#apocalypticnova

[dreamqueenkala]

KINKTOBER 2022

((I’m not listing warnings for these. They’re self explanatory))

MINORS DNI 18+ ONLY VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED

Day i. || Piercings/Tattoos

Harrington, Steve w/ Male Reader

SYNOPSIS: Steve’s not the type to flaunt what he desires and certainly isn’t one to lose his cool around attractive people, but when it comes to you, all he really wants to do is trace the lines of your geometric tattoos and feel that cold silver bead on your tongue trace his skin. You have no qualms giving him what he so silently desires.

“F-Fuck—“ His cocoa butter hues rolled into the back of his skull, fingers roughly yanking at his chocolate curls as his hips bucked involuntarily. Drool pooled at the corner of his mouth and his toes curled in his sneakers, back pressed against the bathroom door as the party down stairs raged on.

He’d spent months imagining just what this would feel like. Day after day, Steve had gazed over you from afar, silently admiring the way your muscles made your tattoos flex along your arms, as if they were dancing. He’d swallowed every time your tongue did that familiar flick across your lip when you were nervous, his honey brown eyes honing in on the silver bead pierced through the wet muscle. He’d never once managed to gain the confidence to speak to you, in fact, he did his best to avoid you when he could.

Your mere presence in the same room had him anxious, a cold sweat lining his nape, his eyes averting anywhere but where you were located. His fingers would toy with the sleeves of his sweaters and tees, a minor distraction from the blatant sensation of your eyes burning into the side of his skull. He knew he’d been caught many times, neither of you were stupid, but Steve was far too sexually confused to mention it.

You, on the other hand, knew exactly what you wanted. Steve Harrington, with his fluffy brown locks always gelled to perfection, those honey colored doe eyes, his dimples, and the sweet flush of his cheeks when he smiled, had you in a daze. You’d wanted him far longer than he’d wanted you. Frankly, you thought of it as merely sexual attraction, nothing more.

But then, a few months into the new school year, you caught him staring during gym, watching you smoke on the bleachers by the field with a few of your friends. Your eyes had met slowly, and, almost as if some otherworldly being has pressed pause on your surroundings, time seemed to stand still. What was only a momentary shy glance at each other simultaneously, seemed as if it would last forever. When he whipped his head away, the moment had ended, but the sweet flush of pink to his cheeks as he jogged around the field away from you caught your eye.

From then on, you’d actively gone out of you way to tease him. In the parking lot you’d meet his eyes and wink. During gym you’d ogle his abs and biceps, biting your lip when you met eyes. Even passing each other in the halls you’d go as far as to caress his hip or his nape, his eyes following your tongue as it circled your pouting lips.

The man wasn’t oblivious, he knew you were taunting him. However, that’s all he thought it was. Steve didn’t think it would go anywhere, even if he confronted you about it. After all, he wasn’t the nicest guy in Hawkins, and he surely wasn’t known for his recent acceptance of his sexuality. Despite that, you were determined. You’d even planned a party at your house a week ago.

He didn’t want to go, originally, but King Steve had this “silent obligation” to attend every party. He didn’t expect it to be fun. He didn’t expect to be able to relax like he had been for over two hours. And he certainly didn’t expect to end up like this—

Pressed against the bathroom door connected to your bedroom upstairs, his jeans and boxers around his knees, and his cock buried down your throat. Your hands dug into his quivering thighs, pinning his hips whilst your tongue swirled around the length of it. Your eyes hadn’t left his face since you’d moved into the bathroom—in fact, you hadn’t stopped staring at him since he first arrived.

Your tongue traces the top of his cock, the cold metal bead pierced through it sending shockwaves through the jock’a body. “H-Holy s-shit—!” Steve reached down and gripped at your hair tightly with one hand, his free one tracing the black geometric symbols painted into the skin of your neck. You mewled around the girth pressing down on your tongue, tilting your head and letting the piercing trace the thick vein bulging from the underside.

Steve never came so hard in his life.

You swallowed and licked your lips clean of the sticky fluid he’d painted your tongue with, nipping at his thigh. Your fingers tugged are your shirt, pulling it over your head and leaving your tattooed torso on display. Steve blinked, panting heavily as you bent backwards over the bathroom counter, your own excitement prominently displayed beneath your jeans and a sultry smirk on your pouty lips. All it took was a simple wave of your hand and he was on you again, devouring your inked skin with licks, kisses and bites.

It may be a secret he’d have to take to his grave, but Steve would never forget that party.

[drylan]

Hackett’s Quarry Summer Camp Tag (lazy answers edition)

i’m lazy, old, and dont know how these tag games work, but @apocalypticnova tagged me (make sure to check out their blog as well) none of these answers are interesting or surprising, and might be a wee bit depressing/boring

original tag list by @lowonmelatonin

Favourite counsellor and least favourite counsellor. Why?:

favorite is dylan, because he’s dylan. not sure if i want to be him or i’d like to be loved by someone like him more.

don’t have a least favorite, but i find laura a bit frustrating for out of universe reasons - don’t like how she pushed the central cast aside and dominated the second half of the game. poor creative/writing choice and dragged the game down.

Favourite chapter and least favourite chapter. Why?:

favorite chapter is between 5 and 9 - all the radio hut fun and the scrapyard. honorable mention goes to chapter 2, it’s like a life is strange game but with better dialogue.

least favorite chapter is 7, it dragged the first time i played it and drags even more on replays.

Favourite ship (you can pick a maximum of 3)?:

dylan/ryan, don’t really have anything else i’m a big avid shipper of.

Biggest counsellor crush:

don’t really have one, but if i did it would probably be dylan, which is embarrassing given i (mostly, it is complicated) present as a woman and he’d have 0 interest in me. embarrassingly, my gaydar was broken in high school and i crushed on a number of gay guys (never acted on it, thank god). now i’m just a forever alone virgin loser who doesn’t crush on anyone anymore, even fictional. 

How would you survive The Quarry?:

i wouldn’t. i’d die being mauled by a werewolf - fat, slow, ugly, and POC with no interesting quirks or special talents - mfers like me die instantly in horror in humiliating ways if we even make the casting cut

Favourite The Quarry fanfic writer and fanartist:

this is incredibly difficult, because literally everyone is amazing and the creative collective brain in this fandom is amazing, despite possible discourse and differing opinions. if you are missing from this list, doesn’t mean i don’t like your content. just means i’m lazy and have a bad memory or don’t remember your tumblr vs your ao3. these are also the first ones that came to mind quickly, otherwise i’d be tagging half of the fandom:

fanfic:  @five-rat-lore  @iamsuperbi @craneoperatingwolf 

fanart: @divomria @kawaiifryingpan @nicca11y @iamsuperbi 

Shoutout some friends you have made being involved in the fandom!

honestly, i do not engage w/other folks enough to really be considered much of a ‘friend’ to anyone in the fandom, but here are some fun people to check out that i haven’t tagged earlier in the post:

@me-ladie @needsmorewlw @homohaamu @stressedanime @riverrunscold @116t98 @mythicalheartbeat @vampireinthesun (won’t let me tag :() @hyperfigations @mothamcity

sorry if i missed anyone. you’re all great fun and i appreciate this fandom and the escape it provides. i hope to provide more content and ficlets in the future, for as long as people will like it.

[dreamqueenkala]

OVERHEARD

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WARNINGS: Mutual H*ndjob; Gr*ping; Voyeurism; Anxiety; Gentle!Dom!Jacob; F*ngering; Internalized Hom*phobia; Hints of Ab*se; Sweet Talk

Male Reader x Jacob Custos

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I shrieked as a familiar bicep coiled around my neck, forcing me to bend over as his knuckles rubbed against my scalp. Squirming, I tugged at his arms and whined, eventually resorting to kicking him in the shin. He yelped and backed away quickly, leaning down to rub his shin with a pout.

"Um, ow!" He huffed, dark eyes glaring at me, though there was still humor on his face. I stuck my tongue out in reply, ruffling my (h/c) hair gently and popping my neck.

"You started it, shithead!" I squealed as he lunged at me, dodging to the side. Taking off at a sprint, I barreled through the forest behind the boathouse, screaming with joy. "Jacob, you're a dick!"

"I know!" Holy shit, he's right on my ass! I yelped as his muscular arms embraced my waist, the force of his tackle carrying us both to the dirt. I gasped from the force, cradling my head as it had smacked the ground pretty hard.

"F-Fuck, shit, I'm sorry, (Y/N)!" Jacob stammered, sitting upright to get a better look at my head. "Dammit, okay, t-there's no blood, at least." I blinked and light rubbed the bump already forming on the back of my skull, pushing myself up onto my elbows. As I did so, my face was suddenly inches away from Jacobs broad chest, the boy leaning over me slightly to worry over my bruising skull.

Completely oblivious to my predicament, Jacob caressed my hair gently, attempting to assess the damage. My eyes raked slowly down his torso, hesitating on his wide, strong hips and his powerful thighs that straddled my hips. Straddled. Holy fuck, Jacob's on top of me right now.

Every hormone in my body immediately reacted, blood rushing to my shorts and causing a tent to begin to form. My heart raced and my breathing staggered, (e/c) eyes wide with shock. My skin flushed a bright red and I yelped, quickly forcing the guy off me with both hands to his chest.

He gasped as he fell back, resting on his elbows as he glared at me. "Dude, what the hell—" Jacob's exclamation fell short as his brows furrowed, eyes settling on my red face and flustered expression. "Dude? You good?"

I didn't respond, my brain short circuiting as I attempted to rid myself of the dirty thoughts lingering behind my eyelids. What would it be like to have those thick, muscular thighs wrapped around my skull, those strong hands smacking my ass—I groaned and covered my face, lifting my knees in an attempt to shield my crotch from view.

"Dude, (Y/N), what's wrong?" Jacob leaned forward, brushing my hair to the side. He was worried, that much was obvious, but whether or not he noticed what was really happening to me was unknown.

"N-Nothing!" My voice cracked and I winced, squirming away from him. "I-I'm fine." My awkward demeanor was a common thing as I had severe social anxiety, especially around attractive or outgoing people. Though I was normally quite comfortable around Jacob, the crush I'd slowly developed over the past month on the guy made me flustered and provided me with more than just one problem. Problems I, unfortunately, had to deal with alone.

Shifting in place, I pushed myself back against a tree, my gaze flitting around rapidly. I could see his larger form moving closer to my thin self, kneeling over me as his shadow cast over my face. "(Y/N), dude, look at me." I shook my head, keeping my face buried in my knees. His firm hands squeezed my calves and I gasped softly, recoiling at the unintentionally intimate gesture. "Dude, let me see your face, c'mon—"

"N-No, Jake—!" My face grew ever warmer as he pulled my legs down, his eyes immediately flicking to the little problem I'd developed. I whimpered slightly at the wide eyed stare he'd given me upon noticing, tears pricking at my eyes. "D-Don't look at me like that."

His gaze snapped back up to meet mine, (e/c) clashing with deep charcoal. I squeezed my eyes shut and sniffled softly, hiccuping. "G-Go ahead. F-Fuckin' hate me, l-like everyone at home—"

"Woah, woah, woah! Dude, why would I hate you?" I snapped my jaw shut, eyes still screwed shut as my fingers dug into the dirt. "D-Did...did I...?" With a swift, but hesitant nod from me, Jacob inhaled sharply, his hands leaving my bare calves as he leaned back. I felt my heart sink and had to bite back a sob, the sound a choked whimper in my throat as I covered my face with my hands.

The dark thoughts invaded, memories of my fathers drunken anger and the abuse I suffered at home lingering behind my minds eye. I could feel the glass shattering on my skin, hear the angry slurs and threats, the banging of his fist on a door. Without realizing it, I began to hyperventilate, my breathing staggered and my heart rate accelerated as I struggled to focus. Ugly. Evil. Stupid. Weak. Pathetic. Useless. Disgusting. Disgraceful.

“Hey, hey, hey!” Warm hands cupped my jaw, two thumbs wiping the tears trickling down my skin. "It's okay. You're beautiful. You're kind. You're funny. You're smart. So beautiful. So brilliant." I hadn’t realized I’d spoken my thoughts aloud. His sweet words slowly calmed my thunderous thoughts, my breathing slowing to an even pattern. Blinking my eyes slowly, I leaned into his palm, exhaling softly as my hands fell to my lap.

"'M sorry." Jacob shushed me, petting my cheeks as he moved to sit beside me. Maneuvering my body, he placed me between his legs, head resting against his chest and my own legs draped over his left thigh. He cradled me close for a moment—obviously he was used to my anxiety attacks, having helped me through them more than once before so far this summer—and gently caressed my spine lightly.

"You're okay, (N/N). Seriously, you don't have to be so worked up." Jacob hummed after a moment. "I meant what I said, okay? I could never hate you just for being gay...your dad’s a dick, dude." I snorted softly and nuzzled his chest, exhaling as his heart thumped loudly beneath my ear.

"Thanks Jake. You're my best friend, you know that?" Jacob smiled and rested his hands on my back and thigh, hugging me closer.

"Well, duh, but I think I'm more than just your best friend if you just popped a boner for me—"

"Oh my god, shut up!" His boisterous laugh was infectious, a wide grin on both our lips as the tenseness of the previous situation died down with ease. His eyes sparkled with mirth and adoration as they examined my happy expression, lingering for a moment longer on my lips. "What...?"

"Nothing. You're just hot." His cheeky grin had me groaning, falling backwards over his lap as he snorted.

"Woooooow, so smooth, Jake." I huffed, despite the pink hue painting the apples of my cheeks again. I reached up and poked his shoulder, the guy smiling down at me.

"What? I can't flirt with you?" I deadpannned and pursed my lips, narrowing my gaze as I sat up.

"You're fucking with me."

He gaped at my blatant accusation, lifting his hands up in defense. "Um, no? Why would I do that?"

"Don't be a dick."

"I'm not! Wha—(Y/N)!" I moved to stand up, shuffling onto my knees with slight discomfort due to the semi-hard-on I still sported. Before I could move any further, Jacob's hands grasped my waist, pulling me back and forcing me to face him, straddling his hips. His expression was that of a kicked puppy as he held me in place, genuinely hurt by my accusation. "I'm not fucking with you."

Pursing my lips, I hesitated, searching his charcoal gaze for a sign of any deceit or deviousness. When I found none, I caved, placing my hands on his chest gently. "Promise?"

"Yeah, I promise." Jacobs hands squeezed my sides lightly, my body shuddering as his thumbs brushed under the hem of shirt my slightly. His eyes flickered down, watching my hips twitch in his lap, before flickering up to gauge my reaction. His hands slid lower, warm fingers threading under my shirt and tickling my cool skin lightly. I sat up straighter, suddenly aware of how close we really were, our noses practically brushing as our breathes mingled.

"Jake..." I mumbled, eyes flicking to his lips as my heart hammered in my chest. He swallowed thickly, leaning forward so our lips brushed.

"Yeah..." Jacob closed the gap, pulling me closer as his hips brushed up against mine. I mewled softly against his mouth, feeling his hand slide down to palm my crotch, squeezing the length and rubbing the head with his thumb.

"J-Jacob—" He shushed me with another kiss, his fingers digging into my waist and his hand squeezing my crotch lightly. His tongue slipped past my parted lips, losing itself against mine while his knees bent slightly, rolling our hips together. Soft mewls and whines escaped me between kisses, my hands grabbing at his defined chest and broad shoulders, squeezing and kneading the muscled flesh.

He chuckled slightly, soft grunts pressed against my lips as I groped the athlete, his hands guiding my ass over his lap. I could feel him pressing against my rear, the thick outline of his cock tented in his khakis. I pulled away with a breathless gasp, a string of saliva bonding our lips as we panted and gazed at each other, pupils blown. "I-I thought you were—"

"Interested in Emma? She's hot but she's not you."

My heart warmed at his words and I found myself grinding over his lap, pressing down against his cock whilst his fingers squeezed my waist. "F-Fuck..." He groaned and let his eyes flutter shut, cupping my ass in his large palms with a nice squeeze. "You keep doing that and I'm gonna lose it, (N/N)." He warned, eyes dark as they opened to settle on my hips, watching me roll them.

"Jacob..." His name came out as a breathless whine, his eyes meeting mine with surprise and lust as he took in my expression of utter submission. My nails dug into his shoulders as I leaned back against his bent legs, lips parted and slightly swollen from our kisses whilst my pupils consumed the ring of (e/c) that once rested there. "I want you. Jacob, please." I begged, disheveled (h/c) locks falling loosely in my vision. A deep groan left his throat and his hands moved further down my ass, grabbing firmly at the plush clothed flesh. His lips found my neck and sucked at the skin, tongue swirling lightly over my pulse point. As his teeth nipped at my pulse, I cried out and bucked my hips hard, slamming my ass back against his hard clothed cock.

"Jesus Fucking—!" Gripping my ass tightly, he lifted me up onto my knees, shuffling to remove his belt. Popping the button, he slid his khakis and boxers down just enough to let his cock stand, the bulbous red tip bounding against his clothed abs with a harsh smack.!I swallowed thickly and struggled to remove my own shorts, tossing them along with my briefs to the side. My shirt still present on my body helped me relax slightly, feeling incredibly shy as my smaller length lifted the hem with its pulsing. "You're beautiful." The ravenette mumbled against my throat, licking his fingers lightly. That hand made its way down my spine, slipping between my cheeks and prodding at my entrance.

I gasped and gripped his shoulders, whimpering as he slipped his middle finger in to the first knuckle. It felt different with his hand, his digits thicker than my own. Despite the temporary discomfort, I felt extremely satisfied by just the one in my ass, keening as he buried it deeper. "Is that good?" Jacob asked, genuinely curious as he'd most likely never fucked another guy before. I nodded, unable to find words in the moment, and let my head rest on his shoulder. His ring finger slipped past the rim, following the first as deep as two knuckles, then he slowly pulled them back out only to push them back in just as slow.

"Faster..." I murmured, tightly gripping at his shirt as I did so. He made a soft noise of confirmation, his fingers moving faster as his freehand slid to my front. Between my legs, he grasped my cock in his left hand, my muffled yelp of surprise pressed against his skin. Rubbing the tip with his thumb, he stroked me lightly, other hand still thrusting into my ass as he held me. "O-Oh fuck, J-Jake...!"

"Say my name again." His voice was hoarse from lust and pleasure, leaning back to watch my expressions as he toyed with my body. His cock throbbed against his abdomen, a bead of precum forming at the tip.

"Jake!" I all but whined, head tossed back as I rolled my hips against his hands. His breath hitched and he bit his lip, dark eyes watching me with awe. Deciding to return the favor, one of my hands slipped down his chest and enveloped his length, his size much larger than my hand. I stroked him in time with his movements, watching his brows furrow and his jaw clench.

"F-Fuck, (Y/N)..." He grunted, voice cracking. I perked up slightly and moved my hand a bit faster, still rolling my hips into his hands. My thumb swiped over his tip, spreading his precum, and I squeezed the base lightly, earning a whine of pleasured protest from him. "Fuck yeah, ah..."

I leaned forward as he rushed his movements, thrusting his fingers in my ass rapidly as he fisted my cock. His lips brushed over mine as we both moaned, his hand replacing mine on his own cock and pressing our two lengths together. I mewled and thrusted into his fist, coiling my arms around his neck and threading my fingers through his hair. He kissed me aggressively, stroking faster as he dipped three fingers into my ass, altering the angle and brushing my prostate. I screamed against his mouth, his lips pulling into a smile as his tongue swallowed my cry, fingers aiming for that bundle of nerves on every thrust in. His strokes grew sloppy, our cocks rubbing together as they throbbed and our balls clenched, climax growing near.

"So beautiful. So sweet." Jacob cooed against my lips, his eyes half lidded as he gazed at me with such adoration and love, chest heaving. I whimpered softly and bit my lip, back arching as I cried out once more, my vision a blinding white. I could hear him groan, his hips bucking against mine as we both came, the warm stickiness of our release mixed between our shirts and dampening the soft cotton cloth. Panting, I rested my head on his shoulder, wincing as his fingers slipped from my ass and tugged my shirt hem down to cover it.

"Holy shit, you guys are loud." I yelped and scrambled to hide myself further, Jacobs hands wiping themselves clean on his shirt before coiling around me protectively. Nick snickered as he stood nearby, hands on his hips whilst Kaitlyn hailed a disapproving expression, her arms folded over her chest. "You guys need to clean the fuck up and thank Ryan for taking all the kiddos canoeing."

"Yes ma'am." Jacob mock saluted the short woman, receiving a roll of the eyes and a scoff before she turned on her heel. Nick waved, a coy smirk on his face as he followed after her, disappearing beyond the treeline. Jacob chuckled lowly and pressed a kiss to my temple, hugging me gently.

"We really should get cleaned up." I nodded, my face ablaze, but the dopey smile I carried had yet to fade. Even though we'd been caught, I didn't regret a thing.

[dreamqueenkala]

KINKTOBER 2022

MINORS DNI 18+ ONLY VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED

Day iii. || Collaring

Custos, Jacob w/ Male Reader

SYNOPSIS: You’re tired of Emma blatantly flirting with Jacob, especially when you’ve been dating him far longer than you’ve been at camp. Deciding to put an end to this game of hers, you bring out the “anniversary gift” you’d gotten him a little earlier than you intended to.

Nostrils flaring, eyes narrowed and teeth gritted with a vengeful annoyance, your fingers latched into Jacob’s hair and pulled sharply. He yelped, his gaze snapping away from the blonde who’d been pressing herself against his front moments ago, stumbling in your direction. Emma’s eyes were wide from both surprise and irritation, clearly upset that you’d stepped in.

“Stay the fuck away from my boyfriend, Mountebank.” You hissed, your voice a bit deeper as it normally became when struck with deep anger. Jacob’s body tensed and he instinctively shuffled closer to you, one of his most subtle submissive tells. Typically, you’d grasp his hand to comfort him when he submitted like that, but your anger blinded you and instead you let your glare linger on the jock before snapping back to the influencer.

With an agitated click of her tongue, Emma tossed her hair over her shoulder and placed her hands on her hips, a sneer on her lips that made your blood boil. “Kinda can’t when we work together sometimes. Not my fault he looks so delicious.” A growl almost inhumane left your throat, her haughty expression wavering as she took a step back. Clearing her throat, she shrugged in feign disinterest, turning on her heel. “Whatever losers.”

Spinning on your heel, you backed the taller boy towards your shared cabin, grateful the kids were busy on the island. Your fingers kneaded into his biceps, guiding him inside, albeit a bit rougher than you would’ve intended had you not been practically seeing red. Your lips met his before he could speak, a deep groan leaving his lips.

“Babe—“ Jacob stammered against your lips, his large hands grasping at your hips in an attempt to push you away. Your brows furrowed, your own hands forcing him backwards til his knees met the frame of your shared bunk, a sharp gasp leaving his lips as he tumbled onto the mattress. Glaring down at the flustered male, you bent over to dig in your suitcase, fumbling around for a specific object you’d tucked away. “What are you doing?”

“Shut up, Jacob.” Rising to your full height, a few inches shorter than the jock himself, you held the thick leather object in your hand in front of him. His dark eyes honed in the object and widened, jaw going slack with both nervousness and surprise. “Wear it.”

“W-What?”

“Since Emma can’t seem to take a fucking hint, maybe I should just show her who you belong to. Wear. It. Jacob.” The male licked his lips and tilted his head forward, worried gaze flickering between the leather and your own eyes. Seeing his concern and hesitation, your expression softened, free hand coming up to cup his cheek and caress the skin beneath his eye. “Relax baby. It’s only for us, I won’t hurt you. You know that, right?”

Jacob held your gaze for a moment longer, finally releasing a deep exhale and nodding. You moved to sit beside him on the mattress, hand on his cheek now petting his hair soothingly before moving to his nape. His eyes fluttered closed as he tilted his head forward all the way, your fingers gently caressing the skin of his neck. The collar coiled around his throat at your command, the minuscule clink of the clasp causing him to shiver slightly. Straightening, he gazed at you with a dazed glassy effect to his eyes, pupils dilated while the male rested in his sub space.

“You’re so good, Jacob. I love you, baby.” Peppering kisses over his face, Jacob hummed and smiled, nuzzling you gently. “What do you want, Jacob? Use your words.”

“Wanna suck you off.” He mumbled, mouthing at the skin of your collarbones just peeking above the collar of your shirt.

“Yeah? Want me to fuck your face?”

“Mhm. Fuck my face, babe.” With a grin, you stood from the bed again, fumbling with your jeans. Jacob eagerly gazed up at you, subconsciously reaching up to fidget with the leather wrapped around his neck. Your hands dug your cock out, already painfully erect and dripping, reaching up to grasp his collar whilst pressing your tip to his patted lips.

Jacob opened his mouth without any hesitation, eyes closing as you sank deep into the back of his throat. You stopped about half way to let him inhale, then bucked your hips the rest of the way. He gagged and swallowed around you, the sensation causing you to groan and your hips to stutter in their motions. One hand latched into his hair, the other on the above bunk frame, your hips rocked in and out of his mouth and throat at a rapid, brutal pace.

You watched as your cock was outlined in his throat by a bulge, the collar around his neck making it seem fuller and coaxing your boyfriend to swallow more. “Fuck baby, you take me so well.” He mewled around you, his own hips rutting against the pillow he’d situated himself upon, his sweats tented with his own erection. Eyes fluttering open again, Jacob gazed up at you with dark, hazy eyes and teary lashes, cheeks flushed and hollowed around you. What a heavenly sight that was to you, expressed especially with the way your voice raised in response.

If the sounds you were making weren’t enough of an indication, maybe Emma would see the collar at dinner and take the fucking hint this time. You completely believed that if your cock wasn’t buried down his throat, Jacob would be singing louder than you.

[dreamqueenkala]

JOKESTER

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WARNINGS: Mentions of Alcohol; Making-Out; Oral(Male Receiving); Biting/Marking; Teasing; Submissive!Dylan; Anal Penetration; Unprotected Sex

Male Reader x Dylan Lenivy

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Another night to be spent around the firepit and I was already dreading it. It'd been a long fucking day at camp. As the security counselor, it was my job to protect the kids from potential harm, including each other. Unfortunately, kids their age fought. A lot. That meant bruises and scratches in places I wouldn't typically get them unless attempting to restrain a kid throwing a fit over crayons during art with Abigail.

I had a massive headache, there were fresh bandages wrapped around my right bicep and a small patch on my cheek, a bruise was forming around the left side of my rib cage and my back fucking ached. I was exhausted. All I wanted to do was go to sleep a little early since the kids were on the island with Chris Hackett and Nurse Kelly for a 'survival' task. I was so grateful for one day off. Just one.

And then Emma found me outside the pool house, having just taken a fresh shower. She cornered me near the entrance with the full intent to guilt trip me into spending time with her. She did this often, and I unfortunately adored her preppy outgoing self. She was like the little sister I never had.

However, she forgot to mention hanging out with her meant hanging out with everyone else tonight. More specifically, hanging out with my crush. Yup. That's right. I had a crush on one of the counselors. Surprising? I know. Never thought I'd see the day I liked someone.

But this wasn't just a crush either. I was desperately in love with the guy. His soft chocolate locks, his doe brown eyes and and his dorky half smile. His stupid jokes and his stupidly brilliant mind. Those hard abs, long legs, and wide, athletic hips. All it took was a smile my way for me to melt like putty. I wanted him. I adored him. And damn did he make me fucking horny.

What? I can't help it. I've got needs and they just so happen to revolve around one guy in particular. His name is Dylan Lenivy, and he is the quirkiest, sweetest, funniest and smartest guy I've ever met. It was only month two, and we'd made it a habit of hanging out all together one way or another every week. We hadn't done something together this week just yet but it seemed that was to change tonight.

With a groan, I changed into a pair of black sweats, my boots and a baby blue v-neck short sleeve, ruffling my (h/c) locks lightly. I yawned slightly as I exited the cabin I shared with Jacob, moving towards the firepit. Nick, Ryan, Emma and Kaitlyn were already there chatting and stoking the flames. I sat beside Emma, my closest friend here, and she smiled at me.

Turning to face me, she grinned, showing off her pearly white teeth. "So."

I quirked a brow, my voice hoarse with fatigue as I replied. "So...?"

"You gonna fuck him?" I choked on my spit and smacked her arm, eliciting a giggle of glee from the blonde. "Oh come on! The sexual tension between you two is practically howling."

"Yeah, dude, Dylan's got his legs spread for you." Kaitlyn chipped in from the other side of the fire near Ryan.

"Fucking shit, shut up, good God." I groaned, covering my face with my palms.

"Hey, man, literally all of us can see it." Nick piped up, grinning playfully. "Shoot your shot, mate."

I groaned and tossed my head back, my (e/c) eyes catching sight of three figures walking towards the firepit, the largest of the three carrying a huge wine cooler. Jacob grinned as he joined us, followed shortly by Dylan and Abi carrying snacks.

"Yo dudes! Got the beer!" He cheered, and we joined in as he handed out bottles. I gratefully accepted a bottle, popping the cap with my key ring and tipping it back.

"Oh my god, I needed that." I grunted with a sigh of relief, cracking my neck as I rested the bottle against my knee. My head still throbbed slightly but it had already begun to grow numb, replaced by the soft buzzing of the alcohol in my system. Sitting up straight, I gazed around the group, watching everyone shuffle into place. Jacob took the spot on Emma's other side, Abi next to him followed by Nick, then Ryan, Kaitlyn and Dylan. Now with everyone present, we settled for mostly idle chatter and jokes.

It'd been about an hour since we'd started and I was feeling plenty buzzed, which made me very bold. I giggled at something Emma said, completely oblivious to the doe-like brown eyes watching me from across the fire, a small grin on the owners face. Emma clapped her hands, drawing everyone's attention to her.

"Alright! Now that we're all at least somewhat intoxicated, let's get to some party games, yeah?" She hummed, smiling with delight at the cheers she received. Kaitlyn and Emma shared a look and a grin, the former taking the wine cooler and setting it between the open area of the circle, an empty bottle laid on top.

"Spin the bottle? Really?" Ryan didn't seem to like the idea, scoffing at the implied party game. "Yeah, I'll sit this one out."

"Party pooper." Kaitlyn pouted, but nonetheless the game began. It went around the circle twice before myself, Dylan or Emma received a turn. The bottle, now spun by Jacob, landed on me. I smiled and offered the big teddy-bear of a guy a hug before spinning the bottle myself. It spun round four times before coming to a stop, my gaze following its neck til my (e/c) eyes met brown. My breathe caught in my throat and I had to bite my lip to hide a smile.

"Dylan! Kiss the man already!" Emma encouraged, urging the brunette to stand. He did so hesitantly, moving to sit beside me on the edge of the log. He smiled, though it was awkward, that same half-smile he did when he was nervous that absolutely drove me nuts.

"Hi."

"Hi." I cooed softly, setting my beer down in the grass. His doe eyes gazed at me so shyly, so innocently, I felt my heart skip a beat. His cheeks were slightly flushed, whether from embarrassment or the alcohol, I couldn't tell. His tongue swiped over his lower lip, my eyes following the movement with hitched breathes. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but he didn't get the chance. A soft gasp left him as my lips met his abruptly, my hand caressing his hip lightly as I drew him in. I tuned out the cheers and the catcalls thrown our way, solely focused on the boy in front of me.

His fingers curled into my shirt as I coiled my arms around his waist, guiding him into my lap. His fingers moved up to thread into my hair, tugging at the soft (h/c) strands lightly. My tongue pressed against his, caressing it so gently as my teeth gnawed at his lower lip. My thumbs pressed into his thighs lightly, guiding him forward over my lap. A sharp groan left me and we parted, a thin string of saliva linking us together.

Panting, I gazed up at the flushed boy in my lap, smiling affectionately. Glancing around the group, I stood up, hoisting the male into my arms with general ease. "Goodnight you freakzoids!" I called over my shoulder, ignoring their laughter as Dylan clung to me. His arms were coiled around my neck and he was gazing up at me in both awe and surprise, anxiety bubbling in our bellies.

"I adore you, Dyl." He perked up at that as I carried him to my cabin, carefully opening the door before setting him down. "I mean it. I adore your smile and your stupid jokes and how smart you are. I adore seeing you laugh and seeing you smile when someone makes you happy, even in the smallest way." As I spoke, I crept towards the tall boy with adoration and lust in my eyes, pinning him to the bunk. He swallowed thickly, gazing down at me slightly due to the small height difference. His pupils were blown and his breathing staggered, his fingers twitching as he reached up to cup my face in his hands.

"(N/N)..."

"I adore everything about you, Dylan. I adore you." I hadn't realized I was crying until I sniffled, burying my face in one of his palms. His grasp drew me closer and he pressed a sweet kiss to my temple, nuzzling my nose with his.

"I adore you, too, (Y/N)." His lips met mine again, this time more fervently, aggressively. His lips sucked on my tongue, eliciting a sharp groan from me. My hands caressed his body, tugging at his shirt and lifting it over his head. My shirt followed, tossed across the cabin til morning. His hands caressed my pecs and abs, tracing the bruises on my rib cage lightly. "I'm sorry." He murmured, leaning in to pepper kisses over the yellowing flesh. I gasped and hummed, tugging him up by the back of his neck to kiss him again. My fingers traced down his bare torso and tugged lightly at his shorts dragging them along with his boxers down to his knees.

I pushed him to lay down on the low bunk, clambering over him. I kissed his jaw and guided kisses down his torso, breathing hot against his erection. It twitched and throbbed slightly at the cool air, a soft whimper leaving his lips. I gazed up at him with a smile, extending my tongue and caressing the head of his cock lightly. Dylan gasped and his hips bucked involuntarily, his fingers digging into the bedsheets.

"F-Fuck, (Y/N)!" I grinned, suckling at the head as my cheeks hollowed and my fingers caressed his base. My eyes fell closed as I took him slowly deeper, my nose brushing his pubes lightly as he bottomed out down my throat. I could hear him whimpering and mewling, the sound muffled by the hand he'd placed over his mouth. His hips twitched and shuddered, resisting the urge to buck against my face. I continued to suck him off for a short while, toying with him before I pulled away.

Panting, he gazed down at me with slightly teary brown eyes, gripping the pillow his head rested on. "(Y/N) please." He murmured. I leaned forward to kiss him, my fingers kneading the flesh of his ass. "N-No, you don't have to..."

"I need to prep you, Dyl."

"N-No, I mean...I've a-already done that." I paused, leaning back to gaze down at him with surprise, finding his shy expression absolutely adorable. Chuckling, I peppered light kisses to his cheeks and nose, slipping my sweats and boxers down slowly. His breathing hitched slightly as my bulbous tip pressed against his ass, his eyes widening at the sight. "Y-You're big."

I snorted softly, mouthing at his pulse point along his throat lightly, rubbing the head around his rim. "I'll be gentle." After he nodded, I pressed my hips ever so gently against his own. The head slipped past his entrance and elicited a short cry from the thinner boy. I gritted my teeth and nipped at his pulse point lightly, sinking deeper til I was buried about halfway. Dylan's arms coiled around my shoulders, hugging me close as he trembled beneath me, his toes curled and his knees bent. I gave him a moment to breathe and relax, settling for just enjoying the soft mewl he made everytime I kissed or nipped at his throat and collarbone.

"So beautiful." I mumbled, punctuating the compliment with a thrust of my hips. Dylan gasped, back arching slightly as I continued to roll my hips, cradling him close with my face buried in his neck. "Mine. All mine."

"Y-Yours, (Y/N). I love you." I smiled and leaned back, pressing a soft kiss to his lips before doing so. I shifted his legs so they were wrapped around my waist, pressing myself ever deeper into him.

"I love you, too." Dylan screamed as I bucked forward, the head of my cock hitting his prostate right off the bat. His nails dug into my back and shoulders, raking harsh pink lines down my (s/c) skin that elicited hisses of pleasure from me. I leaned back, sitting upright for a better angle as I railed him into the bunk, the frame creaking oddly with each rock.

"F-Fuck, you're so tight, Dyl. My baby." The brunette mewled and keened at my words, reaching up to cup my face and drag me back down for another kiss. This one was messy, wet and desperate, teeth clashing as he sucked on my tongue and nibbled at my lip.

"P-Please, f-fuck, please!" He repeated this demand like a mantra, a sign he was growing ever closer. I reached down and grasped his cock in my hand, stroking him gently in time with my thrusts. His lips parted and he cried out, hips bucking and body shuddering as his chest heaved, thick spurts of sticky white warmth coating my fist and dripping over his abdomen. I thrusted a few more times as he clamped around me, bursting inside him as I sucked a mark into his throat. We both shuddered, clinging to each other for a long moment, then he chuckled softly.

"That's one way to ask me out." I snorted and kissed his cheek, reaching under my bunk for the towel i used to shower earlier on.

"Yeah yeah, shut up and let me clean you, babe." I loved this man more than anything, especially when he laughed and smiled so brightly. Dylan was my boyfriend, my love, my light.

My little jokester.

[dreamqueenkala]

Okay, but does anyone else think it’s really hot when Tech translates and then proceeds to speak in the primitive native language on Skako Minor? Anyone?? No? Just me? 😮‍💨😍

[dreamqueenkala]

KINKTOBER 2022

I’ve never done this before, but I know it’s pretty popular and I’m interested in giving it a shot, so bare with me.

18+ Adult Content below the cut. Viewer discretion advised.

ALL CLAIMS WILL BE WITH A FEMALE READER UNLESS SPECIFIED(Or I decide a male reader fits better lol).

I’m debuting the expansion of my requests list—I now accept requests for the following;

The Quarry

Brinly, Max

Custos, Jacob

Erzahler, Ryan

Furcillo, Nick

Lenivy, Dylan

Stranger Things

Byers, Jonathan

Hargrove, Billy

Harrington, Steve

Munson, Eddie

THIS CLAIM LIST IS OFFICIALLY COMPLETED. SEE YOU IN OCTOBER!

All you have to do is send me an ask with your preferred character and the day of choice. You can also submit that ask with any prompts you’d like me to use—please only choose a maximum of 2 prompts at a time—they can come from any prompt list anywhere so long as the author/original poster allows it. Once a day has been claimed, it cannot be claimed by any other character. Due to the fact my list is so small—EACH CHARACTER IS LIMITED TO 3 TOTAL DAYS. The first and final days (1 October; 31 October) will remain MY CHOICE. If there are some unfilled but no characters available, you readers will have until 29 September to send me free reign asks to fill those spaces. If they are not filled by 11:59 PM 29 September, I will fill them myself.

The list will be below.

Day i. || Piercings/Tattoos || MY CHOICE—Harrington, Steve(M)

Day ii. || Praise || CLAIMED—Lenivy, Dylan

Day iii. || Collaring || CLAIMED—Custos, Jacob(M)

Day iv. || Face Fucking || CLAIMED—Custos, Jacob

Day v. || Hair Pulling || CLAIMED—Brinly, Max

Day vi. || Sensory Deprivation || CLAIMED—Erzahler, Ryan

Day vii. || Spanking || CLAIMED—Hargrove, Billy

Day viii. || Dominant Reader || CLAIMED—Brinly, Max

Day ix. || Toys || CLAIMED—Harrington, Steve

Day x. || Edging || CLAIMED—Erzahler, Ryan(M)

Day xi. || Breeding/Creaming || CLAIMED—Lenivy, Dylan

Day xii. || Pet Names || CLAIMED—Harrington, Steve

Day xiii. || Body Worship || CLAIMED—Brinly, Max

Day xiv. || Cuffing || CLAIMED—Munson, Eddie(M)

Day xv. || Degradation || CLAIMED—Hargrove, Billy

Day xvi. || In Public || CLAIMED—Lenivy, Dylan

Day xvii. || Cockwarming || CLAIMED—Furcillo, Nick

Day xviii. || Lap Dance || CLAIMED—Erzahler, Ryan

Day xix. || Jealousy || CLAIMED—Munson, Eddie(M)

Day xx. || Overstimulation || CLAIMED—Munson, Eddie

Day xxi. || Video || CLAIMED—Byers, Jonathan

Day xxii. || Masturbation || CLAIMED—Furcillo, Nick

Day xxiii. || Threesome || CLAIMED—Byers, Jonathan & Munson, Eddie

Day xxiv. || Honey/Syrup/Ice || CLAIMED—Hargrove, Billy

Day xxv. || Biting/Marking || CLAIMED—Furcillo, Nick

Day xxvi. || Sexting/FaceTime || CLAIMED—Lenivy, Dylan(M)

Day xxvii. || Shower Sex || CLAIMED—Hargrove, Billy

Day xxviii. || Thigh Fucking || CLAIMED—Harrington, Steve(M)

Day xxix. || Wall Fucking || CLAIMED—Byers, Jonathan

Day xxx. || Confined Space || CLAIMED—Custos, Jacob

Day xxxi. || Taboo || MY CHOICE—Brinly, Max(M)

[dreamqueenkala]

SECRET

|•|•|•|•|•|•|•|

WARNINGS: Oral(Male Receiving); Face-Fucking; Biting/Marking; Wall-Fucking; Mentions of Blood; Dominant!Max; Dirtytalk/Degradation; Unprotected Sex; Angst

Female Reader x Max Brinly

|•|•|•|•|•|•|•|

A twig cracked nearby, startling me from my stupor. My head shot up, my brain on autopilot as I forced my legs to push me backwards til my spine pressed against the cool surface of a boulder. A blurry figure came into view, a mix of fair skin, brown hair and pink and black fabric. I blinked, reaching up to rub at my strained eyes, and whimpered once more. The ringing in my ears id been numb to before was now loud, and I shook my head to rid myself of it.

"(Y....Y/N)! (Y/N), hey!" With a yelp, I jolted back at the large hands that grasped my shoulders, nearly slamming my skull into the boulder I cornered myself against. Shivering, my (e/c) gaze settled on a pair of familiar green eyes and my lower lip quivered.

"M-Max...?" My voice was hoarse and cracked as I spoke, though it did nothing to falter the grin that spread across the boys freckled face. His fingers caressed my bare arms in an attempt to warm me, my body unintentionally leaning closer.

"Hey, hey! It's okay, (Y/N), I'm right here." He murmured, sighing with relief as he drew me into a tight embrace, his body heat rolling off him in waves. "Thank God, you're okay. We're okay." He mumbled against my shoulder, hands caressing my spine.

"W-What...what happened? I-I can't..." My breathing picked up its pace as I attempted to wrack my brain for answers, beginning to panic at the loss of time and memory befalling me. Max pulled me closer, shushing me quietly as his fingers kneaded the skin of my hips.

"Hey, h-hey, it's okay! It's all over now, I promise." Pulling back, he smiled down at me, reaching up to caress my cheek with his dominant hand. I leaned into his palm, sighing softly at the familiar contact I hadn't realized I'd craved so desperately. "We're safe now. Let's get you cleaned up, dressed and warm, yeah?"

I nodded, bloodied hands grasping his forearms as he guided me onto my feet. I stumbled slightly but carried on, leaning into his side for support. Max led me up the stairs and across the tree-bridge to the island treehouse, shutting the door behind us. Reassuring me he'd be back in a moment, the brunette left my side to dig through a set of three bags.

It was then I took the time to examine him and giggled. It was odd seeing him dressed in Laura's clothes, especially her jogger top, which was too tight around his broad chest. My hand reached up to cover my mouth as my soft giggles slowly grew louder in volume, drawing his attention. Max stood, a set of clothes and a small handtowel in his hands, quirking a brow up as he turned to acknowledge me.

"What?" He tilted his head like a lost puppy, his grin growing awkwardly confused. "What's funny?" I snorted and gestured to his outfit, encouraging him to glance over himself.

"Oh, this? Yeah, just...threw something together. Pink's kinda hot, huh?" I burst out laughing, leaning against the wall as he flexed as best he could in that outfit. His grin widened and his green eyes gazed over my bloody, bruised and still cold semi-naked form, shaking his head. "C'mere." Despite the short giggles I still experienced, I stumbled my way forward and immediately dove into his outstretched arms, nuzzling my face into his warm chest with a content sigh.

"I'm gonna wash you down as best I can, okay?" I nodded, tensing slightly as the cold damp fabric of the towel pressed against my back. With a shiver, I pushed myself as close to the brunette as I could, my hips flush to his and my hands on his chest. I could feel his heart beating under my palms, could feel the change in its tempo as it skipped a beat and increased slightly in speed. My brows furrowed and my fingers dug into the shirt, thankful the blood on my body was dry enough not to stain his borrowed clothes.

Max's caress was gentle and kind, soothing me with small patterns drawn into my skin as he cleaned what he could. He pulled apart from the embrace for a moment, sliding the towelette around my midriff and over my belly. I tensed up with a sharp inhale, squeezing my eyes shut as my cheeks flushed. Granted, my hands and legs were still trembling so bad from my transformation that I couldn't do this myself, but it was still an awkward yet intimate feeling having his hands caress me in such modest areas.

I guess my senses were still adjusting to the broken curse because I could hear him swallow. His breathes were shorter and slightly erratic, coming through his nose. His gaze was heavy on my face despite the fact his hands were busy cleaning my thighs now. Just the sensation alone made my (s/c) cheeks warm with a cherry hue and my upper canines dig lightly into my lower lip.

The towel hit the floor abruptly and I had no time to react as his warm fingers met my cold skin, digging into the supple flesh of my thighs. My eyes shot open and I gazed up at him with surprise and confusion, though that quickly transitioned to submission when I met his gaze. His once emerald green eyes were darkened, a deep sage color encompassing the blown pupils as his own cheeks flushed. His left hand met my jaw and caressed my cheek lightly, encouraging me to keen and nuzzle his palm.

"Fuck." His voice was deep, hoarse, as if he was struggling to contain what he really wanted to say or do. His right hand dug his fingers harder into my thigh eliciting a short whimper from my lips that had him gritting his teeth. "Don't tell Laura."

"W-What?" I stammered, hands grasping at the top he wore lightly. His green eyes darkened further and he leaned forward, his nose brushing the skin beneath my ear.

"Don't tell Laura. I've liked you for months, (Y/N)." I tensed, wondering if perhaps he was still experiencing side effects to his wolf-infection. His erratic heart rate and the way he drew me closer, however, didn't match that theory. "Please. Be mine, just for tonight." The desperation in his voice made me crack, my head turning slightly so I could press a gentle kiss to his neck.

"Okay, Max. Use me. I'm yours, just for tonight." He groaned and suddenly, his hands were in my hair, his mouth on mine, his teeth tugging at my lower lip desperately. I moaned and dug my fingers into his shoulders, holding him as close as I could. His fingers threaded in my (h/c) hair and pulled it taut, yanking my head back. A sharp yelp of pain left my lips that quickly became an erotic pornographic mewl as his teeth dug into my throat.

Stumbling backward, my spine pressed to the wall and my hips pressed flush against his own. The leggings he wore did nothing to hide the thick, throbbing appendage buried beneath them as it pressed flush to my thigh. I trembled as my pulse skyrocketed and my body warmed at his touch, his lips now suckling at the skin above my breasts.

My fingers slid down his torso, palming at and outlining his cock through his borrowed leggings. His groan of pleasure fueled me, and I soon found myself on my knees in front of him, one of his hands on the wall, the other grasping my (h/c) locks as he gazed into my lust-blown (e/c) eyes with absolute savage desire. His lips were parted and his cheeks were red, a thin sheen of sweat lining his brow.

My thin fingers kneaded at his crotch, an excited grin on my lips at the grunts and groans I received in response, his hips bucking lightly into my palms. Leaning forward, I traced the head beneath the fabric with my tongue, giggling softly at the stammered moan that left Max.

"F-Fuck, you little slut." My body shuddered and I gasped softly, mouthing at the outline of his cock as he gazed down at me. A sinister grin split across his face, his chest heaving slightly as he tugged at my hair. "You like that, huh? Being called a slut?" A sharp mewl left my lips as he yanked my head back, his other hand tugging the leggings down enough to free his cock. My eyes widened at the sheer girth, my thighs rubbing together beneath me as I watched the precum dribble from his tip.

"I bet you know exactly what to do, don't you? Huh, bitch?" I moaned and licked at the trail dripping from his slit, opening my mouth wide as he rolled his hips forward and experimentally dragged the bulbous head across my tongue. "Yeah you do. My stupid little cockslut." I gagged as his hips bucked forward, his cock battering the back of my throat right off the bat. Tears brimmed in my eyes and I whimpered, hollowing my cheeks as much as I could. Max pistoned his hips in and out at a rapid, aggressive pace, one hand on the wall again and the other keeping my head in place.

The deep groans and grunts Max let slip made my panties damp, despite the tears painting my face. I couldn't help but keen for the dominance the brunette held over me, reaching down to slip a hand into my panties. Whether he noticed or not, Max didn't express, eyes screwed shut as he focused on face-fucking me into the wall. I could feel his cock pulse every time my tongue traced the bottom of the head, his balls swelling slightly the closer he drew to release.

"F-Fuck, gonna cream your m-mouth, ah..." He growled out, both hands now on my head as he shifted his feet. His hips battered at my mouth harshly for a long moment til he stilled, cock buried down my throat. I could feel the warmth slip down my throat as I swallowed, pooling in my stomach and making me lightheaded. As he pulled away I coughed and gasped, leaning forward to breath as the remainder of his cum dribbled off my tongue.

"Get up." He grunted after allowing me a moment to breath. I stumbled upright, eying him desperately as his cock rested in his hand, the brunette now fisting himself. "Against the wall, back to me." I complied without question, pressing my torso to the wall and extending my ass to him, hands against the wood as I rested my cheek against my forearms. His hands caressed my ass, thumbs tugging my panties down slightly, just enough so that they rested around my knees. He pressed a light kiss to my shoulder as his cock jutted between my thighs, red and swollen tip prodding at my clit.

"Is this okay?" Max murmured, voice much softer than before. I smiled slightly at the care in his tone and nodded, feeling his hands circle around my hips. "Just for tonight. Our little secret, yeah?" I bit my lip at those words and hid my face in my arms, an attempt to hide the tears once again pricking at my eyes.

"Fuck me, Max." Burying his face in my neck, he panted slightly and thrust his hips forward. Suddenly feeling so full when he bottomed out, I moaned and curled my bare toes. Max squeezed my hips lightly and started to roll his hips, slowly, carefully, a kind gesture to show his affections. I couldn't handle that, not with the feelings I'd attempted to bury a long time ago suddenly bubbling to the surface. Gritting my teeth I reached back and yanked at his hair, earning a sharp cry from the male.

"Max, please! I said fuck me!" His fingers kneaded harshly into my hipbones, likely to leave bruises, and I screamed as his teeth sank into my shoulder, somewhere I could thankfully hide it. His hips rocked forward aggressively, battering my own into the wall, my bra-clad breasts rubbing against the wood. I could feel the warm liquid trickling from the skin he'd pierced with his still moderately sharp canines, I could hear the rush of lust-driven adrenaline in my ears, I could feel his cock swelling and throbbing inside me.

"F-Fuck, so tight, ugh! M-Milking my cock, you dirty bitch." I shuddered and bit my lip, tears melting against the skin of my arms as he fucked me. "S-So good. So fucking good." Even if it was me he was talking about, I couldn't help but imagine Laura.

Blonde, outgoing, intelligent Laura in my place. Max's girlfriend, the love of his life. I envied her. I had for years as she'd grown closer and closer to the boy I'd pined after since junior high. She had what I'd always wanted—high intelligence, athleticism, charisma, a bubbly personality, beautiful eyes and dimples and hair. She was perfect. And I envied her because she had Max. Max Brinly, the boy I'd been in love with long before we'd left high school.

Even now, even while being so selfish, I envied her. Max was hers and Laura was his, and I could never have that. No matter how much he liked me, he'd always love her.

I mewled out as his Max's cock brought me back to reality, the head battering that one sweet bundle of nerves inside me as he shifted to a different angle. Hearing my pleasured cry, the brunette aimed for that spot, groaning against my skin as I clamped down around him. Slick dribbled down my thighs and over his cock as he pistoned in and out of my freshly wet pussy, his thighs trembling just as much as mine. I babbled incoherently as the overstimulation grew, and then, suddenly, I was slumped on the floor, hot sticky fluid spraying over my rear and lower back as Max pulled out.

It was a blur for a moment, as we both calmed down from our highs. As the world came to me, once again, I found myself cradled in Max's lap, his green eyes scanning over my shaking form and brushing the tears from my eyes. He'd already cleaned me and helped me dress, wrapping the wound he'd left on my shoulder as he held my sleeve down. I didn't correct him when he believed the tears were from overstimulation. I didn't bother to speak. Burying my face in his chest as he cradled me, I squeezed my eyes shut and held back a sob. Max and Laura would soon reunite. I'd be alone again, watching from the sidelines as my two best friends grew closer and closer together, acting as if nothing had happened.

I was alone, and this was my punishment. Our little secret.

|•|•|•|•|•|•|•|

Part 2

[dreamqueenkala]

I’m working on a Hogwarts Legacy fanfiction with my MC and Sebastian Sallow paired together.

WARNING

It will get very dark and there will be lots of psychological trauma, horror and angst present alongside your canon-typical romance, drama and action.

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED

[dreamqueenkala]

KINKTOBER 2022

MINORS DNI 18+ ONLY VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED

Day ii. || Praise

Lenivy, Dylan w/ Female Reader

SYNOPSIS: It’s the first time you and Dylan have settled down for some peace and intimacy since you started dating. Part way through he discovers just how deep your love for affirmation and praise goes, and he’s more than happy to shower you in it.

The first thing you notice is how soft his lips are. Pressed against yours they’re pillowy and gentle, exuding all the love Dylan holds for you. They dance slow with yours, soft exhales between you every time they pry apart, only to come back just as passionately as if drunk on the feeling. They’re warm and sweet, tasting of the cherry pie you two had shared only 30 minutes ago at the diner down the street.

Second, you become aware of the gentle caress of his thumbs on your cheeks and over the thin skin beneath your eyes. His hands were cold, a welcome contrast to the warmth of his lips, likely due to the vanilla milkshake he’d held whilst you were out. They made your skin feel warmer under his touch, the gentleness of his caress warming your heart.

The final thing you noticed, though, happened to be the words he murmured against your skin. As his lips began to maneuver along your cheekbone, down your jaw and to your neck, each breathe was followed by sweet words whispered against your skin.

“You’re beautiful.”

“Precious.”

“So soft.”

“I love you.”

“You’re perfect.”

“An Angel.”

“Sweetheart.”

“My baby girl.”

Those words, as familiar to you coming from him as they’d always been throughout your relationship, seemed to spark something new in you now that your body was flooded with a tingling warmth in the privacy of your bedroom. Your lips had parted and breathless gasps had escaped them, an almost silent expression of the heat that pooled in your belly at his voice.

Your heart hammered in a way that had your blood warming faster, your hips coming up to buck against Dylan’s when he guided you onto your back against the mattress. A sweet mewl left your lips and the brunette paused, his fingers now placed on your hips. When your eyes fluttered open, he was towering over you with parted lips and a cute blush on his face, panting almost as heavily as you.

“You like that?” He mumbled, tracing patterns into your hips beneath your shirt. “Like when I praise you? Call you a good girl?” Your hitched breathing and the slight buck of your hips gave him an answer, his lips curling to form that playful smirk he wore sometimes. “So cute. Such a good girl for me, and so so needy.”

One hand reached up to toy with your hair, petting it back lightly whilst his free hand caressed the soft skin of your stomach beneath the hem of your top. “D-Dylan—“

“Shhhh, baby girl. Just lay back and let me take care of you, yeah?” His gaze never leaves your face as he moves down your body, warm breath causing goose flesh to raise along the bare skin of your thighs. His fingers tugged lightly at your shorts, guiding them down your legs as you raised your hips. Nosing gently at the wet patch already forming in your underwear, he inhaled and hummed deeply.

“You’re so amazing, sweetheart. Smell so good for me.” His tongue circled the little bundle of nerves hidden beneath the damp cotton fabric. A sharp gasp of pleasure left you, back arching and a chuckle from your boyfriend causing your cheeks to flush further. “So beautiful, laid out for me like this.”

“D-Dylan, please!” Gazing down at him with hazy eyes and blown pupils, slightly concealed by the needy tears forming beneath your eyelids, your kiss swollen lips parted, chest heaving and thighs quivering—Dylan just couldn’t deny you when you looked so damn precious.

He didn’t hesitate, using his index finger to slide your panties down, his tongue met your clit with slow, languid licks. A sharp cry escaped you, urging him on. The brunette closed his eyes and reveled in the sweet sounds that left you, suckling lightly. Two fingers prodded at your entrance, slipping through the slick and burying themselves to the second knuckle within your quivering walls.

One of your hands wormed into his hair and tugged, urging him up to meet your lips with his own as he fingered you. Teeth clashed and tongues danced, a messy wet ensemble accented by the moist sounds of his fingers thrusting in and out of your cunt. “Fuck, you’re so wet. All for me, my beautiful girl.” He moaned against your tongue. The feeling of your walls clenching around his fingers had him grinning, hazel eyes gazing into your lidded ones with lust blown and love-filled pupils. “Yeah? You like being all wet and messy just for me? Make me so fucking hard when you act like this. Such a good girl.”

Word after word, praise after praise, your heart hammered faster and faster in tune with the pacing of his fingers curling and twisting and slipping inside you. Your fingers dug into his shoulder as he lay on his side to your left, gaze fixated on his expression whilst his ministrations continued. Your teeth dug into your lip, your eyes watering again as the bundle in your belly grew tighter and tighter.

“You close, baby? Huh?” The nod you gave him had him peppering wet, open mouthed kisses over your neck, a third finger joining the first two and stretching you wider. “Go ahead. Cum for me, my sweet Angel.” Your vision flooded with white and a sharp squeal left you, back arching as you clamped tight around his digits still slipping into you. Thighs quivering, lungs burning and cheeks dampened with pleasured tears, you slumped to the mattress, burying your face in Dylan’s shoulder.

He peppered soft kisses to your temple, working you through your high before withdrawing his hand. He cradled you close and murmured sweet words in your ear, praising you for doing so well, for listening and making him feel so good just to touch you. It was your first with him, but it wouldn’t be the last, you thought as he cradled you, smiles on both of your faces.

[dreamqueenkala]

Hi! Can I please get how each of the Hacketteers would react to seeing you after the night has ended? Thank you so much! <3

Headcanon Series #3

When the sun rises…

Blyg, Abigail

The first thought running through her brain when her eyes settle on your form, taking in your terrified tremors and blood soaked clothing, arms folded protectively over your midriff, is just how relieved she is that you’re alive. She doesn’t care that your covered in blood, doesn’t care that some of it may or may not be yours in that moment. Her arms envelope your body before you can react, her lips pressed to the only clean skin on your cheeks she can find, muffled mumbles of your name released in between. When your arms unfurl and return the embrace, even though she spent hours panicking and worrying and fearful for her own life, her heart soars with love and joy. You’re safe and that’s all that matters.

Brinly, Max

He’s stumbling over his own feet the moment his green eyes meet yours, his name falling from your lips. You’re bounding toward each other like some cliche romance novel, his arms coiling around your waist. With sheer strength he can’t remember having, he’s lifted you up in the air, spinning you around circles as you laugh with pure, untainted joy. His grin has never been wider than that, gazing over your visibly shaken but otherwise unharmed form with absolute adoration. He keeps you close even when the cops arrive, one hand protectively hooked around your waist.

Custos, Jacob

At first, he’s disoriented. He swears he’s died and gone to heaven, because, for a moment, the clouds have parted to rain a golden halo of sunlight over you. Even though you’re both semi-nude and covered in blood and various scratches, he still finds you beautiful as you step through the bushes to join him. It’s only when your fingers caress his jaw that he blinks rapidly, lip quivering. His tears are falling and his face is suddenly buried in your hair, soft murmured apologies and confessions lost in the wisps. You stand there, embracing in the dawn, relishing in the realization that you’re both okay.

Erzahler, Ryan

If anyone had told him how hard he’d fall for you, he’d have laughed and walked away. He was the brooding, loner type, after all, love wasn’t in his schedule. However, as he’s returning from his mission to kill Silas, two strange allies on his heels, he can’t help but notice how his eyes immediately search the group of friends standing before the lodge for you. When your eyes meet, his heart warms at the watery grin on your lips and he extends his arms to catch you when you barrel forward. It takes three words slipping from your mouth in a shaky gasp for him to realize just why his heart hammers so hard now. He loves you, too.

Furcillo, Nick

He’s unsure whether or not the curse is truly over as he stumbles through the trees, his mind whole set on finding you. You have to be alive, you must be, he thinks over and over again. He’s worried, wondering if in the blurry gaps of his memory he’d somehow attacked you in the night. The sheer guilt and agony that tears through him at that thought is broken by the sharp gasp he releases when a sudden force barreling from the right has him falling. Sprawled on his back, he blinks through the sunlight and takes in your disheveled features, relishing in the sensation of your fingers cupping his face. His heart hammers for a different reason now, and he doesn’t resist the urge to press your lips to his own. You’re safe, he didn’t kill you, you’re okay. Nick finds it in him to relax under your loving caress.

Ka, Kaitlyn

For such a tiny, feisty yet calm woman, she’s wrecked the moment the sun peaks over the lakes horizon, stumbling around the lodge in a desperate search for you. She’s tossing doors open and stumbling up the steps to the classroom, begging to whatever otherworldly force there is out there that she saved you in time. Her breathe leaves her in a harsh gasp as her chocolate brown eyes meet yours, and in a rush of limbs and chaste kisses, you embrace. She’s completely unconcerned with the worry in your eyes, ignoring her own scrapes in favor of making sure you’re not fatally harmed. Her touch is ticklish and urges a buckle of laughter from your lips, a smile tweaking at her own mouth.

Kearney, Laura

Honestly, she’s not even concerned. She wholeheartedly believes that you are 100% a-okay after Silas’ body stills. Yet, despite this, she finds herself moving at a much faster pace as she scrambles off the boat. Her arms find you and she pulls you in, allowing you to pepper her face in gentle kisses and hold her close. You’re a touchy person, she knows, and she for once relishes in the touch of your lips and your hands on her. She saved you, you’re both alive, everything’s okay now, she mumbles to you. Her pulse settles and her lungs breathe in your scent greedily. Everything’s okay.

Lenivy, Dylan

He’s stumbling at first, dropping the pan in his right hand to the floor with a clatter. You’re dashing past Kaitlyn and bounding over Caleb’s still form, quickly pulling the brunette down into a rushed, sloppy yet passionate kiss. He can feel your terror, concern, fatigue in that kiss, but he’s focused on the love, relief and joy in your eyes as you part, a smile shared between you. He’s down a hand but he’s still got you, and nothing in the world could be better than that.

Mountebank, Emma

The first thing she does is smack you across the back of the head, berating you for running off without her after Jacob had left the party. She admits she’d worried herself and nearly fallen to her death twice looking for you, which inevitably makes you feel guilty. However, once she’s released her frustrated qualms, her hands slip into yours and her forehead brushes your own, breathes mingled whilst she gazes over your pale, bruised skin. A shaky smile forms on her face and she presses a chaste kiss to your nose, squeezing your hands lightly. She’s just glad you’re both okay.

[dreamqueenkala]

I cannot believe I have to say this again but I’m going to.

If you have a problem with my writing DON’T READ MY SHIT. I have every right to write what I do, and just because you don’t like it does NOT give you the right to call me slurs and names. I do not tolerate harassment of ANY kind. Because of this, my ask box is no longer anonymous applicable. If you have an issue, and you use my ask box to call me slurs or harass me or my friends, I CAN AND WILL BLOCK AND REPORT YOU.

If you don’t like my posts, DO NOT READ THEM. PERIOD. You can fuck off my page, then.

That being said, thank you to my mutuals and those who like, reblog and support my posts. I appreciate each and every one of you. I hope you all have a lovely day/night. Ciao~

[dreamqueenkala]

ONCE UPON A TIME

Previous Chapter

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It was dark. It was cold. It was an empty expanse surrounding me. Not me, per se, but my body. My vessel. My host. I couldn't think for myself, only register my surroundings as my vessel responded. I rested in whatever expanse I was shrouded in, water dripping the only sound to echo here. It was empty, so very empty. And that terrified me. In that moment of realization, I felt fear. Absolute trembling fear.

"H-Hello?" I called softly, suddenly able to find my voice. It echoed in the dark, for a very long time. I called out again, my voice louder and more firm. I received no response. I don't know how long I had been in this strange void. I don't know how long I was left in darkness. I don't know how long it's had been since I moved. I was scared. And tired. And alone.

Carter...

That was different. Another voice called out to me in the darkness, echoing around me and causing what I'd discovered to be water beneath my feet to ripple. I swallowed thickly as the darkness rippled, swirling like a rotten mist. My body jolted forward by the chest, and I was suddenly standing, barefoot in the water, bare chested with my blood soaked jeans on my hips. I shifted my feet around cautiously, gazing around with a skeptic gaze. An echoing familiar voice spoke out, not to me, but around me, humming as if to a lullaby.

"When full the moon above shines first,

The beast internal shall outward burst,

One by one, leads lamb to slaughter,

It stalks your breath but shuns clear water.

And should you yourself be cursed,

Armed with silver, end the first,

When moon is full before it's wane,

Rend the beast that cursed you slain,

No longer shall you face your blight

Or fear the dread of the full moon's light.

And if it's a bite with which you're faced,

Cleave limb from torso with great haste,

Per chance you'll save your cursed soul,

Before infection takes it's toll."

Where was I? I wondered, spinning in a slow circle to examine the space, trying to find the source of the voice.

"You're in the Lacuna."

I spun around again, my gaze falling on the figure of an old woman suddenly perched behind me. The water rippled beneath her form as she rested in an old Victorian chair, hands clasped in her lap. Her face was wrinkled with age and wisdom, thin lips pursed and eyes narrowed on me. Her blue eyes were filled with rage, the reflection of a fire burning in her pupils.

"The what?" My voice sounded off, echoing as if multiple versions of myself were talking all at once.

"The Lacuna. The space between dreams and reality." She hummed thoughtfully, her lips smacking as she tapped her frail, bony fingers on her knees.

"Why am I here?"

"I brought you here. You see, you're friends are in grave danger, dear boy."

My breath hitched in my throat, eyes flickering between hers as she sneered in my direction. Swallowing again, I took a step towards, curious as the mist around her moved slightly to form shadows and silhouettes. "W-What do you mean? How am I here?"

The chuckle she gave was sinister, filled with malice and discontent as she eyed my bloodied form. "Do you not remember? You were attacked by your dear friend, throat torn from your neck and lungs pierced. You're dying." Biting my lip, I glanced down again, reaching up to feel the thin white scars across my neck, shoulder, back and ribs. I could suddenly remember the pain I'd felt when I'd gained those wounds, the fire burning beneath my skin as those jagged teeth tore into my flesh like paper above a flame. Shivering, I lowered my hands, eyes back on the woman.

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Because I have no other purpose now." She cooed, eyes closed as her head lolled lazily. "My son will surely die before daybreak and I cannot stop it. I have seen it, as you have seen things."

"Wha—my clairvoyance?" She nodded once, gesturing to her right as the visions I'd seen prior had swirled and formed in the mist.

"Your presence here was unexpected. An ink blot in the chaos that is destiny's written pages. You changed the timeline, altered the world around you simply by existing." Her words were dark, ethereal, sending shivers down my spine and allowing dread to clasp itself to my neck like a Vice, squeezing til I couldn't breathe. "Your presence is important here, dear boy. You're presence has kept them alive—all of them."

"So what do I do, then, if they're in danger?"

"You can save them still. Without you, they are destined to die. Gruesome, painful deaths await your friends at the hands of my beloved cursed son." Though her eyes held malice and rage, sorrow lingered in her tone and twisted at her lips, a snarl on her tongue not unlike the beasts that had attacked myself and my friends. Her fingers stretched and gestured to her left, the mist swirling again as the water rippled. I could hear the screams of agony, the cries of help, echoing in the distance as if miles away. From the water rose bloodied, mutilated figures, petrified expressions plastered on those who's faces remained.

"Nick."

His body lay on the floor, splayed awkwardly, with a silver bullet buried in his back, eyes as dark as his hair and empty of life.

"Abigail."

Her corpse rested on its side, neck ripped in half, her skull tossed haphazardly away. Her mouth was agape in a memory of her terrified scream, eyes wide with horror but void of the light of life.

"Ryan."

He lay on the floor, his skull bashed in, jaw and left eye an obliterated mass of viscera and gore, bloodied shotgun clattered to his side.

"Emma."

Her body was arched as if laden across the sharp rocks beneath her, spine snapped and neck slit. Blood coated her vacant expression and dripped from the back of her skull, body twisted.

"Jacob."

His legs were caught in an overhead snare, dangling a few feet above the ground. His abdomen was sliced to shreds, spine ripped from his lower half. His torso and head rested on the floor in a pool of his own blood, organs displayed like the decorations in a cornucopia, eyes soulless.

"Kaitlyn."

Body thrashed as if tossed much like a rag doll, her gaze was fixated above her, lips parted and blood dribbling from the corner of her mouth and eyes. Her stomach was torn into, intestines trailing from the gaping wound and blood coating the ground her corpse resided upon.

"Dylan."

His figure was splayed across a chair, arms torn from his body and tossed feet away. His throat was sliced into and his head tossed back, eyes vacant and mouth parted in a silent scream.

"Laura."

Her body rested beside the silhouette of an overturned car, skull obliterated and brain matter scattered over the asphalt. Her fingers were bloodied and broken, evidence that she'd fought back.

"Max."

Draped over the edge of a dock, his right arm dangling against the water, his head hung low and blood poured from his terrorized throat, eyes closed but scrunched from the memory of pain.

"Your friends will die without you. Time will rewrite itself as it was supposed to, and you will watch them all crumble." I whimpered and covered my ears, eyes screwed shut tightly. I didn't want to look or see, didn't want to live through something so terrible, so traumatizing. It was a horror unlike the pain I'd felt being torn into, lingering in my lungs and clawing at my heart, causing bile to bubble in my stomach.

"Or...you can still save them."

The nausea faded and the screams died, the images fading just as quickly. I lifted my head and gazed deep into her eyes, fingers twitching by my sides. "How?"

A sinister grin settled on her old, withered face, rotten yellow teeth bared and eyes wide with insanity. "Just a little bit of magic can change it all, grant you the power to write fate your way. It all depends on you, dear boy. If you're so willing to die for them, what else are you willing to venture forward with?"

I hesitated. Even I knew that this was terror in its own right, forming a deal with someone so vile in presence and words, yet I couldn't deny it right away. Was this really my only choice? To either make a deal and save my friends, or watch them all die? My heart clenched and my teeth gritted together.

I bit my lip and, with a heavy inhale, gave her my answer. Her cackle echoed as she faded from my vision, the expanse around me crumbling completely. The experience of falling rapidly overtook my senses, body caving in slightly as I drew nearer and nearer to purest darkness.

"Remember, dear boy..." Her voice cooed, slowly fading as I drifted into whatever future I was to craft. "All magic comes with a price."

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[dreamqueenkala]

WHEN THE MOON RISES

Previous Chapter

Laura Kearney is my best friend and is currently missing.

Max Brinly is my best friend and is currently missing.

Ryan Erzahler is surprised by my unintentional coming-out.

Jacob Custos is concerned for my well-being and incredibly protective of me, despite his anger towards Emma.

Abigail Blyg is distasteful of me.

Dylan Lenivy finds me adorable, but is uncomfortable around me now.

Emma Mountebank greatly enjoys my company.

Kaitlyn Ka is worried for my emotional stability.

Nicholas Furcillo is protective of me but currently concerned for Abigail.

Travis Hackett has no relation to me.

Chris Hackett is in an undisclosed location.

I am alive, somewhat distraught and burned but otherwise healthy.

Tarot Visions:

Temperance

It was dark, the fire lit before me, my friends surrounding me. Jacob tossed a beer can my way, a pocket knife in his outstretched hand. I debated it for a moment as I caught the beverage, then stood and accepted the blade so I could shotgun the beer, pocketing it afterwards.

Strength

I held my breathe, back pressed to a boulder with Abigail beside me, hands over each other's mouths. A silhouette clambered above the boulder beside us, it's glowing red eyes searching the earth, snarling as it's saliva dripped against my shoulder and made me shudder.

Justice

Abigail stood with her back to a set of lockers, a shotgun in hand. As the creature leapt towards her I shoved her out of the way, taking the brunt of the force as the beast slammed me into the lockers and it's teeth clamped around my throat.

Branches:

•Skeptic BFF: Having been best friends with Max and Laura, I knew they weren't okay. With their absence, I grew skeptical of Chris Hackett and his promises.

•••

Because I stayed with Ryan and Dylan in the lodge, I discovered clues as to my friends disappearances.

•Honest Seer: Deciding to share my clairvoyance with the group, they appreciate my concern and will be more cautious.

|���|•|•|•|•|•|•|

Hackett's Quarry Fire Pit

19:07 August 22–Carter Rhodes

Gazing between the three, I felt my heart stutter and drop as I thought it over. Granted, there were things I could fix if I stayed here—with Dylan and Ryan for sure—but at the moment I wasn't sure I wanted to. And with Abigail's distaste towards me, she might not be open to any advice or comfort from me. Besides that, with my current state of mind going off alone was a terrible idea, so I was only really left one option.

I exhaled through my nose, slowly pulling myself up into my feet. I tossed one of my inhalers to Dylan, who fumbled but still caught it. "Here, just in case. I'm gonna go find Emma and Jacob." I admitted to the remaining trio, who's heads all whipped in my direction.

"You sure? It's kinda tense with them..." Ryan hummed, brows creased with worry.

"Yeah, you know how Emma feels. Jacob's a teddy bear at heart..." I shrugged, keeping my gaze away from Dylan. "He's been my support all summer. It's only fair, right...?"

Kaitlyn nodded, shifting in her seat uncomfortably. "Yeah, okay. Just be careful, alright? It's dark as shit out there." I smiled at her concern, giving her a two finger salute as I began to back towards the trail.

Branch Updated:

•Honest Seer: Deciding to share my clairvoyance with the group, they appreciate my concern and will be more cautious.

•••

I gave my backup inhaler to Dylan, whom took it without complaint, deciding to take the extra precaution on account of my earlier warnings.

"Yes ma'am!" I didn't miss the grin that pulled at her lips, nor the worried purse of his lips that befell Dylan's expression, but I didn't give myself time to linger on it. Turning on my heel, I continued into the trees, hopeful that Emma was at least still nearby. Biting my lip, my grey eyes flickered around the shadowed forest anxiously, the hairs on the back of my head standing tall. The forest here surrounding Hackett's Quarry, no matter how beautiful it was during the day, reeked of death and terror at night.

I could feel something gazing at me in the darkness, stalking me, hunting me. My breathing was already erratic and my heart was pounding in my chest, fingers digging into my pockets to grasp the two objects I so desperately needed. My left hand embraced the pocket knife buried there and I relaxed slightly, knowing I had some form of defense. My right hand curled around the two inhalers in my other pocket, knowing I had a means of easily calming down should I lose my breathe.

Yeah, I know, it's such a handicap having asthma sometimes. Especially out in the woods, of all places. I became a liability in some situations, but I made you for it with my sharp senses and my animal knowledge. Breathing slowly, I steeled my nerves and trekked on, focusing on following the path. The forest was eerily silent, I'd noticed, not even the wind was making a sound. I shivered slightly and moved a bit faster, thankfully breaking through the trees and seeing the boathouse ahead of me.

Two figures were perched on the docks, the larger of the two sitting with his legs over the edge. I bit my lip and hesitated, watching them for a moment. They seemed to be getting along, and I was tempted to join them, but Emma suddenly pulled her shirt up and over her head. I deadpanned, watching her strip down to her undergarments—not in a creepy way—and dive into the water, trying to coax the ravenette to join her.

Jacob stood and stripped his own clothes, cannonballing into the lake with a whoop of excitement, Emma's laughter encouraging him as he resurfaced. I let my expression face to nothing and stepped back, turning on my heel. He didn't need my help, he was fine. I was completely oblivious to their eyes on my back as I walked away.

Jacob appreciates that I thought of his happiness above all else.

Emma is saddened by my stubbornness when a personal problem presents itself to me.

My footsteps crunched over the dirt and gravel, my hands buried in my pockets. It kinda stung, really, that I couldn't be more helpful. I should've stayed at the fire pit. At least, then, I might've been able to fix the problems I already had. It sucked that I was so empathetic and kind-natured. A little too selfless. My life may not be so lonely if I tried to put myself first every once in awhile, but even with that thought crossing my mind, I felt guilt roll in waves in my belly.

Frankly, I should've seen it coming. Despite her shit way with words, Emma did genuinely care for Jacob. She just saw the flaws in him he wasn't ready to accept or fix, and that was unfortunately too much for her. Jacob needed a wake up call, definitely, but not the way Emma was going about it. She was really breaking the guy's heart.

Shaking my head, I stumbled slightly over a tree root, tripping and falling to my knees. "Ow, fuck—!" I cursed, rolling onto my ass to rub my ankle. Glaring at the tree root that tripped me, my brows furrowed at the card peeking from beneath it. Reaching out, I caressed the old yellow-tinted object, eyes glazing over slightly as I took in the image of the Lovers card.

A woman stood on the right dressed in puffy blue, hair tied in a bun. A man stood on the left, dressed in red pants to match the underside of her skirt with a black tailcoat. His arm was extended to the woman, who held it to her face as if to bite into it. A cupid rested above them, bow and arrow pointed at the male.

My vision blurred and I could barely make out the sight of the card burning in my hand, ash covering my palm. My ears rang, suddenly shrill and loud, almost like a scream. I whimpered and covered them, gritting my teeth as everything went black.

I groaned as my body hunched over, black veins protruding from my pale skin like spiderwebs. My fingers clenched into fists in my hair, deep growls escaping me along side my own pained grunts. My body trembled and my eyes squeezed shut, teeth bared. I tilted my head up and gold clashed with doe brown eyes full of terror. Then I snapped.

I gasped, blinking furiously as I stumbled upright, the forest slowly coming into view. "What the fuck...?" I murmured hoarsely, my heart rate rapid but slowly calming down. I shook my head to rid myself of the lingering dizziness, brushing off my jeans. That one was a strange one. Dylan looked absolutely terrified when he met my eyes in that vision, and that realization alone had my stomach rolling.

My thoughts were harshly cut short by a high pitched scream deeper into the woods, my head whipping in that direction. Abigail. I thought, swallowing thickly. That sound was one of absolute terror and that fact alone made my anxiety spike. Something was wrong here, very very wrong, but I couldn't stand there and do nothing. Steeling myself, I made a split second decision, turning further away from the path to the boathouse and the firepit, heading deeper beyond the trees.

Sprinting as fast as I could, I flinched when a gunshot went off. My eyes were wide, searching the trees and the shadows for the danger, jumping over roots and dodging low branches. Another shot rang out and I heard Abi yelp. "Abi!" I called, attempting to find her. In my panic, I didn't think rationally, worried for the girl I'd hated all summer because she was in danger. Nick might be, too, if he'd found her beforehand.

"Abi! Nick!"

"H-Help..." I stumbled to a stop, turning to my left towards a very small clearing. Pushing through the bushes, I stumbled over something and fell to my knees with a gasp, a sharp groan coming from the thing I'd tripped over. Scampering onto my back, I faced it and discovered a severely bloody Nick, his left calf torn into. Blood and viscera were splattered over his ripped jeans and the grass beneath him as he groaned and whimpered from the pain.

"Holy shit, Nick—!" I scrambled to his side, grasping his face in my small hands and searching his eyes. "Hey! H-Hey, hey! Focus on me, buddy, c'mon." His pupils were dilated and his breathing heavy, but the Aussie boy was strong enough to focus his cocoa gaze on my steel one.

"C-Carter...?"

"Right here, buddy."

"Abi...where's...she...?" His voice was soft and broken, most likely form the pain and the shock, his body twitching slightly as his brain receives the pain signals. His fingers gripped at my wrists desperately, nails digging into my sleeves weakly.

"I dunno, but I can't help her til I help you." I tensed at the sound of growling coming from deep within the bushes I'd just left. Cursing, and praying unsuccessfully the source wasn't what caused his injury, I gazed around for a moment before spotting a small ditch. Carefully, I grabbed Nick's arms and dragged him along the grass, easing him into the ditch despite his whimpers.

"Nick! Nick!" I hissed quietly, lightly smacking his jaw to wake him from his stupor. "I need you to stay as quiet as you can, okay?"

"W-Wha...?"

"Stay quiet. I'm going to draw it away from you." His eyes grew wider with alarm, his arms reaching for me desperately.

Nick is terrified by my willingness to sacrifice myself for his safety.

"No, d-don't—" He cried softly, fingers scrambling to secure my wrist. "D-Don't leave me." I bit my lip and cradled his head to my chest, hugging him as carefully as I could.

"Stay quiet and you'll stay safe, Nick. I'll find you."

With that, I stumbled out of the ditch, making a mad dash for the trail I knew was up ahead. I could hear it howl behind me, it's feet loud against the earth as the thing scrambled to catch its prey, me. I maneuvered side to side and weaves through trees and rocks, dodging roots and ditches in an attempt to escape. I should've known it was futile and useless. I should've known I would never out run the creature. I should've known I was literally inches from death. Yet, I didn't care. My friends—and Abigail—mattered far more to me in that moment than anything else.

A very heavy force barreled into me from the side, my head slamming into the ground harshly as I yelped. It rolled a few feet away as we both tumbled, settling in the grass. It growled and whined, as if disoriented, and I struggled to pull myself onto my knees. I was dizzy, my vision swimming and my mind buzzing, but I could still see it.

It was huge, bigger than any bear could ever be. It's hulking frame was thin, agile, yet massive claws rested on its humanoid hands and feet. It's ears were long and pointed, it's jaw a cross between human and canine. A long, slimy tongue unfurled from its salivating maw, blood coating it's lips and chin. It's body was stretched taut with dark, leathery flesh, patches of dark fur around its neck, wrists and belly. The most terrifying thing we're it's eyes—a sickly lemon yellow, pupils so small they were practically nonexistent.

Branch Selected:

•Midnight Snack: I chose to chase after Emma and Jacob; leading me to discover the beasts before the rest.

I felt my blood run cold as those two yellow orbs settled on my form, teeth bared as a gurgling snarl ripped from its throat. Scrambling to my feet I took off again, hand fishing in my pocket for the pocket knife I'd taken from Jacob. My fingers gripped the handle and I screamed, sharp claws digging into my back and slamming me into the earth.

I struggled against its inhumane strength, rearing my legs up and kicking at its chest. It stumbled and howled, beating its claws into the flesh of my back once again, ripping an agonized wail from my vocal chords. It rolled me over, maw agape as it's saliva dripped over my face, it's own hulking closer to my throat.

"GET THE FUCK OFF ME!" I flicked the blade out in my palm, slamming it into the creatures left eye. It yowled and recoiled immediately, pawing at its face as it struggled to remove the weapon from its skull. I wheezed as I rolled over, tearing through the trees and the bushes as best I could. I could hear it howling and growling, but it's heavy footsteps ran in the opposite direction. Another gun shot rang out and I could no longer hear it.

My vision blurred slightly, my left hand pressed to the gashes in my side that oozed thick, hot blood. My shirt was torn, barely covering anything but my arms and the right side of my chest, the hem of it rags against my bloodied and sweaty skin. The gashes that creature had caused stretched from the bottom of my left ribs all the way around my side, splitting across my shoulder blades and the small of my back. The flesh was absolutely shredded, blood caking my skin so much my acid-washed ripped jeans we're already dyed pink around my hips.

I don't know how long I stumbled through the woods, or how much blood I'd lost. I knew I was dying—I'm not fucking stupid—but I still couldn't find the will to care. I trembled and continued walking, forcing myself to become numb to the blinding pain in my back or the screaming protest of my shaking legs. It hurt. Everything hurt. I could still feel that things claws in my back, hear it's ragged hungry snarling in my ear, feel it's disgusting, hot breathe on my throat.

I slipped past a set of trees, stumbling onto a familiar path. My body hunched slightly and I found myself coughing up blood, the metallic fluid hot on my tongue and dribbling down my chin. "C-Carter!?"

My head slowly lolled to the side, blurred grey eyes settling on the group of 5 before me. They darted between each person before settling on the one laden upon the wheelbarrow, relief flooding my system knowing he'd been rescued. My eyes fluttered closed, breathing growing ragged. I opened my mouth, sputtering as I stumbled forward. "D-Dylan—" My knees gave out and I fell forward, right into someone's grasp.

The group of five are severely concerned for my life.

"H-Holy shit, his back!"

"Oh my god, how—!?"

"He's going to bleed out, Jesus, fuck!"

The voices were muffled to my senses, eyelids fluttering. I reached out to the boy holding me, grasping his shirt tightly as I struggled to stay awake, face buried in his chest. My fingers slipped from his torso and I blacked out, slumping completely against the familiar frame of the guy I'd grown attached to.

I still felt cold.

|•|•|•|•|•|•|•|

Hackett's Quarry Lodge

22:13 August 22–Carter Rhodes

I winced slightly as my eyelids fluttered, whimpering at the pain in my body. My back and side ached, a dull throbbing compared to what I'd felt before. My mouth was dry and my body was coated in sweat and blood, my shirt missing. Bandages were wrapped around my waist and left shoulder, securing the injuries I'd almost succumbed to. My eyes blinked a few times to clear the dizziness as I shifted slightly, a sharp groan leaving my lips.

The bed I was laden upon shifted, a warm hand reaching out to grasp my left hand gently, as I rested on my right side. "Easy. You're going to pull those stitches." A warm, accented voice murmured, squeezing my palm. My grey eyes flickered up to meet cocoa orbs, a soft but weak smile on the Aussie's face.

"Nick..."

"You saved me, mate. Thank you." He squeezed my hand again and I smiled through the pain, hissing slightly as my back arched with a jolt of stinging heat. "Careful—there's no more bandages. Kaitlyn used them all on you."

I nodded slowly, shifting slightly so I could sit up, legs folded and right arm wrapped around my stomach. The door creaked open and a familiar head of red-dyed hair popped into the room. She smiled at Nick, though her expression faltered slightly when she noticed me, but otherwise kept up her optimistic facade.

"Hey! I couldn't find any food, the kitchens pretty cleaned out..." She paused as if something else had just dawned on her. "Oh shoot, I left my bag—whatever, um, I brought you this. Would've gotten more if I'd known you'd wake up sooner, Rhodes."

Abigail moved further into what I now recognized as the clinic, a mug of cold water in her hands. Nick gratefully took the mug and sipped from it, whilst I took to staring at my bloodied bandages. His hand still grasped mine as we lay there, squeezing every time I twitched from what I believed to be potential nerve damage. With the tingling sensation I was beginning to feel in my left arm, I had a dreadful inkling that my left arm was severely fucked, though I decided to keep that information to myself for now.

The lights suddenly flickered a bit before fading out with a crackling buzz, leaving us in almost complete darkness. I sat up as straight as I could, my left hand in my lap and no longer responding to Nick's squeezing. My skin began to crawl, goosebumps forming on my arms as the hair on the nape of my neck stood upright. After a long moment of silence, Nick spoke softly.

"That was...Fuck, I don't even know what happened, it was all just a blur."

"How are you feeling?" Abigail cooed softly, her eyes focused solely on him. Nick shook his head, throwing the question back at her, instead.

"H-How are you holding up?"

Seemingly startled by the question, Abigail stuttered at first, her words nervous. "I-I, um...Well, I-I...I-I'm just happy you're okay. Are you okay? I'm sorry, I-I just asked you that, I—" Nick found it amusing, smiling weakly at her.

"It's okay." He murmured, his voice tired.

Somethings wrong. I thought, glaring at the closed door.

"You think Kaitlyn, Ryan and Dylan are in trouble?" Abigail inquired in a hushed tone, gaze flickering between the door and myself, though my grey eyes were locked on the door.

"Not yet..."

"That's not reassuring." Nick's comment made me scoff, though I didn't reply. My ears picked up footsteps out in the hall way, small and light—therefore, most likely Kaitlyn.

Sure enough, seconds later the short woman slipped through the door, her eyes settling on my hunched form and limp arm immediately. Though, she made no comment, her focus on whatever else she'd likely just dealt with—I assumed she'd dealt with something important seeing as there was a shotgun now in her hands.

"Alright, they're off to find a radio or something." Kaitlyn explained, shrugging her shoulders. Abigail, ever the nervous little—ugh, she questioned Kaitlyn wearily, gesturing to the weapon.

"What...what's with the—um...the—"

"Oh—uh, they found another in Mr. H's office. So...just in case." Abigail nodded at the short woman's explanation, pursing her lips.

I quickly changed the subject, eyes locked on the door again. "What happened to the lights, Kait?"

"Not sure..." Her gaze flickered from me to Nick, eying both our wrapped wounds. "Any better?"

"I'm doing okay...kinda." Nick hummed

I didn't answer, simply nudging Nick's hand away lightly with my right. He gave me a confused look but said nothing, removing his hand from my grasp.

Nick was hurt by my seemingly cold action.

Abigail turned her attention back to Kaitlyn, brows furrowed. "Wait, so, are they going to the radio hut?"

"Phones dead, they're gonna try to send out an SOS or something." Kaitlyn's voice was also tired, worried and soft, shifting her weight as she spoke. "We're holding down the fort."

I sat up straight again as dust fell from the ceiling over our heads, breathe hitching in my throat. "We're not alone." I murmured, right hand twitching anxiously. We listened as heavy footsteps made the floorboards creak overhead, creeping slowly around the second floor.

When the footsteps were far enough away, Abigail whispered harshly to Kaitlyn. "I thought you said Ryan and Dylan already left!?"

"Stay here, I'll check it out."

Nick sat up on his elbows, nodding firmly at Kaitlyn as she shouldered the shotgun. "We'll be fine. Just...be careful."

"Stay alert."

We watched as she slowly left the clinic, holding our breathes as a the door clicked shut behind her. I let myself slump slightly as we calmed our anxiety for the moment. Nick spoke up abruptly to Abigail, his gaze on his lap.

"Hey, so this...may not be the best time, per se, but like..." He hesitated and I could see him turn to face her as she gazed at him with confusion.

"What...?"

I tuned them both out, clenching at my blood-caked jeans with my right hand. My grey eyes slowly fell to my left arm, noticing how much paler it was compared to the rest of my body. My veins stood out blue beneath my almost ghostly-white skin, fingers twitching ever so slightly though I couldn't feel it. My expression saddened slightly as I attempted to move my hand. Nothing happened. At most I could move my shoulder but that caused a dull ache to spread across my ribs.

"D-Did you want something more to happen?" I tilted my head slightly at Abi's words, slowly clueing into the topic.

"Duh! Are you dumb?"

"Hey!"

"Sorry...I just mean—I did want something more to happen, I just...didn't know if you did, too."

Abigail hesitated a bit too long with her reply, and her words were an immediate red flag. "That...seems like such a long time ago, now."

Nick pursed his lips, now laying on his side to face her completely. "You did want it to happen, though?"

"U-Um, I..."

"You can tell me." You're being oddly persistent, Nick. I thought, narrowing my eyes on the door as I listened dully to their conversation.

"Y-Yeah...I-I guess."

Nick scoffed, rolling back over onto his back, glaring at his injured leg. "You're just saying that 'cause I'm hurt."

"Wha—Nick?" Abigail scoffed and let it drop, shaking her head. I moved to stand upright slowly, making my way away from the bed and closer to the window. My left side ached but I ignored it, focused on the dreadful feeling swallowing me whole.

"What is going on out there, Kaitlyn?" Abi's voice was frantic and impatient as another heavy footstep occurred somewhere above us. Growing nervous, she tugged lightly at Nick's arm. "We have to hide, we have to hide!"

"It's okay." Nick hushed her, patting her head as he moved to stand up. "I've got this."

Kaitlyn slipped in to the room in a breathless panic, shotgun lost and looking frightened. "Oh my God."

"What happened?"

Observing the fact it was missing, I questioned her gently about the shotgun. "Kait, where's the gun?"

"We have to get out!" Kaitlyn snapped in a hoarse whisper, completely ignoring my inquiry as the panic and frustration overwhelmed her.

"No! No, we have to hide." Abigail denied her immediately, her own anxiety making her reckless.

"Quick." Nick guided everyone towards the wall nearer to the window I stood at, ducking to hide. I quickly dropped to the floor beneath a table, just as the door opened. Holding my breathe, I watched as heavy boots and a pair of overall-clad legs appeared, moving slowly about the clinic.

After a moment, the man moved towards the other side of the room and I scrambled quietly from under the table. Kaitlyn exited through the window first, followed by Abigail, then Nick. I climbed out silently and nearly tripped over my own feet as I cradled my now useless arm to my chest. Successfully avoiding the giant, we tiptoed across the porch and down the steps, our next destination the radio hut.

As we traversed the path I could feel the numbness spreading, the skin around my rib cage and neck beginning to tingle. Each breath had started to hurt, becoming soft wheezes the closer we drew to the cabins. I stayed a bit farther behind the other three, determined to make sure I wouldn't become a bigger worry than I already was.

I stumbled slightly as the cabins came into view, grunting harshly. I could see Dylan's silhouette through one of the radio hut windows, though he looked almost frantic. My eyes widened as they spotted movement on the roof of the radio hut, those familiar yellow eyes gleaming in the center of its skull.

"G-Guys! Guys!" I hissed, picking up speed so I could catch up to the trio. "Fuck—Kait!"

"What?" She snapped, turning her head to face me as we moved towards cabin 7. Nick and Abigail slowed down slightly, sharing a glance as I spoke in between wheezes.

"T-There's—its—" I couldn't breathe. Suddenly, I realized, I actually couldn't fucking breathe. Deep wheezes left me and I tumbled into Abigail, reaching for my pocket and finding nothing. I must've dropped my remaining inhaler when fighting that beast. Abigail steadied me as best she could just as the PA crackled to life, Ryan's voice coming through the speaker.

"Kaitlyn get into a building now! Do not come up here. There's an animal outside the radio hut—" I struggled against Abigail's grasp, tumbling up the steps to cabin 7 as Kaitlyn frantically struggled against the locked door. "Get in—get into a cabin now! Go!"

Kaitlyn fought with the door, the knob rattling. I could see the creature tilt its head in our direction and hop down from the roof , stalking towards us. I patted Abi's shoulder and pointed since I couldn't speak. She cursed and tried to help Kaitlyn, Nick standing almost protectively in front of us.

"Fuck, c'mon! Oh my god C'MON!" She screamed, kicking the door down just as the creature reached the bottom step. Nick shoved myself and Abigail forward, slamming the door closed behind him. I could hear the creature slamming into the door, climbing up over the roof top and digging at the roof tiles in an attempt to break in. It's evil snarls were loud and hungry, a memory of what I'd already witnessed up close. I curled in a ball and tried desperately to stem my breathing issue, pressing two fingers against my trachea. It helped, oddly enough, but my lungs took in barely enough air for me to stay awake.

"Holy shit! What is it!?" Kaitlyn shrieked, kneeling and covering her head by a bunk. Abigail curled up on the lower half of one of the bunks, gazing around frantically as Nick kneeled beside her almost like a shield, arms held out protectively.

"Dunno. Dunno." I muttered, eyes closed as I leaned against the wall.

A sudden high pitched shrieking echoed from the PA system and I swear my eardrums burst, all four of us crying out at the sound. I released my trachea in favor of covering my ears, the ringing becoming a whisper again.

Silas...

It died quick and I could hear the beast scamper off away from us, fleeing from the sound. It took all of us a minute to breathe before we lifted ourselves to stand. Nick held out his arm to me, allowing me to lean against him as we trekked down the stairs.

Moving away, I turned to face the radio hut and was very pleased to find both Dylan and Ryan emerging unharmed. My breathing was still fucked and I placed my right hand on my knees, the other dangling limply to my left while I wheezed once again.

"Is it safe!?" Kaitlyn whispered in a frantic tone, tiptoeing forward faster than the rest of us.

"I think we're okay for now." Ryan replied, nodding.

Relaxing slightly, Kaitlyn explained our abrupt appearance. "We ran into one of those Hunter guys."

"Ah crap."

"Chased us out of the lodge. I think we lost them on the way up here though. You get a message out?"

"Yeah. I think so."

"Great—"

"Woah, Carter, you good, mate?" Nick hovered over my as I stumbled and wheezed harder, collapsing to my knees with a whimper.

"B-Breathe—can't b-breathe...!" I choked out, clawing at my throat painfully as my nose started to drip with blood—a side affect of both my asthma and the scarring on my lungs from birth. Dylan and Ryan whipped to face me, the former digging through his pockets. With a small cry of victory, the brunette made his way to my side, tilting my head back and holding the back-up inhaler to my lips.

"Inhale." I did so as he pressed the top down, inhaling the chemical release with a whimper. He gave me a moment to exhale before doing it again. Finally, after the third squeeze, I could breathe properly. My right hand gently grasped his wrist, trembling as I let my body relax, eyes closed.

Branch Updated:

•Honest Seer: Deciding to share my clairvoyance with the group, they appreciate my concern and will be more cautious.

•••

I gave my backup inhaler to Dylan, whom took it without complaint, deciding to take the extra precaution on account of my earlier warnings.

•••

Because he had my backup on hand, Dylan was able to save me from asphyxiation after a severe panic attack.

"T-Thanks..." I coughed, wiping the blood from my nose. Dylan nodded, pocketing the tool once more before helping me to my feet.

"Jesus...let's get the hell out of here..."

A gunshot went off and our heads whipped towards the sound, a figure chasing after a silhouette with a flashlight strapped to the gun they used. The figure dashed around the pool fence, leaping over the edge and disappearing from sight.

"Kaitlyn!" Ryan asked suddenly. "Where's your gun?"

"I lost it. One of the neighbors wanted to say hi." She snapped sarcastically, rolling her eyes. Another gunshot, and suddenly Nick, Abigail and I were sprinting in its direction. I could hear Ryan call out behind us to the figure but ignored it, leaping the fence as best I could with one working arm, Nick hot on my heels. I stumbled to a pause by the edge of the pool, steel grey eyes locked on the spreading red in the chlorinated waters surface.

Nick stood beside me, gazing at the pool with the same shocked, but somehow indifferent expression I wore, Abigail with her frightened features just a foot to my right and directly in front of the Aussie. It felt weird, staring at it. Especially as a feminine figure slowly rose to the surface in nothing but her undergarments. I didn't feel any remorse for what I was witnessing, but I supposed that was maybe due to the shock setting in from my injuries. I blinked owlishly, left arm dangling by my side limply as the others joined myself and Nick.

"Aw, shit, Dylan! What is that...?" Kaitlyn gasped, eyes wide. Abi gasped as the body finally broke the waters surface, backing up into Nick's protective embrace and burying her face in his chest. After a long moment of silence, Kaitlyn spoke up again.

"I-Is she like...one of those Hunter dudes?"

"I don't think so..." Ryan hummed, his voice distraught. Noticing his distress, Kaitlyn nodded lightly to him.

"You okay?"

Ryan opened his mouth, eyes fixated on the corpse floating in the water as if in a trance, hands twitching around the shotgun. "I don't know who that other girl was. I've never seen her before."

"Me neither...but her?"

"Yeah." He swallowed and I lowered my head in respect to the dead girl I'd finally recognized. "That's—"

"Kaylee Hackett."

Ryan's gaze snapped to me, as did Kaitlyn's and Dylan's, but I didn't respond, leaving it to hang in the air. My right hand coiled around my left arm, squeezing lightly for some kind of anchor, but I couldn't even feel the pressure anymore. My arm had gone completely numb and my left leg was starting to follow suit, forcing me to favor my right leg.

"Mr. H's daughter? I thought she went home with her brother?"

"Kaylee. Yeah. I thought so, too." Ryan's voice was broken, monotone—unlike his usual display, he now carried a great weight on his tongue. It was no secret that Ryan had always been close to the Hackett family, especially Mr. Hackett's two kids, Caleb and Kaylee. Seeing her like this now...it was no wonder he'd become so depressed so quickly.

Abi shuffled slightly beside me, pushing against Nick's chest. I gazed at them from the corner of my eye,  watching the boy's expression contort into a bare-toothed snarl. A soft growl left his throat, only noticeable to myself and Abigail, who's eyes flicked to me with distress.

"Oh man...poor Kaylee."

"Nick..."

"You smell so good." My stomach dropped and I swallowed thickly, carefully reaching out with my right towards the girl. Kaitlyn, finally aware of the situation, leaned forward a bit to meet Nick's eyes.

"You alright there, bud? Maybe dial it back a bit, huh?" Nicks head snapped up and he growled at the girl, holding Abigail tighter than before.

"Fuck off Kaitlyn."

"Woah!"

Abigail started to struggle against Nick, squirming as his tongue traced her throat, his growls becoming louder and his grip strong enough to bruise her flesh. "N-Nick, what are you—"

"I wanna taste you..." He hissed. My brain flickered back to the visions I'd had and the encounter with that beast in the woods, eyes widening.

"Blyg—!" She grasped my hand and I yanked her away from the aussie's hold, stumbling back as he whipped to face me with a snarl. His eyes had gone a beady black, pupils blown and bloodshot.

Nick is blinded by rage and bloodthirst.

"SHE'S MINE!"

He lunged at me and Abigail quickly grasped his shirt, tossing him towards the pool. "Get. OFF!" He stumbled back and slipped over the edge with a splash, sinking beneath the red-dyed surface. It was quiet but for a moment, our eyes searching the dim pool for any sign of his figure. Abi, becoming worried, stepped towards the edge carefully. "Nick...?"

He burst from the water with a scream, flailing and splashing desperately as if he were drowning. His eyes were frenzied and his wails were agonized, fingers clawing at the water in an attempt to escape. Kaitlyn quickly moved to Abigail's side, grasping her shoulder reassuringly.

"Are you okay?"

She gaped like a fish, eyes locked on Nick's flailing form with terror. "I-I just wanted him to stop...!"

"Nick!" Ryan called, startled from his depressed stupor. "Dude!"

Comforting Abi, Kaitlyn soothed her with her charisma, patting her back gently. I stepped back away from the pool as Ryan leaned down to grasp Nick's hand. Hoisting him from the pool, the male curled in on himself, shivering and drenched, hair matted to his pale skin. I swallowed thickly, another sense of dread rolling over me, and I stepped back again, pressing my back to the chain-link fence. It rattled slightly, and though no one else paid any mind, Nick's eyes snapped to my form, a snarl on his teeth.

"Hey." I jumped, turning my head to the right to face Dylan, who stood beside me with concern in his eyes. "Are you okay?" He murmured, reaching out to brush my right arm gently. I nodded hesitantly, still shaken, the gold ring forming in Nick's eyes enough to put me on edge. "Carter?"

"Y-Yeah..." I nodded numbly, right hand squeezing my left arm so tightly my nails penetrated my skin unknowingly, crimson trails staining my skin. "Yeah, I'm...I'm fine."

Dylan is worried for my health and sanity.

"Stay close to me." He muttered, pressing to my side lightly, his hand brushing the small of my back. I huddled against him slightly, silently grateful for the protective gesture. Nick's eyes never left me as he lay there, Abigail moving to crouch beside him. Her fingertips barely brushed his arm before she recoiled with a gasp.

"He's so cold...!"

Ryan stepped forward, his tone urgent and his jaw set. "Okay. L-Let's get him in the pool house. Dry him off."

Abi and Ryan moved to help Nick, Kaitlyn stepping past him with her nose scrunched and her eyes narrowed suspiciously. Dylan, grasping my right hand in his, led me forward, tugging me closer as Nick growled at my feet. I leaned into Dylan's side, wincing as my knee nearly gave out, but the brunette steadied me easily.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Dylan murmured, guiding me to sit down on a bench along the wall, setting himself beside me. Kaitlyn and Ryan busied themselves with setting up a mat for Nick, Abigail focused on trying to dry and soothe Nick before having him lay down.

"No..." Dylan pursed his lips and gently grasped my left hand. When I gave no reaction his brows furrowed, examining my arm. My skin was paler than normal and my veins a vibrant blue, the muscles and nerves weak and unaffected by his touch. "I've lost feeling in it." His eyes widened and he rubbed his thumb over the thin trails of blood I'd caused with my nails, my body trembling slightly. I'd only just realized how cold I was, remembering that I no longer had a shirt on due to my bandages and that beasts claws.

"Jesus..." He wrapped me in his arms gently, coaxing me to rest my head on his shoulder. "W-We'll get you out of here, Car." I nodded weakly, unable to feel his embrace on the left side of my body. A tear trailed down my cheek and I whimpered softly. This night was going to absolute shit.

"I'm sorry." I barely heard him, his voice so quiet I was only able to make out his speech because his mouth was pressed against my hair. "I didn't mean to just...I-I know this is not the best time, b-but I can't help but think we won't make it out a-and I don't want to die with things so fucked between us—"

"Dylan, what—?"

"J-Just—I do like you. A-At least, 'Dylan Dylan' does." I snapped my mouth shut, listening to him rant quietly to me, his arms caging me in. "A-And I don't mean to be a dick, I-I just don't know how to talk to you—Ryan's easier 'cause he's so fucking quiet, a-and he's hot and mysterious—"

"That's probably not something you should say right after admitting you like me..."

He sighed and buried his face in my hair, inhaling slightly. "No, I-I..." When Dylan fell silent I felt my heart beat a bit faster, reaching over to grasp one of his hands with my right. I felt something warm and wet on the side of my head and tensed, eyes widening. His shoulders trembled and soft sniffles were muffled against me. "W-When I saw you...all torn to shreds and bleeding out, I..." His grip tightened slightly, his hand squeezing mine. "I was so scared I was going to watch you die."

"Dyl..." He shook his head, sitting upright and pulling away. A shaky smile settled on his face as he attempted to joke around his tears, shrugging his shoulders.

"I-It's stupid, I know. I mean, we could all die soon, so..." I reached over and pulled him into an awkward one armed hug, squeezing him affectionately.

"Thank you."

I pulled away just as quickly—thankfully so, as Ryan and Kaitlyn finally joined us in the corner. Shifting slightly, I grasped my left arm with a shaky hand, examining the damage done. "Fuck, I really can't feel anything."

Kaitlyn leaned over to look, tracing her fingertips over my veins lightly. "Yeah, you've definitely got nerve damage. I'm not a doctor, or anything, but if we don't get you to a hospital soon it'll likely be permanent." My expression must've fallen at that because Ryan jutted his jaw at Dylan, then myself. The brunette reached over and grasped my right hand that rested in my lap, giving it a gentle squeeze.

Settling herself down in a chair, Kaitlyn sighed. "Okay, look. We need to be keeping a record of everything that happens, for the police."

Dylan grunted slightly, sarcasm on the tip of his tongue. "Yeah...dead girl in the pool needs some explaining, huh."

"Hey, easy man." Ryan scoffed, directing a pointed glare at the brunette, whom raised his hands in mock offense.

"You mean, like, photos and stuff?" I inquired, moving the conversation along quickly. Kaitlyn nodded, fidgeting with the fabric of her leggings.

"I have a funny feeling the cops are not gonna wanna believe any of this crazy shit unless we got some hard proof."

"From now on..." Ryan added in, hands on his thighs as he shifted in his seat. "If you got your phone, and you see something, take a photo or video or whatever."

"I lost my phone when I lost my inhaler." I muttered, then glanced down at my useless appendage. "Can't do much like this, anyway." I quipped bitterly as an afterthought.

"Yeah..." Glancing worriedly to the right, Kaitlyn and I watched Abi converse in hushed tones with Nick for a minute or two. "You okay over there, Abi? Look—why don't you look around and see if you can find anything to help make Nick more comfortable." Abi did as told without a word and moved around the pool house. My eyes settled on Nick, narrowing at the harsh gaze he had settled on the redhead until she disappeared behind the corner to the showers. His gaze flickered to me immediately and I recoiled, hiding myself behind Dylan's shoulder.

"Holy shit—I don't like the way Nick's staring at me like a piece of meat." I hissed, curling in on myself slightly. Ryan glanced at him as Abi settled beside the Aussie again, shifting the portable heater we'd found closer.

"It's a little intense..."

"Something is definitely not right with that boy." Kaitlyn muttered, having yet to remove her eyes from the duo.

Dylan leaned around the corner to look, nodding with terrified eyes. "Yeah, dude is real sick."

"Did you see how he freaked out in the water?" Ryan chipped in, visibly shivering at the memory.

"He was like, a fish out of water...right?" Dylan hummed, hunched over slightly to conceal me from Nick's view. Ryan grunted and I snorted softly, grinning slightly at his boyishly dorky nature.

"You know, something was weird when I tried to clean his wounds, too. A-At the lodge." I let my eyes flick to Kaitlyn, perking up slightly since I'd been out cold at the time.

"What do you mean?" I asked, eager to learn more regarding Nick's strange behavior.

"Well all of his clothes were bloody but I couldn't find where he was bit. Or scratched or...whatever." She explained, lip quirking to the side as she furrowed her brows skeptically. "He just kept moving around, like he didn't want me to see how badly he was hurt."

"Rabies?" Dylan suggested, head tilted.

"He's not frothing at the mouth." Ryan shut that thought down, but I was quick to snap back in.

"Abigail would probably disagree." Ryan shrugged, accepting my thought without voicing his agreement.

"And isn't aquaphobia a symptom of rabies?" Kaitlyn's eyes were wide at the theory seemingly coming together, though I couldn't really back her up just yet.

"Hydrophobia. But it's supposed to be, like, the fear of drinking, not just getting wet." Ryan corrected her misunderstanding, kneading at his thighs anxiously. "This was like—"

"Like my cat in the bathtub." Dylan chuckled without any humor, Ryan and myself grunting our agreement with the statement. I tilted my head slightly at the sharp gasp Abi abruptly released, leaning around Dylan to peek. My eyes widened watching Nick grasp her arm tightly and drag her in. A deep growl left his bared teeth and he tossed her across the room with inhuman strength, her head slamming into the lockers.

"Oh my god! Abi!" Kaitlyn jumped up immediately in shock, the other two standing abruptly in a panic.

"No no no no no!" I stumbled upright, nearly collapsing as my left leg had finally gone numb, as useless as my left arm. I stumbled across the pool house as Abi struggled to get up, eyes locked on Nick.

The boy stood, snarling softly as he crouched. Slowly moving onto his two feet, shoulders raised and legs slightly bent, Abi glanced down and grasped the shotgun. "Do it, Blyg!" I begged, attempting to push past Kaitlyn, but she grabbed me around the waist to still me. The redhead raised the weapon but did not fire, biting her lip. The gun lowered slowly and Nick grinned a sinister smile, then howled in pain. He collapsed onto his back, writhing and squirming around with agonized cries and hungry snarls.

"Abi, you need to move!" I thrashed against Kaitlyn's grip, struggling to find the right footing, desperate to prevent Abigail's impending death. This is what that vision was for! I thought. Nick rolled onto his knees, growling, and then roared. His flesh tore form his body in a burst of blood and skin that coated all of us, sharp gasps of fear and disgust filling the room.

A hulking beast stood in Nick's place, it's shirt torn to rags and soaked it's his own blood, beady gold eyes glaring at Abi. I finally freed myself from Kaitlyn in her moment of fear-ridden distraction, stumbling forward. "Abigail!" My right hand met her shoulder right as the beast lunged, slamming me into the lockers in her place. The redhead skidded across the floor, gun in her lap as all eyes fell on me. Our gazes met and I watched the blood drain from her already pale face as the beasts teeth sank into the right side of my neck, obscuring her from view.

A wailing scream tore through me, body convulsing at the agony I suddenly felt all over my body. His claws dug into my sides, reopening the wounds Kaitlyn had haphazardly stitched closed earlier. Blood and viscera splattered the already caked tiles and walls, my head tilted forcefully by its large clawed hand. A gunshot rang out and the beast reared back, roaring. Glass shattered as it jumped away and out the window, but I lay there, twitching as blood poured from my open throat and my mouth, gagging on the metallic fluid.

"Carter!" Dylan raced to my side almost immediately as Kaitlyn moved to comfort Abi after she dropped the shotgun, his hands grasping at my face gently, though they trembled. "Fuck, oh my god, Carter, why would you do that—!?" I twitched in place and tried to reply, tears dotting my eyes. I could already feel the heat spreading from the bite wound over my right shoulder, black veins forming under my right eye and along my throat, the same infection that had claimed Nick. Dylan turned to Ryan, desperately begging for any form of help. The quieter boy gathered the towels Nick had laid on prior, pressing them against my wounds to stem the blood flow.

I could feel the cold seeping in, battling with the fire raging in my blood. My vision was blurring and dotted with black spots, my breathing labored and inhibited by the blood pouring from my parted lips. Dylan's tears fell rapidly, his hands pawing at my flesh and desperately trying to apply pressure to my wounds.

"C'mon, cmon, p-please! Don't d-die, please, don't die, Car!" He begged and begged desperately, his voice cracking as he fell into a frantic hysteria. I reached my right arm up and traced his cheek, watching his eyes flick to my own. I tried to speak but found I lacked the strength, so I settled for caressing his tears away, my thumb tracing his bottom lip. He closed his eyes for a moment and cupped my hand on his face, squeezing desperately to ground himself.

I don't know how much time went by sitting there with Dylan holding the towels in place, my gaze far away and my breathing consisting of deep bloody wheezes and coughs. I don't know how long Dylan stared me down as I sat there, dying against the wall, my hand still placed on his cheek. I don't know how long it was before a sharp knock rang at the door, startling the group.

I didn't get a chance to see the newcomer, or attempt to speak. Dylan, whom had faced the door and was talking to Ryan, felt my grip slacken against his cheek. His head whipped around as my hand slowly fell limp, hitting the floor with a bloody smack. My head tilted a bit more to the left, resting on my shoulder, and my eyelids drooped. My breathing faded, my heart slowing its incredibly weak beat.

Dylan was screaming something but it was muffled. Another figure moved into view but my vision had already faded. Hands gently—or roughly—shook me by my shoulders, though I barely felt their caress. I gurgled one final time before my vision blacked out and all sound died, my heart beat stilling.

...

...

...

...

...

...and then it clenched, beating again.

|•|•|•|•|•|•|•|

Laura Kearney—is my best friend and recently found our ragtag group of survivors. She is distraught at my ‘death’.

Max Brinly—is my best friend and currently missing.

Ryan Erzahler—is emotionally closed off after my ‘death’.

Jacob Custos—is worried for me, and our friends. His location is unknown.

Abigail Blyg—is feeling ‘survivor’s guilt’ due to my sacrifice.

Dylan Lenivy—is heartbroken over my ‘death’. He refuses to speak.

Emma Mountebank—is scared for me and our friends. Her location is unknown.

Kaitlyn Ka—is still registering the current events.

Nicholas Furcillo—is infected and on the run. His location is unknown.

Travis Hackett—has no relation to me.

Chris Hackett—His location is unknown.

My status is a shredded mess of gore, cold skin and lack of pulse. Currently ‘dead’???

Tarot Visions:

Temperance

It was dark, the fire lit before me, my friends surrounding me. Jacob tossed a beer can my way, a pocket knife in his outstretched hand. I debated it for a moment as I caught the beverage, then stood and accepted the blade so I could shotgun the beer, pocketing it afterwards.

Strength

I held my breathe, back pressed to a boulder with Abigail beside me, hands over each other's mouths. A silhouette clambered above the boulder beside us, it's glowing red eyes searching the earth, snarling as it's saliva dripped against my shoulder and made me shudder.

Justice

Abigail stood with her back to a set of lockers, a shotgun in hand. As the creature leapt towards her I shoved her out of the way, taking the brunt of the force as the beast slammed me into the lockers and it's teeth clamped around my throat.

Lovers

I groaned as my body hunched over, black veins protruding from my pale skin like spiderwebs. My fingers clenched into fists in my hair, deep growls escaping me along side my own pained grunts. My body trembled and my eyes squeezed shut, teeth bared. I tilted my head up and gold clashed with doe brown eyes full of terror. Then I snapped.

Branches:

•Skeptic BFF: Having been best friends with Max and Laura, I knew they weren't okay. With their absence, I grew skeptical of Chris Hackett and his promises.

•••

Because I stayed with Ryan and Dylan in the lodge, I discovered clues as to my friends disappearances.

•Honest Seer: Deciding to share my clairvoyance with the group, they appreciated my concern and will be more cautious.

•••

I gave my backup inhaler to Dylan, whom took it without complaint, deciding to take the extra precaution on account of my earlier warnings.

•••

Because he had my backup on hand, Dylan was able to save me from asphyxiation after a severe panic attack.

•Midnight Snack: I chose to chase after Emma and Jacob; leading me to discover the beasts before the rest.

[dreamqueenkala]

FROM PARTY TO PERISH

Previous Chapter

Laura Kearney is my best friend and is currently missing.

Max Brinly is my best friend and is currently missing.

Ryan Erzahler is appreciative towards me.

Jacob Custos is concerned for my health and attached to me.

Abigail Blyg is distasteful of me.

Dylan Lenivy finds me adorable.

Emma Mountebank greatly enjoys my company.

Kaitlyn Ka is entertained by me.

Nicholas Furcillo is protective of me and concerned for my mental health.

Travis Hackett has no relation to me.

Chris Hackett finds me reliable but aggressive.

I am alive, sane and burned but otherwise healthy.

Tarot Visions:

Temperance

It was dark, the fire lit before me, my friends surrounding me. Jacob tossed a beer can my way, a pocket knife in his outstretched hand. I debated it for a moment as I caught the beverage, then stood and accepted the blade so I could shotgun the beer, pocketing it afterwards.

Strength

I held my breathe, back pressed to a boulder with Abigail beside me, hands over each other's mouths. A silhouette clambered above the boulder beside us, it's glowing red eyes searching the earth, snarling as it's saliva dripped against my shoulder and made me shudder.

Branches:

•Skeptic BFF: Having been best friends with Max and Laura, I knew they weren't okay. With their absence, I grew skeptical of Chris Hackett and his promises.

|•|•|•|•|•|•|•|

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Playing Tape #13

Hackett's Quarry Summer Camp Entrance

18:55 August 22–Carter Rhodes

As Jacob finished deciding the group, I cut in quickly with a stammer in my voice. "G-Guys, wait." All eyes fell on me and my breathe caught in my throat, my anxiety spiking.

"What's up, Carter?" Jacob hummed, tilting his head like a lost puppy.

"You're lookin' kinda spooked, dude. Chris really freak you out?" Dylan added, brows furrowed despite his playful tone.

"N-No it...it's not Chris." The tone of my voice must've been terrified because Nick stepped forward with his hands placed on my shoulders.

"Carter, is it about when you collapsed?"

Emma stood to attention at that, her yes frantically searching my face. "Woah woah woah—you collapsed?"

"Yeah, in the cabin when Jacob went to get the bags."

"Uh, he collapsed out here, too, when we gave out the phones." Dylan added, his own brown eyes now full of concern.

"Seriously!?"

I trembled as the group grew collectively louder, my breathing becoming erratic. "G-Guys! GUYS!" As they fell silent I fumbled with my inhaler, taking a breather from it and holding it before exhaling. "It's my clairvoyance."

"Your what?"

"It's a sixth sense. It's the kind of thing that causes people to feel a sense of Deja Vu." I explained, fumbling with my sleeves. Ryan, familiar with the term, leaned in beside Dylan, eyeing me curiously. "Basically, I've been getting these visions. You guys know I had a weird sense for things that were happening around camp."

"Yeah, like when you stopped that one kid from throwing a rock at the boathouse. Remember, the dock collapsed?" Jacob hummed thoughtfully, nodding along as if he understood.

"R-Right, well...I-I started finding these tarot cards around the lodge. Every time I find one it just burns up in my hand, for some reason, but then I black out and see...stuff." I continued, eying my slightly ashen palm.

"See stuff? Like what?"

"Like danger. I-I don't know if any of it'll happen, but I'm just anxious." I tried to drop the subject quickly, shrugging my shoulders. "It's no big deal, c-can you guys just be careful? It's got me on edge..."

Branch Selected:

•Honest Seer: Deciding to share my clairvoyance with the group, they appreciate my concern and will be more cautious.

"Duh! Can't have any fun if we're getting hurt, dude." Jacobs kind smile had me relaxing slightly, nodding as the others quickly agreed.

"Thanks guys."

"Alright! Let's go, party committee, we've got shit to do." The group disbanded, but not without a few concerned looks sent my way. Deciding to head off with Kaitlyn, Ryan and Dylan, the four of us headed inside the lodge for a bit.

"We might as well charge our phones a little. Think Mr. H will get mad if we slip into his office real quick?" Dylan inquired, fiddling with his phone in his back pocket. Kaitlyn, already knowing where this was going, shook her head and raised her hands defensively.

"Whatever you dorks get up to, I was not a part of it. See you at the fire pit, losers." With a peace sign and wave she made her way out through the back doors, heading towards the fire pit. Blinking owlishly, I turned to face the other two only to discover they were half way to the office already. With a yelp, I scampered my way to their side, bumping lightly into Ryan's left arm on accident.

He shot me a shy smile as he opened the door, allowing me to enter first before following, Dylan hot in his heels. "Alright...the inner sanctum."

"Just an office." Ryan replied, shutting the door behind us. Turning on his heel, Dylan was quick to raise a brow at the deep-voiced male.

"Uh...this is where the magic happens." He waved his phone around to add to the joke, grinning.

With a playful scoff Ryan shook his head, directing Dylan to the wall plug. "Yeah. Let's just make this quick."

"Sure. Just gimme a sec to get this going..." The brunette took our phones and set them up to charge, fiddling with the outlet for a moment. "And...engage."

Facing Ryan and I, Dylan smiled almost bashfully at the guy, glancing at me only for a second before his gaze met Ryan's. "Podcasts?"

"Yeah."

"Alright."

Rolling my eyes at the awkward vibes between the two, I started to move around the office, examining the items on Mr. Hackett's desk whilst making use of the first aid kit in one of the drawers.

"Uh, what's it called? The one that you're listening to right now."

"Uh, 'Bizarre Yet Bona Fide'."

"So, like, ghosts and stuff?"

"It's, like...um, yeah, the weird and wonderful." Ryan seemed to be struggling to explain to Dylan, probably already aware the brunette didn't have as much interest in the topic as he did himself. "Digging up weird mysteries and discussing if they're, well, bona fide."

"Heh. 'Boner' fide? Get it? Boner..."

"Ugh, your wit knows no bounds, Dyl." I cringed at Dylan's joke, shaking my head as I picked up a photo frame from the desk.

"Right...um, so, you already checking out what Mr. H keeps in his private den of sin, Carter?" Dylan hummed, moving to stand beside me as I examined the three people in the photograph.

"Hey, uh, I dunno, man. I feel kinda weird going through his stuff..." Ryan did indeed feel uncomfortable, but I suppose that's due to his long relationship with the guy prior to becoming a counselor.

"Okay, well, I don't. Carter obviously doesn't." Moving around the desk and examining the drawers, Dylan continues. "I mean, come on, what king of dirty secrets is the owner of a summer camp full of impressionable young children gonna have anyway?"

"Your sarcasm is blatantly clear, Dylan. Maybe tone it down? You know Ryan and Mr. Hackett are closer than the rest of us." I hummed, setting the photo frame down.

Dylan is annoyed with my response.

Ryan is pleased with my defense.

"Not Mr. H. I know. He's cool."

"Always been cool to me..."

"Woah, look at this old thing." With a small sigh, Dylan's eyes found the phone the same time mine did, his hand already grasping the receiver. "Hey, gimme your number. I wanna try it out."

"Why?" Ryan furrowed his brows at the implication, jaw taut and shoulders stiff.

His quick wit succeeded once again, though the words he used made my shoulders tense. "Uh, so that I can ask you out on a date. Duh."

Granted, all of us were aware how attracted to Ryan Dylan truly was, but it didn't hurt any less. I'd spent a lot of the summer pining after some of the others with the smallest of crushes, and yet they never seemed to go anywhere. Because of that, I'd kept the personal aspects of my mind and feelings mostly to myself, hiding the pain and sorrow of watching them flirt with each other behind shy smiles and sweet banter.

"Mmm, smooth." His tone was playfully sarcastic, but the glint that formed in Ryan's eyes told me he was amused.

Leave it to me to find a way to fucking third wheel, again. I always want the people I can't have. I thought with a sigh.

Dylan's sudden surprised 'hello?' startled me from my thoughts, blinking as I watched him furrow his brows. I furrowed my own brows as his expression showed utter confusion, watching him fiddle with the dial.

"What? Who is it?"

"Uhhh, hello...?" Slowly setting it back down, I watched him shrug it off, but my stomach rolled with discomfort. "That's weird. I thought I heard someone."

"Maybe you should've asked them out on a date?"

"Dammit, I missed my shot!"

I moved to stand by the phone as Dylan moved around more, pointing out other objects along the way that lined the office. My left hand twitched, reaching up to grasp the phone. "Hey Dyl?"

He turned away from the shotgun on the wall he'd been ogling, facing me with his hands on his hips. "Yeah? What's up, Car?"

I grasped the phone lightly and lifted it, hesitating to put it up to my ear. "You're sure you heard something?" He shrugged, seemingly over it already, though Ryan's gaze lingered on me. Gently, I pressed the phone to my ear and inhaled sharply, eyes wide.

"Silas..."

With a yelp, I dropped the phone, the plastic having suddenly felt very hot in my hands. It clattered off the desk, the dial and receiver smoking slightly as I cradled my red, blistered palm to my chest. Ryan stepped forward, alarmed by my cry, whilst Dylan knelt down to examine the phone.

"Dude, what the fuck?"

"Are you okay?" I nodded slowly, eying my palm with wide grey eyes as the skin boiled an almost unsightly pink. "You need to run that under some cold water."

"I'll be fine..." Glancing up, Dylan seemed to perk up as he circled the desk again, moving the chair.

"Hey, look at this." We both stepped up to peer behind him, eyes gazing over the darkened wood in surprise.

"A...trapdoor?"

"Guess it goes to the basement." Dylan set his hands on his hips, turning to look at us with suspicion in his doe eyes. "But why would Mr. H have a secret trapdoor in his office...that goes to the basement?"

"Maybe it was here before this was his office?" Ryan suggested, though I felt inclined to agree with Dylan.

"If it's nothing...off it's most likely used for storage." I hummed thoughtfully, rubbing my palm lightly. "Though...this whole office feels off to me."

"Uh, yeah...so he can make a quick getaway when the heat comes down, maybe." Dylan suggested, eying the wood seems apprehensively.

Ryan, already irritated by the implications, scoffed and replied rather aggressively. "Uh, or...it's for storage. Go ahead, open it up."

Though hesitant, the brunette crouched down to lift the door, heaving slightly at the heaviness of it. "Alright, well, it looks like a pit of eternal darkness, so..."

"You're being dramatic."

"Climb down, take a look—look, you can squeeze through there."

"You opened it. You take a look."

Dylan hesitated and I bit my lower lip, slipping past him just as he moved to shut it. "I'll look."

"Wha—hey, Carter!"

Slipping my smaller frame through the gap, I grasped the ladder and began to make my way down,  hitting the ground with a gasp. Glancing around, my eyes adjusted and I could barely make out the shelves lining the storm cellar, boxes piled along the walls I could see.

"So, uh...what's down there?" Dylan called, his voice echoing slightly. Feeling a cold veil of dread slip over my shoulders, I backed into the ladder slightly, inhaling sharply.

"It's, uh...dark as hell down here. Can't really see anything..." I replied, flitting my gaze around frantically. Something was off—really off—and this basement/storm cellar made my skin crawl with terror.

"Just come back up, then. This things making my arm tired." Nodding slowly, I turned to face the ladder, beginning the climb. My foot slipped on one of the rungs, the metal creaking as I yelped. Just as I clung to the bars again, my fingers touched something familiar. Curiously, I pulled the card from the wedge in the rungs, gazing over the surface of the Justice card. A woman, clad in a long red dress with a gold crown on her head, waved a sword in her right hand, the left occupied by some form of a bird.

I gripped the rungs tightly and winced, struggling against the uproar my brain created. My vision blurred and my ears rang loud, like sirens, my blood pumping faster through my veins. I clenched my teeth and whined, though this time I remained semi-conscious.

Abigail stood with her back to a set of lockers, a shotgun in hand. As the creature leapt towards her I shoved her out of the way, taking the brunt of the force as the beast slammed me into the lockers and it's teeth clamped around my throat.

Shaking my head, I found myself still clinging to the ladder, my head swimming, and practically raced up the metal, the tarot card nothing but ash in the air. "Nope. No. Nu uh. Nope. Shut this fucking door right now, I swear to God, Dyl—" I stammered frantically, accepting the brunettes outstretched hand and scrambling from the gap. The trapdoor slammed shut behind me and I panted, pressing myself back into Ryan's chest. "Holy—this place is giving me the heebie jeebies right now."

Dylan stepped past us as I calmed down, settling husked in Mr. Hackett's desk chair. "Ooh, that's a nice chair. I could get used to this." He cooed, spinning it slowly as he relaxed against the back.

"You better hope Mr. H doesn't catch you takin' his baby for a joyride." Ryan snapped back, a faint grin on his face as he patted my shoulder.

Dylan scoffed, coming to an abrupt stop in the chair as he smiled up at Ryan. "Ring-a-ding-a-ding—Ooh, sorry bud, gotta take this. One second." He reached over and grabbed the burnt-out phone, pressing it up to his ear now that the smoke had died down. "Hello, Hackett's Quarry Summer Camp! What doesn't kill you will make you stronger. What can I do for you on this darn-tootin' doozie of a day?"

I snickered softly as Ryan's grin grew, both of us thoroughly amused by Dylan's playfulness. "Is that your impression of Mr. H?"

Dylan raised his hand to silence Ryan, humming thoughtfully. "Uh, yeah...uh-huh, yeah...yeah I—You're absolutely right, he does need to be nicer to Dylan." His gaze flicked up to meet Ryan's again, though I felt myself slink away from the adoration in his eyes. "And uh, what's that? You want him to give Dylan his phone number? That's a little forward, but I can see what I can do..."

"Smooth." Ryan took it with a grin, shaking his head as Dylan set the phone down. He dug through the drawers, retrieving a notebook from the left side. Flipping through it, he tilted his head.

"Oh. Laura Kearney and Max Brinly." I stiffened at the mention of their names, gazing at the notebook with wide eyes.

"Oh, yeah. Those are the ones that never showed up." Ryan seemed suddenly intrigued, facing Dylan slightly as the brunette continued.

"...yeah? It's because of these goobers that we had to work extra shifts this summer." He stuffed the notebook away, standing from the chair with a huff.

"Did...did it say why they didn't show?"

Dylan paused by Mr. Hackett's bedroom door, glancing at me over his shoulder. "Ah, no...no, it didn't say."

I pursed my lips and nodded, folding my arms over my chest. I could feel their eyes on me but made no remark, moving to join them by the door.

Dylan and Ryan are suspicious of my behavior regarding the missing counselors.

"Right..." Dylan grasped the door handle and gave it a wiggle, unsuccessfully as it was locked. "Yo, my guy, toss me the keys."

"Uh, so you can poke around in Chris's private area?"

"It's not like we'd touch anything, Ryan. Don't you wanna learn more about him, anyway?" Ryan gave me a glance and pursed his lips, tossing the keys to Dylan, whom caught them easily.

"Fine. Don't let me regret it."

"Not likely..."

Dylan opened the door and I peered around his shoulders as we entered, gazing around the practically barren space. The walls were bland and there were no photos or personal items decorating the room. The only thing I could see was the bathroom to our right, the bedroom to our left, and a small closet ahead of us.

Dylan immediately began to sift through the closet, eying his clothes. "Fashion icon!"

"Mr. H knows what he likes."

"Yeah, I'm sure he does—"

"W-Wait, Dylan, look!" I pressed my hand against the wall behind the shirts, sliding the hangers to the side with wide eyes.

"Yo..." I pushed at the wall and watched as it opened, a faint white light peering from the secret room. Dylan came up behind me, a hand on my shoulder as we trekked deeper, disregarding Ryan's warning.

"Ryan, you, uh...might wanna see this." Dylan muttered, watching as I stepped up to the table.

"What...the actual fuck is this!?" My eyes darted between each screen, wide with shock and disgust. "He's been watching us! What kind of creepy shit is this?" Dylan grasped my shoulder as Ryan joined us at the desk, squeezing lightly in an attempt to calm me down.

"These monitors...this is the camp." Dylan was dumbfounded, his voice soft as he bent over to examine the screens individually.

"He's spying on us. Perverted little—"

"No no...I mean—No, no...he can't be..." Despite how quick he was to reply, even Ryan seemed incredulous to what he was witnessing.  "These are just...They're all different trails in the woods around camp."

"Uh...sure."

"Most of the cameras are pointed away from camp, so it's not like he's spying on the kids, unless they wandered out into the woods." Ryan's explanation seemed more for himself then us, Dylan and I sharing a glance. "You know, these are just...they're probably just...trail cameras."

"What are trail cameras?"

"They're used by hunters to track live game on open land. If that is what this footage comes from, then it's probably prep for the hunting season now that summers over." I eyed the cameras apprehensively, leaning against Dylan's side as my breathing started to spike again.

"Hey, you okay...?" He muttered, petting my hand. I nodded, eyes still locked on the live feed displayed before me.

"This shit's just sketchy as hell, Dyl."

"I'm with you there..." Dylan cleared his throat, standing up to face Ryan with sarcasm lacing his tone. "Alright? So, trail cameras, weird random shit...I'm going to upgrade Mr. H from 'super creepy pervert with spy cam' to, you know, 'super crazy conspiracy hunter'."

"To be fair, Bigfoot is not a conspiracy..."

"Okay, fine, how about an aspiring cryptozoologist?" Eyebrows raising, he gestured to Ryan with a smug, taunting expression. "Hey, maybe he likes that podcast you listen to..."

"Sure, yeah, let's go with that."

"Doesn't make this any less creepy." The two turned their attention back to me as I leaned over the desk, eying the monitors with distaste and discomfort. "I mean, look...it's Abi and Nick...." The duo barely crossed paths with a trail camera before disappearing from view again.

"Freaky." Dylan shuddered, pressing his hand once again to my back, this time the small of it. I couldn't resist the shudder that wracked my body at the unintentionally intimate gesture. "Okay, but....why go through all the trouble of hiding this room...through a secret door in the closet?"

"Ahhh...I mean, it's not exactly secret, right? Like it's just...hidden by...stuff."

"Your argument is flawed, Ryan. You can't tell me you aren't at least slightly creeped out by this."

"Yeah, that's what a secret is, Ryan. It's weird. It's major league weird—"

"Okay, yeah, I don't disagree with you, but—"

"Oh my God, stop defending him! This shits probably recorded, and with Jacob and Emma disappearing half the summer to go have a quick fuck in the woods, there's no telling what Mr. Hackett has seen!" I snapped, palms pressed to my temples incredulously as I glared at Ryan.

"I-It's none of our business, okay?" Ryan seems just as done with this uncomfortable conversation as I was, trying to urge Dylan out of the room. "A-And if you really need to know you can ask him tomorrow. I'm sure that won't be an awkward conversation, like, at all."

"Okay, yeah. Maybe I will." Dylan conceded and I groaned, watching Ryan began to make his way back to the door.

"Alright. I-I'm leaving the 'secret lair'. Have fun."

"Hey, you just admitted that it's a secret lair!"

"Dylan...." He turned to face me, glancing behind himself quickly before scampering to my side.

"Hey, hey, chill. It's fine. I-It's just some weird shit we gotta deal with, alright?" The brunette attempted to reassure me, hands on my shoulders as his thumbs caressed the pulse points in my neck.

"I-I know, it's just...freaky." He sighed and patted my head gently, smiling reassuringly as he guided me away from the monitors.

"Yeah. Yeah, I know. Let's just get out of here, yeah?" With a nod, we made our way to the door but I stopped short, gazing over at the wall opposite the door with furrowed brows.

"Gimme a sec." I muttered, moving over to the boxes. On top of one, rested a small pile of letters, one with Max Brinly scrawled across the mint envelope.

Branch Updated:

•Skeptic BFF: Having been best friends with Max and Laura, I knew they weren't okay. With their absence, I grew skeptical of Chris Hackett and his promises.

•••

Because I stayed with Ryan and Dylan in the lodge, I discovered clues as to my friends disappearances.

Pursing my lips, I grasped them and slipped them into my free pocket, turning back to the door. "Les go."

Dylan led me back through the closet and put the door, making our way over to Ryan. "So, uh....gotta anything going on back home...? School or...?"

"Eh....Jury's out." Ryan seemed deeply displeased with the two of us, though at the moment I didn't care.

"Right. Understood."

"Can we get the fuck out of here—"

"Girlfriend?" My head perked up, mouth dry at the almost desperate tone in Dylan's voice.

"Uh...not...exactly..." Ryan, as confused and flustered as I was but for totally different reasons, gazed at Dylan skeptically.

"Boyfriend...?"

"Oh my god, stop fucking flirting in front of me, for fuck's sake! I'm already emotionally distraught and don't need this background rejection shit in my head, yeah? Jesus fucking—" Completely oblivious to the red hues on their faces and the baffled expressions they wore, I moved out of the office quickly, hands in my hair as I breathed heavily.

Dylan is baffled and hurt by my outburst.

Ryan is startled and worried by my outburst.

Feelings fucking sucked. I hated it. I completely forgot my phone in my haste to escape and groaned, kicking the wall outside on the way out the back door before stomping down the steps. Heavy footsteps behind me and the slam of a heavy door indicated the other two were catching up, but I didn't turn around. I couldn't look at them—more specifically Dylan—when I'd already let my emotions get the best of me and spilled such private shit.

"Hey! Carter, wait, jesus—" He stumbled across the dirt path, grasping my arm and extending his arm out with my phone in hand. "Here, you left this."

I glanced at his hand and snatched the device, shoving it in my other back pocket without a word. Dylan sighed, Ryan just behind us a few yards as the brunette reached for my shoulder. I brushed him off, taking longer strides in an effort to escape the situation, my face flushed.

"Dude, c'mon, I didn't—"

"You didn't, what, Dylan? Didn't mean to make me feel like a fucking third wheel? Didn't mean to just blatantly flirt with one of my close friends despite the fact that I'm so obviously attracted to you? Didn't mean to eye fuck Ryan like a dog in heat!?" Dylan seemed mortified at my outburst, stepping back a bit with his hands raised and eyes wide.

"Woah, woah, dude, what the fuck—?"

"Yeah, what the fuck! I like you, dipshit! I've told you that twice in the past week and you've blown me off in favor of seeking out Ryan like it didn't fucking matter." My eyes were burning, vision blurred by the tears building in them as I clenched my fists. "I get it, if it's not reciprocated, but don't make me feel like shit and treat me like a goddamn shadow."

I spun on my heel and marched away, aggressively wiping at my eyes. I could hear him and Ryan start talking yards behind me and held back a whimper, ruffling my hair. It didn't matter. I regretted being such a dick about it already, but it didn't make it hurt less. I just couldn't help the way I felt for him, or Jacob, or Max. It's the way my life had been. I was just so tired of being hurt.

I sniffled softly and huffed, smacking my cheeks lightly and shaking my head. "Stupid fucking feelings, fuck—" With a breathy sigh, I plastered a smile on my face and waved at Kaitlyn, whom had already set up the large logs in the fire pit and was snapping photos of the island and the sunset.

"Hey Kait."

"Hey! Took you guys long enough."

"Yeah..."

"Hey Kaitlyn. Guess what—" Dylan started with a flourish, Ryan behind him a few feet as I came to stand directly beside the small woman. "Mr. H is a voyeuristic creep. He has hidden cameras all around camp and a secret room."

"No—No, that's not..."

"Uh...woah, now. Back up. What!?" I snickered at Kaitlyn's reaction, but my expression quickly fell when Dylan met my eyes. I scowled slightly, then it dropped to a sad frown, and I forced myself to look away.

"His eyes are everywhere. He's always watching us."

"Knock it off, man. He—he's just got...trail cameras set up. Y'know, forest surveillance. That kind of thing." Kaitlyn seemed to relax almost immediately as Ryan explained more, shrugging lightly.

"Oh."

"Wha—you don't think that's weird?"

Obviously not based on her immediate response. "Well he's got a perimeter to check, kids to protect. Yeah, probably just gotta keep track of wildlife."

"You guys have no imagination." Dylan sighed, slumping slightly.

"So, uh...what's going on here? Everything ready?"

She fidgeted with her phone for a moment, scrolling on it before showing it off to the two boys, then myself. "I-I did see a weird light in the treehouse across the lake. Yeah, that's pretty spooky. Maybe it's your girlfriend, Ryan."

"'The Hag of Hackett's Quarry'." He hummed, his tone just as teasing.

"Ugh, I told you never to say 'Hag of Hackett's Quarry' again."

"What's wrong with saying 'Hag of Hackett's Quarry'?"

"I'm gonna be the 'Hag of Hacking up a lung' if you guys don't shut up about it." I fake gagged, eliciting chuckles from the trio as Kaitlyn shared a small smile with me.

"You know, I just realized, we may never see each other again after tonight." Kaitlyn mentioned, shifting her weight. Dylan, ever the sarcastic quip prepared, blinked at her.

"You can't have just realized that."

"Just tryna set the mood."

"What mood?"

"The mood. The vibe. Y'know."

"Speaking of setting the mood...I have work to do."

Dylan interjected, setting himself down on the nearest log. "Okay? Because playlists don't make themselves...I mean, I guess they do, but..."

Kaitlyn giggles softly, shaking her head as turned to Ryan. "Alright Ry-guy. Time to get wood."

"Yikes. Wording."

"Oh, I know what I said." I coughed beside her, cheeks aflame with the innuendo, though it only brought back the memory of back at the lodge and I huffed. Two familiar figures appeared through the trees, arms laden with long branches and small sticks. "Abi. Nick. Just in time."

"We got wood!" Abi practically sang the words, her high pitched voice making me gag dramatically out of her line of sight. Dylan snickered softly and Ryan gave me a disappointed expression, though he was fighting his own grin.

"Nice. But we've already done that joke."

Abigail seemed confused, and Nick quite flustered. "It's more just...kindling."

"Oh, that's all we need. There's already a big pile of logs here." Kaitlyn made it look easy to reassure people with her way with words. Sure, I was pretty charismatic but I was also kind of shy, whilst Kaitlyn was very outgoing. She had a sense of presence I often lacked.

"We could've gotten more but there was a hog—or a boar...but Nick was very very brave and took one for the team." Abigail smiled softly at Nick, though I couldn't help but screw up my nose at the way she worded it.

"You've miserably failed to make that sound charming, Blyg." Her gaze snapped to me and she frowned, scoffing.

"Oh my gosh, it's can't be! The Hog of Hackett's Quarry!" Kaitlyn gasped, and I rolled my eyes once again, though sincerely from the amount of cringe I felt from that comment alone.

"What?"

"Idiot." I coughed, shuffling over to sit on Ryan's left as I did so.

"Thought you hated that phrase." Ryan piped up, raising a brow at the short woman with curious interest.

With the most serious expression she could manage, Kaitlyn replied. "Big jokes take big sacrifices."

"You're so brave."

I tuned them out for a moment, letting my head fall into my hands as I gazed at my feet. The sun was setting, casting long shadows over the woods and the fire pit as it sank further beyond the horizon. My shadow cast across the ground, to me, appeared very disheveled and weak, as though it had been worn down. That was probably likely to be more true later, when whatever weird ass premonitions I'd seen came true.

A sudden high pitched whining startled me, my head snapping up as two orange streams lit up the sky before bursting. Fireworks. That didn't sound very careful, but somehow, I fell that dread that had been gouging at my heart settle slightly.

"Special delivery!" Emma called as she and Jacob appeared, a wheelbarrow guided by the latter. It was chock full of small watermelons and beer, and a shotgun was slung by its strap over Emma's shoulder.

Immediately noticing the dangerous device, Kaitlyn stepped forward with her palm up, cautious but alert. "Whoa, whoa whoa! Where the hell did that gun come from?"

"Wha—dude relax! It's not even real." Jacob was quick to reply, quickly altering his words at Kaitlyn's baffled expression. "Well—I mean, it's a real gun but it's just for shooting bears."

"We found it in the storage room." Emma shrugged. At the blatantly disapproving and stern look on Kaitlyn's face, Jacob relented.

"Okay. Okay, we'll put it down."

"Thank you. Guns are no joke, dipshit."

Despite the seriousness of the discussion, Jacob easily turned things fun again as he hyped up something else in the wheelbarrow. "And...AND...we bring you a hand-picked selection of only the finest that Hackett's Quarry has to offer..." Nick and mused moved closer, the boy grasping at an orange bag that rested on top of the watermelon pile.

"No freaking way!"

"Yes, freaking way—"

Jacob and Nick immediately broke into song, both of them dancing like lunatics as they sang. "'Pop pop, Peanut Butter Butter Pops! Pop, pop, pop 'em in your mouth!'"

"Pop!" Jacob added, shimmying his hips as Nick waved the bag around.

"I didn't even know you could still find these anywhere." Nick murmured in awe.

I leaned over towards Emma, giving the two curious but disturbed looks as they bantered over the bag. "These two will probably never get any weirder." I murmured.

"Yeah, they're like clowns." Emma snickered and I shook my head, resting it against her shoulder.

"How're you doing, Em?"

Emma appreciates my concern for her emotional state.

She exhaled softly and shrugged lightly, reaching up with her other hand to gently thread her fingers through my hair. "I'm alright. He's still hooked and I just...ugh."

"I know." I didn't really. She had such an amazing guy pining after her—a true teddy bear with a heart of gold and love and kindness to spare for everyone—and she was throwing it away simply because she didn't want long distance? I couldn't understand why. Jacob was, in my blatant opinion, well worth long distance.

"Emma?" We both turned our gazes to the tall ravenette, whom held his large hand out to the blonde. "Please hand me the shotgun."

"Wha—so you're going to shoot me over them?"

"No, dumbass! Okay, we are going to...shoot for them." Jacob smiled as he held the shotgun in his hand, waving the peanut butter treat bag in his left.

"Nah, dude. Absolutely not. No." Nick was quick to backdown, obviously uncomfortable with the weapon, though I couldn't decipher why.

Kaitlyn swooped in as the testosterone spiked once again, shaking her head. "Okay, there is no way I'm leaving you dillweeds alone with a gun."

"Kaitlyn, there is a designated practice range over past those trees there." I pointed out, earning a skeptical glance from her and a surprised one from Jacob. "What? I was the wildlife instructor—I had to carry a tranq gun!"

Blinking, Jacob continued, waving his arms wildly as he tossed the bag back in the barrow. "You and me. Old fashioned shootout. First prize: Peanut Butter Butterpops, all to yourself."

Hesitant, Nick narrowed his eyes and inhaled. "Dude..."

"I guess you don't want them then, huh."

Nick glanced behind him and shrugged, suddenly very stoic. "Fine. You're on."

"Oh, dear lord, I do not like the aggression in his tone." I hummed, though the blonde beside me had a different reaction to share, nibbling at her lower lip as she eyed the Aussie's form.

"Oh, I do."

Kaitlyn stepped up with her hand outstretched as she demanded for the gun, causing Jacob to pout like a kicked puppy. Watching Jacob try to convince her to side with him was entertaining only for a moment before I moved to sit down again, returning to my place beside Ryan.

"You guys have fun and try not to shoot each other in the face." I called, then paused, turning on my heel. "Actually, don't shoot each other. At all." Nick and Jacob raised their hands in defense before the latter punched the former in the dick, quickly moving to follow Kaitlyn while Nick was down. The rest of us settled for chilling out around the fire pit, Dylan setting some tunes and all of us idly chatting.

It wasn't until the orange in the sky had just dissipated that the trio returned, shotgun slung over Kaitlyn's shoulder and both the boys seemingly awed but dejected. "I take it Kait surprised you and whooped your ass when you, inevitably, dicked around?" I cooed playfully, alerting the rest of the group to their arrival. Jacob rolled his eyes at My greeting, moving to sit on the log between Ryan and Dylan. Kaitlyn took her place on Dylan's right, setting the shotgun beside her, whilst Nick took the spot to my left.

"Hardy har har. Why are you guys so mean to me?" Jacob pouted, and I took that as evidence they'd bullied him a bit too much.

"Aww, sorry bud. It's not your fault, Kaitlyn and I just have proper training, that's all. I'm sure she'll share." I reassured him, sending the tall jock a smile he returned after a moment of thought.

"Yeah. I don't even like peanut butter." Kaitlyn quipped, Nick's head whipping around to gaze at her.

"Then why'd you even shoot!?"

"To teach you a lesson, numb nuts." I snorted at her quick wit, rubbing my side as Nick elbowed me, his cheeks flushed. Jacob grabbed a beer from the ice chest he'd brought along, popping it open. I blinked, a sense of Deja Vu settling over me, and held out my hand.

"Jacob, toss me one? I wanna shotgun it." His eyes lit up, Dylan and Ryan both turning their attention to me at those words.

"Hell yeah, dude!" Reaching into the ice chest, he tossed it my way, fishing in his pocket for his pocket knife and extending it to me. I reached out and grasped the handle, slipping the blade out and puncturing the can. Shortly after, I switched the blade back into its safe position and pocketed it, the side of the can pressed to my lips as I shotgunned the alcohol.

Swallowing and tossing the can down at my feet, I grinned, head already swimming. I was an extreme lightweight so I couldn't handle more than three cans, but it felt good to let go a bit. "Hell yes, dude! Woo!"

"Nice shotgun, Car." I grinned slightly at Dylan as he spoke, licking my lips. I barely caught his gaze following my tongue as his eyes darkened slightly for a moment.

"Okay!" Clearing his throat, Dylan clapped his hands together and glanced around the group. "New idea. Party game." The reaction he received was less than approving, but he didn't let that stop him. "C'mon people, we might never see each other after tonight! Let's make some memories."

Rolling her shoulders, Kaitlyn faced him, whether genuinely curious or just tired of the silent boredom. "Well, what do you have in mind?"

"How about the ultimate game of secrets and lies...Truth or Dare, but Dylan style." With his hands raised slightly, he tossed the suggestion out there. When nobody objected, he continued. "Okay, house rules are...someone asks you truth or dare...then you choose, and then you do. And there's no ifs, ands or buts."

"So, like, normal truth or dare?" I tilted my head, confused as to where the 'Dylan style' came into play.

Dylan hesitated and then nodded, pursing his lips. "Yes."

Immediately growing excited, Kaitlyn smiled shyly. "So we can, like, make people kiss?"

"If they choose dare, yeah. As long as everyone consents, of course."

"Yeah, keep it in your pants until it's your turn, horndogs." I directed my gaze between two people in particular, huffing slightly as I was still agitated with the brunette even though it'd been an hour since then.

"Who does get to go first?"

"Well, it's house deals, so..." Dylan glanced around the group before settling his gaze on the second quietest of the group. "Abigail! Truth or dare?"

She sucked her lower lip in and glanced between Nick and Emma. "Ummm...truth."

"Really dodged a bullet, huh?" Dylan could read how agitated her pussy-footing made me, it seemed, because he was just as done with her as I was. "Alright, here goes. Have you ever slept with anyone?"

"O-Oh, I-I..."

Ryan rolled his head to face Dylan, shaking it slightly. "Hey! Take it easy man, that's too far."

"I don't think it's far enough." I muttered, rolling my eyes as he turned his glare on me.

Ryan is disappointed in my spiteful behavior.

"You, too. Quit it." I scoffed and folded my arms over my chest, glaring at the firelight.

"Come on, I'm not...finished." Dylan scrunched his nose with annoyance and altered his question slightly. "Have you ever slept with anyone...at this camp?"

"Ah, no. Nope. Sorry."

"Thank god."

"Shut up, Carter."

"'Shut up, Carter.'" I mimicked Ryan with a high pitched tone, my mounting discontent becoming more obvious to the group. Ryan furrowed his brows in response but said nothing.

"What is that supposed to mean?" Abigail seemed offended but also confused, her naivety getting the best of her. I simply smiled sarcastically, arms still folded over my chest.

"Alright, Abi, it's your turn." Abi looked away from me and opened her mouth a few times, looking like a beached whale, before Emma cut in.

"Ugh! Ding ding ding. Too late. My turn." Her gaze immediately settled on Ryan, a sickly sweet grin on her face. "Ryan, truth or dare?"

"Dare, gimme what you've got."

"Okay Ryan. Your dare comes with a choice."

"Can she do that?" I shrugged, hands now fumbling in my pockets with my inhalers and the pocket knife.

"She can do what she wants."

"Thank you!" Clearing her throat, she smiled grateful at me before facing Ryan again. "I dare you to kiss...either Kaitlyn..." Her eyes flickered between me and the brunette I'd fought with prior, my grey eyes widening in realization.

"Emma—"

"Or Dylan." I snapped my mouth shut, tilting my head down as her dare hung in the air. Attempting to make the situation light, Ryan joked lightly.

"Wow...I mean, I guess 'both' is off the table?"

"Sorry!" She raised her hands in defense, smiling impishly. "I don't make the rules."

"You literally just did, but okay! Let's do this." His gaze flickered to Dylan and he smiled. "Dylan. Let's go." Jacob started to cheer and Emma whistled, but I gritted my teeth. I already hated this goddamn night. I could hear Dylan's footsteps crunch through the sand and dirt, his lips meeting Ryan's with a soft smack for only a couple of seconds before pulling away.

"Always happy to please." I clenched my fists and stood abruptly, moving away from the duo and sitting on Emma's other side, curling my knees to my chest and resting my chin on them. Jacob and Kaitlyn both shared an expression of concern as Dylan sat back down but did nothing.

Jacob and Kaitlyn are concerned for my emotional state. Jacob feels the need to protect me.

"Alrighty. Who shall I pick?"

"Well, Jacob, Carter and I haven't gotten a turn yet."

"Leave me out of it." I snapped at Kaitlyn, voice muffled against my jeans.

"Fair point..." It only took him a second, but he quickly chose Kaitlyn, whom chose truth. "You said you and Jacob have been friends since, what, you were babies, right?"

"Boring question man. So lame." Jacob scoffed, shaking his head.

"Yeah, I'd say so."

"Have you two...ever done anything wild together?"

Kaitlyn perked up at this and bit her lip, seemingly shy. "In freshman year I convinced Jacob to let me practice French kissing on him. It never went any further than that, because, frankly he's a bad kisser. And it's like kissing my brother, ew."

"Not cool, guys. You are so mean to me." Jacob kissed his fist, flicking Kaitlyn off whom simply grinned in reply.

"Emma."

"Dare."

"Emma, you have to kiss...Jacob...or...Nick." Emma perked up slightly, her eyes lingering on Nick as she shifted in her seat beside me. I tilted my head up and glanced at Jacob, knowing he was not going to react well to what was about to occurs, my fingers digging into my knees.

"Um, uh, sorry Nick, this isn't even a dare, obviously I got this—" Jacob started, his beer sloshing around in his hand.

"Uhhhh...I don't know if that's a good idea—"

"I choose Nick." The expression in his face was nervous and Abigail gaped at her best friend with shock. The blonde stood and made her way towards the Aussie boy, everyone's eyes lingering on her.

"Em? Seriously?" Jacobs words were met with an audible gasp from Nick as Emma sank down into his lap, their lips clashing aggressively. Nicks arms embraced her back and waist, hers in his hair as they kissed. You could hear their tongues clashing and the soft hums Emma made. "Guys."

Abigail looked away, her expression crestfallen, and even though I loathed her, I couldn't help the momentary empathy I felt for her. She knows what it's like now. I thought, bitterly.

"GUYS!" The two parted as Jacob raised his voice, his nostrils flaring. Nick's face was cherry red, a sly satisfied grin on Emma's lips. She moved back to her seat as Nick lowered his head shamefully, thanking him.

"He's good." She murmured to Abigail, whom immediately stood and began to walk away. Jacob stood upright and stomped towards Nick, towering over him.

"You like kissing my girlfriend, asshole?" Jacob's voice was low, deeper than normal, fueled with anger as he clenched his fists.

"It was just a game—"

"Hey! I am nobody's girlfriend." Emma cut Nick off, only adding more fuel to the fire.

Jacob silenced her with a glare, raising a hand in her direction as he growled out to Nick. "The fuck it was. 'Oh, it was just a game!' The FUCK it was, man!" He stepped back, heading out into the trees towards the boathouse as Emma called after him.

"Jacob, grow up!" It was silent, the air tense and awkward as everyone let what happened settle in their minds. "I guess I better go after him. You should go after Abi." Nick and Emma stood, heading after their respective 'partners', while the four of us remained.

"So...anyone wanna play 'Parchisi'?" We deadpanned at Kaitlyn and she raise she hands in defense. "What?"

I could stay and try to ease the night back out with these three, play a game or two. It'd give me a chance to relax and avoid the tension between the two pairs. I could also go after Nick and Abi. After all, despite not getting a long I knew better than anyone how it felt to watch someone you loved be kissed or flirted with by someone else. Or, I could go with Emma and Jacob, attempt to help them reconcile or at least calm down. It was a stupid play on Emma's part and Jacob didn't deserve to hurt, so maybe I could be his support buddy this time.

What would you do?

|•|•|•|•|•|•|•|

Laura Kearney is my best friend and is currently missing.

Max Brinly is my best friend and is currently missing.

Ryan Erzahler is surprised by my unintentional coming-out.

Jacob Custos is concerned for my well-being and incredibly protective of me, despite his anger towards Emma.

Abigail Blyg is distasteful of me.

Dylan Lenivy finds me adorable, but is uncomfortable around me now.

Emma Mountebank greatly enjoys my company.

Kaitlyn Ka is worried for my emotional stability.

Nicholas Furcillo is protective of me but currently concerned for Abigail.

Travis Hackett has no relation to me.

Chris Hackett is in an undisclosed location.

I am alive, somewhat distraught and burned but otherwise healthy.

Tarot Visions:

Temperance

It was dark, the fire lit before me, my friends surrounding me. Jacob tossed a beer can my way, a pocket knife in his outstretched hand. I debated it for a moment as I caught the beverage, then stood and accepted the blade so I could shotgun the beer, pocketing it afterwards.

Strength

I held my breathe, back pressed to a boulder with Abigail beside me, hands over each other's mouths. A silhouette clambered above the boulder beside us, it's glowing red eyes searching the earth, snarling as it's saliva dripped against my shoulder and made me shudder.

Justice

Abigail stood with her back to a set of lockers, a shotgun in hand. As the creature leapt towards her I shoved her out of the way, taking the brunt of the force as the beast slammed me into the lockers and it's teeth clamped around my throat.

Branches:

•Skeptic BFF: Having been best friends with Max and Laura, I knew they weren't okay. With their absence, I grew skeptical of Chris Hackett and his promises.

•••

Because I stayed with Ryan and Dylan in the lodge, I discovered clues as to my friends disappearances.

•Honest Seer: Deciding to share my clairvoyance with the group, they appreciate my concern and will be more cautious.

[dreamqueenkala]

WHERE SUMMER ENDS, THE HUNT BEGINS

Previous Chapter

Laura Kearney is my best friend and is currently missing.

Max Brinly is my best friend and is currently missing.

Ryan Erzahler is friendly towards me.

Jacob Custos is easily flustered around me.

Abigail Blyg is distasteful of me.

Dylan Lenivy finds me adorable.

Emma Mountebank greatly enjoys my company.

Kaitlyn Ka is entertained by me.

Nicholas Furcillo is protective of me.

Travis Hackett has no relation to me.

Chris Hackett finds me reliable.

I am alive, sane and unharmed.

I have yet to have a clairvoyant vision.

No paths have branched.

|•|•|•|•|•|•|•|

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Viewing Tape #7

Hackett's Quarry Summer Camp Entrance

17:07 August 22–Carter Rhodes

Emma stood in the middle of the dirt road, waving off the bus at it retreated down the trail back towards the interstate. "Bye!" She called, lifting on her toes for a moment with a smile.

Nick, standing on the balcony beside Dylan, smiled slightly with a soft tone to his voice. "Laters!"

Dylan grinned that familiar dopey grin of his, sending the kids off with a salute. "Peace and love!"

Snickering softly, I tossed a peace sign up in the air, wolf whistling playfully. "Adios, little dudes!"

Kaitlyn, perched on the steps with Jacob, folded her arms over her chest. "See ya later, kids!"

"Yeah! Hackett's Quarry forever!" Jacob cheered, arm draped over the shorter girls shoulders. I shook my head, standing beside Emma as she blew a few air kisses after the bus, one final wave on her mind. The blonde, despite being taller than me, had quickly become one of my best friends here at the quarry. She was incredibly outgoing which more than made up for my typically shy nature, and I found myself confiding in her more often than I did the camp owner.

After spending two months here, taking care of much younger kiddos surrounded by nature and rambunctious teens fresh out of high school, I'd grown to miss my home slightly less. It was far more peaceful here than back home, at least, it was for me. I didn't have the best family life, living with a single mother that couldn't stand half of the stuff I was into—supposedly because I was either too much like my dead father or not enough like him. Coming here was my safe haven, rescuing me from a summer that would've been shrouded in storm clouds—ironic because I love thunderstorms.

It would've been better if my two best friends had actually made it, though. We'd planned to work here together this summer, but Max and Laura decided it would be best to head in a day early. I'd told them I'd had a bad feeling about the idea, what with my strong sixth sense and all, but Laura was quick to shoot down my concerns. She claimed it was my social anxiety, and Max and I had no other reason not to believe her. I showed up the day after and unfortunately discovered they hadn't arrived.

According to Chris Hackett, the camp owner, they'd called in and claimed they weren't going to make it. My gut feeling didn't agree with the excuse he gave us, but I didn't pry. It wasn't my place to. Despite the lack of Max and Laura's presence beside me this past summer, I still enjoyed my time here. I was honestly a bit down to be leaving this place.

Branch Selected

Skeptic BFF: Having been best friends with Max and Laura, I knew they weren't okay. With their absence, I grew skeptical of Chris Hackett and his promises.

"Dude, this summer was frickin' epic." I hummed thoughtfully, hands buried in my ripped jean pockets. Emma slung an arm over my shoulder, leaning into my side with a small chuckle, her cocoa eyes wrinkled slightly with her pearly smile.

"Um, duh, because you spent it with me!" I snorted, ruffling my short blonde curls gently as I let my eyes rest for a moment. Deciding to stay kind rather than flirty or cynical, I smiled at her from the corner of my eye.

"Hey, you're pretty damn quick-witted and smart, Emma. Makes being around snot-nosed little brats a helluva lot more tolerable when you're keeping me entertained." I replied, feeling her rest her chin on my shoulder.

Emma is flattered by my response.

"Hm, yeah, I am pretty awesome." Rolling my eyes, I nudged her side gently, coaxing her towards the minivan. "Right, well, why don't you go see if you can find Ryan or something? I'm going to go toy with Jacob before I look for Abi."

"You're tearing his poor heart strings, drama queen." I cooed playfully, grinning as she walked away.

"Yeah yeah. It's just a summer fling." She shrugged, skipping her way towards Jacob and Kaitlyn. Turning on my heel, I proceeded towards the cellar, pleasantly satisfied to find a familiar face leaning against a post with his earbuds in. His eyes were closed as he bobbed his head slightly every so often, most likely listening to his podcast. I made my way to his side and nudged his shoe, causing the guy to tilt his head up to look at me.

I smiled down at him as he removed one earbud, returning the gesture. "Hey, Ryan. Mind if I sit down?" He shook his head and I took my place beside him, legs curled to my chest and head resting on my knees. "So? The podcast?"

His dark eyes lit up almost immediately, lips pulling tight in a genuine, relaxed smile. "Yeah. New episode came out today." I grinned lightly, always warmed when I saw his or the others eyes light up about something they were into. I don't know why, but I'd always found myself with a knack for making others smile.

"That's cool. Been a week, right?" He nodded, and I found myself easily slipping into conversation with him about it. It wasn't hard, actually. I'd always been a pretty charismatic person, finding it incredibly natural for me to come up with things to talk about. To be honest, if I really wanted to I could manipulate people, make them feel or think a certain way. But I wouldn't do that. I wasn't that type of person.

"Yeah. It's a bit of a long one, though, so hopefully it's a really good story." I nodded, closing my eyes. I suppose he took that to mean he could continue listening because after a moment of shuffling, I could barely make out muffled audio from his earbuds. I kept my head buried in my knees for awhile, enjoying the peace and quiet, 'til heavy footsteps made their way over.

Peeking up, I waved at Jacob, whom waved at both myself and Ryan. Ryan, of course, noticed and waved in reply, but didn't do much else. Jacobs eyes flitted between the two of us awkwardly as he shifted his weight before he turned on his heel. I glanced at Ryan and shrugged my shoulders, standing up and dusting my pants off.

Urging myself to follow after Jacob, I trekked up the lodge steps to the front door just as it slammed shut in Jacob's face. "C'mon man!" Jacob huffed, the sound of soft chuckling muffled by the closed wood. Now realizing his predicament, I debated assisting him for a moment. I tapped his shoulder, startling the teddy bear of a guy as he spun on his heel.

"Try the window around the side. Library window is always unlocked." He grinned, ruffling my hair with his large hand, cheeks the slightest tint of pink.

"Thank you, little dude!" I pouted at the nickname he'd never dropped, puffing out my cheeks as he made his way around the side.

"I'm, like, a foot shorter than you, Jacob!"

Jacob is amused by my response.

With a huff, I face the door again, knocking gently. It swung open in seconds, the same dopey grin I'd come to adore greeting me, doe eyes searching my face with glee. "Well, hey there, tiger stripes! Looking to join the cool kids?" I snorted slightly at Dylan's word choice, unable to resist the grin tugging at my lips.

"Oh yeah. Heard the coolest of the cool were here." I decided to play along, hands once again buried in my pockets. "You wouldn't happen to know where I could find them, would ya, kind sir?"

Dylan hummed thoughtfully, placing a hand on his chin dramatically. "Hmm, I dunno. Where could those two super cool dudes be?"

Taking the sight of his much taller frame in, I decided to take a leap of faith. "I've also heard they're the most attractive, if that helps?" His cheeks flushed and his brown eyes flicked back to my grey ones, his smile softer.

Dylan is flustered but pleasantly surprised by my flirtatious reply.

"U-Uh, yeah! Yeah, they're right here, come in, come in!" He stepped to the side, finally allowing me entry. As the door clicked shut behind me, I spotted Nick sitting by the stairs and waved. He smiled back slightly, curling his fingers in a lazy wave just as Jacob entered his line of view. Turning to face Dylan, I found he was already staring at me, my eyes widening for a second at the realization.

"Dyl? Is there something on my face...?" He blinked and flushed again, shaking his head. One of his pale hands scratched the back of his neck whilst the other slipped into his back pocket, chocolate doe eyes flickering away from me awkwardly.

"N-No, sorry. Just got...lost in thought."

"Right..."

"I-I'm gonna go get our phones, so...." Dylan quickly jogged towards Chris' office to gather our phones, disappearing from my sight.

Blinking away the awkward moment, I turned and moved further into the lodge, eying the walls and tables for any random items lying about. It seemed Dylan and Nick did a great job cleaning, though, because I couldn't even find dust under the tables. With a satisfied smile, I perched myself on one of the many benches, fiddling with my long black sleeves as I waited for Dylan to return, suddenly feeling a bit isolated and shy.

Granted, that was my own doing coming in here while the others were busy, but it still agitated me slightly all the same. Lost in my thoughts, I barely noticed the small rectangular paper piece stuck between the floorboards below me. Furrowing my brows in curiosity, I leaned down and plucked the object up, gazing over it with narrowed grey eyes and parted lips.

It was a tarot card, specifically the Temperance card. What appeared to be an Angel in white with red wings rested on its center, a chalice and wine in her hands. It was old, the corners slightly tattered, and appeared to have been lit aflame recently as it's edges were still a faint orange glow.

My head began to hurt and I winced, placing my free palm against my forehead. My vision swam and my ears pulsed with a sound like rapid water, pressure building in my temples. I groaned, head swaying before I abruptly blacked out.

It was dark, the fire lit before me, my friends surrounding me. Jacob tossed a beer can my way, a pocket knife in his outstretched hand. I debated it for a moment as I caught the beverage, then stood and accepted the blade so I could shotgun the beer, pocketing it afterwards.

I gasped as I came to, forcing myself to open my eyes as my hands shook. I'd somehow fallen from the bench, and just now realized that Nick was leaning over me, his hand hovering over my side. His dark eyes were full of concern, searching my pale face for any signs of discomfort or pain.

"Hey? You okay, Carter?" I blinked a few times and nodded, swallowing thickly as he helped me sit upright, his palm warm and firm on my lower back. I grunted and rubbed my temples, the buzzing of the vision I'd seen leaving my mind scrambled. Glancing down at my left hand, brows furrowing again as nothing but a trace of ash left in my palm. "Carter?"

"Y-Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine. Just a dizzy spell." Though he seemed reluctant to accept my response, Nick nodded, gently helping me to stand. I grunted and popped my neck, wiping the ash inconspicuously against my white-washed jeans. My skin was paler than normal and coated in a thin sheen of sweat, my pupils dilated.

Nick is concerned for my health.

Nick, noticing how pale I seemed, opened his mouth to speak, his hand gripping my arm slightly to steady me. Before he could, a familiar head of soft brown locks popped into view.

"Yo! Got the phones!" Dylan greeted, grinning as he waved the case with our phones around. I shot the boy a grateful smile, avoiding Nick's gaze as Dylan gently handed me my phone, the familiar black and blue glittery case comfortable in my hands.

"Thanks DJ." I smiled slightly and pressed the power button, watching the apple logo come to life on my screen.

"No prob, Tiger."

"Thanks man."

Unlocking my phone, I huffed, pouting my lip. "Dammit, no bars. 73% though."

Nick messed his for a moment before nodding along. "No bars, 42%."

"Ah, shit, I'm at 6%."

"Should've turned your phone off, dude."

Dylan scoffed at my words, reaching over to ruffle my blonde locks as he stuffed his phone in his pocket. "Zip it, pipsqueak."

"I'm not that short, dammit!"

Nick and Dylan laughed as I whined and complained, fixing my hair as we made our way outside onto the balcony porch. Dylan leaned against the rail on my right, Nick on my left, and I hoisted myself onto the banister, legs over the edge and my arm resting on Dylan's shoulder. Jacob and Kaitlyn stood below us around the minivan, the former having just recently tossed the last bags inside the crammed trunk.

Dylan, having tossed the box, now held an array of phones—most likely belonging to the others—in his pockets. Nick, however, held a familiar black rectangle in his own hands, a mischievous grin growing on his tanned face. He shared a subtle glance with me, reassuring my disapproving look with a shrug as Dylan spoke to the duo.

"Hey Jacob!"

The tall athlete turned to face us, the relaxed expression on his face quickly falling as his gaze caught sight of the object in Nick's grasp. "Dude, no! N-No, c'mon, please! Don't!"

With a chuckle, the lithe Aussie tossed the object into the air, crying, "Go long!" Jacob scrambled to catch it, fumbling it slightly before his fingers managed to find purchase around the slim frame of his phone. He cheered, holding it up with glee before breaking into a very sexual and lewdly inappropriate dance.

"Boo yah! There it is!"

I groaned and scrambled down from the banister, Dylan's palm quickly covering my eyes which elicited a soft giggle from me. Dylan guided me down the stairs as we joined the duo, his hand still covering my sight.

"Good save, man!" Nick's voice cheered, and Jacob's erotic grunting got louder.

"Oh my god, this sounds so much worse when I can't see." Dylan snorted behind me, removing his palm as Jacob finally settled his behavior.

"Ooh, I wish I had some singles." Dylan yelped as my hand met his shoulder harshly, a blush and a glare on my face.

"Freaks. I'm surrounded by freaks." Kaitlyn exclaimed, completely disgusted by Jacob's behavior.

"No, you're just friends with a bunch of horndogs." Kaitlyn scoffed at my reply, but her unamused expression quickly altered to one of delight as Dylan passed her phone over.

"Oh thank God. I get the whole 'no technology' thing, but take me back world!" Her expression fell as she checked her notifications to find nothing, a groan of distaste leaving her lips. "Oh come on! Not one cell tower!?"

As the two conversed I felt something under my shoe and peeked down. Moving my left foot to the side, I found another card buried in the dirt. Picking it up, I gazed over the tattered surface, examining the image framed across the Strength card. A boy in a hood was hobbled over a wolf, his hands drawing its jaws apart.

The buzzing returned and I faltered, staggering slightly. My vision blurred and my ears popped, my head swaying again. The sound was louder than before, louder than buzzing but quieter than a ringing. It made my ears hurt and I covered them, clenching my teeth.

I held my breathe, back pressed to a boulder with Abigail beside me, hands over each other's mouths. A silhouette clambered above the boulder beside us, it's glowing red eyes searching the earth, snarling as it's saliva dripped against my shoulder and made me shudder.

"Woah, woah! Easy there, Tiger." I yelped, stumbling as Dylan steadied me, his hands on my shoulders to hold me upright as my knees buckled. His eyes and Kaitlyn's searched mine carefully, both sharing a worried glance. "You okay?"

"Y-Yeah, dehydrated, maybe. I'll be fine."

Dylan and Kaitlyn were weary but accepting of my reply.

Jacob's voice drew my attention, along with Kaitlyn and Dylan, whom turned to face him in unison. "Man, you would've thought Mr. H could've charged our phones just a little bit."

"Nothing's ever your fault, is it?" Kaitlyn raised a brow, crossing her arms over her chest.

Dylan, deciding to be his usually quippy self, smirked playfully as he spoke. "You know, you should probably just save it for emergencies only. Unless, of course, is being dumped an emergency?"

I winced at the mention, the memory of that encounter still fresh in mind. Emma and Jacob had been in some form of a friends-with-benefits relationship this past summer. I'd caught them going at it on multiple occasions in the bathhouse, and that's probably why Jacob was always so flustered around me. Though, last night Emma broke it off with him, claiming it was just a summer fling and the long distance wouldn't work. I'd come with her to dump him on account of her complaining how 'she needed moral support', but I rather ended up comforting the big teddy bear afterwards.

I'd honestly felt pretty terrible just witnessing the breakup. Especially since, in my blatant opinion, Jacob was one of the sweetest guys I'd ever met. Personally, I'd have taken the chance and tried Long distance just for him. He deserved that kind of happiness.

Nick chuckled, a taunting grin on his lips, one hand set on his hip. "Burn!"

Though his expression fell momentarily at the mention of Emma, he was just as quick to snap back as usual. "Ah, well, at least I had a relationship this summer."

"Damn, now we burned!"

"Shut up, Nick." I snickered, shaking my head. Dylan glanced at me and flushed slightly, bottom lip extended in a partial pout.

"Yeah, well, maybe not everyone is looking for a hookup, okay? So—"

"Okay, okay! Can you guys put your little dicks away and let's get this show on the road, huh?" Kaitlyn intervened quickly, her sensible and reliable self able to just about smell the testosterone boiling between the two tallest people in our group.

Under my breathe, I mumbled. "I know at least one of their dicks ain't little." Nick, having heard me, whipped his head in my direction with wide eyes and I flushed, waving him off shyly. His expression spoke louder words than I did—'We're discussing this later' he mouthed.

"Where's everybody else?" Nick inquired, changing the subject quickly as he surveyed the lodge interest curiously. His gaze settled on Jacob as he spoke, quirking a brow.

"Wha-Why would I know that?" The tall ravenette inquired.

Nick shrugged, hands in his pockets. "I dunno. Sometimes you know stuff I don't."

Jacob blinked incredulously. "I-I...I don't even know how to respond to that."

Nick's quick wit stayed just as strong as both Jacob's and Dylan's. "You say, 'Nick you're way smarter than me and you're a super hot guy who gets all the chicks he wants.'"

"You may be the most attractive in Emma's cabin, but mine would not have agreed with that statement." I quipped, tossing a playful grin his way. The Aussie stuck his tongue out at me in reply, though he no longer had a comeback in mind.

"Keep dreaming, Junior." Jacob huffed, his tone slightly aggressive. I gave him a shy but awkward smile, but for once, he failed to return it, instead redirecting his gaze to his feet. My heart dropped, turning my head to face the area under the lodge.

"Aaaaanyway..." Kaitlyn once again directed our attention elsewhere after a long silence.

"Do we just, like...wait? Or...?" Dylan spoke, tilting his head.

"Yeah."

"Boringggg." I rolled my eyes at the quirky brunettes complaint, stepping closer to him and leaning my head against his left bicep—goddamn, the guy didn't look it but he was toned.

"Yeah, I need to charge my phone. You think Mr. H would let me pop in and give it some juice before we leave?"

Kaitlyn gave him a baffled look, shifting her weight on her feet. "Why didn't you charge it before we got to camp?"

"I dunno. I figured we'd still have them at camp."

"Why would you assume that at a summer camp?"

"Nobody said they would take them!"

"Even I figured that one out, dude." Jacob added, shrugging his shoulders. The two broke into a small argument and I sighed, moving away from Dylan. Making my way to the trunk of the minivan, I dug through my bag—which was thankfully on top of the discombobulated pile—and retrieved my inhaler, along with its backup. Pocketing them, I made my way to Jacob's side as Emma and Abigail came into view.

"Heyyyyy!" Emma called, sidling up to the group with a dejected-looking Abigail behind her.

"Where are your bags?" Nick asked, just as confused as the rest of us over their unsuccessful mission.

"Mr. H locked them in the cabin already."

Jacob scoffed, eying the blonde with the smallest hint of adoration in his eyes. "Why? To keep out bears?"

"...Apparently." She sighed, shaking her head.

Dylan leaned forward a bit, shifting his weight with a curious glint to his eyes. "Well, why didn't you just...break in?"

Abigail scoffed, gesturing between him and Emma as she spoke. "Okay, because Dylan thinks that would've been a good idea, that confirms we did the right thing." Emma waved her off, obviously displeased with the girl.

"Oof, ow. I like my ideas." Dylan took it in stride despite how underhanded the comment was, shrugging slightly. I hummed and pursed my lips, glaring sickeningly sweet towards the artist.

"Sorry not everyone's a picture perfect goody-two-shoes like you, Blyg." I cooed, grinning sarcastically. Abigail grit her teeth and wrinkled her nose but otherwise said nothing.

Abigail was irritated by my smart remark.

It wasn't really a secret that Abigail and I never got along. We just didn't click like the others did. On top of that, she's quite naive and too obtuse during conversation, often saying things without thinking about them first. She took the 'n' of out of fun, leaving 'f u'.

"Hey, has anyone seen Ryan?" Emma inquired, gazing about the group as she realized one of us was still missing.

"Oh yeah, he's probably off being all broody and mysterious and alluring somewhere." Dylan quipped, the faintest pink tint on his cheeks.

"Your dick runs your mouth a lot, doesn't it?" I teased, the brunette flicking me off as his cheeks darkened.

"I'm here." My grey eyes fell on the dark-skinned counselor I'd spent half my summer with when Emma wasn't around, his earbuds now dangling over the collar of his shirt.

"What're you doing under there? A little 'me' party?"

"Uh...I was listening to a podcast, actually." Ryan answers Kaitlyn's question, somewhat reluctant to express his interest with the group. I smiled reassuringly at him, watching his shoulders relax as he caught my gaze.

"Oh, podcast, that...that's cool." Dylan hummed. He wasn't even interested in the topic, his eyes gazing over Ryan's face almost love struck.

"What's it about?"

"Yeah, what's it about? Is it about me?"

Ryan flicked his eyes over to Dylan, brows furrowed as he missed the flirtatious remark. "You...think I was listening to a podcast...about you?"

"Okay, if anyone had a podcast about themselves, it'd be me." Raising her hand slightly, Kaitlyn nonchalantly expressed her affirmation of her awesome personality, earning a chuckle out of me.

"Yeah, if there was a podcast called 'How to look and smell like a butt'."

"Dylan, you're hormones are showing." He stuck his tongue out in my direction, the girls snickering lightly.

"Shut up, Carter." He groaned.

"No, it's—it's a paranormal podcast." Ryan continued, slowly drawing closer to the group, though still outside the circle we'd formed.

"The one about Hackett's Quarry?" I inquired, earning a look of surprise from Nick and Jacob.

"You listen to it, too?" The former asked.

"Nah. I love listening to Ryan talk about it though. He's a really good story teller." The guy in question smiled at my compliment, slightly flustered.

Ryan was grateful for my display of interest in his hobby.

"It's, uh, called 'The Hag of Hackett's Quarry'."

Perking up at the mere sound of it, a slight buzzing formed in my ears, something like a whisper sending a shiver up my spine. "Why does that sound familiar?"

"You've probably heard it before."

"I'm sorry. The what of whosit what now?" Kaitlyn seemed thoroughly confused, lips parted and brows raised.

"You don't know about 'The Hag of Hackett's Quarry'?" Dylan all but gasped, an expression of dramatic shock on his face.

"Would I be asking if I did, dumbass?"

"Tell her about 'The Hag of Hackett's Quarry'."

Catching on to the playfulness Dylan had acquired, the corner of Ryan's lips lifted. "I don't think she wants to know about the Hag of Hackett's Quarry."

"Can we please just stop saying 'The Hag of Hackett's Quarry'?" Kaitlyn snapped, quickly losing her patience with the two. Dylan's mouth snapped shut and Ryan began to explain.

"It's just this campfire story for the kids. It's um... There's supposedly an old woman who died in a fire a few years back. She haunts the woods looking for her lost baby boy." He started, eyes darting between each counselor to gauge their reaction. "There are like reports of whispers, or whatever, and this figure that floats around... You know, textbook ghost stuff. Some people say that if she catches you alone, she'll try to turn you into her son... or kill you or something, I dunno... It's never really been clear. Anyways. 'Hag of Hackett's Quarry'." It was silent for maybe a moment as everyone let his ghost story sink in.

"Y-You made that up." Kaitlyn looked miffed at her stutter, eying Ryan skeptically.

"It's right here in the podcast, man."

Jacob shot the guy a smile, nodding his head along. "Cool story, bro."

"Yeah, Ryan, that's actually pretty sick, man. You amaze me with those stories, dude." I chipped in, earning a delighted smile in reply.

Ryan was reassured and happy with my response.

"You guys should've seen the kids though. Scared them shitless, I swear." I snickered, sharing a grin with Dylan.

"They weren't that bad..." Ryan mumbled halfheartedly.

"Gotta be careful with that stuff, man. That shits true." Dylan's comment seemed to cause Kaitlyn and Jacob some momentary discomfort, as the former shifted her weight and the other snapped frantically.

"C'mon—dude, bullshit!"

"What's the hold up, Hacketteers?" I yelped at the voice overhead, turning my head to face our coffee-loving, shorts-wearing boss, Chris Hackett.

"Heya—ah, we, uh—w-we're almost done, Mr. H!" Jacob stammered, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Well, hop to it, kiddos! You're wasting daylight."

Emma stepped forward with a scoff, hand on her hip. "Coulda-woulda if our bags weren't locked up."

Narrowing his eyes on her with distaste, he tilted his head. "What's that? Sounded like you said 'of course Mr. H, we're on it, Mr. H!'"

Abigail, sensing our boss's waning patience, stepped in. "Sorry, Mr. Hackett, but our...our bags—"

"Right. Cabin. Huh."

"We're really bustin' our butts here. Well, except Ryan who's trying to scare the pants off our butts with his weird ghost stories." Kaitlyn added, eying the teen as an after thought.

"Okay, okay, enough with all the butts..." An expression of minor disgust crossed the man's wrinkled brow as he waved his hand. "Eh—and what...what's this about ghost stories?"

"The 'H' of 'H's' 'Q'."

Ryan cleared his throat, head bowed slightly. "'The Hag of Hackett's Quarry.' I was just—"

"Oh for Pete's sake, Ryan." Chris scoffed, disappointment heavy in his tone.

"Hey, dude, lay off. He likes his ghost stories, some sissy kids gotta learn to grow up eventually." I snapped, glaring up at the man hovering on the porch. Ryan glanced at me with temporary relief, whilst Mr. Hackett narrowed his eyes down on me with a grunt.

"Hey, uh—" Kaitlyn stepped in again, sensing the growing tension once more. "You still got the van key, Mr. H?"

I rolled my eyes and turned to face the van, leaning against a tree near its hood as I closed my eyes. The buzzing hadn't gone away, and closing my eyes made my head swim. My left hand came up to rub at my temples, a sharp exhale escaping my nose as I rolled my shoulders. I'd been feeling off for the past week—lightheaded, exhausted, weak—but ever since I'd picked up that first tarot card my discomfort had multiplied tenfold.

I'd always been sensitive to the unnatural or spiritual. My dad used to tell me I was gifted with the sight, more commonly known as being a medium or clairvoyant. I had a knack for sensing danger and sometimes seeing things in my dreams that had yet to occur—the same thing that elicited moments of Deja Vu later on. It usually was pretty relaxed, occurring fairy rarely and otherwise leaving my life as normal as it could get. However, since arriving here my clairvoyance had been going off the rails—whether it be that sixth sense kicking in when a tree was going to fall or a kid was going to get themselves hurt half way across camp, or it was a dream three nights early warning me of a bear in the woods or a coyote sneaking into one of the cabins. I hadn't had a full nights sleep since early July.

Grumbling slightly, I straightened up as Mr. H made his way to the minivan with Ryan and Jacob in tow, surprised I'd been out of it for so long. The man tossed the keys to Jacob, an anxious smile spreading across his face.

Dylan, most likely replying to whatever Chris had just said, huffed out desperately. "I try not to dwell on the past, man."

"Good, cause it's time to dwell on the minivan and get on with our respective lives! Move it, let's go!" Chris urged, waving Jacob into the car.

Baffled by Chris' urgency in trying to make us leave, Emma stepped forward. "Hey, what about our bags?!"

"Oh, Emma. I'm gonna have to ship 'em to you tomorrow first thin—" His indifference to her question irritated the blonde, a scowl on her face.

"Hell no! No. I am not leaving without my—"

"Hey! It's the way it's gotta be." Chris snapped, efficiently convincing Emma to shut her mouth.

"Ugh."

"Come on, Jacob! Start 'er up!"

Jacob turned the key in the ignition, though the only response the minivan gave was a sharp squeal and loud sputtering. Confused, I furrowed my brows, leaning closer to the hood to try and make out where the sound was coming from.

"What's the problem?" Chris' voice had grown more urgent, impatiently moving near the hood, as well.

"Ugh... Dude. I don't know. I-I think there's something wrong with the engine, Mr. H." Jacob hummed. His voice took on a lilt that screamed guilty to me, though Chris seemed too anxious to notice.

"Yeah, I can see that."

"Yeah dude, it's just like... kaput!"

"Alright lemme try." Ryan stepped towards the drivers side, peering at Jacob through the open window.

"What? Dude, I'm telling you, alright, it's busted!"

"Well maybe you're doing it wrong—"

"Duh- 'Well maybe you're doing it wrong!'" Jacob's tone baffled me, my eyes shooting up to glare at him through the front windshield.

"The fuck, dude?"

"Enough! Enough, both of you! Shit." He stepped up to the car, opening the drivers door and tugging at Jacob's sleeve. "Come on, come on let's go."

Stumbling, Jacob stepped out of the vehicle, brushing himself off. "Alright dude, chill! Chill dude." As Chris attempted to start the car, smoke began to seep from the lip of the hood, startling me.

"Uh, Mr. H? Pretty sure it's not supposed to do that..." His eyes widened at my words and he jumped out of the car, dragging me away from the tree I was leaning against.

"Holy smokes! Everybody back, now! No, now, now!" He exclaimed, urging the rest of the group backwards. Jacob, however, disregarded Mr. Hackett's warning and moved to the front of the vehicle, popping it open to view the engine. A blaze had formed near the fuel tank, our eyes widening at the sight.

"Jesus Christ!" Jacob exclaimed, skirting the edge of the car.

"J-Jacob, c'mon, get away from it!" I exclaimed, my heart racing in my chest. I hated fire, loathed it, memories I didn't want to recall lingering at the forefront of my brain.

"I-I got this!" He reached into the drivers side, grasping at water bottle. He ran back to the front of the vehicle and I yelped, darting past both Ryan and Chris.

"Jacob, don't—!" The water splashed over the engine just as I curled my fingers around Jacob's wrist. The flames rose and my back and arm, which were facing the hood, were splashed with oil. A scream left me as my skin burned through the fabric, recoiling closer to Jacob and cradling my burnt arm to my chest. "Fuck!"

"Shit, shit! Are you okay? Fuck!" Jacob cradled my arm in his large hands, blowing cool air on the red skin peeking through the freshly singed hole in my sleeve and shoulder, electing a whimper from me. Chris appeared beside us with a fire bucket in hand, dumping the sand in it over the engine and successfully smothering the flames.

With a heavy sigh, he dropped the bucket to the ground, brows furrowed with distress. "This things toast."

"Well, uh- Look it's not that big of a deal, okay, we'll just spend one more night out here." Jacob quipped after a moment, patting my back lightly as I babied my injured arm with a hiss, resting my head against his shoulder.

"No—NO. Just stop. Let me think." Chris snapped, hands running I've this face as he paced for a moment. Chris slammed the hood with an angry yell, startling me and Jacob. "Arrrrghhh! Okay. Dammit. You're right. You're right, yeah. Yeah, you're right."

"What?" Ryan seemed utterly bewildered with Chris' behavior, brows furrowed as he glanced at us. Chris tossed him the keys to the lodge as he walked past, Ryan successfully grasping them midair.

"Hey Ryan. Come here for a sec." Chris waved the boy over as he clambered into his own car, rolling the window down. Jacob guided me away from the cars towards the others, hand on my back.

"Shit, dude, I'm really fucking sorry, I didn't—"

"It's fine. You didn't know. It's cool. It's cool." I huffed, cutting off his apology. I knew he didn't mean to get me hurt, and it was only a second degree burn. With proper treatment I'd be okay. I was more concerned for Jacob's current emotional status—the guy didn't handle pain and sorrow very well.

I smiled up at Jacob to reassure him when words didn't work, nudging his side with my good arm. "Really, bear, I mean it. I'll be okay." He glanced between both of my grey eyes for a moment before relaxing, his lips forming the tiniest smile.

"Okay."

Jacob is reassured by my kindness and empathy.

"So, what was all of that about?" Dylan's voice drew my attention behind me as Ryan rejoined us, Chris and his car out of sight.

"He uh... said to stay inside. That we're not leaving until the morning." Ryan answered in a slow, uncertain tone, eyes lingering on my burn.

"Are... you kidding me?" Emma scoffed, tossing her hands up with irritation.

"Em..."

"Are you kidding me!? What are we supposed to do?"

"Well, we should go inside. Like he said."

Dylan tilted his head side to side, an inquisitive expression crossing his soft features. "We could go inside. Until morning..."

"Yeah—"

Quickly cutting Ryan off, Dylan smiled mischievously. "Or... Or we could do something else."

"What... are you talking about?"

"No Mr. Hackett. No screaming kids. Just a bunch of grown-ass adults ready to cut loose and get down with their animal side." I deadpanned at this, blinking slowly as I attempted to register what the hell he was going on about. Jacob, however, seemed to both understand and become eager for the idea.

"Ohh, hell yeah."

"P. A. R. T... Why the fuck not!? Alright, it seems like the stars have aligned for us. No?" I sighed through my nose, gnawing at my lower lip anxiously, which did not go unnoticed.

"Okay, okay, okay..." Kaitlyn began to nod thoughtfully, contemplating the tall brunettes offer.

"One last epic bonfire blowout for all time."

"Oh, dude. Fuck yes!" Jacob pumped the air, gesturing to the only Aussie in the group. "I'm in. Nick, you're in."

"Yeah I'm in."

"Dylan's in. Obviously. My man. Kaitlyn?"

After some momentary hesitation and a quick glance around the group, the short Asian woman conceded. "I go where my people need me."

"Yeah! Okay... Em, what do you say?"

"Yeah, I'm in." She grinned, hands on her hips.

"Mr. Hackett seemed pretty insistent we stay in the lodge." Abigail suddenly cut in, dampening my mood further with her voice.

"He was just trying to freak us out. You know, like um... Like one of Ryan's stupid ghost stories."

"Why would he want to scare us?"

Probably because he doesn't fucking like you, Abigail. I hissed in my head, scowling at her from under my long black lashes.

Ryan, looking miffed and uncertain, sighed through his nose apprehensively. "I don't think he was trying to freak us out, Jacob. I think he was really freaked out by something."

"Jesus Christ."

"Chris seemed real serious about this, guys."

Dylan slumped slightly, off put by Ryan's mood dampening behavior. "Just say you're in, man. Come on. One last night. Dude. He won't even know."

"Yeah but I promised, I—"

I had to grab Jacob's arm to stop him from stepping forward with his irritation, encouraging him to just speak calmly. "No no nah, dude, dude. It's all good. Alright, we get it, you know. You, uh... You don't wanna disappoint 'daddy'."

Ryan's eyes narrowed on Jacob and his nose wrinkled at the underhanded remark. "Whatever, man."

Dylan stepped in quickly, attempting to keep the conversation calm. "It's gonna be fine, man. Trust me. It's gonna be chill."

"I'm sure he's just looking out for us. No big deal." Ryan muttered this, mostly to reassure himself.

"Alright. Yeah! Party!" Dylan cheered, grins spreading on the rest of their faces.

"No, I didn't mean—"

Dylan put his hand up for a high five, grinning at the deep-toned male with excitement. "High five—Touch my hand, Ryan."

Ryan hesitated, eying the brunette before glancing at me. I nodded hesitantly, worry still on my mind. With a sigh, he lifted his hand and pressed it against Dylan's. "Alright, fine..."

"But I just want to go on record and say that this is a bad idea."

Jacob deadpanned and shook his head. "Oh my God, dude."

"Ugh. It's gonna be fine, man. Trust me. It's gonna be chill." Dylan did his best to reassure the guy he'd been pinning after half the summer.

Excited once again for tonight's plan, Jacob rubbed his hands together. "Alright, alright, alright, Hacketteers! Party planning committee. Let's do this!"

He gestured to Nick and Abigail, tilting his head side to side. "Um, okay. First things first, Nick and Abi... you go get some firewood. Uh... Emma and I will go to the store for some supplies. And, uh, Dylan, you just... I don't know, figure out how to charge the phones or something..." Dylan and Nick shared a thumbs up with the jock before he clapped his hands. "Alright let's do this!"

Hesitating, I glanced among the group and hit my lip, the buzzing behind my ears urging me to speak up. I could tell them what I'd 'seen' so far—knowing they were likely to listen to it as my clairvoyance was well known—but risk dampening the mood. Or I could keep it to myself and hope that everything would be okay. Besides that, who would I join? Abi and Nick? Dylan, Ryan and Kaitlyn? Emma and Jacob? Or should I find something to do alone?

Wha t would you do?

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Laura Kearney is my best friend and is currently missing.

Max Brinly is my best friend and is currently missing.

Ryan Erzahler is appreciative towards me.

Jacob Custos is concerned for my health and attached to me.

Abigail Blyg is distasteful of me.

Dylan Lenivy finds me adorable.

Emma Mountebank greatly enjoys my company.

Kaitlyn Ka is entertained by me.

Nicholas Furcillo is protective of me and concerned for my mental health.

Travis Hackett has no relation to me.

Chris Hackett finds me reliable but aggressive.

I am alive, sane and burned but otherwise healthy.

Tarot Visions:

Temperance

It was dark, the fire lit before me, my friends surrounding me. Jacob tossed a beer can my way, a pocket knife in his outstretched hand. I debated it for a moment as I caught the beverage, then stood and accepted the blade so I could shotgun the beer, pocketing it afterwards.

Strength

I held my breathe, back pressed to a boulder with Abigail beside me, hands over each other's mouths. A silhouette clambered above the boulder beside us, it's glowing red eyes searching the earth, snarling as it's saliva dripped against my shoulder and made me shudder.

Branches:

•Skeptic BFF: Having been best friends with Max and Laura, I knew they weren't okay. With their absence, I grew skeptical of Chris Hackett and his promises.