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misseviehyde · 22 days

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CHRONO-TRIGGERED

The swirling chaos of the time-tunnel flowed and pulsed around me. My atoms were being disassembled, my consciousness projected through time. The pain was agonising, but I didn't care. I would do anything for my revenge.

I knew this was risky. This was a one way trip - no way back. I would appear in the past at the time of my choosing but with no control over how I manifested. I would appear naked and helpless in my own past - in 2024.

It was illegal to use this technology and the cost to acquire it had been astronomical. Only my pure focus had allowed me to achieve my goals. Time travel was highly dangerous technology to acquire, but I was willing to break the law.

Wheeling myself into the tunnel, I had been nervous. There was always a chance the machine would simply tear me apart - blasting my molecules apart with time tachyons. Worse - it might send me back 3000 years instead of 30. As I entered, the tunnel glowed and my experience of reality shattered and fractured.

For what felt like centuries I was suspended in the darkness of void space - cold and alone.

Then the world shifted back into painful focus and panting and gasping I came back to myself. I was alive, the pain of translation had been agonising and my newly reconstituted body burned painfully.

Naked I lay on the ground, upon spongy cool grass. Something seemed strange about my body and my voice. I felt... weird.

Sitting up slowly, I drew in both my surroundings and my bodily status at the same time. My aging masculine body with it's scars of time and it's useless legs... was gone.

I was now young and strong again... but strangest of all I was female. The unexpected tug of breasts on my chest brought a sharp feminine gasp to my soft lips. I reached up to feel silky soft hair and impossibly smooth skin. There was nothing between my legs, just the soft folds of a vagina and a strange feeling of absence.

This I had not anticipated - but the vagaries of this form of time travel was not yet fully understood. No one quite understood the technology - it was impossible to travel back in your own body - but I had somehow still expected to wake up as a man.

This was unexpected and possibly affected my plans in a detrimental way. Then again, as my ruthless mind turned the matter over I began to realise there might be advantages to this situation once I had time to consider them.

It was night time and I was lying on the soft grass of a garden on a warm summers night. Behind me was an expensive conservatory and a large expensive house. I recognised it Immediately from my childhood. At least that part of my plan had worked.

The need for my revenge burned bright inside me - but there were steps to take first. I hadn't walked for nearly thirty years, but standing fully upright, the senasations and muscle memory came back to me at once. The feeling was great but I also marvelled at my strange new feminine body. It was athletic and fit and I was curious to examine it - but right now I needed to get under cover.

Slipping quietly through the garden on my naked soles, enjoying the power to walk again, I carefully opened one of the side doors of the conservatory and went into the house.

I'd memorised the layout of this place along with some other important details, and I easily made my way to one of the master bedrooms where I quickly found a bathrobe and wrapped up my nakedness.

Then padding through the house I made my way to the living room where I found the towns richest and most powerful man Donald Grey gazing morosely into the fire. He looked round as I entered and his face twisted into a grimace of surprise and anger. "Who the hell are you and what are you doing in my house?"

He leapt to his feet, keeping his back to me and his hand going to his mobile phone to ring the police. I stopped him with two words.

"Green Ziggarut."

"H... how?" he stuttered, his face going deathly white. "How can you possibly know about that?"

"I know a lot of things Donald," I grinned. "I know all about your dirty little secrets, but I also know some information that could save you from all of your problems. I only have one thing I want in return. For you to adopt me as your s... I mean daughter."

"Are you mad?" stuttered Donald.

"I know your wife is infertile and you have no one to leave your fortune to. I know that some recent investments you made have gone badly wrong and you're in deep shit. I know this because I have knowledge of the future. Help me out and I'll help you out. We could be very useful to each other. I don't expect you to believe me just like that. Turn on the TV. Go to the lotto and I'll prove I'm genuine."

He just gawped at me blankly, so I switched on the TV for him. They were about to draw the numbers on the lottery, so calling on the details I had memorised I rattled off the winning numbers. Moments later they were drawn out and I saw his mouth drop open.

"S..some sort of trick," he muttered. "Wh..who are you? What do you want?"

I sighed and calmly repeated myself. "My plans are my own Donald. Suffice to say that I mean you no harm - in fact it's possible we could come to enjoy working together. In my future you commit suicide in a matter of weeks and your vast fortune and wealth end up being wasted. But with my help I can ensure things go very well for you. I've memorised certain details that can help you out. Investments, dirty secrets of your enemies... upcoming events. Adopt me as your daughter and tell the world some convicing lie about me having been sequestered abroad in some expensive school. Use your influence and I'll be grateful."

I could see him wavering, but he wasn't fully convinced yet. Yet as I approached him, I suddenly glanced over and caught my first sight of myself in the mirror mounted on his wall and like a bolt from the blue I realised what I needed to do.

For a moment I was stunned. I was ABSOLUTELY fucking gorgeous. Sure, my hair was messy and my features unadorned - but my natural beauty shone through. I looked like a super model. No man would be able to resist this angelic face and beautiful body, not if I could harness it's power.

Suddenly my doubts and fears about my mission evaporated. In some ways - if I could learn to use this body to my advantage - getting my revenge would now be even easier.

I softened my body language, forced myself to be more feminine. I adjusted the bathrobe and allowed it to slip open slightly at the top.

"Come on Donald, believe me - it will be worth it having me as your daughter. Let me help you... you can even choose my name. I'll be the perfect, pretty little daughter for you. Wouldn't you like that?"

I slid my hand on his arm, and looked up at him winsomely. My soft lips in a pout I whispered in his ear. "Power and money Daddy, I'll give them all to you. Just let me help you, give me a chance."

Donald looked down at me.

"Very well... Janice."

Janice? Janice Grey?

It would take a little bit of getting used to, but it would do... I was Janice Grey now.

***

Donald's wife Kathleen took a little convincing, but after I revealed several more secrets she quickly came around. Our business deal was concluded quickly - under my guidance the Grey's successfully restored their fortune and Donald was able to work his way out of the mess he would otherwise have been in.

I was now a time criminal. I had altered the future and it was impossible to say what effects my actions would have. I didn't care... this was only the start. My true revenge was to come.

Meanwhile my new Daddy spoke to a guy he knew and within weeks I had adoption papers and a new I.D as Janice Grey. We paid a hacker a substantial sum to create a fake digital footprint and past for me. The story would be that I was a relative of Kathleen's and had been adopted after a death in the family. It was all rather flimsy in some ways, but money always solved problems like this and no one was going to be looking too hard.

I didn't trust the Grey's entirely, but they were smart enough not to fuck with me. I made it clear to 'Daddy' one night that if anything should ever happen to me, certain information would make its way to the authorities and the fate I had helped avert would catch up with him.

Kathleen meanwhile, whilst initially suspicious and slightly cold, quickly warmed to me. I needed to learn how to be a woman fast and she was the easiest one to teach me. I fell quickly into the role of a dutiful daughter and insisted we go shopping together and hang out together. I also got her to introduce me to her friends daughters and quickly made friends with a network of rich girls my age.

I had always been a quick learner and my focus and determination to succeed in my mission gave me the push I needed. I worked hard to immerse myself in femininity. I needed to turn myself into a weapon. I had to overcome my original masculinity and reshape myself as a girl in order to get what I wanted.

It didn't hurt that I was beautiful and charming. That just came naturally to me in this body. But with a little feminine help I quickly learned to enhance my already impressive attributes.

I learned to use makeup to enhance my beautiful features and clothing and fashion to maximise my sex appeal. I changed my body language and patterns of speech, adopting the bratty mannerisms of a spoiled bored rich girl.

The more I immersed myself in the role - the more I became Janice. But there was one thing I knew I needed to do before embarking on the next stage of my plan. I needed to have sex.

There was a confidence in my sexuality that could only come from losing my virginity. I had already experienced the pleasures of my new body many times - making myself cum with my fingers - but I needed to know a mans touch.

It came from a hot frat boy at a party. To test my skills I seduced him away from his drunk girlfriend and luring him to the bedroom proceeding to make out and fuck him.

It was okay for a first attempt... I was clumsy and unsure at points. It felt good though and I enjoyed the sensation of being taken by a man and being filled with his manhood.

I spent the next few months fucking around, growing in skill and confidence. As my body count increased - so did my repertoire - and soon I knew everyway to make a man cum... even using my feet.

It was nearly a year since my arrival in the past... I was rapidly approaching the time I would need to take action. I had planned for a year of preparation - but I'd never dreamed it would be spent developing myself as a slutty hot bitch.

It was time to have my revenge...

***

I had to admit... it was becoming increasingly difficult to stay focused on my task. My life as Janice had become all consuming. I had to some extent fallen in love with the rich life style of a spoiled popular brat.

My hot friends were a genuine distraction. I could spend hours hanging out with Chloe, Kirsten and Paige. It would be so easy to just relax and enjoy the pleasure my new life could give me. Being a brat did feel amazing and in some ways made up for the thirty years of pain.

I'd discovered a love for running and exercise - a sheer delight to be able to run and stretch in my fine young body. It felt amazing to be young and sexy. I had learned to love being a girl. In fact I was struggling to remember how it had ever felt to be male.

But the cold core of fury that had transported me across time and space still burned brightly enough to power my need for revenge. I was nothing if not stubborn. Janice was a compelling identity, but the universe still demanded justice.

I knew exactly where to go. I knew exactly where I needed to be. I waited at the coffee shop waiting.

When I saw the three of them, my heart nearly stopped beating. Tears came to my eyes and my hands shook. It was so vivid. We were really here... now... in this place... this moment.

I watched the man I had used to be sit at a table. I watched him kiss his beautiful wife on her lips and punch his best-friend playfully on the arm.

Right then I wanted to run over to the table and throttle her and smash his friends face in. I restrained myself only with difficulty. The rage was hard to process. He had no IDEA of what was coming, of the damage these two ingrates would cause to his life.

Jordan and Lisa - the two traitors. Images thirty years old flashed into my mind. Lisa's face a mask of ecstasy as she rode atop Jordan... her face a mask of evil relish as she laughed at how she was going to take everything in a divorce. Jordan... his eyes burning with cold amusement as he let go of the the safety release and the garage door fell down crushing my legs.

The two of them had destroyed me emotionally and physically. They'd left me crippled and broken - taken it all from me. All that had been left was rage and fury.

Looking at my old self - I felt a flicker of disgust. How could I have been so naive... so pathetic?

I saw Jordan and Lisa share a glance, saw her smile wickedly at him when my old self's back was turned. The two of them were just as evil as I remembered.

But now the two of them had no idea a new player had entered the game. I watched Jordan excuse himself and head to the toilet. I rose from my seat and popped the lid from my drink.

Walking like an airhead I deliberately crashed into Jordan and he gasped as my drink went all over him and his shirt.

"OMG - I am like soooo sorry," I drawled in my bratty voice. "Oh like let me get you some help."

I snapped my fingers at one of the barristas and procured some kitchen roll. Dabbing it against his chest I giggled and played with my hair with my other hand.

"Like I'm such a clutz. Mmmmh nice chest though, like do you work out?"

Jordan went a little red and I could see how pleased he was. At this point in his life he must have been about 29 and here he was getting hit on by a girl in her early twenties. I actually had no idea how old I was, but my fake birth certificate said 19...

"Oh don't mention it, it was an honest mistake. Unless... you were deliberately trying to get my attention."

"Maybe I was," I purred. "I do like an older man. Hey - I feel really fucking bad for ruining your shirt. Let me make it up to you. Me and a couple of friends are having a pool party this afternoon, why don't you come round - it will be fun. I'll give you my address."

Jordan took the piece of paper I pushed into his hand, it also had my number on it.

"Ohhhh like is that your frumpy wife over there, she looks kinda mad. She probably won't let you come."

Lisa was staring daggers at the two of us. Her face delighted me. I loved to see it. I knew that she would give Jordan the cold freeze when he got back to the table - but I also knew he hated being told what to do. He'd definitely come tonight.

"Oh, no... she's just a friend. I'm not married. I'm single actually. You know what, I will be there tonight... why not!"

I giggled and blew him a kiss. "I sure hope so stud."

***

Jordan and Lisa.

Their names and faces had haunted me for decades. Jordan- my so called best friend. A good handsome guy, liked to work out. Interested in the ladies and ultimately Lisa's willing dupe.

Lisa - the evil bitch. She'd hooked me line and sinker. It wasn't till the end that I learned who she really was. A cold blooded pyscho. She'd been embezzling funds from our company, sleeping with my best-friend and when I refused to go along with the blackmail they'd both arranged - they broke my legs and left me in a wheelchair for life.

She was the truly evil one, but Jordan had to pay as well. It would have sickened me to do what I was going to do once - but I had learned the value of patience and seduction. As a woman - my sexual revenge would be slower but ultimately more devastating to these two traitors than they could imagine.

First I would split them apart, then I would take control of each of them and make them suffer. As Janice... it would be almost too easy.

I applied my makeup on put on my sluttiest swimsuit - my head awash in my evil plans. Lisa and Jordan were amateurs. I'd had thirty years to stew in my own hatred and plans for revenge. They had no idea what was about to hit them...

***

"Relax... it's like only a blowie. Everyone here is like cool anyway. This is my place and my Mom and Dad don't care what I do."

Jordan groaned as I sucked his dick. His cock was a nice length and felt good in my mouth. I sucked and slurped, expertly using my tongue to lick the tip. I could tell he liked it. "Are you sure no one is gonna interrupt us?" he groaned.

"Fuck... I never imagined this is what..."

"This is EXACTLY what you imagined," I giggled. "This is what you wanted." I went back to sucking.

It didn't take Jordan long to cum in my mouth and I swallowed every drop. Giggling I stood up and wiped my pretty mouth. "Does she suck cock as good as me?"

"Who?" asked Jordan suspicously.

"That woman you said wasn't your wife."

"Oh... her. No we aren't..."

"Oh come on baby. I can tell when two people are fucking. I'm just surprised you're with someone soooooo old."

Jordan blushed, but the appeal to his vanity worked. "I... I guess it's kind of hot to fuck a married woman. She's into all kinds of kinky shit too.'

"Whatever... you can keep fucking her, but I wanna do more stuff together. Married women are hot but nineteen year old pussy beats everything baby. I'd like to try some kinky shit with you too."

Jordan was hooked. I could tell. I guided his hand to my wet pussy. "Now are you ready for round two babe?"

***

We fucked and fucked. Sometimes Jordan would come over and smoke weed with us or stay to party. My friends liked having an older guy around to tease. They all agreed that older guys were hot.

Jordan was besotted with me. I prodded and teased him about the kinky stuff and eventually he opened up. He liked dressing up in girls clothing... he liked to be dominated.

He wanted to try stuff in private. We did things... kinky things. Leather, candles, strap-ons - you name it.

Shame he never noticed the secret camera in the room.

***

"Hey you... you're that bitch that Jordan has been hanging around with. What the hell do you want?" scowled Lisa.

I grinned as I insolently put a foot in the doorway to stop Lisa closing it.

"What's the matter bitch - annoyed I took lover boy away from you? I have business to discuss with you."

"How dare you talk to me like that," screeched Lisa.

"Oh calm down. I'm here to cut you a deal. I need to warn you. Jordan has told me everything about your little schemes, but he's planning to sell you out. Look here. I found these documents - he's been collecting evidence of your embezzlement of funds and he is planning to blackmail you. He means nothing to me, he's just a bit of fun - I figured you'd reward me handsomely for helping you out...'

Lisa took my envelope and her eyes narrowed as she scanned the information.

It was all I could do not to laugh...

***

"What! But how did she get these pictures?"

"I don't know babe. She must have gotten jealous of me being with you and hired a private eye. They have long photo shots of me pegging you. Luckily my rich Daddy pays for counter-survelience so I found out about this. She must be planning to release the photos and blackmail you.'

"That fucking bitch, she's trying to double cross me. I'll show her," snarled Jordan.

I watched him get in the car and accelerate away. This was almost too easy.

***

The house was eerily quiet but the police were on the way. On the drive lay Jordan - shot three times through the torso. Under the garage door, her legs crushed and broken, lay Lisa.

I smiled a warm smile of satisfaction. Watching these two destroy each other was satisfying. But I didn't want either of them to die. I checked Jordan. He was still alive, so I staunched the blood and gave basic first aid.

Lisa would live, she was still conscious and her eyes locked onto mine.

'Y...you. You did this. W...why?"

I didn't answer. There was nothing I could say to explain my hatred. Lisa and Jordan would both live - but the police would find evidence of their embezzlement and fraud along with a lot of embarassing photos of Jordan leaked online.

They would live out their lives in shame and ignomy, Lisa in a wheelchair. I knew exactly how that felt of course.

I wondered what would happen to the other me now. Obviously he would be shocked by what had happened but move on with his life.

By rights it should cause a paradox. I had no cause to travel back in time now. All I knew is that I'd been told that once sent back in time - my causal loops were broken and I was a free agent.

I wondered if my changes to the timeline would massively effect the future? I hoped not. I had certainly memorised and learned plenty of information about the coming decades figuring that if I was going to be stuck in the past I may as well have knowledge and power.

I had never anticipated I would end up as a hot girl. I was in love with being Janice and now my revenge was complete it felt like I could finally move on with my life.

Leaving my former life behind to the wail of sirens and Lisa's anguished cries - I walked off into the night.

I was hot young and sexy. I was a rich spoiled bitch and I knew everything that was going to happen for the next thirty years.

This time I would live for every moment... this time I would live for me.

Well you know what they say... Tempus Fugit."

THE END

#evie hyde #m2f transformation #time travel #revenge

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reversedanatomy · 3 months

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Finding Peace: Chapter 1

Summary: The first chapter to a slow-burn Nat x Reader fic. Building the relationship between Wanda x Reader. First Marvel fic and post here so I'm still getting used to preferable layouts, writing styles, tags, etc!!

TW: 18+!!! sexual themes, bad relationship themes, alcoholism, swearing, aggressiveness, uncomfortable topics.

Gif not mine

You remember the first night that you and Wanda had gone on a date. You two met inorganically through a dating app. It wasn’t something you were too keen on using, but the dating scene was impossible in the area, and you thought you might give it a try. After meeting Wanda for the first night at a sports bar downtown, the sparks between you two were evident. Her confidence spread goosebumps throughout your body as she weaved her way through a crowd of people lined up at the bar to meet you at your table. She was more radiant than any of her pictures on her profile.

“Y/N?” She leaned over you, placing a locked arm on the surface of the table to emphasize her cleavage.

“Y-yeah,” you stuttered, in awe of the outfit she chose to shape her body. She then smiled and slid into your lap. Caressing your face with her hands, she pressed her lips into yours as if she’d known you for years. You let yourself feel every spark, every firework she set off inside of your chest. The callouses of her hands cupped your jawline. They slid up your face to push your hair behind your ear. Her kiss was warm as it traveled from your lips to the corner of your mouth and down your neck. Her hands followed.

“You waste no time,” you smirked and pushed her deeper towards you. It was all so warm, so familiar. “This doesn’t seem like the place we should be doing this, though. How about we skip the small talk and head back to my place?” You lifted her chin with the tips of your fingers and presented your offer. She gave you a toothy smile that reached ear to ear.

“That’s rather bold of you,” she replied with a twinge of sarcasm. You snorted and let your thumb glide across her cheek. "How about a few drinks first? I get a bit nervous on first dates unless I've had a few." You admired her forwardness albeit it wasn’t something you were familiar with.

“Could’ve fooled me,” a chuckle slipped from your chest. “I thought you were already a few deep and I needed to catch up.” Wanda smiled in response. She moved from your lap onto the seat next to you and pulled a five from her coat pocket. She slid it towards you.

“Catch me up, then,” she whispered into your ear and patted the five before crossing her legs and folding her arms in an act of seductive defiance. A grin curled at the corners of your mouth, and you rolled your eyes in response and clicked your tongue. You took the five and made your way to the bar.

After a few drinks and some small talk, you two left the bar hand-in-hand to wander the downtown streets. Winter was arriving soon, and the biting cold left you breathless. Wanda noticed quickly and drew you into her long, black overcoat with a light tan trim. Already, you felt warmer. Already, you felt safe.

The two of you wandered for hours, but it only felt like minutes. Once your feet started hurting, you two both settled onto the stair steps outside of some unlabeled Baroque-style building. Your hands interlocked perfectly together as you both shared her coat. Wanda made you laugh. It was a genuine, hearty laugh that you hadn’t laughed in years. She was laughing, too. She said that she loved your humor, and that made you grin even more. Your grin was followed, however, with a yawn.

“Starting to get tired?” Wanda yawned in response. You nodded, another full laugh slipping from your chest.

“I mean…kind of? But… I just don’t want this night to end,” you sighed. Wanda kissed your forehead.

“Who says it has to end?” You looked up at her, meeting her blue-green eyes with admiration. “I figured that was the intention from the beginning, so I may or may not have taken us to my apartment.” Wanda turned around and pointed to the third story of the building, where the faint glow of a lamp illuminated through the window.

“That’s rather bold of you, Wanda,” you made reference to her previous claim at the bar. Wanda struck you a side-eye, her auburn hair falling from behind her ear to frame her face. You shrugged. “Well, what are we waiting for? I’m cold as hell and it looks like there’s an apartment up there calling my name.” You stood up and took her hand into your pocket before turning towards the apartment. She stumbled a bit on the steps while standing up, but was eager and quick to let both of you into the building.

The rest of the night was one to remember. The way Wanda felt underneath you felt just as natural as when she kissed you in the bar earlier that night. When you two were ready to sleep, you held her close to your body. You never wanted to let go of this feeling. Everything inside of you buzzed, and a warmth rushed through your veins. You looked at Wanda sleeping in your arms. You never wanted this night to end.

---------------------

Nearly three and a half years later, all you wanted was for this night to end. You locked yourself in the bathroom as you heard Wanda in the living room smash her liquor bottle on the wall. You held your hands against your ears as you listened to her shouting about how much this relationship was breaking her, how you were breaking her.

Tears fell down your cheeks. This isn’t what you wanted when you two moved in together into a small apartment in Chicago after dating for a year. For as long as you could’ve remembered, the honeymoon stage never left. The butterflies still fluttered through the garden of your body when you held her in your arms. It was all perfect. All perfect, until the first argument.

Wanda drank. A lot. It wasn’t a problem at first when the two of you were frequenting bars on date nights with or without friends. As time progressed, however, and the two of you moved in with each other, you realized she was just as much of a drinker at home as she was at bars. You mentioned your insecurities about it with her when you noticed that it was affecting your relationship, but she turned up her nose to you and poured herself another glass.

She blamed her alcoholism on a shitty childhood and high-stress job. She never told you what she did for a living, but you noticed she was often gone on extended trips to places she said she couldn’t talk about with you. “Think of it like I signed an NDA,” she would say as an excuse. You sighed and accepted there were things you were better off not knowing. If you pried, however, another argument would start. The drinking would start.

This was one of those nights. Wanda said she was leaving in a week for an entire month on an international trip for work. “We had plans for our three-and-a-half-year anniversary and my birthday, remember?” You said.

“I know, but you know how work is,” Wanda pouted and gave you the ‘eyes’ that she always gave you to get her way when it came to leaving for work.

“No, I don’t know how work is,” you snapped in response. “I never know how work is. You never tell me. For all I know, you could be off fucking somebody or somebodies in Spain or China or fuck knows where else.” You felt the heat rise in your face as a pit formed in your throat. You were choking out your words now because you were scared. But… it was okay to feel insecure about this, right? Wanda told you that you shouldn’t, but all of your friends agree with you that if she’s leaving all the time that you at least have the right to know where she is.

“What are you, my mom? Stop being controlling.” Wanda wouldn’t make eye contact with you. She was sitting at the kitchen bar, staring at the ice in her glass as she swirled her drink. You became irate. You ran your fingers through your hair, gripping into your roots.

“I’m controlling? You’re the one who’s disappearing for weeks or months on end without giving me the time of day. Sure, I was fine with your work trips when they were planned in advance and only for a few days at a time. Now, it’s like you’re leaving every other week, and I don’t know when I’m going to see you again.” The tears began welling up in your eyes. They burned. You began pacing back and forth between the living room and the kitchen.

“Jesus Christ, Y/N, I’m sorry,” Wanda put her drink down and began getting up from her stool. “I wish I could tell you. I really do.” She was drunkenly stumbling towards you, arms outstretched. You noticed her coming towards you, and you started for the bathroom. “Y/N, please don’t do this right now.”

Now you were here, in the bathroom. You turned the lock and slid down with your back against the wall. Wanda pressed her head against the door and started pawing at it.

“Y/N, please don’t do this. Just let m’in ‘nd we c’n talk about it,” Wanda stumbled over her words as she continued to paw at the door. When you didn’t reply, she started knocking. Louder. Louder. Louder, she knocked until you finally responded.

“Wanda, please, just leave me alone. You’re drunk, and I just don’t want to deal with this right now.” You were crying faster than you could wipe your tears, but Wanda wouldn’t leave.

“Then just tell me to leave if you don’t want me around,” Wanda smacked the door before you could hear her walking back to the kitchen. Then came a crash as you heard what sounded like a liquor bottle, or maybe her drink, being thrown to the floor. Jesus, what’s happening to us, Wanda? You thought to yourself as you reached for the tissues to dry your tears and blow your nose. There was more stomping, and the sound of walls being punched before you could hear Wanda trudging back towards the bathroom door.

“This is all your fucking fault, Y/N.” Wanda smacked her hand against the door again. You flinched from behind the door, but you refused to respond. It would only make her angrier if you said anything. “If only you just didn’t question what I did for work like what we agreed on when we first started dating, we wouldn’t be dealing with this problem.” It’s different when we’ve been together for three-and-a-half years as opposed to a few months, you wanted to say, but you held your tongue. Wanda continued.

“I’m not fucking anybody else, if that’s what you want to hear. I’m loyal to you. I’ve only ever been loyal to you,” Wanda started crying and hitting her head against the door. “I love you, Y/N. I only ever show you that I love you. You’re my everything.” The banging stopped. “But if you want me to leave, just tell me.” There was only quiet except for the quiet tears you could barely hear from Wanda. Your breath left your body in a long, exasperated sigh. You lifted your head from between your knees and twisted your upper half towards the door.

“I don’t want you to leave, Wanda. I just want things to go back to the way they were before.” You spoke monotonously, making sure your voice was emotionless enough as to not set Wanda off again.

“It’s never going to go back to the way things were,” you heard Wanda slide her back down the door from the other side. This made you start crying again, even harder. You were scared. If she left, you’d lose three-and-a-half years with the person you thought you were going to marry.

“What happened to us?” You forced a laugh through your tears. You paused after saying that to wait for a response from Wanda. Nothing. Your smile faded back into sorrow as you buried your chin between your knees and looked down at the floor. Maybe Wanda was doing the same. Maybe she was also contemplating the relationship—whether it’d end or whether they’d keep recycling the same arguments and this same drunken routine. You knew nothing was going to change, but you still wanted to try. Maybe it was because you were more scared to be alone than to keep hearing her slam on the bathroom door and smash bottles. When it was good, it was great. But there were so many moments now that left you feeling weak, tired, scared, and unfulfilled that you pondered whether the good moments just made you feel safe, or if they were actually great.

Wanda never responded to your question. You sat up on your knees, took one last breath, and turned to open the door. Your hand settled on the doorknob. Once you opened that door, you knew all the memories you two spent together would shatter like the glass from earlier. You felt that pit rising back into your throat as you unlocked the knob and started opening the door. The idea of facing Wanda right now terrified you—not because she was violent and angry, but because you hated those difficult, uncomfortable conversations about what happens next between you two.

You turned the doorknob and took a step back. You felt the door swing towards you with the weight of Wanda as she collapsed onto the floor. She was passed out. If this was two years ago, you would be rushing to her side and checking her pulse. Now, this was frequent. Weekly. Daily, even. You kneeled beside her to confirm her breathing before grabbing her by the forearms to drag her into the bedroom. As you dragged her, you glanced at the kitchen floor. She only smashed her empty glass, not the entire bottle. At least this time it would be an easy cleanup for tomorrow morning.

Once in the bedroom, you spent no time pulling her arm across your shoulder to help her into bed. You pulled back the bed sheets, set her on her side in the bed, and pulled the sheets up to her chin. You contemplated giving her a kiss on the forehead, but you recognized that this could be the last time you two ever had some kind of physical touch. You leaned in and gave her a quick peck. It tasted bittersweet.

You crawled into bed next to her and studied her face. Wanda was sleeping so peacefully. Her lips were slightly parted, and her auburn hair fell over her face. She always slept with her hand under her face when she laid on her side. You thought one more time about the first night at the bar and the confidence she had upon meeting you. You reminisced on the times you two made love, contemplated marriage, talked about what having kids running around the house would be like, and how you two would grow old together. You wanted so badly for everything to circle back to the sparks you two felt that first night, as that was what kept you going through this mistreatment all these years with her. These memories flooded through your mind, until you finally drifted off into a deep sleep.

-------------------------------------

The next morning, you woke up to the bed empty beside you. “Wanda?” You called out for her. No response. She must either be watching TV, or she left to head to the store for breakfast. The pain from the night before held strong in your chest as you composed yourself before heading into the living room. You scanned for any sight of Wanda. The TV was off and there was no sign of her. The site on the kitchen floor where she smashed her glass was swept and mopped. Then, your eyes lifted, where you noticed a note left on the bar.

You instantly rushed to the note, feeling yourself grow heavy as you got closer and closer to it. You picked it up and felt your hands shaking as you read it:

Y/N, I’m so sorry for last night, and I’m so sorry for everything I’m about to write to you. We both knew this day would come where we would part. You and I both have been going through a lot, and I think it’s time that we spent time apart so that we can work on ourselves. Also, work sent for me this morning. I thought we would have more time together before I left to get some kind of closure, but they needed me urgently. I’ll be gone for a while, they said. Months, maybe even years. Please don’t go looking for me. I’ll be okay. I love you.

-Wanda.

You fell to the floor and broke into tears. You let out an ugly, guttural cry as you held the note to your chest. It was over without any conversation. There was no closure. There was no last goodbye as Wanda would step out the door and leave. There was no watching her from the window as she’d walk through the city streets before melting into the crowd, disappearing from your life together. This note was quick and nonconfrontational. It was unlike her.

You put the note in your kitchen drawer and slumped onto the couch. Whatever came next, you could handle it. You always could. You switched the TV on and felt yourself cry. You let yourself cry. A new chapter would open for you, you just had to accept it.

#ojfuehrggterg it'll get happier i promise #I PROMISE IT'LL BE A SLOW BURN IT'S JUST SAD NOW #marvel #natasha romanoff #wanda maximoff #marvel wlw #wlw marvel #natasha romanov #fanfiction #marvel fanfic #wandanat #wanda x reader #natasha romanoff x reader #wanda maximoff x reader #slow burn

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sigiriyajunglesblogs · 6 months

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Sigiriya: An Inspiration for Modern-Day Architecture

In the heart of Sri Lanka, rising above lush green forests, stands the awe-inspiring rock fortress of Sigiriya. This ancient marvel isn’t merely a testament to the architectural prowess of bygone eras; it also serves as a guiding light for modern-day architectural practices. Let’s delve into how Sigiriya has managed to inspire and influence the contemporary architectural landscape.

1. Harmony with Nature

Sigiriya teaches architects the art of merging structures seamlessly with the natural environment. The rock fortress effortlessly blends into its surroundings, almost as if it sprouted organically from the earth. Modern architects, in their pursuit of sustainable design, draw inspiration from this. Today’s eco-friendly structures, with green roofs, vertical gardens, and landscaped terraces, echo Sigiriya’s gardens and ponds, emphasizing coexistence with nature.

2. Multifunctional Design

Sigiriya wasn’t just a fortress; it was a city center, a palace, and a monastic refuge. Its multi-layered design encompassed royal chambers, audience halls, gardens, moats, and even frescoes. Today’s architectural designs emphasize multifunctionality, creating spaces that serve various purposes. Be it mixed-use buildings combining residential, commercial, and recreational spaces or homes with transformable rooms, the versatility of Sigiriya continues to resonate.

3. Water Management

The intricate water management system of Sigiriya, with its canals, fountains, and moats, was nothing short of genius. Its ability to retain water during dry seasons and divert excess during rains showcased an impressive understanding of hydraulic technology. Modern architecture, faced with climate change and water scarcity, values water-saving and efficient distribution systems, drawing parallels to Sigiriya’s ancient wisdom.

4. Aesthetic with Purpose

The mesmerizing frescoes of Sigiriya, believed to depict either celestial nymphs or the consorts of the king, weren’t just ornamental; they told stories and reflected the culture of the era. Contemporary architecture similarly leans towards designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also carry deeper meanings, narratives, or reflect cultural values.

5. Defensive Strategies

Sigiriya’s architectural layout was masterfully planned to include defensive strategies. From its steep rock base, making it almost impregnable, to the mirror wall preventing defacement, and even the lion gate deterring invaders �� each element had a protective purpose. Today’s secure architectural designs — be it in terms of data protection in smart buildings or privacy considerations — owe their lineage to ancient protective measures like those at Sigiriya.

Conclusion

Sigiriya, with its soaring boulders, breathtaking frescoes, and landscaped gardens, isn’t merely an archaeological wonder. It’s a timeless beacon for architects, offering lessons in sustainability, functionality, aesthetics, and more. As we craft the skyscrapers and smart homes of the 21st century, we do so standing on the shoulders of ancient giants like Sigiriya, drawing inspiration from the past to forge a brighter, more innovative future.

As you’re captivated by the magic of Sigiriya and its architectural brilliance, consider enriching your experience further by resting amidst nature. SigiriyaJungles Hotel offers a harmonious blend of luxury and serenity, echoing the very essence of Sigiriya’s charm. Let it be your tranquil retreat after a day of exploration.

#sri lanka #sigiriya #architechture #ancient history #history #heritage

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strawberrysnipes · 7 months

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Intro post!!

My name is Phoenix, he/she !! I have my carrd on my main account for most of my information, so below the read more is just going to be whitelist/blacklist + my offers!!

Offers!!

icons (including pride icons)

layouts (please specify what platform the dimensions are different !!!)

psds (selective! im new to this but i will try my best!)

pjsk 3dmv gifs! please specify character(s) and optionally 3dmv, but know i do not have a lot of outfits and will default to base outfits most of the time

Whitelist (things I super enjoy!!! Will still take requests for other things)

- SUPER BRIGHT AESTHETICS like scenecore !!!

- anything involving a pink and green color palette you will have my heart forever if you request pink/green

-current main interests are marvel, mortal kombat and project sekai!!! Anything vocaloid related is also awesome. I also like ace attorney, golden age horror/horror games (like resident evil)/horror based aesthetics, and a ton of other things that just don't take up as much of my brain space.

- Characters: anyone from wxs, but especially Emu and Rui, Saki, Kanade, Airi and Akito (pjsk), All the earth champs but especially Kenshi and Kung Lao, Kitana, Ashrah and Syzoth, as well as Cassie Cage for prev timeline stuff (Mortal Kombat), Daredevil, Punisher, Spiderman (all versions but especially comics!Peter and spidergwen from both the comics and atsv), Deadpool, Venom and Moon Knight (Marvel) Phoenix, Athena, and Simon (ace attorney) Leon Kennedy (resident evil)

- Parings: polysho but especially emurui, emukasa and nenekasa, mafuemu, ichisaki, honakana, mizumafu, mizurui (pjsk) mikurin (vocaloid), Spideypool (ONLY comics version), fratt, veddie (marvel), johnshi, railao, taleena (mortal kombat) wrightworth (ace attorney) aeon, chreon, valenfield, valinveria (resident evil)

Blacklist (things I will not edit for)

this feels obvious, but any minor/adult or incest pairing

gifs for anything but pjsk 3dmvs, not as a discomfort thing or anything I just don't have the ability to do so unless you provide me with a video in your request

yandere aesthetics

hazbin hotel/helluva boss, sanders sides, real people (NOT INCLUDING ACTORS PLAYING CHARACTERS)

anything else that I don't want to do that isn't listed here I just simply won't do your request <3

#/intro #/not an edit

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gardenhose82 · 1 year

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Accent Your Living Quarters With Wrought Iron Home and Garden Decor

Wrought iron home and garden stylistic layout makes an incredible accent to any living space. You can find a huge choice of things for the kitchen, shower, room, eating, family room, and garden in a wide assortment of plans. Wall workmanship is a most loved that carries style to any room.

Tracing all the way back to old Roman Times, wrought iron began as a utilitarian metal from water lines to nails and different other mechanical and constructing needs. Through time, wrought iron has formed into a fine artisanship in fancy yet profoundly working entryways, as seen at Westminster Monastery in London tracing all the way back to the thirteenth 100 years, and other decorative home and garden stylistic layout.

The artisanship that has been around since the European Medieval times has brought decorative wrought iron home and garden style the rich contacts to railings, entryways, and furniture, to unobtrusive last little details, for example, cupboard handles, light switch plates, candle holders, wall scones and stylistic layout. This metal has many spots in history and was once a fundamental material in various items.

Wrought iron in the twentieth century is utilized for essentially for decorative purposes and can add appeal, style, and magnificence to any home or garden. In the garden or on the deck, wrought iron not just offers extraordinary decorative worth it additionally offers the solidness expected to withstand Mother earth's components. In the home, it adds a rich touch to your home style from the unobtrusive contacts to a bistro dinning set or a wrought iron dough puncher's rack. Indeed, even a straightforward candleholder can add a hint of class to a dinning room table or as mantle focal point.

In the garden or on the porch outside, wrought iron style can make spaces to a garden, for example, a curious and calm perusing spot by essentially adding a wrought iron seat. Lattices can partition the region and with some profound perfect green ivy growing up the lattice, you will have a little window into paradise to partake in a decent book. The deck is a marvelous area for a wrought iron garden table with some matching decorative garden porch seats. Accent your garden seats with only the ideal shaded pads to bring your deck new life and tastefulness. This makes one more totally new living quarter to a home and makes an extraordinary spot to engage visitor in style while partaking in the natural air. Check This Out garden sink

A garden way is well accented by wrought iron garden rails or fencing accented along the way with a decorative vase or two to add the last little details. No tasteful home would be finished without a wrought iron light post set conspicuously toward the front of the home. There are numerous ways this exceptional metal can add tasteful appeal to any home inside too.

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rabbitcruiser · 9 months

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Skyscraper Appreciation Day

Take a trip to the grandest skyscraper in your area and appreciate the architectural marvel, or appreciate an entire skyline from just outside a city.

Climb to the highest of man-made heights in observance and celebration of Skyscraper Appreciation Day!

History of Skyscraper Appreciation Day

Skyscraper Appreciation Day was initiated and founded by Dr. Tom Stevens. Interestingly, it was created so that the general public could admire the structural and architectural brilliance of skyscrapers. Furthermore, it also celebrates the triumph of reason, as well as man’s ability to construct industrial masterpieces that go far beyond expectations.

This important day is situated on the anniversary of the birth of one of architecture’s most important and famous names, William Van Alen. Back in 1883, this native of Brooklyn, New York was born and, after studying in Paris, Van Alen would eventually go on to design the famous, art-deco style Chrysler Building, which is one of New York City’s most iconic and well-known landmarks.

In today’s world, skyscrapers continue to push the limits of architecture, offering a wide range of features. For instance, Taipei 101, is the world’s tallest and largest green and sustainable building, while The Shard in London has a unique layout of a “vertical city”, where a person could theoretically live and never leave!

Skyscraper Appreciation Day offers a wide range of opportunities to learn more, join in on events, and generally have a soaring celebration in honor of these architectural feats!

How to Celebrate Skyscraper Appreciation Day

It might be a whole lot of fun to celebrate Skyscraper Appreciation Day by undertaking one or more of the following activities:

Visit a Skyscraper

In honor of Skyscraper Appreciation Day, an interesting activity would be to venture to a skyscraper, whether close to where you live or far away, and marvel at its architectural beauty. Cities all over the world can be visited in celebration of the day, giving a nod of appreciation to these feats of architectural mastery. Consider visiting one of these famous skyscrapers from around the globe:

Burj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Built in 2010, this one will stand as the tallest building in the world for more than a decade, at 2722 feet, holding at least 19 records.

One World Trade Center, New York City, USA. Officially the tallest building in the western hemisphere, this one was built in 2014 and stands at 1776 feet, as a nod to the year that the US gained her independence.

The Petronas Tower, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Not just a single, but a double, this one holds the record for the tallest twin tower in the world, joined by a skybridge at the 41st and 42nd floors.

Gran Torre Santiago, Santiago, Chile. The tallest building in South America was opened in 2013 and offers a postmodern style for its 62 floors.

Host a Skyscraper Themed Party

Have a skyscraper themed day where friends, family members or coworkers are encouraged to dress up as famous skyscrapers from around the world. This type of event is likely to get off the ground more for those who work at an architectural firm or with building contractors, but people with regular jobs can certainly try it out as well!

Learn Fun Facts About Skyscrapers

A super way to pay honor and respect on Skyscraper Appreciation Day would be to learn some fun facts to share in raising awareness for the day. Kids and adults alike will be interested in these bits of trivia about skyscrapers:

The world’s first skyscraper is considered to be the Home Insurance Building in Chicago, built in 1885.

The world’s fastest skyscraper elevator is located in the Shanghai Tower in China.

Certain skyscrapers can actually affect the weather, creating wind tunnels when multiple skyscrapers are built near each other.

Create a Skyscraper Themed Photo Collection

Folks who are avid travelers to cities, or who are photographers, might want to take this opportunity to sort through all of those favorite skyscraper photos and add them to the “Photos” section of the Skyscraper Appreciation Day Facebook page.

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charlizekkelly · 2 years

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bikes & blood; chapter IX

{poly!lost boys x oc}

word count: 2263 rating: explicit chapter warnings: mentions of death, dead bodies (again, I'm sorry if the warnings are shitty but this fic IS DARK!!) bikes & blood masterlist

tag list(feel free to leave a comment if you want to be added to the list <3) : @henhouse-horrors @dickspaghettii

" '𝐌𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝' 𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞."

---

Puddles of water dotted the boardwalk, alcoves and drain pipes drying beneath the beaming rays of the sun—a stark but welcomed change from the previous day's dreary weather. Curiosity and intrigue had driven Amara down to the boardwalk during the normal waking hours of the day and for a moment, she worried that her black vans, khaki-green plaid pants and black t-shirt would be out of place amongst the patrons of Santa Carla.

That worry fled her chest the moment Amara stepped upon the wooden planks of the boardwalk. Her curls tied into a high half-up, half-down ponytail with a few pieces of hair left down to frame her face; the hairstyle intended to keep most of Amara's waist-length hair in check. Smoke hung around the boardwalk, clogging her nose with a stench so unsettling that it gnawed at her senses with malice.

Unease drifted across Amara's skin, her mind churning as it tried to place the foreign smell that filled the air. Her nose screwed up with displeasure the further Amara walked into the bustling boardwalk, tourists and locals alike enjoying the warm summer's day—the summer storm of yesterday nowhere to be seen. Children's screams and people's laughter wove together with the cheerful and yet haughty sounds of the boardwalk, light and dark crossing paths without so much as a thought.

Amara paused in her observations of the sunlit boardwalk, head lifting to peer up at the neon sign of the comic book store as she weighed up her options. Laddie came to mind as Amara nibbled on the flesh of her bottom lip. The brown-haired boy's smile filling her mind as Amara's feet led her into the store. The U-shaped layout to the store hadn't changed, its tiered tables lined with comics in neat rows, comics pegged to the wire above the sage-green tables.

Amara's eyes darted from comic book to comic book, racking her mind for the comic book Laddie had been looking for back in Phoenix. Half of Amara was sure it was a Marvel comic, while the other didn't have the faintest clue to what she was looking for. The latter reigning supreme as Amara browsed the extensive collection of comics, fingertips ghosting across the glossy covers.

Eyes seared into the back of her head as Amara's fingers ghosted over the cover of a Spiderman comic, the edition of which was lost on her mind. Amara turned her head slowly towards the front of the store. The mousy-brown haired twin's eyes locked upon her as Amara turned to face the duo. An eyebrow arching in an unspoken question, imploring the two to quit their lurking and speak whatever was on their minds.

The taller twin wore a set of camouflage pants, combat boots, and a black t-shirt. His arms folded across his chest as his hazel-brown eyes scrutinised Amara from his place beside the front counter. The shorter twin by a few inches leant against the counter lazily, his dark-washed jeans, jasper-grey shirt and boots oddly fit within the comic store's aesthetic. And much like his brother, his dirt-brown eyes analysed Amara like one would analyse a science project.

The hazel-eyed twin spared his brother a glance as he made his way over to where Amara stood beside the collection of Spiderman comics. His brows furrowed as he stopped in front of Amara, eyes searching her face as though he knew who Amara was, but wasn't entirely sure himself. Amara's lips twitched as she fought the urge to smile.

The boy in front of her had grown since the last time she'd seen him all those years ago and yet, Amara knew exactly which twin stood in front of her as she spoke. "Alexander."

A crease marred Alexander's face as he racked his brain for the recognition within the depths of his eyes. A breath of annoyance spilled from his lips, a pleading look thrown over his shoulder to his brother before he turned back to face Amara. The grin across her face impossible to hide as Amara enjoyed how he fidgeted uneasily beneath her gaze.

"You're Amara. Sam Emerson's niece, right?" The shorter, dirt-brown eyed twin, Tobias, questioned as he strode to his brother's side.

"And you're Edgar Frog's sons, right?"

The two shared a look before Alexander nodded his head in confirmation. The Cheshire-like grin etched so firmly into Amara's face that her cheeks had begun to ache, brown irises dancing with regalement. Memories of the trio wreaking havoc on the boardwalk as kids filled her mind—a trio Amara's uncle had regretted bringing together the moment he realised how much trouble they were together.

Tobias's gaze was drawn to the comics Amara had been browsing through, a curious gleam to his eyes, brows lifting as a smile played at the corners of his mouth. "Looking for something in particular?"

Amara pursed her lips, bristling with annoyance at her mind's failed attempts at recalling the name of the comic Laddie never shut up about. "I would be if I could remember the comic's damn name."

Alexander chuckled at Amara's expense. Amused by her frustration—the notion reminding him of how easily Amara grew annoyed when she couldn't find them in a game of hide and seek as kids. Alexander leant over her shoulder and plucked a turquoise-blue comic from atop the tiered table, extending the glossy book towards her so that Amara could see the startling-red title. 'Vampires Everywhere' was scrawled across the cover in a grotesque font. A depiction of vampires tearing people to pieces, bats and a cloaked man clutching a bloody stake in his hand spread across the cover.

Amara arched an unimpressed brow, eyeing the two like they'd both just grown another head. "Laddie doesn't read horror comics."

"Take it, Amara. It's only a comic." Tobias urged, a taunting smirk across his face as he dared Amara to take the comic from his brother.

"Give it a read and if you don't think Laddie will like it, bring it back tomorrow," Alexander said, waving the comic in a way that showcased his need for her to take it from his outstretched hand.

Amara sighed with feigned annoyance, taking the comic from the hazel-eyed twin and flicking through the glossy pages with surface-deep interest. "Happy now?"

Tobias grinned. "Extremely. Time to go now, Amara." He said, ushering her out of the store with a playful salute before the mousy-brown haired twins disappeared back into the renovated comic book store.

Amara stared at the open doorway of the store; lips parted in shock as people brushed past her stunned form—the more disgruntled boardwalk-goers throwing displeased sneers her way. Amara blinked several times, huffing with annoyance as she clutched the turquoise-green comic closer to her chest and began weaving her way through the packed boardwalk. The warm rays from the sun cast shadows across the wooden planks as children and adults alike delighted in the boardwalk; a blissful smile spreading across her face as Amara made her way to her bike.

Amara's gaze strayed from the faded-red Honda long enough to glimpse the blackened remains of a car across the lot. Curiosity brimmed within her gut as Amara meandered across the bitumen. That same horrid stench filling her nose the closer Amara got to the burnt car. Blood stained the stones of the bitumen a sickening faded red, a small puddle beside the front door as Amara mustered up the courage to peer through the shattered windows.

A disfigured scream tore from her throat as her gaze landed on the charred and blackened outline of a body. Her steps hurried and rushed as Amara turned away from the burnt car, pressing her hand firmly against her mouth with wide and panic-filled eyes. Amara staggered away from the blackened remains of the car, crossing the car park and starting her bike—horror filling her stomach as Amara tore off and out of the car park with a churning stomach.

The crimson-red letters painted on the back of Santa Carla's welcome sign thrown to the forefront of her mind.

'Murder Capital of the World' ringing true to its name.

***

Stars painted the sky, peeking through the gap between the wall and the window where the curtains didn't reach. The soft sheets of Amara's bed wrapped around her snugly, as though it'd rid her mind of the charred and rancid body. Amara's stomach churned with unease at the mere thought, shaking her head as though it'd be enough to rid her mind of the body within the back of the car.

Her father's worried voice still echoed in her head even now. His slate-grey eyes had looked Amara over frantically, worry leeching into his irises as he'd asked her what was wrong. Amara had only managed a shaky breath of air, eyes brimming with unshed tears as her gaze darted around the room in search of some way to explain her hysteria.

She had swallowed thickly, wringing her hands anxiously in front of herself as she'd spoken; telling her father what she'd seen down at the boardwalk in a rush. He'd stared at Amara in shock, unblinking, before he abruptly snapped himself out of his daze and rushed into the kitchen. The police had arrived half an hour later and asked a series of questions about the body within the car before they left with soft mutters of parting.

Amara's father had watched her leave the kitchen, eyes wanting to say more, but his mind urging him to let it go. He'd given Amara space over the hours that'd passed, only coming into her room to bring her food that she'd half-heartedly eaten. Since then, Amara had stayed within the safety of her room—engrossing herself within the pages of Inkheart.

The bedside lamp was the only source of light within the darkness of Amara's room. Inkheart laid face down on her bedside table as Amara grew enthralled by the turquoise-blue comic. She mentally thanked the two twins that'd urged her to take the comic; the detailed drawings and text sucking her further into the vampiric horror comic.

A startled scream spilled from Amara's lips as the door to her bedroom swung open on silent hinges, hand flying to her chest as her heart pounded beneath her palm. Her father's sheepishly amused eyes studied Amara from the doorway, a look of concern etched into his irises as clearly as a cloudless sky.

"You scared the crap out of me." Amara breathed out with an amused tilt to her lips, gaze locked on her father's as her hand left her chest.

Her father chuckled, shaking his head with mirth as his eyes came to rest on the comic clutched in her hands. "What do you think of it?" He asked, gesturing to the bold-red 'Vampires Everywhere' sprawled across the cover.

Amara shrugged, underplaying the enthrallment of the comic. "It's good. Better than I'd thought it'd be when Tobias and Alexander practically forced me to take it."

"Edgar's sons?"

Amara hummed in acknowledgement, gaze straying from the dark soil-brown haired man and back towards the glossy sheen of the comic book's pages. Her father watched Amara for several seconds from the doorway, weighing up the need to ask her if she was okay after the events of today or if he should let it go for now. Her father sighed, raking his fingers through his hair as Amara's attention lifted from the detailed and equally grotesque drawings of the comic, and to his face.

"Night, Mars. Don't stay up too late." He urged softly, turning to leave the room with his hand resting on the doorknob.

"Night." Amara breathed out softly in response, the door closing behind her father with a soft snitching sound.

Stars glinted within the sky as Amara dared a glance towards the gap of her blinds. The cloudless sky filled with hundreds of twinkling stars. The moon shining down upon Santa Carla as the night drew on. Amara tore her gaze away from the gap within her curtains and back towards the glossy pages of the horror comic—delving deeper into the comic the further she read.

All thoughts of the four bikers that waited for her on the boardwalk tucked to the depths of her mind; the promise she'd made to the Atlantic-blue eyed biker broken and unfulfilled. Left to shatter like that of the windows of the fire-riddled car as the dirty blonde's gaze darted from person to person; a foreign feeling of worry swirling within the biker's gut.

Worry that he shoved to the back of his mind as he turned back to the group of four and gestured towards the beach. They wasted no time as they raced down the steps of the boardwalk and down to the beach; disappearing into the night as quickly as they had appeared.

Lost in the shadows of the night as their hollers of joy filled the night and echoed across the sky of Santa Carla.

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