#Cougar gaming chairs

[taintedco]

These gaming chairs are selling out FAST! Get yours now. Use discount code 215U for 10% off!

[a-fluffer-nutter]

Under the Table

A/N - Day 3 of Tickletober! Here is Prank, with Aizawa and Yamada. I hope you all enjoy.

Word Count: 1,264

       Pranking your grouchy husband never ends well. This was the realization Yamada had made the second he had heard Aizawa yell at him from across the apartment. By the tone of his voice, it did not seem that Aizawa appreciated Yamada replacing all his outfits with vibrant colored jumpsuits. Of course, Aizawa’s actual attire was hidden in a bin under their bed, but this wasn't known at the time, nor was it the point. The point was that Yamada was screwed. 

      Yamada needed to hide; fast. Leaving their apartment was a bad idea, the students would see him. Aizawa was too fast to just run from, he'd be caught in seconds. He needed to hide. Of course, he knew that hiding was just prolonging the inevitable, however it was certainly the safest option. Perhaps Aizawa would tire himself out before finding him. A foolish thought, really, but that's all Yamada could rely on at this very moment. 

      With Aizawa in their bedroom and Yamada in the kitchen, there was a limited number of options for him. Best case scenario would have been Eri’s room as hiding under a mountain of plush toys would be a piece of cake. However, Aizawa was bound to see him running through the living room with their bedroom door leading straight into the main living space. This also removes the possibility of hiding in one of the bathrooms. The kitchen pantry was a good option, but predictable. Under the table, however, was the next best thing. 

       Slipping under the tablecloth as swiftly and silently as he could, Yamada tucked himself against the wall on the far side of the small table, avoiding the three wooden chairs. Hugging his legs, Yamada rested his chin on his knee and stared at the warm colored tablecloth. It was time to wait and listen. 

        Aizawa could be silent when stalking villains or, in this case, hunting down his husband. Typically, when Yamada pranked Aizawa, it was when the underground hero had a deadline he had to meet. Today, he had nothing except for his eventual nighttime patrol, which wasn't for another few hours. Alas, instead of just grumbling his displeasure, he was allowed to have some fun with it today. 

         Heart threatening to pound through his ribs, Yamada covered his mouth with one hand, attempting to steady his breathing by only breathing through his nose. A thud from the other room caused his body to recoil; the couch had been lifted and dropped carelessly. Biting his lip to prevent a chuckle from escaping, Yamada could tell that Aizawa was in a playful mood. Normally, Aizawa would silently roam around the apartment like a cougar stalking his prey, but not today. His husband was toying with him, allowing this game of cat and mouse to drag on for longer than normal. 

        From there, Yamada listened to his husband's soft footsteps as he searched around the living room. Next, the sound of a door creaking open told Yamada that Aizawa was now in Eri’s room. The young girl was with Mirio that afternoon, the two of them went off to see a stage production of some kind. Yamada didn't quite remember what they were seeing, but Eri’s enthusiasm for it had definitely been a highlight of his week. With Eri gone, Aizawa had to actually look around her room, instead of just asking whether or not Yamada was in there. Eri was a wildcard in their relationship, her loyalty being a coin flip on who she would side with any given day for something like this. Though she was never the best liar. Even if she were home and she had been siding with Yamada, Aizawa could see right through her poker face. Granted, her poker face looked a lot more like a lopsided grin and delightful bubbly giggles, so a person didn't have to be a trained pro hero to tell if she was lying or not. At least she was adorable. 

       Not too long after he entered, Aizawa slammed the door shut. The hairs on the back of Yamada’s neck rose as an invisible claw of anticipation scratched down his spine. He knew where his husband was going next, and he knew this game was about to be over. 

        Aizawa padded softly into the kitchen and stood in the doorway for a minute. Yamada may not have been able to physically see him, but he could certainly imagine what his husband was doing: eyes shut, and breath held, all focus on his sense of hearing. The two men let out a breath at the same time, Yamada wanting to be as in sync as possible so Aizawa couldn't hear him. 

       Walking over to the pantry, Aizawa swung the door open and stared into the small room. Letting out a huff, Aizawa stepped into the pantry and grabbed a box, some sort of snack from what Yamada could hear by the contents within. He listened as Aizawa closed the door and began to walk toward the table, with his blood freezing in his veins the second his husband pulled back one of the chairs, letting it squeal across the tile floor. Sitting down with a grunt and the sound of his back popping, Aizawa began to eat the dry cereal by the fist full. 

       “Want some?” Aizawa said with his mouth full, reaching his hand beneath the table with a handful of Cheerios. He chuckled to himself when he felt Yamada's soft fingers gingerly take the offered food. “Want me to wreck your shit here or in the bedroom?”

      “Here's fine,” Yamada swallowed the last piece. “Eri isn't gonna be home for a while.”

      “Sounds good. You done eating?” 

      “Yeah.”

       “Good,” Aizawa replied, then quickly stood up and pushed the table aside, revealing his hiding husband. Smirking down at the blond man, Aizawa lovingly looked him over, admiring how his long hair framed his face and how his glasses always fell down to the top of his nose when he was seated. 

       “Like what you see?” Yamada waggled his eyebrows as he flashed Aizawa a warm smile. 

       “Oh, yes I do,” Aizawa said before pouncing. 

        Yamada didn't struggle whatsoever when his husband pinned him to the floor, both wrists held in one strong hand above his head. Situating himself on Yamada's hips so they were both comfortable, Aizawa’s irises reddened like embers alighting from coals. His raven black hair lifted, raised as if gravity had ceased to exist. Quirk fully activated, Aizawa attacked. 

       Laugh squeaky and of a higher pitch, Yamada threw his head back as his husband clawed into one armpit, then the other, switching it up randomly to get the best results. Enjoying this technique for a while, Aizawa decided to switch it up and bring his hand down to lift Yamada's shirt, rolling the fabric up to the middle of his chest. 

       “Shouta,” Yamada warned, though the undertone of his voice was all but serious. 

       “What's wrong ‘Zashi?” Aizawa teased, his voice low and gravely. 

        Before Yamada could answer, Aizawa pressed his face into his husband's belly and nuzzled the soft skin with his scruff. Cackling and squealing, Yamada thrashed beneath his husband, thankful that while Aizawa couldn't exactly see anything, his eyes were still open enough that his quirk was still working. Without having to be concerned about his quirk accidentally activating and breaking things in their apartment, Yamada was able to freely laugh and be playful with his husband. And they had all the time in the world, it felt like, so why not just enjoy their time together?

[bakerstreetdoctor]

First of all, Leibniz was so real for speaking against Grand Tours. I don't agree that an education is complete without experiencing foreign countries, but yeah in reality the tax payer was mostly just paying so that young men could have "fun" and ruin themselves

(rest under read more)

>Fabrice's dad hires a private teacher so his sons don't get the wrong ideas

>teacher: "yeah so I have this crazy theory"

>fails to prove theory

>kills himself

>sons get sent to university where they definitely get the wrong ideas

>??????

"instead of studying I wasted my time with ball games, affairs and *grits teeth* [worst of all] going for walks"

Like sure the first two are stupid shit, he should've kept his dick where it belongs (for the rest of his life. God I wish I could castrate this rapist). BUT GOING FOR WALKS

I'm diagnosing one of his younger brothers with something

"[guy died in battle] He was a hopeful young man, whose liveliness didn't allow him to get comfortable enough to study. But he loved geometry, fortification science, and other sciences in connection with that, so much that he was capable of working 24 hours sitting on the same chair without food or drink."

Karl was apparently super tan and, quote, "had the most beautiful blue eyes in the world"

Also another L for camp gay Karl, because apparently he wanted Fabrice to tell him about the ladies in Vienna

"The old Electress (mother of the Hanoverian Elector, later king of England) tirelessly asked me a thousand question about the personality, disposition and looks of the king of Sweden"

That's where my cougar hunter comment from yesterday stems from.

Max anecdote! (Besides the one that he was fucking around -_-)

"on the journey we pretended in a little Silesian town that von Görtz with his lively looks was a prince, the little prince of Württemberg his page and we were noble men. When the prince wanted to insert himself into a conversation with a beautiful Miss, who had just been asked by Stralenheim when he had heard a child screaming "Does one also make children here?" [?????], Stralenheim harshly snapped at him "When the Cavaliers are talking, the pages have to shut their mouths!" [It's definitely harsher in German] This provoked the prince to such a degree that we had trouble to pass it off as a joke and calm him down.

Finally not something where he's getting gassed by everyone lmao

Fabrice apparently left his coach parked (at a rate of 1 Gulden per week) in Vienna like 2 decades ago with a chest of money as security, and doesn't plan to fetch it because he doesn't wanna pay the whole sum. I wonder what came of it....

After General Lagercrona had some serious beef with Grothusen which the king had to break up, the following day this happened

Lagercrona: "I think your majesty were a little angry at me yesterday 🥺👉👈"

Karl: "No, not at all, but you conducted yourself in such a way, that if Grothusen didn't have had more respect than you, it might've gone very badly for me, and at several times my fingers itched to answer your impertinence with 5 fingers [meaning to slap him], but I believed it would be more foolish of me than you to do that, but now I wanna declare that you should go and never come under my eyes again. 😤👉"

Lagercrona: *begs on his knees and lists all his prior merits and accomplishments*

Karl: "That's why I've already forgiven a thousand mistakes you've made. But this was the straw that broke the camels back, that's why the only thing left for you to do is leave."

After that Lagercrona developed such a fear of being seen by the king that when he heard he was a few miles (1 mile ≈ 8 km) he rushed home and locked himself in.

Idk why but I keep thinking of the "I'm not calling you a good boy"-meme 😭😭😭

[thatndginger]

Beach Episode Tag

Thank you @pandoras-comment-box (their post here!) for the tag!

The premise: What would your ocs do in a beach episode?

I'm doing a general roundup of all the major Shapeshifter characters, because I can :P I kinda went overboard but this was a really fun tag and I couldn't help myself

Kerr - first off: sunscreen. so. much. sunscreen. he’s Irish and lives in a place that gets barely a month of sun a year, this boy is so pale he could rival the moon. he’ll spend some time wading in the water (never going deeper than knee deep), maybe play a game of volleyball or frisbee (bonus points if he gets to play as a dog), chase seagulls (also as a dog. usually). He maintains that the best way to end the day is a bonfire and beer with friends.

Warrick - what does a chaos gremlin do on the beach? chaos gremlin things, of course. this includes, but is not limited to: searching for seashells and cool bits of driftwood, harassing his friends with seaweed and dead things that have washed up on the beach, pretending he’s a hot merman and doing the Hair Flip ™ as he comes out of the water, shaking sand and saltwater onto unsuspecting sunbathers, and shifting into his cougar form for some premium catnaps in the sun. he also thinks the best way to end the day is a bonfire and a beer.

Jay - she’s the kind of person who goes to the beach just so she can lay under an umbrella and read all day. not nearly as pale as Kerr, but she still slathers on the sunscreen because sunburns are a bitch. the designated guardian of the drinks cooler, towels, shoes, and personal items. she may or may not use this time to hijack the boys' social media accounts. can be convinced to join in the occasional volleyball or frisbee game. she’s the one who remembered to bring the supplies for s’mores and other food for the bonfire.

Dean - give the man a task involving multiple people and watch the Dad Mode activate. he’s got umbrellas, beach chairs, extra towels, three kinds of sunscreen, a whole bag of sandcastle molds and shovels, a cooler full of water and juice boxes… you want it, he has it. he’s got a six year old half-fae daughter, what do you expect from him? does the dad thing where he’s got sunglasses and a baseball cap on, and a t-shirt over his swimtrunks. will be doing whatever his kid says they should do, which will at some point include a nap in which he is the pillow.

Temperance - how the hell did you even manage to get him to a beach?? don’t you know the preferred environment for an acid-tongued asshole is dank, dark alleyways or other suitably broody locales? He is going to bitch and moan the entire time from under his umbrella, and can only be placated with alcohol, the promise of getting to light the bonfire, and a decently terrible novel to critique. If he gets sunburned, you will never hear the end of it.

I will gently tag @rhikasa @revenantlore @theskeletonprior @avrablake because i desperately need to know what y'all's characters would do on a beach!

[chazz-anova]

WIP Poll Tag Results!

alright gang the results are in!! i can't see who all voted, but there were 17 votes total for my unnamed far cry 5 vampire au! i'll go ahead and tag the people originally tagged in the post so yall can see and thanks everyone for voting! ����💐 without further ado here's 17 lines of vampy goodness (btw- v is a private detective in this)

@strangefable @socially-awkward-skeleton @inafieldofdaisies @simonxriley @alexxmason @amistrio @cassietrn @trashlord-007

Insistent rain pounded away at glass panes, each drop another plink; a precursory percussion for ragged jaws of lightning to open the sky and thunder to shudder the windows in their frames. It felt as though the gods were displeased tonight. Looking outward there was nothing to see but the deluge of the gods’ wrath- so Veronica focused her attention inside as she waited. John Seed’s ranch was decorated tastefully but without soul. As though a magazine model stripped from laminated pages of country living resided here instead of a person. There was a fireplace in the middle of the living room decorated with some impersonal photos- landscapes, big game hunting, ect.- and a great bear skin rug before it. Looking around the expansive room Veronica noticed a stuffed wolf here, a stuffed cougar there, a few deer heads on the walls. It was not her style but more power to him she supposed.  Her boots tapped on the exposed hardwood floor as she began to wander. ‘Where is this guy?’ She wondered with a small sigh. In small towns people sure liked to take their time it seemed. Behind the fireplace was a long oak meeting table scattered with some papers. “So much info to leave out..” Ronnie mused with a small smile and scanned the documents, looking for any sign of her quarry’s name. Her hand was just reaching to rifle through the pages when she heard a creak in the room adjacent to her. “Detective!” A voice intoned with unearned comradery rang out from behind Veronica, causing her to whip around. As she did she found herself a couple feet from one of her top people of interest, John Seed. He was dressed like a man who expected conformity and submission, and the air about him suggested he often got what he wanted. John was adorned in an entirely black suit fitted perfectly to the line of his body, a royal blue tie with matching sapphire cufflinks, and a Swiss Vacheron Constantin watch that Veronica bet cost more than her car. “Wonderful to finally meet you.” The smile he gave her was one that a wolf gives a rabbit, predatory, hungry, ready to pounce; but he would learn that she was no rabbit.

“A pleasure.” V replied shortly, taking a step back from the man. “I just had a couple questions and then I’ll get out of your hair, Mr. Seed.”

Dark cavernous eyes evaluated her, “Please ask away, I’m an open book.” His saccharine grin widened and he pulled out a chair for her at the table. Reluctantly Veronica took a seat and pulled out her notebook. 

“How acquainted are you with Mary May Fairgrave?” As she spoke the name of the missing bartender she studied John’s features; looking for any clue in his face. There was a spark of recognition to her name, and a quickly masked raising of eyebrows. Concern? Surprise? His poker face slipped back in place before she could decide. 

The brunet took his time with his answer, he had been a lawyer after all. He was a man who knew how to choose his words. “We are… unacquainted. I’ve spoken with her before of course, the Spread Eagle, no matter how crudely named, is the only taproom in the Valley.” 

Veronica jotted a few things down, nodding as he spoke. She waited a moment before responding to make sure he was done and tapped the pen against her bottom lip nonchalantly. “Word on the street is, you wanted to buy that ‘taproom’?” V cocked her head at him asking aimfully, she didn’t trust this guy as far as she could throw him. 

“There were talks.” John answered vaguely. His eyes wandered down her form then back to meet her gaze before he changed the subject, “Can I get you a drink? Maybe a nice glass of merlot.” His tone now deeper and almost hypnotic.

A chill ran down V’s spine and she started to feel dizzy like she was falling into the man’s deep blue eyes. She could see herself there, falling forever in the ocean of him. She forced herself to break his gaze and couldn’t help but glance at his lips before settling her line of sight on the stuffed cougar just behind him. “No, I’m good. Were these talks friendly?” 

Instead of an answer, that spellbinding voice reached back with another question, “You aren’t thirsty? You look like you could use a drink, my dear.” 

“No, I’m-”

“In fact, I think we should both drink. You look like a fine vintage that’s been casked in darkness for ages.” 

Veronica was able to close her eyes and shake her head, brushing off the almost drunk feeling she got looking at John and listening to him. “Okay that last thing, I should not have to tell you that that is an unbelievably creepy thing to say.” Ronnie sobered and looked down at her notes to steady herself. ‘I don’t know what the hell is wrong with this guy but the sooner I can get some answers here the better.’ She thought with a deep breath. 

John looked taken aback at her response, as though he hadn’t just said something out of the ordinary but instead she had. “What, does that line normally work on people?” Veronica couldn’t help asking with some sass- she was getting sick of the weird vibe and weird people in this county. 

Straightening up in his seat John adjusted his tie awkwardly. He looked like he was not one to fidget uncomfortably. After a moment he smiled politely and shook his head, “My apologies, Ms. Rook. You are… fascinatingly immune to my normal charms.” It took all of V’s strength to not ask what the hell he was talking about, thankfully for her he continued. “The talks between Ms. Fairgrave and I were far and few between. I wanted to buy the bar but alas she was uninterested in selling.”

[foulfirerebel]

Red Dead Redemption 2 things I find funny and interesting (Spoiler warning)

You can, and will, kill the KKK in this game. You get positive Honor for doing so. It also feels good to do.

There was this really annoying, eugenics spouting fellow in Saint Denis, right? At first, had Arthur diss him and he ran off. Had Arthur punch him and no one did anything to stop me or even call the sheriff. So, he shows up a third time? Shot him in the head. Aside from a few gasps at the gunfire? No police. That is intentional.

The fishing. Say whatever the heck you will about the hunting, but if you follow me on Twitch you know I've spent hours on the fishing. I just find it relaxing, especially when the sun rises or sets in game.

Running away from a gun fight because a huge, fuck off Grizzly Bear decided to barge in. Had that happen a couple times.

There's a giant Arthur and later John can talk to. Never got that to trigger.

Aliens exist. You can see their UFOs over you in two different places.

I've been kicked by my horse for forgetting what button is the mount up button before. It's funny.

Never start a fight in Van Horn, especially not in the saloon. You will end up fighting the entire town. Source: me on more than one occasion.

There's a giant snake carcass by Pleasance. Its presence is never explained or remarked upon, and there's likewise a giant snake mound. Despite this, there is no giant snake to hunt. This angers me, given you can hunt this massive alligator that tries to eat Arthur in one story mission.

Darkness is fucking scary in this game, especially when you can't see two feet in front of you when it rains/storms at night. Especially if a cougar, a pack of wolves, the Night Folk, or the Murfree Brood come after you.

Ambushes are a thing. I lost my first horse to one after they brought a gatling gun to one and couldn't recover fast enough.

The moose are massive in the game.

The treasure hunts are really annoying without a guide.

FUCK. MICAH. BELL. He shoulda died twice over and I'm glad he got shot a whole bunch in the epilogue. Fucking traitorous POS.

The Epilogue is a lot better than Red Dead 1's by virtue of giving you more to do, and also provides more of a better ending to the Van Der Linde gang.

The Mysterious Stranger appears again in the game. He has a house in the swamp. Visit it as John or late game as Arthur.

Always donate to the blind man on the side of the road.

As John, in the area where Red Dead 1 takes place, there was a house that just exploded randomly. Looking it up, it appears to be because of the boiler.

The serial killer quest.

Seriously, the serial killer quest is one of the examples of the most horrifying quests in a game like this since you see the victims are decapitated or worse. Getting to put him down was satisfying.

I played Arthur as an honest man according to my friend. Helped people where I could, spared folk instead of killing them outright, paid my dues, etc. That felt a heck of a lot better than trying to be evil.

I prefer 2 over 1 overall, but one complaint I do agree with is the idea that it's too simulator based in some areas. I prefer the duels of 1, the hunting and skinning of 1 (takes too long in 2), liar's dice in 1, and the inventory having of 1 over 2. That said, 2 is better at everything else: story, characters, character development, interaction with the world feels better, the fishing, etc.

2 made me cry harder than 1 did, especially when Arthur contracts TB.

Speaking of which, Arthur contracting TB is just one big sad fest all the way through.

The strangers you meet in 2 feel like they have more impact on me than in 1. The doc trying to show the electric chair, the serial killer, the blind man, the injured veteran, the veteran you help and get a good horse from, the nuns you can help in Saint Denis, etc.

Heck, just being able to see stories to completion: the widow who you can visit repeatedly, the scientist obsessed with creating life (who succeeds, you can find the robot), the runaway couple from the Braithwaite storyline, might be others I've forgotten.

Just...all the characters involved from Arthur to Sadie to Abagail to John to Charles, everyone gets something to do and that's awesome to me.

Heck, just the idea that this is about a family having a major break up and falling apart.

The music.

Seriously, the music. Either the vocal tracks or the instrumentals. Could listen to it for hours.

If anyone would like to add on to this, please do. I've probably only scratched the surface despite having beat it.

[kittiofdoom]

Midnight Sins Chapter 1

Series Summary: In the aftermath of the Cleansing the Deputy has a surprise visit from Joseph Seed and it sends her spiralling down a path of which there is no return.

Parings: Joseph Seed/Female Deputy (More to be added later)

Rating: Mature

Warnings: Emotional Manipulation, Manipulation, Panic Attacks, Self Harm, PTSD, Hurt/Comfort, Drugs, Non-Consensual Drug Use (If you squint), Trauma, Joseph Seed is an entire trigger warning, DEAD DOVE: DO NOT EAT. (more to be added later)

Wordcount: 3695

AN: Far Cry 5 has a chokehold on me once more and the idea for this fic started as something else but evolved on its own. It was only supposed to be a one shot.. It’s.. not a oneshot anymore. This will be dark and messy and a hell of a ride. I hope you enjoy.

Read on A03

DROWNING.

“The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know over what they stumble.”

                    — Proverbs 4:19

Mary had offered a room in the Spread Eagle to Ava the first night the Deputy had rolled into Fall's End in a hail of gunfire and a few well aimed explosions. It was make shift room at best, a sofa pushed up against some crates to give the illusion of privacy while they cleared some more space and opened up a few more of the run down buildings in town. It was an ongoing project, that would likely see well into the next several weeks. Ava didn't want to be a bother—she didn't want to be around that many people all the time. The reality of it was if Joseph or John or another one of those bastard Seeds were going to pick somewhere to cause trouble looking for her it was likely to be in the middle of town.

No, it was better she was as far removed as she could be when she had a target the size of Hope County on her back. They couldn't force her out of hiding if she wasn't there in the first place.

Was it better for them, or better for her she didn't really know. All she did know was it was harder to get attached to people—to their cause—if she was like a ghost. Ava would roll into town, do what needed to be done and then vanish into the dark of the night with naught but a cougar and a dog for company.

It became routine and in routine bred complacency.

Her campsite was never supposed to be a campsite. It was supposed to be a tent, a dug in firepit and a string of bells around the perimeter to keep a wandering wolverine from sneaking up on her—the faded bite in the muscle of her calf the first night she spent under the stars saw to the latter addition. As days and nights went by and Ava went undiscovered by the Peggies she soon lost the energy to pack up and set camp every single night. It was too much, she was too tired, barely having the energy to do anything but collapse into her bedroll and tend to her wounds before succumbing to the darkness of exhaustion.

So Ava set down roots, out in the woods to the south-west of the Harris estate. There was plenty of game to hunt, shelter amongst the trees. Fresh skins hung on the drying rack she'd rigged and there was at least a weeks worth of meats salted and curing in a safe location to keep the predators from sniffing her out. The rest she sold to whomever would buy. There was even a chair—that was currently straining under the weight of Peaches as she lounged and cleaned her paws.

It was nice, homely even, until it wasn't.

Ava had just settled down into her bed roll when the crunch of leaves outside her tent made her skin break out in goosebumps. It was too light for Peaches, but too heavy for Boomer. One movement. One step away. Her heart was hammering against the curve of her ribcage. Had her time come—had John finally found her? Would she have to face her sins? She wasn't ready..she'd never be ready.. There was water on her face, in her lungs. John was holding her down and she was reaching frantically for the air-

She had enough time to close her fingers around her pistol.

It was not John that had come for her.

A shot rang out in the night—the din made Ava's ears ache.

There was a hole in her tent flap, a few centimetres away from Joseph fucking Seed's head.

“Th-that was a warning shot,” Ava spat, gesturing with the business end of her pistol towards the way Joseph had appeared. It had not been a warning shot but Ava didn't know if that was because her hands were shaking or for a reason that scratched at the back of her skull that she refused to give acknowledgement. “Get out.”

Joseph had not moved from where he stood—in fact he had not moved at all, one arm still up, holding the flap open for him. In the low light cast from the lamp it was hard to make out his expression but it didn't look like he was armed or brandishing a weapon.

“Even now, when I come to you in a moment where you could take it all from me...” Joseph began, disregarding Ava's warning. He stooped down into the tent, bringing himself eye level with the furious Deputy. He moved slowly, though with confidence, as rosary beads clinked together as he bore his palms upwards towards her. “You claim warning, I say it is otherwise. God is still watching even in these twilight hours.”

It was almost like a sick mockery of that night.

It felt like a lifetime ago now, standing in Joseph's church with him standing in front of her with his hands bared proclaiming that God would not let him be taken. He had been right, whether it had been at the hand of divine intervention or meddling Peggies they had failed and it was what had caused this entire mess.

Joseph had closed the distance, the muzzle nestled against his chest. Ava could end it all right now. Just one squeeze of the trigger and she'd blow through Joseph's ribcage and then it would all be over. Finger caressed the trigger and there was silence between them. Joseph was waiting, watching through those tinted fucking aviator sunglasses of his.

But it wouldn't be over though would it? There was still the rest of the Seed family, they'd strike back in revenge, more bodies built upon the pyre. The flames of war licked at her heels like one of Jacob's Judges and Ava was sprinting ahead in a desperate attempt to outrun the desolation.

Her hands were shaking again, visibly this time, and Joseph did nothing. He merely knelt there and waited... and waited.. like he already knew what the answer was going to be.

Ava lowered the gun with a disgusted sound and the corners of Joseph's lips upturned into the ghost of a smile. His hands dropped, clasping together in front of him like he was about to pray.

“I don't want to get blood in my tent,” Ava spat as she set the gun down after flicking the safety on with her thumb. “That's all.”

Joseph raised a brow, a hum rumbling deep within his chest. They both knew she was lying, and yet this time he seemed to let it go. Kneeling turned to sitting, the pair of them almost mirroring each other in movement.

Ava was the first to speak, her voice soft, hesitant almost like she was afraid of speaking too loudly and break this quiet peace.

“Did you hurt Boomer and Peaches?” She asked, leaning to the side to try and see around his body outside but the tent flap had fallen back into place, leaving them sealed off from the rest of the world.

“No,” Joseph's response came as a surprise to her and she watched as he turned at the waist to lift the obscuring flap to reveal them quite content in where Ava had left them by the remains of a smouldering firepit. “I did nothing to your companions. I have brought no war to your doorstep, no violence. I am not the man the resistance makes me out to be.”

He let the flap fall back down, returning his gaze to her face and Ava searched for answers in the lines of Joseph's face. He seemed different, the arrogance and charisma remained but there was something softer underneath the surface. Ava might have even called him handsome but the thought was immediacy discarded as it came to her mind. She was not even going to entertain that line of thinking.

“And you are not the woman the resistance makes you out to be, either, are you Avery?”

It was the first time he'd ever said her name and Ava felt her heart skip a beat and fall straight into her stomach all at once. Rookie... Rook... Deputy.. Dep. Not Avery, not Ava. Rook was all people ever called her and it had become a mask that she would wear over and over while she carried the burdens of the entire County upon her back. She never asked for this but there was so much that she needed to do. Even now the list grew ever longer because people couldn't sort out their own problems. She was never meant to be a hero. Rook was their hero, she didn't even know who Avery was any more.

The world became smaller under the weight of her own turbulent thoughts, the edges of her vision hazy as she almost forgot to breathe—there was water in her lungs again. Ava curled her fingers into her palm, digging small crescents into the scar tissue that already marred there. Pain would keep her grounded, try to breathe, ignore the screaming in her brain, fight the spinning-

-A hand against her own, gentle, easing red tipped fingers away from the damage it was causing. Joseph was there and Ava didn't know if he was making it better or making it worse but now all that emotion was focussed solely on him.

“D-Don't!” Ava hissed, trying to yank her hand away in a fury. “Don't touch me, I don't I-” She couldn't even get the words out any more. They stumbled over each other in a mess of sounds that died on her tongue. She raised her other hand to strike him but he met her half way with a firm grasp upon her wrist. Ava didn't know how he could be so gentle and hard at the same time. He was an oxymoron, opposites wrapped up together yet somehow worked. Ava hated it. She hated him and everything he stood for.

“You're tired, are you?” Joseph asked. As he was talking he raised her hand like she wasn't trying to fight him. Lips brushed bruised knuckles, aching fingers. He turned her hand over, kissing the markings her nails had cut into her palm uncaring as blood smeared across his face. Breath was warm against her skin, the scratch of beard stinging the wounds but Ava found she didn't mind the sensation. And that made her even more angry.

“How- How dare you! Let me go!” Ava strained against him, pulling her weight backwards in an attempt to free herself but Joseph was like stone, unyielding in his hold and surprisingly calm in the face of Ava's outburst. The rosary beads pressed firm into her skin, indenting into her wrist.

“It's okay to be tired, look how far you've run.” Joseph continued in that same gentle tone, even as her nails raked across his cheek. Three red lines were left in her wake though in her frenzy she didn't know if it was her blood or Joseph's own. She was like a wild animal backed into a corner, a dangerous look in her grey eyes.

“You don't know anything about me!” She spat the words like a weapon, trying to get underneath his skin in the same way that he'd been crawling under hers with every word.

Joseph's glasses had been knocked off in the motion and green eyes were peering back at her. He shifted, still keeping a firm grip on Ava's wrists, knees took the brunt of his weight and he used the small height leverage to lean her back with a push, bending her spine enough that it had to be uncomfortable.

Ava should be fighting harder right now, he was far too close and looming above her in a way that made her feel so small and weak. And yet here she was. Here he was. Joseph leaned forward, looking up at her through his lashes.

“I know you're begging to be whole again,” Joseph murmured. “I know you're drowning Avery. The water is up to your jaw and you're straining to stop yourself from going under.”

The fight left her all at once. Flailing hands falling slack in his grip. She frowned at him, brows knitting together in a pained expression at being read so plainly. No one knew these thoughts. How could he see her pain so easily when everyone else around her was blind?

“What do you want from me?” Her voice was as small as she felt and when Joseph released her wrist it merely fell limply at her side. Joseph reached forward, cupping her cheek and letting his thumb brush the arc of her cheekbone, tracing the small scar underneath her eye.

“I want to save you.”

His hand shifted, running his fingers through Ava's short brown hair to hold the back of her head and pull her into him.

She didn't fight him this time, allowing Joseph to pull her back upright and into his space. Eyes fell shut to try and quell the beginnings of tears as they stung. Lips pressed against her forehead in gentle affection before Joseph rested his own in the space where he had kissed.

“It's okay,” he said and Ava could feel his breath on her face now, hear his voice almost reverberating around her skull. “I'm here, give me your pain.”

The first tear fell and it was like the dam broke. An ungodly sound wailed out from Ava's mouth as she threw her arms around Joseph's torso and collapsed into him. Once she started she couldn't stop, crying for all the pressure put on her, crying for void she felt in the pit of her stomach that never felt filled. She'd been empty for so long even before the mess of Hope County and it was supposed to be a fresh start. It wasn't supposed to be like this. The feelings weren't supposed to haunt her when her old self died.

Joseph had made her feel something when he'd been standing in his church staring down at her, something she'd not felt in years.

He made her feel alive.

And it frightened her.

Joseph held her as she pressed her face against the curve of his neck, gently stroking up and down her spine with the tips of his fingers. He said nothing, only making the occasional soothing sound to let Ava get it all out of her system without disruption. He was soft where she was sharp and it brought a strange sense of peace to the pair.

Ava hiccupped, clinging to Joseph tighter as her tears stained his shirt. Her whole body shook with the sobs. She didn't remember the last time she had actually cried, it was safer to keep it all bottled up but now the bottle had smashed into tiny fragments and Ava didn't know how to put the pieces back together. She was sinking and the only thing keeping her from completely under was the warm steadfast presence of Joseph keeping her upright.

Eventually the downpour became a trickle and Ava became still, listening to the sound of Joseph's breathing.

“Will you stay with me? I.... I don't want to be alone. I... I can't..” Voice was hoarse against her throat, the words scraping and tasting metallic on her tongue. Joseph inclined his head downward, pressing another kiss to her head.

“Just for tonight.”

Reluctantly Ava pulled herself away, pausing when she saw the marks she'd left on Joseph's cheek. She reached up and he let her touch his face, leaning into the bloodstained digits. Guilt welled up like a lump in her throat and for a second she felt the urge to cry once more. No tears fell. She had no more tears to shed.

“I'm sorry,” she whispered.

Joseph reached up to take her hand once more and this time Ava didn't fight him as he kissed each finger and each mark she had inflicted upon her skin. His gaze was burning into her through the gaps of her fingers.

“You are forgiven,” He spoke into her palm again, causing a shudder to work it's way up Ava's spine. He released her hand, gesturing around the small tent and what few belongings Ava actually owned. “Do you have a first aid kit?”

Ava nodded, turning to reach for her field backpack. Out came the yellow tin, passed to Joseph. She thought he was going to use it on himself, but before she'd even had a chance to put the backpack away Joseph reached for her hand again.

“This will sting, but though this pain you will find the path to salvation,” Joseph said as he opened the kit with his other hand. He was slow, methodical, as he worked brows knitting together in a thin line of concentration. He soaked cotton balls in antiseptic, dabbing at each crescent shape until it was clean.

Ava hissed air in through her teeth but fought her natural instinct to yank her hand back.

“I will heal my people and let them enjoy abundant peace and security,” He began to wrap her palm in a small bandage turning it over and over before securing it with a small piece of tape. “If you feel the need to mark your skin you should wear your sins correctly, only then will you truly begin to heal. John can help you.”

All at once the fragile peace shattered as Ava scrambled away with a shake of her head. Fear was writ all over her face. It was too much, the memories too raw. She felt like she was drowning. Joseph paused, studying her before offering an outstretched hand and a kind, patient expression.

“You're not ready,” he did not scold her as he spoke, he did not even judge her, and slowly slowly Ava edged her way back towards him like a frightened animal. He took her into his embrace, cradling her as he laid them both down on top of her bedroll.

Ava rested her head against Joseph's chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart as he draped an arm over her side. She felt safe here, tucked in against him like the world and the troubles outside her tent just didn't exist.

“I'm afraid,” Ava said, fingers bunching the material of his shirt.

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” Joseph said, stroking across Ava's ribs as he spoke. She could feel his voice rumbling against her, slow and steady and lulling her into a content sleepy warmth. “Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. I, too, have been afraid, filled with fear for my people and the reckoning to come. But I follow the Voice and now I walk the path with the knowledge I need to protect us all. You just need to believe.”

He pressed his lips to the hair and Ava shifted to look up at him. Noses brushed and Joseph kissed the corner of her mouth before turning his head away.

“Sleep now, your fears cannot find you while I'm here. I will protect you.”

Ava settled back against him and stopped fighting the urge to stay awake. The last thing she heard was the sound of Joseph's heartbeat with the steady rise and fall of his breathing.

---

He was gone in the morning when Ava awoke, but wrapped around her bandaged hand was Joseph's wooden rosary and a small white and gold bound book on her pillow. Ava scowled and reached for the book with the intention of.. well she didn't know any more. She should throw it in the fire, pack up her camp and be done with it.

She opened the book and written on the inside cover in a steady careful hand was a single phrase. She traced the handwriting with her finger and a strange sense of warmth overcame her body.

'When you're ready.'

----

Joseph returned to the compound early in the morning, even now his chosen flocked to greet him at the gates. A passing touch, a gentle wish. They reached for him and for a time he stopped to greet them, not singling one out but giving each and every one a single moment they could cherish.

He was only pulled away when John approached, a concerned look shadowing the smile that he so often wore.

“What did she do to you?” He asked, gesturing to Joseph's face—and the marks that he carried from the night. “I'll drag her out here kicking and screaming from that tent. How dare she lay a hand on you. She's an animal. I'll take the fingers that touched you one by one.” The more John spoke the more he worked himself up, his entire body going rigid with poorly contained wrath. Joseph exhaled heavily, closing the distance to place a hand on John's shoulder.

“You will do no such thing,” Joseph said sharply. He put the smallest amount of pressure with his thumb and forefinger, squeezing lightly. The fire in John died out, and a flicker of another emotion entirely haunted his expression. It pained Joseph to see it, but sometimes it was necessary to temper John's more sadistic tendencies.

“I have plans for our dear Deputy dear John,” Joseph changed his tone of voice, morphing it into something soft and sweet. “She is on the precipice of change and we need to give her a nudge in the right direction. You will leave her camp alone. Continue on your path and she will fall into your waiting arms. Patience. Do not let your sin prevent that. ”

John swallowed thickly, nodding and with that Joseph released him. He reached up to rub his shoulder and neck subconsciously.

“Yes Father.” John said.

“Good, now come along, we have much work to do.” Joseph beckoned for John to fall into step with him as the gates closed.

Joseph had plans for them all.

[artdecosupernova-writing]

Find the Word Game IX

(Double Feature)

tagged by: @druidx!! my words: basis, boyfriend, bedroom, breath, rack, vehicle, trust, scan tagging: @drippingmoon, @sleepy-night-child, @ashen-crest, @zmwrites, @sleepyowlwrites, @drabbleitout, @oh-no-another-idea, @pertinax--loculos, and anyone who wants to buy my books your words: weakness, despise, reach, relative, solve, arrange

basis (Meridian)—

"I get it." [Warren] sighed. "Your life is your life, now. You can do literally anything you want with it, and doing something to earn money while also fulfilling your purpose is never a bad thing. If you're looking for my blessing or something, you've got it."

"It would mean relocating," Scot said. "Possibly on a permanent basis."

"Nothing's permanent when it comes to ———." Warren smirked. "We'll see each other around. We can communicate. I'm not dumping this friendship, so we're clear."

Scot looked as if he wanted to say something, but refrained, and Warren wondered if he'd wanted to voice his exact thought at that moment—he was the only friend he had left.

Warren extended a hand, and Scot took it.

boyfriend (Rebirth)—

"I lost a lot. I'll probably never see Esther again, and my…Brayden."

Thrive propped his heels up on the desk and reclined in his two-legged chair. He slid his finger against a smooth button on the device and released it.

"—See Esther again, and my…"

Every time. He never touched the recording except for that exact moment every time without fail. He hated the impulse but he couldn't stop it no matter how hard he tried. The instinct for Warren to refer to Brayden as his boyfriend was something Thrive in no way blamed him for, but it still stung, and for reasons he could not understand, he opted to punish himself for it on the regular.

"…And maybe I would've found a better life than the one I had before I met you, but you are the life I needed, E.T."

Thrive looked at the door again, unable to hear the murmuring anymore.

bedroom (Warpath)—

Surprised, Cascidi passed his fingers over his bottom lip. "I've rented a room for the duration of my Node stay."

"Will I get acquainted?"

Cascidi's eyes traveled down Warren and back up once more. "There's something about you I can't get over."

"Chemistry, baby," Warren purred, sidling up to him. "We doing this or what?"

Cascidi's rented room was opulent and modest all at once; reasonably sized and lusciously decorated. Half the size of the Halcyon penthouse but just as luxurious. Warren didn't even realize he'd absconded with the champagne glass entirely until his back hit the bedroom door and it slipped out of his fingers, bouncing harmlessly onto the thick carpet beneath their feet.

breath (Aurora)—

Thrive stopped in front of [Warren], cautiously pulling the hood of his cloak off his own head before reaching up to smooth his fingers across Warren's cheekbones to clear the tears he'd tried so hard to hold at bay.

"Damn," Warren muttered, embarrassed.

Genni cleared her throat between them, and she sounded far away. "Orthrive'poliea. Protector of Tey under the Oath of Caala."

"Yes," he said, voice low. He kept his eyes locked with Warren's, and he smiled warmly at Warren's flushing face.

"You are here to ceremonially bind yourself in the eyes of Consortium law to Warren Levi Cougar. This will tie you in heart, mind, and soul, and here you promise to love him with your every breath, to hold him in your power for as long as you both are alive. Say your piece."

rack (Meridian)—

"Nah, nah," Warren moved to get out of the tub, grabbing a towel from the hand-carved wooden rack beside it and throwing it around his waist. "Thrive, we agreed—"

"I know," Thrive muttered, tipping his head onto the back of the tub.

"We agreed we weren't gonna let the burden of raising the babies fall onto ———."

"It's one morning." Thrive flexed his hands, apparently in no hurry to rectify the situation. "They wanted to help us. Am I mistaken, or were you the one who kept giving me ultimatums about letting ——��� take over the brunt of running this planet while I spent time with you?"

Warren slowed his rush to pull on his jeans. "Okay, yeah...but that's different."

"The difference is a whole planet versus a child."

"Look, I just…" Warren gestured to the door. "Whenever I'm home, I like waking [Thoeala] up. I like getting her breakfast ready, I like seeing that tiny alien face light up when she sees me, I like our morning routine. Sue me."

Thrive smiled, draping his arms over the edges of the tub. "This suits you."

vehicle (Rebirth)—

The resulting jolt caused one of the two graha to fall out of the open shuttle. Thrive caught them by the back of the neck and tossed them into the vehicle beside their companion, who'd been pressed into the wall by centripetal force.

He signaled to Sussa and glided into the shuttle after them, planting his feet firmly on the floor while she put a stop to the spinning. Thrive marched to the control console and checked the engines.

"Overloaded. We'll be taking the difficult way down." He turned to the cowering graha. "Where's Ysha?"

They spat obscenities at him in a graha dialect, brandishing their weapons at him and Sussa. She knocked a club out of one of their hands.

"You have a choice," Thrive said, firm, in their language and dialect without the help of the suit's translations. "Tell us where Ysha is located, or we run the shuttle into the ground. Whose side are we on today?"

The graha who lost his club began to advance toward Thrive in a burst of courage, only to be stopped short by the other graha belting him in the face hard enough to dislodge one of his large tusks. It bounced off the floor and zipped out of the shuttle.

trust (Eternal)—

"...Warren?!"

Warren looked up as Thrive's blown eyes met his, enraged and surprised and scared.

"Look," Warren stammered. "I...I can explain—"

"You...IDIOT!!"

Warren grimaced and braced himself as Thrive marched over to him, lifted him by the shirt with both fists, and shoved him against the wall. Tiny pieces of glass jammed themselves deeper into his skin.

"Why, Warren?!" Thrive growled, real hurt and shock in his voice. The rest of the crew stopped at the end of the hall to investigate the commotion. "Tell me why you refused to trust me, now out of all times, when I needed you to trust me more than I have ever needed you to trust me!"

"Because I'll follow you to the ends of the universe and back," Warren shot, blinking back the strobing white spots and his arm going numb. "Even if it means walking directly into the fires of hell, or facing the eliyi, or the Emmuli, or anything else we could possibly imagine and even things we can't. You feel this fear? This terror right here, right now that you're taking out on me"—he thumped the center of Thrive's chest with a fist to demonstrate—"that's me, too, fucker, and for once in my goddamn life I'm being selfish about it. You're gonna need me here, and honestly I don't care what you think—I'm not leaving you ever again and you're not leaving me ever again, and you can fucking deal with it!"

scan (Eternal)—

R'lis looked like a greener, more colorful version of Earth from the last time Warren had seen it. The alien world orbited a star much like Sol, with one moon that Thrive told Varussa to approach instead of the main planet.

"They take their defenses seriously," Thrive told everyone on the bridge. "Their moon acts as a security hub of sorts. Their barrier is deployed from there and nobody can shut it down without extensive verification first, including the DNA of ten individuals living in various, undisclosed parts of the galaxy. At least, that's how they operated when I lived on Slodia."

"Did you say their barrier?" Emnophene said. "They have a barrier around their planet?"

Thrive approached the navigation console and made a few keystrokes, running an infrared scan on R'lis and its moon. A sharp shimmer encapsulated the space around the planet, red laser-like light curving and warping around it, cocooning it within a defense system unseen to the naked eye.

"Whoa," Warren said. "That's...incredible."

[computerchiblog]

صندلی گیمینگ کوگر مدل Gaming Chair Cougar Argo

صندلی گیمینگ کوگر مدل Gaming Chair Cougar Argo دارای طراحی زیبایی و راحتی است که بسیار مقاوم و تحمل وزن بالایی دارد. این صندلی دارای ارتفاع حداقل 134 سانتی متر و حداکثر 142 سانتی متر است. عرض آن 70 سانتی متر و عمق آن 73 سانتی متر است. این ابعاد، به شما امکان تنظیم مطلوبیت و راحتی در طول استفاده را می ‌دهد.

ساختار آرماتور آلومینومی این صندلی، مقاومت و پایداری بالایی را به آن اضافه می ‌کند و پایه ‌ی فلزی نیز به پایداری ��لی صندلی کمک می‌ کند. این پایه با طراحی مناسب، از لغزش و ناپایداری جلوگیری می‌ کند و تا سال ها دچار آسیبی نخواهد شد.

صندلی گیمینگ کوگر با بالشتک ‌های طبی طراحی شده است تا حمایت لازم از ناحیه ‌های مهم بدن شما را فراهم کند. بالشتک هایی بالایی برای جلوگیری از سر درد و گردن درد تعبیه شده است و بالشتک هایی پایینی این بالشتک به شما امکان تنظیم پشتی به شکلی مناسب را می‌ دهد. با تنظیم پشتی به زاویه‌ ی مورد نظر، فشار و استرس از ناحیه‌ ی کمر کاهش می ‌یابد و راحتی شما در طول استفاده افزایش می‌ یابد.

[starrystar]

Part 6 Transcribed:

49

Bright leafy green background with gold veins

On the bright side, sour and tart things were great. 

SB: I am going to marry this pomegranate and have its weird little mythological babies.

After the second treatment my hair fell out. 

Since I’d already buzzed it short, I started shedding little half-inch hairs like a dog blowing its coat. 

That bit was pretty awful

Note: Half-inch hairs get in everything.

50

Minty and white background. 

I didn’t have a lot of hang-ups about my hair, but it looked so awful and patchy. I looked like a sic stranger in the mirror.

SB: I hate this.

MR: Then let’s fix it. 

My husband shaves his head.

He got out his spare razor and showed me how to shave mine. That helped. It looked like I’d made a regrettable fashion choice, not like I was sick. 

51

Purple and orange inkblot background. 

I still didn’t really look like myself in the mirror. 

SB: It’s fine. It’ll grow back. Just pretend you’re cosplaying Solas from Dragon Age. Wait, I hate solas . . . 

Oddly enough, if I put on a headwrap, I looked like me again. Brains are weird.

Regardless the treatment was working. 

Bob got smaller and squishier. Doctor pinkeye was thrilled. 

Note: Some percentage of Tumblr will now unfollow me for my anti-Solas sentiment. I understand this. 

52

Reddish, disturbingly meaty background. 

Eventually I had my thyroid biopsy. 

It wasn’t painful, but it was among the most viscerally uncomfortable experiences of my life.

The feel of a needle punching through muscle and gristle, right by where I keep my trachea and jugular, was horrifying.

Nope

Nope

Nope

DR: Nearly done…

SB: Hrrrgkk!

And then it came back negative.

SB: Hot damn!

Note: Honestly though, this biopsy was flat out awful in the weirdest oh good I’m made of meat way. 

53

Gray and speckled background

Even though it wasn’t that bad, by the last red devil treatment, I was starting to get a gnawing dread about going in for the infusion.

But that made no sense!

SB: I don’t get queasy during the infusions! My body can’t actually know they’re what’s causing me to feel terrible! Why do I feel scared of sitting in a comfy chair for three hours?!

NP: …I’ll just write “anxiety” here on your chart, ok?

I had a horrible fear that I was going to cry or freak out and disgrace myself in public.

The nurses would have been kind and understanding about it, too. Just knowing that made it worse. 

54

A slightly more reddish and kind of meaty background.

I was so annoyed with myself.

I was tough! 

And resilient!

And handling everything so well!

Except now I kinda wasn’t.

This wasn’t an unknown quantity anymore, so why was I scared? 

[note: these last words are askew and overlapping]

55

Dark blue and watery background.

SB: Right. Only one thing for it, then. 

I play a lot of Dungeons & Dragons. My favorite character to be was a brave, dim-witted, highly enthusiastic paladin named Rooster. He wouldn’t have minded chemo at all. He’d have been even happier if he could have thrown himself on a rogue IV for someone, then hit it with a broadsword. 

I was really good at being Rooster, even if I wasn’t always great at being me.

SB: Gonna channel Rooster. Gonna get through this. RN: How are you today?

SB: I’m here to smite cancer and chew gum!

RN: …o…k…

SB: Have you got any gum?

RN: I’ve got ensure?

56

Pink bubblegum background with some swirls

Astonishingly it sorta worked.

Every time my guts started to knot up, I imagined being lawful good and not very bright. 

I may be the first person in history to larp my way through chemo.

The last round wasn’t great.

Every time I got hungry I got queasy. 

I had to kinda pre-game meals by eating cheese and crackers fifteen minutes in advance. 

Really sharp cheddar still works. Thank god. 

Note: An online friend sent me a can of Cougar Gold cheddar, and if he ever needs a kidney, I will lurk in alleys with a scalpel and a bag of dry ice. 

57

Swirly Pepto Bismol pink ink background. 

I hated how tired I felt all the time. It was so hard to get any work done. SB: But your cells are working really hard!

SB: Maybe, but they’re not getting this book written.

I had two people in one week express astonishment that I was still working while getting chemo. Uh, yeah? My bills don’t go away just because I’ve got cancer.

I knew I was profoundly lucky to have a job I could do in bed if I had to. I tried to feel grateful enough about that. 

SB: I’m lucky I’m lucky I’m lucky

Other people have it so much worse. 

…somehow that does not make me feel better. 

For anyone wondering how treatment is going, it’s the Saga of Bob, Part Six!

The story so far…

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Half-inch hairs get in EVERYTHING.

Some percentage of Tumblr will now unfollow me for my anti-Solas sentiment. I understand this.

Honestly though, this biopsy was flat out awful in the weirdest oh good I’m made of meat way.

An online friend sent me a can of Cougar Gold cheddar, and if he ever needs a kidney, I will lurk in alleys with a scalpel and a bag of dry ice.

It’s not fun to live through, but the treatment is working really, really well, so that’s good news!

(Continued infinite gratitude to the transcribers!)

[bestfurnitures-1]

Best Gaming Chairs in India

In the world of gaming, comfort, and performance are paramount. Gamers often spend long hours seated, immersed in the digital realms of their favorite titles. To ensure an optimal gaming experience, investing in the right gaming chair is essential. In this article, we’ll explore the best gaming chairs available in India, designed to provide both comfort and performance. These chairs not only support your body during gaming marathons but also enhance your gaming performance. Let’s delve into the details and discover the perfect gaming throne for you.

Ergonomic Excellence

The first keyword is “ergonomic.” When it comes to gaming chairs, ergonomics are crucial. The Green Soul Monster Series Gaming Chair embodies this principle. Its ergonomic design supports your posture during long gaming sessions, reducing strain on your back, neck, and shoulders. Packed with features like adjustable armrests and lumbar support, it’s perfect for gamers who prioritize comfort without sacrificing performance.

Premium Comfort

For avid gamers, comfort is non-negotiable. The Ant Esports WB-8077 offers a premium gaming experience. Its high-density foam and memory foam pillows provide unparalleled comfort. This gaming chair is perfect for those who prioritize plush seating and neck and lumbar support, ensuring you can focus on your game without discomfort.

Racing-Style Aesthetics

Racing-style gaming chairs are popular for their sporty look and functionality. The Nokaxus Gaming Chair, with its racing-inspired aesthetics, adds a touch of style to your gaming setup. Its 180-degree recline and ergonomic design make it a perfect choice for gamers who appreciate both performance and aesthetics.

Sturdy Build

A sturdy gaming chair is a necessity for long-term use. The Green Soul Beast Series Gaming Chair is constructed with a sturdy metal frame and high-quality PU leather, making it a durable choice for intense gaming sessions. It provides the perfect blend of sturdiness and comfort.

Versatile Features

The Cougar Armor S Royal is the epitome of a feature-packed gaming chair. Equipped with adjustable components, memory foam cushions, and a tiltable backrest, it’s an ideal choice for gamers who value versatility. These features ensure you can personalize your chair to fit your specific gaming style and physique.

Budget-Friendly Options

Gaming chairs don’t have to break the bank. The Pulse Gaming Racing Chair offers excellent value for budget-conscious gamers. It combines affordability with essential features, including adjustable armrests and a reclining backrest, making it an excellent choice for those looking for comfort and performance without a hefty price tag.

Premium Performance

For the ultimate gaming experience, the Secretlab Omega Series is a top-tier option. Although slightly more expensive, its premium build, cold-cure foam, and 4D armrests offer unparalleled performance. It’s designed for gamers who want the very best, combining comfort, aesthetics, and exceptional support for long gaming sessions.

Conclusion

In the world of gaming, choosing the right gaming chair can significantly impact your performance and overall experience. The best gaming chairs in India are designed with ergonomic excellence, premium comfort, racing-style aesthetics, sturdy builds, versatile features, and even budget-friendly options in mind. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a professional eSports enthusiast, there’s a gaming chair that suits your preferences and requirements. Elevate your gaming experience by investing in a chair that not only supports your body but also enhances your performance.

[taintedco]

Chairs 4 gaming

https://www.taintedreviewsgaming.com/2023/11/chairs-4-gaming.html 

If you are looking for a comfy chair or a sweet gaming desk that will hold everything you want or need, you should check out Chairs 4 gaming. They have all kinds of different gaming chairs that fits your needs.

 Trust me, I know how it is to sit 12+ hours streaming or playing a game and the chair that you are sitting in is starting to hurt your butt and back but you are still trying to grind and it sucks. 

The good thing about Chairs 4 gaming is that they have chairs for everyone unlike certain companies. They have chairs that can hold up to 425 lbs weight limit which is nice.

 They even have chairs that are under $300 so you don't have to break the bank to get a decent chair. 

The brand chairs that they have are Ewin, Dxracer, Techni sport, cougar gaming and Anda seat which is nice that they have more than one brand to choose from. These chairs look nice and honestly, I would get myself one if I had the money.

Ships to US and Canada only. 

Chairs, Desk, Footrest and accessories here!

[technology-x]

New Post has been published on http://www.technologyx.com/featured/cougar-armor-pro-gaming-chair/

Cougar Armor Pro Gaming Chair

Today we unveil the Armor Pro Gaming Chair. https://youtu.be/KQT4JGao6LQ Called upon as, The Throne for Gamers, we were looking forward to the build. When you’re thinking of a gaming chair, it’s easy to think of how simplistic the design appears, we just want something comfy.  But what goes into that design is what sets apart … Today we unveil the Armor Pro Gaming Chair. https://youtu.be/KQT4JGao6LQ Called upon as, The Throne for Gamers, we were looking forward to the build. When you’re thinking of a gaming chair, it’s easy to think of how simplistic the design appears, we just want something comfy.  But what goes into that design is what sets apart one chair to the next. Cougar has developed the newest line of gaming chair, Armor Pro, with a similar Breathable PVC leather, however they have redesigned the chair to a more, aesthetically appealing,  diamond design. The addition of the Orange micro-suede, bordering the full steel… Cougar Armor Pro Gaming Chair Cougar Armor Pro Gaming Chair 2019-12-21 Review Overview Assembly Design Features Comfort Price 78 Perfect Upgrade! The Armor Pro, is our choice for taking your gaming station up to the next level, Extremely comfortable and durable, the Armor Pro is a great choice! User Rating: Be the first one !

[sparkbeast20]

Get me a picture of Solomon Shirtless

“The first person who can get me a picture of Solomon shirtless, I’m officially yours.”

The room fill with sound of spilt takes, things falling, and hand slamming on the table. All the brothers turn to you, some widen eyes and others mouths open.

Lucifer asks you why would want a picture of Solomon.

Your simple answer “I want to see his pact marks” you got up and walk out the room, leaving them with “I’m dead serious”

Lucifer

· Child’s play

· He calls Solomon over to discuss “human” topics

· They were in the library with books display about pacts and effects.

· He’ll asks Solomon about his pact marks.

· But Solomon natural self, asks Lucifer to make a pact with him.

· Lucifer refuse, and ask about a certain demon he “knows” if Solomon made a pact with that demon.

· His say yes, unbutton his uniform, and points on the pact mark.

· Lucifer quickly brought out his phone and took the picture.

· But Solomon hands were in the way.

· Darn, he wasn’t quick enough.

· Solomon tells Lucifer, he’ll let him take a picture, if he says please.

· I WILL KILL YOU.

· he wants this to be over so, he took a deep breath, gives Solomon a fake smile and said please, through his teeth.

· With that, Solomon opens his uniform and let Lucifer take one photo.

· Thanking Solomon, and walks away.

· He asks you to meet him in his study.

· You came, sat on the chair right in front of his desk while sat on the opposite side.

· He brought out an envelop with the picture, and slowly bringing closer to you, but quickly taking it back.

· His ask to you to only seeing it once, you nod and he gave it to you.

· You took it out of the envelop, take a long good look of it, then tearing it in front of him.

· Shock Lucifer was about to get up, when you place a hand above his

· squishing his hand tell him.

· “You won Lucifer, I’m all yours”

Mammon

· He will get that photo at all cause.

· A loud knock at the doors of Purgatory Hall.

· Poor Luke had to get up to answer the door.

· He opens it to see Mammon with a camera that he “borrowed” from Levi or Asmo.

· He asks where’s Solomon with an aggressive tone.

· Luke tells him to go home, but Mammon just repeats the question.

· Luke just wanting to go back to bed, he points Mammon to Solomon’s room.

· Solomon making potion, heard his door kick open, he turns to see Mammon in the middle of the door frame.

· “Mammon! What are doing here- “

· “Take off your shirt”

· “What!”

· “I need a picture of your pact marks”

· “NO!”

· Mammon ran toward Solomon, he quickly dodges the demon, he grabs a potion and throw it at Mammon.

· He got hit, but for whatever he powers through the effect of the potion. (Power of love, I guess.)

· AH! It hurts but I NEED THAT PHOTO

· And he starts throwing potion, this fight took why too long.

· Early in the morning, you heard a knock on your door, you got up and walk over there.

· You open to see a tired Mammon, half of his hair colored, his shirt and pants is complete mess.

· Before you could say anything, handed over the camera with Solomon picture display on the screen.

· He drags himself to your bed and complete collapse on it.

· You called to him, he looks up to you, you’re still looking at the photo, then you look at him, with the camera screen face him.

· With one press of a button, you deleted the photo right in front of him.

· Mammon jaw drop, but you sat next to him.

· Cupping his face, rubbing your thumb on his cheek you tell him.

· “Congratulation Great Mammon, I’m all yours”

Leviathan

· He didn’t believe it at first.

· But when he saw his brothers is thinking, especially Mammon, he knew this was for real.

· Then a light bulb lit up in his head, his face grows devious smile.

· He has a plan.

· He invited Solomon over to help him with something.

· He opens the door to Levi’s room to see, a green screen and four sets of cameras all facing the center of the room.

· Levi greets Solomon, and tells him that he needs someone to model for his 3D character his making.

· Solomon agrees, but Levi say that he has to be shirtless for first part.

· Solomon asks why.

· He answers because the character has to have a default look, so he can add outfit in the future.

· With that, Levi got the photos, and proud of himself for not making things awkward.

· But he didn’t expect for Solomon to stay and watch how to make a 3D model.

· Oh I didn’t think this through.

· After a couple of hours of faking doing 3D model in a computer, the results were horrible.

· Levi feeling embarrass, he hides his face on the desk with his arms covering his head.

· Solomon tells him to find a different hobby, and leaves.

· It was the middle of the night when you heard a knock on the door.

· You told them to come in.

· The door open to revel Levi exhausted and red on the face, he raises his hand with the picture of Solomon.

· You got up, walk over to Levi.

· The two of you walk to your bed and sat down, you took the photos.

· You stared in each photo, then tear it in to pieces.

· Levi was about to scream because of your action, when lean your head on his shoulder, nuzzling it.

· Then you when near his ear and whisper.

· “Lord of shadow, I’m all your”

Satan

· He got angry a little bit about the task.

· there’s has to have a reason.

· Being cautious he messages Solomon about this.

· A laughing emoji pop up, then a text “they’re that desperate”

· Rage did begin to describe how piss of Satan was.

· Solomon had the gall to call you desperate.

· Later the evening, Solomon was in the common room of Purgatory Hall.

· Still thinking about his text with Satan, when he notices the window is crack open.

· He walks over, he was about to close it, when a hand grabs his wrist.

· Solomon looks out the window to see Satan in his demon form, mouthing “TAKE OFF YOUR SHIRT”.

· At breakfast, everyone was eating and planning, when suddenly Satan walks in with a smile on his face.

· He saw you eating your breakfast, he walks over place the picture of a scare shirtless Solomon next to your plate.

· You almost choke to see it.

· While everyone else is shock and disappointed that Satan manage to get the picture.

· You grab the picture off the table, took a long good look then tear it.

· Most of the brothers were shock, and Satan was about to break something, when you gesture him to come closer.

· He leans near you, then you whisper in his ear.

· “Thank you, Satan I’m all your”

Asmodeus

· That’s easy, Solomon wouldn’t say no to him, right?

· The next day, Asmo want to Purgatory Hall to get the pictures he needed.

· But when he asks where’s Solomon, Luke said that his hiding from him and his brother.

· Oh so, he wants to this game… well challenge accepted old friend.

· Asmo use all his socials give out a message.

· “If you spot Solomon, DM me his location”

· Within the hour, Asmo knows where Solomon is.

· But every time he gets close, Solomon manages to get away.

· After 20 attempts of catching Solomon, Asmo finally cornered him, but at a cause.

· Determine, tired and anger, a messes Asmo tells Solomon to give up.

· Knowing Asmo rage can rivel Satan, Solomon gave up.

· After taking the photo, Asmo asks Solomon why he was hiding.

· Solomon simple answer “I like a challenge”

· You were in the common room, when Asmo show up with the photos.

· He was is a mess when gave you the photos.

· After giving them a good stare, you rip up the photos.

· Asmo gasp, then quickly engulf in your embrace, and tell him.

· “I’m all yours, Asmo”

Beelzebub

· He’ll just ask him, what could go wrong.

· He just when over to Purgatory Hall to get the photo.

· When he saw Luke and Simeon speed walking away from their dorm.

· Are they going out somewhere?

· The door open, Solomon welcome Beel.

· I have a bad feeling.

· Once inside, Beel when straight to the point, and asks Solomon a picture of his pact marks.

· He would gladly accept, but he has to finish his dinner all on his own.

· Sweat drip down from Beel’s forehead, he knows where this is going.

· With one final breath, Beel tells Solomon that he’ll help him with his dinner.

· Solomon smile and asks Beel to follow him in to the dining hall.

· Dizzy, Beel awakes up from a food coma.

· He saw Solomon taking picture of himself in the mirror.

· He turns to greet Beel, and hand over his phone.

· However, Beel asks him one more thing.

· “Sure, what is it?”

· “Tell me all about your pact marks, while I write the down”

· You were at the kitchen making cupcakes, when Beel comes in.

· He gave you the photos and notes about the pacts.

· You folded the note and hide it in your pocket, but the photos you tear it up.

· Beel’s jaw drop, but you place a cupcake in it, and gave him hug.

· “You did so much Beel, I’m all yours.”

Belphegor

· He thought to himself “just a picture, hm easy”

· When luck comes his way, Belphie saw Solomon at their gate.

· Solomon was about to enter woods nearby, Belphie asks what he was doing here.

· He said that, he was get some ingredients for a potion his making.

· Belphie tells Solomon, he’ll help him in exchange he wants one photo of him showing his pact marks on his torso.

· Solomon agrees, and the two when into the woods.

· The first thing they need was salamander slim.

· However, those things are slippering every time Belphie grab on to it, the Salamander slide out of his hands.

· After 5 attempts, they manage to get the slim.

· Then a certain fur from a cougar fang.

· Belphie got scratch.

· Then finally 10 seven leafs clovers

· Fuck! those things are rare, are you insane.

· After hours of looking, they found ten clovers.

· Once they got out the woods, Belphie brought out his phone and gave to Solomon.

· “Deals a deal I don’t want to see you shirtless so, take them over there”

· You were in the music room listening to favorite songs, when Belphie walks in, phone in hand.

· He sat next to you and gave you his phone with the picture.

· You look at the picture, while you took of your earphone off.

· Belphie widen eyes when he saw you delete the photo.

· You hand over his phone back, with an angry look on his face grab hold on the phone, but you didn’t let go.

· Instead, you place your other hand over his, rubbing it, he looks back to you.

· You smile and grab his hand, and tell him.

· “Wonder work Belphie, I’m all yours”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Epilogue

You were leaning in bed with the winner, the room was peaceful and quiet, you turn over him seeing his calm and happy.

A moment of silent was break by a sound from your D.D.D, you grab it and got out of bed, you bend over to kiss him on top of his head, and told him that you were going to the bathroom, he sleepy nod, then you walk out.

You close the door of the bathroom, and see how texted you.

Solomon

That was really daring of you to ask them that.

I told you, I’ll get you back

But I didn’t expect him to that.

I always make things hard for your “champion”

You really did, but that not what a reply to you.

Oh! What is it

I want to thank you

Thank me for what, I gave him a hard time, well hard time for him.

Exactly, he when so far to get a picture of you Shirtless.

He was confused at first but I show him that I don’t need a picture of some else.

So, Thank you, Solomon I got a Boyfriend out of it.

[back2gaming]

COUGAR Launches its First Ergonomic Chair ARGO

Cougar officially announces availability of the Argo ergonomic mesh chair. Now available in the USA and Philippines for $499 or Php24800. Available at PCHUB.

[spacetimewraithwrites-archive]

Find the Word Tag Game

(Double Feature/ROY G BIV Game)

tagged by: @sylvar-writes-fantasy & @druidx!! my words: hunt, freedom, trust, hate, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet tagging: @sleepyowlwrites, @drabbleitout, @drippingmoon, @ashen-crest, @zmwrites, @athenswrites, anyone who wants to, and the Sims 2 for being, arguably, the superior Sims game. your words: danger, dry, dive, dare, drive, dust AND/OR ROY G BIV

hunt search (Rebirth)—

"You good?"

[Warren] glanced at the man helping himself to the chair across the table and nodded. "Yeah, I’m..." He did a double-take.

He almost didn't recognize him—he wore smoky kohl blended into a rainbow of neon eyeshadow that amplified the clear blue of his eyes, and the three rows of tight braids on each side of his head. The rest of his sable hair had been teased into a pretty bouffant mohawk, and he had a scar that looked to have been old yet never fully healed, shaped like an upside-down triangle on his right temple.

The man was definitely Guetry Sympa. It was hard to miss the same mischievous air around his calm expression that existed in his dossier photo.

Those clear blue eyes looked a bit shifty as he settled into the chair and searched the surrounding atrium crowd for something. He placed his hands on his crossed legs with elegance he otherwise did not possess. His nails were, surprisingly, chewed down to the quick. "You look like you're about to pass out."

Warren noted the silver cigarette perched between two of Guetry's fingers and the long black coat with a high collar that made him look like a hitman from a movie. "I'll be fine."

freedom (Rebirth)—

"They're impressed," Thrive said, moving to the comm. "Camps all over Voka are following the lead of the Ogsh Mines, rioting and reclaiming their rightful territory and their freedom."

"Those two graha are still in the engine room," Alec said. "Where are we taking them?"

"I've actually just gotten off a call with the sanctuary a few moments ago."

"Heredes," Varussa said. "One of ours."

"I have visited before," Osillo mused. "Full of beauty and serenity the graha normally would not understand."

Thrive allowed himself a quick and curious silence. "They will now."

trust (Meridian)—

Warren glanced up from the floor of Thrive's Leviathan office, tablet laid out on his lap with his comm device in hand, tilting the screens away from the door. He'd been scheduling and taking notes for Thrive's percolating rebellion, and they wanted to keep track of who they could trust out of their friends and contacts so they could know who would be on their side.

Atoa didn't even notice the devices. He bowed low at the door. "You've received a call from the Consortium."

Warren rolled his eyes.

"What did they want?" Thrive asked from the desk.

"Veneve's star is showing signs of an impending supernova, sir."

Thrive moved around to Warren's line of sight. "...That would be infinitely worse than what's happened to Efthim."

"What? Why?" Warren looked at him, instantly realizing why. "Oh, shit...Veneve Ten."

"Should that star die," Thrive explained anyway, "it will destroy Veneve Ten, which could spread its radiation throughout a large portion of the galaxy."

hate (Rebirth)—

"Fuckin' ouch," Guetry said lightly. He visibly steeled himself as Alec barrelled through the crowd to grab him in a tight hug. "Girl, my ribs…!"

"Stupid bitch," she cried. "I hate you so much."

Guetry nodded into her shoulder. His eyes reddened and Warren could see the strength he mustered to keep his lip from quivering. "Yeah, I know."

She held on for a while before wiping a tear from her own cheek and pulling back. She booped him on the nose. "I'll keep your beat guitar warm for you."

Guetry inhaled deeply. "Thanks."

Alec sank back into the group and Guetry turned to Warren, who didn't realize until then that he was biting his cheek hard to avoid an overshow of emotions.

"I love you, Cougar. Since day one."

Warren snorted. "You're so gross." He sniffed heartily. "...But I love you too, man."

red (Aurora)—

Warren glanced around at everyone, and then at the nebula. At its crimson gaseous clouds. So red...so angry...and it crawled up the back of his neck like a spider. The sheer magnitude of the nebula, the arrogance of Torris being a rogue planet, the nerve of the Emmuli to think the universe belonged to it. The nerve of an entity dominating life to such a degree. How utterly fucking dare it.

He'd lost everything. He'd lost everything.

A black mist gathered from a shadow in the corner of the room and Warren snatched the rifle from Emnophene's hands, unloading the clip into the vaguely bipedal form until it disappeared in a puff of black smoke.

"Fuck you!" He shouted in the ensuing silence.

Guetry turned a pair of exasperated eyes onto the viewscreen and sighed. "Uh-oh."

A fist of smoke bashed into the window, grinding the ship to a halt and throwing everyone off their feet. The twins regained their stability first and threw shields at the Emmuli, who knocked them aside and barreled like a comet directly at Warren. He aimed the rifle and fired, kept firing until the smoke parted and funneled around the bridge into humanoid shapes launching into individual attacks on everyone else.

orange (Rebirth)—

Something around Thrive's hands caught [Warren’s] eye. A faint orange mist, barely noticeable, diffuse and wispy, swirled around them, between his fingers, caressing his knuckles. Thrive didn't seem to notice.

Hondris gasped, as if it only then fully sunk in. "———…"

"I lost them ten minutes ago," Gouna muttered from the steps. "I...I did everything I could."

"Right," Thrive said. He sounded far away, numb. "...We'll...have to put together a rite, I'll...have to send them to the Sky…"

Warren reached out and touched Thrive's arm though he was numb as well. "Turn it off for a second."

Thrive's face twisted but he remained rigid otherwise, not allowing anything else to break through his outward emotional barrier.

yellow (Eternal)—

Muffled vibrations shook the Laiori R'si as the eliyi dreadnought opened fire, and Thrive did little else but level the Headmaster with an intense stare even as a low red strobe bathed the bridge in an eerie light, indicating his own vessel was under attack. 

It was almost hypnotic; Thrive's natural form staring the Headmaster down as if he could reach into their brain from where he stood, and Warren wondered for a moment if that wasn't what he was trying to do.

More blasts of unfortunately familiar yellow energy went off against the outside of the viewscreen, deflected by a shimmering barrier protecting them. Thrive shifted his focus to the dreadnought just past the image of the eliyi spitting in their attempt to scream him into submission, and he remained the picture of calm.

green (Eternal)—

"You better eat all of this, because it's going to be impossible to feed you again for another several hours," [Guetry] said. "I was almost caught trying to bring you food once already."

"This is so stupid," Warren grunted, pulling himself to a sitting position and gratefully taking the plate. He took a bite—greens, potatoes, and something like beef, but slightly off, not quite from Earth. It still tasted amazing and Warren shoveled down as much as he could within the pause between his thoughts. "If you asked me five years before ——— if I'd ever love someone enough to stowaway on a starship for them, I'd have a direct line to the fucking police before you even finished talking."

"I know," Guetry said, already halfway to the door. "And I'm sorry. This is a mess to begin with. But it'll go by fast, I promise."

Warren rolled his eyes but said nothing else.

Mercury brought him his second and last meal before they arrived at the Ingress Gate, and Mercury informed him that they were ten hours away, which brought a deep relief to Warren he hadn't felt in a long time. At least one thing was reliable; Thrive, ever the workaholic, didn't come into their quarters once.

Except for when he did.

blue (Aurora)—

"Why would I be just as big a threat to the Emmuli…" Warren paused, mid-gesture, and his stomach lurched. "...Is this because of why I'm the Most Important Human Alive?"

"Yes."

"Wait," Warren said instantly. "Wait. I've waited ——— for this. Make the reveal as dramatic as possible."

The lights in the room shut down and a spotlight beamed on him and Thrive, a sea blue rising from under the floor. Warren heard Sussa and Guetry shifting around somewhere behind them.

"I really didn't think that would work," Warren said. More seriously, now, he turned to Thrive. "You know, don't you?"

"I have my suspicions."

"I want you to tell me."

Thrive's eyes sparkled under the harsh spotlight with a hint of cheekiness. "With the caveat that I'll be corrected if I'm wrong."

indigo (Aurora)—

"Did I miss it?"

"Yes," Gouna said, barely acknowledging Warren jogging into the lab. His nose was buried in a tablet, the other hand tapping away at the nearest console to the gestation tank, which still had the metal casing around it keeping it protected from the light. "You've just missed their entu'borah."

"Ooh," Corin piped up from his place hidden behind the tank. "We've got sarcasm today."

Thrive—also hidden behind the tank—stepped into view and, with Corin's help, removed the latches locking the casing in place. "That's extremely humorous coming from you," he grunted as the latches popped apart.

Gouna hooked his fingers into a slot in the side of the casing and pulled it off the tank, revealing the somewhat cloudy amniotic fluid and saturated indigo embryo floating inside, twitching at the sudden exposure to light.

Warren took a step closer, peering inside the tank with wide eyes. "Whoa…"

violet (Meridian)—

"Okay, this is it." Warren sat in a chair across from the chassis. "Harmony's got the code queued up and ready to send to the body."

She nodded at the computer. "Sending now."

The chassis hunched over, as if losing the strength to hold itself up, and the head twitched mechanically from one side to another, but then it went still.

Thrive moved closer to the hunched form, glancing in Harmony's direction. He waited for a couple of digital ticks, inching his fingers somewhat involuntarily toward the figure's shoulder. He inhaled as if prepared to speak, but he said nothing.

Warren thinned his eyes, unsure if he could take the anticipation much longer. His own words died in his throat upon the figure's head angling up and staring directly at Thrive.

Copper eyes blinked and neon violet swelled within the irises, swallowed by a hazy glow. They blinked again, cold, emotionless—settling on a more natural tint of purple, if that could be believed—and snapped to Warren.