I'm still writing as of now, but with school, I have a crap ton of final assignments. Posting the chapters will be pushed back to sometime in early May.
Standing in the lobby, you flip through the DVDs on the grand shelf. The villains chat loudly in the dining hall where you made them breakfast. Lazily, you drag your finger along the spine of the cases before landing on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Sleeping Beauty, and Hercules.
Grabbing two more movies, you make your way to the dining area. Taking a seat between Grimhilde and Maleficent, you set the case on the table.
"What's that?" Maleficent asks, pausing a sip of her tea to look at the covers. Grimhidle leans closer as well to take a peek while Hades walks up behind you, leaning over the back of your chair to see.
"The movies I mentioned last night. This is how I know of you all, even though you are from a different reality or universe," you explain. "It's your stories, or part of them at least."
"And we're all in this?" Hades questions.
"No, you all have your own movies," you add, showing the two other movies hidden under neither Sleeping Beauty.
"Interesting," Grimhidle hums before taking a bite of her Greek yogurt with berries you made for her.
Nodding, you lean back, accidentally bumping your head on Hades chest as he continues to lean over, looking at the Hercules case. Your eyes burn into the table, trying to avoid looking up.
"So when do we get to watch them?" Pain asked, standing atop Panic, who was struggling to hold him up.
"I can get them set up while you all finish eating."
Grabbing some food, you head back to the lounge area with the DVDs in your hands. Putting in the first disc, you look up to see Diablo staring down at you from his spot on the fireplace mantle.
Tilting his head, you mimic the action. As he tilts his head the other way, you do too. He hops around excitedly on the mental.
"What are you doing?"
"Ah!" Both of you squack, startled as Maleficent walks into the room, staring at the two of you.
Straightening up, you only stare for a moment, trying to find the right words to say before clearing your throat and smiling. "I was setting up the movie... got a little distracted," you explain.
She hums and takes a spot on one of the couches. "Diablo can be a bit mischievous," she adds as the raven lands on her shoulder. She watched you move around even as the other villains joined her on the couch.
You couldn't seem to sit still, as if you were scared of them. You reminded her a bit of a mouse always busy scurrying around; it was oddly adorable to her.
Would the others think the same? Maleficent knew that she had a bit more grace than some of these other villains, so would they take advantage of your kindness and crush it?
No, no, no, that wouldn't sit well with Maleficent.
She had to keep you safe.
₊˚ ✧ ━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━ ✧ ₊˚
Halfway through the first movie, Hades glanced away boredly as Snow White started to sing again about cleaning. Through the massive doorway to the dining area, Hades notices you wiping down the tables.
The faint sound of you humming along reaches him. It was a bit odd since a lot of the others are usually more aggressive, envious, and crooked.
Not you.
It was almost relaxing to just watch you work. The repeating motion as you drag the cloth along the table, removing any leftover crumbs from breakfast.
It was refreshing to have this quiet calm you bring, even amid the chaos. This couldn't have been easy, and it was just you running this joint, yet you carried it surprisingly well. However, if more villains start showing up, it'll definitely become more stressful for you, and if he wants to protect it, you'll need help.
Looking down, Hades notices Pain and Panic sitting on the floor watching the movie. Kicking both of them, Hades jerks his thumb to the dining area as a silent demand to go help.
"Excuse me," you hear the gravely voice of Pain speak. Looking down, you lean slightly on one leg to see the two small imps waiting in front of you with their hands behind their back.
"Yes?" you question, confused, setting the cloth and spray bottle down.
"We were ordered- ehm, here to help!"
Jumping onto the table with some struggle, you watch as they grab the bottle and rag. Before you can protest, the sliding doors open as the shuffle of shoes on carpet follows.
"Ehh! Jaffy!" Hades exclaims, hugging his villainous friend. "Oh? And Caption Cod, how fun, was wanting more guys around here."
Stepping out of the dining hall, you wipe your hands on your pant leg. Standing in the entrance is Jafar, who was clearly not enjoying the side hug Hades is giving him.
To the left, Captain Hook was trying to escape the headlock. While Smee was trying and failing to remove the god's arm from around his captain's neck.
"Hello," you finally greet, moving behind the desk, making the two new villains look over.
Putting in their names, you assign them rooms. Hearing the grunts, you look up to see Mr. Smee has moved on to dragging the Captain's bags in. You grab the keys and rush over to help.
"Here, let me," you say, pulling a cart and helping Smee load up the bags, before moving to add Jaraf's bag to his own cart.
"Oh! Thank you, dear," he stumbles slightly, taken aback by the assistance, but grateful nevertheless.
Picking up a bird cage, you fail to notice how Iago tries to snap at your fingers. Quickly, Diablo flies as the two birds get into a slight scuffle. Quickly, you set the cage and scoop up Diablo, holding him like a burger.
"(Reader), can you put Jafar near my room?" Hades asks, already leading Jafar to the couch where Mal is busy comforting a seething Grimhidle.
"One step ahead!" you call out, motioning for Smee to follow. Gently, you set Diablo down on the desk and smooth his feathers down.
"You gotta love them," Hades can be heard saying to Jafar as they settle for the ending of Snow White.
Heading down the hall, you push Jafar's cart with Iago, who was busy seething in the cage at being forgotten by Jafar. Smee followed, after looking at the few paintings and pictures lining the wall.
Stopping in front of a room, you pull out a key card that has "Hook" written across the top in your handwriting. Tapping the card, you hear the lock click and the door open.
Behind you, Smee gasp softly, watching as the once locked door opens so easily with just a small thing.
"It's mostly just magnets and locks," you explain.
"Then you didn't bring us here, did you?" Iago asks, accusingly, from the cage, finally speaking.
"Correct."
After helping to show Smee how the card works, you unload both his and Hook's bags in their separate rooms.
Making sure to drop off Jafar's bags in his own room, you open the golden cage. You watch as Iago flies out, zooming around the room.
"Like it?" you ask, setting down the last bag.
"No dust, no sand, open room, comfy pillows."
"And you get your own fruit bowl, no crackers," you add.
Gaspign Iago flies over and perches on your shoulder. "No crackers?" he asks, holding your cheeks in his wings staring into your eyes.
"Only if you want them-,"
"NO!"
"Then yes, there will be no crackers for you."
You and Smee walk to the lobby, pushing the carts and making small talk as you answer his questions and he listens to you explain the hotel a bit more. Iago stays perched on top of the cart, munching on some grapes.
Before turning the corner, Grimhidle rushes past, clearly on the verge of crying. Nervously, you glance back as she slams her door.
"Did the movie end?" you ask, pushing the cart in its spot as you enter the lobby.
"Yes, a horrible way to go as well," Maleficent nods, confirming your suspicions.
Removing the disc, you swap it out for "Sleeping Beauty". You walk over and hand Jafar his key card with his name.
"Put you across from Hades. He'll help show you how to use the key," you state. "Anyways, I'm (Reader)," you introduce, holding out a hand to the ex-advisor.
Eyeing you up and down, he offers a grin, but refuses to reciprocate your gesture. Swiftly Hook grabs your hand and shakes it back. The other villains look confused, but recognize the slight admiration in the captain's eyes.
"Thank you, lass/laddy!" he says a little too loudly and quickly clears his throat. Ignoring the slight blush on his cheeks, you nod and smile back.
"Well, it's great to meet you as well, Captain," you greet back, smiling. "I should probably give you a brief rundown. I don't have magic, I don't know why you're here, and I only know of you because in my world, you're cartoon characters from movies."
"Did I miss anything?" you question, handing Hook his own key.
"Think you got it, kiddo," Hades says, flashing you a thumbs-up which you copy right back at him.
Cute.
"Oh! The hotel is open for you all to explore. There are a few activity rooms, at least two pools. Each room has its own mini kitchen and a balcony looking out to the pond. Feel free to explore around the woods as well, just don't go too far."
Nodding, you scurry off back to the dining hall and grab a few things for Grimhidle. Noticing Pain and Panic still cleaning a stubborn spot, you scoop them up and carry them back to the living room.
"Think you two have done enough for today. Don't forget you both are on vacation too."
Setting them in the loddy you leave for Grimhilde's room.
"Ring the bell if you need anything," you call out back.
₊˚ ✧ ━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━ ✧ ₊˚
Knocking you shifts the weight of the items in your arms. "Um... Miss Grimhidle," you softly call out, unsure of what to say.
"Leave me be!" she cries out from within.
"I just have a few things for you, I swear I'll leave you be right after."
"I don't want your pity!"
"It's not pity," you correct.
Finally, she opens the door swiftly. Some hair falls out of her cowel, and her makeup is smudged, hinting that she was crying into her pillow. She shifts slightly under your gaze, not used to people seeing her so weak.
"Well, are you just going to stare or will you give me the 'things' you spoke of?" she snaps, crossing her arms.
Nodding swiftly, you hold up some tissues as well as a small bag of chocolates you had left over. You also carry a (favorite scent) candle under your arm.
"I wasn't sure what to get someone who saw themselves die, but I read chocolate, tissues, and candles are some good mourning gifts..."
"..."
"But I'll also listen if you wanna talk."
Taking the few gifts, she raises a brow, confused, but nods. "Very well," she mutters, still confused at the act of kindness. It reminded her of Snow White, the unnecessary kindness.
However, it was less annoying when it was from you. Lost in thought, Grimhidle doesn't hear the sound of the front bell ringing and your footsteps fading.
Only when you turn the corner to the lobby does she shut the door, holding the items close to her chest. Why was it warm? Was she falling sick?
Standing next to Jeanne, you watch as she glances around the farm with her hands on her hips. Her eyes trail from the chicken coop all the way to the fields before landing on you. She notices how you look around curiously and in awe, making her take slight pride in her farm.
Smiling back at her, you see how the corners of her lips turn slightly upward. "So, (Lastname) was it?" she asks, making you hum in agreement.
"Oh, you can call me (Reader)," you correct, still smiling.
"Alright, (Reader), how much experience do you have on a farm?"
"Oh, about... none," you sigh as your shoulders slump. "I mean, I think this one time I visited one on a field trip, but I grew up in the city,"
"City? What brought you out here?" she questions, turning to you.
"Wanted an adventure, a new life," you explain, glancing around as you worry you might be giving away too much of your past. For the past two nights, you've slowly remembered your past life in the future; however, you don't know what brought you to the past or why you are here.
"Alright then," she says, starting to walk past and heading to the fields. "I can start by having you tend to the crops. With the start of spring, we've already planted the potatoes, so you'll need to water and remove weeds."
"As well as...," she glances. "I suppose you'll help to carry the equipment, make deliveries, and clean around the farm."
"That works," you say, following after while Jeanne shows you around. She points out the equipment and animals, even introducing you to some of the cattle.
Stopping at the front door, she turns back. "Pierre will show you the delivery route tomorrow," she finishes.
"Sounds like a plan!" you smile, clapping your hands together. "Well then, I'll be heading back into town to start my job hunting. Yay," you sarcastically cheer, before clearing your throat. "Alright then, I'll see you later, alligat- ahem, bye."
Jeanne watches as you scurry past Fourteen and hurry down the path till your figure is hidden by the trees. A part of her can't help but laugh as you yelp from Fourteen's loud barking. Smiling gently, she shakes her head and enters the house.
Pierre and Marcel lean against the coop's wall, watching the previous interaction. Pierre holds onto the wooden basket as the younger brother places some eggs in carefully.
"Did they say something funny?" Marcel asks, confused as to why his mom was smiling. Their father had passed only a few years prior, and their mother hadn't smiled as much since.
They could tell she had tried to be strong for them, to handle the farm on her own, to care for the three boys. No matter how strong she presented, they knew their father's death hurt her. The house was quieter without their father's presence.
"Not sure," Pierre replies, watching the front door as Macel goes back into the coop for more eggs. "Maybe the new roommate might be refreshing for mom,"
"Like a new friend?"
"Yeah, maybe... Now hurry up."
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
Once in town, you look around, waving to Violette as you pass by before moving to another building. A few hours pass as you try and try to get a job.
No repair shops or construction companies were hiring.
The few restaurants were already fully staffed.
Turns out the postal office already had a mailman.
And no positions were open in any offices.
You were too nervous to meet the mayor after having only lived here for two days.
Which led you to walk up to the library in a desperate last chance. Opening the door, you step into the narrow two-story building snuggled between some apartments.
A flight of stairs leads to an upper floor with a few more shelves and a desk for studying. The main area was filled with more shelves and books, and there was a small fireplace. Sofas and lounge chairs are placed around the room.
Stepping up to the checkout desk, you ring a small bell. As you wait, you're able to look around at a few paintings of forests lining the walls. Many were covered in dust and hid the bright colors of the trees below.
Hearing footsteps, you turn back to notice a small, old woman waddling her way over. "Hello there," she finally greets with a slight frown as if just woken up.
"Evening, ma'am, my name is (Reader) (Lastname) and I'd like to apply for a job," you say, reciting what you've said at the other places you've visited today. The line naturally rolls off your tongue.
"Oh, I don't know. I'm not hiring, especially to no outsiders," she starts looking you up and down.
"Please, ma'am. I'll clean, and I'll organize. Mop, sweep, dust, wipe, vacuum," you plead. "I'll do it for cheap, too."
"I'm sure you will, hun, but do you have any references?"
"Refrences? I... well, no, I just moved to this town from nothing-,"
"I can tell."
"... right, but you see that's why I need this job. To make just some cash."
As you continue to go back and forth, the door can be heard opening. Neither of you glanced to see who could be visiting. The older lady stands behind the desk with her arms crossed as you lean over, pleading.
"Ah, (Lastname), what brings you to the library?" a familiar voice asks.
"Herpin?" you question as he finally steps closer, allowing the lighting to adjust, giving a better view of him.
Straightening up, you try to subtly fix your shirt as shame slightly fills your gut. This man, whom you already ran into, literally, now saw you begging for a job.
"Hey, I was just job hunting," you nervously laugh. "You, what about you?"
"I was grabbing a book for my class. I like to read for the younger students, as the older ones silently read their own books."
"Aww," you coo, slightly smiling. "You must be one of the best teachers in town? Hope you're able to find a good book. It would suck if your students turned on you and you had to pretend to disappear, but secretly you dress up as the substitute teacher and trick the students into wanting you back."
"Thank you, and best of luck to you," he says, smiling while adjusting his glasses, finding your comment odd. Herpin notices the slight grimace, giving away your current struggle.
"Ah, Madame Simon," Herpin greets the older woman as he turns to the front desk. "I'm sure you'll find (Reader) here and an excellent helper to have around."
"You've worked with them?" she asks, raising a brow.
Slightly glancing at you, he nods. "Yes, they've volunteered to help organize my classroom. Wonderful job as well, and Jeanne has told me how well they've been helping on the farm," Herpin lies.
"Really now?"
"Indeed."
Shifting her eyes between the two of you, she sighs. "Alright, I can have you working part-time for about... how's a quarter (22 euros) an hour?"
"That works!" you quickly say, relief filling your lungs.
"Alright then, you start next week," she explains. "From 2pm to 7pm to help with closing."
Damn, that time is going to interfere with Jeanne's dinner time, but you'll have to make it work. Maybe bring lunch, or you'll just reheat leftovers if Jeanne is willing to leave you some.
"Thank you, ma'am," you start, only to quiet down as she waves her hand dismissively and moves away from the desk. "Ah," you deadpan a bit, but can't fully wipe away the grateful smile on your face.
"I owe you one," you state to Herpin.
"Don't worry about it, you seem like you needed a little help."
You follow as he moves to find a book, not wanting the conversation to end. Your finger grazes over a book spine. You grimace, seeing how much dust was wiped off.
"Didn't take you for a lying type," you comment, leaning against the shelf as he kneels down to grab a book.
"I don't like to... only when I really need to," he answers smartly, glancing up, but relaxes as he sees your smile. "But Violette did tell me you were a good worker; it's not entirely a lie."
"Really?"
"Indeed, and if Violette and Jeanne both trust you enough to work for them, then so do I."
"Well then, I might have to help you out to make this little white lie and truth," you say, leaning closer as he looks up.
His eyes widened slightly, but a small smile grew on his face. "Perhaps I just might," he replies, getting back up. You hear his knees slightly pop.
"Didn't take you for a bold type," he says, smiling at you.
"Well, only when I need to be," you reply, quoting his earlier statement.
A moment passes as the two of you nod to each other. A silent agreement to a new blossoming friendship. You both finally bid each other goodbye before heading your own ways.
But as you walk, you fail to notice Herpin glance back slightly at you.
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
Entering the farmhouse, you see Marcel setting the table. The two of you pause to stare at each other. "Hey," you greet. "Need help?"
"No," he answers, looking away and going back to setting down bowls. Pierre enters the house, followed by the youngest of the kids, Gaston.
"Hello," you greet, smiling gently. You watch as he shyly hides behind his older brother, but still smiles at you. "I like your hat."
"Sorry about him," Pierre says, scratching the back of his neck. "He's always been shy of new people."
"Oh, that's alright. I'm not the most outgoing when I first meet people either," you wave your hand. Hearing footsteps heading to the house, you hold open the door for Jeanne as she carries a basket of vegetables for her stew.
She nods to you as a silent thank you, walking past, allowing you to shut the door. "Did you find a job?" she asks, cutting to the point.
"Yep! Got a part-time job at the library," you say proudly, smiling back at how Herpin had helped you. "A quarter (22 euros) an hour."
"A quarter (22 euros)?" Marcel scoffs. "That's not a lot-."
Quickly, Pierre whacks the back of his head, shutting him up as he let out a small, painful yelp.
"Ow, Pierre."
"Quiet, would you, any pay is useful."
"Both of you stop bickering, or it's early bed for both," Jeanne cuts in sharply as she chops up the vegetables.
Smiling gently, you find a spot at the table. Somehow, despite being a complete stranger, this family took you in and didn't make you feel like an outsider.
For your TLLH fanfic, could I suggest Otto as a potential romantic option? I know he’s a German soldier but you said you’d be open to it if he was requested enough
The hotel remained quiet as you lazily rested your head on the palm of your hand. The main lobby was empty as always, the only sound coming from the hum of a vending machine or the patter of rain on the window.
That was the problem with buying a hotel so far into the woods. You thought it would be smart for those who like to get away in the quiet areas of Florida. The problem is that everyone wants to go to Disney World, which is too far from your place.
Your eyes lazily follow the screen of your computer as you open the next chapter of your fanfic. The mouse makes a slight clicking sound as you scroll down the page.
Minutes pass with nothing happening, and the temptation to lock up grows.
Just as you mentally bookmark the page you're on, you close the tabs and spin in your chair facing the back wall. A few photos of your family sit on the small table. Some with your friends, others with your siblings.
One with your parents catches your eye. The love they had for you was strong, and they supported your interests no matter what. However, the fear of letting them down hangs heavy over your head.
You poured so much time and money into this, and you can't get a single customer. You weren't able to share your worries with anyone either. Since you had moved, you lost contact with a lot of friends.
Man, you really wished you had someone to talk to.
Just as you rub your eyes, ready to call it a night, the sliding doors can be heard opening. They seem to have had a habit of opening for a passing animal. However, the sounds of heels make your head snap in that direction.
Standing there in the doorway with a few bags is the Evil Queen herself.
A scowl rests on her face as she glances you up and down. The crown on her head catches the fluorescent lights. The cape drags behind her, soaking wet on the bottom. Her nails are perfectly manicured as she points at you.
"You there! Remove my drenched cape and bring me your finest room," she orders, moving her hands to rest on her hips. Her poster is straight and imposing.
"Um... May I have a name?" you ask, opening a tab on the computer to see the rooms. Not knowing what to do, you follow the check-in routine.
She scoffs again. "Queen Grimhilde."
Searching the rooms, you finally assign her one and get the key card set up. You can't help but keep glancing up to make sure it's actually her. Did you hit your head accidentally?
"Right? May I ask what brings you here?" you ask, looking back up, noticing how she's moved to look at herself in a decorative mirror.
"A getaway from royal duties," she comments, tucking some fallen hair back into her cowl.
"Ooo, self-care. I can respect that," you say, nodding as you help to remove the heavy, soaked cape.
The queen glances at you before nodding.
"But... what brought you to Florida?"
She lets out a sharp laugh. "Florida? No, this is Toontown," she corrects you.
"This Florida, which is in America, not Toontown," you try to explain, moving closer to grab a cart for her bags. "In the 20th century."
Slowly, she turns to you. "You... you must have used some magic to summon me, did you not!" she accuses angrily.
"I don't have magic, ma'am,"
"Oh? Were the doors opening on their own, not you?"
Shaking your head, you grab her bags and load them onto the cart. Heading down the hall, you lead her to the room you've assigned.
"No, they run on a sensor system that makes them open when someone steps within the area," you explain, testing the key and opening the door.
You step aside to let her in first and quickly push the cart, setting the bags on the bed. "I take it you don't know how long you'll be staying, do you?"
"I was only supposed to be gone a week, but seeing as how you don't even know how I got here, I suppose it'll be longer."
"...fair," you mutter as if her being here was your fault. "Well then, if you need anything, just head to the front desk."
"Very well then... (Reader)?" she questions, reading your name tag.
"That's me!" you chirp, trying to become positive.
As she turns away, you take that as your cue to leave and quickly make your way to the door, taking the cart with you. Halfway down the hall, you hear the front desk bell ringing frantically.
"Coming!" you call out, rushing down the hall with the cart and coming to a stop as you turn the corner. "Hi! I'm so sorry, I was just helping another-," you pause.
There at the desk was Pain and Panic, both taking turns ringing the bell. Behind them stood Hades, who was busy trying, and failing, to hit on Maleficent, who looked like she'd rather be anywhere but here. Diablo glares at the god before noticing you and cawing.
Spotting you as well, Hades steps back and smiles. "Hey, about time we got some service!"
Nodding, you scoot behind the counter. "Names, please?"
"Hades, and this lovely lady is Maleficent."
"Separate rooms," Mal comments sharply, looking down as you set up the room for them. She watches as you gently handle Diablo, who keeps hopping around on top of the computer, trying to see the screen.
"(Reader) how do you work the stupid bath- Maleficent?" Grimhidle asks, turning the corner.
"Ah, Grimhidle, so lovely to see you," the two greet each other, hugging slightly.
Handing Hades the key, you start getting Mal's set up. "You two know each other?" you ask.
"Why wouldn't they?" Hades asks.
"Well cause you all are from separate movies with separate timelines," you explain. "Then again, I suppose some movies do cross over as well as the whole Mouse of House."
"What are they rambling about?" Maleficent asks Grimhilde.
"It appears that this isn't our universe and instead somewhere called Florida."
"How in the Underworld did we end up here then? You can't do magic, can you?" Hades asks, turning to you.
Shaking your head, you slip past and start to load their bags onto separate carts. Noticing this, Hades waves his hands at Pain and Panic to move and help you.
"It appears they don't," Grimhidles answers for you.
"How do they know of us then?" Maleficent questions watching you as Diablo perches on the top pole of the carts, watching you.
"You all are from movies in my universe."
"Movies?"
"Yeah! If you want, I can put them on for you all tomorrow as I make breakfast," you say, leaning a bit on the cart. The villains glance around before nodding in agreement to your offer.
Pushing the cart full of Mal's suitcases, you head down the hall as the two women follow, chatting. "I put your rooms next to each other if that's alright?" you ask, testing the key card and opening the door for Maleficent.
"Thank you," Maleficent nods as you finish unloading her bag for her.
Quickly, you help get Hades to his own room, letting Pain and Panic ride on the cart, ignoring how they stare at you and whisper back and forth a bit.
Opening the door, you're a bit surprised when Hades motions for you to go first instead. You unload the bags and set them down on the ground, laughing gently as Pain and Panic jump onto the bed.
"This is softer than any rock," Pain sighs, wiggling farther into the pillow.
"I-indeed," Panic agrees before scabbering off the bed as Hades glares down at them.
"Um, you know what, let me fetch you some extra pillows," you offer, taking the cart with you.
Walking down the hall, you try to think of what could have caused this to happen. Looking down, you fail to notice as the Evil Queen opens her door.
"(Reader)."
"Ah! Damn it, don'-... don't do that," you say, taking a deep breath to calm your racing heart. You see her raised brow and sigh softly. "Apologies, how can I help?"
"The tub," she reminds you of her earlier request.
"Oh yes! What seems to be the problem?" you ask, stepping into the room and heading to the bathroom.
"How do I get the warm water?"
Test the nozzle by turning it to the left, running the water, and testing it with your hand. Gimhidle steps close to test the water herself, not realizing how close she is to you.
"Left for warm, right for cold," you explain, making her look over. The gap between you two is small, making you see almost every detail of her face.
"You're like... really pretty," you spit out, noticing her vibrant green eyes.
Grimhidle pauses, staring at you as well, her hand still under the water. She felt warm now, but figuring it was just from the water, she removed her hand and stepped back. "Thank you," she nods.
"I should go now," you awkwardly say before leaving the bathroom and rushing the cart back to the front of the hotel. Grabbing two extra pillows, you drop them off for Hades.
Seeing no new villains in the lobby, you lock up and head to your own room behind the counter. Changing and flopping down your signs softly.
"What is going on?" you mutter before shutting off the lights.
Hello! This will be the second book I'm working on, so apologies if updates take a while. Used to read these on Wattpad, but there hasn't been a lot lately, so here's my own version. A few things I would like to cover:
This is a various x reader style of writing, so I will do my best to get everyone some connection, but if I ever miss anyone, just send a request or make a comment.
2. The reader will be around 24-25 while writing.
3. If I miss a character you want added to the story, feel free to make a request!
The street was slightly busy around this time of day as the women of the village walked about running errands, and men worked in their shops. A few people walked around on their own missions, taking in the nice spring weather. Children can be heard playing in the school courtyard.
Among the many people out was Durand, walking the streets, already making a beeline to the bar. The only place he can go to drink away his loneliness and listen to the other villagers' problems.
Entering a small room, Durand quickly takes his spot close to the door as other villagers sit scattered around, while a few can be heard in the shop next door.
"The usual Violette," he says, too busy looking around at the others.
"I'm not Violette, sir," a voice answered, making him turn back, confused, before pausing and seeing an entirely different person. They had (eye color) with (hair style + color) that perfectly shaped their face.
Durand didn't even realize how long he had been studying their looks till the person spoke up again. "Sir? Your order?" you ask, feeling a little awkward as this guy stares you down.
Snapping back to reality, he finally recognizes you as the stranger who had stumbled into the bar last night. Seems that Violette has taken pity on you.
"Red wine," he mumbles and looks down, tapping at the counter, glancing at you as you move to grab a bottle. Durand merely nods once you set the glass down.
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
Later that afternoon, after you had finally worked off enough of your tab, Durand watched as Violette handed you a letter and softly spoke some instructions that were too hard for him to hear.
Nodding, you thank Violette for the help and pocket the letter. "Head north and turn left at the fork, got it," you confirm.
Violette smiles and nods. "Yes, and Jeanne should have a room for you to stay. You'll probably have to work on the farm as payment," she explains.
Heading to the door, you keep looking back at Violette as she adds in a few more details on how to get on Jeanna's good side. However, you fail to notice the shadow of someone walking to the door on the other side till the door opens and you run into a chest, making you stumble back.
Sturdy hands grab onto your shoulders, catching you from bumping into anyone else behind you.
"Apologies," a strong yet comforting voice says as they help stabilize you. "Are you alright there?"
Standing in front of you was a slightly taller male with greying hair with lighter streaks on the side. He wore circular glasses perched on his square nose. He donned a brown suit with a dark green vest.
Staring, you nod as he lets go of your shoulders. Grasping just how long you were observing, you quickly nod to his question. "Ah, yes, all good here! Are, um, you alright?" you ask.
The man smiles, pushes his glass back up, giving you a better view of his brown eyes. "I'm alright... you're new here, right?" he asks, stepping aside for a pair leaving.
Again, you nod, giving him a quick up-down as he passes to take his own seat at the counter. Thank goodness, he didn't see. But Violette sure did, and Durand as well.
"Well, welcome to the town-," he pauses, waiting for you to fill in the blank.
"(Reader), (Reader) (Lastname),"
"Herpin,"
Finally, Violette speaks up as she sets down a glass of wine for Herpin while refilling Durands. "(Reader), run along before it gets too late," she orders softly, making you straighten back up.
"Ah! Right, yes ma'am," you yelp before rushing out the door, nearly running into another person as you rush to the Morteau's farm.
"They seem nice," Herpin comments, taking a sip of his wine, smiling slightly.
"Nice, perhaps," Durand scoffs. "But if they are staying, that'll just be another this town needs to care for."
"I do not see how they living here impacts you, Durand," Herpin comments back while Violette rolls her eyes at the blond male's comment.
Scoffing again, Durand goes back to finishing his glass.
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
Passing by, you take note of all the different shops and buildings. A few people glance, recognizing you as a newcomer. The afternoon sun shines on you, warming your back while the occasional tree provides some shade.
Up ahead, along the dirt road, you can spot an entrance along the worn fence leading up to a farmhouse. Trees and bushes line the sides of the road.
A grey dog sleeps within a dog house chained to a stake in the ground. Only as you walk up the dirt trail does the dog wake and start barking, warning whoever is inside of your presence.
"Quite Fourteen!" a voice calls from within the home. Stepping closer, you hear shuffling from the barn, making you glance over, confused. Assuming it's just an animal, you turn back to knock on the wooden door.
"Hello? Madame Morteau?" you ask, stepping back and nearly stumbling over the stone steps. Catching yourself, you sigh just as the door opens, taking your attention off the ground.
In front of you was a woman with curly ginger hair and a slight scowl on her face. You notice slight blood on her apron, probably from killing an animal, but the sight made you nervous nevertheless.
She raises a confused brow at you, keeping one hand on the door. Her eyes trail you as if seeing if you're any threat, only softening as she notices the way you shift on your feet and the slight worried crease in your own eyebrows.
"Ehm, hello," you timidly greet, now face-to-face with her. "Violette said you might have an available room."
"Did she now?" Jeanne asks, crossing her arms.
Nodding, you quickly rummage for the note and offer it up, making her step back from just how swiftly you moved. She takes the paper, barely brushing her own fingers against yours.
You watch as her eyes scan the paper, and they look up at you occasionally, making you feel as if you are being judged. Behind her, you see an older boy, around fourteen, watching you as well, copying how his mother crosses her arms.
Pocketing the letter in her apron, she finally turns her full attention to you. "I have a spare room upstairs at the back," she starts explaining. "Violette said you'll do farm work."
"Yes, ma'am,"
"Alright, I'll let you stay as long as you do your tasks."
"Thank yo-,"
"However," she cuts you off, holding up a hand. "I suggest you find a paying job in town. I won't charge you, but you need to buy your own items," she explains.
"Oh! Yes, no, of course that makes sense," you nod quickly and flash a smile at her, making her smile slightly back. You could feel your neck getting sore from all the nodding you were doing.
Stepping aside, she motions for you to follow in. The main area has a small kitchen and a fireplace. To your left is a worn wooden table with two benches and two chairs. Behind the table is a queen-sized bed, and to the left of the bed are stairs leading up to the second floor.
Following her up the stairs, you notice two younger boys enter the house and hide behind their older brother. Down the hall, you see one room with a bunk bed and some wooden toys scattered.
Next to it is a small bathroom type with a tub and a small circular mirror hanging above a sink. Next were two selves full of utilities and medicines.
You notice a few of the pill bottles were tossed in the trash, even though they were still half full. Farther down the hall, you pause between two doors. One on the left led to what must have been the older boy's room.
To the right, Jeanne opens the door, revealing an empty room with a worn bed frame and a small wooden table. The stripped wallpaper was peeling a bit, and the window faced out behind the barn into the fields.
As you look around the room, stepping in slightly farther, you suddenly yelp as Jeanne shouts for her sons to bring up a mattress behind you.
"Pierre! Marcel! Bring up a mattress!"
Turning back to face you, Jeanne ignores the slight flush on your cheeks as embarrassment creeps up your neck from getting startled so easily. "Breakfast is at 7, supper is at 1, and dinner is at 6 o'clock."
"If you miss it, you're to get your own food," she continues as two boys drag in a mattress and toss it onto the frame. "I'll fetch you blankets. Tomorrow, I'll show you what your jobs will be. I suggest you use that afternoon to find a job in town."
"Yes, ma'am,"
Nodding Jeanne and her two oldest leave the room, giving you some quiet to settle into the small room. Glancing out the window, you watch as some birds zip past the window while the cows graze on weeds in the field.
The start of a new life begins, but why did something about this time feel so... familiar?
Hello! Welcome to the first chapter of my TLLH book. I hope many of you are able to enjoy this. Sorry for taking a while to actually post this, schedule ended up getting busier than I thought.
Chapter Master List
Chapter 2 ->
Entering the dusty antique shop, you look around, walking alongside your friend as they weave between shelves and racks, touching anything they can get their hands on. Getting to a few racks of old clothes, your fingers gently flip through the racks as you try to find anything.
"Okay, you old soul," your friend pops up behind you, wearing an exotic feather hat and some foxy shades. "Trying to find suspenders for your pant-a-loons?" they ask, bursting out in a cackle, making others in the small section look over.
Sighing softly, you grab a button-up off the rack and hold it up to your chest in the mirror to see how it'll look. "No, I'm just looking for some new formal shirts for work," you answer, noticing a pair of pants that might match.
Your friend leans against an old wooden wardrobe and smiles as they lift the shades above their nose. "Right? At the bar, yeah?" they question. "Why do you even want to work there, thought you liked the office job, paid well?"
"Ha Ha," you dryly laugh, stepping into the changing room and closing the curtain. "It was suffocating, boring, and customers made me feel as if I was losing brain cells for every call I had to take,"
As you change in the small curtain area, the yellow bulb flickers above you, and the mirror reflects your image back at you. Glancing in the mirror, you fail to notice that your reflection takes on a more cartoonish look as you turn to exit.
Opening the curtain, your friend pauses, stares at you, and gives you a quick up-down. "Yeah, but at least it was easy, wasn't it?" they add.
"Easy, yes, but I want to live." You swiftly turn on your heel, leaning closer to your friend, invading their personal space even as they lean back. "I want to see things, I want to feel again, I'm tired of being numb."
"I can see that," they mutter nervously at your burst, the yearning in your eyes burned strong. Just then, the lights in the shop start to flicker above before plunging the store into darkness. No brightness was able to reach where you stood in the back of the cramped shop.
Others can be heard gasping or whispering about what could have caused the power to go out. The worker in the front calls out for customers to put their items in a basket and leave it up front for them to retrieve later. Lights from others using their phones are seen through the cracks and over the shelves.
"Boo, I wanted to find more stuff," your friend whines follows you through the store as they use their phone's flashlight that lights up the small, cramped hallway. The musky smell of dust and wood fills your nose as you accidentally bump a shelf of records.
You were never a fan of the dark, so the urge to leave was powerful, pulling you through the maze of items. Your clothes hung in your arms as you walked behind your friend to the front stuck in the clothes you were trying on.
Suddenly, a Philco tube radio turns on, and an orange-ish yellow light shows the dial spins, flipping through stations as it fills with loud static. Distorted music grows in volume around you, yet your friend doesn't seem to notice as they continue to walk forward.
"(Friend's name)," you try to call out, but your voice gets lost in the noise. Your head starts to hurt as if someone is pressing it between the jaws of a hydraulic press, while little black dots fill your vision like gnats flying into your eyes.
It was all too much, you stumble, resting a hand on the cool wood of the radio, when a jolt of voltage charges out from the metal framing and zaps your fingers, trailing up into your body.
Finally, everything in your vision goes black, and the buzzing silences.
.
.
.
"Excuse me... hey, wake up," a voice states sternly, holding a hint of gentleness.
Groaning your clench your eyes shut as light fills your vision again. Looking down, you notice the wooden floor is completely different from the ugly carpet of the antique shop. Trailing your eyes up, you spot the legs of barstools before looking down at the worn bar counter.
Looking up your meeting with a cartoonish-looking woman, yet not in a sense that she was ugly, but as if she was taken out of a children's book. Made of simplistic black lines and a minimalistic color palette.
"You know I should've kicked you out sooner; it's already midnight," she comments with her arms crossed, snapping you out of your gaze. The bar was now empty, the glass on the door dark hinting that it is night time where ever you are.
"...I'm sorry," you mutter in perfect French, even though you didn't know any before. You hold your head and rub your eyes, trying to ease the migraine growing in your temple.
The woman notices your dazed look and fetches a small glass of water with some ice, hoping to help sober you up.
"You must be a fool, you know. Walking in here and nearly drinking yourself to death," she continues, leaning on the bar. "It's time to get back to your home."
"Home?..." you mutter, trying to think of anything that might explain what brought you here. And where your home would even be.
"Yep, you from a town over or something, because I haven't seen you before," she adds.
Taking a sip of the refreshing water, you nod.
"You do live nearby, right?" she asks, now concerned for the dazed person sitting across from her. Her shoulder loosens slightly as her hands move to rest on the wooden counter.
"I don't know..." you mutter again, trying to grasp everything. "May I ask what year it is?"
"1937?" she answers.
"..."
"Look, you seemed confused, and I don't know what's happening in your personal life," she starts. "You got a name?"
"(Reader)... (Reader) (Lastname)," you reply, finishing off the water and straightening up a bit as the tiredness washes away.
"Violette, Violette Tissier," she greets back, giving a small smile. "Now, you clearly are in no condition to be walking alone, so I'll set up a spot on my couch for you to stay the night, but you have to find another place tomorrow
"You have a job? Any source of money to pay for the drinks you went through?"
"Um, no, Ma'am," you answer, crunching on the last of the ice from your glass.
"Hm, you can work off the bill here. You know how to clean?" she asks, setting your empty glass in a bin for dishes to be washed later.
"Yes, Ma'am,"
"Good," she says, offering her hand, waiting for you to return the gesture. "And please, call me Violette, everyone here does."
Smiling gently, you reach out and shake her warm hand in your own. The lights above cast a now comforting glow. "Where is here?" you question, getting up and moving to follow her through a doorway separated by a curtain.
"Grangeville, France," she answers, leading you up a set of stairs connected to a small general store that looks nothing like the ones you have back in your (Hometown name).
Entering the upper living area of the corner shop, you see a small couch striped with green and white. Following Violet, you enter a kitchen area and pause upon seeing one more in the home.
Across the circular table sits a skinny man with the top of his head balding, as the remaining hair covered only the sides and a mustache.
"Oh no, we are not taking in any homeless people!" the man exclaims, standing up and lean protectivly over the table. "There are too many threats of war, and we do not need more mouths to feed," he rants to Violette as she grabs a pillow from a closet.
"They're staying the night. I don't feel comfortable having this poor soul walking around drunk and confused in the dark," Violette shoots back. "Besides, maybe if you ate less, we wouldn't have to worry about food."
As the two adults bicker back and forth, you look around awkwardly and accidentally lock eyes with a younger boy peeking his head out of a doorway.
Politely, you raise your hand in an awkward wave of acknowledgment. Violette and her husband eventually stop fighting as she walks past and sets some bedding down on the couch for you.
Glancing back at the boy, the door is already shut.
Settling on the couch, you smile and nod at Violette. "Thank you for letting me stay," you add, adjusting the pillow. Violette merely waves her hand and moves to fetch you a small portion of food as Mr. Tissier watches you from the doorway.
"You'd better try not to steal anything," he comments, trying to be intimidating, yet his skinny structure allows you to know you could take him in a fight.
"Leave them alone," Violette orders, walking back with a small sandwich of bolognese and some cheese. Handing you the small plate, she turns back to her husband and ushers him out.
The room falls into silence with the faint sound of them getting into their own room, and hushed whispers slip under the door's crack. Glancing down, you start to eat a bit of the sandwhich trying to think of a plan.
Hi, I'm currently working on writing some (Reader) inserts for "The Long Long Holiday" cause there's not really a lot for it. A few things I would like to cover as I work on getting a few chapters done.
The reader is gender neutral, above the age of 21 (actual age is never specified), and is up for interpretation on looks.
2. Because (Reader) is over the age of 21, they will not be in a romantic relationship with any of the kids and will instead remain platonic. Pedophiles are not welcome on my blog.
3. I will write romance for any of the adults if asked for, but I will not write romance for any of the Fritz (aside from Otto if he's recommended enough).
I will take requests for characters as a potential interest, just send me a request in my Request box, found at the top of my Blog.
4. I have my own OCs and will have them as some filler characters.
5. If you have your own OCs you wish to see in the story, feel free to message and make a request with some background, personality, and an image/description. Be aware, I can't ship them in the story, as to be mindful of others.
6. Be respectful. This is a fanfic, so it's not going to be a New York Best Seller, but it is to remain respectful. This isn't intended to romanticize what happened in WW2 either. What took place back then was horrific and should not be normalized. This will be brought up multiple times, and everything I write will be fact-checked.
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