#(well again the free gift also had a little eye serum thing so I guess I'm using that too. four steps 😔 whatever)

[flashhwing]

hate having sensitive eyes. got a free eyeliner with my face wash and it's like a really Nice Fancy brand, supposed to be very good, and I can tell it is! goes on smoothly, doesn't smudge, actually waterproof ..... but it makes my eyes water 😔 and feels dry 😔 booooo

[my-name-is-alice-ayers]

Chaos Theory pt1

Updates also on Wattpad @chlochlo92

Plot: Erik Lehnsherr x reader

Reader (Cross between marvels Enchantress and Scarlett Witch) Chloe is one of the students of Charles and Erik’s, this is told during days of future past. Erik and Charles rescued her from a mental institution that experimented on her in order to control her powers. Now after the events of First Class (will post this out of order) she is back with Charles nursing a broken heart. When a stranger from the future shows up everyone will have to set aside their differences and work together to change their fate.

“Are you still haven’t nightmares?” Hank asked as he entered the foyer bringing you a cup of tea. The sun was shining through the tall glass windows of Charles London Hime as you had planted yourself on the stairs. You knew you looked exhausted. The dark circles under your eyes stood out against you’re pale skin as you ran your fingers through your hair. You were still in one of your silk night gowns, not bothering to cover up in a robe or care that you were skimpily dressed. Hank smiled at you sheepishly, sensing your heart break, you weren’t the only one effected by Erik and Ravens decisions.

“How can you tell?””you asked blowing on the tea to cool it off.

“I could hear you and I could see the light in your windows from your powers,” he replied softly sipping his coffee.

“Sorry.”

“You don’t have to apologize, I’m just worried. With the Professor....in this state..I just want to help you anyway I can,” he leaned on the table reflecting sadly on the situation they were in.

“I don’t want the serum,” your voice cracked as you felt tears sliding down your cheeks. “I don’t want to hide this anymore or feel like a prisoner, I just want to feel more in control and since everything with Erik...I can’t get a grasp on it..”

“I know, it seems to be he’s part of what’s doing this, if Charles was more himself we could get to the source of it...free your mind from him, because he’s a trigger,” Hank began but a loud knock on the front door startled the both of you.

Hank looked at you confused, “Who could that be this early?”

Hank set his coffee down opening the door slowly, you could barely see who was standing there. The voices were muffled, before Hank turned around, “Uh, he’s asking about the school?”

“Is he a parent?” You stood now walking over to the door to see if it was a reporter or worse someone from the CIA. You could barely see a tall man in a leather jacket with dark hair and a beard. He looked oddly familiar to you, your powers giving you a sense of deja vu. The man scoffed at your remark.

“I sure hope not,” he remarked. “Who are you?” He gestured at Hank only seeing your blonde hair from where he was standing.

“I’m Hank, Hank McCoy I look after the house. Sorry, the schools been closed for years.”

“Enchantress..” he blurted out when you finally came into his sight line. Logan knew your powers slowed your aging so you were easier for him to recognize. Your hair was a little different he’d seen it a variety of colors over the years as you hid identities. Yet it was nice to see you like this, your naturally long blonde waves practically reaching to your waist. You looked skinner and paler than usual, he assumed you this was when you were nursing a broken heart from Erik.

“Sorry, have we met?” You eyes widened, no one had referred to you by that name in a long time. Honestly every time you heard it you cringed remembering Erik gifting it to you.

“And you’re Beast?” He pointed at Hank now, chuckling as he ignored your questions, “I guess you were a late bloomer.”

You noticed Hanks hand gripping the door harder, “I’m going to have to ask you to leave,” Hank tried to shut the door, but the man pushed back.

“Wait, Hank..” you felt something again, a sense of familiarity as your powers made chill spread across your skin, something about this stranger triggering them. It reminded you of the feeling you’d gotten when you recognized your father in the train station with Erik. You knew this guy, but you didn’t know how.

“So where’s the Professor?” The guy growled pushing back again on the door as you stepped back.

Hank only growled in response hiding his face, trying to mask how much he was about to lose control.

“You’re pretty strong for a scrawny kid, you sure there’s not a little Beast in there?” The man remarked struggling now to keep the door ajar, you could see blue veins popping out of Hanks hands as they both grunted trying to match strength.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Hank strained to keep the door closed.

“Hey, he’s not here,” you spoke now trying to force the mans attention to you. “Can you just stop it already with the games?”

“Come on Beast,” he taunted pushing back with more force,” Come on Beastie...”

Hank was losing control of himself, trying to fight the animal inside, “No-“ he yelled.

With one final push the man finally burst through the door, a smirk of victory on his face as Hank was pushed back flying against the table in the foyer.

“Hey,” you shouted at the man, you could feel light coming from your finger tips as you tried to hide your hands behind your back as your anger made you lose control of your powers slightly, “the school is closed and you need to leave.” You planted yourself in front of Hank.

“It’s nice to know nothing has really changed with you and that fiery personality sweetheart ...Not until I see the Professor,” he shook his head placing his hands on his hips as he squared off with you which only enraged you more.

The man watched a burst of red light flash over your icy blue eyes as you waved you hands slowly stepping towards him as little balls of red energy came off you like smoke. Before he could react he felt himself lifting in the air as the ribbons of energy spin around him holding his hands back, “YOU...don’t give...US... orders,” you growled now moving your hands like a vice, manipulating the energy to stretch his body, he growled in pain as he struggled to get free.

“Look kid, the blue guy and I are going to be good friends he just doesn’t know it yet,” he spoke struggling to breath, “and you and I..well we’re going to be a thing for a few years..” he grinned

“Really? When exactly does this occur because you’re not really my type..” you growled in anger. (Yes he was attractive but after Erik you were done dating bad boys you were sure of it)

“Why because I’m not Erik? Sugar you’d be real surprised...we had some very hot nights, how else would I know about that little scar on your inner thigh,” he laughed which only made you tighten your grip on him till he was almost choking, you could feel your face getting hot the more he grinned. “You’re blushing...it’s cute.”

That broke your concentration for a moment, your grip loosening as the man’s feet hit the ground and he rushed at you, but Hank had transformed while you two were arguing and pounced his legs before he could reach you.

“Professor? Professor?”the guy yelled wiggling from his grasp, desperate to find him as he struggled with Hank. You could tell this guy was trying not to hurt him which only confused you more.

“God who are you?” You shrieked, you were so confused watching the struggle ensue between the two men.

“Chlo? Hank? What is going on here?” Charles waltzed down the stairs in his bathrobe with a whiskey in his hand. You could hear the ice clinking in the glass as he brushed his long hair from his eyes to see what all the fuss had been about.

The man had managed to knock Hank down as he charged up the stairs, “Professor?” His voice was desperate and you sat back now intrigued.

“Ugh don’t call me that” he grimaced pinching at his nose.

“Do you know this bloke?” You replied pointing in his direction.

“He looks..slightly familiar..” Charles squinted his eyes trying to focus on everyone. The alcohol and serum made everything a bit hazy,” and get off the bloody chandelier Hank,” Charles rolled his eyes. Even in his robe he was still posh and somewhat well mannered.

Beast flipped off the chandelier still ready to attack, “You can walk?” the stranger pointed to his legs.

“You’re a perceptive one,” he staggered down the steps a lazy grin on his face.

“But I thought Erik..” he began but noticed his question turned the room somber as you and Charles met each other’s eyes. This guy knew way too much for comfort.

“You perception makes it slightly perplexing that you missed our sign on the way in. This is private property, my friend. I'm gonna have to ask her to ask him to ask you to leave,” Charles planted himself on the steps taking a long drink.

That uneasy feeling returned as you fed off the energy from this stranger. You closed your eyes seeing flashes of images as if they were memories of your own, you groaned leaning to grip the railing of the stairs, “He’s doing something, Charles...”

Charles looked at you concerned wishing for a moment he had his powers. Hank rushed to your side as the man put his hands up slowly walking towards the both you.

“I’m afraid I can’t leave...because I was sent here for you, Charles.” His voice was smooth and easy as he inched closer.

“Well, tell whoever it was who sent you I’m busy,” Charles stood now crossing his arms defiantly.

The man laughed, “Well that’s going to be a little tricky, because that person who sent me...was you.”

Charles and you looked at each other, “Beg your pardon?” Charles wasn’t sure if he had drank too much or was dreaming.

“Yes about 50 Years from now,” he continued.

“Like in the future 50 years from now, Charles you can’t believe that, it’s absurd...” you practically growled at him another piercing headache coming stopping you mid sentence.

“Yeah, honey, it’s true.”

“I sent you from the future?” Charles laughed pointing at himself, but you noticed the way his jaw tightened in flat out irritation at this.

“Yeah,” The stranger replied confidently.

“Piss off,” Charles growled challenging the man in his anger.

"If you had powers, you'd know I was telling the truth,” he snapped back and you and Hank were in awe. No one could have known that.

Charles stopped in his tracks, pursing his lips,"How do you know I don't have pow—Who are you?"

"I told you."

"Are you C.I.A?"

"No."

"You've been watching me?" Charles tried to piece this together into something that made more sense.

"I know you, Charles. We've been friends for years. I know your powers came when you were 9. I know you thought you were going crazy when it started... all the voices in your head. And it wasn't until you were 12... that you realized all the voices were in everyone else's head. And You,” he pointed at Chloe,” your powers came when you were 13, when your twin brother died, you burned down most of your parents lavish estate. They couldn’t explain it so they locked you up in an institution until Charles and Erik set you free. You’re telekinetic, but you read emotions when you touch people, especially if you’re close to them and you can manipulate energy ...The closer you are to someone the more enhanced your powers are, that’s why Erik breaking your heart caused you to lose control of them again. Do you want me to go on?"

Tears were slowly pouring down your face as you closed your eyes feeling memories of Erik, he was the only one other than Charles that knew that how your powers started, “Shut him up.” You pleaded with Charles, wishing he’d had the power to.

Charles looked at you with shock. "I never told anyone any of that..not about myself and not about you, only Erik knew that darling."

"Not yet. But you will." The man crossed his arms.

"All right, you've piqued my interest. What do you want?" Charles leaned against the stair-rail, a hand resting on your shoulder to try and calm you. He had an eyebrow raised unenthusiastically.

“We have to stop Raven. I need your help. We need your help.” He signaled towards you two as if you were all friends all of a sudden.

The mention of Raven made your anger boil back up, jealousy rising in the pit of your stomach, “What does SHE have to do with it?”

Charles sighed, "I think I'd like to wake up now,” Charles got just as emotional at the mention of them.

You watched him walk towards the study (mainly for the open bar that resides in there) seemingly abandoning you two with this problem. Hank took a deep breath, slowly turning into his human form, "What is your name?" He asked grabbing the guys arm.

“Wolverine, but for now call me Logan.”

————————————

[the-girl-without-a-face]

Things You Don’t Learn At The Smithsonian

Pairing: STUCKY

Summary: It’s the Fourth of July and everyone knows it’s Steve’s birthday. Except Bucky. Because he knows better.

Warnings: mentions of sex.

Words: 1458.

Read on AO3

Masterlist

Bucky had been with Steve since the fiasco with the Accords. Though after almost a year, he and Stark managed to find some leveled ground, where killing was forbidden by Miss Virginia “Pepper” Potts.

Bucky still had bad days. They probably would never actually cease existing, not with what he had done and what he went through.

Today was a good day. They weren’t so few and far apart now.

Bucky and Steve went for a morning run, they ran by Sam twelve times, took a shower – yes, singular, thank you very much - and then had breakfast with pancakes and orange juice. All was going well, perfect even, and that’s when he should have payed attention.

“Hey, Cap, before I forget. Happy birthday.”

And then Sam hugged him and what.

Sam was a tactile person, usually grounding people to the present with gentle touches and pats on the back and hugs. But “happy birthday” wasn’t usual.

They didn’t bat an eye at Bucky frowning and the ex-assassin let it slide. He’d ask Steve once they were alone.

Which didn’t happen, because as soon as they entered the communal space of the Tower after breakfast they were surrounded by teammates and streamers and balloons and shouts and colors and Bucky reached for the knife in his boot and stood in front of Steve and got into stance to protect, attack, keep Steve safe. Take down anything that threatened Steve-

“Bucky. Bucky, it’s okay,” Steve’s voice and Steve’s hand on his shoulder. Not holding back, not hurting – never hurting – just touching, bringing him back to the present. He was whispering in Bucky’s ear, just for him. “It’s okay. Buck, they won’t hurt me.”

Bucky wanted to huff. Of course they wouldn’t, Bucky wouldn’t let them. But he trusted Steve’s judgement and dropped the stance.

“Same old, same old,” Tony nods, a smile plastered on his face. The team relaxed quickly after the knife went back to the boot. After some episodes, fewer today, they understood that now Bucky wouldn’t hurt them first.

What was his life?

He honestly didn’t care as Steve stood by his side and laced his left hand with Bucky’s right hand, leaving the left one free. He knew Bucky preferred this when they were in a hostile environment – for Bucky it was. For now. He’d soon relax.

“Happy birthday, Steve!” everyone screamed, though no streamers went off this time.

Bucky surveyed the large room, noting most of the team was there. Some standing near the door, closer to them – Tony, Sam and Nat - some near the food table – Bruce, Wanda, Pepper, Thor, Vision - and Clint… As a matter of fact, Clint was right on top of the cake, only head and shoulders popping from the air duct. The Spider kid was on the pillar, like feet and one hand on the pillar, camera in his free hand.

“Thank you, everyone.”

And then Steve was off to hug each and every person in the room, hand still locked with Bucky’s and dragging the boyfriend everywhere. Bucky would follow anyway, so this was better. Clint and Peter even returned to normal grounds when their turn came. Clint had to drop down from another entrance to the vent in order to not land on the cake.

The cake. A huge, three-story cake colored in blue, red and white and his shield is drawn on the front. The top was almost toppling from the quantity of candles around a beautifully written Happy b-day, Cap!

“Even centenarians deserve big cakes,” Tony explained and took a sip of his champagne, looking around. As if looking for the person who spoke. They had all moved to the chair and couches and general floor of the room.

Bucky was looking around, sat on the floor between Steve’s legs, hand still holding Steve’s, analyzing everything. Gifts, cake, yeah, but… Fourth of July?

Tony saw him looking.

“It’s a birthday, Robocop,” Tony explained. “We celebrate the day the person was born, giving gifts and eating cake. Remember those?”

Bucky nodded.

“Yeah. Also remember Steve’s birthday isn’t on the Fourth of July.”

And doesn’t that make everyone in the room just stop.

“What did you say?” Tony asked.

“Steve’s birthday isn’t today?” Thor frowned.

“What?” Clint exclaimed and tried to stealthily

“What the hell?” Sam asked.

“Will the cake last until his actual birthday?” Clint asked himself out loud. “Or we can eat it?”

“What the hell?” Sam asked, side-eyeing the archer.

Bucky touched Steve’s hand, drawing his attention. “You haven’t told them?”

“Told us what?” Nat asked, arms crossed.

She didn’t like to be kept in the dark, wasn’t used to it.

“After the serum, I was being interviewed and a reporter asked me about my birthday. And I told them it’s the Fourth of July. Suiting, they said. And I guess no one ever bothered to check my birth certificate. Seventy years later and it’s just too funny to correct this little piece of information.”

Because Steve was a troll and how the hell the world hadn’t caught on to that yet, Bucky would never know.

Truth be told, Steve did it thinking Bucky would find it hilarious. Bucky always thought Captain America was laughable, with his righteousness, the Star Spangled Man, even before he found out it was actually Steve. And they were in the Front, it was the War, they could use some laughs. Steve had been right. Bucky hadn’t laughed so hard since before the War.

“It was clearly so false, but yeah. It stuck.”

Sam had his mouth hanging open, but quickly got himself together. He grinned just as fast. He, like Bucky, knew this was something Steve would do in a heartbeat.

“Man, I learned about you in school. I remember clearly the birthdate in that damn textbook.”

“Samesies,” Tony said.

“This is not at the Smithsonian, is it? Your original birth certificate?” Nat crossed her arms.

Steve shook his head, “Nope. Honestly, I thought it’d go public when SHIELD fell, but they didn’t have all the documents.”

“SHIELD only had the Army’s documents,” Bucky said. He read through it all, gave himself a crushing headache on the run.  

Clint rose a very important question: “That means we can still eat the cake, right?”

Everyone looked at Steve, then.

“Not my cake to decide,” he simply stated.

It was a mutual decision then to attack the huge, colorful cake.

&&

“Even though it’s not my actual birthday,” Steve started. Bucky, coloring himself intrigued, raised an eyebrow at him. “Why did I get a gift this morning?”

They were heading back to their floor after lunch, hands twined. They were staying at the Tower tonight, the view of the city and the sky were better for fireworks.

“Why, a fella can’t wake his best guy with a nice, long blowjob?”

Steve barked out a laugh.

“Was it a one time thing?” Steve asked, wishing it wouldn’t be.

Bucky shrugged, “Maybe.”

Steve shrugged back, but Bucky knew he wasn’t passive about this. “Shame. I like your mouth.”

“I expect retribution,” Bucky pointed a finger at him.

“Yessir,” Steve saluted him, but didn’t let go of his hand. They kind of halted anyway because the next thing Bucky did was push Steve against the wall. Bucky cradled Steve’s face with his left hand, so, so gently. Bucky nipped his lower lip before soothingly licking.

“If we do it enough,” he spoke lowly into Steve’s ear.  “And make it a thing, it can as frequent as we want it be.”

And then Bucky just caught his earlobe in between his teeth.

“Oh, yeah?” Steve asked. His eyes had only a thin border of vibrant blue, black almost taking over.

“Oh yeah.”

Their lips crashed together, tongues asking entrance as soon as they touched. They weren’t so much kissing as breathing each other in, hands roaming over planes of defined muscle and strands of hair.

And really they had only a few hours to themselves before they had to meet their mismatched family again for dinner, so no more wasting time. Steve gave Bucky one last, long kiss before pulling them apart and practically dragging Bucky by their clasped hands to their bed. After all, they had a very long successful prank to celebrate. Oh, and Independence Day.

&&

Later, alone in her computer, Natasha’s green eyes narrowed as she searched for the information. She may had been wrong once – and only once – but she was always quick to remedy the situation. .

M, N, O, P, Q, R… Rogers… Steve G. Folder from the U.S. Government from 1928. She huffed and shook her head, though a smirk was forming on her lips. Bingo.

Name, place of birth, date of birth…

“December?!”

[ofheroesandvillains]

What Is Owed - Steve Rogers

Steve/Anti-hero!reader (eventually) 

Words: 2.6k

Warnings: None that I can think of?

Summary: A damsel in distress…just not the one you’d expect.

Okay! So this is pretty short because I was thinking about writing more of these for different points in time when reader and Steve run into each other. That’ll make sense after reading. But please let me know if that’s something you’d be interested in! I’m not too happy with this part because I cut it down a lot for the next part, so it doesn't feel complete to me. But hopefully you enjoy it! 

(Gif not mine!)

On days like these you couldn’t help but think that they didn’t pay you enough to do your job.

Lately, you’d been forced to deal with a group of hired guns so moronic that you honestly wondered why your employer even bothered with them in the first place. This was well below your pay-grade, but you also knew that after a number of failed attempts at locating a certain serum your boss wanted, a simple slap on the wrists wasn’t going to cut it. They either got the job done, or they wouldn’t get the chance to try again - you’d make sure of that.

So here you were, all mean-faced and pissed off, strolling through the old abandoned warehouse (typical, you inwardly scoffed) to meet the leader of this little group. The sound of echoing footsteps alerted the guards and you were greeted with the barrel of a gun as you rounded a corner.

There were four of them, sweating bullets and clearly on edge. The leader was the scrawniest, and clearly the ’smart one’. He was quick to pull his comrade’s gun down to face the ground, hissing something in his ear before offering you his best smile - which turned out to be far shakier than you would have guessed for a mercenary. It did wonders for your ego.  

“Agent Nyx…the serum, as requested.” He wasn’t wasting any time and clicked his fingers at one of his men. He was quick to present a suitcase. They seemed to want to be there just as much as you did, so you were grateful for the efficiency this time ‘round.  

The leader watched on anxiously as you flicked the latches and eased the suitcase open. Your expression gave nothing away, and he found himself fidgeting when your impassive stare turned to him. He could feel the sweat building across the back of his neck.

“I-I also have another gift for you…” after a beat of silence and mounting anxiety, he cleared his throat.

“It’s an apology really, for our previous failures.” He quickly added, eager to finally have your gaze directed elsewhere.

“Well?” You cocked a brow. “Show me.”

He jumped as if he’d been shocked, quickly shuffling over to what looked like a storage room and shooting glances back over his shoulder to check that you were in fact following. He unbolted the door with a loud clang, and eased it open. You didn’t miss the way his eyes darted around the room. Paranoid, or cautious?

The sound of dripping water echoed throughout the tiny room, and the only source of light was a dim lightbulb, swaying from the ceiling and drawing attention to the only noteworthy thing in the room.

Definitely cautious.

If you focused, you could hear ragged pants entwined with the steady drip-drop of water. No, not water…your eyes zeroed in on the IV. You almost did a double-take at the sight of the man sat chained to the chair before you. You could feel the mercenary’s eyes on you, waiting for a reaction and hoping it was one of approval.

You hid your surprise and discomfort well.

“Captain America…” you murmured, slowly approaching his weakened form. It was an incredibly rare sight, and served to remind you that even he wasn’t invincible.

His pale eyes, glazed and drooping, were doing their best to stay open against the effects of whatever they had pumping through the IV lodged in his arm. You could see the recognition flutter over his handsome features for a split second, a slight widening of his eyes, a shift in his posture - little things only you could notice.

“N-Nngh…” he tried, your name on the tip of his lax tongue. Well, the only name he knew you by.

“Sh, shh…” you hushed him, and for some reason, he obeyed.

Tearing your eyes away from him, you shot your contact a practiced smile.

“You’ve outdone yourself.”

He practically preened at the praise. His men had failed your employer one too many times to go unpunished, but he’d hoped that this would be enough to pardon their short-comings. His shoulder’s slumped in relief when you confirmed that it was.

“You and your men are free to go.”

He didn’t wait around, spluttering a few words of thanks and farewell that you completely ignored, before all but launching himself out of the room. You didn’t care, it was better for you this way.

A soft groan captured you attention.  

You tilted his his chin up with your thumb and forefinger to get a better look at him, and watched as his head lolled back pathetically against the chair.

He groaned again. It seemed like it was the only thing he could do.

“What am I going to do with you, huh?”

His eyes managed to pry themselves open at the sound of your voice, and you sighed. You had a decision to make, and though you knew you really shouldn’t, you did anyway. The IV was eased out of his arm and he huffed quietly. You assumed it was a sound of gratitude, but judging by the grimace on his face, it may have been discomfort instead.

“Gi…ngh...gim-gimme a min…”

“Oh? To do what exactly?” You cocked a brow sarcastically.

Steve levelled you with the best glare he could muster. You rolled your eyes and moved over to help him stand. It was a tall ask, you both knew that, and Steve swayed precariously until you forced his arm around your shoulders and allowed him to rest his weight on you. You grunted at the effort it took to hold his hulking frame up, but tightened your hold when he tried to pull away out of guilt.

Always gotta be a goddamn hero…

“Stop it,” you snapped when the stubborn ass tried it again, “we need to get to the car, and you’re not exactly up to the task alone, are you?”

He heaved a deep breath but didn’t waste any energy on a reply. The sound alone was enough to communicate his irritation, exhaustion, and his defeat where your argument was involved. Instead, he let you drag him to your car. Exhaustion hit the moment he slumped into the back seat, and the soft rocking of the vehicle lulled him to sleep.

When Steve woke up it was to unfamiliar surroundings. The time was a mystery to him, but it was dark out. The room wasn’t particularly big, just big enough to fit the bed he was on, a small desk, and a dresser. The walls looked like they were made out of wooden planks, and as he sat up in his bed, he could see the silhouette of trees against pale moonlight through his window.

A floorboard creaked from somewhere outside his room, and he was alert once more. A hundred questions raced through his mind, but they were quick to disperse when his memories finally caught up to him. He remembered seeing your face, or perhaps that was just another one of his many dreams, maybe even a hallucination, he couldn’t tell. But his gut told him that he was safe, for some strange reason, he knew it was you - even if he had no idea how you managed to drag him inside alone.

He couldn’t tell how long he’d been out for, or kept incapacitated by those goons, but even if it had only been a day, Bucky and Sam were likely losing their minds by now.

They wouldn’t find him here for a long while, he knew that. You were too good at your job, and no matter how much Sam didn’t like you, if you wanted to hurt him you wouldn’t have been there busting his ass out of trouble…again.

He didn’t know how it started, this sense of trust. You weren’t friends, you should have been enemies, but Steve trusted his gut. He always had, and he always would. His gut told him that you were a good person in a bad situation, and maybe that’s why he found himself gravitating to you. It hardly mattered anymore. Even if you didn’t feel the same trust in him, he’d remind you every chance he got that there was more to you than you let on, and that you could have a friend in him if you ever wanted one.

Another creak tore him from his thoughts and he eased himself out of bed, leaning against the small desk as his word tipped from side to side. He screwed his eyes shut and took a deep, steadying breath. Better...kinda.

Slowly, he made his way out of the room and down the dark hallway, towards the only light in the cabin. His head was swimming again, and he opted for leaning against the back wall instead of trying to make it over to you.  

Your back was facing him as you emptied the suitcase’s contents into a duffle bag. He had half a mind to argue against you taking whatever it was your boss asked you to retrieve, but he was in no shape to deal with the situation if you put up a fight. There was also the fact that you’d gone out of your way to likely save his life, and it didn’t sit well with him, the thought of wronging you after that.

Just leave it for now, we’ll get Tony on it later…

Steve doubted that you hadn’t already sensed his presence, but still you refused to acknowledge him first. Stubborn little thing, he mused.

“Leaving already?”

You didn’t even flinch at the sound of his rough voice, confirming his suspicions. He was patient as you zipped the duffle, and bustled about the room to grab the last of your weapons. It must have been a safe house you were quite familiar with, and he felt a strange warmth seep into his chest at the thought of you trusting him enough to bring him there.

“Wasn’t meant to take this long to begin with.”

To anyone else, you would have sounded abrasive, but Steve knew better. He also knew that he’d unintentionally made your life that much more difficult.

“Thank you, by the way…I uh, I owe you one.” Or three, he mentally added.

Steve cleared his throat, a faint blush finding its way to his cheeks. It wasn’t unusual for him to go home with a few bumps and bruises after a mission, but being completely immobilised was embarrassing. Especially in front of someone who would likely have never found themselves in that situation in the first place. Someone whose opinion he (against all logical reasoning) cared about.

“Yeah, well,” you sighed, sliding your gun back into its holster, “don’t get used to it.”

“You say that,” he huffed, a small smile tugging at his lips, “but this is the third time you’ve had a clear shot.”

“And?” You cocked a brow and finally looked over at him.

Your eyes had a mind of their own as they assessed him and offered a reassurance you didn’t know you needed. It was certainly one you’d been trying to tell yourself you didn’t want. He looked a lot better, the serum was probably to thank for the speedy recovery, but you just wanted to make sure he wasn’t about to collapse on his feet. That’s why your eyes took their time tracing the outline of the arms crossed over his broad chest.

You tore your gaze away and tried to focus on the task at hand.  

“And I’m starting to wonder why you haven’t taken it.” He said softly.

So softly that it made you falter for a split second.

“Did you ever consider that maybe you’re just not that high on my list of priorities?”

His brows shot up and he uncrossed his arms, looking every bit the skeptic you knew him to be.

“Is that right?” He asked, doubt heavy in his tone. “Captain America is low on HYDRA’s list of priorities?”

“Don’t get cocky now, Steven.” You shot him an unimpressed glance. “Or else I’ll think Stark is finally rubbing off on you.”

He smiled at that.

“Alright, well, if it’s not that…” he pushed off the wall, and slowly made his way over.

You pointedly ignored the large shadow that settled over you - something he noted. A gentle hand wrapped around you elbow, halting your movements and demanding your attention. You heaved a loud sigh but gave him the eye contact you knew he wanted. There was a look in those clear blue eyes that made you squirm, but you refused to be the one to look away.

“Maybe…maybe there’s just more good in you than you say there is.”

You scoffed, and with a roll of your eyes you slipped your final knife back in its sheath - perhaps a little too forcefully.

“Don’t get your hopes up, Cap. I go where they send me, like you.” You pointed out with a tight smile, before throwing the duffle bag over your shoulder and turning to look him in the eye once more. “One day that might just lead me to you…and when I finally take that shot, I won’t miss.”

His smile fell, but despite your words, Steve could see the cracks in your armour. He wasn’t the only one that didn’t know what this was - this back and forth that you had every time you ran into each other (which was far more often that you’d think). But what he did know was that somewhere within the time you’d known each other, you managed to scrawl your name on the list of people he cared about. Now, that list was quite short and he doubted that you knew just how highly he thought of you, but if it ever came to it, he’d do whatever he could to keep you safe. All you had to do was ask…which he knew was highly unlikely in the first place.

Steve wasn’t a gambling man, but he’d wager that your words were nothing more than an empty threat. Because somewhere along the line he’d etched his own name on your list, and despite the hold that HYDRA had on you, you’d done nothing but go out of your own way to keep him safe on multiple occasions.

So, he ignored the small voice inside his head that told him to grasp the hand that lightly brushed his own as you walked by him, and he silently watched as you shot him one last glance before stepping out of the cabin. He’d argued with you before, telling you that you were better than this, better than HYDRA. The first time it happened, you’d shot him down instantly, but the more he tried, the clearer the cracks became.

You didn’t want this, he knew you didn’t. But it was all you knew, and there was a safety to be felt in familiarity. It would take time, he couldn’t force you.

He shook his head with a sigh and looked over the room for any trace of a phone or laptop in order to contact his friends. The only thing he found was a folded post-it note on a small coffee table. Steve frowned as he hobbled over, but it melted away into a soft smile after reading and re-reading the note.

Kraków, that’s all you’re getting.

At least give me a 24-hour head start…and stop getting into trouble.

He may have failed his mission that day, but it wasn’t the only one he had. If it was the last thing he did, he’d see you out of HYDRA, that much he could promise himself.  

[imakebeautymistakes]

Skincare catch-up

Below are all the products I’ve used or currently use in my skincare routine. Some do their job but are nothing fancy, some are bad purchases, and some I’ll actually repurchase. 

My skin type is combination/oily, and I get acne when I’m stressed (not all over my face though, just 1-3 big pimples). I also have milia all over my cheekbones, and I’m looking into a way to have them removed by a professional since I wasn’t able to get rid of them on my own.

Cleansers

Currently using: Purity by Philosophy

Rating: 6.5/10

It does its job, but I don’t think it worked better than a Garnier cleanser I tried a year ago, and it’s more expensive. Also, the smell is a bit odd. Clean, but odd. I got this as a free gift for signing up for an Ulta credit card, and it’s definitely smooth and feels good rubbing into my skin. This will probably work fine on most skin types. However, for the price tag (and my skin type), there’s probably something better out there for me. 

Currently using: Daily Microdelivery Exfoliating Facial Wash (Philosophy)

Rating: 7/10

It’s a gentle-enough exfoliant that I can use it every morning as a cleanser in place of Purity (though if this is a big skincare mistake, someone please let me know!) It smells a bit like oranges and has a thick jelly texture. It feels refreshing and all, but again, I’m not sure how much it’s doing given the fact that I get breakouts whenever I’m stressed and I have to use other products to even out my skin tone again and get rid of acne. It does its job, but for the price, I could probably find something better for my specific skincare needs. That being said, I got the full size on sale for $15 at Christmas last year (normally $42) and it lasts a long time. 

Trial: Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser by Drunk Elephant

Rating: ?

Everyone can get their hands on this in one of the options for your free birthday gift at Sephora this year. If you missed your birthday, you can still get your gift by going on sephora.com and logging into your Beauty Insider account to temporarily change your birth date before you go shopping. Not a huge fan of the packaging, since it’s a little messy when my hands are wet from washing my face and I don’t want to get cleanser all over the sink and it’s hard to close if your fingers are slippery (if you’ve used this, you probably know what I’m talking about). Like Purity, the smell is a bit funky, but that could be a good sign since things that smell good usually have fragrance that can cause irritation. Still trying this though, will update later.

Sample: Kiehl’s Cucumber Herbal Conditioning Cleanser

Rating: ?

Only had a sample size that lasted a week, but I liked this when I used it. You didn’t need much product to cleanse your whole face, and it smelled really clean and refreshing but not overpowering. Lathered nice, and I’ll probably try this someday when I get more than a little sample packet. 

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Foaming Wash

Rating: 8/10

For a drugstore product, I really liked using this. The only reason I stopped was to try out the Philosophy products. My skin felt tight and clean after using this, and I could really lather to remove dirt and excess makeup. This is kind of my fallback, and my sister (age 20, combo skin) and my mom (age 50+, combo skin and rosacea) both like it too. Garnier also sells one in a blue bottle with aloe, but it’s not as good as this one and doesn’t have the micellar water. 

Toner

Currently using: Thayers Witch Hazel & Rose Petal Toner

Rating: 8/10

Does its job, doesn’t irritate, is inexpensive, and you can find it at the drugstore and Target. In the future I want to try a toner more targeted to my acne-prone oilier skin, but this toner is a catch-all, and overall a solid option in online reviews. 

Sample: Kiehl’s Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion

Rating: ?

I only got a baby sample that lasted 3 days, but this was really nice when I used it. It’s definitely for oily skin since it has alcohol in it, but it didn’t dry me out and made my pores feel nice and tight. Wish I could review more in-depth, but didn’t get a chance to use this long enough.

Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner

Rating: 6/10

I guess it worked (it’s been over a year since I’ve used this, though) and the smell was good, but I remember liking the Thayers better so I switched. Didn’t irritate or anything, nothing bad to say, but it didn’t leave an impression.

Serum

Currently using: The Ordinary’s Lactic Acid 10% + HA

Rating: 9/10

For my first real foray into serums, this has worked pretty well. I wanted to increase my skin turnover rate and bring my milia to the surface, and this works well, is under $10, and is gentle enough to use every night. I didn’t want to try anything too drastic since I hadn’t used serum before, and this one was great. Will keep using, and will likely try other products from The Ordinary in the future.

Sample: Kiehl’s Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate

Rating: ?

I got a small sample packet of this when I went to a Kiehl’s store for a free consultation, and it lasted about a week. I started to see results, but I ran out of the sample and went with The Ordinary since this little sucker is expensive. Seems like a great product, but not good on the budget. 

Sample: Kiehl’s Hydro-Plumping Re-texturizing Serum Concentrate

Rating: ?

Seems like a good product, and I liked it for the week I used it. No smell, smooth texture, all good. However, the price is steep, so I don’t think I’ll be buying this anytime soon. 

Spot Treatments

Currently using: Clinique Acne Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel

Rating: ?

I just bought this yesterday, so I’ll post more of a review after at least a week. First impressions: this is a spot treatment, and I don’t know who would use this all over their face like the box says you can do. It’s strong and a bit sticky (like superglue?) and you have to be careful not to touch your eyes or anything while you have some on your fingertips. It absorbs quickly, and while it’s definitely drying, you can put moisturizer over it just fine. 

Clindamycin Phosphate Topical Gel

Rating: N/A

I feel like I can’t “rate” this since it’s not OTC and I got it through a doctor’s prescription, but I loved this and if the doctor I switched to this past year hadn’t screwed up, I’d still be using it twice a day. Gentle, didn’t smell like anything, and kept my acne away pretty well. More of a preventative measure than something to use once you already have the acne.

Moisturizers

Currently using: Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturizer

Rating: 8.5/10

I started using this a month ago, and I really like it, especially for a light morning moisturizer in the summer. It feels so smooth when you put it on, and the citrus smell is amazing. I like this one better than the Drunk Elephant one (below), and it’s half the price. I don’t think I’ll use this in the dry winter months, but it’s been great in warm temperatures and sunshine.

Trial: Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream

Rating: ~6.5/10

For the price, I don’t understand the hype here. Yeah, it’s a nice thick creamy moisturizer, but it doesn’t smell fabulous and I don’t think it works better than other moisturizers that are under $40. However, my sister is in love with this stuff, so maybe it’s just me. 

Trial: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion

Rating: ?

I picked this one up at Ulta yesterday, so I haven’t had a long enough time to test it. However, it gets rave reviews, and my first impression was that it went on smoothly and felt nice, but I’ll have more to say later.

Sample: Kiehl’s Skin Rescuer Moisturizer

Rating: ?

I liked this moisturizer a lot better than the other one I got as a free sample from Kiehl’s (below). No strong smell, applied smoothly (I’m saying this a lot, but there’s a reason), but I didn’t notice any “stress-minimizing”. 

Sample: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Deep Moisture Balm

Rating: ?

Not for me. Didn’t go on my skin smoothly, I didn’t like the smell (vaguely oat-like? Or am I crazy?), didn’t feel great on my skin. I still had some left in the sample when I threw it out, it just isn’t for anyone with oily skin. Not sure why the girl at Kiehl’s gave me this, but whatever.

Garnier Skin Active Soothing 3-in-1 Face Moisturizer with Rosewater

Rating: 6.5/10

Not good in the summer. I might go back to it in the winter, but this probably just made the milia on the thin skin under my eyes worse when it was humid out. More for dry skin, and the fragrance was a bit strong. Also, I felt like you needed a lot of product to use on your whole face, since it didn’t glide on like some of the more gel-textured moisturizers I’ve tried. Not too bad for the drugstore, though.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Combination Skin

Rating: 7/10

I liked this, it definitely mattified my oily t-zone. The only reason I really stopped using it was because I wanted to try a moisturizer with SPF...

Neutrogena Moisturizer, SPF 15

Rating: 5/10

This didn’t work for me. The SPF made it more irritating if I got it close to my eyes or touched my eyes too soon after applying, and my nose in particular seemed really oily when I used this. Maybe only use this if you have normal-dry skin?

Other

Currently using: St. Ives Blackhead Clearing Green Tea Scrub

Rating: 7/10

I use this about 3 times a week at night, and I don’t find it too irritating like some people say the apricot or walnut scrub is. Pretty sure the beads in here are silicone, so it doesn’t tear up my face. I stopped using this for a few weeks, and when I picked it back up to try and get rid of an acne flare-up, it really helped. I definitely noticed that it was doing something when I went off it for a bit. Drugstore BHA (Salicylic Acid) that works for me.

Freeman Charcoal + Black Sugar Gel Mask and Scrub

Rating: 4/10

Are you a scrub? Are you a mask? Make up your mind. It doesn’t really work as either, with a weird thick jelly texture and huge scrub beads. Only used twice, maybe I’m jumping to conclusions, but even though this didn’t break me out or anything, it didn’t seem to do anything at all. Weird product.

GlamGlow Super-Clearing Mud Mask Treatment

Rating: 6.5/10

For the price and with all the ingredients including a blend of AHAs, I thought this would do more. It’s satisfying to watch the mask turn lighter gray as it dries on your face, but you’re only supposed to use it once a week, and I haven’t noticed results after a month. A fun mask to try, but I won’t be repurchasing since it’s too expensive for not enough of a result.

Burt’s Bees Conditioning Lip Scrub

Rating: 4/10

Chapstick would accomplish pretty much the same thing this does. It’s hard to scrub it into your lips, since the honey “beads” like to congeal into larger blobs, and it’s surprisingly expensive for a small little container at the drugstore. There have to be better lip scrubs out there, save your money.

Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Rosewater 

Rating: 7/10

A nice product, but I don’t get the hype or cult status. Good for a refreshing pick-me-up, but I don’t notice anything different when I don’t use it. Not really a setting spray, just extra hydration during the day if you’re into that. Good for wetting a beauty blender, though.

[bamon4bamily]

TVD 9x02 (part 3) Enjoy =)

Cut to – Damon and Darius arrive at the site and see Matt.

DAMON: Donovan, where are they?!

MATT: Damon, you need to leave. Let us do our job.

DAMON: If we leave it to your smurf squad, this story will most definitely end up in a tragedy; so, no. Now tell me what the hell is going on!?

MATT: Damon, step aside, I’m warning you…

DAMON: (Grabs him by the neck) Listen, Donovan…

DARIUS: Damon! (Uses his powers to stop him, drops him unconscious) he said, step aside.

MATT: (Knowing he is involved in some way) Actually, what I said (shoots him with a tranquilizer gun) was to let us do our job! (Drops to the ground) Quick, cuff him!

POLICE OFFICER 2: And what should we do with this one? (Referring to Damon).

MATT: Just leave him here, when he wakes up he’ll know what to do.

 As the Police Officer is cuffing Darius, he disappears, they all drop to the floor, unconscious. Darius comes out of the cave entrance.

 DARIUS: The arrogance! Gets to me every time. 

Cut to – Alaric, Sergei and Radka arriving at the hospital, they go into Bonnie’s room, it's empty. They see Damon’s phone.  Alaric gets a call from Elena.

 ALARIC: Elena! Are you O.K? Where are you guys?

ELENA: I’m headed back to the school to meet you…

ALARIC: Well, you won’t find us there, we just got to the hospital… what the hell happened?

ELENA: Damon didn’t call you?

ALARIC: No, he left his phone here…

ELENA: Typical! Ric, Bonnie disappeared, Darius tried to do a locator spell, got a hint on the location, they were both headed there, and I was supposed to meet you back at the school…

ALARIC: Elena listen, turn back and meet us here, we’ll go find them together.

ELENA: O.K, turning around, be there in a few.

 Cut to cave scene – Damon and Matt wake up in a cell.

 DAMON: Donovan?

MATT: Damon? What happened?

DAMON: I think it’s safe to say, we’ve been trapped.

MATT: We need to get out of here fast!

DAMON: No shit Sherlock…

MATT: No, you don’t understand, this place… (drops unconscious again, Bonnie walks to the cell door).

BONNIE: Oops, I hope he didn’t hit his head… too hard.

DAMON: Bonnie?

BONNIE: Let me guess, my response should be: “one and only”. Sorry, but I’m a bit tired of the predictable. Why don’t we go with “Hello, brother… from another mother” Ha, that actually wasn’t bad… Mmm, maybe it was…

DAMON: Who the hell are you and where is the real Bonnie?

BONNIE: Why is it so hard for you people to believe me? I am Bonnie! Hello?! Don’t you recognize me? It hurts me that you don’t, I wasn’t gone for that long. (Reenacting the desiccation scene) This hurts me… This hurts… This hurts me… that’s what I want you to remember, that you hurt me. Enough proof? Who else would have known that, Damon? We were the only ones there… Oh, and your “letter” by the way… pathetic. “Just like she did…” Really?

DAMON: What do you want?

BONNIE: From you? Nothing, yet. I mean, let’s be real, you are pretty much useless like this (referring to him as a human).

DAMON: Where is Bonnie?!

BONNIE: This again… O.K, I’m getting tired with this conversation so time for a little “time-out” before it’s your turn to play. (Damon drops unconscious again).

Cut to –Alaric, Elena, Sergei and Radka arriving near the cave entrance area.

 ALARIC: Are you sure it’s here Elena?

ELENA: I’m pretty sure… look (points at the cave entrance).

ALARIC: Everyone wait here; let me go check it out.

SERGEI: Alaric, perhaps I should go instead. (Sergei walks in, comes out a few seconds later). Nothing, it is a dead end, look for yourselves… (They walk in, it is just a closed cave, no pathway, they walk out).

ELENA: It has to be here, I saw it on the map…

RADKA: Maybe it has some kind of protection, cloaking spell?

ALARIC: Maybe… Hey, can you feel that? Wait… (they all drop unconscious except Sergei).

SERGEI: What kind of sorcery is this? Oh lord, this is no good omen… (His eyes daze, he goes into a trance-like state, a pathway opens).

Cut to cave scene - Bonnie is in a cell, lying on the floor. Wakes up very confused. Darius is with her.

BONNIE: Darius? Where are we? What’s going on? (Grabs her head) My head, I can’t…

DARIUS: I know. Just relax Bon-Bon, everything will be fine, trust me.

BONNIE: What… what’s happening?

DARIUS: We have been waiting for you, for a very long time, Bon.

BONNIE: What? You’re not making any sense; did someone drug you or something?

DARIUS: Don’t worry, just close your eyes and shut your mind… it’s O.K Bon, this is your destiny…

BONNIE: What the hell are you talking about!? (With clear signs of pain) My head, my head… (she goes unconscious again)

DARIUS: (Kisses her forehead) I know Bon-Bon. There, there, just relax … it won’t be long now…

Cut to – Damon wakes-up, tied up, in some weird lab like place inside the cave.

DARIUS: You should have trusted your intuition, Damon.

DAMON: (With a hate look) Where is Bonnie?

DARIUS: She will be with us soon, don’t worry. But she will need some motivation, and, for the life of me, I just can’t understand why that is you… You can thank me later for this (injects him with something, Damon starts to convulse, pupils dilating, veins thickening, looks like he is in a lot of pain.)

DAMON: What are you doing to me!!?? Ahhh!!!!! (Damon passes out for a moment).

DARIUS: (Slapping him) Damon, Damon? You with me? (Damon wakes up, very confused). Uff, thought I lost you for a second there…

DAMON: What happened? What the hell did you do to me?!

DARIUS: I just gave you back your life purpose, not to mention your sense of humor and tolerance for alcohol. So, I believe a thank you is in place. Of course, I do expect something in return; but first, we need to make sure this worked…

Darius feeds him a blood bag, Damon devours it, he is even more confused.

DAMON: How? This is impossible…

DARIUS: I assure you, it’s not. It just takes an incredibly gifted Biogenetics Scientist witch-psychic, plus centuries of research and trials, but alas... an antidote. Not really sure about the side-effects though, but what the hell, can’t be worse than what happened to the last one… I’ll be honest Damon, it was not an easy task to accomplish, but then again, neither was creating the cure or the immortality serum… granted someone else took the credit for that. Maybe I should have registered? Well, I always had a soft spot for Qetsiyah, so I let it slide. You see Damon, the Bennets and I go way back… but I got to hand it to you, Bonnie is by far my favorite one.

DAMON: … You’re immortal…

DARIUS: You picked up on that, sharp! Maybe your stupidity was related to the human thing…

DAMON: Why are you doing this? What the hell do you want from us?!

DARIUS: You are just a pawn, that’s all. Bonnie, however, is quite literally the star of the show… me and the munchkins, the co-stars.

DAMON: Well, you cast the wrong lead, Dr. Doom, Bonnie will kick your ass with a blink of an eye…

DARIUS: I’m well aware of her capabilities Damon, but even the most powerful ones have a weak spot.

DAMON: If you think I’m going to help you, with whatever it is you are planning, you failed at casting a lackey too. Your little Frankenstein experiment is useless; if anything, you just made the worst mistake of your life…

DARIUS: Nop, I was wrong, it’s not a human or vampire thing, it’s a Damon thing. Trust me, I was prepared for this, which is why I’ll need you to flip your little switch off.

DAMON: (Sarcastically) Sure, your wish is my command! (Blinks in an I dream of Jeannie way).

DARIUS: Oh, trust me, it is…

“Bonnie” walks in, looks as though she is in a trance.

 DAMON: Bon, get out of here…

DARIUS: Oh, she can’t see or hear you. Now, switch it off or I will rip her heart out and force feed it to you… you’re into that kind of thing, right?

DAMON: You won’t kill her… so you’re going to have to come up with something better than that. And here I was all worried because you are supposed to be some sort of genius…

DARIUS: Again, with the arrogance and just plain idiocy. No one knows better than you that there are things much worse than death, Damon. I wonder what your precious Bonnie would do if she saw you kill one of her best friends? (“Elena” walks in, also in a trance-like state) Oh, and she can’t hear or see you either, so…

DAMON: You can’t make do anything…

DARIUS: I believe you knew an old friend of mine, Cybill? Hot, wasn’t she? I reckon she would disagree. I taught her and Selene everything they knew, my old pal Cade too.  

DAMON: Then why all the for-play? You could have just controlled me when I was human, or even now… guessing that the student does surpass the teacher...

DARIUS: I know I could have, but, much to my regret, I can only use you in full vamp ruthless mode… and unfortunately, the switch thing does require free will. You switched it while you were under Cybill’s control because she found something that scared the hell out of you. I, on the other hand, have something even better. So, once again, switch it off now, with no collateral damage, or wait for that push that will, beyond a doubt, destroy the person you love the most… and I’m not talking about Elena… (Darius puts his hands on Damon’s head, he goes into utter disappear and desperation, tears running from his eyes). You see, I got you just where I want you… so, unless you want me to turn that into a reality, turn it off, Damon.

DAMON: I swear, I will …

DARIUS: Yes, yes, I know, rip my heart, bla, bla… ready?

DAMON: (In his mind) Bon-Bon, if you can somehow hear me… you need to fight through this… I am so sorry, I have no choice… don’t let go…

DARIUS: Ah, sweet words, Damon, really. But like I told you, she can’t hear you. You have 3 seconds until I make your worst nightmare come true…

DAMON: (With a hateful look) This isn’t over… (Damon closes his eyes)

DARIUS: Yes, yes, whatever… off you go!

Damon opens his eyes and has his signature switched off look. The “Bonnie & Elena” images disappear, they were never really there.

 DARIUS: (Looks straight into Damon’s eyes) Glad to have you on board, pal. (Grabs his forehead) Now, all you need to do is give our friend Bonnie a little push, make her feel that you are with her on this and that it’s for the best that she lets go; she needs to let go, understood? No matter how hard she fights back, and trust me, she will, you need to follow through (unties him).

DAMON: Piece of cake, Bon-Bon and I have a special bond.

DARIUS: That’s why I chose you for the job “pal”. Now, we need to get things started.

Darius takes Damon to a place deeper inside the waterfall cave. A group of people in hooded capes are surrounding a mystical symbol. Inside the symbol the missing students are placed at a cardinal point, each one holding an object representing the 4 elements, they are in a trance-like state.

MAN 1: Everything is in place, I presume?

DARIUS: Almost, we just need our friend here (referring to Damon) to bring us the keys and the link. Damon, you see, the final pieces of the puzzle can only come inside the circle on their own free will, so we’ll need you to lure your BBF and the twins here… make it seem as though you are rescuing them, understood?

DAMON: Yep, sure thing.

 Damon leaves.

 MAN 2: Are we sure this vampire is trustworthy?  

DARIUS: I made sure he was, we have nothing to worry about. Once he has played his part, I will deal with him.

WOMAN 1: And you are certain you have “the chosen one”, let’s not forget what happened last time…

DARIUS: Trust me, she is the one.

 Damon comes back with the twins and the real Bonnie, who believe they are being saved by him.

BONNIE: (Seeing what they just walked into, and still weakened from whatever Darius gave her) Damon? What is this?

DAMON: (His face changes to the switched-off Damon) Sorry Bon-Bon, didn’t you see this coming? I thought you were psychic…

BONNIE: (To Damon) How could you? (To the twins) Girls, don’t let go of my hand… no matter what…

DARIUS: Ah, Bon-Bon… always the martyr. But now, it’s finally time for you to become the goddess you are meant to be…

BONNIE: Stay away from us!

DARIUS: Stop fighting Bon, deep inside, you know you want this, and even if you didn’t, there is nothing you can do to stop it. That cocktail I gave you, made sure of it… but the spotlight is not on you, yet, first we need the keys… (against her will, she lets the go of the girl’s hands).

TWINS: Aunt Bonnie?!…

BONNIE: Girls!! (To Darius) Stop! (She tries to use her powers but is unsuccessful).  

DARIUS: (To the twins) Don’t be scared, it’s O.K. Now, aunt Bonnie’s voice asked you to do something, remember? Stand right here, and do exactly what she told you… I promise you and your auntie will be just fine. Now, repeat what your auntie says…

BONNIE: I won’t!!

DARIUS: Oh, Bob-Bon, you just don’t get it. You can’t be a God if you think like a human. Your ethos has always been your weakness… you don’t ask for people’s permission to access their mind, you just do. That’s what makes us different.  

BONNIE: So, why me? Why not just do it yourself?

DARIUS: I’m flattered that you would think I have that kind of power, but I don’t. My craft lies more in the illusion realm; you, however, have limitless potential, reason why you are the chosen one.

BONNIE: Chosen for what?

DARIUS: To release this world of its toxicity… to purify and restore balance.

BONNIE: You are insane!

DARIUS: I might be, but trust me, Bonnie, this is for the greater good.

BONNIE: Listen, just let the girls and the students go; you and I can settle this on our own.

DARIUS: We can’t do that, the munchkins are literally the keys to open the portal… and the students, the sacrifice. That’s just how it works Bon, I didn’t make the rules. Now, we really need to start. Girls, repeat after auntie Bonnie.

BONNIE: (Trying to resist, but just can’t, she starts chanting) Vas matos ostende nobis lucem tuam divinam unum…

TWINS: Vas matos ostende nobis lucem tuam divinam unum…

BONNIE: Vas matos ostende nobis lucem tuam divinam unum…

TWINS: Vas matos ostende nobis lucem tuam divinam unum…

BONNIE: Vas matos ostende nobis lucem tuam divinam unum…

TWINS: Vas matos ostende nobis lucem tuam divinam unum…

The place begins to shake, as if a terrible earthquake was taking place, suddenly and overwhelming beam light rises from a rock and it cracks, the portal opens, the alpha-omega crystal is exposed.

DARIUS: Excellent girls! Thank you, your work here is done (the girls collapse unconscious).

BONNIE: Girls!

DARIUS: They’ll be fine Bon, don’t worry. Now, it’s your time to shine. Close your eyes and concentrate really hard… Let it in and let go…

BONNIE: (Trying to resist as hard as she can) I said no!

DARIUS: Thought you would fight it, so I brought some motivation (points to Damon).

BONNIE: Guess you aren’t that good of a psychic, I really don’t care what happens to him…

DARIUS: Oh, Bon-Bon, stop pretending, I know you do. But… if you say so... (snaps Damon’s neck, Bonnie doesn’t know he has been revamped)

BONNIE: No!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Lashes a huge psychic blast that releases the energy source from the crystal; Darius injects her again to be able to control her to perform the linking spell).

DARIUS: Ahhh, there it is! I knew this would work! Now, it’s time to prove just how special you really are (grabs her by the temples and starts chanting) Repeat after me… Vas matos sunt universi, ut alpha et omega

BONNIE: (Chants, resists) Vas matos sunt universi, ut alpha… No…

DARIUS: Come on Bon! (Damon wakes up) Quick, Damon, look into her eyes and tell her what I told you to say…

BONNIE: Damon? Is that really you? How? I... 

DAMON: I’m here. I’m real... (Through his thoughts) It's me, Bon, I’m not going to leave you... look at me, sense me... don’t let go...

DARIUS: (Keeps leading her into the chant) Vas matos, sunt universi, ut alpha et omega…

BONNIE: Vas matos sunt universi, ut alpha et omega…

DARIUS: Vas matos, sunt universi, ut alpha et omega…

BONNIE: Vas matos sunt universi, ut alpha et omega…

 The energy from the crystal is absorbed into Bonnie’s body; her eyes turn white as if they were pure light. Damon drops to the ground, can’t hold eye contact.

 DARIUS: There it is!! The goddess has risen!!! Now, think of them, all of them… they don’t belong here… set them free… (Bonnie’s eyes start turning black).

 Damon communicates with her through his thoughts: Bon-Bon, I’m here, not going anywhere… we are in this together, no matter what... (she hesitates).

BONNIE: (Through her thoughts) Damon? I thought...

DAMON: I know… do you trust me?

BONNIE: I do…

DAMON: Don’t let go, Bon. Doesn’t matter what this psycho gave you... you are stronger… believe in yourself… 

DARIUS: (Bonnie starts gaining her power again and resisting, Darius senses they are communicating telepathically) I have no idea how you are doing this, but I warned you (hits and stakes Damon).

DAMON: Bon-Bon... I...

BONNIE: Damon…No!!!!!!!! 

(Lashes an even stronger psychic blast, her eyes now completely turn black, her power grows uncontrollably, she is beyond herself, completely merged with the source… The hooded people, Darius, and the students drop to the ground, the entire place turns pitch black... total silence).

 TVD 9X04 (part 1) Coming soon. Hope you stop by, read and enjoy! =)