#(my sister stayed the longest and she said she thought i didn't)

[c0eu4]

Can I request something? If not it’s ok

Reader being Landos younger sister and he catches his teammate and his sister really deep into making out

OP81 | Caught ♡

Summary: Y/n is the apple of Lando’s eye. He always protected her from everyone. Well, that's what he thought until he realized that she's not that innocent... Especially with his teammate.

Warning: smut, dom!Oscar, sub!reader, Y/n Norris

A/N: I hope you were talking about Oscar when you said teammates 😔 (And if it wasn't about him, tell me so I can make another one :)

part one - part two

MASTERLIST requests are open

She walks through the paddocks, looking for her brother. Her orange t-shirt proudly bears the number 4 on the back, but is slightly hidden by her long hair.

She goes to his driver's room, to the cafeteria, she even goes to Ferrari to see if he's with Carlos but he's still nowhere to be found.

She returns to McLaren's private premises and takes something to quench her thirst. The heat is in full swing in Spain. She's supposed to go back to the hotel with Lando but it's going to be complicated if he doesn't answer the phone and is nowhere to be found.

''Lando went to the gym.'' She jumps and turns around to see who had spoken to her (even though she had already recognized the person with his Australian accent.) ''He asked me to drive you back to the hotel .'' Oh my God. Finally she will have a chance to be alone with him.

Since they met, it was like love at first sight for Y/n. She only had eyes for him. Of course, he didn't even notice her that much, too focused on race. But Y/n, she couldn't stop thinking about him. And unfortunately, Lando quickly noticed, doing everything possible to avoid the two of them being alone. Y/n loves Lando. But he's too protective. She has always had to hide every relationship she has from him, for fear that her boyfriend will run away.

''You heard me?'' He passed his hand in front of her, visibly annoyed. She feels herself blushing, stammering words. ''I..uhg..yes, yeah.. sorry.'' He chuckles. ''Am I destabilizing you, Norris?'' She feels herself blushing even more. ''No!'' She sighs, feeling shame sticking to her cheeks.

''Do you still have things to do?'' He runs his hand through his hair. How she loves it when he does that. ''No, you need to grab something before we go?'' She shakes her head as a no and he walks, followed by her, to the exit of the track. They go to his car and he starts driving.

She doesn't dare to move the whole way, too afraid to get his attention. This may be the longest car ride any of them have ever had the opportunity to take. Embarrassment is felt throughout, with none of them daring to speak.

Finally arriving at the hotel, she quickly gets out of the car and closes the door without slamming it, for fear of making him more annoying (she was traumatized because of Lando.)

He walks her to her hotel room, since their rooms are opposite each other. She searches in her pocket, then in her jacket, then in her purse. No no no no... it's not possible... she, who thought the situation couldn't be more awkward. It's Lando who has her keys.

She turns to Oscar, who understands directly. He huffs and runs his hand through his hair again. ''Tell Lando to hurry up. You will wait in my room.'' On the one hand, she's like 'oh my god, I'm going to stay alone with Oscar in his room.' but on the other hand, it's more like 'Oh no, shame, I'll have to wait with him.'

She follows him into his room. It's like hers, a simple bed, a television and a door that leads to the bathroom. Nothing very extraordinary.

''Do you mind if I go take a shower?'' She shakes her head as a no and hopes he'll take his time, just to ease the awkwardness between them.

She sits on the bed, not really knowing what to do. She sends a message to Lando, literally asking him to come save her.

Meanwhile, Oscar takes his time in the shower. Not because he doesn't want to see Y/n, but more for a masculine reason. The icy water runs down his naked body, trying to deflate his now hard member. But he can't help but think of Y/n, in the next room. He grunts, not even managing to wash his body without feeling a thrill of pleasure because he's so excited.

His thoughts wander to y/n, naked, touching herself. ''Uhg..fuck..'' No no no no. He needs to get his act together. He comes out of the shower, his member still hard. He changes and tries to hide the bump on his sweatpants as best as possible.

He opens the bathroom door and runs his hand through his damp hair. He does this all the time when he's embarrassed. And he hopes she hasn't noticed.

His first mistake when he sees Y/n again is to stare a little too long at the bottom of her thighs, her shorts revealing her skin a little more given the position she was in. His second mistake was imagining himself between her legs, rubbing against her.

''You ok?'' She asked him, her voice was so innocent. ''Uhm I.. yes.'' She chuckles, understanding that she has an effect on him. Unfortunately for Oscar, his bump wasn't hidden very well with his gray sweatpants. ''Am I destabilizing you?'' She reuses his words that he said earlier.

Oscar takes a while to respond. He doesn't know if he should say 'yes' to her and go all out by kissing her or say 'no' and probably never have this opportunity again in his life. He thinks about Lando. To the conversation they had earlier this year,''Don't even think about fucking my sister once in your entire life.''

Well. Fuck you Lando.

''Yes you are.'' She looks at him, shocked. She expected anything but that. She sits up in bed, leaning against the headboard as he moves a little closer to her. ''Since I met you, I haven't been able to get you out of my head. That's why Lando never leaves us alone together.''

His eyes widen. She doesn't know what to say. But she feels the excitement building in her body. Without thinking twice, he sits next to her in bed, placing his hand on her cheek. He surprises himself by being so confident. His cheeks turn as red as hers.

''Can I?'' He manages to say, their lips a few centimeters away. ''Yes.'' He feels her breath on his lips and doesn't wait any longer to stick his lips against hers. Her lips are soft and warm. He tastes her cherry Labello on her lips. She doesn't push him away but welcomes him with open arms. She places her hands in the crook of his neck, pulling him towards her. He takes the opportunity to slip between her legs, deepening the kiss with his tongue. He caresses her inner cheeks, his hips grinding against hers. She can't help but moan, sending shivers down his spine.

His kisses go down on her jaw, her neck and her collarbone. ''Why did I wait longer?'' He asked him, making her laugh softly. She lets her hand trail through her hair, playing with a few strands. He plays with her t-shirt, pulling it slightly, ''Can I?''

She nodded slowly, blushing even more at the idea of Oscar seeing her so naked. ''I need word, sugar..'' He whispered to her, his voice rough and full of lust. ''Yes..please..'' Her breathing quickens when Oscar's hands caresses her thin exposed waist, removing her t-shirt completely.

''Ah-ha.. Oscar..'' He takes off his t-shirt, his kisses descending on her chest. He feels her gesticulate slightly because of the pleasure he gives her.

''I..I need you.'' Oscar smiled mischievously. ''Are you sure?'' ''Yes!'' He doesn't wait any longer to undress her completely and gets up to rummage through his suitcase. He returns with a box of condoms and some lube. He places them next to her and also undresses himself.

She watches him do it, her eyes filled with love for him. She refrains from moaning at the sight of his imposing member, watching his hands slide the condom over his length. He opens the lube and drops some into his hand, jerking himself gently to spread the liquid.

He gets on top of her and she feels his member between her thighs. ''Do you want me to warn you?'' She shakes her head as a no, waiting for him to enter. He kisses her nose, pushing his length slowly in her.

The feeling is...strange? It's the first time she's felt so stretched. He gives her time, not moving at all and his gaze remains fixed on her every movement. He takes her hand and entangles her fingers with his. She uses her other arm to put it around his neck, keeping him close to her.

''You're ok?'' He asks her, to be sure that she's not feeling uncomfortable. ''Yes. And you? You're in a good position?'' He kisses her cheek. ''Don't worry about me, darling.''

He moves his hips against hers, making her moan slightly. He almost takes out of her, then goes back in with a wet noise. ''Fuck you're so tight..'' He moaned, keeping a slow but pleasant pace. He allows himself to speed up, increasing the volume of the moans that echo through the room.

He hides his head in the crook of her neck, muffling his loud moans. ''Oh yes! Oh yes! Oh yes!'' She keeps moaning, her hips moving at the same time as him.

This is probably the first time that Oscar is going to cum so quickly. He feels so good inside her. And he waited so long for this moment. The ball of excitement in his stomach is about to burst.

''O-Osc-Oscar..I'm..Uh..I..Fuck..I'm.. cumming..'' Her eyes roll back, her orgasm crashing over her like a wave of bricks. Her walls tighten around him and he barely takes a few seconds before his eyes close and he releases his hot seed in the condom.

''Did you just spill in my sister!?'' None of them have time to collect their minds before they turn their heads and see Lando, frowning and obviously very angry.

They were so involved in their lovemaking that they didn't hear Lando come into the room.

''LANDO!'' She grabbed a cushion and managed to throw it at him. Oscar withdraws from her hastily, reluctantly and pulls the blanket up over their naked bodies.

''Get dressed and Y/n, join me in your room. We need to talk.'' Lando is cold and strict in his voice. What he saw really didn't please him. He walks out of the room and slams the door behind him. Y/n meets Oscar’s gaze and they both laugh softly.

He gets up and gives her her clothes again, helping her to get dressed.

Once done, he can't help but kiss her tenderly and let her leave her room, stressed for her but also for him.

[lowtaperfeyd]

hello :))) i would love a duncan idaho x reader imagine where reader is paul’s sister and duncan confesses his love for the reader before he leaves for arrakis on caladan!!! super fluff !

Shoulder to Shoulder

Duncan Idaho x AtreidesHalfSister!reader

author's note: Heyyyy!! I did take more of an angsty route, that's just how the creative juices were flowing. But, this has sizeable amounts of fluff inside.

(Not beta read: we die like feyd-rautha)

warnings: mentions of death and some angst

wc: 1,058

(Y/N) Atreides was the older half-sister to Paul. A daughter from Duke Leto’s previous political marriage. Whose mother died in childbirth. For the longest time before Paul and Lady Jessica, it was just Duke Leto Atreides and daughter, as well as heir, (Y/N). But once Paul was born, (Y/N) was pushed back and was just a thought in her father’s mind now. It’s easier to compare her to a ghost than a prominent member of the family. 

Duncan Idaho is not a man who was afraid of change. In fact he thrives for the unknown adventure that would persist when he went to Arrakis in a few weeks. But he is a man who hates leaving things undone. 

It was the day before Duncan would leave for Arrakis and (Y/N) was sitting in the study looking over some books and films about the desert wasteland, the new place where she would live. While doing this, she thought about Duncan Idaho. The swordmaster who has always been a prevalent thing in her and her brother's life. 

“Are you going to sit there and take it, Paul!” She cried out mockingly and giggled at him as he was sparring with Duncan Idaho. 

“I would be more likely to win if you didn't distract me!” Paul said, equally sarcastic. 

“No, no my lady,” Duncan responded with a laugh, “Your brother is really trying to defeat me.”

All of a sudden, (Y/N) heard a knock on the study door, shaking her out of the fond memory of her brother sparring against the swordmaster.  

“Who is it?” She said cautiously 

“It’s me.” The deep voice of Duncan echoed through the door, “May I come in, my lady?” 

“Yes, come in, Duncan.” She said as she moved her books, clearing off more of a space for Duncan to sit in the chair opposite her. 

“I know Paul said that you were trying to learn as much as possible about Arrakis,” The swordmaster said as he looked around at all her books and papers, “But I did not expect to see you buried in them. Especially at this hour. It’s almost midnight, you need to go to bed.” 

“I’m not a child anymore, Duncan,” (Y/N) said while rubbing her forehead, “I can handle staying up late.” 

“Really,” Duncan said sarcastically, “‘cause if I recall just last week I found you asleep at the breakfast table because of the same events which are going on now. Unless that was not you, my lady?” He continued with the lighthearted teasing as he went to sit in the plush armchair at the other side of the table.

“That was an accident,” (Y/N) defended, “I didn’t mean to.” 

She let out a long, tired sigh. Her shoulders sagged when she buried her face into her arms on the table. And small tears welled up in her eyes. 

Duncan immediately picked up on her sadness. He didn’t like seeing the woman he loved in distress. But, he could never tell her that. 

“Hey,” He said gently while putting on a calloused yet soft hand on her forearm, “What’s going on?” The concern in his eyes was palpable when he laid them on (Y/N). 

“It’s nothing,” she said while lifting her head from her arms, “just something my brother mentioned.” 

With his other hand, he used his thumb to gently brush away the tear that was cascading off her face. 

“It’s obviously not nothing if you’re crying about it. What did he say?” He probed carefully.

(Y/N) got out of her chair and walked over to the window. The window overlooked the cliff sides and ocean of Caladan. With the night sky shining from the stars. 

“He said that something bad would happen on Arrakis…” She said, her voice barely above a whisper. 

“Nothing bad is going to happen on Arrakis,” Duncan reassured her, “that's why they are sending me tomorrow. To scout out the place and hopefully find the Fremen.” He walked over to stand next to her by the window, shoulder to shoulder. 

“I know, Duncan,” She said, still unconvinced. “what if you died?” (Y/N) said while looking at him. 

Duncan turned his body so he could see her fully. He took his hands and gently took her face into them. His affection provided a type of safety and assurance that neither shield could do or money could buy. 

“Why would I choose to die when I know you’re on your way to see me again,” 

“Duncan-” She interrupted. 

“Nope, let me finish,” He told her, “you are the most wonderful person on this planet. And that would continue to be true on any planet you went to. I would not die on Arrakis before you got there.”   

“I know but what if-” She tried to say before Duncan kissed her passionately. 

The kiss was fiery, smooth, everything and more than (Y/N) had imagined. It encapsulated the emotions that they both felt for each other. The bond built by love they hadn't been able to share with each other before now. If any member of court saw this kiss they would be blushing several shades of red.

Duncan pulled away from the kiss to see a frazzled and dazed (Y/N) Atreides. Whose lips were slightly swollen from kissing. With his hands still on her face. 

“I love you, my lady,” The swordmaster said, “and I would not let anything bad happen to you or myself on Arrakis. Do you understand now?” 

(Y/N) looked at him in the eyes and even though it felt like a dream, she understood what he was saying. A smile took her face as she said, 

“I love you too. ” 

“Good,” He said before placing a gentle kiss on her forehead, “now go to bed. I don’t want to see you with your pretty head in a grapefruit later.” He whispered playfully. 

“Okay, goodnight.” She said to him, softly. As he began to walk to the exit of the study. 

“Goodnight my lady, I’ll see you soon” 

The only person who really saw her was the swordmaster, Duncan Idaho. He was the only one who could break away the exterior of her. He did it with such care and kindness that it was impossible to not feel deep emotion for him. 

[authoreetea]

𝐭𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 (pt. 2)

pairing ; rafe cameron x reader

summary ; you come back to the obx three years later for a work thing, and rafe is adamant on trying to get you back. it's the christmas season 🫣

warnings ; i don't know 😭 THIS IS MY LONGEST WORK EVER? feminine terms maybe. reader is a fashion designer and probs ooc rafe

note! it's december, once again, so i thought why not give losing you a happy ending. part two! I'm in my christmas feels, ill make a part three. you can kinda end it at the first part but christmas feels gets me wanting happy endings so here i am 🫣

p1

Being back at Outer Banks after three years brings back the good and bad memories. It wasn't just a stroll down memory lane; it was a strong plunge into the depths of shared history. The salt air greeted me, it carried whispers of laughter and echoes of heartache.

My return wasnt purely for nostalgia, I had to be here on a work obligation. One of my clients live here, and apparently needed me here for the whole december.

Figure Eight was decorated with festive christmas lights, the holiday spirit clashing with my uncertainty that lingers in the air. I've debated with myself over and over again, that going back was a bad idea, yet I can't turn down my clients.

Unfortunately, the only hotel by figure eight is fully booked and I have nowhere else left to stay. I thought about Rafe's sister, Sarah, but I don't even know where she is now. We've fallen apart since then and I don't know anyone here, but him.

Taking a deep breath, I swallow my pride and went to the Cameron estate. I repeat 'it's for work' in my head as if it's a mantra.

The place I used to call home, the place where Rafe and I share all kinds of memories. It looked sad, it was the only house around the neighborhood that had no christmas decorations, yet it was still clean.

I compose myself, and knocked on the door three times. I hear shuffling and a slightly muffled "hold on" from the inside. I can recognize his voice anywhere, I only now felt the anxiety rushing back to me.

He opened the door, his hair damp and messy. He was in a navy blue polo shirt, with black shorts and his scent wrapped around me. Rafe smelled fresh and citrusy, my body felt comfort and resentment at the same time.

I muster up a small smile, you can barely even see it. Rafe looks shocked, his eyes were wide and his mouth slightly agape. Time had etched its mark on his face, a complex canvas of emotions hidden behind those familiar blue eyes. "You're back," he stated, his voice a mixture of surprise and a vulnerability he couldn't quite conceal. He looked as if he just saw a ghost.

I give him a curt nod. "Yes, for a work thing. The only hotel near here is fully booked, and this was the only place I could think of. I can find something else, if you mind."

Rafe shook his head and opened the door wider. "You can stay, it's just me, anyway." He said, the shock still evident in his voice. I gave him a quiet thank you, smiling at him as I walked in.

The inside felt cold, the ghost of our past danced around every corner of this place. It looked fine, it was obvious Rafe re-decorated and made it more- him.

"Thank you, really, for letting me stay. I didn't know figure eight was such a tourist spot at Christmas." I said, a slight hint of humor in my tone in attempt to lighten up the mood.

He gives a half-hearted chuckle, yet I could sense his guarded demeanor. "Uh, yeah. Ever since I finally took over, I made a few tweaks and this place became a tourist attraction." He said, scratching the back of his neck.

God, he looked so good.

I smile, trying to contain my thoughts. "You're doing really well, Rafe."

He smiles and thanks me. "Anyway, I have to excuse myself. You can take Sarah's old room for the time, you know where it is." He says, grabbing his keys, wallet, and phone, before walking to the door.

"I'm glad you're back, y/n." And with that, he left.

I felt my cheeks getting warm and I sure as hell looked red as a tomato. I think I'm gonna be sick, He looks so good and it's so hard not to miss him. In those three long years, all I could think about was if he was doing well. And I'm glad that he is.

--

Over days that blurred into nights, work obligations mingled with the tentative reconnection between us. Small talk and shared glances became the thread by which we delicately wove our way through unresolved emotions. Rafe's eyes held an unspoken plea, a desire to mend what had been broken.

It has been 14 days since I've been back, and it was already starting to get cold, only 10 days away from christmas. It was midnight at the Cameron estate as I went down to the kitchen to make some hot cocoa. I've been working all day figuring out new designs for this "gala" thing my client is asking for.

I prepared my ingredients, reaching for a mug when I was interrupted by a deep "Hey" from Rafe.

I gasped and held onto my chest. "Jesus, Rafe, don't sneak up on me like that!"

He smiles sheepishly, and mutters a soft sorry. "Sorry, can't sleep. What are you making?"

"Hot cocoa, you want one?"

He replies "sure" and sat by the kitchen island. It's been like this lately, small conversations with tension lingering in the air. It felt like something heavy was being put above our heads, threatening to fall down in a second.

Rafe looks deep in thought as I made his cocoa and mine. His eyebrows always go upward when he's thinking and he gets fidgety with his hands. Until today, I have all his mannerisms memorized. He wasn't someone I could ever forget.

"Y/n, look. I owe you an apology." He says, quietly as he still fidgets with his heirloom ring. His blue eyes carried a mix of regret and sincerity. "You didn't deserve that. My fear pushed away the one thing that mattered the most."

My heart ached, I felt like it was beating a thousand times a minute. "Rafe-" I started, yet he cuts me off

"I wasn't done, sorry. I just want you to hear me first." He says, giving me a pleading smile. I whisper an okay and handed him my special cocoa.

"I knew I would mess it up. Hell, I feel like I really messed up back then. Fear took over me and I thought that it would protect you, but it only hurt you. " He said, his gaze switching from me and the old christmas mugs I bought that he still kept.

"Rafe, it's in the past. We've both grown up and I forgive you, I can never stay mad at you forever." I say, giving him a warm smile and held his hand for a second. He eyed my hand before giving me a half hearted smile.

"In the three years I was alone, I had time to reflect and I realized that some risks are worth taking. " He pauses, standing up next to me.

Rafe was tall, and he towered over me. "I'm sorry for not giving you what you deserved, for being to scared to accept the love you had to offer." He admitted, his blue eyes finally meeting mine. We were less than a meter away and I could basically feel his warmth radiating off of him. and his scent engulfed me like a hug.

"I want to show you I've changed, y/n. I'm willing to do anything, an whatever it takes, to make it right with us." He says, his hand reaching for mine and immediately met warmth. "Come home to me, y/n."

His apology hung in the air, and I stared at him, blinking. I was shocked at how he expressed his feelings, it wasn't something he was open about before and maybe now, he's really doing better.

"Rafe, I accept your apology. But you really did hurt me rafe, and it's gonna take a lot more than this for me to come home. " I say, giving him a tight lipped smile.

What surprised me was the smirk on his face as he looked at me.

"I understand." He says, a smile on his face before getting closer to me. I felt my blood rush to my cheeks at our closeness. The mood definitely changed from emotional to frisky really quick.

"There's ten days left before Christmas, think I can win you back by then?" he says proudly, smirking at me as he maintains eye contact.

I chuckle, "Sure preppy boy. I'd like to see you try."

[st6rrrs]

YOUR BEST FRIENDS BROTHER - RAFE CAMERON X FEMALE READER

SUMMARY: for the longest you had an crush on rafe cameron aka Sarah's brother but you couldn't date your best friends brother and besides he didn't notice you anyway... well until one night

WARNINGS: 18+, age gap, smut, non con/dub con?, dark! rafe, swearing, choking, hair pulling, dom!rafe, virgin reader, lost of virginity, rough sex, fingering, unexperienced reader, lmk if i’m missing anything

A/N: rafe is 21 reader is 16 btww!!!

also this is short

Sarah had invited you over so you guys could hang out and watch movies. Sarah's dad, stepmom, and little sister had to go to the Bahamas for her dads work for the weekend. Sarah and rafe didn't have to go so they stayed.

rafe has never been nice to you like ever. he always calls you names like bitch, slut, virgin mary, whore, slut , etc. so you can say he isn't very fond of you.

"so what are we gonna watch?" Sarah ask "maybe comedy?"

"nah I like horror better"

"but im in an mood to laugh" Sarah explained

"okay then what about a horror comedy" you secretly loved horror comedies more than horror but you would never attempt that.

"oh yeaa" Sarah said as you laughed at her

"im gonna go get the snacks i'll be right back"

you said while hopping off her bed and exiting the room. as you walked down the stairs you heard something coming from rafe's room so being the nosy person you are you walk back up the stairs and slowly tip toe to his room door and you put your ear to the door.

you hear moaning and groaning you were scared you thought he was hurt so you quickly opened the door concerned and you see rafe laying down on his bed jerking off. he quickly pulls the covers over him

"what the fuck yn get out" rafe yells

You were shocked you quickly shut the door and ran down stairs, what the hell did you just witness. you tried to get the imagine of rafe's long cock out of your head. You opened the cabinet too look for the popcorn when you felt a strong hand grip your shoulder spinning you around.

"you know its not lady like to enter somebody's room without knocking"

it was rafe, he seemed overly calm... weird.

''i-i thought you w-were hurt."

he laughs slowly and looks you up and down. you take a deep breath to calm yourself down

"you might be a virgin but i know your not stupid princess"

he smirks

"wait..." "was my dick the first one you ever seen before"

he smirks once again, you were too embarrassed to answer that question so you looked down to the floor.

he grabbed your face really hard probably bruising it forcing you too look him in the eye.

"answer. the. question." rafe said "i don't like being ignored y/n."

he looked angry. you were scared to find out what would happen if u didn't answer his question so u did.

"y-yes" you stuttered

he chuckles and lets go oh your face which is most likely bruised now

"holy shit"

"rafe just fuck off okay jeez. every time you see me you don't have to remind me that im still a virgin."

you say as you turn around and grab the popcorn and putting it in the microwave. thats when feel something pocking your lower back.

"no ew rafe stop" you move away from him

"fine, fine"

he says putting his hands up in the air like he's surrendering and walking back up the stairs to his room.

you sigh of relief and grab the popcorn out of the microwave, pour it in a bowl and go back up stairs to Sarah's room.

"hey im back i got popcorn"

"finally you took forever" she laughs

"yea umm your brother wouldn't leave me only."

"just ignore him he's an ass to everyone" sarah says while shrugging

you guys ended up watching scary movie 2. after the movie yall soon fell asleep.

you woke up around midnight you looked over at Sarah she was sound a sleep so sneakily you got out of bed to get some water from the kitchen while you were walking down the stairs you felt a large hand wrap around your figure and put a hand over your mouth so you wouldn't scream.

it was rafe.

"stop moving"

he whispered in your ear but you still tried to wiggle your way out of his grip. he drags you to his room and throws you on the floor locking the door.

"oww what the fuck is wrong with you"

you say almost immediately getting up running over to rafe to try and unlock the door but before you can reach it he grabs you by your hair

"i told you to stop moving" "i don't like disobedience"

"oww rafe stop your hurting me"

he throws you onto the bed back first and pulls off your shorts and underwear and gets onto of you. you tried to scream but he puts his hand over your mouth.

he takes his time pulling your tank top and bra off. you tried to scream but it was muffled due to rafe's hand. Once your tank top and bra is off he started sucking your right nipple.

you didn't want this.

you tried to tell yourself over and over again but you knew it was a lie, what kind of best friend would you be hooking up with your best friends brother.

you moaned, you couldn't help it. but you still tried to wiggle out from under him.

he stopped to take his belt off, pants, and boxers then threw them on the floor using both of his hands so you finally had an chance to say something.

"rafe stop please" you begged "Sarah wouldn’t like this.”

"i don't give a shit yn, ill do whatever the fuck i want to you and you cant do anything about it"

"rafe please stop” you pleaded

"i'll be gentle" he said sarcastically

at this point you were straight up sobbing pleading him to stop but you knew it was too late when he felt the head of his cock at your entrance.

he pushed himself into you and he wasn't gentle at all he started thrusting into you at a very fast speed.

it wasn't pleasant at all it hurt like hell, he was painfully stretching you out. it was very overwhelming

“God, your so tight.” Rafe grunts, slamming into you at a rate that will leave you sore for days.

You moaned and screamed tears coming out you eyes as he kept going faster and harder.

“Be good and take me.”

As he worked you closer and closer to the end, he squeezed your neck chocking you.

he never let up on his speed or brutality

You finished around him hard and heavy, your limbs becoming pathetically weak.

As you came down from your high His hands tightened around your neck harder as he fucked himself into you, harder and harder, until he was coming, too.

part 2 ?

[damndamsy]

renegade | aemond targaryen x oc (part vi)

If Princess Rhaenyra were to be self-indulgent, or perhaps someone willing hoped to spoil her for wishes, she would only ask for one. Not a ship full of gold or a thousand dragon eggs would satisfy her. The one wish was her children. To keep her children happy and safe, and where they would be unassailed would be in their mother's arms. And when it concerned her only daughter, Princess Aemma, she did not wish to be parted with a single silver hair on that girl's head.

But such was the necessity of marriage. Aemma and Aemond's would be no different.

The Red Keep was obscured by a mist of sorrow that afternoon. Prince Aemond watched like a hawk from nearby as the Dragonstone Targaryens began to take their leave. He couldn't bear to see Aemma this way, sharing goodbyes with her family, out of sorts and close to tears. There was a frisson of jealousy, how Aemma had so much to turn back to—it was stabbing castigation to even think it—if something were to have unwelcome repercussions for them. Be it this voyage or their matrimony, Aemma had indemnity in her times of desperation. Aemond had nothing except fire and blood. His family would merely use him as a weapon to wage against in an oncoming war.

Out of the disquiet, Prince Jacaerys flanked Aemond's side silently, his hand tightly gripping the pommel of his sword. Aemond set his teeth, continuing to vigilantly stare at Aemma, who was circulated around her family like a pitcher of wine.

Jace's voice had a sharp edge. "My delirious sister, so caught up in outworn fantasies that my mother allowed to fester, held her tongue when I forced an apology. She believes that eloping to wed you is right and that flouting expectations to do what she wants is justified."

Aemond kept his eye on Aemma, summoning back his control.

"I respect that," Jace sighed.

His amazement only slightly caused him to dart a glance.

"Aemma has been toiling with the grief of losing our father for far too long. If this puts her at ease, I can not refuse. She is most precious to me," Jace said. Then he faced Aemond's tense eye. "I hope you look after my sister well. There should be no reason for her to suffer on the broadside. She loves you deeply."

Jace thought of him as a callous monster. Perhaps he was, but Aemma was the exception. No matter what, his fondness for her never wavered. It even outweighed the contempt he'd spent dwelling in all these years. He'd rather spend an eternity in pain than be hated by her.

Aemond had it in himself to bow his chin vaguely. "Safe travels... nephew."

Meanwhile, Aemma watched the interaction between Jace and Aemond in silent satisfaction. Jace eventually met her eyes, his expression softening, but made no move to come toward her. It would take some time for his rage to wane, and she could wait all he wanted. Jace nodded at her once, lips slightly tilted. Aemma's smile nearly broke into her ears. Perhaps the wait would be shorter than expected.

Her mother ambushed her once more to press a deluge of wistful kisses over Aemma's cheek. Her little brothers, Luke and Joff, simply refused to let go of her, imploring her to make promises of her return. It was Luke who held onto her the longest, the first to tattle to their mother when she slipped off from the Sea Dragon Tower, now wishing she stayed a little while longer.

"I'm going to miss your lullaby," Luke murmured sadly. Aemma had sung that cradlesong to each of her brothers but Luke was yet to grow out of it.

She laid a soothing kiss on his head. "You could sing it to the new babe for me."

It wasn't until Daemon playfully teased the lot of them for monopolizing the new bride that they broke away from her.

Aemma leapt up to swallow Daemon's shoulders in an inflexible embrace. He was the only one who, in every respect, held her assertive independence in high regard. He saw her firmness of purpose and didn't write it off as unrealistic, instead urged her to remain unshakeable.

"You forget yourself, little terror," Daemon told her, an augury lacing his voice. "Our one true queen will require her heir by her side when she ascends the throne."

"Jacaerys is her heir," she stated.

"If you say so."

Aemma let his words hang in the air, feeling something amiss. Daemon merely winked and headed for the Dragonpit.

When the last of the Blacks had left the court, the Keep had reverted back to stillness. There was no hum of uncertainty in the air anymore. No one held their breath to see if anyone had let the axe fall. The calm before the storm, so unnatural and false, it seeped in like a craze waiting to flare.

While Aemond oversaw his usual princely burdens, Aemma stayed by Helaena's side, dispelling herself from the sights of those around the palace. Aemma saw Helaena as a ray of sunshine, a safe harbour amid the raging ocean. She talked only when she saw fit, or otherwise, she would pipe up with enigmas that would confound Aemma. There's a beast beneath the boards, she'd say. A piece of her silvern dream shines in the cave, she'd say. She meant no harm, she was simply expressing herself to someone who cared enough to accompany her.

Nonetheless, Aemma sensed a subtle estrangement from Aemond for a little while. Upon daybreak, as was routine, the couple broke bread together whereas Aemond simply went forth without a word or glance, lost to his thoughts. She attempted to regale him, took his hand, and led him to the Keep's secret tunnels directed into Flea Bottom, but he one-upped up her with a glorious morning of twisted bedsheets and hushed moans. He loved the intimacy with her—it wasn't mindless fucking, he wanted to make love. He wanted memories. He wanted more. It only got better with every effort.

"My queen," he had whispered to her when she rode him. She was too spellbound to care. "My true queen."

Aemma, breathless, had fallen over on his chest, laughing aloud. His spend was left thick in her as he rolled her over on her back, impassioned into another silencing, deep kiss. Aemond understood the consequences of spilling his seed into her, and how it would complicate matters.

He did ask her, for precaution's sake.

Abruptly, dread rushed into her expression. "Do you think I am with child right now?"

Aemond rubbed her waist soothingly. "Think nothing of it, my love. It's only been a few days—I will see that the maesters brew you moon tea on the morrow."

"Tea?"

"It'll rid you of... unplanned circumstances." He brushed her hair from her brows. "We will be more careful next time. I'd like you all to myself before our babes keep you busy."

She leaned on her elbow, amused. "Babes in plural?"

"So eager," he jested, poking her cheek. "I am a terribly greedy man, Aemma, with an insatiable appetite. I want to enjoy every last inch of you."

"Except you," she dug her playful fist into his hardened chest, "are the one with the probing inches."

"My, my, princess." He chuckled. "Such filth from a sweet mouth."

She roamed her lips around his jaw, ghosting kisses over his skin. "You love my sweet mouth."

He caught hers between his lips, biting down on the plumpness. "Very much."

It couldn't be disenchantment, surely not. But to be suddenly cut off from his unending promises of travels and pursuits for the past few weeks once the good deed was done, spurred a sourness in her mouth. Like a beautiful flame that died out from burning too bright. The map of the Shadowlands he gifted her started to gather dust on her dresser.

An expectant Aemma sat by Aemond's feet on a brief encounter before bed, voicing out a list she had spread out on the carpet.

"Once we reach Pentos, I wish to smell spice flowers and taste saffron. See crabs on the sand. And swim in the warm seas." She let out an excited shriek. "Paradise awaits!"

He unseeingly smiled at her, too immersed in thought, and gently stroked the back of her head.

Aemma imagined Aemond as an accurate Targaryen prince in his prime. This man, clothed in all-black, not a silver strand out of place, honing a warrior's grace, belonged to her, that much nobody in this realm could deny. Even if the mere shape of him lounging on his chair in front of the fire made her unreasonably nervous, her heart distending to her throat. His storm-ridden eye watched the burning embers in the fireplace, jaw taut, rolling something small on his palm. A coin, perhaps.

She crossed her palms over his knee and rested her chin on them. She gazed up at him, through her lashes. His uncanny distance continued to gnaw at her mind.

"I almost shiver at your cold eyes. Have I said something?"

He brushed her cheek silently, alternating between his knuckles and fingertips. "Of course not. I've had to tie up some loose ends regarding our departure from the continent."

Aemma simply tilted her head. She didn't need to say anything else; her presence and her touch were reassurance enough. He held her wedding-scarred hand to his lips, garnishing her long fingers in kisses.

"Aemond."

He hummed in response, that soft dulcet voice stirring him on. He eventually glanced at her when he noticed her silence. Her dark eyes shone with unshed tears, gripping a terrorizing fist around his neck.

"Aemma," he whispered his alarm, stroking her jaw softly. "You're breaking my heart, dearest. What is it?"

She hid her eyes in her palm, shaking her head. Of course, she would never let anyone see her cry, and Aemond didn't compel her either.

"I have been awfully selfish, my friend." Her voice was a mere rasp. "You should not have to renounce your title at court or your Faith to suit my needs. Relinquish your good life here. Helaena, the children. Perhaps we have been unwise."

He snickered, somewhat appeased. "In that case, I have succeeded you in triplicate."

She peeked at him with reddened eyes. "What?"

He dragged his fingers through her hair, from the roots to the ends, slowly. "Marrying you the way I did? It was the act of a possessive, reckless man. I craved you madly, and in my desperation, I claimed you as my own before the Valyrian gods."

She sniffed. "Yet I agreed to it."

"I suggested it," he triumphed. "Now I have you here, before me. You are my real future, Aemma." He ran a thumb across her fingertips. "And you've been bearing it up for so long. Between this delicate grasp." He touched a line down her forehead to her nose. "In this visionary mind."

A side of her lips lifted along with her spirits.

He cupped her face between both his palms, staring her in the eye, complete with resolve and love. "My world is you and for you. Nothing will ever change that."

Having said that, unbeknownst to most, Aemond was eventually made aware of King Viserys', his wayward father's, much-expected demise. At that moment, Aemond didn't care about the whys or why not. He had never felt so close to absolute authority, he nearly could taste the sweetness of vindication. A step closer to apotheosis. An unstoppable power on the back of Vhagar.

The small council conferred their questions of settling the succession until the arrival of a bloody dawn, while it was evident that their only plans shined a light on the usurpation of the throne. The Iron Throne would pass to the trueborn son of Viserys, Aegon, his drunken cunt of a brother.

This was, of course, backed by Ser Criston Cole's constant reminders of the viper of Dragonstone and her brood of half-breeds. "If the princess were to rule, her bastard daughter would reign after," he had claimed. "Are we to give the Red Keep to the brothel keepers?"

So it was no surprise to discover Ser Criston that same night, spoiled by his retribution, his sword drawn to the neck of the snoring princess, prepared to draw first blood. Poor prognosis on his part for Prince Aemond waited in the darkness, his dagger primed, aimed at Cole's jugular. As he predicted, the first threat to Aemma's life.

"You would murder your own, Cole," Aemond said, his voice a gust in the night. He despised that he spoke of realities, of Aemma's bastardy, and if there was a single justification there, it rang true in his outlasting devotion for her. Bastard or not, he had promised that girl his future, and she had promised him hers.

Aemma stirred over her pillow, blind to the waiting blade. Aemond's heart sank like a stone in his chest as the weight of that realization bore down on him—he had come terrifyingly close to losing her forever.

"She's my own as much as the scum beneath my boot," Cole spat. "I should've strangled her in that crib. Compassion got the worst of me."

Aemond's dagger pressed deeper into Cole's neck. "You dare utter heresy before your prince."

"You endorse the whoresons now, my prince?"

"Aemma is my greatest privilege. I will not see it squandered by the likes of you."

"The longer she breathes, the further she brings me disrepute."

When Cole glanced at him, Aemond felt bile rise to his throat. Those eyes—Aemma's exquisite eyes—stared back at him with nothing short of contempt. It gave him a taste of what would come if he were to ever forsake her.

Aemond spoke each word separately, a quiet command. "Sheath your steel before I am tempted to spill your sullied blood over my wife."

Cole's hand fisted against his hilt to consider the consequences and lowered his weapon. His scheming eyes never left Aemma as if he were thinking twice about using that pillow to end it for good. Aemond silently dragged him out of her apartments by his chest plate and shoved him away.

"Next time you cross me, I'll open your fucking throat and leave you for the crows to feast," Aemond warned and shunted the doors close.

The signal the end of King Viserys' reign, the bells of King's Landing tolled nearly three days after his death. Ravens flew to all distant houses and kingdoms, carrying the announcement of Aegon's ascension—one that Aemond had toiled hard to disgustedly bring to bear—and knights of the kingdom galloped on the streets, spreading the word to the smallfolk. There were exclamations, screams, weeps and hoots whilst nearly a hundred thousand of the city dwellers were escorted to the Dragonpit for the coronation.

Remorse unfurled like a waking babe in Aemond's stomach as he stood beside his sister and mother on the dais, under the towering dome. His mind was far away, with Aemma, possibly taking to the wind on their ship. His heart was torn between power and adventure, vacillating between duty and love. What would Aemma think of him if she saw him up here, partaking in treason against her mother, unfaithful to their pursuits? It felt like his one good eye was being ripped out by needles.

"You should've left with her," Heleana hummed ominously; quietly. Aemond found her eyes, seeing nothing but broken links.

His right arm remained empty, where he was supposed to proudly embrace his wife before the masses. It almost seemed as if he were invalidating their wedding's occurrence. Instead, Her Grace had ordered Princess Rhaenys and Princess Aemma's doors to be bolted and guarded until the coronation was over.

Within the Keep's Holdfast, Aemma was anything but oblivious. From frenzied rage, a strange sort of clarity arose. Her vengeful mother and her even more vindictive husband—they would rain fire and blood over this city. There was never truly a home for her here, not even when she was younger. This was a land for the covetous, so what was Aemond's part in this? Had they forced him there? Dangled her life as bait to tug at his strings like a puppet? Or... was he all too willing to see his usurper brother ascend the throne?

From her balcony, she could witness the festive celebrations within the Dragonpit. Before she could broil into thoughts of Aemond's knowledge of this happening, the door to the Maegor's tunnels in her room shuddered open.

Ser Erryk Cargyll appeared, a shining knight robbed of acclaim, concealing simmering rage beneath his white cloak. He had defected from the Kingsguard to support the dragon queen's claim.

"Princess," he said urgently, taking off his helmet. His hair was slicked with sweat. "The heir's safety is of the highest priority. I must see you to Dragonstone immediately."

Aemma stepped away, in dire straits. Her heart was with Aemond, she couldn't leave without an explanation. Not when the weight of their promises loomed over her head.

So she asked the only thing that mattered to her—"My husband."

"I fear he has withheld information from you, princess. Prince Aemond has lent his support in this treachery," Erryk disclosed.

"No." Aemma was left winded, slouching into herself. A sharp pain started between her eyes.

Of course, she tried to desperately justify his accusation. "He must've been deceived. Tricked by his mother—it's not like him. I know Aemond, I have all his life."

"Princess, please," Erryk interfered, more pleading now. "A fishing boat waits for us at the postern door. If we hurry, we can make it to your home before nightfall."

"No," she said again, shaking her head. "I must speak with him first."

Impatience broke the knight. "Your husband is a traitor, and I will not stand by while his family dishonours your mother's birthright!" Armour clinking, he marched up to her and seized her arm. "I am sorry, princess, but there is nothing left for you here anymore."

Tears blurred her vision, his face twisting to sorrow. A million hooks sunk into her endless promise and balanced her on a well-oiled rope—one side was her loyalty to her kin, and the other was her future with Aemond. Her life hung on a balance.

"If I come, I'll be betraying him," she whispered.

"He has betrayed you," Erryk triumphed. "He chose his family. You must choose yours."

X

Panting hard and dazed in senses—Aemond ran, his feet kissing the ground. Meleys breaking loose from the Dragonpit with Princess Rhaenys on her back was an admonition; to him, to his marriage, to his ideals. If the blocks had fallen right then Aemma was at his crossroads. She'd see him as what he was now: a turncoat, another power-hungry madman, a renegade.

And it would only be hate. He wouldn't stand it, not from her.

When he reached Aemma's room, he did so through Maegor's tunnels. His defences went up when he heard another set of footfalls from the corridors of her floor. He instinctively drew his sword.

Like a kick in his teeth, a flustered Aemma made the scene by Ser Erryk's side. Aemond swore his heart fragmented in his chest, plunging the sharp edges into whatever was nearby. He faltered in his step when he saw her disguise. He had finally done it—he had driven her away. He had driven his future away.

Aemma's doe eyes widened, mounds of consolation surging into them. She twisted her arm out of Erryk's and rushed to him in a heartbeat. A flicker of hope reeled in his distraught when she flung her arms around him to pull him close. He didn't hesitate to drop his sword and crush her to him as if she were slipping away. She would, and he would not be able to stop it.

"I don't care for what you did. I don't, it is mere politics. Let's leave, my friend," she dissolved into pleas and hysterics. "Let's take Vhagar and leave this instant. We don't need this. We have each other."

Uncaring of his audience, he pressed his face into her warmth. His favourite spot in the world. No place compared. One last time before he destroyed them. His whole world, the air in his lungs.

"Aemma," he murmured.

"Come with me." She dropped to her heels, wiped the tears from her eyes before he could see and took his hand into hers. She forced a tenacious smile on her face. "We will find our own way to Pentos. It's about time we left. We've already said our goodbyes, let's—"

He clasped her chin to interrupt her. Aemma's remained confounded underneath his anguished stare. He tried to channel all of his love, hope, dreams and promises when he set his forehead against hers. She stared back, uncomprehending, into his eye.

"Come with me," she mouthed again quietly.

"Take her," Aemond announced to Ser Erryk, his voice a ragged growl.

"What?" A broken whisper. Awareness seeped into her and it trickled acid into his veins. He could see her break, no lover or husband has to witness this ever. "No. No, I—I will remain beside you—"

"She is not safe here anymore. Make sure my half-sister knows that my goodwill saved her heir and my wife from certain death," he continued, pulling away from her. His body went numb, he couldn't feel anything even when she tightly fisted her hands at his collar.

"Aemond, no. Don't do this," she objected weakly, tears gathering under her eyes. You promised me, she tried to say through her trembling lips.

He circled her wrist, feeling her panicked heartbeat beneath her skin. "I have not forgotten our promise," he murmured, only to her. "Wait for me. Please."

She seemed to relax a little, her fingers easing their grip. She got his hand instead, squeezing it tight. She seemed to condense all her resolve and understanding into it, just enough for him to let her go. I love you, he thought. I love you, I love you.

Distance returned to his gaze and he nodded once at Ser Erryk. Swallowing down nothing, the knight ushered Aemma toward the exit of the winding staircase. She wouldn't stop looking back, stop sparing him the hurt, but he was doomed to the bitter sight of Aemma's tears and reluctance to leave his side.

Aemond pinned his quivering hands to his back and watched her go. If he was to snap, he would do so in private. A deep and unfamiliar pain clawed at his chest, emerging at the sight of her heading farther and farther away from him.

There was a blur of silver hair behind the wall, heartsick brown eyes then nothing.

X

[weirdmorefics]

Hi! Can I send in a request for being another timelord who travels with the 9th doctor and Rose Tyler being like a sister figure to Y/N?

A/N- Yes yes yes!!! I have actually had an idea for something like this just hadn't written it yet.

Readers Pronouns- She/Her

Word Count- 3.9k

Summary- (BASED ON S1 E6) The Doctor and Rose find themselves in a bunker in Utah full of alien artifacts. They are shocked to find some of these artifacts are alive and not here of their own free will. You just so happen to be one of these artifacts.

The Slightly Behind Timelord

I used to keep track of how many days I'd been chained and experimented on but the days quickly turned into months and the months turned to years. I've long since lost hope of ever returning to Gallifrey. It was in shambles when I was last home, the war was constant. I was a coward and stole my parent's Tardis to escape from having to fight. A stupid coward who didn't check if it was in working condition to only have crashed and ended up imprisoned by a man who I know as Mr. Van Statten. I should have stayed and fought then at least I would have died with dignity.

I have refused to talk since my arrival. I may have betrayed Gallifrey by fleeing but I refuse to make things worse than they already are there. Nevertheless, Mr. Van Statten comes and talks to me every single day asking about about my ship. They have dissected the TARDIS piece by piece. I secretly hope it burns them alive. When Mr. Van Statten inevitably gets nothing out of me he sends in a man an orange suit to torture it out of me. It never works but they do not stop.

Today was different they had a new man with them, he was restrained and they strapped him to the walls like me. I wonder if this was a new torture strategy.

"Look here we got you a friend maybe now you will do some talking," Van Statten says cheerfully.

I look at the man with pity knowing they are going to torture him as well. Van Statten's men unchain me and drag me to the other side of the room. I don't even fight them anymore I don't have the energy to spare.

Van Statten powers up his inhumane X-ray and says, "Smile!"

The man screams in pain as the red beam scans him and Van Statten smiles in glee at the results.

"Two hearts! A binary vascular system! Here I thought you were special," he shouts a glare in my direction and the man chained up widens his eyes.

The man doesn't look at Van Statten but puts his focus on me, "Where are you from?"

"No point in talking to her she hasn't spoken since we tore her from the rubble of her ship. She put up quite the fight when we started dissembling her ship screaming you are killing her. Then not a single word," he sighs in disappointment shaking his head at me. "I would get rid of her now that I have you but I need more information about the ship."

I suck in a breath they kill without care here, I wonder if everyone on this planet is like that. The man chained is certainly not from here maybe he can get me out. However, he is looking at me like I am unreal so perhaps not.

If looks could kill Van Statten would certainly be dead from this man's fiery gaze, "You're not a collector you're a scavenger."

"This technology has been falling to earth for centuries I am simply just making use of it. Oh the advances I've made from alien junk you have no idea, Doctor," he grins but I quickly interrupt.

I gasp, "The Doctor! Has Gallifrey won the war! How are you here?"

Van Satten's grin turns to a full-blown smile, "First you make the Dalek talk now my longest surviving exhibit! You truly are something!"

"there- there is uh... a Dalek here," I whisper afraid to speak their name.

The Doctor looks at me eyes full of guilt and astonishment, he still looks at me as if I am not here.

"Thank you again Doctor so much for getting her to talk keep her talking for me why don't you? Since you all seem so scared of said Dalek, I think I will go back and try to have a word with it. I find fear is the best motivator to get people spending, " Van Statten is practically glowing with joy and I wish I could smack the joy right off.

The Doctor wrestles with his chains trying to break free, "You can't go in there with it! Now that it knows that I am here it will come looking for me! No one on this planet will be safe!"

His screams fill me with fear if I could throw up right now I would but they hardly ever feed me so there is nothing to throw up so I end up hyperventilating. Mr. Van Statten ends up shocking the Doctor and his angry words are replaced with painful screams.

I struggle against my chains screaming at the top of my lungs, "He tells the truth! You don't stand a chance against the Daleks! The war lasted centuries on Gallifrey here you will be lucky to last day!"

Van Statten looks at me in awe, "Wow full sentences maybe you will prove useful after all these years."

Nothing I say to this psychotic man will ever get into that thick skull of his, I would facepalm if my hands weren't shackled to the wall.

Alarms sound and angry red lights flash, my heart sinks, it's to late.

The Doctor's tone shifts from begging to demanding, "Release me if you want to live."

Van Statten quickly makes work of the chains holding the Doctor down and runs for the door.

The Doctor points to me, "Forgetting someone?"

Van Statten waves him off, "We haven't the time!"

"You need all the information you can get on Daleks, let her out now!" he shouts leaving no room for questions and Van Statten quickly does the command.

My legs feel like jelly as we run into the elevator I can't remember the last time I've walked unchained let alone run. I felt so out of place, especially in a ratty hospital gown.

"You have to keep it caged," he shouts to Van Statten's lackeys.

"Doctor it's all my fault," a blonde says apologetically on the screen.

A guard informs us that he has sealed off the exits and the lock as a million combos no way the thing's getting out. I shake my head at his idiocy I just hope this blonde girl is also a timelord, the more the better.

"Daleks are genius they can figure out a billion combinations in ten seconds flat." The Doctor informs.

The Dalek quickly figures out how to exit the moment I see it on the screen I cover my mouth in horror.

"Don't shoot I want it unharmed!" Van Statten shouts.

"Are you that dense! You would rather a whole planet die than lose a collection piece!" I shout at the man who held me captive for years and swing a punch at his face which earns me the pleasant crunch noise from his nose.

two guards pull me away from him as I smile for the first time in ages. The Doctor doesn't seem to notice the commotion shouting for the blonde whose name is apparently Rose to run.

I look back to the screen to see the Dalek destroying the screen connection. I feared the sucker would go right through the screen and appear before me like a Weeping Angel. I stumbled backward but the guards just tugged harder to keep me in place. I groaned in response to the uncomfortable position.

The Doctor's head whipped in the direction of the noise in high alert, "let her go! You are focused on the wrong alien here!"

The guards look to Van Statten for his approval, "She's got one hell of a right hook, I'll give her that... drop her.

The guards took this a little too literally and dropped me directly on my ass, as the others make their way to the computer.

"Oh my god, it's draining the whole power supply," the woman with us gasped.

"It's not just the energy it's the whole internet, it knows everything," The Doctor states.

"Cameras in the vault our down," the woman relays.

"It's going to absorb everything," I sigh

"We have to kill it now!" The Doctor shouts.

We watch soldiers die again and again through the surveillance cameras. It's Gallifrey all over again I can't escape it, but maybe I can help this time instead of running away.

"Tell them to stop shooting!" Van Statten says but I am seriously praying this is a very cruel joke.

"But it's killing them!" The woman shouted back.

"They're dispensable that Dalek is unique. I don't want a single scratch on it!" he shouts to the lifeless soldiers.

I clench my fists, "You are asking me to hurt you! You are putting lives over a killer," I shout getting in his face his guards instantly stand up preparing for me to strike him again which probably wasn't far off thinking.

"He's an idiot we need to focus," The Doctor interrupts and I return my gaze to the map as they discuss alien weapons.

"There has to be a way to keep it alive, maybe we trap it down there-"

The Doctor cuts him off, "Leaving everyone trapped with it? Rose is down there. I won't let that happen, have you got that?"

That seems to shut Van Statten up for once thank god.

"Who is Rose? Is she from Gallifrey? Did you two come here to stop the last Dalek? Does that mean Gallifrey is safe again?" I ramble many questions at once.

"Doesn't talk for years now you don't shut up," he glares at me like this whole situation is somehow my fault.

The Doctor frowns, "Leave her be Statten." He ignores my questions and tells them to arm all the soldiers with alien weapons it's the only way to beat it. Then he directs the soldiers on how to kill a Dalek always aim for the eye the soldiers shut him down.

"I can't help but think everyone on this planet is insanely dense," I sigh.

The doctor smirks, " There are some good humans out there, you wouldn't know being stuck here with these imbeciles."

Van Statten's glare burns into The Doctor I feel the heat of the glare just from the proximity.

"We have visuals again," the woman informs and all of our eyes dart to the computer.

"It wants us to see," The Doctor growled.

We all stare in shock as the Dalek uses the sprinklers to electrocute and kill all the soldiers at once.

"Perhaps we should consider a different strategy like abandoning the place," Van Statten nervously stumbles over his words. I had never seen him like this he always seemed confident when torturing me. If this were any other situation I would be overjoyed to see him like this. I wish I was the one to make him feel like this, not the Dalek.

The woman glares at him, "Except there's no power to the helipad, sir."

"You said we could seal the vault," The Doctor interrupts their glaring showdown.

"There's not enough power!" she shouts.

"There's emergency power we could redirect it to the bulkhead door," The Doctor defends.

"It would take a computer genius to get through the security codes!" The woman says frustrated.

"Good thing you got me," Mr. Van Statten smiles.

"You wanna help?" The Doctor asks shocked.

"No there is no way he wants to help! It is physically impossible he has no empathy. This has to be a trick!" I shout.

"It's not out of empathy, I don't want to die as simple as that. This could have been avoided if you talked in the first place. I would have known what it was capable of years ago." He shouts back at me.

The camera turns back on and the Dalek's voice fills the room, "I shall only speak to the doctor."

"You are gonna get rusty," he responds to the Dalek who still getting soaked by the sprinkler system.

"I don't think now is a great time for jokes Doctor," I whisper.

"I fed off the DNA of Rose Tyler. Extrapolating the biomass of a time-traveler regenerated me," the Dalek speaks.

"What's your next trick," the Doctor rolls his eyes.

"I have been searching for the Daleks," it responds.

"Yeah, I saw downloading the entire internet. What did you see?" He saunters around the table.

"I searched your radio signals and telescopes," it responds.

I anxiously pick at the scabs already forming from when I punched Satten. What will happen if this Dalek happens to find more Daleks? What if he isn't the last one.

The Doctor seems completely unphased, "and find anything?"

"Nothing, Where shall I get my order from now!" It screams loudly.

"Nothing but a solider without any commands," the Doctor teases.

I look at him in shock he can't possibly think it's a good thing to rile up at a Dalek more.

"Then I shall follow my primary order, the Dalek instinct to conquer and destroy," it responds.

"What for! What's the point!" The Doctor shouts his facade slipping. "Don't you see everything is gone, everything you stood for."

"Then what should I do?" The Dalek actually seemed to have an emotion other than hatred. Many emotions. I would have felt bad for it if not for all they have done against Gallifrey.

"Alright, then. If you want orders follow this one. Kill yourself," the doctor responds coldly.

I look up at him with wide eyes this is not the Doctor they spoke of on Gallifrey the mischievous one who was too smart for his own good. This Doctor was cold and harsh with his words.

"The Daleks must live on," the Dalek shouts in a familiar rage that all Daleks have.

"The Daleks have failed! Why don't you finish the job and make the Daleks extinct! Rid the universe of your filth! Why don't you just die, " The Doctor shouts back such cruel words that I am worried that the Dalek will retaliate immediately.

"You would make a good Dalek," it responds and I think I have officially heard the worst insult anyone could make toward a Gallifreyian.

I put my hand on the Doctor's arm, " I am so sorry."

The Doctor does not look at me he looks broken but yells to Statten, "Seal the vaults!"

"She's still down there," the woman whispers to the doctor.

He calls Rose on his phone to get updates on her location he cares so much about this Rose she has to be a Time Lady like me. I can't imagine the Doctor having much time to visit other planets after the war.

He relays to her that he can't stop the gate from closing she has to run. He waits as long as he can and apologizes before shutting the vault. He frantically asks if she made it but his face quickly sets into a deep frown.

He quickly pulls off his earpiece, "I killed her."

Van Statten says, "I'm sorry." I have never heard him say sorry before I haven't heard the word sorry in so long it sounds foreign.

"I was supposed to protect! She was only here because of me! And you're sorry? I could have killed that Dalek in its cell but you stopped me."

"It was the prize of my collection!" He defended.

I shook my head hard, "You valued your collection over life you are disgusting."

"Man goes to space to be part of something greater," the Doctor spits.

"Exactly! I wanted to touch the stars! That's why I kept her here!" he points to me. "If you think about it, it is all her fault none of this would have happened if she told me how her ship worked."

The Doctor shook his head, "You just wanted to drag the stars underground! Of course, she wouldn't talk you enslaved her and experimented on her! You are about as far from the stars as you can get!" His angry screams turned to sorrowful sighs, "And you took Rose down with you she was nineteen years old."

"She's so young can she not regenerate?" I ask sadly.

"She's human," he sighs.

I can't understand what a timelord is doing traveling with humans I understand now is not the time for questions.

The elevator doors open and the Doctor is quick to yell at the man for leaving his companion behind.

The monitor turns back on the Dalek holding its weapon to the back of the girl, "Open the vault or Rose Tyler dies."

The doctor gasps, "You're alive!"

"Can't get rid of me that easily," she teases.

"I thought you were dead," he shouts.

The Dalek interrupts, "Open the vault!"

"Don't" she begs.

"What use are emotions, if you will not save the woman you love," the Dalek states. Curious what does a Dalek know about love?

"I killed her once, I can't do it again," he states as he presses the button.

This is most certainly not the Doctor who was infamous in Gallifrey how long have I been missing. I hear Van Satten shouting but none of it really matters anymore. The Dalek will kill us and I have been missing so long that no one back home will know the difference. I am not going down without a fight. If my life didn't mean something hopefully my death can.

I adjust my posture to appear taller, "You collect all these dangerous aliens so where are your dangerous alien weapons?"

The woman shouts at me "All the weapons are in the vault!"

"Only the cataloged ones," Van Statten's employee smiles at me. I can't help the blush that appears on my face I can't remember the last time someone smiled at something I said.

The Doctor nods his head at me, "Good idea." He still looks at me like I'm a figment of his imagination and will disappear soon.

We left Van Statten and his assistant upstairs and went to the basement for weapons. The doctor tosses the weapons that are useless but finds a gun which relieves some of my anxiety.

"Stay here! I'll come back for you as soon as I handle the Dalek!" He demands

"You are out of your mind! I've been locked here for years and you're the first timelord I've seen here! If you think I am letting you fight a Dalek alone you're mental!" I shout back it feels strange screaming at anyone after refusing to speak for so long even weirder to scream at a war hero from my own planet.

He takes a deep breath trying to control his rage, "I don't have time for this! I can't have you dying while I am saving Rose!"

I shove him, hold my head high, and walk right by him, "I have more regenerations left than you old man."

He jogs to catch up to me, "No convincing you?"

"God you sound like my parents when I stole their Tardis," I groan as we jog up the stairs.

He smirks, "I stole a Tardis myself once."

"Now that's a story I have to hear," I grin wide.

"Another day," he sighs as we quietly enter the room with the Dalek and Rose.

The Doctor steps in front of me "Rose get out of the way now!"

"No, I won't let you do this," she frowns.

I stare wide-eyed at her she can't be saying this does she know of the war on Galifrey why wouldn't the Doctor have told her.

"That thing killed thousands of people!" He shouts.

"It's not the one pointing a gun at me," she snaps and I kind of want to throttle this girl.

"I've got to do this the Daleks destroyed my home! My people! I've got nothing left!" He shouts.

My head whips to face the Doctor, "What do you mean nothing." My voice shakes no matter how hard I try to remain calm. "We didn't win the war? How are you here then?"

I turn back to the Dalek, "Did they win?"

I stomp towards the Dalek and the doctor pleads with me to wait. Rose looks at me nervously I guess I can still look scary in a hospital gown and no weapon of my own. When she steps out of the way I freeze in my spot I've never seen a Dalek out of its exoskeleton.

"What is it doing?" This has to be a ploy, one they use to seem weaker then snap. Though a Dalek would never do that they need to feel superior or they are nothing.

"It's the sunlight that's all it wants," Rose defends the Dalek as it reaches its hand to the sun I back up. This is not normal behavior.

The Doctors' gaze follows, "But it can't..."

"It couldn't kill me or Van Statten it's changing!" Rose defends yet again. "And what about you Doctor what the hell are you changing into?"

I whip to Rose, "You have no right! You have no idea what these Daleks did to our home!"

"Our?" She questions.

"Why do we survive?" The Dalek asks. "I am the last of the Daleks."

"You're not even that, you absorbed Rose's DNA. You are mutating," the Doctor explains.

"Into what?" it responds.

"Something new," he replies.

I frown I am happy that there are no more Daleks but this is truly a Dalek's worst nightmare.

"I am sorry," The Doctor sighs.

"isn't that better?" Rose asks.

"Not for a Dalek," why am I feeling sorry for the Dalek they destroy everything it's their goal. I can't help but relate to it when we have been stuck in the same prison for years... I thought about burning this whole place down myself.

"So many ideas, so much darkness. Give me orders! Order me to die Rose," the Dalek says pained.

She shakes her head, "No I can't."

"This is not life! This is sickness. I shall not be like you. Order me to die. Obey! Obey! Obey!" The dalek screams and I can't help but step a few feet back the words reminding me of hearing the constant battlefield noises out my childhood window on Gallifrey.

"Do it," she says.

"Are you frightned Rose Tyler?"

"Yes"

"So am I, Exterminate." The Dalek floats up and prepares to self destruct as Rose and I run away from it.

I fall to the ground as I watch the Dalek explode all the adrenaline I once had fades out of me. I look up to the Doctor, "What do you mean you have no one?"

His pitiful gaze that he sent me when he first found out I was Timelord made sense now as he responds, There's no more Gallifrey... no more Daleks. The whole planet gone."

I can sob " I should have stayed home. I should have never ran away. If I stayed at least I would have gone with my family." I turn to the doctor but can barely see him through my tears. "Is there really no other Timelords?"

Rose quickly gets onto the floor and rubs my back, "hey you never know! The Doctor thought he was the only Timelord left but here you are! Plus you get to constantly prove the Doctor was wrong not many people get the oppurtunity."

I sniffle, "That's true, and I do love proving people wrong."

"There you go," she soothes. "We will get you a good cup of tea my Mum always says tea cure anything," She helps me to feet.

"You are really good at this comforting thing. Is she always this sweet?" I ask the Doctor.

The Doctor seems to have glossy eyes as well but hides his emotions well, "Yeah, that's why I keep her around."

"Hey!" she shoves him.

"The grief is very heavy right now but I am thankful to be surrounded by such light that could even turn a Dalek's cold heart warm.

[thinkinonsense]

Eat or Be Eaten ✦ Steve Harrington x fem!oc: Search Party

╰┈➤ Summary: In the dark corners of Hawkins, Indiana holds the gate to an alternate upside-down dimension. When a little boy goes missing in the town, Johanna Hopper and her friends gather to help find him before it's too late. Along the way, Johanna finds herself getting intertwined with the likings of a strange little girl and someone she claims to hate.

╰┈➤c/w: violence, cursing, angst, mentions of death

╰┈➤ word count: 3.3k+

╰┈➤ last chapter here

✦ "You can't go with me, Johanna," Dad argued for the third time this morning.

"Why not?"

We haven't seen each other since the news broke and I wish I could say I didn't know how he must be feeling, but I do.

"Jo..."

"He was there for me. Let me be there for him."

Dad gave up after I said that. I drove him down to the morgue where he met with Joyce and Jonathan.

"You stay in the waiting room, got it?" Dad stated again before letting me out of the car.

I nodded my head.

Deja Vú has a funny way of showing itself sometimes because suddenly I was eleven again and here for my sister.

"Jo? What are you doing here?" Jonathan asked, sort of surprised.

"I came to be here with you and your mom," I said, pulling him into a tight hug.

"You didn't have-" He mumbled into my hair.

"I wanted to."

When we let go, he sat next to me. Dad was on the phone with one of the other officers and Joyce was still looking at Will's body.

"She thinks he's in the walls." He whispers, making me turn my head at him.

"What?"

"Yeah, she... she says she can hear him."

"She can hear Will?" I ask then shake my head at how silly it sounds. "That's not possible."

"That's what I thought too."

Dad told me about the phone calls but I assumed the same thing, kids in his grade just thought it was funny to prank call them. I didn't know Joyce was actually losing it.

"There is so much we still need to do." He sighed, leaning forward on his knees.

"If you need anything just let me know," I said, rubbing his back in circles.

"How did you do it?"

It was five years ago when she passed. I don't remember much leading up to it. She was sick but I guess my mind blocked out the other stuff. Once she was gone, my mom left too. She divorced my dad and remarried a man named Bill. They ended up having another kid that I'll never meet.

For the longest time, I hated both of my parents. You wouldn't think an eleven-year-old could hold so much anger. It wasn't until Mom left that I started to like my dad again. He used to be a lazy drunk who wouldn't move for days at a time. I can't say I fully blame him after he lost his other daughter but it felt like he didn't care that I was mourning too.

"Honestly? I don't know..." I sighed. "But I got through it so, I know you can too."

Suddenly, Joyce came running out the door.

"Ma'am! Ma'am! I need you to sign this!" One of the morticians yelled.

"I don't know what you think that thing is in there, but that is not my son!" She yelled back.

"Joyce!" Dad called as she walked out the door.

"Mom! Mom!" Jonathan said, running after her.

I looked at my dad for some answers but he just sighed and sat back down.

"What was that about?" I asked him.

"She's going through a lot right now, kid." He said, being as vague as possible.

Minutes later, Jonathan comes storming back inside for his coat and keys. I followed him out to his car and hopped in with him.

✮

This isn't my ideal afternoon, looking for coffins but Jonathan shouldn't have to do this alone. He should not have to do this at all.

For the most part, I zoned out while the funeral director talked to Jonathan, only adding small comments when he looked at me for an opinion. The front door opened and stood the last person I thought I would see today, Nance.

"Jonathan, Jo, can we talk for just a second?" She asked. 

Jonathan and I exchanged a short glance then followed her to the hallway.

They sat in the chairs while I leaned against the wall. Nancy pulled out a taped-up picture from the other night at Steve's house, letting us look at the figure she was talking about.

"It could be some sort of perspective distortion, but I wasn't using the wide angle. I don't know." He says, handing it back to her.

"It's weird though," I said, getting another look.

"And you're sure you didn't see anyone else out there?" She asked him.

"No." He answered. "She was there one second and then, um... gone. I figured she bolted."

"Barb wouldn't do that," I mumbled.

"That's what I think but the cops, on the other hand, think she ran away." Nancy sighed. "And I went back to Steve's and I thought I... I thought I saw something. Some weird man or... I don't know what it was."

Why would the cops just brush this off after nearly the same thing happened with Will and now he's dead?

"I'm sorry," Nancy said breaking the silence between us. "I shouldn't have come here today. I just... I just thought maybe you knew something or... Hopper might know.."

"What did he look like?" Jonathan asks her.

"What?" Nancy and I both said.

"This man you saw in the woods. What did he look like?"

"I don't know." She stutters, thinking back. "It was almost like he..."

"Didn't have a face?"

"How did you know that?"

Jonathan told the two of us to get into his car and he would explain. Apparently, Joyce has been seeing this figure in their living room, which explains why the Christmas lights are hung up in early November.

Once we reached the school, the three of us went to the dark room while Jonathan started developing the other photos.

"Did your mom say anything else?" Nancy asked him. "Like, um, where it might have gone to? Or..."

"No, just that it came out of the wall." He mumbled, trying to focus.

"Why didn't you guys tell anyone?" I asked.

"Your dad and I didn't believe her. It sounded too crazy to be real but now... who knows." He answered.

How could my dad not tell me this? Some creature could be running around in Hawkins and he didn't believe her?

I sat on one of the chairs while they watched the photo being developed. Their voices were quiet while she asked him about photography and inched closer.

"That's it," Nancy said, pointing to the picture.

I shot up and walked over to look. There was definitely a creepy faceless creature in the photo.

"That's what I saw." She restates.

"Holy shit," I said in shock.

"My mom... I thought she was crazy. 'Cause she said that's not Will's body. That he's alive."Jonathan's voice cared the same amount of surprise as ours.

"And if he's alive..."

"Then Barb." Nancy cut me off.

Later that night, Jonathan dropped off Nancy and then me. Dad never came home. I locked the door and grabbed the gun under my bed, laying it next to my nightstand just in case. I barely slept that night.

✮

The front door opened and I peeked through the curtains and saw Dad's car in the driveway.

"You're up this early?" He asked.

"Yeah, Will's funeral is at nine," I responded, pulling out my funeral dress. "Are you coming?"

"I don't think so, kiddo. There is some stuff down at the station that I need to take care of."

"Of course you do."

I shut the bathroom door before he could say anything else.

There's no real reason that I should be upset with him. He can't tell me any information about an open case but I don't know, I assumed since the Byers and I are close he would tell me what was going on.

After I showered, I dried my curly hair and got dressed. This was the same dress I wore to my sister's funeral years ago, shoved in the back of my closet where I wouldn't see it unless I specifically looked for it. Nothing about it was special.

Before going to the kitchen, I put a cardigan over it and grabbed my boots. There were Pop-Tarts on top of the fridge. I stood on top of one of the wooden chairs to reach it instead of asking for help.

"C'mon kid, is this necessary?" He asked, watching me climb down.

I ignored his question, mumbling a quick goodbye then heading out to my freezing car. While I waited to see if the heat would turn on, I looked at myself in the mirror.

There wasn't much makeup on my face. I curled my lashes but didn't bother with mascara, just a bit of foundation and a dark red lipstick that I used as a blush. The mascara would have been a waste anyway because I can barely keep it together now.

The heat kicked on while I was driving over to the gravesite. My car knew I needed some sort of win today. It was busy when I got there. I parked two spots from Jonathan's car, next to the Wheelers.

"Hey." Nancy greeted, walking towards me.

"Hey." I sniffled.

"Has your dad heard anything about...?"

"I'm not sure. I doubt he even knows about Barb, he's been so busy with Will's case."

She nodded. I watched her little brother, Mike join his other friends over by Jonathan and Joyce. The second I saw the casket, I froze.

"You okay?" Nancy asked, reaching for my hand.

"Yeah, it just hit me all of a sudden," I said, letting my guard down for a minute.

"I know you are close with them so, I can't imagine."

I nodded and she pulled me into a hug.

✮

We stayed next to each other while the service started, passing tissues from inside my coat to each other. When the priest finished and everyone split up, I noticed a shadow lingering behind me. Three shadows specifically.

"Can I help you boys?" I asked, Will's friends. The only one I could recognize was Mike.

"Yeah, um, I'm Dustin." The curly-haired kid smiled at me.

"Nice to meet you, Dustin."

"Nice to meet you too, this is Lucas and Mike."

He pointed to the other boys. They both waved awkwardly. It was sweet.

"You're Johanna Hopper, right?"

"Correct." I nod, grabbing a cup from the refreshments table and filling it with the black coffee in a pot. "Let me guess, you want to know about my dad?"

"Well, sort of. We want to know what he knows."

The kid comes off a little strong but I'll give him credit.

"Join the club," I mumbled into my cup of coffee; taking a sip. "Look, I wish I could help you guys out, but he hasn't told me anything."

"Hm..." The young boy thought to himself for a moment. "Well, if you find anything out, could you let us know please?"

"You'll be the first person I call."

I spotted Jonathan and Nancy sitting outside still; leaving the three boys inside. They stared at a map when I squatted, causing them both to jump.

"What are we looking at?" I ask.

"Where were you?" Nancy asked me.

"I got some coffee then your brother's friends tried to interrogate me for information." I pointed back to the map. "What's this?"

"Mapping out where this thing has been seen," Jonathan says. "There's the woods where Will disappeared, Steve's house, and my house."

"That's really close." I squinted.

"Yeah, it's gotta be within a mile or something." He said. "Whatever this thing is, it's not traveling far."

"You want to go out there," Nancy states, looking at Jonathan.

"We might not find anything."

"I found something. And if we do see it... then what?"

"Easy, We kill it," I answered, standing back up.

"She's right." Jonathan agreed, walking out to Lonnie's car.

Inside the glove box was a revolver and a small box of bullets. I watched as Nancy began to realize that we were serious.

"Are you guys serious?" She asked, looking around suspiciously.

Jonathan stuffed his pockets and then annoyingly stated, "What? Do you want to find this thing and take another photo? Yell at it?"

"And you're okay with this?" She turns to me, waiting for an answer.

"I'm not thrilled by the idea but it's our only option." I shrugged.

"Guys, this is a terrible idea!"

"You can go tell someone but they won't believe you. Look at Joyce, half of the town is calling, her a madwoman when she could be right about this."

"Doesn't she deserve to know?"

"Yeah, and I'll tell her... after that thing is dead," Jonathan said, shutting the car door.

The three of us made plans to meet back up in two hours. I told Nancy I would pick her up and meet Jonathan in the woods.

"Dad?" I yelled when I walked through the front door.

His car was missing but the television and the lights were still on. The living room was torn to pieces.

What did he do in here while I was gone?

"I'm so not cleaning this shit up," I said under my breath.

In my room, I changed out of my dress, putting it back in the depths of my closet, and threw on a brown top with some blue jeans. I hurried to take my gun out to my car, along with a box of bullets from Dad's room.

The drive to Nancy's wasn't that long, fifteen minutes. I drove down her street and noticed a familiar vehicle in her driveway.

"Johanna?"

Steve's voice traveled through my windows. He and Nancy across from each other with a bat in between them.

"You two are hanging out today?" He questions Nance.

"Yeah." She quickly answers.

"What are you guys going to do?"

"Uh,"

"Um..."

Nancy and I struggled to think of a good lie before she blurted out, "We're going shopping."

"Really?" He tilts his head and then looks at me.

I shrug, listening to Nancy ramble about some sale going on. He finally let her go after two minutes but not before forcing me to witness yet another one of their extremely public, borderline face-sucking, kisses.

Without thinking, I honked my horn and startled them.

"Sorry, I'm just really excited about the sale," I said, watching Steve walk away.

Steve drove off and Nancy finally climbed into my car, placing the bat in the backseat next to my book bag.

"Remind me why you like that douchebag, again?" I say as we pull out onto the main road.

"He's not a douchebag." She defends.

"And you're not a liar."

She rolls her eyes playfully before turning on Blondie.

✮

As soon as I parked, I bolted out and grabbed my stuff. Jonathan was already shooting at a couple of beer cans.

"Aren't you supposed to be aiming for the cans?" I teased, watching another bullet miss the target.

"Actually, you see the spaces in between the cans? Yeah, I'm aiming for those." He chuckled.

Nancy and I put our bags down. I grabbed my handgun and started putting bullets in while Jonathan and Nancy began talking.

"Have you ever shot one of these before?" He asked her.

"Have you met my parents?" She jokes.

"I haven't shot one since I was ten." He shares. "My dad took me hunting on my birthday, and made me kill a rabbit."

"A rabbit?"

"He thought it would make me more of a man or something. I cried for a week."

Nancy and I both started laughing before she pulled us back into the conversation, turning to me, "Let me guess, Hopper taught you how to shoot?"

I nodded my head and fired one bullet into a Bud Light can, knocking it off of the wood. Nancy looked over at me, surprised by the shot.

"After my sister passed and my mom left. He knew I would have to be home alone sometimes due to work so, he made me practice."

"Seriously?"

"Yeah, I'm way better than Jonathan."

"I hate to admit it, but she is." He agreed.

"Wow." She mouthed then looked back to him. "And your dad?"

He cocks the gun and thinks for a second, "Well, I guess at some point, he and my mother loved each other but... I wasn't around for that part."

Nancy reaches out for the revolver and Jonathan tells her where to aim.

"I don't think my parents ever loved each other." She says, watching the cans.

"They must've married for some reason," I said.

"My mom was young. My dad was older but he had a cushy job, money, and came from a good family." She raises the gun, picking her target. "So they bought a nice house at the end of the cul-de-sac... and started their nuclear family."

"Screw that," Jonathan mumbled.

"Yeah, screw that."

Nancy's bullet flawlessly, hit the can on her first try. It was impressive, to say the least.

"Take notes on how to shoot like a girl, Byers," I said, taking another shot. Nancy's bubbly laugh practically bounced off of every tree. Jonathan just shot his head while we kept shooting.

Eventually, Jonathan knocked a few cans over. Surprisingly it was fun hanging out with the two of them. We all swapped stories about our childhoods, most of which weren't super depressing.

✮

After a while, we started looking around for any creatures. I walked ahead of them with my gun in my hands. They were talking together but I wasn't paying attention until I heard yelling.

When I looked back they were standing a few feet away arguing. Just as I was about to go over there, Jonathan caught up to me, leaving Nancy behind.

"Everything alright?" I asked him.

"Yeah, everything's fine."

Everything was not fine. Nancy stayed behind us but eventually, it got dark out so we pulled out our flashlights. I could hear something moving around us so I stopped.

"What are you-"

"Shhh." I paused, listening closer. "Do you guys hear that?"

"Yeah." They both said at the same time.

We walked a bit further until we spotted a deer lying on the ground, covered in blood. It must have been attacked by a bigger animal. Nancy and I crouched down to get a closer look.

Poor deer.

"Looks like he's been hit," Nance says, looking at Jonathan and me. "We can't just leave it like this."

We all looked at the gun in Nancy's hand, we all knew what was going through her head.

"I'll do it," Jonathan stated, reaching for the gun. Nancy and I shared a look before she handed it over to him.

"Are you sure? I can do it if you prefer." I offered.

"I'm not ten anymore."

Nance and I stood back while Jonathan cocked the gun. Just as he was getting ready to shoot the deer was swept away by something. We jumped back, gasping.

"What the hell was that?" She said, scared to pick the flashlight up.

"I don't know."

None of us saw what took that deer. One second it was lying there, barely clinging to life then the next second it completely disappeared.

We walked around, looking for whatever it was. There was nothing there but the blood left behind from the deer.

"Where did it go?" Nancy asked.

"I don't know," I responded.

"Do you guys see any more blood?"

"No." We both said.

We were spread out looking, Jonathan went east and I went west. I figured Nancy went with Jonathan when I could barely hear her boots crunch under the autumn leaves. I swear it was only two or three minutes apart when I heard Jonathan yelling for Nancy. I took off running back to where we found the deer.

"Nancy!" He yelled louder than before.

"Jonathan, where's Nance?" I said, panicking.

"I don't know! I can't find her. I thought she went with you!"

"I thought she was with you!"

That's when we both realized Nancy was gone.

[storiesbyjes2g]

3.106 Eyes on the prize

I hated sitting there, listening to my wife cry, knowing I couldn't do anything for her. She was broken and I couldn't fix her. The weight of it all threatened to break me as well. In desperate attempts to remain strong for Sophia, I grabbed the dogs and went for the longest walk. Usually I wouldn't attempt a long walk with Kooper, but I needed it. I appreciated how steady the weather in Oasis Springs weather was. Whenever I needed to escape, I could always venture out into the dusty oven. The gentle swirls of wind and pitter patter of paws provided a soothing backdrop for my racing thoughts. How were we going to get through this? We weren't without options, but our dreams took a big hit. Our emotions suffocated us, and one day we would breathe again, but at the moment, it hurt.

The house was refreshingly quiet when we returned home, but I knew better than to think everything was magically alright. I unleashed the dogs and tiptoed to the bedroom to check on Sophia, but she was gone. It alarmed me at first, but it was a good sign. I found her outside, sitting at the table, staring at the air. I joined her but didn't know what to say or if I should say anything, but we definitely had much to discuss. Letting the silence linger for a moment felt appropriate. When comfortable, I drummed up the courage to ease us back to reality.

"So...what are you thinking about? I mean...what do you want to do?"

She glanced up at the sky as if seeking an answer from the clouds. But an answer didn't come, and her eyes came back to me.

"I don't want to give up but..."

"Yeah...I know."

"And we have to pay for the treatments individually. If they don't work and I keep getting them..."

"Good thing we have the money tree, huh?"

I winked at her, trying to add a little levity to the situation.

"That's true," she said. "IVF is even more expensive."

"Don't think about the money right now. We can figure that out later if we need to."

"What about your sister?"

"What about her?"

"Do you think she'll..."

"Alessia? No way."

"Why not? You haven't even asked her yet."

"Have you met her? She loves her body too much. She won't do it."

She sank into her chair, defeated by a non-existent foe. I felt it too, but one of us had to stay afloat and keep hope alive.

"We can think about that if it comes to it," I said. "Right now...maybe let's try the treatments for a few days. If they don't work, then we'll..."

I left my sentence dangling in the air, hoping she'd finish it. We were in this situation together, but I didn't feel right making decisions about her body, even though I was only trying to keep us focused on our dreams.

"Then we'll do in vitro," she said, finally.

"Okay then."

[aloysiavirgata]

Congrats on having the time to write! ’d love to read your thoughts on scully’s relationship with her mom - the true, deep shit, good and bad - as a fic or as meta.

This is complicated for me because FUCK ME do I ever relate to their relationship.

I’m 4.5 years older than my baby sister. My baby sister and my mother both…well. They both wear their hearts on their sleeves. You know how they feel, they have emotional outbursts, and then they Forget The Thing Happened. My sister looks like my mother, even. Petite. Traces of melanin. Slender.

I, like Scully, am my father’s Stereotypical Second Generation Irish Daughter.. I’m not comfortable with my emotions, I’m not comfortable with vulnerability. I look like my father’s five sisters who are tall and and long-nosed and narrow-hipped and full-breasted. We have high cheekbones and big eyes and a tendency towards anxiety. We are tremendously fond of cats.

When my baby sister was about six months old my parents went out for the first time and left us with a sitter. I was five. My mother was 24; she gave me a bowl of cream-of-mushroom soup and a grilled cheese sandwich for dinner. I loved both, a treat. My mother is orthorexic. She is very pretty. This is all still true.

I was five. I cried very quietly into my soup. I had the longest golden ringlets and Rainbow Brite’s horse, Starbrite. I was told very often that I looked like Drew Barrymore as Gertie in ET.

“Love,” said my daddy, who was 26. “We can stay home if you aren’t ready.” I told him the steam was bothering my eyes. He’s still wonderful, my dad. I love him so much. My children adore him.

My parents went out and the babysitter did whatever babysitters did in 1986. The baby slept and I colored or played or ate my soup. We had a plastic slide.

***

In 2008 I had an ectopic pregnancy, WITH MIRENA, MY LOVES, and it almost killed me. It ruined my anniversary dinner; I had reservations and floor-length satin halter dress the color of fresh blood. I was given Methotrexate on a Friday. On Sunday I had emergency surgery and my husband carried me, screaming in pain, like a bride. He put my children in the car. I have a high pain tolerance, but I wanted to die.

I spent days in the hospital. I slept a lot and my mother invited me to stay with her because my house had so many stairs. Because my babies were 3 and 2.

***

Mama and I watched The Magdalene Sisters, because my grandmother was from Waterford. We watched Memento Mori.

Margaret Scully said “I don't know why you didn't tell me. I don't know why you didn't tell me immediately.”

Mama was quiet for a long time. I think, then, that she understood me.

“I see,” Mama said.

****

We haven’t spoken of it since. Not really, not in a meaningful way.

I am 43. I had my first gorgeous, perfect baby at 23. I was in grad school.

My first baby will be 20 next month. We studied gastrointestinal disorders tonight. You are going to be so lucky when this stunning, brilliant girl cares for you.

[rosanna-writer]

Rosé Flowing with your Chosen Family

Summary: Role-Reversal AU. After accepting the mating bond, there's only one thing left on Rhysand Cursebreaker's agenda: introducing his human brothers to his mate, Feyre Archeron, High Lady of the Night Court. When Cassian and Azriel meet Feyre's Inner Circle, it might just be the longest family dinner of Rhys's life. Warnings: None Pairings: Background Feysand, Nessian if you squint Word Count: ~3.6k

Based on this prompt from @sjmkinkmeme: "Just good'ol family fluff. In which Rhysand Cursebreaker brings his brothers, Cassian and Azriel, to meet his mate, Feyre Archeron, High Lady of the Night Court, friends and family in the City of Velaris. Hilarity and shenanigans ensue."

Since it's almost Thanksgiving, I figured I'd finally get this awkward family dinner one-shot out of my drafts! You can find it below or here on AO3.

Rhysand picked up the second half of the Book of Breathings, the final result of so many months of scheming and a plan that had gone off without a hitch. Feyre would be delighted—not that Rhys would ever fail a task she assigned him as her emissary to the mortal lands.

Maybe she'd even show her appreciation in bed when he got back.

He tore this thoughts from Feyre and looked up at his brothers watching him with interest. They didn't say anything because they didn't have to; Rhys knew they were wondering what was next now that he had the book.

"You heard the queens," he said, "so it's your choice, whether you want to stay here or come with me."

"Come with you to Prythian?" Azriel said, as if he couldn't quite believe it.

"I understand if you'd rather stay here, but I think you'll be safer in the Night Court. My home is your home, and there are people there I'd like you to meet," Rhys said.

For Rhys, the Night Court had felt like the home he was always looking for, but that might not be the same for Cassian and Azriel. When he tried to think about his first days in Prythian, tried to put himself in their shoes, it felt like a lifetime away to Rhys. He'd been another person—Cauldron, another species—when he'd gone Under the Mountain.

"Like who?" Cassian said.

Rhys smiled in that way that always preceded one of those dramatic reveals he was so partial to. "For starters, I'd like you to meet my mate."

Rhys only got a glimpse of Cassian's grin before he was folded into another one of his brother's bear hugs. "You bastard, why didn't you tell us you had a mate?" Cassian said.

"I only just accepted the bond. Things have been…up in the air," Rhys said.

It was a bit of an understatement, and he planned to tell his brothers everything eventually. The bond had snapped for Feyre on the balcony just after they were freed from Under the Mountain—she'd grabbed him and winnowed him straight to Night. Rhys had hated her then. But so much had changed in the months since, and he'd just accepted the bond the other day.

Cassian let him go, and Azriel clapped him on the back next. "Who is she?" Az said.

Rhys's grin only got wider. "Feyre Archeron, the High Lady of the Night Court," he said, her name like a prayer on his lips.

Azriel cocked his head as if he hadn't heard correctly. "I thought she was your boss?" he said.

Rhys had been coming to the mortal lands not just to see his brothers, but also as Feyre's emissary. He'd asked her to allow him to handle this himself, and she'd given him all the space he asked for, no matter how much it worried her when being on opposite sides of the Wall dimmed their bond. His brothers hadn't met Feyre yet. The Night Court might be Rhys's home, but to them, the Queen of Night was still the wicked female parents told their children would eat them if they misbehaved, a demon and a nightmare.

Hardly the sort of person you'd want as a sister-in-law.

"I'm still her emissary," Rhys said. And since accepting the bond, everything had been such a whirlwind that he and Feyre hadn't discussed what being mated would mean for his place in the Night Court.

Azriel just raised an eyebrow at that.

"Well congratulations anyway," Cassian said, a little unsure.

"Thank you," Rhys said quietly, unsure how to express his relief that his brothers seemed more concerned about a potential power differential than the way a mating bond was just more evidence that he was no longer human like them. It meant everything that nothing had changed between them, even after he'd died and come back to life as High Fae. "Are you coming or not? If so, I can tell you more as you pack."

Cassian and Azriel looked at each other, a silent understanding passing between them, before they both nodded. Rhys relaxed. If his brothers had wanted to stay here, Feyre's soldiers would have kept them safe. But he'd breathe easier with both of them behind Velaris's wards.

And beyond that, he'd missed them.

Once their bags were packed, Rhys winnowed his brothers directly to the living room of the townhouse. The instant they arrived, Feyre's voice floated down the stairs. "Rhys!" she called, too relieved that she sensed his arrival to use her daemati abilities. "Did you get the Book?"

She appeared at the top of the stairs, dressed in one of Rhys's sweaters and a pair of paint-stained leggings. Her braided hair hung over one shoulder. The effect was decidedly un-High-Lady-like.

At the sight of two men flanking Rhys, she froze halfway down the stairs, eyes wide. "Are these your brothers?" she added, more quietly.

She should have known that Rhys might want them to come to Velaris after all the business with the mortal queens. But still, she'd thought he'd at least have warned her. Rhys spoke of his brothers with nothing but love and admiration, and she desperately wanted them to like her. Feyre might not admit it until the end of her immortal life, but she was nervous. She didn't want Rhys's family to look at her like she was a monster, just like everyone else did.

The one with the longer hair—Cassian, if she remembered correctly—just winked at her and said, "Come on, Feyre. We don't bite. Unless you ask us to."

Rhys slid his hands into his pockets, the way he did when he was nervous, too. "The last I heard, Cassian, no one has ever taken you up on that offer," he said. The other one, Azriel, just snorted at that.

Despite having been in the Night Court less than a minute, they were obviously comfortable. It gave Feyre the confidence to say, "I'm glad an appreciation for affirmative consent is a family value."

That actually coaxed a rare smile from Azriel, but Feyre didn't notice as she descended the rest of the stairs. Her attention was all on Rhys.

Perhaps it was the mating bond still being fresh, but after having him gone for just a few hours, the urge to launch herself into his arms was strong. Instead, she forced herself to focus and added, "But you did get the Book, right?"

Rhys smirked. "Of course I got the Book. Have you ever known me not to deliver?" he said.

In truth, she hadn't. But before Feyre could say anything, Rhys was kissing her, probably pressing a bit closer and dragging it out a bit longer than he should in front of family she'd just met.

When they broke apart, Feyre refused to look embarrassed. It took every last scrap of grace she could muster—and as a High Lady, that was quite a lot—not to blush furiously. "It's nice to meet you both," she said, then turned to Rhys and added, "I can take the Book to Amren while you show them around."

"Only if you promise to hurry back," Rhys murmured, fingers brushing hers as he handed her the Book.

Feyre's voice dropped lower. "Hurry back to you? Always."

Cassian's cough sounded mysteriously like the word "gross." Azriel chuckled. Normally, Rhys stayed out of his brother's minds, but he pushed past their shields and said, Behave.

Based on their expressions, Feyre could tell that Rhys had said something to his brothers mind-to-mind, but she decided she didn't want to know what it was. She pulled on a coat and tucked the Book securely under it. With her hand on the doorknob, she turned back to Rhys and added, a note of command in her voice, "We're having a family dinner tonight at the House of Wind. I expect all three of you there."

A family dinner meant everyone would be there. "Then let the games begin, Feyre darling," Rhys purred.

Once the door shut behind her, Cassian mussed Rhys's hair. "Look at you, Rhysie. A mated male," he said, as Rhys batted his hand away and attempted to smooth his hair back down.

"It is good to see you happy, though," Azriel said quietly.

"More importantly," Cassian said, draping an arm around Rhys's shoulder, "has she got a sister?"

His brothers would be in the same room as the Archeron sisters within a few hours—Mother save them all.

Rhys ducked out from under Cassian's arm and indicated the guest rooms up the stairs with a jerk of his head. "Two, plus a cousin who might as well be a sister, too," he said.

When Mor's family caught her with another girl and cast her out of the Hewn City, the Archerons opened their home to their cousin. Mor had told Rhys her story during his first week here, when Feyre had declared she was calling in their bargain, and it had helped him stop being terrified out of his mind of the Night Court. Mor was like him—Rhys had gone Under the Mountain for the love of another male.

After showing his brothers to their rooms, Rhys told them about it, as well as everything else. Feyre had winnowed him here after everything Under the Mountain, so overcome that she'd just blurted out that they were mates. By the end of that first week, they weren't friends, but he hadn't hated her anymore. Then his relationship with Tamlin had broken down in the aftermath of it all, and Feyre had offered him a soft place to land. Working as her emissary, preparing to fight Hybern—it had given him a purpose when he'd been adrift.

Determined to give him all the space and time he needed, she hadn't mentioned the bond since that first day. And yet she'd still breathed life back into him when his time Under the Mountain had left him a half-dead shell of a male. It was only a matter of time before he'd accepted the the bond. During his trips back to the mortal lands, his brothers had heard pieces of the story. But now they knew all of it.

It was a while before Feyre returned, far longer than it should have taken her just to winnow to Amren's apartment and back. Rhys supposed she must have been corralling her Inner Circle and that maybe she'd wanted to give him some time alone with his brothers.

"I'll need to fly you to the House of Wind," she said when she returned and found the three of them in the living room. "We should leave now since it'll be two trips."

"Fly?" Cass and Az said in unison.

Feyre smiled and let her wings shoot out from her back. The twin looks of surprise she got in response made her wonder if Rhys hadn't told his brothers that he could form wings of his own. He hadn't gotten around to learning to use them yet.

"What are you going to do, carry me up there?" Cassian said.

Feyre shrugged. "No one else is going to do it."

"Are you sure you can—"

Before Cassian could finish that sentence, Feyre hooked one arm around his legs and the other around his back and scooped him off the floor. "Is this alright, or would you rather I sling you over my shoulders?"

"Shit Feyre, what the hell do you eat in the Night Court?"

According to the rumors, younglings, but it didn't seem like the time to mention that. Feyre thought she might have frightened him, but Cassian seemed positively delighted that she could carry a man as large as him with so little effort.

"You'll find out in a few minutes," she said.

Feyre carried Cassian the last few steps to the door, then shot into the air once they were outside. To Cassian's credit, he didn't even squeeze his eyes shut during takeoff.

Now that it was just the two of them with no one else in earshot, Feyre said, "If you're considering giving me a speech about how you'll kill me if I ever upset Rhys, you don't have to bother. I already know."

Cassian snorted. "Rhysie might be a little scrawny, but he can handle himself."

If Cassian thought Rhys looked scrawny now, he should have seen his brother when he'd left the Spring Court for good. Now he looked the healthiest Feyre had ever seen him.

"Good. Anyone who marries into my family needs to be able to."

"What makes you say that?"

As if on cue, they reached the balcony to the House of Wind. "You'll know why by the end of dinner."

Her sisters were already waiting there. Elain had chosen a soft blue gown and kept her wings hidden; ever the gracious hostess, she'd probably been careful to look as unassuming as possible when meeting Rhys's human family for the first time. Nesta, however, was still in her fighting leathers, wings out as always.

As she set Cassian down, Feyre gave them a look clearly telling them to be nice. She didn't bother using her daemati powers—she and her sisters could communicate plenty with just a single glance.

And with that, she turned back to retrieve Azriel next. Rhys had told her that Az was the only member of his family with manners, and Feyre could see why. Azriel made polite conversation about Velaris and even started to thank her for flying him when they reached the House of Wind.

But they both went silent at the sight of Nesta and Cassian grappling on the balcony.

Feyre set Azriel down with a sigh. This could mean one of two things: either Cassian had immediately said something that set Nesta off (certainly possible) or the two of them were getting along swimmingly (equally likely).

Down the bond, Feyre said to Rhys, I know I said I'd fly you here, but we have a situation. You should winnow.

"Nesta!" Feyre said, shaking her head. Elain gave her a sympathetic look, and Feyre could've sworn she heard Mor and Amren snickering together in the corner. "Must you?"

Both Cassian and Nesta froze mid-grapple at the sound of Feyre's voice and turned to look at her. Nesta used the moment of distraction to roll over and pin Cassian to the stone floor.

Just then, Rhys winnowed above the balcony and dropped smoothly into place next to Feyre. "I suppose this is the situation you mentioned?" he said.

Nesta stood up, moving with her usual grace. "There is no situation," she said coolly. "I think I've proven my point."

She held out a hand to help Cassian up, so Feyre concluded this was a sign her sister had decided she liked him. Based on the pulse of relief down the bond, Rhys had come to the same conclusion.

Which was fortunate—with the way Cassian looked at Nesta as he took her hand, his eyes might as well have been replaced by hearts.

Rhys and Feyre locked eyes as a simultaneous Oh no crossed both sides of the bond. There would be more sparring from Cassian and Nesta in the future, and they'd all be lucky if they left the House of Wind standing at the end of it.

"Anyway, these are my sisters Nesta and Elain, my cousin Morrigan, and my second-in-command Amren. And this is Rhys's brother Azriel," Feyre said.

Elain stepped forward, extending her hand. "It's so good to finally meet you," she said with genuine warmth. "Rhys talks about you often."

"Talks about me positively, I hope," Az said with a wry smile, taking Elain's hand. "It's nice to meet you, too."

Elain being her usual charming self set Feyre's mind at ease—Mother bless her spymaster of a sister, who could drag secrets out of anyone with just a few smiles. Maybe they could actually get through this dinner without sending Rhys's brothers running away in fear.

"Is there a reason we can't continue this conversation over dinner? I'm starving," Mor said.

"As if I'd ever get between you and food," Feyre said. Mor stuck her tongue out, and Feyre hissed at her cousin.

As they walked towards the dining room, Rhys and Feyre reached for each other's hands at the same time. With the mating bond still so fresh, the urge to touch each other at all times was still strong. The only thing that had cleared Rhys's head enough to leave for the mortal lands without Feyre had been sparring with—or if he was being honest, getting a sound thrashing from—Nesta that morning.

The eight of them took their seats, a few significant glances between Feyre, Rhys, and Elain communicating their agreement to make sure Cassian and Nesta were seated as far from each other as possible. Mor caught sight of it and smirked into her wineglass.

The food was relatively plain—Feyre hadn't wanted to ask the cooks to put something elaborate together at the last minute. And yet Cassian was blatantly sniffing at his forkful of chicken. Azriel kicked him under the table.

Rhys gave his brother a sympathetic look. "It was hard for me to trust the food when I first came to Prythian, but I assure you it will be the best you've ever tasted," he said.

Feyre pushed her own food around on her plate uncomfortably. She'd forgotten the human superstitions about eating fae food, even though Rhys had told her all about how hesitant he'd been to touch it during those first days in the Spring Court. Cauldron, she'd just gone and invited them to dinner.

Rhys squeezed her hand under the table. It's fine, he said down the bond, giving her another one of those smiles that made her heart flip.

"I never thought we'd find someone whose table manners were worse than Amren's," Nesta said from the other side of the table.

Cassian grinned, holding her gaze the entire time he bit into the slice of chicken, chewed, and swallowed. Nesta's lips curled back into a snarl.

Mor quietly filled a glass of wine and slid it to Feyre.

"Criticizing my table manners? That's bold coming from an Illyrian," Amren drawled.

Feyre stilled, instinctively looking to Rhys. His brothers had already been brave just to come to Prythian and eat their food, and she did not want to explain exactly why Amren wouldn't touch her plate, at least not on Cassian and Azriel's first night here. It had been difficult enough to get Amren to forgo the blood just this once.

"Might I remind you that I'm also Illyrian?" Elain said, a little tartly. It had always been a point of contention with her—she might not have been a natural-born warrior like her sisters, but her mother hadn't allowed her to get out of training to fight.

"Elain's right," Mor said. "It's not Illyrians who are the uncivilized ones, it's the males. We had five centuries of peace until Rhys came along."

"And just had to drag two more with him," Nesta muttered darkly.

Feyre shot Nesta another warning look, ready to remind her sister that Rhys had brought his brothers to the Night Court for their own protection. Nesta just shrugged as if to say "I have a point, don't I?"

Yet again proving he was the only one of Rhys's brothers with manners, Azriel steered the conversation to safer ground, saying, "Your top advisors are all female? That would be unheard of in the mortal lands."

The wave of pride that Rhys sent down the bond was so strong that Feyre blushed and ducked her head, a little overwhelmed. "Far too many courts have no female advisors at all. I dreamed of something better, and when I became High Lady, I made sure things changed," she said.

So had her sisters, who were dreamers just like her. After taking command of her armies, Nesta had ensured female Illyrians received ample opportunities to train as warriors, and it had been Elain who turned the library in the House of Wind into a place of refuge run by priestesses in need of it.

"It's not exactly what I expected when I first arrived here, either," Rhys said.

Nesta started to say something, but Elain cut her off with a glare and said, sweet but pointed, "I'm glad we were able to change your mind."

"Speak for yourself," Nesta muttered.

Cassian's eyes gleamed, bright with interest, as if he were sizing up an opponent. Nesta stared back without blinking.

Before she had a chance to start growling, Azriel said, "Have you always been able to fly?"

It was all the opening Elain needed to direct the conversation to an anecdote about Feyre crashing face-first into a tree when she'd been learning to fly as a child. And in turn, Cassian seemed to get into Nesta's good graces by telling a story about hitting Rhys in the face with a snowball several times in quick succession.

At the sound of her family's laughter, Feyre found herself relaxing. By the end of the meal, it seemed they'd actually managed not to scare off the humans or offend them, and they'd even dodged any awkward questions about exactly why Amren hadn't touched her food. Perhaps…this dinner might not have been anything close to the disaster that she feared.

Or at least, it seemed that way until their plates were clear, and as they all stood to go, Mor grinned and said, "Why don't we take Cassian and Azriel to Rita's?"

[theburntgasoline32]

TUMBLR!!! I NEED YOUR HELP!!!!!! TL;DR I NEED A NAME FOR A STORY!!! (skip to the part in blue for the story)

okay so. As of recent I've been writing this story for my OCs. Told my mum about it and she says that I'm apparently gifted or some shit like that?? Like doesn't everyone make maps, geography and culture for their ocs /silly...

That was off topic, and now back to being on it. I need a name for the story. I've spent a long time writing it, and I want to see if this maybe would have a chance outside of my mind and friend group. I'll write a small summary of the story, but let me provide a bit of background for the characters, world, and other details around it.

On a faithful March 10th 2021, 12 year old me was playing Meep City. In a FNF party no less. I was playing as Hex, but his fun-sized one and called it "kid hex". The other person, who I'll call Advent since his full user at the time was something along the lines of "AdventureTwins11", motivated me to call the mini version of the basketball playing robot something else. "Give it a more original name" was basically what he said. I complied, and went through an extremely complex thought process.

Continuation under the cut!

Did I get you there? lmao His name was changed by one letter and one letter only. Into Nex. Past me was completely oblivious to me opening Pandora's Box. We were like "haha, this is so funny lmao" since it was stupid. A week or two later, I asked if I could make him a girl. Advent said that he was chill with the idea, so I went with it. Few more weeks pass, and then we stop abruptly. I didn't get why, just went with it.

Discord came into my life. Woooah storyy of undertale a lot of things happened that I would probably need to censor, but then one day a holy saviour called Amy (@.amysxnflower LOOKING AT YOU BITH) let me join their discord server in the late 2021s. Year later that server went down in flames, but they made a new server. One day, i don't remember if it's during or after the events of SBRP's downfall I made friends with one of the mods. And after another successful rotation around the sun on my daughter's side, I decided to start talking about my robots. That's kinda when everything changed, and here I am now, writing this tumblr post. Nex has changed from knockoff to only having a similar name, but now she's the deuteragonist of the story I'm in search of names for.

Alright, time for the ACTUAL story. It's incomplete and a rough layover of my plan, but it's what I have for it right now.

Yeah, ever had that one weird dream about... huh, meeting... another person that's like you? What? They... look and resemble you. Not the same person, but... The person that had this dream is called Shock Rai, the longest lasting creation of his creator. He and his younger sister Nex are both citizens of the town Southport, England. Today, they need to go out to get a new closet, because, uh... Nex somehow broke her old one. Shock doesn't even KNOW how that shit happened. Skip a walk to the closest furniture store, these two are rushing to look at the closets. Why? For no particular reason- Okay there was gonna be a storm and they'd die if they were out in that weather. However, the gods seem to not be a big fan of them, so they end up getting trapped in the furniture store. Deciding to just stay there until the storm heads out and the sun peaks through, they just kinda hide in a place that not many employees would head to based off of their observations. And after a lot of sibling arguing, Nex manages to go off on her own to look around. She finds... a closet. Not like the others, but when she opens it, it's just an empty void. She called over to Shock, and they both crawled in, walking... in a 1.5 ft wide closet. How? They don't know, it didn't add up in their mechanical little brains. ...Then a drop. A few bangs to the head, and... wait, why are they... in a completely different city? Why did they land in an alleyway overgrown with plants? This isn't their world. It was like the dream that Shock had, there were... other robots there. Like them. Nervously and hesitantly, they began walking around, not straying too far from both each other and their landing spot. That's when the hier of the nation saw them both.

Looking back on what I just wrote, what the actual HELL. Anyways, yeah, Shock and Nex are the protagonists of my little story that I'm writing. Here's what they look like, stolen STRAIGHT from their Art Fight references (i'm not good at art, i know):

Yeah, artistic confidence is NOT skyrocketing right now. Anyways, please, do tell me, how do you want this story to be named?

[jessicanjpa]

debutante

An excerpt from this chapter of 1950: It's Alice's first time going to school and Emmett is determined to prank her. Edward POV.

Alice's prediction that we were going to high school was, unfortunately, correct. Jasper knew how eager she was to begin going to school with the rest of us, and soon persuaded her that he would be just fine at home with Esme. Carlisle had gotten his coveted research position, but would still be working nights as often as he could manage, so he would also be home in the daytime occasionally.

Rosalie was a little disappointed about not going to college this time around, but she also wanted to be there for Alice's first time. And we all agreed that it should be high school, not college; less sun, a more predictable schedule, and plenty of opportunity for her siblings to remind her to act human. So for the first time ever, there would be four Cullens enrolling all at once— though not as Cullens. We were all Smiths this time around… just in case Jasper had another accident.

"I guess the Hale twins will have to wait," Rosalie sighed as we all sat together in our new living room, filling out our enrollment paperwork. We had found an old fixer-upper smack in the middle of nowhere, a mere fifteen miles from the park. It had a two-mile-long driveway, and the best part: the brief run to the park didn't cross any roads or go near any human settlements. Perfect.

"Let the McCarty twins have a turn, then," Alice said, winking up at Emmett.

I snorted. "It's still a dumb idea. Nobody's going to believe that you two are twins."

"I don't know," Carlisle mused, trying various possible combinations out in his head. "Maybe not twins, but how about biological brother and sister, with Emmett being a year older? And I suppose you could use McCarty if you like; we're a long way from Tennessee."

Alice and Emmett shared a high-five. "What about you two?" Emmett asked Rosalie and me.

"I could be Esme's younger brother again," I offered. "That would help break up the—" Esme cut me off, appearing beside me and kissing me on the cheek.

"I think that's a wonderful idea," she said, slipping her arm through mine. "Just like old times."

"I'll be Rosalie Smith, adopted at age six as usual," Rosalie decided. "Though I want to be the same grade as Emmett this time."

"I'll start as a freshman so I can keep an eye on Alice, and you two can be sophomores," I said reluctantly. "That'll give us the longest possible stay."

"Isn't this exciting?!" Alice squealed, filling out her form at lightning speed and dancing through her visions as she wrote. "I've never been to school before!"

"And you won't be there long, if you don't remember to act human," I warned her. "Starting with your writing speed."

"And walking speed," Rosalie added.

"Even I can tell that you talk too fast," Jasper said. "Slow it down a little."

"And do try not to answer people's questions before they ask them," Esme suggested gently.

"And remember to blink sometimes," Carlisle reminded her. "Shift your position now and then, so you don't look like a statue. And it always helps to—"

"Hey, everyone back off!" Emmett ordered, wrapping a huge arm around a pouting Alice. "I can take care of my little sister without you lot barking orders at her."

"Thank you," Alice said indignantly, tossing her head like Rosalie—though it didn't quite have the same effect, since her hair couldn't flip over her shoulder. Emmett squeezed her shoulders hard, thinking how nice it was to finally have a sister in the cover story.

This is going to be so awesome, he thought, grinning down at her. Let Operation Prank-the-Little-Sister begin!

.

.

.

The school, like the town, was under construction to accommodate the surge in population. There were two other sets of siblings that were new to the school the same week we started, and a good thing, too; with all the construction going on, a few of our classes were out in trailers and the sun seem determined to ruin our first day. Anything that diluted the attention of our peers was welcome.

Alice and I were late to our first class, which was English. The teacher gave us a sharp look as we slipped into two of the empty seats, trying not to draw attention. Which was impossible, because Alice had dressed up for her first day in something she called a poodle skirt, which she had ginsisted everyone else would be wearing. But her visions must have been skipping ahead, because nobody else was wearing one. All the girls near Alice's seat immediately began whispering behind their hands about the strange new girl.

"Slouch a little," I whispered behind my own hand. Alice was looking a little too enthusiastic, especially for first period. She carefully bent forward over her desk, arranging her posture and hands to match those of the students near her. The other girls continued to gossip about her, but that only fueled her excitement; if she had missed the mark in terms of fitting in, well, then she would just have to set a new trend for high school fashion.

I made a mental note to lecture her later about the need to not attract attention. But it turned out all right; by the time the first hour was over, several of the girls had decided to try and find a skirt just like Alice McCarty's. At least she had taken Esme's advice and used some of my old pomade to smooth down her hair into a respectable arrangement.

As the bell rang to end the period, the teacher shouted over its clamor. "One more thing, class! Here's a new book for you all to begin reading tonight. I think you'll all enjoy this one."

"Romeo and Juliet," Alice read aloud, flipping to read the summary on the back. "Ooh, a romance! Have you read this one before, Edward?"

"Only six times," I sighed, staring morosely at the book in my hands. I had agreed to go to high school for Alice's sake, but I was just beginning to remember why I hated it. Earlier this year, I had been a prestigious medical student. Now I was fifteen again, with half-grown girls batting their eyelashes at me. I had to ask permission to use the restroom, for heaven's sake. Not that I needed to, but still. And was it really necessary for every high school English class in the entire North American continent to read Romeo and Juliet?

On the other hand, there was something rather nice about being a carefree adolescent again. Our stay in New England had brought some pleasant memories: my first try at medical school, the addition of Alice and Jasper into our family... but also some painful ones. As I had said to Rosalie, this was the beauty of being immortal: every few years, we were given a chance to move on... to make a new start.

.

.

.

We met up with Rosalie and Emmett at lunch. Rosalie was enjoying her usual initial fame, leaving a line of gaping boys everywhere she walked. Emmett enjoyed the attention she was getting almost as much as she did; he was determined not to touch her for at least a week so the other boys would think they had a chance.

"That's just wrong, Emmett," I whispered from my spot in line behind him. "Kiss her and put them out of their misery."

"No, it's more fun this way!" he insisted. "And this way, I get babes staring at me too. Don't tell me you don't enjoy that at least a little."

"That's easy for you to say," I muttered. "You don't have to hear their thoughts. Do you have any idea what sixteen-year-old girls are capable of thinking these days?"

"So pretend you're going steady with Alice."

I snorted, grabbing a tray. "Somehow, I don't think Jasper would appreciate that."

He shrugged. "Whatever. Oh! Here she comes. Hey, sis, over here!" Alice scampered over to join us in line, barely keeping to human speed.

"Hi, everyone! I was just exploring one of the restrooms. Did you know they have mirrors that are five feet wide?!"

Haha! Watch this, Eddie… "All right, let big brother show you how it's done," he said grandly, handing Alice a tray. He dropped his voice to a dramatic whisper. "Now, the trick is to find the food that has the blandest scent. That way it doesn't taste so bad."

Alice grimaced, surveying the putrid choices in front of her. "But I thought… I didn't know you really ate it."

"Not in college," he said wistfully. "But in high school, they notice if you don't. Especially on the first day. I mean, a few bites is usually enough…" Come on, Eddie, back me up!

I rolled my eyes, but played along. I was her brother too, after all, and this was our only chance to pull one over on her. "Bread is good," I added, selecting a dinner roll and slapping it down on Alice's tray. "Nice and dry. Don't let them give you any butter. Vegetables are a good choice, too. Very natural."

"No!" Emmett whispered excitedly. "Meat. It tastes the closest to blood. Trust me." Alice reluctantly held her tray out, her nose wrinkling as the lunch lady plopped a serving of some wretched meat dish on her plate.

"Alright, now you have to get dessert," Emmett instructed. "It's standard high school procedure to leave most of the real food and eat all the dessert." Alice frowned again but reached for a danish. "No!" Emmett sighed, shoving her hand away. "You're a girl. Girls eat chocolate." He grabbed a dish overflowing with chocolate mousse and put it on her tray. "And milk. Also relatively painless to get down—I mean, we drink animals' bodily fluids all the time, right?"

"But—"

"That's good," he pronounced. He paid for all three of us. We made our way to an empty table and were soon joined by Rosalie.

She frowned, looking at Alice's loaded tray. "What—" Emmett made a cutting motion, and she sat down, rolling her eyes. Emmett began fiddling with his lunch, waiting to see what Alice would take a bite of first. She finally scooped her fork into the meat mixture, which was already funny because she was holding the fork wrong. She raised the foul stuff toward her mouth, but promptly had a vision of Emmett roaring in laughter as she made a horrid face.

"Emmett McCarty!" she hissed. She lowered the fork back to her plate, finally noticing that the rest of us had made different selections, and gave our brother a withering look. He sighed in disappointment.

"Can't blame me for trying," he grumbled, lifting his unopened pint of milk to his lips.

We spent the rest of the lunch teaching Alice all of our strategies for pretend-eating and for making the food look like we had eaten a good half of it. She did try a tiny bite of mousse out of curiosity, and just to be a good sport, Emmett tried one too.

"Not as bad as I thought," he admitted, gouging a bigger spoonful out of the mousse and burying it in the depths of his salad. "Now. It's tradition for new students to stand up and introduce themselves to everyone during lunch because it's the only time we're all together. The girls usually do it, though… "

Alice looked around the lunchroom eagerly, wondering what some of her new peers were like. She pushed back her chair to stand up, but then foresaw a crowd of students staring at her in confusion. She scooted her chair back toward the table, glaring at Emmett.

"Man…" Stupid visions. I'll get her yet.

"Good luck with that, Emmett," I laughed, leaning back and tossing my napkin over my mangled food.

"All right, seriously," Rosalie murmured to me behind a chewing motion. "Any problems?"

I shook my head. "All clear."

"And how are you doing, Alice?" she asked, touching her throat discreetly.

"Fine," Alice chirped.

"Good. I'd like to stay here for a while, if everyone can behave themselves." Rosalie shot Emmett a threatening look.

"I don't know what you mean," he said innocently as he stood up to throw away his uneaten lunch. "Come on, Alice, we have a few minutes before the next period. I'll give you a tour of the bowling alley in the basement."

[m323200]

4x05: Flight or Fight

photo is perfect for this part

——

THE LONG AWAITED PART IS HERE!!

Find out what happens to Luke and Isabella.

WARNINGS: ABUSE, VIOLENCE, BLOOD.

MAY BE THE LONGEST AND BEST PART I EVER MADE

ALSO MY SISTER WROTE THIS. To me I think she did this good. She wanted to make this part based off an episode of her favorite show.

Enjoy

———

HALEY POV

I found a body outside the house, it was Luke. I called 9-1-1, "I have a male who's 19-20 with multiple stab wounds to his torso. Need medical and police response.", that's what Dylan told me to say. The person said, "Okay, ma'am, can I get your name?" 

I said, "Haley Dunphy. I'm his brother.". The dispatcher had a familiar voice, but I knew who it was, my old friend. "Stacy?". Dylan took over the phone, "He's got profuse bleeding to his abdomen. Breathing is labored. Might have hit a lung.".

I kept crying. I held his hand and helped Dylan by stopping the blood. Stacy said that the RA unit's two minutes out. I kept panicking and thinking if he would be alive. 

Stacy asked, "Do you know how this happened? How long has he been down?". Me and Dylan didn't know. We had just gotten here. 

Dylan said it looked like he was bleeding out for minutes. Stacy told us, "How's his pulse?". Dylan looks for a pulse. It was weak, but there. "Brian...", he talked but not a lot. 

I told Stacy that he's talking. I said to Luke, "It's okay...I'm here, okay? Just stay with us Luke". Luke said, "Isabella...". Sirens were approaching close as it gets louder. 

I asked him, "Where is she? Where's Isabella, Luke?". The paramedics came, "We got it, guys.". I ran inside the house, "Isabella! Isabella! Dylan look upstairs!". 

He ran upstairs and we both called out her name. I found something, "Shit..." Stacy asked, "Haley? What is it? What did you find?". 

I told them her stuff was all here, her phone, wallet, keys. Stacy put out an alert, "All units be advised, we also have a critical missing 19 year old female: Isabella Wheeler."

2 Years Ago

ISABELLA's POV

Before The Incident and After The Hollywood Murders

Brian yelled, "Hey babe! Look at this!". I came running in seeing if everything was good or bad. He pulled up a rare wine bottle. "Happy Birthday to my one and only precious diamond. Now let's celebrate!". We kissed.

We danced to the music. He danced. He pulled me to dance. I got excited. He then spin me around and I accidentally knocked over the wine bottle and glass cups. I panicked. He said, "That's okay. People made mistakes. But why can't you ever learn.". He then punched me.

Present Day

Brian yelled at me after he punch me, "Damn it, Isabella! This is your fault. I said you can't leave me no matter what. I warned you. But this happens when you don't listen." I kept crying with tears. I asked, "Is he dead?". He told me if he's not, he's not our problem anymore.

I tell him that he's a good man, that he wouldn't hurt anyone. Brian said he want to hurt him. That they were friends. I got confused. He said, "If you'd have just stayed-", I interrupted, "Brian, how long have you been here?". 

He said he needed to make sure I was safe, "I saw you with your family, I thought, all right, fine. She needs some time, just give her some space. She always comes home. Then I saw you with Luke in that house, holding hands, kissing...I knew... I knew I waited too long.". I tell him it's not too late. He said that he killed someone for me and there's no going back for both of us.

Jay and the whole family besides Claire, Haley, and Dylan. Mitchell, "I got here as fast as I could. How's he doing?". Jay said he's alive, but got stabbed bad. Alex asked if he's in surgery. Gloria said he lost a lot of blood. As soon as he's ready, they'll prep him for surgery. They wonder who would do that. 

HALEY'S POV

I said with confidence, "It was Brian. Isabella told me that if she left him he would kill her. He did this.". The cop investigator said, "You said he lives in Pennsylvania. He knows she was here?" I sorta said, "No, she-she...". Claire's cop friend, Emma, said that she was filing for divorce and that could've put her on his radar. They said they'll take a look at him. 

I told them, "Wait, detective. Luke said he had a new friend, some guy he was... he was gambling with. I never met him, but now I know why, you know, 'cause it was Brian. He got close to Luke so that he could get close to Isabella.". I looked at their faces, it looked like they didn't believe me and thought I was going crazy. 

I tell them to check his phone. They said they can't open it without the victim's consent. That's bullshit. Emma said that they'll go through his phone records, but it'll take time.

I yelled, "Isabella don't have time! Brian did this! He could've killed Luke and he could maybe kill her next...". Claire told me, "But he didn't. Haley, may-maybe you're right. It's Brian. And he found out where Isabella was, and he came here, and he hurt Luke, but look it. 

Dylan said, "No body. Only Luke's blood. If he wanted to kill her, we would've seen her, but we didn't. She is alive when he took her, and that's what we're gonna hold onto right now."

I asked if I could change into a fresh pair of clothes that mines are covered in some blood. They tell me not to touch anything. The detective tells Emma, Claire, and Dylan, that someone has to prepare me. 

Emma said, "We're not there yet.". Claire thought, "You don't think you're gonna find her alive." They said in these scenarios, they don't end good. I asked, "Can one of you guys drive me to the hospital, I wanna see Luke.".

Dylan said he'll take me. Emma said to Claire, "We found a camera across the street caught a man forcing her into his car. All we got is a four-door sedan, dark in color. Doesn't exactly narrow the search.". Claire looked, "Where's Luke's phone?".

Emma came out with Claire and two cops. Claire said "You know, they didn't believe me. They said no one is stupid enough to steal that phone. I said, "You don't know Haley.". 

Alex told me that was a dumb move, but smart how she got the phone with no one noticing. I told Alex, "I told Isabella...that...she didn't need to keep on running, that she could start over here, that she would be safe. That I, we would keep her safe.". Alex said not to blame me. That it could've happened either way. 

Emma said, "I spoke with detective. He's not happy with you. You unlocked Luke's phone without his permission. He can't use any of it.". I had apologized. 

She said the car's out front. I was confused if they're arresting me. They said no, but there's a countdown.  I asked where, Emma said, "To find Isabella. This phone is how we find them.". 

Claire ran to me to tell me the rules. The rules were don't go out of sight, lie, withhold any information from her, don't break the law again, and don't do something I would do that'll force her into early retirement. I promised that I would bring her home.

ISABELLA'S POV

Brian said, "Come on where is it...". I tell him to kill me already. I guessed that was his plan. He told me that wasn't the plan. That I was the love of his life and he can't imagine his life without me. The destination was found.

HALEY'S POV

Me and Emma went to where Stacy works. I hugged Stacy and saying it's been awhile. They asked how we could help. Emma thought of something.

ISABELLA'S POV

I needed to get out of the car. I found paper. I stuffed it in my pockets. I eventually found a way to get out. Brian saw me, "Hey, where you going?". 

I said I needed to pee and that there's no where to go. He uncuffed me with his knife. Tells me to keep my head down. 

We went in and we asked the cashier if there's a restroom I could use. He said it's in the back. I grabbed the key and a pen. 

He asked if we were vacationing? Brian said we were on a road trip. Meanwhile, I was in the restroom writing the car plate. He knocked on the door and asked if I was okay. 

I told him yeah. He pounded on the door on telling to hurry up. I open up the window, it felt like it was stuck. He keeps pounding on the door and telling me, "Let's go Isabella.". 

I opened the window and jumped out the window. Brian yelled, "Isabella!". I ran but he got me. I struggled to get loose. 

He said, "You're always running. Aren't you tired by now? I sure am tired of chasing you.". I tell him to let me go. The cashier came out with a gun telling him to let me go. 

He says he got it wrong. Brian attacks him, the gun went off. He got the gun at his stomach and shoots him. I screamed. 

I went up to him and tried to make sure not a lot of blood came out. I told the cashier to stay with me and that I would call 9-1-1, but Brian shot him in the head. 

I panicked and cried. He said, "No one's saving anyone now. Let's go. Let's go.". I kept crying and saying softly, "No! no!"

HALEY'S POV

Emma said, "Marcus it's Emma. Listen, you're gonna get a call from Stacy at dispatch. She might have a lead on Brian's location and let's call this an anonymous tip." 

Detective Marcus said that they'll meet us there. She ended the call. Emma noticed I'm quiet. I was worried I'd find Isabella's body there because he almost killed Luke and could kill her next. 

Emma said, "Isabella didn't just restart her life. She rebuilt herself. You guys did that, with love, support, and family. Brian may have her, but I don't think he has any idea who he's dealing with now.". 

ISABELLA'S POV

We were still on the road. A siren was heard, it was a cop. He hid the gun under his leg just in case. The cop car passed by. 

I told him that we need to get off the road, but yelled at me to shut up. I told him there were cameras and wheat could happen when they find the dead cashier. 

Brian yelled at me, "Do you think this was my fault?". I told him it was mine. He said that's what happens when I run away, people gets hurt. 

He thinks that I know he's an idiot but I called him a dipshit mother fucker. He grabbed my hair hard. It hurt. He said, "You were being honest, but I don't respect the name you called me.". 

I told him we needed to figure out where we were going. He said that he'll figure it out. 

I told him, "The longer we are on this road, the more likely it is that we get pulled over, and we both know how that ends.". 

He asked me on what we should do. I told him that I found vacation homes back there and it's probably empty. 

He does a U turn and drives there. I panicked and was filled with sadness and stress. All I hope was that Luke was okay.

ALEX'S POV

Luke had finally waken up, "Welcome back idiot, We were worried all about you.". He said he wasn't worried. 

I told him he's thinking he's invincible. Joe said, "Like a superhero?". I told him, "Yeah. Just like a superhero.". 

Jay said, "Okay, buddy. Let's let Luke rest. We can visit him later.". Joe waved bye. Jay told him to have a good rest. Luke asked, "Where's Isabella?".

HALEY'S POV

A truck driver said, "It's not my phone. I don't know where it came from.". The detective said he found the phone, but no signs of them. 

I questioned him on why he has the phone. He said he'd been on the road ever since and had no clue on how the phone ended up in his truck. Emma asked, "Sir, you make any stops?". 

He said he went to a gas station before sunrise. I asked if he saw anyone. He saw a couple going into the store. Emma said that he knew that we could use the phone to track him and that he threw the phone in the truck just to throw us off. 

I said, "So they could be anywhere by now.". Emma made sure I didn't get stressed or worried a lot. I just focused on one thing, finding Isabella.

ALEX'S POV

Evan and Alex sat down together seeing Joe and Lily played along with Joshua who's grown up. Evan said, "I don't think I brought enough.". I told him he didn't need to bring anything. Evan was worried about Haley and Isabella. 

I told him to just pray on it and that they will come back alive. Evan thought that he didn't do enough to protect Isabella and that she protected them from making sure they don't go with their parents and he could've done something to protect her. I told him, "Isabella is a fighter, she always fights to survive.". 

HALEY'S POV

We were at the gas station. Emma said, "Our best guess is that she climbs out the back window, Brian catches her.". The detective said that the cashier saw something wrong and helps her, gets shot with his own gun. 

We all guessed tha he thought he could handle it on his own. One of the officers found a paper. Emma said, "It's a rental car agreement for a dark gray, four-door sedan.". 

The detective think that she started to write the license plate on the back. It was rented near Burbank Airport. They said they would put out an APB. 

I asked if we can use that to track him. Emma said that rental car companies don't use GPS tracking because "it's too expensive.". All I know is that Emma is a great cop and that she always finishes the job.

ISABELLA'S POV

We were at a cabin. Brian had kicked open the door. I told that he was lucky there wasn't an alarm. He told me "Why do you think I cut the phone line?". I said so I couldn't call for help. He said "That too". 

He said he'll try to make us a fire. I told him, "I'll see if I can get some food.". He didn't want me in the kitchen because that's where the sharp things are at. He made me sit down.

———

ONE YEAR AGO

 I started to reflect back to the past with what happened to me with staying with Brian. It was a fucking nightmare. There was a time when our neighbors asked if everything was okay.

I opened the door for them and found out it was our neighbors, Benny and Laura. "Hi. How can I help you?". Laura said they heard some yelling and it sounded like a fight. I told them that everything was fine and that it must have been a mistake. Benny said, "It's a warm night for a sweater.". 

I told them that everything was fine. Laura asked if I was okay. Brian said, "Hey, babe, everything okay? Benny. Laura. Hi. What's going on?". Benny said that there were reports of some cars being broken into in the neighborhood. They were just checking if we heard or seen anything. Brian felt bad. I said, "Yeah, I was just saying that we, um, we didn't hear anything.". 

Brian said that we'll take a lookout for anything suspicious and then later left. Laura said, "I get you're scared of what he'll do if you run, but you need to think about what he's gonna do if you stay.".

———

PRESENT DAY

"We can be happy again. A fresh start in a new place. Sure we would need new names and become new people. Not just to the world, but to each other. And you'll forgive me and love me again. I know it.", Brian said. 

I told him, "Your right...I always found a way to forgive you. One way or another...". I grabbed the fireplace poker secretly. Brian said that we could try again and to start now, but I had other plans. 

I hit him in the eyebrow and I had hit him so hard that he bled a lot. I panicked and kept thinking and saying, "Oh, my God". I ran out the cabin and ran away. Brian yelled, "ISABELLA!". He fired the gun at me. He missed. I screamed in panic. He yelled my name once more. Shot at me again, missed again. He started to follow me. 

———

ALEX'S POV

Luke thinks that he was an idiot. He said, "I'm the one who put her in danger. He played with me the whole time just to get to her.". I told him it wasn't his fault nor hers and that everything would be fine. He asked if he was gonna kill her. I didn't know, I didn't know what to say or to express it. I just stayed silent...

———

ISABELLA'S POV

I kept running through the snow, through the trees, and through the cold air. I was running out of breath, but I was determined to run as far as I can away from him. I could hear him yelling my name. I could hear it echo from here. 

He says I can't run long, but I then stopped. I looked down and saw my footprints. I must've left my prints since I laid my foot on the snow. I keep hearing his voice inside my head and I can't get it out.

———

HALEY'S POV

I could hear the sirens. I heard one of the offices saying they had found the rental car, but no signs of them. The detective said, "We found the kidnapper's abandoned vehicle nearby, so we're looking for a couple. They, uh, may have come in earlier looking for a last-minute rental.". The owner of the cabins saying no one has been it and that it's been quiet. I asked how many listings are there. She said 300. Not a good sign.

———

ISABELLA'S POV

I could hear Brian. I was behind the tree. He found out that there was no more footprints. "You backtracking bitch.", he said. I then hit him in the back of the head with the fireplace poker. He fell straight to the ground. I ran away. He shot at me, but missed. He shot again, then missed again. I ran back. 

He tried to shoot again, but there was no more ammo. He grabbed a pocketknife out his pocket, the knife part was out. "I'm not running.", I yelled. I hit him again and he fell down. I raised it up, but before I could hit him, he scratched my leg with the knife. I was in pain. 

He crawled and climbed up to me. I tried to stop him and move, but my hand was on my leg where the cut was. He held the knife up and stabbed me on the side. I screamed. I then found something to throw the knife away. And I did. The knife flew away, but I tried to crawl to it. 

Brian then grabbed my legs to pull him towards me. I tried to grabbed the knife, but as soon as he climbed on me, I kicked him in the face. He quickly came back and tried to hold me down. I then hit him, but then he punched me. I screamed again. 

I was in big pain. He then crawled to the knife and officially grabbed it. I then grabbed him while he had the knife, then I bit him in the wrist. He groaned in pain. I then grabbed the knife and once he came up to me, There was no choice to do this, I stabbed him in the shoulder and in the back repetitively. 

I kept sobbing as I stabbed him.

 I then pulled his body off of me. I could hear him cough out and gurgle blood. There was nothing for me to do. I felt weak. Too weak. I couldn't feel a thing, my vision was blurry. I could hear bird cawing in the distant. I closed my eyes slowly and knew this was the end for me...

———

ONE YEAR AGO

Brian said as I closed the door, "You don't have to lie to me. I know what they said. What they all say. They want you to leave me. They should understand that we're meant to be together. We're meant to live together, to grow old together and die together. That's how this story ends.

PRESENT DAY

ISABELLA'S POV

I woke up. I could still feel the pain. My vision was still blurry. I got up, panting and groaning.

This wasn't the end, not for me at least.

HALEY'S POV

The detective is saying that the local sheriff got a report of gunshots. Emma said that the rental manager notified her that all the lake cabins are vacant. 

They knew someone was here and left in a hurry. I asked, "It's got to be them, right?". It wasn't sure. We're wondering now is which way did they go? 

Detective said, "They're sending more officers. Search and rescue's on its way. Choppers, dogs.". Emma knew it was gonna be a full-court press. An officer said, "I got blood out here!". I yelled and ran quickly, well I tried to run. I was yelling Isabella's name.

ISABELLA'S POV

I was carefully walking back towards the cabin. I slipped, but I didn't fully fell. I felt like I could see someone, someone who was rushing towards me. My sight was still blurry. I heard my name be shout. I thought it was Haley, or I think it is. It was her. She yelled my name and I yelled hers. I rushed to her as she rushed to me. I hugged her, then we were on the floor hugging. She was happy that I was alive. I told her while crying, "I didn't give up. I... I didn't give up.". She still was hugging me and I was hugging her still.

EMMA'S POV

The detective said that he never seen red snow and that it's a miracle she made it out alive. I told him, "No miracle here. That woman fought like hell. She's a survivor. After what she dealt with during 'The Hollywood Massacre', no wonder she's alive.".

ISABELLA'S POV

I was in the ambulance with Haley next to me. She says we are almost there. I felt tired. Haley said, "I know you're tired, but I need you to keep your eyes open for me.". 

I tried to stay awake and not fall asleep. Haley tried to cheer me up, "Hey, you, uh... you think you had a hard day. Me and mom's officer friends, Emma have been running all over the state looking for you. I wasn't dressed for snow.". I said, "Me, either.". 

We both chuckled. Haley told me that Emma said that she would call Claire and let everyone know that I'm okay. I knew everyone would be so relieved. Haley said, "Luke. Luke most of all-". I interrupted her, "Luke's alive?". Haley said that it was true. That Luke was alive, She said, "He made it through. You both did.".

In the hospital, the doctor said, "How are we doing, Mr. Dunphy? Ready to get out of here.". Luke was ready to go back to work and make money. The doctor said he might want to pace himself. Luke admits he's gonna start pacing myself up and down these walls pretty soon. 

The doctor said, "Well, maybe... your friend can distract you.". I came in the room while in the wheelchair. Luke questioned me on what I was doing here and that I should be in the hospital? I told him I am in the hospital. I got myself transferred so I could see him. 

I got up to the wheelchair and to the bed. Luke was worried and hope nothing happened while I got up. I told him that all of this is gonna heal. I asked how he was feeling. He said he's starting to hate hospitals. He's glad we weren't in a coma. Luke said, "I thought...I really thought that we...-". I told him, "Me too. But, You're okay. We're okay. And I don't wanna be apart any longer.". I straight up kissed him on the lips. Maybe he was my future.

——

I hope you enjoy. This may be my new favorite part. Also I'm taking a break from this story and making a new one. The ones I have plan to make is one with Mason Thames and Malachi Barton. (Separately not them together, although I'm thinking about making one of with a male... idk comment if I should.) I'll let you guys know when they release and what's it about and both will be on Wattpad and Tumblr.

Also let me know if you want my sister to write any future parts.

[vodkacheesefries]

Thought it would be fun to do an intro post for each of the three households I'll be rotating through in my historic sims file. Also told my buddy @schitzophrenicrainbows I would make one of these. It'll also help me keep things organized as I play the challenge since I'm committing details to writing.

Up first and beneath the cut, we have a little history dump and our Gladiators.

Gladiators initially started out as poorer people and slaves who were inscribed to fight and train in the gladiator schools, Ludus Magnus. Over time as people began to see the fame and honor that could be won in the arena, though it was more rare, people did start to voluntarily join these gladiator schools.

Due to the popularity of gladiator fights, and how pricey it got to train and house them, not every single gladiator fight was to the death for its contestants. (For the purpose of Finn's story/challenge rules, his fights will be.)

There's debate whether the infamous "thumbs down" actually meant the opponent HAD to die or not. It could have just meant they were disgraced and couldn't compete anymore, but I can't find definitive answers one way or the other, and the opinions I found on this often contradicted each other. (I could probably text my sister with three degrees all about ancient to medieval Italian/Roman history, but how do I explain to her I need to know for my Sims game lmaooo) All that said, gladiators often didn't live past their mid-twenties given the hazards of the job.

Gladiators were also sex symbols (do yourself a favor and look up ancient Roman graffiti. Humans are the same now as they were then lmao). Idk how much that'll play into my game but Finn does have to find a partner and have kids so the legacy continues but we'll get there when we get there.

Rana

Rana is the gladiator who has been at the Ludus Magna the longest. Her traits: Creative, Self Assured, Loyal.

She came from a wealthy merchant family, but the family business didn't interest her much. She left home when she was young to find herself and ended up finding the arena. She picked up sword fighting quickly and proved her aptitude for not only fighting, but teaching others to fight as well. These days she only competes occasionally, as she has proven herself invaluable in creating more gladiators.

She's hitting a point where the losses of her pupils, and more importantly friends, are starting to weigh on her. She likely isn't going to just be allowed to retire, though, so she has to figure something else out.

Apollo

Apollo named himself after a Greek God because he thinks he's hilarious. (This is debatable if you ask anyone who has spoken with him for more than five minutes.) He ended up at the Ludus Magnus due to his sense of humor; turns out a Senator doesn't like it when you make jokes about their philosophical ideas, even if they are stupid.

He doesn't enjoy the gladiator lifestyle much if he's being honest, and is counting down the days until his "voluntary" contract with the school is over so he can use what money he's won and travel the world like he's always wanted to. His self absorption is part him being young, and part it being a front for the fear he has of not living out his dreams and he wears it like a protective front. His friends know better, though.

(He also thinks Spartacus is cute, but he's certain Spartacus is going to stay a gladiator till he dies and that doesn't work with what he wants in the long run.)

His traits are: Loves the Outdoors, Self Absorbed, and Outgoing.

Spartacus

Disclaimer: I did not make Spartacus lmao. I was hitting create-a-sim burnout so I hit up the gallery to find someone else's Roman themed sim. Although I did make some minor changes to his wardrobe, added scars and swapped out a couple of his traits, which are: Athletic, Proper, Loner. I ended up keeping his name because while it's on the nose for a gladiator, it fits.

Spartacus is a former member of the Roman Legionnaires. He was released from his service due to an injury he sustained abroad. Once he had healed, he found civilian life to be difficult to adjust to, so he signed a contract with the Ludus Magnus. He's here for a good time, not a long time.

But lately, he's been spending more time with Apollo, and he's starting to change his mind. But surely someone as handsome as Apollo wouldn't be interested in someone who'd rather spend his time meditating than socializing at a party...

Finn

Finn's traits are: Athletic, Loyal, Ambitious

Finn knew the risks he was taking when he killed Antonius, but he doesn't regret it. He's now plotting his escape, and if his new found friends can survive, he'll bring them with him if they like. He really just wants to get back to Britain to what's left of his family and help them take back what is rightfully theirs and drive the Romans out.

By challenge rules, he has 10 fights to get through first. I also have to receive a silver medal or higher on at least 50 events, and I'll probably use his fights to accomplish at least 10 of those. (I've done six so far).

Will probably go over Laelius' household next along with the parts of the challenge they'll be completing, followed by his daughter's. Who I don't think I've posted so far.

Other households:

The Emperor's Family

The Frugi Household

[palladiumfragments]

liminal spaces, paradoxes, and conundrums of growing up

it came without warning, like a red flare in stygian darkness, and i’m supposed to hit the ground running or i’d waste away in the very shore that tenderly held the hopes i carried around in a bindle. i must have not seen it coming because there are wounds from my youth i'm still trying to close, things i'm still trying to come to terms with. but it doesn't matter now because it's here and i've dragged my heels long enough.

growing up is a series of last times, little deaths, fumbling for familiar feelings, and listening to the same songs over and over again refusing to admit it's a prayer just to feel at ease with your skin again. despite the years that have graced this body i am still a child, leave me to my own devices and i would just constantly breathe through things that are bruising me and live with the exhaustion. how do i gracefully let go?

i'm thinking of the time my mother picked me up from school and neither of us knew it was the last time. i wonder if she had the same thoughts when she was my age. there was a day i wore that particular jumper for the last time, put away my toys for the last time, said goodbye to a friend for the last time. i wonder if i would've done anything differently if i knew. but there's something anachronistic about childhood that there are moments you feel 10 again before you blink and you're back to being 22.

the things i swore i wouldn't get over from, like the boy from high school who doesn't know he made me a poet or when my sister had to leave to get away from our vampire of a father. it's not that we do not mean forever, it's we say forever but it is as long as nothing changes, but god everything changes and we have no control over it so we learn to whittle down a particular forever into something we can lower to the ground because the sky shouldn't fall and we have school tomorrow.

i didn't want to leave the cliff that looks out to the sea in Bali because i couldn't believe there are places where breathing doesn't hurt. i'm drawn to places vast and infinite, the ones that show me how small i am in comparison, that this life is over before some god falls out of love. the labyrinth beneath my skin shifts when the perspective changes. did i tell you Billy Joel's Vienna and Taylor Swift's You're On Your Own, Kid feel like comforting words from a stranger in a train station you'll meet once in your life?

at 18, i met a boy. i told him of the anger i inherited from the man who sucked the life out of my mother. how it turns me into someone like him, how helpless you'll become when you are the beast and the cage together in one flesh. he didn’t pretend he could save me, he knows what i'm made of and he’ll be there when i blow this prison up. i wonder why i rarely say “i love you” to people i actually love. i think i’m doing a bad job at showing them too. it must have been the bite.

the truth is i didn't have the nerve to leave the scene of the crime, it just collapsed in on itself that summer around midnight. but not before it cut to the bone, not before i could take back the curious little girl who took in stories like a lungful of country air. i'm sure she would've made me kinder. the basilisk in every mirror i look at wouldn't exist. but her skeleton lies in my old closet, buried under a heap of blankets that will never warm her again. forgive me for turning my chest into a graveyard, the first funeral i attended was mine.

i blinked and that was six years ago. i'll be out of school soon, and my life after that is a delicate subject i try to avoid in conversations. this is the longest stay i had in a liminal space and i think it's haunted. the waters are murky, something moves in the shadows, and the rules have changed. i spent my first year in college living on autopilot and the rest in front of a screen because the world has dirt in its lungs, a year later i emerged to a place i can barely recognize. i guess some things you wanted so much when you were 12 don't seem half so wonderful when you get them a decade later.

but maybe our early 20’s isn’t about seeking answers to million-dollar questions or losing our minds over the complexities of our existence. maybe it's simply about making sure i'm getting enough sun and recognizing pomegranate seeds from the underworld when i see one. maybe it's okay to eat pasta straight from the pan when i'm too sad to even swallow and watch Dead Poets Society again and pretend it's the first time. the thing about this kind of melancholia is you cannot let anybody in. it's just you despite the warm words from the people on the porch. maybe you just need to repeatedly cross some lines until it stops being the feeling you dance around to and vomit into poems.

sooner or later it will make sense why i had to leave to stay or break to become whole or die to live. but if it doesn't then that's okay too. i'm not burying anything this time. i'm here and i'm scared but that also means i'm alive— a mosaic of moments, memories, feelings, and dreams. for the meantime i'll sift my fingers through that new book, get that coffee, take a walk at twilight, and when i find a lonely lighted window i'll softly slip into its warmth.

[humanoidalien27]

The last chapter 😭 I can't believe it's finished. It's also the longest chapter. (I didn't feel like splitting it up. 😂)

Content warning: fluff and goofing off, please enjoy

.....

Chapter 17

A fresh start

Summer passed by quickly. Fig couldn't stay long, he was only there a few days before he got a bit restless and went back to his professor duties, not that he didn't send owls every once in a while.

Elizabeth, after giving names on the dark wizards she knew was guilty of the unforgivable curses, along side proof and names, was given a pardon. Not that they didn't threaten they'd watch her closely.

It turned out Sara was in fact a squib, but Elizabeth was friends with her sister before her parents decided she wasn't pureblood enough.

Sara admitted to having been shocked to receive Elizabeth's letter, but quickly found you before anything could happen.

Your wizard father was put in Azkaban, probably near Ominis's parent's cell. And though the rest of the Gaunts we're furious about the fact that Ominis was involved in the capture, they didn't retaliate and merely informed him that they don't consider him family anymore.

Not that it bothered him, he could live his life without them. Having the imagined protection of the Ministry and Hogwart's teachers had it's benefits.

The Sallow twins grew closer than you'd ever seen, Anne looked as healthy as Sebastian and though she did still miss her uncle at times, she couldn't forgive him for what he put her brother through.

They were finally getting back to how they used to be, you could tell by the way Sebastian and Ominis smiled.

There were a couple times when you felt like a fourth wheel and stepped back to let them have their time, but as if sensing your mood shift, Ominis would always bring you back into it or move closer to tell you embarrassing stories about them until they'd over hear and scold him.

The relationship between you and Ominis only grew stronger as the summer went on, even if he was embarrassed often by Sebastian teasing you two about it.

Anne squeaked happily, pulling you out of your daydream, as she practically raced through Diagon Alley with Sebastian in tow.

"They're going to be up to no good before we even reach the school gates," Ominis mumbled from beside you.

"At least they keep it interesting," you replied, bumping his shoulder with yours.

"Too interesting sometimes."

"Oh, my goodness they're cute!" Your mom said moving to the animal shop after giving you and Ominis a heart attack.

Elizabeth chuckled as she moved over to keep her from buying all of the animals she saw.

"So, did you get everything you needed for this year?" You asked, already pulling your list from your pocket to check it again.

"Yes, I managed to grab everything while Sebastian and Anne dragged me around as if we haven't been here a hundred times."

Smiling, you glanced his way, seeing him focusing like he was trying to find them in the large crowd.

"They went into the joke shop," you mentioned, earning a heavy sigh.

"I swear, I'm going to need to tie them to something," he mumbled, getting you to laugh.

"Tie bells to them so they sound like reindeer as they run."

He snickered, before his hand slipped into yours, pulling you further into the crowd.

"Where are we going?"

He didn't answer, too busy keeping from colliding into people, at least until we ended up finding Professor Fig.

"Ah, I thought that was you," Ominis teased as Fig chuckled.

"Just getting some last minute things before the start of term," he mentioned, smiling at both of you. "Anything I should know about?"

Nodding you motioned behind you. "I'd avoid Sebastian and Anne, they're in Zonko's and who knows what they have up their sleeves now."

He hummed in thought for a second, before he nodded. "An excellent idea, though I am in a little rush, but it was good to see you both."

You cocked your head as he moved passed you. "Do you get the feeling that everyone is purposely avoiding us?"

Shaking his head, he turned towards you. "I'm sure they're just busy and excited. It's only a few days before we go back to Hogwarts."

Settling for that being the reason, you smiled. "Anne was pretty enthusiastic to be in her robes again, she went to sleep smiling."

Ominis chuckled. "She does know she has extensive exams because she missed them last year."

"Ah, let her enjoy it before you crush her with homework," you teased, squeezing his hand.

"For Merlin's sake, it's like you're married and talking about your child."

You looked over seeing Sebastian staring at you two in disbelief as Anne whacked him on the shoulder. "Forgive my bone-headed brother, he's never had a girlfriend and doesn't understand the concept."

"I beg your pardon, I've had girlfriends before."

Ominis's brows bunched. "I'm quite sure your longest lasting relationship, outside of the three of us, is with Madam Scribner."

You and Anne completely lost it as Sebastian pouted for a second before pulling Ominis away, complaining about how he was supposed to be on his side.

"Man, that was a good one," you whispered, wiping a tear from the corner of your eye.

"You rubbed off on him," she teased, before she looped an arm through yours and began down the street.

"I'm pretty sure he's had that before I came into the picture, but I'm more concerned about what you and Sebastian are planning."

She fixed her expression to look innocent. "We're not planning anything, we're just getting a few things to make life at school interesting."

Snickering, you nodded. "You two are going to get enough detentions that you'll still be there long after you graduate, aren't you?"

She grinned, unabashed. "The two of us? You and Ominis are part of this too. I mean, it's not going to be as eventful as your last year, but we'll make do."

Laughing, she bumped into you playfully. "I never really thanked you for watching out for the both of them. You and Ominis are practically tied at the hip lately." She was satisfied with you blushing, so she pressed on. "I don't know where'd Sebastian and I would be if you hadn't found out the truth and convinced me to come back. So, thank you. And for taking that curse out also. I think Sebastian and I would be dead right now if it wasn't for you."

"No, you two are stronger and smarter than you think. I'm sure Sebastian would have found another way to help you."

She smiled as she patted my wrist. "Seeing as you're not going to accept my compliments," she said, narrowing her eyes teasingly. "Just know that we really do appreciate what you've done for us."

"Well, to be fair. If it wasn't for either of them, I'm pretty sure things would have ended up differently too."

She smiled as our attention was drawn to the chaos of the crowd, just staring as people went by.

Getting all of your things together was your top priority. You didn't want to lose anything or leave it behind.

"Hey," Sebastian called, poking his head into the room. "Your moms want you for a second."

He left before you could answer, so you stood up and headed to the kitchen after putting your folded robes in the trunk.

Your moms weren't to be found, instead, Ominis was in the kitchen.

"Do you happen to know where my moms are? Sebastian said they were looking for me."

He smiled as he moved closer. It took you a moment to register the cloth in his hand.

"What are you doing?" You asked as he moved to stand in front of you.

"It's a surprise," he answered, while his fingers brushed over your skin to find your temples, the last thing you saw was a peaceful expression on his face. "My job is to make sure the surprise isn't ruined as I bring you there."

He carefully tied the blindfold, forcing your body to use your other senses to track him.

The soft sound of his clothes as he moved or the light tap of his shoes as he shifted.

It all drowned out instantly as his fingers dragged along the back of your jaw bone, shooting tingles over your skin.

You weren't quite sure what he was doing, but it had your heart racing, something he felt as his pinky rested against your pulse.

He chuckled, sending a puff of air over your lips, which didn't help calm your mind or heart.

When his lips pressed into yours, it felt stronger than it had the first time, maybe because you were blindfolded?

"Happy early birthday," he whispered softly, still close enough to cascade breath over your skin.

You stood dumbfounded as he pulled back and trailed his hands down your arm to grab yours. Signaling he was ready to lead you wherever you were going.

You can't believe you forgot your own birthday. You knew it was on the first day of term, but you'd been so wrapped up in how excited Anne and Sebastian were, that you didn't even think about what else it was.

"Now, this gives a new meaning to the blind leading the blind," you teased, hoping to hide that you forgot it, getting a laugh.

"There's no need to be nervous, I won't let you walk into a wall."

You found it hard to believe him when he sounded way too amused at the idea.

As soon as you felt him tug your hand, you immediately grabbed onto his with your other as he snickered.

He lead you outside, making sure you were careful going down the stairs and through some kind of fabric curtains, before you could hear a bunch of people shifting around nearby.

Ominis let go of your hand, moving behind you to untie your blindfold.

You had to blink to adjust to the light, but once you did, you saw a large tent full of your Hogwarts friends, Deek, Professors Fig, Weasley, Garlick, Hecat and Ronen. The words Happy birthday were hanging like lights as everyone held their wands up to form them and in the center was a cake in the shape of an old pocket watch your dad used to have, which you hadn't seen in years.

"Happy birthday!" Everyone cheered, though Professor Weasley added a bit about making this year less adventurous than the last.

Imelda snickered, but said nothing as the letters popped like fireworks and ended up dusting the cake with rainbow sprinkles, which would turn colors every so often.

"You completely forgot about your birthday, didn't you?" Your mom asked, smiling as she hugged you from the side.

"A little," you admitted, getting a few laughs, before Everett started making a ruckus about the broom races.

"It definitely feels like Hogwarts," you laughed as Imelda was red in the face.

Once things began to wind down, most of the students left with their families, leaving you, Ominis, the Sallow twins, your moms and Fig.

"You never told me the day the dragon attacked was your birthday."

You smiled as you propped your aching feet up on the legs of the table. "Going to Hogwarts was always something I dreamt about, so that letter was the best present I could have asked for."

"What a way to soil the day though," Anne whispered. "Is that why you've sort of adopted Professor Fig as a father figure?"

You glared as Fig's eyes widened, though there was a small smile as you threw some wrapping paper at her. "I told you that in confidence."

"She's worse than Sebastian with secrets, unless they're her own."

That earned him the wrapping paper to the chest, but he merely laughed.

"Noted."

She shrugged as Sebastian gave her a playful push.

"We have one more present for you," your mom said walking over with Elizabeth following. "It's from both of us."

You carefully opened it as you heard something rattling inside.

You tipped the box over your hand and our slipped the pocket watch, making you try to hold back tears as your eyes snapped to your moms.

"Elizabeth found it after I mentioned it a few weeks ago. I know David would want you to have it."

"David?" Ominis asked.

You nodded, knowing he wouldn't be able to see it. "My dad."

His brows pinched when he heard you trying to hold back tears.

"They're happy tears Ominis," Anne informed quickly.

He still scooted close and rested his hand against your back.

"Thank you," you choked out, clasping the watch between your hands. "This is...more than I could ask for."

Your moms' smiled as they squished you into a hug while you accidentally dampened their hair.

"Making the birthday girl cry," Sebastian teased, getting whacked by his sister. "What?"

"Oh shush."

Your moms' pulled back, both smiling sadly as you wiped at your eyes with the back of your hands.

"You okay?" Ominis asked, rubbing your back gently.

"Yeah, I didn't think I was going to see this ever again."

You slipped it into your pocket so you wouldn't lose it as Sara looked to Professor Fig. "Are you staying the night?"

"It was my hope to bring them to school properly this time, without any dragons."

Everyone chuckled as you cleared away the remaining streaks from your cheeks.

"That sounds lovely," Elizabeth smiled. "You're welcome to stay."

"That's kind of you, thank you."

Sara clapped, drawing everyone's attention. "Okay, time to clean up. I'll wash the dishes, twins can you bring them in?" They nodded, already standing. "Elizabeth, will you ready Eleazar's room?"

"And me?" Ominis asked after a moment of silence.

"You're distracting the birthday girl so she doesn't try to help," Anne replied gathering dishes.

They moved from the tent as your eyes turned to Ominis. "You were saddled with babysitting."

He chuckled, shaking his head as he moved his arm over the back of your chair while leaning in.

"How are you doing?"

Smiling while resting your head against his temple carefully, calmed the burning emotions inside. "I'm fine Ominis. It's been a wonderful night."

"I'm glad, we were trying very hard to keep the preparations from you. Knowing how curious you are, we had to get creative."

Chuckling, you squeezed his hand. You had noticed they were acting strange in town, but you weren't going to tell him that.

After a few moments, you felt him press into your head further.

"You're falling asleep, aren't you?"

"No," he replied, though it came out in a low whisper.

Chuckling, you pulled back, making him almost fall into you completely. "Come on, I don't think I'll be able to carry you."

Figuring you were right, he stood up, stifling a yawn with the back of his hand.

You two earned a few snickers as you passed the twins, not that they would say anything out loud and you were too tired to care.

The both of you started to get ready for bed, though once he'd brushed his teeth he left the bathroom to change his clothes, while you quickly showered and changed into your night clothes.

When you walked out into the room, seeing he was sitting in the chair beside the bed, but asleep.

Shaking your head, you moved over and gently shook his shoulder.

"I'm awake," he mumbled, softly sighing, but didn't move to get up.

You tugged on his wrist, but he still didn't budge.

Smirking, you tried to pull him up to his feet, but without help he just ended up flopping against the cushions.

He mumbled out a complaint as he sat up again.

If you could just get him into the bed, you could inform the twins and switch rooms.

This time, when you pulled his arm, he stood up.

You pulled the blankets back, before you sat him down on the bed.

He mumbled something about not needing help as he laid down, but you still pulled the blankets over him and set his wand on the nightstand.

Hearing him sigh as he settled in made you smile, before you shut the light off and headed from the room, running into the twins as you closed the door.

"Put him to bed?" Sebastian asked.

"He didn't even notice he fell asleep in the wrong room," you admitted, scratching your arm awkwardly. "We might have to switch rooms tonight."

"Nuh uh, I just got my pillow the way I like it," Sebastian remarked giving an exaggerated level of sass before heading off to his room.

"He's impossible."

Anne clapped you on the shoulder. "Yes, but we can get revenge on him later." She moved to head after him. "Goodnight."

Realizing they were leaving you to return to share a bed with Ominis, made your heart race at the mere thought.

"Even if I can't, I can sleep on the couch or the floor," you rationalize as you moved opened the door as carefully as possible.

You stood, paced and fretted at the foot of the bed, trying to think of pros and cons of this idea.

You wouldn't mind sharing a bed with him, but when he woke up, would he be upset? Or what if your parents found you? It wouldn't look as innocent as it was.

"Sebastian, can you stop pacing and go to sleep?"

You froze mid-step, looking his way. You didn't realize you were waking him up.

Sighing, your curiosity won and you climbed under the blankets. Even if you kept to the edge, you could feel the dip in the bed and you couldn't seem to trick yourself into believing it was Anne.

Just when you were about to tell yourself you were about to try sleeping on the couch, Ominis rolled over against your back, with his arm going over your side.

Worried you'd breath too loud and wake him, you tried to silence it only to feel like you were suffocating.

His arm tightened as you inhaled sharply.

You had no idea how he couldn't hear your heart practically exploding or slept with a face full of your hair, but if he did this to Sebastian before, he was probably used to it.

Your nerves sent butterflies to go crazy in your chest as you could hear his shallow breathing nearly beside your ear.

It didn't take long before the sound pulled you into a peaceful rest.

As you opened your eyes, the sun burnt at them, forcing you to close them for a second before shielding them, seeing the spot beside you was empty.

Yawning, you sat up and moved to go to the bathroom.

Your mind had forgotten about sharing a bed as your excitement to be heading back to school pushed to the forefront.

You practically danced into the kitchen seeing Anne and Sebastian already at the table.

"Morning," you called, moving to the table.

"Morning," Anne replied, sounding amused which made you look up seeing Sebastian staring at you.

"There's nothing on my face Sebastian, I already looked in the mirror."

He looked unperturbed by your annoyance, but perhaps he was used to your back and forth.

"You're as beautiful on the outside as you are inside," he whispered, still wide eyed.

You froze, before you looked to Anne who was also staring at him. Curious, you reach over and took his cup, sniffing it for any signs of spiking, but it smelt like tea. "Well, you're not drunk, but Ominis will be upset you took some of his tea."

Anne snickered, moving her hand to cover her mouth.

"What?"

She shook her head as you glanced back at Sebastian, who was still staring.

"What's the matter with you this morning?"

It was making you very uncomfortable, he knew you were with Ominis and this was only making things weird.

He blinked as if finally realizing what he was doing and cleared his throat about to explain, but laughter erupted from behind you, getting you to look over, startling as you saw Sebastian.

"Man, your face was priceless," he laughed as he walked over and sat beside Anne, after pointing at a strategically placed mirror.

Your eyes danced between both Sebastians' until the answer came to you.

Polyjuice potion.

"Ominis?" Seeing Sebastian look at you the way he did, made you uneasy. "I'm not kissing you while you look like that."

"Hey, what's wrong with my face?" Sebastian asked with a piece of toast stuffed against his cheek so he could talk.

"Everything," you fired back, earning a flat glance before he rolled his eyes. "So, why'd you polyjuice yourself?"

"It was my idea actually," Sebastian said quickly. "He kept asking me what you looked like and he wouldn't take a Mongrel for an answer."

"You've been cooking a polyjuice potion for a month here?"

He shrugged like it was no big deal. "Why do you think I was persistent you didn't sleep in our room last night? It also gave Ominis butterflies when he found out he slept in the same room as you."

Immediately, Ominis blushed and glared at his doppelganger.

Ignoring Sebastian, you looked at Ominis. "How long ago did you drink that stuff?"

"It should wear off in the next forty minutes," he admitted, his eyes dancing over your features as if trying to commit them to memory.

You glanced between the three of them and shook your head. "Now you're triplets."

Anne laughed. "One Sebastian is enough. I doubt we could handle two."

You nodded as Sebastian tossed a piece of crust at his sister.

She snickered as she looked between us with mischief in her face. "You know what we should do once we get back to Hogwarts?" She paused for effect. "We should try becoming animagi."

The real Sebastian's face lit up as you and Ominis locked gazes, though you smiled. "It definitely feels like this year is going to be as eventful as the last."

"We try to live up to expectations," Anne teased as you heard your parents heading out of their room, with Professor Fig's voice mingling in.

"Well, something to look forward to," you whispered, getting Ominis to sigh playfully dramatic, but nod before anyone could see.

.....

Link to the master post, here. This story is called the Pureblood Muggle.