when she felt so exhausted. All she could hope was that it was nothing serious--a mild bug or heat stroke or just plain old exhaustion and dehydration--but she couldn't help the dread she felt anyway. Still, she pushed it down, flashing a smile and following Divya to the fire. "Wow. This is proper fancy," she commented, sitting down beside the other girl. "We have water too?" Oh thank god. "What are we drinking it out of?"

Divya "The water bottles! Solid quality honestly." Divya reached over to the pile and plucked one from the bunch. The Dawn of Eve water bottle once perfectly powder pink now had burn marks going up its sides but Divya would argue for a very good cause. "Sorry if we worried anyone about where they'd gone. We tried boiling them in some old Coke cans to start but they were so much smaller and harder to fish out of the fire compared to the bottles that we gave up halfway." She shook the bottle and you could hear the sloshing of water inside. She held it out to Luna. "We counted to a hundred to be safe but I think it's actually only a minute of boiling honestly till it's good for drinking."

Andrea A party was just the kind of thing that they all needed. Whether Andi wanted to admit it or not, she wanted to be lifted out of her piss-poor mood. And she wanted something -- anything -- to feel normal. Heading down towards where the other girls were, she eventually sat down by the fire. "You guys actually did it," she said with a tinge of amazement in her voice, looking at the water bottles and everything else they'd been able to get together. "Where'd you find the clams? How'd you get all of this together?"

Oona Oona pulled her hair back and out of her face as she settled in. It felt so long since she’d last sat down for an actual meal that even in their stained, ripped clothing, it almost felt like a fancy occasion. Plus, there were clams. She’d never been big on seafood in the past but by the way her stomach was rumbling it was clear that it didn’t care what it got at this point. “That’s what I want to know, too,” she echoed Andi. “It must be a good story. Have you gone clamming before? I have no idea how to even begin to look for a clam.” She rubbed her hands over her knees in anticipation, then shot Divya a warm smile first. “Really, this is so nice of you guys. Above and beyond.”

Alexa she looks over at Joss at the cheeky grin and a question and although she’d already gotten over being yelled at, she still had just about enough pettiness in her to shrug, smile and go “yes Jocelyn, but I suppose Jenny and Jude know it slightly better having already dipped into that surprise with me a bit so...maybe not so much a surprise to some of you but...” she will pull out large pre-rolled spliffs and one blunt. “— ta-da!” It was basically no surprise to anyone at this point but she’s finally got her night around the fire with weed, food and booze. “As far as nights in this inferno go, I’m pretty sure we’re at the peak so settle in before whatever fucking storm, fire or beast the devils that run these hunger games throw at us next.” Yes she mixed in all the references she could think of, apart from matrix she supposed but she could sneak that in later. Regardless, Alexa was not shy to show she was actually genuinely happy. She crashes on the floor next to Cherry and looks over at Andi tapping the floor beside herself. She then shifts her focus over to Oona and Andis question. “Ah the clams, star of the show, Cherry, Div? You wanna take this one?”

Divya "Errr," she pulled a face in thought, "not sure to be honest, that was all Cherry." She looked at the other girl then. "Point is though: she found them and now we," she looked at everyone around the fire then, "can eat them." She turned her head to face Lex now. "Can we please eat them?" It wasn't so much a question as a reminder. Lex was the chef after all. The only thing Divya knew how to cook was beans on toast and even then, she burnt the toast sometimes. "Do we just toss them on the fire and wait or something? How will we know if it's ready?"

Andrea It didn't matter what'd happened before. If she'd been angry with anyone, or if they'd been frustrated with her. Right now, all Andi could think about was having a full stomach, perhaps for the first time in over a week. "You're a fucking angel," she grinned, watching eagerly as Alea took out the spliffs. "I've been saying it for days -- we deserve a chance to actually have fun. Who knows how long we've got here? Might as well fucking enjoy it." She brushed some hair out of her face, leaning in as Divya spoke. "Please -- can we just cook these bad boys and have a meal? I'll even cook them myself. I'm volunteering. That's how hungry I am."

Jude weed? food? call jude a handmaid 'cause it was a blessed day! "throw those bitches on the fire," jude cheered in agreement, taking a seat in the sand around the fire and reaching for a bottle of rainwater. she felt like a cavewoman. she probably looked like one, too, for that matter. "let's get full, let's get high, let's forget we're on a fucking island," she announced. "andrea's right. since we're almost definitely gonna pull an amelia earhart and get eaten by crabs, we might as well try and have a good fucking time."

Shane shane watched as the others became excited over everything. while she should also be happy and excited to eat and relax, shane still hadn’t gotten rid of that nagging guilt in the back of her mind after yesterday. so she stayed quiet, sitting with the group around the fire. her fingers dug into the sand absentmindedly. “mhm,” she hummed in agreement with jude. maybe after she drank and smoked a little, shane would start to feel like herself again.

Oona Oona’s eyes widened when Alexa pulled out pre-rolled weed. Were they usually that big? She didn’t know the difference between a blunt or a joint or whatever, partly because she had never seen one in real life before and mostly because her parents routinely screened everything they watched as kids to make it was squeaky clean. She didn’t see a sex scene until she was fifteen. She didn’t know anything about weed. Oh my God, she was going to look so stupid. “Oh! Oh wow,” she exclaimed, a little stilted with the way she tried to make it sound natural. “I’ve never—I mean, I don’t. I don’t usually do that but um, that’s really cool! Thanks for sharing. Is that going to be a post-dinner thing?” Did she want to try? She didn’t know. She wanted to ask what it felt like without showing her hand. Oona heard Shane hum along, a little detached, and looked over at her. Shane smoked weed, right? Or was that rude of Oona to assume? She leaned toward her  and spoke lower as an aside. “Are you going to—?” Her eyes cut to the bag in Alexa’s hand.

Shane shane looked up from the small hole she was digging in the sand when she heard oona say something to her, clearly not wanting everyone else to hear. she could tell but her reaction to lex pulling out the weed that oona has probably never tried it. a little surprising to shane considering everyone she knew back home has smoked at least once. but then again, that was new york and she knew very little about oona and how she grew up. "huh? uh, yeah, probably," if lex allows her, but shane didn't say that out loud. "have you smoked before?" she asked, not wanting to embarrass her if she hadn't.

Andrea It was cute, really, seeing Oona's face change as Alexa pulled out the goods. Andrea assumed that all of them had smoked before -- at least once. But then again, maybe there were some people who were more innocent than she was -- less tarnished by whatever circumstances life had thrown their way. She didn't quite hear what Oona said, and reading lips was too much work. So instead, Andi decided to chat with Jude. "Eaten by crabs? Haven't heard that one yet. -- So what's the deal? Do we die first, and they feast on our corpses? Or are we gonna have to suffer through every single pinch?"

Joss To say that Joss was shocked that Lex had been smoking with Jude and Jenny without her was a marked understatement. “Yeah, righto,” she uttered fairly obtusely, shifting uncomfortable where she sat, in response. The fuck, Lex? She wondered, watching the other girl for a moment or two, trying to read her. Jocelyn was certainly not an expert on the disappearance of Amelia Earhart but she was pretty sure she’d never heard the conclusion that the esteemed aviator had been eaten by crabs. In fact, Joss wasn’t sure she’d ever heard of anybody being eaten by crabs. Thus, she assumed it was another one of Jude’s dumb theories, like tropical bears. “Fair sure you have to boil clams,” she was as eager to get ‘those bitches’ on the fire, as Jude had so eloquently put it but she didn’t want them to go to waste if they ended up burning to a crisp.

Jude "oh, shit," jude got genuinley introspective in response to andrea's question. "we better die first. i'm not going down to a bunch of crabs without a fight, right? fuck crustaceans. maybe they won't eat me, 'cause i'm one of them - born july, y'know, cancer," she explained. jude's astrology knowledge is admittedly limited, but like any good white teenage girl from new york, she DOES have co-star installed on her phone. "whatever, though, let's do this. we're not dead yet, right?" she said, getting up eagerly and tossing clam after clam on the fire without putting much thought into it. jude's not really a cook. she can hardly make toast. still, she's got hubris, and maybe that's enough. "we leave it for - uh - five minutes? then crack 'em open like cashews?" she offered.

Oona Oona smiled sheepishly at Shane’s question. She should’ve known she wasn’t exactly being subtle about the whole thing. She bit down down on her thumbnail briefly, then shrugged in embarrassment. “Honestly? No...” she trailed off. It was a little funny, she had to admit. Girl from the Denver area who’s never gotten high? Someone call the local news! But this was Oona’s first time in her life when she wasn’t under constant supervision. She had one blip, granted, about nine and half months ago, but no adult in her world let that happen again. Her own legal adult status didn’t seem the matter. “Should I? I feel like it’d be a good thing to check off on my lifetime to-do list,” she joked in an attempt to push down the rising nerves at the prospect. “You know, plane crash? Check. Stranded on a tropical island? Check. Survive solely on Diet Coke and bags of mixed nuts? Check.” She counted the so-called accomplishments on her fingers. “Weed must be the only logical continuation.” And then she heard, a little to her left, ‘they feast on our corpses’ and she immediately clocked back into the group conversation. Jilll’s missing body wasn’t something she was going to forget anytime soon. “Excuse me, what’s going to feast on our corpses? The crabs?” She glanced warily toward the ocean.

Shane she gave a weak smile at oona for her confession. if shane had to guess, she and oona have lived completely different lives. which wasn't a bad thing, she was pretty sure that none of the other girls have done half of the things shane has in her life. "hey, nothing wrong with that," she tried to reassure her that she wasn't judging. "i feel like you deserve it after all the shit we've been through," shane said with a chuckle. "but really weed is nothing serious, it's a good time." she wasn't trying to pressure her into do it, but more to reassure her that it wasn't as big of a deal as tv and movies made it seem. when the attention turned to whatever the fuck jude was talking about, shane turned to look at the other girls. "if we're stuck here any longer, i'll happily let the crabs take me," she said as a joke but considering how she's acted the past 24 hours, it was probably a bit concerning to say.

Divya After seeing Jude toss some clams onto the fire, she figured it was good enough for her and followed suit, tossing a few more on there beside Jude's. "Five minutes should do I think." She casted a brief glance at Lex for reassurance before turning back to the fire. "Anyway, shouldn't they like pop open or something? Like popcorn... but for seafood?" Confused, she scratched the side of her head before deciding they could probably see when it'd be ready to fish out and leaned back on her hands again. Hearing talk of crabs over by Oona and Shane, Divya perked up. "Wait, do we have crabs?" She asked with a lit up face, having missed most of that conversation in her excitement of watching everyone get seated and tossing clams on the fire.

Joss Joss couldn’t help but laugh at Divya’s innocently intended question, foiled by poor wording. “We? Yeah, nah, not me, I get laser treatment every couple of months,” she teased, barely convinced that Divya would realise the connotations of her words even now. She wiggled a finger loosely in the direction of a few of the other girls, Lex, Shane and Jude in particular, “Can’t speak for the rest of the crew though,” she insisted, Jude in particular struck her as somebody who had a working knowledge in the field of STIs and the like.

Jude jude gave a low whistle, raising her eyebrows at joss. little miss prefect gets laser treatment to avoid crabs, huh? jude's mouth fell open at joss' wiggling finger, and she put a hand to her chest. "how dare you," she deadpanned, eyes wide. she used a stick to pull a clam out of the fire - it'd been almost five minutes, and they felt hot - and held it up in demonstration. "you can't get crabs like this, ma'am," she said, before eating the clam in the way that she might eat.... something else. you know, just a graphic demonstration of lesbian sex, noises and all. dinner and a show, right? "see, bitch? i'm clean!" she laughed, slurping down the clams.

Shane shane easily understood what joss was implying and despite the fact that they seemed to be on good terms, shane was right back to wanting to slap the blonde girl when she pointed to shane and some of the other. “what’s with you and thinking i’m such a fuck boy, joss?” she shot across the circle just as jude made a show of eating one of the calms. “exactly!” she cheered the other girl on.

Joss She raised her hands defensively, still laughing as both Jude and Shane shot back at her defensively. Maybe she’d unintentionally found a sore spot for eat of them. “Fuck me, relax hey, it’s just jokes- you can’t tell me you didn’t think the same thing,” she insisted, surely she wasn’t so filthy minded, so much more so than the others that she was the only one that saw the double entendre in Divya’s question. Joss hadn’t caught onto where Jude’s announcement was going until it came with a full blown theatrical performance, sound effects and all. “Yeah, yeah, yeah, message received, clean as a whistle, bloody hell,” she waved a hand at Jude dismissively, her cheeks flushing as she realised that she was the one to inspire such a graphic performance. “Have you gotten that out of your system now? Some of us haven’t eaten yet, I’d like to actually keep my dinner down, if you don’t mind,” she was half joking, though the last thing on God’s green Earth she wanted to picture throughout her meal was Jude going down on somebody. She sat up on her knees then, trying to get a good look at the clams in the fire. She wanted to know if they were cooked properly or if they tasted any good but she had a funny feeling that Jude might not have registered either during her taste test.

Jenny Like a lot of other conversations that had happened while on the island, Jenny was in and out of listening to them. Picking up pieces here and there of Oona and Shane talking about weed, Jude talking about the grand Amelia Earhart Crab Theory (Jenny was personally more subscribed to the Captured theory or the Bermuda Triangle theory but to each their own), and then finally Joss bringing up a different type of crabs. Sure, maybe if it had come from anyone else Jenny would have found it really funny, but Joss had an air of rich bitch judgement around her that prevented them from laughing aloud. However they did laugh at Jude's response, and loudly too. Grin growing on their features with ease as they elbowed her lightly in encouragement. But then, for certainly not the first or last time, they furrowed their brows a little in Joss' direction. Their smile didn't quite fade completely, the idea of eating protein for the first time in a week and amusement at how quickly Joss changed her pace keeping it there. " You're the one that brought it up, dude, " they said, shaking their head a little with a breathy chuckle, before reaching for a nearby stick so they could safely poke at the fire.

Krafty was a huge fan of anything sea food, blame it on the fact she had grown up near the ocean. so when she had heard that some of the girls had gotten clams for actual sustenance she couldn't help but excited. making her way over the hill from where she had to pee, she rejoined the group and walked in at what seemed to be a tense moment between joss and jude. reading body language she chose not to intrude but sit next to the fire patiently, hoping that soon enough she'd get a great taste for the oysters. she grabbed a recently boiled water bottle of water and took a few swigs. this was as close to a party as she'd felt in a long time, she only wished her crew was here with her.

Joss She wrinkled her nose and nodded her head, hands in the air once more “-well Shaneo enjoyed it so, you’re welcome, I guess,” she offered, finding the positive angle instead of taking responsibility for making a shit joke. She watched Jenny with the stick, deciding that that was probably the best way to manage things herself, though she’d wait her turn. Once she had a clam to herself she pressed her lips together, analysing it for a moment as if it required a secret code to open. She laughed at herself then, “Fucking hell, now I’m all self conscious like I’m gonna be graded on how shit I eat this,” she joked at her own expense. Her experience with cunnilingus was embarrassingly non existent but she’d had oysters once or twice before.  “Wouldn’t mind some pasta to go with this,” she confessed a moment later, thinking out loud.

Jude "oh, we're definitely gonna judge you," jude nodded, eyeing joss as she went in for another clam. her experience with oysters was embarrassingly nonexistent, but she was a self-proclaimed expert in cunnilingus, and it's basically the same, right? "god, pasta sounds good," she nodded in agreement before chugging down some more rain water. she hadn't realized how hungry and how thirsty she had been until now. "or, or - like, a sub. like, a hoagie from the little shop down the street from my old place. they were so fucking good. i would kill to have another meatball hoagie before the crabs eat my body once and for all."

Shane “yeah, fuck you, joss,” shane said, giving up on trying to defend herself to the other girl. so many one time she made an extremely poorly timed sex joke, now joss will forever view her as some sex crazed person. “oh we judge you all the time, this will be no different,” shane shot back at her. despite how little they’ve eaten in a week, shane just didn’t have much of an appetite, so she instead just watched the others, still half lost as she tried to keep her thoughts from drifting away to other things. “god i could go for one too.” after a second, she thought of something, “or you know what would be perfect? magnolia’s bakery,” she announced before smirking and giving jenny a knowing look.

Oona With one wide-eyed moment of innocence over and done with, Oona tried her best to keep her face blank as Jude went to town on a clam for fear of cementing herself as the Ultimate Ignoramus. But there was also the fear of looking too judgmental. The last thing she wanted was to turn any of these girls against her. People had sex. Oona could totally handle it. But still, her brain sort of skirted around the imagery then zipped at lightning speed toward Joss and Jude’s latest comments. “Oh, yeah. Seafood pasta’s good. Like a shrimp scampi. Or—Gosh, I had a really good lobster mac and cheese once.” She sighed when Shane mentioned a bakery. “I think I miss popovers the most, food-wise. And waffles. I’m too American to go this long without processed sugar, I think.” Oona shook her head and reminded herself to be positive. "But the clams will be good! Alexa found herbs to go with them, you said, Div?"

Krafty she couldn't help but chuckle at jude's snark remark, sometimes they were well timed and she was okay with admitting that. finally she helped herself to a clam and managed to crack it open helping herself to the protein inside. "pasta, some fresh cheese on top, shit," she couldn't help but miss her favorite seafood restaurant from home. "oona yes, lobster mac n cheese is to die for, i feel ya on that one," she couldn't believe this was her life but hey, maybe she was doing her hero bear grylls proud with this...maybe they all were. "this is dope guys, seriously, i didn't say it but thanks."

Divya Predictably, Joss’s joke went right over Divya’s head, causing the girl to furrow her brows. Still, she offered barely there laugh though because she didn’t want the blonde to feel bad that her brand of humor wasn’t particularly the funniest. What did laser treatment have to do with crabs? Her gaze shifted from Joss to Jude, wondering why that earned such a reaction from her. Her eyes widened to the size of saucers at what happened next. Now it wouldn't surprise anyone to find out Divya wasn’t the most experienced in that area. In fact, it was better to say she wasn’t experienced at all. Everything she knew of sex came from awkward Sex-Ed classes and that one time she and her best friend paid a visit to PornHub when they were 14 that ended with the laptop being kicked under the bed and destroyed when her Uncle Marty walked in without knocking to tell them dinner was ready. Needless to say, her cheeks were flushed pink and hot by the time Shane chimed in with cheers and Joss was waving the New Yorkers off. Divya busied herself with poking at the clams with a stick, hoping the warmth in her cheeks would subside sometime soon. She was just pulling one of the clams out when Oona mentioned her name, thankful that the other girl gave her something else to think about than Jude’s theatrical performance featuring their lunch. “Oh yeah, I think she also had mushrooms or something?” She turned to Lex. “Right? Mushrooms, herbs?” She turned back to Oona. “Something along the lines. It’s probably in that bag over there.” She pointed to the Dawn of Eve bag closest to Lex. Hearing Krafty speak, Divya smiled warmly, glad the girl was enjoying the festivities. She was just happy all of them could take a breath and enjoy themselves for once.

Jenny Seeing as the last time Jenny had purposely called Joss out they'd nearly hit her, they didn't quite join in the chorus of yes, Joss, all the gays are gonna judge the shit out of you. Thankfully, the subject changed as Jude and the others brought up all the different foods they wanted. They nodded in agreement with the group. Even if they'd never had seafood pasta, they could absolutely dream of a hoagie.  " Dude, what I wouldn't do right now for like, the greasiest, grossest bacon, egg, and cheese. " They said, stomach aching at the very thought. And to wash it down with some energy drink that had definitely caused someone to have a heart attack, that would be heaven. When Shane brought up Magnolia's Bakery they had to press their lips together to stop a chuckle from tumbling right out, but the smile still showed. The two proving in that very moment that everyone had been judging Joss. At least, the East Coast Gays definitely had been. If the girls had just had the clams and the fire, that would have been impressive enough. But mushrooms? Seasoning? They were beyond grateful. " I can't believe you guys could find all this stuff, " They said, using their stick to pull one from the fire now that it seemed it had been long enough for them to be edible. " Do y'all cook much at home? " They asked, looking up. Mostly they were addressing Lex and Divya, but really it was open to the group, they'd be interested to know the answer from everyone.

Joss Joss had thought that she and Shane were mates by now but there was something about how quick the brunette was to jump aboard Jude’s anti-Joss campaign that made her think otherwise. Maybe they were just pals when she was the best option, or more hurtfully, the only option. She tried not to show the hurt and offered a small laugh to show that she was totally in on the ribbing. Then came the Magnolia joke and the glance at Jenny. What the fuck was that? Joss had mentioned visiting the famous NYC bakery with her family to both Jenny and Shane, had they discussed the fact? She was aware that she’d be judged harshly, Shane had been honest about thinking she was a bitch the first time they’d met. Joss has assumed that she’d redeemed herself after that but now she wasn’t convinced. Did the whole group just see her as the butt of the joke? Maybe that explained the poor reaction to the bags she’d discovered and the lack of gratitude for the effort she’d put into orchestrating the search party. “I left some stuff out to dry, just gonna grab it before I forget,” she explained, hopping up quickly and abandoning post to collect the imaginary laundry. She felt a sickness in her stomach, reminded of how it felt to have people laughing at you, judging you, making fun of who they thought you were and what they thought you did behind your back. She hadn’t felt it so strongly since leaving Melbourne airport, noting the way her Dad’s hug felt just a little bit awkward as he pat her on the shoulder and offered a curt goodbye.

Shane shane held back a laugh when she and jenny locked eyes, both clearly trying to keep it together after a dumb inside joke between them at joss’ expense. shane looked over at joss, expecting her to unintentionally play along with their joke. but then the other girl’s face changed with realization before she quickly excused herself from the group. shane’s smile dropped, teeth digging into her lower lips as she went back to anxiously digging in the sand. maybe that was a bad joke, but she didn’t think joss would take it that way. after all, the two of them always jabbed at each other. their whole relationship was making fun of one another with “fuck you”s thrown in there. was it because jenny was involved this time? this was exactly why shane didn’t do friends, everything was complicated and got messy. she kept her eyes locked on the sand as she let all of her thoughts consume her, uninterested in whatever the group was talking about now.

Alexa Alexa was in and out of the conversation still looking over food with Cherry and making sure she was paying attention to what was happening. Joss was entertaining the group just fine it seemed and so Lex couldn’t help but look over at Jenny and Shane as the blonde spoke to scope their reactions. She laughed at Jude and then as a Divya spoke to her directly she nodded. “Ah yes mushrooms I’m just putting them all on a stick so we can grill them on the fire marshmallow style.” She added placing more mushrooms on the current stick she was holding. She looks over at Oona knowing the other didn’t really seem all that familiar with weed. “See I think food would be best after weed because munchies will be nuts over these bad boys but...I guess we can always grill more mushrooms and there’s also like leftover soup and...fuck, I do wish we had some like crisps or sugar or something...anyways, Oona girl, you don’t gotta smoke if you don’t want to. But I just want you to know that weed was legal prior to hippies being against the war in Iraq and then it became classified as a drug so they could put hippies and minority kids in prisons. It’s by no means gateway anything, the government just doesn’t want people having a good time. Not since Woodstock anyways...” she sighed and then started passing the mushroom sticks. “I cook a lot at home Jenny, thanks for asking. I think the thing I would cool right now if I were home...rather simple actually, lasagna with some garlic bread and banana. Veggie lasagna by the way, but I know how to cook meat as well and like fish and clams yes....seafood is big in the house...” she realised she was talking far too much so she chuckles. “Anyways, yeah please guys help yourselves...”

Krafty "thanks," she replied as alexa passed around a few skewers of mushrooms krafty helped herself to one roasting it on the fire. it sort of brought her back to cooking up fish by the fire when she would go camping by the water. she had to agree with her though, food would have been a hell of a lot better after weed because the munchies were inevitable, especially for her which she had proven time and time again. "we're stranded on a fucking island, there's never been a better reason to smoke," krafty joked in reply to the girl's long winded story about the legalization of weed post woodstock. it had been far too long since the last time she had gotten high, or truly drunk for that matter. "wait, you cook seafood a lot too?" she questioned, almost shocked that they shared something in common.

Jude "it feels so fucking good to be full, holy shit," jude said, flopping back onto the sand, a sizable pile of clam shells laying beside her, absolutely ravaged. she wasn't exactly the queen of moderation. "y'know, i know i'm fuckin' useless here, aside from being good eye candy," she acknowledged, "so i really am grateful you guys are, like, gourmet survivalist chefs or whatever. it's impressive as hell." jude was physically strong, but they hadn't exactly run into any tropical bears to wrestle, so that didn't do much good. jude plays hockey, she doesn't forage for food and build shelters. just because she has the emotional maturity of a cavewoman doesn't mean she has the skills of one. "it's been - i don't even know how long it's been since i've felt full. i don't know how long we've been here. i don't know what the date is. all i do know is that i could really go for some fucking weed," she smiled, closing her eyes and shielding them from the sun with her hand as she lay in the sand.

Jenny Jenny didn't feel anything close to guilt when Joss stood with flushed cheeks and excused herself from the group. Honestly, if they'd been as angry as they had the morning before they likely would have flipped her off as she left. In place of that they simply rolled their eyes a little as their focused shifted to the clam in their hands. They ate quickly, not even caring that it was a weird and new texture and taste for them, only that it was food. The conversation continued to move around them but they didn't have much to add to weed history or cooking talk, so they just stayed quiet, appreciating the feeling of something solid in their stomach. They nodded as Lex explained what she'd love to be cooking at home, they weren't going to say it out loud but it was incredibly unexpected that Lex could cook at all. Seeing as she could probably afford to pay top chefs from across the globe to cook for her whenever she wanted. Then came conversation of actually smoking, and while Jenny was excited for that, they had noticed the way Shane seemed to be reacting to Joss' departure and how no one else seemed to care. They didn't like her, and they didn't really care that she'd left in fact it was a little bit of a relief– but seeing as Shane had walked off and disappeared only yesterday and everyone had gone looking, it seemed a little fucked to just let her go. And on top of that, if they could prevent Shane from feeling any worse they were gonna try. " Okay not volunteering but should someone maybe go after her? " They nodded in the direction that Joss had headed. " Just to check, before we get fucked. "

Jude nosey bitch model citizen that she was, jude volunteered, taking a swig of her rain water. "i can do it," she offered, glancing at jenny and shane. better her than them, right? jude didn't even know what the fuck a magnolia was, so she was probably one of the less offensive people to joss at the time, right? "i'll be two minutes, mates," she waved the others off, trying to an australian accent but ending up with something closer to texan-british. she pushed herself to her feet, wandering off after joss into the jungle. "jocelyn!" she called, stretching her arms behind her neck and cracking her joints.

Alexa Alexa has not realised anything was wrong with Joss, after all, she said she’d be right back. Mostly, she didn’t know why she needed to be called back as she missed larger part of that conversation trying to focus on food. Now that she was eating, slow and steady like a hungry cow, Jenny of all people wondering about Joss, made her question if Joss was alright. Not enough to abandon her position on the floor by the fire though. Luckily, Jude seemed to have had it under control. “Damn bitch, we need to feed you more often huh?” She laughs at the impression “Oh and, Jude hun...” she smiled at the other as she she got up and tossed a whole zoot her way. “You can spark this mazza when you’re back huh? If Joss doesn’t wanna come, drag her by the hair!” She said, having decided not to allow Joss to delay the only thing she’s been looking forward to on this Island since the crash with her sudden disappearances and runs and whatever the hell she was doing at this point. “Anyways guys, Divya, what games are on board again? Is that now or...?”

Joss Joss had expected to return to the camp on her own volition before anybody actually bothered to go looking for her. She'd explained where she was going, she'd explained why and as far as she knew, she'd managed to keep her discomfort under wraps so why would anybody find it necessary to check up on her? The question would remain unanswered, she realised, straightening her posture as she prepared for Jude's arrival. "Hey! I'm here, I'm good," she assured the other girl, realizing then that she'd told everybody that she was going to fetch laundry that didn't exist. Fuck. She turned to face Jude with a chuckle that would have made her year 11 drama teacher roll her eyes, "I already brought my bloody clothes in- I just totally forgot, like an idiot," she explained, attempting to justify why the fuck she was standing in the middle of nowhere by herself, seemingly doing nothing. In truth, she'd been trying to clear her head and get out of her own thoughts. She couldn't fall into the trap of believing that all of the girls, just like the ones at home, thought of her as nothing but a running gag at that when the shit hit the fan, they'd have no qualms about letting her take it in the face.

Jude jude waved winningly at lex before heading off to meet joss and her inexplicable ghost laundry. “right,” jude raised one eyebrow and shrugged. none of what joss was saying made sense, obviously - even if there was laundry to bring in, why walk off in the middle of lunch to do it? “i know i busted your whole laundry excuse, but you don’t have to come back yet if you don’t want,” jude shrugged. if joss wanted to meditate or pray or whatever it was she did when she was off by herself, that was none of judes business, so long as she was sure joss was still kicking. “we’re about to light up - i mean, i dunno if you’re too good for that, prefect and all. but i can leave you to... do your laundry,” she gestured at the empty space, “since i know you’re not dead. that’s one option. or, you could come back with me, and get high out of your mind. personal favorite. option 3 is you come back, stay sober, eat some clams, and play nice. kind of boring, but doable. option 4 is i stay here while they get high, and you lay down and pretend i’m a fancy australian rich people therapist, and you tell me all about how you’re hallucinating laundry,” jude listed. “there are a few more options after that, but they get kinda dirty, and you’re probably not into that. up to you.”

Joss Joss became frustrated then, not with Jude but with herself and how quickly her measly attempt at cover her ass had fallen apart and how little effort it had taken for Jude to dismantle it, "I'm not even a fucking prefect anymore," she snapped, her emotions getting the better of her. "Sorry- I just- I don't-" before she sounded like she was having a stroke, to calmed herself, taking a moment to breathe and elucidate her intention. "I'm not too good for it and I don't think that. I don't think I'm too good for anything- or like, for any of you, I mean- like, I don't think I'm better than any of you," she insisted, fumbling on her words until she got to where she had meant to be. "I know it sounds that way, probably but- I was just joking before. I was-" trying to fit in, "-just messing around," she realised it was a lot easier to be accepted when all you had to do was have a car of your own, a questionable BMI and a decent amount of likes from average looking boys on your selfies. Having substance was difficult. Jokes? Impossible. Culture? She didn't have much of that either. Stories? If they didn't involve her pissing herself at a Westfield, they were vanilla and had such an anticlimactic final act that they just sounded like straight up bragging. She folded her arms uncomfortably across her chest, her gaze on Jude's feet instead of looking her in the eyes as she listed off Jocelyn's various options. Though she wasn't in much of a laughing mood, she couldn't help a small laugh at option 5- or option 4.5 or whatever it was; the option that Jude needn't explain. "You're gross," she teased habitually, forgetting that her brand of teasing hadn't translated well before. "-but funny," she added, in case it wasn't clear. She straightened up then, taking a deep breath, "Righto so," she started as she digested her options, "I've had it up to my ears in counselling so- I reckon I'll just come back with you- but just...like, give me a sec, yeah?"

Divya God, it was so nice to eat proper food. Divya didn't realise how much she missed it until she was actually eating away, clam after clam. Hearing her name mentioned, she finished off the clam she was eating before turning to Lex. "Hm? Oh! Games! Right!" She tossed the empty shell on her little pile of finished clams. Clapping her hands together, she stood up so she could garner everyone's attention better. "So, after we're done here," she gestured to their clam circle, "we've got a few games planned. Limbo to start but... honestly, I think we're all a little full to be bending like that so we'll put it on the back burner for now. The next game on the itinerary is Pictionary!" She announced with gleeful bounce. "So it's much of the same, whoever isn't up to draw gets to sit down and guess whatever it is the person drawing is... drawing." She frowned momentarily, feeling there was one too many 'drawings' in there. "Anyway," she continued on, "if we guess correctly within the allotted time, the person drawing gets a point. If we don't, then the person drawing..." She drummed out a beat on her thighs. "...has to drink alcohol!!" Sure, for some people that wasn't much of a penalty but for lightweights that were new to the drinking scene like Divya, it was definitely enough to motivate her into pulling out some of her best work. She walked over to her stash of party prep things and retrieved a Dawn of Eve swag bag and the bottle of vodka. "So, if you lot are ready, we can head on over there with the sands a bit more packed and get to drawing. We'll reuse the clam sticks as pens."

Jude jude bit her lip, but she couldn’t even be surprised. weren’t they all angry, thinking about the things they’d never be again? “i get it,” jude said. “there’s a lot of things i’m not anymore,” she said, a rare moment of sincerity. ew. anyways! “it’s cool. we’re all just telling shitty jokes.” she laughed when joss called her gross, because, well, yeah. “gross, funny, a goddess, a dumbass - all ways i’ve been described. by my ninth grade math teacher,” she remarked. motor mouth jude can never turn it off. “whenever you’re ready,” she said, a little softer, slinking back a bit to give joss some space, but not leaving - buddy system, right?

Joss "Do you?" she asked, caught between feeling alone and feeling, perhaps for the first time, that Jude was being candid with her. It was always hard to tell, Joss had discovered but it was like Lex, she thought; between the shocking statements, disgusting anecdotes and otherwise outrageous utterances, there were some things that slipped out from behind the girl's teeth and actually meant something more. Her lips parted to ask about the math teacher but she decided against it. Prying for sincerity twice in a row was asking for far, far too much, Joss thought. She was lucky to have Jude talking to her at all at this point and it wasn't worth pushing it. "Yeah- cool, thanks," she nodded in agreement, "I'm not gonna run away and fall asleep or anything but- yeah, thanks," she assured taking another deep breath in, steeling herself to face Jenny and Shane again. "Does everyone just think I'm a massive cunt?" she asked then, after a few moments of pensive silence. If Jude couldn't be honest with her, then she doubted anybody else on the island had the capacity.

Jude "yeah, man. i mean, i used to be a virgin," she joked, flahing joss a toothy grin. "and, like, a not-orphan. hockey star. mediocre musician. a bitch NOT on an island. never much a prefect, though," she admitted. she trusted joss enough to not, like, get lost in the woods, but she wasn't going to leave her, either. with their luck, joss would end up facing off against a tropical bear. DID everyone think joss was a massive cunt? "not everyone," she answered truthfully. she's not a mind reader, but. "i mean, jenny probably does. or maybe not, 'cause it was their idea someone went to get you. that could just be 'cause they don't want the elements getting you, so they get to be the one to take you down, though. lex still has no idea she's on an island. andrea's too busy being excited about weed. and i dunno about shane. i mean, i got the feeling she hated to see you go, but loved to watch you leave," she shrugged.

Joss Not-orphan. That was the one that stood out to Joss the most. How could she mention that with such a shit eating grin on her face? Right. Maybe that was the only way she could mention it. Everybody had different ways of coping with things. Some got angry, threw their fist at a wall. Some cried until their eyes were red and sore. Some ran away and pretended there was nothing that needed coping with. "Seriously?" she asked and it was a fair enough question, she thought. Not only was Jude prone to cracking jokes whenever she could slip one in but on top of that, it was hard the believe that of all people, Jenny had been the one to voice their concern. "Yeah, I'm pretty sure you were right the first time- fair sure she hates my guts," she insisted, "-but- she really said to come get me?" she couldn't justify it, she hoped that Jude could. Hm. Not as satisfying as she thought it would be. Did Jenny really want Joss to survive, just to be the one to neck her? It didn't seem likely. "Come on, you don't really think that," she hoped, "Jenny's not like that," she spoke with confidence, despite the fact that she didn't know Jenny at all. She ran her tongue over the surface of her front teeth, a pensive expression creasing her brow as she thought about the other girls, "-and Shane, yeah, nah, that wasn't it. Definitely wasn't it," she insisted, confident that Shane had been more than pleased to see her go and hadn't taken any notice of her when she did, certainly not in the way Jude was implying, if the implication was indeed a cheeky (no pun intended) one. "-and you?" she asked, raising an eyebrow then, realising that Jude hadn't placed herself on the list.

Jude jude nodded, intrigued by how confused joss seemed. "yeah, jenny's idea. i mean, i was just kidding about the killing you thing, but i was a little surprised, too. i kinda got the vibe that neither of you really got along," she explained. "they said someone should go after you before we all got too high." jude laughed and joss' quick denial of shane scoping out joss' ass. "maybe. but my lesbian third eye isn't often wrong," she remarked. that was a lie. jude was wrong all of the time. at joss' question, jude had to think on it. really, she went in between thinking joss was a major bitch, feeling kind of bad for her, and finding her pretty damn entertaining. "i don't think you're a cunt," she said thoughtfully. "or i do, but i'd be a cunt, too, if i were you. i mean, i kinda am a cunt, and i'm not you. but you've never decked me in the face, and if i were you, i definitely would have by now, so i kinda like you," jude said earnestly. "i mean, you did imply i had crabs, but i'm moving past that. forgiveness and all of that shit."

Joss Joss nodded her head in agreement but then shrugged her shoulders a moment later, "I mean, it's not that," she explained, trying to be diplomatic about the situation, "Tension was pretty high yesterday for obvious reasons, that's all," that wasn't all but it was all Joss was willing to admit to, "-but we've had a few normal chats," chats where they weren't at each other's throats, she meant, "I just- yeah, I don't know, we don't always see eye to eye," she shrugged again, as if that would suffice in place of reasonable words. Yet another phrase to take Joss aback and although she was actively trying to use her judgmental face, that one was just a little but too much for her to breeze past. "Lesbian third eye?" she repeated, "That's a new one," she'd heard gaydar before but clearly Jude wasn't one for cliches. "Thanks," she uttered before Jude elaborated, "Oh," she uttered, almost under her breath a moment later, since it was too late to take back the gratitude. "Mhm," she hummed listening to Jude speak. She couldn't help but laugh then, "If you were me?" she asked, wondering what the fuck that actually meant, "If you were me, you would have never thrown a punch in your life," except for when she did Boss Boxing at her gym, which definitely didn't count.  She wrinkled her nose at the reminder of her poor taste joke, "It was supposed to be funny," she attempted to assure the other girl, "Maybe it's an Australian thing- I'm just used to talking shit with my mates, I don't actually think any of you have crabs," unless any of them did have crabs, which would be fucked. No. No more judgement, she reminded herself. She was already on thin ice and if she kept striking out with the other girls, she'd have to find her own clams for dinner.

Gianna a party. gigi was unsure - she'd been to parties back home, but she wasn't certain things were going to work the same way out here. an island wasn't a bar, right? it didn't matter - she was already late because she'd taken the time to go for a evening swim. with sand piling up against her wet feet, gigi was wringing out her hair as she made her way closer to the sound of chatter and -...a good time? a little bit of excitement building up inside her, gigi eventually came upon the scene and was rather pleased with what she saw. seeing food and smiles on the others faces was enough to bring one to her own, and the swimmer's first move was to fulfill the growling in her stomach. praying for something other than meat for the offering, gigi almost jumped out of her skin at the sight of...mushrooms. she was a shit forager, so finding food right in front of her, especially something as good as mushrooms, gigi was a happy camper. the blonde instinctively reached out for a stick of mushrooms and proceeded to bring it over to the fire to warm it up. she passed familiar faces and offered a friendly smile in greeting here and there; she was a quiet person who only really opened when she knew someone well. finding a place around the fire a moment, gigi left the fungi stick sitting in the flames without thinking about it and leaving a second later to see what else was available. when she returned to the fire and pulled out her stick of mushrooms, the blonde was more confused than anything to find that the vegetables had been burned to an absolute crisp, almost inedible. "what the fuck...?" she muttered to herself innocently, but knowing that wasting food was considered practically a sin around here the blonde took a hesitant bite from the rubbery, dried out vegetable on a stick. at least nobody was witnessing her folly, at least she'd hoped.

Andrea Andrea followed the others' leads, taking some of the clams and tossing them besides the others. "I don't cook," she stated, matter-of-factly. It wasn't exactly true; she could make enough different meals to keep herself satisfied if she had to, even if they were rather basic. Glancing over at Gigi, she watched the girl take a stick with the mushrooms on it. It's burning, she wanted to warn her. But what did it matter? If she wanted to waste her food, she was more than welcome to. That's why they had rations, wasn't it? "Well, hope you enjoy eating charcoal," she laughed, scooting closer to add some mushrooms of her own. "You can't just throw things on a fire and not pay attention to them. That's how you get the whole camp on fire and shit -- you know that, right? Fire's not like your grill at home. -- Assuming you don't actually live out in the woods."

Shane shane looked up from the sand when she heard gigi and then andi’s words, her eyes falling to the burnt mushrooms. of course andi would try to be “helpful” in the bitchiest way. but as soon as shane thought that, she stopped herself because clearly she was just as much of a bitch since she caused joss to make up an excuse to leave the group. looking over at gigi, shane tried to give a weak smile. “hey it happens, we’re all learning. you can have my share if you want,” she offered considering she had no appetite to start with. sure, shane should probably eat, but she couldn’t even bring herself to think about it. maybe after they broke into the alcohol and weed, she’d feel better enough to eat whatever was left. she looked over at divya after she explained the activities for the night. really, shane would take anything that could help her get out of this funk. “let’s get this party started,” she said with the most enthusiasm she could muster up.

Gianna gigi scooted over and allowed some room for andrea to sit beside her, watching intently as the other prepared and cooked her own stick of mushrooms. it seemed so effortless, why couldn’t she do it right? fidgeting slightly in her seat, gianna listened to her explanation and nodded along in understanding, “of course i know that,” she clarified quickly, blinking back her slight embarrassment. shane’s voice broke through her confusion and she glanced over, eyes slightly widening at the sight of the girl offering her her food. swallowing the lump that had suddenly formed in her throat at the verbal contact, gigi struggled to find the right thing to say. “wow, really?” she asked quietly, taking the offered food . “i appreciate that. like, even more than when leia told han luke was just her brother, or when luke couldn’t kill anakin. well, i mean i  guess you could say darth vader, but it’s been so long, if you don’t know at this point, you don’t -...” she stopped her nervous ramble, biting down on her tongue. “thanks,” she shook her head dismissively, before turning back to andrea. “is she still looking at me?” she whispered anxiously, thrusting the mushrooms into the fire once more without any thought.

Andrea Grateful for the extra space, Andrea made herself comfortable. She would never admit it aloud, but it was nice, having everyone together, actually hanging out, as if they were actually just a group of friends having a beach weekend instead of living in the seventh season of LOST. "Right, well, your technique needs work. -- Do you have another one? I'll cook it for you. That way you won't totally starve tonight." She knew that she had to be nicer... in theory. She didn't want everyone on the beach to hate her -- especially if they were going to be stranded there until they died. "Listen... I'm just hungry. Like, really fucking hungry. Didn't mean to be a complete bitch."

Shane shane tried to fight the urge to chuckle at the shock on gigi’s face when shane was actually nice to her. it was a rare occurrence that shane was, so she didn’t blame the other girl’s reaction. “yeah, no worries,” she said simply, passing her mushrooms over. “uh, right...” she said the star wars comment, shane had very little knowledge of the franchise other than she fell asleep during all the old ones. the new ones here okay because daisy ridley is hot, but that’s as much as she knows. shane nodded and went back to staring at the fire, wondering where joss and jude were.

Luna "I don't mind a bit of charcoal on the mushies," Luna commented from across the fire, looking directly at Andrea when she said it before glancing to Gianna. "It'll be like roasting them at home." She eyed off the clams. "Not so sure about them though." Her stomach still felt uneasy so mushrooms--burnt or not--felt like a safer option than seafood. "Never cooked things on a fire before. Who here has?"

Andrea Of course Luna wouldn't mind. The girl seemed to be content with pretty much anything. "That's why you've got your own mushrooms, then," Andrea offered. It was a simple enough response, and maybe Luna would get the hint that she wasn't adding to the conversation in the way she thought she was. "Of course I have -- you've had mountain weekends or whatever, right? Or like... bonfires for holidays or whatever? I know you don't have the Fourth of July..."

Luna Luna got the hint and shrugged, holding her own mushrooms over the flames. But as Andrea started talking about roasting food on a fire as if anyone must've done it, she felt her cheeks turn red. "No, I never had 'mountain weekends' or whatever," she replied. "And bonfires aren't really a big thing for holidays. Fire hazard, I guess, in summer. Besides, my parents didn't let me go camping or anything like that. And they probably thought being around a campfire smoke would be bad for me." She hoped they just sounded overprotective--which they were--and no one else would cotton on to exactly why.

Gianna brushing off andreas apology with a shake of her head, gigi handed over the new skewer after a second of letting it sit in the fire so that andrea could do it right. “thanks, andi...” she thanked andrea with a sigh? just wishing she had some good food in her stomach. gigi gave luna a shy smile in thanks and apology - perhaps andi wasn’t the best when it came to sensitivity, but gigi struggled to find friends who would tolerate her. “my moms the same way,” she offered to luna in understanding. “this is the first time i’ve ever been anything remotely to camping.” she smiled happily, as if the entirety of the situation wasn’t weighing heavy on any of their shoulders.

Andrea She took the second skewer from Gigi, scootching closer to hold it over the fire, turning it every so often. "How crispy do you want them?" she asked. But then she turned her attention back to Luna. Now that was something that Andrea couldn't relate to. Her parents rarely cared about those kinds of things. As long as she came home in one piece and texted them every so often, they seemed fine. That was, until everything else happened. "Your parents need to get a grip and try living in the real world for once. There's enough things out there in the world that can kill you. We might as well have some fun. It's not even the same thing as smoking cigarettes... so what's their deal?" She pulled the skewer out of the fire and handed it back to Gigi. "This good?"

Jenny Per Divya's instruction Jenny held onto their food stick even after their stomach felt more full than it maybe ever had, even though they'd only eaten a little. They poked at the sand and the fire a little as the group talked around them. Noting little details about each of them and the ways they interacted with each other. Wondering if Jude and Joss were ever coming back and not speaking up again until the conversation turned to cooking things on a fire. " I haven't either, not before being here. " They admitted, siding with Luna and Gigi. " Basically never left the city, and you can't really have a campfire in the city. " Though Jenny's reasoning for not camping was significantly different to their's, they still related to feeling inexperienced on the island.

Gianna andi seemed to know what she was doing and for that gigi was grateful, so she played it by her ear and let the girl decide when the food was ready for eating. “thank you,” she smiled widely when andi presented the food to her, taking it gently and waiting a moment for it to cool down. she had to agree with andrea on that one; parent sometimes could do to step back and let their kids experience life. at least that’s how she felt about her own mother. “are cigarettes really that bad for you?” gigi asked curiously, biting down on one of the mushrooms. then noticing shane, who didn’t have any properly cooked mushrooms, gigi felt a little bad. she’d remember to save the last few on the skewer for her. that’s what han would have done for leia. “you can if you have really big matches. the billboards probably ignite real easy.” she nodded towards luna seriously.

Jude some stretch of time later, jude had returned to the clam shack, joss presumably not far behind. she only picked up the tail end of the conversation - "i mean, they can kill you," she shrugged, "but so can planes, and we still got on one of those. carpe diem or whatever," she shrugged, taking a seat around the fire and grabbing another clam. "what are we lighting on fire with really big matches? the weed?" she asked, chewing on fish meat.

Alexa Alexa was finished with the food for now, saving some for after the weed has been blazed up so she can indulge freely and carelessly. If that ever happened apparently. As the girls talked around the fire, she pulled out a nail varnish and began painting away, she kept looking over the shoulder to see if Jude and Joss were on their way back yet and looked up only to witness Shane act like a really nice human being towards Gigi and wonder why she’d never been that nice to her. Andi being typical Andi made her smile a bit and she’ll blow into her nails as Jude finally returns. “Bitch finally, let’s go!” She shifts slightly to the left to allow space for Jude. After all it was a weed rule to always pass left, at least that’s what Max had taught her back in the day. “Cigarettes do kill but I’m pretty sure statistically you’re more likely to die in a car accident and like Jude said...we still be doing all that shit so, it’s one of those things...” she brushes her palms against her knees waiting for the spliff party to begin so she can lay down and look at the stars, eat and pass out. “Okay let’s go!”

Shane shane looks up when she hears jude join in the conversation; she wasn’t really sure what they were talking about now. but then her eyes moved to joss for a second before darting back to look at the sand like some scared puppy waiting for the other girl to yell at her or tell her off. “everything kills you eventually,” shane mumbled, trying to actually be apart of the conversation for once, “but i’m here for a good time, not a long time.” her words would be far too real and concerning if anyone truly knew how serious she actually was about that, but everyone has their secrets. she looked over at lex with a small smile, still expecting her to kick shane out of the circle for snapping at her the day before.

Luna "I'm down with a good time and not a long time," Luna added, her tone joking though she was entirely serious. "After all, it's not like our parents are here to tell us that smoking is bad for you." And quite frankly, Luna wanted to be high right now. To drift off, and not worry about anything for a while. "So let's do this."

Joss Joss wasn't sure what the conversation was about when she returned but whatever  the subject, it sounded pretty bloody morbid. Everything kills you eventually? Jeez, Shaneo, maybe yesterday had had more of an impact on the brunette than Joss had anticipated. Maybe that was why she'd taken such offence to Jocelyn's words. Assuming that Shane was in a shitty mood was easier than taking responsibility for making an un-funny joke, after all. "Fair sure eating stuff straight from the ocean is worse than having a ciggie," she chimed, taking a seat in the sand and glancing around the circle at the other girls, waiting for one of them to tell her to just fuck off again. She regret her words then, looking over at Luna, trying to catch her attention as she signaled a thumbs up and a questioning expression, making sure that she was 100% good for it, especially after feeling crook for the last day or two.

Jude when joss said that, jude slowly drew the clam away from her mouth, eyeing it. this? a simple clam, worse than a cigarette? she raised an eyebrow at joss. "tell us the truth, joss. did you poison the clams?" she joked. "did my public display of affection for them just really get to you?" why would ocean food be bad for you? it's there for a reason, right? whatever. she shook her head of the thoughts, waiting for the weed to be passed over to her as she finished up her probably-not-poisoned clam

Joss Joss chuckled and brought her knees to her chest, her arms wrapped around them loosely, "Yep, you caught me," she teased, though she was pretty sure the idea of her poisoning everybody wasn't the best sort of gag to lean into when they already had plenty of reasons to think she was a dickhead. "I've been doing it the whole time, right under your nose," she added vaguely and with a light chuckle because she didn't really know anything about how to purposefully poison somebody and the joke was already getting old by now anyway.

Shane with the mention of poisoning and joss playing along, shane glanced over at jenny, almost nervous for their reaction. not that she thought they would say anything in front of the whole group, but still. instead shane looked back at joss and decided to go along with the joke. “looks like we’ll have some more bodies to move together then,” she joked at jill’s expense (rip bitch). part of her was hoping that if joss accepted her joke or even just smiled at it, it would mean that they were okay. at least for now, until one of them fucked up and said the wrong thing again.

Alexa As soon as Joss came back it was back to clam talk and Alexa had for one had enough of it. “Jude light the zoot or the most likely to kill thing will become me, yeah? Also guys it’s two hit pass, we have enough for everyone but no hogging alright...” she said, throwing a lighter over to Jude as she kept looking Shane and Joss over. She could have swore she saw Shane smile here way at some point but, it just have been a muscle twitch or something.

Jude jude caught the lighter flawlessly like the jock bitch she was, lighting up and puff, puff passing after a long inhale. "fuck, that takes me back to like two weeks ago, before i was stranded on an island," she said gleefully, exhaling into the sky. "yo, i wanna hear everyone's 'first time' stories. if you've never gotten high, then first time getting drunk or laid or something," she remarked, passing to her left. "first time i got high, i was, like, 14. it was so fucking stupid, it was this girls all-night sleepover thing the august before we starter high school, like a get to know you thing, right?" she explained vividly, looking around the circle. "and my friend remy's older brother was a total stoner, so she snuck a couple of joints in by putting them in her bra, and at, like, 4 am, we went to the school basement while everyone was sleeping and we just got high as fuck. when we were walking back to the gym, a couple of teachers caught us, right? but they'd, like, definitely been fucking. so they just kinda looked at us, and we looked at them, and they were like "go back to bed, girls," and we never got in trouble."

Joss There was no way in fresh hell that Joss was going to tell the story of losing her virginity when she was trying not to even think about it at all and she couldn't even remember the first time she'd been properly drunk. Joss' jaw dropped at the mention of the teachers, she couldn't imagine anything like that happening at her own school but then again, she couldn't imagine anybody getting away with getting high in the basement either. Actually, she couldn't even imagine anybody getting away with simply going to the basement or anywhere else that was out of bounds without a hiding. "My parents went away on this like- two or three day cruise thing up the coast and left my older sister in charge. She had a few friends over and one of them brought this shitty bong her brother had made and I pretended I smoked all the time- which was really stupid because my sister was sitting right there, knowing I'd never done it before. I didn't actually know she'd ever done it before either, at the time- I was like, maybe thirteen, I reckon?"

Shane shane chuckled lightly at jude’s story; sounds about right for a new york school. she was actually surprised that joss had a story to tell, she didn’t strike her as the type to get high at all considering how she held herself. shane didn’t really want to think about her first time, she spent the previous day doing just that. not to mention, her first time was with something much harder than weed. but the others didn’t need to know that. so she gave the watered down story. “summer before my junior year, my, uh, friend made me go to this party. we snuck off to a bathroom together, pretty sure we cut this long ass line too but she didn’t give a fuck. got high and went back to the party. best fucking night of my life,” of course everything went down hill from there, but no one needed to know that. she waited her turn for the joint to be passed to her and tried to focus on the present fucked up situation instead of the ones from the past.

Joss Admittedly Joss was surprised to hear that it had only been a couple of years prior, the first time that Shane had gotten high. Not quite as surprised as she was to hear about teachers banging on campus but surprised nonetheless. "On what?" she asked curiously, without realising it was the first time she'd addressed the other girl since her awkward exit earlier. "It's such a bad habit but after a few drinks, I always want a smoke- like a cigarette, not a joint- like if people are smoking I'll always steal one but I won't smoke weed at parties for some reason," she explained candidly, more honest than she had been about most things up to this point.

Shane shane balked at joss for a second when she asked for more details. not only were things tense between them, but shane thought she would have gotten away with giving very little details. “uh, coke,” she admitted, looked down at the sand, not wanting to see the blonde’s judgment. but she tried to keep up with the conversation to keep the attention off what she admitted. “cigarettes when you’re drunk just hit different. but if my coach asks, i never said that,” she joked, looked back up at the other girl. “why don’t you smoke weed at parties?”

Alexa She listens intently as the others describe their first time and feels a sting passing through her as she recalls her own. So far only Andi had actually known about Max having known her for a long time but, only Jenny had ever been told about him. She didn’t wanna say his name or speak of him so she joined in on other stories instead. “I’d have not pegged you for a party smoker either to be fair, but I mean you’re full of surprises girl so...can’t put that past you either.” As Shane mentions coke her eyes widen. “Oh shit really party animal, huh? I’ve never done coke, for some reason every dealer always assumed that’s what I’m after...” she shrugs. “I’m a pussy though, I can barely hold my booze you guys know...” she was pretty much a weed only kind of girl but occasionally she did indulge in some hash too. “I can smoke my weight in weed though guys be warned.”

Jude "i only did coke two - okay, no, like, four times. but i don't pay for that shit, i just take what's offered to me, it's too fucking expensive. shrooms, though?" she laughed. "that's another story." jude had dabbled in most party drugs she deemed "basically, like, harmless." weed was her go to, though. "fuck, i'd give anything to be in new york, doing shrooms in my car and eating pizza instead of here. no offense, guys. i mean, the poison clams are good and everything, but... it's hot as fuck out here," she explained. that being said, it almost didn't matter to jude where she was if she squinted her eyes hard enough. pissy here, pissy there. only difference is, now she's gonna die with a couple of australians.

Joss Joss nodded her head in simple acknowledgement, a look of understanding in place of a look of judgement. She should have been able to figure that one out, why else did girls disappear into the bathrooms in pairs if not to rail lines on the toilet seat? At Shane's comment she chuckled and nodded her head, this time in agreement, "Yeah, same here- if literally any adult asks, I don't even know how to hold a cigarette," parents, teachers, friends of parents, parents of friends and sporting staff alike didn't need to know a single thing about the partying habits of their teens if Joss could help it. "Um," she thought about it, perhaps for the first time then, "Yeah- I don't know, hey, I guess I just feel kinda like, maybe tired?" she offered, "I don't like feeling too..." she hesitated as the words 'out of it' stuck to the tip of her tongue. If she hadn't been so bloody out of it at Lucy's house, she wouldn't be on the island at all. "I like feeling energy at a party or music festival or whatever,"  she chuckled at Lex's words, "Yeah and to be fair- your weight in weed isn't like...a lot," she teased, "Apart from the dump truck, obvs," she added, careful not to devalue Alex's notoriously phat ass if she could help it. "Never done shrooms," she'd never even seen shrooms, as far as she knew. She didn't know where they came from or how people got them but then again, she didn't really know where any of the drugs they used came from, they just sort of magically appeared in the pockets of her friends and emerged when the time was right. She laughed at Jude's lamenting and raised her hands defensively, "None taken, I'd rather be in New York eating pizza too," she admitted but would she rather be at home? She wasn't sure. "Is it cold in New York right now- or hot? I don't really get your weather,"

Shane shane couldn’t even count or remember all of the drugs she’s done in the past two years. most of the time, she didn’t even bother to ask, she’d just take eliza’s word for it before doing whatever it was she bought them. she looked over at lex when she commented on it, “we’re all full of surprises, i guess,” she said with a half smile before turning her attention to joss. “yeah fuck that, adults don’t need to know any of the shit we do,” she said with a laugh. her parents would probably kill her if they knew exactly what she did at those parties. not to mention the real reason she had her pills. “shit jude, that’s the life though. nothing better that.” shane wasn’t a big fan of hallucinogens but she could appreciate them from time to time. “yeah, i’d be cold back home right now. probably snowing actually, which i guess i am glad that i’m not there for that bullshit.”

Jude "i like feeling slowed down. it's why i take adderall," she remarked, though, to be fair, she didn't mind feeling energetic, either, as long as it was a manufactured, intoxicated energy. anything to get away from her own head for a while, be it getting high and zoning out to CSI on the couch, or getting turnt and cleaning her entire house and smelling like cleaning products for twelve hours. "i'll drink to that," jude said, "fuck adults," she agreed, groping for the vodka and taking a sip straight from the vodka, giving a wincing grin at the feeling of it burning up her throat on the way down. "it's cold as fuck back home. but i like snow, though. i hate the hot weather, fuckin' humitidy and shit," she said. hot weather made her feel like she was boiling in baba yaga's stew. it made her feel guilty, somehow, like the air was gripping at her shoulders, shaking her.

Joss Joss cocked her head slightly at Jude's comment, "What is adderall?" she had heard about it on TV but she didn't really understand what it was for or how people got their hands on it- though Jude's words enlightened her a little; Joss had always thought it was like taking caps but apparently it was the opposite. "Like, I've heard of it," she clarified but she didn't have anything more to contribute than a vague awareness of the name. She chuckled once again, "Yeah, you'd fucking hate it at home then hey, it gets bloody hot and pretty humid sometimes- like not as bad as up north but pretty bad. This weather is pretty much like Queensland, I reckon," she noted, looking around the island, "-don't think we're anywhere near it though," she added, thinking of her conversation with Luna about the Southern Cross.

Alexa She smiles back at Shane with a nod, completely immersed in the conversation at play even if she didn’t contribute much. As she took the first hit of the zoot she could feel her whole body buzz and she remembered why she loved it so much. “I don’t really like being slowed down as much as I like...not caring? You know when you smoke and you just have the buzz and your mind is fully engaged into whatever the fuck show or video or conversation you’re into? Like that...I like that. I used to get high daily...” she smiles and nods towards Joss. “Got it from my mama...” she didn’t really but she thought a Cardi reference was due. “I like the cold too, I like the shitty moody UK weather with some hot summer months and then back to cold and depressing. But I travel a lot so...” she sighs passing the zoot. “I think I prefer the cold because it’s hard to feel productive in heat, I just lounge and think about like fun stuff to do and not shit that should get done. But then winter rolls in and it’s such a mood killer too like....I don’t know, I just hate the whole thing. Is there a place that has eternal spring? That’d be cool...” she shrugs realising weed had already hit her on the account of her speaking so much. “Still I’m glad this island is a tropical disaster as opposed to a winter one...at least my tan is fine and my clothes aren’t useless garbage.”

Jude adderall was so fucking common in nyc, jude was surprised there were still people who didn't know much about it. "it helps you, like, focus. it's for ADHD - which i've got, so mine's legal, baby - but some kids take it to pull all nighters and shit. if you have ADHD, you focus in, like, a zen, determined kinda way. if you don't, it's, like.... i dunno, crack? i mean, it's an amphetamine or something, which i think is, like... meth?" she offered. "listen, don't get me wrong, i'm glad we don't have to fight off, like, polar bears. i'm just saying, i don't love the tropical storms and shit, either. i feel, like... STICKY. all of the time. and you know what likes heat? bugs. i feel like one day im gonna wake up with an ant trying to live in my leg hair."

Joss Jocelyn thought about Alexa's reasoning and came to conclusion that Lex's reason for smoking was the reason Joss didn't like smoking at parties. While Lex felt more relaxed, like she cared less, Joss felt more out of control, like if she didn't care, she'd do or say the wrong thing.  "I get that," she said, instead of admitting that she felt the opposite way. She was surprised to hear that Lex got high every day, however. Did her parents not care? Were they even around to have an opinion either way? She was sure she'd be shipped off to the Dawn of Eve a hell of a lot sooner if her parents even knew she'd ever smoked, let alone tried drugs or was getting high every day. It was crazy to think how different the girls sitting in the same circle all were. She listened to Jude's explanation of Adderall and it was a bloody good one if you asked her. She'd gone from knowing nothing at all to feeling pretty competent in the field, "I don't reckon it's a big thing at home, like I don't know anyone that's ever had it- or like, maybe they do for ADHD but none of my mates," that said, something to help her focus and study properly sounded like a God send. It would certainly beat sitting with her tutor for two hours straight on a Wednesday afternoon. "I'm the opposite, hey. I feel so unmotivated in the Winter like, if it's raining I barely want to leave the house but when the suns out it's like- go for coffee, go to the shops, have a beach day, go for a drive. Like, literally, I'll do anything just to get out of the house," she admitted.

Divya Divya was learning so much listening to the girls chat away. She really only knew of drugs and partying and the like through movies and TV shows, and she took that with a grain of salt knowing how much Hollywood liked to embellish things. Her firsthand experience with such things were abysmal. Awfully non-existent. Perhaps if her aunt didn’t play such a big hand in her life over the last few years, she’d have had a chance at having sharing some of the experiences the girls were talking about. But no, Divya led a very much sheltered life thanks to her aunt’s strict nature and conservative ideals. Whatever freedoms her mother had given her growing up was bit by bit stripped away and replaced with long hours revising, less time with her friends and barely doing things she actually enjoyed. More and more did those things take over her life until her aunt didn’t even have to lift a finger anymore, warping Divya’s way of thinking to the point where she believed she had to do those things to succeed. She shifted uncomfortably where she was seated on the sand at the memory of her former self. “So how does one smoke the... zoot... thing?” She asked, unsure if she was referring to it correctly. She just wanted something to do. Other than sit and listen. Maybe partaking wouldn’t be such a bad idea. Especially since weed was meant to relax you to her understanding. “Might be a bit of a shocker to all of you,” she said, sarcasm laid on thick, “but I’ve never... puff puff passed or whatever it was that Lex said.” Warmth flooded her cheeks at the admittance. “I’d like to try though,” she said, sitting up a bit. “My first time drinking was with you guys, might as well tick off another first while we’re all here with no adult supervision.”

Joss Jocelyn tried not to laugh, remembering the way her sister's friends had chuckled when Joss had almost choked on her first bong hit. With pressed lips, she tried to get the sound of 'zoot thing' in Divya's adorable accent out of her head. "Inhale slowly, exhale slowly- have a drink if you cough, it's just your throat saying 'what the fuck' basically," not exactly a clinical explanation of the whole concept but good enough, she decided. "-and you probs won't feel it at first but don't let that fool you, I made that mistake once with pot brownies and got so fucked I couldn't get out of bed- like, at one point I actually started crying because my mate told me I'd tied the string on my PJ shorts too tight and I thought I'd have to wear them to school on Monday," the same friend had blocked her on Facebook now.

Jenny As the conversation moved on, they stayed quiet. They'd always been much more a listener than a talker, much preferring to just sit and listen, waiting for their turn to take a hit from the joint. Since Joss' joke they were at least gonna wait a minute before touching the vodka she'd found a couple days ago. As the conversation continued to be people listing off all the things they'd done, specifically the drugs they'd done, they couldn't help but make a small joke of " So glad we're not playing Never Have I Ever again right now, I'd be fucked. " A chuckle falling from their lips as they did. They didn't look to Shane immediately when adderall and ADHD was mentioned, they didn't want to out her. But they did a couple moments later, just to check she wasn't freaking the fuck out. They found it hard to believe that the conversation then shifted to weather but they continued to listen, poking their stick in the sand. " I'm with Jude on this one. I think I'd take gross snow sludge over just feeling like I'm sweating constantly every second of every day. " They said, deciding to contribute just a little once again. Personally, they loved the cold. The only thing they didn't like about the winters they'd known was sludge. Then Divya piped up and Jenny also had to stop themselves from laughing at her innocence. Pressing their lips together so it couldn't escape but they couldn't hide the smile. Eyes moved to Joss when she instructed her on how to smoke the zoot thing, nodding in agreement with what she said. " Slow and steady, " they added, both in regards to breathing and how Divya shouldn't be fooled if she didn't feel it at first. They were amused by Joss' story but they didn't imagine it was really confidence boosting for the first timer. " You'll be fine. " They assured with affectionate tap of her knee with the back of their knuckles. " And if you do go a little too far, apparently you've got a whole team of experts to look after you. " They smiled at her.

Shane shanes jaw clenched when jude brought up adderall which lead to joss asking about her. she her eyes closing as she listened to it be explained, making a mental note that jude must actually have adhd and shane should be careful to keep her secret that much more of a secret. then the other equated it to meth if you don’t have adhd, which completely true, but shane wasn’t expecting to hear that so candidly. her eyes shot open and looked around the group before landing on jenny who was looking back at her. she gave them a look that said ‘dude i’m panicking, what the fuck’ but she couldn’t do anything about. instead she just let her hands clench into the sand and pretend to focus on the conversation without actually hearing them. maybe she should come clean, at least to jenny, that she wasn’t completely honest about why she takes them. maybe they would understand and they could talk about it. but maybe they would get pissed that she had lied to them. both options scared her. she tried to focus on divya, giving her an encouraging smile, but wasn’t sure how well it came off.

Joss Joss wondered what it was about Divya that made her so damn likeable. Joss hadn’t seen  Shane smile like that before, in fact, Joss hadn’t been aware that Shane was capable of smiling like that. Maybe she was already high, that was the only explanation for the brunette’s sudden sense of camaraderie, Joss deduced.  She wondered then, what she would have to do to be more like Divya, to be universally liked by the group instead of the golden standard when it came to motivating everybody to roll their eyes at once.

Luna Despite Luna's partying, she'd done relatively few of the drugs mentioned here. She'd gotten drunk before, had some weed, done a few nangs. Nothing major. Not adderall. Certainly nothing like cocaine. She was pretty sure anyway. She had no intention of ending up back in a hospital. Listening to the group, it was wild how different the experiences of all the girls was. "The stickiness is the worst," Luna agreed. "Give me a dry heat any day. At least after the rain it's a little less humid." Not much though. Joss was right, it was like Queensland. Or, rather, like that one trip her family had made to Queensland. Which had been cut short. Luna tried not to think about that. "Can I have some?" she asked to distract instead, nodding to Divya.

Divya Inhale slowly, exhale slowly. That seemed easy enough. Slow and steady, Jenny then added. Divya could do that. She kept their advice in mind as she raised the... 'zoot' to her lips, the thing pinched between between her thumb and index finger because she couldn't begin to know how to actually hold it. How did people hold cigarettes? How did people hold... zoots? Was there a manual when you were going into this or did people just instinctually know? Whatever it was, instincts or something else, Divya didn't have it so she kept Joss and Jenny's advice in mind when she put it between her lips. She inhaled slow, she would have exhaled slow too if the smoke didn't practically burn her throat. How did everyone make it look so easy? She pulled the zoot away from her mouth almost immediately, sputtering into a fit of coughs. "Oh my god–" Cough, cough. "Oh, that's horrid. It hurts." She touched her vacant hand to the base of her throat. She didn't expect it to hurt. Joss had mentioned 'cough' so casually, she figured it would be because of the smoke, not the pain. "Please, go ahead," she held the 'zoot' out to Luna, more than happy to part with it. Once it was handed off, she reached for one of the water bottles and took a couple of big sips to soothe her throat.

Alexa She watched as the others guided Divya to take her first ever hits off a zoot and her eyes glimmered with joy as the other did. Her head was feeling the effects of the plant and she leaned on her knees as the other coughed, laughing. “Here here...” she passes her the booze to follow down the water and smiles. “Hey you did so good! Coughing actually implies you done it right, how do you feel?” She asks, as if the other was supposed to have a full on report on it already. As the spliff moves on to Luna she will follow it with her eyes and pass her some water as well. Alexa was happy with how everything was working out, their full day of effort leading to some pretty relaxed atmosphere. She couldn’t even bother to care what sort of eye convos and low voice conversations some of the individuals were having. She was just happy everyone seemed happy, even Shane. Maybe things were changing, maybe they were all gonna get along better from now on. Weed did that. For once she wasn’t trying to get attention or say something ridiculous or be a part of the conversation. She felt okay to just be and to sit back and relax like she used to back in the day. Her eyes kept following the faces in the circle and she’ll look to her left, somewhat unaware of who was actually there. “Do you think we will all still hang out once we’re off this island?”

Oona Oona carefully watched Divya as she inhaled from the zoot. “I like it when it’s cool and sunny,” she said a little absently. It had been beneficial to observe how everyone else took part in smoking it, but Divya was also new to this. It might’ve been a little selfish and a little cowardly, but it was a comfort to know Divya was jumping in first (and hopefully Oona would be able to learn from any mistakes). It was easier to concentrate on than the primary line of conversation before it inevitably turned to the weather, which Oona was pretty sure was a byproduct of the drugs or not in and of itself. “It’s always pretty sunny back home, but we get hit by pretty intense blizzards and we’re stranded in almost three feet of snow multiple times a year.” Oona’s days were jampacked—school, then tutoring, then volunteering, then Bible Study—and her weekends weren’t all that much different. Her Church was not only filled with lifers who were raised in the faith, but with many people who were ex-somethings—drug addicts, petty criminals, recovering alcoholics. They actively turned away from a lifestyle of depravity and toward a clean, sober one with Christ. There weren’t many opportunities to pop pills or to take shrooms, or at least none that she sought out herself. Her brow furrowed when Divya started to cough and she winced at the word horrid. Oona reached out to rub soothing circles on her back as she drank from a water bottle. She blinked at Alexa’s question, not feeling particularly like she was included in that we, so she merely shrugged to allow someone else to answer it. She wouldn’t mind hanging out with them again. It felt like the first time in her life she was surrounded by honesty.

Shane shane watched as divya went for it and ended up coughing, but in a weird way, she was kinda proud that she actually did it. after all, divya seemed like the most innocent of the girls in the group along with oona. “everyone coughs the first time, right of passage,” she said in support. looking over at lex, shane thought her question for a second. she’s definitely thought about it with a few of the girls before; some more than others. “i’d like to hope so,” which was probably the most surprising thing shane has said this whole time, even more than the fact that’s shes smiled a total of three times today. “can’t really go through a near death experience and just forget each other,” she added on.

Gianna gigi wasn’t the most experienced partner. she had still been in that rebellious phase where she wore what her mother didn’t like and skipped swim practice and had a few shots at a party; drugs weren’t her optimal area of knowledge. so she just watched quietly as the girls passed around the weed, trying to keep her thoughts to herself - if she said something, chances are she’d probably make herself seem like an idiot. she’d keep quiet for now. “you guys do this, like...all the time?” she asked with a little awe, wondering how they led such exciting lives. “don’t you get in trouble?” gigi added, wishing she could be half as ballsy as some of the girls in the group. “i mean i’ve had mushrooms,” she held up her stick of vegetable, “but i don’t really feel anything when i eat them.” she shrugged casually.

Jude "yeah, i get in trouble," jude laughed, "why do yo think i was on that fuckin' plane?" admittedly, her mom never really cared what kind of wild shit jude was into, as long as it was safe. her uncle was a whole different story. jude's eyes widened at gigi's explanation of vegetables, and she laughed a little bit. "maybe you've just got a mad high tolerance," she speculated, knowing gigi had misunderstood them, but going along with it anyways, because she was an asshole.

Jenny While Jenny had managed to hold back their laugh when Divya had asked how to smoke the zoot, they couldn't when she started coughing and complaining. They could remember doing the exact same thing first time they'd smoked, and their brother telling them to shut the fuck up so they didn't wake the rest of the family. The clapped their hand against their leg in congratulations. " Now you're a deviant, just like the rest of us, " They mused happily, though Divya was far from the only innocent in the group as Gigi would prove in a few moments. Truthfully, Jenny didn't expect them all to stay in touch. Sure, they hoped they would. At least some of them. But they didn't think that would actually happen. Everyone would get back to their lives, their friends, and probably realise a lot of what they had in common on the island was just the island. They nodded along with what Shane said though, deciding to build on it. " I don't think I'll ever get on a plane again though, we'll have to come up with some elaborate pen pal system. " They suggested in jest, small smile tugging up their features. They weren't gonna be the one to bring the mood down. Their smile spread again as Gigi asked her question and Jude answered it so boldly. A chuckle falling from their lips. They decided not to answer it though, they didn't really want to reveal that there was more than drug use their parents had to be worried about with them. They chuckled again when she asked about shrooms, misunderstanding what the others had been talking about. " Special mushrooms, not really ones you eat with dinner. " They tried their best to clarify once Jude had their fun. They waited a beat but then they had a question, mainly for the innocents of the group but they'd be interested in what the others had to say too. " What's the wildest thing y'all have ever done? Like heart thumping in your chest, you know you shouldn't have, but shit, you might just do it again - wild? "

Andrea Jenny asked a good question -- one that she wasn't quite sure that she had the answer to. Instead of answering right away, she ate another mushroom of the stick, waiting for a moment to see if anyone had an answer. "I mean, there's got to be something, right? Even if you just... I don't know, had a beer one night when everyone was asleep. You've had to have done something." She didn't mean to push, but it was surprising how naive and innocent Gigi and some of the others seemed to be. Andrea wanted to share her own story. But she also knew that if she did, she'd be telling them all why she was on the 'retreat' to begin with. She wasn't sure she was ready for that yet. "I had a threesome," she shrugged. Maybe that would be enough to get people comfortable talking.

Shane shane chuckled at gigi’s question and jude’s answer that she gets caught. “my parents don’t know half the shit i do,” she said honestly. if they did, she’d probably be sent off to some boarding school or rehab or to a feminist retreat meant to strengthen young women into successful members of society. oh wait, that did happen. “it’s all about plausible lies and not getting caught.” nodding as jenny added on to her thought, shane agreed. “yeah they’re going to have to sedate me to get back to new york or else i’m taking buses the whole way. but at least we have modern technology to keep in touch.” she thought about the question, trying to think of a story that didn’t expose her party habits, when andi said she’s had a threesome. “damn, okay, kudos,” she said with a laugh. “i’m graffitied our rival school’s building before a big game. half my team got drunk and we thought it would be a good idea. everyone knew we did it but they didn’t have proof so we got away with it.” she looked around to see who would go next.

Alexa She didn't much like the idea of not seeing the girls again, but considering how the things were going she thought there might never be a need to worry about that as the rescue planes or boats or whatever the fuck were nowhere in sight. Still, she finds Shane actually acknowledging her rather encouraging and it perks up her spirit. "Well, I don't mind flying at all I mean...the chances of us being in a plane crash and surviving are ridiculously low as is...for us to be in one twice is practically impossible. I'll have daddy's plane pick everyone up, that should be less terryfing. And if needed champagne and sedation will be provided. To us...not, not the pilot. Maybe whoever organised the Dawn of Eve flight had that bit mixed up." she laughs and takes a sip of the vodka mixed into her coconut. As they speak of crazy shit they've all done, Lex feels it's her time to shine. She had an abundance of stories relating to Jenny's question and struggled to pick just the one so she took a note out of Judes book and decided to blurt out the last straw that got her put on the forsaken plane. "I fucked a ganitor during my dads fundraisor at the Louvre." she chuckles and proceeds. "I mean, that's what got me here. I have a lot of sex in public stories that may or may not include a Ferris wheel, downtown LA, a chess tournament...so Louvre maybe not the craziest shit I've done." she'll admit. "Anyways, I once stole an ARRI camera off a film set my uncle was working on just because I wanted to make YouTube videos in high quality and because I didn't want to get caught I sold it for parts on the dark web just to get rid of the evidence. Now, I know what you might be thinking...it's a lot of effort to get rid of a camera but, in my defence, my uncle is a dick and I was fourteen."

Gianna it hadn’t occurred to gigi that the girls were on the plane for a reason different from her own - another reminder that she wasn’t the only person on this island. “so, like the ones you have with lunch?” she asked with a raised brow, not understanding the insinuation behind jennys words. the mushrooms she had at lunch were the same she had at dinner - maybe she was just doing it wrong. shed have to ask andi about it another time, when she didn’t feel so out of the loop. listening to the others talk about their experiences, gigi smoothed her hair behind her ear and glanced at the flame of the fire. she wasn’t nearly as adventurous, no matter how much she thought she was. she wasn’t having sex with janitors (or anyone, ever, for that matter), and she definitely wasn’t destroying property.  she had a long, long way to go. for a moment she wondered if she even belonged here. “i fought a cop once,” she muttered to herself and the fire, shrugging. it was all she really had to offer for the group - “the cop won.” she grimaced, sighing in defeat.

Joss Joss hummed thoughtfully at Gigi's question. She wasn't used to getting into trouble, not really. She'd been grounded a couple of times for staying out too late on school nights but she'd never done anything quite as scandalous as Jude or Lex had managed. Not purposely, anyway. She decided not to participate in the discussion, not wanting to make a mention of her reasons for being shipped out of Melbourne airport and on the way to the Dawn of Eve retreat, so she busied herself with putting her jacket on and stuffing her hands into her pockets to keep them warm instead of getting closer to the fire. Joss had been trying so, so very hard to not be outwardly judgmental of the other girls but the moment Gianna mentioned her fight with the cop, she just couldn't restrain herself anymore and her face warped into an obvious 'what the fuck' expression as she mouthed the words themselves. Was she kidding? She wondered as she looked around the group, hoping to understand the statement a little bit more clearly from the reactions of the others.

Jenny The fact that Andi just opened the gate with threesome was fucking surprising. Another chuckle falling from Jenny's lips, unable to stop it. " Okay, okay– good start. " They mused, nodding their head even if it had been completely far away from their own story they'd thought of, it was definitely a good start. Shane's didn't surprise them, they'd already said her whole life revolved around soccer, and they still thought it was a good thing. The listened with easy smile, arms holding legs to their chest. The craziness of Lex's wildest moment (or moments) didn't shock them either, they had expected as much. But the actual content was shit they never could have predicted. Lex's life sounded like sex Jackass, they didn't know how she could keep up with herself half the time. Then the most surprising of them all: Gigi. Gigi who still wasn't getting that shrooms were different from regular old mushrooms, had fought a cop. Their mouth dropped open a little, but different in the way that Joss' did. Jenny was impressed. It totally blew their stupid aquarium story out of the water, and they hadn't even told it. " No fuckin' way, I did not see that one coming. " They chuckled again, anyone who had interacted with Jenny in the past week might be realising quickly they started laughing a lot when they smoked. " You don't have to tell the story if you don't want but, like– just a pinch? Just a little context, please? " They asked, holding a hand up and pinching their thumb and index finger together to indicate just how much of a story they were after.

Andrea Andi was rather pleased with herself. She expected that most of the others would have good stories -- but that they wouldn't be willing to share them... unless someone else shared first. And it wasn't like she was embarrassed about the threesome. It wasn't the best sex she'd had, but it certainly wasn't the worst. As the girls went around sharing, she listened. It was impressive, hearing what some of them had gotten away with. Or... maybe that they hadn't gotten away with. "Gigi. No, you can't stop there. We need the whole story on that one -- how the hell did you get into a fight with a cop? I mean, kudos. But still," she echoed, after Jenny spoke. "Do you need something to help you loosen up? Cause we can make that happen..."

Libby as the weed finally made its way around to libby, she could literally feel the tension that she had been carrying for the past week ease away — or at least ease as much as possible under the circumstances. she found it kind of funny that the original purpose of the retreat was to straighten her out and get her to quit her drug use and yet here she was, up to her same old habits. libby’s lips turned upwards as she listened to gigi. “you fought a cop? ” gigi seemed so sweet and innocent that it was difficult to imagine her getting into some sort of altercation with anyone, let alone an actual cop. after andi spoke, she nodded. “yeah, agreed. gotta give us some context there. she thought about what she could share without getting too personal and finally deciding. “one time i shoplifted like..... a shit ton of stuff over a weekend long period. not sure how much but it was a lot.”

Gianna nobody had ever really been interested in gigi or her stories; it was a miracle if she could make sense of one. but she felt accepted and encouraged and the swimmer shifted in anticipation in her seat on the log. “last summer i’d gone to a party for a cousin of mine. it was really just a whole lot of us running around drunk while my aunts and uncles stayed inside cooking.” she began casually, before andi offered something to loosen her up. “no, it’s alright, i’ve lost a lot of weight, so my clothes are pretty loose already.” she shook her head with thanks before continuing. “my cousin knocked his brother into the grill when they were wrestling and set one of the lawn chairs on fire.” she went on, popping another mushroom in her mouth before handing off the last few to shane, as she had promised herself. “my aunt called the fire department, and cops showed up. i tried making it better, they don’t tell you that vodka can set on fire, so it didn’t make things better when i tried pouring it on to diffuse the situation,” she mused quietly, shrugging. “underage drinking. fires. cops. it took all of five seconds for a grown ass man to pile on top of me and restrain while i kept pouring vodka in the fire.” she mused with purses lips, remembering how she’d used all her power and energy to push a grown cop off her body and scurry to the other side of the yard. “that back and forth went on for a few minutes before i was eventually thrown in the back of his car and picked up at the station six hours later.” there was quiet, and gigi took a sip from her coconut with water to break the silence. “oh shopliftings fun. and it’s easy you just put the clothes back, like, a week later when you’re bored with them.”

Joss Joss had truly expended every ounce of energy she could spare, pretending not to be completely judgemental of Gigi. Instead of gawking at the other girl, however, she brought her water bottle to her lips to disguise her expression as she processed the information, bit by bit. Fuck me, she thought. She really didn’t know the first thing about these girls, did she? As she looked around the group, she realised just how foreign the rest of the Islanders were and wondered how many more stories of chaos, debauchery and God knows what else they shared between them. Then her eyes landed on Shane and she remembered something. Something that made her stomach stir uncomfortably. “This trip was my parents way of saying congratulations, that plus my birthday,” she heard Shane’s voice in her head, lying so easily. “So, Dawn of Eve really was just a- like a cute boot camp, hey? Scared Straight but with swag bags,” she voiced to the group, though her focus was mostly on the brunette, only shifting when she fell silent again.

Shane shane took the remaining mushrooms when gigi offered them back. finally allowing herself to eat something, and picked a piece of one and popping it in her mouth while she listened to the girls story. “jesus,” she muttered. she really didn’t think the other girl had it in her to fight a cop but the rest of the story kinda made sense. finally, shane was starting to loosen up and not be so stuck in her head as they all shared stories. that is until joss spoke. shane looked up to see that she was looking right at her. she remembered the conversation she had with joss a few days ago and how shane didn’t tell the whole truth to her. “something like that,” she mumbled before looking away from the blonde.

Krafty there was so much under the surface of each of the girls, shit even the ones she wouldn't have pegged as a troublemaker had secrets and she guessed that was kind of the point right? if they had been where they were supposed to be...at the dawn of eve they would have been forced into some kind of bonding but this, it felt more natural? like how it was supposed to be in a way. "damn gigi," she let out in a breath through the silence. "i didn't fight a cop but i've ran away from them more than once," she shrugged, "my friends and i spent the night in an abandoned amusement park...they tried to catch us the next morning but even with the asthma i run pretty quick when i want to," krafty chuckled. "i'm with joss, i think this retreat was just some bullshit fix yourself program." coming to that realization though, she couldn't help but wonder if her grandparents really thought that low of her. sending here on this trip to rehabilitate her. was she really that bad?

Jenny It's hard to say if Jenny was laughing at Gigi's story, the silence from everyone else, or if it was just because they were giggly but all the same they couldn't help the chuckle that tumbled forward as Gigi finished up the story. " Okay, yeah, that's wild. " They said, nodding their head and raising one of the boiled water bottles in a sort of cheers before they took a sip. Their head turned then to Krafty, once again easily impressed. " That's dope, dude. I've always wanted to go to like abandoned places and shit. " They didn't really care that no one else had the same energy as them, until Joss spoke, thinking she was coming to some sort of realisation. Brows furrowed a little but as they looked around it seemed a lot of the group was thinking something similar. " No. " They said at first, unintentionally a little bluntly as they tried to put together exactly what they wanted to say. " It wasn't like that for me. " Their situation was different, they decided. " I mean, I didn't wanna go but that's because it sounded like some lame sleepover kumbaya camp. But my parents wanted it to be a good thing, make me feel better. " Make some new friends were their exact words but they weren't gonna say that. " It wasn't a punishment, or like The Ranch or whatever, is what I'm tryna say. " They got to eventually, feeling as though they'd successfully got their point across once they threw the Dr Phil reference in.

Luna Luna loved listening to these stories. She liked to think she got up to wild things, but the truth of the matter was she was still sheltered. She snuck out, yes, but even so it seemed a lot of her life had been tame compared to the girls here. Except maybe Gigi and Oona. Well, maybe including Gigi at this rate. But as the topic changed, she frowned. That didn't sound like what her parents had wanted to send her on. Or anything they would send her on. "It wasn't like that for me either," she chimed in. "My parents wouldn't--They're super protective and all that." Luna looked at Joss. "They wouldn't let me out of their sight if they thought it was some kind of boot camp. They thought it was a good thing. A make some friends thing. It's the first time they've let me go anywhere without them. And," she added, thinking about how they must be freaking out, "I can bet it's going to be the last time after all of this."

Divya It took a bit for Divya to respond to Alexa, busy getting water down her throat and taking a breath after that ‘fun’ little new experience. She offered a what smile she could manage at Oona who was rubbing circles into her back. “Other than my throat hurting and the strange taste,” Divya shared once she felt confident enough to speak again, “not much different. How do you know it’s worked? Do I need to do more to actually feel the effects?” She felt a bit better over her reaction when most of the group assured her that coughing was normal and that it actually meant she had done it right. Perhaps even proud when Jenny clapped a hand against her leg and dubbed her a ‘deviant’. Divya the Deviant. Look at that, go her. Hearing everyone’s theories of what the Dawn of Eve actually was, Divya had to disagree with Joss and Krafty and agree with Jenny and Luna. “Same here.” A good thing to make her feel better, she agreed with that sentiment exactly. “My dad thought I could like, relax and make friends here, feel more confident in myself, before I had to go back to school later in the year. A treat, a fun thing, not... you know, a ‘fix yourself program’,” she echoed Krafty’s words for it. Yes, she’d gone through some things last year. But her dad wouldn’t. Sean wouldn’t. Neither of them would ever put her through... a boot camp? The thought was ridiculous. “Female-centric learning and growth, right? That’s what the lady said in the video. On the plane.” Not the mention the brochure. All ‘empowerment’ this and ‘awakening’ that.

Jude jude thought about it for a minute; she'd done so many things, it was hard to pick. still, she opened her mouth: "so, i was at this party, right? and i was drunk, and i'd skated there. and there was a pool. soooo, someone dared me to skate off the second story roof of andy tanaka's house into the pool - fully clothed. i did it, and i broke my collarbone and my ankle, some-fucking-way. just about fucking drowned, but this hot girl, she was a part-time lifeguard, and she hauled me out. i was conscious and everything, but she was all ready to do mouth-to-mouth, so i kinda let her. then i went to the hospital." "i got sent here for bein' a delinquent. but, like, i guess my uncle thought if he sent me to something less military school, and more 'female retreat,' i'd be more likely to buy into it or whatever. i mean, it's not scared straight or anything, i don't think, but i was definitely supposed to 'shape up and stop fucking around, jude' or whatever," she said, taking on a deep voice to mimic her uncle.

Andrea The others were raising some interesting points. But Andi wasn't sure what to think about the Dawn of Eve retreat. The way it'd been framed to her was that she didn't have a choice in the matter. She was going to go, and she was going to 'change her attitude,' or she'd end up having much more serious consequences. The retreat was a threat looming over the rest of her senior year. And while she knew why she was being forced to attend, she didn't quite realize that others might've been in the same boat. "So half of us believe the bullshit 'this is a chance for you to discover your true self and uplift other women and yourself' thing that's on the brochure. And the rest of us think this is some kind of punishment. Can't it be both? Some kind of retreat for us to like... bond over 'girl power,' but also... I don't know, put us on 'the right path' or whatever? Clearly all of our parents wanted us to get something out of this and come back different somehow."

[evil-overlord-scriptology]

Dating My Brother’s Archenemy Pt. 2 (ARCHIVED)

CrAzYArtist: Party? Like full out high school party? Drinking and drugs and everything? O.o I didn't know you were into that...

 GreenThumb: Yeah... and my sister is making me go. But it'd give us a chance to hang out.

 MonKeybiz: I'm for it! As long as you don't make me do anything against my will...

 $Cha-Ching$: Fine by me, never been to one before.

 CrAzYArtist: Where's it at?

 GreenThumb: Ermmm... It's Amber's party... My sister is friends with her and she's dragging me a long as her ride back home. Can't see why I can't just wait around in town until she's ready...

 MonKeybiz: ...You're kidding, right?

 $Cha-Ching$: Gives Kori a perfect chance to speak with Nathaniel though...

 MonKeybiz: True...

 CrAzYArtist: Say one more word about that and I'll break the record of my grudges.

 $Cha-Ching$: No idea of what you mean, but I can tell you're serious. Not crossing the line

 MonKeybiz: I second that!

 GreenThumb: Besides, it gives you three a perfect chance to crash Amber's party.

 CrAzYArtist: I'm in!

 $Cha-Ching$: Me too!

 MonKeybiz: Me three! lol

 *RabidsingeR has signed in*

 CrAzYArtist: Clear you weekend calendar, Lexsie, we're going to crash Amber's party!

 MonKeybiz: And do a little matchmaking between Nath and Kori on the side.

 $Cha-Ching$: Hey, this is Penni!

 GreenThumb: Plus you finally get to meet me in person!

 RabidsingeR: You had me at 'crash Amber's party' XD I'm going to thoroughly enjoy this...

 "You are not going out like that." Castiel said, not even looking up from his guitar. I looked down at my pure white flowing knee length dress and sheer tights with snowflakes picked out in silver. Lysander, who was sitting across from him scribbling away, glanced up, raised an eyebrow then looked at my brother, "She's not dressed inappropriately." Castiel still wouldn't look up, "She's going to that stupid party, so she's dressed inappropriately." He stated simply. I rolled my eyes to Lexsie who kept dabbing at her make up while Penni kept slapping her hand away. I wondered how Lexsie could even like my brother, he was just a pain sometimes. Penni smacked Lexsie's hand away again, "If you keep touching it, you're going to smudge my work!" The blonde girl snapped. Savannah sighed, "Really Lexsie. You're the one who wanted Penni to do your make up..." Lexsie's fingers started inching their way towards her face again, but one glare from Penni stopped them.

 Castiel finally looked up, "You look fine Lexsie. Stop fussing." He said flatly. Lexsie didn't really need the bright pink colored blush after that, she was so red in the face that the base couldn't hide it. Savannah, Penni and I giggled. Over the few days that we had to get our costumes ready for Amber's Halloween party Lexsie and Castiel went from Stage 1: 'You're Just My Friend, Whatever' to Stage 2: 'Blushes and Compliments.' It was all according to Tansy's '10 Stages of Relationships' chart. Penni was at Stage 7: the 'Can't be Without You' stage. Savannah was still at stage one with Lysander. Tansy said I was between Stage 5: 'Shyly Skipping Around the Subject of Dating' and Stage 6: 'Small Kisses and Presents.' I thought it was strange that Tansy had this whole thing already worked out, and that it made sense, somewhat.

 I sighed and snatched up my white wedge heels, “Let's go we're going to be late. Hey Castiel, are you using the car?” My brother, squinting at a page of lyrics, shook his head 'no'. I smirked, now came to part of tricking him, “I need the keys really fast, where are they?” Still trying to decipher the Lysander's writing, Castiel pointed to the small bowl sitting on the table, “There, stop bothering me.” He snapped. Before my twin realized he had been duped, I grabbed the car keys and ushered my snickering friends out the door, calling over my shoulder, “We'll be home late, see you later!” Before I closed the door, I could see Lysander smirking at me, he winked. So he knew my plan, but didn't bother to tell my brother. Guess he was on my side again.

 vvv

 So far the party was a total bore. The only thing exciting was when some random couple got into a major fight which ended with a major make out session that made me want to gag. Penni seemed to be enjoying herself though, having never been to a stereotypical teen party. Even I had been before, when Lexsie dragged me to one our freshmen year, that was when we met Savannah. And I met Ty, much to my later misfortune. I kept to the seats, sandwiched between couples who couldn't keep their hands off each other and druggies smoking themselves silly. Savannah had left in search for a soda, knowing it would be a lost cause, while Lexsie was busy warding off guys hitting on her. Penni, however, had headed straight for the dance floor. From my view, I could tell she was owning the floor with her crazy moves. I hadn't even known she was into dancing.

 Savannah reappeared, two Dr. Peppers in her hand, “Guess Nathaniel is cracking down on the beer, I couldn't find any.” She said as she handed me one of the frigid cans. I shot her a look, “Were you looking for them?” I asked suspiciously. Savannah plopped down next to me, not caring if her medieval lady dress was wrinkled in the process, and laughed, “Of course not. But you know how hard it is to find a coke at these parties. I was kinda suspicious when the first cooler was nothing but sodas, so was the second and the third... after I looked around, I couldn't find any beer.” I popped the tap on my soda and took a nice long drink. Something bumped into me, causing me to spew my drink... just as Amber walked past in her skimpy pirate girl costume.

 As Lexsie would say: It was an opportunity worth dying for, and from the look Amber gave me, I thought she really was going to kill me. Savannah dying of laughter beside me didn't help my case of it being an accident. Suddenly I went from being the invisible snow princess, to the girl facing Amber's wrath. I slouched a little in my seat, bracing myself for the hurricane that was about to be unleashed.

 “YOU LITTLE BITCH!! You did that on purpose! Why are you even here, I know I didn't f***ing invite you!” Amber started, her voice shrill to the point that I knew any dogs within a mile could hear her. I slumped down a little lower, my cheeks flaming red. I didn't like being the center of attention and suddenly I was on Broadway. “Uhh... I'm sorry, I didn't-” I started, but Amber didn't even let me explain, “You ruined my $200 costume! You are soooooo paying me back, bitch! Don't think you won't!” Amber shouted then stomped away, her whole right side drenched in my backwash. I buried my face in my hands, not sure if I should cry or laugh. Lexsie came up just as the rest of the crowd started returning to normal, “What happened?” I was still embarrassed to speak, but Savannah wasn't, “Well, you see. Kori decided it would be a good idea to spill Dr. Pepper on Amber and-” “It was an accident!” I practically wailed, both my friends cracked up.

 vvv

 Hours late Jade finally showed up as a green haired vampire. I didn't even have to make introductions, Lexsie and Savannah spotted him the minute he walked through the door, his bright green hair as out of place as Savannah's purple hair or my white locks. When I saw that there would be no awkwardness between the three I went to find Penni. She was surrounded by jocks trying to flirt with her, and she didn't look very pleased at all. I smiled and joined her, “Hey Penni, Jade's here. Do you want to meet him?” I asked. Penni looked at me confused, she had already met Jade before he went back to his own school, and she knew I knew that. I gave her a look, trying to express with my eyes that I was giving her the perfect chance to escape the jock's unwanted attention. She finally got the message and nodded before dragging me away with a force I didn't know she had.

 Of course, we never made it that far. As we walked underneath the upper story walkway, there was a voice shouting, “There she is!” It was followed by a show of ice cold water down on my head. I shrieked at the sudden change in temperature, throwing up my arms to deflect most of the downpour off my poor head. Laughter filled the air, and I was dragged back to the day that Amber had altered the comic I had drawn. Only this was worse, this was physical discomfort.

 Penni was staring at me, mouth open wide and eyes nearly popping out of her head. None of the water hit her luckily. Her gypsy costume was still in tact, but the same could be said for my snow princess dress. It had gone from gleaming white to sheer in .03 seconds, plastered to my body like a second skin. I hastily crossed my arms over my chest, shaking from the cold air that now wafted at my body. Amber appeared before me, taunting, “I told you you'd regret it, little bitch. How does it feel?” Penni glared at Amber and opened her mouth to defend me, but someone else beat her to it, “Amber! That's enough.” Shivering I looked over my shoulder just as Nathaniel wrapped a blanket around my shoulders. His sister backed down with a pout.

 Nathaniel took me to his bedroom. I sat on his bed, the blanket wrapped around me, watching him as he carefully made sure his door was cracked two inches. I couldn't help but smile at that, “I-It won't m-m-ma-matter. The-They w-w-will a-a-a-as-assume the w-w-worst.” I stuttered, my teeth clattering together loudly. Nathaniel didn't answer as he shifted through his drawers and pulled out a pair of grey sweats and a formless white T-shirt. He motioned to a closed door on the other side of the bed, “Bathroom is through there.” I didn't move. I just stared at the pile of clothes he gave me, then up at his golden eyes, “Why do you always help me?” I blurted out.

 Nathaniel blushed a little and looked away sheepishly, “Uh... I guess I feel responsible for what my sister does to you.” He said uncomfortably. I looked back down, disappointed, “...oh...” I stood and moved toward the bathroom to change, but Nathaniel grabbed my arm, “Korianna, wait...” I looked up at him, half hoping half dreading what he would say. Nathaniel studied me for a while before saying, “You know I like you, Korianna. I guess that's the real reason why I want to protect you from my sister's stupid pranks.” I stared at Nathaniel for a minute, my brain trying to catch up to what he just said. Nathaniel blushed even harder and started to let go of me, thinking that I was rejecting him, when I threw my arms around his neck and crashed my lips to his. Surprised he stumbled back a step and I was dragged with him, my feet skittering forward to avoid doing a face plant. Somehow my left foot got wedged behind his right and he tripped over it. To avoid falling to the floor, Nathaniel twisted and we both ended up on the bed, me on top of him, kissing...

 ...just as Melody opened the door.

 The three of us stared at each other for a minute, all of us blushing. Then I bolted off Nathaniel and fled for the bathroom, the clothes he gave me clutched in my arms. I stood leaning against the door, breathing heavily. I could not believe Nathaniel and I had just been caught by the girl who had a crush on him. Castiel seeing us kissing was bad enough, but Melody wasn't one to keep a secret like my brother. She was almost as bad as Peggy when it came to gossip, except when it dealt with Nathaniel. I just hoped her policy of not telling Peggy anything about Nathaniel would cover this incident. I could hear Melody speaking in a chocked tone, “What's going on? I-I came to tell you I was here and she- Did Kori... was she...?” Then came Nathaniel's much calmer voice, “Someone spilled something on Korianna's costume, she came to me for extra clothes.” His voice left no room to question how I had come in his bedroom looking for extra clothes and ended up kissing him. There was a small muffled sob and the sound of a door slamming.

 I finished tugging on the white shirt and tying the sweats tighter around my waist before leaving the bathroom, my wet dress flung over one arm. Nathaniel was standing in the middle of his room, staring down at something in his hands. I peered around him to see a pair of yellow cat ears attached to a head band teetering over his palm. Melody must have given them to him before she left. I gently touched his shoulder, startling him. Biting my lip I looked down, “I'm sorry... I-” Nathaniel pressed a finger to my lips, “You shouldn't be sorry. It's not your fault.” He said softly. I tried a small smile and took the cat ears from him, “These are nice. You should wear them.” I said timidly, trying to change the subject to a safer track.

 Nathaniel snorted, “I don't celebrate Halloween. I think it's stupid.” He said dully and I rolled my eyes, “You would.” I muttered then shoved the car ears down on his head, laughing at his expression of surprise. “There! You know, the ears really look good on you, I think you should wear them from now on.” I said between giggles. Nathaniel frowned at me and tried to pull the ear off, but I swatted his hands away, “No I like them. Leave them in.” Slowly he lowered his hands and didn't try to take them off again. I grinned at the thought that Nathaniel would wear something even if he didn't like it, because he knew I did. Mentally I made a note to tell Tansy I had gone from between Stage 5 and Stage 6 to fully on Stage 6 of her 10 Stages of Relationships. I knew she would be thrilled.

 *CrAzYArtist had signed in*

 $Cha-Ching$: Hey so what happened after the water accident yesterday? No one saw you after that.

 MonKeybiz: Seriously, girl. I know you want to be with your boy, but spend some time with your homeys!

 RabidsingeR: Savannah, don't try to be gangster. It's just atrocious.

 CrAzYArtist: 8 points for Lexsie!

 RabidsingeR: We're not playing Scrabble, Kori...

 GreenThumb: Back on subject... where did you go? I didn't get to even say hi before you disappeared.

 CrAzYArtist: No reason... I just didn't want to be in that house anymore

 $Cha-Ching$: So either you got into a fight with Nath or kissed him again...

 RabidsingeR: I'm going with kissing... At least here's hoping ;P

 CrAzYArtist: Since you'll drag it out of me anyway... Yes, Nath and I kissed again, and Melody walked in on us.

 MonKeybiz: ...Oh snap... doesn't she have a crush on Nath?

 $Cha-Ching$: Yep... ladies and Jade, prepare for World War 3

 CrAzYArtist: Oh come on! Melody and I are rational people, it's not like we'll end up cat fighting in the middle of the hall.

 RabidsingeR: When it comes to guys, all rationality goes out the window.

 $Cha-Ching$: Yeah, I mean look at how Lexsie first treated me for the whole Lysander mess... and she doesn't even like him (not like Savannah)!

 RabidsingeR: THAT WASN'T THE REASON!

 $Cha-Ching$: *read in sarcasm* You're right. It was because Kori forced Castiel into the whole mess, since that makes a whole lot more sense.

 MonKeybiz: Penni you're hilarious!

 RabidsingeR: Grrrrr...

 CrAzYArtist: Get over it, Lexsie.

 GreenThumb: Back on topic girls.

 MonKeybiz: lol, what are you the Topic Police?

 GreenThumb: Yes... don't make me write you a ticket! ^^

 MonKeybiz: I'm shaking in fear, Jade.

 CrAzYArtist: Has anyone seen Violette? She hasn't been on.

 GreenThumb: She was on briefly yesterday while you were getting ready for the party.

 RabidsingeR: Oh... and what did you two... discuss...? Hmm?

 GreenThumb: How nuts you are.

 $Cha-Ching$: 'You' as in all of us, or 'you' as in Lexsie?

 GreenThumb: You as in Lexsie.

 RabidsingeR: Love you too Jade! X(

 MonKeybiz: Okay guys, we have a crisis on our hands. Kori is possibly facing a cat fight with Melody...

 CrAzYArtist: I can handle myself, Savannah...

 RabidsingeR: We all know you can't, Korianna.

 CrAzYArtist: ...

 MonKeybiz: Nice going, dummy.

 RabidsingeR: ...Oops...

 *CrAzYArtist has signed out*

 I glared at the log in sign for ChatRoomzNet, normally I was used to Lexsie's hurtful comments, knowing she didn't really mean them, but that was just too far. Crossing my arms I slouched in my computer chair, but the more I thought about what she said, the more I realized... Lexsie was right. I couldn't take care of myself. It was always my brother or my friends who stepped in when something didn't go right. Now Nathaniel did the same. I closed my eyes wondering if I surrounded myself with people who had an instinct to protect me, so I wouldn't have to do so myself. Did I make friends or bodyguards? I shivered, scared of the answer. Maybe I wasn't so innocent as everyone made me out to be, maybe I was just a manipulative girl and a coward.

 My cell phone buzzed, bringing me out of my self depression. I answered it without thought, “Hello?” “Is this Korianna?” Someone, a guy by the deep tone of his voice, asked. I frowned, wondering who could have gotten my number. “Yeah, who's this?” “Nathaniel... You gave me your number last night, remember?” I shot straight up in my chair, I had forgotten that we had exchanged numbers when he walked me home. I leaned back in my chair, my right hand pressing into my forehead, “Sorry... I didn't add your number in yet, I was too tired last night.” I shut my mouth, knowing I was about to start babbling. There was a pause on the other side of the line, “Korianna... are you alright? You don't sound very happy.” Nathaniel ventured. I mentally cursed, why did Nathaniel have to be so good at guessing someone's emotions? I stayed silent, debating if I should tell him or not. I sighed, unable to lie to the guy who had been nothing but nice to me since I came to Sweet Amoris, “I'm not. I-” Nathaniel cut me off before I could explain “Don't say anything else. I'm coming to pick you up, then you can tell me what's bothering you.” I couldn't help but smile.

 vvv

 “Alright, now what's the matter?” Nathaniel asked after he returned with two ice cream cones, handing me the chocolate one. I licked the frozen dairy, taking my time in answering. When I didn't answer for a while Nathaniel shrugged and leaned back on the bench, eating his own ice cream contently, waiting patiently for me to answer. Crunch! I pulled back realizing I had just ate all my ice cream and was working on the cone now. I was stalling. I sighed and turned to Nathaniel, “Do you... think I'm helpless?” I asked him. The student council president blinked several times, his blonde eyebrows pulled low over the bridge of his nose. Nathaniel shot me a funny look, “What makes you say that?” I sighed and looked down at the remains of my melting cone. “Something Lexsie said earlier, about how I can't take care of myself.” I saw Nathaniel's gold eyes narrow and hurried on before he could say anything, “I think she's right. Looking back, I've never been able to get out of a mess by myself. Lexsie and Castiel were always taking care of my problems. Then Savannah and now you. I can't think of any time I solved a problem by myself.”

 It took forever to Nathaniel to answer. I could tell by his frown that he was still trying not to get angry at Lexsie and failing miserably. Finally he exhaled deeply, his head bent so that his bright blonde hair covered his face, “Do you... want... to not be protected?” I tilted my head, “Huh?” I asked him confused by the question. Nathaniel looked at me, “Do you want your friends not to care about what happens to you?” He asked, his expression unreadable. I shook my head, still confused at what he was asking. Nathaniel closed his eyes and smiled, “Then you have nothing to worry about. We all love you Korianna, that's why we step in, because no one wants to see you hurt.” My eyes widened a fraction at the word 'love' but I shoved that thought out of my mind before it could fully form; now wasn't the time to be thinking like that. I stared at my lap, dimly feeling the cold sludge of chocolate ice cream sliding down my fingers. I hadn't thought of it that way. I pushed a smile on my face, "Alright if you say so..." I murmured. Nathaniel grinned and wrapped his arm around my shoulders, pulling me closer. I blushed, but didn't pull away, I could get used to this...

 vvv

 *CrAzYArtist has signed in*

 RabidsingeR: I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry! FORGIVE ME! I'll never say another word again!

 CrAzYArtist: Just drop the subject Lexsie...

 $Cha-Ching$: Please! You've been going on and on about this for hours.

 RabidsingeR: You would too if your best friend is super mad at you!

 $Cha-Ching$: First off I wouldn't have even said it. Second, Ken would never be mad at me, it's against his nature.

 MonKeybiz: Well we all thought it was against Kori's nature to get mad enough to LOG OFF!

 GreenThumb: You three are terrible friends. Kori, are you okay?

 CrAzYArtist: Yeah...

 RabidsingeR: It doesn't sound like it! TELL ME WHAT'S WRONG!!!

 MonKeybiz: Seriously? You're the one asking that?

 CrAzYArtist: Nothing's wrong. And Lexsie...

 RabidsingeR: *gulp* ...yes...?

 CrAzYArtist: I'm only forgiving you because it got me a date with Nathaniel.

 RabidsingeR: WHAT?!?!

 $Cha-Ching$: O[]O

 MonKeybiz: GIMME DETAILS WOMAN!!

 GreenThumb: Well what do you know? There IS a silver lining to every thundercloud! CX

 “So then my mum was all for sending me across the Pond to my uncle's home, studying abroad as it were. That's why I'm here.” Tansy explained before class that morning, twirling a strand of her springy brown hair around her finger. She was nodding her head to a song only she could hear, her teeth latching onto her bottom lip, her rabbit earrings bobbing at the motion. Lexsie nodded eagerly, determined just to keep the girl talking so she could listen to Tansy's accent. I would feel sorry for the British girl, if she wasn't so talkative to begin with. Savannah yawned and laid her head on my shoulder, “Wake me when the bell rings.” She mumbled, closing her red eyes for a few extra minutes of sleep. I glanced at my sleepy friend then returned to my sketchpad. It had been a while since I had drawn, not since Amber got a hold of that cursed comic. It was only because Ms. Orion, the art teacher, was determined to make me enter a drawing in some annual art exhibit that I was even drawing. I would have said no, but then the miraculous thing happened and both Nathaniel and Castiel said I should enter something.

 I had decided to continue working on the piece I started when I first moved to Sweet Amoris, the one with Ken and Penni smiling at each other. I filled the blank spaces with pictures of Savannah and Lexsie with their arms around each other's shoulders, both laughing. Opposite of my two friends I had drawn Tansy, her face aglow with the light of her laptop. I erased Nathaniel in the library and replaced it with another picture of him bent over a filing cabinet, leafing through some papers. I also erased Amber and her crew and replaced it with the principal when she was calm and grandmotherly. Now I had a problem of small spaces in between the drawings, too small to be of any use, but big enough that they were noticeable. Tapping my pencil against my lip I tried to think of a way to fill in the spaces. Shading them in would be tacky and would ruin the drawings, clashing with the light shading. Maybe I could smudge the drawing around the edges to get rid of the white spaces. Tilting my head I scanned my drawing, trying to imagine what it would look like. If done correctly the pictures would appear to be coming out of a fog, but it would be hard to get the smudges exact. If I did smudge the drawing, it would probably take up more time than drawing actual pictures.

 “Wow. You're really good.” Penni said behind me, causing me to startle. Savannah grunted and sat up, giving me a bleary-eyed glare. The blonde behind us was still staring at my drawing, more specifically Ken. I shrugged, “I've had a lot of practice.” I said, but I knew she wasn't listening to me, her stormy grey eyes were still on Ken. Tentatively her fingers reached out to graze her best friend's penciled cheek. I watched her, amused. “You know, if you want, I can copy the drawing for you so you can have one of your own...” I offered. Penni gave me a wide eyed look, “Really? Yeah, I'd love one!” She said in a rare show of excitement. I smiled at her and flipped the cover of my sketchpad back over the drawing, “I'll give it to you tomorrow then.” I told her. Savannah leaned against me again, “What about Lysander? Will you draw him for me?” She asked in a sugary sweet tone. I glared at her, “No.”

 vvv

 “I'm eating here.” I said to my friends at the beginning of lunch, pointing to the Student Council Room. My decision earned knowing looks from the girls and a glare from Castiel. Lysander just smirked, he had forgiven me for crashing the date with Penni, but we were just overly polite now. At least he helped Lexsie drag Castiel away, so I could avoid the drama of Nathaniel and Castiel butting heads. Nathaniel looked up when I entered, smiling when he saw who it was, “Hey Korianna.” He said before popping a carrot stick in his mouth. I gave him a flat look, “Carrot sticks? Really, Nathaniel?” I asked. Nathaniel shrugged, “My mom always packed them in my lunches when I was younger. I like them.” He stated nonchalantly, nibbling at another carrot. I shook my head and sat down in the chair to the right of his. “Well, my mom packed brownies. I think I got the better deal.” We both laughed.

 Nathaniel raised an eyebrow at my lunch; a roast beef sandwich, iced tea in a thermos, and a wild berry muffin. I chuckled sheepishly, “I like to cook...” I said sheepishly. It was Nathaniel's turn to shake his head, “Is there anything you're not good at?” I answered him quickly, “School.” It was true. Castiel didn't apply himself at all and managed to make As, I studied hard and still barely made Bs. Nathaniel seemed surprised, “Really?” He asked. I nodded glumly and waited for Nathaniel to start comparing me to my brother, but instead he said, “If you ever need help studying, I can help.” He offered. I shot him a surprised look, seeing that blush of his that I loved. Reaching over I swiped one of his carrot sticks, “Alright, thanks Nathaniel.” I said, biting the stick in half with a Cheshire Cat grin. Nathaniel shot me a dirty look, grumbling something about thief under his breath. I only smiled and finished off my stolen carrot stick.

 vvv

 A hand appeared in the middle of my face, waving. I jerked back, blinking and glared at Penni. The blonde was glaring back at me, “You should really get your hearing checked, girl.” Penni snapped. I began to turn back to the book Nathaniel had loaned me, but Penni snatched it out of my hands before I could focus on its words. “Oh no! You're going to put this book down and converse like a normal person.” Penni said. I crossed my arms, “Study Hall is supposed to be for studying, not talking.” I retorted. Penni scoffed and waved her hand around the room, “And how many people are actually studying? Zero.” I opened my mouth, but my blonde friend cut me off, “You were reading for pleasure, it doesn't count. Besides... if you read you can't read the letter Ken sent me...” Penni finished with a sly grin.

 I suddenly forgot the book, “Give me!” I yelped reaching for the crumbled paper that Penni was waving around. Penni rolled her eyes, “Geez, you're just like a three year old.” She said as she dropped the letter in my grasping hands. I stuck my tongue out at her, but my eyes were already on the scrawling handwriting:

 Hey Pen!

 Got your letter, finally (you wouldn't believe how long the mail takes getting here...). I'm glad I'm still your bestest friend! XP Can you believe how long it's been since we last saw each other? Too long in my opinion! And don't worry, I'm sure we'll see each other again before we're both sixty, maybe fifty-nine, lol. So you finally met Kori? I never got to talk to her in person, but like I said she sure seemed nice. Glad you could rectify that! See what MS is teaching me? 'Rectify' such a wonderful big word. Man I hate it here, it's all 'do this, do that, listen to the Sergeant or get your butt handed to you.' That's a direct quote from one of my MS friends. Her name is also Lexie, like the girl who's a friend of Kori- the one who seems to have it in for you. I've made a total of two friends at MS. Lexie, who is sarcastic and stubborn as a mule at times, but she's a good kid (lol I sound like an old man). Then there's Carson. Ooo Carson... that guy is

 Hey. I'm Lexie. Kentin isn't here right now, and he left this letter in plain sight, he should know better by now that if anything is left in the open, I'm going to be all over it! I'm a raccoon in a sense... MUST. HAVE. SHINY!! lol but it doesn't have to be shiny, just interesting. So, Pen... are you a guy or a girl? To be honest the name doesn't really give anything away, no offense. Kentin really doesn't talk about his life before he came to MS, but then I don't know anyone who does. Sergeant Krisp would probably go on and on about how wussy it would be if someone shared their sob story BC. Sorry, using MS lingo here. BC means 'Before Camp' kinda ironic, no? Ha ha, I sound like a frenchy. So, Pen, have any dirt to share on our good friend Kentin? That kid is as solid as a steel wall when it comes to BC life. I mean, even I'm more open then Kenny-boy and I've had a hard life. Not that I'm going to tell you, I don't even know you! Oops! Gotta go, Kenny is comin' back!

 Sorry about the paragraph above, I'm too lazy to rewrite this letter, and too lazy to scribble out what Lex wrote. Anyway, before Lexie got a hold of this I was talking about Carson. Well, I have to say if you weren't my best friend already, Carson probably would take that title. I think he might be a long lost brother or something... but we look nothing alike so it couldn't be that. Maybe a distant cousin. And yes, I wrote to my mom like you asked *cough cough ORDERED cough cough* I haven't received a reply yet. I wonder if my 'wonderful' father/master burned the letter, he probably did considering contact with someone's mother makes the person a wuss. Sorry, Pen, but MS can make a person bitter. Only the thought of you keeps me me. I know that sounds extremely cheesy, but it's true. You're the only person who ever thought of me as Kentin and not who I should be. That's why you're my bestest friend!

 Say hi to 'Cuddles' for me!

 Kentin Pierce

 P.S. What's this about Kori drawing us? I want to see! Can you send me it? And tell Korianna thanks for doing that.

 4rm Lex: Hey, Pen. So after reading Kenny's letter (behind his back I might add) and concluded that you were a girl (at least I hope), I have to know. Do you like like Kentin? Or are you just 'bestest friends'? Not that I'm trying to move in on your space, girl, just want to know. Cuz if so I'll be keeping the other ladies off Kentin's back. Not that he needs any help, but Kenny-boy is a real catch in MS. Probably the cutest guy here. All the girls swoon at the sight of him! Anyway, send me an answer! Us girls have to stick together and protect our men! ;3 (Kentin's probably going to kill me for this, but I don't care!)

 I set down the letter very slowly, then turned to Penni. “So what did you write in return?” I asked, carefully keeping my tone nonchalant. Penni glared at me, probably mad that I could read her mind so well, and pulled out a neatly folded piece of paper. I unfolded it and turned my back to Penni so she wouldn't see what I was doing.

 Dear Ken,

 I'm glad things are going so well, and that you made friends. Does Lex really call you Kenny-boy to your face? O.o And Lexie, I'm not tell you if I like like Ken or not, I don't want to create any confusions as to how I feel for Ken, besides that information is between him and me alone. But if you feel it necessary to keep other girls off him, go right ahead. Ken, I'm not going to send you the drawing Kori did of us, because I can use it as another incentive to come home, you know... blackmail. X)) Besides seeing me again of course. And also, when did you get so popular? WHERE'S MY DORK AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH HIM!?!?!?! lol XD Anyway, me and Lexsie are now relatively good friends, we still have our hard times, but that's because she's a hot head and has a crush on Kori's twin brother (you remember Castiel, right?). Well... I guess that's another long story to save for WHEN you come home, there's a lot of long stories. Like how Kori has a crush on the student body pres Nathaniel Powers and visa-versa (they're such an adorable couple!!) or how there's now a British techie girl going here. Oh! How about the Amber's Halloween Party Mishap? Starring Korianna, Amber, and an accident involving soda... that one is a doozy! I swear, if you put Kori and Amber withing five feet of each other, there's bound to be some interesting (and very amusing) events that will- whatever I completely forgot what I was going to say.

 I scooted a little farther away from Penni and started writing:

 Hiya! This is Korianna West, and this is to Lex (I'm just going to call you that since my own best friend is names Lexsie- with an 's' though): Penni likes Ken. I repeat, Penni likes Ken. She likes him just as much as I like Nathaniel, which is a lot, just sayin'. And since I'm sure Ken is reading this... if you break my friend's heart I'll track you all the way down to Military School and castrate you with a rusty spork. Don't think I won't, after all my twin brother is Castiel! But other than that you're good! ^^ But I still have to approve of you before I give my consent for you to date Penni. Otherwise you're out of luck. So when are you coming back, Ken? Cuz I'm tired of having to chase off idiot boys who thinks they have a chance at our lovely Penni (one of which being my own friend; and boy was Lys pissed at me! O.O). You had better come back and claim what's yours cuz

 The letter was snatched from my hand before I could finish. Penni was standing over me, red in the face. I could almost see the steam coming out of her ears like a cartoon. I smiled at her, “I've got his address now, so I'll just send my note to him if you don't.” I told my friend, knowing how much it would frustrate her. Penni turned even more red, if that were possible; for a moment I thought she would hit me.

 *$Cha-Ching$ has signed in*

 $Cha-Ching$: KORIANNA!

 CrAzYArtist: Really? I thought you already blew all your anger off at me in Study Hall.

 MonKeybiz: Now I'm curious what you did, Kori.

 RabidsingeR: Who isn't?

 GreenThumb: If it has anything to do with boys, then I'm not. Why can't we have a NORMAL discussion?

 MonKeybiz: Because you happen to be the only guy here.

 XxSilentBlossomxX: It is true Jade.

 GreenThumb: Kori! Make Nath join!!!

 RabidsingeR: Really? Then they can just flirt over the internet too.

 CrAzYArtist: Thanks for talking about me like I'm not here. AND WE WOULD NOT!!

 $Cha-Ching$: Hey, I have a crisis here!

 XxSilentBlossomxX: Oh no! What happened?

$Cha-Ching$: Kori wrote to Ken that I like him and then blacked mailed me into sending it.

 CrAzYArtist: Guilty as charged!! X3

 RabidsingeR: ROTFL!!!!

 MonKeybiz: Oh so cruel, Kori. I commend you!

 XxSilentBlossomxX: That wasn't very nice, Korianna...

 GreenThumb: I agree with Violette.

 RabidsingeR: WOULD YOU TWO JUST DATE ALREADY!?!?!?!

 GreenThumb: LEXSIE!

 CrAzYArtist: BTW, did you know Ken apparently has a friend also names Lexie? She doesn't spell it with an 's' though.

 $Cha-Ching$: Kori...

 MonKeybiz: You know, I think Violette fainted...

 RabidsingeR: That could be a valid reason why she's not answering.

 GreenThumb: ...I'm going to murder you one day...

 RabidsingeR: But you won't! ^^

 $Cha-Ching$: Back on topic...

 CrAzYArtist: Oh please, I know you played matchmaker that day you and Nath took me to the mall. Pretty convenient for your parents to show up JUST THEN.

 $Cha-Ching$: …

 MonKeybiz: 1 point to Korianna.

 RabidsingeR: Tell me one person who can out-argue our friend.

 GreenThumb: I can name two- Castiel and Nathaniel.

 MonKeybiz: Oh, touche. :{D lol mustache!

 RabidsingeR: I seriously question your sanity, Savannah...

 MonKeybiz: Why do you and Kori always say that?

 CrAzYArtist: Because it's true!

 RabidsingeR: Like that time you made us perform live in the courtyard of the school! I told you we weren't ready for publicity!

 GreenThumb: Oh geez, here they go again... talk of the old days.

 $Cha-Ching$: You have to admit it is amusing to watch them...

 CrAzYArtist: I don't even know why you made me play along, I can't play an instrument or sing worth a flip.

 RabidsingeR: You're still the prettiest of us three. Plus you were popular back then.

 CrAzYArtist: I'm not the prettiest!!

 MonKeybiz: No I really think you are. Your silver hair and purple eyes really works, makes you look exotic. As opposed to Witch Eyes over here.

 RabidsingeR: Or Goth Girl. Admit it Kori, you're the prettiest!

 CrAzYArtist: AM NOT!

 MonKeybiz: Oh really, then why are you the one with a semi-boyfriend and neither of us have even a smidgen that our crushes even notice our presence?

 RabidsingeR: You might as well agree, when Savannah starts actually making sense you know that she's right.

 CrAzYArtist: I. AM. NOT. THE. PRETTIEST!!

 GreenThumb: She's right. I'm the prettiest, can we change the subject now?

 $Cha-Ching$: XDDDDDDDDDD I think I'm going to die of laughter!!!

 MonKeybiz: ...I don't even know how to respond to that...

 CrAzYArtist: I think Penni has the good idea.

 RabidsingeR: *cough cough* Kori's still the prettiest! *cough cough*

 CrAzYArtist: LEXSIE!!!

 “Ouch!” I yelped and stuck my jabbed pinkie into my mouth to try and suck away the pain. The couple in front of me shot me a strange look, but didn't pay me any other attention. I glared at the pencil that I had pricked my finger on, if it wasn't so important I would have snapped the drawing utensil out of spite. When I was sure that the pencil didn't have any other evil plots up it's sleeve, I grabbed it again, careful to keep the point away from my fingers this time, and started sketching a rough outline of the couple. I had originally meant to spend the day at the park, just drawing scenery, but then someone saw my drawings and asked if I did portraits. I was about to tell him no when the man shoved a ten dollar bill in my hand and sat his girlfriend down in front of me. After that I started up a little business of drawing people for ten dollars a drawing, twenty if they wanted it colored.

 As I began finding the right curve of the woman's cheek, a shadow fell over my drawing pad. I looked up to see a sleazy looking teen, the kind normally found smoking pot down shadowy alleyways, leering down at me, “Hey there... haven't seen you here before.” He sneered. I scrunched my nose up in disgust at his breath, no wonder Castiel didn't like me coming here. The couple frowned at the guy, but didn't move. I was glad, I had already sketched them out and didn't want to ruin the pose. Besides, I could handle one druggie teen. My ex-boyfriend, Ty, was an addict as well, so I knew how to deal with drug heads. “Excuse me, I'm trying to concentrate, can you wait?” I asked politely, though I knew he wouldn't do anything. The sleaze cast a bloodshot glace at my drawing, “You're good... what do you say of drawing me?” He asked, smirking. I wanted to gag. I shot him a look, “Do you have ten bucks?” I knew he didn't, there was no way, and even if he did he probably wouldn't want to pay for a picture.

 Before he could answer someone sat down beside me and threw an arm around my shoulders, “Sorry to keep you waiting, babe. This guy bothering you?” A new guy asked. The couple sighed and I gave them an apologetic look before turning to my rescuer, “Yeah...” I mumbled. The new guy shot Sleazy Druggie a cocky smile, “Begone, and stop bothering my girlfriend.” He ordered airily. Sleazy Druggie gave me a glare, as if it was my fault he had to leave, and slunk away, his greasy dreadlocks dangling low over his face in defeat. False Boyfriend grinned at me when Sleazy Druggie was gone, “So... my name is Kyle, what's yours?” The couple I was drawing groaned, exchanging knowing looks. They thought I was about to hit it off with False Boyfriend, as if. I did smile at him, knowing it would be rude not to at least thank him. “My name is Korianna, thanks for saving me, but I didn't need help.” I said. Kyle seemed to ignore that last part, “Korianna, huh? Nice name. So what are you doing right now?” I gave him a look that said 'I'm on to you', “Being paid to draw. Can I finish this couple please?” I said flatly. Kyle gave me a winning grin, “Sure, I'll go get you some ice cream while you are!” He hopped up before I could tell him no. Sighing I returned to drawing the poor couple, making sure I made it perfect, they deserved to have the best drawing I could give them after waiting patiently.

 Kyle came back just as I handed the couple their finished drawing, two ice cream cones in his hand. He handed me the vanilla one, much to my dismay. At least Nathaniel knew I liked chocolate. Kyle sat down again, too close for my comfort, but considering my side was already pressed against the arm rest of the bench, I had no where to go. Kyle gave me an appraising look, “So, Korianna... where do you go to school, I think I would have noticed your white hair if you went to my high school.” I took a cautious lick of the vanilla ice cream and had to suppress the grimace, I really didn't like vanilla. “I go to Sweet Amoris.” I said nonchalantly. Kyle laughed, “Really? That place is the most drama filled school in this town.” I frowned at the guy, that comment was making him lose points, not that I cared; I was still sitting there because I was too polite to blow him off, especially after he rescued me from Sleazy Druggie. Kyle seemed to catch on to what I was thinking, he faked a cough, “Sorry...” He mumbled, looking sheepish.

 I pretended to check my watch, “Excuse me, but I'm supposed to be meeting my boyfriend for lunch.” I said in a false cheerful tone. Kyle's face fell, leaving no doubt that he had been trying to flirt with me. “Bye!” I called as I walked away, waving over my shoulder as I headed for the cafe across the park. I hadn't ever eaten there myself, but it seems I was the only soul in town that hadn't, even Savannah and Lexsie had been. I was seated almost immediately, given a small two-party table in the back corner of the cafe, near the kitchen. I set my drawing supplies on the table in front of me and ducked behind my menu, lest some other creepy guy decided to hit on me today.

 I hadn't even scanned the first column before my waitress was at my table, asking if I was ready to order. Talk about super service. When I didn't answer right away, she began blathering about today's special and what her favorite meal was. I ended up choosing the special, something called Slammer's Choice, which turned out to be nothing but a fully loaded hamburger, and a chocolate milkshake topped with whipped cream. I was hoping that the milkshake would help tone down on the super sweet vanilla taste still coating my tongue. I opened my drawing pad, intending to work Castiel's birthday present, a drawing of Demon, while I waited for my food.

 “One Slammer's Choice and milkshake.” Someone said a little later, while I was coloring in the right eye of Demon. My head jerked up at the familiar voice and I found myself staring at Nathaniel, looking very odd out of his crisp white shirt and blue tie he always wore at school. “Korianna?” He asked, startled, proving it wasn't just my imagination. I shook my head in disbelief, “You work here? I didn't know that.” Nathaniel blushed and looked away, "Yeah... My father wants me to have a job, and this was the only place hiring." He said sheepishly. I smiled and shook my head again, this time with amusement, "Only you, Nathaniel..." The blonde's eyebrows drew together and he opened his mouth to speak, but I continued before a word could pass his lips, "I used to work at an art supply shop, it's what got me hooked on drawing. Who knows, maybe you'll become a great cook!" "I don't cook the food." Nathaniel said flatly, I shrugged playfully and grinned at him fluttering my eyelashes, "Then you'll be a great host, for when your all rich and famous and host all those fancy parties with your spoiled wife and bratty kids." The look on Nathaniel's face could curdle milk, I hid my milkshake from view just in case he ruined it.

 Just as Nathaniel opened his mouth to speak, a boy our age pokes his head out of the kitchen, “Hey Nate, stop flirting with the pretty girl and come get Table 7's order!” Nathaniel rolled his golden eyes and called back, tucking his serving tray underneath his arm, “Alright, TC, be right there.” The boy, TC, grumbled something under his breath that I didn't catch and disappeared back into the kitchen. Nathaniel looked back at me, “My shift is almost done, do you want to wait around...?” He asked hesitantly. I smiled, “Of course.” I said, I could wait for Nathaniel forever, but I kept that part to myself.

 vvv

 I eagerly licked at my second ice cream cone of the day, this one chocolate. Nathaniel walked beside me, still laughing over my story of the flirting fiasco I had suffered before I ran into him, “I knew you were pretty, Korianna, but-” Nathaniel broke off laughing again. I rolled my purple eyes at him, “I'm going to take that as a compliment and ignore the 'but'. Also, if you ever buy me vanilla ice cream, I won't speak to you ever again.” I said snippishly. Nathaniel started to crack up again. After a while I nudged him in the ribs, “Okay, your turn to tell a funny story.” Nathaniel shrugged, “My day isn't as... interesting as yours.” He said nonchalantly. Having already suffered through one of his failed attempts at a joke, I conceded the point; Nathaniel was too serious to have funny days.

 “Fine, tell me about TC, what's those initials stand for?” I asked, changing the subject. Nathaniel made a face, “Why are you thinking about getting him to flirt with you too?” He teased. I mock glared and swatted his arm, “Speak!” I demanded playfully. Nathaniel laughed and threw his arm over my shoulders and drew me closer, as if it was the most natural thing in the world, “Well, TC's real name Tyrone Cyril, so you can imagine why he goes by his initials.” I snorted, “And I thought Lexsie's full name was bad!” I said between giggles. Nathaniel smirked, “Yes... what is her full name?” I turned my nose in the air, “She made me promise not to tell. A secret is a secret and nothing, not even a kiss, will pry it from me.” I said airily, Nathaniel smirked, “Oh come on, Korianna. I told you TC's real name, and he made me promise never to tell either... I won't tell a soul.”

 I looked my boyfriend up and down, pretending to consider if he was trustworthy or not. Finally I stage whispered, “You promise?” He nodded, trying to act serious, but his lips kept twitching. I glanced left and right and dramatically waved Nathaniel down. Grinning he leaned down until our faces were inches from each other. The air suddenly got a lot tenser and more serious. We stared at each other, aware how close we were. My tongue darted out to wet my lips, and Nathaniel's gold eyes zeroed in on my mouth. I couldn't believe how much I wanted him to kiss me, how much I needed him to. Nathaniel leaned even farther in, so close that I could feel the presence of his mouth, just millimeters from mine. One tiny movement and we would be kissing.

 Nathaniel's eyes flicked back up to my wide ones and he smirked, “I'm not kissing you until you tell me Lexsie's name.” He said, pulling just a little farther away. I glared at him, darn his everlasting sense of cruel jokes. I think he was learning too much from the villains in those mystery books he was always reading. With one last look of surliness, I leaned up and whispered Lexsie's name in Nathaniel's ear, nipping at his earlobe just to get revenge. Nathaniel jerked back, his golden eyes wide with surprise, then he crashed his lips to mine. I guess I lied when I said a kiss wouldn't be able to pry the secret from me, because when Nathaniel finally pulled away from my tender and kiss-swollen lips, I was ready to spill any secret he asked, just so he could kiss me like that again.

 I was trying to concentrate on my English paper due next week when my cell phone buzzed on my bed. It was Savannah, *U better get on ChatRoomz.* I sighed, I had specifically told my friends last night before I logged off that today I wasn't going to get on so I could finish my homework. *Homework, remember?* I texted back. Savannah's answer came quickly, *K, I just thought u might want 2 defend urself. Jades gettin pretty tired of doin the job 4 u* I blinked at the text, was it just me or did Savannah sound mad? I minimized my essay and pulled up ChatRoomzNet, dreading what was going to happen.

 *CrAzYArtist has signed in*

 RabidsingeR: YOU!

 GreenThumb: Finally!

 *GreenThumb has signed out*

 RabidsingeR: HOW COULD YOU?!?!

 CrAzYArtist: Whoa, whoa what did I do?

 $Cha-Ching$: You staying on Savannah?

 MonKeybiz: Yeah... someone needs to be the mediator.

 $Cha-Ching$: Alright then I'm out, text me when the chat room is safe again.

 *$Cha-Ching$ has signed out*

 MonKeybiz: Will do!

 RabidsingeR: Korianna Rillei West, who did you tell!?

 CrAzYArtist: WHO DID I TELL WHAT?!

 RabidsingeR: My ****ing name!

 MonKeybiz: Hey hey, let's keep it PG.

 RabidsingeR: Butt out, Savannah! It's none of your business.

 MonKeybiz: Are you sure Kori is even the person who told?

 RabidsingeR: Because she's the only person who actually knows my full name besides my PARENTS!

 I gulped staring at the screen and suddenly understanding what Lexsie was so upset about. I quickly swiveled my chair around so I wasn't facing the computer and texted Nathaniel *Please tell me you didn't tell anyone Lexsie's full name...* It was a long moment before he answered *No, why?* *Because someone must of overheard us and told everyone else. I'm dead* Nathaniel took a while in answering, *I doubt Lexsie will kill you.* *Well if I don't show up Monday you know who to blame. I have to deal with this mess now. Bye* *Good luck O.o* I turned back to the computer screen and grimaced. I hadn't spent more than a minute texted Nathaniel but Lexsie was already shouting at me again

 RabidsingeR: KORIANNA YOU COWARD, COME BACK AND FACE WHAT YOU HAVE DONE!!!!!

 MonKeybiz: Castiel might have had something for her to do. She hasn't logged out.

 RabidsingeR: KORIANNA!! Get your butt back on and take it like a woman!

 CrAzYArtist: I'm back. Geez I had to ask Nathaniel something, sorry!

 RabidsingeR: What did you ask him? If he told anyone my name?

 CrAzYArtist: ...yes...

 MonKeybiz: Kori! O.O

 RabidsingeR: WHAT?!?!? You actually did tell your boyfriend my topmost secret in the universe?! You promised never to tell!

 CrAzYArtist: It's a name, Lexsie.

 RabidsingeR: SO? You made a promise never to tell, and guess what, *****, you did!

 MonKeybiz: Hey hey, PG remember?

 CrAzYArtist: It's Nathaniel I told, do you really think I would just share with anyone? You can trust Nathaniel, he can keep a secret.

 RabidsingeR: Yeah sure, that is why Amber texted me about my name this morning? Because your boyfriend can keep a secret?

 *SBPrez has joined the Chat Room*

 CrAzYArtist: She must have overheard us!

 RabidsingeR: Uh-huh, sure. You told her AND Nathaniel! I know you did.

 CrAzYArtist: Are you even listening to yourself? I hate Amber, why would I ever tell her anything besides 'get lost'?

 RabidsingeR: Because you are always defending her when I try to talk bad about her.

 CrAzYArtist: That's because I hate gossip and you know it!

 RabidsingeR: I don't know anything about you Korianna West. I thought you were a promise keeper, but obviously you're not!

 CrAzYArtist: You are over reacting, Lexsie. It is a NAME!

 RabidsingeR: That you know I hate!

 CrAzYArtist: You know what I find amusing? You have no qualms of spilling other people's secrets, say... Jade's crush on Violet, but I dare whisper your real name and suddenly I'm the most horrible person on Earth!

 RabidsingeR: Well, if the shoe fits.

 CrAzYArtist: Alright, hypocrite. I'm the most horrible person on Earth. I should just bow down to you and beg for forgiveness for all eternity, because it's obvious that I will never be able to redeem myself.

 RabidsingeR: What did you call me?

 CrAzYArtist: Are you so incompetent that you don't understand the word 'hypocrite'? I'll try to spell it out so you can understand: It means that you can do anything you want but God forbid someone else do the same thing. Do you understand now?

 MonKeybiz: Kori... calm down.

 CrAzYArtist: You asked me to defend myself, I am. So BUTT OUT!

 RabidsingeR: Geez, aren't you defensive when your little innocent image is at stake. You know I'm glad I found out what you were really like so now I can just avoid you.

 CrAzYArtist: I guess you'll have to give up your foolish dreams about Castiel then, since he is my twin.

 SBPrez: BOTH OF YOU SHUT UP!

 MonKeybiz: Hey who are you? This is a private chat room, how did you get in here!?

 SBPrez: I'm Nathaniel.

 RabidsingeR: Great, did you tell your boy to come and defend you, Korianna? Two against one is it? You're a coward.

 SBPrez: Korianna didn't invite me. Penni did. She thought I could give a better explanation.

 RabidsingeR: I'm all ears, traitor.

 SBPrez: Alright. I blackmailed Kori to tell me. She tried to not tell me, but I got it out of her. She also made sure no one was around before she told me and whispered your name in my ear.

 RabidsingeR: So how did that *****y sister of yours know my name?

 SBPrez: -_- When I asked her about it, Amber admitted to breaking into the Student Council Room and stealing some student files. She happened to grab yours, Lexsie.

 *RockStar has signed in*

 RockStar: So Penni told me to get on and break up a fight between Lexsie and Kori... My solution: Stop butting heads and forgive each other already. And Kori, it's your turn to make dinner.

 SBPrez: Oh great...

 RockStar: Please tell me that isn't who I think it is.

 MonKeybiz: *gulp* Why am I suddenly in the middle of two fights?

 CrAzYArtist: Lexsie?

 RabidsingeR: What?

 CrAzYArtist: Call a truce so we can watch Nath and Castiel fight? :)

 RabidsingeR: ...alright...

 SBPrez: Sorry to disappoint you, slacker.

 RockStar: Say that to my face, Goody Two Shoes.

 SBPrez: Gladly. You're reading the computer screen, so I said it to your face.

 RockStar: I MEANT IN PERSON!!!!

 SBPrez: I'm typing this in person, slacker. So I'm saying it in person.

 RockStar: Stop being a ****

 SBPrez: Gladly, when you do the same.

 RockStar: GRRRRRRRRRR!!!! You're dead tomorrow Mr. Goody-goody!

 SBPrez: You've been saying that for years, West.

 RockStar: Well this time it's real, Powers.

 CrAzYArtist: Ah, be silent both of you before I come after you!

 SBPrez: Fine.

 RockStar: HA! You're whipped, goody-goody!

 I glared at my brother's response, he was going to regret that. I dug around my drawing until I came up with a small silver whistle. Sticking it in the corner of my mouth I began blowing with each breath as I continued to watch Nathaniel and Castiel fight between them. Demon began barking like crazy and I could hear loud crashing downstairs. My brother started yelling at me, but I was too busy blowing on the whistle to answer. Finally he typed on ChatRoomz:

 RockStar: KORIANNA RILLEI WEST!!! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!?!?!

 MonKeybiz: Huh? She's not doing anything.

 CrAzYArtist: I'm blowing a doggy whistle. I thought I told you to stop fighting.

 RockStar: **** it, Kori!

 SBPrez: Hey, watch your language.

 RockStar: Oh I remember when you used to say that, goody-goody. Don't deny it.

 SBPrez: Shut up...

 CrAzYArtist: Do I smell a back story?

 RabidsingeR: Tell tell!

 RockStar: Never.

 SBPrez: For once I agree with West, I'm not telling. And you were stupid, slacker, to believe her over me.

 RockStar: Oh was I? I saw you, Goody Two Shoes!

 SBPrez: Ever thought that it was her fault?

 RockStar: She wouldn't ever do anything like that!

 SBPrez: You obviously didn't know her then.

 RockStar: I'm sure you knew her.

 SBPrez: As much as I would say I did just to annoy you, that would be lying.

 RockStar: Yeah, right.

 RockStar: KORI STOP BLOWING THAT **** WHISTLE!!

 CrAzYArtist: Then stop arguing with my boyfriend. And Nathaniel, stop arguing with my brother.

 SBPrez: You don't have a whistle to bother me with.

 CrAzYArtist: I'm not kissing you again if you continue.

 SBPrez: ...fine...

 MonKeybiz: Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, you got him there, Kori!

 RockStar: *gag* I think I'm going to vomit.

 RabidsingeR: I'm still mad at you, but I have to say that is perfect blackmail.

 CrAzYArtist: I should know, that's what Nath used to get me to tell him your name.

 RabidsingeR: In that case... I guess I forgive you. Kisses are hard to abstain from.

 “So... how bad do you think it will be?” Lexsie asked me and Castiel as we started up the stairs towards Sweet Amoris. My brother shrugged, not commenting. I tried to keep an optimistic view on it all, “Well, not many people really like Amber, so they will probably zone her out if she tries to talk to them and-” I cut off abruptly when the three of us entered the main hallway, my mouth dropping open a little at the sight of the redecorated halls. Everywhere there was papers taped to the lockers and walls, scattered over the floors, and in neat stacks by the doors. Every last one had Lexsie's student ID photo and her full name printed in capital letters across the page in red ink. If that wasn't injury enough, drooping from the ceiling was a white banner that said LEXSIE LIARD IS LEXSINGTON CONCORD LIARD!!* Castiel and I exchanged worried looked over Lexsie's head then looked down at our friend. She actually looked like she was going to cry.

 Some jerk spotted us standing there at the entrance of the school and shouted, “Hey! There's the Walking History Book!” Everyone standing in the hall started laughing. Castiel glared and stalked towards the source of the jerk, murder written clearly on his face. Everyone made a clear path for my brother, giving me a clear view of the idiot who opened his mouth and signed his death warrant. I only knew it was him because Lysander had the guy by the collar, the usually laid back musician looking about as murderous as Castiel. Seeing that the boys had it handled, I nudged Lexsie towards the Student Council Room, knowing that she would be able to escape the scrutiny there. This reminded me too much of my own problem when Amber decided to doctor my art and show her work to everyone else.

 Nathaniel glanced up when we entered the room, his gold eyes serious. He didn't say anything as I forcibly sat Lexsie down in one of the chairs, since she was too stunned to do so herself. I walked over to my boyfriend, “Is there anything you're doing?” I whispered, with a cautious look to Lexsie. She just sat there, her green eyes hazed over as every nightmare over her name probably came to life. I felt sorry for my best friend, nothing could compare to having your worst nightmares realized. Nathaniel looked at Lexsie as well before saying quietly, “I already had my sister suspended. Someone went to get a ladder to take that stupid banner down and Savannah, Penni, Iris and Lysander are collected the fliers as we speak.” I nodded and sat down beside him with a sigh, “Man... I don't want to deal with this.” I grumbled to myself. Nathaniel reached out and took my hand, “You need to be there for Lexsie. She was there for you when Amber bullied you.” He said. I nodded slowly, he was right of course. He always was when it came to things like this.

 My brother burst in at that moment and Nathaniel dropped my hand quickly. I schooled my face so not to show the hurt as I turned to my brother. Castiel was glaring at Nathaniel, for whether he saw us holding hands or for another reason (which was plausible), “I'm taking Lexsie home.” He growled, it wasn't a question. Nathaniel narrowed his own golden eyes, “You don't have guardianship over her. She cannot leave without parental consent.” I sighed, of course the two boys in my life would find something to argue over in the midst of a crisis. Lexsie didn't even seem to acknowledge that she was being talked about, she sat in her chair as still as a statue. As I watched her, my friend drew in a shuddering breath, like those when you were crying, and burst into tears.

 Nathaniel and Castiel halted in their argument to stare at Lexsie, both looking extremely uncomfortable to be in the presence of a girl's tears. I glared at them both for being idiots before I sat down beside Lexsie and pulling her into my arms. Lexsie didn't notice, she just continued to sob. Fat tears rolled down her face, leaving black trails from her mascara as huge gasping wails shook her body. Her hands were curled up in front over her, as if trying to hold her heart in. I shushed her, petting away her shoot green highlighted black hair away from her wet cheeks. Lexsie continuously shook, like a small dog in the cold. her face turning blotchy red. Crying was never beautiful, no matter how many movies made them. It was an ugly business, to be seen only by those closest to you. But even I had never seen Lexsie cry, she was an impenetrable wall, holding all tears inside to be saved for a later time.

 I shot a nasty glare over my shoulder at Castiel and Nathaniel, who still stood there dumbly, staring at poor Lexsie. Guys should never see a girl cry, it was an unwritten rule. Especially when one of the guys happened to be a crush. Nathaniel was the first to recover, probably used to seeing Amber cry over nothing, he practically had to shove a still stunned Castiel out of the room, shutting the door behind him. The faint click of the door shutting sent Lexsie into a full out bawling fest, it was as if she had been waiting for the boys to leave so she could let her reservoir of tears loose. I just held my friend tightly, knowing that no words or friendly gestures could stop such a flood.

 ...

 $Cha-Ching$: So... you think she's getting on?

 MonKeybiz: Probably not.

 CrAzYArtist: Castiel took her out for ice cream, because ice cream makes everything better.

 MonKeybiz: I worry about your philosophy sometimes, Kori.

 CrAzYArtist: It's not mine! It's a West family belief!

 $Cha-Ching$: All of you West's are strange.

 GreenThumb: Remind me never to meet your parents...

 SBPrez: I wish I could say the same.

 CrAzYArtist: If you want to truly date me, Nathaniel Powers, then you have to meet my dad. It's the law.

 SBPrez: It is not the law.

 CrAzYArtist: It is in the West family. My father has to approve of every single guy I ever date.

 MonKeybiz: So how did Ty pass the Great Test of the Century?

 CrAzYArtist: Don't get snarky with me... and that little prick could charm a homeless man into giving up his last pair shoes.

 SBPrez: So why did you two break up?

 MonKeybiz: Oh you know, cheated on Kori then tried to make it as if she was the reason he cheated. The usual stuff.

 GreenThumb: Ouch.

 MonKeybiz: Yeah, Lexsie knocked a few of his teeth out when she heard about it.

 SBPrez: Should I be worried?

CrAzYArtist: Just don't screw up and you'll be fine. But Lexsie would be the least of your worries if you ever did anything to hurt me. I know Castiel is looking for a chance to lay into you.

 SBPrez: WHO'S SIDE ARE YOU ON?!?!?!?!

CrAzYArtist: My side. CX

 MonKeybiz: Okay lovebirds, we have a serious crisis on our hands. What are we going to do about Lexsie?

 CrAzYArtist: I'm sure if something evil happened to you the best thing to cheer you up would be to go get ice cream with Lysander. Trust me, it's being handled.

 MonKeybiz: ...I hate you...

 $Cha-Ching$: Is it bad that I'm laughing so hard?

 GreenThumb: No... So Penni, any news from Ken?

 $Cha-Ching$: o///////o HOW DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THAT?!?

MonKeybiz: Kori have you been spilling secrets again?

 CrAzYArtist: I take offense to that.

 SBPrez: I thought we cleared this up last night.

 MonKeybiz: Nath stop standing up for your girlfriend! Let her answer the question.

 CrAzYArtist: I did Savannah. I said I take offense to that, meaning NO!

 SBPrez: Nath?

 $Cha-Ching$: You're name takes to long to spell out, so we shorten it on chat.

 SBPrez: Savannah's name is only a letter shorter than mine...

 CrAzYArtist: But her name shortened sounds weird. Savan doesn't have a ring to it.

 MonKeybiz: Plus it sounds like a guys name...

 SBPrez: So... Savannah is the only person who doesn't have a nickname?

 CrAzYArtist: And Castiel and Jade and Ken.

 $Cha-Ching$: Actually Ken's real name is Kentin, so yes he had a nickname.

 SBPrez: I wasn't counting Castiel.

 CrAzYArtist: You might as well start, buster. He's my brother which means your going to be seeing him a lot.

 MonKeybiz: Careful what you say, Nath, Kori loves her brother.

 SBPrez: Don't call me Nath, please.

 MonKeybiz: Why not?

 SBPrez: Reasons I don't wish to share yet.

 CrAzYArtist: You're just as closed off as Castiel sometimes.

 GreenThumb: Oooooooooo, burn!

 SBPrez: Shut up Jade...

 MonKeybiz: Well I'm not going to stop calling you Nath until you tell me. So there!

 *RabidsingeR has signed in*

 CrAzYArtist: LEXSIE! How are you feeling?!

 RabidsingeR: better... you're right, Kori. That ice cream philosophy works wonders.

 CrAzYArtist: HA! Take that suckers!

 MonKeybiz: We never said you were wrong.

 $Cha-Ching$: Just strange.

 GreenThumb: And that we never wanted to meet your parents.

 SBPrez: *eye roll* All of you are nuts. Why do I get on is beyond me.

 *RockStar has signed in*

 SBPrez: Bye, Korianna! See you at school!

 *SBPrez has signed out*

 RockStar: At least I don't have to deal with that goody-goody tonight.

 CrAzYArtist: You do realize how stupid you sound when you call him a 'goody-goody' right?

 RockStar: Shut it, Kori.

 CrAzYArtist: NEVER!!! Mwahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!

 RockStar: I'm not related to you.

 CrAzYArtist: So... you don't want to be with your non-related family when Nathaniel meets Dad?

 RockStar: I'm related to you again.

 CrAzYArtist: Too bad! You're not going! XD

 MonKeybiz: Hey, let someone else have a chance to speak, CRH!

 $Cha-Ching$: CRH?

 GreenThumb: What does that mean?

 RabidsingeR: Oh, you two aren't new to the chat room atmosphere. CRH means Chat Room Hogs. It's for people who take all the spotlight

 CrAzYArtist: I think they got that without the explanation, Lexsie...

 RockStar: KORI! Stop being a prick.

 CrAzYArtist: A. Who are you and what have you don't with my brother? B. Who are you and WHAT ON EARTH HAVE YOU DONE WITH MY BROTHER!? C. I'm not going to be pussyfooting around her. That is the last thing she needs.

 MonKeybiz: Awwwww, Castiel is so cute when he's all protective.

 CrAzYArtist: Castiel stop cursing, you're burning my ears.

 RockStar: I'LL STOP WHEN YOU STOP BLOWING THAT **** DOG WHISTLE!!!!

 CrAzYArtist: It's the only way to make you behave. Besides, it keeps Demon happy.

 MonKeybiz: It is effective.

 RockStar: Kori, go to bed before I call Mom and tell her you're still up.

 GreenThumb: You still have a bed time? Even when both of you live without adults supervision?

 CrAzYArtist: There's a flaw in your plan, Castiel. When on earth has Mom EVER enforced our bedtime? And I know you won't call Dad, because you'll both just start arguing.

 RockStar: STOP BLOWING THAT GOD**** WHISTLE!

 CrAzYArtist: Then stop being stupid. I have homework anyway, good night everyone! (except Castiel)

 GreenThumb: You don't think she's mad right?

 MonKeybiz: Kori? Naw, the twins just like arguing for fun. It's actually kinda funny.

 RockStar: Shut up Lucky...

 MonKeybiz: YOU PROMISED NEVER TO USE THAT NICKNAME AGAIN!!!

 *CrAzYArtist has signed off*

 I shook my head and shut down my computer. As I pulled out my math textbook to work on the problems due Friday, my phone buzzed. I glanced at it then smiled when I saw what Nathaniel sent me. *Sweet dreams, Korianna* I unlocked my phone and texted back: *Don't let the bedbugs bite ;)* Though I had only been dating him for a few weeks, my relationship with Nathaniel was already better than that of Ty. I hoped it continued that way.

 Monday we were back at school, a mass of yawning zombies just wishing for those ten more minutes in our heavenly bed. Everyone except Nathaniel of course. He was bright eyed and energetic when I came stumbling in the Student Council Room, groggy like always. My golden haired boyfriend raised an eyebrow as I plopped down in the closest chair, “When do you go to bed, Korianna?” He asked as he returned to his task of filing away a file. I raised my head a little from the table to glare at him, “Less talking, more sleeping.” I spat. Nathaniel, bless his soul, didn't respond. I laid my head down on the table again, letting a small happy sigh escape my lips. There was fifteen minutes to the morning bell, maybe I could get at least ten minutes of dozing if I just laid there, thinking of how tired I was...

 The door burst open, “Nathaniel! You wouldn't believe- Oh.” I twisted around to glare at Melody. Lexsie, Penni, and Iris all stood behind her. Lexsie was the only one who wasn't surprised, she just giggled behind her hand. Lexsie knew I wasn't a morning person, and she found great amusement when other people discovered how grouchy I could really be. I saw Nathaniel roll his eyes in my peripheral vision, “Korianna, try going to bed earlier if you can't get enough sleep.” He said. I shot him a glare as I laid my head back down, grumbling, “Tell Castiel that, then maybe he would stop playing the stupid guitar at midnight.” Luckily Nathaniel didn't hear me. No need to give him another reason to hate my twin.

 vvv

 “And so... if you carry the two, you will get that the function of the graph equals...” Mr. Gordon said monotonously. Half of the class was already nodding off, their eyes drooping closed, while the other half of the class were keeping themselves entertained with whatever. Only the geeks who found mathematics fascinating were actually paying any attention to Mr. Gordon. Even Nathaniel, sitting a row over and a seat ahead of me, was only half listening. He held his pen in one hand, but his eyes were on the book he was reading, hidden carefully behind the student sitting in front of him. I dug my fingers into my white hair and yanked subtly, trying to wake myself up, as I continued to doodle all over my math notes.

 Charlotte, Amber's friend, leaned over to whisper to me, “Hey, did you get question five on the Physics homework?” I glanced at her, Charlotte was actually okay when she wasn't with the two other members of the Terrible Trio. Although, Penni was convinced Li was the nicer of the three. Still, neither couldn't be as bad as Amber. Charlotte had been a little nicer to me since the cruel prank Amber pulled with the artwork. I pulled out my homework and quickly passed it to Charlotte when Mr. Gordon wasn't looking. I knew helping Charlotte would be helping Amber in a way, but I didn't care. “Here, I don't know if it's correct or not, though. I haven't had a chance to ask Nathaniel.” I whispered to Charlotte. She smiled her thanks and snatched the paper quickly just as Mr. Gordon was turning around.

 “Korianna West. What is the answer to the problem?” The teacher asked. I felt something shrivel up and die, “Uhhh...” Was the only sound that came out of my mouth. Of all my subjects, I was worse at math more than anything. Instinctively I glanced at Nathaniel. My boyfriend was half looking over his shoulder, the corner of his mouth that I could see was tilting up in a pitying smile. One of the geeks was waving his hand wildly in the air, his eyes wide with determination to answer the question. Mr. Gordon ignored him, no one but the person he called on could ever answer the question, his beady little eyes glaring at me, “We're waiting, Miss West.” “X equals x squared over four x to the fifth.” Everyone turned to see who dared disobey Mr. Gordon's orders. Not only was Mr. Gordon the most boring teacher in the history of school, he was also the evilest.

 Mr. Gordon glared at Castiel who was hunched over in the back of the room, lolling across the desk. It was obvious he had just woken up. Lexsie, sitting to the right of him, had her eyes glued to her notebook. She didn't like being called out by teachers, having a fear of speaking in front of a crowd greater than ten. “Castiel West, have you been sleeping in this class?” Mr. Gordon asked my brother. Castiel, being Castiel, smirked, “Yeah... could you tone down on the talking? It's disturbing my sleep.” In one movement everyone turned to look at Mr. Gordon, who was looking very red. I could almost see the steam rolling off him. Nathaniel didn't look very pleased either, I knew he had a big thing about respect. Right then, I didn't care. I wasn't in the spotlight anymore, my twin had taken the hit and that's what twins are for.

 vvv

 “So where were all of you this weekend? You didn't even get on ChatRoomz!” I asked over lunch. Savannah shifted in her seat, her face downcast. The picture of guilt. Penni quickly shoved another slice of roast beef into her mouth, preventing her from answering. Lexsie was the only one who looked me in the eye, “We all went to Melody's birthday party.” She said flatly, as if it were the simplest thing in the world. And it would have been, had Melody not have a crush on my boyfriend, “Wait, what?” I asked, not sure I heard her right. Savannah pipped up, “We didn't go because we wanted to! We thought we would find out why Melody liked Nathaniel or whatever.” She looked frantic, her purple hair actually frizzing out of her braids as she spoke. Lexsie shot her a look, “Savannah's right. We only went to tell Melody that her little crush was useless.”

 I blinked and sat back, “Let me guess, the reason why I didn't even know of the party was because Melody didn't want me to know... right?” I asked. My three friends exchanged looks. I rolled my eyes, “You could have told me you were going. It makes you look stupid that you didn't.” Penni ducked her head, “I know... we weren't thinking. Forgive us?” I stared at each friend for a long time, until all three were uncomfortable. Then I grinned, “I will... if you have anything interesting to tell me.” “Lysander has a tattoo on his back! Rosalya told me!” Savannah blurted out. Lexsie smacked her upside the head, “Dummy, we're not supposed to tell.” I shook my head, “Not interested anyway.” “Capucine said some very rude things about you.” Penni added. I rolled my eyes, “I don't care what that wannabe thinks of me.” I said then turned to Lexsie sitting directly across from me. This was their last chance to redeem themselves. I would forgive them anyway, I just wanted to tease them a little. Lexsie smirked, “I know why Amber has a crush on Castiel. And it has something to do with Nathaniel.”

 I perked up and leaned forward, now that was interesting. Lexsie giggled, “First of all, explain how Castiel and Amber could know each other when they were younger.” I sighed, “My family is actually from here, but we moved when Castiel and I were about four.” Savannah conceded the point, “That would explain why Castiel chose to live here when your dad kicked him out...” She muttered to herself. I ignored her and pointed at Lexsie, “Speak, firecracker.” My black haired friend glared at me, but said, “Now I don't know the full details, but apparently Nathaniel and Castiel are like polar opposites of what they are now. Nathaniel was supposedly the bad boy and Castiel the perfect angel.” I rolled my eyes again, “Well duh, you grew up with us, remember? Castiel was really nice when we were younger. It wasn't until junior high that he went all crazy.” Lexsie waved her hand and continued, “Well the story goes along the lines of Nathaniel broke Amber's doll or whatever and Castiel fixed it. She's had a crush ever since.”

 Penni snorted, “If she wasn't such a bitch, I'd say it was cute...” She grumbled. I didn't bother to snap at her for her swearing. What she said was true. Lexsie huffed and crossed her arms, “Besides, it's cruel to support Amber being with Castiel when one of your own friends has a crush on him.” “Who has a crush on me?” Castiel asked from behind me. I nearly jumped three feet in the air and turned to see Castiel staring down at us girls, eyebrows raised curiously, with Lysander watching behind him looking extremely amused. Lexsie miraculously didn't seem fazed by it, “None of your business, West.” Castiel smirked at her as he sat down beside me, across from Penni, “Someone has a crush on me, I think it is my business.” I tuned the conversation out as the two started debating if it was Castiel's right to know who was crushing on him or not. Lysander sat down in front of Savannah, “Nice dress.” He commented. Savannah, going all shy once more, eeped and blushed. My eyes darted between the two as a sly grin pushed up the corners of my mouth, this was getting interesting.

 …

 *$Cha-Ching$ has signed in*

 CrAzYArtist: Savannah and Lys sitting in a tree!

 RabidsingeR: K I S S I N G!

 CrAzYArtist: First comes love!

 RabidsingeR: Then comes MARRIAGE!

 MonKeybiz: SHUT THE HELL UP YOU TWO!

 CrAzYArtist: THEN COMES BABIES IN A BABY CARRIAGE!!!!!

 RabidsingeR: One with white hair and one with black,

 CrAzYArtist: And two adopted aunts who've got your back!

 MonKeybiz: ...jerks...

 $Cha-Ching$: Uh... what did I miss?

 RockStar: Oh, Kori and Lexsie are just teasing Savannah about Lysander. Ever since we all logged on.

 SBPrez: It's starting to get annoying.

 RockStar: For once, I agree with you Powers.

 GreenThumb: The universe must be ending...

 RockStar: Jade, I will end you.

 CrAzYArtist: Hey! Stop terrorizing my friends, Castiel!

 MonKeybiz: Oh he can't, but you can?!

 RabidsingeR: What you didn't like our song? I'm hurt

 MonKeybiz: Not yet you're not... when I get through with the both of you you'll know what hurt really means!

 RabidsingeR: RUN! Lucky is making threats!!

 MonKeybiz: LEXSSSSSSSSSSSSIE!!!!!!! Stop using that name!

 CrAzYArtist: What name, Lucky?

 RockStar: Alright you two, as amusing as it is to see Savannah angry, dial it down.

 RabidsingeR: Phooey, I hate it when you get all responsible, Castiel...

 MonKeybiz: He needs to be if he ever marries you...

 RabidsingeR: SAVANNAH!

 RockStar: What?

 GreenThumb: I shouldn't be laughing so hard...

 $Cha-Ching$: You're not the only one... XDDDDDDDD

 CrAzYArtist: Lexsie and Castiel sitting in a tree!

 MonKeybiz: K I S S I N G!

 CrAzYArtist: First comes love!

 MonKeybiz: Then comes MARRIAGE!

 CrAzYArtist: THEN COMES A BABY IN A BABY CARRIAGE!

 MonKeybiz: And one of the hip!

 CrAzYArtist: And one pulling Castiel's hair!

 MonKeybiz: And one running naked through the streets!

 SBPrez: Now I'm worried...

 RabidsingeR: SAVANNAH KNIGHT! KORIANNA WEST!

 I was just about to type out my answer when I heard Castiel roaring my name as his footsteps thundered up the stairs. I winced, maybe it wasn't just a good idea to tease someone when they were under the same roof.

 CrAzYArtist: NATHANIEL! I need a get away! Castiel's coming to kill me! Meet you at the park!

 SBPrez: *sigh* the things I do for you... fine

 *CrAzYArtist has signed out*

 *SBPrez has signed out*

 After snapping my laptop closed I grabbed a pair of sandals and climbed out of the window and onto the fire escape just as my brother began beating against my locked door, “Korianna Rillei West! You are dead, do you understand me?! Say your last prayers, pest, because I'm going to kill you and send you back home in a box!” I laughed as I started for the fire escape ladder, “You're just repeating yourself Castiel. Can't you make up a better threat. By the way, I'll be home whenever!” I didn't hear his response as I quickly descended the ladder, barely escaping with my life.

 “I wish you would put something on that covered you more.” Castiel muttered for the hundredth time. I rolled my eyes, “Look buster. You're not my father so you can keep your comments to yourself.” I snapped, not bothering to look up from the book I was reading. Castiel glared at me, “No, but I am your older brother and the one responsible for you since Mom and Dad live in another town.” I pushed my sunglasses farther up my nose and ignored him. He was only older by two minutes, so it really shouldn't count, but I knew if I told Castiel that he'd start getting logical on me and I didn't want that. It was summer vacation and after much begging I finally managed to drag Castiel down to the beach. I was starting to regret my decision since all he did was throw a tantrum over my bikini bathing suit.

 The false red head opened his mouth, no doubt to start another round of bikini lectures and the danger of lustful teenage boys, when I ripped my sunglasses off to glare at him, “Look, before you say another word, just think of your reaction if Lexsie would come marching up here in a even skimpier black bikini.” I snapped, shoving an accusing finger at my brother's bare chest. Castiel glared at me, but shut his mouth. So he knew that that would be a pointless argument to get into. I smirked, “Good, cuz here she comes.” I said slyly and pointed over my twin's shoulder to the black haired girl sauntering up to us. I don't know who's reaction was more amusing when Castiel turned around: Lexsie's bright blush or Castiel's mouth dropping open. I cackled, “Need to step into the cold ocean for a moment, Castiel?” I asked sweetly and got two equally dirty looks from both Castiel and Lexsie. I just smiled as I returned to my book. And here I thought I wasn't going to get a chance to play matchmaker.

 “I thought you went home with Savannah.” Castiel commented to Lexsie as she sat down at the edge of my beach towel, her back facing me. Lexsie shrugged, “I was, but I figured it would be more fun here then at home with my parents nagging at me to get a summer job.” I sighed exaggeratedly, “Poor Savannah... she doesn't get to be around her crush all summer.” “KORI!” Lexsie screeched and turned to me, her face red. I grinned up at my best friend, “What? I was just commenting that she won't be able to hang out with Lysander, is all.” I said innocently. Lexsie glared at me, she knew what and who I really meant. Castiel, being the blockhead that he was, looked confused, “Savannah likes Lys?” He asked. I rolled my eyes at him, “Well duh, why do you think Lexsie and I made up that song to sing to her on ChatRoomz?” I asked. Castiel shrugged, “Because you two are idiots. I'm going to walk Demon.” My brother said as he stood, the dog's leash already in his hand. Demon pranced around his master's legs, panting happily. Castiel started walking away before something made him stop, he turned back to Lexsie and I, “Oh and... I'm not going to help you crash another date for him, got it?” Castiel growled. I smiled happily and waved my hand, “Don't worry, I want them together. They're perfect for each other. Go, walk your slobber monster, and try not to get dragged in the dust.” I said. Castiel gave me a sour look before walking off, Demon already pulling hard on his leash, wanting to run.

 Once my brother was out of earshot, Lexsie turned on me, “I can't believe you did that!” She hissed. I smiled as I turned over on my stomach, and opening my book, “Oh boo-hoo, he didn't notice I was talking about you. Castiel is a hard head, remember? And very dense when it comes to girls that like him. Remember Amanda? Or Christie?” Lexsie humphed and crossed her arms in a pout, “Yessss...” She ground out, no doubt trying to forget those awful snotty girls who thought they were in love with Castiel. Their mistake was they were cruel to Lexsie and me, whom Castiel was very protective over, and thus ruining their chances of every landing a date with the 'hottest guy in school'. I grinned and continued listing off names, “Or Georgia? Or Jessica? Or Sarah? Or Renee? Or-” “I get it!” Lexsie snapped and I broke off with a giggle. My friend was so fun to tease. I opened my mouth to tease her some more, when Lexsie sighed, her shoulders slumping, “I get it... I don't have a chance with him. I'm just another girl who likes Castiel...” She said dejectedly. I blinked at her, did she really think herself like that?

 I smacked her up side the head. Hard. Lexsie startled and turned to stare at me, her green eyes wide while I glared at her, “None of that self-pity, missy. A lot of girls like Castiel, sure, but do you know what he thinks of those girls?” I asked. Lexsie shook her head slowly. I smiled evilly, “He thinks they're all shallow insects that care more about the fact that their in a relationship than who they're in a relationship with.” Lexsie was starting to look down again, so I hurried and added, “And do you know what he thinks of you?” Immediately Lexsie perked up, her attention zeroing on me. I silently prayed that Castiel forgave me for telling Lexsie something that was supposed to be kept between the two of us, “He thinks you're, and I quote, 'an original who knows who and what she is.'” I poked Lexsie in the cheek, “Now, are you going to tell me that you don't have a chance with my brother again? Cuz I have plenty other proof that says you're the best pick.” I said teasingly.

 Lexsie giggled like a normal girl, “Does he really say that?” She asked, a blush riding up her cheeks. I rolled my eyes, wondering what monster I had created, “Yes, but if you dare mention I spilled, Castiel will murder me and then you'll be without your best friend. Plus Nathaniel will murder Castiel and then you'll be without your future hubby.” Lexsie's happy little blush when darker with anger, “KORIANNA WEST!!” She snapped and I burst out laughing, glad she was back to normal. Fortunately, before Lexsie could get a hold of my neck, someone behind us asked, “Uh... why would I kill Castiel?” Lexsie and I both turned to see Nathaniel standing behind us, his golden head tilted curiously. I brightened, “Hey I thought your family was still in the Caribbean!” When Nathaniel told me that his family was vacationing on some island in the Caribbean, something they did every year, I thought he meant he would be gone all summer.

 “Obviously not.” A voice I really didn't want to hear said behind Nathaniel. Lexsie groaned, “Great. Just when I thought I could get away from you.” My friend said, glaring at Amber who was standing there haughtily. I kicked Lexsie's foot, “Be nice.” I said through clenched teeth, I really didn't want to reprimand her, but Amber was Nathaniel's sister so I might as well try to be nice. Not that Amber was making the job easy for me, “Yeah, Lexington, be a good puppy and obey your girlfriend.” The blonde haired girl sneered. Nathaniel took a deep breath, his golden eyes looking heavenwards as if to ask for help. Meanwhile I was too busy trying to keep Lexsie from tearing Amber's throat out. Amber, apparently not realizing her death was emanate, laughed, “Geez, Korianna, I didn't know you had such a hard time keeping your girlfriends. Maybe you should let her go, she obviously doesn't want to be near you anymore. Can't really blame her.” I was awfully tempted to do what Amber was suggesting and let Lexsie murder the girl.

 Luckily for Amber, her brother finally turned to her, “Amber, stop it.” He said lowly. Amber frowned at Nathaniel, “I'm only playing around. I don't see why none of you can get jokes.” She said in a fake hurt voice. Nathaniel gave her a look, “You're jokes are hurtful. Stop it.” Amber's blue-green eyes filled up with crocodile tears, “Why are you being so m-mean to me?!” Amber wailed, bringing almost everyone's attention to us. My boyfriend looked like he was at the end of his rope. He turned to us, “Sorry, I'll be back.” He apologized before dragging his sister off. Lexsie and I glanced at each other, the black haired firecracker looked like she was about so say something when Castiel came back... with a new friend.

 “Kori, do you have a first aid kit?” Castiel asked as he practically shoved the girl down on his towel. Lexsie and I blinked at the newcomer than at each other. Castiel glowered down at us, Demon's leash clutched tightly in his fist, “Do you?” He growled. I rolled my eyes at my older twin and yanked my beach bag closer to me, digging through the massive thing to find the small first aid kit I had brought. Lexsie looked surprised, “Wait, you mean you actually brought that a kit?!” Even the new girl looked shocked. I snorted and jerked my thumb at the happy slobbering Demon, “With that monster out in public, of course. Trust me, this isn't the first time he's caused a riot.” Castiel looked offended for his dog, who just barked. The mysterious girl flinched away from Demon, her sea green eyes fearful of the animal. I smiled at her as I produced the little white box from the bottom of my beach bag, “Don't worry about him, Demon's all bark and no bite... with the occasional accidents.” The girl didn't answer me as she put her wrist out, showing the sand scrape from wear she hit the ground.

 Lexsie winced in sympathy, “I know how that feels. First time I ever held his leash, Demon yanked my feet out from under me and made me scrape my knee. But the Slobber Monster is just a big softie.” The black haired girl told the ginger. Castiel glared down at Lexsie, “He's a guard dog, he's not supposed to be a 'softie.'” My brother snapped. Lexsie rolled her eyes at him, “Well then you might want to talk to him, because Demon is the wimpiest dog I know.” I rolled my eyes at the two arguing, “Oi, lovebirds. Take the argument, and the Slobber Monster, elsewhere.” I snapped and earned two glares. I grinned, “Why don't you go get ice cream to cool off?” I asked innocently then tossed a few bills at Lexsie, who snatched at them hurriedly before they got blown away by the breeze, “Go on then. I'm busy.” I said, shooing the two away before they could argue with me. Shooting me sour glares the two hotheads left, Demon prancing between them, his stubby little tail waving madly.

 With them gone, I smiled at the shy girl, “Hi! Don't mind those two, they're just blockheads. My name is Korianna West. That guy is my twin, Castiel, in case you didn't know. And the black haired girl was Lexsie Liard. What's your name?” I chatted away. The ginger silently watched me as I applied disinfectant spray, not even flinching at the sting, and putting on a large cotton bandage. When I was finished she retracted her hand, cradling it against her chest, “Eva... Eva Biaglow.” She whispered so lowly I almost didn't hear her. I smiled, well at least she was talking. I settled down on my towel, turning so I faced the ocean. “Yeah. Hey are you new here? Or do you just go to another school. I go to Sweet Amoris.” Eva shook her head, “No... I just moved.” I glanced at the quiet girl. She was more shy than Savanna and Violette combined! “Oh, do you know where you'll be going to school yet?” Eva nodded, “Sweet Amoris.” She said quickly. I sighed, this conversation was feeling more like an interview. I hoped Castiel and Lexsie got back soon with that ice cream, and I hoped they were considerate enough to get me some!

 I heard rustling and glanced up to see Eva standing, “I have to go. Thank you.” She murmured and left without another word. I watched her go, her head down as she scurried across the beach as fast as she could without running. I raised an eyebrow before turning back to face the ocean, well that was odd.

 vvv

 It turned out that Lexsie and Castiel not only forgot about my ice cream, but they seemed to forget that I existed altogether. Both disappeared on me like they were never around in the first place. I scoffed and laid down on my towel, leave it to those two that the time they decided to go all doe eyed and finally admit to their feelings (at least I hoped) was when they had someone else with their party. Oh well, at least they weren't making out in front of me and making me feel like the very awkward third wheel. I reached into my beach bag of wonders and pulled out a novel. Just as I was turning to my dogeared place someone cleared their throat behind me. I laid my head back so I was looking at the person upside down. “Yes?” I asked politely.

 The guy smirked, his chest, and a very fine one I had to notice, puffed out, “Hey, I'm Dake and you're hot.” My polite expression fell flat as I stared at him, was he really that obtuse? Did he think a name and one stupid compliment would get him anywhere? I turned my gaze back to my book, resting my right arm under my head to serve as a pillow, “That's nice. Now go away.” I said flatly. Scratch just forgetting about me, I was going to murder Lexsie and Castiel for forgetting about me and not saving me from obvious flirts like this guy! The guy wasn't so easily deterred, “Aw, come on, babe. I know you're not that cruel. You stole my heart, being as lovely as you are.” Dake said as he came and sat down beside me. Flat Look numero dos was sent his way, “So, you're saying that beauty is the only thing that matters to you? Can you be more shallow?” I snapped. The guy didn't take it as an insult, “When it comes to you, I'll be anything!” The flirt declared. My eyes gleamed, “Oh really, can you be nothing but a bad memory?” I asked sarcastically. Dake chuckled, “Come on, sweets, I know you're playing hard to get. You want me, I can tell.” He said confidently. I wanted to hit him, “You're right... I want you gone.” I growled and turned my eyes back to my book, determined to ignore him. Mildly I hoped I didn't set the pages on fire with my glare.

 Suddenly the book was gone from my hands, I shot straight up, “Hey! Give that back you jerk!” I yelled and reached out to take the book Dake was dangling from his fingers. “First, a kiss.” He said and leaned in his cheek ready for a peck he obviously thought he was getting. I would love to disappoint him. As my fingers curled into a fist and my arm went back, ready to knock a few teeth out of this idiot, someone grabbed my elbow, “I do believe she asked you to leave her alone.” Nathaniel growled harshly. Dake blinked up at the golden haired guy then down at me, as I tried to scorch him with my glare. He was soooooo lucky Nathaniel came along when he did, otherwise Dake the Flirt would be a few teeth shy of a full smile. The guy scoffed and stood, “Fine fine, I can see I'm not wanted... see ya, baby.” Dake said airily, trying to brush off the fact that he had just been rejected. I rolled my eyes as he walked away, muttering, “Apparently you can't...”

 Nathaniel sat down beside me, giving me a strange look. I smiled brightly at him, “Thanks for saving me!” I said then leaned in to give him a little kiss on the cheek. Nathaniel raised an amused eyebrow, “Where's Lexsie?” He asked. I shrugged, “Eh, her and Castiel went to find ice cream a while ago. They better have a good 'we had a frank discussion of emotions and we're now dating' story if they want me to forgive them...” I grumbled. Nathaniel laughed and sat back, his hands propping himself up. I leaned against his sun warmed side, smiling, “What happened to Amber?” I asked curiously. Nathaniel shrugged, “She had an allergic reaction to some nuts and had to go home.” I blinked, “Oh.” I really didn't know what to say. Yeah I was glad she was out of the way so I could spend some time with my boyfriend, but- “Is she okay?” I asked. Nathaniel nodded, his eyes closing as he turned his face to the sun, “Yeah. She's not that allergic. Not the way I am to pollen, or my mom to cats.” I giggled, “What's your dad allergic to?” I asked teasingly.

 Nathaniel cracked one eye to glare at me, “Ha ha, very funny.” My boyfriend said sarcastically before grabbing me by the waist and letting us both flop back, my torso securely pressed against his chest. I blushed madly, “Nathaniel...” I said and tried to ease up from his chiseled chest. Mildly I wondered why on earth a student body president would have such a nice body. The boy beneath me gave an amused snort and tightened his arms around my waist before tilting his head up to nuzzle my neck. My breath hitched when I felt his smiling lips press into the soft skin under my jawbone. I tried to push away again, but Nathaniel stopped me by latching on to my earlobe with his teeth. A tiny gasp escaped my mouth when he tugged, my heart fluttering like some flighty bird in a cage. Before I had time to respond, Nathaniel flipped us over so I was on bottom and he was laying halfway on top of me. Slowly Nathaniel traveled up and down my neck, taking his sweet time to explore ever inch of skin with his mouth. He buried his nose in the defined hollow of my throat, kissing the skin just below it periodically.

 With a barely suppressed groan Nathaniel finally leaned up to capture my mouth with his. His tongue probed against my bottom lip, asking for entrance. My lips seemed to part on their own accord and Nathaniel's tongue dipped in, giving me a whole new sense of the word 'kiss'. My mind drew a blank on everything; where we were, what day it was, the fact that Castiel could walk up on us at any time, even my own name slipped away briefly. I seemed to forget that Ty used to kiss me like that all the time, that every time the jerk kissed me he would forcibly shove his tongue down my throat. Nathaniel's kiss was more, so much more, in ways I couldn't begin to explain. I moaned into his mouth, my hands running over his bare chest to his golden hair, my fingers tangling in those locks. Nathaniel seemed to enjoy my reaction and stroked the roof of my mouth with his tongue as a reward. I groaned again. Nathaniel retracted his wet muscle from my mouth and sank his teeth gently into my lower lip, drawing back slowly so that his teeth scraped against the tender flesh. “Nathaniel...” I groaned, my breaths coming in at shallow pants.

 Hearing his name must have shook some sense into him, for Nathaniel leaned back, looking about as breathless as I was feeling. “Korianna, I'm... going swimming.” My boyfriend managed to get out before scrabbling off of me. Though still a little giddy from that make out session, I couldn't help but grin, “Why, Nathaniel? Need a nice long cold bath?” I teased. Nathaniel shot me a nasty glare before grabbing my wrists, pulling me to a stand, “No... come on your coming with me.” He said determinedly. I laughed and shot forward out of his grip, “Last one in pays for dinner!” I yelled. I could hear Nathaniel's shout of cheating behind me, but ignored it, laughing the whole way.

 Of course, Nathaniel beat me. He had managed to snag my waist just feet from the water and spun around so that he was the one closer to the waves than I before letting me go. I was still trying to find my footing when Nathaniel dove head first into the brine, earning first place and getting a cold soak all in one. I laughed at him when I finally gained balance and pounced on his back, causing both of us to go underwater. When Nathaniel finally surfaced, one eye closed as the other narrowed dangerously at me, I just continued to laugh, my white hair plastered to my body. “Korianna... you're going to regret that.” He growled playfully and started towards me. I 'eep'ed and dove under the water in an attempt to get away from my boyfriend. He just grabbed me by the ankle and dragged me back, catching me up against his chest. I squealed and struggled, but not too much. It seemed that Nathaniel's form of punishment was a quick nip at the neck, that wasn't something too bad. I giggled and tried to get away playfully, until I noticed that my bikini top was strangely loose. Tilting my head in confusion I began to reach backwards to see if the knot was loose or something when I felt something along my side that definitely wasn't my hair.

 It was my bikini strap.

 I went red and pressed myself further against Nathaniel's chest as my arms crept up to keep my top in place. Of all the things that could happen to me, having my top come off in front of my boyfriend, in a public place no less, was one that I didn't want to happen. Somehow I would have to think of a way to get it tied again without Nathaniel knowing. If only Lexsie were here, she could do it for me and none would be the wiser. “Hey what's this?” Nathaniel suddenly asked and I felt a small tug on my top. I mentally groaned, now karma was just trolling me. “Uh... Korianna, I think your...” Nathaniel trailed off when I nodded, “I know. C-can you... tie it back?” I asked awkwardly. Without a word Nathaniel took a step back, the water sloshing around us, lapping coldly at my hips, as Nathaniel took the two untied straps between his fingers. There was a few sharp tugs and I felt the relief when my bikini top once again laid snug against my skin.

 All in all, I'd say it wasn't that bad a day at the beach.

 *MonKeybiz has signed in*

 CrAzYArtist: Heeeeeeey~! How's your summer coming?

 MonKeybiz: Fine... except for the fact that all my friends are a state away, and so is my crush.

 CrAzYArtist: Awwwwww, poor Savannah! You need a hug!

 RabidsingeR: lol, Kori have you been eating sugar again?

 CrAzYArtist: I'M STILL NOT TALKING TO YOU!!

 RabidsingeR: …

 RockStar: By stating that you're not talking to her is talking to her, Kori.

 CrAzYArtist: Did I ask you?

 MonKeybiz: Okay, what did I miss?

 SBPrez: Well... West and Lexsie abandoned Korianna at the beach last week.

 RockStar: Butt out, Powers! It's none of your business!

 SBPrez: You left your sister, whom I am dating, alone. I say it is my business.

 RockStar: Kori is perfectly capable of taking care of herself.

 SBPrez: I don't doubt that, but it's still rude and careless to leave her to fend for herself.

 RabidsingeR: See what you did, Savannah?

 MonKeybiz: I think it's kinda sweet! ^^ Nath is standing up for his girlfriend!

 CrAzYArtist: While Castiel is covering his butt.

 RockStar: HEY!

 RabidsingeR: Kori stop being mean.

 CrAzYArtist: Okay... as soon as you admit what the heck you two were doing when you were abandoning me!

 SBPrez: Oh this should be good...

 MonKeybiz: I am super duper curious now.

 RockStar: We didn't do anything!

 RabidsingeR: Yeah! We went to get ice cream, that was it!

 CrAzYArtist: Nice excuse. Except I could see the ice cream stand from the ocean. You weren't there.

 RockStar: What were you doing in the ocean? You said you didn't want to go swimming.

 CrAzYArtist: Nathaniel wanted to go swimming. And stop trying to change the subject. I'm not letting this go.

 RockStar: NATHANIEL POWERS!

 RabidsingeR: Kori!

 SBPrez: We are dating. It's perfectly acceptable to swim together. -.-

 VictorianPoet: Among other things.

 CrAzYArtist: SHUT UP LYS!!!

 MonKeybiz: Wait! When did he get here?!?!?!

 VictorianPoet: I joined shortly before you logged on. You had just missed the conversation.

 MonKeybiz: Oh... well then, HI LYS! Welcome to ChatRoomz!

 VictorianPoet: Thank you, Savannah.

 RockStar: WAAAAAAIT a damn minute. What do you mean 'among other things' Lysander?

 CrAzYArtist: Say one word, Lysander, and I'll ban you from my chat room.

 RabidsingeR: You can do that?!

 CrAzYArtist: As the administrator and creator of this chat room: yes.

 VictorianPoet: I do believe that is blackmail.

 RockStar: I don't care if you ban him, I want to know what you and Goody-goody were up to!

 SBPrez: Nothing more than what you and Lexsie were up to.

 RockStar: KORIANNA RILLIE WEST! You. Are. Grounded!

 CrAzYArtist: What?! You can't ground me!! And what were you and Lexsie doing anyway, if I was grounded?

 RabidsingeR: Nothing!

 MonKeybiz: lol a little too fast there, Lexsie... you just made it obvious.

 RabidsingeR: Where are Penni and Jade?

 CrAzYArtist: You're subtly is very lacking. (They're both on vacation)

 SBPrez: Just admit you two were making out already!

 RockStar: NATHANIEL!

 MonKeybiz: lolololololol I think that's the first time Castiel has every called Nath by his first name. XDDDD

 RabidsingeR: We weren't doing anything!

 CrAzYArtist: Then where were ya'll and why won't you tell the rest of us since you're SO innocent?

 RockStar: ...You're sarcasm is not appreciated...

 VictorianPoet: They were making out... more so than Nathaniel and Korianna.

 CrAzYArtist: LYSANDER!

 RockStar: Traitor.

 RabidsingeR: Imma going to KILL you!

 MonKeybiz: I'm going to die of laughter!!!!!!

 SBPrez: ...I think you are enjoying this, Lysander.

 VictorianPoet: Very much so.

 RockStar: Kori will you ban him now?

 CrAzYArtist: I'll ask him one question before I do...

 VictorianPoet: Hm?

 CrAzYArtist: ARE YOU A BEACH SPY OR SOMETHING?!?!?!

 VictorianPoet: Yes.

 CrAzYArtist: …

 VictorianPoet: And I commend you on how well you handled that Dake character.

 SBPrez: lol how long were you watching us, Lys?

 CrAzYArtist: Regardless of what he answers, he's dead anyway...

 RockStar: Who's Dake? And what was he doing?

 SBPrez: Flirting nonstop with your sister shortly after you and Lexsie abandoned her.

 RockStar: ARGH! I'm going to kill him than you, Powers, for messing with my little sister!

 CrAzYArtist: I'm TWO minutes younger than you! And you're not going to kill my boyfriend unless I get to kill you for messing around with Lexsie!

 RockStar: I didn't do anything!

 CrAzYArtist: Yeah yeah... keep talking. Denial is strong with you, but I'll break it eventually.

 VictorianPoet: ha ha

 MonKeybiz: *sigh* Why am I not there to enjoy all this drama?

 RabidsingeR: If you were I'm sure we'd be having this discussion about you and Lys.

 VictorianPoet: Hm?

 MonKeybiz: BAN HER KORI!! BAN BAN BAN!!!!!!

 SBPrez: I'm hungry. When are you taking me to dinner, Korianna?

 CrAzYArtist: Shut up you cheater.

 SBPrez: You cheated first~! ^^

 RockStar: No one is taking anyone to dinner!

 VictorianPoet: I thought you were taking Lexsie to dinner tonight...

 CrAzYArtist: YOU SAID YOU WERE GOING TO PRACTICE WITH LYSANDER!!!!!

 RockStar: Damn you, Lys...

 MonKeybiz: lol, Lysander I never pegged you as a troll.

 VictorianPoet: Is that internet lingo? I'm afraid I don't understand.

 MonKeybiz: I'll teach you if you want!

 CrAzYArtist: Great, now that everyone has a date tonight, bye! I gotta go get my wallet...

 MonKeybiz: KORIANNA!

 RabidsingeR: I'm going to murder you the next time I see you!

 SBPrez: Better make sure you have a lot of cash. I have expensive tastes, honey.

 CrAzYArtist: ...I hate you...

 “I thought you said you had expensive tastes.” I said as Nathaniel lead me into a restaurant that wasn't too fancy; it wouldn't suck my whole savings dry. Nathaniel smiled at me as he held the door open, “I do, but I decided to be nice. Besides, most fancy restaurants make you reserve ahead of time.” He said cheerfully. I glared at him, “Nice to know you're so worried about my wallet, Powers.” I growled sarcastically, my boyfriend's smile only grew wider. My eye twitched as a funny thought came to me, “You know... you're last name makes you sound like some type of lame superhero.” I pointed out. Nathaniel's grin turned into a smirk, “Oh? So can you imagine me in a cape and tights?” He asked seductively. I blushed brightly and pressed my fingers into my temples, closing my eyes tightly, “Ahhh! The mental image! It burns!” I squealed. Nathaniel just laughed, not at all offended like most guys would be.

 After the tired looking hostess showed us out seats and took our drink orders, Nathaniel turned to me. “So, what's my price limit?” He asked teasingly. I glared at him, “Nothing over forty bucks, got it?” He gave a mock salute, “Yes, ma'am!” He said before turning to the menu. I studied him, intrigued by his sudden display of cheerfulness. At school, Nathaniel was always so serious and focused, he rarely ever got distracted from school stuff. The guy sitting across from me wasn't like the Nathaniel at school at all. He was cheerful and more relaxed than I had ever seen him; he actually made jokes that were funny. I mean this was the guy who kissed me in public at the beach, at school Nathaniel was too busy with student council stuff and academics to barely even walk me to my next class. I liked the Nathaniel at school, but I was starting to like this Nathaniel a little more.

 My boyfriend seemed aware of my gaze, his golden eyes looked up from the menu to meet my own, “Yes?” He questioned, his mouth turning up in an easy smile. I returned it, “Nothing... just noticing stuff about you.” I said in an almost dreamy tone. Nathaniel's eyebrows started reaching for his hairline, “Oh? What kind of stuff?” He asked as he set the menu down, giving me his full attention. “You don't act the same in school as you do out. You're not so... serious.” I said. It surprised me that Nathaniel frowned and shifted in his seat, looking extremely uncomfortable. “Yeah well... my dad is very strict when it comes to school.” He said, sounding like the School Nathaniel I knew. I tilted my head, confused at his sudden change in personality, “Most dad's are, mine is too.” I tried to tell him, but Nathaniel just shook his head. I shrugged and looked down at the menu, determined not to ruin the night over something Nathaniel clearly didn't want to talk about.

 vvv

 “That was nice. We should do this more often.” I said as we walked out of the restaurant. Nathaniel smiled and snatched up my hand, entwining our fingers together, “Sure, and I promise I'll pay next time. Do you like sea food?” He asked. I stuck out my tongue, “No thanks. I don't like fish at all.” From the look on Nathaniel's face, I might as well said that I enjoyed kicking kittens or something. I laughed at his expression, “You should see your face.” I giggled. Nathaniel looked away with a pout, “How can someone not like fish?” He asked. I stuck my tongue out at him, “The same way you don't like sweets. I just don't.”

 Nathaniel glanced at me out of the corner of his eye and let go of my hand to wrap his arm around my waist, pulling me closer to press a kiss into my temple, “You're cute,” was all he said. Suddenly I felt extremely shy, as I remembered making out with Nathaniel on the beach for some odd reason. Lately he had been acting more like a boyfriend and less like a... friend, even though we had technically started dating back during Halloween. Nathaniel chuckled at my blush, “You're even more cute now.” He commented and tightened his hold around my waist. I was starting to feel as shy as Savannah when she was around Lysander. “A-are you ready for school to start?” I asked, stuttering only a little.

 The golden haired boy laughed, “Not really.” He admitted. I stared at him, honestly I had thought he would be happy that school would be starting. Nathaniel seemed to be that kind of person, the one who looked forward to school for whatever reason. I on the other hand could stay in my room drawing or hanging out with my friends for the rest of eternity and never go to school again. If I could get away with it, I might actually have considered dropping out; but since no one ever succeeded as a high school dropout, I continued to go to school. Nathaniel smiled at my shocked expression, “What? I'm a normal teenager, Korianna, I hate school as much as anyone.” He said amused. It was my turn to turn away with a pout, “You could have fooled me...” I said. I only got an eye roll from my boyfriend.

 “Kori...?” A boy called. I frowned as I turned around, that voice sounded oddly familiar. My jaw dropped when I saw who was walking towards Nathaniel and I, “T-Ty?!” I sputtered when I saw my ex-boyfriend walking towards us with a quick stride. He had changed drastically from the last time I saw him, before I moved to Sweet Amoris. Back when we were still dating, Ty managed to keep that 'All-American boy' look and hiding his less than stellar activities. Now his plain blonde hair, which used to be so wavy, hung limply over his washed out blue eyes. Bags sagged under his eyes, dark against his pasty skin. Looking at Ty, I could hardly believe that the boy who looked like the typical football jock had turned into such a sleaze.

 Completely ignoring Nathaniel, Ty wrapped his still muscled arms around me and squeezed tightly. I gagged at the rancid smell of his shirt pressing into my face. Was this the only shirt he owned?! “Kori! I can't believe it's you! When I heard that you moved into this area I was ecstatic! Babe, you don't know how much I missed you, I even moved here to find you!” Ty pulled back and gave me a grin that I once melted for before ducking his head to kiss me.

 Instead of my lips, his mouth met Nathaniel's fist. Ty stumbled back, letting go of me in the process, and cradled his jaw, “What the f*ck was that for?!” Ty garbled as he glared at Nathaniel. My golden haired knight in shining armor stood in front of me with his arms crossed. What was with boys trying to flirt with me out of the blue all of a sudden? It was like they were all waiting for me to enter a relationship before they decided to crash things! Ty glared at Nathaniel, “Dude, who the hell are you?” Ty snapped, blood dribbling down his chin a little. Nathaniel didn't look amused in the slightest, “Korianna's boyfriend.” He said flatly.

 Despite the situation before me, I couldn't help but do a happy dance on the inside. Nathaniel admitted it so easily, as if it were only natural that he was my boyfriend. When I had been dating Ty, he always laughed it off and changed the subject. If he actually did admit that he was dating me, Ty would always seem reluctant to admit the fact. I glanced between Nathaniel and Ty. I hadn't realized how bad a boyfriend Ty had been compared to Nathaniel. They were practically on the opposite spectrum of boyfriends. Ty laughed harshly, “So that little bitc-” Nathaniel slammed his fist into Ty's face again. I was honestly surprised that he was so violent. I never expected Nathaniel to be violent prone. Sure, he and Castiel almost got into a fight when I first moved to Sweet Amoris, but I had thought it was a one time thing. Guess I was wrong.

 “Refrain from calling Korianna that.” Nathaniel actually growled. I had seen enough. I tugged on Nathaniel's sleeve, “Come on, he's not worth it.” I said softly. Nathaniel glanced at me out of the corner of his eye before nodding and turning his back on the still moaning Ty. I smiled as I looped my arm through his. Other than the incident with Ty, which I hoped never happened again, tonight was a good night. I got to see a part of Nathaniel that no one ever did and I knew that he wasn't ashamed of me like Ty had been. I had gotten a better deal with Nathaniel than I'd ever get with Ty.

 RockStar: WHAT?!?!?!?!

SBPrez: You heard me. I want to know all about Ty.

 RabidsingeR: Why? And how do you know about Ty? We've never mentioned him by name... that I know of.

 SBPrez: ...he tried to kiss Kori...

 RockStar: WHAT?!?!?!

 SBPrez: Is that the only word you know?

 RockStar: Shut up, Powers. What happened with Kori and Ty?

 SBPrez: We left the restaurant, some guy called out to her. She called him 'Ty'. He started babbling about how much he missed her and tired to kiss her. I smashed my fist into his face. When he called her a bitch, I punch him again.

 RabidsingeR: Nath... I love you. Don't ever change.

 RockStar: HEY!

 RabidsingeR: I love him like a brother!

 VictorianPoet: You know... he might be your brother-in-law one day.

 SBPrez: You're matchmaking is not appreciated, Lysander.

 RockStar: *gag* LYSANDER! Stop trolling.

 VictorianPoet: No.

 MonKeybiz: Stop it! Oh dear heaven and earth! For all that is holy, STOP! I'm dying of laughter!!! XDDDDDD

 MonKeybiz: Where is Kori anyway? She hasn't logged in at all.

 RockStar: It's Saturday before school starts.

 MonKeybiz: Ohhhhhhhhh...

 VictorianPoet: What does that have to do with anything?

RabidsingeR: I shall explain for you newbies to the mysterious ways of Korianna West. Come in closer, little children, as I spin a tell of woe and misery.

 SBPrez: Cut the dramatics and speak plainly.

 VictorianPoet: You fail at theatrical speech anyway.

 RabidsingeR: ...jerks... Anyway, we all know Kori hates school. So she has a tradition of sleeping in extra late on her last true day of summer. The record is sleeping for eleven hours straight. She didn't get up until 5 pm.

 RockStar: Yeah, and that was when Dad flipped her mattress over and dumped her out of bed. If he hadn't interrupted she'd probably have slept all day, literally.

 SBPrez: Why are you always more talkative when your girlfriend is speaking?

RockStar: Why do you even care?

 SBPrez: I don't.

 RockStar: THEN WHY DID YOU ASK!?!

 SBPrez: To see you get defensive. It's amusing.

 RockStar: …

 SBPrez: Also, it's nice to know that you admit to dating Lexsie. I'm sure Korianna will be happy.

 RockStar: NATHANIEL POWERS!!!!

 MonKeybiz: lol Lys, I think you're rubbing off on Nath.

 SBPrez: Don't call me Nath.

 MonKeybiz: Tell me why you don’t want to be called that name and I'll stop calling you that.

 GreenThumb: Since Kori isn't here to keep you on track... we WERE talking about Kori and Ty.

 RabidsingeR: ...oops. It's amusing to see Castiel and Nath dish it out, why don't they do that normally?

 VictorianPoet: Because they're both whipped by Korianna.

 MonKeybiz: lol that's true! XD

 RockStar: ...I'm not even going to respond to that.

 SBPrez: I still want to know about Ty.

 RockStar: You'll have to ask Kori. It's her story, not ours.

 SBPrez: You couldn't tell me that to begin with?

 RockStar: No.

 SBPrez: ...you're a dick.

 RabidsingeR: ...O.O Did...He...?

 MonKeybiz: HE DID!!! NATHANIEL JUST CUSSED!!!!!!!!!!!! THE WORLD IS ENDING! THE WORLD IS ENDING!! Lshdklgjakdlgjlaksjdfl!!!!!

 SBPrez: -_- ...You two are weird.

 VictorianPoet: You can't really blame them. I've known you almost as long as Castiel and this is the first time I've ever heard you cuss.

 GreenThumb: It is strange hearing that coming from you, Nathaniel.

 SBPrez: *sigh*

 RockStar: Ha ha! Everyone thinks your a Goody-goody!

 SBPrez: Shall I go into how you were as a child?

 RockStar: Lexsie already knows, and of course Kori does too. So your plan is flawed.

 SBPrez: Then how about why you became a jerk?

 RockStar: Stop right there, Powers.

 SBPrez: ^^ I wasn't going to say anything.

 RabidsingeR: Okay, this is too muck OOC in here. NATH GO BACK TO BEING A SERIOUS STICK IN THE MUD! CASTIEL START HATING NATH AGAIN, STOP WITH THE POKING FUN AT EACH OTHER!!!!

 GreenThumb: I agree with Lexsie, it is a little weird.

 SBPrez: I'll be a stick in the mud when school starts.

 RockStar: I DO HATE HIM!

 SBPrez: The feeling is mutual, West.

 RockStar: Shut the hell up, Powers.

 GreenThumb: *sigh* Here we go again...

 MonKeybiz: Ring around the rosy, Pocket full of posy! Ashes ashes we all fall down!

 SBPrez: You do realize that song is about the Black Death right?

 MonKeybiz: Really?! Cool!!

 RabidsingeR: *cough cough* NATH IS A NERD!

 VictorianPoet: Knowing trivia doesn't make someone a nerd.

 RockStar: Says the guy full of useless trivia.

 MonKeybiz: Hey! I love trivia! Don't spoil my fun, Castiel!!!

 RockStar: Don't worry I won't!

 MonKeybiz: ...I hate you... Nath and I are going to start at Castiel Hate Club.

 RabidsingeR: Hey! Don't hate on my boyfriend!

 MonKeybiz: You were the president of his fan club back home, it's only right that I be the president of his hate club here!

 RockStar: ...What?

 VictorianPoet: ...

 GreenThumb: XDDDDDDD

 SBPrez: lol

 RabidsingeR: SAVANNAH KNIGHT, I'M GOING TO MURDER YOU!!!!

 MonKeybiz: *sigh* just like old times.

 “Kori, I need your help, get down here!”

 I paused in shading the last bit of my art project and called out. “Why? You said you didn't need any help.”

 “Get the damn dog outta here! He keeps getting in the way!” Castiel snapped back.

 Sighing I set aside my drawing pad and wondered into the kitchen where my brother was, “You know… I don't think Lexsie will really care if you-”

 My brother cut me off, “Take Demon for a walk!”

 I rolled my eyes as I whistled for Demon to follow me. The slobber monster practically knocked my feet from underneath me in his hurry to get to the door. Instead of reaching for the leash, because not even Castiel could hold back that dog sometimes, I grabbed the dog whistle and a baggie of treats.

 First holiday this school year, and I was spending it walking my brother's uncontrollable dog. I hadn't had any downtime since the summer ended, what with my AP classes that Nathaniel convinced me to sign up for and more extracurricular activities like the art club and Theater. And even though it was Thanksgiving holiday, I still had to write a five page essay over Hawthorn’s 'Scarlet Letter', finish my still life for the art club before Christmas break, and finish painting the props for Theater’s spring play.

 Tansy had convinced me to get into Theater, saying that I would be just the girl for it. She didn't tell me that they only needed my artistic skills for painting the backdrops and props. Oh well, at least I was needed somewhere. Lately it seemed like I was just getting under everyone's foot. Some people I could understand, like Nathaniel who took nothing but AP classes as well as being the student body president, were very busy; but ever since Lexsie and Castiel started officially going out she never so much as said 'hi' to me, even though she was in our apartment almost everyday.

 I didn't blame her of course, Castiel had only asked her out three weeks ago so I knew that Lexsie was still getting used to her 'in a relationship' status. Nathaniel had been the only thing in my radar when I first started dating him and even before that. But it still hurt that she only had eyes for my own brother and I was forced to be around her constantly anyway.

 Demon suddenly took off, probably after some stray cat. I wasn't too worried about him, Demon was a city dog; Castiel had told me that the first and last time Demon had ran into the streets he got hit by a car and broke his right foreleg. Since then the giant slobber monster avoided walking even near the curb. It was one thing neither my brother or I had to worry about.

 Jumping up on people and knocking them over was still a problem, unfortunately.

 Demon disappeared around the corner of the bank and not five seconds later a girlish shriek resounded. I groaned and quickened my pace, I just hoped that whoever Demon 'attacked' wasn't some uppity snot who was going to file charges or threaten to call animal control.

 I didn't know who the girl was, but I did recognize the boy who was helping her up.

 Jade grinned when he saw me, “Kori!”

 I blinked at my green haired friend before smiling back, “Hi, Jade. Uh, sorry about Demon. He's kind of… uncontrollable.” As if to prove my point, the slobber monster took off again, this time barking after a skateboarder who had just shot past us. I helped Jade pull the girl to her feet, “I really am sorry, are you alright?”

 The girl stood up, dusting off her floral print skirt and held out her hand, “Oh I'm fine! My name is Ruby, and you're Kori, right?”

 Ruby, huh? I glanced at her bright red hair, her parents name her right at least. I shook her proffered hand, “Korianna, but my friends call me Kori.” I glanced between Jade and Ruby, “Are you… related by any chance?”

 Ruby laughed, “It's the names, isn't it? That's how everyone else always guesses. Our mother wanted to name her children after jewels. Something about how precious the 'family jewels' were.” I smiled again, if there was one thing to be said about this strange girl, it was that she was a lot more outgoing than her brother.

 I glanced at Jade to see him rolling his eyes fondly. They seemed to get along at least. He turned to me, “So how have you been? You haven't gotten onto ChatRoomz in forever and everyone always says you're busy.”

 I smiled sheepishly “Sorry. I signed up for more extracurricular activities this year and they're really taking it out of me.”

“Yeah I know, when I went to Sweet Amoris to help out with the garden again this year you didn't even drop by.”

 “You were there? You didn't tell me that!” What else have people been neglecting to tell me? Lexsie didn't even tell me when she started going out with Castiel, it was my brother who told me about an hour before their first date! And Penni never told me she started taking dance lessons until she asked Castiel for a ride to the dance studio one day.

 Jade shrugged helplessly and rubbed the back of his neck, “I'm not allowed in the school since I'm not a student. Why do you think I always made you run errands for me?”

 I hung my head in defeat. Some vacation this was turning out to be. All my friends were turning up and doing things without telling me, which made me feel incredibly left out. Hopefully it wouldn't be so bad when I went to have dinner at Nathaniel’s house tonight.

 Ruby giggled and patted my shoulder, “Don't worry about it, Korianna! Jade here is just a fuddy duddy,” The red haired girl leaned in as if she was going to tell me a secret, “I think it's because he won't tell anyone who he has a crush on! It's effecting his life, ya know?” She said loud enough that Jade heard her.

 He turned bright red and sputtered while Ruby and I laughed. Smirking I tilted my head to the side and raised a hand to shield my mouth from Jade as I said back, “Oh? Do tell~” I hadn't talked to Violette in a while, but from what Savannah told me she still had a crush on Jade. Could he have a crush on her? It would make my matchmaking job much easier.

 Ruby gave me a one armed hug that was more like a strangle hold, “Oooo I like you! Jadey-boy why didn't you tell me your friends were so fun?”

 “Jadey-boy?” I snorted as Jade's blush turned darker. If I ever got back on ChatRoomz I was going to announce his silly nickname to everyone.

[ukulelecal]

17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 please 17 17 17 17 17 17 i love u 17 17 17 17 17

+++ @makeupbychio 17 - couples costume with Michael ... ily genny

-

17 - couples costume

-

“for the millionth time, we are not being peanut butter and jelly.”

you sighed, resting your head in your hand. you and michael had been having an ongoing discussion about what to be for halloween, and it wasn’t going well. you wanted to be something classic and silly, something that would make people roll their eyes but smile. michael, on the other hand, was insistent on being the main characters from his latest anime obsession. you knew nothing about the show, and michael found all your suggestions too cheesy.

“well, we’re not being the anime characters either, so we’ll have to figure something else out,” you mumbled. michael lifted his glasses to rub his eyes.

“let’s figure it out tomorrow. i’m fucking tired,” he grumbled softly. you giggled, standing up with him to head to the bedroom. you both got ready for bed and shared a quick kiss as you settled under the covers.

“good night, babe,” michael mumbled, laying his arm across your middle.

“good night, mikey.”

the next morning, you were making yourself a bowl of cereal when michael ran up next to you in the kitchen, nearly making you drop the gallon of milk in your hands. before you could exclaim that he scared the shit out of you, he shoved his phone in your face. you stared at the picture pulled up for a moment until you understood, and a smirk spread across your face. looking up at him, you found he wore a similar grin. you nodded simultaneously, and at that moment, you knew what you were being for halloween.

the day of ashton’s annual halloween party finally came around. after long hours of preparation, you and michael were just about ready to go. you helped each other with hair and makeup before separating to get dressed.

“you ready, mike?” you called from the bathroom. he was getting dressed in the attached bedroom.

“ready!”

with a sly grin, you dramatically flung open the door and struck a pose.

“what do you think?” you mused.

“i think, you look beautiful, morticia,” he hummed, extending his hand towards you. you took and let him pull you to him, your long dress flowing behind you. he pressed a kiss to your red lips.

“and what about me?” he asked cockily. you tugged slightly on the collar of his suit coat.

“as handsome as ever, gomez.”

michael moved to stand in front of the full body mirror, placing his hands on your hips from behind.

“look at her. i would die for her. i would kill for her. either way, what bliss,” he whispered enthusiastically, quoting the addams family movie that you had watched together the day he suggested the costume. you laughed and leaned into him.

“getting into the character, i see?” you questioned, placing your hands over his.

“oh, trust me, i’ve got a whole bunch lined up for tonight. you better be ready.”

you playfully rolled your eyes and turned around to give him another kiss.

“i was born ready. now let’s get going.”

with that, you headed to ashton’s house for the party. it was a great time, as usual, and you received many compliments on your costumes. you and michael couldn’t help but smile proudly at those, completely satisfied with your decision.

as the late night grew into wee hours of the morning, the crowd began to dwindle down to just a few stragglers, you and michael being among them. you were both quite a bit past tipsy at that point, and ashton knew you’d be crashing on his couch that night. everyone else was outside, but you and michael were sat on the couch inside where it was much warmer.

“hey,” michael’s slurred voice came from beside you. “how long has it been since we’ve waltzed?”

it took you a moment to realize what he said, and a lopsided grin tugged at your lips.

“oh, gomez...hours.”

michael grabbed your hand and tugged you up, pulling you to the center of the empty living room. you made your way into a sloppy waltz position. neither of you really knew how to waltz, especially not when you were drunk, but you tried anyway. it was a mess of giggles and stumbling over each other, michael trying to dip you and nearly dropping you, deciding you were too tired to continue before flopping back onto the couch. it didn’t take long for you both to fall asleep, a tangled mess of limbs still in full costume and makeup.

little did you know, ashton had come inside to get another round of drinks and seen the whole thing, even managing to get it on camera. if you were too drunk to remember it in the morning, he was going to make sure you never forget.

not that you would want to, anyway.

[axel-fics]

could you do axel and female s/o dressing up as each other for halloween? and really well, makeup, clothes, wigs, platform shoes lol. i always thought that was funny

[y/e/c] = your eye color

[y/h/c] = your hair color

[y/h/l] = your hair length

Dopelgangers 

Today was finally Halloween, a day you’ve been busy prepping for weeks. Ever since Terra and Aqua proposed a Halloween party at their place, you’ve been spending as much free time working on your costume as you could. Traditionally, you always dressed up as something in between cute and gothic like witches and vampires, but this year was a whole new level. It was pretty surprising that Axel was even remotely interested in a costume since Halloween wasn’t exactly his thing. Sure, he liked going to parties and eating as much candy as his stomach could handle, but dressing up? Not really his style. So when he threw out the idea to dress up as each other, you were shocked. 

“Why not? We’ll go all out with wigs and outfits! And we can have everyone vote on who dressed up better between the two of us. A little friendly competition,” Axel had said one night over dinner. 

“Okay, but you should know: I’m very competitive about this stuff. There’s no way I’m going easy on you!” Your excitement was building up while ideas started flowing through your head on how to come up with the perfect Axel costume. 

“You’re on! Let the Halloween war begin.”

Over the course of the next few weeks, you had gone out shopping for various items that you needed to complete your Axel look. Some of the things you’d use were back at home, including his old Organization coat and chakrams, which you knew there’d be no way to recreate on your own. On your shopping list you had written down a red wig, a TON of styling gel for those natural spikes of hair, eyeliner, black leggings, platform shoes (because your boyfriend was a goddamn TREE) and finally green disposable contact lenses. Smiling to yourself, you knew there was no way you’d lose to Axel; you bet he wouldn’t even think to get [y/e/c] contact lenses!

Styling Axel’s hair took the longest amount of time, days to be exact. It took you three tubs of styling gel (you had to go back out and get more) and a lot of referencing at photos to finally get the wig to look the way you wanted it. It wasn’t perfect for sure, and not nearly as soft looking as Axel’s actual hair, but it was pretty damn close. 

When it was finally time to get ready for the party, you instructed Axel to get ready in the living room while you locked yourself away in your shared bedroom. It had only occurred to you then that this would be the first time you’d see the whole ensemble put together all at once, but you weren’t overly worried. You sat on your bed as you pinned your hair back in a tight bun and placed bobby-pins all around to make sure no loose strands came out. Next came the colored contact lenses, which took you a bit longer to get adjusted in your eyes than you had planned. You then quickly applied the eyeliner thinly across the tops of your lids and then added the upside-down tear marks on each of your cheeks before you secured the red spiky wig on top of your head. 

Halfway done, you thought. It’s looking much better than I imagined! You swiftly got off the bed to change into a black tank top and the leggings before throwing on Axel’s long leather black coat. Last but not least: the platform boots. They looked like the normal high black boots the Organization used to wear, but the heels were humongous for you. If anything, you were used to walking in something along the lines of 1 ½ inches tall, but these were ridiculous! As you stood up, you started wobbling around instantly and swung your arms around until you regained balance. You had practiced walking in them a few times before tonight, but only around your bedroom. Now, you had to walk around everywhere with them, and you started to get slightly nervous. Zipping the coat the way Axel did back in the days of the Organization, you took one final look in the mirror and smiled, extremely proud of how your costume turned out. 

You creaked your bedroom door open and peered out towards the living room. “Axel, you ready for me?”

“Two more seconds!” You heard him grunt a little as he started finishing the final touches of his outfit. “Okay, let’s see how good I look!”

Rolling your eyes, you opened the door and started taking baby steps towards him. Seeing Axel in costume, you couldn’t help but let out a loud snort and start cracking up. He looked so silly with a [y/h/c] [y/h/l] wig, loose strands falling in front of his face as he kept fidgeting around to make it sit properly on his head. There was no way he would fit in any of your clothes, but luckily your style was a simple t-shirt and jeans with converse, so it was no big deal to get those items in his size. The shirt, however, was of your favorite band’s logo which was a nice touch. He did his makeup your usual smokey eyes and even went to the trouble of applying mascara, but didn’t change his eye colors. 

As he looked at you, Axel let out a low whistle. “Damn, I don’t think I want to go anymore. You definitely won!”

“Nuh-uh, we are going! I didn’t slave over this wig for days to wear it for five minutes,” you laughed. 

Axel walked over to you, laughing at the new height difference between you. You normally came up to his forearm, but now you were above his shoulder and almost eye-to-eye. “Impressive. You make me look better than me.”

“Aww, well I hope you can keep your hands off yourself for the party,” you teased as you cupped his cheek. 

“Har-dee-har, very funny. Let’s get going! I wanna get there before Roxas stuffs his face with all the sea-salt ice cream bars. Apparently they’re shaped like pumpkins!” 

~*~

Walking to Terra and Aqua’s was…a challenge. The platform shoes slowed you down drastically, and they hurt like hell within a couple blocks. You’re pretty sure you felt blood sloshing around at some point, but there was no way you were going to miss this party. You continued limping and wincing through the pain before Axel finally stopped you. “Can you at least take them off until we get there? You can barely walk.”

“I’m good, really! Their apartment is only two blocks away,” you managed to smile slightly through your teeth, ignoring the pain in your ankles. 

Five steps later, you felt your ankle bend the wrong way and you lost complete balance. Axel was a full step ahead of you and barely had time to grab your wrist to catch you before you crashed down to the ground and let out a yelp in pain. 

“Are you okay?!”

“No, ugh! I-I think I heard something crack,” you said as you grabbed your ankle. 

“Don’t move, let me see,” Axel bent down and unzipped your platform boot, slowly removing it to avoid any more pain. Your ankle was already swelling up and turning black and blue. “It might be broken, [Y/N]. We gotta get you to a hospital to have it looked at.”

“But what about the party?”

Hearing you whine, Axel couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re so stubborn, you know that? I’m taking you to get an X-Ray and that’s final. C’mon, Mini-Me, up on my back.” Axel perched himself on the ground with his back towards you, allowing you to carefully climb up and wrap your arms around the back of his neck before slowly standing up. He placed his arms underneath your thighs, being extra careful to prop up your injured ankle, and turned around to walk towards the hospital. 

A few moments later, you felt tears sting the corners of your eyes. As much pain as you were in, you were more upset over yourself for ruining Halloween for Axel. For once, you had to be your usual klutzy self, didn’t you? 

“Everything okay back there?” 

“I’m sorry. I ruined everything,” you mumbled. 

“What? No way, [Y/N]. It was an accident. If it’s anyone’s fault, it’s mine for being so damn tall,” Axel laughed. 

You scoffed back and couldn’t help but smile. “Next time I’ll just dress up as a tree and say I’m you. I mean, I’m not wrong.” 

“There’s my sarcastic girl,” Axel said. 

Hours later, your had your X-Ray done and you were lucky to only have a fractured ankle. You still had to walk around on crutches though, much to your dismay. Before leaving the hospital, Axel had asked a nurse for an extra pair of crutches. 

“Afraid I might lose the first pair?” You raised an eyebrow and watched him skeptically as you exited the hospital.

“Nope, I can’t be you for Halloween without crutches! I told you, I’m here to win!” Axel gave you a shit-eating grin and winked before he started off towards the party. 

“You think you’re so funny, Axel?? Wait until I catch up to you!”

~*~

BONUS

“Uh…do I really want to know?” Roxas asked while looking at the two of you. 

“Nope.“

[lashtoncurls]

Say you love me(AI)

Summary: Ashton is in love with Y/N, Michael’s best friend

Words: 1.7K

Warnings: curse words, smut

A/N: The first of my Halloween series. Also, my birthday is on Sat and birthday sex is something I'm def NOT getting, so I wrote this. Enjoy, lol!

Masterlist

Mikey: are you really throwing yourself a party? Y/N: yes, because I seem to have friends who don’t appreciate me enough to throw me one Mikey: how do we top last years tho? Y/N: that’s the thing, ya DON'T and just throw me a party, fuckers. It’s not my fault my bday is on Halloween

Y/N placed her phone on the table as another text from Michael came through, stating that he would take care of everything, including the decorating and food. She chuckled to herself and took another drink of her beer, glad that she had convinced him to be the one to throw the party.

Mikey rushed to have everything ready before Crystal brought Y/N back home. It’d been the only thing that he had asked her to help with.

“You’re acting as if she was your girlfriend and not Crys.” Ashton laughed as they helped him set up, already wearing their costumes.

“She’s my best friend. Has been my whole life.” Michael shrugged his shoulders.

When the door handle jiggled and opened, everyone hid hurriedly then yelled surprise as she walked in with Crystal.

“Oh my gosh, thank you!” Y/N put on her best surprise face and smiled as everyone hugged her and wished her a happy birthday.

The party was in full swing, music loud and everyone was laughing and dancing when Y/N found herself in need of some fresh air, the black leather of her dress and the black cloak getting hot.

“What are you even supposed to be?” She heard the husky voice as she walked through the glass doors and sat on the empty lounge chair on her balcony.

“Sexy Dracula, duh.” She laughed and lit the cigarette in her hand, Ashton shaking his head.

“I don’t understand how you and Cal smoke, that shits gross.” He made a face as she blew some smoke his way.

“You’re gross.” She shrugged.

“You weren’t saying that last weekend, sweetheart.” He made his way to her, crouching down so his lips were on her neck from behind. He licked from the base of her neck to her earlobe, biting lightly. Goosebumps raised on her skin, a low moan escaping her red lips “I’ll stay tonight if you want me to. I’ll wait out here.” He moved and began to walk inside as she nodded her head and returned to the cigarette in her hand.

Everyone was having fun and dancing away as Ashton and Y/N kept their eyes on each other the whole night. They would randomly bump into each other and share light touches. Nobody noticed, and if they did, they wouldn't say anything. Y/N had always been vocal about how she felt for him but never did anything about it until recently.

As everyone left, Ashton found himself in her lounge chair in the balcony again, waiting for her like they had agreed. He thought that it was just a one-time thing, but he hadn’t been able to get her off his mind, night and day for the past week she was all he could think of. The way her lips felt against his skin, her hair tickling his nose as he cuddled her until she fell asleep, and the sounds she made while he made love to her. He was confused, but yet here he was, waiting for her to spend another night together.

“Hi.” She drunkenly giggled as she sat on his lap, the material of her dress straining as it stretched “Everyone’s gone.” She hiccuped, making Ashton laugh at her.

“Just how drunk are you, pretty girl?” He asked, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

“Dunno, had a lot.” The hiccups continued as she giggled some more. Ashton worried that she would regret it if they did anything, so he changed his mind.

“Maybe I should go home and come back tomorrow when you’re sober.”

“You already said you’d stay. Plus, you haven’t given me my birthday present.” Ashton placed his hands on her waist as she leaned in closer, her hands running through his hair and his chin on her chest.

“Cal and I bought you the tickets to the shows you wanted to go to, baby.” She pouted at his answer.

“You know what I’m talking about.” She smirked, biting her lower lip.

“Fuck, Y/N.” Ashton growled at her, pulling her lip out before she caught his finger with her teeth.

“Let’s go inside, yeah?” She removed herself from his lap and walked inside, her hips swaying in an exaggerated way as she dragged him with her. She picked up her phone from the coffee table then turned to look at Ashton.

“Mikey asked if you had left already.”

“I need to clear that up, are you sure there's nothing between you and him? Nothing at all?” Ashton asked, his palms sweating while he waited for her answer. He wasn't sure why he was so nervous to ask her.

“You silly, silly boy.” Y/N stopped and turned around, her chest crashing into his as he wrapped his arms around her waist and she did the same on his neck.

“Mikey and I are best friends. We have been our whole lives. That boy loves Crystal with his whole heart. Whatever we have, if we did have something is strictly platonic.” Ashton smiled as she finished her answer, her eyes glassy from the alcohol, but he wanted to think that it was because he was here with her.

Y/N gave him a kiss on the cheek, moving again before starting her journey back up to her room. On the way there, she began to take off her costume. Her shoes stayed at the foot of the stairs, accompanied by the cloak she wore. At the door to her room, she took off the dress. Ashton’s eyes widened at the site of her in her lingerie. She was beautiful; her hair falling down her back in waves, her skin glowing in the candlelit room, contrasting the black lace material she wore.

“Did you have this planned out?” Ashton whispered as he began to move the suspenders from his body, Y/N sitting down on the bed. Her room was surrounded with lit candles, the french doors letting the moonlight in. It smelled of fresh dirt and woods, a smell Ashton knew that she loved. The bed was covered in a white fluffy duvet, surrounded by pillows.

“Nope.” Y/N answered as she crawled further into the bed, giving Ashton a full view of her bottom. A low growl left Ashton's lips for the second time tonight, giving Y/N the satisfaction of knowing how into her he was. He crawled on the bed once he had removed his shoes and most of his clothes, leaving him in only his boxers.

“You’re so fucking beautiful.” He mumbled against the skin on her shoulders, raising goosebumps again. Y/N was putty in his hands. Since their last night together, she knew that she was his, and she would do anything he wanted her to. Ashton continued to pepper kisses on her shoulders, slowly making his way to her chest. He hooked his finger on the cups of her bra, moving it down and exposing her breasts, her nipples perking up with the breeze in the room. Moans left her mouth as he sucked on her right nipple, his free hand kneading her other breast.

Y/N lifted her chest as he bit her lightly, looking up at how she looked; her swollen lips parted open and eyes fluttered shut. Ashton removed Y/N’s bra, tossing it on the floor. He continued kissing down her stomach, stopping at the hem of her underwear where he bit it, then let it slap back on her skin. She let out a gasp, making Ashton wonder how long he would last. He knew that this was about Y/N, he needed to make her feel good. Ashton wanted to make her feel like she was the only girl in the world.

“Please, Ash.” Y/N writhed under his touch, wanting him to do something to release some pressure from her core.

“So wet for me, kitten.” Ashton replied as his fingers hooked on her underwear again, pulling them and sliding them down her legs. He watched as she spread her legs, the wetness dripping on the sheets below her. He leaned down and wrapped his arms on her thighs, lifting them to his shoulders. As soon as his lips touched her clit, she began to moan again and bucking her hips up.

“Stay still, baby.” He laughed as she groaned and tangled her hands in his hair. Ashton continued to lick and suck, bringing Y/N to her first orgasm of the night. She pulled Ashton up, motioning for him to sit, grabbing his member and pumping her hands a couple times.

“I-I’m not gonna last long if you keep doing th-fuck.” Ashton groaned and pushed Y/N back on the bed. He pulled a condom from his wallet on the night the stand, positioning himself on the entrance of her core. A groan left Ashton’s lips as he began to thrust slowly. One of his hands was placed on Y/Ns hip, the other intertwined with her hand above her head. His thrusts were slow and deep, hitting all the right spots. Ashton noticed the way her eyes had been shut as she moaned his name every time he hit a certain spot.

He knew that he was close, but the feeling of her wrapped around him was heavenly. Y/N was lost in a place of bliss, nothing but her and Ashton existed at this moment. She clenched and Ashton nodded as they finished at the same time, moaning each others name. He pulled out of her and disposed of the condom before moving Y/N under the covers. She lifted herself onto his chest as he wrapped his arms around her.

“Happy birthday, Y/N.” He whispered into her hair as she snored lightly, exhausted. Ashton wondered how he had fallen for this girl so hard. He just hoped that she would feel the same way in the morning.

[hazzasgayvodka]

27 * HAVE FAITH IN ME * 27

Impact: chapter 27

Chapter title song: Have Faith In Me - A Day To Remember 

JESS

I wake up to Sam jumping on top of me, squealing about it being Halloween. When I look up with squinty eyes to see her face, her makeup is already done with thick black eyeliner and bright red lipstick. Her fishnet tights are bright red beneath her short black dress and I simply can't comprehend how she's ready this early in comparison to her usual daily routine of sleeping in till noon.

"You seem awfully chipper this morning." I groan, sitting up against the headboard behind me with a yawn.

"Of course, it's Halloween!" She shouts, her face grinning giddily and I find myself happy to see her so excited.

"I'm assuming you have some stellar plans for today considering you're already dressed." I laugh, "What are you supposed to be exactly?"

"I'm Harley Quinn silly," She laughs, "And me and Louis are going out for the day, he won't tell me where but I'm sure it will be romantic and amazing."

I nod, smiling with her, admiring the obvious love she displays for the lucky boy apparent in her features. It makes me wonder if I look the same when thinking of a certain pair of green eyes.

"Do you have any plans?" She asks.

"Not really," I shrug, "I have class this morning, I'm meeting Miles for coffee, then I guess I'll have a movie marathon of Young Frankenstein and Bewitched or something."

"You can always come to the party." She suggests, wiggling her eyebrows.

"And be the only person there without a date?" I ask, wiggling my eyebrows to mock her.

"You won't be the only one." She complains.

"Sam, it's literally called Cauldrons and Couples, it's a date party and my date is a workaholic." I sigh, dragging myself out of bed and starting to get dressed.

She huffs in frustration as she walks over to the mirror and checks her bright red lipstick one more time before I hear the beeping of Louis's horn outside. She turns to me with sympathetic eyes, but I wave her off.

"Go, have fun," I sigh, "But not too much fun."

She grins, walking out the door and closing it behind her. I feel stupidly clingy as I take out my phone and my fingers itch to text him. All I want is a day like Sam's where he has cute romantic things planned before the date party. I just wanted to dress like Batman and Cat Woman, maybe even win the costume contest.

My phone buzzes in my hand and I jump, checking to see a message from Miles reminding me about coffee. It comes in perfect timing and suddenly I'm snapped back into reality and finish getting dressed. I run a comb through my hair and throw a jacket over my seasonally appropriate orange sweater. I'm shoving my boots on as I walk through the dorm looking for my keys and finally find them in the pocket of his jacket laying across my couch. I walk out the door and down to my car and curse under my breath when I realize I have to scrape the ice off my windshield myself.

I collapse into my car once the road is visible through the windshield and shiver as I start it up. It takes a few tries, the motor clearly not wanting to work due to the freezing temperatures outside. I finally get it started and pull out of the parking lot and to the road, at least ten minutes late for coffee.

"You're late." Miles sing-songs when I finally slide into the booth across from him.

"I know," I huff, shoving the gloves off my hands, "Car trouble, it seems I've gotten a little too used to Harry clearing my windshield off and starting my car ahead of time."

"Well," He begins, handing me a hot mug, "I anticipated this and went ahead and ordered for you."

"You anticipated my car troubles and didn't think to call and help?" I tease, taking a sip of the hot coffee and welcoming its warmth between my hands.

"No," He laughs, "I anticipated that you'd be freezing."

I shrug, taking another sip of the coffee and I can feel my insides starting to defrost. I finally look down at his shirt, it says 'let's get spooky'. In the span of time from getting ready to driving here, I nearly forgot it was even Halloween.

"Are you going to the party tonight?" I ask, looking at him over the rim of my mug.

"The party?" He asks quizzically.

"Sam and Louis's party, it's at the Omega Tau house," I say hoping to jog his memory, "Come on, Couples and Cauldrons?"

"I've got nothing," He laughs, "But no, I'm not going. I hand out candy on Halloween, there's loads of families in my neighborhood."

"Oh, maybe I'll join you." I nod.

"You're not going with Harry?" He asks nervously.

"No, sadly my boyfriend is a crazy workaholic and can't pull himself away from the office for even one night of fun." I groan, rolling my eyes exaggeratively.

"He means well," He sighs, "He obviously really wants this promotion and is willing to work for it. Where's the harm in that?"

I can't believe it as he takes Harry's side, my best friend, falling to the dark side. I suppose he's right, he's been working so hard but that's also why he deserves a break for one night. Miles stands from the booth and I follow him the rest of the way to class, both of us sitting in our regular seats as we take out our notes.

For some reason, my stomach flips every time the door opens, getting my hopes up that for some reason he'll be showing up to class today but I know he won't be. He's already explained to all of his professors and the dean that he's been working crazy hours and had Vance sign off on his time card to prove so. He's been excused from a few classes a week based on his schedule and every time he's not here I find myself bored to death an unable to pay attention.

"No Harry again?" Miles asks, leaning over to whisper in my ear.

"Nope, he's at the office." I sigh, slumping back down in my chair as I take a glance at the empty seat next to me.

I try to pay attention in class but every possible thought other than math decides to invade my mind as Ms. Dante walks up to the board to go over statistical analysis. I try to work it through in my head if I were to visit him at work tonight. I could bring Spiro's, he could take a twenty-minute break and eat dinner with me and then I'll leave and be content.

I finally give into my rampant thoughts and send him a quick text just to be able to talk to him. I hope that he isn't in a meeting or anything and if he is he's smart enough to put his phone on vibrate. But even as me and Miles are walking out of Stats I don't receive a response. Even as I go to literature only to find a note taped on the door that says class has been cancelled, my phone remains silent. Even as I pull into my parking spot and walk in the front door of my dorm I am not interrupted by the slight buzz in my pocket. And then I start to worry.

HARRY

I wake up, my head pounding.

Four in the morning.

Year old images.

Cold sweat.

Fire.

Newspaper.

November.

Car crash.

Dead.

The thoughts race through my mind like I'm on autopilot, unable to stop them with the force I am equipped with. I shake my head hoping to drown the demons for another few hours before I decide a glass of bourbon would be more effective.

It's eight in the morning when Jason shows up with two bottles of vodka. His eyes are red, and I know it's not from weed, he's been crying. We drink together, both a bottle in one hand. At some point Niall appears, scotch down his throat. His eyes are bloodshot, his shirt is tearstained.

They wonder why I'm not the same, why it doesn't tear me apart the way it does them. I answer them by taking another sip of vodka. I answer them by running my hands along the ink on my skin, by taking out a cigarette and lighting it between my lips, by turning on the record player and inhaling the sweet smell of marijuana like it might be my saving grace.

I look up to the ceiling, my eyes falling closed within the swirl of fog I've encompassed myself in and I can see his face. The words on my skin burn, the Arabic letters forever etched into my skin. I claim them to be meaningless, cultivations engraved into my skin to pay a tribute to nothing. They are so much more. A reminder, a mantra, a documentation of the existential thoughts that run rampant in my head when I am left in silence for seconds too long.

I feel each line in my skin, I don't have to see them to trace their shape in my mind. Despite the intoxication, I remember, no matter how hard I try not to. October thirty first, the day it all happened, the day it all changed. The day I'd become someone else, someone I never wanted to be.

JESS

Another text.

A call.

A text to Niall.  

A call to Niall.

A call to the office, he never came in.

Must've slept in, yes that's got to be it.

Seconds later I'm in the car, my heart racing for reasons I'm unsure of. A shaky drive and shaky hands reaching to knock on the door. A shaky body wrapping around itself to keep warm.

Nobody answers, is he still asleep? My curiosity and worriedness get the best of me and I try the door handle, it opens. Surely, he didn't leave it unlocked but he did.

The smell hits me first. Hard liquor and marijuana. The usual stiffness of cigarette smoke lingers but the sweet fragrance of tequila drowns it out, it doesn't even feel like his house. Four empty bottles in the living room, two bottles of scotch on his nightstand. A bong on the table. A sticky haze covers everything.

I open a few windows hoping to air it out but the smell lingers, sticking to me and dragging me down with it. I check every room just in case. His car is here but he is not, he's with someone.

Louis? No, he's with Sam.

Niall? No, Niall doesn't drive.

A few more phone calls and my stomach is sick. Every part of my chest is collapsing on itself when I ask myself where on Earth he could be.

I call everyone.

Lex.

Vance.

Eliza.

Louis.

Sam.

Miles. He answers on the second ring, his voice frantic when he hears the tears in my voice that I can't hold back any longer.

"Where is he?" I sob, and I can hear him breathing unsteadily on the other end.

"I don't know."

Miles shows up after his last class. I cry into his arms on Harry's couch. I hope he'll walk through the door any minute now. I want to leave but the haze keeps me stuck, stuck to his ugly striped couch in this barren hazy living room where he's not.

Another call.

Another text.

Nothing.

32 in total.

I cry into his pillow, I throw the bottle of scotch to the ground and let it shatter against his floor. Miles runs in and navigates around the glass. He sits on the edge of his bed and tells me he'll be alright. I want to believe him, but I can't. My heart is being pierced, twisted by my constricting lungs as I try to convince myself that he didn't lie to me again. He's somewhere with someone buying me flowers and he'll walk through the door any second.

Eliza and Vance come. They don't know where he is. They hug me, and I allow it, even Vance. Lex comes later, just as worried as I am. His eyes are wide as he looks around the house, opening the windows didn't do much.

"The scotch is bad," he says, eyeing the bottle on his nightstand, "He used to have a drinking problem."

He hugs me but not as tight as Vance and not as carefully as Miles.

Another call.

Another text.

Nothing.

39 in total.

Hysteria.

Where is he?

Miles holds me, cradles me, tells me that it's going to be okay but what if it's not. All I can hear is the shattering of the bottle echoing in my ears and Lex's voice.

"He used to have a drinking problem."

The worst scenarios make their way into my head. I hope to god that he didn't drink all of the alcohol himself, that he didn't smoke all the cigarettes himself, that he didn't lie to me all himself.

HARRY

Frat house.

Bourbon.

Cigarettes.

I see red eyes all around me, dried tears on flushed cheeks. The sun is going down outside, and I can feel the numbness creeping in with every second of light we lose. The house is packed full. Drinks are pouring, music pumping, smoke drifting to every conceivable corner of the house. It covers you in a haze, tries to drag you down with it and you have to be strong enough to stop it.

The music is loud, and the bass is thumping, rattling my bones. It's hard to walk around without the pulsating beat drumming into your heart and filling your chest. I keep a drink in my hand at all times and its never water. Before I know it, I've loosened up enough to start dancing.

Niall is already shitfaced, shirtless on the dance floor with three different girls. The fog machine seems a little much, but I know how crazy Louis likes to go on Halloween. The laser lights dance across the floor, reflecting in the haze of smoke and fog that has accumulated throughout the house.

"Is that Harry Styles coming out to dance with us?" Louis gasps causing the group to laugh, "I can't even tell you the last time that happened."

"Oh, shut up would you?" I chuckle, gulping down the last few sips of some cranberry cinnamon drink Sam made for Halloween.

I toss the cup behind me, hearing the cheap plastic hit the ground. The beat to the music changes, the song moving onto the next one. The electronic sounds mix together to create some sort of melody, the words of the song spoken in a monotonous voice to the beat of the song like a less enthusiastic rap. I don't care as I slip into the crowd dancing, joining in with Louis and Niall.

"Where's your costume man?" Louis jokes, gesturing to his well-done Joker outfit to match Sam's Harley Quinn.

"You see I'm Harry Styles, title holding boxer and part time tattoo artist, quite the superman if you ask me." I smirk, Louis laughing along with me and throwing his arm over my shoulder.

I'm surrounded by flailing limbs and sweaty bodies all pressed together and sucking in the same air. It's hot way too fast, sweat beading on my forehead and the tips of my hair growing damp. My shirt is soaked and soon hands are reaching for the hem of it and tugging it over my head. I meet heavily lined eyes and bleached blonde hair. Ashlyn. Her hands roam my body and I welcome them, ice cold against my burning skin. I forget about my scars standing in the haze with my lips pressed to hers, I forget about it all as I shove her up against the wall and rip her thin mesh shirt off her torso.

"Do you want me again, Harry?" She asks, her nasally voice shattering my small nirvana I've created within myself.

"Does it really matter?" I breathe, pressing my skin to hers and spiraling into an infinite haze of bottled memories and permanent damage.

JESS

I call Niall again with shaking hands and the weight on my chest lifts when I hear the call go through, his voice shouting into the receiver.

"Hey Jess! What's up?" He slurs, the sound of pumping bass music in the background making it hard to even hear the few words he says.

"Hey Niall, where are you? Is Harry there?" I ask my mind working a million miles a minute and praying that he's right beside him.

"What?" He shouts, his voice coming out slow and slurred.

"Is Harry there?" I shout, matching his volume and nearly screaming into the phone.

"Harry? Yeah of course he's here! It's the one day of the year we get shitfaced!" He shouts, and I can hear the smile in his voice.

"Niall, listen to me, where are you guys?" I shout, hoping that I haven't already lost his attention, "Niall! Niall are you there? Put Harry on the phone!"

"He's a bit busy right now," He laughs, "I'll have him call you back!"

A chorus of hollering follows his shouting and I instantly know where they are. I hang up the phone and put it in my pocket, every cell of my being fuming with anger. My lips are pulled tight, my hands balled into fists. How could he do this? How could he lie just to go to a stupid party that I wanted to go to?

"What did he say? Are they okay?" Miles asks a million questions, his worried eyes trying to meet mine.

"They're fine, but lord knows he won't be fine once I'm done with him."

We pull up outside the frat house and I hardly wait for the car to come to a complete stop before I'm opening the car door and walking up the grass to the front door. My entire body is shaking in anger and I can't decide if I want to cry even more than I have or slap him across the face as soon as I see him.

"Jess!" Miles shouts, frantically trying to shut the car off and clamber out after me, "Wait up!"

"I'll be right back, stay here!" I shout to him.

I walk right through the front door and into the smoky haze of the house. The stench of marijuana covers everything and lingers in the smoke produced from the fog machines around the living room. The lasers shining around the room color the room green, red and blue, catching my eye and leading me to the dance floor.

Every person I pass looks half dead, eyes sunk in and skin like paper. They carry red cups filled with fizzy liquid and rolled joints between their fingers. The music is so loud it hurts my ears and thumps all the way through my chest. The bass thunders against the walls and I find myself wondering how they haven't gotten a noise complaint yet.

I continue through the house hoping to find him or someone I know. As soon as my eyes land on him I want to turn around and walk back the way I came and forget any of this ever happened.

"Why hello there Jess." He smirks, his eyes looking even more bloodshot than usual due to his Edward Scissorhands costume.

"Fuck off Ryland, I'm here to find Harry." I huff, pushing past him.

"Oh, I wouldn't do that, you might not like what you see." He laughs, and the fact that this is a joke to him makes me want to tackle him to the ground.

"Show me where he is right now." I demand, grabbing him by his mop of black hair.

"Easy babe easy, he's right over there." He smiles, his yellowed teeth making me gag.

He points over to the dance floor and my eyes fall on him instantly. Shirtless with his pants sagging on his hips, the top band of his boxers visible. His hair is matted to his forehead, his skin glistening with sweat as he grinds with two different blondes, their hands roaming every inch of his skin.

I feel it in my chest as it happens, as it registers in my mind, as my plan formulates in my head. My heart shatters, my entire chest cavity becoming constricted as I watch in agony. Suddenly, I'm standing in front of him with tears threatening to spill over my cheeks, my hand raised. He barely realizes I'm standing right in front of him before my hand is leaving a mark on his cheek and causing him to stumble backwards gripping his reddened skin.

"Fucking hell Harry, are you kidding me? Are you actually kidding right now?" I shout, shoving him backwards, my voice cracking in my throat as the first angry tears burst from my eyes.

"Jess no it's not-"

"Just shut up Harry! It's exactly what I think! There's nothing you can say that can change it! I can't believe you!" I scream, hysteria setting in to each of my words.

"Jess I can explain-"

"I'd like to see you try," I seethe, "You're just as I always knew you were, I can't believe I let myself be blindsided by you! I fell for you and it was a fucking joke!"

He opens his mouth to speak but I turn away, nearly bumping right into Zack's chest as he grabs me by the shoulders, leaning down so that our faces are only a few inches apart.

"Oh Jess, you didn't really think he cared about you, did you?" He asks, his voice laced with malice coated in sugary sweet sympathy, "Oh dear you did, didn't you?"

His mouth curls into a sneer, his features being that of true evil. He's haunting with his sullen eyes and shaking fingers, grasping me and telling me that all of my worst fears are real.

"Go to hell." I spit, shrugging his hands off me.

"Fine, I won't tell you what you want to know, the secrets he still has." Zack smirks, his feet gingerly working their way in a circle around me.

I meet Harry's eyes, wide and sober. Something about our confrontation has ripped him from his intoxicated state and he's back to being on high alert.

"Shut the fuck up Zack!" He shouts, running forwards and tackling him against the wall.

Rather than being shocked, Zack simply laughs. His head rolls back against the wall as he cackles, his arms bound by Harry's grip and I can tell that any minute Harry's going to snap.

"Oh Harry, you know I have nothing to lose, however you have everything and I intend to toss each and every bit of what you have left into the fire myself," He sneers, his voice low and intentional, calculated to send shivers down your spine, "Why don't we start with the driving shall we? You see Harry used to be a getaway driver for me, he'd cut through police cars on the highway at a hundred miles an hour easy."

"Shut the fuck up!" Harry shouts, his fist pounding into Zack's cheek instantly knocking his head back against the wall.

"Oh, we're just getting started!" Zack shouts exasperatedly, "How about the drugs, Harry? Don't you remember being the delivery man? Or would you like me to bring up the crash first? The one where you killed your best friend and forever ruined your other ones because of the trauma afterwards."

I can't hold back the tears as they burst from my eyes and cascade down my cheeks. I meet Zack's eyes to see him laughing, he's staring right at me, awaiting my reaction. I wish I could contain it, I wish I could hold it back but it's too much. There's too many secrets, too many sides to him and I can't hold it together. My world comes crashing around me, shattering beneath Zack's feet. Harry dares to look at me and I can't bring myself to meet his eyes. I try to convince myself that it's not him, that it's some lookalike, not the man I fell for, but it is, it's all too real.

There's too many secrets, it's all just secrets.

HARRY

When the words come out of his mouth I desperately want to shove them back in. My anger over-boils and my fist flies at him. Before I know it he's on the ground, his laughter erupting from his mouth, the joy he finds in my pain never failing to astound me.

I turn to her with caution, trying to gauge just how much she understood, just how much she knows now. Her eyes are red and watery, the tears streaming down her face. Her fists are balled, her emotions exploding in a fit of anger and exasperation. I know instantly that the tears aren't from sadness but rather anxiousness, not being able to composite herself into a single emotion, it's too much and it's my fault, I caused this.

I move towards her, but she backs away, the tears coming faster and her hesitancy towards me hurting more than any amount of words ever could.

"Jess please-" I say, my voice shakier than I wanted it to be, my hands reaching for her.

"No, don't, you've done enough." She seethes.

She turns away from me, hiccupping through the sobs erupting from her throat as she runs through the front door before I can catch her shirtsleeve. I hear her sobbing through the splintered wood. My hand reaches up and pounds the door, my forehead pressing against the cold wood wishing it was her soft skin.

I listen again for her sniffles and curses for trusting a person like me, but the sounds aren't there. It's silent on the other side of the door and I feel my body finally betraying me. My stomach is knotted a thousand times as an unfamiliar stinging sensation settles in the corners of my eyes.

I feel Niall's hand on my shoulder, giving me a squeeze.

"I'm so sorry man, this is all my fault I told her-"

"Don't." I say, shushing him.

He doesn't speak again but I take small comfort in his hand on my shoulder.

"Are you okay?" He asks shakily.

"Yeah I'm fine." I say through gritted teeth, biting my lip to the point of bleeding.

"Do you want me to-"

"No Niall, I just need a minute."

His hand slowly removes itself from my shoulder and I instantly feel cold.

"Okay." He sighs, his voice thick with disappointment.

He turns around to leave me, that's when the tears come. First one, slowly squeezing out of my right eye and sliding down my cheek. It feels so foreign. The glossy vision, the stinging, the dull ache in the pit of my stomach. It's been so long.

She broke me.

I turn around, slowly raising my head on my shoulders to meet Niall's eyes only a few feet away. I see the surprise in his eyes first. The immediate reaction to seeing me crying, something I haven't done in years.

"Go." He says, and I wish I didn't hear him.

The last thing I want to do is go running after her. I'm not supposed to do this. She makes my head hurt in a million ways and my heart beat faster than I've ever known it could. She's a fucking psycho and so am I. We're steady energy, constantly bouncing off each other, feeding off our desperation for one another.

I drag my eyes away from his and rub the backs of my hands against my face. I can feel the heat in my cheeks and the glossiness in my eyes as I open the door and my heart plummets. My eyes land on him outside, holding her in his arms and rubbing his hand up and down her back.

"Of course, you're fucking here right now!" I shout, grabbing Miles by the front of his shirt and yanking him up, all remnants of our amends already forgotten.

"Harry stop it!" She screams, and I can hear the rattle of fear in her voice. I don't dare look at her, she's not going to calm me down now. I look right at him, right through his dreamy little eyes and all I see is fear. He's fucking terrified.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing here?" I seethe through my locked jaw.

"I brought her here because she was looking for you! Because you wouldn't answer your goddamn phone!"

"Miles just stop, let's go." She sighs through her steady tears as she grabs his hand and drags him back towards his car.

"Jess?" I ask, my voice cracking on the single syllable.

She looks up from the ground to meet my eyes for only a split second. As if my heart could be any heavier in my chest, it sinks. It kills me to see her like this. Her warm eyes so cold and swirling in hurt. Her posture thrown to the wind, her body collapsing on herself. Her trembling lips, trembling hands, trembling fingers. I've never felt so much weight on my chest.

I made her this way.

"Jess, please-"

She thrusts her arm in front of herself, pushing me away. She won't look at me.

"No Harry, no more, I can't do this anymore." She whispers to the ground, barely audible to me.

Every word feels like daggers in my chest. She can't do this anymore? My windpipe is constricting, I can't fucking breathe. His arm wraps around her shoulders and she leans into him, away from me. Her hostility burns right through me. My chest hurts, I'm going to pass out.

"Come on." He says to her, leading her away from me.

"Wait, please!" I beg.

She walks faster.

"Jess!" I huff, grabbing her arm.

I just need her to look at me.

"Let go!" She yells, ripping herself away from my touch.

Miles ushers her forward too fast. I'm frozen. I can hear the people all around now. Everyone's come out to watch the grand spectacle of our relationship shattering. Everyone's come out see big bad Styles get his heart stomped on.

In seconds he's opening the car door and she's leaning her head against his shoulder. My feet are cemented to the floor. I can't go anywhere, do anything. I only stare at her and torture myself, watching her leave me.

Suddenly I'm beside her, grabbing her by the shoulders and turning her around.

"Look at me!" I yell at her and the tears continue to flow freely down our cheeks.

I'm frantic and shaking, I don't have control over my own body as I reach for her hands in desperation for her touch. She's shying away from me, she doesn't want me.

"Jess, please, just fucking look at me!" I yell, and she lets out a sob that cracks the last whole piece of me, "Baby, please!" I sob, I'm desperate.

Niall is grabbing me by the shirt and dragging me away. Everything is in slow motion and yet happening so fast. She's crying harder now as she watches me, locking eyes with me across the space between us. She's mouthing my name, I would know it from a mile away. My face is wet, and I can't stop the raging hurricane inside me.

"Why?" I yell, loud enough for her to hear, "Why him?"

Everything stops for a moment as she looks to me and opens her mouth with a shaky breath.

"Because you can't be what he is."

[def-initely-soul]

Mariaaa can I request a fluffy/humorous drabble with Hobi? Like going to a costume party together or something and someone jumpscares him 😂

Ofc ^_^

Bias: Hoseok from BTS

Genre: Fluff/Humor

Words: 1.2k

“Okay, did we buy a real-life ostrich or something? What are all those feathers?” Hoseok observes as he steps into your bedroom, hands busy into tying his tie. Well, trying would be more of a fitting word.

You pout as you strut over to him. “It’s the costume, silly…” you reply, taking the matter of his tie on your own hands and removing it completely from the rest of his attire. “And remember, it’s a white bowtie, not a regular tie,” you continue, handing him the right piece of fabric.

For this year’s Halloween, you had the genius idea to get dressed as the most famous dancing couple in history; Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. And for the costume to be complete, you needed only the most iconic costumes they wear for their musical number “Heaven”.

Meaning Hoseok is currently wearing a three-piece suit with a white bowtie he puts immediately on as he looks around to find his shoes. And you are wearing the infamous “feather dress”, pale blue in color and made from Ostrich feathers.

Well, obviously the real one was made from Ostrich feathers, not yours. But still, it manages to shed all around the house, hence Hoseok’s attempt on a joke.

“What would I do without you?” he smiles, leaving a peck on your lips before he crouches down to put his shoes on. You secure your earrings before taking a last look at your appearance as you answer “Probably would’ve gone to the party with a black tie.”

Hoseok chuckles as he grabs the car keys and you leave the house.

“WHO’S UP FOR THE NEXT BODY SHOT?!” Jimin slurs loudly as soon as he lifts himself from the table, where a girl just did a body shot on him. The crowd erupts in cheers and the girl Jin has a crush on, walks forward and lies on the table. She raises her blouse while Jimin pours tequila on her belly button and Jin’s eyes widen as he stumbles forward to claim this shot.

You giggle when you see the girl’s predatory eyes on your friend and you’re certain Jin will get laid tonight. Jimin laughs as well when his partner drags him towards the staircase that leads upstairs.

God, youth and its graces.

Thank god the dress you’re wearing is a replica and significantly shorter. You’re sure most of the feathers would have decorated Jimin’s hallway if the dress was any longer.

Hoseok’s hands remain absentmindedly on your hips as you swing slowly to the music. His chin rests on your shoulder and both of you are a little beyond from lightheaded. 

Okay, look, you’ve had more than a couple of drinks than what would be appropriate. You kinda lost count when Taehyung mentioned the magic words “mulled wine punch”.

Hoseok would’ve probably remembered how much you’ve had to drink if he wasn’t drinking right there with you.

God, Namjoon is gonna kill you if you crash at his house again. And by the looks of him flirting, or trying to flirt with an undead cheerleader, he’s gonna whip your ass if you do.

Which reminds you that Hobi is currently drinking another beer.

“Hey, babe, stop drinking for a bit…” you mutter, half-dizzy half-giggling as you continue to sway out of rhythm.

“Whyyyyyyy?” he whines loudly, his hand gripping tightly at your flesh.

“Becaaause, we can’t crash at Namjoon’s again!” you protest, trying to grab the beer out of his hand, but he raises it up away from your reach, laughing wickedly.

You pout, jumping up and down to take it but it’s hopeless and the only thing you manage to do is shed more feathers on the floor.

“Hobiiiiiiiii,” you whine, trying to reach the beer with no obvious results. Then Hoseok laughs loudly, leaves the beer aside and smacks his lips against yours. Before Jin’s loud yell echoes around the house.

“NEXT FOR A BODY SHOT!!!”

Hoseok turns to look at you deviously and then he abandons your embrace to step forward. He takes off his blazer and begins unbuttoning his shirt as he lays flat on the table.

Before you manage to react, another girl dressed as Harley Quinn walks forward and leans over Hoseok.

Your eyes widen as do his and he turns immediately to look at you. His expression falters, wondering if this is okay and you smile softly, not wanting to seem like a possessive girlfriend.

Even though you’re ready to rip the wig off that little miss perfect the moment she provokes you.

But before you turn your gaze away, Hoseok stands up abruptly, yelling some awful excuse about changing his mind. The girl looks at him incredulously while he buttons his shirt and then he walks over to you.

Your mouth is still hanging open when his arms circle your waist.

“Why did you do that for?” you ask, swatting him on the chest.

Hoseok giggles as he looks you in the eyes. “Come on, baby, you were ready to grab the nearest kitchen knife and tear this girl a new one,” he teases you, smiling wickedly.

You pout at him. “No, I wouldn’t…” you mumble begrudgingly but deep down you’re thankful he didn’t do it. Even though you would never tell him that.

He smiles knowingly while leaning forward. “Of course you wouldn’t…” he whispers before leaning forward and-

An ear piercing scream comes from behind you, that has Hobi’s cool demeanor instantly dissipate. As soon as his eyes rest on the person behind you dressed as Ghostface and holding a fake kitchen knife in his hands, another scream sounds but this time it comes from your boyfriend.

“WHAT THE FUCK?!” he yells, stumbling backwards, his hands and body in front of you as if to protect you.

At your boyfriend’s reaction, both you and the “assailant” erupt in a fit of laughter while Hobi looks between the two of you appalled.

And then the assailant takes off his mask, only to reveal a red-faced from laughing Yoongi with tears in his eyes. 

“Hyung?!” Hobi asks incredulously as the light-blue-haired boy keeps on laughing hysterically.

“Oh my god, you should’ve seen your face...” he manages to get out before erupting in another fit of giggles and walking away to high five Jungkook that looks from the other side of the room, laughing his ass off and wiping tears from his eyes.

Hoseok pouts before turning to you to see you trying to conceal your laughter. “Yah, you were laughing at me too?!” he asks, faking anger and crossing his hands over his chest.

You giggle lightly as you wrap your hands around his waist. “I’m sorry, baby, but if you had seen your reaction you would’ve laughed too.”

Warm hands envelop your body, even though Hoseok is still pouting, eyes like that of a lost puppy.

“Tsk, and to think I tried to protect you...” he complains, although a small smile tugs at his lips as he brings you closer.

You smile back, kissing his cheek. “Well, don’t I have the best boyfriend ever?”

His smile turns into a smirk, as he leans forward again. “Of course you do...” he whispers.

And this time, no one scares you.

Ta-dah! Hope you like it!! ^_^

[blogojira]

Godzilla Raids Again (1955)

I watched this a couple of days ago and am writing this from some rudimentary notes I made right after watching it. So, I’m not expecting to be going as in-depth as I did with the first Godzilla. Then again, this wasn’t a movie that requires as much analysis. It was my impression that the first couple of Godzilla movies were relatively serious affairs and that the silliness sort of crept in by the 60’s but I feel that a lot of the serious subtext that appeared in Gojira was gone by the time he raided again. This came across to me like Michael Bay’s Transformers next to Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight. Anyway, let’s do this. I realise I completely missed any sort of synopsis or overview of the events of the film last time, so let’s start with that.

There’s these pilots. One of them makes an emergency landing and is stranded on an island so another pilot goes down to get him. They are chilling out, laughing about those women back at the office! WHEN FUCKING GODZILLA APPEARS WRESTLING ANOTHER GIANT SPIKY LIZARD. They make it back to a board room where they and several other very serious looking men, including Yamane from 1954's Gojira, sit and watch 1954's Gojira. They recap how they defeated him and make sure we don’t forget the Oxygen Destroyer and the knowledge of how to make it are gone. Also, the pilots identify the other spiky lizard as Anguirus. A name not nearly as cool as Godzilla.

Eventually, they hatch a plot to lure Godzilla away from the city with ‘light bombs’ aka flares, whilst all lights in the city are switched off. The only problem is someone decides to transfer some prisoners during the blackout, they escape, a high-speed chase ensues and they crash causing a huge fire. Godzilla likes fire. The military piss Godzilla off by opening fire on him. WHEN FUCKING ANGUIRUS APPEARS TO WRESTLE WITH GODZILLA. Saved by the bell.

So, Godzilla doesn’t attack the city but during the fight it becomes collateral damage. After an exhaustingly long grapple-fest, Godzilla fucks up Anguirus’ shit by smashing his head through a building, tearing his throat out and hitting him with the death breath. After all this, Godzilla forgets about the city and goes home.

Since the factory the pilots work for has been destroyed, the owners decide to move and start fresh in a different city. They decide to have a party at a restaurant. At the party they receive word of one of their ships sinking; it was attacked by Godzilla. This is the last straw!

The two pilots and presumably the military work together to track Godzilla and attack him. They manage to trap him by shooting the mountain and boulders fall on him. The pilot, Kobayashi, dies during conflict. A hysterical woman runs into her bosses office to tell them, they stare bewildered. Apparently, older Japanese men do not understand why a woman would be this upset over a friend’s death. The rest of the pilots plan bury Godzilla completely by causing an avalanche. A long action sequence, explosions and an avalanche later, Godzilla is defeated. The living pilot from the start of the movie does a hero stare into the distance and says, 'Kobayashi… we got Godzilla for you…’, THE END.

That is that. There isn’t a huge number of talking points as this movie is pretty upfront about what it is and I’m guessing that’s going to be the case for a lot of the 'VS.’ movies. I’ll probably just end up gushing about how awesome/funny the fight sequences are or whether the costumes were any good. In fact, I’m going to discuss those things now. The Godzilla costume was still awesome, very similar to the first suit. For more in-depth information on each of the Godzilla suits, I have a link!

http://becominggodzilla.com/official-toho-suits/

It’s pretty interesting and I will probably be referring back to it for each movie. The Anguirus suit was a little less impressive but did the job. It relied on the actor being on all fours a lot of the time and as we know humans are not as comfortable on all fours as animals that are intended to be are. The fight between the two was a lot of lunging and grappling. I would have liked to have seen more punching or biting, anything to provide a bit of variety. The head smash through the building was cool, though. Other special effects were serviceable.

I was shocked at how easily Godzilla was beaten in the movie. Snow and rocks? Really? The last one required a weapon as powerful as the Hydrogen bomb and this time they had rocks? The only acceptable explanations are that this Godzilla was weaker than the first one or he is not actually dead and will eventually unbury himself. I guess we’ll see in the next movie, (well, it will be in three movies time because I’m going to be watching the American re-releases of the first two movies first). After the ending to the first movie, this was obviously going to be a different Godzilla but before watching it I always assumed there was only one Godzilla. Then again as he changes appearance there’s probably a different Godzilla in every movie. This is a revelation.

There was a couple of other things that would have really helped this movie out. Number one, the original theme tune. The score in Gojira was amazing, if it had been used in ’…Raids Again’ it may have come across more serious or like more was at stake. Number two, a Serizawa type character. You know, a badass scientist. More of that, less of Yamane pretending he knows everything.

Well, those are my thoughts on Godzilla Raids Again. You can watch it if you want, it’s alright. For what it was though, there may be better to come from later movies. 3/5.