#But what would you pettes call it?

[elfi-nimwelana]

In Telluria, people sometimes use the slang "cup of joe" to mean a cup of coffee. In an intemorphic feminine society, would we call this a "cup of jane"?

[opera-ghosts]

Nipper and His Master’s Voice

The famous Nipper picture as revised for the Gramophone Company, from an oleograph

For much of the 20th century, one of the world’s most famous trade marks was a picture of a small terrier staring into the brass trumpet of a primitive gramophone.  “His Master’s Voice” read the caption.

The picture was painted, probably in 1898, by the Huguenot artist Francis Barraud; the dog, ‘Nipper’ (he tended to nip people’s legs), had belonged to his elder brother Mark but was inherited by Francis on Mark’s death.  Nipper himself had died, in 1895, before the picture was painted.  Originally, the dog was shown listening to a cylinder phonograph, on which the user could record his own voice; thus, Nipper could have heard the voice of his master emerging from the trumpet.  As Gramophones played only pre-recorded discs, a dog could hear only a master who happened to be a recording artist.

The story goes that Barraud offered his picture to the Edison Bell company (responsible for the phonograph in question), but they rather sniffily turned their nose up at the idea.  Then a friend suggested that Barraud improve the picture with one of the brass horns used by the new Gramophone Company, so the artist approached them at their offices in Maiden Lane, off the Strand, for the loan of a brass horn to copy.  “Yes, certainly”, was their response, “and if you replace the phonograph with a Gramophone, we will buy the picture.”

The Gramophone Company took delivery of the revised picture in October 1899; they paid Barraud £100 (£50 for the painting and £50 for the Copyright).   Barraud had copyrighted the original painting in February 1899.  No one knew what sort of phonograph was in that picture, until in 1972 the late Frank Andrews, of the City of London Phonograph & Gramophone Society (CLPGS), realised that Barraud’s copyright application would have been accompanied by a photograph. Searching through a box of applications in the Public Record Office in Chancery Lane, he found that photograph, showing the dog in front of an Edison Bell phonograph with a rather ungainly black horn.  An illustrated booklet was published in 1973, The Story of ‘Nipper’ and the ‘His Master’s’ Voice Picture, written by Leonard Petts, then archivist at EMI, with assistance from Frank Andrews.

Francis Barraud talked of how “It suddenly occurred to me that to have my dog listening to the phonograph, with an intelligent and rather puzzled expression, and call it ‘His Master’s Voice’, would make an excellent subject” but recently two possible sources for the title, at least, have been put forward in For the Record,* the journal of the CLPGS.  In 1888 a painting was exhibited by Sir William Orchardson called Her Mother’s Voice. It is in the Tate Gallery, a typical Victorian narrative picture of a widower listening to his daughter singing and reminding him of her mother.  A more probable source is an engraving which appeared in the magazine Black & White in 1891, of a scene in which members of the Browning Society listened, a year after the poet’s death, to a recording of his voice. It was captioned ‘Listening to the Master’s Voice’. Barraud is likely to have been aware of this scene (its title might in turn have been inspired by the Orchardson picture).  (*FtR 52, 2014 and 76, 2020)

In 1950, a party from EMI, with two members of the Barraud family, went to a courtyard in Kingston-upon-Thames where it was said that Nipper had been buried.  Excavations near the stump of a mulberry tree in what was now a garage parking area revealed no bones that could be definitely identified as those of Nipper, but the site, then behind a bank, is widely regarded as Nipper’s resting place.

The picture, without its title, was registered by The Gramophone Company as a Trade Mark in December 1900 (it had been registered in the USA in July by Emile Berliner, the inventor of the Gramophone).  In later years, up to his death in 1924, Francis Barraud was engaged to paint copies of the picture for the Company’s various offices; the original remained in the EMI boardroom for many years, and close inspection shows the pentimenti where the phonograph was overpainted.  The picture was reproduced in Gramophone Company publicity from the outset, but did not replace their existing ‘Recording Angel’ trade mark.  In the USA, the Victor Talking Machine Company, which was affiliated to the Gramophone Co, made more use of it as a trade mark. The two firms divided the world between them (Victor supplied the Americas and Far East; Gramophone supplied Europe and the British Empire apart from Canada) and thus Nipper and the Gramophone became a worldwide emblem very quickly.  Ultimately, it was the British company which used it most prominently, for when a court decided in 1910 that the word Gramophone was no longer a proprietary name, the company registered the picture with the title ‘His Master’s Voice’ and the title alone as Trade Marks. ‘His Master’s Voice’ then became their brand name. It was a clumsy epithet, but public usage soon abbreviated it to HMV, as eventually, after WW2, did the company.

Take-overs, sell-offs and globalisation of products caused EMI to drop the Nipper trade mark by the end of the 20th century, and it was sold to the newly independent HMV shops in 2003.

The famous Nipper picture as revised for the Gramophone Company, from an oleograph

Nipper (photograph by Barraud, Liverpool and Oxford Street, London)

The original picture, with a phonograph, as shown in Barraud’s copyright photograph of 1899 (National Archives: Copy 1/147)

His Master’s Voice, cartoon by Victor Gillam, 1903; already, the picture was well enough known to attract a political cartoonist.

Blue plaque at 126 Piccadilly, London, the location of Francis Barraud’s studio in 1899

Nipper needle tins, 1902-1960; the embossed tin (top left) is the earliest, 1902-3.  Top right is a cardboard packet from WW1, and bottom right, one of the many ‘clones’, mainly from overseas, trying to cash in on the dog’s popularity without infringing the trade mark

Copyright Christopher Proudfoot 12 March 2024 via huguenotmuseum.org

FRANCIS BARRAUD (1856-1924) English artist with a version of His Master's Voice painting which he originally completed in 1899

[riftsong]

Sol is an alien from my Crew X setting, and a member of the main crew. They specialize coding and computer repair.

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ NAME: Sol A-Vixsha ALIASES: Sol, Sun, Sunny SPECIES: Usually called "XB Crawlers", "Frillsnakes", or "Frillnecks" by those who don't speak the native tongue. PRONOUNS: They/them and He/Him

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ HISTORY Sol is an alien hailing from a small planet dubbed "XB-8570" in the general database, with the true name unable to be typed in human letters. They were raised to a well off faily in the Eastern part of the Xgyro continent, and was close childhood friends with Pettralius, another sapient species from the same planet. Pett's species are closely related- often still called "Frillnecks" by other species since they don't bother to distinguish the two species, or if there's an effort made, "Short Frillnecks" or "Frillhorses". Despite the fact that those who aren't familiar with their species might not make the distinction, on-planet, there is heavy bias against Frillsnakes by their cousins. Both Sol and Pett were interested in advanced technological subjects, but Sol ended up being denied into the same program as Pett on account of this bias. Fed up with it, they both decided to pool funds and try to seek education off-planet. That is where they accidentally ran into a human, osimian, fishbird, and faenae who ended up roping them into accidetnally escaping with a harbored fugitive; and until they can figure it out, they remain on the run with the rest of the crew.

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ PERSONALITY Sol is what many people would call a "gentle giant". They're well-meaning and kind, always thinking about those that they care about. They don't talk much, and when they do, it's generally slow and carefully spoken. However, they're no pushover. While he tries to be civil at the beginning of any conversation, if pushed enough, Sol isn't afraid to speak their mind and give you a good telling-off. Still, even more rarely does he escalate to physical violence... normally, at his size, a good threat display is enough to send the other packing. Unless, of course, one of their friends is truly threatened. Though kind to everyone, Sol is most protective of their friends- often called the "mom" of the group. Being the largest of the crew, they take it as their responsibility to make sure everyone is safe and cared for... sometimes even letting some of the smaller crew members on for a ride.

[tellurian-in-aristasia]

A firsthand account of traveling to London to stay in an Aristasian household

Hello Dear Hearts in the Cocktail Bar,

Well, here I am back on the Queen Mary, this time returning home to pit-America.

What a lovely time I had in Yvyanne; but, you see, I am actually taking Yvyanne home with me. For no longer am I an American. I am now an Aristasian! And although the Aristasian Embassy is located near Pit-London, Aristasia itself is manifested in little dots all over Telluria, including, I am happy to say, my little spot on the globe, located in Pit- america. I have so much to tell you darlings that I hardly know where to begin. Dear barmaid, help me clear my head with a Rusty Nail, would you?

Remember Elaine, the brunette in disguise who transformed little 'ole me into a blonde? Well, she is still here, but, true to brunette style, is now helping a couple of other more, um, needy girls understand their Aristasian selves. When I boarded the Queen Mary and met Elaine's lovely eyes, she knew at once that, after my visit to the Embassy, I was far enough along that I no longer needed her complete attention.

We are still quite fast friends, and I am not at all disappointed, for just seeing her give of herself to those two helpless little blondes (who by the way remind me so very much of Trudy and Rosie), makes my own sweet blonde heart swell. But more about my trip. I arrived at the Embassy all aflutter. Was my hat on straight? Did my gloves match the rest of my outfit? Was I going to be presentable to high Aristasian authorities? What if I forgot the many, many rules and requirements I had heard about?

Oh, how nervous I was as I stood at the door, waiting for it to be answered by some smartly clad serving girl! And, as it came about, there was good reason for the nervous part, for Aristasians do maintain high standards in all things. But, on the other dainty little hand, Aristasians are warm and loving, ready to help a girl be real and good in any way they can. If I could describe Aristasia in only one way, it would be thus: it is an utterly feminine world in which high standards and complete love dominate every single action and event. Absolute strictness married to absolute compassion. One without the other would leave a world crumbling. Both together create the closest thing to heaven on earth one can find. And that is my honest assessment.

More details later, Sweeties! But for now, I am going to take my leave of you cocktail bar pettes so that I might rejoin my lovely companions aboard the Queen Mary.

I left you girls last describing how I felt when I arrived at the Aristasian Embassy front door. Well, after I first stepped on to Aristasian soil, I was given a long interview with the Mistress of the House. She put me at my ease, telling me all I might expect and all that would be expected of me. A girl, especially a blonde, always likes to know just what is expected of her. That way, she feels nice and safe and all cozy-like. Don't you sweetums agree?

Then something so exciting happened that you'd never guess it in a million years. The maid who was supposed to serve the Mistress throughout the afternoon did not arrive, so guess who got to be maid? Little 'ole me! And there were some bongos who came for business reasons and I had to greet them at the door and take their coats and show them into the drawing room and serve them tea. How nervous I was! So much so that when they knocked at the door, as I was applying my lipstick, I crumbled the one tube I had brought with me! (But never fear, pettes, I managed to have nicely lipsticked lips the entire stay nevertheless).

I must say that I was a fine maid, even with just a few minutes of training. For, to be a good maid, one requires a maid's spirit more than a maid's training, if that makes any sense. Well, now I feel like a little girl showing off in her party frock, and it is a bit naughty of me to brag like this, but I just have to tell you girls that the bongos called the Mistress of the House later that day and asked her where she got her "new girl," because she was just sooooo subservient. Imagine my delight when I heard that! Blonde me. I was so happy on that first day of my visit, and on every day, as you sweet pettes will discover in time.

Source

[saintobio]

okay, first off-- i love, LOVE SO FRIGGING MUCH 'sincerely not'. i usually have a problem with depictions of cheating in fanfic because sadly my faves are the cheaters and represented as cartoony ass-holes or, when the cheating is well written, they're depicted out of character. with sincerely not it doesn't happen, and while i wish that gojo gets pink eye and loses his inheritance (??, it is in character with him and the context. i just applaud you so much and i can't wait to see how it plans out everything.

now, in relationship to the last chapter: 1) i just wish to see more people supporting Y/N, seriously, Gojo and Sera are shitting all over her and she just gets the short end of the stick while they get to live their forbidden romance stuff. AND THE WORST PART IS THAT POOR READER TAKES THE FALL. seriously, i just wanna give the girl a big ass hug and get her out of that enviroment. 2) seriously sera, do you seriously thought that the man who is MARRIED would not make love to his WIFE not even once?? and you complain about being betrayed when you're the mistress that gets the love and gifts?! seriously, and poor Reader having a clear illness from her chest pains but noooo, for gojo is all about sera. i just hope that, dunno, at the very least gojo suffers. he has to, but i know that at the points it happens we'll suffer too because by then he will be attached to reader. 3) man, toji was such a breath of fresh air. someone said he's usually depicted as a smexy man who only thinks about sex, but strangely enough while i think that it's not so far of an approach to toji, this one is really in character according to the universe?? AND THE REFERENCES TO MEGUMI AND HIS WIFE?? seriously, i just want YN to spend more time with him. now, to close off, pett's stupid theories about what could happen in later chapters: 1) reader gets fed up with gojo's shit and starts to make his life a living hell, how? getting where it hurts: either to make him believe she's falling for another and thus threaten his position with the marriage (i've been thinking about one of my favorite scenes ever with them, and basically it would be reader luring Gojo to a bar to meet with, say, toji or nanami and then she makes him believe they're having a romance); 2) gojo learns about the birth control. shit goes down, knowing gojo he would totally say she's trying to tie him down/sabotage him and sera, u know usual sn!gojo stuff... but the thing is, the reader snaps. but not a simple screaming match, she makes it hurt. she tells him about how she would've never wanted to marry a man like him, how he's been mistreating her, how he humilliates her with sera but acts all high and mighty thinking she's some evil woman out there trying to make him miserable, and that she won't take the fall that gojo's life has gone downhill since it's not her fault. and 3 (and maybe tied down to number 2)) reader... reader leaves. she's tired, and we know it, she's been trying to make things work hard. and sure, maybe she can stop caring, maybe she could play his games... but she would end up like him, she would become the monster her husband accuses her to be. so, even for a little while, she says "fuck this shit" and leaves. maybe she tries to follow her dreams. maybe she even get in contact with gen (i love gen so much, i kinda ship her and toji, sorry), toji, maki and mai and plans stuff out. and gojo thinks she'll come crawling back, bawling to him but... she doesn't. she doesn't pick up his calls. she doesn't reds his texts and he can't tell shit because he will have to own for his shit to his father. when reader comes back, maybe and knowing gojo, they would fight, but maybe with reader having a clearer mind it won't? who knows i just want consequences for gojo(?? 4) some romance comes from another male character towards reader. my bets are toji (his rival, reader reminds him of his wife/megumi's mom and he's already stablished in the sn!universe), nanami (a wild guess and maybe unexpected, but in canon he's always portrayed as a foil to gojo when it comes to values and personality, and he's always been really caring of people so i could see him falling for reader) and my really wild guess: GETO. he's known to not approve of this and maybe we could say gojo is running on thin ice with him, imagine if he falls for his WIFE and goes to the point to going against his best friend to protect said best friend's wife. if a love triangle happens with another male chara, gojo and mc, i would bet my money on nanami and geto since it kinda seems toji would be a platonic

relationship, buuuuuut who knows

either way these are my dumbass theories, i don't want to impose them on you because believe me, sincerely not is and will be amazing regardless if any theory is true, and i cannot thank you enough for this heartwrenching story and your dedication to it. you deserve the best!

omg this was a lot to process and i have no words except wow !! thank u so much for taking the time to write these down <33 the analyses and theories were rly fun to read :’)

[fieryfantasybooklover]

Scythes And Stories Chapter 4 - Death And Freedom

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

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Ariadne heaved in several deep breaths, trying to calm herself and clear her head. “I… You cannot expect me to make such a huge decision on the spot like this!” she replied shakily. “I can, and I will. Either you come now, or you stay and try to live on your own. I can promise you you will never find me again.” Anna said harshly, sparing no sympathy for the privileged princess. But that’s not true. You’ve privileged to let her live, and to hear your voice, Anna’s soul whispered again. “Fine. I’ve made my decision. I will come with you. But only in one day’s time.” Ariadne said, jarring Anna back to herself. “If you planned to kill me, I’d be dead. This I know. I also know that you are well within the capability to find me again. So I will come. But I need to take care of something first. Either you allow that.... Or I allow myself to be kidnapped.” Ariadne finished, stubbornly turning her gaze to Anna. Saying nothing for another second, Anna turned the deal over. Examined it. And finally spoke. “You’re a gutsy one, it appears. Very few would be doing anything other than begging for their lives in your position.”

“I don’t beg, nor will I ever.” Ariadne replied, saying nothing else.

“Fine. You get one day, and not an hour more.” Anna said, turning to the window. “Do not make me regret this, princess.” and with that, Anna turned, kissed Ariadne on the cheek, and disappeared out the window.

Shocked into stillness, Ariadne’s thoughts were whirling. It was not uncommon for people in her kingdom to greet and say goodbye to each other with a kiss on the cheek. But something about that one felt different. More kind, if that even made any sense. Something beyond just the politeness of the action. Strangling the mysterious butterflies in her stomach, Ariadne sat. And then, her thoughts rose. “Why did I let her stay? Why did I talk to her? And why do I even believe anything she is saying?” all these questions and more flew through Ariadne’s head. And unbidden, the answers rose. The answers that shine far too brightly. The answers that would be more palatable to keep hidden. You let her stay because you were entranced by her. Because she is free, and the clearest view of the outside world you have ever had. These are also the reasons you talked to her. She is new, and dangerous, and you are young and gullible. As for why you would believe her, it is because she is voicing what you were already beginning to think. Shaking her head to clear the accusatory statements from within herself, Ariadne spoke. “No matter what, she is an assassin and has killed countless people. I will not soften towards her, and run as soon as possible. But first, I need to make my exit.”

Christopher rose. Quietly, calmly, he corked a stopper and slipped it into his bag. The shop was once again closed for the night, and the sun was setting, staining the sky in fire. “You’ve made it this far. Do not mess this up now.” he thought to himself. After all, he’d worked for this. The hours of faking being sick, flailing in pain. The hours of ingesting poison after poison to harden his resolve and increase his immunity. All those hours and all that blood and pain would not be for nothing. After he left this night, there would be nothing left but ashes, smoke, and the ruin of a once magnificent kingdom.

As the castle’s apothecary, Charles was in charge of scanning all the king and queen’s food for poison. Then, a servant would test it. On this particular night, there was a teenage servant. A boy named Raymond, with wide brown eyes and a sweetheart he would die for. And this particular servant was Christopher’s friend. Who had been by his side since he arrived. “This is the moment. This is for your parents and Anna, wherever she may be. All the plans are in place, all I have to do is follow through.” breathing deeply, Christopher prepared himself. “Only one more hour of servitude, and you can shatter the illusion.”

Ten minutes of quick footsteps and casual greetings and velvet covered hardwood floors, Christopher arrived at the King’s dinner table. “Good evening, my King. I pray you are well.” Christopher said, shoving down the howling protest at submitting to a king who ruined his life. “I am good, thank you. I trust the ordinary routine will still suffice?” the king replied, already in his chair. “Yes, my King. I will search your food for poison, and then Raymond here will take a bite.” Christopher said, gesturing to the quiet serving boy beside him. “Excellent. Well, let’s begin shall we? I wish to dine before the sun fully sets.” he added.

“Yes of course my King.” said Christopher, bowing. He then retrieved his apothecary pack from the satchel he’d been carrying. Quickly but thoroughly checking all the dishes, Christopher with deft hand uncorked the bottle and dribbled the crystal clear, odorless liquid onto the King’s favorite dish, hiding the bottle again quickly. “My check is complete, my king. If you wish it, Raymond will now check the food?” Christopher said, stepping back. “Well, one thing first.” the king said, and Christopher’s heart jumped into his throat. “Do you have any sort of container with chemicals contained within your clothes?” the king asked, raising his eyebrows and turning to face Christopher.

Sensing very quickly that lying would be useless, Christopher kept his face blank, and nodded. “Yes I do, my King. The only one currently on my person is my own personal brew, to help me sleep at night. I’ve had a bit of a cold recently, so I’ve been using that. I must have forgotten to leave it back at my shop. Apologies, my king.” Christopher said, keeping his voice even and eye contact steady. Cocking his head, the king considered this. Years of calmly staying out of the way and acting like a bumbling fool helped Christopher now, and the king nodded. “I trust you. However, I would like to examine this brew myself. It’s a new precaution, suggested by my right hand. I’m sure you understand.” Christopher’s breath caught in his throat, but he replied. “Of course, my king.” removing the bottle from his cloak, he handed it over to the king’s right hand, Julius, who deftly examined it. “I can confirm this has all the makings of a simple sleeping potion. This is not harmful to you, my king.” the right hand said, handing the bottle back to Christopher, who dipped his chin in thanks, all the while thinking “Thank the heavens I had the foresight to disguise this.”

“Thank you, Julius. Now that that’s out of the way, Raymond may test the food.” the king said, clearly desperate to be done with this whole affair. “Oh don’t worry, you will be done with much more in just a few minutes time.” Christopher thought, hatred burning in his chest. Stepping forward, Raymond sampled each of the dishes, taking a bite out of each and swallowing before quickly moving on. Once finished, he stepped back. And now, the pinnacle. The breaking point. Could Raymond mask the effects of the poison for long enough to escape and grab the antidote Christopher stashed? Would the years of training be enough? Christopher waited with bated breath as the king looked for any sign of illness. After a few moments that seemed more akin to years, the King gestured Raymond away. Bowing, he turned and quickly walked out of the room. And thus, Julius left and the king began to dine. After being bid his leave, Christopher waited outside the door. Waited for the choking to begin. And once it did, he stepped back inside, met the king’s gaze, and smiled.

“Please, tell me how it feels. To be the one on the receiving end of somebody else destroying your life.” Christopher said, slowly strolling towards the king. He’d dined alone tonight, and was currently fighting to stay upright as he fought for air. Gurgles came from him that Christopher thought to be attempts at words. “This is for my mother. And my father. And my sister. This is for the assassins you’d ordered to be sent to their house. Just because they dared to show kindness, helping those less well off then them. But you can’t have that, can you? You cannot stand the poor trying to help themselves so you killed my family. To make a statement about those who’d dared to try and defy the crown. And then you brought me here. Thinking I didn’t remember, and never would. Well, I did remember. I always have. So this is my revenge. Maybe after this, I’ll be able to fight the nightmares.”

All throughout this, the king had struggled, but it was no use. The poison was deadly without an antidote, and he had not had enough warning. Waiting until the king’s struggles stilled, Christopher sighed. And then sprung into action. His bag was already packed with everything he needed. Christopher dashed out the door, down hallways and into passages and rooms, hiding from any person he saw. Within a few minutes, he was out of the castle. Dashing down the streets and around corners, Christopher ran. He ran as the dam broke inside him that he'd held for years. Making it into a back alley no human had laid eyes upon for years, Christopher slipped inside an abandoned building. Made his way to a storage closet. Slid down to the floor. And began to sobb. Tears racked his body and he shook. He was a gentle soul, put out of his element for the sake of darker things. And now, despair grew within him. But something else grew within him. Something golden and elusive, called hope.

Ariadne was burning. On fire with vindication and vengeance. On fire as she hid in different corners of the castle. She’d told her parents she’d be staying in her room tonight. Rose had seen her tearing the room apart, and turned a blind eye. Perhaps something within her told Rose that Ariadne was waking up. And oh she most certainly was. “I am not staying here any longer. My parents can weep about it for all that I care. However, I will remove Charles from the picture. My last act of pettiness will be this.” Ariadne thought to herself as she quietly worked her way towards the men’s barracks, flint and steel in her bag. It was rare for a Commander to sleep in the same barracks as his men. But Charles, new to his job, had yet to make the move. A fact Ariadne said thanks for. “I know he will survive this. But maybe not for long. Maybe he will die of despair after losing his good looks.” Ariadne thought, laughing to herself. “Either way, I should be able to escape the castle tonight. I will wait for Anna to arrive tomorrow. Then, I will leave. And I will finally be free of my cage.”

Reaching the barracks, Ariadne heaved a sigh of relief at her good luck. None of the soldiers were around, all of them patrolling and practicing in the art of war. So, Ariadne slid into a wardrobe. Drew her midnight black cloak around her. And waited.

About an hour later, as the sun began to set, the men filed back in. Laughing and talking to each other, joking and throwing things and swearing. Ariadne could overhear snippets of conversation, though nothing truly interesting. Who had beat who at dueling, who stole what, who was going to do what on their free day. Sighing, Ariadne settled in. “This is going to take quite a long while, won’t it?” she thought. “Oh well. I’ve waited years, I can wait a few more hours. And wait a few more hours she did. The most interesting thing that happened over those hours was somebody opening the door to her hiding place. Ariadne froze at this, barely daring to breathe. But he shut the door quickly, shouting that whatever it was wasn’t there. Exhaling, Ariadne allowed herself to breath again. And then finally, finally, darkness fell and all the soldiers slept. She slipped out of her hiding place and retrieved her flint and steel. Spotting Charles asleep on one of the beds, she began scraping the flint and steel together. It didn’t take long for her to shed several sparks onto the carpets on the floor. It caught quickly, going up in a blaze. Quickly sending more sparks into some of the drapes and a few empty beds, Ariadne then fled. Right out the door of the barracks, into the courtyard stained in moonlight. She could hear the panicked yells of the men from inside, but she spared them no more thought. Most would survive, though not without a cost.

Anna gazed down at the courtyard, spotting her quarry. She’d been keeping track of Ariadne ever since she jumped out her window, carefully making sure she didn’t alert the king. And now, Ariadne had just exited the barracks. And judging by the smell of smoke now coming from there, she had lit a fire. “Well well well Princess. We might just get along.” Anna muttered to herself. Ariadne moved in a flash then, making for the sidewalk that would eventually take her out of the castle. Jumping down, Anna tailed her, leaving the burning barracks behind her like a bonfire against the night sky.

Several tense minutes passed, and then they were both out of the castle walls. “Well, now is as good a time as ever.” Anna thought, and leaped into Ariadne’s way. Ariadne froze, but then recognized Anna and relaxed a fraction. Ignoring the ridiculous happiness that stemmed from that, Anna spoke. “I thought I would find you here, Princess. Been causing mischief have we?”

“You’ve been following me, haven’t you?” Ariadne replied, exasperated. “Why yes, I have. I had to make sure you were safe after all.” Anna said. And then, Ariadne did something magnificent. She rolled her eyes and smiled. “I highly doubt that was the case, but I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt.” Ariadne then said. Anna, chuckling, replied. “I’m touched, Princess. And though I do hate to stop the jokes, we need to meet my accomplices quickly. They can get us out of the kingdom.” Sobering quickly, Ariadne nodded. And then, the pair took off quickly down the dark roads.

“Anna! Thank god!” Lucie called once Anna and Ariadne arrived at the meeting point (an abandoned apothecary shop). “What took you so long? We were just about to give up!” Matthew added. “Ask our Princess here. Oh, and this is Matthew and Lucie” Anna said, dropping into a chair. All three pairs of eyes turned to Ariadne, who shifted uncomfortably. “Not that I owe any of you anything… but I had some business to take care of before I came. Personal business.” she said finally, looking at the floor. Lucie and Matthew exchanged confused looks before turning to Anna. “Why does she speak as if she came willingly?” they both said simultaneously. “That is because I did. And no, I will not explain why, how, or answer any other questions. I was told you can help me escape the kingdom. I would like to do that, not dawdle around and argue.” Ariadne said, finally finding her voice. The other three, shocked into silence, looked at her. “Very well then. Let’s get going, shall we?” Lucie said. With that, all four headed out the door. “I like her.” Matthew whispered to Lucie. “Oh of course you do. You like anything with even one inch of sarcasm contained in its being.” Lucie replied before kissing him. “I love you, but please shut up and let us get out of this godforsaken kingdom.” she finished.

“You told the rest of the Ravens we’re leaving with Anna, correct?” she asked, and Matthew nodded as they arrived at the harbor. “And I staged the death in her bedroom. It’s torn apart, the nurse is missing, and there’s a fatal amount of blood that matches our Princess here. I made sure to bloody a dagger and leave it there. No fingerprints, obviously.” Anna chimed in saying. “From now on, Ariadne, you’re dead.”

Ariadne, eyes wide as she gazed out over the ocean, turned to Anna. “No, I’m not.” Ariadne whispered. “I’m free.”

Cordelia laughed out loud, punching James playfully on the shoulder. “I cannot believe you would say that!” she exclaimed, laughing again. “Oh come on Cordelia. You know I am joking?” James replied, laughing as he dodged another punch. “But does she know that?” Alastair interjected, wiggling his eyebrows in a rare show of non-cynicism. “Alastair, I love you, but you’re not helping this situation.” Thomas said, sighing with no real malice. They were all enjoying a day off, a day sequestered away from the real world. A day of nothing but laughing and jokes and lighthearted teasing. James kissed Cordelia quickly before drawing back. “There. Does that make up for any grievances I’ve caused you?” he asked, and Cordelia stuck her tongue out at him. “Maybe for now. But I will not forget.” She replied, smirking. “I am absolutely terrified right now.” James said in a comically monotone voice. “Alastair, my friend, will you save me?

“No, in fact I will not. You’re on your own here James buddy.” Alastair replied as Thomas facepalmed. “Should I hear any yells of pain from your general direction, I will investigate.” Thomas said. “Thank you Thomas, you are my savior.”

“Oh I am sorry, but that’s absolute-” Cordelia interjected, but was then cut off.

A royal page had arrived with a letter for Thomas and Alastair. He handed it over, quickly bowed, and exited the room. Glancing towards Thomas, who’d taken the letter, all three others raised their eyebrows. “Well? What does it say? Thomas?” Alastair asked, quickly standing up as Thomas paled. “What is it?” Cordelia asked as James tensed as well, reacting to the quickly changing atmosphere of the room. Alastair snatched the letter from Thomas, moved his eyes to the words, and began to read.

To the princes of Luna, and whoever else it may concern.

Solis has begun to deteriorate at an even faster rate, and several tragedies have struck them.

A very wealthy and influential woman, Lucie Herondale, has vanished. Her husband is frantic to find her, though it is suspected she might have fled the city for reasons unknown.

Commander Charles of the Royal Army is in critical condition after a fire at his barracks. It is currently unknown whether or not he will pull through.

Princess Ariadne has been killed. Currently, no culprits have been caught, but it is suspected that the notorious assassin, known only as the Lady of Death, is behind this. However, the princess’s death is not the worst of it, though she will be mourned with great fervor.

King Samuel has also been struck down. Poisoned. The believed perpetrator is the castle’s apothecary, Christopher. He may have been working in cahoots with another, though neither have been located.

Vesperum is rioting, just about tearing itself to bits. I send this letter with the purpose of informing you, as well as warning you. I will not dismiss the possibility Solis will attempt to strike at another kingdom, either out of misplaced blame or just pure fury. No matter what, things are shifting.

I wish you all the best from now until the sun falls from the sky.

Signed, Marcus L. Kingsway, Member of the Royal Council of Luna.

Alastair finished reading to a silent room. James had drawn Cordelia close, as if daring the world to try to hurt her. Alastair himself, now shaken, turned to Thomas and silently folded the letter back up. I will not let anything happen to you both boys said to the other silently, both vowing to keep that promise. As two young couples made promises, they became a different type of warrior. They became the type of warrior that survives the roaring waves of fury and unrest, and the falling of ancient and vicious kingdoms.

[myonechicagoworld]

CHICAGO FIRE – IT AIN’T EASY (S01E09)

Leslie Shay: [clears throat] 

Corrine: Have a good day.

Leslie Shay: Yeah, you too.

Kelly Severide: Hey. See you. 

Corrine: Mm.

                                             [kissing sound]

                                              [door closing]

Leslie Shay: You feel better? Feel like you accomplished 

                      something?

Kelly Severide: By the way… she’s not 100% lesbian.

                           [munching & chewing]

Leslie Shay: [sighs]

Kelly Severide: What? [chuckles] You said it was cool.

                                                 cutscene

                                              [siren wailing]

                                           [indistinct chatter]

Man 1 (Machinist): Started getting hot. Smoke started coming in. 

                                 I turned around. Next thing I know, fire’s coming

                                 in through the window. We tried to spray it, but

                                 it got too hot, and the propane tank blew.

Matt Casey: Anything else combustible in there?

Man 1 (Machinist): A bunch of cylinders… oxygen, acetylene.

Chief Boden: Truck 81, pull those tanks out before it turns into the 

                        4th of July. 

                        Squad, you’re on search.

Otis Zvonecek: Hey, isn’t that that kid Ernie from the Thanksgiving 

                           dinner?

                                                [water spraying]

Matt Casey: Main room’s clear of hazardous material. No workers in

                      here. Haven’t checked the supply room yet.

Kelly Severide: We got it!

                                                    [beeping]

Vargas: Lieutenant, somebody’s in the corner!

Kelly Severide: Okay, grab his legs! Hadley, Capp, finish the sweep!

Capp or Hadley: We’re on it.

Kelly Severide: [grunts]

Chief Boden: Let’s get two attack lines ready in the back.

Firefighter: Right, Chief.

                                                  [coughing]

Kelly Severide: Hold on! 

Victim 1: [coughing]

Kelly Severide: One, two, three. Go! 

Chief Boden: Truck’s still engaged. I need you two to vent the roof.

Kelly Severide: On it.

Capp: Hey! Supply room’s clear!

Matt Casey: Take one of these.

Capp: Got it.

Matt Casey: All yours, Rich.

Engine Firefighter (Rich): Give me more line!

                                             [glass smashing]

Chief Boden: (into radio) How we doing on that vent?

Kelly Severide: (into radio) We’re venting, making progress.

                                              [water spraying]

                                                  [explosion]

Engine Firefighter (Rich): Clear out, clear out!

Vargas: [coughing & choking]

Kelly Severide: Vargas!

Vargas: [groaning]

Kelly Severide: (into radio) Mayday! Mayday! Firefighter down!

Chief Boden: (over radio) We’ve got a down firefighter on the roof.

                        Get a ladder up there now!

Vargas: [choking & gasping]

Gabby Dawson: Vargas, can you hear me?

Vargas: [gasping]

Gabby Dawson: Take nice, slow breaths for us, Vargas.

                             We’re gonna get you to the hospital in no time, 

                             okay? Just hang in there for us. 

                             You guys ready?

Matt Casey: Yeah.

Gabby Dawson: We need a hand.

                                           [ambo door shuts]

                                              [siren wailing]

Kelly Severide: Hey. Hey. You torch this place? Huh, you little 

                           tweaker? 

Ernie: I’m watching.

Kelly Severide: You’re watching it? Did you do it? Huh?

Chief Boden: Kelly! That’s enough!

Kelly Severide: That’s two fires, two dumpsters, same kid!

Chief Boden: Walk it off, Kelly! I am handling this!

Kelly Severide: Why don’t you invite him back for apple pie? 

                           Keep him close. That’s the plan, right? 

                                                   - Title -

                                               [door opens]

Chief Boden: Good morning.

All: Morning.

Chief Boden: I know you’re all concerned about what happened to

                       Vargas on the last shift. 

                       Hospital has treated him and released him. He’s

                       resting up. But he is not out of the woods.

                       Hazmat has confirmed magnesium shavings

                       were in a bin at the machine shop, which you all 

                       know is reactive with water. 

Christopher Herrmann: Magnesium inhalation.

Chief Boden: He’s got burns on his lungs and an upper respiratory

                       tract infection.

Christopher Herrmann: So when are we gonna see him again?

Chief Boden: We won’t know until we get the test results.

                       But look, he’s gonna be fine no matter what happens. 

                       Okay?

                       Uh, my office. Now.

                       Door.

                                                [door shuts]

Chief Boden: If you ever talk to me like that in front of the men

                        again, you will see a side of me that you won’t 

                        forget.

Kelly Severide: All due respect, I’ve got to protect my men.

Chief Boden: And I am doing what? Walking around with my thumb

                       up my ass?

Kelly Severide: He is a firebug. Plain as day.

Chief Boden: I am taking care of this! Do you understand me?

                       Step back.

                                                [door closes]

                                                   cutscene

                                          [shower water running]

                                   [indistinct background chatter]

                                        [locker door squeaks]

                                           [locker slamming]

                                                  cutscene

Phone Voicemail (Vargas): Hey, you’ve reached Jose Vargas.

                                             Please leave a message. 

                                                 [phone beeps]

Matt Casey: [sighs exasperatedly]

Leslie Shay: Hey, anything?

Matt Casey: He’s not picking up.

Leslie Shay: All right. Well, let me know if anyone’s planning on

                     going over there. Dawson and I want in.

Matt Casey: You got it.

Leslie Shay: Oh, hey um… Dawson’s landlord is being a dick about 

                      repairs. Her kitchen window leaks every time it rains,

                      and he won’t do anything about it.

Matt Casey: Really? She hasn’t said anything to me about it.

Leslie Shay: Oh, she didn’t want to come off like a mooch.

                      But anyhow, she tried to fix it herself, and now

                      the window won’t go up or  down.

Matt Casey: Oh. I’ll, uh, I’ll talk to her.

Leslie Shay: Great. Thanks.

Matt Casey: Yeah. 

Leslie Shay: Cool.

Matt Casey: [snaps fingers]

                     You should have said something about your window.

Gabby Dawson: [chuckles] You want greater Chicago to know your

                            business, make sure you tell Leslie Shay.

Matt Casey: I can put in a new one for you.

Gabby Dawson: Oh, I-I don’t…I don’t like asking favours.

Matt Casey: Good thing you didn’t ask.

                                                  cutscene

                                          [knocking on door]

                                              [door opens]

Chief Boden: The fire at the machine shop… do you know how it 

                        started?

                        Do you remember Jose Vargas? From the firehouse? 

                        His lungs are burned. Pretty bad. 

Ernie: I told you, I don’t know anything.

Chief Boden: But if you did know something, now would be the

                       time for you to speak up, because that way, I can 

                        still help you out.

Ernie: [sighs] It’s not my fault.

Chief Boden: What’s not your fault?

                        Come on, son, talk to me.

                        Look, whatever it is, we can make it right. We can get

                        you some help.

Ernie: I want to bring my grandma.

Chief Boden: That’s fine.

                                              [radio static]

PA: (over radio) Truck 81, elevator accident…

                                         [radio switched off]

Chief Boden: You come down to the station by 2:00. No one’s

                        gonna hurt you anymore, Ernie. 

                        Station by 2:00, okay?

                                           [door slamming]

                                                cutscene

Matt Casey: What’s the word?

Man 2 (Security Guard): A bank elevator stopped working. One of

                                         them is stuck. Somebody in there was

                                         calling for help, but now nobody’s 

                                         answering the phone.

Matt Casey: What floor?

Man 2 (Security Guard): It’s express. It could be anywhere between

                                         the lobby and the tenth floor.

Matt Casey: Let’s start on ten and get a bird’s eye view.

Mouch: [groans]

Matt Casey: This one.

Christopher Herrmann: All right.

Otis Zvonecek: [grunts] 

Matt Casey: Got it?

Otis Zvonecek: Yeah [grunts]

                                                [metal clanging]

Otis Zvonecek: Good.

Matt Casey: All right. 

                     [grunts]

                     This is the fire department! Can anybody hear me?

                     Mills, Cruz, Herrmann, throw a rope. I’ll get in the 

                     hoistway.

                     Otis, get up to the motor room and take over the 

                     power.

                     Ah, Mouch. You, uh, stay right here and take command

                     of this floor, huh?

Mouch: [sighs & pants]

                                            [metal clanging]

                                   [elevators powering down]

Otis Zvonecek: (into radio) Power’s down on all elevators.

Christopher Herrmann: Peter Mills, your line’s secure.

Joe Cruz: Line secure!

Peter Mills: All right. 

Matt Casey: Yeah.

Firefighter: Okay.

Matt Casey: Hello?

                     (into radio) Elevator’s empty except for a safe.

                      Gotta weigh a ton, at least.

                                                 [shuffling]

Matt Casey: What the hell?

Man 3: I didn’t do it.

Matt Casey: Hey buddy? I came down here to help you. 

                     You didn’t hear me yelling?

Man 3: Please, I don’t want any help.

Matt Casey: Clearly. What’s your name?

Man 3: I don’t want to say.

Matt Casey: I’m not a cop.

                      Fine, I’ll call you Ralph. Ralph, don’t do…

Man 3: It’s Mark.

Matt Casey: All right, Mark, don’t do anything stupid. 

                     I mean, don’t do anything stupid again.

Man 3 (Mark): Oh God.

Joe Cruz: Elevator’s dead until that safe’s out, Casey!

Matt Casey: Drop me a rescue harness.

Joe Cruz: On it!

Lady 1: I only noticed the safe was missing when I got back from a 

             meeting.

Christopher Herrmann: Well, it ain’t going anywhere now.

Man 3 (Mark): I told her I needed 45, and she just said, “take it or 

                        leave it.”

Matt Casey: Looks like you took it.

Mouch: We’ll have him out of there soon.

Lady 1: Never hire family.

Man 3 (Mark): The money never left the building [sniffs]

                         Maybe Betts and I can work something out.

Matt Casey: There you go. Now, when I say the word… not yet!

Man 3 (Mark): [slipping]

                         [yells]

                         I can’t hold on. Help me!

Matt Casey: [grunts]

Man 3 (Mark): Help me…

Matt Casey: Hold on.

Man 3 (Mark): Help me.

Peter Mills: Casey’s…[continues indistinctly]

Matt Casey: Coming for you. 

Christopher Herrmann: (over radio) Casey, put your line back on.

Matt Casey: Here, give me your hand.

                     Come on. Stay calm. Here, now hold on to the beam.

                     Grab the beam. Got it?

Man 3 (Mark): Yeah.

Matt Casey: Okay. Now give me your other hand.

Man 3 (Mark): Okay.

Matt Casey: One step at a time. 

Man 3 (Mark): Okay.

Matt Casey: Edge along. I got you.

Man 3 (Mark): [yells]

Matt Casey: Hold on! Get your feet up.

Man 3 (Mark): Don’t drop me!

Matt Casey: I got you.

Man 3 (Mark): Don’t drop me! Please don’t drop me.

Matt Casey: I got you. Get your feet up. 

                     I got you, I got you. I’m not gonna drop you.

                     Keep going. You’re okay. 

                     (into radio) I got him. (over radio) Up on line.

Christopher Herrmann: Ready to haul. 

Matt Casey: Haul.

                      Put your feet up. Feet.

Peter Mills: Keep coming.

                    Move to your right and then… stop! Stop right there.

Man 3 (Mark): [grunting]

Peter Mills: All right.

                                              [applause]

Gabby Dawson: You okay? Let’s go over to the chair.

Man 3 (Mark): [panting]

Gabby Dawson: Well, sir, you look okay. Do you hurt anywhere?

Man 3 (Mark): I feel sick.

Leslie Shay: You’ll be alright.

Lady 1 (Betts): What am I supposed to tell mom, huh? You dropout.

Joe Cruz: Yo, Mouch, I think I left my kit upstairs. Can you run up

                  and grab it for me?

Mouch: I’d give you the finger, but that would require too much 

              energy.

                                          [cell phone rings]

Joe Cruz: Hello?

                 Yeah, I’ll accept the charges.

                  Leon, you better not be calling me from where I think 

                  you’re calling.

                  Lieutenant?

Matt Casey: Yeah?

Joe Cruz: My little brother got pinched in a robbery. Unarmed. 

                  Petty theft. 

                  Anyway, he’s at county and if I could get an hour, I need

                  to bail him out.

Matt Casey: Get us back to 51 and then do what you gotta do.

Joe Cruz: You sure?

Matt Casey: Are you?

Joe Cruz: It’s family.

                                 [truck compartment door closes]

Gabby Dawson: Casey, hey. Uh, hypothetical. A friend comes over

                            to your house to help out with something…

                            do you repay your friend with your phenomenal

                            arroz con pollo picante, or a six pack of his 

                            favourite beer?

Matt Casey: Hypothetically, your friend can bring his own beer.

                      However, he can barely say arroz c-con yollo 

                      compointe…

Gabby & Matt: [laughs]

Matt Casey: Let alone cook it.

Gabby Dawson: Got it. 

Leslie Shay: Look at you. All lit up like a Christmas tree.

Gabby Dawson: What? No, I just asked him if he wanted me to 

                            make dinner.

Leslie Shay: Uh, huh. 

Gabby Dawson: Hey, we are not talking about this.

Leslie Shay: Seriously, how long has it been?

Gabby Dawson: He just dumped his fiancée, Shay. But, yeah, it’s 

                            been a while.

Leslie Shay: Right. That’s why you gotta get in there. Pick up the

                     rebound and slam it on home.

Gabby Dawson: Okay, I’m gonna about to slam something in a 

                            minute.

                                                  cutscene

(Over PA): Live and in person, Jose Vargas.

Matt Casey: Ah! There he is! Good to see you, buddy.

Vargas: Lieutenant.

Matt Casey: [grunts]

Otis Zvonecek: What’s up man? [laughs]

Peter Mills: Are you staying for lunch? We’re having brisket.

Kelly Severide: He’s staying. Come on, let’s eat!

Gabby Dawson: Hey.

Vargas: Hi.

                                    [alarm buzzing & blaring]

(Over PA): Ambulance 61…

Gabby Dawson: Save me some of that.

(Over PA): Man down from unknown causes.

Peter Mills & Matt Casey: Sure.

(Over PA): 716 South Morgan Drive.

Otis Zvonecek: Sorry. 

Vargas: Doctor’s got me huffing on a nebulizer four times a day. 

              Plus this inhaler.

              Busy day so far?

Kelly Severide: Uh, no, no. Not too bad.

Connie: Casey, Severide. Chief’s asking for you.

Chief Boden: This is Dr. Tenney, CFD medical director.

Dr. Tenney: Gentlemen.

Chief Boden: We wanted to bring you men in since Vargas served

                        under both your command.

Dr. Tenney: His lab suggests chronic obstructive pulmonary 

                    disease.

Kelly Severide: What’s that?

Dr. Tenney: He’ll develop emphysema, which means his lungs will

                    gradually deteriorate. He won’t be able to breathe a

                    normal amount of air, which… could lead to other

                    issues: weight loss, skeletal muscle dysfunction, 

                    heart problems… 

Chief Boden: There’s just no way he can handle the demands of

                        the job.

Matt Casey: He’s out there right now, Chief. He looks good. 

Chief Boden: We are placing him on long-term disability. I wanted

                        you two to know what was happening. When I get

                        all this paperwork together, I will talk to Vargas.

Matt Casey: We’ll tell him. 

Vargas: So that’s it?

Kelly Severide: I’m sorry, Vargas. It could happen to any of us.

Vargas: Well, be glad it didn’t happen to you. 

Matt Casey: Hey, you’re getting paid. Three-quarters salary.

Vargas: Yeah. 

Matt Casey: It’s not what anybody wants. But any of us would take 

                     that deal.

Vargas: How about you, Kelly? Would you…would you take that 

              deal?

Kelly Severide: Uh… [lightly claps hands together] They’re not

                           offering a choice. 

Matt Casey: You still doing landscaping?

Vargas: Yeah. Whenever my buddy needs another guy.

Matt Casey: Take the 75%, start your own business.

Kelly Severide: Or go ride Harleys with your brother like you talked 

                           about.

Vargas: He moved to Albuquerque. 

              [chuckles] You and me should both be taking 75%.

              [sighs]

Matt Casey: Did you see a doctor?

                      Your shoulder. Do you think no one’s noticed?

Kelly Severide: It’s my neck. And I saw a doctor. She said there’s

                           nothing to worry about, so I’m not worrying about 

                            it.

Matt Casey: It’s your business, but if it’s an issue for you, it’s an

                      issue for all of us.

Kelly Severide: Then we’re good.

                                   [alarm blaring & buzzing]

(Over PA): Squad 3, Engine 51. Single car accident. 

                  5512 South Sangamon. 

                                         [sirens wailing]

                            [electricity crackling & buzzing]

Kelly Severide: Car’s energised! Keep your distance!

                           Tony, get on the horn with ComEd and get this line 

                            cut.

                            Watch it, guys.

                                          [electricity crackling]

Lady 2: Uh, I knew just to not get out of the car.

Kelly Severide: You knew right. You hurt?

Lady 2: No, I don’t… I don’t think so.

Kelly Severide: What happened?

                                         [electricity crackling]

Lady 2: Well, this animal just darted out, right out in front of my car 

              and…

Kelly Severide: Well, looks like you missed him, so PETA will be 

                           happy.

                           Just give us a sec.

Hadley: Severide.

                                        [electricity sparking]

Kelly Severide: All right, we can’t wait for the power company.

Lady 2: Wait, what’s happening? 

Kelly Severide: Just stay in the car.

                          Hadley, throw me the rope bag.

Hadley: Yup.

Lady 2: Oh my God [hyperventilating] Is everything gonna be okay?

Kelly Severide: Yeah, I promise. You’re gonna be fine.

Lady 2: [groans]

                                       [electricity sparking]

Lady 2: Ohh...

             [yelps] Ohh…

             [groans] 

                                       [electricity sparking]

Lady 2: [yelps]

Hadley: You good?

Kelly Severide: Good. 

Lady 2: Ooh.

Kelly Severide: See? 

Lady 2: Ohh.

Kelly Severide: Safe and sound.

Lady 2: Yeah [nervous laughter]

              [groans] Okay [nervous laughter] 

Kelly Severide: Come over here. 

Lady 2: [groans]

Kelly Severide: You want a backboard and stretcher?

Lady 2: No, no. God, what I need is a massage [laughs]

              I’m… I’m good. I’m, uh, I’m fine.

Kelly Severide: All right. All right, well, these guys will check you out

                          to make sure.

Lady 2: Uh, thank you.

                                                    cutscene

                                          [background chatter]

Joe Cruz: You’re moving in with me.

Leon Cruz: Yo, whatever.

Joe Cruz: Whatever? How about, “thanks for saving my ass?”

                  We weren’t raised like this. You’re turning your back on 

                   your familia.

Leon Cruz: Yo, I got a different family now.

Joe Cruz: What the hell is the matter with you?

                  Look at where we are! I can’t keep chasing after you your

                  whole life, cleaning up your mess.

Leon Cruz: Yo, then don’t.

Joe Cruz: You want to die in a gang? Like Moco? Like Ruiz?

                                                 cutscene

Peter Mills: Blackboy? That’s your word?

Mouch: It’s a plant. And a triple word score.

Peter Mills: Hey, Dawson, if I said uh, “let’s get a bunch of

                    blackboys in here to decorate the house,” what

                    would you think?

Gabby Dawson: Uh, I’m not touching that one. 

Mouch: Should I go get the dictionary? It’s a word.

Peter Mills: Wait, I, uh, I saved you a plate.

Gabby Dawson: Thanks.

Peter Mills & Gabby Dawson: [chuckles]

Leslie Shay: Mm. 

Peter Mills: Um, yeah, I-I can make you some, if…

Leslie Shay: [gasping] Oh, no. Don’t trouble yourself, Peter Mills.

                      I had two sunflower seeds in the ambo.

                                                   cutscene

Chief Boden: Ernie here yet?

Christopher Herrmann: Not yet.

                                         I know you don’t want to do this, Chief. 

                                         But… you gotta do this. 

Chief Boden: I just want to believe he’s a good kid.

Christopher Herrmann: But you’re not doing anybody any favours

                                         by waiting for this kid to do the right thing. 

Chief Boden: Putting him in the system does what?

Christopher Herrmann: What choice do you have? Let it slide?

                                         Hope that he changes on his own?

                                                    cutscene

                                 [squad compartment door shuts]

Lady 2: Remember me? I tried to electrocute you earlier?

Kelly Severide: I remember.

Lady 2: For you. Chocolates.

Kelly Severide: Well, thanks, but it’s not…

Lady 2: No. No, please. I mean, it doesn’t even begin to repay you

              for all your help.

Kelly Severide: Miss…

Lady 2: Uh, Renee Royce.

Kelly Severide: Ah.

Lady 2 (Renee Royce): [giggles] Call me Renee.

Kelly Severide: Um, look, my services are free.

Lady 2 (Renee Royce): This is gonna sound, um… okay what the 

                                        hell.

                                        Do you want to have lunch or coffee

                                        sometime? It doesn’t have to be today…

Kelly Severide: Look, it’s a really nice offer.

Lady 2 (Renee Royce): Come on, just say yes.

Kelly Severide: Miss Royce?

Lady 2 (Renee Royce): Yes?

Kelly Severide: There’s a well-known phenomenon where people

                           who have been rescued become attracted to the

                           men that helped them. Believe me, this will wear 

                           off in 30 minutes, tops.

Lady 2 (Renee Royce): Thank you again.

Kelly Severide: Yeah, it was my pleasure.

                                                cutscene

Peter Mills: Hey, I heard the news. Sorry, man.

Vargas: Want a yo-yo? Even as a kid, I could never figure out how to

              do it. Otis says I gotta snap my wrist more.

Peter Mills: How long did it take to get from truck to squad?

Vargas: 16 years. My whole career.

              Five weeks to get booted out.

                                      [locker door slams]

Vargas: On the bright side, there’s a spot open now.

Peter Mills: No. Yo, I-I wasn’t even thinking… I would never…

Vargas: Mills. When you get the opportunity, grab it. 

                                     [locker door slams]

Vargas: It ain’t easy.

Otis Zvonecek: This is from all of us.

Vargas: Thanks guys.

              This is um… it sure ain’t pretty.

                                            [laughter]

Vargas: But I love it. Thanks.

Chief Boden: It was an honour to serve with you at this house, 

                        Vargas.

Vargas: Thanks, Chief.

Mouch: You lucky bastard.

Matt Casey: Good luck, brother.

Capp: You’ll do great, man..

Kelly Severide: Just… get well soon. 

Christopher Herrmann: See you later, buddy.

Hadley: Take it easy, man.

Matt Casey: See ya, man.

Chief Boden: Keep an eye on him, both of youse.

                                           cutscene

                                    [knocking on door]

Chief Boden: Hey.

Man 4 (James Whoritsky): Wallace!

Chief Boden: Thanks for seeing me on such short notice.

Man 4 (James Whoritsky): We gotta catch up sometime. Off duty.

Chief Boden: [chuckles] You don’t have to tell me twice.

Man 4 (James Whoritsky): Sit. Sit. So what you got?

Chief Boden: We think we have at least two major fires that are

                       connected. Both of them started in dumpsters, both

                       possibly started by a 14-year-old kid who has been

                       seen at three incidents. Record of station visits,

                       phone correspondence, medical history, SSI data.

                       Dad’s doing 30 years in Tamms. Mom OD’d a year 

                       ago. He’s a good kid. Some day he’s gonna kill 

                       somebody.

                                                  cutscene

                                              [car door shuts]

                                                [bell chiming]

                                          [background chatter]

Joe Cruz: Flaco.

Man 5 (Flaco): [chuckles] Is that Joe Cruz? Damn, ain’t seen you for

                         a minute. What up man?

Joe Cruz: Hey, I appreciate you talking the time.

Man 5 (Flaco): Ah, we go back, you and me.

Joe Cruz: I wanted to talk to you about my brother. 

Man 5 (Flaco): Yeah? I heard you bailed him out.

Joe Cruz: Yeah.

Man 5 (Flaco): That’s cool. You ain’t gotta worry about Puppet

                          though. I’m watching out for him. 

                          Personally.

Joe Cruz: Look, he ain’t cut out for your crew.

Man 5 (Flaco): I’d love to help you out, bro. But I put in time on

                         him. Been grooming him for a while now. 

                         You want to buy out, you gotta drop 10k.

Joe Cruz: What?

Man 5 (Flaco): Time is money, man.

Joe Cruz: I don’t have it. 

                 And even if I did, I put in time with Leon. A lot more than

                 you. So the way I see it, maybe you owe me something.

                                                [laughter]

Man 5 (Flaco): You got heart. I’ll give you that. And loyalty.

                          Ain’t nothing more important than loyalty to your 

                          hermanos, right? 

                          Okay. 

                          [slurping]

Joe Cruz: We’re cool?

Man 5 (Flaco): As cucumbers.

Joe Cruz: If we’re having this same conversation a year from now,

                 I swear to you, he’s all yours.

                                                 cutscene

Mouch: Sea salt sarsaparilla? What the hell kind of chocolate is

              this? Where’s the nougat?

Gabby Dawson: I love this one.

Matt Casey: It’s junk. 

Gabby Dawson: What? 

Matt Casey: With our winters, you want one made with wood fibre 

                      strengthened with PVC polymers.

Gabby Dawson: This one’s so cute.

                             I…

Matt Casey: Can’t compete with cute.

Mouch: Mm.

                                             cutscene

Leslie Shay: Hey. 

Kelly Severide: What’s shaking, Sparkles?

Leslie Shay: What’s up with you?

Kelly Severide: Nothin’.

Leslie Shay: You on something again?

Kelly Severide: What?

Leslie Shay: You know I’m not giving you painkillers. 

                     You’d think after Thanksgiving that you’d be…

Kelly Severide: No. I-I’m finally feeling better, Shay, and when I

                          have a good day I don’t question it. So maybe

                          you shouldn’t either.

                          And by the way, didn’t we have an agreement when

                          we first moved in that we wouldn’t get in each 

                          other’s business?

Leslie Shay: This isn’t some personal thing. This is serious, 

                      what you’re doing.

Kelly Severide: I’m not doing anything! 

Leslie Shay: Anyhow… [sighs] I came to tell you there’s someone

                     looking for you on the floor.

Lady 2 (Renee Royce): It has been over 30 minutes, and it hasn’t 

                                       worn off.

Kelly Severide: Well, how about that?

Lady 2 (Renee Royce): Because you made me wait, it is now going

                                       to be dinner.

Kelly Severide: Is it?

Lady 2 (Renee Royce): Have you ever been to Francesca’s?

                                       ‘Cause we’re in for tomorrow night.

Kelly Severide: Where is this place?   

Mouch: The injury you want is to get shot in the foot. With the right

              angle, you can blow that…

Otis Zvonecek: Severide, tell me that lady you were just with wasn’t

                           the same woman that you saved from the wreck.

Kelly Severide: Why? Is she your sister?

Otis Zvonecek: [scoffs] Doctors don’t date patients. Lawyers don’t

                           date clients. Victims are off-limits to firefighters.

Mouch: Uh, actually there’s nothing in the Union bylaws that says

              you can’t date a victim. 

Otis Zvonecek: And might I add, these chocolates? A little too 

                           fancy-pants.

Kelly Severide: So don’t eat ‘em.

Otis Zvonecek: Whoa! Hey, I didn’t say inedible.

Christopher Herrmann: Vargas, hey! You forgot something?

Vargas: You said come back anytime.

Christopher Herrmann: Of course. Yeah

Otis Zvonecek: Hey, you keep showing up like this, you’re gonna

                           give Mills here a big head.

Kelly Severide: Hey, man.

Vargas: Hey, who’s drinking after shift? I’m buying.

Christopher Herrmann: Aww, jeez, I wish I could. But Lee Henry’s

                                         got a hockey game. 

Mouch: Hey, if you’re still buying next week, I’m totally free Saturday

              and Sunday.

Vargas: [chuckles] No problem.

                                                 cutscene

                                              [siren wailing]

                                     [battalion car door shuts]

Fireman: Fire’s out, Chief.

Chief Boden: Any idea what happened?

Fireman: Yeah. Dumpster fire in the back spread to the house.

Chief Boden: [sighs]

                                       [cell phone ringing]

Chief Boden: You got anything for me?

Man 4 (James Whoritsky): Sent a couple guys over to the kid’s

                                              grandma’s house. Nobody’s there.

                                              Got a hit on something else though.

                                              The grandma’s the legal guardian,

                                              but his SSI checks, they’re going to 

                                              another address.

Chief Boden: Text me.

                                                 [rustling]

Chief Boden: Ernie…

Ernie: What are you doing here?

Chief Boden: Did you start that fire? 

                       Did you start that fire!

Ernie: The cops were at my house. 

Chief Boden: Why didn’t you come to the fire station like we 

                        agreed?

Ernie: You ratted me out. 

Chief Boden: I’m trying to help you out.

Ernie: I didn’t do anything wrong. Everything’s all messed up.

Chief Boden: What’s messed up?

Ernie: No. You have to go. Get out of here. Go!

Chief Boden: Hey! Hey! Hey!

Man 6: Who the hell are you?

Chief Boden: Wallace Boden. How do you know Ernie?

Man 6: I’m his uncle.

Chief Boden: You okay, Ernie?

Ernie: He’s my uncle Ray.

Chief Boden: What’s going on here? What you doing to that kid?

                        I said, what are you doing to that kid?

Man 6 (Uncle Ray): You a cop?

Chief Boden: Hey, Ernie! Ernie!

                                             cutscene

Kelly Severide: You stay the whole shift?

Vargas: Old habits.

Kelly Severide: You still free tonight?

Vargas: How long were you hanging off the side of that balcony? 

Kelly Severide: Long enough.

Lady 2 (Renee Royce): [giggles]

Vargas: If I hadn’t raised that ladder when I did, he would have had

             nothing but pavement to break his fall [laughs]

Lady 2 (Renee Royce): Wow.

Vargas: [coughs] [inhaler hisses] [cough]

              Yeah, sorry I crashed your date.

Lady 2 (Renee Royce): Oh, no, no, no. Stop it. This was uh… 

                                        it was fun.

Kelly Severide: I’ve never seen you talk that much in my life.

Lady 2 (Renee Royce): [chuckles]

Kelly Severide: Okay. 

Vargas: See you guys.

Kelly Severide: I appreciate you making it three. He’s… struggling.

                                     [kissing sounds]

Lady 2 (Renee Royce): You’re a good man.

                                            cutscene

                                       [tires screeching]

Joe Cruz: Leon!

                  Oh my God, Leon!

Leon Cruz: What the hell did you do?

                    [grunting & groaning]

                                             cutscene

Man 4 (James Whoritsky): No record of an uncle. But then, in that

                                              part of town you get a lot of unofficial

                                              “uncles” and “aunties”.

Chief Boden: What about the house where I found him? 

Man 4 (James Whoritsky): Uh, it’s uh, rented to a… a 

                                              Raymond Martin.

Chief Boden: That’s him.

Man 4 (James Whoritsky): No outstanding warrants. Looks like 

                                             he’s laying low.

Chief Boden: Has he got any priors?

Man 4 (James Whoritsky): Ah. Did 8 years in Statesville. 

                                             Felony arson.

                                                   cutscene

                                          [soft music playing]

Matt Casey: Cute enough?

Gabby Dawson: It’s perfect.

                            I love it. Even the view is better.

Matt Casey: Uh…

Gabby Dawson: Oh God!

Matt Casey: Who you got here?

Gabby Dawson: Oh… [chuckles] That is my niece Maria. She just

                            started ballet class, and she’s so adorable.

                            The one next to her, that’s Antonio’s brainiac

                            son, Diego. I don’t know where he gets it. 

Matt Casey: [chuckles]

Gabby Dawson: The twins, Freddy and Caria.

Matt Casey: You his aunt, too?

Gabby Dawson: [chuckles] Yeah, we hang out sometimes.

Matt Casey: Oh yeah?

Gabby Dawson: Well, he knows all the best dive restaurants in the 

                             city.

Matt Casey: Really?

Gabby Dawson: Mmhmm. Here. Try this.

Matt Casey: Mm.

Gabby Dawson: It’s a little spicy. Careful.

Matt Casey: I can take it.

                     Oh my God.

Gabby Dawson: Yeah? You like it?

Matt Casey: It is phenomenal.

Gabby Dawson: [giggles]

Matt Casey: [chuckles]

Gabby Dawson: Thanks.

Matt Casey: Hey! Let’s take a picture for your wall of fame.

Gabby Dawson: Okay.

Matt Casey: Do that. Here.

                     Ready?

Gabby Dawson: Ready.

Matt Casey: You sure?

Gabby Dawson: Yeah [giggles]

Matt Casey: [chuckles] Three, two, one. 

                                                   [click]

                                          [phone vibrates]

Matt Casey: I gotta go.

Gabby Dawson: Okay. What’s up?

Matt Casey: Vargas.

Kelly Severide: Vargas, you gotta stop playing.

                           Come on, man. 

Matt Casey: Hey there, buddy. What’s going on?

Vargas: This is so messed up.

Matt Casey: Why don’t you move away from the edge there, 

                      Vargas?

Kelly Severide: I’ve been telling him. 

                          He keeps living the rest of his life the way he fought

                          fires, he’ll have a hell of a lot to be proud of.

Matt Casey: Remember the Homewood fire?

                      We lost the house, and Vargas saves the family photo 

                      album. 

                      But here’s the thing I never told you.

                      The mom thanked me after it was all over. You know

                      what she said?

                      She said, “the house was made out of wood. But the

                      home was made out of the people in that book.” 

                      Firehouse 51 is made out of you and me and

                      Severide… and every firefighter that passes through

                      those gates. 

                      Nothing can take that away from you.

Vargas: [sobbing quietly]

             [sobs]

Matt Casey: 51 is always gonna be your house.

                      Okay.

Vargas: [sobbing]

                                                        - end -

Definitions:

Acetylene = Hottest and most efficient fuel gas on the market, making it the preferred product for many applications. It is also the only fuel gas hot enough to weld steel.

Attack lines = Attack hose is designed to be used by trained firefighters to take down fires too dangerous or too large to be extinguished without professional help. These hoses are built to withstand high water pressure and abrasion, giving firefighters the power and range of movement needed to fight a fire.

Hazmat = Abbreviation of Hazardous Materials. Hazmats include such substances as toxic chemicals, fuels, nuclear waste products, and biological, chemical, and radiological agents.

Upper respiratory tract infection = Defined as self-limited irritation and swelling of the upper airways with associated cough with no proof of pneumonia, lacking a separate condition to account for the patients symptoms, or with no history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/emphysema/chronic bronchitis. Upper respiratory tract infections involve the nose, sinuses, pharynx, larynx and the large airways.

Hoistway = a passage (as an elevator shaft) through or along which a thing may be hoisted.

Arroz con pollo picante = Spicy yellow rice with chicken

Nebulizer = Piece of medical equipment that a person with asthma or another respiratory condition can use to administer medication directly and quickly to the lungs. A nebulizer turns liquid medicine into a very fine mist that a person can inhale through a face mask or mouthpiece.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease = COPD is the name for a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties. It includes Emphysema (damage to the air sacs in the lungs) and chronic bronchitis (long term inflammation of the airways).

Emphysema = Lung condition that causes shortness of breath. In people with emphysema, the air sacs in the lungs (alveoli) are damaged. Over time, the inner walls of the air sacs weaken and rupture – creating larger air spaces instead of many small ones.

Skeletal muscle dysfunction = Characterised by impairment in the strength and/or endurance properties of muscles, is a relevant systematic manifestation in patients with chronic cardiac and respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

ComEd = Electricity provider in Northern Illinois.

SSI = Supplemental Security Income

Tamms = Tamms Correctional Centre is a closed Illinois Department of Corrections prison [officially closed since 2013]

Hermanos = Brothers in Spanish

[mister-lady]

whAT?? omg zoos are great and one day i'm gonna take you to one and get you cute stuffed animals from the gift shop and the one where I live has a dinosaur exhibit so if we go to that one I'll make sure to take you on a day that that's open also that one also has a giant aquarium and you can pet the stung rays and it's great!!! but I haven't been there for a while so it might not be as cool as I remember it.. but hopefully it'll still be cool when I'm able to bring you!! I also think they have otters but I don't remember that as well cuz we mostly went through the jungle part and not the.. whatever it was called part that had otters. omg it also had play grounds through out it!!

AAA!!

STINGRAY??? PETT??? YES PLMEASEE!!! AN DINOS?? DINOS ARE RADD AAA!! OH WE SOOO GOTTA GO THAT WOULD JUS BE SO AMAZING!!!! YOU?? PLUS A ZOOO?? IHH CAN THAT GET ANY BETTER???💗💖💗💖💗💖❤💖❤💖❤💖💘💖💘💖❤💖💗💖💗💗💖❤💖❤💖💘💖💘💖💘💖💗💖💕💖💕💖❤💖❤💖💘

[optimisticnightbear]

When raiden is in my universe part 6

 When I get up*I got ready hair down for a change brushing it gently in the meanwhile raiden feed the little one before he had to protect the realm sensed the little cat he wanted to name with me hungry after it was done talked as he left to the door*”Meow!”*the god looking at them around his leg purring*”I got to go to work little one”*the cat talked back*”Meow!”*petts the white cat still a kitten got at an chip if they go outside he knew that but scorpion would return them to him or me*”I know but I will see you after I get back little one”*departing from the white kitten he is still eating his left over food teleported where the his duty commands him to in my world I have a 3-weekend from work worked on a art project for a contest it was beautiful drew it myself from my mind notes for algebra sending to my friends who want them for me always come for me if they need my help raiden saw that in me my spirit showed it felt nice with someone who works hard similar to himself smiled talking out shang tsang once and for all*”Finally a threat to the realm is gone forever”*he checked his pause taking care of any sign of life in this warlock shocking him intel no life come from him rate down*”Now I will take you to the elder gods for judgement”*teleports to the elder gods holding shang tsang in his hand the elder gods appeared*”Elder gods I have brought a big threat of the realm for judgement*the elder gods said*”Thank you raiden bring him”*the god replied*”You are welcome it’s my job to protect the realm for life”*bowed in respect they taken shang tsang for judgement of the elder god*After raiden had talked to fujin*they fought together against more threats at the special forces base mission was interesting kenshi there cleaning his sword santo glowing my name my I come up in his mind*”I hope my goddess is doing well” *kenshi with his son looking at him questioning who about me his heart rate went up*”So raiden you have a goddess I did not know”*the elder god said*”Well I did not want to know that yet kenshi”*everyone looked at him like “Excuse me who is this?” johnny looked at him*”Ra-dude wow you to together?”*I blushed with embarrassment*”No but we are friends johnny cage nothing more”*fujin asked feeling his brother*”Brother I wish to know what she looks like if it is ok with you?”*he thought about it*”Of course fujin*pulls out his phone with a pic of me with him fujin with everyone else looked amazed of my beauty*”Brother she is beautiful”*the wind god feel for me a little*”Thank you brother I feel your falling for her a little should I be concerned?”*fujin blushed put his phone away*”No brother not all all when will we meet her?”*raiden look at him*”Not lit I am ready brother”*johnny said*”Shame she has any abilities ra-dude?”*all the team listening raiden answered*”Yes for tech with strength” *nodding their head fujin was curious thinking”I feel me rn she is being with my dog babies I sense my energy it’s so sweet”* When raiden brings me to his realm*teleports to me resting with the white cat carried my him a little from work laptop closed hair back not to awaken me sit down putting the little one down gently slept with me feeling me tired waited lit I wake up he thought”I know how it is but I want you to be safe in my realm”* looking at me felting it open my eyes to raiden hugs*”Lord raiden how was work?”*he returns the action asking*”Good I have a question goddess”*I nodded listening*”What is it lord raiden?”*the cat gets my attention form *”Meow!”*rubbing against me raiden petting the cat with him*”Hi little one how you get here daddy got you me?”*the cat talked*”Weow”*the god taken care of them of course this little one had loved us both all animals are attracted to both of us*”There a female they medical people told me I wished to name her with you goddess”*I am honored as the cat purrs from both of us giving attention*”I love to how about clouds lord raiden?”*he thought about it loved the name*”I love that name goddess”*the god gets her between us*”you like that name cloud little one”*the cat talk in happyness liking her name*”Weow!”*I say her name*”Hello clouds come to mom”*the white cat recognizes her name comes over rubbing on me purring*”Weow”*the elder god petts clouds as I am*”I wish to bring you to my realm only if you want to goddess”*I think about it*”I love to lord raiden”*he teleports us after I get ready*When we come to the temple*in a bolt a lighting fujin was there in his usual clothes sees me and his brother carrying clouds in his arm rubbing against him putting clouds down*”Ok clouds now be safe little one”*cat rubbing my leg purring*”Love you too clouds”*smiles petting clouds following us , fujin finally got to see me in person not just a picture I had my tank but put my jacket on I was cold when to the view clouds went with us looks amazing similar to the game we sit down clouds laid on me near the elder god petting clouds with me purrs in happiness*”The realm It’s beautiful lord raiden”*he respond feeling it about to rain*”Thank you goddess It will storm soon I advice we get inside”*I understood clouds moews coming down inside fujin wanted to respect his brother but did not want to enrage him in any way with me or clouds*”Your welcome lord raiden.”*Almost fell but carries me down the stairs clouds following us her mom and dad clouds is like our baby*”You will not fall with me or anyone else be careful where you look goddess”*I realized what he meant by I fell a sleep a little*”Your right lord raiden”*blushed the god felt how tired I was let me rest going in his room for me to rest putting me down gently clouds followed us slept with me closed the door got ready for bed ,getting close to me cuddling making sure I comfortable with it sleeping before locking his door*In the morning after*I was still a sleep with clouds on between my arm raiden got up form his alarm going off silening it to not waken me gets ready for work left after he got ready left a note where I was”Hello goddess I must defend the realm will take out the cat food for clouds to feed her see you when I return home from lord raiden”*put the pen down putting the note on my side of the bed with clouds petting then left to the threats of the realm teleporting in a bolt of lightning remembering my face *When I wake up*I wake up as the sunrises to my face with clouds stretching*”Weow!”*I saw me in his room every nice elegant traditional with the note reading it clouds got up fujin knocked on the door*”Brother you awake?”*I got up from his bed unlocking the door fujin seeing me holding the note form his brother clouds around my leg*”Morning fujin”*he smiled seeing his brother’s friend finally*”Morning goddess”*fujin blushed as he saw my beauty, walked to the kitchen saw the cat food in the cover feed clouds the food in the bowl walked over smelling it eating fujin loved little one asked the name meeting me before going to work*”What is the name of the little one goddess?”*I answered taking my jacket off revealing my tank*”The littles name is clouds me and your brother named her together”*he had left for work but said*”I got to go to work but lit I see you again goddess”*I replied*”Be safe fujin lit I see you again”*I sit down folding my jacket drinking some green tea fresh form the tea bag in a white mug enjoying the moment*”This is nice temple the detail is amazing”*I looked at the view with clouds purring as I was playing some youtube my phone was loud enough to hear from a distance sub zero heard it up the temple singing a part he become curious sneaking in who it was with the lovely voice clouds loved it purring as I pet her next thing I knew I was being watch by sub zero without my knowing it clouds warned me*”Meow”*I bend down to clouds*”What is it clouds someone here?”*clouds talked*”Meow!”*sub zero knew did not know clouds had a mom but revealed himself after I walked back up on my phone lost my balance  the ninja saw it caught me with my phone clouds talked*”Meow”*rubbing against his leg purring he loved her immediately I thought I seen right carried me up the view holding my phone clouds following sub zero making sure I did not get hurt*”Sub Zero how you do that.”*he stopped me*”I am fast enough to do more than that fighting wise goddess”*I looked at sub zero*”You know what raiden calls me sub zero?”*he nodded*”Yes raiden had talked to me before he got you here to see you where to lose your balance etc”*I listened as I sit down with cloud talking*”Meow”*sub zero pet her on my lap*”Clouds is the name am I not mistaken?”*I nodded agreeing*”Yes that is her name she likes you sub zero”*looks at the white kitten purring*”Indeed she does your the mom I see”*I listened petting clouds*”Yes she choose me raiden loves her with me”*he nodded with saying*”I see you named her with raiden?”*I said*”Yes we did sub zero”*sub zero had to go but said*”I have to lin que business lit I see you again goddess”*I replied*”Alright be safe sub zero lit I see you again”*the ninja left out of the sky temple leaving me and cloud down the stairs to explore the temple by my side got my jacket on I felt someone was watching me again dark raiden was right behind me carried clouds to raiden’s room locking it from the inside staying there lit he come home praying to the elder gods it’s not a threat of the realm raiden hearing it felt me got 2 of his sons to watch for any threats coming in they saw dark raiden knocking I put my phone on silent texting raiden*”Lord raiden I don’t mean to disturb you but there is someone in the sky temple”*the ding when off as he training with fujin looking at his brother felt what he felt I heard it but harder his 2 sons attacked him making him teleport away for now plan b*

[tricksheart]

Send me a ★ and I’ll bold what applies to your muse. ( accepting from mutuals ).

@despairfiles​ said:  ★ Dracula, ofc

I like you / I hate you / I dislike you/ I love you / You are family / I would take a bullet for you / I would shoot you / I would lie to your face / I would say something cruel to you on purpose / I would say something cruel to you accidentally  /  I would physically hurt you / You annoy me/ You amuse me / I’d laugh at you / I’d laugh with you / I’d manipulate you / You scare me / You confuse me / I wish I knew you better / I trust you / I don’t trust you / You inspire me / I consider you an equal / You are beneath me / You’re better than me / I would trust you with my life / I think you’re mean / I think you’re petty / I think you’re childish / I think you’re smart / I think you’re stupid / I think you’re a bad person / I think you’re a good person / I’m not sure what kind of person you are / I wish you would listen to me / I want to make you proud / I wish you would notice me / I want to impress you / I would hurt other people for you / I’m not sure how to make you happy / I’m a bad influence on you /  We make a great team / I would trust you with my most treasured belonging / I would tell you my darkest secrets / You disgust me / You intimidate me / I hope I intimidate you / I’d hug you / I’d let you hug me  / I’m scared of losing you / I don’t think you like me / I want to be better for you / I respect you / I don’t respect you / You’re my mentor / You’re my friend / You’re my best friend / I could easily watch you die /  / I’d party with you / I’d comfort you / I’d prank you /  I’d act behind your back / I’d abandon you / I’d hurt you to get what I want / I would choose my happiness over yours / I would choose your happiness over mine / I despise how much I care for you / I need you / I’m dependent on you / I don’t know what I’d do without you / I’m scared of you leaving me / I’d give my life for you / You frustrate me / I’d call for you in a time of need / I would protect you / I’d visit you in hospital / I’d carry you if you were hurt / I’d feel guilty if I hurt you / I’d let you be near me when I am vulnerable / I’d ignore a phone call from you / I’d call you at 3am / I’d break you out of jail / I’d get angry at you / I would shout at you / You’re too loud / You’re too quiet / You’re too sensitive / You can’t take a joke / You embarrass me / I feel nothing for you / You’re reckless / You’re bossy / You bore me / I would ask your advice / I would blame you for something I did / I would cry in your arms / You have the power to hurt me more than anyone else /

[heartxshaped-bruises]

✗   Send me a ★  and I’ll bold what applies to your muse.   @x-brokencrowns​ said: ❝ ★ Emry&Kasimyr ❞  

Kasimyr && Emry

I like you / I hate you / I dislike you / I love you / Fuck, you’re hot / You are family / I would take a bullet for you / I would shoot you / I would lie to your face / I would say something cruel to you on purpose / I would say something cruel to you accidentally  / I would cheat on you / I would physically hurt you / You annoy me/ You amuse me / I’d laugh at you / I’d laugh with you / I’d manipulate you / You scare me / You confuse me / I wish I knew you better / I trust you / I don’t trust you / You inspire me / I consider you an equal / You are beneath me / You’re better than me / I would trust you with my life / I think you’re mean / I think you’re petty / I think you’re childish / I think you’re smart / I think you’re stupid / I think you’re a bad person / I think you’re a good person / I’m not sure what kind of person you are / I wish you would listen to me / I want to make you proud / I wish you would notice me / I want to impress you / I would hurt other people for you

I’m not sure how to make you happy / I’m a bad influence on you / You deserve better than me / We make a great team / I’d have a one night stand with you / I’d have a relationship with you / I would marry you / I fantasize about our life together / I would trust you with my most treasured belonging / I would tell you my darkest secrets / You disgust me / You intimidate me / I hope I intimidate you / I’d hug you / I’d let you hug me  / I’m scared of losing you / I don’t think you like me / I want to be better for you / I respect you / I don’t respect you / You’re my mentor / You’re my friend / You’re my best friend / I have a crush on you / I could easily watch you die / I’d get drunk with you / I’d party with you / I’d comfort you / I’d prank you / I’d spike your drink / I’d act behind your back / I’d abandon you / I’d hurt you to get what I want / I would choose my happiness over yours / I would choose your happiness over mine

I despise how much I care for you / I need you / I’m dependent on you / I don’t know what I’d do without you / I’m scared of you leaving me / I’d give my life for you / You frustrate me / I’d call for you in a time of need / I would protect you / I’d visit you in hospital / I’d carry you if you were hurt / I’d feel guilty if I hurt you / I’d let you be near me when I am vulnerable / I’d ignore a phone call from you / I’d call you at 3am / I’d break you out of jail / I’d get angry at you / I would shout at you / You’re too loud / You’re too quiet / You’re too sensitive / You can’t take a joke / You embarrass me / I feel nothing for you / You’re reckless / You’re bossy / You bore me / I would ask your advice / I would blame you for something I did / I would cry in your arms / You have the power to hurt me more than anyone else /

[gabbyfluffy]

𝓓𝓸𝓷'𝓽 𝓒𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓜𝓮 𝓐𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓵

                                               chapter seven

The three girls rushed to the door, and standing there was a very beautiful and petite girl with beautiful green eyes and caramel wavy hair; Eloa was looking at her with her mouth open and Diana smiled to herself. Looks like someone made an impact, she thought with a little smirk. “Y-You’re not supposed to be here, you’re early” Emma looked at the three girls, and Diana noticed that her eyes had stopped on Eloa. “You’re the girl that we hit when we were entering” Eloa pointed a finger angrily at her, and Emma shrugged “Yeaaaaah, I was kind of in a hurry. So, can you guys introduce yourself? I mean, I was looking for roommates, but the weird guy that  called only told me that you were three girls one year younger than me.” So she was fifteen and didn’t know anything about our little secret. Fantastic. “I’m Ariel, this is Diana and she’s Eloa” Emma smiled and waved. She was about the same height as Ariel, and only a little smaller than Diana. Emma showed some groceries she had just bought “Sooo... help me?” they each picked up a plastic bag and entered the kitchen. “Where does the pasta go?”

“Up there” she pointed to a cabinet and Ariel put the pasta inside.

“And the fruit?” Eloa was examining a strawberry

“In the fridge?” Emma looked at her with confused expression and Eloa blushed. “I... It was a joke ok?” she said rather sharply, and Emma just nodded. They continued storing the aliments until there was nothing left. “Um, Emma, can I... can I take a shower?” Diana nervously tugged one of her curls, and Emma frowned “Of course, make yourself at home!” Diana rushed to her room and brought her luggage with her. She started unpacking it, until she saw something comfortable: an oversize peach t-shirt and golden training shorts. She hopped into the shower and took a lot of time untangling her long, messy hair, and then she applied her usual coconut body cream. She heard strange voices in the other room, so she went to check. The three girls were sitting in the sofa gawking at a thin and big, grey rectangle. She didn’t see the fun of that, but when she turned around to see it from  their perspective, she saw that there were images. Moving images. She looked at how thin the rectangle was, and then looked at the images again. “What is this?” Emma looked extremely worried “Why have the three of you asked me what a TV is?! Have you never watched television?!”

“So it’s a type of magic called tele vision?”

“No, it’s electricity, somebody recorded this, and they made a movie”

“movie” Diana savoured the word “MOVIE” she said it a little louder and the three girls looked at her, making pink blotches appear in her cheeks. “I’m just gonna- can I sit and see?” Emma patted  the seat next to her but she just took a blanket, pu it over herself and curled in the carpet. Her mother had never let her sat in the sofa, she always had to sit on the floor. She knew it was stupid, but she was afraid her mother would come and hit her if she sat in the sofa. What if I accidently scratch it? Or get it dirty? Emma crouched down and put a hand, making her flinch and back away “Diana, why don’t you come and join us in the sofa? Are you ok?” she tried to touch her again, but Diana got up quickly “I was- I should go to sleep” She carefully folded the blanket and headed to her room quickly, shutting the door. “Inhale Diana... Exhale” she repeated this to herself until she calmed down and sat on the bed “Where’s Noodles?” she looked around for her pett, but only a little white ferret with pink eyes appeared. “NOODLES? WHAT DID THEY DO TO YOU BABY?!” the ferret run around and found a comfortable spot in her neck. Ok, this is definitely Noodles. She remembered god’s words: <<They will be allowed to bring one suitcase and their pets, although they will have to be... transformed when there’s human presence>>. “What are you exactly? You’re a furry snake with legs. And white.” Noodles looked at her curled up in her chest. “Yeah, we should go to sleep”.

The next morning Diana woke up to a sweet smell, and Noodles was on top of the studying desk, she was making a high piched noise and running around happy. “Noodles, please shut up” the ferret jumped onto the bed and then run all over her so she would wake up, the hopped back to the desk. “What do you want?” She stood up and saw a little plastic rectangle, with a foto of herself and a little name followed by numbers “Diana Lewis” “This isn’t me silly, i’m Diana Leliel. Did you steal this?” Noodles showed her something she had in her hands “A note?” She opened the paper and read the simple message <<This is your name now, Leliel isn’t a very common surname. Love, God>> “This guy’s an idiot. What’s this?” She held a blue card, but before she could say anything, someone knocked at her door. “Come in!” Emma popped inside and closed after her “Hey Di, can I call you Di? Well I’m really sorry about yesterday, and breakfast’s ready”

“Yeah, you can call me Di, and you didn’t do anything wrong yesterday, it’s... it’s just me. I’m wrong. But well, doesn’t matter, what’s for breakfast? And do you know what this is?” Diana showed her the blue card and she nodded “Yeah, it’s a credit card”

“What’s it for?”

“For taking money out of the bank”

“I can’t rob a bank with this. What is a bank anyways?”

“It’s a place where they store money. And that’s not for stealing, you put it in a machine and it spits out the money”

“For free?” Emma frowned. She diArid that a lot. “Well, not exactly, I’ll explain to you later” Diana nodded, and just when she was going to get out, Emma took her hand. “Can I... can i hug you?” she stiffed a little, not a lot of people had hugged her, and none had asked. She nodded and Emma hugged her warmly, she felt the urge to cry, to scream, to tell her everything, but she just hid her face in the crook of her neck. A nock interrupted both of them and Eloa looked at them scowling. “Breakfast’s ready”.

Next chapter

[this-aint-a-party-poison]

★

I like you / I hate you / I dislike you/ I love you / You are family / I would take a bullet for you / I would shoot you / I would lie to your face / I would say something cruel to you on purpose / I would say something cruel to you accidentally  / I would cheat on you / I would physically hurt you / You annoy me/ You amuse me / I’d laugh at you / I’d laugh with you / I’d manipulate you / You scare me / You confuse me / I wish I knew you better / I trust you / I don’t trust you / You inspire me / I consider you an equal / You are beneath me / You’re better than me / I would trust you with my life / I think you’re mean / I think you’re petty / I think you’re childish / I think you’re smart / I think you’re stupid / I think you’re a bad person / I think you’re a good person / I’m not sure what kind of person you are / I wish you would listen to me / I want to make you proud / I wish you would notice me / I want to impress you / I would hurt other people for you / I’m not sure how to make you happy / I’m a bad influence on you / You deserve better than me / We make a great team / I’d have a one night stand with you / I’d have a relationship with you / I would marry you / I fantasize about our life together / I would trust you with my most treasured belonging / I would tell you my darkest secrets / You disgust me / You intimidate me / I hope I intimidate you / I’d hug you / I’d let you hug me  / I’m scared of losing you / I don’t think you like me / I want to be better for you / I respect you / I don’t respect you / You’re my mentor / You’re my friend / You’re my best friend / I have a crush on you / I could easily watch you die / I’d get drunk with you / I’d party with you / I’d comfort you / I’d prank you / I’d spike your drink / I’d act behind your back / I’d abandon you / I’d hurt you to get what I want / I would choose my happiness over yours / I would choose your happiness over mine / I despise how much I care for you / I need you / I’m dependent on you / I don’t know what I’d do without you / I’m scared of you leaving me / I’d give my life for you / You frustrate me / I’d call for you in a time of need / I would protect you / I’d visit you in hospital / I’d carry you if you were hurt / I’d feel guilty if I hurt you / I’d let you be near me when I am vulnerable / I’d ignore a phone call from you / I’d call you at 3am / I’d break you out of jail / I’d get angry at you / I would shout at you / You’re too loud / You’re too quiet / You’re too sensitive / You can’t take a joke / You embarrass me / I feel nothing for you / You’re reckless / You’re bossy / You bore me / I would ask your advice / I would blame you for something I did / I would cry in your arms / You have the power to hurt me more than anyone else /

[mtr-amg]

Letter to my sister 8th January 2020

It genuinely worries me that you read The Australian and that you think it is a great newspaper.

The day you sent that message I took a few minutes to find some Murdoch press stories. But I didn’t send them to you. I’m doing that now. These are all from the same day. [19th December 2019]

No. the BOM does not do that.

What? Impeaching Trump is preposterous… I mean it’s not like there is mountains of evidence to prove their case. And he WAS impeached.

Oh no, wait…

Fox news says he wasn’t impeached. It was a ‘sham’. [I honestly thought this could not possibly be real … but it is.]

David Shoebridge is not the PM. He’s not even a federal politician; he’s part of the New South Wales Legislative Council. As opposed to the NSW emergency services minister who went to Europe and that really WAS a problem.

So? To shout about Obama playing golf is irrelevant; the man is a private citizen, he can play all the golf he wants. The President on the other hand…

From some other Aussie Murdoch presses:

Yeah… nah.

We do have an effect, even if it it’s just by refusing to comply, which then suggests to some other countries that they, too could use creative accounting with carbon credits. We contribute far more than we should to CO2 emissions by selling coal and gas to other countries. And as an added point, the percentage is exactly the same as our percentage of troops in WWI but we didn’t bow out of that. 

Extinction rebellion mob? What even… if she wants to talk about the sales do it, but she can’t resist another swipe at climate change activists.

‘Weaponise’ health for political reasons? Shake my head.

I also found an article that reported the Australian had printed 86,000 words in anti-trans articles since June 2019. I have no clue why they are so terrified of people who chose to embrace a different sex than the one they were born with. Other people’s genitals are none of our business. This kind of hate will result in people being hurt.

But today [8th Jan 2020] the Murdoch press has published a story that there is a wave of Arson in Australia with 182 people arrested and charged. This is complete crap. 

The Victorian premier just said none of the fires in Victoria were deliberately lit. NONE.

This is also combined with a bot swarm hitting FB, twitter and other sites blaming the bushfires on Muslim Greens/Greenies eco-terrorists who light the fires to save the animals or some such trash. It makes absolutely no sense but in an environment where people are looking for someone to blame; they are being supplied with the wrong information. They are everywhere and it has reached America where the false stories are being accepted as true. And the maps of the burnt part are just ridiculous.

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jan/08/twitter-bots-trolls-australian-bushfires-social-media-disinformation-campaign-false-claims

I don’t know who is behind the bot swarm. They can be easy to spot; on twitter it’s a name plus 6 or 8 digits. Check the location. If they say their house burnt down and their location is Turkey, it’s clearly a fake.

But someone is stumping up the cash to buy Australian located bots, which are significantly more expensive, and much harder to identify.

There is an insane claim all over FB that the government has created the bushfire crisis to clear land for high-speed rail. Another absurd claim is that Islamic State is somehow responsible.

It is all leading to confusion between the VERY CLEAR links of climate change and increasing natural disasters.

And the only industry to benefit from that is the fossil fuel industry.

We knew back in 1982 when I was studying geology that we should have been moving into an ice age and were not. We knew that fossil fuels damaged the environment.  We knew that all the people who were experts in this area got their ‘dream’ jobs with Shell or BP or whoever and were quietly and efficiently muffled. Those companies offered whatever price they needed to pull these experts out of university labs where their results would have been published and freely available and shut them down. [I don’t blame the scientists, everyone has a price]

We knew about the Greenhouse Effect as it was called then. Margaret Thatcher [!!] made a speech in 1989 about how dangerous it was and how the whole world needed to combat it. This isn’t new, and it isn’t faked.

Re watch An Inconvenient Truth. That was 2006. I remember sitting in the cinema with my children and crying because I knew the world would do fuck all about it.

Ross Garnaut made his report about all this years ago. In it, he said 2020 was the year it would all get very much worse for Australia..

Labor brought in a carbon tax that made a measurable difference to our emissions, and the LNP repealed it. And did their happy dance in the parliament.

Scott Morrison is the PM because the Liberal Party wouldn’t let Malcolm Turnbull pass an energy policy that addressed climate change.

Hazard reduction burns are not the ambit of the Greens. They aren’t even in power anywhere. The budget CUTS to the fire services have more to do with it. And the longer hot season. You can’t hazard burn when it’s too hot. Combined with greater rainfall and a larger growth of vegetation that needs to be reduced.

You are a gardener. You stood in my yard twelve years ago and told me it had got so warm in Brisbane that you didn’t get autumn leaves any more. You knew climate change was real back then, but now you parrot things The Australian and the Murdoch press have told you to think.

We should not be deriding Greta Thunberg for being a child. We should be horrified that we need children to point out to us what is wrong. They have to live in this charred and polluted world we are leaving them.

Murdoch press has damaged democracy in all the places where it publishes.

You need to stop reading it or watching it. Your friends are right.

This cartoon from Joel Pett is ten years old. And it is so accurate it hurts.

[iamwhelmed]

Possession

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Summary: A spirit takes control of Max’s mind and body for the day, and does something a little peculiar to distract Isaac when he gets too close to figuring it all out. Now, the two-- or, more accurately-- Isaac, deal(s) with the aftermath. After all, Max still remembers everything that happened, so why won’t he talk to Isaac about that... thing?

So, he guessed they weren’t gonna talk about it.

They weren’t going to discuss the paranatural elephant in the room, or in this case, whatever Max was feeling about the situation, let alone how he felt.

It wasn’t like they hadn’t run into spirits that took over bodies before-- Hijack being one particularly memorable example-- it just usually didn’t take them so long to figure it out. Puppett (Puh-Pett, not puppet) had done an excellent job of masquerading as Max the whole day, made a few good snarky remarks here and there and pulled enough backflips out of awkward situations to genuinely fool Isabel and Ed and even Mister Spender... even Isaac.

He coughed into his hand, cheeks turning red as he glanced away.

That had all been earlier in the day, around noon and earlier, and Isaac had to say-- the affects of Puppett still hadn’t entirely worn off... on him.

He had never been possessed by her.

Max, on the other hand, seemed just fine for being the sock on a spirit’s conniving hand, and everyone else-- but Isaac-- seemed happy about that.

“Is there a reason you won’t stop looking at me?”

“Wh-what? I-I’m not--!” Isaac twisted his head his the other direction, avoiding the heated, annoyed gaze Max sent in his direction. “Sh-shut up!” He said he remembered everything. He said that he was well aware of everything Puppett did with him under her control, and the sheer fact that he wasn’t fumbling over himself in Isaac’s company after what Puppett did, the fact that he was acting like things were perfectly normal between them, well...

That had to mean it was all Puppett.

If he had to guess, he would have thought her powers revolved around distant manipulation and astute observation, what with the way she clearly read him like she did.

Towards the end of third period, he’d started catching onto her, started seeing the magenta in Max’s blue eyes-- and he’d looked into his eyes well enough to know there was never any trace of magenta. He bit down a whine, internally cringing at his own overdramatic, romantic behavior. He’d stared a little too long at him on their way passed each other to fourth period; that had to have been what clued her into him being clued into her-- because it was at lunch time that she tried to distract him the only way she possibly could without attracting too much attention.

And Max acted like it never happened.

Isaac blew out of his nose sharply, digging his hands into his pockets, consciously falling a few steps behind Max, who seemed just as oblivious to his disappointment as he did earlier that day. Whatever, Fine. It didn’t happen. It didn’t count. He was stupid for hoping for anything else.

He raised one hand to his lips, tips of his fingers brushing against the skin, against the place he could still feel Max’s lips. He remembered the pressure, the way Max’s hand felt against the nook of his neck, the way they melded together, and how gently he’d been handled, like Max had been cautious in the act, and brave in the venture. He’d tasted like potato chips and off-brand soda, and even when he’d gone to pull away, Max followed him with another kiss, and another.

But that hadn’t been Max.

Isaac grimaced, squeezing his eyes shut as he raised his sleeve to his mouth and scrubbed the surface clean-- red, swollen, skinned, and clean.

Max glanced back at him over his shoulder, one eyebrow raised, lips quirking in that way they always did when he was trying to keep himself from dropping to his knees in hysterical laughter. “Um, what are you doing?”

“Nothing.”

“Sure looks like something.”

Isaac couldn’t be mad at him, he guessed. Max had no reason to go “Hey! Remember that I kissed you today? Except it wasn’t me and I was under an evil, world-dominating spirit’s control? Yeah! This isn’t awkward!” It would, in all honesty, only serve to embarrass both of them. Why would he bring it up? Ya know, unless he wanted to clarify that he did actually like him like that... which apparently he didn’t. He sighed and shrugged, trying his best to be nonchalant. “Just... trying to get a bad taste out of my mouth.”

Max halted for a moment, eyes wide, lips in a thin line. Isaac turned around, pausing to let Max catch up with him, whenever that would be. “Umm?”

Max said nothing, just watched him with the same, insulted expression. He didn’t even move, and for a moment, Isaac had to look around and be sure he hadn’t walked into a spiritual cobweb or something of the sort. Was there something on the edge of attack? He glanced around-- no, nothing. “Max?”

He seemed to blink, and shake himself out of his train of thought, grimace still etching wider, more prominently, across his face. “I-I’m fine. Just” he started walking again, eventually catching up, then passing Isaac. “Just had to take a moment to consider something... Hey Isaac?”

“Yeah?”

“Are you mad about what happened earlier or...?” He felt his face burn again, and he glanced away. Max sighed beside him. “... I thought so. Isaac, look--”

Before he knew what he was doing, he’d raised both hands up in defense, one corner of his skinned lips twitching. “It’s cool! I know! You were under Puppett’s control! It’s cool! We’re cool! Everything’s cool!”

Max watched him with the face he used to deliver his annoyingly deadpan jokes, eye unblinking, lips in a straight line. “Isaac.”

“Hey! It’s about time to wrap up afternoon patrol, don’t you think?” He twisted on his heel, miming shotguns in the direction of the clubroom. “Let’s mark this conversation down as settled, shall we?”

“Would you just--!” Max reached out and gripped him by the shoulders, and usually that might have stopped him in his tracks, but the earlier memory, the familiar pull of Max’s hand tugging him closer, made him fight-- made him pull away because he couldn’t stand to be that breath-takingly close to his face again. “Stop! Hey!”

“Let! Go!”

“Just listen to me for a-- Isaac!”

He froze, eyes falling to the floor because Max was just too, too much to look at right then. Max didn’t move, didn’t take a single chance that he’d go off running, and he was right not to, because getting away was the only thing on his mind right then. “Would you just sit still and have a conversation with me like a normal flipping person?”

“Sorry...”

“Look,” Max’s hands loosened at his shoulders, but moving wasn’t a risk he dare take. “I wasn’t in control of--”

“--your body, I know--”

“--Isaac, just let me finish--”

“-- I get it, okay? You don’t have to explain--”

Max’s hands tightened around his shoulders.

“-- Isaac, I’m trying to tell you--”

“-- anything to me! I know you would never--”

“-- OH FOR FLIP SAKE!”

Isaac jumped when Max kissed him again, body gravitating closer almost naturally as their lips melded for the second-- maybe third or fourth-- time that day. His eyes were wide, but Max’s were shut tight, brows furrowed, nose pressing into his uncomfortably as he grew even closer. It was less tender than the other kiss, and messier, but it was a kiss nevertheless, and Isaac melted in his hands.

Almost literally.

Blood rushed from his legs to his cheeks, leaving them pink and glowing as his knees buckled; he fell forward into Max, tips of his shoes turning inwards and brushing together and he lost control of his feet. His eyes didn’t quite close, but they were around halfway there by the time Max was pulling away. Much to his surprise, Max held him there, kept him upright, probably because he could tell he’d fall to the floor in a mess of feelings if he let him.

Max’s cheeks were red versus his pink, eyes wide, challenging him.

And then he realized he was waiting for him to say something.

Isaac popped up straight, hands pressing and pushing back against Max’s chest as he struggled to straighten himself out, but Max kept him close with a firm hand, eyes narrowing. He was shorter, dang it! He shouldn’t have been so intimidating! “I-I- wha--?”

Max’s eyes fell lidded, nose scrunching. “Really? That’s all you have to say?”

“Y-you kissed me!”

“Yeah! And it was really me this time!” Max paused, face turning an even darker shade of red, closer to crimson than blood. Both of them, at this point, were red, gushing, messes of emotion, bordering on explosion as the silent seconds ticked by in what felt like excruciating minutes.

Isaac stuffed his face in his hands, chin to ears burning red hot and tingly. He felt like somebody hot turned the heater on in the middle of summer in a house he couldn’t leave. “I-- bu-- guh-- why?”

Max’s snark face was back, and Isaac had never wanted to punch a deadpan expression before so much in his entire thirteen-year life. “I’ll give you three guesses.”

“I mea-- I mean I know why, I- I just don’t--!”

“Guess I broke the Isaac machine.”

“Max.”

“I’ll have to take my money elsewhere.”

“Max!”

“Seriously though, dude, you get it, right? I don’t have to say it?” Isaac nodded with no words because he couldn’t think of any good ones and his entire body felt like it was short-circuiting, and Max nodded right back. “Cool.”

Cool, indeed. Mister Spender called them back to the classroom soon after, signaling the end of the school day at long, painful last. Neither Isaac nor Max brought up Puppett again after that, but one wouldn’t say it was like it never happened. Isaac, for his part, was less angry a lot of the time, smiled more, even if it was just at Max. Max, who afterwards had taken to backhandedly flirting at off moments, side comments like “My eyes are here, but that poltergeist’s eyes are up there, Ginger Sprinkles” and, one time after Isaac caught him mid-fatal-fall with a storm cloud: “Really swept me off my feet this time, huh?”

They still snarked at each other (uh... Max still did most of that), and threw punches (Isaac was guilty of this one, though he felt guilty when the electricity his body naturally conjured what was meant to be a playful tap to the arm a more “shocking” punt across the schoolyard). Puppett was a memory, not exactly bittersweet but neither good nor bad. Isaac, somewhere along the way, had come to the conclusion that what they had was obvious, that Puppett had merely manipulated a variable that he and Max should have already acknowledged; Max, despite never speaking a word of it, seemed to have known that before Isaac had. There hadn’t been another kiss, but there had been wordless touches to shoulders and conversations they could leave unspoken if they just looked at each other.

He wasn’t sure what they were, if they were boyfriends or friends or just more-than-friends, but what was more than clear was this: Max belonged to Isaac; Isaac belonged to Max. What everybody had known long before Isaac did had become a simple truth. He was his, and the labels didn’t really mean anything-- at least they didn’t have to yet.

[androsswannabe]

★

[ Send me a ★ and I’ll bold what applies to your muse.| Accepting! ]

I like you / I hate you / I dislike you / I love you / Youare family / I would take a bullet for you / I would shoot you / I would lie toyour face / I would say something cruel to you on purpose / I would saysomething cruel to you accidentally  / Iwould cheat on you / I would physically hurt you / You annoy me / You amuse me /I’d laugh at you / I’d laugh with you / I’d manipulate you / You scare me / Youconfuse me / I wish I knew you better / I trust you / I don’t trust you / Youinspire me / I consider you an equal / You are beneath me / You’re better thanme / I would trust you with my life / I think you’re mean / I think you’repetty / I think you’re childish / I think you’re smart / I think you’re stupid/ I think you’re a bad person / I think you’re a good person / I’m not surewhat kind of person you are / I wish you would listen to me / I want to makeyou proud / I wish you would notice me / I want to impress you / I would hurtother people for you / I’m not sure how to make you happy / I’m a bad influenceon you / You deserve better than me / We make a great team / I’d have a onenight stand with you / I’d have a relationship with you / I would marry you / Ifantasize about our life together / I would trust you with my most treasuredbelonging / I would tell you my darkest secrets / You disgust me / Youintimidate me / I hope I intimidate you / I’d hug you / I’d let you hug me  / I’m scared of losing you / I don’t think youlike me / I want to be better for you / I respect you / I don’t respect you /You’re my mentor / You’re my friend / You’re my best friend / I have a crush onyou / I could easily watch you die / I’d get drunk with you / I’d party withyou / I’d comfort you / I’d prank you / I’d spike your drink / I’d act behindyour back / I’d abandon you / I’d hurt you to get what I want / I would choosemy happiness over yours / I would choose your happiness over mine / I despisehow much I care for you / I need you / I’m dependent on you / I don’t know whatI’d do without you / I’m scared of you leaving me / I’d give my life for you / Youfrustrate me / I’d call for you in a time of need / I would protect you / I’dvisit you in hospital / I’d carry you if you were hurt / I’d feel guilty if Ihurt you / I’d let you be near me when I am vulnerable / I’d ignore a phonecall from you / I’d call you at 3am / I’d break you out of jail / I’d get angryat you / I would shout at you / You’re too loud / You’re too quiet / You’re toosensitive / You can’t take a joke / You embarrass me / I feel nothing for you /You’re reckless / You’re bossy / You bore me / I would ask your advice / Iwould blame you for something I did / I would cry in your arms / You have the power to hurt me more than anyone else