#Ukraine is still fighting; don’t leave it in the dark

[animefreak1145]

Church Bells(Adler x Bell!Reader x Woods)

Previous Intel

Eighth Intel | Before

Description:

The world ended for Bell after Cuba.

The whole world followed soon after.

Zombies AU | Drabble Format

Warnings/Tags: Mature Rating, Graphic Violence, Dark Themes, Trauma, Body Horror, Gore, Major Character Death, Brainwashing, Post!Cuba, Pre!Solovetsky, No Solovetsky, Female Bell, Older Man/Younger Woman, Toxic Relationship, Obsession, Menticide

Words: 4k (What's a drabble again?)

▞ ▚ ▞ ▚ ▞ ▚ ▞ ▚ ▛ ▞ ▚ ▞ ▚ ▞ ▚ ▞ ▚ ▟ ▞ ▚ ▞ ▚

 ■ ▞ ■ ▚ ■  “Bell” ■ ▞ ■ ▚ ■ 

Day After Ukraine Mission

16:07 | February 28th, 1981

CIA SAFEHOUSE E9, “DIE LANDEBAHN” 

“You do that a lot.”

You start from what you were staring at, the codes that are so tricky and you feel so close. The intel from what you have in your hands adding a piece to the puzzle that you’re enamored with—the complexities satisfying a carnal part of you that you can’t name. Your head turns to find Lazar’s curious yet amused smile, close to the television they used sometimes for the news not at your usual spot at the too small desk with the too large computer; at the center table instead is where you chose to haunt. 

“What?” you reply dumbly, too out of your element to say a more snarky reply. The transition from focused on the task to this interruption from the man that is more of an Eema than an Abba due to how hearty he looks and feels and making sure everyone felt the same by also stuffing their face. 

“That.” You were met with Lazar’s finger in your face. You resisted the urge to stare cross eyed and instead gave him a more inquisitive look, eyes searching. Which only humored him more, releasing a chuckle. “You have quite an intimidating stare.”

You push the hand away, scoffing,

“What? At my work? Isn’t that like everyone else?”

Lazar hummed, his eyes glittering at a joke you can’t understand.

“No. You have that type of stare that will freeze lesser men. Or get slapped by someone who thinks you’re looking for a fight. Or get you put into an asylum. Only, when you decode, you have an insane smile on your face. It’d be creepy if we didn’t know you.”

“Uh huh.” You dismissed, eyes glancing at the medical office. “You should work better on your compliments if you want Park to have a drink with you.”

If Park wasn’t in the medical office room along with Adler, you’re sure Lazar would throw his old cup noodle at you. Alas, he only gave you a dry “Ha. Ha.” with a neutral expression but still didn’t leave. He wants an answer. 

You turn to him fully, elbows leaning back against the desk, petulant.

“I doubt I smile like how you describe…” Lazar snorted while you frowned at him, before shifting your gaze back to your papers. “I don’t know. I just…love puzzles. They’re fun to solve.”

“Is that what makes you stare so intently?” Lazar leaned against the television, the stand slightly creaking at the movement, his intrigue seeming sincere. Another question hidden, two subjects being asked for one answer. A wall. “The thrill?”

Is that what love is to you?

You tapped at the papers, biting your lip in thought. 

“Maybe a part…I just have this need to figure things out. To open it up—to find the numbers, the letters, the riddles. In an order that is random but it’s not. It’s just a trick. A shadow on the wall. A reason for each piece. Each hint. Every piece of the puzzle has its purpose. It’s reason for being.” You didn’t notice when you started smiling, the topic consuming you like books and pictures do. But you just kept going as you grabbed your pen and fiddled with it, miming writing numbers or letters. “Like Sims with mechanics, I think. Or you with bomb wiring. You find the hardy wires or broken pieces—and I untangle it all. I even love how difficult it could be if I find a cipher intellectual. It’s fun.”

“Sounds maddening,” Lazar replied simply, brow raising. “And painful. Maybe even obsessive.”

You shrug, staring deeply at your own pen, tone far away. As if you were speaking about another topic than this. Something other. Like a secret.

“That’s love, isn’t it? Pain and obsession?”

“Your books tell you that? Or you come to that conclusion yourself?” You pressed your lips, silent. Only glancing at Lazar(are you easy to read?) who only smiled gently before switching gears and letting out a booming laugh. “With that description of love—you very much implied Adler is in love with our friendly neighborhood Perseus.”

Your jaw dropped, a gasp being released as you sat up rigid in your chair. A defense for Adler and a denial ready only for a startling guffaw to join in.

“What the shit are you talking about, Lazar?” Woods comes from his previous spot practicing with the boxing bag, Mason side by side with his own amused gaze as they come close to the center table. Woods snorted as he leaned back against the table near you instead of taking a proper seat. “Can you imagine our own Robert Redford switching spit with a commie? Ha!”

“Is that what you’re doing?” Mason quips to his friend with a nudge while Woods expression quickly changed to offended with no heat as he pushes Mason back with a disbelieving snort. “What? Sorry I’m airing out your fantasies.”

It was strange watching them. The easy back and forth quips and teases. Lazar felt like a warm hearth and home cooked meals compared to Mason’s steady kindness of a worn animal despite its past and Woods…

You briefly think of the night prior, how charged he felt out in the field. Not eager for it yet…willing to take everything and anything out his way. But his friendly taunts and words to you too. The arcade. The room where you got the intel and the knowledge he had of you, knowing you would’ve loved to play around more with the tech and computers there if the both of you had time and not world ending doom.

You weren’t impressed by his skills. Skills are to be expected in this line of work. People can call you cocky all they want.

But how personable he is? That was different.

It was unexpected.

(Why did it feel like he’s more close to you than Sims right now? Why has everyone been so disconnected from you? Even—blue fire for eyes hidden by the shaded wall, wheat dancing in the wind, artful cracks across a canvas—)

A hand waved in front of your face, your eyes broken from its lost look as you blinked back to the present.

“Hello? Earth to Bell?” Woods was still next to you and you couldn’t help but notice that Mason moved away with Lazar to where Lazar’s station is. Still talking with friendly smiles and easy atmosphere. You blinked again before turning towards Woods, who looked at you with a mix of amusement and concern. “What happened there? Did you even listen to a word I said?”

You didn’t. You’ve been doing this a lot. Getting lost in your head. Your brain foggy and mind distant. Not as quick as you usually are. You thankfully haven’t had this happen in the field. You hope it stays that way.

Instead of giving a straight answer, your lips only rose in a dry smile.

“Sorry, was thinking just how you got the guts to punch Hudson of all people.”

Woods huffed, crossing his arms and leaning back, brushing your shoulders as he did. 

“Doesn’t take guts to punch a prick.”

“No,” your smile turns up a tad, more mischief. “Takes some balls instead. Can’t have balls without a prick nearby or there’ll be trouble.”

Woods made a choked sound, as he stared at you dumbly before slapping the table and releasing a loud boom of a laugh. You wonder how he does that. So loud. So free. 

“You got more spunk than I thought, Bell. Guess you need it to even get the idea to escape in a Ruskie tank.”

You huff out your nose, but your chest still lightened at the praise. Your smile coming easy now and tension completely fallen away. You hid it though as you turned back to your work, picking up a stray picture of the Ukraine base you took.

“Did it for you. I figured you would want to run some commie’s over.”

“Oh, I’ve dreamed of it. I would say top five of my favorite wet dreams.”

You couldn’t help it. You snorted, it bursted through your chest and it didn’t stop, only turned to a laugh. You put a hand over your mouth to try to contain it but Woods satisfied expression only made you laugh more.

“Why—why did you say that?!” You try to collect yourself but you couldn’t. Not when Woods waggled his brows as if in answer. “Pfft—should I even ask what’s top one?”

Woods shrugged. 

“No can do. Gotta protect your innocence somewhere. My mind is a crazy place. Don’t wanna scare you off.” You snort again, shaking your head at him and tried to get back to work. Woods didn’t move as you stared around at the different pictures you took with Intel. “Say, where’s the random pics you took of me?”

“Don’t worry, Woods. I didn’t take out a camera with you over the mannequin—“ You stopped when he shook your shoulder, a warning gaze that only made you bite back another smile and only glare at him with no heat as you pushed his hand off. “Calm down,” you say quietly. “I haven’t said anything. Scout’s Honor.” You raise a hand as if to show.

Woods rose a brow dubiously.

“Were you even a Girl Scout?”

“Doubtful. Looks like you just gotta hope I don’t open my mouth about it.”

Woods grunted. Yet still didn’t leave. 

“Do you normally take pics of everything and everyone? Even on missions like that?”

“I like it. I like taking pictures. Did I make you uncomfortable?” You did take a few of him before you took a picture of the base. It was nice lightning and he looked good. “I can give you the pictures I took to you, if you want. They were good shots.”

“I suppose I can add it to my scrapbook.” Woods joked before shaking his head, his eyes turning more curious as the conversation went on. Gaze more assessing as he stared down at you. “Nah, it’s fine.  Don’t mind you keeping them. After I take a look of course. I guess I’m just asking…what’s the obsession with the camera? Film is precious right?” At your shoulder tensing, you starting to get defensive, he quickly changed tactics as he rose a hand in calming manner. “I ain’t judging. Just curious. Couldn’t help but overhear Park talk to you that Adler doesn’t like wasting resources. Or some shit like that. I don’t get the big deal. But it must be if you keep doing it despite them having a stick up their asses about some film of all things.”

Your brows pinched together, gazing intently at Woods eyes. You don’t see a reprimand. Or exasperation. Or even amused exasperation, like you were just being cute while doing something disobedient—like a pet jumping at their owners even as they tell them no with an amused smile. (“Always the one who never listens. Huh, Bell? Didn’t I tell you before about the pictures?”) He’s being sincere in his interest. It was his expression that did it.

You looked away, eyes taking in the safehouse around them. 

“Ever feel like a ghost in your own body?”

“Can’t say that I have,” Woods answered roughly. You nodded next to you, him taking that as permission that he can finally properly sit next to you. You didn’t mind thighs or shoulders brushing. Comrades now. Both of you throwing your lives on the line. Getting shot  by a common enemy brings people together no other way can. 

“Well, the coma did a number on me. I don’t remember much. I can’t put a story to scars on my body. My life, my memories—it’s only Vietnam.”

“Fucked up thing to remember. That whole war was a shit show,” Woods provided. “You must’ve been young.”

You only hummed, distant. Eyes straying in the direction of the red room. Your skin prickled in goosebumps, ears falsely hearing shots and napalm strikes. You shuddered but hid it by clenching your fists on the table, eyes on your jumbled words of your work. 

“Yeah…Hue City was just the start of everything going downhill…But I guess my point is…” You don’t know how to properly say it, you can’t find the English word for this. Esurient for memories erased. The feeling of not quite fitting in everyone’s circle, even with Sims. Monachopsis. (Are you even here at all? It’s like they stare past you.) “Life is memories. I don’t have any. What’s a person if not memories? So…I don’t feel…like it. A person.” You shrug casually, mutely. Hand wandering to a picture, thumbing it. “Ghosts don’t seem to remember stuff besides a deep motive. That’s what others believe. But…with pictures…pictures are for memories. If I take pictures, I’m actually taking memories. And if take enough memories…” You struggled once more how to explain but Woods was sharp despite his looks.

“You’ll be a person again.” Your eyes darted towards him, giving him a minute nod as he seemed to consider your words with a tilt of his head. The silence between the two of you wasn’t stifling, just…there.

You felt like something was released from you. 

Unlocked. 

The key was just for someone to ask. 

“Hey, listen—“ you turned at the soft touch to your shoulder, and you noticed Woods looked uncomfortable about the atmosphere you created. Not used to sharing open emotions like this no doubt but still had what appeared like care in his eyes. “You should really talk to Mason, he—“

Your ears honed in on the medical office opening, your eyes quick to follow as your head swiveled. Everything turned silent as your eyes settled upon the body you can recognize even in the thickest of jungles or deepest of wet rice paddies. And as your eyes settled, your thoughts of ruminating toska and the sense of lacuna dissipated.

You were so busy trying to catch what Adler was saying to Park beside him, you temporarily forgotten Woods next to you. You could hear him talking. Some form of advise. 

You turned back to your work and absently nodded with a quick smile to match at him. Your lips moved to say thanks. You think you did.

You didn’t see Woods throw another look of concern towards you, of suspicion. Turning something over his head.

You forced your ears to stretch, as if with force you can have super hearing. With brute force you can have the arcane man with valleys upon his visage, with liquid nectar that bounces with voluminous silk, voice of gravel that leads to the path of victory and makes your mind hazy. 

You still had a pen in your hand, tight as you looked down with a frown at the papers. Your leg beginning to bounce under the table. Impatient. Restless. Athirst.

“I’m going out for a smoke,” Adler called out(Beckoned, Signaled, Enticed—trinket waved like a treat. Your nepenthe.) clearly, more loudly than how he was talking to Park. You didn’t turn your head as he walked out the door near the garage door, too obvious. But you did sneak a look when he exited, stealing gaze right when you saw his back before the door closed.

Except it didn’t. A small rock held it ajar.

A secret.

“What the hell?” Woods was bewildered, staring after Adler while you tried to hide the fact. Waiting a beat. Or two. Your leg bounced under the table, growing more insistent. “Doesn’t he get his fix in here anyways?”

You heard Lazar answer for Woods, something about Adler needing a change of scenery sometimes. You can see in your peripheral his glance. You ignored it as you stood up to head back to your computer desk.

“I’m taking a break too,” you say, quickly picking a book from your pile in the corner after a brief deliberation.

“Uh…” Woods face would’ve made you laugh from how scrunched up it was as he stared as you quickly fixed your work papers back in the center table, book under your arm. “Isn’t that what you were doing? Like fuckin’ a second ago?”

“No,” you answer, organizing the pictures and quickly scanning them before you do so. “Lazar interrupted me from my work. And then you did. It was an interruption. Not a break.”

“You sure turned prickly,” Woods said in answer.

You pause, seeing Woods was somehow offended. He just doesn’t get it.

“Says the cactus,” you quip with a quick smile, twitching up more at Woods huff out his nose. “I…like taking my break the same time as Adler,” You decide to answer the question in his eyes. He did listen. “It’s what we’ve always done. I read. He smokes. And right back to work we go. It works better this way.”

You didn’t wait for his reply. 

You didn’t even bother to see if he was about to.

You have the book in your hand, and you have your tether(Your eyes looks for the sun tanned gold even though it should blind you, but you never cared for your wellbeing. Protect the quiet monster like a demon enraged. Demon for monster. Monster for demon. The coin. You keep it in your pocket, whelve it—the whispered confession—the gravity of your ustulation and agastopia can burn through your pockets and skin all it wish. You keep it in. Like the pain killers Adler gave you earlier for your migraine after their meeting with Hudson about Ukraine.) outside. 

You open the door and without looking, you went to the left side of the door that’s by some unused pallets. Sitting on them and opening your book to your last point, as if you were ignoring him. (How could you?) He was smoking as he leaned against the wall beside the door. You always left of it, him always right. (▞ He’s always right. ▞ He ▙ never ▞ lies. Not to ▖ ▞ ▗ you.)

It was silent. Only the turning of your pages as you focused on reading, and the occasional exhale you hear now and then if you strain your ears. A puff of grey smoke above the two as your audience.

You don’t mind the quiet moments. You take what you can get. The two of you have too long a history for you to be uncomfortable at silence. Or needing something more. 

You don’t.

(The secret coin in your pocket burns, and you try not to flinch nor whine. You must stay sated, ▚ демон ▚ ▛ ▖ ▖.) 

A shot went through the front of your skull, your hand darting up as it seemed to go to the back of your head, a hiss to your lips. You almost dropping the book with your other hand.

“Another migraine?” He was close. You opened your eyes you didn’t realize were closed as you were hunched over your knees, spotting his shoes. 

You only offered a small nod before closing your eyes again, jaw tight. 

“I don’t…” you stop, speaking more quietly to help with the pounding. The sunlight was too much already, you don’t want to add your own voice to your own misery. “Dont know why it’s getting worse. Is this…normal?”

“It can be.” He replied simply, to the point. “Here. Take this.”

You blinked your eyes open and lifted your head to spot he took out some more medicine from his leather jacket, holding it out to the pills in the palm of his hand. At the sight, your stomach curdled.

You felt yourself pale and you don’t know why.

Adler must’ve noticed your hesitation. Tilting his head and lips twitching to a frown around his cigarette. He lifted a hand, taking one deep inhale, embers subtly lighting his face before he threw it off. He exhaled out his nose, smoke flowing smoothly. 

Your throat tightened as you stared. But not in want. It felt more heavy. More heady. Your mouth open more in a wince than for anything else.

“You know this will help. We gotta make sure you’re in shape for this, Bell.” You bowed your head in shame, book now beside you on the pallet as you clenched your hands on your knees. You heard him sigh. And now you see him, closer—he’s kneeling in front of you. One knee down, the other having his elbow leaning against it. “I don’t have to explain to you the stakes currently. You know how serious this is since you and Woods found out Hudson’s dirty little secret about Perseus and the nuke he has. You know it. We can’t fuck around anymore.”

You hunched your shoulders, as if that can hide you from your guilt. Because you spotted his glance towards your book. You can guess what else he’s hinting.

Stay a ghost or try to be a person? A part of your mind asked. You tried to not let your heart crack of no more pictures.

“I know…” you say, eyes down and to the side. Yet… “It’s just…it wasn’t that long ago you gave me them…I don’t—I mean—“ Your tongue is tied again. Like always near him. You didn’t mean to sound accusing or hinting. Adler is trained for medical issues on the field. You tried to take a breath. “I just don’t want to be a burden with all this. Slow you guys down. I don’t want to disappoint you.” You did a tight squeeze of your knees, practically white knuckled grip, a mix of uncaring at your honesty and hating yourself for it.

You felt your chin be lifted up, Adler’s forefinger doing so you can be face to face. He assessed you seriously.

“You won’t, kid.” He’s so close. Breath to your face. So calm too. Your anchor. He believes in you. If you or him leaned just an inch or two forward—he took his hand away from your face before bringing his palm with the medicine again. “Taking these will help. I’ll watch over you. Just like the good ‘ol days.” He tilted his head, a quirk of the mouth up. And you think he couldn’t be more charming. 

You ignored your past nerves, quickly taking the medicine in a dry swallow, gloved hands brushing his bare ones(Damn it all.). 

He nodded at you, the barest thing of it before he stood up. Glancing at your book again with pressed lips before facing you once more with a raised brow.

“Oscar Wilde? Here I thought you only read Dostoevsky and Nietzsche.”

“It’s a collection of some of his poem’s. And a break from existentialism and nihilism is good for the mind. But you’ve always been more of a stoic,” you shoot him a teasing look, an attempt to get your bravado back. “Our very own Prince Andrei Bolkonsky.”

Adler did a small huff out his nose.

“Just don’t start bowing.” Adler did a quick motion of his to the door. “Come on. Back to work, Tolstoy.”

You nod, marking where you were in the book before following Adler back in, your hold on the book tight. Who knows when you’ll get to read again.

Stay a ghost or try to be a person? 

(It doesn’t matter. Adler made the choice for you.)

You tell yourself it’s fine. You instead let yourself be a book for Adler—willing to be read. You imagine how he would do it, a book of you in his hands. Read through your pages, open up your spine and let his fingers run through your creases—how easily can he finish you? How many times could he, until you’re worn and wrinkled from use? Will his touch trace the abuse of a loved book?

The place where he put his finger on your chin burns.

…

The page you marked on the page reads: “Never regret thy fall, O Icarus of the fearless flight, For the greatest tragedy of them all, Is never to feel the burning light."

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A/N: Bell is a SIMP. Poor girl. The best way to tell if Bell is in love, is if she suddenly starts thinking in poetry. Bell stares intensely you say? Bell loves intensely too.

I’m also confusing myself with Dark!Adler and Soft!Adler. But again he’s both so 🤷‍♀️ Man so toxic and a red flag, he’s even confusing the author.

Also, I’m planning to write really quickly to finish up For Whom the Bell Tolls. Didn’t want to but I really want to go ahead and write for BO6. Then again, that fic was NEVER supposed to be that long or longer. Sorry if I speed through some stuff, I just want to finish it and move on then torture you all further.

Tag List: @tr1ppylady @parkeepingparker @weirdoartist21 @gojocat247 @mayaibnlaahad @dallmaistir @salvija @kylezkie4adler @asaltryefl @stupid-stinky @aurora-windu @zachfoxx121 @pyxis-stellae @makeyourpeacenow @obsessedgremlin

You have to tell me if you want me to tag you for each update or else I won't know. Or if you wish to be removed.

[marvelhero-fics]

Snowman

Series - Chapter One

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Summary: You’re a HYDRA assassin that’s worked closely with the Winter Soldier, to each of your dismay you’re reunited with Bucky after the blip. 

A/N: I haven’t posted in like 300 years, but I hope you guys enjoy this new series! This follows parts of TFATWS so expect spoilers! (Also I’m sure all the Russian is absolutely wrong, if you’d like to correct it please send me a message!)

Word Count: 1,815 (future chapters will be wayyy longer)

Snowman Masterlist || Full Masterlist

New York

2023

“So tell me about this-” the therapist looked down at her notes briefly, “(Y/N).” She finished.

Bucky paused momentarily, “No.”

“James, for these therapy sessions to be effective, you need to open up to me. I can’t help you if I don't know what’s wrong.” His therapist responded, laying her pen carefully on her small notebook.

Bucky thought for a moment, taking in the ambience of the room. What would he even say about (Y/N)? He hadn’t seen her in years. Bucky was kicking himself for accidentally bringing her up in his session last week. “I- uh-” he stammered, shifting his weight on the couch, “I met her in 2011. At least I think it was 2011. Date’s get kinda fuzzy sometimes, with all the cryo.” Bucky’s hand pressed against his head, feeling dazed as he tried to think back. “It was at the big HYDRA base outside of Moscow. We had to go on a mission together-” he was cut off,

“Did she work for HYDRA?” Dr Raynor interjected.

“Yea. She was an assassin too. She went by the alias the Viper.” Bucky pretended not to notice his therapist tense up. Anyone who knew anything about HYDRA knew who the Viper was. She was one of the most prolific assassins after the Winter Soldier.

“Tell me more about when you met her.”

“We were instructed to take out a terrorist organisation forming against SHIELD. Which was ironic because we were working for a terrorist organisation. But at this point SHIELD was being run by HYDRA and they couldn’t risk any slip ups, so they put 6 assassins on the job. HYDRA usually didn’t have their assassins working together, we were all too volatile. But we had to take out over 70 people in one night. It was (Y/N), a few assassins from the Red Room, and a few agents that HYDRA had trained personally, and me.” Bucky stopped.

“Where was (Y/N) trained?”

“At a secondary facility run by HYDRA. She was trained from a really young age. It’s all she’s known.” Bucky seemed somber. But his therapist continued,

“What happened on the mission?”

“Nothing. It went exactly to plan. The targets were taken out and we all left without a trace. But (Y/N), she- she kept trying to talk to me, or get to know me. I was the Winter Soldier. No one in their right mind ever tried to ‘get to know me’.”

“Why do you think (Y/N) did that?”

“She told me she was bored.” He replied bluntly.

Moscow

2011

The poorly lit conference room was filled with a myriad of assassins and officials. The only illumination came from old LED lights hanging from the concrete ceiling. The mossy green paint on the walls looked as if it hadn’t been patched up in years. The only new-ish part of the room was the large, oak conference table, surrounded by black, leather seating. It was difficult not to notice the red HYDRA symbol holding a spot on almost every piece of clothing in the area.

“TITAN terroristicheskaya organizatsiya, formiruyushchayasya protiv nas. (TITAN is a terrorist organisation forming against us.)” Kuznetsov spoke, “Izbrannyye budut otpravleny segodnya vecherom v Ukrainu dlya vypolneniya postavlennoy zadachi. Uberi ikh. (The chosen ones will be sent to Ukraine tonight to complete their given tasks. Take them out.)”

That was all it took. You stared at the file in front of you. You had read through it multiple times, going over every single name, every single skill set your targets had. You were more than certain you could complete this job on your own. But you had no choice on the matter.

Your eyes darted around, taking in the faces of the assassins that were to accompany you on your mission. Two youthful females, dressed in black leather sat next to each other. The older, grimacing woman behind them was Madame B., the head supervisor of the Red Room. You moved your gaze to the two agents in dark green uniforms and red, soviet berets. Neither looked particularly menacing.

You finally landed on the last assassin. His dark hair fell like curtains around his face. Gloomy blue eyes searched their way through the room. His sharp jaw seemed tense through his stubbled cheeks. He was large, extremely built. Covering his frame was an amplitude of black clothing and gear.

“Play nice.” Your mentor spoke softly over your shoulder, breaking you from your train of thought.  

“I always do.”

~

Your padded snow boots ripped through the thick snow covering the ground. The six of you had hiked your way to the set point on your GPS systems, the clouds of snowfall covering your vision held the illusion that there were absolutely no structures nearby. A large helicopter had dropped the group a few miles out from the hideout to ensure nothing was compromised. The trek was in utter silence, fighting against the harsh temperature in mid February.

The waypoint became closer on your map, a tiny building slowly appeared in your vision against the foggy downfall. It was a small, wooden cabin. Everyone hustled their way through the unlocked door. It was barren, it held no furniture, no blankets, no means of any life. There appeared to be a few doors that led to small, empty rooms. The entrance only held a small fireplace, filled with old cut down logs that had been eaten by bugs.

The group quickly dispersed, you headed to one of the rooms alone, throwing down your belongings onto the floor. The bag you carried was mainly filled with weapons and ammunition, along with a very warm sleeping bag. You knew too well you wouldn’t be sleeping tonight, but you would need the extra heat for now.

There was no chatter anywhere in the house. Your mission would begin in 6 hours. Everyone was likely putting together their artillery. You decided to cozy up in your navy sleeping bag for a moment of comfort.

Someone had lit the fire in the lounge. A warm, orange light crept through the cracks in your door. The ambiance was strangely calming for a shitty cabin in the middle of nowhere.

Snow continued to fall against the tiny glass pane of your room. You weren’t a fan of assassinating in the snow. It was low vision, harsher climates, and it lessened the ability to move. Snakes weren’t creatures of the cold. Conveniently you’d been grouped with someone who called himself ‘The Winter Soldier’. I’m sure he loves the cold, you thought.

You’d heard a lot about him. Everyone had. He was the perfect assassin. He never failed a mission, his body didn’t reject cryo, every form of enhancement HYDRA had used on him had been a success. He was what every assassin had aspired to be.

Without thought, you grabbed the glass bottle laying next to you and walked off to the room the Winter Soldier had claimed for the night.

“Privet (Hello)”. You announced, pushing his door open with a creak. His head didn’t turn towards you. He sat on the floor, the sound coming from him indicated he was sharpening knives.

“Khochesh' vypit'? (Want a drink?)” You asked, motioning the bottle towards him.

He stayed silent for a moment. Finally he turned, looking up at you from his position on the floor. “What is it?” His dark tone asked back. The amber light from the fire crashed against his features. His strong jaw was covered with a dark stubble, his brunette hair tucked behind his ears. His most obvious feature was the hauntingly blue eyes that sat in sunken sockets, he looked drained.

“It’s vodka.” You stated, honestly. You were surprised to hear he wasn’t Russian, he sounded… American?

“You’re drinking before a mission?” He queried.

You shrugged. “Alcohol doesn’t freeze.” You sat down next to him. “Plus it takes the edge off.” A faint clinking noise announced as you placed the bottle on the floor between you two. He stared at you for a moment, before quietly going back to his knives.

“Wanna play 20 questions?” You interrupted the silence.

“No.”

“What about truth or dare?”

“I’m not 14.” the soldier replied, his eyes not leaving his handy work.

“How old are you?” You shot back,

“Why are you trying to get to know me?” He dodged your question.

“I’m bored.” You shrugged, taking a deep swig of the vodka. “And by my calculations,” you peered down at your watch, “we still have 3 hours and 27 minutes until the mission starts.”

He gave a shallow sigh, “93.”

“What?”

“I’m 93. How old are you.”

“93?! You were born in 1917?”

“Mhm. How old are you.”

“25. You look great for 93.” You chuckled.

“You look old for 25.” He jabbed back. His knife sharpener still grinding across a 6 inch blade.

“You flatter me.” You replied sarcastically. “So what’s your story? How’d you make it to 93?”

“You don’t want to know.”

“Why would I ask if I didn’t want to know?”

Bucky looked over at you. “I’m telling you, you don’t want to know.”

“C’mon old man,  I’ll tell you mine if you tell me yours.” You smirked. He once again, went back to his knives. It almost seemed as if he was trying to threaten you, pulling out larger knife after larger knife.

You huffed, opening your mouth to speak, “I was born in Hungary to a drug abusing mother, and an absent father. I was kidnapped and sold to HYDRA when I was 6. I was placed under the care of the Kraken. Not sure if you’ve met him, he’s this large guy-”

“I’ve met him.” Bucky stated, interrupting your spiel.

“Right, well, he trained me for years. Eventually HYDRA got involved again and I was tested on, experimented on, messed with, ya’ know, all that fun stuff.” You explained.

“Are you enhanced?” Bucky asked, almost as if he was actually interested.

“Yea. I have this whole snake venom trick. It’s great for up close combat. The experiments really should’ve killed me though. But maybe that’s what makes us so good-” Bucky looked over at the woman next to him, her bright eyes stared back at him as she spoke “ya’ know, the best assassins are the ones living off borrowed time. Because we’ve met death before, so we’re not afraid to do it again.”

Bucky quickly grabbed the Barrett M82 rifle next to him, his metal arm making faint whirring noises. “I’m going to scope out the base.” He stated bluntly. And with that, his large black boots walked him out the bedroom, and out the door.

You let out a faint sigh, creeping back to your room to sort out your weapons. You were sure it was something you said that scared him off. I guess at 93 you have to be living off too much borrowed time, you speculated. You absentmindedly set up your pistols, your mind not being able to wander from the Winter Soldier. Maybe annoying the Red Room girls would get your mind off it.

[wienerbarnes]

When It’s Over

Pairing: Bucky x Reader (Cheek to Cheek)

Word Count: 2,762

Warnings: canon level violence

A/N: back w cheek to cheek😌 there's some heavy inso from the fight scene from fatws w walker so peep that👀 as well as some linked references to past pieces!

MAIN MASTERLIST | CHEEK TO CHEEK MASTERLIST

The near-silent sound of the door clicking shut wakes you up. While you know if there was some kind of actual threat there’d be alarms and lights going off because of F.R.I.D.A.Y. 's security measures, your body still tenses at the unnatural sound.

Why is someone in your room in the middle of the night? Unless -

A sweaty and musky smell floods your nostrils as the intruder hunches over your body, burying their face into your neck and breathing in deeply before pressing a soft kiss. Bucky’s home.

You turn over and place your hands on either side of his face to kiss him properly but you pause when his face feels unnaturally wet.

“Is that sweat? Why are you all wet?” You whisper into the darkness, reaching over to turn on the lamp on your bedside table.

You gasp when the light reveals Bucky’s face, neck, and hair drenched in blood. You eyes roam the rest of his body to see his tactical gear in the same condition.

“Jesus, Bucky, who were you fighting?”

He smirks, fatigue clouding his features, “You should see the other guys.” Your eyebrows scrunch at the sound of more than one person as he reaches into one of his pant pockets, pulling out a wrinkled piece of paper.

He hands it to you and turns away to begin stripping off his dirty clothes. You unfold it carefully so as to not rip it or mangle it up further to reveal your list, with all of the names crossed off harshly and a new one added at the bottom, a name not in your handwriting nor in your memory.

“Is this what you were doing? Who is the last name? I didn’t write that.” While you're upset he lied to you, you feel an indescribable sense of relief wash over you, a feeling you don’t think you’ve ever felt before. No more HYDRA after you. No more handlers. No more guards after your blood, your powers.

“The soldier who shot you. With the metal arms. I destroyed everything that even looked a little bit like a serum in every building I went to, so I think he’s the last super soldier. Or at least for now. I hope.” He tells you, finally down to his underwear. He’s still breathing kind of heavily, probably from pure exhaustion. He’s only been gone for six days and he took out all the names on your list. Did he even sleep?

You’re still holding the list in your hands when he emerges from the bathroom, freshly showered. He uses his towel to scrunch out as much water from his hair as he can and tosses it in the pile of dirty clothes. He pulls on a pair of underwear and doesn’t even bother putting on actual pajamas, approaching the bed.

“I promise we’ll talk about everything tomorrow. He’s supposed to be in Minsk. I’m so fucking tired…” He sighs, trailing off, taking the list from your hands and placing it on the nightstand, turning off the lamp.

“Where is that?”

“Belarus. Above Ukraine.”

“Oh.”

“I’m sorry for waking you up. And for not telling you, I didn’t want to -”

“Shh, don’t apologize. We’ll talk tomorrow. I’m just glad you’re home.”

The thought of technically being free hasn’t hit you, it hasn’t even begun being processed by your brain yet. It probably won’t for a while, a few days, maybe weeks. No more HYDRA.

Bucky slumps into the mattress next to you, not even getting under the covers, too tired to adjust his position. You get out from under the covers as well, pushing yourself up against his back, spooning him like a backpack, trying to pull him as close to you as possible.

In less than a week, he got rid of everything and everyone you’ve been afraid of for years. People you had nightmares about, that hounded your every thought every single hour of every single day. He got rid of them for you.

He grabs your hand that rests on his chest and brings it up to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss on it.

No more fear.

...

Bucky sleeps for fourteen hours, into the following evening. He wakes up to the smell of toasted bread, the crust around his eyes pinching at his skin until he brings up his right hand to rub it away. He sees your back at the counter and after another deep inhale, smells acidic tomato and smoky bacon.

Sandwiches for lunch. He glances at the clock to see the time as 5:18. Sandwiches for dinner.

He lets out a long yawn as he sits up, left arm reaching up to scratch at his head, hair feeling knotted due to the fact that he fell asleep with it wet. I need another haircut soon.

He gets up and walks around the kitchen island to greet you, despite missing most of the day. You turn to face him as you hear his footsteps approach and reach up to plant a long kiss on his mouth.

“I have mornin’ breath,” Bucky mumbles against your lips, hands resting gently on the tops of your shoulders as he feels your hand wrap around his naked waist.

“I don’t care. I love you.” You kiss him again and again, harder and harder each time.

“Babe,”

“You freed me.” More kisses.

“Huh,” He giggles against your lips, finding your affection amusing, but unknowingly needed.

“I love you. Thank you. You freed me, you saved me.” You repeat, kisses smacking in between your words.

He thinks back to the mangled list he tossed in your direction last night, how he came home covered in blood in an exhausted haze. You freed me, you tell him. From HYDRA, he understands.

“You don’t thank me for nothing,” He pulls away, hands cupping your face in order to temporarily stop your kisses, “I love you. I’ll do anything for you. It’s the bare minimum.” He tells you.

All you do is stare up at his blue eyes. As though he’s Atlas, holding up the world underneath your feet. The bare minimum. How he’s ruined you for any man or person at all with the way he treats you, the way he loves you. You don’t look away from him with your loving stare as he steals a piece of bacon off the pan on the stove before turning and going into the bathroom.

...

You, Bucky, Sam, and Joaquin occupy the small jet on the way to Belarus.

“Who are we fighting again?” Sam asks, half-serious, as he adjusts the shield on his back.

“His name is Jean-Baptiste Allaire. But I don’t think he knows that.”

“...Am I supposed to know who that is?”

“A bad guy.” Bucky answers this time.

I suppose that is all he really needs to know.

Soon enough the plane lands and the three of you go off, leaving Torres in the jet to monitor and wait in case there’s a need for backup, eventually ending up in a dilapidated building. You assume it’s a facility used to house the soldier, if Bucky was able to trace him back to here. They probably keep him away from the major facilities with most of the guards to limit the risk of him dying during raids or other compromises, you think.

“Be careful around this guy.” Bucky warns Sam as you get closer, approaching the building, slowly walking down a long hallway in order to find anything that would signify him being here.

Bucky slows down, causing everyone else to slow down as they approach the end of the hallway, allowing the only option to turn to the left, revealing a large cell, the soldier sitting in the corner.

A flash of confusion flashes across his face before it disappears, an emotionless expression replacing it as he stands, the whirring of his metal arms being the only sound as he approaches the three of you, ready to fight.

The three of you back up down the hallway to allow more space, but it doesn’t last long as he begins to attack, launching himself at Sam to start mindlessly fighting.

The soldier and Sam throw punches at each other and you run over to help, but as you come up to them, he whips around, grabbing you by the collar of your tactical vest, and throws you across the room with one swing.

“Woah!” Your body smashes into a wall, a loud creaking sound coming from the metal of his arms as your body makes impact and slams to the ground.

“Shit!” You groan, getting ignored as the three men fight each other. He’s strong as fuck.

Your vision stops spinning and you stand, a shield whizzing past your head, nearly decapitating you, and lodging itself into the wall behind you.

Bucky’s already got blood all over his face from fighting him, and you take a wild guess that the soldier has some sort of serum that’s the same or stronger than Bucky’s in his body.

He grabs Bucky and flings him to the side, his body crashing into the cell he was originally in. A metal pole with wires wrapped around it stands in the middle of the small cell, which Bucky’s body slams into, electrocuting him and knocking him unconscious.

You remember Bucky explaining to you one time that he was always going to be a lot more sensitive to electrocution and shock therapy after what HYDRA would do to him, regardless of how super he is.

You look to Sam to see the soldier straddled on top of him, throwing punch after punch into his face, then moving to tear off one of Sam’s wings with his bare hands, sparks flying around them.

Suddenly something flows through you. Not something; anger. Pure rage. You realize that this guy is out to kill and it’s like a switch has been flipped. You're reaching over towards the wall and ripping out the shield, throwing it as hard as you can and hitting the soldier in the side of the face.

You march over while he’s distracted and disoriented by the blood pouring out of his head and kick the side of his face, knocking him over and off of Sam. You use the same leg to kick at the shield that’s now on the ground, flipping it up into your hands, and slam the flattest part down onto his head, using it to block the punch he throws.

You toss it to the side and straddle him yourself when you get a split second of a chance, him hitting you with a gnarly punch - a Bucky-level, super-soldier punch - but you hit him back, ignoring the fiery hot pain that explodes in your face. Though not as strong, you feel your fists break his nose and crack his cheek bone, his blood making your hands stickier and stickier as you punch and punch and punch.

“Don’t! Touch! My! Friends!” You yell in between punches, using both your hands to slam down at the same time, blood dripping from your own face from his singular punch.

You slam both hands onto either side of his face, and in a second, you realize you’ve tapped into his brain. His arms drop to the ground beside his body and you’re in complete control.

Never have you ever tapped into someone’s mind so quickly. Maybe it was the adrenaline, maybe it was the fiery anger of seeing your friends getting hurt that made it so easy.

You smile wickedly, laughing in his face, “Now, you’re mine.” You pant through your teeth.

“51, don’t.” Bucky groans. You glance up to see him on his hands and knees now, still feeling the after effects of the electricity, small sparks jumping from creases in his arm. You look over to the side to see Sam also leaned over on the ground, looking at you. Waiting.

They’re not scared of you, but they’re… wary. Everytime you’ve controlled someone’s mind, they’ve died. The man from prison. The scientist from the HYDRA video. Dead in a second because of your powers.

Bucky looks at you and he sees the same girl from that video years ago, one of few survivors of a HYDRA facility, smiling with blood caked in between the cracks of your teeth, pure powerful energy running through your veins.

The soldier lays underneath you, unmoving. You look down at him again and his eyes are pooling with fear. An understandable feeling for someone who’s aware of what’s happening, who’s present in the moment, but has zero control of their body. A feeling he probably knows very well being under the control of HYDRA.

He probably came into the picture after Bucky’s escape and the initial fall of HYDRA, a sad soul that was captured and forced to comply. A job that used to be yours. Tortured, arms torn away, and mind blended until he didn’t know anything other than to fight.

“I wasn’t gonna do nothing,” You reassure, “Maybe just… have him jog around the block in his underwear a few times. For fucking up my shoulder and all.”

You release his face from in between your palms, forcing his head to slam back onto the concrete floor.

“Don’t. Move.” You point at him with a bloody finger.

You take one final look at him before standing up off of him and turning to walk back in the direction of the jet.

“I’m not waiting around for the feds,” You mumble, exhausted. Your face is pounding less and less and just going numb altogether, which you don’t think is a good sign.

“Go after her,” Sam tells Bucky, “I’ll call Torres to come over and help me. And reach out to Shuri, see if there’s anything she can do to help him.” The soldier remains unmoving on the ground, eyes shooting around the room wildly, but body stiff as a board.

Bucky gets himself up, grabbing the vibranium shield and handing it back to Sam, who’s still groaning on the ground. It’s not easy fighting super soldiers, Bucky imagines. It’s not like Sam has mind powers.

He walks out of the building to try and catch up with you.

“Hey,” He says, gently reaching for your arm to pull you back towards him.

The blood from your shattered nose has now pooled down your chin and neck, soaking your tac gear. Bucky tilts your face up with barely any pressure. A thumb brushes across your face and you wince, but try not to move so he can assess you.

“I think your cheekbone is broken.”

“My fingers,” You all but whimper, bringing them up from your sides.

“Also broken. At least six of ‘em,” He presses and pulls along each of them, ignoring your wincing and pulls on your right middle finger, a pop sounding and a loud groan coming from your mouth, teeth clenching so hard you think you’ll crack them, “Five. That one was just dislocated.”

“You guys will help him, right?” You confirm, Bucky still gently roaming his hands along your body to check for major injuries.

“He didn’t do anything,” You whimper, and Bucky looks up to see tears in your eyes.

“Babe -”

“He’s not evil, he didn’t mean to do anything,” You cry, and begin to sob, your emotions overwhelming you.

“He didn’t, baby, we’ll help him as much as we can. Right now, we need to get you to the jet so we can go home and get you to the MedBay, can we do that? Can you walk, want me to carry you?” He coos, hating the sight of his girlfriend in both physical and emotional pain.

You sniffle and close your eyes, ducking your head, and Bucky takes your silence as a plea to be carried, gently scoping you up bridal style and carefully walking back in the direction of the jet. He hears a few more sniffles as you curl into his body, nuzzling into his jaw, as you close your eyes and try to ignore the pain in your face as much as you can.

“Can we go out tonight? To that little Italian place we went to that one time?”

“If you’re not too tired or in too much pain, sure, baby.”

“And a movie?”

“Yes, sweetheart. I’ll wine and dine you real good.”

“Red wine or white?”

“We can have that pink raspberry one you like. The one that tastes nothing like wine.”

“Ugh, don’t make me smile, it hurts.”

“Sorry. I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

[coochiequeens]

I feel terrible for anyone stuck in a war zone. But the people interviewed just seem like people trying to justify not helping the resistance effort. Why can’t the transwomen just help create Molotov cocktails like other women? If asked why they didn’t flee they can just reply that women with children and elderly parents should have left first. They don’t have to go into detail about why they don’t have kids. Why can’t a transman fight? Ukrainian men from all over, many with no real military training, are returning home to fight. Will another inexperienced man really stand out?

Trans people in Ukraine have told VICE World News that they are “totally stuck” and “scared for their lives” in the country.

Two Ukrainian trans women said they can’t leave Ukraine or even safely travel through it because all of their identification documents say “male” and mention their “old masculine names”.

Some trans people have even been advised to “lose their ID” by human rights groups, in order to get out of Ukraine. Trans campaigners estimate this issue is leading to “hundreds” of trans people in Ukraine being left in “serious danger” and feeling “completely alone”.

One trans woman said she is “terrified” of being stopped trying to leave Ukraine, and being forced to join the Ukrainian army “as a man” – especially because authorities are stopping men aged 18 to 60 from leaving. Another Ukrainian trans woman is too scared to leave her accommodation in fear of transphobic attacks. She’s the only person left in her neighbourhood.

One trans man, who transitioned over six years ago and has lived as a man in Ukraine since, only has an ID showing “female”. He told VICE World News about his fears of leaving his house and trying to make it across Ukraine. During a phone call, screaming and explosions were heard coming from outside his accommodation, but he still refused to leave because of his ID issue.

A non-binary Ukrainian person explained their fears of leaving Ukraine and heading to “places like Poland or Hungary” where their identity is “ridiculed” and not recognised. “I need to choose between my own country – that I have learned how to navigate –or a totally foreign place where I could feel even more excluded and in danger,” they added.

A humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Ukraine following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion. The UNHCR, the United Nations’ refugee agency, confirmed that 520,000 refugees from Ukraine have now entered neighbouring countries since last Thursday, warning “this figure has been rising exponentially, hour after hour.” However, trans people may not have made those journeys.

Zi Faámelu is a 31-year-old trans woman from Kyiv. She is a musician and has appeared on TV in her home nation. Faámelu said she can’t leave the country and her life is in danger.

“Like hundreds of trans people in Ukraine, I am a woman, but I have ‘male’ in my passport and on all my ID, so this is a war within a war. Ukrainian trans people were already fighting for their lives.”

“There are hundreds of us stuck like this, living miserable lives. We need some influence from abroad. We need people to write to their politicians and charities to help us.”

She is sitting in darkness while she talks to me. In her hands, she holds a “very sharp” knife. Alone in her area, she is scared of who could be outside her apartment.

Trans people in Ukraine can obtain legal gender recognition, but human rights groups have called the process “abusive”, as it “violates the rights to privacy and physical integrity.”

Asked why she didn’t change her ID documents before now, Faámelu said the process in Ukraine is “humiliating” and she’s seen people having to “stay in mental institutions for months, with psychological and physical tests to prove their gender.”

“We don’t want to go through that, so we just kept our passports as they were and laid low, stayed quiet. It’s hell for trans people here. I should have left earlier but I was waiting for some emergency gender documents, but the doctors suddenly said no.”

“I'm completely alone now. Everybody in my neighbourhood has left. It’s such a dangerous situation, but I'm trying to stay optimistic. I've seen people running for their lives, and screaming at each other to leave things behind and just get out - but I have to stay where I am. It’s the only option for me right now.”

“It is very dangerous for me as a trans person in Ukraine on a normal day, so now, it is impossible. Many gay people in Ukraine can blend in with the rest of society now, but for trans people it is impossible. There are so many physical traits that we are attacked for – big chin, broad shoulders – we’re beaten, we’re killed. We need to get out now, but we can’t even leave our apartments.”

“They will see my passport and see ‘male’, they will see my birth name, and call me a man in a dress and attack me.”

Faámelu spoke of trans people who have been threatened by individuals openly carrying weapons in their areas.

“I’m now even more scared to be in Ukraine because everyone has a gun. Now my attackers have an excuse to carry out their hate and violence. People know where I live. Every sound outside is scary,” she said.

“Trans people now feel forgotten, neglected, abandoned. We are actually invisible at the moment. We need the United Nations, we need human rights organisations. We need people to help us get noticed.”

People fleeing Ukraine have been told that several neighbouring countries will accept them without any ID, however the journeys to get to the borders may still involve being stopped at checkpoints by the police or military, queueing with members of the public, and being split into “male and female” groups for prioritising safety and travel.

Being LGBTQ in Ukraine can be life-threatening. Attacks against people based on their sexuality and gender identity are common, and citizens told us “our police just stand by and watch.”

Less than a month ago, vandals damaged an LGBTQ community centre in Kharkiv, a city in northeast Ukraine. The attackers wrote “death threats” and “Christian scriptures” across the centre’s “mural of equality.” Campaigners said the centre had only recently been repaired after the last attacks, when “urine, shit and blood were smeared on the front door.”

Trans people in Ukraine have told VICE World News that their lives “were not worth living” before the war, and the current situation has only made matters worse for them.

Robert, 31, is a trans man who was living in Kharkiv, Ukraine. We are not identifying Robert’s surname to protect his identity. Robert’s years on testosterone have led to him “being able to pass like any other man”, but his ID still says he is “female” and uses his birth name.

“My parents tried to kill me when I told them I’m trans,” he told VICE World News earlier this week. “Everybody here knows me as ‘he’, nobody knows my situation. This is why I’m in so much danger now.”

“I’m so afraid for my life,” Robert added. “A lot of people have offered me help once I get to different countries, but I can’t get through Ukraine like this. The problem here is that you can look like one thing, but your papers say something else.”

“I can’t work, I can’t have a bank account, I can’t have a driver’s licence. I can’t continue at university because the university can’t approve my papers. I’ve just been cutting people’s hair, cleaning bathrooms and apartments, just to feed myself. It’s just existing, not living.”

Robert is now being supported by LGBTQ campaigner Rain Dove, who recently created a group and a fund to directly help “LGBTQ people, disabled people and families” stranded in Ukraine. The group has now supported “over 700 people” to get out of Ukraine, and many of them are LGBTQ.

Rain Dove told VICE World News: “We’ve had trans people get rejected at some borders, but everyone we’ve supported has eventually got out.”

“If you’re a trans woman with an ‘M’ on your passport, or you’re gender nonconforming with an ‘M’, we recommend that you ‘lose’ your passport before you speak to Ukrainian officials. Hide your ID in a water bottle, or in your shoe. If you get stopped, you can just say that you’re not from here, you can say that you’re a student in Ukraine, or were just visiting. Without an ID, you will be sent to a long line of foreign nationals, but you’ll then be talking to officials from the bordering nations, and you can present your ID without an issue. This has worked 100 percent of the time.

“If you’re a trans man with an ‘F’ on your ID, prepare to be gaslit by Ukrainian authorities. They will say ‘if you’re really a man, then fight for your country.’ This is unfortunately a really common thing. You could also hide your ID, but we know some people who have stayed to fight.”

Rémy Bonny, executive director of Forbidden Colours, an organisation pushing for LGBTQ equality across Europe, told VICE World News, “the Russian aggression against Ukraine has shocked the entire world, and queer people are extraordinarily affected by this war.”

Asked what people around the world can do to help these individuals, Bonny said, “Please donate to initiatives that are helping queer refugees from Ukraine. We are expecting about 100,000 queer refugees in the coming weeks, entering Poland, Hungary and Romania, but in the past, refugee camps have proven not to be safe spaces for LGBTQ persons.”

[darkromanceblackburn]

Decebal Avram Chirilă Headcanons

Authors Note: I did some Headcanons for my Romania Original Characters and used a lot of history references to depict his character. I think it turned out to be good, but I am very certain. Also, I have no grudge against other countries and such. This is strictly for my character. I mean; just because you create a character that kills that doesn’t mean you support real life murder or you kill yourself. Good, now that we made that clear. ENJOY!

Rebel with a cause; Outlaw by heart

Decebal is someone that both stands out and can blend in, which is a paradox. He stands out mostly because of his very tall form and handsome eccentric features; basically, when he enters a room he lights it up with his attitude. The blend in part is mostly after the big entrance in a room. He is multilingual and can fake accents, which confuses people. For example, he went to Italy multiple times and the local ones there thought at first he was a foreigner, until Decebal put on the Italian accent, speaking it fluently; the locals were confused. Is he Italian? Doesn't look like it.

He doesn't like uncultured people. He is a man who loves to learn about other countries' histories and culture, to broaden his horizons in this aspect. Knowledge is the second most valuable treasure along with Freedom. He is happy to explain culture and information misunderstandings about his country. 'No, dragă. Romanian isn't a Slavic language. It's a Latin language.' He had to explain this way too many times.

History has put a great impact on Decebal; he loves and hates it at the same time. He loves it because you get valuable lessons out of it; for example, in November 1942 Soviet forces launched a counteroffensive against the Germans arrayed at Stalingrad in mid-November 1942. They quickly encircled an entire German army, more than 220,000 soldiers. In February 1943, after months of fierce fighting and heavy casualties, the surviving German forces—only about 91,000 soldiers—surrendered. How did this happen? Stalingrad wasn't an important target, but Hitler wanted to destroy it mostly because of its name that comes from Stalin.... In conclusion, PRIDE destroyed them.

Decebal is anxious around Russians, although he does visit the country, mostly because of Ukraine and Belarus. Decebal is anxious around Russian's because of their history. One issue is that prior to World War I, the Romanians sent their gold reserves to Russia for safekeeping but the Russians did not return the gold after the war. Take it like this; Romania was an ally with Germany and Russia. The German's when they went to brothels, they brought flowers and chocolate, while the Russian beat and raped them. The Romanian women covered themselves with charcoal to make themselves ugly and unattractive to the Russians. Now, Decebal doesn't judge because of your nationality, but if you do prove you are like that, well.... Tough luck. Russia is a nation with power or strength as its national idea and they have repeatedly shown that they do not care about ideals like “legality” or “legitimacy” but respect force and military power only. This trait does not make you popular among your neighbors. Instead, you´re seen as an aggressive jackass who abuses and bullies others.

There are also many reasons why Decebal has anxiety towards Russians, all because of history. Romanians were forced to learn Russian. Romanians who are older still, almost universally, will tell you that they know one phrase in Russian: "Дайте часы!" ("Give me a watch!") Because that's what the Soviet liberating soldiers told every Romanian as they liberated them of their wrist watches (and anything else they fancied) when WW2 ended. Among other things that the Russians liberated from Romanians? The entire Romanian national treasure. Oh, and Moldova. Decebal has Moldovian blood running through his veins. Basically, Romania trusted Russia with its national treasure, Russia being an ally. 

Decebal, if he is your ally, won't ever leave you on the battlefield, he is a 'go all the way or die' type. He's tired of how cowardice has affected his country and himself, so he is willing to fight till death. If you have strong beliefs and are passionate about something he will support them. Think of him as a shield of steel.

He hates the dictator-like attitude; he had to endure a lot of that shit and he is in no mood to listen to someone that thinks they're the big bad one just because they induce fear and brutality like an uneducated mindless jackass. Seriously, don't try to impose him with that kind of attitude because at some point his rage will come undone. There's a Romanian saying 'Mi-sa umplut paharul', which basically means that he won't take your shit anymore. Decebal is as scary as he is friendly. You don't wanna see this guy get into that mood. When he gets angry, which rarely happens, there's a cold wind that hits the nape of your neck, a dead silence that makes you wonder what will happen and a shadow casts his face, his almost white eyes illuminating under that shadow. Short story.... If you're the unlucky soul that has angered him, your body will be turned into shish kebab.... very tiny pieces and he will do that oh so slowly. 

Getting over these dark vibes, Decebal is a music lover, one of the many things that keep his grin on and his eyes sparkling with life. He has an mp3 player with earphones in the pocket of his jacket and loves to listen to it during the most normal and abnormal times. He will listen to music at night while sitting on the roof of a house/building or..... He will fight with the earphones on and music blasting. He sings, and he is pretty good at it.

Decebal has so many faces that it's hard to really put a label on him. Some see him as a very cultured gentleman with a charismatic personality that brightens every room he enters. Then there are the ones that describe him as a hooligan, a punk, a very vulgar and blunt person who has no shame and mercy. He is really just a way too honest misunderstood guy with a vertebral column that cannot be bend.

He is a guy that appreciates the little things life has to offer. Life during Romanian communism really imprinted on his life. Give him a little piece of bread and he will be grateful to you. The food ration during that time was harsh; no more than half a loaf of bread, not too much meat, or sugar, and so on. Food is a luxury in Decebal's eyes.

Decebal is more used to the night than day, mostly because all his life he spend it in darkness. He spent months in underground jails without seeing the light of the day, losing track of time. Plus the communist government cut off electricity from 6:00 - 8:00 pm each night across the country to preserve energy. He sees in darkness like a cat and his ears are very sensitive.

Decebal loves his home country very much because he knows how much potential this little country has. Romania is Europe’s richest country in gold resources, Romania boasts the world’s largest administrative building, The largest population of brown bears in Europe lives in Romania, The Statue of Decebalus in Orsova is Europe’s largest rock sculpture, The only gold museum in Europe is found in Romania and also Romania has one of the happiest cemeteries on Earth, a reason for why Decebal makes jokes even in the face of death. On each grave there, is written dark humor poetry. Here's an example:

Under this heavy cross

Lies my poor mother in-law

Three more days should she have lived

I would lie, and she would read (this cross).

You, who here are passing by

Not to wake her up please try

Cause’ if she comes back home

She’ll criticise me more.

But I will surely behave

So she’ll not return from grave.

Stay here, my dear mother in-law!

[flying-nightwing]

Dark Fox (7/7)

Thank you to everyone who took the time to read Dark Fox! It was my first longer serie ever since my writing hiatus, and the first one I actually finished ever lmao. It was quite an adventure and I really enjoyed writing this persona. This is the last chapter to close the story. I hope you like it gang!

Previous

Pairing: Jason Todd x Reader

Word Count: 6821

Warnings: usual

You hadn’t had a lazy morning in years, and you had all but forgotten how good it felt. 

A single sun ray warmed the bed, making the temperature under the thin sheet just ideal. The slow, steady rise and fall of Jason’s chest under your head was soothing, as well as the random pattern his hand was drawing on your back. Usually, you’d have already trained and eaten by that time. Today, you had no intention of leaving the bed anytime soon. The last night had been spent fucking so many times in so many different ways, you were both exhausted and happier than before. Jason was even wilder than you remembered (or he got even better?), so much you were still riding the absolute high you had reached. 

You traced his scars with your fingers; some old ones he had told you about, some you had put there yourself, and some others your had yet to know how he got them. You had a lot to catch up about.

“The last time we found ourselves like this,” You began, trailing your soft touch up and down the browned mark on his shoulder. It was as large as your sword, and a witness of the rocky beginning of your relationship. “I begged you to come back to the League with me”

He angled his head toward you. You could feel his eyes on you, half closed and relaxed as he’s even been. “But I begged you to follow me back here first” 

It had been a heartbreaking moment. The build up of the unanswered question for a whole year had lead to there. None of you had wanted to talk about the time his training would be done, you had rather wanted to keep doing your stuff and ignore the impending separation. That morning hadn’t been unlike this one, with the sun coming through the hut and with you both on the hammock, naked and intertwined under the fur cover. He had broken the silence, asking you to forget the League and stay with him. Back then, you were so sure you could only reach Luthor through it. So you asked Jason to instead join the League at your side. 

He had dressed up and left the hut, and you hadn’t heard from him from then until you crossed paths in Ukraine.

“I guess this is the fight you won” You smiled, flicking up your gaze to his. “Seeing as I’m here”

“The fight I won?” He raised his eyebrows. “Implying I didn’t win any other fight?”

“You did, but…” You teased, gently tapping your fingers up his collarbone. “Let’s face it, I still won most of them”

He gasped. “Excuse me?”

You smirked. 

Before you could see him move, he rolled on top of you and caged you underneath him between his arms. His eyes were narrowed in indignation as he channeled his mean face on. It once might have worried you, but it had lost most of its purpose now. Especially since you were both naked.

“I’ve won plenty of fights against you” He sneered. 

“Mhmm” You hummed, knowing all too well how he didn’t like to be challenged. You hadn’t poked at his pride in too long, so you couldn’t pass the occasion. “Sure you did”

“Have you forgotten what happens when the fighting range gets too small?” 

You simply blinked.

“Or when I truly got angry? Or…”

You cocked your head to the side as he halted his words. Then, understanding flashed through his expression. 

“You’re still riling me on purpose” He sighed.

“What did I like to say again?” You asked rhetorically, pausing for emphasis. “Ah, yes. When you’ll stop falling for it”

“I hate you” 

“Don’t blame me for being such an easy target” You rolled your eyes. “Now come here”

“Bossy” He finally grinned. “I love it”

He lowered himself so his lips touched yours and kissed you softly. However, the moment didn’t last long, as his cell phone vibrated on the nightstand. You could feel the shift toward annoyance in his mood, and it only grew when the phone vibrated one more time, and another one after that. With a long sigh, he rolled off of you and to the side of his bed. He frowned, then all trace of displeasure at the interruption wiped off of his face.

“What is it?” You asked, peeking over his shoulder. He shut off the screen immediately.

“You’ll see” He chuckled. “Get dressed”

“Ooookay” You nodded slowly, watching him throw his legs on the side of the bed and reach for his shirt on the floor. You put on your clothes from the day before and went for the guest bedroom you had, changing into something clean. When you got out, Jason was waiting for you leaning on the doorframe. 

“First though, breakfast”

You followed Jason, as you were still unfamiliar with the place. Sure, you had mapped the way from your room to the cave, and from the cave to every close escape around. But for the rest, you had barely the time or desire to explore. All this space was pointless to you, as you couldn’t figure out who would need all of this. However, it did provide a good way to avoid any Wayne during your stay, you’d give the manor this point.

But it didn’t allow you to avoid Bruce this time.

He caught you around a corner, and you three remained in a stare off for a few seconds. You knew it probably wouldn’t result in a fight, but your hand still hovered above the blade hidden at the back of your waistband. 

“I think you have overstayed your welcome here”

Jason gritted his teeth, but you remained calm. You had expected this.

“I will be gone by tonight” You replied on a neutral tone, then pulled Jason with you to side step him.

“One more thing” 

You halted your steps in the doorframe to the next room, turning your head to look at him. He hadn’t moved.

“I don’t want to see you in my city again”

“You must be fucking kidding me” Jason yelled, but you held up your arm to stop him from marching back to Bruce. 

“Absolutely not” He turned to face you. “Ever since she’s came, she has conveniently disclosed very precise information on the weapon’s whereabouts, except when it mattered. And hid her family ties to Luthor”

“You think she’s working with him?” He scoffed.

“I don’t know, is she?”

Jason glanced at you, about to reply something, but you just shook your head at him. It was pointless to try and convince Bruce Wayne, especially since you knew your word could never overturn your suspicious behaviour. He rolled his eyes and walked away, and you were about to follow him before you paused.

“I’m not” You spoke up, and you could feel Bruce’s eyes on your back. “If you must know, I’ve come here to kill him, and I don’t need your permission for that” 

With that, you walked away, not waiting for an answer from Bruce. You joined Jason in the kitchen, who was already working on cooking oatmeal. His jaw was still clenched, and his posture tense. 

“I can’t believe the fucking audacity” He grumbled. 

“He is entitled to his opinion of me” You shrugged and leaned on the counter next to him. “I don’t really care what he thinks about my intentions”

“Still” He sighed. “Are you still planning on finishing your mission?”

You crossed your arms against your torso and furrowed your eyebrows. You could just leave Batman and the others take care of it, and leave them to deal with Luthor. But again, you hadn’t came all this way to just give up. 

“Bruce was very clear on his stance about me remaining involved in this shitshow” You hummed, before glancing up at Jason. “But we do have a bio weapon to stop, and I’m far from done with Luthor”

His disappointment morphed into a grin at your words. “Attagirl, that’s what I like to hear”

“I most certainly don’t like to leave things unfinished” The corner of your lips lifted. “You okay with going against Batman’s orders?”

“Oh my dear” He chuckled as he poured the oatmeal in two bowls. He glanced at you with an excited glint in his eyes. “Nobody has a better record of disobeying him than I do”

“Good”

He put a spoon in each bowl and handed you one. “Now we need to have a game plan for what’s next”

“Any idea?”

“I sure have” His grin widened. “I want to show you something”

He motioned you to follow him as he ate his oatmeal mid walk. He got down to the cave and led you to a small side room, where he grabbed the tablet on the table. You slowly ate your breakfast as you watched him press buttons and mumble to himself. Then, he turned to you.

“You ready?”

You nodded, unsure of what he was talking about. He dramatically pressed one more button, making the wall in front of you turn on itself with a woosh. Your eyes widened as you took in the content of the compartment.

“So?”

You blinked at glanced at Jason. Your grin slowly stretched to match his. 

“Oh yeah” You nodded again, this time, with way more assurance. “This will definitely do”

----

Jason heard Bruce coming from miles away.

Even if he technically didn’t, his course of action was so predictable that the Bat’s dramatic landing on the rooftop behind him was no surprise at all. 

“I thought I had made myself clear”

Jason stood up from his crouched position and turned to face him, arms crossed against his chest. “You did”

“Then what are you doing here?” He sighed in annoyance. 

“Well obviously you’re blaming your wrong intel and failures on someone who has nothing to do with it, which is a classic you” He taunted. “So we’re here to finish the job. Her and I really do work well together, thanks for noticing”

“Red Hood” He warned.

“Batman” He mimicked.

Someone landing next to them grabbed their attention.

“Red Robin” Tim announced himself under Bruce’s hard glance and Jason’s amused one.

“What are you doing here?” 

“Well, I knew something was up when I didn’t see Foxy in the cage all day” He explained. “So I followed you here. By the way, where is she?”

As if on cue, a shadow dropped behind them. The movement did no go unnoticed, and as if on instinct, Tim spun around and threw a shuriken. His expression quickly changed as he realized who was in front of him.

There you were, still crouched from your landing and holding his shuriken mid air inches away from your face. You were smirking under your mask as Tim stared at you in disbelief. 

“Twice” You spoke as you stood up fully. His eyes quickly scanned you from head to toes, almost overseeing you handing him back his shuriken. “Twice you have thrown one of these at me”

“Where’s the League suit?” He asked, slowly taking back his small weapon. “And you’re stupid bow?”

You shrugged, sharing a knowing glance with Jason. “I thought it was time for a change”

Then, understanding washed across his face. “Oh, oh my. You’ve dropped the League” 

He did another once over. You had ditched the heavy coat for a lightweight suit made of silk and leather, with armored plastic on the stomach, the upper arms and the back. The arm bracers had smaller spikes than the previous ones, and you no longer wore a heavy mask. Instead, you had only kept your half mask and wore a hooded robe crossing on your torso. Your grappling hook was now in your utility belt, and your arrows were replaced with sharper, more volatile darts kept in a sheath on your thigh. You now had 25 regular darts, five explosive and your two classic sedatives. Only your sword remained on your back, so it would “unclog your aesthetic”, as Jason had put it. 

You did like it better like that, the bow wasn’t your style anyway.

The new gear was still all black, for the exception of a silver kitsune draw into the back of the armor that would show if you took off the robe. It was comfortable and flexible, and resistant to bullets and stabbing. Jason had hit the target right on with the design. 

“Do you keep your wrist shooter?” He asked, squinting his eyes.

You raised your arm and shot over his shoulder to prove your point. He caught the small arrow mid air, nodding impressively. 

“Still the best part of the suit” He muttered to himself. 

“I thought you said you’d be gone” Bruce cut in. Your eyes went to him. 

“I still have a couple of hours” You replied without missing a beat.

“Talking about” Jason said. “Your time window just opened”

“You can either help us or stay out of the way” You told Bruce as you adjusted you comm. “But this is happening regardless”

He didn’t speak right away, taking a moment to ponder your words. Then, he voiced his thoughts. “Are you going to kill him?”

You held eye contact for a few seconds more before taking off. You ran along the ledge and jumped on the next building, then letting yourself slide down the fire escape. You chose not no reply to him, as you didn’t need to give him another reason to come after you. Granted, not replying was practically the equivalent of giving a positive answer, but at least it could give you the benefit of the doubt for what it was worth.

Using the shadows of the city, you quickly made your way through the blocks by the back alleys until you reached the imposing tower in the middle of the Diamond district, the same building you and Tim had sacked for show barely a week before. Whatever damage you had done, it didn’t show anymore. It was like nothing had happened. 

This time, you came in by the front door. The second you walked through the glass doors, all activity stopped. You took a few step forward, and four guards met you halfway in the lobby. Without a word, they escorted you past the front desk and through the metal detector going off like crazy. Anytime you could have easily gotten rid of them, but you held back for now. You waited a short time for the elevator, then got in and up to Luthor’s floor. He was waiting for you by the window, and turned around with a smirk once you got in his office. You pulled back your hood and unclasped your mask.

“I see you’ve got a new look” He pointed out. “Changed your mind about the league?”

“Something like that” 

“Well, I’m most certainly pleased to see you’ve decide to do the right thing” He took a step forward. “This is where you belong”

Slowly, you reached for your sword and took it out. A shadow passed across his face, and nodded to something behind you. Or rather, someone. You dropped to a crouch to avoid the tazer being stuck in your back--once was enough--and thrusted your sword in the legs of the guys around you. You rolled forward and shot the four guards coming your way, before jumping on the desk and holding them in your aim. Luthor now had four new guards around, letting you know more would come if he needed. You reloaded your crossbow.

“I’m disappointed” He revealed with a sigh. “Those were good men”

“Let it be a reminder I can and will take them all out if they're in my way” You twirled your sword. “Step forward and none of them die with you tonight”

“How noble” He chuckled, not concerned at all. His hand rested in his pocket and his stance was relaxed. “Did your boyfriend with the red helmet tell you to do that?”

You shot an arrow to his knee, but he easily side stepped it like he had predicted that move. He raised an eyebrow.

“I see” He hummed. “But I had expected you would deny your destiny. So I decided to help you make a choice”

Four more men came in the room and ran at you. You vaulted over them and landed behind them, taking them by surprise. Before the could fully turn around, they were on the ground. You wiped your sword in the crook of your elbow and faced Luthor again. He was watching, unwavering, almost out of the door. He was stalling, that was clear, but you didn’t know for what yet. He smirked again, and you knew he’d finally reveal his thoughts.

“Now I know you won’t back down like last time” He taunted, and your jaw clenched. “So I guess you can come at me now, tear through my guards and get to me…”

You narrowed your eyes, knowing there was something more coming. He wouldn’t make it that easy for you to get to him.

“But like I said, I had expected trouble from you, like your mother before you” He sighed sarcastically. “So I prepared a backup plan. I decided to launch my weapon sooner and instead use it elsewhere, since you forced my hand. In twenty minutes, it will discharge quite literally the plague in the city aqueduct”

You tensed, your hand going to your ear to your comm and turning it on.

“Ah, I don’t think telling your friends will work” He tsked. “The only way to stop it is through my genetic code”

“Therefore mine” You concluded.

“Smart” He mocked. “Yes. So you can either kill me here and get it over with, or you can run around and save a bunch of people, and miss your shot. Again. But you don’t have the time to do both, I’m afraid”

You calculated his ultimatum, and he was right. If he kept the men coming, it would be enough to stall you too long for you to go from the diamond district to the aqueduct. He had planned this move carefully, knowing he’d get a win in either case.  

“Don’t worry, the cure is ready to go, there won’t be much casualties” He brushed off. “You came here to kill me, didn’t you?”

You flexed your fingers on the hilt of your sword.

“Do it” He challenged. “That’s what you are. You were made to finish what you started, to stop at nothing to get what you want. This is how I made you, even if I disapprove what you’ve done with my gifts. So go ahead, kill me and prove me right”

He was almost in your face now, staring right at you. You straightened your back and levelled up with him, feeling something strange, yet not unwelcomed, swelling in your chest. You thought about Jason and what he said, about those civilians you saved from a certain death, and about the man in front of you. Seeing him from so close, you realized every ounce of anger you held toward Luthor was… Gone. You thought with him so close you would be tempted to fight him, but all you could feel was indifference. He didn’t matter to you anymore, he never should have. He represented your insecurities, and tried to drag you down with him to excuse his own failure in making you a copy of himself. You became aware he was a pointless chase, and you had better things to do than indulge in it. 

“I’m the Dark Fox” You jutted your chin up, squaring up your shoulders. “Don’t fucking tell me what to do”

You turned around and jumped over the desk, grabbing an explosive arrow and throwing it in the window. You jumped through as it exploded, plunging down the building. You pulled out your grappling line and hooked it on your shooter, then aimed for the roof. It slowed your fall midway, and you used your glove to slow yourself down. 

As your feet touched the ground, you saw Jason’s motorcycle pull in in front of the building. You put back your sword in its sheath and your mask on your face, then your hood up. 

“Aqueduct, we’ve got fifteen minutes” You spoke as you climbed on the bike.

“Yep, I heard everything” He had a grin in his voice. Yet, he didn’t go yet.

“What?”

“I am so fucking proud of you”

You felt your neck heat up as you looked down, even if he couldn’t see you, in fact, you were glad he couldn’t. You never knew his praise would make you react that way, or that you would be so important for you to hear it.

“And for the record” He added. “It was very hot, too”

“Fucking hell, Jay, go!”

“Fine” He sighed and sped away from there.

“Okay so what is your thing with jumping out of windows?” Tim said through your comm. You had no idea he had stayed.

“It makes me feel less dead” You replied, and Jason audibly laughed. 

“You madwoman”

“Since you’re here, I have a task for you” You said. “Could you pull out the files on the weapon and figure out how the failsafe works?”

“I’m already on it”

Then, a bullet barely grazed your shoulder. The sound followed closely after, but it was like in slow motion. You raised your arm to protect Jason's shoulder, letting the bullet hit your arm brace instead. Reacting quickly, you turned around facing backwards and shot an arrow through the gun aimed at you. You then noticed five motorcycles following you, probably tasked with taking you down.

“What’s going on? How many?”

“Keep driving” You ordered. “I’ll take care of this”

You shot another arrow, but it bounced on the body of the motorcycles, and from your position you couldn’t aim elsewhere. You emptied your arrows to get one good shot, and it was enough to take one down. But looking at your recharges, you only had ten darts left, and potentially more people to take down around the bomb. You looked down, then up again to the guns aimed at you.

“Fuck it”

You reached for one of Jason’s gun on his thigh and clicked the safety off. Then, you shot.

“Holy shit” Jason yelled, and you could only imagine his expression. “HOLY SHIT”

“Did… Did Foxy just use a gun?”

“I wish I could have seen that” He whined. “I am so turned on right now”

“Too much information Jaybird”

You clicked the safety back on and turned around again, then slipped the gun back in his holster. 

“I thought you thought guns were disgraceful” 

“I kind of still do” You smirked under your mask. “So don’t get used to it”

“You’ll at least do it once when I look, right?”

“Hmm, maybe” You hummed.

“Aww, aren’t you two the cutest”

“Shut up Tim” Jason warned.

“Alright then, I won’t tell you what I found on turning off the weapon”

“Speak, Tim” You contradicted Jason’s order.

“First you have to apologize for throwing me out of a window”

You thought for a moment before answering. “No”

“Then no intel”

You sighed. 

“Let’s compromise then” You suggested. “I will not apologize because I am not sorry, but for the intel and not telling on me after you found out who I was, I will consider not pushing you out of a window again”

There was silence radio, then he spoke again. “Good enough for me. There should be a code pad, I decrypted it and the code is 0000. Yes I know, but then you’ll see a slit, and you gotta put your left hand in it. It’ll read pulse, heat, fingerprints, and more. Since you should share all of this with Luthor, it’ll stop. Or it’ll explode, that was unclear”

“Well that’s reassuring” Jason grumbled. 

“Alright, we’re almost there” You rolled your eyes. “Thanks”

“See ya later”

You turned off your comm and reloaded your shooter minutes before Jason pulled in the aqueduct yard. He parked his bike and you both easily climbed the barbed wire fence, and even though the place looked deserted, you remained careful. Luthor wouldn’t have left his device without surveillance. You grabbed your sword and fell in step behind Jason, who had his guns up. Then, he halted his steps and held a hand for you to do the same. You had this feeling you were being watched, and you could only imagine he had it too. 

“Get ready” Just as he said that, bullets began raining over you. “Go find the weapon, I’ll cover you!”

You held an arm up to protect your face and disappeared into the darkness. You kept running along the walls of the building, allowing you to get in undetected. You reached the main water room, where you could see from the upper platform about eight guards surrounding the very device you had been hunting. The countdown indicated 2:37, so you had no time to lose.

You jumped over the ramp and landed quietly on your feet behind the men. You approached the first one and swung your sword around to let it rest on his neck. You used him as a shield as the other guards noticed you, blocking their bullets. You raised your arm and shot your five darts at them. You pushed the dead man off of you and faced the two remaining guards, taking a fighting stance and swirling your sword at them. Before they could start shooting again, you lunged and knocked their guns out of their hands. They kept fighting around you, trying to get to you with punches and kicks. But they were sloppy and predictable, and even after one fetched a small blade from his belt, they were no match for you. You glanced at the countdown, and it almost reached the one minute mark. Your eyes then trailed on the two guards around you, still trying to get the upper hand. They both extended their arms at the same time for a hit, so you dropped to a crouch.

Like you did during training with Bruce and Damian, you sweeped your sword in a quick motion. Unlike them, however, your current opponent weren’t quick nor skilled. The blade of your katana sliced their knees, making them collapse on the ground. You quickly reloaded your last round of arrows and sheathed your sword, then made your way to the device. You easily found the locked pad and entered the code, then pulled off your glove and stuck your hand in the slit. You pressed the button and watched as the biometrical scan began. 

You heard noise behind you as backup reached the room, and without taking your hand out, you turned your body and aimed. The first five men fell, but there were still five coming your way, so you reached for your shurikens in your belt. But you didn’t get to take them out as other, all too familiar shaped shurikens reached the goons first. You sent a deadpan look at where you noticed none other than Red Robin standing there smugly.

“Oof, I hope you didn’t have dibs on them”

“I had it handled” You replied. 

“I’m sure you did” He smirked as he walked past you and took a look at the countdown, then at the weapon. His expression turned grim. “Twenty seconds”

The scanner was still working. 

“If it doesn’t work, you’ll have to slice the pipe off” You said, analysing the situation. Cutting the water and flooding the building would bring less casualties than letting the virus flow in the water system.

“What!?”

The system unlocked. You quickly entered the command to stop, and the countdown halted. You pulled your hand back and put on your glove again, then grabbed an explosive arrow. You planted the dart in the slit and backed up, pushing Tim with you. Soon enough, it went off and the weapon went up in smoke. 

“Phew, that was close” He blinked. “Well played”

“Motherfucking Dark Fox!” Jason dropped from the platform at his turn. His helmet was off and he had a wide grin on his face. “That’s what I call making a difference! The League could never”

“That was really cool” He nodded in approval. “By the way, what happened to, you know..?”

“Did you do it?” Jason’s eyes were now on you, his grin not so intense now.

“He’s gone” You said, but it didn’t help ease the questions in their eyes. “As in, I don’t know where he is. I let him flee to come here instead”

Jason’s eyes widened. “And you’re fine with this?”

You shrugged. “It doesn’t matter to me anymore. His time will come, like everyone else. I just won’t be involved when it does”

“That was unexpected” He whistled. “But hey, what goes for you goes for me. Love the new mentality”

“Killing him was what the League would have wanted” 

“That’s nice. Good choice” Tim nodded. “So you’ll stay here then?”

“Well, not here, since bats and foxes apparently don’t get along” You snorted as you unclasped your mask and pulled back your hood. “But I’ll be around”

“About that, how does Blüdhaven sounds?” Jason chimed in again, sliding a hand around your shoulder. You raised your eyebrows at him “I’ve got a pretty nice place there, and it’s technically not Gotham”

“That won’t be necessary” A deep voice came from behind you. You glanced over your shoulder where the massive shadow of Batman stood. “I’ve seen you work tonight. You acted good, I can allow you to stay in Gotham as the Dark Fox”

Jason coughed in surprise as you blinked, then turned around. 

“Thank you” You began, nodding respectfully. Jason’s wide glance was now directed to you. “But no thanks. Besides, I still don’t need your blessing to stay, or to be me”

Bruce stared at you blankly, not moving or commenting. Your guess was that he wasn’t expecting this answer, or at least not delivered this way.

“Oh, B” Jason mocked as he put back his helmet. “Nice try. Anyway, we should get out of here before the cops show up”

You put back up your mask and hood and followed Jason out, waving at Tim on your way out. You left the aqueduct and waited until you were further into the city before ditching the bike and finding a rooftop to station yourself on, just in case you were being followed. The masks and helmets came off once again, and you took a moment to breathe the air from up there. It was a clear night, with a good wind chasing the clouds away. Jason observed the city lights with you, crouched on the ledge. Then, you heard quiet shuffling behind you. You spun around, then held Jason back when he was about to lunge. You kept your eyes on the outline of the figure in the shadows, knowing all too well who it belonged to. You took a few steps forward.

“You look different” Talia smiled. “A good different. I’m glad you finally found yourself” 

“Thank you” You lowered your head. “For allowing me”

“I only want the best for you” She stepped closer to you, her smile never wavering. “Has he taken good care of you?”

You both glanced at Jason for a moment, and you chuckled. “He has. He was gentler than I’ve been to him”

“I figured he would” She winked. “You two were meant to be”

Your smile dropped as you looked down. Surely, she would know what it meant. Her sympathetic eyes fell on you and her hand rested on your shoulder. You had chosen to part with the League, therefore, with her. It would be the hardest part for you. 

“You don’t have to explain” She reassured. “I knew this would come to this, and I am here to free you”

Your eyes shot up.

“I talked with my father” She explained. “Seeing your unwavering service for all these years, he has agreed to relieve you from your duties to the League. All he asks in exchange is for you to remain out of the League’s affairs, and he gave his word he will not come against you or your family”

“Really?” Your voice was barely above a whisper. 

Her smile was encouraging as she nodded at you. Slowly, you took off the black robe, exposing the silver fox on your back. Then you took out your sword from the sheath in your hands, kneeled and offered it to her. She took it and held it upright in front of you, just like the day you had been initiated in the League.

“In the name of Ra’s al Ghul, I release Thaelib fi alzalam from her servitude to the League of Assassins” She spoke. “Your debt has been paid and your bounds are no more. Rise”

You got back on your feet, your breathing hitching in your throat. You reached for your sword in her extended arm, looked down at it and putting it away again.

“Thank you” 

“You’re very welcome” Her hand went to your cheek. “If you need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I will be there for you”

“And I for you” You gave her a genuine smile. She offered her arm, and you took it at the elbow like she did. Your foreheads touched for a few seconds before you pulled away with a step back. 

“It was nice to see you again, Jason” 

“You too, Talia” He nodded with a small curve on the corner of his lips. 

“Take care, children” She said before disappearing in the darkness again. 

Jason approached you and took your hand, gently pulling your around to face him. He had this glint in his eyes, it was full of relief and happiness like you had never seen on him. To be honest, you were feeling the same way. It was like a burden had been lifted off of your shoulders, and you had never felt lighter. Sure, it brought you uncertainty to navigate without the League’s guiding hand, one you had relied on for most of your life, but it felt right. You knew Jason would help you like you had helped him, and things would start to look up from now. 

“So, what now?”

“I don’t know” You chuckled. “It’s the first time I don’t need to follow any agenda. I’m kind of lost” 

“Ah, this calls for the return of Teacher Todd” He grinned. “Lesson number two, you get to learn what fun and freedom taste like”

----

The grass was high as your mid thigh and small bugs swarmed up with every step forward you took. You didn’t mind though, you prefered it ten folds to the smog of Gotham.

For Jason, however, it was a different story.

He was sweating and grunting, and even if he was behind you, you knew he was getting annoyed by the flies and mosquitoes around. He was swatting his hand wildly and you could tell he was slightly regretting sharing his suggestion to you. The sun was high, and even for the end of the summer it was surprisingly hot. 

“Ugghhh” 

You rolled your eyes, but didn’t stop.

“Are we there soon?” He asked. “Jeez I had forgotten how far was that thing”

“Come on, stop lying to yourself” You teased as you spotted a familiar path up a small hill. “You like this”

He scoffed. “It reminds me of my ass being kicked”

“As I said” You smirked over your shoulder, and he raised his eyebrows at you. 

You climbed up the small hill and came face to face with a small, half decaying structure with the roof caved in by the elements. Moss and grass was growing on the outside of the round walls, but the feeling of home you had subconsciously associated with it was very much intact. Jason stopped behind you, his annoyance completely gone and replaced by fondness over the sight in front of him. There were so many memories tied to the small hut, some bad but mostly good, and it was like you could feel them all at once. You dropped your bag on the ground and took a deep breath.

“So, was the trek up here worth it?”

“Fuck yes” He sighed in amazement, his eyes never leaving the hut. “I missed this place so much”

“Even if we had to work hard for survival?” 

“Being here alone with you far outweighed any inconvenience this place brings” He stepped closer to you, his arm wrapping around your waist. Who would have ever thought? His nose nuzzled on your neck and your relaxed in his arms. “We’ll still have to do a bit of renovation around though”

“I hope you’ll help me this time” You looked up at him innocently. Last time you had built the hut alone before Talia had brought Jason, and even if he had been there, you would have absolutely not trusted him to help you with anything

“But you’re so hot when you work” He pouted. “I wanna watch and enjoy the view”

“And how would you make up all that work to me?” You asked, then you felt him smile on your skin. A smile full of mischief and promises. 

“Oh, I have plenty of ideas” 

“Oh me too” You grinned, stepping out of his arms, then you winked at him and disappeared in the hut. Only one hammock was still up, the other had fallen on the ground due to broken ropes. Stones of the small fireplaces were kicked in and weeds were growing around. The kitchen supplies were scattered around the makeshift shelf, but otherwise the place seemed to have been left untouched by human activity. Jason followed suit and took in the damages. 

“Do you think we can still both get onto this hammock without the ropes breaking?” He asked, side glancing at you. You rubbed your chin in wonder, then hummed.

“There is only one way to know for sure” You tilted your head to the side. You nodded at each other and he walked around you, with you in tow. He carefully lowered himself first, then opened his arms for you. You joined him, and waited for a few second to test the resistance of the ropes. You heard them creaking and straining, but you were still hanging. You relaxed, and barely a second after, the ropes snapped.

In a blink, you were on the ground, and both of your weights made the wood give in. You ended up in the dirt, directly on the forest floor. yOu remained in silence for a moment blinking at each other.

“Well” You sighed. “The hammock could not support us both”

“Alright, there is a lot to do” He conceded. “How about you fix this baby, and I’ll gather the wood for the fire, hunt dinner and get the herbs for tea?”

“That’s more like it” You said as you stood up and dusted off your pants. You offered a hand to Jason and you pulled him up with you. “Do you remember where are the bows and arrows?”

“In the bark of the oak facing the boulder, yeah” 

“Good” You chuckled. “I wasn’t sure you’d get it right”

“Come on” He groaned playfully. “I was quite a good student”

“Oh not at all” You laughed, taking a step in his personal space and looking up at him. “The worst, actually. You’re lucky you learned fast, or we’d still be there”

“Then I should have dragged my training on purpose” His lips hovered above yours. “You’d still be my incredibly unforgiving yet very hot teacher, and I your wild, stubborn and irresistible student”

“Hmm, does another sword in your shoulder sound good?”

“Only if I get to face you hand to hand”

“You’ve got yourself a deal” You whispered, before backing away abruptly. He blinked in confusion. “But it’ll have to wait. It’s almost sundown and we need to be installed by then. So get your sweet ass out there and stop distracting me here”

He sighed. “Why do I like it so much when you order me around?”

“I have no idea” You tapped his chest. “But the quicker we prepare everything, the sooner we can go to the lake for a swim under the stars”

He perked up at that, and with wide, excited eyes, he shot out of the hut faster than you could register. You chuckled and leaned on the threshold, lazily crossing your arms against your chest and taking a deep breath. You stared outside for a moment, enjoying the breeze and the sound of nature surrounding you. It was peaceful and beautiful, taking it in fully. 

Then, you got to work. 

[littlemissmarvelous]

Queen of the Night

I've bandaged your bruises

You've held back my hair

Who'd've known when this started

That we'd end up here, here?

But you reach out and touch me

Say my name like a prayer

You giggle as his hands caress your sides as you stitch the gash on his forehead closed. He smiles at your giggle and proceeds to let his hands find your ass.

“Bucky baby I need to fix your stitches and THEN you can touch me however you want. But I really need to focus, love.” You hum.

The mission had been okay, both you and Bucky came out okay besides the cuts and of course his gaping gash on his forehead from a hit to the head. You escaped with a bulletwound to your shoulder but Helen had already taken initiative and began treatment. There was still some pain and blood but with another session and some more stitches you’d be fine. That bulletwound turned out to be exactly why Bucky got his gash. He had been so upset that someone had the audacity to shoot his girl that he saw red and he went in full fight mode. He still won, of course, but not unscathed.

Finally done with the stitches you dab them to wipe away blood and smile. “All done!” He didn’t waste another second before picking you up and taking you to the bed, throwing your body on top of it as you fight giggles. He quickly gets on top of you and grins, his hair surrounding your face like a halo. He blue eyes meet y/e/c and he swears he’s never seen anything more beautiful. Your smile, your laugh, your beauty...he thanked god for gracing him with an angel. After all that he is done in his long life, he didn’t think he could ever deserve to be blessed with someone to love him for who he is, but He was proven wrong when he met you.

Who knew you’d end up here? You were the other assassin amongst Natasha who also experienced part of the red room, but had received super serum to make things even more precise and strong. You’d escaped before they could perform the graduation ceremony, and you lived years on your own traveling Europe. That was, until you happened to run into good old Steve Rogers who just so happened to be on the run too. You had thought you were doomed, you had a lot of red in your ledger and didn’t have the standings that Nat did. But instead he saw you fight against an agent and pulled you to the side and asked you to join his group. He promised you protection and a new life, no more hiding when this all blew over. You took the offer no questions asked, a way out is a way out. He guided you to his safe house where a tall dark man stood at the stove, his face going in shock at the sight of a new person.

“Um okay, do you want to explain?” Sam asks.

Steve motions to you and replies, “This is Y/n L/n.”

His spatula drops onto the floor and his jaw drops onto the floors. He quickly undoes to apron he has on and shuts off the stove before standing in front of you. “Holy crap, I’ve heard of you. You caused a lot of problems for me back in the army when you went through our troops like butter in Ukraine. But I have never seen such clean work and absolute stealth before in my life. Not even Bucky or Nat.” His voice is higher with his excitement and his smile is almost taking up his entire face. You blush and shy away at the compliment. You weren’t exactly proud of everything you’ve done but you could admit you were darn good. He holds out his hand for you to shake and you take it. “Nice to meet you y/n, I’m Sam.”

You shake his hand softly. “Nice to meet you Sam,” you say and then ask, “who’s Bucky?”

Steve frowns and asks, “ever heard of the winter soldier?” At the mention of that name your hand goes to the sword holsters at your hip and prepare to draw.

“He’s here?! Where?!”

“Uh, here.” You hear behind you and you turn. At the sight of the metal arm your instincts kick in and both swords are drawn and your body is in battle mode.

“Woah, hold it!” Steve steps between the two of you cautiously, though Bucky is just standing there unmoving. “I need you to understand y/n. This is Bucky, he isn’t the winter soldier anymore.”

Your body straightens but you’re still hesistant. “How do you know? He could still be inside him.” You hiss.

Bucky then steps past Steve to address you. “The trigger words still may work but I promise the guy in front of you is just me. James Buchanan Barnes.” You grit your teeth and think to yourself. It was a tough decision but you placed your swords back in their sheaths and stood up straight.

“I am not who i was before either. So I must give you a chance.” You state, your eyes piercing his. Bucky relaxes his face into a smile for which you surprisingly return.

Bucky flashes back to the present, his body still hovering over yours. “Y/n..” he whispered your name almost like a prayer. Your hands find his face and pull him into a kiss. His hands are all over then and you both lose yourselves in eachother, passion almost making your blood boil.

All my friends say you're dangerous

But I don't fucking care

“Look y/n, all I am saying is that I completely understand that you’re a badass avenger now, but I just don’t think you’re making a great choice.” Your friend from childhood Amy said, her eyes full of concern.

You frown and ask, “what do you mean?”

“I mean...I mean I think you trusting and dating Bucky is just a really bad idea. He has done some really bad things, especially to your friends.” She admits meekly.

“You know that wasn’t him, Amy. That was the winter soldier, for which isn’t Bucky. Not anymore.” You reply.

“How do you know? What’s to say he won’t go AWOL again? Or kill you in a trance just because you’re in the same bed?”

“Because I trust him! Just like you should trust me!” You stand from the table and glare down at her. It was near betrayal how one of the few closest to you can’t seem to trust you or support your happiness for once. “I think it’s best I get back to the compound now.” You turn to leave only to hear her call after you.

“Don’t blame me if he kills you. And don’t come to me if he hurts you and you don’t have anywhere to go.” You stop in your tracks immediately.

“Do me a favor and delete my number and never contact me again. I’ll make sure to let tony know you aren’t allowed near the tower or compound, and better yet within 1,000 yards away of me.” You sneer and continue your leave.

It hurt but you didn’t need anyone that wasn’t with you completely by your side. You were used to standing on your own anyways.

Cause there's somethin' about it that brings me to life

Yeah, I know all the consequences, I don't mind

This holy redemption tears us in two

But I can't turn my back to you

Wearin' your t-shirt, I'm Queen of the night

One hand on the wheel, and one hand on my thigh

And I know it sounds crazy, but babe I am too

I just can't turn my back to you

Bucky knew about your loss of friendship with Amy, and why. He blamed himself and even thought about leaving you but you refused. You spent the entire night proving to him why and how much you belonged with him.

“She’s right you know. One psych break and you could be dead.” He whispers sadly.

“I’m here to stay with you through it all. I trust you, and I trust myself when I say I know you’ll never kill me. You won’t hurt me because I love you, and you love me.” Your lips find his in a blistering kiss full of love and fire. You needed to show him, to make him feel what you held within yourself. Pulling away you whisper, “we are both born from the dark, but we found the light together. I want to stay in the light with you.” He looked into your hope and love filled eyes and couldn’t help but lose himself completely. The warmth and utter devotion you showed him made his eyes well up and his arms pull you even closer to him. This was home for both of you, the sanctity of each other’s arms.

A knock at your door and Steve’s booming voice calling, “Time to go to the gala lovebirds!” Bucky internally groans and his arms pull away from your body.

“Looks like it’s time to get your dress on and get your fine Ass down there doll.” You giggle and kiss him before leaping up and heading to the closet to put on your navy blue gown. The car ride over was calming, and relaxed. His hand was on your thigh, the other on the wheel. You find yourself grinning at him, making him smile in return. “What’s got you so smiley?”

“I’m crazy about you, you know that?” You admit with a small giggle.

His smile turns into a very large grin and his grip on your thigh tightens as he squeezes you softly. “I’m crazy about you too, doll.” Your chest grows warm and your heart flutters as you take in his words. You wonder how you ever thought you were in love with anybody else before.

As soon as you both got back from the tiring gala, you immediately changed into a shirt of Bucky’s and some sleep shorts. You couldn’t help feel like in his shirt, in his clothes, you could take on anything. Survive anything with that piece of him with you. There was no separating you two from now on. Not ever. Not when you were unknowingly (yet) growing this mans child in your belly.

When the night goes quiet

And we're up in your room

And you're kissin' my fingers

And I kiss your tattoos

You lied beneath the silk sheets of his bed, your head on his chest. It was quiet now, after many rounds of blissful sex you both just held eachother. Your head turns and you kiss the tattoo he got around his scar on his shoulder lovingly. “I love you.” You whisper.

He takes your hand in his and kisses your fingers softly as the other plays with the ends of your long hair. “I love you too, y/n. So much.”

I could lay in bed with you and talk shit forever-ever

If this is all a dream, wake me up never, never, never

Swear to God, cross my heart, no one does it better, better

“I just can’t get over it.” You say as you lie next to him on the bed, the warm comforter covering you both.

“You? I think the one more shocked is me, doll. I’m over 100 years old and have a metal arm who used to be a hydra assassin. And I’m about to be a full blown dad. To an actual BABY.”

Your hand goes to grab his metal one in comfort. “You’re going to be an amazing dad babe. I just know it, and our baby will love you and your metal arm. Just like I do.” You then place both of his hands on your growing stomach so he could feel the life they created inside you.

His eyes began to water and a small smile graced his face. “You really think so, y/n? I’m scared.”

You nod and place a gentle kiss on his lips. “Yes baby, I think so. With all of my heart. I’m scared too but I know with you, us together we can accomplish anything. Even parenthood.”

He brings you close and nuzzles into your neck, his head ticking your skin. “Oh doll, please tell me you’ll marry me.”

Your cheeks turned deep red and you can’t help but tear up. “Oh Bucky... are you serious?” He nods and reaches Over to the dresser by the bed to pull out the velvet box. Pulling it open he reveals a rather large diamond ring. “More serious than ever doll. You’re it for me.” He says with a smile. You don’t waste time putting your lips against his in a passionate kiss. Sure your hormones were insane because of the baby but there was no refuting that you were absolutely in love with the man next to you that fathered you’re baby.

“Oh god, yes buck I’ll marry you. I’d marry you a thousand times if i could.” You gush, your body wrapped around his. “Just wait until I have this baby and i can fit into my dream dress okay?”

He nods. “Anything for the love of my life. And soon to be other love of my life.” His hand goes to your stomach again and your heart had never felt more complete as he then places the ring on your left hand. You were going to be his queen forever.

[scribbling-stiks]

AAR - XXX - Starry Skies

"Netti?"

"Yeah, Dad?"

"Could you bring me a notepad and a pen please?"

"Okay," Connecticut says. They get up and walk over to the piles of supplies to grab the items. Russia gives them a smile as they approach.

"Here you go," Connecticut says as they gently hand the paper to America.

"Thanks, kiddo."

"No problem."

America clicks the pen and begins writing. America tosses the notepad onto the floor and he lies across Russia's lap to reach it, holding to phone right beside the pad of paper. Russia feels his face heat up a little, but he tries his best to ignore it.

    -Ukraine

    -São Paulo

    -Rio De Janeiro

    -Brazil

    -Aure

    -Mexico

    -Italy

America glances at Russia before raising the phone up for Russia to see.

"Can you identify the other ones? Geography was never my thing."

Russia nods and America hands him the phone. Russia makes a grabby hand motion for the pen and America hands it over easily. Russia examines the maps closely before grabbing the notepad. He lays the paper onto America's back and begins listing the countries he recognized had been marked off.

    -Nigeria

    -France

    -Egypt

Then Russia notes that some of his own states had gone missing. His eyes widen and he feels a pang in his chest.

'How did I not notice?'

"What's wrong?"

"Some of my own states had gone missing," Russia reluctantly admits.

"That's not good," America mutters, "did you ever have a close relationship with any of them?"

Russia shakes his head.

"No. We were business partners, but I can't leave them in captivity."

America nods in understanding.

    -Burgat

    -Mari El

    -Sakha

Unfortunately, with the poor quality of the photos, Russia couldn't make out any more marked-off countries. The blurry quality made it nearly impossible to tell which markings were extra notes and which ones are marking off smaller countries or states. He squints, but can't get any more useful information from the maps.

Russia sighs in annoyance. Then he feels America sit up a little. The notepad begins sliding down America's back and Russia snatches it up before it hits the ground. The sudden movement snaps Russia out of his stupor and he listens. The kids are quieter. Looking closer, he sees that many of them seem excited and the older states had the lanterns in hand.

"What does he mean by constellations?" asks Newfoundland.

"It's hard to explain," Maine says, "but it's really cool. You'll just have to wait."

America pulls himself up and clears his throat. The kids spin to look at him and America smiles.

"Okay kiddos, turn off the lights and cover windows."

The states cheer and rush around to bathe the building in darkness. It takes Russia a moment for his eyes to adjust and he sees the kids stumbling over each other trying to find a space to sit on the floor. America turns to Russia with a smirk.

"Hey Rue, wanna see something cool?"

Russia nods and America slowly gets up. Russia follows. America stops in the middle of the room and Russia stops beside him.

"Russ, you gotta sit down!" Iowa says, and she and Minnesota pull Russia to the ground.

America stands tall and spreads his hands.

"Three," America starts, and a chorus of voices join him, "two. One!"

Then the entire room is filled with stars. Russia's jaw drops. Static electricity fills the air.

Dots of different intensity dance against the walls and ceilings. They move around the room, hypnotizing everyone watching. The room goes completely silent, and Russia feels like he's no longer in some abandoned warehouse, but instead swimming in one of his father's star charts.

Soft blue lines begin to connect the stars and constellations build themselves in the sky above. small specks sparkle in the background as the Big Dipper forms and Ursa Major begins to prowl the night sky. Russia looks at America in amazement and sees a faint blue glow from his eyes. Russia's gaze returns to the ceiling and walls and he watches in amazement as the stars and constellations come to life. He sees Orion running across the night sky, on the hunt.

Whisps of magic swirl in the air and Russia watches with wonder. America takes a deep breath, and Russia's head whips back to him. He watches America raise his hands and lowers them slowly with fascination.

Now, Ursa Major descends from the ceiling with Ursa minor at its side. They appear in faint blue masses that prowl just above the heads of the states.

Russia stares in awe. His eyes grow wide and he tries to see as much as his mind can process.

Ursa Major gets closer and Russia finds himself reaching out to touch. Then Orion, his belt a glowing line of stars, lands in front of him, fighting off the bears. Orion pulls back and draws his bow. He pulls back and hits Ursa Major with an arrow of stars. Ursa Major lets out a silent scream before dissolving into a sea of sparks that fade into nothing.

A serpent about 1/2 a meter in diameter forms above them and it silently slithers away from the ceiling, sliding effortlessly through the air. It snakes through the states, faintly illuminating them as it navigates around them. It approaches Russia and Russia reaches out. His hand dips into a cool mist as it enters the serpent's body. The snake keeps moving while light blue magic swirls out behind Russia's fingers, fading into the air.

Breathless, Russia stares back up to the ceiling as the stars rearrange, and a scorpion emerges to attack the serpent. The snake quickly approaches the ceiling and the scorpion strikes. The snake recoils before lunging to bite.

The two explode into stars that rain down upon them, showing them in cool, fading sparks that disappear when Russia tries to catch them. The stars slowly fade away, the brightest ones being the last to disappear. After Ursa minor finally fades into nothing, the states cheer. Russia stares up at the ceiling, now just as dark as the rest of the room had been.

"Alright," America says, "turn on the lights so no one steps on each other."

America turns to Russia and smiles.

"Close your mouth, you'll catch flies," America says, snapping Russia out of his trance.

"*That was amazing!*" Russia exclaims, jumping to his feet, "How did you do that?"

"Wanted to figure out how to see the stars when I couldn't go outside and it just went from there," America says with a shrug.

"How much magic can you do?" Russia asks, breathless.

"Combat wise? Not much. I can only really use the scythe. Otherwise, I can heal and do light shows," America says, waving his hands to gesture to the rest of the room, "It's really not that big of a deal."

Russia grabs America's shoulders and stares him in the eye.

"*That was absolutely amazing. I've never seen anything like that,*" Russia explains.

"See Dad, we've been trying to tell you it was cool," New York adds.

Finland moves to stand and adds, "It's a display to take your breath away."

America looks away with a pink tinge to his cheeks.

"Come on guys," America says, running a hand through his hair, "it was just a light show."

"Why did you ever tell me you could do that?!" Canada shouts, "I would've made you that every time you visited!"

"Yeah Uncle Aim!" Alberta shouts.

"Why didn't you guys ever tell us?!"

"You never asked!"

"But it's so awesome! You should've told us your dad could do that."

America looks down, his face going almost completely red. Russia admires the look and America latches onto him, burying his face into Russia's shoulder as if hiding from the praise. Russia laughs and hugs him back.

"It was really pretty. Just like you," Russia teases, poking the side of America's face.

America squirms away, and he dives for the mat they had been sitting on, hiding in the blankets. Russia laughs and runs up behind him. He lands next to America and pulls him out of the blankets. America squeaks and tries to pull away. Russia holds tighter.

"Absolutely beautiful," Russia says, searching his English vocabulary for more words.

"No!" America shrieks.

"Lots of talent."

"Rue! Stop!"

"Best Dad ever!"  Montana cheers.

"And teacher!"

"And fighter!"

America groans and vehemently shakes his head.

"Good. Fun," Russia lists.

"Rue stop. You know that's not true."

"Cute."

America covers his face with his hands.

"Hmm. Yes, very cute," Russia says, covering America's face with feathery light kisses. America wriggles around and starts giggling uncontrollably. Russia pulls away and smiles at the flustered mess in his lap.

"I hate you," America says with a pout, crossing his arms and puffing up his cheeks.

Russia smirks and leans down, gently capturing America's mouth in a tender kiss. America kisses back, leaning up to meet him. Russia smiles against America's lips.

Russia pulls away and America turns away, his arms still crossed and his face a hot pink.

"That changes nothing," America insists. Russia hums in amusement.

"Really!" America shouts, swatting at Russia's arm.

"Okay," Russia replies with a smile.

America huffs and leans back into Russia's lap.

"You suck."

"Okay."

"I hate you."

"Okay."

"Not really though. I can't actually hate you. That's like impossible. But I hate you for getting me like this."

"Okay."

"You're a jerk."

Russia chuckles, hugging America closer.

"I love you," Russia says, nuzzling America's forehead.

"I love you too," America grumbles.

Russia beams.

"You don't have to be a smug b****** about it," America mutters, shooting Russia an embarrassed glare.

Russia just grins. America pouts, turning to lay his ear down on Russia's chest. There seems to be a crowd around one of the windows by the door and Russia looks up and sees Texas keeping others from pulling down the curtains. Russia catches his eye, and Texas tilts his head to gesture outside before shaking his head.

"Don't want them to see what's outside," he seemed to say.

Russia nods and turns his attention back to America, who is grumbling angrily and affectionately tracing shapes into the fabric of Russia's sweater.

~

Next

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Table of Contents

[blkgirlcafe]

Home PT. 4

Viktor Drago x Cyra (Black OFC)

Cyra (Ky-Ra) -Sun or throne

Kazimir (Kah-Zee-Meer) - Bringer or Announcer of peace

Viktor Drago is married to the love of his life, they have a 5 year old son. He is willing to do anything to keep them safe.

Warning: Kidnapping, abuse, mentions of child abuse

Flashback 2

Viktor watched her everyday, he hoped it did not come off creepy but she was different and so pretty. If Ivan caught his eye wondering he would smack  him back into focus. Ivan had given him a break, he was sitting on the floor, with his water, protein bar and fruit, watching her. She was on the treadmill, going a good pace. He couldn't help but look at her butt, it was so shapely, more than the other women from this area. 

She stopped running, using a towel to wipe her face. She cleaned the equipment, never once taking off her headphones. Viktor watched her mouth the songs, he wondered what she was listening to too. 

She began to walk his way, maybe she was leaving, she had only been here 30 minutes. In horror he realized she was walking towards him, she was smiling at him. He quickly swallowed the bite of food in his mouth, chasing it down with a big gulp of water. 

“You know if you are going to stare at me, you could come say hi.” she smiled. 

“I’m Sorry, I didn't mean to.” he mumbled, letting his head fall. 

“It's fine kinda, I’m Cyra, nice to meet you.” she held out her hand. 

Viktor scrambled to get up, drawing a giggle from her. He shook her hand, “Viktor, nice to meet you.” 

He said the name a few times in his head, not trusting himself to say it just yet. She licked her lips and he caught himself staring, looking away. 

“Povernutysya do roboty!”Ivan yelled at him. (Back to work!)

Cyra jumped and Viktor hated it, hated that she felt scared. Without a word he turned back to the punching bag.

Viktor picked Ivan up from the airport, he had not seen his father in over 7 years. When he left the Ukraine to be with Cyra. His dad told him he would regret it, that it was a mistake, that no one would love him like he did, and that he belonged in his country, fighting for it. 

But the love and acceptance he found with Cyra, with her family, the warmth, was a million times better than he could have dreamed of. He got up everyday happy, he felt whole, he truly smiled. 

“Have you talked to them?” Ivan asked.

“Today no, yesterday I did, just a little bit so I know they are still alive.”

“Then there is hope.”

“Why do you owe him 500k?” Viktor asked, turning into the driveway of his home. Part of him wished Cyra's car was  parked outside the garage like usual. He never understood why they had three garages and she always parked outside the door unless it was raining. When Viktor came home he would always put her car in the garage. 

“I made some bets, I didn't win.”

“So this is what you do now, you bet on fights?” Viktor was pissed off. 

“What else am I supposed to do, you left me.” Ivan shot back. 

Viktor got out, slamming the door behind him. Unbelievable, no matter what his dad would find a way to blame him. His mom left, somehow his fault, he lost a fight, his fault, he won a fight, not his fault. 

He put his phone on the kitchen charger, as obsessed Cyra was with phones, she had chargers all over the house. She wouldn't let his phone slip below 80% in fear of a missed call. His thoughts kept going back to his wife and child. 

“Nice place you got here. How much does it cost you?”

“None of your damn business, you can sleep in the guest bedroom, as soon as this is over you are on the first flight back home.”

“If I want to see my grandson?”

“You don't deserve to, you are the reason he is in this mess.”

“We will pay him and this will be over?” Ivan said. 

“We? You don't have a dime to your name and he doesn't want money.”

“Well what does he want?”

---

As far as Cyra could tell that they were here for 3 days. They were fed 3 meals a day, and they currently were on their 3rd dinner. Kazi seemed a little happy with his french fries and chicken nuggets. Their captors had bought kazi toys, she guess they got tired of his whining. 

They gave her nothing to occupy her time, it was driving her crazy. The door opened and the guy called Andriy mentioned for her to come here. Kazi stopped eating, sensing the shift in the room. 

“Mama be back baby.”

“Ok Mama.” he sat there, watching her leave. The door was closed and locked behind her. 

She was sitting on a couch, given her phone and told to facetime her husband, she did eagerly wanting to see his face, just to know everything was alright. He picked up quickly and Cyra smiled despite herself, she missed her husband. 

“Baby are you okay?” he blurted out and the phone was snatched from her hand. 

“She is fine, just finishing up dinner. I believe Kazi loves his dino nuggets. Is Ivan there?”

“Yes.” 

“Give the old man the phone.” 

Cyra watched with tears in her eyes, she wanted to see him so bad, to hear him say it was going to be okay. He was her rock, the only thing that made her feel better when shit was tough. 

“Ivan, nice to see you, especially since you've been ducking me and my men.”

“Wasn't ducking, just getting my affairs in order.”

“Did your son tell you what I want?”

“Yes, he will do it.”

“Of course he will, because you know two lives mean nothing to me.”

“Yes I know.”

“And I still want my money.” Andriy handed her the phone back, Ivan face way too close to the screen. 

“You have two minutes.”

Viktor came back into view, “Where is Kazi?”

“In the room babe, he's fine, we are fine.”

“Are you hurt, can I see him?” 

“I don't think that best baby, he has been crying for you since we left, he sees you. I wont get him calm again.”

A tear slid down her cheek, it was tearing her up to tell him no. She wanted nothing more than to have her boys back together. 

“Cyra I love you so much, I will do anything to get you two back here.”

“I know baby, I love you too.”

“Say bye.” Andriy said to her. 

Cyra teary eyed said goodbye. She was escorted back to her room, Kazi was laying on the bed crying. 

Cyra went to him, picking him up, trying to sooth him. 

“It's okay baby boy, mama wasn't far, right there, I would never leave you.”

----

Flashback 3

Their first date happened by accident. Cyra was running late to the gym, a study group ran super late, then she needed to do laundry before it closed. But she was determined to at least get her mile in. It was cold and dark by the time she got to the gym, lucky her it was open late. Not many people were left in the gym, a few stragglers like herself. She hopped on the treadmill and set a steady pace, being in a rush had Cyra had forgotten her headphones. 

She finished her mile and realized she was alone in the gym. She quickly grabbed her bag and hoody, heading towards the door. Waiting by the front desk was the giant Viktor. 

“Hey Vik.” She smiled at him.

He shyly looked away, mumbling a hi. She made it outside, throwing her hood over her head. 

“Hey, you walking home?” Viktor stopped her. 

“Yeah, I was going to get food first, want to come?” she smiled. Cyra watched the decisions play over his face, he didn't say much but his face did. 

“Sure if it means you aren't walking home alone in the cold and dark.”

“Well come on, my treat since you want to be a gentleman.” she bumped his arm with his shoulder, he didn't budge at all. 

They ended up at a local place not far from her shared apartment, the table was small, her and Vikor close together as the food was bought out. Cyra did most of the talking, Viktor listened and gave little input here and there, but he mostly was content with listening to her. 

“”Tell me something random about yourself?” she said, grabbing a potato pancake from his plate, he smiled at the action.

“I don't have anything, sorry.” he looked away. 

“Vik, if we are going to be friends you gotta stop saying sorry, don't be sorry for who you are.” she nudged his thigh. 

“Sor...I mean ok. I like silent films.”

“I can see that, you are like the strong but silent type, it fits you.”

Viktor felt like he was drowning, in a good way. She smelled great, her touch was soft, he was not used to these things. He was used to a smelly gym, with men with rough hands that threw hard shots. 

“I should get going, I do have class in the morning, and I am sore.”

“You are sore because your form is bad.”

She gasped and Viktor thought for a second she was upset for a second until a grin broke out on her face, “Wow, everyone can't be a pro like you, maybe show me one day the right way.” 

Cyra paid the check, which he felt bad about, he would get the next one he told himself. He walked her home, saying goodbye when they reached her apartment. He stood outside watching her go in, hoping she would be okay. 

He quickly made his way home, knowing that Ivan would be upset with him for being out too late, they got up at 4am to start training.

----

Cyra has been gone 5 days, his son gone 5 days, it was driving him crazy. Normally this close to a fight he tried to take it easy, doing light workouts, watching film, mentally preparing himself for battle. But this was different, he called his manager and had a press conference schedule for today. 

Viktor was doing this for his wife and child, he closed his eyes, he could see them. He could see Cyra and her soft smile,  the way she smiled at him. He could see Kazi and his unruly hair, bouncing all over the room, wanting to touch everything. His manager came back into the room, interrupting his daydream. 

“You sure you want to do this, this isn't like you, and you look like shit. Where is Cyra?”

“I have to do this, Cyra and kazi are with her family out of town.”

“She has always been by your side and now she goes out of town, not like her bro. We go on in 5 mintues. Want to tell me why your dad is here?”

“Support.”

“Bullshit Vik and you know it, something not right, there is something you aren't telling me. Did Cyra leave you?”

“What?! No!” he sighed. 

“Then what is it, because I swear on everything I love I have never seen you like this before.”

“Just drop it, Let them know I am ready.”

Viktor paced the room, he had ditched his normal gym attire for a dark blue suit, with a red tie. Cyra had picked it out for him, it was supposed to be for the press conference that happened 24 hours before the fight. 

The guy interviewing him wasted no time, jumping right in.

“Viktor Drago, to say I am surprised is an understatement, you usually are very quiet before a fight, why the sudden change?”

“I think I have proved myself enough that I can brag and be boastful, gone are the quiet days. Every person you guys have put before me, I have won against. Now it is time for me to talk my shit. I will beat Jaun lopez ass, just like I did everyone else before me.”

“This new Big Nasty, I love him. You are a champ and deserve to talk about your accomplishments.”

“I won lose this fight, I will prevail.” Viktor stood up, mimicking the ignorant stance he had seen other boxers take before walking off. He quickly made his way back to the room, locking the door behind him. He slid to the ground, hyperventilating. 

----

They let Cyra watch and she was sick the whole time, this was not like her husband. She couldn't believe that her son and herself were being held captive over a boxing match. It made her mad that these people thought her son's life was worth so little. They threw her back in the room afterwards, whenever they pulled her out Kazi always cried, she sat next to him, gently stroking his hair. 

“Mama, I heard Tata here?”

“No Sweetie I wish,he was on TV, the bad people made me watch.”

His tears flowed harder, this was the most seen ever song cry. Her Kazimir, her maker of peace, was always giggly and smiley, he always had a fun fact to share. He was a Daddy’s boy, preferring to hang on to Viktor's side when he could. His dad took him to the gym often with him, they spent countless hours together, without her. 

She knew being a father was so important to Viktor, he was intent on being the best dad he could be. His own spoiled relationship with his dad ensured he did everything different. He encouraged Kazi interest outside of sports, not pushing him like Ivan did to him. 

“Tata wouldn't leave us.” he cried. 

“I know baby and he didn't, he is looking for us, the bad people are keeping us hidden, like a game of hide and seek, tata will find us.”

“I don't like them.”

“Me either Kazi, they are so mean and stupid.”

“Mama bad word.”

“It's okay Kazi, in cases like this we can say bad words.” 

Her son perked up, he was never allowed to say bad words, words like stupid, ugly, were not allowed, he had to find others words to replace those.

“Can I say one mama.” he looked up at her teary eyed. 

“Yes baby, just one. But remember when we get home, no more.”

“I am going to save mine.”

Cyra smiled at this, just like her son to outsmart her. 

The door swung open, the woman telling them they could go to the bathroom. Kazi once again stood at the door while she used the restroom as if protecting her. 

“You go outside, but don't get loud or get any ideas.”

They were led out a backdoor, the yard fenced in, the sun was out and shining, Kazi ran to the fence and back to her happy to be outside. Cyra sat on the ground and let her son run circles around her. Eventually one of the guys joined them, kicking a soccer ball into the yard. Kazi perked up, still weary of the men. 

The ball was softly kicked to him, and he kicked it back. He looked at her uncertain of what to do. 

“It's okay baby.” 

She hoped that if he played enough he would sleep well tonight. He was having nightmares and not sleeping well. And once he woke up, there was no getting him back to sleep, he would ask her a million questions that she didn't have the answers for. 

[onion-souls]

my dude you cant just "i pitched a 40k show a while back" what do you do for a living and what story was it i need details man

Oh, I do some writing and editing for hire, nothing really notable. This was mostly an acquaintance’s project; he had much more pull than me.

The opening scene was my favorite bit, a horribly ambitious set piece that starts in the slums of Holy Terra, leading to a pilgrimage into the Imperial Palace, the camera leading up into the Golden Throne and the corpse of the God Emperor, all one shot. The camera then turns to see the Emp’s perspective, as we see the galaxy at war leading into the titles.

So the actual story in the initial pitch centered around an Eastern Fringe agri-world (I think we called it Dagon) that falls through the cracks of the Imperium’s bureaucracy in the midst of a blight. It was something of a creepy Southern Gothic setting, with wide fields of servitors with scythe hands and sparse cities with the look of haunted manors. The governor, who is probably the closest thing to a main character in the beginning, starts trading with the T'au to prop up the dying world. The governor’s kids were pretty important to the plot too- one was showing signs of being a psyker, the other liked exploring the ruins in he countryside, and vaguely befriends a source of rumors around the city, an incredibly large old man who runs his own small plot of land. Some say he’s just an ogryn, or some other kind of mutant, because he can’t be one of the legendary marines. Space marines never retire.

So eventually the T'au help out and the governor is being leaned on pretty hard; the people aren’t in danger of economic collapse, but they’re even more culturally isolated from the Imperium and the T'au are poking through the ruins of the world. It’s here that elements of the Dagonite government start to suspect that the blight was a deliberate T’au plot, as it appears to be biomechanical and somewhat directed - rather than directly killing plants, it’s leaching nutrients from the soil.

After a bit of reticence, the giant tells the governor’s son a story that is recognizably a truncated and biased version of the Horus Heresy.

Eventually, we get the beginnings of open T'au governance, but rather than smuggly ruling, they’re in a state of panic, as they are cut off from the Empire’s communications and supply lines just as an Imperial investigation force finally arrives.

The obvious collaboration comes to light, and the Fire Warrior garrison, the arriving Astra Militarum, and local loyalists all dig in for a fight. After some initial skirmishes, the T'au ask for a cease fire. The leader of imperial forces soon loses confidence in his position as he realizes he’s completely cut off from expected Ultramarine reinforcements and, well the entire Imperium.

The giant I mentioned earlier realizes what’s at stake and pulls out his panic button- a pre-Heresy communications device. Bulkier than a voxcaster, maybe not as accurate as an astropath, but it will get the job done, and it penetrates the psychic blockade since it’s purely technological. The Dark Angels WILL come to a planet broadcasting the old codes of Caliban. The giant flees from his home.

It’s 899.M41. Hive Fleet Gorgon has arrived in the Eastern Fringe. As Dagon’s defenders prepare for war, we see moments in their lives, on the brink of an apocalypse. The psyker daughter, in particular, falls catatonic from the Shadow in the Warp.

And then the Tyranids just bypass the planet.

So what followed was supposed to be 3-4 episodes of war, with the Imperium holding the line for what they think will be Ultramarine reinforcements but turns out to be Dark Angels. The T’au are in having their own MARINES, WE ARE LEAVING conflict, mostly trying to cut their losses in the most efficient way possible, running and gunning. There was a big controversy here over whether or not to have T’au viewpoints or just see them through human perspectives, but we did want a sense that the T’au felt a bit betrayed, as humans were still openly firing on T’au here despite the very real threat of a common enemy rising from the soil of Dagon. And the motherfucking Dark Angels seem more concerned with hunting down the Fallen.

At one point, the powerful yet rather sloppy Necron war machine just seems to grind to a halt. The Necron’s dynastic leadership wakes up and has a bit of a WTF moment when the invaders of their world don’t seem to match up with the hive fleet that their sensors picked up. The necrons begin to rapidly consolidate and act like an intelligent military force rather than the auto-piloted drones of before.

The T’au use the pause to fully evacuate, while humanity sticks around long enough to bombard the planet’s surface. At this point, it gets really hard to remember what we had planned because there were so many ending ideas and minor character threads. Pretty sure the governor got BLAMMED, the son got pressed into the imperial guard for the next season’s viewpoint, and the psyker daughter got Black Shipped. The Fallen also got scooped up by the Dark Angels in one ending, but we weren’t sure if we instead wanted to use him to fully introduce Chaos Space Marines as a concept. 

There are also a lot of smaller things I left out of this, like scenes introducing Warp travel and imperial governance, and hints that the psyker girl may be talking to a Lord of Change in her dreams. I remember having lots of disagreements about the tone and who to introduce, though we agreed starting out with a Space Marines vs. Chaos story was kind of what every 40K adaptation does for its first entry. I still feel like some elements were rather baby’s first 40K story, though. I wanted to go hogwild and show the lunacy and space fantasy side of the setting right from the get go, and pushed for including orks and or eldar in the first season, but everyone else thought we had to go a bit more mundane to ease people in. I also remember an incident where I had to screen Dune to discourage the use of the parts of Imperial lore that are kinda sorta plagiarized from Herbert. So I suggested Tau, Imperials, Necrons, and Tyranids, the harder(ish) sci-fi side of the setting, and an Agri-World as a cheap setting, blending elements of the American South, Soviet Ukraine, and post-colonial Cambodia.

[aprilskyforever]

Tmblrvision 2019 aesthetics

the vibes and associations i get while listening to the songs. based mainly on melody.

GREECE: the popular-girls-at-high-school (or maybe college) stereotype - pillow fights, road trips, gossip, passing notes in the classroom, cheerleading 

ALGERIA: lonely, sleepless nights after just getting dumped. lethargy. deep forests and wide streched landscapes without end

POLAND: jogging through a suburbia in rain. gray daily commute. overcast weather. the feeling that there must be something better than this

JAPAN: the first real love, kids playing in a meadow, waterfalls and butterflies, shy gestures and looks, the first misunderstanding and fight, but also the first reconcilation 

THE NETHERLANDS: a frustrated and restless author, he has writer’s block that never really lets go, he’s never content with his work. wrinkled paper, broken pencil ends, colliding with others on walks

SLOVAKIA: modern ballet, faint light, a couple, a farewell you don’t want to say

ISRAEL: party and ceremonies in a village where the older women are in charge; they do the cooking, leading the dances, and make sure everyone is involved and having fun

ICELAND: army boots, lighters and torches, pills, disassociation

ARMENIA: racing dogs, or maybe a tiger tamer, a queen on her throne dressed in a fur cloak 

FRANCE: bisexuality; the flags and those colours. smoke. dance on a float at pride, but not entirely euphoric. bubblegum, soap bubbles, cartwheels and other acrobatics

CZECHIA: a hall of mirrors or glass labyrinth where you can’t find your way out. constant shift between lights on and off, constant feel of being hunted; stress

ROMANIA: oriental palaces, a secret love affair with the sultan in order to get his money, terracotta, blood red and mosaic blue

PORTUGAL: a buzzing shopping street in strong sunlight, attractive people at cafés and restaurants, sunglasses, stores too expenisve for you to visit, still everything feels exciting

MONACO: the most popular guy and girl from high school are now adults, have become famous, they’ve released a summer hit that evryone loves besides you. you just don’t get it 

BELARUS: to be one with the elements, feeling the wind tug your hair, the earth tremble beneith your feet, hearing the oceans roar

LITHUANIA: a date at the bottom of an empty outdoor swimming pool, watching the stars, smoking weed, torn jeans and flannel shirts

HUNGARY: green grass. small lakes. cloudy, rain in the air. scent of wood. riding in a pick-up truck. visitng places that carry happy memories for you, but now you’ve broken up with the person you created those memories with

ALBANIA: teenagers discovering a city; on a playground, between concrete walls, on rooftops. sparkling chemistry

UKRAINE: a car ride through a big city at night, the car is expensive and drives fast and you have no idea where you’re going, you’re both afraid and a little turned on at the same time. neon lights. drugs are offered

CROATIA: a scene from a musical set at a café or maybe a diner, a waitress is the main character but all the visitors and staff are dancing, they even get out in the street. cappuccino colours, big flowers. 

ITALY: a carnival, but everything is a little off/cursed. you get hypnotized by the wheels of fortune, the clowns don’t look too friendly, one tent is having a burlesque show, the rides are creeking and jangling

AUSTRALIA: a festival in summer. hot sun. mingling, dancing drunk at the back of the audience, beer, loose tank tops, denim shorts

ESTONIA: a ship. the crew running around getting everything in ready and in order. riding on the waves. can also be a family packing for a road trip

SWITZERLAND: walking along a beach in sunset. lots of people, vendors along the way. wind in your hair. someone is doing a performance. orange, pink, purple. 

LUXEMBOURG: a small restaurant with a dancefloor. tension between a couple, they’re eating in silence, dance together, something doesn’t feel right but they can’t tell what it is

MOLDOVA: nature romance, but sorrowful. riding thourgh a forest, drinking from the small brooks, dacning in an wood anemone valley pretending everyhing’s alright while pushing away your anxiety

SPAIN: growing up; looking at oneself for too long in the mirror and not be content with oneself, get the impulse to smash it with a punch, shave one’s head, tear down all posters and throw out all toys

BULGARIA: being on the way to the most important boxing game of one’s life, alternatively to commit murder. blood splashing on the walls like a pollock painitng. the audience cheering you on in slow motion

EGYPT: a smokey club 90 years ago, red glittery dresses and white suits, live music, something more in your drink besides alcohol

AUSTRIA: being home alone, talking to oneself and dacning like no one is watching, watching the sunset through the window, autumn leaves falling

RUSSIA: glistening snow and northern lights, a car ride over scandinavian mountains, fjords and forest in the middle of winter

LATVIA: preteens on tiktok, boys staying out too late, skateboards and scooters, afro hair 

UNITED KINGDOM: royals of the street, breakdance battles, a boombox on the shoulder, graffiti, bengals (are they called that? you know the smokey coloury things often used at football games and marches and stuff), flashmobs

SWEDEN: graduation (or just schools out for summer), a peptalk before an important event, hugs where one is lifted up and spinned around, the first swim of summer

IRELAND: love letters, having a secret crush on your best friend, sweaters and skinny jeans, baking together, flowery bed covers

DENMARK: riding in an old mustang on cliffs along the ocean, stopping to watch the sunset, laying on top of the hood watching the sky, hearing the yells from cranes, geese and seagulls

SLOVENIA: running ink, bonfires, thin papers, bathtubs filled to the brim, strobe lights

SERBIA: spices, powders in all different colours, tobacco, tulips, terracotta

LEBANON: before the last grand battle in a movie, standing on the top of a mountain watching your enemy at the horizon, horses... and no one knows that just some nights ago, you and your enemy met at a club and danced very close to each other

NORWAY: grandfather clocks, dark silver gray, white show lights

BELGIUM: an eerie dark forest, bats, running without knowing where you put your feet

GERMANY: gathering around something; running down the street knocking on every door urgning everyone to come out because something important is happening

FINLAND: riding the bus while it’s raining, following the drops racing down the window, finding joy in the small things while the rest of your life is quite miserable

[tatterdema1ion]

The Timeline Up Through First Class

My approach to Erik is to recover and synthesize as much of the canon approach as possible while trying to pay a little bit more respect to militant oppressed groups than I think the source material often does.

So, for everyone’s convenience, here is this roleplay blog’s sequence of events:

Auschwitz Period: This will conform more or less perfectly to Magneto: Testament.

Post-Auschwitz Erik’s powers came to fruition after he left the concentration camp and his health recovered. At that time, he struggled to conform to a pattern of “normalcy” for his family’s sake. The Nuremburg trials, with their stiff formality, could not slake his nightmares or his anger at what the world had allowed to happen. As he followed them, his blood roiled. But he always had wanted to provide for his loved ones, to settle into a comfortable life, and so Magda coaxed him to live one. The Soviets swooped down on Poland, with a reign as brutal as the Nazis’, albeit in different ways. Erik burned to join the resistance, but Magda was pregnant and persuaded him to move to Ukraine, where the Russians felt more secure. There, Erik fell into an easy pattern—work in the mines, then evenings at the bar or with his growing wife and daughter. It was a simple life, particularly for a man as gifted as Erik, but he was a simple man desperate for the same strength of belonging he’d known in his boyhood family. With time, he could smile over Magda’s softness, tenderly kiss their daughters’ feet, and chuckle at the fringes of the talk men made over their beer. That peace didn’t last. Or—it was tenuous from the first. It terrified Erik how quickly others’ buried their dead. No one mentioned the war, or the Soviet yoke that followed. If Erik’s sharp tongue alluded to his past, brutal reality or the memories of the dead only silence or censure ensued. His neighbors and coworkers acted as though the victims, not the perpetrators of the crime, were untouchables, the diseased. At first, Erik bowed beneath Magda’s pleas not to torment people when they were finally finding happiness. At first he wondered if he was crazy. Yet somehow, as the memory of his family threatened to fade, as the world succeeded in making a fable of the concentration camps, rage inflamed him. Rage like he’d been too numb, too terrified, too young to feel in the camps. With the rage, his powers grew. As they grew, strange things began to happen around him. And the more that metal sang to his touch in the mines—this dour, Jewish outsider—the more others came to fear him. Then, one day, the village burned his house and his daughter to ash. That same day, the man who would be Magneto raised the village to the ground. His wife ran, and Erik couldn’t feel the betrayal of that, had no more room for bitterness. At the time, he thought he was the only one in the world. He thought he was cursed by the dead he’d left behind in Auschwitz, that he’d let the world forget. And he would not forget again. His family’s murderers were still out in the world. Justice had failed them, the guardians of the law had fled from its demands. And Erik, Erik was going to see the law that his family had loved, trusted even as it led them to the slaughter, fulfilled. He would hunt the National Socialists down. Every. Last. One.

Erik’s Mutant Discovery Phase: This hunt ran aground quickly. At first, Erik made good time teaching himself all the skills he needed to stalk his quarry. Such things came easily to him. Erik had been educated early in languages. It was his family’s pride to be well-rounded, to wield the power of knowledge that their people had used to weave their accomplishments into the fabric of their nations’ culture when no one would accept their blood or their faith. And Erik was exceptionally talented. To his old repertoire of skills he added shooting, lock picking with his powers, and martial arts. He habituated himself to an itinerant lifestyle in every way save for his loneliness, having never been without family. (Perhaps it was this that drove him to start a relationship with Peter and Wanda’s mother, however short-lived and unsuspecting of what they would birth.) But using his powers drew attention. By the time he was captured by a clandestine Soviet corps that had inherited Nazi experimental camps in Poland, Erik had assassinated five men. He was unprepared for the reality that other mutants existed, for the revelation that his curse was shared. The other mutants were very few—less than a dozen in number. They were kept separated as far as possible, isolated in their torments, but Erik had his first glimpse of mutants as a class of people transformed by chemical weapons, nuclear radiation, and experimentation.  Magneto soon escaped those conditions. Everyone that the researchers had encountered before had minor mutations, at best: Changes of appearance, enhanced metabolisms, or poison breath. They didn’t have the capacity to imprison a man who could turn all their weapons against them. The mutants scattered, none yet realizing they were a race, a class of their own. They feared him as much as the researchers did. Confused, Erik pressed on with the only certain thing in his life: the hunt. He came upon Shaw’s trail, and the plot of X-men First Class ensued… with a few exceptions. Charles gave Magneto the gift he longed for most in the world: A family to belong to. Certainly, Erik was gratified to meet someone who thought on as global a scale as he did, someone who possessed the talents to convince him he was not the only being in the world endowed with his power. But Charles had none of the harrowing experiences it took to relate to Erik, and given Erik’s growing, fundamental belief that mutants were the blessed offspring of human atrocities he couldn’t stand how sheltered Charles was. If not for the fact that they began to assemble the X-men immediately upon meeting, he would not likely have trusted  Erik so deeply or grown so defensive of him and the friends that they had assembled. As it was, Erik found himself racked with anxiety over how little his companions responded at first to the experience he tried to share with them: We will be persecuted, we are a precious thing they will try to repress, the reminder of what they made us should hurt them. Erik swiftly grew to love the group for struggling with the same existential fears and incredible gift he did. So when they finally caught up with Shaw, it wounded him that he had to shield his mind from Charles to do what was necessary. It wounded him that when he declared his victory over the man: You created me, but then, so did all the other humans who were there that day. And I am the testament against you all. You tortured my family. You killed my family—when he declared all that, Charles didn’t exult with him. When he emerged, to a world turning missiles on them—their saviors—for their efforts, he’d barely thought about his response. It was natural: turn the weapons back on those trying to kill them. Turn the force back. As would happen so many times after, what ensued from his decisions was a maelstrom. He couldn’t make sense of it. He remembered nothing but hot white rage like possession. He didn’t know how he’d ended up cradling Charles in his arms, drawing a bullet from Charles’s back. He didn’t know how he’d ended up pleading: But I’m right. I’m right–. We’re brothers, what we want–. No. That word was a betrayal. No. We do not. Erik swallowed the aftermath. He watched Charles Xavier wipe minds and erase the Cuban Missile Crisis as it had happened from history, and he tried to swallow how that disturbed him, too. Erik watched as Raven—shyly, but with gradual conviction—took in the events that ensued alongside him and reassured him that there was one among them who agreed with him. They watched Charles begin building a school, building a persona, and they watched him forgive human leaders. And forgive them. And forgive them. Over and over and over. He forgave students, too, though in a different way. He forgave humans as though they had never done anything wrong and students as though they had. Erik felt that Charles was waiting for an apology from him, too, and he didn’t intend to give it. When everything shattered, he’d known it was coming. He just hadn’t known how  fast it would all move.

First Period of Resistance (The First Brotherhood): This is where I’m going to be a lot more flexible. The basic plot from here, as I see it, is that the U.S. government begins small programs to monitor and control mutants. Charles doesn’t react much, while Erik and Mystique take immediate action in retaliation. To their surprise, Charles turns their own kin against them to stop them, and everyone’s relationship goes from bad to worse. Magneto and mutants drawn to his first, dramatic entrance into politics form the Brotherhood. In its first incarnation, the group’s ethos is more or less the same as it will always be: Mutants were formed in the crucible of humanity’s worst, most horrific offenses, including nuclear holocaust and human experimentation. Rather than dying and becoming a dark spot to be met with silence and mourning they take violent action to make humans confront what they’ve made. They’re a liberation group, but in their first incarnation they don’t care much about collateral damage, feeling that those complacent enough not to fight the human leaders who have created them are complicit. They’ll take anyone, and they don’t really know how to lead a movement, so they quickly radicalize and grow more violent than I think either Erik or Mystique intend. This will all come to a head around the time that Magneto abducts Rogue, and afterward I imagine that he goes underground and leaves Toad to run the Brotherhood for a while.

After that I envision there being an:

Underground Period (The Brotherhood’s several iterations without Magneto)

Magneto’ s inevitably violent and bloody Resurgence

Second Period of Resistance: This is when Erik begins to form Genosha anew

And we can stick whatever madness you want from the First Period of Resistance on.

[a-shepherd-blog]

Hi all! I’m Rey and I’m here with my fave Andrea!

The TL;DR version is:  U.S. marshal who is just a little too trigger happy. Used to work for the NYPD as a detective and then climbed through the ranks. Comes from a mafia family but has gone straight - can’t deny her inherent nature either. Andy’s an old west gunslinger who’s been born into a different era. Above all she’s about putting bad guys behind bars and protecting good people; she’s a hunter.

I’m always looking for plots and connections! Also you can read her super extra bio below. Feel free to hit me up here or on discord at the_revati#8487. 

Give it a like and I’ll slide into your DMs!

ANDREA SHEPHERD ;

&&. word has it ( andrea shepherd ) was just spotted around the city. ( she ) is/are a ( thirty-two ) year old affiliated with ( nypd ). it’s been said that ( she ) resembles ( stella maeve ). ( she ) has been said to be ( tenacious & resourceful ) but also quite ( judgmental & self-destructive ). ( she ) is currently serving as ( a u.s. marshal ). 

(bio below)

tw: death, murder, self- mutilation  

BACKSTORY

Her father was a Voloshyn and that meant he was a part of the Ukrainian mafia that existed in a certain corner of the world. His family? They didn’t live in this corner. Though born in Odessa, Ukraine, Andrea was raised by her mother Alice Shepherd in New York. Alice had grown up in the Hudson Valley and she’d spent most of her life in New York working as an art curator. When motherhood struck, she decided that keeping her children far, far, far away from Odessa was the best choice for them. Mikhail was her first born, but her daughter Andrea was born two minutes later. When they were older, Alice would tell them they came into this world holding hands.

New York was a decent enough place to grow up. Like any city, it had its dark underbelly. Alice did her best to keep both Mikhail and Andrea away from it, but the two grew up a part of the city as much as anyone else. It’s where Andrea picked her first fight, had her first kiss, got drunk for the first time. And Mikhail? He was her best friend.

For the most part, Andrea and Mikhail didn’t see their father. The holidays were the exception and dinners were always silent when Alexi Voloshyn sat at the head of the table.  There was a shock in this pattern when the twins turned 11. Summer break rolled around and, all of a sudden, Mikhail was whisked off with Alexi to spend the summer in Odessa. Ever summer after that was the same. Mikhail would leave in the dead of night and Andrea would get left behind. It became increasingly obvious before long that Alexi was grooming Mikhail to step into his shoes. The young girl grew increasingly bitter about this tradition with the passing of each halcyon season. Mikhail would return just in time for school to start with nothing but a “It was fine” as a reply to Andrea’s “Well? How was it?”  

It’s not that Andrea wanted her own hand in the criminal underworld of Europe - she was too young to understand that - she just wanted to be taken as seriously as her brother. She began to act out as a cry for attention - but all attempts went ignored. A stray comment from Alexi about marrying her off one Christmas dinner set off the final fuse. Andrea was 15 and at peak teenage rebellion. Without blinking, she grabbed the carving knife from the ham in front of her, and cut off her own ring finger. She tried not to cry when she did it and felt immensely betrayed by the three tears that managed to leak out during the act. The entire thing was very much a ‘fuck you’ to the path that had been laid out for her. It was very much supposed to be a ‘fuck you’ to her father. He wanted her to get married? Fuck that. Ring finger? Gone. Now she could never get married.

Instead of reacting with anger or fury, her father simply looked at this act of defiance and laughed. In her 15 years it was probably the first time Andrea heard such a sound. It was a warm, accepting laugh. As the family doctor stitched and patched her up, Alexi finally conceded that Andrea could join them in Odessa next summer. The young woman learned that acts of self-destruction as loyalty held a certain sort of esteem in her father’s eyes.

Sure enough, Andrea went to the Port of Odessa the next summer. It’s where she learned how to fire a gun, worked as a hired hand on a ship, saw her first dead body. She’d been brought along but it was Mikhail that Alexi continuously sent into the fray. It was Mikhail that went on the ride alongs and once again it was Andrea that was left behind. You’d think a father would be more precious with the life of his son but, again, acts of self-destruction as loyalty held a certain sort of esteem in Alexi’s eyes. One cold night, a deal went south and shots were fired. Andrea heard about it from one of her father’s friends the next morning. She heard that while Mikhail’s body had been found, Alexi’s was conveniently missing. Whispers floated that her father had managed to flee the scene. Any sadness Andrea had for her brother was swept away with the resounding notion that her father was a fucking coward.

Andrea returned home to Alice alone. That was Andrea’s tipping point. At her mother’s insistence she applied to colleges in New York and wound up settling on pursuing a political science degree at Columbia. There was an intense irony with the fact that Andrea was quickly falling into a path carved out for law enforcement, but the second she noticed it, she leaned into it. It was another ‘fuck you’ to the memory of her father. More than that, she had a knack for it in a way that she a knack for nothing else.

Andrea joined the NYPD fresh out of college when she returned home and quickly climbed the ladder to the rank of deputy sheriff. In the police department, she finally found the family she’d been searching for.

She continued on up, leaving for the state department and then eventually the federal sector. She spent some time as a firearms instructor in Glynco, Georgia at the U.S. Marshal’s training center before she became a full-blown Marshal herself.

During her time with the Marshal’s service, Andrea was assigned to several different field offices across the U.S. She gained a reputation for being trigger happy and was thus stationed in increasingly remote stations. (It seemed she was still, in many ways, her father’s daughter.) Alice passed during Andrea’s time in the Fairbanks office and due to poor weather conditions it was a week before Andrea got the news. Alice had left Andrea the house in New York. 

Her life continued in other ways. During the day she would do her job, and at the night she would come back to the husband she’d met during her time on the NYPD. For a while, life was right. When Andrea caught whiff that Alexi Voloshyn was making the journey from the Port of Odessa to the Port of New Orleans, Andrea caught the first flight she could to Louisiana.

CUT TO: two weeks later. Andrea. Run out of New Orleans by the Ukrainian mob for publicly killing Alexi Voloshyn.

Andrea has been lying relatively low in in New York ever since the incident a year ago at the insistence of her U.S. Marshal Chief. Criminals infest the city and Andrea has done her best to stay above it. Andrea has a rigid view of most things. While others see the world in shades of grey, she sees it in shades of black and white. The thing about killing her father though, was that all the debts that Alexi had (the coward he was) were suddenly transferred to his only living family member upon his passing. 

Now, Andrea lives alone in Prospect Park with the occasional roommate that comes and goes. She keeps most of the estate boarded up and only really uses the parts she needs. She still conducts her business from the police department.  She’s been trying handle her father’s debts. Above all else - hunting is in her bones. She plans on cleaning up this city.

PERSONALITY / OTHER

grew up in New York, went to college here, but then was stationed all across the country - has been back permanently for about a year or so

an old-west gunslinger born into a different era

trigger happy

deep seeded anger towards the criminal underworld of this city. All about putting bad people behind bars and protecting good people.

holds a mother-fucking grudge like no other.

methodology: shoot it before it shoots me.

honestly, “back in the day” she’d be pretty close becoming an outlaw herself. She walks a dangerous line but shhhh we don’t talk about that

is no-nonsense

If you missed it in her bio, she’s missing her ring finger. She cut it off herself cause she didn’t want to get married. Ever. She always wears a glove on her left hand.

forgets to eat. Survives on a diet of scotch and gummy bears.

has two facial expressions: scowling or smiling slyly

is angry. Always. Keeps it bottled up. Always.

crime never sleeps and neither does she.

likes crossword puzzles

plays the saxophone and the piano. A fan of jazz music.  

“I think she had fun, once” - the gas-station lady

also has a goldfish that she keeps forgetting to feed it’s a wonder it’s still alive.

“Call me Andy.”

Is all about the vigilante life, actually.

WANTED CONNECTIONS

I’m down to get creative with any of these! Also, I love angst???

Debts! - Did Alexi owe your gang member a debt? Congrats! Andy now owes YOU. Have fun with that. 

Housemate - There is too much room in her parents estate in Prospect Park for her live there alone. Andy’s put up a “for rent” sign with the intention of renting out one of the rooms to another citizen. (CLOSED - Marcelo Rodriguez )  

Former friends, exes, frenemies - Maybe she lost touch with them, maybe she didn’t. If your character grew up in New York, there’s the chance they knew each other. Maybe they had sleepovers, maybe they were childhood enemies, maybe they dated. Bonus points if they lead lifestyles she disapproves of now! (open)

Hate-sex - they hate it but they gotta get it on. (open)

Drinking buddies - dear god, Andy consumes so much whiskey. (open)

Siblings - Andy and Mikhail were Alice and Alexi’s oldest, but that doesn’t mean they couldn’t have had other younger siblings. Also open to having Alexi have had other affairs. (open)

The Hunted - they’ve crossed paths in the past and she’s got a vendetta against them (open)

Ex-husband - He joined the criminal underworld. She left him. Simple as that. (open) *** would give my kidney for this one

Co-worker - Other police department friends. (open)

And literally anything else!

[somestorywriter]

Daughters of Darkness

My submission for the August round of @hetaliacc

My prompt was: Daughters of Darkness by Halestorm (which is such an awesome song!)

Read on AO3

Read on FF.net

Words: 2,100

Rating: T

Overview of human names used:

Erika: Liechtenstein, Eliza: Hungary, Natalia: Belarus, Anya: Ukraine, Mei: Taiwan, Manon: Belgium

And then of course for the guys, Alfred: America, Gilbert: Prussia, Mathias: Denmark

Erika looked down at the red cup in her hands. The whole drinking alcohol thing was exciting already, but she would have preferred to know what was in her cup. It looked like water, but already her head was spinning and there was a mild nausea creeping up on her. Was this the mysterious vodka she'd heard about?

"So, I heard something about you being in a girl group or something?"

Erika's eyes shot back up to the blond she'd come for. Alfred, one of the most wanted jocks in the school, had personally invited her to his house party. She'd been so nervous to go, and even more so when he pulled her aside. He wanted to get to know her, he'd said. It was like a fantasy come true…

"We're called the Daughters of Darkness," she said. Was she supposed to take a sip from the alcohol? Or would drinking it be uncool?

"The Daughters of Darkness?" he asked, a slight chuckle in his voice. "What kind of group is that?"

"We hang out, and we travel, and we have sleepovers…"

There was a louder chuckle. Erika briefly wondered if she wasn't being mocked. But Alfred wouldn't do that to her, right?

"The more girls the merrier, I always say. Why don't you invite them over?"

"Really?"

"Yeah." He moved closer. "You know, I've been wanting to talk to you for the longest time."

"You have?"

"Yes. I've been having a bit of a crush on you."

Erika nearly crushed the cup in her hands.

"I'm so glad you could make it here tonight." He leaned in closer.

She couldn't believe what was happening. Was her crush about to kiss her? Relax, she told herself. Act cool. She waited while he came closer, closing her eyes and lifting her face to meet his.

Then there was something in her face.

She opened her eyes and the first thing she saw was Alfred doubled over in laughter. There was something resembling shaving cream on his hand, and she realized that was what was sticking to her face now.

"She totally fell for it!"

"Alfred?"

Gilbert and Mathias jumped out, startling Erika. "Look at her face!" Gilbert snickered. He came at her with a handful of confetti, and before she could stop him, he threw all of it onto her face. The paper stuck to the shaving cream.

Mathias was busy taking pictures of her with his phone. "You should frame this one."

"You should have seen her face!" Alfred said, still laughing. "She thought I was going to kiss her!"

"Send it to everyone!" Gilbert said.

"Wait, no!" Erika came forward. "Please, don't send it!"

"Too late!" Mathias held up his phone.

Erika's stomach dropped to the floor. Everyone would see her like this. The thought made her want to throw up and she had to get out before it would happen. She dropped her cup on the floor and ran to the door.

"Oh, come on! My mom will kill me if she finds vodka on the floor!"

She wasn't hearing him. Everyone had seen the picture and some were even taking pictures themselves as she made her way through the crowd toward the backyard. Once there, she leaned over the bushes and threw up.

She sank to the stone terrace, her back against the wall. What was she going to do now? She couldn't go back inside there… Was it too dramatic to change schools? Or at least not go until this died down?

She took out her phone, encased in a violently pink cover with glitters and cat ears on the top. Yes, it was probably time to go home. She dialed the number.

"Hello?" There was a lot of noise going on in the background.

"Eliza?"

"Erika? Is everything okay? Everybody, shush, it's Erika!" The background went quiet at once.

"I want to go home…"

"Did something happen?"

"I don't like parties anymore…"

"Stay where you are. We're on our way." She hung up.

Erika hugged her knees to her chest. She hoped they'd be here soon…

Erika heard the sound of the motorbikes. She knew it like no other. She looked up when two heavy boots walked up to her. "Natalia?"

"How's it going, girl?"

"Everyone's so mean. I want to go home."

Natalia crouched down beside her. "Is that shaving cream?"

"And confetti…"

"We should clean that off. You know where the bathroom is in this place?"

"Yes, but… Everyone will see me again."

"We'll shield you."

Eliza, Anya, and Manon came around the corner as well. "Who did this to you?" Anya demanded, crouching down as well.

"Alfred…" Erika started sniffling.

"Oh, poor thing. Don't worry, he will pay for it."

"Let's get her to the bathroom," Natalia said.

They helped her up and together they entered the house.

The party was still in full swing, but some people turned to look at the company that had just walked in. Four girls, dressed in black, their leather jackets spelling out their name—the Daughters of Darkness. And there, in the middle of them, was little Erika.

"Move," Natalia snapped when a group of guys was too busy staring to step aside. They made a path to the bathroom, shutting the door behind them once they were there. The conversation downstairs was all about them now.

Manon made quick work of the shaving cream, using one of the expensive towels from the cabinet.

"The curls we made still look beautiful," Elizabeta said, brushing Erika's hair aside so it wouldn't get shaving cream on it.

"They do?"

"Yeah. It looks good on you."

Erika perked up a little bit. "Alfred didn't even notice them."

"But he's a jerk. And he'll pay for what he's done."

"And his friends too?"

"All of them."

"Yes!" Erika wiped her tears away. "He did tell me it was okay to invite you guys."

"And right he was."

Anya held up a leather jacket. "You mess with one of our sisters, we crash your whole party. It's the law, we can't help it."

Erika giggled as she slipped into the jacket. "You know, his mother doesn't want him to make a mess of the house."

"I like the sound of that," Eliza said.

"He freaked out over me spilling vodka."

"He gave you vodka?" Anya asked. "You're too young to drink."

"I thought it was water."

"Alright, that's it. This is war now."

Eliza whipped out her phone. "I'll tell the others to come inside. And then we'll have some fun."

The guests looked up when more girls with leather jackets poured into the house. One of them attracted the most attention: an Asian girl with flowers in her hair and a massive back tattoo visible from underneath her cropped tank top. She entered the room with a baseball bat.

"Mei?" Erika asked. "You're out of jail?"

"They couldn't find evidence."

"Awesome!"

"Mei," Eliza said, "can you get this party started?"

"Sure. Here, hold this." She handed Erika the baseball bat. "I'm sure you know where he keeps his sports awards."

"I do!"

"Go on, then. Make me proud."

Erika ran upstairs with the bat.

"We're all ready."

"Excellent. Let's get to it."

Mei spat out her chewing gum on the designer carpet and walked over to the table. She rolled her shoulders, grabbed the wood, and flipped the table over. All eyes were on her at once. Some shifted uncomfortably, preparing to leave. "Now, who of you wants to dance?"

Anya grabbed the vodka and poured it out over the TV. Eliza turned the music way up and high fived Natalia after the latter threw a vase into the dishware cabinet, shattering them both. "I always hated posh houses," she growled.

"What the hell is this?" Alfred and his posse appeared at the top of the stairs. "This is my house!"

Manon climbed the stairs, lighting a cigarette. "And that's our sister you're messing with."

"What? Who?"

Erika ran out of a room, dragging the heavy baseball bat behind her. "I got them all!"

"What? What did you do to my trophies?!" Alfred ran into the room she'd come out of. "I'll kill you!"

Manon wrapped an arm around Erika's shoulders. "If you want to get to our sister, you'll have to get through us first."

Erika looked up at the cigarette. "Can I have that too?"

"No. Don't ever start." She put the cigarette out on the staircase, burning a hole in the oak wood.

Alfred came at them, but Mei caught up with them. "Oh, you're a tough guy? You want to fight?"

"I wouldn't do it if I were you," Erika said to Alfred. "She's good."

"I can handle some girl!" He tried to grab Mei, but she evaded him and took his arm into a tight hold. With one move of her leg, she had him on the ground, unable to escape.

"Wow! That was awesome!" Erika cheered.

Mei blew a strand of hair out of her face. "My old man taught me a thing or two." She took Alfred's phone and gave it to Erika. "Have fun."

Erika looked over the balustrade. She threw the phone down, and it landed straight into a bowl of punch. "I did it!"

"Nice shot," Manon said.

She turned back to Alfred, wanting more. "I want him to say sorry."

"Who? Alfred?"

"Yes."

Mei grabbed Alfred's arm tighter. "You heard her."

"Go to He—ouch!"

"Apologize. Now."

"S-Sorry…" Alfred whimpered.

"Now throw him in the pool!" Erika said, bouncing with excitement.

"Alright, into the pool with you." Mei pulled Alfred up and dragged him down the stairs, Erika and Manon following behind. A lot of the guests had escaped before it got too bad, others were staying to watch the chaos unfold. Alfred's friends were nowhere to be seen.

"You're insane!" Alfred shouted.

"A little insane. A little misunderstood." Mei put Alfred on a desk chair. "Who would like the honor?"

"Me!" Erika grabbed the back of the chair.

"I'll help too," Natalia said. "We want him to make a good splash."

Eliza grabbed her phone to start filming. "Go ahead."

They started running, pushing the chair forward while Alfred screamed and tried to get out, but not knowing how to do so without crashing onto the stone. They let go at the last moment and the chair flew over the edge of the swimming pool, crashing right in the middle of it.

"We did it!" Erika cheered, watching Alfred come back up, his glasses lost somewhere in the water.

"Come on, let's get out of here," Mei said.

They headed to the front of the house where the once stylized bushes were now burning like torches. Anya emptied a bottle of wine on the white front door and threw the bottle into the garden.

They got onto their motorcycles, the sounds of them revving their engines enough to wake up the whole neighborhood. "Hop on up," Eliza said.

Erika climbed behind her on the motorcycle. "I can't wait to have one of my own."

Eliza chuckled. "You'll need a license first."

"I know. I'm already saving up."

"We can help."

"Really?"

"Yeah. You're our sister, motorcycle or not. We'll always be there for you."

She smiled and hugged Eliza from behind.

They stopped a few houses away from where Erika lived. "That was awesome," she said, climbing off the bike. "Best party ever."

"Glad to hear you enjoyed it," Eliza said. "Don't let anyone walk over you the way that Alfred boy did."

"I won't."

"Good. And if he ever bothers you again, just give us a call."

"Will do!" She went around the group, hugging and saying goodnight. "I'll see you all tomorrow!"

"Finish your homework first, though," Anya said.

"I will."

"And no skipping class."

"Nope." She yawned and pulled her jacket tighter around her.

Eliza smiled. "Hurry. The sun will come up soon."

"Bye!" She hurried to her house.

The girls waited until Erika was safely inside. "We could have gone harder on that boy," Mei said. "This is our sister we're talking about."

"She's satisfied, though," Manon said. "That's all that matters."

Mei nodded and turned her bike around. The rest followed, and soon the street was filled with the sound of their engines as they rode away.

And with that, the Daughters of Darkness disappeared into the night.

[silverynight]

The fire call

There's chaos around him; Newt walks right under the five dragons that have recently escaped from enclosure. They're flying over Central Park, confused and scared while wizards and muggles have started screaming because they can't see they're not in danger, they're not the ones who have suffered.

Members of MACUSA are having a very hard time finding and obliviating all muggles in the zone. Picquery is desperate; she called Newt early that day, telling him he just needed to help the wizard of the enclosure to get the creatures back.

But dragons, especially Ironbellies like those, they're not creatures to be kept inside an enclosure, they're born to be free and happy.

"I get to decide if they stay or not," Newt had told her furiously. And Picquery, President of MACUSA, had no other choice but to comply.

Newt stops right in the middle of the circle they're doing in the sky, they're not that high so he can perfectly see the grey-silver color of their wings, the long talons and rough scales that are very distinctive of the species.

Percival and Theseus stand right next to him, both of them with concern all written over their faces.

"I'm afraid you need to get far from here, by the way the Ironbellies are flying, they're very confused and your presence is definitely not going to help at all," Newt says, not even surprised by the way Percival narrows his eyes.

"You could get hurt," he finally blurts out, not taking his eyes away from Newt's.

The magizoologist smiles kindly, wrapping his arms around the Director's neck. He gives him a kiss on the lips that the other returns with enthusiasm.

"I'll be fine," he assures and adds, when he sees Percival trying to protest: "Trust me."

The Director finally gives in and takes several steps back, not as much as Newt would want him to, but enough for the Ironbellies to be comfortable if they decide to join Newt.

Theseus is so much worse. He has taken Newt's hand in his and has intertwined their fingers together in a way that looks like he's not planning on letting go anytime soon.

He's staring right at him with the same expression of fear he looked at him years ago. That day Newt had just wanted to see the new hippogriffs their mother was breeding and Theseus went with him. It was late and Newt was so excited he ran towards them, ignoring his brother's warning.

One of the new ones, an hippogriff that was not used to Newt, got startled and hit him on the chest. He still remembers Theseus sobs right above his curls, as he tried to cure his wounds, blood still coming from his chest.

He can almost feel what his brother is thinking at the moment as he pulls Newt into his arms; that hippogriff could have never hurt him seriously at the moment, it was just a mere scratch. Right now though there's a couple of dragons that could get upset, scared, angry and they could make Newt disappear into a cloud of flames in an instant.

"Please, little one," Theseus begs over his shoulder. "Don't make me watch."

Newt cups his face in his hands and kisses him on the forehead.

"Watch what? As I free these beautiful creatures?" He smiles and counts it as a win when his brother's lips quirk up a little bit. "Nothing is gonna happen to me. I know what I'm doing."

Theseus sighs, nodding at Newt's determined look; reluctantly he lets his baby brother go and walks away, stopping not much farther from Percival.

Finally, Newt looks up and grins as the wind, made by the dragons' wings, plays with his hair and coat. Then, he notices the blue line on one of the Ironbellies' tail.

It's Lily and next to her Henry, Clara, Marcus and Gregory; they're his dragons, the ones he met in the war, the same he thought he was never going to see again.

Newt points his wand at the sky and three beautiful spirals of fire spread up as he calls all of their names.

He hears the happy roars in response and watches as they land, one by one around him; the ground trembles as it usually does when an earthquake happens. Newt can actually feel his aurors staring worriedly at his back.

"I'm fine!" He has to put his wand on his throat to get heard over the excited purrs coming from the Ironbellies as they try to nuzzle him.

Although his words are not enough for Theseus, not even for Percival. He knows they would gladly run towards him, risking their lives in the process, if they weren't afraid of Newt getting hurt.

"Yes, I'm very happy to see you too, Lily," he chuckles, stroking her muzzle. Marcus gets a little bit jealous and pushes Newt lightly, almost playfully to get his attention. "Now don't be like that and let the others get closer too."

Henry is uncharacteristically shy that day though, he hasn't approached Newt yet and he's getting the impression that the dragon is reluctant to look at him.

"What is it, Henry? Are you okay?" He reaches out, voice soft and kind. Finally, encouraged by Lily, the Ironbelly gets closer and that's when Newt finally sees it, there's a scar on his left eye, which is completely white, no pupil or iris left. The dragon gets down, enough for Newt to inspect the old wound; it's not something dragons get when they fight each other, no, this one has been made with magic.

As tears slowly fall down his cheeks, Newt curses himself for not noticing before. Henry sees his distress immediately and tries to comfort him by nuzzling against his side.

"It's okay," he smiles at them. "I'm fine. And you'll be too. No one's gonna hurt you anymore."

"Is everything okay, little one?" Comes Theseus scared voice and Newt notices that Percival has just grabbed his brother by arm, stopping him from getting too close.

"Don't worry," he tells them. Although he knows they're both dying to approach him.

"Picquery was right, you're really good at this," a new voice comments.

Lily hisses at the wizard, fear and anger in her eyes as the man stops, suddenly nervous. It's enough for Newt to know what he is, what he has done and that horrible emotion bubbles inside him like fire, making him narrow his eyes.

Percival and Theseus tense.

"She said you'd help me to get them back," the wizard says.

"I won't," Newt replies, trying to control his emotions. "I'm gonna take them to a safe place."

The man bares his teeth at him, but he doesn't move; Theseus and Percival are close and Newt knows that coward wouldn't go near the dragons, at least not without help.

"Who do you think you are, you fuc–"

He doesn't get to finish the sentence; Percival does a quick gesture with his hand and the man is on his knees, both arms behind his back.

MACUSA's aurors are very far, busy with terrified muggles to pay attention to what's going on there.

"Oh, but what do we have here? More scum for me to take care of?" Perhaps that's why Grindelwald shows up without disguise, looking down at the wizard that has started to panic just at the mere sight of the dark lord.

"You should be more careful, Gellert," he says and watches as Grindelwald smirks at him, delighted to hear his given name.

"You don't need to worry about me, darling," he purrs, prompting Percival to narrow his eyes at him.

"Percy, please find out if he has more creatures in his enclosure," Newt says then, the wizard on the floor stares at him with hatred and for a moment he thinks he's going to spit and curse, but Grindelwald silences him just in time.

"And while you do that, Graves, I'm gonna take care of this... thing," the dark lord says, looking down in disgust. He leans in, anger flashing in his mismatched eyes as he adds: "You made him cry and you have to pay for it."

"What are you doing, little one?" Theseus is the only one that hasn't taken his eyes off Newt, that's why he notices him approaching Lily.

"I'm gonna take them to Ukraine."

"On your own?" His brother says at the same time Percival growls: "You have to take one of us with you, at least."

"I can take care of myself."

"Remember what happened last time, love," Grindelwald points out, pain clear on his face; he still feels responsible for that one. It was one of his followers that tried to kill Newt after all.

They're right, besides, none of them are going to let him leave otherwise.

He sighs, walking out of the dragon circle and he takes Theseus' hand in his. He has been the most affected by the whole situation so Newt thinks he's the one that has to go.

"It's okay," he tells the Ironbellies. "This is my brother, 'Seus, he's going to go to Ukraine with us."

After they give their approval, Newt jumps over Lily and helps his brother up. The two aurors and the dark lord are so relieved it's almost comical.

"It's like when we were just the two of us," Theseus comments playfully. "It was better that way, don't you think, little one?"

Percival and Grindelwald glare at the British auror in a way that makes Newt giggle.

"Don't be mean, 'Seus," he scolds, still smiling. And he adds, looking down at the other two. "I'll see you in a week."

The Director shakes his head stubbornly.

"No, love. We'll meet you there tomorrow," Grindelwald corrects him and Newt just rolls his eyes in response.

Theseus puts his arms around him and Newt thinks that the three of them are acting like overprotective idiots, but he wouldn't have it any other way.

[mexicaneurolover]

Eurovision 2007 my top 42

Hello, and welcome to another episode of this ESC top series, as I go back now to May 10 and 12, 2007 when the 52nd edition of the contest was held in Helsinki, Finland, after Lordi’s victory in Athens last year, A record 42 countries took part that year, while Monaco withdrew from the competition, Hungary and Austria returned, also we said hello to Georgia, Czech Republic, Montenegro and Serbia, the latter two as independent countries, which all of them entered for the first time ever. The contest had a 28 songs semifinal, which was too much IMO and this had to be the year when the two semifinals format should’ve been introduced, because, well, 28 countries competing and only 10 qualifying was a bit unfair. Anyway, the contest was won by debuting country Serbia, with Marija Šerifović with the song Molitva, making this their first and only victory to date. And now, let’s review this looooong field of songs.  

1st Place: UKRAINE/Verka Serduchka-Dancing lasha tumbai (Real Placing: 2nd-235 points) 

I know this is a joke entry, but this works for me, the performance is such a funny thing to watch, the music is so crazy but I love this entry so much, my heart goes to Verka Serduchka, I love her so much. One of the best runner ups ever.  

2nd Place: BULGARIA/Elitsa Todorova & Stoyan Yankulov-Water (Real Placing: 5th-157 points) 

This is another epic song, the music is so wonderful, her voice is pretty unique and I love the performance, subtle but effective, I always forget what I’m doing when this song comes through my playlist, I don’t feel on this world with this song, so stunning. 

3rd Place: SERBIA/Marija Šerifović-Molitva (Real Placing: 1st-268 points) 

Oh the winning song, and I love it, her voice is so powerful, she’s so amazing on stage and the performance was simple but stunning, the music is so lovely and cute and the last part it’s the best part of this one, I think this was the right winner, also a deserved one and kudos for being in Serbian, I love the feeling in this one. 

4th Place: ANDORRA/Anonymous-Salvem el món (Real Placing: 12th SF-80 points)

UGH SO CLOSE TO THE FINAL, and IMO the best Andorran entry ever, this is the kind of music I heard in 2007 in those dark years of mine, and I love it, i enjoy the music so much, his voice is perfect for this one and I’m so impressed because of the result, surely this deserved the final. 

5th Place: FINLAND/Hanna Pakarinen-Leave me alone (Real Placing: 17th-53 points) 

WOOOOOOOOOO THIS ENTRY IS SO POWERFUL, her voice is stunning, the performance is everything here, I fell in love with this entry, this is pure rock, oh my, I’m so mad for this song. This song deserved so much more on the night 

6th Place: PORTUGAL/Sabrina-Dança comigo (Real Placing: 11th SF-88 points)  

3...points... far... from... qualification... WHY? This song is very catchy, this makes me want to dance with somebody, her voice is good and I love the lyrics as well, the music is so Latin and yeah, I’m in love with this song, so close to the final :( 

7th Place: HUNGARY/Magdi Rúzsa-Unsubstantial blues (Real Placing: 9th-128 points)

Another heart breaking song, her voice is perfect, the music is superb, the performance is so effective and her song in the last part makes me feel what she feels while she’s singing the song, this blues is so perfect and it’s one of the best Hungarian songs ever. 

8th Place: ICELAND/Eiríkur Hauksson-Valentine lost (Real Placing: 13th SF-77 points) 

AGAIN WHY THIS DIDN’T GOT THROUGH THE SEMIFINAL, this entry is perfect, his voice is stunning, the performance is cool, the music is amazing and the lyrics are so sad but brilliant, I can’t understand this result, this had everything to be in the final and be on the top spots, just an undeserved result.  

9th Place: BELARUS/Dmitry Koldun-Work your magic (Real Placing: 6th-145 points)

AWWWW YEAH KOLDUN, this song is so amazing, the music is brilliant, catchy, hooks you up at the first time and he’s so handsome, the performance is so stunning and this song is one of my favorite Belarusian songs ever.   

10th Place: LITHUANIA/4Fun-Love or leave (Real Placing: 21st-28 points)

An entry that relaxes me so much, this is the perfect song for a walk in the park or for a coffee shop, her voice is so soothing and the music is so good and sets the mood, the performance is so perfect as well and this is one of my fave Lithuanian songs.  

11th Place: LATVIA/Bonaparti.lv-Questa notte (Real Placing: 16th-54 points)

Oh this song touches me every time I listen to this one, the music makes me feel nostalgic and I enjoy so much the lyrics, they sing so well together and I don’t know why I cry when I listen to this one. A perfect song for me. 

12th Place: GREECE/Sarbel-Yassou Maria (Real Placing: 7th-139 points)

Another good Greek entry, the music is so nice and enjoyable, his voice is so cool and the performance works perfectly in this one, this entry has a very good feeling to it and I like this so much. 

13th Place: CYPRUS/Evridiki-Comme ci, comme ça (Real Placing: 15th SF-65 points) 

WHY THIS FAILED TO QUALIFY, again Queen Evridiki serves a good voice, a stunning performance and the music here is so good, I enjoy this song so much and yeah, this song deserved the final instead of many prequalified entries. 

14th Place: SLOVENIA/Alenka Gotar-Cvet z juga (Real Placing: 15th-66 points)

OH THIS ONE IS STUNNING, the music is so epic and powerful, and I love every part of this, her voice is so mesmerizing and the lamp in her hand is hilarious but suits this so good, Yeah, at first I disliked it but now I love it, the chorus is so beautiful.  

15th Place: ESTONIA/Gerli Padar-Partners in crime (Real Placing: =22nd SF-33 points) 

The sister of the 2001 winner, and this song is so good, the music is so mysterious and enchanting, her voice is so strong and powerful, also the performance suits this perfectly, the chorus is so cool and I’m in love with this song as well. 

16th Place: SPAIN/D’NASH-I love you mi vida (Real Placing: 20th-43 points)

A Spanish boy band, and I love this song so much, they sing so well and I love the Latin vibe to this song, also the performance is good and they are handsome, a nice entry overall.  

17th Place: GEORGIA/Sopho Khalvashi-Visionary dream (Real Placing: 12th-97 points)   

This song makes me travel to another dimension, the music is so good and her voice is very epic, the performance is so perfect and the dancers are cool. This is a perfect debut entry for Georgia, and one of their best entries ever. 

18th Place: GERMANY/Roger Cicero-Frauen regier’n die Welt (Real Placing: 19th-49 points)

The jazz vibes in this song are so wonderful, his voice is amazing and this song overall is one of the best German songs of the 00′s, I’m so amazed by this song and RIP Roger, this song is timeless.  

19th Place: FRANCE/Les Fatals Picards-L’amour à la française (Real Placing: =22nd-19 points)

One of my guilty pleasures of this year, I love the music, they sing alright and the staging is so pink and crazy, I enjoy this song so much and it makes me smile every time I listen to this one. 

20th Place: RUSSIA/Serebro-Song #1 (Real Placing: 3rd-207 points)

Another song that it’s good, but I don’t understand the high placing, surely the music is so cool and they sing so well, but the lyrics are so bad and ruin the whole song, maybe with other lyrics this could’ve been higher in my list. 

21st Place: IRELAND/Dervish-They can’t stop the spring (Real Placing: 24th-5 points/last) 

This is a very Irish song, and I love the music so much, but sadly her voice was so horrible that night, this song makes me want to be at the Irish countryside and yeah, I like that fact. Maybe the 2nd placed song in their NF would’ve been a better choice. 

22nd Place: AUSTRIA/Eric Papilaya-Get a life-get alive (Real Placing: 27th SF-4 points)

OMG I LOVE THIS SONG SO MUCH, his voice is very good, maybe the performance was a bit odd but I enjoy the music so much, reminds me of the rock songs of those years and I like it. Don’t understand how this finished so low in the semifinal. 

23rd Place: CROATIA/Dragonfly ft. Dado Topić-Vjerujem u ljubav (Real Placing: 16th SF-54 points)

This is a pleasant rock song, her voice is very good and I love it, also Dado’s voice is perfect for this song, the music is so relaxing and the chorus is the best part, but the verses are brilliant as well.  

24th Place: MOLDOVA/Natalia Barbu-Fight (Real Placing: 10th-109 points)

AWWW THIS IS AN EPIC SONG, the beginning is perfect, I love the music, the lyrics are good and her voice is so powerful and stunning, I... wow... don’t know what else to say, I’m in love with this.  

25th Place: SWITZERLAND/DJ BoBo-Vampires are alive (Real Placing: 20th SF-40 points)   

This song is very good, I love the Eurodance feeling on this one, but the performance was a whole mess, also the voices would’ve been better, overall this song had potential, but many factors contributed to it’s fall.  

26th Place: THE NETHERLANDS/Edsilia Rombley-On top of the world (Real Placing: 21st SF-38 points) 

Queen Edsilia returned, and this song is very good, I enjoy it, not as her 1998 song but this has charm, her voice is stunning, the music is nice and enjoyable, I think the performance was a bit of a let down but I like this overall. 

27th Place: FYR MACEDONIA/Karolina-Mojot svet (Real Placing: 14th-73 points)

A good song, I love the music, her voice is stunning and the performance is very good, this is miles better than her song in 2002, and the chorus here is my favorite part, because I can remember it and I start singing it out of nowhere. 

28th Place: NORWAY/Guri Schanke-Ven a bailar conmigo (Real Placing: 18th SF-48 points)

This is another interesting song, also this reminds me of another song, her voice is quite good, but it’s a bit flat, this makes me want to find someone to dance, and I enjoy this song, still I think this would’ve been better. 

29th Place: BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA/Marija Šestić-Rijeka bez imena (Real Placing: 11th-106 points)

This Balkan ballad is so cute, but I can’t connect with this one and I always forget about this song, the staging is stunning, anyway I can’t hook up with this song.  

30th Place: SWEDEN/The Ark-The worrying kind (Real Placing: 18th-51 points)

Ehhhhhhh... I kinda like this song? But anyway, this is one of the weirdest entries that Sweden has ever sent to the contest. This is kinda good but I still think that Måns Zelmerlöw, Andreas Johnson, Sara Dawn Finer, Sanna Nielsen and Marie Lindberg were better choices. 

31st Place: UNITED KINGDOM/Scooch-Flying the flag (For you) (Real Placing: =22nd-19 points) 

This song is so weird, and I kinda like it, the music is very interesting, and maybe they aren’t the best singers, but I enjoy it. Maybe if they sent Cyndi that year, they would’ve finished a bit higher.  

32nd Place: TURKEY/Kenan Dogulu-Shake it up sekerim (Real Placing: 4th-163 points)

I liked this more at some point of time, but now I think it’s an annoying entry, still I love the music because it makes me dance, his voice is quite good but also annoys me at some point. I quite understand how this finished so high. 

33rd Place: ROMANIA/Todomondo-Liubi, liubi, I love you (Real Placing: 13th-84 points)

This is another interesting song, the mix of languages might have been to much for this one, but I love how this song builds, I like that, also the last part was brilliant, but I think so many things were happening on this one and I was distracted by it. 

34th Place: MALTA/Olivia Lewis-Vertigo (Real Placing: 25th SF-15 points)

Another good song ruined by the singer, the music has an oriental touch that makes this enjoyable, but her vocals are so bad, specially in the chorus, anyway this isn’t bad as I thought before.  

35th Place: DENMARK/DQ-Drama Queen (Real Placing: 19th SF-45 points)

This song has everything, the music is something I like, the staging is so cool, my problem here is the voice, at some point sounds off key and at the end sounds painful. A nice entry ruined by the voice.  

36th Place: ISRAEL/Teapacks-Push the button (Real Placing: 24th SF-17 points)

Okay, I kinda like this, this is a guilty pleasure for me, I don’t think it’s bad but still, it’s very weird and I understand how this finished so low. Another love-hate case with this song. 

37th Place: POLAND/The Jet Set-Time to party (Real Placing: 14th SF-75 points)

Oh... again, this song was a bit all over the place, the verses are incompatible with the chorus, which is the only part I like about this song, this is an average song. The performance is also very weird. 

38th Place: ALBANIA/Frederik Ndoci-Hear my plea (Real Placing: 17th SF-49 points) 

I find this interesting, the verses are brilliant, but then the chorus arrives and everything goes away from me, his voice is very good and I enjoy it, I think it’s kinda mediocre overall. 

39th Place: MONTENEGRO/Stevan Faddy-Ajde, kroči (Real Placing: =22nd SF-33 points) 

Okay this also isn’t a bad debut, but I feel this is a weak song overall, the chorus is so catchy and I remember it, sadly, it’s the only thing I like about this one, nice voice though. 

40th Place: CZECH REPUBLIC/Kabát-Malá dáma (Real Placing: 28th SF-1 point/last)  

Somehow I enjoy this song because I like rock music, but his voice is a bit raspy for my taste and I think this entry was risky in that year, not a bad debut, the music is so cool but I think they could’ve delivered this a bit better, also an undeserved last place in the SF. 

41st Place: ARMENIA/Hayko-Anytime you need (Real Placing: 8th-138 points)

I try to like this song, because it’s an ethnic ballad, but sadly, every time I listen to this, I dislike it more and more, his pronunciation is bad, so if this was entirely on Armenian this would’ve been better for me. Not a bad song but this is a bit boring. 

42nd Place: BELGIUM/The KMG’s-Love power (Real Placing: 26th SF-14 points)

OH THIS IS A MESS, this song is annoying, his voice is bad, and I don’t want to feel the love power on this song, I don’t like this.