#I feel like there needed to be more focus on how Mac NEEDS Jack

[allzelemonz]

Annoying: John Marston X Male Reader

Fictober Prompt: Day 3, Hate Sex Pronouns: he/him, Reader referred to as ‘man’ Physical Sex: AMAB Rating: E/Smut Warnings: Hate sex, anal fingering, anal sex, prostate massage, dirty talk, teasing, mentions of John’s situation with Abigail and Jack, Reader is an asshole, pre-Blackwater, violence, punching Summary: You’ve been sent on a scouting excursion with John to find a good spot closer to Blackwater, John is annoying through the whole ride.

It has been two hours. Walking along a barren trail with your tired horse and listening to the endless and constant complaining of John Marston. The man is undoubtedly irritating, wholly annoying. But Dutch picked you for scouting, so you to try to tune out that stupid scratch in his voice and focus on looking for a new spot closer to Blackwater.

“I just don’t get what her deal is.” John continues.

You feel the distinct desire to bash your head against your saddle horn. Maybe that would end this insufferable ride. Why couldn’t Dutch have picked Javier or Charles or someone quiet? At least Micah talks about interesting things on occasion. Bill can crack a joke. None of them have this apparent need to vent whilst riding.

“She just doesn’t-”

“Marston.” You groan. “Shut up, for the love of life itself. Just be quiet for once.”

“Oh, are my problems annoying you?”

“Yes, jeez, just shut it.”

He huffs, looking away to pout like a child.

“No one wants to hear about you and Abigail, the whole camp already has to listen to you go on and on about how the kid isn’t yours. No one cares.”

“Fuck off.” He mutters.

“I wish I could.”

There is a blissful minute of silence before he opens his mouth again. “You think he’s mine?”

“Fuck, Marston.” You sigh. “I have no clue, just shut the hell up.”

“He ain’t.” He mumbles. “Can’t be.”

“You won’t have to worry about it if you keep talking, because I’ll shoot you.”

“Why’re you always so damn irritable?”

“Because you annoy me to no end, Marston.”

You pull on your reins to move towards a clearing that looks promising, only slightly visible from the narrow path between trees. Finally sliding off your horse, you stretch your legs a little and look over the spot.

“How do I annoy you exactly?”

You rub at your eyes, feeling the ache forming behind them from having to listen to his voice. “In every possible way you could ever imagine.”

“You’re an asshole, you know that?”

“I’m not the one bothering other people with my problems.”

“At least I find the time to bring money in instead of lounging around camp all damn day!”

That, now that, brings a twinge of much more than annoyance to buzz around in your head. Not only have you been bringing in consistent money since you joined, you just pulled a job with Mac and Davey that scored the camp funds upwards of eight-hundred dollars. So, naturally, you punch John in the face for suggesting otherwise.

“Shit.” He mutters, recoiling and tackling you to the ground.

You roll for a while, exchanging punches and losing your hats along the way until you find yourself atop John. You sit across his thin torso, your fist curled into his shirt as the other stands ready to lay another blow. But, John, he goes still, as if he’s afraid to move. For all the scrapping and talk, you know you’re not scary enough to make him freeze like this so you lower your raised fist and look over your shoulder. You half expect to see lawmen or O’Driscolls or something, but it’s just the forest and the horses grazing by the trees.

“What’s your problem, Marston?” You ask, shifting slightly on him.

Then you feel it, barely brushing against the back of your thigh as you move. John Marston is hard in his pants from being beaten up by a man that hates him. His face flushes and he claws at your arm, but you just push him down harder into the grass. Your mind races for a moment, thinking of the roads you could take. You hate the man quite a bit, but you’d be a fool to deny he’s attractive and something in the back of your mind is begging you to find out what that raspy voice sounds like when it’s full of want.

“We tell no one.” You mutter, giving John a threatening look.

John’s chest moves slow as he processes, then he nods quickly. You lean down and connect your lips, catching the taste of tobacco and the scruff of his stubble. John’s hands find your hips, urging you down to grind against you but you resist.

“You’re not in charge here, Marston.” You murmur against his lips. “You just lay still and let me use you, understand?”

His eyes dart around yours quickly as his face gets redder by the second. “Y-Yeah.”

You move down to unfasten his pants and as he kicks them off, you fish a tube of gun oil from your pocket. It has always been a suspicion of yours that John gets around more than he lets on, and it is all but confirmed by the way he stuffs his pants under his hips and spreads his legs.

“You some kind of whore on the side, Marston?” You ask, fixing yourself between his open legs. “That why you got on with Abigail, a shared profession?”

“Shut up.” He mutters.

He intends to say more but you cut him off easily by inserting your slicked fingers without warning. His back arches, pressing into the feeling as he chokes on a bit of air that turns into a whimper. You’re not going to give him the time to rest or adjust, he doesn’t deserve it after talking all day. So you crook your fingers, running them along until his hips jolt from the contact. Then you focus and focus hard, pressing into that nice sensitive spot inside of him until he can’t even speak to warn you. He releases across his stomach, his softening dick untouched.

His head lulls to the side as he catches his breath and you slip your fingers out. You move as fast as you can, not wanting to hear any of his protests about being sensitive. He’d whine about it, you know he would, so you grip his hips and press inside in the midst of his recovery. John chokes on air again, muttering as he covers his red face with his arm. Only one eye peaks out at you as you start your pace and you ignore it, focusing on the act rather than the who. If you don’t think about it being John, the image of your dick disappearing inside such a nice ass and the feeling of gripping such a slim waist make you groan to yourself. If it were any other man, you’d praise him for feeling so good.

John, however, does not have that control. “God, you’re… fuck you’re good.”

It’s the moan that gets you, raspy just like you imagined, and completely wanton. You double your effort because that sound was so good for something that came from John of all people. And, to your delight, it happens again. As you slam into him, your balls bouncing enough to truly earn the nickname, John begins to pant. Your eyes are drawn to his dick as he reaches for it and stops it from slapping against his stomach. His hand wraps around and pumps in time with you.

You lean down a bit, enough to speak over John’s lewd noises. “You better get yourself off before me, Marston. I’m not helping you otherwise.”

He groans, seemingly all too happy to be treated like nothing but something to fuck in the grass of the gang’s next camp spot. You watch his hand, your eyes flicking down to watch your own fucking on occasion. Both are such a sight. John cums again, spilling a little on his hand this time. The sound he makes, such a shaky and raspy guttural moan, hits the right things for you and sends you right over. You slow your thrusts, milking yourself before burying deep inside of him.

It takes a few minutes before your muscles respond and you can pull out to rest back on your knees. John still has a haze in his eyes, his arms splayed out as his chest heaves. You let yourself relish the sight, forgetting only for a moment that you hate him, then you pick up the tube of gun oil from the grass and pull on your pants. A one time thing, albeit a great one, with such an annoying man.

[stnkiconverse]

you said commissions are open? (For headcanons and such... Also like a "finding out reader does this" sorta thing...) Would you be able to write headcanons of Jeff the killer, Ticci Toby and Laughing Jack x an age regressor reader (can be platonic or romantic, maybe include both *finger touch looking down*) but I should elaborate that age regression is a coping mechanism that people use to cope with trauma by regressing to a younger state of mind (like say... I regress to age 3 and I use a Binkie while snuggling with blankets and watching a kids show while I color or I have a nice snack of mac n cheese with chicken nuggets) but it can also be a mental condition that can lead to more mental harm if practiced improperly or if it can be triggered... Here's a link for age regression and another for more explanation... Thank you! <33

I decided to not write about Laughing Jack as I don’t know much about him, but I’ll for sure do JTK and TT!! The way I write these characters go along with my headcannons and that will always be like that unless you refuse it in your request!

Jeff The Killer and Ticci Toby with Age Regressor!Reader.

Ticci Toby

Gentle Understanding : When Toby first realizes that you're an age regressor, he approaches the topic with a gentle and understanding demeanor. He's experienced enough struggles to empathize with your need for comfort and security.

Puzzles and Toys: Toby starts bringing you small puzzles and toys, knowing how much they can help you focus and relax. He even joins you in playtime, finding it soothing for himself as well.

Protective Instincts: His protective side comes out more when you're regressed. He makes sure your environment is safe and free from anything that might cause you stress or harm.

Calming Presence: Toby uses his humming habit to help soothe you when you're feeling anxious or upset, creating a calming atmosphere around you.

Snacks: He ensures you have your favorite snacks, especially during regression moments. He’ll bring comfort foods to make you feel safe and cared for.

Jeff the Killer

Awkward at First: Jeff is initially awkward when he finds out, not quite knowing how to handle the situation. However, he genuinely wants to understand and support you in his own way.

Guard Dog Mode: His protective nature kicks into overdrive. He might not be the best at showing gentle affection, but he'll ensure no one bothers you or makes you uncomfortable.

Softer Moments: Despite his rough exterior, Jeff shows unexpected softer moments. He might sit with you and tell you stories or even let you play with his old, beat-up toys.

Patience: He learns to be more patient with you, recognizing that regression is your way of coping. He'll try to curb his usual brashness around you, offering a more subdued presence.

Unexpected Gifts: Jeff surprises you with small, thoughtful gifts like plush toys or coloring books that he stole, things that he notices make you happy during your regressed state.

[rosieblogstuff]

I'm so exited to have posted the VERY LAST CHAPTER of a an Army Days story I started posting on Jan 1, 2022! Huge shoutout to everybody who helped brainstom anything for this ever, and to the people who definitely helped me out with specific plot points or beta reading (@the-itzy-bitzy-spider @nativestarwrites @impossiblepluto @saplesss-tree).

--

Sergeant Alvarez lowers himself into the chair next to Jack’s. “How’s your nerd?”

Jack shrugs. “Dunno. Ain’t heard nothing since they took him to surgery.” He turns Mac's little red knife over in his hands. It’s coated in a thick film of red dust, as if it’s spent a month laying on the ground outside. It’s only been a few hours since he watched Mac put it in his vest pocket when they were gearing up that morning.

“You think he’ll lose the foot?” Alvarez asks after they sit in silence for a couple minutes.

Jack shrugs again. “Dunno,” he says again. “It didn’t look so bad but you know. Can’t ever tell what damage is under the skin.” He clears his throat, as if that will clear up the thickness of the guilt that lays over him like a blanket. He doesn’t want to think about the trip back from the bomb site to the FOB. He doesn’t want to relive that again ever, even if, objectively, there are worse things that can happen to a man than surgical amputation.

Mac’s going to live. Jack needs to focus on that part. It’s good. He’s kept that much of his promise.

Jack keeps the red knife clutched tight in one fist while he ducks his head and rubs one hand over his short hair. “Worse things happen,” he repeats, out loud this time. It doesn’t sound much more convincing to hear the words spoken.

“They’ll ship him back home. Out of your hair.”

“Yeah,” Jack agrees. Losing a leg is a bad way to earn a discharge, but there it is. They won’t keep Mac here with an injury that requires extensive recovery.

The thought of Mac getting out of Afghanistan ought to make Jack happy. Kid shouldn’t have been here in the first place. He’s out of place: too stubborn, too pacifist, too damn much of an idealist. Won’t pick up a gun to save his own life, which is a pretty bullshit attitude for somebody who signed himself up for the one activity in which a person is required to carry a firearm and expected to use it regularly.

The idea of Mac going home just makes Jack sad. It isn’t just that he’s seen how much of a struggle it will be to reintegrate into civilian life, and doubly so while dealing with limb loss, although he has. It isn’t just that he feels responsible for everything that happened to Mac, although he does. It’s more that the idea of sending the kid home and never seeing him again fills Jack with a sense of loss...

[ciaranswritingportfolio]

Recording 100 [Blog Tutorial]

RECORDING 100: Getting Ready!

Hello, and welcome! If you are reading this, then you’re likely a budding musician that is eager to record their own music. This article will be a beginners guide to setup your own recording rig at home. To do this, we will focus on first time guitar recording tips, as well as simple guitar recording techniques to make it as easy and simple as possible, which it is! Our first step will be to understand acoustic guitar recording equipment. You can’t record without the gear, and fortunately it’s possible to record your songs on a pretty tight budget. For this article, we will describe how you, as a beginner, can have a professional guitar recording setup. Let’s get into it! 

What Equipment Do I Need to Record My Music? - Computer - 

The first thing you will need is a computer to record your music on. The computer specifications you need will depend on the type of music you want to make. For easy acoustic guitar recording for beginners, we would recommend getting a laptop with these specifications: 

At least 4GB of RAM

At least 256GB of SSD storage

An i5 CPU Processor

USB-C Ports (for modern audio interfaces!)

External Hard Drive (for backing up your masterpieces!)

This is a good starting place for beginner recording setups, and the specs will future-proof the machine for you, even more so if you have the budget for higher RAM, or storage. Just note, that if you want to use Garageband, or Logic Pro X, then you will have to buy a Mac. This can be done cheaper by buying second hand, just make sure you follow the specs above and you’ll be ok!  

- Audio Interface -

The second bit of gear you need will be your audio interface. This will be your connection between the outside and the digital worlds. With this device and a couple of different cables like the jack cable, and XLR cable, you can record electric and acoustic guitars respectively! It can be overwhelming, as there are many different audio interfaces that you can purchase, but one of the best beginner friendly interfaces is the Focusrite Scarlett. These have fantastic and easy to use settings for recording, with our highest recommendation being the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen. If you want to shop around for a different interface then we have to recommend a few things: 

Ensure the interface has a phantom power (48v) switch. This means that you can power the active circuitry in condenser microphones, commonly used for recording acoustic guitars (more on that in a sec!) 

2 XLR and Jack inputs. You want the option to record in stereo. That’s being able to record the left and right channels with separate microphones at the same time. Although recording in mono (with one microphone) will suit you most of the time, you absolutely will want the option to record in stereo. 

USB-C connectivity. An interface with USB-C will be fast for transmitting data, but will also power the interface without you having to plug it into the mains power, meaning that you’ll have portable guitar recording equipment!

You shouldn’t have to worry about buying studio monitors yet. Feel free to get a cheap pair of headphones, or use a set that you have lying around. 

- Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) -

Thirdly, you will need software to record your music. A digital audio workstation, known as a DAW, is a program that has everything you need. There are multiple DAWs with some of the most well-known being Logic Pro (Mac Only), Cubase, FL Studio, or Audacity. Honestly, it doesn’t really matter which one you pick, but they all come with the same basic functionalities, just with various drawbacks or limitations. For example Audacity, a totally free and open-source option, isn’t very user friendly, and doesn’t have a very pleasant user interface. Logic Pro on the other hand is cheap, and very easy to use, but it is locked to Mac hardware, which comes at a premium price.

We recommend Cubase LE. This is a free learners edition of their software, and comes with a limited range of great features, including a16 track audio capacity, which is more than enough to get you started. If you like using LE, then you can upgrade to Elements for a relatively cheap price too, which makes the Learners Edition even more appealing.  When you set up your DAW, ensure the audio routing is correct. The DAW will have a settings panel where you can set you input/output destination. Ensure that both of these say your Audio Interface.

- Microphones -

OK! The last thing you need on this list will be microphones and stands for this basic recording setup. For recording various music genres on acoustic guitar, you will ideally want two of the same condenser microphones, as these are better for picking up delicate high frequencies that the guitar offers. It’ll also be beneficial to have two microphones, in case you would like to experiment with stereo recordings. 

We would recommend the Rode M5 matched pair of microphones as a starting place. These will give you a very high quality sound, with the added option of recording a stereo pair. 

We can also recommend the Audio Technica AT2020, if you would like to keep things simple, and keep it to one mic, but you will be limited to making mono recordings. 

If you have the budget, and want to learn to record acoustic guitar with vocals, then purchasing all three would give you an ideal set. Honestly, this section is just down to your goals and budget constraints. DON’T FORGET! You will need microphone stands for your new recording mics. These can be found in a range for just about every budget. If you’re recording vocals too, consider getting a pop-shield to cover those harsh syllables!

Summary

So now you have everything you need to begin your recording journey. Whether you’re aiming to write your own songs for release, or if you just want to record your creative expressions then check back for the next article… RECORDING 101 where we will take you through the steps that you need to do just that!

[justmoreocs-writing]

The flickering sound cards make is a special kind of comfort. There’s a constant beat, a rhythm that’s impossible to ignore. It’s a comforting pulse of its own, an assurance that things are all right. Pat always taught me to focus on things like that when it felt as though the world was spiralling out of control, the grounding effect was important.

‘Lilia?’ Mac’s voice was soft, and yet still it drew my attention from the cards. His face was slightly drained of colour; concern pinched his brows and his eyes were focused on me. The latest mission had rattled us all, and we were recovering as best we could.

Carefully, I flickered the last few cards into place and slipped them all into the palm of my hand. I nodded briefly, giving him access to the small cubby hole I’d taken refuge in.

Mac hovered at the doorway for a moment before moving. It was almost as if he stumbled into the room, quick enough that I couldn’t change my mind. I watched his movement, analysing the slightly jittery nature of every gesture without stopping myself.

Silence filled the space. If I concentrated I could hear the quiet yet constant ticking of our ever so slightly out so sync watches. The distant noise of other people working; going on as if nothing had changed.

‘How are –?’

‘Don’t,’ I said, my voice like an unexpected whip crack. ‘Don’t you dare be predicable on me now, Angus MacGyver.’

‘Lilia, you almost died,’ he reasoned, causing my throat to go dry.

‘And Matty did my psych eval,’ I admitted, barely keeping back how both me and Pat had made out own assessments too. We were leaving nothing to chance, wherever possible.

‘Still,’ Mac said, leaning forwards so the chair creaked.

I shook my head, his unasked question hanging in the air between us. Phoenix was made up of people who understood this feeling. Mac and Jack were probably more acquainted with it than any of us. And yet somehow that made it harder to find the words, to properly raise the subject that I simply wanted to forget about.

Obviously sensing my reluctance, or current inability to broach the subject, Mac stood. ‘You know I’m here when you need me. Whenever you need, Lilia,’ he assured me before placing a quick kiss on the top of my head and leaving before I could argue his turn of phrase.

I sighed and sank back against my seat. This was going to be a difficult thing to recover from fully, but I knew I’d survive it. I’d survived other messes in my life. What was one more?

[firebirdsdaughter]

To refocus…

… I wish they’d let Jack actually. Have a part in saving Mac in 2x11. Like, even if it’s just the customary ‘comes in at the right moment to clock a dude’ sort of thing. I love Mac being resourceful, but I do feel like he’s occasionally a wee bit… It’s not exactly ‘over powered’ but… Perfect?

Like this is what I mean by we needed more Jack appreciation. While I agree w/ a comment I saw somewhere on here that s2 Jack is best Jack (right down to the beard!), I can’t help but feel like, say, 2x11 for ex, woulda been good opportunities to highlight Jack’s part in their partnership a bit more. It’s not that he doesn’t do things, but I just… Don’t feel like it always gets recognised? Mac’s crafty, but sometimes there a situations where even I, the fanniest of Jack fans, kinda wonder… Why he needs a partner? It just feels unsatisfying to have the cavalry get there but lol, Mac’s already saved himself! It doesn’t have to be big—like I said, even just arriving in the nick of time to take up/finish the fight. Or even just like. Tactical/moral support? For ex, compare 1x07 to 2x11; in the former, Mac’s incredibly genius and resourceful, gets out of the prison—but then he winds up in a situation where he can’t do things on his own, and he’s forced to resort to doing what he can do and trusting in others getting the message to Jack to come for him… Which happens, and Jack does the whole cavalry thing and once again takes out someone about to shoot Mac. In the latter, though, despite Jack being integral and dedicated throughout the episode, in the end he doesn’t get to do anything, bc Mac effectively resolves the situation himself, and if the others hadn’t done anything, it probably wouldn’t have changed the outcome (the situation gets worked out bc the guy tries to kill Mac in the police station, not bc of the evidence the others gathered and worked out—the guy was planning to do that anyway, so the result woulda been the same no matter what). For an ep so rife w/ Jack being a competent agent, it’s frustrating and disappointing to have him not get to do anything in the finale, and instead Mac saves himself and the detectives just fine w/out help. Jack contributes in a minor way of letting Mac know he didn’t kill anyone and boosting his confidence and spirits (I saw that smile as he was leaving!), but very little attention is paid to that. Naturally, it’s in character for Jack to not care about recognition as long as he can ensure Mac’s safety, but I just… It’s esp clear I think in 2x11 and 2x04. I know 2x04 is about Murdoc being Mac’s special enemy, and part of this is me wanting recognition for Jack’s status as Mac’s real dad, but esp w/ Jack blaming himself and Murdoc then going and picking out Cage later… Feels like their relationship shoulda been more of a factor? Given that everyone goes on like Murdoc targets people around them, in this he’s only focused on Mac and then Cage for some reason (even going after her again later bc… The actress had vacation time? I adore Cage but she seems like an odd choice to zero in on to get to Mac). Maybe Murdoc acknowledging how dogged Jack will be, or Mac shooting back that Jack will find him, no matter how well Murdoc has hidden them. I’d love to hear Jack brought up when they’re talking about fathers, maybe Mac saying Jack’s name when asking for help. Just small stuff that acknowledges that for all Mac’s smarts and ingenuity, he can’t do everything alone, highlight how Jack contributes to the team and partnership, how sometimes they need someone who can think like Jack. I’d’ve much preferred 2x11 ending w/ Mac just holding the guy off until Jack arrives to jump him, maybe even commenting to the detectives that he’s got the best Overwatch ever who is definitely on his way. 2x04 there’s just more acknowledgment about Mac’s reliance on Jack’s protection, maybe a few nasty comments by Murdoc that further upset Mac. Nothing huge, Mac’s still the inventive, brilliant one, but enough to make his ‘[Jack] doing his job meant I could do mine’ line from the probational season 4 ring consistently true.

And while we’re at it, could we please get an ep about how much Mac cares about Jack?? We get a lot of Jack being willing to move the world, bust Mac out of prison, lead a dictator to diamonds, out of love for Mac, blaming himself when Mac gets hurt. I’m sad we never really got one of my favourite tropes which is that in reverse. We get it a little, but there’s not much that really focuses on it? The Ghost’s debut ep it was all crammed into the end of the ep and the focus was completely on the bomb, in 3x01 James MacGyver ruins everything, and there’s also a ticking clock to work w/, you don’t really get to see Mac reacting. When stuff happens, there’s an attitude of ‘it’s Jack, he’ll be fine’ and I just kept waiting for the moment where he wasn’t fine and how that would go. They keep talking about how Murdoc’s targeting them, but again, after his debut he only goes after Mac and Cage. While his ‘welcome to the family’ thing is in character, for the second one, I’d much rather see Jack get attacked than Cage?

Honestly, weird as it may sound, I wish Jack got shot more.

[glamorouspixels]

Hello! Do you have any recs for fics that center Jane and Phryne's relationship? I love the show but I feel like Jane as a character needed more attention.

Oh, I am delighted that you would come to me with this, thank you! I know you asked specifically for Phryne & Jane stuff, but the second part of your question (giving Jane as a character more attention) can be interpreted to include Jane & Jack fics too, so you're getting both! :D

Phryne Fisher & Jane Ross Fanfic Recs

a safe place to land by missymeggins

This one is about Jane struggling to feel at home at Wardlow, and feeling restless and having an almost instinctive desire to leave. It focuses 100% on Phryne and Jane's relationship. Because of her own past, Phryne can relate to Jane's experiences and she helps her feel more comfortable at Wardlow. I'm really in awe of this fic. It's super nuanced and full of feelings!

Bon Goût non Raffiné by QuailiTea

Phryne helps Jane with her French lessons by introducing her to a scandalous and surprisingly sexual etiquette book. I just reread this one and I'm in love with how Phryne-esque Phryne's parenting style is 🥺🥰 It may be unconventional, but it works and she clearly knows just what Jane needs to feel better.

Friends and Relations by @rain-sleet-snow

Mac wants Jane to have more positive role models in her life and starts tutoring her in science. What starts out as weekly after-school lessons turns into an adorable friendship. The focus is more on Jane's relationship with Mac than with Phryne, but it's still Jane-centric and I would highly recommend it!

In Time with Miss Jane by @aurora-australis-tumbles

In this one we see Jane interacting with almost everyone, but Phryne keeps appearing all throughout the fic. It's about six different expressions of love portrayed through six different interactions between Jane and various members of the Wardlow family and all of the scenes are wonderful 😍

All Wrapped Up in Each Other by @omgimsarahtoo

While not exactly Jane-centric, this fic contains what is probably my all-time favorite exchange between Phryne and Jane so I'm putting it on the list. It's a wonderful mix of family fluff and romantic Phrack moments, including a pre-Christmas weekend getaway where Phryne and Jack manage to stay naked the whole time. We also get a brief hint that Jane might be into girls, which is an idea I have a massive soft spot for myself <3

Jack Robinson & Jane Ross Fanfic Recs

of fate and plaits by @leliesblou

A university-aged Jane has an injured wrist and needs help with her hair, and Jack, being the only one around, gives her schoolgirl braids. He tells her about his sister and nieces and "contemplaits" (pun stolen from the fic's summary) his family. Yep, it's just as adorable as it sounds and you should go read it :D

Unconventional by @rubycaspar

*dissolves into a puddle of fluff and feelings* Jane runs into Rosie at a book sale. Without knowing that she is Jack's ex-wife, Jane tells Rosie what Jack means to her 🥺🥰 Jack shows up a short time later. He and Jane eventually return to Wardlow with a ridiculous number of books, and they talk about who they are to one another, which results in the cutest and most heartwarming conversation everrr. Go read iiit as soon as you possibly can!

Mistaken by Skald_of_Askr

Please don't be scared away by the fact that this is incomplete. The two chapters currently posted can be read as standalones and they're both wonderful. The premise of the fic is that Jack slowly realizes that he's Jane's dad, and it's told through various slice of life-type of scenes. The two chapters posted are wonderful. I especially loved chapter two, in which Jane gets sick and Jack takes care of her, but both chapters are amazing.

Basement by whosrickygoldsworth

Jack and Jane get trapped in a basement and they use the opportunity for some father-daughter bonding time while they wait for Phryne to rescue them 😂 Jack teaches Jane about Shakespeare, which means the fic is both fluffy and educational!

Old-Fashioned by @gaslightgallows

This one could fit into either category. I'm putting it with the Jack & Jane fics because it involves Jack's Christmas present to Jane, but it's really about the three of them as a family and it is heartwarming and adorable. They're all sleepy and soft and wearing pajamas, and there are hugs and hot cocoa, and by now I've read it more times than I can count 🥰

The Way You Roll Your Eyes by yours truly :D

Another "Jane is queer" fic with Phrack elements set at Christmastime! Jane and her friends are throwing a pre-Christmas party. Jane's invited over one of her friends, whom she has a crush on, so they can get ready together. Because Jane is nervous and she's never done another person's makeup before, she asks Jack if she can practice on him. While the first half consists almost entirely of Jack & Jane bonding time, chapter two is when Phryne comes home and discovers that she rather likes the sight of him in makeup 😇

[quanticowrites]

I'd go anywhere for you Part 2 (Angus Macgyver x Female! reader)

•• Here we have part 2 and next week we'll have part three where I think my descriptions are amazing and I hope to god you love it 🤣 anyway, enjoy! ••

The next day you found out the pain in your back wasn't nearly as bad if you crawled. It’s slow, but you finally manage to see what resources were available to you in this room. Like you’d said before, being Mac’s girlfriend had its perks. He loved to show you how things worked. Such as...electrical wiring. You crawled your way to the light switch and took in a deep breath. For this to work you’d have to get up onto your knees.

It's agonizing, but you gotta do it. You feel around your middle to find out they bandaged your wound. They couldn't have taken the bullet out, you'd be hurting a lot less. You dug your nails behind the panel of the switch and started pulling. You pull your hands back for a second as you chipped a fingernail, half of it hanging off. You rip it off and keep trying until you manage to pry off the cover and expose the wires. Now you had to find something to cut them with. Looking around you find some big chunks of broken glass on the ground by the desk. That would work. You cut the biggest wire and hope that sent out an alarm somewhere to bring that man back. Now you had to stand, to catch him by surprise. It was tough, but you fought through the pain to cut the ropes around your feet and hands. Standing up seemed like it took ages, but once you were up you swallowed down the bile in your throat and waited behind the door, broken glass at the ready.

It takes over an hour, you think, and by that time your legs and back feel numb, subsiding the pain in your back. You hear more than one pair of footsteps this time as they draw closer. They fiddle with the lock and the door opens. You don't let them get one step in the doorway before you start slashing, not bothering to see who it might be. They yell out as you manage to meet flesh before falling forward. You curse as the glass you had in your hand dug deep into your palm, and you’re sure you opened the wound on your back again.

“(Y/n), it's us! Calm down!” You finally look up at who you were slashing. Your heart stopped. It was Jack, and you'd cut him across his cheek. Mac came running up behind him. You couldn't hold back tears as you felt such an overwhelming sense of relief. You had no clue what you'd be in for when that man returned, but you were glad you didn't have to find out. Your eyes are heavy and black spots start to float around in your vision. You definitely opened your wound again. You could feel your blood leaking through your bandages and down the side of your body. Mac seemed to notice something was off and pushed Jack out of the way and knelt down, peeling your shirt off your back.

“Riley, we need a medevac, now!” You drop your head down with a groan and Mac shakes your shoulder. “(Y/n), you gotta stay awake. Just until the paramedics get here.” You smile. “Come on baby, just focus on me.”

“I'll go flag down the medevac with Riley.” Jack ran out and Mac sat down in front of you and helped put your head in his lap. He ran his hand through your hair. You cringe as his fingers get caught in a knot. He laughed softly.

“Sorry.”

“You can repay me with a kiss when I get up.” Mac looked behind him as sirens pulled up outside and the paramedics rushed in, Jack and Riley not far behind. You look back up at Mac. Your vision was practically all black now. You smiled.

“See? I'm gonna be fine.” You couldn't fight the urge to succumb to the darkness anymore. You pass out as Mac screams your name.

Tag list:

@stanathanxoox , @nikkiwierden , @malindacath , @havlindzk , @countrygal17a , @memyselfandmaddox , @octobersmog , @mizzezm , @diaryofafan17 , @emmitheacefangirl , @littlepersonbigworld , @a-sad-excuse-of-everything , @averyhotchner

[lilolilyr]

Opening lines tag meme

Tagged by @startrekgeorgiouery (still can't @ your main @aleksandrachaev adsfg), thanks so much! <3 without even looking at mine I already bet yours have way more variety than my sentences bc you have some short ones and I tend to use monster sentences only? XD we'll see!

Taking fic prompts, btw! Especially for shortfics I can write rn, stuck on trains all day again so I need sth to do xD

Rules: List the first lines of your last 20 stories. (If you have less  than 20, just list them all!) See if there are any patterns. Choose your favorite opening line. Tag some people to play the next round!

Okay here goes

Lilolilyrae on Ao3

1. "Is this, um, Management Systems 101, right?" Andy asks, slightly breathless, as she stumbles into the seminar room on the third floor of her University.

2. Philippa laughs in delight when the shuttle makes a sharp turn.

3. Adrenaline is still running through Andy's body when she lets the stranger -- Celeste, the girl's name is Celeste, and Andromache has always thought that knowing a name and a face makes someone less of a stranger already -- stitch up her injury.

4. Madeleine giggles as she turns around, her eyes following the line of fairy lights Sam has helped Emily stick to the edge of the ceiling earlier that day.

5. Myka looks harried when she gets out of the train in London, wondering not for the first time how Helena can be so cheerful after travelling for three days already when she still feels the jetlag from when they first arrived in Europe and absolutely despised having to sit on a train all day to get to the British Isles.

(ok these are from my (posted) abandoned drafts pile, idk whether to count them or not... And I took the first actual fic-text-like sentences instead of the actual first ones as some start out with summaries or hc ideas

Andy falling for Miranda, seeing through her facade...

Phryne being loud and colourful and maybe dancing with Jack or singing or both is what attracts Mac, she's glad to see a familiar face because she already figured out the date from a newspaper and is Seriously Freaking The Fuck Out and not much has the power to freak out Elizabeth MacMillan.

Hermione was always somewhat fascinated with the Slytherins at school - Hogwarts, a History, was still one of the first books on magic she ever read, telling her about the different houses and associated personality traits.

I'll just put 3 more sentences total to get to the 20)

6. "Looks like I was not the only one who needed to get away from all that... Merriment." Jack Robinson steps onto the balcony where Doctor Elizabeth 'Mac' MacMillan is already leaning against the railing, smoking a cigarette.

7. I'm sitting in the sand, sketchbook open on my knees.

8. I'm standing by the window, staring at the pouring rain.

9. Jane Rizzoli has her eyes fixed to the screen of her partner Maura Isles's small universe signature scanner.

10. Miranda wakes feeling well rested and content.

11. Squinting down at the papers in front of her, Florence tries to focus enough to read them, but it's no use, everything turns blurred and painful again after a moment.

12. Helena is pacing between the kitchen and living room of the B&B.

13. "Good girl," Quỳnh husks into the kiss when Andromache melts against her, letting go of all tension as she lets Quỳnh dominate her, pressing her into the ground.

14. Madeleine stands in her new room in the library, staring at the walls.

15. Anna May is sitting on her living room couch, idly TV channel-surfing, but nothing quite catches her attention.

16. They were swaying together in the darkness of the late evening in Bogotá, the dancefloor only illuminated by the fairy lights hanging from the trees.

17. Madeleine notices quickly where her hand is because Florence has hair there, never shaves it

18. In the olden days on earth, soulmates used to be a thing of fairy tales, of myths – some believed in them, some even said they had found them.

19. "What, Andromache, have you gone slow in your old age?" Quynh laughs as she jumps into the circle they have designated as their fighting arena – no mat or other cushioning, just a line drawn in the dirt by the toe of Andy's boot.

20. Bernie curses under her breath when she almost slips on the frozen sidewalk, steadying herself at the last second on a lamppost.

& Bonus bc there wasn't any GOmens fic in here yet: 21. "Wha' is this?!" Crowley quickly hits the pause button and hisses at the TV screen in something between shock, dismay and admiration.

Alright to analyse: I have a lot more short opening sentences that I expected! (Tho still not half as short as some of yours, Kat xD & some monster sentences made it in as well), and I seem to have just two or three modus operandi for starting fic

- x is doing y, while z happens

- *dialogue* x says while doing y, (while z happens)

- *description of past event*

I wrote for way, Way more different ships than I thought I would in just about two dozen fics and fic ideas?

- We've got a lot of Floreleine of course, fluff, h/c and smut and some Florence character study ficlets, also librarywives ot3 but I think no other Gunpowder Milkshake ships

- several Andromaquynh and one Andy/Celeste for The Old Guard, though I think I only really got back into writing for that fandom through gift exchanges and now the big bangs (which aren't finished yet, but when I'm writing for the fandom already oneshot inspiration tends to find me)

-Mirandy (and I'm sure some of the opening sentences it's hard to tell whether it's Andrea-Andy or Andromache-Andy from TOG^

- Milippa my beloved! Just Prime though, I think? My fav Milippa so that checks out... No wait, one's polymilippa MxPxP, ot3s rule always <3

- another ot3: MacPhrack (idk whether they already have a shipname, couldn't find any, looks like I'm the only one seriously shipping Elizabeth MacMillan/Phryne Fisher/Jack Robinson from Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries anyway)

- I did not expect there to be not one but Two Bering & Wells (Myka/Helena from Warehouse 13) fics in here, it's one of these fandoms I read way more for than I write

- 1 each for Cissamione, Berena, Rizzoli&Isles (and ineffable spouses)

Great tag meme, was fun having a look at this :D

Tagging, if you want to do it, @yelowjackets @cryhardanddanceharder @habrenwrites @guardianrock @bobbseynumber3 @squishmittenficfan @kaorimaxwell-blog @girlgoneangsty @ba-lailah @thefallenmutineer @i-lovefandom @petrichoraflora @purlturtle @salzundhonig @aeternumregina @onaperduamedee @tea-lizard @cookie-sheet-toboggan @daisydoctor13 @batnbreakfast @songbookff @verbumproxen @xvnot15 @lonely-night @andunetir @les-begay-together @accio-baqat @poemsingreenink and any of my other writer mutuals/friends who actually scrolled this far xDxD

For this one I don't mind if you reblog my post as it's kind of fic recs, but if you do the tagging meme, pls make your own post, don't create a giant reblog chain!

[saintsurvivors]

how about "Are those bandages?" for Mac and Jack

prompt lists are HERE and HERE so take your pick guys!!! 🥰🥰 thank you so much!!!!! This isn't exactly in the letter of the prompt but I hope you enjoy this regardless!!! @impossiblepluto I'm hoping this gets our writing magic going again 🥺 as one of my favourite macgyver whump writers, I read your whump when I'm in a Mac whump mood so I hope I do it justice for you 😔✊😭

Mac knows he's in for it as soon as he hears the scrape of Jack's boot on the decking floor and the certain tone of his voice his partner only ever brings out when Mac has done something stupid, or Jack thinks he's about to.

He'd hidden himself away, just past the fire pit in the cooling night air, feeling claustrophobic and unsettled as the team crowded in the living room and kitchen, filling their usual spaces with a familiarity Mac is both grateful for and sometimes sick of. He loves them dearly and without bounds, how could he not? But often times when he's been hurt, especially since he was a child and then even more so with Penã's death, Mac had always been the type to curl up in a closet like a sick dog curling up to see whether they'd weather this particular storm or die in the aftermath of it.

His father had always called him a particularly morbid, and stubborn child, and Jack had said the same thing more than enough times when they'd both been downrange or some other far-flung edge of the planet that Mac thinks he'd rather never visit again, or he might never have enough blood in his body.

Still, he makes a sort of effort to hide the bloodied remains of his discarded medical paraphernalia, kicking the bandages he'd slowly unwrapped from his forearm where a eight inch gash and wobbly stitches, some slowly writhing their way free since Mac had been forced to improvise, are summarily hidden by his henley. He winces at the sight of white fabric covering pitch black stitches and the feverish red of his injury. White is just so....noticeable.

"Those better not be bandages I just saw, hoss." Jack announces loudly, as if he hasn't already deliberately scrapped the soles of his heavy duty boots to make sure Mac wasn't startled. Mac thinks there won't ever be a time that he's not started by his partners kindness, or his capacity for love, or such severe compassion in the face of his partner lying to him and making sure that Jack doesn't know just how much Mac was hurt when Jack had pushed him out of the way onto a strategically placed piece of metal. Jack can never know. The guilt alone-

"Would you ignore all this if I said no?" Mac has to ask, even as he scoots down a little, gesturing to his pile of medical equipment.

Jack huffs a laugh, echoing a little groan as he slides down the side of the house to fall heavily onto the decking next to Mac. His shoulder is hot like a brand through Jack's band shirt and Mac's thin henley, especially in the cooling night air as the crescent moon steadily rises and Mac is forced to be thankful for his hatred of the dark and almost pathological need for light following his kidnapping at Murdoc's hands only weeks prior.

"You can kid all you want, brother." Jack says, and it's with a determined focus that he twists, pressing his knee against Mac's lightly bruised side. He draws Mac's covered left wrist into his lap. He's unbearably tender, gentle, like Mac is-

Breakable. Precious.

Mac has to draw himself out of his thoughts, wincing when Jack slowly draws up his sleeve, trying not to catch the already bloodied fabric up his forearm, bunching just above his bent elbow.

"Oh kiddo," Jack sighs lowly, whistling between his slightly clenched teeth. Mac manages not to flinch back when Jack traces barely there fingers over the loosening stitches, the slight gape of redness as one stitch has loosened fully, it's grip having been lost completely. "You know you're gonna have to get this looked at and restitched, right?"

It takes all of Mac's strength not to wiggle his way back, to cradle his forearm in his lap. He knows that, he's known it since he first felt the quick drop of blood and even raising it to lessen the blood flow, since her tried so hard to not get blood in Jack's precious GTO but still ended up using his jacket to wipe up some stray droplets.

But right now-

All he can think of is a needle in his arm, his head dazed and dizzy, a car coming so close to taking his head off, to a locked jaw and a stiff neck, a metal chair beneath his rear and legs, the dark and loneliness crawling in closer-

His mouth tastes of what he thinks nightshade would taste light, and its only the bright circle of yellow lights and Jack's hand in his his that stops him from splintering further, from falling apart to the sound of his heart in his ears, the rose of Los Angeles nightlife, and the rest of his family laughing at something only feet away.

"I don't want to." Mac whispers quietly, and it takes every bit of emotional courage he has. He curls his fingers around Jack's palm, pressing further until he can feel the steady if somewhat elevated thu-thump of Jack's heart beat.

Jack clings back just as tightly, and then Mac is being drawn forward, a forehead against his, a heavy, comforting hand against the nape of his neck. He sighs shakily, chest burning. His eyes burn, too.

"I can get Josephine to make a home visit," Jack tells him softly, and for a second, Jack's forehead presses harder against his, as if he's trying to meld them together. He wonders if this is what a father brother is supposed to feel like. "But Mac- kid you've gotta get it patched up, it needs stitches. It needs to be wrapped up. My phones in my pocket, I'll phone Josie, I can make sure no one else comes out, s'long as you help me help you."

A shaky breath, and Mac thinks distantly that he should probably pull back. Instead, he leans harder into Jack's forehead, his uninjured hand tangling in Jack's acid wash Iron Maiden shirt. He thinks of Texas, of singing, of safety, of Jack. He thinks of that, instead of needles, and needling, and wishing he was anywhere but there.

"Stay?" He asks, and he knows if this was anyone other than Jack, Mac wouldn't have said a word.

"Always, brother," Jack vows. His eyes never waver from Mac's. "Always."

[skyeward-otp]

Hello friends! It’s MacRiley Weekend over on Twitter, and so I thought I’d share a little sneak peak of a fic I’ve been working on. But of course, I’m not gonna leave you guys in the dark. So here we go. A two-part 5x14 alt fic, and this particular excerpt is from the second part. :)

————

Moments later, Riley joins him on the couch, setting a bowl of freshly popped popcorn on the coffee table and grabbing the remote to cue up the movie. He leans forward to grab a few pieces of popcorn and toss them into his mouth, then leans back against the couch and watches as the opening for Die Hard plays across the screen. His brain starts to slow down, thankfully, allowing him to focus on the film.

They’re about halfway through the movie when Mac’s brain starts overworking again, keeping him from being able to focus on the movie. Yes, he’s seen it before, but it was supposed to help him relax. And it’s not doing its job.

Glancing to the side, he watches Riley for a moment, the way her gaze is fixed on the screen, the glow from the TV reflecting off her beautiful brown eyes. She’s smiling as she watches the film, no doubt some part of her is thinking about Jack and how much he loved this movie. What Mac wouldn’t give to have Jack back at a time like this. But Riley’s always been a good confidant as well, one of the few people he knows he can tell anything to without fear of being judged or ridiculed.

Shifting on the couch, he sinks down on the cushions and closer to Riley, leaning over and resting his head on her shoulder. He’s a little hesitant, a very small part of him worried that she’ll shove him away. But she doesn’t, and he realizes that was irrational thinking. Because that’s not Riley. Riley doesn’t do that sort of thing.

Instead, she shifts and rests her head against his. He can hear a small, quiet breath escaping past her lips a few seconds later and he smiles to himself. He also realizes that he feels much more relaxed again, just like he had when Riley was at his place earlier. She always makes him feel safe and comfortable, like he doesn’t need to hide any part of himself. And he loves that about her.

After just a few more minutes, his eyes are slowly drooping closed and his head is starting to slip off Riley’s shoulder. Before he has a chance to sit up, soft hands are cradling his head and lowering it. It doesn’t take long for him to realize that his head is now in Riley’s lap, her fingers gently carding through his hair. He tries to stay awake for a little while longer, just so he can finish the movie, but he’s exhausted. So he lets his body relax further, hesitating for just a moment before he wraps an arm under Riley’s thighs and shifts to get more comfortable.

And as he’s falling asleep that night, his head resting in Riley’s lap, he can’t help but think about how perfect this moment is. It’s so small and simple, but it means everything to him.

————

Hope you guys are excited for this one! I’m personally very excited and can’t wait to share it with you. Hopefully it won’t be too much longer. :)

[cozyforjate]

MacGyver 5x03-Review

MacRiley fam, this will be my last MacGyver review. Thanks for the support and the great feedback on my reviews so far. You guys are awesome! But i’m taking a looong break from this show. I’ll be watching the Jack episode and if we get a Bozer, Matty or Riley centric i’ll tune in to watch. But my passion and excitement for this show is mostly over now.

I have so many things to say about 5x03 but if i start to express all my feelings i’m afraid i might break Tumblr. LOL 

This probably wouldn’t feel like a proper review coz i’m gonna focus on the RETCON that the writers pulled out of their asses to keep MacDesi together.

Ok so for people who are not familiar with the word “retcon”; it means changing an aspect of a fictional work by introducing a piece of new information, typically used to facilitate a dramatic plot shift or account for an inconsistency.

The writers usually pull a retcon, when one aspect of an already canon plot isn’t working well. You can call it a “fix-it” method.

In terms of MacDesi, they retconned some moments from season 4 that defined this relationship. I think the new showrunner and the writers team realized that MacDesi has become quite “toxic” during season 4. But because the additional episodes kept them together, they needed to at least fix this relationship.

From their POV it’s understandable to a degree. But from a viewers POV it’s total BS. Because what we watched in season 4, can’t be changed.

We remember the unhealthy dynamic between them, we remember the lack of trust between them, we remember how incompatible they were, we remember how they couldn’t communicate with each other, we remember Mac not letting her in emotionally, not opening up to her at all, we remember how much they BOTH hurt each other, we remember Mac’s own words on their relationship.

Most importantly we still remember 4x12. How quickly Desi turned her back on him, how she brought his mothers and aunts names into their ugly fight, how Mac said he’d say anything to get her off his back, we remember how she and Russ left Mac no choice but to improvise a plan to save lives, we remember Riley risking everything to protect him and be there for him. WE REMEMBER.

So when you dismiss all of that and re-write MacDesi as if they’re this great couple, it’s not going to work for people. And when you tease MacRiley the whole week with promos, exclusive pictures, articles, SM promotion; promising progress between Mac and Riley only to walk over everything that made them special, you get a lot of NEGATIVE reaction from the fans. With good reason.

* * *

Episode started with Mac and Riley on a picnic mission. The scene was amazing in every sense. The colors, lighting, the conversation between them, the almost kiss, the way Mac held Riley and they lied down for a while, the smug smile on his face and the looks he gave to Riley were all awesome! The car chase was super fun too!

But then everything went down the toilet. Coz in the next scene Mac was complaining to Bozer about how Desi wasn’t spending time with him and avoiding his date attempts. In this scene they retconned Bozer too. For the first time, Bozer encouraged Mac to go ask Desi out and fix their relationship.

Normally Bozer would never do such a thing. Why? Bcoz he’s been against a romantic relationship between them ever since Desi first showed up in 3x14. Bozer thought it was a bad idea from the start, called them Mesi (messy), he didn’t think it was a good idea to bring Desi back on the team in 4x01, coz MD break up was NUCLEAR. So up until 5x03 Bozer was never on Team MacDesi. Lets also remember this exchange between them:

In 4x12 when Bozer was trying to save Mac and Riley’s lives, he turns to Desi... 

Bozer: Desi, back me up here.

Desi: Sometimes we need to sacrifice the things we love for the greater good.

So after 4x12, one would only expect that his thoughts on MD would get stronger. But guess what? Bozer is now supporting MD. Just like that. I don’t buy it writers, sorry.

Back to the scene… Mac wants to go on a date with Desi. And he is so desperate about it. We had to witness one of the most awkward scenes between them. Not only that but we had to sit through Riley throwing smiles at MD, saying her feelings for Mac was just Codex adrenaline. Riley, who couldn’t watch any interaction between MD, is now totally cool with them!

And lets just say that Riley was pretending she’s over Mac, that she lied to Bozer bcoz she’s trying to move on. We already watched her having feelings for Mac, hiding those feelings and pining for him. Her one-sided love can’t drive the plot anymore. 

Besides she didn’t need to give her blessings to MD. It was an overkill. I really hated the scene where she says “Don’t screw up this time” to Mac…That was totally out of character for Riley.  

Riley who reminded Desi that Russ & her were gonna nuke them,

Riley who said she went after Mac coz she trusted him &asked Desi "Why didn't you?",

Riley who risked it all to protect Mac, tells Mac not to screw it up with Desi.

By saying those words, Riley makes it known that Mac was the one screwing up his rl with Desi. Desi had no fault. Once again the writers used my favorite character to prop my least favorite character. Shame on you!

***

I’m not gonna talk about every MacDesi scene in this episode. But let me just say that the writers turned Mac into a desperate, begging, lovesick puppy. He asked Desi for a date like 5 times, apologized twice. Kissed her out of the blue. Bcoz lets face it, that scene was so unnecessary. Nobody was onto them, the police car was passing by slowly and if the police were really suspicious, why would they look at the couple kissing instead of checking who’s in the car? So stupid. Oh and while they were kissing for minutes with great lighting and all, General Ma escaped. Mac acting this stupid, is not something we are used to see. But what you gonna do? I guess love is not only blind but also destroyes brain cells in the process.

Anyway, Mac literally begging Desi to go on a date with him was agonizing to watch. Every time he offers a new dating idea, Desi’s answer is NAH. Back in the picnic scene she made it sound like she wanted to date Mac, but of course she needs to make him suffer first!

I only like to point out the scene where Mac –finally- opened up to Desi about the fishing trip he and his father went together. This story is obviously precious to him. He called it a happy memory. Clearly he misses his father, still mourning for his loss. So he shared his happy memory and asked if she would like to go fishing with him. Desi’s answer? “Not gonna go fishing with you as our first date!” You can read the dissapointment on his face. And my heart breaks for Mac but this kind of treatment is something he’s asking for.

He is desperate to get Desi back. The fact that they are the worst match ever, doesn’t change sh*t. Mac wants Desi and he loves Desi for god knows why.

***

Btw- the whole “lets blame only Mac for Codex and ignore Desi’s wrongdoings” plot is disgusting. Yes, Mac suffocating Desi and Russ to escape Phoenix with Scarlett was wrong. Yes he hurt her, yes in a sense he betrayed her. AND HE APOLOGIZED. But what about Desi? What about her betrayel? 

First they made Riley apologize to Desi for following Mac and now they made Mac apologize… But no apologies from Desi. The writers are obviously worshipping Desi and they’re ready to sacrifice every character to make her look “perfect”. I’m sorry but i’m not here to watch the Desi show, or more MacDesi nonsense.

***

Mac said Desi is the woman he loves… but not only that, she is also the woman who guided him back. And the RETCON is really strong with this scene.

Lets remember…

In 4x08 Mac loses his father, at the end of the episode Desi wants to go with Mac but Mac stops her, telling he’d see her tomorrow.

In 4x09 Desi says he can share his burden with her, Mac’s not interested, he says what he needs is to stop Codex.

In 4x10 Mac makes apocalypse kits for Riley and Desi. Desi’s so happy she got a crossbow and didn’t think those kits were a bad sign. But Riley notices that Mac is not in a good place, he needed help and support. Riley shares her concerns about Mac with Desi. She probably thinks it’s not up to her to be the one doing that when Desi is the girlfriend. So after her conversation with Riley, Desi makes soup and gives Mac a compass. Saying he’s not lost (he clearly was tho). She askes if everything’s ok, he looks different but Mac says, he’s just tired.

In 4x12 Mac is lying in bed, lost in his own mind, he gets up, leaves the compass on her side of the nightstand… On the run he ignores Desi’s calls.

Then things get really ugly for MacDesi. Desi says “You are so drunk on somescrewed-up cocktail of your mom, your aunt, Codex science...”… She says “You're compromised”…  Mac was just trying to get Scarlett on their side to stop Codex but Desi couldn’t see it. She thought Mac was losing it!

And then Desi sides with Russ and turns her back on Mac. Russ dismisses Mac from the Codex mission. Mac's forced to improvise. Bcoz he wants to stop Codex without bloodshed.

So as you can see they completely re-wrote the events of 4x12 to fix MD.

Desi says: “I had front-row seats to the war that raged in you last year, and I can't do that again. Lose you.”

She was ready to sacrifice him for the greater good. But yeah, sure! Why not.

Mac says: “Des, I know it looked like I was lost, but you were there the whole time, guiding me back home.”

THE WHOLE TIME.

In 3 times she “tried” to be there for him, Mac didn't let her in emotionally but lets just say that she brought him back to his senses.

Lets just say that the compass he left on her side of the nightstand represents that it guided him back. (btw lets also ignore that the compass Mac gave Desi back was a different one. Who knows, maybe he threw it in the garbage during the pandemic and bought a new one)

Lets just forget who really brought him back. Lets just ignore what Riley did for Mac. How she saved him, how she was the one who risked everything for Mac. How she was the one there by his side when they were facing a missile.

Only if we forget and retcon history we can all buy MacDesi. 

But i can’t… I can’t forget, i’m not ok with a retconned half-ass love story that they want to sell with MD. I can’t sit through the episodes and keep watching the “flawless Desi” show.

This show isn’t entertaining to me anymore. I can’t recognize Mac, i’m pissed that my fav characters are being used as tools to prop Desi.

One last thing before i say my final goodbyes:

The lighting in this episode was so weird. In almost every scene, heavy light effects distracted me. Usually they use it when they show you a flashback, a dream or a hallucination to seperate the real-time scenes from others. But this episode had them from the start to the end. So i don’t know what to make of this.

Some of the dialogues had subtexts…

Leland to Russ: Now, I know you don't care about much in this world, but even the best of us can be blinded by those we love.

General Ma to Mac: I was blinded by him (Leland) once. I-I won't be blinded again.

Mac: Many things blind us. Anger, betrayal, even love. But sometimes, a little blindness can work to your advantage. You can create a fog that will cause the world around you to disappear.

Normally i would dive deep into the subtextland. But i don’t think the writers were trying to give some deep message or anything. 

I do believe that Mac is totally blinded by his “idea” of love… But i’m done waiting for him to open his eyes. The Mac i watched in this episode is not My Mac.

Writers made their choice. They made Mac's feelings crystal clear. He's all about Desi. At this point, Desi breaking up with him would mean nothing to me. Just like Riley still having feelings for Mac means nothing anymore.

Official accounts tweeting “There’s more to come for MacRiley” means nothing to me anymore.

Noone wants a rebound plot but unfortunately it's the only possibility they left to MacRiley. My ship is tainted forever. 

And as a Riley stan, i don’t want this Mac with my girl. She deserves better.

[ssa-daddyhotchner]

Undercover - Chapter 20

Chapter Selection

I woke with Aarons wrapped around my waist. I let out an exhale and he held on tighter. I put my hand on his and turned to face him. He was pretending to sleep, running my hand through his hair he fluttered his eyes open. 

"Morning beautiful", he smiled at me and pulled him closer. Grabbing my thighs and pulling me on top of him, "Ok you have energy this morning." I said chuckling, he brought me down to his lips and kissed me softly. 

I grinned into the kiss pulling away and looking around. "We got to sort through our stuff today, but before that what do we want for breakfast." He shrugged and held onto my hips moving them. I didn't notice the movement until I let out an involuntary moan. 

I smirked down at him, "Really." I raised my eyebrows. I moved off of him and got in between his legs. I pulled his boxers down to reveal his already hard cock. I placed my hand around the base and stroked him. 

Running my finger over the tip spreading the pre cum. "Y/n", he groaned as I licked up his shaft wrapping my mouth around his tip, hollowing my cheeks. 

I took my time pumping matching my movements to my mouth; His hands traveled from my cheek to gripping my hair. He was guiding me, not forcing. Aarons eyes stayed on me, he was trying to keep them open. 

I swirled my tongue around his tip, he gazed at me in admiration.  

I pulled my mouth off, "Baby, just enjoy it." He tossed his head into the pillow and closed his eyes. I picked up the pace pumping him. His hips bucked forward, forcing himself in deeper. He hit the back of my throat gagging around him.

"Y/n...", he pulled my hair into a ponytail and held my head still while he used me. Jerking his hips upwards he started doing to work. I could feel him pulsing with every stroke. He was letting me know he was close. 

I was bobbing my head, taking deep breaths. I closed my eyes, stopping the tears from spilling. I could feel him tensing up and I swallowed every drop. I let him ride out his high slowing down but not stopping all together. 

He cupped my face, bringing me to his lips, "Better?" I said giggling. He tried putting his hand into my waistband but I put my hand over his. He looked up at me, "Do you wanna stop." I nodded and he understood. 

I got off his lap and went into the bathroom to brush my teeth. Aaron followed me pecking my shoulder and resting his head. "Thank you for telling me." 

"You know I'd tell you", he places his hands on my hips. "I know just saying." We finished up and headed to the living room and we saw everything. All of my stuff huddled in a corner. They offered to help but I didn't wanna bother them. 

We needed to do this ourselves. I unlocked the door and stepped out to get the mail. I sorted through all of it and walked inside tossing it on the counter. I saw a little envelope; I opened it and took out a card. 

The front said congratulations It read: 

Bear, 

How's my baby, I called the doctors a few days ago. 

I called out for Aaron and he rushed into the kitchen. "What is it?", I handed him the letter. 

"He knew I was pregnant", he scanned the card. It was hand written and there was no address; it was hand delivered. I knew he wanted to get me pregnant, judging that I checked the mail yesterday there wasn't a note or card he doesn't know I got an abortion. 

He wasn't gonna take it lightly that I 'killed his kid'. Within those few seconds I was terrified; I didn't know what he was going to do. "Aaron", I choked out. He dropped the letter down and walked over to me. He held my head to his chest and whispered in my ear. 

The brimming tears never left my eyes, I refused to let them fall. "You got to get your mind off of it. Until we can do something about this lets just continue like normal", he mumbled. I held onto him not letting go. 

He finally pulled away and we started to go on with our day. Organizing which of our stuff is worth keeping to make room. We ended up splitting the furniture in half; keeping a bit of both. Jack was dropped off by Jessica. 

I put a nail in the wall about to hang one of my photos when Jack was underneath me tugging on my pants, "Y/n, can I help." 

"Sure buddy", I picked him and he hung the photo. As Aaron was in the bedroom organizing he heard banging a laughter, he grinned to himself. "Daddy!", he heard from down the hall. He dropped his stuff and walked out. 

He saw me holding Jack by one of the photos, "Look what I did."

 Aaron turned and saw my pictures, "Buddy you did so well." He showed a toothy grin. I set him down and he ran into his bedroom. He brought out some toys, "can you play with me." I nodded and he dumped it on the carpet of the living room. 

Aaron went into the kitchen and made some mac and cheese for Jack. When he finished it he brought it to the table and all of us started eating. Jack was happy, and I stuffed my face. I was finished with the food first and I put my bowl in the sink. I felt eyes staring at me, I glanced over and saw Aaron staring. 

"What", I was chuckling as I walked over to get the other dishes. He cracked a smile, "Nothing." I shook my head and started to do the dishes. Jack was feeling tired from the food and he went to his room to sleep.                                                                    

 Aaron made sure he was asleep before he walked up behind me putting his hands on my hips. I was scrubbing one of the pots; he was being distracting; he lined kisses up down my neck. I let out a quiet moan thinking he wouldn't have heard me. 

I was too focused on Aaron. I didn't realize the water was just running. "Don't let me distract you." I continue to work, "Now?" I felt him nod into my neck.

"There's not a better time, he's sleeping and we have work tomorrow. As much as I would love to bend your pretty little ass over my desk I don't think our coworkers will like that very much; hearing you scream my name. And of course I didn't get to pay you back for this morning." 

His hands slipped into my waistband; he trailed a finger over my pussy and laid a cold finger over my clit. He set a pace of slow circles, I leaned back into him trying to focus on the task at hand. His arms secured around me holding me up a bit. 

I finished on the pot and was washing the last few dishes. Aaron added more pressure and made quicker movements. I rested my head on my shoulder, "Aaron." 

"What do you want", his voice lowered. I reached out and turned off the water setting the bowl down. "I want to cum", he hummed and dipped his other hand in my pants ghost over. He teased me and slipped in two fingers into my pussy. 

I gained enough to dry off my hands and I reached back and held onto him. My moans were getting louder, "Shh shh, You got to be quiet baby." 

I was whimpering, Aaron pushed in a third finger and spread them out, stretching me. "I'm so close." He kissed my shoulder, collarbone, and up my jaw. "You can cum sweetheart." My stomach tightened and I finished on his fingers. 

As my breathing regulated I grabbed his hand and sucked on his fingers twirling my tongue around them. The sight in front of him made him let out a groan. He grabbed my waist and pulled me towards him. 

He set a needy kiss on my lips, "Love you." I grinned walking into the living room getting comfortable. "I know." 

________________________

The baby would've been two months today assuming Mark was the father. I was standing in the kitchen heating up some food I had made the night before and I felt hands on my hips. It was 2am I wasn't sure why he'd be up. 

I tensed under the man's touch and he realized so he stepped in front of me. "It's just me", Aaron's voice was low and raspy. He reached out and cupped my cheek; I subconsciously leaned into. I still hadn't said a word. 

"You okay?", he knew what day it was. I closed my eyes and sat on the counter. My eyes filled with tears that never fell. Aaron stood in between my legs; pulling him into a hug my head rested on his bare shoulder. 

He was whispering into my ear letting me know I wasn't alone and he was there for me. He pulled apart when my food was done in the microwave. I hopped off the counter and carried the hot dish to the living room. 

I settled on the couch turning on tv. I saw Aaron give me a weak smile as he was turning the corner to go back to bed. "Aaron, can you stay?", he started back towards the couch. 

"Of course princess", he sat in the corner pulling the blanket onto us. 

__________________________

I woke to my arm getting tugged; my eyes fluttered open and Jack was staring at me, trying to get me to wake up. "Fuck", I said quietly but my jolt woke Aaron that was asleep on the couch with me. "Y/n, you gotta get up. I have school." 

My eyes opened fully and I saw the clock. It was 8:30, Jack had school at 9:30. "Shit Aaron get up, come on buddy let's get you ready." I smacked Aarons arm and he sat up rubbing his eyes. I helped Jack get dressed and brush his teeth while Aaron gave him some food. 

Aaron got ready for work putting on his suit and I wasn't ready at all. We were already late, "I'm gonna head in, can you take Jack to school?" I nodded, I forgot the time and Jack came back from behind me. 

"Y/n, we gotta go. Bye daddy", he gave him a hug and a kiss and we were out the door. Luck was totally on my side; I had hit practically every light. Having to constantly stop. 

We got to the school 20 minutes late, they had already locked the doors. I had to buzz in, the door popped open and we went to the office. The woman at the desk gave me a smile and she looked at Jack. 

I say the late sheet and I started filling it out. Once it was done we were about to part ways but the women stopped me. Jack stopped also; he noticed I wasn't following. "Forgive me but how do you know Jack?" 

For some reason this was the awkward part, "I'm his dad's girlfriend. He said I'd be able to drop him off." She gave me a puzzled look.

"You can but I'm going to need to call Mr. Hotchner." I let out a sigh and bend down. I pulled him into a hug and gave him a kiss on the forehead.

"Honey, you can go, I just need to sort something out." I smiled and walked to class. 

She got Aaron on the line, "Hotchner." 

"Hi sorry to bother you but I have a." She so I could tell her my name. "Y/n Y/l/n." 

"Y/n Y/l/n here, she dropped off Jack. I was curious if I should add her to the list." 

"Thank you for letting me know and yes please." The women at the desk hung up the phone and put me on the list for Jack so I could pick him up. I signed some papers and I headed home to get work. 

I was still tired, I threw on a white dress shirt and some black pants. I had to drive myself which was weird; I had been riding with Aaron for the past 11 months. I was an hour and thirty late for work. I walked into the elevator. 

Going into the bullpen I was getting eyes from the team, some small smiles and winks. I ignored them, I walked to my desk. I was pulled from my work again, "Y/n can I see you for a moment." I tossed my head back and sighed. 

"You two okay?", Morgan said from behind me. I nodded and walked up the stairs into Hotch's office. "What is it?" He gestured for me to sit. 

"The thing I'm about to tell you... I don't know how you're going to take it so uh I'm just gonna say it. I just got a call from the hospital in Hawaii. I was wondering why they didn't send the rape kit... it's because they don't have it." My heart fell into my stomach. I held it together on the outside but I was cracking on the inside. 

Without that kit the court can't do anything. The only 'evidence' he raped me was my word and that doesn't work for women. The kit would've changed everything, It was going to send him away. I was patiently waiting to just be told that my only chance on getting the son of a bitch was lost in another fucking state.  

He followed me, got me pregnant and stole the one thing that'd put him away. I knew he stole it, it wasn't hard; Mark was already following us all he had to do was 'come with us'. 

Hotch was now sitting in front of me, "Y/n." A single tear fell from my eye onto Aarons hand that was now on my cheek. "Thank you for telling me, I uh... have some work to do", I wiped my face and opened the door walking from his office to my desk. 

The team could see that something happened and I was upset. Hell anyone could tell, I was struggling to not let go; you didn't need to be a profiler to know I was having a bad day. The rest of the day was me burying myself in paperwork and files. 

There was a tap at my desk, "We need to work on some profiles, come on." Morgan waited for me to get up. He set a hand on my lower back and I caught him off guard pulling him in tight. He let out a gasp as the air left his lungs. 

He took soft breaths and wrapped his arms around my body. Morgan looked up at the round table room and saw the team looking back at us. Specifically Hotch was staring at him; he wasn't mad... Aaron was just hurt. 

Hurt that I felt this way, he knew there was nothing he could really do to help my case. No one was going to listen to what I had to say without the physical evidence. 

Derek held me for a few minutes speaking softly, "You wanna talk about it." I nodded and we walked into Aarons office. 

We sat on the couch, "The hospital in Hawaii called... Aaron had brought me after what happened and they did a rape kit. Well the one thing that was gonna help my case is now missing. The hospital has no idea where it went. So now I need to live knowing that fucker is gonna get away with it. You wanna know the worst part? I was- I was pregnant." 

Morgan sat there in front of me processing the information that I threw at him, "Was?"

 "Yeah", my voice was small. He reached a hand out and held mine. "Did you-." 

"Yeah"

"Baby", he gently pulled me towards him. My head rested on his shoulder. I closed my eyes and was calming down. I heard the door open and footsteps walk in, "You guys need us?" 

He tapped my back and I pulled away meeting Aaron. I grabbed his hand and we all walked to the round table. 

I sat down and they were going over the profile. Sometimes police stations only need our profile rather than having us fly all the way over there. The stations would send us every little detail about the case and we'd help them that was. 

Usually I hated it but at this moment I liked not having to leave the office. 

____________________

@mac99martin @appleblossoms-posts @donttellanyoneireadfanfiction @oreogutz @wanniiieeee @marie1115 

[ftstorm]

5x07, 5x08 and 5x09 thoughts.

In which I complain a lot about the last 3 episodes. It’s long and boring. Read at your own discretion.

I just needed to get this out of my system. I try not to overthink it when I watch the show but I can’t help it! So I’ve come to accept the overthinking as a part of me LOL. 

I’m angry, okay? Possibly because I’ve been debating myself whether to post this or not for three weeks but also because they erased from the face of Earth the relatable and inspiring Mac that I used to know.

I’m going to start with the positives! 5x07, 5x08 and 5x07 were average MacGyver episodes and they weren’t bad. They were etertaining and had the science moments we all like. Also, 5x06 is the highlight of the season so far because if felt like MacGyver again and since it was written/produced by the new team it means THERE’S HOPE.

From episodes 7 to 9 they just did the job to put the episode on air. That’s about it.

Maybe the fact that they were just good enough is the reason why I feel indiferent 5x07 and 5x08. I’ve been wondering why since both of those were pretty good episodes overall.

{ ! } 5x07 left me with a bad aftertaste. You have to understand that 5x06 was a lovely episode and regressing to the dumb “let’s put this whole bagagge of blame in Mac’s shoulders as if the rest of the characters didn’t have anything better to do” was upsetting.

If the focus would had been completely in the danger of someone stealing the idea instead of having the team doing an inquisition on Mac (from the very beginning to the end), then it would’ve been a much better episode in my opinion.

Also, you make an episode centered in cancer and you DON’T make a reflection on it? What’s the point of the episode? That there’s people who can weaponize the cure for cancer? Where’s the depth, the layers? They barely mention how this whole thing is related to Mac’s dad in favor of blaming him because he created a an illegal bioweapon? 

Turning a cancer sensible episode into a government conspiracy is so... American.

{ ! } 5x08 had the main issue that they had to distribute screen time in three parts since there were two incredible guest actors but also Mac himself. Idk, I’m not an expert in the topic but the episode did feel incomplete. As if there wasn’t enough screen time in either of the two more entertaining fronts (the guests scenes). 

It was like a punchline that doesn’t hit home.

Also I’m sad that I watched the Matty and Riley sneak peek because that was their only scene. I really thought they would dive more into their bond... but they didn’t.

This is also when I noticed a pattern in these PL’s era where they make Mac fail his improvisations a lot. He’s usually not in the right track and has to rethink the whole thing. That is so out of character. This type of scenario only used to happen in the really dangerous and important missions.

{ ! } 5x09 was, like 5x07, a pointless episode. “Let’s make Mac have a mental breakdown during a mission.”  That was the whole premise, really. This is an example of how the characters in MacGyver have been used as plot devices for the whole season.

Inconsistency #1: Mac having a breakdown in front of everyone when three episodes ago he wouldn’t let a soul see him grieving Jack’s death.

Inconsistency #2: The trigger for said breakdown was a mission that was very dangerous, yes, but no different to what they team confronts in a daily basis. Mac’s character is meant to work the best under pressure, his brain enhances during those moment so having it be thet trigger it doesn’t feel right.

Inconsistency #3: Desi showcasing trust during the mission at the beginning and understanding Mac later on. Until two episodes ago she TAILED him and forced him to open up because she didn’t have a clue what was going on with him (it’s not that difficutl to figure out tbh dear Desi writers).

Do you see where I’m going with this? Plot devices, out of character writing, making the characters do stuff to fit in Mac’s “traumatized” state...

Inconsistency #4: Riley snarking so much at Mac. She usually is supportive no matter what and if she has a comment about his crazy plans they’re always delivered in a comedic demanour. But this time it didn’t.

Inconsistency #5: They writers pushed Mac to have a breakdown during the mission, to expose his mindset to the team and audience clearly showing that he still hasn’t moved on; yet when he’s FINALLY about to have a therapeutic catharsis moment in the graveyard he gets interrupted.

(btw, forcing yourself into someone’s personal space is never a good decision dear Desi writers)

Incosistency #6: He hasn’t realized how much he misses Oversight? Right, sure.

Incosistency #7: Mac’s hair in the graveyard scene, Mac’s mother grave missing, Mac not showing much vertigo... The details man, the details.

Why even write an episode like that?? What’s the character/plot development?? Having a breakdown during a mission is NOT therapeutic. Having your feelings exposed to everyone is NOT therapeutic. 

That talk with Bozer in the comms was beautiful but I wish it had happened in a more appropiate moment. Imagine if Bozer kept talking to Mac because he knows that calms him down, without the “Bozer the psychologist” piece of dialogue. And then, after the mission, reach out to Mac privately to have a heart to heart talk. Imagine that.

Conclusion 1: PL’s era absolutely destroyed Mac as a character. They kept pushing him, episode after episode, to be a traumatized man that would not have a supportive environment near him to process his dark emotions (which is bullshit because he’s surrounded by a very supportive group of people, they just decided to not write them as that).

Conclusion 2: CODEX (or should I say codex 2.0?) is a boring threat. The creators of the show are stuck not only with a mess of a character who goes through the same experiences (loss, loss and loss) over and over again without real devolpment and whose present isn’t relatable at all to the common audience, but also with an unenengaging enemy. I hope they drop the Codex plotline sooner rather than later.

Now, listen. The ratings won’t change. If MacGyver hasn’t lost much audience with the show how it is now, then it won’t lose more in the future. MacGyver as a show is a great concept and people will keep watching just for that.

There, I said it. Harsh words, heavy criticism that I needed to get out of my system.

[justmoreocs-writing]

My head felt heavy, like someone had filled it with sand and then boxed it in with cotton wool. Part of my head was screaming at me to worry. To realise this wasn’t right and to think. But mostly, it was just impossible. There was little reason to –

‘Lil, show me again!’

Instantly, my eyes shot open. The voice of a ghost snapped me back to reality. Even though my head swam; even though I could barely see a couple of feet in front of me. Even though I was beginning to realise this wasn’t simply too many drinks after poker.

Something serious was happening, and for some reason I was caught in the middle of it all. Usually, compiling a list of people I’d recently annoyed helps to narrow suspects slightly, to figure out their usual trademarks and how to cope. But working with Phoenix has broadened my horizons considerably.

‘Lilia Bennett-Hope,’ a cool voice cooed, and I tried to turn, to look at the speaker. But it was impossible. Arms strapped painfully tightly to the chair, limiting movement. A heavy buckle weighed down my chest and the wingback of the seat made it impossible for me to trace the movements of the voice. Slowly I was beginning to realise just what kind of situation I was in.

Don’t panic, I urged myself. But already I feel it bubbling up inside me. This was never meant to happen.

‘We’re going to play a little game,’ the voice went on, soft footsteps announcing their movements. They were casual, as if they had all the time in the world. Right now, they probably did, which was all the more terrifying. ‘I’m going to turn on this generator, and we’ll see how long you can survive.’ The figure moved into my eye line, but their face was hooded and they were stooping ever so slightly.

They knew what I could do. They were putting up as many defensive markers as possible.

‘What does it do?’ I asked before I could stop myself.

‘Lots of things,’ they assured me before flicking a switch; in an instant my muscles were tensed, and I tried to firm my resolve. I wasn’t going to give this person the satisfaction if I could help it. ‘How about some electricity first?’

 Mac’s thoughts were everywhere. He knew he needed to focus, to untangle the web that had been woven if there was even a chance of saving Lilia. But every time he tried, his thoughts strayed to her. To how they’d been jumped and he hadn’t been able to stop it. A hit to the back of his head and everything had been swimming.

‘Mac?’ Riley’s voice was tentative, and Mac barely acknowledged it before his thoughts strayed back to the riddle. To the only thing he’d been left with save a bloody smilie.

No, not bloody, he forced himself to remember, it was paint. Red paint.

‘Mac?’ Riley’s voice was firmer this time and instantly he looked up. She looked weary, but not disappointed; not heartbroken. ‘Jack’s got her.’

‘What?’

‘I wasn’t sending you,’ Matty said, already moving to the screens and switching them off.

‘How?’ Mac’s voice was slightly horse. He’d been desperately trying to work it out, but it was like his brain kept stalling.

‘Doesn’t matter,’ Matty dismissed. ‘you can go see her.’

 Lilia had looked better. Mac wasn’t entirely sure what he’d been expecting, especially not after Jack had briefed him on what they’d found with her, but it wasn’t what he saw. He’d never seen Lilia look so small. Usually there was so much life about her she was impossible to ignore; but now she seemed to sink into the bed, seemed to be engulfed by the blankets and pillows. Her injuries were patched up, and pain killers were helping with the worst of it, he guessed.

‘You going to stand around all day or do I have to invite you in now?’ Lilia’s voice was oddly light, even with the slight grogginess tinged behind it.

‘Just thinking,’ he said, finally stepping into the room. Seeing her made everything that little bit more real. More disconcerting.

They’d been so close to losing her.

‘Oho, dangerous,’ she teased, but Mac didn’t miss the wince as she scoffed.

There was so much he wanted to say, to ask, to do, that he was at a complete loss for words as he eased himself into the chair at her bedside.

Lilia tilted her head to one side. ‘No facts about hospitals? Or –’

‘I’m sorry.’

Silence followed Mac’s words, one he let grown between them simply because he couldn’t say anything else. It was only broken by Lilia tutting. The sound was so out of place Mac looked up from his hands. Despite everything there was a small smile on her face.

‘Telling you there’s no need for that’s pointless isn’t it?’

Mac furrowed his brow. ‘If I’d… I could’ve –’

‘Nope,’ she said, with such certainty it stopped him instantly. She heaved a sigh, as if psyching herself up for something. When she spoke next her attention was on the blanket she fiddled with; her voice almost hollow as if it were the only way to get through this. ‘Pat irritated a very dangerous man, years ago. He – he killed people to get back at Pat: his family. And all this was another game. Another play.’ She finally looked up at him, her eyes rimmed with red and glistening with unshed tears. ‘He would’ve killed you, taken me anyway, if you’d have tried anything. And I couldn't… no.’ Her voice was firm, resolute.

‘I should have…’ Mac started, not wanting her to think too much about that, but his voice faded to nothing when Lilia took his hand and gave it a brief squeeze.

‘Will you stay, please?’ she asked, her eyelids fluttered closed for a few seconds longer than a blink.

Mac squeezed her hand, felt his heart constricting though. ‘Yeah,’ he assured her, half wondering if she’d even remember this when she woke next.

[whumpflumpthump]

Your writing is so awesome!! Whenever you get the chance, I would love to see the prompt “fainting” for your bthb. No rush or anything tho!! :)

Thanks so much Anon!!  I am sorry this took so long, and you didn’t give me a character, but I hope this works!  Oh, and if you have an Ao3, and would like me to, I would love to gift this fic to you if you gave me your username! Completely up to you though!

Written for @badthingshappenbingo.  First square fill!!🎉

Please be cautious of potential triggers before reading the tropes on this card.

Summary: As Jack and Cage are busy fighting terrorists, Mac Mac is tasked with creating the tools for their escape. However, it doesn't go quite like he was expecting...

Warning: This includes graphic depictions of violence, including a stab wound.

....

Angus MacGyver looked around, desperately trying to find something, anything to get them out of this mess.  He ducked, avoiding a stream of gunfire that narrowly missed his head.  The criminals were everywhere, and his team was greatly outnumbered.  Mac knew that, for everyone’s sake, they needed a distraction...and a way out.  Luckily, those were Mac’s specialties.  He glanced around, dodging bullets the whole time, until he saw the wall of cleaning supplies on the other side of the compound.  Mac quietly thanked the criminals for their cleaning habits as he made his way over to the chemicals, their ingredients perfect for making explosives, and explosives were good for creating distractions...and getting them out of here.

He was about halfway there when he felt someone behind him.  He quickly turned, and saw that he was face to face with one of the criminals.  This one seemed to have realized Mac had broken off from where Jack, Cage, and a few members of a TAC team were fighting, and came to deal with him.  

Mac took a split second to analyze the man, he was around the same height as he was, only an inch or two taller, but probably weighed fifty pounds more.  Whereas Mac was lean and slim, this man was built and brawny.  He knew his best bet would be to use speed and quick blows to beat this opponent.  Mac was just glad the man didn’t appear to be armed.

He shifted into a fighting stance as the man pulled back his fist, and easily dodged the punch, leaning out of the way.  Before the man could reset, Mac delivered three quick jabs to his lower stomach, causing him to stumble as he clutched his stomach. He recovered quickly though, and he seemed even angrier than before.

Mac glanced over to where Jack and Cage were fighting the remaining terrorists, hoping one of them would notice his plight, but they were both busy with their own problems.

Guess it’s just me. 

As the man approached, Mac started backing up, trying to buy as much time as possible to try and look for something to defend himself with.  He was very capable in hand to hand combat, but it didn’t hurt to have a little help.  Mac finally saw what looked like an old PVC pipe lying about ten feet away.

It was better than nothing, so he turned to walk towards it.  That shift of focus gave the terrorist the opportunity he needed.  As soon as Mac started to look towards the pipe, he sprinted towards the blonde.  

Mac turned around a second too late, the man had already barreled into his chest, sending him crashing to the floor.  He quickly rolled to avoid being pinned down, and soon he was back on his feet, once again facing the man.

He struck first this time, lashing out with his right fist, keeping his left one up to guard his face.  The man took a step back, but was not deterred.  He quickly struck back, sending three strikes in quick succession towards Mac’s abdomen.  Mac was able to dodge the first two, but the last one hit, and he found himself gasping for breath as the air was knocked out of him.

When he looked back up at the man, he was already charging forwards, towards Mac.  Mac could barely evade the next two blows that came at him, ducking away at the last second.  He tried to retaliate by striking out at the man’s legs, but his hits were blocked.  

They traded hits for a few seconds, each getting in a few good hits, before Mac saw a glint of something silver from under the man’s sleeve.  He didn’t have time to dwell on it as the man continued to lunge at him.  Mac was tiring quickly and wasn’t sure how long he could continue.  As he continued to fight, he slowly stopped throwing punches, and just started to focus on protecting himself.  

Eventually, a few well-placed jabs got past Mac’s guard.  One hit him on the cheek, causing a dark bruise to form and his lip to split, blood dribbling down his jaw, and another landed hard on his shoulder, causing pain to shoot through him as his bullet wound was irritated. 

While he was still reeling from those hits, Mac looked up towards the man, and he saw that he was smirking, his eyes glinting darkly.  Mac closed his eyes briefly as painful memories forced their way to the top of his mind.

A different criminal, a different place.

Dark eyes, glinting as he stared down at MacGyver.

A whistled tune, drifting through the air.

Mac mentally shook himself and reopened his eyes, and saw the man right in front of him, the smirk still on his face.  Mac wasn’t able to dodge the blow that came to the right side of his stomach.  He gasped again, and stumbled backwards.  When he looked up again, the man was chuckling quietly, and turned to walk away.

Creep.

Mac clutched his abdomen as pain continued to pulse from where it was hit.

Weird. He thought.  Why did this punch hurt so much more than the others? And why did he just leave like that?

Mac didn’t have time to dwell on it, he took one last look to make sure no one else planned on attacking him, and then continued with his original plan to build an explosive.  He had made it a few meters, still clutching his stomach, when he started to get dizzy.  Mac brushed it off as one too many hits to his head, and continued walking.  Once he had made it to the rack of cleaning supplies, he reached his hand in his pocket to retrieve his Swiss Army Knife.  He pulled it out, but before he could open the tool he needed, it slipped out of his hands.  He bent down to pick it up, and immediately his dizziness got one hundred times worse.  He picked it up off the ground...and almost dropped it again.  His hand was coated in blood, and so was the silver showing on the side of his knife.  He pulled his other hand away from his stomach and noticed in horror that it was the same. 

Oh, that’s why he left… Mac thought as he glanced towards his stomach, and all of the blood that was pouring out of what Mac now realized was a stab wound.  

The silver in his sleeve.  It wasn’t a watch or a bracelet, it was a knife.  That whole time, the man was just toying with him…

The realization dawned on Mac as he felt his legs start to wobble.  He was even dizzier now, and could no longer make out Jack and Cage’s forms.  He tried to put pressure on the wound, but the blood was still streaming steadily through his fingers.  

“Jack…” he called weakly, barely over a whisper.

Jack didn’t hear him.  No one did.  

“Ja…,” he tried one last time, but couldn’t finish as blood started to bubble up in his throat, and he coughed.  

He was clutching a nearby table now, blood flowing freely from the now uncovered wound, unable to support his weight as his vision became darker, black clouding out the edges.  Mac was conscious only by the sheer strength of his will and a rush of adrenaline from the fight. 

He was quickly running out of both.

He couldn’t save himself, and he had let his friends down.  He had had one responsibility, and he had failed.  He had failed. 

His friends could die, and it would be his fault.  

Tears were running down his face as his grip on the table finally failed.  He fell to the ground, toppling the table as he went, and landed in an unceremonious heap on the floor, his Swiss Army Knife falling out of his grasp and rolling a few inches, blood still dripping off of it.

I’m sorry, was the last thing Mac thought before the darkness claimed him, his eyes falling shut. 

....

Thanks so much for reading!! Have a great day!! 

If you have any other prompts you would like to see completed, feel free to send me an ask!