Supernatural
Written by Megan.
299 posts.
18 years old.
two timin' hoe.
I am Male.
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Post by Ashton Pines on Jul 3, 2022 17:36:39 GMT
There it was again, that hesitance. Ashton bit down on his tongue, keeping it still and grounding himself. He didn’t get it. What happened? She couldn't be this upset because of one joke, right? Jade wasn't that sensitive. This had to be something else. Elliot wasn't slick enough to already get to her. As fucking bothersome and annoying as it was that the guy was talking to her, he knew that he didn't have malicious intentions. It was Ashton passing blame, shoving his guilty conscience onto Jade. There was only one other thing this could be. She didn't know, did she? He'd been so careful to keep any trace of Erin away from his relationship with Jade. Text messages deleted and meeting less frequently now that Jade spent so much time at the cabin. He knew that the boys must have caught on but were loyal enough to not mention it. He knows she didn't catch them. But fuck, what if it was him? He didn't think he'd been acting differently, but he must have. It was easier when Jade hadn't put out. He could pretend he was just getting his dick wet with her sister while he played house with Jade. But Jade was putting out. Frequently. He couldn’t keep his hands off of her—a palm on her breast while the other pressed against her core, fingers deep and slick as he panted against her mouth. In the school’s bathroom or an empty classroom or his car or his bed or her shower. She was relentless. Wearing her short little skirts and shirts so deeply cut that she was spilling out the top. She was temptation in a way she hadn’t been when they had started dating. Gone was sweet, innocent Jade. God, they were much more similar than he’d ever thought. She was everything. Blushing and bashful in the presence of others, but so fucking sinful as she pulled his shirt over his head and begged for him. She gave him everything, so why did he need Erin? He couldn’t pretend it was just for sex anymore. Jade kept him so well fed that he barely had the stamina for another round with Erin. No. No now they spent their evenings fucking cuddling or talking. They spent it pressed at the hip as they worked out a plan to handle the rogue death of that deputy, scared that another life would soon be smothered out. They were working together and just existing with one another. It wasn’t sex. It wasn’t fucking. It was soft kisses under the lowlight of a movie’s credits and whispering secrets to one another as if they were lovers and not sinners.
Was he acting different? Had he given away the game?
He was so worn thin. The girls were demanding, each so desperate for an extra second that he must have become short with them both. Had he given Jade a reason to get so enraged that this joke was being blown out of proportion? Did she know? No. She couldn’t. She wouldn’t be here if she did. Him and Erin would destroy her. So it was something else. He knew he’d been extra loving. He’d been so cautious with his words and double checking their schedules. He had thought he’d been perfect.
He was just paranoid. He was being crazy right now.
Jade didn’t know. She was just mad at the joke and would get over it. Elliot would be put in his place tonight and Ashton could move on. He didn’t like the taste of jealousy on his tongue. It burned and didn’t settle well on his stomach. He didn’t have to be jealous of anyone. He was king.
Ashton’s eyes were dark when she pulled away, a somber ivy settling upon her lips as she spoke. There was a loose smile that didn’t make it to his eyes, so far away in his head that he didn’t really hear her. He nodded. No more jokes about scissoring. He had to be careful from here on out with what he said. Jade was a delicate little flower. She couldn’t handle him the way Erin could. Maybe that’s why he’d said it. He was mixing up his girls. A fire burned in the pit of his stomach as she called him Eli. A nickname. Already so familiar. His heartbeat was loud in his ears, but her slip up had him softening and snapping his gaze to her. Love. She was going to say love. His lips parted, a little in shock, but more so because he’d wanted to hear her to say it. He wanted to say it back. And that—fuck. What? He’s known it for some time now, but he couldn’t say it himself. It would be the final straw. He loved her, but was he really selfish enough to tell her? He thinks that because he does, he wouldn’t let her know. It’s going to ruin her when she finds out, but maybe him not saying it would help her move on quicker. God damn feelings. Part of him wishes he’d never met them, but the bigger part wishes it had just been Erin who he hadn’t run into first.
His smile grew sadder then, but much more genuine. He couldn’t say it back. He couldn’t lie this time. He didn’t want only her. He wishes she’d been enough from the start. He wishes he’d been a better person back then, but he wasn’t. And he wouldn’t change now. Not when he knew it wouldn’t fix a damn thing.
Her next words were so short and went right through him. The kiss was too short and her bending over in front of him twisted a knife in his gut rather than stirring his dick in his jeans. Jealous, jealous. He was so damn greedy. He hadn’t thought about it before, not until there was a threat to his claim upon her. Not until Munson’s glittering teeth and bat of his lashes. Other people saw her like he did. Other people wanted her. Ashton’s hand balled into a fist, suddenly so enraged and for no good justifiable reason.
But he’s never needed a reason to be mad. He was a child at heart. A spoiled little boy who didn’t want to share his toys but expected others to hand their’s over to him.
“Jade,” he called after her, not wanting her to go without him saying a word and letting that mess of anxiety she held fester into a bigger problem, “I’m sorry.” And maybe he meant it. It felt sincere on his tongue, but only because he was apologizing for more than what he’d done in front of Elliot. “Have fun with Imogen.” And then she was gone and his fist landed hard on the bench beside him, warping the metal of the seat under the impact.
“Fuck,” he shouted, causing a passing girl to wince and scurry off quicker. He seethed through his teeth, nostrils flared as his anger got the better of him. “God, fuck,” he hissed as he pushed himself away from the bench and towards the parking lot. He couldn’t be here. He felt his canines lengthening and claws pressing at his palms where his fingers were curled tight. Fucking Eli getting under his skin and causing him to act like an ass in front of Jade. Fucking Jade for not being able to take a joke. Weren’t girls supposed to be turned on by jealous boyfriends? No. No. He was not going to get mad at Jade.
His phone was pressed to his ear without thought, the dial tone ringing before a confused voice on the end of the line cautiously asked, “Hello?”
“Meet me at the jeep,” was all he said, hanging up before she had the chance to respond.
By the time he was behind the wheel and the air conditioning was cooling the warm vehicle, the passenger side door was opening and Erin was settling into the passenger seat.
“Ashton?” She asked tentatively, not reaching out the way Jade would to comfort him. This was the first time he had called her, the first time he had initiated a meeting. It was always her. He always forced it to be her so that he had someone to point the finger at. She was the one to blame, not him. But today that changed too. Jade got mad. She wasn’t his perfect little angel anymore. No, she was human too and Ashton’s image of her was shattered.
“You cool with dipping for the rest of the day with me?” He asked without looking at her, jaw locked and eyes straight ahead. His fingers flexed on the wheel while a vein in his neck pulsed with his unkempt emotions.
Erin six months ago would have said no. She would have pressed him until he told her what she wanted to hear, but they weren’t the same as they were anymore. “So long as I’m back home by four,” and they both knew why. Jade would start to catch on if they both weren’t available at the same time. He let out a long breath and pulled out of the school parking lot. It wasn’t until they were a few miles away that his shoulders lost their tension and he reached a hand over to rest on her thigh.
“Gonna tell me what this hissy fit is about now?” She asked, voice tight but he knew it was only that way because she couldn’t accept that she was actually worried about him.
“Your sister pissed me off,” was all he offered and her brows shot up in shock.
“Jade,” she was hesitant saying her sister’s name, they rarely talked about her, “How?” She didn’t know what to think and honestly, Ashton didn’t either.
“Caught her talking to some guy,” he was quick to paint her as the bad guy and then shook his head, knowing that wouldn’t fly with Erin, “I got jealous and said something that upset her. I just, I didn’t like how she reacted. Like I was a bad guy.”
“Which you are,” she interrupted and he shot her a sharp look, but Erin didn’t cower the way Jade would, “C’mon, Ashton. I know you like to act like you’re a fucking saint, but this? You’re the devil.”
“Fuck off, Erin. You started this shit.”
“And you didn’t stop me,” Erin said without missing a beat. She had long accepted her faults and had come to terms with who she was.
Ashton was stopped at a red light, chest heaving as he leveled her with a scowl. He was livid. He was so fucking lost and she didn’t waver, staring right back at him and he knew then that he was a damn fool. He didn’t deserve Jade. He knew Erin was right. And like hell if that didn’t just piss him off more.
He pulled the car off to the side of the road. It was an abandoned stretch that was halfway between the cabin and school. Without warning, he lunged over the center console and stole her lips into a heated kiss. Erin didn’t hesitate the way Jade had, meeting his hunger with her own starvation—hands shoving at his jacket, desperate to get her fingers on his freckled skin. Ashton pulled himself away first, crawling into the backseat and shimmying out of his jeans and shirt as she followed after him.
When he was younger, Ashton was more selfish than he was now. He took, seeking only pleasure for himself and left his lover unsatisfied, but he’d learned. One girl was all it took, a woman four years older who had held his head between her legs and purred sweet encouragements as his tongue lapped and plunged. She opened his eyes, taught him how to be a gracious, giving lover. During sex was the only time he wasn’t greedy, his fingers and his lips wringing moans and cries out of his partner long before he ever got his boxers off.
The windows were fogged and their breaths panted by the time Ashton’d had his fill. The pair laid together in the backseat for a long while before they pulled on their clothes and made their way back to the front of the car. Ashton drove them home, letting Erin hop in the shower while he changed into sweats and decided against a shirt. He sat on the bed, glancing at the clock and realizing the school day ended in about thirty minutes. He pulled out his phone and typed a message to Jade quickly, not reading over it because he knew the guilt would sour him if he did. “Went home early, Princess. Wasn’t feeling too hot after everything. Gonna rest up before the party, may be a little late. I’ll have Blake pick you up and meet you there not long after.” He paused, typing out another quick message before Erin walked in, “See you soon.” He added a heart emoji before tossing his phone away. He knew the message was impersonal, but it gave off a false sense of trust that he was okaying her to be alone with Elliot again. It would rattle Jade, but maybe she deserved that for acting like she did. Maybe she’d think twice about turning on him again.
“What’s with the face?” Erin asked as she toweled off her hair, wringing it as dry as she could before she pulled one of Ashton’s favorite shirts over her head and slipped on a pair of panties she’d stashed here a while ago.
Ashton didn’t answer until she was curled into his side on the bed, tucking her in close as he wrapped his arms around her waist. “I’m not bringing you home at four,” he murmured, exhausted from the roller coaster of a day and his extracurriculars with Erin. She didn’t say anything back but he could smell the happiness rolling off of her. It was sickening how much pleasure she got from Ashton’s attention, but damn if he wasn’t happy to give it to her.
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Human
Written by Megs.
35 posts.
18 years old.
ladies man.
I am Male.
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Post by Elliot Munson on Jul 3, 2022 23:49:11 GMT
Eli had his head thrown back as he cackled at Freddy’s joke, hands clutching his stomach and eyes squeezed shut when his phone buzzed in his pocket. He wiped a stray tear from his eye, his head dipping to nudge his forehead to where Sadie was laying against his side as her own laughter died down. She leaned away, letting him roll his shoulders back before he grabbed his phone and winced at the text. Stalker. Yeah, he had been expecting that but it still made him cringe to see the word. It was clear she was only teasing though, or at least he hoped. Smiling down at his phone, he started to type back, but paused when a second text came through. His smile faltered for a moment as he wrote back, “You have nothing to apologize for, Jade. I know Ash can be a bit of a dick sometimes,” which was an understatement, but he didn’t feel right outwardly calling her boyfriend an asshole to her, “It meant a lot that you spoke up for her. It was really cool of you.” He hit send before typing a separate text, “And she’s the best. She’s definitely going to hoard you tonight so be prepared. She’s like a damn puppy when she gets excited.” And then that reminded him. Normally he left Biscuit and Titan out for the smaller parties because he trusted everyone with them, but he didn’t know if Jade was okay with dogs. “Don’t mean to spam text you, but I have two dogs. They’re small and super friendly, but I can have my brother keep them in the room with him if you’re not a fan,” he added the blushing smiling face emoji before hitting send and tucking his phone away for good. He didn’t want to bother her or come off weird by sending too many messages at once. He was excited, that was all.
As he looked back up at the table, the boys were invested in a deep conversation about Freddy’s most recent Dungeons and Dragons session. He and Sadie were co-captains of the club and were always excited to relay the adventures they’d played out to the group. But it was just Freddy talking, and when he looked to the side he caught Sadie beaming up at him and wiggling her brows. “Texting Jade?” She asked brightly, but kept her voice quiet.
Eli rolled his eyes, but nodded as he shot back, “Warning her about you.” They shared a soft laugh, cheeks red and bodies relaxed. He really was so grateful for her. He knew she felt the same. She dropped the topic and tuned back into what Freddy was saying. She would chip in every now and then, harping on details their friend would oversee. As they finished their tale, Eli asked, “So who all are you guys bringing tonight?” He needed to know how much food and drinks to prepare. He would have to double check with Blake too who all from his group would be attending.
“Just me. Maybe Miles,” Freddy smiled. His brother was Wyatt's best friend and often was found hiding out in Eli's house while Freddy was practicing with his band. Which was always. Freddy was recently single, having broken up with a boy named Dusty who went to a school in the town over the summer. Like Sadie, he was very proud of his sexuality and refused to be shamed for who he loved. He was a flirt and confident in himself.
“I’ll ask Chrissy, but I’m not sure if she’ll make it. Her parents planned some trip this weekend and she doesn’t know if they’ll be leaving tonight or tomorrow morning,” Zach offered, taking another bite of his sandwich before pulling out his phone to shoot his girlfriend a text. Chrissy was an incredibly smart and good girl. Her family were devout Christians and were often traveling on short mission trips to help others. Zach and her had been together since freshman year. He’d talked to Elliot about proposing at graduation, but wasn’t sure if he should until they knew where they were going to college. She was the captain of the cheerleading squad, the pair making a pretty peppy and sporty couple and they seemed out of place in Eli's group of oddballs, but they fit in with the rest of them.
“I may be able to convince Jonathan, but I don’t know if he can on such short notice,” Steven said as he laughed, looking around anxiously but no one else was listening. Jonathan was Steven’s boyfriend, but he wasn’t out to anyone other than Elliot’s friend group. His parents were against homosexuality and he had to keep it under their radar the best he could until he was out of the house. It helped that Jonathan went to a different school, but Elliot knew it pained Steven to pretend to be someone he wasn’t because he was such a proud guy.
Gavin shook his head, the only other single person in the group other than Eli and Sadie. “Just me. I don’t think Tanner would want to come,” he sighed, his little brother being quite introverted. He was Wyatt and Ollie’s age, but tended to stick to himself.
“Cool. Thanks. I don’t think Blake is bringing many people. Maybe Jensen will show up,” Eli offered to Gavin, knowing the two were friendly enough, but Gavin didn’t need anyone else to have a good time.
The rest of lunch was small conversation until the bell rang. Elliot said his goodbyes before walking Sadie to their shared photography class. She didn’t press for too much from him, instead rambling on and on about the photos she had taken and how pretty she thought Jade was. Elliot couldn’t keep the smile off his face, shaking his head at her eagerness as she filled the silence.
As the school day came to an end, Wyatt and Sadie piled into his Nova. It was his little brother’s first week of high school and most of the conversation was regarding how he was fairing. Wyatt rolled his eyes at the news that a party was being held at their house, but it wasn’t anything new to him. Depending on the size, he either hid away in his room or stayed with Ollie at Sadie’s house. When they got home, the Munson parents were already gone. Their mom had left a note and Eli smiled at it before tucking it away in his pocket. He had saved all the little notes she’d left, kept them in a box under his bed for safe keeping.
Wyatt ran off to his room after fixing himself a sandwich, leaving Sadie and Elliot to run to the store to grab supplies. Chips and sodas were stocked around the kitchen and a selection of liquor bottles were left on the counter—beers chilled in the fridge. Eli’s dad knew that his stash was being raided, but he also knew that his son was being safe. He would take a small portion of Eli’s pay to replace what was used and had talked to him about the importance of keeping the house in shape and that was that.
Sadie and Eli got to work, cleaning up the house and putting away anything valuable in Wyatt’s room. Oliver popped over not long after they got back from the store, making a beeline for the youngest Munson’s room where they started up Mario Kart. The friends made small talk, dancing along to the playlist Sadie had started through the bluetooth and playfully hitting one another with the couch pillows as they set up the living room. It wasn’t until it neared eight that Sadie couldn’t help herself. She had to ask.
“So Jade,” she broached and Elliot immediately sighed. He set down the bowl of chips he’d just dumped, pushing it towards the rest of the options as he turned to Sadie.
“Is just a friend. Not even that yet,” Eli promised, but Sadie shook her head.
“I know that, El. That’s not what I’m asking,” and he raised a brow at her, not able to read in between the lines so she continued, “You have this look on your face. The ‘I’m Hercules and I’m going to save Megara from Hades’ look.” He laughed and rolled his eyes, but she pressed in her raspy, pitched voice, “No, I mean it, Elliot! It’s your hero look. The one you make right before you do something stupid to make me feel better. I just, I want to make sure you’re thinking about this.”
And she didn’t have to say it. They both knew that Ashton was a powerhouse. The guy was strong and had a lot of people in his corner. He wasn’t someone to mess with and she was just worried about Eli acting without thinking.
“You said that Ashton was an asshole today and I just,” she waved her hands, getting flustered and Elliot was quick to pull her into a tight hug.
“I know, Sades. I’ll admit it, he got under my skin and I really didn’t like what he said about you or her, but I’m not about to go in guns blazing when I don’t know the full story. I’m stupid, but not that stupid,” he sighed, running his hand over her head to calm her down, “I just didn’t like how she changed. It isn’t my place, but she had been so damn happy and then like a switch she changed as soon as he came in and it rubbed me so wrong. I mean, the way he fucking grabbed her and what he said,” he frowned, shaking his head and holding her tighter, “He made a joked about her riding him and scissoring with you. It was fucking vile, Sadie,” and he felt her shiver against him, a visceral reaction to the news, “I shouldn’t stick my nose in it, but you know me. I’m gonna. As a friend. She was nice and yeah, I liked talking to her, but,” and it was Sadie’s turn to interrupt.
“But as a friend. I got it. Just be smart about it is all I ask. I didn’t mean to mess with you earlier about it. I just haven’t seen you so interested in a girl since,” and she didn’t say her name and Eli thanked her for it, “You know. I can’t believe Ashton said that. What a bitch. I get why you’re all big-man-hero-boy right now. I just wanted to make sure you weren’t being dumber than usual.”
“Hey,” he huffed, tickling her sides until she squealed and leapt back. The doorbell rang and he smiled, “Thanks for checking in on me, Sadie. Felt a little crazy about it all and I’m glad I’ve got you to keep me in line.”
“Yeah, yeah. I’m thankful for you too, Hair,” she grinned before bounding towards the door. Gavin and Steven were there, no Jonathan. Zach showed up not long after with Chrissy blushing on his arm and Freddy was a step behind him on his own—having picked them up and driven them here. They all headed towards the kitchen and greeted Elliot, slapping him on the back before making their rounds to the bar and snacks. Biscuit barked up at Chrissy and she was quick to drop to her knees and spoil the dog with endless attention, as she always did and that snapped Eli out of his stupor. He’d been so busy, he forgot to check his phone. He didn’t know if Jade liked the dogs or not and wanted to get them put up before she got here.
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Supernatural
Written by Megan.
76 posts.
19 years old.
ladies man.
I am Male.
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Post by Blake Griffin on Jul 4, 2022 5:06:37 GMT
“You want me to what?” Blake’s voice sounded unsure, blinking dumbly at the boy standing before him as he crossed his arms over his chest. Ashton was just outside of his bedroom door, the inch of a crack he’d left allowing the scent of uncertainty to waft his way—but it wasn’t coming from his alpha. A sigh burned in his chest, but he kept his lips sealed—his dark eyes trained on Ashton’s green as he waited for clarification.
“I want you to pick up Jade for me and bring her to the party,” Ashton said matter-of-factly, mirroring Blake’s posture as he crossed his own arms over his bare chest, his sweats hung low and bow beaded with sweat, “I was a dick to her early about Eli. I want to prove a point by letting her be left alone with him.” And Blake knew that was a lie but was more baffled by what he was implying than the truth of why he was going to be late.
“Eli?” He asked, shaking his head as he took a step forward, “C’mon, man. You know he’s harmless. Why would you get mean with Jade over him?” And Ashton frowned, looking away and tightening his grip on his arms.
“It’s not like that, B. He was just leaning in, and they were joking, and I just got jealous. I haven’t seen her talking to another guy before and it just got to me,” Ashton defended, and Blake’s eyes grew sad. That wasn’t fair of his alpha to say, not when he knew that Jade’s sister was cowering in Ashton’s bed right now, her scent giving her away. But Blake didn’t say that. He wouldn’t. Ashton was his world, his brother. He was his rock and his constant and he would never dare defy him. He wouldn’t question him.
Instead, he raised his hands up in defeat and nodded. His voice was somber as his eyes trailed towards the small gap in the door as he said, “Whatever you want, Ash. Just don’t be too late, okay? I’m sure she’s pretty shaken up about it all. You know how soft she is.” Blake hadn’t let himself get too close to Jade because he could be a really shitty liar when it mattered. He was charming as hell and could get people to talk to him with ease, but he had a guilty conscience. He knew how she was, though. He’d overheard her whispering to Erin in their kitchen when she thought no one could hear—worried about if she’d upset Ashton because of how he’d been acting after she spoke out against a comment he’d made. If only she knew he was on edge because Erin had cornered him and kissed him stupid, and that they'd been nearly caught. Blake had let out a loud cough, alerting his alpha to put a stop to it discreetly before Jade had turned the corner. It was hell being his bitch sometimes, but Blake never fought the collar.
Ashton’s face had twisted in guilt at the reminder, eyes cold and wet as he nodded. “Yeah, I won’t be too late. I know I fucked up,” he admitted, and Blake nodded, agreeing with what wasn’t said. This was all a massive fuck up. He didn’t like how it would inevitably end, and yet, he was doing nothing to stop it. He could be a real fucking coward sometimes.
His alpha gave him one last shallow nod before returning to his room and dampening that pitiful scent as he closed the door. Blake let out a long breath, hands wringing through his hair as he fought with himself over this. He should do better, be better, but he couldn’t. He couldn’t say no to Ashton. Thank God Sabrina was working tonight or else he was sure he’d cave. He couldn’t imagine being cornered in a car with the both of them.
He returned to his room, waiting until the last possible minute to get ready. Dark jeans and a tight V-neck in shadowed shade of purple clung to his muscular frame, his hair pushed back from his face but the curls forever unkempt. He shot a longing look towards Ashton’s shut door, picking up a muted conversation and shaking his head. It sounded so soft and intimate. It sounded more genuine than anything Ashton had said to Jade in the last few weeks. Blake tucked his tail between his legs and left. Jensen had a date with Iris so he wouldn’t be coming, but Murphy had said he’d stop by after he finished his shift at the store. Ashton would be picking him up and bringing him along.
Shooting a text to Jade that he was on his way, Blake revved his engine and drove off. He thought about what Ashton said, worrying his bottom lip as he sped down the dirt road that led to the cabin. Elliot was a flirt, yeah, but he was a good fucking guy. He was friendly as hell and respect was a vital part of his moral code. He would never make a move on someone else’s girl; it wasn’t in him. But he was curious as to why he was being so insistent with Jade. To invite her to the party and ask for her number even after Ashton grilled him? It was odd, but after a moment, Blake pieced it together. Elliot was known to play knight in shining armor. He liked the glory of winning a battle, and God, if Ashton was an asshole to Jade in front of him? Eli wouldn’t let that slide.
Blake swallowed roughly, knowing that he was going to have to convince Elliot tonight to give it a break. One small moment didn’t define Jade and Ashton, but fuck, if she didn’t need saving from him.
But if it wasn’t Blake’s place to say anything, it certainly wasn’t Elliot’s.
Far sooner than he was prepared for, he was pulled up outside of the Little’s house. He shot Jade a text to let her know he was here before writing one to Ashton. “I’d be super fucking loving on Jade at this party to get Eli to back off, man. Just a head’s up. He’s got some hero complex and you being a dick probably set him off. So show him he’s got nothing to worry about." Ashton didn’t reply back before he heard Jade open her home’s front door and he’d rather not risk her seeing his phone so he locked the screen and tucked it away.
“Hey, Jay-bird,” he purred as she slipped into his passenger seat—all grins and charm and lies, “Looking gorgeous as always.” He wiggled his eyebrows at her, trying to settle her down with his usual teasing. She was too damn kind to be treated the way Ashton had been handling her. So fucking what if he was a little too soft on her. "Ready to hit the road, girlie?" His tone was bright, but his nerves showed as he tapped his fingers on the steering wheel in an anxious beat that didn't quite match the song on humming through his car's speakers.
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Hunters
Written by Jasmin.
132 posts.
18 years old.
in looooove.
I am Female.
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Post by Jade Little on Jul 4, 2022 21:35:18 GMT
The rest of her study date with Imogen passed by in a blur, the girls a formidable team against their teacher’s toughest questions. Jade was half running to her next class, she and Imogen leaving it to the last moment to part and head to their lessons. Maths was an absolute killer straight away but Jade made it through by doodling in the margin of her notebook. Small hearts, shooting stars and progressively more and more detailed flowers. Anything to keep her head and hands occupied. She kept her phone buried in the bottom of her bag. The last thing she wanted was to be reminded of her morning after managing to lighten up massively with Imogen.
As the hours slipped by, Jade’s eyelids grew heavy but there was one last thing she had to do in the school as the bell chimed out for the end of the day. Sure, her main form of transportation being a pushbike felt a little lame and when it rained Jade would throw an absolute hissy fit in her head as her feet slipped against the pedals but it meant she never had to rush for the bus or wait for the car park to clear out so that she could finally leave. Strolling down the halls, Jade kept her eyes peeled for a small head of brown hair, an easy laugh and usually a small flock of adoring fans around her. It wasn’t hard to notice the girl in the exact spot they’d agreed to meet in. Waving an arm in greeting, the other girl made a quick show of saying goodbye to the group around her before skipping over to Jade.
“Hey, Jade, I’m so glad that we’re in the same class, I was totally eyeballing your work last year and just wanted to be your friend and work with you so thank you, thank you for agreeing to work with me on this,” Charlie Carper said, all bright smiles, and bouncing brown curls. “I know it sucks staying a little later on a Friday but I reckon we get ahead of it now and it won’t bite us in the ass in a month or so!” Charlie was all talk and exuberance, hands moving rapidly with every word she spoke.
“No, no, thank you for asking me to work with you,” Jade said back, a smile crinkling her eyes. This is what she’d needed. A chat with Imogen to knock a little sense into her and remind her that there was more to life than some boyfriend and then Charlie with her infectiously light mood and the way she was giving Jade all of her attention despite the people who passed and smiled at her. “I love all of your paintings and I could definitely do with some technical help. I’m all messy and brown colours half the time to the point where I think I should start off with only brown and hope for the best from that.”
“I’m sure that’s not true!” Charlie chirped back, placing her hands on her hips and teasingly shaking her head from side to side, cheeks round and uplifted. “But you absolutely aced our ceramics unit last year and I’m useless with my hands so plenty to learn from each other.” For a moment the two girls just smiled at each other and Jade was about to step forward to jolt them into action when the roundness in Charlie’s cheeks deflated and Jade twisted around, head whipping to the side to see what could have caused such a shift in mood.
God. Is that how she seemed earlier? So bright and upbeat and then absolutely miserable all because of some guy? Which no, that wasn’t true. Jade was not miserable she was just conflicted and it wasn’t even about Ashton he just so happened to be in the firing line of her panic today. Which also wasn’t exactly true. His attitude towards her and Eli had set her off but when her lessons had grown dull throughout the afternoon, her thoughts had slipped back to her and Ashton. She’d definitely overreacted. She’d been eager to jump down his throat. And for what, a joke? Yeah, like he said, it was just a joke and sure, it was stupid but it wasn’t malicious. Right?
Jade didn’t know who the guy in the hallway was and couldn’t make out his face in the backlighting of the window but from the way Charlie’s body had stiffened and the silence they’d fallen into, Jade knew he was bad news. “Come on, let’s not stay here longer than we need to, right?” Jade murmured, keeping her voice low as she placed a light hand on Charlie’s arm and nodded in the direction of the art room.
It took Charlie a couple of seconds but then she was spinning on her heel and sliding her right arm through Jade’s left arm and walking away as if they were the best of friends. Still, Charlie stayed silent until they were safely tucked away in the art room that had been left unlocked for them. Clicking the door shut, Jade didn’t want to pry about who he’d been but come on, who wouldn’t be curious? “You alright?” Jade asked, not wanting to go off on a monologue about boys when she was surely not following whatever advice she would be offering.
Hopping up onto one of the raised desks, Charlie let out a dramatic sigh, tossing her hands up in a shrug. “I broke up with Jonas a little while ago but he keeps lurking around me I swear so I’ve been trying to be permanently busy and not alone so he doesn’t get some idea in his head to come and talk to me,” Jade kept quiet, settling herself down into a stool opposite Charlie, bag discarded on the table. “I probably sound awful for saying that but it’s just like, come on, we didn’t work out and him creeping around is not going to help that.” Flicking her curls behind her back, Charlie levelled her gaze on Jade, the saddest she’d ever looked. “I thought we’d be a good match, you know I’ve known him my whole life and sure, I didn’t pay much attention to him but he used to bring me little feathers when we were kids for me to paint with. Slightly weird but cute, right?” Jade nodded, letting the other girl spill her guts and twisting her hands in her lap. “Anyway, a few months before summer break we got stuck waiting for the bus after school and it was pouring with rain and I was using my jacket to cover my painting so I was slowly getting soaked,” that part Charlie said with a laugh, a memory flickering over her face in a way Jade knew painfully well after her break up with Slots. The good moments that refused to let you fully move on even when every part of you wanted to. “Jonas was there and without saying a word, he’d taken off his jacket and was holding it over our heads like a true little hero. I don’t know, I’d never really thought about him much before that but we got talking and I took a risk and asked him out which all of my friends absolutely ribbed me for but hey, feelings, you can’t fight them.” Jade nodded again at that, a short laugh escaping her which Charlie echoed. “Anyway, I spent a lot of summer with him but about a month ago I just, I don’t know, got this feeling and he was acting sketchy and I just couldn’t do it. If I can’t trust the guy who is meant to be my number one, then what am I doing? So yeah, I ended it because he was being a little weird which was probably a given for him but for a while, he felt right and like exactly what I needed.” Picking a lump of dried paint off of the desk, Charlie’s hands seemed incapable of staying completely still. “Anyway, sorry, that was way too much info but it’s just hard my friends think I was stupid for even going there in the first place so they don’t exactly offer much support.”
Jade’s lips pressed together knowing that feeling well from after Slots when she’d kept Erin in the dark and hadn’t gained many other friends. She’d felt isolated and without anyone to turn to. Jade was fairly sure she’d have gone off on the same tangent if someone had asked if she were okay. “Hey, it’s alright, I had a shitty boyfriend too and they’re like the suckiest thing on the planet but look, you’ve got a friend you can tell this to now.” Jade said, standing up and moving to rest her elbows on Charlie’s table, head tipped up to the other girl. “I could do with more friends that aren’t a group of boys who all live together and occasionally forget to shower,” Jade joked and Charlie grinned.
“Ah, yes, the fitties of the school. Blake is particularly cute so I’m rather jealous that you get to spend time with him and I’m so coming to spend time with you now that we’re best buds just to ogle him from up close,” Charlie replied shoulders tipping toward Jade and nudging her.
“Oh, I’m afraid he’s totally got a thing for Sabrina,” her talk with Eli earlier had confirmed all suspicions Jade had about the pair and now she was just excited to sit back and watch the two of them finally admit how they felt for one another.
“No!” Charlie replied in fake shock, mouth open wide, “who will be my eye candy now?”
“Murphy is still very single,” Jade offered although she regretted the word 'very'. Even if it was true. Then again, Murphy often seemed to be occupied by Rose’s redheaded cousin so maybe he wasn’t that single after all.
“Hmm, well I do like the grumpy ones,” Charlie responded, nodding her head as if she were truly mulling it over. “But spill about your shitty boyfriend, or ex-boyfriend sorry, I’m sure Ashton is an absolute dream.”
And so Jade spilled, detailing how she and Slots first met and how she’d gone over to his and seen all the red flags but ignored them anyway. She told Charlie about the Christmas party which had the other girl coughing and spluttering for the way Jade had been treated. Charlie’s reactions had sobered up as Jade kept going, as she told her about the list and being dubbed one of Slots’ Sluts. “What an asshole and he never said sorry,” Charlie asked at the end, still sat on the table and looking down as Jade stayed resting with her arms on the edge.
“Nope he just kind of said 'you were mine but I wasn’t yours' or some absolute bullshit like that which had my head spinning for weeks trying to make sense of it all and you spend hours thinking through it and looking for clues that you should have seen earlier about how horrible they were and yet, you can’t get past those good memories and the things that still make you smile months later,” Jade responded, straightening back up and rolling her shoulders back.
“I think a no-boys-pack sounds like a good idea, if you and Ashton ever have any issues, I’ve got your back after that absolute nonsense some ass called Slots put you through,” Charlie said, hopping down and turning to Jade. “Surely his name was the biggest red flag of all?” Both girls laughed at that, the sound ringing loudly through the classroom. Offloading it all had done miracles to Jade’s brain, the swirling storm that had consumed her mind all day dissipating.
“I know but it’s okay, I ended up with Ashton so it was all worth it and I’m sure there’s someone out there for you. All the boys seem to walk around drooling after you like basset hounds so you’ve got plenty of options.” Jade said, smiling over at Charlie, the look earnest and truthful. The other girl’s reactions had spurred Jade on throughout her tale, feeling no judgement from the other girl just mutual agitation and annoyance that guys treat them so poorly.
“Yeah, I’m sure there is but I’m in rush, I’ve got all the time in the world,” Charlie replied before casting a look towards the clock which hung above the teacher’s desk. “Which we apparently do not have anymore, they wanted us out of here by five and we’re not going to get much done in the time we have left.” Jade sighed but knew it was true, by the time they’d planned their project there would be no time to actually make a start on their art piece.
“How free are you on Sunday?” Jade asked, grabbing her bag as Charlie pulled her backpack on.
“Well, as a single lady in a boring small town, I am very free. We could go to the community centre, the fourth floor has been turned into this really cool art space and they even have classes which look really good.” Charlie offered, scanning around to make sure neither girl had left something behind.
“That sounds great, I’ll message you Saturday and we can arrange times?” Jade responded as they moved to leave the room and finally escape for the weekend.
“Perfect,” Charlie replied in a sing song voice, “I have to run for my bus but thanks for the chat, Jade, I really needed it.”
“No, thank you, I hadn’t realised how much I needed to get it off my chest,” Jade admitted, “I’m sure you’ve got amount a billion friends but you are welcome to sit with me or message me whenever.” And before Jade could say anything else or worry if she was coming on a little too strong in the wannabe friend department, Charlie had pulled her into a hug which Jade sank into, needing it after the mess of her thoughts that day. “If Jonas keeps bothering you, let me know and I’ll tell Ash and I’m sure he’ll deal with him.” Whilst Jade hadn’t appreciated the attitude Ashton had shown towards Eli, he could definitely put it to good use for Charlie.
“I will, I will,” Charlie promised as she pulled away, “have a good weekend!” She called and with that she was rushing away leaving Jade to stand in the empty hall and mull over everything she’d just shared.
She’d never put it all into words or a consistent story before. She wasn’t sure why she suddenly had whilst talking to Charlie but the openness and honesty in the other girl's face had pulled down Jade’s armour about the whole situation.
Her bike ride home was slow, wheels swerving as Jade’s mind switched to the evening and she tried to keep the worry of what to wear at bay. Resting her bike against the front of their house, Jade stepped into the house, surprised to find it completely empty and quiet. Fighting the urge to call hello like she was the girl about to murdered in a horror movie, she finally fished out her phone to a string of messages from Eli. It was the messages from Ashton that had her stopped halfway up the stairs, a frown pulling at her features. “After everything?” Jade muttered, scowling deeply before letting out an aggravated sigh. “Ass,” she mumbled as she reached the top of the stairs and stepped into her room, shutting the door firmly behind her before tossing herself onto her bed.
Sure, he’d said he was sorry when she walked away from him earlier but none of the text message felt like him taking responsibility for his childish behaviour and sure, Jade was riled up from talking to Charlie about shitty boys but the words of his text got under her skin far too easily. “Going to rest up? Yeah takes a lot of effort being such a dipshit,” Jade whispered, phone raised above her and the light from her screen making her squint. Her thumbs hesitated, a hundred potential responses flooding to her. KK. No, don’t come. Just sleep and wake up less stupid. Thankfully none of those messages passed the drafting stage. Okay, have a good nap. Was all she offered, not even bothering to copy his heart emoji. Let him know she was still a little annoyed. He could either make the effort or he could kiss the idea of her buying him popcorn tomorrow goodbye.
Shaking herself of her annoyance and trying to coax back that partying mood she’d found herself in earlier, Jade turned her attention to Eli’s messages, a smile tugging at her lips at the complete string of texts she’d received. “Keen bean,” she murmured but it was completely joking, a happy seed of light in her stomach that she felt so wholly included by his plan. She wasn’t some add-on or after thought. She was wanted. But maybe that was a terrible train of thought to have when Eli clearly was not her boyfriend’s biggest fan... oh well, Jade wasn’t really his biggest fan either right now but she knew she needed to get over it and stop flip flopping in her mind with how she felt about it all. Jade’s excitement had piqued though, sitting up and reading back the last message. Dogs! Jade had begged and begged for one as a child but her parents had always refused, claiming they were too much hassle and effort no matter how many times Jade promised to clean up their mess and walk them five times a day – which obviously was too much but she was willing to go above and beyond. Not that her promises had mattered. The most she’d ever had was a goldfish which had promptly died two weeks later, a fact which her parents always used if Jade ever mentioned getting a dog again so she’d given up on that dream. But if Eli had not just one but two dogs then Jade’s day was looking up. I loveeeeeeee dogs please, please let me see them. Jade typed and even if she sounded overbearing (which was clearly her thing today with making new friends) she hit send anyway.
Glancing towards her vanity, Jade winced a little. She definitely needed to sleep and she knew she’d feel better once she did. That was, if she did. Without Ashton there as her pillow Jade was sure she’d struggle. “Don’t be a dumb, dumb, Jadey,” she told herself, happy to fill the silence of her room and the house beyond with her thoughts. Totally not in a crazy way but in a, I’m the only one who makes sense to myself way. Which was also definitely a little crazy. Grabbing her phone, Jade pulled open her conversation with Ashton and sighed, reading back his message and then her own blunt reply. Sorry I’ve been a little off, just had something on my mind but it’s nothing to do with you. Don’t be too late tonight, I miss my pillow. Adding a little pink heart emoji (you know, the one with the sparkles, of course) Jade sent the message before setting an hour timer on her phone and willing herself to sleep.
Mercifully, her eyelids fell shut with a clang, breathing turning deep and slow and before she knew it she was dreaming deeply. Memories bounced through her head. Ashton holding the door open for her. Sabrina braiding Jade’s hair in the summer. Blake and Murphy trying to coax something out of her before relenting when Jensen stepped up behind them and clasped a hand on their shoulders, knocking their heads together. Erin buried in the covers beside Jade during the chilly winter they’d had here. All segments of time, blurring into one, reminding her of all she had to lose if she made a mess of her relationship with Ashton. She had to be on her best behaviour. She had to let it go. She had to push Slots so far down into the back of her mind that he was as uninteresting as the breakfast she’d had eight years ago and promptly forgotten about.
He was a single grain of sand resting in the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. Tiny, insignificant.
“Jade, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes,” Jade’s body froze as a strong arm looped around her shoulders, that familiar cologne that was always one spritz too strong clogging her nose. “What little town have you found yourself in this time?” Jade’s head turned to look up at Slots except what should have been Slots as the voice and physique were the same wasn’t. It was Ashton’s green eyes that looked down at her. “Princess?” His gaze turned curious but there was a danger in those forest depths. “After everything you put me through, you’re not even going to say hello to your old friend or introduce me to your new man?” Jade’s mouth was gaping like a fish left on the side of a dock desperate to get air down. Slots’ spare hand pointed forward and Jade followed the direction of his fingers and had to bite back a scream. It was Slots this time but he was in Ashton’s clothes and when he opened his mouth to say something it was that Texan drawl that rang out to say-.
Jade launched awake to the annoying sound of her alarm, loud and blaring. Her room now gloomy in the setting sun. Her pulse was going wild, heart feeling as if it were about to explode from her chest. Burying her head in her hands, Jade knew her makeup was a wreck, dampness clinging to the palms of her hands as she drew back and leaned over to her nightstand to turn on her lamp. The room now cast in a cosy glow, Jade’s reflection was a mess. She was a mess. “Fucksake,” she mumbled, tossing the covers back and getting to work on making sure she fixed how she looked.
Her makeup she kept the same beyond tidying up the streaky look she’d given herself. Clothes were an entirely different matter but she didn’t want to worry about flashing someone new and wanted to be able to crouch down to interact with Eli’s dogs without having to worry. Jeans were the easiest option even if Jade groaned at their tightness as she pulled on the dark blue pair. Tapping her fingers against her collar bones, Jade stared at the inside of her wardrobe, trying to figure out what top to wear. She didn’t want to look like she was trying too hard but also didn’t want to look too casual for a party but she’d never been to Eli’s before, she had no idea how people normally dressed and it was a small party so she would stick out like a sore thumb if she went too hard. Then again (see, Jade could not settle on a train of thought or decision to save her life) if Eli was still in his fancy Friday clothes then he would be looking nice. “Just make a decision,” she scolded herself as she flicked through various options knowing she was running out of time and that Blake would be here soon.
Wait, where was Erin?
“Erin,” she called stepping back into the hall and looking towards her sister’s room. The door was shut and pressing her ear against the wood, Jade couldn’t make out a single noise from inside. Pushing down on the door handle, Jade swung into Erin’s room and gave it a once over just to check that her twin wasn’t lying dead in the middle of the room. “Weird,” she added, not bothering to check anything too closely before closing the door firmly behind her.
Settling back into her room, Jade finally pulled out a light green top and pulled it on over her head. It was a vest that fitted her form snugly without being too deep cut with a lace trim around the dip of the V. Fixing her daisy necklace back into place on its chain, Jade stood back in her full length mirror but she was finally, finally, past caring how she looked.
Just in time, the chime of her phone let Jade know Blake was on his way. Putting on the same shoes she’d had on earlier, Jade sat on her stairs and waited. She had no idea where her parents were and Erin was as equally mysterious in her absence. Phone pinging again in her hands, Jade grabbed her keys and giving the emptiness of her house one last puzzled look, stepped out the door, locked up and hurried over to Blake’s car.
Pulling open the passenger side door, Jade tossed Blake an easy smile as she tugged the door closed. “Thanks, Blakey, you’re as purple as ever,” she replied, buckling up and tucking her keys into the pocket of her jeans. “Not in a super villain who wants to wipe out half the universe way but in a...” Jade trailed off for a second, not sure what else she could compare him to besides, “Barney the dinosaur way.” The words were out of her mouth before she could really think about them and she couldn’t help but shake her head at herself. “Sorry, yes, let’s go because I clearly make no sense today.” Mixing alcohol with her mouth was often a risky decision but today in particular felt like it could be a complete disaster.
As Blake pulled away, Jade relaxed back into her seat, still feeling as if she was in her nightmare nap. Eyes focused on the road, Jade couldn’t help herself from asking, “do you ever have anything on your mind which you just can’t shake even if you really couldn’t care less? But clearly you do care because it is on your mind but there’s literally nothing you could do about it as the situation doesn’t even exist anymore and you wouldn’t even know how to deal with it if you could. And then you end up in an odd mood and don’t act like yourself but you still, hours later, can’t seem to get it out of your head.” She’d definitely rambled on far more than she should have. Shoulders slumping, Jade looked across to Blake, “sorry that was far too much, you don’t have to answer that, I just keep thinking about someone I used to,” Jade paused then and she felt vicious and cold inside for considering Blake’s reputation when she hesitated over what words to say, “know and I’m in desperate need of advice on how to get them out of my head.”
She’d 100% said too much. Know was a stupid word to use but what else should she have said?
Probably nothing at all. If she’d kept her mouth shut all day she would have been fine.
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Supernatural
Written by Megan.
76 posts.
19 years old.
ladies man.
I am Male.
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Post by Blake Griffin on Jul 5, 2022 19:29:14 GMT
The thing about Jade was that she was infectious. Her smiles and her laughter and her tear-brimmed eyes. She evoked a physical reaction in those around her, forcing them to mimic her emotions and Blake was not immune to this phenomenon. His grin felt more genuine as she immediately began to babble, the words pouring from her lips before her seatbelt had even been buckled. He choked on his spit, eyes wide with amazement at the gall of her. Comparing him to Thanos and Barney? Fucking damn. It almost made him regret wearing this shirt and, well, picking out a vibrant violet sports car. Almost. He didn’t think he could ever truly be ashamed of his infatuation with the color purple, though. Not when it meant so much to him. Purple was Sabrina and Sabrina was everything. He blushed, ever charming and bashful as he shrugged. “I suppose I don’t mind being compared to the dinosaur. He was cool as hell,” he chuckled, shaking his head playfully as he reversed out of her drive and directed the car towards Eli’s house. He really didn’t live too far away from Jade. Blake knew she was a fan of her bicycle and she could have easily gone the few blocks to where he lived, but he preferred giving her a ride. With it getting dark and the death of the deputy and with the promise of intoxication, well, it felt safer this way and he didn’t mind. Really. He didn’t. But he was extremely nervous to be left alone with her especially after he’d just caught Erin in Ashton’s room. He forced his fingers to stop their tapping, gripping the wheel a little tighter as his smile once again became slightly strained at the thought. Blake could be an amazing liar if he put his mind to it, but he never needed to. He traded truths, he worked in blackmail. He didn’t have to make anything up on the spot. Sure, he was deeply flawed. He used people to his advantage and ripped the rug from underneath plenty with their own words, but he didn’t ever really lie. But Ashton was making him—not asking. He didn’t have to ask. Blake was a beta at heart. He liked the surge of power he held now, he couldn’t imagine anything more. He couldn’t imagine not having someone to follow. The sense of order the pack provided warmed his chest. It made him feel vital and important. It gave him a role and all he’d ever wanted in life was a place he belonged.
It was pathetic how his desperation to keep his sense of belonging outweighed this poor girl’s heart. But Blake was selfish. Growing up with so little, he hoarded what he wanted and what he needed close to his chest with clawed hands and snarled teeth. He was sorry, truly, for doing this to Jade, but like Ashton, stopping wasn’t an option.
“Purple’s my color,” he added, looking her way and his lips relaxed a tad at her earnest embarrassment at her rambling, “Would be a cold day in hell if you caught me without a purple something or another. Even if it means I get likened to Thanos—that's just the burden I'll have to bear.” He sent a teasing wink her way before looking back ahead of him. That lilac dress flashed behind his closed lids as he blinked, his shoulders losing their tension at the memory. Sabrina had been a sore subject for so long, the sight of her churning his stomach and the mention of her wringing out his heart. But now, now his heart sang, and his stomach fluttered with butterflies. Now when he thought of that purple dress and the way it shuddered as she raced around the playground his face warmed and his eyes sought out where he’d seen her last. Blake was in love. He’d known that for a long time, but he couldn’t imagine letting those words leave his lips. Jensen and Murphy knew he held feelings for their friend, and could maybe guess the extent of them, but he couldn’t say it. He couldn’t voice it in fear that it would be the tipping point, that she’d spook and flee again. He’d rather watch her fall in love with another than never see her again. It was the lesser pain.
But God, even that would kill him. They were inseparable now. Always seeking one another out as if to make up for lost time. He almost regretted asking Eli to throw the party because Sabrina wouldn’t be able to attend. He’d rather spend all evening sipping on coffee and watching the way her uniform rose as she leaned over the table to place a hot plate in front of a patron than making small talk with his friends. He’d waste his night away in a booth in the corner of Sal’s just to be a little closer to her, even if she could only spare him passing glances—even if she never got to say a word to him during her shift. As long as he was close, as long as he knew she was okay.
Blake snapped out of his thoughts quite physically as Jade began to speak again, jumping slightly in his seat as he spared her a glance. He blinked at her slowly, a direct copy of the look he’d given Ashton only an hour earlier. That was unexpected, but it shouldn’t have been. Jade was a bubble, light and glistening, but when she popped, she was deflated and dull. Ashton had popped her earlier—though he hadn’t spared Blake the specifics. Other than that it involved Eli and Ash had said something cruel, he didn’t know what had happened and he regretted not asking for details earlier. He hated not knowing, he hated being left in the dark. Especially now. He felt ill prepared to have this heavy conversation with Jade, could pick up the exact moment she remembered who she was talking to and he felt so fucking bad that his reputation was proceeding him—that he couldn’t be the ear she so desperately needed right now. Even if it was mostly to clear his own guilty conscience.
Used to date is surely what she meant. Blake wasn’t sure why she censored herself, but respected that she had and didn’t push. If she was anyone else, he would have, but he was covering for her cheating boyfriend so forgive him if he didn’t needle at her the way he wanted. He couldn’t help but feel that he owed her a little honesty, biting his lip as he pulled into a driveway that had three other cars settled there and put his Challenger in park. He recognized Eli’s own muscle car and knew that the other two belonged to his friends but couldn’t remember which. Not that it mattered, they’d all be in there no matter what vehicle they took. He spared a glance at the large window that looked into the living room, already spotting a full house and he smiled. This would be good for both of them. Jade would get a taste of freedom and he’d push down this nasty little (read: massive) crush he had. They would both benefit from the freedom.
But she was still looking at him expectantly, worried that she had said too much, and Blake was quick to reach across the center console and place his hand on her shoulder—always so tactile, needing to comfort with touch.
“Yeah, I do,” he said earnestly, brown eyes searching hers and trying to figure out what she wasn’t saying. “Or did, at least,” he corrected with a sigh, glancing down at where his hand was resting upon her arm before batting his eyes back up to hers, “You weren’t here, but when Sabrina left, it really messed with me. She’d been my best friend—you know, they all are, but it's different with each of them. I have this thing with abandonment. Don’t know my dad and my mom is shit,” he was vague, never eager to talk about himself the way he was to sneak out details from someone else, “She knew that, and she left anyway. I get it now, but I didn’t then. It changed me. A lot, but I kept pretending it didn’t. I kept pretending that she didn’t matter but did. She always will. There wasn’t a damn thing I could do to change it, and now that I have her back, I look at her sometimes like I’m waiting for her to leave again. I act off and I know it—I feel it in how I’m acting and what I’m saying but I can’t stop. Part of me is still mad. I don’t think I can ever really let it go.” He was rambling and he knew it but the more he spoke, the more he realized he hadn’t said this aloud before. He needed it off his chest as much as she needed whatever she was holding onto off hers.
“I sit there thinking of what I could have said to her back then and it’s ruining the now,” he continued, soft and a little meek—like he was admitting just a little too much, “I’ve ruined a lot of moments with her recently because I can’t let go.” He sighed, looking away then and stealing his hand away—his fingers tangled in his lap, eyes trained back on the window where he caught Eli’s eye before the boy looked down at his phone. “There’s no magic fix for what’s happened in the past,” he said in a somber tone in a rare moment of wisdom, “I don’t know how to let go of what she did, but I know that being around her again has helped ease the pain. I’m still scared she’s going to leave me—us,” he corrected, stumbling over his words, “Again, but it’s a little easier to forget about all of that when I’m happy, you know? Watching her with the guys and even with you, it feels like old times again and that helps me.”
He looks back at her, hands fiddling gently in his lap as he studies her. “But I know you can’t exactly do that with this person you used to know,” he was careful with his verbiage, “So maybe just focus on being happy the best you can. I know that something happened with Ashton—he wasn’t specific, but he did say he’d fucked up. And maybe what he did was like this other person, but he isn’t them. People are fucking weird, Jay. Sometimes we do freaky similar stuff, but we aren’t the same. I don’t know if that’ll help and I’m not gonna press,” which was weird of him to say so he clarified, “Ashton would kick my ass if I upset you and I don’t look too pretty with a bruise.” Not that he was capable of keeping one for long in the first place.
“You’re rubbing off on me and I’m fucking rambling,” Blake laughed, rubbing at the back of his neck as he turned more towards her, “My point is that I don’t think you’ll ever really get them out of your head. They’re a part of you, even if it’s a bad part. You just have to find a way to cope, and maybe this party is a nice place to start.” He shook his head, pointing his thumb towards the house as he earnestly said, “Ashton’s wrong about Eli. He’s a really good guy and his friends are some of the best people around—and I don’t say that lightly. I think it would be good for you to branch out with them. Ashton will get over it, I promise. He’s just being a little bitch right now because of other shit and taking it out on you,” he’d said too much, but looking into her eyes, he felt so fucking guilty that his tongue was loose, “And that ain’t fair, but I promise it won’t be for forever.”
He clapped his hands suddenly, straightening up and pulling his phone from where it had been resting in the little pocket beneath his radio. “Now,” he started, reading over the text Eli had sent, “Party time. Door’s unlocked so we’re good to go whenever you want.” He smiled down at her then, tucking his phone into his pocket and turning off the car.
“This was some kinda heavy shit, though, and I’m normally not the best at handling that. If you want, I can step out so you can have a moment to yourself? But I won’t head in without ya. Won’t throw you to the wolves like that.”
Ashton had done that already. Blake couldn't stomach making anything harder for the poor girl.
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Human
Written by Megs.
35 posts.
18 years old.
ladies man.
I am Male.
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Post by Elliot Munson on Jul 5, 2022 19:36:57 GMT
A grin broke across Eli’s face as he read over Jade’s enthusiastic text, shaking his head as he typed back, “Of course you can see ‘em! Titan is my boy. He’s the mostly black one. Biscuit is my mom’s. He’s an old ass pomeranian and looks like a stale cheeto. They’re both nicer than angels, I swear.” He hit send and couldn’t help but laugh softly as he read over the text again. Honestly, the meanest either of the dog’s got was Biscuit being territorial. He’d sit on someone’s lap and growl at anyone who tried to touch the person he was curled up on—a little guardian lapdog. He’d never bite, he was all bark, but it was cute as hell to see him get all protective over someone he’d just met because he liked how well they scratched behind his ears. Titan wouldn’t even do that. He’d go limp, flipping onto his back whenever someone walked past in a very pathetic search for affection. They were babies, but they were his babies. Elliot tucked his phone back into his pocket and headed into the living room to make sure Titan hadn’t snuck into Wyatt’s room to eat their snacks out of the bowl while they were distracted with their videogame. He had changed his attire after they had finished sorting chips into different bowls and lining plastic cups beside the tray of ice and bottles of liquor. It was still Fancy Friday, so he couldn’t help but dress for the occasion—maybe only because Jade was coming, but he wouldn’t admit that even to himself. He couldn’t stomach what that implied. He was just excited was all. He’d swapped his khakis and polo for dark jeans and a black t-shirt with a charcoal-colored tweed blazer pulled over top. It was one of Leo’s old jackets, something he’d left behind and he’d snagged out of the donation pile his mother had thrown his belongings into. A pair of sunglasses covered his eyes, but he pushed them up into his hair as he spotted his dog snoozing on the couch despite the fact that people had entered their home. A guard dog he certainly was not.
Just as he was about to leave the room, he caught sight of headlights in the drive. The purple was a dead giveaway, but as his eyes locked on Blake’s briefly, there was no question who it was. However, he hadn’t expected his eyes to drift to the passenger seat and find Jade. Huh. Yeah, he didn’t know what to think about that. No Ashton? Like hell he let Blake chauffeur him around. Ashton didn’t seem like the type to ever ride in the backseat, let alone as a passenger. He wondered what happened, silently worried he’d caused an issue with the couple, but he quickly silenced that train of thought. No point in working himself up when they’d be coming inside in a moment, and he could ask them what was going on himself.
When the pair didn’t initially make a move to leave the car and Blake’s lips kept shaping around words, he realized they were going to be a bit. He sent a text to Blake letting them know that they could walk right in before turning back towards the kitchen. Not only was Chrissy on the ground, but now Sadie was too. She had her black blouse tucked into her pale jeans, her dad’s old bomber jacket loose on her shoulders as she tucked her fingers into Biscuit’s fur, chatting loudly with Zach's girlfriend. Freddy and Zach were in a heated discussion about whether the Cool Ranch or the Nacho Cheese Doritos were better, so he opted to slide up to where Gavin and Steven were mixing themselves drinks.
“Blake just got here,” he said to the boys, but loud enough that Sadie caught it and perked up.
“Oh hell yeah,” she beamed, pushing herself to her feet to meet him at the door but Eli caught her arm.
“He brought Jade," the words sounded like a question, confusion clear in his tone and it mirrored on her face.
“Huh?” Sadie huffed, glancing towards the living room before shrugging and offering, “Maybe this was Ashton's way of apologizing for being a dick?” Eli made a face and she laughed at his lack of understanding, “Like, you know, saying ‘oh it’s fine that you’re alone with them, sorry for being an asshole and getting jealous’ or something. Guys are weird and dumb.”
“Hey!” Elliot called after her as she started walking away, not insulted, but pretending that he was. He followed after her as she snuck off to the living room, being super obvious as she peaked out the blinds to see what was taking them so long.
“Oh damn,” she whistled, a flush to her cheeks as she smiled, “She looks so hot.”
Elliot rolled his eyes and refused to confirm or deny that statement. “Stop drooling over the poor girl,” he laughed, shaking his head, “And stop being creepy too!” He grabbed her shoulder and led her to the couch where they sat down beside Titan. He quickly rolled over, flashing his belly and Sadie immediately started scratching at his white stomach. He kept his arm around her, comforting himself more than her and she let him.
He was nervous. He didn’t know why, but he was. There was something about Jade, about her being here alone with only Blake that made his stomach twist into knots. Why wouldn’t Ashton show after what he’d done earlier today? It didn’t make sense for him not to, but maybe Sadie was right. Eli bit his lip and glanced towards the door, praying that he wouldn’t come off looking like a complete doofus to Jade and then wondering why that even mattered.
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Hunters
Written by Jasmin.
132 posts.
18 years old.
in looooove.
I am Female.
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Post by Jade Little on Jul 6, 2022 19:35:31 GMT
Truly, Jade enjoyed spending time with Blake. He was a whirlwind of energy and quick comments, and mischievous smiles. He felt close to a brother at times, someone to egg her on a little when she hesitated at attempting to flip a pancake in Jensen’s kitchen because Murphy would surely freak out if it got messy. They all felt a little brotherly, Jensen as someone who she could sit and write little labels for to mark which pot of soil contained which seed. Murphy was more difficult, he was the reluctant brother but the moment she struggled to reach something he was handing it to her. Sure, that was normally done with a sigh and a roll of his eyes but he never out right complained.
Jade chuckled at Blake’s response to the purple comment, stretching out her legs as far as they would go because, to be quite honest, her nap until her nightmare had been great and she would have been quite content to sleep until the morning. He was nothing like Thanos, of course, he was way more superhero than super villain even if his reputation cast a shadow of doubt in Jade’s mind on his morals. He’d always been good to her so she had no reason to believe otherwise. How he used to act was none of her business.
His jump caught her eye as words poured out from her, fingers curling into her palms as she fought to not go into a full complete ramble.
Managing to not go off on a complete half hour spiel like she and Charlie had earlier, Jade kept her attention on Blake’s hands on the wheel before cutting her eyes up to meet his. As they parked up outside of what must have been Eli’s house Jade’s eyebrows drew together just a little, surprise flickering in her at how close their homes were. In fact, she often went on runs through these blocks. She must have passed Eli’s house a dozen times but she’d never thought to wonder who lived inside. It was a habit to familiarise herself enough with an area to feel safe enough to know the best route to flee from but to not get too overly attached to her surroundings. Each move became increasingly more painful when she knew what time the mail was delivered or how her neighbours would always drink coffee on Sunday morning on their porch. Little details made life painful.
Little details like how Blake was always quick to offer some support in whatever way he could when one of his friends was in trouble.
The warmth from his hand seeped into her skin, settling her nerves and worries that he would absolutely not care about her rambling. Which she also knew was not true. Blake loved information or at least that’s how it always seemed. But he didn’t pry now. Jade watched him intently, listening closely to what he was saying.
It had been odd in February to suddenly have the cabin be full, all four boys living under one roof under the – not incredibly watchful – eye of Jensen’s dad. She’d always been curious about why they all lived together but it never felt like her place to ask. Those titbits about Blake’s parents felt like being presented with a delicate bunch of flowers. A piece of information to safely tuck away so that she never said something stupid or upsetting around him. Jade’s eyes reflected how she felt inside, sorry that he’d had to go through that but open and there for him if he needed it.
Jade shifted a little in her seat at his words. Yeah, feeling off was definitely right. It was how she’d been feeling all fucking day. Hell, longer than that. She wasn’t sure when it started. For a while she’d been caught up in everything and just happy that she was Ashton’s girl and that he was her boyfriend but... at some point those old habits had kicked in. That’s all they were though. Habits that her head maintained to keep her heart in one piece. It was only really today that she’d contended with the why of her actions in a train of thought that now seemed to be hurtling her into oblivion.
Studying Blake, Jade couldn’t help but wonder if like her and like Charlie, now was the only time he’d really voiced this. From the way he was far quieter than she’d ever really seen him she had a sneaky hunch that no one else had really heard this before. Jade wasn’t sure what she’d done to deserve his honesty. He could have given her a vague response and headed straight in to see Eli and join the party. Instead, here he was opening up to her. Jade smiled tentatively, not wanting to spook him from all he was revealing. And sure, her smile definitely didn’t match the seriousness of Blake’s words but she was just shocked by his willingness to give advice.
It was that small smile that was on her face when she followed Blake’s gaze and looked towards the party to see Eli. In the dim glow of the car, Jade’s smile tugged a little higher. The smile fell when Blake’s words grew even more serious whilst Jade studied the front of Eli’s house, counting the window panes and wondering what lay inside. Her eyes slid quickly back to his before she fixed them on her shoes at his slip up. Me. Yeah, Jade was one hundred and ten percent right with her predictions.
Jade knew they’d all known each other for years. They were more like family than friends. A bond incredibly strong and reliable until Sabrina had left and shattered it. Jade would sit besides Sabrina sometimes and note how she never looked fully relaxed in the cabin as if she didn’t completely believe that she belonged there. As if she wasn’t worthy of the friendship she’d been welcomed back into. Then Blake would come into the room and Sabrina’s posture would change, instantly more open and angling herself to wherever Blake was going.
They were blind idiots. But Jade couldn’t help but love watching it.
Jade had to bite back a laugh when Blake said know it truly did sound ridiculous. If anything it made it more obvious. But then Blake mentioned Ashton and Jade’s face dropped a little, lowering her lashes and cutting her gaze from his.
He’d fucked up. Jade puffed out her cheeks, air escaping through her lips as she nodded once. Still, Blake was making sense and she was endlessly grateful for everything he was saying. Pulling one leg up beneath her, Jade pivoted in her seat to face him and laughed along with him at his rambling comment. Yeah, that was completely fair. Blake’s words about Eli confirmed the feeling she’d had about him since running into him that morning and that smile she’d had earlier when she noticed him in the window returned.
What fucking other shit?
What the fuck?
Jade’s smile remained but the light in her eyes flatlined. What was Blake talking about? Ashton hadn’t mentioned anything to her. Not really. He was a little stressed with the deputy dying and sure, senior year was a daunting thought but they were all going through that. But if she asked would she seem like a terrible girlfriend and as ditzy and slightly air-headed as people thought her to be? Was it best to just nod along in understanding even if her brain was tripping over itself and replaying every recent conversation she’d had with Ashton over and over in her head to find some big issues of his?
The sound of Blake’s hands smashing together jolted her out of her funk, smile fully slipping for a moment as she chanced a glance back at the house and caught the blinds shifting before promptly sealing again.
Jade took the opportunity with Blake’s final sentences to check her phone, finding a message from Eli and silence from Ashton. She was gonna... well, she had no idea what she’d say to Ashton. When did she these days? Scanning through Eli’s message, Jade’s shoulders softened a half laugh escaping her at the name Biscuit. How cute.
“Yeah don’t you dare leave me, Blakey,” Jade said pressing a hand against his arm this time and shaking her head. “I know one person in there and that’s it and really I should be good at the whole making lots of friends thing after moving so much but I don’t know, something about parties is always ten times more stressful.” Even though she’d been excited at the thought of going earlier. That had been before Ashton’s dramatics when she thought she’d have a reliable safety net to lean back on.
“You should give yourself more credit, that was a very good pep talk which I’d rate a solid 8 out of 10.” Jade added, cracking a smile to show him her gratitude. “I just, yeah,” could she please string a sentence together? “I’ve been acting different and I thought about why earlier and now that’s all that’s on my mind and then Ashton came and was an ass to Eli,” and her but she didn’t feel like looping anyone else in on her embarrassment, “so I’ve just been in a weirder mood because of that as well.” Rubbing her empty hand against her cheek, Jade paused for a second not sure if she was just repeating what she’d already said. “You’re right though, I am happy. I’ve got Ash and all of you guys and I’m sure that guy who I used to know is getting a nice dose of karma somewhere.” This time when she said know she grinned at the word, rolling her eyes at the stupidity of it. “But you’re right, it’s party time and there’s nothing a little bit of alcohol won’t fix.” And puppies of course.
Pushing the door open and stepping out, Jade paused for a second and looked back in at Blake with one hand resting on the side of his car. “Sabrina isn’t leaving, Blake, and I’m not going to pinky swear promise that but trust me, you’re stuck with her.” Hair tickling her face in the light evening breeze, Jade tucked it behind her ears before adding, “and with me,” with a grin and a quick push of the car door to locked it shut. As Blake got out, Jade scurried over to the front of his car and before he could stop her she’d wrapped an arm around his waist to give him a quick squeeze in thanks. “Now, forgive me if I ignore you all night but I’ve heard there’s two angelic dogs inside who I’m happy to spend all night with.” With that comment, Jade released Blake and hurried over to the front door although she did wait for him to join her before she made a move to go inside finding herself nervous at the thought of entering a home full of unknown people.
Hopping from foot to foot a little, Jade turned to look up at Blake, “can you please go in first so I can sadly trail behind you and have you introduce me to everyone?” Putting on the puppy eyes just a little, Jade waited for Blake to make the first move.
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Human
Written by Megs.
35 posts.
18 years old.
ladies man.
I am Male.
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Post by Elliot Munson on Jul 7, 2022 15:37:09 GMT
The thing about living in such a small town is that most people lived within walking distance of one another—aside from the scarce few, the Pines being one of them and the few massive mansion-like homes that were set back from the suburbs being the others. Case and point, Sadie lived two doors down from Eli and Jade was only just around the block. Blake perked up at the sound of crunching footfalls, a tall, lanky teenage boy marching up to the front door of the Munson’s home and sulking inside. He looked no older than fourteen and glancing past Jade in the direction he’d come from, he couldn’t help but smirk. Blake didn’t know Freddy well. He knew that he was Eli’s second best, just behind Sadie in his line of friends. He was wild, an odd twist of Blake himself and Murphy. Charismatic as hell, but with a wicked side. Not violent, but he could be off-putting the way Murphy often was. It wasn’t that Blake didn’t like him, they just often didn’t get the chance to just sit and talk. Freddy was often standing on some table preaching about something mythical and magical while Blake had his hand up someone’s skirt and his lips searing kisses on their neck. But Blake did know that Freddy was Elliot’s direct next door neighbor, which made it odd that his car was in Eli’s driveway—though he must have picked up his pretty little girlfriend or maybe one of Eli’s other guys. What wasn’t odd was this boy. Miles, Blake recalled. He just started this week as a freshman, same as Eli’s brother and he thinks one of the other boy’s brothers. Blake wasn’t too invested in any of this, but he had his ear down to the ground enough to know a little about everything. Mirth crossed his features as he shook his head, watching Miles through the window as he flipped off his brother before stomping off down the hall. Wyatt must be having a little get together in his room with the other boys and Freddy had forgotten to let his brother know. The kid had spunk and it was a nice breather from the unexpected heaviness of this conversation with Jade.
Elliot had perked up as the door opened, wincing at the slam as it was thrown shut. That didn’t sound like Blake or Jade. He turned his head to look over his shoulder at the door, Sadie mimicking him and Miles had the decency to look momentarily sheepish at the force he’d used. As his eyes caught sight of Freddy peeking out from the kitchen with a snickering grin, his face once more twisted with irritation. “You’re an asshole,” Miles called at his brother as he walked past the seniors and towards where he knew Wyatt’s room was, “I told you to wait for me!” His voice was whiny, in the midst of puberty and unable to settle on an octave. He flipped Freddy off before disappearing behind Wyatt’s door and Freddy tipped his head back in a hollering laugh, clutching his stomach as he wiped away a false tear.
“Dude,” Elliot laughed, shaking his head as he sat up straighter, stealing his arm away from Sadie to let his elbows rest on his thighs as he leaned forward.
“What?” Freddy chuckled, coming out of the kitchen and the rest of the group followed—various drinks and snacks in hand, “We live like fifteen feet away, man, that walk isn’t going to kill him.” Chrissy and Freddy settled on the couch beside Eli and Sadie. The two had become easy friends, their dynamics seeming so odd, but they balanced one another out. Zach had a hell of a time getting the two apart and had long given up on the endeavor. He was forever on the wrong end of their ganging up, getting teased and pretending to be bothered by it as he smiled. There was enough space on the other side of Sadie for two more people to join, but the other three boys opted to sit in the few scattered stand-alone cushioned chairs that Sadie and him had placed around the living room earlier. In total, there was enough space for about ten people to sit, but there were plenty more chairs in the kitchen for them to drag away from the dining table for others if they showed up. Plus, the couch could fit another one or two after Blake and Jade joined if everyone didn’t mind brushing knees.
“Still not cool,” Sadie pressed, but she was grinning at the shenanigans, leaning over Eli’s back where he was bent forward on his knees to point a finger at Freddy. The conversation shifted from Miles and towards how their first week back was. Elliot shifted Sadie off his back so he could stand to grab a drink. He glanced out the window as he passed to see Jade talking now, smiling to himself as he flitted around the kitchen.
Blake’s eyes had shifted back to Jade as her scent spiked with confusion and anger after he mentioned Ashton, swirling his thoughts and drowning him. He didn’t like that. He didn’t know what that meant. Jade was always so soft and happy around his alpha, this was new and he couldn’t handle being alone with her any longer because he couldn’t trust himself to not cave. He’d die for Ashton, but Blake still had a heart. He could be shitty, but he wasn’t a bad person. He didn’t like keeping this secret. He didn’t like lying, but he would. As much as it damned his soul, he would for Ashton. Maybe not because he was his alpha, but because he was his best friend.
He didn’t want to admit to himself that this bothered him so severely because of Sabrina more than anything. He doesn’t want to admit that he may have been fine turning a blind eye to it all if he wasn’t so worried about what Sabrina would do once she found out he knew. Blake didn’t want to acknowledge that if it came down to it, he didn’t know who he would choose in the end. Ashton or Sabrina. It seemed like an impossible decision.
The tension bled from him as her small palm settled on his bicep, his smile returning and he hadn’t even realized that it had slipped. He was a wreck internally, wishing he hadn’t even gone home today because catching Erin’s scent in the house with no one else but Ashton in the cabin was really fucking with him. It wasn’t like he could pretend it wasn’t happening. He couldn’t blame it on them working on a project together. Blake repressed a sigh and prayed his eyes carried a soft light that matched his smile and didn’t give away his inner turmoil. “Don’t worry about it,” he said—it came out much softer and quieter than he had intended, promising more than he thought he could live up to, “You’ve always got me to lean on. You’re a damn peach. Ashton’s lucky he snatched you up.” His laugh came out a little forced, because one, he couldn’t imagine ever dating anyone but Sabrina now that she was back in his life and two, Ashton didn’t deserve her, but he couldn’t say that. It felt like a betrayal to even think. God, having a moral compass fucking sucked and he blamed Sabrina for all of this. He’d been fine being ruthless and tactile with his words, but he had only become that way because she left him. Now that she was back, he was becoming that passive little puppy he’d been around her. The devil was chained down while he fought to find that softness in him again.
He was who he was because of Sabrina. Whether she was here or not, she decided what he was like. That kind of power was daunting and scared the fuck out of him, but he couldn’t just stop loving her. He couldn’t imagine turning his back on her.
Maybe it was time for a change anyways.
At Sabrina’s name, he perked up—eyes going all soft and sweet as a blush rose to his cheeks. Did Sabrina talk about him to Jade? Could that mean that maybe—no, it couldn’t. Sabrina couldn’t like him back. Not with how she left. It was just guilt eating her now, making her stick so close to him. Trying to make up for it all, surely. Blake had nodded mindlessly along with most of what Jade said, startling slightly when she stepped out of the car—feeling caught off guard, like he’d missed the prompt for her action in his daze. He followed after her, turning the car off and locking the door before rounding the hood to stand at the front of it with her. He felt like he was playing catch up, so distracted by Ashton’s infidelity and the mention of Sabrina and trying to keep everything in line and straight and not say too much. Blake was not used to this level of responsibility. He needed to calm the fuck down.
The deep breath he had tried to take stuttered in his lungs as she hugged him gently, mind only firing quickly enough for him to get his arm around her shoulder and give her a brief squeeze back before she was bounding towards the door. He chuckled under his breath, shaking his head as he stepped after her.
“Hey,” he started softly, hand finding her elbow and holding it gently. He leaned down just a bit, catching her eye in the glow of the front porch light—his hair dipping around his face and obscuring him with shadows. “I know today has been rough, but it’s over now. That guy? He can’t hurt you anymore. What he did sucked and I don’t have to know the specifics to say I’d kick his fucking ass for hurting you,” he promised earnestly, looking back and forth between her eyes to make sure she was hearing him right, “But let it go for tonight. You’ve earned some fun and I promise to keep you safe until Ashton gets here, okay? If the dogs get boring, I won’t be far.” He paused for just a moment, soaking in her soft features and kicking himself for being one of the reasons the light in those baby blues would dull. "And uh," he hesitated, looking down as he whispered, "Thank you for what you said about Brina." Blake didn’t give her the chance to respond, pushing the door open and guiding her by his hold on her arm.
“Hey!” He called out, all grins and sunshine as a cheer of hellos echoed back at him. He let go of her to shut the door, wrapping his arm around her shoulder instead to escort her into the living room once the latch clicked. Eli wasn’t back from the kitchen yet, so Sadie was the first to pop up from her seat.
“Jade!” She exclaimed, raising her arms in excitement before scrambling around the coffee table to reach them. Blake just barely had time to let go before Sadie was pulling her into a tight hug and rocking them side to side slightly. “It’s so nice to meet you! You’re so pretty, oh my god,” she rushed out as she leaned back, hands snug on her shoulders as she took in the Little girl’s face.
“Might be smart to maybe give her your name first, yeah?” Blake teased and Sadie let go of one shoulder to smack her forehead.
“Oh geez, duh,” she laughed, finally letting go completely and stepping back, “I’m Sadie! Eli told me that you defended my honor, which is hella hot, but,” she caught sight of Eli leaving the kitchen from the corner of her eye, the boy lingering just outside of the archway for a moment as he watched their interaction with a hearty smile, “It’s sweet more than anything. I’m used to the boys sticking up for me. It’s nice to know I have another ally at school.” She bounced on her heels for a moment, like a kid hyped up on sugar with how excited she was. Sadie only hesitated a moment before squeezing herself between Blake and Jade to wrap her arm around her waist as she started to introduce everyone.
“It’s okay if you forget our names,” she promised, all smiles and soft squeezes—so damn touchy, she couldn’t help herself, “There’s a ton of us and only one of you, so don’t feel bad if you can’t remember us all.” She went around the room, pointing at each person and introducing them all and they all gave her either a small wave or a hello back—and in Freddy's case, a peace sign and Chrissy blushed. “This is Steven, Gavin and Zach,” she started with the boys on the separate seats before gesturing to the couch, “And this is Freddy and Zach's girlfriend, Chrissy. Freddy is super gay so, like, don't think we have some weird swinging stuff going on here because ew, gross.” Biscuit perked up where he was sitting on Chrissy’s lap, hopping down to investigate the newcomers. Titan followed after his big brother, sniffing at Blake’s ankles before sitting beside Biscuit in front of Jade, staring happily up at her as their tails wagged.
Blake laughed softly, shaking his head at Sadie’s antics before raising his eyes to met Eli’s, who was finally making his way over.
“Hey Jade,” he greeted, beaming down at her as he lifted his hand for a high-five. He couldn’t help himself, lips tight as he fought back laughter. “I warned you about Sadie,” he teased as he shooed Sadie away with his other hand, sending her back to the couch, “She can’t keep her damn hands to herself.” As Sadie settled, Blake glanced towards the kitchen, considering going to grab a drink, but deciding to wait for Jade. He had promised not to abandon her after all.
The conversations began to pick back up slowly around them as Eli’s eyes searched Jade’s, silently making sure she was okay. After how long they were in the car with serious looks on their faces as they talked plus Ashton not being here yet, he couldn’t help but worry about her.
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Hunters
Written by Jasmin.
132 posts.
18 years old.
in looooove.
I am Female.
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Post by Jade Little on Jul 15, 2022 15:07:33 GMT
She hadn’t known Ashton was a package deal with the other three boys when she first met him. She’d had no idea who he even was besides the most gorgeous boy she’d ever laid her eyes on. She hadn’t known she was in for befriending Blake, Murphy and Jensen. Or even Sabrina. Friends like she hadn’t really had before and as Blake reached out to her before they stepped inside, Jade’s heart softened, releasing some of the tension from the day with his soft voice. The quiet laugh that left her was more out of awkwardness, not sure how to react to Blake’s threat – even if it wasn’t seriously, although it certainly felt a little serious – to kick Slots’ ass. Really, Jade should have done that herself. She’d spent a while afterwards getting herself back in decent shape and fitness with the sole aim of getting back at him somehow. But the moment passed and they diligently avoided one another.
Blake’s words continued to be kind and Jade’s face was nothing but appreciative, a small smile lining her lips whilst he spoke. If Sabrina didn’t make a move soon, Jade was going to start pointing Charlie in Blake’s direction. But there Blake was thanking her for mentioning the other girl. Jade bit down on any words, merely letting her face flash with amusement as he pushed the door open. She needed to conspire with someone else on how to push Blake and Sabrina together. Too bad the only person she’d spoken about it with was Eli and whilst he was here, Sabrina was on the outskirts of town in the depths of Sal’s.
Hello. The chorus had Jade blinking, a smile crossing her face as she took in all the vaguely familiar faces noting most of them from the photo Eli had sent her before. Still, she was grateful for Blake’s reassuring presence and the weight of his arm across her shoulders. A quick scan of the living room was enough for Jade’s brain to wonder where Eli was. Before she could really dwell on that, a perky girl rushed up to greet her.
Jade could barely react quick enough to the other girl before she was enveloped. Sadie. Had to be her, right? Swaying in the other girl’s hold, Jade looped her arms around the girl’s back, trying to reciprocate the tightness because she didn’t want to make the other girl feel uncomfortable in her hesitancy. Releasing her arms as the other girl pulled back, Jade pulled a face as if to say ‘I don’t know about that but thank you’ with her eyebrows bunching together and a nervous smile on her face.
Blake was teasing the other girl before Jade could reply and Jade couldn’t help but giggle, nose scrunching up at Sadie’s reaction because yep, this was definitely the girl Eli had described. Sadie was unstoppable, wedging Jade away from her safety net before she could reply.
Hot. Pretty. Jade took the compliments easily from Sadie, finding them endearing more than anything. Shorter than Sadie, Jade couldn’t look over the other girl’s head to chuck Blake a look and gauge his reaction. By the way no one else seemed to flinch at Sadie’s speed and energy, Jade just had to guess this was normal form for her. Steven, long hair. Gavin, blonde boy. Zach, big jock energy. Freddy, long curly hair. Chrissy, other girl in the room. Jade made the quick mental tallies to herself determined to remember all their names even if Sadie promised it was okay if she forgot. Jade had always appreciated when someone remembered her name so she’d always tried, no matter how hard it was to figure out one defining characteristic of someone to remember them by. It worked a good 85% of the time which were good enough odds for Jade. For each she gave a broad smile and a wave of her hand still not sure what words to say. Or maybe her mouth had stopped working. Nope, never mind. “Dog,” she got out as Biscuit came over, “dogs,” she amended a second later as she waved at the two fluffy friends in front of her. Before she got completely distracted by the fluffballs in front of her, Jade said, “it’s nice to meet all of you as well! I’m Jade, if you didn’t know...” she trailed off, words leaving her as Eli came over and raised his hand.
“Not gonna live that down,” she mumbled as she raised her hand to meet Eli’s in a quick high five but the comment was filled with laughter because really, at this point, she had to own what she’d done even if it was very heavily witnessed this time around. “Oh no, no warning necessary, I’d actually really appreciate if everyone complimented me every other sentence,” Jade joked as she watched Sadie return to the couch.
“Which is what I should absolutely be doing to these two cuties,” she said before dropping down to her knees and greeting the dogs. It was hard to decide which of them to give attention to so instead she opted for one hand on each, focusing on head scratches to begin with as she glanced up at the boys from her position on the ground. From there she could read the concern on Eli’s face a slight sigh before she said, eyes back on the dogs, “I’m fine, Ash is just a bit of a grump,” looking back up as Titan licked at her hand ever so slightly, “honestly, I think we’re all just tired and I mean, he’s having a nap now because he’s not as cool as Blake and I, and has to have an old man nap to get through a party.” She was bluffing a little but half-distracted it came across as natural and easy going rambling. “But he’ll be here,” she added a moment later and with one last rub behind the ears she was standing up. “I’ll come back to you babies later,” she promised on her way up. “Definitely angels,” she confirmed to Eli with a smile before turning to Blake, “drink?” Was all she asked because she had to trust that Ashton would turn up soon. Ideally well rested and no longer annoying the hell out of her for his asshole attitude.
Guessing that Blake would say yes, Jade made her way towards what looked like the kitchen. “It’s green,” great observation, she whispered as Blake trailed behind her, “not sure I’ve seen a green kitchen before.” With raised eyebrows pointed at Blake, Jade assessed the drink options before her. She wasn’t a huge drinker. Another hunter trait. Staring at all the bottles, Jade hummed quietly not sure what the best starting place was. “I’m thinking we do a shot, you know, get the party started.” She announced a moment later, grabbing two plastic shot glasses and filling them to the top with a clear liquid that smelled more like nail polish remover than anything. Eyes burning at the smell, Jade raised her drink in a quick toast to Blake before squeezing her eyelids closed and swallowing the liquid in one big gulp. Sputtering at the sensation, Jade’s eyes blinked open widely before a laugh crashed out of her. “Fuck, that was awful,” she got out, tucking her hair behind her ears whilst still wincing at the burning in her throat. “How come you seem so fine, that’s so totally not fair, can you at least pretend that was terrible for you?” She joked, taking in the way Blake seemed to not even flinch.
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Supernatural
Written by Jasmin.
75 posts.
17 years old.
gaaaay.
I am Female.
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Post by Jamie King on Jul 15, 2022 16:40:44 GMT
Party at 8 Pick me up
Did you ever hear the word hello?
Shut up I’m working just pick me up
When??
8 Idiot
You can sit in the trunk ass Where?
Eli’s with Blake
Fine Don’t be late
What was meant to be a dull night of mindlessly watching Netflix had perked up promisingly with Murphy’s text. No matter how dry they were. That was just Murphy. “Mom,” Jamie called out as she dragged herself from the couch where she’d collapsed happily after getting home from school and made her way to the dining room where her mom was quietly scanning through a bundle of documents which she tucked away the moment Jamie approached. “This family needs a no more secrets policy,” Jamie complained, arms folding across her chest as she stopped opposite her mom, the table a sea separating them.
With an agitated sigh, Jamie’s mother, placed her hands delicately on the wood of the table, a signal which usually meant Jamie was done for. “Jamie Jemima King,” oh shit, not that bullshit. Jamie’s hands tightened on her arms, refusing to lift her gaze from her mother’s face. “You used to be so patient and kind, now all you are is attitude and angry. I know you want to leave Beacon Hills but this is your home for now. You are safest here and that is the top concern of mine and your dad’s.” It was a succinct argument and cut straight to Jamie’s soft points. Mentioning her dad was a low blow. Picking on her personality was another stab in the back. “You know, a nice ‘hello’ is always a good way to start a conversation when you clearly want something.”
That had Jamie’s mouth dropping open just a little, she and her mom were so alike at times because had Jamie not just criticised Murphy for the exact same thing? Pushing her shoulders back, Jamie said, “it’s less a want and more a tell that I’m going to a friend’s tonight.”
“Which one,” her mom replied, moving her hands so that her fingers interlinked with one another. “Willow or Lottie?” There was a humorous glint in her mom’s eyes that had Jamie’s eyes rolling, dropping her arms in annoyance.
“I have other friends,” she shot back but all her mom did was raise a singular eyebrow in query. “Like James.” Jamie added, voice a little quieter, half fearing he’d hear her announce that even though she knew he was in the centre of town.
“Hmm,” her mother said, pushing back her chair and crossing to the bottom edge of the table within arm’s reach of Jamie. “I know you’re frustrated here, I know that you want to go back to your dad especially after-”
“After learning that I was a fox and that I have a magical, mystical powers?” Jamie cut in, backing up a step from her mom, fearing that she would try to comfort her in some way.
“For now, you’re safest here,” she repeated, eyes turning sad as she took in her red-headed daughter, “I just need you to trust me on all of this. I’m trusting that when you go out every day you don’t flood the town and reveal to the world how special you are. That trust goes both ways.”
“Trust,” the word came out quietly, Jamie’s eyes tracing the wood grain, “you know that’s really funny coming from a woman who kept major things hidden from me most of my life. Who, let me remember this correctly, betrayed her family for some guy but now she’s betraying that guy by coming back to her hometown to tend to her hunter family who have cast her and her husband aside for over twenty years.” Jamie’s mother kept quiet, poised and ready to call her daughter out but Jamie knew she wouldn’t say anything yet. “It makes no fucking sense, mom. I want to go home and back to dad, back to someone who can actually teach me how to control myself.” There it was. The real crux of Jamie’s frustration. Her lack of decent control over her abilities. It was still mainly reactive, often materialising when she didn’t want it to. “Because I can’t learn that without him. He is the only one who understands me and he is hundreds of miles away because of you and your family.” Jamie added, words sharp and angry, poisoned from being coiled up inside of her waiting to strike.
“They are your family, too, Jamie. You and Rose used to be good friends and now you don’t see her, you don’t talk to her or any of them. They are changing and I’m here to take care of your grandmother and make sure those changes actually happen.” Jamie’s mom responded, keeping her voice level and calm. All of those damn years of hunter training ensuring that emotions were largely devoid from her face save her eyes which just seemed so permanently sad these days.
“Oh, whatever, I don’t believe it for a minute. They didn’t change for you and dad so they’re not going to change randomly for no reason now when they wouldn’t for their daughter and sister. It’s bullshit and you know it.”
“Jamie, what did I say about the swearing?”
“I don’t care, mom. None of this matters, no matter what I say or how twisted your family are, I’m stuck here” Jamie argued back and sure, in ten minutes she’d probably regret half of what she’d said but she was so fed up of this crap and having to stay in California. “So, I’m going to go to this party and I will see you in the morning.”
With that, Jamie spun on her heel and made a beeline for the stairs. She didn’t see how her mom’s face fell, biting down on her lip with hundreds of unspoken words and a slight tremble in her hands.
Jamie made quick work of changing, grabbing a pair of black dungarees and baby blue t-shirt which she layered underneath, leaving one buckle of the dungarees undone as she pulled half of her hair up into a bun. Running down the stairs, she came to a sudden stop as her mom stood at the front door, Jamie’s car keys clutched in her hands. Slowing her footsteps as she approached, Jamie knew she was in for it now. “It freaks me out,” her mom admitted, keys jingling in her hand, “how similar we are. I was just like you when I was younger except I kept it hidden and didn’t argue with my parents quite like that. That was because I had to pretend to be like them and I know you will want to say that you and I are nothing alike... especially these days, but believe me, Jamie, I know how it feels to act and feel like you’re trapped every day. But I am not your enemy, Jamie, I will do everything in my power to make sure that you always feel loved and protected. We don’t see eye to eye at the moment and that is fine, I still love you more than anything.” Jamie wasn’t sure what to say having braced herself as she was changing to be grounded within an inch of her life. “So it’s fine, get angry at me and be frustrated because I can take it and here we don’t have to worry if you make the kitchen tap explode. Wherever I am, you’re safe.” Jamie took extra care to keep her body language natural. Would her mother react the same if she knew the truth? If she knew what – no, who – her only child really desired. “Okay, that was enough of a heart to heart for you, I can tell. So, go, have fun at the party and call me if you need help.”
“Thanks, mom.” Jamie replied and sure, someone like Rose would probably have gone on a whole spiel in return but that wasn’t Jamie. Not these days. Catching her keys as her mom tossed them her way, Jamie pulled open the door and left without saying another word.
“I am a shitty daughter,” she groaned as she fiddled with the radio controls in her car. She had a good half hour to kill before she went to get Murphy so she took the time to drive around aimlessly, houses and streets blurring by until eventually she pulled up just as Murphy was exiting.
“God, James, I’ve been waiting here for hours,” she said in way of greeting as he got in, her smile taking a moment to appear as she let him buckle in. “Now, is this a rager of a party or is it some small, intimate event which we’re going to want to leave in the first ten minutes because I really can’t be dealing with chitting or chatting?” She asked as she pulled out of the car park and aimed for Eli’s house. She’d been there enough to know the way without directions at this point.
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Human
Written by Megs.
35 posts.
18 years old.
ladies man.
I am Male.
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Post by Elliot Munson on Jul 18, 2022 16:05:53 GMT
“You certainly aren’t,” Eli hummed back as he refused to acknowledge the softness of her hand against his work-worn ones, how warm her palm was and how perfect it molded against his own for that brief second. No. He didn’t even notice any of that. Not at all, not one bit. Nope. “I thought it was cute,” and fuck, he certainly hadn’t meant to say that aloud. Over the top of Jade’s head, Blake arched a brow at him and Eli rolled his eyes, hissing out a breath and steeling himself for a talk with his friend later about it. “It’s not every day I get a high-five, you know,” he tried to play off, but Blake’s dip and then tilt of his head as he smirked and raised his eyebrow higher proved it was futile. There was no saving this sinking ship so he abandoned it. He was just nervous was all. This wasn’t his normal party and he felt a little out of place with Jade and Blake here after the show Ashton had put on earlier. He smiled at her next words, eyes cast over his friend group at her teasing.
Eli knew this, typically, would be an overwhelming situation for an outsider. His group was so tight knit, all comfortable as they settled into their conversations and passed their hands over one another without hesitancy—Freddy playfully pinching Sadie as she made to twirl Chrissy’s hair around her finger and Zach kicking Gavin’s shin as him and Steven ganged up on him for mentioning lacrosse again. Eli watched his friends banter, their eyes careful not to linger on Jade too long and make her uncomfortable. This wasn’t a rager that she could blend into. It was far more intimate and she was the only odd man out, but this group was kind and courteous and careful to not let her feel that way. Sadie had gotten the introductions out of the way in the most obnoxious way possible, loud and touchy and so damn sweet—an excellent icebreaker. If the group loved someone as wild as her, Jade had nothing to fear. And he could say that, but she wouldn’t have believed it if Sadie hadn’t gone to the extremes just then. A smile passed over his lips then as he glanced back at his best friend, something so soft and somber as she looked back at him, flashing a grin and two thumbs up before returning to her pestering. Chrissy’s cheeks were bright pink as she giggled, Freddy making a show of blocking all of Sadie’s attempts to get to the girl, declaring that he was her sword and shield. Gavin and Steven had scooted their chairs closer as they tried to put distance between them and Zach’s leg as they continued to tease him for wearing his letterman jacket to the party, the jock feigning irritation as he called them nerds, but it was all in good fun. His eyes shifted back to where Jade was—no, had been, because when his eyes stopped, she was no longer there. Instead Blake was looking at him expectantly before nodding down to the ground where Jade was knelt beside his dogs. Biscuit was wagging his butt around so hard, he was nearly going in circles and Titan was licking her hand as he flopped onto his back and begged for his stomach to be rubbed. He supposed he missed some kind of verbal cue as he’d gotten lost in his thoughts, his lips softening at the edges as she made sure to spare each dog her equally divided attention.
The tender smile didn't last long. The mention of Ashton had the corners of his mouth dipping just slightly—not at the reminder that she was taken, but at what he’d done today. Her words did little to soothe the worry he had. Something wasn’t right, but he wasn’t close enough to Ashton to figure out what. Later. He’d dwell on that later. Right now they were meant to unwind and have fun and like hell if he was going to be the one to put a damper on the evening. “Definitely not as cool,” he tacked on a little passively, eyes raising to Blake’s as he smirked, “I mean, have you seen Blake?” Blake rolled his eyes, reaching around Jade to shove at his shoulder good-naturedly as he shook his head. Eli pointed vaguely to the kitchen as she suggested grabbing a drink with Blake, turning to join Sadie back on the couch to give the pair a moment to settle on their own when his friend snagged his elbow.
Eli looked up at Blake, careful to keep his features schooled as he asked, “Yeah?”
“Cute?” Blake replied back, voice quiet and a little husky—a hint of a warning that Eli knew he’d earned.
“I didn’t mean it like that,” Eli shot back sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck and scrunching his nose, “It was just a cute gesture. She thought I was raising my hand for a high-five when I was trying to make sure she didn’t fall after you bumped into her and she just smacked my hand. It was adorable.” Blake narrowed his eyes slightly, subtly sniffing to suss out any tell of lying in his scent. Eli stuttered at the silence, unable to stop himself from filling it as he said, “Like, imagine if Sabrina did it out of nowhere.”
Blake leaned back suddenly at the mention of his Brina Baby before laughing in shock. “Dude,” his eyes filled with mirth and hand dropped from Eli’s elbow, “That is literally the worst example you could use.” And yeah, Eli knew that, his cheeks tinted as he shrugged. “Just be careful,” Blake warned, squeezing his friend’s shoulder as he walked past to follow Jade, “I know you, but Ashton doesn’t. Just watch how you are around her and remember she’s taken.”
“I know that,” Eli called back meekly, not quite loud enough for Blake to hear, he thought. He watched him go, the pair rounding the corner out of sight before he joined Sadie on the couch.
“She seems really sweet,” Chrissy was the first to speak up, smiling at Eli from where she was tucked under Freddy’s arm, having moved to sit between him and Sadie after Freddy had finally relented and let the girl get handsy with his friend. They constantly fought over Chrissy's company. It was really sweet and made her blush like crazy. She'd been worried about being accepted into the group when she first started dating Zach, but was instantly met with love and affection and Sadie and Freddy tugging on each wrist for her attention. Sadie was braiding a small portion of the blonde’s hair, having already completed one on the other side before pulling all of Chrissy’s hair into a new ponytail with her tongue poked out in concentration. Freddy nodded at the statement, adding, “And she seemed comfortable enough. It’s so fucking awkward coming into a group like this.” He laughed brightly, reaching over the two girls to nudge Eli, “You know, expecting a party and getting just us.”
Eli shrugged, his smile more genuine now as he assured, “I let her know it was just a small get together so I think that helped. Plus, she and Blake seem kinda close.”
Sadie perked up then, finally finished with her work as she said, “Which is weird, because I don’t think I’ve ever seen them together.” Eli let out a soft ‘huh’ at that as he thought back on every time he’d seen either of them and realized he couldn’t recall ever seeing them alone together until now.
As they waited for Blake and Jade to return to the group, the four of them came up with far-fetched theories on the friendship the two shared, and eventually the other three boys scooted in closer to add their own playful guesses. It was all light-hearted and teasing before the conversation shifted to what they would like to do tonight. With these smaller parties, they normally drank and played Mario Kart or Party until the late hours of the night, but with Blake’s friends coming, maybe they’d do something else. Steven suggested Truth or Dare and Sadie brought up Spin The Bottle and they all rolled their eyes. They couldn’t decide until everyone got here anyways.
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Supernatural
Written by Megan.
76 posts.
19 years old.
ladies man.
I am Male.
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Post by Blake Griffin on Jul 18, 2022 18:09:27 GMT
Blake was at somewhat of a loss. He saw the innocence in what Elliot had said but could also see why Ashton had gotten so feisty earlier. If this was how Eli had acted at school, it made some sense. Not that he agreed or thought it was warranted, but he understood why Ashton would let the little devil of jealousy take his reins for that moment. Nothing justified him curled around Erin right now while Jade fretted over his absence and his stomach soured at the thought. He hated that he’d pulled Eli aside like that, hated that he knew that his best friend was cheating on this sweet girl, and he had to chastise Eli for doing nothing even close to that. He sighed as he caught up to Jade, catching the beginnings of the group's chatter and forcing the nerves from his body. He wasn’t an open book, but he knew that he could be easy to read when he was overwhelmed. Jade made it easy, though. He knew she couldn’t be this blind, but maybe she was out of caution for her own heart. This other guy that was bringing her down today, maybe he’d done something that made her less vigilant, but he knew better than to ask right now. He was hesitant to ask at all. He wanted to know, he was so damn nosey, but asking Jade for secrets when he held the one that would crush her in the palm of his hand felt so wrong. So he kept his lips sealed, happy to have been trusted with what little she gave him and stored it deep for later. Maybe he could use it to help calm Ashton down so the next time Jade got flustered, he knew to blame it on the past and not point the finger at someone in her present.
Elliot wasn’t a threat. He knew that. He just needed to make sure Ashton did too and he would. The more Jade got out there, the less it would hurt when it all went to hell. She’d have other people to lean on and turn to other than the pack. She was already losing her sister, he wanted to make sure she had friends of her own when it came down to it. It was all he could do right now.
“His mom thinks green is a happy color,” Blake explained at her statement, smiling a little easier as he leaned against the counter she was standing next to, eyeing her as she surveyed the drinks, “The whole house has a ton of green accents everywhere. It’s supposed to promote smiles or serotonin or some shit.” But it was definitely odd. Green wasn’t his color, though he appreciated the sentiment of it. He wasn’t bitter that Eli had a mom who cared about something so silly, that he had a mom who would paint the whole house different shades of green just in the hopes that it would make her family feel better. Hell, he was happy that one of his friend’s had a fucking decent home life. Eli was a good kid; he deserved a good family.
He took the proffered shot, knocking it softly against her cup before throwing it back. The singe of the liquor was faint, and the weight of the liquid settled on his stomach while the alcohol began to burn off. He didn’t plan on getting drunk tonight, hadn’t even brought anything to spike his drinks with. After catching Ashton and knowing Murphy would be on his way, he didn’t trust himself with a loose tongue. Better to be sober and vigilant with his alpha in the mood he’s in and Elliot slipping up with words like ‘cute’ and ‘adorable’. Harmless to him, but Ashton wouldn’t take them that way. Swallowing thickly, he set his cup down and grinned at her reaction. He sometimes wishes he could experience drinking the way humans did, just to feel normal for a little bit. Wolfsbane doesn’t quite sting the way he knows that vodka and tequila must, the reaction he has is so different than his human friends’. A laugh broke through at her words, soft smile lines at the corners of his eyes as he squinted down at her. Of all people, he should have known her to be the one to call him out on it. He grabbed his cup back up, sipping on the thin little trails of liquor that slithered down the plastic, letting them hit his tongue with flourish before he gagged and groaned, clutching his throat with his free hand as he whined, “Oh god, the burn! It stings. I can’t handle it. My poor, virgin throat.” He coughed twice pitifully to end his performance, even sparing a tear in his eye as he set his cup back down and beamed at her.
“Better, Jay-bird?" He teased and then excused his lack of physical response to the drink with, "Cause you know alcoholics like me are shunned if they wince at their liquor.” Chuckling softly, he leaned forward to tuck a hair she’d missed back behind her ear before reaching behind her to snag a can of soda from a bucket of ice on the counter, “Sadly, though, I think that’s the only drink I’ll be having tonight. Ashton asked me to be the D.D. and you know I can’t say no to Daddy.” He winked at her then, popping the can open and taking a long drink—never taking his eyes off her. She seemed okay, but he knew that she held things much deeper than what she showed on the surface. Licking his lips, he set the can on the counter and set a comforting hand on her shoulder—head dipping down to maintain eye contact.
“You set the pace for tonight, okay? They’re all super cool, but I know it’s tough getting used to a new group. Took me ages to soften up for them,” and it had. All Blake had known was the Pines for so long, but Eli had been friendly and insistent, and he’d been roped into this amazing group despite his hesitance. “Plus, you’ve had one hell of a day and Ash is still knocked out so who knows when he’s gonna get his ass here,” and yes, it did burn his tongue to lie like that, but he did it without missing a beat, “So you let me know what you want to do and I’ll make sure we do it, k?” It wasn’t often that he was so parental and kind. He blamed spending so much time with Addie. Normally this was Jensen’s whole vibe, but no one else was here to take care of her and like hell was he going to throw her to the wolves.
Well, not the real wolves. He was the real wolf, but figuratively.
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Supernatural
Written by Megan.
71 posts.
18 years old.
no thanks.
I am Male.
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Post by James Murphy on Jul 18, 2022 19:50:38 GMT
Murphy huffed at his phone, not bothering to respond to her message because how in the world would he be the one that’s late when she’s picking him up? Dumbass. Luckily tonight he wasn’t the closer, some other guy had pulled the short straw and had to stay past hours to tidy up the store and restock the shelves. He smirked at the thought, pleased that the newbie was left with the shitty hours so that he could have a night off. This first week of school had been a pain in his ass. In the majority of his classes he was assigned to sit next to preppy bitches or dumb jocks. He shared one class with Jamie and one with Ashton, but only shared lunch with the rest of the pack. It was over lunch, as he had a glaring match with Erin who was sat across from him, that Blake had let them know about Elliot throwing a party. Murphy didn’t care for the guy, too fucking happy and prince charming-like for his taste, but he wouldn’t say no to the well-deserved break. Before he could answer, though, Erin’s phone was ringing and she startled at the name, gathering her belongings with a lame excuse of departure falling from her lips and darting as far away as she could before she had to pick up the call before it dropped. She wasn’t far enough. Ashton’s voice was sharp and acidic and had Murphy sitting upright as his eyes narrowed on her retreating figure. God fucking damnit. His gaze cut to the side where Blake and Jensen were carefully avoiding his eye, continuing to chatter on about the party before Blake looked at him expectantly after Jensen declined. All he could give was a curt nod, following in suit with his pack members as they moved past Erin’s erratic exit and the sound of their alpha’s voice stinging their ears.
He didn’t mind whatever Ashton was doing, but he hated that it added a layer of responsibility to him. He had to watch what he said and did around the girls of the pack in a way he wasn’t prepared to do. Murphy didn’t bite his tongue like that. With the sappy, shitty things his brain dared to think, yeah—of course. That was a given. That was easy. But this? He wanted to rip into Erin and tear Jade down with this truth. There wasn’t much he could say to Sabrina, but he was certain he would think of something scathing and burning. But he wouldn’t. He couldn’t let the words past his lips and while he hated that, he would do absolutely anything Ashton asked him. His alpha held his leash, and he had no shame in that.
Lunch had uneasy undertones and stiff conversation, but they never let Ashton’s name fall off their lips. Erin’s absence and Ashton’s empty seat were easy to ignore when Murphy and Blake took turns ribbing Jensen for bailing on the party to bring Iris out to the lake for a date. Cheesy fucker. When the school day ended, he wanted to say that he’d forgotten about the tone of his alpha’s voice over the phone, but he’d be lying. Something must have happened.
And something did.
Blake texted him that he was picking up Jade and that Ashton would be late, bare bones of information but Murphy could read between the lines. He didn’t sigh often, didn’t feel tired or drained often, but he did now. He was all negative, sharp emotions all the time—not this. Not dull and weighed down. The last thirty minutes of his shift dragged on for what felt like forever and he was all too forceful shoving his apron into his bag and tugging his jean jacket back over his shoulders. It used to be his dad’s, but no one knew that. His jeans had holes in the knees and his navy shirt was baggy—making him look too big and too small all at once. Dwarfed in the layers he used to make himself seem bigger.
Jamie’s car was easy to spot and he didn’t bother raising a hand in greeting as he caught her eye through her window. Instead, he climbed into her passenger seat and threw his backpack into the backseat with a roll of his eyes and a loud huff. “Oh shut the fuck up,” he said in return, honestly not able to recall the last time he’d said hello to her—if he ever had, “I texted you maybe an hour ago so calm down with the exaggerations.” He wasn’t in the mood and his tone conveyed that, so he didn’t say as much. But, then again, when was he ever in the mood? Such a grump, she should expect as much by now.
And she clearly wasn’t sick of him or his attitude yet, for which he was grateful, even if he never voiced that sentiment.
“We’re going to want to leave in less than ten minutes, but that’ll give us just long enough to raid his bar,” Murphy said with more animation as he turned the vent towards him and blasted his heated skin with the A/C. Normally he ran cold, but layered in his jacket in her small car made him wish he hadn’t thrown it on just yet. “Blake said it’s only about ten of us. Maybe like fifteen max. So it’s going to be like pulling teeth until they’re all drunk enough to be entertaining,” his tone was mischievous and snarky as he leaned back into the seat and watched her as she watched the road. She seemed more wound up than normal, and he knew he shouldn’t ask because it would make her think he cared, but the words fell before he could stop them.
“Alright, Ariel. What stick is up your ass now?”
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Supernatural
Written by Jasmin.
75 posts.
17 years old.
gaaaay.
I am Female.
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Post by Jamie King on Jul 21, 2022 19:34:27 GMT
The slip of her lip as the left corner lifted in amusement at his greeting was all the applause she’d offer him for his words. His tone, as practically always, was grumpy and pent up with disdain but Jamie couldn’t bring herself to ever take it too seriously. It wasn’t personal to her this was just Murphy. You either got on and dealt with his way of talking to you or you became someone he definitely disliked. Jamie could at least think he half liked her.
The roads were quiet enough at this time, even for a Friday, Beacon Hills didn’t have much of a bustling night life so Jamie drove easily, one arm propped on the ledge by the driver side window. With each detail of the night that Murphy gave, Jamie found her will to go slipping even though she would not go home now after causing such a stink with her mom about it. “Oh, God,” Jamie groaned, tossing an exasperated look Murphy’s way at the news. “Thing is when they’re drunk, we probably won’t be so then it’s just awkward because we still have all of our issues whereas they’re off in la la land forgetting them all.” Jamie complained, her hand gripping the wheel a little tighter.
Her fingers slipped a little at his question, eyes darting from street sign to mailbox to distract herself from the fact that he’d asked. That he could read her enough to tell when something was on her mind. She had to brush it off. She couldn’t start being open with him. They were party pals and people who sat next to each other in class because they couldn’t stand anyone else – mainly because they couldn’t stand themselves but hey, time to not go down that rabbit hole, Jamie. Sure, she’d called him a friend to her mom but that was only because her mother wouldn’t understand the nuance of a so-called friendship with Murphy who was only friends with his pack and even then, he wasn’t exactly friendly with most of them. “It’s nothing just a fight with my mom but,” Jamie glanced his way for a second trying to get a read off of his face, “doesn’t matter when you’ve got people to quietly mock all night.” Tapping a finger against the window pane to fill the momentary silence, Jamie played over her earlier argument. Bullshit were the Harpers changing. She didn’t believe that for one second. Once a hunter, always a hunter, surely? Did that sentiment belong to her mom... was Jamie’s shift in attitude since she’d grown into her abilities making her mother doubt how safe her own husband and daughter were to the rest of the world? Not from the rest of the world because they were the threat, they who could electrocute someone with the tips of their fingers or Jamie who could drown someone from the inside out if she ever figured out how to control her abilities fully.
But, never mind, that wasn’t relevant right now.
“So, if this is Eli’s party and there’s not many people there that means it’s basically just his friends and us, which, fuck Murphy I don’t want to go if we have to make small talk,” Jamie whined, face crestfallen as she placed both hands on the wheel and eased her pressure on the gas as they neared Eli’s house. “Especially if it’s with that girl,” Chrissy, Jamie made a show for a few seconds of not knowing the girl’s name even though it came to her immediately, “uh, Chrissy, you know the cheerleader one? Because Rose decided this week that it was the perfect time to join the cheer team now that she’s fully been left by that other werewolf guy and if Chrissy tries to talk to me about it all, I simply do not have the willpower.” Jamie had heard about it all through Willow, the girl miraculously friends with Rose despite spending most of her time in school around Jamie and Lottie who for the most part – and for different reasons – could hardly stand being around her. “No because what if she tries to recruit me to the pom-pom cult and I know she’s one of those really nice people and even I’ll feel bad saying no to her face.” She was off now, rambling about something irrelevant and in neutral enough territory to get Murphy off of her case. Pointing a finger at him as she turned into Eli’s straight she added, “you have to keep me away from her, I can’t deal with that tonight.” With that she pulled her car to a stop and waited for him to add his own input on the whole situation. Which he probably wouldn’t beyond telling her to shut up and quit complaining.
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Hunters
Written by Jasmin.
132 posts.
18 years old.
in looooove.
I am Female.
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Post by Jade Little on Jul 21, 2022 20:59:45 GMT
There was an easiness in Jade’s body that came around Eli. She’d noticed it throughout their class earlier that day, a way her body seemed to relax and tell her that she was fine in his company. She wasn’t sure why and her subconscious wasn’t always the best ally to her and her gut was a cursed place that usually led to upset, so Jade just smiled up at Eli’s comment, content with the thought of high fiving him whenever they saw one another, silly as it could be. But there it was again, cute, Jade’s smile transitioned into a quick laugh, brushing off the word and hoping Blake wouldn’t latch onto it and feed it into Ashton’s ear later. Jade knew it was innocent. Taking in all of Eli’s friends, Jade was pretty sure he’d call them all cute for something or other. The comfort the group of friends held between each other wrapped around Jade’s heart, only a little tinge of jealousy there at the thought of having friend’s like that.
The brief absence of Blake as her shadow didn’t bother Jade in the way she’d feared it would as they’d driven over. Whilst some of the group seemed a little more out there than Jade was used to, they all seemed sweet and friendly and hopefully wouldn’t treat her like too much of a loose end as the evening progressed.
“How sweet,” Jade said, taking in the green hues of the kitchen, “we’ve moved so much we’ve given up on really decorating. I’ve had beige bedrooms for as long as I can remember.” Half the time she didn’t even bother to put pictures up, it seemed like every time she started to leave a mark on her space it was ripped away from her. So maybe she was a little superstitious of it all now. A blank slate was easier to leave than one filled with memories. But it was already too late for that now. One day, Jade would find her own place and fill it with colours and paintings so that every room felt lived in and loved. She would pick out décor or even make it herself so that it all fit perfectly together. A safe hideaway that was hers entirely. That no one else could take away from her or tell her to leave behind. A place for her to return home to after a long day. After a day filled with blood and pain. After a day filled with tears and anger. She knew those days would be in her future. They couldn’t not be with the family and community she was part of. She had to keep those soft, wishful parts of her tucked safely away. A dream that she could cling in the palm of her hand when blood filled her nail beds.
Jade’s right hand rested easily against her hip whilst the other slapped against her face to quiet the absolute squawk of laughter that fell from her at his dramatics. Giggling profusely at his little performance, Jade’s eyes sparkled, half from the residual burn of the alcohol and the other from the joy nestling its way into her heart. The words just made it even funnier, a tear slipping out. Perhaps it was slight hysterics from the day but hey, whatever Blake was doing, it was working. “An Oscar winning performance, Blake. I think I might sign you up for the school play because I was fooled then and truly believed you’d never had alcohol ever,” Jade commended, smile bright and energetic at his humorous words. The smile softened as he helped fix her hair, a kindness in that action that sung to Jade’s heart.
Daddy, the word had Jade’s eyes flying wide, both hands settling onto her hips as she shook her head humorously. She’d teased Ashton mercilessly a few weeks into them dating over the name of his Instagram account, refusing to say it aloud or in his presence, a fact which he loved to playfully wind her up about as pink rose to her cheeks over the mild indecency of it. With Blake mentioning Ashton, Jade’s heart did a little flip, keen to have him back and to make up for their earlier disarray now that Blake had helped to take her mind off of Slots. Still, there was a chunk of her that couldn’t help but worry a little over his complete lack of communication even if she did reassure herself that he was sleeping so duh, obviously he couldn’t respond to her right now. Meeting Blake’s eyes as he reached out to her, Jade nodded, glancing back towards the living room for a moment and the friendship group all cosied up inside. “They seem really nice already,” Jade replied, turning her attention back up to Blake. “Thanks for being by my side tonight, Blake, you’re a peach,” she chuckled at the last word, copying what he’d said to her earlier. “Or maybe I should say plum, because, you know, purple,” Jade added, gesturing to his shirt as best as she could. “Personally, I think I’m more of a pomegranate, you know they’re kind of odd but fun and bright red which is cool even though I think you only really eat them in a salad which is totally not cool but...” Jade trailed off, shaking her head at her tangent, “I did a quiz the other night on what fruit I am and that was the answer so I’m making this all up really.” She admitted, scrunching her nose up in coming clean on her rambling.
“I think you should stop me from talking about fruit and say ‘hey Jade, let’s go see the others’ before I start saying more nonsense facts about fruit I don’t actually eat,” Jade said after a moment. She would get another drink later, best to take it a little slow to begin with and not end up super messy.
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