#ya boi coven

[covens-silly-secrets]

Voltron incorrect quotes pt. 2

Shiro: Hey guys look at this picture I found

(shows a picture of Keith from middle school)

Keith: wtf burn every picture you have of me

Shiro: Neverrrr

Lance then takes the picture and puts it on a bulletin board too high for Keith to reach

Keith proceeds to hit him with a bayard until it gets taken down

100% inspired by what my friends have said

Sorry this one sucks unfunny ass

[covens-silly-secrets]

yes we are

CHAT IS THE VOLTRON FANDOM COMING BACK IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 2024

[tame-the-lion-writes]

cat shifter reader x task force 141

(An AU to the AU--based on an ask and the results of this poll.)

No more guns a-blazing or cruel glory. The 141 had their time in the military; now, it was time to slow down.

Of course, when one sticks with the same people for half their life, through thick and thin, there is no going back. The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb--and the 141 had spilled enough blood together that it practically ran through each others veins. They were inseparable, bound in both trauma and trust, and to part would dissolve the only stability they'd shared. Snip away red strings wrought both in shared drinks and on the battlefield.

What they didn't expect was the addition of you.

In deciding to retire, the 141 bought an old farm in the backcountry. A weary, rickety place that was practically begging for renovations. The busy work gave them something to do with already-rough hands, so they didn't mind--taking care of the animals, replacing the rotting wood, and updating the plumbing simply meant they could make the place their own. And after the house was fixed up, they got to updating the barn, fixing up a chicken coop, installing new fencing, etc.

It was also during these renovations that they got to know the stray cat who'd been living in the barn attic.

Feral--they first thought. Plenty of farm cats were, and the place had been long unlived-in that they believed no one could have socialized or cared for her. Not to mention that she'd been so riled up with them around; hissing from behind walls, or above while balancing on the beams. Jutting her paws out and trying to scratch them while they worked. They always knew where she was by the jingle of the bell around her neck, tied with a soft silk ribbon as though she were someone's pet let loose. Left on the roadside maybe, and for that, they didn't blame her.

But for the most part, she only occupied the second floor of the barn, and she kept the place free of rats and mice. They couldn't have those running around, so for the most part, they stayed out of her way. And she learned to stay out of theirs.

Until she got sick.

"Haven't seen the kit in a while," Gaz finally spoke, poking at the leftover stew in his bowl. It was already dinner when everyone was winding down for the night, and their beloved foe had been missing for three days. "I'm getting worried."

"I'm sure she's fine," Soap reassured him, shoveling another spoonful in his mouth. "Maybe ran off to the woods or somethin'."

"But it's been rainin' plenty lately," Gaz pressed. "You'd think she'd hole up in the attic per usual."

"We can check in the morning," Price sighed, adjusting himself in his seat. "'Sides, wouldn't do any good to be missin' a barn cat--"

"Tonight."

Soap lifts his head to squint over at the man by the sink. "Didn't take ya for a cat person, LT."

"Wanna make sure the mangy thing ain't dead." Ghost drops his dishes with an ceremonial clink-clink-clink. "Would stink up the place."

But when they finally made their way up the sketchy ladder to the barn attic, and they finally pushed aside all the dusty boxes and rusty equipment, what they found wasn't a cat but a young woman--face red with fever and tangled deeply, restlessly, in worn blankets and stolen clothes. Unknown and without ID--save for the bell around her neck, tied with a soft silk ribbon.

_

Bonus Thoughts:

It's quickly determined that you're only suffering from a regular cold, but on the verge of winter, the barn is no place to stay warm. Hence a quiet moment of deliberation between the boys, standing around, not knowing what to do. Also not knowing if their first assumption--that this is their fussy barn cat--is possible. In any case, they can't just leave you here.

Ghost is relegated the duty of carrying you down the very sketchy ladder (as he is with carrying most things). But not before Price wraps you up like a burrito, in case you wake up and decide to try and scratch again.

"'Mangy thing,' huh, LT?"

"Hope you know she's gettin' your bed."

[vicky-0933]

Hello, I would like to place an order. I don't know how to speak English very well, so I use the translator because I feel safer and I don't really know how the requests work, but here I'll try. Reader x Lilia, Agatha has an older half-sister, her ethnicity would be different so no one noticed until the Reader spoke (I would love it if she could be brown or black, I don't know the correct term in English). She's cool despite her chaotic reputation, nothing like her little sister, but she is dangerous. She meets Lilia during the meeting at Agatha's house and is interested in her, she is nice to the entire coven and especially to Lilia. She could be the green witch who was missing to conjure the gate to the witches' road, it was her or Rio, and despite the fights that Agatha has with her sister, she preferred to call Reader. (But Rio might have showed up anyway) I don't know how to do this, and I only see other people doing it, sometimes they're short, other times they're long... I'm sorry if I exaggerated, I'm a little nervous, mainly because it's not a language I'm fluent in.

I tried my best to stay with prompt, hopefully it’s good.

You made me found love

—————————————

“You are really going to do this, are ya” you ask, as Agatha, as she is going into the house, “Yes I am and there is nothing that you are going to do to stop me” Agatha snarls. You put your hands up, “I wasn’t going to stop you idiot” you say, grabbing your bag and just waiting for the others to come, then the boy comes in and ask “Ms Ln”, you turn to him, “How was life with Agatha” he asks.

Agatha turns to you looking tat you with that look, “she was the worst to be with” You say and she scoffs, “What do you mean” she says, “no matter what I said, you never listened to me. Then you go off with the dark hold and I have to clean your mess up, fix up your love life, and try to keep you away from them, and what have you done for me, as your older sister, how do you think that makes me feel” you say in a angry tone.

She just looks at you, “And you have the nerve to ask why” you say tearing up, “Well that was interesting” a voice says and you turn to see the other witches, “Jennifer, Lilia, happy to see you” you say walking up to them, wiping off your eyes, and hugging them. “Wow, there’s that southern accent I missed so much” Lilia says and you blush, “and who is this” you ask, “this is Alice Wu, she is blood witch and more into protection” Agatha says, you hum, “Well I am” you were about to say, “Your Yn Ln, a green witch” she says and you nod, smiling, then you look at Lilia, and give her a wink and she blushes and looks away.

“Well good luck with whatever you guys are doing” you say heading out, “Wait your not going with us” Jennifer asks, you shake your head no, “So what are we going to do about our green witch” Jennifer asks, you shrug and look at Agatha, “ya Agatha, what are you going to do” you ask her, and she just sighs, “I got it” she says, knowing that she hasn’t got it. “Ok great well good luck on whatever you guys do” you say and start to walk out, but you stop, “Lilia” you called for her.

She looks at you, and walk up to her, “I want you to have this, it was given to me but I wanted to have it” you say while giving her a bracelet full of different flowers and signs, she smiles and mutter a thanks, you the walk out the house heading towards your house. As your walking, you see a Coyote, and feel like the power from it. {Well shit, here we go} you thought, walked faster your home, not wanting to anything with them.

As you walk inside your home and close the door, you sigh, just standing there, thinking about nothing, but then your stomach growls and you look down at your stomach. Walking to the kitchen, you looking around for what you have to eat, grabbing whatever you can eat and head to your room. As you walk in your room, and finish eating putting your food in the on the little table on your side, and grabbing a book on green witchcraft, seeing if there were anything new you can learn.

Soon, you go take a shower, then change into clean clothes, heading to bed, and as you are laying down you can feel like something wrong, but you can’t place it, {hope everything is alright, and I hope Lilia is ok} you thought, but soon you start to thinking about Lilia. You and Lilia knew each other, she helped you with a way to get stronger with your powers, she was the one who introduced you to the different types of witchcraft, and you found out the being a green witch was the best, and so you both kept in touch, even tho her and Agatha never got along. Over time, you started having a crush for the older witch.

She was only 100 Years older than you, but she had something about her, that drew you to her. She would date other men, and talking about them waisting her time, and she would say I will never fall in love again, and that broke your heart. But love was something you also couldn’t have, it was never good for you, but you yearned for love, but never found the one, so you stopped for a while. And now thinking about Lilia, you found yourself in love with her, the way she looks, the way her voice is when she talks, and soon you start to drift into a deep sleep.

“Supra, infra, intra, extra”

“May she be strong and wise, and the best at her craft”

“May she be smart and not annoying, and not super political”

“May she be pleasant looking”

“Can she bring some Advil?”

“Esse viridis non est facile”

You wake up in the ground, feeling surrounded and start clawing your way out, your bones cracking, while crawling out, you hear people screaming, and once you’re done, getting your bones in place. Looking up, you see Agatha, the boy and the other witches with her, “Yn, what are doing here” Agatha asks, walking up to you, helping you wiping off the dirt, and then you shoo you away and she goes back with the coven, you look at her, “what do you mean, you summed me, what do you want” you ask, walking up to them. Agatha just looks at you with a disgusting look.

“Whatever, know that we got our green witch let’s-“ she was about to finish when someone else starting out of the ground. All you of turn, to see someone crawling out, you get in front of them getting ready to attack when the person you recognize, is Rio Vidal, Agatha’s ex wife. “Heard you guys were having a party” Rio says while walking towards you, “How did you-“ Agatha starts to say, you and the other witches watch how Agatha and Rio are talking, and how Agatha wants to attack her ex wife.

Agatha walks away, and teen follows her, leaving the rest of you behind, “Sup I’m Rio” she says and everyone says hi, then Rio looks at you “Sup Yn, it been a long time hasn’t it, how is the love going to for you” she tell you and you just look at her with a angry face, not wanting to talk all about it in front of the others, she then leaves, then Alice and Jennifer goes after her, leaving you and Lilia alone, you both just stand there looking at each other, “Lilia I-“ you starts to say, “HEY LOVE BIRDS LETS GO” Jen yells. And you both

“Should we go?” You ask and she nods, and both of you walk together, “So what do you want, when you name it to the end” you ask, she sighs, “I have been in financial difficulties, and I was hoping to come here to get rid of that” Lilia says, and you hum, “well, if you let me, I will help you tell the end, and maybe we can go somewhere together sometime” you say and she chuckles. As your walking, you see the house and Alice refused, and Agatha follows her asking what to do next but there was the house again.

“I guess we just go” Agatha says and starts walking to the house, everyone follows, but Lilia stops you for a second, and you turn to her, “Everything ok” you ask, “I love you” she says, “wh-what” you say blushing. “What” she says, “you don’t remember what you said” you say, she shakes her head no, “Whatever let’s just go” you say and both of you catch up with the rest. As both of you are walking, you start to slow down a bit, thinking about what she said.

“YN HURRY UP, my god your slow” Agatha yells, and you walk faster and catch up to them. As all of you get to the door, you look at Alice and see how sad it, Agatha opens the door and lets you go in, then she goes in. You look around and see everybody in 70s outfits, you look at Lilia and seeing how she is dressed, how the jumpsuit fits around her breast, how it fits around her curves, “Don’t drink anything. Don’t eat anything. Don’t touch anything” Alice says, “Looks like there’s a story there” Rio says. “Check me out” Agatha says and everyone goes except you.

You stand there, looking at everything there, then you start walking around the room, seeing what there is. Then you see everyone going to different places, then you see Lilia seeing the pictures on the wall, seeing how different way the witches dies, seeing her shed a tear, you want to go comfort her but she then goes to Alice and see them talking. You sigh and see the recording studio and head there, walking in you feel a bit safe, then Agatha walks in and she sees you, “Oh your here” she sarcastically says, sitting on the chair “Good to see you too, sis” you say back sitting on the desk across from her.

“Knock, knock” a voice comes in, and you see Rio coming in from the other side, you both look at her, and Agatha sits up, and you scoff. “I am going to leave, going to leave you both to….. kiss this shit over” you say, and Agatha freaks out but before she can say anything, you leave. Walking out you the rest of the witches together and walk to them, “Hello guys” you say and they say hi and start talking to you, the you hear the P.A system go off.

Then you hear Rio and Agatha talking, “Kill all the witches around you, one by one” Rio says, “Then what” Agatha asks her, “You get your power and I get my bodies” Rio says and everyone looks at the studio. “Shit” you say, and soon the witches start walking towards and asking questions, you don’t follow, you sigh and walk towards teen, and see him put in a record and it starts to be distorted, hurting all of your ears. You cover your ears, and can’t hear anything until you see Agatha grab the record and brake it.

Everyone just stands there, “We’ve been cursed” Lilia say and you hear ticking and the metronome clicking, but nothing happens, they start talking over what to do, and you start to zone out thinking what’s going to happen, then you hear Lilia screaming and run to her slowly lowering her to the ground and she starts crying from the pain, Alice grabs Rio’s knife and draw a circle around. Then her screaming stop and you whisper sweet things her ear making sure she is aright, “You ok, can you stand” you ask and she nods, helping her up.

Then you hear Jennifer scream, and Alice runs to her and draws a circle around her to and she stop screaming. The other witches start talking the curse that Alice has, then teen get pushed into the recording studio, and everyone goes to check on him except Jen, after checking on him, everyone walks out the room, Agatha and Jen bicker a bit, but you and Lilia start talking, “Are you ok, where does it hurt” you ask, “it hurts on my shoulder” Lilia say in pain, “Ok let me check it out” say in a panic. She pulls the side of her shirt, revealing a deep scar and gasp, “Is it bad” she says and you shake your head no, but you hug her, and cry a bit.

Soon the rest go over what to do, and Alice stands over by the piano and Agatha tells us that we have to play the ballad, Alice and Agatha fight a little until they figure out, and Agatha tell each person what to play and she looks at you and teases, “Looks like you have nothing to play”, and you sarcastically laugh and in front them, walking into the back off the studio and turn on the PA, “You guys ready” you ask and everyone nods, “Alright let’s do this” you say turning on the machine to record the song.

As Alice start the song, you run out and stand behind Lilia, Agatha starts singing but something burns her shoulder, you walk up to her, helping her up a bit, “Are you ok” you ask, “yes I am, let’s keep playing” Agatha says, and starts again. You look at Lilia, and stand beside her, and sing with her, and soon everything starts to get on fire, Lilia panics but you hug her, telling her everything is alright. You look at teen and notice something wrong with him, you go up to him to ask what wrong with him, he doesn’t tell you anything but you look down to see the glass stuck in him.

“Please don’t say anything, Ms. Ln, let’s just finish this” Teen begs, and you sigh, nodding then heading back with Lilia, as the song finishes, Alice’s shoulder start burning, and you see the curse, then is gets on fire and it’s gone, and piano top starts opening, “The Exit” Alice says. You are all happy that’s it gone, but you see Teen faint and you catch him, everyone comes and check on him, “Let’s get him out of here” you say and they help you get him out, putting on the tree stomp, and as Jen and Alice make teen better to head over to Lilia, “Three of Swords” she says and you hug her.

You turn to see the wound healed, “Let’s get him someplace comfortable” Jen says and they take him, but you and Lilia stay, “Lilia, I want to tell you something” you say but start getting fidgeting with your hands and Lilia grabs your hand, “Take you time sweetheart” Lilia say, “I love you” you blurred out, she gasp and chuckled, “I love you hun” she say, “No like I love you, like I am in love with you. Always have been, but as you said you would never try love again, well if you do just know that I am here. I also never found love, but with you, there is something that you brought out in me, and that was love, I can finally love again.” You say and she just looks at you.

“Please say something” you beg, almost crying, but she doesn’t say anything again, you sigh and turn and start to walk away until she grabs your shoulder and turns you around and kisses you. Surprised, you lean into the kiss, melting into it, soon you guys make out, feeling the way the her lips fits with yours. You wrap your hands around her waist and pull her more closer towards her, “Are you guys done making out or what” you hear a voice behind you and tune to the see the coven there without teen there, you both laughing walk towards the campfire that Jen and Alice set up, and sit with them for the rest of the night.

—————————————

Yay got it done!!

(Also I am still figuring this out give me a sec)

[bookcub]

Chappell Roan Book Rec

like many other, I am currently obsessed with The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess so here are a few book recs based on the songs!!

(you can message me for questions about content warnings!)

Femininomon

A Guest in the House by E. M. Carroll (horror graphic novel)

What happens when you marry a mediocre liar and there's a ghost you are definitely attracted to in the house (that might be his dead wife)?

Relevant lyric: Stuck in the suburbs, you're folding his laundry/Got what you wanted so stop feeling sorry

Bonus Rec: Romancing the Inventor by Gail Carriger (adult steampunk romance)

Red Wine Supernova

Satisfaction Guaranteed by Karelia Stenz-Waters (adult romance)

Imagine inheriting a sex toy shop with a enchanting stranger who you feel incredibly connected to. . .

Relevant lyric: I heard you like magic/I got a wand and a rabbit

Bonus Rec: Sunstone by Stjepan Šejić (adult romance graphic novel)

After Midnight

Ash by Malinda Lo (YA fantasy)

I had to choose a queer Cinderella for this one, especially one whose mother warns her away from the forest at night.

Relevant lyric: This is what I wanted, this is what I like/I've been a good, good girl for a long time now

Bonus Rec: A Restless Truth by Freya Marske (adult historical fantasy, sequel)

Coffee

The Witch's Heart by Genevieve Gornichec (adult fantasy)

When your ex is the trickster god Loki and you have prophetic futures, you know you can never just have coffee.

Relevant lyric: Here come the excuses that fuel the illusions/But I'd rather feel something than nothing at all,

Bonus Rec: Seven Days in June by Tia Williams (adult contemporary)

Casual

The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi (adult gothic)

Remember that toxic homoerotic best friend you had a child? Who believed in magic and was also the most manipulative person you've ever met? It never was a casual relationship, was it?

Relevant lyric: Hate that I let this drag on so long, you can go to hell

Bonus Rec: Ben and Beatriz by Katalina Gamarra (adult romance)

Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl

A Spindle Splintered/A Mirror Mended by Alix E. Harrow (adult fantasy)

Entering the fairy tale multiverse always leads to the strangest (and funnest) relationships (platonic and romantic) of your life.

Relevant lyrics: We're leaving the planet and you can't come

Bonus Rec: Cash Degado is Living the Dream by Tehlor Kay Mejia (adult contemporary)

HOT TO GO!

The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya Muniz (graphic novel)

What if I dressed up as a count to inherit my father's fortune and you were a princess and we both liked grilled cheese???

Relevant lyric: I could be the one, or your new addiction/ It's all in my head but I want non-fiction

Bonus Rec: Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert

My Kink is Karma

Mrs. Martin's Incomparable Adventure by Courtney Milan (adult historical romance)

She said, let's destroy my terrible nephew's life, and how could you say no to such a romantic proposal?

Relevant lyric: Wishing you the best, in the worst way

Bonus Rec: Girl Serpent Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust (YA fantasy)

Picture You

A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall (adult historical romance)

Oops, I faked my death and reinvented myself and you were way more distraught than I thought you would be. . .

Relevant lyric: Do you picture me like I picture you?/Am I in the frame from your point of view?

Kaleidoscope

The Scapegracers by H. A. Clarke (YA urban fantasy)

What if we formed a coven and what if we were all a little in love with each other?

Relevant lyric: And love is a kaleidoscope/How it works we'll never know

Bonus Rec: The Girls I've Been by Tess Sharpe (YA thriller)

Pink Pony Club

The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang (graphic novel)

He was a drag queen, she was a seamstress, can I make it anymore obvious?

Relevant Lyric: And I heard that there's a special place/Where boys and girls can all be queens every single day

Bonus Rec: Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo (YA historical)

Naked in Manhattan

Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail by Ashley Herring Blake (adult romance)

Isn't it romantic, designing a house with someone with your entirely opposite tastes?

Relevant lyric: Boys suck and girls I've never tried

Bonus Rec: Girls Made of Snow and Glass by Melissa Bashardoust (YA fantasy)

California

Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers (adult contemporary)

If a PhD can't save you, maybe a drunken marriage in Vegas can?

Relevant lyric: Cause I was never told that I wasn't gonna get/The things I want the most

Guilty Pleasure

Something to Talk About by Meryl Wilsner (adult romance)

Fake dating your boss? 0/10 recommended. . . right?

Relevant lyric: I want this like a cigarette/Can we drag it out and never quit?

Bonus Rec: That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon by Kimberly Lemming (adult fantasy romance)

Bonus:

Good Luck, Babe

Sorry, Bro by Taleen Voskuni (adult contemporary)

Relevant lyric: You'd have to stop the world just to stop the feeling

Ophelia After All by Racquel Marie (YA contemporary)

[syrupfog]

If there’s one thing Law hates, it’s unexpected visitors. 

His doorbell rings for the sixth time and he stares at the door in hatred. 

But then after the seventh ring, there’s a jiggling of the handle and the door swings inward. 

“Traffy!” shouts Luffy. 

“What the fuck.”

“You weren’t answering your door!” 

Law gives Luffy a glare. “How did you get in here?” 

“Oh, Bepo gave me the ward code.” 

Law is going to kill Bepo. 

“He said he was worried about you!” “He should be worried about himself, now.” 

Luffy frowns. “Be nice to him, he’s a bear.”

“He gave you the ability to break into my house. I’m going to be mean to him.” 

Luffy pushes the door closed and wanders in, hands touching ALL of Law’s figurines on display. “You’ve got a lot of Sora,” he says. 

Law tamps down his retort, that only like TWO of them are Sora.

“Do you have a REASON for visiting, Luffy-ya?” 

“Oh yeah!” Luffy stops and digs into his pocket, withdrawing a small pouch. “This is for you!” 

He holds it out to Law, who does not take it. “What’s in it?” he asks, untrusting. He knows better than to trust a witch.

“Catch!” Luffy says, and throws it. 

He’s standing MAYBE two feet away from Law when he throws it. 

He nails Law directly in the face. 

“GUAK—“ Law says. 

“Oops,” Luffy says. 

The pouch drops into his lap. Law stares at it skeptically. Luffy is grinning at him.

If Law were ANY good at silent magic he would make it disappear. But he’s a potions-only sort of guy. 

He picks up the pouch and pulls the strings, peering inside. 

“You got me a… ceramic gnome.” 

Luffy’s grin grows. “Two!” He says. 

Law upends the pouch.

Two ceramic gnomes tumble into his palm. 

“You haven’t been to a coven meeting in a month,” Luffy says. 

“I’ve been tired, Luffy-ya.” 

“Robin says you have a graph phobia,” Luffy says. 

“Agoraphobia, and I don’t.” 

He does. 

“So I got you friends! For when I’m at work!”

The two gnomes in his hand are turning from a glazed purple color to more natural tones. Their gnome hats are melting into little creatures; a penguin and an orca. “For when you’re at work…?” 

“Oh yeah,” Luffy says, like he’s truly forgotten. “And I’m moving in.”

“You fucking are NOT.” 

Luffy nods, pulling his arms behind his head. “Zoro and Sanji are packing up my stuff right now! They said something about wanting to fuck on every surface of the apartment in peace.” 

Law wants to put his head in his hands, but he can’t.

Two small gnomes are starting to stretch and explore his palm. One of them is a redhead. 

“Do I get a choice in this?” Law asks. 

Luffy laughs. “You did!” He says. “You saved my life in that motorcycle crash. That was your choice.” He tilts his head. “Now you’re stuck with me.”

Law sighs. Some days are better. And working as a healer for expat patients on zoom has its benefits, but it’s true he doesn’t have to… leave, often. 

“You’re not touching my figures,” he says. “And if you mess with my potions you’re drinking them.” 

Luffy tilts his head.

“That would be silly,” he says. “All your potions smell like flowers they’d be gross to drink.” 

The gnomes on Law’s palm are looking up at him in awe. The redhead has sunglasses. The other has a hat pulled low over his eyes. They jump, just like Law, when there’s banging on the door. 

“Oh, that’ll be Zoro and Sanji!” Luffy says. 

Law groans, throwing himself back onto his couch. “Tell them to wipe their feet,” he says. He knows it’s hopeless, though.

If there’s one thing Law hates, it’s unexpected visitors. 

If there’s another thing Law hates, it’s friends who care too much. 

Tonight he’s adding to the list; gnomes who just want to add seafood to all his potions.

If there’s one thing that Law DOESN’T hate— 

And he would never admit this— 

You’d have to pull it out of him with a crowbar— 

But deep deep down— 

If there’s one thing Law doesn’t hate it’s a boy who cares too much and who touches all of Law’s figurines —

And who doesn’t judge him when he has bad days. Just breaks down his wards (literally) and… moves in.

[the-dust-jacket]

This is a PSA that goes out to the several lovely people I have talked to who really want to pick up a copy of Wicked to read with their six-or-seven-year old musical fans. Look y’all, Gregory Maguire's dark fantasy novel, with its violence, sex, politics, and Broadway-belting-free ending, is not aimed at elementary schoolers, but good news there are plenty of books that might hit the spot!

Here are a few MG books with flying broomsticks, evil overlords, magical school drama, and big questions about just what makes someone a good witch or a bad one.

The Dark Lord's Daughter, by Patricia C. Wrede (Dealing With Dragons also makes an excellent read aloud)

Abby In Oz, by Sarah Mlynowski (from the Whatever After series)

Which Witch, by Eva Ibbotson (so many witches trying their wickedest)

The Dark Lord Clementine, by Sarah Jean Horwitz (it's not easy living up to a legacy of villainy)

The Marvellers, by Dhonielle Clayton (magic school misfits)

The School for Good and Evil, by Soman Chainani (are you a hero or a villain?)

Kiki's Delivery Service, by Eiko Kadono (a gentler story, with plenty of flying on brooms!)

Egg & Spoon, by Gregory Maguire (Russian folklore and whimsical adventure)

Witchlings, by Claribel Ortega (covens and curses and quests)

Amari and the Night Brothers, by B.B. Alston (magic school isn't always a friendly place)

The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy, by Ann Ursu (who does the story serve?)

Witch Boy, by Molly Knox Ostertag (who gets to be a witch?)

For another subversive take on Oz, there's also the YA novel Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige.

And of course, there's always the OG Wonderful Wizard of Oz, or maybe Glinda of Oz for some more witchiness, or The Emerald City of Oz for intrigue and villainy.

[staytinyville]

Stay Alive (45)

BTS poly!ot7 x Reader

Magical Creatures AU

Series Masterlist

Warnings: none

A/N NOT BETA. Two updates in one day WHOOO!!

“Beloved, your aura is stale. I know you're worried but you have to put faith in us.” Jin dipped his head into the crook of your neck, his head tickling your cheeks. 

You all had finally begun to get a move on with the plan, traveling from the magical city of Seoul to where the portal of Lake Yuri laid. Each one of you traveled in their own ways–the valkyries were on their pegasuses while Seungcheol was able to carry some of his companions on his back as a full dragon. 

To say you were stunned when the man transformed into a 5 story reptile was an understatement. Namjoon laughed at your expression telling you that most dragons were able to shift just like Jungkook was able to. When you realized Namjoon was able to do that you softly told him you wanted to see his dragon one day. 

However it was not that day because Namjoon explained he was still healing from his injuries so shifting wasn’t an option for him just yet. So all of you climbed into a ship that was fueled by magic. It floated high above the sky–courtesy of another coven that learned how to use their magic in objects. 

You watched from the railing as the scenery passed by below, catching sight of more creatures that were beyond larger than imaginable. That didn’t stop you from thinking about what was going to happen the moment you all reached your world again. 

You shook your head. “Jin, you've been stuck in that facility for the past 10 years. Who knows what will happen—”

“And that's the thing, we don't.” He cut you off. “No matter how much the witches tell us the fortune is going to be good, fate has a silly way of changing quickly. However, because of our powers we have hope to win this. We're going to take everyone out–they deserve it just like we did.”

“I understand that. I couldn't live with myself knowing they were still trapped.” You shook your head, looking back over the railings as you allowed your body to relax into the elf’s arms. “But I also couldn't live with myself if something happened to you.”

“We'll come back home—with you.” Hobi walked over to the two of you, the others coming up as well. 

“And then we can settle down and have those babies. No worries about our powers from there.” He grinned, teasing you about the future. 

“We have things to finish, Beautiful.” Jimin told you.

“And we have a reason to make it out.” Namjoon spoke up. 

“Who do you think will have a kid first?” Taehyung asked. 

“We don't even know when!” You laughed at the second youngest’s question.

“She slept with me first.” Jungkook spoke honestly. 

“Ya! Doesn't mean anything. I slept with her here!” Jin whined, glaring at the boy. 

“I did too.” Yoongi shrugged.

“Same.” Taehyung repeated. 

“We just having sex all over the place now?” Jin scoffed. 

“Jin!” You scolded, lightly hitting his arm around your waist. 

“Sorry, beloved.” He grinned, leaning down to kiss your cheek. 

It wasn’t long before the mountains came into view. It seemed that everyone slowed a bit down as they came to the realization that this was going to be it. You couldn’t imagine how tough things might have been. Hanseol was a weak person from what Bang had explained. However Kang was a different story.

He was a witch who only wanted more power. He would find ways of making himself powerful at the expense of others. You couldn’t give an answer for as to why he started working with Hanseol but there was still worry in the back of your mind about the man you had only come across once. 

Seungcheol was quick to turn back into his human form in a puff of smoke after his members got off his back. The faerie of the group twirled a staff around stomping it into the ground causing a mist of magic to flow out from it. Another member who you assumed to be some kind of sandman dropped down from his cloud, letting go of the three other members who had rode with him. 

The valkyries climbed off their horses, allowing some of the other warriors from the area to take them. IU had shifted back into her human form after being a swan. There were more people who came down after them, getting ready to cross the portal and into the other world. You took in a deep breath, knowing no matter how many people Hanseol had on his side they couldn’t stop people who had trained for years. 

“You boys ready?” Minsuk asked them all. 

Namjoon took a look at everyone, getting nods of their heads. 

He turned back to the leader of guards for Yuri Lake. “Let's go.”

 The pass through the magical mirror-like lake felt much different than what you remember a few days ago. It was freezing cold but only for a few seconds. You didn’t feel wet like you thought you were going to but you did feel light as Jungkook helped you through. 

He was waiting on the other side along with the rest of the boys wanting to make sure you were more than okay. Once you caught your breath again, you gave them a smile allowing them to rest easy. While the others looked around in quiet contemplation you took the time to walk towards the entrance of the cave. 

Seeing the small cross waiting there had you stopping in your tracks. You felt the breeze blew through and into the cave, causing you to look up. When nothing caught your attention you turned back to the stone, trying to memorize it to heart. 

You felt something touch the back of your legs, causing you to turn but found nothing. The others had begun to make their way out, Hoseok’s eyes quickly landing on you before making his way over. 

“Do you think her parents hate me?” You asked quietly. 

“I don't think they would. It wasn't your fault.” Hobi comforted you. 

It hurt to think that you couldn’t remember anything from before. Your head couldn’t even come up with the things you could’ve done with Nabi before everything went wrong. You must have been friends with her before crossing into the other world. You had been coming to your grandparents home since you were a little kid. But your mind really couldn’t think of anything having to do wit her. 

“I want to know her story. What happened before and after everything.” You said, looking over at him. 

“I'm sure your grandfather will be more than happy to tell you after this, princess.” Yoongi passed by, giving you a smile. 

The familiar trek back to your grandfather’s house was easy. However once the building came into view and the back gate was left broken your eyes went wide and you rushed forward. 

“Wait!” Jungkook called out, having smelled something off with the house. “(Y/N)!”

You stopped at the patio, seeing most of the doors broken off or furniture thrown out into the open. The house itself was still standing but it was clear someone had forced their way in and were trying to find something specific. In this case you knew it was someone rather. 

“They were here.” Jungkook spoke up, his nose wrinkling up as he took a sniff around.

Your eyes began to sting, biting your lip to keep from making any loud noises to alert the others. However they could still easily see you picking up things with shaky hands.  

“Let's get a move on. We have to stay vigilant in case Hanseol left some of his men behind to guard the lake.” Namjoon added, looking around the trashed house. 

“I'm glad we told grandpa to stay back.” You spoke up, picking up a family photo.

“We'll help him rebuild later.” Jimin told you softly, picking up the other pictures that were thrown around. 

“All my grandmother's things.” Your breathing began to grow shallow, tears pooling at your eyes. 

“Here, I managed to find this in the rubble.” Jin came up to you, handing you a small metal circle.

“Her wedding ring.” You sniffled, turning the diamond over before putting it on your own finger. 

“It fits.” You choked on your tears, quickly being pulled into Jin’s embrace. 

Hoseok took your hand, fingers delicately running along the one that had your ring. You sniffled as his magic came from his own hands, wrapping themselves around the jewelry. He had a small smile on his face, looking proud of himself when he pulled back after he finished. 

“What did you do?” You asked, looking up at Hoseok.

“It won't fall off.” He explained with a smile. 

“So it's glued on?” Taehyung tilted his head. 

“It's magically glued on. She can take it off but only her–or us.” The witch explained. 

“Thanks Hobi.” You smiled, leaning up to give him a kiss. 

“You're welcome, Hun.” He smiled. 

“If I could, I would make you your own ring.” The boy rubbed the ring, smiling softly. 

“Your transfiguration is good though.” You told him. 

“Not perfect.” He shook his head. “And for you I want to make the perfect ring.”

“Why is it not perfect?” You asked. 

“Because I don't have my wings to perfect my spells. They are part of my energy and because they are gone things don't look as they should in my eyes.” He told you honestly, a sad look passing his eyes. 

You could easily remember the day you had met Taehyung for the first time. A boy who wanted to show you a magic trick–well what you thought was a magic trick at the time. It left you astounded and with wonder. You wanted to see more of what he could do. 

He was someone who left you wanting to know more about the childish side of things. It was who he was as a person, someone who could do so much and yet still stay as though nothing ever really affected him. You knew he was hurting as much as the others but that didn’t stop him from wanting to try his best to protect everyone just like the others. 

“I think everything you do is amazing. You got the others out perfectly. Wings or not, your magic is amazing.” You softly told him. 

Everyone had gathered outside in the courtyard in the middle of your grandparents home, watching as Namjoon seemed to fuss in and out of the building. 

“How will we get there? You say it's in Seoul.” Hwasa spoke up, looking as Namjoon seemed to close all the available doors to the house. 

“Bang Nim gave us some portal keys to enter.” He showed six different keys in his palms, all different sizes. 

“However I must let you all know, we will be heading directly into the facility. Be prepared to fight.” He took in a deep breath, looking around. “Are we all ready?”

“Are you?” Yoongi spoke up, looking at his closest companion. 

Namjoon turned to you, watching as you had a reassuring look this time around. “Always.”

Series Masterlist

@h3arteyes4mingi , @fangirling-all-the-way-tbh , @rinkund, @rln-byg , @singukieee ,  @hoshi-is-ult-bbg , @ldysmfrst , @juju-227592 , @alienchickenpoop , @dreamerwasfound , @afangirl91 , @psiphidragon , @puppyminnnie , @shyloh-the-cornsnake , @ollyoxenfrees , @whynotlarene , @beeltsumu , @cryingpages , @milopenne , @belikejk , @thatonedemigodfromseoul , @woozixo,

[mirisss]

So Sweet, Darling Ours

Poly! Vampire OT5 Boynextdoor x human! female! reader

Thank you so much for the request 🩰, I really appreciate it! You didn’t specify if it should be a female reader or a gender-neutral reader, I did write this with female pronouns, if you wanted it to be gender-neutral, send me another message and I’ll write another one but with the correct pronouns. 

I do use ‘brothers’ like ones or twice when describing the boys to one another but it’s because they are a part of the same coven, not because they are actual brothers, saying lovers in that context just didn’t sound as good, so I hope everyone understands what I’m going for and it’s not incest just for context. 

I didn’t include Woonhak because this felt a little too suggestive for him, at least in my opinion. 

Wordcount ≈ 13.1k (I got carried away, so enjoy)

Warnings: Blood, blood-sucking, some stalking, murder, violence, being tied up (not in a sexual way), it’s suggestive, mentioning of someone’s bulge, kissing, I think this is it, let me know if I’ve missed anything.

Third Person POV

The skies were clear, the streets buzzing with life, and every shop in sight was decorated with pumpkins, ghosts, and other Halloween things. Everyone was out enjoying the autumn market, children as adults, all were happily walking around looking at all the crafts, vegetables, and baked goods. Far down the line of stands, a young woman had her stand filled with pies and other autumny goods. She was smiling brightly at all who passed by, excited every time someone stopped to look at what she was selling, and even happier once someone bought something. 

“Oh dear, this pie smells delicious, it’s just like one my late mother used to bake,” An old lady approached the stand with a nostalgic smile as she smelt the familiar scent of her childhood. “Would you like to taste a bite?” “I would love to,” The young woman handed the old lady a spoon with a bite of a pie she had made to allow customers a taste. “It’s even better than the one my mother used to make, I’ll take one,” “I’m flattered, I’ll pack it up for you in a box so it’s easy to carry!” 

A little bit away from the young woman’s stand, stood a group of five young men, the group had been drawn to the market by a scent. A scent so sweet and alluring, that they couldn’t resist staying away. It was a scent no human creature could have noticed but their supernatural senses easily picked it up. The scent was so sweet that the men could barely hold back their fangs, the fangs that longed to taste the blood that had drawn them there. 

It took a while for them to locate the exact location of the human with the sweet blood, but once they did, they were all taken aback by the beauty of the woman who was the owner of the blood they now craved. Her smile rivaled the sun in brightness, and her seemingly warm and kind personality as she greeted and spoke with the old lady, all that combined with her sweet blood, she seemed like a gift from the moon goddess herself. 

The five vampires just had to have her, and not just her blood. 

“Ahhh, her blood must be made of gold or something, how can it smell so sweet and strong, she’s not even bleeding,” “Pull yourself together, Jae, we can’t just go in there and take her,” Sungho, as the oldest, reprimanded the leader of the group. “Ya, I know, but come on, have you ever smelled something like her before? I’m going crazy, being so close yet so far away,” “We have to be smart about this, we can’t take her here and now, but in a few hours, the market will close, she has to pack up and head home, that’s when we take her,” Taesan said and as he revealed his plan, the others nodded and smiled excitedly, it was the perfect plan. 

Easy, just wait a few hours, don’t let her leave their sight, and then kidnap her when no one else is around. Easy. 

Barely five minutes later

“I’m so bored already, are we really just going to stand here and stare at her? Shouldn’t we at least walk around so we don’t look suspicious?” Riwoo asked. “I wanna go look at the fish stand,” “Leehan, those are dead fishes, you do know that, right?” Taesan asked. “Mm, it’s better than nothing,” The youngest answered. The entire group turned and looked at their leader, waiting to see what he would say. “I mean, it wouldn’t hurt if we walked around, so long as someone is always keeping an eye on her so that no one else can snatch her before we do,” Jaehyun answered. “And how are we going to know if anyone is keeping an eye on her if we all walk around?” Sungho said. “I mean, we can take turns?” Sungho shook his head. “I’ll go and buy a drink from the stand beside hers and take a seat there, so the rest of you can walk around,” “Thank you, hyung!” The four others said before they moved away. 

It wasn’t long until the oldest of the group was joined at his table by Taesan who had had enough of the market already. “Find anything of interest?” “Nope, not a single quality item, or well, book, or something like that, so I’d rather sit here and enjoy the sweet, sweet scent of this one's blood,” “Hmm, I must say after moving closer to her stand, those pies and cakes, doesn’t smell too bad either, of course not as good as her blood, but I wouldn’t mind having a taste of those too,” The two continued sitting there in silence as their eyes were trained on the young woman who was moving around in her stand, selling item after item. 

A few minutes before the market closes

“Oh, I’m sorry sir, but the customer before you just bought the last apple pie, I still have a blueberry, a raspberry, and a pumpkin, if you would like one of those instead?” The middle-aged man scowled at (Y/n), upset that he didn’t get to buy an apple pie from her, he had come very late to the market and most stands were running low on their stock. “I don’t want blueberry, raspberry, or pumpkin, I want apple pie, so give me an apple pie,” (Y/n) tried her best to stay calm and kind. “As I just said, sir. I don’t have any more apple pies, the woman before you just bought the last one, all I have left is a blueberry, raspberry, and a pumpkin pie,” The man continued raising his voice, now almost screaming at (Y/n). 

Sungho and Taesan were still sitting at the same table, both now quite tired, ironic considering they’re vampires, but hell, those get tired too. They had been half-dozing off until they heard the commotion, they instantly noticed the man standing in front of the stand owned by the girl with sweet blood. Their instincts screamed at them to rush in and protect her, but listening to their instincts right now would end in a blood bath. But they had to do something. 

“Are you stupid, girl? How many times do I have to tell you? I WANT AN APPLE PIE!” The man raised his arm, ready to slap or hit the young woman in front of him, but before he could bring his arm down, it was grabbed in a very tight hold by someone else. The man furiously turned around to look at whoever was stopping him from taking out his anger. He was surprised to meet the glowing red eyes of what looked like a young man, the young man was quite tall, and he sported a smile on his face but anyone could tell it was fake, thanks to his smile, the man could see the fangs protruding out of the young man’s mouth. 

(Y/n) closed her eyes, expecting to feel the impact of the man’s hand or fist. But when nothing but a frustrated gasp came, she dared to open her eyes again, and she found a young boy standing close to her, he looked nice, he smiled brightly at her, behind him, (Y/n) could see another guy around the same age as the one before her, holding back the angry man. “Hi, are you okay? He didn’t hurt you did he?” “Um, no, yeah, I’m fine, thanks,” (Y/n) was mesmerized by the beauty of the guy before her. “I’m Sungho, by the way, that’s Taesan back there,” “I’m (Y/n),” “Nice to meet you,” Sungho held out his hand, (Y/n) hesitated a little but she thought she might as well shake his hand as he and his friend just saved her. 

Taesan pulled the man with him as he made sure to go somewhere where he was hidden from the girl’s sight, (Y/n)’s sight, (Y/n), what a pretty name, he thought. The angry man was terrified as he stared into the eyes of an angry monster. Or at least, a bloodthirsty one. “I’m sorry okay, you don’t need to do anything, please let me go,” “Mm, I could have let the screaming pass but, using violence because you were too late to buy a pie, nah I can’t do that, and, I’m actually quite hungry, so this is a win-win situation,” “How is it a win-win situation?” “It is for me, I get to eat - win, I get to make sure you can’t hurt anyone ever again - win,” Taesan’s smile was terrifying, like a maniac’s smile, the man knew that he only had seconds left to live, there was no negotiating with a vampire. 

“Any last words?” “I-” “Too slow,” And just like that, Taesan leaned in, and like a starving man, fed on the blood of the man, he wouldn’t leave a single drop, not when he could justify this death more than any other. Don’t hurt the things that he and his coven hold dear. Once he was finished emptying out all the blood the man had, Taesan dropped his body on the ground, wiping away the stray drops of blood from his chin, he retracted his fangs and calmed down himself so that he could go and face, (Y/n). 

Meanwhile, Sungho tried to keep (Y/n) occupied in her stand by talking and trying to help her clean up, considering that the market was closing down in just a minute, he didn’t calm down until he saw Taesan emerging calmly from the woods, alone. Sungho immediately knew what Taesan had done, he wanted to say it was the wrong method, but deep inside, Sungho knew he would have done the same thing. 

Just as Taesan came up and stood beside Sungo, the other three vampires also came into sight. As they saw their two brothers standing by the young woman with the sweet blood, they knew something must have happened because it wasn’t any part of their plan to interact with their soon-to-be victim. 

Sungho noticed the others and decided that it was probably time for them to emerge back into the shadows and wait for a better time to grab (Y/n). “We must be on our way, it was lovely to meet you,” He said with a charming smile and warm voice, (Y/n) felt a little sad at the revelation that the kind guy had to leave. “Thanks for the help with that man, here, take a pie as a thank you, it’s all I have that I can give you,” (Y/n) handed Sungho one of the pies that he had helped her pack up. “It was our pleasure,” He gently took the box from her hands and then he turned and left along with Taesan who hadn’t spoken a word since he returned, alone, after dragging away the angry man. 

Once the two boys had reunited with their other three brothers, Jaehyun and Riwoo looked a bit upset, while Leehan just looked bored. “How… Why…. When… Ahh, I don’t know what to say,” Jaehyun said frustratedly. “We know, we messed up the plan, but there was a valid reason for it,” Sungho began, followed by Taesan. “There was a man who was screaming at her and he was going to hit her, we had to step in,” “And where is the man, now?” Riwoo asked. Taesan just smiled as he showed his fangs which were still slightly covered in blood. “Um, guys? She’s leaving,” Leehan interrupted. “We’ll discuss this further tomorrow or something, for now, we continue with the plan,” Jaehyun said, as the five boys retracted into the shadows, almost becoming invisible so that they could follow the girl. 

(Y/n) clueless to the five vampires who were following her, happily picked up all of her things from the market and began her walk home. It would have been easier with her car but it decided to break down just the day before the market. “Ugh, my phone is almost out of battery as well, just my day, no car, an angry customer, and now no music on my way home,” She sighed, but continued on her way. Sungho heard her complaints from the shadows, and it almost made him feel bad about what they were going to do. 

(Y/n)’s arms were really starting to hurt because of the boxes she was carrying, she was exhausted and wanted nothing more than to lay down on her bed and sleep for a week. She put the boxes down on the little bench outside her door, trying to get her keys out of her pocket, when she suddenly heard the creaking of the floorboards on the porch, something that only happens when more than one person stands on it at a time. She tried to not panic but it only got harder when she saw another shadow joining her own, on the ground. 

When she finally grasped her keys, her heart was hammering, it was so loud that even her neighbors must have heard it. She unlocked her door, the plan was clear in her mind, abandon the boxes of pies and just try to get inside before whoever was behind her could follow, then slam the door, and lock it. Easy. 

She held the door handle in her hand, she felt her whole body shake, what if it was the man from before? What if he had followed her to get his revenge over a stupid pie? What if it was a serial killer? She had to try to survive, she couldn’t just give up, no matter how tired she was. (Y/n) gripped the handle just a little harder before she opened the door, she ran inside and slammed the door behind her, she didn’t dare breathe until she had locked the door. But her heart didn’t calm down at all, even though she was inside, because the moment she turned around to make sure the door was closing behind her, she still saw the shadow on the porch, but there was nobody to create the shadow. 

(Y/n) quietly walked over to a window to peek outside at the porch, and just as she feared, the shadow was there. It even moved around. Soon enough, the one shadow was joined by another, and another, and another, and even more more. Now there were five shadows. She sank down, hoping whoever, or whatever those shadows were, didn’t see her. But her hope was fleeting, the shadows already knew she was inside, there was no escaping them. 

Outside on the porch, the five boys were waiting, scheming, planning, and stalking their prey. “Hmm, should we have grabbed her before she got inside?” Leehan asked. As vampires, they can do a lot of things, but entering a home without an invitation was not one of those. “Probably it’s going to be much harder now, we need to come up with a new plan,” Riwoo answered. “I might have an idea, all we really need is to get invited inside,” Sungho said, he didn’t really explain any further, only that the others needed to hide. 

Sungho walked over to the road, he was still hiding in the shadows, so no one could see him. The other four were hiding in the shadow of a tree outside (Y/n)’s house. Sungho emerged from the shadows, now visible to anyone. He jogged up to the woman’s house, to seem like he had been jogging or running for a while. He stopped at the door and knocked. (Y/n) was confused inside, scared to open the door, but she slowly stood up and looked through the keyhole, surprised to find a familiar face. Sungho, one of the boys from earlier who had helped her, he was out of breath and seemed stressed. (Y/n) was still hesitant but she unlocked the door and opened it. 

“Sungho?” The young woman said in a confused tone. “Oh, (Y/n)? What a lucky day this is,” (Y/n) found nothing but genuine surprise in Sungho’s eyes, most of her anxiety washed away as she once again gazed into the warm eyes of this handsome young man. “What’s going on? Why are you here?” “Taesan is missing, we left the market together but now I can’t find him anywhere, we’re new to this town, so I thought maybe he had wandered into the wrong neighborhood instead of the one we live in, I’ve been running around for maybe an hour now, but no sign of him,” “Have you tried calling him?” “I would but my phone is dead,” (Y/n) contemplated her options, he and Taesan had helped her earlier so he was probably a good person, right? 

“Mine’s about to die as well, but if you come inside, we can hook it up to a charger and then you can call him,” Sungho smiled, (Y/n) saw a glint of something in his eyes, but she brushed it off. Ignoring all the red flags. “That sounds great,” Sungho said before he stepped inside (Y/n)’s house. (Y/n) didn’t know that she had just invited a monster into her home, but she would soon find out. 

“Where did you see him last?” (Y/n) asked as they walked into her living room, she sat down on the couch and plugged her charger into the phone, then gestured for Sungho to take a seat as well, which he did. “At the market, when we left your stand, we walked together for a little bit but then suddenly he was just gone,” (Y/n) thought it was weird, but then again, she didn’t know these guys, maybe it was normal for Taesan just to wander off. 

“Well if we just wait a few minutes for it to charge then you can try and call him,” “Sounds good,” Sungho said as he still held his charming smile, he seemed very calm now compared to when he was at her door, but (Y/n) didn’t think much of it. “So, is Taesan your brother or just a friend?” (Y/n) tried to make conversation, to ease her growing nerves. “It’s a bit complicated to explain, in a sense we are brothers because we belong to the same group, but we’re actually more like boyfriends I guess,” For the first time, (Y/n) saw uncertainty and maybe even embarrassment on Sungho. “Oh, that’s cool,” “How about you? Do you live alone?” “Yeah, I do, I used to live with my parents but they passed away so now I do everything I can just to keep the house, but it’s hard,” 

Sungho, once again, felt a bit bad about what was to come, but he knew, there was no stopping this, it was inevitable. “Could I borrow your bathroom?” “Of course, it’s the first door to your left if you go back toward the front door,” “Thank you,” Sungho got up from the couch and walked toward the hallway, he really did feel bad about this but he knew, or hoped, that everything would be fine, eventually. 

Once he was hidden from (Y/n)’s sight, he carefully opened the front door, happy that it didn’t make a lot of noise, and then he gestured for the others to come to the door, which they did. “Come on in,” Sungho whispered, and so the other four vampires stepped inside the house. The other four hid in their shadows so that (Y/n) wouldn’t notice them until it was too late. Sungho walked back into the living room, where he found (Y/n) looking at her phone. “It’s finally charged a bit so you can call Taesan!” She sounded so kind, so happy, so unaware of what was to come in a few seconds. 

Suddenly, the temperature in the room seemed to drop, it went from warm and friendly to cold and hostile. The lights were flickering on and off. The wind picked up outside, now howling angrily against all the bushes, trees, and houses. That was when (Y/n) noticed the four shadows traveling across the floor, from the hallway, toward her. She noticed that one shadow was missing, there had been five of them on the porch, and now there were only four, she looked at Sungho, finally noticing the conflicted look on his face. He was one of them. 

Finally, her fight or flight system kicked in, and (Y/n) tried to run, but how do you run and hide from shadows? You can’t. (Y/n) ran as fast as she could from the couch toward the kitchen, hoping that maybe grabbing a knife could help her a little, but before she could even take three steps from the couch, Taesan stood before her, he appeared out of nowhere. (Y/n) screamed, desperate for someone to hear her, but no one would, for no one else on the street was alive. The boys had made sure that no help would come, that no one would stand between them and what they wanted. 

(Y/n) turned around, hoping to run in another direction, but she was met with three unfamiliar faces blocking her path. And then there was Sungho. She felt anger taking over her body, almost pushing away the fear she felt, she had trusted him, and she had been a fool to do so. 

Just as (Y/n) was going to try and scream once more, one of the unfamiliar men stopped her, as he reached out a hand and gently caressed her cheek. “Shh, no one’s going to come, we’re the only ones here,” “Just kill me then,” (Y/n) managed to say, her body wouldn’t move, it wouldn’t push the stranger's hand away, she was frozen to the spot. “No, no, we don’t want to kill you, darling, we want you, all of you,” The man in front of her sent a chill down her spine as his eyes went from a deep brown into a glowing blood red color, fangs grew in his mouth, and as she saw this, she realized what they were. Vampires. 

Now as she looked around at all five men standing around her, she saw the same features on all of them. Blood-red eyes and fangs. That’s what Sungho meant by ‘brothers’ and ‘group’ he meant a coven. They belonged to the same coven. “Please, just let me go,” “We can’t do that, you see, Sungho and Taesan saved you earlier, therefore you are in debt to us, and the only way to repay it is to become ours,” Another one of them said, (Y/n) was frustrated and wished she knew their names so that she could curse them out. 

“I never asked them to help me,” “No, but they still did, therefore the debt remains,” “Can’t I just, give you money or something?” “No, darling, that’s not how it works, we name our price, and our price is you, we want you to be with us,” “Mm, we can’t let anyone else have this sweet blood of yours, you see,” Taesan spoke from behind her, his breath warm on her neck as he leaned close to her. “I’m sorry, (Y/n), but this is what fate wants, everything will be fine, just close your eyes,” Sungho said, his eyes went from red to more of a purple hue, and as he spoke, (Y/n) felt her eyelids grow heavier, his words seemed to be magic. And soon enough, (Y/n) could fight it no more, as her knees grew weaker, she fell asleep. Jaehyun caught her body, and so they carried her away from her home and brought her all the way to theirs. 

“I know it seems hard, Sungho, but this is what we had to do,” Leehan tried to comfort Sungho after they returned to their home. “I know, but the way she looked at me, it hurt more than it probably should, how is she ever going to forgive us?” “It will come eventually, once she understands, but I agree, we might not have acted in the best way,” “We can’t change the past, so we have to live with the consequences now,” Taesan said as he came into join Sungho and Leehan on their couch. “How’s it going?” “Jaehyun and Riwoo are making sure she can’t harm herself on anything when she awakens, Riwoo thought she might wake up in an hour or two,” “Okay, good,” 

After a while, the trio was joined by the other two vampires, who also sat down on the couch, it was a tight fit with all of them, but they didn’t mind cuddling to make space for one another. 

The five vampires soon fell asleep, tightly huddled together on the couch, just how they liked it. It wasn’t until a few hours later that they woke up to a loud scream coming from the other room. The room where (Y/n) was resting. The five vampires shot up from the couch, Jaehyun fell to the floor at the force of the others waking up before him. “Ow,” “Hey, you okay?” Riwoo asked as he reached out to help Jaehyun off the floor. “Mm, just tired,” “Let’s go, or our neighbor three towns over is going to hear her screams,” Leehan said, a bit annoyed both at being woken up and at the other’s not moving fast enough. 

Once the five boys opened the door to the room (Y/n) was in, they found the human girl lying on the bed, with an angry look on her face, ready to scream again but she stopped once she saw the five boys. “What the fuck is wrong with you? Why would you tie me up?” “So you wouldn’t hurt yourself,” Riwoo said, not seeing the issue. (Y/n) glared harder at the boy, she still didn’t know his name, it bothered her. “It’s uncomfortable, it hurts, so please, untie me,” The vampires looked at each other, regretting their choice of tying her up in the first place. 

Sungho walked closer to her, ready to untie her, but he stopped abruptly as the human glared at him, her eyes held many emotions swirling around in them. Hurt, sadness, anger, betrayal. He felt frozen by her gaze, he couldn’t move, he couldn’t do anything, his once human heart hurt as he realized just how much his actions had hurt the human. Maybe they should have gone about this differently, perhaps then, she wouldn’t hate them. Hate him. 

Leehan observed the eldest, and the conflict in his eyes, once the younger realized that the elder wouldn’t move, he himself stepped closer to the human. (Y/n) glared at him too, but Leehan didn’t care, he just did what he needed to in order to untie her. “Thanks,” (Y/n) said angrily as she carefully rubbed her wrists where some red marks began to show. Jaehyun and Riwoo gasped as they realized they had tied the restraints too hard, their eyes trembled, they never wanted to actually hurt her, but they had, in more ways than one. 

“First of all, we’re sorry, about everything,” Taesan said, shame written clearly on his face. “What the hell is going on? Why did you kidnap me?” (Y/n), scowling at the five boys, no monsters, in front of her. “Promise to hear us out?” Jaehyun said, shame overtaking him as well, so much so, that he couldn’t even meet the human’s eyes. “I will, if you tell me everything. And I mean everything about what is going on…” Leehan looked around, realizing that this is going to take a while to explain and it was uncomfortable standing around the bed. “Could we talk about this in the dining room or the living room? So we all can sit down?” He quietly asked. (Y/n) only nodded to answer the question before she carefully got up from the bed, observing the monsters around her, in case one of them would pounce. In case this was all just a game. 

All the vampires, except for Sungho, walked out of the room, thinking (Y/n) would follow them, Sungho waited for the human to leave before him. His heart hurt as she walked past him, not even sparing him a glance. He tried to reach out to her, but his hand froze mid-air, as he didn’t know how to reconcile this. Whatever they built up in a few hours, he completely ruined in a matter of minutes. Maybe he didn’t deserve her forgiveness, maybe none of them did, but Sungho felt the burden more than the others, for none of them had seen the way she looked at him. Sungho followed after her, but he kept his distance, not wanting to hurt her more than he already had. 

Soon enough, Riwoo, who led the group, arrived in the living room, he turned around to the group and gestured toward the couch. It wouldn’t fit all of them, it barely fit the five vampires. Riwoo sat down on the floor, facing the couch, Sungho followed him, deciding that it was probably best if he didn’t sit close to (Y/n). Taesan sat down on the couch, gently patting the space beside him as he looked at (Y/n), she glared at him but she still sat down beside him, trying to keep as much space between them as possible, Jaehyun then sat down on her other side, prompting Leehan to sit on the floor along with the two eldest. 

“Alright, tell me the story of how we ended up here, I’ll stay quiet until the end,” At this point, (Y/n) seemed to be so over this entire thing. It was kind of cliche. She had moved past the point of being scared, for the most part at least. 

“We’re vampires if you haven’t figured that out yet. We belong to the same coven, you know, like, group or family, though unlike most covens, we are all romantically involved, and um, yeah,” Jaehyun began, he didn’t know how to continue this though, it felt awkward. He’s been alive for far more years than it would seem, yet he still acts like that somewhat awkward and shy yet confident 21-year-old he was when he was turned. Riwoo sighed, but continued explaining. 

“I don’t know if you’ve ever heard about soulmates, but that’s kind of what we are, we are not only together because of normal feelings but because we are destined to be together. However, we have always felt like we are missing one final piece to our puzzle, and a few days ago when we arrived in this town, we began smelling this sweet scent, one much stronger than any other, which always happened when we found each other, basically it’s a sign to help us find our soulmates,” He paused for a second, inspecting the look on the girl’s face, seeing no clear confusion, he continued. 

“We searched for days, but couldn’t exactly pinpoint the scent to a single person or place, until the market. That’s when we found the source of the scent, you. You were the person who smelled so sweet and alluring that we couldn’t stay away. You are the final piece to our puzzle if you get what I am saying. However, none of us knew how to approach you, with the rest of us it was easy, seeing as it was always a mutual pull to one another, seeing as we all were vampires when we met, you are not.” That’s when Riwoo stopped, finding it hard to continue talking. So Taesan took over. He gazed at (Y/n) with powerful eyes, the same look she saw him with at the market after the ordeal with the angry man. 

“I stupidly suggested this plan, thinking it would be fine, however not everything went according to plan. Sungho and I weren’t supposed to talk with you, but we had to intervene when that man threatened you. You said you wanted to know everything so I’ll tell you what happened with him, he’s dead,” Taesan didn’t even flinch at the mention of the man’s murder, (Y/n) on the other hand, gasped, covering her mouth with one hand, the other cradling her chest, her heart beating rapidly. 

“I was so caught up in everything, first being so close to our final mate and not being able to actually be with you, then the protective instincts just took over, and before I knew it, he dropped to the ground, dead, empty, I sucked him dry of all blood he had, then I returned to see how you and Sungho were doing. And I was happy to see that Sungho had managed to make you smile again because your smile is really pretty, and then when we left you, we didn’t really leave, we followed you from the shadows, to, well, bring you here,” (Y/n) couldn’t deny the way her heart skipped a beat as he smiled as he mentioned her smile. She was still vary of them, but anyone would have melted for the charming and sweet smile that spread across the boy’s, vampire’s, lips. 

(Y/n) still felt like there was more she needed to know, so she turned her gaze away from the charming smile on Taesan’s face and instead zeroed in on Sungho, who met her eyes for a second and then looked away. “I never meant to hurt you, I didn’t, we didn’t think that this would be a problem, we forgot that kidnapping someone because you like them, isn’t a smart move, it’s just, when our instincts take over, it’s hard to see things rationally. I’m sorry, I’m so sorry for hurting you, for everything,” 

Leehan was the last one to speak, “Well, um, they kind of said everything, but yeah, we’re really sorry, we should have done this differently,” (Y/n) took that as her cue to be allowed to speak again. 

“Yes, you guys should have done this differently. Firstly, I always believed that vampires and such were true but never imagined I’d met one, nevertheless five. Secondly, you can’t just go around murdering people,” She directed a pointed glare at Taesan, who just shrugged his shoulders, still not regretting it. “Thirdly, how about talking, see this wasn’t that hard right? I would have listened to you even without the whole kidnapping thing. Fourthly, Sungho you really hurt me because I trusted you, I know that wasn’t part of your plan but instead of lying and doing what you did, you should have talked with me, that wouldn’t have hurt me. How am I supposed to trust you now? And that actually goes for all of you,” 

“You didn’t say anything about the soulmate thing?” Leehan stated though it still sounded like a question. All five of them eagerly waited, hoping, for her to say that she was okay with it, if she didn’t, they die, that’s unfortunately how it works with soulmates, but they didn’t want to pressure her, so they never mentioned that part. 

“I’m not fully sure what that meant, so correct me if I’m wrong. But does it mean, that we all date each other? Like a poly-relationship?” “Well, it’s more than just dating, it’s more like a marriage, not to pressure you or anything, but if you accept us, it’s kind of for life, no turning back,” Riwoo answered. “How does that work with me being human? You know, not immortal?” “We would turn you, so make you a vampire, if you accept us,” Jaehyun answered, hope shining brightly in his eyes as he gazed into (Y/n)’s. 

“It’s a lot to grasp, and I’m sorry but I can’t give you guys an answer right now,” The five vampires all felt their hearts breaking, but they still had some hope, right now. For now. “You guys haven’t really given the best first impression, so everything in me is screaming to say no. But I’m willing to give you guys a second chance of showing me that you’re not just stalker creeps that kidnap people,” 

“We’ll take it, it’s better than nothing, we promise to show you that we are better people, or vampires, than this,” Sungho said, daring to smile just a little at the thought of being able to reconcile with his final soulmate, he couldn’t hold himself back from hugging Leehan, needing to feel the closeness of one of his mates. Leehan was shocked at the act but still welcomed the skinship. (Y/n) once again recognized the Sungho she met at the market, but she wasn’t ready to forgive him just yet. 

(Y/n) returned to her home, setting up a deal with the vampires that they would meet every other day for 2 weeks, having dinners together, hanging out, and just getting to know one another. The vampires weren’t too happy about the fact that she wouldn’t stay with them, but they had to hold back their instincts if they wanted to make this work. 

Tuesday came and the five vampires were on their way over to (Y/n)’s house, they all felt nervous, like they were fifteen-year-olds once again, having a crush on a girl who didn’t even know them. They were determined to make this work, to make (Y/n) fall in love with them, the human way. From now on, there will be nothing but truth between them. 

They knocked on the door as they stood on the same porch they had been at a few days earlier. (Y/n) opened the door and smiled at them, though she was confused when they just stood there even though she had opened the door for them. “Um, right, we didn’t tell you, so, in order for a vampire to enter a human’s house, we need a verbal or written invitation, just opening the door isn’t enough,” Jaehyun explained, a rosy hue covering his cheeks, he didn’t know why he was embarrassed. “Oh, sorry, I didn’t know that, welcome in? Does that work?” “Yeah, that’s fine, or ‘come inside’ or anything like it,” Riwoo said as he stepped inside, the others following him. 

(Y/n) gestured toward her dining table for the boys to sit down, while she walked into the kitchen, stirring something in a large pot. The vampires all took a deep breath, not only were they surrounded by (Y/n)’s sweet scent but also whatever food she was making, smelled almost as good as the human herself. “Do you need any help with anything?” Taesan asked as he too walked over to the kitchen, while the rest of the boys took a seat at the table. “Um, I don’t think so, or actually, could you carry this over to the table? It’s quite heavy though,” “It might be heavy for you but not for me, you know, vampire strength and all,” (Y/n) chuckled at the joke but was delighted to see the boy taking the large pot and carrying it to the table without any struggle. 

“I hope you enjoy the food, I also made an apple pie for dessert,” “Woah, it smells so good, I haven’t been this hungry for human food for years,” Leehan said, quickly putting some of the food on his plate and immediately digging in, the others smiled at the action but followed suit. “Mmm, this is delicious, omg, I’m in love with your cooking skills,” Jaehyun exclaimed. “Oh, thanks, but it’s nothing special, just a stew,” “Just a stew? It’s the best stew I’ve ever eaten and I’ve been alive in a time where you ate nothing but stews,” Sungho said, the other three agreeing as they kept stuffing their mouths happily. 

And so throughout dinner, the six of them held some causal conversations, talking about everything and anything, the boys helped clean off the table once they were done eating. (Y/n) had underestimated how much they would eat, thinking she would have plenty of stew left but once everyone was finished there was not even a full portion left in the pot. She heated up the apple pie a little in the oven, but before she could remove it from the oven, Sungho came over and said he would do it, not wanting her to risk getting burnt. “Hey, I bake more pies than you’ve eaten in your lifetime, I won’t burn myself,” “You might and you might not, still, I’d prefer if I could do it for you, at least this one time,” Sungho tried to convince her by giving her the most charming smile he could muster. “Fine, can you take it to the table as well then?” “Of course,” 

And so the conversations continued for another 2 hours before it was time for the five vampires to leave. They all wished they could have stayed longer, but they knew they needed to comply with her wishes. 

The two weeks flew by in the blink of an eye, and before any of the six knew it, it was time for (Y/n) to make her decision on whether or not she would accept the five vampires, forever. 

(Y/n) was nervous as she walked up to knock on the door to the boys’ house, they might not have met in the best way but these past 2 weeks have been nothing short of a fairytale. In the 2 weeks, (Y/n) had seen beyond their monster, vampire, sides, and she had seen them being more human.  Even though there were still parts of her that screamed for her to run away, she didn’t listen to the warnings, she listened to her heart, and it said quite the opposite of her brain. 

“Hello there, darling,” Taesan said as he opened the door for (Y/n), the girl would be lying if she said the pet name didn’t affect her, cause it sure caused her to blush bright red. “Hi,” She whispered as she looked up at him. “Come on inside, here, give me your bag, I’ll bring it inside,” “Thank you,” Taesan took her over-night bag from her hands, his heart skipping a beat as his hand grazed hers, she was so warm, and soft, he wanted more, but he had to wait. 

(Y/n) walked inside, she somewhat remembered her way around since last time, when they kidnapped her, she found her way into the living room where she was met with the adorable sight of Jaehyun and Leehan half-sleeping on the couch, closely cuddled together. They smiled when they saw her, both of them raising a hand, giving her a small wave, before they settled back down into one another. (Y/n) heard some noise from the kitchen, assuming it was either Sungho or Riwoo, or both of them. 

(Y/n) began walking toward the noisy kitchen, but she was startled when someone tapped her on the shoulder, she whipped around fast enough to cause a whiplash. She was met with Taesan who smiled at her mischievously as he leaned down a little to meet her eyes. “Hi,” He said, his eyes sparkling with joy. “Hi, again, Taesan,” The boy smiled even wider as he looked into her eyes. “I’ve never seen you be so, I don’t know, excited in the 2 weeks I’ve known you,” (Y/n) said as she began walking once again, Taesan quickly caught up with her, walking side by side. 

“I’m just happy because you’re going to accept us,” “And how do you know that’s my answer?” “1. You brought an overnight bag, filled with stuff. You wouldn’t stay over unless you’re going to say yes. 2. You know how Sungho put you to sleep the night we kidnapped you? That’s his power, he can use a command and make people do some different things, mine is reading thoughts, so I know what you’re thinking. And thank you for thinking my smile is charming, it’s all for you,” He finished his sentence with a wink. “Omg, why didn’t you tell me that earlier?!? Ahh, I can’t be around you if you’re in my head,” “I promise I won’t poke around for the rest of the night, I can turn it off just like Sungho can choose when to use command and when not to,” “Mm, I’ll trust you, so you better keep that promise, and you can’t tell anyone else, I want to tell them,” “Of course, I won’t say anything,” 

Just as they finished talking, they arrived at the kitchen, (Y/n) could now clearly hear both Sungho and Riwoo talking and walking around. Taesan held the door open for her, Sungho and Riwoo both smiled happily as they saw (Y/n) in the door. “Hey, (Y/n)!” They both said in unison, causing everyone in the kitchen to laugh. “Hello to you too, Sungho and Riwoo!” “We hope you like [Your favorite food], we tried our best to make it,” Sungho said as he continued rushing around with ingredients. (Y/n) looked over at Taesan who had a sheepish smile on his lips, oh she knew that this was his doing. “Yes, it’s my favorite actually, but I’m sure you already know that thanks to someone,” “So, he’s told you then?” Riwoo said, feeling a little embarrassed. “Yeah, he just did,” “Sorry, we just, wanted to impress you, we would have told you after, though, after all, no more lies was one of our promises,” 

“About that, Taesan can read minds, Sungho has ‘command’ or whatever you call it, what’s your ability, Riwoo?” “I can heal other people’s injuries, so let’s say you get a cut, I can heal it in a few seconds, more severe injuries take more time but I can pretty much resurrect someone from death if they died within five minutes of me using my power,” “Ohh, that’s so cool,” “Yeah, but also not that useful when you live with four other vampires who have supernatural healing, I rarely ever get to use my power,” “It’s still cool though,” “I guess,” 

“What powers do Jaehyun and Leehan have?” “Leehan has the power of ‘copy’, if he touches someone who has a power he can copy that power and use it for a few minutes,” “So if he touches Taesan, he too can use mind reading?” “Exactly,” (Y/n) nodded, that must be quite useful, to be so versatile. “Jaehyun has the power to summon and control fire, probably one of the stronger powers we have in our group,” “What do you mean, summon?” “He can conjure fire out of nowhere, so he doesn’t need an already existing fire to manipulate it, he can create it from his own body. Which is why he’s warm, like a human, and not cold, like the rest of us,” (Y/n) had noticed the difference in temperature, but she never mentioned it. 

“Hmm, I don’t know which one I’d say is the most powerful, command and copy seem quite useful, of course, fire is good too, mind reading can be very helpful in many cases, being able to save someone from death is super cool, so I don’t know, seems like they all are very useful,” (Y/n) said. “Mm, we shouldn’t complain, not all vampires get an extra power, some don’t even get the standard enhanced strength or speed, some just get the immortality and the blood thirst,” Sungho said, not thinking too much about his phrasing. 

“About the blood thirst, just how bloodthirsty are you?” The three vampires laughed, soon followed by two more laughs from outside the kitchen, the extra laughs belonged to Jaehyun and Leehan who had decided to end their nap time, they walked inside the kitchen, standing close behind (Y/n) and Taesan. Jaehyun wrapped his arms around Taesan from behind, leaning his head against the tall boy’s back. “Not much, I should have said it better. We very rarely indulge in human blood, only doing it when we really have to, like the incident with the angry man, other than that, we do just fine with some animal blood, every other month or so,” “Oh, so you won’t just attack me for my blood?” “No, we would love a taste because it smells so sweet and delicious, but as long as you’re not comfortable with it, we won’t do anything,” Jaehyun answered, his voice a bit muted by Taesan’s back. 

“Dinner’s ready!” Riwoo exclaimed loudly, causing Jaehyun to jump out of surprise. (Y/n) laughed at the reaction, finding it cute how a creature so dangerous could be so incredibly cute. “Leehan, help us carry these out to the table, Taesan take the cups, and Jae, why don’t you lead the way,” Sungho said, not trusting their leader to be awake enough to carry anything. “Should I help carry anything?” (Y/n) asked, but all five of the boys looked at her, with hurt in their eyes. “NO! You’re a guest here, you don’t have to do any of the job, just enjoy the service,” Riwoo said, a little harsh in the tone to prove a point. “Alright,” (Y/n) turned back around to follow Jaehyun who began walking toward their dining room. 

Dinner went by smoothly, conversation flowing like it had for the past 2 weeks, four of the vampires were nervous, eager to know what (Y/n) had decided, they didn’t know that Taesan already knew, but they wondered if he did, his mannerisms not showing any hints. No one asked about her decision during dinner, not wanting to break their own hearts too early, if she said no. She seemed so happy, so comfortable, surely she would say yes, they thought, but who knows, this could be the calm before the storm. 

As Leehan and Taesan began cleaning off the table, Riwoo, Sungho, and Jaehyun, nervously sat around the table with (Y/n), staring at her intently. “I’m not gonna say anything unless everyone is here, it’s better if you all find out at the same time,” (Y/n) said, not mentioning the fact that Taesan already knew, and she wondered if Leehan knew too, considering he could have copied Taesan’s power, but he still seemed nervous when he left the room, so maybe he hadn’t. 

“It’s hard to wait, especially when we really wish for a certain turnout, but don’t know what you’re thinking,” Jaehyun said, as a nervous smile took over his face. “Mm, one of you can know what I am thinking though, or actually make that two,” “Mm, but Taesan would never spill, especially if you aren’t accepting us, he barely ever tells anyone else about what he hears, he knows thoughts are supposed to be private. And Leehan rarely copies Taesan’s power, he finds it too weird, the way he hears the thoughts,” Sungho answers. “Mm, it’s true, it’s so creepy, it gives me the chills,” Leehan said as he walked back into the dining room. “That’s the downside of copy, the manifesting of the power isn’t the same for Leehan as it is for the owner of the power, for me, hearing people’s thoughts doesn’t sound the same for me as it does for him,” Taesan said as he too emerged back into the room. 

“Okay, we’re all here, so, what have you decided?” Riwoo said. All of the boys sat eagerly in their seats, leaning forward, closer to (Y/n), hoping to hear the words they yearned for. 

(Y/n) took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a second, she was nervous, nervous about how her life would change, but also excited, the two weeks she spent with these five boys, had been two of the best weeks of her life, so she was sure, what followed would be just as good, or maybe even better. 

“I -” The vampires could barely take it, wishing she would just spit it out already, too nervous to wait any longer. The anticipation ate away at them. 

“- accept you,” 

All five of the boys shot up from their seats, cheering loudly, happy that they were finally whole, they weren’t missing a piece of their souls anymore. 

Taesan who had known the outcome the entire night, couldn’t hold himself back anymore, so he walked over to (Y/n) who looked at the others with delight and shock in her eyes at their reactions. Taesan wrapped his long arms around her, bringing her close to his body, his heart soared at the closeness, her scent bringing him to cloud nine. He looked deep into the human’s eyes, smirking as he saw (Y/n)’s eyes flickering between his own and his lips. He took it as an invitation, leaning in, and finally placing his lips on hers in a passionate yet calm kiss. 

The others gasped at his boldness, almost upset they weren’t the first to taste their newest soulmate, but they still felt happy, because they knew, she loved them all, just like they loved each other, including her. 

Taesan was eager, he wanted more from the kiss, but he felt (Y/n) lightly grasping his shoulders, so he broke the kiss, not wanting to overwhelm her too much, after all, they would spend eternity together, so they had time to take things slow. 

Riwoo was the next one to walk up to (Y/n), asking gently if it was okay for him to lean in, (Y/n) didn’t answer him, instead, she was the one who leaned in, Riwoo happily accepted the kiss, his hands finding solace on her waist, he barely put any pressure, afraid that he would wake up from this dream, the dream of being whole. 

(Y/n) broke the kiss with Riwoo, her knees feeling weak, overwhelmed after just kissing two of her, boyfriends? Soulmates? She wondered what she should call them, but the thought quickly went to the back of her mind as Taesan caught her before she fell, her knees truly had gone weak. “Sorry, I accidentally listened to your thoughts again, the kiss broke my blocking,” “It’s okay, it was good that you did this time,” Taesan smiled and nestled his head on her shoulder. “Maybe we should calm down, and maybe also take this to the living room instead of the dining room,” Jaehyun said, concern evident on his face, it was different bonding with a human, vampires can take so much more before it become too much, so they had never had to wait for something as they do now. 

“Actually, I think I need to lie down on a bed for a while, this is a lot and I’m feeling lightheaded,” (Y/n) said, ashamed that she shouldn’t even kiss them without almost fainting. “Hey, don’t worry, it’s okay, we knew from the start that this would be different from when we bonded, if you need a minute, a day, a week, even a year, we’re fine with that because we know that we will always be together, we don’t need to rush this,” Sungho said as he walked over to (Y/n) and Taesan who was still holding her close, Sungho caressed her cheek as he gazed lovingly into her eyes. “Come on, we’ll help you to the bed,” Sungho and Taesan helped her walk to the same bedroom she had woken up in a few weeks ago, once inside the room, (Y/n) found the bag that she had brought, waiting on the bed, this must have been where Taesan brought it when she arrived at their house. 

“So, you’ve known since she came what she would say?” Sungho said, giving a pointed look to Taesan, while (Y/n) sat down on the bed. It was still just as soft as it had been two weeks ago, but this time, she accepted the feeling of it, instead of trying to escape. “Yeah,” “Mm, we assumed you would have, but this would have let us all know her intentions,” “We all agreed that she should tell us on her own, so when I saw the bag, I hid it away, to make sure, that we could at least eat dinner in peace,” “Thank you, for that, by the way, and for helping me walk here,” (Y/n) interrupted their conversation, she moved further up the bed, making herself comfortable as she laid down. 

“You’re welcome, and just call our names if you need anything, we’ll come in the blink of an eye,” Taesan said as he walked out of the room, Sungho turned around to follow the younger vampire, but he hesitated, he turned back around, facing (Y/n) who was giving him a curious look. “Is it okay if I sit down for a while?” “Yeah, of course,” He sat down at the foot of the bed, close but still keeping his distance. 

“I just wanted to apologize again, I know that I hurt you, more than the others, and I hate that I did that, so I just wanted to apologize again, even though I’ve said it many times, I really am sorry,” (Y/n) sat up again, leaning forward, taking Sungho’s hand in hers, “It’s okay, I was really hurt, and I was angry, but you’ve made up for it, and you’ve apologized enough for it, I understand why you did what you did now,” Sungho almost felt like crying, finally part of that burden lifted from his shoulders, maybe he could reconcile with her. 

“I should let you rest now,” He said as he stood up, but (Y/n) gripped his hand even stronger, almost trying to pull him back down, though she couldn’t because of his strength. “Stay with me?” And who was he to refuse such a wonderful request? Sungho walked to the other side of the bed, laying down beside (Y/n), though he stayed on top of the blankets, still wanting to give her the space she needed. His heart skipped a beat as the human crawled a little closer, resting her head on his chest, and so she slowly but surely fell asleep as one of his hands gently rubbed her back. 

Taesan heard the interaction, but he wouldn’t ever tell anyone exactly what he had heard, instead he simply told the others that (Y/n) had wanted Sungho to stay with her. The other four made themselves comfortable on the couch, some movie playing in the background as they took a nap, nuzzled in one another’s embrace. 

An hour later, (Y/n) woke up again, feeling more energized, though her face was painted red as she realized she was cuddling Sungho. She admired his handsome face as he slept peacefully, though he was cold because of his vampire traits, (Y/n) still felt undeniably warm, she had half a mind to just nuzzle back into him and fall asleep again, but just as she was about to do that, Sungho opened his eyes, smiling. 

“Admiring the view?” (Y/n) blushed even more, there was no denying it, he had caught her red-handed. “I… um, yes?” “No need to be embarrassed, darling, you can look at me just as much as you want, you can do whatever you please, I’m all yours,” “Mm, not all mine though, I share you with the others,” Sungho smiled even wider at that. “That’s true but… Right now, I’m all yours,” The look that Sungho gave (Y/n) was intoxicating, it was addicting, she couldn’t hold herself back from straddling his lap, her lips quickly finding his. 

Sungho wasted no time in responding to her kisses, his hands finding solace in her hair and on her waist. Having her so close, drove him crazy, her scent, her taste, her warmth, everything was making his instincts run wild. Before he knew it, Sungho had begun to shift, his fangs now sharp and visible, his eyes a glowing red. (Y/n) gasped as she broke the kiss in need of air, her eyes trailing his face, looking in on his red eyes, he thought she might be afraid but he found no fear in her eyes as she dove back in to continue kissing him. 

His fangs lightly poked her lips as they kissed, causing a tiny cut, and a single drop of her blood spilled past it, into his mouth, the taste of her sweet blood, almost made him lose control over himself. He wanted more, be he had to slow down. Sungho managed to break the kiss, he gently caressed her cheek, leaning her forehead against his. “As much as I love everything that’s going on right now, we should probably calm down, or I won’t be able to hold myself back,” (Y/n) could feel his bulge against her, but she said nothing about it, she felt almost embarrassed but only almost, because mostly, she was feeling excited, happy, almost like she was drunk on the taste of him. 

“Yeah, maybe we should,” Now, as she came down from her high, (Y/n) felt a little shy, she had never been so bold with anyone before. Just as she was going to move away from his lap, Sungho’s hands shot up and stopped her. “Um, just stay still for a little while,” (Y/n) felt less shy as she saw that he too, was struggling in this situation, but so she settled down again, laying down with her head in the crook of his neck. 

They stayed like that until Leehan came into the room to let them know that he and Riwoo were heading out for a while, and that Jaehyun wanted to talk with (Y/n) before she fell asleep again. (Y/n) imagined she’d be embarrassed because of the position they were in, but she didn’t, she felt more like inviting Leehan into joining them on the bed, the vampire looked so tired and cuddly but she only whispered ‘okay’ before he was gone. 

“Okay, let’s get up, you go find Jaehyun and I’ll go make you some tea, how’s that sound?” “Good, thank you,” Sungho just smiled at her as he helped her climb off him and the bed. He missed her warmth immediately but he knew that they would be back soon enough. 

They walked out of the bedroom, Sungho’s supernatural hearing easily picking up Jaehyun’s voice from the living room as he was bickering with Taesan about something. “He’s in the living room, Taesannie’s there too, I’ll be in the kitchen for a little while if you need me,” Sungho said before leaning down and planting a loving kiss on (Y/n)’s temple, he straightened up himself after that and left toward the kitchen. (Y/n) continued toward the living room, and as she came closer, she too could hear the playful bickering from inside. 

“What are you two fighting about?” (Y/n) said as she walked into the living room, Jaehyun and Taesan sat on the couch, close together yet they seemed to be playfully glaring at one another. “Nothing important, just some stupid thing about whether cats or dogs are better,” Taesan answered, a dopey smile on his face now that (Y/n) was there. “Mm that is a silly argument, anyway, Leehan said that you wanted to talk with me,” (Y/n) pointed at Jaehyun as she said it. Feeling a little nervous, not knowing what this would be about. 

“Right, yes, we were supposed to talk about this earlier but then everything else happened and we thought that we might as well wait for a little, but it is important that you know these things,” (Y/n) sat down on the other couch, facing Jaehyun as he spoke, though he wore a serious look on his face, the tense atmosphere was easily lifted by Taesan who was laying half on Jaehyun’s lap, almost looking like a cat. 

“So being mated to vampires is a bit complicated with the whole immortality part of it, as well as our blood thirst, when we spoke earlier we said that we would turn you into a vampire as well if you wished for it, we should have let you know that if you chose not to turn, you stay human, but the day that you die, we will follow soon after because we can’t survive without our soulmate, in our case, soulmates, not to pressure you but you should know all the facts. We can wait a bit with turning you if you don’t want to do it right this second, but we shouldn’t wait more than a year or two. We should also say that we can’t become fully intimate unless you’re turned because well, vampires aren’t very good with holding back when it comes to those moments,” 

Jaehyun blushed as he ended his little speech. (Y/n) did too, now understanding why Sungho’s eyes had turned red the second they did more than just innocent kisses, and why he was adamant about slowing down. “Oh,” Was all she said in response. “Yeah, people think werewolves are wild in bed, but they are nothing compared to vampires,”  Taesan said, still keeping his tone light and playful. “OH,” (Y/n) said again but louder, blush taking over even more of her face. 

Sungho appeared in the room just as he heard the loud exclamation from (Y/n). “Ya, what are you two telling her?” He went over with the cup of tea and put it down on the table in front of (Y/n) and then he took a seat beside her. “We’re just talking about if and when to turn her, and why it would be beneficial to do so,” Sungho glared at Jaehyun for a second but then he eased up and turned to (Y/n). “What they told you is true, but you should think about this on your own, without us pressuring you to choose what we want,” 

“I actually figured, even before we spoke earlier, that you would have to turn me, I mean none of you were born as a vampire so surely the turn is the most reasonable answer. It will be a big change but I don’t mind it, I know I’ll be safe with you guys,” 

The three vampires looked at her with shocked expressions on their faces, they never assumed a human would be so calm about this. They sure hadn’t been when they first turned. They all panicked and tried to fight it, so they assumed it would take time for (Y/n) to come around as well, if she ever did, but to see her so calm, almost scared them. 

“Are you sure?” Jaehyun asked, still believing this to be some sort of lie, a calm-before-the-storm type of feeling. He looked down at Taesan, giving him a sign to use his telepathy on (Y/n) to see if this truly was her thoughts or if she was simply saying it to please them. Taesan understood the sign and opened his mind focusing on (Y/n). 

“Taesan, if you are in here, get out, I told you not to read my mind…” Taesan jumped in his seat, leaving his comfortable pillow - aka Jaehyun’s lap-,  as (Y/n) spoke directly to him through her thoughts, only Jaehyun had done that before, and that was a creepy feeling, more similar to what Leehan felt when he copies the power. “Ahh, I’m sorry, he told me too,” Taesan held his head with one and and pointed the other at Jaehyun. “Why?” Jaehyun sighed, looking down at the floor, feeling ashamed. “We have never encountered a human willing to just turn, like this, not even we wanted to, we all fought it, thinking it was the last thing we wanted, needed, now we love it, but we didn’t always, So it feels wrong to see you accept it, so quickly,” He explained. 

“So, you tried poking around in my brain to see if I was hiding something?” He just nodded, still looking at the floor. “What I said is my true thoughts, sure it seems scary but I’m not doing this alone, I have all of you by my side, and when I think of that, it’s not too scary anymore,” Jaehyun dared meet her eyes again, he was nothing but sincerity in them, and with that, his anxiety over this completely vanished, she was right, they had all been alone, she isn’t, and they aren’t anymore either. They can do this together. 

“Are you still too tired for some more kissing or could I maybe, just possibly, if you want, and care for it, maybe I too could, you know-” “You want a kiss, Jae?” (Y/n) interrupted his rumbling, chuckling at how cute he was, a minute ago he looked ready to cry, the minute before that he was a serious as an owl, and now he was as excited as a puppy. “Yeah, but it feels wrong to ask for one,” “I don’t know how much energy I have, your kisses seem to take a lot out of me, but I think I have enough for at least a little kiss,” 

Jaehyun happily stood up from the couch, poor Taesan almost falling off as he was still sitting very close to the older vampire. Jaehyun carefully dragged (Y/n) up to a standing position, Sungho stared at the action, cautious of the teacup in front of them. “I’ll be careful, just hold onto me,” Jae said as he then leaned in, (Y/n) looked up at him, feeling nervous, but she brushed it away as their lips met. His lips were soft and warm, so different from the others, his firepower really showed in his body temperature, it was welcoming, and intoxicating, it spread butterflies and fireworks throughout her stomach and entire body. 

Jaehyun kept his word, keeping the kiss light and careful, but even so, (Y/n) began feeling weak in the knees once more, the overwhelming warmth she felt in his embrace combined with the warm sips of tea she had taken, caused her to overheat, she gripped onto his arms but it wasn’t enough to keep her standing, Jaehyun sensed it and released the kiss, holding onto her as he helped her sit down on the couch once more. 

“Are you okay?” Sungho asked as he felt her cheeks and forehead. “Damn you’re burning up, I didn’t think you’d react so much to Jaehyun’s heat, I mean we don’t, so we didn’t consider that you would either,” He continued. “I’m fine, just a little warm, and well, as I said, kissing you guys, is a lot, I like it, but it’s a lot,” Taesan stood up from his spot on the couch. “Do you want something cold to drink then? Water, juice, soda?” “Water is fine, thank you,” Before she could understand what was happening, Taesan left the room so fast she couldn’t even blink before he was back with a glass full of ice-cold water. 

She accepted the glass, “Woah,” Taesan smiled at her. “Yeah, you know, supernatural speed and all that,” He returned to his seat on the other couch, once again cuddling up to Jaehyun, who had sat down once he knew (Y/n) was alright. “Right, forgot about that for a second,” (Y/n) took a sip of the water, the cold felt very refreshing for her throat. “Thank you, for the water, and for the tea,” “No worries, we’re here to serve you, my lady,” Taesan joked. “We’ll do anything to help you settle in, and anything even after that, because we want to take care of you, give you the princess treatment,” Sungho said after Taesan’s joke, giving the younger boy a playful glare. 

“Riwoo and Leehan’s back,” Taesan said out of nowhere, “How do you know?” (Y/n) asked, Taesan only pointed to his head and looked at (Y/n). “I’m very in tune to my soulmates, so I can hear you guys from quite a distance, the second any of you steps onto our territory, it’s like I get a signal and I just know you’re back, even if I don’t listen for it,” “Oh, that’s pretty cool,” “It’s a way of finding each other if we ever get lost somewhere,” 

“Hello there, talking about us?” Riwoo said jokingly as he and Leehan stepped into the living room with two bags filled to the top with groceries. So that’s where they went. (Y/n) thought. “Mm just talking about how nice it was without you guys here,” Jaehyun jokingly said, to which he got a mad glare from Riwoo in response. “If that’s the case then we’ll leave again,” Jaehyun immediately looked apologetically at his boyfriend, “NO! We don’t want that, I was just joking, you know how much I, we, love you,” 

“Just messing with you Jae, we wouldn’t ever leave, now come help me with the groceries, Leehan is too tired to do it,” Jaehyun wanted to argue that he too was far too tired but he figured it would be for the best, if he just did as Riwoo had asked. “Alright, Hannie, you go sit down and rest,” Leehan happily handed over his bag of groceries to Jaehyun and went over to the couch, though he went to the one where (Y/n) and Sungho sat, instead of the half-empty one with only Taesan on it. Leehan smiled shyly as he looked at (Y/n), asking with his eyes if it was okay for him to sit down beside her. 

“Do you want to sit down here?” (Y/n) asked as she slightly hit the spot beside her. Leehan smiled wider and nodded, still feeling a little shy. Sungho smiled gently at the youngest, he chuckled slightly before he got up from his seat, moving over to Taesan who happily draped himself over the eldest. “There, now there’s plenty of room for you on the couch,” Sungho said as he sent a wink to Leehan. “Thanks,” The youngest said before he sat down beside (Y/n). He kept some distance between them, not wanting to make her uncomfortable, yet he yearned to feel her closer. 

“I, would it be okay, or, um, never mind,” (Y/n) looked at Leehan a bit confused, this was not the same guy that she met that first night, he seemed confident and fearless whereas this one, right here beside her, seemed so timid and cute, it was shocking how stark the contrast was. It was intriguing, she wondered if he was always this way when more in control of his vampire side, or perhaps this was the vampire and the other, the human. 

“Hey, you don’t have to be shy around me, I’d love to hear what you have to say,” (Y/n) moved closer, their legs now touching, a shiver shot through her body at the contact, she reached over to grab one of his hands in hers, gently holding it, marveling at the difference in size. Leehan too felt a shiver run down his spine at the contact, though he imagined he would feel even more nervous at this, the hand-holding at the legs touching, made him feel grounded, safe, loved. The same feeling he gets from the other guys. The guys he loves more than anything, the people most important to him. And now there’s one more person to add to that group, and she was sitting right here, beside him, holding his hand, looking lovingly into his eyes. 

“I just wanted to ask, if you wanted to, maybe, cuddle with me?” Leehan tried to keep eye contact but at the end of his sentence it became too much and he looked down at their hands. Finding that they fit just perfectly together. (Y/n) squeezed his hand in her hold a little, hoping he would return his eyes to hers, but he stayed locked in on their hands, a lovesick smile on his face. “I’d love to,” (Y/n) answered, and before she knew it, Leehan had maneuvered them into a spooning position with him lying behind her, his strong arms holding onto her, keeping her close to him, making sure she wouldn’t fall off the couch, his face nuzzled tightly into the crock of her neck, he sighed happily as he quickly drifted off to sleep, exhausted from the day’s events. 

(Y/n) stifled a laugh as she settled down in his arms, exhaustion catching up with her as well, the closeness to Leehan brought comfort and safety with it, making it very tempting for her to simply, close her eyes and fall asleep with him. But she fought it in order to at least say good night to the rest of her new-found boyfriends. (Y/n) looked over at Sungho and Taesan who were snuggling on the other couch, both of them just a step away from falling asleep, Riwoo and Jaehyun returned from the kitchen just then, smiling as they saw their lovers, their family, so happy and cozy, they wished they could join the two pairs but their couches were too small, so the remaining couple whispered good night, and then left to sleep in one of the bedrooms, leaving the rest to sleep where they were. 

And so, the six soulmates fell asleep, finally able to rest peacefully as they were now complete, no longer missing a piece, or five, drawn together by the sweet smell of one's blood, now forever entangled with one another, forever together.

[kookygranger]

Sparks Fly

Ghost!Steve Harrington x Witch!Reader

Series Masterlist

700 words

You rub the pinched spot in your lower back, waiting for the wheat pack in your microwave to finish heating up as you stare at the half-packed boxes and all the little bits and pieces that still need to be wrapped and boxed up.

“I can help.”

His voice makes you jump, still not used to one outside your head interrupting your space. You turn and watch him over your shoulder, arms crossed and biceps squished under his tight striped polo.

“Go on then.”

His eyes flicker towards you, wavering in his unfounded confidence before he walks to your desk. His hand stretches out, veins that seem to become clearer every day moving under skin that could easily pass for sun-kissed and animated, if anyone else could see him. It flexes for a moment above a ceramic teapot, hesitating before he makes a grabbing motion that passes right through it.

You click the side of your cheek, “Close one,” and move back to the kitchen when you hear the beep of the microwave, missing the way Steve’s shoulders deflate. You can feel his presence behind you as you press the heat into your lower back, sighing with relief.

“So uh, why is it you’re leaving again? This place really…fits you.”

You turn around, watching him take in all the tweaks of personality around your kitchen with a shoulder to the doorframe.

“Some of the coven is parting ways, and I sided with Rhi and her vampire lover. I can’t stay here with a good conscience, besides,” you shrug as you place a kettle over the stove, “it’s just stuff. It can all come with me.”

Steve hums, and you turn back towards him.

“What did that noise mean?”

“Nothin’” he shrugs, “Just I was wondering,” his hazel eyes burrow into your soul, making you squirm under his gaze, “can I come with you?” He shifts at the ill-hidden shock on your face.

“You want to come with me? Shouldn’t you be,” you waved your hand in the air, “moving to the next place? I thought you talked to Rhi?”

“I did. She told me to stop freaking you out and let the light consume me or something.”

“So?”

“I don’t want to. I wanna stay with you.”

You frown, “Oh.”

“Unless you don’t want me to,” he clears his throat. “I guess I could…go.”

You shake your head, “No, I mean–if you want to stay, you can. It’s your…afterlife.”

“And go with you?”

“If it’s what you want?”

“What do you want?”

You take a deep breath, your chest puffing before exhaling slowly. “I’ve almost gotten used to your…” warmth, “commentary.” He smirks and your eyes drift to the permanent shadow of fuzz that frames his pink lips. You wonder if he regrets not shaving on the day of his death.

“So, I’m coming with you?” You shrug in a non-committal yes, and his face morphs into a frown, “How do I do that?”

You roll your eyes, moving to grab a mug out of the cupboard as the water begins to boil. “Figure it out, ghost boy.” You can feel his smile without needing to see it, a tingle spreading down your spine in its wake every time.

***

The familiar warmth was the first thing you’d noticed when you’d walked into your new apartment, following a trail through to the living room until you came across his ethereal form, more real than ever, leaning against the wall. Arms and feet casually crossed with that smug smile plastered on his face.

“Found ya.”

It was closer to the city, your new place. An easier route to the nightlife and music scene but entirely lacking in the coating of magic that had been left over the hundreds of years you’d spent in the house situated in the coven’s community. It was a blank canvas, but you’d sprinkle some of that cosmic energy into the space in no time.

You groan as your back clicks, stretching out another day of moving pains and surveying your progress. You’d gotten the kitchen and essentials unpacked in one day, just books, records, frames and crystals left.

“Alright, I’m ordering takeout for dinner.” It was weird. No longer just talking to yourself. Feeling another presence in your space.

His hand reaches out in reflex, motioning to squeeze your arm, and you feel a hot point of contact, flinching at the zap that travels through your arm. Steve frowns, staring at where his hand had touched you, then looks back up at you, mirroring your look of shock.

“What the hell was that?”

[covens-silly-secrets]

Voltron incorrect quotes pt 1

pidge: I told Keith that if he disappeared on some stupid mission without telling us again I’d beat him with his own lion

Lance: then why haven’t you?

pidge: well, I can’t find him

totally not loosely based on an interaction between my friends

[shutupineedtothink]

Revised Trial theory post Ep. 5

GodDAMN it yall.

This show just won't stop the twists and turns, so my brain's not stopping either.

I got another one for ya. Still going with my maiden, mother, crone framework, slightly revised.

Spoilers and potential spoilers below the cut!

So shout out to the Previewed boys for their YouTube reaction to this ep and getting my gears turning when Adam said, oh, they didn't change the aspect ratio for this trial. 👀👀👀 Meaning it’s not a real Trial. Man doesn't know what he got me into.

Okay here's the deal, I think this is a "false" trial created by the Seven to punish Agatha. That's what they want, right? It accounts for a lot of the stuff we saw in the trial not quite matching the previous trials, and where we left things as well. If this was a real Trial, and we’re going with the Road wants to help these women overcome their trauma, (as happened with Jen and Alice), then Agatha definitely didn’t get a true trial. There was no opportunity for her to overcome anything here, just pain and trauma. Her getting out of the trial depended completely on the mercy of others, not anything in her control, unlike the previous trials.

Narratively, it also means that Agatha, our main, gets essentially TWO trials to flesh out her character and backstory more. Probably one to address her OG coven and her mom, as we saw in ep 5, and one to address what happened with Nicky and Rio.

Here’s the breakdown:

We start the ep running away from the Seven. Everything through the broom chase is “real.” Then right before they get into the house, everyone flies through the bees/bugs Seven member, led by Agatha. This is when the false trial starts/everyone is trapped in an illusion designed to punish Agatha, created by the Seven. They all run into the house but the Seven don’t follow, because they’ve trapped them.

The house to me reads as probably a version of the one Agatha grew up in with her mom, covered in an 80s disguise. Why would the Seven match the 80s theme? Because it’s fun, don’t read into it too much. We move along.

Once everyone starts looking around, Agatha suddenly looks scared, and like she recognizes the space. Like it’s haunting her.

When Rio laughs and says it’s Agatha’s trial, and clocks the Blood moon, it’s not because of what Lilia explains after. She laughs because she knows they’re in a trap created by the Seven, as indicated by the Blood moon (so they are still on the Road technically, typically the trials have transported us “off” the road somehow), and possibly she recognizes the house as well. The Seven would trap Agatha in a version of her own childhood home, a home they all probably knew well, and Rio would find that funny. I think we have to remember that Rio always knows the truth of what’s going on. She knows the truth about Agatha, the truth about Teen, she even knows the Seven are coming before Lilia says anything. If she’s not omniscient she’s damn close to it.

(Side note here: it also bugged me that we didn’t have a scene at the door to the house like with the other trials, where they clock the moon phase and the element of the trial. I waved it off initially since they were running to get there and we didn’t have time, but now I think it’s another sign that points to a false trial. We need to see that door for it to be a true Trial.)

Lilia says her thing about the Blood moon, and Rio, basically as a joke, she’s pretending to be like a radio announcer when she says “And who better than someone who’s put so many in the grave.” She KNOWS. She’s referring to Agatha killing the Salem coven, and moderating this false trial like it’s a fucking tennis match between Agatha and the Seven. Also she’s taunting Agatha to confront this aspect of herself, that she believes she’s an evil monster just like the Seven do. But I digress.

We do the Mrs. Hart gag because let Kathryn Hahn cook! I thought that impression was pretty good too girl.

Now here’s where we get into it for real. They do the ouija for real, and the first thing it spells is DEATH. As I mentioned in my “we’re still in the trial” post, once they call upon death, and Rio laughs, everything after that is her game as well. It’s a trap from the Seven, but they’ve acknowledged that she’s in on the joke, and maybe even kind of on their side a bit. She wants to punish Agatha too, in some ways, and she’s definitely playing both sides. But that isn’t going to last. By the way, there is a .2 second shot where Agatha reproachfully glances at Rio before she laughs, just so you know that.

Okay so the Seven want to punish Agatha, we get the possession, some of the funniest delivery I’ve ever heard from Aubrey Plaza with the “woah! what’s she doin, where’s she goin” like it still makes me laugh, and Evanora appears. At first I thought Rio made this happen on some level, even though she hates ghosts, to literally make Agatha confront her past. But now I think this was a pull from the Seven, and this is the first time Rio is really not on board with how events are unfolding seeing as she yells, “yeah well her mother can’t have her,” and “NO, NO WAY” with her whole goddamn chest. I love it so much.

Anyway, we get what Evanora says to Agatha, and Rio’s dismayed reaction. She’s done with the fun now and pissed at everyone involved. Jen wants to leave Agatha behind, Teen doesn’t, Agatha gets possessed again, Alice tries to save her, Agatha steals her power and kills her, cut off just before Teen yells Nicholas Scratch and we hear the gut wrenching, mama, stop! Now this is interesting, because I think Nicholas’s spirit was NOT part of the Seven’s plan. He scurried through and tried to help his mom, but she was too far gone already. Eh, or maybe it was another move to torture Agatha, because it definitely works. And she still kills Alice.

Ok, Alice dead, Teen mad, Agatha runs away because the Seven’s torture is hella working. She’s wrecked, and her new coven hates her, when not one episode ago they seemed to be genuinely bonding. Rio stares after her in disappointment, because Agatha’s not fighting back. She’s not defending herself. She’s just accepting what she’s always seen as her fate (and what the Seven believe about her too): she’s evil.

Now we’re “back” on the Road. The color grading is SO off, again meaning not the real Road, we’re still trapped in the Seven’s spell. Agatha tries use her newly gained powers, and they just poof into dust. She’s still powerless, so she killed Alice for nothing. More punishment.

Teen comes out and goes after her. She’s vulnerable with him, tells him a huge Truth about her that she can’t control her power, and he denies her. Punishment again. You’re so much like your mother. Her evil persona comes out to defend her and emotionally attack Teen, and yet this one statement is also possibly the ultimate punishment: that boy isn’t hers, and she knows for sure because he said Nicky’s name, otherwise the sigil would have prevented it. Which means he’s the son of her sort-of arch nemesis, who trapped her in a hex for three years and still called herself a hero. (Until she wasn’t, obviously.) No shade on Wanda from me, but it’s what Agatha thinks. Mostly though, I think she’s just gutted that he isn’t Nicky.

Then the ultimate ultimate punishment. Teen, her not-son turned enemy’s son, attacks her, using her own coven to try to kill her (AGAIN) by throwing her in the mud.

Now… Teen killing Lilia and Jen… I’m not sure if that’s still part of the Seven’s trap. Has his power, even the illusion of his power, rapidly spun this out of control? Or did they want to kill Lilia and Jen too? Idk. It’s up in the air, for now.

And of course, during all of this, Rio is nowhere to be found. Maybe she’s dealing with the ghost… or maybe she ejected herself from the illusion already to go after the Seven. 👀 Remember, she knows what’s going on the whole time. Maybe after Alice’s death, and Agatha running away, she was finally like ok, playtime’s over, time to go knock some heads. 🤷‍♀️ I’d love to fucking see it. Can you imagine that as an opening scene? I want to see her WRECK them.

Where does this leave us at the top of ep 6? Well, if Rio has broken out of the illusion already, maybe we can assume that Agatha and then Lilia and Jen being thrown into the mud is actually Rio getting them out too. The Earth is her domain. So was that her getting them out of the Seven’s illusion, and they’ll emerge on the real road? Is Alice really dead? Will they have to save Teen/Billy?

However it happens, let’s say they all get out of the trap, deal with the Seven (so they’re off the playing field now and we don’t have to worry about them coming back), and progress to the next trial, which is Agatha’s REAL trial that has to do with what happened to Nicky. Again, the Mother phase in maiden mother crone.

In conclusion, it’s a twofer. Oh yes.

Penny for your thoughts in comments!

(My money is on: Rio wrecks house with the Seven. Alice is still dead but we’re gonna get her back in Agatha’s real trial. When Teen/Billy comes to, he freaks out about what he did in the illusion, but Agatha reassures him that it wasn’t real, and he’s not evil, supporting him in the way her mother never supported her. It was all to punish her, it wasn’t really him. Don’t let anyone else make you the villain. Only you can decide who you are. — nice parallel there to Wanda’s big line from WV “I don’t need you to tell me, who I am.” Also, subtle dig at Multiverse of Madness. You know, something like that. Please, Jac?)

[petalpetal]

For halloween here all the horror books I've read and loved

I want to say all of these greatly vary in degree of scariness because books range from middle school to adult audiences

first up is the one I am currently reading

Revelator by Daryl Gregory

Boys In the Valley by Philip Fracassi

Black River Orchard by Chuck Wendig

What Moves the Dead (book 1) What Feasts at Night (book 2) by T. Kingfisher

Woodworm by Layla Martínez

Home Before Dark by Riley Sager

Starve Acre by Andrew Michael Hurley

Slasher Girls & Monster Boys by multiple authors (its YA horror anthology)

No One Will Come Back For Us by Premee Mohamed

The Eyes Are the Best Part by Monika Kim

Gallant by V.E. Schwab

The Twisted Ones by The Twisted Ones

The Spirit Bares Its Teeth by Andrew Joseph White

Red Rabbit by Alex Grecian

The Deep by Nick Cutter

Wylding Hall by Elizabeth Hand

Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Cañas

The Troop by Nick Cutter (my number 1 favorite)

To Break a Covenant by Alison Ames

Slade House by David Mitchell

Perfect Blue by Yoshikazu Takeuchi

The Night Sister by Jennifer McMahon

Mr. Splitfoot by Samantha Hunt

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Lone Women by Victor LaValle

The Devil in Silver by Victor LaValle

Delicious Monsters by Liselle Sambury

The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

The Crimson Labyrinth by Yusuke Kishi

The Book of Accidents by Chuck Wendig

The Bone Snatcher by Charlotte Salter

We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

The Sundial by Shirley Jackson

The Road Through the Wall by Shirley Jackson

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

Hangsaman by Shirley Jackson

Dark Tales by Shirley Jackson

The Lottery and Other Stories by Shirley Jackson

Battle Royale by Koushun Takami

[avatarmerida]

This is inspired by a tweet I say awhile ago that I can’t find anymore (but when I do I will link it here) with the idea of Darius brining in Willow as Hunter’s personal trainer. It’s just goofy and cute I think.

“Based on the less than satisfactory results of your last mission, I’ve made the executive decision to get you a personal trainer,” said Darius with a smirk as he walked the young boy out to the training area. Hunter was less than thrilled about the idea and made no effort to hide it.

“Seriously?” He scoffed, crossing his arms. “I’m hardly the coven head who needs a personal trainer! When’s the last time Terra did laps? I’m positive that any trainer you could find would just slow me down.”

“I think I’d meet the trainer before speaking so harshly, little prince,” said Darius. “You may find that they do in fact have a few things to teach you.”

“I highly doubt that,” he continued, rolling his eyes. “Honestly, this whole idea is a waste of time and a load of-.”

“Hi Hunter!” Came a bubbly, bright, and familiar voice. Hunter’s blood froze as his cheeks reddened, thinking her an illusion at first.

“C-Captain!” He croaked, both delighted and mortified. Had he known it was her he would’ve been on time and he would’ve made more of an effort with his appearance. “H-hey! Hi! How are you?”

She giggled. “I’m great,” she said with a smile, using a vine to slide closer to him. “You ready for some training?”

“Yeah! Totally! Haha.” He responded nervously. “I’d do anything with you! For you! Uh, I mean, yes I am ready for training.”

“Smooth,” said Darius and Hunter shot him a glare over his shoulder. Willow didn’t seem to notice.

“So uh, I didn’t know that you were uh… coming today,” started Hunter, not knowing how to say what he meant. “I mean, I-I’m happy to see you! Again! I just uh…”

“Sorry I didn’t tell you,” said Willow with a smile. “It was kind of last minute and Darius wanted it to be a surprise.”

“Oh he did, did he?” Hunter said between clenched teeth. He wondered what kind of ‘surprise’ Darius intended it to be. It would explain why he kept asking about her with a knowing smirk lately.

“Have fun, you two,” Darius said with a wave as he disappeared around the corner. “You can thank me later, little prince.”

“Okay! Haha! Byeeee!” said Hunter forcefully before turning back to Willow, hoping she could tell he was genuinely delighted to see her, despite the ambush of it all. She was wearing a yellow tank top with striped green shorts, and Hunter wondered if she had come prepared or if she had been interrupted by Darius’ request. Surely she was being compensated for her time, there was no way she’d be willing to give up a whole afternoon to help him. He had told her about the castle’s training facility and the equipment, maybe she just wanted to see it for herself. For some reason he couldn’t allow himself to believe she’d come all this way because she liked the idea of spending time with him.

“Where’s Flapjack?” she asked, interrupting his mental spiral. He didn’t realize he had been staring.

“Oh, uh…” Hunter quickly looked around before stepping closer to her to whisper. “I’m uh technically not supposed to have a palisman so he’s taking a nap in my room.”

“Oh, gotcha,” she whispered back. Clover flew onto her shoulder and buzzed something into her ear. “Yeah, good idea,” she said to the little bee. “You go find him and you two can play, so long as you stay out of sight, got it?” Clover gave a little nod before flying away.

“Looks like it’s just you and me,” said Willow softly and Hunter knew his face envied the grass beneath their feet. It was odd seeing Willow here, she seemed so out of place yet she brought a warmth the castle needed that made him wish she’d stay forever.

“Yeah,” he said, unable to stop his smile. “Looks like it is.”

“Okay, so how do you normally warm up?” she asked as she stretched her arms.

“Oh, I’m always warmed up,” he said quickly. “You never know when an attack might come so I make sure I’m always, ya know, ready to go.”

“I figured as much,” she giggled. “Well then, do you mind helping me catch up?”

He smiled. “Lead the way, captain.”

“All right then,” grinned Willow, grabbing her ankle to stretch out her legs. “Let’s see if you can keep up, golden boy.”

She took off and Hunter knew that realistically they should be doing more of a jog, something to keep a steady pace and regulate their heart rate but Willow ran free as though challenging him to catch her. He didn’t know why he thought of catching her not beating her but he started running nevertheless. Willow turned around, delighted to see him running after her as the two soon ran side by side. Usually Hunter didn’t find running enjoyable, but Willow had a habit of changing his perspective fairly easily.

He was so focused on the endorphins, he didn’t notice Willow slyly glance at him from the corner of her eye. She was grateful he didn’t see, so he wouldn’t suspect it was because she thought the way he scrunched his face as he ran was terribly cute.

After a few laps around the area, the two were ready for Willow’s lesson plan.

“Alright, so what did you wanna work on first?” Willow asked brightly, looking around the outdoor gym and the wide array of tools at their disposal. There were weights, weapons, obstacle courses; only the best for the Isles’ best. It was like being in a candy store.

“Oh, uh ya know whatever you wanna do,” Hunter responded, attempting to be nonchalant. “I-I’m totally chill, totally like not even like… ya know just whatever you think I’m sure uh…”

“Well, Darius mentioned you were having trouble with one on one stuff,” offered Willow, cutting off his rambing despite finding it endearing.

“Well I normally use my teleporting, so I-,” before Hunter could finish, Willow took the staff from him.

“But what if you couldn’t?” Willow said mischievously.

Hunter smirked and went to take his staff back but Willow whisked it out of reach at the last second. “Okay,” he said, her mischievousness spreading as she twirled his property behind her back. “Worried I’m too quick for you captain?”

“Mhmm, not exactly,” she chuckled. “But my dads were telling me about drills they used to do for flyer derby. See, using magic is great but sometimes when you’re in triple overtime you start feeling drained and your magic can get sloppy or weak.”

“Yeah, but mine is artificial so I don’t have to worry about that,” he countered.

“You do when you’re unarmed,” she said, swiftly bringing the staff out from behind her back and sweeping him off his feet with it. He didn’t land on the hard ground, as she had a large soft flower ready to catch him.

“Fair enough,” he said from the comfort of his personal flower. “But is playing keep away really part of your curriculum?”

“I know it seems a little silly,” she said as she walked around him. “But that’s what flyer derby is, the winner isn’t always the one who delivers the hardest blow, it’s usually the one with the most endurance.”

“Hmm, yeah I get it,” he said. Hunter had become accustomed to dodging blows and only striking when necessary, and a part of him lit up at the thought of getting to impress Willow by executing her vision perfectly. “Sounds like a good plan Captain, but then shouldn’t I have something to defend too? I mean, if my objective is to retrieve my staff and your only objective is to keep it from me, in a battle you’d simply need to find a way to escape to win. Doesn’t seem like a believable scenario for you to fight me without cause of your own.”

“Hmm, okay far enough,” she said, seeing his point. “I don’t know if I have anything with me to try and- oh! What about my glasses?”

“Your glasses?” said Hunter, as he finally stood up. “But you need them to see.”

“And they get knocked off all the time in practice,” she said. “I cast a protection spell on them before each practice so I'm not worried about them breaking but when they fall off they slow me down and other teams try to do it on purpose if the match is close enough. It would be a good challenge to try and heighten my other senses.”

“You want me to take your glasses?”

“They won’t break,” she assured him as she removed them, shaking her head as she did. The motion made Hunter’s heart flip a little bit, the way she subconsciously flipped her hair. He liked her glasses, he viewed them as frames like her eyes were watercolors on display. But without them he could see her eyes even clearer and even better she wasn’t able to see him stare.

“Here,” she said, squinting as she handed them to him. “You can put them on the front of your shirt, it’ll be just like in derby practice.”

He held up her glasses to see how they altered the scenery. “Oh wow, you really can’t see anything, huh?”

“Oh stop,” Willow teased back. “As if you can see any better in that mask of yours.”

“Excuse you, I can see just fine,”

“Suuure you can,” scoffed Willow, walking over to the bench to pick it up. She observed it for a moment, somewhat taken back by how it wasn’t as shiny up close. She didn’t think too much about the dents and scratches she could tell he had attempted to buff out as she placed it on her face, trying to line up her eyes. “Oh wow, you really can’t see anything in this.”

“What? Yes I can,” laughed Hunter at her dramatics. “You just can’t see anything because you took off your glasses.”

“Even so, the eye thing is so small,” she continued as she continued to turn to try and make out her surroundings. “Plus it’s so echoey, how can you hear anything in this? Is that why you do the voice?”

“‘The voice?’ What voice?”

“Ya know, your serious voice,” she said as though it was totally obvious. “When you’re all ‘here’s how things are gonna work, I’m the Golden Guard, bow down to me har har har.’”

“‘Har har har?’” Hunter repeated, unimpressed as he crossed his arms. “When have I ever said that?”

“Well, I dunno you don’t do the voice to me,” admitted Willow. “It’s mostly an impression of Luz’s impression of you.”

He couldn’t say he was totally clueless to what she meant, the mask gave him the opportunity to be taken seriously. But he liked that Willow knew a different side of him, that she could see through his act. Had anybody else done an impression of him, it would be to try and make him feel small or less than but when she did it, it was funny. Because he knew that she knew he was so much more, that the mask truly was just something on the surface.

He couldn’t help but smile as she went on to create her own character with his mask, inventing her own version of the voice and her own crime fighting backstory. She was silly, and he wasn’t used to having silliness in his life. She was genuine and kind and strong and pretty and… Titan, when he started thinking about all the things she was, it was like he couldn’t stop. He had never had someone in his life like her and he was convinced it was because there was no one out there quite like Willow Park. But he didn’t think too much into his overthinking, he assumed everyone felt this way about her.

Right now he was trying not to focus on the fact that her lips were touching where his normally did and how it didn’t seem to bother her. He knew he’d think about it every time he wore the mask from now on.

“Anyway,” Willow wrapped up her impromptu performance, realizing she had gotten carried away. “We should probably get started, huh?”

Hunter didn’t realize he had been staring and had to shake himself out of his daze to answer her. “Oh, yeah! Sure, o-of course.”

“Okay then,” Willow smiled, handing him his mask back. “Derby rules: first one to get their item back wins.”

“Alright,” agreed Hunter, making sure her glasses were secure hanging from his shirt. “So since you have my staff, I’m guessing no magic then?”

“Weeell, I mean I still have my magic,” Willow teased and even without her glasses she could tell Hunter was lovingly rolling his eyes. “Fine, no magic. Just good old fashioned hand to hand combat, for now at least.” She gave him a wink.

“Fine,” said Hunter as he watched Willow tighten her braids. The idea of competition brought out a certain light in her eyes and it made Hunter excited. He knew Willow liked his competitive side, but usually they were on a team together. Competing against her was different.

“I mean, if you need to use magic I-I don’t mind,” he said quickly.

“I’m okay,” she assured him. “Besides, I don’t wanna do too much damage to your field here.”

“Yeah, yeah totally,” said Hunter, clearing his throat. “I just don’t want to uh…”

“Oh,” said Willow, seeing the hesitation in his eyes. “Hunter, it’s okay if you beat me ya know.”

“You… won’t be mad?”

She shook her head. “Of course not,” she smiled sincerely. “Knowing your strengths will help me help you. And you not holding back will help me get better too.”

“It’s just that… when I spar with the other scouts they always get upset when I win and then they don’t wanna… uh.”

“Ohhh,” she said, really understanding. “Hunter, if we spar and I win will you stop being my friend?”

“No!” He responded immediately. He remembered the utter euphoria he felt when Willow had referred to him as her friend when they were messaging one night. He had been asking about her day, simultaneously vicariously living through her and wishing he could be there in person when she mentioned her dads asked about him and wanted to have him over for dinner as they did with all her friends.

He waited for her to unsend or correct the message but she didn’t. She meant it. He was her friend and she wasn’t afraid to let everyone know. He was beyond honored to be considered her friend, and he would do absolutely anything to make sure he did not lose that title.

“Of course not,” he said with conviction and Willow nodded.

“Exactly, so if you win I’m not gonna stop liking you or anything I’m just gonna try harder next time,” she said as though it was truly so easy. “I mean, if you win. I don’t plan on going easy on you.” She spun his staff around herself as though to emphasize her point and the light in her eyes was contagious as Hunter felt motivated again. He donned his mask and took his usual fighting stance, waiting for her to deliver the first blow as he prepared his strategy in his head.

Hunter was quick but Willow was tricky. Both their strategies revolved around defending and similarity made it difficult to properly start as neither of them wanted to strike the other. But once they prioritized the task at hand (retrieving their items) they became more comfortable with the idea.

Willow made the first move, using Hunter’s staff to launch herself towards him to try and snatch her glasses from him. But Hunter quickly countered and leapt over her, getting his hands on his staff but not succeeding in removing it from Willow’s grasp. She used the momentum to send him flying toward the ground, but he was able to rise to his feet no problem. Hunter knew he had the upper hand, he knew the area better and he had a bigger target to claim. But Willow was true to her word about not making it easy for him. She didn’t play dirty as many of the scouts did and Hunter was giddy at the idea of truly getting to test his skills.

Willow couldn’t help but think of it like dancing. The way their steps complimented each other, the way they’d get just close enough to hear the other person breathing. Every so often she’d get bold enough to tease him.

“Tsk tsk tsk, you really thought I’d fall for that?” she asked when he tried to fake her out and his ears would get red and he’d come back at her with more determination. She had nearly forgotten she was trying to get close to him to retrieve her glasses, she was more focused on getting close to him so she could see his reaction. She reached for them once and he grabbed her wrist to stop her, but he quickly retracted it. Willow wanted to point out that he should;ve sed that opportunity to disarm her but she decided against and tried to think of something cheeky to say the next time it happened.

She was excited to be able to have someone who took this as seriously as she did but still managed to have fun. Amity was serious but was still so worried about hurting her and Luz and Gus were fun to train with but sometimes were too silly and couldn’t keep up with her when she got in the zone. Hunter was the perfect opponent.

Hunter observed the way Willow moved and while he found her to be a remarkable force, he felt he had discovered his way to victory. As agile as she was, she favored her right side. If he wanted to catch her off guard, he would need to approach her from the left and grab the staff while she turned to her less dominant side. He sprang into action but Willow anticipated this and as he went to turn, she stuck out her foot accidentally causing Hunter to lose his balance. He managed to grab his staff but Wilow did not let go and so they both ended up hurtling to the ground. Willow had shifted the staff behind her head and landed atop it with it resting behind her neck. Hunter in turn landed atop Willow, his hands catching him, placed on either side of her head as his nose was mere inches from hers.

Their breathing lined up as she stared up at him, close enough where he was in focus. His face red and his eyes wide as he waited for her to say something. She knew his mind was shouting a thousand apologies, that he was deciding what to be embarrassed about first, but he didn't need to be. She carefully removed her hands from the staff and reached up to grab her glasses as they dangled above her.

“Not bad,” she said smugly. “For a first session, that is.”

“Ha, uh thanks,” he said, praying that the sweat he knew was collecting on his brow wouldn't fall onto her. But he was paralyzed. He was hypnotized. He was utterly captivated by how picturesque she looked, her frizzy braids sprawled out on the ground like a halo. She made no attempt to move either, likewise captivated by the way the sunlight above him outlined his frame. He truly was golden and she thought about telling him so but she was hoping he would have something more to say first.

He wanted to but just as he went to open his mouth, his attention was diverted by a new voice.

“Yeah, Golden Guard!”

“Smooth move pipsqueak!”

“Looks like the private lessons are going well!”

Hunter’s eyes shot up in horror as he saw a collection of scouts had gathered on the balcony above and had been watching him and Willow spar. It was then that he realized how… compromising their current position looked.

“Uhhhh let me get you a water,” Hunter offered as he leapt away from her like she was on fire.

“Okay, thanks,” said Willow with a smile as she sat up. “But hurry back! We’ve got a lot to get through.”

“Haha, totally,’ he said, giving her finger guns in a panic response as he speed walked up to the balcony.

“Having fun, little prince?” asked Darius, sipping a cup of tea as the scouts offered a series of whistles and comments as he walked past them, his face hopelessly flushed.

“What are they doing?” Hunter whispered in a panic. “I thought this was supposed to be a private instruction.”

“Oh, is that so?” Darius said with a smirk.

“You were the one who arranged this,” Hunter hissed, his eyes darting down to Willow who thankfully seemed unaware of their audience.

“Fine, fine, “ he said. “Come now scouts, let’s give the Golden Guard some privacy.”

“Ohhh, you wanna be alone with your plant girlfriend?” teased a scout as the scouts tried to suppress their giggles.

“Yes, thank you,” said Hunter, not missing a beat.

“Okay, okay, just to be clear, you and your plant girlfriend want to be alone,” asked another.

“Yes, that’s an order!” said Hunter, feeling his authority was being honored. But just as he went to leave, the scouts burst into laughter. This was nothing terribly new, they often found ways to undermine him. But he failed to see what was so funny about-

Then he saw Darius was also suppressing his laughter and suddenly the words caught up to him. Hunter’s face turned a deep shade of crimson and he felt like steam was coming out of his ears. “Oh… shut up!” he demanded as the room erupted into another round of prepared remarks.

From the ground, Willow could just barely make out the faint sounds of laughter. As she strained to hear any specifics, Clover flew down to meet her buzzing with news from Flapjack having not gotten to see her best friend in awhile. She nuzzled her owner who was eager to hear about her day. Willow quickly looked for something to do, trying to look busy like she wasn’t overthinking what was taking him so long. Not because she was nervous, but because she didn’t get to spend much time with him as it was. She wanted to try and squeeze in some time to talk to him in person instead of texting.

As Hunter marched back with water for Willow, he could feel the scouts still watching him. He didn’t call up to them because knew making a scene would only embarrass him in front of Willow, or worse make her feel uneasy. He just hoped they’d keep quiet.

When he came back to Willow, she was balancing a free weight on the tip of her finger. “Hey Hunter,” she beamed, her eyes darting between him and the weight. “Check it out!” she carefully lifted her hand and threw the weight into the air, it flipped and then she caught once more with apparent ease.

“Impressive,” he said as he handed her the water bottle and offered her a smile, which quickly dissolved when he heard the collective sounds of over dramatic kissy noises coming at them from the balcony. He groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose, there was no way Willow didn’t hear them this time.

“Ugh, I’m sorry, please ignore them,” Hunter pleaded. Willow couldn’t care less about what the scouts thought, she only cared about what Hunter felt. The notion that they were bullying him sent a sharp chill up her chest, and she had to take a deep breath to steady herself before responding.

“Okay,” she said, her eyes momentarily darting to them anyway trying to get a quick read on their intentions. “But is everything alright? Did they say something to you?”

“No,no… well yes,” he admitted, unable to convincingly lie when her eyes caught his. “But it’s nothing bad, just teasing.”

“Hunter, it’s not nothing if it’s bothering you,” she assured him. “I can say something if-.”

“No, no it’s stupid,” he cut her off, starting to feel nervous and twisted. “I mean, it’s not stupid it’s about you.”

“Me?”

“Yeah,” he sighed. “But it’s nothing bad about you, because you’re amazing. It’s just… I’ve never had a friend over to the castle before.”

“Oh,” she said, hoping he’d elaborate.

“Yeah and so I guess they thought… and it’s my fault because I didn’t even think about it, that you were my… more than a friend.”

“Oooh,” Willow fully understood now. “I see.”

“And it’s totally my fault because of how I described you so I-.”

“How did you describe me?” she asked almost breathlessly.

“I uh, well after the whole… kidnapping thing, they would talk about you sometimes,” he began. “And they asked if you were my plant girlfriend and I said yes.”

“Okay,”

“And I know there’s so much more to you than just plants,” Hunter went on. “But you are on the plant track and so it seemed like a suitable identifier at the time but it wasn’t until just now that I realized that the words ‘girl’ and ‘friend’ were not separate so they weren’t saying that you were a plant girl who was my friend but rather you liked plants and you were my… uh…”

“Don’t even worry about it,” said Willow sweetly. “I get it; my dads like to tease me too.”

“They do?”

“Yeah,” she chuckled. “Whenever I bring someone cute over to the house they can’t help themselves. But it doesn’t last very long.”

Someone cute, someone cute, his mind rang out. His mind quickly bounced back when he realized she was the someone cute in this situation. Because she was very cute. Had he always thought that? Pssh, everyone thought that. Willow was objectively cute, it was a fact. It made sense the guards found the notion silly that someone so cute would associate with him.

“I mean, if you ever came to my house it’d be the same thing,” she continued and before Hunter could offer a response, his heart stopped. The way it did when she had pinned him down. Her fathers would consider him cute enough to tease? More importantly, she considered him cute at all? Even hypothetically?

“Yeah, Darius keeps telling them it’s not like that,” said Hunter. “He said I wouldn’t even know what to do with a girl like you and the scouts said I have no game anyway, but I didn’t bother debating with them since training is serious and not about games.”

“Oooh,” said Willow once more, as the narrative shifted again. They weren’t teasing him like assuming parents, they were teasing him like obnoxious siblings. Her mind pulled up all the times Ed and Em had evoked the same response in Amity. She knew the best way to combat this was confidence, and to make them eat their words. She was positive they couldn’t hear them, as they seemed to not be whispering and Willow could not hear them from where they stood, so she made sure to have her actions speak for her. She reached out and touched Hunter’s arm.

“I bet they tease you all the time, huh?” She smiled. “I mean, you’re the Golden Guard. I'm sure plenty of teenagers have crushes on you.”

“Uh, not really?” Said Hunter, unable to focus for a moment when he registered her touch. He was grateful to have learned the definition of a crush so he didn’t embarrass himself in front of Willow the way he had when he misunderstood the word when Darius used it. “I mean, I wear my mask most of the time. I don’t know how you can have a crush on someone you can’t see.”

“Hmm, yeah I guess seeing does help with that,” she said softly and Hunter knew he’d be thinking about the way she said that sentence all week. It was like she knew something and she let a clue dwell just under the surface of the words. He had never heard the assumption that his position would make him attractive to his peers (respected and feared, yes but not admired). He wondered why Willow would assume it. He dared to hope she’d relate.

“C’mere,” she said, moving closer to him.

“W-what are you doing?” He nervously chuckled as she pretended to dust something off his shoulder.

“Let’s give them something to talk about,” she said with an innocent shrug. “Something I’ve learned is that when you’re in on the joke, it’s not as funny anymore.”

“O-okay?”

“Trust me,” Willow said with a wink. “This is the kind of teasing I know how to stop. Now, I’m gonna laugh really loud like you just said something funny and then I’m gonna lightly shove your shoulder and when I do I want you to take my hand, alright?”

“Yeah, yeah I can do that,” he said, thankful his back was to the scouts and they couldn’t see him sweat. Even worse though, Willow could see. But she somehow didn’t seem to mind, keeping her cool as she kept smiling at him like it came naturally to her.

She threw her head back and let out a light, airy laugh. Hunter knew it wasn’t genuine, but it would fool most anyone else. She flipped her braid before shoving his shoulder as she said she would, lingering there a moment to remind him to take her hand. He somehow knew what to do with it, bringing it down to their sides as he had seen teen couples do when he went into town.

“Okay good,” she whispered. “Now lean against the wall and I’ll pretend you said something cool.”

“Like what?”

“I dunno, just say anything and I’ll pretend you told me something cool.”

“What about how the venomous fly trap can live in below freezing temperatures if it’s watered with as little as two ounces of boiling rain once a year?”

“Oh yeah, that is pretty cool,” she said. Hunter could tell she genuinely meant it and he smiled, having memorized that fact solely because he thought it would interest her. His smile inspired hers to linger and they stood in comfortable, smiling silence for a few moments.

Out of the corner of her eye, Willow saw one scout nudge another, as though impressed and Willow knew her plan was working. She was doing this to help improve Hunter’s cred and for no other reason, right?

Okay, maybe it was a little fun.

Maybe it was a little easy.

Too easy.

She rose onto her tiptoes, placing her hand delicately on Hunter’s chest to steady herself as she went to whisper in his ear.

“Okay, now walk me to the gate and when I leave don’t look up at them,” she instructed. “Take out your scroll or something, act totally casual.”

“Okay,” he said, a chill running down his spine as her breath hit the side of his face. “But why?”

“We want the scouts to think it’s no big deal,” she explained, as they began to walk hand in hand. “Because you totally have game.”

“I’m sorry, I still don’t understand,” he said as she lead him to the gate. “What kind of game is it exactly?”

Willow chuckled and tucked her hair behind her ear, having reached the exit. She didn’t have to try hard to make it look like she was dreading having to leave. “Hmmm I think we’ll make it part of next week’s lesson,” she said, biting her lip as he continued to offer her a look of confusion.

“Well, alright then,” said Hunter. “Looking forward to it, Captain.”

He waved to her until she was completely out of sight, watching as she soon flew away on Clover.

“Sir! Here’s that water you asked for!” came a voice from behind Hunter. He turned and saw Steve running out with a large, overflowing jug.

“Oh, uh thanks Steve but we’re okay,” said Hunter, feeling like he was leaving a fence taking his eyes off where Willow had last stood. “But I gave her one of Darius’ fancy waters.”

“Oh, okay,” said Steve, dropping the jug without a second thought. “Did you two have fun?”

“Yeah,” said Hunter, smiling in spite of himself. “I did. I hope she did too.”

“Oh totally sir, I watched the whole thing,” assured Steve with a thumbs up. “She was definitely feeling the vibe, she was seriously flirting with you.”

“Huh? Oh, that,” Hunter sighed. “No, between you and me she was just pretending so they’d stop teasing me up there.”

“Really? It was pretty convincing,” marveled Steve.

“Really?” Said Hunter, trying to hide his excitement. “You uh, really think she’d laugh like that at something I said for real?”

He had never dreamed he’d be considered amusing but he had to admit her adored the sound of Willow’s laughter.

“Uh, well I don’t remember her laughing at anything,” said Steve, thinking. “But I left to go get water when you said you needed a water. I was mostly talking about how she smiled when she saw you walk in, I didn’t know you guys planned all that in advance.”

“We, uh w-we didn’t,” said Hunter, clearing his throat.

“Oh,” said Steve, not totally understanding. “Well then, you guys are pretty in sync with your improv.”

[moonlit-void-to-the-far-unknown]

Wait wait wait wait…..you’re telling me…Marius….BOUGHT all the boys he was teaching.

Marius legit bought everyone of his boys….

Like I know he only has a relationship/companionship with Armand but like….

He bought his ‘princes’ and they owe him a great debt.

Also the amount of times Marius gets mad and actually beats or hits Armand, when Armand is like ‘hey why do you leave? Where do you go? I dislike these ‘those who must be kept’ because Armand is basically being taught like normal human things like gov’t and the arts, but he doesn’t get told much of the vampire things Marius really should be telling him.

Like hey Marius, you realize he’s gonna have questions….right….maybe don’t backhand him so hard he says it’s a ’head rattling’ thing when he questions his vampire history.

Like Marius….i don’t like you…..You give me the modern 2024 ick…..but like come on, you gotta teach your fledgling about vampire things, we see what happens when makers don’t tell their fledglings the laws *cough Paris cough*

And hey just cause I don’t like Marius doesn’t mean I don’t see the need for him. He’s ya know needed. And is a big part of Armand.

But like we about to get into the coven that BURNED HIS HOUSE DOWN AND BURNED HIS HUMAN CHILDREN ALIVE.

Hello chap. 14

[tabswrites]

WIP Intro: Of Blood and Shadows

Genre: YA Supernatural/Mystery

Status: Drafting

A fun episodic series with Scooby-gang vibes. For fans of Supernatural, Dead Boy Detectives and Teen Wolf.

Rose lost her coven—it’s unclear how. All she remembers is smoke. With no remaining family or community, she decides the next logical step is to enroll in college. She wants nothing more to do with magic. It only brings pain.

Unfortunately for her, the other students in her biology lecture are extremely friendly…and nosy.

~

Nik’s best friend talks to squirrels and his mom comes home every night covered in blood. His life has never been normal, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

There’s something off about the girl in his bio class, and that can only mean one thing: he has to befriend her immediately.

The Characters

Chapter One: Resisting Impulses

Summary: Rose does her best to cope with the loss of her family while she struggles through her freshman year of college. She wants to stay out of trouble, but when she overhears a guy in class talking about a horned creature causing trouble on campus, she can’t resist getting involved.

CW: Mild violence, mentions of death, loss of family members, suicidal thoughts (will update as needed)

Tag list: @macabremoons @kaatiba (please ask to be +/-)