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sallymareeq · 7 months

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Under the Willow Tree

⚠️18+ [Minors DNI]⚠️

Summary:

"He moved a hand to your face, caressing your smooth cheek, and in that moment the world disappeared." A picnic under the willow tree with your "best friend" Todd. sappy lovey romantic poetic smut ok this will def become a series

Notes:

reader can be any race and weight as long as they are not bald :) comments are highly appreciated

It had been a year since the Welton Henley Hall merge and you had been living on the new west wing of the ‘strictly girls’ boarding houses for a while. Through classes you had finally made friends with boys you found respectable. You had your little group, Neil, Knox, Poppy, Charlie, Meeks and Pitts, Cameron, you and Todd.

You and Poppy had been the first to join Mr Keatings english class and she, being the extrovert she is, immediately connected with the horniest boy in the room, Dalton. Through being dragged along on awkward dates you did get to know Charlie and thankfully also his wingman Neil. Through Neil and Charlie you were introduced to the rest of the poets.

You began forming a connection with all of them, helping Neil rehearse for his plays because you loved to watch him act, working on a radio with Meeks and Pitts, going on walks with Knox to pick flowers, and getting study tips from Cameron.

But the time you cherished the most was the time you spent reading and writing and talking with Todd. Todd, like you, had a shy exterior, you had to be introduced by friends and at first your conversations were awkward and stilted, punctuated by furtive glances and blushed cheeks but eventually you just clicked. Todd soon became your best friend and you each saw a side of each other no one else had.

Late afternoons you would read Whitman under a willow tree in a hidden patch of the forest, sometimes Todd would get up and start dancing and laughing as he read, grabbing you by the hands to spin you around until you both tumbled over. One of Todd's favorite activities though was listening to you sing. Once he found out you could, he spent a week begging you to sing him something, even a little, until you finally agreed, under the condition that you got to play with his smooth, dirty blonde hair.

You had always wondered what it felt like, it always looked so soft and clean. So one warm Saturday afternoon, sitting on a blanket under the willow, Todd slowly lay his head in your skirt as you began to sing. An old gospel song you had learnt in sunday school, years ago,

As I went down in the river to pray Studying about that good old way And who shall wear the robe and crown Good Lord, show me the way.

Todds eyelashes fluttered shut as you ran your fingers back through his hair, reveling in its softness,

O brothers let's go down Let's go down, come on down Come on brothers let's go down Down in the river to pray

A soft smile crossed his rosy lips and you began to notice the light dusting of freckles against his alabaster skin.

As I went down in the river to pray Studying about that good old way And who shall wear the starry crown Good Lord, show me the way.

You stopped singing as Todd sat up, twisting so you faces were inches apart, his hair was messy, his lips slightly parted and his blue eyes were clouded with love. His hands were either side of you against the tree in an almost protective position and in a slow, dream-like trance you raised your hand to feel his cheek with your thumb. His skin was soft and warm and connecting to it like this stirred something inside you. He continued to breathe, staring longingly into your eyes as you moved your fingers across to his lips, so soft and inviting, his warm breath brushing your fingers. He moved a hand to your face, caressing your smooth cheek, and in that moment the world disappeared. You saw, as if from a bird's-eye view, two young lovers under a willow tree, body’s so close they shared the same air. A boy with his blue sweater, unbuttoned collar peeking out the top and khaki pants. A girl, her hair tied with a bow, wearing the boy's oversized cable knit sweater and a small skirt. You watched for a moment, admiring how perfect they looked together until you heard, or rather felt your name whispered against your lips.

‘Y/N’ the poet breathed ‘can i’ he glanced down at your rosy lips ‘may i kiss you?’

Your lips met fully as you fell into his warmth, he tasted like sunset and home. You lifted your chin as he pulled you in, gently placing a hand on the small of your back, pressing you as close as possible. You arched into him as you deepened the kiss longing to feel more of him, your hands moving from his warm chest to his soft hair. It felt like flying, kissing Todd Anderson, so gentle and yet so firm, so sweet and so lustful, a dance in perfect time. You broke the kiss, only to catch your breath and Todd rested his forehead against yours breathing, his now glossy lips revealing a row of perfect white teeth.

‘Wow’ he sighed

‘Wow’ you looked into his adoring eyes.

And as Todd opened his mouth to speak again a sudden need rushed through your body and you kissed him passionately. He was taken aback for a moment but quickly tightened his grip on your waist, holding your body's flush, together you rose to your knees as you leaned back into his hands. Todd kissed you hungrily, in a way you couldn't expect from him, and as your tongues met you felt yourself grow increasingly aroused at the closeness.

Todd slowly began kissing down your jaw to your neck eliciting soft moans as you began to tug at the hem of his sweater. He leaned back and removed it with a cat-like grin that you had never seen before but that made you want him more than possible. You lifted your arms as he removed your (well his) sweater and began feverishly unbuttoning your tight, white tshirt. His long fingers made quick work of your shirt as he pushed it down your shoulders, still kissing you hotly. He leaned back, hands on your waist, to admire your flawless skin. He ran a light hand over your collar bone as you melted to his touch, his hand traveled down your side, carefully avoiding your breast, to your stomach where he rubbed his thumb over the skin. He looked up at you through his long lashes then down at your low cut, blue floral bra, and more importantly your soft round breasts.

He glanced up again questioningly,

‘Please Todd’ you whispered ‘Touch me’

That confirmation was all he needed to cup his large hand around one of your breasts, kneading it softly and groaning at the feeling. He moved his head down toward them and glanced up a final time before his wet mouth connected with the skin covering your sternum. Slowly he traveled down your cleavage before moving to your left breast leaving small love bites in his wake. You hummed in pleasure as he pulled away the fabric, his hot breath hitting your exposed nipple. He sucked it into his mouth, tongue circling the sensitive skin causing you to whine breathily. Once he was satisfied with the left he moved on to the right still groping the left as he did. Once he had you leaning back on your arms, squirming and moaning his name he pulled away, you whined at the loss of connection until you saw him begin to unbutton his white shirt. You sat up staring longingly as more of his pale, lightly freckled chest was revealed, his muscles were taught and clearly visible, he looked as if he was carved from stone and as he shrugged off his shirt you felt your mouth begin to water. You sat up fully, holding him by the shoulders, cheeks touching as you breathed in his scent, distinctly masculine, like freshly washed sheets or a newly opened book, it filled your chest and stomach and back as you shut your eyes and basked in it. You moved together, not kissing, but breathing, feeling the pull of each other's energy.

You ran your hands down his freckled shoulders observing the rise and fall of his muscles, down his forearms covered in light blonde hairs, to his hands, silky and veined. You brought his hand to your mouth kissing the pads of his fingers and slowly inviting his pointer and middle into your mouth, you licked and sucked sensuously as he stared at the lustful sight. Drawing back, you licked saliva from your lips and continued your exploration. As you began kissing down his chest, feeling his warm skin you caught a glimpse of his bulge, straining against the front of his pants. He lowered himself onto his elbows as you savoured the feeling of his abs on your lips, you felt his hand brush through your hair to your cheek as he lifted your face and looked lovingly into your eyes.

‘hey, you know you don't have to do anything you don't want to right?’ Todd said earnestly

“Little you know” you began to quote as you sensually crawled up his body, ‘the subtle electric fire for your sake playing within me.’ you finished with a soft kiss to his lips.

‘Whitman’ He smiled

‘i fear i am in love’ you mused

‘And i quite the same’ he whispered hot against your lips ‘O to draw you to me, O to be yielded to you, coming naked to me at night,'

'And you to be yielded to me, in defiance of the world’ he spoke as if kissing, moving and breathing and teasing.

‘Your body to me is sweet, clean, loving, strong,’ you spoke kissing his jaw

‘Your eyes are more to me than poems,’ you began traveling back down his neck

‘Your lips do better than play music,’ down his hot chest

‘The lines of your cheeks, the lashes of your eyes, are eloquent to me,’ over the hills and valleys of his toned abdomen

‘This face is flavor’d fruit ready for eating.’ you unbuttoned his trousers

‘You give me the pleasure of your eyes, face, flesh,’ unzipping them slowly

‘You take of my hair, breast, hands, in return,’ kissing his hip bones

‘Our flesh, and even a part of our flesh,’you lock eyes with the sandy haired poet, light eyes now dark with lust,

‘seems more than senses and life.’ he finishes for you as you remove his trousers and boxers in one fluid motion, freeing his throbbing member.

Todd sucked in a breath, cock twitching at the sudden cold as it sprung from his boxers. You stared in awe at his glistening member, already dripping with precum, it was large, more than 6 inches, and erect. You looked up at him unsure.

‘I have never done this before’

‘Its ok’ Todd assured ‘I'll tell you what feels good and what doesn't’

And you trusted him to do so.

You leaned forward, taking the tip into your mouth as you tasted him, warm and slightly salty, but knowing it was Todds made it taste like lust. You lowered, taking as much into your mouth as you could, Todd hummed with pleasure and let out a low moan when you felt the tip hit the back of your throat.

‘Mm yes, perfect’

His praise swallowed you whole as you began acting on instinct, taking what couldn’t fit into your mouth in hand, you began to bob your head up and down, slowly hitting the back of your throat every time. Your mouth filled with saliva and precum, dripping out onto your chin. Todd lovingly used his free arm to hold back your hair as you worked. His head fell back as he continued to groan and whisper your name like a prayer. You felt him guide your head faster and you swirled your tongue slightly causing his hips to buck. This involuntary show of desire caused you to moan around his cock, sending vibration through his body, his lips came together to stifle a moan and he whispered breathlessly.

‘Fuck Y/N im getting close, should i-’

But his words were cut off by a long, drawn out ‘fuck-’ as you took his entire length into your hot, wet mouth. He gripped your hair tightly and you felt his cock twitch as hot salty liquid shot down your throat, you swallowed as much as you could, longing to be filled with his love, and as you pulled back, come and spit dripping from your chin to your breasts, he stared, open mouthed.

‘If I am to have so much, let me have more, Drunken and crazy with love, swing in its plummetless sea.’ he recited

You bashfully wiped your mouth as you sat back on your heels.

‘Oh my- that was perfect’ Todd spoke

His eyes scanned your body

‘i have never bared witness to something so breathtakingly beautiful’ he started, holding you with a loving gentleness, ‘so sweet, so lovely’ he smiled as he began to lay you down,’so kind and fulfilling’ he removed your skirt exposing your matching floral panties, now soaked, ‘and sensual’ he mouthed at your navel, ‘something i want’ he breathed pressing a kiss to your hip bone, ‘something i need’ kissing the other, he moved to face your hot core, leaving wet kisses up your thighs ‘bid away matters of the mind, and think only with your heart’ Your head falls back, mouth open wide as you arch into the feeling of Todd's wet tongue running over your panties, but before you can moan out his name he captures your lips in a wet, sensuous kiss, the friction of his tongue being replaced by his long, capable fingers. He hooks his fingers under the waist of the garment and looks to you for permission before slowly pulling them down.

‘I have never done this before either’ Todd admitted as he leaned forward to kiss you

‘I trust you Todd’ you felt him grow harder at your words.

With newfound confidence he tentatively swiped two fingers through your folds, stopping when he felt you shudder at contact with your sensitive bundle of nerves. He quickly glanced back up at you,

‘Good or bad?’ he questioned,

‘Good… really good’ you breathed as he began to circle your clit.

You stared lovingly into his face as he slowly widened his circles until he stopped at your entrance,

‘Todd’ you said softly,

‘Hm?’ he looked up at you in that Todd way, mouth slightly open, blue eyes innocently questioning, dirty blond hair parted to one side.

‘Im a virgin’ you breathed against his lips,

The thought had never crossed your mind since you came to Welton, Poppy had always talked about sex and how great Charlie was in bed but you had never met anyone you thought you could trust with your body, so open and vulnerable, until you met Todd. With him everything just felt so right, a perfect boy, a handsome man, a lover.

‘I want you to be the one’ you whispered,

He kissed you softly, much slower than before but something felt different, like he had transferred part of his soul with that kiss and just as slowly and with as much care, he pressed his warm finger into you. You both shut your eyes, enjoying the sensation, he groaned at the feeling of you clenching around his long nimble finger, growing almost unbearably hard. You moaned loudly as he curled his finger hitting a spot that sent a rush through you.

‘Please Todd- Please’ you whined biting your lip

‘Please what petal, please what?’ Todd urged, eager to please

‘Faster’ you panted.

Todd was a fast learner as he soon found a pace that had you heaving for breath and begging for more all at once, he slowed slightly but before you could complain he added a second finger, pumping them into your throbbing core.

You bit your lip as a mix of pain and pleasure rocked through your body

‘Is that o-’ you swallowed Todd's question in a kiss that neither of you could ever forget, hot and wet and sweet, your tongues working in harmony, both of you making obscene noises as you felt the knot in your stomach grow tighter.

‘Todd i need you’

‘Im here, i'm here whatever you need’ he breathed still pumping in and out of you

‘I need all of you please’ you whined needily.

‘Ok’ he removed his fingers from your warmth and smoothed your lust onto his already hardened cock.

Kneeling in front of you he teased your entrance with his tip as you gazed dreamily up at his figure, the gold afternoon sun peaking through the branches left his pale skin gleaming with sweat. He looked down at you, laying sprawled on the blanket, had it been only this morning you considered each other friends, no, you had been much more from the moment your eyes met. Love. love was the only word to describe how you felt as Todd leaned his forehead against yours and slowly, slowly pressed his way inside of you. The world disappeared inch by inch as his length filled you up, you felt no pain this time, only an all-encompassing sense of wholeness. Your thoughts, feelings, memories became one as he slowly began thrusting into you, nuzzling into your soft hair and breathing heavily. It was just the two of you, breathing and moaning as you moved closer toward a shared bliss. You sucked at his neck, nibbling on a spot behind his ear that made him let out an almost whimper. He raised the hand that wasn't supporting him to your neck, not to choke but to feel your pulse. The feeling of his strong, smooth hand at your neck sent you reeling as you whispered his name frantically.

‘yes, Todd, Please, I love you, i love you, fuck, fuck’

With every thrust he lightly kissed your face, your cheeks, nose, eyelids, running his fingers through your hair. This moment was nothing like how Poppy had described it, not hot and dirty and rough and loud and forbidden, it was warm and sweet and kind and lovely and true. A moment of connection between two fated souls, under the shade of a willow tree.

The feeling was beyond words, beyond feeling, it was poetic. The passion in his movements pushed you to the edge of what you knew to be true, staring into his deep blue eyes, you knew you were close, you both knew. His movements slowed, becoming more sloppy as you both teetered on the edge of release. Your lips connected as you felt a wave of pleasure crash over you both, the feeling so great you moaned into each other's mouths. You rode out your orgasms, panting between kisses, Todds face buried in your neck. He rolled onto his back and you snuggled into his warm chest, listening to his heartbeat.

“I would quote whitman but right now i can only think of you” he sighed

You giggled as you passed him his pants.

He redressed clumsily as you gathered your clothes and jumpers.

You sat together talking quietly as he buttoned your shirt and you fixed up his hair.

“You're so good to me Todd” you smiled as he fixed your collar.

‘Well i just love you’ he said so casually he even took himself by surprise,

‘Where ever did I find you’ you shook your head smiling contently.

You lay with your head in his lap this time, reading Whitman while he picked the surrounding wildflowers, as you put the book down Todd blushed, he had made you a flower crown. You sat up and turned so he could place it on your head.

He smiled ‘you look like a woodland nymph’

You picked a small white flower- a spring beauty- and stuck it in his still slightly messy hair.

‘You're so very pretty Todd’

As the sun grew orange in the sky you began making your way back to the courtyard, probably looking like a pair of strays, hair full of flowers and clothes a mess, holding hands and smiling blissfully.

#Smut #Fluff #Fluff and Smut #pining #friends to lovers #todd anderson #dead poets society #dead poets fanfic #todd anderson x reader #dead poets society x reader #todd x reader

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sankta-starkova · 8 months

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LETTERMAN;

040; high school musical 4

previous chapter | next chapter | masterlist

summary; the one where ej and andy have to navigate the disastrous documentary outcome, him leaving for college and what will happen with the rest of their lives together

wordcount: 1.8k

warnings; derogative language towards women

"Babe!" EJ called out from the bottom of the stairs. Andy ran round the corner, looking down at him as he stood there, pulling a shirt over his head.

"Yeah?" She replied, looking at him confused.

"I'm going out to fetch some snacks for movie night and your mums meds, you want anything?" He asked, reaching blindly for his jacket, knowing exactly where it was.

Andy stood there for a second, relishing in the domesticity of his words. Since the documentary came out, he had been living with her.

He had parted ways with his dad - amicably - and they had decided to not talk for a while. His dad hadn't called in the three weeks since.

She hummed in response, "Popcorn?" She suggested.

He nodded, "Sweet and Salty?" She smiled at his words, he knew her so well.

"Thanks Eej," she called out as he walked through the door, closing it behind him.

Andy had a big goofy grin on her face. She loved having him around and having him near whenever she wanted to see him.

Tommy had moved out now. He was living with his girlfriend Willow in a nice apartment on the other side of town.

And her oldest sister Charlie was starting her masters degree and was going to be moving into the local university - close enough to look after her mum still.

She was lost in her thoughts, thinking about her mum's deteriorating health and EJ leaving soon.

"Andy," someone called out and she turned to see her uncle standing there, "Can we talk?"

She nodded, following him along the hallway to her bedroom. She sat down and watched as he stood there, thinking about what to say.

He looked at her room, eyes scanning over pictures. He stopped when he saw the one of her dad, his brother in law. He reached down, picking up the picture of her and EJ laughing.

"Is he all packed for school?" James asked, trying to start a conversation.

She hummed in response, "As ready as he can be,"

There was a beat of silence and James put the picture down, "I know it's been hard with the documentary, and your mums health getting worse, and Charlie and Tommy leaving,"

He sighed. He looked at the little girl in the photo again and wondered how she was managing to go through all of this and still stay strong.

"And now EJ is going to go," he shook his head, looking back at Andy, "I just want to make sure you're okay,"

She nodded. Andy was struggling with all these people leaving but they were all still alive and here and that's all she could ask for.

"And I know EJ will have his own dorm. And I'll be out on business so you'll have the house all to yourselves-" he started and she cut him off, knowing exactly what he meant.

She held her hands up, face scrunching up in disgust, "Uncle James,"

"I'm just saying kid," he sighed, running a hand through his hair, "Be safe, make sure he treats you right because if he doesn't, I'll kill him,"

Andy smiled, wrapping her arms around him suddenly, suprising him, "Thank you," she muttered into his chest.

James smiled, placing his head on top of hers and wrapping his arms around her as well.

He knew she was going to be okay, with everything.

The next morning, Andy walked into school with Ricky. It was strange how much things had changed since last year.

Last year Rickys plan was to skate around and now he was a drama club student who was constantly the lead.

Andys life had changed too. She never thought she'd be friends with EJ again, and definitely not dating him. Neither of them also expected to be semi-famous.

"Senior year baby," Andy said, looking around, pulling nervously on her satchel.

Ricky laughed, "What was it Big Red said last year? Might grow a mustache?" He questioned.

Andy laughed, thinking about that. It felt like a million years ago now, "I can't believe he's really doing that semester aboard in Cairo,"

Ricky shook his head, "I know," he scrunched his face up again, "Where is Cairo again?"

She hit him, "Egypt," she stated and he faked an injury, making both of them laugh, "Senior year is gonna feel wrong without him,"

He hummed in response, thinking about how much their lives had changed, "I'm sure it's going to be weird without EJ," he said, "When is he leaving again?"

She sighed. Andy did not want to think about the fact that her boyfriend would be moving an hour away from her in two days, right when she needed him.

"Two days," she replied, pursing her lips together, "I feel sick just thinking about it,"

Ricky looked at his best friend, understanding how hard it must be, "You'll still see one another, what did Ashlyn say?" He thought for a second, "Yeah, you're endgame,"

She laughed but her moment of happiness was cut away when some guy stopped in front of them, looking at her.

"Slut," he spat out, knocking into Rickys shoulder as he stormed away.

She just froze there, knowing it was about the documentary. He looked at her, trying to hide his anger.

He placed his hands on her shoulder, "You okay Andy?" He asked and she looked up at him with wide eyes, willing herself not to cry.

She nodded, shaking the feelings away as she put a smile on, "Just some douche, it means nothing,"

He didn't believe her but also knew her well enough to know she wouldn't tell him how she felt, "I'm going to the bathroom, you'll be good?"

Andy smiled at him, "of course," she promised, squeezing his shoulder before walking off.

She couldn't help that anxious feeling bubbling up in her chest as she walked through the halls. She didn't want to be perceived as something.

She could feel paranoia setting in. Was that person laughing at her? Was that comment she overheard about her?

Andy only stopped thinking about it when Gina called her over. She rushed in their direction, wanting to feel safe for a minute.

"Andy! It's been so long!" Ashlyn said, pulling the girl into a side hug.

"Its been less than a week ladies," she said, a smile on her face.

The week before school, after the documentary premiere, EJ had decided to treat her with the little money he had left to four days in sunny California, just the two of them.

"Well from what I heard from my cousin, it was a memorable four days," Ashlyn said suggestively, wiggling her eyebrow.

She scrunched her nose up, "We didn't have sex Ash, we haven't," she said, shaking her head, thinking back to what the guy said.

"I wasn't suggesting that," she held her hands up in a mock surrender, "I just meant that you two had fun,"

"What happened over there? Some guy knocked into Ricky?" Gina questioned.

She tensed up, wondering whether she should tell them what really happened or brush it off.

"Not much, some guy called me a slut," she shrugged, trying to act nonchalant, "Probably watched the documentary,"

The girls gasped, looking at one another, "Where is he? I'll beat him up," Gina said, brows furrowed.

"Its nothing, dont worry about it," she reassured.

The two girls had seen the altercation and had seen how uncomfortable it had made her. It was not nothing.

Andy sighed, "Seriously, don't worry," she wanted to change the subject, stop talking about it, "Anyway, what's going on?"

Gina and Ashlyn looked at one ankther, deciding not to push the subject any further, "Someone is texting Maddox,"

"Ooh, really?" Andy said, watching a blush spread on Ashlyns face, "I knew there was something between you two,"

"No, texting Maddox giving her relationship advice for Mad," Gina explained.

Ashlyn slammed her locker shut, making them jump, "I just want to be there for her," she stated, almost passive aggressively

"I just hope she's there for you too," Gina said.

She sighed, "She is, she gives me advice about Big Red,

"Anything helpful?" Andy asked.

"To support him in his semester abroad and give him space but also be there for him," she explained, stepping back from her locker.

"So you're both just giving each other relationship advice?" Andy questioned, not understanding the relationship dynamic going on here.

"Yep, that's it," she said, starting to walk away.

"We're juniors," Gina said before turning to Andy, "You're a senior," she nodded, "Its all eyes on the prize,"

"What's the prize?" Ashlyn asked, one eyebrow raised. She was intruiged.

"Thats for you to figure out Ash," Gina said, patting her on the shoulder before walking away to the theatre hall, the other two following.

They walked into the theatre hall, hearing Carlos complain about how Seb is still not showing up due to their arguments.

They sat down, Andy taking the space behind Gina and Ashlyn, next to Kourtney.

'I know we have the big pep rally coming up in a bit but I wanted to grab you kids early for a special sneak preview of our show," Miss Jenn explained.

They all oohed and ahhd over the idea, all of them wondering what it was going to be.

"Where's Ricky?" Miss Jenn asked.

"What a surprise, Richard Bowen is late?" Carlos said with a roll of his eyes.

"Some thing never change," Andy joked, "And last I saw him he was going to the bathroom but that was like ten minutes ago so,"

Miss jenn pulled a face at the idea and just as she did, he ran through the door, out of breath.

"Sorry, hello, I was in the bathroom thinking about senior pranks," He explained, sitting down next to Andy.

"Wildcats, some people may think they know you now that they've seen you on TV but they don't know the real you," Miss jenn explained

She looked at Ricky, the two of them nodding about the sentiment. This meant a lot, especially after what had happened earlier.

"I want this show to be a safe space for you," she explaied, walking over to the board and grabbing the cover, "My babies, I present,"

She pulled the cover off to reveal that they were doing High School Musical. They all sat there confused, looking at it.

"High School musical again?" Gina asked, cocking her head to the side.

"No, Carlos," Miss Jenn said and he rushed up.

He placed an upside down three next to the word 'musical' but it looked more like an e

"High school musicale?" Andy questioned.

Carlos looked at it again before spinning it round, "High school musical three!" He announced

Taglist:

@maggiecc @hesfasttandshesweird

#letterman; ej caswell #ej caswell fanfiction #ej caswell x oc #high school musical the musical the series #hsmtmts fanfic #hsmtmts fanfiction #ej caswell #hsmtmts #ej caswell x reader

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thebadgerclan · 4 years

Text

Harry Potter Masterlist 2

FIRST MASTERLIST HERE

** indicates smut

Harry Potter x reader

Self-Critical- After a raid goes wrong, Harry finds solace in your arms and the bath...

Better**- Your plans got rained out, but you don’t mind...

Better Than Treacle**- Better than treacle, now that’s saying something...

Safe Now- When he’s with you, he knows he’s safe...

Secrecy- It has to stay between you, it just does...

On The Line- Harry won’t risk your life...

Wrong Order- Harry doesn’t regret last night at all...

Caught- Sex in your parents’ house isn’t a good idea...

Just Be Yourself- Harry gets some relationship advice from his godfather...

Under The Stars- A warm summer night under the stars...

My Baby- Sometimes, Harry needs to hear how much you love him...

In Time- It doesn’t feel real yet, but it will, in time...

Just Another Teenager- Harry’s just another teenager...

Pretty Damn Cool- Harry teaches you to cast a Patronus...

Hermione Granger x reader

SFW Alphabet

NSFW Alphabet**

Fred Weasley x reader

A Little Bit Of Fun**- Fred decided to have a little fun with you today...

Perfect**- There are so many words to describe your boyfriend...

Sweet- Complementary desserts and diamond rings...

George Weasley x reader

For Years- He’s waited for 2 years, he’ll love you for so many more...

Pay Attention- George can’t seem to pay attention at Order meetings...

SFW Alphabet

NSFW Alphabet**

Flying- You conquer your fear of flying...

Cat and Mouse- George thinks your costume is positively adorable...

Charlie Weasley x reader

Being Married To Charlie HCs

Charlie As A Dad HCs

Domestic Life w/ Charlie HCs

Dating Charlie HCs

Bill Weasley x reader

Being Married To Bill HCs

Smut HCs**

Yet**- You haven’t gone that far yet, but tonight, you will...

Oliver Wood x reader

Mo Leannan- Oliver’s training sessions run late...

The Alchemist- He’s not the best with words, but he’ll tell you how much he loves you every day...

Not A Beater- Oliver isn’t a beater, that’s for damn sure...

Not As Beautiful As You- Oliver takes you to a beautiful waterfall, but it’s not the most beautiful thing there...

Busy Week- You’ve both been so busy and you miss your boyfriend...

Victory**- You help Oliver celebrate after winning the Quidditch Cup...

Tom Riddle x reader

The Only Exception- Tom doesn’t care that you’re muggle born

The Dark Lord and His Dark Lady- While he sometimes doubts, you are his and he is yours...

Anniversary- Yours and Tom’s third anniversary...

Draco Malfoy x reader

A Different Side- Draco can let his walls down around you...

The Price Of Being A Malfoy- You’re everything his family isn’t...

Lucius Malfoy x reader

Real Love- Lucius truly loves you...

Regardless- Lucius doesn’t care what anyone else thinks...

No One Better- He thinks that after all he’s done, you deserve better...

Work Of Art- Your art is the most beautiful he’s ever seen...

Satisfied**- Lucius’ cock always leaves you satisfied...

Whenever You’re Ready- Lucius adores you in every single way, but he’ll wait until you’re ready...

Being Insecure About Small Breasts w/ Lucius**

Heal Your Broken Heart- Your heart’s been broken, but Lucius wants to fix it...

Sex w/ Lucius HCs**

Day Off**- Lucius takes a day off, and spend it teasing you...

Never Felt Like This- Lucius has never felt like this about anyone...

All Yours- Lucius gets jealous, even though you’re all his...

Star- Lucius never realized how famous you are...

I Am Yours- You’re disheartened when you find out that Lucius has mistresses, but he is yours and yours alone...

SFW Alphabet

Watch Yourself**- When you’re feeling down, Lucius shows you just how perfect you are...

NSFW Alphabet**

Lucius w/ a Virgin Reader HCs**

Lucius Comforting a Sad Reader HCs

Jealous/Possessive Lucius HCs

Ruined News- His actions ruined your good news, not that he’d care at this point...

Kissing HCs

Lunch Break**- You visit Lucius on his lunch break...

Oral HCs**

Pretty Girl**- You like it when Lucius tells you how well you’re doing...

All Of You**- You’re ready to give Lucius all of you...

So Good**- His teasings fell so good, but you need more...

Body Worship HCs**

Lucius As A Soft Dom HCs**

Collar- Picking out your first collar...

Rules**- You broke a rule...

Newt Scamander x reader

Second Niffler- Newt and Phil see your form for the first time...

Never Felt Happier- Newt has never been happier than he is right now...

Sham- Newt will remind as many times as he has to: you are not a sham...

Always Protect You- Newt won’t let anyone or anything hurt you...

Not Always Innocent- Newt always assumes they’re innocent...

A Few Drinks- After a few drinks, Newt has to remind you that you’re together...

Still Like You More- Newt is afraid to take you into the case...

A Fire Burning In My Heart- You feel exactly what the lyrics say...

Trying To Tell You- All week, you’ve tried to tell him...

Racing Hearts- You make his heart race, and he makes yours race...

His Shirt**- Newt can’t resist you, seeing you in his shirt...

That Time Of The Month-Newt takes care of you during your period...

Take Care Of My Baby**- When Newt wakes up hard, you take care of him...

Pretty Kitty- Animagi take on traits of their forms, but Newt doesn’t know about yours...

Lonely- Newt’s been working constantly on his book...

Lost Niffler- A lost niffler leads to a new relationship...

Jealous of the Niffler- He knows it’s silly, but he’s still jealous...

Cedric Diggory x reader

I Know I’m In Love- Cedric had an amazing afternoon...

Make A Move- He knows how you feel, but he’s waiting for you to make the first move...

Back To Her- He was so scared he wouldn’t come back to you...

A Bit Nervous- Cedric’s a bit nervous to ask you to the Yule Ball...

Spicing Things Up**- It might not have been a very productive conversation, but you’ve certainly spiced things up...

Life After- You both dream of a life after the war...

Broom Cupboard- The Head Boy and Girl caught snogging...

NSFW Alphabet**

SFW Alphabet

Here (TW: ABUSE MENTIONS)- Your brother shows up at Hogwarts...

The Golden Boy’s First**- Cedric’s first time...

Neville Longbottom x reader

December Afternoons- A picnic in the snow...

Spin The Bottle- Fred and George introduce a muggle party game...

Soul Marks and Nifflers- He was afraid he’d never find you...

SFW Alphabet

NSFW Alphabet**

Staying In**- The two of you stay in today...

Lily Evans x reader

New Record**- You’ve never done 5 before...

Chilled- Quidditch in the cold...

Oral HCs**

Braids and Patroni- Lily braids your hair while you work on your homework...

Burnt**- You get a bit distracted while Lily’s baking...

Broken Hearts and Friendships- You won’t put her through that stress anymore...

SFW Alphabet

NSFW Alphabet**

James Potter x reader

Dating James HCs

Best/Worst Things About James HCs

Serious James HCs

Domestic Life w/ James HCs

Oral HCs**

Sirius Black x reader

The Man I Fell In Love With**- He’s changed, but he’s still the man you fell in love with...

Got It Bad- Though Gryffindor lost, Sirius is extraordinarily happy...

Home Safe- They both come home that night...

Her First Match- You wouldn’t miss this match for the world

Handsome- You see Sirius shirtless...

Distracted- Your thoughts are anywhere but the meeting...

Part 2: Puppy**- Sirius knows how to please you...

Oral HCs**

Want Him**- He wants you and you want him...

First Christmas After- His first Christmas as a free man...

Take Care Of You**- Sirius needs you to take care of him...

Jealous/Possessive HCs

Blankets- The heat’s out, but you don’t mind...

Sentenced- Halloween night in Godric’s Hollow...

Starlight- Sometimes, Sirius can’t believe he’s really home...

Padfoot’s Lament- Now he’s free, but you are gone...

A Nap, Interrupted**- Sirius interrupts your nap, but you’re not upset...

My Idiot- Sirius thought it was a good idea to climb the Whomping Willow

Our House, Our Home- Your house doesn’t smell like home, which distresses your Omega...

Picking Out Your Baby’s Name w/ Sirius

Sirius Black Reacting To You Telling Him “I Don’t Date People Prettier Than Me”

Convince Me- He’ll spend the rest of his life convincing you he’s not a player if that’s what you want...

My Good Puppy**- Sirius’ behavior has earned him a reward...

All I Need- You don’t need dates or fancy dinners...

Seconds Away- Death was seconds away from both of you...

Face**- Sirius wants you to sit on his face...

1,095 Days- Three years, and this is how you’re repaid...

SFW Alphabet

A Hero’s Death- Sirius finds out what really happened to Regulus...

Return The Favor**- Sirius’ stamina is a bit low, but you don’t mind...

Can’t Hurt You Here- He doesn’t quite believe it yet, but nothing can hurt him here...

Different Scent- Sirius comes home, but your scent is different...

The Art of Distraction- Sirius is infinitely skilled in the art of distraction...

Hellscape- These raids are dangerous...

Brother’s Best Friend- Dating your brother’s best friend, what could go wrong?

Out In The Open- It’s all out in the open now...

Enjoy The View- You get a glimpse of your man fresh out of the shower...

Failed Exam- He’ll always be there to make you feel better...

Remus Lupin x reader

Rough and Hard**- As it turns out, Remus isn’t always so tender...

Hurt (platonic)- When you’re hurt on a mission, Sirius jumps to a conclusion...

Vacation**- A week of relaxation...

Dating Remus HCs

Creatures Of The Night- You’ve known since you met...

Best/Worst Things About Remus HCs

Moony’s Needs**- Moony needs you...

Part 2: Pack- You’re part of his pack...

Domestic Life/ Kids w/ Remus HCs

Being Insecure About Small Breasts w/ Remus

Confident, Lycanthropy Accepting Remus HCs

Dating Remus Since 4ht Year & Being Couple Goals HCs

Oral HCs**

The Rest Of Your Life- Graduation’s almost here...

Getting Eaten Out From Behind HCs**

Mornings w/ Kids HCs

Tomorrow Isn’t Promised**- Tomorrow isn’t promised, but right now, you can push those thoughts aside...

Spanking In The Dorms/Prefect’s Bathroom HCs**

Sex At Hogwarts HCs**

Recuperation-Like every month, you care for your lover after the full...

My Forever- You’re his forever, he knows that for certain...

Honeymoon HCs

The Marauders Coming To Visit Your New Baby HCs

Her Big Bad Wolf- The annual Gryffindor Halloween Party...

The Healer’s Day Off- Every month, you take time off to care for you love...

Scents- Your scent changed, and Moony isn’t quite sure why...

Grind**- Remus finds you when you don’t show up for dinner...

The Forest- A trip into the forest gone wrong...

Mine Alone**- He’ll let him watch, but you’re his and his alone...

Pink- It happened with no words...

Nicknames- Remus discovers your new favorite nickname...

Panda In The Forest- This bear definitely doesn’t belong here, but Moony knows who it is...

Vulnerable**-Sometimes, Remus can let himself be vulnerable...

Transformation- Remus is suspicious of how much time you’re spending with Sirius...

Everything To Me- Remus’ insecurities get to him, but you remind him that he is everything to you...

After The Battle- Remus comes to you after the battle...

Your Kiss- The first kiss of many...

Provide For You- You have more than enough money to provide for him...

NSFW Alphabet**

Beautiful Body- After someone comments on your body, Remus helps you feel better...

SFW Alphabet

Months- Remus has liked you for months, but he’s shy...

Professor Lupin’s “Assistant”**- An evening spent between Professor Lupin and his “assistant”...

What You Want To Call Me**- Remus isn’t what you want to call him...

More Pregnant**- Remus know he can’t get you more pregnant, but at the moment, he doesn’t care...

Safe and Loved- After the full moon, Remus needs to feel protected...

Perfect Evening- Your dress might be ruined, but your evening is not...

Dangerous- Even something as simple as going to the store is dangerous now...

His Alpha’s Arms- Remus is overjoyed to be back in his Alpha’s arms...

Battle Scars- His scars are marks of strength...

Interrupted- Yours and Remus’ make out is interrupted...

Trading Jabs- It’s all in good fun...

Quiet Down- The office isn’t warded...

Severus Snape x reader

The Two Of Us- It’s been so long since you’ve had time together...

First Place- He knew you could do it...

Full Marks**- You’ll do anything to raise your grade...

So In Love With You- The rest of your lives is ahead of you...

Lioness- Severus didn’t want to go to the party, but you still find a way to help him enjoy himself...

After Everything- He deserves more than you can give, but you’re his nonetheless...

One Little Thing- Arguments happen, but it still hurts...

It Was You- You’ll always defend him, even in the past...

Good Boy**- Severus is many things, but above all, he is yours in many ways...

Cheetah and Bat- Seeing your Animagus inspires Severus to give it another try...

The Perfect Day- Any day is a perfect day when he’s with you...

Be Still**- Severus needs to grade these exams, but you’re both wanting each other...

Nerves**- While you’re both nervous, you both want this...

Different- Even though you just met, you can tell he’s different...

Ink- Severus never took you for the type to have tattoos...

Years Of Yearning- Severus is able to live through a book, years of yearning being somewhat satisfied...

Mistletoe**- Christmas break is finally here...

I Can’t Lose You- The world is dangerous, and he can’t lose you...

Hard- Severus helps you to relax when the world becomes a bit too much...

The Perfect Day- You plan a day out for your lover...

Sweet Affections- Severus loved being in your arms...

The Mark- He has to tell you...

Not Your Fault- He blames himself...

Figure It Out- After Dumbledore fell...

Midnight Patrols-You can’t sleep when he’s not here..

Mistake- The messenger of the prophecy...

Better Off- If this is how you’ll act, he’s better off without you..

Part 2: His Fragile Heart- He was wrong, and he wants you back

Fantasize**- Severus sees your classtime fantasies...

Severus Getting Married To An American Reader So He Can Vote Against Tr*mp HCs

A Life Without You (TW: SUICIDE)- He can’t live without you...

Those Three Little Words- You love each other more than anything, but you seldom say those three little words...

Being Insecure About Small Breasts w/ Severus

Good Grades**- Good grades pay off...

Coming Clean- At your graduation, secrets are revealed

Sex w/ Severus HCs**

Dating Severus and Being A Professor HCs

Kissing HCs

Oral HCs**

Happy Birthday, My Love- The morning of his birthday...

Not All That Bad- Severus shows you that Slytherin isn’t all that bad...

Pick You-You watch The Bachelor with Severus...

Deep Inside**- Severus won’t let you come until he’s deep inside you...

After Everything- After everything he’s done, you still want to be his, forever...

Jealous/Possessive HCs

They Won’t Know**- Severus wants you, and he doesn’t care who sees...

Severus With A Virgin Reader HCs**

The Best Addiction- You’re addicted to him, as he is to you...

See Your Worth- When you’re feeling inadequate, Severus shows you how much he loves you...

Only You- A night spent with your love...

Few Weaknesses- You discover one of Severus’ few weaknesses...

Protective HCs

Hold On For Me- In that moment, it was the only option...

The Most Beautiful Sound- The students mock your accent, but Severus adores it...

Feel The Same- Severus doesn’t want to ruin your friendship...

Never Hurt You (TW: PAST ABUSE)- You know he’ll never hurt you...

Wake Up Call**- You enjoy waking Severus up, between his legs, that is...

Prima Donna- Severus helps you relax after weeks of rehearsals...

The Great White Way- Severus’s jealousy flares seeing you on stage with another man...

Where You Go, I Go (TW: SUICIDE)- You’ll follow wherever he goes...

Beautiful, Gorgeous, Perfect- Severus knows that you feel insecure sometimes, and he knows how to make you feel better...

What Better Wat To Wake Up?**- Severus wakes you up in a very pleasant way...

New Toys**- Severus brings home some new toys...

Only Yours**- Severus makes sure you know you’re his...

Like This**- Severus wants you just like this...

The Letter- You never planned to send it...

Giving and Receiving**- Tonight, you’re both giving and receiving...

Craving Affection-You’re craving Severus’ affection, and he’s more than happy to give it to you...

Obscenely Affectionate**- Valentine’s Day, an excuse to be obscenely affectionate, an excuse which Severus willingly takes...

Your Grace**- Severus teaches you the wonders of the marriage bed...

Hufflepuff At Heart- You may not be a witch, but Severus knows you’re a badger

Restless- You’re on a mission for the Order, and Severus is worried...

Severus Comforting A Sad Reader HCs

Nothing Like Him- Part of him can’t believe you want to have kids with him...

Beauty In Everything- You find beauty in everything, even in things others don’t find beautiful...

Domestic Life w/ Sev HCs

New Style- You braid Severus’ hair...

Not A Dream- Though it feels like a dream, you assure him it isn’t...

Shooting Stars- Everyone wishes on shooting stars, but you already have everything you want...

Smile- It doesn’t matter how big or small it is, Severus will do anything to see you smile...

You’re Mine**- When Severus’ assistant gets a little too friendly, you remind your husband who he belongs to...

An Amazing Father- Severus is afraid of fatherhood, but you know you’ll be alright...

Pretty Little Prefect**- The monthly prefect’s meeting...

Such A Good Job**- You’ve done such a good job pleasuring yourself, Severus wants you to finish it...

Bath Bombs- Severus puts his own touch on muggle bath bombs...

Captivity- His worst nightmare was coming true...

No More- It was just too much...

Nesting- Your heat’s a few days away...

Keep No Secrets- Severus knows he has to tell you, but he’s terrified...

Lots of Practice- Severus has never kissed anyone before...

Happy Anniversary- Your second wedding anniversary with Severus...

Keep You Safe-You know Severus will keep you safe, especially from other Alphas...

Need To See Him- You need to see him, to make sure he’s alright...

All Mine**- When Lucius gets a little too friendly, Severus reminds you that you’re all his...

Be On Top**- Severus wants you to be on top for the first time...

Missed You**- After nearly a week in London, you return home...

Perfectly Fine- Severus takes care of you after a prank gone wrong, and feelings are revealed...

A Galaxy Far, Far Away- You introduce Severus to Star Wars...

Need You Here- After a nightmare, you need your husband by your side...

Long Weekend**- While you don’t make it to most of your plans, you and Severus still enjoy yourselves...

A Little Risky**-You and Severus have some fun at the Order meeting...

Snowball Fight-A snowball fight with your husband...

Finally Home- Your fiance returns home after a month and a half...

Unbothered**- Severus’ isn’t bothered by your period, he still wants to taste you...

NSFW Alphabet**

SFW Alphabet

My Perfect, Beautiful Man**- You give Severus some much needed praise and attention...

Never Cheat On You- Severus thinks you’re cheating, but he couldn’t be farther from the truth...

Slow, Tender, and Sensual**- Your first time with Severus is everything you wanted: slow, tender, and sensual...

The Only Woman I’ll Ever Love- Severus didn’t listen to her, you’re the only women he’ll ever love...

My Princess- For your birthday, Severus treats you like the princess you are...

Spare A Dance For Me- You help Severus teach the Slytherins to dance...

Validation**- Severus craves validation, and you’re more than willing to give it...

Hands**- You watch Severus while he brews. Well, you watch his hands...

Sweet Spot**- Severus’ sweet spot makes him feel so good...

Grateful- One year after the battle...

Your Heart Is A Treasure- Severus won’t treat you like they did...

The Matron’s Assistant- You return to Hogwarts, and find more than just work...

Make A Bad Day Better- You always make bad days better...

Always Yours- It doesn’t matter what anyone says or does, you’re always his...

Throne**- Severus makes you feel like a queen, especially in bed...

Discipline- You’ve always been light on discipline with your daughter...

Don’t Give A Damn- You don’t give a damn that Severus is younger than you, but he’s still insecure...

Precipice**- Severus decides to play a little game with you...

Not A Prank- He’s convinced it’s a prank by the Marauders...

Caught- The twins catch you and Severus in an intimate moment...

Nocturnal Conversations- Severus converses with you while you sleep-talk...

The Right Time- It just felt like the right time to ask...

With You- He never thought you could be happy with him...

Eyes On Me**- You want him to look at you when he comes...

My Vow To You- His vow to you trumps all others...

Show You How**- Severus teaches you how to suck his cock...

Bare Face- Severus sees you for the first time without makeup...

Let It Out- After someone shouts at you, Severus makes you feel better...

Denied**- Severus is needy, but you’re busy...

Perfectly Valid- Severus loves you just as you are...

The Bigger Man- He needs to be the bigger man with Lupin...

Every Inch**- Severus wants to kiss every inch of you...

Every Part- You love every part of him, even the parts he doesn’t...

Get Away- A vacation with your family...

Still New- Your relationship is still so new, you can’t help but be a little flustered...

Entirely Real- You can’t believe that this is really happening...

Cared For- After the full moon, you just need to be cared for...

Little Tease**- Your choice of attire gets Severus a little riled up...

Argument/Making Up HCs

Severus as a Soft Dom HCs**

Too Good**- He just couldn’t hold back...

His Turn- You’ve cared for him, now it’s his turn to care for you...

Twice the Fun**- Severus’ new potion gives twice the fun...

Tail-End**- It might be the tail-end of your heat, but you’re still needing him...

Overwhelmed (platonic)- When things feel overwhelming, help comes from an unlikely person...

My Misstress’ Eyes Are Nothing Like The Sun- When Severus is assigned midnight patrol, you can’t sleep...

Have You Right Here- Your Alpha always knows how to make you feel better...

Severus Snape x reader x Remus Lupin

Now**- After your lovers tease you, you need them now

Punishments and Pleasure**- While the evening began in a punishment, it ended with immense pleasure...

Filled**- A morning in the library..

Waited For You**- You’ve been gone for two days, but your lovers waited for you...

Forgot The Charm**- The three of you seemed to have forgotten the silencing charm...

Remus Lupin x reader x Sirius Black

He’s Home- He’s home, and he needs you...

Life w/ Kids HCs

Happy Birthday- Remus and Sirius treat you on your birthday...

Their Job- They’re your alphas, it’s their job to take care of you...

Help You Feel Good**- Your lovers show you how to use your new toy...

His Beautiful Loves**- Remus loves to watch, but he also loves to join in...

Cuddles- You join your lovers on the couch...

How Do You Want Us?**- Remus fucks you while you fuck Sirius...

SFW Alphabet

Noisy Little Thing**- You need to be quiet, lest the whole Order hear...

Broken Collar- It was an accident, but you’re still very upset about it...

Severus Snape x reader x Lucius Malfoy

Impersonations- It’s all in good fun...

More Than Desperate**- After your lovers tease you all day, you’re more than desperate for them...

Insatiable**- You can’t get enough...

Needy**- Your period makes you horny, and your men certainly aren’t complaining...

Good Beta**- Your Beta takes care of you until your Alpha comes home...

Tonight**- Tonight, they will have them, and they will have you...

Full**- Both your men fill you up...

Feeling Needy**- Severus is feeling needy today...

Snuggles- After a long day, the three of you want to be close...

Fuck Waiting**- They can’t wait anymore, you look too sexy...

Overworked- When school take its toll, your lovers are there...

James Potter x reader x Remus Lupin

Sensual**- Slow, sweet, and sensual...

New Heights**- James and Remus take your pleasure to new heights...

Being Married To, Honeymoon, Sex w/, Twins w/ Remus and James HCs

Wedding HCs

A Future With Them- You can’t wait for the future

Yourself**- They want you to make yourself come...

Good Together**- Remus thinks you two look so good together...

Scars**- You show Remus just how perfect he is...

What Their Home Is Like HCs

Remus and James As Parents HCs

Cedric Diggory x reader x Harry Potter

Dating Cedric and Harry HCs

Cedric Diggory x reader x Hermione Granger

Domestic Life HCs

Sex HCs**

James Potter x reader x Lily Evans

First Heat**- Your first heat...

Harry Potter x Severus Snape

Through It All- Harry has been there through it all...

Paradise- Harry takes his husband away for a week...

Good Boy**- Severus loves being Harry’s good boy...

Slipped His Mind**- Severus forgets something important...

Unwavering- Harry’s support and love for his husband is unwavering...

My Perfect Boy**- When Severus is feeling insecure, his Daddy helps him see...

Much Better**- After a bad day, Harry helps Severus feel better...

James Potter x Lily Evans

James and Lily As Friends HCs

Everyone Can See- Everyone can see they’re falling for each other...

Sirius Black x Lily Evans

Sirius x Lily HCs

Other

Marauders x an Ilvermorny Transfer HCs

#the badger clan masterlist #half blood princess masterlist #masterlist

781 notes · View notes

pappydaddy · 3 years

Text

Folklore/Evermore Collection

THIS MASTERLIST HAS BEEN MOVED! IF YOU HAVE THIS SAVED IN YOUR LIKES, JUST KNOW THIS WILL NOT BE UPDATE WITH NEW WORKS! THIS IS THE NEW MASTERLIST FOR THIS COLLECTION!

These will not be published in this order

Just like these albums, some stories are connected, continuations, some being the same story told from different perspectives.

*I will be working on these while still working on requests!

Requests are still closed!

Currently in progress: All Harry Potter fics

Next to be in progress: Stranger Things

Posted: ivy + betty + august + tolerate it + evermore + invisible string

Published (December 11, 2020)

Updated (August 29, 2021)

Folklore

the 1 - Steve Harrington x fem!reader - Coming soon

She thought they were something with the flirtatious exchanges. She was sure that he liked her too until he left her heart bleeding in her hands.

cardigan - Draco Malfoy x fem!reader - Coming soon

They knew each other like nobody else did, they made each other feel wanted. Now they were like strangers and she was left cursing his name.

the last great american dynasty - Simon Kalivoda x fem!reader - Coming soon

After the love of her life is murdered, Y/N lives a glorious party filled life, but everyone else is left wondering what would have come of her if she hadn’t lost herself.

exile - Liam Dunbar x fem!reader - Coming soon

After their break-up Liam and Y/N need to be faced with moving on while seeing each other all the time.

my tears ricochet - Draco Malfoy x sister!reader/Neville Longbottom x fem!reader (briefly mentioned) - Coming soon

She knew her parents would disown her for being sorted in Gryffindor and dating a blood-traitor whose parent’s happened to have fought against them, but she never thought her brother would too.

mirrorball - Tom Riddle x fem!reader - Coming soon

Reader knows that her relationship with Tom is coming to an end, she feels him slipping away, but she tries to do everything to please him and amusement in an attempt to stop him from slipping from her fingers.

seven - Draco Malfoy x fem!reader - Coming soon

Draco and Y/N have been friends from childhood, having grown up right next to the Malfoy’s. Y/N knows that Draco’s parents don’t treat him right, and she finds herself falling apart from not being able to help him while being his beacon of hope.

august - Fred Weasley x fem!reader/Fred Weasley x Mallory (OC)- POSTED!

Please read betty | part two first before this one!

Told from Mallory’s point of view (from betty). Mallory is in love with Fred, but he’s in love with Y/N. Mallory jumps on any chance that she can imagine that he was hers.

this is me trying - Steve Harrington x fem!reader/Steve Harrington x Nancy Wheeler - Coming soon

Steve wonders if he made the right decision by picking Nancy over Y/N as he tries to make his relationship with Nancy work. Continuation of the 1.

illicit affairs - Steve Harrington x fem!reader/Steve Harrington x Nancy Wheeler - Coming soon

Steve and Y/N must deal with their decisions, but an implosion is inevitable. Continuation of the 1.

invisible string - George Weasley x fem!reader - POSTED!

George and Y/N would always pop up in each other’s lives during their time at Hogwarts. It wasn’t until two years after the Twins left Hogwarts that they bumped into each other again, but this time, they figured out why they couldn't get rid of each other.

mad woman - Tom Riddle x fem!reader - Coming soon

After Tom cheats on Y/N, he continues to pour gasoline onto the fire by pinning her as ‘mad’.

epiphany - Harry Potter Universe x fem!reader - Coming soon

Y/N sees horrible things while fighting in the frontlines of the Second World war and even suffers herself.

betty | part two - Fred Weasley x fem!reader - POSTED!

Fred has a new female friend. Y/N starts to notice just how close they are and it sets alarms off for her.

peace - Neville x Malfoy!fem!reader - Coming soon

Y/N worries that Neville will break up with her because she cannot give him the peaceful relationship he deserves since her family wants to tear them apart. Continuation from this is me trying.

hoax - Tom Riddle x fem!reader - Coming soon

Y/N can’t let go of Tom after she broke up with him, thinking that she would be better off with him despite him being horrible to her.

Evermore

willow - George Weasley x fem!Reader - Coming Soon

He didn’t mean to fall for Y/N, but once he had her in his sights, he come into her world like a cyclone. Y/N never wanted to fall for him either, but he eventually knocked down her walls.

champagne problems - Draco Malfoy x fem!Reader - Coming soon

Y/N deals with the fall out of leaving her arranged engagement with Draco and it starts to look like he might not have felt the same about the arrangement as she did.

gold rush - George Weasley x fem!slytherin!reader - Coming soon

Y/N doesn’t like being close to people and letting them in, but George Weasley managed to wiggle his way past her walls. He helps her learn to trust, she helps him realize that maybe not all Slytherins are the same.

tis the damn season - Stiles Stilinksi x fem!reader - Coming soon

Y/N is back in Beacon Hills for the holidays and she’s forced to face the people she left behind, including her ex-love, Stiles. An argument ensues and Stiles realizes something.

tolerate it - Percy Weasley x fem!reader - POSTED!

Percy’s become more uptight since starting with the ministry and Y/N starts to think he’s just tolerating her.

*no second war AU where Voldemort was killed by baby Harry*

no body, no crime - JJ Maybank x fem!reader - Coming soon

JJ and Y/N notice something is off about how her kook step-father is treating her mother. When her mother suddenly goes missing, things start to become fishy.

happiness - Isaac Lahey x fem!reader - Coming soon

Y/N and Isaac fall out of love, their relationship exploding in front of their faces. Follows their implosion and the after-math.

dorothea - Stiles Stilinski x fem!reader - Coming soon

Part of the story from tis the damn season, Stiles is still hung up on his ex-girlfriend despite that she’s so far away. He can’t help but wonder about her.

coney island - Stilies Stilinski x fem!reader - Coming soon

After seeing each other at Christmas, Stiles and Y/N can’t get each other off their minds. Y/N questions if she should have left him. An emergency brings Y/N back to Beacon Hills and revelations are made.

ivy - Draco Malfoy x fem!reader/Fred Weasley x fem!reader - POSTED!

Y/N is a pureblood forced into an arranged marriage with Draco Malfoy, but she couldn’t let Fred Weasley wiggle his way into her heart.

cowboy like me - JJ Maybank x fem!reader - Coming soon

At the first meeting, Y/N thought that she wasn’t going to fall for JJ. But as she slowly got to know him, the similarities between them jumped out at her.

long story short - Billy Hargrove x fem!reader - Coming soon

Billy and Y/N always had a spark, but she was already dating someone else. But when she falls from her pedestal, had her life crumbles under her feet, she’s sent right into Billy’s arms.

marjorie - Allison Argent x fem!reader - Coming soon

After Allison’s death, her girlfriend could swear that she was still there with her, but she knows better. She knows that it’s just her grief playing tricks on her.

closure - Robin Buckley x fem!reader - Coming soon

Robins girlfriend broke up with her six months ago suddenly before moving to a new Country for school. Today, she receives a latter and it stirrs up angry feelings within Robin.

evermore - Charlie Weasley x fem!reader - POSTED!

Y/N just broke up with her fiancé after finding out he was in love with another woman. With no home to run to, she packs a bag and heads to the only person she could think of - Charlie. But as she stays with him, she could sense that something was stirring between them.

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vvakarians · 3 years

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World lore and Arc 1 Character lore from Melrose: City of Monsters! This world is a story that myself and my boyfriend @thecoffeerain

Maxime and Victor belong to my boyfriend!

Charlie’s Twitter | Charlie’s P a t r e o n

Info under the cut!

ABOUT MELROSE: CITY OF MONSTERS

Melrose is a city just south of New York City in America, it’s a small town that is unassuming at first but is filled with dark secrets. Vampires, witches, werewolves, and humans exist together, though in a vaguely dysfunctional way. The government broke the news about vampires and werewolves only five years previous, though they’ve lived in society for far longer than that. At this point people are getting used to them living among the human population, but knowledge about magic is still kept under wraps. Vampirism, lycanthropy, and magic comes from a disease that is both highly contagious and genetic. Once you have it, you have it for life, eternal or not.This information is primarily for the first arc. MC information will be updated with each arc.

MAIN CHARACTERS OF MELROSE: CITY OF MONSTERS

Father Charles ‘Charlie’ Larousse-Robineau

Pronouns: They/them

Occupation: ‘Priest’

Bloodline: Vampire, former Human, Crowley Lineage

Maker: Belladonna Crowley, the Duchess

Origin: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Love Interest: Victor Talbot

Father Robineau is a charming and well traveled individual, having been born in the 1860’s to a fur merchant and his musician wife. A tragedy struck the family in the early 1880’s when Charlie’s father snapped after a fight between them, and he supposedly killed both Charlie’s younger brother Jean Marie, as well as their mother, brutally with an axe. Charlie barely got out alive, killing their father in self defense. After getting medical attention they fled to England, hoping that their extended family would take them in.When they didn’t, Charlie settled in Whitechapel, hired by a brothel to be a charlatan, medic, and overall fluffer for the girls there. It is there where they fell in love with a woman named Lilith Brown, or Lily, as she preferred. They were best friends and messed around with each other, but Lily turned their courtship down. Sad but understanding, Charlie continued to work as a charlatan, only to watch as their friends would begin dying one by one. People suspected Jack the Ripper and would lend no help to the people affected. As we know, the killer was not caught, and unfortunately one of the last to be taken would be Lily.Whether it was Jack, or a copycat, Charlie was determined to figure out who it was. Driven near mad by grief, Charlie called out to anything that would listen while attending the autopsy of Lily. Who would show up would not be their savior, but their Devil. A woman calling herself the Duchess. She promised Charlie power to find the person who harmed their friends in exchange for a favor at a later date. Charlie was then sacrificed on an altar far below Whitechapel, but to what goddess or entity, they did not know. All they know is that they were opened up much like the corpses on the autopsy tables in the morgue, and then drained of all blood, turned into a bloodthirsty monster. Then abandoned on the streets. After becoming feral and accidentally slaying two people, Charlie turned themself in, though they were quickly turned over to the Vampiric Council of the United Kingdom. This is where they were rehabilitated by Delilah Ainsworth and her husband Aegis Stone, then allowed to return to the USA. Though it was still hard to find a food source and the only thing they could think of to get a large group, but not have to worry about too many people finding out -- was build a congregation. This of course backfired and they made more of a cult than anything, and one of their cult members developed an unhealthy obsession with them. His name was Cedric.When Charlie saw what they had created and tried to disband the cult, Cedric intervened, but a few weeks afterwards Charlie would poison his blood supply with silver, enabling them to flee. After that they never saw Cedric again and would go on to serve in World War II before settling down in Melrose in the 1940’s, creating the cathedral they now work in, St Januarius’, but making sure that a cult never happens again. Thankfully with blood bags it’s become less of an issue.Their life changes though when a man named Victor walks into their church…

Victor Talbot

Pronouns: He/him or they/them

Occupation: Sex worker / Artist / Cat Wrangler

Origin: Sussex, England, United Kingdom

Love Interest: Charlie Robineau

Victor is the only child born to a surgeon and an art lecturer. He spent quite a bit of time with his mother who taught him all about Hinduism and the ways of their culture. As a child and throughout his school life he was bullied for being larger than his peers; this made him quite shy and destroyed his self esteem. He did find a love of dance though when he would watch Bollywood films with his mother at home, and then at school he got involved in modern dance. Though it was in secret, as he did not want his peers to bully him further. As he kept at it, Victor lost weight and began eating better, becoming how he’s seen today. Which of course gained him attention and popularity where there was none before.

While studying medicine, as his father had proclaimed he would as all of the men of his family had, Victor found that he could help people by giving them the medicine they needed but couldn’t necessarily afford. He then began to sell narcotics to addicts to cover the cost of the extravagant lifestyle forced upon him by his peers. A tragic accident occurred when the man he was seeing stole from his stash and OD’d, then was brought to the hospital where Victor was doing his residency. Victor did try to save his life but the man ended up dying. Of course he came clean about it to his dad, who was the chief of surgery at the hospital, but Victor’s dad told him to keep quiet about it lest he lose his job. Unfortunately, the damage was done and Victor became haunted by the loss of life at what he believed was his hands. Unable to cope with what he had caused, he began to take the pills he used to sell and became hooked. After a severe mental break having spent too many hours on shift he was suspended and dismissed from the program, now having to deal with being haunted continuously with what he’d done.

He would then fall into a drug spiral where he stole his father’s script pad, implicating him in his stealing, which got his father suspended. During this time he began taking street drugs and getting involved in the party scene, all to whisk him away from the trauma he suffered. This cycle only stopped when a tragedy happened for a second time. Another man he had been seeing died while they were together, and he woke up to his lifeless body in the bed. It’s here that Victor blacks out and does not have much memory of, only remembers waking up in the hospital and being convinced to go to rehab.

After being released and having his parents hovering over him every second of the day, he relapsed, then was cut off by his mother and father. He would then sell all of his belongings, or what he could, and bought a ticket to America where he would be picked up by the infamous Red in Melrose, New York. It would be here that he’d meet Father Robineau at the St. Januarius Cathedral…

Hazel Coldbrook

Pronouns: They/he

Occupation: Personal Assistant + Receptionist

Origin: Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Love Interest: Maxime St. Martin

Hazel was adopted at the age of six by a Jewish doctor and a First Nations professor of linguistics at one of the universities in New York. He was put into the system after his father lost custody following a terrible car accident that killed his mother. He did have two younger siblings that were sent to different homes, he never saw them afterward. Hazel did have an older adopted sister named Morgan, who was often cruel and rude to him. She got him into a lot of trouble and often got him bullied by other children at school, more than he already was. It didn’t help that he was starting to have issues seeing and hearing things, on top of paranoid delusions.

His parents did their best to set him up as much as they could, and he did get better eventually. Therapy and medication got him on the right track, though his night terrors do plague him still. Once he went away to college, Morgan was cut off from the family around the same time after she was arrested for violent breaking and entering. They didn’t see her for a while after that, though at one point she did make a brief appearance. Morgan chased after him and one night broke into his dorms while he was with his girlfriend, Willow. She was killed after trying to wrestle Morgan away from him, and he was bitten by Morgan. Thankfully, he survived, but he did find out that his sister had been turned into a vampire.

Charlie found him in the dorm shortly after the attack, having gone hunting during a blood bag shortage. They took him to the hospital and then offered him a job as a PA at their church, helping transfer all of his college credit over to the local community college where he is now studying psychology and theology. During his time in Melrose though, he begins attending drag performances at a local club and comes upon a gorgeous drag queen...

Maxime St. Martin / Enzée Bytten

Pronouns: He/him (She/her, in drag)

Occupation: Club Owner/Drag Queen

Bloodline: Vampire, former human, Seraphim Lineage

Maker: Gabriel

Origin: Saint Martin d'Oydes en Ariège Pyrénées, France

Love Interest: Hazel Coldbrook

Maxime was born in a small, self contained village where he did not leave much until his late teens. Unfortunately, the reason why he left was not a matter of simply being sick of the small village life, it was due to a much darker purpose. A man named Gabriel had come to the village and infected the residents with vampirism, causing them all to turn on each other night by night. This was but one prong in a grand scheme to build an entire army of vampiric soldiers indoctrinated with Gabriel’s radical beliefs about humans and vampires. Maxime --being young and impressionable-- followed his Maker in his footsteps, having a sort of love for him that one could only have for a Maker.

As the decades went on, Maxime would turn people he met and attempt to sway them to their side of things, but became infatuated with human culture as he went. Eventually he saw the error of his Maker’s ways and began planning a rebellion against Gabriel. Maxime even managed to convince a human soldier who he had picked up during World War II, who he would then turn after he would get severely injured. You could say the plan went off without a hitch, though there were many casualties and a lot of fighting.

Eventually he would move on to the states where he steadily sunk into his trauma, though he would find a club to make his own in Melrose. There he would build a reputation of being cold and calculating, but as Enzée he is warm and lively -- or rather she is.Le Syndicat is where Maxime would meet Hazel, who had just come to the bar for a drink…

VAMPIRES:

Vampirism, lycanthropy, and magic all come from a single source. Different strains of diseases that all come from one person, who thus far has been lost to history, as well as the war that led to the werewolves and vampires becoming tense with each other. Vampires come from the strain that needs blood to survive, but also an undead host. It attacks all systems aside from the nervous, and shuts most of them down. They do process blood but not in the same way that a human would food. Their waste system is completely cut off and their stomach has become oddly misshapen, different. It ‘digests’ the blood and filters it back through the body so that the vampire can use it as a source of energy when healing, keeping them young, and making sure their body doesn’t rot from the inside out due to their functions being cut off. The disease is parasitic in nature this way, but eventually becomes symbiotic. Vampires need blood to survive and can be affected by blood born illnesses, though never die. At least usually. In the cases of aggressive cancers and autoimmune disorders, it can kill the host, but it’s very rare. Those with vampirism can only be turned after being fed on, drained, and then made to drink the blood of a disease carrying host; be born as a Stillborn, or be born as a fully fledged vampire. They are ever immortal, cannot eat human food unless it has blood in it and even then they cannot eat a lot of it, though this is not the same for liquids, and every bloodline has a ‘feral’ type that is different from another. Reproduction is a bit of an unknown for vampires. There are creatures called Stillborns that are the successful offspring of a vampire and a human, or are the human offspring of a vampire when the disease becomes recessive. Almost always the disease is terminal and it kills them, then resurrects them from the ages 19-31. Scientists think this could be the peak age range for humans healthwise, which is why the disease stops their aging as well at that time. Otherwise, vampires can have offspring with other vampires, however it is unsure how. It could be that their reproduction systems come alive when with a compatible partner, but no one knows for sure and it isn’t full proof. Even so most vampires, just as they will do with humans to prevent possible Stillborns, will wear protection when with other vampires. It is whispered that there are ways a vampire and a werewolf could also have child, but seeing as one is dead and one is alive, that is skepticism at best. Vampires who are born from other vampires age very slowly until that 19-31 age range and then suddenly stop. They can of course be created when one is fed off of or drained, then made to drink the blood of a host. These vampires are called ‘newborns’ and are often very attached to their makers. They acquire a Bond, which is crucial for a newborn, though they don’t always get that treatment from their Maker. A newborn without a Bond will have issues trying to feed and they often become feral. If they do form a Bond, they will feel drawn to their Maker for decades if not for life. Some may need extra care and attention, even touch when they’ve been turned. The stage when a newborn becomes a stable vampire varies from bloodline to bloodline. Becoming feral is usually something a vampire wants to avoid. It happens when they are too hungry and have been starved of blood for too long, or sometimes when they experience very strong emotions. The form of being feral varies from bloodline to bloodline, just as it would for werewolves. When being fed off of a human will feel the pain of the bite but then a euphoria will settle, which is dangerous at times. A pheromone is also given off that makes them smell and taste amazing to a human (such as saliva and skin, this is not a reference to cannibalism lmao), which was once so they could draw in prey to better feed off of. In Melrose, vampires and werewolves live together in a tenuous harmony. Again no one really can point out why they have tension but still that thought has lived on in more traditional, and older people of both kinds. They try not to encroach on the others territory and spaces, and their councils work together along with the human government when needed. Vampires answer to the Vampiric Council of their country when a crime has been committed or they need other governmental help. Currently the hub for vampiric activity is in two parts. St. Januarius’ Cathedral, and Le Syndicat, respectively a church and a nightclub. The church is a safehouse for all werewolves, vampires, and humans , and the nightclub is well...a nightclub. One is ran by a charming but seedy priest, and the other is ran by a cold, but sweet once you worm your way into his heart.

WEREWOLVES:

Werewolves, like stated above in the vampire section, come from one large strain. There was a war a very long time ago but no one really knows that anymore, and there’s just some strain among the more traditional folks. Werewolves can be born with lycanthropy, or they can be turned; though werewolves can have offspring with humans at the normal rate unlike vampires. Their children tend to be hyperactive and need a lot of attention to keep their instincts under control, much like newborn vampires. They burn off a ton of calories and usually need to be on a high calorie diet because of this as well as high in iron, which becomes worse during a full moon. Changing in and out of their forms, whether it be bipedal or all fours, tends to burn off a lot of calories and consume a lot of energy. Werewolf kids need that extra supervision so that they don’t hurt themselves during the night, but they will learn to cope as they get older. Pain management those nights is a must, a lot of werewolves keep a well stocked medicine cabinet. Being turned into a werewolf is not as a rampant problem as people used to think, it never was. Usually they can only turn someone during a full moon when their saliva has more kick to it and is full of the lycanthropic strain, which their body has on a cycle much like a period. However, they can turn someone on the odd night but it’s usually just before or just after a full moon, and they will not get the chance to turn someone during a full moon that time around. Werewolves also often experience PMS like symptoms close to the full moon, no matter what gender they are.

Their hair grows very thick and fast, usually covering their entire body in a peach fuzz and growing more prominent on their arms, chest, pubic area, back, head, etc. Sometimes the back of their hands and feet as well. They see exceptionally well in the dark, usually have the speed and strength to rival vampires, and are always on the taller side. Though there are some exceptions, especially for human born wolves, or those turned into one. Aging is slow for them, some can live up to three hundred years before they pass on. Werewolf society usually comes in the form of a pack, designating an Alpha and Betas (usually two to three) in their own way and coming to them for advice as well as governing matters. They have their own council and converse with the human or vampire government if needed. How they govern is really up to them however, just as it is for vampires. In Melrose there are smaller packs everywhere, and a bigger one out on the edge of town. This pack has recently elected (through a physical challenge of the previous Alpha) Dante Kāne as their Alpha, and he has two Betas : Serj Allgood, and Ty Hacon. The previous Alpha, a man named Gunner, is a very traditional man who put into practice not so great things (drug running, not so safe sex work, etc) but Dante is slowly trying to ease the pack into doing better things.

MAGIC:

Magic is an inherited trait, usually through a distant tie to the strain that gave the world vampirism and lycanthropy, or it is learned. Witches can be born to any human, werewolf, or vampire; though most humans still believe magic to not be real. It can also come in the form of anything, blood magic, rituals, soothsaying, fortune telling, necromancy, green magic, etc. It all exists all at once. Some believe in gods, some don’t, it’s all up to the person.

#vampire #werewolf #fantasy #melrose

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feverinfeveroutfic · 3 years

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chapter thirteen: the boys next door

That initial journal stayed under the cushion even when Sam had gone home with the new journal tucked under her arm, and it stayed there as the month progressed along and she made more and more art in those pages. She had to put it all in by the middle of March in order to start school come the fall of that year, and given she had no exact income at the moment, she needed to hustle along with the journal to earn a grant for herself. Ruben and Esmé lent her a bit of money for the first month's rent, but after that, she needed to move it forth with her artwork.

The drawing of Frank and Charlie gave her enough of a boost to continue onward.

But she thought of the man in her dreams, the man with the white streak at the crown of his head.

She wondered about that streak in his hair, if it was something powerful and loaded with all the mental power she could ever imagine. Indeed, at times when she lay down at times at the end of the day, she envisioned him on the back of her eyelids. The streak was so familiar, and so bright under the hazy light of the dreamy sun. She brought her gaze down to his body and he faded out into nothing with the rest of the dream world. She would reach out to feel him and yet he always faded out to nothing.

Even without feeling him, she knew he was soft. Soft and gentle to the touch, as if she tried to touch a low cloud. Sam needed to feel him out some more before she could give him a drawing in her journal. She did however make portraits of Aurora as well as one of her parents based on a framed photograph that Ruben sent her, and Charlie and Marla, the latter of whom took a photograph of themselves embraced in a hearty open kiss.

She had taken out a few sets of pencils from her bag, colored pencils for Charlie and Marla, and the soft gray graphites for her parents. Charlie's wavy dark hair, much like Frank's hair, had so much texture and so many shades of golden and orange all around the crown, and yet his face was a bit fuller and rounder, and the cleft in his chin was extra prominent from the shadows around them. Marla's orange hair shone so bright in the camera light and the pink and blue streaks resembled to little neon lights: a little bit of the white pencil in the middle of those stripes to give them an extra sparkle. He had kept his lips pursed even with the smile on his face, and his skin had such a soft little blush to it.

The drawing of them took her a whole afternoon: she had sat down with it the first thing in the morning, and yet the over hanging possibility that she couldn't even so much as pay her rent pervaded her every thought. The possibility that she could wind up like one of those homeless men down in Brooklyn by all those music shops loomed over her head like a heavy dead weight: no money for Emile and he would have to show her the door, not even after three months of living there. She had no idea if the whole shindig with Stormtroopers of Death would hold any water given that was more of a straight up demo tape on the side of the main endeavor than anything. If something did come out of it, she hoped that Charlie and Scott kept their word and she found herself walking along with a slice of that delicious pie herself.

She held onto the colored pencils as if they were the rungs of the ladder in the fire escape next door to her. Charlie's olive complexion in contrast to Marla's milky skin. It all melted together into a cocktail right before her eyes. Every stroke of the orange and the gold, every time she blended it all together with the edge of the white pencil. It was all bringing her closer to staying there in the apartment complex.

Within time, she signed her initials at the bottom of the page. She dared not date the drawing, lest someone in admissions ask her about it and come to the realization that it was a rush job on her part. She made herself dinner and then stayed up a little bit later to work on the drawing of her parents. She had Ruben and Esmé's heads sketched out and part of their hair filled in with the firm graphite when she felt her eyelids drooping at the realization that she had been drawing all day, away from the world and the hearty spring rain outside her window. She kept the drawing out on her desk before she switched off the light and crawled into bed.

The mysterious man in her dreams appeared once again, and that time, he had crouched down next to the edge of the cliff, which right next to the house. The wind billowed his otherwise black hair over his head and he kept his hands pressed to the cold dark earth underneath him. He squinted his eyes against the burning sun behind him; Sam glanced to her left to behold the sight of the house, a dilapidated two story with a hideous faded pea green paint job and a shingle roof with most of the shingles missing. Her eyes wandered up to the chimney, which was nothing more than a metal tube of the same green color; behind that was a pair of filthy skylight windows. She lowered her gaze to the front doors, a pair of French doors with broken glass and something dangling from the shards near the top of the door frame. The porch looked as though it was about to collapse if the earth shook a little too hard.

But he crouched down at the end of the pathway in front of her; to his left was a series of low scraggly bushes, each of them without their proper flowering. It was springtime and yet nothing was blooming. Meanwhile, behind him stood the steep drop and she couldn't hardly see anything else beyond that. Mere bright white light courtesy of the midday sun.

She lifted her gaze to the sky: not a single cloud in the vast blue canopy over her head. The sky never appeared more blue than it did at that very moment. A weeping willow stood behind her and she had no idea where the next noose would appear on the branches.

The sun shone down on his white streak and his handsome face. He was like a ghost, the ghost of a young men she had neither met, nor touched, nor felt for herself, and she wanted him for herself. His slender knees only appeared to be more slender from his dark jeans, and his little body seemed large and small at the same time. A tall boy and yet he seemed so small and helpless at the same time.

A pained droning caught her ear and she turned her head again. Something big, blue, metallic, and conic spiraled out of the sky to her right. He turned his head for a look himself.

It was an airplane, or so she believed it to be: it resembled an ocean buoy but with narrow wings on its body. A stream of gray smoke billowed out from between the tail fins.

He turned his head to the opposite side as it tried to catch itself. His eyes widened at the sight of it.

“Get away from there!” she called out; her voice echoed out over the canyon before them, and yet it sounded as though she stood underwater. But instead, he stood to his feet and he darted up the path towards her: his jet black hair streaked behind his head like the wings of a bird. That white stripe burned in the hot sun behind him, and he skidded to a stop right before her.

Meanwhile, the airplane had lifted and adjusted itself over the far side of the porch but it stalled right over the railing. She had no idea if there was someone on board it, especially since it looked so small. It dove nose first into the side of the cliff, right where he was squatting, and it burst into flames. The scraggly bushes around it ignited: it was going to become a brush fire soon enough and burn the house down.

“You've got to help me,” he begged her; he called her name but he sounded so far away from her, even though he stood right before her. “Help me put this out!”

“Where's the shovel—” she wondered aloud. She turned her head again and she spotted the heavy wooden shovel leaned against the low brick wall. She picked up and she forced the head of it into the dirt before them, and she hurled the thick heavy clods of dirt onto the raging flames. He had run to the far side of the property in search of the fire hose.

“You gotta help us!” he cried out to the street. “You gotta help us! This place is gonna burn to the ground if we don't have the water!”

Sam continued to dig into the earth and hurl dirt onto the flames. It helped a bit, but a fire hose hooked up to the hydrant outside of the property would do the trick given it was a gasoline fire. So much fire for such a tiny little plane. Gasoline burned onto the dry brush against the tapestry of the blinding sun before her: it all burned so bright and powerful that it began to choke her.

“Where are you, little man,” she pleaded as her arms ached from the incessant digging. “Where are you, baby—” Her arms were sore and tired from the whole thing, and the vast amount of sweat which drenched her back only made the matter more agonizing. He was nowhere to be seen, and the fire continued to burn away at the brush.

That was when she woke up, cozy, warm, and dry under the safety of her blankets. Her fingers on her left hand tingled and her left shoulder ached. She had been laying on that side for so long. She rolled over onto her back and took her hand out from under the covers, and she shook her hand about to get the blood flowing once again. She then lay her arm atop the covers so she could feel the cold of the apartment around her.

Yet another dream where she saw that man with the fear of god in his eyes. Afraid and in a vulnerable place. She opened her eyes and gazed up at the pitch dark ceiling over her: the only light emanated from the amber street lights outside.

The entire building was silent except for the heavy rain on the roof. She sighed through her nose and she thought of her parents.

That drawing of her parents!

Night still kept in place outside, and yet time was of the essence. She pushed back the covers and slid out of bed. Using the ambient light from the street, she made her way over to her desk and switched on the little light on the side. She shielded her eyes with her hand and blinked several times until they adjusted to the shock of the pale yellow light.

She gazed on at the photograph Ruben had sent her: the black and white shot of the two of them after he had taken Esmé to a secret place and asked her to marry him, with her arms around his shoulders and her head leaned against the side of his. She had always wanted to have someone propose to her that same way: out in the wilderness and with no one else there to disturb them. It was one of those things that seemed so romantic and far removed from the world.

But for the time being, she was bunked away in her room in the middle of the night, with a graphite pencil in hand and her journal plunked open before her. Her tired eyes took glimpses at the photograph so she could feel it down to its very core and transcribe it all onto the smooth white silken paper.

She thought of the dream she had had, and how it all felt the most real of all the dreams she experienced with the mysterious man with the white stripe in his hair. Her arm still ached from laying on her side for so long, but she swore she and him were fighting off a fire together. She swore she heard his name, she heard herself say his name aloud to him, but it all faded out into a fog with the fire and the intense sun on their backs.

Sam picked up the thicker graphite for their dark heads of hair and the rich shadows all around Ruben’s round face and nice neck. She held the pencil on its side for a bit of smoothness on his skin and the bones all inside: she held it the same way for Esmé‘s thick dark hair and the round shape of her face. The grains of the paper held the graphite as if they were little pools of water.

The sound of the graphite’s edge filled her ears to the point it stopped being a noise. Everything else fell away into total silence and she was left alone with the journal and the photograph before her.

Before she knew it, she was met with the first kisses of the golden morning sun outside her window. The bitter Northeast cold had finally cleared away for the first little seedlings of the springtime: the near black rain clouds hung over the New York skyline like a heavy blanket, while the sun shone so bright through the windowpane next to her. Sam lifted her head from the drawing and she was met with the fierce light of the sun: the dream was still fresh in her mind as she signed her name at the bottom of the page.

She leaned back in her chair and gazed on at it.

She kept making Esmé‘s right eye too large and thus she had to cover most of her bottom eyelid with extra graphite. She hoped the admissions people would overlook the fact that she overworked it a bit. But every time she glanced away from it and returned to it with fresh eyes, she grimaced at the fact it looked as though her mother had been punched in the face.

Sam fetched up a sigh and stood to her feet to put on a small pot of coffee. Marla and Aurora helped her buy a coffee maker for herself the weeks prior: there was only so many times she could run downstairs and wake up Frank for a cup of coffee. He always greeted her with a smile and a good morning, but she knew that if they were to go tour in the coming months along with her attending school, she had to do something while she still had time.

As the coffee brewed away in the kitchen, she returned to her journal and a brand new page. That mysterious man in her dreams still stayed firmly in mind. She could see him. She could feel him. Even if he didn’t exist, she could feel him.

She had that other drawing of him in her other journal, but she needed to see him in physical form. It was going to drive her insane if she did nothing about it.

She picked up the hardest graphite and sketched out his head. That crown of dark hair complete with that shock of white over his forehead. She closed her eyes to see him again, crouched down low to the ground, and his slim body the darkest spot against the otherwise bright sun. She could make out the shape of his lanky arms and his large hands, the latter of which he kept on the ground.

She closed her eyes again to see his face. The coffee maker let out a soft ding but she was more focused on him. His deep set eyes and his prominent nose and cheekbones. Everything about him stood out the more she thought about him.

She rounded out the drawing with a bit of extra shading near his shoulders. She gazed on at him, right into his ghostly eyes and his faint face. She would have to return to him after her cup of coffee and a bite of breakfast.

Within time, Frank had showed up to her front door with a green flyer in hand.

“What’s this?” she asked him: she recognized the name of Metallica near the top of the paper, but the other names were complete unknowns.

“It’s actually a flyer for something completely different, but Stormtroopers are playing at that venue tonight,” he explained.

“I was just gonna say, the date on this is wrong, too. This came and went!”

“Metallica is going to be there, though,” he pointed out as he never changed his expression. “They’re here in New York to discuss their new record with Jon.”

“Already?” She was stunned.

“Yeah! Welcome to the world of albums, Sam babe.”

She brought her attention back to the flyer for the club name: L’Amour, down in Brooklyn.

“They played here back in January,” Frank continued as he took his seat on her couch, “like right after when we first met, but—”

“You didn't tell me 'cause you didn't know me that well yet,” she finished for him.

“Exactly!” He raised his eyebrows at her. “Well, now that we have a little relationship of sorts between us, I think it's time we introduce you to the guys.” That smile full of star’s teeth crossed his face.

“Are they even here yet?” she eagerly asked him.

“I think they are. I dunno if they're going to be there tonight or not, though. But yeah, they're literally like the guys next door to us. Well—” He shrugged his narrow shoulders. “—I shouldn't say 'literally'. They're from your neck of the woods, as I'm sure you know.”

“Oh, yeah.”

“But they might as well be the guys next door to us,” he continued. “They've rehearsed with us, they've discussed touring with us, and they've jammed so many times 'round here and over in Jersey. They might as well be from around here.”

“All of us hailing from California hangin' out with New Yorker boys,” she remarked as she ran her fingers through her dark hair.

“The coasts united,” he declared as he folded his hands together before him. “United and coming together under the realm of music.”

He dropped his eyes to her bedroom doorway.

“What’chu thinking ‘bout?” she quipped.

“Your art,” he replied without hesitation. “How it’s gonna go places.”

“We can hope that,” she noted.

“I know for a fact it will. It’s unique enough—it’ll be everywhere before we know it.”

She thought of that mysterious man in her journal. She needed to finish him and bring him to fruition when she found a moment.

“So are we gonna hitch a ride with someone or take the subway there?” she asked him.

“Yeah, we’re definitely gonna hitch a ride with Aurora and Marla,” he answered with a little nod of his head. “There’s no way all of us are gonna go there via the subway. I should probably tell you that we’re gonna be leaving at about three, give or take. It’s only an hour drive but Charlie and Marla are both scared shitless of traffic.”

“So plenty of time to get dressed and have something to nosh on,” she added as she glanced over at the time on the microwave.

“Exactly! I’ll give you some privacy, too—“ He stood to his feet and he ambled over to the door.

“See you in a bit, Frankie,” she called after him. Once she was alone again, she darted into her room to shade in that drawing. There may not be another chance to do so with that mysterious man.

The heavier graphite flowed onto his hair: she drew around the shock over his forehead, and she would have to save it for the harder graphite. His deep eyes gazed back at her as she used the sharp tip of the softest graphite to bring them forth.

A thoughtful little Mona Lisa smile and smooth silky skin on his face and neck later, and she had him right there on the paper.

She stared at him in silence. She had him right there before her, out of the realm of the dream. Even after the other drawings she had made and a few other ones she was to make in the coming few days, she knew that one would be the centerpiece of it all. When she signed her initials at the bottom of the page, she titled it “the man from beyond the veil.”

Without wasting any more time, she set down her pencil and she crossed the room to her dresser.

It was an overcast but warm spring day in New York City and thus she put on a pair of little yellow shorts and a black sleeveless top: this club was an unknown to her, but she had a hunch it was going to get rather warm in there that evening.

Within time, she slung her purse over her shoulder and headed on downstairs to meet up with Frank, Charlie, Aurora, and Marla. They piled into Aurora’s car and took the long drive down to Brooklyn.

At one point, Marla rolled down the window and peered up to the afternoon sun in her sunglasses.

“Beautiful day in the neighborhood!” she declared over the roar of the traffic.

She tucked her head back into the car and smoothed down her orange hair with one hand. Sam tipped her head back and took in the cool breeze through the open window.

Charlie air drummed to a beat he had written for the new record, and he even began banging his head at one point.

“Easy there, Char,” Frank advised him, “remember the last time you did that while we were driving?”

“Almost went off the road,” he recalled. “Still—I got the music in me, though.” He kept on air drumming, even as they went around a corner and crossed over into the heart of Queens. Frank peered into the rear view mirror at the three girls in the back seat, and then he fetched up a sigh.

Within time, they reached Brooklyn and Frank brought them to the tiny club that was L’Amour, and at that point, the sun hung low in the sky. Almost showtime.

Indeed, Sam spotted four men congregated near the side door, each of them with heads of long lustrous hair.

“I assume that’s Metallica,” Aurora remarked.

“That it is, Aurora babe,” Charlie answered with a little smile on his round face. They took to the parking spot right in front of them, and they climbed out one by one.

“Frankie and Charlie,” the brown haired boy greeted them when they came within earshot, and he peered over his black horn rimmed sunglasses at the three girls behind them, “and three female specimens!” He spoke with an odd accent, and not one native to the Northeast, either.

Frank put his arm around Aurora.

“Ladies, these are our friends—James—” He gestured to the tall boy with the long golden blond hair down past his shoulders. “—Kirk—” The baby faced boy with the head full of rich black curls. “—Lars—” The short boy with the round face and feathery brown hair who greeted them. “—and Cliff.” The extra tall boy with the long smooth hair down to his shoulders.

“And guys, this is Aurora, Marla, and Sam,” Charlie followed up.

“Always nice to see some girls every now and then,” James declared in a big booming voice and with a nod of his head.

“We’ve getting a lot more ladies in our crowds, though,” Lars pointed out.

“Well, you guys don’t really wanna mess around with these girls, though,” Frank said, “they were there when Charlie, Scott, and Billy recorded the tape for Stormtroopers.”

“They’re our first V.I.P.s,” Charlie added with a wag of his finger.

“We’re not worthy, then,” Kirk said with his arms outstretched, which brought a giggle out of both Sam and Marla.

“Drinks on us, too,” Cliff followed suit, and he reached behind him for something: a big wide brimmed felt hat, which once he put it on, made him look like a real life cowboy. He led them all into the tiny club behind them: Sam gaped at his literally bowing his head before he stepped inside. She moseyed up to Lars, who has taken off his sunglasses and revealed to her big bright green eyes and a tiny pockmark under his right eyebrow.

“I really like your accent,” she told him, “where are you from?”

“Denmark,” he replied, “I moved here to the States about five years ago.” He turned his head towards her. “I originally came here to play tennis.”

“How'd you get with these guys?” she asked in a low voice.

“Let's just say that—magic happens when you branch out and seek out new horizons. I put an ad in this magazine called Recycler in search of a guitarist to jam with and James and his friend Ron just so happened to see it one day.”

“What happened to him?”

“Ron? He couldn't take it, so we sought out Cliff up in the Bay Area—we were based out of Los Angeles at the time.” Lars guided her to the small wooden table on the side of the room; Marla lingered back with them while Aurora followed Charlie and Frank to the far side of the room, the site of the low dim lit stage. James and Cliff towered over each of them.

“By the way, if anyone asks, Metallica is my band,” he said in a low voice. “James found me.”

“James found you,” Sam echoed.

“James found you,” Marla followed up.

“James found me and then we found Cliff and—Kirk took the place of Dave, our original guitarist, from a fellow Bay Area band, Exodus. He's been with us only two years at this point.”

“What happened to Dave, anyway?” Marla asked him as she tugged down the hem of her camisole, and then she pressed her hands to her hips as she stood before the edge of the table.

“He was a bad drunk,” Lars explained, “like really bad. Well, we're all into our vodka and beer and everything, but he goes absolutely ape shit with it, though. I wanted to give Dave another chance at it after we gave him a warning but, at that point, we already had Kirk on the phone and ready to jam with us down in New Jersey. We gave him a bus ticket back to L.A. and—he has a band with him now, though. Uh—Megadeth, they're called.”

“Sounds more ferocious than Anthrax,” Sam remarked.

“Yeah, I guess it's—named after the magnitude of a nuclear explosion. Real twisted but fascinating at the same time.”

“So he was a bad drunk?” she asked him with a raise of her eyebrows.

“Oh, yeah. James, Cliff, and I, too much vodka and we turn into clowns. Dave? He got violent and admittedly a little terrifying. In retrospect, I don't want any of us to be around that. I don't know about him, but that's how I feel, though.” He turned his head to Marla.

“Have a seat,” he encouraged her, and she lunged behind her for a chair from the closet table.

“Marla—Taylor, right?” He gestured to her.

“Yeah. From Hell's Kitchen.”

“And I'm Sam Shelley from California,” Sam followed up.

“Ah, a California girl yourself! By mere circumstance we were all drawn together. Now, Marla, I know you're an artist just from what Charlie told me, but what about you, Sam?”

“I'm an artist, too.”

“And according to Frankie and Charlie, she's going to go places with it, too,” Marla added with a twinkle in her eye. Lars flashed Sam a grin.

“I'm curious now,” he admitted.

“Well, my journal is back at my place up in the Bronx,” she pointed out, and she couldn't resist the mirrored grin on her face, “but you oughta come on over at some point, though.”

Lars flashed her a wink and within time, the waitress came on over with a round of drinks courtesy of Cliff. Within time, more patrons came into the club to see Stormtroopers of Death for their first gig, or so Sam thought.

“So where's Charlie at, you reckon?” Lars asked Marla.

“I dunno,” she confessed with a shrug of her bare shoulders, “he went backstage and that's about it. I haven't seen him in over an hour, I just realized. They're going on soon, I know that much. Like in twenty minutes, give or take.” She tugged the bottom hem of her camisole again before she stood to her feet.

“Want me to watch your things, girls?” Lars offered. “I have no problem doing it.”

“Please,” Sam said with a gesture back to him. She followed Marla across the dark floor to the side of the stage, across a series of cables strewn about the floor, and into the narrow backstage area. Charlie staggered towards them with his hair disheveled and his shirt pushed up his body; at some point, he had changed his clothes for show time. Even standing several feet away, Sam could smell the vodka on his breath. He hiccupped and shot out one hand before him.

“Sorry—I'm drunk,” he sputtered.

“Obviously.” Sam chuckled but she stifled it once she realized he had to go onstage soon. Charlie fell right onto the seat of his pants and he gasped at the feeling. He looked up at Sam and Marla in a daze: the color had left his face and his lips were so dry and parched from the alcohol. He showed them a sickly little smile and he reached out for them.

“Help me out here, Sam—” Marla grunted, and the two of them held onto his hands and yanked back. He almost yanked them back onto the floor next to him, but Sam buckled her knees and they pulled him up off the hard floor. He clutched at his brow to steady the feeling in his head. He reached out with his other hand to steady himself. Marla put her arm around his back, while Sam took to his right side to ensure he would stay standing. She eyed the figure of Darth Vader on his shirt, and the whole thing behind Stormtroopers of Death, the thing Frank had told her in the two months before, popped into her mind.

“Charlie, what's going on with Stormtroopers of Death?” she asked right into his ear. But the man had had his share of alcohol, that even standing right there next to him, she knew he didn't hear her.

“CHARLIE!” Marla shouted over the wall of noise around them.

“Huh?” He lifted his head for a delirious glimpse over at her.

“Sam wants to ask you a question!” she declared. He turned his head in Sam's direction.

“What's going on with Stormtroopers of Death? I got my grant for school but I'm still short on money, though. I have to pay back my parents and pay my rent.”

“Oh, we're goin' on tour next month,” he blurted out. “I was gonna tell ya but—” He hiccupped and bowed his head. “—it just kinda happened all at once.”

“You mean it?” She gasped and grinned at him.

“Oh, yeah. I dunno if I was allowed to even tell ya or not, but—yeah. We're gonna play here at L'Amour starting next month. We get paid and you do, too.” He showed her a sickly grin but she could care less if he was inebriated. Sam flung her arms around him which took him aback.

“Oh, yeah—yeah, I love you, too.” His hands caressed up her back, but then his body shuddered and shook.

“Are you okay?” she asked him as she stood back to look right into his face. The color had long left his face, but in its place came something that was the color of old wet paper.

“Oh—” he moaned out, and he pursed his lips together.

“Over here, Charlie,” Marla guided him towards the door behind them; Charlie turned away from Sam and he pushed open the door. No sooner had he pushed it open when he vomited onto the sidewalk outside.

“Oh, jeez,” Sam winced at the very sound of it.

“Yeah,” Marla agreed as she hung right next to her. “When'll these boys learn that drinking's not good for you?”

“Hopefully soon,” said Sam as she adjusted the strap of her bra. “I'd hate to see their beautiful bodies get all ravaged by too much booze.”

“Beautiful bodies?” Marla chuckled.

“Yeah. When I was drawing you and him for school, I couldn't believe how gorgeous his hair is. I made that drawing with colored pencil, too, so it was all full and lush, rich with texture. Also—” Sam glanced around to ensure they were alone there. “—keep this between you and me.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Marla nodded her head; Sam extended her pinky finger for her to take, and they linked fingers together. The rich dark red garnet on her index finger glittered under the backstage lights.

“When they were recording Stormtroopers of Death, and Frankie and I were in that closet,” Sam recalled, “he let me feel his hair and his scalp. Like legitimately run my fingers through his hair so I could feel it better before I got down to brass tacks with the drawing.”

Marla gaped at her.

“Really?” she lowered her voice down enough so they would remain out of earshot.

“Yeah. It was—it was something.” Sam folded her arms across her chest.

“What's it like?”

“His hair?”

“Yeah.”

“A lot like Charlie's. Full and lush, but smoother, though. I can tell Charlie's got a lot more curling going on and a lot more split ends, too.”

“Oh, yeah, he does.”

“But Frankie's hair is like—I wanna say silky. I almost didn't want to stop doing it, and I knew he didn't want me to stop, either. Like he was really enjoying it.”

“Like a little too much?” Marla chuckled at the sound of that.

“Yeah...” Sam's voice trailed off, and she leaned her head to the side a bit; Marla turned around so she could see Charlie still at the door. He tugged it closed and very slowly and cautiously, he shuffled around and pressed his hands to his hips. His mouth hung agape and even from a distance, they could smell it on his breath. At least the color returned to his face.

“Would you like a drink of water?” Marla offered him.

“Please,” he begged her. “Please, please, please, god, please.”

“I'll be right back,” Sam told them with a raise of her finger. She doubled back to the side of the stage to fetch a glass of water for him, but something caught her foot. She glanced down at the cables on the floor. She had no idea where they led to, but she tripped.

She landed hard on her knee and yelped out in pain. Lars said something from across the room. Sam wriggled her foot from the cable but the whole space was dark, and not enough light to give her any sort of help. Her knee and her ankle throbbed in pain: she tore at the cables and she finally managed to break free. But when she stood to her feet, she lost her balance.

She fell to the floor once again and grimaced from the pain. Marla and Charlie were nowhere to be found.

“Are you alright?”

She looked up to find Joey over her. She rubbed her eyes with her free hand to make sure he wasn't hallucinating.

“Are you alright?” he asked her again, but that time in a hushed voice, to which she locked onto his handsome sun kissed face. Stray tendrils of that jet black hair dangled down from the side of his head like the tentacles of an octopus. The blue white light from the ceiling overhead shone on the crown of his head and on part of his face: his brown skin glowed within the soft light all around them. His slim little body loomed over her; she kept her hand pressed on his lower leg as if she was about to lose him.

She gazed up into his brown eyes, extra dark against the blue and white around them.

“Yeah. I'm more than alright, actually.” The words left her lips even as her leg ached. He showed her a sweet little smile, complete with a row of crooked little off white teeth. She spotted a small gap in the left side, like his teeth never came in properly when he was growing up.

“Here, lemme help you—” He held onto her hands and tugged her up onto her feet. Her left knee and ankle seared in the pain but she managed to stand on both feet. He kicked a bunch of the cables away from her so they could have a path to the light.

“Let's go over here,” he coaxed her. “It's quiet and calmer.” Joey put his arm around her shoulders to help her into the next room. He guided her away from the darkness and towards a spare door on the side of the room. Inside of there was a low comfortable looking chair and a footstool. Joey helped her to the chair; he kept one hand on her shoulder and he let her sit down on the soft cushion. He nudged the footstool closer to her.

“Here—” He reached down with his hands under her ankle, and he hoisted it up onto the top cushion. Sam shifted her weight and she pushed herself back into the chair. He stood over her to make sure she was comfortable.

“Thank you, Joey,” she breathed out to him.

“Can I get you anything?” he offered her. “A pack o' ice? A little drink of water?”

“Both of those, please,” she grunted from the pain. “My purse, too—Lars has it.”

“Okay, I'll be right back,” he promised her in a gentle voice. He ducked out of the room, and in turn left her alone with her throbbing ankle. Sam fetched up a sigh and rested her hands on the arm rests. Her heart pounded in her chest, even though the adrenaline began wearing away. The pain was almost too much to bear for her even as she held perfectly still and kept her leg in place on the foot rest.

She pinched her eyes shut and leaned her head back onto the top of the cushion. She hoped that Charlie would keep his word and she would see a paycheck in her near future.

“Sam?”

She opened her eyes to find Joey at the doorway. He had put her purse over his shoulder and he cradled three water bottles in his arms.

“I wasn't able to find any ice, but this bottle right here is extra cold, though.” He set the middle bottle onto her ankle. The bite of the cold sent a chill up her spine, and yet it soothed the pain within seconds. He then handed her the bottle in his left hand, and she couldn't get the big drink of water into her mouth any quicker.

“Uh, let's see—” He peered about the room for something, and he set her purse down on her lap and he kept the third bottle for himself. He darted behind the chair for something and he emerged with a mirror in his free hand. Joey kept the door open and propped up the mirror on the far wall of the room.

“Show's gonna start in like two minutes,” he told her, out of breath. “We don't want ya to miss it, though.” He ducked towards the door again.

“Joey?” she called after him, to which he turned around for a look back at her, complete with his dark eyebrows raised in question.

“Thank you,” she told him in a broken voice, and he showed her a modest shrug of the shoulders.

“I saw ya fall,” he said, “and Marla and Charlie were nowhere to be seen and a lot of people were comin' in, too. I told Lars about it and he went 'oh my god! I hope she's okay' and I told him you were, and then I just came back here. But—let's try not to let this ruin the night, though.” He winked at her and she showed him a smile in return.

“If you need anything, I'll be right next to this door, okay?” he said to her.

“Yeah, of course.”

2 notes · View notes

fightevilandthengetblownup · 4 years

Text

FIC: In This Town...

---

“Party City Red Hood, huh?” Jo quipped with a grin, reacting out and tapping the front of the red bike helmet the other hunter was wearing. “Or, I’ll pay that it’s a step up from that.”

There was a chuckle from somewhere behind the full helmet before he reached up and pulled it off, exposing a black domino mask across his eyes. “You’re one to talk. What are you supposed to be - Sandra Dee?” Dean’s lips quirked up into a smirk as he ran an eye over her for a moment before grinning roguishly. “Surprised you’re not running about being Batgirl.”

The blonde smiled in return, doing a little twist and bob that swung her circle skirt and petticoats about herself, before sticking out her tongue. “Sorry Deano, wasn’t lookin’ to run about in spandex tonight. I’ve gotta be able to move after all-”

“You can in that wide a skirt?” “It helps push customers out of the way at least.” “That seems true enough.”

“Speakin’ of - two beers and some fries for you and Sammy?” Jo asked cheerfully as she spotted the taller man moving to claim one of the booth seats near the doorway to the upstairs. “Tell him I’m sorry we don’t have any salads on the menu these days.”

“Oh no, you have to be the one to break that to him.” Dean smirked in response, fumbling around before throwing a few twenties on the bar top. “Guessing that’ll-”

Jo turned about back to him as she poured two beers for the both and placed them down beside the money before raising a brow. “Yeah, I’ll start a tab for you boys, but you know-”

“Nuh uh, Jo,” The surprise of hearing the other brother’s voice managed to startle both hero and bartender as Sam popped up beside his brother. His usually freed hair was tucked down under the deer stalker on his head, and he seemed to have appeared out of the crowd with the same sense of theatric timing and clairvoyance as his chosen costume would as well - though without the jacket that was thrown over the table saving it for them, it was hard for most to work out he was the famed detective instead of simply a hipster for that year. “I know we’re family, but this is still a business. And business?”

“Is business.” Dean finished in unison with his brother, jostling the other’s shoulder for a second as they both stared down the blonde’s chagrined expression until she finally reached a hand out to take the notes. “That’a girl! Start us up a tab, would you?”

“Sure thin’. I’ll swing round with those fries, and maybe I can ask Grey to bring something healthier from home if you guys need.” “Don’t worry about it, Jo. It’s Halloween - time for candy and alcohol.” “Surprised to hear that from you, Sam!”

The taller of the brother’s shrugged a shoulder before delivering a foppish grin back. “Hey, it’s better than some of the Halloweens we’ve had. I figure I deserve a treat.”

“Right on.” Jo giggled back, smiling and giving a short wave as they turned towards their table before slipping the notes into the cash register beside the other barmaid with a grin and a quick debrief on the brothers’ tab before turning to more customers.

---

“Well, well, well, I’d say look what the cat dragged in - but I had nothing to do with it.” The sultry tone did wonders for the joke as the two girls slid into the free edges of the booth.

The Winchesters had been there for the last half an hour, going through a few plates of fries, exchanging a few pleasantries with Harry when he’d come rushing down from upstairs to help behind the bar as the dock crowd slowly gave way to the assorted collection of dressed up college students. The influx seemingly marking the change of clientele that made the space more and more friendly to the sisters’ arrival.

“Say what now?” Dean asked with a grin as he lifted his arm naturally to rest across the back of the booth seat, though he was glad he’d left his helmet beside himself. It gave enough space that he didn’t feel too cramped by the new arrivals. Running an eye over the skin tight black dress, that appeared to him to be more sheer-than-not fabric and left a lot of skin and the lace bodice underneath visible above the skirts ruffles, he couldn’t quite work out what she was supposed to be. He let out a laugh as he caught the shadow’s eye, raising a brow. “What are you supposed to be anyway? Didn’t know Victoria’s Secret Model was a costume option or I’d have cracked out the panties.”

Shada let out her own laugh before pointing a purple manicured finger towards the two little eats attached to the top of her head. “I’m a cat. Dah.”

“I’m pretty sure the joke is that you’re supposed to be a mouse.” Sam quipped from his side of the table, a warm smile directed across at the other for a moment. “I mean, you were going for a Mean Girls reference weren’t you?”

“A what now?” “It’s... It’s a movie. Ask Jo sometime.”

“You and your chick flicks.” Dean laughed, turning to rib as his brother. “Surprised you picked Sherlock when you had so many other options to choose, Fabio.”

Before Sam could respond, the blonde beside him chirped up with a confused look upon her face. “What’s a... Fabio?”

The taller hunter let out a bit of a laugh, and slid the fries plate a little closer to the younger girl as he caught her eye dipping down to look at them curiously, before replying. “Dean here’s just mad he doesn’t have the flowing locks or the six pack to be him. He’s basically the poster art on any romance novel from the eighties.”

“Oh! Like the novels big sister reads?” “Yes, just like those, Ombre.” “Ah, tre bien! You do have the hair for that!”

Shada let out a laugh as the younger shadow had been chewing on a fry before exclaiming happily at working out the reference. It was bemusing to watch the enraptured way her little sister reached out a hand to tug on the loose locks popping out under the ear flaps of the hunter’s hat and the confused and them equally amused look that crossed the man’s face at the innocent gesture.

“Who are you both supposed to be then?” She asked conversationally as she turned to run a disproportionately assessing eye over each hunter. “I am unfamiliar with both your choices.”

Sam smiled back as he picked up a fry, chewing quickly before replying quietly. “I’m being Sherlock Holmes. And please don’t tell me if you don’t know who that is. Your brother already pranked me with that-”

“Oh that sounds just like him.” The brunette shadow laughed, shaking her head quickly when she noticed her sister’s mouth open to voice her confusion. “He’s being a fictional detective, Ombre. A very famous one.” As the other snapped her mouth shut before picking up another fry decisively instead, she figured she’d have to talk to her brother about what other tricks and taunts he’d played on the hunters and to leave some for her. Quirking a curious brow at the man beside her, Shada waved her hand for him to answer her instead.

“Red Hood, at your service.” Dean said with a smile, dropping his hand to pick the helmet off the seat between them for a moment before resettling it. At her blank look the cocky smile drooped slightly and he coughed uncertainly. “He, uh... It’s a comic character. Batman series? Jason Todd? He was a Robin?” At the continued blank look, Dean finally gave a shake of his head and ran a hand through his hair mussing it before smirking widely. “Well, I guess we’ll just have to educate you sometime.”

“Perhaps you will.” Shada didn’t stop the flirtatious tone as she batted her eyes enough to turn the hunter a bright pink before laughing as the dark haired barmaid came hurrying over with a new plate of fries as well as what looked like two fruity drinks. “Um-”

“Jo sent these over, says Grey’s running late. Harry said something about stopping by when it calms down.” The barmaid spoke rapidly, the words a rapid fire as she seemed to be glancing about the space rather than making direct contact. As she turned back from looking towards the bar to look at the motley crew accumulated in the booth, there was a second before a wide, friendly smile grew across her face. “Oh hey! Nice Alice costume! I was thinking of that but Ha- I wanted to go for something a little more musical-theatre that Classic Lit. Okay, sorry, give us a shout if you need anything else!”

As quickly as Sophie had appeared, decked out with bright green skin all over as she had been and the comfortable black dress, she disappeared away again - only noticable by the black witches hat weaving between the crowds of drunken patrons.

“Oh, she liked my costume. She’s so nice!” Ombre’s smile was wider than it had been since she had met up with Shada to get ready, all bright white teeth and crinkled eyes, as she looked about the booth. “I like her!”

“Sophie’s lovely.” Sam replied with an amused smile before nodding his head. “And she’s right, that’s a lovely Alice In Wonderland, Ombre. It’s very accurate too.”

“Merci beaucoup, I adore Alice! I love my socks so much.” “Socks?” “The little frills! Along with all the à fanfreluches - frilly - skirts.” “Ah, I see. Well, it’s a very pretty costume.”

“Merci, merci, merci!” The blonde’s grin was so wide and bright it was almost blinding before she clapped her hands happily.

The group lapsed into a moments quiet as each either had some of their drinks or ate a few of the french fries or onion rings that had just been delivered to the table before the conversation turned towards other things as usual - games, or their mutual friends, or Dean’s attempts to explain just who the Red Hood was as the black cat would look more and more confused hiding her smiles.

---

“Yoo-hoo! Guess who made it to the East- wait...” There was a pause as the red haired woman did a spin as she bounded towards the bar. “ Jo - this isn’t on the East coast is it. What is this area even called?”

“We’re in the Midwest, Charlie.” “Uh uh uh - tonight I only answer to my witch name-” “Oh! You’re dressed as Willow!” “Of course. What did you think I was?”

“Some 90′s grunge femme lesbian?” Jo grinned as she ran an eye over the extremely dated clothes the other was wearing, with her bright yellow bucket hat, oversized jean overalls and the colorful yet somehow dull rainbow sweater underneath. “So, I guess, accurate costume.”

“Har har, very funny.” Charlie jibed back with an eye roll, drumming the black painted nails on the bar top. “Who are you supposed to be? Scarlet Witch has red hair, though I suppose it’s sorta blonde in that latest trailer. And her dress is red.”

“Ugh, no and don’t get me started on corporate America, not tonight when I have to keep the masses libationed up.” “Very true, though at least you seem more comfortable than Hermione over there.”

Jo and Charlie both turned to look to see where Sophie was struggling to do the most comfortable bend and pour technique on the bar taps from her height while also not have her Elphaba hat fall off. There was a split second before the black hat went tumbling to the floor and the barmaid had to pick between grabbing it before it’d get beer soaking into it or sticky patches from the floor or drop the patrons glass. The glass won out, and it was another few seconds before the witch got her hat back - now with a few extra dark patches that would likely pick up any dust or crumbs that comes in its path.

“Pity.” Charlie said with a sigh as she turned back to the blonde. “Where’s the rest-”

“Over in the back corner, I’ll take you - gotta drop off another round of drinks anyways.” The bar owner smiled as she raised a brow. “Tequila sunrise, right?”

There was a beat before the redhead found herself fluttering her lashes with a grin. “Oh, Jo, you know the way straight to a woman’s heart don’t you. Such a pity you’ve got such a pretty boyfriend already.”

“Sorry, Charlie, been there, done that, not signin’ up for the newsletter. Gimme a second, will ya?” “Sure thing!”

As soon as the cocktail was ready, Jo plated up the round of drinks for the small hodge-podge group of hunters, shadows and hunter-adjacent arrivals in the back corner, and ducked out from the end of the bar, bringing the researcher over with her.

“Squish up you lot - the party just arrived!” Charlie exclaimed happily as she bounced down into the seat beside the blonde shadowgirl who was gesticulating wildly about some story or other. “What’re we all talking about? When are the rest of the boys due?”

“Ed texted Harry about thirty minutes ago to say Spruce lost one of his bolts, so they’re going to be about ten more.” Sam replied with a grin, somehow shimmying his frame further down the bench and around to make more room for the newest arrival. “And what’s taking Grey so long, Jo?”

As Jo slowly set down her tray and started handing out the array of drinks, her brows creased into a tiny frown and everyone bit back a laugh at the borderline pout on her lips. “All the trick or treatin’ kids in the neighborhood are freakin’ Nana out. So Grey’s stayin’ put for another hour until it dies down and she calms down.”

“That’s a shame,” Dean remarked, though the flash of a grin on his face didn’t match at all to the words before he shrugged and added more genuinely with a serious look. “No, actually, that’s a bummer. It’ll be... nice to catch up more.” There was a pause as he drank a sip of his beer before he finished quietly. “Truly. Hope he gets here soon.”

“Thanks. Okay, you guys are set, I’ll be back ‘round with another lot soon.” The blonde gave a bounce which flounced the skirts of her outfit a little before she span on her heel and clicked away in the pink heels to deal with the still onslaughting group of customers.

“Really Dean?” “What Sammy?” “Don’t be a dick.”

“Yeah, that’s not cool, Deano.” Charlie remarked with a smirk as she took a sip of her drink - the tequila and orange juice one of her favorites - raising a brow back at him. “Besides, it’s much more fun annoying Jo when she’s in a good mood than bad. So wait until Grey shows up and then we can tease the both of them.”

That got a round of laughs from the table as a whole, and the redhead felt a surge of pride noticing the way Dean turned to genuinely apologise to the scowling dark haired woman before asking Ombre to start her story again from the beginning.

---

“Who ya gonna call?!” “Ghostbusters!” “Fuck yeah!”

The shouts coming from the trio as they emerged from the stairway brought about a round of laughs from the group as all three men moved towards the group.

“Well, better than calling on the last group - what’d you used to call yourselves?” Sam asked jovially as he shifted another time and held a hand out to shake each of the three men’s hands as they sat down, before resting it over the top of the bench seating spanning behind both blonde and redhead.

“Facers, Losechester, the Ghostfacers. You know that.” Ed snapped back with a smirk as he slid into the space beside the dark haired woman at the table and ran a quick eye over her before grinning wider. “Hey, surprised you’re not dressed up in a bright purple Sombra this evening, Shada.”

“Well, I do enjoy simplicity.” Shada replied with a smirk of her own, picking up her drink and shuffling a little further down the bench as Spruce tried to fit in. Glancing at the small sliver of space left, she turned back towards the hunter that had yet to have to bunch down. Batting her lashes and tapping a manicured finger against the top of his red helmet between them, the girl’s lips twitched into a knowing smirk. “Oh, Dean, you’ll have to make some more room. Or else I might just think you’re scared of little old me.”

“Don’t worry Shada, if he won’t move you can always use my lap instead.” Ed’s quip was met with an immediate scurrying from the hunter to shove the red motorcycle off the bench seat and between his feet with a slightly unfocused scowl towards him. “Oh too bad.”

“Awww, sorry Ed, looks like I’ve got some more room.”

“Can you three stop flirting and move the fuck over so I can sit down?” The last of the Ghostbusting trio growled out as he raised an eyebrow at all three and got laughed at by Harry, Charlie, Sam and Ombre on the other side of the booth. It took a moment for Shada and Ed to shuffle enough, packed like sardines and the brunette girl sitting almost partway into the hunter’s lap at the other end before there was enough room for Spruce to slip in. “Oh thank god, the sweaty drunks were getting boring.”

“Hey guys, another round?” Sophie’s voice suddenly appeared, and the green girl was smiling brightly at all of them as she set down her tray and started handing out drinks. Though there was a second as Harry reached for one of the glasses at the same time that their fingers caught, and if she hadn’t been covered in green paint everyone at the table was sure that she’d have turned bright red. “No, no, Harry, you’re off for the night! Please, let me.”

“Oh come on. You’re being run off your feet-” “Yeah, but I’m being paid-” “-And you don’t need to dote so much-” “Of course I do!”

“Oh my god, you two are such doux amours!” Ombre’s voice finally cut through the bickering pair, catching Harry and Sophie’s attention to confused looks. There was a second before the blonde waved her hand happily across Charlie towards them. “Harry, Harry, don’t forget to kiss your girlfriend goodbye if she is having to work!”

The round of laughter that followed that statement in the face of the bright red that colored the researcher’s face and the stammering from the green-faced barmaid. There was another round of laughter when Sophie actually dropped the glass in question, and Harry floundered quickly with napkins to try to clean up the spilled drink.

“What’d I say?” Ombre asked quietly, her eyes darting about the laughing group and blushing herself until Spruce lent across to give her hand a pat. “What did I-”

“It’s fine, Ombre.” Spruce grinned wickedly back as he plucked his own beer from the tray while Harry and Sophie were awkwardly attempting to mop up the drink but not touch one another. “Harry’s not gotten around to asking Soph yet. You’re just a little early.”

“Oh. Okay!”

“Dude!” Harry hissed the words out across the table, glaring at the taller man before blushing under scrutiny further. “Don’t-”

“It’s okay, Spangler. You’ll get there eventually.” “Dude, not the point.”

“I... I’ve got to get back to help Jo.” Sophie stammered for a moment, glancing around at the group as she pressed the tray up against her chest and rushed away while Harry thunked his head onto the table top.

There was a pause before a hand fell on his shoulder, Sam leaning past the two girls between the both of them, to pat his shoulder a few times. “That’s rough, buddy.” The words sounded genuine, but the laughter that started up at the table from Harry’s groan and the wicked grin on the hunter’s face as everyone turned into ribbing the researcher about his unfulfilled crush.

---

The crowd in the bar was winding down - the cheap drinks advertisement Jo, Sophie and Harry had devised doing exactly what they had planned in encouraging an influx crowd of youngsters earlier in the evening that would chase out the dock crews and hunters for the evening, and then as the hour got nearer to midnight the crowds would slowly filter out to the hipper, more aesthetic or club-like spaces around town as the three hours of cheap base spirits faded off. It was strategic - not only to make sure the bar would be shadow-friendly for most of the evening, but also to capitalize on a large influx and then giving both Harry and Jo the opportunity to enjoy the later hour with friends.

It took until almost 11 for the door to finally open and the last of the remaining large group of friends to arrive.

“I hate this holiday.” Grey seethed harshly as he made his way towards the booth and looked around in surprise at how squished and yet uncaring the group was. “Hey, what’d I miss?”

“Grey!” “Brother, finally!” “Hey man, how’d it go with the dog?” “Did you bring the puppy, brother?”

“No, I didn’t. Bloody Trick or Treaters kept freaking Nana out with the screaming and laughing.” He sighed quietly as he glanced to the side and pulled a seat over towards the end of the table, tugging with a sigh on his tie. “They all finished about two hours ago but she was so worked up I couldn’t leave.”

“Did you have many people stop?” Charlie asked, raising a brow at him. “I put up a big sign back at home that I only believe in giving out edibles so I suspect a lot of angry stoners that I wasn’t home.”

The shadow gave the other a disbelieving look for a moment before raising an eyebrow right back at her. “There’s a lot of children along the road, and being near the school means a lot of visitors. Went through about fifteen bags of candy before I decided enough was enough.”

“That’s far too much sugar to be giving out, brother.” “Oh really?” “Yes, really.”

“Well, I suspect Jo will be sad there isn’t any leftovers when we get home.” Grey smiled gently across at his sister, not even blinking at her choice of costume or lack there of, before doing a double take at noticing her sitting almost fully in the hunter’s lap and the way Dean was simply talking across her back towards his brother and the blonde shadow. “I see I missed more than a little trick or treating here too.”

“So many treats, you know.” Shada rebutted with a loud laugh. “I’m just embracing my choice of costume.”

“Oh?” “Cats must sit on laps, right?” “Ah.”

“Don’t worry man,” Ed spoke up then, giving a huffed laugh. “Dean lost a bet an hour back, he’s only got another five minutes before she’s got to get off.”

“Only if he remembers to ask though, or wants me to.” “Oh I’ll want you to, you foxy minx. You keep stealing my drinks before they get to me.” “Shush, Dean, chairs can’t talk.”

Blinking a few times at the array of banter, Grey simply shook his head before pushing back to his feet. “I’m going to go get a dri-”

“Doctor!” The squeal came high and clear over the subdued murmur of voices and lowered but atmospheric volume of the jukebox in the corner, and Grey found himself letting out a laugh as he turned to see a flurry of baby pink skirts and blonde hair spinning about behind the bar before scurrying from around the end of the bar itself. “Oh about bloody time!”

“Sorry, time got a little away from me.” Grey chuckled as he replied, pushing his chair a little back as Jo finally came bounding up to his side and threw an arm around his waist with that dazzling smile he loved so much. “You know how it is-”

“Oh of course, the man with all the time in the universe can’t keep a single track of it.” “That’s exactly how it is.” “Very wibbly-”

“-Wobbly.” He finished with an equally wide smile, tucking a strand of hair back behind Jo’s ear before leaning in to press his lips to hers in a click of teeth at just how wide their smiles were before they were kissing properly for the barest moment and he pulled back. “Sorry it took so long though, pretty one.” Grey said quieter, leaning down to whisper against Jo’s ear. “Nana was scared on a scarey night and wanted her mommy.”

“No problem, hunny, we’ll be home sometime tonight and I’m sure she’ll be okay until then.” Jo replied sweetly, pecking his lips a last time before turning towards the table as a whole. Her whole face shifted from the wide grin into a sneer. “Well now, can you guys tell who I am yet?”

There was a moment before Harry and Spruce had looks change from confusion at Jo’s dragging the table out of their conversations before they started smiling and nodded, with awkward laughter between them. It took another moment before Ed and Sam followed suit, with Ed crying out sharply “Oh! That makes so much more sense than Betty Draper!”

“That guess was so fuckin’ bullshit, Ed.” “Well it’s not our fault your couples-stume only makes sense together!” “It’s not my fault you clearly aren’t a fan enough to recognise this on sight.”

“Jo, stop being mad,” Harry shook his head smiling up towards the couple and playing mediator like he had been all night between Jo and others when the question on who or what exactly she was dressed as had come up. “Besides, it’s cute that it needs Grey here to make it work for both of you.”

Grey raised an eyebrow in confusion and looked down at his gym shoes and then further up towards his brown, pinstriped suit and the skinny tie in confusion that it might not be clear who he was, but then he felt the same looking at Jo in her quasi-beehive hairstyle and the flouncy baby pink dress and blue jacket that pulled her waist into a tiny point before the poofy nature of her skirts. He thought it was obvious who they both were, and that the blue tipped screwdriver poking out of his jacket pocket was really unnecessary for anyone to know the star-crossed lovers they were dressed as that night.

“Anyway, I’m off duty for the night now - but if Sophie needs a hand you and I might need to pitch in, Harry.” “And with closing down once us lot are done and she’s gone home for the night, I know.” “Oh actually, I had mentioned once we call last drinks to the rest of the kiddies here at one that Soph’s welcome to stay and hang out a little while. You don’t got a problem with that do you Harry?”

If Jo’s question sounded been innocent, the wicked twitch of her lips gave away any chance of innocence and any thought there wasn’t any intent behind it, which got a large laugh from Spruce and Charlie at Harry’s spluttering before Grey found himself getting pulled into the good natured teasing.

---

The night was a bit of a blur but in the way in which a night of good conversation, good companionship and good feelings was lost.

Shada eventually returned to sitting on the bench but a lot later than she was expected to, and at one point had her cat ears joined by the black domino mask that covered her smokey eyes but made her smiles seem a little more wicked and flirtatious as she batted her eyes out of the darkness.

Sam and Spruce found themselves eventually sitting beside one another and discussing in depth the problems with higher educations toll upon students and the pressures of achieving grades. They were both surprised to learn that’d both been pre-law, and that neither had felt the push to continue through the loss of either girlfriend in Sam’s case or friend in Spruce’s. And then that they both found bananas disgusting.

Charlie and Ombre spent an inordinate time standing up after it was found out that the tall blonde knew nothing of dancing - and the string of dance favorites that were set up on the jukebox for the two, and then three when Sophie had scared the last of the customers out of the bar and joined them both, made for an amusing range of background music.

Dean slowly got drunk on his beers but kept to himself for the most part, simply content after a while to rub at the small of the back of the girl on his lap with a thumb and listen to her and Jo’s talk about some shopping spree or birthday or something coming up. And once he was a free man again, turned his attention back towards his beer and the odd conversation he was pulled into.

Grey was pleased to find himself moved onto the booth seating after a bit beside Jo, hands held together in her lap or an arm around her waist, as he spent until the wee hours talking with Ed and Harry or even Dean about anything and everything so long as he had the warm presence of his sunshine pressed up against his side.

Nothing could go wrong so long as he could just look out the corner of his eye and see that smile in an instant. And when they got home, he was sure they’d have their fluffy baby curled up on the end of the bed to make that feel just as warm as sitting in the warm atmosphere of friendship there.

---

#cc #ca #jopov #greypov #shadapov #deanpov #sampov

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charliefoxworth-blog1 · 5 years

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dinnertime woes . charlie & willow

For Charlie, moving to Rockford meant moving away from his family. Some would see that as a hardship, call their parents every day, make longing facebook posts about how much they missed their parents. That wasn’t necessarily the case for him. Being out from under their watchful, and a lot of the time, judging eyes gave Charlie the freedom to live his life they way he wanted, and at thirty-eight he felt as if he was happy with every decision he made. Yes, some were hard; getting a divorce only fueled his parents’ fire more. It was what was best for him, his ex, and his daughter, though.

After a quiet birthday weekend, Charlie finally got around to plans he’d made what felt like weeks before - making a home-cooked dinner for Willow. It was a sort of payment, a thank you for the favor she’d done him. Since the beginning of the year he’d sent the occasional photo of himself and Willow together to his mother to keep her off his back. “You’re almost forty,” she’d remind him. “You can’t just be alone. Your daughter needs a woman at home, why aren’t you looking for one?” Those few selfies had kept his mother at bay, happy with the fact that he was seeing someone - Charlie never used the words dating or girlfriend.

The day had come for Willow to come for a visit. Charlie had straightened up the apartment like he would anytime he was planning on having company. Emma had even pitched in, and was excited to see her father’s nice friend from work. She’d always gotten along well with Willow the few times they’d met at Backstop.

It was funny how quickly things could go wrong- sometimes as fast as a knock on a door. How Charlie’s parents managed to pick the exact day he’d planned on having Willow over for a surprise visit, he didn’t know. Even more frustrating was the fact that Willow didn’t seem to look at the sneaky texts he’d sent her, asking to reschedule. And more than that, Willow’s own knock on the door that drew his mother’s attention. “I can get that,” the older woman’s voice rang, more than happy to make Charlie’s home hers even though he’d never invited her in the first place. Charlie’s heart sank when the door opened and he saw Willow standing on the other side, clearly stumped when she saw his mother instead of him. “Oh, Charlie! I didn’t know your girlfriend was coming over!” - @willow-deighton

#p. willow deighton #p. dinnertime woes

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muses-run-wild · 5 years

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So i’m going to test muses out on this blog and my OC blog because i already have so many muses on other blogs i think i’m going to make a mulit-muse blog. So here are the test muses i’m putting opens up for and a short bio. I’m putting this under a read more because it’s so long.

Red Dwarf fandom

Dave Lister - He the only human aboard the mining ship Red Dwarf. (Which is in space but i have a way to get him (and anyone else on this show) to most earth settings) Now he spends most days with his Hologram roommate(rimmer). A humanoid mutated version of his cat. Also a mechanoid named Kryten they picked up along the way. He loves beer and curry. he thinks he's a great guitar player. He’s also kinda lazy.

Arnold Rimmer- He was a second technician on the mining ship red dwarf. Now he is a hologram (hard light) brought back to keep Lister company. He loves the military. He can be self-loathing but also think he's the greatest thing around. He’s annoying and has not really had any relationships. He’s got a lot of issues but he can be very interesting.

The drew carey show

Lewis kiniski- He’s a janitor at DrugCo (though he has an IQ of 162). He’s kinda of a creep sometimes but has a great heart. He goes to Warsaw bar a lot with his three friends. He also is a Co-owner of buzzbeer. His best friend is Oswald.Lives above the Warsaw with Oswald

Oswald Harvery- His best friend would describe him as a man child stuck in a prolonged adolescence. He’s a Delivery driver for Global Parcel. He’s also a co-owner for Buzz-beer and a mess he Lives above the Warsaw with Lewis.

Drew carey- He has a sweetheart and works in an endless job going nowhere. (Human recourse at Windfred-louder a department store, He is the founder and co-owner of buzz-beer. He is constantly fighting with his co-worker MiMi pulling mean pranks on each other. He lives in the house he grew up in and sometimes wonders if his life is going to go anywhere.

Judging Amy

Sean potter- He works DCFS. He’s a hard-working guy who is also at odds a lot with his employee Maxine sometimes. Yet he regards her as a close friend. He is a sweet guy trying to find his backbone at work.

Maxine Gray- She is a mother of grown kids. She is a social worker at DCFS. She is opinionated, strong-willed and kinda has anger issues. She does what she needs to do to help the families and kids even if it means bending things.

Community

Jeff winger- He was once a smooth-talking Lawyer and after he was found out for a fake degree he ended up at Greendale. He can bullshit the day away. He egotistical and can come off as a d-bag but there is a heart under there. He will hit on anything thats hot.

Friends

Chandler bing -He had a boring job that he isn’t exactly a fan of. He lives with his best friend Joey. he is a very sarcastic person with self-loathing tendencies. He childish at times. He freaks out pretty easily. He has an effeminate nature.

Buffy the vampire slayer

Spike- He is a vampire. He’s British a bit punk and can be a sarcastic ass. Depending on when you find him he’s obsessing over his love Drusilla or planning on taking down the Slayer. He tends to let love control his life at times. If he cares about you he’ll do what it takes to make sure you’re ok.

Buffy- She was picked as the chosen one in high school. Now she’s buffy the vampire slayer. Her best friends are always there backing her up. She can be very sassy. Almost always had a one-liner. She had amazing strength and can kick ass. She falls in love hard and when it goes she tries to show it doesn’t hurt as much. She’s got a good heart.

Xander- He grew up being best friends with Willow. He was a basic horny teenager. He makes jokes constantly and is awkward. He has gained a lot of confidence while working with buffy. He is always hitting on girls who are usually ones he can’t get. Yet being shot down never stops him. He’s usually seen as the loser of his friend group even though he has great skills.

The golden girls

Blanche-shes a southern bell. who is very much a daddy's girl. She can be very promiscuous. She tries her best to be the classiest person in the room. Even if her actions sometimes don’t prove that. She is the owner of the house that all of the girls live in. She is always lying about her age and does a lot of beauty treatments to keep herself looking young. She has 5 children. She loves doing things like dance class, plays, and community service projects. She was a Southern Baptist girl.

Dorthy-Shes a substitute teacher. She's strong, sarcastic, grounded and she also can be intimidating, Shes very smart. She was knocked up in high school by Stan and married him. She had 2 great kids. They got divorced later after stan cheated on her. She's very tall and had a deep voice. She can sing and is very funny. She lives with her mother along with the other two roommates.

Rose- She is from St. Olaf and will never shut up about it. (Much to her roommate's dismay) She can seem naive and plain. Shes very kind. She can talk all day about the most bizarre stories. She’s crazy competitive. She can take charge here and there. Shes easily scared. She’s also pretty agile. She’s good on the piano. she can be a push-over. she has trouble lying. Shes Lutheran. She absolutely loves animals mostly from growing up on a farm. She had 5 kids with her husband Charlie. She’s worked at a grief counseling center. She loves doing charity work. She loves the tv show Miami Vice

Sophia- She was born in Sicily and references it a lot. She has no Scillian accent. Instead, she’s got a thick Brooklyn one. She has 3 children. She had a stroke which is what everyone blames her uncensored comments on) She hates Shady Pines retirement home. She sometimes hints that her family had Mod connections. She believes strongly in ancient Scillian customs and traditions. Also in the power of the Scillian curse. She makes wise-cracks and brazen remarks. She loves her roommates very much but they aren’t safe from her comments. She's the oldest in the house and everyone tends to see her as a mother figure. She loves giving advice which usually starts with “Picture it...”

Scrubs

J.D- A doctor at Sacred Heart. He tends to keep his head in the clouds daydreaming a lot. He’s obsessed with his hair. He’s very outgoing despite being physically and socially awkward at times. He’s clumsy. He loves Appletinis, Pirates, unicorns and cute things. He can come off Feminine. His best friend is Turk who works in surgery. They are constantly doing stupid stuff together and have nicknames for each other. He’s constantly out for Dr.Cox approval (Who mostly calls him girls names) His enemy is the janitor. Her got one older brother.

Perry Cox- A doctor at Sacred Heart. He tends to teach with tough love. He’s sarcastic and can be animated. He’s bitter and more emotional then he’d like to show. He rants constantly and belittles people. He actually does care and wants to push people to be better. He even goes behind the Chiefs back to make sure people get the best care. He has a sister a born again Christian. He grew up with an abusive alcoholic father. He has intimacy issues. He’s dedicated to his job so much it can cause problems. He works out a lot. Usually hates listening to peoples personal problems. He has a crush on a nurse Car;a probably cause she’s not afraid to push back. She's very strong-willed and empowered (Something seen in his ex’s) He does come to her for advice sometimes. He likes nicknames that make him seem more important than he is. He likes Scotch on the rocks, the red wings, days of our lives, He hates a lot of things lets put it at that. He’s a leo. He stretches words.

House MD

House- a sarcastic and usually not so caring doctor (head of the Department of Diagnostic medicine) He knows many languages. (Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, French, Latian. He can also read some Hindi and Portuguese. He believes everyone lies. He can play the piano and guitar. He’s anti-social. He’s cynical. His closest friend is Wilson. He’s also showed some caring for his roommate at ward 6 Alvie. He belittles pretty much everyone. He walks with a cane after an incident that left him with dead muscle in it that they had to remove. This has caused him to abuse Vicoden. He rides a motorcycle. He hides from patients. He also takes crazy risks with them. He’s even used himself as a guinea pig for drugs and medical test. Some of these were to try to help his leg. others are to help patients or help with his curiosity. He is self-destructive. He tries to hide parts of his personality with his sarcasm. He seems like a narcissist. he hates most people. He is an atheist and has a lot of issues with religion. If he cares about people he tends to consider them idiots but kinda his idiots. He doesn’t like showing affection. He’s shameless. He’s more concerned with the cases than the actual people. He likes only going by House. he’s constantly in the HR department for things he has done. He loves sneakers. He likes video games.

alvie- Juan Alvarez prefers to go by Alvie. He is Puerto Rican. He met House in the Mayfield psych ward. He is bipolar and when he's on the up he’s a chatterbox that likes to rap. Which is why he occasionally goes off his meds because it slows him down. He is very social and bonds to people fast. He makes impulsive decisions and will do a lot for his friends. (There isn’t much canon about him as he was only in two episodes. Also, i play him as trans)

Veronica mars

Veronica mars- shes a highly intelligent young woman. who helps her dad at his PI work. using the skills shes learned from her father she helps friends with cases and is sometimes hired by others. She at one point was the most popular kids. thought she wasn’t really wealthy like them she was accepted because of who she dated. Her friend's mysterious death sent her into full PI mode. She quickly became a “loser” After all the drama. After a drama-filled party that really messed with her, she went from bight kid to cynical girl with contempt with fellow classmates. She does eventually grow out of her cynicism a bit. every time she thinks she can leave the sleuth life behind it pulls her back in. She has a sheriff at the Neptune police department that helps her get info. Shes sarcastic and always has something to say. Yet she has a good heart.

#ref

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duketheman · 5 years

Text

“The Newport Story”

Shreveport Louisiana

GOOD SAMARITAN FUNERAL HOME

December 15, 2009

~Tragedy Strikes~

Standing over the only woman I've ever loved, looking down at her seemingly asleep & lying in a Casket; I can't help but to be angry at God! My Son, John Ross (JR) is without his mother & I my wife. I'm doing all I can to hold it together for him!

It happened suddenly! She had headaches, but never once complained. She would take a couple Tylenol, smile & say: There, that's better! Until one day, she was giving JR a bath & passed out on the Bathroom floor. I took her to the Emergency room, they called Dr Rivera; her personal Physician. X Rays revealed the unimaginable. He entered the room & gave us the bad news: The diagnoses showed she had a Tumor! I almost died when I heard that word, to make it worse; it was inoperable by that time! She had just weeks to live..... She went to sleep one night & just didn't wake up! My Julia was gone! I took her home to Madison County for burial in our Family plot. Her parents made the trip with me... Julia's Father, The Rev James Ray Marcantel officiated. He had great strength, I don't know how he managed. My parents, Sister & Brothers were there & did all they could to comfort me! My parents offered to take JR for a while, but I explained: I needed him with me!

Key Largo

Christmas Day, 2011

~Mary~

I wake up to my son jumping on me yelling in excitement: JR's calling me:~Daddy, come on Daddy, Santa came! Wake up Daddy, hurry up!~ I think to myself: Seven years of joy! I reply: ~Okay Buddy, I'm coming!~ I get up, go in the Living room & pull his gifts from under the tree. It's been two years since I buried his Mother & I still mourn her. Christmas was always her favorite time of year & she loved decorating the tree. Our ornament hangs on this one, two Christmas Dolphin with the words (Harry Loves Julia); bringing back so many memories! Suddenly, the Doorbell rings & JR says: ~Daddy, Daddy, it's Miss Covington~

(Mary Covington, JR's Teacher) He's quite taken with her! I open the door, she Greets me: ~Hello Mr Newport & Merry Christmas, I've brought my favorite student a present, If that's alright?~

I answer: ~Merry Christmas to you too & of course it's alright, Thank you! Come in please~ She gives JR an Easel, a packet of art paper & Chalk! She Notes: ~He's very talented!~ ~I say Thank you!~ She explains: ~I enjoy working with John Ross very much. He's quite a child, you're doing a fine job with him!~ I remark: Thanks! She seemed a little shy...

She asks: ~Mr Newport, I hope you don't think me too forward but; I'd like to invite you & John Ross to Christmas Dinner at my home tonight, please accept?~ She catches me off guard: I reply: ~We'd be delighted Miss Covington, thank you!~ She smiles at me: & replies ~Okay, I'll expect you at 6:00pm, here's my address!~ She turns, walks towards the door & pauses, turns & says: And please, call me Mary? I respond: ~6:00pm, we'll be there; Thank you Mary!~ As she walks to her car, I stand at the door thinking what an amazing woman! I watch her get into her car & leave. I close the door. For the first time in a couple years, I'm looking forward to going out!

I tell JR: We're going to eat dinner with Miss Covington tonight JR reacts: ~Yeaaaa! Daddy, you know what Daddy? I love Miss Covington, she's my favorite Teacher; Daddy, I'm hungry!~ I think to myself: Me too & I can use a cup of coffee! I cook scrambled eggs with Cheese & Bacon bits, Toast & pour my Son a glass of milk! Julia use to cook it all the time & besides; it's JR's favorite! We eat, dress & spend some quality Daddy Son time together! It's Christmas Day & there's a Carousel in the park. I take him to the to ride it. We get home by 1:00pm! I put him down for a nap. I haven't been able to get Miss Covington out of my mind! She's quite a looker. I think to myself: It's been a while, Damn it's been a good while! I've been hesitant to date, I guess I've felt guilty. I miss Julia, I miss holding her in my arms; she was my heart & soul! But maybe it's time! She always said: ~Harry, if something was to happen to me; I want you to find someone! I know you love me! Please Harry?, I don't want you to be alone!~ Julia was the best thing that ever happened to me! I get my Son dressed in his Sunday's best. I dress & we head for Miss Covington's house. She lives about 20 minutes from us near the Overseas Hwy. We arrive at 6:00pm sharp & knock on the door. She opens the door & says: ~Right on time, & how handsome you are today!~ I respond: ~Thank you! She corrects me: ~I was talking to John Ross! She winks & smiles at me: JR says: ~Yes Mam, just like my Daddy.~ She smiles at me again & says: ~I see, very handsome indeed.~

JR asks: ~Miss Covington, I sure hope you have pie, I love pie!~ -She answers: ~Just for you~ JR reacts: ~Yeaaaa!~ He runs into the house. She smiles at me: & says: ~I hope you're hungry!~ I answer: ~I'm starving!~ Her smile reminds me ofJulia. She has dark green eyes & long black hair. Slender & quite beautiful. We go into the Living room & she offers me a mixed drink. I accept & we toast a Merry Christmas to all! We go into the Dining room & sit down at the table: I observe: ~Wow, this is quite a spread!~ She Notes: ~It's Christmas & my favorite time of year!~ Again I'm reminded of Julia: She adds: Mr Newport, would you say Grace?~ I do, we eat & have a wonderful time. After dinner, I help her clear the table & do dishes. When finished, we notice JR falls asleep on the couch & she covers him. We sit & talk, for hours: She asks: Mr (I interrupt) & asks: ~Please, call me Harry?~ She continues: ~Harry, what happened to your wife? I've never talked to anyone about her but this time I do: I explain- ~Julia passed two years ago. She had a Brain Tumor! She just went to sleep one day & never woke up! I haven't been happy, really happy except for my Son; since she passed!~

She asks: ~Let's have a drink?~ We crack a bottle, sit & talk for hours: I mention: ~It's late, I should get JR home.~ she says: ~Harry, thank you for coming. I had a good time. Be careful?~ She kisses me on the cheek:. I respond: ~We will, & thank you for dinner! It's been some time since I've had a meal like that.~ She smiles & closes the door slowly. I see her watching us through the window & I think to myself: I'm going to ask her out! We get home & I put JR to bed. I lay in mine, not able to sleep. I can't get her out of my mind!

It's Monday morning & JR's sitter arrives. I have a tour around the Islands today! A week left of Vacation for JR! I kiss my Son Goodbye, leave instructions with the sitter & off to the Boat! I arrive at the Dock where the "Willow's" tied. The Cunningham party is already waiting. We board my boat & push off. We get back to shore at 6:30pm. Mr Cunningham pays me & thanks me for a great day. I give him my card & say ~My pleasure Sir!~ They leave & I secure the "Willow"! I call Mary & say: ~Mary, this is Harry; I'd like to ask you out for tomorrow evening?~ -She replies: ~I' d really like to go out with you Harry, so Yes!~ I'm thinking Dinner & Dancing afterwards?~ She answers: ~That sounds wonderful Harry!~ I Note: ~I'll pick you up at 8:00pm if that's okay?~ She replies ~Of course Harry, I'll be ready!~ We hang up & I go home. JR is playing on the kitchen floor & the sitter is doing dishes. After she finishes I pay her & say: ~Thank you Nancy!~ She says: ~My pleasure Mr Newport, he's such a good kid!~ She leaves, I bathe JR & put him to bed. I shower, have a glass of wine & I go to bed. I sleep like a Baby..... I wake in the morning to the doorbell. It's the sitter, She says: Good morning Mr Newport~ I say: ~Good morning Nancy! I overslept but luckily my tour doesn't start until 9:30am.~ I wash up, shave & brush my teeth. I kiss my Son goodbye & head for the Boat! An older couple by the name of Jacobs had hired the "Willow" to tour the Reefs. We get back to shore by 5:00pm.They pay me twice what I asked & mention they know my parents: I say Really?~ He says: ~Yes, & you're a spitting image of Charlie. I use to work with him at the Firm in 72. You have a great day now, you hear & say Hi to your Dad for me?~ I reply~ Yes sir, I will. Thank you Sir!~ I get home at 6:30pm, pay Nancy & let her go home! Joshua's Mother called & asked if JR could spend the night with her Son. I said yes! I shower & dress. By the time I drop JR off at Joshua's, pick up an Orchid (multi colored) for her; it's time to head to Mary's! I arrive at 7:55pm, knock & she opens the door. I'm looking at an Angel,! She's quite lovely. Wearing a Golden gown w/silver designs, her long silky black hair is hanging naturally. It sets her beautiful green eyes off as if to glow! All I can do is stair: She says: ~Hi, Earth to Harry, hello!~ I say ~Oh I'm sorry, you're just so Beautiful.~ She smiles at me! -Mary- ~You're looking pretty good yourself She says: Mighty handsome if I say so!~ I say: (I Stutter...) ~Oh, oh, thanks; I, I've made reservations at the "Sundowners" Great food! This is for you!~ I pull out a box holding the Orchid: She remarks~ Oh Harry, it's so Beautiful, thank you!~ I pin the Orchid to her gown! I've not felt this nervous in years. I think maybe I'm falling for her. We get in my Beamer & drive to the restaurant! 8:25pm We arrive at the restaurant. I hand the Valet my keys & I tip him! We go inside & are seated directly. We have drinks & order from the menu & she says: ~This is a nice place Harry, I don't know where to begin, what do you suggest?~ I say: ~I like the Shrimp & Mahi w/Lemongrass sauce!~ She says~Sounds delicious Harry, that's just what I'll have! We sit & talk a while enjoying Caribbean music in the background. After eating, I take her to "The Brass Monkey & we have a great time. We dance to almost every Set. I don't want it to end.. We close the place down & on the way back to her house we stop at Denny's to get some Breakfast & she says: Denny's has the best breakfast! I say: I Agree, I'm partial to the Grand Slam. Me too Harry! Harry, thanks for being such a good guy, not many of them out there.~ When she looks at me, my heart flutters. I feel nervous but a good nervous. We sit & talk until sunrise! I take her home & open the door. She looks at me with those dark green eyes & as if in a Hypnotic state, I take her in my arms & kiss her. She kisses me back, drunkening me with pleasure from within her lips! She takes my hand & leeds me through the door, kicking it shut; & into her room! She smiles at me & says: ~Harry, I never want this night to end!~ My heart is beating like a drum. I undress her as if a Doctor examining his patient & lay her down gently. I Kiss her then disrobe! I brush her hair back from her face & ask: ~Are you sure?~ She answers: ~I'm sure Harry, I want you!~ We embrace & kiss passionately, working ourselves into a frenzy. I break & begin to fondle her breast as I kiss her ear & whisper sweet words of endearment! She becomes more excited! I move down her neck gently nibbling. She begins to breathe heavily as I taste her breast.They're firm, perky & pear shaped with nipples that drive me crazy! I squeeze her breast & place the nipple in my mouth & suck as if a baby drinking milk. I simultaneously slip my other hand between her legs & playfully caress what lies within. She's moaning & breathing as if she's been running a marathon... I move from one breast to the other, kissing her areolas; further exciting her! I begin to explore her length, tonguing & nibbling as I taste her every essence, marking every curve, evey zone, & every jerk she makes.The closer I get to what's hiding between those beautiful thighs, the harder & more shallow her breathing becomes... I reach the nest hiding the fruit of passion & waste no time tasting it. I slip my tongue inside & out of her as she arches & recovers several times over. It's sweet & I crave the nectar flowing within. I take the fruit between my lips, massage & tease it with my tongue. I suck on it with vigour. She's quivering, almost uncontrollably. Finally, as if a volcano erupting, she spews her nectar of ecstasy.... She's jumping out of her skin, yet her body begs for more. I lap up every drop as if an animal drinking from a pond. She screams with pleasure & I'm aroused beyond possibility. I begin to slowly climb back up her beauty, kissing & checking every erogenous zone, assuring her pleasure doesn't expire. I reach the point of my journey's beginning, I kiss her & look into her beautiful green eyes & say: ~I'm in love with you.~ She answers: ~I know Harry, now lay back!!!~ She runs her fingers up & down my Body's skin, tingling & giving me goosebumps, arousing me more than I can barely sustain. She begins kissing me from my head to my toes & everywhere between. I feel her grab my throbbing, hungry Rod & stroke it, caressing it with her lips. Like a lollipop, she licks it up & down, I can hardly hold it back! She squeezes the sack, slowing the inevitable & I'm going crazy. She slips it into her mouth & strokes it at the same time. Just before climax, she stops; again squeezing the sack & stopping the flow. She straddles me, slips me inside & rides me to climax as she reaches hers again! She bends forward, kisses me: & says: ~Now there Harry, I love you too!~ We make love throughout the night until exhausted, kiss & fall asleep. When I wake I'm aroused by her presence! I think to myself, Damn, I'm sure glad I'm taking the day off! We make love one more time, get up, shower together & dress. She's fixing me waffles, bacon & eggs with Blueberry syrup. Orange juice & coffee. It's delicious, this girl can cook: I mention: ~I have to work Tomorrow! Also; I'm taking JR to Madison County to see his Grandparents. I'd like you to accompany us? We'll fly down tomorrow night, you can meet my parents & we'll make a Weekend out of it!~ She asks: ~Harry, you want me to meet your parents?, I'd love to Harry!~ I say: ~Great!~ I help her with dishes, after & say: ~I have to go. I've got to pick JR up from his friend's house~ She answers: ~Okay Harry, I understand. Go get John Ross~ I sayr: ~I love you & I'll see you tomorrow, kiss her goodbye & say: ~I'll pick you up at 6:00pm!~ She replies: ~Okay Harry, I'll be ready. I love you Harry. Call Me tonight?~ I answer: Sure thing Love!~ I leave, pick JR. up & we stop at Baskin Robbins for ice cream on the way home! We get home at 4:00pm & watch TV for a while. I fix us something to eat, pack a couple bags. By the time I finish, it's time for J.R.'s bath. I bathe him, put him down for bed. He says his prayers: ~Now I lay me down to sleep & says: Nite Nite Daddy, I love you.~ I say: ~Goodnight Son, I love you too!~

7:00am

Nancy's here & I have a Boat Tour at 8:00am!

I get to the Boat & my clients are waiting for me. They board, I push off & they have a great tour! We get back to shore at 2:45pm. They hand me a check & I hand them my card. I secure the "Willow" & head home to clean up & retrieve my Son: He asks: Daddy, where we going?~ I reply: ~Well Son, Miss Covington & I are getting Married!~ He asks: ~You love Miss Covington Daddy? Is she going to be my Mommy?~ I reply: ~Yes, I love Miss Covington. Is that Okay with you?~ He says: ~Sure Daddy, I love her a whole lot, but Daddy, where we going?~ -I reply: ~We're going to see Miss Covington's Mommy & Daddy!~ He reacts: Yea! I load our bags in the Beamer & we're off!

6:00pm.

We arrive. at Mary's, knock & she opens the door. She's wearing a beige skirt & black blouse. She's Gorgeous: She remarks: ~Hey handsome!~ I reply: ~Hey!~ She corrects me: ~I was talking to John Ross!~ She smiles & winks at me: He says: ~Hi Miss Covington, you going with us?~ She replies: Sure am John Ross!~ He reacts: Yea! ~She says ~I love you too John Ross!~ I load her bags & off to the airport. We board the plane for Valdosta Regional at 7:30pm & arrive at 10:00pm. My Father's waiting for us. JR sees him right off. He loves Grandpa & happy to see him. My Father opens his arms & JR runs right to him, Hugs Grandpa, pulls on his beard & giggles! He looks to Mary: ~Young lady, my name is Charles, Harold's Father!~ She replies: ~Happy to meet you Sir, I'm Mary!~ He says: ~Delightful & turns to me & says: ~Son, good to see you, Mother's waiting!~ We get to the Mansion at 11:00pm & Mary remarks: ~How Beautiful a home Harry~ I say: ~It is, isn't it? Much to large for me though!~ We enter the Mansion & JR spots Grandma & reacts: Grandmaaa! He runs & gives her a hug & says: ~I love you Grandma!~ She says: ~I love you John Ross!~

She turns her attention to us, kisses me: & says: ~This must be Mary, She's lovely Harold! How do you do Mary? I’m Harold's Mother!~

She replies: ~Happy to meet you Mam! & curtsies: Mother turns to me & remarks: ~Harold, I miss you Son! Your rooms are

ready!~ She instructs Huntington (The Butler), to take our bags upstairs & remarks: ~I know you're tired, so let us all sleep on it & have a fresh start in the morning? Goodnight John Ross!, it's off to bed with you!~ We walk upstairs to our room, step inside: & I say: Mary, I love you & I'm so happy you joined me!~

She replies: ~I love you more!~ We're tired from the trip, we go to bed; kiss & fall asleep in each other's arms.

Saturday, December 31, 2011

John Ross's 8th Birthday

We awake to a knock on the door. It's:

Huntington announcing: ~Breakfast is served Sir!~ We get ready & go downstairs for breakfast. Mother & Father are seated at each end of the table: Mother greets us: ~Good morning you two, Sleep well?~ We reply: ~Yes, Good morning: ~ Father's busy with JR but gets a Good morning in: We say: ~Good morning Father! he replies: Good morning you two!~ I add: Father, Mr Jacobs sends his regards!~

He remarks: ~Paul Jacobs? I haven't seen Paul in years, we worked at the Firm together!~

We're seated at the center of the table.The menu's: Waffles w/ flax & almond butter, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, Cheese, Orange juice & Fruit salad: Mary remarks: ~This is all so elegant! Thank you so much for having me Mam!~ Mother remarks: ~We're quite glad to have you Dear~ Father adds: ~Yes, quite glad indeed.~ Mother asks: ~How is my little man doing in School Son?~ I remark: ~Very well Mother, infact; Mary's his Teacher!~

She remarks: ~Really, a Teacher?~ I reply: ~Yes Mother~ She asks ~Mary, How are you getting along Dear?~ She replies: ~Fine Mam, thank you~ Mother says: ~We hope to see a lot of you Dear! ~ She replies: ~Yes, Thank you Mam!~ Mother remarks: ~No need to be so formal Dear, just call me Mom if you please? After all, you're part of the family now!~ She says: ~Thank you so much Mom!~ We finish eating & retire to the Drawing room. We're served Coffee. We talk a bit longer. Mother takes me aside & says ~What's your Plans Son, how've you been?~ I reply: ~Good Mother, since Mary came into my life!~ She replies~ Are you going to Marry her?~ I reply: ~I haven't asked yet, but it's on my mind~ She says ~Wonderful, I like her, & John Ross seems to adore her~ I reply: ~Yes Mother, he loves her very much, we both do!~ She replies: ~Excellent! Now let us make ready for a Celebration of my Little Man's Birthday!~ My Sister Jaime, her husband & my two brothers fly in to celebrate JR.'s Birthday & the New Year. My Mother has planned quite a party for JR. We're expecting at least 30 children & their parents. We set up a tent on the grounds to shelter refreshments.The entertainers & Circus animals are arriving & my Father is directing. Mother's ordered a Band to play through the day! Their finishing up the stage & the Band's setting up! It's 11:00am & the guests are beginning to arrive. Monther, my Siblings, Mary, & I are greeting them. My Father's decided that he'll Supervise! The festivities begin at exactly 12:30pm & the Birthday Boy's riding a Pony: I tell: ~Hey JR! &wave. He looks my way & yells: ~Look Daddy, I'm riding a Horsey, Yahoooo, Yeaaaa!~ He's having a such a good time.

2:00pm, a bell rings! Huntington announces: ~Refreshments are served~ Everyone heads for the Tent where a very large Birthday Cake, with JR's image on it & very large candles. JR stands in front as the candles are lit. My Father signals the Band to play Happy Birthday & we sing. He makes a wish & blows out the candles & Mary asks: ~Whatcha wish for John Ross?~ He replies: ~It's a secret!~ Mother asks: ~Mary, would you cut a piece of cake & give the first piece to John Ross? She cuts a corner piece off and gives it to him & winks! Mother remarks: ~God, that boy's growing fast.~ -I remark: ~It seems just like yesterday, I was holding him in my arms~ Huntington serves the children cake, then the rest of the guests. The cake's gone in a flash! JR begins to open his more than one hundred gifts. He's as happy as I've ever seen & that makes me happy! It's 5:30pm & the party ends! The guests depart & the extra help Mother hired are cleaning the grounds as we go in the house.

7:00pm

Huntington announces: ~Dinner is served~ We eat & afterwards retire to the Drawing room. Huntington serves us each a Glass of Louis XIII Cognac & Father proposes a toast: ~To John Ross, Happy Birthday!~ Mother adds: ~Here Here, Who's staying up with me to see the New Year in?~ We raise our glasses & reply all at once: I am!... Mother remarks: ~Fabulous, I've got Fireworks for tonight!~ She's hired a crew to set off Fireworks for the arrival of the New Year..... My Father calls me aside & says: ~Son, I have something for you!~ He pulls out a box & hands it to me: ~It was your Grandmother's.~ I open the box & it's her Wedding rings: I reply react: ~Father, I'm so Honored!~

He explains: ~You've been through alot Son & she'd want you to have them. Now, Marry that girl & live a happy life. I'm proud of & love you very much!~ I reply: ~Father, I love you!~ We embrace, hugging each other: He says: ~Now, let's join the the rest of the family~ I slip the rings into my pocket for safe keeping & we join the family! We congregate & talk old times & about my Grandparents. At 11:40pm, we go outside to the Court yard & be seated. At 11:59pm we begin a countdown to Ignition! 12:00am exactly, a display of Firewood worthy of Royalty paints the skies..... JR.'s eyes lights up with excitement as does Mary's. She has the prettiest smile & her green eyes melt my soul. Yes, I so want to spend the rest of my life with her! I find myself in prayer, asking God to forgive my anger towards Him. I ask Him to give me strength to raise my Son. As we retire for the night!: I announce: ~We'll be attending Church with you in the morning Mother!~ She smiles & replies: ~I am so happy to hear that Harold, we'll be departing at 8:00am sharp!~ I respond: ~Yes Mother, we'll be ready~

Sunday, January 1, 2012

8:00am

We all load up in the Limo & George (The Chofer) drives us to "The Madison First Baptist Church".

My Mother proudly in lead, we enter the Church. The Pastor (Rev. Johnson) greets us by shaking our hands. We're seated by the Ushers & Church begins. It's a fine service & I feel right about being here. Church is over & George drives us back to the Mansion. Tomorrow's a School day & both Mary & myself have to work! We pack our bags, for the trip home.

12:00pm

We thank my parents for everything. My Mother kisses me on the cheek & pleaded: ~Take care of yourself Harold, I love you very much Son!~

I react: ~I love you too Mother!~ She turns to Mary, opens her arms & motions her for a hug Goodbye.They hug: & says: ~I expect to see you again soon my Dear.~ Mary replies: ~Yes Mom, for sure you will!~ Father loads our bags into the car & drives us to the Airport! I hug my Father goodbye say: ~See you Father!~ He replies: ~I love you Son, remember what we talked about?~ I reply: ~I will Father! ~ He picks JR up & hugs him goodbye says: ~I love you Little Man!~ -JR replies: ~I love you too Grandpa!~ We board the plane at 1:45pm for our 2 1/2 hour flight home....

We arrive at Miami International at 4:00pm. I pick up my Beamer, load our bags & arrive in Key Largo by 5:15pm. We stop at Mary's first. I take her bags inside, hold her in my arms & say: ~Darling I love you.~ She responds: ~I love you more.~ I say: ~I'll see you tomorrow, I have to get JR home & ready for School!~ she replies: ~I know Harry, I have to get ready too. Harry, thank you for being you! I enjoyed my Weekend. Be safe going home?~ We kiss again & I leave. I get JR. home by 6:30pm. I prepare some Macaroni & Cheese. He likes that. I bathe & put him to bed for the night. I have a drink & I too bed down for the night. I have a dream of Julia & she's standing at my bedside smiling. She gives me her blessings to be with Mary & vanishes...... I wake Monday morning with such a calm feeling! I've made up my mind, Friday; I am going to ask her to Marry me.....

I call Mary & make a date for 6:00pm, Friday: She she says: ~Sounds good, I can't wait

Harry!~ I add: ~Neither can I Darling, see you tomorrow!~

Friday, January 6

The Proposal

I arrive at her house at 6:00pm sharp. Knock & she opens the door. She's wearing a Red dress, Black Heels & hair hanging naturally down her back. I've always loved long black hair. Her ears are graced with green topaz earrings. She's looking beautiful.

She greets me & says: ~Hello Harry!~ I react: ~Hello Darling, you're quite beautiful tonight!~

She replies: ~Thank you Harry, & you're very handsome!~ I take her in my arms & say: ~You know how much I love you Mary?~ She replies: ~Yes Harry, I really do!~ I kiss her & we get in the Beamer. I've made reservations at the "Sol By The Sea". It's romantic & the food is excellent!

7:00pm

We arrive at the restaurant. I hand my keys to the Valet & tip him. We enter the restaurant & are seated directly & I order the best Champagne in the house (Don Perignon). The waiter pours the a glass each & I drop to one knee & propose: ~My Darling, never did I think I would love again. You changed that! You gave me your heart & I relinquished mine to you. Now I ask your hand in Marriage?~ I pull my Grandmother's rings out & slip the engagement ring on her finger. She stands up & just stares at me. I begin to doubt myself. But all of a sudden, she takes a deep breath & takes my face in her palms & accepts: ~Yes, 'O yes! I love you Harry & I want to be your Wife! Harry, these rings look like Heirlooms.~ I explain: ~Yes my Darling, they were my Grandmother's.~

She promised: ~'O Harry, they're so Beautiful, I swear I'll keep them safe on my finger.~ I reply: ~I know my Darling, I love you!~ We order dinner, (Mahi-Mahi, House jerk, Napa slaw, White wine & Vanilla-Coconut Crema w/Charred pineapple relish) It was a meal fit for the occasion! After dinner we want to be alone & go straight home to Mary's to be by ourselves. I stay the night! The next morning I call my parents & give them the news! They were happy for us. My Mother insists we have our wedding at the Mansion. After all; it's become a tradition. I call Mary & explain my Mother's wish. She replies: ~Yes Harry, I agree with them wholeheartedly. I think it would be beautiful. Besides, I love your Parents. My parents could fly down to attend & meet yours, & asks: ~Harry, can we take a trip to Raleigh, so you can meet my parents?~ I observe: ~Yes, of course we can my Darling! Besides, I want to officially ask your Father for your hand.~ She breaks out in a huge smile: -Mary- ~'O Harry, how did I ever find such a fine Man? I love you Harry, I love you so much!~ We make plans to visit her parents next week. I make reservations for Friday afternoon, for a flight to Raleigh.

Continues:

Duke Sherman

#newport

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someone-im-close-to-fanfic-blog · 7 years

Text

Chapter 9-Run.

As the title says. Get on it, everybody.

Chapter Rating: PG13. Boy, does Wilson have a bad mouth when he’s mad.

When Wilson finally settled into his tent, it took a moment to realize his sister wasn’t in there with him. Realization hit like a brick when it finally set in.

“Ohh no.” Panic quickly set in and he glanced around rapidly. “Willow?” Where could she be at this hour? A thousand possible ideas raced through his mind, so quickly, in fact, that he was about two seconds away from completely blanking out when someone opened the tent.

“Oh, god. Wilson?” Willow’s hair was untied and messy, her shirt crudely buttoned and her collar crooked. “Uh...hi.”

“Where were you?!” Wilson demanded. “I was on the verge of a mental breakdown!”

“Sorry, sorry!” Willow crawled into the tent next to her brother and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. “I’m...I was just...I thought I had more time…”

“Where were you?” Wilson asked again, a bit less angry this time now that he’d seen what state she was in. He had a pretty good idea of where she’d been now. She mumbled something in response. “Hm?”

“Wigfrid’s tent.” She said sheepishly, her face a little flushed. “I’m sorry, I thought you’d stay out later…” She let go of Wilson and buried her face in her hands, embarrassed.

Wilson processed this for a moment. “About what I would have expected. Whatever happened to ‘planned on dating’? I mean, I’m not upset with you or anything, except for your not telling me you’d be screwing around with her and would be back late and instead left me here to have a heart attack over your absence…”

“Buzz off! We weren’t...ugh.” Willow huffed. “Look, I’m as stressed as you, alright? We both are. Neither of us are sure how long we’ve got left, what with recent events and everything, Winnie’s scared out of her mind that everyone thinks she did it and we’re just trying to get as much time together as possible. Is that a problem?”

“I’d appreciate it if you had at least told me you’d be out late.” Wilson replied bitterly. “But no, it’s not a problem. I was just worried about you is all. Please don’t be mad at me.”

“Well, are you mad at me?” Willow asked.

“No…”

“Then I’m not mad at you.” Willow pecked him on the forehead. “Let’s just go to sleep now, alright? Lighten up. I’m sure you and Maxwell were doing the same thing out there.”

Wilson sighed. “You could be right, you could be wrong.” He flopped back under the sheets and Willow joined him. “Well, goodnight, I guess.”

“Goodnight.”

They fell asleep shortly after.

Almost as soon as he closed his eyes, a blinding white light rendered Wilson sightless for a few brief moments before his eyes focused.

‘Oh, boy.’ He groaned internally, recognizing right away where he was. ‘Not this shit again.’

It was the same room in which Charlie coerced him into almost shooting his sister. Almost.

For a while, Wilson just stood there, motionless, waiting for Charlie to make her move on him. By this point he was pretty damn certain she was the one behind his weird dreams. It would certainly explain why he was unable to control himself for the most part here, at least.

Finally, he got tired of waiting.

“Charlie, come out. I know it’s you.” It was probably the most impulsive and ballsy thing he’d ever said, but he couldn’t seem to stop himself. Whatever she wanted to do to him, he wanted over as soon as possible. Just like that, he heard a soft whoosh noise that sent such a strong feeling of surprise through him that it was paralyzing.

“Impatient, aren’t you?” She was right behind him, but the scientist was too scared to turn his head and see what she looked like. “Well, I guess if you’re so desperate to see what I’ve got for you tonight, I’ll let you have it.”

A snap of her fingers and Wilson felt the familiar feeling of a gun pressed into his hand. It was about what he would have expected. He tightened his fingers around it, waiting for his instructions to get this over with as soon as possible.

“Now…” Charlie’s shoes clicked across the floor as she began to pace behind him. “Let’s say you’ve been faced with the choice of having to kill one of two people.” She snapped her fingers again and before him appeared two people--no, illusions of people. Wilson knew better. It was Wigfrid, and to her left was Willow. The blank expressions on their faces gave the scientist the chills.

“You have to choose one.” Charlie suddenly placed a hand on Wilson’s shoulder, and he flinched. Even through his clothing, he could feel how cold her hand was. “You do not have the chance to wake up until you pick.”

Wilson swallowed. This was going to be hard.

‘It’s just a dream.’ He reminded himself. ‘Stay calm.’

“Do you know how to fire a gun?” Charlie asked after a bit of silence.

“Yeah.” Wilson tightened his hands around the weapon. At least his arms could move.

‘It’s just a dream.’ He reminded himself again. ‘Just do it.’ Even still, he couldn’t pull the trigger. Even in a dream, it didn’t feel right. It would never feel right to him.

“Come on, now.” Charlie prompted. “Point the weapon and shoot. Surely a brilliant man like yourself knows how one of these works?”

Part of Wilson wanted to accept the “brilliant man” part as a compliment and the other half wanted to drop everything, turn around, and slap her to the ground for insulting him like that. The man instead bit his lip, pointed the gun at Wigfrid, screwed his eyes shut and pulled the trigger. What he’d expected to hear was the sickening thump of a body hitting the floor and possibly even the sound of Willow screaming at watching her lover die, but neither came, and it only seemed to make the bone-chilling silence of the room even louder.

“Good. Now open your eyes.” Charlie prompted, and Wilson obeyed, because he knew he had no choice. The illusions of Wigfrid and Willow that had stood before him moments before were gone now. “Your eyes are such a pretty shade of gray, you know, both yours and Willow’s.”

“Is that so.” Wilson stared, bewildered, at the empty space before him. He wasn’t sure what he’d expected at this point. It was Charlie pulling the reins here, after all. ‘Expect the unexpected, and prepare for the worst.’

Charlie hummed with approval. “Now, let’s see...what to do with you next? I’m not going to let you wake up just yet.” She began to pace behind him again, making Wilson’s stomach churn. How long had he actually been asleep for, he wondered, and how much longer was Charlie going to make him sleep? A sickening thought crossed his mind for a split second of Willow in tears because her brother had slept so long she thought he was dead, and it made the scientist’s hatred of Charlie and her antics grow even more.

“Don’t worry, I won’t keep you down for too long.” The woman suddenly stopped pacing. “I can tell what you’re thinking, you know, and it’s quite interesting. You must really love Willow, don’t you?”

Out of pure spite, Wilson didn’t respond.

“Playing the quiet game with me, I see. Well, I don’t blame you, but you’ll have to succumb to me sometime.” She laughed. “After all, I do control you, at least in here I do.” She tapped the side of his forehead with a single finger. Wilson found himself frozen again, just before he was to turn around and get a good look at her face. She seemed close enough for him to do so, but he couldn’t, and that bothered him all the more.

“Why are you doing this?” The scientist demanded, trying desperately to prevent himself from succumbing to panic. “That I won’t tell you,” She responded, almost joyfully. “Yet.”

“Then what will you do to me next?” He dreaded the response, but it killed him not to know.

“Again,” She chirped. “I won’t tell.”

Wilson clenched his teeth. He felt trapped, like a lab rat. There was no easily comprehensible way that he could think of to describe how horrible it felt to be held hostage like this, and in his own mind, nonetheless. There must be some way for him to get her to let him go. Suddenly, an idea came into his head. He prayed Charlie wouldn’t find it out.

“I don’t know what it is you want from me, Charlie, but playing god isn’t going to get it from me.” He remarked, a bit flatly.

“Oh really?” She chuckled. “Don’t underestimate me. I could kill you right here if I wanted to.”

“But you won’t. I know you won’t.” He tried to suppress a snicker. He could tell this was quickly going to make her mad, and that amused him. “And what makes you think that?”

“You would have done it already if you wanted to.” He shrugged, saying it like it was common knowledge. Maybe this wasn’t the smartest thing to do, but boy, did it feel good to piss Charlie off like this. “What’s the point of this, anyway? You said you’d plan to tell me later, didn’t you? It’s later now, so go ahead and just say it.”

“Wiseass.” Wilson heard a woosh and felt her grab him by the back of the shirt. “Don’t be smart.”

“Last I checked, my intelligence is the only reason I’ve been able to survive this world for long.” The scientist bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing.

“You insolent little shit.” The woman behind him kneed him in the back hard, sending him sprawling onto the floor. The gun in his right hand made a metallic noise as it crashed against the ground with him. “Don’t you dare forget: I control you. I’m more powerful than I’ve let on, you know. Not even all of you and your puny friends, Maxwell included, could take me down if they all worked their hardest and in unison. Therefore, I suggest you quit being such a wiseass to me and learn some obedience. While I’m here, you obey me. No one else.”

“That’s where you’re wrong.” Wilson shuddered as he tried to prop himself up on his arms. “I take it you’ve been watching me, haven’t you? During the day, I mean.”

Charlie paused. “I have. Why?”

“Then if there’s one thing you should know about me,” The scientist grabbed the gun next to him. “It’s that no one controls me. Not even you.” He cocked it, the sound of the bullet clicking into its chamber echoing in the room. He held it to the side of his head as he rose to his feet, back still turned to the person behind him, who scoffed.

“Shoot yourself. I don’t care!” She laughed. “You may wake up from it, and you may die. I won’t tell you which it is.” She sang, mockingly. However, she didn’t realize that that wasn’t exactly what he had planned.

“Fine by me.” Wilson raised his finger to pull the trigger. He took a deep breath and, spinning on his heel to face Charlie, quickly moved the gun from his head to point it at her. Only then did he shoot.

For a split second, he saw her face. He could see it was pale and framed by thick black hair that fell around her chin like soft feathers, and her thin eyebrows were raised in surprise at his sudden move. However, as soon as he pulled the trigger, his eyes shot open in the tent and he sat up, panting, and instantly he forgot what the woman looked like. It took him a moment to realize what had just taken place, but once the memory flooded back, he immediately congratulated himself for his fast thinking.

“Willow?” Wilson looked over to his side and saw his sister sleeping peacefully next to him.

‘Oh, thank god. At least I wasn’t too late for that.’ He breathed a sigh of relief. Willow stirred in her sleep, and a few seconds later her eyes fluttered open. She yawned, a bit discombobulated from sleep, and groggily looked up at her brother.

“What time is it?” She mumbled.

Wilson peeked outside the tent and saw the sun beginning to rise over the horizon. He also saw Wigfrid, spear in hand, leaving the camp.

“Your wife is just now leaving, so I’m guessing it’s pretty early.”

“She’s not my wife, you ass.” Willow lightly punched him on the arm as she sat up, but smiled. “I’ll be right back.” She stumbled out of the tent and Wilson watched her run over to Wigfrid, who seemed surprised to find Willow awake this early but was nonetheless delighted. They embraced one another, Wigfrid’s fingers tangled in Willow’s thick black hair that fell all the way down to her waist when untied, and pulled away a while later with a quick kiss. Willow mumbled something into her ear and the redhead gave her a reassuring pat on the back.

“Don’t worry, dear. I’ll be fine.” Wilson heard the performance artist reply in a soothing voice. One more kiss to the forehead from the woman and she was gone. Willow returned with a goofy smile and a blush on her cheeks.

“Well, you two must be going steady.” Wilson exited the tent and yawned, stretching himself out.

“I guess you could say we are.” Willow replied quietly, running her fingers over her cheek. Wilson couldn’t help but feel extremely jealous at how happy she was with Wigfrid. Even though she was younger, he actually had a tendency to get jealous of her for a long time. She was so pretty compared to him, and adults always seemed to treat her better for some reason. There was a time, he remembered guiltily, when he thought that because Willow was a woman, people liked her more. Consequently, he found himself frequently wondering if people would love him more as a girl than a boy. He’d since outgrown that train of thought, but that wasn’t the end of him being jealous of her. He figured there would never be an end to his jealousy, now that he knew she was still alive.

“Lucky.” He blurted. Willow looked at him strangely and then laughed.

“Aww, looks like someone’s jealous.” She lightly punched him on the shoulder.

‘Oh, if only you knew the half of it.’ Wilson thought bitterly, but laughed it off. “Yeah, sure. Let’s get some food in us, then, and since it’s wintertime I guess we need to finish harvesting the rest of the farms to add to our stash of resources. Nothing grows in the winter, so we’ve got to be careful about that.” He explained as the two made their way over to the campfires.

“Ah.” Willow nodded in understanding. “Well. I guess we don’t want any of the plants dying on us, do we? This vest is quite nice. You all make this stuff yourselves?”

Wilson nodded proudly. “Yeah. They’re quite warm. Saved my butt from freezing on more than one occasion.” He grabbed some boards from a chest and started fires in each of the three fire pits.

“Well, let’s just hope I won’t be a victim of freezing this year.” Willow shivered, and not from the cold.

“Oh, Willow, you’ll be alright. We’ll take care of you.” The scientist gave his sister a reassuring pat on the back. “Besides, I’m sure those ten years you spent in roaming around England must’ve taught you a thing or two about winter.”

“Well, you’re right about that.” The woman nodded. “Man. I’ve had a few close calls with death myself, actually, thanks to this time of year.”

“Is that so. Guess that means you’ve got sort of a taste for what it’s like, then.” Wilson began to rummage through the ice boxes like what had just been said was the most normal thing in the world. Willow hummed an affirmative in response.

“So, during winter, what do we plan to do?” She asked, kneeling down next to him and going through the food stash with him.

“To be honest, I’m not sure.” Wilson sighed. “There’s not much we can do besides harvesting meat from traps and such, since none of the farms replenish themselves for the...I’d say three weeks to a month that winter usually lasts.”

“Huh. That’s short.” She remarked. “So you just sit around for that time? Booo-ring.”

“Yeah. Not the best of times, I know.” Wilson sighed. “Time’s pretty fucked here, sis. I’d get used to it.” He thought for a moment. “There’s these wild hounds that usually attack the base once per winter, near the end. They’re annoying, but it’s not like we can’t handle them.”

“Hounds?” Willow raised an eyebrow. “Like wolves?”

“No, not like wolves.” Her brother shook his head. “These dogs are big. I’d say they’d come up to your hip handing on all fours. Pitch black fur most of the time, though I have seen white and red species, and you can’t mistake their barks for anything.” He huffed. “Maxwell once told me that these variations were created when he added a surplus of red and blue gems to a bunch of hounds. Real smart move on his part.” He rolled his eyes sarcastically. “Red ones deal attacks with fire, blue ones deal them with ice. Believe me, they’re annoying and require lots of effort to take down. Big time.”

Willow whistled. “Jesus. That sounds like a mess. How do you handle them?”

“Tooth traps. We’ve got a menagerie of them set up just north of here, to the left of the bees. That takes them out pretty quickly.”

“Oh, I see.”

“Yeah. Still, it’s a bit of a pain to get everyone to get up and get over there, especially if they’re warming up. We’ve got another fire pit set there, though, so unless someone forgets to bring fuel then freezing isn’t a problem.”

Willow chuckled. “You all must be quite experienced in this world.” Her face fell a bit, and she became for solemn. “I guess that’s what ten years of being here will do to you.” She bit her lip and Wilson cupped her cheek.

“Hey, don’t look so sad.” He said, brushing a strand of hair out of her face.

“I’m sorry, I can’t help it.” She sighed bitterly, her grey eyes shifting to the side. “When I think of how long you’ve been here, I wonder just how much you’ve suffered, and…” She sighed, her voice catching in her throat. “It hurts me to think about what happened while I was blindly wandering around for you.”

“Willow…” Wilson paused, her words sinking in. “Hey. Sure, things have gotten bad for me, but in the long run, I really can’t say I’ve suffered.” He thought back to his first days in this realm, looking upon the scenery and breathing in the cleanest air he’d ever been exposed to with awe and amazement. He remembered feeling astounded at the simplicity and yet the diversity of all the life living there, the time a catcoon nuzzled against his leg while he was gathering wood in one world, the way his heart pounded against his ribcage and the pride he felt the first time he successfully managed to ward off a group of hounds. “I mean it. Despite the dangers, this place is nicer than London will ever be.”

“Is that so?” Willow leaned her head against Wilson’s shoulder, and he nodded.

“Think about it. There’s no street rats to bully us, the environment is in stellar condition from what I’ve seen, and everyone who is living here is friendly and sociable at best. Don’t worry.” He kissed her on the forehead. “I’ve been mostly alright in the time we’ve been apart.” He decided right then and there that he could never tell her about the suffering he had been subjected to in this world; it would break her heart to know the truth.

Willow smiled. “Well, if you say so.” She looked up from her brother’s shoulder. “Oh! Look who’s awake. Good morning, Wendy!” The siblings rose to their feet and the blonde child clutched her thermal stone tightly with a yawn.

“Good morning.” Wendy’s voice was monotonous and quiet. She sat down next to the fire and set her stone by it. She mumbled something under her breath as she sat down in front of the conflagration.

“I’m sorry, what was that?” Willow asked as her brother started loading one of the crockpots with food.

“Oh...you heard me?” Wendy looked up at Willow, surprised.

“I did.” Willow nodded. “If you don’t want to tell me, that’s fine. I’m just...curious.” Clearly in her time of being here she hadn’t figured out Wendy’s general nature, Wilson thought.

He wanted to stop her and tell her about how Wendy was very sensitive and withdrawn, and how she should probably just leave her be, but Wendy took him by surprise with what she said next.

“Well…” The girl fidgeted with her fingers. “I was wondering if you and Mr. Higgsbury needed any help with making breakfast.”

“Oh! You want to help us out?” Willow looked over at Wilson, a bit surprised as well.

Wendy nodded shyly.

“Well, of course you can.” Willow smiled warmly. “Just heat that stone up a bit and come over when you will. Many hands make light work. Your help would be appreciated.” She ruffled Wendy’s hair lightly, and the child smiled too.

“I...gee. Thanks, Aunt Willow.” She mumbled. Willow looked over to her brother and gave him a thumbs-up.

“You know…” Wendy said as she wandered over to the crockpots with the younger Higgsbury. “You two sort of remind me of how I was with Abigail.”

“Abigail?” Willow asked, looking over to Wilson.

“Her twin sister.” Wilson replied, firing up one of the pots.

Wendy nodded. “She’s dead now, but we were close the way you two are.”

“Oh, I see.” Willow nodded and opened one of the ice boxes.

“She’s been dead for a few years now. I came here shortly afterwards...I’d rather not talk about it.” Wendy mumbled the last part.

“That’s alright.” Willow reassured her quietly, patting her on the back. “Hey, while we’re here, why don’t you help me make some jam for everyone else? Just get some berries from the icebox, there’s a good girl.” Willow smiled in approval as Wendy grabbed a few handfuls of berries and added them to the crockpots.

“I think everyone else should be waking up soon.” Wilson said, looking over to the tents. He could already see Webber stumbling out of his tent.

“Oh! Good morning, Mr. Higgsbury and Aunt Willow and Wendy!” He ran over and hugged Wendy, then Willow, and finally Wilson.

“Well, good morning to you too.” Wilson ruffled the half-spider’s hair affectionately. “Why don’t you help us make breakfast, too?”

Webber smiled and nodded eagerly, and Wilson couldn’t help but feel almost like they were a complete family in that moment. He wondered what he had done to deserve such a thing.

Now, at first, this morning seemed perfectly normal for everybody. They sat down and ate as they came. The Higgsburies and the children gathered what was left from the farms. Maxwell smoked and studied the Codex Umbra between glances up at the siblings and their work, Wolfgang entertained Wes and Woodie with stories about Russia. All was going fairly well for the start of the winter.

That is, it was going well until Wigfrid ran screaming back into the camp.

“Dear god! Everyone, run!” She stopped for a few seconds, panting heavily.

“Wigfrid? What’s wrong?” Woodie asked slowly, concerned as everyone else was.

The redhead held up a finger as she struggled to catch her breath and then held her hand to her ear. A few seconds later, the sound of barking could be heard. It had to be the hounds, Wilson knew that much, and from the volume of it, they were coming close fast.

“Why couldn’t you just take them on yourself? You’re better equipped than any of us.” The scientist grabbed a few of the thermal stones that had been soaking up heat by the fire off the ground, becoming slowly more and more worried. Why hadn’t Wigfrid fought them off? It wasn’t like she couldn’t do it. Maybe they’d have to make a run for it after all.

“There were too many. We have to get to the traps.” Wigfrid shook her head. “Come on, everybody. You know the drill. Wes, grab healing supplies in case we need it. Woodie, fuel. Now. Everyone else, grab some of whatever and get running. We may have to hide out somewhere else; there’s a lot and it could just be too many for the traps to take on. We may have to split up, but I doubt that much.” She looked behind her as the barking drew closer. “Go now! Hurry!”

Immediately, everyone ran to the chests to grab what they could. They already had warm clothing, so they just grabbed fuel and other resources. Willow and Wolfgang grabbed packs and stocked up on food. Wilson grabbed a few tools and some torches in case he had to light anything up. Then again, Willow had her lighter for that, but it was always nice to have anything extra on hand, as he’d learned.

“Oh, shit!” Wigfrid cried, clutching her spear. “They’re here! Move it, MOVE IT!” In the distance, Wilson could see a massive pack of shadowy figures running right towards them and knew they didn’t have much time. Quickly, he grabbed Willow’s hand and led the group to the tooth traps.

“This way!” His bag bounced against his back and his feet hit the ground so hard it stung as he and the others desperately tried to outrun the dogs. They ran to an area with stone walls surrounding a square area of land, a long and narrow entryway that twisted and turned, and tooth traps littering the ground for a good three meters in. Everyone ran through the entryway, some occasionally colliding with the walls, until they came to a small space surrounded by the walls with a campfire and a few chests in the middle.

“Woodie, start up the fire. I’ll keep a lookout for those dogs, see how long it takes to kill them.” Wigfrid said, standing on one of the chests to look over the walls surrounding them. Wilson managed to hop up next to her for a second, and his jaw dropped at the amount of hounds that had been following them.

“Good god, there must be at least twenty-five of those!” He marvelled, both amazed and terrified. He counted, and there were twenty-six. Close enough. Lately, everyone had noticed that when the hounds did attack, they were more aggressive than before and came in higher numbers, but the most they’d ever taken on at once was ten. They’d come just as the end of summer came around and everyone was forced to wait them out for what felt like hours in these stone walls. That’s what led to Wilson and Wolfgang taking it upon themselves to reinforce the place; they knew it was only getting worse from here. Never in a million years, though, would they have guessed that it would have gotten this bad this quickly. On top of that, Wilson noticed, not all of them were jet black. There were some red hounds and blue hounds thrown in there, too.

“Yeah.” Wigfrid shook her head. “Christ. Fire hounds in winter? Never seen it before.”

“None of us have.” Wilson hopped down from the chest.

“What’s the situation?” Willow asked him, holding a frightened Webber close to her. “There, there, child, everything’s going to be alright.” She turned her head to the quivering child and said before turning her attention back to her brother.

“Bad.” The scientist shook his head. “This is the biggest group we’ve ever seen. Twenty-six, if I counted correctly, and it’s mixed company.” She looked confused at this statement, so he clarified. “Red, blue, and black hounds. Not good. We’ve never seen it before, so we’ve got no idea how we’re to deal with it.”

“That sounds terrible.” Willow’s eyes widened in fear.

“Not to worry, though, dear sister. These traps are mostly fireproof, and if nothing goes wrong then we’ll be in and out of here soon.”

“Might wanna bite your tongue, because something did go wrong.Very wrong.” Wigfrid’s eyes widened with terror and she looked back at the group. “Those hounds aren’t taking any damage from the traps.”

“What?!” Everyone shouted and exchanged looks of panic.

“Impossible.” Maxwell mumbled. Wigfrid shook her head.

“Yeah, apparently not.” She groaned, holding her weapon close to her. “What joy.”

“What do we do?” Webber asked, clutching onto Wendy’s hand.

“If they won’t take damage from the traps, we can’t fight them off.” Wilson re-adjusted the backpack on his shoulders. “We have to make a run for it.”

“But where to?!” Tensions grew stronger as the sounds of barking grew louder.

“There’s a cave system below us. We’ll wait them out there.” Wilson stood up on one of the chests, ready to vault himself over.

“What?! That’s crazy, the nearest entrance will take forever to get to!” Woodie objected.

“Do you have a better idea?” Willow snapped, joining her brother on the chest.

“Well...no.” The lumberjack admitted. A dog barked, and everyone turned to see a fire hound standing right behind them. As Wigfrid had said, it appeared to take no damage from the tooth trap it was standing directly on top of.

“Ohhhh my god.” Wilson grabbed onto the top of the stone wall, preparing to pull himself over. “RUN!”

Thinking fast, Wigfrid switched out her spear for a tentacle spike and whacked the hound across the face as hard as she could. The dog was flung into the side of the wall and snarled, shaking its head to try and alleviate some of the damage it had taken.

“I’ll try and hold them off!” The redhead shouted as everyone ran helter-skelter for the walls, trying desperately to fit onto the chests and lift themselves over. Willow and Wes saw the children having difficulty getting over, and climbed onto the wall before turning around and pulling Webber and Wendy up with them.

“I think it’s just north of here!” Wilson looked around quickly as the hounds’ barking drew ever closer. It was only a matter of time before they’d find out they weren’t in there.

“Winnie! Come on!” Willow shouted as she helped Wendy to her feet after the two jumped off the wall together. A moment later, the redhead bounded over the wall, an ice hound following her. She turned around and gave the dog a good, hard smack with the tentacle spike and motioned for everyone to get going.

They needn’t be told twice. Despite the bitter cold and the wind stinging their faces, they ran farther away from the base, legs burning. Wilson bit hit lip and tried to remember where the nearest hole leading to the underground caves were.

‘A bit to the east of here and past a forest of pine trees.’ That sounded about right. When they got there, they’d all clamber down into the caves if the hounds persisted and stay in all day. While the group never made it a priority to head underground often, the few times they had been there resulted in them building a fire pit and some crafting areas not too far from the entrance. They’d also found some berry bushes and trees somehow managing to grow down there, and they would use those for materials and food if they ran out. He doubted they’d be down there for very long, though, so it likely would not be needed for them to gather additional supplies.

The scientist looked behind him and saw that Wes and a few of the others were becoming weakened by lack of stamina. Wendy in particular seemed to be suffering. A mere ten meters behind them, the hounds continued to tail them.

“Jesus!” He groaned. “Will they ever give it up!”

He happened to refocus on the group just in time to see Wendy trip over a rock and fall on her face with a scream.

“Oh my god!” Wilson froze dead in his tracks and was nearly trampled by his sister and Maxwell. Thinking fast, he dove for her, and despite the exhaustion that was rapidly setting in he managed to pick her up and dash off again with her over his shoulder.

“Ow…” Wendy mumbled into Wilson’s neck, too spent to say much of anything else.

“It’s alright, kiddo. We’ll get to safety in a moment.” He promised softly, one arm on her back and one under her thighs to support her. Her left knee was bleeding badly, and blood trickled down her leg into the dirty white fabric of her sock.

“I hope so.” Her thick, blonde curls were tangled and matted, bouncing in messy bunches against her back as Wilson carried her. Luckily, the forest through which they had to travel next was just up ahead, and they made it through that without much of a problem.

“Alright, we’re here.” They stopped for a moment at the mouth of the cave, which was a large hole about five feet in diameter with a rope dangling from a tree down into the darkness below. The hounds had been lost a while back, but the barking continued to persist, and they couldn’t take any chances. Wigfrid held her arms up behind her head and was breathing deeply, trying to increase the amount of oxygen entering her lungs. “Who’s first?” She wheezed.

“I’ll go.” Willow volunteered. Everyone else was too tired to object. “I’ll give you the all-clear if it’s safe.” Wigfrid handed her the rope, not so subtly brushing the other’s knuckles with her fingertips in the process, and Willow descended down into the caves without much of a problem. There was a silence, and then her voice echoed up “All clear. Come on down!”

“Frailest go down first. That way, if those things catch up then the stronger and more able ones can fend them off.” Wigfrid shot a glance at Wes. “No offense.”

Wes shrugged. None taken.

“So, who’s going next?” Wigfrid looked around.

“Wendy’s got a hurt knee. Send her down, then Webber, then Wes and then Maxwell.” Wilson panted, letting the child in his arms down. The blood on her leg had clotted, but the marks were still nasty as ever, and the trail of dried blood didn’t aid the effect. Woodie whistled, just about summing up how everyone else felt about the nasty gash on her leg.

“We’ll treat it when you get down there, okay, sweetie?” Wigfrid cooed as she handed the child the rope. “There you go. Legs around the rope, like that. Willow! You’ve got a kid comin’ down, you better catch her!”

She let the rope go and Wendy slid down about as gracefully as one could with a hurt knee. So it went with everybody else, with Wigfrid herself being the last to come down. The caves were dark and ominous, but lightbulb plants lit up the place every now and then, and the silence was actually fairly nice. Wilson smiled to himself knowing those dogs would never follow them down there, and that they were prepared to wait them out if needed.

“So what’s everybody got on them?” Of course the first thing Wigfrid would do was take charge. Normally, that was Wilson’s job and she knew it, but the scientist figured she just wanted to show off to Willow. He wasn’t about to stop her.

Everyone who brought a pack with them opened it. Willow had brought a surplus of food; likely enough to last them a night and then some if needed. Woodie and Wolfgang had brought wood boards, grass, and sticks. Wes brought varied healing supplies, as one would have expected from him. Wilson had brought the tools, and Wigfrid had brought the weaponry. Maxwell had brought a small mix of what everyone else had, as well as two miner helmets.

“Why would you bring these?” Wigfrid asked, turning one over in her hand. “We didn’t realize we’d come down here until the last minute.” She eyed him suspiciously.

“The hounds have gotten more aggressive. I feared we may have to wait them out until night fell, and in a way, I guess I was right.” He smirked with the last sentence and Wigfrid looked a bit irked with him. Wilson couldn’t help but feel a pang of admiration for his thinking ahead, even if it was a bit fishy and oddly specific way of thinking ahead.

“Let’s rest up here a bit.” Willow insisted, grabbing some medicine from Wes’ pile. “Wendy’s got a leg that needs mending, and it’s not safe for us to split up down here in this condition.”

Wilson ran his fingers across the bandages that covered his own arm, but it didn’t register in his head that he might need to change them. Wes propped Wendy’s back up against a rock and skillfully disinfected and bandaged her knee. If it hurt her any, she didn’t show it. Webber clung to Willow’s side, trembling with all sorts of emotions at once.

“Hey, it’s alright.” She whispered to him soothingly. “They can’t get us now. We’re safe. There, there. No reason to be afraid.”

Wilson smiled fondly at how motherly his sister was in that moment. The children would certainly grow up to become good people with a figure like her in their life, and again the pang of pride that came from being related to her made him sigh contentedly. His legs no longer hurt, and down here was cold but strangely not as cold as outside was, so he felt at ease. Maybe, he thought, we could wait out the entire winter down here.

“So.” Woodie leaned back against the wall of the cavern. “What’s the plan? Where to?” He fidgeted with Lucy in his hands.

“I say we head in a bit deeper, to where the fire pits are.” Wigfrid insisted, spinning the tentacle spike with her wrist.

Wolfgang shuddered. “What wrong with here?”

“We risk freezing if we stay here too long.” Maxwell looked up at the mouth of the cave that was just five feet to the right and a good twenty feet above where they all collectively stood. “We need those pits to stay warm.”

“A good point.” Willow flipped out her lighter. “And I could really use a nice fire right now to calm my nerves. I’ll admit, I’ve never been a fan of the dark.”

“Truly, none of us are.” Wilson sighed. “So how long will it take to get there?”

“Not too long. Who’s got the stuff to make torches again?” Woodie handed Wigfrid some grass and twigs, and she fashioned them into two torches. “Alright. Willow, light them up and you can carry one. That lighter of yours, while pretty, doesn’t give us enough light to see five feet in front of us.”

“Yeah, I know.” Willow carefully lit the torches and took one. “Who’s gonna take the other?”

“Let Maxwell do it.” Wilson said. “He’s like a walking lamp-post with one of those.” He teased, earning a laugh from the others, Maxwell included. He looked over to Wendy “How’s your leg?”

She tried to stand up and gasped with pain. “Hurts, but I think I’ll be fine.”

“You sure you don’t need any help walking?” Wilson cocked an eyebrow. She didn’t look so steady yet. “It’s not that far, I can carry you again if you want.”

Wendy blushed, embarrassed. “Well...okay. Sure.” Wilson picked her up again, and she buried her face in his shirt. “Thanks.” She mumbled.

“No problem, kiddo.” He replied, equally as quiet.

“Aunt Willow…” Webber tugged at the cuff of the female Higgsbury’s shirt. “Can you carry me, too?”

Willow considered this for a moment. “Well, why not. Come here, you.” She picked up Webber and held him the same way Wilson held the girl, looking over Webber’s shoulder to see what was ahead of her. “Lead the way, Maxwell.”

Maxwell paused for a moment before motioning for the group to follow him and they set off. Wilson stayed close to the man holding the torch, with Wolfgang and the others following close behind. Willow stood by him, too. Webber and Wendy’s fingers locked together as they walked, too tired to do much else.

“Maxwell.” Wilson asked, nudging the magician’s side gently to get his attention. “How long do you suppose it will take to get there? I haven’t been down here in ages.”

“I vaguely remember it being a few paces more from here.” Maxwell sighed. “But you’re right, it has been a while since any of us have been down here. I certainly hope we don’t run into anything nasty down here.”

“Yeah. So do I.” Wilson agreed and, carefully balancing Wendy with his good arm, held Maxwell’s spare hand with his own. The magician seemed a bit surprised at the gesture at first but gently squeezed the other man’s hand, letting him know that it was okay. Wilson smiled, feeling a bit less tense about the situation. He would have done more, leaned in closer to his side and mumbled some disgustingly sweet words to him, but there were people around and he was carrying a child, so no way in hell was he going to do that.

Five minutes passed, and then ten. At the five minute mark they had to switch out torches, and the second time they had to do so Wolfgang nervously asked if Maxwell was sure they were going in the right direction.

“I don’t know, honestly. Wigfrid, were we?”

“What a great time to ask.” The redhead rolled her eyes. “If memory serves, then yeah. We were. Maybe we just came in at the wrong angle and missed the camp.”

“God, I hope not! How will we get back if we did?” Willow asked.

“We’ve been going in a straight line the whole time, right? All we’ve gotta do is go back the opposite way. No worries.” Her brother shrugged. “I think we should just stay here a bit longer before we head back to check for those overgrown dogs.”

Everyone mulled over this for a moment before nodding in agreement.

“Yeah. Besides, how long could it have possibly been since we came down?” Woodie asked.

“Years.” Willow joked, earning an uneasy laugh from everyone else.

“Yeah, right. Hey, Maxwell, hand me the torch, will you?” Wilson looked up to see the magician focused on something in front of them. “I’m gonna try to--Maxwell?”

“Am I the only one who sees that?” The taller man pointed a thumb to something in the shadows. Wilson strained his eyes to see it, but when they focused, he saw something towering over all of them in the distance. He might not have seen it if not for Maxwell pointing it out.

“The hell is that thing?” Wigfrid stepped closer, trying to get a better view.

“Do you think it’s alive…?” Woodie asked cautiously, holding tightly to Wes with one hand and Lucy with the other.

“Doubt it.” Maxwell advanced forward a few paces and the torch’s light revealed that whatever it was was made of metal and wood. It was tall and dark, with gears protruding from the sides in a way that made it look built by an amateur inventor. Despite how dark the caves were, clusters of red roses appeared to be thriving at the base of the machine, the vines snaking up the sides and the red flowers blooming all over. It appeared to be a kind of machine, but for what? A feeling of dread crept through Wilson’s body. Something about this rickety structure was oddly familiar, and quickly remembered why. It looked almost exactly like the portal he’d used to bring himself here.

“What do you think it is?” Woodie moved in closer to have a better look at a machine.

“It looks like a portal.” Wilson said, a bit unsteadily. “Wendy, I’m going to have to put you down.”

Wendy “aww”ed softly, but didn’t object any further as the scientist put her down.

“A portal? Hah! You’re crazy.” Wigfrid scoffed.

“Actually, he’s right, Winnie.” Willow softly placed a hand on Wilson’s arm, letting Webber down as well. “It looks oddly like the one I found that brought me here. Besides, do you have a better notion of what this might be?”

Wigfrid huffed and considered this for a moment. “Well...I guess you’re right. But if that’s the case, what should we do with it?”

“Don’t touch it.” Maxwell commanded. “Don’t touch it, don’t go anywhere near it, don’t so much as try to activate it. We have no idea where it’s going to take us, or who or what is on the other side, and if we go in there’s no guarantee we’ll come out alive.”

“He’s got a point.” Wilson eyed the roses growing around the base of the portal. The only way he could think of that flowers could grow down here would be from Charlie, and he was not about to mess with anything that had to do with her. Not after what had happened last night. “I say we just turn back and try to find our way out of here.”

“So do I.” Willow bit her lip. “I almost want to say that it was a bad idea to find this thing in the first place.”

Everyone else nodded in agreement.

“Then let’s get on it.” Wilson handed Maxwell the torch back, trying to brush his hand as subtly as possible but failing. “Wendy, are you good to walk on your own?”

The girl moved her knee back and forth. “It hurts, of course, but I think I’ll be fine.”

Wilson nodded. “Well, that’s good. Anyone have any idea how long we’ve been walking?”

“I’d say we’ve been wandering about for anywhere between fifteen and twenty minutes, judging by the amount of torches we’ve gone through plus how long we’ve just stood around talking.” Woodie said, checking the supply of materials in his bag.

“Yeah, uh...about that.” Wendy piped up. “Why didn’t we suspect something was up after we went through our first few torches? Like, I don’t think it was that far away, and I’m sure the rest of you remember that base the same way.” “I think it was just a collective case of ‘this seems a bit fishy but I’m probably wrong about that so I’m going to keep my mouth shut’-itis.” Webber offered.

“Probably.” Wilson chuckled bitterly. ‘We adults can really be stupid at times, can’t we?’

“We should probably make it our next task to just turn back and find the camp then, shouldn’t--” Willow was cut off by a strange noise some distance away. It echoed across the walls of the cave, and it took a few seconds for everyone to process that it happened.

“What was that?” Wilson instinctively grabbed Willow’s hand. They heard it again, louder this time. It was the distinct sound of hounds barking.

“No way.” Wigfrid groaned. “No actual fucking way. How did they get down here?”

“No idea.” Willow grabbed her brother’s hand. “Great. We’re basically cornered and we’ve got two children with us, one of them badly hurt. What do you all suggest we do?”

“We run.” Woodie answered, pulled Wes close to him and clutching tightly to his axe.

“But to where?” Webber clung to Willow, arms around her hip.

Wilson’s eyes flicked over to the portal behind them. Maxwell caught him doing so.

:Oh, no. Oh no, no, no. We are not going through there, Higgsbury.”

“Do we have a choice?” He placed his other hand on Wendy’s shoulder and defiantly looked up at the man standing next to him. “Think about it. There aren’t enough weapons to go around, certainly not enough armour to go around, and if we die and leave the children to fend for themselves, then they’re fucked, to put it lightly. Besides that, unless there’s a new breed of underground hound that we’ve yet to discover, then something tells me those beasts found a way down here without cracking their skulls open. If that’s the case, then our weapons and such will be completely useless against them since apparently not even the tooth traps can hurt them! Seeing as we’ve quite literally driven ourselves into a wall here, I suggest you comply with this idea unless you or anyone else for that matter can come up with a better idea.” He looked around at each and every other person standing there, too. “Well? Anyone care to derive a way for us to un-fuck ourselves right now?”

Everyone slowly exchanged glances and shook their heads.

“Then it’s through the portal for us.” Wilson took a deep breath and removed his hands from Willow’s grasp and Wendy’s shoulder. “Maxwell. Torch.” He held out his hand and the magician placed the torch in it, a bit shakily. The tone in Wilson’s voice was firm and serious, which made him a tad bit frightening to even the mighty Wolfgang.

“I think here’s the lever to activate this thing.” Wilson pointed to a protrusion in the side of the portal as the sounds of barking grew steadily louder. He handed the torch back to Maxwell. “Quickly, Willow, throw the switch! They’ll be here any minute!”

Willow nodded without hesitation and flipped the lever downwards, causing the gears on the machine to turn and whir. A group of black shadow hands crept up from the ground, grabbing one person each around the waist. Willow and a few others screamed with fear at the unexpected appendages and Wilson held his breath, closing his eyes as he felt the hands pulling him downwards. For a moment he heard the sound of a final hound barking, and then there was nothing.

#don't starve #story #chapter 9

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