#I really just need to take her to another vet. this one has botched two mouth surgeries now

[rorykillmore]

anyways. i need to call the vet tomorrow and im like preemptively anxious about it because of how much it a fight it constantly is to address my concerns. but my cat has spent the weekend terrified of her food, flinching whenever she takes a bite, and spilling water down her front when she tries to drink, so if they try to tell me it’s not her mouth that’s bothering her one more time I’m gonna :arthurfist:

[tomeandflickcorner]

Falcon and Winter Soldier Episode 4- My Thoughts

Okay.  I have no idea what to expect now.  As always, spoilers under the cut.

This episode shook things up by starting off with a flashback, involving the time Bucky spent in Wakanda after the events of Civil War. It’s the moment where Shuri managed to remove the Winter Soldier programing from Bucky’s brain, and Ayo is personally performing a test to make sure the procedure was truly successful.  As many people have already discussed, this whole scene was masterfully done.  As Ayo is reciting the Winter Soldier Activation Words, Bucky’s utter fear of relapsing is tangible in his face and voice.  But as the test continues, the fear in Bucky’s face slowly is replaced by disbelief and elation.  Because he’s realizing the Winter Soldier Activation Words aren’t affecting him anymore.  But it’s not until Ayo directly tells him that he’s finally free that he fully lets himself believe it, and he breaks down crying from the joyful relief.  Anyone who tries to claim that Sebastian Stan isn’t a phenomenal actor has clearly never watched this scene.

Of course, this flashback ends up being immediately contrasted to the present day scene, where Ayo is confronting Bucky in Latvia over the issue of him helping break Zemo out of prison.  We saw in the flashback that Ayo was the one who personally tested Bucky to ensure he was freed from the Winter Soldier programing, which suggests they had a personal bond.  But now, that bond has been damaged because of the whole issue with Zemo.  I fully understand why Ayo is angry about this.  After all, she’s not only part of the Dora Milaje, but she’s the second in command of that band of elite warriors.  As such, her first priority will always be to Wakanda and it’s throne.  And we all remember that Zemo was directly responsible for the death of the late King T’Chaka, so it’s natural that he’d be considered their enemy.  Plus, while it’s been a while since I saw Civil War, I think it was Ayo who was supposed to be protecting King T’Chaka at the time of the UN bombing.  If it was, that would further explain why she’s so miffed, because she must feel like she’d failed in her duty to protect him because of Zemo’s actions. (And, in a way, Zemo’s actions in Civil War probably also led to the events of Black Panther.  Because without King T’Chaka’s death, there might not have been that power struggle between T'Challa and Killmonger.)   But now, Bucky assisted Zemo’s escape from prison.  The same Bucky who the people of Wakanda had taken in, cared for and helped get his life, identity and autonomy back.  Yeah, I can see why Ayo would take this personally.  Bucky  really should have checked in with them before doing what he did.  Granted it was a spur of the moment decision and he probably didn’t have the time to contact them in order to give them a heads up about it, but the point still stands.  Still, when Bucky explains he needs Zemo to finish his current mission in stopping the Flag Smashers, Ayo reluctantly agrees to give Bucky a mercy period of eight hours.  At which point the Dora Milaje will return in order to take Zemo into their custody.

After Ayo leaves, Bucky rejoins Sam and Zemo, and they begin discussing the issue of Karli and the Flag Smashers.  Sam says that he wants to try reasoning with Karli in order to come up with a peaceful solution.  Because he understands where she’s coming from in regards to how she clearly feels the world is not listening to her people and properly addressing their needs.  But he doesn’t agree with her methods of fighting.  Zemo, however, doesn’t think it’s possible to reason with Karli because of her taking the Super Soldier Serum.  His argument seems to be that everyone who has ever taken the Super Soldier Serum gets corrupted in some way.  The only exception to that rule was Steve Rogers, but Zemo points out there has never been another Steve.  (Interestingly, when he says this, the camera seems to focus on Sam.  I wonder if that was an intentional decision or just a lucky accident.)  And yes, they also don’t really acknowledge the fact that Bucky didn’t become a Super Soldier voluntarily.  Unlike Steve and the Flag Smashers, he wasn’t given a choice in the matter.  But I guess that’s beside the point.

To be honest, I’m not exactly sure what Zemo’s goal is right here.  Because he does seem to be sticking around with Sam and Bucky, even though he had a few chances to give them the slip.  But at the same time, this is still Zemo.  And he seems to have a major grievance against Super Soldiers and all enhanced individuals.  Which probably explains why he’s sticking around, considering the mission involves the Flag Smashers, who all injected themselves with the Super Soldier Serum.  But is he eventually planning to try and take down Bucky, too?  

In any event, the trio decide their best chance of getting Sam his opportunity of sitting down and talking with Karli is at the funeral of that woman who we saw die in the last episode.  Because this woman was apparently well-loved by the community.  (Side note, I shared Bucky’s confusion when Sam begin talking about his TT.  I have never heard that particular slang word for aunt before.  Is this a regional/cultural thing?)  They do manage to determine the location of this funeral thanks to Zemo, who manages to gain the trust of this one little girl by offering her some Turkish Delight. The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe vibes aside, that was a pretty good idea.  I don’t even remotely like this guy, but I can admit he’s smart.  But them, when they’re on the way to the funeral, John Walker pops up, being his usual likable self.  He argues with Sam for a bit over Sam’s intention to try talking with Karli in the hopes of coming to a peaceful resolution, which contradicts with Walker’s plan of just apprehending her.  Thankfully, Lemar Hoskins is able to convince Walker to at least try giving Sam a chance.

After the funeral, Sam approaches Karli and begins to talk with her, utilizing his skills as a councilor and therapist of war vets.  And he’s actually starting to get through to her.  But then, Walker botches it all up.  Because he just couldn’t give Sam the ten minutes he requested and barges in to arrest her.  Which results in Karli thinking that the whole thing was just a setup and throwing all of Sam’s progress with her out the window.  Karli and the other Flag Smashers end up getting away, but in the process, Karli had a brief run-in with Zemo.  And their confrontation resulted in Karli accidently dropping the vials of Super Serum she’d been carrying around in her fanny pack.  Zemo, going along with his whole shtick of enhanced individuals must go, starts to destroy the vials.  But while he’s doing so, Walker comes up and knocks him out with the Shield.  And that’s when Walker sees that there’s only one vial of Super Serum remaining.  Unbeknownst to Sam and Bucky, he secretly ends up pocketing the vial before they arrive on the scene. 

Sometime later, they’re all back at that apartment(?) where Bucky, Sam and Zemo have been crashing in Latvia.  Walker decides enough is enough, and he’s going to return Zemo to his cell in Germany.  But that’s when Ayo and the other Dora Milaje appear. It seems that the eight hours that Ayo gave Bucky are up, and they’ve also come for Zemo.  Of course, Walker, being the arrogant moron he is, is rather dismissive towards the Dora Milaje, trying to claim that they don’t have jurisdiction there.  Which leads to Ayo stating her epic line, of how the Dora Milaje have jurisdiction wherever they are.

https://youtu.be/jG8u1UdD-T0

When Walker proceeds to neglect to show the proper respect towards Ayo and the rest of the Dora Milaje, despite Sam’s urging to not start anything with them, Ayo proceeds to put him in his place by giving him the beatdown he deserves.  And I really like how Bucky seemed content to just sit back and watch it happen, embodying the viewing audience in the process.  (His ‘looking strong, John’ was just so wonderfully snarky.)  Eventually though, Sam gets Bucky to step in.

Of course, that leads me to the part where Ayo reveals she can detach Bucky’s vibranium arm with just two moves. Which seems to be a pretty polarizing moment in this episode.  Okay, I acknowledge that this whole situation is extremely complicated.  And as I stated earlier, I fully appreciate that Ayo is feeling particularly betrayed by Bucky’s actions in assisting Zemo’s escape from prison without discussing it with the Wakandans first.  That being said?  DUDE!  I know it’s easy to forget sometimes, but the fact remains that Bucky is an amputee.  A man with a physical disability.  You don’t up and remove a disabled man’s prosthetic limb without his consent!  What’s wrong with you?  It’s the same as going up to a deaf person and ripping out their hearing aid, or taking away someone’s wheelchair!

Also, it’s possible I missed something about this scene, but the way it was set up doesn’t make a lot of sense.  I didn’t see anything to suggest that Bucky and Sam were attempting to prevent the Dora Milaje from leaving with Zemo.  If Walker hadn’t started trying to throw his weight around, they probably would have allowed it without an argument.  Bucky only intervened in the ensuing fight in order to dissolve the situation.  And when he stepped in, it almost looked as if Ayo was preparing to make a killing blow.  Which is way extreme because, while Walker is an arrogant, smug prat and deserved to get knocked down a few pegs, at this point, he hadn’t really done anything to warrant getting impaled by a spear.  Yeah, I get Ayo and the other Dora Milaje are undoubtedly super angry right now because of the whole Zemo thing and tempers are running high.  But at the same time, that fact alone means they really shouldn’t be acting rashly. Oh, at it gets better.  Because while everyone was distracted by all the fighting, Zemo slips into the bathroom and manages to escape by moving the bathtub aside and slithering away down the drain like the snake he is.  (Exactly how big are the pipes in Latvia?)  So because of all this fighting, Zemo is now roaming around free somewhere, and the Dora Milaje have to leave without him.  I repeat, I fully get this is a complicated, complex situation, and I understand where they’re coming from.  But perhaps if the Dora Milaje didn’t start fighting with Bucky and Sam when they stepped in to interfere with Walker’s well-deserved beatdown, maybe Zemo wouldn’t have gotten away.  Just saying, they were doing a pretty good job of keeping Zemo on a leash up until now.

So anyway, in the aftermath of this fight, you see Walker starting to have a mental breakdown.  Because he is completely flabbergasted that he was effortlessly taken down by the Dora Milaje.  Because while they are unquestionably highly skilled and trained warriors, they are still completely ordinary people.  Not a single one of them have been injected with the Super Serum. So how is he supposed to manage going up against the Flag Smashers, who are Super Soldiers?  (It’s also possible that Walker’s despondency over this is partially fueled by him having sexist and xenophobic viewpoints, considering the Dora Milaje are all African women, but that’s open to interpretation.) While he and Hoskins are sitting at a diner somewhere, Walker, clearly thinking about the fact that he has the last vial of Super Serum, asks Hoskins if he would take the Super Serum if he had the chance.  Hoskins states he would take it.  Which is clearly meant to parallel an earlier scene, where Zemo asked Sam if he would take it if it was ever offered.  Because Sam stated he wouldn’t without hesitation.  Which once again further cements the fact that Steve made the right choice in choosing Sam as his successor.  (It’s also evident by the fact that Sam is the one trying to find a peaceful resolution with the Flag Smashers, while Walker is simply trying to charge in and simply take them out.)

Things come to a head when Karli actually calls up Sam’s sister, Sarah, and directly threatens her and her kids in order to give Sam an incentive to meet with her again.  So Sam, with Bucky accompanying him, suits up as Falcon in order to confront her.  Karli attempts to try and convince Sam to join up with her, but Sam still insists that, while her goal is honorable, there’s a better way to fight without resorting to violence (such as blowing up buildings with innocent people inside).  But once again, Walker mucks it all up.  Because, Sam is then contacted by Sharon Carter.  Who seems to be able to track Walker via satellite?  Which seems to contradict something she said earlier about not having access to satellites, unless I misheard that line.  Yeah, Sharon is kinda shady in this episode.  If the fan theory that she’s actually the Power Broker turns out to be right, I won’t be that shocked.  In any event, it seems that either Walker and Hoskins ended up going after the Flag Smashers again or Karli’s meeting with Sam was just a diversion to keep Sam and Bucky out of the way while the Flag Smashers tried to go after Walker in order to kill him.  I’m not sure which it was.  But regardless, Sam and Bucky immediately go off to try and find Walker before it’s too late, with Karli also running off to join the fight.

Here, it’s one big action sequence, with Bucky, Sam and Walker fighting against Karli and the Flag Smashers.  Hoskins eventually joins in the fight as well (he was absent from the start of the fight because he was jumped by some of the Flag Smashers and was briefly tied up in a bathroom somewhere until he managed to free himself).  But in the mist of the battle, Karli ends up either kicking or punching Hoskins into a stone pillar with full Super Soldier strength.  And the impact apparently snaps Hoskin’s spine, killing him instantly.  

Okay!  I was seriously not expecting them to kill Hoskins off like that!  And it’s a shame, too.  Because while I barely knew Hoskins, he still seemed like an okay guy.  At least he was the one who, however briefly, convinced Walker to at least try to give Sam a chance to talk to Karli. Which indicated he wasn’t as gung-ho and impulsive as Walker is.  Unfortunately, it seems that Hoskin’s death was the breaking point for Walker, because he immediately snaps.  And while Bucky and Sam go after Karli when she makes a break for it, Walker goes right for the other Flag Smashers.  He quickly corners the Flag Smasher called Nico, who I think was Karli’s right-hand man, in the middle of a crowded square.  And, in full view of everyone, mercilessly murders Nico with the Shield.  And he is showing no reaction to the fact that the onlookers are all staring at him in shock and horror, or even that some people were filming him with their camera phones.   He simply straps the Shield, which is now covered with blood, onto his arm.  And that’s where the episode ends.

Well, crap!  That’s a rather dark note to end the episode on.  Clearly, Walker is unstable.  And I have no idea what the final two episodes of this show will be like.  The even more chilling aspect is that, while it’s not explicitly stated, it’s implied that Walker might have already taken the Super Serum!  And this show of rage and aggression was the result of it.  After all, as Dr. Erskine had said way back when, the Serum elevates everything.  Good becomes great, but bad becomes worse.  And Walker was clearly undergoing a phycological breakdown to begin with.  So if he’s taken the Super Serum (like we were probably supposed to assume he did when he effortlessly bent a metal pole like a pretzel during the last battle scene with the Flag Smashers), then he must be REALLY unstable now!  And now, the Shield, the very symbol of Captain America (which is tied to Steve Roger’s legacy), is now tainted by a bloodstain. Again, I have no idea where the show plans to go from here on in.

Speaking of the Shield?  On a closing note, I do have to address the fact that Bucky once again scolded Sam for giving away the Shield in the first place.  *Sigh*  Okay.  Bucky?  I love you, man.  You’re my favorite character in the MCU so far (apart from Goose, of course).  But you really need to stop blaming Sam for this.  Because Sam didn’t give the Shield away like you’re suggesting.  That’s not what happened.  Sam donated the Shield to the Smithsonian, with the understanding that it would be kept there, as a monument to everything Steve Rogers did and stood for.  It was the US Government who went behind Sam’s back and took back the Shield in order to hand it over to Walker.  Sam didn’t know they were going to do that until after the fact.  Yes, Bucky has every right to be mad about what happened.  His feelings are justified and valid.  (Particularly if they end up revealing what I think they’re going to reveal.)   But he’s taking it out on the wrong person.  And he really does owe Sam an apology.

[jovialyouthmusic]

Silver Service

Has Bastien finally run Anton to ground? Drake returns to Applewood to find his mentor absent.

Word Count 3289

A/N  warnings - a little implied smut. Not suitable for under 18s

11 Making Plans

Anton scowled as he looked out over the ground far below the airplane.

‘Why the hell are we travelling by this beat up old piece of shit? Why aren’t we in a jet – what happened to the helicopter?’ Claudius cleared his throat

‘Funds are low, Sir’ he said ‘We had counted on everything coming together after the coronation, but the gunman put paid to it all’

‘I’d like to know who hired that amateur – he should have hit his mark instead of botching the job’ he snarled

‘We’re still trying to find out, Sir’ he answered ‘and that’s not easy considering the King’s guard have him under lock and key’

‘Why the fuck don’t we have surveillance?’ he raged ‘What do I pay you for?’

‘I’m sorry Sir, since the botched assassination the Guard are on high alert. They’ve had staff at all the significant houses re vetted. We’ve still got one or two operatives but they daren’t make a move until they need to’

‘How about that bitch Lucretia?’ he asked

‘She’s at Applewood, where the King and Olivia retreated when the Palace was evacuated. That seems to be the base of operations right now, the head of the guard and his woman are there – and Walker and the American woman too. Apparently the whole court are touring Cordonia, attending charity events at any Duchy that cares to host one’ Anton rose an eyebrow

‘That could be turned to our advantage. We need to pay close attention to the itinerary’

-------

Damien hit the tarmac running. They had decided landing at the same airfield as Claudius would be too risky, so an SUV waited to take himself and James there as fast as possible. The fact that they had travelled by jet and the others had been in an ordinary prop plane meant that they had some time in hand. A second vehicle tailed them, and they set off at breakneck speed, calling Bastien to keep him up to date.

The roads they had to travel were narrow and little used. They needed to get close to the airfield and wait for them to leave. Their luggage had tracking devices, so unless they got wind of that, all they had to do was to follow at a distance and maintain surveillance of their destination. Simply arresting them straight away would mean that they would miss out on discovering his power base. From the location of the airfield there were a number of possibilities – they may be based in Valtoria, Portaviera or the Commery Isles, presuming that they didn’t travel any further afield.

They had the advantage of the Charity tour under their belt. They had locations set but the itinerary was still fluid. Bastien planned for the tour to go as close and as soon as possible to Anton’s location so that they could either force him to act and make himself vulnerable, or make their own move to take him out.

Damien had little idea of the terrain and geography of Cordonia, so was relying on James to keep him informed. They parked the SUV in a field entrance half a mile from the airfield, out of sight of the only road that serviced the tiny runway. That road lead to a wider main road, where the other SUV waited to cover the least likely direction that Anton was likely to take. They expected him to make for the road to Valtoria, where another road junction would determine whether he was aiming to go further to the coast at Portaviera, or further still to the Commery Isles.

James told him that the duchy of Valtoria currently had no Duke or Duchess, as the childless Duchess had passed away a few weeks ago. She was reclusive and little was known of her affiliation for or against Constantine, so there was a possibility that Anton might be making for that location. The nobility at Portaviera was known to be sympathetic to Liam, so the last prospect of someone sympathetic to the Sons of the Earth was Lord Neville Delacouer in the Commery Isles. He had been a staunch supporter of Constantine, and appeared to pay allegiance to the new King, but he was an unpleasant character. He often said one thing to the new King’s face and another to other members of the council of nobles when discussing Liam’s ideas of admitting commoners to the Council.

He breathed a sigh of relief when his phone pinged at the presence of the tracking devices planted at the Monaco border. Half an hour later, a car passed the road end, and James eased out to follow at a discrete distance - out of sight but within signal range.

Half an hour later, the car bearing Anton Severus made the turn toward Valtoria.

-------

‘Valtoria, you say?’ Liam said thoughtfully. ‘I was considering who to award the Duchy to now that Duchess Van Hausen has passed away without an heir. The manor is still occupied by her staff and they’re maintaining it until it has a new owner. I suppose if she sympathised with Anton, he might make use of the estate.’ He turned to Bastien ‘Has the staff been vetted recently?’

‘We’ve made our best efforts, but with the recent funeral arrangements it’s been difficult, and she was so reclusive that we didn’t even have a list available. I’m uncertain as to whether to back off or go ahead with the checks. If we don’t do the same as we are with the other duchies, it might make him suspicious.’

‘At your discretion, Bastien’ Liam replied ‘I trust your judgement. Just let me know what you’re doing and I’ll give you whatever funding you need’

‘Thankyou Sir. I had planned to send the charity tour where Anton was going, but it’s a bit tricky as there’s nobody available to arrange an event for Valtoria’

‘Don’t they have the annual lantern event coming up?’ Liam said ‘We could contact the majordomo at the Manor and suggest we use that to raise money for their chosen cause’

‘Excellent Idea, your Grace’ Bastien said ‘I’m sure I can involve Nazario. I’ll contact him and we can start making plans’

------

‘So our first stop is Valtoria?’ Sophia asked Bastien as she stacked the plates from their dinner to go back to the kitchens. ‘It all seems rather last minute’

‘It is, the date of the festival is fixed and it’s fortuitous that it’s only two days away’ answered Bastien ‘That gives us time to reconnoitre the manor before the Court arrives.’ Sophia stopped and looked at him intently.

‘Us?’ she questioned ‘You said you’d step back from active duty’ He sighed.

‘I have to be nearby’ he said ‘I can’t do everything remotely from here, if communications break down it could be catastrophic, no matter how much I trust my men’ Sophia crossed her arms and glared at him. He shrugged ‘I’ll be in a surveillance van away from the action, but close enough to follow in when the coast is clear’

‘And when do you judge that the coast is clear?’ she asked tartly. He got up and stood in front of her, taking her hands in his and looking intently into her eyes.

‘Sophia, you have to trust me. I’ve been doing this for a long time. You’ll be safe here, I’ll assign you your own guard – James is with Damien right now’ She looked down in defeat.

‘I’m sorry Bas, it just makes me feel nervous. I can’t lose you now’ He let go of her hands and rubbed her upper arms before drawing her to him.

‘I promise I’ll come back to you’ he said as she nestled into his broad chest and her scent rose to him. ‘This is my job, and when Anton has been neutralised I can rest easy – and so can you, and Liam and Olivia as well.’ He squeezed her tight ‘Believe me, I don’t want to lose you either, and this is the best I can do to protect you as well as my King and my country.’ She drew back and looked up at him

‘That’s what you said before’ she said in a small voice.

‘I have Damien to help me this time, as well as all my men.’ Bastien went on reassuringly ‘He’s got a good reputation – he’s the best man for the job. We have the advantage this time too. We know where Anton is and if we move fast enough he won’t be ready for us’ She smiled wanly

‘When are you going?’ she asked

‘Soon, Lewis will call when we’re ready to go’ he said, and took her over to the couch, sitting and drawing her down next to him, wrapping her in his embrace. She rested her head on his chest again, and this time he inclined his head so that his chin rested on hers and her hair tickled his nose. He took a deep calming breath which she subconsciously copied. He felt her warmth and closed his eyes to commit every sense of her to memory so he could recall it when he needed the strength to remember his purpose. He felt the vibration of the phone in his pocket. Lewis was calling him away.

------

Riley held on to the door handle of the SUV grimly as Drake barrelled down the track toward the tarmacked road. She knew rebuking him for rattling her around like an egg in a carton would do no good – in fact he might show off his driving skills more, so she gritted her teeth and endured. He chatted amiably as if his driving was the most natural normal thing in the world.

‘You really showed some skill catching fish for dinner’ he said ‘Next time I’ll leave you by the lake and I’ll go off after bigger game’ A vision of him coming back down the track with a deer across his shoulders briefly flashed through her imagination, and she shook her head to get rid of the image. She wondered whether it would be better not to tell him outright that roughing it had been a little harder than she had imagined.

It wasn’t that she liked her creature comforts – a decent bathroom for one – but a little more concession to modern life would have been nice. At least the bed had been comfortable, she told herself.

Ah, the bed. A smile flickered across her face and fixed itself as she remembered the times between the fishing and cooking and hiking. Their limbs entangled, lips grazing over bare skin, fingertips caressing, stroking and pressing. Waves of pleasure that seemed to go on forever before ebbing away leaving the glow of satiation, only to begin again just as she thought they were done. Those times were incredible – she could forgive him anything in return for what he gave to her without holding back anything. She gave her all in return, and the memory of former lovers faded into insignificance.

At last they turned onto the main road, and she breathed a sigh of relief. He turned up the music and started to sing at the top of his lungs. She laughed at his choice and couldn’t help but sing along with him.

‘Country roads, take me hooooome to the plaaaace I belooooooong’ but even as she sang, laughter bubbling up under the words, she couldn’t help but wonder where ‘home’ was – for her, for Drake…did they belong together? It hadn’t been long since they had admitted their feelings for each other but she felt as if she’d met her soulmate. Could she make her home here in this odd little country? Would he follow her back to New York if she asked? Would he want to go back to where he was born, in Texas? What would they do to make a living? She looked over at him and he grinned back at her before paying attention to the road again. She resolved to put her thoughts aside for now and go with the flow.

They drew into the courtyard at Applewood, and Drake frowned.

‘There’s not many vehicles here’ he mused, looking at the row of parked cars, noting that the limos were still there, but all but one of the SUVs were missing. That meant Liam was still there, but a good portion of Bastien’s men were elsewhere. He couldn’t make sense of it, and went straight to the security suite. He found Phillipo there, widely recognised as Lewis’s right hand man, just as Lewis was to Bastien.

‘What the hell’s going on – where’s Bastien?’ he questioned him as he looked up from his desk.

‘Walker’ he acknowledged ‘Mr Lykel is out in the field’

‘I thought he wasn’t on active duty anymore’ he quizzed him ‘Didn’t he send James and Damien out to do that?’

‘Captain Lykel said to give you this’ he said, handing him an envelope. He tapped the side of his nose in a gesture he knew the Guard used in situations where it was possible that others could overhear them. He frowned and opened his mouth, but the other man shook his head to caution him to silence. He nodded and took the envelope, going back out into the courtyard to Riley. She raised her eyebrows in query and he took her hand.

‘Let’s go for a walk’ he said ‘I need to think’ he showed her the envelope, pressing his finger to his lips, and they set off toward the orchard. Once there, he leaned against the trunk of a tree and opened it, Riley watching but saying nothing, aware that he needed to concentrate. The note was handwritten, and he recognised Bastien’s neat square letters.

Walker

I still cannot be certain that I have discovered all of Constantine’s covert surveillance devices so send this to you in the strictest confidence. Look to see if the seal has been tampered with. There is a small possibility that others may know of any remaining devices and have use of them. Use the utmost discretion as to who to discuss the contents of this letter with and destroy it as soon as you can. I have faith that you know who you can trust, but be cautious.

Nazario and James have tracked Severus and two other men to Valtoria. You know the state of affairs there. In two days’ time the Lantern festival will be held, and Liam and Olivia will attend with the rest of the court. Before then, I go with the Guard to flush Anton out and neutralise him. I plan not to take an active part, but you know these things sometimes change.

If I know you as well as I might, I know your first thought will be to follow me. I urge you to stay where you are and protect Riley and Sophia, and help if you can to observe and protect Liam and Olivia. Take note of anything and anyone that appear suspicious. I trust you to do the right thing to protect those you and I hold dear. If by any chance you do not see me again, do what you can for Sophia. If all goes well, by the time the lantern ceremony takes place, Anton will no longer be a threat.

Take care son

Bastien

He sat and stared at the letter before handing it to Riley to read. He stood and paced while she read it and when she had finished, he took it back and tucked it inside his shirt.

‘We need to find Sophia and talk to her’ he said.

------

There was a note of panic in the voice of the person on the other end of the phone.

‘The lantern festival, your Majesty? We haven’t held that for years. The Duchess didn’t like strangers in the grounds after the Duke passed on’

‘I thought it would be appropriate to revive it in celebration of the change of monarch. You know, letting go of the old and making a wish for the future.’ Liam explained levelly. ‘I know it’s asking a lot, but all the other Duchies are arranging charity events. Surely as a loyal Valtorian you’d wish to raise money for a worthy cause in your area? I’d heard the orphanage needs some renovation’

‘Of course your Majesty, it’s just that it’s such short notice’ The woman, Gladys, claimed to be head of staff at Valtoria Manor. She had submitted a list of all those on staff, and Bastien had put one of his men on to vetting them properly. So far nothing suspicious had come up. All were from families who had been born in the Duchy. There were no examples of criminal records and none of the names cropped up as sympathisers of anti Monarchy groups.

‘Are you able to offer accommodation?’ he asked ‘I know the Duchess was rather – reclusive in her latter years, but I remember visiting it as a child and staying in the state rooms’

‘I – of course all the rooms were maintained properly even after we closed the gates to guests, but I’m not sure if we have the linen or bedclothes…’

‘Send a list of what you need to my head of household. Now the Palace is closed for renovations we have plenty to spare, or we can provide funds to buy new. If staffing is a problem, I can send a team to help with the organisation of the festival. Some of the other venues are taking advantage of their expertise.’ He drew himself up into his regal posture, even though she could not see him. It changed the timbre of his voice as he continued – deeper and more commanding but with an air of sympathy. ‘Gladys, I’m sure you understand that after the attack at the coronation, Cordonia needs some positive news and goals. I sincerely hope I can count on you to help your duchy make a contribution’ There was a short silence at the other end of the line.

‘Of course your Majesty, I’ll do my best’

‘Excellent, I’ll send someone over to help you’ He ended the call, smiling in triumph.

--------

Damien took control of his breath, steady and even as he approached the driveway of Valtoria Manor. It was well that he was a good mimic, and ever since he had landed in Cordonia he had listened carefully to the people around him. It helped that he had Bastien as an example of the accent in the preceding years. He didn’t expect to pass as native to the country, but explain that his Cordonian parents had moved to America when he was young, hence the faint accent and sketchy knowledge of their culture and customs. He hope it would be enough to make anyone he encountered comfortable with his manner of speaking. The gates were closed and he drew the car level with the intercom, getting out and pressing the call button.

After a short while it crackled into life, and a woman answered curtly

‘Hello – state your business please’

‘Hi, you’re expecting me I hope. King Liam asked me to come and help you organise the lantern festival. He’s recently taken me on staff to assist with all the forthcoming events.’ There was a short silence before the gates swung open and he got back into the car to drive in. Bastien had suggested he wear a wire, but he refused, saying it was too risky. He did however have a listening device in the car, and he spoke quietly as he swung the vehicle into the courtyard to see a woman stepping forward to meet him.

‘Nazario to Lykel. I’m in’

Next Chapter 12 Just Desserts?

[onepumpofsyrup]

MASTER LIST : TEXT SERIES

Key

Angst= a

Fluff= f

Recomended =  🔮

BIGBANG

GDragon

HEART BREAKER : f

Seungri has shown GD’s girlfriend, (Y/N) something he shouldn’t have. 

TOP

...

Taeyang

...

Daesung

LITTLE PRINCESS : a  🔮

Series One

(Y/N) is Taeyang’s little sister and has been in love with Daesung since the group formed. At first it was a cute little crush now she’s showing how serious it really is. 

Series Two

A year out and it seems (Y/N) has moved on with Lee Taemin. Daesung is left suffering the consequences of his choice. 

Parent Story to TELL ME WHAT TO DO

The reader becomes Miwon in the spin offs. 

Seungri

...

VIXX

N

JUST COME HOME : a

The lack of time N has for (Y/N) is taking its tole on their relationship

PICKING FIGHTS : a

The reader picks a fight with N that leads to an outcome she didn’t want.

GONE TOO LONG

N ignores his girlfriend for far too long 

Leo

UNWELCOME : a

Leo and (Y/N) are on the outs so the others take matters into their own hands.

HOW MUCH : a

(Y/N) and Leo’s relationship started as a bet, but she doesn’t know that.

Ken

REPORTED RELATIONSHIP : a

(Y/N) was once part of the paparazzi and Ken isn’t too happy about it.

SPOKEN HATE : a

Ken discovers a hate page and takes his emotions out on (Y/N).

FIGHTING WORDS : a

Ken finds out that you aren’t keen on giving birth and would much rather adopt. 

GUARDIAN : a

As an angel, you were tasked with protecting Jaehwan, but you fell in love and began a relationship. After he discovers your wings, his memory is altered to forget you. A year later you’ve been given a second chance to protect him. But you still love him, and he’s moved on. 

ULTIMATUM : a

Ken wishes to go public, but for his own protection you refuse. 

Ravi

THINKING OF YOU : a

Upon her parents suggestion the reader marries. To a man she hardly knows, and one that doesn’t wish to get to know her. But Kim Wonshik, Executive of Cha Towers, an upscale housing complex in Seoul, wishes to know her. But only for the fact that her husband owes him an exorbitant amount of money. 

Mafia AU

Hongbin

(Y/N) HAS LEFT THE CONVERSATION : a

After getting pressured by the guys, Hongbin denies his crush on the reader in the group chat.

RED HANDED : a  

Hongbin becomes jealous of how close you are with Ravi, not realizing that your pal you’re planning a surprise.

Hyuk

DON’T CHANGE : a

During a grumpy day Hyuk snaps at (Y/N), resulting in a change of attitude, from both parties. 

NO SUBSTANCE : a

You and Hyuk are in phase of dating but not yet official. After a stressful period, he snaps and nearly ruins all chances of dating.

HANDS OFF : a, f I don’t Even Know

Hyuk’s childhood friends moves back to Korea, and before he has a chance to sort out his budding feelings, Ken steps forward with his own. 

Poly!

Leo & Ravi

BEAUTIFUL LIAR : a

Leo and Ravi find themselves struggling to let go of their feelings after they are asked by management to let go of their girlfriend.

Rewritten 

Link to original is inside

N & Hyuk

OURS : a

N and Hyuk prefer to share the ones they love, but only with each other. This causes a bit of friction when (Y/N) grows close with Ravi. 

Ken & Hongbin

FIGURE IT OUT : a

Both Ken and Hongbin have feelings for the reader. What other options do they have but sharing her?

N & Leo

THIRD : a? f?

You and N want to add Leo as a third.

Leo & Ken

SOMETHING SWEET : a

After falling for the chef next door, Leo and Ken feel that it is wisest to let her go, rather than fight over her. 

THE AU PAIR : f

As the nanny to Leo’s nephew, the two fall for you. 

BTS 

RM

...

Jin

BABY COME HOME : a

While drunk at an award ceremony, Jin bet GOT7′s BamBam that he couldn’t get a cute assistant’s number. BamBam succeeds. But it’s Jin who actually falls for her.This story was inspired by Jet Pack Blues by Fall Out Boy. 

Suga

...

JHope

...

Jimin

...

V

...

Jungkook

...

GOT7

JB

WISHFUL : a / f

The reader and JB have grown close and it looks like they are going to date, at the last minute she pushes him away. 

Mark

THE ANTITHESIS OF WHAT A LEAD SHOULD BE ft. YOUNG K (DAY6) : a  🔮

Maisy has always known that Mark was her soul mate. The only problem was that Mark wasn’t so sure of that fact. For the first time ever, Maisy becomes uncertain of where she stands with him after he finds someone that needs him. Heroine Disqualified Esc. 

Parent Story to EVERYTHING

Jackson

I DON’T LIKE HER : a

Jackson’s in a relationship where not only is he acting shady but so is (Y/N)’s best friend.

NEVER EVER : a

Jackson hasn’t been able to let go of you after breaking your relationship off. 

MARKED FOR FATHERHOOD 

During a heated night, Jackson marks the girl he’s been in love with for 6 years. And he’s pretty unprepared for the pup that’s on it’s way. 

Jinyoung

INFORMANT : a

After a botched mission, Jinyoung is unwilling stuck with an informant who has too many ties to the police 

Youngjae

GROCERY JEALOUSY : a

Youngjae gets jealous over the time you are spending with Jinyoung 

BamBam

VOODOO : a

Bambam grew up with a healthy fear and hate of all things magic. His fiance, has kept her own hidden from him. Upon learning that she is a witch, he can’t stop himself from accusing her of forcing him to love her with a simple spell. 

Yugyeom

...

EXO

Suho

TURN YOU DOWN : a

Despite no confession being announced, Suho has repeatedly rejected the reader. After 3 rejections in one month, the reader decides to pull back from him, leaving him to figure out his own feelings. 

Xiumin

KEEP YOU SECRET 

SERIES ONE : a

Ella and Xiumin have been in a relationship for 3 years. But after her cousin, Eve, catches feelings, the media learns of the relationship.

SERIES TWO : a

Another Christmas is about to pass and Minseok is still waiting for Ella to come back. He’s spent a year finding ways to apologize, and she’s spent a year removing every bit of him from her life.

Parent Story to Mourning Dove

Lay

YOU WON’T : a

Lay has begun to treat you as a prop to his image. 

Baekhyun

...

Chen

TAKEN ADVANTAGE : a

Chen isn’t one to pass up a good deal. This deal being your willingness to assist him. But it goes further than that and dips into a territory of him taking advantage of you. 

Chanyeol

LISTEN : a

A guy from class is adamant that you will hook up, despite you turning him down numerous times. Finally after being particularly harsh, he takes his revenge a bit to far. 

D.O

...

Kai

THE LETTERS SHE WROTE :a  🔮 🔮 🔮

Split Timeline

A simple decision results in your death. Given a second chance, you are sent back 5 years to begin your life again. To ensure what happened doesn’t again, you eliminate Jongin from your life before you can fall in love with him again. But it doesn’t always work out with the best intentions, and Jongin is determined to have you in his life. 

Sehun

...

OT12 Members Located at Bottom

K.A.R.D

J.Seph

WHAT THE MEDIA DOESN’T KNOW : a

While dating one idol to boost the groups image, J.Seph has fallen for a close friend of the group, (Y/N).

TOXICITY : a

Your relationship with J.Seph turns toxic 

BM

SO GUESS WHAT : a

Matthew has been close with a girl he met over the internet for awhile. Upon meeting her in real life, he begins to act different.

Somin

...

Jiwoo

...

SHINee

Onew

...

Jonghyun

...

Key

...

Minho

...

Taemin

TELL ME WHAT TO DO : a

LITTLE PRINCESS SPIN OFF

Miwon’s close American friend, Lucy, comes to stay in Korea while working on her masters degree. Lee Taemin can’t shake his feelings for Miwon, despite her going strong with Daesung for over a year. And Lucy is determined to make him move on.

MONSTA X

Shownu

...

Wonho

THE DAUGHTER : a  🔮

Mafia Au

Wonho is sent undercover as a bodyguard to the Boss’ long lost daughter. Unaware of who he is, she falls for him. And he struggles with knowing he will never be good enough. 

Minhyuk

...

Kihyun

...

Hyungwon

...

Joohoney

ITS NOT WHAT YOU THINK : a, I guess?

Due to a misunderstanding Kihyun tries to keep Jooheon from succeeding in asking out the reader. 

MEANT TO BE : a

He didn’t realize how quickly she had faded from his side.

I.M.

...

DAY6

Sungjin

...

Jae

...

Young K

EVERYTHING

SERIES ONE

Brian finds himself falling for the grumpy girl at the ice cream shop he always goes to with Maisy. Despite her constantly pushing him away, he’s decided he’s sticking to her until she realizes he’s everything she wants. 

SERIES TWO

6 Months since Angel and Brian split, DAY6 is sent to Brazil for a long term publicity event. During this time Brian hopes to see Angel but doesn’t have much hope that the relationship will begin again. 

THE ANTITHESIS OF WHAT A LEAD SHOULD BE SPIN OFF

Wonpil

...

Dowoon

...

Jay Park

MOURNING DOVE : a

KEEP YOU SECRET SPIN OFF

Ella’s twin sister Emeline comes to Korea to stay with her sister while she works on her Masters in Vet Medicine. Due to feeling like a third wheel with Ella and Minseok, Emi chooses to stay at Jay’s. Despite not getting along with her as kids, he’s attracted to Emi now and hopes to pursue a friends with benefits relationship with her, which quickly leads to him unwillingly falling for her. 

ICE QUEEN : a

As a proclaimed “ice queen” you had made the executive decision to avoid relationships. Jay being a proclaimed “play boy” has set you in his sights. At first it seems that he genuinely seems to care. But you can’t quell the fact that everyone sees him out partying every night, or the fact that his “best friend” is a little too close to him for your own comfort. 

Simon D

Loco

Gray

Aaron Yan

DRUNKEN BREAK UPS : a,f

During a drunken night, Aaron, assumes that (Y/N)’s missing luggage means she has left him. In reality, she has merely gone on a trip. 

WITH : a

Due to a forgotten conversation, Aaron makes some wild accusations. 

Bii

Mike D’Angelo

Former Exo Members

Kris Wu

Luhan

Tao

[theliterateape]

Las Vegas Stinks... of Possibility

By Don Hall

I pull up the Zillow listing for the house on Alpine Road In West Las Vegas.

“This is where we will live in a few months. Mark my words. This is the one,” I declare with the certainty of someone who has never been disappointed by expectations thwarted.

“Do you really believe that or do you just believe if you will it to be so, it will be?”

“It has a pool in the back yard, fucker. We’re buying this one. Trust me.”

When we pulled up to the house on Alpine Road, I tried to maintain my unshakeable optimism about this specific property. But after about five minutes in the building it became abundantly clear how miserably wrong I had been. This place was a fucking dump in direct contrast to the deceptive photos on Zillow. Alpine was a 75-year old, 350-pound woman with facial scarring from botched Botox treatments who presented herself as 30 years and 250 pounds ago.

The place on the corner of Treasure Avenue was unassuming but had a huge yard, a giant African oil palm tree and a garage that had been turned into a one-bedroom apartment on top of the three bedrooms in the main house. It was far better than advertised and we loved it.

✶

One of the most asked questions I’ve been fielding lately in this new pursuit for a home in the Mojave is “Why Vegas?” Proffered in the same way one would ask why I was wearing that gold sequined tube top to church or why I got that Joey Laurence neck tattoo.

The simple answer is opportunity. Lately, I’ve found I have plenty of opportunities to create and make a living and to make art in Chicago, but they are the same opportunities I’ve been recycling for twenty-odd years. Time for something new, some fresh challenges, different problems to solve. Sure, I could accomplish all that by becoming a nursing student, a carnie or opening an adult bookstore in Pilsen, but moving to Vegas seems a lot more practical.

So two weeks prior to Christmas, Dana, our friend Matthew, Joe Janes and I found ourselves driving a rented KIA SUV along the Las Vegas Beltway with Bob, a 72-year old Harley-riding real estate badass from Henderson, chasing down leads for the perfect Vegas home.

To clarify, we are buying the place with Matthew who presented us with an idea that was just too good to pass up. He had just sold his home in Chicago and wanted out of town. Dana and I have been talking about a move for well over a year now. We sat down, crunched numbers and realized that buying a larger place together was more advantageous than going it alone, so we joined forces and finances to find the perfect nest in the heart of The Meadows. 

Leading up to the trip, we did a ton of research on homes we could afford and were big enough. By the time we hit the ground, Bob had our list and we rocked through all of Vegas. I did most of the driving mostly so that I could get used to the landscape and traffic patterns. We saw ten houses over three days — some were immediate Nos once we saw them but most had huge potential. We were so organized that at one point Bob commented that he loved showing us places because he didn’t have to do most of the work. This was key because we had four days and I had a few other things to accomplish while we there.

About six weeks before we went out, I got a phone call from the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Nevada. They had seen that I was looking for work in Vegas, checked my online resume, and wanted to know if I was interested in interviewing for an events position. I told them I’d be in town on the 18th, so we scheduled an appointment. Soon after, MGM Grand Hotel and Casino asked the same. I booked an interview with them shortly after. Then Caesar’s Palace called. So on Tuesday, I threw on my jacket and tie and spent the morning interviewing for jobs that pay more than I’ve ever made to-date in a fiscal year.

The first was pretty standard and it turns out I’m in the running. Lots of travel but I’m cool with that. The second was a walk-and-talk throughout the casino with eight people interviewing me. Apparently, with regard to the immensity of responsibility, the modern way is to actually have employees whose job it is to vet one’s social media presence. And they still called me in. The third was super laid back. The initial question was “Why do you want this job?” I replied “I don’t. You called me, remember? Tell me what the job is and I’ll tell you if I want it!” And we both laughed.

It was invigorating. It was exhausting. Given I hadn’t even applied to these places, it was a portent of good things to come. Honestly, I don’t anticipate getting any of these gigs. Some things really are too good to be true. I did, however, find value and a certain thrill at being invited.

If there is sort of a Big Takeaway from our trip (you know, beyond looking at houses and the anticipation of a brand new life) it was the number of people I met who made some sort of comment to the affect that I was exactly what Las Vegas needed. From the Big Events folks to the underground arts scene, I was pretty much bombarded with good will and affirmation. Vegas seems to be welcoming me and that feels damn good. It’s exactly what I’d hoped for without even knowing what to hope for.

On top of all that, I finally got to meet one of my writing heroes: Eric Wilson of Literate Ape’s American Shithole column. Eric is one of those fuckers who writes so well and with such laser wit that he makes me want to be a better writer. Monday night I sat in a pub with three of those types who force me to really try when putting my thoughts on a page: Dana, Joe and Eric Motherfucking Wilson. 

I also got to swing in to Gordon Ramsay Burger and eat at one of my man-crush’s restaurants. I’ve grown to love Ramsay, his television persona and his offline good works. It was the best hamburger and fries I’ve ever had. Hell, the woman next to me had a Gordon Ramsay veggie burger and practically moaned as she ate it. Even a vegetarian like the magnificent Joe Janes could enjoy Ramsay’s standards of cuisine.

Speaking of Joe, who could ask for a better friend than he? Dude cashed in his vacation trip to come to Vegas, hang out and go on house-seeking excursions. Sure, he saw some shows and ate at Guy Fieri’s (not as cool as Ramsay’s but whatever) but his reason for coming was to help me out. There’s something special about Joe coming out — he was my best man a little over four years ago right there on the strip. Before we left, he sent some links of attractions we could see but, man, I was all business on this trip.

Himmel and I figured out that there was no real Live Lit scene in Vegas and that it was my challenge to bring it. He hooked me up with Ryan Pardey at The Bunkhouse Saloon so we arranged a meeting there for Tuesday night. Right off the Old Vegas Strip on Fremont Street, The Bunkhouse resembles The Empty Bottle in Chicago and there’s a vinyl record shop, 11th Street Records, right around the corner. Within about five minutes of meeting, we got the first Vegas BUGHOUSE! booked for Tuesday, April 9, 2019 and our newest Ape, Erik Lewin, has agreed to be a part of it.

I did a tiny bit of gambling (I’m lousy at it and after declaring so earlier in the week, Wilson commented “That’s why you work so hard.” Which is probably true.) We ate at a buffet at Green Valley Ranch Resort Spa & Casino, and rounding out my Vegas experience, I was propositioned at 6 a.m. by a couple of prostitutes.

Standing outside the Cosmopolitan, a pipe and a Vente Dark Roast from Starbucks, two ladies dressed for maximum “Check Me Out” approached.

“Just say Yes!” she said. “…yes?” “Wanna hang out?” “Nah. I’m just waking up.” “I’ll take your clothes off… it won’t cost much…” “Hmmm…in another life, maybe. But…” and I pulled up the picture of Dana and I at the Chapel of the Bells on my phone. “I’m really married and not into anyone but her.”

And for five minutes, I shared the romantic story of Dana and I as these two ladies of the night — er… early morning — coo’d over the story.

We made an offer on the place on Treasure Avenue and the seller accepted. As in all things, it isn’t a done deal until the ink dries but things are looking right.

✶

That’s the thing about this move. It could be Alpine — deceptive promise with hopes dashed to the ground. It could be Treasure — all possibility and anticipation. We’ll certainly see in the new year which one it is but for right now, Las Vegas stinks… of opportunity, potential, possibilities undreamt of, and a genuine sense of something different for which to look forward.

I haven’t been this excited since I packed up my Blue Bronco II in 1989 and drove north, randomly seeking a home and ultimately landing in Chicago. That was easily one of the best cliff leaps I’ve made in my life, so this bodes well.