#and is about a boy that has swam with his friends in a wrong lake

[understanding-hold-on]

Saw you reblogging that post about nuclear testing in algerian deserts from France

Here’s a notso fun fact, the French would bind algerian civilians to poles and trap them in the contaminated area so they could test out how nuclear radiation can affect human bodies

Actual human beings, with families and friends and lives, were set as lab rats for their demented fucking revenge

I am so sorry to hear that. It is truly awful that this happened to Algeria. I already knew how violent Algerian war for independence was, but I haven't heard about that.

In a way however I recognise what this might mean to you. I am from Kazakhstan which for 42 years(40 years of testing) had Semipalatinsk polygon opened in the middle of the North-East of the country. The thing is, the test sites were not even marked so people would just live there, while one of the most powerful nuclear and hydrogen bombs were tested right next to them(to be fair a lot of them were underground but yk).

There were at least 468 bombs detonated. The clouds from many of them were spread, so that the entirety of Eastern Kazakhstan now has a higher radiation on average. The regions around it also have a higher rate of cancer.

I don't think there is a point in comparing the damage from both of these. And not only about the bombs you know. I hope that all the people that died for their independence for colonial regimes are at peace and are not forgotten.

[jnkgrnde]

— can you stand the rain?, clarisse la rue, pjo

FREE PALESTINE: LINKS TO HELP

summary — in which, you and clarisse get into an argument that causes you to kiss in the rain.

pairings — clarisse la rue x black!fem!reader (daughter of poseidon)

content includes — arguing, kissing in the rain, best friends to lovers, jealous!clarisse

authors note — TELL ME BABY CAN YEWWWW STAND THE RAINNNNNN 🗣️🎤 this is def butt but this has been in my drafts for way too long so!

it was a beautiful, sunny day in long island. the smell of strawberries from the fields established themselves as today’s scent for the camp, the lake was cool enough for a dip.

it was a perfect day.

and it was a perfect day for you and clarisse to hang out with each other. you wanted to convince her to take a day off from training and take a swim in the lake to cool off for the day, before eventually doing something stupid later.

you knew clarisse was up because she was always up before you, so you decided to knock on the ares cabin door first to find her. her younger brother told you she wasn’t there and that you could find her at the sparring field. you thanked him with a smile before leaving to find her. lo and behold, there was clarisse la rue in her armor with her electric spear, training with a dummy.

you didn’t know how long she’d been out here, but the training dummy looked about out of comission. “d’you wake up on the wrong side of bed or did you add him to your hate list?” she halted her movements, dust flying beneath her shoes.

“did you need something, sweet thing?” and there she went with the nicknames. she knew you loved them, and she also knew you’d get tripped up by them. “so i was thinking we’d take a dip in the lake today.” and you knew what she was gonna say,

“y/n, you know i have to train today—“ “but that’s what you do everyday, clar! please? just for today?” you begged. you gave her your infamous puppy eyes, ones you knew she couldn’t turn away from. she groaned dramatically. “… you got me. i’ll meet you by the canoes in ten.” you grinned with excitement. “thank you thank you!” you kissed her cheek before running off.

she stood frozen for a second before a smile started spreading across her face. her cheek felt tingly in the spot you kissed her in.

you wore a white overshirt with a blue swimsuit underneath, paired with jean shorts. you carried a bag, sunglasses in your hair. you walked over to the lake, a smile on your face knowing you could be in one of the places you loved most.

you saw clarisse standing near the canoes watching the water. she had a towel laid out and was just taking her shoes off when you covered her eyes. “boo.” clarisse feigned annoyance, but still let a smile grace her lips.

you set down your bag on the sand, taking your shirt and shorts off. “not gonna join me, clar?” “nah. gotta keep watch, y’know, for butterflies and stuff.” you rolled your eyes with a smile before walking into the water, eventually going deep enough to wear you can float. you swam out enough for the sun to beam down on you, and just let yourself feel the water.

clarisse watched you. she loved watching you anytime, but she especially loved when you were in your environment. she took note of the smile on your face and how you occasionally paddled your hands to make sure you kept yourself afloat, although with your powers and everything, it wasn’t hard.

clarisse admired her surroundings before her eyes caught a boy staring at you — carter from hephaestus cabin. he was deeply tanned with a good build and curly hair, and had scars all over his hands and face from working on weapons for the camp.

carter watched with a small smile. he held a gold necklace in his hands, twisting them around. it had a sea turtle pendant, and it shined in the sunlight.

clarisse furrowed her eyebrows. she didn’t like what she was feeling — you were just friends, right? it’s just her being protective over you. she didn’t want you to get hurt or anything. she was sure that’s what it was.

it was a while before you decided to get out of the water. you didn’t realize how long you’d been there before noticing that it was starting to get a little cooler. you swam, then walked back to shore, but not before being stopped by carter.

to you, carter was a sweet, caring boy, just not for you specifically, because you had your sights set on someone else. he was starting to show he liked you, and got bolder as time went on. “hey, y/n. i made you something.” he told you nervously but still with a smile. he held out the necklace to you, the sea turtle shining in the light.

you let out a genuine smile before thanking him, not noticing the burning daggers being glared into the back of his head. he offered to put it on for you, so you turned and he slowly locked the chain together.

“thank you, carter.” you smiled before walking over to clarisse. you found her not so happy, actually stuffing things into your bags. “hey, clar, what’s wrong?” you reached out to touch her arm, and she pulled away like you were a hot pan burning her.

you furrowed your eyebrows in hurt and confusion. her face was scrunched up and she looked at you like you disgusted her. she shoved your bag to your chest before storming off back to the main campgrounds.

“clarisse!” you slung your bag on your shoulder and ran to try and catch to her, but she was already gone. your heart squeezed in your chest and you frowned before continuing to walk to your cabin.

a million thoughts swirled around in your head — why was she acting like this? you were just friends, right? you knew she was protective of you, yes, but not to this extent. you opened the doors to the poseidon cabin, where it was empty. you assumed percy was probably out with annabeth on a date, probably.

clarisse didn’t know why she felt this way; she hated it. she hated the way she acted when you touched her, or how she felt giddy and mushy inside whenever you look at her with your pretty eyes. she hated feeling the way she did around you, because she usually feels guilt, anger, or needing to please her father. that’s how she thinks she’s supposed to feel, how she’s wired to feel.

you make her actually feel like a good person, and she knew she impacted you with the way she acted that day.

it was later at night at the dining pavilion. torches were lit, dryads were flying around with silver platters with food, and campers from different cabins were chatting and laughing with eachother. the energy was high, seeing as there was a planned campfire tonight, with the apollo cabin leading the sing along.

you and percy sat at the poseidon table. his plate was full, and he had blue soda on the side. you gave him a small smile. “have you not eaten since breakfast?” you asked. “nah. annabeth wanted to go on a hike and i forgot to eat after.” you flicked his forehead. “why didn’t you tell me? i have a secret stash in the cabin!” you whisper-yelled. “i’m sorry!” he whined. you both laughed as the conversation flowed.

clarisse stole many glances from the poseidon table, specifically from you. despite what happened earlier in the day, you still smiled. her chest squeezed at the sound of your laughter. she poked her tongue against her lips before looking down at her plate.

it was after dinner where you and clarisse actually saw each other. she was sitting with the ares cabin, and you were sitting with percy and a couple other mutual friends. every time you looked up from the fire, there was clarisse who was staring at you no matter what. you quickly looked away every time you made eye contact.

the empty seat next to you was soon filled, but not by who you actually wanted it to be. carter sat next to, playing with his hoodie strings and smiling at you. “d’you need something, carter?” you asked. you didn’t mean to sound annoyed, but you weren’t as enthusiastic as you were earlier.

“well, i wanted to know if you were free later this week? i-i had something planned and-“ “no, she’s not free.” and standing in front of you was the woman of the hour.

you snapped your eyes up at the familiar voice. she held a glare directed at carter. before anybody could say anything, chiron announced that the campfire had to end early, seeing there was a storm starting to move in. “so, um, are you coming?” carter persisted. “i’ll get back to you on that, carter.” you gave a small smile before getting up. you shot clarisse a look before walking back with percy to the poseidon cabin.

the night was dark, and thunder started rolling in. the camp turned in for the night, all except for one. there was a tapping on your window, waking you up from your sleep. you groaned, already starting to yell at whoever it was before you recognized clarisse.

you furrowed your eyebrows, “what are you doing here?” she held her hand out without a word. you hesitated, looking back at percy to see him fast asleep. you looked back at clarisse, and she looked desperate. you slipped on your shoes before taking her hand and letting her guide you out the window.

she walked with you, out to the woods and seemingly to your secret spot, the spot that was reserved for you and clarisse only. “clarisse, why are we out here?” you asked her once you finally stopped.

your emotions were already starting to heighten, the rain slowly following. she stared at you for a second. “i’m sorry.” she apologized. “why? you left me with no explanation like i was some animal on the street and ignored me. why?”

she breathed out a heavy breath. “him.” she whispered. “what?” “because of carter!” she snapped. you were confused, “what does this have to do with him?” clarisse looked at you like she begged you to understand, like you were supposed to know why.

“because he likes you,” she put out simply, “and i don’t want him to.” you blinked while taking in her words. she was closer to you than before now, her breath on your face. she soaked you in, watching the rainwater run down your face. she came to the realization.

“i like you,” she barely spoke. “i like you, and i don’t want him to like you.” you stood in shock. clarisse liked you. she liked you back, and you had no clue. you cupped her jaw and pulled her down to your lips. it was passionate, like she would die without feeling you again. you pulled away, “so, you stormed off because you liked me?” clarisse rolled her eyes with a smile. “well, when you put it like that.”

you pulled her back with a laugh and the rain getting lighter throughout the kiss, eventually allowing the stars to shine.

[sc0tters]

In The Water | Luke Hughes

summary: Luke has had a wandering eye for you all week so when he gets you in the pool one night it’s finally his turn to have some fun.

request: yes/no

warnings: sexual themes, p in v, swearing.

word count: 1.69k

authors note: I’ve been waiting to write this for weeks! It was fun writing the Luke x Quinn bsf pairing cause it means all I need to do is a Quinn x Luke bsf pairing then I’ve done all of the brother and friend pairings! Part of me is also starting to think that I’ve forgotten how to write smuts because I really don’t know how I feel about this one…

Luke thought the world was being cruel to him.

Originally he was fine when he heard that Quinn was bringing a girl to the lake house. But the moment he met you that idea quickly changed when he realised it was you.

The youngest Hughes boy didn’t know you from a bar of soap but watching you walk around in shorts and your little bikini top with Quinn’s tigers hat on your head made him feel some kind of way.

His speculations that something was going on between you and Quinn weren’t so wrong either, being neighbours in Vancouver you two learnt how to lean on each other during the pandemic and that sometimes resulted in sexual interactions between you two. But your little fuck buddy time together was a mere moment in your relationship and the last time you had gotten on your knees for the Hughes boy was well over a year ago.

But the level of banter that you two seemed to gain from having gone that far.

Quinn was fast asleep as you slipped out of the bed next to him letting your feet take you downstairs as you realised the light outside was still on.

Curiosity got the best of you and you were glad that it did as you walked out to see Luke in the pool.

His back muscles were defined as he would extend his arms with each stroke before he brought them back to his sides “I can feel you staring at me.” Luke mumble stretching his arms as he let his fingers press on the wall in front of him never taking this eyes off of the water.

You took this as a moment to walk up to him letting your legs down into the water as you sat on the side a couple of feet away from him “got a lot to stare at.” You shrugged sending him a smile as you weren’t going to hide that you were indeed looking at him “would have thought you’d want a closer look.” His smirk was clear as he finally looked up to see your eyes staring at him.

Taking in how his curls were wet as water droplets fell against his skin felt like a sight for sore eyes “where is the fun in just giving it to you Rusty?” You raised your eyebrows mentally letting out a silent cheer as Luke listened to you.

His fingers let go of the wall before he slowly swam over to you settling between your legs as he pushed your knees wider apart “think it’s unfair having you on a higher level than me.” Luke frowned as he let his hands run up your legs “can’t be getting Quinn’s shirt wet.” You shot back irritatingly reminding the younger boy about his thoughts of what Quinn must have done to you.

The hockey player ran his tongue over his lower lip “could just get you out of it.” It was the obvious option but the way it nervously came out of his mouth made you smirk “never thought of that one before.” You brought your hands to the hem of the shirt before you pulled it over your head revealing the skimpy little lingerie set that you decided to wear underneath it.

His swim shorts grew tight around his cock as his eyes trailed over your breasts with nipples barely covered by the black lacy fabric of the bra “fucking hell.” Luke mumbled under his breath taking in the sight as his eyes stared at the left nipple as he realised that you had pierced it.

The shiny titanium bar clearly stuck out as you pushed yourself off of the bricks that lined the pool slotting yourself between Luke and the wall as you smiled “you like what you see Hughesy?” You asked letting your fingers run down his abs as you innocently batted your eyelashes at him.

Luke swore that he was a deadman walking as he watched you look at him like he was the only man in the world “it’s all perfect.” His hands ran over your jaw as he tilted it up letting you look at him “like a fucking goddess.” The boy added bringing his lips down to yours.

You wanted to push onto your toes as his lips against yours and the boy smiled at your desperation “what do you want princess?” Luke smirked as you brought your hands up to hold his.

The hockey player watched as you let your lips form a pout “just fucking kiss me already Luke.” Your complaint was short lived when he captured your lips in a kiss.

It was hot as his tongue ran over your lower lip wanting to slide it into your mouth “please,” you whined feeling his bulge against your core “you sure?” Luke pulled away with big eyes full of concern “I don’t have a condom-” he added as he didn’t even have one upstairs and going into either of his brothers rooms to get one was just asking for a disaster to strike.

You pecked the boys lips wanting him to shut up “I’m on the pill and clean,” your tone was suggestive as he smiled “I am too.” Luke nodded as his heart practically pounded out of his chest “come and get me baby.” You mumbled into his ear before you pushed him away trying to swim away as you wanted to tease him.

Luke took a mere few seconds to reach out and grab your foot as he pulled you towards him “I don’t like chasing.” The hockey player muttered as his hands moved to your bra unhooking the back of it.

He wrapped his hands around your legs as he picked you up “have your way with me Lukey.” You smiled as he dropped his head to your pierced nipple.

His mouth wrapped around the sensitive peak “fuck Lu,” you cried as his tongue swirled around your piercing “you’re so good,” you cooed totally unaware of how each cry that left your lips went straight to his cock.

Your fingers locked into his curls as Luke brought his hand up to your other nipple making sure that it wouldn’t feel left out “I want you cock Luke.” You blurted out making him smile as he pulled away from your breasts “let’s get you out of these then.” Before you both knew it there was a wet mound of clothing that sat next to the pool as Luke ran his fingers over your stomach.

It was almost sweet as he backed you up against the wall “you sure you want this?” Luke asked you as his hands went to either side of you “yes Luke.” You nodded softly kissing his lips as he brought his cock up between your legs teasing your clit “shit!” You groaned as his cock slid down your slit before he trusted into your cunt.

Luke’s hands gripped at your sides as you adjusted to his size “move, please.” You gritted out making him nod “can’t believe how good you feel.” Luke blurted out as your picks moved up to wrap around his waist “been thinking about this all week.” He added making you smile through hooded eyes.

His breath fanned against your skin as you brought your hands up to lock in his hair again “should have made a move sooner.” You gritted your words out as your pussy clenched around his cock.

The hockey player nipped at your neck “can’t have hickies.” You shook your head “like my bikini.” The reminder of the tiny pieces that you wore made Luke smirk “want the boys to know you had a good time.” Trevor had been trying to flirt with you since the moment he arrived so this all was doing absolute wonders for Luke’s ego.

Water was pushed around you both as mini waves formed with each thrust of the boys cock “Luke-” your complaint was cut off as his hand slipped in between you both reaching down to your clit “oh my god!” You slapped your hand over your mouth as his cock began to throb between your legs.

Luke shook his head pulling your hand away “it’s just me baby.” He smiled pecking your lips “boys so asleep they won’t hear you.” The boy added knowing that each of the boys in the house were not going to be coming outside regardless of if they heard your moans or not.

Your legs tightened around his waist “I’m not gonna last.” You confessed letting your hands pinch at your breasts.

It made Luke smirk at how he knew he was making you feel “let it go baby.” The hockey player nodded pecking your lips as he wasn’t far behind “let anyone out here hear how good I make you feel.” He added sucking at your earlobe as you cried out.

It was hot watching you come around his cock as you body shook showing him just how good he made you feel as you brought your hips to grind against his bringing Luke’s orgasm on in the process “don’t stop.” You moaned letting your head fall back as he continued to fuck you through your orgasm.

As you both came back down your breaths were heavy “that was hot.” You blurted out smiling as you pecked his lips when he slid his cock out of you “you think you can survive for another one?” Luke asked as he watched you make your way over to the other side of the pool “it’s getting late.” You sighed motioning to the sun that was starting to rise over the water as you pushed out of the water letting droplets run down your naked body.

Luke smirked as he watched you pull Quinn’s top over you “both need a shower before we go to bed.” The boy loved how the grey fabric clung to your wet breasts “grab those clothes and meet me up there.” You smiled as he sent you a salute pushing off of the wall to the other side of the pool before he followed your wet footprints into the house.

[f1letters]

vigilante shit | pg10 x cl16

"you did some bad things, but I'm the worst of them"

summary: revenge is served cold and it tastes especially sweet when it involves his best friend

warning: angst, toxic relationship, toxic reader, revenge, suggestive language, swearing, no cheating (since they are not together), a little choking? (lol this took a turn)

pairing: pierre gasly x reader, charles leclerc x reader

word count: 3.4k

note: everything in bold are song references and in italic are thoughts, which includes memories from the past.

french words used: mon ange = my angel; bébé = baby; ma chérie = my darling

we are officially back after last weekend! (please, let's NOT talk about it, I'm still in denial lol) 😂 I guess this story needs a shoutout to my toxic ex? thank you wherever you are in the world for the inspo! haha 😂 anyways, I hope you guys enjoy it as always!

masterlist

Draw the cat eye sharp enough to kill a man

You did some bad things, but I'm the worst of them

Sometimes I wonder which one'll be your last lie

They say looks can kill and I might try

A cat eye sharp enough to kill a man was the first step necessary to a killing night.

Y/N made sure her siren eyes were on point as she got ready for the party that night. It wasn't the first drivers' party she attended since she had become a frequent presence in the paddock for the last few months. But, boy, was it a special one.

This was her time to seek revenge. 

Toxic? Perhaps. But the Machiavellian side of her didn't care. Her eyes were seeing red. 

And red was her theme: her bright cherry-red lips, her long silk red dress, and the luscious red heels at the end of her smooth legs, which showed through the slit of her skirt.

She looked like a walking Ferrari prize, ready to be picked up by the winner.

Playing with me was the worst thing you've ever done, Pierre. You'll see, she thought, leaving the house.

I don't dress for women

I don't dress for men

Lately, I've been dressin' for revenge

It all started on an innocent, warm summer day when Y/N and a group of friends decided to take a boat on the gorgeous, fascinating Lake Como for some fun, swimming and sunbathing, while they were in the beautiful country of Italy.

Unknown to Y/N, in the same waters, another boat passed by hers, immediately catching the interest of all her friends. The young woman was completely distracted, tanning her back, when she began to hear flirty whispers and giggles coming from her group, swooning over some random guys.

Curious, the girl turned around until her eyes landed on the figures of two athletic, handsome men. God, it was unfair, couldn't she have both? A girl can dream.

She had always been a confident woman, but old-fashioned in a sense: she wasn't going to approach them. If they wanted to know her and her friends, they could address them. If not, their loss.

However... Life has a funny way of turning against you and when the group of friends was getting ready to leave the lake, their boat couldn't start. They tried and tried, but clearly none of them had the capacity to handle the situation. So they only had one option left: ask for help from the friendly, helpful guys on the next boat.

"Hey!" Y/N called out, in an attempt to get them to look. "Can you help us?"

"Hi! Is something wrong with your boat?" One of them, in blue shorts, questioned, curious.

"We can't start the engine. Can you help us?" She asked.

The two boys jumped out and swam to the girls' boat without hesitation. When they walked up the stairs, Y/N could almost hear her friends' jaws hitting the floor at the sight of their wet, muscled abs. But Y/N maintained his carefree demeanour, which only fascinated the two young men more.

The unreachable. The unknown. The treasure to be discovered. They lived for the adrenaline, for the adventure, for the challenge.

And she was a walking challenge.

"Thanks for your help. I'm Y/N." She introduced herself, extending her hand to greet them.

"Pierre." The boy in the orange shorts replied, half-closed eyes filled with interest.

"I'm Charles." The other replied, with a seductive smile plastered on his face.

How the girl would come to regret it when she thought back on that day. From that moment came the invitation for the young women to join the two drivers in their next GP in Emilia-Romagna, which they happily accepted.

And from there came more races, group dinners, parties, and much more. Everything got more complicated when what started as a group friendship ended up leading to a silent battle between the two friends for the confident girl's attention.

One of them, unfortunately, had to lose, and in this case, contrary to their races, Pierre came out victorious, much to Charles's unawareness. Although the Monegasque was an absolute Greek God on the outside and a sweetheart on the inside, Y/N couldn't help but initially let her tendency for complicated, toxic men lead her right to Pierre.

She fell for his charm right away. She didn't even have a chance to run. As soon as he made his first move on her when he pulled her into an empty room after a night of partying, he dominated the girl, body and soul, like he was poison burning right through the inside of her veins.

But like all poison, it's only a matter of time before you die without the antidote.

Secret nights, hidden moments, empty promises. He continued to feed off of what he wanted from her, while she sustained herself with the little crumbs left from the illusions she created in her own head.

He wasn't going to change, and she knew it. But it wasn't until she heard the words come out of his mouth that she realized really how she had been used all those months.

"I never wanted a serious relationship, mon ange," Pierre confessed, unconcerned with her feelings. "You knew from the start that this was just fun for the two of you."

"Fun for the two of you?" She echoed his words. "You've been saying for months that we're eventually going to be in a relationship. Don't lie now. Which one'll be your last lie?!"

She wasn't going to allow herself to cry in front of him. She kept her gaze directly on him, with a look that could kill.

"You know what? You're right." She replied, smiling at him through the pain she felt in her chest. The corners of her lips turned up, but her eyes didn't follow the gesture, leaving Pierre almost startled by the mixed signals. "Have a good life, Pierre. I'll see you around."

Oh, he was going to see her around...

If there was one thing Y/N liked better than a good boy toy, it was revenge. 

And she was thirsty for some vigilante action.

I don't start shit, but I can tell you how it ends

Don't get sad, get even

So on the weekends

I don't dress for friends

Lately, I've been dressin' for revenge

She wasn't going to let herself be affected by a guy who didn't treat her as she deserved. That wasn't something that lined up with her strong, confident, determined personality.

Cry for him? Be heartbroken because of the shitty way she was treated by him? Why be sad when you can get even? 

The perfect opportunity for payback just presented itself to her. Just like that: so tempting, so inviting, so alluring. In the form of a single text.

From: Charles Leclerc

hey! you're coming sunday night, right? need you at my victory party...

Y/N spent the whole time with her focus completely dedicated to Pierre when she had a caring, honest man in the palm of her hand... And she would be lying if she didn't say that the fact that he was absolutely drop-dead gorgeous didn't help captivate her now that her heart was free.

However, part of her mind told her that, although she was attracted to Charles, it would be unfair to basically use him to provoke a reaction out of Pierre. The Monegasque didn't even dream of the affair his two friends had going on in the recent past. It was just wrong. After all, how could she do to him what the Frenchman had done to her?

With this, an internal debate was created within the young woman. There were two options: she could be the superior person and move on with her life without thinking about the past, or she could let her anger take over and play with fire a little.

Unfortunately for Pierre, Y/N was never very good at keeping the burning fire of revenge inside her, and she was determined to have a little fun with it.

She needed cold, hard proof, so I gave her some

She had the envelope, where you think she got it from?

Now she gets the house, gets the kids, gets the pride

Picture me thick as thieves with your ex-wife

That Sunday, Y/N walked into the club like she owned the place. The white lights reflected off her as if she were the mirror ball in the centre of the dance floor: all eyes were on her as she outshined the rest of the world.

Two pairs of eyes averted in unison as she approached the group of drivers, both believing she was there for them.

Pierre, closest to the stairs she was going up to the VIP area, was the first to approach the girl, with an inquisitive look.

"Mon ange, I didn't expect you to be here." He confessed, convinced that Y/N was there with the intent of getting him back.

What he didn't expect was that her siren eyes wouldn't even meet his. She was a woman on a mission, and her eyes were on only one person: his best friend.

Without saying a single word to him, Y/N made her way over to the handsome winner of the race, who had his mesmerizing blue eyes already fixed on his shiny red prize.

"Wow, bébé!" He whistled, giving her his hand and making her take a turn to show off her look. "I love the red, it suits you well. Was that all for me?" Charles, more confident than usual from a couple of drinks already consumed, flirted with the girl, his eyes admiring her from head to toe.

"How did you guess?" She replied, in the same tone. Y/N couldn't deny that Charles looked incredibly appetizing. His baby blue shirt was slightly open, exposing the man's defined chest, his hair was tousled and wild, and his eyes were brighter than ever.

"Just a lucky guess. The red Ferrari was a given, though." He chuckled as he pulled her closer to him. "You look so pretty tonight, Y/N. Not that you don't always look stunning, but tonight... Damn, you look fucking incredible, ma chérie."

Charles, focused only on the woman in front of him, didn't even notice how his best friend was glued to the shocking image of the Monegasque clinging to his ex-lover, but Y/N could feel Pierre's eyes burning into the back of her neck.

The young woman couldn't help but let out a satisfied grin. Pierre thought he could play with her without having to deal with the consequences, but he forgot that karma has a way of always biting someone back.

Y/N let her hand flow along the shirt of the driver in front of her until she reached his collar. She approached him seductively until her red inviting lips approached his ear.

Letting her mouth graze against Charles' warm neck, she began her plan. "Do you want to dance, champ?" She asked, with a suggestive tone to her voice.

"Lead the way. I'm all yours tonight." Charles responded and placed his hands on the girl's waist in response.

Enjoy the show, Pierre. It's just getting started.

And she looks so pretty

Drivin' in your Benz

Lately, she's been dressin' for revenge

As the pair moved towards the centre of the club, Y/N swaying his hips gently to the music and Charles with his hands all over the girl's body, Pierre's gaze moved with them.

The Frenchman's muscles tensed up, something that didn't go unnoticed by his teammate Yuki, who was standing right beside him.

"Hey, is something wrong?" Tsunoda asked, worried. "You look... I don't know, upset."

"Everything is fine," Gasly replied, though not at all convincingly. "Everything is perfectly fine." He continued, not understanding whether he was trying to convince the Japanese driver or himself.

He broke up with her, okay, he knew that. He would've understood if she showed up with some random guy trying to tease him. But his best friend, someone he's known for decades?

Y/N was taking things too far.

Pierre unfastened two buttons of his shirt, in an attempt to catch his breath, now dominated by rage. If your plan was to make me jealous to prove me wrong, you've done it, he thought to himself. Now that's enough.

Now for Y/N, revenge was just beginning.

"I think the winner deserves something special." The young woman put her arms around Charles' neck, letting her fingers flow through his brown hair and giving him a provocative smirk. "Don't you agree, Leclerc?"

"Well, he tried really hard to win the race." He joked back, speaking of himself in the third person. The driver's hands threatened to slide further and further down her back towards her bottom. "I think at the very least he deserves a dance with the prettiest girl in this club."

"Perhaps if the winner behaves well during the night, he can find out if his prize is red under the dress too." She teased him, licking her lips as she looked down at his flawless mouth. "Do you think he would like that?"

"Oh, for sure." He answered, getting his face closer to hers.

Y/N felt her heart beat faster and more euphorically, something that caught her off guard. This all started with intentions to punish Pierre for what he did to her, but without her relationship with the Frenchman clouding her mind, Y/N couldn't help but see Charles in a different light for the first time.

Of course, she always thought he was hot and she noticed his attempts to get close to her. But at that moment, the young woman was looking at him and her body seemed to react automatically to the Monegasque's presence, trying to reduce the physical distance between the two as much as possible.

She don't start shit, but she can tell you how it ends

Don't get sad, get even

So on the weekends

She don't dress for friends

Lately, she's been dressing for revenge

She let herself be carried away by the impulsiveness of the moment and, leaving her thirst for vengeance forgotten in the back of her head, Y/N pulled Charles towards her and let her cherry-red lips kiss his.

Leclerc instantly returned the kiss, with the same passion, the same determination, and the same hunger for each other.

At that moment, it was just her and him. It didn't matter the circumstances that led them there, but that there was indeed chemistry and desire for each other. She simply had enough of Pierre and his lies.

On the other hand, Pierre couldn't believe what his eyes were seeing. The woman he used to call his between four walls. The man he called his brother. Kissing. Hands exploring their bodies. No shame, no concern for who saw them and the opinions of outsiders.

It was what Y/N wanted from me and I never gave it to her, he realised.

The couple broke the kiss and Charles ran his hand over the girl's forehead, pushing the loose hair behind her ear. Y/N giggled when she saw the image of the driver's lips now stained with her lipstick and tried to clean them by running her thumb lovingly over them.

Suddenly, she felt the side of her face burn and instantly she realized why: her ex's eyes were fixed on her. As soon as she turned her face towards him, their eyes met and she just imagined all the names he was calling her in his head. She gave him a smirk and turned back to Charles.

"I'm going to the bathroom and I'll be right back with you, okay?" She asked, knowing full well that Pierre was going to follow her.

"I'll meet Carlos and wait for you in the VIP area." He informed her, a hungry look on his face, giving her hand one last rub with his thumb. "But you better be back soon because I've been promised a prize that I can't wait to unravel."

Ladies always rise above

Ladies know what people want

Someone sweet and kind and fun

The lady simply had enough

Just as she predicted, Gasly followed as soon as he saw her heading towards the dark hallway to the bathrooms.

Along the way, and just when he thought his nightmare couldn't get any worse, the Frenchman bumped into Charles, who had a smile plastered to his face like a man who had just won the lottery. Pierre wanted nothing more than to punch that stupid smirk out of his face.

"Mate, I finally got the woman of my dreams." Leclerc innocently admitted, unaware that he was pulling his friend's strings.

Pierre simply walked away, bumping into Charles's shoulder, who was left behind confused by what had just happened.

As soon as he reached the hallway, Y/N was nowhere to be seen. He assumed she was in the ladies' room, so he leaned against the wall beside the door as he waited for her to exit.

A few minutes (which seemed like hours to the impatient man) passed before she got out. As soon as Pierre saw her figure, he grabbed her by the wrist and pushed her against the wall in an act of rage.

"Can you explain to me what the fuck is going on?" Gasly spat out the words, hot-headed, leaning his body completely over the young woman's. "Are you fucking kidding me? Charles? Of all people."

"I'm sorry, but since when do I owe you an explanation? If I remember correctly, you and I are nothing." She spoke, mirroring the same angry tone.

"Shut the fuck up." Pierre gripped her wrist tighter, letting her know that her plan was working exactly as planned. "You crossed the line."

"I just thought the winner of the race deserved a worthy prize." She smirked until the driver placed his hand on her throat and squeezed lightly, making the smile soon disappear from her face.

While he was doin' lines and crossin' all of mine

Someone told his white-collar crimes to the FBI

And I don't dress for villains

Or for innocents

I'm on my vigilante shit again

"You already got what you wanted. You had your fun, you got me fucked up." He confessed. "But that's enough. You're going to get out of here and go home immediately because I'm not about to take this shit."

Y/N laughed in his face. This man's audacity to try to boss her around after using her as his personal toy in his spare time.

The young woman was far from done with her plan. So, she gave him those puppy dog eyes he couldn't resist and he released her throat, his eyes softening at the image of her.

Y/N brought her face closer to his, half closing her eyes as their lips prepared to meet. Or so Pierre thought, who was caught off guard when the girl ducked her way towards his ear and whispered her last words.

"This is only the start. Enjoy my revenge like I'm going to enjoy my night."

I don't start shit, but I can tell you how it ends

Don't get sad, get even

So on the weekends

I don't dress for friends

With that, the young woman left the dark hall without looking back and walked confidently towards the gorgeous man who was waiting for her.

Charles smiled behind the glass he was drinking from as soon as he laid eyes on the girl in red, getting a pat on the back from his friend Carlos.

"Ay, ay, ay, my friend. You are completely head over heels for her." Sainz teased and walked away from them, leaving the couple alone.

Leclerc grabbed the girl by the hip and pulled her towards him, placing a soft kiss on her red lips.

"Do you want to get out of here?" Y/N asked, winking at the boy.

"Hmm, tempting..." For the first time that night, Charles made the risky move of placing his free hand over the girl's ass. "What did you have in mind, bébé?"

Y/N started her night dressed for revenge not knowing that she would end up with her body burning for the Monegasque, but maybe Charles Leclerc was just the antidote she needed in her life as she tried to get back to her past self.

"What about some undressing?"

Lately, I've been dressin' for revenge

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[tomriddlehyperfixataion]

Wild uncharted Waters - Tom Riddle x Reader Oneshot(maybe)

CW; Detailed Drowning

lotta fluff, obsessive Tom, fem reader

=

It was a cold February afternoon; classes were done for the day and many students had decided to hang out by the black lake as they relaxed from a long day of lessons and cramming for the upcoming exams. Tom was among these students, standing by a few of his “friends”(followers) by the docks, he could see his breath in the barely warm sun and his layers of wool uniform did almost nothing to keep out the cold.

And his “friends” were bloody daring him to jump into the lake for a handful of galleons that Tom doesn’t really need. “No.” Tom said sternly, crossing his arms, his pale complexion red and flushed from the blood rushing to his face to keep warm.

“Oh come off it Tom, it’s just a little swim in the lake, so you catch a cold, what’s the worst that could happen~?” One of the boys taunts Tom, another holding a bag of galleons, and another lightly shoving Tom towards the almost frozen lake.

Drowning, hypothermia, freezing to death, pneumonia; many things could go wrong-including the fact that Tom didn’t know how to swim. But they didn’t need to know that, they didn’t need to know one of his ‘weaknesses.’ “I’m not getting in that-foul water, who knows what filth has been growing in there over the years. Besides, it’s freezing, I could catch more than a simple cold. I’ll be lucky if I don’t lose a finger diving into those waters.” Tom said, looking toward the black lake-which had a very thin sheet of ice covering its surface-even the smallest tap of a finger would break the tension.

He feels a sudden mischievous feeling emanating from the boys behind him and he turns, about to warn them to knock off whatever they planned but they had already grabbed him by the elbows and armpits-dragging him towards the end of the docks-the other students watching in awe as Tom Riddle was thrown into the almost frozen black lake-he sputtered as he broke the surface-his eyes snapping shut as he went under.

He couldn’t swim.

The wool of his blazer and vest, along with the rest of his uniform, soaked up the freezing water he was surrounded by and he was dragged down further below the surface-panic clutching his chest as he desperately reached for the surface-holding his breath as he went deeper. He could see the silhouettes of his “friends” at the end of the dock-all of them laughing.

Not one of them dived in after him, not one of them seemed to think. And Tom had a feeling his greatest fear was about to come to life-he was going to die. Oh, Merlin he was going to drown-he didn’t want to die-he didn’t want to die!!

Pressure pushes on his head and lungs as he sinks deeper into the black lake-the lush that lay beneath the surface curling around him like a snare-his vision fading with each passing moment-the afternoon sun that beamed through the surface getting further away.

‘please-someone-help’

Tom desperately prayed for intervention-his wand had fallen from his pocket when his “friends” had tossed him into the waters and he had yet to master wandless magic-he was helpless-totally helpless as the black lake consumed him.

The pressure burned at his lungs and his mouth involuntarily opened so he could breathe-water filling his lungs and he choked, writhing in the water as the dark consumed him, his vision blurring-his ears ringing so loudly.

Was he going to die? He didn’t want to die; he really didn’t want to die-he was only 16-he had so much left to do.

‘please-please please-I don’t want to die’ Tom begged to whatever gods were listening, his body hitting the lake floor-his robes floating around his body, his vision starting to go black.

‘Please…please…please’

Above him-the surface tension of the water broke as someone dove into the waters after him-swimming down towards him as he was consumed by the pitch-black water. They had no care for their own safety as they swam towards him-grabbing his robe and pulling themselves toward him when they were finally close enough-peeling off his outer clothes and then planting their feet when they had a good grip around him and rocketed up-Tom fully unconscious by the time he was above the surface. His body was already ice cold and while his heart still beat-he wasn’t breathing anymore.

He was laid back against the shore-the screaming voices of the students who had watched him drown unable to reach his ears-his savior put their ear to his chest and listened, sighing in relief when they heard his heartbeat and then they pinched his nose-breathing into his mouth and then pressing on his chest in a continuing beat; pressing hard and constant-30 beats and then they checked his breathing-nothing.

They pinched his nose again and breathed into his mouth-forcing air down into his lungs and then another 30 compressions-another check for air-breathe-30 compressions.

Tom felt the darkness consuming him suddenly disappear and he choked up water-coughing painfully as his lungs burned, his savior pushed him to lay on his side-harshly patting his back as he coughed up more lake water, each one rattling his chest. He shivered as the cold late winter air set into his skin-clinging to his soaked-through uniform and freezing him to his bones. He heard his savior say his name-it was the voice of a girl, that much he could tell-and he opened his eyes, his savior was silhouetted by the afternoon sun; her features blurred to him.

She looked like an angel.

Tom was unconscious by the time something dry and warm was wrapped around him and he was carried to the hospital wing-and when he woke up, he had a nasty headache and everything felt clogged. The school healer told him he was lucky to only catch a nasty cold, and nothing worse. His “friends” had all been punished for their careless act and Tom was to remain in the hospital wing until he was cleared after his near death from drowning.

He hardly listened to any of that-the only thing he could think about and hear was his savior-her voice echoing in his head, saying his name. He groggily asked about the girl who had saved his life but the healer shrugged-telling him everyone had been too distracted making sure Tom was okay after drowning.

Tom frowned, still very dazed and he swiveled his head around-seeing many many get-well cards on his bedside tables-either from his “friends” or from his admirers. But he wondered if any of them were from his rescuer-the…siren that saved him. Her voice wouldn’t leave his head, the mystery girl who rescued him consumed his being-leaving him to wonder who she was.

Her features had been obscured by the sun and his own blurry visions, but he remembered her voice all too clearly-the voice of a siren, of a mythical creature that ensnared his mind and body, making him unable to think of anything else as he recovered in the hospital wing.

“What do you remember of her? Anything at all, her house maybe?” Tom asked the boys who had thrown him into the water-his anger toward them momentarily forgotten in his obsession to find his siren rescuer. “No, we didn’t really look at her, but she did have a Slytherin scarf,” one boy said, but he provided enough information for Tom to shoo them away.

She was Slytherin, she was in his house. That was good, that was good. Now he just had to find her-he HAD to. Her silhouette was burned into his eyelids-her voice haunts him-he cannot get over this mystery girl, and no one seems to recall who saved him-he’s stuck-he’s obsessed.

He cannot get her out of his head.

Tom can’t stop thinking about her. When he closes his eyes at night, he sees her blurred form over him, holding him up, and staring at her with his fading consciousness. She’s become the obsession that lives in his head, the person he thinks about on repeat. She appears in his dreams, and he’s determined to find her.

As soon as he’s out of the hospital wing-he begins his search-looking for the girl who had captured his mind as soon as she appeared before him in his blurry vision. Her voice haunted him like-a siren-unknowingly taking his heart and soul-he must find her, he must.

She becomes the only thing on his mind, everything else takes a back seat as he looks for his siren-because that’s what she is-a siren, her voice ensnared him immediately having to say his bloody name before he was madly obsessed with her.

His plans, his other obsessions-his studies- all of it disappears as he searches for the girl who saved his life. It must’ve been a fellow student and she must’ve been in his year, his age-anything that leads him closer to his siren he claws at, a clue, any hint, anything that will reveal her to him; he clings to.

He has to find her-he must-he’s never felt this way before-about a girl, he didn’t even know he could feel this way. Her silhouette is burned into his mind-her voice won't leave his soul-he can’t think about anything else than her.

Immortality, Horcruxes, the chamber, Slytherin, power, glory-none of it even crosses his mind. All he can think about is the girl, the siren. She had thrown him into uncharted waters-this obsession-he didn’t know how to handle any of his feelings, he never had to deal with feelings like these before.

He searches for her all over the school-straining his hearing to try and hear her voice above the crowds, he cannot even focus in class-he’s lucky he’s wickedly smart-all he can think of is her, and he looks around for any sign of his mystery rescuer.

But she seems to evade him at every turn, no one knows who saved him, and he cannot find a trace of her anywhere-nor can he find her voice that haunted him. He sighs as he collects himself in the library-forcing himself to study and ignore the growing obsession that burns his soul.

But then he hears it, a soft voice-a singing voice-he turns, his soul making his feet already start to walk towards the voice-abandoning his books to look for his siren, his obsession. He follows that soft siren voice through the book shelves-almost desperate to find his rescuer-the girl who had been haunting him for a month straight.

But she evades him once again, her voice unreachable, and just when he feels like he’s found her-he follows her voice back out into the main halls and she’s lost to the after-school crowd; unable to find her in the mass of Hogwarts students.

He curses, desperately looking for any sort of sign of his siren, but she's gone and his obsession grows. He knows her voice now; her singing joins the echo of her saying his name, his dreams are plagued with her voice that night-of her silhouette-and when he awakes the only thing he can think is;

‘Find her. Find her, find her, find her.’

He knows he’s becoming obsessed, he knows that, but he can't stop himself from becoming so-he must find his mystery savior-he must. Finally, after a month of searching-he finds her. he hears her voice again as he’s walking through the inner halls of Hogwarts, coming from the courtyard and he quickly redirects his path towards his siren’s voice-stopping to catch his breath as he pauses under the archway leading into the garden courtyard that sat In the middle of the castle walls.

There she was, singing to herself under the tree in the shade, a book in her lap. He couldn’t see her face from the angle he stood at-behind her-but he could see her, he could hear her clearly. His siren, his obsession, his savior, he finally had a person to match the voice to.

To hear her voice so clearly makes him unable to step forward and confront her, it steals his breath, his senses, his very soul. A true siren she was. “(y/n)!” someone calls from across the courtyard and Tom lets out a choked breath when his siren looks up.

(y/n), her name was (y/n). He whispered the name on his lips, finally moving forward to stand behind the tree, peeking around it to watch as (y/n) stood and greeted the boy that walked up to her, Tom felt an odd tightness in his chest at the sight-watching as the boy starts talking with (y/n) and she seems comfortable with him-the two walking away soon after that. She laughs at something the boy says and Tom has to catch his breath again at the sound-this siren is beauty Incarnate in more ways than one, her voice, her laugh-all of her has him enraptured.

Then he sees her face as she turns to face the boy and his heart stutters along with his breath-her silhouette hadn’t done her any justice-she was… breathtaking.

Mine…mine mine mine mine mine. Mine.

He can't stop seeing her after that, she’s in all his classes, he sees her in the hallways, in the common room, during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. He sees her in the library, at Slugclub meetings; it’s like the gods had decided to give him a gift and continued to present his siren constantly to him, allowing him so many chances to just look at her.

He locks eyes with her one day when they pass by each other in the hallway and he swears time slows down as he looks into her eyes, his heart in his ears and his breath caught, time only resuming when she blinks and looks away. Tom stops and she doesn’t, unaware that Tom is watching her-his eyes soft in a way they never had been before-a longing in his very soul.

Mine mine mine.

Soon enough his followers notice, some holding back a chuckle as they watch Tom stare with a wistful look in his eyes at (y/n) who sits further down the Slytherin table at dinner, who still doesn’t realize Tom has become obsessed with her. He knows her favorite color, her favorite book, why she had a scar on her finger, where she grew up, her favorite food, her favorite class, her best class, her favorite song(she sang it the most), her little quirks, he knows all he can about the girl who has stolen his heart-his very essence without realizing it.

“…When are you going to stop looking at her and talk to her?” Avery asks Tom, who sits up suddenly-realizing everyone could see him staring at (y/n). “Hmm, what?” Tom says, almost in a daze-like he had been truly put under a spell by a siren-his gaze quickly going back to (y/n), unable to keep his eyes off her for long.

“Merlin’s beard, he’s smitten,” Another boy mumbles and Tom side-eyes him and they all go silent, except Avery, who asks Tom once again. “Are you ever going to talk to her?” Tom sighs, planting his chin in his palm as he looks at Avery.

“For once, I’m unsure of how to navigate a situation, what would I even say to her? Hi, I've been obsessed with you for two months now and know almost everything about you? That’ll blow over well,” Tom snaps quite uncharacteristically, but (y/n) made him feel things he was unsure of and made him act out in ways he never thought he would.

“Maybe just thank her for saving you from the Black Lake? Get a conversation started at least?” Avery suggests and Tom sighs, for once, Avery had a good idea. But now was the question-when would he go up and talk to her?

He had felt nervous before, fear duh, hesitancy was rare but he felt it-but this? This was a whole new level. His stomach churned and his heart went wild any time he even considered going up to (y/n) to talk to her.

Wild uncharted waters (y/n) had thrown him into, and he was drowning again, this time in the uncertainty (y/n) gave him. Then he got his chance one day during potions class, one he shared with (y/n), he couldn’t help but stare at her profile-looking at the way her lashes fluttered when she blinked, the soft curve of her jaw and cheek when she spoke, and the way her hair shimmered under the dim light of the potions dungeons.

They ended up getting paired together to make a potion and Tom, for once, fumbled; dropping ingredients as if he had never stepped foot in potions class before. His followers who shared the class with him held in their laughter, watching their usual stoic and confident leader fumble through a potions assignment-which he hadn’t done since first year, and even back then he hadn’t fumbled this much.

“You okay?” (y/n) asked him, giving him a concerned look when he continuously dropped the leech guts they had to put in the potion. Tom nodded dumbly, glaring at Rosier who was snickering at him for being a love-struck fool.

Thankfully he got his drops out and was able to pour the damn leech juice into the cauldron as (y/n) stirred it, his eyes drifting to the curve of (y/n)’s fingers and the flick of her wrist as she stirred the potion-his mind going into the gutter for a split second before he regained his senses, snapping his head back to the potions book as the blood drained from his head and went…somewhere else.

He managed to hide his embarrassing boner with his robes and imagined every disgusting thing in the book to get rid of it. Thankfully, the thought of Dumbledore managed to quell the fire in his gut, and while he mentally gagged at the thought of the cooky wizard in swim trunks-it helped.

“so,” Tom suddenly said while they were doing the finishing touches on their potion. (y/n) looked at him for a split second before returning her attention to the swirling potion. “you were the one to save me from the lake, weren’t you?” Tom said, less asking, and more confirming what he knew to be true.

(y/n) nodded, looking back up at him. “yeah,” she said simply and Tom hummed, tapping his fingers on the spine of the potions book.

“…How did you know I couldn’t swim?” Tom asked quietly, for no one else to hear and (y/n) shrugged, tapping the stick on the cauldron edge and setting it on the desk.

“I didn’t, but the lake was freezing and you were wearing a lot of wool, even a strong swimmer would’ve had trouble with that, plus cold shock can really mess with the senses, and when I noticed you weren’t coming back up-so I just…jumped in,” (y/n) rambled quietly, her eyes distant as she remembered that horrifying minute of nothingness after Tom had been sent through the ice by his ‘friends.’ “no one else seemed to think you were drowning, or were too shocked to move.”

Tom was quiet for a moment, remembering how his ‘friends’ had just laughed at him while he drowned, and even after he clearly couldn’t swim-they still didn’t do anything in shock-and yet (y/n) had risked her health and safety to save him.

“Thank you,” Tom said, sounding strained. (y/n) smiled, making Tom’s heart race as he stared at the face of his savior, his siren-whose voice had been stuck in his head for months now.

“You’re welcome.”

Mine.

-end(? Suggestions for p2?? Maybe? Pls?)-

[woundgallery]

I don't submit many poems for publication, but I am truly delighted that this old piece found a home in a beautiful volume of Prairie Schooner. I wrote this in April 2016, when I was re-emerging from the most deadening period of my life. As much as this poem, on the surface, is about heartbreak, it is much more about the gift of opening myself once again to communion with others and communion with the mystery of our fragile, interconnected world. The person I wrote this for took me by the hand and--with gentleness and understanding--helped me put aside weariness and remember that the world was a place that could still surprise me with a beauty that surpasses explanation, that cannot be neatly explained and shut away. Though it's been years since we have spoken, I am forever grateful for him.

And, as spring quickens in New York City, I am grateful once more to reflect on all I would have missed if I had not made it through the gauntlet of 2015. I would never have met my cat (and love of my life) Willa who wakes me each morning by wildly purring, head butting me like a baby goat, and nibbling my cheeks and nose because she’s just so happy to see me; hiked on Orcas Island with Michael and found a surprise lake which we named Lake Ineffable (because no name was beautiful enough for it) where we stripped off our clothes and swam and embraced each other, blissfully alone and dazed by superfluous beauty; found out that George Washington National Forest may have more fireflies than anywhere in the world; grown into my vocation as a social worker and been blessed to sit in communion with my clients for eight years; built a beautiful relationship with my parents based on mutual respect, affinity, and humor; seen my friends’ babies discover the world; slept beneath a meteor shower sky on a NYC beach in the arms of a man I was suddenly and entirely falling in love with; discovered Eric Rohmer; discovered Wim Wenders;  moved to Laramie, Wyoming where everything looks like the abandoned set of a Western film where the paint has flaked off but he extras are still wandering around despondently; moved to Montana where I remembered that I am part of the whole, not just a body in passing; woke in Missoula to the cold air seeping through my window—still half in a dream of Oregon in October—and stirred, deliciously alert beside the boy I loved, craning toward his sleepy, freckled back, to clutch him closer, the brisk quickening of fall making my body a new thing—wild and tender and alive; swam naked in the ocean; had the chance to work with my best friends and fall even more in love with the people they are based off the kindness they showed our clients; had my best friends, in turn, respect and love me more based of what they saw me showing clients; sat by a lake at night and felt an earthquake swell like a heartbeat beneath my body; drove from Missoula to Washington, Ryan’s van weaving through a forest fire zone until we reached the pure, amnesiac sweep of the Pacific; discovered Simone Weil; been, not only forgiven, but embraced by the person I most wronged after six years of estrangement; made up a silly-serious shared mythology with Steven about a vulture God named Hamm who watches over us with a severe equanimity; backpacked through Olympic National Park with Michael and seen and been seen by the strange shaggy haired deer and rabbits who looked at us without fear; discovered Agnes Martin; read poetry with my sage & strange Mara; discovered Olivier Messiaen; discovered Mary Ruefle; discovered Ana Mendieta; realized that I like the color yellow; moved to New York City; discovered Carol Rama; learned how to enjoy dancing to music other than punk rock; seen a moose in the wild; spent a summer in that yellow shotgun house with the overgrown yard and the porch overlooking the river where we made dinner each night listening to recordings of bird calls; experienced the delights of solitary sunbathing on Brooklyn roofs; encountered places named Hellgate, Bitterroot, and Rattlesnake; recited The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock at 3 AM, wading in the waters of the Long Island Sound; realized I am capable of keeping houseplants alive; heard the thrumming ecstasy of the grouse's wings; learned the name of those clustered, mustard-colored flowers that grow on the Oregon coast; grew grateful for beauty again, remembering the world is not a place I can neatly explain, cannot fold in linen and shut in a drawer; and, most of all, remembered the daily ways we concede—plainly, without theatrics—to live.

Today I am thankful for those who love me and those who allow me to love them.

[bluejaysandblackbats]

Lost Boys

Fandom: DC Comics, Batfam, Superfam

Summary: After Jonathan Lane Kent wipes himself from existence by canceling his own timeline, he finds himself stuck in the afterlife where he meets Jason Todd. He still wonders about the life un-lived on Earth, and how his parents would've felt about him.

Jason Todd, who is making the most of being dead, struggles with the reality of what he's left behind. He has one wish and one wish only: to send his family one final message.

Chapters: 1/?

Characters: Jonathan Lane Kent (Laney), Jason Todd, Catherine Todd, Boston Brand, Bruce Wayne, Clark Kent, Lois Lane, John Constantine, Raven, Talia al Ghul, Ra's al Ghul, Dick Grayson, Tim Drake

Relationships: Platonic JayLaney

Additional Tags: Angst, Platonic Relationships, Magical Jason Todd, Resurrected Jason Todd, Queerplatonic Relationships, Canon Divergent AU, POV Multiple

Chapter One: I'm Just A Kid (Laney's POV)

He belonged in heaven. I don't mean that in a he-was-too-soft-for-this-world way or a he-was-the-most-beautiful-thing-I'd-ever-seen way. Jason never looked more at home than when he was in heaven being my best friend... Hell, he was my only friend.

I remember when I met him. I'd just come out of the fog of wiping myself from existence, and I was all alone. I spent who knows how long by myself before the day at the lake changed everything. I dipped my feet in the water and watched as the fish swam past. Freshwater fish had such engaging colors. I often spent my days there watching them swim around. It was always the same group of fish.

That day, in particular, I was overcome by loneliness, and I found myself crying. I just wanted it to end. I wanted to end the loneliness, and I thought I could die somehow for good that the pain would be over.

I wanted to throw myself into the lake and sink to the bottom, and just before I could muster up the courage to do anything, I felt a hand on my shoulder. "Mind if I join you?" the voice asked. I turned to face the source with tears in my eyes, and when I saw how Jason was dressed, I laughed.

"Hey! It's not that funny," he replied, "I'm Jason... Can I join you?"

"I was gonna drown myself, and it'd be awkward if—."

"I was around to watch?" Jason interrupted. "I don't think it works like that up here." He took off his pixie boots and dipped his foot in the water. "I don't suppose you took it into consideration that we're already dead."

"I don't know," I mumbled, "I was just thinking maybe I could—. Wait, how have I been alone so long, and why'd you just show up today?"

"I've never wandered out this way. If that's why you're doing this, I'm here now, I know where all the other people are," Jason whispered, "You still haven't told me your name."

"I don't exist anymore," I replied.

He walked around on his hands and plopped down right next to me. "Doesn't matter if you exist anymore or not. I'm sure you had a name before. What was your name when you existed?" Jason asked. He didn't look directly at me. Instead, he stared at the horizon.

"Jonathan Lane Kent," I answered.

"Laney?" he suggested.

"Sure... I guess," I replied. I hated it, but I didn't really feel like being Jonathan anymore.

"What's wrong?" Jason asked.

After sitting with him for what felt like hours, he got up to leave, and I grabbed his hand. "Please," I begged. I couldn't bear to be alone again. He squeezed my hand, and he took me to a cottage.

Jason stopped at the door. "This is my favorite part of being here," Jason whispered with a big smile on his face. "Ma! I'm home!"

She opened the door and embraced him, and he introduced me to her. "This is my Ma, Catherine," Jason replied as he went into the kitchen and set the table.

Something in me felt sorry for him. I almost forgot how badly I felt before I met him. He made my plate, and I stood there wondering why he felt the need to make dinner for dead people. I stood in the doorway and watched as he worked, and I pushed a hand through my hair. "Laney, you eat beef?" Jason asked. I nodded.

We all sat at the table and started to eat. Catherine doted on him and fixed his collar, and they talked about the food and their life. I was too busy stuffing my face to include myself in the conversation. The food was good. I hadn't tasted anything in so long. Their cottage was so warm and inviting that I almost forgot I wasn't alive. "Have any family you might want to see here?" Catherine asked. I shook my head. "Well, you can stay with us."

I smiled at her. I could see where Jason got his warmth. He poured me a glass of juice, and something in his eyes seemed sad. "So, who are you?" Jason asked. "Who are your parents?"

"My parents?" I asked. Jason nodded. "Clark and Lois Kent... Superman and Lois Lane? I dunno if they're even—."

"I figured, I just wanted to make sure," Jason whispered, "But you don't seem like—."

"I wasn't raised by them. It's a long story," I interrupted. Jason nodded. "But I don't exist anymore, so I don't really belong to anyone."

"Belong to?" Jason and Catherine questioned me at the same time, and I went back to eating. I didn't know what to say. I just didn't want to speak anymore.

The dinner seemed neverending. Part of me didn't want it to end. When the day as we knew it was over, we lay out among the stars, and I stared up at the sky. I wanted the night to stretch on forever. I thought that if the night ended that everything would be over. I thought I'd be alone again. "I was sad at first, but I think it's okay that I'm dead," Jason stated. I turned to look at him as tears streamed down the side of his face. "I um-. I miss him, though." He sniffed, and I turned on my side and reached for his shoulder before stopping myself.

"Who?" I asked. He turned his head away from me.

"Bruce... I mean, I know I'm better off here, but I—. No. I know... I just want to say it... I never said it when I was alive," Jason cried. "He was more of a dad to me than my own—. He was my dad. I just want to talk to him one more time."

I brushed his hand with my pinkie and looked back up at the sky. "I killed a lot of people, Jason... I don't know. I um—. I had to erase myself from existence to keep from messing up the entire—. I don't think my dad would want to talk to me even if I—."

He took a sharp inhale of air, and I sat up. Before I could try to say anything else, Jason wrapped his arms around me, and he held me. "We're never gonna grow up, Laney," he mumbled into my shoulder, and I burst into tears. It was the first time in my life that anyone ever just held me, and the first time I realized that I was just a kid too. We stayed there underneath the stars until the sun came out.

[itsthewritergal]

I was worried - Odd One Out part 4 - Weasley!Reader x D.M

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 

Draco had searched the castle, high and low. Every single place Y/N and him had found last year, yet she wasn’t anywhere to be found. Draco didn’t expect to find her in the Common Room, he cursed himself silently as it now seemed so obvious that she was here. She stood by the large windows looking out into the depths of the Black Lake, she really loved the views from the Common Room.  She’d even persuaded Draco and the others to move the nicest sofa over so that she could watch the lake as they spoke. Draco of course wasn’t very happy about it all, but once Y/N asked he gave in instantly, somehow she had wormed her way underneath his skin, much to his friends amusement of course. Draco slowed once he realised she wasn’t alone, there were a few first years gathered around the window next to her, her voice rung through the common room

“And on the sunny days the sun shines through the window and it casts this beautiful light all through the room” She said with a kind smile, Draco grinned as he remembered the words he had spoken to her on her first night

“But the Gryffindor’s said we were bad” One first year said

“They said we’re with You Know Who” Another added

“Well they’re wrong” Taylor said with a pitiful smile at Y/N

“Completely wrong, you chose your own path. And here you can be anyone you want” She said ignoring the look from her friend, Y/N’s eyes landed on Draco who stood leaning against the wall with a goofy look on his face. She grinned at him then turned back to the first years

“Anyone?” One asked “Anyone at all” Y/N said “You know when I got sorted last year I begged the hat to change its mind. But the hat knows best, I’ve made friends who I know I’ll have for life now. And i wouldn’t change it for the world” She grinned

“Y/N?” a girl said “You’re a Weasley, what do your family think of you being a Slytherin?” She asked, Draco knew there was no malice behind the words but he saw how they cut through Y/N’s facade for a moment

“They know this is the best place for me” She said with a faltering smile

“Last one to the dorms is a slimy frog” Taylor said quickly bursting into a run towards the dorms. The first years laughing behind her. Y/N was left alone. Her attention turned to Draco who moved closer to her,

“I thought they were my lines” He smirked

“Shove off, I was only comforting them” She said

“The hat should have put you in Hufflepuff you’re so soft” He laughed as he pulled her down onto the sofa with him, she landed on his lap with a huff

“You’re an idiot” She said clambering off of him and placing her next to him with her feet laying on his lap

“I’m an idiot that’s been looking around the castle for you” He said, the worry appearing back on his face

“Why would you do that?” Y/n said

“Cause I was worried about you” Draco said gently

“I’m fine” She said tiredly

“You don’t have to lie to me” He said brushing a strand of hair from her face

“I’m used to it, I’ve had it all summer” She said quietly fiddling with her fingers, Draco placed his hand on top of hers stopping her from pulling at the skin around her nails.

“You’re staying with me then next summer” He said firmly

“I couldn’t do that to your family that’s not fair” “Mother loves you, it would be an honour” He chuckled

“ooh already getting an invite to the manor, where have I gone wrong” Blaise laughed as he landed heavily on the sofa

“You don’t look like Y/N” Crabbe laughed

“That’s enough” Draco snapped, he caught the way Crabbe looked at Y/N and it made his skin crawl. Y/N shifted in her seat

“I’m going to go to bed, I’ll see you guys in the morning” She hummed tiredly

“Night” Draco said with a smile.

— — — — —

Y/N had heard about the Buckbeak incident, it had been all over the school by lunch. Typical Draco she thought making a mountain out of nothing, Pansy had apparently been doting on him all morning in the hospital wing, Y/N was sure Draco loved all that. She told herself not to be jealous, that she and Draco were only friends and he saw her as only a friend, but the thought of Pansy all over him made her angry. Really angry. She walked into the Great Hall for dinner with a scowl on her face, she had lied to her friend and said it was because of her bad grade in potions which was partly true; Snape had been particularly rude and horrid to Y/N today. Her scowl deepened when she saw Pansy sitting with Draco with her arm around her shoulder, and Draco’s arm in a sling. Y/N sat a few seats away from Draco, who tried to get her attention as she sat down. Y/N noticed the looks she got from Draco and her other friends but she decided to ignore them.

“Does it hurt terribly Draco?” Pansy doted on him, Draco replied but Y/N didn’t bother to listen. Instead she pushed her plate a little away from her and walked out of the great hall, she heard some whispers, but that was nothing new to her. She was a Slytherin Weasley having people talk about her was practically her birthright. The Slytherin common room was practically empty, with a few students getting ready to head to dinner. Y/N sat herself down on her favourite sofa, and settled her mind on getting her potions work done.

“Missed you at dinner” Crabbe said sitting down next to her, Y/N looked around for Draco, Crabbe and Goyle had always given her the creeps. Y/N didn’t respond “Come on Y/N, talk to me” He begged, the tone made her skin crawl,

“I’m busy” She said simply, she had hoped Crabbe would get the message, Draco would have noticed the fear in her voice, but he wasn’t here

“Do you not like me then?” Crabbe said, Y/N left Crabbe on the sofa and sat herself down at one of the desks at the side of the room, Much to her disappointment Crabbe followed her and sat opposite her

“I can help you with your homework” he offered

“You’re bad at potions, so no thank you” She said with a tight smile “I Can still help” He argued

“No” She shut him down, turning her eyes back down to the work in front of her, only for her leg to get kicked by the boy in front of her “What?” She asked scowling at Crabbe “Why don’t you like me?” He asked “You should go out with me then i’d show you” He said

“Don’t you understand what no means?” Y/N snapped,

“woah Y/N” Blaise said walking into the common room, with Draco and Pansy following “You alright?” He asked

“He won’t leave me alone” She snapped angrily, feeling her emotions bubble up at the sight of her friends

“That’s not true” Crabbe argued “She was leading me on”

“Why don’t we go on a walk?” Draco asked Y/N

“No thanks, it seems like you’ve got your hands full with Pansy” She snapped turning on her heel and storming off to the dorms.

— — — — —

Y/N was up early, sitting in the common room already dressed for the school day ahead. She watched the giant squid as it swam up and down past the windows. Her fingers played with the frayed edges of her knitted jumper, it reminded her of home. She didn’t feel a home at Hogwarts this year, the sofa dipped next to her pulling her out of her thoughts.

“You’re up early” Draco said gently

“Yeah” She said not once looking at him, she didn’t want to or need to. Although the sling caught the corner of her eye, she wasn’t going to dote on him as well

“Crabbe was out of order, I’ve sorted him out” Draco said draping his good arm across the sofa behind Y/N

“I was handling it” she snapped

“I was only trying to help Y/N” Draco replied

“Right well I should go and sort out my books for the day” Y/N knew it was a bad lie but nothing else had come to mind

“Have I done soemthing?” Draco said impatiently

“No Draco you haven’t” She said not daring to look at him, scared that she would break apart

“Clearly I have because You’ve been avoiding me” Draco snapped “I’ve noticed, ever since yesterday you’ve barely said two words to me”

“You’re making things up Draco” She replied turning with a scowl plastered on her face “Y/N,” he said seriously “has someone said something?” “It’s nothing” She said gently

“I know you too well for that to work” Draco said taking a step towards her, he towered over her. She hadn’t noticed just how much he had grown before

“I don’t like it” She said quietly

“I’m going to need more than that darling” he said

“I don’t like seeing Pansy all over you, she’s acting like you’re hers. It’s pathetic” She snapped

“You know what Pansy is like darling, pay no attention to her” Draco said “I don’t” She defended herself

“There’s something else Y/N, I know there is” he said gently coaxing her back towards the sofa

“Last night when Crabbe was being weird with me, I couldn’t do anything. I felt so powerless, I didn’t like it” She said

“I won’t let anything like that happen to you again. I promise” Draco said

“Does your arm hurt badly?” Y/N asked gently her fingers brushing over the sling

“not really, I just wanted to see how much homework I can avoid doing” He chuckled, not admitting how much he adored watching Y/N gently touch his hand,

“Nothing’s going to happen to Buckbeak right?” she asked

“No, I don’t want anything to happen to him. It’s why I haven’t told my parents yet” Draco said gently “Promise you’ll try and stop them if they do anything”  She said gently

Draco brushed her face with his good hand. A smile graced his lips,

“I promise”

Taglist :)

@whitewineandpizzapuffs

@planet-naptune

@thefandomplace

@sebby-staan

@witch-and-a-half

@nojamsonmytoast

@seanh-boredom

@wanniiieeee

@louweasleymalfoy

Odd one out taglist

@loxbbg

[istumpysk]

Operation Stumpy Re-Read

ACOK: Arya IV (Chapter 14)

It’s not even close, this is my favourite chapter so far. :D

It seemed a peaceful place . . . until Koss spotted the dead man. "There, in the reeds." He pointed, and Arya saw it. The body of a soldier, shapeless and swollen. His sodden green cloak had hung up on a rotted log, and a school of tiny silver fishes were nibbling at his face. "I told you there was bodies," Lommy announced. "I could taste them in that water."    

I’m surprised Arya couldn’t smell the corpse in the river. 

I’m sorry.

+.+

Kurz caught a fish with his bare hands. Arya saw how he did it, standing over a shallow pool, calm as still water, his hand darting out quick as a snake when the fish swam near. It didn't look as hard as catching cats. Fish didn't have claws.  

Sure, let’s keep doing this.

Terrible news Arya, your mother is no longer a fish. Cat has claws.

+.+

"We can buy new mounts there, or else take shelter at Harrenhal. That's Lady Whent's seat, and she's always been a friend o' the Watch."                 

Hot Pie's eyes got wide. "There's ghosts in Harrenhal . . ."

Yoren spat. "There's for your ghosts." He tossed the stick down in the mud. "Mount up."                 

Arya was remembering the stories Old Nan used to tell of Harrenhal. Evil King Harren had walled himself up inside, so Aegon unleashed his dragons and turned the castle into a pyre.

A bit strange Arya doesn’t make the connection that her grandmother was a Whent.

Now that I think about it, does any Starkling ever make that connection? Are we saving it for Bran’s Harrenhal ending?

(Ahem, please take note of the fact they reference Aegon turning a castle into a pyre at the beginning of this chapter.)

+.+

Hot Pie was being silly; it wouldn't be ghosts at Harrenhal, it would be knights. Arya could reveal herself to Lady Whent, and the knights would escort her home and keep her safe. That was what knights did; they kept you safe, especially women. Maybe Lady Whent would even help the crying girl.

Silly girl. Sansa found out the true value of a knight a book ago. Keep up!

+.+

Finally the town came into view; a cluster of white houses spread out around the walls of the holdfast, a big sept with a shingled wooden roof, the lord's towerhouse sitting on a small rise to the west . . . and no sign of any people, anywhere.    

A spooky white abandoned town. It’s Groundhog Day!

+.+

The green water was warm as tears, but there was no salt in it. It tasted of summer and mud and growing things. Arya plunged her face down into it to wash off the dust and dirt and sweat of the day. When she leaned back the trickles ran down the back of her neck and under her collar. They felt good. She wished she could take off her clothes and swim, gliding through the warm water like an skinny pink otter. Maybe she could swim all the way to Winterfell.    

Do you like the water, Arya? Are you a skinny pink otter at heart? Or perhaps a skinny pink trout?

+.+

There was a postern gate to the north, and Gerren discovered a trap under the straw in the old wooden barn, leading to a narrow, winding tunnel. He followed it a long way under the earth and came out by the lake.

Hmmm. That sounds exactly like the Red Keep.

Arya, didn’t you end up under the Red Keep once or twice, exploring the narrow winding tunnels, eventually exiting by a lake?

Yeah, I think I know where this is going...

Show me Daenerys, author.

+.+

She dreamed a wolf was howling, and the sound was so terrible that it woke her at once.

(...)

"It was a wolf," she shouted at them as she yanked on her second boot. "Something's wrong, someone's coming, get up!"    

Up until this point, only Catelyn and Arya recognize the sound of howling is terrible.

+.+

All around her, men and boys stirred and crawled from their pallets. "What's wrong?" Hot Pie asked. "Hear what?" Gendry wanted to know. "Arry had a bad dream," someone else said.                 

"No, I heard it," she insisted. "A wolf."

"Arry has wolves in his head," sneered Lommy. "Let them howl," Gerren said, "they're out there, we're in here." Woth agreed. "Never saw no wolf could storm a holdfast." Hot Pie was saying, "I never heard nothing."    

Someone else said! Who said? WHO? Who is telling us Arya’s having bad dreams??

Calm as still water, a small voice whispered in her ear. Arya was so startled she almost dropped her bundle. She looked around wildly, but there was no one in the stable but her, and the horses, and the dead men. - Arya IV, AGOT

x

"Burn them," someone whispered. One of the rangers; Jon could not have said who. - Jon VII, AGOT

DO YOU SEE THIS? DO YOU? HE’S THERE. SOMEHOW. I KNOW IT.

+.+

"By night all banners look black," the knight in the spiked helm observed.

And all robes are grey. :)

+.+

She slashed down hard, and Needle's castle-forged steel bit into the grasping fingers between the knuckles. "Winterfell!" she screamed. Blood spurted, fingers flew, and the helmed face vanished as suddenly as it had appeared.

Did the fingers fly, Frodo?

I’m sorry.

+.+

Underneath he was bald and scared-looking, with missing teeth and a speckly grey beard, but even as she was feeling sorry for him she was killing him, shouting, "Winterfell! Winterfell!" while Hot Pie screamed "Hot Pie!" beside her as he hacked at the man's scrawny neck.    

I don’t think continuously screaming Winterfell is smart when you’re attempting to stay undercover, but do you.

+.+

She saw a roof go up, flames licking at the belly of the night with hot orange tongues as the thatch caught. Another followed, and then another, and soon there were fires blazing everywhere.    

(...)

Over the roar of the flames, she could hear shouts.

(...)

One carried a banner on a tall lance. She thought it was red, but it was hard to tell in the night, with the fires roaring all around. Everything seemed red or black or orange.

(...)

Every time Arya looked up, more torches were flying, trailing long tongues of flame that lingered behind her eyes.

(...)

The night rang to the clash of steel and the cries of the wounded and dying. For a moment Arya stood uncertain, not knowing which way to go. Death was all around her.    

And then Yoren was there, shaking her, screaming in her face. "Boy!" he yelled, the way he always yelled it. "Get out, it's done, we've lost. Herd up all you can, you and him and the others, the boys, you get them out. Now!"             

"How?" Arya said.

"That trap," he screamed. "Under the barn."    

(...)

The fire beat at her back with hot red wings as she fled the burning barn.

(...)

Smoke was pouring out the open door like a writhing black snake, and she could hear the screams of the poor animals inside, donkeys and horses and men.

(...)

A dozen feet down the tunnel she heard the sound, like the roar of some monstrous beast, and a cloud of hot smoke and black dust came billowing up behind her, smelling of hell.

Yes, hello. I have some news to report.

Arya will be in King’s Landing when Daenerys attacks. There’s your Stark POV during the massacre.

Good thing she knows about those tunnels, eh?

+.+

She threw the axe into the wagon. Rorge caught it and lifted it over his head, rivers of sooty sweat pouring down his noseless face. Arya was running, coughing. She heard the steel crash through the old wood, and again, again. An instant later came a crack as loud as thunder, and the bottom of the wagon came ripping loose in an explosion of splinters.    

Thunder!

Poor Arya. Even actions that have the best intentions sometimes have consequences.

But Arya would not leave until they found Yoren. They couldn't have killed him, she told herself, he was too hard and tough, and a brother of the Night's Watch besides. She said as much to Gendry as they searched among the corpses.

The axe blow that had killed him had split his skull apart, but the great tangled beard could be no one else's, or the garb, patched and unwashed and so faded it was more grey than black. - Arya V, ACOK

Final thoughts:

Food for thought. Three people visited desolate towns that reeked of death.

Jon left, while Arya and Daenerys stayed.

-> return to menu <-

[clockworkhyena]

The Thief and the Wolf

| Razor x Male! Reader |

"This could have gone a lot better," (M/N) muttered in a rather raspy voice before coughing, the feeling of water in his lungs preventing him from breathing properly. Not to mention he had sand on and in his soaking wet clothes which was not the most uncommon occurrence as a Hydro Vision user in all honestly it just usually wasn't accompanied by sand.

The traveler let out a yawn, partially covering his mouth as he did so before starting to wring out his clothes as best as he could so he didn't feel as heavy as he walking. He also took the time to wring out his hair as well before continuing as he was that confident he wouldn't be caught up with that quickly. He was in Wolfendom after all and not many knights would follow someone in there due to how dangerous it was.

"Gods, that was way too much trouble for only a hundred mora. That shopkeeper can make twice as much in a day, I don't see the issue with borrowing it." He sighed as he pulled out the pouch of mora he had taken, counting the coins to make sure he still had it all. "I could have left them broke." He grumbled to himself, spinning the bag by its drawstrings like a toy as he started to walk into Wolfendom. "But I can't go back into Mondstadt for a while."

He let out an exaggerated sigh deciding he should probably set up camp even though he really doesn't want to. Staying the night in Wolfendom is probably the stupidest thing he could do but he had already made up his mind and he was a stubborn individual even towards himself. (M/N) let out a bit of a huff as he started collecting sticks and dry plants to make himself a fire before he froze, extremely wary of his surroundings but lucky enough the hilichurls and slimes were already asleep for the most part. He just had to be quiet which he was exceptionally good at as a thief but it didn't make him any less nervous, never did.

He picked a broken wagon on the side of the road to use as shelter; it was the worst location but he would have shelter from the rain if it were to rain as he thought. The clouds have been pretty dark all day and he was expecting absolutely everything to go wrong tonight after that shit show of a steal. Although he was extremely hesitant to start a fire as it could gain unwanted attention but his fingertips were starting to look a bit blue.

He sighed in relief as he finally got the fire started and sat down under the tattered cloth of the ruined wagon, feeling the warmth of the fire against his skin. This was always his favorite part of the day, being able to sit down next to a fire and relax; relax as well as a wanted thief in the middle of a forest of monsters could but relax nonetheless. He sat in a position easy to stand from with his hand near the hilt of his sword just in case he needed it. For some reason, out of all the sounds in the woods, the howl of the hunting wolves made him feel easy. Maybe because of the stories he has heard of the wolves of Wolfendom. Or maybe just the lack of attacks by them.

(M/N) closed his eyes for what felt like a minute only to jump a bit at the sound of footsteps nearby, his hand immediately gripping onto his sword and shifting his eyes to look at where the footsteps were coming from. Yet he immediately started to relax a bit when he saw who it was; a boy his around his age with long messy silver hair and bright red eyes which were illuminated by the light of (M/N)'s fire. He carried a claymore that looked like (M/N) would struggle to get off the ground and sported quite a few scars on his pale skin. He didn't look like a knight but more like the boy he has heard in the stories of Wolfendom, the one raised by wolves.

 "I want to guess you're Razor?" (M/N) asked, his voice stable but his hands held a lot of tension as they hovered over his weapon. The boy tilted his head curiously.

"You know Razor?" His English wasn't the greatest as he struggled through his sentences as a toddler would but that was something (M/N) was expecting; he was surprised he knew how to speak at all and wondered who taught him if he was truly raised by wolves.

"I heard some stories about you." (M/N) replied back, not being much of a talker towards people either; more specifically strangers.

"It's dangerous here alone. What is name?" Razor questioned him as he got a little closer, noticing how (M/N) seemed a little less cautious of him. "You soaked." He observed out loud as the thief's clothes hadn't dried yet.

(M/N) hesitated a bit as Razor walked closer but sense no ill intent towards him, not to mention Razor would have no idea of his crimes if he never went into the city. "(M/N). I just swam in a lake."

"Why would (M/N) swim in clothes?" Razor asked, joining (M/N) by the fire while still giving the other a fair amount of space between them.

"I wasn't planning on it," (M/N) huffed as he relaxed a bit more at Razor's friendly attitude towards him. Razor stared at (M/N) for a few moments, their eyes glancing over almost every part of his body and making him extremely uncomfortable. "What?"

"Nothing," Razor replied with a smile that just made (M/N) even more uncomfortable because he didn't know what he was thinking. Although, his smile did remind home of a puppy. "You traveler?"

"I suppose, I mean I don't have a home so I wonder." (M/N) muttered a bit but Razor was surprisingly still able to hear him. The unsurprising crackle of thunder rang out in the distance and the boy watched as Razor looked up at the sky. "Shouldn't you return to your family?"

"They know where. Razor not want to leave alone, that all." He spoke as if they were friends. "Wolfendom very dangerous alone and you seem lonely."

"I like being alone, for your information." (M/N) muttered, nervousness in his voice when the fire sizzled. It was starting to rain. He didn't like being in complete darkness but he didn't want to risk making a fire in the wooden and cloth wagon he was taking shelter under. Razor raised an arm over his head as if to protect himself from the rain as there was only so much his cloak’s hood could protect him from. He was adamant in respecting (M/N)'s space but refusing to leave. (M/N) stared at him for a moment, being a bit stubborn in letting the boy close to him but eventually gave in. He scooted over to make room next to him, "You can sit with me."

"Thank you," Razor thanked as he moved into the ruined, covered wagon and sat down next to (M/N), not giving him as much space as he would have liked. Razor continued to watch (M/N) every so often as if he wanted to make the other uncomfortable but (M/N) was too busy staring at the fire and watch it struggle to stay alive as the rain slowly picked up. "(M/N) afraid of dark?"

"What? No, of course not. I'm not a child," (M/N) was quick to react with the lie but Razor didn't seem very convinced as the (M/N)'s cheeks turned bright red as he spoke.

"Don't worry, Razor protect you," Razor smiled at him making (M/N) even more embarrassed than he already was. (M/N) wanted to retaliate but he did feel comforted by the fact he was so willing to protect him even from his irrational fears. "Want to wear coat? It will keep you warm." He was offering his coat, although his sentence itself was a bit vague.

"I'm fine." (M/N) grumbled under his breath but Razor took off his cloak and tried handing it to (M/N) anyways.

"Razor will not take no for answer. (M/N) could freeze" Razor replied sternly as he did his best to wrap the cloak around (M/N)'s shoulder without touching him. Razor himself lacked clothing that could keep him warm but at least he wasn’t completely soaked.

"You're overreacting, first of all. Secondly, why do you care? You don't know who I am,"

"(M/N), thief who travels the world, steal to survive," Razor smiled putting (M/N) completely off guard. "Heard stories about you too. Razor not know it was you until you said name. You swam in the lake because you got caught, right?"

"You're a lot smarter than I thought," (M/N) muttered nervously, averting his eyes.

"Don't like that you steal. If I take care of you, would you stop?" Razor asked.

"What do you mean?" (M/N) asked, his cheeks becoming flushed again.

"Feed you, give you shelter, protect you," Razor explained simply, his smile refusing to fade.

"I don't like relying on others," (M/N) grumbled, gripping onto Razor's cloak and bringing it closer to him as he watched the fire slowly get smaller. "But I do like the idea of having someone there for me. But frankly, I don't trust you."

"Then let Razor gain trust," Razor got a bit closer making (M/N) move away from him. "Razor want to help you."

(M/N) let out a heavy sigh, "I'll stay for a day and decide then."

"Thank you," Razor said gently headbutting (M/N) like a dog or cat would nuzzle someone. (M/N) was going to tell him off for it but the happiness in the other's scarlet eyes was hard to say no to. "I will give you a home."

[jademakean]

𝐒𝐰𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐲

Timothee Chalamet x Reader

1976

｡･:*:･ﾟ

You had been waiting for Timmy for a couple of minutes now;

Sitting on a fallen tree as the sun warmed you up through the tall trees, accomplishing to do so on some parts of your exposed skin.

The green leaf resting between your fingers was now the center of attention.

Your thoughts were interrupted by a hand brushing back your hair into a braid. "Timmy, I told you I don't like to swim with my hair tied." You smile softly knowing full well it was him.

"But I want to see your face and it's hard to do that when there's soaked hair all over it." he chuckles making you grin.

You cautiously stand up as he finishes the braid, running your hands through the flowy dress. "Why are you fixing your dress if you're about to take it off." He teases earning an roll eye-roll from you. He's right. "Are you done with the braid yet?"

"I don't know, see for yourself."

You feel for the end of the braid and smile "Thank you, Timmy." "You're welcome."

He tugs at your dress after he takes his shirt off "You're wearing too many layers" he grins cutely.

You do as he says and takes off your dress, leaving your body in plain white bikini.

Timothée grabs your hand and leads you to the private portion of the lake of the cottage he invited you to.

You have been here for 2 weeks and we're planning on staying most of the summer here, which you were so grateful for his parents to allow.

He lifts some of the sticks coming out of the tree trunks, as you finally reach your destination.

He immediately untangles your hands away from each other and jumps in the surprising deep blue water.

You couldn't help but laugh lightly at his eagerness to be engulfed by water.

You place the green leaf on the ground by the lake and let your body slowly disappear into the blue abyss.

The happily spirited boy emerges from the water looking around for his friend before spotting her.

He patiently waited for you to get used to the water temperature, due to your skin being warmed by the sun moments before.

Once Timothee noticed you were seconds before being fully in, he swam gracefully towards you.

You look up to see Timmy in front of you smiling happily. The boy gently grabs your hand pulling you through the lake.

"What are you so toothy about." You giggle.

He looks at you before responding "It's nice to just swim around freely, no worries to think about with my best friend." He beams

You felt yourself hesitate slightly in thought, he seemed to notice the sudden tension but before he could comment on it, your words interrupted.

"I've actually been slightly worried about something," you admit

A concerned expression washed through his features and you couldn't blame him. In his mind, everything has been blissful and effortless throughout these two weeks and you had acted on it. But with that sentence, he began searching for reasoning to what had made her uneasy, mostly because she had seemed happy until now. He couldn't help but feel as though he did something wrong. And that is exactly what he asked.

"What, no. I have been happy and you didn't do anything wrong, don't worry." she sighed "But my emotions have been troubling me, though at first, I thought it was just some confusion, I now know clearly how my feelings have changed."

He is now completely and utterly confused though he tries not to show it "And-- how have your feelings changed?"You took a deep inhale. Whatever happens, happens. You know that Timothée won't judge you for anything, that's why you appreciate being close to him that much more.

"I like you, and not in the friendly kind of way. I know you might not feel the same way towards me but I had to let it out, I hope this doesn't change our friendship."

Timothée's face contorts into one of surprise, not expecting those words to ever come out of your mouth.

"Well this is going to change our friendship."

You felt your heart almost skip a beat as he said.

"I like you too."

I had now been through an emotional rollercoaster but fortunately it had stopped on a relieving feeling. He looked at you with an expressionless face, the same as yours as you studied him properly this once.

Even if you had known him since seventh grade six and seen his face millions of times before; this one single time seemed different.

He looked ambrosial, his semi-wet hair was dripping droplets of water onto his eyebrows to his thick lashes, down the side of his nose, over the corner of his plump lips, disappearing into his mouth.

You looked back at his eyes, now noticing the cold middle finger grazing against your own lips before pressing down lightly.

Green focused the plumpness before connecting to your own eyes.

Though it seemed merely a dream reality came back to you as you felt his lips connect your soft ones.

Giving in almost immediately, you held onto his shoulders for balance as his hands held onto the sides of your neck for better control.

It was pure bliss.

Your heated breaths intertwining as you moved almost in sink. It was now known that you were both longing for this moment to take place.

You separated from your much-needed kiss and looked into each other's eyes. Within a few moments he spoke up "So this is how it feels to kiss a best friend."

Seconds passed and after your brain registered his words, you couldn't help but burst out laughing

"Is that really what you're going to say after we kissed?" you ask after calming down

He soon realized his mistake and felt his face heat up "I mean I'm a little flabbergasted. You know how I act when I don't know what to do." He tries to reason.

You did know, he would always start spewing out unnecessary comments or observations when he was nervous. It was a reflex that he didn't know how to control. You were aware that wasn't what was exactly what was on his mind. "sorry it came out wrong," he apologized giving you a goofy smile

"I know Timmy." I smile constantly before swimming back to shore

"what-- where are you going?"

You get out of the water taking your hair out of the braid it was kept in, ruffling it a bit so it was able to dry quickly. "I'm heading back."

He gives give you a weird facial expression "But we just got here a couple of minutes ago."

"I'm hungry." He laughs lightly before getting out of the water

"I got wet for no reason."

"Hey, we could bring food here instead, and spend the whole day swimming if you'd like." I offer, which he by his face expression approves.

I pick up the small leaf I held earlier and place it behind my ear.

"Sorry mention but aren't you usually supposed to put flowers behind your ear, not, ya know, leaves?" He asks amused.

I give him a slight glare "It's not supposed to be for show."

He nudges me lightly with a small smile on his lips "I'm saving it. As something to remember today, I'm going to tape it to my notebook." I state a little embarrassed.

He looks at me with a bright smile before embracing me into a big bear hug

After all, it is a nice memory to have.

[myhauntedsalem]

23 Parents Describe Their Kids’ Creepy Imaginary Friends

1. He doesn’t have a face

“My son from the age of three always tells me about the ‘creeper man’ who lives in my mom and dad’s bedroom. He brings it up after he visits them. I made the mistake once of asking what he looks like. My son said ‘Oh, he doesn’t have a face.’”

2. “You’ll get used to killing”

“A parent of one of my students told us in a meeting that she was concerned because her son (7 years old) talked about an invisible ghost who would talk to him and play with him in his room. He said the ghost was called The Captain and was an old white guy with a beard. The kid would tell his mom that The Captain told him when he grows up his job will be to kill people, and The Captain would tell him who needed to be killed. The kid would cry and say he doesn’t want to kill when he grows up, but The Captain tells him he doesn’t have a choice and he’ll get used to killing after a while.”

3. Little girl ghost

“When my daughter was three she had an imaginary friend named Kelly who lived in her closet. Kelly sat in a little rocking chair while she slept, played with her, etc. Typical imaginary friend shit. Anyway, fast forward two years later, the wife and I are watching the new Amityville Horror (the one with Ryan Renolds) and our daughter walks out right when the dead girl goes all black eyed. Far from being disturbed she said ‘That looks like Kelly.’ ‘Kelly who?’ we say. ‘You know the dead girl that lived in my closet.’”

4. Bad rabbit

“My cousin, when she was 5, and I was 17, had a stuffed rabbit that she talked to and carried everywhere. One day she was asleep on the couch while I was watching her, and she woke up and started yelling at her rabbit for no reason. One minute she was knocked out, the next, she’s awake, glaring at her rabbit, yelling, ‘No! You can’t do that! That’s bad! Don’t do it!’ I asked her what was wrong, tried to get her to stop, but she wouldn’t listen. I finally just took the rabbit up to her room, and when I came back down she was asleep on the couch again. Fuck whatever that rabbit was planning on doing.”

5. Roger won’t be around anymore…

“My little brother’s imaginary friend, Roger, lived under our coffee table. Roger had a wife and nine kids. Roger and his family lived peacefully alongside us for three years. One day, my little brother announced that Roger wouldn’t be around anymore, since he shot and killed him and his whole family. I don’t know if he remembers any of this, but his genuine lack of remorse was very disturbing.”

6. A boy in the tree

“My folks’ farm surrounds a cemetery, and my dad and my niece were walking down there. My niece (4) looks up and says, ‘What’s that boy doing up in that tree?’ There was no boy, but she insisted there was and could describe him.”

7. The bunny man

“When I was 16, I babysat twins who were in the third grade at the time. They always spoke of a man in an Easter Bunny costume, and they were terrified of him. One day I was babysitting, and one twin was in the shower. His brother and I were sitting downstairs watching television when all of the sudden, he said, ‘You need to go check on Matt.’ Seconds later, Matt yelled, ‘He’s in here!!! He’s in here!!!’ I ran upstairs, and I had to check every room before he would calm down. I’m not sure which part of the experience freaked me out the most.”

8. Poor Shaggy

When my mom was younger she had an imaginary friend named Shaggy. When she was finished with Shaggy, she ‘chopped him up and put him in the fridge.’”

9. “Smash Daddy’s head”

“When my brother was just learning how to talk he grabbed one of those small toy hammers and crawled onto the sofa where my dad was sleeping. He then leant in close and whispered one of his first sentences… ‘Smash daddy’s head’ right into his ear.”

10. Dark angels

When my brother was little he acted like he had angels talking to him every second. One day my mom overheard him say, ‘I can’t kill him! He’s my only dad!’”

11. “That’s the man”

“My daughter used to tell me about a man who came into her room every night and put the sign of the cross on her forehead. I thought it was just a dream. Then my mother-in-law sent over some family photos. My daughter looked right at the picture of my husband’s father (who has been dead for 16 years) and said ‘That’s the man who comes into my room at night!’ My husband later told me his father would always do the sign of the cross on his forehead when he was young.”

12. Message from beyond

“My wife and I overheard my two-year-old daughter on the baby monitor wake up on Saturday morning and say, ‘What? OK I’ll tell her.’ She then got up, came into our bedroom, and told my wife, ‘Mary says you’re doing a good job.’ Mary was her grandmother that she was extremely close to that passed away.”

13. I called him Spooky Guy

“As a kid, I said that my imaginary friend was a ghost. I called him Spooky Guy and said he died in the garage of the house on the hill behind ours. I even came up with his death. He was a 16 year old who got in a car crash and walked to that house to ask to use their phone (died in the 70’s). The person lived there grabbed him and sexually abused him there and killed him. He was my imaginary friend as far back as I can remember. This scared my mom so much that she tried to look up records to see if that happened and got me a therapist.”

14. Icy wants me to tell you it will be tonight

“In high school one of my best friends had a little sister who was five or six years old. One day we stopped by his place, completely high, because he needed to get his Magic cards. While waiting for him to come downstairs his sister came up to me and said, ‘Icy told me to ask you if you know when you’re going to die.’”

I laughed nervously: morbid question, right? But I knew all about Icy, her imaginary friend. I even helped her draw a picture of him once. So I played along and said, ‘No, of course not! No one knows that. Hopefully when I’m very old.’

The girl shook her head sadly and said, ‘No, Icy wants me to tell you it’ll be tonight.’ And with that, she just walked away.”

15. It is the punishment

“I was seventeen and babysitting a friend of the family’s six-year-old boy. He’d been in bed a couple of hours and I just peeked in to check on him. He wasn’t in the bed and when I opened the door, I saw he was standing in the corner, facing the wall. creepiest fucking thing ever. I asked him what he was doing and all he did was turn around, smile, and put his finger to his lips as if to say ‘shhh.’ I asked him again what he was doing and all he says is, ‘Leave us. It is the punishment.’”

16. Keep kicking

“My grandfather had a camp on Lake Dering in New Hampshire when I was a kid. One day when I was 6 or so, I fell off of the dock and into the water. I couldn’t swim. While under, I distinctly remember seeing a little girl down there who told me to look up towards the sun and just keep kicking and I’d be fine. I swam to the surface just in time for my grandfather to swoop me up and pull me back on the dock.”

17. Nope

“When my boy was 4, his imaginary friend would sit in the corner of the room when you switched off the lights and light the room with red glowing eyes.”

18. They were both dead

“Kid I used to babysit had imaginary friends. They were dead. One had no head. One was an old lady. They were both bloody. The one with no head had insides sticking out of his neck.

I didn’t ask him questions about them because fuck that.”

19. Tracy

“When my niece was about 4 she had an imaginary friend, which I don’t remember the name of. She would blame things she did on this imaginary friend but also talked about how this friend would watch Scooby Doo with her. One day I thought, ‘Why don’t I find out more about this friend?’ So I asked her to tell me about her friend. And she said, ‘She’s a she and she’s dead.’ And I said, ‘Does she have a job?’ And she said, ‘She does what my daddy does!’ Which is that her imaginary friend was a cop. So then I said, ‘Where is your imaginary friend a police woman at?’ And she said, ‘Right next I to where my daddy is a policeman.’ But then she said, ‘I met her when I was in my mummy’s belly. She touched it when I was inside.’

A few months before my niece was born my cousin Tracy had died. She was hit by a train. She loved watching Scooby Doo and had a ton of memorabilia. She was also a cop. She was a cop in the town that is right next to the one my brother-in-law is a cop in, my niece’s ‘daddy.’ My niece’s imaginary friend was my dead cousin. There is no other way she could have known all that at the age of 4.”

20. “That’s why I don’t like water now”

“When my kid was 4, we were watching a documentary on the Titanic. The scene was a picture of the schematics of the boiler room and the camera panned from left to right over the plans. He pointed at the TV and said, ‘That’s wrong. The boilers were on the other side. And I was right here.’ And he pointed to a small space in the boiler room. ‘That’s where I was. And that’s why I don’t like water now.’”

21. Emily

“When my sister was probably about 6 or 7, she had an imaginary friend named Emily. She told us Emily lived in her closet, wore an old black dress, and had long dark hair and she was the same age as my sister. My sister played with Emily constantly. My parents started noticing my sister acting weird. Just sitting in the middle of her room whispering to Emily quite a bit and acting a lot more distant towards them. I remember a very specific day, my brother was walking by her room and my sister was sitting in the middle of her room….but she turned around and hissed at him. He was scared shitless. He told me it didn’t even look like my sister. My parents ran up to her room and I could hear my sister just screaming and screaming.”

“I have no idea what happened in that room but I ran to the bottom of my stairs and the screaming stopped, I saw my parents holding my sister crying their eyes out, she was sobbing as well. I’ve asked her about it today. She’s 24 now. She told me that Emily used to tell her to do horrible things to herself. She actually used to wake up on the roof and not remember how she got there. I’m not kidding. Apparently Emily absolutely hated my parents so she turned my sister against them. She hates talking about it so I never brought up that specific night. This all happened at my old house. When we moved into a different house, Emily was gone. I’m not making any of this up. My sisters little friend was a really big deal to my family and messed things up for a long time. I’m just relieved we left that house.”

22. She floated above his bed at night

“When my younger brother was around 4, he had an imaginary friend named Victoria Meadowbrooke. He told us that she was the prettiest girl ever and she floated above his bed a night.”

23. “The Evil is coming”

“When my older daughter was two or three, she used to have a couple of imaginary friends, Dodo and DeeDee. They were typical imaginary friends. She would talk to them and play with them, and tell me about their lives.

Then one day, when she was about three, she was talking on her play phone when I walked into the room. She hung up her phone and said to me (with a completely flat voice and deadpan expression): ‘The Evil is coming.’”

[wreckofawriter]

Pencil Sketches

Pairing: Cedric Diggory x Reader

Warnings: Ummm none fluffy

Word Count: 2,738

Summary: You start receiving sketches of yourself and find out who the artist is in a very surprising way.

A/n: Hi this is my first Cedric fic. I dont exactly love it buuuut whatever.

You remember when it all started. It was four months ago. You had just had a particularly hard day, you were late to Charms and got 5 points taken from your house, you spilled ink all over your positions essay, you got pumpkin juice on your blouse and forgot about a very difficult quiz in DADA. You were heading to the back of the library to choose a book when something fell out of the large amounts of papers you were holding. You groaned bending down to pick it up as you did you glance at the contents of the page and your heart stopped.

It took you only a second to figure out what was on the paper. It was you. You were glaring down at a notebook, your eyes appearing to shine as you clutched a quill in your right hand. Your hair hanging in front of your frustrated face, your lips drawn into a thin line. It was the best drawing you had ever seen, for a second you thought it was a photograph. But it was a drawing, a drawing of you, a drawing of you that looked so realistic it almost scared you. The pencil marks were flowing yet sharp, shading was done in just the right places to give your face depth. It was like looking in a black and white mirror.

    You stood in the middle of the hallway for what must have been a good five minutes just staring at the photo in amazement. You then realized what you were doing and continued to the library.

From there the drawings became a normal part of your life. You would usually receive five to six a week in your bag, waiting at your desk or even in your dorm room. You had no idea how they managed to swing that. Each one was more beautiful than the last and you swear that they made you look much prettier in the drawing than you really were. Most were done in pencil a few in quill and one in charcoal. Each one seemed to be a different mood, sometimes you would be scowling, sometimes smirking, sometimes smiling and one was even of you with your head down on a desk your eyes closed and your hair hanging in your face. The ones you received the most were ones of you laughing. Your lips split open in a smile and your eyes crinkled or just shut altogether.

Many times you had tried to find the artist who had drawn you without luck. They never left any notes or indications and it made it extremely difficult to find the culprit. You wished for nothing more than to meet and thank the person who had brought so much happiness into your life with their artwork. But they never revealed themselves even after four months, nothing. You began to worry, what if they never revealed themselves? It was your last year after all, you would be leaving in a few months. Eventually, you stopped looking and simply hoped they would reveal themselves.

“Ms. Y/l/n,” McGonagall called to you.

“Yes, Professor?” You asked your arms full of books as you made your way back to your common room.

“Could you please follow me? I have something we need to discuss.” She clipped, beckoning for you to follow her.

Your eyebrows scrunched together in momentary confusion before following the orders you had been given.

As you followed McGonagall through the castle you wracked your brain for what you could have possibly done wrong. Did they think you cheated on an exam? Did they find your stash of food in your dorm? Surely that wasn't that big of a deal. Then you remembered the bottle of firewhiskey under your bed and fear rose in your throat. What if they expelled you? What would you do? Your heart pounding you were lead into a room expecting all of hell to rain upon you, but when it opened you were greeted by Dumbledore's warm smile.

“Ahh Y/n, looks as if the last of you have arrived.”

You glanced around the room and easily recognized two-thirds of the famous fourth-year trio and a young girl you didn't recognize.

McGonagall went to talk to Dumbledore as you made your way over to Ron and Hermione.

“Umm do you guys know what going on?” You asked as you approached them.

“Not a clue,” Hermione responded with as she glanced around the room as if looking for clues on their current situation.

“Are we in trouble or something?” You inquired.

Ron snorted, “As if Hermione would ever get in trouble.” he jeered earning a glare from the bushy-haired girl.

“I think it has something to do with the next task.” Hermione guessed.

“Then why am I here?” you wondered.

Hermione opened her mouth to answer but she was cut off by Dumbledore.

“I assume all of you are wondering what is happening, well as Mrs. Granger pointed out it does have something to do with the task tomorrow.”

Everyone else seemed very excited you, on the other hand, were very confused, what did the next task have to do with you?

“Tomorrow morning your friends are going to have to rescue something of great importance to them from the bottom of the black lake. You, my friends, are those things.”

Hermione gasped. Ron raised both his eyebrows and the girl seemed a bit frightened.

“You will be put under a spell and not remember a thing until you break the surface again. I promise all of you will be fine. So if you could just take som-”

“Umm excuse me?” You asked cutting off your professor, “Why am I here?” His eyebrows raised in confusion. “I mean I get the whole rescuing someone that is important to them thing, I mean Hermione for Krum.” Hermione flashed red and Ron rolled his eyes. “Ron for Harry and I guessing she's Fleur’s little sister or something?” You said gesturing to the young girl, “I just don't get why I'm here.”

Now Dumbledore's face was filled with amusement, a small smile on his lips. “You don't know?” he asked.

“Know what?”

He started to laugh, “For such a bright girl I expected you had already found out.”

You were beginning to feel stupid, “Found out what?”

“Have you been receiving drawings for the past few months?” He mused glancing at Mcgonagall who also seemed amused.

“Y-yeah, wait how do you know about those?”

“It's impossible to miss,” Mcgonagall said sweetly, “Cedric is constantly pouring over as sketchbook in his classes, particularly the ones you are in, Ms. Y/l/n.”

You heard Hermione let out a giggle as your face flashed a brilliant red. Your head was spinning. Cedric was the one who was giving those to you? The golden boy of Hogwarts was spending his time sketching you?

“Cedric is the one drawing me?” You managed to get from your mouth, the sentence came out squeaker than you would have liked but at least you managed it.

“Yes Y/n, I'm quite surprised you hadn't noticed the boys admiration in you.” Dumbledore smiled as your eyes got impossibly bigger and your stomach began to fill with butterflies. “Now we don't want to waste much more time." He sighed, “Take some of this, it will put you straight to sleep, although I must warn you it tastes terrible.” He passed each of you a bottle full of a deep purple liquid.

You downed it quickly and almost immediately your world grew dark.

Cedric had grown exceedingly nervous as he stood on the docks in the middle of the lake. While the others around him seemed to be scared of what lurked in the dark of the lake he was concerned at where you were. He hadn’t seen you at breakfast, where he was planning to slip his newest drawing into your bag and now he couldn't find you here either. What if you were sick? Where you ok? Had you gotten hurt? He silently shamed himself for caring so much for a person who didn't even know he existed but he couldn't help it. He had tried to stop caring about you, but fate seemed to work against him as all he could do was see you no matter where he looked. It was as if you had been placed behind a glass case in a bakery, with a price tag much too high. So all he could do was look and wonder how your lips would taste against his own.

Finally, he gave up looking for you and looked at the challenge ahead of him. If you weren't here he wanted to make sure you heard from everyone else how he had won. Determination took over his features, he had a plan and he just hoped the others were less prepared than he. Just then the horn was blown and he dove into the water quickly casting a bubble charm around his head and begging to swim into the depths of the lake. He quickly located the singing he remembered form the terrible egg he had gotten and swum toward it. He almost choked when he saw what was waiting for him. You. Your ankles were tied with rope and your beautiful y/e/c eyes resting closed as your y/h/c hair floating in the water. The others tied around you suddenly meant nothing as he stared at you. He thought you resembled an angel floating in the water, all you were missing were wings. He then remembered he was in composition and swam towards you at a quickened rate. He thought for a minute, inspecting the rope holding you before muttering a spell. As the bounds broke he snatched you and began to swim upwards. He then saw Harry come into view, he nodded at him and continued upward.

Your eyes popped open and you found yourself gasping for air as you coughed up water. The first thing you noticed was how cold you were, everything thing was cold except an arm swimming you towards the dock. You looked up to see Cedric dragging you towards the dock his face full of worry. He glanced over at you and smiled and blushed.

“Are you alright?” He asked over the cheering of the crowd. You nodded still coughing.

When you reached the ladder you were helped up and quickly wrapped in a wool blanket as you continued coughing tiring to get the water out of your system, finally you were able to intake air and breathe normally and you saw that you were on a dock in the middle of the lake but you could hardly see anything over the crowd of people swarming you, well more swarming Cedric. You then realized that Cedric had his arm securely wrapped around you as he maneuvered you through the crowds and your face flushed red. Cedric led you to an empty bench overlooking the lake on the platform getting congratulated all the way. When you sat down he pulled you close to him in attempts to warm your shivering your form. You instantly leaned into his warm body, looking up at him to meet his grey eyes. He blushed bright red and looked away from you. Just then the crowd erupted into cheers and you looked up to see Krum emerge, Hermione, gasping for breath as she appeared to shriek a bit at his shark head before he quickly changed back.

    “I hope Harry’s alright.” You murmured as you peered into the water.

    “I'm sure he's fine, I saw him when I was getting you.” Cedric blushed a bit when he mentioned you.

    “Did you see Krum?”

    “Uhh no, I didn't,” Cedric answered.

    “Why is he up here before him?” You questioned worriedly, your eyes scanned for the young boy in the water. You didn't know Harry well but you wished for no harm to come to him.

    “I don't know.” Cedric seemed just as confused as you.

    You both waited for Harry to show up as the minutes ticked down. Then suddenly you gasped. In all the excitement you had completely forgotten that Cedric was revealed as the mysterious artist.

    “What is it?” The grey-eyed boy asked you.

    You turned and looked at him. There was no denying that he was absolutely stunning. He was beyond handsome with his sharp features and kind eyes. You saw him blush a bit as you took in his profile, which only made him more attractive. But not only was he gorgeous he was amazingly kind, talented and smart. You opened your mouth to confess your knowledge on the portraits he had drawn of you. But you were interrupted by shouting and yelling and you both turned away from each other to see Harry emerging from the water, with not only Ron, but the young blonde haired girl as well. You sighed in relief and looked back at Cedric who was already staring at you. He blushed for the 1000th time when you met his grey orbs and looked away again. Then he turned back to look at you with something new in his eyes, determination.

    “Hey Y/n I need to tell you something.” He said his voice a bit louder than it had been before.

    “Sure what's up?” You asked.

    “You probably have already realized this but clearly you mean a lot to me, I mean with the whole rescuing you think that was probably obvious but umm,” He paused then continued, “Imtheonewhosebeengivingyouthedrawings” He said quickly his face burning a deep shade of crimson.

    If you had not already known what he was going to say you would have been thoroughly confused, but because of your recent discoverings, you had managed to gather about what he said.

    “I know.” You answered simply.

    “Oh ok- wait, WHAT?” He said his eyes wide his face getting impossibly redder.

    You giggled rolling your eyes playfully.

“For how long?” he gasped.

“Umm, it's almost noon so about, I'll say 14 hours?” You guessed.

He blinked rapidly then smacked his forehead with his hand. “Of course you know, they probably told you before they put you in the lake.” He said clearly feeling very stupid.

“They're amazing by the way.” You complemented, “Although I'm pretty sure you make me look much better in the drawings than I am in person.” You giggled.

He looked at you and scoffed, “Are you kidding.” He murmured running his thumb along your jawline. “The most talented artist in the world couldn’t do your beauty justice.”

You flashed a deep red as you felt your stomach erupt with butterflies once more. You bit your lip, the exact place his eyes lingered.

He leaned in millimeters from your lips, “May I kiss you?” He asked his lips brushing against yours as he spoke.

You simply closed the space between the two of you in an answer. His lips were warm against your cool ones and your hands found your way to his damp hair. The kiss was sweet and passionate, his lips moved slowly against your own making you swoon. As you pulled away you were for the second time in the past hour gasping for air.

“I have something for you.” He whispered turning to grab a bag next to him. He pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to you.

You couldn't help the small smile on your face as he looked at his newest drawing. You had your head thrown back your eyes closed and a smile wide on your face, it was clear you were laughing.

“I always loved drawing you laughing.” He said shyly.

“I still don't understand how you are so good.” You said in amazement.

“Thanks.” He blushed

“No, thank you. Thank you so much for all of these. They made my day so much better.” You said, “Just looking at them made me happy.”

    Now as you looked at them you felt your world fall apart. Sobs wrecked your body as you stared at the drawings you had saved. You couldn't think, your head throbbed and you felt like you were falling into a deep dark pit but you could never hit the bottom. Your tears soaked the picture of you with your head thrown back in laughter and you were sure you would never laugh again.

Masterlist

[atomic-taco-muffin]

Kingdom High Chapter 17

Warnings: some more fluff this time

Rating: SFW

Welcome, fairytale friends, to spring at Ever After High.

Where following their true hearts is the only thing on students' minds.

Royals with Royals, and Rebels with Rebels.

Well, it may not be as straightforward as that. Look at Hunter and Ashlynn! Ashlynn giggled as Hunter built a table and perfect date spot out of wood. Back at the school, Apple had entered.

"It's Apple!" a student said.

"Hey, Apple! Oh, hey," another student said. Meanwhile, Duchess held her hand out in expecting that boys would court her too.

"Hi," a goat said. Meanwhile, Raven tried being nice to schoolmates however they picked up and dart out. Raven slumped in her seat.

"Oh! Run, everyone!" a student said. Dexter tried offering Raven roses, which Cupid mistook for hers. Cupid held her hands out in acceptance but noticed that they aren't for her. Lizzie walked past Dexter and cut off the flower heads.

"Off with their buds!" she said.

It seems that hearts and destinies don't always move in the same direction. In the library, Cupid was doodling in her book and fantasizing over Dexter.

"Cupid and Dexter Charming," she sighed.

"Cupie, and Dexie!" she said. One of the step-librarians cleared her throat in warning. Dexter entered with a pile of books which he dropped on the table.

"Hey, Cupid! Anyone sitting here?" he said.

"Yes...I mean, no! No one is sitting there, and yes, you should sit there," Cupid said as she pointed to the chair.

"Thanks!" Dexter flinched at the shrill voice of the step-librarian.

"Shh! Quiet in the library!" they said as they slammed the desk.

"The evil step-librarians are so wicked!" Cupid whispered.

"Yeah! Last week, they made me re-catalog the entire Forbidden Books section," Dexter said.

"Shh!" The step-librarians said as they eyed the two of them.

"Well, look what I found," Dexter said as he held out a book. Cupid gasped in surprise.

"The History of True Hearts Day? Thanks, Dex! You are such a sweet—" Cupid said. The step-librarians stood next to them and slammed the ruler on the table.

"Shhh!" they said. In his office, the Headmaster was playing with pony figurines, a podium, and a figure of himself.

"And so, each time a fairytale is told—" he said.

"Headmaster!" Cupid said as she loudly slammed the library book on his desk. Milton panicked to pack his toys away.

"My dear, I am writing my speech for—" Milton said.

"Love never waits!" Cupid said.

"What are you going on about?"

"True Hearts Day!"

"Where-" Milton cleared his throat.

"—did you find that?" He asked as he tried grabbing the book but Cupid took it first and flipped through the pages.

"It tells all about this totally hexcellent holiday that encourages everyone to follow their true heart's desire. But it hasn't been spellebrated in years," she said.

"And never will be, again," Milton said. Cupid gasped.

"That holiday is dangerous!" he said.

"But...but—" Cupid said.

"Some students might see it as a sign to break from their destinies!" Cupid started reading a few lines from the book.

"Maybe True Hearts Day is—" she said. Milton cleared his throat.

"You are not to talk about this to anyone. Do you understand me?" he said.

"Yes, sir. I won't say a thing," Cupid said as she lowered her head. In the Charmitorium as a meetup place with Briar, Cupid decided to spread the word on the secret holiday. She started by pointing at the book.

"True Hearts Day? I don't get it," Briar said.

"Oh," Cupid said. She suddenly came up with an idea.

"Charades," she said. Cupid held out her fingers for the word count and started doing various actions. The first part was the introduction to the holiday and the Headmaster Grimm's opinion and how she wanted the holiday to be celebrated in secret anyway.

"Forty-eight words. A holiday that used to be spellebrated in the fairytale world that encourages us to follow our true heart's desire, but Headmaster Grimm doesn't want anyone to know about it, but you think we should spellebrate it anyway and throw a secret underground True Hearts Day dance?" Briar said. Cupid sat next to Briar.

"Why didn't you just say that?" Briar asked.

"'Cause, Headmaster Grimm told me not to say anything!" Cupid said.

"Secret dance...What if Grimm catches us?"

"He won't! Come on. It'll be happily ever awesome!"

"I do throw the most hexcellent parties..."

"Yay!" Briar tried to shush Cupid but she didn't listen.

"We're having a secret True Hearts Day dance!" Cupid said. It accidentally echoed through the school.

"Shh!" Briar said. She kept her voice low and held onto Cupid's arm and lead her out.

"Um, you might not wanna shout that. You know, being a secret and all," she said. In the woods, animals were being startled as Sparrow entered the woods with a blaring guitar and his voice.

"🎵Sparrow! He's the hottest guy, oh, in the fairytale w—🎵" he sang. Duchess snatched on his guitar and pulled him out of the open.

"Woah!" he said.

"Stop that! Come on, they went this way," she said. She tugged onto his arm and they walked together.

"I'm finally gonna get some proof!" she said.

"Why do you even care?" he asked as he shoved her off of his arm.

"I care 'cause it's not fair! Ashlynn is breaking the Royal rules with her secret romance, but she still gets a Happily Ever After and I don't!"

"So you got a plan?" he pointed to Duchess.

"I mean, it's not like we're just gonna find them in some romantic mo—" Duchess pulled open a thin vine wall, and coincidentally, she found Ashlynn and Hunter there.

"ment," Sparrow said. Hunter fired an arrow at flowers atop of a tree. A flower crown fell out of it and Ashlynn let out a giggle. Going unnoticed, Duchess and Sparrow swam in the lake and planned to catch the couple in surprise. Before transforming back into a human, she shook off the water on her leg and took out her phone.

"Say cheese!" she said.

"Ah, curses," Hunter said.

"Oh, hey, Duchess! Sparrow! We didn't see you!" Ashlynn said. Hunter laughed nervously.

"What's going on?" Ashlynn asked as she looked around awkwardly.

"You two are totally busted!" Sparrow said. Duchess flinched at the sound of Sparrow's blaring guitar.

"Ashlynn, Hunter, I think the real question is what are you doing here?" she asked as she danced over to them. Duchess interrogatively appeared behind Ashlynn.

"Having a secret romantic rendezvous?" she asked as she hooked her arms around the couple.

"We gotta find a better place to picnic..." Hunter said.

"Please...you two can't tell anyone Hunter and I are secretly dating!" Ashlynn said.

"Um, yeah! Wow, well, I'm gonna!" Duchess said as she pointed to her phone.

"Ash, this is gonna knock you down the Royal rankings," she sarcastically pouted.

"But don't worry, I'll take your place! And your Happily Ever After," she said as she pointed at Ashlynn in a threatening manner. She then walked away.

"Bummer, princess-to-be! Ah whoa, wha—" Sparrow said. Duchess, Ashlynn, and Hunter stood up around him.

"Stop that!" they said. Back at school, Cupid's MirrorCast show was streaming live and she got a first comer.

"Now, my love tale-friends, this is the part of the MirrorCast where I try to solve your romantic problems. So, Fragile-In-Fairyland, what's in your heart?" she said.

"Um, well, I, I..." Dexter said. Noticing the broadcaster's eyes on the pixelated screen, she recognized Dexter's eyes.

"Dex!" she said.

"I kind of, uh...no, I do, I do have a crush on this girl named Raven," Dexter said.

"Raven Queen? You have a crush on Raven Queen?" Cupid asked. Everyone gasped in shock.

"Uh, I mean, Rachel! Rachel, yeah, I like a girl named Rachel," Dexter said.

"Uh, okay, Rachel," Cupid said as she expressed the disappointment in her voice.

"So, you like her. What's the problem?" she asked.

"Well, whenever I'm around her I get really, uh, tongue-tied," Dexter said.

"Huh. Okay." Cupid found her doodle of Dexter on her desk.

"Look, how about putting down your feelings on parchment?" she asked.

"That is a great idea! I'll write her a love po...em, uh," he said. The students turned around and gasped.

"Thanks, Cupid, you're the best, bye," Dexter said and ran off.

"No problem," Cupid said and sighed.

~Le Time Skip~

Ashlynn was in her store and she found the flower crown Hunter gave her earlier. She sighed lightly.

"It's Apple White!" a student said. Apple walked inside the store and sat down next to Ashlynn.

"True Hearts Day! Aren't you just totally hexcited? It used to be such an important holiday on the Royal calendar. Ah, love, finding our predetermined princes..." Apple said.

"Um, sure, yeah..." Ashlynn said. Apple put her hand on Ashlynn's shoulder.

"Oh, sweetie, what's wrong? You can tell me. I mean, we are friends forever after," she said.

"I'm not sure you'd understand," Ashlynn said.

"What? Is it boy trouble?" Ashlynn perked up and backed away.

"Oh, wow! Hey, I am thirsty. Um, I'm gonna go get us a couple hocus lattes! Double foam, extra apple caramel, right?" she said as she sheepishly ran out.

"Eh, you work here? I want these in a size seventy-four," a troll said as she wiggled her toes.

"Oh," Apple groaned.

And so, Dexter finished his true heart's poem for Raven. Now, he just had to wait for a response.

"What's this? I-It's a love poem," Rave said as she used her magic to pick up the note.

"Ooh, a secret note! Is there anything more hat-tastic?" Maddie said.

"That's so sweet. I wonder who it's from," Chika said.

"'D. Charming'?" Raven read.

"A ha ha ha ha ha!" Daring laughed. Raven, Chika, and Maddie turned around as he winked and flashed a smile to them.

"Ladies," he said.

"Daring? I had no idea he felt this way," Raven said.

"Looks like the cards are in your favor now," Chika said.

"'Sup, brother?" Daring asked as he ruffled Dexter's hair.

"Oh, gort," Dexter said.

Love is very...

Complicated.

Yes, complicated! Raven, Chika, and Maddie walked off together as they reread the poem.

~~~~

Sakura and the girls had entered the shop and began their search for their dresses for the ball. They soon found them and returned home to show their families.

"Aww, you girls look fabulous!" Kairi said.

"Thanks mom," Eimi said.

"Alright, got my camera. Say cheese!" Sora said.

"Dad!" Akaya said.

"What? Am I not allowed to take a picture of my daughter before she goes to prom?"

"It's not prom, dumbass. It's a ball," Vanitas said.

"Whatever. Do you girls have a way to get to the school?" The girls nodded in agreement.

"Alright, go have fun," Sora said. The girls smiled and headed off to the school.

[thewanderer-000]

Riding Hood

WIP

Tagged by @mrspaigeomega

(Note: this is my own story of a modern red riding hood. I've never written anything that wasn't fan fiction, so here's what I wrote so far. This may be a short series. I don't know yet, I'm making this up as I go along.

Another note: it's got some gory parts)

The sun casting shadows through the enchanted forest in early morning, RRH Night Rangers(Red Riding Hoods Rangers) coming off of watch. Ranger Stephen Blythe walked away from one of many ranger towers, trails curved throughout the magnificent trees. Ranger Blythe hears the trampling steps of Ranger Hathaway as he raced to jump on Blythe. And like that Blythe moved to see Hathaway crash land on the trail with an audible thud.

"Ow! Hey you're supposed to wait for me" Hathaway whimpered as he came to a stance, "And I told you I'm leaving as soon as Halen and Reese show up, not 30 minutes after. Plus, I told you Halen doesn't date co-workers. Didn't I tell you, I told you, she don't" Blythe mocked as they walked the trail.

Hathaway then stood looking at Blythe annoyed, as soon as Blythe turned to mock Hathaway more, they just stood there till they both burst out laughing. They both began moving, it was early and they were tired.

"But maybe she'll change her mind" Blythe huffed unsure whether that would happen. Though it seemed like she was figuring something out, he'd known her enough to get it. She was like one of his sisters. Continuing to hike through the trails, before Blythe could really say anything an echo sang out. It sounded like it came from the small waterfall, before Blythe could motion Hathaway to keep moving the dunce went straight to the waterfall.

"Ugh, it's like trying to wrangle a puppy" Blythe exasperated as he followed his "green" partner. The singing was mesmerizing as they got closer, a total of 20 minutes and there Hathaway stood dumbfounded, and peeping.

"Hathaway, let's get going you dunce, I don't have time for this, plus it's hella creepy" Blythe never used hella before, so Hathaway looked back at Blythe even more dumbfounded. Blythe huffed and grabbed Hathaway's arm and he stepped on a stick and that made the singing stop. Hathaway ran into Blythe knocking him down, repeating shit over and over as he ran away. Tired and annoyed Blythe started to get up slowly hoping they didn't startle the woman.

"Well, Ranger Stephen Blythe, why don't you get out of the bushes and enjoy the sun with me" Blythe was surprised that the woman knew that it was him, he silently cursed under his breath at Hathaway, who was long gone, probably made it to town by now. Blythe did as was asked of him, he dusted himself off and went to the mystery woman.

"I'd like to apologize for my-" Blythe started but was taken back by the womans exposed skin, she smiled as she looked down at herself and back up at the reddened Ranger.

"Oh no, no need to apologize, I was hoping that you would come, I'm just glad that other man left us" she said with an impish smile, as her long dark hung over her shoulder covering her chest and the water blurred her from the waist down.

"What- who are you exactly, Miss?" Blythe stood there, then started stepped closer trying to piece together where he knew this mysterious woman. His hazel blue eyes focusing on her face, then noticed her stuff off to the side hanging on a conveniently chopped branch. She giggled knowing damn well he had no clue.

"We've never met, I've seen you around town and heard you in this forest talking, grumbling or other" she said looking him up and down with happy curious eyes. Making him feel slightly old with that grumbling comment, but she looked about his age. Blythe stood sternly trying to recall but was coming up short where in town he'd seen her, except for what he had said and done in the forest. But he had seen her, here, though it couldn't be possible. Enchanted forest people talked to it, held occult events or came to the waterfall for a swim, up to the lake for recreation, and found secluded spaces for intimate activities. This place did play tricks at times, and now maybe one of those times Stephen thought.

"Bellamy, Bellamy Reed" she said before dunking in the water and swam close to shore, she stood and walked out not shy about the fact she was bare. Stephen kept his eyes on everywhere but her, she smiled at him, and laughed. And stepped closer to him, and cleared her throat.

"You can look now, Stephen" he still didn't look down. "Just because you're close doesn't mean you are covered" Bellamy rolled her eyes and trudged over and dawned her dark cloak. He looked at her as soon as he heard the fabric sweeping the ground as she walked.

"Better? Ok, I'm positive you know why I'm here, I know, believe me. It's conflicting, I thought it was insane too, but I can't explain" Bellamy said hopeful but looked nervous, Stephen didn't like this part about the forest but he couldn't deny that he felt something. Even before his last marriage this was something that kept popping up, and more so after a couple of weeks ago. He knew trying to recreate his dream would bring more up and it did, dream woman stood before him like in his dream. Too much like the dream.

"I don't know what this forest has intended for us but are you sure you want to go through with it, go through with the deed? Like I know that I tried to recreate it but it's really, real, now" Bellamy sighed, and looked at Stephen with eyes that glowed a brilliant sapphire. Invisible sigils on the trees light up as the same sapphire.

"Have faith" Bellamy said, and with that Stephen Blythe knew Bellamy knew more than she let on. A riding hood and a witch, not exactly rare but it had people talking. Let them talk, he wasn't going to pass up someone like Bellamy Reed.

_______________________________

"Daniella!? Daniella Blythe?! Where are you?- Ahh, Geez!" Howell shrieked clutching his chest, I stood chartling at him as he looked at the ground mortified. This time I didn't mean to scare him, but he's my bestfriend, he understands. I step lightly, plus the enchanted forest keeps me safe, I was conceived in this forest. It's home.

"I'm sorry, Howell" I apologize between laughing and getting slapped on my arm, which only made me laugh more. Then he grabs my hand and sighs calmly.

"I thought you slipped away, I thought you-" he took a deep breath, I knew what he thought, but I don't think I'd get caught. Says every person who gets caught on tv, I'll probably get caught at some point. But I chuckle and pat my friends back.

"Hot chocolate? And I'll make us some dinner?" I offer but he looks torn, he's got a date. He doesn't have to say it, I know he does. He wouldn't hang so early if he didn't have somewhere to be at night. I sigh, a tired sigh, he's ditching me again. He's trying to say something but doesn't want to upset me, Howell is making this face that's driving me up a dang tree.

"Howell, just say it" I say with a huff. He smiles and is jittery with excitement.

"Ok, so as you can guess, I got a date. And they have a friend fresh out of a relationship, and I saidyou'dgoonadoubledatejusttotestthewaters" he thought saying everything fast would be enough to get me to say yes, he was dead wrong. I swear I was seeing red.

"Ugh, I would have preferred you going on a date, a double date. You dragged me into a date, come on, man!" I whined but he was staring at me with his puppy eyes, I gave sighing groan. Which means I'm going. Howell cheered, then immediately called his date as he dragged me to my grandmother's cottage to beautify ourselves for tonight.

And of course it was a double date at the fall carnival, Rangers, magic folk and Beings of all sorts and humans. So being a Rangers daughter I sported my signature red riding hood, you don't pay admission to get into any event but if the shit goes down you run towards the danger. So my phone is on my person, I'm also sporting a nice leather bag containing emergency/magic supplies and a med kit. So if my date is bad I'm ready for duty with the RRH Rangers.

_______________________

Which 45 minutes in my date and I were handling a drunk in the food court, I call nurses station as my date is trying to help a drunk party boy from falling on his own face, again. Greta zooms around the corner in her custom cart with her helpful nurses. She's head nurse and serveys the area like a hawk, before she leaves she kisses the top of my head and gives me some lollipops.

"That's cool, so I'm guessing you're her favorite" I smile coyly at my date before I enjoy my free candy, he doesn't seem bad but who knows. I was tired and ready to go home, and considering that I came with Howell, I was left stranded practically.

"This date was interesting, but it's getting late-" he stands upright in shock. I can't help but giggle at him, plus if I'm walking through the forest I'll need to leave now.

"I'm not implying that the date was bad, I just have to walk home and it's a bit of walk" right as I finish that sentence Ranger Hathaway Jr. pulls up in his jeep. I exasperate with a sigh.

"Ugh, what are you doing here?" I complain as he jumps out his jeep and bounds over to me with a big smile, he opens his arms for a hug, I smile at him and give a friendly hug.

"I talked to Howell, said you were both here on dates. And knowing you, I know you are walking so I thought I'd escort you, little sister" I laughed at him, "little sister?". 'Bitch, I'm 2 years older than you, we ain't doing this', I'm amused but just hoping that we can go.

"Ranger Hathaway Jr. this is William Lewis. William Lewis this is Timothy Hathaway Jr.." Timothy looked him up and down, I sigh, roll my eyes. And smile at William, and mouth "excuse him, bad manners", he laughs.

"I know 'em, new guy. Let's get going, Dani. See you tomorrow, new guy" Timothy says annoyed and gets on his jeep in a bit of a huff.

"I'll see you around, William" I call out I go with Timothy, giving a wave and smile.

Timothy peels out so fast that I don't hear William say goodbye, I don't know what Timothy's problem is but he sure has a big up his ass. I look out the window ignoring Timothy, he drives calmly through the forest about half an hour later we were close to the cottage. He pulls off to the side near the destination, he leans over and brings my face to his and kisses me. We sit there kissing after a while I pull away, this was an old habit that I had a problem kicking. We kiss and then end up in the backseat, we argue. And then he follows me to the cottage where he basically spends the night, then we get in a fight in the morning.

But tonight is different, something is outside watching, someone's here. The wind through the trees howls then a wolf howls, I don't think, I just get out of the jeep. Timothy follows but I go straight to the source, it's right there in the back. I run and see a large werewolf tangled up in my clothes line, I look back and see Timothy trying to call me to him. I turn to see two coming out of the trees, I approach and crouch down beside the werewolf caught in my sheets and clothes line.

"You're ok, I'm going to help you, ok?" I say to the large, large being whimpering, I cut through the fabric and string. Being as gentle and firm as needed. I uncover the sheets around his head and cut the string around his neck, I am met with large breathy wolf breaths.

"Hi" I say to the large werewolf just before I get get licked. The least he could do was buy me a drink first, I almost pet him but refrain from doing so. Timothy is standing behind me placing his pocket knife in his pocket, looking a little disappointed that he left it in his jeep.

"Look it's getting late, maybe we can talk or something tomorrow, or later" Timothy nods scratching his head. I don't wait for his reply, personally I just want him gone.

I am unsure what to do so I run inside, and grab a large serving bowl to offer some water to my new guests. Luckily the large werewolf I cut from my tangled clothes line was there in the front yard. Tail wagging fast and eager, I quickly crank the bucket up from well, I offer him some water, I hear the other two come around the corner. And I go back in and grab two more bowls and fill the bowls, my guests drink, I was so preoccupied I didn't notice Timothy had left. And frankly I was fine with it, I was done with him, I wanted to be done with that cycle.

I felt how heavy my eyes were when I blinked, I looked at my guest who were probably as tired as I was. I blinked fast once one of my guests were human, I looked at her unsure how to react. Then I looked at the large werewolf in front of me expecting him to go human.

"He can't turn back till morning, I'm Jennifer Jennings, this is Andrew Brown, our little brother" the younger woman said pointing at the smaller werewolf behind her.

"And the big boy that was tangled in the clothes line is Chuck Spadina" the young woman giggled at the last name as the large werewolf nipped at her. I stifled a giggle. The young woman fastened my sheet wrapped around her as she stood kinda giggling and embarrassed about her lack of clothes.

"This large boys name is David Jennings. We were roaming and running around the area. Then Andrew and David were wrestling and running till David got tangled in your linens. They ran far so he's been sitting here for an hour or so, waiting for Andy to return with some help. If David could talk he'd be very sorry, and pay for the damages or fix any of the damage. By morning he could" the werewolf stood with an awe, I could feel that he would be good on his word and I took their word for it.

"I'd be glad to see him tomorrow, I should let you all go about your night, I hope you have a good night" then like that I hear the woman chirp with excitement and in a blink three werewolves ran off into the forest. Anything that was a mess could be cleaned tomorrow on a nice and easy Sunday.

_______________________________

Wolves snarled and tugged on a cloth, a mysterious breeze blew, whirling leaves and love letters over a village. I sat in my hiding spot hoping, praying that if the marauders came back the wolves would deal with them. They slain my love, my family, and my whole village. I cursed at myself for days as I bury everyone, the wolves stayed by me whimpering. They felt my breaking heart, I wanted my family, my village back. My rage wanted me to burn the ruined huts, but I didn't have it in me as I wept and carried everyone to their graves.

That was the past, my hopes and dreams lie in the earth becoming one with mother earth. My future sat beside me chewing on a rib, the moon lightly illuminated the whole outside, I decided to go look at it. My friend followed me as I clutch the knife on my side ready for any strangers lurking. I was comforted by the gentle glow, I gaze up at the moon. It had the color of blood. A witches moon, I think that's what my grandparents called it, I looked down at the beautiful golden eyes observing me closely. Like he knew what I was thinking, he walked in front of me, then faced me and sat. I didn't waste no time, I slashed my hand and let him bite, soon I was swarmed by more. It felt so final, I wanted to shed my past, shed my pain. Be reborn, I felt words from my heart being spoken aloud.

"I give myself to your nature

I give myself to your kind

Accept me as your own

Accept me as part of your pack

My soul is bound to you

I am giving my being to you"

I say before I pass out from the pain, I hoped that they accepted me or at least my sacrifice. My heart beating wildly, I opened my eyes up to bright blue morning sky, panting heavily. My heart raced as the weight that hurt felt lighter.

I hear a light pounding, it continues and continues. I soon realize it's morning as I squint at my clock, I slept pretty heavy, my head felt groggy and I felt my balance was off as I got up feeling dizziness. The knocking wasn't going to quit as I did my best to stand, I fell back when I turned to try and make it out to answer the door. Then the door swung open as I stood holding on to my bed, Timothy calling out to me as another set of boots followed his.

"Daniella! Dani, are you ok?" and the first place he looked was bathroom as a tall giant immediately came right to me. He looked worn out a bit but probably better than me at this very moment.

"Are you Daniella? Can you get up? Feel any pressure anywhere? Any dizziness, headaches?" I nodded at how handsome he looked close up, but I also just woke up so I needed a while. Before I could think, the man picked me up and placed me back in bed, adjusting my pillows to sit me up comfortably. I could feel a blush burning across my skin, he was so strong. And fascinatingly tall, but I was five foot six so enough people are taller than I.

My heart raced as I did my best to focus, his inquiry was interesting. It's like he knew what was going on, did he have the same dream too.

[helly-watermelonsmellinfellon]

Best lyrics on 𝑓𝑜𝑙𝑘𝑙𝑜𝑟𝑒.

the 1 - 

“And if you never bleed, you're never gonna grow.” 

“We never painted by the numbers, baby, but we were making it count. You know the greatest loves of all time are over now.” 

cardigan - 

“And when I felt like I was an old cardigan under someone's bed, you put me on and said I was your favorite.” 

“I knew you tried to change the ending, Peter losing Wendy. I knew you. Leavin' like a father, running like water.”

“I knew I'd curse you for the longest time. Chasin' shadows in the grocery line. I knew you'd miss me once the thrill expired, and you'd be standin' in my front porch light.”

the last great american dynasty - 

“The wedding was charming, if a little gauche. There's only so far new money goes. They picked out a home and called it "Holiday House". Their parties were tasteful, if a little loud. The doctor had told him to settle down. It must have been her fault his heart gave out.” 

“Filled the pool with champagne and swam with the big names, and blew through the money on the boys and the ballet. And losing on card game bets with Dalí.”

“They say she was seen on occasion, pacing the rocks, staring out at the midnight sea. And in a feud with her neighbor, she stole his dog and dyed it key lime green. Fifty years is a long time. Holiday House sat quietly on that beach. Free of women with madness, their men and bad habits. And then it was bought by me.”

“I had a marvelous time ruining everything.”

exile ft. Bon Iver - 

“I think I've seen this film before, and I didn't like the ending. You're not my homeland anymore, so what am I defending now? You were my town, now I'm in exile, seein' you out.”

“I can see you starin', honey. Like he's just your understudy. Like you'd get your knuckles bloody for me. Second, third, and hundredth chances. Balancin' on breaking branches. Those eyes add insult to injury.”

“I’m not your problem anymore, so who am I offending now?”

“You didn't even hear me out. (You didn't even hear me out.) You never gave a warning sign. (I gave so many signs.)”

my tears ricochet - 

“We gather here, we line up, weepin' in a sunlit room. And if I'm on fire, you'll be made of ashes too.”

“I didn't have it in myself to go with grace. And you're the hero flying around saving face. And if I'm dead to you, why are you at the wake? Cursing my name, wishing I stayed. Look at how my tears ricochet.”

“We gather stones, never knowing what they'll mean. Some to throw, some to make a diamond ring. You know I didn't want to have to haunt you, but what a ghostly scene. You wear the same jewels that I gave you, as you bury me.”

“And you can aim for my heart, go for blood. But you would still miss me in your bones. And I still talk to you... (When I'm screaming at the sky!) And when you can't sleep at night... (You hear my stolen lullabies!)“

“You had to kill me, but it killed you just the same. Cursing my name, wishing I stayed. You turned into your worst fears. And you're tossin’ out blame, drunk on this pain. Crossin’ out the good years.”

mirrorball - 

“I'm a mirrorball. I can change everything about me to fit in. You are not like the regulars, the masquerade revelers. Drunk as they watch my shattered edges glisten.”

“And they called off the circus, burned the disco down. When they sent home the horses and the rodeo clowns, I'm still on that tightrope. I'm still trying everything to get you laughing at me. And I'm still a believer, but I don't know why. I've never been a natural, all I do is try, try, try. I'm still on that trapeze. I'm still trying everything to keep you looking at me.”

seven -

“Please picture me in the trees. I hit my peak at seven feet in the swing over the creek. I was too scared to jump in. But I was high in the sky with Pennsylvania under me. Are there still beautiful things?”

“Sweet tea in the summer. Cross your heart, won't tell no other. And though I can’t recall your face, I still got love for you. Your braids like a pattern, love you to the Moon and to Saturn. Passed down like folk songs. The love lasts so long.”

“And I've been meaning to tell you, I think your house is haunted. Your dad is always mad and that must be why. And I think you should come live with me, and we can be pirates. Then you won't have to cry or hide in the closet.”

august - 

“But I can see us lost in the memory, August slipped away into a moment in time. 'Cause it was never mine. And I can see us twisted in bed-sheets, August sipped away like a bottle of wine. 'Cause you were never mine.”

“Back when we were still changin' for the better. Wanting was enough. For me it was enough. To live for the hope of it all. Canceled plans just in case you'd call, and say, ‘Meet me behind the mall.’ So much for summer love and saying ‘us’, ‘cause you weren't mine to lose.”

“Remember when I pulled up and said, ‘Get in the car’? And then canceled my plans just in case you'd call? Back when I was livin' for the hope of it all.”

this is me trying - 

“I've been having a hard time adjusting. I had the shiniest wheels, now they're rusting. I didn't know if you'd care if I came back. I have a lot of regrets about that. Pulled the car off the road to the lookout. Could've followed my fears all the way down.”

“They told me all of my cages were mental, so I got wasted like all my potential. And my words shoot to kill when I'm mad. I have a lot of regrets about that. I was so ahead of the curve, the curve became a sphere. Fell behind all my classmates and I ended up here. Pouring out my heart to a stranger, but I didn't pour the whiskey.”

“At least I’m trying.”

illicit affairs - 

“And that's the thing about illicit affairs, and clandestine meetings, and longing stares. It's born from just one single glance, but it dies and it dies and it dies! A million little times.”

“Take the words for what they are. A dwindling, mercurial high. A drug that only worked the first few hundred times.”

“And that's the thing about illicit affairs, and clandestine meetings, and stolen stares. They show their truth one single time, but they lie and they lie and they lie! A million little times.”

“And you wanna scream, ‘Don't call me "kid," don't call me "baby". Look at this godforsaken mess that you made me. You showed me colors you know I can't see with anyone else. Don't call me "kid," don't call me "baby". Look at this idiotic fool that you made me. You taught me a secret language I can't speak with anyone else.’”

“‘And you know damn well, for you I would ruin myself a million little times.’”

invisible string - 

“Time, curious time, gave me no compasses, gave me no signs. Were there clues I didn't see? And isn't it just so pretty to think all along there was some invisible string tying you to me?”

“Bad was the Blood of the song in the cab on your first trip to LA. You ate at my favorite spot for dinner. Bold was the waitress on our three-year trip, getting lunch down by the lakes. She said I looked like an American singer.”

“A string that pulled me out of all the wrong arms, right into that dive bar. Something wrapped all of my past mistakes in barbed wire. Chains around my demons, wool to brave the seasons. One single thread of gold tied me to you.”

“Cold was the steel of my axe to grind for the boys who broke my heart. Now I send their babies presents. Gold was the color of the leaves when I showed you around Centennial Park. Hell was the journey but it brought me heaven.”

mad woman - 

“What did you think I'd say to that? Does a scorpion sting when fighting back? They strike to kill, and you know I will. What do you sing on your drive home? Do you see my face in the neighbor's lawn? Does she smile? Or does she mouth, ‘Fuck you forever’?”

“And there's nothing like a mad woman. What a shame she went mad. No one likes a mad woman. You made her like that. And you'll poke that bear 'til her claws come out, and you find something to wrap your noose around. And there's nothing like a mad woman.”

“Now I breathe flames each time I talk. My cannons all firin' at your yacht. They say ‘move on,’ but you know I won't. And women like hunting witches too. Doing your dirtiest work for you. It's obvious that wanting me dead has really brought you two together.”

“Every time you call me crazy, I get more crazy. What about that? And when you say I seem angry, I get more angry.”

“I'm taking my time, ‘cause you took everything from me. Watching you climb over people like me. The master of spin has a couple side flings. Good wives always know. She should be mad, should be scathing like me, but no one likes a mad woman.”

epiphany - 

“Keep your helmet, keep your life, son. Just a flesh wound, here's your rifle. Crawling up the beaches now. ‘Sir, I think he's bleeding out!’ And some things you just can't speak about.”

“Something med school did not cover. Someone's daughter, someone's mother, holds your hand through plastic now. ‘Doc, I think she's crashing out!’ And some things you just can't speak about.”

“Only twenty minutes to sleep, but you dream of some epiphany. Just one single glimpse of relief, to make some sense of what you've seen.”

“With you I serve, with you I fall down. Watch you breathe in, watch you breathing out.”

betty - 

“You heard the rumors from Inez. You can't believe a word she says most times, but this time it was true. The worst thing that I ever did, was what I did to you.”

“But if I just showed up at your party, would you have me? Would you want me? Would you tell me to go fuck myself, or lead me to the garden? In the garden, would you trust me if I told you it was just a summer thing? I'm only seventeen, I don't know anything, but I know I miss you!”

“I was walking home on broken cobblestones, just thinking of you when she pulled up like a figment of my worst intentions. She said, ‘James, get in, let's drive.’ Those days turned into nights. Slept next to her, but I dreamt o’ you all summer long!”

“Yeah, I showed up at your party, will you have me? Will you love me? Will you kiss me on the porch in front of all your stupid friends? If you kiss me, will it be just like I dreamed it? Will it patch your broken wings? I'm only seventeen, I don't know anything, but I know I miss you! Standin’ in your cardigan! Kissin' in my car again! Stopped at a streetlight, you know I miss you!”

peace - 

“But I'm a fire and I'll keep your brittle heart warm if your cascade, ocean wave blues come. All these people think love's for show, but I would die for you in secret. The devil's in the details, but you got a friend in me. Would it be enough if I could never give you peace?”

“Your integrity makes me seem small. You paint dreamscapes on the wall. I talk shit with my friends, it's like I'm wasting your honor. And you know that I'd swing with you for the fences. Sit with you in the trenches. Give you my wild, give you a child. Give you the silence that only comes when two people understand each other. Family that I chose, now that I see your brother as my brother. Is it enough? But there's robbers to the east, clowns to the West, I'd give you my sunshine, give you my best. But the rain is always gonna come if you're standin' with me.”

hoax - 

“You know I left a part of me back in New York. You knew the hero died so what's the movie for? You knew it still hurts underneath my scars, from when they pulled me apart. You knew the password so I let you in the door. You knew you won so what's the point of keeping score? You knew it still hurts underneath my scars, from when they pulled me apart. But what you did was just as dark. Darling, this was just as hard as when they pulled me apart.”

“My only one. My kingdom come undone. My broken drum, you have beaten my heart. Don't want no other shade of blue but you. No other sadness in the world would do.”