#hallie mcdaniel fanfiction

[blackfemmecharacterdependency]

Slashing Through Your Trauma Pt 1

It was complicated enough going back to college, after everything that happened the first time. Then, the fact that she had not yet tapped into her own healing, and there she had been, back in one of the most triggering environments that existed in her world, finishing her degree to learn how to heal others. But, Hallie managed. 

For a time, she didn’t feel comfortable going by her own name, but once she did get around to the healing portion of her personal evolution, Hallie McDaniel was ready to be secure in being Hallie McDaniel again. Then one day, she became Hallie McDaniel, PsyD. And after some time, she became Hallie McDaniel, Ph.D. 

She traveled for lectures, wrote books, did scientific research, and every now and then, when she wasn’t obsessing over high-profile criminal cases, helped with lower-profile ones. “This is a horror movie in the making!” She heard Mickey’s voice say one night and she looked around the apartment and began her triple checks of all of the potential entries and hiding spaces if anyone was already inside. It was just her. 

Hallie opened the top of her night shirt in the mirror and looked at her scar. She should not still be here. A lot of factors went into her now standing in the mirror, looking at herself. 

1. Killers are often not as talented as they think they are. A single stab wound, in just the right place and she’s dead. A single stab wound slightly off from just that right place, and she has a better chance of survival. 2. Blood loss could have killed her, but after the guards never checked in, when detectives were sent to search, she had not yet enough to kill her. But, she did not have a lot of time. 3. There was no killer to check that she wasn’t alive. The killers went to square off with Sidney, and both died that night. 4. There were no copycats to chase after the dream of killing her, because she was part of a small, exclusive group that people didn’t know about.

Hallie had survived the killings, and she was able to receive protection specifically for the fact that it had already been proven that copycats may try to hunt again. When she had the chance to recover physically, with a scar and a lasting but treatable respiratory situation, Hallie McDaniel had survived. She was never quite right again.

Sometimes, she found herself perusing the sites where people glorified her friends’ murderers and romanticized her presumed death. There were people who got something out of thinking about Mickey killing her. People who were obsessed with it. She found herself reading their message board posts and trying to desensitize herself to the recoil of finding things like that. Sometimes, she found herself studying them for personal reasons. She knew that Mickey had found Billy Loomis’s mother on message boards like these. Were some of these people also potential killers? 

And even more importantly, were some of these people potential Ghostface killers? She was unable to stop obsessing about whether or not some version of the killer may find her. That inability to let it rest led her to traveling to try to find survivors, in areas where there had been suspicious happenings of murder,  just to see if they by chance escaped Ghostface or someone like him. This became her passion outside of her work, and something she kept extensive research on.

This was private work, but it caused her to have to relive her attack and revisit her time with the friends she had met in college and thought she might have for the rest of her life. 

Even though she made her decision to come out of witness protection to get to her therapist journey, she kept off the radar. After learning in the news that Cotton Weary had been found and murdered, the level of panic that shot through her was indescribable. Her fears were coming true. There was another killer in a Ghostface mask hunting. 

She had not remained in Ohio after the murders, though she did often look into crimes there, as though there was still a killer lingering. She had made herself comprehensive reports on each of the killers that she knew of so far from everything that she could find out about them. She had no plans to ever return to Ohio or ever go to California. 

Even as big as it was, knowing Woodsboro was there made the thought of it small. Too small to hide. But, she didn’t want to continue living in her home in Philadelphia, either. Unfortunately, Pennsylvania was beginning to feel too close to Ohio, considering her mounting fears.

The press was romanticizing yet another series of movies surrounding the Stab movie in production, and when she saw Sidney Prescott winding up in the middle of it, Mickey’s voice said in her mind, “She’s still the star!” And Hallie bought herself an RV as soon as she could and began heading away from California and a little further from Ohio, too. 

She was on her way into New Jersey when she learned of a place with a local legendary killer who “Always comes back,” and well, that sounded like the thing she knew about Ghostface. Sidney would kill them and another would arise in his place. “Crystal Lake, I guess I’m coming to visit you..”

[brastrangled]

2, 12, and 33 (gimme that salt lol)

2. Your most rewatched movie

So I have several that I rewatch way too much.

Beauty and the Beast always and forever I watch too much. I love it so much, I can quote it pretty much word for word.

Cinderella 2015 is definitely up there now thanks to how much I use it to fall asleep. I can also quote it pretty much word for word.

Captain America The Winter Solider is another life changing one. You can check my tag for it to know how thirsty it makes me. Or ask Nael. When we movie date it I am always screaming about my love of Sam and Steve. The poetic cinema of all the fight scenes. How this movie makes me like Natasha but mourn for Sharon. How Fury is That Bitch™.

Parent Trap 1998 was honestly life changing for 5 year old me. I can quote it so easy and I'm very sure that my personality was shaped by Hallie and Annie. Especially Hallie. I can rewatch it so many times without ever getting bored really.

12. Top 5 favorite female performances

Amy Adams as Giselle (Enchanted)

Top forever. My life was literally changed for the better when I watched Enchanted. I embraced my love of princesses unapologetically and my adoration of Disney history skyrocketed more than it already had been. I just love Amy so so so so much thanks to this movie. She's such a breath of fresh air.

Lily James as Ella (Cinderella)

Another life changer for me tbh. I've always loved Cinderella stories but something about Lily as Ella was just so perfectly timed for me. I loved how much respect she had for the character while still making it her own. To this day I'm still so affected by the movie that I have fanfiction ideas in my head as I watch it. Thanks to Lily I fell in love with rping as Cinderella and I truly don't know where I'd be without this movie to keep me sane.

Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O'Hara (Gone With the Wind)

I absolutely fucking love GWTW and everyone who wants to tell out it's racist can eat my hairy ass. I FUCKING KNOW IT IS. Anyway, Viven absolutely fucked me up when I finally watched this movie in full. Oh my god is her unapologetic bitchiness such a fucking inspiration. I wish I was more ambitious like her, but I can definitely be conniving and whiny and pushy and materialistic. Like fuck. I will always love Scarlett.

Also shout out to Hattie McDaniel as Mammy. I will always love and appreciate Hattie for all she did.

Constance Wu as Rachel Chu (Crazy Rich Asians)

So this is a new one since I only just finally watched the movie last weekend. But wooooooooow this movie is an absolute fucking delight. Constance just really inspired me. She was strong and but still able to show vulnerability and love. Her looks of longing and love with Henry Golding as Nick? Iconic. Inventors of love.

Also my heart and love to Gemma Chan as Astrid!!! Please kill me in the sequel angel!!!

I have wracked my brain for hours but I don't want to use anyone from an animated film so I'll just go with 4. I suck I'm sorry cupcake.

33. Last movie that disappointed you

I just let out the deepest fucking sigh.

Avenger Infinity War

Unpopular opinion time. I fucking can't stand this movie. It's so goddamn fucking bloated. It follows Thanos and tries to make me sympathic or empathetic towards him and I fucking hate it. I want this Barney wannabe to be fucking dead y'all. I hate how much screentime Tony is given. It's basically the Tony show and I'm not into it. I like the Guardians but in the movie I wasn't into them. I didn't watch Thor: Ragnarok but I feel like the Stormbreaker shit really undermined the character growth he was supposed to have from the movie. The CGI made me nuts (but Marvel CGI has been downgrading for years now). Poor Banner was so screwed over.

Also fuck Peter Quill. I hate Peter Quill.

I don't appreciate the disrespect towards my man Sam Wilson. Why didn't Steve see him dusted????????????????? just ugh.

AND I'LL NEVER FORGIVE THIS BULLSHIT CAMPAIGN FOR MAKING THIS MONEY SHOT AND IT HAVING ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH THE MOVIE. THAT'S STILL PISSING ME OFF A YEAR LATER.

For things I liked: Steve Rogers was truly Daddy™ in this movie and I will throw my panties at the screen during his entrance every single fucking time.

So yeah besides that I hate this movie. I love the girls (except Nat, who the fuck allowed ScarJo to use her natural hair for Nat being on the run???) but I get so mad that I can't deal.

Sorry this took so long. Easter and the lack of luck with a 5th female performance.

[msookyspooky]

Sequels Suck

Part 20

wordcount: 2,709

You backed up near the stage as Derek stood up to walk towards you with a smile. His smile faded as he saw the look on your face.

"YN, what is it?" 

"Derek. Stay back." 

He half scoffed and half chuckled to himself as he walked closer.  "What? Why?" You instantly jerked up onto the stage to get away from him. He stopped walking to stare at you. "Hey, what's the matter?" 

You huffed, feeling your heart beating out of your chest. "What's the matter? Hallie is dead. Andrews and Richards are dead. The killer is here." His face fell and he went to come towards you before you jerked around the back of a pillar. "I SAID TO STAY BACK!" 

He held up his hands, not getting up on stage with you. "Okay...Okay, it's alright." 

"What the hell are you doing here after curfew?!" 

He shook his head at you, reaching into his pocket. You bent your knees, ready to bolt. You swore it was going to be a gun...But instead, it was a piece of paper. 

"You told me to meet you here to talk about...Us." 

You scrunched your face, body straightening out of your running stance. "What? Derek... I never gave you a note!" 

He looked just as confused as you were before giving a disbelieving smirk. "YN, it was lying outside the car as you drove away. It's in your handwriting. I may not have known you long but I've seen you sign your name enough times on bulletin boards and that assignment we have in Biology." 

You cautiously walked towards him, eyeing him as you went to the edge of the stage where he held up the note to you. You locked eyes...You didn't see any ill will. 

Your fingers snatched it...It was in your handwriting all right. Identical. 

"There's no way... Derek, I didn't write this! I would have never had you meet me here! The only reason I'm here is because I was running away from the killer." 

"Well, if you didn't then who did?..." He trailed off as you heard something behind you. The background to the stage rising up. You turned around, the stage was still dark. But two figures stood there barely highlighted in the dim lighting. Long hair. Curly hair. Two petite feminine silhouettes. 

"Murphy?....Louis?" 

They didn't move or make a sound. Standing up straight in the dark shadows on stage. 

You looked towards Derek who jumped on stage with you. You shyed away from him as he got close. He looked a bit hurt by that as he kept walking towards the figures. Derek spared you a confused glance as you followed behind him. 

"Hey...Did my Kappa brothers put you up to this as a prank?...Murphy?...Louis?" Derek mumbled, swallowing as they both stood stock still. He rolled his eyes when they didn't answer. "Listen, this isn't funny. Someone is after YN." 

You felt a deep, unnerving, erriness creeping inside you as he got closer. "Derek, wait." You went to reach out to him...Something was wrong. You didn't like it.

Without warning...The overhead spotlight flipped on. You both shielded your eyes to look at it behind you. Your heart hammered as you both looked at each other before turning back around.

 A strangled scream ripped from your throat as you covered your mouth. Derek stumbled backwards. "Fucking shit!" Tripping over his own feet as he was mere inches from two corpses. Both girls tied upright to wooden stage props, throats slit, faces blue and eyes rolled back. 

Murphy and Louis head of Delta Lambda Zeta. By the looks of it, they had been dead for hours. 

He fumbled his way over to you as you stared in horror. He jerked you out of the way as the stage's backdrop came back down. Making the two dead girls go out of sight. You went to run to one end of the stage to escape and another background dropped. The one with a wooden door built into it. You fiddled with the stage door to see it was locked. Derek looked at you a second, hesitantly going to the otherside for it to do the same. He didn't try the door as the spotlight shined on you. He backed up to get near you as you both waited. You and him both were cornered on the center of the stage. 

 "He's messing with us." You hissed, trying to control your breathing. You jumped when lightning cracked on stage. The ominous music in the background as fake lightning and thunder rippled overhead. 

Derek called out. "Hey! Show yourself! Where are you?!" 

"Right here." 

You both whipped your head around to see Ghostface ascending the steps. 

"You're fast, YN." 

You subconsciously backed up as Derek put you behind himself. "Stay behind me, YN." 

"I wouldn't do that if I were you...You really trust him?...After all, History repeats itself." 

Soon, the voice box was turned off...The voice you heard made your heart stop. "You think he actually liked you without a motive, YN? Hmm?" 

You watched the killer as the mask was taken off... A bloody mark on his forehead from the car crash and Hallie's blood on his knife. 

"...Mickey." Your voice quivered.

Your mouth hung open as it became hard to breathe...You thought for sure it would be Billy or Stu under that mask. Your whole world was turned upside down in an instant. You knew the killer was too bulky in the car to be Stu's tall lanky self but since you only thought they were involved...You just never guessed...

He raised the voice box to his mouth, glaring at you. "Surprise, YN." He threw it off stage. "Guess Sidney got her big surprise last movie...Now, it's your turn. Sequels are always better by a long shot. You should feel honored." 

"What the... Fuck?!" Derek exclaimed, eyebrows shot up and mouth parted. 

Mickey started ripping off the costume as he spoke. "Since Derek here disappeared on my ass...I've been on my own all fuckin' night." He threw his costume down in irritation as he glared right at Derek. 

You blinked, looking over at Derek as he stared at you. You shook your head and backed away. 

"Thanks a lot, partner." Mickey gave with a slight smirk.

Derek took a step towards him. "You mother fucker!" He looked back over to you. Your eyes wide as you took another shaky step back. Your heart crushed that it was true...He really didn't like you for you.

"YN, you know me!" 

"Oh, Derek. No she doesn't…" Mickey gave in an amused drawl. Shaking his head as a smirk spread over his face. His eyes went right to you...Truly looking at the man in front of you now. Knowing those talks in the hospital were fake and that he had this in mind the entire time made you sick.

 He smiled. "Come on, YN. I gotta have a partner. I couldn't have possibly done this alone...How did Murphy and Louis get here while I was chasing you?" 

You lost all your bravery for a moment. Knowing this was the man responsible. They both were. Facing off with Billy and Stu was one thing...These were relative strangers that manipulated you. You didn't know what they were capable of. You were terrified. 

"God, Derek…" You whispered as tears sprung to your eyes. Betrayal evident in your tone as you fought the sickness twisting your gut. 

"No! No, no, no! YN, please-" Derek begged, giving you a desperate gaze that you couldn't trust. You backed against the thick backdrop behind you. He reached a hand out and you shrank away.  "YN, he's lying! The man is lying! Please!" 

"It's okay, Derek. We got her. You can drop the act." Mickey monotoned. Giving Derek a challenging look.

Derek's teeth clenched as he shook his head, turning around to glare daggers at Mickey. "I'm gonna fucking kill you!" Derek rushed him. Without a moment's hesitation, Mickey drew Andrews gun from his waistband and fired. 

You screamed and closed your eyes right before as you saw Derek fall backwards on stage. Knocked off his feet as he landed hard on his back. You shakily watched as he tried to raise his head to look down at the hole in his chest. Coughing up a bit of blood as it soaked his shirt. 

You hesitated a moment before rushing towards him, getting on your knees to see. "Derek?" You swallowed, tears in your eyes as you realized Mickey really was lying...There was no faking this wound. "Derek, I'm sorry." You rushed out, trying to hold his hand. Your face twisted painfully.

He looked at you, coughing a bit. "I...I would never hurt you...I was going to ask if...If you wanted…" 

You urgently waited until his eyes glazed over and unfocused. A choked cry escaped you as you felt his body go limp. "Derek?...No, Derek!…" You hung your head and gripped his hand tightly. It was limp but still warm as you brought it up to your lips. Your face twisted into a sob as you released his hand to let it fall to his side.

"Aw, I think he wanted to go on a date. A better one than the first... Jeez, YN. What a massive disappointment for poor Derek Feldman." He pointed the gun at you as you slowly stood. Tears streamed down your face as he got closer. "You should really work on your trust issues." 

You slowly looked over to Mickey. You felt your upper lip raise as your hands shook. He gestured to Derek on the ground. "I mean, poor Derek. He's completely innocent! And such a nice boy too." Mickey was animated as he ranted all while you sniffed and clutched your head. "He's bright, funny and handsome. He was going to be a Doctor! He is the exact boy you want to bring back home from college to meet your friends...If you had any left." 

"FUCK YOU!!"  

Mickey instantly brought the gun up to your temple. "OH! SO VULGAR! Would Billy let you talk to him this way?!" 

"Billy's a sick FUCK just like you!" You growled out. 

Mickey shook his head with a smirk before looking back at you. "NO. Billy was a sick fuck that tried to get away with it. " He pointed the gun at himself with a crazed look in his eyes. "Mickey is a sick fuck that wants to get caught." 

"I don't give a shit, you freak!" 

"Oh really?" He pointed the gun back at you. "I bet Billy got to tell you his whole plan; NO interruptions! You are so RUDE, YN! And to a guy who has your whole life in his finger tip!!... So, I'm going to ask you again...Did Billy let you get away with this level of disrespect? HUH?!" The gun was at your temple as you took in a sharp breath.

Mickey's eyes widened to saucer plates as an arm wrapped around his throat with a knife to the side of his neck. Another knife aimed right at his side, ready to gut him horizontally at any moment. 

Your breath caught in your throat…

"Why don't you ask him yourself, you stupid fuck." 

 You never thought in a million years you'd be relieved to see those two.

Mickey went to raise his gun and released a sharp groan when the knife to his throat nicked him. "Go on. Raise that fucking gun and we'll get this party started, baby." Stu grinned while having Mickey in a chokehold. "Man, is this the loser impersonating us?...What a freakin bum. Actually, who the hell even are you anyways?" 

Billy stood to the side, knife ready at Mickey's abdomen. "Don't know...Don't really care." Billy's eyes darted to you. "Glad the sick fuck came to save your sorry ass?" 

You choked on a sob that turned into a cynical snort of laughter. "Hate to say it but...Actually yeah. I won't retract my statement." 

He smirked at that before his eyes darted back to Mickey. "Yeah well, regardless, don't get too happy. You're our kill, not this prick's." 

Mickey looked starstruck as a giant disbelieving grin stretched across his face. Sweat ran down his temple as he grappled at Stu's arm to keep from choking. "Holy fucking shit... I can't believe it...It's actually Billy fucking Loomis." He choked out.

Stu scoffed. "Uh and Stu fucking Macher has a knife to your neck." 

Mickey ignored him as he steadied himself.  Not as tall as Stu but pretty close and a lot more muscular.  If it wasn't for the knives in place, you knew he could over power them both individually.  Together was debatable.

His eyes never left Billy's. "Billy, I thought you were dead... Everyone did...I mean, you're like the whole inspo here!" He coughed out.

Billy sneered at him. "Stop riding my dick and tell me who else is in on this." 

Mickey shook his head with a grin. Face red as Stu tightened his grip. "I don't know what you're talking about." 

"Do not fuck with me." Billy ordered, pressing the knife enough to make Mickey wince. He swallowed before gasping out laughter. "Holy fuck...She's gonna be over the moon!" 

"That-" Billy pressed the knife to his abdomen. "Is the only reason I'm not making you eat your own intestines yet...Who are you working with?" 

Mickey just chuckled as Stu jerked him. "Stop laughing, asshole! We know you're too stupid to do this on your own. Just come out with it man before you get your fingers cut off...Who is your teammate here?" 

You watched, eyes darting to the door Derek never attempted. You wondered if Mickey would shoot you or if Stu or Billy would go after you. You didn't get to think long as you heard Mickey gag as Stu choked him harder and Billy's knife drew a tiny bit of blood at his side.

"I'M NOT ASKING AGAIN! Who is your fucking partner?!" 

*click*

"Me." 

….

Everything in your world stopped as you heard the voice… You never suspected that voice. EVER. You felt your mouth hang open as a breath caught in your throat. The gun was cocked at Stu's head as he and Billy both froze. Eyes wide and just as shocked as you were. 

"Let go of him or I will blow your tiny fucking brains out all over the stage." She snapped, her gun jammed at Stu's skull. "NOW." 

Stu hesitated before Mickey elbowed him and twisted out of his grip. Billy raised his knife and Mickey showed him the gun with a cocky smirk. 

"Drop your toys, boys. Go on. Drop them." 

Billy and Stu didn't comply and she aimed the gun at you. "Want me to blow her head off? I don't have any issue with that. It's gonna happen anyways but this way we can just get it done and over with." 

You saw the fear in their eyes as she fired a shot. You yelped, clutching your head as it went by you. You could feel the air skid by as it made a hole in the backdrop. 

"Oh shoot. I missed. Maybe I need to aim again?-" 

"NO!" Stu exclaimed, trying to get towards you. Mickey aimed the gun at him. "Better do what my lady says then. She's got a wicked temper...I fucking love it." 

She smirked at that before used her gun to motion outward. "Hurl em into the seats. Right now. Can't have you both grabbing them during the final act." 

Billy bit his inner cheek, glancing at you before tossing his knife. Stu did the same. 

She wore a sickeningly sweet smile. "Atta boys…" She side eyed you with a smirk. "Girl, I see the appeal; I really do! They're so cute." 

You stared at her, shaking your head as your lip trembled. You didn't know her long but it was long enough to form a bond. It was enough to rock your world. It was enough to make you question everything. 

"...Hallie." 

[msookyspooky]

Sequels Suck

Part 13

word count: 3,507

"...Yeah….No way, the call yesterday was definitely not a prank...Yes, I'm positive!" 

You had called Dewey to hand the phone over to Chief Hartley yesterday to run an ANI on the location. You listened on the phone as they delivered the news. You deflated. You knew it wasn't going to be a cellphone or private address but you still had to try.

"Okay, thank you...Yeah, okay I appreciate it...Bye." 

Hallie glanced over at you as she got ready for the day. "What did they say?" 

You rubbed your face with a heavy sigh. "Payphone on Campus. The one near the old art building in the back."

"Well, that solves everything. It's just one of the 2000 students or faculty here." She sarcastically gave while adjusting her necklace. 

"Yeah, tell me about it...At least I'm getting two Detectives to guard me. They should be here soon." 

"Damn, bodyguards? Feeling special yet?" 

"Oh yeah, like Royalty." You smirked at the snort of laughter she gave as you put on your jacket. A twinkle out of the corner of your eye directed your attention to your bed. Glancing down to see a necklace lying on your unmade sheet 

You picked it up. "Hey, where did this come from?" 

Hallie looked guilty as she clutched her crochet shrug on her shoulders. "Sorry, I was looking for my butterfly necklace I let you borrow the other night. You forgot to give it back and I really needed it for an outfit... I didn't intend on invading your privacy." She cringed. "I hope you're not mad! I wanted to just ask you but I barely saw you last night." 

You didn't like her rummaging through your suitcase but you knew she meant nothing by it. You didn't have anything to hide and even in a 2 week period she had become the closest thing to a friend you had. Other than Randy, of course. 

 "It's okay...Why is this necklace out though?" 

"I guess I wanted to...Be a nosy ass bitch and ask." She gave a sheepish smile as you eyed it.  "I didn't open it! I just...It's a locket. That's so old school. I was wondering if it was a boyfriend or?-" 

You huffed at that. "Hardly. James wasn't sentimental enough for something like this." You smiled at her as it dangled in your hand. "It's a gift. Sidney gave it to me...She was an old soul, that's for sure." 

It was simple and dainty with a round locket. Daisies were engraved on the outside. It was something she found at a yardsale with Tatum and she instantly wanted you to have it considering you gave her a book the week prior. 

You clicked it open, slowly revealing a picture of you and her the first month or so of your friendship. Two young innocent girls smiling and leaning against one another on the bleachers for a basketball game Tatum was cheering at. Stu insisted on taking the photo with an expensive '96 model Canon camera his parent's got him as a way to show it off…Little did you know, he was conspiring murder the entire time.

 None of you had any idea of what was to come. Between James in July of that year to Billy and Stu roughly three months later. You smiled sadly; running your thumb over it as memories came back to you. You would give anything to go back. Back to the beginning of that Summer when everything was simple and your friendships felt like forever. To a time where you were still an innocent teen, not a young woman that couldn't see a knife without the images of Sidney's lifeless eyes staring at you as blood pooled around her body. 

Hallie had a hand over her chest and her brows turned up. "Oh sweetie, I'm sorry...I shouldn't have asked-" 

You shook your head, realizing how quiet you were as you gently shut the locket. "No…" You sadly smiled at her. "No, I'm glad you did. I forgot I even packed this...I'll wear it. For good luck." 

Hallie nodded, softly smiling. "She'd probably like that." 

You put it on, holding it in your fingertips. It felt like her. You were forever grateful she gave it to you and that Stu took the photo; no matter what his true intentions were. Who would have thought it would be one of the last things you'd have of her in your life?...

You thought to yourself. 'Sidney, help me kick their asses and end this shit for the last time.' The image of her fighting Billy as you fought Stu. You, Sidney and Tatum were fighters in your own way...You were just sadly more caught up in your heart for those two then they were...

You jumped out of your skin as the phone rang. It was starting to become a trigger all over again. 2 years of therapy going down the drain with what was happening in your life.

Hallie glared at it. Grumbling to herself as she marched over. "I swear to God I'm getting this number changed-" 

She yanked it up to her face before you could even respond. "Who is this? It's 7 in the damn morning so this better be important." 

You watched her face fall and prepared yourself. Subconsciously clutching Sidney's locket in your hand as Hallie looked at you before talking. Her mouth open and eyes wide. 

"Oh...Mr. Fitch! I'm so sorry I uh-" 

You quickly went to answer as she pointed to the phone in her hand with a cringe.

"...Hello?" You took the phone as Hallie walked away to let you talk to your therapist.

"YN?" 

"Yes? Hi, Henry. Sorry I haven't been very active lately. I had to call my family today from the hospital to let them know I was okay. They were worried sick...I'm not much into phone calls right now." 

"Are you alright?" 

"Yeah, it wasn't for me. But...I had a close call. I really am sorry for not touching base with you. Kind of preoccupied...I'm sure you've heard of the murders." 

"I have...It's worrisome to me when it comes to your mental health as well as your safety, YN, can you tell me how you're doing? Are you okay?" 

You forced a smile. Forcing your voice to be as pleasant as you could. "I'm fine. Really. Aside from the murder, of course." 

He hesitated a moment. "And...No hallucinations or fear for your safety?" 

"...Henry, I'm being targeted by a killer." You gave a disbelieving face to Hallie in the other room as she raised a brow from the doorway. 

"So, you haven't seen anyone there that your friends claim isn't?" 

You frowned. "Henry, what do you mean?" 

 "...YN, I'm going to be frank with you. It's my legal duty to alert authorities over any dangerous activity. Such as you threatening to kill yourself or someone else." 

You blinked repeatedly with an odd expression on your face. "Um..What uh...What are you saying, Henry?" 

"YN, I had an anonymous tip that you have been having hallucinations and lashing out at others." 

Your mouth dropped. "...WHAT?" 

"Now, I know you are going through a lot; more than I can even help you with until these killers are caught...But the person that called me said you were acting dangerously. Possibly even a threat to yourself or others because of your hallucinations of...Billy Loomis and Stu Macher. That you said you would kill yourself before letting them kill you." 

You shot up from the seat. "Who told you this!? Was it Gale Weathers?! Was it...Was it some random person on campus trying to ruin my life even more because of that stupid movie?! How do you know it wasn't the killer themselves?!" 

"YN, easy. I understand how upsetting this is but I just need a yes or no." 

You knew Hallie was eavesdropping; you couldn't blame her. You sucked in a deep breath to calm down. 

"...No." 

"Okay. That's all I needed. Normally, I would book a session with you just to make sure but I suppose that's not necessary right now."

Your jaw tightened. "Henry, you've been a good therapist to me but I'm a little offended you'd even ask this." 

"Well I apologize, YN. But this anonymous caller was very determined and urgent. They called me multiple times. They said they were a close friend to you and you were worrying them." 

You knew Randy wouldn't. Not after the talk you both had. Dewey wouldn't. Gale might. Hallie, Derek and Mickey...What would be their motive? 

Only two people stuck out in your mind and it had you biting your inner cheek...How did they even get his number?

"YN?" 

You came back to the conversation right when you heard a knock at the door.

 "Sorry, Henry. I have someone here-" 

Hallie held up a hand as she went to the door for you. You shot her a grateful smile as you continued. "I swear I'll try to call you but I can't make any promises. I don't know who told you this but it's not true. And frankly, as rude as it is, I have bigger things to worry about with a killer making me a target...Have you heard the news?" 

"Only pieces." 

Hallie greeted the Detectives and invited them inside. 

"Well, I had to go to the hospital all night last night because a friend had their arm slashed by the killer after they chased me through the house." 

"I'm so sorry, YN. I had no idea! I'm not accusing you, it was just my job to check in on you especially with the concerned call." 

"I understand. I gotta go." 

"Be safe, YN. Call me anytime you need to." 

You said goodbye and hung up. Sucking in a breath, not happy with how rude you were but even more angry at how far they were willing to go to make you look crazy.

'...Why would they want me arrested or taken away though? Don't they want me dead?' The thought didn't make sense to you. You refused to believe one of your friends did such a thing… So, what was the reasoning here? 

You turned around to see two middle aged men. Hallie smiled as they introduced themselves, showing you their badges. 

"Officer Richards and Officer Andrews. YN and?-" 

"Hallie McDaniel." She greeted as you walked up and forced a smile. Officer Richards eyed you. "You girls should have asked for our badges right away. No telling how many yahoos would impersonate an officer." 

Hallie looked at you from the corner of her eye with a surprised face. "O-Oh… Well, YN said you were coming so we assumed the killer wouldn't be that bold." She gave with a smile.

Andrews nodded. "Yes well, you can't be too careful right now. It could be anybody." 

It ate away at you that you couldn't prove that you knew exactly who it was. You could only go along with it all and act like you were clueless. Unless you wanted to not be taken seriously.

Hallie nodded awkwardly before waving at you. "Well, I hate to be rude but I have a class at 8. See you, YN! You look like you're in good hands." She winked at you and you had to suppress the smirk at her checking out Andrews as she walked out. 

You shrugged at them. "So, um...You both follow me wherever?" 

"Yes, Ma'am. Wherever you go, we follow until the killers are caught." Richards gave.

"And believe me, we will catch them. " Andrews added. 

You bounced on the balls of your feet, trying to fill in the silence. "So...I'm not taking as many classes for the time being. First is drama club. Is that okay?" 

They nodded. 

You gave an awkward smile and walked ahead of them, locking the door behind you as they stepped out. 

"Okay, this is going to be interesting...Mind if I fill in the silence?" 

"We're on the clock, YN." 

"Okay, but it's a long walk…What's your zodiac sign?...Kidding." You joked. 

"We have to be alert, the silence is just a way to focus on our surroundings...But I am a Capricorn." 

——————————————–––––––––———

You sat in a seat with Gus as you talked to him privately. Your two guards were sitting a few aisles away in the back.

"YN, you have talent. You said yourself that acting made you feel empowered." 

You frowned, softly replying. "I know...It's just, with these murders...I don't know how I can focus! And safety reasons...I-I...I don't think I can do it." You fidgeted with your hands, hunched forwards with your elbows on your thighs. 

He gave you a serious look. "The battle for the soul is fought in the form of art. You're a fighter, YN. That's why you took this class on a whim because it was calling you."

You blinked and sighed while looking up at the stage as students prepared props and costumes. "Mr. Gold...This is real life, not art-" 

"Art imitates real life. You know that much." 

You tensed your shoulders. "Well...Art doesn't make me a fighter." 

He leaned forward and raised a brow at you. "YN. You challenged your trauma by getting up on stage and acting out drama and tragedy. You fought your social anxiety by acting in front of people...The news articles and your survival on every tabloid is evidence of that. That's why your major is Criminology; to be the one to outsmart the criminals. Because you...Are a fighter."

You rolled your lips in thought, voice heavy. "Yeah...I'm a fighter." 

He scrunched his brows. "I didn't hear that." 

You looked back at him. "...I'm a fighter." 

"No. I don't believe you." You felt your expression harden as you stared at him long and hard. He shook his head. "I don't." 

You replied in an even tone. "I'm a fighter." 

He stared a moment before nodding with a small smirk. "Okay." He took in a breath before continuing. "So, at the risk of sounding like a college drama teacher. If you've got pain around this material; use it...This is your role, YN." 

You looked at him. "It's been my role for less than a week." 

"Yes but Cassandra is a role made for you. Cassandra was one of the greatest tragedies in literature...She knew her fate as her own curse and used it." 

"...Cursed huh? Sounds about right. You're good." 

"I have no understudy and I'm desperate." 

You smiled at that before taking a deep sigh. "...Okay. One rehearsal and we'll see." 

—————————————————————

The ominous music filled the air as you crouched down. It was your first time acting in full costume. The red cloak covered your hair tied up in braids reminiscent of Ancient Greek muses. A red satin toga draped down to your ankles with a gold sash at the waist. The fates in masks and cloaks voiced the chorus around you as smoke rolled over the stage and thunder clapped. Lightning illuminating the floor you stared down at until it was your que.

"...ALL BEHOLD! THE DREADED FATE OF TROY!...THAT ONCE STOOD PROUD AND LIT THE HILLS OF SPARTA!-" 

You heard the fake but moderately heavy plaster boulders rock off the sets fake cliffs. 

"NOW; SHROUDED IN THE DEATHLY SMOKE OF RUIN! HER ROYAL CHILDREN PITCHED FROM HER WALLS!...HER PEOPLE DRIVEN THROUGH HER RUINS...AND NOW ALONE IN FATE'S CRUEL ISOLATION-" 

You swallowed, the words driving a nail in you. You were Cassandra. You were made for this role. 

"-STANDS CASSANDRA!" 

You slowly stood, elevating the blood red veil over your head to below from the fan / wind on stage. Your eyes gazing out across the stage to the audience. 

"HER KINGDOM, FAMILY AND FRIENDS...DRIVEN TO THE WIND." 

You walked forward, veil still over your head with your arms raised. Voice rising as the words escaped your red lips. You felt your voice quiver the words. Speaking them as your own for the world to hear. 

"No crime against Gods or Man have I committed…" You lowered the veil to drape over your hair as a shroud. "Saith to speak the truth." 

The chorus joined you as you spoke. "And each hideous vision born from my mind…Has come to pass." 

You brought the veil back up with your arms, eyes scanning the audience to see the detectives and what you swore was a figure at the top row...Too far away to make out in the dark.

You walked forward, tracing your steps along the edge of the stage as you spoke. Speaking silently out to Billy or Stu or the media or anyone else that would listen. 

"Troy has fallen! Not by my hand nor my wish…" You glanced at the dark figure now gone. Not even the outline in the row of seats. "...But as I foresaw…" 

 You swallowed, hearing the thunder and seeing the actor being lowered upon the star as a symbolism for fate itself. 

Your eyes looked around. Trying to see the figure again. "So now...Fate's vengeful eye…Is fixed." 

You looked up, seeing the masked figure point down at you. "...On me." 

The lightning clapped and the chorus sang as you stared back up at fate. The words, the noise and the plot suddenly feel too close for home. Closer than it did last week when you joined. Now, you felt as if Fate really was judging you.

"TELL US O CASSANDRA! WHERE HAS THE SWEETNESS OF LIFE GONE?" You shielded your face, your acting giving way to genuine panic as the masked figures grabbed you. Spinning you around as they chanted. The lightning flashing and thunder rumbling the stage as your veil kept obscuring your vision. 

You were spun too hard, landing on the ground as the act continued. You saw it...You saw the Ghost mask among the actors before they vanished. Your breath caught as you were limply dragged across stage, eyes darting around to see the figure once more as fake knives were brought out. 

"WHAT STAYS FATE'S HAND FROM THEE?!" Was chanted over and over as stabbing motions were made. You felt fear rise in you as your chest grew tight. You jumped repeatedly as you saw the Ghost mask again and again through the crowd just to vanish as you were spun. 

You felt cornered as you tried to get off stage. Rushing past masks and prop knives until you came face to face with the mask from your nightmares. Actual knife raised high to stab you.

You screamed to the top of your lungs and fell backwards.

"Alright, hold it!...Hold it!!" Gus exclaimed as he quickly stood up. 

You frantically clutched at the stage floor, backpedaling as the other actors stopped….No ghostface mask in sight. All of the familiar faces looked at you in concern as they peeled their masks off. 

They stared at you as Gus and the Detectives came near the stage. "Everyone take 5!" 

 You shakily stood up, all eyes on you as you realized you had your first hallucination...What your therapist said bringing terror to you. There was no way the killer was on stage without everyone seeing them...You really did just imagine that...What if you really were losing touch with reality?

Tears sprung to your eyes as both fear and shame ran through you. All the eyes staring at you as you wiped your face with the back of your hand and ran backstage. Rushing past everything and any special effects people to go to the dressing room.

You charged in, collapsing against the vanity and letting your knees give out onto the floor. Heavy sobs racking your body as you buried your face in your arms on the table. At your wits end. No one to truly turn to. The play was just a narration of your life...People were going to die, you predicted it. Not by your hand but by Fate. By a killer you couldn't stop or control...And no one believed it was who you knew it was. Now? You were having flashbacks and hallucinations...No one would believe you now.

An ugly sob caught in your throat as your shoulder shook violently. Salty tears fell down your face as you felt the golden leaf fall from your braided bun. 

"...O Cassandra, Cassandra...Where has the sweetness of life gone?" 

You froze mid sob. Shoulders tense as a voice drew out the words sarcastically from in the room. You slowly raised your head, too scared to look as you saw Billy leisurely sitting in a chair next to the outfits, a Cheshire cat grin on his face...It was the first time you saw him this close in two years.

You instantly jumped up, knocking over a vase to back pedal to the door when you heard it slam shut. Turning to see Stu had been hidden behind the door with sadistic glee on his face. He strode over towards you as Billy stood up.

You went to run when Stu grabbed you roughly. Jerking you in place by your shoulders to face Billy as your back was pressed against him.

Billy's dark eyes bore into you with a smirk on his lips. "Did you really think you could say that to me without consequences?...YN." He drew out your name under his breath as he walked up to you in Stu's hold and you were trapped. 

[msookyspooky]

Sequels Suck

Part 9

word count: 3,500

"What did I tell you? Did I not tell you that boy was swooning over you? Say it. Hal is always right." Hallie told you as she was fixing her hair in the mirror. 

"Hal is POSSIBLY right. He never said it. Besides, we're going as friends." 

"Damn, first week and two guys hounding you? What's your secret?" 

"Existing? I don't know! There's a killer on the loose you know. As if I need this on top of it! Besides, Derek was a heat of the moment thing that I don't know if I want to continue ESPECIALLY with the murders….And Randy...That one confuses me even more." 

"You and him have a lot of chemistry, I'm just sayin'." She sang teasingly as she applied lip gloss. 

"Yeah, as friends...I don't feel the same and I don't want to be Sidney to him all over again." 

"Don't feel the same? Or won't let yourself?" 

"I don't know...I just don't want to screw up a friendship I thought I would never get back. I think Randy is just being a horny college guy like every other guy here. He sees a girl he never looked at like that before turn into a woman and he's thinking we could be something. I hope some other girl catches his eyes so I don't have to make that choice." 

Hallie sighed and sat her gloss down on the counter with an exasperated look. "...YN. Mickey is a horny college guy. I should know. Derek and Randy….I don't know, there seems to be something with both of them and it's not lust." 

"Yeah, well the same thing happened with Billy and Stu and look how that turned out. " You mumbled outside the bathroom door. 

"Oooohhh, I see… One of two things; either you are terrified history is going to repeat itself or…" 

You raised a brow. "Or?" 

"Or maybe you liked them more than you're admitting and Randy and Derek feel like place holders for two guys that...Even though they weren't good for you and were off their rockers...Captured your heart." 

You fumbled in shock as that information hit you like a mac truck. You were dead silent at that. Derek's charm and Randy's goofiness. Randy's cynical outlook sometimes and Derek's optimism. Derek being popular and Randy being a loyal friend. They both had traits that you saw in Billy and Stu before they revealed themselves to be who they really were. That knowledge scared you. It terrified you to think you loved them still. Years later; you subconsciously still cared. That you couldn't move on with Derek or Randy or someone else entirely without them being a comparison in the back of your mind.

"YN, don't get weird on me. I mean, they may have been the extreme case but those bad boys with twisted ass habits will get you...Trust me on that one too." 

You licked your lips and rested against the door. "No...No, Billy and Stu lied. The version of them I cared about was nothing but a lie. Besides, I have seen Randy differently since coming here. He's...He's really grown up. I mean, he's still a goofy ass nerd but in a-" 

"Hot way?" 

"I was gonna say grown man way but okay." You snorted. "Are you sure YOU don't like him?" 

"Please. I already have my pet film nerd following me around. I don't need another." 

"God, why don't you two get it over with and get together?" 

She was quiet for a moment and you realized she was doing her makeup. "Nope. Not happening." 

You rolled your eyes playfully with a smirk and opened the door. "Oh, so we can talk about my love life but not yours?" 

She grinned at you.  "Hey, don't switch this on me. I'm not the one with two guys fawning over me… I have 5." 

You snorted. "Oh shit, I bow down to the Queen then. I'll never be THAT appealing to frat bros." You mocked as she eyed you up and down. 

She looked at you with an exasperated expression. "Girl, shut up. You're a catch.

I mean, not in that. You aren't seriously wearing that are you?" 

You scoffed and looked down. "What's wrong with it?" 

"Well, I can't decide if you look like a ten year old boy or my nana...Here. Purple skirt, butterfly belt, platform sandals, blue lace crop top." 

You stared at her selection. You didn't have the heart to get rid of the skirt or belt Tatum lent you. Packing it almost like a reminder of her. You almost told her absolutely not but she gave you a serious expression. "You are in college, YN. Dress like it, act like it. You really want to remember your college years dressing like a grandma and nervously looking over your shoulder every ten minutes?" 

You pondered what she was saying. You were still shaken up from everything today and the news. "But what if I have to run? This is NOT a running outfit." 

She laughed at you. "Run? You're going to a huge, well lit, crowded party on campus. If it makes you feel better, we'll stick together." She walked up to you and gently grabbed your shoulders to look at her as she smiled broadly. "This is the start of YN's journey as a young hot woman getting fine ass college men...And maybe girls…Or Randy. Whatever floats your boat. Partying her ass off before becoming a successful, rich adult in the top of her field. A sorority opening doors for you is a good thing." 

You almost smirked but tried stopping yourself. "I don't want to join a sorority. They're like a damn cult." 

"You're not pledging tonight just...Feeling them out. Think about it. Hell, be grateful! I had to do so much schmoozing just to get them to look at me!" 

You looked down at her outfit choice and sighed before putting it on. You subconsciously pulled the skirt down and fixed your makeup. Hallie came out of the bathroom and hyped you up with an outrageous grin.

"Damn! YN! You're looking bangin." 

You blushed and covered your face. " Get real." 

"No, seriously! You were hiding all that under your baggy clothes this whole time? You're gonna have more than two guys after you. Hell, you could take half the girls at Lambda and their boyfriend's while you're at it." She gave you a suggestive smirk and pointed her finger up and down your frame as you smiled to yourself. She smiled back, urging you into the bathroom. "Come on. I have a cute necklace that matches that belt perfectly."  

After she was done with you, you didn't even recognize yourself in a good way. You touched your face and smoothed down your outfit. She nodded at you. "Uh huh, looks good right?" 

"It's...Definitely different." 

"Different is good! Randy said you looked drastically different from your teens...Wait till he sees you now." She elbowed you before walking away. You shook your head with a smile.

"Okay, you're right. I do want a change. As much as possible from my old image at Woodsboro." 

"That's the spirit... Think fast." 

You scrunched your brows as she opened the front door to see Randy had been knocking. He was casually leaning on the wall when his eyes landed on you coming out of the bathroom. They widened dramatically and his mouth hung open. 

You tried not to fidget. Remembering Tatum teaching you the key to being confident was acting like it. Randy stared at you way longer than intended before shoving off the wall. "YN?!" His voice cracked and he quickly cleared his throat and looked the other way. "Uh, YN. You look...Nice." 

Halie gave you the most amused smirk as you smiled and walked up to Randy. A lot taller with the platform sandals that were a fashion trend right now.  "Thanks. You don't look too bad yourself." 

He subconsciously adjusted the dark green flannel he had on. 

You smirked to yourself before asking. "Mind if Hallie walks with us?" 

He shook his head, his eyes snagging a few glances at your outfit. "Nope...No, not at all." 

Halie shut the door behind you all. "Great. Let's get going! Fashionably late is only fashionable for so long." 

You waved goodbye to the front desk security as you all headed to the Lambdas house. You felt the nervous butterflies in your stomach as you heard the noise and saw the people. The memory of you and Randy pulling up to Stu's huge party just couldn't help but filter through your mind. You stopped mid step as both Halie and Randy looked at you. Randy gave Halie a look and she nodded.

"I'll be on the porch waiting for you two." 

You didn't get to protest as Randy walked back towards you. "You okay?" 

"Fucking hell no. I haven't been to a party since…" 

He gave you a sympathetic look. "Hey, it's alright. I was nervous as hell as a freshman here. I didn't go to my first party until this last year." 

"Nerves?" 

"Eh, more like no invite but that's besides the point...YN. You made it. Whoever is doing this-" 

"We know who." 

He sighed but ignored your comment. "No matter what, we are ready this time. IF they even do anything! It's still probably not even related to us! Besides, I'm here and on your team. Okay?" 

You blinked at him, staring and processing his words. His eyes went to the scar on your arm and shoulder, exposed fully in the top. He looked like he was tempted to touch your arm but relented. Smiling at you instead. "...Did you have to wear those shoes? I look like a fuckin middle schooler beside you." 

You couldn't help releasing a small smile. "It's okay, Seth. You still look good even if you're short." It slipped out without you even thinking.

He gave you a lopsided smirk at that. "Really?" 

You slowly nodded, smiling while looking at the ground. "Yeah but no comeback?" 

He stared at you a moment, a blissful smile on his face. "Nah." 

You looked back at him. Realizing how close you both were before you nodded to the house. He dropped his smile, awkwardly nodding. "Oh...Right. Yeah, let's get in there." 

You smiled as you both walked in. Eyes on you more than you liked. Randy seemed unfazed by it. Halie was inside, waiting on you both. Hallie grabbed your arm. "Mind if I take her?" 

He shrugged just when Mickey came up. "There you are! Randy, can you please tell this idiot outside a thing or two? He thinks the Psycho remake with fuckin Vince Vaughn is better than Anthony Hopkins." 

Randy's mouth dropped. "WHAT?" He looked at you and shook his head. "YN, Imma be back right after I rip someone's ass for having piss poor taste." 

You gave him a thumbs up as he and Mickey went outside. Hallie led you into the party as you felt out of your element. Not really knowing anyone but her in the room. Hallie talked to you as she smiled and waved at multiple people. "Hey, I'm not a sorority pusher. I just think it's a healthy, life affirming, stable environment for you...I mean, LOOK at this place!" She gestured to everything and everyone.

"Hallie, what's life affirming for you isn't for me. I'm fine as is. I wish you and Randy wouldn't have dragged me to this, I'm not ready! I'm fine." 

"That's beginning to become your theme song. I'm fine, I have no crushes, I don't need friends, I hate gatherings, I'm fine… Yeah- More like fucked up, neurotic and anti-social." 

You side eyed her as she gave you a look back. "I'm just sayin. You're damaging yourself more than that book, movie or these pranks. Let loose, have fun, pick a guy to have a fling with, join a group. The more you do it and break the ice, the more you'll see the water isn't that deep!" 

You went to protest when you heard a familiar voice. "YN, you finally made it." Louis voiced before you turned to see Murphy's giant grin. "HI!....No, I really mean that. Hi." 

You and Hallie politely smiled. "Hi." You gave, trying your best to be nice despite your nerves. 

"Do you girls want a drink?" Louis offered, clinking her glass with Murphy's.

"Uh, um. Actually yeah but uh...We'll get ourselves thank you. Excuse us." You mumbled, turning and taking Hallie with you as both sorority sisters looked mildly offended. You could care less.

You ventured with Hallie, eyes scanning the party. You couldn't help yourself, subconsciously fidgeting with the hem of your skirt before Hallie nudged you. "YN, quit." 

"Hallie, since you're so into your major. Don't you realize what happened last time I was at a party?" 

She sighed. "I know, I hear you. But this is different, okay?" 

You took a deep breath and nodded. "Yeah, okay." 

"Come on, let's get some fresh air. Will that make you feel better?" 

You nodded as you both headed outside. Music was playing, a few kids were doing keg stands, some were dancing. Randy came up to you and Hallie.

"Hey, where's everybody?" 

Randy shrugged. "Mickey left to go inside or something; I don't know. I have no idea about Derek, I haven't seen him...For once." You ignored the comment as he continued. " Turns out that guy wasn't talking about the remake but the sequel. Still sucks but totally different." 

You smirked at him. "What's wrong with Sequels and Remakes?" 

He let his shoulders sag and side eyed you with a glare. "YN...Do not break my heart like that." 

You couldn't help laughing as Hallie folded her arms and looked between you two. You laughed out. "What? Seriously, what's wrong with them?" 

His mouth hung open in outrage. "Everything! Sequels are always subpar to the originals; especially horror movies! They always have the killers being superhuman or plot holes that don't make sense and they always include some shitty love story that has nothing to do with the plot or bait the audience into rooting for the guy that ends up getting slaughtered by the end of it. The kill count is always higher, the rules bend like they shouldn't, the kills are always bloodier and bolder in a dumb way-" 

Hallie whispered to you. "You want a drink? You're gonna be here awhile." 

You chuckled and whispered back. "Sure." 

"Oh, on your left." 

You glanced over while Randy ranted to see Derek looking at you. Smiling as you smiled back. Randy relented to see Derek coming your way. 

"Hey YN. Hey Randy." 

Randy calmed himself. "Hey Derek, haven't seen you all night. Enjoying fraternizing?" 

"Yeah I arrived late, they're already drunk. They did prep time at our dorm." 

"Shocking. Frat boys getting drunk by-" Randy checked his watch. "9." 

You all three chuckled at that. It was nice, a part of you sighed in relief that whatever choice you made, if you choose either one, you all could still possibly hang out. 

Suddenly, Mickey showed back up, sweat on his forehead and out of breath. "Hey guys." 

Randy huffed. "Why do you look like you ran a marathon?" 

"Being bossed around and getting drinks for the Lambda twa-" 

"Mickey! Don't finish that sentence if you don't want grenadine in your face." Hallie ordered as she handed you a cocktail. Mickey grinned, wiping his forehead with his sleeve. "Aw, now you know you'll never be that even if you join. Never to me at least." 

She raised her lip at him, trying to hide a smirk as she took a sip of her cocktail. Mickey nudged her. "Hey babe, ya wanna dance?" 

She openly smirked at him. "Oh, I'd love to-" Before leaning against him and pointing. "With that tall, wide shouldered fraternity boy over there. Think you can arrange that?" Mickey just smiled. "Ouch, that hurts." 

Mickey turned to Randy. "Empire strikes back, was a better story-" 

You sat down and zoned out as Randy and Mickey walked away, going back and forth with each other and Hallie gravitated to the Lambda sisters. Derek sat down beside you with a beer in hand. 

"Hey, finally get some time to talk, huh? Randy and Hallie are finally enjoying themselves. " 

"Well, I guess they know how I am at parties. Anxiety from murder and all that." 

He smiled. "Yeah, Randy seems like a really good friend to you. A bit overbearing but he probably looks at you like a sister he's gotta protect with Woodsboro and all that." He gave you a reassuring smile. "It's okay though! I'm glad you have someone there for you when I can't be." 

You gave a tight lipped smile. "Yep. Good friend. Me and him go...Way back." You sighed and fully turned to him. "Yeah, I um...I'm sorry for earlier. I don't usually act like that. I hope I didn't accidentally hurt you trying to get to Gale." 

"No, you didn't. "

"It's just...When someone writes an entire book that got turned into a movie about you being apart of your friends death and then has the audacity to do what she did-" 

He held up his beer. "Hey, no judgment here. I don't know if she deserved it but I'd say so...You're too nice of a person to do that out of nowhere." He added with a smirk. "You're really fast and stronger than you look though. You were like She-hulk or Diana-" He chuckled.

You chuckled. "Comic book nerd in your youth?" 

He blinked in surprise and smirked. "How'd you know?" 

"Just a hunch." 

"Is that too nerdy?" 

You shook your head. "Not at all. It's nice that you have interest other than being a frat boy. I swear, these people have the personality of wet blankets." 

He chuckled. "Yes, I'm not a pre-programmed robot. I just kind of hide that about myself because I don't want to be perceived as...A geek." 

"It's cute though, I love that you like comics. Look at me and Randy. Do we look like we're all that? We don't care." 

He blinked in surprise and gave you a lopsided grin. "You...Think it's cute?" 

He smiled at you and your chest ached. You did like Derek but there was something in you holding back from him and Randy. It was their safety you were terrified of. At least, that's what you figured. 

"Derek...With these murders, I don't know how far they'll go and if they're related to me I-" 

...You trailed off. Someone captured your gaze as your mouth parted and your heart dropped down into your stomach. No one else at the party mattered as you saw him talking to some Lambda girls.

 Derek looked over to the guy you were staring at. "Do you know him? He's not a part of any fraternity I know...I think his name is...John? Jake?...James! That's it, James." 

Your breath caught in your throat and your grip on your cocktail sagged until it dropped from your hand to shatter on the pavement. A few glances looked your way including his. His dark eyes stared at you before a smirk played at his lips. 

You jumped up, gripping your mouth as you felt sick to your stomach. "YN?" 

You ran away, rushing around the house and over into a neighbor's bush to throw up. You coughed violently as you heard voices behind you. 

A girl asked. "Oh honey, you okay? You need a ride home or a call?" 

You didn't answer as another voice answered for you. A chill running up your spine as you raised your head from the bush.

"Don't worry ladies, she's in my friend group. I'll take her back inside as soon as she's done getting up those martinis." 

You froze, arms trembling as your fingers gripped the grass underneath you. You heard the girls leave as you slowly turned around and looked up. There he was. There was no mistaken identity. Blue eyes looked down at you, crinkling on the sides as he gave you an evil smirk. His voice was something you hadn't heard in 2 long years as he titled his head and raised his brows dramatically at you.

"Surprise, YN. It's been too long, babe." Stu mumbled before allowing a dark chuckle to escape his throat as you could do nothing but kneel in the grass staring up at him in shock.