#Hey buddy do you maybe think you should see a therapist

[almoststedytimetravel]

P3 Dancing was wild, Ken just casually saying he finds Aigis more human than himself then just not elaborating on that, boy are you okay?

[copperbadge]

Told my therapist about NaClYoHo, and she likes the idea a lot. But she had a really important question that I couldn't answer: What happens at the end of November for people who want or need to continue?

Hey, I told mine too! She thought it was a smart way to systematize something that even people without ADHD struggle with. I did write a little about this in the manifesto but not in a systemic way, and perhaps I should add some kind of "What Happens After November?" onto the end, so thank you for asking this question!

No system works for every person, and often if a system does work, only part of it works. So when I went to write the manifesto, I wanted to make it as modular as possible. There's a reason that while NaClYoHo is a community, it's a very loose one, without a messageboard or discord or anything that would more intentionally bring people together. This is meant to be a framework on which you build your own home, not an apartment building.

So honestly, what happens at the end of November is up to you.

(I'm assuming for the rest of this post that you've been participating, but if you haven't, that's okay -- most of this should still apply, it's just less about "continuing momentum" and more about "committing to an idea".)

I talk a little in the manifesto about how doing this can help to systematize it -- having spent 30 days putting on a podcast and cleaning can teach you that it's easier than you think, and can put you in the habit. So if you feel it's good for you, keep doing what you're doing. Even posting about it, if you want. Maybe find a buddy you can talk to about it, or give it five minutes in therapy every week.

That said, doing this Every Day For A Month can also be tiring. I find it stressful! I manage the stress, but right now I look forward to giving myself permission not to see something dirty or broken and feel compelled to clean or fix it. Part of doing this in November, for me, is that the rest of the year I can say "Well, that's a November problem" and let it go. So you can, instead of keeping on, start keeping notes about what needs to be done, and either wait until next November, or designate a time period every few months to take care of it. Or have one day a week that's the Salty Pirate day, where you do dishes, or vacuum, or fold laundry or whatever.

NaClYoHo is going to taper gently for me -- it ends tomorrow, but some stuff is going to linger, like the craft projects I need to finish or the furniture I need to assemble that hasn't arrived yet. You can also do that -- keep cleaning as long as you have energy and, once you're feeling tired, stop for a bit.

Now, bearing in mind that I'm just a guy on the internet, it seems like your therapist is engaged with your process, so I would recommend bringing it back to her. She seems like the ideal person to help you make a plan for after November -- you can examine your options, maybe come up with some I haven't named, and discuss how each of them might impact you. And if you're checking in with her about it going forward, she can help you gauge how you're doing with it. At some point it might just be so habitual you don't need to worry about it as a process anymore -- or at some point you might need to set yourself a boundary.

It can be a little intimidating to put yourself so fully in control of something, but the only way you make this work for you is to make it your own. Whether that means continuing on with your whole chest, or shrinking it down for the rest of the year, or stopping -- you get to decide.

Good luck. :) And give your therapist a high five for me.

[im-just-a-mississippi-girl]

Painted Him Perfect

Pairing: Austin Gunn x ex-wife!reader

Category: Angst

Word count: 824

Summary: You finally decide it’s time to be honest about your marriage with Austin Gunn. About how you painted him perfect.

Warnings: None

A/N: I know it’s been 63936383629 years since I last posted a fic 🤣 but here I am! Based off Painted Him Perfect by Alexandra Kay

Masterlist

Taglist

Moodboard is not mine. Credit goes to @katries 😘

There he was, your ex-husband, laughing with his friends like everything was perfect. Perfect. If only they knew just how perfect their buddy Austin Gunn truly was.

You knew after these past several months it was time to be honest. It was time to be honest with your friends, with your family.

The honest truth is that no matter how many times you sang his praises, drove or flew hours and hours to see him, he would mention over and over how he hated the attention. You didn’t understand because you thought that was what he wanted.

Arguments were more common between you two than they should have been. Couples therapy didn’t do any good no matter how hard you tried, tears in your eyes and streaming down your cheeks. Austin never really tried to make it work, never told his truth in therapy. That was rock bottom for you, for your marriage. His true colors and true character shone bright in that therapist’s office. That’s when you knew it was over, when you knew you couldn’t keep painting him perfect, when he couldn’t even attempt to make an effort to work on the relationship. A relationship that you thought was true love but it was all just a slap in the face.

Kris Statlander and Willow Nightingale were two of your closest friends. You met them through Austin so maybe you have one good thing to come out quite possibly the worst relationship you’ve ever been in.

“Hey!” You heard Willow’s upbeat voice coming from your left.

“Hey.” You sighed. Now is the time to tell them. They’re your best friends, plus you have nothing to hide. You fought tooth and nail for your marriage to get better, to please Austin in order to keep the storm clouds away.

“I know that voice. What’s wrong?” Kris was never one to beat around the bush. She noticed you haven’t made any effort to look their way. Her eyes followed yours and she knew immediately who you were looking at. Austin Gunn and the rest of Bullet Club Gold. “You two have an argument?” Kris turned back to you, her head tilted as she studied your face.

Understatement of the century.

Willow shook her head. “I don’t think that’s it. I think maybe—”

“I need to be honest here girls.” You finally looked at your friends and you saw you had their undivided attention, so you let the floodgates fall. Maybe you should have went somewhere more private than roughly 8 feet away from the Bang Bang Gang but part of you wanted passersby to hear, his friends to hear. You just knew that if you didn’t speak your truth then another woman would fall victim to his charm and nice guy act only to be in for heartbreak and misery.

By the time you were finished, Kris’s and Willow’s jaws were on the floor. You didn’t leave anything out. You told the story of how the seemingly ‘perfect’ marriage was all because you made it out to be that way. You told them how you always excused things away as ‘that’s what love is’, but now you knew better. You recalled the big scene Austin caused on vacation at the beach in Atlantic City back in August. August 14th to be exact. Unfortunately, you’ll never forget that date because you’ve never been more embarrassed and ashamed. You even admitted to ignoring the red flags, the red flags you always said you would never let slide. Retelling these stories made you realize that you were yellow and he was green, blue was always going to be the color of your relationship.

During your storytelling, some tears must have fell because felt Willow squeeze your hand, in an effort to comfort. Kris on the other hand was connecting the dots before you’d finish a story.

“That’s what really happened to us. No amount of couples therapy could save us because he didn’t want to save us. Not even when I begged for him to, cried for him to. So the best thing I could do was to paint him perfect so no one knew a thing about just how miserable and embarrassing our relationship truly was.”

“He didn’t deserve for you to paint him perfect.” Kris was fuming. You knew if you gave her the green light she would make that boy’s life pure hell. It was tempting but you wanted something else for him instead.

All you could do was agree. “You’re right I shouldn’t have and it’s a good thing I’m not doing it anymore.”

You didn’t hate Austin Gunn, you didn’t like him, and you sure as hell didn’t love him — at least not anymore. Although, you did want him to feel the pain you felt, you wanted him to be heartbroken. Okay, so maybe you did hate him a little bit, but could anyone really blame you after you told the truth?

General Taglist: @legit9thlunaticwarrior @plentyoffandoms @1dluver13xx @sunshinevirus @wwenhlimagines @crowleysqueenofhell @jackson-nickthedate @omg-im-such-a-masochist @kmc1989

[kissorkill16]

Fill My Empty Heart: A Hello Neighbor Fanfic

By JJ

Summary: After Mya's death, Aaron committed suicide. Mr. Peterson, desperate to have a family again, takes in the depressed and heartbroken child across the street, Nicky Roth.

Chapter 1

It has been raining for a few weeks now. Nicky was sure it was probably gonna start flooding soon. His parents had offered many times to drive him to school, but last time he did that, his mother just kept going on and on about how if this didn't work, she could always book him a therapist out of town.

He wasn't in the mood for another headache.

So he just decided to walk to school in the rain.

When he finally got to school, he tried not to be seen by any of his friends. Maybe he could just borrow a towel from the Lost & Found bin.

He put on his hoodie, trying to keep a low profile. But he miserably failed when he felt 2 arms wrap around his torso.

"Nicky!"

Nicky recognized that voice immediately. It was Trinity.

Enzo had recently introduced her to him last summer...

Back when Aaron was still alive.

He gently pried the arms away, "Hi, Trinity.", he mumbled. He didn't want to get involved with anyone right now, all Nicky wanted to do was get this day over with.

His friends however, had other plans.

"So what do you have planned for after school today?", asked Trinity. "Going home.", said Nicky.

"Sounds fun, but I was thinking that maybe you'd like to come by at Enzo's after school. We were gonna watch a movie and order pizza. Doesn't that sound -"

Nicky was just trying to get his notebooks from his locker, trying to drown out Trinity's voice. He slammed his locker door shut.

"That sounds like loads of fun, Trinity. But I am not in the mood.", he said, his voice emotionless. "Thanks, but no thanks."

He turned around to walk away, and he accidentally saw something in the corner of his eye. It was an article about the recent news.

AARON PETERSON FOUND DEAD IN SHOWER

Immediately, Nicky felt his vision begin to blur, his eyes filled up with tears. He covered his mouth to muffle his sobs, and then he felt another pair of arms wrap around him.

"Hey.", it was Enzo. "How're you holding up, buddy?"

Nicky gently pushed him away, "I'm fine, I'm just still trying to...process."

Enzo gently pulled his friend back into his embrace, letting Nicky cry into his shoulder.

"Nicky, I know you miss him, everyone who knew him does. But..."

Nicky tilted his head to look at Enzo, "But what?", he felt himself shout. "But I should just get over it? But that's no reason to act like a fucking lunatic at school? But I should just forget about him because it was never going to last long anyway?"

Enzo put his hands up, "No! No, of course not. I would never ask you to just forget about someone who made you happy.", he said. He took Nicky's hand and held it in his.

"Just come to my house after school. We can watch whatever you're in the mood for. I promise it'll clear your mind."

Nicky was reluctant, but he eventually nodded.

"Great! See you then!"

The whole day, Nicky felt like absolute shit. His nose was getting a little stuffy, he was coughing and sneezing a lot, and he felt cold, and he was wearing a freaking hoodie for God's sake!

He tried to keep it in during Mr. Randall's class, but it wasn't easy. He had to suffer in the cold as he used his hoodie to cover his coughs and sneezes.

"Jesus Christ, man! Are you dying too?", asked Seth Jenkins, who was sitting right behind him.

"Shut up, Seth. We're trying to pay attention.", said Enzo.

Seth rolled his eyes and stared back at the board. A moment of silence passed through the room, with just the teacher talking, then Seth leaned in closer to Nicky.

"How was the funeral?", he asked, "You sure cried a river, didn't you?"

"Seth, I'm trying to pay attention."

"I heard you sounded like a dying pig."

"Seth, I'm warning you."

Mr. Randall clapped his hands, "Mr. Roth, Mr. Jenkins, try to keep your focus on the board please.", he said.

Another moment of uninterrupted teaching passed through the room.

Then Seth said something that made Nicky just snap inside.

"It was a miracle for sure.", he whispered. "Now we don't have to worry about his weird ass anymore. If I were you, I'd consider myself lucky."

Nicky balled his hands into fists.

"And did you see how funny he looked? The man was acting like he didn't even have a neck anymore!", laughed Ruben Smith, sitting right next to Seth.

Nicky didn't know what happened, but when he finally snapped out of it, he was holding a chair with blood on its metal legs, and Seth & Ruben were laying on the floor, blood dripping from their noses.

"YOU FUCK ASSES THINK THIS IS FUCKING FUNNY?!", he yelled at them. "YOU THINK SUICIDE IS SO FUNNY?! YOU THINK ME LOSING MY BEST FRIEND IS FUNNY?!"

"Mr. Roth, what the hell!"

Nicky didn't even stick around to see what Mr. Randall was going to say next. He just threw the chair at Seth, and ran out of the room, straight to the bathroom.

He decided to just hide in one of the stalls until the day was over. It seemed easier than going back out there and dealing with whatever those stupid people had to say to him next.

He curled in on himself, hugging and burying his face into his knees.

"I miss you so much, Aaron.", he sobbed. "Why did you do it, Aaron? Why did you leave me?"

If only Aaron could answer back to him.

[bwobgames]

Previous First

"Go first, I'll be right behind you"

"Ah, yes, heights. My newly proclaimed enemy.

This. This thing is sturdy, right? It won't drop me or anything?

Is. Is the floor moving? No, that's just my imagination

I feel like jelly right now"

"Oliver?"

"Ah, yes! Right away!"

He slowly gets in the makeshift rope and climbs down

Luckily, he still has the muscle memory to do it

But his nerves catch him at the last second, causing him to land awkwardly and twist his ankle.

"MOTHERFUCKER"

"Mr. Detective are you okay?!"

Everyone is down there and sees him fall. Embarrasing

"Oliver?! Are you hurt?? Did you break it?? Is it infected?? Apply cold and heat and then cold, and should we get something to straight it up?? Can you move it? Wait, no, dont move it. dont touch it, I-"

"I'm okay !!"

"Really! This is just a rare misstep, I swear im a better detective than this, I even got into a competition once!"

"Does it hurt a lot?"

"Less than being stabbed, that's for sure"

"Don't say that!!"

"You say that because you didn't get stabbed, what a loser"

"You can't sit with us now"

"This is not the time for mean teens!"

"Really, I'm okay, I just twisted it, i think"

"Oh! You're in luck, Mr. Beebo! Seems like some vehicles are approaching"

"Oh! The bomb squad!"

"Do they have paramedics? And maybe firefighters?"

"I just hope they dont have bombs"

"YOU TWO"

"What's the story? What's the drama? What do we agree to put in the article that I'm definitely writing tonight. Also, hand over my book"

"Wha-? You're writing an article about this?!"

"Well, of course! it's a great way to make the rest of the world realize what an absolute bastard this man was!"

"Also, to keep you three out of jail for killing a man"

"Oh... right...."

"Don't worry! We can all just come up with something! There's evidence of him arranging the place so we have that, and of course, the whole toolshed.

I took several pictures of all"

"You can say he put bombs and tried to kill several of us"

"C'mon, give it a bit more spice"

"We had a hard fought battle, and when he thought he had us in the ropes, he fell down the window because he forgot it was the second floor"

"Yeah! I'll add some interesting dialogue"

"Isn't that... illegal?"

"Not as illegal as repeated murder! You could even say it was some cosmic timeline torture"

"... alright, murder attempt. For all of us"

"Let's make a group chat to coincide our alibis"

"That's- I won't question your methods.

Where is... you know... the body?"

"Oh, it's just there, in the snow. I think the family is planning on giving him a burial, but not a pretty one"

"They don't blame you or anything, so you are safe in that area"

"Right. A burial. The body. That's their choice now. This must be difficult for them. Fuck, it's difficult for me.

I might have to change my therapist. This might be too much for her

Ah, this is definitely one of the most painful cases I've had to go through.

But at least I got more than a hospitalization for severe dehydration and 20 dollars this time"

"Wait, I'm not even getting paid. Man."

"Alright, let's go meet the bomb people now"

"Can you stand?"

"It will hurt a little, but I'll be fine, um, can you give me a hand?"

"Oh, of course"

"Let's go"

"...Um"

"Well. Well then. Wow, it sure is warm in here for being in the snow"

"Does it hurt like this? It's still a bit cold, so get closer to me, okay?"

"This man will be the death of me"

"Goodbye"

"Wha- Why are you hiding?"

"The Beebo factory has closed. Please come by tomorrow"

"This is it. This is how I die for real. Heart beat too fast, too many feelings, too much direct contact with man muscles"

"Oh no! My favorite factory!"

"Nooo, when will it open again!"

"Hey! No nuzzling in the factory!"

"Too late! I require my supply of 30 to 40 kisses!"

"You have to pay for those buddy!"

"Nope! I'm a thief! I will steal them right now!"

"Haha, wait, wait! We are going to fall!"

"Ugh"

"I can feel you slowly becoming homophobic"

"Just for these two. They are too grossly in love"

"You are aware that mom will invite them for holidays, right?"

"I will ban the mistletoe. And matching sweaters. And Christmas songs"

"I don't think we will be able to escape it, honestly"

"This is worse than being stabbed"

"Eh, they're funny. I found the detective guy's instagram. Im gonna steal a picture of his cat and say its mine"

"Nice. Tell me if you find Ángel's account to report it"

"Excuse me, are you the owner of this building?"

"Ah, not quite, but I am a representative of the organization that owns it"

"That's all right, could you tell me about the suspected bomb?"

"Well, it's not really suspected..."

The bomb from the second floor explodes

"... It's very much confirmed.

I think it would be better to stay away from the house"

"... we'll do a few calls"

"Ah! Also, do you have anything for first aid? And warm clothes?"

"Ah, of course, follow me"

Ángel and Beebo sit in the first aid vehicle, blanket over them, and warm drinks in hand

[vgckwb]

P5R: Rebel Girl (A FeMC Story/P5R Rework) Chapter 166: One Foot in Front of The Other

Thursday after school, Ryuji was heading out when his old track buddies came to him. He was stunned. “Ummmm, what’s going on?”

“Well, we’re meeting up for the track team,” Takeshi said. “We wanted to stop by to see if you’d like to come with.”

“Ummm…” Ryuji said. “I said I wasn’t ready to come back.”

“I know, I know,” Takeshi said. “We aren’t asking as a permanent member. Just for today.”

Well, I guess it couldn’t hurt. I could use a little more training. “Alllllright,” Ryuji said, somewhat reluctantly. The track team was excited.

Takeshi smiled. “Let’s go!” The group went over to the track.

Their coach, the old coach, the one Ryuji actually liked, saw them arrive. “Ah, Ryuji, glad you could join us.”

“Um, well,” Ryuji stuttered, “I, uh, hate to disappoint, but I’m not back on the team or anything. I just got an invitation, and, you know…”

“Right, right. Go at your own pace Sakamoto,” the coach said. “Now, let’s begin!”

“YEAH!” the track team and Ryuji cheered. They began by doing some warmups, followed by their actual training. Ryuji was loving it. He hadn’t felt this good doing track since, well, since the coach left. He felt that maybe, just maybe, he could figure something out.

However, throughout practice, the coach was watching him intently. He looked stern. Not angry, but not happy. Whenever one of the track members came up asking for help or advice, he’d give it kindly, but when it came to Ryuji, he was focused.

After practice was over, Ryuji and his old track buddies were laughing it up, when the coach called out “Sakamoto!”

Ryuji looked over. The coach nodded. Ryuji turned back to his track friends. “Alright, I’ll see you around. Later!” He rushed over to the coach. “Hey coach.” He noticed the coach’s stern expression. “Um, is everything alright?”

“I should be asking you that question,” the coach replied. Ryuji seemed confused. “I actually had Takeshi and the others bring you out today.”

“Oh,” Ryuji said, surprised. “Well, I’m glad they did! I had a blast! Just like old times!”

“Well, not entirely…” the coach responded. Ryuji was confused again. The coach sighed. “Ryuji, I know what Kamoshida did to you.”

“Oh…” Ryuji said, disappointed, his weak knee twitching.

“You know I’d have you back on the team in a heartbeat,” the coach added. “However, after seeing you out there today… I know your drive is still there, but I don’t think you’re fit enough to make this a full-time thing.”

“Figures…” Ryuji said. He looked sad.

The coach placed a hand on Ryuji’s shoulder. “I know it’s hard. Trust me. But I believe in you.”

“Well…what am I gonna do?” Ryuji asked. “I like being on the team. I like doing track. It’s probably the only thing I’m really good at.”

“Ryuji…” the coach said. He pulled out a flier. “I have a friend I’d like you to get in contact with. She’s a physical therapist. I think she can help you get to a point where you can push yourself once again.”

Ryuji grabbed the flier. He noticed the address. “Um, this seems a little out of the way, doesn’t it? I mean, it’s a ways away from the school, right?”

“From this school, yes,” the coach said.

Ryuji was shocked. “Wha…What are you saying?”

The coach smiled a sad smile. “You know I love having you on the team. And you know that if you were at your best, we could easily crush any competition. But I think what may be best for you is for you to get the help you need, even if it means leaving the school.”

Ryuji was stunned. “...Coach…”

“Hm,” the coach chuckled. “You don’t have to answer right away. I just want you to keep it in mind.”

The coach started to leave. Panicked, Ryuji said “Wait!” The coach paused. “Uhhh, I mean, I’ll definitely think about this. But I at least want to finish this year at this school. I’ve…got a lot on my mind at the moment. And while I don’t know if I know what I want now, I promise you I’ll figure it out by the end of the school year. I just… I just need some time. A lot has happened, and I don’t know where I am at the moment.”

The coach looked at him and smiled. “It’s OK. The fact that you can even say that means you're stronger than when I was forced out of this position. I was so worried that after I left, you’d go further down a path of disdain and reactionary violence.”

“Well…I think I might have too,” Ryuji admitted, “if I was alone. But a little while ago, I stopped being alone. I made new friends. I learned from them. I did things that I couldn’t even imagine doing even a year ago.”

“It sounds like these friends are very important to you,” the coach said.

“They mean the world to me,” Ryuji replied.

The coach smiled once again. “I see. Well, I’m glad that someone was able to help in my absence. I’ll be looking forward to what your answer is going to be. Oh! I almost forgot. Here.” He took out a handful of coupons for Ryuji’s favorite ramen place. “As a thank you for reuniting the track team. It’s the least I can do.”

Ryuji’s eyes sparkled. “Thank you coach.”

The coach smiled and nodded. “Well, see you around!”

“Right! Seeya!” Ryuji called out. As Ryuji was leaving the school, he looked at the flier again. He took out his phone, and made a call. “Hey mom. We need to talk about something.”

[crazybigredlove]

15th August 2013

Dear Pete, 

Trained with Dylan before work this morning. Not sure if I've mentioned him before other than as my training buddy. We've been training for a few weeks now and he's helping to keep me on track. He's more of a heavy weights guy than CrossFit but sometimes I like that. Even though Jimmy made me sign that thing at the start saying that I would commit to three CrossFit sessions a week, he doesn't seem to mind if I do something with Dylan instead. It can get a little too much being in a big group some days. Anyway, Dylan messaged me late last night to check if I was keen and after I was done explaining to him that I am never keen to do anything, we set a time. 

It was dark and wet as I walked the few blocks over. The world was eerily quiet and it was no challenge to start creating morbid scenarios in my head about all the different ways psychopaths or supernatural creatures would probably kill me during my ten- minute walk. 

"Haven't seen you this early in a while? How're you handling it?" That friendly smile was on his face as we approached the doorway at the same time. Looking strangely alert for such an early hour, his smile was as contagious as ever. There was no flirting or pretence, just him genuinely wanting to know how I'm doing and pleased to see me. It was nice. Through his winter layers hinted an athletic frame and as always the sight of muscles made me smile. What can I say? I have a type. There was a coffee in each of his hands; with a wink he offered me one. "Figured you might need one of these. So what's been happening?" Hesitating, it was hard not to be aware of how much information could easily flow forth when you have a mouth that spills secrets without pause. Accepting the coffee I stumbled trying to find words. Big Red, Christopher, the job... Too much was going on to put into words and it seemed doubtful our friendship had reached the 'spilling it all out at 5am' stage of friendship anyway. 

"Oh you know me, boring as always. Not much changes in my world." "Sorry for the late message last night. I'd never messaged you before so wasn't sure if you were an early to bed kinda girl or not." 

"It's okay. I survived. Mostly." "You sure? I didn't do any permanent damage?" Teasing me, but still not really flirting. "I mean, I can check my diary entry from last night, but I'm certain beyond reasonable doubt that I won't find that yesterday's starts with 'Dear Diary, crying myself to sleep because Dylan messaged me late at night'. Besides, even if I did, I have a really good therapist." There's that second of terror which freezes me to the spot when I remember that my sense of humour is a little intense for people who don't know me that well and can make people uncomfortable while they try to gauge what's real and what's humour. Laughing softly to himself he seemed unfazed. "I thought I had more game than that. Today I thought we might just do some technique work. I know I'm not exactly a coach but there's some drills Jimmy gave me that I wanted to work through and seeing as you're a total rookie I thought maybe you might want to do them too? Promise you're going to get a workout." Peeking out at me from behind long lashes he looked almost nervous. "Rookie? Hey I have big plans to be world champion within a few months. We'll see who's the rookie then." "Don't we all," he said, laughing as always. "Every person in that room thinks they're going to be too." His eyes linger on my face. 

Is he flirting with me? 

"Oh I can handle a little competition." "You're going to need to bring your A game." "Believe me. I always bring my A game." 

Yup. We are definitely flirting now. Frick. 

We went through the motions. Talking, laughing, training, and yet not really giving much away. Hanging out like two normal people who don't really know each other, but who share a common interest. Exactly how guys and girls who only recently met should hang out. Future suitors, take note. 

That was my day mostly. Or at least that was the highlight. There is still no mention between Chris and I about what happened and with each hour that passes I do feel marginally better about it all in that I figure it's a thing of the past and we should probably just leave it there. Of course that may also be my fear of confrontation speaking... 

He was waiting up for me tonight when I got home. I'd spent the evening at the Starbucks down the road (Free wifi + caffeine + open late = Happy Liv) actually working on my manuscript. Yes, you read that correctly. I was super productive. By that I mean that I updated my Twitter, my Tumblr, and my Facebook. Yep, with all that stuff out of the way I am now ready to begin looking at my manuscript. Tomorrow. I'm too tired now. 

Also, why would your brother want my room? He's been dropping hints for weeks now. 

Liv x 

[festiveferret]

Booty Call (Steve/Tony)

(Read it on AO3)

Tony stepped out of the shower and checked his phone while he rubbed a towel through his hair. There was one missed call from Steve. Frowning, Tony glanced at the time. It was rare for Steve to call after nine, but it was pushing midnight. Without bothering to check his voicemail, Tony hit redial, and put the phone on speaker while he finished drying off.

"Hello?"

"Hey, buddy. It's Tony. Everything okay?"

"Hmm? Yeah, sure," Steve sounded confused.

"You called me. It's late. Just wanted to make sure you're alright."

"Oh? Oh… yeah. Sorry, Tony. It wasn't anything important." Steve sighed. "Actually… actually, it was just a booty call."

If Tony had been eating or drinking, the entire contents of his mouth would have ended up sprayed across the bathroom mirror. "Excuse me?"

"Uh, yeah. Sorry to have bothered you."

"No, no, it's -" he blinked at his own reflection. Well. "No, it's no bother. Honestly. I mean… I'd be down to come over and hang." Tony held his breath.

"Oh, really? Sure, yeah. That'd be really nice. It's not too late?"

"Not for me. I just stepped out of the shower actually." He wondered if he should add something about being naked, but he was surprised Steve was comfortable with the concept of a booty call at all; phone sex might be pushing it. "I'll come down."

"Okay, great." Steve sounded significantly more chipper than before. "See you soon!"

Tony hung up and threw on clothes at random. It wasn't like he'd be wearing them for long. He brushed his teeth, gargled some mouthwash, and blasted out the door. By the time he knocked on Steve's, his palms were sweaty, and he was rocking up and down on his heels. Had Steve noticed his crush over the last few months? Or maybe, maybe he had his own crush? Either way, Tony's heart was pounding and he couldn't seem to calm it.

Steve opened the door with a smile. "Hi, Tony. I'm really glad you came over. Wasn't expecting to see you tonight."

Tony shut the door behind him and shifted closer. "Well, you know, how could I refuse such an enticing offer?"

Steve frowned. "Offer?"

"Mhm." Tony shifted even closer. He could do this. It didn't count as making the first move when you'd literally been invited over for sex, right? Steve was a gentleman; he wasn't going to want to push Tony into anything. So Tony kissed him.

When he pulled back, Steve's cheeks were incredibly red, and his eyes were incredibly wide, and his eyebrows looked like they were on an expedition to the North Pole. "Um," Steve said. "Okay?"

Tony licked his lips self-consciously. Did he taste weird? "Uh. You seem surprised? Did you get confused watching Pretty Woman and think booty calls don't kiss on the lips? Cause I do."

Steve's mouth opened. Then closed. Then opened again. Then he took out his phone. "One second," he creaked out, his voice a rusty cellar door hinge. He typed for a moment then scrolled, and his cheeks glowed redder and redder. Finally, he cleared his throat roughly and tucked his phone back in his pocket. "Butt dial," he barely managed to whisper.

"Pardon?" Tony's genius brain tried to jump four or five steps ahead, but Tony reeled it right back in again. None of the available conclusions to jump to were fun ones.

"I - it's called a butt dial. Not a booty call. I, um. I must have misremembered that one." Steve looked about two seconds from truly putting to the test whether spontaneous human combustion was possible, so Tony took two careful steps backwards, out of Steve's space.

"Ha!" he said loudly, in a way that was absolutely not a laugh. "Ha. That's funny."

"Um."

Tony turned to the door. "Well, I'm leaving now and we will spend twenty-four hours doing whatever punching-bag-yoga-calls-to-the-therapist healing needs to happen here and then I'll see you again on Monday and this will never have happened. Goodnight!"

"Wait!"

Tony froze, then turned to see Steve reaching tentatively out towards him.

"I read what it was," Steve said.

"What?"

"I read what a booty call actually was. That's what you thought I meant. You came here thinking I wanted to have sex with you."

"Steve, the whole point of pretending something didn't happen is so we don't need to talk about it."

"But I want it to happen. To have happened." He frowned. "I want that. I want to pretend I knew all along what it really was. You wouldn't have come up if you didn't want to sleep with me, right? You would have said no. So that means you do. And I do too. With you."

Tony swallowed twice, letting that information percolate through his brain like a game of Plinko. "Oh. Okay. Well. You want to have sex with me?"

Steve smiled tentatively. "I want to do pretty much everything with you. But yes, I very much want to touch you." His eyes wandered down Tony's body like the super serum had given him x-ray vision as well. "And a booty call would be great, but if a date call is on the table too, I'd like that very much."

"Well, shit. Okay." Tony shifted back into Steve's space, but once bitten, twice shy. He waited.

Steve ducked down and kissed him firmly on the mouth. When he pulled back, he grinning brilliantly.

"Date call, huh?"

"Yes, please. If you want."

"Oh, I want," Tony breathed. "I've wanted for a while."

"Perfect." Steve gathered Tony up in his arms and carted him off towards the bedroom. "One favour?"

"Yeah?"

"If you haven't already, don't listen to the voicemail I left you. Or rather, my butt left you. It'll ruin the illusion when you find it out that it's just five minutes of me watching home renovation shows and grumbling about hardwood installation."

Tony grinned and snuggled deeper into Steve's hold, giddy for the best night of his life he knew he was about to be treated to - and hopefully many more nights after. "Don't worry, gorgeous, I'll just close my eyes and imagine you said something else about hard wood."

Steve laughed so hard he almost dropped him. Off to a good start.

[straykidssoftt]

Transported into Black Butler  (Undertaker x Reader) 1/??

Hey besties! This is my first fan fiction after a long time away from writing so ummm I hope yall enjoy. There might be slow updates though because it takes me a while to think.

Undertaker/F!Reader

Word Count: 10.8K

(NOT EDITED YET! Ignore the spelling/grammar errors for now if there are any <3)

As I looked on my phone, I realized that I spent hours watching AMV’s and playing Genshin again. Is this what my life went to? I don’t even have contact with my friends that much anymore because I’m too entrapped in fictional realities. Maybe I should… stop obsessing over these things? Nah, I’m perfect just the way I am. I decided that maybe I should go outside to get some fresh air. Since I’ve been trapped inside for so long because of covid, fresh air could do me some good. I quickly threw on some shoes and made my way outside. It was kinda hot outside, but the wind helped cool me off. Maybe this is how Todoroki feels. Dang, I did it again. I quickly upped my pace as I made my way towards the front of Wonderfalls. It was a peaceful silence, nobody outside, the only lights emitting from the houses and street lamps, I loved it. It felt like I was the only one in the world. As I focused more on my walk, I noticed a glowing blue orb thing just staying in one spot. It looked perfectly in place with the surroundings and it was as if it was… waiting for me. I looked around to see if someone was holding it but no one was to be found. I did the only sensible thing a person could do, I ran back into my house and locked the door. Cheryl asked me why I was running like the police were behind me, so I responded by telling her my story about the orb and the comfortable silence. When I finished, she looked at me like I was crazy. 

“I know this sounds crazy, but trust me.”

“Y/n… maybe you should take a break from everything. You’re struggling to separate reality from fiction and it’s making you crazy." She finished with a strong resolve. I felt like if I pressed it anymore she would try to search up therapists for me again so I let it go.

“I’ll just.. go take a shower. Maybe that’s what I need”

“Yep you do that buddy.”

After failing at describing my recent experience with my sister, again something strange happened. The orb that I saw in the street was miraculously in my room. I knew it was meant for me, but what’s it for? I decided to investigate it before touching it with my bare hands. I looked around the orb and again, nobody was there. Then I decided to look through the orb and it looked like a faint outline of something, but the blue was too overpowering so I gave up on deciphering it. That’s when a faint buzzing sound began and my ear began to ring. What the… is that a bee?? I internally freak out until I see the orb begin to vibrate. I think the fuck not. I run straight to my bed and hide under my covers. I reach my hand out to feel around for Wooyoung and Leo but my hand touches something warm to the touch. It was almost comforting, like putting on warm fuzzy socks while sitting in front of a fireplace with hot cocoa. I yank my hand back inside the blanket and think about what my next plan of action would be. Maybe I… become dauntless and look for what it was? No, I’m too much of a wimp. Maybe I could call for Cheryl? But what if she can’t see it? You know what Y/n? On the count of three, you just stop being a wimp and look at what it is. Ready?? One… Two… 

“THREE!” 

I yank off the blanket and I see the blue orb turn more into a lighter shade of the previous color. Why did it change? Is it related to the buzzing? I reach towards the orb to grab it and while my hand is outreaching, the orb acts like a magnet and travels to my hand. Woah, this is weird. This time, the orb kinda felt like nothing, just like if you were to brush your hand in the air. I pull my hand away from the orb but the orb was stuck on it. I shook my hand, but the orb wouldn’t budge. What the heck is wrong with this thing? I tried to use my other hand to yank it off but instead, both of my hands were stuck. 

“CHERYLL” I screamed multiple times but she never responded. As I tried to walk to the door, the orb began to absorb my hands and drag me into it. I began to hyperventilate and wonder if this was the end for me. Am I going to die? I guess I won’t see Undertaker as I die. I close my eyes as to y/nng my end to a peaceful standpoint but what happens surprises me. My body felt as if it was laying on a soft bed with gigantic pillows. I wince my eyes as I see a y/nght light through my closed eyelids. 

“Lady Y/n, it’s time for you to wake up now.” A familiar voice says.

“What?” I respond to the voice as I gently open my eyes.

I hear curtains being drawn and then the same voice that I heard starts again.

“We have a busy schedule today. Firstly, you and the young master have a meeting with the other nobles about the situation. Next-“ The same voice continued about the itinerary for a while as I grasp the situation. I was being stalked by a blue orb, then the orb appeared in my room and began to buzz, next I touched it and got sucked in- 

“AM I DEAD?” I screamed as the person in the room finished relaying the schedule.

“I’d sure hope not,” The voice said as they stepped into my view. “Then Ciel would have my head.” My eyes finally landed on the person who was talking and it was none other than Sebastian, the great butler himself.

“Sebastian?”

“Yes.”

“You’re really Sebastian?” I ask again.

“Well, I’d think so. Did you have a dream or something?” He said while looking slightly amused at me.

“I- well n-“ I couldn’t get words out and instead, hid my face in my pillows out of embarrassment and amazement. Thank you magical orb that could have killed me but didn’t. 

 “I’ll send Mey-Rin in to help you get ready. After you’re done getting dressed, breakfast will be in the dining hall,” He says as he hands me a cup of tea. “This morning’s tea is Earl Grey with a hint of citrus. I do hope you enjoy it.” 

As Sebastian leaves, he smiles at me and then closes the door. This is a dream, right? There’s no way this could happen in life.

“Lady Y/n, I’m here to help you get dressed, yes,” I hear Mey-Rin yell through my doors. “May I come in?”

“Yeah, be my guest.” I see the door open and there was one of the amazing servants in the manor.

“What would you like to wear today?” Mey-Rin asked as she opened my wardrobe.

“Maybe something light but not too dressy.” I respond. She looked at me like I was crazy and then grabbed the biggest dress I’ve ever seen in my life.

“I’m suppose to wear that?” I asked completely bewildered. 

“Yes, what else are you supposed to wear?” She responds with a slight laugh in her voice.

“Ok, I guess” I let Mey-Rin put the corset on me first, and once I felt that pain, I realized that this was real. She finished getting me dressed and after she left, I took a good look around the room. My walls were beige, the comforter and pillows and curtains were all a lovely purple shade, and worse of all, I was no longer the person I recognized. It looked like I took a complete transition and looked nothing like I did earlier that day. I was in complete and utter shock. I decided to leave my room finally after looking through everything and it looked exactly like it did in the anime. Looking down the stairs I saw all of the servants lined up, waiting for me so that they could say good morning. I saw Finny and Tanaka and Baldroy and that’s when my anime stan self came out. I looked at all of them with a big, shining smile and said good morning to all of them. They smiled at me with the same warmth they received and said the same thing back.

“Lady Y/n, Lady Y/n!” Finnian began happily, “Today, can you help me with the garden?”

“Of course I can!! Just let me know whenever you need me.” I said, internally fangirling extra hard. I made my way to the kitchen where I saw Ciel sitting next to the head of the table, waiting for me.

“Good morning.” He says as he looks up at me expectantly.

“Good morning.” I say with a smile. How am I related to Ciel??

“…Are you ok?” He asks with the same look in his eyes from earlier.

“What are you talking about?” I ask, genuinely confused.

“Sebastian, she has amnesia.” 

“What are you talking about? No I don’t.” I looked down at my hands, and then back up to see Ciel whispering to Sebastian. Sebastian got dismissed and Ciel looked at me with a serious look in his eyes. 

“Ok then, if you don’t have amnesia would you mind telling me your full name and how we’re related?”

Wai- if I say L/N then I’ll seem crazy. And how am I related to Ciel?? Maybe I’m his friend?

“I’m Y/n L/N- umm…”

“L/N what? Skip that and come back to it. How are we related?”

“Fine, I might be a little confused.” I finish with a sigh.

“That’s what I assumed. Anyways let me clear up at least some of the confusion. Your name is Y/N Phantomhive and you’re my older sister. You have amnesia because in the last case we did, you tripped and hit your head.” He said as he sipped his tea.

I guess I should just go along with this for now, even if I do find Vincent hot.

“Oh that makes more sense.” I nod my head as I take the last few bites of my breakfast.

“Anyways, I think that you should take a break for today, you’ve been through a lot these past couple of days.”

“I guess I can take a short break, but only for a day.” 

“There’s no helping it if you put your mind to something. If you need anything don’t hesitate to call Sebastian or any one else.” 

I nod at him as my way of agreeing and then I decide to go back up to my room. I kinda want to stay here until I’m all caught up with the manga. 

“Fine, I’ll stay here until I’m all updated. ONLY because I want to see those fine men.” I resolve to myself. A couple of hours passed and Ciel was done with the meeting with the other nobles. I’m going to shake things up. How about I get kidnapped instead of Ciel? I walk out the door into the study where I find Azzurro there waiting for Ciel. I look at him, and he looks at me, and we look at each other for a short minute.

“So… I’mma go and-“

“I don’t think so.” He says as he grabbed my hand and knocked me out. I woke up in a random room like the one in the manga. Bet I’m kidnapped… now what? I don’t have the mark that Ciel does. Ahhh hell no what do I do?! 

“Lady Y/n, whenever you’re in trouble just bark like a puppy. Even if you don’t have the mark, since you’re related to the young lord I can sense if you’re in danger.” Is this a flashback? From the actual person who is here? Alright, bet. Wait- doesn’t he need proof? And aren’t I supposed to do something to help them out?

“Wake up. We have business to attend too.” A harsh voice spits out like venom.

“Can I just sleep for a couple more minutes? You know I have amnesia, don’t you, Azzurro Vanel.” I respond with the same amount of harshness.

“So you do know who I am. That makes things a lot quicker.”

“Which means you also recognize who I am and what I’m capable of.” Why am I saying this? Please don’t kill me

“Bold of you to assume you’ll be able to do something. Matter of fact-“ He pauses to grab my hair and yank me up towards him, “I think you don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Crap he found me out. What’s taking them forever to find me? I know damn well it didn’t take this long in the manga. The ringing of the phone took me out of my thoughts and Azzurro had a tiny smirk on his face like he won the award for best villain in Black Butler. 

“Seems like your brother is ready for negotiations.” He walked over to the phone and hesitates before picking it up.

“Don’t make a sound or else I’ll kill your brother alongside your servants.”

“Do you really think you scare me? If anything, what scares me is the fact that I won’t be able to listen to any of my KPOP or watch any of my anime’s for a while.” 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, but if you speak once, you’ll learn true fear.” He picked up the phone and I could hear Sebastian talking to Azzurro about his assassin failing. I laughed while saying my servants are the best of the best and assassins won’t kill them. I felt a sharp pain in my stomach as I realized that he kicked me because of his irritation.

“You hoe. That’s why your ugly ass will never have a girlfriend.” I spit at his feet and lifted my body onto the wall to support myself.

“Ah, I hear my lady is in the room with you, contrary to you saying she was knocked out. Lady Y/n, are you there?” I heard Sebastian over the phone so I did exactly what Ciel did in the show.

“Woof.” That was hella embarrassing I think I’ll just kill myself so that I don’t have to look at him when he shows up.

“Lovely. I’ll be there shortly.” Sebastian hung up the phone and Azzurro looks at me with a malicious look in his eye.

“I thought I told you not to say anything.” He glared as he reached for his gun that was in his pocket.

“And I thought I told you that I wasn’t afraid of your punk ass.” He walked over to me and yanked my hair once more. 

“You’re lucky that you’re needed for a negotiation or else you’d be dead by now.” 

Technically, I might already be dead but I have no idea. We heard gunshots and shouts, glass was shattering and there were a whole lot of thuds.

“Looks like my butler found his way here.”

“Well it’s time for you to look the part of a hostage ‘lady y/n’” He says in an almost mocking tone. I heard as Sebastian's careful steps walked towards the door and his quick knocks before opening the door.

“I’m here for my lady if you wouldn’t mind,” He says as calmly as he’s been in his life. “Your ransom is right here in my hand so we’ll do a fair trade.”

“Fair trade? Over my dead body, NOW.” As he screamed that, the sound of many guns went off, each one aimed at Sebastian. I blinked slowly and glared at Sebastian as Azzurro began laughing that he won and that he would be murdering me next, I was just waiting.

“I know you’re trying to joke around, but maybe if you hurried this up we won’t be late for dinner. Get up, Sebastian, I’m tired and I want a bath.” I complain as he chuckles and gets up effortlessly. 

“Guns have improved since a hundred years ago,” He spoke as he spat out the bullets that entered his body. “I’ll give these back to you guys.” 

He threw each bullet back at the men, which pierced all of the henchmen with precision in the forehead. Azzurro yanked my arm and aimed the gun at my temple.

“You’re going to walk away and leave us. As for her, she’ll be lucky if anyone wants to buy her when I show her off.

“I’m so sorry about your plans, but my master ordered me to save her and to solve this case. A Phantomhive butler who can’t do this much isn’t worth his salt.” He finishes with a finger up in the air.

Oh. My God. He just said the line, he just said the li- No Y/n, shake it off. You cannot be a simp at this moment in time.

“SHUT UP!” He says as he pulled the trigger. I braced myself for an impact that never came.

“Wow, that’s so cool!” I say while trying to retain some of my fangirl-ness inside me. 

“I’m glad that’s amusing to you my lady, but we really should be on our way,” Sebastian said with a smile before turning back to Azzurro with a straight face. “I’ll give this back to you.” He says as he dropped the bullet into his front pocket.

“Bu- How did you?” Azzurro was bewildered at what he just witnessed. Sebastian picked me up and sat me down on the couch before cutting off all of the bondage ties. I nod at him as a little sign of appreciation.

“Come work for me, I’ll pay you ten times more than they pay you there.” Dang, now he’s just sounding desperate. 

“I don’t have interest in human currency since it doesn’t matter to me.” He said as his eyes glowed a familiar color. Hell yeah, turn into a demon and kill this man. Sebastian transformed into his demon self and killed Azzurro with such ease, it was hard not to simp for him. 

“Lady Y/n, let’s go back to the manor. Young master is eagerly waiting for your arrival.” Sebastian said as he picked me up and ran quickly to the manor. So this is what it feels like to run as fast as the wind can travel. I felt Sebastian slow down into a dignified walk and as I look forward I saw everyone standing in front of the doors.

“LADY Y/n!” “Are you okay?” “Why does your hair look so messy?” “Baldroy don’t say that. But why do you have tears and bruises on you?” “Finny how are you going to stop me from talking about her messy hair but you mention the most obvious thing.” “Guys, we shouldn’t bicker in front of the lady, yes.” As everyone talked over one another, I realized that Ciel didn’t say anything yet. I quietly walked next to Ciel and leaned down to his ear.

“Can we talk later today? Preferably before dinner but after my bath?” I whisper down to him. He didn’t respond but instead gave a little nod. 

“Guys don’t worry about me, I tripped again. Maybe I should learn how to walk before going anywhere,” I say with a chuckle embedded into my last couple of words, “I’m just going to go take a shower, and then I’ll be ready for dinner. Not to mention, what happened was very entertaining.” As I began to walk away, everyone looked like they were confused and but they just let it go. Luckily, I found the bathroom with no effort and I quickly got undressed and into the bathtub. Wait- what am I going to talk to Ciel about? I can’t talk about anything that happens in my world, and if I’m being honest, I still don’t know anything about this whole thing.

“Ugh, what am I supposed to do now?” I sigh heavily and sink further into the bathwater. There were three knocks and then Mey-Rin opened the door to give me some clothes for after my bath. 

“Thank you!” I say as I got out of the tub and wrap myself in one of the many fluffy blankets. She bowed and then left hastily because she had to get back to work. Is this another big dress? I don’t want to wear this. I look around for a way to make this more comfortable for me and I found a quick solution. Instead of putting on all of the layers and the corset, I just went with the lightest layer to make myself look presentable and comfortable. I don’t know what this era’s obsession with big dresses is. I walked out of the bathroom and into Ciel’s study, mentally preparing myself for our conversation. Not the social anxiety peaking inside of me. Ciel appeared in the room and looked at me with a small smile on his face. Ciel? Smiling? Where’s the Akito in him? 

“You wanted to talk to me?” He asked while sitting in his chair.

“Yep. You know how my memories aren’t with me at the moment?” I started as Ciel nodded as a way to say continue, “Well, I was thinking that you could give me more information about… me. And the Manor and some of my relationships.”

“Hm… well it’ll kinda be hard since you’re older than me by a lot but I’ll try my hardest,” He takes a sip of tea before setting it down and sitting up in his chair. “Basically, you already know you’re my older sister. Your birthday is January 18th 1886, and you’re currently 19 years old. After Mother and Father passed away we both took up the role of the Queen’s Watchdog. We’ve been doing well at it, and you’re almost as talented as Sebastian when it comes to missions and cases.”

“Oh? Wait- So I’m almost demon level good at what I do?” I beamed at Ciel and gestured for him to continue.

“As for your relationships, I know for a fact you’re funny and that’s why you and The Undertaker are extremely close,” WHAT?? WE’RE CLOSE???? DOES THAT MEAN, I CAN GO VISIT HIM AT TIMES?? I failed to hide the smile that came with hearing Undertaker’s name and that didn’t go unnoticed by Ciel. “I can see that you still recognize him. You’re pretty good friends with all of our pawns which I don’t understand why. Madam Red adores you like your own daughter though. I remember when she came to a while back and I had to have Sebastian save you because she kept throwing you in dresses,” He looks up at the ceiling as if he was reminiscing and then he concluded by speaking about some of my local friends that are outside of our circle.

“I think I understand better now. And because of this, I also remembered something else.”

“What would that be?”

“When you and the actual Ciel were born, Father told me that since I had two new younger brothers, I should protect them with all I had. I took that so seriously, that when you had your first asthma attack, I wouldn’t leave your side and I gave you everything you needed,” I smile at him and continued, “I couldn’t just leave my cute younger brother to suffer, so I did everything in my power to make sure that you had fun, even if you couldn’t go outside.” 

Ciel looked at me and gave a small smile as he stood up and stretched, “ I’m happy that you remembered something. I still remember what you said to me during that time, ‘ I’ll make sure that nothing bad happens to you, so just trust in your older sister and everything will be alright’ right?”

“Yep!”

“We had a long day today, even though you enjoyed being kidnapped? Anyways, I think it’s time for dinner so let’s eat and then retire to bed.” He stood up and walked towards the door.

“I agree, let’s go” I stood up as well and we both walked down to the dining hall, where everyone again was waiting for us. Ciel and I sat down and enjoyed the delicious meal that Sebastian prepared for us with a comfortable silence. 

 “Okay, I’ll be heading to bed now. Goodnight everyone!” I say as I walk towards the stairs.

“Goodnight, Lady Y/n!” I hear many voices yell towards me. After I reached my room, I sat on top of my bed and just thought to myself. Will I ever be able to return to my actual world? Or am I dead and since I thought of Black Butler as my last thought, they’re just including me in the storyline? Even if I could go back, would I want to go back is the real question. Hmm… I guess we’ll see when we get towards the end. I lay on my bed and tucked myself into my blankets before drifting off to the dream world. In my dreams, I thought about everyone that I left behind as I went into the orb. From my family to Savanna and Mark, to all of my friends. It showed some of the memories that I looked fondly back upon and it also showed some painful ones that I didn’t want to bear a second thought on.

“Good Morning, My Lady,” I heard as Sebastian drew back the blinds once again. “Today, I have prepared a lavender herbal tea as an effort to calm you down from the previous endeavors yesterday.”

“Oh, thank you! You really don’t have to worry about yesterday, as I said before, it was pretty fun getting kidnapped. Though those couple of bruises won’t go away for a while, it kinda is a refresher from my boring everyday life.” I sipped the tea and smelled the infused scent of the soothing lavender, “this is lovely.” I murmured 

“I’m glad the tea is to your liking. Today we will be going to the London townhouse to gather more intel on the recent Jack the Ripper murders. Please, quickly get ready and breakfast will be downstairs waiting for you.”

“Okay, thank you!” Sebastian made his way out of my room without a second thought and closed the door gently. As I would expect from an amazing butler. I looked through the closet and my eyes landed on a burgundy dress that looked similar to one that I had in my actual world. I grabbed that and decided to skip the corset aspect of that. When I got downstairs, the servants again were waiting to greet me. 

“Good morning!” I heard them all say in unison.

“Morning everyone!” I said with the same enthusiasm. I reached the table and grabbed the croissant that was closest to me but Ciel wasn’t there.

“The young master decided to take a bath before we leave, so he ate breakfast ahead of time!” I heard Finny say, as an attempt to soothe my racing brain.

“Oh, ok. Finny, after I finish eating I can help you out with the garden. I feel bad that I wasn’t able to yesterday, so I’d like to make good on my promise today. If you’ll let me?” I took a bite of my croissant and looked at Finnian, who was about to bounce off the walls in excitement.

“REALLY? OK!” He never looked happier in his life, so I was happy that I could make him happy. I know he looks extremely happy whenever he’s outside, but this is the next level. I quickly finish up and before I know it, Finnian was practically dragging me outside with him. 

“Here, Lady Y/n, you can water this side of the garden, and then I’ll do the other!” He handed me a green watering can that looked like it came out of an anime. Oh, wait-

“Ok, I can do that easy peasy.” I begin to water the flowers and Finny and I have a great conversation for about 30 minutes before Sebastian and Ciel walk outside.

“Y/n, we’re heading out now.” Ciel said as he looked to see what I was doing.

“Ok, Finny I’ll see you when we return!” I say as I waved to him. He waved back as Ciel and I walked into the carriage. Sebastian was at the front, driving the thing and I was very impressed. On our way there, Ciel was discussing what we had to do and what we needed to find and although I was nodding acting like I knew exactly what was happening, my mind was on one thing, and one thing only. AAAAHHHHHH!! Undertaker is going to pop up soon!! I know that I’ll also see Grell, but hear me out, Undertaker is more important than my favorite girlie. Ok, I have to compose myself. Deep breaths, deep breaths.

“Y/n? Didn’t you hear Sebastian say that we’re here??” Ciel said as he shook my shoulder gently.

“Oh, yeah I was just deep in thought. Let’s go.” I hopped out of the carriage and as we all walked inside we saw Madam Red, Grell, Lau, and Ran Mao were wreaking havoc in the room.

“Where do they keep the tea in this place?” Madam Red said as she was rummaging through some cupboards. 

“Maybe check in a drawer, you know the young master is short.” Lau responded while lounging on a chair.

“Good to see everybody’s here,” Ciel said a red tick mark appeared above his head, showcasing his frustration.

“I’ll go ahead and make tea for everyone,” Sebastian said as he walked towards the back. I looked around and I was seeing everyone in front of me. Y/n, no need to fret, just don’t let anything slip about this arc and we’re all set.

“My lovely niece, come here so that I can give you a better outfit.” Madam Red said as she yanked me towards her and Grell. “Grell, pull out the dresses that I brought for her.”

“R-Right away!” Grell started to run to the door until I stopped her.

“No need to rush, just take your time and be careful.” I offered a warm smile and she looked at me like she were about to cry.

“Right!” She finish exiting and right when she came back with the dresses, Sebastian had the tea ready.

“Madam Red, your dress up party will have to wait. We have business to attend too.” Ciel said as he grabbed my hand and brought me to the dual chairs at the head of the table.

“Jack the Ripper uses very unconventional ways to kill.”

“We knew that, but can you describe it?” Lau pushed for more information but Ciel stopped him.

“I don’t know all the details but there is one individual that does.” UNDERTAKER’S FINALLY COMING INTO PLAY. Keep it cool, Y/n Ciel did say that he found me amusing. All of a sudden, I found myself standing in front of the funeral parlor next to everyone except Ran-Mao. Lau had her stay back to clean the mess they created before our arrival. As we entered, Undertaker was nowhere to be seen.

“Undertaker where are you?” Ciel said as he took off his hat and handed it to Sebastian, alongside his walking stick.

“It appears he’s not in here.” Lau declared as he looked around the darkened place. It looked exactly like in the anime, but that wasn’t a surprise to me anymore. I walked to the upright coffin that was adjacent to the door and knocked on it. Wasn’t he in here during this scene?? If I’m wrong I won’t hesitate to kill myself.

“Undertaker, wake up.” I spoke softly through the closed coffin. I hear giggles coming out of the coffin and as quickly as the laughter came, the lid came off and Undertaker peered out.

“I was ready to surprise the Earl knowing that he was on his way here, but instead you surprised me. Leave it to Lady Y/n to know where I am.” Undertaker chuckles and steps out of the coffin.

“Would you like some tea? Give me a moment, as you can tell my area is a bit messy.” He disappears for a prolonged moment and by the time he got back, we made ourselves comfortable on the coffins. Ahhh it’s like we’re close friends- wait. We are close friends Y/n. BUT STILL UNDERTAKER SAID MY NAME!! He passed out the diverse array of cups that were made up of beakers and a singular tall cup. 

“I can assume what you’re here for, but I’ll allow you to tell me yourself, Earl.” Undertaker said as he made himself comfortable on his chair.

“Very well. I’d like to know more about the way the victims in the Jack the Ripper case died.” Ciel took a sip of tea and looked at Undertaker, waiting for him to give him what he needed.

“There is a certain commonality among all the prostitutes, but first you must pay me.” Undertaker smiled and waited for his payment.

“How much money do you want?” Lau said, willing to pay every penny. Undertaker zoomed to Lau as fast as lighting and opened his mouth to speak.

“I’m not interested in the Queen’s money. There is only, but one requirement for the information you need,” He paused and looked at Madam Red then back at Lau, “Show me a first rate laugh!” He said as he salivated over the thought of laughter. 

“What?” Madam Red and Lau said in unison as they looked in disbelief.

“That’s all you want?” Madam Red asked as Undertaker was still thinking about laughter. After Undertaker nodded, they both decided to take a whack at it. They both failed of course but, it was the thought that counted. 

“Now the only people that’s left, the Butler and Ciel. Would the Young Earl like to entertain me today, or will the butler be doing so?” Undertaker asked, sitting back down onto his chair and rolling upside down onto the coffin acting as a table. 

“What about Y/n? She hasn’t gone yet either.” Ciel protested as he desperately looked over at me.

“I’m not funny, so I’m gonna have to sit this one out.” I respond to Ciel as I cross my arms.

“You’re absolutely right Ciel, we’re going to have to have her try this. My Lady, would you care to amuse me?” He said with a small smile on his face.

“If I do this, EVERYONE except for Undertaker is waiting outside until I’m done. I don’t need to embarrass myself.” I sigh and look at each of them seriously. If looks could kill, everyone knows that they would be dead just by my stare.

“Y/n, I leave this to you. Come, Sebastian.” Ciel and the others start to walk out and all that’s left in the room is me, Undertaker, and silence. What did I just do? I know I’m trying to make the most out of this, but I am not funny. I don’t have any jokes and worse, the man I simp for hardest is sitting down, waiting for a joke. I don’t know if I can do this-

“I’m ready whenever you are, even though you lied.” Undertaker said as he chuckled a little.

“Huh?” Words couldn’t form in my mouth after he said that.

“You said that you weren’t funny, yet you’re one who made me laugh on countless occasions. Now, go ahead and give me what I desire.” He propped his head upon his hand and peered at me through the bangs.

“O-okay.” not the stuttering, cut it out, “When you die, what part of the body dies last?” I begin my joke as Undertaker thinks for a second.

“I don’t know, what?”

“The pupils… they dilate.” I look at him, Undertaker was trying to contain his laughter but he couldn’t. His laugh made the whole shop shake and his laugh was so contagious, I laughed almost as loud as him. When our laughter died down, everyone re-entered the room, looking at us like we were crazy, and in amazement.

“I thought you weren’t funny?” Ciel said as he took his seat back.

“It just came to me?” I offered a shy smile and turned back to Undertaker, who stood up and was ready to continue the information given.

“After that delectable laugh, I believe you all need some information.” He walks up to me and stands directly behind me. He’s so close to me, I can smell him. Hmm… it smells a little like cinnamon and vanilla. Noiceeeee.

“All of those dead prostitutes had their throats cut and they were missing something.” His hands ghosted my throat as if demonstrating what happened and then his hands went down to my lower abdomen. “Their wombs were completely taken out of their body and sowed back up. Very neatly as well, if I do say so myself.” Undertaker removed himself from me and went back to his desk. I finally had my y/n moment… AHHHHH.

“So that means that whoever our culprit is would have to be experienced.” Ciel concluded from that hint which was given by a very fine man.

“That’s exactly right. It would have to be someone experienced in that field.” He said as he leaned back in his chair and giggled slightly.

“That was all we needed. Let’s go, Sebastian, Y/n.” Ciel grabbed his hat and walking stick and started towards the door.

“My lady, if you ever want to stop by again, you know where my building is.” Undertaker said as he pierced into my eyes through his bangs.

“Of course! Bye Undertaker and thank you again!” I said as I fangirl another time and wave slightly at him.

“No, thank you!” Undertaker turned in his chair so that his back was facing the door and waved from behind his back. When I got back into the carriage, Ciel and Sebastian were already talking and Madam Red was waiting for me.

“Honey, what took you forever? I wanted to talk about what dresses you’d like from me.” She said as she looked over my outfit and shook her head in disappointment.

“I just had to finish up in there.” I said as I got comfortable before Grell took off the carriage. 

“Oh?” She gave up on investigating any further and sat back in her seat more.

“Y/n, as I told Sebastian earlier, we concluded that anyone with medical training can be the murderer.” Ciel said as he looked out the window bored.

“Yeah, I was thinking the same thing.” Mainly because I’ve watched the show. 

“So while Sebastian is making a list of subjects, I’d like you to just relax.”

“Wait- why can’t I help out yet?” Ciel just looked at me like I said the stupidest thing in the world and rolled his eyes.

“You know why. After we narrow the list down, you can come with us to nail down the final suspect.” Ciel sighed and went back to playing with his ring.

“Ok!” I said and went back to humming in my seat as I patiently waited for us to arrive back at the townhouse.

“Uh-oh.” Grell whispered outside of the carriage.

“Grell… whats wrong?” Madam Red asked her, nervousness seeped into her system.

“I think I made a wrong turn somewhere.” She said as the carriage slowly came to a stop. I peeked out the window and saw that we were in the middle of a random town that wasn’t like the one our townhouse is at.

“Grell, would you like me to help you?” I asked as I looked out the door.

“FABULOUS!” She said as she did her signature pose on the low.

“Y/n, are you sure you know where you’re going?” Ciel asked as I got in the front with Grell.

“Nope but it might jog my memory so I’m going to help.” I say as I grab the handles from Grell.

“Grell… I don’t know how to drive this so… you’re gonna have to be on watch for me.”

“I got you! Leave it up to me!” She said as she attentively watched what I did. Wait… I’m a natural at this! Look at me go! After a couple of minutes, I found myself in front of the townhouse with Sebastian standing in front of the door. 

“Lady Y/n, what on earth are you doing right there?” Sebastian asked with a smile on his face, but we all knew he was beyond irritated.

“Oh, Grell got us lost so I decided to help her drive so that we wouldn’t be that late. And TADA!! At least I remembered where the house was and how to drive this thing!” I say as I chuckle to let the awkwardness fade.

“Oh my. Well, I suppose that if you wanted to help him, nothing could be done.” Sebastian walked up to the step and helped me down.

 We all walked into the townhouse and sat down in the study where Sebastian already had tea and snacks ready for us. Now that's capable. 

“As for our suspect list, here it is.” Sebastian said as he rolled a large piece of paper out.

“How on earth did you do all that in a short amount of time?” Madam Red asked, amazed that he could pull this off.

“I’m merely one hell of a butler.” He replied as he politely smiled. SEBASTIAN PLEASE I DON’T NEED TO SIMP ANY HARDER!!!

“What did you narrow the list down to?” I ask to show interest in the topic. I already know, I just want to hear you say it.

“I’ve narrowed it down to Aleister Chamber. Although he graduated from medical school, he hasn’t been involved in the profession and he is well known for hosting a number of seasonal parties where he only allows people close to him to attend.” Sebastian finishes while summarizing more things about the subject.

“Which means that he might be choosing the victims at his parties.” Ciel said as he sipped his tea and exhaled tiredly.

“Exactly right.” Sebastian nodded at Ciel.

“Now all we need to know is when the next party will be.” I said with a determined look plastered onto my face.

“I actually have an invitation to one of his parties that should be tomorrow evening.” Madam Red said as she clapped her hands together. “I can get you guys invited as well but you’ll need to disguise yourselves.”

“How are we suppose to do that?” Ciel asked with a sigh.

“I was thinking… Lau could be my lover, Sebastian could be Ciel’s home tutor, Me and Grell can be ourselves and Ciel and Y/n, darlings, you guys would be acting as my nieces. Nothing changed for Y/n but Ciel… I’d be able to put you in a dress.” She giggled to herself in excitement.

“WHAT? Why do I have to dress like a girl if Y/n’s going?” Ciel yelled as he suddenly stood up.

“For fun! Also since this is your job, you have to be the one to solve the case.” Madam Red said as she trailed off into dress ideas for both Ciel and me.

“But Y/n also has this job!”

“Ciel, I have amnesia, remember?” I point out, not trying to do any more than I already am doing in this universe.

“Of course you pull that card when it benefits you.” 

I smile as I stand up to go to my room.

“Y/n, Darling, I’ll have your outfit all planned out by early morning at the latest! I can’t wait to see how you look in one of my outfit picks.” Madam Red exclaimed as she waved me off.

“I can’t wait,” I said as I approached my room at the townhouse. As I made my way through many wrong rooms, I finally stumbled around the one that looked similar to my other bedroom at the mansion. I got changed and sat on my bed thinking about the old reality of my life. Just sitting around waiting for my friends to text me back. Even if I can’t return to my reality, I don’t think I’ll miss it. Everyone in this reality cares about me and they talk about me.

“Ughh how refreshing!” I sigh as I get comfortable in my blankets and drift off to sleep. The next morning, I’m met with the y/nghtness and the loudness of Grell and Madam Red.

“Now Grell, make sure you put all of the dresses up on the wardrobe.”

“Y-y-y-yes ma’am right away.” Grell rushed to grab all of the dresses but falls in the middle of sprinting them over to where they needed to be.

“Grell what on heavens earth are you doing? You’re going to mess them up!” Madam Red fans herself and looks at me to see that I was awake and looking at them confused.

“Ah, good morning Y/n! I am so sorry about Grell, he can’t do his job right.”

“Good morning?” I respond as I wipe the sleep from my eyes.

“I’m sorry, I’ll repent with my death.” Grell says as she wipes a tear from her eyes and dramatically runs to the window.

“No Grell, you’re fine. Just pace yourself even though I don’t get why theres so many dresses to begin with.” I respond as I grabbed her and pulled her away from the window. 

“You’re a saint, Lady Y/n.” She responds as I can see the animated dramatics above her head.

I forgot how funny the animations make something. Madam Red went to explain on about how she always wanted a daughter to dress her up in pretty dresses and named each dress that was in the room.

“Wait- I appreciate the sentiment of this, couldn’t you have brought like… two of them?” I ask while being overwhelmed.

“Nope!” Madam Red said with a beaming smile on her face.

“Alright.. well can I wear the burgundy and black one?” 

“Of course! Grell, help me get her in this dress.” Madam Red and Grell went to put me in the dress and as they stepped back they both gasped.

“You look stunning! It’s like… this dress was made for you!” Madam Red started and Grell finished the sentences as if they were one brain.

“Thanks.” I sheepishly laugh as I pull the sleeves down a little.

“Don’t pull at the sleeves, it makes the whole outfit.” Madam Red swatted at my hand and did a dramatic sigh.

“Now we have to leave in a couple of minutes so eat and then go out to the carriage.” 

“Wai- it’s literally only 10am.” I tell her, a little confused at why she was trying to leave so early.

“No, I wasted your whole day talking about the dresses. It’s 5 in the afternoon.” She said proudly.

“Before you say anything, Ciel told me to distract you for this long so blame him. Grell, let’s go.” She starts the room before Grell follows shortly after.

Wow… it’s probably because he didn’t want to hear me talk about him wearing a dress at the party so he distracted me until the last minute. Makes sense, I wouldn’t want to think about it the whole day either.

I walk back down the stairs where I was greeted with Sebastian standing next to the table with a tiny meal in front of him.

“Hello, My Lady. Since you haven’t eaten at all today and we’re about to go to the party, I decided to make you a small yet fulfilling meal. Today I made… and for your tea we have green tea to aid in digestion.” Sebastian said as he masterfully sat me in my seat and pulled out the tiny plate with the sides.

“Thank you, this looks great. How much longer do I have until we leave?” I ask as I begin my meal.

“You have 20 minutes left.” 

“Ok.” I get back to eating and then before I knew it, I was in the carriage 5 minutes away from the party.

“Ciel I-“

“Nope.” Ciel interrupted my sentence and stopped me while I was ahead. “I know you were going to say I looked pretty but thats not what I want to hear right now.” 

“Sorry.”

“Anyways, be careful when you’re in there. If Aleister tries to go to you instead of me, remember what you have to do.”

“Gotcha- I mean, ok.” Ciel gave me a weird look but shook it off as we pulled up to the door.

“Yes, we’re here under Madam Red?” Madam Red said as she flaunted her red dress. The door holder allowed us in and the party was very extravagant. There were many people on the dance floor, and people were chatting on the sides of the dance floor but there was one person that we all recognized.

“Elizabeth?”

“Lady Elizabeth?” Ciel and Sebastian said in union.

“What’s Lizzy doing here?” I ask acting like I knew nothing about this arc.

“I don’t know, but I absolutely cannot let her see me like this.” 

“Lucky for you, she’s heading towards you.” I turn to Ciel and Sebastian but they both were gone.

“Wow, so that’s how it is?” I sigh as Elizabeth rushed towards me.

“Y/nIIIIII” Elizabeth screamed as she dashed towards me.

“Hi Lizzy!” I say as I reciprocate her hug and spin her around.

“What are you doing here?” She asked me as she buzzed in excitement.

“Madam Red invited me, so I couldn’t possibly turn her down.” I reply as I laugh at her childlike behavior.

“Ah, I see. Well, I adore your dress but I’m on the hunt for a girl with this ABSOLUTELY stunning dress that I want to compliment.” She said as she physically tried to remember what it looked like. 

“Good luck!” I waved as she ran off in the opposite direction of Ciel and I couldn’t help but giggle. Wow, Ciel has the hard life doesn’t he?”

“What’s a beautiful young sparrow such as yourself doing giggling all to yourself?” I hear a voice ask me, in slight amusement. I turn to face the mysterious voice and I couldn’t help but gasp. I’m the main character, I’m the main character- How is it that Aleister ran into me before he ran into Ciel?

“Oh, I was just thinking about what my friend said before she dashed off to look for someone,” I reply, avoiding eye contact.

“Oh, is that so?” Aleister asked as he grabbed my face and gently lifted it so that our eyes had to meet, “Your eyes are lovely, I wish you would stop avoiding my gaze.” He said as flowers appeared around us.

“I apologize.” My mind goes back to when we were in the carriage and Ciel told me what to do in this situation.

“Keep the mission going, I’ll have Sebastian keep an eye on you so don’t worry about dying.”

“Gee, thanks.”

Do I have to do this? We saw how Ciel was traumatized.

“But your eyes are just so captivating, I can’t help but avoid them. What if I fall in too deep?” I ask while fluttering my eyelashes. Kill me, please.

“Well aren’t you good with words.” The viscount replied as he smiled and rubbed my back.

“I’d like to think so,” I look around uncomfortably and see Sebastian winking at me as he miraculously stopped Elizabeth from going towards Ciel and began his magic trick thing.

“But I’m a little bored with this party. Is there somewhere where it’s funner than here?” I ask in a fake flirty tone, but he couldn’t be any stupider.

“Of course there is. Would you like me to take you there?” He asked me as he grabbed my hand gently and pulled me in the direction of the knockout gas room. Welp, better brace myself.

“Yes, if it’s not too much of a bother.” I let out a fake giggle and walk with him into the room.

“Wait here, I’ll be right back. I have to tell my friends I found a cute little bird to take back to the nest.” He said as he walked to the door and closed it behind him.

“Now I wait,” I reply as I stand in the middle of the room. The gas activated and within a couple of seconds, I was knocked out. Wow, how long will I be knocked out for? Meh, I don’t have anything to lose. I awoke from being knocked out with a blindfold on and rope around my arms and legs.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, today I have brought a lovely gem for us. She has beautiful brown eyes and-“ Aleister trailed on, talking about me and they started to start bidding on me. When does Sebastian get here? Wai- doesn’t Ciel call Sebastian inside?? But I should be different right?

“Two hundred thousand!” I heard a random man shout.

“Umm, excuse me? I am worth two hundred billion bitch. Sebastian, if you could hurry up before they mark down my price anymore, that would be lovely.” I huffed and glared through the darkness of my blindfold.

“Right away.” Sebastian said as he quickly took care of everyone and knocked out the Viscount. He quickly opened the cage I was in and took off the ropes.

“Now that right there is what I won’t deal with.” I said while rubbing my wrists where the rope was placed.

“The auction?” Sebastian asked as he picked me up and prepared to take me back to the house.

“No, the price they tried to put on me.” I wailed out as he calmly walked out of the building and ran back to the townhouse. As we arrived, Ciel was waiting in the living room area with a cup of tea.

“Welcome back.” He said as he snickered and set the cup down.

“Mhm. I hope you know I’m traumatized.” I said as I sat down next to him, being sure that he felt my glare.

“Of course. Now, I’m pretty sure that the case is closed so go prepare for our departure tomorrow.” 

“Yep. Good night.” I said sounding unsure while walking back to my room. Getting out of that heavy dress was a nightmare, but it was worth it when I finally got back into my bed. 

“Ahhhh.” I sighed as I snuggled into my blankets. Drifting off to sleep was finally calming to me, without a second thought about my old life.

“Good morning Lady Y/n. Today I’ve prepared earl grey tea and scones for you before we head off.” Sebastian said as he took the tea off the tray and handed it to me.

“Thank you!” I cheerfully took the tea from Sebastian and took a nice sip. Mmmmm I thought to myself but realized I accidentally said aloud when Sebastian chuckled at me.

“By the way, yesterday before you retired to your room, what were you thinking?” Sebastian asked as he walked towards me slowly.

“Huh?” I questioned not trying to sound suspicious.

“The tone that you used when you said good night sounded like you were unsure of what happened. Therefore I asked you, what were you thinking about?” 

“Oh nothing haha.”

“Lady Y/n, I know when humans like yourself tell a lie. And right now, I can tell that it wasn’t nothing. I believe you don’t think he’s the murderer.” Sebastian said as he did a small smile with a slight tilt to his head.

“I don’t think he’s the murderer.” Sebastian nodded at me as if beckoning me to continue.

“If anything, he’s just a member of a cult who sells people. It doesn’t seem as if he has the mentality of a serial killer. Also, if I dare go on, he’s one huge creep. He doesn’t have it in him to murder someone.” 

“I see. Well I thank you for sharing that and if I could continue, I know he’s not the killer. I actually had another suspect in mind that would perfectly fit our killer.” Sebastian said as he headed to the door.

“It’s Madam Red, isn’t it.” I ask, not worrying about the plot anymore. I just want to talk with Sebastian more.

“I guess we’ll see later on, won’t we. If you’ll excuse me.” He said as he left the room without another word. 

 -A Couple Hours Later-

I’ve been in my room for the past couple of hours just waiting on Ciel and Sebastian to finally take me with them to the dramatic showcase. What’s taking them forever.

“Lady Y/n, the young master is ready for us to leave.” Sebastian said as he held the door to my room open with a hand on his chest.

“Finally. I’ve been in here forever.” I said as I stepped out of my room, stretching to make myself feel better after being confined for hours.

“Lets go Sebastian!” I exclaim skipping down the halls to the front door.

“Of course.” He said with a slight smile on his lips as he quickly followed me.

As we reached our destination, we slow down as we reached the door.

“We’re at the house of the next victim, Mary Jane Kelly. Proceed with haste.” Sebastian said as he approached the door in front of us. 

“AHHHHHHHHH!” We heard a voice scream inside of the house.

“Sebastian, break down the door. That’s an order.” Ciel said as he swiped his hand in the air.

“Right away,” Sebastian said as he kicked the door in with such style. In front of the door, there was a woman’s body but Sebastian dragged both Ciel and me back before we could see the gruesome sight.

“I- I don’t know what happened. I saw this woman bleeding out in front of me an-“

“That’s enough, Grell,” Ciel said as he cut off Grell’s rambling. Grell was covered in the victim's blood and was holding a bloodied knife.

“I guess since you’ve caught me, theres no reason for me to wear this hideous get-up.” Grell began to transform into her usual grim reaper fit.

“As I suspected, you are a grim reaper.” Sebastian said as he shook his head and grabbed his knives. “But I don’t get why a Grim Reaper would pretend to be a butler.” 

“I was captivated by a woman.” Grell said as she flipped her hair and shook a little in excitement.

“And, who would this woman be?” Sebastian asked for clarification and identification.

“It should be obvious.” Madam Red said as she stepped out from behind Grell.

“Madam Red! Your name was on the list but no human could have independently committed the murder.” Ciel began as he walked up next to Sebastian, “Which would be a different story if you were working with a Grim Reaper. Their supernatural abilities would allow him to access the prostitute’s room without anyone knowing and to travel to the murder scene from Aleister’s party. Therefore, you both had to act together as Jack The Ripper.”

“I’m hurt Ciel, you would suspect your own aunt?” Madam Red said in shock

“There’s an additional connection between all the prostitutes; they all had an abortion at your hospital. And even though we knew who the last victim would be, we weren’t able to save her.” Ciel said with some sadness in his heart.

“It pains me to see that it actually was you, Madam Red.” I said with pain in my voice.

“Oh, my sweet niece and nephew, I regret that you guys found out. We won’t be able to play chess together anymore and I won’t be able to force my dresses onto you anymore.” Madam Red said as she looked at Ciel and me with remorse. “I won’t go easy on you guys. Grell, you know what to do.”

“YEAH!” Grell said as she pulled out her Death Scythe and began to attack me and Ciel until Sebastian stopped him.

“This is an order, capture Madam Red and Grell.” Ciel said as he ripped off his eyepatch.

“Yes, My Lord.” Sebastian said as he began to attack Grell.

As Sebastian and Grell were off fighting, Ciel and I were questioning Madam Red.

“Why’d you commit the murders?” I asked her. This is my main character moment.

Madam Red pulls out a knife and began to speak, “I’m ‘The Hunted’ and theres only one path.”

“That doesn’t answer the question. Why did you do it, Madam Red?” Ciel asked a second time for us.

“You children wouldn’t understand even if I told you. IT WOULD BE BETTER IF YOU WERE NEVER BORN!” Madam Red screamed as she moved in to stab Ciel.

“NO!” I cried as I stood in front of Ciel, to protect him.

“Lady Y/n, Young Master.” Sebastian said as he was cornered by Grell. Madam Red froze as she stared into my eyes, frightened and confused.

“Sebastian, stop. Don’t kill her.” Ciel ordered as Sebastian turned into his demon form, getting ready to kill Madam Red.

“Why do you look so much like him?” Madam Red quivered as she shook violently.

“What are you waiting for? Kill them so that we can go on.” Grell said as she walked over next to Madam Red.

“I can’t.” She replied as a tear began falling from her eyes.

“What? After you already killed so many women, now you can’t kill? Well you can either kill them, or be killed by me.” Grell said as she looked over her nails and looked back up at Madam Red.

“I- I can’t kill them, t-they’re my ni-“ She coughed as Grell shoved her Death Scythe into her chest.

“I’ve lost interest in an ‘ordinary woman’ like you.” Grell said as she pulled her chainsaw out of Madam Red’s chest. “Anyways, I guess it’s time for me to depart. Goodbye, and good riddance.” As Grell was walking away, Ciel suddenly looked at Sebastian.

“Sebastian, capture Grell. This case isn’t over yet.” He said as he looked back down at Madam Reds' body.

“Right away.” Sebastian said as he stepped towards Grell. They began their battle once more and it was just as intense as in the anime. 

Wow, Sebastian does have the moves at times. I looked over at Ciel and he was kneeling over Madam Red’s body and he looked like he was in a daze. As I looked over Ciel, Grell came slamming onto the ground with Sebastian over her, with her death scythe in his hands.

Before Sebastian could kill Grell, someone came and stopped the blow before it landed. Ahhhhh it's William, don’t freak out, don’t freak out.

“Grell Sutcliff…” William went on to list a ton of her faults, but she didn’t care because she was just fangirling over William.

“I apologize for my colleagues actions.” William said as he turned and bowed at all three of us, “I can’t believe the day has come to where I have to apologize to a demon.” As William was dragging Grell away, Sebastian threw Grell’s chainsaw at William’s head, but he easily caught it.

“Didn’t want you to leave that behind.” Sebastian said as he did a fake smile

“Thank you.” William said as he tossed it on Grell and fully walked away.

“Young Master, I apologize for letting Grell escape.” Sebastian said as he bowed towards Ciel.

“It doesn’t matter anymore.” Ciel replied as he stood up, swaying onto Sebastian seeming light-headed.

“Are you okay?” Sebastian said as he grabbed Ciel to support him.

“Let go of me. I’m just a little tired. Let’s go Y/n.” He said as he pushed Sebastian away and walked towards the carriage. I quietly followed behind him, scared that anything I said would make him break. I knew she was gonna die but, that must suck for him. Well, not for me because Undertaker is gonna pop up pretty soon. After the long silent ride back to the mansion, we broke away into our respective rooms. I took a warm bath and I laid back into my bed as I always did before I went back to sleep in my new home and I anticipated the next day. The next day, as expected, the wedding for Madam Red happened but I decided to stay home. It went like Ciel did his very dramatic thing with the red dress and he asked me if I wanted to y/nng the red bouquet that we bought for her but I decided to pass because I wouldn’t be able to stay professional in front of Undertaker. Finny, Meyrin, and Baldroy all three decided to try and cheer me up by doing witty stuff like asking if I wanted to go for a walk or to help them with their chores and it worked even though I wasn’t sad. Thus, the end of this arc and the beginning of me deciding my destiny… of making Undertaker love me. 

[drarrily-we-row-along]

Day 65: Question

"Uncle Harry?"

He glanced away from Rose where she was eating the grapes Harry cut in quarters and over at Teddy where he was sitting at the table eating his grilled cheese. "Yeah buddy?"

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure," he said as he looked back at the almost 16 month old eating grapes. He still got nervous about her choking.

"Do you like Uncle Draco?"

"Yeah," Harry replied casually, glancing out of the corner of his eye to gauge Teddy's reaction. "Yeah. Uncle Draco and I are good friends."

Teddy rolled his eyes, and Harry couldn't help but wonder how the time had flown by fast enough that he was sitting at a table with a nine year old who now rolled his eye at him. "I mean do you like-like Uncle Draco?"

"Gah bah dih!" Rose shouted, banging her chubby little fists on her high chair tray.

"See, Rose wants to know too," he translated for the baby.

He sighed, "It's complicated, Teddy."

"Why?" he asked, his brow furrowing. "Uncle Draco says he likes you. Why does it have to be complicated?"

"Uncle Draco said what?" Harry asked, sure he'd misheard.

(Read more below the cut)

"He said that he likes you but he thinks that you don't feel the same."

"Thats-" Harry spluttered, "I-" he started and broke off again, "But he nev-" he huffed, catching a spoon that Rose was trying to hit Max with. "Careful, Rose," he chided gently, "We don't hit the dog."

"Uncle Haarry," Teddy groaned.

"Apparently it's a conversation that Uncle Draco and I need to have," he managed.

"But-"

Harry shook his head, "No buts. If I like Uncle Draco, he should be the first to hear it, don't you think?"

"Fine," Teddy grumbled.

And Harry spent the rest of the day thinking about what he was going to say to Draco at trivia later that night.

-------

"I hate the muggle knowledge category," Draco groaned miserably as he and Harry prepared to answer the eighth round of questions that evening. "You're completely useless at it," he added, "even though you were raised by muggles."

Harry huffed, "Well, it's not like I was allowed to live like a normal muggle." He took another sip of his firewhiskey. He should stop drinking but he was just too nervous.

"What does that even mean?" Draco asked.

"Nothing," he said, shaking his head to clear away the memories which somehow served to only bring them further forward in his mind.

"Potter," Draco said, poking his arm, "What does that mean?"

He stood up abruptly, feeling small and afraid, like he'd never be good enough. All of the feelings of loneliness and unworthiness that he'd had as a child rising up like bile. It was all too much all of the sudden and the idea that Draco might actually be interested in him was utterly preposterous. "I have to go."

"What?" Draco said as Harry made for the door. "Harry!" he called.

Harry fumbled with the door handle but finally made it out onto the street, pushing his way through a gaggle of people standing outside the door smoking.

He'd walked for maybe two minutes when he heard a set of feet running up behind him and he turned, body poised to fight.

"Hey," Draco panted. "You didn't pay for your tab, you know."

"Right," Harry said, reaching into his pocket and holding out a handful of galleons to Draco.

"I don't want your money," he said, sounding offended and Harry didn't know what to do with that. "I'm just telling you why it took me so long to catch up."

"Do you like me?" Harry blurted because he needed to know, once and for all.

Draco looked confused, "Harry, we've been friends for like 7 years, of course I like you."

"No," he shook his head, "I mean do you like-like me?"

The other man paled, taking a step back from him and Harry realized that he must be thinking that Harry had run out because he thought Draco liked him.

"Because I really like you," he hastened to add. "I have for ages but I didn't think you could feel the same. How could you feel the same?" Harry whispered, more to himself than Draco. "I'm a mess," he added, "I've got ptsd from the war but I'm also like super messed up from my childhood? And I don't even understand what healthy relationships look like and how to have them," he covered his face with his hands, "I'm just-"

"Harry," Draco interrupted, his hands gently holding Harry's shoulders. "Come here," he murmured, pulling Harry in against him and wrapping him up in his arms.

Harry leaned into him.

"Okay," Draco murmured, "Deep, slow breath with me, yes?"

He nodded and mirrored Draco's breathing, feeling his heart slow as his lungs filled with air.

"There we are," Draco said softly, brushing his hands over Harry's back. "It's alright."

"Sorry," he whispered, making no move to pull away from Draco.

Draco dropped a kiss on his cheek, "There's no need to be." After a beat he asked, "Would you like to come back to mine to talk? I've got some sobriety potions and I can make us some tea."

"Do you have biscuits?" Harry murmured against his skin where he'd tucked his face in Draco's neck.

"I do."

He nodded once and Draco held onto him as he apparated. After they took their sobriety potions and made tea, Draco nodded to the living room.

Harry curled up on one end of the couch and Draco sat on the other, cross-legged and facing Harry. "So," Draco said, and Harry really dreaded the next words now that he wasn't drunk, "Who ratted me out? Was it Weasley?"

"What?"

"Who told you that I like you?"

Harry blinked, "Teddy. But how-"

"I've liked you for six and a half years and people have been telling me that you like me for at least five of them. Clearly someone must have decided to tell you, it's the only thing that could have prompted you to change."

He tilted his head consideringly, "What I said, though," he started, "Well, it's still true, even if I'm less emotional about it now. I have had several relationships flop through no fault of the men and women I've dated. I'm a mess, Draco."

"Do you imagine for even a moment that I'm not?"

Harry huffed a bitter laugh, "You're always so poised and put together. You-"

"I have nightmares three times a week," Draco said matter-of-factly. "I sleep with my wand tucked under my pillow and a dim light in the corner. I see a therapist every other week. My father and I have a very strained relationship because he doesn't approve of me being gay. And," he added, "I haven't had a successful relationship ever."

Harry stared at him for a long moment.

Long enough that Draco started talking again, "I'm a lot. Even on my best days and I would drive you roun-"

Harry interrupted him by leaning across the sofa and kissing him once softly to stop the words coming from his mouth. "You are amazing," he breathed. When he pulled back he said, "If you're okay with me not being perfect, I would love to try."

"Really?" Draco whispered.

Harry nodded, "Really."

And in the end, it was their imperfections that made the other love them all the more.

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

Day 64: Shower | Day 66: Bond

So confession: this was not the fic I started writing for this prompt. But that one is already over 4000 words and it's like halfway done, so it's not making the cut tonight. I think it's actually going to end up being multiple chapters, I'll add a link in here when I've finished it. (I say this to apologize that this one is so rushed!)

[missmitchieg]

Hey, Don't Die

It started out as a joke.

It was always supposed to be a joke.

The boys weren't supposed to die on him. But he forgot to say it. It wasn't his fault! He got distracted by the pretty girl in front of him and their favorite little inside joke just slipped his mind. So he didn't say it, and now the boys were gone.

Or maybe it was his fault they were gone. Sure, maybe it was a coincidence that every time he did say it, they didn't die on him and the one time he didn't say it, they went and died. Or maybe it was some weird fortune or good luck charm.

Whatever it was, Bobby didn't think he would ever be able to escape that positively heart wrenching, soul crushing guilt of how he should have said it, or how he should have been there to run and call for an ambulance.

The first time he said it was to Luke. It was a joke. It was funny. Luke made a comment at the end of the day that he was going to his parents' house to sleep because his bed didn't give him that neck crick that his couch did.

With a laugh, Bobby patted Luke's shoulder and gave a little squeeze. "Alright. Don't die out there, though."

Luke cackled at that and shook his head, giving him a half hug. "I'll try, buddy. Love you."

"I love you, too."

They kept that joke going for a couple of weeks.

The next one he made the joke to was Alex. It was still a joke. It was still funny. Alex was just going to make a quick pizza run and come back.

"Be quick. Don't die." Bobby told him.

Alex smiled and ruffled Bobby's hair the way he knew he hated, waving as he walked out. "I won't, bro."

"You better not. Love you."

"Love you."

Then came Reggie. It was still a joke. It was still funny. They were on a 'friend date', as Reggie called it, to the aquarium. Bobby, Luke and Alex all wanted to watch the great whites in the shark tunnel, but Reggie wanted to go look at the jellyfish in the opposite direction of the sharks.

"Alright. We'll meet back up by the clown fish, then. Don't die alone in there." Bobby smiled and patted Reggie's cheek.

"I won't, Bobins." Reggie chuckled and ran a hand through his hair, giving his best friend a sweet smile. "Love you."

"I love you, too."

It had sort of become their thing after a while. One or two or all of them would go off somewhere without 'their Bobble' and Bobby would always, always tell them, whether it was with a smile or a faux serious look on his face. "Don't die."

Then came that day. July twenty second, nineteen ninety five. Bobby had been distracted by a very pretty girl with curly hair and sparkly eyes and had just forgotten to tell his boys his usual comment of "Hey. Don't die out there. I love you.", so he hadn't said it. And then he got a call. A call to tell him that his band, his best friends, his boys, were gone forever.

He was horrified when he realized what had happened.

What he didn't say.

What he didn't do.

He had broken down about it to his parents, who promptly suggested that he go to therapy about it. Something about how it wasn't healthy to think this way and he did nothing wrong and he couldn't have known what would happen and he needed to talk to someone about it. So he did. He went and he talked about the boys and how it hurt that they were gone and they were never coming back. But he never told his therapist about their thing, about what he would say to them when they left his sight.

He had also managed to become a rock star by means of some sleazy contract he hadn't been given the chance to read properly giving ownership of Luke's music to some company and Bobby had been forced to record the songs and pass them off as his own and keep the true writer a secret.

It was fine. Luke was gone. He wasn't ever going to find out what the contract had roped Bobby into. So he did it. Just not without a few breakdowns in between song recordings and e-mails to his therapist about emergency sessions. But it was fine.

So he went on like that, taking his boys' music and recording it in between breakdowns and therapy sessions and becoming a mega famous rock star, just like he had managed to convince himself his boys would want him to.

He grew up and had a kid. A little girl named Carrie, who was his absolute little pride and joy. A little girl who was never going to live in a garage, or eat out of the back of a beat up car, or get food poisoning, or anything that could harm her. She was going to have only the best health care and knowledge he could buy and teach her and she wasn't going to die.

The first time he had told her the thing, she was a little toddler, going to day care for the first time. She had been excited to go to day care and meet new friends to play with and he had been a wreck thinking of all the things that could happen if he didn't remember to tell her. So he made a mental note to not forget before he walked out the door to go to work.

He had walked inside with a little curly haired toddler on his hip and, with a smile, said to his little girl: "Carrie, love, daddy's gonna go to work now. You're gonna stay here a while and I'll pick you up when I'm done working. I love you. Don't die here."

Carrie had giggled at that and wrapped her tiny arms around his neck, giving him a peck on the cheek. "Love you, daddy!" She said before he let her down and she ran off to bang on a brightly colored toy drum.

Bobby winced as he felt his heart clench in his chest at the sight of his little girl playing a drum, just like his old best friend. He bit his lip as he clenched and unclenched his fists and walked out to the car to go to the studio, where he would try and write a song as good as Luke's old music again.

No matter how hard he tried to channel the guitarist, he just couldn't. He couldn't write like Luke, because he wasn't Luke. And Luke wasn't there to help him. Wasn't there to chuckle and suggest a clever slant rhyme, or a metaphor that would work, or a cool melody that sounded like something Luke would write, but also that Bobby, no, that Trevor could play in his sleep.

He groaned in frustration as he and his team of four other writers just couldn't come to an agreement about which rhyme scheme to use for this song, and kept glancing at the clock until it was the time to go and pick up his baby from day care.

He walked inside and looked around for Carrie, hoping, praying that saying the thing worked, that he hadn't lost his little girl like he lost his boys. "Care-bear? Baby?"

"Daddy!" Carrie giggled and got up from where she was sitting on the floor watching a little curly haired girl slam her fingers against toy piano keys, running up to him. "Hi, daddy!"

Oh, thank God. "Carrie, there you are! My little girl! Oh!" He cooed as he scooped her up into his arms and hugged her tightly to his chest, pressing kisses to the top of her tiny, giggling head.

"Aww!"

"That's so sweet."

"Oh, what a good daddy!"

Trevor looked up and chuckled, shaking his head. "I just love my little girl so much. Come on, baby. Let's go home. We're having that yummy pasta you like for dinner."

"Yay!"

After that, saying the thing became his and Carrie's thing, just like it was his and his boys' thing. He would drop Carrie off somewhere or Carrie would be on her way to the bus stop to go to school, and Trevor would send her off with an "I love you. Don't die.", and his daughter would smile and salute.

"Daddy, I'm going to my friend, Julie's!"

"Ok! Have fun and don't die! Love you!"

"Dad, I'm going to school!"

"Don't die at school! Love you!"

"Dad, can I go to Flynn and Julie's sleepover on Saturday?"

"Sure, just don't die."

And they went on like that for years.

Carrie always thought it was 'just one of dad's funny quirks'. An 'overprotective dad' thing. Sort of like Marlin from that cute kids movie, Finding Nemo. Carrie would go somewhere without him for a period of time, and Trevor would worry endlessly until she came back, completely unharmed. Then came the hugs and kisses and comments of "There's my favorite girl!" from him.

Little did she know just how much her father was suffering. Little did she know just how worried he was when she would leave, how relieved he was when it sank in that she was fine, that it had worked again, just like it always did.

So sure, maybe it wasn't necessarily 'normal' to say that every time his daughter was out of his sight for any amount of time. Maybe he was still a little traumatized. Maybe he should bring it up to his therapist. But he was fine. He was fine, as long as she was fine.

He ended up admitting it to his therapist mid-session. "So I do this thing with my daughter." He started. "Whenever she goes somewhere without me, I always tell her, 'don't die, I love you'. It's-" He coughed and cleared his throat taking a sip of water to will the sudden lump in his throat away. "It's... Something I used to say to my friends before they died."

Dr. Born nodded and wrote something down quickly, gesturing for him to go on.

"I always tell her. I never forget to. Because the one time I did forget... Well." Trevor made a kind of 'you know, I just told you' gesture and shifted, pushing his hair out of his eyes like his Reggie used to.

"I see."

"I guess I think... If I don't tell her, something will happen. Something will hurt her, a-and she'll disappear like my boys did."

"That sounds quite stressful." Dr. Born had said, in his non judgemental, caring therapist voice.

"It is." Trevor admitted, a familiar anxiety bubbling up in his chest. "Because what if I forget one day? What if I forget one day-"

"Trevor." Dr. Born said, sensing an unhelpful anxiety spiral coming on.

"-and Carrie gets hurt? What if I forget to say it to her just one time and-"

"Trevor."

"that's the last time I ever see my little girl, just because I forgot to tell her not to die-"

"Trevor!"

Trevor winced at that and stopped fidgeting with the toy Dr. Born had advised him to buy for his anxiety years ago now, looking up at him. "Sorry."

"Clearly, you were very affected by the death of your dear friends." Dr. Born noted. "But, why didn't you mention saying that to your friends or your daughter before?"

Trevor frowned at the question and looked down, wringing his hands. "I... Don't know. I guess that part hurt too much to talk about, or think about." He said with a tilt of his head.

Dr. Horn hummed at that and nodded his understanding, taking another note.

"My parents told me to go to therapy to talk about losing the boys, and how much that was affecting me." Trevor started. "I didn't have the capacity, I guess, to talk about that, so I stuck to the boys."

Dr. Horn nodded again, still giving him the most understanding, non judgemental look.

"And I-I guess I just convinced myself telling Carrie that was normal. That worrying if I didn't tell her that, I would end up losing her like my boys, was normal." Trevor continued. "That saying it or not saying it was sort of like a telling of what was to come. Because until now, it has been." He explained. "Because every time I said it, the boys lived. The one time I didn't, they ended up in an ambulance. Every time I say it to Carrie, she comes home safe. What if it happens again?"

Dr. Horn nodded again and hummed, looking for the best way to reply to Trevor. "I won't lie and say that's a normal train of thought, or necessarily true."

Trevor sighed but nodded. "Fair enough."

"But I also know it would negatively affect you to just stop saying it cold turkey."

Trevor nodded again.

"I think, whenever you decide you're ready, and you don't have to be ready the exact next time that Carrie goes somewhere, you should try texting it to her when she's already out the door. And eventually stop saying it altogether."

Trevor considered the thought and nodded slowly, wringing the toy in his hands. "I- Should I tell my daughter what I'm doing? It might be weird for her to be so used to hearing that every time she leaves to suddenly not hearing it."

"Oh, good thinking. I think you should tell her. Though, I'll warn you, she might ask about why you're suddenly cutting out a tradition between the two of you."

Trevor nodded, scratching his neck. "What will she think of me when I tell her about it?"

"You'll never know until you tell her."

So he did. Six months after the fact. He sat Carrie down and explained to her that their 'fun dad joke' was going to change a little soon. He explained why he would always say it and about the boys. He explained that it was going to stop.

Carrie sat and listened intently as she processed what her father was telling her, giving him the tightest hug she ever had after he had finished, both of them in tears. She couldn't believe that her father had just been living with that pain for years, and mentally preparing himself for it to stop for months. Knowing all of this, Carrie Wilson was the most confident she had ever been that her father was the strongest man she ever knew.

So she walked out one day, just to get some fro-yo with the girls, and waited for a text from her father when she didn't hear their thing said out loud. It came when she was two steps out the door.

The next time came just the next day, when Carrie was on her way to school. Carrie didn't hear it out loud, so she waited for a text. It came five steps out the door.

The next time came when Carrie had a performance that Trevor couldn't be at. It was in the same direction as the studio, so he drove her to the venue, and Carrie felt a sad smile stretch onto her face as she heard him say, "I love you. Don't die."

Two weeks later, Carrie was going to a sleepover at Julie's for the first time in a long time. She smiled as this time, she made it all the way to the car before she got a text saying their thing.

Almost a month later, Carrie grinned as she walked out to go to school and didn't hear it, and never got a text. She came home that day, no feeling of sickness coming on or bruise in sight. She was fine.

And he was fine, too.

[whereisten]

I Think We’re Alone Now

A Jaemin fic that’s part of our Halloween Series! 

Summary: Your Spring Break plans change at the last minute when the campus heartthrob asks you to join him and the popular kids to your nemesis’ cabin. 

Pairing: college student! Jaemin x female reader 

Genre: romance, angst, mystery, suspense, horror, crime

Word Count: 7.4k 

Warnings: Bullying, body image mention, gore, violence, death

(A/N): SHOUTOUT TO MY GIRL KRYS FOR THIS DELICIOUS MOODBOARD. SHE IS AN AMAZING ARTISTE. I AM IN AWE. I hope my story does this moodboard justice and I hope you guys enjoy! Thank you for the support! 

___

Spring Break was imminent for the kids of Guang University. It was your freshman year and your friends all had different plans. You planned to stay home and get a head start on your homework and catch up on all of your favorite Korean dramas.

You headed out of the school with Haechan, your best friend. He had plans to go visit his family in South Korea for a couple of days. You were bummed that your closest friend wouldn’t be in town for the break.

“You sure you don’t want to come to Seoul with me? We might bump into Ji Chang Wook. You never know.” Ji Chang Wook was your celebrity crush.

You balanced your giant biology textbook while you tried to find your phone. “That’s tempting but I have a big exam right after break and I’ve been behind for weeks...So now I have to cram.”

Haechan sighed. “Y/n, you need to give yourself some down time.”

You frowned. “What are you talking about?”

Haechan sighed. “You haven’t come out to any parties in the past two months.”

You sighed. “Well...”

Haechan whined. “You’re supposed to be my party buddy...”

“Well, party buddy, then explain Daniela, Hazel, and Ally,” you said, calling out your best friend for not being so lonely at these parties after all.

“I-“ Haechan started.

Before Haechan could explain, a group of girls you’d tried so hard to avoid walked by and “accidentally” bumped into you, making you drop your book to the ground.

The girl who bumped into you turned and laughed. “I’m SO sorry. Maybe if you didn’t take up so much space, it wouldn’t have happened.”

The other girls laughed as they began to saunter off.

You groaned. You thought bullies retired once they graduated from high school when reality finally gave them a slap to the face.

Well, unfortunately for you, the mean girls from your old high school were smart enough to get into your dream school so you now occasionally saw them. And worse, shared a biology lab with them. The head of the pack, Heather, always had it out for you for always beating her for the best grade in class. You’d get a 94 and she’d get a 93. You were just happy to get an A and she was furious she wasn’t number 1. You guessed it had to do with her superiority complex and how she had to please her wealthy parents.

Haechan yelled, “Heather, what the hell-“

Heather started, “What? It’s a simple observation.”

Well, not everyone could be a size 0 like Heather. You knew that you had a healthy body shape. Sure, you know you could use improvements but you were human. No one was perfect. Nothing Heather could say could make you think she was right. She was just a hater.

“Have a nice break, Heather. Maybe your dad will finally come home,” you said as you grabbed Haechan’s hand and walked off.

“Hey! y/n, get back here!” Heather demanded. Her dad and her mom were separated for a while now and he was never home to spend time with his precious daughter.

Heather’s bark had always been bigger than her bite. So you didn’t let her words get to you. Not anymore.

___

Haechan went home while you waited to call an Uber to take you to the record store across town.  You may as well go out and do one fun thing before you hunkered down at home for the break.

That was when you heard someone sobbing hard. And you couldn’t help but find the source.

The boy sat down on a bench by the bus stop. It was the campus heartthrob, Na Jaemin. You’d shared a couple of lectures with him this year. He was very sweet, always had something to compliment you on. Your hair, your lipstick, your outfit.

Well, then he would proceed to ask for help with assignments but you appreciated getting paid with flattery.

You frowned. “A-are you okay?” You started. “Do you need help?”

Jaemin looked up as tears ran down his beautifully sculpted face. His eyes widened at the sight of you. He wiped his tears away with his jacket sleeve. He shook his head. “Y/n! Hey, I’m…okay…I just-“

You sat down beside him and pulled an unopened bottle of water out of your backpack. You handed it to him. “Here.”

He looked down at it and asked, “Are you sure?”

You nodded. “Go ahead.”

“Thank you,” he said, managing a half-smile.

He drank from it as you waited.

He exhaled in satisfaction. “Thank you, y/n. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you like this. School and work have been so stressful…I just needed to let it all out.”

You hesitated before you put a hand on his back. You moved it gently against his muscular upper back. “I’m sorry…Do you…wanna talk about it?”

Jaemin froze and debated telling you. “I got fired from my job…” He admitted.

You removed your hand from his back. “Jaemin, that’s terrible…I’m so sorry…What happened?”

He shook his head. “The boss was kinda harsh. I couldn’t take it. I slipped up once and I got the ax.”

You tried to meet his eyes. “I’m so sorry, Jaemin.”

Jaemin managed a smile for you. “Thank you, y/n. You’re always sweet. Always good. I’m glad you’re here with me.” He placed a hand over yours.

This may or may not have made you want to scream with excitement. But your better judgment told you to contain yourself because Jaemin was upset.

Your little moment was interrupted by Heather and her cohorts.

Heather stood in front of Jaemin, noticing his red eyes “Oh, Nana, what’s wrong?”

Jaemin didn’t look all that thrilled to see Heather either. “It’s nothing…Don’t worry about it.”

“Because if y/n is bothering you, she should leave. Isn’t that right, y/n?” Heather turned to you with her hands on her hips.

You were about to snap when Jaemin beat you to it. “Actually, Heather, she’s not. So what can I do for you so you can leave faster?”

Heather looked at her group in shock. Her minions all let out audible gasps and whispers. “Jaemin...”

“I’m waiting,” Jaemin said, a new commanding tone overtaking him.

“We wanted to know if you’re coming to my cabin this weekend.” She tried to come off flirtatious but after his rebuff, she was confused.

“Maybe,” Jaemin replied, “If y/n comes.”

“What?” You and Heather exclaimed.

“I’ll go if y/n goes,” Jaemin said resolutely.

You started, “Jaemin, I-”

Jaemin interrupted. “I need this, y/n. A time to get away. And if you come, I would love it…” He said softly, almost intimately…Like no one else was around.

You’d had a crush on Jaemin since the first day of Intro to Theater. Jaemin was a tremendous actor. He was an excellent Demetrius to your Helena in your act for A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Jaemin was always so nice. You thought the most he would do for you is give you a dollar for the vending machine. And that would’ve made your heart soar to the moon.

It was odd that you were considering going somewhere to hang out with Heather and her friends...But you did want to get to know Jaemin more.

What about your homework?

Well, it could wait.

And what about Heather?

Well, pissing off Heather was a hobby of yours.

One of Heather’s friends coughed. And Heather rolled her eyes. “Fine. Meet at my house at 7 AM tomorrow.”

___

Your older sister Sophie drove you to Heather’s. “Why are you going to Lucifer's spawn’s cabin?”

You sighed. “Because a cute boy asked me to.”

Sophie put the car in park right in front of Heather’s mansion. She looked at you in disbelief and fascination. “A boy?”

You said, “He wanted me to come.”

Sophie laughed. “Well, y/n, he must be very cute if you’re willing to hang out with Her Royal Darkness.”

“Like her ego, I’m sure the cabin is big enough so I don’t have to see her.”

You were both so distracted that you didn’t notice Jaemin knock on your passenger side window. He smiled brightly. Wow, he looked incredible for someone who woke up and texted you good morning at 5:30 AM.

“Wow,” your sister said, in shock from Jaemin’s beauty. She rolled down your window.

“Ready to go, y/n?” Jaemin asked. You saw the expectant look in his eyes. He was radiant and much more relaxed. You were so happy to see him. He seemed to feel a lot better.

“Jaemin, this is my older sister, Sophie,” you said, “Sophie, this is my friend Jaemin.”

They shook hands and Sophie muttered, “You better tell me everything when you get back. And that I am the maid of honor at your wedding.”

“Bye, Sophie! We’ll go on our run together when I come back on Sunday, okay?” You said louder to deflect from what Jaemin could’ve overheard. You and Sophie ran together every weekend for stress relief and bonding time. You got out of the car and hoped Jaemin hadn’t heard anything.

Jaemin offered to give you a ride on his Jeep Explorer to Heather’s cabin, much to Heather’s disappointment. Heather’s friends were riding with her.

You and Jaemin had fun on the road for two hours, just the two of you. You enjoyed some old school Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, and Britney Spears. You snagged the CDs from your sister’s collection.

“Every little thing I do never seems enough for you!” You and Jaemin sang.

You too had gotten off the route to get snacks at a convenience store and because Jaemin needed to fill up his tank. He insisted you put your wallet away. He bought all of your favorite junk food essentials: M&Ms, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, Coke, Orange Fanta. This boy knew his way into your heart.

“So, y/n, what’s your end goal in life?” He asked as he continued the route to Heather’s cabin. “You strike me as an aspiring pediatrician...Saving the children!”

You laughed at his enthusiasm. “I’d like to be a physical therapist. My parents got into a car accident when I was nine...My mom was fine but my dad broke his right leg and right arm. He needed to get physical therapy in order to walk properly again...I went with him to almost all of his appointments. I have a lot of respect for physical therapists after how much they helped him…”

“I’m glad your dad recovered,” Jaemin said as he gave you a quick smile before gluing his eyes back onto the road.

“Me, too...But...my end goal in life? Honestly, I just want my own space to dance around in...With no shame.”

Jaemin chuckled. “No shame, huh? Does that mean you’re a terrible dancer?”

You smacked him. “No. Well, I’m sure there are worse dancers.”

He laughed harder. “Okay...I believe you.”

You laughed. “What about you, Jaemin? What’s your end goal?”

He sighed. “Start up my own content-creating company...I’m into traveling and uncovering hidden gems. Be the next big thing after Buzzfeed Unsolved.”

“Those are some pretty big shoes to fill…” You started.

Jaemin sounded unsure. “Yeah…”

You smiled, “I know you can do it. You’ve got a subscriber in me.”

Jaemin faked a tear. “You have no idea how much that means to me.”

You both laughed again as you reached for the M&Ms and your hands touched. You quickly pulled away, embarrassed. But Jaemin smiled to himself.

Jaemin said, “But as cheesy as it sounds...I want to get married, get a big house, and fill it with twelve children.”

You coughed. “Twelve? Are you and your future wife thinking of splitting the pregnancies up?”

Jaemin laughed. “Okay, maybe not twelve...But a family of my own is my dream. My parents split up when I was five so...I’ve split my time between two homes and it was an awkward feeling, especially after both of my parents remarried.”

“Oh…” You said. You couldn’t exactly sympathize with him because your parents were happily married so you didn’t want to say anything that could rub him the wrong way. That was the last thing you wanted.

“I want to be with that one person...For the rest of my life...When I meet her, I’ll know.” He said, giving you a meaningful look.

You had no idea how to process that so you took a sip of your blue raspberry ICEE and held it in the air, awkwardly. “Here’s to you finding your soulmate someday.”

He chuckled. “Thank you.”

___

You arrived at Heather’s summer home...Well, she called it a cabin. But it was actually a mansion by the beach. It was gorgeous. Something straight out of a movie. It looked like it could be its own hotel resort. You realized that there was a good chance you’d have your own room.

“This house is huge!” You exclaimed.

Jaemin looked along with you as he handed you your bag. “What a shame. I was hoping we would room together.” He said softly into your ear.

You turned to him in shock and he shot you his infamous flirty grin. This boy had you thinking he liked you and he’d better stop before you tried to kiss him.

Heather handed everyone keys to their bedrooms. “If any of you lose this copy, I can’t help you.” She made sure to say that as she handed you your keys.

You went up the stairs of the beach house and chose the last room on the left. You were unlocking the door to your room when someone from behind you tapped you on the shoulder.

“Hey, you’re y/n, right?” You recognized Yangyang from your mandatory PE class. You both took Intermediate Swimming, a class where as long as you flailed in the water and passed the easy quizzes, you’d be guaranteed an A.

You nodded. “And you’re…”

He said, “I’m Yangyang. It’s so nice to see you here!”

“You, too,” you said, averting your eyes once again. Yangyang was pretty attractive and you hoped he didn’t remember you and your Sailor Moon one piece. You always tried to be one of the first in the water and the last to leave when it came to your swimming class.

Even though Heather’s comments were nothing to you, it didn’t mean you were completely immune to the hurt it caused.

“You were in Coach Emerson’s swim class, right? You had the iconic Sailor Moon swimsuit.”

And there went the rest of your hopes and dreams. “Y-yeah…”

He laughed. “Don’t be embarrassed. I had Dragon Ball Z swim trunks.”

“Really?” You said.

Yangyang pretended to be hurt and winced. “I thought you’d be the one to notice.”

“Well...I’m not exactly looking at anyone’s...body…” You said, cringing at your words.

He laughed. “Fair point. I just liked the pattern. Your favorite character is Sailor Mars, right?”

You nodded, “Hell yeah. She’s the best.”

“I’m more of a Sailor Venus guy, myself,” he replied.

“Good taste. But all of the Sailor Scouts are queens,” you started.

“No question,” Yangyang said. “Hey, do you-” His phone started to ring. “Sorry, y/n...I gotta take this.”

You waved goodbye to him and entered your spacious bedroom. As much as Heather despised you and you despised her, her family had excellent taste in real estate. The queen-sized bed was plush like a cloud straight from heaven. You pulled the window up to feel the ocean breeze. It was paradise.

You heard a knock at your door an hour later. It was Jaemin.

“Wanna go for a walk?” He asked.

“Sure!” You said, having already changed into a sundress.

Jaemin thought you looked stunning. Well, you always did. He was so happy to be here with you. Otherwise, he may not have gone on this trip.

Jaemin led you to the beach where you let your toes touch the water. He teased you by splashing you. And you splashed him back until you both were soaked.

You both laughed so hard that you toppled over each other, you on top of Jaemin. You both stared at each other for a long time. Jaemin closed his eyes, his long eyelashes caressing his cheeks. He waited for you to kiss him.

You moved closer and your lips met his. His lips tasted salty thanks to you and your merciless splashing. But the kiss was everything. It was fireworks at the end of a perfect night. It was hot chocolate on a warm winter night. It was like an angel held you and you snuggled against his wings. The kiss was perfect.

You two let go and Jaemin bit his lip. “So.”

You stood there, frozen. “So…”

“So...we did that.”

You nodded. “Indeed we did.”

“Thoughts?” He looked at you with his big brown eyes.

You cleared your throat. “Well...I certainly wouldn’t mind doing that again.”

Jaemin’s big gorgeous goofy smile came back full force at hearing you. He cupped your face in his hands and was about to kiss you again.

“Guys!” Naeun called out to you. “Have you seen Yangyang?”

You and Jaemin pulled yourselves apart. You answered, “Last time I saw him was when he went to his room. Is everything okay?”

“He wasn’t answering his phone...And I found it in his room.” She held up his phone that had a Dragon Ball Z pop socket on the back of it.

You frowned. “That’s weird.”

Jaemin offered. “Maybe he went for a walk. Got some fresh air?”

“Maybe…” Naeun thought and you nodded. “If you see him, tell him I’m looking for him and that I’m pissed.”

“Okay,” you said.

Naeun stomped away, frustrated.

“Now where were-” you started.

Jaemin already pulled you in for another kiss. He pinned you down against the shoreline and trailed your neck with his kisses.

You breathed heavily as you held him tightly.

He looked at you, as if asking you something.

You gave him a look. “What’s up?”

“Do you want to…” His eyes moved down to his pelvic region where his member was protruding through the fabric of his trunks.

Your eyes widened at how big he was. And your eyes nearly popped out of your head when you realized what he was asking. “Oh…”

Jaemin waited for you patiently.

Things were moving too fast. You were more than happy to kiss Jaemin all night but you really weren’t ready to have sex. Not tonight, anyway.

You already knew the answer. “I’m sorry Jaemin. I do like you but...I’m...not ready. I should go…” You got up but Jaemin stopped you. It was like a romantic Korean drama scene, except instead of your wrist ...He grabbed your ankle.

“It’s okay...You don’t have to go. Please don’t go…” He begged as he made a puppy dog pout.

You laughed, relieved. “Okay okay...You can stop making that face.”

Jaemin pouted his lips even more. “What face?”

You rolled your eyes and splashed him. You and Jaemin spent a couple of hours on the beach, kissing and talking. You wrapped up and he walked you to your bedroom.

___

You woke up early the next morning to hear screaming and crying. You got out of bed and ran out the door.

“What’s wrong?” You asked, finding Naeun devastated on the floor. Heather sat down with her on the ground and consoled her.

“Yangyang…” She said between sobs. “He’s gone!”

Renjun looked grave as he handed you his phone. “We all got these messages. Did you, y/n?”

You looked at what was on Renjun’s phone screen and there was a video of Yangyang, bound up and gagged. Tears streamed down his eyes. He mumbled loudly for help.

Tears fell out of your eyes. “What the hell is this?”

You couldn’t believe it. You’d just had a whole conversation with him yesterday. He was friendly and funny…

And now he was like this.

Jaemin replied, “Someone’s idea of a sick joke...I don’t recommend looking at the rest of the story, y/n…”

You ignored him and kept watching. The next video pointed to a wall and you could hear Yangyang clearly now...He was yelling. “No! Who are you? Why are you doing this? Stop! Nooooooo!” The video cut off after that. The last picture was of Yangyang with his throat slit with text that read: “Wonder who will be next...It’s anyone’s guess, really. 🧐 #springbreak2020”

You ran into the bathroom and threw up. The rest of the group followed you into the bathroom. “Well, y/n?” Tzuyu started.

“Well, what?” You asked.

“Show us your phone,” Tzuyu demanded.

“Why?” You asked.

Jaemin intervened, “Why are you guys ganging up on her?”

“We’ve checked everyone’s phones...Now we want to see y/n’s,” Tzuyu said, a vindictive look in her eyes.

“Fine,” you said. You pulled it out of your pocket and you were shocked to find the messages on your phone.

“Someone sent them to her, too. She’s as innocent as the rest of us,” Renjun said.

Tzuyu frowned. “Okay…”

She seemed disappointed that you weren’t the culprit. You wondered why Tzuyu hated you. She was merely one of Heather’s followers so you guessed she would hate anyone Heather hated no matter what.

Still, this didn’t alleviate any of your worries. Someone kidnapped and murdered Yangyang overnight. And whoever that was remained close by.

And they weren’t finished.

Unfortunately for all of you, your cell reception was weak so you couldn’t contact the police. You were on the verge of a panic attack.

Renjun decided, “We should try going to the next town to get reception.”

Tzuyu started, “You are not leaving me here.”

“Fine, we’ll go together.” He said as they both walked off and borrowed Heather’s car.

___

You sat in the living room, scared to be in your room all alone. Hell, you didn’t mind being with Heather and Naeun. Jaemin was making lunch in the kitchen for you guys.

It had been a few hours since Renjun and Tzuyu left. Now you were all getting worried. The next town wasn’t that far off, according to Heather. So something was up.

And you wondered if it had been a good idea for them to leave. Maybe they had been just as much in danger as the rest of you. Whoever the killer was...He had resources to be anywhere at any time. It gave you shivers.

“Y/n, can you get Naeun a glass of water?” Heather asked you.

You nodded and met Jaemin in the kitchen. You asked him once again, “Are you sure I can’t help with anything?”

Jaemin shook his head. “I’ve got this.” He said as he finished making lasagna.

You got a glass of water for Naeun. “Jaemin, I’m scared,” you said.

Jaemin looked rattled up, too, but he seemed to be holding it together for the rest of you. And it meant a lot to you.

The four of you sat down to eat quietly. Naeun barely took a bite of her lasagna.

Not too long after, she started wheezing. Hives broke out onto her skin. “Epi...Pen...Heather.”

Heather jumped out of her seat. “I’ll go get it!”

“Oh God,” you panicked. “You need air! Let’s go outside, Naeun.”

You and Jaemin helped her out to the front door so she can breathe better. You were praying Heather found her EpiPen soon.

Heather returned, upset, “Are you sure it’s in your purse? I couldn’t find it.”

Naeun nodded. “Yes…”

When you realized Naeun’s EpiPen was missing, you ran up to your room and grabbed yours. “I brought mine!”

“Hurry up!” Heather said.

You ran back down and Naeun was able to get the injection she needed to recover from her reaction.

Heather took Naeun up to her room to recover.

“I wonder what Naeun was allergic to…” You said to Jaemin.

Jaemin frowned. “I don’t know...I had no idea she had severe allergies. Maybe it was in one of the ingredients but I’m not sure which one…God, I feel terrible.” He put his face in his hands.

“Hey, it’s okay...It was an accident...She’ll be okay,” you said as you hugged him.

“It was a good thing you had your EpiPen, y/n...You’re amazing…”

“Or I just have severe allergies, too,” you said.

He laughed awkwardly. “Right…”

Even more hours passed. Renjun and Tzuyu haven’t returned. Everyone was antsy.

You and Jaemin were going to go out and look for them but you were shocked to find his tires had been slit recently.

This wasn’t a coincidence. The killer was watching your every move. You wondered if he had gotten to Renjun and Tzuyu. Your throat dried up at just thinking that.

You and Heather grabbed weapons from her father’s shed, which included gardening shears and hunting rifles.

Heather taught you how to handle the rifle. You both went back into the house with your weapons in tow. You all made sure to shut all of the windows and close all of the doors. You scoured the entire property. No one can come in. And no could come out. You hoped there wasn’t some random secret entrance to this house that rich people always seemed to have in the movies. You all reluctantly headed to bed.

You sat up on the edge of your bed. You were comfortable in a concert tee and some shorts. You wanted to wear something that would be easy to run in. Just in case the killer would come for you next.

Jaemin was at your door. “Hey…Heather and Naeun both fell asleep.”

“How can they be asleep...I can’t sleep knowing that that bastard is out there…” You said.

Jaemin walked into the room. “Can I sit with you?”

You nodded. “Jaemin, what are we going to do...We can’t just stay here. We're sitting ducks. Renjun and Tzuyu are just gone...And we don’t know when or even if they're coming back…”

Jaemin rubbed your back in small circles. His touch was distracting. Kissing Jaemin would be a great distraction.

Making love to him would be even better.

That would be ridiculous. The last thing you wanted to do was have sex when a murderer was afoot. That would be a total cliche.

Jaemin replied. “I’m sorry, y/n...I think our best bet is to wait it out until morning and go to the next town on foot.”

You nodded. “Yeah...Maybe daytime will be safer.”

Jaemin nodded. “Why don’t you go to sleep and I’ll take the first shift?”

“Really?” You asked.

“Yeah, I’m wired. I had three cups of coffee in the past hour. You need to rest, y/n.” Jaemin said as he pulled the covers over you. “I’ll come back to wake you. I’ll be on guard.” He grabbed one of the hunting rifles he left outside the door.

“Thank you,” you said as you shut your eyes. Sleep quickly took over.

___

You were quickly shaken awake. “Y/n get the fuck up!” Heather hissed.

“Heather?” You exclaimed.

She shushed you. “Shut up. You need to come with me right now.”

“What’s wrong?” You whispered.

Heather made sure your door was locked before she returned back to you. “Naeun is dead.”

You looked carefully at Heather and had seen that she’d been crying. “What?” You asked. “That’s impossible.”

“We shouldn’t have left her alone. She said she was fine. She seemed fine. I went to check on her and...she wasn’t breathing. And...I think she was smothered, y/n.”

“Wait...Are you saying…”

“The killer is Jaemin,” Heather said.

“What? Why would you say that?” You shook your head.

“Think about it, y/n. None of us has good reception here so how is that we got those texts about Yangyang? The killer had to be in close proximity to us. Tzuyu and Renjun left in my car, which he probably messed with so they got into an accident...And...I don’t even want to say what could’ve happened...Whatever Jaemin put in the lasagna almost killed Naeun. Then, her EpiPen fucking disappeared. And then, conveniently right after, his tires were slit. And now, since he couldn’t finish the job the first time, he smothered Naeun to death.”

“Heather...Jaemin wouldn’t…” You started.

“I know...I had my doubts, too, but...he gave me some calming tea before I went to sleep...When it cooled down, I tested it...It’s been drugged.”

Your heart sank. “How do you know?”

“My dad’s company is working with the nail polish that can track date rape drugs. My painted nail changed color when I tested it out. Jaemin tried to drug me, y/n…” She showed you her neon green polish and the one fingernail that turned black.

You covered your hand over your mouth.

“I had a feeling he would come check up on me so I tossed some of the tea down the drain and pretended I was asleep. He came back to check that I was asleep, y/n...That’s just creepy. Why the hell would he need to drug me?”

Not knowing how to answer, you started, “Heather...Maybe…”

Jaemin surprised you both by breaking the wood of the door down with an ax. He made a big enough hole to unlock the door from the inside.

You and Heather yelled. Jaemin heard everything. 

Jaemin started. “Heather, why are you up? I thought I was going to take care of you tomorrow in my grand finale…”

“Shit,” Heather said as she got closer to you.

“Jaemin? What grand finale?” You demanded. “What is going on?”

Jaemin smiled wide at you. “Sweetheart, I thought I told you to sleep.”

The look in Jaemin’s eyes became cold...Calculating.

“y/n...It’s no accident that I asked for you to come on this trip…” Jaemin said as he pulled a knife out of his pocket and twirled it around his hand. “I thought you’d partake in the festivities…”

“What festivities?” Heather demanded. “Why the fuck did you try to drug me? Why did you kill Naeun? What the hell did she do to you?”

Jaemin tsked as he met Heather’s eyes. “Why wouldn’t I kill Naeun? Why wouldn’t I kill them all? Think about it, you ungrateful little brat.”

You found yourself moving closer to Heather then for she was your only living ally. Albeit the biggest bitch in the land.

Jaemin killed everyone.

Jaemin was the killer.

Heather shook her head. “Jaemin, stay the fuck away from us. I swear to God. Or I’ll-”

Jaemin chuckled. “You’ll what? Call Daddy? Call Mommy? They’re both abroad, never giving a second thought about their spoiled daughter...Those two think you couldn’t be safer and more comfortable…It’s ridiculous...A girl who has everything...Takes it upon herself to put others down...You’ve put y/n down for years...You’ve never let go your childish and petty hatred for her...And for what reason?”

Heather’s resolve faded when she realized what you had.

“Jaemin…” You started.

“Y/n, did you not realize that each person on this trip has fucked with you one way or another?” He asked.

Well, the girls were bitches, yes, but…

“Naeun was the one who spread that rumor about you getting your breast implants...Tzuyu was the one who nearly ran you over in the student parking lot...Renjun body shamed you in the boys’ locker room...And Yangyang told us all that he wanted to take your virginity this weekend…”

“Jaemin!” Heather exclaimed.

“You should’ve been careful with who you added in your group chat full of morons, Heather....Ah, and Heather, dear...you’re the ringleader in all of this...You goaded Naeun and Tzuyu to do these things to y/n. You’ve set out to put y/n down for a long time now. You even went along with Renjun and Yangyang’s comments about y/n’s body...Fuck you, by the way, she’s perfect in every way...And I should’ve made them all go through slower...more painful deaths for all of the things you said about her...”

You couldn’t believe what you were hearing. You had no idea that even boys were targeting you...First off, you literally just breathed. The girls were childish and petty but…

“Jaemin,” you said.

“Yes, sweetheart?” Jaemin asked with a kinder smile to you.

“What they all did to me was wrong...But you didn’t have to…”

Jaemin’s eyes widened. “Kill them? Well, it wasn’t up to you...All of these people are worthless scum that won’t amount to much, honestly….So was it really a waste?”

Heather surprised you by pulling a handgun out of her pocket. She shot Jaemin in the chest. “y/n, let’s go!” She pulled you out of the bed and you both ran for your lives.

“Agh!” Jaemin groaned as he fell to the ground.

You both ran down the stairs. Heather unlocked the front door, knowing the house was no longer safe.

You both ran down the steps of the entrance. You had to pull Heather with you because she ran too slow for you. Then, you heard a gunshot.” Heather fell down. She’d been shot in the foot. “Fuck!” She yelled.

You turned to see Jaemin at the entrance with a hunting rifle. “Bulletproof vest, baby!”

You yelled as you tried to help Heather up.

Jaemin asked, genuinely confused. “Y/n, why are you running? This has nothing to do with you.”

You gaped. “Are you kidding me? Apparently, this has everything to do with me…Jaemin put the gun down! Please stop!”

Jaemin shook his head. “Out of the question, sweetheart. You’d be smart to leave Heather to me.”

Heather began to cry. “No…”

You wrapped Heather’s arm around you and both walked off. Heather winced with pain but she could manage as you kept running. Jaemin was getting closer and closer. He waited, then.

You and Heather were confused. Why did he stop running?

You and Heather both walked over a bear traps you both hadn’t seen.

You yelped in pain and Heather cried out, “Son of a bitch!”

It hurt for both of you to move an inch. You both cried.

Jaemin made his way over, using a flashlight. He sighed. “Y/n, you should’ve stopped running. Now you’ve your beautiful ankle...Well, it’s no big deal...I can disinfect it and patch it up nicely for you...After I’m done with Heather.”

“Jaemin, no, please stop. You don’t have to do this. I don’t want you to do this. That’s enough!” You pleaded.

At the sound of your last two words, Jaemin froze. The words brought him back to when he was a kid and he would pummel other children for bullying his younger siblings. His parents would beg him to stop. It was too bad that their words didn’t stick. And your words were no different.

Jaemin sighed. “I’m sorry, y/n…” He whacked the back of his gun over your head so you blacked out.

___

Heather had also been knocked out. She awoke to being tied up and sitting in the hot tub beside the Olympic sized swimming pool in the backyard. She noted that bricks were tied around her ankles. As she tried to pull herself up, it was impossible for her to get out.

Jaemin smiled wickedly as he wielded the thermostat. “You’ve always prided yourself on being the hottest girl at our college...Why don’t we put that to the test?”

“Jaemin, please stop! I am so sorry!” She cried. “Please don’t do this! I messed up! I...I’ve always been jealous of y/n! Because she was the one who had everything. The perfect family. The perfect grades. The perfect body. Everything about her is so damn effortless that I hated it.” She hoped that pouring her soul out to him might make him change his mind.

“Oh, boohoo…” Jaemin said as he increased the heat.

Heather grew uncomfortable. “Jaemin...Stop...Please...It’s too hot…”

Jaemin sighed. “Goodbye Heather…”

___

You slowly woke up seated on the passenger side of Jaemin’s Jeep. Your eyes quickly opened when you realized that. You jerked awake and found Jaemin in the driver’s seat, calm and composed. “I think we’re alone now...”

You backed up against your window. “Jaemin! Where is Heather?”

“Oh, she’s tied up at the moment...In the hot tub...She is indeed the hottest girl from our college now…” Jaemin said, a chuckle escaping his lips at his pun.

You were about to be sick. You pulled the window and vomited. You tried moving by the gash from the bear trap made you wince and groan in pain.

“Oh, y/n...I didn’t mean for you to get hurt...You couldn’t help it, though. Wanting to help that brat till the end...Because you see the good in people...You are simply too pure.”

“Jaemin...Where are we going?”

“To the next town...Where we will report a murderer that broke into Heather’s summer home…”

You looked at him in disbelief. Surely, he wouldn't turn himself in.

“The murderer is at large and we narrowly escaped, y/n...I got you out of the bear trap and we were able to get away in my car…”

You shook your head. “Jaemin, no...They’ll never believe you...”

Jaemin shocked you by breaking down the same way he had the day before you left for the trip. “Officers, please h-help us. Our friends are gone!”

You looked at him in disbelief. Did he fake crying before?

Well, you did think he was a tremendous actor. You just didn’t know how right you were.

“Jaemin, this is wrong…” You started.

He sighed. “Y/n...you worry too much...Now your life will be brighter...It’ll be perfect now. Perfect for the perfect girl…”

You contemplated how the hell you could get away from Jaemin. Your options were limited as he’d taken your phone. You couldn’t exactly run that far but you could find a way to slow him down. You noticed Heather’s car off the side of the road. It’d rammed into a tree. Jaemin must have tampered with Heather’s car, you realized. He did admit to having a hand in their disappearance, after all.

You thought fast and with all of your strength you moved over to Jaemin’s side and turned the wheel so the car collided into the trees.

The impact was intense but you’d dodged most of the impact. Jaemin laid next to you, unconscious and bleeding.

You limped out of the car and checked Heather’s car. As you feared, Renjun and Tzuyu died from the impact. It was a gruesome sight. They dealt with blunt trauma. Their heads were draining blood. You nearly puked again.

Before you broke down in tears, you thought fast and remembered Renjun and Tzuyu smoked. You rummaged through the glove compartment for a weapon or a phone...You came up short with Renjun’s lighter. Tzuyu’s phone had some battery left. The reception was low so you had to find a way to get to the next town to get reception.

So now what the hell were you going to do, you weren’t going to light a car up on fire...And burn the evidence that was once Tzuyu and Renjun.

You noticed the gas leak that came from under the car. You got under the hood of Heather’s car and found the gasoline tank leaking. You grabbed an empty Starbucks cup from the front seat and let the gasoline slip in.

___

You ran, not getting very far when Jaemin called out to you. He was able to walk normally and he was quickly catching up to you.

“Y/n! Sweetheart! Where are you going? Without me...” Jaemin called out.

You turned quickly and found he walked over to you with an ax.

“Fuck off, Jaemin!” You said, realizing he was just as capable of killing you.

“Sweetheart, let’s just talk about this...I did this all for you...Because I love you...I want to make you happy. I want to marry you. Have twelve children...Ah, yes, you said twelve may be excessive...How does eleven kids sound?”

You rolled your eyes. He was fucking insane. You decided to provoke him. “What makes you think I would marry a deranged killer?”

Jaemin’s face was unreadable then. You hid the cup of gasoline away in your sweater. Pretending you've injured your arm so Jaemin wouldn’t be the wiser.

“Y/n, please…”

You entertained him by turning around.

“What, Jaemin? How could you possibly convince me that anything you did was okay?”

“If you let me try…” Jaemin started. He got closer to you.

You waited for him to get closer and quickly doused him with the gasoline.

Jaemin coughed as some of the gasoline got in his mouth. “y/n, what are you-”

“Goodbye, Jaemin.” You ignited Renjun’s lighter and tossed it at him.

Jaemin clothes caught on fire. He yelled in agony as you watched him struggle. He threw the axe at you but he missed. You cried as you went back to Jaemin’s car and started up the ignition. Thank goodness, it still worked.

Jaemin immediately removed his clothes to remove himself from most of the flames and patted himself down. He immediately charged at you as you backed the car up from the tree.

You didn’t think twice as you ran him over. Checking the rearview mirror and seeing the job hadn’t been completed, you reversed the car and ran him over again.

You waited ten minutes to see that Jaemin was dead. You got out of the car and kicked his body to check for any movement. You got his heavy, lifeless body into the car with you. You checked his pulse again. He was dead. You checked multiple times because once again, you weren’t about to become a movie cliche.

You made it to the next town and reported Jaemin’s murders and how you killed him in self-defense. You explained your weekend of terror and you were at the station all week for questioning. Your family joined you and consoled you as you told them all you knew.

The police scoured the mansion. They found Yangyang’s body in the pool house, beaten to a bloody pulp. They found Naeun’s body in her bed, like she’d been in perpetual slumber. They found Heather’s body in the hot tub, wrinkled and burnt. They found Heather’s car where Tzuyu and Renjun’s bodies remained.

Jaemin told you the truth. He worked part-time at hardware store. He had been fired that day for snapping at one of the customer’s who was berating his wife. Before Jaemin left, he stole an ax. He really did get the ax, like he’d told you.

It turned out Jaemin tampered with the reception at Heather’s house and because her house was already remote...Jaemin was able to use that to his advantage. He used the last of the reception before he cut it off to send the texts about Yangyang from a burner phone, which was uncovered in his Jeep. Yangyang’s phone was unlocked and the police uncovered his messages that were supposedly from his dealer, who he scheduled to meet with the night he disappeared. It turned out Jaemin hacked into the dealer’s phone to get Yangyang right where he wanted him. Jaemin did indeed tamper with the wires of Heather’s car so Tzuyu and Renjun’s fates were sealed. The leftover lasagna Jaemin had prepared was analyzed and there were traces of crushed peanuts in the lasagna. Naeun had a severe peanut allergy. Naeun’s EpiPen was found with Jaemin’s other belongings. When you’d saved Naeun with your EpiPen, Jaemin took it upon himself to smother Naeun with a pillow in her sleep. Jaemin had planted bear traps around the front lawn, which was how he caught you and Heather. Heather died from heat exhaustion in the hot tub as she was tied up and restrained with bricks tied around her ankles. Jaemin had done all of this with gloved hands so no trace of his DNA could be found at the crime scenes. If it hadn’t been for the evidence he’d hidden in his car, then the case would’ve been more difficult to resolve.

Jaemin’s body was recovered at the crime scene. Thankfully, he was not a movie cliche where he up and left and awaited his next victim. He was dead to the world and most importantly, dead to you.

[Fin]

[kinnards]

been here all along [fic]

Or; there are traces of Buck all over the Diaz household. 1.8 k

Read on ao3

The coffee maker beeps in the kitchen, the sound carrying all the way into the bedroom the second after Eddie turns off his alarm. A cool breeze comes in through the window Eddie left open last night by mistake, and in the couple steps it takes to go from the bed to the door, Eddie has picked up at least six different clothing items, not even all his, from the floor and the chair in the corner that soon gets tossed into the laundry basket. He stops briefly by Christopher’s room to make sure his son is awake (he’s not, and a cranky five more minutes is heard from under the covers) before going into the bathroom to start his own morning routine.

The bright, red firetruck print that greets him has never failed to make him smile, not once ever since one particular Thursday, maybe two years ago now, when Christopher and Buck spent a couple of hours in the mall looking for a birthday present for one of Chris’s friends but bought a very much not needed set of shower curtains instead, along with matching firetruck soap dispenser and cup. They even have little firefighters painted in the tiny plastic windows, and Christopher might be almost twelve now, but the day he gets tired of his Buck’s gift is yet to come.

A month into the school year, the Diaz family’s mornings have looked mostly the same every day, and this fine Monday proves not to be the exception, as Eddie finds out a few minutes later. A certain blond man is still asleep on Eddie’s couch, and instead of doing his workout, Christopher is sprawled on top of him, snoring lightly. Buck’s legs are twisted in an awkward angle to fit in the couch and one of his hands brushes the fluffy carpet beneath the sofa (the one he picked in an attempt to convince Eddie that his house needed personality), the other holding onto Chris, whose face is completely smushed against the other’s shoulder. Bright blue crutches that Chris has started to grow out of lay in a disorganized pile next to them.

(If Eddie’s heart beats a little bit faster- if his hands itch to hold them too and join the sleepy pile, well. They don’t need to know.)

“Alright, sleepy heads, school starts in an hour! Get up!”

-

Eddie owns a perfectly functional coffee maker, a classic machine with only one button and no special features, that makes his coffee the same way every day, and has done so for almost five years without signs of obsolescence. He’s a simple man with simple tastes, but Eddie’s perfect, simple coffee maker, is currently collecting dust inside a box in the attic.

A steaming cup of coffee, however, is waiting for him on the counter when he steps into the kitchen, complete with milk foam, a shot of caramel, and two sugars: the product of the stupidly expensive machine Buck and Chris had plotted to get him, with all the smart features and Starbucks level settings that Eddie did not need. Using the machine is extremely complicated, too, so once Eddie found out how to input the settings for his drink of choice, he stopped allowing anyone to mess with it. Eddie drinks the sweet concoction religiously every morning, without a fault.

He sips on his sugar bomb slowly as Buck cooks breakfast, eggs, and sausages with toast, fruit salad, and a cup of warm milk for the only kid in the house. The sound of the sizzling pan and the knife hitting the cutting board fills the room along with the smell of homemade breakfast, something that screams of home and family, uninterrupted until Christopher shows up fresh from the shower and in clean clothes, with his restless morning energy and promptly sets to chatting their ears off. Buck keeps the conversation alive and gets the boy to help with mixing the fruit salad while he recounts the last episode of their favorite cartoon they had seen together the previous night. Buck makes surprised sounds at the right times, throwing a few "No way! Tell me more!" for good measure, even though Eddie’s pretty sure he remembers the episode perfectly as he asks the right questions to launch Christopher off in another direction at least three times.

Eddie finishes his coffee, leaves the cup in the sink, and turns to the cupboard to start setting the table.

Three days before school started, Christopher told Eddie that he’s big enough to use big people knives and after a long phone call with his son’s Occupational Therapist, and another with his own therapist, they had gone to the store to get him a cutlery set that could allow him more independence while still on the safer side, and Buck had found the perfect one: the knife has a blunt tip and slightly serrated edge, and a round plastic handle decorated with tiny green and blue dinosaurs.

“Daddy, don’t forget the dinosaurs, please,” Christopher asks politely, just like every day, because he refuses to eat with any other fork or knife. Luckily the set came with six of each, so everyone can use them during breakfast as Christopher prefers.

“Yeah, and don’t forget the big spoon for the fruit salad,” Buck chips in, pointedly looking at Eddie. Clearly, he still hasn’t let go of the last few times he has forgotten the big spoon for the fruit salad. In less than five minutes, they’re seated around the table eating, Christopher’s feet kicking excitedly against Eddie’s when they congratulate him for the A he got in his latest science assignment.

Both his son and best friend clear their plates first, smiles on their faces accompanied by crinkled eyes as they laugh. Eddie has to scold Chris on talking with his mouth full only once- a new record, and Buck only twice, tapping him on the hand with the spoon, reminding him to lead by example and not be a terrible influence on the kid. Buck mumbles a sheepish sorry every time, ducking his head in embarrassment, and Eddie just rolls his eyes and shoots him a fond look. He watches them, joins the laughter when Buck teases him, or when Christopher tells a story from school, warmth filling him up from the inside out.

Soon enough, the time’s up and Christopher goes to brush his teeth and get ready to leave while Eddie and Buck load the dishwasher and wipe the countertops, barely any words exchanged as they move around the kitchen. Eddie checks the calendar by the fridge, next to Christopher’s old artwork and the polaroids held up by fruit magnets. PT at 11 am, Frank’s at 3 pm, reads in the bold block letters of Buck’s handwriting, under Eddie’s own scribble of C’s swimming lessons at 3.30 pm. Eddie makes a face at the overlapping schedule, chews on the inside of his cheek. He’s too late to ask Carla to take Christopher for him, as he gave her the week off a few days ago so she could go to DC for a certification. The last few therapy sessions had been at noon, but PT was pushed up to eleven and so his entire schedule was unexpectedly messed up, and Eddie will have to run from the clinic to Christopher’s school and then take him to the pool, but he’s not cleared to drive yet so he has to account for cab ride expenses and a whole new timeframe now, too. God, he should have gotten this figured out yesterday.

Back in El Paso, when Eddie had worked three jobs, he had once forgotten to pick Christopher up at school because his shift ran longer than usual, his phone died and the teachers were unable to reach him at the construction site. His parents had been called instead, being the second emergency contacts, and they had stared him down later at night while they told him all the reasons he was a bad dad and Christopher should live with them. Don’t drag him down with you, Eddie.

A hand lands on his healthy shoulder, right next to the base of his neck, and Eddie looks away from the calendar to meet a pair of bright blue eyes next to him. Buck watches him for a second before opening his mouth, careful.

“Hey, Eds, I noticed today looks a bit tight and I was thinking I could ask Bobby to let me out for an hour so I can go pick Chris up and drive him to his lessons, or maybe ask Maddie if I’m on a call,” he says, and the knots in his throat slowly start to dissolve, as he stares up to his friend’s calm face. His shoulders slowly start to relax, the injured one pulses with pain. The warmth of Buck's fingers makes the little hairs on his nape stand up as he swipes his thumb twice over the patch of uncovered skin in a comforting gesture.

“Yeah, thanks, man,” Eddie chokes out.

Buck smiles, and it’s all it takes. The fog lifts.

“Sure, I’ll text you in case I can’t make it so you can let the school know Mads is going to get him,” Buck continues, but he’s not touching Eddie anymore. Eddie takes a small step back, fidgets with the dishrag he still had in his hands as Buck starts to make his way to the living room, picking up his jacket, “you get to pick him up after, and already I left you guys some leftover stew for tonight's dinner in the fridge," Eddie keeps his eyes on Buck while he talks, takes a few steps closer to his friend, but not close enough. "I have a sixteen-hour today, so you tell Christopher goodnight for me, alright?”

“Of course,” his voice is too tight, and it must show because Buck bites his lip and reaches out his hand again, but doesn’t touch. At that moment Christopher burst back into the living room and yells out as if Buck isn’t right there to hear him.

“I’m ready, Buck!”

With a last smile, Buck turns to the door, putting on his shoes quickly and pulling his bag out of the hallway closet. Eddie leans down to place a smooch on his son’s cheek, which makes him laugh, and throw his head back with a loud “Bye, dad!” in his ear.

“Alright buddy, let’s go, let’s go!” Buck exclaims and Christopher bolts out the door, followed by his Buck, and Eddie stays at the threshold until he can’t see the Jeep past the corner of the street.

It’s barely eight o’clock and he still has chores to get done before PT, but Eddie just drops facefirst into the heap of blankets on top of the couch, drowning in the smell of his family and he aches for the picture he saw earlier that morning, sleep falling slowly over him like another blanket. A short nap is calling his name from the dream world, and the last thing he sees before going under is his pillbox for the pain meds next to a bottle of water, a pink post-it note stuck on the tag, big bold letters were carefully written on it. I know you forget but please take these before leaving home! xx. Buck.

Eddie falls.

[13uswntimagines]

I Should Sleep With You More Often (Sam x Reader)

Sequel to Works Like a Charm  where Sam and Reader finally get together. It’s a very fluffy piece, with a little bit of late night breakfast making and a surprise kiss. 

special thanks to @literaryhedgehog​ cause this wouldn’t have happened without her. 

Hello?”

“Hey, I can’t sleep.” Sam’s voice comes over the phone, getting straight to the point with frustration.

“And you’re calling me about it? At 3 am. I could have been asleep you know.” You huff into the phone, pinning it between your chin and your shoulder. 

“Were you?” She asks, and you can almost see her eyebrow quirking up. 

You look down at the frying pan where you were about to pour your egg-cheese scramble. “No. But still.”

“Don’t worry, I appreciate the irony of the situation,” she says, with an attempt at humor. “can I come over?”

“Sure. You can split my omelet.” You hum, your tongue poking out as you make sure the entire omelet landed on the plate instead of the floor. 

“Omelette?” Sam asked, sounding amused. “I thought you weren’t supposed to --” 

“Eat anything after 9 pm I know, I know. But I woke up and was hungry, and couldn’t just ignore it to fall back asleep for two hours. I had to eat something or I was going to get nauseous.” You interrupted her, waving your hand dismissively. 

“What?” Sam asked entirely confused. 

“You know that feeling, where you’re like, so hungry that you get kind of nauseous?” You tried to explain again. 

“No…” She trailed off. 

“Oh, well it’s the worst. I like to try to eat something before it gets too bad because otherwise, the food won’t do anything. Anyway, I made enough you can have half of it, just let me know when you get here so I can send down the elevator for you.” You said, whipping your hands off and walking towards the door. 

“I’m actually just parking,” Sam’s voice came sheepishly over the phone. In the background, you heard the unmistakable sound of her car being locked. She always insisted on clicking the lock button twice so it would beep, like she didn’t trust it to lock the first time. 

You shook your head and left your apartment to buzz her into the building. “You’re telling me that at 3 am, before even checking to see if I was awake, you just decided to come to my apartment because you couldn’t sleep?”

“Yes?” 

“You’re insane,” you said, hanging up the phone as the elevator door opened to reveal her tall frame. 

She ruffled the hair at the back of her neck, grinning. “I knew you would be awake?”

“Bullshit.” You led the way back to your apartment and grabbed two plates from the cabinet. “You want soy milk?”

“What?” 

“Soy milk. I’ve got vanilla or dark chocolate.” For some reason, soy milk helped reduce the insomnia nausea more than anything else most days. Still, the omelet smelled amazing. 

“Um sure, vanilla please.” She shrugged, and you rolled your eyes. Vanilla was for the weak. 

You pulled out both cartons and two glasses, before cutting the omelet in half and handing her a fork. 

“Don’t I get my own plate?” Sam whined, cutting off a piece of the Omelet and popping it into her mouth. 

“People who come barging into my apartment at 3 AM have to share with the host. Unless you wanna do dishes?” You raised your eyebrow at her, pointing your fork in her direction, smirking when she emphatically shook her head no. 

She quickly changed the subject, avoiding your eyes as she ate. “So how are you liking your apartment, it’s new right?”

“Yeah, I moved in four months ago, you know when I suddenly got traded to North Carolina,” you said, a very bitter edge in your voice. How Mark could let you leave the thorns you would never know, but at least Hinkle was retiring. 

You took another bite “So why couldn’t you sleep? At camp, you’re usually snoring like a freight train by now.” 

Sam paused mid-bite, fork in the air. She looked like she was debating how to answer then, stuffed her last piece of omelet in her mouth. “I donb snowe.”

“You totally do. Rose even sent me the video evidence if you wanna see it,” you smirked, standing to go get your phone. 

“No!” Sam jumped up and you sprinted across the kitchen to get out of her reach, grinning. “You really don’t have to do that, it’s not a big deal.”

“Oh, but I really don’t mind,” you taunted, starting for your phone before Sam tackled you. Well, it wasn’t a tackle so much as a grab, but she had a good foot and a half on you, so same difference really. 

“Put me down. This is highly unnecessary,” you sputtered, laughing from Sam’s shoulder. “I’m not supposed to exercise within an hour of bed. My therapist would be unhappy with so much activity.”

“Yeah cause eating an Omelette at 3 am is totally something she would approve,” Sam rolled her eyes, as she tossed you onto your couch.

“Lies and slander. I won’t get the alleged snoring video, but seriously. Why are you here?”

Sam sighs, and slouches onto the couch next to you, dropping her head into your lap. You smile down at her, liking this new angle. While you certainly didn’t mind being the baby of the team, it was kind of nice to do the petting for once.

“I don’t know,” Sam said, furrowing her eyebrows.

“You were never a good liar. It’s why everyone catches you when you try to pull pranks. I hear it helps if you talk about it,” You murmured, using your thumb to smooth out the crease that formed between her eyes. 

“Fine, I couldn’t sleep because I kept having nightmares. It felt like, I was tossing and turning for hours, and then every time I dozed off, my brain came up with these fucked up images. Like, silence of the lambs shit. I could sell some horror film director the plotlines and make bank, I’m telling you. And since Rose and Wilma moved out, my place has felt so empty. It felt like, the panic attacks I used to have before games. When I had to always bring a bag with me to hyperventilate into before I could get my mind on the game.”

You frowned. “I don’t remember that.”

“Once you became my bus buddy I didn’t have that problem. You got me out of my own head with fun word games and stupid jokes. Remember that time you gave me the sentence ‘The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog?’ You kept grinning telling me to stop stressing out, it would be alright, to just guess a letter.” 

“Because whatever you guessed would be right.” You hum smiling down at her. 

 “You couldn’t take that shit-eating grin off your face, you jerk, but like, it helped me stop second-guessing myself. Sitting on the bus with you, I’ve never felt more calm going into a season. And so I just thought. It’s dumb but I hoped coming here would help.” She shrugged. 

“It’s not dumb Sammy. You help me sleep too. Why do you think all the vets insist I sit with you?” You said softly, leaning down to kiss her forehead. 

“Because you used to fall asleep literally everywhere and they hoped I could get across the aisle and catch you before you hit your head?” She giggled and you snapped her shoulder lightly. 

“Wow. Thanks.” You said in a monotone, “Or maybe it’s ‘cause you’re my favorite teddy bear.”

“If anyone is the teddy it’s you. You’re like half my size,” She giggled. 

“Yeah, yeah, whatever,” you muttered, playfully pushing her head off your lap. “Come on you giant.”

“Where are you going?” She asked, allowing you to pull her to her feet. 

“To go grab you a toothbrush and a fresh pillowcase for the bed.” You said, your tugging getting a little more insistent. You really wanted to get to sleep tonight. You had been so good lately (ignoring the random omelet you cooked tonight).

“Oh, um. I was hoping we could just watch television on your couch and I would fall asleep,” Sam rambled, eyes wide. “I mean, not that I mind, but I didn’t want to like, invade on your--”

“Just come up to my room. It’s no big deal, it’s large enough for both of us, and I honestly don’t think that couch is even big enough to fit you. Besides, maybe it will help you sleep to be on a mattress actually purchased in this century.”

“Hey, I like my mattress!” She grumbled indignantly, crossing her arms. 

“You flip it twice a month because it keeps forming an indention where you’ve slept!” You said exasperated. That sleepover had been a terrible idea and you stood by that. At least your bed didn’t spit out feathers when you turned over too fast. 

“Well, I. um. No comment.” you hear her say as you go to take your turn in the bathroom. 

When Sam gets back from brushing her teeth you’ve done everything except turn out the lights. You look up from your side of the bed as she pauses in the doorway. 

“Is this… Welcome to Night Vale?”

“It helps me ignore my thoughts. Can you get the lights please?” 

You had to replay the podcast the next day after Sam left. You couldn’t remember anything after “Wednesday has been canceled due to a scheduling error” because within moments you were asleep.

*****

You thought that sleeping with Sam was only supposed to be a one-night thing, but it wasn’t. One night turned into two, which turned into the two of you usually crashing at each other's places. 

If you were being honest, it was the best sleep you had ever gotten. It was nice to have someone there to hold onto, to protect you from the bad dreams. The problem was that your feelings were edging past the line of friendship, and you had no idea what to do about it. 

It started with a team party you both went to, where Sam offered to be the designated driver. After she dropped everyone else off, you told her she might as well stay the night at your place since it was already so late and she did. And you both slept great. And then you had your usual Saturday spa night the next night, and you were several shots in and it wouldn’t have been responsible to drive home. And you both slept a solid seven hours. 

Not that Sam was a magical cure to your insomnia. You still had nights where your brain was like a train running off the rails, unstoppable no matter how hard you tried. Yet, having her there helped. She made sure blue lights went off when they were supposed to, and your late-night breakfast-making was kept to a minimum. AND after the first few nights, you realized that she was amusingly clingy in her sleep. Which meant that occasionally if you woke up and tried to get out of bed, she would sleepily grab you and hold you in place murmuring about whatever was happening in her dream. Since you couldn’t get up you had to just lay there, which normally might have been boring, but with her was amusing as you listened to her rambling state of consciousness. 

You sighed, staring up at the ceiling. You really needed to get your shit together and just ask her out. But what if she said no, and you lost your cuddle buddy? That would suck royally, and if you lost your bus seat it might completely curse the USWNT. 

“Alright, I can practically feel the steam coming out of your ears, spill,” Sam groaned, rolling over and throwing an arm around your waist. 

“Isn’t it weird?”

“What?”

“Time. Like someone decided that seconds were a thing and a certain number of seconds equaled a minute and there were a certain number of minutes in a day. Like someone just decided it was a thing, and everyone went along with it and now we all have to plan our lives around this arbitrary system. I wonder if that asshole realized that people would use it to put kids in detention and force them to cram so they could regurgitate facts in a specified amount of his made-up system. And like the Romans made a Calendar and the Mayans did one too…” Your rambling was cut off by Sams’s soft lips touching your own in a quick peck before she collapsed back into the pillow. “Just blame capitalism babe.”

You stared at her for a minute, shocked, before she bolted upright. “SHIT. Sorry, I just. I forgot to ask for consent. I just forgot--”

“I consent, yes, more of this please,” you said, leaning over to kiss her again. Your hands cupped her cheeks and her fingers tangled into the baby hairs at the back of your neck. 

After a few minutes, Sam broke off the kiss, both of you breathing heavily. “Um, wow. You know, I’m not sure this is helping you get to sleep, love.”

You smirk, biting your lip and straddling her hips before you lean in to kiss her again, slowly. “You’re the one who said you needed to sleep with me more often.”

[pluviophile-bookworm]

HSMTMTS 2x11: Let us pull up a chair as the dining room proudly presents... the reason for my next mental breakdown

I can't believe myself, honestly. Oversleeping on the one day of the week that I've got something exciting to wake up for? Oh well, I'm up now and I'd better go ahead and do this before my dashboard has showered me with spoilers. I mean, I have never really minded spoilers, but when it comes to this, somehow I do. Though I do wish something had forewarned me about last week's snap ending (get it, 'snap'... I'll see myself out). I'd better dive in already.

Yes, Mr Mazzara, that's what I've been saying for a while! Ok, maybe I haven't been very vocal about it, but it was in the foreground of my mind that they should have asked for Mr Mazzara's help re: transformation! I'm just glad he pointed it out. Not that he could have done much while he was busy playing therapist for his beloved Miss Jenn. Oh well.

Were those Ash and Ricky doing actual paired-up warmups? That is what they should have been doing for weeks now. That and having actual off-stage interactions, too. But I still subscribe to the theory that the gang had some good rehearsals off-screen — otherwise there's no way they could have been this good on stage as we saw in the previews. I said it last time and I'll say it again — not everything is for us to see.

Wow. The one time our leads are in unison, and it is about both being injured. The East High drama club must be cursed — they can't have one production run smoothly and without what can only be described as pure unbridled chaos.

They don't have any understudies? That explains some things... but also how? But also, I'm so happy Ashlyn is going on. No way she would have missed her first (first of many, right?) chance of being the lead because of some 'minor' injury.

Ricky and Nini still can't talk to each other properly. Oh well. Take your time. It's not like I care about this pairing anymore.

Did EJ just use the word 'dig'? Boy, the boy's got it baaaaaad. Also, what is it going to take for these two to realise they're in love? For all we know, they might have that big kiss we're all dreaming of and still be like 'nah, it's nothing, we're buddies'... give me a break! But I mean, at this point they might just be turning into Redlyn 2.0, where even a kiss doesn't define things. But hey, if they do follow in Redlyn's footsteps, that only means good things in their future, right?

What did that fake French git do to my boy Carlos? He's not supposed to look this inanimate until right before the climax of the play! Well, I mean, at least Seb serving as his interpreter means that Seb gets more lines for a bit. Too bad he can't go on for someone with more lines in the play.

Miss Jenn's 'words of inspiration' were less than inspired... yeah, this show's going down. Or it would, if it depended solely on her. Let's hope the kids do better. I mean, I know for a fact they will... at least for about 5 minutes of the thing. There is still room for things to go wrong and I'm scared.

Oh, my sweet boy... I wish I could jump in there and do something to help him feel less nervous. Thing is, if I were there, I'd probably be the most nervous of them all, even if I were playing Townsfolk #3 or something, and everyone's nervousness would rub off on me, and I would be making things worse instead of helping. So yeah, I'm kind of glad I'm not there.

Ahhhh who called it? @redlyncentral was it you? Ash got flowers for her Biggie! And there's a card whose contents we've yet to see. But that doesn't seem to be helping either. My sweet, sweet Reddy... I hope and pray he'll be alright.

Well this is awkward! Who told Mike to show up and shake everything up right now? Miss Jenn is literally on the brink of exploding, and now she's stuck in this completely unnecessary love triangle. She needs some space. And a quiet place to breathe, thanks Mr M for suggesting it.

'Did we forget to build a mote around the school or...' Yeah, you tell her, Rick! That girl whose name I never want to pronounce (because it makes me think of much nicer people and she's making me hate it) has no business being there. She's not... being given a redemption arc, is she now? Some people just don't deserve it. And if hating her is an unpopular opinion now, well, I never did care much about having popular opinions. I can live with that.

'Lily, scram!' Yes, thank you, Natalie! I've always wanted someone who would voice my thoughts in a way that the characters can hear them. Make this girl a main next season, won't you? (Just so we're crystal clear, I mean Natalie, not the other one.)

OMG Mr M is in the play! In a way... I love that!

I love, love, love the way they did the prologue. 'Repulsed [the prince makes an over-the-top gesture of repulsion] by her haggard appearance [the witch shows off her face to the audience]...' I love this. I would pay a lot for a chance to see their entire play, you know?

Oh dear, somebody give my boy Reddy some sort of... medical aid against all the throwing up! I've got a nice pill that helps me with my bad cases of motion sickness. Hey, so maybe I could have helped if I were there after all. Great, now I feel bad. But also, is all the throwing up an excuse on the writers' part to keep my boy off-screen for the majority of this episode? Because it's a really lame excuse.

Gina's 'Many questions' continues to be a mood. What exactly is Miss Jenn expecting from the kids? Last-minute adjustments? No way. This spells disaster.

Was Carlos on vocal rest or something? Because he shines like the star he is... despite all the very obvious nervousness backstage. I mean, I wouldn't have it any other way, but... oh well, I wouldn't say it's unrealistic. In my personal performing experience, the most nervous ones perform the best. (So... what is that saying for my boy Reddy? Good things only.)

I've already had the opportunity to geek out about Be Our Guest yesterday, but... I mean, just look at them! Carlos doesn't need actual candles to be on fire, Ashlyn is stealing the scene without any lines in it, Gina is absolutely gorgeous, and don't even get me started on EJ and Big Red looking at their girls in absolute awe! This is everything!

Aww, look at them! Gina and Ashlyn dancing together, I mean. They're sisters and it really shows. And I love them both so much.

Kourtney is an absolute show-stealer! I'm still upset about some casting choices (one of them is in this scene, doing his absolute best with the crumbs he has been given), but she is absolutely perfect. I think I'll rewind and watch this entire scene again before moving on with the rest of the episode.

I'd just like to point out that Frankie's voice in his lower register is everything!

'You absolutely dusted that stage'... Not EJ making a pun so punny even I could not have thought of it... boy is absolutely smitten!

Not me tearing up when Jordan Fisher appeared as Gina's brother... like, I knew it was happening — I knew it even before it was announced. And I still teared up because, well, it's emotional in-universe and out.

Awww, my boy Reddy is so in love with Ashlyn... I mean, who wouldn't be... but — not Ricky saying Lily might not be as mean as they thought. Especially not to Big Red of all people. To him, she was just as mean as they thought.

'Side hustle project in the south hallway'? Ooh, what is it, I want to know now!

Why do I feel like things are a bit too awkward between Kourtney and Howie? Not that I'm too invested in their relationship, but if it bothered me, imagine how it must feel for the stans.

No, Ash, you absolutely do not need to add any fancy riffs to the song! Especially not just because L... well, that girl did it. You're unique and lovely and a literal Disney princess inside and out. That girl? She's just a wolf in a sparkling golden dress.

Awww... Big Red literally lowers Ash's blood pressure! Those two are such an amazing couple! (Full disclosure, though, he kind of does the same for me too; the other night I had this horrible nightmare, and I woke up in cold sweat in the middle of the night, and then... ok, getting too personal there.) The point is, if even the fantasy of a Big Red hug makes me feel better, imagine what his actual presence would do for Ash at that moment. Where is my boy? Everyone seems to be looking for him.

Oh... guess they took my advice to give the poor boy something for his vomiting issue. Good for whoever thought of it.

And we're back to the Porter siblings... forgive me if I still can't wrap my head around calling Gina's brother Jamie. I don't know about you guys, but thanks to my lovely new friend Paz he will always be Theodore to me. I guess we can headcanon that as his middle name. Anyway, I love it that they made a joke about the hilarious height difference between him and Gina because, well, it's the only thing I can think about when I look at the two of them. It reminds me of me and my little cousin who has been taller than me since she was 10, and is still growing taller now at 13. But, I mean, it's not very hard to be taller than me, since I'm so, so short... ok, this is not about me. Moving on.

Was I the only one who actually laughed out loud at Ricky drinking from the bowl as the Beast? I mean, that part has always made me laugh in the original movie, but something about Ricky's take on it makes it even funnier.

Meanwhile, my girl Ash is absolutely killing it as Belle. Not me having the very same expression as Big Red while watching her... gosh, I love both of them so much! Also, no offence to the rest of the cast, but Julia really is the best vocalist out there. Out of all of them. I said what I said.

My apologies to Ricky, but his voice is just not it when it comes to playing the Beast. Still, with the other option being him putting on that fake deep voice from the audition, I'm glad he didn't.

Ahhhh Portwell nation you ok guys? Since we didn't get them singing Something There, this is very much the next best thing... and boy, is it good!

Those glances between Kourtney and Howie, on the other hand... what on Earth is happening there?

Ok, so you all know just how strongly I feel about Seb's casting as Chip, and yet... boy had one line and absolutely ate it up! Give him an actual singing role next time, Miss Jenn!

EJ being starstruck by Jamie not because he's a big music producer, but because he's Gina's brother... excuse me while I sob!

Excuse me, what!!!! 'A big brother figure'? Boy, this didn't turn out the way I thought it would... now I'm scared.

Way to ruin things, Jamie! And I don't even mean the fact that his name is not Theodore. It doesn't matter what his name is anymore. He might just have put a spanner in the works of Portwell, and they were just doing so well! Ugh, I'm so frustrated. I wish I'd never boarded — what did I call it — 'the majestic S.S. Portwell'. What if it doesn't set sail now?

And there goes another disappointment... Carlos' 'the orchestra hasn't vamped this much since Bop to the Top' line had nothing to do with Seblos, and everything to do with what might still be the downfall of this show. I am not ready.

No. Miss Jenn did not just say that. She did not just tell Ricky — who, may I remind you, not that anyone's forgotten, just fell off of a high place last episode — to 'jump off of something high'. I realise she's under all the pressure, but that is not an excuse. Well, at least she heard herself.

Oh my gods... Nini — well, Nina, actually — did not just call him 'Richard', did she? That's it, that's the point of no return. And well, I kind of wanted them to reach it.

Told you, didn't I? I told you that-girl-who-must-not-be-named was evil! I always follow my intuition and it has not once deceived me. Redeem that, if you can! Guess what? You can't. We've just reached another point of no return.

Wait, a bloody cliffhanger? I cannot handle this. I physically cannot handle this. If you need me, I'll be sitting on my bed in shock, trying to process everything that happened. I'll need a while to get a grip on myself.

[fekst-fucker]

EJ, Masky, Hoodie and Habit with an s/o that sees a therapist and takes medication everday for multiple conditions?

I think everyone should see a therapist, like genuinely. Like everyday life is actually stressful and our bodies are NOT designed to handle it

EJ

- literally every time you get a new medication or pick a refill up this man snatches it out of your hands to look at the ingredient list or what it is

- like call me crazy but weren’t you studying general surgery, not pharmaceuticals?? Give me my shit back

- he is really good at knowing which meds mix with which. He’ll give you a heads up if two medications possibly conflict, bc, y’know, doctors don’t always pay attention :/

- he does understand that they’re important though, and he won’t mess with them beyond that. He’s terrified that he’ll accidentally mix up your pills, so he avoids them like the plague

- he’s much more relaxed about your therapy appointments, he’s offered to take you or drop you off and will often wait for you. Like he can’t exactly drive but he really tries

- not like he was one of those crazy people who thought therapy was a fake science or something, but he definitely kinda scoffed at it while he was in med school. He really regrets that now, he should be going to therapy himself but he’s a giant demon. Not exactly subtle

Masky

- You take a lot of pills... Tim takes a lot of pills... pill buddies 

- he’s hesitant about you taking so many pills, if only because he knew how miserable it made him, personally. And he doesn’t want you going through that :(

- he’s really protective about them, too. Since his pills were taken from him while Brian was lowkey-torturing, he’s ultra-paranoid about the same thing happening to you. He gave you a locking pill case, makes you keep it in a secret place, everything

- he’s also the king when it comes to reminding you to take your meds

- like he’ll just come in with a glass of water or something and go “pills” or “pill time”. Like no alarm, no looking at the clock, just an internal timer. Not even a “hey, have you taken your pills yet?” literally JUST “pill time”

- As for therapy, he’s very relieved that you’re able to go normally. He know that he also really really needs therapy, but he also... can’t go...

- “a giant faceless being runs my life”. Like how crazy does that sound

- he tries to listen on your therapy appointments to get therapy by... heehee... therapy by proxy

- this isn’t healthy don’t do this

Hoodie

- so Brian doesn’t take much in the way of medication, just some Advil or ibuprofen if his head hurts, maybe some antacid, maybe a sleeping pill now and then

- but he??? Literally has them all in one big jar?? He just empties a whole bottle of medication into a fucking bowl like it’s a candy dish???? Because “I can tell the difference by looking at them”???

- idk if anyone has seen Where’d You Go, Bernadette, but it’s just like that. Like that’s where he got the idea from 

- he asked you if he could do it ONCE and when you were like “???? FUCK NO!” he was like ah. Not a lover of art. That’s ok

- but seriously, he hasn’t touched your pills since, he understands how important they are. He does bring you pretty pill cases, though

- he doesn’t really understand therapy. He’s more than happy to drop you off or listen about your appointments, but he’s a little bit older and doesn’t get why you would talk to somebody about your problems. He also needs therapy, coincidentally 

Habit

- one of his go-tos for torturing his victims is taking away their pills. He knows how effectively it can fuck somebody over

- that being said, he’s very, very protective over your pills and medication. It’s a huge fear of his that someone will do the same to you and take your pills

- like, to the point where he goes with you to pick up your meds. You wouldn’t let him go to get them himself, he tends to be a little aggressive in situations like being patient or handling things with sensitive information (ie, your medication history and identity)

- he checks in casually with you if you’ve taken your pills, but he’s bad with time, so it’ll be like every few days, or maybe at like 3 in the morning

- he doesn’t understand therapy, either. Maybe being a demon has to do with something about it

- “What, just go and undo all a demon’s hard work? Why would you do that? It’s perfectly crafted to send you into a spiral. That’s just rude”

- as of late, he’s just treating it like another medication, which it kind of is. This includes waiting for you outside your appointments or dropping you off at them