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wardenparker · 8 months

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Vampire Waltz - ch 3

Max Phillips x female reader Co-written with @absurdthirst

A mysterious inheritance, sprawling mansion, eccentric roommates, friendly bat, and coven of New England witches are the newest chapter of your life after being unceremoniously dumped and kicked out by your boyfriend. For Max, the biggest change in his life is you, and what exactly he's going to do about the fact that he is stuck living with you as long as his sire continues to punish him for that incident at his last office...

Rating: Mature, but this blog is always 18+ Word Count: 12k Warnings: *Blanket warnings for this series: deceased parents, cursing, food, blood and blood drinking, depictions and references to abusive relationships.* Wicca, anxiety (making friends takes spoons), self-doubt, lots of secrets being kept, Bat Max comes with his own warning. Summary: Making new friends isn't always easy, but when those new friends are the local coven sometimes it's a lot easier than you think! Notes: The portrayal of Wiccan characters in this story is based on my own experience and the experiences of people I know personally. It's very safe to say that almost all practitioners have their own special way of doing things and each coven is a little different, so we're just going with what we know. 🧡🧹🍁 A little insight into Dolly's mansion: this chapter image is the fireplace in the morning room at the real life Chateau-sur-Mer!

Ch 1 ~ Ch 2

Waking up to no alarm, no banging or crashing around the house, and no feeling of terror at being late for work is a very strange sort of miracle. The sun is up and the clock on the mantle reads eight o’clock, but the house is silent. That in and of itself is odd, but what is stranger is that you don’t remember getting into bed last night. Popping up from the plush pillows, you find yourself covered with your own comforter and still in your clothes from yesterday, but your book is sitting neatly on the chaise and the window is shut. Did you just have the weirdest ass dream in the world about petting a bat and reading to it? You must have. Right? There is no way that actually happened…

There’s a soft knock on the door. Hearing you stir slightly has Renee waiting for you to give permission to enter before she turns the handle and smiles as she walks in. “Good morning, Dolly.” She murmurs softly. “Would you like a breakfast tray here or would you prefer to eat in the dining room?” Learning your preferences is key and since Mrs. Taylor is handling the blood from the blood bank in the kitchen right now, she doesn’t want you wandering in.

“Morning Renee.” A little groggy from the confusion of how you woke up, you dig the palm of your hand into your eye and smother a yawn. “I’ll come downstairs, you don’t have to bring a tray all the way up.” You’re more than capable of going downstairs, of course. And if your roommates are downstairs you don’t want to seem rude or standoffish.

“It’s no problem.” Renee protests. “Max and Eddie have already eaten, having early morning schedules.”

Somehow you didn’t figure Max for an early riser, but you shrug off that detail and offer her a smile. “I’ll still come down,” you decide. “Maybe a trip into town would be good today? Just to check things out and get to know the area.” It’s Mabon, but you don’t know if anyone else in the house is pagan or Wiccan or would be offended by having witchy holidays brought up, so you don’t say anything. Instead you’ll just quietly get a few fall-themed things for your room and not bother anyone else with it.

“It is the beginning of the autumn equinox, so perhaps it would be good for you to tour around.” Renee nods. “Mrs. Taylor and I will be setting the house up and Mr. Taylor will be decorating.”

“How did you—?” It’s like she was reading your mind, and you tilt your head slightly in curiosity. “I don’t suppose Newport has an autumn festival or a farmer’s market this weekend?” It’s too much to ask that there might be a community of witches nearby, but your parents’ Wiccan upbringing has seeped into your bones and happily stuck there.

The younger housekeeper nods with a small chuckle. “Of course there is. We are only two hours from Salem.” She explains. “This is a magical time of year where traditions outweigh conservatism.”

“Then I think I’ll head into town after breakfast.” The idea of fresh air and maybe hearing someone wish others a Blessed Mabon again gives you a comfort you didn’t know you needed.

“If you need any directions or would like to be driven around, just let me know.” Renee tells you before she hums. “Oh, would you like to drive the Volvo or the Corvette?” She asks. “Mr. Taylor was in the process of giving the Volvo a tune up, but he can have it available for you whenever you need.”

“I don’t want to bother or interrupt anyone.” You insist right away, sitting up and moving to the edge of your bed. “I guess…I’ll drive the Corvette? It’s…that is okay, right?”

“Of course.” She gives you a smile, having already concluded that you will be asking permission for things rather than just doing. Perhaps in time it will change, but she will just roll with it for now.

“Okay.” Adjusting to the idea that these things are yours to do with as you please is going to take a long time, but you nod. “I’ll be down in a few minutes, then.”

“Of course.” She repeats, nodding respectfully and turning to slip out of the room. She will let Mr. Taylor know to pull the corvette out of the carriage house and tell Mrs. Taylor that you are ready for breakfast.

******

It seems like Newport has two parts. There is the ritzy, expensive, even touristy part of town — and then there is the old New England side of things. The locals are a little crotchety but ultimately nice enough, and one even pointed out his favourite coffeeshop to you when you finally ambled your way into the farmer’s market nearby. There are farm stands and crafts people, handmade goods and stalls from small businesses selling everything from soap and tea to jewelry and housewares. It’s an autumn festival minus the feast, but with all the food for sale it won’t be hard to make a feast of your own.

“Miss?” The vendor for the Say Cheese! booth, a gourmet, small batch cheese producer, tries to catch your attention. “Would you like to try some of our caramelized onion and thyme goat cheese?” She asks, offering a tray of the creamy spread that has been smeared on crackers. “Or we have honey and fig if onions aren’t you’re thing.”

You almost want to ask if it’s okay to try both, but that seems greedy until you turn and find a girl about your age with a shiny ’She/Her’ pronoun pin affixed to her apron alongside a name tag that reads ‘Allison’ in curving, cheery lettering. A foam witch’s hat is stuck to the corner and covered in purple glitter, making it extra chipper. “That sounds wonderful,” you say instead, nodding and stepping closer to the booth.

“It is.” She insists. “Although the pumpkin spiced brie can be a little…targeted.” She laughs and shrugs. “But it’s actually pretty good.”

“I’m a big fan of pumpkin spice.” The little witch hat makes you smile and you shrug. “Don’t they say that clove, cinnamon, and ginger keep evil away in folklore? That’s most of what pumpkin spice is.”

“To be honest?” She grins conspiratorially. “Most in my coven are thrilled that it’s become so popular. Protection while not even being aware.”

“You have a—?” You nearly freeze when she says out so freely - so openly - and blow out a happy breath. Happy is an odd feeling. “Blessed Mabon.”

“Blessed Mabon.” Her smile deepens and her eyes light up with delight. “May your harvest be bountiful and your light bright.”

“May the equinox bring you abundance and joy.” That was always your mother’s favourite way to return a Mabon blessing, and you had adopted it over the years. Not that you had had anyone to celebrate with in years, but that’s different. “I—I’m so glad to meet you.” Despite Renee assuring you that there are plenty of pagans, Wiccans, and witches in Newport, you hadn’t just expected to run into one first thing.

“I don’t know if I’ve seen you here before.” Allison comments as she starts to load up a small taster plate with an assortment of cheeses for you to try. “Are you just visiting or new to the area?”

“I just moved.” Though you’re wary of giving more detail than that, this woman is beaming and friendly. “Just trying to get out and see the town a little this morning and you’re the first person I’ve actually met.”

“Then that means we are connected.” Allison beams, reaching behind her neck and removes the smoky quartz crystal that is hanging on a delicate chain. “Here. A welcoming gift for you. It had been blessed during Beltane.”

She does not mean to be anything but kind and perhaps generous, but the gesture of a gift almost has you in tears as she presses the crystal into you stunned, frozen palm. It’s such a small gesture to her, no doubt, but any kind of gift nearly has you in tears that you have to wave off quickly. “Everyone has been so kind since I got here,” you explain quickly. Everyone but Max, you think just as quickly, but she doesn’t need to know your saga. Especially when your other hand has the sample plate in it now and you can’t even recall her putting it there. “It’s overwhelming. In a good way.”

“Our community can be very friendly.” She chatters happily. “Perhaps a bit odd, but that always comes with the supernatural, right?”

"Usually." You smile a little, eventually closing your fingers around the crystal and nodding gratefully. "Thank you...Allison." Her nametag is just out there shining in the sun and you gesture toward it before you introduce yourself.

“You are most welcomed.” She hands you the plate with a slight flourish. “Please let me know what you like out of these cheeses.” She tells you. “And, if you are interested, we have the harvest bonfire tonight.”

"Really?" Again your head shoots up in surprise, and the question is muffled around a bite of the pumpkin spice brie that makes you groan immediately in delight.

“Absolutely.” She winks at you and grins at the absolute bliss on your face. “It’s the first night of the spooky season. We have an eclectic group that comes together. Maybe you would like to meet some spiritual sisters?”

"My roommates were talking about decorating the house." It's still odd to think of having roommates - of living with anyone besides Derek - but remembering the little bat from your dream does make you smile. "I haven't had a coven since college. It...would be really nice to have a community again."

“We are welcoming to all.” She promises and pulls out a little card that has the information on it. “We start a little before sundown, socialize and relax.” She tells you. “Please come. It’s always fun.”

"Thank you." Your quiet murmur is full of gratitude, and moments later when the samples are gone from the little plate, you are buying all three flavours of cheese and whatever else Allison recommends from the stand she is working at. With the ability to actually spend money comes the desire to make sure that it goes to people who will actually benefit directly from your purchases - it's going to be a lot of farmers markets for you in the future and not so much time spent in big chain grocery stores.

Once the transaction is completed, Allison smiles at you. “I hope to see you later?” She asks questioningly.

"I think so." There is always a chance you'll get too anxious and freak yourself out a bit, but you nod. You want to have the emotional energy to make new friends tonight. Maybe you'll cut your outing short earlier in the day so that you don't run out of steam. It's been a long time since you had something you actually wanted to do like this. "Is--can I bring anything?" Always taught never to show up empty handed, you'll surely end up bringing something no matter what the answer is.

“An opened mind and heart.” Allison shakes her head. “Our guests are never required to bring anything more. It will be our pleasure to host you this evening.”

"I'll see you tonight." You will make it work. And besides -- the trip out this morning will have to be quick. You've got precious cheese to get back home.

******

“I hope that she is okay.” Mrs. Taylor glances out the window with a frown on her face. “She seems like such a timid thing. So surprising about that, considering.”

“We don’t know what she’s been through,” Renee reminds the older woman, methodically working her way through folding the last of your laundry. There was a lot of it that seemed barely touched — fun things like dresses and logo tees or more fitted things — and looser, more office work clothing and jeans that are surely baggy on you, that look far more worn. “A lot’s happened in her life. Or at least…a lot could have happened.”

“It makes me want to protect her.” Mrs. Taylor admits quietly. She’s never had children of her own, but that doesn’t mean that she doesn’t have a motherly instinct. “No wonder he wanted her brought here.”

“He should have been able to protect her before now.” Renee tuts, carefully folding a sweater depicting a black cat perched like they’re in a windowsill. “But that’s none of our business, of course.”

“There were reasons.” She’s not sure what those reasons are, but there’s very little he does that doesn’t have reasoning behind it.

“I’m sure.” She isn’t, not really, but Renee has never been the one to make the decisions. She prefers it that way. “At least we can do our part in taking care of her now.”

“Of course we can. It’s why he had her brought here.” She’s incredibly proud of her role in taking care of Cookie and there is a lot of trust that was placed in her hands to do that. Renee hasn’t been with the family quite as long, so she doesn’t understand that quite yet. “Perhaps we can put together a lovely tea time when she gets back.”

“I’ll be surprised if she doesn’t come back with a few things from the farmer’s market.” The thought of you settling in makes the younger woman smile and she sets the stacks of your folded clothes into the dresser beside her. “We can make a tray with some of what she finds?” As if on cue, the front door opens and closes, the sound reverberating through the house despite being gentle. “Hopefully that’s her,” Renee hums, quickly depositing the last of your clean things in the bureau and heading for the stairs.

Nodding, Mrs. Taylor quickly follows the younger housekeeper out of the bedroom to see who has come inside. Mr. Taylor is finishing up with the car out in the carriage house but he would come in the back door.

“Good afternoon, ma’am.” Renee is the first to spot you, looking a little more relaxed than when you left this morning and caring many more bags. “Please, allow me.”

“Oh, it’s okay, Renee.” The fresh air has you feeling better, after having spent hours at the farmer’s market and debating whether or not to take a walk around the nearest bakery or florist shop, only to end up overwhelmed by the change in the people in those places. They were tourists - obviously wealthy and snobbish - and not nearly as friendly as the people you’d met at the market. “Only…” You separate out the bag that has your precious cheeses in it. “I wonder if you wouldn’t mind putting these in the refrigerator for me? The farmer’s market had amazing things.”

“Absolutely.” She beams, happy that you had found things that you wanted at the market. “Mrs. Taylor was just suggesting putting together a tea tray for you. Would you like anything from here on it?” She asks, wanting you to have some input.

“There is a spiced plum tea and some goat cheese with fig that—” As soon as the thought begins, you frown and shake your head, becoming tight and self-conscious again. “You don’t have to trouble yourselves. I can take care of it. I—don’t want to give either of you more work than you already have.”

"Of course." She nods, but she has no intention of listening to you. There is plum tea and fig goat cheese that you have fallen in love with, so that will be added to the tray along with the tea sandwiches that Mrs. Taylor has no doubt already started making in the kitchen.

“I’ll just go and put these things upstairs first.” Crystals, candles, some waxed flowers, and cute little needlepointed pillow with a bat in a pile of leaves have all come home with you and they’re going to help your space feel a little more personal instantly.

"I'll bring the tray up in just a moment," Renee turns. "Unless you would like to have tea in the morning room?" The light is bright and airy in there and it's a lovely space for a tea service.

“You don’t have to—” Her face makes it abundantly clear that there will be a tea tray and the only conversation she’s willing to entertain about it is the location in which you will be receiving it. “The morning room would…it sounds very nice,” you admit after a breath. “Thank you, Renee.”

"There was a book on your bedside table this morning." She mentions quietly. "Would you like me to bring it down so you can read, or is that an evening book?"

“That’s an old favorite.” The hundred-year-old copy of Jane Eyre has even seeped its way into your dreams, but you enjoyed it thoroughly. “I’ll pick something else from the shelves for day reading.” It’s such a luxury, and it’s hard to process that that is your life now. Luxury. Doing whatever you want. No one is going to stop you.

"Of course." This time the nod is accompanied by a small smile before the assistant housekeeper rushes off to make sure that your tea tray includes the small little treats you had brought back from your first trip to the town.

The small bags with goodies in them are easily deposited in your room, where you notice that your childhood throw blanket with ballet slippers prominently featured has been folded and left at the bottom of your chaise, and your bed has been made again. It’s not bad, it’s just…odd. Something your great-aunt was so used to and maybe occasionally even took for granted…that you will have to remind yourself is perfectly reasonable. Refocusing yourself, you put down your bags and take the little throw pillow out, deciding to bring it down to the morning room window seat with you. It will be a sweet little thing to have with you, and you can bring it upstairs again afterward so that you don’t get in anyone’s way.

******

"She has been to the farmer's market and would like to use the plum tea and the fig goat cheese." Renee hums happily as she sweeps into the kitchen with the bag you had given her. As she had expected, the little three tiered display is already layered with little sandwiches on the bottom. She's sure some are cucumber and others are the curry chicken salad she had been experimenting with.

“I’m sure she insisted she would do it herself, and that we shouldn’t trouble ourselves?” Mrs. Taylor raises one eyebrow but continues her work on the tea server, adding orange flavored Madeline cakes to the top tier.

"You know she did." Renee tuts and rolls her eyes, although she's not bad mouthing you. "I will start to brew the tea."

“Did it seem she enjoyed herself at least?” The two women are very coordinated in the kitchen and move gracefully around each other as Renee starts the kettle and Mrs. Taylor puts the other cheeses away. There are some lovely crackers in the pantry that she can include to go with the cheese you particularly wanted to enjoy today.

"There was light in her eyes that was not there yesterday." Renee confirms as she brings out the silver teapot to set on the tray. Ms. Brown's favorite tea set is already laid out and tomorrow, Renee will suggest rotating the sets until they are certain of which ones that you prefer. She pulls out the canister with the sugar cubes to put into the small dish. "I would say that she enjoyed herself very much."

“We can finish decorating for the autumn this afternoon.” Mrs. Taylor decides, working quickly to make sure the tea service is just so. “Mr. Taylor brought the rest of the decorations down from the attic for us and Mr. Finchley suggested adding some garlands to the outer gates.”

“That sounds good.” Renee agrees. “I think that it will be good to have a sense of ‘life’ back in the mansion.”

“As it were.” Mrs. Taylor chuckles as she arranges the seeded crackers on the tea stand. “With so many undead about, it seems an ironic choice.”

“I honestly wonder if there doesn’t need to be a human in the house.” Renee muses. “When it was just us, there was something missing. I’m sure that I’m not the only one who felt it.”

After a moment, the younger woman hums again. “There does seem to be an extra element of activity with a human around.” For Renee, it is treasured. She was turned hundreds of years ago but she is still pulled toward humanity for so many reasons other than their blood. “Do you think…perhaps Eddie has taken a shine to her already?”

“He has.” Mrs. Taylor looks up from arranging the crackers with just the perfect amount of cheese with a hopeful smile. “I’m not sure if it’s brotherly or romantic yet, but our dear Eddie so needs another tender heart around.”

“Wonderful.” Renee sighs. “It would most wonderful for everyone to be happy.” But after a moment more of consideration, she chews on her lip and turns her head back to the older vampire. “Is Max trying to irritate Dolly?” She asks warily.

“He might be.” And it bothers the housekeeper to no end, knowing how timid you are. “He doesn’t know…” she shakes her head, carefully cutting coins of the goat cheese you found today. “If he did, he would leave well enough alone.”

“Or he would be trying to smooze her.” Renee snorts. “Which might be even worse than irritating her. If he touches her, he might stake him and not bring him back again.”

“We would be getting a surprise visit immediately if Max decided to do that.” Considering the way their boss had behaved when suitors arrived for the other young lady of the house so long ago.

Renee winces and shakes her head. “He will stay away if he knows what’s good for him.” She huffs with a smirk, knowing Max Phillips is nothing if not egotistical enough to try to play some game with you.

“But he doesn’t,” Mrs. Taylor reminds Renee as she puts the finishing touches on the food our your tea tray. “That’s how he ended up here in the first place.”

“I remember.” Renee snorts. “I had to take care of him when he was first brought back and his new skin was raw.”

“I still don’t understand why he felt strongly enough to bring Max back.” It was a mystery that Mrs. Taylor had not quite parceled out yet, but she certainly spent more time thinking about it than she let on.

“Of all the vampires he could have brought back.” Renee hums, shaking her head. “Max Phillips is the one he chose.”

“He will have had his reason.” Although what it is, Mrs. Taylor has yet to figure out. Instead she sets silverware and a cloth napkin on the service cart with the tiered server and dishes. The only thing missing now is the tea, and that should be ready momentarily.

As soon as the teapot starts to whistle, Renee pulls it off the heat and flips open the lid to the serving teapot, pouring the hot water in to infuse with the tea leaves you had brought home. Closing the lid with a satisfied smile. “There. Now I will deliver this to Dolly.”

“Will you let her know that dinner can be served wherever she likes tonight?” Mrs. Taylor wipes her hands and begins to pick up the counter right away. “Eddie and Max will both be out. I didn’t ask why, but it will be good for her to be able to relax.”

“Yes ma’am.” Renee wheels the cart out of the kitchen towards the elevator.

******

Upstairs, you have unearthed a first edition copy of Shirley Jackson's We Have Always Lived in the Castle and settled back in the window seat with your little pillow and the muted afternoon sun. Every window in the house seems to be coated with something that tints the light the barest shade of yellow and you wonder vaguely if it was some Victorian architecture fad. Or if architecture even has things like fads.

Wheeling the cart into the ‘secret’ room, Renee finds you already settled into the window seat and smiles. “Tea is served.” She announces, happy to see that you do not startle when she comes in. Yesterday you looked like you would jump out of your skin, but something about the new day seems to have settled you.

"You really didn't have to." Although you had a feeling that she might. Mrs. Taylor is the type to do things properly or not at all, and Renee is her dutiful second in command. "Thank you, of course." Grateful as you are, you put your book aside as Renee sets the cart beside you by the window.

“My pleasure.” She nods respectfully and steps back. “Mrs. Taylor and I are going to finish decorating this afternoon, but we will be available anytime you need us.”

"Thank you," you murmur again, catching a whiff of the spiced tea that you brought home and rolling over in your mind whether you want to venture out of the house tonight. Allison was so friendly, but you're nervous. "Renee...can I ask you something?"

“Anything.” Her job is to take care of the house and you are now a part of that. Anything you need, any questions you have, she will help as much as she can.

"I was invited to an event tonight." As silly as you feel about asking a virtual stranger for her opinion, Renee has been so kind to you at every turn. So you pull the little card that Allison gave you out of your pocket and hand it to the young woman. "A local coven is having a Mabon bonfire. I only..." you frown slightly, feeling small as you shrink against the wall. "I don't know if I ought to go? Or if that would be imposing too much."

There was a time that vampires and witches were enemies. At that time, she would have encouraged you to keep your distance. That had changed over the millennia and they had joined forces to keep the secrets of the world away from the humans, except for rare exceptions. “Allison?” She smiles as she looks down a the card. “You should go. I was supposed to tell you that dinner will be served wherever you wish tonight, but I think you will be out during the dinner hour.”

"I haven't had a coven in so long." When Renee hands the card back to you, it ends up cradled in your hands like precious cargo. "And she was so terribly nice."

“I know her vaguely. She’s extremely nice.” She agrees. “She would come to visit Ms. Brown sometimes.”

"Was...Ms. Brown...?" Somehow the image of this ninety-one-year-old woman that you had in your head with the first phone call from the lawyer's office has already changed twice over in the very little time you've been here, but you still hadn't expected this find out she was Wiccan.

“A witch?” Her brow arches up and she purses her lips in amusement that you cannot quite come out with the questions you need answered. “Oh yes. Probably the greatest witch in Newport, perhaps the East Coast. She oversaw the coven for years until….” She shakes her head. “Until her heart was no longer in it. Then she allowed others to take over.”

"Do you mind if I ask you what changed?" You could understand if age or infirmity had kept her from being as active in her coven, but this is not what it sounds like Renee is saying.

“She….lost someone close to her.” Renee knows she is not permitted to tell you the truth, that would have to come from him, at his discretion. However, acknowledging some of the reasoning behind Cookie’s change of heart cannot be too bad. “Very dear to her.”

“I’m very sorry to hear that.” It feels like intruding to ask more, so you only nod your understanding and leave the topic alone for now. “Well…thank you, Renee. Again. I think I will go out tonight after all.” It feels heavier now, somehow. More important. And there is a thought in the back of your mind that getting to know this relative you had never met by accepting the invitation of someone she knew is the best possible way to spend your night.

She bites her lip and then nods, as if making up her mind, which she has. “If the tea can hold for a few minutes, perhaps you will allow me to show you something?”

“Of course.” There’s nothing wrong with letting a teapot steep, and you set your book and pillow aside immediately.

“Follow me.” She asks, turning to leave the morning room through the bookcase door.

Through the hidden door in the wall and through to the library, you’re surprised when Renee crosses the room toward the marble hall and pulls open an even more hidden door in the window nook. This one has no visible knob but is activated with the pull of a false book exactly like a spooky story or horror film. A room no bigger than a closet houses an elaborate spiral staircase that seems to crawl up toward the sky and Renee beckons for you to follow. Up and up and up, the ornately carved wooden staircase just keeps going until you’re sure there can’t possibly be any house left, because you’ve counted to four floors and you were certain the place only had three.

When the stairs run out, they deliver you into the most incredible open room covered in overlapping rugs and thick, heavy, blue velvet curtains. The ceiling is painted like the night sky — blue-black with silver and gold stars and an immense chandelier that hangs high in the middle of the room. Renee has moved to the wall quickly, pressing a button that turns on the electric lights in the chandelier and lights up the room. The shape of the sloping gold and purple-fabric covered walls and ceiling tell you that you’re in the top of the East tower on the left of the house, but the point is driven home when you can see out the tinted window to the front yard. In front of the window, though, is a sizable altar all decorated in candles and a myriad of different size bowls of many materials. To the left is a bronze statue of a goddess and to the right in a black marble statue of a god - the two images presiding over the rest of the altar like the dutiful deities they are.

“This was her ‘spell room’ as Cookie liked to call it.” Renee tells you fondly. Even though they had believed that the room might never be used again, it is meticulously dusted. A labor of love to the woman who had used it before you. Now, Renee was proud to believe that the tradition of a witch in Chateau-sur-Mer would continue.

“I guess it really does run in the family…” Carefully stepping up to the altar, you hum with satisfaction to see that the goddess statue depicts Persephone and the god is Hades — favorite deities of yours, as well. “My parents were witches, too. Our altar at home had statues of Artemis and Apollo. My mother loved the idea of the balance between moon and sun.”

Renee nods, keeping her face neutral. “Another good set of deities.” She agrees.

“This is amazing…” There are elements of old traditions and new all over the room. A hand sewn broom leans against a case of carefully crafted poppets. An enormous collector cabinet dominates the far wall with labels for every herb and potion ingredient you can think of, and a circular scrying table stands ready in the middle of the room. Gothic style chairs surround it, suggesting it was used for much more than just scrying. “I never would have guessed,” you admit, looking back at Renee in wonder. “Not in a thousand years.”

“That is a good thing.” She tells you with a grin. “It’s supposed to be a secret.”

“Then it will stay a secret.” You make a motion out zipping up your lips, locking them, and throwing away the key. “Is it…a secret from other people in the house?” Noticing other doors off of the room, you curiously poke your head over to see if any of the doors are open. Most are open archways, but one door is firmly shut.

“No. The - they know of it.” It was never a secret here what Cookie was, not when this was her refuge.

“Okay.” Nodding, you look back at the door and then to Renee. “Is there a key for this door?” The handle hadn’t budged when you tried it, and fortunately you hadn’t seen the maid flinch, either.

“There is a key.” She bites her lip and wonders if you want it bad enough to go in there.

“One I would assume Mrs. Taylor has?” The blinding fear of curiosity in your chest is a little nerve wracking, and you try to push it aside even though it has your blood beating in your ears. Forcing yourself to smile and step away from the door that has all of your focus narrowed on it, you swallow and feel the tingles of nerves all through your veins. “Tea will be cold if we stay up here much longer,” you decide, steadily trying to ignore the door that seems to call your name personally.

“Of course, Dolly.” She tilts her head, wondering if she had imagined the shiver that rolls through your body. She focuses on your heartbeat and finds it slightly faster than normal, which is already ticking at a nervous beat.

When you all but flee back downstairs, Renee is at your heels but leaves you to go through to the morning room alone. Or— you thought you would be alone. But when you walk in, Max is sitting in the window seat wrinkling his nose at your tea tray.

Max looks up from the tray that includes nothing bloody and the clove from the tea is nearly overwhelming. Grinning, he thinks about how you had stroked a bat who was sitting in your lap last night. “Hey Dolly.” He shoves his hands in his pockets and rocks on his heels. “Looks like you’ve settled right in. Cozy little tea?”

“Renee— a-and Mrs. Taylor…they—” There is judgement in his voice. An accusation. And instantly you are petrified of what he might think of you. “I didn’t ask for it,” you insist, hands shoved into your pockets instantly as your posture shrinks.

Your reaction is completely off kilter for his good-natured teasing. “Of course you didn’t.” He tuts. “You wouldn’t ask boo from a ghost.”

"I just went to the farmer's market and they were nice enough to make a tray for me." With your eyes trained on the rug, you shrug your shoulders and let your weight shift from one foot to the other awkwardly.

“What smells?” He asks you, moving over to the teapot. “It’s like a batch of potpourri. Very…spicy.”

“Clove and cinnamon. And I think some ginger, too.” The three ingredients remind you of what you and Allison had observed about pumpkin spice and you almost manage a smile. “It’s Plum Spice black tea.”

"It's....pungent." He comments, picking it up and lifting the lid, curling his nose up at the strong scent. Still, he pours the purplish tea into the dainty flowered cup sitting on the small plate. He picks it up and shrugs, "Whadya take in this? Flowers?'

“Flowers can be delicious,” you protest softly, but motion to the tray again. “Sugar or honey, or whatever sweetener you like. I guess you could do cream if you wanted but fruit tea never seemed like a good choice for cream to me.”

Max frowns slightly and adds one sugar cube to the tea and stirs it, before adding a drizzle of honey. Tilting his head and biting his lip as if he were performing delicate surgery before handing it to you.

“I—um…thank you…” You had fully expected him to drink it himself, and when you take the cup from him it’s like you’ve forgotten what to do with it for a second. “Would you, um …want to sit with me?“ Even the most awkward of moments deserve kindness, don’t they?

“Sure.” Max shoots you a grin and sets himself down on the other side of the window seat and uses a small pair of tongs to poke around the three tiered tray. Not even a rare roast beef finger sandwich. He huffs slightly and picks up a cream cake. “So…how did you like the town?” He asks with a smirk to hide the grimace as he takes a bite of the cake. It’s no blood pudding, that’s for sure.

“It’s beautiful.” The turning leaves and picturesque streets that you saw while driving around today were lovely. Perfect for a gorgeous fall day. “And bigger than I thought it would be. I’m pretty sure I saw a cruise ship in the harbor.”

“It’s okay.” Max shrugs as he takes another bite of the cake. “Very slow kind of life here. Am I right?”

“That’s not always bad.” You would take slow and steady over the chaos of uncertainty any day of the week, but Max seems like the kind of person who likes to stay busy.

“Maybe.” It still irks him that Evan got the best of him. Him and that little doormat girlfriend of his. Zara Beth was more to his taste, she had teeth. “Must have been a good night though? Didn’t hear any screams of terror.”

“No, no nightmares or anything like that.” In fact, you’d slept remarkably well considering it was your first night in a new place. The anxiety of uncertainty hadn’t been a problem. And you’d had lovely dreams to boot. “Do you mind if I ask you how long you’ve lived here?”

“Four years.” That admission comes with a distinct grumble.

“And you don’t like it?” You guess, from the way he seems to begrudge that little piece of information.

“It’s not bad.” He huffs. “But it’s more that I’m a --" he stops, shrugging slightly since he has no real reason to grumble besides being told to stay put.

“Maybe you just haven’t found the thing that makes it enjoyable yet.” Everything has a silver lining, you have told yourself many times. Right now your silver lining is that your tea is perfect. Who knew sugar and honey was the way to go?

Max chuckles, knowing that despite not knowing you well, a comment about orgies leaving him unfulfilled wouldn’t go over well. “Maybe. Could always get a pet.”

“That would be sweet.” All of the snacks that were put out for you amount to a sizable lunch, and it isn’t until you start eating Mrs. Taylor’s amazing food that you realize how hungry you were. “What sort of pet?”

“A fox.” Max hums, smirking slightly. “Or a bat. That would be cool.”

“Bats are sweet.” Or, at least, the one you had a dream about last night was adorable. “They get a bad reputation.”

His brow lifts and he settles back against the fluffy, embroidered pillows. “Oh yeah?”

“Yeah.” You agree, taking another sip of your tea. “They’re cute. I mean cats and dogs and stuff are cute too, obviously.”

“A pet bat, huh?” Max hums, wondering if you will admit to your experience last night. “Dogs don’t like me.” It’s a natural reaction, smelling that they aren’t the top of the food chain when he’s around. “Cats just…don’t listen.” He can admire that, but as a moody creature himself, he doesn’t want that reflected in his pet.

“So you’d go for a bat instead?” It actually makes you smile, which might be the first time that you’ve ever smiled at him. It’s half from him and half remembering your extremely vivid dream. “I’ve always wondered if they like to be pet,” you admit after a second.

“They do.” Max can attest to that, but he gives you a shrug. “Watched some bat thing on NatGeo.” He explains. “Couldn’t sleep.”

“Good to know.” It somehow makes the dream you had sweeter, and you smile a little wider at the knowledge. The mood between you and Max is calmer now, as if you’ve found a little common ground, as you’re silent for a moment before asking another innocuous question. “Did you have a good morning? Renee said you and Eddie left the house early.”

“Early bird gets the worm.” Max quotes with a grin. “I had some business meetings that I wanted to get out of the way before the sunset tonight.” He hums. “Too many witches out and about.”

The thought that you don’t know any places that do business meetings on Saturdays is walked away instantly by dread. “Do you…” Appetite suddenly gone, you set your teacup on its saucer. “Do you not like witches?” You can’t figure out why you should even care because you don’t much like Max, but somehow it still stings.

“Nah. They’re okay.” He watches you closely. “But I’d rather be socializing tonight than working.” He winks at you and grins.

“I mean it might not be an out-and-out party like Beltane can be, but I would hardly call celebrating Mabon work.” Just like flipping a switch in your mind, the defense that rolls off your tongue is completely automatic. Having spent many years feeling like you either shouldn’t speak about your faith at all or having to defend it when you do, you can’t help yourself — but you clamp your mouth shut immediately when you realize Max is smirking even more widely now.

“Well, well, well.” Despite your fiery outburst, which has a sensation similar to butterflies fluttering in Max’s stomach, he’s nothing short of amused. “Blessed Mabon, Dolly.” He chortles. “The witch of Newport is here to claim her throne.”

“I don’t know anything about a throne…” That definitely should have been mentioned by now if it was literal but you just can’t imagine it would be at all. “But…thank you. A blessed Mabon to you, as well.”

“So do you have plans for the night?” He waggles his brows. “We could dance naked around a fire in the garden.” He suggests playfully.

“I was invited to a bonfire.” You tell him, though it still feels odd to have been invited anywhere at all. “I met someone from the local coven while I was out today.”

“Ah.” He picks up a cracker and small medallion of cheese. “I see. You met…was it Allison or Tracy today?” He asks curiously. The witches are friendly to him, but he’s never taken it beyond flirting.

“Allison.” It takes a second to remember that Renee said that Allison had been around the house when Ms. Brown was alive, so that accounts easily for how Max knows her. “She was working at the Farmer’s Market.”

“So you’re going to the pot luck?” He asks, trying the cheese and finding it to be slightly better than the cake.

“I was planning on it.” Despite knowing he doesn’t technically have a say in what you do, you’re prepared for him to tell you no. To tell you to stay home or give you a reason not to go and meet the rest of the coven. Years upon years of experience have conditioned you to expect a ‘no’ and now you don’t even realize you’re bracing for it.

Max purses his lips and looks out the window. “A good night for it.” He agrees. “Take a sweater, Dolly.” The night can get a little cool after the sun goes down with the wind coming off the water. “It can get brisk after dark and you call if you have too much of the festive punch.” He teases with a smirk.

"I don't drink." The words are quiet but firm, and you pick up a cracker topped with a perfectly round slice of goat cheese. "But I'll bring a sweater." The obediance is automatic, but you dont know if he's giving orders on purpose. Or if he's just trying to give a kind suggestion and your mind has been actively rewired to perceive it as an order.

“So why don’t you drink?” Max asks, keeping his tone conversational for once instead of slightly mocking. You’re still young, and it’s not a religious thing.

"Ex-boyfriend was an alcoholic." It's only just starting to feel real, the 'ex' part, but you shrug. "I know not everyone who drinks overdoes it, but I just...don't like it anymore. Not when I've seen what it can do to someone." Someone I love is the end of that thought, but surely alcohol has fucked up a whole lot of lives that you personally had nothing to do with.

Max’s eyes narrow, his hands - idly playing with the edge of a pillow braid curls into a tight fist - entire body tensing as he sense that there is a lot more to that statement. “Really?” For all his cocksure bravado, Max had manners instilled into him by his own father. And suddenly the actions that seemed bashful when he first met you are making more sense. “Did he drink himself to death?”

"No." When you shake your head, your eyes are back down on the rug immediately. "He drank himself into debt, into irresponsibility, and into anger." Violence would be a more accurate word, but you're not ready to talk about that yet. Not at all. "It--it's lucky that I had this house to come to. That's all."

It’s a good thing that you are looking away from him at the moment, because Max’s eyes flash a deep and unnatural yellow before shifting back into their normal brown as he forces himself to relax. You aren’t his to protect and he doesn’t know why he wants to protect you. He doesn’t know you. “Then it’s good Cookie gave it to you.” He tells you simply, truthfully. He clears his throat and stands up, brushing his tweed pants off and adjusting the cufflinks that are too formal for a Saturday afternoon. “Well….I have some calls to make.” He tells you awkwardly. “I’ll leave you to your tea. Enjoy your Mabon, Dolly.”

"Thank you, Max." It has been unexpected to have so many people around you be supportive about your faith, but what is on your mind more is now that you worry you've said too much. You can't tell if he's affected by your reason for not drinking or simply finds you dull or even prim for the decision, but at least he didn't tease you. That counts for a lot.

Max stares at you for a moment before he nods, turning around and walking out of the main door of the morning room, the sound of his dress shoes quickly fading inside the house.

******

It takes an hour standing in front of the armoire in your room before you finally pull out a dress and tights that are great fall colors. Grabbing a sweater is almost an afterthought, but you did make a promise. And promises are meant to be kept, so you shrug a cardigan on over your shoulders and pull on a pair of boots before going into your dressing room. Renee has set up your few pieces of jewelry and grand total of two purses here along with all of the makeup that Derek used to insist that you wear to look ‘normal’. Ultimately you leave the house in minimal makeup with the sweater you promised you would wear, and the warming container full of stew that Mrs. Taylor had brought upstairs to send with you to the potluck. Apparently it had been a favourite when Ms. Brown used to host the coven at Chateau-sur-Mer.

“While Dolly is out, you can have your ‘wine’.” Mrs. Taylor is almost snickering as she sets a goblet of deep red blood in front of Max when he comes strolling into the kitchen. “I keep telling you that one of those tumbler things with a straw would be less conspicuous, but you like to be dramatic.”

“He calls it a bottle,” Eddie rolls his eyes in amusement as he accepts his favourite coffee mug from Mrs. Taylor, also full of blood. “But I think that’s pretty appropriate since he’s being a big baby about it.”

“It’s Gothically classy.” Max huffs, picking up the wine glass and taking a large gulp of the warmed blood. “Besides, someone would end up putting ice in it, ruining it.”

“No one would touch your drink, dear.” Mrs. Taylor assures him without doubt. “But enjoy your Gothically classy wine glass. I don’t expect Dolly will be home very early.”

“No, she’s going to the coven’s thing.” Max shoots the old housekeeper a smirk. “Did you make her the same thing that Cookie would take?”

“Of course I did.” Mrs. Taylor answers, huffing slightly like she’s offended he would even ask. Her homemade sausage and lentil stew was a favourite of the coven’s and she would never have sent anything else. “So you two will have blood sausage with dinner tomorrow.”

“Thank fuck.” Max rolls his eyes happily as he licks his blood red lips. “That will be delicious.”

“Just because a few things will change around here doesn’t mean we aren’t going to take care of you.” Even if that was the kind of women she and Renee were, Mrs. Taylor knows that he wouldn’t stand for it.

“Has anyone heard from the big guy?” Max asks as he looks around the room. “Figured he’d be here today of all days.”

“He was detained on business.” Mrs. Taylor reports, lying very smoothly through her teeth. The one man that everyone in this house reports to had arrived when the rest of the household was otherwise distracted. “I’m sure that when he decides when to reveal himself, we will all be made very aware.”

If Max thought he was dramatic, he had nothing on the man who had sired him. Rolling his eyes, he shrugs. It’s not like the man had come back to magically release him from this house arrest. “I just assumed he would be back here. Since his soulmate loved Mabon.”

“She certainly did.” Wiping her hands on a dishcloth, Mrs. Taylor turns around to face the two men. “And it seems as though not so much will have changed in this house.”

“Talk about weird.” Max snorts. “Wonder why it’s this witch.”

“I’m sure Ms. Brown had her reasons.” Mrs. Taylor’s own penchant for the enigmatic is as well documented as any other member of the family, and Eddie chuckles when the housekeeper simply smiles and moves on to the next chore.

“Alright then,” he huffs in amusement. “Keep your secrets. We’ll find out eventually.”

“Anyway.” Max shakes his head, “I’m going to go get ready.” He tells the group, draining the last of his blood. “See if I can’t go seduce one of the pretty witches who are feeling spunky tonight.” He smirks, winking at Eddie and sailing out of the room whistling the theme song of The Craft movie, Love Spit Love.

******

The warmth from the sun is starting to dissipate by the time you arrive at the sweet little Dutch colonial that Allison shares with her sisters Tracy and Kristin. The family home had been the center of a farm a few hundred years ago, according to what Allison had told you earlier today, but now what they had left was their farmhouse and its small backyard, and they were perfectly happy with that. A half dozen cars are already outside when you park the Corvette, feeling conspicuous but grateful that Mrs. Taylor had sent you with a dish. Alison gave you no hint that it was a potluck.

"You came!" Before you are already out of the car, Allison has opened the door. Greeting you like a dear friend. "Oh - you are our guest," she tuts when she sees you grab the dish out of the passenger seat. "I didn't want you to feel obligated to bring something."

“I couldn’t possibly come empty-handed.” Even though it almost happened, you would have been extremely embarrassed if it had. As it is, you are happy to hand over the dish that Mrs. Taylor so lovingly crafted and packed. “I’m…I’m told it’s an old favourite of the coven,” you murmur, not having told her who you are or where you live when you met earlier today. Why would you? But now it seems essential.

"Oh?" Her curiosity is peaked for all of three seconds until she smells the casserole from the edges of the top. "Oh my god!" She cries. "Is that- that's the sausage and lentils that Cookie Brown would bring?" Her eyes widen and she looks at you with a sense of gratefulness and surprise. "How did you--"

“I—I didn’t know Ms. Brown,” you preface your explanation immediately. “But it seems we were related. And she left me her estate in her will. Mrs. Taylor…she’s amazing. And wouldn’t let me come without bringing this for all of you.”

“Ohhhh bless you both.” She tilts her head in curiosity, wanting to ask if you know about the residents of the mansion, Ms. Brown had confided in the coven about them, but she doesn’t ask you. Figuring she didn’t want to open that can of worms if you didn’t.

“I understand Cookie used to hold events for the coven fairly frequently?” It’s no wonder, being only one person - or three, with Max and Eddie there - and having all that space. “I would be happy to do the same. And I know Mrs. Taylor would be, too.”

She's startled for a moment, amazed that you would offer the space back to the coven if you aren't practicing. "That is very kind." She smiles. "We will have to see about showing you what some of the events at the manor would look like." She giggles. "We had talked for years about having a ball."

“I guess she used to have them all the time. You know…when she was younger?” Following Allison into the farmhouse, the sense of calm and scent of spice in the air reminds you distinctly of the Mabons of your childhood. “My roommates and I…well, they were encouraging me…we were talking yesterday about maybe having a masquerade.”

"That would be a wonderful thing." Allison sets the dish down amongst the others on the table and guides you towards the drink table. "I can imagine it would be a beautiful thing. If you do decide to hold one, please let me know what I could do to help."

“I would love the help, honestly. I have no idea what I’m doing but it sounds so nice.” A large slow cooker of warm, spiced apple cider stands at the ready and you defer to that happily when offered a drink. “But thank you for inviting me tonight. I really…I had no idea there would be witches here when I moved.”

"Our coven isn't quite as publicized as the ones near Salem, but we are well known on the eastern seaboard." She boasts, proud of that fact. "But it's more of a myth than anything else."

“A myth?” People are milling around greeting each other with enthusiastic hugs, so you get the feeling that you might be the only ‘guest’ here tonight. It gives you a slight feeling of needing to cling to Allison, and you eagerly ask for the story if she’s willing to tell it instead of daring to meet more new people just yet.

She smiles softly, her expression turning slightly dreamy. "It's one that you might not believe." She cautions. "But back nearly two hundred years ago, the head of our coven was soulmates with a vampire. Their love changing magic and this area forever."

“But…” Your brow furrows immediately, confusion and incredulity more than anything else — but you also don’t want to sound rude. “Vampires…they don’t exist?”

She tilts her head, shrugging slightly. "Hence why it's a myth." She won't correct you, since you obviously don't know about the residents and staff that are near you every day. "But it's said that the vampire who was her mate was incredibly devoted to her. Not caring that they were historical enemies and proving his love for her was real. His marks matching hers and his heart jumping to life when she was near. Feeding her some of his blood to prolong her life well beyond a mere mortal's existence until she was ready to shuck her mortal coil."

“It sounds terribly romantic.” The spice of the cider in your cup is a welcome sip, making you almost hum in pleasure. “A soulmate to help you live forever sounds…daunting, though. I suppose happiness makes it worthwhile.” Not that you can particularly relate on that front, but you can dream. An eternity with Derek might have been what killed you, not kept you alive.

"It would." Allison agrees, her own cup of cider is curled up to her lips. "I hope that one day I find my soulmate and he's that devoted to me."

“I don’t see how he couldn’t be,” you promise her with a wistful smile. “You’re too sweet to have anything else.”

She hums happily and shrugs. "I don't know, might be horrible to live with." She winks and reaches forward to curl her arm through yours.

Allison leads you out the back door of the kitchen to the small patio just outside where a dozen or so other women have now congregated with their drinks. They have all noticed you at this point but no one has questioned your appearance at all. Allison has a bit of a history of picking up interesting strays and bringing them home.

"So we don't have many male members of the coven." Allison admits. "Few want to admit that they practice, so it's just going to be us ladies tonight."

"The only man I've ever known in a coven was my father." You tell her with a small shrug. "It's a shame that it's still rare."

"Being Wiccan or having a coven is still one of those things that is viewed as feminine in a lot of mindsets." She huffs. "Although Ms. Brown's soulmate always came with her when he was available, even if he wasn't practicing."

"I know it's just because I miss her." A short woman with bright orange, curly hair and wide glasses comes out of the house behind where you and Allison are standing with a confused expression on her face. "But I could have sworn I smelled Cookie's lentil stew coming through the kitchen. Wishful thinking, I guess."

"Actually..." Allison smiles. "Candice....our guest here brought Cookie's lentil stew. She's related to our gal and inherited her house."

"No!" Candice gasps, but her face lights up with excitement. "That's so fantastic! I mean we all miss Cookie so much but I'm so glad to know that her legacy is continuing on."

"She seems like she was a very special woman." There is anxiety in the way you shift your feet, but you smile. "Unfortunately, I didn't know her at all."

“I’m so sorry.” Candice frowns and reaches out to touch your arm. “She was well respected and loved in the coven. If you want us to tell you about her, just ask.”

"I would really like that, actually. My roommates have only told me a little bit so far." Granted it has only been two days, but it's almost like Mrs. Taylor and Renee are afraid to say too much. And if that's true, you have to wonder what they're so afraid of.

“I’ve told her about our coven legend.” Allison tells Candice, knowing the chatty witch would spread the word. “About the witch and the vampire soulmates? She likes the story.”

“I know everybody thinks vampires are folklore,” Candice laughs, waving it off like it’s the silliest thing in the world. “But those are the same people who think magic isn’t real. So I guess ignorance is bliss.”

Allison smiles blandly, eyeing her fellow witch. “Of course.” She hums. “Come on.” She tells you. “Let’s go get you settled.”

The introductions seem endless. Every one is very nice and very glad to hear of the relationship you apparently hold to their old friend. It’s only when Allison’s sisters are giving you a little tour of the house and refreshing your drink that Candice pulls Allison aside. “She doesn’t know, does she?” The older woman asks, chewing on her lip with nerves.

"Not a clue." Allison keeps her eyes on the stairs, making sure that you aren't coming downstairs. "I'm not sure what is going on, but it seems like she has no idea that her 'roommates' are vampires. Or that our legend is real and was her relative."

“Gods.” Candice exhales deeply and shakes her head. “That’s a hell of a secret to keep while she’s in that house.”

"I'm sure there is a reason that it's being kept from her." She murmurs softy. "We just need to make sure that we aren't the ones to tell her."

“We zip our lips and throw away the key,” Candice agrees. “He was always nice enough to us when we met him, but the last thing I want to to make him upset.”

Allison snorts at the understatement of the year. "He did manage to steal from the devil after all." She reminds Candice with a knowing look. "I wouldn't want to upset him either."

“Never.” With another shake of her head, Candice huffs a laugh. “But I like her. She seems sweet.”

"She seems...." Allison flounders for a better word than what springs to mind, but none come to mind. "Broken." She voices, her tone concerned and sad. "Like maybe Newport is a haven for her."

“I would’ve said skittish,” Candice admits, but she smiles softly. “Fate had you stumble into each other’s paths this morning. Now it’s up to us to offer her family. Who knows what’s happened? The best we can do is offer her open arms.” It’s what Cookie would have done, and they all know it. So for her, they will make sure you are safe here.

"We will protect her." Allison agrees. "I will visit Mrs. Taylor tomorrow to see what the plan is for having her in their household."

“Tell her we said hello.” The whole coven loves Cookie’s vampiric housekeeper, but Candice in particular loved all of Mrs. Taylor’s stories about the ‘good old days’ of pre-plague England.

"Of course I will." Allison knows that Mrs. Taylor will insist on sending back some cookies or a cake to the coven of witches who had been regular visitors to the mansion while Cookie had been alive.

“Good.” Candice told her head slightly when she catches sight of you coming downstairs with Tracy. “Lets start the fire up and sit down to eat. This night just got a lot more important.”

The fire is crackling, lighting up the back yard and the logs that have been situated around them in a generous circle. Providing seating that is inviting and natural. All of you drifting out to gather around it after filling your bellies with the food, the lentil stew completely demolished with appreciative groans of happiness.

Prayers and wishes of plenty are shared for the equinox. An opportunity to cleanse before the new year starts is always appreciated, and bay leaves with refreshing wishes written on them are dropped one by one into the fire until everyone sits back again and begins to chat amongst themselves. The night is beautiful, and you hug your sweater around yourself — glad for just a moment that Max had suggested it. The temperature has dropped sharply tonight and you have to wonder if it’s due to being so close to the ocean.

At first, the bat isn’t noticed, sitting on the branch of a tree just outside of the dancing light from the fire. Black, beady eyes taking in the ground and then flapping his wings to take flight, honing in on one particular witch.

Allison had been asking you something animated about living in Nashville when you caught the movement out of the corner of your eye. Black wings blend into the darkness easily, but as the little figure gets closer to the fire you can make it out perfectly. “Gods!” You almost startled but the gasping sound you make it delighted. “You’re real!”

Max squawks as the bat, circling your head twice as the entire coven watches with various expressions of bewilderment at the appearance of the vampire. Everyone knows you don’t know about the feeding habits of your roommates, so why are you familiar with the bat form of one of them? He lands on your shoulder again and ruffles his wings as he folds them up, his face turned towards you expectantly.

“Hey cutie,” you greet the little creature the same way you did last night, deciding to grapple with the fact that you obviously didn’t dream the entire thing later. For now you put you hand up gently and pet the bat’s little head with two fingers. “How’d you find me so far from home, huh?”

Max chirps indignantly and flaps his wings at you. Insulted by the idea that this was far from home.

“Alright, so you’re a very crafty bat, then. I’ll give you that.” Your fingers pet the little creature’s head gently and you smile, instantly more relaxed. “Could’ve sworn bats were supposed to be blind, though. I feel like you’re looking right at me.”

He would roll his eyes at you, but he just nuzzles into your hand and hops up closer to your neck. Feeling the warmth from your body and sensing your pulse. Craving the closeness tonight.

“This little guy flew in my window last night,” you explain to Allison and several other nearby witches who look nothing short of shocked. “I could have sworn I dreamt the whole thing, but look at this. He found me again.”

“That bat?” Allison asks, watching as the larger than normal bat turns his head and she swears he winks at her before nuzzling you.

“Yeah.” The feeling of having the little guy nuzzle into your neck makes you laugh. “Weird, right? I always thought bats stayed away from humans.”

“Some of them are apparently friendly.” Candice snorts, watching as a vampire stake his claim on you. That’s the only thing that it could be. While he had come to plenty of ceremonies, never had he been in any form but his normal self. Where this had to be Max. Cookie had said he was a black bat.

“He let me read to him.” Knowing that it actually happened and wasn’t just a cute little dream basically lights you up inside like a little goth Disney Princess. “Cutest thing in the world.”

The little bat preens, as if he understands what’s being said about him, because he does. Max chirps and stomps his little bat feet on your shoulder.

“You don’t…mind him, right?” Just because you think he’s cute as all hell doesn’t mean the other coven members will, and you raise your eyes to Allison with concern and care. “I wouldn’t bring him in your house. I promise.”

“I think that he will go where he wants.” She tells you diplomatically with a small smile on her face.

“Maybe.” Bats are wild animals, after all. Even as cute as this one is, that doesn’t make it a pet. “I just think he’s sweet.”

The other witches giggle and ‘awww’ over the sight of the bat on your shoulder, all of them aware of his true nature. “Bats are sweet.” Allison agrees with a grin.

“Who knew?” Candice all but giggles. “I always thought bats were a little dickish. Like little winged misogynists.”

Max ruffles his wings, glowering at the witch and huffing, the sound coming out as little squeaks.

“Aww, it’s okay cutie.” The chattering by your ear makes you laugh softly and you pet him again. “You’re just a softie.”

He settles to your touch, cuddling against your hand and deciding that he’s not close enough. The next time you move your hand to pet him, he jumps into your palm.

It earns a wistful sighing noise from a few surprised witches nearby and a giggle from you. “You want cuddles again, don’t you?” Looking back at Allison and Candice, you shrug a little as you cuddle the bat to your chest. “Last night I made him a little nest to sit in my lap while I read.”

Max grins as he burrows into your chest. Unhappy that he’s not skin-to-fur, but at least he’s getting to cuddle into your breasts. Not that he’s trying to be creepy, but you are snuggling him to his favorite part on a woman and you are gorgeous to him.

“That’s super cute.” Candice can barely contain her laughter with the image in front of her, but she sips her cider and smirks. “So how are you getting along with your roommates?” She prompts, keeping her tone light and airy.

“Oh! Um…Okay, I think?” Really, everything about having this little bat with you is oddly comforting, but you do get a faint whiff of something weird like…sunscreen? Maybe? Which is weird but not off putting. You had just never heard that bats smell like sunscreen. “Eddie is really nice. And I don’t…I don’t know Max very well yet.”

Max the bat, coos at you in soft protest. He’s the one that’s spent the most time with out of all of them. Even putting you to bed last night after you had fallen asleep reading to him.

If you had known it was him — had any idea whatsoever — you might have laughed. A stifled giggle if nothing else. But since you have no idea, you just pet the little creature and shrug as Candice asks, “Max hasn’t been nice?”

“I think I’m not what he expected,” you admit with a small frown, thinking of his behavior at dinner the night before. “But he was very nice today. Mrs. Taylor made a beautiful tea tray with some of the cheese I got from Allison today and Max and I shared it.”

“Max shared tea with you?” Candice raises her brow. “It’s rare that Max really socializes. So if he’s spending any time with you, I bet you he’s finding you interesting.”

“Oh…I don’t know about that.” Despite sitting here at a coven gathering with a snuggly bat in your palm and the keys to a mysteriously inherited mansion in your purse, you shrug. “I’m not particularly interesting.”

Max flaps his wings, fluttering and against your chest again. Snuggling his head into your skin against your heartbeat.

“Maybe he thinks you are?” Candice offers, trying very hard not to giggle and give the apparently secret identity of your little friend away.

He doesn’t know why the witches are giggling, no one knows it’s him. Perfectly disguised for the evening to watch over you, since he’s felt the need to see what you are up to.

“Maybe.” Though you shrug, you can’t think why someone as sophisticated and obviously worldly as Max would care. “I suppose new things are interesting for a time.”

Max frowns, unsure why someone as pretty as you would have such a negative outlook. You should be flaunting your health and beauty.

“Sometimes new things stay interesting for a long time,” Allison smiles kindly and pats your knee. “You never know which new things can become old habit.”

______

Master Tags: @pixiedurango @chattychell @winter-fox-queen @lady-himbo @artsymaddie @princess76179 @paintballkid711 @missminkylove @pedrosbrat @ew-erin @sarahjkl82-blog @sharkbait77 @justanotherblonde23 @lv7867 @recklesswit @mylittlesenaar @f0rever15elf @gallowsjoker @steeevienicks @athalien @sherala007 @skvatnavle @thatpinkshirt @jaime1110 @girlimjusttryingtoreadfanfics @goodgriefitsawildworld @greeneyedblondie44 @katheriner1999 @littlemousedroid @harriedandharassed @churchill356 @ajathegreats-blog @haylzcyon @beardsanddetectives @kirsteng42 @ladykatakuri @adancedivasmom @madiebear @tanzthompson @emilianamason @bigsdinger @xocalliexo @pedr0swh0r3 @avaleineandafryingpan @charlyrmv @avidreader73 @iceclaw101 @loveslide @elegantduckturtle @becsworld @julesonrecord @its-nebuleuse @itsrubberbisquit @mikeyswifie

VW: @haileymorelikestupid, @miraclesabound

My Masterlist!

#Pedro Pascal #Pedro Pascal character fanfiction #Pedro Pascal fanfic #Max Phillips #Max Phillips x you #Max Phillips x reader #Max Phillips x female reader #Max Phillips x f!reader #Eddie BtVS #Bloodsucking Bastards #soulmate au #a mysterious inheritance #wiccan reader #Bat Max

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dulcerba · 1 year

Text

Guys, last night I had the weirdest dream that I was All for One and was getting married to Inko Midoriya, which was terrible because:

her mom (Nana Shimura) was being a monster mother-in-law to me (fair enough)

All Might was there in a really bad civilian disguise that somehow fooled everyone

and he couldn't fight me because he thought I was going to kill everyone there

the wedding photos went really badly because they couldn't fit me in the shot (being 7'4" is a real pain)

I think at some point Mitsuki Bakugou socked me in the face (also fair)

I kept banging my head onto doorways

the real All for One is freaking out in my head because he's stuck there

I wasn't sure whether to laugh, cry, or die because while this is amazing and I'm sure AFO feels every bit of the pain I feel, so many people are being mean to me (again, fair, but ouch)

this man has, like, a thousand quirks, and I can't control any of them

I end up crying over a glass of sweet tea

So, anyone want me to write this??

#mha #bnha #boku no hero acedamia #all for one #midoriya izuku #my hero academia #inko midoriya #dad for one #dfo #my dreams are weird #I am pain #but so is all for one so it's worth it #all for one is midoriya hisashi #and he hates me #which is good #all might also hates me #which is bad #but that's valid #my brain is a mule and I'm the carrot #but the carrot is on fire and hates itself #which is convenient because many people hate the carrot as well #tldr my life is hell because because both all for one and the one for all users hate me #my chances of being killed by AFO are low but never zero #well I accidentally united AFO and OFA against a common enemy: me #not that either of them realise it #i have no explanation for what transpired in my mind #I just ate a lot of pasta and then astral projected into all for one's very unwilling body #at least izuku will have a dad this time #“help” is a lifestyle

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silveryclear · 7 months

Text

STNAF Coraline AU ch.2

MDNI ALL CONTENT REGARDING STNAF IS 18+ AND SO IS THIS BLOG

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5

Chapter 6 Chapter 7

Chapter 2

The next day you wake up, regretting the events of the night before. You groan as slowly get up from the bed you have no idea when you got into it in the first place. Sunshine lights up the bedroom and you squint your eyes, holding onto your bearings as you try to will away your piercing headache.

Once you manage to get a hold of yourself, you notice you’re in the same bedroom where you had found the plushie. It sits comfortably in the bed and you recall the weird events of the night before. You pick up the plushie and chuckle.

“What a weird dream…” You murmur to yourself and to the plushie. Weird, but somehow, you found it comforting.

Your lips curl into a fond smile as you make yourself presentable and make your way downstairs.

The smell of fresh pancakes makes your stomach churn, but you push through it as you make your way into the kitchen to find Friend making breakfast.

He chuckles knowingly once he sees you. “Looks like someone had a crazy night.”

“Oh, you have no idea…” You murmur, pushing away the plate of freshly made pancakes in favor of plain toast to soothe your sensitive stomach.

“I had the weirdest dream. Like, you were you, but blonde and with buttons for eyes.”

He laughs. “Blonde? Now I know you were really dreaming. As if I’d desecrate my hair with bleach.” He scoffs.

You hum. “I don’t know, you really pulled it off…” You murmur, munching on your toast.

Friend notices that you’re not touching the pancakes but says nothing. “I’m sure I did, but for both our sakes, please don’t drink an entire bottle of vodka…” he pauses dramatically. “without me~” he wiggles his eyebrows.

You laugh and then hiss when you feel a wave of nausea coming over you. “Yeah, I think I learnt my lesson.”

He looks at you as if he realized something and a flash of disappointment flashed on his face.

You furrow your eyebrows, but before you could ask him what that was about, Friend smiles sympathetically at you before asking, “Why did you do that anyway? Is there something bothering you? You know you can tell me anything, right? I’m your best friend.” He smiles softly at you.

You swallow and look down at his hands that had grasped yours gently. You try your best to convey the feelings you had wanted to communicate yesterday. “I… I just—“

Only to be so rudely interrupted for the second time by a phone call from Friend’s increasingly demanding job.

He smiles sheepishly at you and excuses himself to answer, leaving you waiting with bated breath.

As soon as the call ends he’s quickly wrapping everything up and giving you a kiss on the top of your head. “Sorry, they need me at the studio ASAP. But, I want to hear everything as soon as I come back, okay? And I want you to rest that hangover away, you hear me?”

You give him a reassuring smile. “Got it. See you tonight.” As soon as he leaves the house, you deflate. That same nasty feeling from yesterday came creeping in and you quickly pick yourself up and march straight to bed, hoping you could also sleep it away.

As you sit on the bed, your phone buzzes with a message from Carter.

Carter: How did it go?

You frown as you had wanted to text him with a definitive answer.

You: I couldn’t

You: I swear I was going to, but every time I try he gets called in for work. And it happened this morning too.

Your lips tremble and your fingers shake as you try to hold back your tears of frustration.

You: I don’t know what to do…

Carter takes some time to respond and you hope he has some words of encouragement or knows of a way to help you with this predicament.

Carter: Damn, I’m really sorry.

Carter: You should rest for now and make a plan when you’re in a better place mentally and emotionally.

Carter: We’ll think of something. I’ll be with you every step of the way. ❤️

You smile, feeling comforted by your friend’s kind words. You take a deep breath and write back.

You: You’re right. I’ll text you later and we can come up with a foolproof plan.

You: Thanks for everything, Carter~ ❤️

Carter: Love ya, don’t beat yourself up, you’re doing the best that you can.

You smile at the message and lay under the covers. You clutch the bunny plushie and bring it closer to you, snuggling with it as it gave you a soothing sense of companionship. You doze off quickly, unaware of the terrible danger that lurks within the walls of the manor. One that has it’s sights on you.

“Sweetheart~ wakey wakeyyyy~” You hear a familiar voice slowly lulling you into the land of the living.

You groan softly and sit up, your mind trying to make sense of the blurry figure that sits on the edge of the bed.

“Friend?” You ask through your haze, yawning and rubbing your eyes.

“Yes, it’s me~ “ He giggles softly. “How did you sleep? Are you feeling better today? I know last night was very rough for you, but I admit that I loved the time we spent together~”

You furrow your eyebrows as you process his words. With the haze gone, you look up to see those same eerie button eyes that appeared in your dreams last night. “Oh, it’s you.” You say as you stretch your arms. “Other Friend, right?”

He smiles tightly, but quickly softens it. “Your better Friend.” He chuckles before taking your hands in his and stroking them with his thumbs. “But Friend is enough. Just call me Friend, yeah? After all, that’s who I am.”

You nod absentmindedly, deep in thought. “Weird that I’m having a recurring dream… I never get those…” You murmur to yourself. “I must still be sleeping off my hangover.”

“Well I have just the cure for that!” Other Friend exclaims while he hands you a green concoction from the nightstand. “The ultimate hangover cure! Saved me from many wild nights in my youth~” He giggles.

You eye it suspiciously, the bright green coloring making you feel skeptical as well as the odd, button-eyed doppelgänger that hands it to you.

Other Friend senses your skepticism and his expression softens. “I swear, I’d never do anything to hurt you. You’re my best friend, the most important person in the world to me. You can trust me.”

His words make your cheeks flush slightly and your heart races unbelievably fast. His voice sounds exactly like your red-haired best friend. And even though you’ve heard him mention time and time again just how much you mean to him, you’ve never heard his voice sound so… passionate. Other Friend truly and irrevocably believes that you are the most important person in the world to him, and you can’t help but want to indulge in this feeling a little longer; a feeling that seems so far of reach from Friend, but is at the tip of your fingers with his doppelgänger.

You think that he is probably the personification of your repressed desires— that you dreamt him to escape your harsh reality, at least for a while. And you can’t deny just how tempted you are to indulge in it, to trust him.

And the snippets of the dream you had last night further proves that. You recall watching the movie and having such a great time with Other Friend, up until you fell asleep on his side, scissors slipping from your hand and clattering on the floor as you felt, somehow, safer than ever.

You take the drink from Other Friend and he smiles so brightly it almost blinds you. You weren’t sure what you expected from this concoction, but you were pleasantly surprised when you tasted a blend of sweet and soothing flavors that almost instantly energized you as you gulped it down.

Other Friend chuckles and rubs your back. “Slow down there, sweetheart! Wouldn’t want you to get a tummy ache now.”

You finish your drink and let out a satisfied sigh. You smile brightly at Other Friend. “That was amazing! I’m gonna need that recipe for… future occurrences.” You giggle.

He laughs along and stares at you in amusement. “If you think I’m going to let you drink that much alcohol again, you have another thing coming~” He gently boops your nose.

You laugh softly and look at him, his eyes no longer looking unsettling as you first thought. “Thank you, Friend.”

His face lights up like a Christmas tree when you call him by his name. “It’s my pleasure, sweetheart~” Friend then stands up and holds out his hand for you to take. “I have a surprise waiting for you downstairs. Care to venture into the unknown with me~?” He wiggles his eyebrows.

You snort at his goofiness and take his hand. “I shall~”

As soon as walk downstairs you are greeted with a stage and walkway right in the middle of the large living room, and to the side, rows upon rows of clothes, accessories and make up to try on.

Not only that, but there were cats with buttons for eyes sitting on chairs??

While you’re left flabbergasted by the scene before you, Friend walks beside you with a remote control in his hand. He only winks at you before pressing a button.

Suddenly, the lights dim and the stage lights turn on, lighting up the runway as if it’s a legit fashion show. Vogue music plays in the background and you can’t help but grin at your best friend with excitement.

“I can’t believe you actually did all this!” I say in awe. “How??”

He only chuckles and grabs your hand to lead you towards the clothing station. “I told you didn’t I? This is a world of wonder. Anything can happen!”

You laugh as you look at the variety of clothing and fabrics at your disposal, remembering the times when you’d model Friend’s clothing line for fun while he hyped you up. It was during the time when he was starting up, branching out of his family and starting from scratch. You’re grateful that your mind managed to dream up such a wonderful memory and that now you have the chance to recreate it after such a long time.

“You ready for the fashion show of a lifetime?” Friend smiles excitedly at you.

You turn to Friend and smirk. “Bring it on!”

Saying that you had fun would be an understatement.

As soon as you and Friend started to take this serious, the combinations and the looks that you did really looked like they could belong on the cover of a fashion magazine. Walking the runway with cats as your public only made this more enjoyable. And the fact that Friend was already a natural fashionista and you picked up many fashion tips from accompanying your best friend for so many years, made this runway one for the ages. At least in your heart.

By the end of the show, Friend drags you to the two front seats in front of the stage. You look at him, confused as to what is supposed to happen. “Uhh, Friend? What is—?”

“Shhh~” He winks at you. “It’s the grand finale~” Friend points to the stage.

Still confused, but trembling with excitement, you turn towards the stage and gasp.

There were cats, walking down the runway with little outfits. You couldn’t help the coos and awes that left your mouth as you stared at the cuteness galore right in front of you. At the end of the surprise show, Friend stands up and joins the cats on stage to bow as he presents his creations along with the cats.

Friend ends the show by saying: “This kitty clothing like is called, “Sweetheart!”, inspired by the most important person in the world to me. Thank you for being my muse~”

You stand up and clap your heart out as tears brim your eyes from Friend’s touching gesture. He gets off from the stage and before he could say anything, you tackle him with a hug, one that he returns instantly.

“Did you like your surprise?” He whispers softly into your ear.

His whisper leaves tingles down your spine, but you manage to smile brightly at him. “I loved it! Oh, Friend… this really was the best gift ever!”

Friend’s gaze becomes softer and you can sense it flitting to your lips. You flush at the realization that he still hasn’t let you go, and instead, pulls you in closer. “I’m glad… I’d do anything for you…” He murmurs, leaning his face closer. “Absolutely anything~”

An image of your red-haired best friend comes to your mind and you pull away suddenly from Other Friend, breaking the spell that you found yourself under. Other Friend recovers quickly and smiles cooly as if nothing had happened. “Everything alright, sweetheart?”

“Y-Yeah, everything’s fine!” You stutter, not sounding convincing. However, Other Friend doesn’t push it. “I think I just need to get some fresh air. All this excitement made me dizzy.” You chuckle.

Other Friend nods and gives you a sympathetic smile. “Of course, sweetheart. I should have known. You can rest on the porch for outside, just make sure you don’t wander too far, alright?”

You nod quickly and make your way out the door without another word. As soon as you close the door you lean on it and take a deep breath, closing your eyes to soothe your anxious heart.

You open your eyes and sigh, sitting on the porch stairs as you gazed at the afternoon sky. “I’m so pathetic…” You murmur to yourself as you think about the moment that you and Other Friend had.

Even if it was in a dream, even if it’s his doppelgänger… you couldn’t help but think that you were cheating on Friend. As if your feelings for him are so fickle that having someone who looks like him reciprocate your feelings is enough for you.

But it isn’t. You want the real Friend to hold you like that, to whisper how important you are while gazing into your eyes.

You want your best friend to slowly lean closer to you, giving you the choice whether to accept or reject his kiss.

But none of that was going to happen unless you finally confess your feelings.

With renewed confidence, you stand up and decided that no matter what obstacles may come, you will confess your feelings to Friend. Even if he rejects you, even if nothing stays the same afterwards, it is better than marinating in these feelings and not moving on.

You smile at yourself, finally feeling in a good place mentally and emotionally to come up with a plan. And Other Friend’s surprise just gave you an amazing idea.

Before you could return inside the manor, the quick movement of a dark shape in the corner of your eye made you stop in your tracks. You look behind you towards the main entrance of the manor, debating whether you should follow it. You suppose Other Friend wouldn’t mind if you left to explore a bit on your own. After all,

This is all just a dream.

Chapter 3

#yandere #fanfic #stnaf #yandere writing #yandere x reader #friend x reader #stnaf friend #stnafgame #coraline au

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seiya-starsniper · 2 months

Note

For the writer truth or dare: 🍄 (favourite ship headcanon), 🔪 (weirdest research topic) and 🪲 (add 50 words to your current WIP and share)? 💜

Cecil I adore you 💖💖💖 Let's get to it!

🍄 (favourite ship headcanon)

Ahhhh it's so hard to pick just one! I think probably my favorite one is the widely accepted headcanon that after Dream and Hob reunite in 2022, they meet frequently after that 🥰🥰 Whether that turns their relationship romantic or stays platonic, I'm always delighted to see it!

🔪 (weirdest research topic)

Oooooo that's a good one! It's probably the time I did research on snake penises for wrap me up nice and tight (love me all through the night)....I stared at A LOT of snake genitalia trying to nail down the physical description 😅😅😅

🪲 (add 50 words to your current WIP and share)

So I wrote a little more than 50 words, but! Have another snippet from my omegaverse forced marriage wip 🥰

“No, it’s not,” Robert insists. “I—look, the contract I took on, it wasn’t just about wanting to put distance between us. I thought—I thought you spent your last heat alone, or somehow, with someone else, and it—it bothered me more than it should have, so I made a rash decision,” he explains. “I really should have known better, considering you where in heat when we were married.” “Oh,” Dream replies, feeling suddenly shy and pleased. “Well, uhm, now you know the truth of the matter then,” he finishes, unsure of what else to say. “I do, and I’m more glad for it,” Robert says earnestly. “I know it won’t be easy, but if you promise to be honest with me about what you need, I’ll do everything in my power to give it to you. For the baby. And well—for our friendship too.” Dream smiles. “Thank you, Robert. I’d like that.” The alpha wrinkles his nose. “I’ve never liked the name Robert," he says, "but I suppose I never gave you the opportunity to know that before today. All of my closest friends call me Hob.” “Hob?” Dream asks incredulously. “Why would you willingly name yourself after the stove?”

#seiya answers #thanks for playing friend <3 <3 <3 #seiya writes #omegaverse forced marriage wip

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max-nico · 28 days

Text

Last night I had the weirdest dream but it would make a really good fic if I'm fr. The only part I remember vividly is the part where Tails fell into a cave, I guess it's more like the ground opened under him and swallowed him whole lol. So obvs his friends start looking for him after he doesn't make it to where they're all supposed to meet up at.

Kitsunami (who was very much not part of the search party) ends up accidentally finding him after finding a different entrance to the cave, except instead the ground opening up under him he finds the actual entrance. The ground ends up being super slippery so instead of just having a normal time, he falls, and ends up somehow tumbling all the way to the bottom of the cave.

Now from this part of the dream on I only had access to whatever Kit was seeing for whatever reason. He finds Tails pretty quickly, even tho he didn't know he was even lost and they end up having to work together to get out. This cave system was super weird too, it was a bottom layer that had water up to their knees, a higher layer that was essentially an ocean, an upper layer that was desolate but an actual maze, and then there was ground level. Maybe that's just how caves work but I don't think it is.

So this whole dream is dark, Tails had a flashlight that helped a little. They escaped the bottom layer by chipping into the ice above them to get into the ocean layer. (Unrealistic note, the water did not flood in, it just stayed at the top and they had to jump to get up there lol) How did they breathe here? I don't remember ! I do remember there being little bits of land they could walk on tho, and the only reason I remember that is bc at one point Tails had this scary ass look on his face that I can literally only describe as fear incarnate, but he wouldn't let me(kit) turn around to look at what made him look like that, so I have no clue what he saw and he acted completely off for the rest of the dream too. (<- this is common for me when I have nightmares, people in dreams tend to direct me away from the scary things and not let me look at them, but I suppose after having only nightmares for 4 years your brain has to protect itself somehow lol)

After the water layer they got to the dry layer, I don't really remember a lot from this. My most vivid memory is Tails pulling Kit out of the water with a queasy look on his face, there's a few moments of walking I remember, but nothing really interesting.

Then they were out of the cave, once again from a completely different entrance, then I don't know lol. I know Sonic and Amy show up but past that I have no clue, after that I started dreaming about school.

Some visual cave representation for you bc I remember this so clearly, I literally got up, unplugged my phone, and immediately started typing this.

Bottom layer

But instead of just rock, imagine a mix of solid white ice, crystal, and rock, and also it's really really REALLY dark lol. It's over all just a confined, claustrophobic space. There's barely enough room for the two to fit in there standing up, im sure if Sonic was there he would have to crouch

Middle layer

I have a huge fear of large bodies of water, as well as caves, as well as the dark. This contains all three. As I stated there were obviously air pockets somewhere around here but def don't remember how they got there lol

Top layer

Keep in mind, it's still WAY darker than this lol, but this is the last layer before the surface. Just a giant maze of rock and maybe a few crystals, very backrooms core lol.

#i also want you to keep in mind i use the term 'dream' loosely #i dont really dream anymore. i havent for around 4 years. its either nothing or nightmares #do with that what you will #sth #sonic the hedgehog #miles tails prower #i have the mic #writing #amy rose #sonic #kitsunami the fennec #kit the fennec #sonic and tails #tails the fox #tails miles prower #tails sonic #sonic idw #sorry not only am I terrified of caves i am terrified of water #never catch me finding visual references ever again im getting like actually adrenaline lol

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ghcstao3 · 10 months

Note

Expanding on the Robber Ghost and Sleep Talker Soap post.

Soap is a new employee at a hardware store. The same place Ghost goes to get some things for jobs. He goes in often but not super often. Often enough that Soap can almost call Ghost a friend.

Ghost however is trying not to freak the hell out bc he broke into the man’s house and Soap has no idea.

Eventually Soap asks him out for coffee or something which turns into a movie at his home. Ghost, again, freaking out but still going cause he kinda likes Soap.

They settle on a horror movie where a character is about to be murder in their sleep when Soap pauses the movie.

“Once I had this crazy dream where there was someone in my house going through my things and stuff. When I heard this voice saying it was going to kill the person. Tried to warn the guy or something and then told the voice to piss off in gaelic for some reason. The WEIRDEST dream I ever had and I still don’t know if it was the Chinese food or the Murder Podcast that caused that.’

Ghost is sweating and so tense “what a crazy dream.” And plays the movie so fast.

When he tells Roach, the man taunts him so hard and never lets him live it down.

Ghost knows that he probably shouldn’t have kept going back to the hardware store where that guy-who-might-actually-be-possessed works—John, the name tag reads—but he couldn’t help that it was the most convenient place for the things he needed for… work.

And now, somehow, he’s ended up back in that godforsaken apartment. On a date.

Because, admittedly, once he got to know John it wasn’t so bad. Still might be possessed, but it begins to feel like something Ghost is willing to look past.

Until they’ve settled on John’s couch, pressed side by side as some horror movie starts. It begins normally, they both stay quiet, until halfway through John suddenly reaches for the remote and pauses it.

And regales Ghost with the story of a supposed dream that sounds an awful lot like the night that had Ghost second-guessing his career of crime for the first time in a long while.

Ghost can only grin and bear it. Agree that, yeah, that’s a weird dream, what a coincidence, and pray for John to press the play button again. Or set down the remote so he can.

Roach is going to laugh at him when he gets home. He’s going to laugh and make fun of Ghost until the end of his days.

As the movie continues playing, Ghost laments the fact that he’s still considering a second date after all of that.

#ask #john soap mactavish #simon ghost riley #ghost mw2 #soap mw2 #soapghost #ghostsoap #ghost x soap #ghoap

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strawbs-screaming · 10 months

Text

☆ how the boxers sleep + what they wear ☆

i made this for ref to future references to any writing i might make + it was fun thinking about this, enjoy my less propaganda filled screaming

Glass Joe

- a sleepcap with the robe thingy

- seriously, look at him and tell me he wouldnt wear the honkmimimi fit

- doesnt snore thankfully, makes up for that by speaking in his sleep and spinning around the bed like hell

- he'll go to sleep on his back and end up waking up using the blanket as a pillow while on the edge of the bed, facedown

- if you're asleep next to him, expect suprisingly strong kicks that makes dragon chan jealous

Disco Kid

- random pajamas, if its comfy, he shall wear it

- still as a corpse in his sleep + facedown

- sometimes sings in his sleep and its both terrifying and hilarious

-imagine trying to sleep and you just hear the intro to bad romance

Von Kaiser

- white T-shirt + black shorts, bland ass fit

- snores but not THAT much

- has severe insomnia so if you see him asleep, dont wake him up because 90% of the time its because he passed out

- doesnt spin like Joe but doesnt stay still either, just some slight turning

Piston Hondo

- has a whole lot of pajamas, ends up with pajama pants + some bland shirt of any kind

- no snoring, silent

- sleeps facedown, still alive somehow

- so still you might think hes dead

- mumbles in his sleep because holy shit we cant have one normal person who sleeps normally

King Hippo

- shorts, thats it

- snores like a broken car engine

- also spins like hell

- random mumbling 90% of the time

- probably ends up crushing someone in his sleep

Great Tiger

- sleeping mask with any kinds of pants + shirts

-slight snoring, not a AGHHHHHGHHNNBGGG but not complete silence either

- sometimes clones himself in his sleep, especially when hes worried about something he forgot to do/needs to do, its his version of sleepwalking, makes said clones do work

- laying in bed but he forgot to turn off the kettle? No worries, he'll send a clone for that

- also spins like a rotisserie chicken in his sleep

- has weird ass dreams every night, he woke up in a cold sweat because he had a dream about his clones refusing to work for him & overthrowing him somehow

- pillow stealer, enjoy your neck pain, fucker

Don Flamenco

- fancy robe + sleep mask

- quiet sleeper

- can and will grab onto anything when hes asleep & hug it and hold on for dear life

- you sleep with your arms stretched? Enjoy having your arm used as a personal pillow

- carmen hates sleeping next to him for that (and totally nothing else)

Bear Hugger

- some t shirt from Facebook with those auto generated quotes like "NEVER MESS WITH A LUMBERJACK WHO LIKES SEA SHANTIES & RAW FISH AND WAS BORN IN NOVEMBER!!" plus some pants he doesnt use anymore, this includes jeans of any kind

- snores like hell also, so loud you might need earplugs

- speaks in his sleep,he sometimes sleepwalks with his eyes open and it terrifies everyone

- its really random stuff too, usually related to whatever weird dream hes having

- it feels like when youre in a sleep over and someone keeps whispering weird shit thats so funny for some reason

- the "i like raw fish" quote comes from his sleeptalking too

Aran Ryan

- weirdest pajamas ever, nothing is matching, nothing fits together, his pajamas takes years off your lifespan

- speaks in his sleep, its always terrifying

- some of his fabulous speak talking quotes includes "the fog is coming" and "war"

- he wake up in the weirdest positions ever, he'll go to sleep on his side and when he wakes up hes on the floor

- spins in his sleep, both the y axis and x axis this time

Bald Bull

- tank top + pajama pants, classic dad fit

- loudest snorer ever, sounds like a nuclear siren

- sleeps with all his limbs stretched out, looks oddly similiar to family guy death pose

- sometimes ends up slightly headbutting people in his sleep, especially when hes having a dream that personally pisses him off, Just a slight nudge thankfully unlike joes organ-breaker combo meal over here

- ends up hugging his pillow when hes asleep

Soda Popinski

- any random combo of everything mentioned above, can and will wear jeans in his sleep

- suprisingly still when hes asleep

- no snoring too somehow

- sleepwalks a LOT, causing him to wake up in odd places, either on the floor or in a bathtub

- needs someone to check up on him whenever hes sleepwalking

Super Macho Man

- his own merch, no contest

- snorts in his sleep instead of snoring somehow??

- also stretched out like a starfish

- laughs in his sleep and its TERRIFYING.

- Blanket hog

Mr Sandman

- bland ass fit, either a tank top & shorts or anything with pajama pants, no jeans because hes sane like that

-oddly quiet, cant even hear him breathing

-sleeps face down & still

- is he dead or just asleep? Find out in the morning!

- no extra movement, at all

- literal statue

#headcanon #bald bull #aran ryan #don flamenco #glass joe #great tiger #piston hondo #punch out #super macho man #punch out wii #sleep headcanons

56 notes · View notes

thewulf · 1 year

Note

Hi! Not sure if you accept requests for celebrities but figured I’d send it anyway!!! Would you be able to do a miles tellers reader where they meet in San Diego while he’s filming but she doesn’t recognize him at all and doesn’t know he’s in a relationship and is having issues. But they somehow end up together??

Thank You Kind Stranger || Miles Teller

A/N: This was a fun one! Def made me step out of my comfort zone. Sorry it took so long. I have a class that just started up, so I’ll be posting a bit slower. Hopefully you enjoy 😊

Pairing: Miles Teller x Y/N

Word Count: 5,500+

Stepping out of your apartment you took a deep breathe in, enjoying the salty air you had come to love. You weren’t originally from San Diego, but a job offer and a few years of living in the city you had officially called it home. You had always dreamed of living near the beach. Growing up, your family would take a beach vacation to somewhere new every year. You grew to love these vacations and associated the beach with some of the happiest times in your life. Always seeing yourself on the coast you never dreamed of ending up in San Diego, nonetheless you loved it.

You found yourself an incredible group of friends. It took a while, but you weaseled your way into their group. They took you in like the stray you were.

Your only issue with the city was how crowded it always was. You thought you knew what you were getting into moving to a tourist destination, but you were sorely mistaken. Places that should be five minutes away take at least twenty to get there. It was an adjustment. One you were still trying to figure out.

Your solution to this problem was to do your weekly errands at the weirdest times. That’s how you ended up in a grocery store at 11 PM on a Saturday night shopping for your weekly essentials. Headphones in you started browsing up and down the aisles only grabbing what you needed.

Everything was going smoothly up until you made it to the flour. Frowning, you realized the only flour left was on the top shelf all the way in the back. One of the drawbacks of shopping at this time? The shelves were never fully stocked. It was a give and take but for your sanity it was worth it. You needed that damn flour too. It was in almost all of your recipes for the week.

Looking up and down the aisle you made sure the coast was clear. Your first attempt was to jump and reach which ended in abysmal failure. Huffing you took a step back trying to reevaluate the situation and come up with a better solution. You realized your only two options were to either climb the shelves or to find an employee. You certainly weren’t going to go find an employee to ask, that defeated the whole purpose of shopping this late.

So, you opted to scale the shelves. Carefully you stepped on the bottom shelf making sure not to crush any of the food in your way. Still, you were too short to reach. Just before you were about to take the next step up you heard somebody clearing their throat from behind. Shit. You’ve been caught.

Realizing you probably looked like an idiot standing frozen on the grocery store shelf you slowly peeled yourself away. Gaining courage, you finally turned around seeing a strikingly handsome man standing there looking at you with an amused expression.

“It’s not what it looks like.” Smiling sheepishly at the man you rubbed the back of your neck out of sheer embarrassment.

“No?” He questioned before continuing, “It looks like you were trying to reach the flour?”

You continued smiling at him, this time your eyes going wide, “Well, it’s exactly what it looks like then.”

“Need some help?” He asked walking closer to you. He towered over your shorter frame. Damn, he smelled good too.

“Actually, I prefer to climb the shelves.” You wanted to continue the conversation, something very unlike yourself. That was why you were here at 11:30 at night, avoiding people.

He snickered, “You sure about that? Didn’t look like you were going to make it.”

“I’ll have you know…” You paused seeing how far back the flour was, you’d have to climb to the fourth shelf to get it. You needed his help. He had almost a foot on you, “I was definitely not going to be able to get it. I would love some help.” You grinned trying to play it off as cool as possible.

You finally got a good look at him when you turned back to admit defeat. He really was quite handsome. With dark curly hair topped with a pair of aviators he nodded, still chuckling at you, before going to get the flour for you. Curious, a pair of sunglasses this late at night. You wondered about the mustache, wasn’t too often a guy your age had one. It worked for him though.

It took all of your willpower not to ogle him as he stretched to reach it. You swallowed hard seeing how fit the man was. His arm muscles contracted as he brought the sack of flower down from the shelf, you tried looking away but were sure you had gotten caught staring. It wasn’t every day you came across a kind and handsome stranger man, your stupid brain just had to stare though.

He handed the flour to you with a smirk dancing on his lips, oh he definitely caught you staring, “Thank you kind stranger!” You gleefully took the flour from him ignoring the obvious tension, “You saved me from starving this week.”

He looked at you curiously when he handed it to you, not responding to your casual conversation.

“Well, thanks.” You tossed it into your cart getting ready to walk away, you never knew how to keep these conversations going.

“I’m Miles.” He stuck his hand out to you looking almost hopeful. Like he too wanted the conversation to continue.

Nodding you took his hand gently, “Y/N. Nice to meet you Miles. What brings you to the grocery store this late?” You asked, attempting to keep the conversation light. You were never very good at flirting with guys. Feeling stupid when they never flirted back with you, you often just simply opted for regular conversation.

Growing up with a house full of boys didn’t set you up for the success you thought it was. With two brothers and all of your cousins being boys, you didn’t have the girls needed to balance everything else. So, you grew up a true tom boy. It was the only way you knew hope to cope growing up around all boys. You constantly got shit for liking girly things, instead of dolls you opted for Legos. You just wanted to fit in with them.

You loved your childhood though. You were truly carefree, having the best of times running through neighborhoods like the hooligans you were. It was a blessing and a curse though. You were comfortable around men you just didn’t know how to flirt with them. Something you thought you’d pick up throughout the years, yet it never seemed to come naturally to you.

“Y/N.” He repeated under his breathe continuing to observe you. It wasn’t intense but you noticed, he was watching you for something, “What do you do?”

“I’m a zookeeper. Work at the San Diego Zoo.” You answered him without skipping a beat.

“Really?” He perked up, fully peaking his curiosity now.

You nodded excitedly, “I work with the big cats. Mostly the lions, sometimes the jaguars and cheetahs.” People often found your work interesting, but Miles looked fascinated.

The two of you began walking down the next aisle, immersed in the conversation that had just begun, “Super casual.” He spoke admiring how calm you sounded about it all.

You shrugged picking up a box of cereal, “They’re gentle giants. I think my kitty at home is more of an asshole than the cats at the zoo.” You grinned thinking about your kitties. You loved them, more than people most of the time. They really were gentle giants, big sweeties.

“That doesn’t surprise me.”

You laughed this time, “House cats are rude. But so funny. I wouldn’t ever dare live without one.” You stopped grabbing some oatmeal realizing he wasn’t exactly shopping like you were, “I’m sorry Miles, you don’t have to shop with me. You don’t look like you were prepared.” You pointed to his basket instead of a cart.

“Don’t sweat it. This is the first interesting conversation I’ve had in a while.”

Smiling you continued, not letting your self-consciousness stop you now, “Alright, what do you do?”

He paused for a brief second looking a little panicked, “I work in the film industry.”

“What?” You stopped looking him up and down, “Now that’s cool! Not that cats aren’t cool. They’re really actually quite neat animals. But that’s… cool.” You wanted to facepalm yourself for your inability to flirt.

“Shoot, I’d argue taking care of a lion is far cooler than what I do.”

“They don’t talk back which is nice.” You answered nonchalantly wanting to know more but he clearly wasn’t willing to share. You were thrilled he thought you were interesting enough to talk to though. You did not want to push him, so you decided not to dig.

He gave you a genuine smile, a beautiful one at that, “But they could eat you.” He countered.

“You’re not wrong about that one. My cats are far too lazy to even try it though.” You stifled a laugh thinking how Izu, your male lion, made you bring him his dinner the other day instead of going to go get it. They’re pampered, spoiled rotten babies but you love them with your whole heart.

“Your cats?” He questioned. He was digging for more, maybe you’d try a little harder later when he wanted to share.

You hummed in agreement with him, “Izu and Mallie. Brother and sister. We got them a few years back as cubs. I got to bottle feed them and all. Their mom was killed in an accident, and they needed a home. I’m just closer with those two than I am the others. I got to bond with them when they could sit in my lap.”

Miles was an attentive listener letting you ramble on about your job. To be fair, he had asked you a million and a half questions about the job. And you sure did love talking about it, so he let you. He found you extraordinarily fascinating. Even more fascinating to him was that you seemed to not have a damn clue who he was. He found that refreshing, so damn refreshing. You were talking to him like he was just another guy off the street.

You were pulling him in, and you hadn’t even realized it. By simply treating him like a normal human you had broken down a long standing wall he often never let crack. Miles couldn’t believe how normal a conversation with a pretty girl could be.

Truth be told. His ‘relationship’, if that’s what you could even call it, was in utter shambles. He started hooking up with a coworker on set from a previous film with no intentions of actually dating her. His publicist caught wind of his plans and essentially tied his hands and made him maintain a relationship with the woman. She wasn’t terrible she just wasn’t what he was looking for. He wanted to be himself though and that wasn’t happening with any woman in Hollywood.

He wasn’t ever sure he would even be able to settle down now that his name had grown tenfold over the last few years. He was once in a long time relationship, but it blew up after never being able to see the poor girl. She broke up with him after the fiftieth time he had to cancel. He dated around here and there but was never able to find the one. People just used him for his fame and money. He wasn’t sure if he would be able to form a genuine connection with anybody again, people always wanted something from him.

So, chatting with you? It was absolute euphoria to him. He wasn’t lying when he said talking with you was the most interesting conversation he’s had in a while. Sure, being on set he was able to goof off and have fun with his coworkers turned friends every now and then. He knew there was no ill intent with the crew. He just craved an ounce of normalcy every now and then, which never seemed to come.

“Wait, you got to bottle feed lion cubs?” He asked. He thought you might just be the neatest girl he’s met in a long time. The way you described what you did for a living and the way you seemed to love it made him want to know so much more about you. He needed to know more.

“Mhmm! Let me show you a picture. They’re so precious.” You cooed scrolling through your photos to find them. Sure enough you found about a thousand or so pictures of the cubs, “That’s Izu and the pipsqueak beside him is his sister Mallie. She has stayed pretty small for a lion.” You pointed to the cubs grinning from ear to ear.

Miles could feel himself being sucked right into you. He knew he needed to make a move before you finished your shopping. He was sure he hasn’t smiled like this in a while, shooting was grueling.

“Why are you here so late?” He asked you the same thing as you had earlier.

Laughing you continued, “There’s a reason I’m a zookeeper. I try and avoid people. Most people don’t go grocery shopping at 11 o’clock on a Saturday night.

He laughed with you now, “You’re smart. I get to argue with people all day, every day.”

Shaking your head, you picked up a few apples, making sure to find the best ones, “God bless you for it. I’d lose my mind.”

“Sometimes I do.”

“You’re allowed to. That’s human.” Your eyes continued scanning the produce looking for the bananas, “Do you like what you do?” You questioned him this time, it was his turn. You were hoping he’d be more open to sharing now that you divulged half your life to him.

“I do. I really do. Love it actually. Most days are great. Just been a shit week.” He sighed, shoulders deflating a bit. He looked tired, exhausted even.

Forming a tight lipped smile you nodded, “I get it. Want to talk about it?” You questioned cocking your head to the side.

Shrugging he looked at you, “Do you really want to hear about it?”

“I do. You had me yapping this whole time, I’d like to know a little bit more about you Mr. Miles.” You responded while looking for the best bananas, finding it easier to converse when you weren’t staring right into each other’s eyes.

He liked you. He also knew he could grow to like you even more. You were beautiful, seemingly kind, and easy to hold a conversation with. You were kind of exactly what he was looking for. So, he let it go, letting you know just a little bit more about himself, “You know that saying, anything that can go wrong, will go wrong?”

Nodding your head, you turned to look at him, “Murphy’s Law!”

“Yes! That one.” He half smiled at you, admiring your excitement even though it was so late, “Every stunt went wrong this week, a guy almost fucking died. We lost an entire plane, poof up in flames. One of the actors got violently ill. I couldn’t perform…” He stopped his rant suddenly eyes wide realizing he would be giving away what he did, and he didn’t want to do that, not yet anyway, “I couldn’t perform my job because of all the mess ups. Filming is delayed already so that leaves us here in San Diego for who knows how long. Just a week from hell.” He groaned feeling a little relief offloading everything to the pretty girl he’s been talking to for the last forty five minutes.

You gave him the most bewildered look, “What the hell are you filming?” You paused realizing how insensitive that question was after he dropped all of that on you, “Sorry, that sounds like… a lot. That sucks Miles.” You were never great at giving advice. Especially when you had absolutely no idea just how massive it all was compared to your everyday simple life, “But on the bright side. More time in San Diego isn’t the worst. It’s a great little city!” You gave him your biggest and brightest smile hoping it’d cheer him up a bit.

“You’re right.” He admitted, “It’s not the worst. It’s actually pretty great. The women here are really pretty too.” He winked at you sending a fiery flushness to your face.

You tried coming up with anything to say. Something. But your mind went blank. It was like you had forgotten the entire English language in a millisecond. Your lips opened and closed making you look like a fish out of water.

“Thank you though,” He smiled sensing you inability to form a sentence, “Believe it or not, it’s nice to hear that sometimes.”

“Anytime. Glad I can help. Even just a little.” Words finally came back to you.

Miles was sent into a mild panic realizing you had finished up your task at hand, you were walking towards the registers. The two of you had barely chatted for an hour but he didn’t want you to disappear off into the night. He wasn’t dumb, there was something there.

“Do you want to grab a drink or something?” He broke the silence between you.

“Right now?”

He shrugged, “Why not?”

You bit your lip contemplating his offer. Why not? You didn’t have anything to lose. You weren’t tied down to anybody and it wasn’t often a beautiful man asked you out.

“There’s a bar right by my place. Let me drop all this crap off at home and I can meet you there?” You felt exactly what he was thinking. He was so handsome, and he wanted to get to know you. There was certainly something there, why not give it a chance.

You exchanged numbers. He waited with you while you checked out not even grabbing what he came in here for, deciding he’d just do it tomorrow.

He walked with you to your car. You knew you shouldn’t put this much trust into a stranger but you decided to throw caution to the wind, fuck it.

“Rosa’s at 12:30, got it?” You asked slamming your trunk shut after loading up the groceries.

“Got it ma’am. I’ll see you soon. You really are beautiful.” He cracked a smile as he sauntered off towards his car.

You were thankful the cover of night hid the blush that encapsulated your entire face.

“Now this is a dive bar.” Miles chuckled taking in his surroundings.

“I didn’t say it was a nice bar.” Grinning you looked around at the hole in the wall. Having so many incredible memories with friends you couldn’t help but to adore the place, “I love it here.” You clapped your hands in excitement, definitely not planning for your night to end up like this but enjoying where it was heading. You were fully expecting to go sit on your couch and watch a movie or something when you got home. This was a nice change, a welcomed one. Your life had gotten so boring and monotonous, he was something different and exciting.

“Is it the beer all over the floor or the mold growing over in the corner that does it for you?”

Almost choking on the beer you were sipping on, you shot him a look, “Hey!” Laughing you composed yourself, “Film boy too good for Rosa’s?”

Shaking his head, he leaned closer to you in the booth you were chatting at, “Never too good.”

“That’s what I thought.” You shot him a wink feeling more and more comfortable the longer you spent around him. You too leaned into the table feeling exactly what he was, that pull, “So, what’s your story Miles?” Leaving the question open for ambiguity you hoped he would divulge even just a little to you.

He thought about telling you exactly what he did. Knowing full well he was playing with fire by not telling you. Luckily, the cover of night and your strategic choice of dive bar was keeping him well hidden from any recognition. He fully knew he’d have to tell you sooner rather than later because he certainly planned on seeing you again.

“What would you like to know?” Raising an eyebrow, he flipped the question back to you.

You eyed him as subtly as you could, so curious about this mysterious man, “Well, how’d you get into film?” Starting off with an easy one you took a long, slow sip of beer hoping he’d just give you something.

Clearly reminiscing he smiled thinking just how he got into it, “Honestly?”

You nodded waiting for him to go on.

“The drama teacher at my high school was fine as fuck.”

For the second time in a span of ten minutes you almost choked, not expecting that answer, “You know, that’s the best answer I could’ve gotten.” You didn’t stifle the laugh that came out. He was just getting better and better every time he said something.

He joined in on your laughter feeling elated. There was something about the way you presented yourself that eased him, he felt like he could be his full honest self with you. He didn’t feel like he needed to be prepped when it came to conversing with you.

He had a big problem though, the coworker turned fake girlfriend would be rather hard to explain to you. He was fully aware of just how unfair that would be to both you and her. He didn’t hate her at all, quite the opposite actually. They had grown close as friends, deciding they would rather suffer through it together. Each time they had to go out as a couple though it got harder to fake the lovesick eyes.

Knowing you were rather frazzled he thought it best not to bring it up tonight. Maybe on the next date. Definitely on the next date.

He smiled at you, quickly getting addicted to your laugh, “She was a fox,” He shrugged continuing, deciding to give you the vague details, “And she was good at her job. I got accepted into NYU and graduated with a BFA. I got lucky though and broke into the industry right after school.”

Nodding your head, you took everything he said in. He seemed like he was still not telling you everything which was fine, you couldn’t expect everyone to be as open as you were, “I think that’s amazing. I don’t know many artsy people. Everything is so technical when it comes to animals surprisingly. And all my friends here are either zookeepers or engineers. The conversations can get really thrilling.” Sarcasm was dripping off your voice as you spoke.

“And smart people intimidate me, touché.” He held his glass up waiting for you to cheers with him. You obliged laughing softly at the man who was absolutely riddled with one liners. He was so subtly funny you knew you would be laughing constantly if this were to go further.

“I didn’t say I was smart!” Feeling all too joyful your cheeks were starting to hurt from the smile you’d been holding for a while, “I just have a bunch of smart friends.”

“I don’t think you can do what you do without being a little smart.”

Shrugging you responded, “I just like big cats. Would I know anything you’ve worked on?” You changed the subject back to him. It’s not like you didn’t like receiving compliments it’s that you didn’t know how to receive them. You clammed up getting all awkward. The best way to avoid it was to change the subject.

He bit his cheek suppressing the smirk that so desperately wanted to come out. No, of course not or you’d recognize him instantly. He knew his time was running up, it was a good few hours of normalcy. You were just too curious to let it go, “Don’t think so. I’ve worked on more obscure films.” Lie, a little white lie.

“I’ll be honest with you Miles, I’m not the biggest movie or tv person. I don’t think I’ve been to a movie since I lived at home with my parents like 10 years ago.” You admitted. Of course, you watched a few movies every now and then, but you never got into it like others did. Only going to see the blockbusters you certainly weren’t going to see obscure movies. You liked the big blockbusters, but you could never get into them like the Harry Potter or Marvel fans could.

He nodded understanding you a little more now, “Nothing wrong with that, lots of great films out there though.”

“I’m more of a book person but I believe you. What’s the biggest movie you’ve worked on?” Again, changing the subject back to him.

“Are you going to go watch it?” He leaned even further into the table, your hands nearly touching.

“Of course, I am.” You answered like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

He pondered for a moment. Knowing that if he continued his lie you wouldn’t want anything to do with him. His time was up. Which one did he want you to watch though? Divergent was a little cringy, meant for teenagers. Whiplash was intense but one of his favorites. The Spectacular Now was easy but again, meant to teenagers. He was surprised you hadn’t seen any of them.

“Have you heard of Whiplash?” He finally answered you.

Shaking your head back and forth, “Nope. What’s it about?”

“A drummer.”

“That’s all?”

“I don’t want to give away too much.” He looked sure of himself.

“Okay,” You paused taking another long drink of beer, “I’ll watch it tomorrow. And what was your part in it?”

There it was. He could no longer dance around the subject. He had to tell you. Whatever this was, was likely over. He enjoyed every second of it though, the pure normalcy of it all though, “That’s a great question Y/N.” He delayed the inevitable for a few seconds.

“Chock full of them.” You grinned hoping he’d answer you.

Sighing he set his beer down taking a good long look at you, “Full disclosure. I’m one of the leads.”

You weren’t sure what your face looked like. If there was one thing that you would change about yourself it’s how expressive your facial expressions are. You were your emotions right on your face. The bug eyed look you were giving him surely wasn’t the cutest, “Like as in lead actor?”

The slightest nod and the smallest smile confirmed your question, “Yes.”

“But you said film. I thought you meant like an operator or something.” You couldn’t look him in the eyes. How embarrassing. You were less concerned that you spent the night with one but more so that you had no idea who he was.

He noticed your reaction. How you leaned back into your seat, pulling away from him. How you tensed up so slightly. How you wouldn’t look at him, staring at the bartender instead.

“I left a few details out.”

“A few?” You finally looked back to him not really believing you had managed to find yourself in this situation. It suddenly clicked as to why he was acting to weird and vague. He must’ve been a lot more famous than you initially thought. Fuck, why you? Why couldn’t he have just been an insanely hot man that found you interesting?

“Small details.” Cracking a small smile, he thought you were handling this remarkably well. Way better than he would’ve if he was in your shoes.

Realizing how insane the whole situation was you spat out the first thing that came to mind, “What are you filming here then?” It was still hard to meet his gaze. As comfortable as you felt with him earlier, it’d all vanished. Feeling insecure and slightly embarrassed you played with the water rings your glass was leaving instead of looking to him.

“It’s an action movie.”

“A secret?”

“Afraid so.” He didn’t take his eyes off you. Desperately wanting you to look back at him, even just for a second.

“Cool,” You took a deep breathe finally working the courage up to look at him, “I’m sorry… I.” You paused again tripping over yours words.

Cocking his head to the side he studied you. He wasn’t expecting you to apologize, “What for?”

“I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you…” You were in your own head. Completely frazzled. Why would he take his time and spend it with you, a random girl in a grocery store?

He rapidly shook his head, “No, no don’t apologize. Please don’t apologize.” He reached for your hand confusing you some more, but you let him. Your brain wasn’t processing anything at normal speed, “Y/N. This has been one of the best nights I’ve had in… forever. Since I’ve started doing this.” He admitted to you not wanting you feeling guilty in the slightest.

His hands were soft you noticed as he played with your own. You didn’t think your heart could keep up with what was going on. A combination of nerves and realization was sending you into a frenzy. Weren’t you just complaining about having a boring life? This certainly spiced things up.

“Okay,” You gulped looking back to him once more, “I take back what I said earlier. Your job is definitely the coolest then.”

The breath he was holding in finally released in the fit of laughter you had sent him in. He felt the relief wash over him. Maybe you wouldn’t run away just yet.

He squeezed your hand in his sending a slight shiver down your arm, “It has its perks. And its drawbacks. But I don’t want to talk about that.”

“No?” It finally clicked as to why he didn’t want to talk about it. You realized he probably liked not being recognized, not being treated like a god walking on water. You bullshited around with him like he was a random man in a grocery store. He wanted to spend time with you because you treated him like a normal person.

“Nah, let’s talk about something else.” He left it up to you. Maybe he shouldn’t have though, you were back in your head. What the hell were you supposed to talk to a famous actor about?

“What’s your favorite animal? You know mine, I never asked yours.” You too timidly spoke to him. Nervous you were going to do something wrong.

His smile told you otherwise though, “A monkey.”

“Interesting. Favorite sport?” You continued feeling like he had finally given up the mysterious act. Everything was in the open now.

“Football, is this twenty questions?”

“You left it up to me! So yes Miles, it is twenty questions.” Scrunching your nose, you were starting to relax again, feeling oddly normal around him even after he dropped that mini bomb on you.

He chucked, “Fair play. What’s yours?”

“To play, volleyball. To watch, football.”

He eyed you again curiously, “You like football?”

“Mhmm, can’t grow up in the Midwest and not love it.” You smiled thinking of the good old days. Your dad would cook up a feast on college football Saturdays and on NFL Sunday’s you’d all eat the leftovers. You cared far too much about games you couldn’t impact but you loved it. You loved the shit talking it inevitably led to between your family. You couldn’t get enough of it.

“Favorite team?”

“Unfortunately, the Bengals.”

He gave you a look of pity, “That is unfortunate.”

“Rude.”

The two of you continued your bickering conversation throughout the rest of the night, never seeming to miss a beat. You forgot who he was in the midst of it all, falling back into the most casual of conversations between the pair.

Feeling terribly disappointed when the bartender called for last round he could sense your hesitation. You weren’t sure what the next steps were. Did he want to see you again? Did you want to see him again?

He walked you to your apartment in a comfortable silence, bonus of only being five minutes away from the bar. You unlocked your door turning to him, “I had a good night Miles, really.”

He took your hand for the second time that night, giving it another squeeze, “I did too, really.” He repeated you sending your heart rate up a bit, “Busy tomorrow?”

You were excitedly surprised he wanted to do this again so soon, “I do have a movie to watch.”

“I’ll pick you up at eight?”

“Eight it is.”

#miles teller #tgm #tgm fandom #tgm cast #top gun #top gun rooster #miles teller x reader #miles teller x y/n #miles teller x you #top gun maverick #dagger squad #top gun fiming

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