#but yeah basically... that first wolf is lying to you and probably wants to eat you sorry

[astudyinimagination]

Oh no, he was genuinely that careless. He never regarded Sherlock Holmes stories as serious work, so he never took the care with Holmes that he took with some of his other work. Serial fiction was just getting started; Doyle was literally a pioneer in that field. We know that he wrote these stories fast, and, past... what, the first dozen short stories?... he only wrote them because he wanted the money, which is probably why some stories seem like they could have begun independently of Holmes, and then Doyle knew he'd get more money if he'd turn them into Holmes stories (as, indeed, he did with Hound of the Baskervilles).

There are two wolves inside of you. One believes ACD had a perfect plan whilst writing the Holmes canon: every inconsistency or ‘mistake’ had a planned and well-thought out reason behind it, and we are supposed to solve the mystery he has set out for us. The other believes ACD could not fucking care less and was flinging Holmes stories out of his arse in order to be left alone.

[lesbiannancytruther]

vampire werewolf moment

okay so here im gonna explain specifically vampires/werewolves and how this impacts the characters bc it does different things to them based on my (tentative) explanation as to why any of this happened in the first place

so vampires! i decide which parts of typical vampire canon to adhere to bc some of it is lame, like turning pale?? no way. silver weakness?? HELL YEAH angst. okay so basics: these vampires have enhances strength/speed/senses, can tell when people are lying to them, and are basically supernaturally convincing (kinda charmspeak kinda not). they have retractable fangs that come out either by will or on instinct (when frightened/hungry), they run much colder than humans, their blood is like a freakishly bright red, and their eyes are like... idk how to explain this but brighter?? they’re hard to ignore is what im saying. vampire skin is not impenetrable but it’s hard to get through without excessive force or silver (or werewolf teeth..........). weaknesses wise there’s silver, being hungry/malnourished is like way worse for vampires (tis a curse after all), and the sun, which doesn’t make them combust immediately it just fucking burns and makes them super dizzy and weak and uncomfortable. umbrellas help but they’re not perfect. also weird fact if u show a vmpire their reflection (which they have) they’ll be transfixed and distracted, using their own strength (being supernaturally sexy) against them :(

elaborating on the malnourishment/diet part- vampires absolutely still drink blood. human blood, no going around it, animal blood makes them sick. this is a huge curse. luckily, you don’t have to kill someone when u drink their blood, but its easy to lose focus and accidentally take too much (fun fact both nancy and eddie have done this in this au). there’s a level of self control to resisting feeding during every day interactions with people, but it’s almost impossible to ignore spilled blood. when malnourished, it’s difficult to do much of anything, just moving around/keeping up conversation is a chore, let alone being a vampire. if a vampire is wounded while hungry, it will not heal until they feed, which will then cause it to heal at an accelerated rate. if unfed long enough a vampire could be so out of it that they can’t bring themselves to drink more and they become sort of a husk, but this takes a LONG time, since vampires don’t need to feed as much as humans (probably once a week??). vampires can eat human food but it doesn’t do much for them other than exist kinda

also idk if they can turn into bats like i want them to so bad bc aw but like it doesn’t make crazy sense? but also realism doesn’t matter these r fake gay people... we shall see...

okay this post is so long def gonna have to get into character specifications in a diff one omg

werewolves! okay werewolves r kinda crazy. part of these rules are inspired by @dxringred ‘s werewolf!robin au (which u should absolutely check out if u haven’t its one of the reasons i love this site so much) mainly bc i entirely agree that lycanthropy should be a curse!! but it’s not as heartbreaking bc even i can’t write that many ouch moments. basically, full moon changes werewolves into MASSIVE wolves and i mean massive like yeah twilight wolf type stuff like they r giant, strong, and very much wild animals. unlike their au though there’s not like an insane bloodlust/need to kill murder destroy, they just run entirely on instinct. in my mind these werewolves don’t think clearly, but they’re still themselves to some degree, like they still love the people they love, but they also superhate the people they hate. they don’t listen to any sort of commands, are reckless, fiercely protective and territorial, and do what they want, which is sometimes maiming people who make them angry <3 they’re also very likely to get themselves hurt as they don’t do things like look both ways before they cross the street. on the change, it hurts like a bitch and when they change back they get something of a wicked hangover, it’s a very uncomfortable and vulnerable state.

im kinda doing this entry in reverse but in normal every day lives werewolves have a few abilities, which shift in strength depending on the moon phases. during the day all of these abilities are weaker, but the closer to the full moon one is, the stronger they are. werewolves in their normal form have enhanced senses/strength/speed, which are very faint near the new moon but genuinely useful near the full moon. werewolves are very fast healers and can recover from a lot. werewolves are supernaturally intimidating, able to make themselves look bigger and meaner and scarier at will. they run hotter than normal people, and have supernatural resistance to all sorts of harsh climates and temperatures (yeah robin gives nancy her jacket in this au all the time so what). they can track people who’s scents they’re familiar with and can note changes in emotion in scents (like fear). and YEAH, they’re tall and strong, bc werewolves r awesome and r sex appeal incarnate. weakness wise there’s also silver, which burns the skin and makes it much harder for them to regenerate from wounds, they supernaturally lack impulse control (robin absolutely decks people in this au against her better judgement sometimes), and a lot of them deal with chronic pain from the shift every month, which the human (sorta) body is not meant to go through. (okay small character insert nancy absolutely uses her cold hands to help robin the day after the full moon, sometimes just placing her cool hands over robin’s eyes when she’s dealing with a migraine.) say it w me now, these r curses!!! most of the time they r not fun.

okay capping this one off here but this is not over >:(

[fangurk]

She’s Always There (Paul Lahote x Reader)

Key:

Y/n: Your Name

Y/l/n: Your Last Name

Y/n/n: Your Nickname

Y/e/c: Your Eye Color

Y/h/c: Your Hair Color

Prompt Given To Me By @ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhghhhh.tumblr.com: hey!! so the reason I'm messaging is because I wanted to request something but can't fit it all into an ask lmao. anyways could i please request a Paul Lahote x reader where the reader has been super close to the whole pack for years and has been Paul's imprint but doesn't know it (bc Sam thought it would be best to keep u away from it all) and they decide to finally tell you about being shapeshifters and being Paul's imprint and you're so mad about them not telling u earlier and there's a huge argument and they and Paul tries to calm you down but you say stuff like 'leave me alone' and things like that and it sounds like you're rejecting him/the bond in ur angry breakdown. anyways Paul is heartbroken and can't get out of bed or eat or anything so the guys finally convince you to come back bc they and Paul need you and it's just the reader cuddling with him and getting him out of bed to take a shower and eat and he realizes that you're not going anywhere and it's just like healing the imprint bond? sorry for this WALL of text, I've just had this idea stuck in my head for a while lol. if you don't want to do it, that's completely fine!! thank you for your time ♡

ok so my guy,, bc this fic has been stuck in my head for a bit, some scenes have developed? so idk i hope this isn't too much, but if u do write it, would u be willing to add like some angst to it, obvi, and maybe a scene/part lol where when the reader tries to get him to shower (bc the misinterpreted rejection made him like super depressed and he just felt low about himself) he won't shower, because he doesn't want to come out and the reader is gone. so either they shower together (not smutty just angst&fluff) or she sits like in the bathroom while he showers LOL. and when he feels a bit better, they go down to eat and he's touching some part of her at all times. if this is too much to like,, include then that's a-okay. i just need to get this OUT of my MIND ugh lmao!/!

Reader Gender: Female

Summary: The Reader has been friends with most of the pack members for her whole life. Which is why, after months of silence and strange changes, she was willing to let them back into her life— until she finds out she’s been told lies that leave her in danger, of course. After a big freak out and two weeks of avoiding them, the boys come begging for her help; it turns out that Paul has some wolf-y claim on her, and whatever she said to him has left him worse for wear...

Warnings: Mentions of Depression, Nudity, Angst, and Cursing.

A/n: this is literally like a whole novel I’m so sorry I got carried away. this is kinda based on a lot of fics I read where the imprint has the potential to really hurt people and I named Paul’s dad.

Word Count: 2.9k+

“The legends are real!?”

Y/n Y/l/n hasn’t ever been so disturbed in her entire life.

After weeks of radio silence, Sam Uley’s little ‘gang’, mostly consisting of people she’d known since childhood, had slowly trickled back into her life. What started as a grocery run with Paul or a movie with Jared had turned into big bonfire parties including Jacob Black and his gaggle.

But that was months ago. Months. And now, as she sits by a fire, surrounded on either side by them, they decide to tell her their little secret?

“Y/n.” Sam says as she abruptly stands, eyes stern and hand raised placatingly.

His actions only served to upset her more and her skin bristles with irritation. Sam was acting as if she, a human surrounded by shape shifters, was the unstable one. As if she could do any damage to things built to kill vampires.

“Don’t you dare, Sam.” She clenches her fists, glaring right back at him. “It’s been months- months- and you’re telling me now?”

“It’s not exactly an easy thing to bring up.” He reasons, voice a little less demanding. “We all wanted to be sure that you were ready to know.”

“Ready?!” Y/n laughs mirthlessly, y/e/c eyes wide with disbelief, “When was I supposed to be ready Sam? W-when one of you gored me? When a cold one ripped me apart?”

Her hands shake as she puts them on her forehead, blinking back tears. Growing up all she’d ever heard were stories of humans getting dragged into fights between wolf and vampire, and she couldn’t bring herself to look Emily in the eye because it was suddenly apparent that wolves alone could hurt people too.

It was so bad, whatever happened to Emily, that they said a bear mauled her— Y/n didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

“It’s not like that, Y/n/n.” Embry chimes in, reaching out to grab his friend's arm.

She yanks her body out of the way and gathers her belongings quickly.

“What is it like then, Call?” She holds her bag to her heaving chest, “because it seems to me that you all have the ability to turn into giant, slobbery freaks that are built for killing vampires and, after completely dropping me for weeks, you decided to keep it secret from me for months. Did it even occur to you that I would’ve been better off knowing right off the bat?!”

No one says anything. Eight shifters and two of their girlfriends sit there, just staring at her like she was speaking a different language.

“You know,” Y/n has to clear her throat to steady her wavering voice, “had you guys really been souped-up on drugs like everyone says, maybe I could’ve handled the lying. But my life was clearly potentially in danger, and you let me hang around without saying anything. I- God I don’t want to see you people right now.”

She leaves with that, stepping over logs and storming back down the beach with determination. Faintly over the roar of her heartbeat, she can hear someone scrambling to stand behind her.

“Wait!— shit, sorry-” Paul grunts, jogging to catch up with her- “Y/n-“

With an unusual gentleness, his warm hand wrapped around her forearm. For a moment, deep in the back of her mind, a foreign feeling tells her to stop, to listen; but that small voice is quickly smothered by the rational part of her brain, and she wrenches her arm from his grip.

“Don’t touch me!” She snaps, lowering her voice, “Leave me alone- I need to be alone.”

Paul stands there, dumbstruck, an unreadable look in his eyes as she walks away. And he’d continue to stand there, looking like a kicked puppy long after her retreating form became a blur amongst the darkness of the beach.

“Paul?” Sam is hesitant, hand hovering over the younger boy’s shoulder a minute before he touches him, “You okay?”

Shrugging his leader’s arm off his shoulder, Paul sighs. “No...I...I’m just gonna head home.”

Instead of going in the directions of the cars, the wolf stalks off toward the woods; Emily stands from her seat, wrapping her sweater more around herself as she watches Paul leave. Concern is written all over her features.

“He’ll be fine, Em,” He pulls her in for a hug, “it’ll all work out eventually.”

ஓ๑♡๑ஓ

Y/n does a good job of avoiding them for a while.

She turns her phone off a few days in and avoids going to First Beach, even when Washington gets a rare, warm summer feel. Books that have sat long forgotten on her shelves get read and TV shows she’s always meant to catch up on get watched; it’s boring and she runs out of options, at one point thinking of dying her hair y/f/c just to spice things up, but it allows her to think. (Or at least it allows this strange little voice in the back of her head to tell her that she needs to go back to them.)

The next time she sees any of the boys is exactly two weeks after the bonfire incident.

She’s curled up on her couch, picking at some of the Clearwaters’ fish fry and barely watching an episode of ANTM, when a fist comes banging down on her door. Turning off the TV, she tiptoes to the window, peeking under the curtain as carefully as she can.

As she expected, Jared Cameron and Embry Call are on her porch, the former standing in front of her door with his hip cocked, the other rooting around in her mother’s plants for something. Cringing, she hopes if she’s quiet enough that they’ll just go away.

Her front door opens within minutes, however, and she realizes her hoping is fruitless.

Should’ve known you can’t hide from wolves, she can’t help but think bitterly.

“Y/n?” Jared calls out through the house, “we know you’re here.”

“Yeah, and you guys should probably move your spare key,” Embry tacks on, flicking the light switch to the living room up, “I've known you forever and it’s still in the same place.”

From her spot by the window, the y/h/c haired girl glares at the two boys, arms crossed over her chest. Embry gives her a lopsided grin and holds the key out to her, his bud plopping down on the couch and pulling her abandoned plate into his lap.

Y/n extends a hand to take the key.

“Has it really been in the same place?” She sounds a little more defeated than she’d like.

“Yeah, it’s always been in your mother’s cornflower pot.”

“That’s...kinda sad.” She wrinkles her nose, pocketing the key with the intention to hide it better later, “but uh, I’ve been ignoring you for two weeks for a reason. Peacefully breaking into my house kinda furthers my need for space.”

Embry scratches the back of his neck.

“Well,” He says, “we need you to come back, man. Paul won’t talk to anyone- Sam doesn’t know if he’s eating, and he won’t even get out of bed for patrol! He needs his imprint-”

“His what?” She cocks her head to the side and Jared snorts from the couch.

“She left before we got there, nimrod,” Jared mocks through a mouthful of food, “she doesn’t know what an imprint is.”

He lets out an indignant “Hey!” as Y/n walks by, snatching her plate back from him on her way to the kitchen. Embry chases after her, a grumpy Jared jumping up from the couch to follow.

“You’re his imprint— you’re basically his soulmate!”

“Really?” She says warily, sealing the fish and putting it back in the fridge.

Both boys nod clumsily.

“You remember a few weeks ago when you saw each other for the first time again and he kinda just stood there like an idiot while you talked?”

“Yeah? Oh!-” She brings her hands up to her mouth, brows furrowed as she recalls.

It was exactly Jared had said. She and Paul had seen one another for the first time in a long time and the minute her y/e/c eyes looked into his, it was like he’d been struck dumb.

Embry gives her an encouraging look, “An imprint is...It's not like love at first sight, really. It's more like… gravity moves… suddenly. It's not the earth holding you here anymore, she does… You become whatever she needs you to be, whether that's a protector, or a lover, or a friend. When you snapped at him last week he thought you were rejecting him….”

A part of her thought about how absurd it was that he knew that whole speech. But the bigger part of her came to a realization that made her stomach churn.

“So he's all depressed… because… of me?” She whispers, leaning back on the counter.

Embry, always a rather sympathetic person, opens his mouth to comfort her, but Jared cuts him off.

“Basically. So are you going to come with us so we can help Paul or are you going to continue being petty?”

In any other circumstance, Y/n probably would’ve thrown something at her for calling her petty. She felt she was completely justified in her actions. A part of her wonders if she can really believe them— they’d spent months lying to her after all. But a larger part thinks about Paul, curled up in his bed, slowly desecrating because he thinks she rejected him.

If it were really all some ploy to get her to listen to them, then she’d at least be the person who chose the well-being of her friend over a petty disagreement.

“I’m coming.” She affirms, pushing herself off the counter, and letting the boys lead her to the car.

ஓ๑♡๑ஓ

Jared and Embry drop her off in front of the Lahote household. They tell her something but she can’t really hear them over her heartbeat, she doesn’t even know they’re gone until it’s too late to turn back.

Getting into the house wasn’t the hard part. Paul’s father, Cyrus, had been leaving as she arrived, and, after he watched her stare at the house with a fearful expression for a few minutes, he happily let her in. The hard part was willing her legs to take her up the stairs to Paul’s room, and then it was opening his bedroom door.

Y/n has known Paul since they were eight, but she was afraid of him until they were eleven. He wasn’t mean, per se, but his anger made him do mean things; she wasn’t entirely happy with puberty and it’s monthly gifts, but whatever it did to make her suddenly un-afraid of him she was grateful for. But now, standing in front of his bedroom door, she had a nagging fear that Paul would revert to that eight year old boy who threw lunch boxes and twisted arms behind backs until people cried.

The door creaks slightly as she struggles to push it open.

His room is almost completely dark except for the light coming from the hallway behind her. Trash and dirty clothes have formed a compact layer on his bedroom floor, foot sized holes leading up to the twin sized bed in the corner. On the bed, amongst the blankets she’s sure he doesn’t need, is Paul— or at least, a Paul sized lump.

As gross as it is, she’s kind of relieved he’s been eating.

“Paul?” She whispers tentatively, stepping toward the bed.

The lump flinches and turns toward her.

“Y/n?”

If the room and the description of his state weren’t heartbreaking enough, his voice definitely was. Hollow, rough, and small, everything it never was, everything Paul wasn’t.

“Is that you?”

“Yeah...it’s me..”

She carefully steps over to the bed, and Paul slowly sits up, pushing his blankets to the side. There’s a beat of silence as she stands between his legs, his reluctant hands coming to rest on her waist after a minute. Y/n let’s him have another to gather his thoughts.

“You really came…” Tears well up in his eyes and loops his arms around her back.

She runs a hand through his hair. “I did, and I’m so sorry, if I had known—”

Paul nuzzles her stomach, “S’fine, you didn’t know, and you’re here now.”

There’s a sort of cute, euphoria lacing his voice and he’s visibly much more relaxed.

“Just don’t ever say that again…”

“I won’t, I promise.”

She’s surprised when he manhandles her into his lap, but she doesn’t really mind. He’s warm and strangely familiar and something about it just— clicks.

“When was the last time you spent, I dunno, a minute or two out of your room?” Y/n asks softly, y/e/c eyes glancing about the room.

The shifter’s only response is a shrug, too busy nosing around her neck with vigor. When he finds a certain spot, it makes her squeak, and this seems to excite him like a puppy finding out its favorite toy makes noise.

“You need to bathe, eat something substantial,” She intertwines their fingers, “and the...pack...they’re really worried about you— are you even listening to me?”

He looks up at her then and flashes her a sheepish smile, answering her question. Pursing her lips, she pulls his arms from around her.

“C’mon, Paul.” She stands up and takes his hand. “We’re gonna get you cleaned up.”

She moves toward the door, urging him forward, only to be jerked to a stop as he stays put. He looks a little distressed when she turns back to him, brows furrowed, almost like he’s in pain.

“Paul?”

He grunts, jaw clenched as the cogs turn in his head. Y/n cocks her head and reaches out for his other hand. It felt like some sort of supernatural intuition, one she’ll blame on the imprint and ask Emily about later.

“Paul, hon, why won’t you come shower?”

“I’m afraid you'll leave,” He says bashfully, “it’s stupid, I know, but part of me is afraid you’ll leave while I’m in the shower.”

Y/n couldn’t help but feel a little heartbroken at his confession. Paul was part wolf, and part of being part wolf was imprinting— she almost wishes she’d have stayed long enough to listen, or been able to focus as the boys debriefed her on the ride over because only being able to speculate how much she’d actually hurt him was eating her alive. He wouldn’t even shower, something he desperately needed to do, because of what she’d said.

Taking a deep breath, she barely registers the words she’s about to say.

“I’ll wait with you, I’ll sit on the toilet, you’ll see me there.”

And true to her word, Y/n does sit on the toilet while Paul showers, reading the information on soap bottles to distract herself from the fact that he was there next to her, very naked. Occasionally he asks her what she’s doing, and she reads the ingredients out loud to the best of her ability, and he laughs a little— she tries to hide her smile, but she was too happy he was laughing.

She closes her eyes when he gets out, letting him dry himself off and pull on some clean shorts. He throws the wet towel at her when he’s done, eliciting a “Hey!” that makes him laugh again.

Now that he’s clean, the two of them descend into his quiet house. Y/n navigates the kitchen, her wolf attached to her hip and being less than helpful, and makes them both something to eat— he doesn’t do much more than stand behind her, wrapped around her, making her life more difficult.

“I’m so happy you came back.” He says, watching her work.

“I was always going to.” Y/n responds, her voice sure and steady.

They talk as they eat, sitting across from one another at the too big table in the Lahote household. Talk about how this was going to work, admitting feelings that always lingered, and everything in between; she hooks her leg around his, watching him scarf down his meal with a wrinkled nose and fondness glittering in her y/e/c eyes.

He’s...gross...but he’s hers, she’s kind of stuck with him.

A date is planned. An actual date.

Paul promises to take her to the local diner (and to wear a shirt, for once.)

“I’ve been saving up for something like this.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, and you can get that dessert you like.”

Y/n laughs softly, but heat spreads up her neck and settles in her ears and cheeks. It’d been a long time since that had been her favorite food, but it was the thought that counted...

When Cyrus Lahote returns from work later that night his son and the Y/l/n girl are awkwardly situated on his couch— him on his back, snoring, her lying on top of him, face tucked into his neck, also fast asleep. The older man turns off the TV and tosses a blanket over the pair, ascending up the stairs with a smile on his face.

Y/n Y/l/n was trustworthy. She’s always there when Paul is in a rut too big for him to handle...

[tenya]

Got any headcanons for Project Diva Infinite? (Maybe some stuff about what he and Sonic like to do together between battles?) (like braiding Infinite’s hair)

before we get into that i just want to take a second to acknowledge how your phone (presumably) autocorrected “nova” to “diva” because i am absolutely LOSING it. that’s so funny. maybe in a parallel universe, miku infinite became a trend instead of miku amy. wouldn’t that be somethin

but anyways, yeah i got some headcanons!

as we’re all aware, infinite takes himself Very Seriously. he also has a very straightforward set of goals: get revenge on shadow and prove he’s not weak (by taking over the world). i’d imagine this leads to him not doing a lot of fun stuff, since there’s no time for games when he’s so devoted to his persona and his goals.

sooo he probably trains a lot. both physically and with the phantom ruby! i think it’d be fun if he and sonic sparred. there’s no doubt in my mind that infinite would make a remark about how he’s not used to “holding back” to sonic, since the goal of their brawls is to keep their skills sharp, not kill each other.

that being said, i don’t think infinite would have been too keen on the idea at first. he’s a big “lone wolf” type, so it probably took some convincing from eggman to get him to agree to it. not to mention, the last people he trained with like that are dead now and you know what they say about old scars still aching. but yeah, eggman would probably want to observe/take notes on sonic in a controlled environment, so he’d push for it.

other than that, i think it’d be interesting if infinite didn’t like to sleep much. cuz, like, it’d make him feel vulnerable, which is a big no for him. his squad used to sleep in shifts, probably, and i like to think sonic would pick up on this anxiety pretty quick and be like how can you be at your best if you’re tired all the time? don’t worry--i’ll watch your back! :]

in that same vein and unlike sonic, infinite also still needs to eat, but because he doesn’t want anyone else touching his food, he makes all of it himself.

some other stuff... infinite has a weapon collection that he maintains in his (purposefully small) spare time. he doesn’t use them because they’re trophies or keepsakes. most of them he ““acquired”” on past jobs. he tells sonic about how he got all of them... eventually.

i don’t think infinite would let sonic touch his hair tho. at least not often. maybe very rarely. i said it once already but that’s a huge display of trust and it would take a long time to get to it. 

and one last thing while we’re here... since he’s awake all the time, sonic has a lot of time on his hands. he burns through it by reading basically anything he can get his hands on. there’s a lot of books lying around and even though a lot of them are boring cuz they’re just filled with schematics and stuff, at least they’re something to occupy himself with. infinite is kinda intrigued by this behavior since he didn’t think sonic was the kind of guy who liked to read lol. he also pays attention to which books sonic picks up, just in case he stumbles across something incriminating. 

[musicanddancingthroughlife]

Werewolf Stalkers - Shklance

Depression is a bitch yo. Um. So school started again. I have never felt so overwhelmed in my life, so that’s been a blast. But hey! Stories!

Okay, I’m absolutely hoping to do more with this story in the future, but here’s the first little bit.. I’m still working on other projects, too, but I’m taking a few creative writing classes too so I’m having to balance a lot of fanfics with original pieces. But still, if there’s any you guys think I should focus on right now, hit me up! I’d love some direction and actual goals here haha. 

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

So here’s the deal. Lance is pretty sure he’s being stalked by a werewolf.

Two werewolves?

Possible. That or it’s one werewolf with multiple personalities, one that’s fairly polite and understanding - considering it’s a large dog in the habit of stalking him almost daily - and one that’s much more demanding of his time, which is just rude. Even worse is that the mutt (mutts?) won’t ever let Lance’s friends see them, so now everyone thinks he’s crazy. Actually, a lot of them have stopped hanging out with him because he’s gotten to be a lot more paranoid than he was, but you really couldn’t blame him for that!!!

Werewolves!!! Like. What about that isn’t crazy??? Why wouldn’t he be paranoid, he’s actually BEING STALKED BY THE SUPERNATURAL!

Anyway, the lack of friends is probably why he was now in this situation.

Although, if Hunk or Pidge were still around, they would say it was mainly due to his own stupidity, but Lance was choosing to ignore that.

Hmmm.

Okay, back to the situation at hand. Lance was sick of it. He was sick of being stalked. He was sick of having no friends and therefore left even more vulnerable to the stupid animals that were following him around all day. Just last week, Lance had exited his apartment complex to find there was a dead deer lying at the front of the property. There was a crowd of people, and officials were already clearing away the mess, so there was no way that Lance could truly prove it was a werewolf, let alone his stalker werewolves. But he knew he saw a furry tail disappearing around the corner, as soon as Lance had seen the mess on the lawn.

And just a couple days ago, Lance had totally been chatting it up with some cute girls, until they had been scared away by a very large dog. Again, that might’ve been a coincidence, but there were too many coincidences to be… coincidence! Ugh, whatever, he didn’t care if Hunk or Pidge thought he was stupid… Okay, so he did. But this was more important! So here he was, lying around in the middle of the woods by himself, waiting for the stupid wolves to approach him again. (And he was pretty sure that there were two. One was definitely bolder and more annoying than the other.)

The night was cold, leaving Lance shivering in the grass of the clearing he had found a few weeks back while hiking. Right around the first time those wolves started following, now that he thinks about it. Damn it, was this a meeting ground for them? Is this where they did all their hunting? Did they somehow know Lance was going to come back, and now they were going to hunt him down and eat him? Fuck, this was a bad idea, he just knew it…

A twig snapped somewhere behind him, and Lance snapped upright. He twisted around so he could see behind himself, but of course, there was nothing. Because now he was living in a goddamn horror movie. Yeah, this was definitely a bad idea. Lance stood and slowly pulled out his phone so he could use the flashlight, hoping for a little more light for the trek back to his car. The light flashed on, and Lance was startled to see that the very clear and distinct wolf sitting in front of him.

“FUCK!” Lance shouted, and scrambled away, yelping again as his foot got caught on something. A sharp pain shot up his ankle and leg, and Lance landed on his ass. Hard. “Shit,” he whimpered, and then he flopped himself flat on his back. Because really, there was no point. If he was gonna get eaten, there was nothing he could do about it now. Even if his ankle wasn’t badly injured, no way he could outrun a wolf. Or the second, smaller wolf that was now whining in Lance’s ear and nuzzling at him. Probably trying to find a clear way to tear out his throat, God.

He squeezed his eyes shut, praying that they would make it quick, he really didn’t want to be stuck there all night dealing with the agony of death, thanks. Except…

They weren’t doing anything? Well, besides the same basic nuzzling. That second wolf was nudging at his face, soft whines and rumbles alternating in Lance’s ear. The first was down at Lance’s feet, licking gently at his throbbing ankle. God, he almost didn’t want to do it, but…

“What are you two doing?” Lance breathed. The wolf at his head huffed, and Lance flinched, but the first wolf took up the low rumbles, and fuck that was nice. The second quickly rejoined. Lance eased his hand up, slowly leaning to touch the smaller wolf. Amazingly, this was allowed. The wolf even lolled his tongue out a little, those rumbles growing louder. Lance laid like that a little longer before he attempted to leverage himself into sitting up again. This jolted his ankle further, causing Lance to cry out. The bigger wolf whined and then carefully levelled himself into a position where he was bracing the injured limb, allowing Lance to move without also moving his leg. The other wolf snaked around to his back, helping to push him forward, until he was able to sit up and they could pile themselves on top of him.

And that’s how Lance found himself sitting there, his ankle still screaming at him if he even tries to move, and two huge wolves crawling all over him. Because apparently this was his life now.

Stupid werewolf stalkers.

[twdmusicboxmystery]

Connections Between Nebraska, the CRM , and TWB

Morning Everyone! I wrote this last week and it jumps around a bit, referencing some old TWD episodes, a TWB episode, an a few other things. The biggest thing here is just making connections and showing that the symbolism is the same across all shows in the franchise. That all of them are connected. And that the writers are telling one, huge story, and have been since very early on.

So, while speaking with a follower last week, I ended up making some interesting connections. Nothing groundbreaking. Bit of a rabbit hole, but not too deep. ;D

But someone sent me something yesterday that said on the walking dead wiki page for the CRM, it says they’re based out of Omaha, NE. Now, they definitely talk about the Omaha location in TWB, but I didn’t remember it saying the CRM is actually based there. 

So I went and looked at the wiki page. What it says is that it’s part of the Alliance of the Three, and Omaha is one of their locations. The actual base of the CRM is still unknown.

But I started thinking about TWD 2x08, Nebraska, and decided to go back and watch that episode again. It’s honestly been years since I sat down and watched it beginning to end. I did, and I’ll come back to that in a minute.

(CRM Page HERE.)

A/B Theme

But further down on the page, it also defines the A and B symbolism. It says A = a strong leader who is spirited and willing to fight back. And B = someone who either can’t fight back or won’t.

But it also has a note under the A that says 1x04 of TWB confirmed that A also = Bitten. That seemed a little weird to me. I didn’t remember them confirming that for sure in the episode (we would have talked about it a LOT more). And Jadis called Rick a B, which suggests he’s not bitten. So I was like, Hmm. What’s this about?

Well, I went and rewatched 1x04. I really need only have watched the after-the-credits coda, since I’m fairly certain that’s where they’re getting this. (And of course let’s remember that anyone who is a member can update wiki pages; so this isn’t exactly a confirmation from tptb.)

In the coda, as you will remember, the woman is eating a sandwich and talking into a recorder about test subjects. All of them have an A before their numbers. And the camera pans over all of them, clearly showing bite marks. So, I’m thinking that’s where they’re getting that A = bite from. But to me, that’s not exhaustive evidence. I still think Rick was bitten, and I still think we don’t entirely understand the definition.

I COULD get behind there being two definitions going on here. One that they’ll acknowledge in the show as the actual way the CRM uses the numbers, and one that’s more symbolic that tptb will never confirm or deny. I mean, they did this with the A on Daryl’s shirt at the Sanctuary. And then there’s the A Sam had in 6a, and the A painted on FG’s church. Are we supposed to believe they’ll all be directly linked to the CRM in the show?

So, I’m wondering if the strong fighter vs weak fighter is how the CRM actually uses it. But symbolically, that’s where the bitten/not bitten comes in.

And you may ask, even if that’s the case, why would Jadis call Rick a B? I mean, he’s clearly one who will fight back.

But here’s the thing. When she had him prisoner in his blue skivvies in the yellow storage container, she wrote an A on the outside. So clearly, whatever it means to the CRM, she thinks he’s an A. And obviously he wasn’t bitten then. So either B does mean bitten, or else she’s just lying about him being a strong leader and fighter. Why would she do that?

I’m thinking about Grady. They saved Noah but left his father behind. And I’m thinking that given what we know of Noah’s weakness, his father was probably the stronger fighter. You could also argue that they saw Beth as weak and took her, but when they saw Daryl in their review mirror, they sped off. I think they only take vanilla people they believe they can control. So maybe Jadis said it because otherwise they wouldn’t have taken Rick, and she wanted to save his life. And because he was hurt and weak, his rebelliousness really wouldn’t have come across to the guys in the helicopter.

Boy are they in for a rude awakening!

So yeah, basically it confirmed nothing for me, lol. The symbolism is still clear as mud, no?

Nebraska

As for Nebraska, when I watched, I mostly saw more connections to what we’ve learned recently, about the CRM and the Great Britain theme (Revolutionary War) and such.

So, I wanted to specifically listen to what the guy says about Nebraska. I wondered if he could have ties to the CRM at all. I didn’t see any evidence of that, but there was still kind of an interesting hint. He was talking about how they’d met lots of people, who all had stories about where some community might still be functioning. And one of the things he said was that they met someone who was sending supplies via RAILWAY toward Omaha, NE. And that was it. They went on about Nebraska in a few other lines, so we’re clearly supposed to take note of it. 

But what we CAN now confirm via TWB is that one of three communities in the Alliance of Three is in Omaha. So, to me, this was definitely a very early, very subtle CRM clue.

(Clearly from the above pic, which is not mine, other people in the fandom are also putting these things together.)

I’ll give you one more small thing and then the part that gets kinda wild. His shark t-shirt. Um…Stafford Sharks, I think? And I know we’ve talked about this before in the sense of it being a water clue. But the Stafford Sharks thing is a real place that’s based out of the UK. Their website even ends in the “.co.uk” suffix. And of course there’s an 11 on the back of the shirt, which we’ve talked about for a long time and, as has recently been pointed out, MIGHT among other things point to S11.

So for me, we have the 11, a hint at the UK (Julia Ormond’s character is British and represents Cornwallis in the Revolutionary War template), and a subtle reference to where the CRM is, all in one person/conversation. And if this guy, at a broad level, represents the threat of the CRM, I think it’s important that Rick kills him. Yeah, Rick’s totally gonna knock the CRM on it’s butt by the end of the series. (Yay!)

But here’s the other thing I thought about. This episode is THE next episode after Sophia comes out of the barn.

Think about that. 1. Missing girl 2. Girl found 3. Hint at CRM    

Just saying.

TWB 1x04

As I said, I rewatched the entire episode and probably didn’t need to, but I was actually glad I did. If I had more time, I do rewatches of literally EVERYTHING right now. Unfortunately, that’s probably not going to happen just yet.

I didn’t nail down the TWB template until the final episode of season 1, so rewatching it, I’m just seeing things I didn’t pick up on before.

This was the episode where they went into the high school to get out of the rain, Silas and Iris dance in the auditorium, etc. And mostly I was focusing on the pairings. We picked up the idea of Iris and Silas being Bethyl proxies when we first watched it. That much was clear. But now that I know Felix = Daryl and Huck = Carol, I saw more.

They divide into 3 groups and what really jumped out at me is that in this scenario, Huck and Faith are together. If anything, because she goes into the CRM at the end, Faith = Beth, right? Which we talked about. So I was thinking about what I’ve said that Daryl and Carol will split up and Carol and Beth might have the first reunion, and kind of watching it through that lens. Nothing huge jumped out at him until…

…the wolf.

Remember the wolf that was building a nest and protecting it’s young and dragging walkers through the halls? I don’t even know how to interpret it in a forecasting way, but since TWD ep 21, where we saw Daryl fixing the bike and hear the wolf howl, it really jumped out at me. The idea that the wolf symbolism will return with Beth and be an important part of the story.

Beyond that, I think we MIGHT be able to take some clues about Daryl’s future arc from this little sequence with Felix and Elton, but nothing huge jumped out at me. So, I’ll probably have to go back again later, maybe during or after S11 as we learn more.

So yeah. As I said, very meandering thoughts and connections today.

Thoughts?

[surveys-at-your-service]

Survey #408

“tied to the rat race  /  a big bird in a small cage”

Who, whether a person or company, emails you the most? I really don't check my email enough to even know. If you were given an assignment to draw anything besides stick figures or just doodles, what would you draw? A meerkat of course, ha ha. Do you play the games on MySpace/Facebook? I never did. Well no, I did play "Dragons of Atlantis" when Facebook bought it or whatever, but now that it's a mobile game, I don't play anything on there. When was the last time you were sunburnt? Ha, actually now. It's from riding an hour to and an hour back from the TMS office every weekday; the sun coming in through the window got my arm. Who all do you live with? My mom and my two pets. Has a guy ever let you wear his jacket? Yeah. It was so comforting when Jason gave me his leather jacket to wear if I was cold; it was pretty big on me at that time and just really cozy. Thanks survey, now I feel like crying. :^) How many friends do you have of the opposite sex? Like, one. Do you have bird feeders hanging up outside? What about any hanging plants? No. Does your house have sliding glass doors? No. Was the last food item you ate part of a meal or a snack? A snack. What color is your hair brush? I don't use a brush, but a white comb. Would you rather it be sunny or rainy? I think I prefer sunny for the sake of helping keep my depression at bay, but sometimes I really do enjoy some nice steady rainfall at the window. Who’s the last person that you hugged, not family? I have no idea. What will your next piercing be? Probably getting my nostril re-pierced. How many people have you kissed, that you can HONESTLY say you loved? Two. Can you recall the last time you liked someone a lot? uhhhhhhhhhh now What’s scarier: spiders or worms? Worms gross me out, but a spider is more likely to actually scare me, but at the same time fascinate me. Do you play poker for real money? No. If you were pregnant, how long would you wait to tell the dad? I'd tell him immediately. Would you ever date out of your own race? I have in the past, and I would again. Do you still watch movies intended for children? Yeah. Hell, more than half the time they're better than "grown up" movies. What’s your favorite movie trilogy? Uhhhh does TLK count? ha ha What would you like to take lessons in? German. Whose Facebook password do you have? Just my own. Have you ever been suspended or expelled from school? No. Have you ever crawled through a window? Yes. Are you too forgiving? Yuuuup. Ever have a sleepover with the opposite sex? Well, we were dating. Have you ever gotten someone suspended? No. Have you ever wanted to be a teacher? No. Would you live with someone without marrying them? Yes; I believe you really probably should before getting married so you see if you "fit" as far as household habits and such go. Have you ever wanted to strip naked in front of someone? Yeah no. I'd feel way too awkward. What are you listening to? A John Wolfe video. Who was the last person you visited in the hospital? My mom. Did anyone watch you the last time you kissed someone? I mean possibly, it was a public place, and some people are definitely caught off-guard by seeing two girls kiss. Do either of your parents have any tattoos or piercings? No. Mom wants a tattoo, though, dedicated to all of us kids and her grandkids. Are you desperate for anyone’s approval, in particular? -_- Would you ever stalk a celebrity? Um, no???? You don't stalk ANYBODY. It's a violation of space, privacy, basic respect... Do you have any National Geographic magazines lying around? No. Have you ever been mistaken for the opposite gender? No. Do you use liquid foundation, mousse, or just powder? None. Have you ever picked out a song to listen to on a juke box? Maybe? I don't remember. Have you ever eaten 3 meals from 3 different fast food places in one day? Oh god, I hope not. I don't remember ever having done that. Have you ever ridden in a limo? No. I always wanted to as a kid. Have you ever tried to put a huge puzzle together? Yeah, I have. I used to like to do that with my mom especially. Ever wake up early on Saturdays to go garage sale shopping? Yes, actually. My family used to love to do that. Do you keep magazines by your toilet? No. Ya better just bring your phone. What did you last take a picture of with your camera? On my actual camera, a hydrangea bush. On the camera on my phone, I believe my cat. Are you proud of who you are? Not... really. If you were a waiter/waitress, would you make good tips? Nope. I'm too awkward and I would NEVER write the orders down quickly enough. I write so slow. What are the best kind of Girl Scout cookies? The chocolate and peanut butter ones. If you hit an animal while driving, would you stop to see if it was okay? Well I doubt it's okay, but I would absolutely stop to move it away from the road and sob my eyes out. I'd probably try to find some flowers to rest on it. What's your favorite kind of pasta? Spaghetti. Have you ever played computer solitaire for hours on end? I don't even know how to play solitaire. What's the dumbest thing you've heard of that supposedly causes cancer? Who the hell knows, everything does apparently. If you saw wet cement, would you place your handprint in it? No. Can you honestly tell the difference between DiGiorno and delivery pizza? Absolutely. Do you own a lava lamp? No, but I would looove one. What charity or cause would you donate $1,000 to if possible? Off the top of my head, the Trevor Project. I'd probably research before actually donating, though. What would you say is your greatest strength? I guess that I care a lot about people. What's one food that you find too disgusting to eat? Things like clams, es cargot, sashimi... just ew. What's something that will never bore you? Uhhhh good question. Pizza Hut or Domino's? Domino's, by a long shot. What's something that always, no matter what, makes you laugh? Stupid Vines, lol. Have you ever been in a canoe? No. How many vehicles does your family own? Just one, my mom's. Are you generally afraid of taking risks? Yes. Have you ever caught/swatted a fly in/with your hand? Ew, no. Would you ever dye your hair bubblegum pink? Yeah. What was the last thing to happen that you really weren't expecting? The woman whose wedding I shot TWO YEARS ago finally reaching out to me about buying some pictures. What does it mean when you start eating less? What does it mean when you start eating more? If I'm eating less, odds are I'm extremely serious about losing weight. If I'm eating more than usual, high odds are I'm depressed or bored. Or I'm on my period. What’s the strangest named pet you’ve ever had? Harry Potter, ha ha. He was a guinea pig. What are some defense mechanisms you find yourself using when in an argument with someone? I'm very likely to just metaphorically flee from it because I fear confrontation so much. Do you know if there is anyone who was once important to you that you will never talk to again, even though you could? If I have any say in it, I'm never talking to Colleen again. List the initials of every person you have ever kissed, from first kiss to most recent kiss. (Put “?”s in the place of initials you don’t know.) I'm not listing their last initial, but anyway: J, T, G, S. Does your face break out right before your period? Not "break out," no. I'll just get a pimple or two. What did you dream about last night? All I remember was that it focused on Jason and his late mother. I miss her so much. I hope so much that whatever exists beyond death, she found the peace she was so worthy of. Do you think the United States health care system needs reform? FUCK yes I do. Our health care system is a disgusting fucking nightmare. Who was the last person you cried over? Jason. My PTSD has been doing quite well, but I had an emotional episode recently nonetheless. Do you prefer ceiling fans or fans that stand up on the floor and you plug in? I use both, but I think my preference is ceiling ones. What would you do if your son was at home, crying all alone on the bedroom floor because he’s hungry, and the only way to feed him was to sleep with a man for a little bit of money? Hypothetically, if I had a child, if I'm totally honest, I probably would. I would hate it, but I'm not letting my child starve to death if I can do something about it. Why do you think evolution is true/false? Because there is substantial evidence for it and imo is the most logical theory we've thought up. Some things about it seem kinda far-fetched, but I still have faith in it. I trust scientists and the evolution we see firsthand, such as caterpillars to cocoons, tadpoles to frogs, etc. Who came through for you at a time when you really, really needed it? Colleen. She let me live with her when I was technically homeless. What turned out better than you thought? Good question. What object did you used to, or do you still, keep hidden? My drawings. I've flipped my shit when Mom's found them in the past, even though she went on and on about how "amazing" they were. I don't draw anything "bad" at all, but still, I don't like people seeing my creativity. Who can’t you figure out? My damn self. What are you hoping for? The most recent thing would be hoping Shonda buys a lot, if not all, the wedding photos I took. I desperately want to use the money along with what I have left from Christmas to buy Venus' terrarium and proper supplies all by myself. What’s the best physical object that you kept from a previous relationship? Idk, there's a few things. What is the most socially unacceptable thing that you have no problem with? Maybe women not shaving. Like I couldn't care less. What have you done that you surprised yourself by doing? *shrug* What used to be a secret about you? Hm. Anything that used to be a secret probably still is one. What is the most stalky thing you’ve ever done? Just Facebook digging, and that's not something I've done a lot off. What did you wind up liking that you didn’t want anything to do with at first? The only thing that comes to mind at the moment is something sexual, so let's not go into that. Who do you owe your life that you can never pay back? Mom and Jason have both saved me from what would've been suicide attempts.

[one-leaf-grimoire]

“illusion”

Chapter 15

Hi! This chapter has some sad parts but MC finally stands up to a big threat. LMK what you think!

Warnings: none, this chapter is SFW

A03 LINK // SFW LINK

The true nature of my Illusion Magic is in the way that it effects the human brain. My magic can trigger responses within the mind of another, forcing their brain to release the hormones and electric signals necessary to conjure up what I want them to perceive. Images, sounds, feelings... but one spell does this better than any other; the spell I have only cast once before.

Fear Landscape.

This spell targets a single region of the brain, the amygdala. Stress hormones are released in a massive stampede, causing pupil dilation, heart rate increase, and restriction of breathing. All of these things compound upon each other until the body shuts down. 

The first time I used it was an accident. We were on a mission in the woods, and were almost done, when a massive wolf appeared out of nowhere. The spell manifested in that moment, probably triggered by my own fear. I don't remember it very well, since I blacked out in a similar fashion to today, into a warm, golden sleep. But according to Alice, the wolf collapsed into a whimpering pile, giving us enough time to escape.

I never really thought about what happened to that wolf. I wonder if it died, just like the dozen or so men that were unlucky enough to be around me today.

But now, lying silently in a hospital bed while the nurses checked up on me for the fifteenth time tonight, I have plenty of time to reflect.

I killed that man... the general. I killed all his men. 

The nurses and doctor keep talking among themselves. From what I've gathered so far, the slime mold penetrated my body much farther than they thought at first, and kept proliferating even after the caster was dead. It'll take a while for me to heal completely.

It's been around three days since the attack- at least, I think it has been that long. My mind has been foggy and disoriented, so I can't be quite sure. My only reference for time is the light coming in through the curtains, and the three times per day that a meal is brought to me. I'm barely able to eat, but it could be worse.

After all... someone was hurt much worse than me that day.

The door creaks open once all the nurses are gone, and none other than Captain Hervey and his two vice captains come in. My gaze flickers up to Julius's face first, catching a glimpse of his worried expression. I quickly look to Hervey next. "Captain..."

I start to sit up, but Hervey raises his hand to pause the movement. "Stay still, you're injured enough as it is." He lets out a heavy sigh, his eyes narrowing for a moment. "How are you feeling?"

"As good as I can." I motion vaguely at my right arm, where green mold veins still linger under my skin. "The doctor said maybe two more days before my system gets flushed of this stuff."

"I see." Hervey nods a little. "It'll be good to have you back on your feet..."

I gulp nervously, scared to ask the next question.

"Captain... is Alice-"

"She's still in her coma."

I fall silent. 

"The doctor doesn't think she's going to wake up."

... she's... not going to wake up? 

"Like... not today? Or-"

"Not ever." The words come out sharply, freezing my heart.

I was told as soon as I was conscious enough to listen. The other Shining General was a powerful ice mage. He managed to trap Julius in Ice before making a break for it. Hervey took off in pursuit, but it was too late; The general ran into Alice's group, and in the fight... 

"People don't recover from a frostbitten brain." Hervey muttered, a little callously. I'm too weak to even summon tears, but I feel every part of my soul being shredded apart. 

Alice... you have to wake up... you have to.

"But I told you; My ice magic countered his. I killed that Bastard... both of us felled Generals in this battle. That's why I'm here today."

I look back up at Hervey as he walks to the side of my bed, producing what looks like a small plaque. "Captain, what's this for?"

"It's a special commendation from the Wizard King himself," Hervey explained, giving me a strained smile. "You've been promoted to Senior Magic Knight."

"Congratulations," Malota says, giving me a rare smile of her own from the other side of my bed. "You're basically at the top now."

"You've impressed all of us. Well done."

I look at the foot of my bed, where Julius still stands, and he gives me the same smile as the others. He's happy for me, I can tell, but that tenseness is easily explained; today feels like no time to celebrate, while Alice lies unresponsive in another room.

Impressed... congratulations...

The words feel bitter in my mind.

"I... I'm getting this now... because I murdered someone, right?"

My voice is numb, cold and emotionless. My head falls back onto my pillow, and I stare blankly up at the ceiling. 

Hervey exchanges a glance with the other two before clearing his throat. "NO! Well, yeah... but don't think of it that way. You defeated an enemy of our Kingdom, and now he will never harm anyone again."

That general... his magic hurt. I remember how Giles writhed in pain, and how my mind snapped as he pushed me past my limit. But, I saw something in his eyes. He had a family... there were things in this world that he loved. But me... I can't love anything. Love was ruined for me, so I ruined it for all of them, too...

"I didn't even mean to do it." Slowly, my eyes flicker close. Maybe if I pretend to be asleep, they'll leave me alone. "I was trying to escape..."

"Our bodies do unexpected things when we think we're about to die."

Julius's voice pulls me out, and my eyes open again. I can't bring myself to move and look at him, but I'm listening... I'm listening.

Julius...

"You did what anyone else would have done... but you deserved this promotion before that, trust me." 

Even from where I lay, I can hear the smile on his lips. This time, there is no tension.

How many people have you killed, Julius? You've been to battle far more than I have... and I've heard the stories of your terrifying power. That power scares me, too, but at the same time... I know it protects me.

If I had any less restraint, I would have reached out to him, begged him to take my hand, pleaded for him to stay. I don't care who sees, I don't care who disapproves, I just want him here with me, forever.

But there's just enough restraint within me to keep me still. After that awkward moment, Hervey leads the others out, leaving the plaque on my bedside table.

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

It's not until later that night that the full gravity of the situation dawns on me. Alice, my closest and oldest friend, was going to die, and I could do nothing about it.

"You're in my group, right? So I'll protect you! No matter what. And you're going to protect me too!"

Alice said those words to Cecelia. She promised that she would live.

Alice... I'm sorry I ever doubted you. You're my friend, nothing less, and I know in my heart that you could never hurt me. As sure as the sun rises, as sure as it sets... you would have never betrayed me.

But why...

I roll over in the dark, my delirious mind breaking down as tears and wet sobs rip from my throat.

Why did I have to realize that after it's too late?!

I clutch a pillow tightly as I cry, holding onto it for dear life. And maybe it's just my imagination... but I feel it hug me back, warm and soft.

-----

When I wake up the next morning, there was no large pillow that I could have been curled up into. The side of the bed next to me is warm; at least, I think it is. But I can't see anyone there, and my fever makes the entire world burn.

Maybe that was just my imagination.

-----

"There you are! Oh, god-"

Two days later, I'm sitting up in bed, feeling good enough to eat. I look up from my soup to see the door open, and two very familiar older people come rushing towards me. I drop my spoon in surprise.

"Mom? Dad?"

Indeed, it's my parents, and a moment later they both tackle me in a hug that's definitely more rough than they should be giving me right now. I let out a hollow gasp as the air is knocked out of my lungs, but I quickly get over it and smile. "Hi... It's good to see you two."

I hug back, burying my face into their shoulders, and am suddenly overwhelmed with... nostalgia. Both of them pull back and start fawning over me, telling me how proud they are of me, and how worried they were before they could visit. It's bittersweet, and it takes everything I have in me to keep from bursting into tears. 

All the pain and trouble I've gone through, I did it for them. For the hope that I could free them from the path they think they're trapped on. Marrying a Kira will give us status for life, but now that I'm a Senior Magic Knight, we don't need that status. By myself, I can support them, and then...

"Oh!" My mom's eyes suddenly lit up. "Look who insisted we bring him with us!"

"Huh? Who-"

I look around her shoulder, and my blood runs cold.

"Hey."

Lawrence Kira stands there in the doorway, not even the faint ghost of a smile upon his face.

My heart starts to pound.

He's here... oh god...

"Congrats on your promotion." He walks inside, and I feel the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. "Looks like you got pretty hurt, though..." He comes to a stop at the foot of my bed, and I resist the urge to scoot back further. My grip on my mother's hand tightens slightly. "How long are you going to keep this up?"

Uh oh. I open my mouth, not sure what to say. He better not use this time to confront me... he's evil. I look over at my parents, who also start to look worried. In front of them, too! He knows that if he pressures me here, my parents will join them. They're looking forward to the wedding, and they don't want me to get hurt again... I start to panic. SHIT!

Finally, I manage to cobble together a response. Play dumb! "Um... well, they should let me out of bed tomorrow-"

"I'm not talking about that-" Lawrence snaps. "I'm talking about you playing Magic Knight for years and years. Face it, you're not cut out for this." He motions at my fading injuries. "You almost died, I don't want you to face something like that again before our wedding."

"He has a point, Darling," Dad pipes up innocently. "If you died... I don't know how I would go on living."

"I know, but I'm not going to die." I tighten my hold on my mother's hand again. She doesn't say anything, but I see something flicker in her eyes. I look back over at Lawrence, his stone cold grey eyes staring right into my soul. "Lawrence, I killed a General. A Diamond General. And I just got promoted. Do you think I'm weak or something?"

"Not weak..." He crosses his arms, and I see his cool exterior waver for a moment. "But you're not strong enough to avoid this type of injury... you Captain knows it too." His confidence returns, and he points at my plaque. "Have you ever heard of a pity promotion? It's not unusual for a weak magic knight to receive a big promotion right after they sustain a bad injury. It's supposed to convince you to leave, because you've done enough. And that's true for you." 

I feel my heart sink. No, I've never heard of pity promotions before, but that adds up.

Am I... am I really that weak?

"I... I- er-"

"FILLER WORDS-" Lawrence snaps, shutting me up immediately. He calms himself after the momentary outburst. "Stop using filler words, remember?"

I nod, my hands shaking.

"Listen... you're not being disgraceful." Lawrence offers me a shallow smile, stepping forward. I feel my heart jolt again, like a deer cornered by a hunter. "But it's time to leave this path and become what you're meant to be..."

I... I can't... I have to... I-

"My wife-"

"No."

The word slips out, and Lawrence freezes. His eyes widen a little, somehow getting colder.

"What did you just say?"

Shit, shit, shit! My heart pounds, but it's too late to go back.

"I- I said no." I take a shuddering breath, ignoring my parents' shocked faces. "I don't want to marry you, Lawrence, and I'm not going to."

The words don't quite register for Lawrence, ricocheting around between his ears. But once they do, it's obvious. His cheeks start to redden, and his wide eyes crumple with rage.

"You... you can't just say no now! We've been engaged since I was ten!"

"Honey, what on earth are you thinking?" Both of my parents look scared. Their whole lives, they placed their entire future on this marriage, not considering any other way to protect us. But now, I've found another way.

Yes... through my own strength, I forged a path! With the help of Alice, I created a fate far different from what Lawrence tried to create for me. I won't let Alice's work go to waste! I found a life I can live with pride... and I found someone that I want to love with all my heart!

"I am a Magic Knight, Lawrence." I sit up, shaking off my parents' hands, and point accusingly at the man who's caused me so much pain over my entire life. "You are the lowest of the low. You forced me to do things I wasn't ready to do. You hurt me, and manipulated me- and I'm not going to just lay down and take it any more!"

My voice raises steadily in volume, and so does my courage. Somehow, a smile starts to grow on my lips, and I clench my fist as I say the words I've always wanted to say.

"For my family, and for my own pride, I reject you, Lawrence Kira-"

Just as I utter his name, I see something in his gaze snap.

Oh- God-

Instantly, mana caves in around him then shoots out at me. I don't have time to finish my sentence. Poisonous, thistly grey vines hit my throat, wrapping around it and blasting me backwards. My parents both scream, and I hit the wall above the bedframe with a resounding CRACK. My mouth opens with a silent scream, the thistles pricking my skin and drawing blood. My back hurts, my legs kick helplessly, and my fingers claw uselessly at the tight chords that choke the life out of me. But at the same time...

That's it Lawrence. Show the world what a monster you really are.

"YOU WENCH!" he basically gargles, still overcome with indignancy and rage. A vein starts to pop out of his temple. "Do you think I'm going to just let you leave? After all the work I put into you?! YOU'RE NOTHING BUT AN UNGRATEFUL SOW WITHOUT ME!"

The thistles tighten, and I start to taste blood too.

More... more... show me more of your hate!

Lawrence looks unhinged as he clenches his fist, controlling his magic. "So... I'm going to teach you a lesson... and then you're coming right back to the castle WITH ME-"

He's cut off suddenly. I crack open an eye to see both of my parents on their feet, hands and Grimoires up. Both are already forming magic in their hands, Eye magic and Memory Magic, and both are targeted at the prince. Lawrence's eyes widen. "What- What do you think you're doing-"

"Let go of her." My dad's voice is deadly soft. Both of them aren't freaking out, but I can hear the urge to tear into Lawrence in his words. "Now."

"I don't care if you're a prince. You don't touch her ever again." My mother's voice holds the same quiet threat.

Lawrence opens and closes his mouth a few times, and I feel his thistles weaken slightly. All I can do is hold my breath and stay still as the edges of my vision start to blur. 

yes... both of them stood up for me... Mom, dad, I promise this wasn't a mistake!

"If you defy me... your status will mean nothing. Society will ostracize you," Lawrence threatens. "Are you really going to throw everything I gave you away?"

"Status means nothing, now that we know what you really are like," my dad's voice starts to waver. "Let her go before I show you what I'm really like."

After one more tense moment, the thistles disappear. I let out a deep gasp before collapsing back down onto my bed, a trembling mess. My parents immediately retract their magic and rush to my side. "I-I'm fine-" I wheeze, sitting up with their help.

Lawrence still looks mad, but that calculated coolness in his eyes returns.

"You... you'll regret this."

Without another word, Lawrence turns dramatically and storms off, slamming the door behind him.

The nurses are called back in, fixing up the wounds on my neck. They aren't deep, but Lawrence's Thistle Magic leaves millions of microscopic wounds. It hurts like a bitch, too.

But the whole time, up until my parents leave, only one thought circles through my mind.

I did it...

I'm free.

[esbarnes]

Distance

Part 6.

I could feel my control over Red starting to slip. I was tired of being so close to him and not really being with him. I was angry at whoever was behind all of this and more than anything I wanted things to be back to normal. But something told me that wasn’t going to happen. Red was ready to take over and finish this with tooth and claw, and I was just about ready to let her. 

Eilene’s pov

It had been weeks since the night they got their memories back from Alyssa and since Lilith came up with a potion to protect us all from having our memories messed with in the future. There was a small part of me that hoped that this potion would help restore Hamish’s memory of us, but it didn’t. Alyssa and I had brought them up to speed about everything going on. I told them about what I had found out from being away and about the bonds. Randall was thrilled with this “So basically we have internal walkies talkies with each other!” he said excitedly. “Yeah kinda, while you were all still memory wiped I started practicing. I was able to reach all of you although you probably didn’t realize it at the time.” I replied. This caught everyone’s attention and Lilith said “That was you in the Library!” “Guilty.” I replied. I showed each of them how to feel for and use the bonds. It was easy for Randall, Lilith it took a few tries but she finally got it. Jack took to it pretty easily as well and then he and Alyssa got a text that said “Temple NOW.” from the Grand Magus and left.

That left Hamish and I in the living room as Randall and Lilith took off to their bedrooms. He seemed nervous to be alone with me and then said “how about a drink, I promise I wont bite, unless you want me to.” He was smiling and I couldn’t help but chuckle. 

Hamish’s pov

- My god her laugh - he thought and then shook his head to concentrate. After they had taken sips of the drink he made, she went on to explain the bonds and how to use them. He focused his breathing and thought of her. But nothing happened. He huffed and took another drink while he sat down at one of the bar stools, which she noticed. Hamish couldn’t help but look at her deep green eyes and think about his dream. He had to look away, none of this made sense and then Tundra started shifting under his skin again. Hamish could tell that Tundra wanted to be near her, to touch her and protect her. But he still couldn’t figure out why. It was just Eilene after all. Eliene saw his pause and looked concerned. She walked up to him and placed and hand on his shoulder. “Just close your eyes, take a deep breath in and then out. Now think of me. See me in your mind and the bond will do the rest.” said. He did just as she instructed and just then his dream came back to him. She gasped at the images he was sending to her through the bond and in return he just felt hope and warmth. He pulled her toward him and rested his forehead against hers. Breathing her in like he hadn't seen her in months, like he missed her. Both of their wolves were scratching at the surface and their breathing had gone heavy when both of their phones went off breaking the moment entirely. She stepped away from him to fish her’s out of her back pocket while he grabbed his as well. They both had gotten the same text, “Temple NOW.” From the Grand Magus herself. 

Eilene’s pov

They both arrived to the temple and were given various assignments. The Order was under attack yet again. Even though Hamish seemed to be aware of their connection, I couldn’t help but notice the strange pull he had to Vera Stone. I would be lying if is said it didn’t bother me. It set my wolf on edge even more so. Hamish was ours. There was a small part of me that thought maybe this was for the best, maybe this would gave him a second chance at being with someone who wasn’t a werewolf, someone he wouldn’t loose like he had Cassie. But Red said a resounding “No!” I had to stop having thoughts like that or I was going to lose what control I had left. 

I had already been filled in on the magic heist, which for the record I thought was a bad idea and also why the others had left me out of it. When we arrived at the temple we all understood why. Everyone was on edge and The Grand Magus was telling us about how an emperor Demon Rogwan was going to break through to this realm and destroy us all. I then heard Hamish mutter something about Vera, being smart for not mentioning that the reliquary had been emptied - By us - I thought. Then Randall piped up next to him and asked “Dude are you hot for teacher?” Hamish blushed a bit and then looked over at me “I just admire good leadership.” he said and then looked away. That was a lie. 

After a bit of initial panic we all came up with a patchwork plan that involved summoning Rogwan early to surprise him and hold him, while Jack and Lilith tried to find the sickles that the Demon Zecchia had stolen for them and then stolen from them. Hamish, Randall and I would stay at the temple to do our best to keep everyone safe. This meant I had to finally explain to Vera what I was and to some degree who I was. There was no way I could trust her but I needed her to trust me, just enough to get closer to her. “Wonderful, we have more werewolf muscle in case things get out of hand, which they most likely will. Rogwan is a demon who eats your fear, which makes you reckless and completely removes any self preservation you may have. We will all need to be careful. if you mutts hadn’t stolen my reliquary to begin with this wouldn't be an issue.” she said. Something about her tone made Red Snap. I could feel her move up to my eyes and that they were glowing bright yellow, when I took a step toward her. This caught her attention as well as Hamish’s, since he took a step toward me. Randall hung back behind us ready to jump in if he was needed. I looked Vera Stone straight in the eyes and said. “Regardless of the mistakes that have been made, if anything and I mean anything happens to these “mutts” I will personally hold you responsible.” I could see her square her shoulders as I continued “And there is nothing in this realm or any other that will keep me from you.” Hamish reached a hand out to touch my arm and the whole room felt tense waiting for the Grand Magus to respond. She looked at me with what almost looked like respect when she nodded and  said “Understood. First let’s live through the day and then we can discuss your issue with authority Ms. Danvers.” With that settled we prepared for the worst. 

Of course, our plan fell apart at the seams. Rogwan seemed particularly fond of the fear of werewolves and had already gotten to Hamish and Randall. Jack and Lilith had had zero luck getting the Sickles back nor could they remember where the stolen reliquary was. Alyssa was also down for the count and was working with the Grand Magus on one last plan. At some point in the chaos I remembered that I had found a random chest that seemed to have nothing but an assortment of information in it and a book on the demon realm. It also had some kind of spear in it that if I remembered correctly could hurt demons. It was a long shot but I had to give it a try before anyone else lost their fear. I had to get back to the den, get the book, the spear and make it back to the Temple before Vera set off a magical bomb. 

Hamish’s pov  

Having no fear didn’t seem all that bad, especially when you were a werewolf that could heal. It was like being immortal. Randall and I had to get the others to Rogwan so that he could take their fear to! Jack and Lilith were already headed back to the temple when he and Randall had arrived. It seemed as though Rogwan had saved some of the other members of the order as well since they were all hanging around and doing all kinds of fun things. A few of them were even trying to learn hand to hand combat with a knife that looked a lot like the one he had been stabbed with a while ago and another huge knife that reminded him of Crocodile Dundee. As he passed bybthem he said “Now that’s a knife.” in his best Australian accent. They just nodded and kept trying to stab each other. Just then Vera Stone walked passed him with Alyssa Drake behind her. They were headed to one of the more private temples toward the back. - I should say something to Vera - he thought, but she was already out of sight. Shortly after Eilene came in, she looked like she was on a mission, she had some things in her arms and her eyes were still a bright golden hue - God she’s beautiful, I should make love to her right now - He thought. But before he could get to her the two acolytes playing with knives saw her and stepped in front of her. “Hey, I’m no longer afraid of werewolves, watch this.” and as he finished speaking he stabbed her. 

Watching the knife slide into her stomach. Seeing the mix of surprise and pain on her face caused something in him to break completely. The sound that came from him seemed to be a combination of both him and Tundra “Noooooo.” It was more of a growl than actual words. He was on his way toward her when she dropped what she was holding, gripped the boys shirt and tossed him across the room. The only problem with this was that she threw him into Hamish and  they both fell to the ground. Hamish was pushing the kid off him when he noticed the knife he had used to stab HIS Eilene with WAS same knife that was deadly to werewolves. The same knife that had stabbed him. She wouldn’t have long if she kept fighting these fearless acolytes and if he didn’t get her to the Grand Magus soon. 

Part 7. coming soon!

[romansleftshoulderpad]

Sweet Dreams are Made of This

Another continuation of the WCBI AU! Just wanted to write a small one-shot of them being teenagers for once. :D

(Reading the Origins arc is not required to understand this fic outside of one or two sentences)

Words: 3,048

Warnings: NSFW mentions, copious amounts of making out, allusion to the crusades, mentions of neutering, killing mention (in the form of jokes)

Ships: Romantic Remile, Platonic NaRemile, platonic LAMP

Tags: @fandermom @patchworkofstars @poisonedapples @hogwarts-my-love @opaque-puppet @omni-hamiltrash @darling-elm @jynxlovesluck @madly-handsome @strickenwithclairvoyance @limitededitionsanderssidesblog @ultimate-queen-of-fandoms2 @ab-artist  @sometimeswritingsometimesdying @because-were-fam-ily @gattonero17 @analogical-mess @joaniejustwokeup @whycantihavemorethan32characters

---

Remy walked into school with an old pair of fleece space pants he had stolen from Logan and a night mask with the words “Lights Out” painted on sitting on top of his head. He always claimed to participate in school dress-up days out of irony, but anyone who knew him well knew better.

He smiled as Emile stepped out of the car next to him, dressed head to toe in a Stitch onesie with matching blue Converse. His heart melted as he took in the sight of his boyfriend. “Aloha,” he teased, stepping closer and greeting his boyfriend with a gentle kiss.

“No PDA in the parking lot!” Narcissa yelled, interrupting their moment. Emile giggled as Remy kissing him again while flipping her off. “You two are disgusting.”

“Disgustingly cute maybe,” Remy said with a wink. He looked up and down at her Falling in Reverse pajamas. “Has anyone told you punk is dead?”

“Has anyone told you that I don’t give a shit?” she asked with a smile as she pulled her hair back into a ponytail, showing off the multitude of piercings she wore. “Plus, Roman roped me into this whole thing. I’m sure he’s running late in an Olaf onesie somewhere.”

The trio walked through the school gate. “I’m sure he’s already in the chorus room,” Remy said. “God knows he loves to be early.”

Narcissa groaned. “Remember when he made us get up at six for a chorus concert?”

“I have never wanted to kill him more than I had at that moment.”

“I’m the only thing stopping you two from killing each other,” Narcissa bragged with a laugh.

“Only because you’re going to kill one of them first,” Emile laughed. “Now, of course, I’d never tell you to bring harm to Roman, I’d just like to suggest you keep my boyfriend alive.”

Narcissa laughed as she looked Remy up and down as if scanning him. She winked at Emile. “No promises.”

Emile pouted and Remy swooped in with a quick kiss. It was hardly a matter of seconds before they were back to making out. Narcissa took her water bottle out of her bag and poured some of the ice-cold contents on Remy’s head.

“YOU BITCH!” he screamed, jumping back as his white shirt became halfway soaked.

“We’re getting you neutered after school.”

“I should get going,” Emile laughed, mostly dry. “I’ll see you at lunch.” He blew a kiss towards Remy and skipped off towards the science building.

Narcissa took a sip of water with a smirk. “Ah. How refreshing.” Remy punched her in the arm.

+++

Virgil always loved to go all out for pajama day, so it was no surprise to see him in plaid pajamas with slippers and a bathrobe on. It was, however, surprising to see Logan sitting in a Batman onesie.

Virgil wolf-whistled as he sat down. “Didn’t take you for the vigilante type.”

“I’ll have you know, Bruce Wayne is a brilliant deceive.”

“And?”

Logan sighed, mumbling, “And my English teacher gives extra credit to anyone who participates.”

“You’re such a nerd,” Virgil laughed affectionately. “Princey will never let you live this down.”

Logan sighed, hitting his head against the desk. “I’m well aware.”

+++

Patton had grown used to eating lunches alone. He wasn’t particularly upset about it, in fact, he found the time alone to be peaceful. So it was quite a surprise when Emile grabbed his hand and ran with him to a crowded lunch table.

“I’m not letting my best friend eat alone on this momentous holiday,” he proclaimed.

“It’s... it’s not a holiday,” Patton stammered but no argument could stop Emile from sitting Patton down between himself and Roman.

“Are those Christmas Pajamas?” Logan asked, scanning him with knitted eyebrows.

“It’s never too early to celebrate Christmas!” Roman said, fully clad in a Pikachu onesie.

“Halloween was last week,” Virgil and Logan both argued.

“And then Christmas!” Roman yelled.

“Forgetting something there, babe?”

“In this house, we don’t stan Thanksgiving,” Narcissa said, biting into a slice of pizza.

Logan looked at her for a long second before taking a sip of Virgil’s soda. “I will never understand today’s youth.”

“You’re seventeen. And a coke stealing thot.”

“I’m the thot here?” Logan asked, pointing at Emile and Remy. Emile was sitting on Remy’s lap, legs around his waist as they made out.

Roman gagged, covering Patton’s eyes with his hand. “That’s practically foreplay.”

“I’m calling the vet,” Narcissa said, her phone held to her ear. “Getting this horny bitch neutered.”

“Who wants my cousins dick?” Virgil teased. “EMILE PICANI, YOU PERV, PUT YOUR HAND DOWN!”

“You’re corrupting the innocent child,” Roman scolded.

“I’m fifteen.”

“Exactly. You are small like baby.”

“You’re only three years older than me.”

“Three cold and hardening years,” he said pressing a hand to his chest and moving his forearm to his forehead dramatically. “You’ll understand when you’re my age. You’re basically a sixth-grader.”

“I’m a tenth grader.”

“Being an asshole to Sophomores,” Logan laughed. “Another thing you’ll understand when you’re his age.”

“I thought Juniors are the ones who are supposed to be mean to Sophomores.”

“No, no, no,” Virgil said. “Juniors hate freshman.”

“This is exhausting,” Patton groaned.

“You know what’s not exhausting?” Narcissa asked, jumping up onto the bench. “Going to a party at my house.”

Patton, Logan, Roman, and Virgil all exchanged glances. Virgil pulled his bathrobe down over his arms as Patton ghosted his fingers over his eye.

“How many people?” Roman asked.

“Just us,” Narcissa said. “I’ll give rides to anyone who needs it.”

“My mom doesn’t let me ride with student drivers,” Patton said sadly.

Narcissa nudged his foot and winked. “She doesn’t need to know.”

“What’s your plan for dealing with He Who Shall Not Be Named and his dreidel?” Virgil asked.

“If anyone gets a boner I’m kicking them out,” she said. “And I mean anyone. Logan gets a boner? They’re out.”

“Dreidel,” Roman laughed. “I just got that.”

“My house, after school. I’ll get Dad to order some pizzas.”

“Pizza from Papa Draco,” Roman said.

“If you call him that tonight, I will kill you.”

“Logan, write my will.”

+++

Patton didn’t like lying to his mom. Well, it wasn’t exactly a lie he was at a friend’s house after all, but he wasn’t truthful about the reasons why. He hated lying, but he didn’t want this to be the first trial of whether or not his powers work over the phone. He sat in the back of Narcissa’s car with Virgil while Logan sat in the front.

“So, Patton,” Narcissa said, “house rules are simple. Don’t swear too loudly and try not to spill anything on the carpet. Oh- especially nothing purple. Remy spilt grape juice once and he was banned for a month.”

“True story,” Virgil verified. “He wouldn’t stop pouting about it. You would have thought he was banned from seeing you or something.”

“Was this the legendary Draco party I keep hearing about but never get details on?” Logan asked.

“It’s one thing Remy and I have in common,” she teased. “What happens at our parties, stay at our parties.”

“Should I be worried?”

“No,” Narcissa said.

“Yes,” Virgil replied.

Patton felt a knot twist in his stomach and sink into him like an anchor. This was going to be a long night...

All three cars arrived at roughly the same time, allowing the group to follow Narcissa as she unlocked the front door. “Dad! I’m home!” she yelled. “And I even brought all my male whores with me!”

“Don’t get pregnant!” he yelled back from somewhere deep within the house. “Pizza’s on the stove!”

“Aww fuck yeah,” she said, grabbing a box. “Thot, Hoe, you grab the other two.”

Patton stood in mild surprise as Remy and Emile immediately followed suit. Then he remembered lunch and was less shocked. He followed everyone upstairs towards a door painted black.

Narcissa’s room was just about what Patton expected from a friend of Roman’s who wore all black and probably ten earrings at a time. The walls were painted black and dark blue. However what he did not expect was a large blue, pink, and white flag covering most of the wall above her bed. Patton smiled and Narcissa nudged his shoulder, “Got a demisexual one for Roman for Christmas. I can send you the link to the Etsy shop I use if you want some pride shit. You’d look cute with a rainbow lapel pin.”

Patton laughed, settling between her and Virgil as all of them took a seat around a circular purple rug on her wood floors. Emile passed around paper plates and they all started grabbing slices of pizza.

“Let’s play a game,” Remy suggested with a sly smirk. “Spin the bottle?”

“I think we’ve seen enough kissing for one lifetime,” Logan said. Roman stuck his finger down his throat and gagged.

“Good old fashioned game of truth or dare?” Virgil suggested. “Think of it as a housewarming for Patton.”

“Oh boy.”

“Oh boy, indeed,” Logan laughed, a sly grin growing upon his face. “I’ll go first-“

“Nope!” Remy yelled. “Roman! Truth or dare!”

“I was going to ask first!” Logan protested.

“House rules,” Remy said, “he who wears the leather jacket goes first!”

“He who shall go fuck himself,” Logan murmured earning a laugh from Virgil.

“Truth,” Roman said.

“Who was the last person you had a crush on?” Remy asked with an innocent smile but devil eyes hidden behind his sunglasses.

Roman glared daggers at him. “Jon Cozart. Patton, truth or dare?”

“That’s a lie!”

“Prove it,” he said through clenched teeth. “Patton, truth or dare.” Roman never took his eyes off of Remy and Narcissa.

“Uh, truth,” Patton mumbled weakly.

“I dare you to kick Remy’s ass.”

“He said ‘truth’, Roman,” Emile said sternly. 

“Fine. What’s your favorite color?”

Patton fidgeted with his sleeves. “Blue. Emile, truth or dare.”

“Dare,” Emile said, leaning into Remy’s side.

Patton swore under his breath as he tried to think of something but his mind was drawing a blank. Virgil tapped his knee, prompting Patton to lean into him. He whispered something causing both of them to laugh. “I dare you to stop making out with Remy for an hour.”

Emile rolled his eyes and grabbed his phone. “Once this timer is over I’m sucking his dick in front of every single one of you.”

Narcissa threw a pizza crust at him. “I’m neutering both of you.”

Roman rolled a water bottle towards him. “Since you wanna be so fucking thirsty.”

Emile gave a hand gesture that Patton was honestly surprised to see from his best friend. (How well did he actually know anyone here?) “Narcissa, truth or dare?”

She bit into a piece of pizza contemplatively. “Dare.”

“Exchange an article of clothing with someone of your choice.”

“Virgil, hand over your hoodie,” she demanded. As Virgil sighed and took off his jacket, she made quick work of taking off her bra from under her shirt. She threw it at Virgil and snatched his hoodie within the same second.

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” he said. “I’m not putting this on.”

“Virgil, truth or dare?” she asked.

“Tru-“

“I dare you to put the bra on.”

“I picked truth.”

“Hmmm, I don’t think you did,” Narcissa said with an innocent smile, pulling up the hood of Virgil’s jacket.

“Sounded like dare to me,” Remy said.

“He said dare,” Roman confirmed with a smirk.

“Princey,” Virgil said as he took off his shirt, “you are fucking dead to me.” Remy took careful note of the eyes raking over every inch of Virgil’s skin as he struggled with the bra.

“Do you need help?” Patton asked.

“No- No, I got- I can do this- I-“ Virgil sighed. “I need help.”

Patton rolled his eyes and did the clasp in one easy move, handing Virgil his shirt to put back on. “Not that hard.”

“Oh-Em-Gee, you know what this means?” Remy asked loudly with a look of false shock. Patton’s eyes went wide and his heart started racing. “Patton’s a fucking wizard.” He relaxed slightly but Narcissa made sure to take his hand where no one could see as she rubbed gentle circles against his skin.

“This wire is a bitch,” Virgil said.

“You’re a bitch,” Narcissa corrected.

And so the game continued into the night. Some small secrets revealed and many ridiculous dares completed. When an alarm went off on Emile’s phone everyone groaned loudly. He gave Remy a gentle peck on the cheek and they continued playing.

“Who wants to stay the night?” Narcissa asked with a yawn. Roman and Virgil both quickly volunteered while everyone else gave regretful glances. Patton sunk in on himself slightly.

“I, uh, need a ride home,” Patton said quietly.

“You live by Emile, right?” He nodded. “Cool, I can drive you.”

“If I may be at your mercy as well-“

“Yes, Logan, I’ll drive you home. If you don’t mind stopping by my place for a few minutes first. I need your input on something.”

“Oh?” Emile asked curiously.

“You’re not getting anything out of me,” Remy stated.

Emile moved closer, putting his hand on Remy’s knee and slowly dragging his fingers towards his hip. “Anything?” Emile asked innocently, pressing his body against Remy’s.

Narcissa pointed at Remy’s dick. “If that gets hard I swear to fuck I’m banning you from my house again.”

“We’ll have more fun at my house anyway,” Remy said with a smirk.

Virgil put his hands over his ears. “LA LA LA I DON’T HEAR ANYTHING NOPE NOTHING IS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW.”

“Oh please,” Remy groaned. “You’re not the only one here who has to deal with people in this room wanting to suck your cousin’s dick.”

“Patton,” Narcissa said. “Can you help me bring the boxes downstairs?”

“Uh, yeah, sure,” he uttered, grabbing two empty boxes into his arms. Once they were in the kitchen, Narcissa put the boxes on the stove and gently laid a hand on Patton’s shoulder.

“Are you okay?” she asked. “I saw Remy get under your skin a little- he doesn’t mean anything by it, I’m sure he doesn’t even know.”

“Remy’s... fine,” Patton said. “I’m just a little paranoid.”

“And that’s okay,” she said. “But I want you to know you’re safe here. Obviously, no one is going to ask you to disclose that information, but if you ever did, you’re one of us now and that means we’re going to support you. All of us.”

“How did you, you know, talk to them about it?” Patton asked shyly.

Narcissa smiled, soft and genuine. It was the first time Patton saw her as anything other than another scary upperclassman. “I know I give Remy a lot of shit but, if not for him and Roman, I don’t know if I ever would have come out. But they helped me,” she explained. “Remy’s easy. He makes it all seem so effortless, you know, using the right name and pronouns.”

“And Roman?” he asked nervously.

“Roman helped make me who I am. He’s the reason I stayed in chorus. He’s the reason I came out to my parents and why I get to be myself today.” Her smile grew a bit brighter. “I’d do anything for him.” She leaned in closer to him and whispered, “Plus, it was nice knowing Roman’s charm had no ulterior motivation.”

“Motivation?” Patton asked.

Narcissa grabbed the boxes from the stove and winked at Remy who stood at the base of the stairs. “I think that’s a story for another party,” she teased. “Preferably one with more alcohol.”

“Um, yeah,” Patton mumbled.

“Almost ready?” Remy called out.

“Emile’s a lucky guy,” was all she said. “Goodnight, Patton.”

Patton was faced with the familiar feeling of reading a new book, gears turning as the reader is faced with unfamiliar worlds and characters. Narcissa was something far greater than a new protagonist; she was something mysterious and fantastical, a great dragon hiding far from the edge of the kingdom.

He got into Remy’s car, sitting in the back with Logan. It was a silent drive, Remy preferring to have the radio off to stay focused on the road, with only the sound of the wind coming from the small way Emile’s window was cracked open and the gentle tapping of Logan’s fingers against his book bag. Patton held his bag to his chest, growing desperate to take off his binder. It was calming and peaceful, a state of tranquility men have killed to achieve.

When they pulled in to Emile’s driveway, Remy walked him to the front door. Patton and Logan watched in silence as the two lovers held hands tightly and pressed a gentle kiss to each other’s lips. It wasn’t as passionate and hungry as they usually were in public and Patton almost felt awful for looking, yet the tender moments of domesticity are what draw us in and capture our hearts. Patton couldn’t look away until they were once more two separate individuals.

“I imagine we’ll be seeing a lot more of each other,” Logan said stoically.

“That’s what friends do, isn’t it?”

Logan let out a laugh, but no joy or humor, and twisted his face in such a way that was unreadable in the shadows of the car. “Friends,” Logan repeated. Patton felt a tug at his heart that he couldn’t quite place. Whatever it was he was feeling, he certainly wasn’t a fan. “It’s... nice, I suppose, all four of us being in the same room with no powers or arcane beings to worry about.”

“Oh! Speaking of, Morality-”

Logan pressed a finger to Patton’s lips to silence him. “I was just commenting on how nice this break is. Please do not disrupt that, this is not the time for us to be heroes.”

“Right,” Patton said. “Sorry, Logan.”

Remy and Emile met for one final kiss as Emile unlocked his front door with his free hand. They said their goodbyes and goodnight wishes as Emile disappeared behind the door.

“Do not apologize, Patton,” he instructed.

Remy got back into the car and the rest of the evening was silent, peaceful. The rest of the evening was what men kill for.

[cobalt-penguin]

y’know what i’m still feeling annoyed and petty, plus i’m stuck inside and it’s storming out so why not type out a checklist of what everyone in TOW did to me.

since i am mean and manipulative, petty and pathetic, and so much more? why not bring up some old beef and give ya’ll something to eat. 

Gansey: tried repeatedly to instigate drama -- if not actively break up -- my OC ships by encouraging -- through IC shenanigans -- cheating and lying. One of these happened while I was on vacation with my family and i still remember crying about it in a hotel bathroom because i thought one of my few ships in the RP was over and I hadn’t even been asked about it. This also included trying to get his OC Tomas to make IC/OOC (hey you can feign innocence when it’s in that dubiously OOC space, until its receptive in which case you can say it was IC the whole time!) at one of my ship partner’s OCs. Made repeated fat jokes at one of my fat characters (the same one they were clearly trying to get away from their partner...hmm...). Claimed I was always running to vague on my personal. Fair enough, I did, but they did the same thing. In poem form. Never answered my message about leaving the RP group because they felt ‘disrespected” by it. Repeatedly including untagged dubcon/noncon elements on the dashboard and triggering me. Lying to Ivy and me about having a full Overwatch party then trying to say “oh it just emptied you can join now”. hid this “FAR” idea from the rest of the RP community and then played coy when they got found out and asked about it by another anon (not me). Made fun of other RP groups in Tumblr tags then, when I asked them and their friends not to, was told “we’re a step above them.” Saying I was excluding them from things when I asked to play OW with them AND invited them to my horror RP group AND, only months beforehand, were inviting them to my Marvel RP??Trying to emotionally manipulate me through threatening to kill characters they had obviously grown tired of playing (probably because their major connections were to me and not their other friends) -- “haha i’m probably going to kill (my oc) idk but doesn’t that make you upset?? what will (your character) even do??” Engaging in nasty “”IC”” interactions with my character, basically telling me, through them, off, and being supported by the entire community in doing so. All of this really hurt me because I considered Gansey a friend and a major inspiration at one point in my life. Someone I non-jokingly looked up to and trusted. I feel like Gansey left TAR, our first RP group, because of how controlling, self-interested, petty, and mean-spirited the admins there were. That they were limiting other people’s creativity while building up their own narrative -- everyone else just there to be their audience. But you and Roman literally became Usa and Jen. Congrats. You lived long enough to become everything you’d rebelled against. And yes Gansey -- I saw all of your messages to everyone. Emotionally manipulating others -- telling them how terrible you are you don’t deserve their friendship, but would like to -- isn’t an apology. Its a tactic. Do better in the future. And despite me “blocking” you? There were a hundred ways to still reach out to me if that was what you really wanted. But let’s be real. It wasn’t. That was part of your gambit to. Goodbye. 

Rosie: asked literally EVERYONE about what had happened with the ““TOW explosion”” except me. never even asked my side of the story. Rosie I don’t even get because the other admins treated her like shit -- making her do all the coding and technical components for the entire RP -- but she was still defending them to the end. Okay. And then to treat Shelly like utter SHIT even though Reyne was running her passive-aggressive mouth off about people who couldn't even defend themselves? Amazing. Yeah, she’s the bully. Your perspective was so twitested by your biases that you were ready to victim blame Shelly just because Reyne had to run at the sight of someone actually throwing their bulltshit back at them. 

Reyne: Like Gansey, frequently indulged in cheating/cucking scnearios for fun -- again, including my own characters without asking or telling me. Don’t think Reyne ever apologized for this, IC or OOC. Dropped ships with me repeatedly -- leaving the group even -- without a word. Passive-aggressive to the max. Made a ship with Gansey just to play out her Teen Wolf OTP -- something that will never not be funny to me, when she called Gansey’s “character” Stiles. Smooth. 

Frankii: Repeatedly dropped me and my characters from plots. Gave me one of the most hurtful comments of my RP community by essentially being like “maybe if your plots and characters weren’t so confusing than more people would want to RP with you.” Invited to join my horror RP group and never made a character. also told me this after Gansey wrote that enormous callout about me, that Roman piggybacked on while the getting was good: “also I'm not here to advocate on behalf of my friend but I really don't think Gansey was trying to be rude last night, they can come off a certain way when they're stressed.” COOL. The rest of Frankii’s message I really appreciated, at the time, but, surprise surprise, then despite us being “cool” they never spoke to me again. 

Laura: I actually really liked Laura tbh but I guess she didn’t feel the same. Some of our interactions back in TAR were actually some of my favorites. I invited her to join my horror RP group and she never made a character. When I asked about this -- and if she needed any help making someone or wanted to leave -- she said she was working on it. Basically stonewalled me over time. Honestly though? Not a lot to say I actually think Laura is a good writer and pretty cool. Its just obvious who her friends were and I, stupidly, thought I was included in that. 

Anna: Actually I really liked Anna too tbh but I guess I vastly overestimated our friendship? It happens. Dropped me from one of her plots -- after talking to me about including me in one of hers because she felt “obligated” basically, from being featured in my own -- without mentioning why or talking to me about it. Invited to join new RP -- refused (not mad about this, just making note of it). Refused to follow my new account when I lost my old one because “lol they’re such a furry”. 

Roman: lmao where to even start. Roman was condescending and elitist literally from the beginning of TAR. barely acknowledged my existence until he had to.I started a plot with an open invitation to the entire RP group, with a deadline so I could start writing. Roman waits until its over and complains that they were left out. I include him anyway. Roman mocks the fact that I ask to tag or outright remove aphrodisiac dust -- because I don’t like seeing untagged dubcon/noncon on my dashboard, it upsets me a lot -- and then goes on a whole thread about it after I go to bed and can’t even defend myself. Apparently told his friends not to invite me to things because he doesn’t like me??? And then he has the nerve to be like communication is key and you can come talk anytime??? While having me on their public “friends” list with a description about me on his blog??? omfg...I literally can’t. To this day. Actually let this image speak for itself.

Everything Else: The repeated, childish treatment of strippers as immoral (””your character is stripping?? my character is so upset and is going to protect them!!”). The implication that characters who were stripping were also automatically sex workers. The continued references to my character, who owned this establishment, as being sleazy and manipulative. Also, honestly, what was with ya’ll adopting some random teenager into your OW groups? That was weird af. And then bringing some random person into TOW without asking anyone and trying to pull rank like “we’re the admin team and we can do whatever we want”. and shit-talking Meg and me in your “open forum” when all we wanted to do was get on with out lives. Like? Who cares? Ya’ll didn’t want me, at least, there anyway, clearly. You don’t get to exclude me then talk about how disrespectful and “wrong” the way I left was..........

Me: I didn’t do everything perfectly either. I know I could be passive-aggressive. I could be self-interested. I could make bitter comments. I dealt with feeling angry and upset by making memes -- which, I’m gonna be honest, I get why ya’ll were upset but I don’t regret either. I had spent so long in TAR/TOW with nobody interested in my characters and plots -- originally because I didn’t vid and played furries but, later, well.........see above -- that I did focus on my own narrative. I wasn’t invited to plots. I didn’t have sexy vampires and boy band werewolves. I played weird characters that didn’t fit the common niche of the cast of an angst and hookup filled supernatural YA novel. Maybe my plots were confusing but, honestly? It was because they were always going to be in the background. I wasn’t disinterested in anyone’s stories. I had just been left out of them for so long -- having to beg to even be a mention in a single mention -- that I had to make my own. I wasn’t there to just be an audience member to be aghast by Roman’s newest quirky boy or Gansey’s newest possessed twink. I was a writer. A member of the community. And, at the time? I thought a friend. Someone who deserved appreciation and respect. 

I know who my true friends are now. We did, ironically, exactly what you did -- we have out own group, our own setting, our own community. 

And I still live with the mean and manipulative things YALL said everyday. Even as an adult -- even with everything I’ve accomplished and am so proud of -- I’m still traumatized by being treated so poorly -- for years -- and not even realizing it. Something I’m still working on -- one of the many reasons I still have trust issues to this day. Congrats. That’s your legacy on me. aNYWAY

byeeeeeee

[lowkeyhockey]

stronger than my demons - nolan patrick

Pairing: Nolan Patrick/University Student!Reader

Mentions: Travis Konecny

Warnings: Description of depression and anxiety, curse words. Does not follow the “canon timeline” of this season (:

Word Count: 1.8k

Summary: Nolan makes a bad day better. He always does. 

* * * * * * * * * *

With Nolan gone, without his arms to hold you firm, you fall asleep sometime in the middle of the pink-tinted hours of the pre-dawn and wake around noon. You wake and immediately try to remember what time your thoughts had finally decided to take a break, to give you a break. There’s no way you’d gotten a full night’s rest, or even a half night’s rest — but maybe you’d gotten enough that you wouldn’t feel a failure at even sleeping.

When your mind decides to race ahead of you the way it’s been doing lately, it always feels like your own brain is a whole other entity from you, like it’s an enemy you just can’t seem to beat. How are you supposed to beat yourself, anyway? In what universe would you not end up the loser, however the battle ends up going?

You wake with resentment heavy on your tongue, thick in the back of your throat, you wake cold and alone and praying for the clock on your bedside table to show you an hour closer to dusk because that would at least mean that you have fewer hours of the day to get through.

But you wake at noon, with the sun directly overhead as though judging you for your sins — and that means you haven’t missed Nolan’s lunchtime call. He never misses it, calls exactly once at half past twelve whenever he’s away. Doesn’t matter if he’s just out for lunch with Travis or if he’s mid-roadie. He calls. Just once, though, and if you don’t pick up when he does he just waits for you to call him back.

And he never blames you for it.

Sometimes you’re asleep, insomnia or a late-night burst of productivity hitting you hard enough that you destroy whatever semblance your sleep cycle had to an actual functioning thing. Sometimes you’re in class, and you dig your phone out to text him an i love you and an on tuesdays i have biochem, remember? and sometimes an oh my god prof anderson’s even more boring than usual this week.

On Tuesdays he’d text back an i love you more, like it’s a competition and like he genuinely believes he’s winning, he’d text you a new science meme he found online, he’d text you a focus on ur prof anyway, and stop checking out your TA.

You’d always reply to the last one with a sneaky pic of your TA, usually while he’s bent over one of your classmates’ desks to explain a concept to them in detail. There’s a reason why your classmates keep asking him to explain the most basic of things, and it’s not just because he’s incredibly enthusiastic about doing it.

But it’s — Thursday, you think, you’re not quite sure, but it’s media day for the flyers and that means that Nolan’s probably going to be busy all day. For the second time since you’d woken up, you pray - for a moment - for time to move faster than it’s doing.

A peek at the clock tells you that your prayer’s gone unanswered, and — hey, at least that gets you to direct your annoyance outward. To the clock, to god, maybe, or just to the concept of time.

But because you still have about twenty five minutes before Nolan’s call, you climb - slowly - out of bed and head to the bathroom — if nothing else, you could at least brush your teeth before he calls you. That’s how he pushes you, when he’s there in person: just brush your teeth, babe, or just have some of the toast i made, i’ll make more if you decide you’re hungry or it’s okay if you don’t hit the gym today, Newton’s been whining for another walk.

And you both know by now that things are always easier after you’ve taken the first step. You brush your teeth, shower, even go through your (pretty basic) skincare routine before Nolan’s Facetime request pops up on your screen.

By the the time you accept the call, you’re feeling halfway-human again, though you’re in one of Nolan’s ratty old Wheat Kings jerseys and not your own clothes. You manage a smile for him, tired and - at the same time, and just from seeing his face - not, smile widening as he swings his phone sharply around.

You see something like a patch of orange fur flying through the air, Nolan ducking it just in time, and you hope that he hadn’t just dodged Gritty. God, were parts of Gritty - aside from his bellybutton patch - detachable?

Nolan laughs, the low, rumbling sound making you smile a little wider, even as you’re wishing that he’s there with you so that you can feel the sound. Nolan’s a grade A clinger when you both have the energy for it - you know exactly how his laughter feels when his chest is plastered against your back.

“I’m under attack, babe,” he tells you, and you think that you’re looking better than you feel, because he’s grinning at you with flushed cheeks and messy hair, a disaster of a masterpiece of a person and he’s not trying to quiet himself down for you.

Nolan is - well, most people would think of him as quiet. private, even secretive, restrained. But he trusts you, and even on the days when you feel more walking dead than alive he feels like there’s more of the world to see - and feel, and experience - when he’s sharing it with you.

He tries to quiet himself - makes himself soft and safe, soothing and easy - when he knows you’re having a rough day. But you love him when he’s like this, too.

Okay - in all fairness, you love all versions of him.

“Baaaaaaabe,” he whines at you, still grinning, and you realise that you’ve been staring.

“Is it Gritty, baby?” you ask, and you can feel yourself grinning back now — it feels like a mask stretched thin over your face, but it feels real, too. “You know I’m not getting in Gritty’s way. Ever.”

“Fuck, no, I wouldn’t ask you to do that,” he promises you, and he’s turning again, the camera catching a shirtless Carter Hart in the background. They’re in the locker room, you think, and even though the other guys might be there too, you make sure to wolf-whistle at him.

Hartsy looks up to grin at you, giving a small, awkward wave that you think means he’s still a little shy with you, and Nolan swings the camera around again — this time so that his face is filling the screen, and he’s arching an eyebrow up at you.

“It was Teeks, actually. You wanna flirt with him too?” he asks, and it’s your turn to laugh — and it’s like something slips off your shoulders when you do, a weight you hadn’t known you’d been carrying.

“Think he still likes me after the last girl I hooked him up with?” you ask — you haven’t had the time or energy to hang out with TK in a while, thirty minutes with him is about as much social interaction as you’d get from five hours with literally anyone else, but the last time you did hang out together there had been a fourth person there, a lab partner you’d had earlier in the semester.

Teeks had seen her profile picture in your Whatsapp chat - he had zero sense of boundaries or personal space - and had insisted on an introduction. And, as it turned out, he’d come to regret it.

“Fuck you, she talks like she’s spitting out a dictionary,” you hear Teeks shouting from somewhere, and Nolan turns away from the phone - and from you - then, though you recognise the furrow in his brow even from his profile.

“Dude, I told you not to talk about her friends like that,” he tells his friend, sounding disapproving and stern, and Teeks - who’s the opposite of serious, especially when it’s Nolan being serious - goes pfffft in reply.

“You said to not call her a n-e-r-d, and i didn’t,” Teeks shoots back, like you’re a genius who just happens to be incapable of spelling, and you’re laughing again.

Nolan turns back to face you, then makes a face like he’d just been jabbed before he angles the camera so that you can see Teeks, too, maybe standing on tiptoe so he can hook his chin over Nolan’s shoulder.

“‘Nerd’ isn’t a bad word,” you tell both boys, mock-serious like you’re settling a dispute, and TK pumps a fist in the air.

“Y/N can say it, she is one,” Nolan protests, and you’re making a squawk of - exaggerated - affront while he goes bright red.

“You know what, Teeks? You can have him,” you tell them, and then it’s Nolan’s turn to make a sound of protest. Instead of pumping his fist again, though, TK makes a face like he’s considering it before shoving Nols aside - you’re giggling when he stumbles, but when he straightens up again he’s all yours.

“We’re having lunch in a little bit, babe. Have you had anything to eat?”

You shake your head, feeling a little guilty, but Nolan looks unfazed.

“That’s okay, we’ll have an early dinner tonight, yeah? I miss you,” he says, the last words coming in a low mumble. You’ve been missing each other a lot - you had a summer internship as a research assistant while he’d gone home over the off-season, and even as the season’s coming back into swing now you’re feeling more pressure from a heavier courseload.

“Sounds perfect, Nols. I can’t wait.” And you’re not lying, not just trying to be good enough for him - pretending to be a girl capable of going out for dinner in the city. You don’t have to lie or pretend. If Nolan wants to have dinner out, you want to be there with him. And if later you decide you’re too tired, or too anxious to be surrounded by people, you know he’ll want to be with you - on the couch, in pyjamas, eating takeout and fighting over who’s getting the better fortune cookie.

“Love you,” you say to him in a whisper, even though there’s no one around you to laugh and tease about you being so mushy.

“Love you more,” he replies, each word crystal clear, and you see another orange thing flying by - still just Teeks? - right before you cut the call.

[laylacooke]

A New Hope || Lucas & Layla

timing: Sometime last week (5/17- 5/22) parties: @lucastheunlucky & @laylacooke summary: Luke invites Layla over for blanket tents, snacks, and Disney movies.  warnings: Prepare yo-self for this cuteness! ♥

Luke felt terrible about not really introducing himself to Layla before, even if he had literally just got out of the hospital and had a lot on his mind after his attack. But Luke was an extremely caring person and sent her a text inviting her over to his apartment which was equipped to the nines with security to keep them safe. Luke had a plan for tonight, equal parts to combat his boredom and, also, as a peace offering to a calm night for the other. On the couch, he had a short stack of clean lines, clothesline, pins, and various objects to aid in his vision of camping indoors. When he heard the buzz from downstairs he ran over and rang her in, opening his door he waited for her to come up. Offering a crooked smile at seeing her. “Are you picky with snacks? Cause guess what--” he let her into his apartment. “We literally have twenty different kinds.” He laughed. 

Layla had been hesitant about answering Luke’s text. The wolf pack meeting hadn’t exactly been what she had expected, and while she had stayed in her own corner most of the night, it seemed like no one had cared to reach out, and with Salva being there, had only made things worse. But she had played fault in such a bad experience, and in hopes of showing one of her fellow wolves that she wasn’t as bad as she seemed, she had decided to accept his offer. As soon as he opened the door, Layla let a small smile drift over her sad features, “Hey, and uh...if you’ve got any vegan options...if not, it’s totally cool.” She eased inside upon being invited in. Luke’s apartment was homely, and it felt like a safe space to be in. Something she could imagine having someday, if she could ever get her life in order, “Cute place.” Walking over towards a nearby wall, she stood quietly waiting for his lead.

“I mean junk food, so hopefully that’s okay,” he chuckled, showing the actual pile of snacks like Lucas had robbed a few vending machines. “I never get to eat bad, so it’s a treat.” Lucas poured them some drinks, offering lemonade, water, or iced tea. “So, first impressions weren’t the best, but listen-- I’m sorry. I couldn’t entirely focus on anything else. The nice thing about having a few of us around means we can all take care of each other now. Rotate, take when we need too, give when we can. It will balance out.” Lucas seemed sure of it, coming from a place where his family always felt like a pack before they left.

“No, it’s perfectly fine. I’m sure there’s something.” Layla looked at the pile of snacks. It was a lot, but it had been kind of him offering up all the treats for them to share. “I think, since being with Ari, Celeste, and Ulfric, it’s the first time, in a long time, that I’ve been able to eat good. What do you think you’ll eat first?” She looked back to the pile spotting some almonds and sunflower seeds. She had found her snacks. “I’ll go with water. Thanks.” She moved over towards the pile and pulled out a few packs of nuts and seeds. Listening to him talk about the pack, she could see how much of a family they were. She had hoped to eventually navigate her way in, but right now, she had felt like the outsider of the bunch. “And you don’t have to apologize. I know I wasn’t very friendly. I just still sorta feel like the outsider and being around a bunch of people makes me nervous, especially when I don’t know most of them, and one of them is a complete douche.” She paused, “Salva’s the douche...to clarify…”

Lucas chuckled, grabbing three different bags of chips, and plopping right on the floor in the living room. “Well, this is new for everyone. I’m not used to even existing for people to care about. I only just got my brother back. So, it’s alright to feel weird--” he paused, realizing he used the same description word Regan always used. “Not weird,” he corrected. “Just, different. Change is always going to be a ride.” He felt a little affection over her explain who the douche was at the get together. “Everyone has a variety of experiences to shape them. Sometimes the ones who are the meanest, and the loudest are the ones who are the loneliest in the group. We’re all a bit messed up, we gotta make do. Try to live. I hope that for you too.” Lucas sighed a little, trying to believe his own words, which would be a challenge, but he was determined. “So, think we can make a tent in here without further injuring ourselves?” 

If Layla was going to make the most of hanging out and getting to know Lucas, she knew she needed to lighten up. Her mind had been so clouded with darkness lately that it was hard to be happy and cheerful, even during Ariana’s adventures in pie making. But she was tired of being sad. Tired of feeling alone. And tired of just being. Without second guessing herself, the young wolf took a seat on the floor next to Lucas, “I get everybody’s going through their own drama. Throwing a moody baby wolf at everyone is probably the last thing on anyone’s mind, especially since there’s talk of...murdering a man?” She still wasn’t entirely sure what that was about, and did she really want to know? Looking to the stack of sheets and stuff needed to make a tent, Layla pondered the idea, before looking down to her red cast. “You know what?” She looked back to Lucas, “If someone can get a group of furry, full moon worshiping dogs together in one room, how hard could it be to put up a tent on our own?” It couldn’t be that hard, right?

“No murdering,” Lucas lied. “And you don’t have to worry about this particular hunter, ever. But, I’m here for you in the capacity I can be, alright.” He bumped her shoulder. “Yeah, I was thinking the same thing.” A cheesy smile spread easily on Lucas, looking up at the banister leading to his loft bed. “Maybe, we can connect it there first with ties? That way we know for sure one corner will be pretty secure.” Luke said all this in between chips. “Climbing that ladder has been a feat, let me go up and you can try to feed them to me.” Rolling up, he made his way up to the loft, using only one arm to hull up and balance on it. This is probably why Miles wanted him at his cabin. “Okay, I can sorta reach you, heh. Can you get the sheet up?”

She didn’t know if he was lying or not, but she also didn’t want to get wrapped up in anything. Layla had already found herself in enough trouble. The shoulder bump brought a soft smile to her face and made her feel accepted, “Thanks. I know you don’t really know me, but the same goes for you too.” Looking up to the banister and back to Lucas, she nodded, “Yeah, we’ll make this work.” Getting up, she watched as he maneuvered up to the loft. Layla grabbed the blanket off the couch and carefully climbed up the latter, so she could pass it over to him, “What do you need next?” This was going to be a task at hand, especially considering how weak she had been, but she wanted this. She needed something fun and silly.

Lucas took the blanket and tied a knot on the bottom of the banister, letting the rest hang down. “Let’s maybe knot a few on the other end by you? That way we can drape it over some chairs or something? Luke pondered cutely, poking his cheek and pursing his lips, “yeah, maybe, the sheet instead of another blanket so it’s not too heavy. You got that?” He asked, securing a few more knots on the banister so when they pulled on it or it had more weight, it wouldn’t unravel. “Also, I haven’t done this since I was like, nine, have you ever built a blanket tent before? I have three siblings, including Miles, and we’d always do stuff like this. But I’m having a blank moment remembering them.” 

Layla did as he had requested making sure the knots, she tied, were good and secured. Ironically enough, one of the survivalist techniques her parents had drilled into her mind were various types of knots, and those skills were coming out as they worked on the blanket tent, “How does that look? I can tie it a different way, if you need me to.” She hadn’t really realized it, until he had said something about making blanket tents as a kid; something she had never actually experienced being an only child to werewolf hunters. But what she had learned how to do was set up tents, start fires, and basically survive in the wild if it didn’t involve hunting or killing things. Face fading into a blank stare at this realization, she replied to Lucas, “Yeah, I wouldn’t know. I can set up a real tent and teach you how to survive in the wild, until the cows come home, but typical childhood things, you might have to google, unless you like tea parties and The Little Mermaid…” She blinked a few times before looking over to him with a sad smile.  

“No, shit-- that looks awesome, knew I called the right person, hehe,” he gave a cheesy grin, finishing up his work and jumping down the ladder to land gracefully on the ground. He stood up, tugging on the blankets, and sheets, opening them up little and seeing how far they would spread open. “I get that, some families don’t always give you everything you might need. This stupid shit? Playing? It’s so important to do, keeps you happy, reminds you of simple things like laughter. I’ll make sure you get lots of playtime in now and do fun stuff. I always have ideas.” He pet the back of her head affectionately, a motion that Lucas did with everyone to show he cared about them. It was always with a little scratching of his nails, and a rub with his thumb before he walked away. “I personally always like The Emperor's New Groove. Heh, just thinking about ‘LLLAMA FACEEEE-- ahh haha, get’s me rolling every time.” Luke started pushing the couch closer to the sheets with his shoulder and grabbing some chairs so they can lift the other end up.  

She smiled when she noticed the cheesy grin, he had given her. At least her hunting techniques had paid off somehow, and, in the best way, because no one would get hurt, “I might have to take a picture of this when we’re finished. Show Ari my first blanket tent.” It was weird to think she could still play at eighteen, but the thought comforted her, especially knowing that Lucas was just as willing to keep her young at heart. Feeling him pet the back of her head had startled her slightly, but when she felt the affection, the teenager closed her eyes for the briefest of moments taking in the ease of the situation and cherishing the opportunity he had given her to just be a kid. When the moment had passed, she turned her attention back on Lucas, “Do you know how to walk the Llama, Llama?” Layla could feel herself letting her guard down; a feeling she had long since forgotten. Realizing what he was doing, the red-head moved to help him, “This is gonna be pretty awesome when we’re done with it. Thanks for inviting me, Luke.” She looked over at him with kindness in her eyes as she continued to help.

“Okay. It’s settled. We watch The Little Mermaid then The Emperor's New Groove tonight. And if it gets too late, another night,” Luke said easily, together the chairs secured the bottom half of the blanket canopy and stepping back it looked a bit of a mess in the loft space, but under it with the cushions off the couch and spare pillows and snack— it was pretty neat. He plopped on his back and stared up, his arm resting on his chest and enjoyed it for a moment. “You’re welcome,” he said with quiet delivery. “Squeeze in, let’s take one ugly selfie to mark our success—“he pulled out his phone and angled it badly. He was already laughing but tried to squish his chin and make a silly, bad face for the picture. 

“Deal.” This was one of the best moments Layla had had since coming to White Crest. Everything with Ariana and Celeste had been special, but this was different. She felt like it was just a normal moment of not trying to fit in or act the way a werewolf should. She was genuinely starting to feel good about herself and the moment she was having with Luke. Finding her place under the tent, she settled in. Laughing and shaking her head, she gave into his request, and made the funniest face she could think of. “Can you send that to me?” She grabbed a pack of sunflower seeds and laid back down onto one of the pillows staring up at the top of the tent, “How are you feeling?”

“Mhmm--” he texted her quickly and showed that it was now in fact her picture for when she called. Lucas actually giggled a little, finding it quite amusing with their silly faces. He rolled up and sat crossed legged. “I’m still pretty tired, but that’s understandable. I don’t know if people told you about that, but you need to be eating well to heal up well. Or, that’s what my mom used to say. Calories, sugars, good fats, all needed and what not to speed up the process.” Lucas knew that question could mean the other half of that same coin involving him, so he added. “I’m hanging on--” he chuckled a little. “I’m way tougher than I let people know about. It’s my secret power. Being able to get back up even if it’s hard and hurts.” He opened a new box of treats and pulled out some fruit roll ups. “Hmm, have you tested your strength much yet?” 

Layla couldn’t help but laugh when she had seen what Lucas had done with the picture. It was the first one she had taken since coming to White Crest, and it was one she would cherish. Even though she hadn’t really known him when Ari had clued her in on what had happened, she had still felt bad. She hated seeing people in pain or hurting. It’s why she had made the world’s worst hunter, “I’ve been told. I just haven’t really felt like eating lately. Ari’s been making me Beyond Burgers, and I like the veggie burritos from Veggie Tables, but my appetite just isn’t there. I’m glad to hear that you’re doing a little better though, and I’m sorry I haven’t been much help in terms of...whatever is supposed to happen. It must be a nice power to have, but don’t forget to take care of yourself.” She poured a few sunflower seeds out of the packet she had grabbed earlier and popped them in her mouth, “I punched a tree…” She held up her hand with the cast, “Does that count?” The tree seemed to have won though, but she had left a rut in it the size of her fist.

“Nope,” he popped the ‘p’ dramatically, but Luke showed in his expression that he really did understand it. He’s been there. Being a teenager once with hormones and the change happening, he’d hit things until they were dented, and he was left bleeding. “Miles and I are pretty good on regimen things. You saw my brother, right? We got strength training on lock. If you want to learn your limits, you call on us. I’m working with Simon too, we’re going to be a strong ass pack, right? We gotta show off our muscles, hehe,” he chuckled while rolling the fruit roll up into a ball. “Also, you don’t always have to be the one giving help ya know? It’s okay. It will always balance out if your heart is there for it.” 

“I used to do some things back when life wasn’t all...Who am I kidding, it’s always been fucked up. Are you guys meeting up at a gym or something? Maybe once this thing is off my arm…” She held up the hand and arm that was dressed in a brace and shook it, “I can join you, and learn how to take out my rage in a healthier manner.” She ate a few more seeds, “I’ve got a little muscle.” Layla sat down the pack of sunflower seeds and flexed her tiny little muscle with a sheepish grin spreading across her face. It wasn’t much, but she was proud of it. Picking her snack back up, she resumed eating, speaking in between bites, “I know. I guess I just feel like if I suppress my problems enough and help other people, what I’m feeling will eventually just go away. Out of sight, out of mind sorta deal.” She knew it wasn’t healthy, but that’s where her head and her heart currently remained.

“I hear that all the time from others. It doesn’t go away. Sucks big time, I know,” Lucas didn’t want them to fall into bad thoughts together. It was easy for him to feel awful enough to contemplate the worst of things. “We’ll show you. It will forever be difficult for you though. Just know that and own it. You will get better; I can’t imagine you getting worse.” He laughed a little, to keep the mood light. “But all our training is outdoors. We climb rocks and run in the woods. Push boulders and jump from big heights. It's the best form of training. You will find something primal about it. Or I hope so.” He rolled on the side and pulled his laptop over and scrolled through Disney + in hopes the Little Mermaid was on there. “Come on, let’s chill.” He yanked a soft blanket over and a big pillow.

She appreciated his honesty. The last thing Layla had needed was for everything to be sugar coated, “Thanks for being honest. I really do appreciate it. And believe it or not, I can take a hit. Outdoor training sounds great actually, and I’m kinda looking forward to just the release of it all.” She finished off her sunflower seeds and chased them with a drink of water. Finding a cozy spot next to Lucas, she settled in. Whether it was The Little Mermaid, Emperor’s New Groove, or whatever, she was just glad to be doing something normal. Something that didn’t make her feel like it was fight or flight, and as she looked over at Lucas, Layla took in every part of this moment, so she could look back on it, when she felt sad the next time.

[vgckwb]

ML: Are They Worthy? Chapter 75: Downtime!

Marinette woke up from her sleep. She was used to getting exhausted after an outing as Ladybug, but this one really took its toll on her. It was to be expected, as it was probably the biggest event she had to go through as Ladybug.

She got out of bed and stretched. As sore as she was, she was thankful that she had a magic superhero suit that she had been using for a long time, otherwise she would probably feel too numb to move. 

She noticed Tikki wasn’t there with her. This worried her a bit, but she figured Tikki was off talking with her parents. Well, Tikki only had me for a while there Marinette rationalized. I’m sure she’d enjoy the company of others for a change.

She walked down to the kitchen with as much energy as she could. It was taxing, but nothing she couldn’t manage. Upon arrival, she saw something that shook her out of her groggy state. “Adrien?”

Adiren was having breakfast with her parents, along with Tikki and Plagg. Adrien turned to her and said “Oh. Hey sleeping beauty. Finally awake, huh.”

Marinette looked around. “It’s still bright out, and you’re eating breakfast, I don’t think I slept that much.”

Everyone else looked at each other awkwardly. “Um, ‘still’ might not be the operative word here, dear” Sabine said.

Marinette was confused. She checked her phone. Upon doing so, she discovered something that shook her. “It’s MONDAY?!”

“Yeah, you kind of slept through all of Sunday, sweetie” Tom said.

“Marinette, it’s perfectly understandable” Tikki reassured her.

“How did I sleep for an entire day?!” Marinette said.

“It’s actually pretty simple,” Plagg said. “Saturday was a busy day for you. By the end of it, you must have been running on pure adrenaline, and whatever power that Royal Guard thing gave you.”

Adrien smiled. “He’s right,” he added. “You had all of us over to discuss your concerns over becoming the new guardian, there was an akuma, you babysat Manon, you got called over to my house to be asked to become the new Hawk Moth, and everyone had to team up to stop him after causing a city-wide panic, while you didn’t even get powered up like most of us. That is a lot to do in a day.”

Marinette paused. She thought about Saturday's events. I guess that really was a lot to go through in a day… She then thought about something else. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without the help of everyone. If I was by myself, Paris would be subjugated by Hawk Moth. Every one’s been telling me that I don’t need to do this alone. That I have help. And yet, I somehow still try to shoulder the burden myself.

She then had a realization. I’ve known this. I’ve known the entire time. I just didn’t fully understand it, until just now. She thought back to her test. Marinette was ready to give up when the whole world was against her, but she wasn’t alone. She had Cat Noir every step of the way. She had her other friends too. Friends she could trust with the miraculous. Friends who meant the world to her. Friends who had her back no matter what. It was in that moment that she felt like she could allow herself to feel good to take time for herself.

She smiled, slightly chuckkled, and walked up to Adrien to give him a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you,” she said afterwards. She sat down, ready to eat.

Adrien blushed. “Um, you’re welcome,” he said. Plagg couldn't help but snicker. “But for what?”

Marinette smiled. “For always being there for me.” Adrien smiled. Marinette’s parents took in the sweetness of this moment, as did Tikki and Plagg, once he stopped giggling. “Anyway, since I’ve been asleep for 24 hours or so, I’m feeling pretty hungry.”

“I’m sure every feeling you have is pretty, because it’s you” Adrien said, not missing a beat or a good pun opportunity.

It was Marinette’s turn to blush. She then giggled. “Thanks Adrien.” Her dad fixed her a plate and she began eating. “So, um, have there been any updates? You know, on what happened with Hawk Moth? Or in general?”

Adrien looked at her. “Well, we still haven’t found him…”

“But they are looking,” Sabine said, jumping in. “Everyone’s been doing their part, right Adrien?”

Adrien nodded. “Right. They are looking for him.”

“Not only that,” Tom said, “but the city is doing its part as well.”

“How so?” Marinete asked.

“Well, the city has basically closed down while the search for Hawk Moth is on” Sabine said. “They’ve closed down most places, and travel in and out has been heavily policed.”

“Also, there are police everywhere looking for him as well,” Tom said.

“Not to mention a few citizen groups” Plagg said.

“However, there’s something else…” Adrien said with sorrow in his voice. “Lila is still missing as well…”

Marinette was shocked to hear that. Tikki noticed.“Don’t worry, Marinette,” Tikki said. “We can be out and searching for them as soon as you’re done eating.”

Marinette smiled at her kwami. She really does understand me. “Thanks Tikki, but I think I’m going to take it easy for a bit longer.”

“Are you sure Marinette?” Tikki asked.

Marinette nodded. “We’ll jump if things get heated quickly, but I trust everyone else for now. I’m in no condition to exert myself more than I need to.”

Tikki smiled. “You’ve certainly grown, Marinette.” Her parents nodded in agreement.

Adrien got a phone call. “Hello?” He answered. He gasped. “Really? And it’s OK? Great! Yeah. Thank you.” He hung up. “That was the hospital.

“Well, what did they say?” Sabine asked.

“They told me Nathalie is awake and accepting visitors,” he said. He looked at Marinette. “Um, would you want to come and visit her with me?”

Marinette was a bit surprised. She then smiled and said “Sure. I could stand to move around a bit.”

Adrien smiled. “Well then, let’s finish breakfast.” Marinette smiled back. They all continued eating breakfast.

Vlad similarly woke up after having slept all through Sunday. He figured this out on his own, and was slightly shocked, but it made sense once he thought about it. After all, he also wasn’t powered up while getting caught up in yesterday’s events.

He turned to look to see that Beyyo was still sleeping. He smiled, deciding not to wake him. He understands Beyyo’s need to sleep, and he figured he wasn’t going to do anything too drastic today. If Hawk Moth wanted to act, he’d need to recuperate as well.

He got himself ready and went downstairs. His parents turned to him and ran up to hug him. “Oh thank goodness!” Ichika said.

“We were so worried about you,” Conrad said.

Vlad couldn’t help but smile. “It’s OK,” he said.

The parents let go. “How are you feeling?” Ichika asked.

Vlad stretched a bit. “A little sore, but over all, alright. How are you?”

“We’re doing alright,” Ichika said. “But, what happened to you that made you sleep for an entire day?”

Vlad wasn’t sure how to answer. “Well, last night got pretty hectic…”

“Yeah, but even then, we didn’t sleep as much,” Conrad said.

“What’s going on?” Ichika asked.

Vlad thought about the situation. There was no good way out of this for him. His parents knew him better than most, and he didn’t have a penchant for lying in the first place. They could spot a lie of his coming from 15 kilometers away.

He sighed in resignation. “Alright, I guess I’ll tell you. But I need to do something first. Is that OK?”

His parents smiled. “Anything you need,” Conrad said.

Vlad nodded and headed back up to his room. He wasn’t expecting to wake Beyyo up so soon after he got up, but this was important. He gently nudged the kwami. “Ughhhhhh” Beyyo said, getting up. “Are you done sleeping yet?”

“I’ve been done for a little bit,” Vlad said. “But I need to talk to you about something.”

Beyyo perked up. “What is it?”

“Well…” Vlad said. “My parents asked why I slept so long after the attack.”

“Define ‘long’” Beyyo said.

“It’s Monday now” Vlad replied.

“I see,” Beyyo said.

“I can’t lie to my parents Beyyo,” Vlad told him. “I need to tell them the truth.”

Beyyo looked at a nervous/embarrassed Vlad. He then smiled and said “I’m surprised you’ve held out this long.”

Vlad looked shocked and relieved. “So, it’s OK?”

“Of course” Beyyo said.

“Thanks,” Vlad said. “Come down with me.” The two went downstairs.

Vlad saw that his parents were eating. He left first. They turned to him. “So? What is it?” Ichika asked.

Vlad was understandably nervous, but it’s not like this situation didn’t feel similar. They were the first people he came out to after all. He looked them straight in the eye and just said it. “Mom. Dad. The truth is… I’m Judgement Wolf.” His parents were confused. Beyyo chose this moment to make himself known.

His parents were still shocked. “Son…” Conrad muttered.

Vlad sighed. “I’ve wanted to tell you every day since I met Beyyo here” he continued. “But…”

Conrad walked up to his son and put his hands on his shoulders. “It’s OK. I understand.”

Ichicka joined her husband and son, turning it into a group hug. “I’m just glad you’re alright.” Beyyo joined in the hug as well. After the hug was over, Ichika then added “But, this does explain a lot of things.”

“Yeah…” Vlad said, blushing slightly.

“Still, you must have had a rough night going after Hawk Moth and dealing with those Akuma” Conrad said. “It’s no wonder you slept as much as you did. Do you want a bigger breakfast?”

Vlad thought about it. “Sure,” he said, smiling. The family and Beyyo sat together for a breakfast. Vlad informed them of the many details of his adventures without giving away who everyone else is. In turn, they told Vlad what the city was doing to find Hawk Moth.

Eventually, the topic of conversation switched to when Travis and Cassandra were akumatized. “Oh, speaking of those two,” Conrad said, “we’ve gotten calls from their parents. They want to come and check on you to see how you’re doing. We’re supposed to pick them up tomorrow and verify that they’re here to do as they say.”

Ichika smiled. “I’m guessing you haven’t told them yet.”

Vlad was embarrassed. “Well, really, only the other holders know who I am. So, no.”

Ichika giggled. “It’s alright. Go at your own pace.”

There was a knock at the door. “I’ll get it,” Vlad said. He went to the door and opened it to see Kagami. “Kagami?”

“Good. You’re awake” she said. “May I come in?”

“Um, let me see,” Vlad said. “Hey, is it OK if I have a friend over now?”

“Sure,” Ichika said. “It’s not like there’s much to do anyways.”

“Well, you heard her,” Vlad said. “Come in.” Vlad let Kagami in. “By the way, is it OK if I tell them?’

Kagami was confused. “Tell them what?” Vlad pointed to his ring and then her choker. “Oh. I guess it’s OK. My mom knows who I am after all.”

“Is she another miraculous user?” Conrad asked.

“Yeah,” Vad said.

“Oo! Is she Ryuko?” Ichika asked.

“You got me” Kagami said in a playful tone.

“I knew it” Ichika said. “You’re so cute I could just tell.”

Kagami blushed. She then regained her composure. “Um, can we go to your room? I want to discuss a few things in private.”

“Sure,” Vlad said.

“Oooo. Taking a girl up to your room” Ichika said.

“Reminds me of me from back in the day” Conrad added.

Kagami was confused. “Do they somehow not know?”

“No, they know,” Vlad said. “They’re just making sarcastic remarks based on the societal norm of how scandalous this situation would be.”

“Oh. I see” Kagami said.

“I guess it doesn’t play to you, huh” Vlad said.

“Forgive me,” Kagami said. “My mother would find this situation just a bit scandalous.”

“And that’s the joke” Vlad said. Kagami lit up as she figured it out and chuckled slightly. “Now, come on. Let’s go to my room.” The two of them headed to Vlad’s room. “So, what do you want to talk about?”

Kagami seemed hesitant. “You...like Luka too...don’t you?”

Vlad was caught off guard and embarrassed. “Um, where is this coming from?” he asked. “Because, well, you’re right, but-”

“I kind of noticed,” Kagami said.

Vlad looked away, blushing. “I guess it’d be hard not to notice.”

“But we were a bit more preoccupied at the time,” Kagami said.

“Right” Vlad agreed.

Kagami seemed more nervous. “So, what do we do?”

Vlad looked at her. “We wait,” he answered. Kagami looked up at him. “As much as we would like to do something, it’s up to Luka to make that choice.”

Kagami nodded. “Yeah. But then there’s also the matter of Travis.” Kagami sighed. “In truth, he is very stunning. He might not be the most eloquent person, but he isn’t ashamed to be who he is. I kind of like that about him.”

“Sounds like you have a type,” Vlad said.

Kagami thought about it and giggled. “I guess you’re right.”

“Look,” said Vlad. “Love is complicated. There aren’t a lot of strict rules to it.” Vlad smiled. “It all comes down to how you feel.”

“How I feel…” Kagai pondered. “Well, I’m not 100% sure what that is yet.”

“It’s OK. Take your time” Vlad said. “In the meantime, wanna just hang out today?”

“Sure,” said Kagami.

Alya was walking around the park, looking around. “Over here” she heard. She turned to see Angela on a park bench and raced over.

“Thanks for agreeing to postpone our meeting,” Alya said, sitting down next to Angela.

“After everything that happened Saturday night, I’m surprised you only pushed the meeting back a day” Angela returned. “But thanks.”

Alay smiled and then sighed. “Look, I’m sorry about what happened earlier on Saturday,” she said.

“C’mon, you don’t need to apologize for that still” Angela said.

“I know,” Alya said. “But still…” She sighed.

Angela looked at her friend. “He.” Alya looked up. “I’m sorry too.”

Alya smiled. “Thanks.” She placed her head on her hands. “You know, I’ve changed since I left. Back then, all I could think about was how much I was hurt and upset about you usurping me. It felt like you were abandoning me. But now I realize that you were also hurting. You only did what you did because I was leaving, and it was hard for you to deal with that stuff. I just couldn’t see it at the time.”

Angela smiled. “Yeah. It was hard on me as well. I just didn’t want to say anything, because I thought anything I was feeling paled in comparison to your feelings.” She sighed.

Alya placed her and on hers. “Hey. Everyone’s feelings are important. It’s important to understand that.”

Angela looked at Alya. “Thanks.”

Alya smiled back. “To be honest, my friend taught me that. Without her, I’d probably be the same old stubborn jerk I was back then.”

“Was that your friend whose house you were at?” Angl asked.

“Yeah” Alya said.

“Figures” Angela said.

Alya was curious. “What do you mean?”

“Well, you called her your best friend,” Angela said. “Anyone who gets that title has to be someone very impressive.”

Alya smiled. “She is.”

“Do you think the three of us could hang out sometime?” Angela asked. “I’d love to get to know her better.”

Alya looked at her and smiled. “I’d like that. I think she’d like that as well.”

King Monkey and Paonne Ange were patrolling the streets. “Nothing here either” said King Monkey. “Let’s go!”

“Actually” said Paonne Ange. “I kind of want to talk about something.”

King Monkey turned to face her. “What’s up sweetie?”

Paonne Ange was nervous. “I’m worried.”

“About what?” King Monkey asked.

“Well… I’m worried about my test” Paonne Ange said.

“Huh? But school’s closed” King Monkey said.

“No” Paonne Ange smiled. “Judgement Wolf’s test.”

“Oh” King Monkey said.

“Were you nervous?” Paonne Ange asked.

King Monkey smiled. “A little. But I knew I would pass.”

Paonne Ange looked at her boyfriend. “How?” she asked.

“It’s simple,” King Monkey said. “You just have to be yourself. Then I’m sure you’ll pass with flying colors.”

“But, what if I don’t…” Paonne Ange asked.

“Look at me,” King Monkey said. She did. “You’re amazing. I know you’ll pass.”

Paonne Ange smiled. “Thanks.”

“Feeling better?” King Monkey asked.

Paonne Ange nodded. “Mm Hmm.”

“Then let’s go!” King Monkey said. The two heroes took off.

Meanwhile in Max’s room, Katelyn and Markov were at the computer. Katelyn was talking with Pegasus on her phone. “How are things going?” Katelyn asked.

“Mmmmm, well, we haven’t found anything” Pegasus said. “Which is both good and bad. It means Hawk Moth hasn’t resurged, but if we can’t find him or Lila soon, our chances of doing so eventually decrease rapidly.”

“Well, I believe in you honey,” Katelyn said.

Pegasus blushed. “Th-thank you,” he stuttered. “I should keep patrolling.”

“Seeya,” Katelyn said. They hung up. Katelyn sighed.

“What’s the matter?” Markov asked.

Katelyn looked at him. “I dunno, Markov. It’s just…” she sighed again. “I want to be helpful, but I don’t know if I’m doing enough.”

Markov looked confused. “But you’re monitoring the city for signs of Mr. Agreste and Lila.”

“I know, but I always feel like I can do more,” Katelyn said.

Markov looked her in the eyes. “We all do,” he said. Kayelyn was surprised. Markov went on. “I’m sure each and every one of us wishes we could do everything for everyone. But that’s not how things are. What’s important is to do whatever you can do. And also, everyone has a breaking point. As much as someone wants to help, if you push yourself harder than you can handle, you’re the one who’s going to end up needing help.”

Katelyn nodded. “Thank you Markov.”

“My pleasure” he added.

“However, I’m not at my breaking point yet,” Katelyn said. “Let’s continue.”

“Very well. I shall be of assistance” Markov said.

Nathalie was sitting alone on her hospital bed, punishing herself for everything that had happened. A nurse came in and said “Nathalie Sancoeur. You have visitors.”

Nathalie looked and saw Adrien and Marinette walking in. “Adrien? Marinette? What are you doing here?”

“The hospital told me you were awake, so I came to visit you,” Adrien said.

Nathalie tilted her head. “Yes, but why?” she asked. “Don’t you hate me now? For...for...everything?”

Adrien grabbed Nathalie’s hand. “No,” he answered. “And I don’t hate father either.” Nathalie was surprised. “It’s true that he’s done a lot of terrible things, and you’ve helped,” Adrien smiled, “but I understand why. And sure, it’s hard to reckon with everything. But I’m glad you’re alright.”

Nathalie looked at him and smiled. “You truly are something special, Adrien.” Adrien was surprised. “Truth be told, I kept waiting for you to give up on your father. He was always fighting to reunite his whole family, but he often neglected you in the process. I was waiting for the day you would just give up and move on without him. And yet, time and time again, you’ve shown that you care for him, even when it would be understandable to not. Even now, you don’t hate him completely. Or me. Even though you have every right to.”

Adrien smiled back. He then frowned slightly. “Of course, all of this has been hard. And it’s hard to know my father has been terrorizing Paris. And it would be easy to turn my back on you for helping out. But if I did that, then I’m no better than he is. He tried taking the easy way out. Instead of accepting what happened to mother, he tried to defy it. Instead of reaching out for help, he went at it by himself. … I don’t think our relationship will be the same, but I want to try and see if there’s something worth it after all of this. If you’ll let me.”

Nathalie was surprised. She blushed. She then calmed down and nodded. “I would like that. However… your mother…”

“Hm?” Adrien said. “They didn’t tell you? She’s alright.”

Nathalie was shocked. “How?”

“Ladybug” Adrien answered.

Nathalie smiled, knowing that that explained everything. “Well, when I see her next, I should give her my thanks. Where is she? Your mother, I mean.”

“She’s in a different room,” Adrien answered. “She hasn’t woken up yet. But everyone has assured me she will.”

“Good,” said Nathalie. She then looked at Marinette. “Marinette, I must apologize. We tried pushing so much on you. Honestly, I was both relieved and scared when I heard that you had accepted the offer. I was scared because I didn’t want you turning into Mr. Agreste. Cold. Distant. Pretty much the exact opposite of what Adrien saw in you. However, knowing you, you’d be clever about this. And, given that you knew the circumstances, I’m sure you would have done everything in your power to help.”

Marinette was surprised by this. “Well, thanks, I guess” she said, nervously. “But honestly, I was just going to give the miraculous to Ladybug anyway and explain what was going on. I know she would have helped.”

Nathalie smiled. “She did help. It just took a roundabout way of doing it is all. Hm. To think, things would have gone smoothly had Cat Noir and Judgement Wolf shown up when they did.”

“Yeah,” Marinette said. “But then again, sometimes things just have to be done the hard way.” She looked into Adrien’s eyes. Adrien blushed.

Nathaline looked at the both of them. “You know, if it were just you here Adrien, I wouldn’t be sure if you could handle it all or not. But knowing that Marinette’s with you by your side, I know you can make it through anything.” The two teens started to blush uncontrollably, while Nathalie just giggled.

After a day of hanging out, Vlad told Kagami “As much as I’d like to continue this, I’ve got work to do.”

Kagami looked at him. “Work?”

“Yeah,” Vlad said. “In case you forgot, there’s a new hero among our ranks. And it’s my job to test her.”

“Oh. Yeah” Kagami said.

Vlad raised his eyebrow. “What is it?”

“Well, if it’s alright with you, um, could I be here when you get back?” Kagami asked.

Vlad looked at her. “I mean, I guess, but I’m probably going to go immediately to sleep.”

“That’s fine,” Kagami said. “There’s a chance I just might be asleep when you get back anyways.”

Vlad smiled. “I see. I’d like that.”

“Thank you,” Kagami said.

“Well, in case you are, good night” Vlad said, as he climbed out his window.

“Good night,” Kagami said.

As soon as Vlad hit the streets, he called out “Beyyo! Fangs Sharpen!”

[jason-todd-deserved-better]

Vampire AU - Tim Drake x Reader Headcanon

A/N: And I’m back, in under a month and with a Tim Drake story! So hell must be freezing over, but this story was inspired by @write-it-motherfuckers with this prompt.  (If you guys haven't checked them out, then I suggest that you do because they are amazing and if you're in a rut then reading their prompts will definitely help!) Either way, I hope you guys like it and let me know what you guys think! Love y’all!

Warning: There is a good amount of violence and death, plus graphic depictions of messed up stuff (a whole lot of gore). So if you don’t like that stuff, then please do not read. Please stay safe.

Summary: You bring home an injured bat, but all isn’t as it seems and you may have an issue on your hands when you accidentally bleed on the little guy.

Animals have always been deeply ingrained in your heart of hearts.

You were raised in a household that respected any and all animals, with your parents being park rangers, this was a given.

Also, the fact that you and the rest of the family had a bit of wolf blood in there mixed up as well.

Though only a couple of people in your family could even change, your father included.

You and your siblings, on the other hand, didn’t have that ability.

It wasn’t really an issue though, your parents loved you all the same, and your dad had no problem with that at all.

Plus you got to ride on his back in wolf form when you were little, and that was a lot of fun from what you could remember.

You had a relatively normal childhood though, and it was as peaceful as it could get.

Everyone has to grow up though, and for college, you decided to go to Gotham University, much to your parent’s displeasure.

But your mind was set, and that’s where you went.

At first, it was a hard transition, to be surrounded by forests, then to steel buildings that were higher than any tree could ever get.

Plus they weren’t lying when they said Gotham was a crime-ridden city.

You usually didn’t have to worry about the supernatural creatures around you, as your scent was one of a Were’s, and no one wants to mess with a Were.

As long as no one knew that you couldn’t turn into a wolf than you would be fine.

It was the normal humans that you had to worry about though.

Which means the odds of getting mugged were still very high.

Your parents knew this, so they gave you a small can of pepper spray

And even if you had to use the pepper spray, it would suck for both you and your assailant as your sense of smell was also enhanced because of your wolf genes.

But if you needed it, then you’d use it.

Time passes though, and the next thing you knew is that you were graduating relatively soon and you had a lovely internship at a recovery center/veterinary hospital on the edge of Gotham.

You absolutely loved the place, it was almost your home away from home as it was tucked into a wooded area that could still be considered Gotham, but was far enough for the trees not to be surrounded by concrete.

But because it was kinda in the woods and also a makeshift recovery center (Gotham really sucks in nature preservation, in literally all aspects.), you’d get all different kinds of animals like owls, deer, bats, and even wolves funnily enough.

Tonight was a rough night though, as people were running in to get help for their animals as some villain was going around and destroying everything in its path.

Basically, you guys were packed with injured dogs and cats, while also housing the already sick animals.

But your day wasn’t over as your boss, Jules, runs in with a small bat bleeding in her hands.

The older women put the bat on the table, and you were quick to help her patch them up.

“Found the poor thing outside by my car,” Jules says, disinfecting the various cuts on its body. “He was probably hit by shrapnel from the attack, funny how he made it here though,”

“Well at least you saw him before we closed for the night,” You say, pulling out the gauze and bandages.

Jules nodded her head in agreement, “You have no idea, Sweet Pea.”

She was very much the old grandmother type, and she had taken great care in making sure that you and the rest of the staff were well taken care of.

Plus no one would want to get on her bad side as there would be a couple of hexes coming their way as she was one of the elder witches of Gotham.

Yeah, no one messes with Jules.

Once you guys finished working on the injured bat, you guys went to put it in with the rest of the animals, but there was an obvious problem.

The whole building was loaded with animals, wild and domestic.

You hear Jules tired curse next to you. “Well looks like I’ve got to take this little guy home,”

Immediately you didn’t like that, she had been working all day and all you could tell that the past day's events were wearing her down.

“Hey don’t worry about it Jules, I’ll take care of him,” At first she was about to say no, but by the look you gave her, she knew that you wouldn’t take no as an answer.

“You sure you can handle it Sweet Pea?” She asked. “I know you’re just as tired as me,”

“Of course, we used to take care of these guys all the time back at home,” You say with a smile. “Plus Jules, we wouldn’t want you to get another familiar,”

With a slight laugh, she hands over the bat and pinches your side jokingly. “Oh you kids are gonna be the death of me, either that or a house is gonna fall on my head,”

“Hey, you said it, not me,” You laugh at her joke, being careful with the bat in your hands.

And with that, you guys closed the shelter and were on your separate ways home.

While driving to your apartment though (You made sure that your building was nowhere near the destruction before you left.), you kept smelling something odd in your car.

It wasn’t a bad smell, but it was one that you’ve never been in contact with.

Only did you realize it was the bat as it traveled with both of you to the hallway of your apartment.

“Okay my dude, you kinda smell,” You mutter, unlocking your apartment door. “Well can’t really worry about that now, can we?” You say placing him in a shoebox that you had lying around after you laid a hand towel over the bottom.

The funny thing is, was that he didn’t really fuss, not when Jules had him, not in the car ride home and not now as he gazed at you.

You found it weird, but you chalked it up to the stress the little guy had already gone through.

You didn’t see the expression on its face when you said it stunk, like who are you to talk? Your smell wasn’t human either!

After putting him in the box, you went to the kitchen taking the tiny bat with you, and placing him on the counter.

Pulling fruits out of the fridge, your main goal was to see if you could get him to eat anything, which would be an excellent sign for the little guy.

Pulling out a knife, you started going to work on half of a banana, when your hand slips and you nicked the side of your finger, blood beginning to trickle out of the wound.

Cursing, you pick up the box and head to the bathroom, trying not to get blood on the little guy as you jogged to your bathroom where you kept your first aid kit.

You placed the box on the bathroom counter, a couple drops of blood falling on the face of the bat.

All of a sudden there was a heavy weight on your chest, and your vision was filled with black and red.

Yelping, you immediately fell back, expecting to hit the back of your head with the end of your shower when at the last minute you were stopped by hand cupping the back of your neck, saving you from the fall.

Feeling his strong body press up against yours, you see a torn up mask revealing a blackened eye, with the remnants of a shredded mask.

“Thank you, I really needed that.” He says, an embarrassed smile on his face.

He lifts you up and pulls away, you noticing the insignia on his chest as one of the ones you’d see all the time on the news.

But that doesn’t stop you from yelling out, because blacked out eyes mean one thing.

You had a goddamn vampire in with you in your bathroom.

Which causes you to lash out, throwing a shampoo bottle at his head.

“AH HEY!” He yelps out, more out of shock than real pain but you were completely freaking out, “I’m not going to hurt you!”

“Holyshitholyshitholy-” You were trying to find other things to throw but were stopped when your arms were pushed to our sides and held there.

“Please stop, I promise I’m not going to hurt you,” He says slowly, you notice his eyes turning more human, revealing that his irises were an icy blue.

Even the wounds that he had were starting to close, most likely due to the blood that was smeared across his lips.

“Shit” You shakily say, finishing the thought you had, now too scared to move.

Slowly, he lets go of your arms, making sure that you weren’t going to start throwing things at him again.

“Yeah, you’re right about that,” He says starting to back up, only to collapse when he puts weight on his right leg.

On instinct, you go to catch him because well you’re a decent person who acts before they actually think.

There was an alarm going through your head, but you ignored it as you pulled him out of the bathroom and towards the couch in the living room.

Plus Red Robin was one of the good guys right? You thought.

With a grunt from the both of you, you dropped him on your couch.

He was heavier than he looked, and you weren’t strong like your dad or any other wolf you knew.

Tim wasn’t focused on that but your heart rate was going crazy, he picked up on that.

“Um your hand is still bleeding,” He motions with his head, regretting that as he felt the world tilt in that second.

You glance down at your hand, seeing a small stream of blood dripping all over the place.

Cursing you go back to the bathroom and quickly taking care of that, then coming back to the living room where Red Robin was looking a little better but still was looking a little sick.

“Are you okay?” You ask him.

“Yeah, just need a little while for the world to stop spinning,” He says, eyes closed.

“I-Is that normal for a vampire?” You ask, your nerves getting to you.

Plus you only knew the bare minimum on vampires.

“Meh, I got hit pretty hard so it’ll hurt for a while, it’ll go slower because it was only a couple drops of blood I got.” You stiffen at that. “Don’t worry though, I’m not going to take any more from you.”

You let out a soft sigh of relief.

He opens his eyes slowly, ”Thanks by the way.”

“Well, I’m not going to say no problem, but you’re welcome I guess,” You say, glancing at your cut hand.

“I’m surprised you didn’t change though, most other Weres would tear me apart the second I changed back.”

Okay time for damage control, no one needs to know that you can’t morph.

“I prefer not to turn any time I’m scared, then it’s harder to control myself.” You say, knowing that was the reason why your father never changed when scared.

“Mhm,” He mumbles. “Gotta love those animal instincts…”

“But turning into a bat can’t be that bad, no carnal rage, just to fruit.” You state.

“Yeah, and the occasional moth as well.” Okay now that sounded gross, plus poor moth.

“Oof,” You cringe. “That kinda sucks.”

He laughs at that, “You have no idea.”

Red Robin stayed in your apartment for a while, until his wounds were healed and he wouldn’t fall out of the sky because the world would continue to spin.

It wasn’t the last time that you saw him though.

Every once in a while, while sitting in your living room, either watching TV or working on homework, you would see a flash of red in the corner of your eye.

Sometimes you’d catch him and wave, causing him to shyly wave back then fly off into where ever else he needed to go.

It almost became a routine as you’d see him do this at least once a week.

Eventually, you were starting to get tired of this though, and he could tell so as he was about to leave, he was surprised to see you get up and open the window you saw him through.

“Okay, enough of the staring contests, do you want to come in?” You call out.

A boyish smile grows on his face as he turns, flying in through your window, settling on your couch before turning back.

But then his nerves hit him like a brick. “Hehehe… Hi.”

“Hey,” You say, rolling your eyes as you plop down next to him on the couch. “Now what would you rather watch, Brooklyn Nine-Nine or Jane the Virgin?”

And that is how your friendship with Red Robin started, with a couple episodes of Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

Either way, time flew by and graduation passed in the breeze but you stayed in Gotham, as Jules demanded offered to hire you full time (She was worried about the bat incident, but you reassured her that you were fine even if it turned out to be a vampire.)

So everything was going pretty well for you, and you couldn’t be happier.

But you were in for a rude awakening.

You had a day off, so you spent that time cleaning your apartment, as it was getting cluttered and you couldn’t keep living this way.

All was well until a large hole was blown into the wall of your apartment and you were thrown across the room from the impact.

You barely had time to moan your discomfort as you were brought up by the collar of your shirt, choking you as you were lifted up.

With blurry vision, you see the face of the Scarecrow, and the next thing you knew, there was a sharp green gas filling your vision.

Your heart was racing as you processed that it was his fear gas, a choked out yell escaping your lips as you heard his demonic laugh.

Then all of a sudden you weren’t in your apartment anymore, now you were in front of the animal hospital.

You saw the fire start at the far corner of the building, but it was gaining ground quickly, so you dashed inside.

Getting burned wasn’t on your mind, but the animals inside and when you ran in you could pick up the smell of burning flesh.

It made your stomach recoil, and you ran towards every cage, kennel, and room.

What you saw in every one of those rooms couldn’t ever be unseen.

The burnt remains of the dogs and cats you were taking care of, the smell burning your insides while the smoke burned your lungs and eyes.

You weren’t sure if you were bawling more from the smoke or the sick animals that were in your care.

You got your answer as you ran down the hallway.

The smell started to change, it was still a burn but it made your insides curdle, and you could feel bile coming up your throat.

In there you saw a large mass, curled up in the middle of one of the kennels.

Even though the body was grotesquely chard, you knew it was Jules.

You would know her everywhere.

A horrified sob leaves your burning throat, covering your mouth you turn away, not being able to process what you were seeing.

But in the kennel, you were now facing yanked out a horrified wail from you.

In there was your family, huddled together but were very dead, your father in wolf form trying to cover the rest of your family but failed as they all were burned.

All the strength in your body left, your knees collapsing under you, and you were ready to go with the rest of your family.

Curling into yourself, you sob feeling the flames lick at your skin, searing away your very being.

But it all went dark, and everything felt numb to you.

Lifting up your head slowly, your tear stained eyes look up, and all you see is darkness around you.

It might be dark, but you could feel him nearby.

“R-Red?” You choke out, your eyes looking all over for him.

“You could have saved them you know.” His voice was cold, colder than anything you’ve ever heard escape his lips.

Your eyes continue to water, “What-”

“If you had turned, you could have saved them all” You see his silhouette in the distance.

“Red, I-I can’t-” All of a sudden there was a hand at your throat choking you of air.

“You’re useless, you can’t do anything on your own,” His grip tightens. “The sad thing is, that's all you want to do, but poor and weak little (Y/N) can’t do anything.”

He lets go of your throat, dropping your body hard on the ground.

Coughing, you feel the tears continue to pour down your face, “Red, why-”

He grabs you by the throat again, “But you aren’t completely useless, oh no.” You can see the points of his teeth grow, his eyes turning black. “You’re blood is still pumping,”

And with that, he attacks your neck, biting down into the flesh and going straight through to the artery.

You felt his teeth stab into you, a red flash of pain going through your very being.

You felt yourself slipping away into nothing, the dark encompassing you until you finally slipped away.

That was the end of it all, you thought.

But your eyes fluttered open, now blinded by artificial and sterile light.

It took you a couple moments to take in the lights, they were still too bright, but you could now see the rest of the room.

From what you could tell it was a hospital, from the thin tubes connected to your arm to the inclined bed that you were on.

You didn’t notice the body next to you until you felt someone softly grab your hand.

If you could have jumped three feet in the air, then you would have, but you were clearly drugged up on pain meds.

You’ve never seen him without his costume, but you knew his smell anywhere.

And you instinctively put a hand on your neck to feel for a bite, remembering everything from your dream, but not finding anything.

Then you remembered what happened in your apartment.

Fear gas.

None of it was real.

Your family was okay, and you were alive.

Holy crap you actually survived that.

“Well, I’ll try not to take offense to that…” He says squeezing your other hand softly.

Letting out a little chuckle, you slowly put your hand down. “Well, I’m alive so deal with it,”

“I couldn’t let you die, (Y/N),” He says, glancing down in shame. “I would have done anything to prevent you from going through that.”

“I-I know, Red,” You say, gripping his hand a little tighter.

“It’s Tim,” He says, glancing up at you.

Oh wow.

He actually gave you his real name.

“Tim?”

“Yep, that's my name.”

“Wow, I thought I’d never see the day.” You laugh slightly.

“Well, you almost didn’t so it’s best to do it now before I don’t get another chance to.”

Squeezing his hand, you get the courage to give him the only secret you had.

“Since we’re clearing out the air, I got to tell you something too,” Courage don't fail me now you think, “I can’t turn.”

A momentary confusion falls across his face, then he made sense of your words.

“Well that makes sense now,” He smiles slightly, “I was surprised when you didn’t bite my head off that first night.”

Rolling your eyes you smile at him fondly, “There now we both know each other's darkest secret.”

“Meh,” He shrugs. “Some are darker than others.”

With a laugh, you lightly smack his side. “Whatever Tim.”

He chuckles, rubbing his side and lays his head on your wrist that he put on the bed, kissing the inside of your wrist.

With that display of affection, blood rushes to your face, causing him to let out a loose smile.

You guys grew closer after that, it only seemed natural that you guys would get together after this.

It took a little while, but in between moving you to another (much safer) apartment in the city, and keeping your family at bay. (Your dad was pissed, he was ready to tear off anyone’s and everyone’s head off because no one messes with his little girl. It was mostly the wolf talking though.)

So with many weeks of video calls and the “are you alright” texts, your life went back to normal.

Well with the addition of a certain vampire boyfriend of yours, that was new.

Heck, there was even a massive moment of deja vu when there was a bat you had to take in because it was overcrowded in the center.

You just finished getting the little thing to eat when your window was opened, and Tim climbed through, still in costume.

When he sees you, he has to stop and look at the scene beforehand, because what?

“She’s just a normal bat, Tim, Jules made sure,” You say, your focus on the bat.

He shoulders relax, and an embarrassed laugh escapes his lips, “Yeah I knew that,”

“Uh huh, sure you did,” You laugh, getting her comfortable in the towel covered shoebox before walking up to your boyfriend, amusement on your face. “Plus, she doesn’t stink like someone I know.”

“Oof low blow there babe.” He says, a fake pain in his voice, only to be followed with a chuckle when you pull his mask off.

“I’m sorry,” You apologize in a seductively sweet tone. “Let me make it better.”

“Oh please do,” And with that you kiss him, pouring your soul into it, and you wouldn’t have it any other way.

[ficsrus]

fic recs: bts

this one’s a bit lengthy folks. have fun reading. make sure to give kudos and comments and lots of love to the authors!

namjin—

*prudence in the face of adversity: rated E, 7k

“But we’re not a girl group, hyung, there’s like…” Namjoon waves his hands in the air as he explains, “identity issues and gender issues and how are we supposed to dance with b—our bodies in this condition,” he finishes weakly. “And we can’t do publicity like this, or rehearse, and I don’t want to call the president and Seokjin-hyung is bleeding and I don’t know how to pick these things out from the store so could Hobi and I please just take a bit of money to the store to get things for Jin-hyung because he’s crying…”

[In which the entirety of Bangtan wakes up as women, and Namjoon is confused and put-upon.]

ch4otick gayz: rated T, 17k [includes vhopemin & yoonkook]

[EM0 CRAKHED]

jeon can't kook: jfc,,

jeon can't kook: sorry guys i took care of it,

jeon can't kook: i gave him like 3 tablets of Benadryl he's out

hobi-wan kenobi: kook, you're supposed to only take 1

jeon can't kook: ......

jeon can't kook: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ guess he'll die.

yoonmin—

hands down: rated T, 43k

Hoseok wouldn’t stop talking about him. It was Jimin this, Jimin that, Jimin was so cute, Jimin was so talented, Jimin danced so well and he was so nice- Yoongi had to control the impulse to roll his eyes the minute his name came out of Hoseok’s mouth.

So, yeah, maybe Yoongi was already predisposed towards disliking Park Jimin for some very valid reasons but this? This took the fucking cake.

the songbird and the sea: rated M, 256k [minor taekook and namjin]

In a world where dominance of the sea is an endless battle between pirates and mariners, Park Jimin is content living in his little village on a small, uninteresting island by the eastern mainland. He wants nothing to do with the bloodshed of good and evil, the heartless killing of both innocents and condemned, the constant establishment and disruption of order. What he wants is peace, to live his life in the same town he was born in, to spend his days in the beautiful forest, and to use the powers of his Blessed Rune to nurture the home he loves so dearly.

But when his island is attacked by pirates, Jimin will have no other choice than to do as they command and leave all thoughts of peace behind in favor of boarding the Agust, a pirate ship captained by the infamous Min Yoongi, Black Fox of the East.

*flashflood: rated E, 15k

A handjob a week is not much for Jimin to live off of.

Jimin thinks it’s sort of like the equivalent of feeding someone nothing but peas for all three meals of the day: sure, peas are all well and good, but eating peas and only peas for any extended period of time is going to result in some serious vitamin deficiencies. And probably some other bad stuff, although Jimin doesn’t actually know all that much about it.

composure: rated E, 131k

Everyone has secrets.

Everything in Jimin's life changed the day he presented as an Omega. It's as though the world were grabbed out from under him, launching him into a special hell not meant for someone with as much fire and potential as him.

This is why when Jimin is given the opportunity to stop being an Omega, he takes it.

What Jimin hadn't anticipated, is meeting his roommate, Yoongi, or realizing his entire cover will be blown if he can't stop going so crazy over that cinnamon and mint scent he has.

Too bad that is the least of his worries...

*(This is a story containing serious and dark themes with disturbing elements which become more prevelant as the story progresses.)

jikook—

*On Patrol: rated M, 130k [includes yoonseok & namjin; read the sequel here]

Officer Jeon has his eyes on Mr. Adorable.

Officer Min has a strange neighbor he can't seem to keep out of his life.

Captain Kim finds comfort in his son's homeroom teacher.

Well, cops need some loving too, right?

under the mistletoe (with you): rated G, 5k

Jimin and Jungkook try to get Yoongi and Hoseok together during the holidays but it doesn't really go as planned.

The White Wolf’s Shadow: rated T, 41k [includes yoonseok, namjin, & taekook]

Jeongguk, a powerful Alpha in line for his father’s throne, needs a mate to wear the crown. When Jimin, an alluring Omega and foreign Prince, comes to re-cement their alliance everything seems to fall into place… against their wishes. Jeongguk, forced to decide what's more important, his own happiness or his people; and Jimin whose carrying deadly secrets that place the fate of everyone on his shoulders, are forced to come together. With enemies on all sides will they be able to overcome their struggles and do what has to be done?

Or

Jeongguk and Jimin’s wolves have liked each other from the start, but when they are forced into an arranged marriage both parties are unhappy about it for various reasons. Neither wants to admit it, but both find themselves falling for the other as time goes on.

yoonjin—

heists and hearts: rated T, 95k [minor jihope and vmon]

"Give me a number,” Yoongi says when Namjoon finally turns around in his computer chair. Namjoon looks at him and sighs.

"One."

It's not the first time he's stumped with one plan. Namjoon looks at Yoongi, eyes trained on him like a hawk. “One?” Yoongi asks, voice low. “One,” Namjoon repeats, “and you’re not going to like it.”

There’s a hint of curiosity in Yoongi’s eyes and a question attempts to come out from his lips. But instead, Namjoon hears the order from his partner.

“Call them in.”

a little water clears us of this deed: rated T, 4k

All Yoongi wanted was to read Macbeth and pass his Literature class in peace, not catch the attention of Kim Seokjin.

*best served cold: rated E, 16k

[They say when you / embark on a journey / of revenge, dig two graves. They underestimate me. (mr state trooper. please don’t stop me. please don’t stop me.)]

After Yoongi's parents get killed by the mob, Yoongi sets out to avenge them. No matter what it takes.

he’ll come back for the honey and you: rated E, 18k

“Cooking is attractive. Like playing guitar, it demonstrates your prowess with your hands, your sophisticated knowledge of an art form... But it goes deeper than that. Cooking is a shared experience, a way to express yourself to someone you care about.”

Or: Seokjin is no stranger to a little sugar. However, Yoongi is the sweetest thing he’s come across in a long time, and there's no recipe telling him exactly what he should do next.

a ballad for you: rated T, 3k

tumblr prompt from anon: "Hi, do you take requests that aren't smut? I'd like to see YoonJin where Jin mistakes Yoongi for his blind date."

[At this point, Seokjin only has one thing to say about his date; he needs to show the hell up.]

everything i need: rated M, 12k

“Sorry I’m late, babe. Traffic was awful,” the man is saying. He flashes a bright, gummy smile at Seokjin and nods apologetically at the waitress. “I’m sorry. Can we have five more minutes to look at the menu?”

He waits until she is gone before he leans across the table and says in a low voice. “I’m Yoongi. Just play along okay? Whoever didn’t bother to show up is a dick.”

Or, the one where Seokjin is a single dad. His son is in love with the music their first floor neighbour plays on the piano, and the last thing Seokjin expects is to fall for the man behind the music.

déjà-brew : rated T, 7k

according to his employees, seokjin has a crush on the cute guy that comes around and orders an americano every single day. what they don’t know, and what seokjin hasn’t told them yet, is that they’re actually married. (he has his reasons, okay?)

yoonseok—

same damn hunger: rated E, 40k

When it comes to fucking around with his best friend, Yoongi follows two rules:

1. They must be inebriated.

2. They must not kiss.

the daily grind: rated E, 8k

hoesock87: I refuse to believe that u didn’t just google “cute asian twink” to get that selfie

yoongay: i am a cute asian twink. r u tryna fuck me or no

(or: yoonseok meet on grindr)

and one musn’t tell lies: rated M, 46k

Yoongi wants to fly so bad he's ready to break the rules for that. Jung Hoseok is the worst collateral damage possible. (Stop lying).

*days to weeks to months: rated M, 10k

Yoongi’s just trying to date the possible love of his life, Jung Hoseok. But the package deal includes five asshole friends and a theoretically infinite number of disasters.

Basically: a series of moments where Yoongi wonders why his friends and also god hate him.

see, i’ve got plans (to get to you): rated T, 11k

Yoongi and Hoseok have a game plan.

(Or: The one where Yoongi takes three tries to propose to Hoseok.)

single pringle: rated T, 7k [includes jikook and namjin]

Where Yoongi owns a restaurant that is a date hot-spot and he is single and salty at all the couples streaming into his restaurant on a daily basis. Not only that, but somewhere along the way he's gotten himself a couple of gay regulars who won't go away. And maybe someone who makes him a little less salty at the end too.

**halcyon: rated M, 27k [includes minjoon]

The only explanation for how two demons have found themselves on Earth is a simple one: Jung Hoseok loves to gamble and Min Yoongi can't resist a good game.

junghope—

blue flame special: rated E, 106k [minor vmin]

hoseok just got dumped and now a clearly under aged bartender is refusing to serve him a much needed round of shots.

("can you do this teenage angst thing some other time? my ex just walked in with his new boyfriend and i could really use some liquid cowardice."

the kid narrows his eyes in the direction hoseok had nodded toward. "seokjin hyung's your ex?")

hoseok nods. "you know him?"

"yeah," jeongguk glares at hoseok and begins stepping away, definitely refusing to serve him any drink at all. "he dumped me for you.")

yoonjihope [?? essentially yoongi/hoseok/jimin]—

**good things always belonged to everyone: rated E, 9k

Yoongi is trying to accept his part as the beta in a polyamorous relationship with an alpha and an omega. Little by little he notices just how unfitting that role is.

yoonkook—

soft melodies and softer touches: rated E, 11k

[22:39; I see the way you look at me, hyung.]

Yoongi's world stands still, and in that moment, he wants nothing more than to wring Jimin's neck. It's Jeongguk, it has to be Jeongguk, who else would it be? Yoongi knows many dancers--unfortunately Jimin's one of them--but there's only one that he's on close terms with, and whose number he doesn't have.

Jeongguk. It's Jeongguk. It's fucking Jeongguk.

(OR: Jeongguk's a contemporary dancer, and Yoongi is his academy's pianist).

take me out (the date way or the assassination way): rated T, 7k

jin [8:01] theres a mysterious hot guy on campus that yoongi keeps running into like a damn romantic drama but every time they meet he ends up nearly killing yoongi

tae [8:01] kinky

with a bang (stunted plants can bloom): rated M, 24k

what not to do when you find yourself falling for the guy you almost slept with but then didn’t because he turned out to be your friends’ roommate: a guide by min yoongi

flower boys: not rated, 3k

“it was pretty,” namjoon protests, trying to defend himself. “and it was a gift from a fan. wouldn’t she have been troubled to have to take it home?”

“and you brought it back to let it die?” yoongi interjects, dry as sand. he rises to his feet, dusting off his jeans. “you gonna take care of it, namjoonie?”

“how hard can it be,” namjoon says, but he sounds hesitant, like he knows his own annihilatory powers will trump his determination. “it’s a small plant. it needs water, sunlight, and air. we can provide all of those. piece of cake.”

(yoongi and jungkook take care of a plant together.)

i know i’ll fall in love with you, baby: rated T, 31k

The soulmate/soulbond au where Yoongi is part of a famous rap duo and Jungkook is his diligent fanboy, they meet at a fansign and things escalate from there

(alt. Yoongi didn’t sign up for this)

i blow up buildings (but i’d blow you): rated T, 8k

“Yoongi,” says Namjoon, his tone allowing no argument. He holds the boy an arms length in front of him and smiles painfully. “Meet Jeongguk. He’s your new bodyguard.”

Yoongi sputters and decides to argue anyway, because fuck no. “I said I don’t need a bodyguard, Namjoon.”

(Or, the AU where Yoongi has been receiving death threats from an enemy organisation known as Skeletal, and Jeon Jeongguk is the lucky bastard brought in to be his bodyguard. Yoongi tries to hate him. He really does.)

all the light we cannot see: rated T, 64k

“i’m not your servant!”

“you are on my ship now, and anyone on my ship does what i say,” snaps yoongi, and when he takes a step closer to jeongguk, jeongguk realizes that he’s actually taller than yoongi. strangely, he hadn’t noticed it before, because yoongi doesn’t seem like a small man. especially now, with that fiery look on his face, he seems larger than life—but jeongguk refuses to back down. it’s a bad idea to argue, he knows, but jeongguk has never been very good at stopping himself from doing something he’ll regret.

(or: when jeongguk finally gets his chance to sail the cosmos, it’s onboard the ship of an aggravating man named min yoongi. he thinks it’ll be extraordinarily dull—but the universe, and the legend of treasure planet, have other plans.)

gusto d’italia: rated E, 64k

Jungkook turned towards the kitchen - and walked straight into the icy glare of Min Yoongi.

“Are you always this late?”

Jungkook tried to bite his tongue. “I was talking to – ”

“I don’t care who you were talking to,” Yoongi snapped. He had both arms crossed firmly over his chest as he continued to berate Jungkook in front of the rest of the staff. “How am I supposed to trust you to get my food out on time if you can’t follow a simple direction that I gave less than five minutes ago?”

Jungkook stared at his feet. “It won’t happen again, chef.”

“Better fucking not.”

-----

[Jungkook always dreamed of becoming a chef in the future. When Yoongi, a culinary genius with unusual social skills, shows up in the kitchen of Gusto d'Italia, Jungkook becomes awestruck.]

taegi—

the less i know the better: rated E, 41k

Yoongi shifts uncomfortably in his seat, avoiding making eye contact.

"I might’ve… invented a boyfriend," he finally mumbles to the glass in front of him

i want to believe: rated G, k

Taehyung starts an astronomy club.

my heart flutters from the sugar high: rated M, 6k

Yoongi and Taehyung sneak around together, cheating on their diets. The group? They've drawn different conclusions.

over the winter lake: rated E, 9k

There’s a small alcove along the outskirts of Daegu, not too deep in the woods, that lead to a lake of still waters and peaceful surroundings. Yoongi isn’t entirely fond of it—the body of water itself being named Death Lake by locals who’ve lived there long enough to tell the tales of the disturbing amount of murders, suicides, and disappearances that are linked with it.

Yoongi sees something in the water. Something inhuman.

abracadon’t: rated M, 7k

"i don't understand why you hate taehyung," hoseok always asks.

yoongi doesn't really understand either. but he's just so...hate-able.

or, taehyung never learned that annoying the fuck out of someone isn't actually a healthy way to show you like them.

namgi—

you could give it all (but it’s never enough): rated E, 46k

yoongi imprints with an alpha he's an alpha too

again again again: rated T, 8k

Yoongi takes a deep breath. Runs through the facts. 1. Namjoon is really fuckin drunk. 2. They made that dumbass pact well over ten years ago when they were both sad and weird and lonely. 3. His heart definitely did not seize up a little bit at the thought of marrying his best friend. It just didn’t.

vmin—

it’s not about reciprocation (it’s just all about me): rated E, 34k

“Taehyung and Jimin broke up.”

“It’s bullshit—”

“We were all rooting for them.”

“It’s complete bullshit—”

“Everyone actually thought they had a chance, you know?”

(Alternatively: Taehyung’s a problematic idiot who fell in love with the right person at the wrong time.)

jinkook—

*knowingly, i drank from the poisoned chalice: rated m, 22k

In captivity, Seokjin learns that you cannot have both love and life without sacrificing something important.

namgikook (namjoon/yoongi/jungkook)—

*the kinky encounter at the auto-erotic asphyxiation house: rated E, 6k

"The last owner of this house died too.”

“How?”

Jeongguk looks over his shoulder at them, his front teeth poking into his bottom lip as his nose scrunches and the corners of his eyes crinkle in a delighted grin. “Auto-erotic asphyxiation! Honestly, what a way to fucking go. Do you think he came before he died?”

“Christ, Jeongguk.”

Namjoon drops his head into his hands, letting out a long-suffering sigh as Jeongguk elbows him playfully.

“It’s a valid question!” Jeongguk snickers as both Namjoon and Yoongi give him a painfully withered look. “We can only hope his last moment was a pleasurable one.”

taekook—

**fading brilliance, fire on silk: rated E, 26k

Jungkook spent his life studying angels and demons, but none of his imaginary portrayals of them can even come close to Taehyung’s mystical, almost poetic beauty: sun-kissed skin and full lips, lashes so long that Jungkook feels the brush of it on his skin when Taehyung leans in to dip his tongue in the hollow of his throat.

Jungkook wonders if he’s already too far gone. The guilt doesn’t eat him up anymore, the shame only serving to heighten his arousal instead of extinguish it. Jungkook has no hope of salvation now, and he doesn’t even care, not when damnation tastes this fucking good.