#prev Char is my friend.

[mediumgayitalian]

prev

———

Hand tight around the handle of his sword. Shadows pulled close, close, closer; cloak, hood, shroud. Still as a stone, hardly moving, barely breathing, waiting, waiting, tensing.

The whispers outside his cabin door grow louder.

He shot awake half an hour ago. A shift, under the cracked-open window, rustling, turning. Fabric, maybe, or fur brushing across the polished stone of the wall. Not a hellhound — he’d feel the bent shadows of its presence — nor any other creature from the Underworld, but clearly something dark, foreboding. Some heavy, stifling presence. And many of them, too, or perhaps one thing that is growing. It shouldn’t be possible within camp borders, but he can — feel it. A sense of ambush, of impending attack.

Every few minutes there’s a shake at his door handle. A wiggling of the Stygian iron metal, a whisper of sound as it’s jiggled, fruitlessly, a hiss as something draws away. The sound of quiet, throaty murmurs, muffled through the obsidian door. Escalating. Louder, louder; angrier, frantic.

Something is waiting for him.

It’s some comfort that it can’t get in. The handle was his design — not that most monsters would try to use it, but the burn as it touched their flesh, the threat of the Pit, would certainly would deter them. The obsidian doorway he insisted upon, regardless of skeletal complaints, was for practicality as much as pageantry. He has spent enough time in the well-run Land of the Dead to take notes from his father, paranoid he may be.

The noises, though, still grow stronger. Whatever is waiting for him has not been deterred by his fortifications, nor frightened by his aura of death. The handle jiggles again, and this time, the intruder is smarter — the lock turns, clicking as it is overcome, handle turning to follow it slowly, slowly. Nico holds his breath, gliding along the shadow, hovering in the doorway.

The door swings silently open. A clumsy lump of something steps hesitantly forward, huge and cumbersome; bulbous. At the front of it is a single long, glowing talon. The intruder pauses, contemplating, in the flood of low light, the cabin’s twisting shadows, turning slowly, carefully around. Nico glides along the floor, guessing at its blindspot, holding close to himself, waiting, waiting.

One.

The creature pauses.

Two.

The talon twitches to the left, following the creak of the settling bed springs.

Three.

Nico surges forward, bringing down his sword. It clangs against the talon, reverberating outwards, echoing the screams of the monster and tear of fabric —

“Nico! Nico! It’s us! Cool it! Watch the sword! Watch the sword!”

A burst of fire shoots upward, enveloping the cabin in a burst of white light. Nico hisses, nearly dropping his sword in his hassle to clamp his hand on top of his eyes, hunching protectively forward.

“Leo! Fucksake, you tryna blind us?!”

“Sorry! Sorry! He freaked me out, I flamed too hard!”

“Just fuckin’ — scream, next time! Jesus! I’ve gone blind!”

“What the fuck,” hisses Nico, blinking the spots out of his eyes, “are you idiots doing?”

In front of him stands not a monster but five infuriatingly familiar faces, each holding — for some reason — a mattress. Percy’s sword is still held loosely in front of him, and Jason’s jacket has been singed. Piper and Annabeth blink spots out of their eyes. Leo stands, in the charred ruins of his mattress, wringing his hands.

He glances up at the ceiling. Nico follows his gaze, noting where the black rock has been re-vulcanized into glass from the heat of the flames. He looks back down.

“From the bottom of my heart,” Leo says, solemnly, “my bad.”

Nico sinks to the floor with his head in his hands.

His friends, for some reason, take this as a cue. The heavy door is pushed back closed, cutting off the last of the low light from the Greek fire torches outside and the whistling of light wind. Someone feels around for a light switch, and, upon finding none, shrugs and pokes Leo until his nose catches fire, guiding him around until all the lamps and fairy lights have been located and turned on. Someone else — Annabeth, he guesses — begins instructing mattress placement, directing a crew to dig through his closet for linens. A comment about how spacious it is now that he’s not in it pops into his mind and he shoved it back down. He will not make light of the situation. He won’t.

“What the fuck,” he reiterates, louder this time.

Nobody answers. A faucet starts running in his background, and he hears the flip of a drachma.

“If nobody answers me in the next ten seconds I’m going to reanimate Andre the Giant and have him bodily throw y’all out. He will not be gentle. He will —”

“Y’all count,” they all say at once. Percy, gleefully from the bathroom’s running faucet, calls, “I’ll keep track! Remember if it goes over twelve I win!”

Nico snaps his mouth shut, ears burning.

Why has he remained at camp, again? He trained with Achilles and Patroclus. He learned how to read with Literal Shakespeare. Alan Turing taught him math. Not successfully, or anything, but still. He has no bearing here. He could be anywhere he wants to be, and for some reason he is putting up with unrepentant disrespect.

Nico four months ago would smite them. Nico five months ago would turn them to shadows for their insolence. Nico a few weeks ago, even, would have at least sulked off into the forest to cool of for several days.

Here he stands, Nico of tonight.

Unmoving in the centre of his sieged cabin.

No Andre the Giant raised.

No terrors inflicted.

Hardly even a threat.

What the shit.

“What love does to a young lad, eh?” Piper says, patting him condescendingly on the head. He aims a kick for her knees, which she unfortunately dodges, cackling and scampering away. He surges after her.

“I am several decades older than you, you little snot, what are you even talking about —”

“Older and uglier, you wrinkly ass bitch —”

“Guess who’s gonna be ugly when I remove the flesh from her body —”

“Ha! Catch me first, shrimp arms —”

“It’s working! I got it!” Walking very carefully, not unlike a toddler holding a too-full open cup for the first time, Percy steps out of the bathroom, faucet finally off. In his cupped hands is a quickly spinning vortex of sink water, letting off a fine mist. A prism taped to the side of his forehead refracts a rainbow into it. “Say hi, Hazel!”

“Hi,” says Hazel, waving from her surprisingly solid connection. She meets Nico’s eyes, grinning. He matches it immediately, dropping Piper out of the headlock he had her in.

“Hey,” he says, ignoring Piper’s dark muttering and promises for revenge. “You look eager.”

“I am eager. I heard we’re having a sleepover and talking about boys!”

“…You heard what.”

Percy shucks off his shoes, stepping gingerly over Jason and plopping right in the middle of the mattress pile, legs crossed. Nico realises for the first time that he is wearing pattered Superman pajamas, which is frustratingly endearing. He shifts the water vortex so that Hazel’s projection faces him.

“I’m so pumped,” he says earnestly. “I’ve never done this before. I’m so intrigued. Do we talk shit? Is that how it’s done? Is there swooning? I have a plan if there’s swooning.”

“We’ll get there, Seaweed Brain.” Annabeth brushes a hand through Percy’s hair as she walks by — somehow dignified, which is impressive, Nico has never seen anyone wobble over a mattress elegantly before — and presses a kiss to his forehead. He leans into it. “Ease into it.”

“Yeah,” Hazel snickers. She sticks her tongue out at Nico’s glare. “Don’t spook him.”

Nico throws his hands up. “Don’t spook me, she says. Heaven forbid anyone tell me what’s going on.”

“Well, you’re trying to court that boy, right? The cute one with the motormouth?”

Crazy how two sentences can reach down your throat, grip onto your beating heart, squeeze out your soul, drag it from your body, still pulsing, and leave it to actively shrivel on the floor next to your withered, fetal-positioned body to the audience of your cackling friends. Genuinely wild.

There’s a woman who wanders around the poplar fields of his father’s kingdom and has for tens of thousands of years — longer than even his father. Legend says she is the first user of language as it is understood in modernity. Nico may have to beat her up the next time he sees her. Or, well, try, ‘cause she’s jacked, but her crime cannot go unpunished. How dare she introduce the curse of language upon the human race.

“Which one of you,” he croaks, voice cracking more than Jason’s old man joints when he sneezes, “you — fuckers, told my sister about — about.”

If he says his name he’ll die. Like Voldemort except not stupid.

When he looks up, all five of them hold their hands proudly in the air.

“It was more of a conference call,” Jason explains. “And it was less ‘us telling’ and more us calling to say hey, Hazel, Nico keeps shutting down every time this particular person smiles at him, and then Hazel went oh, is it the medic boy he keeps rambling about when he calls me, and we went yeah, totally, can you elaborate on the rambling —”

“Cool.” Nico scrambles to his feet, brushing off his sweatpants, tucking his sword under his arm. “I’m going to go drown myself, if y’all will excuse me.”

He barely makes it one quarter step away from the stupid fucking mattress pile.

“Initiate part two of the plan!” Annabeth hollers.

“Y’all count!” Percy yells.

Without waiting to be chased, Nico sprints for the door. Immediately a fireball is launched at the handle before he can reach, melting it. He veers for the window, but a gust of air slams it shut, and a shining dagger pins the lock in place. In his final desperate dive for the nearest shadow, Piper sprints over — curse her long legs — and tackles him to the ground, rolling them both towards the nearest light source.

“Every single one of you —”

“Ow! Teeth away! Teeth away! Don’t make me muzzle you!”

“—except you, Hazel, never you —”

“Jason! He’s fuckin’ — his nails are clawed into the doorframe, help me!”

“—will be facing me in judgement day! And I shall not be lenient!”

“Quit trying to bite me or I’ll beat you up again!”

“No! Suffer!”

Conveniently, a spot on the uncomfortable floor has been left free of mattresses and pillows and beddings so that Nico and Piper can claw the shit out of each other properly. He lands a good hit on his collarbone, but she jams her heel into his ribs when he foolishly leaves his left side open. He manages to pin her arms to her sides with his legs, but she mirrors the move and squeezes her thighs around his neck.

“Do you usually just let them kill each other?”

“Oh, yeah, don’t worry about it. They didn’t get to spar yesterday so they’re a bit pent up, they’ll be fine soon.”

“…Must be a Greek thing.”

“Don’t you guys have Violence Fridays?”

“Uh, not quite.”

“We have war games,” Jason explains, “but there are generally repercussions for aiming for one’s jugular.”

Annabeth frowns. “Well, that seems flawed. How do you children ever learn to defend themselves?”

“If I recall correctly, by surviving to adulthood.”

“Touché.”

Knowing the scolding he’s about to get is going to be fierce, Nico rolls them both towards his (thankfully untouched) bed, sinking them into the shadows under it and popping up on top of Jason’s reclining body. As he planned, the combined chaos of Jason’s screech and Piper’s nausea gives him just enough leeway to kick himself free and scramble away behind Annabeth. Not that she’ll usually protect him, but he has a feeling that she has an itinerary and is therefore invested in keeping them on task.

“Okay,” she says, holding Piper back by the forehead — success. “Piper, put the nails away. Nico, quit making faces at her or I’m gonna let her claw you. Go sit on opposite ends of the mattress pile.”

“You’re not the boss of me,” they both say, immediately cowering and Annabeth’s glare and scampering to do as asked.

“Thank you. Alright, everybody grab a blanket and gather around. Nico, is there a — thermostat in here, or something?” She tightens the skull-patterned blanket (that she stole from his closet like the thief that she is) around her shoulders. “It’s freezing.”

Nico sniffs haughtily. “I prefer to have my external environment the internal temperature of my soul.”

He smiles smugly to himself at the chorus of boos that echo around him. That was a good one. He feels no shame.

“You should,” Percy tells him seriously.

“Stick your finger in a socket.”

Annabeth tosses an overflowing binder into the centre of the mattress pile before they can really start to go at it.

“Be quiet and behold,” she says grandly, “the plan.”

Nico stares at it dubiously. “The plan.”

“Yes, the plan.”

“Say plan one more time and I’m chewing the floor.”

“You’re such an odd person.”

“Having your fucked up ghost mentor put you in a labyrinth to be hunted for sport by his monster friends for ‘training’ will do that to you.”

Will once told him that he reverts to making people uncomfortable via depressing personal anecdotes when he is nervous. Startlingly perceptive for someone who, in the same breath, asked Nico if he could bring his siblings to the picnic Nico had planned in the strawberry fields for them, alone, at sunset.

“Just — open the binder, oh my gods.”

Huffing, Nico does.

It’s less intimidating than it looks. The heavily doodled title page reads OPERATION: WOOING WILL, which is embarrassing, but the rest of it is as cleanly professional. Several sub chapters including plans A-L, gathered information, outside input, sources, and hand-drawn diagrams are neatly organized and typed out. It’s even in dyslexia-friendly font. Truly a work of art. Too bad Nico is considering incinerating it.

“It’s not even gonna work,” he mumbles, pointedly avoiding the six pairs of eyes watching him. Well, five, Leo walked in the cabin and immediately got distracted by something else. He’s been poking at a pile of bronze for the past forty minutes at least. “He’s — unplannable.”

“Nothing’s unplannable.”

“He is. He doesn’t — think about things. In the same way.” Nico traces his fingers over a page titled Dropping Hints — How Begging Someone To Go Out With You Has Changed In Seventy Years. “You and me’ll see someone go out of their way to make life easier on somebody and know they’re — crushing, or whatever. But Will goes out of his way for everybody, all the time. It’s not odd for him.”

“Can’t you just tell him? Outright?” Hazel asks. “I mean, he told you, didn’t he?”

“That’s different.”

It isn’t, really. Nico could tell him. He could walk up to breakfast tomorrow and just blurt it out. Same words, even. I think you’re gorgeous.

He wants to. He wants Will to know, wants his bright eyes to go wide and his nose to go red and his voice to go quiet as he says, really? And Nico wants to feel the goosebumps that cover his arms when he rubs his thumb over the inside of his wrist and says, yes. Wants to watch him shiver as he says, you make me feel safe, you know. Watch his golden eyelashes flutter as he adds, wanted. Safe and wanted.

“It has to feel right.”

———

next

#i wanted to finish so bad but it’s like 1am i gotta be up in five hours #oh well #pjo #percy jackson and the olympians #hoo #heroes of olympus #pjo hoo toa #solangelo #nico di angelo #nico di angelo & the seven #annabeth chase #modern courting #my writing #fic #longpost

[aernx]

꒰ 💭 ꒱ OH, NIKI YOU’RE SO FINE! ˖ ⌨︎ ⁩◞❪니키❫

— 35 ! you’ll always be my winner

⚠️ super important note below no skip allowed 🙅🏻‍♀️

OH, NIKI YOU’RE SO FINE! — CHP THIRTY-THREE

𖥻 masterlist ⟲ prev | next ⟳

aerin’s notes ☆

guys this is it…it’s the end. STOP IM ACC GOING TO CRY RN 😭😭😭 this is my very first time completing a smau so i’m vv srry if the ending felt kinda rushed but thanku so so so much for u guys that hav enjoyed this smau 🙁 ty for those of u guys that hav stuck through this smau, i literally love u guys so so much bc i can’t believe u stuck thru all this even tho it has many plotholes n disappearing chars LMAO. i rlly hope u guys enjoy the smau, n if u rlly like it u can recommend this smau to ur friends bc we’re so close to 2k notes‼️‼️ tysm guys and for the likes, comments n reblogs. u guys always find a way to make me smile n laugh from all of ur reactions bc every night i post a chp, i’ll always be waiting for u guy’s reactions in the morning when i wake up 🤩🤩 once again, thankuu so so much guys, i hope i’ll see u all in the hee spinoff: it’s a wrap! (ft. our favorite pretty couple) i’ll try my best to improve my writing n avoid plotholes in this one! and as for new readers of this smau, i hope u guys enjoy binge reading it <33 i hope u enjoyed this smau ask much as i enjoyed writing it. lemme know ur overall thoughts in the comments!! byebye guys ilu smm. - with all the love, aerin xx

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[cowyolks]

FORBIDDEN FRUIT

Chapter Seven. I See You

Prev. Chapter Six Masterlist

Pairing: God! Simon ‘Ghost’ Riley x Female Reader

Prompt: A prophecy written long ago stated of a human that would become the God’s wife and live in his domain for the rest of eternity.

A/n: Sorry this took eons to write. This chapter is longer than my others because I felt bad lol. Please enjoy!

It had been nearly a week since Simon had left in an angry flap of wings. At least you thought it was a week—time was hard to tell in the Underworld.

You spent your days in the large library of the palace, drinking in words as if they would sweep you away from your current situation. If you read the text with enough concentration you could pretend that you weren’t in danger, let alone with such beings of high power.

In this week, it had given you a lot of time to think. To reflect that you were just shaken, and Simon had been the one to protect you against your mother, Shepherd, and any other threat you’ve encountered. It wouldn’t make sense for him to kill you, specifically since he had been so passionate in proclaiming you as his promised.

You thought, and you thought hard.

Maybe being his wife would result in safety, in undying gratitude that he’s shown you already. Perhaps, loving a God could make you feel immortal.

A page flipping startled your thinking, making you pull your eyes away from the passage you were blankly staring at.

Keegan had been your role protector in the last few days, only changing shifts with the furies when you bathed and first thing in the morning when he had conferences.

While his black robes and sharp appearance stood out like a sore thumb in the massive library, he made it clear he was a man of literature. He’s introduced you to the book you were skimming upon now.

“You’re thinking awfully hard to just be reading.” His deep voice was very similar to Simon’s, but unlike your betrothed, Keegan’s voice teased and slithered playfully.

Like a friend you’ve known of centuries.

“I’m worried about Simon. Has he contacted you, lately?” You chewed your lip, bookmarking your page and setting it in your lap. You felt ashamed for sitting idly and reading while Simon was cleaning up your own mess. With the artificial sun dimming into oranges and pinks you knew it would be another day without him.

“No, but don’t worry, flos. Simon can take care of himself.” Keegan spoke in blunt honesty, something you appreciated, but didn’t stop your stomach from twisting.

You glanced down to your ankle, no longer hidden by your long dress. Instead you wore a summer dress of lilac, the material smooth against your skin. The mark had healed slightly, only red blemishes remained, instead of the painful burnt char that was there before.

“Hey…” Keegan spoke up, nudging your shoulder slightly, “all this worrying is only going to give you grief, come let’s take a walk before it gets too dark.”

The lethal man stood, stretching on his heels and flexing his spine, almost similar to a large predatory cat. His white eyes turned to you, upon noticing that you haven’t moved an inch, your eyebrows still furrowed together.

“Up… I’ve got something that will lift your spirits.” Keegan commanded, offering you his hand, calloused from holding his scythe.

You took it, surprised to find the flesh warm and comforting. He hauled you up, releasing you before nodding his head to the doors that led outside.

You followed close by, something Keegan insisted upon so he could watch your every move. In a way you were relieved to have such protection from the demon, but annoyance tickled your mind since you enjoyed solitude on occasion. That wasn’t an option now.

A solid thwack to your back made you stumble slightly, your eyes going wide as you nearly fell upon the stone path. Keegan’s deep chuckle mocked you as he flapped his wings playfully. You narrowed your eyes, a small smile gracing your lips at his amused expression.

“That hurt, you oversized chicken.” You let the insult slip your tongue with a teasing lit, though it didn’t halt Keegan’s gloating nature.

“Chicken… No one has ever called Death a chicken.” He teased, his smile broke open, revealing a set of sharp canines. “Wipe that grin off your face, mighty one.” You found yourself quipping again, truly thankful to Thanatos for halting your fears and doubts. It was comforting to know you’ve made a friend, regardless of him being the literal vessel of Death.

“I wanted to show you a place of peace. It’s Simon’s favorite spot to be when he isn’t working.” Keegan crossed his arms behind his back, retracting his wings as he marched like a dutiful soldier.

He led you to an area of seclusion, hidden by waves of ivy and vines. With large hands he pushed the plants back, gesturing for you to step through the cavern and into a very familiar garden.

The garden from your nightmare.

Your steps halted, gaze falling upon the stone path that lead to your own demise. Keegan took notice, his palm coming to rest upon your shoulder in comfort.

You attempted to anchor yourself to him, forcing your eyes away from the sight from your potential death. Yet, the God seemed to read you enough for a knowing look to creep on his face. “Whatever you dreamt of, it will not happen.” He spoke so firmly you immediately felt the heavy weight fall from your shoulders.

“It just felt so real. I died over there.” You pointed, Keegan followed your gaze before pushing you forward. “I know when all deaths will happen, flos. The demon was tricking you.”

This made you uneasy, but you began to creep forward to the path anyways. “So you know when and how I’ll die?” You questioned, taking in the truly magnificent details of the garden.

His lips quirked up, his youthful appearance did little to hide his actual age. You supposed death was as old as time itself, because even the stars died before mortals walked the earth.

“Yes, I suppose I know how everyone will die, but tis bad luck to tell.”

You dropped the subject, feeling as if you already had enough bad luck for the century. With a shake of your head, you began to walk the path, knowing that Keegan would be there to protect you. Maybe, if you faced your fear, you could finally get rid of the cloud of doubt forming. It was only two weeks until the effects of the pomegranate wore off. Two weeks you had to decide if you would marry a God.

The path broke off into a split, the union breaking to give way to a simply gorgeous pond of the clearest waters you’ve ever seen. It was full of life, tadpoles swam in little circles, among with an occasional swan. Frogs bobbed above the surface, and koi fish gently preened the green vegetation on the bottom.

It was simply beautiful, and it made you feel more relaxed than you’ve felt in a long time.

“I gave this to Hades after word was told of a union between him and his betrothed.” A voice said from behind you, making you yelp and jump back near Keegan.

Keegan gripped his scythe tight, but made no effort to use his weapon.

Your eyes found purchase of a woman, her hair like spun gold and face as beautiful as it was dangerous. She was dressed in white, her dress accented with what looked to be feathers. She floated above the water, hovering just enough to not touch the wet surface.

“Hera.” Keegan greeted with a bow, a small slap to your back told you that you needed to repeat his gesture. Softly, you curtseyed, eyes curious as you took in her glowing aura.

“Thanatos, may I borrow the girl for a moment?”

Keegan’s lips pursed, obviously not pleased with the question. “I don’t like the idea of her leaving my side, Queen Mother. Forgive me, but I was told to watch her by orders of Hades himself.”

Hera smiled slightly, her skin glowing like a warm pearl in the artificial sunlight. She stepped closer, now firmly on the stone path. “Yes, I was told in council of his protection notice. Ghost is very fond of you, mortal.” She turned to you, a glimmer in her knowledgeable eyes.

You couldn’t help the nervousness eating away at you. “Is he alright?” You found yourself asking, cursing yourself with how much concern you had actually voiced. A knowing smile fell upon the woman’s face.

“As far as I know he is well. Hades left with Artemis earlier this week, she’s our best tracker. If they find word of Makarov we shall know.” Hera informed with her lips pressed together. She now ascended in front of you and Keegan, the God pushing you behind him slightly in protective vigor.

“Makarov?” You voiced, attempting to ignore the shiver that traveled up your spine. Was this the name of the demon that had sent you into such a fright?

Hera stood in front of Thanatos, both of their auras contrasting each other in a clash of dark and light “Let me speak with the girl. We shall stay in your sight, and no harm will come to her, I swear upon the River Styx.”

Keegan huffed, still slightly displeased, but whatever vow she had insisted was enough for him to shake her hand in agreement. “Come with me, mortal. We have much to discuss.” Hera turned to you with periwinkle eyes.

You found yourself stepping around Keegan, his stare burning into your back as you followed after Hera, attempting to keep up with her long stride amongst the stone path. She snapped her fingers, producing two sitting cushions against the soft grass.

Hesitantly you sat against a cushion, the woman falling next to you. Keegan watched from across the pond, arms crossed as he waited.

“You must be unsurprised of us Gods and Godesses appearing before you. But I am Hera, Queen of the Olympians and Goddess of Bonds and Women. But you may call me Kate.”

“You’re Zeus’ Queen?”

Hera smiled softly, a little chuckle falling from her petal lips. “I suppose so. When the atoms formed us and the titans, Zeus and I decided to rein together, but we do not hold a romantic connection, no.”

“I apologize.” You hoped to not offend such a powerful being, despite her vow to keep you safe in this short time.

“It is a common thing to ask, especially since you did not know any better. Most of us Gods do not have the satisfaction of finding a partner.” Kate tutted, her graceful hand swishing across the grass.

“Yet, Simon had found me.” You murmured, eyes falling to the pond that symbolized your betrothal.

“You know, I’m the Queen of Marriage. It was I that the Fates consulted to draw your match.” Hera spoke up, just as the water began to brighten slightly. As if her words echoed into the wet surface.

“So you must know about this prophecy.” You questioned, hoping to possibly get some answers about what the Olympian’s kept mentioning. Yet, you were left dissatisfied, for the Queen of the Heavens pursed her lips. “I do know of the prophecy, but I do not know it word for word. It would be wise to consult in Gaz at your wedding.”

“Gaz is another God?” You questioned, attempting to ignore how sure Hera was that you’d accept Hades’ marriage proposal. “Yes, Apollo is his name, he’s the God of Prophecy and the Sun.”

“There are many of you, it’s hard to imagine you have any enemies at all.”

Kate’s face turned grim, her eyes swirling in a look of caution. “Makarov was always locked away in prison in the underworld. It frightens me that he was able to slither his way into your chambers so easily.”

“How could he have escaped?”

Hera’s lips pursed, “I don’t think he truly has. What you saw was merely a figment of him. Makarov is Tartarus, pure chaos. He wouldn’t have let you live if he was in his true form.”

“He said he wanted everything from me.” Your voice came out confused, what would literal chaos want with a mortal?

“We will keep you safe. Besides, times will be happier.” Hera stood from her position, seemingly satisfied with the little chat.

“Wait…” you called out, suddenly feeling your cheeks redden as you bit your lip in thought. “You said you fortified our marital bond. Will I be happy? Will he?”

Hera let a soft grin spread across her lips.

“For Eternity.”

You stood in front of the mirror, taking time to glance at yourself before making the descent to your chamber. The moon reflected against the glass, as well as Kleo’s watching eyes.

It wasn’t ideal for her to watch your every move, especially such simple actions like bathing or dressing. But it did ease your mind and made your thoughts run clearer.

“Almost ready?” Kleo asked from against the wall, her hand resting upon the hilt of her sword, as if anything would happen in the slightest second.

With a final glance in the mirror, your eyes traveled to the soft ivy green of your nightdress, before shifting up to the soft blemish of your neck, still visible and showcasing.

“Yes, thank you for waiting.” You made sure to show appreciation to all of your guards, knowing they likely had so much better things to do.

It was a short walk to your chambers, the room was lit by a series of candles. Something you found to be lit at all times, despite the waste of wax. The thought of being alone in the darkness was now too much for you to bare, despite being guarded.

You never wanted to see those red eyes again.

Before you could even sit down on your furs, a loud commotion made you jump, coming just from down the hall. Kleo drew her sword, placing you behind her quickly.

“Your Grace, please. You’re injured!” A small voice called out into the hallway, just as footsteps grew louder towards your chambers. “Move.” His deep voice growled close to your door, making you bite your cheek in worry and in happiness that he was back.

The God of the Dead bursted through your door, not bothering to knock or even unfold his wings to make his way through the door. Instead, he stood still, his wild eyes falling to you.

Kleo lowered her weapon, still staying close.

“Are you hurt?” He asked rapidly, you didn’t hesitate to shake your head, not knowing what would happen if you so much as said you had a paper cut.

His shoulders sagged in relief, and it was then that you could see he let his fatigue and injuries get the best of him. Your God was covered in slashing wounds, all the color of his blood of liquid gold.

He took a step closer, and another, until he stumbled slightly, a large gash on his torso making him gasp. It was strange seeing someone of such high power be in pain. Almost instantly you reached out, running on your own instinct as you lowered him down to your furs.

“Why hasn’t he been tended to?” You asked to the man in white robes, likely a medic to Simon. He gulped, extending a variety of bandages and salves out for you to see. “I was trying, he insisted upon seeing you first, my lady.”

Your gaze traveled down to Simon, who was covering a particular long gash on his chest, his eyes adverted almost as if he was scared of your reaction.

With a huff, you moved to take the supplies into your own hands. “I’ve got this, I was my village’s healer. Besides the two of us need to talk.”

The medic nodded, hastily bowing with relief before shuffling out of the room. Kleo held your stare for a moment, before following out of the room.

“What happened to you?” Worry dripped from your tone like falling rain. Gently, you set the bandages upon your bed, right across from Simon. His wings twitched behind his back, just as his black eyes glanced up.

“We found him—the demon. He was stronger than I thought. Artemis and I hardly escaped. But I believe he’s licking his wounds somewhere far away.” His legs spread wider against your bed, his torso leant back and stretching. He jerked, letting out a loud hiss. Even with the mask upon his face you could see the wincing in pain.

“Stop, stop moving you’ll make it hurt worse.” You fussed, bringing up a bottle of salve to your eyes.

“Already hurts pretty bad, darling.”

Your heart fluttered at the name, still you attempted to hide your shaking fingers as your eyes trailed down to his mauled torso. Silently, you bit down upon your lip. Who could destroy a God so easily?

“I need you to take off your shirt.” You ordered, feeling some sense of professionalism leak through your command—Perks of years of healing in your village.

Simon did as told with little fuss, lifting his arms to pull his robes over his head, but as he tugged upon the swirling fabric his wound gushed more liquid gold, making you hastily reach out to him.

“Stop! I’ll do it, you’ll injure yourself more.” Simon dropped his arms back down, looking to be in relief as his skin constricted normally again. He said nothing as you pried his clothing from his torso. Even though it was your second time seeing his rippling chest and stomach, you still found yourself inhaling slightly harder as you examined him.

Snapping out of your stupor, you reached near your nightstand, taking a rag from the pile and dipping it into a wash basin you had previously used to wash your face. The water was still warm to the touch.

You made work of dabbing the multiple wounds with the water, surprised that Simon didn’t even flinch when the rag hit his wounds. You wondered then how many battles he was truly in.

His eyes pierced against your face, making you heavily aware of his stare as you dabbed salve upon the already closing wounds. With nimble hands you began to wrap up his chest.

“You’re staring…” you muttered, eyebrow furrowed in concentration as you attempted to ignore his stare. His hand reached up, latching to your own as he squeezed lightly.

“Makarov, he gets into people’s heads, he managed to get the best of me, slashed clean through my cheek. I thought I had lost you, it seemed so real.” His words rumbled deep within his chest, sincerity dripping from his tone.

“I’m right here.” You assured.

His eyes blew out in adoration, something you were beginning to grow used to. How he adored the air because it was what you breathed, how he envied the sun and rain because they got to touch your skin. How he planted flowers in your name because you had once picked the stems.

“I know.” He whispered.

It was silent for a moment, until you thought back to what he previously said. You sucked in a breath, “you said Makarov cut your face, you need to treat it. I can leave if it brings you comfort?”

His hand gripped your wrist tighter, silence over taking you for a moment before he attempted to sit up straighter.

“Stay.” He requested, a silent plea that spoke volumes. This was huge, at long last you would see his face. His fingers dropped your hand, instead reaching up to the skull helm he proudly wore.

You gulped as he peeled it from his skin.

Air escaped every crevice of your lungs when you looked to him. The real him.

He was every bit a God. His hair cropped and a color of sweet honey. His skin was rich and pale, previous smile lines etched against his eyes, amongst with dark circles hidden underneath his black irises. His nose was large, that fit well against his high cheekbones and lengthy cheeks. Stubble grazed over his sharp jaw, and a singular white scar ran through the bottom of his chin to a set of petal pink lips.

Without thinking, you brought your palm to his cheek that was free of any injuries, reveling in the warmth of his skin and prick of his stubble. He was real, despite how beautiful he was. He was yours.

“You’re staring.” He repeated you from earlier, a small smile peeking from his lips, you decided it was breathtaking.

“You’re insufferable…” you teased back, hand still cradling his cheek. His eyes locked with yours intensely—an intensity that wasn’t there when he was wearing a mask.

“And you’re simply exquisite, Sponsa Mea.” Simon slightly turned his head, his lips falling upon your open palm in a gentle searing kiss.

Your face flushed at the kiss, something that made you yearn for it to be his lips on yours instead of just your palm.

“I’ve had some time to think about our betrothal.” You murmured, suddenly feeling just how close you were to him. How his eyes fluttered shut at the sound of your voice, as if he was intoxicated just on you.

He hummed, the dark wings behind his back extending to your waist, only touching you enough to tickle against your sides. You weren’t sure if he was truly aware of what he was doing, his face still locked against your touch.

“I’ll stay. I’ll marry you.”

Tags: @soapyghost @queenqu33f @blueoorchid @lethalchiralium @eclipse-darling @galagcica @dead-noodles @agspgrwasb @toobsessedsstuff @mooniesyubi @cookielovesbook-akie @vile-villain6661 @peachlcve @soldier-lass @ghostslittlegf @rebel-soldat @erintaro @ghost-with-a-teacup @fante-di-denari @sollucifer @embers-of-alluring @icepancakes @queen-ilmaree @ahmya-4 @msecho19 @the-abyss-of-fandoms @madysonavery @angstyjellybean @trashboat-the-raccoon @multitargaryen @kdkj122920 @montenegroisr @lilacsourgirl @thisperspective @random0lover @pasta-m1lk @badpvn @sweetybuzz25z25 @stupendoustyrantstranger @4ndjelij4 @bootlegroach @brainstormbby @yehet-moi-ohoratrat @lilpothoscuttings

#cod #call of duty modern warfare #simon ghost riley #simon riley #modern warfare #simon ghost riley x reader

[causenessus]

new grounds

part 0.12. SECOND TIME'S THE CHARM . . . 2.14.2024

PLAYING IN THE CAFE . . . valentine by laufey

prev. | m.list | next

extras <3

i literally did not want to write a valentines day chapter because it felt stupid but also i did this to myself because i decided to follow a timeline for this smau and i knew i couldn't just skip over it but hey it worked out ok i think

hinata calls like 80% of the "council meetings" and they're usually for something stupid

hinata and tsukki love each other they just show it by verbally berating each other

bokuto did in fact make cute little cards filled with hearts made of wildflower seed paper for his best friends and the entire volleyball team <3

the freeloaders were texting kageyama about valentines day on tuesday, the day before valentines day when kags was working with y/n and he was so terrified she'd look at his phone and see they were texting about her

bokuto was the only person who saw kageyama drop off the flowers. who else would be up at 5 am and somehow look out the peephole of their door at the exact right moment

keiji woke up when, in his completely dark room, bokuto started shaking his bed frame going "AKAASHI WAKE UP IT'S IMPORTANT" and he literally thought someone was breaking in

kageyama's heart dropped when he accidentally said he was already interested in someone right in front of y/n he thought he had just ruined every chance with her or given himself away

bokuto did show up to join the girl talk <3 yachi wasn't able to again because of school she was devastated

did anyone's elementary school do that thing where on valentine's day everyone brought in a box they had decorated for other kids to drop their candy into? that's basically what was happening in yamaguchi's class except for half the kids had designed their box to be like those little mechanical coin boxes where you put the coin on a plate and like a cat paw comes out to take it (linked an 8 second youtube video clip of what i'm talking about because i couldn't describe this thing to save my life) TLDR; engineer majors are sleep deprived crazed nerds.

taglist: @ncitygreen @lvrlamp @cherrypieyourface @mimi3lover @lees-chaotic-brain @frootloopscos @0moonii @cr4yolaas @eggyrocks @pinkiscool @httpakkeiji @localgaytrainwreck @lunaviee @kitty-m30w @lixie-phoria @aliruuiz @corvid007 @iluv-ace @yvjitadori @k8nicole @ryeyeyer @thechaosoflonging @kettlepop @r0seandth0rns @rinheartshyunlix @lucky-chars @par4disee @vixx-22 @luvkvni @does-directions (form to be added to taglist! <3)

#kageyama tobio #tobio kageyama #kageyama x reader #kageyama smau #haiykuu smau #haikyuu x reader #haikyuu #hq #hq x reader

[fiend-streak]

What's better than one vampire? Well, two.

Okay. My save files got corrupted. I tried to emm... fix them, but I failed to do few things and one was to scan the problem in the console. I didn't even look there, I'm such an IT pro. Stuff work - dunno how, it no work - dunno how. Then my friend came in to save the day but she was too late. I reinstalled everything, she just facepalmed - she's an actual IT pro so she could help but I was too eager to do things myself. I'm playing on tactician mode exclusively. Wanted to do honor mode but idk, I don't think I can use Merxes for it. Honor mode can be very rng if inspiration points runs out, can't reload if I'll want to repeat a scene or I experience stuck/bug. So I made a throwaway char. Sarasti 2.0. !!! If anyone know where I can get Gortash hair for custom char, please let me know - the prev version of Sarasti was using Gortash hair but I had to reinstall mods and lost that one. Sucks. !!!

Sarasti. He looks... slightly evil? Wonder with whom I should pair him with...

#baldur's gate 3 #bg3 #dark urge #astarion #bg3 durge #dark urge x astarion #sexy dudes #ascended astarion

[traumxrei-archive]

live laugh love cattos <333 i’d die for a cat anyday tbh … *sniff* *sniff* do you smell that? ah yes the smell of the love-hate relationship u have with azuru 🤭 bet you were giggling and kicking your feet bwahahah when you saw the cards, anyways enough bestie bullying for today heheh omg i don’t play project sekai but i do know its a rhythm game, i played one in the past called superstar sm when i was in my exo-l era (i think it was in 2018 iirc) but yeah i do think the next update of genshin its gonna be a lot of fun since the trailer showed like a capture the flag kinda game with sumeru boys (i was squealing when i saw scara fighting cyno and laughing so hard when kaveh literally flew away 😭🤚🏻 and and alhaitham’s commenting on the situation like he was a football narrator ALSO TRAU LOOK WHAT I FOUND IN HOYOLAB

NXX AS GENSHIN CHARACTERS!!!! also the visions fit very well with their personality and backstory imo

(hoyolab link + prev ask)

me and azul are haters and not lovers bc his ass keeps getting NEW ssr cards that i have to pull for and i just. KNOW he's doing this bc capitalism >:(((( (also how dare you bully me !! /j)

proseka is so cute <33 after enstars i just knew i'd like it and it took me wanting to befriend this person at uni for me to download it. i do not know the story but i DO know that i'm a sucker for vocaloid, so i'm just tap tap tap tap

(also superstar SM,,,,,omg,,,,,tbh i've never had it downloaded but i played it a lot on my friends' phone LMAO)

and omggg i think i saw the trailer for the new event !! lowkey kinda sad that i deleted genshin now, bc it does look fun. but also not sad ? bc i really do NOT have the time to spend hours on playing genshin rn,,,,and missing events would have me stressed outtttt

also !! the NXX boys as genshin chars !!!!! marius being an anemo sword char tracks, but i could also see him being a spear char. and vyn being a cryo catalyst ALSO tracks, but i could see him as dendro as well (imagine his ult growing rose bushes or something,,,,it'd be so cool) artem being a hydro polearm is good but i lowkey see him as a bow user too,,,,,he'd probably have amazing aim. and i agree on luke being a pyro claymore !! he's a stronk boi so he gets the big ass mega sword !!!!!

#/trau rambles #/sunsethw4 #/moots <3 #<bestbu3 #the way i was abt the call the catalyst a grimoire #playing too much twst syndrome

[swiftsaltsweet]

Wednesday Season 2: Hyde in the Shadows

Episode 1B: Woe-fore art thou Wednesday

Prev Episode

Characters: Wednesday and Enid (ft returning chars and new OCs)

Pairing: Wenclair

Important info: VERY Slow Burn, Canon Compliant (with season 1), read A/N For more details on everything.

Summary:  Stalking, murders, troubling visions, sins of the past, and a little bit of kidnapping. Wednesday’s start of the second semester isn’t a normal one, but when is her life ever “normal?” Wednesday has new mysteries to solve and catastrophes prevent, with the help of her overly enthusiastic roommate Enid, she just has to deal with some annoying relatives first.

Other Sites: AO3 and Fanfic.net

A/N: 

Not beta read, we’ll live or die by my ghostly hands! ;w;/

________________________________________________________________

Enid had been wondering why Wednesday didn’t take her disembodied family Thing with her to school. Last year, Wednesday’s parents had sent the handy helper to keep an eye on Wednesday to make sure she didn’t do anything out of line.

Thing had become a huge asset to Wednesday, having made him pledge loyalty to her and her alone. Because of this, it made no sense why Wednesday wouldn’t bring Thing with her this semester.

Regardless of Wednesday’s amnesia, her parents would’ve surely sent him to babysit her. Not even mentioning Thing’s own wants and desires, he wouldn’t have left Wednesday alone in the state she was in.

And so, Enid concluded that this faker also did something to Thing as well as Wednesday.

And that’s why Enid was breaking into Yoko and Not-Wednesday’s dorm room. Well, not really breaking in, she asked the still afraid Yoko if she could borrow her key. So technically she was allowed in the room.

Thanks to her daily stalking, Enid had gotten a relative grasp on what Not-Wednesday’s school schedule was and knew she wouldn’t be back for a good while.

“Thing,” Enid whispered, but all she got back was silence.

Enid got on all fours and started crawling around, sniffing the ground. Though her sense of smell wasn’t as strong as if she was in wolf form, which was not a viable option for various reasons at the current moment, it was still much stronger than a normal human’s.

She wandered the room a few times but couldn’t get a scent. So, she decided to raid the place. Well, neatly raid if that was an option, she wanted to keep it as neat as possible, so as not to get her nor Yoko in trouble. And to keep the fake from finding out she was in there. 

She started with the dresser drawers, the nightstand, the vanity table, the suitcases, the bed, and the desk. While scanning the desk she picked up the two dolls on it, the headless one and the ax wielding one. She gave each a sniff, starting with the ax wielding one smelt just like the fake with the same floral smell. Just like everything else in this room.

Enid took the headless doll and gave it a sniff, expecting the same floral smell. Instead, her nose was filled with the intense sensation of dead flowers and ammonia. It was Wednesday’s scent! It was practically bathed in it. So, did that mean this doll was Wednesday’s? Why would the fake have Wednesday’s doll?

She looked at the doll, the dress it wore was almost exactly like the one Wednesday wore on her first day. It was like a miniature fashion disaster. Enid wasn’t sure what it all meant, but it was a clue, so she stored the doll in her backpack.

Finally, she went to the armoire. Nothing was in its top cabinet, but when she opened the drawer below, a new but familiar scent burst forth into her nostrils.

Excited, Enid started tearing it apart, hoping to find Thing. But instead of finding her stitch-y friend, she found a chained box. One that looked like it had been busted open from within. Pieces of fingernail, and blood were speckled around the opening. It reeked of Thing’s scent, specifically the last of the hand lotion that Enid smelt off Not-Wednesday back at the quad.

“What are you doing?” an unfortunately familiar voice sent a shock down Enid’s spine.

Enid turned slowly, to see the Not-Wednesday standing by her, now closed, bedroom door, a small, unsettling smile on her face. She had come back sooner than Enid had anticipated.

Starting to stand, hiding the box behind her back, Enid nervously laughed trying to dismiss her faux pas, “You cutting class?”

“And you’re breaking into people’s rooms?” Not-Wednesday raised her eyebrow with a small smile, challenging Enid.

“What? No! I’m not breaking in; I have a key!” Enid patted her pocked with the key in it, “Yoko gave it to me, I had to get something from her room!”

“Oh? I think a fair assumption would be that the “something” you were getting would be on her side, no?”

“What? This isn’t her side? No way! It just, you know, totally screamed ‘Yoko’s side!’“ Enid laughed nervously, trying to cover up with false ignorance. She attempted to go around the girl, but the braided haired girl side-stepped her, cutting off her route. 

The dark-haired girl raised her eyebrow, “I didn’t know Yoko liked pink.”

Enid laughed again, “Oh yeah, she likes it! Especially more than Wednes-!” Enid shut her mouth, just realizing what she had done, but it was too late. The fake now knew Enid didn’t believe she was Wednesday.

The braided hair girl stared at Enid for a long time, and then leaned around to look behind Enid, seeing the open armoire. Her brows knitted together, and her smile disappeared into an emotionless mask as she looked back to Enid again.

Enid, seeing the jig was up, gathered her courage and hardened her voice, “Where’s Thing?”

“Why are you in my room?” Not-Wednesday asked, ignoring Enid.

“I’m looking for Thing. Where is he?”

“He’s. Not. Here,” Not-Wednesday punctuated, her emotionless mask slowly growing angrier.

Enid held up the broken box, “Where is he? Why did you trap him in here?”

“I don’t like it when people go through my stuff without my permission,” Not-Wednesday said through clenched teeth, slowly making her way across her room to her desk, but never taking her eyes off Enid.

The way the imposter ignored Enid’s questions filled her with rage. If it was a full moon, and if she didn’t have to rely on this imposter to tell her where her friends were, she might’ve wolfed out. Instead, Enid dropped the box and extended her claws. She had a feeling Not-Wednesday wouldn’t give her any information without a fight.

“Where are they?!” Enid screamed and lunged at Not-Wednesday.

Thunk.

The noise of something hitting the ground threw Enid off for only a second, she quickly turned behind her, hoping to see Thing, but only saw a hairbrush having fallen off the very far away vanity table.

Before Enid could question how, or regain her attention, she found her vision being flipped upside down. And feeling the crack of her body hit the floorboards.

She had been judo flipped by the imposter.

Slightly dazed from her head hitting the ground, she tried to get up but was met with something cool and sharp against her throat.

“Now be a good puppy and put those claws away,” Not-Wednesday whispered on top of her as she held Enid down with one arm and had a nicely sharpened hatchet up against Enid’s throat in another.

Enid, only glared at the imposter and said through gasps of anger and pain, “Where. Is. Thing?”

Not-Wednesday sighed and regained her happy composure, her cadence melting between cheerful and dangerous, “Not here! As you can see. But you could say his situation? It’s a bit grave.”

“Where. Is. Wednesday?”

Not-Wednesday rolled her eyes, “Bit of a bat in the belfry… ok?”

Enid growled, she didn’t like being called crazy, especially not in such an antiquated way.

“Now that I’ve answered your questions, will you please leave my room? You’ve disturbed my studies and school life enough as it is,” she smiled sweetly at Enid. Then as she stood up, she threw Enid’s arm behind her back in one fluid motion; all while keeping the hatchet trained on Enid’s jugular.

She used her hatchet-hand to open the door and then kicked Enid in the lower back while releasing her.

Enid hit the ground hard for the second time tonight, this time on cement. She heard the door behind her close and lock.

“I’ll return the key to Yoko, please don’t make me change the locks,” Enid heard the imposter say through the door. 

Enid's hand flew into her pocket. Yup, the key was gone.

Wednesday Season 2:

Hyde in the Shadows

Episode 1B: Woe-fore art thou Wednesday

If you asked anyone last year, or any year prior, if Enid was one to break the rules of the school, they would say ‘no.’ Fake a wolf out to sneak out and break into a forbidden mansion? No. Skip class to break into another student’s dorm? Never! Continue her truancy and make a mess of the school library in an attempt to find her missing friend? Well, maybe. 

Enid tore through the books at the library, anything that could help her figure out who Wednesday’s double was, or anything concerning the doll Enid found. She was really hoping that this doll was not Wednesday shrunk down, because she didn’t want to deal with a headless roommate. 

Then Enid thought, ‘you know what seems totally on brand and creepy of Wednesday? A voodoo doll!’ So, Enid was pouring over all the witchcraft genres in the library, thinking this might be the lead she needs.

"Did you take up a new hobby with creepy looking dolls?” Xavier appeared, picking up the headless doll.

“No,” Enid said, not looking up from the book she was reading, “I think it’s connected to Wednesday somehow.”

Xavier raised an eyebrow at her, handing the doll back to Enid, who placed it back in her bag, “Uh, why do you think that? Wait, wasn’t this the weird doll in Wednesday and Yoko’s room?”

“Because it smells like her-and yes, it was in Wednesday’s-I mean ‘Not-Wednesday’s’ room. I broke in, technically.”

“Ah well, can’t judge you on your criminal activity. Bianca and I attempted something kind of illegal too,” Xavier laughed. Enid finally looked up at him, curious.

“I ran into Bianca while I was searching for the books. What was happening with Wednesday didn’t sit right with her either. I kinda-sorta asked if she would use her siren powers to make the ‘Not-Wednesday’ talk.”

“And? What happened?” Enid asked elated.

Xavier furrowed his brow and pursed his lips, “It was strange, nothing happened. It was like she was immune.” 

They stared at each other for a moment, “Did she have earplugs in? I remember that the only thing that can grant total immunity to a siren’s powers is something that blocks the hearing.”

Xavier shook his head, “Nope, she was talking just fine with her friends earlier. She had no time to slip any earplugs in.”

“Is she part siren? They aren’t always immune but they have some resistant to siren songs.”

Xavier shook his head, “Yoko claims she saw her washing her hands in the bathroom, no scales.”

Enid drooped in her seat, nothing they did seemed to work and it didn’t feel like they were getting closer to the truth. Until…. 

Xavier heaved a heavy book onto their table, “Hey! It’s not a total loss just yet! I found this strange book written by one of the original founding members of the nightshade society. It’s by an….. Iggy Itt. I don’t know why, but it felt like it was calling out to me."

"Well, what’s in it?" Enid asked, perking up.

“Well…. a lot actually,” he shrugged pointedly at the book, “but specifically for our case? Not that much. But the fae could be related-”

“Damn, should’ve guessed. It’s always the fae,” Enid slammed her fist on the table.

Xavier chuckled, “Maybe, but I don’t think so, not in this case-well…. There are similarities but it’s not exact,” he flipped to a page farther into the book and began reading aloud, “‘Doppelganger: a ghostly look alike of bad luck. A creature born from nothing, but in want of everything. If you are confronted with one, RUN! Once it locks onto you, it will stop at nothing to take your life and take over your life.”

When he stopped, he looked at Enid, his own concern reflecting on her face.

“‘Ghostly look alike?’ Pallor wise that fits Wednesday more than that faker,” Enid bitterly chuckled, attempting to ignore her growing fears with humor, “So how do we defeat this thing?”

There was a long silence.

“Well?” Enid looked at him, but grew pale seeing his own color drain, “Oh…oh no. Please don’t tell me. That’s all that’s in there!”

Xavier sighed, “Maybe Nathaniel Faulkner has more to say in his book, but for obvious reasons I can’t check that.”

Nathaniel Faulkner was the founder of the Nightshade society; he had a special book hidden away in the Nightshade’s meeting place. The book contained well sought-after data on little known outcast species. Such as the Hyde, a creature they had to deal with last year. Unfortunately for them, the book was stolen from Wednesdays’ and Enid’s dorm room sometime last year, and they had yet to find it again.

“So, what are we going to do? Capture her? Torture her? Wait-we’re def going to need rope, and-” Enid wasn’t sure exactly how you kidnap and torture someone, but she was willing to figure it out if it meant saving her friend.

“That might not be a good idea.”

“Why not?”

“Well for one, it won’t do Wednesday nor us any good if you get expelled.”

“Who’s getting expelled?” a cheerful voice said from behind them.

Enid and Xavier jumped and whirled around in their seats; it was Wednesday, well Not-Wednesday.

“Wh-what are you doing here?” Enid bristled.

“Hm? I didn’t know that me being in the library was off limits, obviously because I can be wherever I want.”

“No, I meant-You always avoid me, why are you suddenly approaching me?” Enid thought back on all the times she tried to win over this faker, thinking she was Wednesday. Maybe the faker knew that Enid’s keen senses would give her away if they stayed near each other for too long? And now that she knows the jig is up she doesn’t care?

The imposter cocked her eyebrow, “So you can stalk me, but I can’t stalk you? Doesn’t seem fair,” she pouted before reaching to touch the back of Enid’s head with her right hand, causing Enid to wince, “And here I thought I was being nice checking up on you. Wanted to make sure I didn’t hurt you too much! Or if I finally knocked some sense into you.”

The last of that sentence had a darker edge to it.

Enid could feel her face growing hot with anger, and it only grew hotter when she realized too slowly, Not-Wednesday’s left hand shooting to the table and snatching up the book on the table.

“Ooo what’s this? ‘Doppelganger? Now that’s a creepy little critter. Pray tell, why are you looking at this?” she let out a strange giggle, while she she smiled fondly at the page, fingers playing with the edges of the book.

Enid quickly snatched the book out of the imposter’s hands and quickly got into her face, “I know what you are.”

The imposter suddenly got mockingly bashful, “Oh my, you do?”

“Yeah, and I’m going to tell everyone!” Enid declared, jabbing a finger into the other girl’s shoulder.

“R-really? Like, gasp, right now?” The braided hair girl started looking all faint.

“Yeah! I-um, what?” All the gas in Enid’s engines suddenly spluttered out. She was expecting anger from the creature, or at least taunting her about Wednesday’s whereabouts. Not…. whatever this was. Were Doppelganger’s supposed to make you feel stupid?

“Oh, but I guess you must, it was only a matter of time before you great detectives figured me out!” she placed the back of her hand on her forehead while clutching at her heart in a mock faint. 

And then in an instant, Not-Wednesday was back to her normal cheerful self, “Is that what you want me to say?”

Audible grounding could be heard as Enid mashed her teeth together, as well as the tearing of Not-Wednesday’s jacket as Enid grabbed her by the collar.

The imposter dared to reach her hand out to pinch the cheek of the raging werewolf, “Aw, are you angry? I’m sorry it’s just so much fun seeing you all spin your wheels trying to figure it out. I’m sure you’ll get there…. eventually. Sadly, you just might be too late.”

A snarl ripped from Enid’s lips, the young werewolf was seeing red, and a not so familiar heat was building up within her again. It was a sensation she only experienced once before, and she was ready to let it consume her when-

“Enid! Xavier! I found some…..thing…” an oblivious voice cut through the tense atmosphere before a murder could happen in the library. Eugene stopped dead in his tracks as he approached the three teens, ignoring the ever-increasing onlookers, and the ancient librarian slowly, and literally, inching forward to confront the group.

Before Enid could even think about greeting Eugene, she found herself sprawled on the floor for the second time within the last 24 hours. Not-Wednesday had taken the opportunity to throw her over her shoulder and onto the ground.

The imposter began straightening up her jacket the best she could, “Well, I’ve had my fun,” she started walking away, walking past Eugene only to stop for a second to ruffle the shorter boy’s hair, “Best you move along fast now. That something might need help sooner rather than later.”

Eugene, goosebumps and sickened by the fake’s touch, ran over to Enid to help her up with Xavier’s help.

“What happened here?”

“Nothing! What did you find?” Enid, realizing Eugene might have a lead, shook his shoulders.

Eugene began walking, leading the duo out of the library, “Well after your first failed bout with the clone, really you got distracted by a hairbrush?”

Xavier looked at Enid confused, “What?”

“How did you know about that?” Enid looked at Eugene surprised; she didn’t think anyone was nearby.

“Easy my bees were keeping a lookout- by the by, your whole plan wasn’t the greatest but that’s not the point. I was using my bees to keep tabs on the fake,” Eugene began picking up the pace, soon leading the group into the forest that surrounded the school.

“And then sometime after your bout, in between classes, the fake snuck into the greenhouse to retrieve a box-”

“A box?!” Enid exclaimed.

“Yes, a box.”

“What did it look like?”

“It was a small wooden box with little chains around it-”

“Just like the one in the imposter’s room!” both Enid and Eugene exclaimed in tandem.

“What did she do with this box?” Xavier interjected, trying to keep up with them; the group was now in the middle of a sprint into the forest.

“Yeah, so she took the box and then brought it into the forest! I spent the rest of the school day trying to find the area with my bees. They’re decent at tracking, but I did have to keep my distance, so she didn’t think she was being followed. I think I might’ve found the area though.”

“And what did she do with it?” Xavier asked.

“I think she buried it.”

“And you think you found the area, but didn’t think to dig it up?” Enid questioned, a bit on edge.

“Well…. you’ll understand when you see.”

After what felt like forever, the group found themselves in the middle of a very ancient and secluded cemetery. And sure enough, it looked like the ground had been freshly unearthed….in multiple areas. A lot of areas. It looked like the majority of graves had been dug up.

“I wasn’t going to be able to dig it all up myself, especially with how cold the ground is. I mean it’s a little looser since it’s already been dug up once but still! It was just faster for me to come get you!”

“That’s fair, quick hand me a shovel!” Xavier stated, with Eugene handing him two shovels that were conveniently there, “Enid!”

“No need, I’ve got this!” Enid extended her claws and did what any doggo does best. Dig.

“That….. that works too!” 

Many hours passed as the teens performed their technically first grave robbing expedition. Each time the teens dug they would hit a box, but it was never the box. As it became nightfall, they each used the lights on their cellphones to continue digging. Day broke not long after their battery ran out.

“How did one girl dig up so many graves in such a short amount of time?” Xavier complained, looking at his blistering hands.

“Well, she’s had a week to do this, it’s possible she did it over the past few nights and we just didn’t notice?” Eugene countered.

“I don’t know, these all seem about the same level of fresh,” Xavier trailed off.

“Less talking more digging,” Enid chided, she was covered from head to toe in dirt, “Damn, not this one either!”

Enid quickly jumped to the next grave, and proceeded digging, but soon heard a scream of terror behind her.

Enid and Xavier turned to where Eugene was, he was sprawled on the ground trying to crawl away. The duo quickly rushed over to their friend as fast as they could.

“Z-zombie!” he squeaked while Xavier pulled him by the collar to get him away, and Enid got in between the boy and the impending monster.

A hand burst forth from the ground, just like in the movies. It slowly crawled out along with……….. with……… with nothing else. It was just a hand.

“It’s just a hand,” Xavier said in disbelief.

“It’s just a hand,” Eugene cried in relief.

“It’s just a hand!” the three squealed with joy.

The hand slowly staggered to the group of teens, who rushed to greet him. He was gingerly scooped up by Enid and given a hug.

“Oh Thing! I’ve missed you!” She held her very odd friend tenderly. He looked worse for wear, more so than usual. He was a disembodied hand who was covered in stitches, which was normal for him. But now he had missing or broken fingernails and was bleeding profusely from his fingertips.

“Thing! Who did this to you?” It wasn’t so much that the teens weren’t aware who the who was, but they were hoping Thing could shed some light as to what the who was.

Where. Is. Wednesday? Thing signed to them.

“W-we don’t really know; we were hoping you could tell us! There’s this imposter and-”

Thing cut Enid off with a snap and a point at the word ‘imposter,’ Take. Me. To. Her. Take. Me. To. Wednesday.

The teens looked at each other and began sprinting off to the school, hoping to get there before classes began.

***~***

The group made their way past the gates of the school and into the quad, bursting through the doors and making a scene. It was quite the dramatic scene, disheveled and dirty with a disembodied hand in tow, screaming like maniacs, they really turned heads.

“You!” Xavier pointed at the Doppelgänger who was in line for food.

Everyone turned to who they thought was Wednesday, who only had a slight shocked expression. Then she turned her eyes to Thing, who was being held in Enid’s arms. Thing rearranged itself in Enid’s arms, and gave the imposter the bird.

The Doppelgänger drew a big smile, almost manic, from the action. She placed her tray down and bolted from the line.

Enid bolted after the Doppelgänger with Thing in her arms, not thinking about the two she left behind.

The monster bobbed and weaved through the students in the school, down the stony corridor, Enid tried her best to dodge the students as best she could. Faster and faster, she charged after the demon. It was just within arm’s reach when it made a sudden turn down the stony corridor, Enid quickly used her claws to pivot, so she could regain her momentum.

She sprinted after the monster, who kept trying to lose her in the hallways. A left, another left, a right, a left.

But Enid continued to gain on the monster, she got within arm’s reach again, she felt the rim of the monster's collar graze the tips of her fingers, when she felt something grab her ankle, and she took a tumble. Enid’s chin hit the floor with a resounding crack!

Enid's eyes blurred from the pain and tried to get a line of sight back on the Doppelgänger, when she saw Xavier T-bone the monster at a hallway intersection and attempted to grab her. Enid tried to get up but felt a force pulling her back on her leg.

She looked down to see Thing wrestling with another disembodied hand, one that was more feminine, its acrylic nails almost reminding Enid of stiletto heels. He was attempting to pry “her” off Enid. Enid let out a scream, surprised by the new hand and shook her leg, which lost what was left of the lady hand’s grip on Enid.

Enid sprinted away, leaving the two hands to tango by themselve. 

She set her sights on Xavier, who had the Doppelgänger in a hold. Key word: had. The Doppelgänger had expertly disengaged herself from his armature grip by slamming her hips against him and then twisting his arm when he let go from the force. She couldn’t fully bring him to his knees as she saw Enid coming at her, and had to let go. Sprinting away again.

It was then Eugene’s turn to halt the monster’s progress, appearing out of the next intersection, he summoned his walls of bees, ready to attack the monster. But with a wave of the monster’s hand, the bees suddenly dispersed and flew away, leaving a new strong floral smell in the air.

What? But only Eugene has the ability to control bees! Enid thought, just what is she?!

She quickly chased the creature outside the school, and before the monster could realize it, Enid saw that the monster was about to meet her own demise. As the path they were on was about to lead to a dead end.

The duo stopped when the Doppelgänger was surrounded by three walls and Enid. Xavier and Eugene were not far behind them. The Doppelgänger’s only options were to either go through Enid, Xavier and Eugene, or up the drainpipe onto the school roof. But there was no way this beast could climb faster than Enid, even in human form her physical capabilities surpassed any normal human. 

“End….. of the line,” Enid tried to sound intimidating, but it was hard trying to catch her breath, “You have…. nowhere else to go….”

The monster turned towards the group with an elated grin, “You sure?”

The Doppelgänger grabbed for the drainpipe and….. it was hard to describe what happened. It’s not that she climbed the drainpipe, it’s that she fell upwards on it. Like gravity was turned off for her, or some kind of magic trick just happened. She flew up the drainpipe and onto the rooftop. And then sat down, her legs kicking off the edge, waiting to see what they’d do next.

The group looked at her stunned.

“Ohhhh, what the hell is that?!” Xavier yelled in frustration.

“She can do that?! Doppelgängers can just do that?!” Enid looked at Xavier in question.

“How the hell should I know,” Xavier looked at Enid exasperated.

“Nope! Just me!” the Doppelgänger called down gleefully, letting out another strange, high pitch giggle. She sounded like a child at an amusement park.

Enid groaned and reached for the drainpipe. No magic for Enid, she’d have to climb the whole way. She readied herself, and started bounding up the drainpipe, crushing it in between her hands, and slamming her claws into the wall nearby.

The Doppelgänger stared at Enid in wonder as she quickly ascended the school. The monster picked her legs up and took a handful of steps back from the entry point.

“I’m not…. through…. with you….. yet….” Enid breathed, as she clamored up the edge.

“Oooo, I hope not! You’re making me feel all special with all this attention. Wenny’s gonna be soooooo jealous!”

Enid felt a flash of rage from hearing that thing talk about Wednesday, but then quickly felt relief, “Wait, ‘gonna be,’ Wednesday’s alive?”

“Hm? Of course, she is silly!” the monster stated playfully, then tapped her chin thoughtfully, “But probably not for much longer if no one can find her.”

A white-hot flare rose in Enid, and she charged the monster on all fours, human form or not she was going to rip it apart.

The monster’s eyes widened at the ferocity, and just barely dodged Enid’s tackle in time, a part of its jacket cut by Enid’s sharpened claws.

The monster bobbed and weaved in a beeline on the rooftops, Enid making powerful jumps that left giant dents in the roof tiles with each pounce. She looked more like a cat was trying to catch a mouse, rather than the canine lineage she descended from.

Despite the poor situation it was in, the Doppelgänger’s smile never waved. In fact, it grew more manic with each attempt on its life.

Its smile reached a crescendo when it was backed into a corner on the roof, only stopping when its foot hit a giant iron peg. If Enid wasn’t solely focused on capturing the monster, she would’ve wondered if its face hurt.

“Ok,” Enid growled, “Now it's the end of the line.”

“No,” the monster looked down, taking off its jacket and twisting it up and looking back at Enid, “I think I still have a few more yards to go.” And dropped down.

Enid ran to the edge of the roof and saw the monster sliding down a decorative rope with banners streamed across. Without thinking, Enid lunged after the monster in an inhuman leap, and snagged her waist.

The rope bounced wildly as they descended faster.

“You idiot!” The monster screamed, “This thing’s not strong enough for two peo-”

RIIIIIIP.

The Doppelgänger’s jacket ripped under their weight, and the duo began tumbling towards the earth three or so stories up. They spun and spiraled in the air. Enid didn’t know what to do, didn’t know how to get out of it. Does she buckle her knees? Brace herself?

Memories and people started flashing before her eyes. She wished she got to wolf out with her family. She wished she told people more things. She wished she could see Wednesday one last time, to tell her-

Fwump!

Was not the sound Enid expected to hear when she hit the ground after a three-story drop. Nor did it hurt as much as she thought.

She looked down to see she and the Doppelgänger had landed in a bunch of soft bushes and flowers.

But what disturbed Enid the most, was that she knew that these didn’t exist before. They had randomly sprouted out of the concrete of the entrance driveway of the academy.

The Doppelgänger was the first to detangle herself, and Enid followed slowly and grace-less-ly after her.

Enid growls, crouching to pounce on the buckled over Doppelgänger.

"Enid don’t!" A voice called out from the crown of students and teachers that Enid only just realized began to gather. It was one of the Doppelgänger’s new friends.

Before Enid could retort to the girl, they were interrupted by a peel of laughter.

The Doppelgänger had her head back and was crying in jovial laughter. It threw the whole crowd into silence.

"You tried to kill me!" The Doppelgänger chortle, "you really tried to kill me!"

"I don’t want to kill you!" Enid yelled back. Not yet, she thought, "I just want-!"

"Oh man, they didn’t tell me how much fun this school would be! I would’ve come sooner!" The Doppelgänger continued to ignore Enid.

"I don’t want to kill you," Enid stated again in frustration and conviction, "I want to know where Wednesday is!"

The Doppelgänger stopped laughing, you could feel the eerie chill ripple through the crowd from the sudden silence

The Doppelgänger turned toward Enid with a blank face that grew into frustration, like a child about to throw a tantrum.

"I already told you!" It stomped its foot like a child, "why don’t you listen!"

Enid looked at her incredulously, "N-no you didn’t! Don‘t lie!"

"I’m not lying!" The Doppel rapid fire stopped its feet, "You just love making assumptions, don’t you?"

"Wha-what?" Enid took a step back. How was this her fault suddenly? She shook her head, "Stop changing the subject! Tell me where she is now! You said she didn’t have much time left."

The monster crossed its arms, puffed out its cheeks, and pouted, "Nope. I already told you. You go get her! Aren’t you her best friend."

This time Enid lunged at the girl in annoyance and childishness, flanking her. She grabbed in a rear/side tackle and had the girl’s arms pinned to her side, "Just tell me already!" Enid yelled as she swung her around.

The Doppel groaned in frustration, “Fine! Here’s a hint! Bat! Bat! Batty bat bat!"

"Quit calling me crazy!" Enid yelled back

The two yelled obscenities at each other, unaware of the approaching black vehicle coming through the gates.

It was only when the car was perpendicular to the duo that they finally acknowledged it. It was then the Doppel began squirming frantically in Enid’s hold, panicking.

“L-Lemme go!” it yelled, freeing one arm from Enid’s grasp and pushing her hand against Enid’s face, “Let go before-”

Whamboosh. 

The car door opened so violently; it was a wonder it didn’t break off its hinges.

Out of the car tumbled a white cladded figure. A feral demon. A devil incarnate. A literal bat out of hell.

The white cladded figures’ clothing was that of a straitjacket, with a half mask wrapped around the person’s face, the rest of the visible face donning a murderous intent. It looked like someone who had escaped out of an insane asylum, a real Hannibal Lecter-looking fellow.

The figure charged at the duo, and while the Doppelgänger wiggled and squirmed like its life depended on it; but Enid stayed in place.

Any normal or sane person would run away from the asylum escapee that was charging at them, but not Enid, because that was her asylum escapee. The person she’d been desperately wanting to see these past two months, and the girl who she was in a frenzy over this past week.

“Wednesda-” Enid started to cheer, before the world began to turn upside down for the third time in the last twenty-four hours.

Enid had been sent flying with the Doppel, caused by Wednesday’s headbutt/tackle to the immobile monster’s face that was still in Enid’s arms.

Enid’s grip on the Doppel loosened when the three hit the ground. Enid struggled to get her bearings, as she tried to worm her way out of the two girls on top of her.

Whack! Whack! Whack!

Enid witnessed as Wednesday delivered blow after blow to the forehead and face of the Doppel, blood trickling down her own forehead increasing with each hit. 

It only stopped when the Doppel, finally having unpinned her arms from Enid’s grasp, slammed her left forearm across Wednesday’s chest, and pushed her right hand into Wednesday’s forehead gripping her hair. Trying to push the original off of her.

The Doppel wore the same manic smile she donned when Enid chased her, but it looked more deranged from the blood trickling down her nose and forehead.

After spitting out some blood and catching her breath the Doppel finally spoke, “Long time no see…..cuz!”

 ________________________________________________________________

A/N: Hey hi huhu-lo. Wow this episode took me a few weeks to finish (longer than ep 2), probably cause I was working 60 hour work weeks cause of the holidays (I’m now down to 50ish as of posting so yay~!). Glad it’s out now! TT0TT Anyway, I bought like 10 canisters of those New Jersey Strawberry milk things, so I def have control of my life again.

Fun Fact: The dopple’s “powers” shown here are drawn straight from (or are evolved upon from) previous Addam’s family members. Specifically the 60s show. 

Hope you enjoy. :3

#wednesday #wednesday addams #wenclair #enid sinclair #wednesday netflix #wednesday (netflix) #wednesday 2022 #wednesday (2022) #hyde in the shadows

[drbtinglecannon]

Hi, friend! 💕 I hope you've been well

I come here to give you Darius for the character's ask because I'm predictable. BUT also adding that one Herlock Sholmes guy because I remember a snippet you shared and he seemed fun

Thanks pal, today's my anniversary actually so I've been doing fairly well!

Listen. Listen. I'm always willing to talk about Darius, I'm just as predictable hahaha! But I'm down to talk about both!

Darius

1. Sexuality HC:

Ace Darius ace Darius ace Darius. I vibe with bi or aro for romantic inclinations tho

2. OTP:

Dariraeda, or maybe camdariraeda. But I also like not shipping Darius with anyone, depends on the mood

3. Brotp:

Darius & Eber mean so much to me, it's one of my absolute favorite Darius relationships and it gets ignored so often (I understand why but I'm still salty). Rebel trio too, bah I wish we got an episode about those three

4. Notp:

The worst theory for why Alador and Darius grew apart is that they were both into Odalia. Darius was never into Odalia, come on people

Darius x the prev GG kinda squicks me out too, I know the Grimwalkers tended to not live a long time so there's a chance he wasn't much older than Darius but the mentor-student ship dynamic has never been a favorite of mine

5. First HC that pops into my head:

The only CH that's been in their position longer than him is Terra

6. Favorite line from this character:

"And your treachery. Whatever."

The foreshadowing that he was a rebel lies in him caring more about his fit than treason. I loved him immediately

7. One way in which I relate to this character:

I can also be a bit of a neatfreak who just wants to relax instead of doing anything, and I also suffer from "bitch that cares about others" syndrome

8. Thing that gives me second-hand embarrassment about this character:

Him yelling at Raine about the CATTs name, omg he's so whiny in the name of his ego sometimes haha

9. Cinnamon roll or problematic fave?

100% problematic fave, he bullied kids and doesn't seem to have any qualms against murder

---

I'm very curious how my answers on this char will influence the very brief impression you have of him haha! I'm certain you will be surprised by some of it

Herlock Sholmes

1. Sexuality HC:

Pan to match the test tubes he's always wearing

2. OTP:

Vanlock, I just. Love how stupid they are. Loser wet cat addicts that have to interact because his daughter is his niece and vice versa, giant bitter exes energy, their dlc case & escapade were soooo funny

3. Brotp:

I can definitely see the appeal for hmmk and I sometimes vibe with fanart for it, but I significantly prefer them in a platonic/familiar sense than a romantic/sexual sense. A very unpopular opinion but idc haha

4. Notp:

Honestly the only ship I like for Herlock is vanlock, I really don't care for any of the others.

5. First HC that pops into my head:

I know it's canonically disproven and doesn't really track for his character, but I like to sometimes think about a Herlock that gave up smoking & hard drugs when he became Iris' guardian

6. Favorite line from this character:

Though this was from the fan translation of the game years before the localization came out, the classic Herlock line "That deduction was so hot you'd hardly believe this detective is single." (I can't find it rn but I'm pretty sure that was the line. I also love his offer of jumping into a caldron of boiling wax for what equals ~16.4mil£ in today's money lmao)

7. One way I relate to this character:

Adhd 😔🎻

8. Thing that gives me second-hand embarrassment about this character:

Ooooh I'm so weak to second-hand embarrassment and this bitch caused it so frequently he's SO unhinged and cringe. Absolute loser of a man, should've been punched in the face by Ryuu after a big plot twist reveal

9. Cinnamon roll or problematic fave?

He's absolutely 100% a problematic fave. He steals, he lies constantly, he does hard drugs, he raised his daughter to think some random guy was her dad and let her believe said guy abandoned her, he's immensely flawed as an individual but he's really funny and has good intentions so. Problematic fave material

#asks #answered #bless youre always so sweet in your messages ;__; i hope you had a nice day too! #im v tired rn so hopefully this is coherent

[bishop-percival]

@head-chef-watchdog-quincy

(prev) Very bold of this man to commit such a cruel thing while in such vulnerable position. Quincy watches the plate burn, his hard work insulted and incinerated beyond recognition. It almost brought him to tears however a much more powerful feeling overtakes this. He kicks Percival's chair in again, with much more force this time, possibly winding the bishop due to digging his torso so suddenly into the edge of the table. "...At least my steak isn't pathetic enough to cry over a pet rat." The chef shook there for a moment, many ideas began to run through his head. Quincy thought Percival was his friend, but a friend does not act like this do they? Did the rat really upset Percival that much? Whatever the issue Percival resorted with insults and cruelty and so Quincy did not feel very merciful now. In all of his life the one thing he has been passionate for, cooking, for his cooking to be insulted by such a snarky and babyish... Friend... How infuriating. He continues, his voice sounds much more restrained than before, he's seething as he tries to hold himself in place behind the chair. "It's a pet Percival, you calm down and I calm down, but if you can't calm down..." Quincy rummages once again through his coat and good god that's a cleaver "Then I won't calm down." To demonstrate juuust how serious he was being right now Quincy slammed the damned thing just about near where Percival's plate should be. It digs into the table. He's holding the chair with one hand which means he did this little demonstration with his one spare hand. Not two hands. Quincy is capable of cutting rather cleanly into a solid surface with one hand. He is trying, very hard, to be a polite person right now. He could have just gone straight for Percival's stupid little vulnerable fingers and made his way around from there however he must give his friend some form of chance. Maybe rats just make Bishop Percival so afraid and erratic, but even then, atleast one finger should be worth the damage Percival had done to the dish. It's the least that man could offer for ruining his dinner for friends. Quincy doesn't say these things but they're very persistent in his head. He would be lying to himself if he said he was not remotely tempted to dice that man. But that's not a way to think of friends... ..Is it? Is he a friend..? Quincy isn't familiar enough with friends to understand so well, so instead of overthinking it he asks bluntly. He does not move his cleaver. "The Most Reverend Bishop Percival, are you my friend?"

“PWOOHH!” was the sound of the wind getting knocked out of the bishop as he slammed into the table. The slam of the table startled Sherri Jr and she quickly clambered back into Bert’s labcoat. The charred plate fell from Percy’s hands and shattered, scattering the steak ashes around. Bert, who had been eating while tentatively watching this all unfold like a movie, then frowned after realizing he’s going to have to clean that up.

Percival slumped forward a bit, but did not flinch when the cleaver blade came crashing down an inch away from his face. He slowly turned his head to meet the eye of the chef. He took in a raspy breath in preparation to answer the chef’s question. But before anything could leave his mouth, the moment was interrupted by a “Stop, stop, stoppen! The both of you!”

Bert rose from his seat. “The both of you are being rude!” He pointed at the broken plate. “Percy! Glass mess I have to clean!” He pointed at the door. “Door handle mess I have to replace!” 

Bert then looked at Chef Quincy, brow furrowed. “And Chef Quincy!” He pointed at the cleaver wedged in the table. “Table mess I have to fix!” He opened the side of his labcoat to reveal the lump of green fur shivering in his pocket. “Sherri Jr mess I have to comfort!” And if Quincy got mad enough to cleave into that rotten bishop, that would be a blood mess he’d have to take care of… but Bert wasn’t going to say that one out loud.

But what Bert was about to say out loud, he didn’t quite mean it truthfully but just wanted to deescalate the situation. “I have been rude too. I did not know Percy was so so so afraid and scared of rats. So let’s please not hurt anyone. Because that is rude too.”

#head-chef-watchdog-quincy #long post

[harringtonstilinski]

You Always Be My Hero - Chapter 84 ; Relics

Author: @harringtonstilinski Characters: Stiles Stilinski x Emma Thomas (OC) Word Count: 4,049 Warnings: angst, A/N: Hi, friends! 84 Chapters down, 16 to go!! Emma is going to be with Scott (platonically) until Chapter 90. If you like this chapter, please do not hesitate to reblog and give some feedback, whether it be in the reblogs, comments, or my inbox. As always, read at your own risk and enjoy 😊

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The next morning, we called Liam, Mason and Corey over to Scott’s house. And yes… I chewed Corey out for bringing the Ghost Rider into our world.

We were all currently standing under what looked like a lightning strike on the ceiling. 

“That’s how he got in?” Corey asked.

“What is it?” Liam asked.

“It’s a point of impact from a lightning strike,” Mason said.

“Usually you’d find charred spots like that on the ground after a violent thunderstorm,” I added, still staring at the spot on the ceiling. I noticed from the corner of my eye that Scott looked from me to the charred spot.

“That’s how the Ghost Rider got in,” Scott said. “He rode the lightning.” 

“There ya go, Scotty,” I sassed, patting his shoulder.

He looked over at Liam for further explanation after putting two and two together.

“If they can use lightning to get past the Mountain Ash--” Liam said.

“No place is safe,” Scott said.

“What about the others?” Corey asked. “It’s my fault they’re marked.”

“Yeah, we’re still gonna talk about that,” I said, looking at my cousin.

“We’ll find a way to protect them,” Scott said, looking around at the four of us before landing his eyes on my own. “All of them.”

~~~

Standing in the hallway at school, Lydia had something to show us. A student ID card.

“It’s a relic,” Lydia said.

“What’s a relic?” Malia asked.

“An object with a fixed association to the past,” Lydia informed. “Jake’s ID was left behind after he was taken. And Gwen found her sister’s bracelet on her bedroom floor.”

“How can someone be erased, and still leave something behind?”

I reached for my ring, wearing it proudly over my shirt… even if Stiles wasn’t here… or if he was real, but I knew in my heart that he was.

“A conservation of mass,” I said, looking from my spot on the floor to Scott and Malia’s questioning eyes… and sighed. “The total mass of any isolated system remains constant.”

Scott looked at me and raised his brows. “So, even the Ghost Riders have a weakness.”

Getting excited about the possibility I see in her eyes, Malia reached for Jake’s ID in Lydia’s hand, stating, “A relic would be proof that Stiles existed.”

I watched as Scott’s face lit up with hope. “And maybe we can bring him back.”

“We have to,” I whispered, looking down at my shoes.

“We will, Em. Don’t worry,” Scott said, putting his hand on my shoulder, squeezing in reassurance.

“Thanks, Scotty.”

“Come on. I hear a little argument going on,” Scott said, moving his arm around my shoulders to guide me to the library. When we walked in, I looked up and saw that Mason and Liam were facing each other, saying something back and forth. 

“We need to hide them,” Mason said.

“We need to fight them,” Liam countered.

“We need to hide them.”

“Who’s them?” Scott and I asked.

“The Ghost Riders,” Liam said, rather quickly.

“The kids at the party,” Mason said.

I put my hand up, taking a long blink like you would when feeling a headache coming on. “You both are about to send me into whiplash.”

“Got it,” Scott said.

“Do the both of you have any ideas on the points of your little argument?” I asked, crossing my arms.

“We could get a lightning rod, attract the Ghost Riders and catch them off guard,” Liam said.

“Mason?” I asked, dragging his name a little.

“But since everyone from the party is in danger,” Mason said. “All we need to do is find a safe place to hide them until the storm passes.”

“The Ghost Riders ride the lightning. Nowhere is safe,” Liam countered.

“It is, if we’re underground,” Mason explained. “The Earth can ground the lightning’s electrical charge. Everyone would be safe.”

I sighed and essentially face palmed at these boys.

“Okay…” Scott said, placing his bag down and sitting in the chair he was leaning against. “Here’s what we’re gonna do.”

“Oh, you have a plan now?” I sassed, looking down at my werewolf friend.

“Yes, now sit down and listen,” Scott said, exasperatedly.  

I sighed… for the millionth time, and sat down in the chair in front of me.

“We take everyone to the Argent Bunker, it’s underground. It’s lined with Mountain Ash.”

“We stopped the Ghost Riders last night,” Liam said. “We can do it again.”

“How?” I asked. I was getting very aggravated at the whole situation.

Scott looked at me. “They didn’t stop them,” he said to me, then turned to look back at the boys. “They retreated. We don’t know why.”

We all looked at Liam, waiting for his answer before he shook his head a couple times.  “Okay. How do we get everyone inside the bunker?”

~~~

During my free period, I took the ID from Lydia and went straight to the station, fully intending on talking to my godfather about this.

After walking straight into the station, I walked past my dad’s desk, giving him a quick kiss on his cheek before barging into Sheriff’s office, handing him the ID.

“Noah, I need to search the house,” I huffed.

“You wanna search my house? Which you used to live in?” Sheriff asked.

“Yes,” I said, nodding once. “People are leaving things behind. So if Stiles left anything--”

“Why-- why would it be there?” Sheriff asked.

“You can’t just erase people, Noah. They leave things behind,” I said as gently as I could.

He sighed and I sat down in the chair behind me, leaning my elbows on my knees, face in the palms of my hands. I heard something being dropped, so I looked up a little, my hands coming to rest against my mouth as I looked at Sheriff.

“I couldn’t sleep last night,” he said. “So, uhm, I got up, figured I’d do some paperwork. The files were in the back of my car. So, I--I go to the garage, and some junk has fallen off a shelf and I--I stub my toe on an old baseball bat. Without thinking, I yelled a name--”

I lowered my hands as he told me this chain of events, looking him dead in the face. I grabbed my ring again, holding it in my hand. “Stiles.”

~~~

Sheriff granted me permission to search my former home for any relics Stiles might’ve left behind. I had a funny feeling it wasn’t going to be here, but I wanted to search anyway.

Claudia had let me in, although she didn’t seem too happy about it.

I started my search in the living room, looking at the pictures that I had grown accustomed to looking at, searching for anything out of the ordinary with the photos, but I came up short.

“Is there anything I can do to help?” Claudia asked, causing me to jump a little.

“No, but thanks, Claudia,” I said, giving her the nicest smile I could muster.

“Well, good luck,” she sighed. “I’ll leave you to it.”

My suspicions about my godmother seemed to raise every time I saw her. I looked around a little more, trying to get my Banshee senses to tingle. I remembered the older woman I saw last week going into the hallway the bedrooms were in.

As I was passing the table with the decor on it, I heard what sounded like breathing. Think Darth Vader breathing.

I reached up to touch the wallpaper when I jumped from seeing a guy in my peripherals. 

“You didn’t see it, did you?” he asked.

“See what?” I asked.

“It’s right in front of your face,” he said. 

I looked back at the wall, putting my fingertips to it. I went to look back at the guy, but he had disappeared. Looking back at the wallpaper, I noticed that the seam wasn’t fully attached to the wall. Going with my gut instinct, I started ripping it off the wall… before a hand grabbed my wrist, causing me to jump.

“What are you doing?” Claudia asked.

“Aunt Clauds, you’re hurting me,” I said, voice tight from trying to hold back tears.

She let go of my wrist, immediately putting her hand on the paper, trying to get it to stick back.

“I’m so sorry, Claudia. I shouldn’t have done that,” I said. Complete bullshit lie.

“I think that’s something we can agree on,” she said, clearly upset. “If you still lived here, I would’ve sent you to your room.”

“Well, it’s a good thing I don’t anymore,” I spat, walking around her and into the living room.

I gathered my things and left as quickly as I could. Once I got into my Jeep and started it up, I looked back at the house, shaking my head.

“That’s not the Claudia I remember.”

~~~

I had gotten a text from Coach, telling me that I needed to get my ass to the school pronto for the game. His words, not mine.

After I got to the school and changed, I went straight to the field, clipboard in hand. What was written in the corner of my clipboard confused me a little.

24 ♥

I shook my head at it at first, but something told me that the person who wore this number had to be connected to the person who gave me the promise ring I proudly wore around my neck.

As a few players from each team were warming up on the field, I felt Scott, Liam and Corey walking up. So, without looking up from my clipboard, I walked over to them, listening in on their conversation.

“I’ll take Steinbach and Wallace,” Scott said, looking at each boy as he said his next statements. “You take Gwen. You’re on Okafur.”

Corey looked from his target back to Scott. “What if I see Ghost Riders?”

“Deal with it,” I said. I looked up at the three Were’s standing before me with looks that said not now, so I sighed and looked at Corey. “You yell.”

“Then get ready to fight,” Scott said.

The ref then blew the whistle, signaling the start of the game, players grunting as they played the game. Corey aimed for Okafur… who knocked him to the ground.

“Find your own space,” Okafur said.

This irritated me to no end. No one pushes my cousin to the ground like that. Since I was standing by Coach, I saw as he rubbed the back of his head in an aggravated way as the other team scored, our crowd booing them.

“Don’t worry, Bobby,” I said, rubbing his back. “I’m sure we’ll come back around.”

Next play, Liam and Gwen went down to the ground.

“You wanna back off?” Gwen said, taking her helmet off about halfway.

Again, the other team scored. I groaned and put my palm to my forehead. I felt a hand on my shoulder and knew exactly who it was.

“Don’t worry, Emma,” Coach said. “I’m sure we’ll come back around.”

I picked my head up to glare at him, giving him eyes that said I was unamused.

Scott tried to get Steinbach, but both of them and another player went down to the ground.

“Come on, man,” Steinbach said. “There’s no ghosts out here, McCall.”

“Yeah, but they could show up,” I muttered.

Another score for the other team, and Coach had a minor freak out, but so did I.

“What are you doing out there?” Coach yelled.

“I’m gonna kill the three of you!” I added, throwing my clipboard down to the ground.

Coach walked up the field a little as I stayed put in my spot. I could feel Mason behind me. I bent over and picked up my clipboard off the ground, running my thumb over the 24 and heart in the corner.

“Do these guys ever practice?” Lori asked.

“Not enough,” Sydney answered.

I could feel Mason having a small freak out, so I turned around and walked over to him, sitting beside him. “It’s just first period, Mason. If we ever come back around, we’ll still win.”

He looked at me with hope in his eyes. I smiled lightly at him before getting back up and going back to where I was standing next to Coach.

I watched the next play, seeing one of the other team’s members and one of our members jumping at each other.

“Yes. Yes. Yes,” Mason said.

The other team scored, and I guess Mason decided to switch schools for a moment as he stood and yelled “Yes!”

I turned around just as Sydney and Lori looked up at him, the three of us stating, “Wrong team.”

“Sorry,” Mason said. I watched as he got down from the bleachers, but my attention ended up going back to the field, Coach standing next to me again.

Just as soon as the next play started, two fights broke out between our team and the opposing team. Liam took off his helmet and turned to Scott and walked over to him.

“Yes, Dunbar!” Coach said. “That’s the kind of passion I want to see. Unleash hell!”

I rolled my eyes at my uncle and walked over to Scott and Liam. 

“What’s gotten into everyone?” Liam asked.

Scott looked behind him at another potential fight, then at both teams, ours taken the most hits. He looked at me, turning his body more towards me. “What if it’s the Wild Hunt? What if it’s affecting everyone?”

We both looked up at the sky at the sound of thunder rumbling.

I felt Mason running up, so I turned on my heel and ran towards him, seeing that he was now standing in front of Hayden.

“It’s Parrish. He’s the reason the Ghost Rider left the party,” Mason said.

“Parrish?” Hayden and I asked.

“Call you sister,” Mason said, looking at Hayden. He then turned to me, saying, “Call your dad. Tell them we need to meet Parrish at the school right now.”

“What about Gwen? What about the other players? We have to keep them safe,” Hayden said.

“Parrish could keep everyone safe.”

The three of us turned our heads at the sound of a horse neighing.

It started raining, a lightning crack following soon after. I ran out to Scott on the field just as he was taking off his helmet, Corey rushing over to us.

“They’re here,” Corey said.

“Liam!” Scott and I yelled.

Liam took off his helmet as he stood next to Gwen. “I see ‘em!”

The ref blew his whistle as Scott, Corey and I stood in the middle of the field, the other players taking off to the benches, Steinbach and Wallace standing behind us.

“Oh, come on, ref!” Coach yelled. “This is barely a thunderstorm!”

“Oh, Bobby. You have no idea what’s going on,” I muttered.

“Em, you need to get somewhere safe,” Scott said.

“I can’t even see them, Scotty. Neither can you.”

“Em--”

“You’re my best friend, and I’m not letting you do this alone.”

He sighed before saying, “Don’t leave my side.”

Lightning cracked again, causing me to duck down for a moment.

Liam and Gwen ran over to us, Gwen standing with Steinback and Wallace.

“We got all three, right?” Scott asked.

“Scott, there were four,” Liam said.

“Who was the fourth one?” I asked.

Scott grabbed my hand before touching Corey, sending us into Corey’s world. I saw what everyone was talking about. A Ghost Rider. Ugly creature. It looked like it had no eyes, it’s skin was pulled tight. It looked like it had strings attached at its lips, keeping its mouth shut. Reminded me a little of Billy from Hocus Pocus. And it was definitely riding a horse.

A boy was screaming as he was being dragged along the ground by a rope that was attached at his feet before he vanished into a green smoke.

“What the hell?” I said. I looked around and saw that multiple people were standing. “Shit,” I muttered.

“What?” Scott asked.

“Those people standing. They can see the Ghost Rider,” I said. Then they started running from the bleachers.

Steinbach and Wallace took their helmets off, freaking out now that they could see the Ghost Rider.

“Oh, my God!” Okafur said. “They’re real!”

“We gotta get out of there!” Steinbach said.

“Yeah, no shit!” I exclaimed.

“Stay together,” Liam said. “We’ll protect you.”

“How?” Gwen asked.

Three Ghost Riders on horseback made their way towards us. To say that I was scared as hell would be an understatement.

“Run!” Scott yelled.

All of us turned to run towards the school, but was stopped by Scott grabbing onto me and Corey. I knew this because more Ghost Riders were visible.

“Stay close!” Liam yelled.

One of the Ghost Riders brought his gun out, which sufficiently scared me. Even though my dad’s a Deputy and my godfather is the Sheriff, guns still scare me… or at least they do now.

Scott grabbed onto me as Okafur was emitted into green smoke after getting shot by the Ghost Rider, shocked looks on both of our faces at what we’d just seen.

Scott’s grip on Corey loosened as Corey ran forward to be in the front of the group.

“Scotty?” I said, fear laced in my voice.

“We can still see them!” Scott yelled, looking around.

A growl and a neigh later, I looked at what caused all of that. Liam, that hot-headed little puppy, apparently knocked one of the Ghost Riders down off his horse, both of them going to the ground.

“Liam!” I yelled.

The Ghost Riders that were around us were tightening their circle a little, making sure that we weren’t going anywhere as Liam tried to fight the Ghost Rider. Said Rider tossed Liam off of him, standing and bringing out his gun.

Scott’s grip on me got tighter as he shifted halfway and growled at the Riders, my face going into his chest instinctively, his arm coming around my shoulders to keep me in place.

Another shot told me that Steinbach was next. How I knew which boy was shot, I have no clue. Maybe my Banshee senses were tingling... hard.

Liam growled and stood back up, coming back over to us. Scott never let me go. Not once. I was lucky to have a best friend like him.

“We can’t stop them,” Liam said.

“Protect Gwen,” Scott said, before taking a deep breath and growling at the Riders again.

“You owe me, Scott McCall!”

“Yeah, I know. You need to leave. Go to the hospital. Stay with my mom.”

“I’m not leaving you, Scotty!”

Gwen stepped in front of us, yelling, “Come on!” at the Riders in front of us, one of which still had his gun out.

The Rider pointed his gun at Gwen, getting ready to shoot. Scott’s yell of NO didn’t mean shit as the Rider shot Gwen, emitting her into a green smoke just like the other two.

“No!” Scott yelled, looking around us, tossing me around.

“Scotty, they’re gone!” I yelled, stopping his movements for a second. At that, the Ghost Riders disappeared and the rain stopped.

Scott’s hands moved from my arms to my shoulders, pulling me back to look me in the eyes. “Go to the hospital. Find my mom and stay with her. You’re marked now.”

“Newsflash, we’re all marked,” I sassed. “But, I’ll go to the hospital. I need to ask her a couple questions anyways.”

He nodded, bringing me into a wet hug from the rain we’d just stood in. “Let me know when you get there.”

“Will do.”

~~~

Getting to the hospital soaked from the rain wasn’t ideal, but I had to deal with the cards I was given. Walking into the hospital, I noticed that Melissa was sitting at the nurses station, phone in her hand.

“Scott just texted me to let me know that I need to keep an eye on you,” she said, not even looking up from her phone.

I sighed and shook my head. “It’s creepy when you do that.”

She chuckled. “I watched you walk through the first set of doors.”

“Ah.” I sighed, “Listen, I need a favor.”

“What’s that?”

I sighed again, nervous of her answer. “I need to see Claudia’s medical records.”

“You want what?” she shrieked.

I rubbed at my ear. “Ahhh. Little quieter, please.”

“You-- you want what?” she asked again, quieter this time with her arms crossed.

“Aunt Clauds’ medical records. Just for a minute. I know it’s a lot to ask.”

“It’s up there, Emma. It’s way up there.”

“Just trust me. She’s not the Claudia I remember from my childhood. I just need to see something and then I’ll be out of your hair, and I won’t ask for another favor like this again.”

She looked at me like really, yes you will.

“Okay, you’re right, I will again, but I’ll be able to prove something to myself… and maybe even to Scott.”

She sighed. “Emma, letting you look at private medical records is completely and utterly against hospital regulations.”

I hung my head in defeat, not liking her answer.

“So, we better make this fast,” she said.

I looked up and saw the small smile on her face.

~~~

Apparently while down in the bunker, Argent ended up getting hurt, so they had to bring him to the hospital.

I met up with Scott as they did whatever they needed to with Argent. When the both of us saw Melissa wheeling Argent’s bed down the hallway, we poked our heads in the doorway.

“Is he okay?” Scott asked. Him and I walked over to Argent’s bedside.

Melissa sighed after looking around. “He’s got blunt force trauma to his temporal bone, three broken ribs, and multiple surface lacerations which seem to be from whip marks?” She looked at Scott, the look she gave him telling him she was very concerned. “What he needs is a lot of rest.”

“What happened?” Lydia asked.

Malia, Scott and I walked over to Lydia, the four of us standing in a circle.

“The Ghost Riders took everyone,” Malia said. “We barely slowed them down.”

“Tell us you found something,” Scott said, looking at me.

I sighed and closed my eyes for a second before going into my explanation. “I found out that Claudia never had children. So--” I stopped my words, tears lining my eyes. “Stiles can’t be her son.”

“What about a relic?” Malia asked.

I shook my head hesitantly, not wanting to give them this answer.

“There never was a Stiles, was there?”

I started to get a little irritated at the fact that they were willing to just give up on finding Stiles.

“It doesn’t even sound like a real name,” Scott said.

“We have to keep looking!” I said, voice raised. “Check school records. Scotty, call your dad--”

“We’re fighting the wrong battle,” Malia said.

“What the hell is the matter with y’all? We’re trying to bring Stiles back!”

“The Ghost Riders came back, Emma. We still have no way of stopping them. And whatever they are, they’re real. We can’t keep chasing someone who isn’t.”

I looked at Scott, a tear sliding down my cheek at his look. 

“He didn’t leave anything behind,” he said.

I looked over at Lydia, her face saying that she agreed with what they were saying. 

I sniffled, and nodded, knotting my lips. “You’re right. He didn’t leave anything behind… except for us. Now, I don’t know about you three, but I sure as hell am not going to stop looking for him until he is safe and back in my arms.” I grabbed my ring, holding it out as best as I could. “I know he gave this to me. I know for a fact that I loved him. So, I’m gonna keep looking. You’re more than welcome to join me.”

I turned around and started walking back through the hospital to get to my Jeep and headed home. I fell asleep wondering what Stiles looked like, who he was, what he was like, how much he must’ve loved me enough to give me this ring.

Let’s just say that that night was one of the best nights of sleep I’ve gotten since the whole Ghost Rider adventure started.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A/N 2: hi, friends! let me know what you thought! again, please do not hesitate to reblog and give some feedback, whether it be in the reblogs, comments, or my inbox.

Additional Note: i probably won’t do anymore timezone reblogs from here on out since the feedback on this series has stopped, and reblogging isn’t doing shit.

~~~

Forever / Everything Taglist: @stiles-o-dylan24​ @stixnstripesworld​ @fandom-princess-forevermore​ @quanticobae​ @mischiefandi​ @kellyashcroft​ @lauren-novak​

YABMH Taglist: @stiles-o-dylan24​ @stixnstripesworld​ @sammypotato67​ @originalamethysthealer @alittlebitofeverythinggg​ @katemusic @hcomet28​ @good-vibes-and-glitter​ @louie-bug​ @luckylovestruck @quxxnxfhxll @lettersofwrittencollective​ @shawty-fenty​ @onelesslonelygirlbieber6​ @kenziemaehl @gabxbyr​​ @hogwartsstar​ @theycallmegreentea​

If you want to be added to the YABMH Taglist, just click here. If you’re tagged and didn’t want to be, please let me know. Tumblr’s trying to tag people for me, lol.

Italics wouldn’t let me tag 🥺

~~~

*Please don’t post my writing anywhere else without my consent. The author of this work will always and forever be @harringtonstilinski.

All characters, story lines, and plot aside from Emma and her storyline & plot, are all of the work of Jeff Davis. Our home slice Emma was made up all by me. As well we her parents and their storyline throughout the series.

*These works contain material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited.

No part of these works may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the author / publisher.

Posted on July 2, 2022 *Happy 8th Birthday to my niece!*

#stiles stilinski x emma thomas #stiles x oc #stiles stilinski x oc #stiles stilinski #emma grace thomas #stemma #you'll always be my hero #yabmh #scott mccall #lydia martin #sheriff stilinski #melissa mccall #malia tate #liam dunbar #mason hewitt #hayden romero #corey bryant #garrett douglas #der soldat #the ghost riders #the wild hunt #season 6 episode 4 #original character #home slice emma was all me

[lykatulips]

Red Flag / Green Flag

I. Write Green Flag or Red Flag if you consider the statement as such in a potential partner. Providing explanation is optional.

1. Had 7 year relationship.

2. Had 2 exes in a year.

3. Doesn’t verbally express feelings.

4. Clingy.

5. Has lots of opposite gender friends.

6. Has opposite gender bestfriend.

7. Keeps asking for reassurance.

8. Not virgin.

9. Active in social media platforms.

10. Workaholic.

11. Extrovert.

12. Introvert.

13. Wants to change you.

14. Wants to change for you.

15. Relies on you as their sole support for serious mental health issues or past traumas.

red. di ko pa naman nararanasan yung 7 years sa relationship but my partner did and his ex cheated with her workmate.

50/50. wala siyang naging ex before sa prev. rel. niya

red. mag-sabi kayo ng problema be. communication is the key lol

green. clingy din ako huy

green.

green, wala siya best friend lol

green, okay lang sakin be kung yan gusto mo <3

green

green, basta pag nagpalit ako ng prof pic, heart agad

50/50. just don't forget to give me some bebe time

50/50 ulit

green, both of us are introvert <3

RED. bro i do me, you do you.

green of course, that shows you love me char

green. ako ang iyong magiging unan sa tuwing ika'y umiiyak, wag mo lang ako lawayan pag ika'y nakatulog na

#ans

[cantalooprat]

Perfection

What I Liked

the moment the wn rly clicked w me was after wen jianing auditioned for the side char role in october fireworks and when he asked lu jinlang what made the director hesitate abt him, lu jinlang basically told him that he was too good and for some reason it just rly... struck a chord in me somehow

i think i just vibe w the way jgq shapes her stories even tho i've only completed mingri and as of writing this, halfway thru perfection. i think it's the way she writes her side chars too, yi nan and wen lin r especially somehow kinda fleshed out despite not appearing that much and i rly like them and wen jianing as a trio lmao

as of halfway: idk if i'm dumb or if i rly buy too much into the story, but i rly somehow bought into wen jianing thinking that lu jinlang isn't sincere abt him even tho there r facts proving otherwise e.g. him having a clean private life, like the framing of lu jinlang is rly influenced by wen jianing's bias even though i also feel like wen jianing's deepest thoughts aren't often revealed easily

at first i also thought that lu jinlang picked up ke xinhang bc he like had a crush on wen jianing or sth but it turns out he didn't rly know wen jianing that well???

i also like wen jianing's identity crisis and the way he has to cope in his new body, and also the way he actually had to start from the very beginning and had to watch his prev friends no longer be his friends, and also the bar manager guy who realized that something wasn't quite right with ke xinhang but ultimately he wasn't close enough or didn't care enough to pry... like there is sth abt the way jgq writes relationships in this wn that i rly like

it's also nice how the relationship is framed as sth that could only have happened bc wen jianing "transmigrated"---if it was only wen jianing, then they both would still only be barely acquaintances, if it was only ke xinhang, then no one would know if lu jinlang would really have taken an interest in him beyond superficial reasons

how wen lin could totally be the mc of a dogblood entertainment plot where he charms this playboy investor but knows his limits and bottom line and how li rong, said playboy investor, will eventually stop his playboying ways...

What I Disliked

lmao the way wen lin extra ended like pls pls pls i want a conclusion!!

hmm... i think there were things i wish would get fleshed out in the extras i remember thinking that 2? extras weren't enough but now idr what they were lmao

Notes

my last read of 2022 and first wn finished in 2023

#cantalooprat reads

[ecoamerica]

Watch the 2024 American Climate Leadership Awards for High School Students now: https://youtu.be/5C-bb9PoRLc

The recording is now available on ecoAmerica's YouTube channel for viewers to be inspired by student climate leaders! Join Aishah-Nyeta Brown & Jerome Foster II and be inspired by student climate leaders as we recognize the High School Student finalists. Watch now to find out which student received the $25,000 grand prize and top recognition!

#ACLA24 #ACLA24HighSchoolStudents #youtube #youtube video #climate leaders #climate solutions #climate action #climate and environment #climate #climate change #climate and health #climate blog #climate justice #climate news #weather and climate #environmental news #environment #environmental awareness #environment and health #environmental #environmental issues #environmental education #environmental justice #environmental protection #environmental health #high school students #high school #youth #youth of america #school

[violetren]

The Master of Puppets Chapter 16

“You give me more credit than I really deserve. I have just as much blood on my hands as they do on theirs.” “It’s not a question of guilt, old friend. God knows, all of us have enough blood on our hands to fill a river, but there’s a difference between being guilty of something and relishing it. You never enjoyed killing. Not even in the gladiator pits. Not the way some of us did.”

Which makes it all the more tragic that after everything, after going so far as to rescue Mamachi because the treatment they were recieving made the Char no better than the Seichu, that Cikara is the one who has come up with the plan is more like the Seichu's than anything any of the others might have done. Committing to enslaving and murdering an entire race that had never harmed them all to fulfil their own desires using the justification that in doing so they will be saving what is left of their own race.

← Prev - Next →

#tmop spoilers #the master of puppets #general cikara #colonel jakari #sci fi #queer fiction #trans fiction #lgbt fiction #lesbian fiction

[swiftsaltsweet]

Wednesday Season 2: Hyde in the Shadows

Episode 2A: A Woeful Reunion

Prev Episode

Characters: Wednesday and Enid (ft returning chars and new OCs)

Pairing: Wenclair

Important info: VERY Slow Burn, Canon Compliant (with season 1), read A/N For more details on everything.

Summary:  Stalking, murders, troubling visions, sins of the past, and a little bit of kidnapping. Wednesday’s start of the second semester isn’t a normal one, but when is her life ever “normal?” Wednesday has new mysteries to solve and catastrophes prevent, with the help of her overly enthusiastic roommate Enid, she just has to deal with some annoying relatives first.

Other Sites: AO3 and Fanfic.net

A/N: First off, RIP to Lisa Loring. :( I loved your Wednesday and I’ll miss you. ;w;

Sorry for the late upload on here/tumblr, I did post it on Saturday on AO3/Fanfic/Quotev tho! 

Not beta read, we’ll live or die by my ghostly hands! ;w;/

________________________________________________________________

“Long time no see…..cuz!”

“What?!” Enid felt her, and her onlookers exclaimed at the same time.

Ohhhh, it was her cousin! Oho, well that makes a lot more sense than some creature- Wait why are they trying to kill each other then?! Enid all but screamed in her head.

Enid got a good look at Wednesday’s face, her eyes were bloodshot and wild; she had a look in them Enid had never seen before, pure hot wrath. It was definitely the look of someone trying to commit murder.

Enid’s head started to pound, partially from all the revelations that had taken place within less than a minute, and partially from the attempted murder happening above her; she hoped for someone to intervene.

“Lurch, be a dear and separate them would you?” a sultry voice said out of Enid’s sight.

And as if on cue, she could feel an actual higher being, or should I say, taller being, stop the fight. Enid could feel herself being picked up by the scruff of her uniform, and was held in the air like a newborn pup. She was in the right hand of a giant, Frankenstein-ian man, with a thrashing and screeching Wednesday in his left.

“Thank you Lurch,” the sultry voice thanked the giant man, it was Wednesday’s mother, Morticia Addams. She approached the three girls and giant, trailing behind her was her husband and son, Gomez and Pugsley Addams. She was also holding something in her arms.

The monster with the lazy and dead eye groaned in affirmation, at least, that’s what Enid thought.

Wednesday let out another wild screech, and thrashed around some more, but Lurch’s grip did not loosen.

“Now, now, my little scorpion,” the short, relaxed man approached his thrashing daughter, “I know you were having fun, but you know now is not the time.”

Wednesday attempted to kick her father, but he was surprisingly nimble, and dodged her attack. She then attempted rapid fire back kicks against the giant Lurch, but it had as much effect as if she were kicking a wall.

“Your father’s right, dear. Your friends might get jealous of you only playing with your cousin. Plus, you are a tad bit tardy to school,” she patted Wednesday’s forehead, moving the bangs from her daughter’s eyes to reveal a look of wild hatred.

It was then Enid could see what Morticia was holding in her arms. A baby. At least, that’s what Enid assumed, as it was strange seeing a baby with a mustache.

Wednesday must’ve noticed the baby in her mother’s arms as well, since, much to Enid’s confusion and chagrin, she attempted to punt the baby out of her mother’s arms.

It was a failure, as her mother gracefully stepped back in time. But then, as if to aid Wednesday in the assist, her brother Pugsley put his foot out behind his mother in an attempt to trip her. Which resulted in her falling romantically, and safely, into her husband’s arms.

Wednesday rolled her eyes before glaring daggers at her younger brother, who could only shrug at her as if saying ‘I tried!’

The strange mustached baby also seemed to have a brief look of disgust as it gazed at its parent’s public display of affection, then quickly went back to having the same generic baby expression Enid was used to seeing on well….babies.

All while the show was happening, the Doppelgäng-er- Wednesday’s cousin, stood by politely waiting to be acknowledged again. Barely acknowledging the female hand climbing up her side. Enid looked down to see Thing by her dangling feet. He jumped onto her hanging foot and made his way up Enid’s side as well. Enid was happy to see her favorite hand still in one piece.

At some point, the two Addams parents seemed to notice the girl and her hand companion in the middle of their mooning.

“Oh dearest Friday, it’s such a pleasure to see you again,” Morticia approached the girl named Friday with the baby in tow, “And Lady Fingers, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes?” The female hand did a little bow in acknowledgement.

Enid started coughing in an attempt to hide her laughter. Friday? Really? What was her middle name then? Monday?

She could feel Wednesday looking at her, “Oh, no! It’s, um, it’s a nice name!” she smiled at Wednesday, who glared back at her, “Uh…it’s a horrible name?” Wednesday’s eyes softened a bit, slightly more pleased. Wait, she liked the insult? Or was the latter actually a compliment? Ahhh, I can’t keep up, Enid cried to herself.

“It’s great to see you again too Auntie Morticia, even though it’s only been about a week or so,” Friday smiled angelically at her aunt, who kissed each side of the girl’s cheeks.

Morticia handed the baby over to Friday, who gave the baby a confused expression which turned more fondly, “And look who’s still alive! You’re a real tough one to get rid of, aren’t you, Pubert?”

This time, Enid didn’t make a sound, she just bit her lip so hard that blood started trickling down the side of her chin. She might’ve not liked Friday, but she wasn’t about to make fun of a baby’s name.

“I hope the school has been treating you well?” Gomez asked, taking baby Pubert away from Friday.

“Oh, most definitely! Everyone is so friendly, especially,” Friday took a long pause, staring at Enid and then broke out into a smile, “Emily over there! She was a great tour guide just now, showing me around the school.”

Enid felt like she was getting stabbed, she looked towards Wednesday whose eyes were throwing daggers at her. If looks could kill, Enid knew she’d die from a skinning.

“Emily? Oh dear, was that your name, I could’ve sworn it was ‘Enid,’” Morticia turned to Enid.

“Nope it’s Emily!” Friday beamed.

“Our apologies Emily,” Gomez gave a small apologetic bow.

“It’s Enid!” Threw her hands in the air, then whispered to Wednesday, “And it’s not like that! She’s lying!”

Wednesday narrowed her eyes at Enid, but finally relaxed into her usual, more ‘friendly’ glare.

“Our apologies Enid,” Gomez gave another bow, “Our niece likes to play pranks, I hope she hasn’t been giving you too hard of a time.”

“Hard is putting it lightly,” Enid mumbled.

“You really outdid yourself this time dear,” Morticia chuckled, “Here we thought we just had an energetic bat in the belfry, but it just turned out to be Wednesday!”

Enid looked at Friday with a dumbfounded expression, but quickly let loose a growl when the braided hair girl looked over at her with a smug smile.

“By the way dear, do you have the key? That lock you have on her. Superb! Even I can’t crack it,” Gomez closed his eyes and pinched two of his fingers towards the sky, as if he was complimenting the chef on a finely served meal, “But, Wednesday will need to use her arms and speak while she’s at school. So could you be a dear and unlock her?”

Friday pulled a necklace from under her shirt, it had a small key attached to it, “Certainly, once I feel my life isn’t in any danger.” She smirked at Wednesday and Enid.

“ADDAMS!” a voice boomed from the open doorway. Friday shoved the necklace back under her collar, and everyone turned to where the voice was coming from.

Principal Orlock was stomping his way to the giant gathering, his umbrella cascading a menacing shadow over him.

“Ah, Mr. Orlock! Or should I say Principle? I’ve heard you've been promoted. Congratulations," Morticia cooed, “You deserve it, especially after such a long tenure!”

Orlock was seething before the family, he raised one long, gloved finger, “Addamses! To my office! Now! All of you! That goes for you too Sinclair!” Enid looked at her principal like he was an idiot, of course she was coming. She felt like she was practically welded into Lurch’s grasp.

He whirled around to the group of students and teachers, “Ottinger! Thrope! Upstairs! Now! As for the rest of you, get back to class!”

All the gawkers dispersed as if a bomb had been dropped, Eugene and Xavier sulked behind the Addams as the group followed the raging Principal. The Addams didn’t seem very phased, and Wednesday continued to try to break free, just not as demonic as she had been earlier. Enid just dangled like a misbehaving pup, she’d feel humiliated if she didn’t feel so drained.

When they reached his office, he turned to the group, “Ms. Addams,” three female heads turned to look at him, “Ms. Friday Addams- I believe I was very clear on you not causing a ruckus at our dear school.”

Friday looked back at him innocently and dumbfounded, “Yes, and I haven’t.”

Orlock’s face became very purple, with multiple veins pulsing from him, “And what was that outside?”

Friday furrowed her eyebrows at him, confused, then proceeded to think very, very hard, “Oh! That!”

“Yes, that”

“I was just greeting my family. Is that against the rules?”

Enid thought she could see the white of Principal Orlock’s eyes turning red; they began to bulge out of his sockets as he attempted to maintain an iota of composure, “Before that.”

“Oh!” Friday exclaimed, somehow surprised. She began to think hard again, “Oh you mean how Elizabeth showed me around the school?”

“That’s…. That’s not even close….” …. on either front, she finished in her mind. Enid could all but sigh.

Orlock attempted to smile, but it looked like a menacing grimace, “Oh I guess that is one way you could describe it. She just showed you around the school?”

“Well I guess it did turn into a small game of tag.”

Orlock turned to Enid, exasperated, “Can you tell me why your tour of the school involved you slicing up our floor and leaving holes in our roof and walls?”

Enid shrunk away from Orlock, sweat falling from her palms. What could she say? ‘Oh, I thought that Friday was actually a monster pretending to be Wednesday; so we were trying to capture her and interrogate her into telling us Wednesday’s whereabouts and also save the school in the process!’ No, that would be insane, idiotic. Any lie would be better than that.

Enid nervously smiled, “What? No, those were always there!” Except that lie.

Orlock’s eyes began to twitch, “So you’re saying, all those damages were there before?”

Enid’s eyes started darting everywhere they could not to look at her raging principal, “Yes?”

Orlock’s face boiled up to a darker purple, then he put his palm to his face and inhaled. When he removed his hand, he gave the group a friendly smile, but it somehow made him look more dangerous instead.

“Ok, then can you explain why you three are tracking mud and dirt everywhere you go?”

Xavier spoke up, “OH! Geez wow, didn’t even realize we got this dirty! Man, it was hard running from those bees, wasn’t it Eugene?”

Xavier elbowed Eugene, “Y-yeah! Something nearby irritated them, and my smoker wasn’t working, so we had to book it!”

“Ah so it was the beekeeping club activities, am I correct?”

“Yes sir!” the boys exclaimed.

“So, this beekeeping event was so important, you skipped class, and then proceeded to stay out all night? The same beekeeping club that you two aren’t even a part of,” he pointed two long fingers at Enid and Xavier.

The three dirty teens went silent, of course he’d know about their absence, but they had come too far and were far too committed, and just nodded their heads solemnly. There was an audible cracking sound, originating from Orlock’s teeth grinding.

“Bee keeping? I thought you got dirty from digging up those graves,” Friday questioned innocently.

“What?!” Everyone exclaimed to different parties with differing feelings.

“Now she’s telling the truth,” Xavier mumbled, rolling his eyes.

Orlock began fuming again, at a loss for words, but Enid didn’t have time to worry about him. She felt the thrashing next to her stop, and she dared to look over at something much more dangerous. Wednesday was glaring at her.

“What?” Enid whined, “What’s with that look?”

Wednesday made some muffled noises, as if she was trying to talk for once today.

“Are you mad I didn’t go grave robbing with you?”

An affirmed grunt came from Wednesday.

“It wasn’t like that! We were looking for Thing!”

Wednesday grunted again.

“She wasn’t even there! It was just me, Xavier and Eugene!”

Wednesday glared at the two boys.

“Ok fine! We can go grave robbing later! Is that what you want?”

Another affirmed grunt from Wednesday.

“Geez if I knew this is what you’d want in a girls’ night out, I would’ve set it up ages ago.”

Orlock looked at the two girls dumbfounded, “No. No! No, you will not! What are you thinking Sinclair? What are all of you thinking? You can’t just grave rob the good people of Jericho! We need to have a good relationship with them.”

“He is right, children, you never grave rob where you sleep and eat,” Gomez nodded solemnly.

“Well, she did it first!” Eugene pointed at Friday.

“At least I filled my holes back up,” Friday pouted, “I bet you didn’t bother refilling them!”

“That’s not the issue here!” Xavier yelled at her.

“Yeah, you buried Thing!” Eugene backed him up, “How could you do that?!”

She blinked at the other teens surprised, “I wanted to see if he or Wednesday were faster at breaking free,” she then turned to Wednesday then sounded disappointed, “By the way, Thing already escaped one confinement, the graveyard was his second. You haven’t even escaped one.”

Wednesday let out a low growl before continuing her violent thrashing.

Friday turned back to the teens, specifically Enid, ignoring her cousin, “Anyway, I wouldn’t have been pushed to using the gravesite if it wasn’t for someone breaking into my room.”

Everyone followed Friday’s gaze to Enid, who grew still again.

“You broke into another student’s dorm?” Principal Orlock asked icily.

“‘Broke into’ is a strong word. I just asked Yoko if I could borrow her key and just…. wasn’t truthful as to what I was actually going to do in their room.”

“But you still broke into another student’s room!”

“I thought she was a doppelgänger and that she kidnapped Wednesday and Thing!”

The adults in the room all gasped.

“D-doppelgänger?!” Principal Orlock took a step back, almost cowering at the word.

“One of those ghastly creatures?” Gomez said, shocked.

Morticia put her hand to her mouth with a gasp, “Oh my that is…. The nicest thing anyone has ever said! Friday, I should’ve known you would make such great friends at Nevermore.”

Enid could feel heated daggers coming from Wednesday’s direction again.

Up is down, down is up, maybe I should learn to STFU, Enid cried inwardly to herself.

“I thought so too Auntie, Emilia are such good friends, she even asked me to be her roommate!”

Enid could feel the stillness next to her, and when she looked over, she saw Wednesday glaring at her. To anyone else, they might not have seen a difference, but Enid could. Through the anger Enid saw a flash of pain trickling in. Enid had seen that look before, when she and Wednesday fought that semester prior.

“I mean, to be fair, you were really adamant too, you were practically begging for me to room with you.”

Enid saw another wave of pain flash through Wednesday’s anger and-

“That’s because I thought you were Wednesday!” she blurted out, “I-I thought you were Wednesday, and you had amnesia or something and that’s the ONLY reason. I only want Wednesday as my roommate!”

Enid looked back at Wednesday, whose pain and anger receded from her face. She looked away blankly, and now just jostled herself back and forth.

Friday put a pointed finger to her temple in a thinking pose, “You thought I was Wednesday? Why would you think that?”

Enid now looked at Wednesday’s cousin, anger flaring up, “Because you said you were!”

“No, I didn’t,” she said without emotion. Just pure emptiness.

“What?” Enid was taken aback by her mood swings again, “B-b-b-bu-but you said your memories-”

“Oh, I did get electrocuted, and it did affect my memories. But you just assumed it was somehow Wednesday losing her memories. I also never said I was Wednesday,” Friday stared blankly into each teens’ eyes.

You three, and your friends, were the ones who came to that conclusion all on your own. Then you came to the conclusion that I was a doppelgänger. You imposed all your misconceptions onto me all by yourself.”

The three teens began re-running all the events in their heads. It was true, she never personally claimed she was Wednesday but-

Friday giggled, back to her cheery personality, “But I guess I never did anything to deny your very obvious claims either.”

Enid heard a snap go off inside her head, and then let out a roar, unable to take the girl’s mind games anymore. With a sudden boost of strength she attempted to pull herself from the giant’s grasp, “That! Is! it! I’m ripping your head off!”

Lurch tried to steady himself as he handled the raging werewolf, in the surprise he dropped Wednesday so he could use his full strength to hold the werewolf back.

Rattle. Clink. Thunk.

Wednesday, now free from Lurch’s grasp, lunged forward towards Friday, who easily sidestepped the bound Wednesday, expecting another headbutt. But in her attempts to sidestep, she found herself right where Wednesday’s newly freed left arm was, and found her throat getting smashed into her cousin’s bicep. They quickly tumbled to the floor, with Wednesday having the high ground, who delivered a good handful of punches before being yanked off of her bleeding cousin by the Principal.

“Wednesday! Control yourself,” her mother chided, “We are in a meeting, wait until after.”

Lurch dropped Enid and proceeded to pick Wednesday back up, who was now clawing and twisting at the lock on her mask.

“No!” Orlock yelled, completely exasperated by the situation, “No you will not! There will be no more fighting on this campus! Or off campus for that matter! Not when you are within this town and school!”

He turned to the group, “You will all be expelled if I see any more fighting! Anything that will cause trouble for this school! Do you understand me?”

“What about school activities?” Friday mumbled, pulling the key-necklace from her shirt, “Like fencing club and other such things?”

Orlock let a whistle of air out through his nose, trying, and succeeding to hold in his anger, “You aren’t allowed to kill each other.”

Friday looked at the principal with the same disgust as if you would order to lick a sewage pipe.

“But that’s half the fun,” Pugsley whined.

“Children, children,” Gomez soothed them, “This is the real world. You have to learn to play by their rules. Even if they do seem unfair.”

All the non-Addames in the room felt the life drain from their eyes, having about up to here with the family’s shenanigans.

Enid was brought back to life by something smacking her in her face, she fumbled to catch whatever it was, and realized she held the key that Friday had on her person. She looked up to see Friday lazily pointing to something to the left of Enid.

Enid looked over at Wednesday, who was now frantically clawing at the mask, her knees dropping to the ground as Lurch released the struggling teen, not sure what to do. Enid quickly rushed over, and after pinning Wednesday’s hands to the side, she found the keyhole and unlocked the mask that was suffocating her friend.

The tight mask fell to the floor, the insides looking like it was made to gag the person, and suffocate them if certain pieces were moved. Wednesday gasped for air, her lips a slight tinge of blue. Enid hovered over her friend, offering her arm to help Wednesday up when she was ready.

“Can the ‘no killing’ rule start now?” Friday asked innocently, “She technically moved the mechanism in the mask when she started punching me.”

Orlock could only sigh and wave his hand. Enid glared at Friday, the other Addamses might’ve been ok with trying to kill each other, but Enid wasn’t ok with anyone trying to kill Wednesday. And from the look on her face, apparently, neither was Wednesday.

Friday caught Enid’s glare, and then answered Enid’s thoughts as if she read her mind, “Hm? Oh, do you think she’s angry at me cause I tried to kill her?” Then she let loose her weird giggle, “She’s upset because I wasn’t actually trying. I didn’t deign her good enough to even try, and yet she still almost didn’t make it. You’ve really lost your edge lil’ cousin, it’s a bit pathetic.”

Wednesday growled, then said between gasps of air, “No. You’re just. A coward. You don’t. Have the guts. To go through with it.” And apparently, Enid was wrong, Wednesday’s priorities were all kinds of skewed too.

Friday’s giggle fit abruptly stopped, and she glared at Wednesday so menacingly, she looked almost like Wednesday’s exact clone, “Well I guess I can be more serious next time, should be easy since you love to leave your back wide open.”

“My back wasn’t wide open, it was that my look-out turned out to be easier to distract than I thought,” she turned her dangerous glare to Enid’s shoulder, where Thing was perched.

Thing shook, and crawled behind Enid’s back, quivering from Wednesday’s rage.

“Wednesday,” Enid chided her friend, “I’m sure there’s more to it than that! And Thing was really worried about you, you were the first thing he asked about when we saved him!”

Wednesday turned her heated glare towards Enid, but instead of retorting, she melted into a more tired glare. She didn’t have the energy to argue with the blonde werewolf and her damned ideologies.

Friday looked at the two girls’ exchange with an inquisitive look.

“Anyway, I wouldn’t have done it if you just let me play with you! It’s not fair you get to do all those séances by yourself!” Friday whined. Wednesday turned to her cousin, the heated glare returning, eye now twitching, and jaw clenched tightly.

Morticia finally broke the tension in the room, “Dear Principal Orlock, if this is about the damages, we will pay for them.”

Principal Orlock refocused, finally feeling like he had some control of the room again, “That is fine Mrs. Addams, but I still need to punish the children.”

“Of course, do as you see fit.”

“Ms. Addam-” Orlock started, and stopped with three heads turned to him at once, yet again,, he cleared his throat before continuing, “Ms. Friday Addams. You seem to like digging and other such gardening ground work, to the point you even joined the gardening club… Is that correct?”

“Yes sir!” Friday beamed at the principal.

“Well then, I’ll place you on duty to fix the floors and roof of the school along with Eugene.”

Friday and Eugene’s face fell. Then Orlock turned to Xavier.

“You seem to be good with your hands in the artistic sense, but have you ever taken up gardening?”

“N-no, I’ve never done it in my life.”

“Great, you can take care of the newly made garden that’s sprouted up in our front driveway. I want you to remove it and fix the payment. Don’t worry you three, we have materials to fix all of this. May have to order more for the roof though.”

He lastly turned to Enid and Wednesday, “And since you two seem so keen on gravedigging, I’m going to give you the exact opposite of what you want, grave filling. I want you two to fill those holes A-S-A-P! And best not be caught, since you don’t mind the night, I’ll look the other way just this once. ” It looked like no one got a job they seemed keen on doing.

Wednesday seemed unfazed, albeit annoyed by the demand. Enid however felt otherwise.

“But that’s not fair! Wednesday didn’t even do anything wrong, I caused most of the mess. It should just be me.”

Orlock stared at her blankly, “Other than that gruesome display in the front gate of our school, she was also late.”

Enid could only stare with her mouth hanging open, the principal finally turned to Pugsley.

“You were also late, but…. You are new to Nevermore, so I’ll let it slide. Only this once.”

In synch, Wednesday and Friday eyes both widened and snapped their heads in unison, “What?!”

Gomez slapped his palm to his forehead, “Oh right! You were so busy in the library we didn’t get a chance to tell you Wednesday.”

Morticia looked at Friday, “We wanted Wednesday to find out first, but-” she lazily gestured at Wednesday, “So we didn’t tell the rest of the family. I’m sorry for the blindside sweetie.”

Gomez put one arm around his son, grinning, “Starting today, Pugsley is going to be a student at Nevermore!”

Pugsley smiled sheepishly at his sister, “You said I wouldn’t last two months without you and you were right.”

Friday recovered, putting her face back into a neutral mask, but Wednesday’s face maintained her rare gob smacked expression, her eyebrows knitting together as if trying to solve something.

The Principal clapped his hands and smiled, “Now that we have everything settled, why don’t you kids get cleaned up and head back to class. Then after school you can go to your respected stations of punishment. But first, Addamses, you can follow me.”

Enid helped Wednesday up, but she and Thing were soon swept up by her family, Enid and she were going to have to meet up later.

***~***

The principal was showing the family a tour of the school, more for Pugsley’s sake than anyone else’s in the group. He’d brief the two teens on what they’d miss, and that he would have the assignments they missed sent to their room by tomorrow.

Wednesday dragged her feet behind the group, wishing to be in a classroom than here, but was glad to be left alone. At least until her stomach grumbling alerted her caretakers and ruined her quiet mood.

“Oh you must be famished, dear,” Morticia looked at her daughter lovingly, as the family trailed far behind the Principal and Lurch. In which the former was attempting to see if they could engage in conversation with the latter, the action proving to be difficult.

“Pugsley, fetch your sister one of Grandmama’s sandwiches from your bag. That’ll make you feel better, Wednesday.”

Per his mother’s request, Pugsley put his hand into a large satchel and pulled out a strangely pulsating sandwich. It moved and oozed purple liquid, and if you were quiet enough, one could hear a faint scream coming from it.

Wednesday snatched the sandwich from her brother’s hands and hastily scarfed it down, lest it get an attempt to fight back.

As Pugsley handed his older sister a water bottle to quench her thirst, Wednesday noticed her baby brother staring at her from their mother’s arms with wide eyes, almost horrified. All she could do was glare at him.

Gomez clapped his son on his back, “I’m telling you Pugsley, you’re going to love it here!”

“You really think so?” Pugsley looked at his father hopefully.

“When was this decided on?” Wednesday cut in, not looking the least bit pleased.

“It was before you arrived home early from school,” Morticia interjected, eyeing her daughter, “We were going to tell you during our family dinner, but you locked yourself up in the library not long after you came home so we never got the chance.”

Wednesday’s jaw set, and glared at her mother, “I apologize mother, I was just interested to see if there were any more family secrets that you all were hiding.”

The matriarch and patriarch of the Addams family exchanged a look, before Morticia looked back at her daughter with a confused expression, “I nary the thought of what you mean.”

“No, of course not.”

Morticia gave her daughter a small, exasperated smile, and then went over to her older son and caressed his face, “Now dear, if you have any problems, your sister is here to help as well as your cousin.”

Pugsley now looked nervously at his older sister, who was now setting her glare on him. Morticia looked at her daughter and cleared her throat.

“Of course,” Wednesday sighed, resigned.

Morticia frowned a bit at her daughter, but Pugsley felt reassured all the same.

The principal clapped his hands, bringing the Addamses' attention to him, “And here’s where you’ll be rooming, Pugsley. Welcome to Goodfellow hall!”

“Goodfellow? Isn’t that the fairy that causes all the issues in A Midsummer Night’s Dream?” Pugsley inquired.

The principal ignored him and opened a door that, unbeknownst to everyone else, Wednesday was familiar with, and stepped into the dorm room.

On the left side it was taken up by artwork, a familiar style that had Xavier Thrope all over it. He wasn’t there as he was still in class.

And on the right side, it was barren, an obvious spot for a new student to be placed in.

To Wednesday, however, she could only see the ex-room of her attempted murderer, Rowan Laslow. He had attempted to crush her with a statue and strangle her with his telekinesis the semester prior. During his second attempt at murder, he himself was murdered by the town’s own local, serial killer monster.

Wednesday didn’t have kind things to think about Rowan, I mean his murder attempts were very amateur and messy. But she did pity the boy. His mother had a vision that Wednesday would be the fall of the school, and that Rowan would be the one to kill her and save everyone. And he believed her.

She had been wrong on both accounts of course, Rowan would not be the hero, and Wednesday would be the one to save the school. And thus, she pitied the boy.

A hand clasping her shoulder brought Wednesday back to reality and out of her own thoughts.

“We got all of Pugsley’s stuff sorted out here, let’s go get yours, dear,” Morticia smiled at her scowling daughter. Wednesday hoped that meant that she was near the end of her torture.

Thankfully it didn’t take long to bring all her luggage up to her room, and soon she was sending her parents off.

“I’m going to miss you, my little terrors!” Gomez teared up as he pulled both his children into a big hug, only Pugsley hugged him back.

“Now, be sure to listen to the principal, you wouldn’t want to leave your friends,” Morticia gave both of them air kisses.

After their two eldest gave affirmative answers, the parents proceeded to go back to the car with the baby in tow. But something stood out to Wednesday.

“Mother, Father,” Wednesday spoke up, causing her parents to turn around in surprise, “I believe you missed a suitcase.”

Everyone slowly turned to the car, where one last suitcase laid on top.

“Oh, I’ll get it! It shouldn’t be that heavy-” Pugsley started to approach.

“Oh that won’t be necessary, that one is ours,” Morticia stopped her son.

“Are you going on a trip?” Pugsley asked, confused.

“Y-yes! That’s it, we’re going on another honeymoon,” Gomez stated, kissing his wife’s hand…. And slowly making his way up her arm.

Wednesday witnessed how her baby brother tried to control the disgust on his face, having to witness their parent’s display of affection up close and personal.

Hm, maybe we’ll get along after all…. She thought.

“Yes, another honeymoon, who knows maybe you’ll get two new siblings, a Wednesday Jr. and a Pugsley Jr.!” Morticia purred.

The three children all stiffened. Pugsley had a look of chagrin, Wednesday looked like she wished a hole would swallow her up, and Pubert looked shocked at the possibility of not being the youngest and having to battle for his parents' attention.

“That’s now how the word ‘Junior’ works!” Wednesday told them annoyed, almost ready to chase her parents off school grounds. Thankfully for her, they already started quickly retreating to the car, before anyone had to hear any nitty gritty details.

“Anyway, adiós my little terribles! You know the rules, we’ll crystal ball you in a week!”

The two siblings stood there, stunned by their odd behavior, well…. Odd by their parents’ standards.

“They didn’t tell you?” Wednesday asked.

“No.”

“How odd, they would never miss an opportunity to shove their love in our face.”

“Yeah….”

Wednesday took note of her parents' strange behavior but decided it wasn’t important enough to worry about in her current situation and proceeded to walk away.

“W-where are you going?”

“I’m going to get cleaned up, I believe you can manage, it looks like you have a helping hand waiting over there,” Wednesday nodded her head over to a certain female lefty hiding around the wall of the school.

Lady Fingers jolted in surprise at having been caught, and scurried over to the duo.

“Hello Lady Fingers, aren’t you supposed to be with Friday?”

“It appears she sent her to keep an eye on us, well, you can have fun with Pugsley,” Wednesday picked up Thing by his wrist and proceeded to walk off, “I already have my handler.”

***~***

It took a while for Enid to return to her dorm, some of her teachers had gotten in their head they needed to have a word or two with her.

So when she finally returned to the dorm, she found Wednesday in their room, straightening out the last of her things while Thing sat on her desk. Enid smiled and picked up her pace, only to stop mid-step to see Friday sitting on Wednesday’s bed.

“What are you doing here?” Enid pouted.

Friday grinned at her, the bruise around her nose and eyes painfully stretching with her mouth, “Breaking in.”

“Being an annoyance,” Wednesday mumbled.

“I was going to sit on your bed, but then Wenny threatened violence so I’m over here instead.”

Enid tried not to show disdain, she was trying not to show any visible resentment to Wednesday’s cousin, since she wasn’t a hundred percent sure how Wednesday felt about Friday herself.

“Wenny?” Enid asked her roommate eagerly. She’d secretly been hoping to give each other nicknames.

“Don’t call me that,” Wednesday stopped what she was doing for a second to give Enid a death glare, to show she was serious.

Enid pouted.

“Yeah only I can call Wenny, Wenny!” Friday snickered.

Wednesday picked up a book on her bookshelf and flung it right at Friday, it hit the snickering girl right in the temple and bounced off her head. Enid would’ve felt some kind of schadenfreude from this, if it didn’t result in Friday keeling over and going into a giggle fit. She seemed to enjoy the punishment.

Her vision of the giggling psychopath was then blocked by a pink present bag.

“Here,” was all Wednesday said, as she handed the present to Enid, while donning surgical gloves.

Enid held back a smile, her dreary roommate loved to tell people how she was allergic to color. Enid was pretty sure that she was full of hooey, considering she saw the girl handle color just fine before. But it was still amusing seeing Wednesday stick to her snarky, goth girl facade.

Enid took the bag from Wednesday and started to open it up. Her eyes widened when she saw what was in it.

“Snoods and gloves are a bit too…..advanced for me,” Wednesday mumbled, not looking at Enid.

Enid’s eyes sparkled as she pulled out a homemade pink knitted scarf, it had some errors in it, and you could see it was made by a beginner. But all Enid saw was her new favorite scarf.

“O-M-G Wednesday! I love it! I’m going to wear it everywhere!”

Wednesday still wasn’t looking at Enid, but gave her a slight nod. She also let out the breath she was holding, but no one else in the room was wiser to it.

“You didn’t tell me you could knit!” Friday announced from behind Wednesday, ruining the moment. She peered around her cousin’s shoulder to see a lumpy bundle of wool, “Oh that’s why, cause you can’t.”

Annoyed, Wednesday grabbed her cousin by the throat, she halted her punch mid-swing in the air very abruptly. Both Wednesday and Friday looked at Enid.

“What?” Enid asked, confused. She had become accustomed to their violence after the last half day.

“You aren’t going to stop me/her?” Wednesday and Friday said, almost in sync.

“Uh, no. I’m setting my morals for pointless, non-self-defense fighting for the next few minutes.” Enid was burnt out from the day, but she also wouldn’t mind seeing Wednesday flatten her cousin who caused her much strife. But she wouldn’t say the latter out loud.

The cousins looked at each other warily, not used to a non-family member trying to not stop them, and then un-engaged themselves.

Friday, looking as if the fun had died in the room, straightened herself up, “Well I better get going, gotta go learn how to make cement,” then she awkwardly walked out of the room.

After the door closed Enid looked at Wednesday, smiling with her arms held out. Ready for a hug.

Wednesday was not much of a hugger, much as in ever. There was only one person outside her family she ever allowed to hug her, and was also the only person whom she ever hugged back: Enid. The circumstances of that hug were very unique and in a moment of weakness. But it also wasn’t unpleasant. Not that Wednesday would ever tell anyone.

Wednesday looked at her roommate, and unlike all those other times before, she didn’t step back. All she did was sigh through her nose, and remain still. It was as good a confirmation for Enid as any.

Enid threw her arms around the ramrod straight girl, “Thank you Weds-”

But before Enid could finish her thank you, she felt her best friend tense up and seize in her arms. Wednesday's head flung back, her eyes unfocused, and her body began twitching.

The telltale signs that Wednesday was having a psychic vision.

It was only for a handful of seconds, just like any other vision Wednesday had before. But when the vision stopped, instead of coming back like she normally did, Wednesday instead fell limp in Enid’s arms.

“Wednesday?” Enid shook her unconscious friend, “Wednesday?!”

________________________________________________________________

A/N: Hehe 'ramrod straight girl” not for long. XU

I’m pretty sure I wrote 90% of this and 2B during my 1 hour lunch breaks at work over like 2 weeks. TT0TT I’ve also drunken all those milks, so I’ve now lost control of my life again. ;w;

Anyway, as you can probably tell….Friday is…an OC. Kinda. She’s an homage to the OG smiley Wednesday/pre 90s movies (sans the 90s cartoon, that one is a good blend of the two). I know we technically see an adult 60s Wednesday in the 70s reunion, buuuuuut…… well…. I wanted my own twist (such as giving her a dose of John Astin’s mania, love her being a mini Morticia in some iterations but I need to see a little bit of daddy dreadful too). Partially because there’s a genre shift between cartoon/60/70/90s shows and Wednesday (pure comedy with some friendly darkness vs dark comedy/mystery). Deep down, she has the upbeat/core values of those shows, but with how her mania and her own macabre tendencies translate into Wednesday, she becomes a loose cannon. So in a sense I wanted to create an Old!Wednesday (Friday) vs New!Wednesday (Wednesday).

So why “Friday?” Other than Wednesday’s middle name being Friday, let’s just say Wednesday is not the only child that’s full of woe. ;U

Fun Fact 1: Pubert was originally going to be Pugsley’s name in the 60s show (which is when the iconic characters originally got their names), but the TV execs thought it was too risque so they went with Pugsley instead.

Fun Fact 2: There was an unborn child teased in the original comics, but was never shown/born. Addams Family Values finally introduced the 3rd child, giving him Pugsley’s rejected name….which were different from the 2 hinted in the comics. ;3

Fun Fact 3: Wednesday/Pugsley Jr? Haha yeah they exist, in the 60s TV Special from the 70s. I’m pretty sure that’s not how Jr. works, it’s for parents/children, but hey it’s very Addams so XU Besides the reference, they will not be making an appearance in this.

Fun Fact 4: This plotline may have been heavily influenced by the Scooby Doo Movie/70s animated pilot episode “Wednesday is Missing.” I watched it well prior to me thinking “yeah let’s just write a fanfic” and by the time I was in the middle of Ep 2 I was like “Oh right TT0TT Well….” I literally just checked the episode again (cause I kinda blocked it out, it wasn’t bad just forgot klfdjsdalf) and I think she was even trapped in their belfry type thing too sjdflkajf

 Anyway, time for the break……….

#wednesday #wenclair #wednesday addams #wednesday 2022 #wednesday netflix #wednesday (2022) #wednesday (netflix) #enid sinclair #hyde in the shadows #wednesday season 2 #salty writes

[sillyfudgemonkeys]

How does she compare to game!Yukari?

So this only goes for like the first stage play and game act 1 Yukari (pre-yakushima, basically up till Fuuka), because the first stage play covers about as much ground as the first movie (feels a lot faster tho, they cut a lot of stuff but it def is different and I like it considering how new it is). This is also Sakuya's side (I'm just beginning Kotone's side "Wait why'd you do the male first Silly??? You love the FeMC!" ..... reasons 030). Basically, if she changes in the later plays......well I'm unbeknownst to it atm.

Before we go into Yukari comparisons themselves, I want to say that the stage play changes SEES dynamic. They are friends. Not coworkers to friends, there is barely a coworker phase tbh. They came fast together, and decided "yeah we are friends" and.....yeah they have a funny dynamic (a lot of people feel different, but it's....nice in a way, it def addresses things I had issues with P3 so that's nice). Do I think Junpei/Sakuya are friends? Not really, or at the moment. Do I think they have the best chance of being portrayed as friends compared to the game/manga/movie? Yeah. But yeah that's very important in a big distinction between play and any other iteration (it'll play into the Mitsu/Fuuka portion at the VERY bottom).

So like I said (in my tags?) in the prev post, the only thing they get right about her char is 1) Her motivation: She joined SEES to learn about what happened to her dad, 2) Backstory: Her dad died and her mom dated around afterwards (which upset her, how it impacted her seems different tho).

G!Yukari (G=game, P=play) is....like a projector, she likes to project everything on everyone. MC? "We both have dead parents! Well I mean I have a dead dad, my mom's still alive-oh but she's a whore and we don't see each other, but that's totally the same right?" Mitsuru? "Oh yeah we both lost our dad I can relate! I mean you JUST lost him like what? About two weeks ago? And are still processing his death? While I've processed mine for the last 10 years AND I finally just got my closure and vindication? I mean I could use myself as a means to guide you, or I can just preach about whatever stage of grief your in and rush you through all the stages all while slapping you!" Aigis? "It's not that I can't move on from his death, it's that YOU (all) can't move on! Look I'm going forward! Hey who put this brick wall of jealousy in front of me? That's it I'm taking it out on you Aigis, I know I'm short sighted because of this and what I say should definitely do irreparable damage to my friendship with everyone but I don't care I'm a jerk!"

So yeah....she projects. Which would be a fine character flaw.....if she ever actually overcame it. :/

But back go G!Yukari vs P!Yukari. P!Yukari.... is a neurotic mess who is like a fumble away from a mental breakdown. I actually think P!Yukari is closer to a characterization of Maya or DramaCD/Game!Hamuko. A stepford smiler who is holding back a lot of pain. "Yukari has a lot of pain already!" No I mean, like Maya/Hamu, literal shaking, and thin smile holding back a mental break down as a flood gate of trauma is holding on my a crack. P!Yukari is NOT ok. And I kinda love it (I love break the cutie tropes).

Let's compare the "overshare my backstory scene".

Game!Yukari: *goes into speed detail on her past with her dead dad and whore of a mom* MC: Ma’am I literally just woke up and already forgot your name cause I've barely known you for like 3 days and I've been in a coma for like a week according to you oh my god.

Yeah yeah we know the hospital scene. But there's set up needed for the Play. In the play.....things happen at a BREAK neck pace. Sakuya summons Thanatos, wakes up the same night (no hospital), the next day Mitsuru is like "Let's go to Tartarus" then it transitions into the Priestess Full Moon ("Woah hold on Silly, you just yeeted us like a month ahead" yeah I know-things move fast gotta keep up!), anyway full moon event ends and.....Yukari still can't summon her Persona. "Wait what?" Yes, this whole time she still hasn't summoned her Persona. Junpei is salty about the whole event still (he was reckless, Sakuya saved the day, Junny is pissy, same shit different day yadda yadda), he runs off and Aki follows after him. Yukari is half crying because again she can't summon her Persona, Mitty sees and runs (because.....she doesn't feel like she should be the one to support her/help her/lecture her cause of the whole father thing-but that's later and besides the point) so we are left with Yukari and Sakuya.

So she cries out in frustration wondering what she's doing wrong. Sakuya is just standing there minding his own business still. And then she notices he's still there, and quickly tries to cover up her frustration and puts on a smiley face, and compliments Sakuya about how he, Mitty and Aki are great at summoning. She mentions how she's not really on the team to "fight". Sakuya is "ah that so" *turns away* and then she asks about his dead parents and if they died in the accident all those years ago too. He's like "ya" and she's smiling but....it's not really a happy smile. It's a desperate smile and she "happily" exclaims "me too!" and then he turns around slightly to look at her before turning back. She starts to happily talk about her dad and the Kirijou incident. Basically, similar to her words in the hospital in the game (and probs later dialogue from SL/Yakushima) ....but the delivery is different. She's bubbly, then when she thinks about how the explosion killed her dad, she gets....a distant look and breaks a little, before quickly recovering and laughing and then moving on to her mom. She's happily talking about "Oh I was raised by my mom after that. She went a liiiiiiiitle crazy haha. Went through a few guys *counts quickly on hands* hahahahah It' was hard to watch haha as....her daughter.... But most importantly *starts to crack again* it was hard when she talked badly about dad. Because I believe in him!" and then she sings "Brand New Days" ("But isn't that a FES song?" shhhhhhhhh choices were made apparently).

P!Yukari def feels like she's at the end of her rope when she gives her backstory rather than projecting. Like she's giving a hail Mary to Sakuya for help. And she's not really an ass about it tbh, not like her Yakushima event. She only gets angry at Sakuya when he's dismissive towards her (in her most vulnerable moment so far). Unlike G!Yukari during Yakushima where.....iirc you only have positive things to say to her and she gets angry regardless of "You just have all the answers don't you????!!!" (she apologizes but still). (that being said, dunno what happens in the later plays tho)

Like listen, P!Yukari is not really Yukari (aka G!Yukari). As much as I hate G!Yukari, those are key parts of her char, those are her key flaws (and wait....I remember reading that if a chars have flaws that means they're good right?! which means you need to except their flaws right?! Or are people just trying to make it so we can't criticize Yukari? 8U she's good that she has flaws but no you can't bring them up nor criticize them? *puh puh* -_- sorry side vent), and by removing those flaws....you remove key aspects of Yukari. Love her, hate her. That's her. You file those off....you're either left with a store brand Yukari (oh god is that worse? *looks at manga* it's bad but a different kind D:) or a completely new entity.

"Ok Silly she doesn't project or get angry for no reason, surely there's more to Yukari than that-" She's not pissy towards Mitsuru "Wait what?" Her being snide about Mitsuru is not really a part of this (like G!Yukari is NOT comfortable around Mitty AT ALL, even if she doesn't directly blame Mitsuru she at least doesn't trust her). She's all like "Senpai!! *distressed*"(cause she needs saving a lot), she even flat out states in the end of the first play that she doesn't blame Mitsuru for what the Kirijou's did with her dad (and Mitsuru mentions how she knew Yukari only joined to learn about her dad, and Mitty wanted to protect Yuka to atone for her family's sins and yeah it's a bit of a Shinji/Ken dynamic).

And you know how Yukari really only got involved in finding Fuuka in the game because of the stupid ghost story. ".....yeah?" Yeah no, P!Yukari instantly clocks Fuuka being bullied and instantly befriends her and pulls her into a friendship with her, Junny and Sakuya (Sakuya seems the most receptive towards Fuuka in this). (is it cause this SEES is written to be more like friends than coworkers? Maybe I dunno).

These are key things G!Yukari Does. Not. Do in the games. Tbh I'm starting to think P!Yukari is what people (who like her) think they see when they see G!Yukari. They have fundamentally different flaws. It's like two writers were given a character background and a current situation, and told to write flaws relating to that background and how that relates to the char's situation now and they came up with completely different characters. Which is fine by me, I'm ready to adopt P!Yukari into the game. Now we just gotta find a Junpei replacement, I'm thinking P!Junpei too, but we'll have to see.

"Wait if P!Yukari is so different.....does that mean the other chars are too?!" Hahahaha ha haaaaa *happy sighs* yeah a little. Mitty/Aki feel more like if certain parts of their personality are enhanced and some are dehanced (like I can def see the core of their char more in them). Junny is more or less the same, his dynamic is just different with Sakuya. And Fuuka sure is there. Jk. Half Jk. I love Fuuka. Words are said, that def feel like they came from the game. I'm not sure if it's the same characterization tho. Those dissertations are for another time tho (not 2am on a work night 8U)

#silly asks #silly answers

[archonanqi]

fragile as dust / 12 - smile

a/n: Please let me know if you’d like to be added to a taglist for this story. Thank you all for the kind comments! ;-; @fishyfish-y​ @writingmi​ @just-some-stars @kawaiitinybunny @juhlydrawsblog​ @cherryvane​ @kaenyas​ @loadingrat​

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ch 11 | dreameater

For a minute or so, you stared at the dragon’s tooth. Reached out to touch it, every scratch and indentation on its smooth surface exactly the same as you remembered. You ran your finger around the blackened, charred ring around it, remembering how you had plunged the tooth into the blazing shield of fire, how the Abyss Mage had screamed. 

You winced at the memory of the past… day? Two days? You weren’t sure how long you had slept, and each time you tried to call upon any memories, your head hurt terribly. 

“Zhongli,” you barely managed to whisper.

As though he had been waiting just outside your room, the door swung open almost immediately. Zhongli strode in, though the relief you felt at his presence was quickly overshadowed by the fear of what you’d done, of how he might punish you for it. “Hansi,” he said, voice carefully composed as always, but you had known him just long enough to pick out a slightly different note of— worry? “You slept for two days.”

“Oh no, I missed work,” you deadpanned, desperate to dredge even the smallest of smiles from Zhongli. Zhongli’s frown didn’t even quaver. The very idea of Zhongli being annoyed at you sent chills down your spine. Just then, a memory came back to you, and suddenly, you were desperate for something else. “OH— work… Xiangling—!” You tried to throw back the covers to stand up, but the sudden movement sent hot and cold chills through your veins and almost sent you retching over the side of the bed.

“When you mentioned Qingxin,” Zhongli said. “I knew at once that she wasn’t bringing you to Cuijie. That girl knows the flora and fauna of Liyue almost better than I.” You remembered his slight unease the morning you left, that odd exchange that you thought nothing more of. 

Of course, Zhongli would have known the whole time; how foolish of you to think you could keep anything from his calculating gaze. 

“But what reason would she have had to lie?” Zhongli continued, “and so, though I did not want to intrude upon your expedition, I paid Jueyun Karst a visit with Chef Mao when you two did not return. We found her halfway up the mountain.” 

“Is she— is she okay now?” You could barely bear to hear the answer, “I need to go and see her.” 

“I don’t believe you’ll be able to go anywhere in your current state,” These were stronger words than you’d ever heard Zhongli utter at you, and it finally snapped you out of your haze of panic. Blinking the sleep from your eyes, you noticed his stiff posture, his slightly furrowed brow, and felt a pang of guilt. You had acknowledged that he might worry over your disappearance, but not to such a degree. 

“If it puts you at ease,” Zhongli started, “I visited Xiangling this morning. Dr. Baizhu personally saw to her, and she is well on her way to recovery. She was similarly distraught about you, and she mentioned that you tried to hold off the monster on your own for her sake. Is this true?”

You nodded. 

“Admirable,” Zhongli said, and you noted that his voice had not lost its edge, “if not extremely rash. You could not have known what a powerful artifact the tooth was, though it is partly my fault for not explaining it to you. If I had not shown up when I did—”  

You blurted the first thing you were sure of. “I’m sorry for putting you in danger.”

Zhongli let out an audible breath, and shook his head. When he next spoke, his voice was tinged in disbelief. “To think that after everything, that’s your takeaway from this? What you and Xiangling did was incredibly dangerous. I believe that I’ve made more than clear to you, how dangerous Jueyun Karst is to mortals.” 

“I’m sorry,” you said again, the guilt rearing its head in the pits of your stomach.. 

Sighing softly, Zhongli held your gaze. “Though, I also miscalculated. Xiangling would have been able to handle no less than a Mitachurl; perhaps even a Lawachurl, but these intelligent creatures — Abyss Mages? It’s quite troubling that they’ve begun to appear in Liyue, so soon after Rex Lapis’ departure.” 

“Did you kill it?” You couldn’t help but ask, though you already knew the answer.

Zhongli fixed his unflinching gaze on you. “Yes.” 

You had already held the evidence of its death in your hands — there was no way the creature had given up the dragon’s tooth without a fight — but still, the truth was like a slap to the face. You had scarcely been able to escape from it with your life, and yet Zhongli... You glanced him up and down. Zhongli didn’t look so much as shaken from the confrontation.

“It was a hazard to Liyue. And it had threatened you,” he added, taking your awe for confusion. “Similar monsters have been growing in rank and number… Even the Adepti are on high guard, it seems, if Mountain— if one of them has started trapping civilians. Though Xiangling can fight, I’m afraid that the situation may be too much for you to handle right now. I would ask that you limit your ventures to Liyue Harbor—” 

You couldn’t stand the heavy tension of the room, couldn’t bear the thought that Zhongli might be angry at you. He had made no move to approach you, standing his usual, respectable distance away from your bedside, but anger— anger always meant someone got hurt, and usually, it was you. 

Quickly, you opened your mouth to swear that yes, yes of course, anything you want, I’ll never leave again, but Zhongli held up his hand to stop you. “Think carefully before making any promises to me. Are you content with staying within the harbor for the rest of your life, Hansi?” 

You hesitated. He was right. Going on ingredient hunts and seeing the beautiful mountains of Liyue had been the time of your life. You wanted to go further, wider. To see every bit that the world had to offer. And more than anything, you wanted to do it— with Zhongli. 

“I will ask you one last time, then,” Zhongli said, “ do you wish to learn how to fight ?” 

You couldn’t help but glance at the drawer where your Vision was, quickly dragging your gaze back to him and hoping he had not noticed. You swallowed. Yes, yes , you did. And what better teacher for your Geo Vision than Zhongli? 

He had just saved your life. The least you could do was trust him with it. 

Before you could respond, you were interrupted by a loud rapping at the front door.

“Just a moment, please,” Zhongli called in response. When he turned back, his expression had softened. “I… may have been too harsh. I hope you can understand that my words are borne only from concern for your well-being. How are you feeling?”

Like you had just been hit over the head with a large wooden pole, but the last thing you wanted to do was worry Zhongli more. “A lot better than two nights ago,” you smiled, hoping  to ease his concern, but it came out a little more like a grimace.

“I see. You had quite a fever last night, so I requested a home visit from Bubu Pharmacy. It looks like they’re finally here. Please wait a moment.” It seemed as though Zhongli was back to his usual self, sweeping out of the room in all his regal valor. You heard him open the front door and greet whomever was there. A doctor? You grimaced at the thought of some strange man touching your body. But for Zhongli’s peace of mind, you would endure. 

Finally, Zhongli returned. You looked around for the doctor— then down. A young girl, whose brow reached around Zhongli’s knees, wobbled in, holding a basket that seemed to weigh more than herself. Under her little hat was tucked a paper talisman; the kind you’d find plastered on the dead. 

“Hello. Qiqi is a zombie,” she said by way of introduction. “Nice to meet you.”

—-

You stared at her, then Zhongli, wondering why he had just let a literal child wander into his house. 

At the bewilderment on your face, Zhongli stepped in to explain. “Qiqi is from Bubu Pharmacy. She is indeed a zombie, though her story is perhaps one better told another time. Rest assured that she is more than qualified to treat any mortal illness. Qiqi, this is whom I was telling you about. I believe she might have a fever—” 

“This room is cold,” Qiqi murmured, siddling closer to your bedside. She dug around in her basket and produced a waterskin. “Good for Qiqi, not good for a fever. Please close the window and fill this with hot water.” 

“Of course,” Zhongli nodded, rushing to comply. After he left, Qiqi merely continued like she had not just ordered Zhongli around in his own house. The way she peered at you was so intent that it made you squirm, and each time she put her hand against your skin, it was so cold that you could barely resist, out of politeness, the urge to jump.

“How did you get sick.” Qiqi asked. For a moment, her voice was so monotone that you hadn’t realized it was a question. You scrambled to answer, cheeks flushing warm. 

“I was… climbing a tall mountain and got caught in the rain.” 

“Hmm,” she said, “not good. Bring an umbrella next time.”

“I will,” you promised quickly, watching as she produced a large wad of paper from her basket — how many things did she have in there? — and began scribbling, just as Zhongli returned with a filled waterskin and a glass of warm water. The warmth of the glass against your skin was heavenly, and you quietly sipped the drink while waiting for Qiqi to finish her writing. 

“Mr. Zhongli,” she said, tugging at his sleeve for his attention. Zhongli all but bent down to meet her at eye level. “Mr. Zhongli’s wife will be okay.”

It was all you could do to keep the water inside your mouth when you choked. 

“Hansi is my friend,” Zhongli corrected, gently.

Qiqi peered up at Zhongli, then at you — wrapped in what were clearly three layers of his clothing — then back at Zhongli. “Mr. Zhongli’s friend will be okay,” she amended, rifling so furiously through her papers that you were worried she would tear the pages. “She must rest for...three days. And eat wet things.” The girl squinted more closely at her notebook. “Hm. No. I meant, drink more fluids,” she amended, going right back to her scribbling. You peeked at it, but couldn’t understand a word she had written — was she drawing a flower? 

Finally, she ripped the page off with surprising gusto and handed it to Zhongli, who had to once again bend down to reach her little hands. “Here is a prescription for huang’lian medicine. For the fever.” The little girl said, thumbing through her pages. “I can also prescribe Windwheel Aster syrup. But Windwheel Asters can only be found in… Mondstadt... It can cost a lot.”

“How much?”

Qiqi went completely still as she thought about it. It was a little unnerving. At last, she reached a conclusion. “One million mora.” 

To your horror, Zhongli nodded. “That is acceptable,” he said. “Please give us three bottles.” You didn’t even know what to begin to say to that — you knew already that he was hopeless when it came to haggling, but three million mora was an unthinkable amount. And more ridiculously, spent on someone like you? Before you could protest, Qiqi shook her head. 

“No. I will not charge Mr. Zhongli so much. Three thousand mora will be fine.”

“Won’t you get into trouble with Dr. Baizhu, my dear Qiqi?” Zhongli asked.

“Hm. I don’t care what Baizhu says,” Qiqi frowned, “Mr. Zhongli has helped me many times.”

“Well then, I will accept your offer of generosity. On behalf of Wangsheng Funeral’s accountants, thank you, Qiqi.”

“I will also prescribe... gu’fen . It will help her wrist recover faster... Oh, no.” Qiqi sighed so heavily her little body shook. “Never mind. We are out of bones.”

“ Gu’fen - powdered bones?” Zhongli asked. “What kind do you need?” 

“Geovishap will work best, although hatchlings will also be okay.”

“Very well,” Zhongli said, heading for the door without a moment’s hesitation. “Please give me a few minutes.” 

“Two will be enough,” Qiqi called after him, barely lifting her gaze from her notebook. 

You heard the front door open and shut. “Did he—” you glanced at Qiqi, then out the window, where the unmistakable silhouette of Zhongli was striding off towards the mountains north of the harbor. You knew what Geovishaps were, Zhongli had told you of their story: descendants of the King of Dragons that had long been sealed beneath the earth by Rex Lapis. “Did Mr. Zhongli just leave to go hunt vishap bones? Is he safe?” 

“Yes. He is strong,” Qiqi stated matter-of-factly. “Mr. Zhongli could not fulfill his contract… for Cocomilk… So Mr. Zhongli helps when Qiqi gather herbs... in Jueyun Karst.”

Cocomilk? Zhongli had… fudged a contract? You wanted to ask her to elaborate, but another tidbit of information caught your attention. It was undeniable, then, that Zhongli could come and go safely within Jueyun Karst. You shuddered as you remembered how overwhelmingly powerful the Adepti had been. How could Zhongli willingly set foot in there, and how can he do so unharmed? A distant memory arose, something about him… karst crawlers… protection? 

Qiqi was tapping on your leg for attention, so you quickly shook yourself free of your ponderings. You could revisit them later. “Sorry. Yes, Qiqi?”

“I  asked,” Qiqi said, “do you need contraceptive medicine? I can prescribe...” 

“ What ?”

“Please do not be alarmed,” Qiqi said calmly, severely misunderstanding your almost-scream. “This is part of life. As a pharmacist of Bubu Pharmacy, I am able to prescribe—” 

“No,” you said quickly, very quickly, “No, we really are just friends.” The word tasted sweet on your tongue. Friend — Zhongli’s friend. 

“Hm, okay,” Qiqi responded, blinking upwards at you with clear magenta eyes, and though there was no inflection in her tone, you could almost hear the incredulity. “Where did you get these injuries?”

You debated lying, but she was looking up at you with such seriousness that you couldn’t find it in yourself to. “Mount Hulao,” you admit with a hint of remorse. “I went there with a friend… we both got badly hurt. It was a bad idea. I don’t remember much, other than that.”

“Baizhu was called to treat Miss Xiangling yesterday. She was your friend?” Qiqi thoughtfully waited for you to nod. “You were… also sealed in the amber? It can cause memory loss. Sweetflower tea will help... with the headaches.” 

You wanted to ask how she knew about the headaches, how she knew about the amber, but the look in her eyes was answer enough. For the adepti to harm such a small child— in the pits of your stomach, you felt such a hot surge of anger that you surprised yourself. Qiqi’s small hands rested on yours, her big, earnest eyes staring right into you. 

“Hmm,” she repeated, “not good. Bring Mr. Zhongli next time.” 

You couldn’t help but chuckle. “I will,” you promised once more, jokingly. “Though I’m not sure how I’ll fit all that muscle into my backpack—” You trailed off at the inquisitive look on Qiqi’s face. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Just friends,” she commented shortly.

“We are just friends!” you cried, stopping yourself quickly as you heard the front door swing open. A few minutes, just as Zhongli had promised. And slung over his back was a sizable sack, bulging with what you knew were dozens of bones. 

“Two was enough,” Qiqi murmured as Zhongli placed the sack before her. There was no way the girl was lugging that back to the pharmacy , you thought, just as Qiqi carefully lifted it with one hand. By the Archons, what were they feeding the pharmacists at Bubu?

“I thought it would be best to err on the safe side,” Zhongli replied, “please do put any leftovers to good use at the pharmacy. And also,” he said, pulling out a vibrant strand of violetgrass from his coat, “this is for you, my dear Qiqi.” 

Qiqi’s expression did not waver, but you thought that she looked just a little pleased as Zhongli tucked the flowers into her hat. 

“Okay.” Qiqi said, handing Zhongli the last pieces of paper from her notebook. “Please come and collect your prescriptions tomorrow morning.”

“Thank you, Qiqi,” Zhongli answered, helping to hold the door open as the girl wobbled her way back out as unsteadily as when she came. “Have a good evening.” When he returned to stand by your bedside, you carefully eyed him. There was a smear of dirt on his left sleeve, but otherwise, it looked like he had just returned from a walk at the harbor — not from battle.

“Are you hurt, Mr. Zhongli?” You asked. 

“Hmm?” He blinked, then absently said, “ah. The Geovishaps? Not at all. They are quite easy to combat, once you learn of their weaknesses.” You wondered how many he’d fought; how many things he had killed in his life, that fighting ferocious monsters was barely an ordeal of note for him.

More importantly, he had done it for you. Had been willing to pay three million Mora for your well-being. You found yourself blinking back tears once again; you would not let anyone see you cry.

“Thank you, Mr. Zhongli.” You said, and you hoped that he would understand all that you meant by it.

“Of course, Hansi. Though, before I forget, I do have a question,” he said, reaching into his coat and producing a chunk of Cor Lapis, “when I found you at Mount Hulao, you were gripping this like your life depended on it. Is this what you went there for? Why?”

Oh. The flush in your cheeks burned red hot, and you scrambled for a lie — any lie. Nothing came to mind. Finally, under his scrutinizing gaze, you withered and told him the foolish truth with slumped shoulders: “it was meant to be a gift for you, Mr. Zhongli. It’s probably… it’s probably nothing compared to the one from your friend.” You could barely lift your head to look him in the eye, and you were vaguely aware that you had begun to ramble. “But it’s the only one I could find. I ended up causing you more trouble in the end, I’m sorry.” 

“Goodness,” Zhongli said, his voice thick with emotion for the first time that you’d heard. You glanced at him in surprise, but his face betrayed nothing as always. 

Zhongli held the Cor Lapis up to the light, looking at it carefully. After a terribly long pause, his gaze fell back on you. “This is one of the clearest, most luminous pieces of Lapis I’ve seen in my life. Thank you for going to such lengths to get me this, Hansi.” 

Your relief at his lack of anger and your pride at his praise was nothing, absolutely nothing compared to the way your heart fluttered warmly at the bright smile on his face. 

“Though of course, I would have appreciated such a precious gift regardless.” Zhongli continued, walking to the door. “Now, I must ask that you rest for a little while, as per Qiqi’s orders. Will you be alright alone? Please call my name if you need anything at all—”

You were only half-listening. It wasn’t fair, how his smile could wrench the air right out of your lungs.

—-

A memory:

“There it is again, that infamous frown,” the young woman waved her hands, her billowing sleeves whipping about in the howling gales of Qingyun Peak. “Why do you never smile, Morax?” 

“What is there to smile about?” he asked truthfully, because he had long since stopped trying to decipher her odd mannerisms. Below them, underneath the clouds, the war raged on.

“What is there to—?” She exhaled in exaggerated exasperation, throwing her arms out to the wind. “The birds in the trees! The clouds in the sky! It didn’t rain today for the first time in weeks, so we made it all the way up here to watch the sunset! Do none of these things mean anything to you?”

“Yet when night falls, we will once again have to fight.” His fingers twitched around empty space, every moment he wasn’t holding his polearm — at her request — almost painful. He detested being in this form, but it was cold in the mountains, and his adepti form would do little to help him with temperature regulation. “We should return soon. I hear that Osial has been rallying his forces for another attack, and we were barely able to fend off the last one.”

She sighed, and he knew that meant he had disappointed her — though he did not know how. 

“Morax,” she breathed, barely audible over the wind. “What will it take to make you smile? Tell me, and I’ll do it. A contract. That’s the only kind of thing you understand, right?”

That, he did. “When the war is over,” he answered. She was leaning precariously over the edge of the cliff, and it brought about some strange, foreign feeling deep in his gut — something different to the wounds and scars he was used to. “And our people are safe from the threat of strife and war.” 

A brief pause. She showed no sign of getting down from where she was standing, and in fact, had gotten on her tiptoes. “You might fall,” he warned. 

“You promise? You promise that once the war is over, you’ll try to smile more?” 

“You have my word,” he swore. He did not understand her intentions even a little, but promises? Those he knew better than life itself. Something so trivial as a smile seemed scarcely worthy of a contract. But it seemed important to her, and so he would honor it. “You should step away from the edge. You might fall,” he repeated.

“Oh, but you’ll catch me, won’t you?” Her pale hair whipped about in the wind, framing a wide, bright grin. There was a twinkle in her eye that he, unfortunately, knew all too well.

“Guizhong, don’t—“ he said, rushing forward, but it was too late. She tipped backwards, disappearing into the clouds below, just as his arms closed around empty wind. Muttering a series of ancient curses he thanked the heavens that Ganyu wasn’t here to hear, he leapt after her. 

The transformation always hurt a little, though after meeting Guizhong (and her incomprehensible insistence that he stay in human form when in front of human children) he changed forms so often that he barely even noticed anymore. He relished the sting as lithic claws, scales and fangs tore their way out of his deplorably soft human flesh— and then, he was free to rip through the clouds and wind. Frightening and powerful, as he should be. 

As he had to be.

It was not hard to locate Guizhong, especially not with the way she’d gleefully screamed all the way down. He angled himself right under her, bracing for the impact, and she landed squarely on his back with an exhilarated squeak. 

“Wasn’t that fun, Morax?” She clambered up towards his head as they tore through the skies. He could feel each of her warm fingers gripping his horns tightly. “No? Still no smile?” 

“What?” He growled. “You could have died.”

“You wouldn’t have let that happen,” she waved it off, “though you did let me hit a few more trees than necessary on the way down, didn’t you?”

He didn’t dignify that with an answer. 

“Fine,” he could hear the pout in her voice. “When the war ends, I want to see a huuuuge smile from you, alright?”

“I already gave you my word.”

There was silence for a moment.

“Well, that is, if I’m there to see it,” she laughed lightly. “Not everyone is as big and strong and scary as you, Morax.”

There it was again, that feeling — a dull blade that pressed deep into his lungs, his stomach, his heart. Fear? No. The God of War and Contracts did not know fear. 

“Of course you will. We will both be there to see this to its end.” 

—-

At the end of the war, when he finally felt the searing power of the divine settle within him, Morax stood alone. 

Mountains of bodies, bones picked clean by birds and sinew laid to claim by beasts, surrounded him for as far as the eye could see. 

Guizhong was not among them, for she had been killed years and years ago.

He felt his lip curl into — something. It fell a little short of a smile.

—-

Outside of your room, Zhongli leaned his head against the cool wood of the doorframe, and steadied his breathing. Carefully, he placed back into his coat the Cor Lapis that you had gotten him; that you had almost died trying to get him.

How ironic, that even after exactly three thousand, seven hundred and twelve years, two months and eighteen days, he still found himself scrambling to protect someone who seemed to lack all sense of self preservation, and who surprised him to no end. 

Guizhong had not been strong enough to fend off those who sought to claim her life, but you could be — if only you’d show him what you were hiding in the drawers by your bed. He could feel its resonance, each time he entered your room — the Vision he had given you; a reminder of the strength that you could use, to fight back, to protect yourself. 

Guizhong had not been strong enough.

A breath in, a breath out. Zhongli closed his eyes.

He would not make the same mistake again. 

#zhongli #zhongli x reader #zhongli fanfic #genshin #genshin fanfic #fragile as dust #my writing #anqi writes

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