#Hendrick's Head Light

[jadafitch]

Hendricks Head Light, Sheepscot River, Southport, Maine. One stormy night in 1932, the keeper Charles Knight's family dog, Shep, barked until he was let out. The dog continued to bark at the water's edge, until a couple, who had lost their oars and were getting blown out to sea, were spotted and rescued. Shep was awarded a bronze medal by the Anti-Vivisection Society of New York.

[brian-in-finance]

… to @bcacstuff and her Anon who said

Looks like Cait is on an interesting path in HW not just as member of The Academy of Motion Pictures and actress but also making things work in this industry from BTS.

ACADEMY REVEALS 2024 NICHOLL SCREENWRITING FELLOWS

Posted: Monday, September 30, 2024

LOS ANGELES, CA – Four individuals and one writing team have been selected as recipients of the 2024 Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting. Each individual and writing team will receive a $35,000 prize and mentorship from an Academy member throughout their fellowship year. They also will participate in a week of virtual seminars, a virtual meet and greet with the Nicholl Fellowships committee, and in-person networking events, including a celebration in Beverly Hills on October 29. The Nicholl Fellowships were established in 1985 through the support of Gee Nicholl in memory of her husband, Don Nicholl.

The 2024 Nicholl Fellows are (listed alphabetically by author):

Alysha Chan and David Zarif (Los Angeles, CA), “Miss Chinatown”

Jackie Yee follows in her mother’s footsteps on her quest to win the Los Angeles Miss Chinatown pageant.

Colton Childs (Waco, TX), “Fake-A-Wish”

Despite their forty-year age gap, and the cancer treatment confining them to their small Texas town, two gay men embark on a road trip to San Francisco to grant themselves the Make-A-Wish they’re too old to receive.

Charmaine Colina (Los Angeles, CA), “Gunslinger Bride”

With a bounty on her head, a young Chinese-American gunslinger poses as a mail order bride to hide from the law and seek revenge for her murdered family.

Ward Kamel (Brooklyn, NY), “If I Die in America”

After the sudden death of his immigrant husband, an American man’s tenuous relationship with his Muslim in-laws reaches a breaking point as he tries to fit into the funeral they’ve arranged in the Middle East. Adapted from the SXSW® Grand Jury-nominated short film of the same name.

H (West Chester, PA), “The Superb Lyrebird & Other Creatures”

A neurodivergent teen who envisions people as animated creatures, battles an entitled rival for a life-changing art scholarship, while her sister unwisely crosses the line to help.

A total of 5,500 scripts, from 80 countries, were submitted for the 2024 competition.

The 2024 finalists are (listed alphabetically by author):

Kelly Beck-Byrnes, “Where the Boxelders Grow”

Tate Hamilton, “Delivery Girl”

Jamie Murphy, “Lights over Idaho”

Adele Smaill, “No Ghosts Tonight”

Justine Suh, “Deep”

The five fellowships are awarded with the understanding that recipients will complete feature-length screenplays during their fellowship year. The Academy acquires no rights to the works of Nicholl fellows and does not involve itself commercially in any way with their completed scripts.

The Academy Nicholl Fellowships Committee is chaired by Julie Lynn (Producers Branch). The members of the committee are Aldis Hodge and Caitríona Balfe (Actors Branch); Julien Thuan (Artist Representatives); Susan Shopmaker and Academy governor Kim Taylor-Coleman (Casting Directors Branch); Andrzej Bartkowiak (Cinematographers Branch); Allison Anders (Directors Branch); Bruce Hendricks and Marcus Hu (Executives Branch); Blaise Noto (Marketing and Public Relations Branch); Jason Michael Berman, Susan Cartsonis, Julia Chasman and Linda Reisman (Producers Branch); Sue Chan (Production Design Branch); Bobbi Banks (Sound Branch); and Destin Daniel Cretton, Susannah Grant, Ehren Kruger, Adele Lim, Justin Marks, Zak Penn and Katie Silberman (Writers Branch).

The global competition, which aims to identify and encourage talented new screenwriters, has awarded 186 fellowships since 1986. In 2024, several past Nicholl fellows added to their feature film and television credits:

Aaron Chung is a staff writer on Apple+’s “WondLa.”

Elizabeth Chomko directed the docuseries “Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints.”

Eric Nazarian wrote and directed “Die like a Man.”

“Holy Irresistible” is from Andrew Shearer and Nicholas Sherman’s 2007 Nicholl-winning script.

“Interstate” is from Anthony Jaswinski’s 1997 Nicholl-winning script.

Jason Micallef is an executive producer and writer on Disney+’s “The Acolyte.”

R.J. Daniel Hanna wrote and directed two features: “Succubus” and “Hard Miles,” which he co-wrote.

For more information about the Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting, visit oscars.org/nicholl.

Oscars Press

Brian 29 June 2022

Remember Caitríona’s latest Academy role?

[blueiscoool]

Rembrandt Portrait Found in an Attic Sells for $1.4M

The work is attributed "after Rembrandt" and dated to the 17th century.

Last summer, Christie’s sold the last known Rembrandt portraits owned by private collectors. But, a mysterious unsigned portrait in the style of the Dutch master recently popped up in an attic in Camden, Maine—and sold for far more than its estimate of $10,000–$15,000 at Thomaston Place Auction Galleries. Although the details surrounding this work remain murky, an anonymous private collector from the U.K. scooped it for $1.4 million.

“I never imagined I’d help close a deal for over a million dollars,” says Thomaston Place Auction Galleries’ staff member Zebulon Casperson, who represented the winning bidder over the phone, in a statement. “It feels like a shared victory.”

The new portrait turned up during a standard house call that Kaja Veilleux, the founder, appraiser, and auctioneer behind Thomaston Place Auction Galleries, made to an private estate in Camden.

We often go in blind,” Veilleux remarked in the auction house’s release. “The home was filled with wonderful pieces, but it was in the attic, among stacks of art, that we found this remarkable portrait.”

The perfectly preserved, purportedly antiquated work of oil on cradled oak panel depicts a teenage girl dressed in an austere black robe, with a frilly white collar and white cap, against a plain background. A gold, hand-carved Dutch frame rings the scene.

While the artwork’s style, particularly its striking use of light, indeed evokes Rembrandt, the real revelation is on the verso—which features a slip from the Philadelphia Museum of Art recording that Mr. Cary W. Bok, a late descendant of Philadelphia’s Curtis Publishing Company fortune, loaned it this artwork in 1970. The slip attributes the painting to Rembrandt, titling it Portrait of Girl. Although the slip also noted that Bok was based in Camden, it’s impossible to say whether his family put this portrait up for sale. Veilleux has pledged to keep the consignor anonymous.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art was unable to clarify which show the institution may have loaned this portrait for, but a representative did note that such a slip does not equal an authentication. Thus, Portrait of Girl hit the block as a painting done “after Rembrandt” on August 24. According to Live Auctioneers, the work is from the 1630s, an era where Rembrandt was overseeing portrait commissions as the head of art dealer Hendrick Uylenburgh’s studio.

But, lingering uncertainty hardly stymied the excitement. Seven hours into the second day of the Summer Grandeur sale in Thomaston that Saturday, bidding on the portrait opened at $32,500, already well above estimate, and ballooned rapidly over 60 successive offers by 11 bidders—two in person, and nine over the phone—in increments of $25,000. As bidding reached $900,000, the pack whittled down to three, and then two, phone bidders.

According to the auction house, the painting now represents one of the most expensive artworks ever sold in Maine. By comparison, Portrait of Marten Looten (1632) remains the most expensive authentic Rembrandt ever sold, after hammering for $33.8 million in 2015.

By Vittoria Benzine.

[staytinyville]

OUTLAW (47)

ATEEZ poly!ot8 x Reader

Cowboy AU / Wild West

Series Masterlist

Warning: none

A/N NOT BETA READ. We have only two more chapters left of this arc! After that I might be taking a break for a bit. Not only to focus on some original novels I have planned but to also have a few chapters ready for you all to read. Cause this having to write chapters the day of updating--hate it lol.

It was a quick affair for when someone had come in to take away Hendricks. He struggled for a moment but after Wooyoung got annoyed with the man’s shouting and fighting, he was quick to shove a rag into the man’s mouth. Seeing as he was cuffed, Hendricks was only able to huff and puff into the fabric. 

When you turned back around to face Klein you watched as he was looking over the papers once more. He had a somber look on his face, one of regret as he sighed at each word that seemed to process into his head. 

“I'd like to thank you for bringing this to my attention.” Klein said, not meeting any of your eyes. 

“You don't seem like it.” Hongjoong raised his brows, crossing his arms as he stood in front of the man. 

“You're still criminals in the eyes of the public.” Klein finally looked up, sighing to himself as his eyes skimmed over all nine of you. 

“We understand.” You spoke up. “You're a respectable man who has a city to protect.”

You watched as Klein suddenly thought about the entire town, going back to clenching his jaw as he began to think lowly of himself. It was a tough job to take on, especially for a town that was the second most populated. You were never going to be able to make everyone happy, but you were able to make the world a better place. At least in your own image.

Your family had always supported Klein–a vast majority of the town did–so he must have felt a heavy pressure on his shoulders knowing that he was close to putting all of them in danger. There aren't many people you are able to trust when it comes to positions in office, especially not with times growing more and more. People were getting greedy as things began to change, which led to problems. But that shouldn’t stop the few who were trying to keep things at peace from doing what they must. 

While Klein had the right intentions–wanting to see Cromer grow into a modern city–he didn’t realize he would fall into a pit of snakes. Human era was inevitable. You were just glad to have stopped everything before it got too far. 

“Will you leave soon?” Klein asked. 

“We have a mission to finish.” Yunho explained. “This was only a side quest.” He chuckled.

Klein huffed a little laugh, pressing his lips together. “This drug.” He asked, tapping on the papers and envelopes. “What happens if it gets out?”

“The world falls.” Seonghwa answered. “It becomes baron of the joys we see everyday.”

“We've seen what it could do.” Jongho called from the back of the group. “It's not something this world should suffer from.”

“Why hasn't Aurora done anything then?” Klein shook his head, not understanding the whole thing. 

“They don't have evidence to prove corruption yet.” Hongjoong told the mayor. “That's what we've been trying to do for the past couple of years.”

The man took a moment to gather his thoughts before moving to grab the things from his desk. “Here.” Klein began to gather all the papers between Quaid and Hendricks, handing them over to you. “Take these then.” He told you.

“What about Quaid?” Mingi asked.

“I've already sent people after him.” Klein answered the boy. “We'll take care of him here in Cromer seeing as it's my jurisdiction.” He turned to look at you, giving you a thankful bow of his head. “Should anything else come to light though, I'll be sure to send word to you.”

“Thank you, Mayor Klein.” You smiled in thanks. 

You watched as he suddenly clapped his hands, rubbing them together. He gave you all a raise of his brow, pursing his lips. “You've all committed crimes that should be punishable but it seems to me you're all hard to catch.”

All of you suddenly looked at him oddly, frowning a bit at his words. You were a bit worried that Klein would somehow punish the boys for all they had done, but as you registered the rest of his sentence you concluded that wasn’t going to be the case. 

“You're letting us go?” You said, being the first to realize what it was he meant. 

“If what you say is true about this drug, then it seems we have a common enemy.” Klein nodded to himself. “I have a city full of people to keep safe. It's what I signed up for as mayor of Cromer.” He took a breath, coming to a stand. “I'll tell the city it wasn't you who stole the money.”

“Tell them you had money left over.” Hongjoong suggested. “You'll be seen as the hero again.”

“As much as one would love to take credit for that, I could not.” Klein shook his head. “I was going to send that money somewhere terrible. I could never live with myself had you not taken it.”

Your shoulders dropped at the man’s convention. He was right in thinking a majority of people would have loved to take the glory and credit for saving the town, but Klein wasn’t a majority of people. He was someone selfless who took care of others first. It was something each of the boys were quick to realize after speaking with him more. 

At least by what you could tell from the looks on their faces. 

“What will you say then?” Wooyoung asked. 

“The truth.” Klein spoke up, smiling as he thought it over. “ATEEZ were the ones who took the money.” He smiled, watching as the boys all gave him skeptical looks. 

“They have never seen your faces.” The mayor added. “I don’t believe they will suspect 8 handsome, young men who work for one of Cromer’s hotels. Unless you have warranted for people to think that.” Klein joked. 

The boys all looked at each other for a moment, humming in thought as they pondered on what they had all done so far in your town. “They haven’t.” You answered for them, sending them looks that called for them to behave. 

You turned back to Klein, bowing your head and giving him a smile. “Thank you.”

“Of course.” Klein nodded his head, giving you a kind smile as well. 

Just as the boys all turned one by one to leave the office, you suddenly gasped, stopping to turn back around. “One more thing!” You called back.

“Yes?” Klein answered. 

“My father.” You began. “He's kind of in jail at the moment.”

Klein laughed, nodding in understandment. “I'll have him released, don't worry.”

“Thank you, Mayor.” You bowed one more time, turning to Hongjoong who waited closer to you.

“Be careful on your mission.” Klein called out before you all left the door. “It doesn't seem easy.” He added. 

You watched as the boys gave each other knowing looks again, Hongjoong sighing as he bowed his head. “It never is.”

Series Masterlist

@thefrog3223 , @iarayara , @0rangemilk , @explorewithd , @detectivedoodle , @bangtanxberm , @a1i33a , @loveforred , @drunken-deitence , @0325tiny , @the-ghostest-with-the-mostest , @atinyreads , @atinytinaa , @lexiigom , @smilingtokki , @mismatchfluffysocks , @brain-empty-only-draken , @sousydive , @alex-tinyy , @h3arteyes4mingi , @onedumbho3 , @popcatx0 , @blue1amory , @mommahwa1117 , @sunnyhokyu , @cloudieclair , @puppyminnnie

[homiesondaweb]

I WROTE SOME HOBIE BACKSTORY FLUFF

Been writing too much angst lately🥲

anyway this is based of my previous head cannon on Hobie's siblings. Quick recap (might make a OC post about em) Hudson and Hendricks(yea name change) are the eldest twins about 12 years older than Hobie and are 21. Henry is in the middle he is 9 years older than Hobie, he is 18. Harley is only 5 years older and she is 14 going on 15 (she helps run the community garden). Hobie is 9!

I am Black but also an American from the midwest. So if I fuck up some of the UK vernacular or whatnot y'all can correct me in the replies or reblogs. If you see this fic floating on AO3 that is also me!

______________________

1966 Chevy C10 aka the ugliest truck known to fucking man aka Harley bedroom away from home. Given to her by her old dirt and hay supplier before he moved to Wales, the dark green vehicle that lives parked in their ground floor garage was her escape from a house full of her lanky and, damn-right charlie brothers. She has the bed of the truck softened with a scrap fabric mattress and tens of thrifted comforters and pillows. Her portable record player crones with a Betty Davis record riding the groove with a whining guitar. Harley uses a chunk of mirror propped against her stage trunk to watch herself as she sections her hair into lazy cornrows for the night.

The sky slowly crumbles into a sunset, unfurling into a cool moon, shifting the world to a soft grayscale and sepia. Streetlights outside the garage flicker on and the human officers switch their patrol lights to a slow strobing blue and yellow. Harley gives a big yawn that pops her jaw and hums along to the guitar's riffs. The sound rests really low in her throat, it nearly drowns out the sound of steel door creaking and small steps that padding in. The 14 year old pauses her humming and stretches over to see the interruption of her night routine.

It's shaped lika palm tree, outlined in muted pink with their bare feet slapping around on the cement. Sleepy gray eyes met hers before they lighten to hazel for a moment, then back to sleep gray.

"Comin' ta bed?" Hobie whispers, voice all low and raspy. Harley helps the wire of a little boy clamor over the raised gate, he settles his head on her shoulder after. She chuckles and smears some leftover mango butter on his nose before her hands are back in her head.

"Inna bit. Thought I might sleep down 'ere though. Let my Baney Bart lil brother have the whole bed. You've got ta start wearin' yer socks to bed, ice foot." Harley teases and Hobie whines, then snuggles against her side. 

Harley thought that now with Henry moving in with Rembrandt to the Canal flats would have given her the incentive to claim his room for her own and finally stop sharing both room and mattress with her baby brother. It wasn't easy though, ever since she came on the scene when the twins 7 and Henry was 5 the Brown siblings instinctively cuddled. Like cubs or kittens of some kind. 

Hudson and Hendricks would sleep on their stomach, shoulders piled on top of each other or an arm around the other's back. Henry uses somebody's calf as a pillow and his foot always ends up in Hudson's face. Harley found her spot cuddled over Henry's stomach and when baby Hobie joined the mix she always woke to her shoulder being smothered in his drool and soft snores. They were like cats in that way, if one sibling saw the other napping, they were gonna share that sleep.

It has peter off some, Henry started sleeping over in the art alley with his mandem. Hendricks working overnight security with Pa. Hudson staying with Imani more days out the week(they all wait for the couple to announce the true reason why she was getting rounder). Harley sleeps in the truck when her band mates  sneaks over after the city curfew because their fam is off it or someone is sick with radio or the flu.

But even with growing apart. A cuddle wassa cuddle and baby Hobie was gonna get his full of them. Of course Harley was still gonna share a bed with her little Barty when requested. Hobie starts to fade down to their true colors as sleep wraps him up, 

"Oi! No sleep yet lil boy. Gotta put the 'fro up." She whispers tugging at the puff on the top of his head. Hobie grumbles, going cut yellow with crankiness. Harley counters it with a pink kiss to the top of his head and lets the stocking-band out that release his coils. Hobie blinks blearly in his slumped sit as Harley sloppily parts then flat twists them down into four rows. He gives a little sigh at the cool feeling of mango butter to his scalp but grumbles when she ties a scarf over them. Harley chuckles as she releases his ears from under it and scoots the front back. 

They both know that damn scarf will be half way across the room and on the floor with her bonnet by morning. He cuddles into the front of her, stuck lika kola instead of a boy, smushing his face to her shoulder. Harley rubs his back and hums out the Buddy Miles intro that is stuck in her head as she feels around for her phone. Hobie blinks again as he watches her raise the antenna on top of it then pop in the code for someone. It rings loudly and they both wince before she lowers the volume and tilts the antenna to the right. 

"Headin' ova?" She asks and a voice hums a soft no. Hobie sighs, that was Donovan.

"Dottie and Kirt's gots lead or radio. Feelin' weak me-self, keepa eye on ya water, yeah? Think OsCo is doin' flushes again." He warns softly.

Harley tenses at that. She sits back some and uses her free hand to inspect Hobie's face. She blinks hard and they both revert to true colors. All warm brown skin, black hair and steely eyes. She gives a sigh of relief at seeing that the whites of his eyes as fine, not any spots of yellow. No dryness to his pallor, just sleepy.

"Where you in the fountains today?" She asks and Hobie shakes his head.

"Wit Pa tuday." He mumbles to her, she lets him relax back and resumes petting his back.

"Thanks for the heads up Vonnie. I'll come by wit some bone soup and a filter from Hud in the mornin'. 

"You're a dove Harles. Oíche mhaith a chroí." 

Hobie gives a fakes gag as Harley blares pink then clovers sketches, Gaelic love poems and the expert of Romeo and Juliet having it off etch over her skin in cursive for a moment before she simmers back to sepia.

"Bon lannwit, Mon kè." She says back and hangs up. Harley stashes her phone back under the mattress before turning off her record player. With a practiced ease she carefully slides Betty Davis back into the paper sleeve, then lays the mirror chunk down on a quilt.

"Ann kouche, pinèz." Harley yawns and clamors out the truck bed with Hobie still clinging to her. They make their way up to the flat and to their room. Hobie is nothing but soft breath so it startles Harley when he speaks.

"You gonna live wit Donovan one day? Like Henry and Huddie?" Hobie asks. Harley kisses his cheek and lays them down in bed. She lights a lavender incense cone, then pops it in the holder.

"Maybe one day."

"Gonna marry 'em?"

"Can't get married. He's too Irish. Laws will bang us."

"You don't care." Hobie giggles and Harley smiles real big at that.

"Who said me and Van ain't gonna bang the laws back bruv? Don't worry bout it Barty Bug." She tells him when she lays down fully and loops an arm around his shoulders, Hobie puts his head over her heart.

"You gonna runaway? You two go off?"

Harley hums.

"Where imma go, bug?" 

"... Cuba or Panama, like uncle."

"Too much sun for Donovan. He'd cook."

"Uhm… Canada. Like Erika's family?"

"Too cold. I'd freeze to death."

Hobie pouts at this point, turning into her elbow so he doesn't have to see the sleeply mirth in his older sister's eyes. Her black nails gently grasps his jaw and turns his face back to her. The both flare into blue and black ink and mapwork.

"What's with the questions. You think imma leave, love?"

Hobie nods in embarrassment but softens as Harley kisses his forehead.

"Not without you buggy. Same things goes for Hudson, Hendricks, and Henry. Same thing for Ma and Pa. No way I'm leavin' you even if the Queen, her corgis and the PM demanded it. Even if Von proposed right here. Which is stupid I'm 14, he's 15 and we've had lead poisoning on and off since we was little. So don't worry about Cuba or Canada, hell even Wales. I'm your big sister, we are Browns and some right punks. Labels are nothing but when you put in the care and obligations that comes with the title. Well, you're pretty fulfilled by em. And that means we stick together always. And care for each other always. So don't you worry your head about my crush. Don't worry about seeing my back out the door." 

Hobie just snuggles her closer at that. Harley chuckles and cuddles back. 

If there's one thing Hobie believes in, without a question,  it is his sister.

-----

Oíche mhaith a chroí = Irish Gaelic - Goodnight, my dear

Bon lannwit, Mon kè = Haitian Creole - Goodnight, my heart

Ann kouche, pinèz = Haitian Creole - Let's go lie down, Bug.

[an-theduckin]

No more reminders

Mark and friends whump fanfic. Tw for torture obviously.

Summary: Mark has started to grow horns just like his uncle Big Monster (before he died), and Billy does not like getting reminded of him whenever he looks at Mark. He have to get rid of the horns.

Mark woke up with a splitting headache, his head was pounding relentlessly. He forced himself to open his eyes, only to just see a blurry vision instead.

He was…in a dark room? Mark tried moving, but he couldn't. Instead he felt a cold steel against him, restraining his arms and legs. It hurt.

There was someone in front of him.

“Good morning, Mark!” Billy said in a singing tone.

Something was wrong.

Billy suddenly put the lights on, which mercilessly blinded Mark's eyes. It took a while for his eyes to adjust to the light, but even then his vision was still foggy.

Mark's fur rubbed against the hard table. It was uncomfortable. His body started trembling against his will, he didn't know if it was because of the cold or because of what Billy Hendricks might do next.

A clang of metal could be heard. Mark could hear Billy's footsteps get closer to him. His heart started racing.

“It's okay Mark, I'm just helping you–” he clucked his tongue–“we don't want you looking like him now, do we?”

Billy brought a chainsaw and positioned it near Mark's new grown horns. Before Mark could react, Billy sawed his horn with the chainsaw. Tears pricked his eyes and he could not stop them from overflowing. A scream emerged from the little monster.

The pain spread to his whole body, it felt like it was burning. His mind tried to block it out, but it was too overwhelming. He tried to beg and plead but the words wouldn't come out of his mouth no matter how hard he tried, as he was sobbing too hard.

He could hear a thud. And realised that it was probably one of his horns falling off on the ground. There was one more to go.

Warm blood trickled down from Mark's head and drops of it landed on his shaking body. He couldn't breathe, he felt like he was going to die.

He looked at Billy to see cold uncaring eyes stare at him. He didn't give him a moment of rest before harshly sawing off his other horn, even with more force this time.

Mark screamed again, his throat was sore from all the screaming. He tried to get out of the things that were holding him down. He jolted up, in hopes that it'll release him, but it didn't. A sharp pain shot down on his limbs.

Billy Hendricks was saying something– probably telling Mark to stop resisting. But he couldn't hear him, his voice was somehow muffled, he could not focus on anything other than the pain that was killing him.

Mark stopped trying to escape after a while. His limbs felt like jelly and he could not move. The pain was still there, but it's not as overwhelming as before. Mark took in a shaky breath, glad that it was finally over.

He was drenched in sweat and blood, and the bed he was on was uncomfortable as it was too tight. He could die from blood loss right now. But he didn't dare complain. It would just make Billy mad.

Mark closed his eyes. Maybe this was how he was going to die, but he didn't care anymore. Maybe then, at least he'll finally be free from this hell.

[allthingsfangirl101]

*Starting the Year off Right–Steve Harrington

Warnings: first time, virgin, foreplay, fingering, protected sex, language

"You sure you can't come?" Tommy scoffed, instantly glaring at me.

Ever since I was paired with Steve in Biology, Tommy has constantly tried to convince him to ignore me. During the second week of school, Steve and I were working with the Bunsen Burners and I accidentally burned myself. Steve instantly freaked out. He wrapped his arms around me and ran me to the teacher. He stayed with his arms around me as he escorted me to the nurse.

The burn wasn't serious but my mom still came and picked me up. On the way home, we stopped at the ER. It took us several hours. When we finally got home, Steve was waiting in front of our house.

                              ~•~

"What are you doing here?" I asked as my mom and I got out of the car. I glance over at my mom but she just sent me a smile before heading inside.

"I wanted to make sure you were okay," he stuttered.

"I'm fine," I said slowly. "It wasn't that bad. The ER doctor said it was. . ."

I stopped talking when Steve closed the gap between us. He gently grabbed my wrist and examined my bandage.

"How long are you going to have the bandages?" He asked under his breath.

"Not long," I said, trying to clear the frog out of my throat. "10 days. Maybe 14. Depends on how fast it heals."

He looked up at me, making my breath get caught in my throat.

"I'm sorry," he whispered.

"For what?"

"I should've protected you better."

"It's not your job," I said under my breath.

"I'm your lab partner," he shrugged, finally returning to his old self. "We're supposed to watch out for each other."

"Steve," I cut him off. "What are you doing?"

"What do you mean?" He asked with a small chuckle. His smile slowly faded.

"What are you really doing here?"

"I was worried," he said slowly.

"Why?" A part of me knew I shouldn't push it, but another part wanted to know. "Why do you suddenly care?"

"Suddenly?" Steve stuttered. "Y/N. . ."

I waited for him to continue, but he didn't. I couldn't wrap my head around why he suddenly cared about me. Steve Harrington and I have never said anything to each other. Sure, we've grown up together but we were never in the same social group.

I sighed, slightly shaking my head, and started to leave. Steve grabbed my hand that wasn't wrapped in bandages and pulled me back. The second I was pressed to his chest, he leaned down and kissed me. I was too shocked to kiss him back. Like how he initiated it, he slowly broke the kiss.

"I haven't stopped thinking about you since the first day of biology when Mrs. Hendricks assigned us to be partners," Steve confessed with his voice barely a whisper. "I remember exactly what you were wearing; a light gray t-shirt, dark blue jeans, and a red flannel tied around your waist. You had these awesome sneakers that you wouldn't look up from. Your shampoo smelled like strawberries and your perfume smelled like vanilla. Strawberry vanilla instantly became my favorite smell."

"Why are you telling me all of this?" I asked, barely able to breathe.

"Because," Steve said with a small chuckle, "I'm into you, Y/N. And I want to be more than just lab partners."

With a sudden burst of courage, I stood on my toes and kissed him. I felt him smile as he started kissing me, slowly deepening it.

"I want that too," I whispered, breaking the kiss.

"Awesome," he chuckled. "So, are you free tonight?"

"For what?" I asked, still a little foggy from the kiss.

"Our first date," Steve said in a teasing tone.

I looked down at my hand that was currently hidden behind me. I took a shaky breath, feeling overwhelmed with new and old insecurities.

"Hey," he whispered. He reached forward and used his index finger to lift my chin. "We could go to that new Italian place on Main Street. We have to use forks."

"Steve," I stuttered. "It's not that."

"Then what is it?"

I sighed, gathering my courage. "You're Steve Harrington. I'm just me."

"You wanna know something?" He teased. "I'm not as big of a deal as everyone makes me out to be. And I bet that once you get to know me a little better, you'll see that for yourself."

"I'll take that bet."

                              ~•~

"I already told you," Steve laughed off, "Y/N and I have plans. Go without us."

Before Tommy could make a comment about Steve being whipped, he grabbed my hand and led me to his car. The entire way to my house, I had a rock in my stomach. I looked over and couldn't help but feel guilty.

Steve Harrington has always been known as a player and a party boy. That all changed when he started going out with me. Now, instead of partying all weekend, he stayed in and had movie marathons with me. Instead of sneaking to the football field to smoke at lunch, he studied in the library with me.

According to Tommy and Steve's other friends, I ruined Steve Harrington. But according to Steve, I changed his life for the better.

"You doing okay, gorgeous?" He asked, squeezing my thigh.

"Do you ever miss. . ." I cut myself off, too afraid to ask that question.

"Do I miss what?" He asked as he pulled up to my house.

"Your old life."

Steve hit the brakes a little too hard. His eyes were wide as he was struggling to think of a response. He put the car in park and took off his seatbelt. He turned in his chair so he was facing me. He grabbed both of my hands and tightly intertwined our fingers.

"Y/N," he whispered, "I don't miss that life. I am so much happier now. Because of you, I don't party. I don't drink. I don't smoke. Because of you, I'm going to graduate high school. Because of you, I even got into Indiana State. You changed my life. You saved me, Y/N."

He grabbed my face, leaned in, and pressed his lips to mine. I let out a shaky sigh as I started kissing him back. We instantly deepened the kiss. He let go of my other hand and delicately placed his hand on my knee. A moan slipped out as Steve gently massaged my thigh.

"Steve," I gasped, breaking the kiss. "I need to tell you the truth."

"The truth about what?"

"The real reason I asked if we could skip Tommy's party and hang out at my place," I whispered.

"Oh yeah?" He asked with a small smirk on his face.

"My parents are out of town, visiting my grandparents," I said, my face burning. "I thought that tonight would be a good time for us to finally. . . take the next step in our. . ."

Steve cut me off by leaning in and pressing his lips to mine. This kiss was softer. When he broke it, he leaned his forehead against mine and gently rubbed our noses against each other.

"Baby," he whispered, "are you saying what I think you're saying?"

I leaned back and reached up, fixing the collar of his shirt. I took a shaky breath, the zoo in my stomach going completely crazy.

"Steve," I said, my voice barely audible, "I'm ready."

He started to lean in, but I unclipped my seatbelt. I smirked as I turned around and got out of the car. I sent him a wink before heading inside. I held in my laugh when I heard Steve jump out of his car and run after me.

I gasped when he wrapped his arms around my waist as I unlocked the front door. The second it was open, Steve spun me around and pressed his lips to mine. We let out matching moans as we got lost in the rough kiss.

I pulled him in after me, shutting the door behind us. Amazingly, we got down the hallway and into the family room without bumping into too many things.

We collapsed onto the couch, both of us laughing as Steve hovered over me. He leaned down and smashed his lips onto mine. I let out a moan as I reached up and wrapped my arms around him.

"Baby," I moaned against his lips. Steve hummed as he broke the kiss and started kissing my neck. "I want to umm. . . I was thinking. . . Baby, can we. . ."

Steve detached from my neck and shifted so he wasn't completely on top of me.

"What is it, babe?"

"I have this. . . fantasy."

"Like a kink?" Steve asked.

"I guess," I said, my face burning.

"What brought this on?" He asked, struggling to hide his smirk.

"I may have gotten into a certain type of book last summer. That's not important. What's important is. . . What if we waited?"

"Waited," he stuttered. Steve sat up, pulling me with him. We relaxed onto the couch, turning toward each other. "I'm confused."

"I think it would be hot to send each other into orgasm at midnight."

"So, ring in the new year by having sex?"

"Yeah," I shrugged. I cleared my throat, trying to ignore the embarrassment building.

Steve thought about it for a second. His smile turned into a dark smirk. He scooted closer to me and teasingly placed his hand on my knee, slowly getting higher.

"I think that is a perfectly sexy idea," he said in a tone that already got me started. "I'm in."

                                * * * * *

We were both extremely hot the entire night. We ordered food and tried to distract ourselves with movies.

It didn't work.

I gasped when Steve leaned in and started kissing my neck. I glanced at the clock on the wall to see it was 11:45. I closed my eyes, leaning more into him as he followed the vein in my neck down to my collarbone.

"Oh, Steve," I moaned.

"Can we please move this upstairs?" He begged. "I don't think I can wait any longer."

I pushed on his chest, making him detach from me. I smirked when I saw his pout. I reached up and ran my thumb along the edge of his already swollen lips.

"Follow me," I whispered.

I stood up, grabbing his hand and pulling him with me. I heard him laugh as we headed upstairs to my room. The entire way up the stairs, my stomach kept flipping. The butterflies froze when Steve stopped me from going into my room by pushing his chest to my back.

He leaned down and bit my neck. I pushed back against him, biting back my moan as he continued to nibble on me. He wrapped his arms around my waist but didn't stop there.

His hands slid down my stomach until they found the button on my jeans. I gasped when he undid it and slipped his hand in between my underwear and my skin.

I leaned my head back against his shoulder as he pushed his index finger into me. I bit my lip, rocking my hips against his hand.

"Holy. . . Oh, Steve." I moaned, getting cut off when he pushed deeper into me.

"Fuck," he growled. "I didn't think you'd be this wet, baby girl."

"Only because of you," I said shakily. "I can't wait to see what else you can make me feel."

"Oh baby girl," he groaned, "I can't wait to hear you scream my name as I get you to orgasm."

I roughly pushed the door open, quickly spun around, and pulled him into my chest. I smashed my lips onto his, deepening the kiss. I felt him smirk as he snaked his arms around my waist. Without breaking the kiss, he grabbed my ass and picked me up.

I wrapped my legs around his waist as he carried me into my room. He broke the kiss, both of us breathing heavily.

"I just want to double-check," he whispered as he gently put me back on my feet. "You sure you're ready for this?"

I slid my hands up his chest and snaked my arms around his neck. I lifted my leg, wrapping it around his waist. Steve's eyes darkened as he caught it and started massaging my thigh.

"I promise," I said breathlessly, "I'm ready for this, Steve."

Steve glanced over at the clock on my bedside table and looked back at me with a playful smirk. I looked over and bit my lip when I saw it was 11:48.

"Twelve minutes," I said, looking back at him. "You think you can. . ."

He cut me off, pressing his lips roughly to mine. I moaned as I started kissing him back.

"Don't worry," he moaned, breaking the kiss. "I'll get you there."

I glanced back at the clock, my smirk deepening. I tightened my arms around him, pulling him closer. "At midnight?"

"Yes," he smirked. "At midnight."

Steve pressed his lips back to mine, pulling me closer. The tension built between us as I reached up and slowly started taking off his shirt. He broke the kiss and let me slip his shirt over his head. He started to take off my shirt, but I stopped him.

"What's wrong, babe?"

"It's just. . . I'm not beautiful."

"Hey," he cut me off. "Yes, you are, Y/N. You are absolutely gorgeous."

"Really?"

"To me?" He chuckled as he reached down and played with the hem of my shirt. "You are the most beautiful girl in the world."

I let out a shaky breath as I reached down and grabbed the edge of my shirt. I hesitated before slowly taking it off. I tossed it aside but didn't look at him. I held my breath as he slowly lifted my chin so I was looking at him.

"See?" He teased. "Absolutely gorgeous."

I looked over my shoulder and smirked. I turned back to Steve and wrapped my leg around his waist. He chuckled as he reached down and grabbed my thigh, pulling me closer.

"Ten minutes," I whispered.

Steve laughed as he picked me up. Neither one of us said anything as he carried me across my room. We had matching smirks as he carefully laid us down.

He leaned down and gently pressed his lips to mine. I instantly got lost in the kiss. We both got sucked in as we gave in to the feelings we've had since we met. In no time, we were in the same position on my bed but now only in our underwear.

"Steve," I moaned, breaking the kiss. "Baby, I don't. . . We should really use. . . but I don't have. . ."

"Don't worry," he chuckled. "I have one in my wallet."

"So, it's true," I said slowly. "Every guy carries a condom in his wallet?"

"Pretty much," he shrugged. He kissed me one more time before getting out of bed. I sat up, resisting the urge to cover up as I watched him grab his wallet out of his jeans. He pulled one out and glanced up at me.

Steve smiled as he dropped his jeans and climbed back over to me. He lowered onto his elbows so he was closer to me. Impatient, I grabbed his face and brought his lips back to mine. This kiss was slower than the ones we've shared so far.

Our mouths were busy moving in sync, our bodies slowly grinding against each other, I didn't pay attention to his hands. Eventually, I felt him start playing with the top of my underwear. I bit his bottom lip, making him groan.

"Please," I moaned. "Do it, baby."

"As you wish."

I gasped when Steve roughly grabbed my underwear and ripped them off. The sound of fabric tearing turned both of us on. He swore under his breath as he started kissing my neck.

"Hey," I pouted, "I liked that pair."

He pulled away, hovering over me, and stared deeply into my eyes.

"I'll buy you new ones."

I gasped when he pressed his lips back to mine. I moved my lips against his and grabbed his shoulders. I massaged them as Steve wrapped my leg around his waist. I made him smirk when I rubbed the back of his thigh with my foot.

Steve smirked into the kiss as he slipped his hand under me. I was distracted by Steve's tongue exploring my mouth, it took me a second to realize what he was doing.

"Steve, wait," I gasped. He instantly pulled his hand out and sat up. He looked at me, studying me with soft eyes.

"What's wrong?" He asked. "I'm sorry, baby. I got carried away and. . ."

"It's not you," I gently cut him off. "I just got. . . I got a little scared when you started to take off my bra. I've never done this before and. . . I know what you think of me. But I still. . . It just caught me off guard."

Steve reached up and gently moved a piece of hair out of my face. "It's okay," he whispered. "How about I go first?"

I bit my lip and nodded. Steve softly kissed me before sitting back. I couldn't help but hold my breath as he slipped his boxers off. I looked back up at his eyes to see him smirking at me.

"You still doing okay?" He asked, genuinely concerned.

"I think so," I said, resisting the urge to look back down. "I can't shake these butterflies though. When they talk about losing your virginity, they never tell you how much it actually is. Ya know? They talk about the discomfort during. Sometimes they talk about the feeling of someone seeing you naked for the first time. I guess people are usually drunk. Maybe we should try that. My dad has his stash in his office downstairs. But then again, I don't really want my first time to be when we're drunk and won't remember anything in the morning. I want to remember our first time."

Steve smiled and let me continue stuttering out my insecurities. I was so focused on blurting out whatever came to mind, it didn't register that Steve was walking back to the bed until he sat next to me. He gently cupped my cheek in his hand and pressed his lips to mine. I moaned as I wrapped my arms around his neck and started kissing him back.

Without breaking the kiss, Steve grabbed my hips and pulled me onto his lap. He broke the kiss and started kissing my neck. I leaned my head back, moaning his name as he slowly started kissing down my neck until he got to my chest.

I arched my back, pressing my chest more to his face. I took shaky breaths as he used his tongue and lips to explore any and all skin exposed.

"Baby," I said through my moans. "Where is the. . ."

I was cut off, a moan getting caught in my throat when Steve bit my right breast. He bit my left before he spent some time between them.

He said something, but his voice was mumbled due to the fact that his face was still pressed to my chest. I tried to pull away so I could ask him again, but Steve wouldn't let me move.

I got an idea of how I could get his attention. I reached behind me and found my clasp. I didn't hesitate to unlatch it. Steve pulled away, biting his lip as he watched me reach up and slowly take off my bra.

I tossed it to the side, not looking away from his face. He didn't look at me. He was too busy studying my chest. I smirked as I reached forward and lifted his chin, pulling his eyes away from my breasts.

"So?" I asked playfully.

"So fucking beautiful," he growled.

I gasped when Steve quickly rolled us over, instantly pressing his lips to mine. As our lips moved in sync, Steve started grinding his body against mine. Our tongues battled for dominance as Steve's hand explored my body. I bit his lip as he found my breast and squeezed. Hard.

"Holy. . . Fuck, Steve."

"That's it, baby," he chuckled darkly.

"Where is that condom?" I asked between moans.

"Bedside table," he said, breathing heavily before smashing his lips back onto mine.

Without breaking the kiss, I reached over and found the condom. I grabbed it but froze. Steve caught this so he slowly broke the kiss.

"What's the matter, gorgeous?" He asked, his eyes drifting to my chest.

"I don't know how to put one of these on," I confessed under my breath.

"Don't worry," Steve said, his voice dropping. "I can take care of this."

I watched him sit up, lean back, and open the condom. I chewed on my bottom lip as he slipped it on. Steve slowly laid back down, hovering over me.

Sensing my nerves, Steve distracted me by using his tongue to explore my mouth as he moved me into position for what was coming next. He grabbed my thighs, opening them. He wrapped one of my thighs around his waist as he lowered himself.

It all happened in one swift movement. He thrusted into me, stretching my walls around his hardened member. His thrust forced my hips against his and made me arch my back. I took a shaky breath as Steve slowly pulled out of me. I whimpered, not wanting this feeling to end, but he pushed back into me.

We didn't speak for the rest of the night other than the occasional swear words we'd moan and each other's names that we'd yell. Our orgasms built the more he pushed in and out of me.

"Almost there," I said, my voice shaky and barely audible.

I let out a small whimper as he pulled out of me. "What do you think you're doing?" I asked, struggling to catch my breath.

"It's not midnight yet, baby girl," he said breathing heavily. "We're supposed to wait."

"But. . ."

Steve cut me off as he leaned down and put his face back between my breasts.

"Shit," I moaned. "Right where I like you."

In response, Steve bit the edge of my breasts. He used his lips to massage my boob. While his mouth was busy, his hands slipped under my body and found my ass.

"Just hold on a little longer, baby girl."

"I'll try, baby," I moaned. "No promises though."

He pulled away and looked into my eyes. "Y/N, can I ask you something?"

"Sure," I said, still breathing heavily.

"What made you finally decide you were ready?"

I bit my bottom lip as I dragged my hands up and down his chest. My right hand slid up his peck until it reached the back of his neck. I ran my fingers through the hair on the back of his neck, pulling on a few strands.

"It wasn't a decision I woke up and made," I confessed. "The truth is, over the last few weeks, I realized something."

"What did you realize, gorgeous?"

"I realized," I hesitated. I cleared my throat, trying to gather the courage. "I'm in love with you, Steve."

"You're in love with me?" He stuttered.

"I am," I whispered.

I was about to tell him I was kidding when he smashed his lips onto mine. I smirked against his lips as we fell back into our earlier rhythm. I swore when he pushed back into me. He started grinding in and out of me, rubbing every part of our bodies against each other.

"I'm in love with you too, baby," he moaned.

"What time is it?"

Steve chuckled as he pulled away and looked at my nightstand. He looked back at me, slowly lowering himself closer to me.

"Less than a minute," he said, dropping his voice.

"Let's do it."

I grabbed his face and brought his lips down to mine. Our lips moved in sync, almost at the same pace as our hips. Our orgasms built back up as we whispered "I love you" back and forth. The tv in the other room started counting down to the New Year.

5.

4.

3.

"I love you so much, Y/N," Steve grunted.

2.

"I love you too, Steve."

1.

"Happy New Year," we said in sync.

One more thrust was all it took. We gave in and pushed each other over. We breathed heavily as Steve slowly pulled out of me. He stayed on top of me, looking deeply into my eyes. He kissed my swollen lips before rolling off of me.

"Damn," I moaned. I looked over to see him smiling at me.

"How was it, baby?"

I rolled over so I was facing him. He rolled toward me and scooted closer. He reached up and tucked a piece of hair behind my ear, his hand lingering.

"It was better than I'd ever imagined."

                                * * * * *

I woke up the next morning to the sun shining through the window. My face burned when I felt Steve tighten his arm that was currently draped over my waist. I gasped when my phone started ringing. I quickly grabbed it and answered it.

"Hello?"

"Are you still in bed?"

I swore under my breath, knowing I should've checked the caller ID. I cleared my throat, suddenly very aware I was naked in bed with my boyfriend as I was on the phone with my mom.

"I am," I said slowly.

"Y/N," Mom sighed, "I thought you weren't going to stay out that late."

"I didn't," I defended. I looked over to see Steve acting like he was still asleep. "I went to bed at like. . . 12:10."

Steve smirked. He opened one of his eyes and wiggled his eyebrows. I gently put my hand on his head and pushed his head back. He laughed as he sat up.

"What was that?" Mom asked. "Did someone spend the night? Sweetheart, you know the rules. You're not supposed to have anyone stay over when your father and I are out of town."

"I didn't," I stuttered.

"Please tell me Steve didn't stay over," she sighed.

Steve heard that part. His eyes widened and he quickly got out of bed. My face burned when I remembered we didn't wear pajamas last night. I cleared my throat and looked away.

"Steve didn't stay over, Mom," I laughed. "I'm just watching a movie."

"Good," Mom chuckled. "Now, you know we trust you, right?"

"I know."

"Your father and I really like Steve," Mom continued. "But you can't blame us for being worried. This is the first time we've left you home alone with a boyfriend."

"I understand," I sighed. I looked over at Steve, my stomach dropping from guilt. Steve sent me a soft smile as he slipped into the bathroom.

"So," I cleared my throat, "how's Grandma and Grandpa?"

"They missed you," Mom teased.

"Tell them I miss them too."

I hung up and leaned my head against the headrest. I didn't open my eyes when I heard the bathroom door open. I didn't open them when I felt someone crawl over me.

"So how's your mom?"

"She's good," I sighed.

I opened my eyes to see Steve hovering over me. He moved until he was sitting next to me. He wrapped his arms around me as we sat against the headboard.

"You think she knows I stayed over?"

"I don't think so," I cleared my throat. "They were worried about me being home alone."

"Haven't you stayed home alone before?"

"Yes," I said slowly. "But not when I had a boyfriend."

Steve smirked as he pulled me so I was straddling his lap. I reached up and fixed his hair.

"Speaking of said boyfriend," he elongated, "you don't regret last night, do you?"

"Of course not," I giggled. "It was amazing."

I sat up and pressed my lips to his. I felt him smile as he kissed me back. Things got heated as he laid us back down and rolled us over so he was hovering on top of me. He broke the kiss and rubbed his nose against mine.

"I think it was the perfect way to start the new year," I teased.

"Happy New Year, Y/N," Steve chuckled.

"Happy New Year, Steve."

[fareehaandspaniards]

Associations post (Part 2)

(Part 1)

Yes, I went ahead with this one after all. While I was sincerely trying to find "my" Logarius among the sitters on old masterpieces of art, I came across other associations with Bloodborne characters. And most of them were Laurences, because I'm boring and call every cute young man with brown hair a young Laurence LOL

Sorry I will repeat some characters from post to post :( Hope it still will be interesting

BTW

Salvator Rosa, "Autoportrait" for Martyr Logarius before he turned into a bearded pthumerian skeleton.

There is a theory that boy on a painting in a Cainhurst is a King of Cainhurst/or Logarius himself. Good ground for headcanons! As for me, this boy is Rogeriusz's brother, because.... He is a brother of a King! :D Just ALL of his portraits were destroyed because of betrayal. But Rogeriusz and King were like twins! I still struggle with Logarius' backstory, because can't choose which trope for him I like more. I need to FeEl him properly

As for autoportrait, I know that artist has other autoportraits. This one is more idealistic suitable for Logarius. Tho my Rogeriusz is much more brutal and has something wild because he is a fucking ideological maniac and a madman. Just mix knight Mordred and Henry VIII and spirit of Russian revilution = sir Rogeriusz in my interpretation. Ludwig, you have AWFUL taste in men

Jean-François Garneray - "Portrait of Ambroise Louis Garneray" for little Laurence. Look at him, just LITERALLY THE WAY I IMAGINE HIM in childhood!!!!!! Kids awwwww Q_Q I still want to draw a few doodles with baby-characters... So sweet and funny in my head......

Look at that boy! ToT He is so happy *_*

Sandro Botticelli, autoportrait, part of "Adoration of the Magi" for Caryll!

I started drawing as a little child trying to copy and trace faces on his paintings! ;_; Also, his robes here have typical-greek patterns on them, I think those might have been the inspiration for all the patterns on the buildings in Yharnam >:3

"The Red Boy" by Thomas Lawrence for little Micolash!

Thoughtful, too clever for his young age boy for me fits perfectly for Micolash. I don't think he was born looking delusional lol, just his researches, mania for Kos and ascending changed him, though inside he was always like that (depends on interpretation!)

"Guidobaldo da Montefeltro" by Raphael for young Damian!!! In the right is Damian's model just with set "young" instead of "old" and eyebrows. They look like brothers !!!!

Part of painting by Jan Anthonisz van Ravesteyn "Pieter van Veen, his son Cornelis and his secretary Hendrick Borsman" for Tomb Prospector Olek!!!

Unexpected, hard to explain, but this is Olek :P His data supposes his hair to be brown but.... But.... Mine Olek is blonde.... D: The only compromise is that his hair is brown but on the light it looks like blonde! Profit!

My version of Olek is a child of streets, who eagerly wanted to learn how to read and write, and asked owner of a bookshop to teach him in exchange of protecting his little shop! Olek is a fan of pthumerian history and had a dream to once meet queen Annalise in-person before Cainhurst massacre happened. Also he has opened confrontation with Logarius who found Olek kinda funny. This all goes from the fact that Olek can be found in pthumerian chalices mostly (I don't remember if he is summonable in Loran chalices). I believe that he lost his sanity long ago and continues to travel through catacombs to find Queen Yharnam (he is summonable NPC for her fight)

[mechwarrior-rose]

Shelter: Pirate's Nightfall

DAI LONG PLAIN TESTING GROUND OBERON VI OBERON CONFEDERATION 28 SEPTEMBER 3049

Shelter turned his head this way and that. His new sidecut felt alien to him. He'd always kept his hair long. Made sense. He had more femme days than masc, and on those days he loved his long hair. Even when it was tied into a bun for work. But if he was wearing a neurohelment into combat, he needed the sides buzzed close.

When he was young and didn't know himself better, he'd kept his hair long out of social expectation. His parents had been fairly conservative middle-class folks in civilian jobs within the service, hoping their perfect daughter would escape military service and go on to be an accountant or, even better, a trophy wife for an Inner Sphere noble or something. But the War Griffins had--

The War Griffins were dead. He was the last one left who could fight. No one else among the technicians had sufficient training to do more than walk a 'Mech into a repair bay. Today would be his last day alive. Maybe there'd be enough of him left to bury with the rest of his family.

He punched the wall. Picked up the clippers, turned them back on, and went after the rest. Didn't stop until every strand was cut down to a single millimeter. Black curls coiled in the sink. His scalp was an angry red from the pressure. Shaven in mourning.

"Let's go kill some fucking pirates," he snarled to the man in the mirror.

++++++++++

Ariel's ass print was still on the command couch of her Griffin. Of all the things to strike Shelter as funny, and of all the absolutely wrong times to laugh, and of all the uncomfortable positions to be caught in a fit of hysteria: crammed into the limited space between displays and couch, doubled over, bulky helmet pressed into the headrest, cooling vest too rigid to allow him to collapse into tears like he really wanted.

He stepped over the center console and dropped into the seat, erasing the last mark Ariel had left on this godforsaken planet.

He knew the checklist. Ran through it as efficiently as any 'Mech jockey. The Griffin responded eagerly. Weapons online. Sensors online. All systems nominal.

He toggled the radio to the lance frequency. "Razor One, this is Razor Four coming online."

"That's everyone," Lieutnant Rieck's voice replied. Shelter was surprised, but he said nothing. Lieutnant Keller must have been a casualty. Which probably meant there weren't many lieutnants left.

Hell, maybe Hendrick Grimm himself would come to the field in the final defense of his world.

"Razor Lance, we will advance in formation to Nav Point Epsilon. We will hold station there."

"Yes, sir," the lance chorused back, Shelter included, as if he'd been responding to combat orders his whole life.

Two beeps signaled that the Lieutnant wanted a private chat. Shelter flicked to the direct channel. "Sir."

Rieck's voice was full of sympathy. "This is a brave damn thing you're doing, Corporal. I respect the hell out of you."

Hateful sympathy. Shelter had no time or heart left for it.

"Rather earn that respect on the field, sir. Shall we?"

++++++++++

The pirates were already at Nav Epsilon by the time Razor Lance arrived.

Their comms were jammed, just like at Black Canyon. There was no way to get the word to the main force or link up with another lance. So Rieck made the best call he could in the moment: run for Kennedy Beach to draw the enemy away from the city and into open space.

Running from Black Canyon had been terrifying enough. Running while plugged brain-first into a war machine that was screaming because it was being missile-locked by a FrankenMech was nightmarish. The tactical computer was trying to decide if it was a Thunderbolt, a Marauder, or gods knew what else. The circle-vision strip at the top of Shelter's HUD flickered in and out as his 'Mech's stock EW systems and counter-systems tangled with the enemy's more advanced tech. Lances of coherent light, the screams of missiles, the actinic flare of particle cannons. No wonder Ariel had had a heart attack.

An enemy Hunchback--wait, a Hunchback with two autocannons?--sent fire and metal shrieking into Razor Two. The Shadow Hawk folded in on itself as if its reactor core had just produced a singularity. The 'Mech's auto-eject had been enabled; bolts blew and rockets fired, carrying him skyward. Uninterested in the helpless pilot now drifting down-strand on a full chute, the Hunchback turned toward Razor Three.

Shelter didn't even think. He tied all three of his lasers to the same circuit and carved his anger into the Hunchback's side armor. The 'Mech was within the minimum range of his LRMs, but he fired those anyway. Heat washed into the cockpit. Shelter ignored it. Two missiles made it into the rents his lasers had opened, touching off the ammunition within. The Hunchback simply disintegrated from the knees up. The explosion rattled the cockpit glass of Shelter's Griffin.

But it was for naught. Another enemy FrankenMech, this one a Catapult with Marauder arms stitched on, buried Razor Three in missiles and laser fire. Wolverines were tough, but nothing could withstand an onslaught like that. Shelter thought he caught a scrap of Sergeant Baker's scream of terror before her radio was obliterated.

On the circle-vision strip, Shelter saw Rieck's Marauder go down, its leg removed at the knee by a fusillade of laser fire. It couldn't have all come from one 'Mech. Yet there was an enemy machine with what looked like a dozen lasers ringing its arms, streaking in for the kill.

It was over. But Rieck and Razor Two--Shelter had never even gotten his name--might be able to escape if Shelter acted fast. He flicked the radio to broadband, remembered the jamming, then engaged the external speakers.

"Enemy forces!" he shouted. "I am Shelter of the War Griffins, last of my family. If any of you have the fucking balls to do it, come try me. I'll take you all on myself."

As he spoke, he edged his Griffin away from the strand, away from Rieck and Razor Two. He also pressed a red button on his side console that began dumping his LRM ammunition out of a hatch in his rear armor. The enemy were all too close now for the missiles to be of use anymore, and Shelter had no intention of dying the same way the Hunchback pilot had.

The dull crackle in Shelter's ears suddenly stopped. The enemy had dropped their communications jam.

A woman's voice came over broadband. "Shelter, I am Star Captain Mila of the 11th Wolf Guards. While it is well past the time for such a challenge to be issued, we will meet it nonetheless. Let the Circle be drawn."

Shelter quickly flipped to the private channel with Rieck again. "Now run, you son of a bitch. Eject, meet up with Razor Two, and get out of here."

He'd be with his family soon. War Griffin reunion.

[lichfucker]

[image description expanded from alt text: a 3-by-3 grid of images where the center image is a photo of me, the artist (a white nonbinary person with long hair), and the surrounding images are all works of art I drew in the past year (some of which have been cropped for size).

1: a drawing of Ingot the Feather-Light, a tiefling, and Z'ress, a drow, cuddling by a campfire, drawn with black line art and soft shading. 2: an elaborate painting of Eliah Hendricks from the Fetch Phillips Archives, a pale elf with long curly red hair, wearing a blue velvet blazer over a sparkly satin jumpsuit. 3: a drawing of Levseis the Malignant, a red-skinned devil, looking down and snarling, drawn with black line art and soft shading. 4: a drawing of Vie, an undead drow, holding a lantern. the drawing is composed entirely of chunky polygonal shapes in a limited palette. 5: a photo of me. I'm a white person with long brown hair and glasses, wearing a green velvet blazer over a purple shirt and leopard-print pants. 6: a dramatic portrait of Ingot, painted entirely in shades of blue. 7: a drawing of Avriel from the Birdhouse Mysteries, a brown-skinned aasimar with curly white hair, staring at a bubbling beaker, drawn with green line art and flat colors. 8: a drawing of Moment's Pallor, a southeast Asian woman with sleek black hair that's shaved on one side and glasses with red lenses, drawn with red line art and chunky shading. 9: a drawing of Attra Rose, a light-skinned woman with long silver hair, with her head tilted and her eyes closed, drawn with sketchy pencil-like line art and soft shading.

end id]

art vs artist 2023!

this year was about variety, I think. I did a lot of new things, and I did a lot of familiar things in new ways. 'twas a good art year overall; had a very difficult time narrowing it down to just eight pieces

[thatcheeseycandle]

//SPOILERS FOR CHAPTER 29 OF IN PURSUIT OF SELF SINCE YKNOW REACTION POST

Preparing myself as I read this BEHHAHDHD

I LOVE HOW THE TITLE CARD IS THE SAME ONE FROM THE CROWNED ENGINE YAYDYSHDVC

Ohg osg OH NGOBOONNOO CLUNC ASLTLE GET OTU GET OTU MOVE

.

MS PARSONS YOU LITTLE. YOU MY GOSH YOU JUST ABANDONED CLUNC ASTLE. NY GOAHAHDDHHA

Oi OI OI OOOJOJIII BLUE OETER WOOOOOOO BLUE PETER LETS GOOOOOOO

Ngl I almost felt bad for Clun Castle on this bit HEHAHAHHAHDDHWH LIKE I KINDA RELATED TO THAT BIT WHERE YKNOW YEAH NOT BEING IMPORTANT YADAYDADYAYD THAT YEAH

OI GREEN ARROW GRENE AOREOQODID YEHAHAHAHAHDHDHHHHHH LETS GOGOO

HEHAHSHWGEGAHAHAHHDHD VERY DRAMATIC ENTRANCE AND POOR GORDON HELWPDHDHDHSHHA

YEAHAHAH EVENING STAR THEY GOT YOUR BACJ WE AINT LETTING TYDFIL DIE ON US NOW IM TELLING YOU LOT WE ARENT

Oh goah OH NO STH IS HERE *INSERT HIS THEMEAONG CAUSE IT PLAYED IN MY HEAD AS I READ HIS NAME*

Oh no.. OH GOSH CLUN CASTLE RUN. YOU GOTTA RUN FOR THE LOVE OF THE GODS AND ABOVE YOU HAVE TO RUN NOW ITS FIGHT OR FLIGHT YOU MIGHT AS WELL TAKE FLIGHT SINCE THERES NO GOING BACK NO ONE AINT GONNA BE THERE DIOS

FATHER FIGURE STH HERE HES HERE EVERYONE WOOOOO YEAHAHHAHS FATHERLY TRUST LRTS GOGOGOGOODJSHF

Oh gosh OJ NO HERE WE GO WE GONNA SEE THE GDC (Gold dust constructs) BUZZ AND BRAWL WE GONNA SEE THEM GO ALL OUT

Dr Hendrick GREAT NORTHERN LOOKS CLEARLY DEAD WOULD YOU ATLEAST GIVE HIM SOME OF YOUR ATTENTION LIKE DIOS- BEHAHSHEHSHS

Ooguugughrgb Mallard poor lad:( LISTEM LISTEN THEY GOTTA FIND OUT IT WAS MS PARSONS CAUSE DIOS IM LITERALLY JUST CHEERING THEM ON TO FIND HER AND JUST GO ALL OUT

IMAGINE LIKE ROOSTER AND QUICKSILVER AND YKNOW SILVERFOX FINDING OUT LIKE COME ON OF COURSE THEY'D TEAM UP TO VERBALLY BATTLE IT OUT WITH MS PARSONS (Though I think Rooster might go physically battle it out WHO KNOWS BAHEHAHHDHSBD)

"I tried to save him. It failed. I decided to return him to his family" I WILL CRY. HERE GOES THE EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER ERVYONE THIS IS THE START STRAP ON THOSE SEATBELTS TIGHTLY

aaweeweeaaaAQEHAHDHEHEEUEUDYD GADWALL PECKING HER HAND ITS JUST OSUUDHHGGH

them THEM>>>>

YEAH NO CRAP SHERLOCK OF COURSE ITS GADWALL?? (Seriously though NEVER THOUGHT THAT HERBERT WOULDVE BEEN GADWALL THIS ENTIRE TIME LIKE BEFORE READING THIS NEW CHAPTER AS I READ THOSE CHAPTERS WITH HIM AND MALLARD IT MADE MORE SENSE THAT GADWALL WOULDVE BEEN IT)

Oh gosh OGHDOGOGOSOASAAAAAAAA

I CALLED UT IC ALLSELD ITTTTTTTTTT WELL LADIES AND GENTLEMEN AND ALL GENDERS HERES PART ONE OF THE GOLD DUST CONSTRUCT REUNION LETS GO GOGOGOGOGOGOO

DARLING PEONY DIOS- Oh god SCOT SCOT LOGOFKY AWYAY LOOK AWAY. LOOK. A. WAY. LOOK AWYA DIOS

SOMEONE SGIELD THEIR EYES THEY CANT SEE NORTH DEAD AAAAAAAAAAAAA

NONONONONONONONONOO PEONY DEAR PLEASE NONONONOONO

Rooster ROOSTER ROPAAOEDT NAOAOODIFODOOO

SCOTSMAN GET YOUR HAND SOFF HIM DIOS HE DIDNT KILL MY GOSH IM NO NOONONONONOONONONONONONONOOO

Red loqiuid.. RED NNONONONONONOOOOBOOBONONONOOOOOCONONONONOMOO SCOT YOU LIYYLE NO NONONOOBOBABS DIOS JUSKO NO THIS CNANTNO NOBOONONOOOO THIS CANT.

MALLARD BANDAGE UP YOUR HEAD YOUR LITERALLY BLEEDING. PEONY GOD SOMEONE SUPPORT PEONY RN.

Oh dios well HERE COMEA COPPERNOB- GO STEPHEN YEAH GO GOOGOGOGOGO

Wait wait HWAT STEPEHENS EH HAS A WHAT NOW. WHATATTA

JAW DROPPEDBAT THIS

GET HER OSCAR GET HER SLAM HER DOWN DO IT GOGOGOGOGOGOO DO IT KNPCK HER OUT KO HER RN

. Ms parsons YOU LITTLE AAAAZS YUP IM GONNA TUROW THIS PHONE SOON /NSRS

Wait what WHAT IS OLIVIA A GDC???? WHAT WAIT WAIT HOW. SHE LITERALLY. WAIT. SHES. WAIT. OH NVM WAIT I THINK THATS JUST MS PARSONS BEING LOKO YEAH DW DW YEAH.

YEAH YEAH GO ALL OUT OSCAR GOG GOOGOGOGO LIGHT HER UP GO YEAH YEHAHAHAHH

. oscar yknow sharing is caring SO SHOW THAT VERY UH THAT VERY CRAZY WOMAN ON HOE MAD YOU ARE DONT HOLD BACK

Ay AYAYAYAYYY AY AY MR CORBYN LETS GOGOGOGOGOOGOOO YEHAHAHAHAHH

Wait. Golden warden.. OKAY YEAH I BETTER NOTE TGAT DOWN YEAH MR CORBYN IS APPARENTKY A GOLDEN WARDEN YEAH NOTED

Oh dear lord OKAY YEAH PREPARING MYSEL

Ojay uh. DO SOME 4TH ING DR HENDRICK??? DO SOMRTHING RN LIKE ANYTHING DIOS YOU GOT GOLD DUST VILES RIGHT???? USE EHM

.

NO NO I AM NOT NO IM NOT GONNA MAKE THIS EVEN SADDER BY REMEMBERING NORTH WAS LIKE OLIVIAS FATHER NONONONONOO

No. OKAY THIA. UNO. I WAS KINDA RIGHT ON MY THEORY OF POLLY'S GOLD DUST KINDA KINDA FADING. DOS. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. MY GOA NO NO NO THIS NO. I KNOW PEONY I KNOW ITS BAD BAD.

Oh? OH??? OH THEYRE GETTING MARRIED?? THEYRE GTETTING REAL REAL MARRIED OH MY GOSH????

Ay AY AY AY AY WAIT WHAT DIOS OH GOD WHAT. HE. HES WHAT. THE TRACKS THEY. HES IN THE. MY GOSGSB

Tydfil you and me YOU AND ME TYDFIL. YOU AND ME.

Ouguguh Tydfil my gosh :(( YOU CAN TRUST THOMAS BELIEVE ME DEAR

WOOOO THIS WAS. A VERY VERY EMPTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER. NGL I GOT SURPRISED AT KING EDWARD FALLING INTO THAT BIT SO YEAH IM YEAH

Well WELL BRAVO TO REDWYVERNWRITES YET AGAIN FOR THIS FANTASTIC CHAPTER /POS

When the title said "Conflict and Revelations" IT REALLY DID MENA IT HHEHAHAHAHAHA

In all seriousness I nearly lost my words in the middle of reading it CAUSE MY BRAIN STRAIGHT UP STARTED TO LAG DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF EMOTIONS IN THIA AND HOLY WAS IT WORTH MY TIME IT REALLY WAS AMAIZNG /POS

[magicalqueennightmare]

Sins & Amends Chapter 40

Billy Russo x Female Reader (60 part story)

This follows pre- the punisher into the storyline of daredevil, punisher season 1 and beyond

This is NOT Canon Billy. This is decent human being Billy left with bad options over worse decisions

This was also posted to A03 under: WaywardGaPeach. That account and this one is the only place you'll see me post this. If you see it on any other platform/account know it's not me.

Chapter Summary/Warnings: You finally open Billy's letter [Also this is now starting a storyline separate from the show]

"Y/N It's been almost a month..you aren't curious just what's in that envelope?" Alice asked while the two of you walked out the hospital from dropping a patient off. "I am! Believe me, I am but as bad as I hate to admit it.. I don't want to be alone when I see whatever it was Billy thought was so important for me to have" 

You were proud of yourself any time you managed to say his name without your voice breaking. It was hard seeing him in the shape he was. There were guards on his door twenty four even though so far there hadn't been much change in his condition. The only reason you were allowed in the door was because Dinah had called Mahoney who had given you a pass. You were allowed into his room once a week for thirty minutes. It wasn't a lot and he probably didn't even know you were there but what was important was that you knew you were there. 

Once the two of you were in the ambulance and headed back to the station house she said "Why haven't you said something? I would've already came over for a night to hold your hand while you open it" you shot her a smile "I may call Karen and get her to come too, Pete's supposed to be back in town this weekend" you'd let her in on Frank's new persona so the two of you could freely talk about him in public or at the station house.

You chanced a glance at her since the two of you were stopped at a red light  "Is he still acting off towards you?" You sighed with a nod "I don't know what it is. You don't think he really does blame me on some level? I mean if Billy hadn't picked the way he had"

"Hell no. He loves you. He would never hold you still being alive against you. Why don't you just ask him? I mean you've never had a problem with being blunt" you laughed because from anyone else that would sound like an insult but coming from Alice you knew it was a compliment. "I may do just that" 

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

The rest of the shift was nothing unusual. Of course Hunter slipping in the bays and almost knocking himself out on the corner of the firetruck caused a round of laughter once everyone made sure he was ok.

While you were gathering your stuff to leave the next morning you were on the phone with Curtis to see if he needed any help with the soup kitchen. "Y/N are you sure? I mean you're coming off a twenty four hour shift" you zipped up your bag and shrugged which caused Alice to roll her eyes.

"You're on the phone babe. Curt can't see that shrug" you stuck your tongue out at her and she laughed so you said "Curt I'm getting off now. Soup kitchen isn't till four. I can go home, shower and take a nap. Please? I can't stand the quiet of my apartment quite yet" he let out a breath then finally said "Ok. I'll see you then"

Alice was leaned against the wall watching you so you waved a hand "Go ahead Hendricks" she put her hands up in a defensive manner "Don't shoot the messenger but are you still seeing Kenzie in office? I mean are you working through the trauma of finding two of the people you have known and loved for years half dead?"

"I'm facing it a little at a time. If I go all or nothing I may just break down" you admitted and she held her arms out so you walked into them. She hugged you tightly then said "No shame in breaking down honey" you nodded then finally said "I promise, I'm as ok as I can be given the circumstance" she let you go but held your gaze for a second "If you ever need me I'm here ok?" You smiled "I know"

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

You walked to your apartment in silence. The air had the crispness of winter starting to it. Lisa and Frank Jr would be wanting to go ice skating, Maria would be talking about Christmas dinner. You hugged your jacket tighter around you trying to ward off the coldness of your mind. It was your fault they were dead.

Billy had put your life ahead of Frank's and it had ended up costing all of you everything. Maybe that was why Frank had barely spoken to you since the fight. Maybe he was trying not to hate you but maybe the thought kept popping in his head as well that maybe if Billy had just told him, even if it had cost your life Maria and the kids could've been spared.

You were jarred out your thoughts by a text alert going off on your phone. You pulled it out and smiled when you saw Leo's name. "Mom wants to know if you're still planning to come to Christmas dinner" damn you'd actually forgotten about Sarah's invite.

You texted back "Unless I end up assigned a shift at the last minute I'll be there kiddo" she sent back a few smiley emojis. You formed a friendship with all the Liebermans, even managing to win Zach off with a few gnarly tales of injuries you'd seen on the job.

David still side eyed you at times so you'd call him micro with an attitude to your voice to make a smile sneak onto his face. It was weird seeing a halfway functional family. Kenzie had set them up with a family therapist she knew and trusted so they were working through their issues.

Even Sam was making strides in his physical therapy but again hearing from Sam how Billy had stopped him from being killed, from Sarah how Billy had stopped her and Zach from being hurt. It fucked with your head. You'd went through hell since Maria and the kids had been killed and he'd known the entire time. He'd left Frank out in the cold when he could've just told him the truth. 

You shook your head and realized you'd made it to your apartment so you headed inside. At least you had helping Curtis to look forward to.

When you left the soup kitchen you still felt a sense of unease. You pulled out your phone and started a new group chat with just Karen and Alice. "I need to know what's in that envelope. My place thirty minutes?" Alice texted back "I'll grab Chinese food" and Karen texted back "I'll bring the wine" you smiled at just how fast the two of them had been willing to give you their night and wondered if maybe Alice had already called Karen. 

Thirty minutes later you were sitting on your couch next to Karen while Alice sat on the floor between your legs "Open it!" She said handing the envelope out to you from where it had sat on your counter for the last few weeks. You leaned forward and downed the rest of your glass before tearing the envelope open. There was a letter, and two more smaller envelopes. "Letter first?" You asked and they both nodded.

You unfolded the piece of paper and your stomach flipped when you recognized Billy's handwriting. You felt your hands start shaking slightly and shook your head "I can't do this.here Karen you read it!" You handed her the letter so she took it gently from your hand then cleared her throat before she started reading aloud.

Y/N,

I've written this letter more than a dozen times just to turn around and burn it. I'm sorry, from the very pit of my soul please believe that. When Rawlins first came to me I didn't want to help him but he made a point, I was in love with you and didn't have anything worth while to offer. Christ if I had known then what I know now I would've shot the bastard in the face. I've hurt you in ways I can never take back or make up for. When I was given the choice of you being in his crosshairs or Frank...shit I didn't know what to do. On one hand my first instinct was to tell you everything then and there but Rawlins knew where you worked, where you lived and I'd see the shit that man was capable of. I split with you an hour before calling him and telling him to kill Frank. Yes I handed my best friend over on a silver platter. I'm not proud of it and I regret not making a different decision every day but I would never regret knowing you're still alive even if you hate me. When I got the call about Maria and the kids I knew how hard it would hit you. Please know that night we spent together I meant it. I just wanted to make your pain go away but before you woke up the next morning Rawlins somehow found out Frank was still alive so I was again handed the choice "Help me hunt down Castle or I'll carve his location out of your little medic" I've made a thousand shitty decisions but loving you isn't one of them. You may not believe a single word in this letter but I had to tell you. There's two more envelopes along with this. One holds the deed to the cabin, it's yours. Maybe just maybe you can remember me in a better light there. The other envelope holds information for a bank account in your name. There's fifty thousand in there, use it however you see fit. I already made sure you had a new vehicle at work maybe now you won't be walking so much. There is also a paper trail to prove not a penny of that money came from Rawlins. It was all honestly earned. I love you.

Billy

You sat there staring at the letter in her hands by the time she was done reading. "Oh my god" Alice breathed opening the two other envelopes and reading over all the paperwork.  "Y/N are you ok?" Karen asked and you numbly shook your head "What am I supposed to do with the money? I don't want it. I make enough at my job. I own this apartment" her and Alice shared a look and you realized it was because you weren't reacting at all. 

"Y/N, babe..it's us. Blow up. Cry. Just react please" Alice said and that seemed to finally break through "Why did he do any of the shit? Did he not fucking love me enough to see how much I loved him? We could've been fucking happy just being together. He fucked it all up for his warped idea of accomplishment and ruined everyone's lives because of it! He says he loves me but I honestly don't know if he ever did. I've lost Maria and both kids and now I think I've lost Frank too" you were crying by that point and finally broke down sobbing. They both moved to have their arms around "Kenz said it was coming" Alice said quietly as you allowed them to hold you.

After a few minutes your crying had slowed to a few hiccups so Karen pushed your hair back from your face "Sweetie, I understand how you must feel but please know you haven't lost Frank"

"Why won't he talk to me Kare?" You asked and she gave a small smile "He feels guilty. I can't say any more than that but I promise as soon as he hits New York he'll come see you ok?"

You nodded and a wave of embarrassment suddenly hit you "Oh god I must look like an idiot" "No you don't" Alice said and Karen nodded in agreement "You look like someone who's been through a lot and who has held it together for far too long" you managed a smile and said "Can we drink now?" Alice scoffed "Bitch please. Drinking is always an option"

The rest of the week you had to admit you'd felt a little better after breaking down. Thursday afternoon you went to the hospital for your thirty minutes.

The process took about an hour to get into the room. You stood by the door for a few seconds before slowly walking over to the bed. The body laying there still didn't resemble anything near Billy. The height was all that was the same. The bandages had yet to come off.

You sat down next to the bed and listened to the machines.  "Billy I don't know if you can hear me. I don't know if you'll ever wake up" you stopped when you felt your throat getting tighter with unshed tears.

After a moment you continued "I don't know why you thought I needed money. I just wanted you. I don't know if you ever felt as deeply for me as I felt for you. When I met Maria I finally learned what familial love was. I was content with just that then she met Frank and Frank was always telling me stories about the smooth talking Billy the beaut. When I met you I never thought I would've fell in love with you. I guess a large piece of my heart will always belong to you. I don't regret it, I just wish things would've been different. I wish you would've just let me go. I know he's moving forward now. He loves Karen even if they're both too scared to admit it but every morning I wake up. I'm reminded I'm the reason they don't and it kills me"

You sat with him for a while long before knocking on the door. The cops gave you everything back and told you to have a good day. They didn't really understand why you came but Mahoney must have told them to not be rude or maybe it was a mutual respect thing despite the rivalry between NYPD and FDNY.

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

When you walked out your phone started ringing. It was Karen's ringtone so you answered on the second ring. "Are you going to be home around nine?" You were a little thrown by her of all people not saying hello. "Why hello Karen. Nice to talk to you and why yes I'll be home at that time"  the hospital visits always put you a little on edge so maybe that was the reason for the extra sass.

She laughed and said "Sorry he's just wanting to know" you knew who she meant. "Oh. Ok. Yeah I'll be there" after the two of you said your goodbyes and she hung up you checked the time. There was still two hours to kill.

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

You were leaning against your kitchen counter nursing your third cup of coffee when a knock at your door nearly made you throw it. You weren't sure why you were so nervous. Hell it was Frank.

You sat your cup down and hollered "I'm coming!" You took a deep breath before finally opening the door. When you opened it he was standing there with his hood pulled up. You managed a smile at seeing him. "Hey" "Hey" you realized he was left standing in the hall so you stepped back quickly "Shit. Sorry please come in"

He walked in and as soon as you shut the door and turned to face him he pulled you into a hug. "I missed you too but I can't really breathe" you managed and he pulled away "Sorry" you smiled "No problem. Um I've got coffee made?" "Sounds good" he nodded so you lead the way into the kitchen. You poured him a cup and handed it to him then waited for him to talk.  "I've been doing some thinking and we've never really talked about that night. What happened between me and Bill" 

You felt your stomach lurch at the memories  "You don't owe me anything Frank. Whatever happened you both survived. That's what counts" he nodded then said "We damn near killed each other" you almost laughed at his words "Yeah I know. I was the one that kept you both alive until Dinah got ambulances there"

He looked up to meet your eyes then "I never did thank you for that did I? I guess I just got used to getting hurt and you patching me up" you shrugged one shoulder "that's what family is for"

You took a sip of your coffee and a part of you hoped he'd stop there but he sat his cup down. "Y/N I've got to tell you the truth" "Ok" you sat your cup down next to his and leaned against the counter staring up at him. "I baited him into that fight. I said horrible shit about you and I've been too damn guilty to face you" "Frank it doesn't matter" you hated knowing he'd felt any guilt. He shook his head "No it does. Y/N.. I called you pathetic and broken and told him killing you would've done the world a favor"

"That would probably hurt if I didn't agree with it. I should've been killed. I wish I would've been" you didn't realize you were crying until Frank wiped a tear from your cheek "C'mon now sweetheart, don't say that. I've lost too much, don't make me think about losing you too. I'm glad he kept you alive. At least he did one thing right" 

"We're family Frank. Me and you are stuck together. Whatever you said to Billy doesn't matter. Don't you dare hold any guilt for that. What you said doesn't change anything and I know you didn't mean it" 

He nodded then said "I'm gonna start checking in with you more. I'm sorry I haven't here lately"  "It's ok Frank. I know you've went through hell" "So have you sweetheart. So have you" 

@intothesoul

@weallhaveadestiny

[borealtwilight]

solace

summary: not everyone finds it easy to wake up in the morning. it's definitely made easier with the help of a friend, though.

although at this point, is "friend" even the right term to describe one another with? characters: jerome-092, grace hendricks word count: 902 A/N: for @dancing-coyote :P

"You have bedhead."

Jerome reaches up to pat at his curly hair, puzzled. He's surprised that's the first thing he's greeted with, when Grace stumbles into the rec room at 0900. "And you're up late." he retorts, but there's no heat to it, and he smirks at her as he slides a mug of piping hot coffee across the table to her.

Grace flips him the bird, but shoots him a grateful look as she takes a sip. "Whose fault is that?" He knows exactly how she has her coffee: straight black, nice and fresh and strong.

"Hey, I advised you to go to bed, and that Alice, Douglas, and I had it handled, but you didn't listen..." Jerome shrugs innocently, folding his arms and leaning a hip against the table. Her twin, Killian, had gone to bed an hour or even an hour and a half before she had. But Grace had insisted that she remain, that she would be fine, that she could stay and help finish planning their upcoming mission. Now she was paying for it.

Her response is to reach out and thump him in the shoulder with a fist, hard. He dances out of her reach, yelping, and one hand goes to rub the smarting area gingerly.

"Ow, that's still tender!" he chides with a shake of his head, thinking of how much it had hurt yesterday when he'd sprained it. "Dick move."

She says nothing, but her eyes dance with amusement, and her lips are twitching as she takes another swallow of coffee. He knows she doesn't mean anything by it, though, and that really, he kinda had it coming. He knows full well that Grace has a tendency to be... cranky, first thing in the morning, and it may have become an oddly endearing trait of hers, but really, he shouldn't go poking the bear.

( He doesn't think of the fact that he's probably the only one allowed to gently, teasingly provoke Grace while she's still waking up. Never really occurs to him, but it's definitely A Whole Thing that he'd never hear the end of if anyone else realizes it. )

"I'm not the only one with a severe case of bedhead, though." That smirk is back on his face, and he reaches out to coil a lock of her curly hair around a finger. "What's the term your brother likes to use... Oh yeah, you look like you've been dragged backwards through a bush." The polite way of putting it, at any rate. Killian's exact words are usually more along the lines of "your hair appears to have turned into a nest for a family of rats". "Don't worry, I'll fix it."

Grace, still sleepy, hums wordless assent, and Jerome's quick to dart off to her quarters to raid her bathroom for her hair products.

( He doesn't think about the fact that he knows what kind of supplies are needed to help get Grace's hair under control. It's just something that he'd do for another Spartan, he tells himself. Not that he's ever had the chance to; they all keep their hair shoulder length or shorter. )

"Did you at least get some sleep at all?" he asks, as he gently begins to sort out her frizzy mane.

She mumbles her answer into the mug of coffee. "Probably not much more than you did. But then you're a dirty cheat."

He allows himself a chuckle; she does make a fair point. At least it's a topic he doesn't mind making light fun of, on occasion. "I admit it, my augmented physiology renders me a dirty cheater and I can therefore run on less sleep. Still, don't come cryin' to me when you've overtaxed yourself."

"No, I'll just steal your bunk."

"I don't mind sharing."

"You're a blanket hog."

Jerome sputters. "I am not a blanket hog." As a matter of fact, he really didn't need to use blankets all that often. "I think the blanket hog is you, and you just don't want to admit it, so you pass blame to me."

Because sharing bunks is also a thing they do. It's not even something they put stock into; they just... sometimes happen to fall asleep together. Sometimes it's on purpose, though, like when they need to share quarters because they're planetside. Or when one of them can't sleep because their head is too much, and sharing a bed with your co-worker best friend battle buddy fellow soldier is reassuring: you know you're not the only one who has these nightmares, you've got someone right beside you who's been through similar shitty things, physical contact is grounding, it's fine to share space with someone you're familiar with.

It's just habit, that's all.

He doesn't need to see her face to know that Grace is sticking her tongue out at him, and he swats at her playfully. It's easy, this rhythm they've fallen into; it's become a comfort.

( Grace and Killian are really part of Red Team, at this point. They all look out for each other. They're all under Jerome's command. They're his friends, they belong to him, and he would die for any one of them, just as he knows they would give their lives willingly for him. )

( Sure, he has the tendency to spend more time with Grace than any of the others at this point, but it's mere coincidence. Happenstance, that's all. )

[visualnovelzombie]

Furry Visual Novel Book Club: Echo Week 8

Hi everyone, here is the SPOILER FREE discussion post for “Echo - Carl’s Route A Ending”  

Links: Previous - Next - Original - Spoiler Version

Feel free to respond in reblogs/replies/or asks :D

We open wtih Chase hobbling downstairs to meet Jenna and Raven. The three decide to start searching again for anything that could unlock the door. Chase tries to distract Jenna from thinking about Carl, aware that someone is in her head too. The two talk about Carl’s mental health for a bit, before whoever is on control of Jenna leaves Chase with this ominous line. 

The player is given direct clues that maybe James Hendricks I isn’t all he seems to be... After searching for a bit, Chase sees Carl standing at the base of the stairs. The two return to the bedroom and Carl hugs Chase tightly as Intimate plays. Carl cries into Chase’s shirt, eventually saying that he had a panic attack. Carl confides in Chase over the whole ordeal, how he feels responsible for it being his family and his house.

We’re starting to see the results of our actions, of telling Carl to fight off the influence digging at his mind. He’s more nervous and less confident than before. The two confide in each other, showing how they’ve grown and bonded with each other over the last few days.

We’re parted with a few lines about only being together for sure in the ghost dimension... The two tease each other a bit before Raven calls from downstairs, signaling that him and Jenna have found something. Chase makes his way downstairs, still trying to keep Carl and Jenna separate. Jenna is head first in a stove grabbing for what her and Raven found. As Jenna grabs the item, she is pulled INTO the stove by an unseen force. Just as Chase and Raven begin to lose their grip on Jenna, Carl descends from downstairs and is able to rustle with the entity and pull her back.

I believe this entity is separate from the smoke monster that attacked Raven and then the group in the kitchen. It’s the same thing that attacked Chase in his dream... an entity that can attack in metaphysical-scape the group find themselves in as well as something that can affect Chase’s mind.

As Carl and Chase catch their breath after the incident, Jenna attempts to burn a piece of paper she grabbed from the stove, only for Chase to crash into her in order to stop her. Jenna deflects Chase’s attempted attack, hurting the otter's ankle again in the process. Carl and Chase pin Jenna until she calms down, unable to explain her actions. Raven takes the fox upstairs to relax. Chase and Carl talk about what’s probably going on with her.

We see that Jenna is much more ‘gone’ than Carl, and the two speculate that the wills of the ‘ghosts’ are probably affecting the surrounding events.

The two read the letter aloud as Daze begins to play. It’s a letter from James I to John, asking John to meet him at the mansion about rumors John is spreading. The two discuss the implications but can’t pinpoint what anything could mean. Chase notices that Carl is acting like himself again during this conversation 

More reassurance that our choice has influenced events.

The door unlocks and the group decide to head out into the black void beyond the cabin. Chase is apprehensive about venturing out. 

Chase is once again shown to be indecisive, even in circumstances that stand no reason, the otter is trying to keep things the same, to not make things harder for himself.

The group all decide to leave and head towards the only visible point, the bonfire in the distance. Carl and Chase conclude they’re walking outside in the desert somewhere based on how the ground feels beneath them, Chase wondering about what’s happening to the rest of his friends during all of this.

Chase looks back at the house, noticing a dark figure standing in the light of the window. It moves from the window to the doorway, slamming it shut as it rushes into the darkness presumably after the group. Carl and Chase rush to the campfire, Carl now carrying Chase on his back as the thing behind them approaches.

Keep this description in mind for later...

The group reaches the campfire as the entity slithers around them, ‘like a person imitating a snake.’ Chase seizes up and passes out, then finding himself lying on the floor as oppressive heat and sun hits his body. He’s under sleep paralysis and can’t move or open his eyes. Chase falls back asleep… only to wake once again the mansion.

Chase wakes to whimpering sounds, stumbling through the hallways to its source. And finds Jenna being hung in the concrete room. Chase tries desperately to lift the fox, trying to loosen the tension on her neck. Just as Chase is about to give out, Carl bursts onto the scene at the last moment again, knife in hand, and both lifts Jeanna into the air and starts cutting at the noose. The group argue about the situation they find themselves in again, Chase and Carl even arguing about the Ram’s desire for weed. Through their bickering, Carl and Chase discover that Jenna is completely possessed by John now, only responding to his name. 

This is one of the few instances we’ve seen Chase and Carl argue with each other on this route. One of those times is even behind a choice. The situation is wearing down on the group more and more.

Carl and Chase try to reason to Jenna that something isn't right, Even Raven buts in to try and resolve the conflict. 

Through the next argument, Jenna concedes, non verbally, to maybe being possessed, and the group determine that they need to find out the truth from both John AND James I perspective. Raven spots a previously sealed door and the group decide to travel through it.

Chase wakes up outside and alone, on the mountains to the East of town, overlooking Carl’s mansion. Upon noticing the mine, the voice from the intro instructs Chase to ignore it.

Before repeating… “You'll always be running in circles.” spiel from earlier, as a red haze and hue erupts from the mine, covering the town.

Chase, after moving at impossible speeds up the mountain, notices that there are more buildings than Echo normally has. The town is more spread out with old fashioned buildings dotting the landscape. Carl’s house is bigger and older looking as well… the sound of train horns loops in the background...

Chase then wakes in Carl’s parent’s room with the group. The group celebrates… only to realize that the room is ‘off’, a mix between old and new. The group head outside, noting the extremely odd humidity, as well as noticing the buildings that shouldn’t exist. Chase explains his dream, about a stage and noose surrounding a tree to the group, and Jenna heads off without the rest of them.

The group arrives at a hanging tree, Jenna already there as they arrive. The body of a man hangs from the noose, clothes and body worn from the elements. Carl sees a piece of paper in the body's mouth and the group moves to gather it. As Chase goes to grab the paper, the corpse's eyes shoot open and Chase’s vision goes black.

Two unknown voices, presumably John and James I, argue back and forth in the void Chase finds himself in. The voices notice that Chase can now hear them, and reference that if he can, then ‘it’ is allowing Chase to.

We starting to learn more and more about the supernatural in Echo. Some ‘thing’ is controlling these ‘ghosts’, that they’re just as trapped as the characters find themselves in.

...Chase then flashbacks to an event he witnessed while only a child.

Chase awakens to Carl and Jenna arguing again. The two tell Chase that the corpse ate the letter after he passed out. Chase spots another letter in the foxe’s chest pocket and Carl retrieves it. The paper turns out to be a newspaper clipping, detailing Trisha Hendrick’s research uncovering that James I and John had a relationship. The paper details that crimes were against the missing children and sexual in nature… Just as Chase finishes the snippet, Jenna, now fully possessed by John, attacks Carl with a knife upon hearing the newspaper.

Jenna grabs ahold of Carl’s horn and readies the knife for a final slash just as Chase hobbles over on his shattered ankle… and we’re met with a choice.

“Grab Jenna”

In Chase’s clumsiness, he misses trying to grapple the fox whose been shown to be agile and stronger than she should be. The track ‘Death’ plays as Chase is stabbed in the chest with the knife on accident. Day turns to night as the shock hits the otter. Chase collapses to the ground as Carl rushes to his side.. Only to lose sight of Chase. Carl cries in agony over Chase as Chase begs for help.

Chase stumbles to the mansion as Carl argues over what happened to Chase. Chase sees Duke dead on the floor, most of his face missing and a ‘plastic thing’ stuck in his head as he succumbs to his wounds… and falls into nothing.

We’re kicked back onto the main menu as Chase has died with this choice. This is one of the game's few short bad ends. It serves the purpose of informing the player that what the characters see are not necessarily what’s happening in physical space, as Chase is knocked out of the illusion from his mortal wound, the time shifts to night, and others in the illusion can no longer see him. It’s also a bit of teasing to Duke’s background and the state of the rest of the town…

“Push Jenna” (The ‘correct path)

Chase successfully pushes Jenna out of the way, with Raven coming in a few moments later to hold her down. Raven instructs Carl and Chase to run as Raven and Jenna struggle on the ground together. The two decide to run into town instead of the mansion, and after getting decently far away, Carl begins to have a panic attack. The ram heads off, saying he needs a moment and that he’ll be back. Chase panics, afraid of being by himself and losing Carl… eventually passing out.

Chase wakes to a snow covered Pueblo, all alone at the university.

The track, Drag starts to play, ominous tones and beats over a droning chord. The buildings are different from what Chase remembers, but he follows the sound of Carl’s footsteps through the fog. Carl’s ‘voice’ calls out to Chase.

Chase notices that the snow doesn’t impede his movement. An unknown voice calls out to him saying, ‘We’re not gonna hurt ya…’, the voice also being mechanical. More voices taunt Chase as he desperately searches for the Ram. The voices replay the dream sequence involving Clint and Jeremy. Chase continues to follow Carl’s ‘clops’ as sounds of violence ring out around him. Chase eventually finds Carl, in a twisted version of their old dorm room.

They talk about their situation as Carl explains how he’s feeling. 

Intimate begins to play as Chase questions the statement. Carl explains that the incident with Jeremy and Clint were what caused him to become codependent on Chase initially, and their time at college together didn’t help that.

Chase realizes that the location and nature of what they’ve been seeing is starting to become more and more evident. 

One can extrapolate, the location and appearance of the earlier nightmare sequences was from James I and John and that the group had been trapped in THEIR nightmare.

Carl is content with his place in the world, and wants to strive to change it, find his own happiness in life.

Carl says the panic attack from the dance and the stress his parents put on him caused him to finally crack at Pueblo. He also reveals a detail about the side story ‘Crash’... about thinking he had killed chase after dropping acid.

Carl awakens to his Ultimate persona, seeing the truth through the fog shakes off the illusion, and pulls Chase from it as the two find themselves in the diner

The two make their way back to Carl’s house. It’s night time now, a few bodies lie scattered in the road on their trek back. The two find themselves in the mansion, now back to normal. Chase and Carl notice that the surroundings and placements of the room match with the events of the nightmare… drywall on the plates on the kitchen table… among other oddities. 

IT WAS FUCKING PISS WHO DID THAT

The two find the ‘burned’ newspaper clipping that blames James I for the kidnappings of the Meseta children. The two hear Raven in the basement and go to investigate. Raven is tied up in a room, unaware of Chase or Carl’s presence as they find him. They’re able to wake him up with a touch as they explain what little they know to the husky. John had brought his letters to Raven, and the group read them together.

Seeing the truth, the group discovers that James I was a serial murdering pedophile, and that John only reported the bodies found at the Hendricks mansion. The three decide to leave, unwilling to ‘finish the game’ now that they are free from the illusion. As the three leave the room...

Jenna is completely possessed, voice and image distorted despite chase being ‘awake’. John chases after Chase, slashing at the otters back and slicing him. John continues his assault. The two eventually tumble down the slope outside Carl’s house. Chase finds himself in front of the hanging tree, where he’s able to read the end of the newspaper clipping before John is able to attack Carl who came to intervene. The letter detail’s Trisha’s report, about how James admitted that it was him in correspondence to John in jail.

The truth sets everyone free...

Chase’s gambit pays off as Jenna returns to her senses, all traces of John apparently leaving her. The scene fades as sirens of emergency vehicles blare into town.

The final scene starts on Chase typing his report, now in his dorm room proper. 18 months have passed since spring break when the game began. He recalls going to therapy after the incident, and that ‘everybody’ except Carl needed it. Jenna returned to school shortly after, now working on her Masters. Chase recalls the rest of the town going through their own nightmare that night, separate from theirs. Chase reflects on his scar and permanent limp. We only glimpse what happened to the other three during the weekend…

…Chase reflects on his relationship with Carl, and while they two are close 

Chase wishes to return to Echo during the summer and uncover more mysterious surrounding the town, planning to stay with Carl during the time… just as Carl walks into the dorm, now attending Pueblo with Chase. The game ends with Chase joining Carl on a lunch out as credits roll. The track, ‘Echo’ plays, a remix of the title theme that opens with the tape recording sound effects being played.

CG’s witnessed during the prologue and route appear on the screen as the melancholy infused lofi-remix plays.

(The tape recording and lofi REALLY hits me in the feels for this track,

ESPECIALLY with how bittersweet it is... because my god is Carl fucking best boy......)

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

And that Concludes the ‘good’ ending to Carl’s Route! We learn more about the route’s titular character, how Chase sees and thinks of himself and others, and we start to understand SOME of the ‘rules’ regarding the hysteria that seems to overtake the town.

The bittersweet ending with Chase injured and scared, and still without his ‘prize’ of a a boyfriend, is atypical of Dating Sims. Echo plays its hand as a Horror Visual Novel, rejecting its origins of a Dating Sim/Horror hybrid. With this being the first route, and that identity not fully decided upon during the writing of this route, there still is remnants of it lingering (such as the many voices with variables never called upon).

We learn that the supernatural events are linked to psychological projects, like in Silent Hill, but that there are definitely physical and supernatural powers outside of pure projection. Themes of truth, perception, self identity, and self acceptance are also explored on this route, with Carl’s ultimate decisions to be better for himself, that he deserves it and is good enough for it, being the truth that sets him free.

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

Next week we’ll be reading Carl’s Route B until the end (a tad shorter than this entry!) On the choice between accepting and refusing James I influence, be sure to now select “Let it help us.”... I’m sure with the full scope of James I deeds you’ll be able to tell why this is the ‘bad’ end for the route.

Until Next Week ~ Spoilers coming within a hour of this posting

[tortoisesshells]

First Words Meme

Tagged by @shoshiwrites — thank you, kind friend!

Rules: post the first lines of your 10 most recent fanfics.

1. The dentist’s apprentice was whistling tunelessly down the great hall of Mansion House in the slanting afternoon light; the haphazard arrangements of the ailing and the dying did not seem to impede his progress much, for all he barely seemed to look. (A monster then, a dream)

2. “You are doing it again,” said Nellie Treat, who was drumming the fingers of one hand against the table, and resting her head against the fist of the other. (Customs and Duties, Ch. 29: Some Unhappy Derelict)

3. Maura Franklin found that she did not like the Prometheus any better on second acquaintance than she had at the first: the deck was cold underfoot – slick, too, but not only with the marine damp she had accustomed herself to. (One’s A’self encounter - In lonesome place)

4. He rarely dreams of Sara, because her memory is still a coal too hot to touch – what he feels for Nina (for his daughters, he ought to say.) may be a burden too much for any man to bear, but pure grief is just that: grief, and grief alone. (mit der Kerze Schimmer)

5. “Have you taken leave of your senses?” Daniel Hendricks hissed, darting a glance at the cabin door. (Customs and Duties, Ch. 28: Enough Ground To Stand On)

6. Jérôme has had but one plan, these past years – a simple one. (The stiff Heart questions)

7. It is not the first time in his life that great strain has dug a well in his memory – a poor choice of words, but he can think of no other way to express it. (to the grave)

8. Elizabeth did not think, for many days, on what had transpired on the ramparts of Fort Charles. (the straight path to the end of my days)

9. Maura has said, not in such words, that it is unlikely this is a dream; in this matter, despite their mutual deceits, he trusts her. (think of nothing but of getting home)

10. It’s a terrible place, this – descended through the maelstrom, through impossibility, as though she were one of M. Verne’s protagonists! – but there is no wonder here. (And on the strangest sea -)

Tagging: @theonlyredcar, @sagiow, @jomiddlemarch, @fatherramiro, @r-osehips, @starsuncounted, @fericita-s, @mercurygray, @norrrington, @enchi-elm.

[royal1asset-if]

Teaser Update 2

Hello guys, this is a teaser of a scenario that I have been thinking on of the class routes. Also, I wanted to say that the demo is gonna be delayed in it's release due to I found it lacking in visual aids.

So as sorry, I made this teaser for you guys, enjoy :)

At the Throne Room Doors Of The Enemy

King Hendrick's POV

You're standing in front of the throne room massive doors, you're clad in enchanted armor from head to toe, it's color white, like a burning beacon of light, shining in the darkness and your familiar and trusted sword strapped to your left-side. Breathing a handful of air and breathing them out.

You set your attention on the doors. Putting your hands on the metal handles, it's metal cool on your hands, you can feel the malignant presence from the other side of this door, it's darkness, putting dread in the pit of your stomach.

"Time to end this madness!" you thought to yourself, determined. Mission in mind, you pushed the doors open, it's hinges creaking from it's massive size and colliding on the castle walls, making a banging sound. Venturing inside, you set your gaze on the figure that is seated on the throne, the figure's sword is in front of them, their hands atop on the pommel of their sword, clearly waiting for you.

"We met again, old friend!" you say wistfully, not wanting to believe what you see before your very eyes, your former friend and brother in arms "Liam". Now the person that stands in front of you is wearing a simple tunic and leather pants. A shell of their former self, you slowly started walking towards the center of the throne room and stopping in front of Liam. This closed you can see your friend much more clearly, they have pale skin like ash with black veins running through their arms , eyes red as blood and looking at you with burning hatred, atop their head is a crown made of bones. .

Liam's POV

You see Hendrick slowly approaching you and stopping in the center of the throne room, raising his hands and putting it on his helmet, then proceeding to remove the strap of his helmet and dropping it on the ground, his helmet rolling and clattering on the smooth marble tiles, he tilts his head upwards and look you in the eyes. Looking at you with pity and regret in his eyes, clearly waiting for your response. You can see how time has been cruel on Hendrick, where once his face is clean and shaven, now full of scars and wrinkles, where his posture before is full of youth and might, now standing in front of you is a tired and worn out old man.

A smile always plastered on that smug face of his, now his expression is hardened like steel, gone is the care-free person you know before, now before you stands a warrior honed and shaped by time.

Whereas yourself, haven't aged a bit, thanks to the spirit inhabiting you,. Amused by his banter, you decided to humor him by saying "Hendrick, long time no see!" you say through gritted teeth, annoyed for calling you his friend. "What have you become Liam?" he says in a concern and horrified manner, skin pale as white.

"What's the matter Hendrick, looks like you seen a ghost!" you say laughing and surprised for his display of concern for you, but looking at him, you see that his expression is unreadable, waiting for a explanation to why you are in this state and waging war with his kingdom. Gathering your composure, you look him in the eye and said to him. " Your the reason why I have become like this Hendrick, your the one to blame for all this bloodshed!" you say with burning fury, one hand on the pommel of your sword, gripping it tightly and the other pointing a accusing finger at him and leaning forward from your throne.

King Hendrick's POV

You see Liam pointing his finger at you and you can feel the pain and hate in his voice. "Your the reason!" you repeated in your mind over and over again. While still contemplating you heard Liam speak again; "You left me to die Hendrick, I still remember how you let go of my hand and let me plummet to my own demise!" he says pained, disappointment in his tone.

Hearing this, images flashed before your very eyes, forcing you to relieve that painful memory, memories which kept you awake in the night, memories that make you hear Liam's voice screaming for help, his pleas echoing in the darkness and then there's silence.

Painful memories that when you wake up in the morning your cheeks are wet with tears and your clothes drenched with sweat and clings to your body. Memories that when you look at your hand, you can still feel the desperate grip of Liam's hand on yours and you can still see his eyes and see hope burning brightly in them, knowing that without a doubt that his most loyal and trusted friend will not let go of him.

That his friend will saved him and that they don't regret calling you his' friend and brother. You still remember how the hope in his eyes were snuffed out when you say "I'm sorry, Liam" you say in regret, looking away and letting go of his hand. "Hendriiiicccckkkk" Liam shouts your name, his voice echoing through the darkness.