#protective sam carpenter

[lesbianpepsi]

More sam pwetty pls 😔😔😔 r and sam are going to the supermarket to buy something, some guy is harassing r, and sam gets protective maybe throwing a punch or two. Thank you pookie <3

i'm loving the love sam is currently getting. and ofc anything for you snookums 😘😘

Blessed with Beauty and rage

Pairing: Sam Carpenter x Fem!reader

Request: Sam protecting reader from someone harassing her

Words: 3.317k

Warnings: sexual harassment, men being men, derogatory language/homophobic language, fighting, blood, swearing, mentions of sex, my writing, if there's anything else let me know

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"We need more snacks and booze for tonight's movie night." Mindy said as she dropped down onto the couch next to Anika, one arm swiftly wrapping around Anika's neck while the hand was preoccupied with a beer.

"More?" Sam questioned as walked into the living room with a glass of water, taking a seat next to Tara.

Mindy dumbly nodded as she rolled her eyes. "Yes, Carpenter, more. We've got four beers left and only a singular bag of doritos. There's eight of us here and that just isn't enough."

You nodded your head in agreement with Mindy, she did have a solid point. Especially with Chad and Ethan here, they'd devour the chips before anyone else could have any.

"Fine, but i'm not going to the store for you all again." Sam grumbled sipping on her ice cold water. The rest of the group quickly went to give their bullshit reasons to why they can't go.

"I went last time." Was Chad's excuse which you can deem as valid.

"My legs are sore after last night so I don't really want to be walking around." Quinn said which got a mix response from the group. Ethan, Tara, Sam, Mindy yelling TMI while you, Chad and Anika congratulated her.

"This is my apartment so I don't have to go." The younger Carpenter sister argued to which you found that excuse half bullshit half fair.

"I get to choose the movie tonight and I want to make sure it's something everyone likes." Ethan attempts which you find bullshit, but don't say anything.

Mindy and Anika piped up next with their excuses. "I pointed it out so I don't have to go, meaning Anika doesn't have to go either." That was even more of a bullshit excuse than Ethan's.

You were the last one to give an excuse as all eyes in the room fell on you. You groaned dramatically as you slapped your hands on your knees, standing up slowly. "Alright, fine I'll go. Someone message me with a list of demands." 

Chad cheered at that and gave you a thumbs up at taking one for the team. "Thank you, Y/n." Anika said in a sing song voice as she smiled sweetly at you.

"Yeah, yeah." You said as you walked over to grab your coat from the hanger. Throwing the coat on you turned to look at the group. "Someone better text me the list before I arrive."

The group said something along the lines of 'yeah sure' before they turned to look back at the TV.

Double checking you had your phone and wallet you went to leave but a voice stopped you from leaving.

"I'm coming with you." Sam told you as she walked up to you, you grinned as you looked at the tall woman. "I thought you didn't want to go?" You teased in a playful manner as Sam went to grab her own bomber jacket off the rack.

"Yeah well I'm not going to let you go out alone in the night." She replied as she leaned closer to you, you stared into her eyes slightly confused as your heartbeat picked up at the closeness.

Sam's hand stretched out to reach something behind you as she kept eye contact with you. You could smell the cigarette smell of her breath hitting your face at close proximity.

Just as Sam leaned forward her hand twisted at the door and unlocked it, taking a step back as she cocked her head to the side.

You blushed from embarrassment as you heavily misread the situation and stepped aside for Sam to open the door.

She swung the door open and stepped outside, you quickly followed her lead closing the door behind you.

Sam nodded at you before she began walking towards the stairs, you followed behind her in silence.

You and Sam had been having this weird situationship for the last few weeks, none of you were brave enough to actually make the next step.

Longing stares from opposite ends of the room, long nights spent together just talking about everything and eventually falling asleep, picking up on each other's habit, and of course having sex whenever you two were alone.

And especially for you when you ended up blushing like a fool whenever someone would comment on it. Cough cough Mindy

Before the whole situationship started you had been crushing on Sam, hard, for a few months. Her rare smile that managed to take your breath away, or that even rarer laugh she'd let out that simply made your heart skip a few beats.

Basically, you were down bad for this woman. Your only worry was that Sam wasn't that interested in you as you were with her.

You were the first one to even make it a situationship when you and Tara came home from a party and Sam was not pleased that you two had snuck out.

In fact she was raging.

You weren't even drunk but Tara was hammered and immediately collapsed in her bed before Sam could lecture her, meaning you were left to hear Sam's lecture.

While Sam ranted and listed off a myriad of reasons why it was stupid you finally got enough and silenced her with a kiss. Then not long after that kiss it led to you two falling on her bed and having the best sex of your life.

"What store do you want to go to?" Sam's voice snapped you out of your thoughts as you glanced at her, slightly surprised you two were sitting in her car.

Jesus you didn't even notice you had reached the car.

"Target?" You suggested while you fastened your seat belt. Sam nodded mutely as she turned the car on, shifting her gear into first as she began to leave the apartment complex car park.

After a few seconds of driving Sam's phone automatically connected to the car and her music began to play loudly throughout.

'You Give Love A Bad Name' by Bon Jovi started playing, you smiled at the familiar tunes, tapping your fingers against your thigh mimicking the beats being played. 

"Where were you last night?" Sam asked as her hand went to lower the music. You turned to look at her, giving her a knowing look.

The group had another hangout session the previous night, Trivia Thursday, it happened once a month since movie nights happened on a weekly basis on Fridays.

You didn't come that night since you were hanging out with your new friend Carmilla. She had a dark sense of humour that you could appreciate.

All the two of you did was make a cheesecake and watch a few Criminal Mind episodes. Nothing more.

The clenched jaw on Sam's face and her almost non blinking eyes told you that Sam definitely thought you did more than that.

"I was with a friend." You stated nonchalantly as you gave her an innocent smile. "Why did you miss me?"

Sam rolled her eyes as her grip on the steering wheel tightened. "Don't be obtuse, I was just curious." She grumbled in a hushed voice as her eyes focused on the road.

"Oh, well if you were just curious." You replied as you turned your head away from her direction to look through the side window.

In your head you slowly counted down from ten, knowing Sam would want to be more curious.

As you reached zero you heard Sam shuffle in her seat. "Who was your friend?" She asked with jealousy, lacing her words.

You take out your phone to see if anybody had sent you a list of requests as you replied to Sam.

"Just a new friend I met at a coffee shop." Sam hummed as her eyes flickered over to your phone and saw your fingers tapping away on the screen.

"Just a new friend, how lovely. Is that who you're texting right now?"

You chuckled as you shook your head, still shocked by this jealousy from Sam. "I'm replying to Mindy's text with what they want."

"Oh."

Yeah, oh.

"They want two packs of six cans, twizzlers, chips and salsa, a tub of honeycomb ice cream, skittles and chocolate." You listed  as you reread the text message.

Sam grunted which you took as an 'okay'. The two of you didn't say anything else for the car ride to the store, the only sort of noise coming from the car was Sam's music.

Around ten minutes passed before the two of you arrived, Sam silently getting out of the car as she slammed the car door shut.

You followed suit but didn't slam the car door as harshly as she did. Sam was waiting for you at the front of the car, locking the car with a click of a button the moment you closed your door.

Sam walked by your side towards the entrance of the store, grabbing a basket from the entrance.

"You're quiet tonight." You mentioned as you and her began slowly ticking off the items needed.

Sam glanced at you as she threw two bags of twizzlers into the basket. "Guess I'm just not in the mood." She murmured  as she glanced around for the chocolate that Chad definitely asked for.

"Not in the mood of having to go to the store, or with me, or just life?" You asked as you reached out for the chocolate bar at the same time as hers, your pinkies brushing over each other.

You gazed over at Sam who didn't take her hand away and kept it on top of the chocolate bar. Her eyes were focused on yours.

You swallowed nervously as you slowly pulled your hand away, slightly gliding up Sam's forearm before dropping your hand completely.

Sam froze for a second before she shook her head and snatched the bar from the shelf and threw it into the basket.

"A bit of the first and third one,  but definitely not the second one." Sam said as she turned to look at you, her face was void of any smile but her eyes told you enough.

Those dark eyes that you could stare into forever and never lose interest.

You smiled softly at her, your eyes lingered on hers for a second before they moved down to her lips.

"That's everything." Sam abruptly said forcing you to look back at her rather than her lips.

You nodded slightly embarrassed as the tip of your ears burned with blush. "Beers, chocolate, twizzlers, chips and salsa and skittles." You listed as you peered into the basket Sam was holding.

Sam cocked her head towards the self checkout to which you began walking there without hesitation, Sam right beside you.

Since it was quite late and a Friday night meaning most people were out drinking, there were only two other people at the self checkout till. An old woman and a lanky boy who was only buying a monster and vape.

Sam and you opted to the closest till and began scanning your items away. Before you reached the final two items left your eyes widened with realisation.

"Shit, we forgot Ethan's honeycomb ice cream." You say as you look at Sam who stopped herself from scanning the skittles. She sighed as she scanned it anyway.

"Are you okay with running to get it quickly?" She asks as her tired eyes flicker over your face, her eyes staring longest at your lips.

You nodded your head like a manic before briskly walking out and heading towards the frozen section at the store, the further part of the store.

Picking up your pace you quickly made it there within thirty seconds, there was only one other person in the aisle, a man who looked to be around in his thirties.

You didn't pay much attention to him and swiftly walked over to the ice cream section. You quickly found the tub of honeycomb ice cream and grinned as you pulled it out.

"What's a pretty girl like you doing all alone in a store at eleven in the night?" A raspy voice said from behind you. You grimaced at the voice, it wasn't raspy like Sam's in the morning. No, this was just off putting.

You turned around as you closed the freezer door to the ice cream section, backing up against it from how close this man was to you.

You glanced down the aisle in the hopes of seeing Sam randomly there but there was no sign.

"Just buying ice cream for my girlfriend." You lied as you took a step to the side as the man's eyes narrowed on your chest.

He hummed creepily as he licked his dry lips, his dark eyes slowly looking back up to yours.

"A girlfriend huh? Why would someone as hot as you decide to be with a girl rather than a man. I bet you just haven't had the right dick in you yet." He perved as he stepped closer to you which resulted in you taking more steps back.

"Sorry mister but my girlfriend is waiting for me so I really got to go." You told him as you gave him a smile in hopes he'd leave you alone.

Big mistake.

"Fine, fuck you fucking worthless piece of shit dyke." He snarled as he took heavy steps in following you. "Fucking fags like you should burn."

You didn't turn around as you ran out of the isle, as you turned the corner you collided into someone.

"Y/n, what's wrong?" Sam asked as she grabbed at your shoulders to calm you down.  "Sam." You whispered as you noticed who it was, without thinking you dropped the tub of ice cream and threw your arms around her waist as you pulled her closer.

"What happened?" Asked Sam as she hugged you back, her stiff shoulders relaxed at the contact.

"Some sick perv was hitting on me and when I told him I had to leave he started calling me slurs."

Sam didn't say anything for a moment as you felt her entire body stiffen at your words. Her arms slowly dropped as she took a step back.

"Who?" She demanded in such a dark voice that if you didn't see Sam say it you wouldn't believe it came from her mouth.

You shook your head as you tried smiling at Sam in hopes of calming her down. "Just some creep, but I'm here with you now and safe."

Sam ignored you as she stepped around you and walked into the frozen isle, her eyes landing on the same man who was harassing you earlier at the very top of the isle.

"Sam!" You whisper yelled as you chased after her as she began storming towards the man. She ignored your words as she came closer to the man.

He heard the heavy footsteps coming from Sam and turned to look at her, his creepy smirk appearing once more before it quickly disappeared when Sam punched him in the face.

"Who the fuck do you think you are?" Sam snapped as she glared at the man who flew to the floor from the harsh contact.

"The fuck lady?!" He screeched like a baby as she clutched his bleeding noise. Sam's eyes narrowed on his head before she swiftly kicked at his jaw.

He yelled out in pain as Sam slammed her boot into his chest, pinning him down. "You think hitting on a woman who clearly don't want you is funny?" She sneered as the man stayed under her boot, whining.

You were frozen as you stared at the unfolding scene in front of your eyes.

Sam pressed her boot further into his chest at his silence. "Is it? Or is the homophobia what's so fucking funny for you?" She spat out in a venomous voice as the man looked up at her.

"I think when a whore throws herself at you and then rejects your advances is only getting what she deserves." He bellowed as that revolting smirk appeared on his bloodied lips.

Sam didn't hesitate as she took her foot off his chest and slammed it down on his fingers, a sickening crack being heard.

She kneeled down at the crying man with a look of pure fury on her face. "If I ever see you out in public again, I will rip you open and put your insides on the outside. Showing to the world you're just as vile as you are inside as out." She whispered into ear before she turned to punch him once again.

You finally snapped out of your daze as Sam began to punch him again, rushing over to pull her off the man.

"Sam, Sam, just stop!" You pleaded as you tugged at her shoulders. She turned to look at you and the venous look in her eyes got replaced with a soft glance she only gave to you.

"You've gotten your revenge now, please let's go." You begged her as you moved your hand toward her wrist, tugging at her.

She turned to look at the crying man who was clutching his nose before she stiffly stood up.

You smiled appreciatively at Sam before pulling her away faster. Sam wrapped an arm protectively around you as the two of you walked out of the isle.

Sam picked up the melting ice cream off the floor as the two of you made your way back to the till.

As you finished paying and scanning everything Sam went to talk with a worker and told them about the man.

The two of you didn't want to stay any longer in the store and made your exit, walking much faster to Sam's car.

The second you two were inside Sam locked the car as she sat there in silence. You looked over at Sam who was staring at her bloodied and already bruising fists.

You frowned as you instinctively went to grab one of Sam's hands, she didn't say anything as you pulled her knuckles to your lips, softly kissing it.

You lowered your hand after a few moments as you traced circles on the girl's fist softly.

"You didn't have to do that Sam. If the media finds out they'll have your head." You whispered, Sam shook her head in disagreement.

"I most definitely had to do that." She replied as you kept on caressing her hand.

"But the media-"

"I don't give a shit what people think about me, Y/n. What I do give a massive shit about is you and your safety." She declared as her eyes moved from your fingers on her fist to your eyes.

You swallowed as you breathed slowly. "Sam." You croaked as your head dropped, your eyes focused on her bruised knuckles.

You did this. You hurt Sam.

"It's not your fault, Y/n. The only person who is at fault is that scum." Sam said as if she could read your thoughts. You looked back at Sam who had a small smile on her lips.

"I'll always be here to keep you safe." Sam whispered, pulling her hand away from yours to gently place on your jaw.

You're heart began drumming in your chest as Sam's eyes glanced down to your lips before back to your eyes.

"I love you." You whispered without thinking as your eyes connected with hers. Sam swallowed as she leaned closer to you.

"I love you too." Sam whispered back. That was all you needed to hear before you lunged forwards, capturing her lips with yours.

The kiss was different compared to all of your previous kisses. Those were filled with lust, hunger and desperation. Those kisses were rushed and aggressive.

This one was nothing like that. This one was full of love as you kissed Sam slowly, sighing against her lips as you shut your eyes feeling content.

[samkerrworshipper]

togetherness pt.3 | matilda’s x reader

lowkey have come to detest this series chase i started it in first person and i no longer write in that format butttt some of yall want it so i have to supply 🤷‍♀️

warnings/themes: self harm implications, talks of past sexual abuse, lots of trauma, comfort, just general sadness tbh

As we pulled up to our own hotel Sam and Steph were smiling like idiots, joking about something or another. I was lost in thought, thinking about everything that had just happened. My haze was cut short though as my door was opened for me and Sam stood on the outside, waiting for me to hop out. I unclicked my seatbelt hurriedly before climbing out of the car and ducking behind the car to grab my bag quickly. My coping mechanism was to grab my phone out of my pocket and to start to scroll through it as I waited on Sam and Steph to collect their own things. My phone was my social crutch, when I felt awkward it was what I leant to.

“Kiddo, let’s go?”

My head was pulled from my phone as I came to the realisation Sam and Steph had both collected their belongings and were walking towards the front of the hotel, Steph passing her car keys off to the valet. I scurried after the two older women, my behaviour was oddly skittish and I was sure the both of them were picking up on it.

We flashed our ID cards at the front desk before making our way into the team front room where we left our kit bags, just so there was no confusion of them in the rooms. We all individually stowed away our bags, collecting whatever essentials we needed from our bags before leaving them in their spots for the night. I grabbed my drink bottle, my airpods and my ugg boots from my bag before walking over to the food table, it was the table where they left all the snacks that were there to be taken at any time of the day. I picked up a packet of gummy bears instead of a granola bar, Leah wouldn’t have been happy with my switch but I wasn’t eating a granola bar so it was an improvement?

After grabbing the bag of gummy bears, filling up my water bottle and grabbing a bottle of gatorade I followed Steph and Sam towards the elevators, waiting patiently as they clicked the button for our floor. They conversed between the two of them as we went up in the elevator, just general stuff.

“So Y/n/n, we’ll go get Steph’s stuff and we’ll bring it into your room and we’ll move whatever of your stuff is there into my room, okay?”

I nodded at Sam, excepting that this was happening.

As the doors opened I found myself following behind them as they walked towards their room. I followed them into the room as Sam unlocked it with her keycard. The room was similar if not identical to Ellie’s and I’s. Two, matching queen beds, a joining ensuite and two reasonable sized wardrobes. Steph very quickly packed her stuff up, throwing it all into her bags before procuring Sam’s help to move it down the hall. I wordlessly unlocked the door to formerly Ellie and I’s room. When we walked in Ellie was already in there, sitting on her bed, cuddled up in a pile of blankets and sweatshirts. She looked like she’d been crying and I found a part of me feeling bad for her. She was a good person, a person who had been through a lot considering her age.

“Y/n, can we talk?”

I couldn’t find it in me, even with the guilt riding through my body to look at her eyes. I knew that they’d betray me, that I’d no longer be able to be mad at her or annoyed if I was forced to look into those eyes.

“Ellie, how about we try this tomorrow morning? Y/n/n's tired, she’s not feeling too well.”

Steph’s voice was pretty forceful but Ellie found room to rebut.

“I just want to talk to her for fucks sakes, I deserve that at least before my fucking roommate is uprooted.”

I jumped back at Ellie’s harsh tone, finding myself in Sam’s personal space bubble. She didn’t flinch back at my sudden intrusion, instead pushed one of her own arms to my side, steadying me slightly.

“Ellie Maddison, you have already caused yourself enough trouble for one night, I would stop now. I already told you, Y/n/n isn’t feeling up to it. We can try this in the morning, if she wants. We wouldn’t be uprooting her if it wasn’t for you two behaving like three year olds. You both need sleep, not more petty arguing that is going to get us nowhere. Y/n, grab your things, we can talk this all out in the morning, both Sam and I are too tired to put up with any more of it.”

I scurried to collect my bag, I’d never really unpacked so it wasn’t hard. I just grabbed my pillow, bag, phone charger and backpack before scrambling my way out of the room. Sam helped me to haul my big bag down the hallway and into her room.

As soon as we closed the door behind us I could feel a part of me break, the part that broke inside of me every night when I crawled under the covers of my hotel bed or I collapsed on the floor of the ensuite. The vulnerable part of my soul that had never been prepared for this, never prepared for fame or attention. I mean as a kid I’d shied away from it as much as I could, kid Y/n was an insecure, anxious mess who had no idea what she wanted, that part of me was still the same.

“Do you need help unpacking? Steph had housekeeping come in today and clean our sheets so the beds are all clean, I try to keep fairly organised and clean but just a disclaimer that there are some stories about me sleep-talking that I neither deny or confirm.”

“I think I should be fine to put it all away, thank you though.”

Sam smiled at me and nodded, it seemed like there was something else hanging off of the tip of her tongue that she was deciding whether or not to say.

“Okay then, I’m just going to have a quick shower, I do not apologise if I start to sing, it’s a canon event.”

I snorted and nodded Sam’s way as I watched her dip into the ensuite. I set myself the task of firstly, getting changed. I clawed off my layers of matilda gear and very quickly changed into a pair of Qantas pyjamas that we’d gotten on our flight to Sydney, they were fresh and unopened and everything about them seemed comfortable. After I was done getting changed I set myself the task of stowing my bag away on my side of the wardrobe, I didn’t do much more than that, I didn’t really want to unpack right now. So I did a very quick version of my skincare routine and then climbed into my bed. It was comfy, the same as my one in the other room except it just felt different. Once I’d properly situated myself in the pillows I grabbed out my phone and started to scroll on instagram.

It was safe to say that when I was in a bag head space I spiralled a lot.

So when I was in the dumps about a bad game I would often find myself reverting to the hate pages on the internet. The internet is a fucked up place. Some of the things that strangers are willing to put out in the world about a person they don’t know is fucked. It was still a bad habit of mine though to constantly look at those posts.

Leah was always confiscating my phone after bad games, after bad days. She knew me too well, knew how when I got wrapped up in my own head there was nothing to do besides just be there for me. I fiddled anxiously as I flicked through the countless news articles that had been posted. The Australian had a particular hatred for me, had since I was a rookie and since they’d found some photos of me doing drugs back when I was a teenager and published it on the front cover of the Saturday papers. I’d had a particular shared hatred back at them after that. They had a field day every time I had a bad game, I was pretty much the leading lady of page 6. Our game last Saturday had been no different, one wrong kick and I was washed up and cracking under the pressure. The slew of twitter pages and reddit links that I’d been sent after that had been enough to make anyone feel sick to their stomach.

That was why I think I’d gotten roomed with Ellie, she was probably the most hated in the media on the team besides me. I think Sam had thought maybe we’d bond over it but neither of us were vulnerable enough to talk to the other about it. So it had just stewed between the both of us and honestly probably made it worse than it should have been.

“I don’t think I have ever seen a person in such an intense staring competition with their phone.”

I squealed as Sam very stealthily grabbed my phone from my own hands. I immediately sprung up, trying to retrieve it from her hands, I hadn’t had the opportunity to lock it.

“What are you hiding?”

I saw Sam’s interest peak as I fought intensely to grab my phone back. She held it above her head and I might have been taller than her but I couldn’t for the life of me manage to retrieve it from her hands even as I attempted to use her body as a climbing frame. After a few jumps and attempts I gave up, collapsing back into my bed and covering my body and head with the sheets and duvet. The room stayed silent as Sam did the inevitable and looked through my phone screen.

“Y/n.”

Her voice was even and I felt her bodyweight sink down onto the spot at the bottom of my bed. I felt her arms work their way up to the top of the duvet and slowly try to pry them out of my own hands. She succeeded fairly quickly, smiling at me as my face was revealed to the light of our hotel suite.

“There’s that pretty face, no need to be ashamed honey. You ought to not read into what Roger writes, he hates anything to do with women's sports, especially women who are succeeding so heavily at such a young age. You shouldn’t let your mental image of yourself be contorted by words written by a person who doesn’t know you or care about you, don’t do that to yourself, you deserve better.”

I looked at Sam, in all of her glory, sitting above me, an old nike shirt that looked like it had been washed 600 times. Her hair was brushed smoothly back into her classic low pony. It made me cry. Not sobbing crying, just wet, fat tears dripping down my face as I thought about that article. I could probably quote most of the journalist's work, I’d read it over and over and over.

“Come on now, don’t cry, please. You’ve done enough crying for tonight, don’t make me tickle you.”

Sam’s eyebrow rose in challenge as she stared down at me, silently challenging me to keep going. When I did, her hands found their way to my sides and started to tickle me intensely. I immediately let out a choken laugh, trying to suppress my giggles and cries.

“S-Sam stop ittt. S’ not fair.”

She smirked at me as she continued her abuse of my sides.

“Stop crying then, c’mon, there are better things to do with your time then cry over bullshit. I know Williamson would have my head if she knew that I was letting her girl get down in the dumps over something that’s out of your control. I am telling you now, honestly, your whole career there is always going to be someone who is going to try and take you down, journalists, social media, other players. It’s wrong, but we are women in a field that is predominantly presumed to be male dominated, we aren’t appreciated, we’re underpaid and we are slaughtered in the press for anything. The more you feed into it the worse it’s going to get, and I understand that the other stuff isn’t going to just go away but it is going to eventually get better, I promise you that.”

“You promise?”

Sam rolled her eyes and extended her pinky towards me.

“I pinky promise.”

I rolled my eyes at the cliche but interlocked my own pinky finger in hers and shook it. Sam reached down to wipe the tears from my face and smiled at me, a little glint in her eye.

“Now, I think it’s about time we got you tucked in, it’s been a big day for you.”

“I’m not tired.”

Sam rolled her eyes at my immediate defiance and plonked herself down next to me on the bed, resting beside me against the headboard. She lazily placed one of her arms around my shoulder, there was something so simple but complex about the whole situation.

“Do I need to explain to you the importance of getting eight hours?”

“This feels like one of those captain moments where you try and mom me into doing something that’s not going to happen.”

Sam snorted at my reply, nodding her head concedingly.

“Is the defiance just a young people thing or do you just enjoy being a pain in the ass?”

“There’s no fun in it if I agree to everything you tell me to do.”

Sam’s eyes damn near rolled into the back of her head.

“Is it hard using defiance as a defence mechanism constantly?”

The question took me back a little bit, it hadn’t been what I was expecting. She’d turned a pretty mild conversation into something deep so quickly that it took me a few seconds to recover.

“I don’t use defiance as a defence mechanism.”

My voice wavered a little bit, just enough for doubt to seep in.

“Yes you do.”

Sam’s voice was so matter of a fact, like she knew me better than I knew myself.

“No, I don’t.”

“You push everyone out, you don’t listen to anyone who is trying to help you out, you do things that are harmful to yourself without caring, you play with injuries, you put yourself in harms way a little bit to often, you hide your emotions, I could keep listing off if I wanted to.”

I hated how right Sam was, how observant she was, it made me queasy.

“Okay, so I do some of those things, but that doesn’t make it a defence mechanism.”

“What does it make it then? A form of self harm? A form of punishment? I think you’ve punished yourself enough, when does it all become enough, when in the mind of Y/n do you atone for your sins? Because from where I’m looking at it you are leading yourself in the direction of a cliff's edge and you aren't going to stop until you are over that cliff.”

I gulped, unsure of what to say to my skipper, because I couldn’t lie to her, not for the life of me but I also wasn’t going to sit here and listen to her pretty much tell me that I was suicidal or something.

“You don’t know what I’ve done or who I’ve hurt to get here.”

“I know you're a good kid, with a good heart and if Williamson decided to take a shot with you then you have to be worth it. I know you carry baggage, a lot more than you’ll ever tell anyone, some things that you don’t even tell Leah. I have my inferences, I know things are rough with your family, always has been. I know you're hard on yourself, far too hard on yourself considering you are nineteen. I know that you never saw yourself here, never saw yourself as being capable of being here and now that you are you are having an identity crisis because you are secretly terrified that you are never going to be good enough to be here, even though you are. You’re hurting a lot, I know roughly what you're doing to self soothe, it’s not good and I’m worried about you, all of us are.”

I bit down on my lip, staring out at the wall in front of me, unsure of what to say to Sam, because she was right in so many ways but her words were also like a stab in my heart, because until someone is telling you about your behaviours I don’t think it subconsciously sinks in.

“Something to think about, I’m always here kid, if you ever need to talk, or need help, or just someone to keep you company then I’m here, whatever you need.”

“I didn’t ever plan on being a professional football player,” I snorted in between my words, realising I was actually about to go down this path with my captain, a woman who had pioneered womens sport in Australia, “This sounds stupid but all I ever wanted growing up was to own a cattle station, wanted to live the humble life out on the farm. I know that sounds so stupid, because it’s so simple. But I never planned for this, I never wanted this. My parents put me into football and gymnastics when I was six and I was good at them, really good and it was for fun so it was fine. Then it wasn’t for fun and I was playing in national teams and olympic qualifiers. Then I broke my back falling off of a beam and I was happy, I was glad, because it meant that I could do what I wanted. Then I was in the party scene and everything was good, until it wasn’t. Then my parents were shipping me off to the AIS and I didn’t have a say. Next thing I’m here and I’m doing this and I’m grateful, don’t get me wrong. But a part of me never wanted this and I know that’s bad of me to say because there are thousands of girls who would die for my spot but it’s the truth.”

I took a deep breath as I finished up my spew of words, it was a lot, I wasn’t an oversharer, most of it was probably word vomit but there was something about Sam that just made me feel comfortable with being vulnerable, I didn’t know what it was.

“That’s not stupid, having dreams isn’t stupid and it’s okay for you to be upset that you didn’t get what you wanted. You have a gift Y/n, the way that you play on the field is truly exceptional and I am telling you now that if you want to be the best professional footballer, then you can. You could be one of the best players in the game, better than me or any other player on this team, I believe that whole-heartedly. You deserve that, if you want it. If you start to make healthier decisions for yourself, decisions that don’t harm you. When was the last time you ate a proper meal? The last time you took time out of your day to look after yourself? How long until it starts to seriously harm you? Do I need to tell you how dangerous it is for a professional athlete to not be looking after their body, you are important Y/n, and so is your health.”

I fiddled with a loose thread that was protruding from the doona below me. My captain's words were sinking in, deep, like a tattoo. Etching its way into my skin, painfully.

“I am fine, our doctors have had no issues with clearing me, I eat and I do look after myself.”

My justification was weak, it was in my voice and in my mannerism. My statement just wasn’t believable, as much as I was trying to push it.

“So you know how to pass a medical test? I’d expect you too considering you fooled Tony the whole time you were at the AIS that you weren’t using. I’ve heard the story, it just proves to me that you know how to get around testing.”

Fuck. Fuck. It wasn’t surprising Sam knew my history with drugs, I mean anyone who read the papers knew, it wasn’t private information. I was clean now, four years and proud of it. I’d had a bumpy road to recovery but I’d gotten there with time.

“I can look after myself.”

“Doesn’t seem like it.”

“It’s none of your business.”

“See, as soon as anyone tries to care for you, you close up.”

“I don’t close up. I just don’t respond to being interrogated.”

“You aren’t being interrogated.”

“Sure seems like it.”

“That’s a bit overdramatic, all I am trying to do is care for you, something you are adamant on avoiding.”

I didn’t know what to say to that, because I couldn’t deny Sam in what she was saying, I did push people out who tried to care for me. Long ago Leah had accepted there were some parts of me that I was never going to be able to talk to her about, that was why she’d forced me into seeing a therapist.

“I don’t need you to care for me.”

“The scars on your thighs say otherwise.”

I blinked for a few seconds, taking a deep gulp as the words that Sam had just said set in, had she actually gone there? Had she actually just said that.

“That was a low fucking blow.”

Sam was clearly taken aback by her own words, it had clearly just spilled out of her. Sam was no filter, so it had come to me as no surprise that she frequently blurted, just the fact she’d said that though hit me deep.

“I’m not wrong.”

I could feel tears stemming at the back of my eyes, at the realisation that I was about to have this conversation.

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Does Leah know?”

“She’s had her queries, she doesn’t push it.”

“She doesn’t push the fact that you cut yourself?”

If her previous words hadn’t hit hard, those ones had, because those words, that assumption, that accusation was so confronting.

“It’s not like that.”

“Explain to me what it’s like then.”

I pushed Sam’s arm off of my shoulder, feeling like I need a more face to face conversation. I pushed myself off of the bed head, so I was sitting between Sam’s two legs, my legs crossed. It was vulnerable for me, just talking to someone about my feelings was vulnerable for me.

“When I was 15, when I gave up the drugs. I was in a lot of pain, I hated myself. It wasn’t easy, I mean I was trying pretty much everything I could to get injured. I got arrested for speeding underage twice, both times Tony had to bail me out. I was just a mess, so I started to hurt myself, to stop myself from seriously injuring myself. It was the only thing that I could do that would make me feel better, the only thing that I could turn to when shit got real. So it became my thing, then I turned pro and I stopped for a while, especially when Leah started to get on my case about it but then we got to training camp and it was all too much so I started again and I know it’s a bad habit and it’s serious but Sam, I wouldn’t be here right now without it.”

“Are you suicidal?”

It was a question I definitely wasn’t prepared for.

“I’ve had suicidal thoughts over the years, I’ve had my fair share of bad moments but no, I’m not suicidal. I don’t do it because I want to die, I do it because it gives me relief, from life, from football, from stress. For me it's an outlet, when life gets hard that’s how I deal with it. It's unhealthy but it’s what works for me and I know that it’s bad but it’s what works.”

Sam nodded at me, there was a certain softness to her words and features the more I spoke to her, the more barriers that I let go. Sam’s own hand found its way to my bicep, silently comforting me and telling me to stop rambling.

“I get it. You do what you have to do to survive, and there is nothing wrong with that. You do what you have to do to get through the day. You’re not broken. This isn’t something to be embarrassed about or guilty for. You are still a child Y/n, in so many ways. The world is hard sometimes, what we do is hard sometimes, we all have needs. You scavenge for anything that helps you to get through because you want to survive, you want to be ok. Then it works, so you continue to survive. Good for you, you figured out how to survive. You don’t need to spend everyday in survival mode anymore though, you have love in your life that prevents the constant need to survive.

The words burnt my soul and I could feel the tears brimming up again. I hated crying.

“You’re living your old life Y/n/n. But it’s done, it’s over. You get to have the good things that you never had, you can meditate, or go on holiday, you can read books, you can learn a new language, you can learn how to live in a way where you don’t have to hurt to handle all of the things that scare you. No shame, just growth, okay. You don’t have to hide in your ensuite at night by yourself, like you taught yourself to do to survive, am I clear?”

Sam’s eyes bored down into my soul, her words were so strong and definite.

“You’re going to call me, or Leah, or your therapist next time you feel like doing it, that’s an order. You are going to call one of us, call me, and I’ll talk to you, I’ll talk to you for however long it takes for you to understand that this,”

Sam’s hand fell down to my thigh, where we both knew the scars laid, underneath my sweats,

“Isn’t the solution, not anymore, we’re leaving it in the past. This isn’t your way to survive anymore, from now on you aren’t going to just survive, we are going to make you live, I promise you that. From here on out you are going to live, and enjoy living. I am going to try my hardest to keep to that promise, but you need to as well. Promise me you are going to try and do more than just survive, because this shit in the press, it sucks, but it’s going to go away and once it does you are going to be lost, you are going to struggle and that fight that you put in everyday to be here, it’s not going to be as present and when that happens, when all of the outside threats are denominated you are going to hit rock bottom, there’s one positive of hitting rock bottom though, there’s only one way up and when you realise that you have the potential to go upwards and you want to, life is going to get better.”

“Y’know I get why Polks and De Vanna recommended you for captain.”

My words were said with tears and snot running down my face, with the realisation that right now, I was being held accountable for my shit and it was a hard realisation. My captain's words had hit home for me with the realisation that there wasn’t room for me to behave like I previously had.

“I try my best, I expect you to do the same. This relationship, this situation, it doesn’t work if you aren’t prepared to put the work in, if you aren’t prepared to hit rock bottom and work upwards from there. When you do hit that bottom, I want you to call me, tell me you’ve had a bad day, or don’t, talk, or listen, whatever you need.”

I nodded at Sam.

“I am going to try.”

She smiled at me and nodded, all encouragement and comfort.

“Okay then, okay. Come here kid,”

Sam opened her arms for me and I collapsed into them, grateful for just the warmth and comfort of Sam’s arms. I understood why all of the girls gravitated to her, why they seeked her out so often. She understood, she didn’t judge, she listened and then she gave advice, good advice, meaningful advice. One of her hands went to my back, gently rubbing across the nooks and valleys along my back. The other hand reached to the nape of my neck, gently twisting and brushing out the hairs that laid at the beginning of my hairline. I lent into her touch, silently finding so much comfort in her actions.

“M’ sorry, sorry that I didn’t come to you earlier.”

“It’s okay kid, I understand, you were scared and you didn’t know who you could talk to about that. What’s important is you know now, you know that I am always here for when you need help and I expect you to come to me from now on, no more hiding and struggling in silence, okay?”

I nodded into Sam’s arms, just silently finding so much peace and solace in being held. I hadn’t been held in months, not since I’d been with Leah and the last few months with Leah had been hard to say the least. She’d done her ACL, and it wasn’t anybody's fault, I hadn’t been prepared for it though. Both Leah and I were going through rough patches and neither of us were prepared to look after another human being besides ourselves. There had been countless nights between the two of us spent crying and fighting with each other. It was rough, we’d worked through it though. It was hard though, and a part of me felt guilty for not being okay, and a part of me felt like Leah was going through so much worse than me and I could never burden her with my stupid problems.

“Now, I think it is definitely time that we get you tucked in and asleep, I won’t take any arguments, you look like you could sleep for days if you needed.”

I just nodded at Sam, any fight, any defiance that had been in my body was gone, I just didn’t have it in me. She was right, I was tired, I’d hardly slept the whole world cup. I was an insomniac, so that was to blame partially, partially I also just didn’t feel safe sleeping. Ellie was always on the phone with her girlfriend, when she wasn’t she was trying to talk to me or do yoga or something. She’d also been slaughtered in the press most of the tournament, it was messing with her, everyone could tell. Her techniques for combatting her anxiety about it though was annoying to say the least, being the younger one in the situation I didn’t have the confidence to tell her that her habits were fucking annoying to say the least.

I didn’t fight back as Sam gently laid me down on my bed, pulling the covers up over my body and very gently tucking me in.

“Have a good sleep, kid.”

She smiled at me and I smiled back.

“You too cap, thank you, I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”

Sam patted me on the head, giving me her signature smirk.

“It’s no trouble, now get some sleep yeah, I need you to be coherent for tomorrow.”

I nodded along with Sam’s statement, watching as she got up off of my bed and walked towards the light switch, turning it off before jumping into her own bed. She rustled around in her sheets for a few minutes before finding her spot, a few minutes after the rustling ended I heard her breath slow and even out, indicating that she’d fallen asleep.

The situation was not the same for me, it took me a few hours to fall asleep and once I did I only slept for two hours, it was fitful sleep, very light and not very good. I laid in bed for a while before deciding around 5 that I was going to go for a run. I got up as quietly as I could, throwing on a pair of shorts and a sports bra. Once I’d gotten dressed I picked out my pair of running sneakers before creeping my way out of the hotel room and trying my very hardest to keep my steps silent as I walked down the hallway and into the elevators that took me down to the lobby. Our hotel was about 200 metres from the beach, so I made the decision I would take my morning run along the beach.

It was still dark out as I made my way out onto the main road and started my jog down to the water's edge. The sun probably wouldn’t rise before I came home. I planned to do about ten km, the beach was around 4 or so long so If I ran up and then down I would probably do about that. As soon as I got down to the waters edge I started to run properly.

Running had been one of my releases since I was 12. Whenever I was angry I went for a run, when I ran everything stopped. It was just me and the music that I had running through my headphones. It felt the same as I set my pace along the sand, like all of the fucking mayhem from the past twenty four hours was just mellowing out, becoming background noise. If I could always be running I would. The only time I ever felt like I was myself was when I was running. The feeling of your heart pounding against your chest, the feeling of your breath hurting in your throat and the dryness in your throat. As I ran the sun slowly started to rise, slowly climbing along the horizon. I made it about three quarters of the way before I ran into someone, one of the last people I wanted to be seeing.

For a second I wasn’t quite sure who it was, they were the only other person on the beach, standing along the shoreline. As I sprinted my way back to my starting spot the body slowly started to become bigger and the fear in my gut slowly grew. I couldn’t make out much more than their body, with the lack of lighting present in the room. As I slowly approached though, more features slowly started to become more recognisable and I silently screamed internally as I realised who exactly was.

As I approached them I slowed my pace, down to a slow jog, almost a walk. I slowly approached them and internally froze as they turned to face me. Fuck.

“It’s a nice morning.”

Lucy’s face was stone serious, and her words didn’t reflect the general attitude that she seemed to hold.

“So you're enjoying the motherland, then, the sunrises are unbeatable.”

“I’d be enjoying it more if I hadn’t been pulled out of my bed at 5am this morning to come and find you because Kerr texted Leah saying you’d disappeared and she didn’t know where to.”

“I’m allowed to go on a run.”

“You didn’t leave a note, after having what I’ve perceived as a fairly rough twenty four hours.”

“I don’t need the lecture.”

“La Reina wouldn’t have a bar of this attitude.”

“Alexia isn’t here.”

“It could be arranged, if I deem you in need of some attitude adjustment.”

I braced myself in front of Lucy, she was a scary woman. When I’d started in the WSL I’d originally been selected by Barcelona, then after half a season I’d been traded to Arsenal. I’d liked it at Barca, if I hadn't been traded I probably would have still been there, Barca was good, when I’d gotten there I had been a basket case, it had been what I’d needed. I was 17 at the time, and had no idea what I’d wanted, Barca had taught me how to wake up every morning and do something with life.

Lucy opened her arms up to me and I let myself fall into them, letting the older woman embrace me. Her arms were strong and they hugged me to her tightly, comfortingly, in the way that a mother would embrace their child. That was what Barca had given me, a good relationship with people that were like substitutes for my mom.

“It’s good to see you, Luce.”

“It’s good to see you as well kid, although I would have preferred it to be under different circumstances.”

She released me from her arms and sat herself down on the sand, nodding at me to sit down next to her. I followed suit, so we were both sitting on the sand, looking out at the sunrise.

“You’ve been doing it again.”

“I don’t know what you're talking about.”

“I don’t want to tell Ale that you’re lying to me as well.”

I crossed my arms across my chest in frustration, grumbling at Lucy.

“She’s not even my captain anymore.”

“She’s still the woman who took you under her wing, she’s your blood, mija.”

I pursed my lips and looked out at the horizon, the sun was truly rising now, the bright pink and oranges mixing into a tie dye across the sky.

“How’d you know I was going to be down here.”

“Just a hunch, I know how much you like your runs.”

“I wasn’t running away or anything, I just needed to think.”

One of Lucy’s arms fell over my shoulders, it was heavy but so soft at the same time.

“I know mi amor, you should have told someone where you were going though, especially considering the events of the last few hours, you worried a lot of people.”

“Leah told you?”

“She told me she was worried about you, that you had a lot on your plate right now, more than a 19 year old should be handling.”

I pursed my lips again, Lucy’s words were so pensive, so calculated but present at the same time. It was bizarre.

“I, just, this world cup, it was supposed to be the defining moment in my career, when I proved to everyone that I was as good, if not better than everyone else they were comparing me too. But I haven’t been performing, the press hates me, I just can’t catch a break.”

“Sounds like you need a sabbatical.”

I snorted a little bit at Lucy’s words.

“I’m serious, you know, after this, you should take some weeks off. Leah needs it as well, go somewhere, wherever your heart feels like you need to be and just live, or learn to live. Turn your phone off, eat as much as you want, exercise as little or as much as you want, just let yourself be happy, without everyone else, without football, without social media and other people. Learn to love yourself.”

I’d been handed so much emotional advice over the last few hours, it was a lot to absorb, a lot to think about.

“I miss La Reina, I miss Barca.”

“I know mi amor, but you have to be here, you have to be in London. It’s what you are destined to be doing, Ale and us all miss you but you are doing such good things where you are.”

“Your taking me back to the hotel, aren’t you?”

Lucy nodded at me sadly and I took one final deep breath before lifting myself off the sand and dusting any remnants of it off of my clothing. I helped Lucy up and then we both started to walk towards the beach exit.

“I’ll be there to watch you tomorrow, Kei, Leah and I. Play for us yeah? Make us proud.”

The walk back to the hotel was rather sullen, both Lucy and I staying fairly silent, her guiding me to the doors with a hand secured on my lower back. When we got to the door I gave her a hug before parting ways and stepping into the lobby. The team room was a little bit more alive then it had been when I’d walked through earlier in the morning. Kat, Harper, Charli and Ky were all awake, having breakfast together, as well as a few of the other veterans. I made my way through the lobby as quickly as I could, I couldn’t be bothered with talking to anyone.

When I did get back to my room, I was very surprised to find Sam, Steph, Haley and Alanna waiting for me. I was the first person to speak, slipping off my shoes next to the door and breaking the tension.

“Isn’t it a bit early for a mothers group meeting?”

[ethan-nestor-owns-my-heart]

The carpenter sisters

Scream VI vs Scream (2022)

[celiastjamesoscar]

It’s 3 in the morning for me, but I cannot stop thinking about the fact that Sam has ‘joined’ the Woodsboro Truther account just so she can keep taps on what people are saying about her and it truly breaks my heart.

The fact that she had joined the group that is trying its best to ruin her imagine and reputation is sickening. Sam also follows that account as a way to remind herself of the peace that she will never have, that she will never deserve because of her haunting past

Maybe I’m reading way too much into this, but it’s just something that I found interesting

[ortegascream]

Don't mind me, just thinking about Tara's little ''Sam, it hurts''

[dreamersbcll]

Darling

but only you have shown me how to love being alive

——————————————————————————

Soft kisses pressed against her skin, peppering her nose and covering her cheeks affectionately. If she moved slightly to the left, she could feel the warmth of a body curled into her ribs. She wrinkled her nose a bit, feeling the lips that pressed against her skin curl into a little smile.

Sam, without opening her eyes, pulled in her little sister, holding her to her chest. Tara squealed in surprise, then trailing into delighted giggles. She had her baby sister to her chest, breathing in the scent of coconut shampoo and lavender body lotion.

Heaven. Her little girl always smelled like heaven.

Slowly opening her eyes, she turned slightly to the right, blinking sleepily. The clock on her bedside table read 2:42 a.m. Huh. Early morning. Tara hated early mornings. Case in point, she was falling asleep against Sam’s body.

“Nena,” she whispered hoarsely, brushing hair out of Tara’s face.

Tara, not hearing her, continued to snore softly, her eyes fluttering.

She gently sat up, switching Tara’s position and cradling her little sister. Tara groaned in annoyance but gladly snuggled into the new position. Sam shook her head, grinning through the dark at the sleeping girl in her arms. Though Tara was nearly twenty-one, she was still her little; she always would be.

Sam gently pressed a kiss to Tara’s forehead, noting how Tara’s eyelashes fluttered in contentment. “Baby, wake up.”

“Mhmm?” Tara sighed, curling deeper into Sam’s chest.

“What are you doing awake?”

Tara paused, her breath catching in her throat. She squeezed her eyes shut, and though it was dark, the action was not lost on Sam. She frowned at the action, cupping Tara’s face.

“Honey.”

Her little sister cringed against Sam’s body. She knew that tone well- the one that meant Sam knew what she was hiding. It was the powers that came with being a big sister. Sam knew all and knew her little sister inside and out.

Breathing out, Tara curled a hand around the collar of Sam’s t-shirt. “I had a…nightmare, I guess.”

She pressed another kiss to her sister’s forehead, sighing. “Another one? Was it the same thing?”

Her little sister shook her head slightly. “No, it wasn’t about Her again. It was…” she paused, her voice caught in her throat.

“…It was about you. You left. Again,” Tara pushed out, using all the air in her lungs to utter words that tasted like poison.

Though her heart was heavy, and her chest ached in pain, Sam knew this wasn’t something she could afford to fall apart over. Her little sister had genuine, very valid fears- and as much as Sam would like to ignore her own flaws, she couldn’t. Tara was still afraid, still worried that Sam may choose anything else but her again. Sam had before, after all.

But that was before when all the pain weighed her down and forced her underneath the water— forcing her to admit that she was a sinner and deserved to suffer. Before Tara forgave her and before her little sister’s lips whispered You have to let me go.

Before Sam could scream back, how could she ever do that again?

Now it was after, and now was the time that the sisters let their walls down and admitted that the love never left between them; it was just hidden between their respective walls. Sam would never let her sister go again; she could never leave the arms that hugged her like she was worth all the trauma, panic, and grief that plagued their lives. She couldn’t. She wouldn’t.

She cupped Tara’s face, her thumb brushing against her cheek. “Mi Cielo.”

Tara shook her head, turning away from Sam. Her little girl gently pushed Sam's arms off her, crawling out of her hold, and sat on the edge of the bed. Sam sighed at the action but let her sister sit, waiting for Tara to talk. Instead, she reached over and turned on the bedside light.

Sam opened her mouth, prepared to talk, apologize, and grovel for her sister’s forgiveness, but Tara cut her off before she could begin.

“No, Sam. Es una estupidez. Estás a mi lado en la cama. Sólo estoy siendo dramática. I’m just being stupid,” Tara whispered, her eyes averted from Sam’s.

Faltering, Sam frowned. “Hey, No. No eres dramática ni estúpida. I’m here, mi amor. Right here,” she whispered, reaching out to touch Tara’s shoulder.

Tara froze at the touch, her body ridged. “You weren’t then.”

Sam paused, moistening her lips. “No,” she said carefully, thinking over her following words. “I wasn’t, but I am now.”

She slightly squeezed Tara’s shoulder, noticing how Tara relaxed into the touch. “I won’t leave again, I promise.”

Her little sister stiffened, turning her body to face Sam. Sam’s arm slowly slid off Tara's shoulder, and she pulled it back, gently grazing her sister's skin. In the soft light, Sam could see tears shining in Tara’s eyes, her bottom lip trembling. Oh, her little girl. She just wanted to hold her. But Tara needed space, and she would respect that, even if it killed her.

Tara swallowed hard, speaking just above a whisper. “Even if I’m too much? ¿Incluso cuando soy quejica, ruidosa o mala? ¿Y si eso es el colmo? You can’t go. I won’t let you.”

Sam smiled. How could Tara ever think she was too much? Sam could never get enough of her.

“Mi Cielo.”

“Sammy,” Tara softly pleaded, her voice so heavy, so young, that it made Sam’s heartbreak.

She slowly got up, moving so she was sitting beside Tara. Gently, she put an arm around Tara’s body, letting her sister slowly relax into her side. She didn’t want to scare Tara, but she didn’t wish not to touch her either. All she wanted was to soothe her little sister’s fears like a big sister was supposed to.

“I’m not going anywhere. It’s you and I. I promise you that—promesa de meñique. Siempre seremos tú y yo, hasta el final,” she said, squeezing Tara’s arm.

Tara paused, digesting Sam’s words. “Haste el final,” she slowly whispered, her voice tinged with awe.

There it was. That smile, that damn smile Sam loved like no other. It could light up continents and make the Sun in the sky jealous. She loved her little sister so much. So fucking much.

Humming, she pulled her sister in, letting Tara warp her arms around her midriff. “Honey, they will have constellations of us in the stars. They could never, ever tear us apart. To the end.”

“Te amo, Sammy,” Tara breathed, her fingertips ghosting across Sam’s ribs.

“Te amo, mi cielo,” Sam whispered back without hesitation.

Sam gently guided Tara back to the bed, letting her sister curl her head under her chin. As Tara drifted to sleep, Sam turned the light off, resting her arms around her sister’s shoulders.

“Haste el final,” she whispered, running a hand through Tara’s hair.

Whoever would try to spare them would have to beg for mercy that would never be granted— mercy that was never there in the first place.

[psychofreakforc]

Nobody can convince me that Tara wasn't acting like this with Danny because she was being protective of Sam. It wouldn't be the first time that her love interest betrays her.

In the last scene, it's where Tara realised Danny actually cared about Sam, and he didn't want to hurt her.

[krikeymate]

Who do you think Tara would choose if she had to choose between Sam and Amber? Like if they were both in trouble and she could only save one and the other would know that she didn’t choose them?

I mean in her heart, it's always going to be Sam, isn't it.

But of course, context context context.

See here's the thing. Amber is the type of person to look at Tara and whimper her name and expect her to be who she chooses. Sam? Sam is the type to smile at her sister and say it's ok and expect not to be chosen, and that's why she'll always win.

I'm also just imagining some scenario where both Amber and Sam are extremely suspicious and are fist fighting, and Tara's holding a gun in their direction, with each other yelling at her to shoot the other one. Tara holds the gun to her own head instead. While Amber gets angry and tells her to put it down, Sam gets to her knees and begs her to shoot her instead, just don't hurt yourself. Tara decides it doesn't even matter who the killer is, Sam wins.

[starstaiined]

there's something achingly tragic about the killer being someone tara was ready and willing to sacrifice her life for. like, in 5, when she thinks amber's in danger. she grabs a knife and takes off towards the door with the full intention to RUN to amber's house and fight off a psychopath. despite very obviously being terrified, she's going to put herself between the people she loves and danger.

and we see this echoed in six. when danny sends them the picture of ghostface in quinn's room and everyone jumps up from the table, tara is the only one who dives towards the door. chad hooks an arm around her waist and holds her arm to stop her from charging into the room, but she was fully ready to try to defend quinn.

[a-b-o-v-eg-r-o-u-n-dr-a-d-i-s-h]

I loved @krikeymate’s idea of Sam having a squeaky toy that I expanded a bit on it of where it came from and the other toys she’d have.

Chad and Mindy would eventually find out about Sam destroying the pillow and the chew toys Tara got her. So as a joint gag birthday present they bought her a bunch of dog toys; a spiked ball, tug of war rope and some squeaky toys (a fire truck that sounds like a bicycle horn, and a stuffed duck that quacks). Sam says that she jokingly hates the twins and their presents but they all know that she’s teasing and loves them. Sam’s favourite is the duck since it’s soft she can bring it to bed with her and if she happens to fall asleep with it at least they’re not sleeping on the hard plastic of the fire truck.

She enjoys now how she can play with the Core 4 during full moons. She plays catch with Chad since he has the best arm among them but never returns the ball back to him. Making Chad chase after her, telling her to “drop it, drop the ball” and “come here.” It never works and when he does ask Tara for help Sam will always give the ball to her, even if asked to give it back to Chad just to spite him.

Sam always manages to convince Mindy with her best puppy dog eyes to play tug of war with her. She’s always gentle pulling at the rope because she knows she stronger than her, but it always evolves into Core 4 vs Sam. More often than not Sam let’s them win, their arguments and teasing about how “you’re not even trying” and “pull harder, we’re almost winning” always entertains her.

Sam usually lets Tara be, waiting for her to join on her own volition or when she asks Sam to do something with her, not wanting to be the one to trigger her asthma with her excitement to play. Tara understands why Sam does this, so she lets her have playtime with the Twins first before asking if they can go on a run together. Sam’s always eager and excited to go for a run with Tara on her back, able to share something with her sister even if it’s just running around. Tara goads and eggs on Sam to go faster or daring her to jump over something, in hopes of tiring her out. After their run Tara gives Sam the fire truck to chew on as they all doze and nap curled into Sam.

[lesbianpepsi]

protective sam headcanons or just general relationship, either way i love her 😊

Sam is the best and deserves all the love🫶

When you started dating Sam she was already quite protective of you

Always making sure if you're leaving to go to the store or to work you have pepper spray on you

Checking up on your every hour through messaging or calling if you're away from her

But after the Ghostface attack in New York she became even more protective over you

She'd never let you walk anywhere alone, whether it be to the store five minutes away or not, she's coming with you with her arm wrapped around your neck or holding you hand

Sam is always cuddling up to you in bed, holding you so close to her with a grip that's tight but surprisingly soft

You also noticed even while with your friends she's always touching you or brining you so physically close to her you're practically sitting in her lap

Since everyone in New York practically knew who she was and her past she always made sure to be touching you in some way in public

Silently telling the peering eyes that you're hers and she will do anything to keep you safe

She even started giving you tips on how to fight someone off if she's somehow away from you and something would happen

Although many people would find that overbearing and annoying (like Tara does) you don't, you love the love Sam shows you every possible waking moment

[samcscreams]

Samantha Carpenter is the most werewolf coded non actual werewolf character I’ve ever seen. Like think about it.

Tainted blood line.

Deep seeded secrets.

“Killer” instincts.

Pack mentality.

Protective.

A darkness inside.

Not feeling like she can control it.

I mean if you replaced the whole serial killer thing with a werewolf thing, the fundamentals of her character don’t change at all. Now I’m sure there are a bunch of characters like this. Shhh this is Sam’s time to shine but still she feels like there’s something inside her a “darkness” as she put it. Her fear comes from giving in. That she would hurt the people around her if she wasn’t in control of it. That all just screams werewolf to me.

Idk what I’m saying lol. I can’t sleep and thinking about Werewolf Sam makes me feel better.

[ethan-nestor-owns-my-heart]

People: “I bet Tara’s gonna be ghostface”

Tara :

[dastardlydandelion]

these two are going to be the death of me, aren't they??

[juniperhillpatient]

forever thinking about the time I watched a video essayist say in earnest that Wes Craven would never approve of Sam putting on the Ghostface costume

[dreamersbcll]

Holidaze

let love grow

(the core four friendsgiving we all deserve)

——————————————————————————

“Do you even know how to cook a turkey?”

Sam paused her search for the basting pan -she could’ve sworn she had one- to sigh and roll her eyes. Tara had been second-guessing her decisions since they decided to throw this “Friendsgiving feast” that the twins thought of.

New York was a year ago. They were far away, in a new city, with all their friends nearby. It seemed like a good idea to host a family get-together.

Up until Tara’s sudden culinary degree kicked in.

Her sister frowned. “Yeah, but that doesn’t mean you know how to cook.”

Snagging the basting dish, Sam pulled back, slamming the counter door shut. “Tara, go get the vegetables out.”

Tara saluted Sam, heading to the fridge. “Sure thing, Chef Ramsey.”

Meanwhile, Sam got lost in her prep haze. She had to clean the turkey, season it, and cut the vegetables. Tara would need to mash the potatoes and make the biscuits from a can. It all had to be done within the next six hours.

Humming, Sam set up the cutting board and grabbed her favorite knife. She almost didn’t notice that Tara had sidled up next to her.

She turned to face Tara, knife in one hand, a head of celery in the other. “What’s up, baby?”

Her little sister shrugged, her eyes fixated on the cutting board. “Can you show me?” she asked in the quietest, most timid voice.

Sam couldn’t help the smile that spread across her face. She would do anything for that sweet little girl she knew and loved so well.

Nodding, Sam lined up the vegetables, making room for Tara to stand next to her. “Okay, first, we line 'em all up like this…”

—

Before the two knew it, it was already time for the rest of the group to come. First, Gale arrived, already buzzed, holding bags of chips.

“You really wanted me to cook?” she snarkily said, throwing the chips at a disgruntled Tara.

Sidney came later on, holding a couple of homemade pies. Tara’s eyes lit up with joy at the sight. She was always smitten with a good apple pie. Sam should’ve made one.

Eventually, the twins arrived thirty minutes late, both kids gripping heaping food containers and several bottles of wine. Sam grinned wide at the sight, reaching out to grasp the precarious bottle that dangled in Chad’s hand…

…Only for it to slip and spill all over Sam’s shirt.

The room went silent, the laughter dying out. Everybody froze at the sight of the wine-stained shirt, Sam’s wine-stained shirt.

Without thinking, Sam turned and bolted for the bathroom, Tara following suit.

——-

“Stupid. So fucking stupid,” Sam hissed, dabbing at the wine splotches on her shirt.

It took everything in her not to taste the wine-stained fabric.

Fuck. Her mouth was watering, and her head was cloudy. Did wine always smell that good? Was that Chardonnay? She loved Chardonnay. Maybe just a taste. One lick. She’s done worse for a hit.

But she knows. Oh god, does she know what one dab, line, and drink could do. Down the rabbit hole into the darkness, she barely crawled out alive the last time.

That had just survived New York. She couldn’t do this to the group— especially not her little girl. It would tear them apart. Sam couldn’t survive being the reason that breaks her family.

All over a stupid bottle of spilled wine, all over her shirt.

Once an addict, always an addict.

“It’s just alcohol. Just fruit juice. For adults. It’s not a big deal. Fucking snap out of it, Sam,” she cussed.

But it wouldn’t go away.

“Stop it. Stop fucking thinking of that. Grow up. Grow fucking up!”

“Sam?”

Shit. Tara.

“It’s okay, baby. I’m almost done here—just a spill. Be out in a minute,” Sam called, trying to suppress the anxiety rising within her.

“Let me in.”

That wasn’t a question. It was a command. Without thinking, Sam unlocked the door and let her sister in.

Tara walked in slowly, surveying the bathroom. One look at Sam, and she could tell that Tara knew. Sam’s frantic hair, her wild eyes, her shaking hands— all pointed to an alcoholic freaking out over a spilled drink.

Without saying anything, Tara held out a hand, asking for the wine-soaked rag in Sam’s hand. Sam handed it to her without thinking, afraid of the stoic look on Tara’s face.

As Tara took it, pursing her lips, Sam needed to back down. She was too much. Too raw. She had to reel it in. “It’s fine, it’s just-”

“Let me help you,” Tara said, cutting Sam off before she could continue babbling.

Sam snapped her mouth shut. “Okay.”

Tara hummed, turning on the tap to wet the rag. The two watched the faucet run, the noise of the water filling the buzzing in Sam’s head.

Her little sister started to wash the shirt, her lips in a tight line. “I understand, you know. I told them to keep it away from you. Don’t worry. I’ve got you, too,” Tara whispered.

Bowing her head, Sam conceded. Of course, her little sister knew. She always knew. How could Sam ever forget?

“Thank you, my love.”

Tara paused from wiping off Sam’s shirt, and before Sam could react, she darted forward, kissing Sam’s cheek. Before Sam could say anything, Tara was out of the room, closing the door behind her.

Sam turned back to the mirror, noticing the fresh shirt and bra left on the countertop, neatly folded. Next to it was a garbage bag, the message clear.

Trash the shirt. We can replace it. We can’t replace you.

Who was Sam to argue with her little sister?

——

Once Sam finally exited the bathroom, she found everybody sitting at the dinner table, anxiously awaiting her arrival. Steaming food was strewn across the tabletop, napkins folded neatly on each plate. Soft murmurs of conversation stopped once Sam got to the table, the only sound being the flickering of candles Tara had lit.

Upon seeing Sam’s new outfit, Chad winced, his mouth open comically wide. Apparent panic and remorse were reflected in his eyes, and everyone else around the table looked somber.

He stood up, his hands up in surrender. “Shit, Sam, I’m so sorry, I wasn’t thinking-”

Sam waved him off, calming him down with a small smile. “It’s okay. Let’s just sit down and eat, yeah?”

Chad smiled gratefully, mouthing thank you. Sam just nodded and sat at the head of the table, surveying the people around her. Sidney was at her left, Mindy at her right. Across from her was Tara, looking at Sam with such soft and gentle concern that it made her heart ache.

I love you, she mouthed.

Tara smiled at her, eyes shining. I love you, too.

With her heart now full and her stomach empty, Sam clapped her hands, suddenly excited to eat. “Well, what do healthy families do at dinner?”

“Say grace?” Mindy suggested, clasping her hands together.

Chad nodded enthusiastically while Gale shrugged. “Couldn’t hurt,” the woman remarked, taking another swig of her drink.

Sam nodded. “Yeah, alright. Who wants to do it?”

The group all looked at one another, raising eyebrows and silently asking someone to step up.

“I will,” Tara said, looking at Sam pointedly.

That’s her girl. That’s her Tara.

“Okay, baby. Go ahead,” she softly said, smiling at her girl.

Tara smiled at the name, her dimples popping. Sidney held out a hand for Tara to take, the rest of the group reaching out and clasping hands together. Sam watched her little sister bow her head, everyone else following suit. Only when she saw her little sister close her eyes did Sam also bow her head.

“Well, after all we’ve been through, I’m not sure if there’s a God,” Tara began, pausing for the giggles and murmurs to die down.

“But I do believe in family. And the people around me are the best family I’ve ever known. I wouldn’t trade anything in the world for them. I love them all, and I would do nothing,”

“That being said, I want to say how thankful I am for my big sister. Sam is the strongest person I’ve ever known, and I believe in her like one would in God. She is the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and I wouldn’t trade her for anything in the world.”

“Uh, amen?” Chad said.

The group broke apart, giggling and sniffling. Chad reached over to dig into the roast while Mindy started handing out napkins, Sidney and Gale topping off their drinks.

While the table was alive with conversation and movement, all Sam could do was take in the girl across from her in all her glory. Her little girl was something to behold. Such a powerful and beautiful girl she was, with potential that would surely leave a mark on the world in a good way- unlike the Loomis blood that tainted Sam’s reputation.

She wonders if Tara knows how much she loves her and how she would move heaven and earth to make her smile. She would kill again for her little sister.

Instead of moving to dish up food, Tara was doing the same thing, just watching her big sister.

Tara and Sam just watched each other, thousands of words left unsaid in the air.

It didn’t matter. They had each other. That was all that needed to be said.