#[Kia dying on the floor right now]

[siixkiing]

I'M SORRY THAT PIECE OF ART HAS HOW MANY NOTES NOW?!

[west-tokyo-incidents]

Demonologist AU

Because cohost is mcfucking dying.

Kia/Vice with a side of Rage/Paresse/Fussa

---

"What th-- What the fuck is this? Hah, little bitch has done her research this time, huh? You really think these binding rings will hold me for more than an hour?"

"Research and a bit of backup. And an hour is more than plenty of time."

Another voice rings out before he can get a good look at his prey. He whips around and snarls at the unexpected guest. His eyes fall upon stark white hair, piercing green eyes, tattoos of sigils and binding spells burnt into pale skin. Pretty round tits sit just half hidden by a loose black shirt, sharply juxtaposed by the gaunt, angular face sat above them.

A growl draws his eyes away from the demonologist, and now he sees the two at their feet. One, feline in disposition and black in color, has her lips drawn back to display sharp golden fangs framing the ivory of others. Her eyes glow a golden brown, gold claws dig into the wooden floor. A succubus. The other is her opposite, stark white with vivid blue and silver decorating his canine-like form. An incubus. On both are collars, matching the one on their lounging master. Other demons, chained to a mortal.

Said mortal tilts his head back, "He'll be a bit tougher to break."

"Break? Me? Hah! Just because you got two sluts chained up means nothing. I will not be broken, much less bound, if that's what you think you're going to do." The spines on his back stiffen, extend from his back. Unfortunately, he is so caught in his prideful sneering that he doesn't feel the barriers shift, allowing the woman behind him to sneak up... and latch a collar around his throat. He lashes out, spinning around and catching her arm as she flees backwards. He charges the barrier and slams against it, demonic, needle-like teeth gnashing as the scent of her blood curls like a cat against his senses.

Her companion is up, coming over to help her up and apply pressure to the wounds.

His fury is deflated as the metal around his neck begins to heat up, "You better hope you got these sigils right..." He groans low, "You're not getting a second chance." He lifts his claws up to start scratching at it, hoping to ruin any engravings or paintings, but the outside surface is smooth, untouched. He shouts his frustration, now trying to claw at the inside of the collar without slitting his own throat. The sigils were engraved on the inside.

"Clever bitch." He breaks the decorative o-ring on the front. He twists the hinges, but they don't yield. The warmth continues to build. It doesn't burn, though. He huffs and turns to glare at them, his eyes meeting that of the two other demons, now lounged between the barriers and the mortals. He laughs, "Fine, you wanna fuck? I'll put a baby in you if that's what you want. I'll even let you keep this thing on me while I do it. After that, we go our own separate ways and we forget this whole little 'soul' deal, hm?"

He's met with silence. Neither mortal moves. He hears a snicker from the gold demon.

"Bargaining already? I thought you weren't going to be easy to break."

Infernal tongue hisses along his senses. The silver demon skitters away from the barrier with a laugh not unlike a hyena when he charges the barrier again. It holds steady, however.

"Well, you saved me the trouble of cutting my palm open." His prey speaks at last. He whips his head around to face her, finally taking her in. Her companion seems to have helped her chose her outfit, ritualistic embellishments on her dress saying such absolutely wicked things she couldn't have known, symbols meaning such lewd things no human would repeat them. He licks his teeth as he watches her press blood into a groove on her necklace. The collar grows warmer. It still doesn't burn.

Oh, it feels good. He knows what these sigils are for. Ancient ones, meant to fold a demon into the service of a human. Sigils taught to man by angels to assist them in an ancient holy war. These were meant for demons of lust. Each set of sigils were carved to give the gratification of different sins, each to lure different demons to serve. He was no lesser demon, though, he could resist this. He was not bound to one sin, one carnal pleasure.

He indulged himself in wrath instead. He clawed at the barriers, lashed out with insults towards the mortals, the demon slaves at their feet. He hesitated when he heard mumbling. His eyes focused on the grey-green of the woman he'd preyed upon as she stood a mere inch from the barrier. Infernal whisperings that urged the blood in her jewelry to dance along the ritualistic engravings. His golden-green eyes followed hers as she paced around. He watched her lips move, felt his body warm under her gaze.

"...you don't even know what you're saying, do you? Do you know what filth you're promising? What each hiss in the back of your throat means?" His voice is weaker than he wants it to be. How long has it been since she started? He turns and his knees threaten to buckle, "You can't possibly keep your end of this binding..."

She smiles, but keeps mumbling. Never once faltering, no matter how he distracted her. He growls and slams his shoulder against the barrier. A voice rose up, in time with her mumblings. The gold demon speaks with her sandpaper-rough tongue.

"I will bind your broken soul with mine. You will be at my command. I will stoke the fires of hell in your gut. I will use them for my own. You will not fight." The caged demon roars at her, "You will take nothing of mine. I will use your body as a tool. As a toy. As I please."

The silver one grins, the flash of lightning between his fangs.

"Your cock, your cunt, your mouth, your ass, your hands, you are but a weapon for my battles." Her tongue trips up. She cannot speak the next lines as her master hooks a finger in the rings of her own collar. One so ornately decorated and lovingly carved.

"She knows what she's saying." The low, tempered voice of the demonologist purrs, "There is no end for her to keep. This isn't a deal, and you know it." The succubus whimpers softly as her master starts mouthing at her neck, pulling her into their lap.

His name, his name comes from the mouth of the one he'd once intended to enslave himself and his knees give out beneath him at last. Her hands come through the barrier and cup his face. Even though he wants nothing more than to bite her hands off, he can't move. He's numbed from the words, her touch the only thing he can feel by comparison.

In infernal, she declares, "You. Are. Mine."

And he is. He doesn't know how many times she had to repeat the ritual. He should have paid closer attention. He should have been trying to distract more than just lash out. He never was good with words. He presses his palms to the barrier, panting softly.

"...Paresse, is it...?"

"It is. He would have eaten one of your hands if it wasn't nearly done."

Nearly. It isn't complete yet... He wants it to be complete. He wants her to make him hers. He presses up against the barrier, pressing into her hands, whimpering. She smiles at him and steps closer, entering the circle, and he moves back to let her. She pushed him with just the smallest amount of force and he understands her desire. He lays flat on his back, eyes wide and watching her. He can see the amazement on his mistress's face. All the things he had done her, and now he was pliant beneath her.

His tail lashed with need. His hips buck a little as she straddles his hips.

He hears a moan from across the room. No doubt the other human indulging in their own servants. But he only has eyes for her.

"Please..." He whispers, slit pupils blown wide. His golden-green irises only thin rings now. He takes in every detail of her, every pore, every little drop of sweat from her brow, every little crack in her lips. His heart thuds as she descends upon him. He wonders if this is how mortals he's fucked have felt about him. But only briefly. The very floor beneath him, concrete and rough, doesn't even concern him anymore.

His world is filled with her. Nothing else matters.

[sashi-ya]

Ch. 4 ~ NSFW ~ Trafalgar Law x F! Maid! Reader ~ A Dangerous Attraction.

AU : Mafia AU. Mafia boss Law. He IS a murderer.

TW: BLOOD. Mafia & murderers. Graphic depictions of violence. Smut. Explicit. Making love. Vaginal sex. Impregnation. Self harm. Marks, bites. Mental health issues. Trauma. Fluff. Angst.

WC: 4.2K

Chapters: one ; two; three; four; five; final

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/33273136

Tag list: @rivvd-art ; @chocokaylarobin ; @fantasyfairysworld ♥

“Law!!”

“Name-ya…”

Inked fingers squeezing around your wrist, your body hanging into the void. You try to climb, but little rocks fall every time you try to use your feet to push yourself up. The desperation and Law is simply not moving, he is just holding you. If he wanted, he could let go of you and you would fall instantly. If he wanted, he could kill you and no one would know. If he wanted…

“Law! Pull me up!” you shout, with tears in your eyes. He is not listening; Law is completely frozen. His eyes opened wide; he doesn’t blink. He doesn’t breathe. His jaw muscles are clenched. Your arm hurts, the only thing that is keeping you alive is Law grabbing you.

“Law don’t let me fall. Save me…” you beg with tears sprouting from your eyes. “LAW!!!” you shout. The time passes so slowly, so painfully scary.

Suddenly he blinks quickly and pushes you up. Your body falls over his, you are safe now. Law hugs you; he starts crying. Your head rests over his chest, but quickly try to release yourself from his arms. “Let me go!” you shout, in distress.

Law stops hugging you and you stand up, trembling, still crying. You take your hand to your wrist, massaging the fingertips marks he has left over your skin. “I’m… you don’t understand. I didn’t…” he tries to tell you, but he fails as he stutters nervously.

“I wanna go home. My home” you tell him and start walking back through the path. You almost run; you can feel him walking behind you. Law is sobbing, he can’t stop crying. You hear some scratching noises, but you decide not to look back. If you dared to even look at him, you’ll pity him and forgive what just happened.

But something stops you, you hear a loud noise and a whining. A painful whining. You turn around, and there is Law, kneeling on the ground, right arm bleeding from the scratches he has made on himself, swollen eyes from all the crying. He keeps violently scratching his skin, and he can’t stop.

“What the hell?!” you shout and run to him. You crunch next to him and grab his arm, “Stop doing that. You are hurting yourself”. “I’m… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it…” he says repeatedly. “Stop, please. You are bleeding” you tell him, holding his arm. He puts his forehead over your chest imploring forgiveness. Your shirt gets damp by his tears. A mafia boss crying like this, so weak…

“Why didn’t you pull me up instantly, Law?” you ask all of a sudden. You know that whatever he says won’t stop you from running away from him, but that question escapes your mouth unintentionally. “I… I’m… my dad. My uncle…” he stutters. “What happened?” you ask. “My uncle… killed my dad. Doflamingo pushed him by the same hill. I was in the car looking at everything. My uncle said my dad slipped away because he was clumsy, but he didn’t. He pushed him. And I saw everything. And didn’t say anything, I was afraid. My… dad…I was seven”. And suddenly everything makes sense… he was facing his trauma, but he never let you fall. He saved you… once again.

You hug him so close, poor thing. You caress his black hair, rocking him back and forth. “It’s ok, it’s ok…” you repeat. A few minutes after he stops crying, “I’m sorry” he says, nuzzled on your chest.

“It’s ok, Law…”

But you can’t take this anymore. You are going to end up dying if you stay next to him. You definitely are.

Both walk back to the cabin, you start packing your stuff leaving only the maid costume over the big, still undone, bed. Sitting on the mattress you take out the photo of your family and look at it. In the photo you see your sisters, your mom and you in your father’s arms. It’s your birthday. Behind, a tall man running with a little boy wearing a white hat. You don’t really remember their faces. You only remember that man was your father’s partner. Both policemen. They were fighting against organised crime. After your dad was shot, you never hear anything else from his partner, nor the little kid. But you keep focusing on your family, and those happy times. You were smiling so joyfully, so naive…

You hear the surgeon at the door, and quickly put the photo on your pocket. There is no way you let a mafia boss see the face of your family members. It’s just too risky...

“You sure you don’t want to stay?” asks Law, now with a white bandage around his scratched arm. “I am sure, please take me back to my apartment” you tell him. “(Name)-ya, please, stay at my house. I promise I won’t talk to you” he says, tears building up in his eyes. But you remain strong. “Please…I need time to be on my own” you tell him as if you were begging him to stop insisting. You don’t know how much you are gonna go without succumbing to the dangerous attraction he represents to you.

“At least let me keep you safe, I won’t visit you, I won’t call you. But please, stay in one of my apartments. I beg you” he finally says, approaching you. You back up instantly, somehow him touching you, scares you.

“Fine” you finally accept. He is right, if you dare to come back to that apartment you might be in danger. Law eyes sparkle, he breathes a sigh of relief. “Thank you, thank you so much” he says, approaching you once again as he was trying to hug you.

“Stop. Don’t touch me” you command. He freezes right away, the smile in his face is gone once again. “I’m sorry, I’ll be in the car waiting for you” he says, crestfallen and walks away. Your heart aches at him leaving the door, but you know too well this is the best decision you could have taken.

Once everything is set, and you are ready, you go downstairs. You give a last peek to the cabin, the place where Law and you let your passions go wild for the first time… a place where he almost chokes you to death… Closing the door behind you, you were sure this was the last time you would ever be in this place.

Opening the door of that amazing black car, you throw your bag on the backseat and sit next to Law. He is wearing black shades, tears falling through his cheeks. He is not speaking; he swallows and hits the gas. You don’t dare to look at him, so your head is turned towards the window. The magnificent forest, nature, a place where you’ve been the happiest… and the sudden memories of you almost losing your life for the second time…

No more than an hour passes, and you are already on the highway. The radio makes the painful silence a little less uncomfortable. A slowed cover of “We Found Love” by Rihanna playing.

“As your shadow crosses mine, what it takes to come alive.

It's the way I'm feeling I just can't deny. But I've gotta let it go.

We found love in a hopeless place…

Shine a light through an open door. Love and life I will divide.

Turn away 'cause I need you more”

“Tsk…” you express. “Hum?” he asks. “Nothing…”. There was no interaction, nothing. Law’s cheeks damped. Nose red from all the crying.

“(Name)-ya… would you prefer the 6th or the 8th floor?” he asks, sniffling. “Whatever you want, it’s ok for me either way” you tell him, feeling ashamed. You are leaving him, but still living on his property… this shouldn’t happen. “Ok… Then the 8th floor. It has a big terrace” he tells you and touches the screen of the car.

“Bepo, Law here”

“Law, I’m Pen. Tell me”

“Oh, Penguin. Please take all the (Name)-ya’s stuff to Swallow inns, the eighth floor”.

“Yes, boss. Are you ok? You need us to take some of your stuff too?”

“Just hers… oh, don’t forget the Kia”

Law hangs up before his friend could say anything else. His voice clearly shows how much he’s been crying; he knows his friend would ask. You simply ignore everything he says, you don’t really want to hear even though he is speaking via Bluetooth.

After two hours, you arrive at a luxurious apartment complex over the beach. A big sign that says “Swallow Inn” announces that this is the place you are gonna be living from now on. “Damn” you think, how the fuck your life changed so much that you ended up living in such a place…

“(Name)-ya, this is the place where the apartment is located. Our… your parking spot is the number 18” he informs you. “Uhm, ok…” you say, because you don’t even have a bicycle to park in there, but hey, thanks for the information. But, when you arrive at the said parking spot, a little black car is parked there. “Nice, someone parked on your spot” you say, sarcastically.

“It’s yours…” he says. “What? No” you categorically express. “Please, accept it. This place is far from the city, and there are no bus stops nearby. Please” he insists. “Ok…” you accept, even though you are sure you are not gonna use that car.

Law takes your stuff from the backseat and tells you to follow him inside. The place is modern, everything is clean, luxurious, white, pure. “Eighth floor” he says and presses the little 8th button of the elevator and a code. “Remember, you should enter this number so you can enter home, ok?”. You don’t speak, and just nod.

The doors open inside the apartment, again everything is so white and pure. Your stuff is already in place. Big windows show the immense sea ahead. Everything is perfect, so for rich people. “Law, this place is amazing. You sure you want me to live here?” you ask.

Law turns around, takes his sunglasses off. Swollen red eyes, more dark circles than ever. He fixes his grey irises on yours. “I’d rather you live with me. But this is the best second option I have to keep you safe”. You keep looking at him, you can’t take your eyes off him. It hurts so much, even more than the bruises on your wrist, on your neck… your heart shouts “stay with me”; but your head says no… no, or you are gonna end up dying.

“By the way, this is your phone. I recommend you use this one, it’s safer. Not for me, but for you” he says, lending you a mobile phone that’s over the breakfast nook. “Thanks” you nod and your fingers graze when gabbing the phone. How hard is this…

“Well, I know you want me to go, but, if you ever need me… just, call me. Ok?” says Law, taking his hand to your cheek, but quickly stopping himself. “Wait” you say and grab his hand to your face. He gasps but grazes your skin. You close your eyes and let your head rest over his palm for a moment.

“Thank you, Law… Give me some time, please” you whisper. “I’ll be waiting for you…” he says, and a few moments later he is gone. The elevator doors close, and your legs finally turn weak. You fall on your knees. You haven’t cried until now, and now you do. Tears won’t stop falling from your eyes to the marbled floor.

“Law…”

----

After all your tears have dry, you start looking around the apartment. Your bedroom is bigger than your ex-house. The bed looks just as the one Law has in his room. Satin sheets and white fluffy covers.

A wardrobe full of your clothes, old and some new outfits they bought you from the finest brands. And next to your clothes, men's ones. “Are these Law’s?”.

You can’t help but take one of his t shirts. You choose a yellow one, with black sleeves. “It has his smell…” you say, while taking the cloth to your nose. “I don’t think he would mind if I use it…” you say and put the shirt on. It has some kind of a smiley face stamped on it, and you wonder what it means.

The night comes, and your stomach growls. The fridge is full of ingredients, Law’s subordinates are so efficient. You cook a vegetable wok that you devour right away. The place is way too big for you, but it is what it is.

You inspect the new phone he gave you, such modern and pretty. You decide to pass all your photos from your old one to it. Same as the numbers. “I should call mum…” you think, remembering about the money. Where are you going to find any money to send them? “I can’t go back to the old bar; I’ll search for work tomorrow”.

“Hi, mum?”

“Darling!! I’ve been calling you, but you don’t seem to pick up. Is everything alright? Why are you calling from a private number?”

“It’s my new phone, I don’t know how to take it off. I will ask a friend to help me, and I’ll send you my number mum. Don’t worry” you lie. “How are you? How are the girls?

“Fine baby, but are you alright? You sound so sad…”

“I’m fine mum!! I moved! I will send you the address via text, ok? You should come someday! I have a sea view now!!” You act all excited, just for her not to worry, but moms know better…

“If you need mum, come spend some days with us darling. Ok?”

“Yes mum, I’m ok. I’ll be visiting you soon!” You lie once again, choking back tears.

The conversation is soon over, and after hanging up, tears run free. “I hate lying to my mum. Damn it. Damn Law…” you grunt, while searching for the picture of your family on your pocket.

“Where the fuck…?” You say, while searching for it desperately in your jean’s pockets. No sign of the photo, and you start to panic. The last photo you have with your dad, your seventh birthday…

“Don’t tell me I lost it, please!!!” You shout and start to look for it everywhere. Every place, every square. You can’t stop crying. You just can’t… something so precious to you.

“That’s what happens when you hang with the mafia… karma” you tell yourself before falling asleep, crying.

You wake up several times during the night, as nightmares invade your dreams. Law’s scratched arms, his eyes, the feeling of falling into the void. The day the police came to your house to tell your family, someone killed your dad. The way Law choked you… the way his hands were around your neck, the way his hips moved in and out of you, the way his kisses make you feel…

“Stop right there, (Name)” you say to yourself looking at the ceiling. How can you feel horny, huh? Are you crazy? “What’s wrong with me…?”. You know what’s wrong, of course you do. You are in love with Law and can’t deny it anymore. Your body misses him, you miss his scent, you are using his damn shirt to bed. You miss him so much; you are hugging a pillow pretending it is him.

Standing up from bed, you look through the big window of your room. The sea seems calm, sun is peeking from the horizon, still lazily resting until dawn. You sigh and say, “I fucking miss you… why aren’t you here?”.

Ding, Dong…

The sophisticated sound of the doorbell resonates all over the loft. “Fuck” you think, they’ve found you… Am I in danger? Should I call Law? Bepo? You tremble and walk towards the intercom.

Ding, Dong…

“Fuck” … you slowly pick up the phone of the intercom, and the little screen next to it turns on. The image of Law, a distressed Law appears. “What the fuck? I told him to give me some space…” you think, but he signs desperately for you to open.

“Law, what are you doing here?” You ask via the phone.

“Open, please, I have something important to show and tell you, I didn’t want to enter with my code” he says and shows a little square paper. Your most precious treasure, your family photo. You widen your eyes, “enter the code, come on”.

A minute passes and the door of the inside elevator opens. Law is standing right there; he looks like a mess. This must be the third night he hasn’t slept.

“Can I?” He asks for permission to even step into your -his- apartment. “Come in. Do you have my pic?” You ask ignoring the fact of wearing his shirt and only that over your body.

“Yes, but… I need to show you something about it” Law says, while looking at you up and down with a sweet expression. “Let’s sit, this is important” he insists. So, both of you sit on the couch. Law takes your photo out of his jacket pocket and puts it over the coffee table. “This is your photo, right?” He asks. “Yes, thank you!! Where was it?” You tell, but before you could take it, he stops your arm. “Wait… it was over the car seat. But, please, look at this…” he says and puts another photo next to it.

“L-Law…”

“I didn’t know, I promise”

“It can’t be, was your dad…?

“Yes, it was” …

Both of you start crying, recognizing how linked both of you are…

Law takes his finger to your cheek, wiping a single tear. You do the same, wiping the tears from his cheeks. “I’m so sorry…” he whispers. “Don’t…” you tell him, and you two hug. Pressing your bodies, you find the comfort, the warmth of home. That feeling you only experience when you know you are safe…

Your faces so close, your eyes fixed. The sun slowly rising, invading the place with lilac and orangey tones. Law is fighting not to kiss you, and you frankly too.

“Fuck it” you whisper and plant a sweet kiss over his lips. And that’s the spark you two needed to become fire. You set all your zipper free, no more clothes. You sit over his lap, both kissing so passionately, tongues playing with each other’s. Law cries, you cry. But you two smile pressing your foreheads.

You see how the scratches on his arm became scars already. You grab his arm and kiss softly over each wound. “Don’t do this ever again, please. If you have the need, talk to me, tell me, I’ll be there to help you…” you tell him, looking straight into his soul. Poor thing…

“I missed you” he says. “I missed you, too” you tell him. Even if you haven’t seen each other for some hours, your souls missed each other so much. You kiss him so relieved… your head keeps telling you stop, until the arousal drowns every single sign of reason.

Law gabs your thighs and stands up, carrying you to the bed. He softly puts you over the mattress, and he settles over your body. Gently kissing your neck, Law takes his time. His hands grazing your breasts so softly. “I want to make sweet love to you, I want to be gentle, I want it slow” he says, because he doesn’t want to hurt you. You smile and take your hands to his face. “Do it slow and do it faster. Do it gentle, and do it rough…make love to me, Law” you tell him.

His “death” hands travel from your neck to your waist, and even lower. His fingers buried on your hips as his mouth reaches your sex. “Spread, babe” he asks with a soft tone. You do it right away. “Good girl, now put your legs over my shoulders”. And so, you do.

Law’s mouth attacks your core, licking, tasting, devouring your juices. He little by little kneels on the bed, pushing you up. Your legs are still over his shoulders, he has better access to your core as he keeps giving you the best oral sex you ever experienced. You grab the sheets, pull from them, as your climax begins to arrive. Law presses your lower belly, while he sucks your clit. “Come on, come for me” he says, muzzled by your anatomy.

You are about to burst, and Law penetrates you with his middle finger and ring finger. The licking, the pressure, the fingering… you come, squirting, bathing his whole torso with your juices, as they come out with such pressure Law is not able to receive it all with his mouth.

“Such a good girl” he says, letting your legs over the mattress. You are panting, that position somehow made everything better… “L-Law…?” you mumble, still trembling from the orgasm you just had.

“What, baby?” He asks while wiping the rest of your climax off his chin with the back of his hand. “Don’t you ever stop fucking me like this” you tell him, so naturally, so unplanned.

“I won't, I won't ever stop”.

Law lays in bed, next to him, enjoying how you come back to normal, and the blushed on your cheeks that screams how good your orgasm felt. But he wants more, and of course, you too.

“Come here” he says and helps you to turn around. He is spooning you; you feel his hard member over your glutes. Law passes his right arm under your neck, and the left one reaches your left nipple. He pinches it, twists it. Law takes his index to your mouth and makes you suck it. “Wet it real good” he commands. Your teeth graze the E tattooed on his finger while sucking it so sexily.

The same finger, shiny from your saliva, is now tracing circles again over your nipple. You moan, it feels so good. He gropes you with his dick, your back feels the warmth of his inked chest. You push your ass against his member, trapping it in between both cheeks. Law grunts, and moves up and down, frotting his hard shaft over your rear entrance.

Your hand reaches for the surgeon’s hip. You carve your nails on his skin, pulling you even closer to you.

“Fuck me, fuck me now”. “If that’s what you want…” he says, while he bites your neck. The hand that was playing with your nipple now grabs his dick. He aligns it with your entrance, lubricating the tip with your dripping arousal. He slaps the shaft against your labia, forming strings of precum mixed with your juices.

His gland playfully hits your clit, and you squirm with it. But you burn with the need of being penetrated, filled by him. “I want you inside, please” you beg. “You want me inside? How much do you want it?” Law says pressing his mouth against your cheek, his beard grazing your skin. “Fill me up, I want it so bad. Fuck me, now…” you whine.

“Ok, my darling. Just because my shirt suits you so well” he says and kissing the side of your mouth he penetrates you so slow, little by little stretching your walls. The feeling of the tip going in and out, without fully penetrating you deep, sends you to heaven as it grazes your g spot. You can only whine his name, feeling as he gradually goes deeper, in and out.

You can feel Law’s wicked smile over your cheek as he finally penetrates you to the deepest point he can reach. Your walls clench around his member as he speeds up the pace. “Babe, you feel so good, so tight” he moans in your ear. The sound of his voice could kill you if it was meant for it.

You moan soundly, sure the neighbours could hear you, but unable to hold back as Law is now fucking you mercilessly. Soon the climax road is taken, and you are sure getting to it.

“I want to see your face while you come” Law says, and quickly turns you around. Classic missionary position, the most perfect man over you, his whole anatomy, sweating, panting.

Law puts your arms up your head, grabbing your wrists together. His body lean over you while he pounds into you, violent, deliciously thrusts. The way the muscles of his torso tightens when his hips move in and out are art, the finest piece of art you have ever seen.

And inevitably, both of you reach orgasms. This time, Law focused on your face, he didn’t bite his lip, he didn’t choke you, he didn’t lose track of reality. Law this time was being driven by love, by the only need of loving you, of making you happy… of not losing you.

You come, and so does he. Law fills you with his creamy seed. He collapses over you, still with his dick inside you, pushing his milk deep in you. Returning his breathing back to normal, he whispers into your ear “I think I’m still in love with you”.

“Still? What do you mean?” You ask, confused...

CH.5

[karimac]

...in the details, Part 2

A/N: Warning for this series: 18+ audience (minors DNI), some cinematic level violence, some fluff and angst. Doubt that smut will be involved, but it may be implied. I’ll make sure that is noted clearly if it pops up.

All relationships, at this point anyway, are platonic.

Please do not repost or translate my work. Likes, comments and reblogs are greatly appreciated.

A bit about the OC Kari

Part 1

All mistakes are my own.

Word count: 2,249

Before you ventured into Westview, a flight of birds overhead reminded you of Redwing and Sam. Poor Sam. That sixth sense you had told you that fight at the compound was going to lead you all into very weird places. And the first one left you very squarely not in the room once again.

This time it was Steve and Bucky being thick as thieves, and you and Sam were…making a sandwich run? Couldn’t exactly get GrubHub to make a delivery to an attack site, could you? Bruce did not want some driver with a cellphone putting video up on Snapchat. “How would that look?” he bemoaned as he worked on the time travel platform. “We’d be getting tourists left and right. I don’t need that.” So off you and Sam went.

“You know, you could just, you know,” Sam started to say as he waved his hands like he thought a wizard would do, “and just poof up a plate of stuff. Right? With extra food for Banner, of course. He inhales tacos like nobody’s business. Just ask Tic Tac.”

“Sam, what have I told all of you before? Magic is the transfer of energy and matter. No suitable food stuff means no sandwiches. I can’t just think about the deli counter at Wegman’s and make a sandwich and a side of coleslaw appear in my hand. So, we’ll order on the app and pick it up. Just like everyone else. Before I hit the button, any changes to your order?”

“No, it’s fine. But don’t tell me you’ve never done shit like that when you’ve had your back against it,” Falcon huffed as you went to the rental car you’d gotten earlier in the day. That, thank Heaven, was easy to get at the local but extremely small airport.

“I’ve killed small rodents and eaten them, and I don’t mean just rabbits. Snakes, too. And, well, birds of prey, like falcons,” you groaned as you started to get into the car, but you stopped and headed back to the passenger side. “And I know you hate my driving, so here you go,” you said as you handed Sam the keys. “Sorry it isn’t a Ferrari. I was lucky to get this Kia. They didn’t exactly have anything race course worthy.”

As Sam climbed in, he saw bags of gear in the back seat. “You pulling a Wanda? Need some me time away from all us testosterone jockeys? Cyborg is going to be pissed.”

“Bucky has other stuff to deal with, trust me,” you said as you rolled your eyes. “He does not need to add Crazy Old Broad to his growing list of things to do and people to take care of this week. I heard him talking to Steve…”

“You? Eavesdropping? You are human!” Sam smirked, but then he saw the comment had hit a nerve. “You know I was kidding, right?”

“I know you are,” you said as you swallowed hard. In reality, you were not exactly buying that last comment. Sam was a sweetheart, but his comment sounded like things Tony and Steve had said about you in the weeks before the Time Heist. It depended on the situation, but one or the other of them seemed to question you, your motives, your powers and what they could do, and, at times, your grasp on reality. You did have a connection to a goddess they couldn’t see. Blaming them for having those questions just was not in your wheelhouse. “And yeah, maybe I just need to go figure a few things out. You guys know how to get me back here if you need me.”

“Somehow I don’t think Steve, Bucky and I would look so great standing and screaming your name in the middle of a fight,” Sam noted as he finally turned the key in the ignition.

“Now who is having issues with gender roles?” you said with a very pronounced side glance. “Sam, we are all human. We all need a save now and then. Maybe you’ll never have to utter my name again after today, unless you guys can’t find something you think I hid? Thor will be back once he’s done exploring the universe, and you can always get him here fast if you have Strange find him. And Wong is just dying for his shot as a full time Avenger. We all know that! And I can go back and do, well, goddess stuff, I guess. And raise horses. Just, please, make sure no one drops the ball on Parker. He lost his parents and his uncle. Losing Tony will hit him harder than anyone likely expects. He’s a good kid. He just needs support and guidance. Now, want to get this thing moving, or do you want me to drive?”

“And have you antagonize the local cops by going Mach 1? No thank you!”

You had to laugh at that one. You did tend to floor it. A lot.

++++++++++

A short time later, you and Sam rolled back to the site Bruce had chosen to set up the time travel platform. After you two handed out all the food, you realized it was really time for you to get going. No, you didn’t have a train, plane or bus to catch or someone to meet. You just knew it was going to get harder to make the break the longer you stayed there.

“She’s pulling a Wanda on us,” Sam said as he finished off the last of the sweet tea he had grabbed at the deli where you’d gotten food. “I think it’s too much he-man macho stuff, but she won’t fess up to that.”

“Wilson, how many brothers did I have?” you asked as you cleaned up the trash from the table Bruce had borrowed from a local park that had been wrecked during the battle. It had a huge hole in the end, but hey, it was good enough for the moment.

“Eight,” Bucky replied before Sam got the chance. “Just don’t quiz me on all their names. I remember your twin, Branan, and the one who was the vampire. Ewan? Right?”

“Yup, that’s right,” you grinned at Buck. “And no quiz. Promise,” you said as you raised your left hand and crossed your heart with your right.

“Why are you leaving?” Bruce asked as he adjusted the sling on his still injured arm, putting extra emphasis on the word “are” as he uttered it. “We need all the help we can get.”

Bruce, heaven help him, was suddenly one of the last active OG Avengers standing on Earth. Thor was off finding himself with the Guardians, and no one could really begrudge him that. He needed time to heal, and you knew all too well that was not easy nor time limited. Clint had more or less retired again after Natasha’s sacrifice on Vormir. Steve was getting ready to take the stones back, but upon his return, he’d likely join up with Sam and Bucky again to root out any remaining Hydra cells. That left Bruce in a very different place this time around.

“Bruce, you don’t really need me being a head case. Trust me. You do not need me giving any news outlets ammunition to blast headlines that make the team look less than spotless. I need to go home, at least for a little while,” you replied, knowing full well you were not telling him or the others everything. “And as I reminded Sam, you guys can just call me, and I’ll be here. Just whisper my name. Or yell it. Whatever works. Text me! If it’s an emergency, and if I’m not in the middle of some new damned war on my end, I’ll come running. But I have a feeling you guys are going to be just fine. Hell, I’ll give you a blessing before I head out.”

Yeah. A blessing. More like the final nail in the coffin. The words to start the spell to make them forget you.

“Big guy, you first,” you said as you put your hands on Bruce’s injured right arm. “And no, I am doing this, Bruce. It won’t be a full healing, but it should speed things up. You got this, big guy. Biggest brain. Biggest heart. May you realize just how much this team was built with your sweat and tears as it was anyone else’s.”

“I can’t change your mind?” Bruce asked as he pretended to wipe a tear from his eye and pout a bit. “And I am not asking because you are likely the only one of us who can cook…”

“I’m pretty sure all of you guys can cook something. Maybe not a good Colcannon or a fine Dublin coddle, but you’ll survive. As for the cupcakes, you guys may need to get a bakery on speed dial,” you added with a laugh because you knew they’d make that bakery rich. The Avengers loved their sugary snacks.

“Just don’t bug my sister, Bruce,” Sam noted as he waited for you to come over to him. “I still remember asking why the Cupcake Lady had a sword that night when those demon things attacked near the tower. I never asked. Why the cupcakes?”

“And not why the demons or the sword?” you said as you nearly choked on your words. “You realize that was before Steve saw me at Peggy’s funeral. That night was truly a fluke, Sam. No one was supposed to see that side of me then. As for the cupcakes, they were my entry to your world. Gifts from a fan girl. They’re easy to carry, a synch to personalize when needed, and everyone can have their own without fighting,” you said with a grin as Sam shook his head. “What?”

“You sound like Sarah.”

“Then I am in good company. Tell her the good stuff you’ve told me all these years. The words of wisdom. The little jokes. The pep talks. Tell her often. A single mom with two boys needs that. Be there for her, and drag these guys to see her, too. It would do the boys a world of good to have all their uncles stop by. Now, Samuel,” you said as you gave him a hug, “remember to keep these guys flying right. And if the world drops opportunity in your lap, whatever it might be, do not look at it and push it away without a lot of thought. The world needs Sam Wilson, the hero with a heart.”

And now the hardest part of this good bye had you wiping tears from your eyes. “I know. I’m a big mush. Girls from Brooklyn would laugh at me for this, right? Sorry, but girls from Naas and Athy do cry sometimes. I’m going to miss you two lugs. A lot.”

“Lugs. Last time you called us that was in ’43,” Bucky said as he looked down at his feet for a minute. “Somehow Hydra missed that memory.”

“You’ll see us again,” Steve said as he turned briefly to see where the case with the stones was on the platform. “But this time, it better not take 70 years.”

As you looked at the best friends, something about their auras seemed off. They had been planning something when you almost walked in on their chat a few days ago. You had no idea what it was, and you suddenly didn’t want to hang around to find out what the next act was going to bring.

“Just…watch your back, Steve. From what Clint said about Vormir, that one is going to be tough. And Buck, whatever comes next, I’m rooting for you. Even if you can’t see me doing it.”

“You really don’t have to leave,” Bruce kept insisting as you hefted your backpack on your shoulder.

“Dr. Banner, do you really want to fight my demons after all this? I have enemies. You just haven’t seen them yet. Frankly, the only reason that Hydra didn’t grab me before I hooked up with the Howling Commandos was because I was pulled into another dimension by one of those enemies. It was only by some weird twist of fate that Peggy found me when she did. If the veil between worlds had not been so thin near that camp, I might never have made it back, or Hydra might have found me first. It was pure dumb luck.”

{{And, Heaven help me, part of it was these two lugs over here}} you thought as you turned to head to your car. Then you stopped. This was a lot harder than it had been any time before, but it was the curse of an immortal to have to keep moving on. “I wish you luck, joy and happiness. I wish you peace. And, if you are truly lucky, memories long enough to have little space to spare for the likes of me because they are filled with so much more! See you in my dreams, for now anyway, fellas.”

++++++++++

You rolled out of there before Steve started his mission to return the stones, and you got a text from Bruce hours later telling you everything that had happened. Steve not coming back as planned. Then an older version of Steve shows up, sitting on a bench near the platform, and he gives Sam the shield. Right in front of Bucky.

It was now weeks later. No. It was months later, and here you were staring up at the sign for Westview. You’d gotten out of your rental car so you could get a feeling for the area around this little town.

“You made it back,” a voice said behind you. “How are you, after all that mess with Wanda and that Agatha woman? She was a real piece of work.”

The person speaking to you was Dr. Darcy Lewis. Friend of Thor and Dr. Jane Foster. Why was she even here?

You couldn’t fully figure out what the hell she was talking about. You didn’t remember being here before. Yet, you knew who she was, and you had never met her before. Or at least you couldn’t remember meeting her, here or anywhere else.

“Apparently not as great as I thought I was,” you muttered as you winced again. “Dr. Lewis, how long ago was the blip?”

“Give or take a week, about six months ago,” she replied as you started to pace. “Why?”

“Shit. Not this again,” you hissed as you looked up at the sign once more. “I think I’m going to need your help. How much do you know about Celtic myths and Irish history, Dr. Lewis?”

[momentofmemory]

FICTOBER 2020 - day twenty-five

Prompt #25: “Sometimes you can even see.”

Fandom: The Old Guard

Characters: Nile Freeman, Joe | Yusuf Al-Kaysani

Words: 1937

Author’s Note: In the aftermath of a rough mission and all the philosophical questions it entails, Joe takes Nile to the Aarhus Art Museum in Denmark. All pieces mentioned were displayed in the Objects of Wonder: From Pedestal to Interaction exhibit, which ran from Oct. 2019- March 2020. Nile POV.

>> the sweetness remains

Nile scrolls mindlessly through Pinterest, wishing for not the first time that she’d been allowed to recreate her socials.

Copley had barred her from practically all of the actually useful ones, but she’d bullied him down to just having an account on Pinterest, with the argument being that no one cared about the site. Granted, she doesn’t really want to be on Pinterest either, but sometimes the comfort of an app with infinite scroll is all she’s looking for in a distraction.

And right now, she really, really needs to be distracted.

Overly photoshopped cat pics.

Memes ripped straight from tumblr or twitter.

The most white girl aesthetic imaginable.

Three slugs ripping through her abdomen and spitting her liver out the other side—

Nile breathes in sharply. Exhales.

Her thumb resumes scrolling.

Photos of downtown that feel like home.

Recipes for harvest butternut squash soup.

Tips for keeping braids fresh longer.

Nile scrolls, and scrolls, and breathes.

Her abdomen still aches every time her lungs expand, even though she knows it really doesn’t. It’s perfectly healed; not even a scar for her troubles. But it’s hard to forget how her instincts had screamed that a gut shot like that shouldn’t be survivable, even as she pushed herself towards the next target.

(She didn’t survive it.)

(She didn’t survive the next half dozen times it happened, either.)

“Did that phone of yours do something to offend you?”

“Whoa!” Joe’s sudden appearance next to her only makes her clench her phone tighter. She forces out a laugh and eases the tension out of her fingers. “Feel like you should know better than to sneak up on someone that’s part of a bunch of immortal warriors.”

“Most of them would have caught me coming long before you did.”

Nile snorts. She scrolls a few more seconds, then closes the app and opens Temple Run. The game’s ridiculously old, but she’s a millennial. Sue her for being nostalgic.

She can feel Joe watching her as she starts the round.

“Am I correct in thinking you enjoy the arts, Nile?”

It’s not the question she was expecting, and she winds up tilting the screen to the left a half second late, and her character falls off the bridge.

It’s okay though, because she can just use a gem and respawn in the same place, so it’s basically like not dying at all.

Right?

“Uh, yeah,” she says. She winds up restarting the round entirely. “The military was supposed to pay for my degree, but I don’t think I can cash that if I’m technically KIA.”

“That would present a certain set of problems,” Joe agrees. “Andy talk to you about that?”

“Yeah.” Nile’s stomach twists. “Guess it depends on how easy it is to schedule classes between firefights.”

She’s practically laying the opening for a talk out herself, but Joe seems uninterested in taking it.

Instead, he shifts beside her, propping an elbow on his knee. “What kinds of art did you want to specialize in?”

She dies again. This time, she begrudgingly uses the in-game save. "I prefer classic sculpture, but I’m not against modern.”

“You like what was modern art for me, then.”

Nile rolls her eyes. “I dread the day I become as weird as you guys.”

He laughs, patting her on the shoulder as he stands. “I suspect by that time you’ll be too busy tormenting our next recruit. But unfortunately, the exhibit we’re going to will be more in the contemporary style.”

It takes Nile a half second to register his words. “Wait, what?”

“The description said it would be 1960s to the present only. If it suits you, we could hold off on our discussion of it for another thousand years or so. I’m sure we can claim it as classic at that point.”

“What?” Nile locks her phone and zeros her attention on him, registering the mischievous glint in his eyes this time. “Museum?”

“The Aarhus Art Museum has a special exhibit on loan from the Tate Modern at the moment.” He glances down at her phone, the corner of his mouth forming a grin. “I’m told its purpose is to help move its audience’s attention from their devices.”

Nile scowls and looks back down at her phone. “I died a dozen times yesterday. I’m allowed my coping mechanisms of choice.”

And.

Whoops.

“Of course you are,” Joe says, offering his hand to her, and she’s once again surprised he doesn’t force the conversation. “But phones are portable. You can take it with you to the museum.”

Nile worries at the edge of her lip with her teeth. She doesn’t really want to go anywhere right now, but…

But Joe’s brown eyes are warm and welcoming, and his callouses help steady her when she takes his hand.

“You said contemporary sculpture?”

The grin he gives her is blinding. “For now.”

_________________

It’s a twenty-five minute drive from their safe house to the museum, and the route takes them next to the Bay of Aarhus for most of it.

Nile stares out at the water, determined to not give Joe any more ammunition for making fun of her regarding her phone.

It’s hard. She’d never considered herself a technology addict—never had enough time to be one—but she really, really wants to stop thinking about the fact that she knows what the inside of her liver looks like.

Or did look like, she guesses.

Nope, nuh-uh, not going there—

“D'you know about the Ship of Theseus?” She spits it out before she can decide against it. She figures if she’s thinking about it, she might as well talk about it. “And don’t say you were there for it. You’re not Andy and I at least know enough about you to know when you’re lying.”

The grin on his face tells her that he was very much intending to before she called him out on it. “It’s a thought experiment. The character Theseus owns a ship that, over a long span of time, has all of its parts replaced, until nothing of the original still remains.”

“Yeah, and so then the question is, is it even the same ship,” Nile finishes.

Joe weaves in and out of traffic, a pensive look on his face. “I assume you aren’t asking simply to test my knowledge of early western philosophy.”

“No.”

Nile looks down at her hands. She can still remember how horrifically mangled they were from her impromptu dive off a skyscraper, but at least—at least she’s pretty sure they’re the same ones she had before.

Though that might not last long.

“In your opinion,” she says, cautiously, “if—if there’s nothing left of the original—if you have to rebuild something that many times—”

“Nile.” The sound of the car’s turn signal distracts her spiraling thoughts. Joe nods towards the windshield. “We’re here.”

It’s a large, red brick square building, fairly nondescript but for the circular and multi-colored glass walking track at its top.

“Come on, he says, parking the car. “I find physical objects superior to mental ones for solving such issues.”

Nile doesn’t understand why the one time she wants to talk about something like this is the one time Joe decides to go full mysterious.

She climbs out of the car and follows him inside.

Despite her misgivings, she quickly discovers Joe was right. The exhibit is genuinely incredible, and there are pieces from multiple names she recognizes—Anish Kapoor, Donald Judd, Rasheed Araeen—and pieces she finds herself strangely moved by, such as Damian Hirst’s Away from the Flock, Richard Long’s Red Slate Circle, Rachel Whiteread’s Airbed II. Nile stares at that last one in particular for a long time: a concrete casting of an airbed, the artist’s presence made known in the negative space where her body had pressed the material down.

Joe, however, seems to be moving with a specific purpose in mind, and it’s not until they round one of the walls of the orange-pink room that Nile has a guess as to what it is.

In the far corner, bathed in the additional light of a single fill light, is a massive pile of multicolored cellophane wrapped hard candies.

Joe walks her over to it, an almost reverence to his steps.

“Untitled: Portrait of Ross in LA,” he says. “Are you familiar with the piece?”

She shakes her head, bending down to inspect it. It doesn’t look like much more than what she’d seen from a distance—candy, multicolored, on the floor. She looks to Joe for an explanation.

“Felix Gonzalez-Torres’s partner died from AIDS,” Joe says. The grief on his face is hard to look at. “To honor him, he made this as a portrait—one hundred and seventy-five pounds of candy, representing Ross’s weight from when he was still healthy.”

Nile looks at the pile—it’s a lot, but it’s not a hundred and seventy-five pounds worth of a lot.

Joe notices her confusion and smiles. “Take one.”

“What?”

“Take one,” he repeats. “The purpose of the work is to invite you to partake in both enjoying his presence and lamenting the lack of it. A sort of communion—choosing to take part of his body into your own. It was a powerful statement when so many were afraid to even be in our presence at the time.”

Nile looks at the pile again, and just like with Airbed II, her heart aches at what isn’t there, rather than what is. She selects a red piece and brings it out of the pile, cupping it in her hand and considering its weight.

“What happens when it runs out?”

Joe selects his own piece—a green one—and it rolls around in the palm of his hand. “It has. Many times. But that’s the beauty of it—it’s the curator’s responsibility to replenish the pile, metaphorically granting immortality and new life to the loss.”

The cellophane crinkles in Nile’s hand as she unwraps the piece. “How do they decide where to get the candy from?”

“The only firm rule is the original weight. Outside of that, there are no set instructions for the candies themselves.” He chuckles, threading his fingers behind his neck and leaning back against the wall. “Sometimes you can even see these strange combinations of greens, oranges, and purples.”

Nile considers the candy. “Not your favorite?”

“It has an almost Halloween quality to it. I tend to prefer the rainbow.”

The candy in her hand feels heavier than it did before—weighed down with the knowledge of what it represents, what it’s taking away.

She slips the candy into her mouth and her eyebrows raise in surprise. “It’s sweet?”

“It’s candy,” Joe says, unwrapping his own piece. “Did you expect something else?”

“I thought it’d be…” She pauses, trying to parse out her feelings. “Bitter. Or sad, somehow. Considering.”

“It could have been,” Joe agrees. “But the portrait isn’t meant to represent just grief and loss. Candy is a happy thing—a reward for yourself, or a lover’s gift on Valentine’s. And even when it’s gone, the sweetness remains. Still lingering on the tongue, or dwelling in the mind. It is the love of friends and partners that keeps the memory alive—and what keeps this the same portrait, even though its pieces have been cycled through many times.”

The candy melts away on her tongue, and she closes her eyes in grief for its loss, appreciation for what it was, and hope for the pieces that would come after it.

She swallows the last piece of it down.

Her stomach settles.

[r6s-imagines]

Your writing is so good but the Spetznaz KIA ones have me in so much pain ;w; Can I request another set but with close calls instead?

thank you so much! i was honestly debating making it all a close call but i needed the a n g s t in my life so i couldn’t resist! i hope this satisfies you!!

spetsnaz preference >> close calls

•••

requested: yes! thank you for being the first request!

warnings: cursing, mild gore

•••

summary: how do the members of spetsnaz react to your near-death experience?

•••

kapkan

his initial first date idea was to go hunting with him

you’d been around too many gadgets and people, he’d say. you two needed some time alone not just discussing trapped entryways and peeking corners

“maxim!” you called. “i’ve got tracks, it looks big!”

he was proud of you, for learning under his guidance, he trusted you with his life and vice versa

the winter air whipped at his face, yet he never faltered

he knew the land, the struggles, the weather. he knew to act slow.

you didn’t.

you knew better than to assume things from being in the field of work you were in

but you happened to assume a flurry of thunderous steps were maxim’s

you turned around, gun holstered and ready to lead the russian

a frothing, wild pack of wolves presented themselves, poised and ready to strike

you remained still

unable to call out

the alpha lurched forward, snapping its grand jaws to your face

you shielded your neck as it took hold of your arm instead

biting to the bone, you screamed

another wolf snagged your leg, attempting to drag you to their hideout

BANG!

BANG!

BANG!

the pain remaining but the pressure gone, you opened one eye

maxim was panting, staring at you with a grand concern

helicopters wouldn’t be able to land here, he thought. she’ll bleed out waiting.

he apologized profusely and swooped you around his shoulders, carrying you as a soldier would to your open-aired base camp

he packed just enough material to apply pressure and prevent immediate infection

you found immediate treatment and spent the next days in a hospital bed, maxim not once leaving your side

he’d joke about how cool he was during the ordeal

“you’re lucky i found you when i did, i don’t know how you got caught like that.”

“maxim, you looked like you passed away that moment you found me.”

he won’t admit it, but he has dreams of you dying from that event and wakes up in cold sweats

fuze

you ever have one of those moments where your dad yells at you for having the flashlight positioned wrong while he fixes a car?

that’s shuhrat

“the flathead, please. no, that’s the torx.”

he was determined to upgrade his cluster charges

“if i pinpoint the solution, these things will stick to any detection of life.”

you’d pester him with questions, inquiring about each part and function

“if you could please let me focus, y/n. you’re being no use to me right now.”

dick.

your pettiness caused you to retrieve the wrong tool again, setting off fuze’s frustration

he slammed his tools down, giving you a look

“if you’d just lis—“ he slammed the table with his fist

he hadn’t meant to threaten you

but there was no time to apologize

his fragile creation bursted to life, setting off a barrage of explosive chips

he was close enough for the launch to not affect him

but you bailed out of fear

and you ended up right in the line of fire

in miliseconds, you were on the ground, your right leg bent in ways neither of you have seen

you foot was pretty much absent

luckily for you, this mishap occurred on site

fuze immediately called for medical attention, sending everyone in a flurry

you were wheeled off to the medical offices

your leg was beyond saving

but you’d live

shuhrat refuses to forgive himself for nearly killing you

as he’s setting off his new charges during work, he can’t help but flash to the sight of you bleeding on his own workshop floor

twitch creates a multifunction prosthetic exclusively for you

shuhrat helps you through every physical therapy session

no amount of assistance could ever make him forgive himself, though.

tachanka

you can’t tell me his lmg isn’t a serious hazard to everyone around him

imagine the number of crossfire casualties if missions were treated the way they are in a casual match

you were a newer recruit, scoping out an already familiar objective point

you peeked a corner after pinging an attacker

unfortunately, so did alex

his few bullets penetrated your flesh, sending you to the ground

“what the FUCK, man!”

if you weren’t about to bleed out he’d probably make a joke about cockblocking or the like.

“hey, hey, look at me,” he’d say, dragging you by the waist to an unbreachable corner. “i’ve got you.”

he helped you up, and you immediately fell back down

so much for your first day going well

doc did what he could, applying bandaging and providing a long-lasting adrenaline boost

you refused to look the old man in the eye after that point

“what kind of loud, obnoxious russian shoots his coworker on her first day?”

just as you’re ranting to doc as he redressed your shoulder, a knock on his office door takes your attention

alex is standing there, stiff and uncomfortable, much to doctor kateb’s surprise

“is there something you need, senaviev?”

he’d uncomfortably gesture to you

doc nodded and left you two alone for a moment once securing the wound

“so much for a first impression, no?” he laughed awkwardly. you returned with a frustrated glare

“i must have been caught off guard by your beauty. i hope you can forgive me.”

huh?

“you say this to every woman?” you asked, unamused.

“only the ones i shoot.”

you two spend the next few days joking and bonding in your room

he tells stories and jokes to distract you from the pain

which causes you pain from laughing too hard

maybe he’s not so careless after all?

glaz

his signature weapon has some severe kick only a professional can handle

well, maybe not a professional

timur is the only one to really know the behavior of his sniper

so when he offers for you to try it in your spare time, he’s hesitant despite being the one to initiate the idea

he noticed how marveled you were at his patience and steadiness, you almost doubted it was his actual skill and just the gun instead

the two of you were in a shooting range with target about 90m away

“aim high, the bullet drops no matter what distance,” he’d explain, reaching around you and under your arm to tilt his gun up with a finger.

you rolled your shoulders and closed one eye

“and don’t forget that—“

BANG!

he wasn’t kidding when he said the recoil will knock anyone on their ass

because you were on your ass

with a very broken nose

and a bleeding head

you managed to launch yourself so far back, the back of your head cracked against a shelf

if timur didn’t step slightly to the side, you’d have a clean head

but he initially wanted to watch you misfire and jump back from the kick

but he couldn’t have predicted for it to send you that far

he helped you up and you were set on a chair, head leaning back

glaz didn’t know which spot to handle first, the severe nose pain or heavily bleeding skull

his hands moved frantically to check for additional issues

“keep your head forward,” he mumbled, knowing the impact gave you delicate senses

you followed his suggestion, watching the blood soak onto your lap

he produced a rag from his pocket, holding the back of your head with one hand and your nose with his other

you looked up at him, still facing downward, and smiled, blood staining your teeth

“i’m okay,” you said

you weren’t

once the bleeding scabbed over slightly, you were relocated to the medical wing

you had a severe concussion and needed an entire bag of blood

boy, does timur feel like a dumbass

his personal game could’ve taken your life

whenever you look in the mirror, you smiled at your crooked nose

“timur, remember when—“

“yes.”

he doesn’t want to talk about it

he gets embarrassed

[george-mackay-macfine]

Bad At Love

A/N I’ve been inundated with a lot of requests for Dean one-shots, and I realised there are little to no Dean centric fanfics, Oneshots etc... So I’ve repurposed an old story I was writing to fit as a Dean story. 

If you requested a Dean oneshot I am still working on them, but I wanted to show Dean some love. 

Introduction:

You know that feeling you get when you’re going down the stairs and you accidentally skip a step and you think you’re falling and you think you’re going to die but then your foot lands on the next step and it’s like nothing ever happened? Well if you multiply that feeling by one thousand, make it last so much longer, and mix it with hate, paint, satisfaction, anger, lust, relief, anxiety, passion, shock, guilt, denial and frustration then you’ll understand what it’s like to fall in love. To fall in love with someone so passionately that your world revolves around them, and what they're doing and how their feeling. At least that’s what it was like for me. 

Chapter One 

“The Beatles, White album… John Lennon, Milk and Honey… Stevie Wonder.” I mumbled to myself as I flicked through the crates filled with old vinyl before me. Brighton's was a popular vinyl store and cafe nestled in the outskirts of Georgetown. It was a diamond in the rough if you were looking for a good record store. Brighton's was filled with them, a two-story loft building packed to the brim with vinyl, new and old. The bottom level was sorted neatly into genres and then by the artists, but the top-level and my own personal favourite was where the crates filled with albums the owners haven’t got around to sorting yet, This is where you find all the gems.

“Writing a shopping list there Sienna?” I looked up from the Jimmy Buffet ‘Living and Dying 3/4 Time’ album I was holding to see my best friend Halley staring at me, amused pausing digging through her own crate. Her green eyes sparkling with excitement as she pushed her honey blonde hair behind her left ear. Her thin lips pulling into a knowing smirk. 

“If that’s what you want to call it Halley.” I laughed putting the Jimmy Buffett album on top of my other selections before sifting through the albums again. Bob Dylan… Bon Iver… I smiled over at Halley as we both listened to someone on the bottom level lift the arm off the player, the distinct sound of the record stopping filling the store before the sound of Elton Johns ‘Bennie and the Jet’s’ blasted through the sound system. I laughed at myself as I did a little shuffle to the music. Elton’s voicing rebounding around the room. 

“So.. Sienna.” I nodded my head for Halley to continue as I went back to my growing pile, hips swaying as I flipped through it again checking over everything I’d found. Bowie… Fleetwood Mac… “I was thinking about our plans for tonight.” Halley voiced hesitantly. I looked up at her, one of my eyebrows shooting up. She was biting her bottom lip as she held onto her own pile of vinyl, knuckles turning white from the grip she had on them a telltale sign she was nervous. 

“That could be dangerous.” I joked turning and making my way to the other side of the amply sized loft, looking down and over the bottom level of the shop littered with people, pulling vinyl out left, right and centre. I watched as a guy in his mid-thirties picked up a copy of Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’. “Do you think he’s going to buy it?” I called over my shoulder to Halley, not taking my eyes of the man. She sighed, but put her pile down none the less, and worked her way over to me, agitated that I’d changed the subject. “The guy with the Jackson.” I pointed down to him. “I think he will.” 

“I don’t think so.” Halley shook her head watching him with me. “He’s totally not into it.” I scoffed and rolled my eyes at Halley. “Alright then. Let’s make it interesting.” Halley turned to me, a smiling pulling on her lips and she toiled with an idea in her head. “If he buys it you get to choose what we do tonight.” I couldn’t help but smile already tasting the red wine and hearing the sweet sounds of Fleetwood Mac. “But.” Halley rudely shook me from my daydream. “If he doesn’t buy it, you have to do whatever I want to do tonight.” I opened my mouth to disagree but she held up her hand to stop me. “With a smile on your lips and pure joy in every step you take.” 

I looked between my best friend and the guy on the bottom floor. Judging quickly if I really thought he’d buy it, as I looked at him for the second time he’d started to pull the vinyl out and check the date stamped on it. I made up my mind. 

“You’re on.” With a final nod at each other, we both spun on our heels and leaned over the balcony watching the man below like hawks. “Come on man, you know you want it,” I whispered under my breath. “Just buy it already, come on.” I groaned as he flipped it over for what felt like the hundredth time. “Who doesn’t like Michael Jackson.” 

“He’s not going too.” I could hear the smirk in Halley’s voice. I ignored her and held my breath as he pushed the vinyl back inside its cover. Watching with wide eyes as he slipped it back into the crate it started in and turned away, walking down the centre aisle towards the door, crushing any hope I had of sitting home and drinking red wine with every step he took. 

“No.” I cried out loudly as he made it to the front door, people turned and looked up at us including the guy who’d just sentenced me to a night of Halley controlled fun. Waving awkwardly at everyone as Halley hooked an arm around my shoulder, pulling me closer to her body. She giggled as she squeezed my shoulder. 

“As I was saying before.” She cleared her throat. I could tell she was taking too much pleasure from the situation. “Tonight we are going to that new pizza place, the one Stacey was telling me about last week, Uncle Tony’s where we will find some cute boy’s to buy us beers.” She wiggled her eyebrow’s at my teasingly as she dropped her arm from my shoulder turning her body to face mine. “And then we are joining the girls at the Ivy to dance the night away and make sweet, sweet mistakes we won’t remember in the morning.” I opened my mouth to object to her plans, but Halley held a hand up to stop me. “You made a deal. You cannot back out Sienna Jacobs. I won’t let you.” She lowered her hand. “Now you will come back to our apartment, get yourself ready and we will have fun tonight. Have I made myself clear.” I nodded my head a slight pout on my lips. “Good, now go and buy your records.” She clapped her hands together gleefully. “Tonight is going to be so much fun.”

“So much fun,” I mumbled sarcastically as I walked back over to my deserted pile of treasures.  

One of the numerous things I had learned about Halley through our eighteen years of friendship was that Halley Morgan Adams was never late she despised it, that’s why not even five hours later I was sitting in the front seat of her yellow Kia Soul, dressed in a pair of skin-tight black jeans and a white t-shirt with Elvis Presley’s mug shot on it pouting my arse off. “Are you ready?” With a flick of her hair and a smile she started up the ignition and drove far to quickly to the new pizza place, ’Uncle Tonys’ that we’d been hearing non-stop raving reviews about for the last week and a half. For the first part of the ride I promised myself I wouldn’t speak to Halley, partly to punish her for the night we had ahead of us, and partly because I was upset that I wasn’t at home listening to my new records. However, when we’d been in the car for ten minutes with nothing but Taylor Swift playing through the sound system I resigned to my fate and turned it down, deciding a conversation was the lesser of two evils. 

“Are you excited to start classes again tomorrow?” I quizzed Halley as I watched the bright lights of the street pass us by. “In my opinion spring break went way too quickly, and we should have two more weeks off.” I nodded my head to reinforce my opinion causing Halley to chuckle. 

“You’re just saying that because you don’t want to have to put down the book’s you’ve been reading non-stop in exchange for a textbook.” She snorted out a laugh as she pulled to a stop at a red light. 

“Untrue. I just rather the works of Stephen King, over having to hand in assessment’s, any day.” She shook her head laughing at me. 

“You’re the one who wanted to become a big hot shot editor, now you have to pay the price.” She replied quickly taking off when the light turned green. “We’re here.” She smiled as she pulled into a carpark and began to drive around in a circle looking for a vacant spot. “There’s one.” She smiled proudly as she pulled into an empty spot putting the gear stick into park. 

“Don’t hate on my aspirations okay, Ms I wanna be an HR administrator,” I muttered as I unbuckled my seatbelt, pushing the door open. As I stood next to the car I looked over the stand-alone building. A fluorescent sign that read ‘Fresh Pizza’ glowed in the window. The outside housed tables with red and white checked cloths, couples and families sat laughing and enjoying the food before them. 

“It’s a realistic dream okay.” Halley glared over the car at me, before walking towards the trunk, stopping and looking over the building for herself. 

“C’mon.” She smiled delightedly as she skipped through the carpark towards the front door. I shook my head and followed behind her, watching as she happily waited by the door for me to catch her. “This place is so cute.” She called back, peering through one of the glass panels on the door as I reached her. “Oh, he’s even cuter.” She giggled pulling the door open, both of us stepping inside. 

Once inside Halley and I took a minute to look around. The walls were painted a soft yellow filling the whole inside with a soft warm glow, a wall of fake stones lined the far wall with paintings of olives hanging above each of the booths that ran along with the stones. All the tables apart from two booths were filled, a mix of college students and families occupying them filling the whole restaurant with a loud buzz. I guess we aren’t the only ones excited to try out the new pizza. Grabbing my hand Halley pulled me over and down to one of the empty booths, pushing me down onto the plush red seat before sitting down on the opposite side. 

“Can you believe how busy this place is?” She rolled her eyes as she put her clutch beside her on the seat. “You’d think people would have better things to do.” She looked around at the tables. I rolled my eyes and looked around the restaurant.  

“Wouldn’t that mean that we should have better things to do Halley?” She flipped me off quickly before waving down the waiter with a flirty smile. He smirked at her as he walked over from the bar leaning across the table to give her a wink as he pulled out his order pad and pen.

“What can I get you, ladies?” His eyes travelled up Halley’s body, stopping to check out her cleavage. Halley smirked as she ran a hand up and down his arm. 

“Can we get two beers and a large pepperoni pizza?” Halley looked at me raising an eyebrow in question. I nodded my head and looked around trying to avoid watching the scene that was playing out before me.  

“Of course, I’ll make sure it’s the next one to come out…” The boy stuttered out looking down at where Halley’s fingers ran up and down the length of his hand, with a nod the waiter walked away from us fanning himself with the pad turning to look back at Halley once more a goofy love-struck smile on his face. 

“You need to stop doing that to boys.” I laughed resting my chin on my palm as I looked around the restaurant. “Seriously one day, one of them is going to have a heart attack and we are going to be sued.” I leant across the table. “In case you didn’t realise. We don’t have enough money to be sued.” 

“We?” She questioned with a raised brow a smile pulling on her lips.

“You don’t think I’m going to let you go to jail on your own do you?” 

“This is why we are best friends Sienna.” She chuckled. “Where did that cute guy go?” She looked around through the crowd searching for whoever she saw through the window. That’s Halley Adams my boy crazy best friend. 

“The two beers and the pizza.” The waiter called placing a beer before each of us and the pizza in between. As he placed Halley’s beer in front of her I couldn’t help but notice the napkin with a scrawled number that went along with it. Halley smirked at me before winking at him. “Told you it’d be the next one out.”

“That you did. Thanks.” With a nod of his head, the blushing boy raced back behind the bar only to start chatting to his friend. I laughed and shook my head as I watched him point over to Halley. “He’s telling his friend isn’t he?” She asked looking down at the napkin picking it up. “Riley… Cute name.”

“Cute name, for a cute boy.” I shrugged playing with the ring that sat on my right ring finger, spinning it. “You know he probably stole this pizza from another table?” Halley looked up from the paper, “One that’s been waiting for way longer than us.” I emphasised leaning forward onto the table. 

“Least we didn’t have to wait.” She laughed picking up a slice, her eyes looked past mine before snapping back to me. “Don’t look now, but here comes my number one fan.” I turned and looked to where she was looking only a moment ago, finding exactly what she had seen. “Xander Preston… Even his name gives me the creeps.” Halley muttered as Xander stood up from one of the tables near the door sauntering across to us he glanced back at his friend they all cheered loudly at him when he turned back around, a smirk playing on his lips as he overconfidently strutted past a table filled with girls, winking at them. When he reached us he sat down beside Halley throwing an arm around her shoulders. Halley and I both looked at the offending object before looking to Xander. “Can we help you, Xander?” I watched as Xander pushed his black hair out of his brown eyes watching Halley as she spoke, concentrated on her lips. Halley tried to shrug his arm off her shoulder, shuffling down on the booth seat. 

“Just came to see my number one girl.” His fingers started to play with the thin strap of her dress, rolling it between his thumb and forefinger, his arm still hugging her shoulders. He stopped, looking over to me. “And her best friend of course.” 

“Really Xander? Your ‘number one’ girl?” Halley rolled her eyes. Xander smirked wider as he lifted her chin with his hand.  

“C’mon baby, you know you are.” 

“You misplace something, Preston?” Xander jumped in his seat immediately removing his hand from Halley’s shoulder. “Or do you just enjoy touching girls who clearly don’t want to be touched by you?” My eyes flicked away from Xander to where the booming voice had come from, next to our booth stood a group of three guys. The one in front was muscular and well built, his forearms bulging as he crossed his arms over his chest. “Well?” His blue eyes shot invisible daggers into Xander’s body. Xander smiled awkwardly jumping out of the seat he was occupying and putting as much space between himself and Halley as he could scratching the back of his neck. I rolled my eyes as Xander started to splutter out a reply and looked past him to the two guy’s who stood behind the first watching the scene play out. I looked at all three of them, noticing they wore matching black t-shirts with The Ivy printed on them with gold stitching. 

“No I, I just… Halley is my…” Xander squirmed. I looked back to him watching silently as he looked between Halley and I waiting for one of us to save him. “We’re just…” He tried to explain to the intimidating stranger. “She’s my…” 

“Halley isn’t your anything, understand?” The stranger didn’t break eye contact with Xander. I looked at Halley whose mouth hung slightly open as she watched the stranger. “She is not a piece of meat. So if I see you lay a single hand on her ever again I’ll beat the shit out of you.” The guy leaned in closer to Xander. “You got that Preston?” Stranger number one hissed getting even closer to Xander’s face as he spoke, each word sounding more and more dangerous than the last. Nodding his head rapidly Xander scurried back to the table where his friends sat watching the whole fiasco play out before them.  Stranger number one stared Xander down for another minute before he turned back to the table leaning onto it slightly towards Halley. “Sorry about that,” Halley shook her head quickly. 

“No thank you for helping… I’ve been trying to get him to leave me alone for weeks.” Halley giggled as my eyes left Halley’s knight in shining armour once again and drifted over to the third member of the group. He looked as though he was twenty-four, standing with both his hands shoved deep in the pockets of his black skinny jeans like the others he wore the black shirt with gold stitching above the breast. I let my eyes run over his body, drinking in his features. Starting with the ink that covered his left arm where little space of bare skin remained untouched by the intricate tattoo’s wrapping around the exposed muscle. My eyes drifted up over his torso and to his face. He has a sharp jawline, standing out prominent, his cheeks tanned, and covered with days worth of stubble. His eyes were big and round, childlike almost, clouded a deep blue colour, bushy eyebrows following the curve of his brow bone. His nose appeared to have been broken before as it loomed over a pair of smirking lips. His hair was a dark shade of brown and styled into a presentable quiff. I was unable to stop myself from looking back at his eyes, where to my surprise he was already looking at me. Feeling my cheeks redden I looked down to the table trying to calm myself. 

“Don’t worry about it. That guy is a creep.” I felt Halley kick my shin under the table causing me to wince slightly and look up at her. I heard a deep chuckle come from one of the strangers. “Have a good night ladies.” I looked up once again to meet the eyes of the blue-eyed stranger, he smiled sightly as he turned on his heel and followed his friends towards the door. 

“Holy shit, do you know who that was?” Halley asked her lips pulled into a big smile. I shook my head and picked up my beer, sipping it. “Sienna, we were just saved by the three hottest bartenders who work at the Ivy.” She clapped her hands together. 

“You… They saved you.” 

“Semantics.” She giggled. “I can’t believe it… Those guys… I don’t think they’ve ever done that before… They don’t usually talk to people.” 

“What do you even mean ‘They don’t usually talk to people’. Halley that’s ridiculous. They’re just people.” I tucked some hair behind my ear. “Who are they anyway?” I asked as I grabbed a slice of pizza, pulling the toppings off to eat. She took a deep breath, preparing herself. 

“Okay, so the one who told Xander to back off, his name is George MacKay. He’s studying Mechanical Engineering. I can’t even count the amount of time’s I’ve drooled over him.” She picked up her own beer and took a sip. 

“That’s attractive.” 

“The quiet one at the back with the longer hair. Did you see him?” She ignored me only stopping when she waited for me to nod. “His name is Logan Daniels.” I nodded again. “He’s studying Microbiology. Super smart.” 

“Halley, you need to breathe.” 

“Can’t too excited.” I laughed shaking my head picking at the pizza again. “Okay, so the last one… The last one, with all the tattoos… His name is Dean Charles Chapman, he’s studying English Literature, he wants to become a journalist I think Stacey told me once. Stacey has been trying to get with him since she met him at the Ivy last year” My interest in him peaked as she spoke. “My God, I can’t wait to tell her all of this.” She beamed. 

“Have you ever spoken to him before?” I asked. “Or any of them?” Halley shook her head no. 

“Not really, maybe once or twice at the Ivy. You know the occasional ‘Sorry I just bumped into you.’ Or the ‘Can I get a vodka Redbull.’ But nothing that would explain that.” She started to fan herself. 

“Maybe he’s interested in you?” I shrugged my shoulders still picking at the pizza in front of me. 

“Do you think?” She asked her eyes going wide, cheeks flushing pink. 

“You never know.” I downed the last of my beer and threw a twenty dollar note on the table as Halley threw down another fifteen. “Let’s get to the club. I really don’t want to wait in line tonight.” 

Stale piss. 

From the minute we walked in the door’s it’s all I could smell. No matter how much this place was scrubbed from top to bottom, the scent never changed. No matter how much bleach was poured on the floor and smothered over surfaces, it would still smell like stale piss.

At least to me, Maybe it doesn't to other people. Maybe to others, it's still a place of joy, and happiness but now, to me it was the same mundane, piss scented bar. People come here to find love at the bottom of a whiskey filled glass, hoping for a night of meaningless passionless, lust-driven sex. Maybe sometimes they find it, maybe they don’t. Booths lined the walls where people sat drinking and talking, some girls begging for attention, others danced in their seats laughing at how silly they must look to onlookers like me. A couple of tables littered the area around the bar and barstools lining half the length of the bar.

“Come on Sienna, it’s a girl’s night, at least pretend to have fun.” Stacey pulls at my hand, her fake nails digging into my palm as her long blonde hair swirled around her face, her blue eyes large and round, her lips fake and pouted. “This is the promise land, any of these boys could be yours for the night.” She motioned around us as guys looked girls up and down as if they were some sort of meat on display at a butcher. “Maybe more, if you’re lucky.” She winked at me and giggled as she hit her hip into mine. I hate this place. It's not a promise land, where I can meet new and interesting people, hold intelligent conversations with people. All it is a place for twenty-something-year-olds to come in the chance of getting a quick lay. 

“I’m going to get a drink,” I yelled over the loud obnoxious music to Halley and Stacey. “I need to be wasted to be here.” 

“I’ll come.” Halley smiled grabbing onto my elbow. “Maybe we’ll see our friends again.” I rolled my eyes and pushed through the sweaty people nearing the bar. 

“As long as it ends up with me drinking alcohol that’s fine with me.” I pushed someone softly out of the way, worming through other bodies to get Halley and me to the front. “Excuse me,” I grunted as we made it out of the swarming crowd near the dance floor. We stopped to look over the bar, three bartenders stood behind it, each making a drink. 

“C’mon it’s less crowded over here.” Halley grabbed my arm around, as we headed down to the less populated end. I laughed and looked at which bartender was serving in the middle section of the bar. 

“Sure it doesn’t have anything to do with the bartender.” I looked over my shoulder to see George pouring whisky into a shot glass. 

“Are you having fun?” Halley yelled over the music ignoring me completely, turning her back on the bar. I nodded my head shrugging, indifferent. “Sienna, I wish you were having more fun.” She frowned reaching out grabbing my hand. 

“What can I get for you?” A deep voice rumbled from behind us over the music, I watched as Halley’s eyes went wide. She turned slowly to face George, who had a smile pulling on his lips. “Nice to see you again ladies.” I nudged Halley with my elbow. She snapped out of her daze and smiled politely. 

“Hi, uh, Yeah.” She shook her head. “I mean, thanks for that… tonight at Uncle Tony’s I mean…” I looked down and played with my rings as I waited for Halley to order drinks for both of us. “So you work here huh?” Halley tried. “I mean obviously you work here.” I watched on as Halley awkwardly found her ground, pushing her hair behind her ear as she laughed at herself. 

“Can I get you something.” A deep voice pulled me out of my thoughts. I looked up to see the guy with the tattoos - Dean - from tonight, leaning against the bar smiling down at me. I looked at the bottles shelved behind him as I walked up to the bar leaning on it, bottom lip slipping between my teeth as I thought. Finally, I gave up, looking from the bottles to him. 

“I'm not too sure... Why don't you surprise me?” I leant forward on the bar, getting closer to him, the light flowed around him making him look angelic. 

“Do you like sweet or sour?” His voice was husky as I maintained eye contact, trying not to lose myself in the blue of his eyes anymore than I already had. I couldn’t help my lips twisting up slightly at the comment.

“I’m feeling sweet tonight.” He chuckled white teeth exposing themselves as he smiled, turning his back to me. Grabbing the bottles of alcohol from the shelves behind me he turned his head slightly. I began to fiddle with my rings, twisting them a nervous habit of mine. 

“What’s your name?” I stopped, my hand's frozen on the bar, turning around to face me he was placing all the ingredient's on the bench in front of me. "Are you not allowed to tell me your name?" He smiled at me again and I was gone, a breathy smile escaped me as he smiled down at me.

“Sienna, And you? What's your name?" He continued to make my drink.

"Dean." I nodded my head. “It’s nice to meet you Sienna.”

"So what are you making there Dean?" I looked up at him again, he was still watching me, watching as I leaned forward lip in between my teeth, eyes curious as he poured the liqueurs out.

"Espresso martini." He started to shake it. I couldn’t help but roll my eyes and giggle. He stopped shaking and lent forward onto the bar."Don't you like Espresso Martini’s, Sienna?” The way my name sounded coming from him made my stomach flutter. Feeling dangerous and unlike myself, I lent towards him. 

"It's okay. I mean it’s literally the martini version of the classic ‘white girl’ drink of vodka Redbull. A basic drink, easily done and something I can recreate at home, But I’ll give it a try." I leant forward towards him, our noses almost touching, I could feel his breath against my skin. "Who knows maybe you do it differently to the others… Better perhaps.”

“I definitely do it better.” We weren’t talking about the drink anymore. He replied pulling away to finish the drink, only looking up when it was finished. "One hopefully not boring Espresso Martini." He smirked at me causing me to giggle. I pulled my card from my wallet and went to hand it to him. He shook his head and pushed the drink closer to me. "Don't worry about it. It's on me.” 

"Dean, I insist." I pushed the card out towards him again, he put a hand up to stop me from trying anymore.

"It's fine. Enjoy your night." He collected everything he’d used for the drink, turning to put it back into the respective spots. 

"Dean." He turned around; I was still in my previous spot, watching him as he worked. He walked closer, leaning slightly across the bar. I smiled up playfully and before I even knew what was happening, What I was doing. I’d leaned up and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank-you," I whispered into his ear, my cheek still pushed against his. “I’m sure the drink is delicious." I pulled away, picking up the drink, walking away, with one final glance over my shoulder. He was leaning on the bar, a devastatingly handsome smile on his face. 

“Sienna, there you are.” Stacey grabbed my shoulder pulling me to a stop. A bit of my drink spilled onto the ground, splashing over her shoes. “Sorry.” She looked over her shoes before back to me. “Have you seen Halley?” I shook my head. 

“Last I saw her, she was at the bar talking to one of the bartenders, George.” I looked back to the bar to see Halley still where I’d left her. Smiling as he handed her a drink. She smiled and waved before making her way over to us. “Here she is.” 

“Sorry.” She apologised. “George and I got to talking.” There wasn’t a trace of remorse in her tone as she giggled. She looked at me as my eyebrow corked up. “I’ll explain later.” I nodded my head, bringing my drink to my lips. I sipped carefully. The mix of vodka, coffee liqueur and espresso dancing across my tongue, rich, indulgent and creamy. Dean was right, he does do it better. 

“Whose dancing with me?” Stacey changed the subject, her eyes still on the bar… On George and Dean. “Because, ladies there are so many young, attractive males here tonight, who I think to deserve a show.” I followed her eyes, she was watching Dean as he threw a piece of ice at George laughing when it hit his friend in the back. I turned back, looking at Halley.

“What do you say?” Halley smiled. Her eyes went to the bar, to George. I smiled weakly.

“Look’s like we’re dancing.” I grabbed Halley’s hand, dragging her behind Stacey onto the dance floor. “You better put on a good show for him.” I moaned. “Because I could be home right now, listening to Jimmy Buffet on cheap shitty red wine.” She shook her head. 

“You’re always drunk on cheap shitty red wine.” She taunted back. “But I will put on a good show.” She smirked, swaying her hips. “He watching?” Quickly I darted my eyes to the bar… To George. His eyes were on Halley. 

“He’s watching.” 

Sweat. Smoke. Alcohol. Body odour. That’s all that I could smell wherever I went, wherever I turned. Around me bodies moved pushing themselves up against any surface they could, grabbing onto other people as their bodies gyrated against another person. 

“C’mon Sienna. Dance with me.” Halley grabbed my hands. 

“Halley you know I hate to dance, it’s not something I’m good at. It’s -.”  

“Sienna.” I was cut off by a boy who came up stopping beside us, slinging an arm around my waist pulling me into an awkward side hug fingertips digging into my skin as the material of my t-shirt lifted. I vaguely recognised him from my communications class, but we weren't friends so nothing made this encounter less uncomfortable. “I didn’t expect to see you here.” He yelled over the music before he looked at Halley and smiled I waited for him to remove his arm from my waist but he never did, which caused me to raise my eyebrow at Halley. “Sorry, my names Henry. Sienna and I share a communications class.” Henry that’s what his name was… Henry.

“Halley,” She said extending an arm to Henry following it with a deathly glare. Henry smiled, extending his own hand to Halley. Shaking his hand, she didn’t drop her glare. “Nice to meet you.” 

“You ladies having a good night?” Henry slurred, words joining each other in a drunken fashion, his weight shifting onto me. 

“We are, thanks,” I yelled back, hoping he’d catch my tone.

“Me too.” He ran his free hand through his hair. “I’m fucked though. The boys and I have been drinking since four this afternoon.” He chuckled stupidly. 

“Wow, I’m surprised you’re standing.” Halley deadpanned. 

“Do you want to dance Sienna?” Henry smiled down at me.

“I don’t really dance.”

“I can teach you.” His drunken smile widened as his hand dropped down to grab mine, pulling me away from Halley before I could object. I stumbled my way through the crowd trying to loosen Henry’s grip on my hand, hoping I could lose him in the crowd when Henry stopped. I looked around smiling awkwardly trying to figure out how exactly people moved to this kind of music. Studying how they rocked their bodies somewhat in tempo with the music. “You don’t like Iggy?” Henry asked, mouths moving to the song. I shrugged again. 

“I’m not good at dancing, remember.” I shrugged and started to sway side to side holding my hands together hoping Henry wouldn't grab hold of them again before I figured out a way to leave without offending him. There was nothing worse than a white boy who got rejected. Against my highest hopes, he grabbed my hands and started to pull them above my head and make me move more freely or so he thought, it couldn't have felt any stranger for me than it did. He kept this up for a while before he pulled me closer to him so his body was pressed against mine attempting to get our bodies to move as one to the music, thrusting his hips into mine, his lips going to my neck his nose travelling along the length of it before he planted a kiss on my collar bone. Suddenly I couldn’t breathe, Everyone was standing too close to me and I forgot how to breathe.

“You look really good Sienna.” 

“I need some water,” I said quickly pulling away from him and rushing off the dance floor. I reached the water station at the bar, pouring myself a cup and downing it.  

“Easy tiger.” I looked up to meet the worried eyes of George “Are you okay?” I nodded my head and poured another drink. “You’re Halley’s friend right?” He held his hand out. “I’m George.” I extended my hand and opened my mouth ready to reply. 

“Sienna there you are.” My eyes widened as I heard Henry yell from behind me. “Why’d you run back there?” I turned and tried to answer but he just got closer. “I thought we were having a good time.” 

“I just really needed water.” I motioned behind me. “Worked up a thirst.” 

“But things were just getting started.” Henry smiled, a smiled I’m sure he thought would have me weak at the knees as he reached around and grabbed onto my ass and give it a squeeze.  

“Hey.” I yelped, trying to back away. 

“Did you seriously just grab her,” George growled from behind me. 

“She liked it, don’t worry big guy.” My mouth dropped, hands going up to his chest. 

“What the fu—.” 

“Sir.” We both looked over to see a tall, built security guard standing near us. “I’m going to need you to come with me.” Henry pushed himself away from me, knocking me back into the wood of the bar. “You need to leave the premises.” 

“I’m not even drunk.” He argued. “You can’t kick me out for being sober.” 

“You need to come with me sir, you’re making a scene.” 

“S, Are you okay?” Halley whispered in my ear as she rushed up to stand beside me. 

“Why am I being kicked out.” Henry continued to argue chest puffing out. 

“One of our staff advised us that you are too intoxicated to be on-premises.” The security guard got closer. 

“Who told you that.” 

“Don’t make me throw you out.” Henry took one look between me and the guard.

“She’s not even worth it.” He looked at me once again scoffing and pushing past us. The guard nodded at us before following him out. 

“Sienna” I heard from behind me. I turned to see George still standing behind us, leaning down on the bar. “Are you sure you’re okay? You rushed out of there pretty quickly.” I let my head fall back against the brick wall next to the water fountain.

“Yeah, he was just giving me a weird vibe.”

“So he’s not your boyfriend.” Halley and I shook my head. “So you’re single.” I nodded. “Thank god. We had reports of him spiking other girls drink. When Dea - One of the guys saw him dancing with you, he got Big Mike involved.” 

“Thanks, George.” 

“Come on Sienna, Let’s get you home.” I let Halley pull me to the door, Stopping to say goodbye to Stacey and the other girls as we made our way to the door. I looked back to the bar where  I saw Dean on the way out a girl sitting in front of him at the bar, running a hand up and down his arm. He wasn’t watching her though, His eyes were on me. With one final look at Dean, Halley pulled me out the door and back to reality.

[talldarkandroguesome]

49th Entry in Coldharbour

Yesterday I inquired with Bendralas if I should wear Mage’s Guild clothing while I was on duty for them, since I was often asked to confirm that I was working with them. He said that while he saw my point, it would not be appropriate to give out their robes to someone who was not a member, since it was a point of pride and honor to be awarded your Guild robes upon completion of initiation.

I said I understood and turned to leave, but he stopped me and asked if I would be interested in joining them. I said that I was no mage, then paused, remembering what Tharn had told me. All of the things I did, with a couple exceptions, were magicka. I said, I was not versed in traditional spells. That I had been rejected my previous entry to Shad Astula on account of not being able to cast fireball.

That seemed to intrigue him and he told me that when I finished the morning deliveries, that I should come and find him and he was going to speak to Silm-Kia and see if she would be able to speak with me about joining. I thanked him, but also asked that he not get his hopes up concerning my skills. He waved away my comment and told me that they welcome divergent paths of magicka.

I had my doubts, but went along to my duties anyhow. I stopped briefly by the Nord clothier and got myself a nice thick wool cape with a deep hood. It was a deep grey and had no lining, but it would do the trick well enough for hiding my identity as I made my way around the city.

I made my deliveries and by midday was back to Bendralas. As he had said, Silm-Kia was waiting with him. Her bright blue head feathers and white scales set off the gold-green of her eyes. Eyes that stared at me as though she could read my very soul in a glance. I stood still, not moving under her gaze until at last she spoke. 

She asked why I wanted to join the Guild.

I told her honestly that I was not particularly looking to join, nor did I feel particularly suited to being a mage, for I did not understand the theory behind magicka, nor did I have much luck in traditional spell casting.

She scratched her cheek contemplatively. We all stood in silence for a moment. Bendralas whispered something to her and she tilted her head.

Then she asked Bendralas if she could borrow me for the afternoon. He agreed.

I was feeling a bit nervous. I knew that if I was going to try traditional magicka it would be yet another failure. But at least it would mean that she would understand what I lacked.

Silm-Kia lead me to the main building and I pulled my hood down as I followed her, not wanting to risk being seen by Plays-With-Fire or Tel. We headed into a building and down a set of stairs. It was a small stone room with glowing runes upon the wall, floor, and ceiling.

She explained to me that this room could not be damaged by magicka, nor would any sound escape once the door was shut.

My whole body tensed. It sounded a right place for wicked deeds and not the fun kind.

Pulling my hood down from off my face she told me she knew who I was. I said nothing, unsure of if she truly was about to do something drastic. Not that I would not come back somewhere in Coldharbour, but dying is no great joy either.

She told me she knew how magickally adept my family was. That she had seen my uncle Tanval and my mother in battle and could imagine that magicka ran deep in my blood.

I sighed. I was a disappointment in casting, I explained. I had the magicka, just, I did not seem to be able to performing in a traditional setting. That I was not accepted to Shad Astula as a result and that I had learned different spells, ones held as part of a special order of mages.

Shadow mages, she asked. And I was struck dumb.

She laughed. She told me that she knew of the fact that many of the rulers of Tamriel would recruit people of unusual talents to small and secret groups, whether for assassination, spying, or protection.

I laughed and asked if I was so easy to read. She told me I was not, but that her job was to understand different magickal backgrounds and determine what would be the best candidates for which sector of the Guild.

She then asked if I could perform any spells from each of the traditional schools. Her eyes glowed as I called my flames around me or when I drew shadows to cloak me or summoned a shade. She told me that my fire was a traditional destruction spell, but that my invisibility was not the same as the one in the school of Illusion, nor was my shade summoned with conjuration.

I said that I knew a little, but only a very little, about the shadow magicka I used. She asked about my destructive magicka, what I knew. I explained to her that the flame cloak was the only spell I knew. Though I could manipulate it beyond just a cloak. So she asked me to show her.

I brought out my flames and made it dance around me in different directions, then I shaped it to look like her. Made it walk towards her and bow at her and then walk back to me and formed it into a Nord warrior in mock battle, then To an Orsimer bard singer her song as she strummed a lute. I continued shaping the flames into people or animals. Silm-Kia just kept watching, silently, an unreadable expression on her face. So I continued with the flame as she had not said to stop. I turned the fire into two figures, Sildras and Little Khes, laughing and playing games with one another. I made a tree that blossmed and flowers grew into plump ripe fruits. I made a Nord, Dunmer, and Argonian fighting back to back and then walking arm in arm and drinking. At last, after a long while I felt my magicka growing thin and I reduced the shape down to my own image and we danced together for a moment before the flames melted back into me and disappeared.

I apologized for running out of magicka. She shook her head and said she was impressed. For one who claimed not to be able to cast a fireball, I had a large pool of magicka and was able to manipulate the fire with great expertise. She asked me where I had learned to do it. I said that Mother had taught me to keep my flames to myself when I was very young, that like many magickally inclined Dunmer, I had many times nearly caught the house alight with my flames and she had taught me to keep them only to myself and not to reach out to harm others if I did not mean to. But after that, I had tried to cast the fireball, but it would only go in a sort of stream. But while I could not get it to be separate balls of fire, I realized I could manipulate the way the flames moved, so I experimented with it and learned to shape it at will.

She told me that few people were able to take a spell and craft it to their own will, particularly those who had not spent a long time training to do so. That I clearly had natural talent that simply needed to be honed. I could have laughed. How many times had I heard that, usually to my own ruin after false hope and confidence.

I thanked her for her time, but said I was feeling rather tired.

She moved in front of the door. She asked me what I was afraid of.

I met her gaze and told her that it was not fear, but that I had spent my energy and needed to recover. I could see her glowing eyes upon me.

Silm-Kia told me that she expected to see me again the next day to continue our conversation.

I left and went back to my duties. And if Bendralas gave me a raised eyebrow or two, so be it.

I returned to Dra’nassa and she seemed to sense that something was off. I told her that the Mage’s Guild was trying to get me to join them and I was not sure. That I had worked hard and used a lot of magicka and was very tired.

She gave me that look that meant she knew I was full of guar-shite but was not going to push it.

I had a nice night without any dreams. It was what I needed. Now I worry about going back to the Mage’s Guild for another reason. I know that Silm-Kia will be waiting for me. Of this I have no doubt. I do not plan on disclosing any more of the spells that were imparted to me in confidence. I will not explain anything about them. Nor will I show them to her outside of an actual battle. She is too keen, too knowing. Those spells were taught to me in secret and that is where I wish for them to remain.

However, if joining the Guild could teach me more skills, more power, more ways to protect myself and others, then while I am stuck here in this horrid plane of Oblivion, I might as well learn what I can.

[insfiringyou]

BTS - RM makes up with his girlfriend following an argument

Contains: Angst. Arguments. Tender moments. Mentions of past relationships. Several other ‘regular’ original characters are mentioned briefly here - Jeong-sun, Angel, Seo-yon (burgundy haired girl) and Ji-young (oranged haired girl).

This is part of our headcanon universe and involves Namjoon and his girlfriend Ji-eun. This is set two weeks following the events of “Boat Party” where his gf gets drunk and embarrasses him in front of their friends to the point of them breaking up. The events of this fic are also briefly mentioned by Jimin in “The Play” which is set a few weeks after this fic. 

Find out more about our headcanon universe and original characters here 

& To read each member & their girlfriend’s headcanon universe fics in order, follow the links here: RM   /   Jin /   Suga /   J-Hope   /   Jimin   /   V   /   Jungkook & Our full masterlist can be found here

Content below the cut

Ji-eun tugged the hemline of her uncharacteristically demure sweater and shifted from foot to foot by the door until it opened a moment later. Jimin stood silhouetted in the hallway, surrounded by soft artificial light. The evening had started to darken outside; the sky a pattern of soft blues blending into pinks.

She recalled spending the day after the boat party sleeping off a hangover, drifting in and out of consciousness and remembering snippets of events from the evening before. The yacht was mostly a blur but the hours which followed, in her one bedroom apartment, were a little more clear. The two girls who had accompanied her home in the back seats of an orange Kia, both with colourfully dyed hair, had raided her kitchen cupboards in search of spirits, eventually finding, at her own instructions, a half-empty bottle of vodka. The driver of the Kia, a dark haired girl who had donned a pair of rectangular spectacles in the vehicle, sat awkwardly beside her on the sofa, waiting for her friends to be finished so she could drive the remainder of the way home. A fourth girl, with bottle blonde hair, had asked if she could use the bathroom as Ji-eun attempted to down the shot. Her head thumped unpleasantly and, seconds after her visitors left, had found herself on her knees once more by the toilet, pushing up the white lid frantically as her body protested. 

“Is he in?” She asked Jimin steadily, wrapping her arms a little awkwardly across her covered chest. He hesitated for a moment before nodding silently. She wondered whether he was going to stop her from coming in when she stepped closer but the moment passed and she slipped past him into the long hallway. She walked to the end of the hall and knocked on Namjoon’s door, waiting for a reply. 

His expression was tense when he opened up and recognised the visitor. His eyes flashed coldly as they met hers and, for a moment, she thought he was going to slam the door in her face. His gaze slid from hers to the figure in the hallway behind her, watching as Jimin attached the safety lock to the front door and slipped off to his room awkwardly, his expression a little cautious, as though anticipating an outburst from the leader. Without a word, Namjoon allowed her to sidestep him into the bedroom and he closed the door behind them as she walked into the centre of the room, standing by the double bed. She glanced at him a little timidly, worlds away from the cool confidence she had shown on the doorstep in front of Jimin. 

“I went to your apartment.” She explained fumblingly. “I didn’t know if you were ignoring the doorbell.” A pause. “You didn’t reply to my texts.”

His jaw was tense and he remained silent for a moment. She wondered if he was ever going to reply when he finally spoke. “I didn’t have anything to say to you.” 

She flinched impulsively before he continued. The steeliness in his voice was unexpected; different to how she had ever seen him. 

“You humiliated me on the yacht.” 

She couldn’t meet his gaze and found herself dropping her head. “I know…” She said weakly. “I don’t know what got into me.”

“You mean besides half the country’s annual import of gin?” He sniped drily.

“I know I shouldn’t have drunk so much…I don’t usually behave like that.”

There was a long pause as Namjoon seemed to think this through. “I know you don’t…I don’t know what was bothering you so much. It couldn’t have just been the drink. You wouldn’t have said those things if there wasn’t anything else on your mind.”

She sighed slowly. “It was just a long day. And you know how things have been at work…how I’d applied to another company.”

Namjoon shook his head. “You know I would support you with the change in management if that’s what you want…I don’t know why you seem to think I wouldn’t.”

She paused for a moment. “You didn’t seem happy about it when I mentioned it to you…”

“I was just concerned. You’ve worked so hard…I wouldn’t want you to lose the chance of a promotion.” He explained calmly. 

“I know what I’m doing.” She raised her voice a little, already forgetting she was trying to apologise until a second later when the softness in Namjoon’s tone took her aback. 

“I know you do.” 

There was a long pause between them before they finally met each other’s gaze across the space. 

“I’m sorry I’ve been getting so defensive…” Ji-eun said softly. “My ex husband didn’t want me to go to Law school…I guess I still feel like I have something to prove to everyone.” She shifted uncomfortably. 

Namjoon shook his head. “I just wish you’d talk to me.” 

“I know.” She licked her lips slowly, running her tongue through the dry, cracked grooves before swallowing, moistening her throat. “I love you Namjoon.”

He remained quiet at this statement and she felt her pulse start to race uneasily. “I’m so sorry about what happened. I’d do anything to make it up to you.” Her words came out rapid, jumbled.

Namjoon shook his head slowly. “I just wonder if this is how its going to be. If every time we go out and have a drink, we end up arguing and hurting each other all over again.”

An awkward shuffling noise came from outside the bedroom door, socks against carpet, followed by the low whine of a door closing on squeaky hinges. It didn’t surprise him that one or more of the others had been listening from outside. He suspected Jimin or Taehyung but didn’t care…when he turned back to Ji-eun he saw she was crying and his chest ached with a strange mixture of pity and anger. He had never seen her like this before, her shoulders heaving with shudders as she clutched her palm to her face. He had done this to her but also, her actions two weeks before had caused him more pain than he could express.

“I’m sorry…” She repeated, wiping her face. Mascara streamed down her cheeks in long, black lines. “I can’t explain how much…I’ve never felt like this with anyone else before.” She sniffed loudly. “Please don’t leave me. I’ll do anything to make this work.” 

Despite himself, Namjoon felt his throat grow tight as he swallowed what felt like a knot. He didn’t cry, but thought he might start if the woman opposite him didn’t get herself under control soon. Her pleading tone was so unlike the confident, sassy woman he had grown to love during their months together and he realised, a little belatedly, that she had not expected him to behave so callously. She was used to being in control of the situations around her and his headstrong demeanour this evening had taken her aback. 

“Ji-eun…” He murmured, taking a step closer. “I don’t want to leave you.”

She looked up with wide, wet eyes. “You don’t?” She asked softly.

He shook his head. “I love you too.” He sighed, shaking his head. “I don’t want to fight with you.“ He placed his hand gently on her shoulder and she trembled in reply. 

“You too…”

He cut in. “But I don’t think I can just forget everything right here and now.”

He felt her shoulders slump beneath his hand but he held her steady, reassuringly. “Can you give me some time…if we are going to make this work I don’t want to have any anger left in me.”

Ji-eun nodded. “I’ll go now…I really need this to work Namjoon…”

“I know. Me too.” He gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze as he walked to the bedroom door and opened it for her. Unsurprisingly, he saw Jimin’s bedroom door, across the hall, twitch as he led her out. 

“Do you need a lift home?” He asked, opening the front door. and observing it was now dark outside. 

She shook her head. “I parked across the road but thanks.”

He nodded. “I’ll text you soon.”

She paused, wondering whether he was going to kiss her goodbye. The moment passed as she walked down the front steps of the ground floor apartment and into the street. "Thank you. I’ll see you.” She waved a little awkwardly as she headed towards her car. 

***

Thanks for reading. The next chapter in this storyline is “The Play” set around a week later. Read all of RM’s headcanon fanfictions to date in order here & our full masterlist of all works can be found here. 

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[myaekingheart]

85. The Not-Date Date

               Milk. Eggs. Bread. Vegetables. Kakashi skimmed the list as he strolled up and down the aisles, but he wasn’t really paying attention. Grocery shopping just gave him something to do, a mundane task to occupy his mind. It wasn’t working.

               His mental capacity was, quite frankly, nearing intolerable. He found some respite on his most recent mission, but only because it kept him fully engaged. Now that he was back to the daily grind, however, nothing seemed to keep him focused.

               A few days after his initial visit, Tenzo returned to inform that things had gone well and that he had a date. It was clear how pleased he was with the results, and Kakashi tried hard not to put a damper on his success. Deep down, however, delving into relationship dynamics only ignited a flame in Kakashi’s mind that he absolutely could not manage to extinguish. He saw her every time he closed his eyes: that fiery hair, mossy eyes, crooked smile, freckled shoulders. His arms ached to embrace her, something raw and hungry bubbling up within his chest. He wanted her. He needed her. He couldn’t stop thinking about her. Rei.

               And just like that, in the middle of the juice aisle, it happened. First there came a thud, then the pattering of small particles bouncing against the ground. And then her voice. “Fuck!” His heart leapt into his chest and without a second thought, he slid around the corner to find her standing there with a large bag of dog food spilling onto the ground.

               “Are you okay?” he asked, blinking despondently. Much like everything else lately, this didn’t seem real. It didn’t make sense. It was like his mind had fabricated a completely unlikely scenario from pieces of unrelated information plucked from all the mental nooks and crannies.

               Huffing, she knelt down and began hopelessly trying to sweep the food back into the sack with her hands. “Do I look okay?” she asked, rather sharply, and for a moment Kakashi thought perhaps she was unaware that it was him standing before her and not a stranger. She did not look up.

               Kakashi looked around for a moment before kneeling down and attempting to help her, even if she probably didn’t want it. So much for her independence. “How did this happen, anyway?” he asked.

               “How do you think?” she snapped back. “The damn bag’s too fucking heavy. Lost my grip and it went everywhere.”

               He couldn’t help but find the whole situation rather comical. The bag, from what he could tell, was almost the same size she was, and it probably weighed twice as much. By the time they got most of the food off the floor, an employee—a young, pimply kid with spaghetti limbs and a potential nasal infection—peered down the aisle with a broom in hand. He idled for a moment when he saw the mess had since been taken care of, then scurried back to his post mildly embarrassed.

               Kakashi took it upon himself to lift the sack for her, and she did not protest. She merely reached up on tiptoes to try to tie the bag shut where it had burst open. She shuffled alongside him as he approached the checkout counter and set the bag down. “What are you doing with a big bag of dog food like this, anyway?” he asked. She dug around inside her back pouch for her wallet but was evidently taking too long. The cashier, a snotty woman impatient for god only knew what—it wasn’t like she had anywhere to go—rolled her eyes and began tapping her long, manicured nails against the counter. Her skin was taut and tan like leather and her lips were glossed so that the lights overhead reflected off her frustrated pout. Kakashi rested a hand atop Rei’s as he pulled out his own wallet and handed the woman the appropriate amount of cash.

               Dumbfounded, Rei froze for a moment with mouth agape before forcing herself to regroup. “I have a dog now” she replied matter-of-factly, crossing her arms and tilting her chin up. “I have a dog and he needs food.”

               “Oh?” Kakashi asked, smirking at her beneath his mask. “Are you sure it’s a dog? Or a bear?” He tapped the large bag of food and chuckled.

               Rei grimaced and shook her head. “He’s most definitely a dog” she insisted. “His name is Toshio and he’s very smart, you would be proud.”

               The cashier handed Kakashi his receipt and did not wish them a good afternoon. Kakashi lifted the bag up over his shoulder and, as they exited, asked, “Where is this dog, then? I’d like to see him.”

               As they stepped out into the sunlight, blinding for this time of day, Rei pointed to a large white blur romping with some children across the street. “Right there” she stated. She whistled sharply and the dog immediately snapped his head up, spotted tongue lopping out of the side of his mouth, then came barreling toward her. She knelt down and let him knock her over, licking her face obsessively with his paws firmly on her shoulders. The interaction was far too sweet, Kakashi couldn’t help but smile.

               “Seems like he likes you a lot” he stated. The moment he spoke, Toshio paused and then approached cautiously, sniffing around Kakashi’s feet and at his hands. After a few moments, he pounced into a protective stance and snarled.

               “Hey, Toshio! Bad!” Rei scolded, sitting up and thwacking him on the behind. “That’s Kakashi. He’s good! We like him!”

               Rather than feel offended, Kakashi couldn’t help but feel amused and perhaps a little relieved. “I bet he makes a good guard dog” he said. He extended a hand for Toshio to sniff, an invitation that he was friendly, but the dog remained skeptical.

               “He used to be a ninja hound” Rei replied, tugging Toshio nearer and scratching around his fat, fluffy neck. “That is until his master, uh…well, he was KIA.” Her tone turned somber as she looked upon this beast with a little more softness and sympathy than before. Kakashi swallowed, his heart breaking. As a dog owner himself, the thought of dying on duty and leaving his ninken behind terrified him. The certain trauma this dog endured was validation enough for his skepticism and aggression.

               “I’m glad you two found each other” Kakashi then said, his voice soft and perhaps even affectionate. “It makes me happy to know you’re not alone now.” And truly it did. Regardless of whether this dog trusted him, he trusted this dog. Toshio was potentially exactly what she needed—a companion he could be sure would take care of her. He watched her for a moment longer, his heart swelling, before asking rather suddenly, “Are you doing anything today?”

               Rei blinked, snapping from her dog-drunk daze, before squinting up at him and shaking her head. From down there, backlit by the sun, he looked almost heavenly. “Not particularly” she replied. “Why?”

               “Do you want to go do something together?” he asked. “I can bring the dogs. Toshio can make friends. I think he’d like that.”

               Rei considered the offer for a moment, chewing her lower lip, before nodding. “Yeah. Yeah, okay, we can do that” she said. She lifted herself to her feet and rested a hand atop Toshio’s head—he came up to about her hips—before a sudden realization struck her. “Wait a second, didn’t you have groceries? Where’s your stuff?”

               Kakashi paused, having completely forgotten about his own shopping in the midst of finding her. He chuckled then and shook his head. “I’ll come back for it” he said, then motioned for her to walk alongside him as he carried the dog food back to her apartment.

               Watching Toshio interact with other dogs was quite honestly a heartwarming experience. It had only been a week since Rei adopted him as her own and yet this was the first time he had a chance to spend time with his own kind. For all she knew, it may have even been the first time since the accident. Kakashi summoned all of his ninken, who looked prepared to aide in whatever battle they may have been called for. Their faces relaxed, however, when Kakashi instructed them to instead run around and have a good time, to make friends with Toshio, and overall just relax. Pakkun nodded once in understanding and then he and his pack began introducing themselves one by one in their own special canine way.

               As the afternoon progressed, Kakashi and Rei seated themselves on a bench in the park as they watched the dogs romp and run around. Dead leaves cascaded on a light breeze and the sun was warm and bright. The whole of Konoha was bathed in that autumnal glow where everything appears as if on fire and the air somehow always smells like spice. It had been a long while since Rei felt this happy and peaceful. “I’m glad to see they’re getting along so well” she smiled, watching as Toshio spun in circles and chased Bull and Bisuke.

               Kakashi nodded, his arm itching to wrap around her shoulders. When he looked at her, he couldn’t help but think that autumn was where she belonged. This was the time of year that she fit snugly into like a puzzle piece. The world in fall just complimented her so well and he could feel his entire body igniting with this genuine, overwhelming sense of adoration for her. Sitting beside her here like this, he felt at home. “Me, too” he replied, voice quiet and perhaps mildly preoccupied.

               She glanced at him then and saw in his eyes that certain loving, consuming quality that immediately gave him away. Her heart leapt into her throat at the implications, and she suddenly grew anxious that she had walked right into a trap. Was this a date? Or at least supposed to be? She didn’t know. But what if it was? What would this mean for them? And the greatest question of all: did she even want to fight it? She clenched her fist atop her thigh and tried to calm herself down. To reassure herself that everything was fine. She was with Kakashi. So long as he was with her, everything would be just fine.

               He walked her home and as they reached her apartment door, a sense of longing and desperation suddenly overwhelmed her. Perhaps she didn’t want to say goodbye—not yet. Perhaps the tiniest taste of what they could be, of reuniting officially, had left her starving for the whole damn meal. She didn’t want to want it, but maybe now she didn’t actually care. She was tired—she was so, so tired. The past year had slaughtered her mentally, emotionally, even physically. She had cursed herself so many times, spent every moment running from fate, torturing herself time and time again. She looked at him and he looked back at her and she felt in her body that hot reverberation that she knew would make her do something reckless if she didn’t leave right this minute.

               “I’m glad we did this” Kakashi said, smiling at her. He kept the same distance between them and yet Rei swore she could feel him creeping nearer. Her lips twitched.

               “Yeah” she said quietly, averting her eyes. “I had a really good time.”

               “Me too” he said. “In a way, it almost felt like—”

               “Yeah” she interrupted. ��I know.” She didn’t think she could bear to hear him say it. She was too vulnerable. If she let him finish, she knew she was bound to collapse into his arms and end this hiatus once and for all. She could not afford to make such hasty decisions. She smiled up at him politely for a moment, resting her hand on the doorknob, then bid him a brief goodbye. He said goodbye back and she disappeared, and then it was just him and all eight of his dogs alone in the hallway.

               Once inside, Rei hastily locked the door as if Kakashi was prone to walking into unlocked apartments, then turned on her heels and fell face first into bed with an animalistic groan. She needed to get out of here. She needed a shower and isolation. She needed to strip her skin off of her body and jump out the window, colliding with the ground below. What was she going to do? What was she supposed to do? This was all so much. If she closed her eyes and focused on it long enough, she could almost feel Kakashi’s phantom touch on her forearm, steady breath on the back of her neck, soft lips pressed against hers. She writhed in frustration and buried her head beneath her pillows, kicking the blanket off the bed. Everything would be so much easier if I was just numb.

               Meanwhile, Toshio lumbered forward and rested his head on the edge of the bed. When Rei turned, his face was mere inches away from her own. He huffed in her face with his hot, stinky breath before scooting nearer so as to lick her like he always did. It was fascinating how somehow he always knew, as if her emotional imbalances were connected with his own sensory capabilities. She had never known the companionship of a dog like this before but it was a welcome relief. While the past was haunting and the future made her nauseous, at least she had this: this present moment. This strange beast by her side, always there for her no matter what. Her and Toshio had not been together for long, but she already could not imagine her life without him. And maybe that was the first step. Maybe accepting him into her life, accepting the way he took care of her, was a sign that she was prepared to let herself be loved again. That she was prepared for companionship and commitment and affection. Her mind filtered through all the memories of that afternoon, of the way she felt standing so close to Kakashi once again, and it was suddenly as if she was standing on the highest diving board at the community pool. She looked down at the depths below, that rising feeling overwhelming her chest as she stood on the verge of making a decision. The thought of making that leap was truly paralyzing. She wasn’t sure she had it in her. Perhaps her only choice was to wait it out for a little while longer until the confidence, or the horror, swayed her one way or the other. To live a life drowning in fear was no way to live at all, but life was also a patchwork of many different moments and she could afford to spare a few more trapped in emotional limbo. Sighing, Rei reached out and tangled her fingers in Toshio’s thick coat. He leapt onto his hind legs, nuzzling her face and lapping at her cheeks in an act of unspoken comfort. Rei smiled, knowing it truly helped.

[prodicalviews]

Untitled

About a year ago I started writing this fic I was pretty tipsy (maybe even drunk). I remember laughing my head off like I was funny lol.

Please don't take this seriously, I mixed my drinks that night I was a mess the next day.

Feel free to call this drabble what you want.  In the meantime, I’ll be updating all the fics this week.  (yes all)

power to fanfic writers, may the new year grant you creativity, no writer's block, and clear skin.

I never understood why the landlord never warned me whenever we had a new tenant.  Specifically when there’s a vacancy next to me.  It shouldn’t be hard, the guy lived two doors down from me.  Though I wasn’t going to say anything to that big burly man.

Three.  Three people in the last 5 months went through this apartment.  And of course being the nice genuine person I am I’d give them a welcoming pan of cake or cookies.  I’d also befriend them, despite my loner tendencies. It never hurts to have someone watch after your cat when you go on a shopping trip.

No thanks to Abe, also known as the landlord.  I found out we were getting a new tenant from Carol.  My other neighbor.  Honestly, I understood why those girls moved out.  One, these condos were expensive.  Two, shopping sprees daddies money didn’t fully cover were more important than rent.  Three, everyone living here was either, doctors, lawyers or some other hotshot.  So holding a conversation without sounding like an idiot was damn near impossible.  Unless of course, you were talking to an actor or my downstairs neighbor, Jessie.  Bless her heart.  I can’t count how much celebrity’s I’ve met just walking to the dumpster.  Just taking out some trash the other day and hey would you look at that, Nicholas Cage.  Well, most of them were old time celebs but they were still famous, right?

As I was saying, right when I got to know these girls well enough.  They went and left me.  I’d ask Carol to watch Mike but she’s allergic to cats.  Morgan was always busy with his son. Glenn and Maggie, well they wouldn’t even bother feeding him.  I’m pretty sure Daryl would just throw him in the trash.  Negan would watch him, but of course, that came with a sizable price and Jessie?  I’m positive she’d kill him by accident.  Sasha watched him before but now she’s always missing since she became chief of staff at the hospital.  Abe would just have him testing landmines in the desert during my absence.

I stared down at my furless cat.  His big brown doe eyes called to me.  Yes, he was ugly.  Everyone made sure to tell me this.  But I loved him.  He’s my little muse.  But a girl needed new underwear, shoes, and blouses.  I don’t know how I managed to survive this long, I haven’t gone shopping in a year.  A whole year.  And if that meant sucking up to whoever was moving boxes of their shit into condo 7 then so be it.

It wasn’t long before Mike started mewling for his morning breakfast.  His stretchy skin rubbed against my bare legs.  His meows only seemed to get louder.

“Don’t worry Mike, momma’s going to get your kibbles.  You want kibbles don’t ya?”  He meowed in response.  I was positive on some level Mike understood me.  He’s been with me for eight years now.  Through thick and thin he stuck by my side. He was two when I lost my job at Atlanta’s art gallery.  I decided to take a leap of faith, the money I made from the paintings sold over the years was meeting its end.  Mike and I were barely surviving, with my last bit of funds I made a tedious treacherous journey down to LA in my small KIA.  It wasn’t long before I lost hope.  Selling paintings on the roadside didn’t pay the bill for that trash motel we stayed at.  Eventually, I took a job waiting at a restaurant.  It was a sight to behold, I earned my degree in the Arts yet I was waiting tables for the hillbillies, hippies and con artist of LA.

But I didn’t give up.  After getting the green light to display my paintings in front of the diner I worked for.  Things started to look better for me.  I sold a few pieces, enough for me to relocate to a different motel.  One that was more inhabitable.  Dale never asked for compensation if I sold an art piece.  He was a genuine man that wanted the best for me, along with a few of the other waitresses that were trying to get through school.  So when he told me about an inquiry on my pieces from a man in a not so modest suite I knew he wasn’t lying.

One can say I’ve made a name for myself, six years later I supplied work for some of the biggest Galleries in the city.  And a year since I had a stable neighbor in Condo 7 after Noah died.  He was a young up and coming actor with a boisterous personality and a genuine smile.  After dying in a head-on collision we all mourned his death.

Pulling open one of my cupboard, I grabbed the bag of overly expensive catnip along with Mike’s bowl.  He nudges my leg urging me to hurry and serve his food.  I loved him to death but his attitude needed an adjustment.

Pouring food into his bowl and I watched as he made a dash for it.  It evoked a chuckle from me.  We were living well.  I admit we gained weight, his pudgy stomach touched the wooden panels of the kitchen floor and those five-star dishes went straight to my hips.  It was Saturday, which meant I was due a visit from Carol shortly.  Yes, Mike gave her allergies but it never stopped her from urging me out of my shell.  Art has always been my safe haven.  A man-made solace of the sort.  I’ve never been one for an abundance of company, which is why, as my work became more popular I sold anonymously.  My first name, Michonne, was still attached to everything I’ve painted but no one actually knew how I looked or my gender.  Unless you count the assholes back in Atlanta, but I haven’t heard any news of them releasing images of my face.  After all, Michonne wasn’t a common name.  Along with my longtime neighbors and the folks who bought my work in the early stages of my career my secret was safe.

As if on cue, Carol’s signature knock sounded against the door.  I rolled my eyes at the clock hanging over my stove.  Nine o’clock sharp as always.

I took my time answering the door, we always had the same conversation. Like clockwork, so I wasn’t in a rush.  Releasing my locks and turning the doorknob I was greeted by a smiling face equipped with a pan of chocolate cookies.  My mouth was watering, my weakness.  I returned her smile and relieved her of the pastries.

“That thing hasn’t sat on the couch yet as he?”  She asked a bit weary.  For Carol’s sake and peace of mind, I was sure to spray the couch and keep Mike away from her designated spot.  I waved her off removing the plastic covering her pastries.

“By thing I assume you mean Mike.”

“Oh yes, him.”  I could hear the humor in her voice.  I shook my head and started the coffee maker in the kitchen.

“I thought you’d want to reserve some treats to sway our new neighbor with.”  Oh shit, I almost forgot about them.  This was my secret, I gave them baked goods, that Carol herself baked.  Normally she’d bring in anything left over from her bakery.  But this was different, these were chocolate cookies.

“They’re not even moved in yet.”  I mentioned from the kitchen.

“Oh sweetie, where have you been for the past seven hours?”  I was sleeping no doubt.  “Last I check they were just moving the last of their furniture.”  Carol was a dear, out of all my neighbors, we exchanged the most words.  I’ll even go as far as to say she’s my closest friend.

“I don’t need to schmooze the new neighbors this early, it’s only nine o’clock.  I’ll let them settle in first.”  After the coffee maker screamed in wake of its completion I grabbed two mugs.  Mine and Carol’s permanent Saturday morning mugs.  I know.  She literally bought a mug for my place that she uses.  I poured us coffee adding sugar.  I walked in the living area balancing our coffee and a plate of cookies.

Uncrossing her legs she took her mug from my hand and watched as I sat down.  I took a careful sip of my coffee, it was hot and the scent from the beans was strong as I inhaled, just how I liked it.

“You wouldn’t have to schmooze them if you’d just buy your clothes online.  This is the 21st century after all.”  She is 40.  Exactly ten years my senior, so her words were more than ironic.  It made me feel decades old.

“Carol we’ve been through this too many times.  I prefer to buy items that are my size exactly.”  I wasn’t lying when I mentioned that Mike and I gained weight.  Living the good life put me up a cup size and made jeans stop to my thighs when I squeezed into them.  It wasn’t as if I wasn’t working out.  There was a gym downstairs I utilized constantly, but once my hips and breast got bigger they decided to stay that way, despite all my effort and time.  “So I buy them in the flesh.”

She just waved me off.  “You don’t need to take a flight to buy clothes, Michonne.”  She was right, but it was one of the perks hard earned money bought you.  I clucked my tongue to the roof of my mouth deciding to change the topic of conversation.

“So how is Ezekiel doing?”  And just like that her blue eyes glazed over.  For as long as I knew Carol, they’ve been together.  I even gave him a few pointers on how to grow his locs.  I was glad they stuck together so I could watch his locs flourish past his shoulders.  I was also elated for Carol.  Ezekiel was a B list actor, one of my favorite actors since he played Victor on ‘The Last Knights’.  It was among many of my TV favorites.  Technically they lived together, but during filming season he had to go to a different state but they kept in touch.  As to why they’ve been together for years without getting married was beyond me.

“He’s doing just fine.”  Her cheeks were tainted pink.  She still swooned over him like a lovesick teen.  I smiled at her.  “Instead of diverting to the man in my life let’s talk about your love life.”  She sported a devilish smirk behind her gray flower mug.

Somehow I fought the urge to roll my eyes.  I knew I was attractive, in fact, most of the men I met found me alluring.  But since no one ever saw me with a man publically they assumed I was a lesbian.  Obviously, since I didn’t want the hassle and stress of a relationship I welcomed the notion.  Even Carol seemed on the fence about my sexuality.

“It’s nonexistent. I don’t get out much to meet anyone, hence another reason I need this shopping trip.”  I told her taking big bites out of the cookie.

“If you’d just go out with me and the others that would change.”  Yes, the monthly ritual they established.  Once a month everyone would get dressed and have dinner usually followed by the night ending at a posh club.  On more than one occasion Negan asked me to come.  He was handsome. I’d go as far to say he was sexy, with dimpled cheeks, a wide smile and a nice head of hair.  But my goodness was he a player.  My guess is that he was juggling about 5 different women right now.  Most lawyers I’ve met had multiple women.  Of course, that didn’t stop him from wanting me.

“I’m not one for outings with packed crowds,”  I mentioned.

Carol shook her head.  “I have a feeling your life will change, Michonne.  And soon too.”

“Are you hanging out with Gabriel again?  My life changed six years ago.  And for the better too.”  Gabriel was a pastor and Morgan’s brother.  He always stopped by to use our gym and Abe allowed it.  He was even gifted with an ID for the front gate last Christmas.  At this point, it wouldn’t be surprising if he moved into Morgan’s Condo.

As much as I complained about needing personal space, I loved everyone living here, in my own way.  Jessie was questionable.  I knew more about everyone’s personal life than they knew of mine.  On occasions, I’d even give them advice and water their plants when I’m not working.  I even parked bikes courtesy of Daryl Dixon.  After Morgan’s nasty divorce I held down the fort and watched his son, Dwayne, when he was on call at the Hospital.

Of course, I was happy to do it.  Dale’s good deeds rubbed off on me.  Because of that, they’d help me in return.  It wasn’t that no one wanted to watch Mike, they were eager to.  But I couldn’t trust them to care for him, especially since they didn’t have the advantage of living next door to me.  Where I held all of his emergency medicine.  He had cancer, which explained why he was bald.  Call me picky.  I just prefer the person next to my condo to watch him if need be.

A loud horn blared from outside.  My eyebrows furrowed silently questioning Carol.  She shrugged and moved toward the window, I simply followed suit.  There we were mugs still in hand peering through the open creases of my wooden blinds.  I squinted trying to make out the face of a brunette.

“That must be her,”  Carol whispered.  “Wait I see a man in the car...”  She paused.  “He looks homeless.”  I scowled in confusion.  Abe always did background checks.  He didn’t have connections to the military for nothing.  I didn’t blame him for wanting to make sure people were able to pay their rent.  Abe also offered a deal to share land, once you’ve paid a suitable size of money you were able to live in your condo without monthly rent.  It was a choice he’d offer and it was cheaper in the long run.  Of course, household bills still had to be paid.  Some people like Daryl and Carol chose that from the start.

“Why are you whispering, it’s not like they’ll hear us through the window.”

“It’s more polite.”

“Like the action of peeping can be softened with whispering.”  We both laughed before Carol shushed me.  I caught a glimpse of the man, he was still inside the sleek black Porsche.  He had quite the beard on him.  He also wore a ratty baseball cap which probably caused him to be called homeless.  It hid his face well so I couldn’t make out his features.  The brunette went back to the window leaning in close to the bearded man.  “Oh looks like they’re a couple.”

“What do you think they do?”  I asked Carol still staring at the couple, mug in hand.  I had no shame.

“I have no idea.  But I’m guessing the woman’s a model.  Though Abraham didn’t mention there would be two of them.”  She did look like a model.  Her silky hair reached past her shoulders, leading down to a trim tight body.  Hopefully, she wasn’t another Jessie.  Jessie did something to deserve my spite, she may not remember but I do. Oh, I remember very well.

The last person to move in was, in fact, Jessie Anderson, so in our defense, we did the same thing to Jessie when she moved in four years ago.  Along with the three women who moved in over the last few months, if they counted.  When Jessie modeled her way to her condo but couldn’t figure out how to open her own door. Bless her soul. We figured she had a sugar daddy or was a model.  We were right on both counts.

“Oh goodness, we can’t have another Jessie.”  Even Carol understood.  After a moment the woman pulled away from the car and it drove off.  She was heading this way. Shit!

We tried our best to scramble away from the window without spilling the remnants of our coffee.  I switched on my TV opting to settle on a random station.

“You think she saw us?”  She asked me.

“We’re inside unless she has a third all seen eye that’s impossible,”  I told her taking in gulps of caffeine.  I was quite sure we were in the clear so when a knock bounced off my door it caught me off guard.  I spilled coffee on my capris night pants.  A frustrated moan left my throat, these stains were hard to get rid of.  I was forced to answer the door with a stain the size of a black hole on my white pants.  I still had my locs gathered on top of my head, I decided against letting it down.

The door swung open and I was greeted by another smiling face for the second time this morning.  It was the brunette.   Up close she was actually quite stunning.

“Oh, I’m sorry I was actually looking for the landlord.  I’m Lori by the way.’’  She stuck her hand out towards mine her nails gleamed with a clear coat of peach polish.  I took her hand after a moment of silence.

“Michonne.”  She was nice.

Her eyes lit up upon hearing my name.  “You’re not Michonne the painter are you?”  Her tone held curiosity.

“Umm, no.  I’m not.”  Although she seemed nice I didn’t know her.  If the painting on my living room wall wasn’t any indication of who I was then she really didn’t need to know.

She rolled her eyes and dropped my hand.  “Of course, she’d have enough money for better…uhh apparel maybe even a house.”  Bitch! Her eyes darted to the stain on my pants. I wanted to scream ‘but bitch you’re living here too!’ I held my tongue.  “How silly of me.”

“It was an honest mistake.”  I had to suck up to this bitch?  I think not.  Funny how first impressions left a lasting mark.  I’ll mourn the loss of new undergarments later.  My only hope was that her boyfriend was nicer since her ring finger was bare.

Lori nodded lacing her hands together.  “Like I said earlier, I was looking for the landlord.”  Her tone was short all of a sudden like she didn’t want to stay by this door a minute longer.  I pointed to the left.

“He’s two doors down.  But if I were you I wouldn’t bother him this early on Saturday’s.  If Sasha answers you’ll be in luck.”  Abe didn’t have a knack for Saturday mornings, any time after eleven was better for him.  I learned the hard way after the pipe in my bathroom burst.  I ran to Abe banging on his door.  By the time he answered, he was red-faced and shirtless.  He fixed my plumbing problem but I was left with feeling that I interrupted something.  He didn’t speak to me for a week.

Lori thanked me, clearly ignoring my warning and made her way to Abe’s door.  I placed the locks back to their original position and turned to face Carol.

“Well isn’t she a dime.”  Carol mentioned sarcastically.  A dime indeed.  I rubbed the stain on my pants although it didn’t do anything to fade it.

“Now I’m hoping she does catch Abe at a bad time.”

“Just take my advice Michonne, order clothes and have it delivered here.  It’s what I always do.”  We were back to that conversation again.  We passed the time sitting together discussing neighborhood changes, our TV shows and of course neighborly gossip.

“Have you noticed that Maggie gained some weight?”  Only Carol would notice these small things.

“So? I’ve gained weight.”

Carol shook her head, exasperated with my line of thinking.  “Michonne, you weren’t having sex nonstop for the past two months.”  I was a tiny bit offended.  In fact I hadn’t had any sexual exploits since leaving Atlanta.  That was years ago.

“How would you know this?  You don’t even live next to them to hear anything.”  She scoffed at me.

“I’ve seen enough displays of affection between them to light up a cow.”  Maggie and Glenn had been married when I met them.  They actually gave me hope that there was a forever.  They always said they’d wait to have kids, both being in the drug research field.  They wanted to focus on their careers before adding a little addition to the family.

“So you think she’s pregnant?”  I bit into my cookie.

“I know.”  Her eyes twinkled.

The infamous horn made its appearance again, prompting Carol and I back into peeping.  Lori had a scowl on her face as she made her way to the sleek car.

“You think Abraham made her angry?”  I questioned though I could care less.

“Oh, I’m sure they exchanged some words.  Or her boyfriend said something to upset her.”  She added when the heavily tinted window on the Porsche didn’t roll down.  Carol was onto something there.  Lori marched to the vehicle and tapped the glass.  The door to the car opened revealing a strong arm that held it.  Lori stepped in the open space successfully blocking our view.  The suspense was killing me.

“I need to get a good look at the man, can she just move.”  I felt the same way as Carol.  This Saturday was more entertaining than just chatting about the mystery around Daryl.  Except there wasn’t a mystery surrounding him, he was just a mechanic that owned a bike store.  The vibe he had was mysterious though.

Lori moved and he was just about to exit the car when my landline rung off.  What are the chances?  I huffed and told Carol to give me a play by play.  I dashed for the phone, promising myself to invest in something cordless.

Caller ID: Simon

I groaned knowing exactly what this call was about.  I clicked call and greeted him sweetly.  “Good morning, Simon.  How are you?”

“Something tells me you’re not working on your piece since you answered this phone so quickly.”  He knew me so well.  Simon was the one who picked up my art and delivered them to galleries amongst other people.  Technically he worked for me.  It was rare for me to do my work on site.  That usually required complete discretion and a sizable check.

Carol waved her arms around drawing in my attention.  “Good lord Michonne, he isn’t homeless!”

I tried to split my attention between both Carol and Simon but it didn’t work for me.  So I focused on Simon.

“When creativity hits me I’ll be sure to text you, Simon.”  Whenever I lost momentum Simon always reminded me that I was working on a time frame.

“Be sure to.  I forgot to mention the last time I made a pick up some guy name Gregory phoned me.  He seemed adamant on talking to you.  Said it was urgent.  He sounded crazy so I shrugged it off.”  The only Gregory that rung any alarms was the ‘Atlanta Gallery’ owner who fired me with little to no remorse.  Last I heard business for him went down the drain.

“Thanks, Simon, if he calls you again let me know.”

“Sure thing.”  I hung up and made my way back to Carol who was no longer peeping out the window.  Disappointment filled me.

“I thought you were going to give me a play by play.  Did they leave?”  I checked outside the window again noticing the black car was absent.  Just my luck.

“I did but you were in the deep end of your conversation on the phone.”  She gazed at me expectantly.

Sighing I told her “Simon was just talking about my old boss calling him, said he sounded crazy.”

“Simon himself looks crazy.”

“In an artistic way Carol.”  I defended him.

The thoughts in her head were clear on her face.  It didn’t make any difference what I said.  Anyone with messy hair and an array of paint covering them looked crazy unless it was me of course.

Mike made his grand entrance, he waltzes in and rubbed himself against my leg.  Carol coughed beside me putting space between us.

“That’s my cue to leave, be sure to leave some cookies for the new neighbors.”  It wasn’t as if I was going to devour the entire pan of cookies. After closing the door behind Carol I pulled my silk night top tighter around my body.

My place was vibrant due to some of my work being hung on its white walls.  When I first moved in I wanted something modern.  I also wanted parts to remain a canvas for my doings.  I actually came across this place by accident.  It had security and it was discreet.  There was a twenty-minute drive before you came across another building.  In total there were nine occupants in the building.  Morgan, Daryl, Jessie, Glenn, and Maggie along with Negan lived on the lower level.  Abe and Sasha, Carol, myself along with the new couple lived on the second floor.  Despite the number of occupants, my place was a spacious two bedroom two bath.  I used the extra room for my work.  I was still on edge about moving in here permanently, Atlanta taught me nothing good last forever.  Sighing, I turned on my speakers and headed for my safe haven.  I worked until nightfall.

[laketaj24]

Queens of Odins Eye Chapter 49!!!

Here is more of the beautiful and fun collab piece!! @imgoldielikehawn @courtrae89 @grungyblonde

Where the fuck am I? I lift my arms groaning in a stretch. The hospital? I stand touching my barefeet on the cold tile floor. I can hear the crying. Women and men. Then I turn facing my body still laying in bed. Shit, am I a ghost? No. couldn’t be.

“I don’t know how to do this.” Ivar groans. His face is as red as red as his eyes. “You need to wake up. Because I’m not Ubbe.” He pauses. “I don’t have a father button to push and hop into action.” He cradles the tiny baby shaking his head. “Kia.” He sobs. “Please, we said till death do us part, but you promised me you wouldn’t leave me early.”

“Baby.” I reach out to touch him watching my hand go straight through him. “Ivar!” I yell and he still says nothing.

What the actual fuck? I glance over at my body. They could have at least tried to fix that head of mine. Geez.

Ivar continues to weep shaking his head and I stare down at the tiny baby. Isla? My stomach is flattened and she favored me. “Isla,” he says wiping his face as she begins to stir. “Tired of your old man leaking tears all over that perfect face? You wanna hear a story?” She grunts, he doesn’t know this but she’s for sure pooping. Her little eyes open and they aren’t blue, but they are beautiful. “Yeah, story time. There once was a woman, perfect and crazy but crazily perfect that didn’t like this guy here…”

The walls fade into the grocery store. The younger version of me is bustling towards Ivar, hopping onto his back and sending him straight into the cart of oranges.

“Kia!” he says smiling. “I can’t get fired from here.” He laughs playfully slapping my hands down and reaching down to pick up the oranges.

When I was younger it was a habit to wreak havoc. The younger me shrugs picking up an orange and handing it to Ivar. He wore the hair net and the apron so well, even if he hated it.

“Are we on for tonight?”

“I thought you had a date with my brother today.”

“I’m just entertaining him, Ivar. He’s been asking for forever.”

Damn right he had.

“I’m kind of hurt you’re going to be with him thinking about the way it feels when we fuck.” Ivar always had a trash mouth. He touches my face. “Just tell him no.”

“So I can forever be in the background of your life… no sir. It won’t hurt. It’s one day. I’m not marrying him.” I spit.

I find myself laughing as the walls fade back out to the hospital.

“Your mom accidentally fail for the mad prince, but she knew who prince charming was.”

He has it completely backwards. I laugh again and the door opens, Brii strolls in placing her hand on mine.

“Any word?”

“No.” he says. “She’s just laying there.”

Brii hands him a tissue and then reaches for the comb and brush on the nightstand. “She would murder you if she knew that you didn’t at least try combing her hair. You know how vain she is…”

Bitch. I am not vain. But she is right.

She starts to comb my hair. “You remember that time she got arrested from stealing chickens from Lagertha’s farm?”

“I mean what the fuck was she doing with them anyway.” He laughed wiping his face.

We were…”

 The room fades to black and I am surrounded by trees. “Bitch, I stepped in cow shit!” the younger me yells at Brii. We were supposed to be quiet but that was not possible with me.

“shut your mouth! We just need one.” Brii laughs.

I didn’t know it then, but that bitch was my bitch, I would have followed her anywhere. We make it to the chicken coop. “If we put the blood on some Eights the might think it’s human. It will stop them so Ragnar and Rollo can do what they need to do.”

We sported our prospect jackets well. Teenagers doing petty shit. Brii took three or four chicken and tossed them in the bag. “If we need one, why the fuck do you have four in here? Tired of going to the grocery store?”

I held the bag impatiently looking around to see what was around me, not even noticing Lagertha standing there.

She pointed the shot gun to my head and I scream dropping the chickens, but she trips me, and I land right back in the cow shit and I can see Brii running away.

 “You left my wife in cow shit.”

“We were sixteen.” She laughs. “but I did steal some chickens from her ass and we framed the eights while Bjorn and Ragnar stole their shipments.”

“Yeah, leave it to big mouth to get caught.” He smirks and his face turns solemn. “You can’t see anything?”

She turns to where I’m standing and winks. “Nothing.” She shakes her head. “But smile okay. Kia is fine wherever she is.”

 I leave the room heading into the lobby and Ubbe is there by himself, though from the conversation it doesn’t sound like it.

“Kia, you are being so fucking selfish right now.” He pauses. “But that’s normal right?”

Really dude, picking a fight with a half dead Kia. I stare at him.

“You took my fucking heart and won’t give it back. All the shit I said to you I didn’t mean it.” His voice wavers. “I just need you here, even if you aren’t with me. That shit is fine. But this is unfair.” He wipes his face. “To Ivar, To Isla… Uri… shit to me. We didn’t even get to get back to being friends. I never got to tell you that I was sorry and that I miss you as my friend. The fucked-up times we used to have, the good times especially. I just miss it all.”

Kim enters the room with her swollen eyes and two cups of coffee. “They only had decaf.” She complains. “but maybe our bodies will accept it.” She sits down stirring the black liquid. “She’s still unresponsive.” She was always crying but this time I literally watch as she comforts Ubbe with no tears, though they are on their brim. “Heyyy, come on… Kia would call you a damn bitch right now.”

Damn right, bitch. I laugh to myself but I wouldn’t, not this time. It felt good to be loved.

She rubs her hand on his back and hugs him. “Ubbe, Uri is at the door.”

I turn to see my little blond demon walking to his dad, “What’s wrong? Is mommy gonna die?”

“No, your mom is way to stubborn to die.” Ubbe scoops him up. “She got tired of your uncle Ivar and decided to sleep a while.” He adjusts his hat and Uri wipes his tears. “She came out of here right last time. She will be just fine.”

“When was last time?”

Ubbe smiles. “When you were born…”

The hospital walls shift and Ubbe is standing next to me gripping my hand. “Kia Belle Lothbrok, stop being lazy.” Ubbe laughs. “He asked for one more push.”

“I said I was fucking finish!” I say about to cry. “This stubborn child is in there for life.” My head falls back and Ubbe kisses my forehead. “I’m done.”

“Kia…” he whispers. “this child is stubborn just like you, so one more push… and we are done.”

“fuck you,” I cried.

“I love you too, babe. Now sit your ass up…”

 The room is back to normal only they are gone and Court walks in with Gemma. Gemma crosses her legs. “I am so sick of hospitals.” Court complains.

“Well, it’s a good thing I get to be here with you. We can conjure up more ways to convince that tall husband of yours to move to Charming.”

“I can’t think about that now Gem.” Court laughs. “That girl in there is one of my closest friends. And more importantly she’s like a damn sister. I don’t have blood family… all I have is her and those other two.”

“Nonsense you have us.”

“I know.” She pauses. “but Kia is like a force…. One time she came to my office begging for piss…”

 The Kattegat police station is always busy. The younger me sneaks pass the front desk walking to Court’s office. I tap a few times and walk in. “Court!”

“what in the fuck are you doing here? The club has too much heat on them for you to be here girl.”

“Look, I kind of done coke with Ubbe last night.”

“Kind of done coke, Kia.” Court stares with her mouth open. “How does one kind of do coke?”

“Bitch, I need your piss.”

“No! Absolutely not. Ask someone else, Hvitserk is usually clean.”

“I done coke off Hvitserk’s chest last night.”

“Oh my god,” she breathes.

“It was a threesome and girl, every time I fuck with Hvitserk I walk funny for like three whole days. He’s like Captain Super Dick.”

“You have to stop giving me details about your personal life. Like seriously.”

“Whatever, piss for me… please.”

“Just this once damn it. And stop doing coke!”

 Everything fades but nothing reemerges this time. Just Athelstan standing there with his arms crossed. “I was not expecting to see you first.” He laughs.

“I’m not dying am I?”

“That’s up to you Kia Belle.”

“Don’t call me that.” I laugh.

“do you want to go back?”

“Yes, I have a new baby girl, Uri and a new husband. Then I guess some people care about me?”

“Well you can go back, but you have to make me a promise?”

“What is it?”

Athelestan touches my shoulder. “Start cherishing these people instead of fighting them, and calm the fuck down Kia. Life is not that stressful.” He smiles. “Also… tell Brii I love her and I approve of the blond.”

 Taglist: @ivarsshieldmadien @whenimaunicorn @titty-teetee @sparklemichele @naaladareia @captstefanbrandt @therealcalicali @cinnabearice @readsalot73 @soaimagines @hallowed-heathen

[dreamreservoir]

time travel

The first parts are about time travel, same type as in Marvel. Mom, Dad and I with a random girl, we decide to go for it. We start in a waiting room of sorts, two levels with walkway, and the room seems to be integrated with a bottomless pit. We go down to the second floor and play games on some handheld with Ben from Loblaws night crew, but as as teenager. We run upstairs and check when we're going, turns out we're going now. We jump around on way back down, looking for the friend, but he is actually already up here grabbing his stuff. As we prepare to get in the elevator, everyone else disappears, and it's just us 5 and a dying grandfather, who imparts standard wisdom to us before we leave. As we get in the elevator, my chest tightens up, and the elevator begins to move. It actually moves in 2 dimensions, so we can see other rooms as we pass by. Eventually we get to our final room, which is fully furnished, like death waiting room; it's meant to look super nice to make you forget what you're about to do. We run around and explore for a couple seconds, then it cuts to after we have completed time travel. We have an orange Kia Sorento, and a video starts playing in my head about movies (?) of famous people, ending on a highlight on a movie coming out about the guy who built Big Ben, and London bridge is playing in background. The movie trailer shows Big Ben falling, and the builder gets snowballs thrown at him from 6 policemen, while he is clinging to Big Ben, now badly held up with wood planks. The setting is a standard US suburb in the winter, buildings are 2 floors max other than big Ben, the whole scene feels like GTAV. The builder becomes me, as Santa's sleigh comes by, and I get in and start trying to learn how to fly it as the policemen continually try to hit me with snowballs. I end up getting out of the sleigh, and start sprinting away from cops with baggy winter coat on. I find a car park from earlier in the dream (I think we parked there just as trailers started playing) and find a shiny orange Kia Sorento. I get in and reverse, spinning around into another spot, because of all the snow. I reverse a ton, and slide out to road, where the car disappears and one big cop shows up beside the builder and pulls out a gun. I start running away towards a 402 looking highway, the season changes to summer and I'm wearing my crocs. I start crossing the highway, the cars are not going fast and seem small, like the whole world shrunk a little bit. The cars are all quiet, only hear tires against road. I cross both sides and turn around to see seeing sun on right, with highway heading towards sun. This spot feels beautiful, and I make a mental note to do this more often (sit beside highway and setting sun). Robyn from Loblaws shows up and reminds me that cars aren't actually this quiet. Symptoms?: finally finished data course, ready to move to university and begin new life

[textsfromwatchpointgibraltar]

Memento Mori

Characters: All of them Warnings: Major Character Death (for realsies) Summary: Despite what Mercy may say, there comes a time when Heroes do indeed die Chapter 1/??? Read on AO3!

I just really wanted to write angst for the sake of angst + no one has cussed me out for fic in this fandom yet ;)

Overwatch, as a whole, was no stranger to death. In its prime, agents and soldiers died on battlefields, publicly announced or not. During the Omnic Crisis, there were times when Overwatch nearly ceased to exist if not for a well-timed shot or a hastily raised shield. Even in the new age of Overwatch, illegal but still going strong, the members knew death and knew it personally

From Hana Song, 19 but a soldier, fighting against an impossible enemy, to Mei Ling Zhou, who went to sleep during a raging storm and awoke next to her dead co-workers, to Ana Amari, seasoned sniper and veteran of Overwatch, death was no stranger.

So when they got the call, Lena hysterical on the coms, accent thickening with tears to the point that Winston almost couldn't understand her, announcing a KIA… it shouldn't have hurt the way it did.

But no longer were they members of Overwatch of old, back when thousands of people moved day to day through the corridors of a watchpoint, and a death was sad to some, but not the entire organization. But things were different. There weren’t many active members now, only 20 who went on missions and spent time on base, and so everyone knew everyone. Names, favourite foods, relatives, and fears. And so, when the call came through and Athena announced a KIA, tears were falling before anyone knew who it was.

“Who was on the mission?!” Fareeha yelled as she approached the comms room, Ana fallowing behind, grim-faced. “Mama, do you know?”

Ana shook her head, listening through the glass door as Winston tried to calm Lena down. “Lena was transport, but I wasn’t there for the mission briefing. Who came back this morning?”

Before Fareeha could answer, Hana raced into the room, panting. “Who—do they know who yet?” she asked, and Ana shook her head. “It better not be Lúcio or Jamie…” she said, before slumping to the ground, leaning up against the glass wall. “I can't believe it…I didn't think this would—I just can't believe it.” She repeated. “It's like MEKA all over again.”

The next person to rush in was Mako, and it was obvious to everyone there already that he was panicking behind his mask, even as he tried to keep his cool. “Jamie? It’s not Jamie, is it?” he asked, and Hana shrugged.

“No—no idea who it is. Did he tell you who else was going on the mission?” she asked, quietly, but he only huffed, dropping to the ground beside Hana with a grunt.

“…if the idiot blew himself up, I don’t know what I’ll do,” he muttered before Hana curled up next to him, resting her head on his shoulder.

“Yeah…” she sniffed.

“Genji! Do you know who was on the mission?” Genji and Hanzo were next to run into the room, Genji’s vents hissing as he tried to hold onto his composure at Fareeha’s question.

“Master—Zenyatta was on it. He said they were going to look at some abandoned waypoints, I think. Nothing that would require any heavy firepower,” he replied, steam clouding around him instead of tears falling. Hanzo was silent, but there was no mistaking the unshed tears that filled his eyes, one hand gripping his brother’s arm. “They should have been safe.”

Reinhardt and Torbjörn arrived next, soon followed by Jesse, and all three of them moved to stand by Ana, Jesse with his eyes on the door.

“Soldier 76 was on the mission too—he was the firepower, he said,” Torbjörn hissed, eyes misty even if he and the masked man had never gotten along since he joined. “I don’t know why they didn’t send anyone else with them.”

Ana bowed her head, her heart hurting. None of the others knew that 76 and Jack Morrison were one in the same, and Ana hoped to hell and above that it wasn’t him coming home in a body bag. Reinhardt held open an arm, and she slid up next to him, trying to stay calm even as she felt him start to silently cry.

“Bastion and the Doc—Angela’s getting Medical ready for…for everyone,” Jesse said, starting to pace. “And Bastion’s in the garden still. I don’t think he wants to come, and I wasn’t going to make him.”

“Is it Satya? Or Mei?” The last person to crowd the hall was Zarya, clad in her workout clothing. “Mei told me they were going to look at old ecopoints—it isn’t either of them, is it?”

“We don’t—I don’t know,” Fareeha replied, biting her lip as she joined Jesse in pacing. “Winston’s trying to get Lena to talk to him, but—“

Before she could finish, the doors behind her opened, and everyone turned, faces naked with worry and panic.

“I—“ he looked at everyone, opening and shutting his mouth several times before admitting defeat and collapsing to sit on the ground like Hana and Mako. “It’s Zenyatta.”

For a moment, there was nothing but silence, broken only by Winston’s sobbing, before everyone erupted.

Genji surged forwards, only to be stopped by both Jesse and Hanzo before he could reach Winston. They both held him back until he seemed to slump in their grip, sending the three of them to the floor. In no time his visor was pulled from his face and tears started to fall as he screamed in Japanese, holding his brother’s arm in a bruising grip while Jesse took hold of his shoulders.

“O—oh my god…Zen? I—he’s gone?” Hana whispered, before she clambered to her feet, trying to keep herself from hyperventilating, Mako holding out a hand to keep her from falling as she listed to the side. “Athena, Winston was mistaken, right? It’s not Zenyatta, right? It can’t be him!” she yelled at the ceiling like she expected the AI would say something else.

“I…am sorry, Hana,” The AI replied, sounding for the world as though she would cry as well if she could. “According to Lena, he was killed in action.” The AI went silent as everyone, even Zarya, started to sob. Some keeled over like Hana, her head pressed to the floor, while others simply falling back against the wall, letting themselves slide down it, like Fareeha. “Winston…there’s more. I'm sorry, but Lúcio is trying to hail you.”

“I’ll take it,” Ana said, taking a deep breath in an attempt to steady herself, but failing. It wasn’t her first time someone she’d worked closely with had died on the field, but this time was different. The broken sobbing coming from Genji was proof enough of that.

She slipped into the comms room, pulling a chair over in front of the desk as she slipped on the headset, nausea rolling in her gut. “Amari here, Winston is—”

“We’re losing 76.” Lúcio interrupted, panic evident in his voice even through the static, and Ana’s heart shattered. “I—he went back to get Zen, and—“

“Athena, patch Lúcio through to Angela,” Ana whispered, leaving the nearly incoherent man to the more experienced medic, before she pushed back from the desk and slid off of the chair, sinking to her knees. Not again, she couldn't lose Jack again. But she trusted Lúcio to know what he was talking about, to know that 76, that Jack was fading. Outside she could hear shouting, Genji still from the sounds of it, but the sounds were soon muffled as Reinhardt walked into the room, kneeling to pull her into his arms as she wept, shaking her head.

“What is it, Ana?” he asked, quiet for once, and she tried to explain, but found her mouth dry and lacking. “Athena?”

“Soldier 76 is dying,” the AI replied as Reinhardt helped Ana out of the comms room, leading her to Fareeha who reached up and out to her once she came within reach. “His survival rate is at 15% and dropping. I am sorry.”

“L—Lúcio said,” Ana gasped, knowing that she was about to make the others sob more, and hating herself, hating Jack, for it. “He said that 76 went to—went to help Zenyatta.”

If anything, Genji wailed even louder than before at that, and Ana began to shake as she slid down to sit nestled against her daughter.

“And I know who he is. 76, I mea—“ Ana cut herself off with a sob, pulling Fareeha into her lap and clutching at her like a lifeline. “I know who he is, and I wasn’t able to keep him safe again, and he’s going to die.”

“Ana?” Torbjörn knelt down by her, flesh hand hovering over her shoulder before he leaned into her. “Deep breaths, Ana.”

“It’s Jack, Torbjörn. 76 is Jack Morrison, and I wasn’t there—I couldn’t keep either of them safe!“ Ana hissed, feeling Fareeha and Torbjörn freeze, and hearing a temporary silence around her.  “Soldier 76 is Jack Morrison and this time he’s really going to die.”

“I—Ana, he died in the explosion,” Jesse said, voice thick with emotion, letting his hands fall from Genji’s shoulders as the younger man curled up against his brother. “I saw the funeral, everyone in the world saw the funeral. There’s no way—“

“Jack? Jack is 76? Since when?!” Torbjörn yelled, stumbling back. “Why didn’t he tell us?”

“Why didn’t I know? Why didn’t I send someone else with them? Oh, god,” Winston sobbed, digging his hands into his head, curling in on himself as if he could make his massive body shrink and disappear. “This is my fault…this is all my fault.”

Everyone started to speak and weep over each other, disbelief, anger, and sorrow intermingling into a mess that made Ana want to sink into the floor or wake up from what she wished was a dreadful nightmare.

“He’s been alive all this time, but he never told us?” Reinhardt said, his voice pushing past them all to fill the corridor. “You knew, Ana? All this time?”

She didn’t reply, instead tucking her face into the crook of Fareeha’s neck to cry. Let them be mad at her for keeping secrets later, but not now. Not when there are too many fresh wounds and broken hearts to navigate.

“Attention. ETA for Team A is T-minus 10 minutes,” a computerized voice echoed through the base, a deeper tone than Athena’s, and Winston sniffled.

“I need—someone please help me—I can’t go to the hanger myself. I just—I can’t” he said, wiping one large hand over his face, trying to wipe away the tears and failing. “Someone—“

In the end, they all went.

Ana let herself by half carried by Reinhardt and Fareeha, her legs too shaky for her to even contemplate walking from comms to the hanger on her own. Genji and Hanzo had raced ahead of them all, just to be there for Angela and because Genji still didn’t believe it was all true.

The rest followed at their own pace, Hana and Jesse moving faster that Ana, and Torbjörn and Zarya lingering behind a bit, long enough for Bastion to join them in their shell-shocked trudge to the hanger.

“They—gods, Ana, they lost him. His heart stopped, and they couldn’t get it started again,” Angela said when Ana entered the room from where she was crouched by Genji, keeping a hand on his shoulder, keeping him grounded. “He’s dead…they’re both—It’s going to be too late for me to even try!”

There was another shock of silence before Ana began to keen, falling to the floor and out of Fareeha and Reinhardt’s arms.

"Jack...I—“ Torbjörn shook, stumbling forwards a few steps to grab Ana. “Not again! Ana, this isn’t real, it can’t be.”

Ana continued to quake, biting down on her fist as she tried to desperately stop sobbing, but failing. Reinhardt crouched down, curling around her and Torbjörn as he too began to sob and curse.

“There’s really nothing you can do, doctor?” Zarya asked, letting herself sink down against a crate of something or other that was in the one bay. “There is no way to save either?”

Angela shook her head, her accent almost too thick to understand. “Soldier…Jack is too far. I don’t, I can’t bring him back. Zenyatta, I—I don’t know. I don’t know how dam—injured he is, or where.”

“Attention. ETA for Team A is T-minus 2 minutes.” The automated announcement sounded again, and everyone quieted, save for the crying, as they watched the sky.

Waiting for their collogues, and the corpses.

[carpostnet]

The Indian Automobile Industry Highlights Of 2019

2019 was a hell of a journey for the Indian vehicle business. From allegedly going to the bottom to MG and KIA taking the auto market by storm. 2019 has arrange an origin story and hopefully, the following 12 months might be bringing a revolution within the business. Here are 9 greatest highlights of the Indian vehicle business for the 12 months 2019. Enjoy!

BS6 (Bharat Stage 6) | It’s nearly right here

BS6 | Indian vehicle Industry Highlights 2019

The 12 months 2019 noticed the setup for subsequent years concentrate on BS6 (Bharat Stage 6) and Electric autos in India. BS6 might be essentially the most talked-about spotlight of the Indian vehicle business. The authorities handed a BS6 emission norm which can drive carmakers to change to a extra environmentally-friendly engine which might be made obligatory from April 1st 2020 in new automobiles.

Most Viewed: BS6 (Bharat Stage 6 ) | Explained

Electric automobiles additionally noticed a surge in reputation as the federal government is introducing subsidies to assist electrical automobiles be extra profitable than standard fuels. The adjustments might be seen from subsequent 12 months and are already confirmed as Auto Expo 2020 is acknowledged to have plenty of electrical automobiles and extra BS6 variants are noticed and spied which implies the setup of this 12 months could be price it subsequent 12 months.

The BS6 regardless that will begin from subsequent 12 months, it forged an enormous shadow over the auto business with most individuals not shopping for autos within the worry of getting outdated automobiles which led to the largest stoop within the vehicle business of this decade.

The Indian vehicle disaster of 2019

Another spotlight of the Indian vehicle business. The 12 months 2019 was some of the recessive 12 months within the historical past of the Indian vehicle business in 20 years. With over 2.30 lakh individuals shedding jobs and small corporations being shut down. This stoop was one thing we would by no means get to witness once more and can most likely be taught in financial system lectures sooner or later.

Read: The Great Indian Automobile Industry Crisis Of 2019 | A Recap

Companies misplaced cash due to over-saturation. They made an excessive amount of of one thing which individuals didn’t need anymore. So the businesses went into defensive mode and began slicing corners to save cash which meant mass layoffs and OEM’s being shut down.

The central authorities needed to step in to assist the sector however nonetheless, nothing occurred as a result of it was not the brand new price range that prompted this however the corporations introduced this on themselves.

However not each firm was struck exhausting by this. Some car producers launched their first fashions and took off like nobody anticipated in a decaying market.

Kia And MG | The market disruptors

Kia and MG got here within the Indian market at a time when it was at its lowest. But when the reserving started it gave hope to the sector because it was a lot that they needed to shut down the reserving possibility as a result of they didn’t have the aptitude to fabricate so many autos.

Kia and MG | Indian vehicle Industry Highlights 2019

News: Kia Motors Joins India’s Top 5 Car Maker Club

So, why on the planet would two corporations which had no maintain or any area of interest out there are available, get so many individuals reserving that it overwhelms them and ship on the promise within the coming months?

Something new! Kia and MG introduced one thing new to the market. Smart and safe automobiles with no options in a market the place every part was saturated and off. These corporations have been new and other people wished to attempt one thing that they haven’t seen but. Motorheads knew the price of those corporations from following them after they have been exterior India and now they wished to get a style for it.

Advocating for safer automobiles: MG ZS EV secures 5-star Euro NCAP rating

Electric automobiles are the longer term

India noticed its first domestically assembled electrical car within the likes of Hyundai Kona Electric with extra following subsequent 12 months. After the lowered GST on electrical automobiles to five%, the Central authorities gave a sign to the electrical vehicle business that they picked up.

Hyundai Kona Electric | Indian vehicle Industry Highlights 2019

Kia and MG additionally bringing an electrical car every subsequent 12 months and even corporations like Maruti Suzuki might be making EV.

Must Read: 8 Electric Cars to check out at the Auto Expo 2020

The capital metropolis has additionally drafted a coverage to assist push Electric automobiles into the mainstream. Whether they go mainstream no not is for the longer term to resolve.

BNVSAP (Bharat New Vehicle Safety Assessment Program) | Cars getting safer

After having one the very best dying on account of accidents, India determined to behave on it and implement their very own crash take a look at security system referred to as the Bharat New Vehicle Safety Assessment Program (BNVSAP). It could have crash exams, some obligatory adjustments and security additions and make corporations showcase the crash take a look at outcomes so individuals could make an knowledgeable choice.

Read: BNVSAP and Why India Needs Its Own Crash Test Safety Standard

This 12 months the primary section of BNVSAP was applied which made it obligatory for corporations so as to add an ABS in 2 wheelers and Airbags on 4-wheelers. It will proceed and get its personal crash testing variant from years to return. Know extra about #safercarsforindia here.

FASTag for sensible toll assortment

Fast is one other very essential spotlight of the auto business in 2019. The very objective of a FASTag is to smart-fy toll assortment. FASTag is a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) expertise built-in gadget used for making toll funds whereas driving by means of toll plazas. The cash will get deducted instantly from the pay as you go account linked to it. It saves you from spending a substantial period of time doing money transactions. It is affixed on the windscreen of your automobile/car.

You can add cash in your FASTag by means of credit score/debit card and you’ll even recharge it from Amazon, Paytm and UPI. It notifies you every time a transaction is made by sending a textual content message in your registered cell quantity that you simply present whereas getting the FASTag.

The professionals of FASTag is that it makes the difficulty of going by means of tolls straightforward. Saving time and never having the difficulty to attend in line solely to seek out out the toll plaza operator doesn’t have change.

Suggested for you: FASTag | Here Is Everything You Need To Know

Made obligatory from December 15th 2019 the primary day noticed plenty of confused drivers as they didn’t know what to do. This prompted the federal government to increase the date and permit money lanes in toll plaza so folks that don’t have FAStag can nonetheless undergo.

New Joint Ventures

Mahindra & Ford JV Mahindra and Ford with Mahindra having 51% stake and ford having 49% it’ll enable ford branded automobiles in Indian market serving to each Ford and Mahindra. The JV is just not but referred to as however when it does you’ll be able to anticipate plenty of new and outdated autos.

Suzuki and Toyota | Indian vehicle Industry Highlights 2019

Toyota & Suzuki Toyota and Suzuki introduced some recent plans which can launch new automobiles. Knowing Toyotas power within the area of electrical and Suzuki’s benefit in compact automobiles we are able to anticipate plenty of new electrical compact automobiles.

Vehicle Scrapping Policy proposal

To curb air pollution and battle the slowdown within the vehicle sector, the Government of India has proposed and funded a car scrapping coverage; often known as Vehicle Scrapping Policy. This coverage goals at changing outdated autos from Indian roads. Once a automobile’s registration certificates expires past its operational restrict, a consumer can go to any government-authorised scrapping centre and give up the automobile.

The scrapping yards will solely be supplied to sellers who’ve at the very least 1,000 sq yards. The scrapping might be fully non-hazardous and protected and would require CCTV digicam set up. The Vehicle Scrapping Policy has been a welcoming spotlight of the Indian vehicle Industry in 2019.

Diwali cheers up the market

After the auto business had an ideal fall the festive season of Diwali purchased Christmas early for the carmakers. Seeing a rise within the festive sale which they haven’t seen in years coming after a stoop that shook these corporations exhausting was one thing they most likely by no means anticipated within the wildest of their dream.

A glance again: MG, KIA, Hyundai Sold Over 15,000 Cars On Dhanteras

The 12 months 2019 in abstract

This 12 months noticed an amazing up and down within the curler coaster which is the auto business similar to life. Like the saying, it’s a must to be pulled again to be able to push ahead. The worst is behind us and nothing however development in each sector of the auto business is anticipated from now onwards. The stoop was inevitable however the massive corporations have been in a position to reduce corners and never take as a lot loss as they may have whereas the smaller corporations suffered the worst and lots of people misplaced their jobs and livelihood.

Kia and MG confirmed automakers worldwide that Maruti Suzuki’s monopoly might be damaged and offered quite a few items nobody anticipated. This could or might not be the rationale however subsequent 12 months much more corporations are contemplating India as a market and the extra decisions obtainable the higher it’s for us as a shopper as a result of the businesses might be pressured to outshine one another with new applied sciences.

2020 | New Year, New Possibilities

The floor for the swap to BS6 and EV autos will assist scale back air pollution and can assist the general development of vehicle as an business. More EV means straightforward accessibility because the extra charging station might be made obtainable which in flip will make extra individuals shift to EV. BS6 engine regardless that much less polluting than a BS4 continues to be polluting and a quicker swap to EV might be higher total.

Safer automobiles may also be coming because the BNVSAP will likely be applied which can assist scale back the car accident deaths and critical accidents numbers even additional and permit individuals to make higher decisions as they are going to be extra knowledgeable about security options that frequent individuals often don’t find out about.

TL; DR

Overall 2019 was each fascinating and unhappy 12 months from mass layoffs to new applied sciences and a serious shift to BS6, 2020 holds plenty of promise and is certain to be one other massive 12 months however likely not as massive as 2019.

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Thì hiện tại tiếp diễn present continuous

Bên cạnh thì hiện tại đơn ở chương trình lớp 6, chúng ta bắt gặp thêm một dạng gần giống của nó là thì hiện tại tiếp diễn. Đây là dạng thì rất dễ nhầm với hiện tại đơn, nó gần như không khác nhau về cấu trúc, cách sử dụng, chỉ khác nhau chút ít về cách nhận biết, dấu hiệu. Nếu chúng ta không chú ý kỹ có thể dẫn đến sai sót không đáng có trong văn bản. Cùng tìm hiểu xem cần phân biệt và nhận biết như thế nào cho đúng

Định nghĩa thì hiện tại tiếp diễn

Thì hiện tại tiếp diễn dùng để diễn tả những sự việc đang xảy ra ngay lúc chúng ta nói hay xung quanh thời điểm nói, hành động này chưa chấm dứt có nghĩa là vẫn còn đang tiếp tục diễn ra.

Cách sử dụng của thì hiện tại tiếp diễn

Cách sử dụng Ví dụ Thường diễn đạt một hành động đang xảy ra tại thời điểm đang nói. I am doing my homework now. Ý nghĩa: Bây giờ tôi đang làm bài tập về nhà.We are playing tennis now. Ý nghĩa: Bây giờ chúng tôi đang chơi quần vợt. Diễn tả một hành động hoặc sự việc nói chung đang diễn ra nhưng không nhất thiết phải thực sự diễn ra ngay lúc nói. Dạng này thường mang ý nói lên lý do giải thích cho câu trước đó. I’m quite busy these days. I’m doing my assignment. Ý nghĩa: Dạo này tôi khá là bận. Tôi đang làm luận án.I am looking for a job. Ý nghĩa: Tôi đang tìm kiếm một công việc. Thường diễn tả một kế hoạch đã lên lịch sẵn, diễn đạt một hành động sắp xảy ra trong tương lai gần. I am going to London tomorrow. Ý nghĩa: Tôi sẽ đi đến Luân Đôn ngày mai. Khi được dùng với trạng từ “always, continually”, nó diễn tả một hành động thường xuyên lặp đi lặp lại gây sự bực mình hay khó chịu cho người nói. He is always losing his keys. Ý nghĩa: Anh ấy thường hay đánh mất chìa khóa.He is always coming late. Ý nghĩa: Anh ta toàn đến muộn.

  Công thức thì hiện tại tiếp diễn

1. Khẳng định:

S + am/ is/ are + V-ing

Trong đó:     S (subject): Chủ ngữ

am/ is/ are: là 3 dạng của động từ “to be”

V-ing: là động từ thêm “–ing”

Ta cần chú ý cấu trúc dạng này như sau:

– S = I + am

– S = He/ She/ It + is

– S = We/ You/ They + are

Ví dụ:

I am playing football with my friends . Ý nghĩa: Tôi đang chơi bóng đá với bạn của tôi.

She is cooking with her mother. Ý nghĩa: Cô ấy đang nấu ăn với mẹ của cô ấy.

We are studying English. Ý nghĩa: Chúng tôi đang học Tiếng Anh.

Theo dạng chia và ví dụ ở trên, ta thấy động từ trong câu sử dụng thì hiện tại tiếp diễn luôn có hai thành phần là: động từ “TO BE” và “V-ing”. Với tùy từng chủ ngữ mà động từ “to be” có cách chia khác nhau, cần lưu ý kỹ tránh nhầm lẫn với các thì khác.

2. Phủ định:

S + am/ is/ are + not + V-ing

Ta cần chú ý:

– am not: không có dạng viết tắt

– is not = isn’t

– are not = aren’t

Ví dụ:

I am not listening to music at the moment. Ý nghĩa: Lúc này tôi đang không nghe nhạc.

She isn’t working now. Ý nghĩa : Hiện tại, cô ấy đang không làm việc.

They aren’t watching the TV at present. Ý nghĩa: Hiện tại tôi đang không xem ti vi.

Đối với câu phủ định của thì này, ta chỉ cần thêm “not” vào sau động từ “to be” rồi cộng động từ đuôi “–ing”.

3. Câu hỏi:

Am/ Is/ Are + S + V-ing   ?

Trả lời:

Yes, I + am. – Yes, he/ she/ it + is. – Yes, we/ you/ they + are.

No, I + am not. – No, he/ she/ it + isn’t. – No, we/ you/ they + aren’t.

Đối với câu hỏi của dạng thì này, ta chỉ việc đảo động từ “to be” lên trước chủ ngữ.

Ví dụ:

Are you going to the zoo? Ý nghĩa: Bạn đang đi chơi vườn bách thú đúng không?

Yes, I am./ No, I am not. Ý nghĩa: Vâng, tôi đang đi./ Không, tôi không đi.

Is she talking with you? Ý nghĩa: Có phải cô ấy đang nói chuyện với bạn?

Yes, she is./ No, she isn’t. Ý nghĩa: Vâng, cô ấy đang nói./ Không, cô ấy không nói.

Theo dạng thông thường, ta chỉ cần cộng thêm “-ing” vào sau động từ. Nhưng có một số chú ý như sau:

Với động từ tận cùng là MỘT chữ “e”:

– Ta bỏ “e” rồi thêm “-ing”.

Ví dụ:             write – writing                      type – typing             come – coming

– Tận cùng là HAI CHỮ “e” ta không bỏ “e” mà vẫn thêm “-ing” bình thường.

Với động từ có MỘT âm tiết, tận cùng là MỘT PHỤ ÂM, trước là MỘT NGUYÊN ÂM

– Ta nhân đôi phụ âm cuối rồi thêm “-ing”.

Ví dụ:             stop – stopping                     get – getting              put – putting

– CHÚ Ý: Các trường hợp ngoại lệ: beggin – beginning               travel – travelling prefer – preferring              permit – permitting

Với động từ tận cùng là “ie”

– Ta đổi “ie” thành “y” rồi thêm “-ing”. Ví dụ:             lie – lying                  die – dying

Dấu hiệu nhận biết thì hiện tại tiếp diễn

Cách nhận biết dạng câu hiện tại tiếp diễn khá đơn giản, chủ yếu nằm ở động từ và trạng từ.

Trong câu tiếp diễn thường có các trạng từ chỉ thời gian như: Now: bây giờ – Right now: Ngay bây giờ – At the moment: lúc này – At present: hiện tại – At + giờ cụ thể (at 12 o’lock)

Trong câu diễn tả thì tiếp diễn thường có các động từ như:

Look! (Nhìn kìa!) – Listen! (Hãy nghe này!) – Keep silent! (Hãy im lặng) Ví dụ: – Now my sister is going shopping with my mother. (Bây giờ em gái tôi đang đi mua sắm với mẹ của tôi.) – Look! The train is coming. (Nhìn kia! tàu đang đến.) – Listen! Someone is crying. (Nghe này! Ai đó đang khóc.) – Keep silent! The baby is sleeping. (Hãy im lặng! Em bé đang ngủ.)

Bài tập (có đáp án)

Các dạng bài tập thường  gặp ở thì tiếp diễn:

Bài 1: Cho dạng đúng của động từ trong ngoặc.

1. Look! The car (go) so fast.

2. Listen! Someone (cry) in the next room.

3. Your brother (sit) next to the beautiful girl over there at present?

4. Now they (try) to pass the examination.

5. It’s 12 o’clock, and my parents (cook) lunch in the kitchen.

6. Keep silent! You (talk) so loudly.

7. I (not stay) at home at the moment.

8. Now she (lie) to her mother about her bad marks.

9. At present they (travel) to New York.

10. He (not work) in his office now.

Bài 2: Xây dựng câu sử dụng thì hiện tại tiếp diễm dựa vào các từ gợi ý cho sẵn.

1. My/ father/ water/ some plants/ the/ garden.

2. My/ mother/ clean/ floor/.

3. Mary/ have/ lunch/ her/ friends/ a/ restaurant.

4. They/ ask/ a/ man/ about/ the/ way/ the/ rainway/ station.

5. My/ student/ draw/ a/ beautiful/ picture .

ĐÁP ÁN

Bài 1:

1.is going

2.is crying

3.Is your brother sitting

4.are trying

5.are cooking

6.are talking

7.am not staying

8.is lying

9.are travelling

10.isn’t working

Bài 2:

1.My father is watering some plants in the garden. Ý nghĩa: Bố của tôi đang tưới cây ở trong vườn.

2.My mother is cleaning the floor. Ý nghĩa: Mẹ của tôi đang lau nhà.

3. Mary is having lunch with her friends in a restaurant. Ý nghĩa: Mary đang ăn trưa với bạn trong một quán ăn.

4.They are asking a man about the way to the railway station. Ý nghĩa: Họ đang hỏi một người đàn ông về đường đi tới nhà ga.

5.My student is drawing a beautiful picture. Ý nghĩa: Học trò của tôi đang vẽ một bức tranh rất đẹp.

Cách phân biệt thì hiện tại tiếp diễn và hiện tại đơn khác nhau, nhưng gần như rất khó để xác định. Các dạng bài tập về hai thì này cũng tương tự nhau khiến nó trở thành điều khó chịu đối với người học. Hi vọng những ghi chú và bài tập ở trên sẽ giúp bạn hiểu nhiều hơn về dạng câu này để ứng dung khi cần.

Bài Viết Thì hiện tại tiếp diễn present continuous được chia sẻ tại Tin tức 60giayonline.