Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It started with floating.

You had been reading in your bed and went to grab the glass of water from your nightstand. To your surprise, you were now high above the nightstand, unable to reach the glass.

And after that, you were sent to Miss Robichaux's Academy for witches.

You had been at the academy for a bit now and you got stuck introducing the new recruits. Through this, you met Queenie, a human voodoo doll, and Nan, a clairvoyant. And you were a pretty good trio. Not the closest, but not mortal enemies.

Then along came an actress. Yay. Word said she had raged a few too many times and got sent to the academy. Her prominence, however, was unbeknownst to you.

“Madison Montgomery.” The blonde proclaimed. “Actress.”

Okay? “Am I supposed to know who you are?” You asked.

Madison scoffs violently. You had clearly offended her. “Excuse me?”

Just when you thought you’d be done meeting new people, yuck, you got word of another girl coming.

“What can you tell me ‘bout her, Nan?” You asked as you were unintentionally hiding from Madison.

Nan thought for a moment. “She’ll turn your life upside down.”

You groan-chucked. “I hate it when you’re vague with me!”

Nan just shrugged and grinned.

So that brings you to now. The girls had somehow convinced you it’d be funny to punk the new girl by dressing in black cloaks and masks. It was as if you were about to sacrifice her. And she was fucking terrified.

Madison was the first to break, a cacophony of snickers emitting from her as she yanked off her mask. “Jesus! Relax, Sabrina, we were just messing with you.”

“Holy shit…” The brunette gasped. “Are you…?”

“Yes. Madison Montgomery. Movie star.”

Did everyone know who this bitch was except you?

Queenie took her mask off, retorting, “Movie star? Shit. When’s the last time you made a movie, girl?”

“When’s the last time you said no to a pork chop?”

“Bitch, the only reason you’re still famous is because you keep flashing that crotch on TMZ.”

You tore your mask off now, already annoyed with the brewing dissonance. “Would you two stop?” You looked back down at the girl. “We aren’t really going to kill you.”

Finally, Nan took her mask off as well, “I’m Nan. Hi.”

The brunette replied, “Zoe.”

“Queenie.”

“Y/N.”

“So bored now.” Madison scoffed.

“So…is this everyone?” Zoe inquired.

Cordelia entered the room now, answering, “At the moment.” She had a warm glow about her. “Cordelia Foxx. Head Mistress. All right, girls. There’s a van full of groceries in the driveway that needs unloading. I’ll show Zoe to her room.”

Later, you and the girls sat in the dining room as Spalding served bowls of soup. This, however, was not sufficient for Madison. “Hey, Jeeves. Can I get some iceberg lettuce with a side of blue cheese?”

“Girl, be nice to Spalding. Poor bastard has no tongue.” Queenie told her.

“Is that true, Jeeves? Did you use that tongue for something wicked? Or maybe you suck at going down.” Spalding glared at her and slammed a bowl of soup in front of Zoe. He headed for the kitchen. “Oh, come on, Jeeves. Show me your stub! Maybe we can put it to use!”

“Madison, I’m warning you, leave the dude alone.” You grumbled as you sipped out of your glass.

Madison rolled her eyes and focused her attention on Zoe. “So new girl, what are you in for?”

“Her boyfriend.” Nan blabbed.

“Nan, shh.” You muttered.

“Yeah, shut up before you get your ass in trouble.” Queenie warns.

Madison was intrigued now. “Did you kill him?”

“No.” Zoe replied. “It was an accident.” Poor girl obviously didn’t wanna talk about it.

“It was an accident, Zoe.“ Nan assured her.

“Girl? Are you deaf or just stupid?” Queenie snapped.

“Let's hear about this accident.” Madison grinned snidely. “And don't spare the gory details.”

“Why are you here?” Zoe asked.

“My agent staged an "intervention." Ever since my drunk and disorderly, I get blamed for all kinds of shit I didn't do.”

“But you did do it.” Nan interjected. “You killed that man-“

“We get it, bitch, you're clairvoyant you want to know what happened.” Madison snarled. “Look, the light hit him just fine.”

“All he said was "hit your mark".” You grunted.

“Why don't you do the world a favor and go take an acting class?” Queenie hissed. “You D-list botox bimbo-“

Madison promptly flicked her wrist, spilling the soup into Queenie’s lap. In retaliation, Queenie grabbed her fork and jammed it into her hand. Madison shrieked as in the same spot as the fork tines wedged into Queenie's hand, blood pricked from the same spots. Queenie jerked the fork back and forth to torture Madison, who writhed in her chair.

“Queenie, stop!” Zoe pleaded.

“I'm a human voodoo doll, bitch! I don't feel a thing!” Queenie replied.

“Stop!” You grunted.

“You're gonna get in trouble!” Nan added before she grabbed the fork and yanked it out of Queenie's hand.”

Queenie instantly grabbed a knife and held it up to her own throat. Nan dove for the knife and snatched it away. “Queenie, stop! C'mon. Let's go take a walk.” Queenie surrendered and followed Nan out, muttering under her breath.

“Ugh, whatever.” Madison groaned. “Looks like you two are my new best friends. What is there to do around here?”

Here was a chance. Maybe you’d regret it. You probably would. “Uh, my, uh…boyfriend’s gonna be at a party tonight…his fraternity is going…”

“Great.” Madison replied.

You shrugged, wanting to get away for a minute before a surely exhausting night wrangling Madison. “I’m gonna go change.”

Madison gave you a look before peering at Zoe. “Do you own any clothes that don’t come from the Gap?”

You didn’t hear the response as you were already on your way to the stairs, but Nan stopped you. “Y/N, don’t bring Madison to that party.” She warned.

“What? Nan, yeah, she’s a little…bitchy…but maybe she needs to let off some steam and get drunk at a party.”

“That’s not what I mean.” Nan insisted.

“What?” You were getting kind of fed up. “Nan, just go hang out with Queenie. I’m saving you from having to deal with her tonight.”

“But-“

“I’ll see you later.” You told her before zipping up the stairs.

As you ventured to the party, Zoe and you talked as Madison click-clacked on her phone. “Your boyfriend’s in a fraternity?” Zoe asked.

You nodded. “Yeah. Why?”

“I don’t know…I didn’t think a frat bro would be your type.”

“Mmm.” You hummed. “You’re probably thinking he’s like, this jacked asshole who prioritizes partying over people, huh?”

Zoe snickers, “I mean, I didn’t wanna say that, but…”

“Nah, it’s fine.” You sighed with a grin. “He’s not, by the way. He’s there on a scholarship. And he’s sweet and funny and smart.” You absolutely gushed over him without realizing it.

“God, he must really be something, huh?” Zoe teased. “You really must love him.”

You chuckled. “Yeah. I can’t wait for you to meet him.”

“Oh my god, can we stop talking about how much you wanna hump your boyfriend?” Madison scoffed. “Where even is this party?”

“Literally right here.” You stated, pointing to the sorority house across the street. “But before we go in…” You dug out your phone. “Give me your numbers. Just in case, y’know?”

Madison snatched your phone and rolled her eyes, “Fine.” She then tossed it to Zoe who silently followed suit.

“Good.” You grinned. “Now, welcome to the party.” God, that was so lame.

The vast room is flooded with pinky-purpley-and blue lights, to set the mood, you thought. Not looking where you were going, you bumped into some brawny dude. “Oh, shit, I’m sorry-“ You look up as he turns around and you clench your jaw. Ugh. Archie Brener. Of-fucking-course.

“Hey, titties.” He grinned down at you slimily.

“You know I hate being called that.” You growled.

“No, you don’t.” He smirked. “I know you don’t.” Not get the hint much?

“Yeah, uh…” God, he made your skin crawl. Something told you, gnawed at your subconscious, to never be alone with him. I mean, you felt that way about most of Kyle’s frat bros, but still. “Do you know where Kyle is?”

“That buzzkill?” He scoffed.

You rolled your eyes. “You mean the one who keeps your ass out of trouble with the administration? Yes, that buzzkill.”

“He’s around.”

“Archie, where the fuck is my boyfriend?”

“I saw him by the ice sculpture.”

“Thanks.” You snidely replied. As you turned your back to find Kyle, you telekinetically made Brener dump his drink on himself. How sad.

“Where did “titties” come from?” Zoe asked in disgust.

Madison cut into the conversation, “Yeah, that’s stupid jock talk. And your boy toy is friends with him?”

“He’s not really…” You groaned. “Ugh, one time Ky and I were “hanging out” and I forgot my bra. Brener found it and shared it with the rest of the frat. That’s it. That’s literally it.”

“Oh…what an asshole.” Zoe muttered.

“Yeah, Kyle hates it.” You told the girls. “He was not happy when he found out.”

After sifting through the sea of people, you were still unable to find him. You were just about to apologize for taking so long before you got a tap on the shoulder. “Thought you looked thirsty.”

You turned around and you were met with your blonde, frat bro boyfriend, Kyle, holding a solo cup and grinning at you. Despite being a frat boy, he was actually a genuinely good guy and you absolutely loved him. “Hey, Ky!”

“Uh-huh!” Kyle chuckled. “There’s my girl!” He stated as he embraced you. As you pulled away, he whispered in your ear, “It was so boring without you here.”

You chuckled, kissing his cheek. “Okay, uh, Kyle, this is Zoe and Madison. Zoe, Madison, this is Kyle, my boyfriend.”

Zoe waved with a quiet but polite, “Hi,” as Madison texted on her phone, muttering a “Hey.”

“So, do you want a drink?” He offered, raising the cup.

“Oh,” You chuckled ditzily, tucking a hair behind your ear. “Right.”

“As “cute” as this reunion is,” Madison taunted, “I’m gonna mingle. Later losers!” She bids adieu with a blown kiss before diving into the sea of people, leaving Zoe with you.

“Uh, Zoe?” Kyle asked, being effortlessly nice by recalling her name already. “You goin’ with her?”

Zoe shook her head “no”. “Uh, parties aren’t really my thing…so, I might just stay here and people watch…if that’s okay with you…” She whispered the last part, but Kyle still caught it.

“Oh, yeah, totally, dude.” Kyle grinned. “Some people aren’t party people and that’s totally cool. In fact,” He fake-whispered to the brunette, “I’m pretty sure this one’s only here for me.”

Zoe giggled and you chuckled. “How’d you know?” You said, feigning shock.

“Lucky guess.” He kissed your cheek affectionately. “Oh, uh, hey, was that Madison Montgomery with you?” Kyle asked you. “The movie star?”

“Yeah.” You shrugged. “I had no idea who she was.”

“Baby, she was in that movie we watched the other night.”

You got hit with a reminder. “Oh, yeah!” You nodded. “She wasn’t very good.” You muttered.

Kyle giggled back, “Totally.” He planted a kiss into your hair.

“Something tells me to not let her hear that.” Zoe chuckled.

“Right.” Kyle grinned, already getting along with her. That’s just the kind of guy he is.

“You not drinkin’ tonight?” You asked your boyfriend, noticing the lack of a solo cup in his hand.

He crinkled his nose, “Nah, I’m on puke duty. Gotta keep the boys in check y’know?” He grinned at you cheekily.

You chuckled, “I assume you’re also on streaking and public pissing duty so there’s not another “Dalton Incident”?”

He nodded, “Yep. Already warned him that no one is interested in seein’ his dick.”

“Yeah, you guys are already on probation, too.”

“Exactly. The pricks at the administration are just itchin’ to cut our balls off.”

You snickered. “No, not your balls!”

“Yeah, our balls!” He giggled. Zoe quietly chuckled. The pair in front of her just had such infectious energy.

After a while of talking, Kyle noticed your cup was running a little low. “I’m gonna get you a refill, you want anything else?”

“Nah.” You replied.

“Zoe?”

She shook her head “no” and he nodded. “Don’t get lost!” You called out as he walked away.

He bumped into one of the sorority girls he’d seen all over Dalton earlier. “Hey, do you know where your friend is?” She asked. “Th-the tall one?”

“Dalton?” He asked. She nodded. “What, you think he ditched you?” Kyle questioned.

She bit her lip, “I don’t know.”

“I’ll look around upstairs.” He offered, being the chill dude he was. “Hang on.”

On his way to the stairs, Kyle bumped into you. “Hey, Ky, uh, Madison texted me, and told me…” You dug out your phone and read the message, “”Don’t wait up for me, hanging out, see ya later, losers.” So…” You crinkled your brow. “So, Zoe and I are gonna head back.”

“Aw, leavin’ me already, huh, baby?” He joked.

“I know, I’m such a buzzkill.” You grinned. “Can you make sure Madison gets back alright or at least has a safe place to sleep tonight?”

“It’s my duty, Y/N.” He replied, albeit in dramatics.

“Ha-ha.” You said. “Keep her away from Brener.”

“Fuck yeah.” He nodded. “Oh, wait-“ Kyle slinked off his letterman jacket. “It’s cold out.” He wrapped it around your shoulders.

You flushed, falling further in love with him, if that was even possible. He was so effortlessly caring. ”Ky, you worry too much.” You lightly chuckled and he shrugged bashfully in response. “Do you just want me to take your jacket so you don’t lose it?” He had a habit of being kinda forgetful, but this was far from the first time you’d borrowed his jacket. Not that you absolutely hated it. Quite the opposite, honestly. 

“No! No! It’s just hot in here.” He lied in embarrassment. It genuinely was because he didn’t want you to freeze. And maybe because then his jacket would smell like you… “I’ll take it back if you want-“ 

“No.” You replied, cutting him off. “You’re such a sweetie, Ky. I was just teasing.” 

He bobbed his head around, inching closer to your face. “Eh, well, you know…” He muttered before pressing his lips to yours. 

As you pulled away, you said your goodbyes. “Okay, Ky, you’ll call me tonight when you get home, right?”

“You know it.”

You gave him a quick kiss. “Bye, I love you.”

He smiled back with his goofy, toothy grin, “I love you too. Get home safe.”

With you and Zoe gone, he went to find Madison. Unfortunately, he did.

She was being gang-raped by his fraternity brothers. Mainly Brener. Y/N was fucking right. And the fuckers were filming it. Kyle immediately went on defense for her, “What the hell are you doin’?!” He shoved them away from her.

“Wait your turn, man!”

“ARE YOU OUTTA YOUR MIND?!”

He was thrown to the ground, but that didn’t stop him. Kyle got back to his feet and chased down Brener to the bus.

“GIVE ME THE PHONE, BRENER!”

“EAT SHIT, KYLE!”

“GIVE ME THE PHONE, BRENER, THAT’S EVIDENCE.”

“EAT SHIT, KYLE!”

“I’M CALLIN’ THE COPS!” And with a particularly tough blow to his face, Kyle was knocked out cold.

Back at the academy, you were journaling, but Zoe had a sinking feeling. Something that told her she needed to go back. “I’m going to go for a walk.” Zoe proclaimed.

“Wait!” You halted her, “I’ll come with-“

“Y/N!” You heard Cordelia call up.

“Or I won’t.” You chuckled. “Uhhh,” You dug around in your purse. “Here.” You tossed her pepper spray. “In case anyone tries to fuck with you. Call me if something happens, and I’ll really fuck with them.”

Zoe made her way to the house and saw Kyle and hoards of frat boys piling onto the bus. Something tugged at her to find Madison. And she did. She was clearly drugged. Clearly something had happened. Something tragic. In a desperate attempt, Zoe chased the bus but it was no use and Madison wearily joined her.

Madison and Zoe stood, watching the bus of rapists (and unknowingly Kyle) get away. As the bus was about to disappear down the road, Madison lifted and twisted her hand. The bus suddenly flipped, rolled a couple times before smashing against some trees. The metal tore, ripping the bus apart. Glass shattered as some were ejected onto the road.

Zoe was shocked, horrified. She looked to Madison, who met her eyes briefly, before turning and numbly walking back to the house.

When Zoe came back, you were listening to music with your headphones, reading. You hadn’t even noticed she came back. You were so peaceful. She stood there for a while, dreading having to tell you.

But she had to. She walked further into the room and you glanced up, seeing her from the corner of your eyes. You perked your head up and took off your headphones. “Hey!” You greeted. You had no idea. Not a fucking clue. “How was your walk?”

“Uhm…” Your smile of blissful ignorance made her feel so fucking guilty. She instead answered with a question. “You goin’ to bed soon?”

“No, Zoe, Kyle hasn’t called yet. He hasn’t even texted.” You muttered. “Maybe Dalton stole his phone…”

She took a steadying swallow. She was about to break the news that would surely obliterate your life. “Uhm…Y/N…can I borrow your computer?”

Her uneasiness made you fearful. “Sure…Zoe, what’s wrong?”

Zoe was shakily typing and didn’t respond. “Here…”

As she handed you the laptop, you read the headline. Your stomach dropped and your heart ached. The frat bus crashed. They didn’t release any names. You kept refreshing the tab, trying to find more information. Kyle couldn’t be on there. No way. Never. He was gonna call any minute. He probably lost his phone. Or it needed charged. He’s forgetful like that. You kept telling yourself that.

You were up the whole night doing that. You must’ve passed out because you awoke to Zoe shaking you, “Y/N! Y/N!” When you finally blinked your eyes open, she sighed. “Uh, they still aren’t releasing names, but…seven died. Two are injured. If you wanna go to the hospital to-“

You were already getting dressed. “Please.” You slinked on his jacket. 

Zoe and you walked through the sliding glass doors and glanced around. Then, the electric doors into the ICU opened and a crowd of somber looking college students emerged, one girl in tears. Zoe pulled you toward the doors, sneaking you in as they closed.

Zoe opened the door slowly and you saw a boy in a hospital bed. It wasn’t Kyle. As Zoe passed the curtain the next bed, you whispered, pleaded, “Please let it be him, please, please, please.” Your eyes welled up upon seeing the boy in the bed. It wasn’t Kyle.

“Oh, Y/N.” Zoe whispered with absolute sorrow. She went to hug you, but you pushed her away.

“I need to…” Hot teardrops were flowing down your face now. Not for the boy in the bed, but for the boy who was not. “Fuck, I’m gonna get some air.”

You hurried out of the room, but Zoe stayed, glaring. It was Brener. Zoe moved closer to the bed, scorning down at him. He was hooked up to noisy machines and clinging to life. Zoe's chest heaved with anger and disgust. Tears pricked at her eyes. For you. For the awful pain you have to carry now. “It should have been you. Asshole.” She turned, moving to the door. Then she stopped in her tracks. The coldness of resolve came over her face. She turned and looked back before closing the door.

You really wished you hadn’t come. “It’ll be fun.” He said. Pssh, typical frat boy. You couldn’t even find the dude-bro you locked eyes with in the library. The one who invited you here.

You were just about ready to leave when you got a nudge on the shoulder. You turned around, and like he could hear your inner complaints, the blonde frat boy you met earlier in the library greeted you with a solo cup. “Thought you looked thirsty.” He smiled.

“Is that one of your superpowers?” You asked. He tilted his head. “You can sense dehydration?”

“One-a dem.” He replied, his accent coming out thick.

“Mmm.” You hummed, taking the cup. “Frat boy, right?” You already knew the answer. He nodded, confirming it. “Yeah, I think frats are full of fascists.” You said.

“I don’t mind being reduced to a stereotype, I mean, look at me.” He chuckled. And you did. He was tall, but not too tall. He had honey blonde hair, (from what you could see in the dimly lit room), and deep, dark eyes. He continued his defense, “I’m here on a scholarship too.”

“Hmm.” You hummed, intrigued.

“Besides, I got you here, didn’t I?”

“Yeah, but that’s on you. I could be a psycho serial killer and you could’ve led me to defenseless, stupid, drunk college kids.” Fuck, why did you say that?

To your surprise, he laughed. Not out of pity, but because he actually thought it was funny. “I knew it was a good choice to invite you.” He held out his free hand. “I’m Kyle, by the way.”

You took his hand in your own, “Y/N.”

As the night went on, you learned more and more about him. He wanted to be an engineer. He did volunteer work and charity in his free time. And he fuckin’ loved Toto.

“C’mon, I gotta know more.” He insisted, making a joking pouty face. “Here, I’ll tell you somethin’…” He offered, leaning in closer, downing a gulp of his drink. His buzz was clearly helping with whatever nerves he may have had. 

“Hmm?” You responded playfully.

“That wasn’t the first time I saw you in the library.” He giggled. “I’ve been wantin’ to talk to you for weeks.”

“That’s…actually kinda cute.”

“Y’know, you’re the first hot girl I’ve met that doesn’t wanna talk about herself.” He told you. “There’s gotta be somethin’ wrong with you!” Boy, he didn’t know the half of it. But you weren’t gonna lay that all on this guy. “I know…” He said. “You have a boyfriend.” He slipped his hand up his face, covering his eyes. Smooth.

You chuckled. “No, I don’t.” He separated his pointer and middle finger, letting his eyes peek through expectantly. You bit your lip and caved. “Kyle, I like you.”

He grinned back at you. “What a coincidence…I like you.” How was one guy so easily likable? You’d soon discover how lovable he was.

Chapter Text

Kyle Spencer was dead.

It had been a couple days. Zoe had “taken care of” Brener with her killer vagina. Maybe that would help.

It didn’t. You were a shell of your former self. You could barely bring yourself to leave your room. You just stared at the memories you had with Kyle. You stewed in shirts of his that he’d forgotten or you’d stolen. That jacket of his barely left your arms. Anything to feel like you were with him. Like his heart that you loved so much hadn’t stopped beating.

You felt like a ghost, doomed to walk amongst the regular people in sorrow.

Zoe’s heart ached for you. The girl who had so easily been unapologetically herself and so nice to her was a devastating wreck. Zoe’s curiosity had gotten the better of her…

Cordelia knocked on the girls’ doors, but skipped yours. She felt deep pity for you. What’s the harm in letting you mourn for a bit? She could catch you up later.

Zoe stared at her laptop, reading about Kyle. Though, unfortunately, she was paired with the coldness known as Madison Montgomery. “My god.” Madison growled as she dug through her wardrobe. “Get over it already.”

“He spent his summers volunteering for the United Way.” Zoe replied sadly.

“Aw, he should be canonized.” Madison spat cockily.

That ticked Zoe off. “How can you be such a bitch?”

“Because I understand people.” Madison hissed, slinging a shirt on. “And that guy…would’ve happily taken a turn on me if he had the chance.”

Zoe scoffed. “No, that’s bullshit. He wasn’t like that.” She sternly replied. “If he was so shitty, why is Y/N so torn up? I hung out with them all night. He was a good and kind guy. You didn’t even speak to him.”

“Those guys were his frat brothers. It’s guilt by association.”

“No, I don’t accept that.” Zoe stated firmly. “Y/N clearly loved him for good reason or else she wouldn’t be devastated right now.”

“Look, for the sake of peace among roommates…” Madison said as she zipped up her boots. “I’m sorry I killed your bestie’s boy candy, okay?”

“Really?” Zoe rose from her chair angrily. “Well, I’m not the one you should be saying that to.” She lowly scowled before walking out of the room.

At some point, you had drawn out of your sorrowful state by Cordelia knocking at your door. She brought you down the stairs where you were met with Zoe, Madison, and two cops. They were asking about the bus. About Kyle. You couldn’t take it.

“These are teenage girls.” Cordelia reminded the cops before her. “How could they possibly do that? This all seems so silly.”

“I’m just looking for someone who had a motive to hurt those guys.” One replied. “Who could’ve screwed with the brakes or the steering column. Maybe whatever happened in that room was upsetting.”

“Shouldn’t we have a lawyer here or something?” Zoe asked.

“We’re just talking.”

The other jumped in now. “Did you know any of those boys? Had you met them before?”

Your voice was hoarse and quiet, tears pricking at your eyes. It was all too much. “I don’t know anything. I left early. I…I would never do anything like that. I…” You broke down the more you spoke. “I-I’m sorry.” You sniffled.

You went for the stairs and you could hear Zoe explain to the cops, “Uh, her boyfriend was on that bus. Kyle.”

You heard the cops make a noise of affirmation before seemingly continuing to interrogate the girls. It didn’t matter to you. None of this fucking mattered. You just went to your room, shut the door, threw yourself onto your bed, and sobbed.

After the cops had left, thanks to Fiona’s practically divine intervention thanks to Zoe’s crack under pressure, something still gnawed at her. “Madison, we need to do something about this.” Zoe insisted, crossing her arms.

“Why?” Madison scoffed.

Zoe rolled her eyes in anger. “Because Y/N is a mess about Kyle, Madison.”

“They got what they deserved.” Madison shrugged. Not her problem.

“But not Kyle.” Zoe corrected. “Kyle tried to help you. Kyle was a good guy.” She protested. “And after how nice Y/N has been…”

“Maybe to you, the bitch snapped back at me.”

“Well you aren’t exactly the easiest person to get along with…”

“Excuse me?”

Zoe realized her attempt was futile. “You know what? I don’t know why I thought you’d show ANYONE sympathy. Fuck this.” She grumbled. “I killed that asshole anyway.” Zoe revealed in a mumble before turning on her heels, preparing to leave.

Madison stopped her, “Wait!” She bit the inside of her cheek. “Get Y/N. She has a date with the dead.”

You were staring into oblivion, dark circles prominent around your eyes, when Madison and Zoe strutted into your room. “Hey, bitch, get dressed.” Madison ordered in her usual, harsh way.

“No thanks.” You mumbled, too exasperated to even attempt to have a meaningful response to the “bitch” comment.

Zoe crouched down in front of your face. “Y/N, please?” She insisted, tone a lot more gentle than Madison. “We got something for you. Something that you’ll love.” She pleaded, clearly desperate.

“Like what?”

“That’ll ruin the surprise!” Madison interjected with odd, showy enthusiasm. “Get dressed in something nice!” You were so totally confused. “Meet me at the car in fifteen. Zoe, make sure she doesn’t kill herself.”

After what felt like a slough, Zoe had convinced you to give it a chance. So, you sat in the back of the car, you even wore something nice, as the pair took you to who knows where.

Zoe and Madison stepped out once the car was parked, giving you a signal to stay for a moment. Not like you were going anywhere…

“Okay…I thought about it, and I wanna pay you back.”

“Pay me back. For what?” Zoe questioned.

“For getting rid of that asshole.” Madison replied. “And this is clearly weighing on you so…” She dug in her purse and handed Zoe a yellowing piece of parchment. “Stole it out of Foxxy’s stash.”

“It’s in Latin. What is this?”

“Resurrection spell. We’re gonna bring her boyfriend back to life.” Madison smirked wickedly.

“We can’t let her see Kyle like that, Madison.” Zoe whispered.

“What’s the big deal?” Madison scoffed. “He’s getting fixed up anyway.”

“She’s really sensitive right now…I feel seeing her boyfriend’s dead body is a touch too far…”

Madison groaned in sheer annoyance. “Fine. Alright, wait here.”

She broke into the morgue and Zoe joined you back in the car. “What were you guys talking about?”

“Uh…Madison needs a couple minutes, it’ll be fine.” Zoe insisted and quickly changed the subject. “Your dress looks nice.” She was grasping at fucking straws.

“Thanks.” You mumbled numbly.

“Is it new?”

“No, uh…” You fidgeted with the tie on the front. “I…I’ve worn it before.” You couldn’t bring yourself to tell her when. With who.

She probably got the hint. You were wearing his jacket also. It was almost symbolic; like you and him were still together through your wardrobe. “Mmm…”

“Why are we at the morgue?”

Before she could answer, Zoe got the signal to bring you inside. You and Zoe stepped into the morgue, it was flooded with shades of jade and emerald and before you, on the table…

“Oh my god!” You shrieked in the most heart wrenching way you ever had. Kyle’s pale, lifeless, and stitched up corpse was in front of you.

“You…stitched him up?” You asked, confused and, in all honesty, felt a little bit of disrespect on your poor dead boyfriend’s behalf. “Why?” You were too clouded with grief to even consider resurrection.

Zoe grinned as sweetly as she can muster. “We found a spell to resurrect him!”

Madison added a, “Yay,” and made a gesture with her hands.

The look on your face must’ve signaled that you needed further explanation, because Zoe provided it. “Y/N, you were just so sad, and Kyle didn’t deserve this, did he, Madison?” She asked the last part through grunted teeth.

Madison had an odd glint in her eye that you couldn’t quite determine. Guilt, maybe? But why? “No…he didn’t.”

Nevermind that, though. “Aw, guys…that’s actually kinda sweet.” You lightly smiled, much to Zoe’s relief. “But the stitches…”

Zoe waved her hands in reassurance, “Oh, they’ll heal up! So he’ll be good as new!” Wow, she must really care.

Your eyes waved over the pale body before you. “No…guys, this isn’t right…” You traced the shoddy stitches on Kyle’s body with your fingers.

“Of course it’s right.” Madison scoffed, crossing her arms.

Zoe scowled, “Madison, I think Y/N would know if her boyfriend was stitched up right.”

You inspected him further. Seeing his pale corpse probably should’ve made you inconsolable, but something compelled you to look. Uh-oh. “Guys…Kyle doesn’t have tattoos.”

“Then what’s that?” Madison asked, pointing to his ankle. “That’s clearly a tattoo.” She pointed to his forearm as well. “And another. Did you not look at him when he was naked or something?”

You rolled your eyes. Pick your battles. “That’s not his.” You corrected. “He told me…” You sniffled. Damn it. “He told me when they went to get tattoos that he would never get one.” You didn’t need to tell them why. You cleared your throat. “And, uh, that looks like one of his asshole frat bro’s anyway.”

“Zoe, I thought you said she’d stop being so fucking mopey if we did this.” Madison grunted.

“Excuse me?” You growled. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know me mourning my fucking boyfriend was such a fuckin’ detriment to you!” You snapped. Holy fuck, you were upset. Not just upset, pissed. “If you really gave a shit about anyone but yourself, you would have asked me for help, instead of improperly Frankenstein-ing him!”

“Listen, bitch, I’m doing you a favor.” Madison hissed in your face.

“A favor? Wow!” You cheered sarcastically. “I should be sucking your dick, right? I should worship the fucking ground you walk on, huh? I’m just a fucking pleb compared to Madison-Can’t-Keep-Out-Of-The-Tabloids-Montgomery!”

Zoe wedged herself between you two and yelled, “STOP! Can we please, please just do this?”

You and Madison subsided. “Fine. Give me the scroll.” You ordered. They just looked at you. “Give me the fucking scroll!” You hissed, telekinetically ripping it from Madison’s fingers. You waved your eyes over it. “I need a bowl and I’ll get some hair from his head.”

You instructed the girls expertly. Guess the Latin Cordelia suggested you study wasn’t total bullshit after all…

“Breathe in the smoke.” You three did, but it was followed by a piercing, heavy noise that rang through your ears. The lights flickered like you were caught in a thunderstorm. “G-give, FUCK! Give me your hands.”

They did so and you sliced their palms and then your own. “Blood is our sacrament.”

Then the chanting.

“Return to the mortal coil! Arise!”

You panted and waited. Nothing. Madison went to pick up his arm. Still as limp as it had been. “Well that was a bust.”

“Are you sure you said the spell correctly?” Zoe asked hopeful that this could still work.

You left out shaky sighs. Disappointed sighs. “Yeah…Latin got drilled into my brain a while ago…”

“I guess we’re just not powerful enough…”

“I knew that spell was shit.” Madison scowls. “I’ll let you say bye.” She strutted out, heels clacking as she left. Zoe stayed with you.

You looked down at your boyfriend’s lifeless body, eyes welling up. “Ky…” Your voice was trembly. “I’m so sorry.” You cupped his cold, pale face. “I never should’ve gotten you involved..with any of this…I…I love you.” You leaned down to kiss his cold lips as a final goodbye. You then pulled yourself to turn back to Zoe, preparing to leave, but you two heard someone come in.

“Shit.” Zoe muttered. “We gotta hide.” She quickly blew out the candle and dragged you to a hiding spot.

The guard flashed his light around, commenting on the state you left the place.

You bumped your head and you and Zoe were found. “What the hell are you doing here?”

Shit, this is the end. Until something, someone, rose up. Kyle rose from the table, choking the guard from behind. “RRAAAAHHHH!” Kyle howled.

You shrieked, “OH MY GOD!”

That only made him louder. “RAAARHHHH!!!” He continued his beating on this man.

You and Zoe ran over to stop him. “KYLE, NO!” You yelped, grabbing him. He froze and stared at you, and something about his expression gave you a pit in your stomach.

His face was gaunt. He was smothered in blood. His face looked so lifeless yet so callous. His stitches were swollen and inflamed. His inky eyes practically bore holes through yours.

Whatever life was in that poor guard was gone now, but you had more pressing issues. “We gotta get him out of here.” Zoe told you.

You nodded. “Ky, can you come with me?”

He stiffly got off the cart with your assistance and you were even able to dress him. You kept his jacket on though. You weren’t quite ready to give that up yet. 

You dragged him out, supporting him as he slumped down the stairs. Unfortunately, he tripped and he fell out of your arms. He writhed on the ground, dropping keys from the pocket of the hoodie you’d stolen and dressed him in from the lifeless guard.

“Shhh, shh, hey, hey,” You cooed. Normally you would’ve been totally freaked out, but you didn’t think you could ever be afraid of Kyle, no matter what state he was in.

You were able to drag Kyle to the back of the car and Zoe drove. You tried to keep him wrangled in your arms as he flung himself around. “Kyle?” You called, but he continued to thrash. “Kyle? I know you know something’s wrong.”

“Maybe this is too hard for anyone to hear but…Kyle, you died.” Zoe said, trying to help you say what she knew you’d struggle with. “Can-can you remember that?”

“You know, You were on a bus and there was an accident…sort of.” You told him shakily and he promptly banged his head against the window. “Like, it wasn’t your…it wasn’t your fault, Ky! None of it was your fault!”

Zoe added, “We tried to put you together the best we could, an-and-“

“You were cold, and then we brought you back from the other side!” You struggled to get the words out as he jerked around. He began throwing himself against the car door, grunting and growling. “No- KYLE, STOP!”

“Y/N, the road!” Zoe called worriedly from up front.

“I’m trying-“ You grunted, hot tears pricking at your eyes as you tried to yank him closer to you. “the best I can!”

“OKAY, maybe it’d be better if he stayed dead, I don’t know!” Zoe whined, trying to keep control of the car.

You were full on crying now, though Kyle’s groaning nearly drowned out your sobs. Would it have been? “I’d never forgive myself if I didn’t try!”

Up in the front seat, a lump moved under a discarded jacket. Neither of you had noticed it there before. “I’ll forgive you.” You and Zoe both shrieked, the car swerving as Zoe lost control. “Even though you drew me out here. Turn around.” The woman instructed. “Make a right.”

The woman’s name was Misty, and she had led you to her cabin. Now, here you were, and here she was, slathering mud on your undead boyfriend as Fleetwood Mac played quietly in the background.

“Do you really think that’s going to work?” Zoe asked timidly. You nodded in agreement, anxiously fiddling with the cuffs of the jacket sleeves.

“I know it will.” Misty replied, self-assured. “This stuff is the shit…literally.” You made a face, and she definitely picked up on your reservations because she continued, “Louisiana swamp is full of Spanish moss and alligator dung, which have amazing healin’ properties. Mother Nature has an answer for everything. Healed me,” She said as she rose up, “when I was burned alive.”

It suddenly clicked for you. “Holy shit.” You gasped. “You’re Misty Day.”

“The witch Cordelia told us about.” Zoe added.

“Everyone thinks you’re dead, but of course you’re not, you have the power of resurgence.”

“Power of resurgence?” Misty questioned, a big, glowing grin on her face. “I like the sound of that.” She held up a bucket. “We have so much to teach each other, Y/N, Zoe.”

You nodded. “Maybe we do.”

“I always knew there were others like me, but I had no idea how to find you.” She shook her head. “And then today. I was mediatin’ in the woods, when my heart started racin’, and my teeth started vibratin’. Somethin’ was callin’ to me. I had no idea what it was but…I knew I had to follow.”

She bit her lip. “And it was you, girls. Your magic called me there. And I’m so grateful.” She walked past you two to sit on her bed. “Now I’m not alone.”

Kyle let out a grunt as Misty turned up her radio, singing along to “Rhiannon” by Fleetwood Mac. “Who sings this?” Zoe asked.

You laughed in disbelief. “Zo, are you serious?”

“Who sings this?” Misty repeated, chuckling. “Fleetwood Mac! Stevie Nicks is my hero!”

“That’s Stevie Nicks from “American Idol”?”

“It’s Stevie Nicks.” You clarified.

“The White Witch.” Misty stated. “The only witch before you two I’ve ever known.”

“She’s an actual witch?” Zoe questioned. God, she had a lot to catch up on.

“Listen to the lyrics…” Misty insisted, dragging the brunette closer to the enchanting melody. “This was her anthem. Doesn’t it just…penetrate your soul, and tell you the truth about everything you’ve ever felt in your whole life?”

“Yeah..”

You were grinning. You already loved this eccentric, unique woman before you. “Totally.”

“Uh…we…we should really be going…” Zoe mumbled awkwardly.

“Going?” Misty inquired, rising as Zoe did the same. “What do you mean?”

“Our school.” You explained.

“I’m sure they’re wondering where we are.” Zoe added, clearly anxious to go.

Your eyes glanced back to Kyle. “We have to figure out where to take him.” You stepped over to him. You really didn’t want to leave him. You just got him back.

“He can stay here with me.” Misty offered. “I’ll heal him.”

You gazed at him and, in jerky motions, whimpering, he reached for your hand, pulling it closer to his face. Like it provided him comfort.

“And then, when you come back, he’ll be good as new.” Misty assured you. When she didn’t get an answer, she added, “Hey, you’ll come back right?”

You didn’t need a second thought. “Yes.”