#Rebecca Seal

[luxe-pauvre]

Professor Oliver Hardt, who studies the neurobiology of memory and forgetting at McGill University in Montreal, is much more cautious. “Once you stop using your memory it will get worse, which makes you use your devices even more,” he says. “We use them for everything. If you go to a website for a recipe, you press a button and it sends the ingredient list to your smartphone. It’s very convenient, but convenience has a price. It’s good for you to do certain things in your head.” Hardt is not keen on our reliance on GPS. “We can predict that prolonged use of GPS likely will reduce grey matter density in the hippocampus. Reduced grey matter density in this brain area goes along with a variety of symptoms, such as increased risk for depression and other psychopathologies, but also certain forms of dementia. […] Map reading is hard and that’s why we give it away to devices so easily. But hard things are good for you, because they engage cognitive processes and brain structures that have other effects on your general cognitive functioning.” Hardt doesn’t have data yet, but believes, “the cost of this might be an enormous increase in dementia. The less you use that mind of yours, the less you use the systems that are responsible for complicated things like episodic memories, or cognitive flexibility, the more likely it is to develop dementia. There are studies showing that, for example, it is really hard to get dementia when you are a university professor, and the reason is not that these people are smarter – it’s that until old age, they are habitually engaged in tasks that are very mentally demanding.” (Other scientists disagree – Daniel Schacter, a Harvard psychologist who wrote the seminal Seven Sins Of Memory: How The Mind Forgets and Remembers, thinks effects from things like GPS are “task specific”, only.)

Rebecca Seal, Is your smartphone ruining your memory? A special report on the rise of ‘digital amnesia’

[dialogue-queered]

D-Q Comment:

Following the work of Michael Harris (Solitude), Rebecca Seal stresses that humans need layered, ongoing social interaction that deepens sociability. And that we crave real people not virtual interactions which are shallow and thin interactions. Virtual interactions can be addictive because they give us the dopamine hit of interaction but thin or shallow recognition, and not in a sustained deep way. It is rare for digital communities to really, deeply, support members.

Source Text: Seal, R (2020), Solo. How to Work Alone (and Not Lose Your Mind), Souvenir Press, London.

The Pleasure Principle (Portrait of Edward James), Rene Magritte, 1937

[dialogue-queered]

Seal, R (2020), Solo. How to Work Alone (and Not Lose Your Mind), Souvenir Press, London.

Comment: Copyright: Ian Bell While the common thread of this book relates to working solo, and the author’s self-reflections, research and thinking on the same, Seal canvasses many issues about contemporary work life in general that, for this reader, gave the book wider value and currency.

For instance, Solo addresses dilemmas associated with tempering the isolation that technologies can bring; the idea that you do not have to find meaningful work, and that meaningfulness – like its cousins – success and failure – are just constructs; the case for shorter work hours; self-talk and self-care at work; the practical meaning of resilience and its sources; the case for routine; sitting with mind-wandering and the ‘invisible worker’; and the value of visualisations, simulations and a bit of planning.

A valuable book – especially if you are rethinking your work life right now!

[curtvilescomic]

Scarlet Witch cosplay xmas edition by Rebecca Seals

[mcextra]

Rebecca Seals

[elliottjpg]

LUPIN III - THE FOURTH

Aka "Lupin's extended family bullies him live on TV"

Y'all remember Maki from Blood Seal - Eternal Mermaid?

☝️ This awesome kiddo who spent half of the movie harassing Lupin into taking her as an apprentice? And who was actually quite good at thieving, good enough that she managed to get to Lupin's target by her own means?

I think she should become Lupin IV.

...And I might have gotten a bit carried away.

Yes they all call themselves Lupin IV. Yes there is an explanation to that. The explanation is to bully Lupin.

Maki: master thief, and leader of the Gang. The actual official Lupin IV as far as the Lupin succession line is concerned. Outgoing and bubbly, a determination that can break though walls. (Blood Seal - Eternal Mermaid)

Ami: tech expert and hacker. Likes to pretend she has no feelings. (Part 5)

Julia: social engineer/people person. Very strong personality and very confident. (Farewell to Nostradamus)

Kenny: gunman. Very loyal, inherited Jigen's "knight in shining armour" complex. (Part 6)

Murasaki: medic. Too tired for this bullshit but is actually having fun. A ray of sunshine. (The Fuma Conspiracy)

Long story short:

Growing up Maki never stops wanting to become a thief. By the time she's an adult, she's actually gotten quite good at it.

One day she runs by chance into Ami, and learns about how much Lupin changed her life. And how many other children - now adults their age - he impacted as well.

Maki sets out to find as many of them as she can, and founds her own thieving gang.

But Maki doesn't only have skills like Lupin's, she also has his knack for causing problems. So once she's assembled her team of "Kids Lupin Left Behind And Who Also Like Causing Problems", she goes out to find Rebecca Rosselini, aka Lupin's almost-but-not-exactly-divorced-wife (Part 4).

"Rebecca," she says, "do you mayhaps want to annoy the heck out of Lupin for funsies?"

"Boy do I!" replies Rebecca. "What do you need from me?"

"Oh nothing much," says Maki. "Just a little signature on these four adoption forms."

And thus Maki, Ami, Julia and Kenny legally acquire the last name Lupin. And all officially declare themselves Lupin the Fourth.

Lupin is fuming, Zenigata is having a stroke, the rest of the LupGang are laughing their asses off.

Murasaki is there too because these kids need a responsible adult.

EDIT: You can discover the supporting cast and more succession shenanigans here!

[capncarrot]

Elastigirl cosplay by Rebecca Seals

[babacontainsmultitudes]

hey babs!! mwah mwah. i hope ur night is going good. i love you! Sleep well!!

I MIGHT have used this gif before lol I forget. But its a good one !!

CAL

Hehehehe ily too <333 thanks for droppin' in- my night is going pretty alrighty! Productive, even! :3 I hope yours is going well too, making a magical wish granting you restful sleep! ✨️🦭

[just-sg]

HI, I know it's been like, a little over a year but I found your arts and then this post, and I have not been normal about these two for a very long time so. ;w; Gotta respond.

FIRST, let me say, since you mentioned the voice change: If you only wound up watched this season dubbed, please please please PLEASE revisit it and compare the sub. (If you already did, good, and feel free to ignore the next paragraph lol.)

Like, yeah, 4Kids was notorious in general, a lot was censored and watered down all over, etc, but VALON and his entire dynamic with Mai are a lot more deeply changed than most of YGO. Like, a very significant part of Valon's backstory is completely omitted, in addition to major personality changes. His energy is similar in both versions, in ways, but a lot is very different and his dynamic with Mai is much softer in the sub.

As for the name Conquest! Potential "spoilers" for sub differences under the cut, if you hadn't already watched it and want to compare without knowing what to expect. But-

It's not at all antithetical. Conquest is fighting and winning. They both have an insatiable hunger for victory; they can win over and over but it's never enough.

Mai developed an intense fear of losing for a while after Battle City, and it didn't help anything to feel like she could never catch up to Yugi/Joey/etc's level-- like she could never get strong enough to protect herself from something like that happening again-- because she was so far behind them yet so far ahead of everyone else she faced. But it was never just that!

Way back in Duelist Kingdom, Mai had gotten into a habit of conning dumb kids for prizes. That itself was the game to her, seeing how well she could fool them and what rewards she could gain in the process. But after facing Joey and being reminded how it felt to be actually challenged, to face opponents with both skill and passion, we saw her incredibly bored breezing through other duels. I can't actually remember if it was similar in the dub, but while watching the end of Joey and Valon's duel in late s4, she gets very energized and even kind of jealous of them, craving that level of being pushed to her limits and putting everything on the line.

And VALON... I won't spoil everything, but he's even more a fighty bastard and is kind of an empty husk. (/affectionate /would die for this man) He sees right through all Mai's pretenses because he does exactly the same shit; it's like looking in a mirror.

Several times through the arc he keeps telling her they're The Same, and their shared need for victory for its own sake-- for conquest-- is a big part of that, as is their shared need to find something beyond just that to fight for.

That's why Conquestshipping is a good name. (Not that Valontines isn't also delightful, mind you, and I'm kind of mad that I've thought of the pun numerous times but never considered it as an alt ship name lmao. But yeah!)

I've finally reached the level of Internet Artist Enlightenment where I have found a small, niche ship that I am absolutely obsessed with - SO OBSESSED WITH - that I have spent the last 4 days feverishly making a drawn over animatic of a scene from 10 Things I Hate About You (one of my favorite movies that I also think about a lot) and setting it to the audio (and it fits them AMAZINGLY GREAT, I'm very obsessed with it) and I've realized that I think this might be the first time I've ever been this hyped over something that I don't care if I share it with the internet at large or not??? I really just did it for me (and my friend, who is the only other person who likes this ship and who puts up with me yelling about it) and it feels awesome 😳

Anyways, this is about Mai Valentine and Valon from Yugioh season 4 - a season where few probably made it to or even cared (or couldn't get past Mai's voice replacement which is valid). But BOY HOWDY do I have so many headcanons over these two and how they would reconcile/meetup again after the events of Yugioh and the POSITIVELY slowburn they would have together > w >

To all of maybe 3 people in the tags of the Mai and Valon pieces I've made who also love them/know them, I see you and I'm sending you sweet kisses on your foreheads 💖💖💖

Also my friend made the great call of saying Happy Valontines Day when I made the Valentines day piece and that is absolutely their ship name to me now. Valontines!! It's SO PERFECT! Evidently they are called Conquestshipping in the ship names?? Which feels so weird??? Very antithetical to BOTH of their characters but maybe that’s me?? Maybe it has to do with the arc??? Hmmm 🤔

*edit - I've looked up potentially why they are called conquestshipping and my first thought was in the vein of "Woman is prize to be won" kind of thing, since it's a very one-sided crush from Valon - but also it is explained how it is about the Orichalcos arc itself and taking over (conquesting) the world, and/or also how they have to conquest themselves/their own pasts and fears (since that's also a thematic element of that arc). This is a nerd-note to myself, don't mind me :3c

Anyways, thanks for being here for my rant! I'm very excited > w > the only other characters I've been this hyped about are Byleth ships in Fire Emblem but that's it. But MAN I love these two!!! ; w ;

[luxe-pauvre]

It’s impossible to know for sure, because no one measured our level of intellectual creativity before smartphones took off, but Price thinks smartphone over-use could be harming our ability to be insightful. “An insight is being able to connect two disparate things in your mind. But in order to have an insight and be creative, you have to have a lot of raw material in your brain, like you couldn’t cook a recipe if you didn’t have any ingredients: you can’t have an insight if you don’t have the material in your brain, which really is long term memories.” (Her theory was backed by the 92-year-old Nobel prize-winning neuroscientist and biochemist Eric Kandel, who has studied how distraction affects memory – Price bumped into him on a train and grilled him about her idea. “I’ve got a selfie of me with a giant grin and Eric looking a bit confused.”) Psychologist professor Larry Rosen, co-author (with neuroscientist Adam Gazzaley) of The Distracted Mind: Ancient Brains in a High-Tech World, also agrees: “Constant distractions make it difficult to encode information in memory.”

Rebecca Seal, Is your smartphone ruining your memory? A special report on the rise of ‘digital amnesia’

[regressionschool]

Maturity Test Part 1

The waiting room buzzed with a nervous energy, a mix of anticipation and dread that hung thick in the air. Rebecca fidgeted with the hem of her dress, her fingers tracing the lace pattern absentmindedly. Beside her, Olaf was tapping his foot, his face a careful mask of indifference, though the slight tremor in his leg betrayed his unease. Anna, the calmest of the trio, sat with her hands folded neatly in her lap, her posture straight, and her expression serene.

At twenty years old, they had all reached the first critical milestone in their lives—the Maturity Test. Every person was required to take it at twenty, and then every five years after that. The test was designed to determine their place in society, not just in terms of their roles and responsibilities, but their very lifestyle. No one knew exactly how the test worked; it was a closely guarded secret, passed down through generations, the results shaping the course of every citizen’s life.

A door at the far end of the room opened with a quiet hiss, and a woman in a crisp white lab coat stepped out. “Rebecca Green,” she called, her voice soft but commanding.

Rebecca stood up, smoothing her dress one last time before following the woman through the door. Olaf and Anna exchanged a glance, but neither said anything. What was there to say? They had all grown up together, gone through school together, and now this test would decide their futures.

The door closed behind Rebecca, sealing her into a small, sterile room. A single chair sat in the center, facing a large screen. The woman gestured for her to sit.

“Relax, Rebecca,” the woman said, her tone soothing. “This will only take a few minutes.”

Rebecca nodded, though her heart was pounding in her chest. She sat down, the chair surprisingly comfortable. The screen in front of her flickered to life, displaying a series of images, words, and scenarios. Rebecca tried to focus, answering the questions as they appeared, making decisions, reacting to scenarios, all while trying to keep calm.

After what felt like both an eternity and only a few seconds, the screen went black. The room was silent, save for the soft hum of machinery. Rebecca’s hands gripped the armrests of the chair, her knuckles white.

Finally, the screen lit up again, displaying a single word in bold letters.

TODDLER

Rebecca stared at the word, her mind reeling. Toddler? What did that mean? But before she could process it, the door behind her opened again, and the woman in the lab coat re-entered, this time accompanied by a man in a similar uniform. He held a small bundle in his hands.

“Rebecca, your classification is toddler,” the woman said, her voice still calm. “This means that, from now on, your lifestyle will be adjusted to fit your new status. This includes, but is not limited to, the wearing of diapers, a supervised environment, and the cessation of adult responsibilities.”

The man stepped forward, handing her the bundle. It was soft, wrapped in pastel-colored fabric. Rebecca’s hands trembled as she took it, unfolding it to reveal a thick, padded diaper. Her breath caught in her throat.

“Your new caretaker will meet you shortly to explain everything,” the woman continued. “Please follow the attendant, and they will guide you to your new quarters.”

Rebecca could barely move, her mind swirling with confusion, embarrassment, and a strange sense of resignation. She was led out of the room, clutching the diaper to her chest like a lifeline.

As she passed by the waiting room, she caught Olaf’s eye. He gave her a tight, sympathetic smile, but there was nothing he could say. Anna, still composed, offered a small nod, acknowledging Rebecca’s fate.

The door closed behind her, leaving Olaf and Anna in silence once more.

“Olaf Lindstrom,” the same woman called, and Olaf rose to his feet. He walked through the door, his heart pounding in his ears.

The process was much the same. The questions, the scenarios, the flashing images on the screen. But Olaf’s mind kept wandering back to Rebecca, to the diaper in her hands, to the word TODDLER that had flashed on the screen. Was that really her future now? What would his be?

When the screen finally settled on his classification, Olaf felt his heart skip a beat.

PRESCHOOLER

The woman re-entered the room, but this time she held something different—a package of pull-ups, adorned with cartoon characters and bright colors.

“Olaf, your classification is preschooler,” she said. “This means that while you have some independence, you will still require supervision and assistance with certain tasks. You will wear these pull-ups, and your activities will be limited to those appropriate for your status.”

Olaf stared at the pull-ups, a strange mix of relief and disappointment washing over him. He wasn’t a toddler like Rebecca, but he wasn’t classified as an adult either. He was stuck in some in-between stage, not quite a baby, but not fully independent.

He was led out of the room, clutching the pull-ups. When he passed the waiting area, Anna’s eyes met his, her expression unreadable. She offered him a small, reassuring smile, but Olaf could see the concern behind it. They had all known that their futures would be decided today, but none of them had expected it to be so drastic.

Finally, it was Anna’s turn. She walked into the room with her head held high, her steps confident. The test followed the same pattern—questions, images, scenarios—but Anna’s mind was calm, focused. She had always been the responsible one, the one who took care of her friends, who excelled in school, who made the right decisions.

When the screen displayed her classification, Anna felt a sense of vindication.

ADULT

The woman in the lab coat entered, holding nothing this time. She simply smiled at Anna, a warm, approving smile.

“Anna, your classification is adult,” she said. “You will continue to live as you have, with full responsibilities and privileges. You have passed your Maturity Test.”

Anna nodded, feeling a weight lift from her shoulders. But as she left the room, her thoughts drifted back to Rebecca and Olaf, to the diaper and the pull-ups, to the new lives they were about to lead.

As Anna walked out of the room, she glanced back at the door where Rebecca and Olaf had exited. Her heart ached for her friends, especially for Rebecca, who had been reduced to a toddler by the system. But she knew there was nothing she could do. The classifications were final, and everyone had to live by them.

As she continued down the street, Anna silently vowed to check in on Rebecca and Olaf, to be there for them despite the gulf that had just opened between their lives. Because while the system had classified them differently, they were still her friends, and she wouldn’t let that change.

Anna walked up to the familiar house, the one she had visited so many times before, yet it felt different now. It had been two years since the Maturity Test, and so much had changed. She had just finished her BSc, an accomplishment she was proud of, but now that she was back home, she felt a mixture of excitement and trepidation about reconnecting with her old friends, especially Olaf.

As she approached the front door, Anna could hear muffled laughter from inside. She knocked gently, and within moments, the door swung open to reveal a beaming Olaf. He looked almost the same as she remembered, but there was something different about his demeanor—something softer, less assured.

"Anna!" Olaf exclaimed, his eyes lighting up as he pulled her into a warm hug. "It’s so good to see you!"

"You too, Olaf!" Anna replied, hugging him back tightly. "It’s been way too long."

Olaf stepped aside to let her in, and as Anna entered the house, she noticed the subtle changes. The living room had a more childlike vibe now, with toys neatly arranged in one corner and colorful educational posters on the walls. A large stuffed animal sat on the couch, and there was a faint scent of baby powder in the air.

Olaf looked a little different too. His clothes were casual, a bit more childlike than she remembered—loose overalls and a bright, playful t-shirt. And there was a visible outline beneath his overalls that hinted at something... padded.

Lilly appeared from the kitchen, wearing a soft smile and holding a tray of snacks. She looked every bit the doting caregiver, dressed in comfortable clothes that belied her new role in Olaf’s life.

"Anna, it’s so great to see you again," Lilly said warmly, setting the tray down on the coffee table. "I’ve heard so much about how well you’ve been doing."

"Thanks, Lilly," Anna replied, returning the smile. "It’s good to be back home, even if just for a bit."

Olaf began chatting animatedly about his life, clearly eager to share.

“So, I’m in preschool now,” Olaf said, his voice carrying a mix of pride and something else—a hint of embarrassment, maybe? “It’s... well, it’s different from what I thought I’d be doing, but I’ve made some really good friends there.”

Anna nodded, listening intently. “That’s great, Olaf. What kind of stuff do you do in preschool?”

“Oh, you know, we have story time, arts and crafts, and lots of outdoor play,” Olaf said, his eyes lighting up as he talked about the games they played. “It’s really fun, actually. And we have nap time after lunch, which is... kind of nice.”

Lilly chuckled softly, ruffling Olaf’s hair. “He’s the star of the class, aren’t you, sweetie?”

Olaf blushed deeper, looking down at his juice box. “I guess...”

Anna smiled, sensing the comfort yet slight awkwardness Olaf felt in this dynamic. “Sounds like you’re doing great, Olaf. It’s good to see you so happy.”

But then Lilly’s expression turned slightly mischievous. “Olaf, why don’t you tell Anna about that big milestone you hit last year?”

"And, uh," Olaf continued, his tone shifting slightly as he glanced at Lilly, "I also... well, I passed 'Unpotty Training I' last year."

Anna blinked, taking in the information. She had heard of Unpotty Training classes but hadn’t really considered what that meant for someone like Olaf. The idea of Olaf, her old friend who used to be so independent, having accidents like a toddler was hard to wrap her mind around.

Lilly, however, looked absolutely delighted. "He did so well in that class," she said proudly, as if discussing an academic achievement. "He’s such a good boy. He was one of the first in his class to have real accidents."

Olaf squirmed in his seat, clearly uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation. "I-I guess..."

Anna glanced at Lilly, noticing the way she gently but firmly guided Olaf’s behavior. There was a subtle push and pull in their dynamic—Olaf trying to hold on to his independence and maturity, while Lilly seemed eager to encourage his regression. It was an intriguing contrast.

“That’s... really interesting,” Anna said, trying to be supportive while still processing the situation.

Lilly smiled, sensing Anna’s curiosity. “Olaf’s doing great in his preschool class, and he’s learning to embrace this new phase of his life. But, of course, I’m here to help him with whatever he needs.”

Olaf looked at Anna, his expression somewhere between pride and a plea for understanding. “It’s been... different, but Lilly’s been really supportive. She... she helps me a lot.”

Anna watched the interaction, noting how Lilly’s influence seemed to be gently guiding Olaf further away from the maturity he was trying to cling to. It was clear that Lilly enjoyed her role as a caregiver—no, as Mommy.

"So, what happens after these five years?" Anna asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

Lilly’s eyes gleamed slightly as she looked at Olaf. "Well, after five years, we all take the Maturity Test again. Depending on how things go, Olaf might stay a preschooler, or... maybe he’ll move on to the next smaller stage."

Olaf’s blush deepened as he looked down at his hands. "I don’t want to move backward, Anna. I want to stay a preschooler... or maybe even move up, if I can."

Lilly chuckled softly, clearly amused by his determination. "We’ll see, sweetie. There’s no rush. For now, let’s just focus on enjoying where you are."

Olaf looked up at her, his expression a mix of resignation and affection. "Yeah... I guess you’re right."

Anna walked through the bright, cheerfully decorated halls of the regression school nursery, a place she never imagined visiting until now. She hadn’t seen Rebecca since before her classification, and she wasn't sure what to expect. The walls were lined with colorful murals, depicting scenes of playful animals and idyllic nature, clearly designed to be soothing and engaging for the residents. The soft hum of lullabies played in the background, adding to the nursery’s serene atmosphere.

Finally, she reached the room number she had been given and knocked gently on the door. A moment later, it swung open, and Anna was greeted by a young woman with a warm smile, dressed in a uniform that marked her as one of the caregivers.

“Hello, you must be Anna,” the caregiver said kindly. “Rebecca’s been talking about your visit all week. She’s just inside, playing with her toys.”

Anna smiled back, feeling a mix of emotions—anticipation, curiosity, and a twinge of sadness as she stepped into the room. It was spacious, filled with soft, pastel-colored furniture, and various toys scattered across the floor. In the middle of it all sat Rebecca, her back to the door, completely absorbed in stacking brightly colored blocks into a wobbly tower.

Rebecca was dressed in a simple shirt with a cartoon character printed on the front, and Anna’s eyes were immediately drawn to the diaper peeking out from beneath it. The thick padding crinkled softly as Rebecca shifted.

“Becky,” Anna called softly, using the childhood nickname that felt oddly appropriate now.

Rebecca turned around, her face lighting up with a broad, innocent smile that made her look younger than her twenty-two years. “Anna!” she squealed, dropping the blocks and crawling over to her friend. When she reached Anna, she wrapped her arms around her legs in an enthusiastic hug, her diaper crinkling loudly with the movement.

“Hi, Becky,” Anna said, crouching down to return the hug. She was struck by how different Rebecca seemed. The way she moved, the way she looked up at Anna with wide, expectant eyes—it was as if Rebecca had truly turned into the toddler she had been classified as.

“Wanna play blocks with me?” Rebecca asked, her voice slightly lisped, whether naturally or from the regression, Anna wasn’t sure. “I’m makin’ a big tower!”

Anna smiled gently. “Sure, I’d love to.” She sat down on the plush rug next to Rebecca, who immediately returned to her task of stacking blocks, her small tongue poking out in concentration.

As they played, Anna observed her friend closely. Rebecca’s mannerisms were so childlike—the way she clapped her hands in delight when the tower didn’t fall over, the way she babbled excitedly about the different colors and shapes of the blocks. It was clear that Rebecca had regressed quite a bit since her classification.

“So, Becky,” Anna started, picking up a block and turning it over in her hands, “how have you been? Do you like it here?”

Rebecca nodded enthusiastically, her pigtails bouncing with the movement. “Yeah! It’s so fun! I get to play all day, an’ the caregivers are really nice. They give me cookies when I’m good!”

Anna smiled, though there was a hint of sadness behind it. “That sounds nice. And you’re happy?”

“Uh-huh!” Rebecca chirped, not a care in the world as she continued stacking her blocks. “I don’t hafta worry ‘bout big girl stuff anymore.”

Anna nodded, watching Rebecca with a mix of concern and curiosity. The girl in front of her was so different from the Rebecca she once knew—carefree, unburdened, but also entirely dependent on the nursery and its routines. It was a stark contrast to Anna’s own life, where responsibility weighed heavily on her shoulders every day.

As they continued to play, Anna couldn’t help but notice something strange—Rebecca’s diaper, which had been dry when she arrived, was still dry. She had been there for nearly three hours, and Rebecca hadn’t shown any signs of needing a change. It struck Anna as odd, considering everything she’d heard about regression schools and their “residents.”

But as the hours passed, Anna started to see small signs. Rebecca would squirm a little more, shift her weight from side to side, and occasionally pause in the middle of talking or playing, as if she was distracted by something. Anna noticed but didn’t say anything, not wanting to embarrass her friend.

Finally, after about three hours, Rebecca paused mid-sentence, her eyes going wide for a moment. She looked down at her diaper, then back up at Anna, a slight blush creeping into her cheeks. “Uh-oh...” she mumbled softly, her voice tinged with both embarrassment and a hint of relief.

Anna watched as the colorful designs on Rebecca’s diaper began to fade, the telltale sign of it absorbing wetness. There was a faint, almost imperceptible hiss, and then Rebecca sighed softly, a look of contentment spreading across her face.

“I did a pee-pee,” Rebecca said quietly, almost to herself, as she absentmindedly patted the front of her now-soggy diaper. There was no shame in her voice, just a simple acknowledgment of what had happened.

Anna reached out, gently rubbing Rebecca’s back. “It’s okay, Becky. Do you want me to get someone to change you?”

Rebecca shook her head, leaning into Anna’s touch. “No, it’s okay. I’m comfy.”

Anna continued to rub her back, noticing how Rebecca seemed completely at ease with her situation. "You really seem to enjoy it here," Anna said softly.

Rebecca’s smile faltered for a moment as she looked down at her soggy diaper, then back up at Anna. "Well... I heard that if I'm a good little girl and don't put up a fuss, they might let me grow back up before the next... matur... matuwity... test," she said, struggling with the word.

Anna’s eyes widened slightly. “Maturity test?”

Rebecca nodded, a proud smile spreading across her face. “Uh-huh! If I’m a good girl and don’t make a fuss, maybe when it’s time for the test again, I can grow back up!”

Anna’s heart ached a little as she listened. It was clear that Rebecca had latched onto the idea, hoping that by being the perfect little toddler, she might get a chance to return to her previous life. Anna wasn’t sure if that was really how it worked, but she didn’t want to burst Rebecca’s bubble.

“That’s a good plan, Becky,” Anna said softly, pulling her friend into a gentle hug. “You’re doing great.”

Rebecca beamed up at her, the simple praise enough to make her day.

[curtvilescomic]

X-Men ladies

Spiral cosplay by only alicat/Ali Williams, Jubilee cosplay by rentru/ Renee Truden, Jean Grey cosplay by Rebecca Seals, Mystique cosplay by Gracie Cosplaylass, Psylocke cosplay by Kyso_Io , Storm cosplay by Alicia Marie, Goblin Queen cosplay by Ashlynne Dae, Emma Frost White Queen cosplay by Maid of Might, Dazzler cosplay by Michelle Waffle and Rogue cosplay by Caitlin Christine

[mcextra]

Rebecca Seals

[world-of-aus]

The Arrangement - Chapter 2

Pairing: Mobboss!Bucky x Reader

Chapter Warnings: Feels, Angsty Dialogue.

Author's Note: Any and all writing errors are my own. Chapter 2 is here and I hope it is portraying enough story for you all! I haven't done a series in a hot minute so I am trying to get my bearings and make this content enjoyable for all you that are excited for this. I hope this chapter is good for you all. As always Happy Readings.

“Sign here.” 

You look at the open spot next to Bucky’s name, his signature already signed and sealed. Flashes of your sister appear in your mind as you reach a shaky hand towards the awaiting pen. 

Were you really going to do this, could you stoop to your sisters level and just take what was right in front of you? 

Your signature glides across the paper signed and sealed, you’d blame it on the stars. 

There’s sincerity in Winnies eyes as she looks at the two of you, “it’s done, welcome to the family sweetheart, we’ll celebrate the two of you properly at the reception in a week’s time.” 

You manage to pull a smile on, albeit shaky as the room congratulates the two of you, his hand still resting on your lower back. Your dad must notice the uneasiness in your eyes, “it really was a pleasure to do business with you as always and we look forward to bringing two families together the day of the wedding,” he directs to the Barnes family, “y/n sweetheart are you ready to go,” he questions his eyes on you now “surely your mom is going stir crazy waiting for us to get back.” 

You snap out of your revere eyes zoning in on your father, your lips part to speak but Bucky beats you to it, “actually Mr. Y/l/n if it’s alright with you I’d like to take y/n out to lunch,” he pulls you closer into his side, “she and I have some catching up to do.” 

You did? 

You did. 

You can feel his eyes on you as you scan the menu, a menu you don’t even need to look over – you always managed to get the same thing every time you came here though it had been some time since the two of you had been here together. You can vividly remember when this was your place, it was quickly replaced by a newer, not so hole in the wall Diner that had become their place. 

It had been replaced just as quickly as you had. 

“Is this what’s become of us?” You bring the menu down slightly to meet his stormy cerulean eyes, brow raised in question he continues, “we’ve become strangers to one another.”  

You bring the menu down placing it upon the table, hands crossing above it, “Strangers,” you question “is that what you think we are? I was certain we were more.” 

“It’s what we’ve become. I don’t see you anymore, we don’t hang out, you’re not around, I feel like I barely know who you are, you’ve become a shell of my best friend.”  

And whose fault is that? 

Anger simmers in your chest as you look at the man before you, “you must forgive me,” you grit, “but like you, I have a job to do, I promised my father I’d live up to the family name just as you promised your father, and up until yesterday I’ve been helping my sister plan your wedding, every last detail, I’ve barely had time for myself so please give me some grace, there’s only so much of myself I can give.” 

Only so much hurt I can take. 

You catch the subtle shake of his head, “what happened to us?” 

My sister. 

“We grew up James.”  

You catch the tick in his jaw, “oh so it’s James now? I’m no longer Bucky, Buck, Bee.” 

You sigh shaking your head, “Bucky please.” 

“No y/n,  what happened to us, you can’t tell me nothing has changed its -” 

“You chose her,” you almost yell, “you chose my sister, I was all but discarded by you and your family without another thought the night you decided to end our contract because and I quote ‘I can’t do that to your sister’. You scoff, but he could do it to you, “Rebecca was the only one who cared what happened to me after you made it abundantly clear that it was my sister you loved. I was embarrassed,” you continue, “I was hurt, I thought I had everything I could ever want only to have it all torn away.” You tilt your head to the sky willing away the tears, you would shed no more for the man before you. “I needed time, and even that I couldn’t get because I was planning YOUR wedding to MY sister, a wedding that should have been mine. So forgive me for skipping out on our visits, family dinners, Diner hangouts, I just couldn’t Bucky, I couldn’t because every time I was reminded of what no longer was mine.” 

You didn’t think it possible to ever get the man before you speechless but you had managed. Your waitress pops in then a cheery smile on her lips as she asks the two of you if you’re ready to order. You meet her eyes rattling off your usual, you look back at Bucky who still seems frozen, “I’ll have the same thing.” he manages. Before she can skip away you say, “can we get this to go please.” 

“Of course doll, I’ll get it out in a jiffy, have your ticket out front!” 

You move to exit the side of the booth you took, the weight of what you got off your chest crushing you once more. Bucky’s reaching for you, there’s a pleading look in his eyes, “please don’t go, sit down, talk to me.” 

You shake your head, softly removing the hold he has on you, “I’ve said enough for one evening Bucky, I need time, please.” 

And he lets you go, just like he let you go that night, you don’t know what hurts more. 

He’s sat at his father’s old desk, the one that has become his since his old man passed. His eyes are trained on a single contract the one you thought had been discarded, his name and your name signed and sealed at the bottom, this one was much older though years in the making like the two of you. He remembers the night your parents took the two of you aside, sat you down and had the conversation with you.  

He thinks how the two of you then hadn’t hesitated to sign your names. He thought it was just two best friends doing a job, stepping up to the plate for their family.  

Had you really loved him that long? 

How could he have not seen it. 

There’s a soft knock on the office door, his mother enters slowly a tired smile on her lips. “My boy, what are you still doing up, it’s late.” 

“How long?” 

Winnifred looks at her son in question, “how long what James?” 

“How long did she love me for?” 

His mother lets out a quiet noise as she moves over to her son, her arm landing on his shoulder rubbing his clothed skin. “I think she’s loved you for longer than she even knows, there’s always been an adoration in her eyes for you, she’d have done just about anything for you.” 

Bucky shakes his head, “Why didn’t I see it, why couldn’t I tell?” 

Winnie laughs now, hand squeezing “oh my boy, you Barnes men are always a little slow.” He laughs but there’s no actual amusement behind it, “you let me discard this contract like nothing that night, why? Why didn’t you stop me?” 

His mother sighs, “we all saw how encompassed you had become with her sister, and while it gradually occurred, we all saw it, the one who saw it most was y/n. Before you came to us yourself, she had come to me first, she held me to a promise that should you ask for the contract to be reconsidered to please do so.” She smiles sadly, “she just wanted you to be happy, even if it wasn’t with her, but I know that night, she was hoping it would be.” 

“Why,” he breathes, “why didn’t you stop me?” 

“We believed this is what you wanted son.” 

He’s shaking his head more vigorously now, “I thought all this time she didn’t feel the same, I never saw the signs, I never -” he's like a lost boy meeting his mother's eyes for the first time, “what do I do ma?” 

“You do what you should have done then, choose her.” 

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[madamevirgo]

Could i dare request rebecca Ferguson X her younger actress girlfriend? Like she is the new Hollywood face and its always in something doing awesome roles?

And becca goes with her to the oscars to see her winning for the first time and they are so lovey dovey for each other

Promises

Pairing: Rebecca Ferguson x (f!)reader

Words: 3k

Warnings: angst, softness, cheesiness, my writing

A/N: I want you all to know that I immediately started writing this after I finished writing & posting the Lady Jessica one. At around 5am, at its 6pm now. Also, I was going to pair this one with a similar request, but then I got sooo many ideas for this. I loved loved writing this! Thank you for the request :)

I put on my best smile as I stepped in front of the live audience where Jimmy Fallon was waiting for me. I was here to promote my new film, a romcom. 

“Ladies and Gentlemen, our first guest tonight Y/n L/n!” I danced my way to the small podium and kissed both of Jimmy’s cheeks, taking the time to blow some kisses to the crowd before settling down on the chair.

“Wow, what an energetic audience,” I said with a laugh as the crowd cheered. 

“That’s right! The last time I interviewed you was during COVID.” He realized 

“Right, I did it with sweatpants on and from the comfort of my place.” He laughed at that. 

“I mean I’ll wear sweatpants next time if you do.” He said, and I extended a hand for a handshake to seal the deal. “Another thing that’s changed is you weren’t an Academy Award Nominee the last time we talked.” And I laughed as the crowd cheered. 

“It’s been quite a journey, Jimmy.” I giggled, feeling heat rush to my face.

“I’ll say! Let’s take a look here.” He reached down to grab a file and I leaned over to see what else he was hiding. He swatted me away playfully and I pouted. “Right, so since the last time we met, you appeared in a Marvel production, a role you’re set to reprise. You became a series regular for a book adaptation, appeared in three music videos, starred in a RomCom, attended the Met Gala, and got nominated for 5 awards, including the best leading actress. And still found the time to see me today.” He pretended to be out of breath, making me and the crowd laugh. 

“I’ll always have time for you, Jimmy,” I said with a sweet smile. 

“See! That’s what I’m talking about. This sweetness that you’re known for, I can’t wait to see it in the RomCom.” the crowd applauded. 

“I wouldn’t count on it. My character is quite different from me.” I said secretively. “And that’s all I’ll say about that. Go watch the movie if you want to know more.” I added as he opened his mouth to no doubt get more information.

“Okay, that's fair. But since we’re on the subject of love,” I rolled my eyes at that, knowing where he was going. “Is there a special someone in your life right now? One you’ll be seeing the movie with?” He added devilishly. 

“Well, there are multiple loved ones I’ll be seeing the movie with.” This caused the crowd to boo at me and I laughed. “Look, all I know is that I’m very happy right now and not lacking love in my life,” I said with a smile. 

“I guess your happiness is what matters ultimately.” He said with a sigh, making me laugh. 

“Thanks, Jimmy,” I said as I squeezed his hand softly. The crowd awed

“Alright, enough cheesiness. We’re taking a quick break, and when we come back - Y/n and I will be playing a game.” He said before turning to me to continue the conversation we were having before going on air, as the crew rushed in. 

———————

I let out a sigh as I was finally able to take off my heels after a long day, before dropping on the couch in my hotel room. Today was the last day of our press tour. We had just flown in from Paris last night and after an early morning, we spent the day running around New York for interviews. Some of them, I did alone - others with my costar who thankfully was a gem. 

Still, it had been an exhausting few weeks, and day - and there was only one thing that I wanted right now. I reached the coffee table where I had dropped my handbag and searched for my phone. I composed a number I knew by heart and waited. 

“Hello?” Instantly, my eyes lit up and a smile appeared on my face. 

“Hi, honey.” I started as I got comfortable on the couch. “Can I FaceTime you?” As soon as I’d uttered the words, I received a request to switch to video. One I was more than happy to accept. 

My smile immediately widened as the face of my girlfriend appeared on the screen. It wasn’t the same as having her with me, but it would have to do for now. 

“There you are,” I whispered

“There you are.” She echoed back and we shared a soft smile. From the looks of it, she had just woken up from a nap on set. I recognized her trailer, and I was suddenly aware of the fact that she was in the UK, in a different timezone. 

“I’m sorry we didn’t get the chance to speak these past few days,” I said softly 

“This is the life we signed up for, Y/n/n.” She said with a soft smile, although her eyes lacked the glint that they usually had. Something was wrong. “I wish we could always be together, but that’s not possible.” She whispered.

This caused me to frown. “Rex? What’s this about? This is only a busy time in our lives, and frankly, we’ve overcome bigger issues.” I said. “You’re done promoting Dune: Part 2, and you’ll finish filming Silo soon. After that, we’ll have some time to ourselves before the crazy starts back again. We just have to get through award season and then things will settle.” I said convincingly. 

“You’re right. It’s just - I was watching your interviews and it sucked to see you avoiding all questions regarding your love life. With the distance, it kinda feels like we’re not together anymore.” She sighs and suddenly lets out a humourless laugh. “This is so stupid, we’ve been dating for two, almost three years! I shouldn’t be so bothered by the distance. I must be getting my fucking period or something.” 

“Rebecca,” I say as my voice breaks. I had no idea she felt like that and seeing her so distraught, broke my heart. 

“I’m sorry, honey.” She says with that same humourless laugh that I despise. It doesn’t hold a candle to her real one. “I guess the long filming hours and going back and forth between Silo and promoting Dune has gotten to me more than I thought.” She sighs and rubs her eyes. 

“Maybe I could-” I’m interrupted by a knock on her trailer door. As she goes to open it, I hear voices, before she reappears on the screen, to end the call no doubt. 

“I’m sorry baby, they’re waiting for me in the writers’ room. I’ll talk to you later, ya?” I nod softly, the lump in my throat preventing me from speaking. She smiles at me before ending the call. 

As I stare at the hotel’s ceiling, I make a decision. 

———-

The second I step outside the airport, I’m greeted by the seemingly permanent English rain. It didn’t take me long, after my call with Rebecca had ended to get my things in order and get on a flight to the UK, where she was filming. 

Thankfully, the press tour for my movie had ended, because that would have put me in a very difficult situation, what with having to cancel some appearances. My girlfriend was sad, and nothing was going to stop me from getting to her. 

As I got into the cab that my assistant had arranged for me, I felt grateful that no reporters were around to hound me. It was still quite early and my disguise of a hoodie and sunglasses protected me long enough from the sight of the few of them lingering around. 

I didn’t spend much time at the hotel. Just enough for a shower and a change of clothes, before I was once again back on the road towards her filming location. I was let into the premises without too much of a hassle. I had the foresight to reach out to Rex’s assistant on the flight over and she had been able to grant me access, and before long I was being led to my girlfriend’s trailer by her assistant. 

“She just finished filming so she’s already in her trailer. I didn’t tell her you were coming as you asked, so she’ll be quite surprised.” She talked quietly. 

It was still early morning on set, some people were either starting to wake up or getting in from filming all night.

“How has she been doing?” I had a vague idea, but I wanted to hear it from someone who was with her when I couldn’t. 

“She’s been exhausting herself a lot. The press tour for Dune is over, but she’s still doing a lot with filming and being an executive director here.” She said sadly, and I nodded. “I’m glad you’re here Y/n. It’ll do her good to see you. I cleared her schedule for the day, so you could at least get some rest together. I know you’ve been busy too. I spoke to your assistant.” She said sternly and I rolled my eyes. These two. 

We arrived at the trailer and my heart started beating a little faster. “Thanks, Kelly, I owe you one,” I said to the assistant as I slipped inside the trailer. 

It didn’t take me long to find her around the vast camper. She was in bed, seemingly asleep. I approached her quietly and sat on the other side which had been left untouched. The side of the bed I usually slept on at home. 

I rubbed her shoulder gently, to not scare her. She opened her eyes softly and looked around, slightly disoriented before settling on me. I smiled. 

“Hi, my love,” I whispered. She stared at me for a few seconds, before sitting up and grabbing my face with both hands. 

“Y/n/n?” She said with wide eyes. “Are you really here?” She asked, roaming over my face and caressing my cheeks as if to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. 

“I’m here, Rex,” I replied with a smile before she latched herself to me in a hug, making me laugh. 

“How? Why?” She asked in the crook of my neck.

“You sounded so sad on FaceTime, I had to make sure you were okay. Plus, I missed you - so I grabbed the first flight here.” I explained as I tightened my hug and kissed her forehead. 

“Thank you.” She whispered. 

“Let’s get some sleep, and then we can talk about what you’re feeling. Okay?” I felt her nod and rearranged our positions so we were lying down. She immediately spooned me. 

For the first time in months, we slept together peacefully. 

—-------------------------

When I woke up, I felt much more at peace. I slowly opened my eyes with a smile, one which widened when I met the eyes of my girlfriend.

“You’re staring,” I whispered, my smile not leaving my face.

She put a hand on my cheek and caressed softly, before leaning down to put her lips on mine. Once we separated, she put her forehead on mine.

“How are you feeling?” I mumbled, not wanting to break the trance we were in.

“How are you feeling? She mumbled back, and I smiled.

“Better now that I’m here.” she rolled her eyes and scoffed. 

“Sap,” she said before taking a break. “Last night, I- It was a lot wasn’t it.” she finished. 

“No, you expressing how you feel will never be a lot or too much,” I added hurriedly. “It just kinda felt like you were on the verge of ending things,” I said quietly, I felt my heart beating widely as I held my breath. 

“Ending things? Y/n. Y/n/n, look at me.” she said as she grabbed my face in both hands forcing me to look at her. “I. Love. You. and it’s because I love you that I am finding our current situation so hard. Not being able to be with you or have you with me in front of everybody to celebrate our achievements. Or how we have to act single or like we’re just friends. I hate reading about the people they’re linking you to romantically. I just want to scream ‘She’s mine. Back off.’ And it’s kinda killing me.” she said as she leaned against the headboard. 

“I am yours,” I said as I grabbed her hands, willing myself not to cry. 

“I know baby. Just like I know you understand and feel the same way,” she said as I looked down. We stayed quiet for a moment, thinking of our predicament and what was being stolen from us. 

“The Oscars,” I suddenly said with renewed hope, as she looked at me in confusion. “I know we’re both technically going with our own cast - but would you go with me as my date,” I asked before quickly adding. “Unless - maybe our agents are right and we sh-” she interrupted me as I felt the doubt take over. 

“They’re not. And we should have never let them silence our love,” she said. “Of course, I’ll go with you. We’ll pose on the red carpet, I’ll kiss you in front of the camera lights and when you win - no one will cheer louder than me,” she said with a wide smile. I was quick to tackle her to the bed, kissing her all over her face. 

Her laughter made my heart sing. 

—-------------

This was not how I wanted the day to go. I was supposed to wake up bright and early, have some breakfast from her favourite cafe in the city delivered to her hotel room at the same time that she would receive the huge bouquet I had ordered weeks in advance.  Then, as we both got ready in our own hotel, we’d be texting like teenagers going on a first date, right until the red carpet. There, I’d see her and rush to her without a care in the world. I would tell her how beautiful she looks and we’d pose for pictures and kiss. Interviewers would have questions about our relationship, and we’d laugh our way through them. Rebecca, answering with her usual charm and wit, and me with heart eyes solely focused on her. 

Instead, my flight from Toronto had been delayed and I was rushing to get ready. I wouldn’t make it to the red carpet on time, with this traffic, only being able to slide in as the awards started. 

I had spoken to Rex when I landed and obviously, she hadn’t been happy.

“Hi, honey! Where are you, it’s kinda loud,” she said joyfully. I could hear the rushing around as her glam team worked. 

“I’m at the airport,” I said and closed my eyes, as there was silence on the other end. 

“I’m guessing you’re not going to make it to the red carpet?” she asked, and my lack of answer confirmed the statement. “Of course, it would’ve been too easy. It was stupid to hope th-” She cut herself off and let out a sigh. 

“Rex, don’t say that. This is nothing, we still hav-” she interrupted me as I tried to fix things desperately.

“I have to go. I’ll see you there.” and with that, she ended the call. 

She hadn’t answered any of my calls or replied to my texts since then. I wanted to believe that they had taken her phone away so they could focus on getting ready, but my anxiety was telling me something else. 

The car rolled up to the venue and I was quickly rushed inside and to my seat as the host was in the middle of his opening monologue. 

“And here comes Y/n L/n, everyone. She’s nominated for best leading actress tonight, ladies and gentlemen.” the audience clapped and I tried to calm my heart as my face appeared on the big screens. But the host wasn’t quite done with me, yet. “Doesn’t she look beautiful? Straight from a fairytale. Although, if I recall correctly, Cinderella rushed out of the ball, not to it.” he said as the audience laughed and I felt myself wanting to die. 

Thankfully he moved on, and the ceremony started. I was almost breaking my neck trying to find Rebecca, and when I did, I tried to catch her eyes - to convey how sorry I was. But she never glanced my way. I was so lost in thought that I would have missed my category coming up if it wasn’t for my costar grabbing my hand in support. 

I held my breath as the nominees were listed. And when I heard my name being called, I felt myself freeze, before being lifted in a hug and passed around from one costar to another. I willed myself to put one foot in front of another as I approached the podium under the congratulations and applause. 

I was almost to the stage when I glanced left and saw Rebecca’s face with a wide smile, clapping widely. That’s one promise that had been kept today. 

She looked beautiful, and it was as if I were in a trance as I approached her. Before I knew it, I was standing in front of her. She looked at me with a soft smile and with anticipation in her eyes, and that was all the invitation I needed to kiss her in front of all of Hollywood. That was another promise kept. 

And later on, when I posed for pictures with my Oscar and I danced at the after party, she was right there with me, as we kept our promises to each other. 

—-------------

“Hi, I’m Y/n L/n and I’ll be reading your tweets,” I said with a smile as I reached into the fish bowl for the first one. 

“Okay, this one is from @lesbianstan2000: Do you think Rebecca Ferguson uses The Voice on Y/n L/n?” I read before letting out a laugh. “She doesn’t need to. I’ll happily do whatever she asks.” I say as I wink into the camera. 

[neysaadept]

Prometheus Chapter 3

Emily Prentiss x Female CIA Reader

Tags: Limited use of y/n but established last name. Swearing, mentions of the pandemic and human and sex trafficking. Canon typical violence. Sexual innuendos. Minors DNI.

Summary: You are an old acquaintance of Rebecca Wilson. She calls in a favor to help the BAU out of a financial debacle. This also means that the current CIA employed Reader has to consult with the BAU to make this work, and not just on paper. This has to be official, which means working with a disgruntled Section Chief Emily Prentiss. A lot.

First time writing like this, so any feedback is appreciated!

AO3

Chapter 2

Word Count: 3k

GIF by aaronhotchstuff-archive

Chapter 3 - Welcome to the BAU

You roll over on the twin mattress at the sound of the chime notification on your phone. You force your eyes open, blinking them to focus on the digital clock and saw it is barely pass 5 AM.

“Wha’ th’ fuc’ …” you grumble, flailing a hand around for your cell. On the third pat, you slide it off the nightstand and flip it over. Seeing that the text was from Brian, it wakes you up enough to lean on an elbow to read the message.

Dad sent 0504 – Langley 0900

You rub the sleep out of your eyes and yawn before responding.

Whitlock sent 0511 – k

Brian must have everything ready for you to begin working with the BAU and wants to personally see you off. Or lecture you about the whole ordeal once again.

Probably both.

You set your alarm for 0700 and roll back over to get some more sleep. It was too early to worry about all of that now.

Brian was running late so you were shown to his office to wait. This happens often when you’re here since he is the director of the CIA and being pulled in countless directions.

You casually stroll around the room taking note of anything new. It was well over a year after all and there had to be something noteworthy to check out. You saw the same framed weathered American Flag hanging on the wall behind his desk, a staple of the position of CIA Director.  As you move around his desk the three monitors were locked, the screen shifting from TOP SECRET to the CIA and the DOJ seals. All so sterile per usual.

You push some files out of the way to get a better look at the pictures on his desk. One was Brian and his wife Carolyn on a recent fishing trip holding a catfish together on the dock. It had been raining, their jackets and hats streaked with raindrops. The weather didn’t stop the bright smiles they shared from dampening. An immortalized look of pure love despite the gloomy weather. You fight against a long-buried need that rarely blossoms and convince yourself it’s only because you miss your mother figure. It had been much longer since you shared any real space with her.

Going on over two years now, you think, but it was hard to pinpoint the exact time. It could have been even longer.

You tear your eyes away and swallow down the yearning, wanting to distance yourself from darker memories that were surfacing, but you were drawn to a partially covered picture of a younger Brian. Pushing aside the file on top of it, your eyes widen with surprise to see it was you and the four other trainees that were personally recruited by him. You gently stroke the younger faces of your brothers and sister before tapping against your own barely teen face. While everyone was looking to the camera, you had decided to be an ass and look off to the side at the lead doctor in the program. Your mouth was wide open as if you were going to take a bite out of Dr. G-.  

“Already snooping, huh?”

You look up and see Brian lingering in the doorway to his own office, watching as you were rifling through his desk. The CIA Director’s desk. If you were anyone else, he would have security throw you out immediately.

“It’s not what it looks like,” you quickly say.

“Then what does it look like?” he challenges, you now noticing how raspy his voice was.

Thinking back on this morning, Brian was probably in a meeting when he texted you. Only someone who knew him well enough, like yourself, could tell he was tired. His tailored black suit was wrinkled making it day two of wearing it, and his tie was crooked. It had been awhile since Brian put a comb through his salt and pepper hair. His usually well-groomed tapered look was flat and messy.

Definitely a national security situation going on … course, when isn’t there?

You slip the picture free and show him as answer to his question. “Was checking out the new memories but found an old one.”

He hums with understanding and closes the door for privacy. “Heard anything from them?”

“A text here and there. The usual.”

“Good,” he says with a nod, liking that answer. He holds his hand out and you reach over the desk to give him the picture. “Perhaps after this little detour with the BAU I can arrange a get together.”

Your grin comes fast, heart pounding with the excitement of a reunion. “Really?”

“Really. But first…” He joins you behind the desk and pulls out the top right drawer taking out a lanyard and wallet that had your FBI credentials. “… you have work to do. Prentiss is meeting you at Quantico at 11.”

You take the badge by the lanyard and dangle it in front of you. It was strange seeing your picture and signature with a different agency after all these years. You start feeling like you’re cheating on the CIA.

“Sounds good.” You take the wallet and tuck it inside the inner pocket of your suede jacket. “But to be honest? She so doesn’t like me.”

“And how is this news? Now, scoot.” Brian waves you away so he can sit down and carefully puts the picture back on his desk. “Look, you bring a lot of experience to the BAU, and under normal circumstances, you’d easily be scooped up with a proper transfer. This is anything but. Just,” he leans back and gestures with a curled hand trying to find the words, “… keep your head down, listen to orders and for the love of God, don’t be a smartass.”

You shuffle out of the way, slipping the lanyard over your head to join the CIA one already resting against your chest. “Way too late for that. I was an exceptional smartass when we first met. Just, not entirely on purpose.”

“Of course you were,” he sighs with an exhaustion from your years of antics. “Just … please don’t start a war between the CIA and FBI, huh?”

“Wow!” Aghast, you hold a hand against your chest. “And you think I’m dramatic?”

But you quickly drop your frivolous act to lean against Brian’s desk, tone growing serious while you cross your arms. “Hey, I know how important this is. Not just for the BAU but for you, too.”

You gently push at his knee with one of your own and his expression softens with the truth of your words. “I won’t let you down.”

Emily stands in front of the round table with the assembled team. She had just informed everyone of their new consultant.

“So, we have a new member of the BAU.” JJ nods while digesting this new information. “From … the CIA.”

“Doesn’t sound familiar at all,” laughs Luke, eying Prentiss.

She squints and purses her lips to hide how apprehensive the situation was truly making her. “This is only temporary until we find Sicarius,” Emily reminds them.

“What do we really know about her?” Rossi asks, looking towards Garcia. “You really haven’t given us much.”

“That’s because there isn’t much,” Garcia answers with an overexaggerated pronunciation of the last word. She scowls, pointing at the screen with the details you had given Emily. “And that is like less than much. I should have all the deets but this woman’s file is buried so deep we’d probably find Jimmy Hoffa’s body first.”

Clearly Garcia was still bothered by the situation.

“That’s a little extreme, Penelope,” Emily interjects with a tolerant voice, but her eyes narrowed pointedly at the tech guru to tread carefully.

“It’s still weird,” she sniped.

“Look, Rebecca vouches for her,” Tara said in her girlfriend’s defense. “She wouldn’t pair us up with someone she thought would hurt the BAU. Her reputation’s on the line with the DOJ if this goes sideways.”

Rossi hums in agreement. “There’s little gain in helping us. Be easier to stand on the sidelines.”

“But she’s not. And she was so quick to help us, let alone finding help.” JJ looks at Tara coyly. “Just how tight are you two with this relationship of yours? You must owe her big time.”

Luke grins and leans closer with rapt attention, while Penelope perks up straight on her chair with greedy eyes, both wanting the gossip.

Emily holds up her hands in frustration, needing to bring this back on topic before it unravels into Tara’s sex life. “Guys! Focus. We have a serial killer network out there that’s coordinating their effects to not only commit murder, but to help each other do it better. And if we don’t take Sicarius down before Bailey’s domestic terrorist unit does, the BAU’s disbanded.”

Her direct and gravelly tone silenced the group. She was relieved when they had the decency to look ashamed as the weight of her words brought a reality check.

Rossi agrees with Prentiss and looks expectant. “What’s the plan?”

“Whitlock will be working with me.” She checks her watch. “And she’ll be here soon.” As Emily looks back up, she gently shakes her head to slide the loose hair off her shoulder and catches Bailey walking into the bullpen.

Just fucking great…

“Rossi, I need you to coordinate with Garcia informing local law enforcement to retrieve these foot lockers quietly. I don’t want the network getting a hint of our operations for as long as possible.”

Thankfully Penelope’s quick work in deciphering the anonymous information sent to her was able to determine where all the foot lockers were hidden. It was time to collect.

“Yes, Ma’am.” Penelope salutes which makes Prentiss sigh.

“Luke and JJ, you’ll head to one of the sites and look for anything that might gives a better understanding of who we’re looking for. Rossi, you get to choose which one.”

“Understood.”

“Now, if you’ll excuse me,” her eyes lock with Bailey’s, who finally found where his section chief was hiding out and looks livid. “I see our deputy director wants to speak with me.”

Luke winces as he dares to see what mood Bailey was in, “Have fun.”

JJ and Tara offer up sad waves while Penelope puts on a sickening smile with two thumbs up. Dave was kind enough to say nothing, but that smirk of his said it all.

Emily leaves the team, hearing them strategizing before the door closes and strides confidently up to her boss, feigning ignorance. “Deputy Director Bailey. What can I help you with?”

“I’ve been informed by the Attorney General that you’ve brought on a consultant.” His eyes were so belittling that Prentiss wishes she could punch him.

“That’s correct.”

“And you didn’t think to inform me of this decision?”

“Things had to move fast. Wilson spoke to Davis on my behalf, presented a reasonable case for Whitlock signing on –“

“You can drop the act, Prentiss. I’ve already seen the paperwork from the CIA’s office regarding the stipend.”

The corners of her mouth turn downward, waiting for him to continue. His expectant look made her realize he was waiting for her to explain herself. She unfolds her fingers from where they rest in front of her to gesture vaguely. “And?”

He took a step back and blinks with confusion. Bailey wasn’t ready for that response. “This should have gone through me first. Wilson was way out of line going right to Davis.”

“I’m confused Deputy Director.” Emily leans closer and lowers her voice. “The decision for Whitlock to use her stipend like this was her call. I approved it. As did the CIA. The only issue was making it legal on paper. The AG figured out a way and Wilson wrote it up. How would telling you sooner change the process?”

She pauses for dramatic effect. “Unless…”

Emily squints her eyes and shakes her head condescendingly. “… unless you’d put a stop to the process, it never reaching Davis’s desk in the first place.”

Bailey’s eyes waver from the intensity of Emily’s brown ones and swallows hard at being read so easily. But what did he expect from a high ranking profiler?

Okay, fuck it. Catching him off guard like this is actually nice.

Not that she’d admit that to you.

“I know it’ll take a few days for the BAU’s budget to reflect this, but please make sure that there’s enough money set aside to expedite the forensics on the bodies. We have a lot of people needing closure.” With a sure smile, she brushes past the still silent Bailey.

But then she stops and turns around with a confident swagger. “And if I’m not mistaken, there’s enough money left over to authorize the use of our jet again.”

Without waiting for Bailey’s response, she turns on her heels and heads straight for the elevators. She could feel the animosity radiating from him but there was nothing Bailey could do about it. The deal was done.

And now it was time to make good on the other part of the deal. Meeting up with you.

After your goodbye with Brian, you drove to a bakeshop on the way to Quantico to pick up a box of mixed donuts and macarons to feed your new teammates. And use as a possible bribe for Prentiss to maybe tolerate your presence just a teeny bit.

You flash your new FBI badge at the check-in desk, and your information was immediately verified in the system. Next you have your Glock checked as you passed through security, the officer confirming your credentials in carrying. You slip the gun back in your hip holster while balancing the box of goodies with your non-dominant hand and start walking down the hall to the elevators.

You offer a hello and polite nod in return when other personnel acknowledge you. Many didn’t even notice you were there, too busy with their heads down looking at their phones or chattering away endlessly on projects that could be talked about freely in this area.

It was starting to feel real and overwhelming being in a new area that knew nothing about you. Yeah, most of the CIA weren’t entirely aware of you and what you did but Langley was home. Familiar. Comforting. Hell, it was your actual home. Every time you were in between work and stateside your living space was a safehouse. All your personal effects were locked up in storage as you never stayed long enough to unpack. The SUV you drove wasn’t even yours. It was on loan from the CIA.

Your steps slow as thoughts begin to spiral: Should you get a place? If so, how long would the lease need to be for? You’re signed on for six months, but that is on a contingent basis in case the BAU needs you longer or when you catch Sicarius.

Sure Prentiss’ll be happy to kick me to the curb then … you muse. You wonder if she can tolerate you more than the few hours you’ve had the pleasure of conversing.

So, do you get a six month lease? Furnished or unfurnished unit? Stay at the sterile safehouse? What if the group wants to know you? See your place? Do things outside of work? Be … social. You’re good in the short term with a performance of being the you the government has taught you to be, but anything more than that has been reserved for Brian and the other trainees that were siblings to you. Even Rebecca didn’t know the real you; just a small scratch under the surface of the carefully constructed control to keep yourself buried.

Fuck. Get it together. This is just day one. Pay homage to the team with goodies and see what Prentiss wants you working on. Just be the amazing smartass agent that everyone knows you are. One step at a time.

At some point during your runaway thoughts, you pressed the button for the elevator. Your curious eyes kept getting a lay of the area while waiting – emergency exits, conference rooms for visitors that didn’t have clearance to go up any higher, security cameras, armed guards, who was coming and going.

Then the elevator chimes that it arrives. You face forward as the doors open and as fates would have it, there was Section Chief Emily Prentiss, who was just as shocked as you were that you ran into each other like this.

“Hey! Fancy meeting you here.” You flash a cheeky smile, finding this funny.

“Uh, yeah.’ Emily recovers quickly and holds the door open for you, so it doesn’t close. She looks you up and down, stopping briefly at the box you held before meeting your eyes without cracking a smile. “I was coming down to meet you. You got through security quick.”

“Thanks.” You take a moment to sweep her features and admit to yourself that the section chief cuts a flattering look in a black blouse and slacks. She’s elegantly professional.

You step inside to join her and hit number six for your floor. As you were going over what to say to break the deafening silence between you, you were surprised that Prentiss spoke up first.

“Trying to make nice with bringing food?” she questions.

You chuckle. “Damn. Totally called out.”

“It’s a safe go to.”

“Not necessarily.” Your eyes shift to look at Prentiss. “Je ne dirais pas que les macarons jouent la sécurité.”

Emily turns her head, brow raising at the response.

You turn to meet her head on. “Quoi? Je pensais que tu parlais français.”

Your new boss took time to smooth out her features while coming to a decision on how to answer. “Je fais. Mais pourquoi es-tu?”

At that, you smile as the doors to the sixth floor open. “Parce que je ne suis pas la seule à faire ses devoirs sur les personnes avec qui elle travaille.”

With a wink, you exit leaving Prentiss behind to digest the knowledge that you were well aware that the BAU had tried to dig up information on you.

Yeah, one step at a time …

I don't speak French so here is Google translate for you!

“I wouldn’t say macarons are playing it safe.”

“What? I thought you spoke French.”

“I do. But why are you?”

“Because I’m not the only one who does their homework on the people she’s working with.”

Chapter 4