Scream Six - Tumblr Posts

Sleepy -> pure Ethan fluff here

Ethan’s best friend likes him more than she’ll admit, and he has a habit of sleeping on her.

Tara caught you the first time it happened.

You were at Ethan and Chad’s dorm, studying for your Econ exam with Tara, when you’d found yourself curled up against Ethan, head in his lap, dozing away from boredom.

“Look how cute.” Tara whispered to Chad, pointing her pen at the two of you. Ethan’s head had fallen back to rest against the wall, his eyes closed as the two of you slept.

The next time was at the Halloween party. This time it was Ethan, exhausted from the alcohol and the noise, that had sat next to you on the couch beside Anika and Mindy. And when his head had moved to lay against your shoulder, his breaths slowing as he found comfort in your presence, you’d had to shush Mindy so she wouldn’t wake him up with her loud gossiping.

Most recently, you’d been found by Chad, curled up together under the covers in Ethan’s bed, his arm slung over your waist as your head burrowed in the space between his neck and shoulder.

No one in your friend group understood why the two of you weren’t together. It made no sense—you were always attached at the hip and, whenever you hung out, you always inevitably seemed to be napping with one another. For Ethan, it was because he was constantly stressed, and with you he could relax, breathing in the scent of your perfume and running tentative hands over your soft skin. For you, it was…

Well, you weren’t entirely sure.

So when you began receiving messages from your friend’s shared group-chat you gave a wary glance to Ethan where he laid curled up in a ball beside you, his head in your lap.

Core Four

Chad: Alright Y/N, spill the tea. What’s going on w you and E?

Chad: That rhymed

Chad: lol

Y/N: nothings going on why?

Tara: surrrre

Tara: *image*

Tara: looks like a whole lot of ‘nothing’

Y/N: stopppp when did you take that??

Chad: what the HELLL 🔥🔥🔥

Y/N: Tara delete that pls

Tara: no I’m making it my lock screen 😏

Chad: I thought I was your lock screen

Mindy: As long as his Ghostface ass stays away from me I don’t care who he naps with. Next subject.

Chad: don’t be boring

Y/N: *left groupchat*

Tara: noooo

You sighed, turning off your phone and chucking it to the end of the bed before running your nails absentmindedly through Ethan’s curls. Truth was, you did like your friend. You just didn’t know how to tell him.

“Y/N.” Ethan grumbled, lifting his head a fraction as he blinked sleepily. “What’s going…on?”

“Hey, Sleepy.” You smiled down at him, then squeaked when he wrapped his arms around your waist and tugged you under the covers next to him, his head moving to rest on your stomach. “E, what the—”

“Just go to sleep, please.” He grumbled, voice drowsy. “Need your…” he trailed off and your face flushed, but you made yourself comfortable, resting a hand against his head as you relaxed, your eyes slowly closing.

-

“Come on.” Tara was urging, watching as you did your makeup and ignored her. “Just get together all ready I’m sick of this.”

“He’s my friend, Tare.” You argued, raising a brow at her in the vanity mirror. “It’s not like that.”

“Really?” She asked, flouncing over. “Because I heard that Chad says he likes you.”

“Chad likes me?” You asked, confused, and Tara rolled her eyes.

“No dumbass. Ethan likes you.”

You blinked at her for a moment before shaking your head.

“I call bullshit.”

“What kind of friends nap together all the time?” She pushed, approaching to crouch on the floor beside you, crossing her arms and resting them on your legs. “I mean—come on. Come on. The boy can’t keep his hands off you.”

“That’s bull—” your phone rang and you both jumped. You reached out but Tara grabbed it first and you yelped, diving for the brunette as she giggled and ran, answering the call.

“Hey Sleepy.” She cooed, reading off Ethan’s contact name. She shot you a wink as your face burned. “What’s—” she paused. Then she looked at you, a curious expression on her face. “Yeah, yeah. She’s here, hold on.” Tara passed you the phone and you snatched it away, heartbeat quickening as you answered.

“Hello?”

“Y/N.” Ethan’s voice met your ear and you tensed. He sounded…sad? Distressed? “Can you come over? Please?”

“Why what happened?” You asked, already standing up. Screw it, you’d take your makeup wipes with you and remove your half-finished look. Tara was watching you, looking a bit worried, as she handed you your purse.

“I don’t know I just…can you just come?”

“Yeah. Yeah, E.” You said, listening to the phone click as you looked to Tara. “What did he say to you?”

“Nothing he—he kind of sounded like…like he was crying or something. All he said was ‘Tara, give me Y/N please.’” She paused. “Is he okay, or—?”

“I don’t know. I’m sorry for leaving. Dunkin in the morning?”

“Yeah. Yeah.”

So you left, going to Ethan’s dorm as fast as you could. You knew Chad was out with Mindy and Anika, and assumed that that’s why Ethan had called. But why did he sound so…upset?

You used your spare key that Ethan had made you to enter, knocking first, then pushed inside. When you got to Ethan’s room you saw him sitting with his head in his hands, but he soon looked up at you. His expression was pained and you felt a stab of anxiety run through you.

“What’s wrong?” You asked, setting your stuff down as you moved to him, sitting down beside your friend.

“I um..” he trailed off, looking at you then away. “this is embarrassing. I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s fine.” You said, reaching out to rub his back. “Tell me what happened.” Baby. You’d almost called him baby at the end of that sentence. You were insanely glad that you hadn’t.

“I have night terrors.” He said after a weighted pause, his eyes shifting to yours. “I cant sleep sometimes. When I’m alone I—I just…I just toss and turn. Everything freaks me out I don’t like to be alone.”

Your eyebrows furrowed as you looked at him.

“Night terrors? About what?”

“Well,” his face turned a shade of pink and he looked away. “well I was trying to go to bed and then I saw you and—” he paused, breath hitching, and you felt your chest tighten. “It’s fine. You’re here now, right? You’re fine.” He seemed to be trying to convince himself, his eyes darting across your face like he wasn’t sure this was real, and something in you cracked.

“Is that why you’re always so tired with me?” You asked, frowning. “Because you cant sleep alone?”

“No.” He said, and you stared at him in confusion, but he cut you off before you could speak. “I sleep with you because I feel…safe with you.” He seemed embarrassed again and glanced down at his hands. “I don’t feel comfortable with anyone else. Not like—not like you..” he sighed and blinked up at the ceiling, seeming to fight back a wince. “Im totally weirding you out right now, aren’t I.”

You watched him for a moment, contemplative, before you kicked off your shoes. He could only stare as you moved to the opposite side of his bed and shoved your shorts off, left in a huge t-shirt curtesy of Ethan himself.

“It’s not weird.” You said, slipping under the covers, and smacked the mattress next to you. He still stared, and you rolled your eyes. “Come on, E. Get in the bed.”

A hesitant laugh left him as he did so, climbing in beside you. It was muscle memory, at this point: your head on his chest, his arm around your waist, pulling you into him. You felt his soft breaths on your hair as you settled, adjusting into the familiarity of his body as you rested.

“You know I care about you, right?” Ethan asked into the darkness, his thumb brushing soft strokes against your waist. “Like..more than anyone.”

You smiled against him.

“Are you saying you have a crush on me, Sleepy?” You teased, and he startled you by instantly saying, “Yeah”.

You sat up a bit, looking at him, and you could’ve sworn his cheeks had gone red. You brushed his hair away from his forehead and ran your fingers across his cheek, your head tilting.

“Then do something about it.” You whispered, feeling his chest rise and fall beneath you, before he lowered his head and pressed his mouth to yours.

-

Core Four

Chad: Y/N?

Chad: Y/N I know you’re getting these messages. I added you back to the groupchat a week ago.

Y/N: what do you want

Chad: my BOY over here says he’s going to his GIRLFRIENDS HOUSE TO WATCH A MOVIE

Chad: WHICH?? GIRLFRIEND???

Tara: WHAT

Mindy: Ew.

Y/N: he has a girlfriend?

Chad: …

Chad: it’s not you??? he just left the house like an hour ago

Y/N: why would you think it’s me??

Chad: BECAUSE

Tara: nooo my fave ship

Mindy: Thank God.

Y/N: *image*

Y/N: idk what movie he was planning on watching because this man is out like a fuckin light

Tara: AHHHHHHHHHHHJOANASKNKSN

Chad: WHAT THE HEEEEEELLLLLL🔥🔥🔥🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅

Mindy: I hate you all.

Return

╰┈➤ Ethan Landry x female reader

╰┈➤ Warnings; mentions of sexual harassment, cursing, angst turned to fluff, making out, ghostface! au, unedited

╰┈➤Summary: Ethan breaks up with you, and a couple of months later sees another guy trying to make moves on you - spoiler warning, it does not go well.

╰┈➤ Word count: 2,475k

╰┈➤ Part two

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Hand pulling hand, giggles bounced off the brick walls surrounding the pair. They've done this before, many times, but this time it was different. Something was wrong. The lack of a spark in his eyes told her so, now it was replaced with a darkness. His laugh wasn't as hearty and carefree as all the other times, and his eyes didn't gravitate to hers as she spoke.

His footsteps came to a slow stop, her hand being tugged backwards. She looked back, expecting that big, toothy smile, but was met with none. Her own slowly dropped. 

"Eth? What is it?" She asked, breath heavy and heart thumping.

"I don't know if this is a good idea..."

One brow arched as she looked at him confused, eyes quietly asking him to elaborate. This was new, unusual. She didn't know what to say, she didn't know what he meant as her hand rose to his shoulder in concern.

The soft material under the pads of her fingertips brought a form of comfort to her, but that sad look in his eyes didn't evaporate at her touch.

"You know what I mean," He spoke after a moment, heaving a heavy breath, "Us. This isn't working out." He shook his head, thick locks of hair bouncing softly, as he cast his gaze to the side, avoiding the pain he knew he was beginning to cause.

A sigh escaped her lips, her teeth clenched with vigour as she looked up to avoid spilling any tears. This wasn't happening. He can't do this to me. She rubbed her thumb and forefinger together, a chill going down her spine as she thought, "Why are you doing this?"

"We both know this isn't working. It'll only end in us bothgetting hurt," He paused, inhaling deeply, "I don't love you."

She looked back to him, this time met with a hard and cold stare rather than the loving, teeth-rotting sweet look in his chocolatey eyes, as he removed his hand from hers. "W-what do you mean? Just two days ago you were on about how you can't stand being away from me!" She shouted, her blood pumping from her heart, up her spine and to her head at a furious pace, "What happened?  What changed your mind?"

Ethan shook his head, looking away as he bit on his cheek to hold back a smirk, ignoring the way his hands trembled lightly; not from fear, but from the nerves. At least that's what he told himself. Looking back up, that smirk was quickly wiped away as he saw the look in her eyes, the pain. She was trying to hold it all back, the pain and the anger and confusion all battling together as they fought to swim up to the surface. 

"Why are you doing this Eth?"

"I have to. It's best if we stop whatever this is."

"How do you know? Are you really thinking about what's best for me?" She asked, tilting her head gently to the side, trying to catch his gaze. She didn't want them to end. 

"Stop making this so difficult! I am doing what is best for me!" He shouted, hands drifting up to point at his chest, the abruptness of his movements almost causing him to hit her, "I don't give a fuck about what you want! Okay? This is over, we are over." He ended his speech in a gentler tone, eyes boring deep into her own with a certain coldness she'd never seen before - not from him anyway.

Tears quickly teased at her eyes, glassing over and blurring her vision as she took a shaky breath. With no words, she nodded her head and pushed past him, walking back towards the busy streets, "Y/n! Wait!" She could hear his voice shouting, but she ignored it, "Come back!" Continuing to walk away, she blended in with the crowds before he had the chance to catch up to her. 

She reached the house party Tara had told her about within 20 minutes. Her legs led her up the short flight of stairs, tear stains smudging the carefully put on mascara and eyeliner. She received a bunch of looks - at first confused, but people were quick to remember what day it was. Halloween. She trudged through the sea of sweaty bodies, small sobs fighting to escape her throat. 

There stood an island in the kitchen, full of red cups and bottles of different kinds of alcohol scattered all over, some empty some full. Carefully, she poured herself a drink, taking a sip as Tara approached her, eyebrows scrunched in concern.

"Y/n? Are you okay?" Her voice, filled with worry, asked as the shorter girl stared at Y/n. 

"Yeah I'm all good." Y/n nodded her head, sending a small smile before continuing to drink, chugging the vodka as if her life depended on it. In some way it did, as the pain of a heartbreak cursed through her body, head to toe. 

This became a daily occurrence. She wasn't at parties 24/7, but she was drinking. She was drinking so much she felt invincible against all hangovers. Hours turned to days. Days turned to weeks, and weeks soon turned into two months. Ethan would always be there, watching silently as her personality diminished, became something else. She was transforming like a butterfly, yet her wings seemed to be clipped. It pained him to watch this, but there was nothing he could do, or would do.

Until the Christmas party. 

It wasn't the traditional friends gathering. No, it was yet another frat party, with a dress theme - Christmas movies. Chad had convinced Ethan to join the core four and Anika, all dressing as characters from Elf - Chad being the main character - to nobody's surprise. But Tara seemed to like that. The group knew they had something going on, but nobody dared to say a thing. Ethan himself was dressed as Walter, and the two roommates stuck close to each others sides, play fighting and downing shots over and over, until a light buzz struck Ethan's head, until Chad had disappeared into the crowds. 

Ethan walked around, stumbling past and bumping into people, muttering apologies under his breath. At some point along his journey, he forgot what he was even doing. His feet were moving on their own accord. 

And then he came to a halt, his gaze setting on her. She was swaying to the beat of the music, hair flowing, head moving from side to side as she enjoyed the music with a red cup in her hand. Pink and blue hues mixed across her skin and hair, making it seem as though she was the only one there. In other words, she was feeling herself. A small smile tugged at his lips, momentarily forgetting that Ethan couldn't have her any longer. 

He begun to move again, this time dancing his way through the crowd, eyes set on one person only. She was dressed in a mini red dress, white fluff coating the edges of it, a Santa hat loosely hanging on her head. She was dancing around with another girl, one from Ethan's class. That was until a tall man approached her, his hands gliding down her shoulders, to her waist, giving a gentle squeeze. His chest pressed against her back as he began to grind on her, either being blind to her attempts at pushing him away, or being ignorant, his lips planting harsh kisses to her neck. 

Then, his hands went further down, to her hips before she turned around, planting a harsh slap across his face, a frown gracing her beautiful features. Her shout echoed, but was quickly deafened by the music. 

That was Ethan's last straw.

Aggressively, he pushed past people. He could feel the blood rushing to his head, and in a fit of rage, upon closing the distance between himself and the scumbag, Ethan gripped him by the neck and shoved him away. A gasp left Y/n's lips as she turned around, feeling cold air attacking her skin as the stranger was ripped away. Her eyes widened as she saw Ethan going in for the hit, lunging at the guy with his fist, knocking him to the ground.

Her heart skipped a beat. A chill ran down her spine. Her lips parted in a silent cry as Ethan's foot made contact with the stranger's stomach, once, then twice and thrice. She gripped his arm and pulled, hauling him away from the scene and to the entrance of the house. 

"What the fuck do you think you're doing?!" She screeched at the top of her voice, stomping down the flight of stairs. The cold air hit her like a brick, and she was thankful for having a puffed up jacket. 

"What am I doing?! That bastard had his hands all over you!" Ethan shouted back, rolling his shoulders before rolling the sleeves of his blazer up, "I'm going back in there, and I'm gonna fuck him up." Ethan seethed out, the cold being nothing compared to the rage he felt as his mind flashed the images. 

Y/n smiled, her rage overcoming her as tears pooled in her eyes. 

"What do you think you're doing huh? You left me! So don't go around trying to fucking fight for me!" She shouted, coming closer to the male, her hands rising to push at his chest.

Goosebumps decorated the skin of his forearms at her touch, he gritted his teeth and stared right into her eyes. His heart fell at the tears that she spilled. He never wished to see her like this.

"I am trying to forget you, Ethan. So fuck off." She said, emphasising the words 'fuck' and 'off' through gritted teeth, jabbing him in the chest. They made eye contact, which turned into more of a staring contest as one waited for the other to back down. 

She wasn't having it, and decided she won when Ethan's posture slightly faltered. 

"Good." She said and whipped around, her hair slapping him in the face as she began to ascend the stairs, wishing to return to the warmth of the house. A warm hand gripped her bicep before she could take more than three steps, pulling her backwards, and making her heart skip a beat.

"Ethan what the fuck-" A kiss cut her off, his hands coming up to cup her face. She made a small attempt to move away, but one of his hands moved to grip the back of her neck, pulling her closer. His lips pleaded with hers, but received no reciprocation of the kiss. She was as still as a statue.

He pulled away with a sigh, leaning his forehead against hers as his eyes cast down. She waited patiently, lips pursed into a fine line as her heart beat rapidly and tears dripped down her cheeks.

Looking up, Ethan's heart broke at the sight. He wanted nothing more than to comfort her. Hold her. Kiss her, "I'm sorry." He whispered, maintaining eye contact as she hiccupped. She nodded her head, but said nothing in return, remaining silent. The only thing they could hear was the blasting of music from within the house, their hearts beating in sync as the two thought. 

"This isn't gonna work, Eth..." Muttering, she pulled away, gulping down her pain. Ethan's heart rate picked up at the sweet nickname - one he hadn't heard in what felt like decades. He shook his head, his hands moving from her face and neck down to her crossed arms. He gave them a gentle squeeze, eyes searching hers for any sort of hope. 

"Please... I made a mistake. Please take me back," He pleaded, eyes frantically moving as he tried to connect with her. She closed her eyes and inhaled a deep breath, shaking her head in denial, "Please I will do anything love."

"Ethan. Step away. I'm not doing this tonight." She muttered, hand moving to wipe some stray tears away.

"No, I'm not letting you go. I can't stand the thought of a frat boy being with you, touching you - please." 

"You let me go before, you haven't done a single thing to get me back. Ever." She said calmly, gently gripping his hands and removing them from her shoulders, "Goodbye Ethan."

And with that, she began walking back inside, not daring to look at the one person she loved most, the one that betrayed her. But what she wasn't expecting was him running after her, spinning and pinning her against the doorframe, caging her between the doorframe and himself.

Eyes wide, she tried to push him away, but his hand had moved to pin her wrists too. His free hand stroked her chin, tilting it upwards so they could meet eyes, "I'm not letting you go." He murmured softly, voice velvety and smooth as his eyes searched hers, for some kind of softness. 

She said nothing, only gazing at him, lips parted in a silent 'oh' as her thoughts were running at top speed. What is this?

"Couldn't you have done this much, much earlier?" She asked softly, her eyes looking back and forth between his pleading puppy eyes and his parted lips, his tongue poked out for a second to glide over them in anticipation. He knew what she wanted and he would do anything to give it to her.

With that thought, he slowly neared her lips, "Can I?", he asked, looking to her eyes for permission. She gave the faintest nod of her head before their lips connected, Ethan's hands travelling downwards to caress her cheek. He let out a quiet groan, loving the way their lips fit so well together, the way her face fit right into his palms, how soft her lips were - he missed this feeling so bad.

Their lips moved in sync, so used to each others presence and movements, but neither wished to separate, until Y/n pulled away to catch some air, surprised as Ethan chased her lips with his own, his eyes hazed over and cheeks flushed with a pink tint. His thumb glided over her lower lip, pulling at it gently before letting go. He cleared his throat and moved slightly away, but Y/n followed, not ready to separate yet. 

"You don't know how long I've been waiting for this..." She whispered softly, eyes searching his own.

Chuckling, Ethan nodded his head and twirled a strand of her hair in his fingers, "Yeah? Me too."

"Kiss me more then." Y/n smiled, latching her arms around his neck as she tiptoed, earning another chuckle before their lips connected again, both students grinning from ear to ear.

"Get a room!" Chad drunkenly shouted from behind, and the two broke away and ran giggling, hand in hand. 

Part 2

It will go more in depth as to why the events of the first one happened <3

Return pt.2

╰┈➤ Ethan Landry x Female Reader

╰┈➤ Warnings: mentions of murder, blood, cursing, breakup, angst turned to fluff, ghostface! au, not explicitly following the events of the movie (Scream 6), alcohol, mean and sad ethan :(

╰┈➤ Summary: Ethan has to break up with Y/n, but regrets it instantly. Why? Because to him, she's the love of his life.

╰┈➤ Word count: 3,609k

╰┈➤ Part one

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He'd done this before; same thing over and over. One victim after another. Something in him twisted and churned at the stranger's screams, their begging, their cries, but a more cruel, a more violent part of Ethan supressed that twinge of guilt. It's not like he could do anything anyway – his dad would skin him, and his sister would take it upon herself to make his life more miserable.

"Please no! Stop I beg you." A voice screeched in his ear, begging for mercy, bloodied hands grasping his own. They were in hysterics, using all their strength against him but to no avail. His mind was elsewhere, the screams becoming white noise as he continued to drive the knife up. Agonisingly slow, too. He could feel the skin cut beneath his fingers, the blade never stopping. "I don't want to die..."

Their voice became all but a whisper, their hands losing the strength they had just a moment ago. He chuckled quietly, before abruptly pulling the knife out, his chuckling turning into a full-blown laughter as they screamed, body twitching against the wall behind them.

"I'll make it quick buttercup, yeah? Would you like that?" He whispered into their ear, holding the knife too close to their neck for comfort. He could feel them tremble, even in their half-passed out state, their fear too overwhelming. A slight nod followed shortly after his words, and he tutted in disapproval, moving away to take in the sight, his work.

"Please- if you're going to kill me, do it quick!" They exclaimed.

"So much demand from someone in your position..." He wasn't impressed, nor was he content. He didn't like being told what to do unless it was coming from Y/n. Speaking of which, he looked around the room for something. A clock.

"Shit."

His eyes caught sight of the moving handle, it was coming close to 8pm, in 15 minutes he was supposed to meet Chad.

"Look buttercup, I would love to drag this out, but I'm running low on time-" He muttered, more to himself really, whilst flipping the blade in his gloved hand, the sound of his footsteps bouncing off the walls as he stomped towards his victim – a fellow student – plunging the knife into their chest repeatedly, choked stutters and gagging resonating within the room, followed by pure silence just a few short moments after.

"Fuck."

He wiped his knife clean on their clothes, turning to a window. His bag was there waiting for him, ready with his awfully stupid costume that Chad would force him to wear later on.

He heaved a heavy sigh and shook his head, muttering curse words under his nose as he awkwardly exited through the window and onto a rusty staircase.

Taking his mask off, Ethan inhaled a deep breath of air, shoving the damned thing back into his bag and instead placing on the wretched cardboard cut-out.

What even was it? He had no idea.

Down below, his bicycle was waiting for him, luckily it hadn't been stolen by some drunkard. Everyone seemed to be drunk and gone by this time, celebrating Halloween.

His feet moved quickly, the tyres spinning aggressively as he swerved to the left, narrowly avoiding a car. "Watch where you're driving dickhead!" He shouted, flipping the driver off in a fit of rage. After a couple of minutes, he could see heaps of students cluttering the streets, all dressed in silly, sexy or actually well-done costumes.

Some hollered at him as he hurried past, others swore as he swerved, his eyes finally settling on the half-naked figure of Chad, sported in some shorts and a cowboy hat, waiting outside their shared dorm building.

"Ethan what the fuck?!" Chad shouted, prolonging the 'fuck', flailing his arms in the air as he approached the teen, "You were supposed to be here ten minutes ago! Where were you?" He continued, his arm wrapping around Ethan's neck as the boy put his bike away.

"Sorry Chad, I was in the - uhm, library?" Ethan said slowly, though it sounded more like a question rather than a statement. It wasn't questioned by Chad though, who seemed like he already had a few too many drinks for the hour it was. He was already swaying as he walked alongside Ethan, tripping over his own feet - earning a few giggles from passing ladies - winking and blowing kisses, flashing his pearly-white teeth in a boxy grin.

In all honesty, Ethan didn't expect to get away with his lie so easily, but Chad was such a frat boy he couldn't keep his hands off alcohol until they got to the party. He let out a relieved sigh as he heard music blasting out of a specific home - the 'go to' for everyone.

There wasn't a single week without at least one party, and that added onto the ease Ethan felt any time he had to go and slash someone up.

Because nobody would even notice he was gone. Not even the people that called themselves his 'friends'.

Okay - that wasn't the whole truth. There was one person that truly did care for him. A small smile tugged at his lips as he thought of her - her beautiful, soft and shiny hair, that smile that made her look like an angel sent by God himself - no, not even that, she is a literal Goddess - he thought, those little crinkles under her eyes as she smiled, the few tiniest freckles scattered across her cheeks. The way she would always lead him to the dance floor, enticing him, bringing a smile of his own to his face. His heart pounded, no, it clawed at his chest whenever she was around. She was his whole world, and she held his heart in her grasp. He was at her mercy.

But their relationship wouldn't last.

As much as Ethan loved Y/n, he would eventually be forced to kill her. She was heavily associated with the 'Core Four', as Chad liked to call it, being present at the Woodsboro event. She was there when his brother was brutally slayed by none other than Sam Carpenter.

A string of curse words fought to escape his mouth, but he fought against it as Chad pulled at his bicep, leading him away to a group of dancing girls - who in his mind - were the most awkward dancers possible.

"Ladies, meet my bro Ethan." Chad introduced, slinging one arm around Ethan's shoulder and the other around a blonde girl's waist, "Ethan, these are my classmates. They're all gorgeous aren't they?"

Ethan grinned at the group, doing his utmost best to look sweet, innocent and convincing. Chad wasn't aware of his current relationship status, and that was okay. Neither Ethan nor Y/n were bothered enough to tell anyone; they'd figure it out on their own.

"Hey there, nice to meet you guys!" He shouted over the music, lightly nodding in greeting as his cardboard helmet slid down and blocked his vision. He was about to move it out of the way, but a smaller hand did the job for him. He looked to his side, and was met with a big cheeky grin. The one he adored.

"Y/n? It's good to see you!" Chad erupted, arms raising high as he embraced her in a suffocating hug. Ethan's heart twitched, his stomach twisted with a tinge of jealousy. He did not like the sight of Chad acting all touchy with his girl - did he need to do so?

The answer was a simple no.

Y/n's hands awkwardly patted Chad's back, her eyes nervously moving from the other girls to Ethan's, though his seemed to have a darker look in them - he wasn't happy, "Alright Chad I think that's enough." She said quickly, clearing her throat whilst backing away from the taller male, and joining Ethan at his side. 

She turned to Ethan, her gaze meeting his lovingly, "Hello stranger."

"Hey there, fancy seeing you here." Ethan said, clearly pleased as he bit his lip lightly, his hand itching to reach out for her own, and it would have if it wasn't for another body crashing into Y/n's back, arms slinging over her shoulders as lips entered Ethan's vision, a sloppy wet kiss was planted on Y/n's face.

"Mindy?! Ewww your breath stinks!" Y/n exclaimed exaggeratedly, fanning the space before her face as she moved her head away. Mindy chuckled at that, attempting to gift her with another kiss whilst fluttering her eyelashes and puckering her lips in, what she thought was, a seductive manner, "Oh come on! My kisses can't be that bad!"

Ethan looked to her, a questioning eyebrow raised, "Are you sure?" He scratched the back of his head, purposefully looked around the room to imply Mindy was, in fact, a bad kisser. Though he couldn't know really. The girl in question smacked the back of his head, a nasty snarl gracing her features, rolling her eyes in the process, "Thanks Ethan. At least I can pull the ladies, unlike someone..." A couple of 'oohs' and 'ahhh's' left the small group, and Ethan could almost feel the sting - only he didn't, because in his mind he did pull the best girl possible.

And she was standing at his side, stifling a couple of giggles.

"Come on Y/n, let's get some drinks." Mindy said, taking a hold of Y/n's hand as she lead her away.

Ethan shook his head and chuckled, sending a slight wave at Y/n, who had turned back to say something, but was far too gone to be heard. He reached into his pocket, fished out his phone, and was greeted with the sight of two missed calls from his sister - Quinn. He sighed heavily and excused himself from the group, making his way outside as he attempted to ring her back.

The phone rang for a long while, and Ethan was growing agitated the longer it took.

"Ethan? Why didn't you answer?" Quinn's annoyed voice rang through Ethan's ear.

Clicking his tongue, he retorted, "I told you I will be busy. I'm at a party, why are you calling me?"

"You need to break up with that bitch. Plans have changed." Her tone was cold, and Ethan let out a scoff at the insult. How dare she insult the one girl he cared about? 

"Me and dad decided to let her live," She took a pause, awaiting any sort of reaction from her brother, but was greeted with pue silence as he anticipated her words, "If you break up with her, we won't kill her. We will only go after Sam, Tara, Chad and Mindy. Though I can't promise you that she won't be injured during the process."

"And if I don't? Maybe she can still be an asset." He argued, directing his attention at a stray rock on the side of the pavement, kicking it, "Then I will personally ensure she is gone. We need you to stay focused, Ethan." Quinn's voice sounded harsh, and it sent a chill down his spine, his eyes widening in horror. He never believed her threats were real; up until now. But she was giving him a choice.

"Ethan? Did you hear me?"

He took a moment to say anything, his attention shifting to how rapidly his heart was beating, how he suddenly felt so warm and self-aware, he felt as though he could feel every sensation on his body - from that miniscule itch on his thigh to the way his hair began to stick to his forehead unbrearingly.

"You'll let her live? If I break up with her?" He asked, swallowing down the invisible lump that had formed in his throat. He's never felt this way. What was it? Anxiety? Fear? Over the phone he could hear a male voice call for Quinn, and he visibly cringed, "I am very serious Eth. You think I wouldn't be up for the task?" She questioned, taking a puff of air, "Dad's getting impatient, and I'm being kind by giving you a choice. So act fast."

And with that, she hung up the phone.

His arm fell limp, and the blood pumping through his veins deafened him. His thoughts raced one hundred miles per hour, and yet did not come up with a single answer or solution to his predicament.

His sister, his own flesh and blood, was threatening what he deemed the 'love of his life', but was giving him the chance to save her life? He definitely needed a moment to think that one over.

A few minutes went by, the music coming from within the house never stopped. It worked as background noise as he pondered, talking under his breath about all the possibilities and pacing around, clearly anxious. Could he get out of this one? Was breaking up with Y/n really the ultimate choice?

He felt like falling in through the earth, down into its very core so that he did not have to make such a choice. He wasn't stupid though - he knew if he suddenly disappeared, that Quinn wouldn't hesitate for even a second - and Y/n's life would be in grave danger.

He couldn't let her do that. If anything, he would break up with Y/n, break her heart and have it crumble to pieces just to ensure her safety. 

"What's got your pants in a twist cupcake?" A soft voice asked behind him, at first he was slightly startled, but then realised who it was. His damnation, "Y/n? I thought you were busy partying?" He exclaimed, hand gripping his chest as a nervous, toothy grin creeped up his cheeks. 

The girl in front of him swayed a little, hands interlocked behind her back as she looked up, "Well I was, but you were gone for so long I started to think you snuck off."

He chuckled, shaking his head in denial.

"No, I wouldn't of left you here, alone." He said quietly, looking straight into her eyes cutely, "Chad would do anything for a chance with a girl as pretty as you." Ethan continued, now shuffling closer and closer, until their torso's were just a mere inch away from touching - so close he could see that dusty pink colour decorate her cheeks. That really did do a number on him. 

"Well, luckily for you, Chad isn't my type," A small smile tugged at her soft lips, and she fought hard to contain it as she spoke, moving her hand to trail her fingers down his chest, keeping her gaze locked on it, "My type are sweet, cute, nerdy boys, with adorable brown puppy eyes and soft curly hair. Specifically, brunettes." She shifted her gaze, now looking into his wide eyes, the street lights reflecting in her pupils.

That light dusty pink colour from earlier? It now turned into a full-blown crimson blush paired with a wide smile.

"Are you embarrassed?" 

"Why do you ask?" She looked at him once more, chewing lightly on her bottom lip, her blush intensifying further as she had indeed been called out. 

"You're blushing. So much. It's quite cute actually." Ethan teased, his hand slowly moving to grip hers, sliding down to interlock their fingers together, "I think we should get out of here." At that, his heart picked up the pace, and nervosity took over him. Should he do it now? Maybe that'll be for the best.

His mind rushed as Y/n pulled him along, into the crowded streets and through dark alleys. Their breaths matching in pace and heartbeats matching in rhythms, their hands interlocked and feet moving synchronically.

Cars honked at them, street lights flickered and light rain pattered down, drowning out anything but each other's presence. Ethan kept trying to think of the right things to say, but her presence overwhelmed him, tugging painfully at his heartstrings. He couldn't bear the thought of leaving her. But he had to, for her safety. And so, his mind made the unconscious choice to let her go.

Even if it hurt.

It would be like acting, he told himself. His ears could barely process the words she was saying, the blood pumping through his head deafening him. He was getting anxious and fidgety.

His footsteps came to a slow stop in an alley, his hand pulling her backwards. Her breath hitched, and she gazed lovingly into his eyes, but he could see the growing worry. How am I going to do this? He restrained a smile, and blinked away the tears that threatened to gather in his eyes, not looking at her, but rather off to the side.

"Eth? What is it?" She asked worriedly. He could hear her laboured breathing, and gulped down the lump that formed in his throat.

"I don't know if this is a good idea..." Ethan's eyes met hers, his heart beating loud against his ribcage. He fought hard against his urges to grab her hand from his shoulder, place a gentle kiss on it before embracing her and muttering sweet nothings and reassurances into her ear, that she shouldn't worry and it didn't matter. 

"You know what I mean," He continued, taking a deep breath, maintaining eye contact, "Us. This isn't working out."

He shook his head, seamlessly trying to rid his head of those thoughts, but to no avail. His heart panged with guilt at the sigh she let out, "Why are you doing this?"

"We both know this isn't working. It'll only end in us both getting hurt," He paused, taking a deep breath, an attempt to calm his racing heart before he blurted out, "I don't love you."

He put on a stoic face, letting go of her hand. Putting much needed distance between them. If he didn't, this simple task would become much harder.

"W-what do you mean? Just two days ago you were on about how you can't stand being away from me! What happened? What changed your mind?" A light smirk tugged at his lips, his nerves taking over every cell in his body - he was scared, terrified. That smirk was quickly wiped off as he saw the pain in her eyes - the one thing he never thought he'd be the cause of.

"Why are you doing this Eth?"

"I have to. It's best if we stop whatever this is."

"How do you know? Are you really thinking about what's best for me?" At that, his anger took over.

He was doing all this just to protect her. He was being selfless, and all that she was doing was making his life more difficult. He hated (loved) how she questioned his choices, never went down without a fight. His vein was visible on the side of his temple, and his teeth grinded on each other.

"Stop making this so difficult! I am doing what is best for me!" He shouted, breathing heavily, feeling his face became hot to the touch, he pointed to himself, but stuttered his words out as his hand almost slapped hers, "I-I don't give a fuck about what you want! Okay? This is over, we are over." Upon saying so, another lump formed in his throat. He wanted to take his words back so so bad. But how could he? 

She nodded her head at him, and pushed past him, bumping shoulders. His eyes caught sight of the first few tears, and his heart shred into bits. 

"Y/n! Wait!" He shouted after her, following in her footsteps, but she ignored him as though he didn't exist, "Come back!" With that, she entered the crowded streets and disappeared, from both his sight and his life. 

"No no no. What the fuck do I do? What the fuck did I do?!" He questioned himself, one hand gripping and tugging harshly at his hair, the other dragging over his face, and he wished this was all some sort of a sick dream.

He couldn't believe he just did that - abandoned the love of his life and watched her walk away. It's for the best. He shook his head, slapping himself lightly before rushing into the crowds, in hopes of catching up to her.

'She must have gone back to the party, right?' He thought, looking ahead into the crowd. Hoping to catch up. His legs carried him, they ran, and his mind pleaded whatever God was above them, whatever fate chose this. The house party wasn't too far, as the pair hadn't gotten far before he made his declaration. Within 15 minutes he was there, his height bringing an advantage to his speed. He pushed through and into the house, looking around in a panic.

"Where is she?"

Sweaty bodies and spilling drinks blocked the path, hands raised in the air and swaying to the sound of music. Ethan received a couple of (accidental) slaps to the face, which helped sober him up a little from his panicked state. He had reached the kitchen, an island decorated with red solo cups and empty bottles of all kinds of alcohol, stood in the middle. And on the other side of it was Y/n, busy talking to Tara and Chad, her lips trembling and hands shakily bringing an alcohol-filled cup up.

His heart broke into a million pieces, just at the sight of what he had caused. Was begging her for her forgiveness now a bad idea? Probably. He listened to his better judgement, swallowing the lump in his throat harshly, his Adam's apple bobbing as he did so. His hand wiped the forming tears away and he walked away, breaths heavy and trembling as his heart shook. He couldn't sabotage her safety - one which should have been guaranteed the moment those words left Quinn's lips. Though, his sister was renowned for being an immensely good liar - only that part seemed to escape his mind.

I just wanted to say a quick thank you, I am so grateful for anyone who has read Return, I'm thankful that you all enjoyed it and I really hope Before You is up to your guys expectations <3 For those who have read the pre-edited version, this new one has a few minor but important changes. Thank you for whoever reads this <3 - kometqh

Tags: @netey6m

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