#yeah I had Alice make a few boxes of stuff to fill out that one shelf

[victorluvsalice]

-->And then, at last, it was off to the store for the Final Push! Victor started things off by Copypastoing a bunch of fireflies for Smiler to make Spirit Lifter Gummies with, then hopped on the flower-arranging bench to make more arrangements while Alice and Smiler headed downstairs to the processing room. Smiler focused on making their gummies and Red Hot Tablets, while Alice puttered around making boxes of cheese and mayonnaise and cleaning spoiled food out of the fridges. It wasn't long until she'd made enough boxes to completely fill that one shelf by the fizzy juice fridge! :D

-->...Which mean I now had nothing to do with her, as we didn't need any more prepared food or meat and Smiler and Victor were handling the products we DID need. Wanting to keep her busy and out of the way, I decided to have her go paint the mural on the side of the building with a nice cityscape. This was made a bit more difficult by my Sims getting stuck idling a lot for some reason this session -- something that I THINK was related to Smiler making the Red Hot Tablets on their apothecary bench, as it seemed to happen primarily while they were busy with that. I'm not sure WHY -- perhaps the bench needs some updates. (I mean, we already have this weird animation thing where Smiler spins around AWAY from the bench whenever they complete making some gummies...) They never full-on FROZE like that one time where Alice got completely stuck in the kitchen, but still -- it was weird.

-->Anyway -- even with the idling bug, the trio managed to keep busy! Smiler kept making gummies and tablets; Victor kept making flower arrangements; and Alice kept working on her mural! And all the while, the shelves kept filling up more and more with the product of their labors... Well, Smiler and Victor's labors, as Alice had already done HER bit. XD

[btsslowburnfic]

The Arrangement Ch. 19

Story summary: Desperately in need of money, you answered the questionable ad. AKA-Arranged marriage AU featuring Y/N and Yoongi

Chapter Summary: After the photoshoot you and Yoongi decompress

Previous Chapter here  AN: SO FLUFFY UGH

You slunk back to the elevator and just stood there for a second. What a weird day. You pulled out your phone to double check your work schedule and saw a message from Yoongi.

YG: I ordered pizza.

You smiled. 

YN: Oh yeah? Did you order enough to share? 

YG: *Eyeroll* 

YN: :D Where is this food? Apartment? Studio?

YG: Apartment. Photoshoots wear me out.

You pushed the button for the 18th floor. Other people got on and off as you made your way there; it was the end of the work day for most of the hourly staff. You finally arrived at your stop and headed left.

You opened the door and took off your shoes, immediately noticing the delicious odor of bread and hot cheese filling the air. You had been running around all day and just now realized, other than a few carrots, you hadn't eaten today. 

"Oh my God thank you so much." You declared as you walked into the kitchen. You eyed the box sitting on the counter and looked around for Yoongi. “Helllooooooo?”

“Good. I’m starving.” You saw him rise up like a reanimated corpse from the couch.

“You didn’t have to wait on me.” You reprimanded, even though you thought it was incredibly thoughtful. Yoongi just shrugged and walked into the kitchen.

You opened the box and handed him a plate. 

“I have no idea if you ‘ll like this.” He said as he took some pieces.

“I like food. My favorite food is the food in front of me.” You took the plate over to the table, going back for some water.

Yoongi followed suit, quieter than normal. 

“You ok?” You asked.

“Yeah, just tired. Photoshoots take so much more energy.” He collapsed down into the chair. 

The air was filled for silence for several minutes as the two of you stuffed your faces. Finally, you worked up the nerve to ask, “Sooooooo…...did you know Bongcha was asking you out or are you oblivious?”

Yoongi looked up, shaking the bangs out of his face. “I knew. But what should I say to her? "No I don’t want to go out with you" and ruin her day? Upset her at work? It would make things awkward for both of us. Nah. Just request another stylist for a few months.” 

You pursed your lips together in thought. “Why not just date her though? She’s cute. You guys get along. Why go through this whole elaborate contract scenario?” You gestured to yourself.

Yoongi sighed. Ugh he had been dreading you asking him about the contract. Things had been going so normal. He thought, stupidly, maybe he could just never think about it again. Of course with Namjoon and BPD up his ass he knew that was unlikely. He realized he had been quiet for too long.  “Look, If I actually dated someone I worked with and then it didn't work out, imagine the fallout. The scandal. The wasted time. Plus then I'd have to go on dates and stuff. I'm busy.”  

You rolled your eyes "We went to a diner the other night. And the grocery store." 

Yoongi blinked his eyes and stuffed more food in his mouth. “Not dates.”

You scowled. "You spent all Sunday driving a van and putting up with my family'

Yoongi chewed, taking as much time as possible to think of a response. “Yeah but I did that because I wanted to."

You rolled your eyes, “You're a weirdo "

"Says the girl who signed a contract to marry a guy she didn't know. And who doesn’t eat their pizza crust. Are you 5 years old?"

"Crust is gross. Anyways. I'm a very good judge of character, I will have you know." You pouted at having been admonished over your crust preferences.

"That's true. You could tell Namjoon was an asshole within 30 seconds I bet." He jested. 

"Haha yeah. I could tell he was  rich and full of himself by his demeanor and then when he opened his mouth, he confirmed the asshole part. And, I knew Alice was awesome within like 2 seconds.” 

Yoongi pushed his plate over a bit and interlaced his fingers. Resting his chin on them, he asked, “OK. So what was your first impression of me?” 

You laughed as you recalled sprinting in your work clothes.  “That you were busy. Very busy. And a little bit short on patience, but I thought that's because you were in a hurry.” 

“Sounds about right.” He took a sip of his water. 

“The second time I met you, you were putting on an act for Namjoon. Still not sure why... " You eyed him suspiciously. “You guys have a fucked up dynamic "

"You are right all-around there. Cheers." He lifted his glass in your direction."You did a great job today."

You scoffed, "I literally just pointed at things and handed you stuff.”

“Hey I've been to shoots before, you haven't. Today went much smoother than usual. “

“Really?” You rocked back in your seat.

“Yep.” He stood up and extended his hand." Do you want more? "

"Yes please. Thanks again for ordering. I didn't realize how hungry I was til I got home.” 

“‘Same.” He took the plates to the kitchen and returned with more food. Sitting them down on the table. He pulled his laptop over and looked over some things as you guys sat in silence for a few minutes. You scrolled through your phone, returning some texts from Jimin and your brother. 

"Do you want to go watch something?" he asked, taking you by surprise. 

You raised your eyebrows, “You're not going to work?" 

"I told you, photoshoots wear me out. I'm done for today."

"Yeah sure," you stood up and grabbed the plates. "I'll clean up the leftovers and get changed. Pick whatever."

You travelled up to the loft area about ten minutes later, much more comfortable in your leggings and oversized sweatshirt. 

Yoongi was waiting on the couch, the remote in his hand as he scrolled through the menu. You plopped down on the other end, covering your mouth as you yawned.

“Grab a pillow. You know you’re going to fall asleep.” He said without looking over.

“No I won’t,” You protested through another yawn.

He shot you a look that told you he knew you were full of shit and got up. He returned a minute later, throwing a pillow at the back of your head.

“Hey.”

“You’re welcome.” He sat back down, adjusting himself into a comfortable position.

You grumbled a thank you as you balled the pillow into a couch-compatible shape and leaned up against it. You pulled back for a second. It smelled just like Yoongi. This was his pillow. You looked over, his eyes were still scanning the screen.

“Since you’re going to fall asleep in ten minutes I’m putting on my favorite documentary.” He said matter-of factly.

“I will last more than ten minutes.” You declared. You heard a small snort come out of his mouth as he dimmed the lights and pressed play. You started to watch the movie and tried to pay attention, but your heartbeat was racing. You kept replaying earlier conversations in your head and also smelling the pillow. You felt like a pervert. The man across the couch was completely oblivious. You stared at him for a few seconds and realized that yes, you did like him. Well Shit. You didn’t have too much time to ruminate on this as your eyelids began to grow heavy. Soon you were passed out, just as Yoongi predicted.

Ten minutes into the NBA show he looked over, a knowing smile crept onto his face. You were out.

He took a deep breath. What the fuck was he doing? He tried not to think about it too much. Every time he thought about you and the contract it left him feeling weird. The thought that you were getting paid to like him and to hang out with him, didn’t sit well at all. But he knew there was so much more to it than that. He picked up his notepad and wrote a few lyrics, the movie playing for background noise at this point. 

After several minutes he looked at his writing. Satisfied, he stood up and slipped the notebook into a desk. He didn’t think you would snoop, but better safe than sorry. He looked back at the couch and smirked. He thought it was hilarious you thought you would stay awake when he knew better. He went over to the stuffed animal line and pulled out a Snorlax. Appropriate, he thought as he sat it down on top of your side. He snapped a picture. Sweet revenge. Stretching, he decided to head to bed himself; only slightly lamenting that he had given you his favorite pillow and now he would have to use the flatter one. NEXT CHAPTER

@lidda  @anpanman-sonyeondan   @firefairy1  @cuteipat  @sugaslittlekookies  @janeelizabeth1216 @deeepvibes @gxldenhunny @livelyjay @niniita-ah @bobbyboops @honeysunandsoil @deathkat657 @min-yus​ @or-worse-expelled7​

[cedricslover]

Troubled pt.4

Pairing: Cedric Diggory x Fem! Reader

Pt.1 Pt.2 Pt.3 Pt.5 Pt.6

Series summary: A very unfortunate situation happened and it resulted in very unfortunate events. You had everything, a good boyfriend that everyone dreamed of, best friends that you got in a twin pack, and a loving school. It was a calm before a storm and in your sixth year the storm came. You faced the consequences your deceased parents run from, you were only left with your only family, your little brother. What would you do in order to save him? The answer is, everything, even if it means joining a terrorist group of wizards, joining THE DEATH EATERS…

Chapter summary: you fell into a slump after the break up, but thankfully you had friends to somehow lighten up your mood. Not until you found out the true identity of Professor Moody, everything went downhill, just like you expected.

Note: there is no specific house:))) i can make requests if y’all have one. 

Warnings: angst, hair being pulled, mentions of cheating, slight violence (for self defense)

Word Count: 4.6k

The week went by and the next thing you knew it was already the end of the winter break. 

"Of course" you scoffed as you stood up and opened the door, "Phoebe" you said your roommate's name with boredom. "It's the last day of winter break, are you sure you're not goin' out?" She asked you-again.

"I told you. No. I'm just staying here until classes start" You declared and walked towards your four post bed, leaving the brunette girl standing at the doorway. 

"So what really happened?" She started bugging you again. She never runs out of questions ever since the Yule Ball.

"What happened is that you shut your mouth and go wherever you want" you covered yourself with the blanket while laying down on your bed. You just wanted peace, is that too much to ask. No question, no noise, because that voice in your head was loud enough. 

"Fine." She finally gave up, "I know what you're doing, and I'm sorry. I just want you to know that I'm here" she said before you heard her footsteps getting far. 

You removed the blanket that covered you and sat up, slowly, the guilt crept inside you. The past days you just ignored everyone, you easily get annoyed, and the farthest place you just went was your house common room. 

You cried your eyes out the whole day whenever your roommates left the dorm, after a day of not eating anything they decided to bring you food every now and then from the Great Hall. But you still became a bitch. 

Inhale, hold, exhale, you tried relaxing yourself. Getting a grip from your intrusive thoughts, locking them up in that vault in your head. 

"For a day" you told yourself while looking at the mirror you swallowed excessively. You look terrible, not gonna lie. Your hair was messy and starting to get greasy, dark circles, and obviously dehydrated. 

So, you started with a shower, been there for an hour, scrubbing your skin and scalp. Maybe the scrubbing can remove even just a little bit of your demons, but it was ineffective. 

While looking for a sweater to wear you managed to pick up Cedric's sweater. The sweater you wore during your first anniversary.

You smiled but immediately faded, oh yeah, you two broke up. 

But isn't it just decent to bring this sweater back? You felt absolutely insane, there's a pile of Cedric's clothes in your wardrobe and you just want to give his sweater back? 

Oh please.

"Ced, can I have this?" You turned around to your boyfriend as he went out of the bathroom, water dripping from the ends of his hair and his upper body was visible. You rolled your eyes and turned your back to him when you felt your cheeks burning. 

He got this Adonis body and who wouldn't dare to blush if it was showcased in front of you.

"Absolutely love, you can have that" he said and hugged you from the back. 

"You don't mind if I steal your clothes?" You laughed and looked at him. "No. Besides, you're not stealing them" he kissed your shoulder and rested his chin on it "if you wanted to steal it, you wouldn't ask my permission" his chuckle was music to your ears. "And next time don't even bother to ask. What's mine is also yours. Alright?" He kissed the top of your head and started to look for clothes to cover his jaw dropping body. 

"Is that so? Okay. What's mine is also yours too then" you smiled and laid down on his bed while he got dressed. 

"Hmm?" Cedric crawled to you and stopped when he's on top. You smiled and scrunched your nose as his scent brushed your nose. "You smell so good." You groaned "-Merlin I fucking love you" he laughed at your statement. 

"I fucking love you more" his husky voice filled your ears before his lips pressed onto yours.

You were unconsciously smiling as you reminisced. Funny. How all of it will be mere memories, just because of this bloody mark. 

After you got dressed, you packed Cedric's clothes into a bag. Maybe you could ask someone, his roommate, friends, or just someone to give him this. You can't just let his things sit in your place, it'll be hard. 

"Y/N?" You heard Alice's voice as you stepped outside your dorm, you turned your head to the blonde girl who was standing a few feet apart from you. "Come here babe" she said and opened her arms which you occupied. "It's so nice to see you not looking miserable" she laughed and caressed your face. 

"We'll always be here okay?" She smiled sweetly at you. 

No you won't. 

But you chose not to say it.

"Phoebe!" You called your roommate who was out in the snow, snogging with a girl. Yeah, she's gay as fuck.

"Y/N?!" Her eyes widened as she looked at your direction. You waved your hand and smiled at her, as if it was the cue for her to come over.

"Wait, is that the girl you took to the ball?" You started teasing her, she turned scarlet and looked at the girl who was waiting for her. "Yeah…" she answered awkwardly that made you smile. Everything seems to be doing fine after she came out. You were so proud. 

"If you're so head over heels for her then go back there mate” you mocked the boys who always make fun of her “I'm fine, I'm just going to look for the twins while you-" you tried your best not to laugh "snog".

You walked right after and left Phoebe whose lips were curled just like her hair. She seems happy to be worried for you. But before you continued, you called her again, “Fibs... I’m sorry” you looked at her apologetically and she answered you with a sweet smile and a nod.

You walked around the castle, into the Great Hall, courtyard, some classrooms, but you can't find the twins. The last time you saw them was during the Yule Ball. Yeah, the Yule Ball that you didn’t even enjoyed.

"Are you going?" Cedric asked you when you started taking the path to your common room. 

You turned around and forced a smile at him "Yeah, just say that I'm not feeling well" it felt like every word that comes out from your mouth backfires and turns into a single needle piercing your throat. 

"Oh. Okay" he nodded without energy, it must be hard for him too. It happened so fast. This wasn't meant to happen. He wasn't supposed to know this early, but here it is. 

He started walking back to the Great Hall where you can hear the commotion, people having a great time, dancing, singing, laughing, while you will most likely spend your night in your dorm, crying in your dress that Molly bought, ruining your makeup.

"Ced" you called him one more time and he immediately turned to you, like he was expecting you to say something, something impossible. That it might be a joke, or maybe you two can do something, but if he wanted for it to be a joke, you wanted this to be a dream. All of this.

"Merry Christmas" you smiled again, but this time, it wasn't forced, it was genuine. You saw a tear left his eye before you turned your back. And by every step, you felt your heart being pulled away from you, your life, and your peace. 

"Lee!" You called the attention of the black boy with dreadlocks who was walking around the courtyard. "Have you seen the twins?" You asked as he approached you. He just shrugged as an answer and apologetically smiled right after. "It's not my business but still, you're my friend so I'll tell you. They're mad. They're probably avoiding you" Lee tapped your shoulder before he walked away. 

You were standing there, dumbfounded, full of questions. Why are they mad? Did you do something? Where are they? Is it a prank? 

And again, the voices in your head won't stop. Everything is not getting better. "Shut up" you didn't realize you said it with your voice and not just in your head. Thankfully, it just came out as a whisper. 

You hugged yourself as the cold breeze went by, but you still decided to look for the twins. 

"Fred? George?" You called on one of the secret rooms, this is where you three often hang out, you saw the box of fireworks properly labeled, you can say that the twins are more organized to their products than school stuff.

You roamed your eyes at the room, it was big enough for a bunker bed to be placed, there's also a corner for the twins' products, there was also your corner, filled with snacks, some stuffed animals you like so much, a picture of your family, and your most cherished guitar. You touched it and felt the tip of your hands travel the strings, you missed playing it, the last time you played was before your parents died. It was your mother who taught you how to play. 

"Mum it's so hard. Especially the F chord. I'm giving up." You whined to your mom as you two sat at the front porch, she was knitting a neck warmer for you to use. 

"Sweetie, of course it would be hard." She stopped and looked at you, you both definitely have the same eyes. "But it's a process. Not everything would be easy, but don't be too hard on yourself. Come here, take a break" she reached for you and you sat beside her as she wrapped the neck warmer on you.   

"You like it?" She asked you while you observed and touched the neck warmer, its soft texture, its heat. It would always feel like home while you wear this. You raised your head and smiled "I love it".

You miss your mum. You touched the neck warmer you were wearing and felt it. Maybe. You can feel her. See her again. But the only thing you felt was the fabric, no mum.

"Y/N?" You heard the twins said and you turned around. They saw your eyes that were on the verge of crying. 

"Something wrong?" George asked with full concern, they were both looking at you, confused, sad, and concerned. 

But without a word you hugged them. Tight. Then you started crying. Like a little girl crying to her parents, saying that someone stole her candy. 

"Shhh. 's alright. We're here" You heard Fred say while he caressed your hair. Meanwhile George was tapping your back. They were doing this to calm you down. 

"I miss my mom" you finally talked between your sobs. "I miss her" you wailed again. 

“What? We’re not mad” George stated as you three were laying down the bunker bed, your feet touching the ground while you three stared at the upper part, there were drawings you and the twins made when you were in your first year. 

“Lee told me you two were. Maybe he’s referring to another kind of mad” you stifled a laugh. 

“We’re not THAT mad too!” Fred exclaimed. “Alright. If you say so” you just answered. 

“Is that supposed to be a dragon Fred?” you pointed to a drawing, the parchment was getting more old but the drawing was still there. It was something that has wings and a tail. You felt him nod. “Not a lizard with wings?” you laughed and George didn’t even try to hide his laugh too. 

“Aren’t dragons just lizards with horns, wings, and fire breath?” Fred asked while you and his twin were still laughing. “Wait-” you muttered when you realized what he just asked. 

“THAT WILL MAKE TOTAL SENSE!” you three said in unison with wide eyes, still staring at all your awful drawings as a child. 

“Should we ask Charlie?” you stood up “Accio parchment” and the parchment went straight to your hand. “Is there a quill here?” you looked around, not bothering to stand. “Accio quill” you heard George and the next thing there was already a quill and ink in his hand. “Here” 

Dearest Charlie,

                       Good day lad, it is us, your favorite trio. We hast a most major question and we would appreciate if thou answer as fast as thou could. We wot thou love dragons so much and of course we love thou moe.  

 yet  the question is, art not dragons just better versions of lizards?

loving, 

Fred, George, Y/N

You three laughed as George read the letter out loud. You always do this whenever you send letters to Charlie. You all act like it was the old times, you write in Old English, and you sometimes even speak in Old English. It was something Charlie always looked forward to whenever he visited home, his dorkhead trio. 

"It's almost lights out. We should head to our dorms" you heard Fred say as he started to clean up the mess you three made. Your eyes widened and looked at George who has a lopsided smile. 

"Am I alive? Is this heaven? Or am I dreaming? Is this real? Frederick Gideon Weasley is afraid of lights out? He's following the curfew? Pinch me George" you shifted your gaze to Fred and George, it was utmost not Fred-like to say “we should go back before lights out” he liked sneaking back, he liked ruining the dark and quiet halls. Why would he say such a thing?

"Ow!" You glared at George who actually pinched your arm, "It was just an expression!" You widened your eyes as you rubbed your arm, he just laughed and apologized to you.

"No but on a serious note, why is he, FIRST OF ALL, cleaning?" You and George looked at Fred who was now arranging the wizard chessboard that you used, "-and told us to go back BEFORE lights out?" You crossed your arm and still stared at Fred, squinting your eyes at him, he finally stopped. 

"Fine fine, it's because-" Fred started talking again and stopped, he looked at George who was beside you and his look was saying 'SOS help me' but George just ignored him and continued to fix his shirt-that in fact there is nothing to fix, therefore 'pretend fixing' are the right words.

"I promised to Angelina that I'll go back before lights out" he said with a low voice, more like, whispering. 

"Huh? What? I can't hear you" you tilted your head while George was biting his inner cheek in order to not laugh. 

"I promised-" you interrupted him

"LOUDER!"

"I SAID I PROMISED ANGELINA THAT I'LL GO BACK BEFORE LIGHTS OUT!" He shouted back that made you stiff, and then, you and George broke down again, laughing. "I heard it the first time" you said between your laughs, waving your hand at him, while Fred seemed to be annoyed but trying his best not to laugh too. 

Your laugh and George's laugh are the only ones that were heard in the closed room, it was contagious and after a minute of trying his best not to be on the same boat as you two, Fred finally gave up and laughed with you and his twin.

"You're not going back yet?" George asked you when you didn't come to the door with them, you shake your head in response. 

"Uhm, alright, just don't get caught" he said and the two of them waved at you before stepping out. 

Now the room was filled again with silence, gone was the chaos, the laughing, shouting, the running, and even throwing of things. It was only you and the silence. 

After half an hour of just staring at nowhere you decided to stand up. You picked up the lamp and headed out. You forgot your wand at your dorm and you've probably never said stupid to yourself so many times. 

Walking the hallway, still being cautious to your surroundings, you don’t want Filch or Mrs. Norris seeing you, polishing the trophies without using magic is one thing you don’t want to do. 

As you walked, feeling the walls, slowly gliding your hand through it, you suddenly saw a silhouette, it was a man, thinking that might be another student you stepped closer until his back was quite visible, but still it was far enough for him to not notice you. You observed him more, all your attention was to this man. 

His black trench coat, straw coloured hair, he was not familiar to you. 

You followed him, for about 2 minutes in complete silence, even your footsteps were light in order to not make any unnecessary noises. You just concentrated on the man and to yourself that you didn’t realize you bumped into a suit of armor and it made a loud clang. You hit your head hard and was about to curse when suddenly someone grabbed your wrist from behind and dragged you into a space between the walls, the person covered your mouth and blew the lamp. 

It was a helpful gesture to be honest, because you then hitched when you saw the silhouette walking in front of the both of you. You looked at the person in front of you, you can’t recognize his face, it’s so dark that you can only hear footsteps of the man you were following, he was still phasing, looking around to see what might have made that noise.

You didn't waste any time, you moved to the spot where you can see clearly and was shocked to see Professor Moody. Without any hesitation you ran towards him 

“Professor!” you seemed panicking, while he was shocked, he looked at you with disbelief and you were confused why he was making such an expression. 

“Professor I saw a-” you were cut on by someone putting its arm over your shoulder. 

“She saw heaven professor, if y’know what I mean” the person said, you froze, how can you be dumb enough to not know. 

“Silly kids. Off to bed. You two better go, Filch might come” Moody said and turned its back to you,

and Cedric

After Moody disappeared in your sight you immediately removed Cedric’s arm that wrapped you. “What do you think you’re doing?” you took a step back to make a space for you two, and the moon was just right on time to shine between you. There you saw a clear view of him, his stance, his fluffy hair, his grey eyes, everything.

He didn’t answer and just stared at you, “He might have caught that person, you saw it too, that man was not from here” you tried not to shout, you were frustrated, scared, you didn’t want to think about it, but if danger is lurking around at Hogwarts only two people are the possible targets. 

You and Harry. 

“Did you see his face?” he finally talked, you looked at him with shock all over your face, “NO, I didn’t, I just saw his back, but I know he’s not anyone I know, or if it’s a student he would be  familiar” 

He covered half of his face with a hand, gliding it down to his jaw, while his other hand was on his hips, it was an act of frustration. 

“That’s the point, you didn’t see his face, but you saw the back, and the clothes.” he got his wand “Lumos” there it is, you can see clearly. But you don’t know what to think about.

Is it your ex boyfriend who was in front of you in the middle of the night or the fact that the danger might be lurking around Hogwarts, and you being completely oblivious, almost trusted them.

 After that encounter with Cedric before the term started , you avoided him, even if it is quite hard since you two have classes together you still managed. There was nothing more in that conversation, after he lit up the tip of his wand you walked and ran, not thanking him, not talking to him, you just ran back to your dorm, not minding the dark hall, you just trust your instinct to where it would take you and luckily, you arrived safely.

January came by and it’s almost February, you were the talk of the school, you and Cedric. When people started to notice that you two were not walking to class together, sitting at the Great Hall together, no PDA, a lot of rumor started. And Rita Skeeter just made it worse.

“What’s that?” Angelina sat beside you as you read the Witch Weekly. You gave it to her and stabbed your steak, wishing it was Rita. 

“PRETTY BOYS CAN BE PLAYED AROUND, what is this?” She read the headline,

“Hogwarts Champion Cedric Diggory and ex girlfriend Y/N Y/L/N cause of break up revealed. Hold up, is this you and George?!” Angie looked at you like her heart just dropped, you shook your head to deny it and glanced at your food again. 

“Then who is this?” she surveyed the moving picture with full attention, well if you didn’t know better you would also believe the article, “Georgie’s girl” it was morning but you felt the energy draining from you, “Please don’t tell anyone. Fred knows” you continued and tried to take a bite, but you felt your stomach turn upside down. 

It was a picture of George kissing a girl the same hair color as yours, her face was covered as George’s back was at the camera. 

“I’m so sorry boo” she hugged you and you felt her warmth, you just stayed there for a while, laying on her shoulder, you’re not crying, but you wished you were. 

“Shit” you blurted out as you opened Professor Moody’s office, he must be at class now so the coast should be clear. 

“Alastor Moody?” you called with a low voice, you jumped as one compartment started to rattle. Slowly but surely you went up to it. However, before you can even touch it you are pushed sideways, you hit your hip on a table and your sleeve might have been grazed in a sharp object within the room for it to be torn. 

“Well well if it isn’t Y/N Y/L/N” Professor Moody was right in front of you now, you felt your insides shaking adding up to the pain of your hip, you know this is not Alastor Moody. 

“I guess you figured it out?” he said and suddenly, his face started to disorient, it was changing into something, it was changing into his original face. 

And you saw it, you know him.

“Hi, I’m Barty Crouch” he introduced himself, removing the wooden leg and eye. You got your wand and pointed it to him. “What are you doing here?” you said with full confidence, you tried to not shake, you have to gain control in this situation. 

“Don’t worry, we’re on the same team” he pulled his sleeves up and you saw a dark mark, he then pointed to your dark mark that is now visible because of your torn sleeve. 

“D’you wanna see him? He’s like a malnourished pup” Barty laughed maniacally as he opened the trunk, it had many locks, many layers, and when he got to the seventh one he gestured to you to come over. You were still holding your wand, preparing offensive and defensive spells just in case, but your mind went blank when you saw what was lying in the last layer of the trunk.

You looked down into a pit-like, underground chamber, where the real Alastor Moody lay 10 feet below, sleeping, lean and starving in appearance. His wooden leg was missing, and chunks of hair were missing, the socket that should have housed the magical eye was empty.

“That’s Mad-Eye Moody” Barty whispered to you, your hand was shaking, you felt numb, you can’t move, you didn’t even realize that you forgot to breathe for a second. He was there, the real Moody, the person you should trust, not the impostor. 

But who should you trust? You’re a death eater, the others won’t trust you, only your fellow death eaters and the Dark Lord will.

“If you tell anyone,” Barty slowly gathered your hair and pulled it downwards, now you’re not looking down but rather up, your hair was being pulled by a guy, you panicked, and the adrenaline started to kick in. 

You locked his hand by holding it with both of yours, you stepped back, you went under his arm and up again, and started twisting it until he let go. 

It was just one of the defenses your father taught you, it always came in handy. He was still in pain by your twisting of his arm so you took that opportunity and kicked his back, his face fell on the floor and you locked his hands while you kneeled on his back.

“Why would I tell anyone? My family is important to me, unlike yours” you declared and put him to sleep with a sleeping charm. “I don’t have time to die” you whispered and stood up. Walking to the trunk you closed it, now seeing Mad-Eye Moody awake, and before you closed it, you catched a sight of his eye, looking at you. 

You glanced at the picture that was crumpled in your hand, 

It was Cedric, and the skull and serpent sign that the Dark Lord uses was drawn just enough to be noticed. You knew exactly what the message portrayed. 

Cedric’s life is also in line, just like your brother. 

And only one thing can be done to put a stop to this. 

You first looked at your target audience, Mad-Eye Moody or more like, Barty Crouch Jr. When you spotted him it was your cue to find your victim, but it's like luck was on your side, he was coming to you. 

You stood up and came face to face with him. He was red, not blushing, but because of anger, but there was also sadness in his eyes that made you want to back out, but you remembered. You want him out of any danger. So, you faced him, your head high and looking stoic.

“You cheated on me?” His voice was low but full of frustration, “yes” you announced and look at his friends who were behind him. 

“No” he shakes his head, trying to deny it. “Look at me in the eyes and say that.” he focused on your eyes and you almost broke down your character when you saw Barty gawking at the both of you, “Yes. I cheated on you. With my best friend.” your voice surprisingly didn’t break, but his heart obviously did. His face was full of pain, he was vulnerable, but after a second his face went dull similar to yours. 

Cedric turned his back on you and your heart completely shattered as you saw he was still wearing the bracelet you made and the matching rings you two had. That’s why he was looking at your ring finger earlier, the ring was not there anymore, you made it into a necklace, perfectly hidden because of your uniform.

“At least she’s honest about it” one of his friends says before looking at you, giving you a half smile and continuing to follow Cedric. 

“Y/N? What was that for? You said it wasn’t you, were you lying?” Angie tugged you down to your seat earlier. “I was lying-” you admitted, reaching to your bag, “but not to you” and you stood up and left her with lines forming between her eyebrows. 

If it is for the better. I’ll do it.

[purplesurveys]

1239

survey by allwrongx

Is there anything purple nearby? A lot of my merch have purple details/designs on them, because obviously. From where I’m sitting, I can see my McDonald’s BTS Meal packaging, which are mostly purple, that I keep in my room as a souvenir.

Do you usually leave voicemails on other people's machines? I don’t do voicemail; I’m not sure we have that here.

Do you know somebody whose Christmas lights stay up all year round? No? What a waste of electricity and money.

Do you always shut your computer down when you're finished with it? I haven’t shut down my laptop in months (probably even years) and this question just made me realize that lmao. When I’m done with my work I just fold it shut. 

Are most of the pens around your house from random companies or plain? They’re mostly plain pens, though we may have one or two company pens lying around.

Do you dread filling out the about you box on most websites?  I usually ignore those now, but when I was around 10 or 11 they were actually my favorite thing to fill out since I liked having the opportunity to share about my interests. About me boxes were the predecessors to my survey-taking habit, I guess? Hahahahaha.

Do you prefer the Code Red Mountain Dew to the Orange kind? I don’t drink Mountain Dew.

Sixteen Candles or Pretty In Pink? I actually haven’t watched either. I’ve always meant to; I even downloaded these onto my hard drive YEARS ago...I just never got around to it lol.

Do you want to have a big family in the future? No. I would be okay with one or two kids.

Do you get embarrassed when talking about things like sex and periods? No.

Are there any towels in your house with cartoon characters on them? I don’t think so, but the dogs’ towel does have a Superman hood and logo on it.

Do the half sheet paper towels annoy you? No.

Ever been in a mosh pit? Not really. 

What was the last thing you did that gave you a rush? Probably watching JK’s live a few days ago? I couldn’t sleep for an hour after that and was just feeling really happy and giddy the whole time.

Is Vegas one of your must-see places? No.

Pet rat; Yay or Nay? Nay.

If given the chance, would you ride a unicorn to Iceland? Sure, whatever.

Have you ever washed a cat in your bathtub? No.

Ever seen the movie Max Keeble's Big Move? Opinions? I haven’t.

Would you call yourself a writer? Written any stories lately? Yeah, I write. I don’t focus on stories though; I found out early on I don’t have a very good handle of fiction.

Do you think that the iPad sounds like a foreigner trying to say iPod? That’s so annoyingly racist.

Did that last thing make you laugh? - Probably not. - Whatever.

Are you good at reading people's body language? To an extent. But yeah, my hunch is usually correct, especially if what I’m reading is a negative mood lol. I guess I’m oversensitive to this because my mom usually came home from work in a bad mood when I was a kid, and it continues to this day.

Do you feel obligated to feel bad for people who are crying? Erm, not obligated. I just automatically feel bad and will sometimes not really know how to handle the situation, especially if I’m not close with the person.

Ever ask a random stranger to pretend to be someone for you? I don’t think so. I’m not sure if I can be bold enough to come up to a stranger and pitch something like this to them, either.

Ever threatened somebody and actually went through with it? Yeah, I’ve removed names from a group project after warning that I wouldn’t hesitate to do it if certain people continued to not help.

Does holding newborn babies scare you? Yeah, I’ve always refused to do it. I feel like I would drop them.

Are needles something that you're afraid of? Very much so.

Piercings, Yay or Nay? I don’t mind them as long as it’s not excessive.

Have you ever been prescribed medication? I mean yeah, for flus and stuff.

Do you have a collage of pictures in your bedroom? I have a mini collage of OT7 photos on my corkboard.

Are Mac computers a bit frustrating? Not really; I’m partial to Apple products.

Ever consider a career in photography? As a teenager when DSLRs were all the rage. My sister proved to be a lot more capable than I am, though, so much so that I ended up passing on my camera to her.

Are your friends a different breed? (: I don’t really use that term but yeah, they’re great.

Excited for the new Alice In Wonderland movie? Too creepy looking? I’m not really into that genre.

Favorite Nicholas Cage movie? I’m not sure I have one.

Does either of your parents watch Judge Judy? Nope.

What colour does the button on your computer glow? I’m not sure what you mean, but the backlight on my keys are white.

Did you ever have those glow in the dark stars on your ceiling? I have one set of cousins who did, and it always excited me when we had the chance to sleep over because it meant I got to see those glow in the dark stars.

Do you have a Friday night routine? Kinda, as lazy as it is – I usually use it as my time to catch up on surveys; watch several episodes of Run BTS; and pick long-form BTS content to watch, whether it’s one of their docu-series or one of their other shows like Bon Voyage. If I have extra money to spend I’ll also order in a comfort food of mine, usually either sushi or burgers.

Do you kind of have to pee right now? Nope.

Does bad grammar in surveys annoy you at all? Annoying questions annoy me more than anything. I don’t really mind a grammatical error or two; I just end up correcting them.

For projects do you prefer using glue or tape? Tape, so that it’s more stable.

[justjessame]

Starting Over Chapter 17

Now I know most people would think that hearing their best friend dangling a carrot of temptation like “did you go through ANYTHING in the shed” would have them rushing out with a flashlight to their backyard and unlocking the damn thing to see what might be waiting for them.  Or at the very least, since it was starting to grow dark, a slightly less dramatic start might be the bedroom across the fucking hall from theirs?  

Yeah, well, I’ve never really checked the “normal” box on any fucking form and coming back from where the fuck ever Thanos the big purple peckerhead snapped me off to didn’t change that personality trait.  Sorry to disappoint.  

If Connie was coming over to force me to face whatever was in my dad’s workshop and whatever else my parents left me, with Bryn in tow, I should probably make sure that I had something to keep her mini me occupied.  After I grabbed a sandwich, some chips, and glass of tea I headed up to my room - where a stash of my childhood shit that I kept “just in case” lived and hoped I could find something that the three year old would find fascinating.

Morning dawned as they had since I returned.  Gasping, shivery, but now with the addition of the murmurs from the television that I left on thanks to Bucky Barnes.  My hand was reaching for my cell phone before I made the conscious decision to do it, and I sighed when I didn’t see a pineapple waiting for me.  It was still early, so I took a beat to run through my mental checklist of what I’d put in place downstairs for Bryn.

I’d taken my copies of the princess movies downstairs along with a few dolls and some picture books that I’d loved.  There was a tea set and a few stuffies and I hoped that she wouldn’t be too bored while her mommy was dealing with my bullshit.  

While I was considering what I should make for lunch, or if I should toss together something for breakfast too, my phone chirped.  It was still beside me on the bed, so I didn’t have to reach.  Thinking it would be Connie, I lifted it up - I had never seen a phone number like it before, but there it was - my pineapple.  I shook my head even as my smile grew.  At least I knew he was alive.  That was one good thing going for me today.

Connie called a few minutes later, telling me that she’d be over after she got Bryn cleaned up after breakfast - answering one of my questions right off the bat.  I told her I’d hop in the shower and be waiting for them. 

“Don’t make a fuss,” she warned me.  “Bryn’s three, the fact that she’s never been to your house makes it like Disneyworld automatically.”  I rolled my eyes.  “I mean it, Brooke.”  

“I know you do, Connie,” I agreed, sliding out of bed and moving to the closet to grab something to wear, but then I realized that I didn’t know what we were about to do.  “Um, are we going to be digging into something dusty and gross?”  

She snorted and when I didn’t react she went so silent I thought she hung up on me, but a check of the phone told me she was still there.  “You’re joking?” I assured her I wasn’t.  “What the fu -” she stopped and I waited while she apologized to Joey, apparently Bryn was picking up some “adult language” and sharing it with the other children at daycare and preschool - I snorted, like those kids didn’t already hear that shit at home.  “What would your dad have in his workshop that we’d need to DIG, Brooke?”  I could HEAR her eyes rolling.  “Wear what you normally do, you fu -” I heard her groan and mutter to herself about politically correct nonsense.  “Go shower, we’ll be there in about an hour.”  

I had ice tea, soda, juice, and water, along with some of Bucky’s beer in the fridge, but I highly doubted that Connie would consent to letting Bryn partake in that.  I was showered and dressed, and was taking stock of the kitchen while I waited for them to come.  I had sandwich stuff on hand, along with some staples, and if all that failed there were enough takeout menus in the drawer to keep us fed.

The knock came at around the hour mark, and when I opened the door Bryn was staring up at me like she was seeing me for the very first time - again.  She really did look around the house like it was an adventure, and I could see the “I told you so” building in Connie’s face.  

Showing them the living room, where I’d set up the “play area”, you’d have thought Christmas came early.  The tiny tot squealed and clapped her hands, then she was having a tea party with the dolls and stuffies after choosing the first princess movie to play while they partied.  I supplied the “tea” -water, Connie insisted - promising I’d thank her during the cleanup, while filling a sippy cup with some juice for the hostess.  

With Bryn occupied, I thought we’d get to work, but Connie shook her head and pulled me into the dining room, adjacent to the living room so we could keep an eye and ear on Bryn.  With glasses of tea in front of us, she sighed and I got worried.  

“When IT happened,” Connie was looking at her glass, finger tracing a drop of condensation as it dripped down the glass.  “I started calling you immediately.  As soon as the news hit, as soon as the first moment we knew SOMETHING was going on -” She looked up and I nodded, I figured she would have, along with Mom and Dad.  “Your dad came home, he ran to your room because he knew you’d planned on staying in and being lazy.” Connie smiled, the memory of Dad making her sad, but also nostalgically happy.  

I opened my mouth, but was at a loss for what to say.  What could I say?  It’s ok?  I was Snapped into non-existence, but I’m here now, so we’re cool?  I mean, we were, but clearly she wanted to tell me something.  

“He ran in, seeing a thousand texts and calls from me, but it was what he FELT that got him.”  I squinted at her, confused.  She reached out and took my hand.  “When I came over, since I couldn’t get in touch with you, he was with your mom and she was in pieces - falling apart because you weren’t here and everything that you’d take with you if you went out was still here, but he wasn’t.  He was adamant, Brooke, absolutely adamant that you were coming back.”  “He was hopeful, Connie, that’s all.”  She shook her head and I sighed, but her hand squeezed mine.  

“Your dad and mom were the MOST pragmatic people I’ve ever known, Brooke.  Hell, everyone in this neighborhood agrees.”  I knew what she meant, our family was the no nonsensical, straight to the point people.  We didn’t do sugarcoating.  “When Baxter got hit by the car when we were ten -” I rolled my eyes, her dog, a sweet darling of a mutt.  “Everyone, including my brothers were telling me that he was gonna be fine, that he was gonna pull through and live to play fetch another day, but your dad took me aside and -”

“Told you that sometimes dogs don’t pull through, that sometimes they’re not strong enough, but not to worry because you took Baxter to the Feast of St. Francis and he was blessed and that meant that he’d be safe on the other side and waiting for you.”  I remembered, vividly because I’d been just as sad and upset.  

“Exactly.  So when a man like your dad, Andrew Ashley, tells me that you and all the other people who disappeared into nothing are going to come back one day?  I believe him.”  She gave my hand another squeeze and I thought, ok now we can get to work, but she wasn’t done.  “Your mom, she didn’t get there as fast.”  She let my hand go and took a drink from her glass.  “She avoided your room like you’ve been avoiding the shed and their bedroom.”  She was smirking at the knowledge that she knew me so well.  “When I found out I was pregnant, I wanted something of yours with me, Brooke.”  

“That’s where it went,” I shook my head and she grinned at me.  “I wondered, it’s hung in my window since I came home from that nightmare.”  

“Since WE came home from that nightmare, you mean.”  Connie’s smile was firmly locked in place.  “I called up your mom and told her the news, asking for something to keep with me, and she finally went into your room.”  I waited, wondering why it took crossing a threshold into a damn room for something to click into place?  “And that was it, Alice Ashley came out just as convinced as your dad.  She looked so much more at peace, Brooke.  She went along with your dad, but knowing it for herself, it was like a weight came off of her.”  

“So they just knew?”  I didn’t get it, not even a little bit.  “How?”  

Connie shook her head.  “No idea, but I do know this - when two of the most stocic and staid people in the community tell you that people will come back, you believe them.  And I did.”  

“What’s in the shed?”  I wanted a head’s up.  Some kind of hint, something to go on.  “Why do you think it’s important for me to know now?”

“It’s important, dumbass,” she shot a look toward the living room and let out a relieved breath when she realized that Bryn hadn’t heard her slip.  “Because what’s in the shed has been there since BEFORE you got Snapped into wherever, but we’re not going there first.  We’re going upstairs.”  

“Upstairs?”  I was confused and only growing more so.  “Why?”

Connie sighed, like she was sick of my shit already.  “It’s time to show you that your parents knew you better than you know yourself, Brooke.”  

Bryn’s tea party became a portable one.  Upstairs to my room, where she got to play on the floor while the television played another princess movie.  She was having fun, which made one of us.  

My parents’ bedroom door loomed far larger than it really was - and it was firmly closed.  

“Open it, Brooke.”  Connie nudged me, and I bit my lip.  “For God’s sake, it’s a door.” 

“Yeah, it is.”  I agreed, a door that I wasn’t really excited to open.  What if Mom’s perfume lingered?  What if Dad’s cologne does?  What if nothing about them lingers?  I took a deep breath and reached for the doorknob.

The room looked the same, but foreign.  A hint of both of them seemed to lurk just out of reach, as if I could almost grasp it if I could find it, but where was it?  

Their bed was still made up in the same sheets and bedding that Mom had picked months before I’d gone away.  Her cosmetics were still lining the vanity table that Dad had created in his workshop, craftsmanship that could only happen by hand.  A mirror she’d found and had re-done hung on the wall behind it.  My reflection stared back at me, a sad mimicry of the woman she’d been.  

Dad’s table still had his reading glasses, the pair he kept solely for reading before bed and the remote, the lamp tilted so he’d have the perfect lighting even if it would annoy Mom’s need for perfection.  I wondered what book he read last, if he had it tucked in the drawer, but Connie’s voice cut through my reverie.  

“See these?”  She was staring at a set of photographs that my parents had framed and hung on their wall.  They were black and white, and I knew them very well - I’d taken them.   I nodded.  “When you took that job that you were muddling through the commute every day?”  I started to say something, but she snorted and kept talking.  “Your dad had reprints of these made and did some research, he sent out feelers and found out that you have an eye.  A talent, something that we ALL knew, including your dumb ass, but instead of taking that scholarship that you were offered to do something with your artistic talent, you went and -” She sighed.  “He didn’t want you to settle, Brooke, neither of them did.”  

“We couldn’t afford for me to play artist, Connie,” I owed them more than to play at photography.  “Besides, these were just shots I took to -”

“To set up the cheap and old camera that our high school gave you to use for yearbook,” she nodded, “I know.  And yet,” she walked to my parents’ closet and pulled out a huge fucking box.  “This is ALL the presents for all the birthdays and holidays you missed, including the birthday that came right after the Snap.  Come on, Brooke, let’s go have a party with Bryne.” 

[makoto-nanami]

Miraculous Rewrite: Origins Part 2 (Chapter 5)

Been a long time... whoops... Welp, Adrien and Marinette meet, Chloe attempts to threaten Alice (fails badly fyi) and Alya makes bad life preserving choices! Have fun!! Also if Alice seems harsh this chapter, the people who need to listen aren’t listening and she has to deal with dumb people, you’d be stressed too! It’ll get better by the end of Part 2 I swear!

Marinette storms into the classroom glaring at the boy, ah jeez not good. “Hey! What are you doing?” Adrien struggles to answer the angry girl, confusion crossing his face, I let go of his arm and raise my hand to cover my cringe at the situation. Chloé and Sabrina laugh at the girl, I don’t see what’s so funny, it’s disgusting and unsanitary. Marinette looked at the two girls before her eyes widen in realisation at what she thinks has happened. “Okay. I get it. Good job, you three. Very funny.” Her voice blunt and tired, upon looking closer she looked a little red around the eyes like she had been crying and a little sleep deprived, I couldn’t help but avert my gaze in guilt.

Adrien tries to defuse the situation, grabbing Marinette’s attention. “No, no, I was just trying to take it off!” I step forward.

“Wait, Marinette, he’s…” I’m cut off by the two witches cackling even louder.

“Look, Alice. I appreciate you trying to look out for me, but just stop.” The blunette avoids my face as she stresses. She spins to face Adrien. “And you! You’re friends with Chloé, right?” Adrien looks at her in shock.

“Why do people keep saying that?” He whispers, but Marinette hears him and scoffs, returning to her seat before pulling out a tissue and covering the disgusting blubber. Adrien looks to me as if asking for help. I stare at him.

“After school. Kid… Get new friends.” He looks even more shocked and the blond witch glared at me.

“What? Do I need to teach you to respect me too? Adrien is way out of your league!” Her shrill voice worsening my already growing headache.

“Oh Chloé, I assure you, if you try that with me, I promise you’ll regret it.”

“Is that a threat Wattson? I’ll have you know my Daddy, THE MAYOR, can have you deported you know!”

“Yeah, but I’m sure you’re Daddy would be thrilled to hear that his daughter is trying to put bodily fluids onto people. If your fathers not interested, I’d be happy to spread that info around to everyone who is, and let’s say I do somehow get deported, I’ll happily plead my case and sue your precious daddy. I may not like lawyers, but I know a few who have a licence to practice globally, plus… I wonder what kind of dirt I could pick up on poor Mayor Bourgeois before I am deported huh?” I sneer at the blond in front of me as she huffs and goes back to her seat. Adrien looks at me as if disappointed in the way I handled the situation. While I may have been a little overdramatic, for people like her, you have to be or else they don’t get it. Not doing anything, let alone not saying anything would be worse! Also… I can’t afford to be deported because some rich brat is throwing a tantrum, I better try to dig up some dirt on the family, for insurance. I take my seat in the back and watch the two interact with their seatmates… I sigh… teenagers.

Bustier walks in and greets the class with a smile like nothing happened yesterday. I look to Ivan and notice he’s not in his seat. Where is he… Oh no… this feeling, it’s gotten to the same intensity as yesterday. An Akuma? Could it be…

“Agreste, Adrien?” Bustier called, patiently waiting for him to answer. I need to get out of here, with them. Nino leans over and whispers into the boy’s ear, only for him to jump up eagerly with his hand raised. “Uh, present!” He squeaks, the others laugh at him, his cheeks turning red as he sits down and fist bumps his seatmate, hey… at least he’s following my advice, wait, no, focus Alice, gotta hurry.

Bustier giggles at him, moving onto the next name. “Bourgeois, Chloé?” Chloé says present back to the woman and I raise my hand nervously.

“Miss? Erm, may I go to the toilet?” Alice? Toilet break… five minutes after class starts? Really?

“You should have gone before class. Let me get through attendance and today's task, and then you may go.” Marinette turns her head to look at me suspiciously. “Bruel, Ivan?”

Suddenly, the Akuma from yesterday, busts down the door, crap, too late! “Present! Mylène?” The giant scans the chaotic classroom, people running away from the room. Adrien jumps over his desk and runs out of the classroom. “Wait!” I try to get his attention, but he’s too quick, at least he’s quick to react. Ivan, no Stoneheart spots Mylène and reaches to grab her.

“Let go of me, Ivan!” She screams, but not in pain, even when taken over, he’s still so gentle…

“I’m not Ivan anymore. I’m Stoneheart!”

“Why are you doing this?”

“So you and I can be together forever!” Anger fills me, a part of me remembers that this isn’t how the Moth Miraculous should be used, it allows those possessed to reveal and obtain their true desires, but not like this tainted with darkness, instead of loving her, the Akuma has made him obsessive.

My anger is interrupted by the annoying ring of Mayor’s Brat on her phone, speaking loudly… is she that stupid? “Daddy, the monster is back!” Stoneheart growls at the girl and grabs her tightly, making her let out a small shriek of pain. He breaks the wall of the classroom and jumps down onto the street level, crap oh crap… that’s a problem. I turn to Marinette to find her cowering under the desk, the same fog in her eyes from yesterday lingered, swirling in deep fear. Alya slides to see her with a grin. “Come on! Let’s follow him!” She’s almost vibrating from the excitement; does she not care that her classmate is probably going through the roughest time of his life?!

“Uh… Oh, no. You go. I’m finding myself a safe place to hide.” She stutters. Alya just shakes her in her excitement.

“Girl, you’re gonna miss Ladybug in action!” Marinette looks at the bag on the table before picking up, it’s Alya’s bag. Wait… the energy coming from it… no! That idiot!

“You and Ladybug will both be better off without me…” She murmurs, ashamed of her past mistakes. She holds the bag out for Alya to take. The fangirl just shrugs ignoring the girl’s gesture and runs out the room. I sigh in relief but Marinette panics running after her. “Wait! Your bag!”

I run after her, taking my hoodie out of my bag and wrapping it around me. Marinette notices me and cries in annoyance and frustration. “Why are you following me? I told you to leave me alone!”

“Well if you would just listen to me instead of wallowing in self-pity, I’d be happy to! What the hell do you think you’re trying to do?! You can’t just give away your Miraculous to some girl!” I know this makes me sound like a hypocrite, but now is not the time!

“H-how did you know?! And self-pity?! I failed, what else could I do!” I was about to answer, but we were coming closer to Alya who had started filming the disaster in front of her.

“You have no idea who you’re dealing with. My daddy, the mayor, will bring in the police, the army, the entire cavalry!” I’m pretty sure he already has… Swinging in on his baton, Chat hits Stoneheart only making him bigger.

“And don’t forget the superheroes! …Oh no. My bad…”

“Ugh. Super incompetent, you mean!” Chloé screams at him.

“Focus Chat! Just keep dodging!” I shout out, he nods, not taking his eyes off the giant golem.

“Ugh! You wanted the cavalry? Well, here it is!” Crap, I hear the rumbling of the smaller giants running amok and they begin to surround Chat. “Seize him!” I dodge the ones that run in from behind us, Marinette curls up into a ball, making herself as small as she could to avoid the stampede, while Alya jumped onto the pavement. Mylène screams.

“Ivan! Where are we going?” Terror clouding her eyes.

“To deliver a message. Then we’ll be brought together forever by a pretty black butterfly!” A message? From who? My thoughts cut short by his other captive.

“Ugh. All this lovey-dovey stuff is making me sick.” Is she trying to get killed?

“Don't worry, little monster. I'm gonna take care of you, too.” Chloé cringes at the implications behind Stoneheart’s words as they get away.

I turn my attention back to Chat and notice Alya moving closer, what the hell is she doing?! Chat is suddenly slammed to the ground, holding them back with his baton. “If you can hear me, Ladybug, I could use a little help!” His voice strained and they begin to pile on top of his stick. Suddenly one of the giants flip over a car, sending it flying towards Alya, I reach out in vain, but the boy quickly throws his stick to save her, however, it still pins her, and the baton is slipping. The giants grab Chat and carry him away. “Let go, let go of me you rockhead!”

“HELP!!” She screams. I turn to the frozen Marinette, she stares at the trapped girl conflicted on what to do, her body twitching as if trying to react. I skid in front of her and shake her.

“I- I… It’s all my fault if I had given it to her sooner… If I had become Ladybug…”

“Oh, my Kwami! Will you quit it with the pity party! Marinette, you made a mistake, so what! You have the power and ability to fix that, so what exactly is stopping you?! Your partner and friend need you! I know you’re scared but you need to be brave! Marinette, what do you want to do?!” Her eyes instantly clear up, burning with courage and determination, that-a-girl! She pulls the box out of Alya’s bag and puts on the Miraculous. Tikki zooming out with a smile, happy to see her chosen again.

“I think I need Ladybug!” Tikki’s eyes brightened at Marinette’s words.

“I knew you’d come around!” Marinette shook her head and looked at me.

“Well… I’m still not sure I’m up for this, but… Alya’s in danger! I can’t sit back and do nothing! I want to save her!” I smile, understanding her desire and fears.

“You know the magic words then!”

“Tikki, spots on!”

[deanstop13billyjoeltraxx]

Superposition

a deancas college roommates AU

Dean Winchester had it all at Wichita State University — a second chance, a future devoid of his father, and a roommate-turned-best friend who understands him inside and out.

But his father dies, he fails out in his second semester, and Castiel Novak leaves without so much as a goodbye.

Three years later, Dean has picked up the pieces. He works at the most trusted auto-shop in Lawrence, he’s putting Sam through college. Dean thinks it can’t get much better than that.

Then Castiel Novak gives him a concussion, and everything falls apart. Again.

Chapter 2 is up on AO3 (and below the cut)! Tumblr chapter masterlist here.

Classic Rock and Other Foreign Concepts

Three Years Earlier

Castiel Novak was ready for his second chance. 

Sure, the name “Wichita State University” held no cache, and sure, it was only two hours away from home. But it was a full ride, it was free of old high school acquaintances. It was enough. 

Castiel stood at the door of his empty dorm room, hope blooming in his chest as he regarded the dingy bunks and linoleum floors. 

He didn’t have much in the way of belongings, so moving in was quick and easy, even by himself. Castiel made his bed, hung up his limited outfits in the dresser, and filled his desk with his books and paper. Only one thing remained in his suitcase — a picture of his family, two Christmases ago. Castiel took it out and looked at it for a moment, before deciding to place it on his desk. 

He decided it might be a good idea to familiarize himself with his new surroundings. That was sure to calm down the inevitable anxiety that his first trip to the showers would bring. Castiel strolled down the hallway, doing his best to stay out of the way of all of the other freshmen moving in on his floor. 

After successfully discovering the bathroom and the water fountain, as well as narrowly avoiding an awkward encounter with two giggling girls who were apparently intent upon introducing themselves to him, he returned to his room with a sigh.

Castiel moved to his desk and opened his computer. He pulled up his course schedule, reviewing it again, despite having already committed it to memory. Tuesdays and Thursdays would be difficult, he thought, with financial accounting, economics, and an intro to business. The other days were more interesting, holding philosophy, creative writing, and nineteenth century British literature. 

Castiel was about to read the class descriptions for the millionth time when a loud thud and a grunt interrupted his thoughts. He stood up, fast, almost knocking his head on the bottom of his bed. Castiel got to his open door just in time to almost run into someone. 

“Shit! Watch it, man!”

Castiel found himself face to face with… Plastic storage bins. The man holding them shifted to reveal a mild scowl. Castiel cleared out of his way, and the man set the three boxes down. 

“Sorry,” Castiel muttered. 

“You’re fine,” the man grumbled. “Sorry, long drive.”

“Dean Winchester, I presume?” Castiel said, cautiously. He had seen his roommate assignment online weeks earlier.

“Damn straight,” Dean said, and he offered a hand out to Castiel, who accepted it graciously. “Sorry, man, I’m terrible with names. Have we met?” 

“I’m Castiel Novak,” Castiel replied, then added, “We haven’t met, but the website informed me of your name and email address. I emailed you a few weeks back.” 

Dean nodded. “I definitely didn’t respond. Sorry ‘bout that, I kind of haven’t had access to the internet in… Well, it’s a long story. Anyway, good to meet you.” 

“You as well. Do you need any help unpacking?” 

“Least you can do after nearly killing me.” Castiel tensed, but then Dean clapped him on the back. “Kidding. Help would be great.”

Castiel moved to unpack the box nearest him, but Dean stopped him with a hand on his arm.

“No! Uh, not that one. No offense, but that’s the most important thing I own. Give me a second, you can start on this one.” 

Castiel tilted his head in inquisition, but Dean said nothing more, just got to unpacking the bin. Castiel set to work on the second of the three, first grabbing the sheets to make the bed. 

When Castiel had finished with Dean’s bed, he turned to see Dean had set up a record player and a pair of bookshelf speakers on the floor. 

“Behold,” Dean announced. “My prized possession.” 

“A record player?” Castiel asked. 

“Not just the record player,” Dean said. He went back to the box, which Castiel could now see was filled with vinyl LPs. “The whole collection.”

“It’s quite impressive.”

“Fuckin’ A-right,” Dean said. “Here, you like Zeppelin?” 

“Embarrassingly, I have no idea who that is,” Castiel said, blushing.

Dean’s eyes widened. “Dude! No way! Oh man, it’s time to educate you. How have you survived this long Zeppelin-less?” 

“My father was strict about music.” Castiel felt suddenly very nervous that this, combined with his near-toppling of Dean moments earlier, would have him solidly fixed on Dean’s bad side. But Dean was flipping through his records with animation, as if Castiel’s ignorance was a game to be won. 

“That’s utter bullshit,” Dean declared. “Here, listen to this.”

Dean put on Led Zeppelin IV. Castiel turned back to the plastic bins, intent upon doing something while the record played. He was quiet as he worked, setting up first an ancient-looking coffee maker, then a small, LCD monitor. Dean unpacked his clothes, quietly singing along to the music.

“Do you need help with the rest?” Castiel asked when they had finished, assuming there had to be more than just those three boxes. Dean chuckled quietly. 

“Nah, this is it. Thanks for the help, Castiel.” 

Castiel raised an eyebrow, but only said, “You’re welcome.” Dean had brought even less than he had. 

“That’s a weird name, by the way,” Dean said, turning the volume down on the speakers. “Castiel. It sounds kind of --” 

“Ancient?” Castiel supplied, and Dean nodded. “That’s because it is. It’s adapted from the name of an angel in the third book of Enoch.” At Dean’s blank look, Castiel added, “Christian apocryphal lore. My parents are very religious.” 

“Ah,” Dean said. “And you…?”

“Haven’t been to church since I was fourteen,” Castiel finished. “We are very different, my family and I.” 

Dean nodded. “That them?” He asked, pointing at the picture on Castiel’s desk. 

“Yes,” Castiel said. 

“That’s a lot of kids.” 

“Yes, there’s five of us.” 

“Road trips must have been fun,” Dean said.

This actually got a laugh out of Castiel. 

“I’ve only got one. My kid brother, Sam,” Dean said.

“How old is Sam?”

“God.” Dean rubbed his face, considering. “I guess he’s fourteen now. It’s weird — I feel like I can never see him as any older than, like, eight.”

“I can’t say I understand,” Castiel replied. “I’m the youngest.” 

“Damn, that must suck, four older siblings. What’re their names?”

Castiel picked up the picture. “The boy on the left — he’s the oldest — that’s Gabriel. The other is Bartholomew. The redhead is Anna. And then there’s Hannah, she’s just a couple years older than me.” 

Dean nodded, moving to his record player. He pulled a small, worn piece of paper from the inside. 

“This is old as hell,” he said, showing Castiel the picture, “but that’s my dad, and that’s Sam when he was… ten, maybe?” 

“It’s just the three of you?”

“Yeah, my mom died when I was, like, four.”

“I apologize, I didn’t mean to --” 

“No worries, man,” Dean said. “Long time ago.”

There was an awkward pause that made Castiel want to open his computer just to look preoccupied, but Dean spoke. 

“I’m sorry, I can’t get over this name stuff. I can’t be roommates with a dude named after an angel.” 

Castiel felt his entire body deflate. Day one, and just his name was already making things difficult. “I’m… Sure there’s a way to switch roommates. But, what’s wrong with being named after an angel?”

“Dude, I was totally joking,” Dean said, putting his hands up defensively. “I’m not switching roommates — unless you’re secretly a vampire or something.” Castiel smiled at that. “And there’s nothing wrong with it, I’m just not into the whole religion thing. Makes me feel weird. Nah, I’ll just have to call you something else. Any suggestions?” 

“I’ve always just been ‘Castiel.’” 

“Man, haven’t had many creative friends,” Dean said. “Cas it is, then.” 

“Cas?” Castiel replied. He considered the new nickname. Castiel actually found it strange that no one had ever thought of it before, now that he had heard it. “I suppose it is a great deal shorter.”

“Easier to say, too,” Dean said. “It fits.”

Castiel smiled tentatively. “Sure.” 

The music faded, and Dean flipped the record to the B-side. 

“What do you think so far?” He asked. 

“It’s certainly different than what I’m used to. In a good way,” Castiel added. 

Dean beamed at him. “Awesome. I have more in here, too, and it’s not just Zep. Mostly the classics — the Stones, Rush, AC/DC… And a shit load of grunge, too. Man, wait til you hear Alice in Chains…” 

Castiel smiled at his animation. “Music is important to you?” 

“Dude, I couldn’t function without music. I feel like every time I listen to a song I like, I find something new that makes it even better.” Dean chuckled to himself. “Sorry, I’m geeking out about classic rock.”

“I don’t mind,” Castiel said, and he found that it was true. “I feel similarly about books.” 

“You like to read?”

“Immensely.” 

“You’ll have to give me some recommendations. I read Vonnegut in high school, and that was cool, but other than that and Harry Potter I think I’m pretty hopeless.”

“I will,” Castiel said, even though he knew he wouldn’t, even though he knew Dean was simply saying the polite thing. He had learned by now that when people asked about him to talk about the things he liked, they were just being nice. 

Dean asked Castiel which end of the hall the bathrooms were on, and excused himself.

When he returned, Dean clapped his hands together. “So,” he said. “I gotta ask you the Freshman Questions.” At Castiel’s confused look, he elaborated: “You know, the two things you ask everyone for your whole freshman year. Where are you from, what are you majoring in?” 

Castiel nodded. “I see. I didn’t know there was a procedure.” 

Dean looked at him for a moment. “It’s not — I was kinda joking.” 

“Oh. Right,” Castiel said, rubbing his neck. “Well, I’m from Guthrie — it’s a small town in Oklahoma, just a few hours south of here. And I’m studying accounting and creative writing.” 

“Guthrie… I’ve driven through there, on our way to Oklahoma City for a job my dad worked once,” Dean said. 

“It’s not very impressive.” 

Dean laughed. “Nah, not really.” 

“What about you, Dean?”

“I’m from Lawrence — it’s northeast of here. And I have no fucking idea what I’m gonna major in,” he said. “I’m not really… Well, Sam is the smart one. That kid is gonna kick ass when he goes to school. I’m kinda just here to…” Dean trailed off. 

“Experience it?” Castiel suggested. Dean shrugged. 

“Yeah, I guess.” He cleared his throat. “Why accounting? I get the writing thing, you said you like books — but accounting? I feel like those two don’t mix.”

“They don’t,” Castiel agreed. “But I don’t want to be a starving author. I do want to be able to take care of myself.” I want to be far, far away from everything I’ve ever known. I want to leave and never look back.

“Fair,” Dean said. “I don’t know about you, Cas, but I’m starving. Wanna grab some dinner?” 

“Sure,” Castiel said with a smile.

 The next day, in his first creative writing class, the professor asked each of them to share their major, their hometown, and a fun fact. He called, “Novak, Castiel?” 

“Double major in accounting and writing. I’m from Guthrie, Oklahoma. I suppose a fun fact is that I’m named after an angel, but you can just call me Cas.” 

[turning-dreams-into-chaos]

Easy Conversations

*Not my Gif*

Request: Hiiii! Can I have James Potter x Reader, prompts 12 and 26 (Prompt List #2)? Thank you so much ❤️ Love you and your beautiful works ❤️

Requested By: @ayame236

Post Date: 9-24-19

Paring: James Potter x Reader

Word Count: 2.4K

~Master List~

~Harry Potter Master List~

Detention wasn’t the last place you thought you’d find yourself on a Friday after classes, but that doesn’t mean it hadn’t happen everyday. You didn’t even do anything this time, in fact you tried to tell that to Professor Slughorn but he wouldn’t hear of it and sent you on your way with a detention under your belt. There was only one other kid supposed to be with you today, you didn’t know his name just that it was a boy McGonagall sent. Waiting outside for McGonagall to return to her classroom seemed to take forever but your head snapped around at the click in her heels and the slight thumping much slower behind her.

Of course it was one of the Marauders, James to be more specific, that would get himself stuck with you. James looked up, smirking when he saw you staring eyebrow raised at him. James and you hadn’t had much interaction, yet when you did it mostly consisted in you mocking him with his attempts to ask out one of your best friends. It amused you every time you saw him strike out but you had to admire his persistence.

“Y/L/N! Didn’t know you’d be going me today? This should be fun, yeah?” He jokes as he puts a hand around your shoulder, looking up at McGonagall, who just gave you a sad smile, you waved it off, elbowing James in the stomach soft enough so you didn’t hurt him but enough so his arm is off you.

“If I laugh, will you go away? You know, I’m not surprised you’re here, I am surprised there’s only one of you though.” McGonagall let you both into the classroom. Your assignment was simple, read a book and write about it. In fact you were almost done with your work before a kid came speeding into the room, dragging the professor away for something you didn’t quite care to listen to.

The rapid scribbling of your quill drowned in your ears until a soft thud came from the boy next to you. You took a look at James, seeing his head laid on the desk and quill still in his hand.

“Are you falling asleep already Potter? You’re not even done with half your assignment.” You said and nudged him a little, getting him to look up at you over his arm.

“Oh shut it Y/N. Not all of us can pay attention so bloody long to a piece of parchment.” He muttered as he pushed his stuff to the top of the desk, turning his whole body towards you. “Distract me?”

You chuckled at his request, trying to come up with something to talk about. “How are you going to ask Lily out next?” James fully sat up, making you laugh at his desperation.

“Well I was thinking during lunch tomorrow I would slip her a note-“

“A note? You’re gonna slip her a note?” You interrupted him, jaw slung open at how lame his attempt sounded. James just rolled his eyes and scoffed.

“Like you could up with something better?” You gave him a cheshire grin, pulling out a new piece of parchment from your bag and sprawled it across his and your now adjoining desks. “First off, you gotta show she means something to you. You can’t keep asking her out with all these elaborate plans and, while truly I think they’re hilarious, she finds them a little... immature. Just be yourself, you don’t have to try to impress her until after she agrees to a date. For now, just get her to like who you are.” He nodded his head, taking note of your words and trying to come up with a plan.

“Is that how it was with you and hufflepuff’s perfect prefect?” James smiled as he scratched his quill to the paper, not seeing the look in your eye as your smile faltered.

“Trust me. Rogers was... not perfect. Far from it actually.” You played with your fingers as you mumbled, not looking at James as he gives you a quizzical look. “He cheated on me a few weeks ago. Some slytherin, I don’t know who.” A hint of rage filled James’ eyes as he looked at you, trying to keep your composure. He didn’t know what to do so he reached into his bag.

“Want some?” He offered and stuck out his hand. He was holding a box of every flavor beans which caused you to smile and laugh. You nodded gratefully and grabbed a handful.

“These are my favorite. I always some of eat these when I’m feeling down, Lily hates how fast I go through them saying they aren’t good for me and tried to get me to stop. Jokes on her, I still eat them.” You said picking out a few and popping them into your mouth. You sighed in relief when all of them seemed to be the better tasting ones. James on the other hand wasn’t so lucky. He had went the safer way, eating only one but grimacing when it turned out to be an earwax flavored bean.

“That was disgusting!” James laughed out, bellowing into the classroom. You couldn’t hold back your laughs as well and joined him, not even stopping when the door swung open to reveal Professor McGonagall swiftly making her way to the front of the classroom. She looked between you and James, the box of beans between you now being offered out to her by James’ hand as you began laughing even harder, wiping away tears falling freely from your face. You weren’t even aware when McGonagall ushered you both out of the classroom, James behind you with his hands on his shoulders pushing you out.

“Thanks for that James. I needed it.” You told him as your laughs calmed down a little.

“Anytime Y/N. You know, I’m surprised we haven’t gotten along earlier. You seem to be... pretty cool.” James says and you agree completely, conversation with him was much easier than anyone, especially when you were with Rogers, he most definitely didn’t care enough to make you feel better.

“Yeah, You’re fun. I love the pranks you pull, and the ones on snivellus? Legendary.” You complimented him as you both make your way to the Common Room. Your topics of conversation expanded more and more, talking about homework, favorite classes, or your families. You never expected the walk back to take so long but you weren’t really minding the company. When you finally saw the portrait you felt your heart drop a little but you pushed the feeling away.

“Prongsy!” Sirius shouted the moment you both entered the room and you rolled your eyes, letting out a little chuckle at his nickname. You saw Marlene and Lily in the corner and turned to James, silently nodding in their direction as he smiled, putting a hand on your shoulder and gently pushing you to them. You sat across from Lily as she turns towards you, eyeing you up and down.

“Why are you so happy? Didn’t you have detention?” She questions as Marlene agrees, leaning across the table to get closer to you.

“Yes, I had detention. Can’t I just be happy for once?” You gave her a pointed look and her smirk turned into a frown. She knew what you meant, ever since Rogers and you broke up you hadn’t been that same perky girl you were. The one that just walked into the common room a few minutes ago.

“You’re right, I’m sorry. Now, let’s talk Potions.” She said changing the subject and slamming her book down and making the table clatter.

“Merlin Lily, it’s Friday! We have the whole weekend to do the work. Let’s just talk.”

James found himself a seat on the ground next to Sirius who was sitting in the armchair and the 4 of them just began chatting. James, rather expectedly, kept glancing over to the table Lily and you sat at laughing away at some dumb comment Marlene made and a warm smile made its way onto James’ face.

“Oi! Did you hear anything I said?” Sirius said as he nudged James in the back of his head to get his attention. “Of course you didn’t. Too busy staring staring at your ‘lilyflower’.” Sirius cooed as Peter cackled, getting Remus it chuckle as well. James blushed as he turned his sights away from your group, pushing Sirius off the chair to take his spot.

“Just repeat it.” He told Sirius who rolled his eyes.

“I was saying how Y/N seemed different today.” James nodded and took a small glance towards you before paying attention to Sirius’ ramblings. “Whatever it is, it looks good on her.” Sirius eyed your table, locked on your face as you beamed at the red head.

“Doesn’t she have a boyfriend?” Peter mentioned as Sirius groaned, throwing his head back dramatically.

“No, they broke up.” James mumbled, pulling the parchment from your Lily talk earlier out of his bag and letting his eyes roam over it. Remus furrowed his brows as he looked over his shoulder at you before James.

“How’d you know that?”

“She told me.” James shrugged as if it was the easiest thing in the world, but Remus had his suspicions.

When lunch the next day rolled around you sat with Remus and Lily, Remus’ nose was in a book as Lily was getting you caught up in any gossip you missed.

“Oh! Alice and Frank finally kissed!” She cheered as you gasped looking down the table to see Frank and Alice talking quietly, a light blush coating both of their faces as you squealed a little.

“I knew it! They’re too cute not to get together!” You hadn’t realized how loud you were being until a few heads at the table next to you turned and you made direct contact with Rogers, who just laughed at you before turning back to his stuck up friends. You fell back into your seat, losing your appetite quickly before a body slammed into your side. You were about to let whoever it was have it before you saw the face of James grinning back at you.

“What’s wrong?” James’ brows scrunched together as you let your eyes wander to the Hufflepuff table. He followed suit, jaw clenching when he saw Rogers and his group laughing and each taking a few glances at you. It suddenly felt like your chest was tightening and you couldn’t breathe, Lily noticed quickly but before she could do anything a box was stuck out in front of you.

James didn’t say anything as he waited for you to grab some beans. It felt like a moment of clarity and you reached into it, pulling out a few pieces before eating them. Your face became tight as you swallowed, sticking your tongue out and shaking your head.

“Disgusting!” You said as James joins you in shaking his head.

“That’s what I said!” He yells before putting the box in front of you both. You fall into an easy conversation, completely forgetting about Lily who turned to Remus.

“What’s going on with them?” She whispered as Remus shrugged, watching the interaction in front of him. Lunch ended faster than you would’ve liked and Lily and you went to spend the day by the lake.

“Do you like James?” She blurted out, causing you to stop waking.

“What are you talking about?”

Lily just sighed, throwing herself onto the ground and leaning on the tree while you sat opposite of her. “You and James? At lunch? Talking the entire time?” She talked slowly hoping you would catch on but the blank look on your face told her otherwise. “Y/N. James didn’t even look my way today. He always asks me out during lunch and yet today he was so caught up with you, he didn’t even know I was there. And what was up with the Bertie’s Beans?”

You froze staring at the grass in front of you while your stomachs did flips. James was going to ask out Lily. You helped him plan it and yet he didn’t do it. What was happening with you two?

James knew straight away his feelings were messy. He didn’t even need to try with you, like yesterday the conversation just flowed too easily. It was true James forgot about Lily because all he could think about was you and making you feel better. He listened to Remus and Sirius argue as you entered the common room, Lily by your side as James shot straight out of his chair and over to you two.

Sirius and Remus watched with annoyance as James seemingly headed over to Lily but shock went across their features, well at least Sirius’, when he spoke his next words to you.

“Go on a date with me.” He blurted out and you barely understood him, staring for a few seconds before the corners of your lips curled up into a smile.

“And why would I do that?” You asked innocently as James took a step closer to you, letting his hand come up to push some of your hair out of your face.

“Because I’m fun?” He shrugged and you licked your lips, trying to keep yourself from laughing from words you had called him yesterday.

“So is bungee jumping but I’m not flinging myself off a ledge.” At that, all your friends erupted into laughter and James feigned offense. Your stomach did flips again and you couldn’t help yourself. You leaned up to James, pressing a kiss onto his cheek. His fingers came up to trace over the spot which was now a nice crimson red warming his fingers. In a split second all the air was knocked out of your lungs as James’ arms wrapped around your waist, pulling you into him and pressing a kiss to your lips. It was unexpected but not at all unwanted.

“I would love to go on a date with you.” You whispered when you finally pulled away, your words were breathy as you felt like you were floating. James let out a happy breath and hugged you, picking you up and twirling you in the air as you squealed. Sirius, Remus, and Lily all watched the scene unfold in disbelief. Two friends who’ve known each other for six years and apparently all it took was one detention. Who knew?

Feedback please!

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[selfishsunnies]

i wish you sidewalk pennies - JJ x reader

warnings: not more than the show

notes: This is just a filler chapter... so much is ab to go down you guys I am so ready. we just gotta get there. Feedback & questions are apriciated!!!

word count: 2,300 roughly

CH. 2- “melodies & giant plastic dinosaurs”

It had been a few days since that night after the party. Kie had to work a few shifts at the wreck, so that left Alice alone in the house. It’s not that Alice wouldn’t help out at the restaurant, they just hadn’t asked. It left her with a lot of free time. She didn’t really remember the island, so she couldn’t head to the beach nor did she feel comfortable going by herself. Alice didn’t really trek outside of her comfort zone very often, but this whole summer was miles out of her little box.

With the cell phone towers down often and the wifi in the house being spotty, she spent a lot of time reading. She had brought a few books with her, but quickly finished those and had to resort to Kiara’s bookshelf. It was outdated, probably stuff she had read in middle school. Alice didn’t really mind though, she had read most of them, too. She picked up one she hadn’t and began reading. She quickly lost track of time and before she knew it, her aunt was home. She knocked lightly on Alice’s door, peeking her head in. The woman looked tired, bags under her eyes, her eyebrows pinched together. 

“Hi, dear. I hope I wasn’t interrupting.”

“No,” Alice said, closing the book, “it’s okay.”

“How’re you doing? The first few days can be rough.”

“I’m good, Kiara’s friends all seem super nice and I’m loving the weather.”

Her aunt pinched her nose when Alice mentioned Kiara’s friends, but smiled softly. She thought about what she’d said, about being good. This wasn’t a lie. Alice really was having a good time. She felt relaxed for the first time she can remember since her parents began fighting. She didn’t miss her friends as much as she had imagined, although she wished she could group facetime and show them around the house or update them more often. She certainly didn’t miss her parents’ arguing. Her dad had lost his job a few months ago and it seemed he had no intention of getting another. Alice tried not to be home as much as possible to avoid them both. She kept busy with her job, school, and soccer practices, but now, all that was over. 

And Kiara’s friends did seem nice. They were all instantly so accepting. She felt like they were all little kids again. She wished she remembered when they were.

“Well, we’re here if you ever need anything, baby.” She placed her hand on Alice’s cheek and kissed the top of her head. Alice nodded, grateful.

The next night, the four of them had dinner together at The Wreck. It was past closing time, but it was the end of a long week and Kiara had the weekend off. Her father had been working late hours to prepare for the height of the season, he was calling it. This meant they celebrated the last few moments of calm before the storm. 

“So, Alice,” her uncle started, a glass of rum and coke in his hand, “are you still singing?”

Alice blushed at the question, “Not like I used to.” She tried to laugh it off. Alice used to train extensively, lessons twice a week, binders filled with sheet music, always doing a vocal warm up. That all changed when she got to high school though. She started playing for the school’s soccer team, her classes got a little harder and she needed more time to study. She started going to lessons only every other week, missing recitals for soccer games, until one day during senior year, she just didn’t go back. She never did the school’s musicals, though. When people learned that Alice could sing, they always assumed that meant she did theatre. It did not. Alice was a terrible dancer and didn’t particularly like acting. So, she stuck to singing. 

“Aw, really? I remember you used to love coming down here because it meant you got to skip lessons. That didn’t stop you from singing though.” Kiara said, laughing.

“Really?”

“Yeah, you don’t remember?”

Alice shook her head sadly.

“Oh come on,” her uncle started again, “you never stopped singing. Used to make kie and the neighborhood kids perform talent shows for us and your parents in the backyard, couldn’t have been older than five.” 

This earned a laugh from everyone at the table, “No way!”

“Oh, it really was the sweetest thing,” her aunt sighed, reminiscing. 

The thought of John B and JJ performing in a backyard talent show had Alice nearly in stitches, Kie too. 

“Oh, I cannot wait to hold that over their heads,” Kiara exclaimed. The laughter soon died down, making everyone realize how empty and quiet the restaurant was.

“Well, maybe I’ll start again. I’ve got tons of time,” Alice said with a smile. She was only half kidding. She really did love to sing.

“There is that fundraiser event at the end of the month.”

Kie sighed, loudly, “Mom, that is such a kook thing. Where does that money even go? Who are they even fundraising for?”

“Dear, they’re-” She started to reply, but was cut off again by Kiara ranting, “They’re a waste of time and good money that could be given to an actual cause.”

They went on like this for a few minutes before Alice could butt in, “Uhm. What?” she asked. 

“The kooks are planning a fundraiser event for god only knows what and I am being forced to go.” Kiara shot a look at her mother.

“Of course we are going, it’s a really big deal. Everyone’s going to be there and,” she reached out and placed her hand on Alice’s arm, “and they need entertainment.”

“Oh, I don't know. That’s kind of-”

“Mom, please. No.”

“Honey,” her aunt's tone was tight, the crease between her eyebrows returning, She turned her attention towards Alice, “Just promise me you’ll think about it.”  

Alice nodded her head in agreement. She silently made the promise to herself that she was not doing it. Alice had been out of practice for too long to just begin performing for an important event like this. The thought of singing in front of more than about five people made her stomach swirl. That was a different part of her life, one that Alice has left behind when coming here.

A few hours later the girls wound up at John B’s. Him and Sarah were laying in a hammock out back, tangled up in each other. JJ was rolling a joint while Pope sat next to him, talking about some tv show he just finished, “No, dude, it was crazy.” When they walked into the yard he stopped talking to kiss Kiara on the cheek and then returned to his spot next to JJ. He waved a nice hello to Alice and Sarah yelled her hello’s from the hammock. Her voice was smooth and a little giggly like she had been drinking. 

“Kie, you want a hit?” JJ asked, holding the lit joint closer to her. She took it from him and formed O’s with the smoke she exhaled before handing it to Alice.

“Oh, I uh, I don’t know.” She stuttered out. 

“Just like this” Kie demonstrated, very poorly may she add, before handing it back to Alice. She tried her very best, and still managed to choke. She coughed and coughed. This earned a laugh from JJ, “So I take it you don’t smoke?” 

“I’ve just never tried, no one smokes back home. I guess it’s just not a thing.” 

“You’re telling me no one where you’re from smokes weed? Bullshit. You’re just not going to the right parties.” He was laying in the grass, arm tucked under his head, a smug look on his face.

“I go to plenty of parties,” Alice said in defense. It’s true, Alice rarely turned down an invite to a kegger back home. She had only ever lost one beer pong game, and that wasn’t even really her fault. 

“I don’t deny that. I’m just saying you ain’t going to the right ones if there isn’t weed.” JJ took another drag and formed O’s of his own. By now Kiara had moved to sit in between the two boys and was leaning against Pope. Alice sat on his other side, leaning back on her hands. 

“I don’t know dude, even if it was there I couldn’t smoke it anyway. At least not in high school. Shit messes up your breath support and stuff.”

“She used to be a singer,” Kie clarified, “a natural talent really.” She said, poking fun.

“Ah, cool. So like musicals and stuff?” Pope asked, bless his heart. She felt her face light up now that the attention was all on her.

“No,” Alice answered with a chuckle, “like choir and recitals and all that.”

“She’s being humble, Miss first in the state.” Kiara shot back.

Now it was her turn to clarify, “That was like sixth grade! And it was just a junior competition. Anyway, enough about my miserable singing career, what’re we doing tonight?”

JJ raised his head to look at her, “this.”

“What? What about crazy adventures? You’ve all told me the stories.”

“We’ve retired,” John B spoke up for the first time since she’d been there that night. 

“Retired? At the young age of 18, that’s quite a shame.” Kiara giggled at Alice’s sarcasm. 

“Maybe if we didn’t spend a whole summer being chased by the police and a bunch of big men with guns, we wouldn’t be so tired.” Pope spoke up.

Sarah started to chime in, “Yeah, or get stranded in the Bahamas.”

“Facts.” John B said.

“Okay, okay,” Alice began, “I’m just saying, it’s a little depressing.” The crickets were loud in the trees and she closed her eyes, taking in the silence, the lack of cars speeding by. Truthfully, Alice didn’t mind sitting here all night. At home, there was always something going on, somewhere to be, someone to be with, but here everything felt like a choice. One that Alice could decide whether or not to pick, and the outcome was always good.

*********

“This is it,” John B said, gesturing outwards. Alice looked around at her new friends.They were all smiling wide staring at her, waiting for her reaction.  After much convincing, everyone agreed to go on an adventure that night. They didn’t tell her where they were going, but when they arrived, she was confused to say the least, “Uhm. Okay.” Kie swung her arm around Alice’s neck, “You really have to take it all in.”

“I- Okay. I just don’t understand why?”

“Why do you have to take it all in?” She responded.

 “No, no. Like why is it here of all places and why a dinosaur?” 

Alice tilted her head staring at the massive dinosaur statue in front of them. They had all piled into the van and drove for what felt like forever until they arrived in a little town Alice had never been to. They parked and walked to the center of town to come across this. It was huge, really. It’s neck and tail longer than three of her on top of each other. And it was surrounded by hedges and flowers and a few benches. It was the most random statue she had ever seen and it was right here in the middle of a town.

“I don’t know. Some historical shit.” JJ said, “Bet I can climb it.”

“No, JJ.” Pope dismissed and then turned to Alice, “It’s a replica of brachiosaurus. Part of it’s leg bone was discovered here in the 1800’s, so they built it to commemorate that.” Alice smiled at this explanation, thankful for Pope’s knowledge.

When they turned back to look, John B already had JJ sitting on his shoulders, trying to lift him further up the statue. 

“Guys, stop!” Sarah yelled, but she couldn’t help but laugh. He was close to hooking on to the neck. 

“This is just pointless, what are you going to do when you get up there?” Kie asked, coming over to stand where Alice and Pope were. The two boys ignored the question, obviously struggling to get JJ’s leg over. Alice couldn’t help herself and took out her phone to record a video. 

Finally, they did it. JJ was sitting on this massive dinosaur, posing cheesily for pictures while everyone laughed and egged him on.

“Imagine riding one of these things down the street,” he yelled from the top, “no one could stop me. I’m on top of the fucking world.” They were doubled over with laughter until someone spotted a cop car pulling up, “shit.”

“I cannot get caught right now,” John B said, quickly turning away from the car and grabbing Sarah’s hand. 

“JJ jump!” Pope yelled. The others were on the move down the street and ALice could see the two cops approaching the group. 

“Pope I can’t jump! Do you see how high I am right now?”

“Yeah,” he muttered, “In more ways than one.”

Alice kept her eyes on the police, inching their way to them, “C’mon!” 

JJ swung his leg down and got as close to the ground as possible before leaping off and tumbling to the ground. He laid there for what felt like an hour before getting up and beginning to sprint away. The cops started to chase after them, but Alice was frozen on the scene. When she went to move, she realized Pope was already gone. 

“Bro, move!” JJ yelled and grabbed her wrist, dragging her alongside him. They ran until they saw the van, Pope behind the wheel and Kie on the passenger side. Sarah was holding the back door open and the pair made it with just enough time to drive away. 

[broadwaybaggins]

Sure, the costume had been made for someone nearly a foot shorter and substantially wide-- she could make it work. First line fanfic

Behold, the summer camp AU that literally no one asked for (seriously, no one asked for this.)

Sure, the costume had been made for someone nearly a foot shorter and substantially wide-- she could make it work.

Emma took a step back and shook out the costume in her hands, releasing a cloud of dust that danced in the sunbeams. She was up in the attic of one of the barns that the camp used primarily for storage, searching through moldering boxes of costume and dress-up clothes. It wasn’t even mid-morning, but already the heat and humidity were thick enough for Emma to wish that she’d taken a leaf out of her sister’s book and begged to be assigned to lifeguard duty instead of the mishmash of theatre/arts and crafts that she had gotten stuck with. At least Alice got to lounge around by the pool or the lake every day instead of being stuck up here, sifting through relics of camp pageants past and sweating like a sinner in church.

It was only the third official day of camp. The showcase wasn’t even until Fourth of July weekend, but Anne had sent Emma up here to “see what they had to work with”, and as Anne was technically her superior this summer, Emma wasn’t about to argue. Her family might own the camp, but that didn’t make her immune to getting into trouble...and Anne certainly had a talent for getting others into hot water.

Emma shifted so she was sitting criss-cross applesauce, as her littlest campers called it, on the grimy floor. Already streaks of dust and dirt marred her cutoff shorts, and sweat was dripping down her back and dampening her camp shirt. She pulled another box toward her and opened it up, but this one only revealed some old Americana sheet music and some truly ancient craft supplies, including a Ziploc baggie of pipe cleaners that may, at one time, had been bright fuchsia but had faded to a sad shade of baby pink, all tangled in a knotty, gluey, glitter-filled clump. The former she set aside--you never know when something like that could come in handy--and the latter she put firmly in the garbage pile. At this point, she was going to throw out more stuff than she actually uncovered.

Even though it was hotter than blazes, Emma reached up and yanked the hair tie out of her ponytail, letting her dark hair fall in waves around her shoulders. She ran her fingers through it a couple times, ignoring the cloud of heat that it raised around her, as if she were sitting in an oven. She went to pile it up on the top of her head in a messy bun (much cooler, temperature-wise, than a pony even if only incrementally) when she heard a creak from the ladder leading up to the attic. “Hello?” she called, getting ready to untangle her legs and stand up. The last thing she needed was for one of her kiddos to figure out that there was a ladder that they could climb with no supervision. She could already envision the paperwork.

But instead of one of the kids in her group, the head that appeared in the trapdoor entrance was that of a dark-haired young man who Emma recognized from orientation. The last few days, beginning with orientation weekend before being tossed headfirst into the deep end of campers and schedules and mercifully, no rainy days yet, had been such a blur that Emma was still getting acquainted with everyone on staff. She thought for a second, remembering dinner on Sunday night before the first session day campers arrive the next morning, vaguely recalling seeing this man sitting next to Samuel around the fire. They had been laughing at something, and then Sam had brought out his guitar...

Emma watched his eyes scan the attic for a moment curiously before landing on her. “Oh. I’m sorry. I didn’t know anyone was up here.”

“Just me,” Emma said with a smile, watching as he climbed the rest of the ladder and gently hoisted himself through the trapdoor. His camp shirt was black--Emma didn’t know how he was handling that in this heat--and he wore tan cargo shorts and sensible running shoes which crunched the grit under his feet as he walked over to her. “Raiding the costume stash looking for anything we can use for the Fourth of July extravaganza.”

“Already?” he asked, his eyebrows raising.

“Be prepared or die trying. The unofficial Anne Hastings motto.”

That got a laugh out of him. “She does seem a little...intense.”

“You don’t know the half of it.” Emma wiped her dusty hands on her shorts and stood up as gracefully as she could manage. She hoped she didn’t have any dirt or dust on her butt, then wondered why she cared--hopefully he wouldn’t be looking at her butt anyway, right? added a voice in her head that sounded an awful lot like Mary. 

“I’m sure we’ve been introduced, but you’ll have to forgive me--it’s been pretty much a whirlwind since day one. I’m Emma, Emma Green.”

She held out a hand and he shook it, tilting his head thoughtfully. “Green? As in James and Jane Green, directors and general head honchos? Green as in...Camp Green Wood?”

Her face flushed. “Yeah. Those Greens. Sorry about the name. Great-great-Granddaddy thought he was clever.”

Another laugh. Emma was two for two. “I think it’s funny. I’m Henry Hopkins.”

“Oh!” That did spark a bit of recognition. “The...chaplain, right?”

“Student chaplain, at least for now,” he corrected gently. “But not so much while I’m here. Unless it’s really needed, I guess. Instead, you can catch me attempting to supervise fifteen fourth grade boys through the different activity groups.”

“Oh, a true counselor,” Emma said knowingly. “Good luck with that. They showed y’all where they keep the coffee, right?”

“Oh yes. It hasn’t been too bad so far, although there was one incident yesterday with some ghost stories that upset some of the boys. Something about Civil War phantoms?”

“Oh yeah, there’s lots of stories about that. Some small battles took place on this land. The hotel my family owns used to be a hospital during the Civil War, actually, so if anything is bound to be haunted, my money’s on that.” She trailed off, aware that she was rambling on about things that he probably didn’t even care about. He was studying to be a preacher, right? He probably didn’t even believe in ghosts.

He looked interested, though. His eyes were very, very blue. “That’s amazing,” he said. “The hotel, I mean. The history there.”

“Yeah. I mean, when you’ve grown up around it, literally, it kind of stops being interesting. But I’d be happy to give you a lesson. A history lesson, I mean. I’d be happy to tell you about the history. Only, be prepared for like a super SparkNotes version.” She glanced around the mess of boxes at their feet. “Speaking of history, I actually was sent up here to see what of this mess can be salvaged for the Fourth of July show, which Anne has somehow gotten into her head is going to be a musical journey through American history, so if we get a call from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s lawyers, we know who to blame.”

“Sounds ambitious.”

“Particularly considering the kiddos are supposed to have a hand in writing the show, and we haven’t started, so I don’t even really know what I’m looking for.”

“Can I help?” Henry asked, sounding eager. “I mean, technically I was sent up here to look for some extra canoe paddles, but I’m not seeing any, and this seems a far more worthy cause. Besides, I’m doing a history minor. I could be your historical consultant.”

“I think in the theatre world, they might call that a dramaturg.”

“Even better. Now I have a cool title.”

Now it was Emma’s turn to laugh. “Well, if it won’t get you in trouble, I sure could use the help. Or at least some company.”

Henry made a little face and reached for the nearest box, dragging it across the grit to him. “Byron’s in charge of the boys for the next hour at least. Hopefully they won’t eat him alive before then. I’m all yours until they need me to report for duty again.” He tugged on one of the corners of the box, tearing the cardboard slightly as it opened. An assortment of feather boas in various colors tumbled out, and he looked up at Emma triumphantly. “Something that you might be able to use?”

“Oh, jackpot. Having you around is already starting to pay off.”

Maybe, Emma thought, it wouldn’t be such a terrible summer after all.

[roseelise]

The Weather // Dylan O’brien

Reposting all my writings from @r0s3mm, my main blog, it is not stolen or plagiarized. All my works on my masterlist are main unless stated otherwise.

Hello! Welcome to 2-h, the back up account of @r0s3mm, I’ll be posting my works on here too until (hopefully) my blog gets restored and if not this will become my main blog.

Pairing: Dylan O’Brien x ofc!Alice

Word Count: 5129

Author’s note/warnings: break up? Swearing? Reader and Dylan talking about their relationship, a series of voicemail reader sends Dylan at different moments after their relationship ends.

Based off of the song: Lawrence - “The Weather”

Come say “Hi!” Wattpad

Masterlist

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

“Hey D’, it’s me, leaving you a message on your voicemail… again. Listen, I know we agreed to give each other space but I just wanted to let you know that your change of address probs didn’t go through because I got your new script at home- hum, at my place. I’ll just send it to Liz’s office… Oh, also I wanted to know if you wanted me to box up and send you the rest of the stuff you have here, there’s a few sweatshirts and other clothing items, as your mom would say. Okay, so you don’t have to call me back, you can text me, maybe even email me. I can leave your stuff at your mom’s house, I’m seeing Jules on the 23rd, so yeah … whatever you feel good with. Ok, bye.”

“I won’t talk about the weather Not with you, we’re not together ‘Cause even when the sky is grey, I’m feeling blue And though the winds are always changing And the clouds are rearranging A part of me will always be in love with you”

I hung up the phone and placed it in my jeans’ back pocket and turned up the volume from the TV.

“A heatwave this week turned the city of Anaheim, home to Disneyland, into the hottest place in theUnited States. The Tick fire forced 50,000 people to flee their homes, many in the mid…” The weather man on the tv announced as I picked up the package with Liz’s name on it from a tv or movie set in LA, taking back my cell phone, I texted Liz, Dylan’s manager telling her I’d be sending her the script in the next few days, putting the block of pages on the bench next to the front door, I sat down next to it as the news kept playing as a background noise accompanied by the rain falling down harshly on the large windows.

It had been a little bit over 5 months and I still hadn’t tidy up from his big move, a lot of empty and piled up boxes were on the floor next to the sliding door, there were empty spaces on the wall and people who would be coming in the apartment could easily guess that the large white wall used to be full, filled with baseball jersey’s, many pictures, music record, stickers of liquor brand, some posters and a few music instruments.

“Hi Jules, it’s me, are we still on for the 23rd? Ok great then, I’ll pick you up. You got any news from your brother? Yeah, I know, I asked you to refuse if I asked but I just wanna make sure that with his new place he’s good and away from the fires and that he’s … that he’s safe y’know? Ok great then, just maybe tell him to- actually you know what? Never mind. I gotta go, but I’ll text you this week… alright bye!”

“There’s a fire in LA Since you moved there back in May I wonder, should I call to see if you’re alright? Yeah, you’re a million miles away But I still think of you each day And hope the weather doesn’t keep you cold tonight”

After picking up what was on the floor and actually tidying up the apartment, I put on my rain boots with my coat and an umbrella before going out the door with the trash and some things that I wanted to get rid of. I walked the streets of the city, listening to the chaotic sounds, the loud voices and the fast steps of those who wanted to escape the rain. Walking to the Blue Ribbon Brasserie, I turned left to get to Sullivan St and passed the convenience store and got myself a few stamps and envelopes for the thank you notes I still had to write after the home warming gifts I received a while back. I put my earphones in my ear as I gave the cashier the money and put everything in my purse. As I entered the restaurant, I took off my coat and held it tightly against me, my eyes falling on a couple sitting at the bar, both a drink in hand and completely enamored with each other.

“Table for one miss?” The host asks taking a menu.

“Yes, thank you.” I smiled at the young man.

I followed him to a table near the windows. He pulled my chair for me to sit. I smiled at him and thanked him.

“What would you like to start with?”

“Glass of white wine, if you have it. Actually no, I’ll get a G&T, please”

“Right away, ma’am” The waiter’s New Yorker accent came through and I smiled at him as I picked up the menu and swiftly looked through it, already knowing what I wanted to eat as soon as I had left my apartment.

The rain was still pattering against the window and it gave a nice ambient sound to the restaurant that for once was almost empty on a Monday afternoon. A few minutes later, the waiter came back with my drink, putting a squared napkin underneath.

“Would you like to order now, or would you like a few more minutes?”

“I’ll order now, thank you. So, I’ll get the chicken barley soup with the steak, please.”

He smiled, took the menu from my hands and left to another table. I watched the other waiters walk around with platters of food as people started to come in. Usually the restaurant would be busy from opening to the time it closed but today felt different. I held the glass in my hands as I sipped it slowly taking the wedge of lime off of it and biting into it and letting it drop on the piece of paper after draining it of its juice.

As the waiter approached my table and put my soup down my phone’s screen lit up with Dylan’s name and contact photo. I had taken the picture when we were out one day and waiting to cross the street. My finger swiped the screen to answer.

“Ali? Hey, it’s Dylan…” His voice rang through my ear, it was hoarse and dry. He had been smoking.

“Yeah, I know. Your contact info popped up.” I said, silently slurping my soup.

“Oh, wasn’t sure if you had gotten rid of it. Hum, I- I thought it’d be better to call you rather than text you and I don’t even know the last time I sent an email that wasn’t for work.” He chuckled quietly but didn’t hear a sound from the other side. “So, for my stuff you can keep it, I won’t really need it, but if you really wanna get rid of it, I can transfer you the money for the delivery and stuff. It-It’s however you want it.”

“Yeah, no. I’ll send it to you or Liz, I wanna start over with a clean slate. I also found a few caps of yours earlier when I was cleaning up, so I’ll send those over as well.” I said finishing the rest of my soup. It was silent on the other side of the line for a few seconds before I heard him sigh.

“A, maybe we should talk? Y’know, actually have a conversation. The only times we’ve talked in the past few months were through voicemail and-”

“Sounds good Dylan, just right now isn’t the right moment. I’m out at a restaurant and I don’t think I can actually do this right now and in public.” I said dryly my voice full of emotion. A waiter came to pick up the now empty bowl and I smiled up at him.

“Yeah okay. Is everything good up there? Are you feeling good?”

“Yep, I’m fine, we’re all fine.”

“That’s good. I feel a bit far away from everyone, y’know ?!”

“Yeah, are- are you okay? I’ve seen the news on the TV about the fires. I was worried.” I said the last part quietly.

“I’m fine too, yeah, you don’t have to worry. Pretty sure Jules or my mom would have rung you up if something had happened.”

“Yeah probably…” I whispered. “Did you start smoking again? Your voice sounded funny when I answered.” I said catching the eye of the waiter that was bringing me my steak. “Thank you.” “You’re welcome, miss. Hope you’ll enjoy” The small exchange between the waiter and I was soon over, and I picked up a fry.

“Yeah, a little. It was weird being in LA, felt nervous at first and I couldn’t shake it after. Are you at Blue Ribbon?”

“You were nervous? Dyl’ you’ve been to LA a hundred times for filming and shit and yeah I am.” I said, picking at the veggies in my plate.

“I never actually lived there for more than four or five months, and usually I’m not alone.”

“Don’t.” I said loudly, I lifted my head and looked at other costumers. “Listen I gotta go.”

“Alright, I’ll talk to-”

I hung up and went to eat my dinner and finishing my drink quickly. After paying my bill, I put my coat back on, the weather would be a little chillier than earlier. Halloween was approaching and carved in pumpkins were starting to make an appearance on people’s doorstep and balconies. The rain from earlier had stopped and had been replaced by clouds and sun light.

“So, I won’t talk about the weather No, I won’t talk about the weather I won’t talk about the weather Not with you, we’re not together 'Cause even when the sky is grey, I’m feeling blue And though the winds are always changing And the clouds are rearranging A part of me will always be in love with you”

Music was playing loudly in the apartment, the vacuum loud over it and it felt as if the sun had disappeared from the sky. Halloween was even closer now, only 8 days away. I checked the time, 10:37, Jules would be here in just under two hours. There were two boxes full of clothes, pictures, sports’ games tickets and damaged drumsticks, that I will have to leave in Jules’ car at the end of the day. The two of us had planned to get lunch and then hang out. She told me that some of our friends and her were planning a Halloween party and that they insisted that I come “You gotta get out of your hiding place, Alice!” They had screamed at me through the phone almost a month ago. Even if the weather wasn’t really great, Julia insisted we leave her car at my place and walk.

I had gotten ready slowly, music still blasting through the small speaker when it suddenly stopped. Thinking it was Julia texting me she had arrived I jogged to get to my phone in the other room, it was the other O’Brien child.

“Hello?” I answered the phone, putting it on speaker while I walked back to the bathroom to finish brushing my teeth. “Ali, are you busy? I tried calling you a couple times.” I looked at the screen where I had missed a few phone calls. “M’getting ready to spend the day with your sister actually. Can you make it quick?” I said spitting in the sink and rinsing my mouth. “I just wanted to know if right now would be a good time to have that conversation I talked about last week…?” I stopped and looked at my phone and sighed. “Your sister’s supposed to pick me up in ten minutes, think you can finish in ten minutes?” A silence was heard before light chuckling and I swear I could picture in my mind how he looked in that exact moment. “What?” “‘Nothing. Look, why don’t we try to set up a date and time for us to talk? I think it’d be good. Maybe clarify things up a bit.” “Yeah sure.” The doorbell buzzed, I sighed, picked up the phone putting it against my ear and taking it off speaker mode. “Listen Jules here and I’ve- wait a sec” I told him before shooting Julia a one letter text to tell her I was on my way and putting on my shoes and coat. “Ok, so your sister’s here. I gotta go but if you call me back tonight at around 5, your time I should be back home and mentally prepared to have that conversation you want us to have.” I locked my door and ran down the steps to stop in front of the blue car with my friend resting against it, excitedly waving at me, I walked to the car. “So, I really gotta leave now, but don’t think I’m excited about this. I’m doing this for you.” “I don’t want to make you do this if you’re not ready A’.” He says, guilt overflowing the other emotion in his voice. “It’s fine, I’ll talk to you tonight.” I hung up and put my head in my hand, scratching my hairline and walking the rest of the distance to Jules.

“So, I won’t talk about the weather No, I won’t talk about the weather I won’t talk about the weather Not with you, we’re not together And it’s hard to say if we will ever be But I’ll admit my greatest fear is that The air will never clear So I just wish we could talk like you and me”

“Who was that?” Jules asked me as we started walking towards the larger and busier streets. “Damn you, O’Brien’s.” I mumbled as I pulled her into a greeting side hug. “Oh my god, was it Dylan? Are y’all talking again?” She was too excited for her own good. “Not really, I just wanted to know what he wanted me to do with the stuff of his left at the apartment and he started saying how we should talk about what happened.” “Yeah, I’m not still a hundred percent clear on that, by the way. I don’t think any of us expected you guys to break up after 4 years.” “Don’t remind me, please” I begged as I opened the door to the small café.

When we entered, I looked around for either an empty table or counter seats. I nudged Jules and pointed to a small table at the very back near the window and looked at her, watching for an answer.

“Sure.” She shrugged and took a newspaper off the stand we were standing next to.

We sat down and she opened the menu, looking through it as a woman brought us glasses of water.

“Hello ladies, how are you today?” “We’re good, Jane, thanks.” I asked sipping the iced water. “What about you?” Jules asked putting the cardboard menu down. “Oh, I am very good thank you” She said a huge grin on her face as she extended her left hand, on it a very beautiful diamond engagement ring. “You are fucking kidding me! Oh, my fuck!” Jules exclaimed jumping up and down. She and Jane were college friends, I had met her through Jules at a party a few years back. “Congratulations Jane!” I said leaning in for a hug and sitting back down.

Jane and Jules were standing up and talking in loud whispers as to not fully disturb the other customers. I picked up my cell phone and opened the messages app and clicked on Dylan’s conversation as a reflex before making the screen turn black and setting it back on the table.

“Hey Alice, I haven’t seen much of you in the past two months, but you and Dylan are so invited! Maybe you’ll be in my situation in a few months!” She said cheery, my head snapped up at the mention of my ex-boyfriend and I looked at Jules.

“What? What did I say?” Jane looked back and forth between us. “Y’know when I told you that my brother went to L.A to film a new project?” Jane nods, “Well it wasn’t fully true, yes he is filming something, but he also moved to L.A” Jane’s eyes go from Jules to me. “Dyl and I broke up 5 months ago …” I said picking my phone up again to play with something. Anxiety filling my body and making my fingers shake at the mention of the break-up.

The waitress just sits down next to me and pulls me to her and squeezes me telling me encouraging words before she is called back to the counter.

“The usual?” She asks and Jules and I nod with a smile. “I think we’ll take it to go, if you don’t mind.” Jules says as she finishes her glass of water, Jane’s eyes go over one last time before going to the kitchen.

When we leave the little café/diner we decide to walk through a park that’s nearby, eating our paninis and drinking our mango and strawberry smoothies.

“Hey,” Jules nudges me. “They added something to your bag…” I look at her a put my hand in the bag. “It’s a muffin?” Jules says unsure. “What?” My word stays stuck in my throat. “Pretty fucking sure Janey didn’t tell Henry that Dylan and I were broken up” “Henry? The cook?” I nod and put the muffin back in the paper bag. “Yeah, hum, when Henry started working there Dyl and I went there to get you a smoothie and Henry was there and he just started hitting on him and like he knew that we were together but I guess it was a running gag between them and whenever I went Henry would put a muffin in the bag for your brother with a note” I laugh remembering the memory. “Once,” I laugh stopping us from walking further. “Dylan went to pick up our order to bring back to his apartment, before we moved in, and he actually gave Henry his number … Anyway, yeah.”

Jules looks at me and pulls me to her side as I hold the bag tightly. “You miss him, huh?”. I put my head on her shoulder, “you’ve got no fucking idea”

We keep walking and talking, and I can see that she is trying really hard to change my ideas. We go into stores and try on stuff without buying anything, we just spend an afternoon hanging out and it feels so good.

At around seven thirty we part, and we walk back to my apartment, I put the boxes that I left in the lobby in her car and wave her off. Clutching the paper bag, I grab my keys from my coat’s pocket, unlock the main door before going to the building’s mailboxes, gathering my mail and going through the lobby’s door to wave to Sam, the receptionist, before going up the stairs since the elevator hasn’t been fixed in 4 months. As I get onto my floor, I wave at my neighbor who exits his apartment as he looks at my door. I turn the corner and see that my door is opened, fearing the worst I grab a baseball bat sitting near the door that my father forgot last weekend when he came over. I hear soft music coming from the record player sitting in the living room, the smell of ham and cheese stuffed chicken filled the place and for a moment I thought my mother had come to New York … I entered the kitchen with the bat lowered down knowing who was in my apartment from the humming they made.

“I made dinner” Dylan says turning around and leaning his back on the counter, he pushes himself off of the counter.

“I can see that.” I huff out not looking at him. “What are you doing here?” I ask him, putting my coat on the back of the chair and my purse on the table.

“I- I wanted to talk.” He says taking a step towards me.

“Yeah, I know I was about to call you … We said we would talk tonight, on the phone” He nods slowly and turns around to put food in two plates. He hands me one and gesture for me to sit.

“I’m not a fan of phones.”

“Yeah I know that, we could’ve facetimed or something.” I pick at my Brussel sprouts, usually loving the way he made them, but seeing here tonight caught me off guard.

I actually look at him for the first time tonight, he hasn’t changed that much, his hair is a little bit longer though, he is hungrily eating the food and nervously keeps his head down.

“What happened?” He suddenly says, his head lifting and eyes connecting with mine. I take in a short breath and can’t look away.

“What?” I shake my head and look down. I stand up and put as much distance between him and I as physically can while still being in the same room.

“What happened between us?”

“I can’t say that I honestly know. We weren’t on the same path; we didn’t want the same things … I don’t know” I mumble picking and my chewed-up nails, a habit I had taken up from him.

“Ok so why didn’t work, it’s not distance because god knows we’ve done that before, none of us were unfaithful” I grimace at the thought of him with another woman and look at him, he notices, and pain quickly passes behind his hazel eyes. “I- I don’t think, hope not, we’ve fallen out of love… So, what happened Al’?”

“I don’t know, I don’t know what you’re expecting me to say right now, showing up at my apartment at fucking 8 …” I say my voice low and full of emotions.

“We agreed to talk” He says standing up and talking another step closer.

“I agreed to talk to you on the phone because even if it’s been five months, I can’t look at you right now!” I say looking at the shirt he’s wearing

“Did you send my stuff yet?” He asks changing the subject and taking another step, now only at an arm’s length from me.

“I actually gave the boxes to Jules earlier. Left em’ in the lobby and gave them to her when she left.” He nods silently, turns around before starting to put away the food, knowing we probably would not be eating tonight. The domestic choreography started as we moved around each other with ease and habit, but I still tried to keep a distance between us. Without having to consult each other I bent down to a cupboard to grab a few Tupperware’s and set them on the counter as he passed me the now empty pots and pans ready to be rinsed off. While we were quietly washing the dishes, the music in the back changed, but still fit the ambiance perfectly. He walked to the furthest and lowest cupboard where the large serving plates used to be and opened it to now find the spices.

“You changed the plates?” He asks over his shoulder.

“Hum, yeah didn’t have much of a choice, I couldn’t reach the spices from where they were, and I don’t use the serving plates all that much.” I shrug as he picks up the utensils and dries them off. He walks around me to the drawer where they’ve always been and opens it slowly, his hand supporting underneath.

“Oh no, I got fixed, it’s fine”

“Oh okay… Did your dad came all the way from Oregon or did hum…?” He asks and I smile at what he’s really asking me.

“No, I actually asked Pat to come over a month ago, he repaired a few things here and there” I smile warmly at him and his expression that went from sad to relieved.

“You- you called my dad?” He asks as he turns around to look at me and rests against the counter.

“I mean, yeah, is that okay?” I ask him, giving him a pot to dry off.

“Of course, yeah, no- no worries, heh.” He chuckles. “I’m just happy you guys stayed in contact. They adore you, y’know, my parents. Almost like a second daughter.”

“Well that’s just wrong” I mumble quickly my eyes large, falling back into the familiarity that is Dylan.

“What why?” He asks

“That would make us “brother and sister”” I finish washing the last dish and hand it to him.

“Oh yeah, so wrong. So, fucking wrong” He says under his breath and I laugh a little as I help him put away the plates. I open a cupboard and look up to see that it is far beyond my reach and I make a noise that attracts his attention. “Oh wait, I’ll get it” He says before taking large strides towards me. I quickly move to the side and put the plate on the counter so that he can pick it up.

We finish putting everything away in silence and I go sit on the couch as he washes his hands. A few seconds later he joins me and sit on the other side of the couch. Tears pool at my eyes and I sniffle, I can feel his eyes on me, I hear him shift on the couch, so his front was towards me.

“No, I won’t talk about the weather Not with you, we’re not together But I wonder if we’re ever really through 'Cause if we’re talking about whether You and I shouldn’t be together Oh, I know I’ll always be in love with you Oh yes, I know I’ll always be in love with you”

“It hurts so much” I whimper as I wipe away a tear that’s fallen on my cheek. “I don’t know what fucking happened. We didn’t get to talk, we-“

I freeze when I feel him starting to get closer to wipe away more tears that are now falling down my neck. I nuzzle my head into his large hand.

“I’m so sorry, for everything” He says his face in my hair.

“Don’t. It is not your fault. No, the situation was not ideal you having to leave for filming after the initial event, but it is not your fault. I think we just thought we were untouchable.” I say never facing him, my eyes fixed on the stickers stuck on the wooden table.

“But still, if I hadn’t talked about me moving back to L.A we could’ve talked and work things out.”

“Stop it.” I lick my lips attracting his eyes to the area as I turn to really look at him for the first time in months. “Dylan, it is not your fault, we had a weakness, we miscommunicated something got lost in what we told each other. I feel like I might’ve thought I was ready to leave the city to go to L.A but I wasn’t and maybe-“

“Say it again.” He suddenly says, cutting me off in my version of the events.

“What? Say what?”

“Say my name again, please.” His ton is full of hope and desperate at the same time.

I lock eyes with him and chuckle.

“Dylan” I enunciate each syllable.

“God. I missed you” He says, tears filling his eyes.

He grabs me by my waist and pulls me on his lap.

His face nuzzles itself in my neck and I feel a single tear rolling down my neck followed by a few soft kisses.

“I just got used to you not being there and knowing you wouldn’t come back. I didn’t like that.” I mumble against his temple. “Don’t say that. You know I’ll always come back to you.” He takes my hand in his and kiss the silver band around my pointer finger.

We part and I just stare at him, his eyes fall on me with the softest look I have ever seen.

“You almost didn’t come back once” I say softly thinking back on probably the hardest year of my life. My finger tracing the soft and ragged scar on his forehead and nose area, his eyes close at the sensation of my finger going around his face.

“I know. But baby I swear to you, you are stuck with me until the day I die, even then.” “Yeah okay, I’d be cool with that. But I want to take things slow. You have to go back to L.A for a few months.” “As soon as I’m finished over there I’m coming home.” He smiles at me and I stand up quickly from his lap and walk over where I put my stuff when I came in. “Oh my god I forgot.” I say quickly grabbing the object and walking back to him and plopping myself hard on his lap. “What’s that?” He looks at me with a smile. “It’s an impromptu welcome home gift, it might have gone stale a little though.” I give it to him and pull his face to kiss his moles that I missed oh so badly.

He opens the brown bag and puts his hand in and gets out a blueberry muffin.

“Oh Henry! My man” He says as he splits it in two and share half with me.

___________________________________

The morning after, I wake up at 9:45 in my bed, alone. I squeeze my eyes shut, not believing that I actually dreamt this whole thing. I check my phone to see if I have any messages and only one from Julia saying that she would be at my place around 11. As I text her to bring the boxes back I hear my bedroom door open and a smile stretches on my lips as I turn around to see Dylan walking in with freshly made hot cocoa and buttered toast.

“Oh, you’re too good to me, O’Brien” I smile and lean against him as he sits on the bed. “What makes you think that’s yours? You’ve got the good homemade bread and I fucking missed it” He says taking a bite.

Seeing him bite into the grilled piece of bread I only think of his lips.

“Dylan?” I say grabbing his face in my hand. “Hmm?” He swallows his piece of toast. “What’s up.” “You haven’t kissed me yet. I didn’t get to kiss you welcome back. Please, do it” I say in the most desperate tone I’ve ever heard myself talk. “Anything for you my love” He leans in and kiss me.

(ALSO HIS FUCKING TONGUE OMF)

[artificialqueens]

Washed in the Tide of Her Breathing 2/4 (Branjie)--athena2

A/N: Thank you to everyone that read and commented on chapter 1! Your support means so much to me! I would love if you could leave some feedback on this chapter. Writ is the best and I can’t thank them enough for beta-ing, brainstorming with me, and answering all my questions. (Also, I’ve taken too many English classes not to cite my source, so the article about the Melville to Hawthorne letter can be found here).

For a second when she wakes up, Brooke forgets.

She forgets there’s a woman just feet away, tucked under a plaid quilt in Brooke’s old bedroom-turned-guest-room that’s been useless until now, her presence breaking through the dust of memories coating the room. The room overlooks the ocean, and Brooke used to read by the window while sea-kissed breezes flowed through. Her parents smiled at her from the precious few photos she had of them, a collection that stopped growing before she did.

Brooke had moved into her grandfather’s room years ago, after carefully packing most of his stuff away (something she discussed at length with Dr. Ganache), and tries not to feel like an imposter in his room. This morning, she reminds herself that she’s capable and deserving of her job, capable and deserving of being in his space, capable and deserving of living, and gets out of bed.

Smoky gray casts a shadow over the window. The rain has slowed to a drizzle, splattering on the roof, and it seems the roads really will clear by Monday. But that still leaves three days of the same gentle water Brooke loves imprisoning her like some princess in a tower.

It’s not being stuck inside that bothers her. Brooke has more than enough food, books, and streaming services to last. It’s the thought of being stuck with someone, mind racing and skin itching with the thought of someone watching her constantly.

She takes slow, measured breaths and ties a few knots, fears rising out on a steady stream of air. She’ll be polite to Vanessa, they’ll watch TV, and Vanessa will be gone Monday. This whole thing will be just a memory for Brooke, a tiny drop of water in the ocean. A few weeks and she won’t remember the sound of Vanessa’s laugh, how it’s rough and velvety in the same breath. A few months and she’ll probably forget her name, how it’s sweet like chocolate in Brooke’s mouth.

Brooke flicks through a book, the weight of it as steadying now as it was in her childhood, the idea of all those worlds beneath her fingers making her feel secure, comforted. It was these worlds she escaped to, to have adventures alongside the characters, to pretend she had parents waiting for her like they did.

“Morning, Brooke!”

Alice in Wonderland slips into Brooke’s lap as she jumps.

“Sorry, did I scare you?” Vanessa asks.

“I’m fine.” Brooke takes a good look at Vanessa, stomach stirring as she does. Vanessa looks stronger today, more vibrant. Her cheeks bloom with rosy life, eyes bright and grin broad. Brooke is so relieved she’s okay, showing no pain from whatever (or whoever) hurt her, that she ignores her ridiculous theory about Vanessa being some sea creature. Vanessa’s okay, and that’s enough.

She realizes she forgot her medication in her cloud of worry, and notices Vanessa watching.

“I take medication, I–”

“It makes you feel better?” Vanessa asks.

“Yeah.” Brooke has bad days occasionally, but when the mental illness was at its worst she couldn’t even get out of bed, could do nothing but lay there and pray for sleep to avoid being conscious. She wouldn’t be able to function without the meds, and she’s not ashamed of it.

“That’s all that matters,” Vanessa says firmly. “You don’t have to explain anything.”

Brooke nods appreciatively. Her offer of coffee is met with an enthusiastic nod, and Vanessa is practically vibrating with energy as Brooke passes her the lobster mug. It’s a good thing she made decaf.

Vanessa is at ease in the kitchen, cheerfully eating eggs on toast, and Brooke wonders what it’s like to be so comfortable around others, to say things without turning them over in her mind a hundred times, worrying how they’ll sound. To be the kind of person other people go toward, instead of away from.

“We gonna watch Thrones today?” Vanessa asks.

Brooke nods.

Vanessa crunches her last bite of toast. “Let’s go.”

—

The morning passes quickly, Vanessa letting out whoops and gasps as they move through episodes. It makes Brooke grit her teeth at first, because she always watches things in silence, but when Vanessa screeches about ‘Sharpie Bannister’ (as she’s renamed Cersei Lannister), Brooke has to laugh. There’s something about watching the shock and excitement play out across Vanessa’s face that’s simply infectious, impossible to resist.

Vanessa tags along when Brooke climbs the steps for her afternoon light routine. Brooke’s skin prickles as Vanessa watches her. The only person that’s seen her work is her grandfather, and Brooke sweats with worry that she’ll mess up the one thing she’s good at and look like an idiot in front of Vanessa.

It takes Brooke a few windows to sink back into her rhythm. She can’t really blame Vanessa for staring. Brooke used to observe her grandfather with the same bright-eyed wonder over how his gnarled fingers moved of their own accord, how he didn’t even look where he stepped because his feet knew the way. If Vanessa’s open mouth is any indication, Brooke has perfected his movements, making it all look as natural as breathing, and she bursts with pride.

“So, how do you know this stuff?” Vanessa asks, motioning for Brooke to sit with her at the base of the light. This close, Brooke can smell her own lavender body wash Vanessa’s been using. “You have a degree in lighthousing?”

Brooke hugs her knees to her chest. “I have a degree in English, actually.” It may have taken her a while to finish it, after a leave of absence because the anxiety and depression grew so severe she couldn’t complete her assignments, but she had finished all the same, with a minor in marine studies. “The lighthouse stuff is from my grandfather. He taught me everything I know.”

“He’s a lighthouse keeper too?”

“He was.”

The silence hangs like a midday sun as Vanessa processes the words.

“I’m sorry, Brooke,” she says softly. Vanessa’s hand curves toward Brooke’s knee before darting back, like she wants to comfort Brooke but isn’t sure she should. Brooke suddenly wants her to, wants to see what Vanessa’s hand feels like, wants its steadying weight.

“It’s okay,” Brooke says.

They sit in fog-thick silence and Brooke wonders if she should speak or leave, sink or swim. The air is wide open for her to talk about her grandfather, but she just doesn’t want to. She’s been thinking about him constantly since she found Vanessa, trying to be kind like him, but she selfishly wants to hoard her memories like treasure, not share them. Vanessa doesn’t know how he preferred waffles to pancakes and put cinnamon in the batter, how we let her practice dance recitals in the living room and applauded wildly, how he let bugs go outside rather than kill them, and if Brooke tells her, then the memories aren’t just Brooke’s anymore. It’s like she’s giving part of him away.

“It’s real cool. This lighthouse stuff, I mean.” Vanessa fills the quiet. “You make it look so easy.”

Brooke shrugs. “I’ve had lots of practice.” Learning it was the best thing for her after losing her parents, and she had thrown herself into it to ease the pain. It gave her something to focus on, something to keep her worried mind occupied. A way to help people get home, like her parents couldn’t.

“Well, it’s beautiful. The way you move and everything.”

Brooke swallows nervously, stomach fluttering like butterflies are running wild. No one’s complimented the way she moves since her dance days. But Vanessa notices the grace Brooke’s always carried, even thinks it’s beautiful. The last bit of fear melts away, and Brooke stops thinking of Vanessa as an intruder and starts thinking of her as a fri–acquaintance. It’ll have to do, because there’s no title for ‘nice person that washed up on my lighthouse’.

“Thank you,” Brooke says finally. “Um, do you like quesadillas? I was thinking of making them for lunch.”

Vanessa grins, exposing bright white teeth. “Of course!”

—

Vanessa asks if they can play a board game that night, and Brooke brushes the dust of her childhood and pulls out Monopoly. They play on the floor, lantern illuminating the board, the glow highlighting all the different shades of brown–chocolate and hazelnut and mocha–swirling in Vanessa’s eyes. Brooke keeps getting lost in them, and has to tear her gaze away to focus.

Brooke quickly sees that Vanessa came to win, racking up properties and snatching money from Brooke like a middle-aged banker. But Brooke’s had years of practice, and she takes Vanessa’s money right back, their stacks too high to tell who’s winning.

Vanessa asks questions while they play, wanting to know Brooke’s favorite foods and colors and movies. Brooke hesitates at first, but what’s the harm in giving these pieces of herself to someone she’ll never see again? So Brooke answers questions and echoes them to Vanessa, hours ticking by like minutes as she learns the colors Vanessa likes to wear, the funny movies she watches to cheer herself up. She talks more with Vanessa in an hour than she does in a week.

Brooke coughs and sneezes through the game, using a whole box of tissues. Not changing her clothes after finding Vanessa is catching up with her. When Brooke sneezes so hard it sends paper money fluttering, Vanessa’s eyes flicker to her in concern.

“You gettin’ sick?” Vanessa asks.

Brooke shrugs. “Probably a cold. Happens a lot near the water.” Brooke often got sick as a kid because of how cold and damp it was by the sea. Her grandfather would set up a makeshift bed on the couch, tell her stories, and let her watch anything she wanted, a Star Wars marathon making the coughing and sneezing and bitter cherry medicine almost bearable.

Brooke can’t help but wonder what it would be like to have Vanessa sitting at her side, telling her stories.

—

Brooke is definitely sick when Saturday morning rolls around, her head cloudy like it’s stuffed with cotton, tissue after tissue chafing her raw nose.

The rain is still trickling down, mocking the weather reports that said it would stop by Friday. The new report is predicting Sunday.

Brooke shuffles into the kitchen and sees Vanessa sipping coffee and looking so right at the table. Brooke’s never considered her kitchen empty before, but Vanessa makes it full.

“You’re sick!” Vanessa yelps with worry. Vanessa is worried about her, is upset that she’s sick, and maybe it’s the illness making Brooke’s thoughts fuzzy, but she’s grateful Vanessa is here, grateful to have someone worried for her.

“I’m fine. Just a cold.”

Vanessa’s hand stretches up to her forehead before Brooke can stop it. She figures it’s rude to push Vanessa away, and her touch is soothing, so Brooke leaves it.

“I don’t think you have a fever,” Vanessa says, hand lingering longer than necessary.

“It’s just a cold,” Brooke repeats, wracked with a sudden shiver from the loss of contact.

“Well, why don’t you lie down?” It’s an order more than a suggestion, and Brooke gives in, too tired to argue despite the strangeness of it all. No one has cared for her like this in years. She usually just took medicine and went on with her day, no one even knowing she was sick, and Vanessa seating her on the couch and buzzing with concern spreads affectionate warmth through Brooke’s chest. Some part of Brooke likes it, likes having someone take care of her when she’s done it alone for so long. And some part of her likes that the someone is Vanessa.

Vanessa carefully drapes a blanket over Brooke, watching her with such tenderness and adoration it makes her ache with a sudden longing to hold Vanessa. The cold is really messing with her head. Vanessa brings her cold meds, cough drops, and extra tissues before settling into the armchair and starting the next episode.

Brooke’s eyelids grow heavy after the theme song, and she drifts off into a warm sleep punctuated with dreams of sailing with Vanessa.

A gentle hand nudges her shoulder, and Brooke blinks awake to see Vanessa, bowl of steaming soup in her hands. Brooke’s mind lags as she processes the scene. Vanessa made her soup. Vanessa took the time to go through her pantry and cupboards just to make soup to help her feel better. It’s been seven years since someone cooked for her. Brooke’s eyes dampen at the corners (it’s probably the cold).

“S-sorry. I didn’t mean to fall asleep on you,” Brooke says, sitting up and eating a spoonful.

“Don’t worry about it. You need sleep when you’re sick.” Vanessa pauses. “Anything else I can do? Call a doctor or somethin’?”

“I don’t need a doctor for a cold,” Brooke says, melting at how concerned Vanessa is. “Soup and meds are enough. You didn’t have to do all this for me,” she adds, looking down at the bowl.

“I want to,” Vanessa says firmly. “You got sick ‘cause of me.”

Brooke shakes her head. “I was only outside a few minutes getting you. I didn’t change my wet clothes after. That’s my fault, not yours.”

“Still,” Vanessa insists. “It’s the least I could do.”

Vanessa tucks a strand of hair behind Brooke’s ear and Brooke has no air in her lungs. Her whole face tingles, and she wishes she could grab Vanessa’s hand and put it on her cheek, let the warmth rest there forever, an eternal flame to keep Brooke warm.

The day is cozy and carefree, but there’s something bugging Brooke, swirling below the water like a predator. It’s not until Vanessa gives her more cold meds that night that it hits her: Vanessa isn’t sick. Vanessa was sailing in a thunderstorm, thrown into the icy sea, left in the rain all night, and doesn’t have so much as a sniffle.

Brooke would say it isn’t humanly possible, but it’s true. Unless…

No. She needs to stop with her theories. It’s probably just the grayness of the world affecting her judgement. Some urge to keep her grandfather alive, to put a wild story in everything she sees.

It’s a quiet night, Vanessa more hushed than usual, a mug of hot chocolate making Brooke full and sleepy, electing to sleep on the couch because she’s too comfortable under her fleece blankets to move.

Vanessa heads to bed with a soft ‘feel better, Brooke’ tumbling from her lips and soothing Brooke’s skin like hot water, but when Brooke wakes the next morning, Vanessa is back in the chair, watching over Brooke like a tower watching over ships. When Brooke asks her about it, Vanessa just says she wanted to make sure Brooke was okay.

—

The weather report was right, and Sunday is the first dry day in what feels like years, the world bathed a delicate gray-blue as the public works crew clears the roads. Vanessa radiates her own sun in the lighthouse, growing more exuberant by the hour.

Vanessa wasn’t exactly quiet before, but she bursts with renewed energy over waffles that morning. She makes Brooke take more medicine and drinks two cups of coffee with a pound of sugar, asks (commands) Brooke if they can make brownies, and eats three of said brownies in one sitting.

“You know any stories?” Vanessa asks that night. “Sailors always tell stories in the movies. And lighthouses are good places for stories, all spooky and shit.”

Brooke has to agree. The night is perfect, orange fire glowing against the pitch-black darkness outside, wind rattling the windows like a monster begging to be let in, she and Vanessa trading smiles over mugs of hot chocolate, blankets wrapped around their shoulders. It’s nights like these that Brooke believes the legends with all her heart, the world so alive with magic they had to be real.

“I know some old legends about sirens and mermaids and stuff,” Brooke suggests.

Vanessa flinches so quickly Brooke might have imagined it, an unreadable expression settling over her features.

“Sure,” Vanessa agrees. “Maybe somethin’ happy, or romantic?”

Most legends were darker than the depths of the ocean, used as terrifying warnings to respect whatever creatures lived in the sea so they didn’t kill you, but Brooke searches for something at least a little happy.

“Sit by the fire with me?” Brooks asks, heart thumping.

Vanessa’s eyes twinkle brighter than ever in the firelight, and Brooke’s not sure if her face is burning from the fire or Vanessa’s knee pressing against hers.

Brooke clears her throat. Her ears are full of her grandfather’s voice, deep and rich as the sea. She can hear him clearly tonight, in her spot on the rug that used to be his, and she knows he speaks with her when she begins.

“Once upon a time–”

“This some kinda fairytale?” Vanessa interrupts.

Brooke shoots her the same look Vanessa gives Joffrey on-screen. It must work, because Vanessa bursts into giggles.

“Okay, okay, keep going.”

“Once upon a time, there lived a lonely young woman named Arabella. Her father was a lighthouse keeper. He told her mermaids lived in the sea, and every day, Arabella went to the water’s edge, hoping to see one. But none ever turned up.

“One day, a mermaid named Cordelia swam to shore. She had been watching Arabella, but was too shy to see her. Cordelia had hair like spun gold and eyes of sapphire. Some said the ocean herself had made her eyes. Arabella fell in love instantly. But she couldn’t breathe underwater, and Cordelia couldn’t walk on land, so Arabella took her boat out while Cordelia swam beside her.

“As the days passed, their love grew like the waves. They were so in love, neither noticed they were going farther and farther into the ocean. Soon, they were at the cove of the murderous sirens, falsely promising people their heart’s desires and drowning them.

Vanessa’s hands fly over her mouth. She leans closer, eager to hear what happens next, and Brooke surges with pride.

“Arabella’s desire was to breathe underwater, and Cordelia’s desire was to walk on land. The siren queen, Marina–”

“It’s Marilla,” Vanessa says. “The siren queen. Marilla, not Marina.”

The crackling fire is the only sound in the room.

“You-you’re right,” Brooke says. “Marina is the mermaid queen, I always mix them up. I just–how did you know?” She’s not judging or doubting Vanessa, just curious. Most legends have died out.

“I…I think I read it in one of your books when you were sick,” Vanessa says.

“Oh. Anyway, Marilla promised them their desires, and they were pulled beneath the waves. But Marina, the mermaid queen, didn’t want the lovers to perish. She convinced Marilla to grant their wishes, but at a cost.

“She allowed Arabella to breathe underwater for one hour each dawn, and allowed Cordelia to walk on land for one hour each dusk. But if they met any other time, or stayed longer than an hour, they would be cursed with eternal solitude.

“They obeyed. Cordelia stayed beneath the sea, longing for the hour she could feel sand between her toes. Arabella stayed on land, longing for the hour when the water flowed around her. The two hours they were together each day were the happiest in both their lives. They met every day, even as old age meant Cordelia had to hold Arabella in the water and help her walk on land. They stayed in love until Arabella died, and Marina released Cordelia’s soul, so their spirits could be together for eternity.”

Vanessa’s mouth opens and closes a few times before she can speak.

“Wow, Brooke,” Vanessa breathes. “You should have people come here on tours and tell them stories. You’re really, really good at it.”

Brooke beams with joy. It’s a small compliment, but it means more than Vanessa knows. Her grandfather could have an entire room biting their nails in suspense, hanging on his every word. Brooke has never told a story to anyone, and not only is she good at it, she loves it. Loves the rush of bringing words to life, of having Vanessa so close that Brooke could just reach out and touch her, maybe even kiss her–

“Thanks. Someone asked me about doing tours before, actually. I said no.”

“Why?”

“Just…didn’t want anyone inside.” Brooke confesses.

“I get that,” Vanessa says. “This place is special to you. If you don’t want to do tours, that’s fine. I’d just hate to see you say no because of fear.”

How could Vanessa understand her fears so effortlessly? Brooke loves the history of the lighthouse, how it’s served ships for centuries. Maybe, if she works hard with Dr. Ganache, she could feel safe enough to let people in and share that history.

“I’m headin’ to bed.” Vanessa yawns. “Thanks for the story.”

“Sure.”

Brooke lingers behind, curiosity driving her to the book of myths on the coffee table. She checks twice, but there’s no mention of Marilla.

—

“Is that the sun?” Vanessa asks Monday morning, jaw dropping open.

“I think so.” Brooke smiles.

Vanessa whistles. “Damn. I thought I ended up on some planet with no sun! Can we see the town today?” She asks, bouncing in her chair.

“Okay.”

Three days ago, Brooke would have been out the door at the crack of dawn to get Vanessa on the earliest train home. But somehow, between the daily meals and board games and stories, Brooke has grown comfortable with Vanessa, smiling whenever Vanessa laughs, passing dishes to the left for Vanessa to dry without thinking, her heart softening every time their soap-slick hands brush against each other. There’s a certain ease between them, one Brooke didn’t think she’d have with anyone but her grandfather.

Even when they watch TV, Brooke finds herself turning to Vanessa during big reveals, to see Vanessa’s eyes widen and her jaw drop, revelling in the knowledge that she’s not alone, that someone is sharing it with her. She smiles when Vanessa does the same, trying to discern spoilers from Brooke’s expression and gloating when her predictions are right.

Brooke’s heart is heavy over Vanessa leaving, and she wants to make an amazing day for her, one she’ll remember even after returning to the bright city lights.

Brooke thinks of what Vanessa might enjoy in town. Brooke has always liked the main street of Cape Charles, how the cheery shops smiled at her even when most of the owners didn’t, turning their noses up at the crazy lighthouse keeper. But she can take Vanessa to the diner, and the bookstore, where Brooke used to need a stool to reach the shelves until her growth spurt hit and her bones screamed as she shot up eight inches in a year.

She wonders what it will be like to have feet beside hers on the cobblestones again, to eat with someone across the booth again, to see another reflection in the shop windows.

“D-do you want to have breakfast? There’s a really good diner on Main Street.”

“You ain’t gotta ask me twice!”

Being cooped up must be hard for Vanessa, Brooke guesses. Vanessa lives in the city, where she could do anything at any time. Brooke has never liked the dizziness or buzz of the city, how easily you could get lost with no one to even care about finding you. Even when she took classes in the college there, she would ride the commuter train, take her usual walk to campus, and return the same way, never straying for fear of getting lost in a sea of concrete, no light to guide her home (it was a relief when she found out two years in that she could finish her degree online). She hasn’t returned to the city since that bad day when her grandfather died.

“Hey, Brooke?” Vanessa snaps Brooke out of her thoughts. “You got anything I could wear that’s not a wool sweater? Don’t get me wrong, they cute on you, but I don’t think they’re working for me.”

“Of course.”

Vanessa in her house is strange enough, but having Vanessa in her room, her big brown eyes roaming across the bed where Brooke sleeps and the photos linking Brooke to the past, makes Brooke feel like her entire being is on display, like Vanessa can see right through her.

“And I thought your wool stuff was out of control!” Vanessa exclaims.

Brooke smothers a laugh at the array of flannel shirts hanging in her closet.

“I do have a lot of wool and flannel, huh?” They’re Brooke’s favorites because of the coziness, protecting her from the cold sea air.

“Well, they look good on you.”

It’s the second time Vanessa’s said she looks nice, Brooke notes. She wonders if it means anything, if Vanessa’s heart squeezes when she looks at Brooke like Brooke’s does when she looks at Vanessa. She also wonders if it means anything that she thinks Vanessa is beautiful in anything.

“Your jeans are longer than my whole body,” Vanessa mutters. “What are you, like, six-five?”

“Five-ten.”

“Shit.”

Brooke laughs. She’d put Vanessa at five-three, if that, and she likes how tiny Vanessa is, how Brooke’s clothes make her even tinier and more adorable.

“This coat is cool.” Vanessa nods at the navy coat in Brooke’s closet.

“I’ll show you if you want,” Brooke offers.

It’s her grandfather’s lighthouse keeper coat, navy with brass buttons, done in the old style. He took excellent care of it and it’s impeccable, heavy and warm like his hugs. Brooke used to put it on as a kid, giggling as it dragged on the floor and thinking she’d never be big enough or good enough to fill it. But she’d inherited his height as well as his eyes, and when she put it on a year after he died, the coat fit her like it was meant to do nothing else. She had taken it as a permission of sorts, some sign from the universe that she was worthy of wearing it, of running the lighthouse. That she would be okay on her own.

“What’s the K for?” Vanessa asks, pointing to the gold loops embroidered on the lapel, neat K’s stitched inside.

“For keeper.”

“You sure are.”

Brooke flushes as red as a warning sky, and busies herself finding clothes for Vanessa, grabbing a red sweatshirt since it’s Vanessa’s favorite color, and leggings so she won’t trip on any pant hems. Brooke takes jeans and a navy fisherman’s sweater for herself and changes in the bathroom.

Vanessa is fully dressed when she gets back, gazing at the pictures on Brooke’s dresser. “This your grandpa?”

“Yeah.”

“You have his eyes. They look like the sea.” Vanessa smiles. “I bet he was kind like you too.”

“He was.” It’s all she can manage, tears hovering on the horizon. Whenever she was upset, all she had to do was look at him and she knew things would be okay. All she’s ever wanted is to be like him, to be good and dedicated, a beacon of hope for people.

Nina says Brooke is like him, but Nina knew her grandfather, saw Brooke’s similarities to him emerge, and Nina is always nice. But Vanessa doesn’t know her grandfather. She barely knows Brooke. She has no reason to say it, no idea how much it means. For her to think Brooke resembles the man who was her guiding light for so long is irrefutable proof that Brooke is like him, is maybe as good as him, and it warms her heart like a fire. She’s never been more grateful for Vanessa.

“Do you miss him?” Vanessa asks, cringing a second later. “Shit, sorry, you don’t have to answer. Don’t mind my nosy ass.”

“I do,” Brooke says. “He–he was a great person. One of the best.” It’s gotten better over the years, the wound receding to a dull pain, one she sometimes can’t even feel. But then she’ll do something that tugs on the scar tissue, like looking at his picture a second too long or making waffles that taste almost exactly like his, but not quite, and the pain comes roaring back anew.

“Hey,” Vanessa says gently, wiping a tear from Brooke’s cheek, one she didn’t know had fallen. Vanessa is so close Brooke just wants to wrap her in a hug. She wants Vanessa’s head against her chest, wants to bury her face in Vanessa’s hair, wants Vanessa to feel her heart beating. “Let’s go eat.”

—

Nina almost drops her pen when she sees Vanessa next to Brooke. Brooke’s mouth dries out as she struggles for an explanation.

“I’m an old friend of Brooke’s,” Vanessa supplies smoothly. “Just visiting for a few days.”

Vanessa and Nina carry on like actual old friends as Nina takes them to a booth, and Brooke isn’t surprised. Nina can make friends with a wall, and Brooke doesn’t know anyone who wouldn’t love her in seconds.

“So,” Vanessa says, peeking over her menu with a grin, “what’s good here?”

“I always get the apple-cinnamon pancakes,” Brooke says.

“Always always?”

“Yeah.”

“You don’t ever wanna change it up?” Vanessa asks in confusion.

Brooke lowers her head, heat creeping up her neck. “I don’t like change,” she admits. Change had been a police officer’s scuffed black boots in a cheery kindergarten classroom. Change had been an unknown number calling from the city, saying her grandfather was in critical condition.

“I know change can be scary,” Vanessa says softly. “But what if you did just a little one? Like, what if you still get pancakes, but with”–Vanessa scans the menu–“bananas instead?”

Maybe Vanessa is right. Dr. Ganache had said a routine would be helpful when Brooke began her recovery, but she should never feel trapped by it. Brooke’s been sticking to it so long she’s never considered if it’s guiding her or forcing her, protecting her or caging her.

Brooke knows bananas aren’t a big deal in the grand scheme of things. She knows her palms shouldn’t be sweating. But if she doesn’t have apples, does that mean the day won’t go like it should? Will it make something bad happen? What if she did something different on those bad days, like eating raspberry jam on her toast instead of strawberry, and that was why the bad things happened?

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to,” Vanessa says quickly.

“I want to.”

Brooke’s fork shakes a bit when the banana walnut pancakes arrive, but they’re just as delicious as the apple ones, and Brooke doesn’t think anything bad can happen with Vanessa smiling at her, eating hash browns.

“So, Miss English Degree, you ever read that book about the big-ass whale?”

“You mean Moby Dick?” Brooke snorts.

“Yeah! With Captain Abfab!”

“Ahab.” Brooke giggles. “And I did. It’s kinda gay, actually. Melville was basically in love with Nathaniel Hawthorne. He wrote him a letter saying their hearts beat in each other’s ribs.”

“That’s romantic as hell.” Vanessa’s eyes are bright with admiration.

Brooke lets herself dream of writing letters to Vanessa, pressing kisses to the envelope.

Next in line is A’keria’s boutique. It takes all of ten seconds for Vanessa and A’keria to cackle in unison and talk about clothes. Maybe Vanessa is magic, just not how Brooke thought. Being so open with people, winning them over with a few words, is certainly its own magic, one Brooke has never been skilled in.

Vanessa squeals in delight when they drive past Monet and Monique’s Clam Shack. “Oohh, can we stop there?” she asks, wriggling in her seat like a toddler. She sticks her head out the window to read the specialties advertised on the sign. “Are you one of those ‘we have food at home’ people? ‘Cause my mom used to–” Vanessa cuts herself off abruptly, shaking her head like she’s trying to clear water out of her ears, or maybe a memory out of her mind. Her smile flies back. “Look, they have fried shrimp, that’s your favorite!”

Brooke takes a second to respond around the lump in her throat, because no one has known her favorite food or wanted her to have it in seven years. It makes Brooke’s face warm, almost impossibly so, given the cold air blasting through Vanessa’s window.

“Fried shrimp it is.”

—

“Brooke?” Vanessa asks, looking up from her fried shrimp.

“Yeah?”

“Can I pay you back somehow? I mean, you saved me, and let me stay with you, and bought my food, and I…aren’t I in your debt?”

Brooke’s heart breaks at Vanessa’s earnestness. Was she not used to people being kind to her? Brooke could never make Vanessa give her anything back, especially when she’s just as much in Vanessa’s debt. How can Brooke explain that the past days have been a gift to her, one she can never repay?

“There’s no debt. There never will be,” Brooke says firmly. “I wanted to help you. I don’t want anything in return.”

Vanessa’s hand slides across the table, fingers curling around Brooke’s. “Thank you, Brooke. Really.”

Brooke grips Vanessa’s hand like she would grip a sailing rope to keep herself steady at sea, her body coming to life at the warm touch. “Of course. You’re my guest, for as long as you want.”

“I was thinkin’ about that, actually,” Vanessa begins. “I don’t have to be back in the city till Monday. And I like y–like it here, and I’m so grateful for you, and if it’s okay, do you think I could stay till Saturday?”

You could stay forever, Brooke thinks. A lifetime of board games and cooking together, of movies and morning coffee, of breathing salt air and watching the tides ebb and flow. Autumns tinted gold and springs tinted green, crunching on leaves and splashing in rain puddles. Winters of snowflakes sticking to windows and melting in your hair, a crackling fire and soft blankets. Summers of fresh blueberries and walks on the sand, the sunset so close you could touch it, fill your hands with its buttery light.

“I’d like that,” Brooke says.

—

Last week, four days had seemed like an eternity. Now, Brooke has five more days with Vanessa, and they aren’t enough for everything she wants to do.

Brooke’s heart has a crack in it, the first crack in a ship that leads to disaster as more and more water flows in. Each day that crack widens, another realization slipping inside and dragging her whole body down. How she won’t see Vanessa’s smile anymore. How the couch will be empty, not even a dent in the cushion where Vanessa sits.

They go bowling, and Brooke laughs till she cries over Vanessa’s hunched stance, rolling the ball with both hands and one time shooting it into another lane. They rack up tickets at the arcade and earn a Cape Charles pencil (‘300 tickets and all we get is a pencil?’ Vanessa rages). Vanessa wins a stuffed dolphin at the claw machine and gives it to Brooke. Brooke has slept with it every night since, holding it to her chest and pretending it’s Vanessa.

Every time Brooke burns from people’s stares, wondering why the ghost was released from her tower, Vanessa shoots them a death glare until they back off, reminding Brooke she doesn’t need to concern herself with them.

They finish Game of Thrones, Vanessa screaming about how they did her girl Dany dirty, and start on the Ghibli collection, wordlessly passing the tissue box to each other when Sophie puts Howl’s heart back into his chest.

Brooke relishes the brushing of their arms as they make dinner, Vanessa tossing croutons into the air and catching them in her mouth. Brooke loves putting the food on the table knowing the meal is something they created with their hands working together, trying to ignore that her future meals will be made with two hands, not four.

Before she knows it, it’s Friday night, and Brooke is trying to keep it together. She cooks Vanessa’s favorite foods, rice and beans with shrimp, plus salad, garlic bread, and chocolate cake.

They talk like they do every night, but Brooke has always been sensitive to change, and the air is different, thick with the knowledge that this is the last time, that there won’t be another dinner.

Brooke cuts the cake, and halfway through the first slice she realizes that she’ll have leftover cake and there won’t be anyone to share it with. This cake that she and Vanessa made will belong to Brooke alone, its frosting hardening and crumb drying with only one fork to eat it.

She looks at Vanessa’s lobster mug, irreparably labeling it Vanessa’s, and knows she won’t be able to look at it again without picturing Vanessa’s slim fingers wrapped around it, tossing her head back with laughter.

The crack in her heart widens into a chasm. All the sorrow over Vanessa leaving, the emptiness that will consume her after Vanessa’s gone, rush into Brooke’s heart until it sinks to the ocean floor, never to see sunlight again.

Stay, Brooke thinks but doesn’t say. Please stay. Her chest aches, and she thinks her ribs are throbbing with the pulse of Vanessa’s heart as well as her own.

But she can’t ask Vanessa to stay, stop her from returning to a life more exciting than this, to fabrics shinier than wool and flannel, to more restaurants and stores than she could count.

She can’t ask no matter how badly she wants to.

Brooke doesn’t do this. She doesn’t get attached. Dr. Ganache says she has a fear of abandonment, that she isolates herself as an unhealthy coping mechanism. She doesn’t form relationships, doesn’t even try, because her mind is trying to keep her safe, denying her any connection to spare her the pain of that connection’s loss.

You can’t lose someone if you don’t know them, let yourself get close to them. And Brooke has learned more about Vanessa, gotten closer with her, than she has let herself do with anyone else since her grandfather died.

She knows that Vanessa always buys the Rainbow Room in Monopoly just because she likes rainbows. She knows that Vanessa stops dead in the street to pet dogs, like Brooke used to. She knows Vanessa dances every chance she gets. She knows Vanessa has brought her places she hasn’t visited in years, has shielded her from people’s stares and kept her safe like a lighthouse tower.

“I have something for you,” Brooke says after cake, handing Vanessa the bracelet she made from ropes on her grandfather’s old boat.

“It’s a sailor knot,” Brooke explains. “Sailors wore them at sea. It’s supposed to bring good luck and protection on your travels.”

Vanessa is silent as she runs her fingers over the bracelet, tracing the fibers like she can feel the ocean clinging to them.

Brooke takes a breath. “Vanessa, um, I really liked having you here, and if you ever want to come back…” Tears stream down Vanessa’s face, and Brooke’s heart shatters. “I’m sorry! Did I do something wrong? Are you okay?”

The panic claws at Brooke, heart racing, each breath frantic as Vanessa’s tears thicken. Brooke wants to cry herself over seeing Vanessa so upset, and she struggles to stay above the tide of fear. Finally, Vanessa shakes her head, like she’s answering her own question.

“I can’t do this anymore, Brooke.” Her voice runs deep with sorrow, but Brooke is so relieved she’s talking that she manages to get air into her lungs, heart slowing. “I can’t keep lying to you.”

“What do you mean?” Brooke has ignored Vanessa’s obvious lies and refusal to talk about her life in the city, but the questions always lurk in her mind. Is she finally going to find out what happened? Is Vanessa running from something? Is–

Vanessa sighs. “I’m a siren.”

[bendywackyadventures]

BATIM SOL AU School Daze Chap.4

Guess who's back! Back with Bendy stories!

So yeah I took a hiatus from Bendy stories due to the Bendy drama that happened back in October, and it was good to take a long break so I can refresh and work on other stories during that time. However, I miss writing the adventures of Bendy, Henry and the rest of the JDS crew so I knew the beginning of the year was a wonderful time to get back into writing these stories.

Yes, I'm off from hiatus so Bendy stories are back in business!

It was morning, the first morning to Alice and Bendy’s first day of school. Bendy was in his room gathering all the things he needed for his first day. The demon was nervous for his first day having a string of “what if’s” fill his mind. Bendy wanted to make a good impression on his classmates and teacher; no pranks, no jokes, just a simple and normal demon going to school like everyone else. The demon heard a knock on the door and turned, “Come in.” He said.

Henry and Linda opened the door with Henry having something behind his back. “Ready for your first day of school, Bendy?” Linda asked.

Bendy nodded. “Ready; yes.” The demon frowned. “Nervous; definitely.” 

Henry chuckled. “Don’t worry. Everything will be fine.” Bendy didn’t believe it and looked down. Henry frowned and looked back at what he was hiding behind his back. “Linda and I got something for you.” Henry revealed the gift behind his back.

Bendy’s eyes widen seeing the wrapped gift. “What is it?” He asked taking the box.

“Open it and find out.” Linda said.

Bendy unwrapped the box and was in awe at what was inside. It was a light brown vest and striped pants for him to wear for school. “Henry, Linda...I don’t know what to say?” He asked.

“Thank you would be nice.” Henry replied giving a smile. Bendy looked up from his gift and hugged his creator tight. Henry smiled and hugged his little toon back. The two let go and Bendy looked at his new clothes.

“Can I wear this?” Bendy asked.

“Sure.”

Bendy smiled and with one quick spin put his new clothes on. He smiled as his new clothes fit perfectly on him. “Look at my the stylish ink demon around! Heading off to school!” He announced. Bendy grabbed his stuff and dashed out the door. 

Henry and Linda laughed seeing they cured Bendy’s first day of school jitters. Now it was time to check on Alice to see how she was feeling.

Unlike Bendy earlier, Alice was calm going to school. She was in front of her mirror brushing her hair to look her best for her day at school. When she was done Alice took one look at herself seeing how well dressed and hair styled she was for her first day of school. Alice grabbed her backpack and ran passed her parents.

“Bye Dad! Bye Mom! See you after school!” Alice yelled as she left the house in a flash.

Henry and Linda got themselves together and saw their two little toons off to school. “They grow up so fast.” Linda whispered. 

“They sure do.” Henry agreed.

Alice arrived at her school, Walt Fletcher high school. She was amazed at how big the school was and saw many kids entering inside. Alice was nervous taking her first step into her new school wondering how her new classmates would think of her. With a deep breath and a smile she walked inside the school ready to start her day.

“Class.” The principal started. “We have a new kid joining us today.” Alice stood in front of her 1st period class nervously. The class stared at her horns and how different she was from all of them. Alice gulped feeling the tension from her class. “This is Alice Stein make her feel welcome.” The principal left and the teacher stepped in.

“Alright Alice, now we just need to find a seat for you.” The teacher, Mrs. Shannon came to the angel. She looked around the room to find a seat for her new student.

“Mrs. Shannon! There’s a seat right here!” Alice’s eyes widen hearing a familiar voice. Alice smiled seeing Danni again. Danni was a young girl she met at the park when Bendy ran off a while ago. Danni smiled back as she waved over to her and the teacher.

Mrs. Shannon smiled. “Thank you Daniella.” Danni frowned hearing her full name. “Alice you can sit over there.” Alice nodded and sat down next to Danni.

Danni smiled seeing Alice again. “Hey angel. Welcome to high school.” Alice smiled and high fived the girl she met not too long ago at the park.

“Thanks.” Alice said. She faced the teacher and listened in on the lessons they were learning today. “This isn’t bad.” Alice thought. “I wonder how Bendy is doing on his first day?”

“BENDY!” The class shouted. At Bendy’s school everyone knew who Bendy was to the teacher’s surprise. The class ran up to him and gave him a hug. Bendy laughed seeing all his friends hugging him making him feel really welcome. The teacher, Miss. Harper was surprised this is who Bendy was a little demon. 

“So your Bendy. I heard about you from my kids.” Miss. Harper. Bendy nodded. “Well Bendy you can sit wherever you want, and have someone help you learn what their doing.” She explained.

Connie raised her hand. “Bendy can sit next to me, Miss. Harper!” She beamed holding Bendy’s hand. 

Miss. Harper smiled. “Okay Connie.” Connie smiled and took Bendy to her table along with Marie and Tommy. Right now it was free time in class, so kids got to work on whatever they want. Bendy looked around and saw many of the neighborhood kids in his class. All of them except for one. 

“Connie, where’s your brother?” Bendy asked.

Connie stopped coloring and looked at the demon. “He’s in another classroom. This year we’re in separate classrooms.” She explained in a low whisper. 

“Oh..” Bendy replied. 

“Don’t worry. We’ll see him during lunch.” Connie reassured him. Bendy smiled knowing lunch and recess would be fun as the kids will all play together. “You want to color?” Connie asked as she took out a coloring book page for Bendy.

Bendy smiled. “Sure.” Connie smiled and handed Bendy a coloring page for the demon to work on. The demon grabbed some crayons that were on the table and colored with his friends. As he colored he started to think about how Alice was doing at her school.

Back at Alice’s high school, many of her classmates in her other classes were impressed by her skills. In Math she was able to answer a geometry question no one else was able to get. The math teacher was impressed with Alice’s intelligence. 

What the class or anyone didn’t know was Alice was able to school herself during her time at the studio. She read off of old box and notes left by workers like Grant, Sammy, and Norman where she was able to learn a few things.

Even in PE, Alice was able to show some athletic skills. That was just in her character, having the ability of doing anything; sports, singing, you name it Alice has it!

“Nice job, Angel!” Danni said running by giving her new friend a high five.

“Thanks.” Alice replied. Alice and Danni were sharing a laugh as a young boy from the boys PE looked on giving a lovely sight.

“Isn’t she beautiful?” The boy asked. The boy’s friend went over to his lovestruck friend smiling like an idiot towards Alice.

“The new girl?” The friend asked. The friend looked at the girls PE and saw Alice talking with her new friends. “She looks like every other pretty girl in this school.” He commented.

The boy looked at his friend in disbelief. “She isn’t like any other girl in this school! She’s a goddess!” He beamed. The boy’s friend rolled his eyes and walked away leaving his friend to keep staring at Alice.

Alice took notice of the boy staring at her and tapped Danni’s shoulder. “Who is that staring at me?” Alice asked.

Danni turned and saw her friend staring at Alice till the kid got hit in the head with a ball. “That’s Bryan. He’s one of my friends.” She explained. “He’s into lots of cute girls, and your on his list.” Danni added giving a smug look to her friend. Alice giggled blushing as well, she was surprised someone has a crush on her.

After PE was over as well as a few more classes lunch finally came. Danni took Alice to a table where Bryan was waiting for them. “Well glad you brought the newest cutie to our school.” Bryan flirted. Alice rolled her eyes and sat down with her new friends. Alice enjoyed talking with her new friends and looked around seeing everyone talking and eating lunch together. It reminded the angel so much of the studio in the past where break time was lively and not tense or quiet like it was later in life.

Soon Alice had her sights on a girl sitting alone at lunch. Her hair was a bright ginger color with a flower headband on, and she wore a long pale green dress. Alice recognized that girl as her classmate in Math class. She never got her name as no one told her who she was.

“Danni, who is that?” Alice asked.

Danni, drinking her juice looked at who Alice was asking about and stopped drinking to answer her friend. “That’s Lauren Albright. She’s distant towards everyone after what happened last year.” She explained.

“What happened last year?” Alice asked again.

Before Danni could answer, Bryan answered for her as three girls walked into the lunch room leaving everyone to stop what their doing. “Them.” Bryan pointed out.

Alice looked and saw the three girls walk into the lunch room. Two of the girls had blonde hair while the third girl had black hair tied into a ponytail. Danni grabbed her hat and placed it on top of Alice’s head. 

“Don’t let them notice you.” Danni warned. Alice nodded and kept her head down as the girls walked by. Alice turned and saw the kids still waiting in line for their lunches move out of the way so the girls could get there’s. Once they got their lunches they left the lunch room giving everyone a sigh of relief.

Alice removed the hat and handed it back to Danni. “Ok who were they?” She asked.

“They call themselves the Lockets.” Bryan replied. “Pretty, popular, and mean girls who know secrets of everyone and would tell the entire school if you cross them.” He explained.

“They’ve been ruining their classmates lives since Kindergarten.” Danni added. 

Alice gulped knowing these were the mean girls Henry and Linda warned her about before she started school. She knew from experience not to cross mean girls, though only one from her life was mean, but three sounded like a challenge. “Is that what happened with Lauren?” Alice asked.

Danni nodded. “Oh yeah. She was part of their little posse last year, and when she left the Lockets told the entire school her secret.” She explained. “It broke her so badly that she distanced herself from everyone, even though it wasn’t that bad.”

Alice looked back at Lauren and saw her put away her lunch and walking away from the lunch room. She felt bad for the girl and wished she could do something to help her feel better. The angel had to think of a plan to help break Lauren from her shell.

~~~~~~~~~~~

A few things to let you guys know Yes the outfit Bendy is given is the same one he’s going to wear in Dark Revival. I don’t know how Dark Revival will play off in SOL AU, but I just had to reference it before the game drops. Once the game is out I’ll see how it will tie in to SOL AU

A headcanon I had about Alice is that Joey planned for her to be like the Barbie of the JDS world/ 1930’s a little angel who can do/be anything.

[tinalbion]

Michael Myers One Shot - Somebody’s Watching Me

This is a Michael Myers gift fic for my cool pal @whiskehorange just because I love and appreciate them. I wanted to practice writing for the silent boi, and I know it’s short and simple, but I do hope you enjoy it regardless <3

I hope to do more stuff for you in the future!! Maybe I’ll add on to this, who knows ~

Words: 3,187 

Warnings: Cursing

The cool autumn breeze was always a relief from the harsh heat of summer, but it was edging ever closer to winters sting. Haddonfield had pushed the thought of winter aside and focused on its main priority: Halloween. It was a highly celebrated holiday around those parts, and it was popular for the ghost stories that seemed to always haunt the cozy neighborhood. The Jack-o-lanterns were carved up and placed on each front porch or sitting comfortably on walkways, lighting the way of the small trick or treaters that would fill the streets in just a few hours. There was one house though that sat bare, but had been full of moving boxes. You had just moved into the neighborhood on one of the most eventful days of the year, but that wasn't an issue, considering you wanted a piece of the action. Looking for a new start on life, your friend, Karyn, who had lived in Haddonfield convinced you to start fresh and live with her, which you were hesitant to do at first, but quickly warmed up to the idea. It wasn't every day you could declare your independence from your parents and move out, so you had something to prove. With a smile, you looked up at the house and placed a hand on your side, admiring the new beginnings. You felt a hand rest on your shoulder, snapping you out of your daydreaming. "Hey, we gonna unpack your stuff or what?" Your friend smiled and nodded toward the house. "Come on!" She was almost more excited than you were, but maintaining a long distance friendship was a challenge for anyone, so it had been an exciting part in both of your lives. "Yeah, coming," you replied calmly with your smile still wide. You walked up to the porch and peeked over at the neighbors; you noticed the lack of decorations. You walked up to your friend and gave her a quizzical glance. "What's up with your place? There's nothing hung up for Halloween." She shrugged as she continued to carry one of your larger boxes toward the stairs. "What can I say? If my mom came to visit and saw the decorations, she'd shit herself." "Why?" "I guess you could say she's superstitious," your friend answered plainly. Without thinking much about it at the moment, you continued to haul up your stuff into your new room, quickly making yourself at home as you sat in the middle of the floor, surrounded by your things. Within a few hours, you had everything placed exactly where you wanted, give or take the several items of clothing you had thrown about the floor. Your phone went off and played the loud text tone, and it had been Karyn, asking you about dinner plans and what you wanted to eat. You typed away and set the phone back down beside you, humming along to the radio that had blasted in your room as you mindlessly cleaned up your mess. You finished with placing the last book on your shelf that stood next to one of the windows, and you had no idea that there had been a towering figure that watched you from within the bushes. A sense of urgency went off in your brain, causing you to peek out the window, but there was nothing there. You shook it off as cold feet. Of course, you'd be nervous in a new neighborhood without knowing an extensive amount of people, you only knew Karyn. Her voice had pulled you back as she shouted about the food, so you calmly walked from your room, thankful that the growling in your stomach would soon be satisfied. *** Trick or treating was finally starting to kick off, and of course, Karyn wanted to dress up and walk around, even though it was a rather last minute to find any costumes. "Oh girl, I got you," Karyn chirped happily. "I still got a handful of costumes from the past couple of years." "Wow, you're really into Halloween, huh?" "I'd never lie about that," she replied coolly as she dug through her closet, shifting over all of her clothes. "It's not like I get candy out of it, I like dressing up for fun. You don't?" You shrugged and looked at the many options that she had displayed. There was a pirate, a sexy cat, an angel, and a zombie. All of them seemed quite a cliche, but you liked the way the zombie costume looked; it was really well made. "Ooh, good pick," Karyn smirked, "that's the one I took from my class's acting wardrobe. They get all of those for free so it wouldn't hurt if I got something out of it." "Didn't you drop that class?" You looked over at her with a raised brow. She chuckled. "Moving on! Go and get ready! I'll do your makeup." She gathered her costume and began to lay everything out, grabbing her makeup gear from her dresser. You stood in the bathroom and looked down at the costume in your hands, unsure if you should even dress up at all, but knew very well you'd be scolded if you returned without it being worn. With a defeated sigh, you undressed and slipped into the costume. After making a few adjustments, you looked into the mirror and gave your reflection a surprised hmm. It wasn't so bad, after all, and the makeup would definitely bring it to life, so you emerged from the bathroom with a hesitant grin. "How do I look?" you asked the blonde with a twirl. She looked over and her eyes went wide. "Oh my God, you are gonna rock that! Wait till the makeup is finished, it's gonna look straight out of a movie." "Good to know you're confident in your skills," you mused. She smiled at you triumphantly and walked into the bathroom, leaving you in her room alone. You looked around and smiled as you saw all of the pictures plastered on the walls, mainly of you two whenever you had the chance to visit. You could only imagine how many more would be taken now that you lived with her. You glanced out the window to admire the beautiful colors in the trees, but it happened again; that weird twisting feeling in your stomach alerting you that someone was watching you. Again, your eyes swept over the environment as you peeked your head through the window, but there was nothing out of the ordinary in your view. Kids were running around as their parents readied the last of the decorations outside or raking their walkways from the fallen leaves. Some children were in costume already and some weren't, but there was a tall figure that was suddenly standing close to a tall shrub, and you definitely know he wasn't there a second ago. His mask was an off-white with fake brown hair swept back, and the clothing was a simple pair of navy blue coveralls. It wasn't the most intriguing costume, but it gave you an uneasy feeling regardless. The eye holes in the mask looked hollow and were completely blackened, and you weren't sure if that was more unsettling or not. You backed away from the window even though you were almost in a trance just by his presence, and you debated whether or not to tell Karyn about it. She'd probably think you were mental. She burst into the room and showed off her costume as she smiled and waved like a knock-off pageant queen. "I figured I'd do your makeup first, Y/N," she sung playfully, but she stopped as she noticed your odd behavior. You stood close to the window, but couldn't bring yourself to look out of it, afraid that whoever it was staring up was still there. "Oh yeah, sure," you replied blankly as you hesitated to walk forward. You turned your head to look down toward the street again, but now he wasn't there. Karyn tilted her head slightly in confusion, but she ignored it and pulled you by your hand to guide you into the bathroom, yet you hesitated. "What's wrong?" she asked. You shook your head and gave her a haft hearted smile. "Sorry, just kinda tired from the trip. Let's go and make me look undead." Within the hour, she had you looking absolutely fantastic, and she had even offered you a pair of contacts to complete the look, but declined. As you waited for her as she began her makeup, you walked around your new room, still feeling strange to the idea of not living with your parents anymore. Once Karyn returned to your room in her full costume, she smiled and gestured for you to follow her. "So, the plan tonight is to hang out with Alice and Rhys," she began to explain, but you let out a groan and shook your head. "Rhys is a dick," you huffed in reply, "he's just so egotistical." "Well yeah, that's how he's always been." "Doesn't mean he should be," you grumbled. "Fine, I'll be nice for tonight." "Good, because I was going to say before I was rudely interrupted," she said playfully as she shot you a sly glance, "is that there's a party right down the street. You and I were invited, so I thought it would be a good idea to get you to be social!" The thought of it seemed like a good idea, but then again, being around so many drunk people didn't seem all that enticing. "I guess so, but I'm not gonna drink too much." "Your loss, girl. Oh, before I forget." She dug into her pants pocket and handed you a new key. "Welcome home, officially." Her smile was genuine as she looked at you, hoping that in a short while, you would feel the same way. "Now come on, let's go enjoy the vibes of the neighborhood on Halloween. You're gonna love it!" Karyn looped her arm through yours and you both had readied yourselves for the brisk wind that met your skin once the door was opened. *** The sunset was beautiful as you watched only a few moments of it, but the sun was gone now, and the neighborhood was suddenly bursting with children everywhere. So many different costumes had filled the streets that you could barely keep track. It was always something you liked to do; scouring the sidewalks to see which child had the coolest costume of the night, and so far, there was a pretty cool Predator one, the kid using his own dreaded hair to complete the look. You pointed it out to Karyn, who was too preoccupied chatting with the group of people that had just joined them. You still felt a little too stuck in your shell to be too social, but you nodded and smiled when necessary, but you mainly kept to yourself. You were too into the scenery of it all because everyone knew that even though Haddonfield wasn't anything special, it gave you a feeling of peace. The Halloween decorations blew you away with how intricate and extravagant they were, you knew they took this holiday seriously around here. What you didn't notice was that you were left behind in the crowded street with Karyn nowhere around you. Between all of the laughing and yelling, you couldn't shout loud enough to find her, so you stood in the middle of a sidewalk and texted her, but after several minutes, there was nothing. "Guess I'll just go home, it's for the best anyway..." you mumbled to yourself. You figured it would be best, even though something in your mind was pulling you in the opposite direction. You looked down the road, and standing directly in the middle of it was that strange man in the coveralls. He cocked his head to the side as he stared you down, and you just knew he was staring at you. With the way you were raised, you should want to run and possibly call the police for suspicious activity, report a stalker, anything to keep you from harm's way. But did you do any of that? Hell no. The real question was: who was he? He had been there ever since this morning as if he were checking up on you, or hell, even casing the place to rob you later, you may never know. But the problem was you wanted to know, you wanted to confront the man who freaked you out on the first night in your new place. So at that moment, you swallowed any fear you held and made your way down the street to meet him, but once you got there, he was nowhere in sight. With a confused look all over your face, your eyes widened slightly as they had noticed him again, over in someone's yard, somewhat behind a small area of trees. He was guiding you somewhere or luring depending how you looked at it. No hesitation, you followed him until he had led you far enough away to where you hadn't recognized much of the surrounding area. You looked around to find him, wondering where he had gone. "Hey man, I don't know what your game is, but-" You turned around to see him towering before you, just a couple of feet away. He didn't seem to be threatening you in any way, but the man sure didn't scream the word 'safe' very much either. Now that he was right there, you wanted to ask all sorts of questions, but the fact that this behemoth was just standing there silently made you question whether or not you should try to outrun him. But there was something about him that struck you, so instead of running, you walked up to him, just a few inches at a time, your eyes never leaving his mask. "What's your name?" you asked in a calm tone. He stood there and tilted his head ever so slightly at your voice, and he placed his hand up against his mask, making a gesture. You looked at him in confusion as you lifted your own hand and placed it on your cheek. "My face?" He nodded. "Oh, wait, the makeup," you chuckled, "you like it?" He nodded again. "Thanks. Well, my name is Y/N, I just moved here. I saw you outside of my place a few times, I uh, I like your costume. Were you watching me?" The man remained silent and looked away for a moment until he nodded once. He moved his fingers as his arms hung at his sides, and you could tell he had wanted to say something, but it was if he couldn't. He looked at you, and you swore you could see the gleam of his eye from the street lights. "Can you tell me your name?" you asked again, stepping closer once again, and he took notice. The tall man looked up and his body tensed up, which caused you to look behind you, and it had been Karyn with Rhys and Alice, who were acting like a couple of loud teenagers. Karyn noticed you first, but as soon as she had seen the stranger standing near you, she let out a blood-curdling scream and stumbled backward. "Y/N! Get away from him, now!!" she yelled as she tried to keep her balance while bumping into the other two, who were just as scared as she was. You looked at your friend and cocked your head a bit. "What are you talking about, he's fine, we were just talking," you groaned, thinking she was just overreacting. "N-No, that's Michael Myers! He fucking killed his own sister and a bunch of others! Get away from him, Y/N!" She wanted to run from her friend, but she couldn't leave her to be killed on the same night she had moved in, but Karyn looked at you in complete confusion as you refused to move away from him. You scoffed and shook your head. "Leave him alone, Karyn," you warned, "we were just talking." "Don't you understand?! He'll kill you!" He took a large step forward and quickly revealed a large kitchen knife, stained with blood, probably from a recent kill. He was poised and ready to strike down the loudmouthed girl before him, but you turned around and held your hands up toward him, your face in shock, but you somehow remained calm. You let out the breath you'd been holding and offered him a smile. "Hey, Michael..." He responded to his name, looking down at you with the knife still raised. "Ignore her, leave her alone, she's my friend. Please," your voice was almost quiet, just for him to hear, and he couldn't help but hesitate now. Michael's natural reaction was to silence the screaming young woman, to feel the warmth of her blood spray on him as he stuck her flesh with the metal blade, but your voice had done something to him, something he couldn't help but find rather curious. He lowered the blade while still keeping a tight grip around the handle, but he eased his stance, and you let out a relieved laugh. You turned back to face your friend again. "Get out of here before he decides against it." you demanded, and Karyn wouldn't sit there and argue with you. She bolted down the street, her friends already out of sight. Your eyes returned to meet his gaze, and you could see his eyes clearer now, a smile played on your lips. "Well," you huffed and lowered your hands, "that could have ended differently." All Michael could do was stare at you in disbelief, wondering why you hadn't run off with the rest of them. You seemed to hold little to no fear for the slasher, all he was used to was hearing screams and obscenities being thrown at him, but you were different. He let out a low grunt as he slid the knife back into his pocket while keeping eye contact with you, but you broke that first. You looked down at your feet with a small smiled and blushed, you actually blushed, what was wrong with you? For a moment, you were afraid to look at him again, knowing that he had murdered his own flesh and blood, that he was a known killer, what would you do now, if you could do anything at all? But when he looked down at you, there was a feeling that washed over you and made you feel tingly all over. "Thank you, Michael," you said softly, "I appreciate it..."   You brought your head up to look at him again but he was already gone, leaving you alone in the middle of the street, safely under the dim streetlamp. Your eyes looked everywhere, but he had left so quickly, you had no idea where he could have gone. You knew his name though, so you knew he was the local legend, and that's when a smile spread on your face; you'd see him again really soon.

[loki-fanfic-whore]

Venomous Curse ch.1

Loki x Female

A young highschooler comes to a startling realization as she is in the wrong spot at the wrong time and thrust into a world so underground she didn't know it existed. Her only saving grace? Her chemistry professor Mr. Laufeyson

Trigger warnings! This is a very very dark piece. Rape/ non con/ self harm/ bad head space/ victims guilt/ physical and emotional abuse/ sexual scenes. A lot of triggers! Please be safe!

Chapter: 1 Serendipity

Alice stood in the kitchen in her underwear and a tank top. She was tembling trying to hold back the tears. Her eye was swelling and she could taste the bitter taste of blood.

"Calm down. Just tell them you fell." His voice spoke softly as he stood in the doorway. He was blocking her escape again.

"I-I...Conner no one will believe that-" he moved infront of her quickly causing her to flinch.

"Then sell it to them baby. Make them believe it." He spoke condescendingly. He licked his lips and grabbed her hips firmly.

"Why dont we go have some fun? Get some hormones flowing to help with the pain. Yeah?" He smirked at her. He was taller than her and built. She was average in size and shrunk down to look even smaller.

"Conner...my dad will be home any minute...we cant." She spoke the lie hoping it would persuade him to leave her alone. Her father worked late every night to provide for them. She was a senior in highschool, and didn't want the independence of adulthood just yet. She had grown up with just her and her dad and they had barely enough to live.

"Come on baby. We will be quiet. I may even use a condom this time." He said commanding her. It wasnt a request. This was going to happen no matter what.

She laid in the bed bruised and raw. Looking at the clock it read 2:43 am. Conner had not used a condom. He made sure she knew that too. He smacked and pinched and bit and every time she protested... he hit her.

He had left two hours ago but she had laid in a daze trying to just be anywhere but here.

The noise of the front door caused her to sit up.

"Honey?! Are you up? I'm home." She could hear the sound of her father's keys jingling, and the familiar pattern of him putting his stuff down and grabbing food. She stayed still and quiet...something she was an absolute pro at. She sighed knowing she needed to get the plan b...before she ended up pregnant with his baby...he could beat her...but she was terrified he would take the child from her, or worse hurt them.

Her stomach lurched and she moved to the window wrenching it open to vomit. A cool breeze swayed against her face and through her hair. After wiping her face she threw on a bra and underwear, then shorts and a hoodie. She grabbed her purse and slipped out of her window, being careful to avoid the vomit. The store was only about a 15 minute walk from here.

Walking quickly, she turned onto the sidewalk beside the long strip that was the 'downtown' of her town. Suddenly a shadow moved behind her. She quickened her pace and tried to ignore it. An arm snaked around her waist and ripped her into a shadowed alley way. She didn't scream, she held still and allowed the pent up tears to flow. The smell of blood permeated the air as a hand clamped over her mouth. She could hear voices near by. Yelling, they were pissed and looking for someone. She opened her eyes to see dark green eyes and a sullen face, framed by slicked back long black hair

He put the other hand to his lips and told her to be quiet. Her tears streaming freely as she nodded her head. The man released her mouth as the voices grew louder. He had her just out of sight pressed against a building in the shadows. She took in as much detail as she could in case she needed to remember this situation later. The man infront of her was tall, thin and pale. He was just standing still waiting for the voices to move on.

Finally the voices dissapeared with the fading sound of foot steps. The man sighed and moved away from her.

"You need to go home." He said curtly. She let an audibly sob wrack her chest as she stayed pressed to the wall.

"I-I cant. I need medicine." She spoke through the pent up sobs.

"You need to run. You don't want to get caught up in this. Your medicine can wait." He spoke authoritatively to you as he turned to leave.

"It cant...I need it to make sure I'm not-" she clamped both hands over her mouth.

An engine roared to life and a set of headlights flooded the alley in bright white light. The man hissed angrily and grabbed her wrist pulling her with him to the back of the alley.

"Close your eyes and do not open them. Understand?" He commanded. She did as she was told, the fresh trauma filling her head as she began to hyperventilate. The man grabbed her by the waist and held her against his chest. She wrapped her legs around him terrified. He was running. She could feel her body jerking. They moved upwards before bouncing in the air. Up? How were they up in the air when they had just been against a brick wall in the alley. She could feel the butterfly's in her belly as she felt the descent back to the ground.

Finally she felt them thud down and he released her.

"You need to go inside. You cant be out tonight...not right now. They will find you. Whatever medicine it is. Get it first thing in the morning. Before school." She opened her eyes to find they were standing infront of her house. Her eyes wide as she realized he knew where she lived. She quickly scrambled up the wall of her house and into her bedroom window slamming it shut. She ran into the bathroom and turned the shower on. Climbing in she scrubbed herself raw trying to get the feeling off of her skin. Of Conner, of this man, of everything! Deep streaks of red burned her skin where she had scrubbed too hard. The stripes just adding to the blue purple and yellow bruises that aborned her body.

Sinking down the wall she let the scalding water soak her and burn her skin.

She awoke to the sound of her alarm in the other room. She had fallen asleep under the shower which now hit her skin with cold water. She stood and turned it off. Quickly dressing in her school uniform, a grey sweater with a white button undershirt and grey knee length skirt, she tried to hide her eye and lip with make up.

It was Monday, April 17th, and she was running late. Grabbing her backpack she ran out of the house to see she had missed the bus.

Groaning she began running towards the school. Her skirt flaring up with the wind, when had to hold it down as she ran. She hated those damned skirts, but the schools did not allow the girls to wear pants. Something about culture and sexism, she didn't know.

Panting for air she got inside the front entrance right as the bell rang. She darted up the stairs and down the hall towards her locker, she skidded to a halt as she saw the girls leaning against her locker waiting.

Selena, the queen bitch in this school, stood in her untucked sweater and hiked up skirt. She was glaring daggers at Alice.

"Well well well....I can see you had an eventful night." She snorted as her posse laughed.

"Back off Selena. I need to get to class." She retorted as she tried to force her way to her locker. Selena slammed her hand onto the metal box next to her head.

"No. What you need to do is stay away from Conner! He would never want a skank like you!" She chided angrily. Selena pushed past making sure to hit her shoulder and walked towards class as the late bell sounded.

Quickly getting what she needed for chemistry class Alice closed her locker and skidded off to class, being late as the door opened in the silent classroom all eyes fell onto her. Avoiding all eye contact, she took a seat silently in the back.

"Ahem...Miss? If you cannot show up to class on time then dont show up at all." A deep voice called her out on the tardy. She shrunk in the seat, closing her eyes wanting to desperately dissapear.

"Now. Your original professor has taken an indefinite leave of absence and I, Mr. Laufeyson, will be your new professor. I hope we can have a fruitful class from here on out." With that her eyes popped open at the voice. Standing at the bottom of the auditorium was a tall, thin and pale man with dark green eyes and slicked back black hair. Her eyes widdened as she realized it was the very same man who had pushed her into the alley last night. Here he stood in a button up white shirt with the sleeves crisply rolled to his elbow a slim black tie and dark pressed slacks. Her head swam with questions as the lesson progressed. She took few notes and paid even less attention until the bell to signal the end of class sounded.

"The little tardy sheila, please stay back and have a word with me." He spoke over the sound of rustling papers. The cliques began to gossip over why Mr. Bennet had left, some saying he had sex with a student, others saying he was in an underground thing. They laughed and giggled and continued their conversations as the auditorium emptied. Alice moved down until she was infront of him again.

"Mr. Laufeyson, I apologize for being tardy, I-I ran into some trouble with my locker." She lied effortlessly.

"And your eye? Your lip? The fact you are miles away? Who has hurt you Miss-"

"My name is Alice. Alice Lovelace." She chimed in softly.

"Yes well Miss. Lovelace....you should get better excuses for your abusers....telling people you fell will never be believable." Her eyes widdened.

"I-I never told you I fell." She spoke softly as she backed up towards the door.

"I have to go. I need to get to my next class." With that she ran away. The next two classes were nothing to her and went smoothly. After English was lunch period, she drilled through the line to get the hot tray of food as she heard the high pitched laughter. Turning she looked to see Conner and Selena against the wall, Conner's face buried in Selena's throat as she giggled. She felt her belly tighten. She needed that medicine. She had three days to make sure she killed off whatever he left inside her.

"Move damnit! I want to eat today!" A large kid pushed past her. She went to a table and sat alone. She did a lot of things alone. It wasnt so bad...up until a month ago when Conner started showing up and...

She pushed the images away in her mind as she shoveled the food down. One last class before she could run to the drug store. She was counting down the minutes.

The last class, Math, was her least favorite class because she shared it with both Selena and Conner. She always sat in the front to block out everything else.

Finally after an hour of the professor droning on the last bell rang. Alice jumped up and ran out of the school and to the drug store. The cashier knew her and knew what she needed. The 75 year old woman tsked at her as she eyes the black eye.

"You know...there are safe havens around where you can get away... no questions asked." She offered to her, trying not to sound pushy. Alice sighed and exchanged goods for cash. She swallowed the blue pill before she even left the store. Throwing the box away inside the store. Only then did she breathe a sigh. No pregnancy for her. No babies with Conner. She took her time to walking around as she thought of everything that happened the night before. Her dad would be late coming home like every night. She didn't want to go home, incase Conner wanted to visit again. It used to be once a week, but here lately he was showing up every night, and staying well into the night. She shivered and sat on a park bench next to the town memorial park. A statue of some dead general stood next to her staring down at the bench she sat on. He was pointing at her on the bench, and it made her feel even more small. She sat quietly just drinking in the silence and beauty of the sunset.

"I'm going to fucking kill you. You sick prick." A deep voice called out from behind her. It was trembling in rage or fear. She froze looking straight ahead until she heard a second voice laugh.

"No no. That won't do. See...I've been watching you Anthony and you haven't been very nice recently. You prey on women and try to take advantage of them. You have even taken some and forced them into slave rings...that won't do at all." The voice chimes back. There was no shaking or fear in it. She turned her head to watch as a hulking man with a knife swung at- Mr.laufeyson? She stood up in an instant and ran towards them. She watched as her professor kicked the man sending him flying. He then smashed his face with his fist and pulled out his phone hitting a few buttons.

"Now Anthony. I have called a friend to come get you. You need to sit here and wait like a good boy. If not, then I'll hunt you down again and a broken nose wont be your only injury." He chuckled then stood and turned. His eyes met with her wide ones.

"Ah. Miss. Lovelace....enjoying the fresh night air I see?" He ran a hand through his hair and smiled. She pointed to his chest where the huge knife was jutting out. Blood staining the crisp white shirt.

"Oh hell...and I really liked this shirt too." He said before turning and beginning to walk away.

"Wait!" She called out chasing after him.

"L-let me help! I know first aid." She said softly as she followed him to his dark car. It was sleek and had equally dark windows.

His steps faltered as he opened the door and looked at her panting from chasing him.

"I dont recommend that Miss. Lovelace....The help I need I could not ask of you." He said before sliding behind the steering wheel. She moved to the front of his car and slammed her hands down onto the hood.

"Let. Me. Help! Please! I know...he was going to take me if you hadn't have showed up." Tears pricked her eyes and her nose was red from the cold air and her beginning to cry.

He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Get in." He said firmly as he rolled the window back up. She opened the door and slid into the passenger seat. She could smell the blood. It was amazing he was still even alive. He drove out of the town about twenty minutes away to an old house. She recognized it instantly, it was famous for being the base of so many ghost stories, an old war era mansion. She gasped as he pulled into the loop infront of it.

"You live here Mr. Laufeyson?" She asked sheepishly.

"Its Loki, Alice...when we aren't in school call me Loki. Please." He spoke as he turned the engine off and stepped out. She stumbled from her side and followed him up the massive stairs to the front door which opened as soon as they approached, an older woman with dark red hair and brown doe eyes appeared and held her hands out. Loki sighed and ripped the knife from his chest placing the dripping blade into her hand. She curtsied and dissapeared through a door under the stairs.

"Alice...what you hear and see here needs to be kept to yourself. Give me your word please, that you will take a vow of silence." He turned to hold her gaze. One hand firmly holding the seeping wound.

"Yes, yes, but you need help! You are bleeding!" She stepped up to him just as he stumbled and fell against her. Fear gripped her as she felt pinned to the wall. Swallowing it down she wrapped her arms around him trying to help pull him up to help him out of the front lobby.

"I need help! Mr. Laufeys- Loki has passed out! Help!" She called out trying to keep him up. His head fell into the crook of her neck where he inhaled deeply.

Her eyes widened, her mouth opened in a silent scream. Her throat on fire as her blood dribbled down her chest. Gulping noises filled her ears along with her own panting. Her head swimming into a hazy static. Loki slipped his arm around her holding her by the nape of her neck as he greedily drank. He felt his chest healing, but he didn't want to stop. She was so pure, and clean, like a refreshing drink after a hard day in the sun. He drank until he felt her grow limp against him. He detached and stared down at her unconcious form, his irises pinpointed in euphoria, he was panting, blood smeared down his chin, and his double set of fangs still exposed. He could feel her heart beat still. He was experiencing the temporary bond that came with drinking and being drunk from. He hoped she would feel it as well, once she awoke that is. He was flooded with a slew of her memories and sighed picking her up in a cradled hold against him, her head lolling back.

"Do you want me to dispose of her?" The maid chimed in breaking the silence. She was standing at the doorway beside the stairs.

"Quite the contrary Rose. I want to protect her at all costs....she is the purest blood I have had in a long time." He chuckled as he slid his tongue over his fangs retracting them away. He carried her back to the car and slid her body into the seat buckling the seat belt.

Yes, he would protect her, and treasure her in return for her purity and innocence. She would come to expect him and all he would offer her in return for her crimson nectar, but at this moment he needed to get her home...then he needed to pay Conner a little visit.

[zrtranscripts]

Season 8, Mission 19: Dear Alice

Quarantine

~

SAM YAO: Let me get this straight. We came to Dearg to find out why the labs here wanted red fungus and to cure Janine, only to find out the labs are under lockdown with us trapped inside because everyone here is infected with red fungus. Are you sure you're infected, Frances? I mean, usually the fungus turns people a lot more... undeady.

JANINE DE LUCA: Yes, Miss Dempsey. In our experience, the red fungus creates a very dangerous form of zombie.

FRANCES DEMPSEY: Not here. Not yet, anyway. Everyone here has traces of fungus in our blood from the water supply, but it's spreading in our systems very slowly. We don't know why.

JANINE DE LUCA: Hmm. Perhaps the red fungus found here is a variant of the one inside mainland V-types.

FRANCES DEMPSEY: We've been trying to keep ours from spreading beyond this base. I'm so sorry that we failed.

[door creaks open]

CASPER BRAAM: What? Who in God's name are you?

SAM YAO: Frances, someone in a lab coat just came in jabbing a laser pointer at us.

FRANCES DEMPSEY: Calm down, Casper! I let them in. Meet Casper Braam, Sam. He's one of the grad assistants here.

CASPER BRAAM: You let them in? We agreed, Frances. We can't risk further contamination. You're too soft!

FRANCES DEMPSEY: It's too late, Casper! We failed. The fungus is out of the base. These people want help fighting it. I'm taking them to the computer core. They're friends of my sister, friends of Alice.

CASPER BRAAM: Oh. You're from Abel? We've heard all about you. Alice was a vivid storyteller. All right. I see why Frances trusted you.

FRANCES DEMPSEY: We need to help them. This is... look, this is Janine De Luca.

SHONA REID: Janine, you're looking really pale.

JANINE DE LUCA: I'm fine, Miss Reid. Little parched, that's all.

CASPER BRAAM: You're badly dehydrated. You're the one with the nanite infection? [sighs] All we can do is find stuff in our stores and boxes here that seem like they might help. Did that thing we found stabilize you?

SAM YAO: For a bit. She's started to get worse now. She can't drink here without being infected with red fungus. We need to get her out.

JANINE DE LUCA: I have a mission. I will see it through! That is our way at Abel.

FRANCES DEMPSEY: All right. Casper, take them to the computer room. You better hurry. You need to get what you came for and then take Janine somewhere where the water is safe. Run!

~

CASPER BRAAM: This is it. Our main computer core. I expect you're all impressed. [laughs] We do keep the computer banks in rather gleaming shape.

SAM YAO: Um, why are there all those mini drones whirring up by the ceiling?

FRANCES DEMPSEY: Oh, they're all over the labs. They used to assist with experiments holding clamps steady and stuff. Since the scientists left, we've never been able to use them. They just hover up by the ceilings.

CASPER BRAAM: Come over to the main terminal. It won't take long to pull up all the red fungus data in our archives.

SAM YAO: Frances, are you able to come down and say hello to us? Well, in person, I mean?

FRANCES DEMPSEY: Yeah. I just... I don't know. I've heard about you all for so long from Alice. It feels weird to meet you for real. And I think it'll make it real that she's not with you.

SAM YAO: Yeah, I get that.

CASPER BRAAM: Huh, I found the red fungus research logs. They're mostly encrypted, and we've never had luck hacking into them. They need a passphrase. We've tried all the passwords we know were used here.

JANINE DE LUCA: Something from Van Ark?

SAM YAO: Hmm. Try Sigrid? Or Hakkinen.

SHONA REID: Nope. Do you ken his birthday?

JANINE DE LUCA: Runner Five, you read that biography of Van Ark. Put in variants of his birthday.

SAM YAO: No. Oh! Oh, hang on. Just a sec, just a sec. Try entering "her new land wakes." Paula told me he used that loads in his labs because, well, obviously he wanted to be extra creepy.

CASPER BRAAM: I don't believe it. We're in! "Van Ark research log, Far Hebrides sector. Samples confirm it, Mor Island is the origin of the fungus entity where the Vikings discovered - "

[computer shorts out, alarm beeps]

SHONA REID: I'm guessing the computer wasn't meant to short out like that.

AUTOMATED VOICE: Unauthorized retinas detected. Data bank locked. Initiating security protocols.

FRANCES DEMPSEY: Retina scan? Crap.

SAM YAO: Uh, guys, those drones up by the ceiling, they've got glowing red lights now, and they're taking blue sparky sticks from a slot in the ceiling.

FRANCES DEMPSEY: I've never seen them do that before. They've got taser rods. They're descending towards you! Five, the door on your left leads to a catwalk over a cavern. Run!

~

SAM YAO: Frances, can you see us? We're running across a series of metal catwalks in a huge rocky cavern filled with - filled with red fungus. Oh, that's not unsettling at all.

CASPER BRAAM: More drones are coming. There's at least a dozen chasing us now!

SAM YAO: Why would they even make drones that did that? Were they expecting to be invaded by zombies? Oh, wait. They probably thought their immortality experiments could go wrong and... yeah, I get it.

FRANCES DEMPSEY: I see you on cams. You're over one of the underground storage bays. The fungus overran that part of the base weeks ago.

CASPER BRAAM: We always thought the scientists created the fungus. An experiment gone wrong. But the data log in there, what you say, it seems that they brought it here.

JANINE DE LUCA: [coughs] Indeed. And the data log specified Mor Island as the fungus's original home.

FRANCES DEMPSEY: Those data logs need a retina scan. I should be able to register my own retina with the system, but not before you need to leave. You need to get Janine to safety. Casper, you're close to the high-security labs. Do you think -

CASPER BRAAM: Dr. Leeland's experiment? A risk, but it's our best chance. There's a stairwell built into the rock wall. We're going to head down it, towards the prototype testing labs.

AUTOMATED VOICE: Unauthorized personnel approaching high-security area. Initiating projectile countermeasures.

FRANCES DEMPSEY: Uh-oh! The drones are firing darts at you now. God knows what drug they put in them. Head to the door. Run!

~

SHONA REID: So I'm guessing these are the high-security labs. You know, from the white walls, the beakers, and the sign on the wall saying "Keep Out, Unauthorized Personnel Only."

FRANCES DEMPSEY: Keep going through the labs until you find a workbench marked 47.

CASPER BRAAM: Dr. Leeland's favorite number. He always said the research assistants were too stupid to appreciate his work.

FRANCES DEMPSEY: The scientists said that about all their lab assistants. And me.

SAM YAO: Well, they sound like horrible bullies.

FRANCES DEMPSEY: Yeah. I was glad when they left. Until I realized they weren't ever coming back. I think maybe what kept me going was having so much of my sister here with me.

SHONA REID: Is this it? Big metal box like a backpack strapped to a hose.

JANINE DE LUCA: EMP gun. Disables electronics. Not ususally this portable.

SHONA REID: The drones are coming through the door. At least 20 now. Take cover behind the benches.

CASPER BRAAM: Here goes nothing. Triggering EMP!

[explosion]

SAM YAO: Wow! Okay. Big burst of blue light and all the robots fall down. Although... although they are twitching a bit on the floor.

AUTOMATED VOICE: Warning, hostile action detected.

SHONA REID: They're dragging themselves across the floor and piling together.

AUTOMATED VOICE: Targetting systems damaged. Lethal force authorized.

JANINE DE LUCA: Miss Dempsey, the robots are combining into one large drone!

SAM YAO: Oh, wow. I mean, it is terrifying, but it's also pretty cool! Those two drones look like eyes, and-and those ones are turning into arms, and - !

FRANCES DEMPSEY: They're pooling power. It's extending blades from its body. There's an exit to your left. Move fast! Go!

~

SAM YAO: Frances, we're in a winding corridor. That thing's after us.

JANINE DE LUCA: [coughs] The giant drone is now covered in spinning blades. It is accelerating fast. Do not let it touch you!

FRANCES DEMPSEY: I tried to activate the fire door behind you, but that thing's too fast. It got through. I don't know what to do!

SAM YAO: Come on, Frances. You'll think of something, just like Alice. She always came through.

FRANCES DEMPSEY: Alice died, Sam! She was smart and brave and I was just her nerdy little sister, and she died while I was hiding safe up here. And now you're going to die, too!

SHONA REID: What about your lasers?

CASPER BRAAM: What about them?

SHONA REID: They're guarding the exits, right? Could they destroy this thing?

FRANCES DEMPSEY: Oh my God, she's right! The lasers upgraded themselves to target anything that moves. If that massive drone came into their sensor range... The nearest exit is a few floors down. It's a dangerous area, but it's your only chance. Take the stairs. Faster, all of you. Run!

~

FRANCES DEMPSEY: When you exit the stairwell, way ahead you'll see a cave mouth with laser turrets on either side. There's a silver material found on this archipelago. Underground or in deep sea silt. The scientists used it for making power cells, transistors, even Janine's nanites. We need it to keep the equipment here going. The scientists mined it by expanding tunnels under the archipelago. This one leads all the way to Mor Island. And um... [door slides open] And I've come to say goodbye.

SAM YAO: Oh. Wow. Hi. You -

FRANCES DEMPSEY: I know. I look like her. People used to joke we were twins, born a few years apart. It's a lot.

SAM YAO: It's just really good to see you.

FRANCES DEMPSEY: You, too. Look, we haven't got long. That thing will find its way down the stairs soon. Have you got the control box?

SHONA REID: It's here, smashed to bits.

FRANCES DEMPSEY: Once I've registered my retina scan, I can use your password to get into the encrypted databases. We'll do everything we can to fix it.

CASPER BRAAM: We always wanted to show the scientists we're as good as them.

FRANCES DEMPSEY: I feel like I know you so well, Janine, Sam. Everything Alice wrote about you... I'm ready. Tell me how she died.

JANINE DE LUCA: Your sister Alice fell in the line of duty. She undertook a mission to recover information about the zombie virus from a hospital infested with zombies. She was bitten. Runner Five here completed her mission. That information led us to learn enough about the virus that we were able to synthesize a cure. She died a hero.

FRANCES DEMPSEY: Okay. Good. Then we're carrying on what she started. Casper, stay with them to guide them through the cave?  If I go back to the security desk, I can hack the lasers to delay targetting long enough for you to pass them. If you're fast, they'll catch the drone, not you.

SAM YAO: We can do it. And um... we'll see you again, okay?

FRANCES DEMPSEY: Bet on it. Now run!

~

[laser whirs]

SAM YAO: Frances, we're in the cave. Storage containers here, uh, labeled Van Ark. Another one Dr. Tomorrow. Another one Li Chen.

SHONA REID: Keep moving! The lasers are scorching the ground behind us.

[explosion]

CASPER BRAAM: God! The laser exploded a case of some liquid of Moonchild's all over me. Oh... It's fine. It smells of vegetables. It's not burning. I'm okay.

[explosion]

FRANCES DEMPSEY: The drone's destroyed! You're out of laser range. You can slow down.

SHONA REID: Always wondered what Dearg was up to. The answer is death traps.

SAM YAO: So this cave's dark and gloomy. We need to get Janine out. She's barely breathing.

FRANCES DEMPSEY: Keep going straight. The cave should lead to Mor. I don't know what's in there. It's possible fungus has crept into the rocks.

CASPER BRAAM: I can't get back through those lasers. You'll have to quarantine me on Mor, put me in the auto boat.

SAM YAO: We will. Thank you. Thank you, Frances. For everything.

FRANCES DEMPSEY: I'm so glad I got to meet you all. And you, Five. Thank you for keeping her colors alive. Sam, I know Alice never said what she felt about you. That was her choice. I want to respect it. But never doubt that she liked you.

SAM YAO: Really?

FRANCES DEMPSEY: Yeah. And as long as I'm here, Abel has allies on Dearg.

~