sagie

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎ movies ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎ perks of being a wallflower (2012)

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎ WALL-E (2008)

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎ the maze runner (2014)

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎ into the wild (2007)

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎ letterboxd

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‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎ tv shows ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎ criminal minds

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎ the pitt

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎ stanger things (#RIP #Talesfrom85ISNOTcanon)

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎ supernatural

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎ smallville

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎ heated rivalry

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‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎ music ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎ wallows

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎ the smiths

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎ hozier

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎ khaild

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎ del water gap

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎ the 1975

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎ the backseat lovers

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‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎ hobbies ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎ drawing and painting

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎ writing

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎ studying

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎ listening to music

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎ reviewing movies

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‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎ ships‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ kingdon (the pitt)

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎ byler (stanger things) (RIP)

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎ lumax (stanger things)

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎ henderhop (stanger things)

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‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎ fics! ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎ forever. (sam winchester x oc) (friends to lovers) - read here!

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎ SHARED SECERT (epilouge byler) - read here!

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎ left in the dark (spencer reid x oc) (post s2 kidnapping) - read here!

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎ safe space (sirius black x oc (james' sister)) (after leaving Grimmald Place and going to the potters) (brother's best friend) - read here!

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ꣑ৎ‎ in too deep (james potter x oc) (friends to lovers) - read here!

꣑ৎ‎

True to Max’s word, about an hour later, everyone was once again back at Mike’s house. This time, dressed in what they assumed was party attire. Mike was in jeans and a big band tee he might have stolen from his dad’s teenage wardrobe, tapping his foot against the floor waiting for everyone else to arrive. Will was next to him, also wearing jeans and a button up t-shirt, his arms crossed over his chest and humming along to the music playing on the record. 

Lucas and Max quickly came down the stairs. Lucas was wearing a dark blue collared shirt and wide legged jeans and his high top. The red-head followed quickly behind, wearing red denim shorts and a cropped yellow t-shirt with her hair down. They started chatting before Dustin and El arrived. 

El wearing jean shorts and a funny button up that she seemingly stole from her boyfriend. The boyfriend in question was, of course, wearing a Hellfire lives t-shirt and khakis. 

“Everyone ready?” Max spoke up as everyone nodded then she turned to Mike. 

“We are not taking my car.” He said, knowing exactly what she was thinking. Max scoffed and looked around at the rest of the party. 

“Come on, Mike, you have the only car that can fit all of us.” She huffed while Mike rolled his eyes. 

“We can fit in Lucas’ car!” He argued, standing up. Max was the one who rolled her eyes this time. 

“We both know that if we cram ourselves into that piece of shit, it’ll fall apart.” She retaliated. 

“Hey!” Lucas chimed in. After all, he had worked all summer the previous year to get that car. Max whipped around and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before turning back to Mike. 

“But seriously, your car is the only option.” She said, her fierce blue eyes showing no sign of backing down. 

“Fine, whatever.” He grabbed his keys and the rest of the party promptly ran up the stairs and out of the house. Well, almost everyone. Will had stayed behind and didn't move until Mike neared the stairs and called out. 

“You coming?” He asked, looking over his shoulder. Will snapped out of the little gaze he was in and stood up, walking over to Mike. 

“Yes, you can’t get rid of me that easily.” Will joked and gave Mike a smile. With that, both of them exit the basement and then the house where they both found all of their friends leaned against the car. 

A short drive later while blasting ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun’ per El and Max’s request, The Party pulled up to…well the party. It was a small, unassuming house that belonged to the parents of the guys Lucas played basketball with. 

As everyone got out of the car, the thumping of music could be heard from outside. Mike was first to open the door and with it came a wave of expected loud music and even louder conversations crashing over everyone.

 Slowly, the party led by Mike pushed through the house. Everything seemed to slow down as they pushed their way through the crowd. Will observed how the people surrounding him acted. 

One girl with crimped hair in the living room laughed at something the guy sitting next to her said. She was clearly somewhat drunk, trying to hit the guy's chest in a flirty manner but was so uncoordinated that she ended up slapping his stomach.

He suppressed a chuckle and turned his head to the stairs. There was a pair of girls, one with her arms around the other who was crying. His face dropped and he finally looked ahead and suddenly he was in the kitchen. 

It was surprisingly small for how big the house looked from the outside. A white fridge and an oven behind him made him feel cramped in the space. There was a screen door a few feet away from him that led to a backyard with more people surrounded by what looked like a bonfire. 

He pressed himself up against the white fridge, to try and stay out of everyone’s way. Try. He turned his head to chat to his friends asking what they wanted to do. What do you even do at parties anyway?

A few minutes into a conversation about nothing, a guy stumbled in from the backyard. He was tall, nearly Mike’s height, and had short dark hair. He was wearing a dark green polo that was tight around his arms. This guy was clearly a jock. This guy clearly would have bullied Will before. On his way into the house, he ran into Will because, to his luck, he was right in the line of the fire. 

“Oh, sorry.” Will said calmly. If he can kill Vecna and safe the fucking world multipe times, he can be normal around jocks. 

The guy straightens himself, brushing his shoulder like Will was dirty and rolled his eyes. Will caught this and rolled his eyes slightly. 

“What?” The guy spoke up, his voice deep like he was trying to be authoritative. This made everyone around the kitchen including the party turn their head. Especially Mike, who stepped closer to Will instinctively. The guys noticed this and a twisted smile painted his face. 

“Aw! Your boyfriend is coming to save you?” The guy asked, his voice high pitched and dripping with sarcasm. Mike tensed up by Will’s side. 

“No one needs to come and ‘save me’ because you’re mad that you bumped into me.” Will said, his voice dripping with the same amount of sarcasm. Instantly. The guy’s face twisted into something darker. He pushed Will into the fridge, making it shake and making some of the magnets fall off. 

“Listen here, Fag-” The guys started but before he can finish calling will anything, Mike through a right hook at him. Will heard a crack before the guy that was towering over him a moment before stumbled and fell on the cold, tile floor.

Will sat there, shocked. Mike stood next to him, his hand already starting to bruise and his breath coming out in huffs and the guy slumped on the floor. 

Everyone who wasn’t looking over before was most definitely working now. Max’s jaw was on the floor with a mix of horror and awe. Mike looked over to Will, ignoring everyone’s stares. 

“You okay?” He asked. Will looked up at him also in a mix of horror and awe and guilt. 

“You didn’t have to do that.” Will explained. 

“I know, I just..I got mad.” Mike chuckled. Just then, El chimed in and grabbed Will’s arm to get his attention. 

“Will! Will, are you okay?” She asked, her eyes wide in concern for her brother. 

“Yeah, yeah. I’m okay. Nothing I haven’t heard before. We should probably get out of her though.” He chuckled. El nodded and looked at Max who nodded as well. 

Eventually, Spencer fell asleep again and Sadie sat back in her chair. Dr. Steve came in again to check on him and Sadie pulled her aside. 

“Excuse me.” Sadie whispered, trying not to talk too loud for Spencer’s sake. Dr. Steve pulled up a stool and sat in front of her, sensening her seriousness. 

“So, if he’s going to rehab…what do I tell my boss? The team? What happens now?” She asked, her eyes flickering from the doctor to Spencer. He always looks so much more peaceful like this. Before she could get ahead of herself, he shook her head and looked back at Dr.Steve. 

“None of this falls on you personally. I know this is a scary place to be since you both have such important jobs. However, he has to come before others.” She started and Sadie nodded in agreement.

“Don’t worry about telling your boss. I am going to call him personally and let him know his plan of action and about his leave of absence. I can’t promise he won’t get in trouble but I can explain the situation and his addiction to the best of my ability.” Dr. Steve explained. Sadie nodded again. 

“Thank you, that helps a lot.” Sadie gives her the best smile she could muster. Dr. Steve nods and walks out of the room. 

It wasn’t until a few hours later that Spencer was discharged. He got changed and quickly came back into the room, where Sadie was waiting for him. 

“Hey, ready to go?” She asked, standing up. That's when he finally got a good head to toe look at her. She was in an oversized salmon pink hoodie, dark blue flannel fleece pajama pants and penguin slippers that she’s had since she they met. Her hair was up in a messy bun with strays flying out from behind her ear. 

There were bags under her eyes too, like she hadn’t slept. Then he realized why, the argument came flooding back to him and it felt like a punch to the gut. 

“Spence?” She asked, her voice soft and taking a step closer. Without saying anything he just fell into her, wrapping his arms around her. 

“Hey…” She said, slightly confused but wrapping her arms around him and rubbing his back anyway. 

“I’m sorry. I was an asshole. I didn’t know what to do…still don’t.” He said, nuzzling into her neck. It was like her scent could calm him. 

“I know…I know you’re sorry. It’ll be okay. We’ll be okay.” She whispered, continuing to rub his back. 

“What are we gonna do?” He asked, pulling back just a little. 

“I’m gonna take you home and stay with you for a while, about a week and you’re gonna take a leave of absence from work. Your doctor is going to email hotch and explain the situation and then, next week you’re going to go to rehab, okay?” She said, rubbing his shoulders to sooth him. However, his eyes were still wide and he looked scared. 

“I’m going to go through withdrawals. I’m gonna get mean again. How am I going to sleep?” He started sprailing. That’s the curse of having a brain like Spencer Reid, even when you were an addict you know the probability of never getting better. 

“I know it’s scary, Spence but I will be with you the whole time. Through every step.” She promised, looking up at him. He looked in between her eyes, looking for any sign of dishonesty, however, he found none. 

“Okay.” He whispered. 

“Ready to go home? Morgan cleaned it up for you.” She said with a small smile. Something in his expression flickered when he saw her smile, then he nodded. 

“Then let’s go.” She said, taking his hand and leading him out of the sterile, fluorescent lighting of the hospital. 

It wasn’t long until they were both back in his apartment and just like Sadie said, it was clean. So much so it looked like nothing had been touched in months. 

“Are you hungry?” Sadie asked, breaking him out of his awe. 

“Uh, yeah.” He said. 

“What would you like?” She asked again, already moving to the kitchen. 

“Soup?” He asked. “I think I’m going to take a shower.” He said, already walking to the bathroom. 

“Okay, I’ll be here if you need anything.” She said. He nodded and walked into the bathroom and, almost out of habit, opened the medicine cabinet and there was nothing. Shit, this was going to be harder than he thought it was going to be and he didn’t even realize it. 

He shook his head and closed the cabinet and there he was. He saw his reflection and he looked better, better than he had in months. He can do this. He can do this. 

He shook his head again, releasing the thoughts and started undressing himself to let the hot water from the shower run over him. 

When he got out of the shower, got dressed in his pjs, and stepped out of the bathroom, a warm smell washed over him and he smiled. 

Quickly, he shuffled his way to the kitchen and there she was, Sadie with her back to him stirring something over a pot and humming to herself. He smiled wide and walked up to her, wrapping his arms around her and rested his chin on her shoulder. 

“Did you have a good shower?” She asked, smiling. He smelled clean and like him, she rested her hand on his arms. 

“Mhm, it was nice.” I mumbled into her neck. 

“Good, I’m glad. This is almost done.” She said, her voice incredibly soft, like a pillow that Spencer would love to lay on right now. 

“What is it?” He asked. 

“Tortilili soup.” She smiled, her mom taught her how to make it. 

“My favorite.” He said, mirroring her smile. 

“I know, silly. That’s why I made it.” She chuckled, stirring the pot again. 

“Look, this is almost done. Why don’t you sit on the couch and put something on?” She suggested, squeezing his hand one more time before letting go. However, the only thing this did was make Spencer grip her tighter.

“But I’m comfy here.” He almost whined, nuzzling into her neck. 

“I’ll be here when you let go. You can even watch me from the living room.” She reminded, his voice gentle. His arms loosened ever so slightly. 

“Promise?” He asked, his voice almost a whisper. 

“I promise.” She said. 

“Okay.” He said before letting go and going to the living room. He sat on the couch and did just what she said, watched her float around the kitchen, making the dish perfect. In the blink of an eye, Sadie reappeared right in front of him with a bowl of soup. 

“Here you go.” She smiled and sat down next to him with a bowl of her own. 

“What do you want to watch?” He asked after taking the bowl with a smile and leaning back against the couch. 

“New Girl?” She turned to him with a smile.

“Again?” He groaned playfully, knowing that’s what they always watch. It was their show. 

“Come on, please?” She asked, giving him her best puppy dog eyes. He chuckled and turned it on. 

Later, around midnight, they were still on the couch. Both bowls of soup were devoured and left on the coffee table, stacked on top of each other and Spencer half asleep on Sadie’s arm. 

“Spence…” She whispered, trying to get him to wake up. She knows they could both stay on this couch but he would wake up with neck pain and she wanted to make sure everything for him was perfect. 

“No…comfy.” He mumbled into her shoulder. 

“Come on, let’s get you to bed, honey.” She said, gently coaxing him awake and standing up. 

Eventually, he got up and followed her to his bed. However, when he laid down, he dragged her down with him. 

“Spence…” She started but she was cut off by his arms wrapped around her tighter. 

“Please, stay. You’re the only reason I can fall asleep without the stuff.” He said, his voice raw with sleep and honesty. 

That made her freeze, processing everything. However, soon enough, she relaxed into his touch and both of them soon fell asleep. 

By the time they reached the woods at the end of their street, it was so dark that the one  flickering streetlight at the end of the culdesac was doing nothing to illuminate the few feet in front of them. 

“Where are we going?” Ila asked, her voice sounding small and confused. 

“Somewhere safe.” Robbie said, leaving no room for discussion. 

“Why aren’t mom and dad coming?” She asked. 

“Cause they don’t understand we’re in danger.” He said. 

“Why are we in danger?” She pushed a little harder. Robbie wanted to laugh, she's been asking questions like this since she was born but he knew he couldn’t laugh. Not now. 

He contemplated telling her the truth. He knew that this whole thing wasn’t fair. He’s taking her away from her home, her friends and her parents and everything she knew that was some semblance of normal. It wasn’t fair but he doesn't care about fairness right now, he just cares about keeping her safe. Suddenly, he stopped walking and of course Ila stopped next to him, he took a deep breath and leaned down to her level. 

“I can’t tell you right now but when we find some pace to stay for the night, I will. Deal?” He asked, looking between her eyes. Big innocent eyes that didn’t deserve to be thrown into any of this by eyes that didn’t deserve to die because of it either. 

Nevertheless, she nodded. Ila had no reason to not trust her brother. Robbie himself nodded and stood up straight again, talking her hand and stepping closer to the edge of the woods. 

After a quick but thorough scan, he plunged himself and Ila into the woods. His steps were slow and the grip on his little sister’s hand was almost bruising. 

“Follow me and stay quiet?” He whispered, looking down at her with those wide brown eyes he only got when he was focused and unbeknownst to her, maybe even a little scared. Ila nodded and looked ahead. 

The sun set, the light peaking through and shining down on both of the golden haired siblings. However, it was now getting dark as the sky hung on to the last moments of light before they were plunged into darkness. 

As if it dropped down from heaven itself, Robbie and Ila stumbled across an old cabin. It wasn’t nice, the opposite actually. It was simple but run down, moss growing on the side. The windows were covered with what looked to be old blankets and towels. Robbie turned to Ila. 

“Can you hand me my flashlight?” He asked, keeping his voice hushed in case there was anyone or anything nearby. 

Ila handed her his flashlight and she shined it at the door, which was also boarded up. He got closer, and stared at it for a second. Making any noise right now is a risk. Nevertheless, he knocked on the door. 

“Hello?” He called out, just louder than his normal voice. There was no response, just the crickets singing to each other, blissfully unaware of what’s going on around him. He sighed and turn to Ila. 

“Step back.” Robbie said, soft but firm. Ila took a few steps back and looked up at the night sky. The moon was full and the stars were bright and for a moment, she was distracted. 

Meanwhile, Robbie took a few steps back from the door then ran up to it and kicked it open. Ila whipped her head around to find the door swinging open. 

Robbie looked over his shoulder to see his little sister looking up at him like he hung the moon. He smiled and quickly rushed her inside before she could say anything. 

The inside of the cabin looked a little better than it did outside but smelled musty. However, there was a couch and a carpet that looked fine enough to sleep on. He nodded to himself and leaned down to her. 

“Okay, we need to make sure that no one else is here, so we have to stay quiet.” Robby said, raising his finger to his lips. Ila nodded and her eyes narrowed, like she was trying to put on a face for him. 

Robbie nodded and gripped her hand, ready to protect her in a split second if anything happened. Slowly, both of them crept through the house, their flashlight serving a spotlight for everything in the house. 

Obviously, it was abandoned. However, this looked different for everything else. It looked like the owner of the house left and simply never came back. 

The couch was still there, cabinets still full of cups and bowls and plates and maybe even some cans of food. However, now all of it was covered in a thick layer of dust. Once Robbie scanned the rest of the house, he turned to Ila again. 

“Okay, we’re all clear,” He said, leading her back to the living room and sitting both of them down on the old, dusty couch. 

“Ready for bed?” Robbie said in a voice that he only uses with her. He looked down at her and she returned with those big, hazel eyes.

Something in him tensed, she deserves some semblance of normal and that is what she will try her hardest to give her. Ila leaned against her old brother and nodded, closing her eyes. 

“You should go to bed.” He said, leaning back against the back of the couch to make her more comfortable and stroking her hair. 

“It’s okay.” He whispered as he noticed her breath start to even out. He leaned his head back against the couch once he knew she was asleep, thinking about before. When he was five and having his parents tell him that he was going to be a big brother. 

Robbie was genuinely ecstatic. He wouldn’t shut up about it and would tell anyone that would listen. He was even more happy when he found out that his little sibling was going to be a girl. 

He would talk to his mom’s belly any chance he would get. When Ila was born he would hold her for out until she would fall asleep and even then, he would sit in her nursery and watch her sleep, making sure that she was okay. 

He would say goodnight to her before he went to bed every night and seeing her grow up was his favorite thing. Now, he smiles anytime she tells him how many days were left until she was officially a teenager. 

Never in a million years did anyone ever think that a senior class party would start the apocalypse. However, if Robbie learned one thing from this it was to never trust drunk teenagers on a dormant nuclear powerplant. That seems obvious but Robbie swears it sounded like fun at the time. That’s a weak excuse, and he knew that, but it’s true.

 Robbie was there that night. He remembers thinking that bonfires weren’t a good idea on the dead grass that pooled all the way up to some of the boys’ shins and surrounded them for miles and miles. He can still feel the way his stomach dropped as he saw the fire light the grass and how it seemed to be sprinting toward that old building, the plant. 

He remembers the impact that quickly followed, knocking him back towards the edge of the tree line. Moments later, he opened his eyes again. His vision muddled and going in and out of focus, as well as a terrible ringing in his ears. 

There was something he could only describe as sludge oozing out of the building. It seemed to be glowing and red like it was magma straight out of a volcano. 

If it wasn’t for the adrenaline running though his body at full speed, he wouldn’t have stood up and noticed the people stumbling around.

The people he grew up with. They were pale and looked frail. He saw a girl…Nela, he thought her name was? She was trying to run away but got caught by a skinny red-haired boy. 

He was also pale like the others, his eyes wide and his pupils were so big that it looked like he didn’t even have an iris anymore.

 Robbie watched as the boy dragged her by her ankle and started feeding on her. Robbie’s eyes widened in horror. He wanted to scream in horror but something in him told him to hold him back from making a sound so he wouldn’t be next. 

The only thing he could think about was getting home and getting to Ila before anything else did. Robbie had been pretty much taking care of her ever since she was born. So much so, that people would think that he was a teen dad. 

That was because, if they weren’t busy avoiding each other at home, his parents were always working.  Oliver wasn't the best person, or husband, or father. Robbie had always resented him for how he treated his mom.

 Even since he was a little he was always defending his mother. He vividly remembers one particularly bad time when he was about 5, before Ila was born. 

His dad was drunk and mad about something, Robbie could hear the yelling from his room. Once he creeped down the stairs and saw what was going on, it took him no time at all to come running to his mother and stand in front of her. He was terrified his father was going to put his hands on his mother. 

He also vividly remembers swearing to himself that he would never treat a woman like that. At some point when he was younger, Robbie asked himself why his mom didn’t just leave him, let alone have another kid with him. Even though they both knew the answer, even then. If he left, his mom couldn’t possibly support all three of them by herself. 

Another scream from a girl that sat across from him in his AP US History class ripped him out of his thoughts. He quickly scrambled to his feet.  Since he was in the tree line, those… things that he once thought of as classmates, couldn’t see him. They were moving at such a slow speed it looked like one of those fight scenes straight out of a cheesy superhero film. 

Luckily, his golden blond hair that blended right into the fall leaves of the trees and the lack of light from the now set sun, the elements provided some camouflage and he turned and sprinted away and fast and as quietly as he could. 

He ran through the woods and prayed that no one could hear him and the thin branches of autumn cracked under his feet. His brown eyes turned wild as he tried to scan for any big root he could have tripped over. 

Once he reached the parking lot, he did a quick scan for something, anything. But nothing ever came for a beat. There was complete and utter silence, not even a cricket. 

For a moment, it felt like he was the only living thing left. All he could think about was getting to his sister. He looked at all the cars again, starting his up would cause too much attention and lead them to him right to where Robbie wanted them not to go. 

He took a breath and thanked God he ran track since middle school because he booked it home. His mind was always somewhere else when he ran. His mom would always say that his mind was left at the startling line as his feet took him over. And this time was no different. 

Robbie didn’t even realize he was at his house until he was standing in front of it. The sky looks dark and misty, like there was smoke in the air. There were sirens blaring from God knows where and a sharp pain in his head hit Robbie like a truck. 

He clutched it in pain and shook it quickly, trying to focus on one thing at a time as he practically stumbled into the house, slamming the door behind him. This got the attention of his mom and sister, who as soon as she saw him jumped off the couch and ran to him like she always did. 

“Robbie!” She cheered, wrapping his arms around him. 

“Hey, Illy.” She tried to smile and keep calm but held her too tight. 

“You okay?” She asked, pulling away for a second and looking up at him with her big eyes. His smile faltered and his gaze shifted from Ila to his mom then back to his little sister. 

“Ila, do me a favor and go upstairs and pack your stuff, okay?” He asked gently but firmly, leaving no room for question. She just nodded and turned, running up the stairs. The moment she was out of ear shot, he turned to his mom. 

“We have to go.” He blurted out before she could even ask what was wrong. 

“Robbie, what is going on?” She asked, concerned but firm. 

“That party I was at. Something happened, fire got caught on the grass and it blew up the plant and everyone there was...like zombies.” He started to gather little things of his from the living room, “We need to go somewhere, somewhere far-” He was cut off by his mom grabbing his face. 

“Robert Gabrail Leland. Are you high?” She asked accusingly, looking between his eyes like she was looking for signs. 

“No, I’m not high!” He said, shoving her off of him. 

“I’m serious, Mom. I saw them. They were taking people and dragging them to like- feed off them.” He rambled, stopping himself when his father came into the room. 

“What’s going on in here?” He asked. Robbie wanted to stare holes into that man but he didn't even spare him a glance, he just looked back at his mom. 

"You have to believe me. We have to get out of here.” He pleads, only looking at her but his father only steps closer. 

Robbie watched his mom’s eyes as they searched his then looked back at her husband. Finally, shaking her head. 

“Rob, we can’t just-” She started before Robbie let out a loud sigh and whipped his head to the stairs to see Ila. Their eyes met for a second. He turned back to his mother, finally. 

“I’m taking her with me.” He said, leaving no room for any argument. 

“And going where?” His mother asked, fear creeping into her voice. 

“Anywhere but here! I’m not letting her die here!” He snapped. A short hush fell over the room before he looked between his parents for a final time but stormed up the stairs and grabbed Ila on the way up. 

The house was quiet as he and Ila walked to his room. He sat her on the bed next to the biggest duffle bag he could find after digging through his closet. 

“Why were you yelling at mom?” She asked, breaking the tense silence that seemed to be leaking out the living room and up to Robbie’s room. 

“She just doesn't get Illy,”  He mumbled, shoving some clothes in the bag without a second thought but after a second he zipped up his bag and looked at her seriously. 

“We have to leave, and when we do you cannot leave my side, do you understand?” He said, looking between her eyes. Meanwhile, she just nodded. 

“Okay, do you have everything you need? Once we leave I don’t think we’re coming back.” He sighed, standing up and slinging the bag over his shoulder. 

“Yes, my bag’s in my room.” She said, her voice small and soft. 

“Okay, go get it and we’ll be ready to go.” Robbie said, giving her a small reassuring smile. He both knew that this was going to be a lot to handle, especially for a 12 year old so he would have to bear the brunt of it, which he was more than willing to do. 

It wasn’t until the later hours of the morning that Magnolia stirred. The sun coming through the dark red curtains made her crack her eyes open. And, when she opened her eyes and her vision went back to normal, she looked down to find Sirius. 

He was still wrapped around her like a koala and his head buried in her chest. She chuckled to herself and tucked some of his long hair behind his ear. 

“Hi, sleepyhead.” She whispered. This only made him bury his head in her chest even more, if even more was even possible. 

“What time is it?” He mumbled. 

“I don’t know, maybe 9 or 10?” She guessed, she couldn’t really roll over to look at the clock because he was holding her so tight. He mumbled something in reply but she couldn’t hear it, it wasn’t important now. 

“Are you hungry? Mom probably made breakfast by now.” She said, playing with his hair again. Sirius nodded against her but made no move to let her go or get up. 

“That means we have to get up, Siri.” She chucked and tilted his chin up to meet her eyes. When his pretty brown eyes finally met hers, she couldn’t help but smile. The warm sun coming through the window made them look like raw honey. 

Sirius finally sat up and begrudgingly let go of Maggie, she smiled and sat up with him. They both got out of bed and padded their way downstairs. As they got closer and closer to the kitchen, the smell of something mapley and warm washed over them. Sirius quicked his pace and Maggie chuckled and smiled to herself. 

When Sirius spotted James, he B lined up for the table where he was while Maggie went into the kitchen to make some plates for them. A few minutes later, while Sirius and James were chatting quietly, probably about quidditch, Maggie placed down a plate in front of him. 

Sirius paused his conversation and looked up at her. It was barely a second but Maggie could see the gratitude in his eyes, not just for the waffles but for everything. For last night, for telling him that he can always come over last year, for always reminding him that he is stronger than he thinks. 

Maggie smiled back and walked out to the living room with her waffles, leaving the boys alone. Although, his eyes lingered for a little too long before snapping back to James and refocusing on the conversation at hand. 

“Do you have any plans for today?” The brunette boy asked, mouth full of waffles. 

“Other than telling you not to talk without food in your mouth?” Sirius challenged him with a mischievous smile. James rolled his eyes but finished chewing before opening his mouth again.

“Come on, man. We have to do something.” James whined, which made Sirius laugh. 

“Fine, we can do something but I don’t know what’s good around here, mate. I just moved in, remember?” He suggested. Then, James’ eyes lit up. 

“I have just the place for you. Quick finish eating so we can go!” James buzzed excitedly. He was always a ball of energy.

“Can Maggie come?” Sirius tried to ask nonchalantly. However, judging by James’ reaction, he wasn’t accepting it. 

“You don’t want to hang out with just us?” James asked with his mount still full of food but this time he stopped chewing through his words. 

“I mean..sure I do but I would feel weird not at least inviting her.” Sirius shrugged, shoving his food around on his plate and not meeting his best friend's eyes. 

“I mean..I guess we can ask her.” James shrugged and went back to being fully engrossed in the food on his plate. Something about knowing she was going to be there made him feel lighter. 

After they finished eating their breakfast and putting their dishes in the sink, Sirius was the first upstairs. He walked down the hall until he was standing in front of Maggie's room. All of the sudden, he felt nervous. 

Why did he feel nervous? It was just Maggie and he was just asking if she wanted to hang out. Quickly, as soon as the thoughts crossed his mind, they were gone and he knocked on her door. 

“Come in.” Maggie’s voice came softly through the door. With that, Sirius slowly opened the door and stepped inside. For the first time, Sirius got a good look at her room. He’s seen it before, but only in pictures. However, her room really reflected her as a person. 

The walls were painted a very light strawberry yogurt pink with posters of her favorite bands and movies hung up on the wall next to pictures of her friends, some even included him. And there she was on her bed with a comforter properly matching the walls, he smiled as he sat on the foot of the bed. 

“I like your room.” He said. This made her look up from whatever she was doing. 

“Thank you.” She smiled. 

“Me and James are going out somewhere.” He stated, looking back down at his fingers in his lap. 

“Where?” She asked, tilting her head like a confused puppy. 

“I don’t know, he said it was a surprise but I was wondering if you wanted to come?” He asked, looking back at her again. He finally caught a glimpse of her eyes lighting up. 

“Yeah, I’d love to go.” She smiled and for a second, Sirius studied her smile. He finally was close enough to get a good look at it and Merlin, was it beautiful. 

“Cool…well, James wants to leave as soon as possible so I should get ready and you should too.” He said after a moment, standing up and walking towards the door. 

“I will.” She said, her voice soft as he reached the door. 

“And Sirius?” He paused, his hand on the door knob and looked over his shoulder.