Monster College - 5

"Monster College - 5"

orig. 10/23/2015

MH Elly x Jackson (21+) / Holt (21+)
"Confession" scenario - PG

Non-Canon Cartoon: Monster High (after HS)

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Elly stopped where she was, her hand in mid-air. 

She'd been walking as fast as possible to get to her class on time and came across an interesting scene. Frankie and Jackson were right there in the shortcut hall in front of her. The two were chatting in a very friendly fashion, and then they hugged, laughing. "That could be anything," she mumbled to herself. It doesn't mean anything! They're friends. That's all. A light tapping announced the arrival of another on the scene. Elly turned and saw the flower ghoul that had greeted her the day she found the map. "Oh, hi! I was just..."

"I see what you were doing," she said in a falsely soothing voice. "And I don't blame you for being upset."

"What?"

"I mean, you've been dating them, right? And I heard it was getting doubly serious."

Elly coughed in embarrassment. "Well, I don't know about that, but yes, they both like me. I like them."

"And they both like her. In fact, they've liked her long before you." She gestured down the hall.

"What the hell? He wouldn't -"

"Didn't you know? Jackson and Holt were supposed to start dating Frankie when they each worked out how to deal with their other half." Blossom covered her mouth with her hand in mock surprise as the other woman's ears laid back.

"I have to go," Elly blurted out and ran blindly off in the opposite direction. 

"Oh, my! Did I cause a little trouble?" The plant girl's mouth curved into a wicked smirk. She walked forward, intent on interrupting the two friends' conversation.

Moments ago Jackson had turned a corner, rushing to his next class with his green pack jammed with books. He'd chosen this secluded hallway because it was a shortcut from the music floor to the sciences, and he was running late. Others knew about this, of course, and he almost bumped into a girl as he jogged quickly forward. He was about to stammer out an apology on the run when he saw who it was.

"Hey, Frankie!" He called out happily, stopping in his tracks. 

She spun about with a grin. "Jackson!" The two rushed over to meet. "How are you two and Elly doing?"

"Great." He blushed and dropped his head shyly. 

"That's fangtastic!" She squealed.

"I mean, really great." He lowered his voice, moving closer so only she could hear. "I think we're in love with her." He paused. "I know I am." Frankie's eyes widened further and she threw her arms around her friend, laughing with delight. 

"Did you tell her yet?"

"Nope. I was going to maybe do it tonight at the club. That way we both could..."

"Blossom?" Frankie tilted her head quizzically at the titter of laughter behind them. "Hi! What're you doing there?"

"Oh, nothing," she called in a sing-song voice. "I'll definitely be going to the club tonight. I guess I'll see you there with your lovely girlfriend!" She smiled a sickeningly sweet smile at the human, who leaned back a little out of her way.

"Uh... yeah."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world!" She laughed again as she strolled down the hallway.

"What in the world was that about?" Frankie asked.

"I don't know," he said, puzzled.  "If I know her, it's probably not good." He said goodbye, and went off to his class like usual. He got there on time, which was lucky considering how late a start he'd gotten and then chatting with Frankie along the way. He also did very well that day and was quite pleased with himself as he walked back to his room.

It's been a good day, he thought as he sat on the couch and closed his eyes momentarily. Maybe it really is the right time to tell her. If it goes like everything else did today, it'll be awesome.

But when he went to dial Elly on his phone, she didn't answer. The first time he tried he figured she was busy and she'd text him or something when she was done with whatever she had to do. He sent a text himself, just in case, and closed his eyes again to relax for a bit. He woke, startled, hours later when his phone chimed to let him know Holt had to be at the club soon. There were no messages although it was dark out and he knew she had to have gotten his. 

"What's going on?"

At her dorm room, Elly was curled in a tight ball under a thin blanket. "I know I'm being stupid," she moaned softly, "He wouldn't do that to me, neither of them would." She hadn't trusted herself to reply back to him yet because she didn't want to alarm him. Jackson had both called and texted her multiple times and she knew he was going to be worried anyway, so now she was really upset. She was starting to cry when he finally panicked in his dorm and called one more time.

"Elly? Are you okay? Please call back." He held the phone out and stared at in in chagrin. "Damn it." He couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. But Holt hadn't said anything to her lately, and he knew he hadn't upset her when they last talked. He was certain because when he'd kissed her goodnight she'd melted softly in his arms. She wouldn't have done that if she were angry at him or anything. He stood up, stretched and then walked purposefully out the door without a thought about the club. It took about fifteen minutes to cross the pathway between the girl and boy dorms and reach her room. Unfortunately for him, it only took a single knock before Elly saw who was coming and bolted.

"Wait," he yelped, darting around the hall corners and finally out the door after her. "Elly, wait!"

"I can't right now! I'm sorry!" Her voice had a terrible catch in it that wrenched at his heart. Jackson strained to run faster but he was at his limit. She was simply faster than a human. In panic, he did the only thing he could do: he pulled his iCoffin from his pocket and plugged in the headphones. His fiery persona flashed into existence and caught up with her in seconds.

"Elly!" 

"Holt?" She sagged and he caught her before she fell. "Let me go, I - I'm not ready to talk yet..."

"Nah, we gotta talk now." He held her tighter when she struggled and lifted her feet off the ground. "I said no - ugh, that's it!" People were openly staring at the couple and he knew it might be hard to have peace and quiet where they were. They needed someplace quiet. He glanced around to get his bearings and then ran off to the east as fast as he could. Holt was extremely nimble on his feet. He dashed around monsters ambling around campus and through the streets of town until he'd reached his destination. Elly only peeked out from her hands when she heard the rumble of water, loud in her ears. Holt had let her go and when she looked for him he was seated close by on a worn rock shelf, behind a great waterfall splashing only feet away. His earbuds were out, but he was still himself and he instantly guessed what she was thinking.

"It's the waterfall," he said quietly, his eyes meeting hers in a serious gaze totally unlike him. "I don't have to have them in." He held out a hand. "Please - whatever it is, we'll fix it."

"Maybe you can't." She bit her lip when he dropped his hand in defeat.

"I want to. I don't like seeing you upset. It's probably my fault, too. It usually is." Once more he seemed different now, and she was intrigued enough to open up a bit more.

"Um." She took a deep breath, inhaling the clean scent of the water and feeling the spray caress her face. I'd better just say it, she thought and went on bravely, "Blossom told me you and Frankie were going to date once you got your dual nature under control."

Holt spluttered in surprise. "That's what has you upset?"

"Yes! You - you two... " she stammered to a stop and then blurted out, "Heath told me it was true, too. And Abbey. And..."

"Everyone?" He shook his head. "I know them well enough to know they also said I really liked you. Right?"

"Yes." She fidgeted, her hands grasping each other and twisting.

"And I'd be surprised if no one mentioned that Frankie has been dating someone for years. Since high school."

"I didn't know that!"

He blew out air in a huge gust of wind that smelled faintly of smoke. "Damn, girl, you really had us worried. Nerd boy even gave me free reign just to catch you just now." He stood up with a slight grimace as his knees popped, then walked closer.

"I'm sorry, I just, it's not that I didn't trust you, I really did. My life has always sucked, so I guess I just felt weird about it."

He shook his head. "Ah, so it is my fault." She leaned away, dismayed, but he caught her and tugged gently until she walked into his arms of her own accord. "We should have been clearer about how we felt," he apologized. "I know you had some bad times and you won't forget them, but we can make better ones."

"Oh," she gasped. "This isn't like you. I mean, I didn't mean anything bad. You're just not usually so calm."

"I know," he grinned. "Weird, isn't it? When I come here I sort of chill out. It's a nice place. I like to write music sometimes." His voice trailed off and when she stared incredulously at him, his gaze was far away and even soft. "I'd wanted to take you here under better circumstances, but, eh."

"Holt." She swallowed past the catch in her throat, feeling rotten for having put them both through so much.

"Mhhmm?"

"I'm sorry. I should have told you." 

His lips quirked in a smile. "Yeah. You should've."

"Hey."

He chuckled. "I said before it's my fault, too. I never told you how I felt. That must have been confusing, especially when y'heard about Frankie and us." She nodded. Holt's smile widened and he placed his forehead to hers in that way he had, to stare into her eyes. "You can ask normie-me, too, but we both feel the same way. I love you." Elly blinked several times, frozen in shock. She opened her mouth but nothing came out at first, and all she could do was hug him as tightly as she could. 

After she'd calmed down a bit, she rubbed her cheek against his, purring softly. "I love you, too. Both of you. All of you."

Story 6 >>>

Monster College - 2

"Monster College - 2"

orig. 10/21/2015

MH Elly x Jackson (21+) / Holt (21+)

"First Date" scenario (PG)

Non-Canon Cartoon: Monster High (after HS)

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Jackson slid on a sock that had fallen on the floor and almost fell. Arms flailing, he managed to steady himself and even caught the pens that rolled over the edge of his desk when he'd bumped it. 

"Hey, yeah." He smiled and placed everything back where it belonged. Score one victory for me today, at least. His other venture hadn't turned out quite as well. He couldn't find the girl he'd seen that day in the music room. He had even tried going to the exact area - sound room four, he remembered everything from that day -- but she hadn't been around. Jackson sighed and rubbed the side of his face with one hand. He couldn't worry about that now, shouldn't, but it was bothering him. He'd really liked her.

Elly turned on the light in her dorm room and flopped onto the bed with a groan. She had only been here a week but it seemed like so much longer. She was terribly homesick and everything about this country was different, which didn't help. Most of the people she had met had all formed baseless opinions about her, which she was used to but didn't help her morale, either.

"Wonderful," she said in a voice near to tears. Maybe she would go out and try to do something. But her favorite pastime was going to clubs to enjoy the music, and she wasn't sure what was acceptable here or where anything was. 

"Excuse me," a polite female voice interrupted her musing with a faint knock at the door. "I'm sorry, we've never had a chance to welcome you!"

She sat up and looked in astonishment at the smiling girl. She had a patchwork of stitches everywhere, different colored eyes, and hardware in her neck. "Hmm? Me?"

"We certainly not talking to other person in room," the blue-skinned female beside her said with a thick accent. She was wearing a cold-weather outfit even though it was spring. Large fangs protruded from her glossy lips. "Especially since there no one else in room."

The first stepped forward as Elly did, holding out her hands in a friendly way. The bolts on her neck sparked. "I'm Frankie," she grinned. "This is Abbey." Abbey waved, her flat expression not changing, but somehow appearing more benevolent than the others Elly had met. 

"You can call me Elly." 

"I heard your name was something different, but you changed it a little to modernize it."

"Yeah, it's not what's on all the lists and stuff. I'll have the college get it right eventually." A smile quirked the corners of her lips, but she was cautious. "Are you - did you hear the rumors about me yet?" There. Maybe it would be better to head this off at the pass if this wasn't meant to be. Like that cute guy the other day... she closed her eyes momentarily. Ugh, why can't I forget him?

Frankie looked sad. She reached out and patted the Asian woman's arm. "Yes, we did, actually. That's why we felt we had to come right away."

"We heard things get worse," Abbey added. "That's why we stop by to invite you to dance at club nearby."

"Ohhhh," Elly breathed. She couldn't believe her ears!

"Yeah," Frankie said enthusiastically, her eyes lighting up (literally, Elly noticed with a start of surprise). "Lots of people from the college will be there. We'll show everyone how nice you are! Rumors can't be trusted." She nodded as Elly finally broke out into a true smile. 

"All right. Let's go!"

The club was close by the dorm where she was staying at. It was a simple place, a rough stage set under a coffee house in a concrete basement with a bar on the side. It was packed, though, and she heard some really good music inside. Frankie and Abbey walked in with her, but soon wanted to go get something to drink. They said it might take some time explaining to the bar monster that they didn't want anything intoxicating, and offered to take her along. But Elly didn't want to always rely on others. She thought things were finally going right, and wanted to see how she did on her own. 

Things went downhill shortly thereafter. And worse yet, it wasn't from a group of women. She was suddenly surrounded by a gang of men, a vampire, werewolf and a few she couldn't even identify.

"Hey! Isn't that the cat whore?"

"I heard she'll sleep with any guy she can get her claws on."

"Maybe you'll finally get laid, Barry." There were loud snickers and she felt a hand grasp her arm roughly. Elly's ears drooped. It had all started so well. Her two new friends were elsewhere, she was alone and menacing people were circling angrily around her. She wasn't afraid because she had faith in her monster talent and her ability to fight if need be, but she would have to leave immediately, or else there would be trouble. She wrenched her arm out of the manster's grip and turned around, trying to get her bearings. A huge flash of light shone in her eyes. No -  not just her eyes, she was surrounded by it. 

A spotlight?!

A resounding voice echoed through the room. "Aaahhh... you guys need me to come down there?" There was a flash of fire, and the men yelped in pain as their bottoms were singed. The one that had grabbed her was seriously in trouble as he was on fire, the offending arm flaring in the otherwise dim room. "Don't you dare pick on my date. Get on up here, sweetheart, and let's show these monsters some real party music!" There were loud cheers from the throng of dancers. Confused and in pain, the guys darted for the door as Elly tottered towards the sound, still half-dazed by the light, which followed her until she was stepping up to the stage, where the DJ and his turntables were. He looked furious at first and she blanched, but then he flashed her a winning smile. One arm extended towards her while the other flipped switches and dipped sliders. She was sort of pleased that he'd been that angry at the guys picking on her. It was sweet.

"Who ...?" He had blue skin, hair that was a burst of flames, a tribal tattoo on one side of his face and, strangely enough, an eyebrow piercing like the one she had seen on that cute guy in the music room. In fact, his face resembled his, but he was clearly not human, and that guy was. Being feline, though, she had some extra abilities and one was her keen sense of smell. This guy's scent was almost identical to the other guy's. Maybe they're brothers.

He winked at her and tapped a button on the panel. "Once again, this is your hot," he chuckled, aware of the pun, "DJ Holt, and I'm cutting in to let you all know a little something special..." His voice slipped into a sensual purr that made her knees go weak. He then pointed at the bar on the side of the club. "Last call for alcohol!" He snapped the button that turned on the mic in his headset and rolled his eyes at her. "Those other assholes should have called it quits on the booze a long time ago."

Elly giggled despite herself at his antics. The ensuing scramble for the bar left the dance floor almost empty, and she easily spotted Frankie and Abbey, waving cheerfully at her with relieved smiles on their faces. He'd answered her question and she knew who he was, but why had he called her up here? It was nice of him to help her, but he could have just scared the guys off and left her to be with her newfound friends. She noticed that he waved back at them, so that was probably why. Maybe they had told him about her. That somewhat dampened her spirits, but she knew a handsome guy wouldn't just take it upon himself to rescue her like some...

"...damsel in distress?"

"Erhm, what did you say?"

"I said," Holt spoke over the thump of the music filling the air around them. "'What's wrong, my beautiful damsel in distress'."

"Oh," Elly choked. "Um. It's just that... this is all so," she took a deep breath. "I mean, why did you help me?"

"You didn't do anything to deserve that hellacious treatment. Besides, I couldn't let you get away from me again."

She shook her head, utterly confused once more. "What?"

"You'll see." He held up a finger and pressed it gently to her lips, effectively silencing her before he turned the mic on in his headset again let the crowd know this was the last set of music for the night. There was some dissent, but it seemed good-natured, and she had to admit it was a lot of fun being there, helping with the music. He was eager every time she suggested a piece and they even danced a little in the limited space they had on stage. She noticed that he looked more worried as the last song played, and he trailed the music off slowly. Most folks were gone now and those that weren't were getting their things to leave. The last notes faded out, and he clenched his jaw tightly.

"Ugh!"

Elly jumped back with a startled oath. His clothing burned away into a more sensible set of slacks and yellow button-down shirt. Her eyes widened as his skin tone paled, his hair extinguished... and then Jackson was standing before her, looking as astonished as she was.

"Elly!"

"Jackson?!"

"I thought you guys had met already," Frankie's voice called out from the side. Neither of them took their eyes off each other while she spoke. "Jackson, didn't you tell her your last name when you met?"

"Err, no," he said weakly. Elly raised her eyebrows in an unspoken question. He coughed apologetically. "Jekyll," he said in a very quiet voice. "My last name is Jekyll. Annnnd that was Holt Hyde that I'm assuming you just met." He flinched. "I hope he didn't make a jerk out of me." Her ears skewed crazily into opposite directions, she could only shake her head. 

"Jackson," Frankie laughed, "He helped her out. You guys had a great time."

"We did?"

"Y- yes, we did," she confirmed.

"You two looked like were hitting it off," Abbey commented, and Elly blushed. Frankie, meanwhile, was giving Jackson a very pointed stare. She looked at Elly, then back at him.

Ask her out! she mouthed silently.

"Um, ah... Elly?" Jackson choked a little when her eyes met his. "It's not that late, uh, yet. Do you want to go get a coffee upstairs or something?"

Abbey and Frankie grinned in unison as she looked questioningly at the girls. "Not with us, we have to get back to our dorm. Big test to study for tomorrow..."

"Yes. Test." The two hurried out.

"Just us?"

"Yes!" The word squeaked nervously out of him. 

"That sounds great."

The coffee house above was great for after parties, especially college monsters that needed to sober up fast. They ordered and Jackson insisted on paying for her, which she accepted because she didn't know what else to do. He was so earnest about it, so she just smiled and thanked him warmly.

"You know, I don't want to alarm you or anything, but this is my first date," she murmured when they were seated in a semi-secluded booth.

"Not really?"

"Really." She stared into her coffee, embarrassed, then changed the subject. "But everyone thinks I'm so 'experienced'. I'm not. You saw how those guys were treating me..."

He held up a hand. "Um, no, I didn't. That must have been Holt."

"You're completely separate?"

He shrugged, then tilted his hand back and forth. "Well... yes and no."

"Yin and yang?"

Jackson blinked, then smiled shyly at her. "Yes. He knew you, because I'd met you before. But I don't know what he did tonight, with you." His eyes widened. "I mean, I -"

Elly laughed softly. "I get it. And we just had fun. But he really saved me back there. I like him... and you."

"I guess it's lucky that we met, then," he stammered, putting his hand down. He then noticed that they were resting very close on the table. Shit - it's the perfect moment, Jackson thought, panicked. Remembering that she'd said this was her first date, he moved a little farther up until just their fingertips were touching instead of holding her hand outright. Both of them were blushing hard now. When she didn't jerk away he slowly enfolded hers in his palm as gently as he could.

"I think so, too," she said quietly.

STORY 3 >>