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August 1, 2019 – Attune

          Bring into accord, harmony, or sympathetic relationship; adjust

It never occurred to her how difficult it could be for aliens to adjust to life on Earth. Not until she was thrust into a similar situation. Vulcans were fairly well known to humans and it wasn’t hard to read up on their customs long before the shuttle even left home. Still, reading and doing were two very different things. Madison found herself floundering to make friends or even friendly acquaintances. She wasn’t naturally a social being, but she wasn’t completely friendless on Earth. On Vulcan, however, she found herself shunted to the side, more often than not, while the pointy-eared-bastards stared at her with disapproving haughtiness. For the first time in her life, she regretted her academic choices.

          “Are you alright, dear?” a soft voice startled her. She turned on her seat outside the Academy of Science to blink up at a woman. A human woman.

          “Wha’?” Wow. Great work brain.

          The woman gave a kind smile, settling on the bench beside her, “You seemed a bit sad. Are you alright?”

          “Oh. I’m…I’m fine.”

          The woman gave her a look that stated she didn’t believe a word Madison was saying. She never had a mother, but she felt distinctly chastised by the look as if she had been receiving it for years.

          “It’s just been a long month. I’m alright.”

          “I see,” the woman was looking off to the side where a group of Vulcans had just exited the Academy. Her face had fallen into a neutral expression as she contemplated the group before turning back to Madison with a smile. “How rude of me, I haven’t introduced myself. Amanda Grayson.”

          Madison gripped the offered hand, relaxing at the familiar gesture, “Madison Kirk.”

          “Well then, Miss Kirk. It’s been quite a while since I’ve been able to meet another human. How would you like to join me for dinner? I’d love to hear what brought you all the way out here.”

          On any other day, on any other planet, Madison might not have accepted the offer. Going into strangers’ homes made her antsy at best. She didn’t have enough trust in her. But she was tired and lonely and homesick and there was nothing more she wanted than some human interaction where she didn’t have to worry about every word that came out of her mouth. Her head felt tight, her eyes stinging as she pushed to her feet with a nod. Amanda gave an understanding look and linked her arm with the younger woman to guide her down the road.

          It wasn’t until dinner was cooking and Madison was perched on a stool at the breakfast bar (a very human set up that had she had dearly missed) that Amanda asked, “So what brings you to Vulcan?”

          “School. I got accepted into the Academy for my Masters in Mechanical Engineering.”

          “Congratulations! That’s quite an accomplishment. Your parents must be proud.”

          Madison smiled sadly, “It’s just me and my brother now, but yes, he’s proud.”

          “Oh. I’m so sorry.”

          “I never got to know my dad, and mom hasn’t been around for a long time. It’s hard without my brother though. We’re twins.”

          Amanda smiled at her from where she was cutting up vegetables. “That must be nice. Is he in school as well?”

          “No,” she sighed. “Honestly, I don’t know what Jim is doing right now. He’s going through a bit of a rebellious…well, not phase. It’s been years of him constantly getting in trouble. It’s part of the reason I left, if I’m being completely honest.” She curled in on herself, her arms wrapping around her middle. “I love him to death, but I couldn’t watch him pick away at his life anymore.”

          A hand brushing gently through her hair tilted her face back up. Amanda had moved around the counter to stand beside her. Her eyes shone with motherly concern. She urged Madison to her feet before wrapping her in a tight hug. The younger woman nearly collapsed, her whole weight leaning on Amanda as she fought the pressure behind her eyes. Warm hands rubbed up and down her back, comforting her in a way she hadn’t had in years.

          She didn’t cry. Her eyes were wet as they separated several minutes later, but she didn’t cry. Amanda brushed some loose hairs behind her ears before moving back to her cooking. Madison was left to pull herself together, half-collapsing onto her stool.

          Amanda took the reins of conversation as they sat down to eat, talking about her husband and son and what it was like to be a human on Vulcan. Madison paid special attention as she spoke about the hardships of learning a new culture.

          “How did you do it though?” she asked. “Living here, giving up everything from Earth. Did you ever feel…”

          “Alone? Separated? Like I didn’t belong?”

          “Yeah…”

          “Sometimes. It was hard, but worth it. I have a family that I could not imagine living without. And it got easier as the years passed. Being so surrounded by a culture makes it easier to adapt.”

          Madison nodded, head bowed over her dinner plate in thought.

          Amanda reached over to squeeze her hand, “Don’t worry so much dear. You’ll do great. Just give yourself some time to adjust. And if you ever feel the need, you’re more than welcome to visit whenever you’d like. I’m sure my husband won’t mind. He’s already used to my more human habits.”

          Madison laughed at the wink the other woman gave and nodded in agreement. Having a place to go where she wouldn’t be judged as harshly sounded nice. Little did she know, Amanda Grayson and her husband Sarek would become more like family, both while she was a student and later when she returned with her newly found Vulcan soulmate.

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August 2, 2019 – Throng

          A crowd of people or animals

What was the plural of platypus? Platypuses? Platypi? Was there a specific word for a group – like a pride of lions, pack of wolves, murder of crows? Well, no matter what they were called, she was sure her Dad would not want them all over his home. Of course, it wasn’t her fault that there was a platypus invasion, but she wasn’t sure her Dad would see it that way either.

          “Pick one!” Deadpool called as he picked his way through the crowded living room, a platypus under each arm.

          “Aren’t platypuses…platypi…Aren’t they venomous? I don’t think Daddy will like having them around.”

          Deadpool blew a raspberry, his mask pushing out around his mouth from the air, “You just turned ten and he’s never given you a pet! That should be a crime!”

          “Okay, but why a platypus?”

          “Why not?”

          Couldn’t argue with that. Charlie looked down at the creature that had just flopped over her feet. It was smaller than most of the others, either younger or a runt. Naturally, it immediately became her favorite. She carefully lifted it into her arms and cradled it against her chest. Her heart melted as it nuzzled closer.

          “Oooooo, Gladys. Good choice,” Deadpool trotted over, now carrying half a dozen animals in his arms.

          “Charlie!” her Dad called.

          “In the living room!” Charlie grinned as she turned to meet her Dad. “Look what Uncle Wade got me for my birthday!”

          Only Deadpool could make her Dad swear so colorfully.

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August 3, 2019 – Conspire

          Plan together secretly to commit an illegal or wrongful act

Crushes were for middle school, where you could doodle hearts in your notebook and daydream of the boy who sat in front of you. It was not for highly trained CIA Agents who could kill a man with their pinky finger. Somehow, though, Evangeline still got the twisted feeling in her gut every time he stopped by her desk to chat. She blamed the accent, but really he was so sweet and so devoted to his son, how could she not fall just a little?

          Naturally, he didn’t seem to notice or care. He spoke to her exactly how he spoke to everyone else in the agency. Called her by name, treated her respectfully. It wasn’t enough. Some dark, twisted part of her wanted him bad. Wanted him to only want her. Like that Lauren girl he and his partner were fighting over could ever understand him like she could. The stupid bitch didn’t even realize the two men she was dating were connected.

          Fortunately, there was something no one knew about Evangeline. Not even Collins knew she was not born American. She had been adopted when she was too young to really remember her home country. That didn’t stop her older brothers from tracking her down and staying in touch since she was old enough to write letters. Her adopted parents, unaware of who her birth family was, encouraged the connection, hoping it would help her deal with being adopted. They were great people she was happy to have in her life. But there was nothing like her birth family.

          It was quite easy to contact Heinrich after he had snuck into the country. They were both crushed at the loss of Jonas, clinging to each other as the only family they had left. He had been patient as she admitted to her feelings to one of her brother’s murderers, had held her as she cried into his shoulder with guilt. When she told him about the situation with Lauren and how distracted the two agents were, he kissed her forehead and called her his angel.

          It wasn’t hard to plan out how to capture both men, even easier to execute it. She stood in the shadows watching as her brother’s men positioned the tied up agents, eyes lingering on the lean form that had always made her blood rush to her cheeks. Her brother squeezed her hand, indicating she should leave before they wake. Instead she approached them, stopping in front of one in particular. Her fist twisted in the fitted shirt as she leaned up to press her lips to unresponsive ones.

          “Goodbye Agent Hansen.”

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August 4, 2019 – Hegemony

          Dominance or leadership of one social group or nation over others

It was difficult for people to believe that Hobbits would be so content living the way they did. Even some of their own people would grumble and complain, but none moved to change. It was what they were used to and no one felt the need to move against the status quo.

          There was a time, of course, when things were not as they were now, but those were long in the past, nearly forgotten except for those who enjoyed studying history. As it was, Hobbits did not share the Men’s belief of slavery and refused to label their work in the fields surrounding Erebor as such. To them, they simply provided food for both themselves and their neighbors and in return they were protected from those who would truly wish them harm.

          True, they no longer had a Thain and the Dwarven King had long become the mediator of their troubles, but that hardly made a difference. Hobbits were peaceful creatures. If someone else wanted to take on the responsibility of authority over their little village, who were they to argue.

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August 5, 2019 – Inconspicuous

          Not prominent or readily noticeable

It always amazed her how many people were caught practicing magic within the castle walls. You’d think they’d know how to hide better when the king went on regular witch hunts. But no. the entire kingdom was called out once again to watch a burning. She was pressed between a stable hand who smelt of horse manure and a fellow kitchen maid who was far too excited at the prospect of an execution.

          “Can you believe it, Lucy?” This is the fifth burning this month!”

          She hummed in agreement. Just how many magic users were there in Camelot, anyway?

          The stable hand, Humphrey, nodded, “What’s the story with this one?”

          “No idea!”

          Lucy sighed, “Does it really matter? No matter what, it’ll end the same. And how can you still be so excited by all this?”

          Holly turned wide eyes on the other girl, “How can you not?”

          “I’m tired of death.”

          Both her companions flinched at the quiet words. They had forgotten Lucy hadn’t always lived in Camelot. That she had survived raid upon raid in her village until she was the last hider in the most extreme game of hid-and-seek. At fifteen she had travelled on foot for two weeks in order to find sanctuary within the castle. Luckily, the Head Cook had found her, half-starved and drenched from the rain, and had taken her under her wing. Five years had passed but Lucy could still recall perfectly the smell of smoke and blood.

          A hush fell over the crowd as the King stood on the balcony, ready to make his grand speech. Lucy turned to look at the crowd instead. Most looked as though they agreed with the King, willing sheep listening to their master. A few, however, had hesitant expressions. And one in particular looked almost murderous.

          The new boy. Merlin.

          She’d only spoken to him a handful of times when he’d come to the kitchens for the Prince’s breakfast, but he seemed nice enough. He didn’t look very nice now. She was surprised the King didn’t burst into flames from the force of that glare.

          Carefully, as the pyre was lit and screams filled the air, Lucy picked her way through the crowd. It was slow work, trying not to draw anyone’s attention, but she managed to stop just beside Merlin. His entire frame was trembling, his fists clenched so tight his knuckles were bloodless. She could see a muscle tick in his jaw from his clenched teeth. Trying not to startle him, she reached out and brushed her fingertips against the back of his hand. Immediately his head snapped to her. His eyes searched hers for a moment and whatever he found there had him unfurling. His hand grasped hers in a death grip as they turned back to the “entertainment”.

          Neither would know how they both envisioned themselves trapped in the flames before them.

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August 6, 2019 – Cynicism

          Belief that people care only about themselves and are not sincere or honest

People were assholes. It was a lesson hard learned, but one Peter would never fail to forget.

          He had met Brian in law school. Peter had been impressed by one of the few Omegas in his classes, though he knew his fellow Alphas sneered at the “abnormalities”. It was only too easy to sweep the other man off his feet. By the end of their first year, they were officially a couple. Five years later, Peter was on his way up the proverbial ladder while Brian was struggling to convince the Alphas that ruled the legal world that being Omega did not mean being an ineffective lawyer. Even with Peter’s support, Brian became more and more irritated with the world until he finally gave up. Peter just wasn’t aware he had also given up on their relationship.

          Going home early in the hopes that he could give his Omega a special night, get both their minds off their problems, Peter had found his worst nightmare. It was bad enough that he had cheated, but to cheat with Peter’s own niece…

          So yes, Peter knew exactly how vile people could be. It didn’t matter that he’d put his heart and soul into the relationship, Brian had still done exactly what he wanted with no thought of anyone else. So Peter refused to ever open himself up to that sort of pain again. He stuck with one night stands and short flings, leaving before the other person could. It was safer that way.

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August 7, 2019 – Vexatious

          Causing irritation or annoyance

There was a stabbing pain behind his eyes that had appeared with his arrival at Talia’s house. He knew it wasn’t going to be easy being in the same house as his traitorous family, but the few members he still liked had blackmailed him into coming. Still, the constant headaches were less expected. It was all Laura’s fault really.

          “WHAT DO YOU MEAN THE BAKERY CAN’T DO IT!? IT’S MY WEDDING!”

          Talia’s response wasn’t audible across the mansion.

          “I DON’T CARE! I WANT THAT CAKE! CALL THEM BACK! I DON’T CARE HOW MUCH IT COSTS!”

          “I hate this family,” his favorite niece growled. Cora had taken refuge in his room after Laura’s temper had flared the first time that day. Her nails clacked away on his laptop while he was spread out over his bed, hoping the idiotic traditional wedding his sister was insisting on would be over quickly.

          He hummed in agreement as the door opened and a scowling Derek slipped in, “I’m going out. You coming?”

          “Dear God, yes!” Cora scrambled out of her chair and was out the door before Peter could even lift his head from his pillow. A day out with his favorite family members was better than listening to Bridezilla rant about every detail that wasn’t to standard.

          He almost regretted his decision when Derek pulled in a spot outside the bakery he had heard mentioned earlier. The warm earth tones inside the small building had his shoulders relaxing for the first time that week. The sweet smell of baked goods permeated the air around the small wooden tables and glass cases showed off a variety of goods that had his mouth watering. His eyes were caught by the variety of chocolates in their own smaller case. He was in sweet tooth heaven!

          Derek didn’t let him linger for long, leading their little group past the barrier surrounding the front desk and through a singing door. The soft music that had been playing in the front was slightly louder in the kitchen. A couple workers were busy setting up goods on trays to take to the front while two more were huddle at a back work station. Derek made his way to the second group, swooping down to press a kiss to the young man’s cheek. Peter raised a brow at that. As far as he was aware, Derek wasn’t seeing anyone. He knew for a fact Talia thought that as she had just been lamenting the fact that her younger children didn’t have dates to the wedding.

          “Hey!” the man turned to his nephew and threw lanky arms around his neck to pull him into a proper kiss. Cora rolled her eyes at the two and slipped around them to give the woman a hug.

          “Uncle Peter,” Cora said, “This is Kat Stilinski, the bakery owner. Kat, Uncle Peter.”

          The woman smiled widely, a dimple appearing in one cheek, and Peter had a flash back to when Cora had been forced into ballet as a girl. Talia had hoped it would soften Cora in a way nothing else had. It hadn’t worked of course. Cora had had a hard time even making friends until one little girl had punched another for making fun of the tomboyish girl. Her parents had been busy that day, so Peter had gone to pick little Cora up and found her gushing about her new best friend. The petite curly haired brunette had smiled in exactly the same way when Cora had enthusiastically retold how she had defended her honor. Peter hadn’t been aware that they had stayed friends after all these years, but he was sure this was the same little girl.

          He grinned toothily, “I seem to recall a time when you beat a little girl for Cora.”

          Her cheeks turned pink as Cora cackled, drawing the attention of the couple that had finally parted.

          “I forgot about that!” the man he didn’t know smiled, nudging Kat. “Didn’t you break Lydia’s nose.”

          “She deserved it.”

          “Of course she did,” the man threw an arm around her shoulders and squeezed. “I’m Stiles, by the way. This little slugger’s twin.”

          Kat sighed loudly, “Go sit down. I’ll bring you guys some coffee.”

          Derek drew Stiles away to a table shoved in the corner. Cora followed still laughing quietly. He turned instead to help Kat with the mugs as she poured out coffee.

          “Oh, you don’t have to help. I got this.”

          “I don’t mind. It’s the least I can do for the rescue.”

          Her face twisted with distaste, “I can only imagine I’m part of problem. Your niece doesn’t get told no often, does she?”

          “More like never.”

          “That’s healthy.”

          Peter laughed.

          “But really, I am sorry if I’m causing you three problems, but I really can’t do the wedding, even if I wanted to. It’s always really busy this time of year and she didn’t call until like a week ago.”

          Peter waved her off, “Let’s get these coffees over there before Cora starts biting people.”

          Kat’s laugh was adorable, filled with snorts. Her nose wrinkled and she shook her head at him as she moved toward their families. Peter ignored the skip of his heart and followed her.

          “So,” Cora leaned forward as the last of their group settled in their seats. “What tasty new treats are you inventing today?”

          Kat snorted and reached back to grab a plate of chocolates from the nearby work station, “Well, speaking of Lydia, her wedding to Jackson is coming up. I’m making her cake as well as chocolates for the bridesmaids during the bachelorette party.” She placed the plate in the middle of the table and Cora began cackling again, Stiles quickly joining her. Dark chocolate truffles in the shape of extremely realistic penises made Peter smirk.

          “I still can’t believe she hired you,” Stiles said breathlessly.

          “Well, Jackson and I are friends, so she didn’t really have a choice. It was either hire me, or have me as a guest. At least this way she has an excuse about why I’m there.”

          “Well these are great!” Cora bit viciously into a penis, revealing the milky filling. “Nice touch.”

          Peter moaned in agreement as he bit into one as well. Flavors he couldn’t quite pin point exploded on his tongue, somehow reminding him of sex. It was almost too much to handle around others and he shifted in his seat uncomfortably.

          Kat smirked, “Actually, while I was making these I came up with an idea that I wanted to run by you guys.” She turned to face Peter, “Okay, so it’s pretty obvious Derek and Stiles are together, and because of that Derek tells him a lot about your family. And because Stiles is my twin and we hide nothing from each other, he then tells me everything.”

          He studied her eyes, getting momentarily lost in the compassionate amber staring up at him. She knew.

          “It’s one of the reasons I refused to do the wedding. I could, theoretically, squeeze in the time for another cake, but I can’t stand cheaters.”

          She curled in on herself, arms wrapping around her stomach. Cora reached over and rubbed her back soothingly. This was more than compassion, he realized. She knew, perhaps not exactly how he felt, but the experience of someone breaking your trust in the worst way. He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, moving closer. At that moment he realized the sweet scent he had been inhaling had not just been from the ovens. The scent of an Omega in mild distress didn’t normally rock him so thoroughly.

          “But,” she continued, smiling a little at him, “I’m all for a little petty revenge.”

          “Oh?”

          “I have an absurd amount of dick shaping materials for the different parties I’ve catered over the years. It really wouldn’t be very difficult to put some hidden in the cake. It would be subtle enough that no one would notice, even after it’s cut and eaten.”

          Peter was laughing by the time she finished, imagining the faces of his uptight family if they ever found out. The fact that it would be hidden means no one would have a reason to complain, but the present company would know. It would be enough to keep him entertained through the torture.

          “What about the flavor?” Stiles asked, leaning against Derek with a grin, “You said you weren’t going to make any of Babcia’s recipes anymore.”

          “And I won’t. She’ll just have to deal with something else. It’s time she learned the meaning of no.”

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August 8, 2019 – Inviolable

          Secure from violation or profanation

Thomas sat still as a statue at his work table, listening for any movement from above. His shoulders relaxed when the only sound was the creaks of the old house settling. He crept up the stairs, careful to not hit the creaky ones, and snuck into the kitchen. He pieced together a quick meal of leftovers, praying his family didn’t hear the microwave running. Luckily, the Hewitts were heavy sleepers and he made it back to the basement without any trouble.

          The basement was his own personal sanctuary. His family hardly ever came down, and when they did they didn’t linger. It made it easy to hide things he didn’t want them to know about. Not that that happened often. Now, however, there was something he desperately wanted to keep far away from them. They would certainly not approve. Outsiders were dangerous, after all. But he just couldn’t help himself.

          In the far corner where the shadows were thickest even in the day, he had hung blankets to act as a sort of curtain. He pushed them aside to reveal the old mattress he used as a bed when he didn’t want to climb up to his room. Sitting with her back pressed to the wall furthest from him, sat a petite woman wearing torn and dirty clothing. Her hair was knotted and greasy and her bare feet had small scratches from her last attempt at escape. Wide eyes watched him as he set the plate near her, nudging it closer when she didn’t immediately start eating. It took a few moments but eventually she cautiously reached out and began to pick at the food.

          He grinned widely at the sight, settling on the floor nearby to watch her eat her one meal for the day. He wished he could feed her more. He wished he could take her up to the shower and get her new clothes. He wished he could introduce her to Mama and Uncle Monty. Even Hoyt. He wished she could be part of the family. But they wouldn’t understand. They would see her as a threat, something to get rid of. Something to eat. The thought alone turned his stomach. No. He would protect her. She was his now, and no one was going to take that away from him.

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August 9, 2019 – Conundrum

          A difficult problem

Luda Mae clearly remembered the small female that had been curled in the back seat of the SUV. The group passing through had broken down on the side of the road close to the Hewitt farm. They had trespassed while looking for a phone and quickly fallen prey to her family. The girl though, had stayed in the car, silent tears running down her face and bruises on her arms. Bruises that had been there since the group had entered their little back woods. Her heart ached for the poor dear, but what could she do? Her family came first. No exceptions.

          Apparently there was an exception.

          Most wouldn’t realize, but her Thomas had the biggest heart she’d ever known. Usually, he kept his soft spots hidden unless he was alone with family. Animals were the one thing he always loved on without shame. She couldn’t count how many times she’d gone down to the basement and found several little woodland creatures scurrying around. If they were injured or weak he would keep them for even longer, wanting to protect them the same way he protected his family. It should have been obvious the girl would tug at his heartstrings.

          Still, she hadn’t expected this.

          Thomas had been sleeping in the basement more and more often. She hadn’t thought much of it, until he started coming up late for breakfast and going back down as soon as he could. He seemed to be avoiding the family and that just wasn’t like him. She began to worry something had happened. But what? What could have possibly happened to have him running away from her with his gaze on the ground like a scolded puppy?

          One morning, he failed to come to breakfast at all. She waited for the others to go about their day before creeping quietly down the basement stairs. The corner he usually slept in was covered with blankets hanging from the shelving above, creating a little cave. She couldn’t remember that being there the last time she was down, but shrugged it off. Thomas still had some childish habits, and who was she to deny a blanket fort. It wasn’t harming anyone. Thomas’s soft snores drifted out from behind the curtain, making her relax. Maybe she was worried for nothing. Still, she should wake him. He needed to eat before starting on his chores. Hoyt was sure to start yelling if he didn’t start soon.

          Tucking the blanket to the side, Luda froze. Thomas was asleep, back to the blanket and arms securely wrapped around a small figure. The bruises were gone and she was much grimier than before, but it was clearly the woman from the SUV. A gasp escaped her lips before she could stop it and big brown eyes popped open. Slim hands reflexively curled into the man’s shirt as she tried to hide herself behind his massive form. She looked like a frightened mouse, cowering against her protector.

          Luda Mae wasn’t sure what to do in this situation. Her son had hidden an outsider, had clearly come to care for her, and the outsider now clearly trusted him enough to see him as her safety. Habit made her want to kill the woman immediately. Outsiders were a threat to their way of life. But Thomas didn’t ask for a lot. He gave everything to his family and got very little just for himself. Would it be so bad to accept someone new into their lives?

          Her mind made up as she stared down at the quivering woman. Time to wake her son.

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August 10, 2019 – Banishment

          The act of compelling a citizen to leave his country or place of residence by political or judicial authority

She had trusted him. Against her better judgement she had grown close to the Prince. She blamed Merlin. He was always so sure Arthur was nothing like his father. Eventually she began to believe it too. The Prince was so kind when he wanted to be, genuinely seemed to want the best for his people, sacrificed himself again and again to protect them.

          How wrong they turned out to be.

          Lucy curled more into herself, stifling her whimpers as the knights loomed over her. Arthur’s gaze pierced her from across the field but she refused to look at him. She knew the laws, knew what he would do. What he would have to do. She was foolish to think he would spare her just because he considered her a friend, just because she saved his life.

          The bandits had been more experienced than they were used to and had knocked out most of their party before they could even climb out of their bedrolls. Lucy was lucky she was smaller and more agile than the others, able to slip away to the shadows. She was not so lucky that the one spell she had shot at the bandits trying to surround the Prince and been cast right as Arthur had turned to look for her.

          Now she was cowering against a tree as Arthur spoke to one of his knights about the couple people still unconscious, including Merlin. At least there was that. The other sorcerer, the one person she had ever told about her magic, wouldn’t have to watch her die. The knowledge that it happened would still hurt him, but at least he wouldn’t have to live with the image.

          Arthur finally made his way toward her, stopping several feet away. He studied her for a long moment before dismissing his knights. Confused, the men followed their orders to start packing up and moving back to Camelot. A sob threatened to rip out of her throat as she watched them carefully carry her friend away. She’d never get to say goodbye.

          Once they were alone, Arthur pulled his sword from its sheath and this time she could quiet her cries. Her eyes screwed up tight. If she was to die, she didn’t want to watch it happen, didn’t want to watch her friend be the one to kill her. The press of cold metal tilted her head up and she sobbed as the tip nicked her skin. Why was he toying with you? Why couldn’t he just do it already?

          A thump in front of her startled her into opening her eyes. She blinked past the liquid blurring her vision to see her pack lying next to her. Arthur still had his sword at her throat, a scowl on his face, but he made no move toward her.

          “Pick it up,” he ordered.

          Slowly, she reached out and gathered her meager belongings to her chest.

          “Stand up.”

          She stumbled to her feet.

          “According to the laws of Camelot, all magic users’ lives are forfeit.”

          Her whole frame was shaking with the effort to stay standing. The sword still at her throat didn’t help.

          “Saving my life grants you a reward, however. So here is yours. You are hereby banished from Camelot. Leave and do not return on pain of death.”

          That said, the sword was removed, pushed back into its sheath, and the Prince turned and marched away, not once looking back. The woods fell silent around her, wind picking up as the sun started creeping up over the horizon. Her body collapsed as her strength gave away.

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August 11, 2019 – Incredulous

          Not able to believe something, or not wanting to believe it

It’s all a dream. It’s all a dream. The thought ran through her head on a loop. After all, that was the only explanation for her current predicament. After all, how else does a woman of the twenty-first century wind up in a Jane Austen novel? Literally. And somehow get mistaken for the main character. Okay so maybe she had been named after her mother’s favorite heroine, but in no way does that make her Elizabeth Bennet!

          “Good Morning, Lizzie!”

          Apparently, no one agreed with her. With a sigh she turned to Kitty who sat at the breakfast table next to Lydia. Both girls had already started eating and the dirty dish at the head of the table signaled Mr. Bennet’s quick escape. The others weren’t down yet, so Liz resigned herself to listening to the babbling of the two youngest sisters, all while trying not to fall into a panic attack. Again. She still felt kind of bad for making Jane worry yesterday.

          “Girls!” Mrs. Bennet’s screeches made Liz wince as she burst into the room. A quick glance showed her only three of her daughters. “Where is Jane?”

          “She’s helping Mary with her hair, Mama,” Kitty said.

          “Oh blast Mary’s hair. Jane!”

          Liz felt her eye twitch at the yell. She really missed her quiet little apartment in LA. Most of her neighbors there had been elderly, meaning she didn’t have to worry about noise much. This dream was a trail in patience.

          After all the ladies of the house had settled around the table Mrs. Bennet began, “I have the most exciting news. I just told your father – Netherfield has been let at last!”

          Voices were raised in joy as Liz blinked in shock. Oh no. Oh no no no. She knew what would come from this. She’d read the book, seen the movie a thousand times. She refused to take part of all the soap opera level of drama that came with the arrival of Mr. Bingley. She straightened in her seat as the others listened to their mothers gushing. Well, she would just have to hurry the plot along. This was her dream, after all. Might as well enjoy it.

Chapter Text

August 12, 2019 – Progenitor

          A person or thing from the past that a person, an animal, or a plant that is alive now is related to

Remember that scene in Mean Girls, when Cady and Janet cut out holes in Regina’s shirt and then the next day all the other girls have done the same? That was how Avery felt at that moment. It was just ridiculous what people would do to fit in. Even if that meant everyone dying their hair a heinous shade of green.

          A snicker behind her alerted her to company. She turned her head to catch a glimpse of red hair as the tall figure looped an arm around her shoulders.

          “My, my. What a vibrant day today!”

          She rolled her eyes, “That wasn’t even clever.”

          A sharp gasp escaped Fred’s lips as he pulled away to press an offended hand to his heart. She rolled her eyes again.

          Another arm replaced Fred’s and Avery turned to look at the second twin, “Really though, what has you pouting?”

          She waved a hand at several passing students, all with vomit colored hair.

          His nose wrinkled, “Aw. Yes that.”

          “Your brother is quite the trend setter isn’t he?”

          Avery snorted, “It wasn’t exactly his choice. It was a prank, but the dye wouldn’t wash out before school, so Draco just pretended like he did it himself. I’m surprised by how many people went along with it though.”

          “Yes well,” Fred grinned, “having the Harry Potter as your best friend gives you quite the popularity boost, it seems.”

          Avery grinned back, “I wonder what they’d think if they found out it was Harry Potter who died his hair in the first place.”

Chapter Text

August 13, 2013 – Polarize

          Form two very different groups, opinions, or situations that are completely opposite to each other, or to cause this to happen

It was…an issue. To put it lightly. She loved her brother, she really did. But sometimes she just wanted to strangle him. Like right now, as he was called up to the stand to defend his actions. Not that she could fathom how he was going to do that. The grumblings next to her signaled Leonard’s agreement.

          “What is wrong with your brother?”

          “He’s your soulmate.”

          The doctor gave her the stink eye as the accuser was called up. A sharp tug on her finger drew her attention briefly. She curled her fist in an effort to ignore it. Madison hadn’t told anyone she had discovered where her Line ended. Not even her twin. It was just too complicated. He was a Professor. A well respected one at that. The fact that he was Vulcan was not as much of a hurdle as she would have thought. The fact that he was Amanda and Sarek’s son, however, was. It all felt too much like a setup, the universe constantly pushing her towards him. She didn’t like setups. Nor being pushed. It may have been inevitable, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t do this on her own terms.

          And now this. The issue.

          Her beloved twin brother was up against her yet acknowledged soulmate. They were so opposite in everything. She could see her future laid out. She would be forced to pick between them constantly. Yet another reason not to speak to Commander Spock.

          Suddenly the meeting was dissolved as the Admiral announced the attack on Vulcan. Her heart plummeted and she felt light headed as she stood too quickly. Leonard was already down the stairs to join Jim, but Madison hesitated. Hesitated a tad too long. By the time she had gathered herself enough to follow her classmates, she found she was completely separated from her family. She could only pray they made it to the shuttles in time.

Chapter Text

August 14, 2019 – Unscrupulous

          Having or showing no regard for what is right or honorable; devoid of scruples

Growing up on the streets blurred the line between right and wrong. After all, what did it matter if you got arrested for stealing, if it meant you had a full belly? So really I felt no shame slipping into the window. It wasn’t like this family was going to care. I’d been watching them for weeks. The weirdos invited whoever wanted to into their house. Of course there was a lot of weird stuff around. Occult stuff. But meh. Food was what I was after. If they wanted to curse me or something after, what was the worst they could do? My life was already shit.

          I wondered around for a bit. The whole family had left earlier, leaving the house relatively unguarded. The kitchen was in the basement and had a lot of questionable gunk in the fridge and a large black cauldron sat over a fire. I finally decided to chance whatever was in a Tupperware and looked similar to pasta. It wasn’t bad, I decided as I hoped up onto the counter, feet swinging happily.

          “Cousin Intruder!” Gomez’s shout startled me, but I quickly steadied myself on my perch. “You have returned! Tell me, how are the streets faring these days?”

          I grinned around my fork. Only the Addams would consider a robber a part of the family and allow them to continually break in.

Chapter Text

August 15, 2019 – Sporadically

          Not regularly or constantly

1) The first time she had ever seen her new neighbors was a week after the last of the boxes had been unpacked. She had carried them outside to be picked up with the trash when a tall lean man in a long coat swept out of her new building. He glanced her way before hurrying down the road calling loudly for a “John”. Another man quickly emerged and ran after him. This one was shorter with blonde hair.

          2) She was late coming home from work, tired and weary of being surrounded by people. A bag of takeout was dangling by her fingertips and rain had nearly completely soaked her to her bones. All in all, she was miserable and just wanted to eat and pass out in front of the TV. Instead she was nearly run over in the doorway. The tall man from before looked down at her with a light scowl before brushing past her, once more calling for John. John turned out to be much more polite, pausing to apologize and perhaps introduce himself if it hadn’t been for his companions urging to leave. The blonde man gave her an exasperated look before leaving as well.

          3) Her first day off in what felt like a month found her neighbor bursting through her front door. She scowled from the couch but wasn’t willing to emerge from the blanket nest she had formed. The tall man turned to motion she stay quiet, making her roll her eyes. She decided to just ignore whatever was happening at her door and turned back to the slasher marathon she was having. The credits were rolling by the time she turned back to her unwanted guest, only to find him gone. She shrugged and pressed play on the next movie. Leatherface was more important anyway.

          John arrived a few days later, pinked eared and shifting from foot to foot. She leaned into her doorway, half asleep, and waited for him to say something.

          “I apologize for Sherlock.”

          Her brow furrowed, “Who?”

          “Oh,” he blinked in confusion. “My flatmate.”

          “I’ve just been calling him Tall Man.”

          John snorted, “Ah. Well. I apologize. He shouldn’t have forced his way in just to hide from his brother.”

          “Is that what he was doing? I don’t blame him. I moved to a different continent to get away from my family.”

          John shifted again, clearly uncomfortable, “Right. Well, I…just wanted to say sorry. He won’t, but it was incredibly rude…”

          She waved him off, “It’s fine. He left me alone. No harm no foul.”

          4) Several weeks later she wasn’t even at home when she ran into her neighbor. Or rather, Sherlock flopped down in a chair at her table at her favorite café. She stared at him for a moment, but he seemed distracted by something across the street. Shrugging, she turned back to her book. His presence was almost entirely forgotten until she suddenly felt her chair being dragged around, closer to her companion. She looked up at him, startled, only to jerk in deeper surprise when he firmly pressed his lips to her. His hands cupped her cheeks, effectively keeping her in place. It wasn’t so much a kiss as just lips pressing together. Her confusion kept her from fighting.

          It only lasted a moment before he pulled back, looking over head back across the street. She blinked in continued shock as he stood abruptly and hurried away. When no reasoning came to her slow thoughts, she shook her head and went back to reading. She probably didn’t want to know.

          5) She really, really hoped that wasn’t blood, but considering Sherlock was carrying a large spear, she wasn’t holding her breath. She stood in the foyer of Baker Street, staring up at the man who had just entered, blocking her way out. She shook her head and turned back to her apartment. Looks like she was staying in today.

          6) He broke in again. This time while she was cooking dinner. He calmly walked in and sat down at her table, watching her as she mixed the stir fry. She ignored it. That seemed the best way to deal with Sherlock’s…Sherlockness. The knock on her door, however, was confusing. She glanced at her uninvited guest to find him glaring at the front door. Well now she had to know. She turned down the heat on the stove and moved around the counter, Sherlock half a step behind her.

          The man on the other side of the door was tall, about the same height as the one behind her. He wore a nice tailored suit and carried an umbrella draped over his arm.

          “Really, Sherlock,” the man drawled. “There was no need to hide.”

          She looked between her neighbor and the man in front of her, catching some of the resemblance. This must be the brother. Well then.

          She pushed the door, allowing it to slam shut before Sherlock could answer. Her locks clicked into place loudly over the sputtering coming from the hall.

          Turning, she glanced at a smirking Sherlock, “Hungry?”

          “Starving.”

Chapter Text

August 16, 2019 – Higgledy-piggledy

          In a disordered manner

The hunt was going well. It was awful that we had to be silent as we moved through the abandoned mines. It was one of the creepiest places the boys had ever brought me too and idle chit chat might help elevate some of the fear. But of course the whatever-we-were-hunting had better hearing than us had even our heavy breaths could possibly attract it. Talking would just make it worse.

          We came to the end of the rail and found a large circular room. It was mostly empty except for the piles of clothes and luggage from wayward campers. We spread out, carefully picking through the scattered objects to try and find any evidence of where the monster might be. After several minutes I gave up with a mental sigh and turned to head back to where Sam was behind me.

          “HIGGLEDY-PIGGLEDY!”

          My scream alerted the boys, though I was already shooting what looked like a seven foot tall decaying zombie/human. It opened its mouth in a scream only for its lower jaw to detach and flop to the floor. I fought back a gag as I helped the boys finish off the…thing.

          We were all breathing harshly by the time we were done. I dropped to the ground with a huff, legs sprawled out awkwardly. Dean moved to stand near me, shot gun still smoking slightly.

          “Higgledy-piggledy?”

          I flipped him off.

Chapter Text

August 17, 2019 – Voracious

          Having a huge appetite, very eager to learn to do something

Charlie’s eyes lit up every time he allowed her into his workshop. She was still too young to touch most of his equipment, but one small corner was dedicated to her. Little miniatures of all his tools were scattered across the table there and blueprints that she helped draft were rolled up to the side.

          It was one thing he hadn’t anticipated, but he probably should have. After all, he had been the same. When he was young he had always wanted to be around his father, watching him and learning all her could about the family business. Of course Howard hadn’t had time or patience with dealing with children and had often foisted him off onto his nanny. He refused to do the same.

          He and Charlie spent hours most days every week, sitting together and working through how to build little robot pets and doll houses with actual working elevators. Some of her ideas were actually good enough that he decided to add a toy development department in Stark Industries.

          It was his favorite time of the day, watching as his daughter absorbed information like a sponge, quickly surpassing even his intellect from when he was her age. He couldn’t be prouder.

Chapter Text

August 18, 2019 – Dilapidated

          Falling to pieces or into disrepair; broken down

It wasn’t perfect, but it was hers. After years of barely scraping by, of hoarding every little penny she could and working too many hours to be healthy, she had finally saved enough to move out of her asshole cousin’s house. Of course, she still didn’t have a lot. Just enough to buy the tiny two bedroom cabin in the middle of nowhere.

          It honestly looked like it was being held together by pure stubbornness. The door was barely attached, all the windows boarded up with the glass long gone. The stairs up to the porch were mostly rot and mildew and there was a giant hole on the left side of the porch floor. The roof looked half caved in on one side and there was some doubt about running water and electricity.

          Her grin nearly split her face at the sight. There was going to be an exceeding amount of blood, sweat, and tears shed before it was truly inhabitable, but she wouldn’t have to deal with the yelling and the dishes thrown at her head anymore. No more cowering in her closet as she waited for her drunken cousin to get bored of threatening his wife and come looking for her. She was finally free!

          Tires on the dirt road behind her had her back tensing. Her fists clenched as she spotted the police cruiser pulling up. An older man in a sheriff uniform stepped out and shouted a greeting. She smiled tensely back. Police made her nervous. They never believed her about her cousin, simply because he was a fellow officer. It didn’t help that his wife never backed her up. She learned quickly that no one would help her but herself.

          “Mornin’” the officer said. “You the new owner.”

          “Yessir,” she said as politely as her clenched teeth allowed.

          “Can’t say we weren’t surprised to hear someone was moving out here. House hasn’t been lived in in years.”

          “Yeah,” she shrugged. “It’s better than nothing.”

          His eyes studied her for longer than was comfortable, making her shift.

          “Do I know you from somewhere?”

          Again, she shrugged, “I used to live here when I was little. Before my parents died. We lived closer to town though.”

          He was quiet for a long time before he whispered, “Well I’ll be damned.”

          She ignored the comment. She didn’t want to reopen old wounds, especially if he had recognized her. She just wanted to disappear inside her little house and not talk to anyone for as long as humanly possible.

          “Looks like you need some work on the house. I know some people who would probably be able to help out.” He held out a scrap of paper that he had scribbled a name and number on. Cautiously, she took it and glanced down at the writing. Her heart stopped at the name. It couldn’t be. No one had stayed in the area once the factory was shut down. Why would they?

          “Hew…Hewitt?”

          “Yes, ma’am. Luda Mae’s boys could fix up your house to look like new if you liked.”

          Tears were swimming in her eyes as she looked at him. Really looked.

          “Charlie?”

          “Hiya Peanut,” he grinned.

          With a wet laugh she threw herself at him, letting him catch her around the waist and pull her into a tight hug. He held her close, hand running through her tangled curls. Tears continued streaming down her face and sobs wracked her body. She couldn’t seem to stop.

          “Shh,” he whispered. “It’s alright. You’re alright.”

          “I…I…”

          He rubbed her back and pressed a kiss to her hair, “C’mon. Luda Mae will wanna see you.”

          It took a few minutes to pull herself together before she could step back. Charlie kept one arm around her shoulders to guide her to his waiting cruiser.

          “Wait,” she protested weakly. “My stuff. I should at least put it inside.”

          He gave her a look, “No one’s taking your stuff, Peanut. No one comes out here.”

          She laughed weakly as he ushered her into the passenger seat. Her body sank into the seat, suddenly tired from the emotional upheaval. A yawn escaped as the car sped down the highway and it wasn’t long before she sleep overtook her.

          A hand gently shook her, a voice calling her name quietly. Her eyelids felt like a ton as she tried to pry them open.

          “Alison.”

          “Mmm.”

          “C’mon sweetheart. Time to wake up.”

          She blinked the car back into focus, the memory of where she was flowing back over like a wave. Charlie was missing from the driver’s seat and there was a breeze that hadn’t been there before. Tilting her head the other direction, she found her door propped open and an older woman crouched beside her. She seemed familiar but it took a minute before she could place a name.

          “Luda!” she gasped, throwing herself out of the car and knocking the woman onto the ground. Luda Mae laughed happily, hands grasping the back of her shirt to keep her close.

          “Oh my dear!” Luda kissed her head several times. “Welcome home!”

Chapter Text

August 19, 2019 – Irrefutable

          Impossible to disprove or deny

It was time to face some facts. This was definitely not a dream. This was her life now. And she could no longer ignore that. Still, would it really be so bad living here in a novel. Life was so much more simple, calm. Not much was expected of her, besides marrying well, and it was clear she was well on her way to doing just that.

          Mr. Darcy was charming, in his own way. And it was nice not to have to worry about a guy only wanting one thing. He treated her respectfully, listened to her, asked her opinions on things. Liz found herself looking for him whenever she entered a room during a party, her sister’s giggling quietly behind her and her mother looking on proudly. It was nearly perfect.

          Nearly, for two very distinct reasons. Mr. Bingley’s sisters for one. They did anything and everything they could to undermine her and Jane’s chances at happiness. Not that they succeeded. Mr. Darcy cared little for their opinions and Mr. Bingley seemed content to follow his lead.

          The real trouble lied in Mr. Wickham. Liz had been determined not to pay any attention to the man. She knew his true colors and was honestly not interested. She had dated men like that before, and refused to get sucked in. It helped that by the point they had been introduced, she had already decided being married to Mr. Darcy was better than anything she had planned in 2019. Mr. Wickham, however, had seemed to take her lack of interest as a challenge. The man refused to leave her alone at any social gathering. Her only escape was tucking as close as was appropriate to Mr. Darcy and pretending not to hear the other man. It didn’t deter him, but Mr. Darcy looked down at her with fondness every time she blatantly chose him, making her heart flutter.

          Yes, she decided, this may not be a dream. It was infinitely better.

Chapter Text

August 20, 2019 – Infatuate

          Arouse unreasoning love or passion in and cause to behave in an irrational way

Alison grinned as she looked around the kitchen. It really hadn’t changed since she was ten. Even Uncle Monty was the same, if now wheelchair bound. She didn’t have the heart to ask how he had lost his legs, but he seemed cheerful. At the moment he was regaling her with stories from the time she’d missed with them. Charlie had left to gather her things after Luda Mae had made it clear she was not going to leaving anytime soon. She probably should have fought more, but staying with people she considered family would be a million times better than the run down house, no matter how much she was looking forward to the solitude.

          Only one thing was missing from making this picture perfect. Tommy and her had been best friends as children. As they got older she had developed a bit of a crush on him. He was always so kind and gentle with her, loving in a way her family was not. She didn’t think the feelings had lingered, but she was still eager to see him again. Luda Mae had gone down to the basement, Tommy’s workshop apparently, in order to collect him, but they hadn’t been back for ten minutes. She was starting to get antsy.

          Finally, she heard heavy steps approaching and Monty chuckled as she sat up straighter. Luda Mae came in first, smiling and talking about making up a special dinner to celebrate. Alison wasn’t paying attention. Hovering in the doorway was a man over a foot taller than her and twice as wide, at least. He seemed made of pure muscle. A little shiver went down her spine and she forced her eyes up to his face. She was a little disappointed by the mask hiding his face, but she understood. He had always been self-conscious. If the mask made him more comfortable, she wouldn’t protest.

          She was standing and across the room before she realized. Standing in front of him only highlighted their size difference. Her neck already twinged from having to look so far up at him. His hand slowly rose, trembling as he brushed his fingertips against her cheeks.

          “Tommy,” she whispered, unable to really believe it was him.

          A whine escaped him and he scooped her up, arms wrapped around her waist lifting her clean off the ground. She laughed and threw her arms around his neck for balance. Warmth bloomed in her chest as he buried his face in her neck. Her crush was definitely back in full force.

Chapter Text

August 21, 2019 – Exhilarate

          Make someone feel very happy, excited, and full of energy

Charlie bounced on the toes of her feet as they waited in line. She loved rollercoasters. They were the best part of every theme park, fair, or carnival. Steve did not seem to agree. His face was deathly pale as he stood rigid next to her. Sam and Bucky were chuckling behind them. She decided to ignore all three of them. She had already told Steve several times he didn’t have to ride with her. It wasn’t her fault if he let the others goad him it.

          It wasn’t the longest coaster she had ridden. Steve still looked like he was wishing for death when the stumbled off though. Charlie however felt windswept and breathless. Her smile was wider than ever as she giggled lightly.

          “Another!” she called as she hurried to another ride, ignoring Steve’s groan of despair.

Chapter Text

August 22, 2019 – Disinvent

          Undo the invention or existence of

The Doctor huffed as he chased after the figure. The fog made it difficult to see but there was only one other being there with him. His current companion was about to make the worst mistake in the history of mistakes. He had to catch them before they succeeded.

          Finally he managed to catch up, finding them hovering near the Reset Button.

          “Wait, just wait!”

          “I can’t,” they whispered. Eyes trained on the big red button.

          “You don’t understand…”

          “YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND! My parents! My sister! My whole family! I could have them back! If the Machine had never existed, they wouldn’t have been taken from me!”

          “I know. I know it hurts, but this isn’t the answer.”

          “I think it is.”

          Before the Doctor could form an argument, a hand shot out, the Button was pressed, and a pleasant female voiced sounded from the fog.

          “Reset.”

Chapter Text

August 23, 2019 – Acquisitive

          Eager to acquire and possess things especially material possessions or ideas

Belle rolled her eyes at the girls falling all over themselves to get to Gaston. It was ridiculous, but then she found most of the villagers ridiculous. For such a little town, the people were fairly materialistic. All of them. Every single one. All they cared about was getting more. More money, more popularity, a better home, a better family. More more more.

          And the worst of the lot, was Gaston. A more selfish man she couldn’t even imagine. She spent most of her time in town trying to avoid him. Most of the time she succeeded. What she didn’t expect was for him to show up at her house. And she really didn’t expect him to propose. Honestly, did her actually think she would marry someone who only ever cared about how others perceived him? She was not some trophy to be won, and Gaston would never be her husband, even if he was the last man on Earth.

Chapter Text

August 24, 2019 – Churlish

          Impolite, unfriendly, marked by a lack of civility or graciousness

He didn’t know any other way to be. The world he grew up in was harsh and unforgiving. In defense he grew to be the same. Things like love and magic were saved for children’s tales. In the real world, they meant little to nothing. To survive, he had to be a warrior.

          He wasn’t sure why he blew the horn, only that he was desperate. The battle was long and hard and what little hope they had was quickly disappearing. The horn was their last chance.

          He hadn’t expected the help they received. He had seen their faces painted in the catacombs, read the scrolls dictating their triumphant battles. He recognized them almost instantly, even if he didn’t believe they were real. Part of him thought perhaps he had died. After all, how else would the Kings and Queens of Old appear before him as they did? But the more time he spent around them, the more he was sure. They had come to help them.

          Lucy the Valiant had been his favorite, the most connected to Narnia and its people. She was sweet and kind and fierce all wrapped in a small child’s form. She remained undaunted by his rough exterior, smiling and teasing him as she did her siblings. It wasn’t until he caught her staring blankly at the fire one night that he realized how hard her return was on her. And it wasn’t until she began to silently cry into his shoulder that he realized he didn’t always have to be hard. Perhaps, sometimes, he could learn to be kind.

Chapter Text

August 25, 2019 – Abhorrent

          Causing or deserving strong dislike or hatred

The stabbing pain in her temple was back, following the pain in the ass that had just sat down.

          “We really must stop meeting like this.”

          Gritting her teeth, she managed not to acknowledge the slimy bastard as she flagged down the bartender. She was going to need something stronger.

          “I’m going to start thinking you’re following me. This is the fifth bar I’ve ran into you in.”

          She didn’t even need to tell the bartender anything in order for a shot of tequila to appear in front of her. The woman gave a look of sympathy as she moved on. She hated tequila. She drank it anyway.

          As the man droned on, her head began to pound, though that could be from dehydration. Of course if he laughed that wheezy, high pitched whine one more time, she may just stab him with the straw sticking out of his fruity drink.

          Not able to take another minute, she pushed off her stool and threw down some bills. It was probably more than necessary, but she really couldn’t care less at the moment. She ignored the sputtering of the man as she marched from the room, glad she hadn’t drank enough to throw off her equilibrium. The chill of the night air sobered her more and allowed her to figure out which way was home. A few cars passed, but no cabs. Walking it was.

          She had made it half a block before she was yanked to the side. Her arm stung from the brick of the building she was slammed into. Hands gripped her upper arms in an iron grip, trapping her against the wall. Stunned, she blinked up at the man before her. The annoying man from the bar.

          “You know,” he snarled, lip curling. “I don’t appreciate being ignored.”

          She pushed at his chest, “Get off me.”

          He slammed her back again and her teeth clacked together from the sharp movement.

          “Anderson,” a deep drawl had the man freezing. His hands tightened painfully around her arms for a second before he released her and spun to look at the mouth of the alley. She turned to look as well. A ridiculously tall lean figure stood casually, hands in the pockets of his long coat. Anderson, apparently that was his name, stood tense and sneering.

          “What are you doing here, freak?”

          “The better question would be what are you doing here? I believe Lestrade will be very interested to learn of your extracurricular activities.”

          With one last sneer, Anderson hurried away. Her body sank against the wall, relief rushing through her. It took her a moment to settle. When she looked up again, she was alone.

Chapter Text

August 26, 2019 – Gnomic

          Short and clever, but difficult to understand

I frowned as I made my way through the halls, ignoring the screams coming from the kid’s rooms. It hadn’t taken long to learn that was normal. As was the cackling and train horns coming from the room ahead. I didn’t try to keep quiet when I pushed open the door and joined Gomez at his prized train set.

          “Cousin Intruder!” he greeted without raising his manic eyes from the crash he had just caused. “What do I owe the pleasure?”

          “Pugsley’s birthday is in a few days.” My voice was soft, nearly a whisper. It had been a long time since I talked to anyone.

          “Yes, we’re having a family get together to celebrate! Of course you are invited! We were worried on how we could invite you if you didn’t come to visit before then!”

          “I don’t have anything to wear. I don’t have money to get him a gift.”

          “Ah!” He hopped up from his seat and scooped up his jacket from the hook on the wall, stepping on and over the furniture in between. “Not to worry, Cousin Intruder! You are an Addams! We always take care of our family!”

          I watched, baffled as he pulled out his wallet and collected several bills. He thrust them into my hands before I could protest and pulled me to my feet. I found myself led through the house to the upper floors where I knew the family bedrooms were located.

          “No time like the present! Cousin Itt said he still had some shopping to do before the party. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind taking you with him.”

          We stopped in front of a plain dark door and Gomez knocked. It opened a moment later to reveal a short…man…at least I thought it was a man. It had long hair that completely covered its body from view and it wore a small black hat. High pitched, muffled noises came out and I had to assume it was talking by the fact that Gomez answered it by relating everything that had been discussed. It made a bobbing motion and Gomez chuckled.

          “Ah yes, how incredibly rude of me. Cousin Intruder, may I introduce Cousin Itt. Itt, this is Cousin Intruder.”

          I gave a small wave, not sure how to respond and Itt made some more high-pitched noises that somehow conveyed Itt was happy to meet me. I don’t know how I knew that, but like with most things concerning the Adams, I just went with it.

Chapter Text

August 27, 2019 – Aberrant

          Markedly different from an accepted norm

This should not have been as normal as it was for her. It wasn’t something she was happy about, but she wasn’t surprised by it either. A heavy sigh left her as she moved further into her kitchen, trying to ignore the fact that she’d have to buy yet another new apron. At this point it probably would save money and time if she just bought him an apron.

          “Charlie!” Deadpool spun to look at her, a wide smile stretched over his mottled face.

          She held up her hand to stop him, “I’m going to need you to put on some underwear before you say anything else.”

          He pouted like a toddler but at least he walked away, apron still tied to his nude body. She sighed again. One day, she swore, she would have him housebroken.

Chapter Text

August 28, 2019 – Lionize

          Give a lot of public attention and approval to (someone); treat as a celebrity

Charlie just didn’t understand it. Why was he lauded as an American Hero, but her father was considered a degenerate? She didn’t blame people. Steve was a hero, but he wasn’t the perfect man the public made him out to be. He had faults, prejudices, and fears. Why were his ignored while her dad’s were the only thing the press focused on?

          Her jaw clenched tightly as she turned the TV off and practically threw the remote across the room. Tears stung her eyes, only making her angrier.

          “Are you okay?”

          Her head whipped around to glare at the last person in the world she wanted to see. Natasha stood a few steps behind him with a sympathetic expression. Without a word, she pushed to her feet and fled the room. Captain America may be the people’s hero, but he would never be hers.

Chapter Text

August 29, 2019 – Calamitous

          Causing serious damage, or causing a lot of people to suffer

The apocalypse wasn’t unexpected to hunters. Especially the Winchesters. Hell, they had dealt with it multiple times. What they hadn’t expected was the way it finally succeeded. It wasn’t demons or war between heaven and hell. It wasn’t anything they were prepared for.

          The brothers were in northern California, away from the eye of the storm, but above the line. Being above the line meant they had no chance of making it to safety before the blizzards hit. They were forced to take shelter in an old church that had a large fireplace. Half a dozen others from town had hunkered down with them. For the most part, the people stayed calm. Terrified, but calm. It was a surprising but welcome change considering most of the time their interactions usually led to people screaming and running away. Of course the quiet only made the yelling seem worse when it hit.

          Sam rounded the corner into the main room they were occupying to find a spit forming in the group. Dean stood in the middle, trying and failing to calm down a middle aged blonde woman who looked ready to lunge at the young woman across from her. The younger was clutching a book, probably a bible, to her chest.

          “It is the Word of God!” the woman yelled, leaning around Dean to glare at the other. “You can’t burn it!”

          The younger woman had tears in her eyes, “We don’t have a choice! We’ll die! I refuse to believe God would punish us for surviving!”

          The older woman let out an inhuman scream as she launched herself at the younger. Dean caught her around the waist and carried her across the room. The younger woman stood frozen in the middle of the room, the other occupants carefully not looking at her. Sam slowly approached and laid a hand on her shoulder.

          “Are you alright?”

          “Yeah,” she answered weakly. “No. Are any of us?”

          Sam took a deep breath, “Right now? Yes, we are.”

          “But we won’t be. Not unless we get help.”

          “We just have to stay warm,” Sam carefully took the bible from her hands. “For what it’s worth, I agree with you.”

          Tears welled in her eyes, “But you don’t know. None of us do. What if you’re wrong? I don’t want to go to hell.”

          “You won’t. I promise.”

          “You can’t promise that.”

          “Sure I can,” Sam smiled wryly. “Trust me.”

Chapter Text

August 30, 2019 – Judicious

          Having, applying, or showing sound judgement, wise and careful

Darcy wasn’t known for thinking things through. And she was rather proud of that actually. It’s what led her to her best friend, Jane. And it led her to tasing Thor, thus earning the big guy’s respect. So really, even if she didn’t think about her choices in life beforehand, she came out the other side pretty golden.

          So when she was approached on the street by a man in a red and black suit with swords strapped to his back she didn’t hesitate. Her (slightly illegal) taser was out in a pinch and the guy was quickly twitching on the ground. When Jane later asked why she would tase Deadpool, all she could say was,

          “He was freaking me out!”

Chapter Text

August 31, 2019 – Tremulous

          Shaking or quivering as from weakness or fear

The growls and metallic screeches were ringing in my ears where I sat huddled against a tree. What was I doing here? Why was this happening? Those questions had been circling my head for days, but I was no closer to an answer.

          Suddenly a figure in a long black coat was before me. I froze, hoping they would leave me alone once they saw I wasn’t part of the fight. Of course my luck was never worse. A large hand gripped my upper arm pulling me to my feet and dragging me through the underbrush. I stumbled my way through the forest to where a large bonfire had appeared. I collapsed when the hand let me go and curled into a tight ball. There were others, vampires like the ones I’d been with, but no one I recognized.

          My ears felt stuffed, all sound muffled though I could see the groups talking to one another. I buried my face in my knees and tried to stop the shivers from racing through my body. I couldn’t feel the cold but I couldn’t stop shaking. I wish I could go home. What even was home anymore?

          I startled when a hand brushed through my hair, but kept my head bowed. If this was going to be my end, I didn’t want to watch.

          “Child,” a cultured voice broke through the cotton in my ears. “You have been through so much. Please. Look at me.”

          I swallowed around the lump in my throat, hesitantly raising my eyes to meet his. Blood red gazed down at me with fondness. He hummed in appreciation and then did something I would have never expected. Arms wound around my back and under my legs and as he straightened he cradled me to his chest. A gasp tore through my lungs and I quickly grasped his coat to steady myself.

          “Aro?” a angry voice demanded. “What are you doing? The law states –”

          “I know the laws brother,” his voice rumbled against my ear. “None shall harm another’s mate, on pain of death.”

          The silence that rippled through the surrounding vampires was almost tangible.

          “She shall be coming with us.” Red eyes looked back down at me, still seeming fond. “My mate.”