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Much to distaste, Dan was back in his hometown after being invited to a family barbeque. He was headed to the store to pick up buns, fully incognito in a cap and sunglasses. Though hidden by the dark lenses he felt matched his soul rather well, his ‘weird Kim Kardashian eyes’ darted around on the lookout for anyone he knew.
As soon as he’d turned eighteen he was so excited to leave the area and he always dreaded returning for any reason. Unfortunately, his mother told him that wasn’t a good excuse so he felt obligated to come anyway.“Daniel? Daniel Howell is that you?” called a feminine voice. Figuratively shitting his pants, Dan clumsily squeezed himself into the first hiding place available, between the back wall of a photobooth and a brick building. “Shit shit shit.” He muttered before holding his breath and waiting a few moments until he was sure she’d given up and left. He poked his head out, ignoring the odd looks he got from strangers as he looked for a woman that seemed to be looking for someone.
Deciding the coast was clear, he sucked in his slight gut and slid out from his hiding spot. As he rounded the booth to get back on the path he froze as he saw a familiar woman looking at him with an eye brow raised and her arms crossed.“You know I saw you do that, right?” Dan opened and closed his mouth like a fish as color flooded his cheeks, took his sun glasses off now that he'd for sure been spotted. Dropping her eye brow, the woman giggled and relaxed her arms. “I must say I’m a little hurt, I thought we were friends back in the day.” She smiled, but it faltered as she noticed him searching her face. “Do you remember me?”He did. He definitely did. Her name was Raine Abram, she was his neighbor for the majority of his life. And she was his biggest crush as a teen, stereotypical girl next door scenario except that he had actually spoken with her and even hung out with her a few times when her parents invited his household over for a barbecue not much different from the one that brought him to town now. He hadn’t seen her since he left to move in with Phil in Manchester at age eighteen. Years later…gosh she had to be 23 at this point, since he was a single year her senior, she’d grown up very well. Her naturally jet black hair was cut into a blunt bob with bangs that worked well with her face shape, wide hazel eyes giving her an innocent look that was complemented by the nude pink lipstick that coated her lips. As for the rest of her…Dan didn’t feel right openly looking but he couldn’t help the flicker of his eyes up and down a couple of times.She cleared her throat, pulling him from his thoughts, and crossed her arms again – this time looking a little uncomfortable. Mortified and flustered, Dan tried to pretend that he wasn’t internally freaking out. “Y-Yeah I do. We were neighbors.”
Her smile returned, and she put her hands in her jacket pockets. Dan made a slightly exaggerated thinking face, “Raine Abram, right?” he asked as if he didn’t remember her as clear as if he’d seen her yesterday.After a rather pleasant conversation, and a slightly awkward hug, Dan walked away with the same feeling of butterflies he’d gotten from her as a teen…though back then the butterflies automatically flew down south and he’d greatly reigned in his hormones since then. Thank god for that, because he happened to be wearing some rather tight black skinny jeans at the moment.Yeah, he didn’t know how he’d have lived that down, IF he’d have lived that down. He’d have had to YEET himself into a river to drown out the embarrassment.It was bad enough she’d seen him scamper to hide like the rat he was, he thought.Dan pulled up his hood, pulled the front of his cap lower and pushed his sun glasses higher. He made sure to walk with his head down, hands in pockets.He was NOT going being recognized by ANOTHER person from his past.“Dan Howell, I ‘avent seen you in ages!”FOR FUCKS SAKE!-------
For this one, I was inspired by Dan's true story he told on Younow about seeing someone from his past in his hometown and hiding from them.
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–Long, messily braided hair waved in the wind as the thin, 5’4
woman walked down an ally in a neighborhood that had long been picked clean of all resourses. No one came down this way because there was no reason to.No one, except twenty-three year old Evangeline Northcott. After glancing around to make sure she was alone, she used a crowbar hidden behind an overturned dumpster to pry up the sewer lid in the middle of the cracked street.Like she had done for years, she pushed it aside just enough for her to slide into the hole and step onto the latter then pushed the cover back into place. She paid the smell no mind as she carefully descended deeper into the cavern and followed her memorized route to a metal door in the brick wall. With a grunt of effort, she shoved it open-flinching as it creaked at the slightest movement. Once inside, it was clear she was no longer in the sewer tunnels, but in a building.A dusty closet, to be exact. It looked like it’d been long forgotten, so she was sure her secret entrance to the compound was safe.She pulled her worn thin beanie out of the pocket of her torn cardigan and put it on, pushing her braid up into it.Using a shelf to climb up she entered the ventilation shaft that was sturdy enough to bare her mere 105lbs fairly easily, suggesting that the vent had been replaced in the past few years with high quality steel.As quietly as possible, the woman climbed through the vent- pausing when she heard voices approaching from below witch was thankfully not often due to the late hour. She was sure the place had cameras, so she was confined to vent travel.By following the scent of the dinner they’d had hours ago, she found the kitchen and after going a bit further she found the canned goods closet. As quietly as she could, she popped the cover off the end of the vent and expertly caught it before it clattered to the floor. She set it aside and slid soundlessly to the floor.“…well stocked, as always.” Her green eyes surveyed the room as she removed the draw string bag she’d made herself and began to load it with whatever canned foods they had an abundance of – separating each can with just enough fabric to make sure they wouldn’t clank around in her bag.After carefully climbing back into the vent, she replaced the vent cover from the inside and began to scoot backwards until she could do a K turn and head back to her little room and the door that marked her escape.Soon she was in the basement of a half demolished house dumping the cans onto the floor. The group of petite rejects gathered around and she opened a can, taking a bite and passing it to the next person.This had been her routine every week for the past year. She never took more than she had to, and never took anything the stock room was low on.After all, the Dauntless have to eat too.The next time she began crawling through the vent, she realized too late that it had been tampered with. The section she was in dropped a bit, separating from the rest of the vent and dumped her to the floor. She leapt to her feet as she heard boot covered feet rapidly approaching her location. Her emerald eyes looked up at the vent that was too high up for her to even hope of getting back in, and she decided her only option was to run.Evangeline was able to dodge a few black clad people and keep running, making them fall behind. Completely lost and in sight of the cameras her anxiety bubbled in her indented but still slightly muscular stomach.A door labeled “janitorial” caught her attention, and she ducked inside remaining there until the footsteps passed and she couldn’t hear them anymore. After peeking out, she tried to retrace her steps but she was hopelessly lost in the dimly lit halls. The strings of her bag were cutting into her shoulders at this point due to all the running and the weight of the cans. She hid around a corner as a door opened unexpectedly and someone exited, heading down the hall.After half an hour of sneaking around she found the door she was positive led to her closet, it was at the end of a dead end hall. The woman was nearly there when she was close lined,
flopping back onto the floor making the cans dig into her back. She choked a cry in pain as a tall, muscular man stepped out from the shadows. He had ice blue eyes and slicked back blonde hair that was cut short on the side.“Looks like a rat found its way in.” He went to grab her but she rolled out of reach and jumped to her feet, wobbling slightly as she had over exerted herself already.“Jumpy rat.” He sneered, making a lunge to grab her again only for her to get on her tip toes and twirl out of his reach again. She dashed away but he was quickly on her heels, unlike the other Dauntless she’d escaped from earlier. Evangeline decided to sacrifice the heavy bag and let it fly back toward him, making him side step the projectile. With no extra weight to carry, the woman was able to run a little faster.A door on her left suddenly opened and she was seized from behind by a male figure that was not the man who’d close lined her, this one was leaner but no less muscular. She recalled the basic self-protection maneuver she’d been taught in school. Solar plexus, instep, nose – the man backed off before she could finish SINGing
only to be grabbed by the arm by the blonde man and slammed into the metal wall beside her. Paniced but trying to keep her head, she used her old ballet knowledge and did a grand battement –a high kick that successfully got him in the chin and made him stumble back.“What the fuck.” He cursed, rubbing his jaw as he tackled her from behind making her fall face first onto the metal floor. Air rushed out of her lungs as his weight came crashing down on her.He grabbed her by her hair, making her lift her head to show her face that now bled from her forehead and nose. Evangeline was forced to look up at him, desperately trying to fill her lungs.“Stealing from Dauntless…not a smart move rat.”
He tugged harder on the braid, making her whimper as tears glistened in her eyes.She strained her eyes to look over at the other man that had tried to grab her, tanned skin with brown hair…her vision was too blurry to make out his face.Confident the factionless was too weak to move, Eric stood up and grabbed her thin arm roughly. Her head lolled forward and all strength had left her.“Where are you taking her?” The leaner man asked.“To an interrogation room. Got to find out how she got in, and what she took – we need to patch that hole before more RATS” he squeezed her arm, not showing his slight surprise when he felt her bone struggle under his grip but grinning for a moment at her gasp of pain,
“come in and we have to exterminate them.” He dragged her by her arm across the floor.Evangeline watched through bleary eyes as the other man shrunk into the distance.He walked back to the bag she’d tossed and opened it, revealing the canned goods and a medkit. He found her old beanie not far behind, it must have flown off as she ran. He frowned down the hall where he could no longer see Eric and the factionless woman.--- 2 hours later“You are gonna stay here until you tell me the truth.” Eric growled into her bruised face. Blood mixing with the layer of dirt that coated her all over.“I did. That was the truth, I swear!” she sobbed, yelping as he grabbed her hair and yanked it back to force her to look at him. Her tears washed away dirt on her cheeks, leaving paths of semi clean skin down her cheeks.“I don’t believe you. You RATS never travel alone.”
He delivered a kick to her ribs, reveling in her pain.“You…” she began, breathing deeply, “have no idea what it’s like out there.”“Maybe I don’t.” he shrugged, “but at least I have a home, and my existence matters.”Evangeline glared and spat at him. It landed on his shirt due to the height difference; she watched his eyes grow colder if possible.“Big mistake, Rat.” He cracked his knuckles and closed in on her.---XFour brought her bag and its contents to Eric in private, proving part of what she’d told him. They investigated the room she told them about and found the door leaning to the sewer. They closed off the entry points just in case she HAD told anyone about her secret way into Dauntless, but her story seemed to check out.Because of this, Four decided that since Eric hadn’t talked about her at all over the past few days he should probably check and see what had been done with her.He knew the other leader was capable of horrible things, and had no qualms about who he did them to. But when he checked the interrogation rooms on the cameras, there was no one in there.“…did he kill her?” Four asked himself aloud, not putting it past the man.At least a dozen horrible things swirled in his mind, none of which he would wish on anyone but all things he knew Eric could and would do if it pleased him.Before he thought the worst he checked a few more cameras and didn’t see her anywhere.“Where are there no cameras?” he furrowed his thick eye brows until he recalled the old interrogation room on the lowest level that hasn’t been used due to its deteriorated state.If he took her where there are no cameras…Four’s eyes grew wide and he made his way past a few other Dauntless and down to the lowest level as quickly as he could without drawing attention.When he reached the door he punched in his code and the door clicked open. He entered and there she was – still dressed thankfully.Her hands and feet were bound, she was covered in bruises and cuts, blood staining her already ragged clothing. She lay in the corner of the room on her stomach with her face away from the door.Four went over to her, noticing when he got close that she was still breathing though it was shallow. He jogged over to the desk in the corner of the room and pulled a medkit out of a drawer he unlocked. He was surprised but glad it had been kept up to date even though the room was practically falling apart around them.He knelt beside her and opened the kit. “Hey, can you hear me?” he said, noticing her flinch at his voice.“…yes.” She answered softly, sounding exhausted.“I’m not here to hurt you. I want to help. I’ve got a medkit here with some Erudite injections that can help. I need to move you to assess your injuries and see what you need. Okay?”“Can’t move….” She gasped, “ribs.”Four frowned and lightly ran his hand over her side, feeling the breaks.“…broken bones.” He pulled the injection for that out and stuck her with it.“I’ve got to set them and fast so…sorry.” He maneuvered her bones, ignoring her scream of pain as he did so. Moments after he set them, they fused back together.Four gently rolled her onto her back so he could see her better. She had crusty blood on her forehead, a black eye and hand shaped bruises around her throat. He could also see that her shirt had been torn to her navel, bra was cut and there were hand marks on her breasts. Her leggings were pushed low, showing her sharp hip bones that also sported finger shaped bruises.Four clenched his jaw, rage filling him. “He didn’t-““No. He made me think he was going to but…” she gasped for air, “he didn’t. He just wanted to,” gasp, “scare me.”Four’s tensed shoulders relaxed and he pulled the next couple of injections out of the medkit, injecting them into her throat to make them work faster. The factionless woman took a deep inhale as her lungs healed, internal bleeding stopped but the bruises remained.“Erudite doesn’t think bruises are important enough to make a serum for so…I’m afraid you’re going to have to wait for them to go away on their own.”Her green eyes looked away from his face to the ceiling, full of tears.“When was he here last?”“…a few days, maybe?”
she didn’t look at him as he cut the ties on her limbs.“My name is Four.
I’m going to get you out of here and keep you as safe as I can. What’s your name?”Before she answered, she tried to sit up but with her weakened body it was difficult. He carefully helped her to sit up and lean against the wall-she pulled her leggings up.“Evangeline Northcott.”He nodded but said nothing else, surveying her body condition with a glance and deciding she was too weak to walk.As she rubbed her wrists, he pulled off his leather jacket and held it out to her. She zipped it up with shaking fingers to cover her chest. The jacket went to mid thigh on her and the sleeves ended well past her boney finger tips.Four held his arms out to her, asking without words. She nodded and slid over for him to pick her up.She dozed off with her head on his collar bone and woke up to being laid on a soft bed. Her eyes flew open, wide with fear – he quickly backed up with his hands up.“I’m not like him, Evangeline.”Her jade eyes scanned him, then returned to his dark eyes for a moment. “No…you’re not.” She concluded.Four thought for a moment, “…You were from Candor, weren’t you?”She nodded.“The bathroom is in there,” he pointed to a door off the bedroom. “You can shower while I find you some clothes.”She nodded again, he turned to leave but her voice stopped him. “Four.” He half turned to look at her. “I…know I have no right to ask anything of you. Especially after all you’ve done for me…”He smirked, “What is it, Candor?”Evangeline’s chapped lips quirked up for a moment, “I…I’d like a hair brush…if it’s not too much trouble. If it is that’s fine!” she added the last bit quickly.“I think I can manage that. I’ll be back by the time you’re done. Clothes and a hair brush will be on the bed. I’ll meet you in the den.” With that, he left.The factionless waited to hear him leave the apartment then slowly stood up, her legs shook as she stiffly entered the bathroom after laying Four’s borrowed jacket on the bed.She looked in the mirror at her lions maine of wavy, overgrown hair that was brown with filth. She tenderly touched her black eye, then the bruises on her neck.
Her cheek bones were too prominent, as was her collar bone.“Disgusting.” She sneered at her reflection with teary eyes. Deciding she could no longer stand to look at herself, she peeled off her clothes and quickly stepped into the stream of hot water.Evangeline hissed in pain at the scalding temperature but didn’t turn it down, instead she let it cascade all over her- washing away years of filth. The water turned a muddy brown at her feet due to the dirt and blood all over her. She became very aware of the bruises all over her body from Eric’s assault, not just the various hand shaped ones but a lot of various shapes and sizes that dotted her.The pounding water hurt but it didn’t deter her from grabbing Four’s shower products and scrubbing herself until she felt cleaner than she ever had. It took forever to rinse the shampoo from her hair, now that it was wet she guessed that it was about 34 inches long – since it now fell straight down to her butt or a bit past the top of it. When it dried, the natural waves would return and make it appear a little shorter.Evangeline combed her fingers through her hair with much difficulty, recalling how she always loved having long hair growing up. But this was out of control.
Four years of no haircuts didn’t do her any favors.An hour after she got in, she exited and used a soft towel she found on the shelf to dry off.
Again, she looked in the mirror, with the dust and blood gone.
She had dark bags under her eyes but she couldn’t help but smile a little as she noticed that her hair had gone from mousey brown to it’s true ginger color again.While admiring her hair, her eyes fell again to the hand shaped bruises around her throat. She pushed her hair over her shoulders in an attempt to hide them but it only partially worked.Evangeline peaked out into the bedroom to make sure she was alone before stepping out with the towel wrapped around her. Her Candor instincts told her she could trust Four but her hard lessons from the other factionless told her to be careful.As promised, a pile of black dauntless issued clothes sat folded nicely on the bed; and on top sat a brand new hair brush.A small smile crossed her lips as she picked it up and began the task of detangling her hair.
Soon enough, she was dressed in a black zip up hoodie, fitted black tee shirt, black joggers, black ankle socks and of course she was given the standard black sports bra and panties issued to all female Dauntless.While she was very happy to have new clothes, she couldn’t help but feel like she was wearing a costume. She was still factionless, just lucky a Dauntless leader took pity on her.She pushed her damp, slightly wavy red hair back over her shoulders to cover what she could of the bruises and entered the den.Four looked up from the book he was reading on the couch, eye brows raised slightly just for a moment as he looked at her.The most striking difference was that her hair was no longer brown, but a shiny ruby color – it was also longer than it looked at first while braided. Her skin was very fair, a few freckles dotting her cheeks and arms. He’d guessed her sizes correctly, having figured she was at least ten pounds underweight for her height though her frame suggested a medium build, instead of the small one she appeared to have.He didn’t let his eyes linger on her bruises, though it was difficult to not notice her throat. Four had a flash back of the bruises on her breasts and hips, seeing something resembling rage flicker in his eyes Evangeline crossed her arms in front of herself and looked at her socks submissively.Realizing she saw that, he felt the need to reassure her he that his anger wasn’t toward her at all but words failed him.A knock on the door made her dash into the bedroom as he stood to answer it. The door closed and the scent of a hot meal brought her out. He sat two plates on the kitchen table across from each other and gestured for her to sit.“Usually I cook but…I didn’t have time today.” He didn’t tell her he hadn’t cooked himself dinner because he was busy looking for her on the cameras.Evangeline cautiously sat across from him and waited for him to begin eating before she touched any of it. She eagerly drank from the water bottle beside the tray, closing her eyes as the purified liquid touched her lips.As hungry as she was, she knew better than to shovel it in or she’d get sick. Four finished his dinner long before she did, but stayed sitting with her as she slowly picked at the meal.He tried to think of something to talk about, but she spoke up first. “…Hey, um…I wanted to thank you. You’ve been very kind to me, much more than I deserve.” She bit her lip before continuing, “I was so afraid of Eric’s abuse …I didn’t know what sounded worse ; Him making good on his threat-“ she pulled the sides of her hoodie together to cover herself more, “torturing me for his own amusement…or being forgotten about and slowly starving to death alone in the dark.” She looked up from her plate to meet his dark chocolate eyes, “I hope I can someday make it up to you. I am very grateful. Thank you for saving my life.”Speechless, Four opened his mouth then closed it again, opting for a swift nod instead.Evangeline continued her meal in silence, not looking up as he returned to the couch and picked up his book again.--To his surprise, she washed both of their trays before hesitantly sitting on the opposite side of the couch.
She toyed with her fingers until she couldn’t suppress a yawn anymore.Not missing this, Four spoke up. “You can have the bed. I’ll stay out here.”“No. I’ve taken advantage of your kindness enough. I will not take your bed from you.”“I don’t mind. It’s okay.”The ginger shook her head, not budging. “I appreciate your hospitality but I can’t kick you out of your own bed. I won’t.”He raised his eye brows as he stood, “Okay.” He went to the closet and returned with a spare pillow and blanket.--XThe next morning when Four got up to start his day, Evangeline was still asleep. She was curled up in a ball, clutching the pillow like someone was going to take it from her. He wrote her a note and left it on the coffee table, but when he reached the door he heard a whimper escape her.He half turned to see she was clamy, eye brows furrowed as her pitiful sounds of fear continued – she thrashed a little and gripped the pillow tighter.She was clearly having a nightmare, he tried to recall what his mother used to do for him when he had one – rare as they were.Four clenched his fist a few times before slowly reaching out to touch the top of her head to soothe her hair but he stopped short, hesitating. What if he did it wrong and she woke up to him touching her?Given her past week he didn’t think she’d take well to being touched by him in any way. She appeared to trust him but he didn’t want to risk scaring her and losing whatever amount he’d gained so far. With his mouth in a tight line, he curled his fingers in and left.Hours later, when she awoke she laid there for a while just enjoying how comfortable the couch was. After she used the rest room, she came upon the note on the table.
Evanje
Evangell Evenge
Eve,
Couldn’t spell your name so I’m just gonna call you Eve. I left early this morning to attend to my duties as a Dauntless leader. It’s VERY important that no one knows you’re here – both of us would be in serious trouble. Stay inside. Help yourself to anything in my apartment; I put some new clothes on top of the dresser for you. I’ll be back around six PM.
Four
She grinned at his attempts to spell her name, then flipped the paper over and wrote it out on the back.EVANGELINE. But Eve is fine :) She put the note in his bedside table on top of a stack of war tactic books and bomb defusing manuals.The red head took another long shower and put on the clothes set out for her: a burgundy tank top, black leather jacket, a belt and black skinny jeans. Then did her daily stretches.The woman looked in the mirror as she brushed her long hair, green eyes lingering on the bruises that would serve as her necklace for at least a couple more weeks. The handmarks on the rest of her body she could ignore because she looked at her body as little as possible, ashamed of the person she’d become since being cast out from Candor.A frown crossed her still chapped lips as she softly touched the injured skin. She decided to switch the tank top for the black t-shirt she’d worn the night before. It didn’t cover all the marks but it covered more of them, especially with the help of her hair over her shoulders.Evangeline made herself a light breakfast from what was in the refrigerator, washed the dishes she’d used and stood in her socks in the middle of the den. She raised her stance to demi pointe and began to twirl and step artfully around, frowning as her ankle gave out and she wobbled back to flat foot.Out of practice.Ballet was her favorite hobby back in Candor, and one her family actually supported. She supposed it was because of the whole ‘balance’ aspect, Candor’s were all about that.She didn’t know how long Four was planning on harboring her here, but she really hoped she could rediscover herself while finally somewhere safe.“Ballet dancing in Dauntless.” She grinned and shook her head before doing some more stretches and trying again.
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“Alice?”Newt shyly approached his assistant. “Yes?” she looked over her shoulder, dark fishtail braid slightly moving across her back as she did so.He opened his mouth to speak but was at a loss for wards as her emerald green eyes met his own blue ones. He dropped his gaze, “Ava’s egg has hatched. I’d like to give the baby a check up…but she won’t let me near it.”“You’re family raised hippogriffs, Newt. I’m sure she’ll warm up to you soon enough. You have kind eyes.” She turned her head back over and went back to preparing the Niffler’s food.His cheeks flushed a little, “Yes well uh…when I was a child they let me near them, yes but…it’s different now.”“Really? How so?”
she asked, not looking up from her work.“…Hippogriffs usually take a mate. Ava’s passed and because of that, she will not allow…anything unmated near her or the baby.”Alice froze, “…mated…you mean…”“I…I wouldn’t bring it up if I didn’t feel it was crucial. I had hoped you’d agree. I apologize, it was very inappropriate. I shouldn’t have asked.” Newt went to make a hasty escape and duck from the room but she turned quickly, making him stop.“Wait, don’t go!” She looked down for a moment and licked her lips nervously, Newt noticed for the first time her long dark lashes and the freckles that doted her fair cheeks. She looked up at him again, “You’re…asking me…to…’mate’ with you, so you can approach Ava and her baby?”“So WE can approach Ava and her baby. She’ll want to smell both of us so she can…associate us with each other, earning both of us her trust.”They stared at each other for a moment in silence. Alice looked over her shoulder again, this time at the small enchanted forest they’d made for the mother hippogriff and her egg, then back to Newt.Cheeks burning, she agreed.--“And you’re positive this is alright?” Newt asked, visibly nervous as he entered Alice’s room.“For Ava and her baby.” Alice nodded, knowing this had to be done. Hippogriffs were often traumatized upon seeing their mate die.“Ava and the baby.” Newt nodded, gulping as he shakily began to unbutton his mustard colored vest.“And Newt,”He froze and looked at her, “Yes, Alice?”“You’re a very kind man. Any woman would be lucky to experience you, no matter how unsure you are. You are exceedingly gentle and polite. I know you aren’t very confident with people, much less women, but you’re putting your nerves aside for the good of a creature you love.” She stood from where she sat on her bed and walked over to him.“I’m happy to be able to help you treat her, and it makes my heart feel good knowing that she and her baby are safe now. I am also,” she looked down for a moment as his cheeks warmed up. “honored that you chose me to help you. I know you and Bunty were friends at school.”Newt was speechless, he was far too embarrassed to say anything – much less tell her he chose her over Bunty because he always found her breathtaking, though she was oblivious, and her passion for magical creatures nearly rivaled his own.“Right um…” He cleared his throat. “How uh.. shall we…” he gestured to the bed and themselves.“Well, uh…we could…kiss if-“ his eyes snapped up at the word. “you’re comfortable with that. Or…we could…NOT if you’d rather keep it profession-“ he cut her off by softly taking her angular jaw in his clammy hand and pressing his lips to hers, she got on her toes and he ducked down so they could meet.---=The next day, Alice and Newt were headed into the small forest they made for Ava the pregnant hippogriff.
They walked close together as they drew closer to where they knew she’d built her nest.
Sure enough, she came stomping toward them, eyeing them warily.She snorted threateningly, and watched them bow deeply to her.Ava raised her head and sniffed the air, warily taking a few steps closer to them. She tilted her head in surprise for a moment, then bowed back to them.“She’s accepted us.” Newt beamed, slowly standing. “Just let me,” in as birdlike of a fashion as he could, he pretended to preen Alice who tilted her head a little to show consent to the gesture – as a hippogriff would for her mate.Ava trotted over to the large nest she’d made, nudging her baby to stand and step out of the nest. The tiny baby looked at her, she made a sound and nodded toward Newt and Alice.The baby shakily walked over to them, stopping a few feet away. They exchanged another bow, then it bounded right up to them – looking up at them with already intelligent eyes.Ava curled into a ball and closed her eyes for a nap.Knowing her part, Alice slowly got to her knees and let the baby sniff her, then began to pet him while subtly checking the beak and eyes.
Newt also knelt and preformed a physical exam.Alice cooed to the baby and comforted him as the exam was done, Newt looked at her from the corner of his eye and smiled a little.When he was done, Newt stood again. “He’s magnificent, a bit weak but given time, I’m sure he’ll be great.”“Wonderful! His beak is straight and eyes are clear, no discharge anywhere on his head. He’s a handsome little boy, aren’t you?” she nuzzled the hippogriff who returned the affection carefully, wary of his sharp beak.“…Would you like to name him?” Newt asked.Alice pulled back and smiled up at him, “Albert.”“Albert it is.”Soon, Newt and Alice had returned back to the main part of the ‘office’.“Thank you for you help, Alice.” Newt gave a slightly awkward nod before quickly walking away as he saw his other assistant heading their way.“Did you go see Ava and her baby?” Bunty asked, fiddling with her fingers.“Yes. His name is Albert.” She raven haired woman smiled.“Didn’t Ava’s mate pass?”Her smile began to fall as she watched Bunty piece it together. The moment she did, her she blushed. “So you and Newt….OH!”“It was JUST for the sake of Ava and Albert.”“Sure it was, Alice.” Bunty gave a little smile, “Your secret’s safe with me.”
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“I can hear you crying from the basement. What is Bo Peep so upset about?” Damon entered the guest room to see Lottie
with her knees against her chest, swaddled in blankets. Her eyes were puffy and cheeks damp.She shook her head. “It’s stupid. Just…overthinking and…not moving on. I’m fine.” Despite her words, new tears slipped down her cheeks.Damon sighed and came closer. “That’s obviously not true. If I listen to your problems can I get some peace and quiet?”The red head flinched and looked away, curling tighter into herself.He sighed, realizing he would need to sound sincere. Sitting on the bed but still keeping distance, he turned his crystal blue eyes on her again. “I was trying to hide it but…and if you ever tell anyone I’ll deny it and then have to do something bad to make up for it…I care about you Lottie. I didn’t think I actually would but I do. I can’t try to help if you won’t tell me why you’re crying.”She peeked at him through a fan of red hair, lifting her head to get it out of her face once she decided to talk.“You’re gonna think it’s stupid but…” she cast her eyes down in embarrassment. “I was thinking about how…a long time ago my s-sister,” her voice broke. She cleared her throat. “Whenever I was feeling sad she’d tell me that I wouldn’t be alone forever. That someday, we’d both be swept off our feet by handsome men of our dreams. That we’d forget every moment we spent in darkness.” She licked her lips, still not looking up. “She was wrong. She was taken before her time and I…I went on without her. I’ve spent so long going out of my way to protect myself and keep people from getting close enough to touch me.”Damon looked at her intently as he listened.“A-and because of that…I actually miss it. The feeling of kind, loving touch. Harmless and well intended. I haven’t been hugged in over a hundred years. I haven’t been…held in…” Her brow furrowed as she thought. “As long as I can remember. I spent a long time holding my sister. I was her guard, her rock. But who was mine?” Her voice cracked again.
“I always wanted to be held. To have someone look out for me, to protect me when my back is turned. I wanted to…be the one being held, instead of doing the holding. I want my turn to feel safe and relaxed. I feel so distant and alone.” More tears slipped down her fair skin as she sniffled. “Hattie was my parents princess. So delicate and beautiful as ever.
She was the princess and I…I was Lottie. I wasn’t coddled as she was, I didn’t need it they’d say. I was strong.” She shook her head. “ But as a child, I was cracking
apart. I’d cry myself to sleep some nights, trying to imagine them holding me and calling me princess.” She sighed, shaking her head in an attempt to clear it.“But that was a long time ago. No use i-“ she stopped short as she felt the bed move. She looked up to see Damon scoot closer. “Is this okay?” he asked in a tone she’d never expected from him. He slowly started to slide into the space behind her, still watching her for a red light.But she only nodded.Damon sat behind her with his legs spread out on her sides, he softly wrapped his arms around her and guided her down to lay against him, his front to her back, her head on his chest. He expected her to be rigid or nervous, but to his surprise she relaxed instantly. She turned her head into his collar bone and took a deep breath. Damon could practically see decades of stress melt away.
After a few minuets, he softly rested his cheek on her head making her lips form a small smile.
Her heart beat slowed and her mind was at ease.Just before she fell asleep he whispered, “Goodnight, Princess.”
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There was a knock at the door of the boarding house,
Lottie straightened her skirt and stood as Damon answered the door. “Who are you?”Lottie walked by the door and smiled. “Nicola!”
She slid passed Damon, lightly brushing his crossed arms.
She immediately stepped into the Italian boys arms. He wrapped his long arms around her waist and she wrapped hers around his shoulders.
Damon’s eyes grow wide as a smile stretches across her face.“I haven’t seen you in over a hundred years! How did this happen? How have you been?” She gave Nicola a warm smile.“Lovely as ever, Phoenix. Pleasure to see you again.” He returned her smile. As he opened his mouth again to answer her questions, Damon interrupted.“Hate to break up the reunion, but who the hell is he?” he looked to Lottie. “This is Nicola Merlo, we met in Lansing Michigan, 1858.” She quickly went back to unintentionally ignoring Damon in favor of her old friend. “Come in! We have much catching up to do!” She took his arm and escorted him inside as Stefan came down the stairs.“Lottie, who’s this?”“This is Nicola Merlo, we were friends a long time ago.” “I’d like to think we were a little more than friends, Phoenix.” Nicola smirked.Heat flooded Lottie’s once porcelain cheeks.
“I told you, I wasn’t sure and I didn’t agree to anything. W-we can talk about it in private. Now is not the time.” She hastily turned to Stefan who gave Damon a confused look.“Nicola, this is Stefan and Damon Salvatore.”“Pleasure.” Nicola nodded to each of them. “Lottie, may we speak in private?”She blinked in surprise. “Sure. Would you mind?” she looked to the Salvatores.”No problem.” Stefan answered, he and his brother then went upstairs.Lottie and Nicola stepped outside on to the large porch.“I noticed you’re still a fledgling.”
“…yes…”Nicola licked his lips, shy. “I was wondering if I might ask, which one is it? Who have you bonded with?”Lottie blushed, “I haven’t bonded with anyone.”“ It’s Stefan, isn’t it? Tall, with styled hair…” He ran his fingers through his own styled hair in mockery.
She rolled her eyes and gave a playful shove. “I told you neither. Damon is my teacher and nothing more. I doubt he knows anything about bonding and I don’t plan to tell him.”Nicola nodded and waited a moment, waiting for a question that didn’t come. He was disappointed.“Alright, I understand. Since you’re still unspoken for, perhaps you’d consider to continue our courtship?”Her vibrant green eyes widened as they met his chocolate brown ones.
“You still…” she placed her hand over her heart.“I do, my phoenix. I’d still be honored if you’d even consider having me.” He gave the doe eyes she remembered all too well.“I’ll consider it, Corvo.” (Italian for Raven)He beamed, “I’m grateful.” After giving a slight bow, he said “I’m glade you retained some of what I taught you.”“Ho mantenuto tutto cio. Forse non sono ancora diventato un vampiro, ma ho avuto tutto il tempo per imparare alcude lingue.” (I retained all of it. I may not have become a vampire yet, but I have had plenty of time to learn a few languages.)“You always were the most intelligent woman I ever met, aside from my mother of course.” She giggled, casting her gaze down for a moment at his flattery. They continued their conversation in Italian.Upstairs, Damon glared down at the roof of the porch.“Your jealousy is showing.”
Stefan smirked as he entered Damons room, hands in his pockets.Damon snickered. “I’m not jealous of anyone. “ he paused. “I just want to know what they’re talking about.” He swiftly added, turning back to the window.“Sure you do. An old boyfriend shows up and he still has her just as relaxed as she was back then. More relaxed than we’ve gotten her in weeks. He did it in seconds.”“Do you have a point, or are you just here to be a dick?” Damon never looked away from the window.“I just want you to think about where you truly stand.” Stefan answered. “And I wanted to be a dick.” It was Stefan’s turn to smirk as he left the room.
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“You look beautiful, he’s going to think so too.” Elena encouraged as Lottie fiddled with the hem of her dress, looking in the full length mirror. “I hope so…I haven’t tried to impress anyone in so long…what if he thinks I’m boring?”“He liked you before and he’ll like you now. You’ve spent time together in the past right?”“Yes but…I’ve never really been alone with him. Only very briefly.”Elena was shocked, “Never alone?”“It was a different time, Elena. It was scandalous to not have a chaperone until engagement.”“I can’t imagine…What about the times you were alone?”Lottie thought for a moment, “We were alone together twice, to be exact._` Flash back~“This really isn’t proper, Nicola.” Somewhat more human Lottie blushed as she walked along a lake with her boyfriend. The summer air was a bit hot but the cool night breeze made it comfortable. The lanterns on posts that stood in as street lamps reflected beautifully off the water that ripped slightly with each small gust of wind.“And why is that?” he asked with a grin. She looked around to see if anyone else was near, they were alone.“It isn’t proper for us to be alone because we’re no-“ She stopped short s she looked forward again to see him on one knee with a small decorative box in hand.“…Nicola…” she gasped as he opened the box and spoke.--!“He proposed to you!? What did you say?”Lottie’s eyes seemed distant.
“I said not yet. I wasn’t ready to marry him and start a family. Hattie needed me, father said some people were getting suspicious of us. I was young, I wanted to live my life for a bit longer before I settled down. I told him that maybe someday, but not yet.”“How did he take that?”“Very well, actually. He kept his dignity, put the ring away and we continued our walk. He promised that he’d wait for me as long as I wanted…and I guess he did.”Elena smiled. “If he looked for you, and waited this long, I’m sure he likes you a lot.”Lottie took a deep breath then nodded.--~There was a knock at the door, Damon opened it and glared when he saw Nicola. “Why are you here?”He watched Nicola’s brown eyes shift to something behind him, they lit up. “For her.” Damon looked back as Nicola slid passed him to watch his date decent the stairs.The two vampires watched the dolled up fledgling gracefully some down the stairs, back straight and head held high.
She wore a dress of knee length that’s color complemented her hair, the neckline was high and her silver locket full of vervain shined on her neck. Her legs were covered in the thin veil of panty hose she always wore when not wearing jeans, but they still looked shapely and delicate to vampire eyes. Damon couldn’t help but let his eyes roam over her, as if he were truly seeing her for the first time. Her dress clung to her curves but was still innocent and modest. It was as if she had no idea how adorably sexy she was.To the elder Salvatore, the only thing better than a woman who was sexy and well aware, was one that had no idea what a beauty she really was. Innocence was rare, and attractive.Damon watched the girl blush and smile, for a moment he thought it was at him until he realized her green eyes were on Nicola who also smiled.
He clenched his jaw and went to pour himself a drink.
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It was after midnight, the boarding house was quiet as most of it’s inhabitance were asleep. But not Lottie. She had been unable to sleep, as usual, and decided to have a little fun. She slid out of bed wearing a long, a-line silk nightgown and her locket, then put on her sheer duster, tying the sash around her small waist.She closed her eyes, placed her hands in the air where her muscle memory told her and began a slow, traditional dance her father taught her and Hattie.
She hummed a familiar tune and danced to it, perfectly in step and graceful as an angel.
A smile came to her lips as she felt the feeling of her nightdress skim her ankles, the fabric was light and soft.
“May I have this dance, Miss Hastings?”
Lottie looked away from her sister and gave a shy smile to a handsome young man only a few years her senior. She was officially out. A Term that meant she was on the market, so to speak, and free to pursue a potential husband. Her bright green eyes scared most of the men away, but there were a few that were able to get passed that. Most of the young men were anxiously awaiting Hattie to become of age, as she was more traditionally beautiful, ladylike and soft spoken.
“I’d be happy to oblige.” She curtseyed, then took his outstretched hand.
She could picture the ball, all upper class families were invited. Her’s was lower-upper class but upper nonertheless.
She could hear the music, the polite chatter, the clink of a toast, the laughter.In her room, she stopped humming and ball room danced alone to the music engraved in her memory. Her smile never left her face, her eyes stayed closed and she waltzed herself around the room lost in memory.Lottie didn’t hear the door open, or feel fabric under her hands that once were placed in the air.
She continued to dance for a few more minutes, feeling happier than she had in years. She always loved to dance.When she noticed the fabric against her hands, she quickly stopped and opened her eyes, a surprised look crossing her features.“I gotta say, I didn’t take you for a dancer.” Damon smirked, letting go of her as her arms dropped from his body. She blushed and stepped away, pulling her duster closer.“You’re really good at it, you know.” He added. “I loved to dance. I rarely was asked in favor of Hattie but when I was…” She couldn’t help but smile as she sat on the edge of the bed, a dreamy look in her eyes.Suddenly 1800’s ball room music began to play over the ihome and Damon stood in front of her. “Let me see if I still remember how I’m supposed to do this…” He squared his shoulders. “Let’s just pretend that we’ve already been introduced and you called me over with one of those…fans.” He smirked, she giggled and nodded.Damon offered his hand, “Would you do me the honor, Miss Hastings?”“I’d be delighted, Mr. Salvatore.” She took his hand and let him lead her to the center of the large room.
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“I heard there’s a girl with white hair in this village. Where is she?!” Prince Zuko growled at a middle aged woman selling vegetables.“I swear I haven’t seen anyone like that!” she cried.“Zuko! That is no way to talk to a lady!” Iroh scolded, turning to the woman with a soft smile while Zuko fumed.“I’m terribly sorry for my nephew’s behavior. If you do not know of a woman with white hair, perhaps you know someone who might?”“Well…” the woman calmed down once Zuko stalked off.--“His two daughters used to come to town and get groceries once in a while. One of them pulled a white hair off her shirt and complained that their sister shed like a polarbear-dog. The older one sushed her and dragged her off.”“Where would we find the daughters now?The man sighed, “The younger one was killed by an animal while out getting water, years ago. No one has seen the eldest in a long time, we suspect she ran off with a man of her own.”Iroh stroked his beard in thought, “Do you think the third daughter is still there?”“Most likely. No one has seen her before, her father keeps her locked up tight.”“And where does this man live?” Zuko asked.--Zuko and Iroh followed the directions given to them to the outskirts of the village to the top of a hill where there sat a small house surrounded by dead grass. It was run down but appeared to have three rooms, counting the entrance room.The door was only a torn cloth hanging over the doorway, it blew to the side with the wind giving them a peek inside. The floor was dirt, and cluttered with junk, a small firepit sat unlit in the center.“Excuse me! Hello!” Iroh called.After some rustling around in another room, a man came to the doorway and pulled the curtain aside. He had a burn scar up his arm, thin grey hair on his head. His clothes were little more than scrap cloth that had been hand sewn to take shape.“What do you want?” he hissed.“We’re looking for a girl with white hair. I hear you have a daughter that fits the description.” Zuko pushed passed his uncle, seeing that the kind approach wouldn’t work on this man.“White hair? That’s crazy. The only one with white hair here is me. And do I look like a girl to you, pony tail?!”“You will be if you keep talking to me like that.” Zuko growled, looking down on the shorter man.“Listen pony tail, you don’t wanna start something I’ll have to finish.” The man waved a flaming fist.Zuko scoffed and shoved the man aside with ease and entered the main room of the shack. A glint caught his eye, he knelt to inspect it and sure enough it was a long white hair – clearly not the old mans.“Damn girl, shedding like a fucking polarbear-dog.” The man cursed before shooting flames at the prince who easily dissipated them.Iroh stood by as Zuko fought the elder, never using his firebending to avoid a possible house fire. In moments, he had his opponent pinned – face to the dirt.“Uncle! Find the girl.”Moments later, Iroh disappeared into the house. Soft voices could be heard coming from the small back room and he emerged with a thin young woman of seventeen. Her long hair was white as moonlight, skin only a few shades darker, eyes golden like most firebenders. Her clothes were even more basic than her fathers, a sheet sewn into a one sleeved dress. She was covered in dirt and grime, body littered with hand shaped bruises and burns- most were on her upper arms and around her neck.Iroh presented the girl
with a heartbroken look in his eyes that went completely missed by Zuko.“You can’t take her! She’s MINE!” the man fought at Zuko’s hold to no avail. She whimpered and stood closer to Iroh who put an arm in front of her protectively.“He won’t touch you ever again, child.”“Get her to the ship!” The prince demanded.“No!” her father shot fire from his mouth as he yelled. Iroh stood between them waving his flames away as they wide stepped past him and out of the hut.When Zuko boarded the ship, he immediately went to the room the girl was in. He was irritated that his uncle put her in a crew room instead of a cell.Zuko didn’t trust this girl.
He didn’t knock, entering the room full of confidence but expecting an attack as soon as he entered but there was none.He didn’t see her at all, actually.His amber eyes narrowed as he scanned the room. Nothing in the room had been touched.“I know you’re in here. Come out now!”To his surprise, she dropped down from the rafters landing softly on her feet. The girl crossed her arms over her chest and shivered both from the temperature of the room and fear.“This is The White Dragon? The legend is about YOU?! You’re so pathetic.”Her eyes dropped, showing her surprisingly dark lashes.“Can you even firebend?” he asked, anger seeping into his voice.She nodded, extending one hand toward the candle that lit the room. The flame flew through the air and into her hand where it grew. She flicked her wrist, and it fell to the ground in a whiplike form. The woman whipped at the metal chair in the corner, sending it crashing into the wall and clattering to the floor. The flame went out and she recrossed her arms.Zuko thought it strange that she didn’t just make her own flame but didn’t push it. It was likely she was just weak…based on her body condition that was probably the case.“What’s your name?”“Kazumi.” Her voice was soft and unsure.“I’m Prince Zuko, son of Firelord Ozai and rightful heir to the throne. You are going to help me with an important mission.”Her arms tightened around herself, taking half a step back.“Don’t flatter yourself.” He snorted, “You disgust me.”Zuko let her sit with that for a moment before speaking again, “I am leaving the homeland to track down the avatar and bring him to my father.”“W-why do you need me f-for that?”“Supposedly, you are The White Dragon – Your ancestor gained the favor of a great white dragon and was gifted with her power upon the dragon’s death. The legend says the power will be passed to a worthy female descendant, marked with hair pale as snow. You should have incredible power, and radiate the strength of a comet to firebenders close by. But I don’t feel anything from you.” Zuko strode closer, causing her to back up into the cold steel wall.He glared down at her before wrinkling his nose and stepping away. “I’ll have a bath prepared for you, and new clothes. You reek.”Kazumi didn’t reply but cast her gaze shamefully to his feet.“Well?! What do you say?!” he shouted, making her eyes snap up to meet his.Immediately, the woman fell to her knees and bowed. “Thank you, Prince Zuko. I am very grateful.”She didn’t look up until she heard the door slam shut.