#but a washington upset would be sick!!

[jarring-behavior]

commanders are balling 😌🙂‍↕️

[contemplatingoutlander]

Given what recently happened with the billionaire owners of The Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times preventing their editorial boards from endorsing Harris for president, it seems this excellent column by The Guardian's Rebecca Solnit is quite appropriate. Here are some excerpts:

The first thing to say about the hate and scorn currently directed at the mainstream US media is that they worked hard to earn it. They’ve done so by failing, repeatedly, determinedly, spectacularly to do their job, which is to maintain their independence, inform the electorate, and speak truth to power. While the left has long had reasons to dismiss centrist media, and the right has loathed it most when it did do its job well, the moderates who are furious at it now seem to be something new – and a host of former editors, media experts and independent journalists have been going after them hard this summer. Longtime journalist James Fallows declares that three institutions – the Republican party, the supreme court, and the mainstream political press – “have catastrophically failed to ‘meet the moment’ under pressure of [the] Trump era”. Centrist political reformer and columnist Norm Ornstein states that these news institutions “have had no reflection, no willingness to think through how irresponsible and reckless so much of our mainstream press and so many of our journalists have been and continue to be”. Most voters, he says, “have no clue what a second Trump term would actually be like. Instead, we get the same insipid focus on the horse race and the polls, while normalizing abnormal behavior and treating this like a typical presidential election, not one that is an existential threat to democracy.” Lamenting the state of the media recently on X, Jeff Jarvis, another former editor and newspaper columnist, said: “What ‘press’? The broken and vindictive Times? The newly Murdochian Post? Hedge-fund newspaper husks? Rudderless CNN or NPR? Murdoch’s fascist media?”

[See more excerpts under the cut.]

[...] They pursue the appearance of fairness and balance by treating the true and the false, the normal and the outrageous, as equally valid and by normalizing Republicans, especially Donald Trump, whose gibberish gets translated into English and whose past crimes and present-day lies and threats get glossed over. They neglect, again and again, important stories with real consequences. This is not entirely new – in a scathing analysis of 2016 election coverage, the Columbia Journalism Review noted that “in just six days, The New York Times ran as many cover stories about Hillary Clinton’s emails as they did about all policy issues combined in the 69 days leading up to the election” – but it’s gotten worse, and a lot of insiders have gotten sick of it. In July, ordinary people on social media decided to share information about the rightwing Project 2025 and did a superb job of raising public awareness about it, while the press obsessed about Joe Biden’s age and health. NBC did report on this grassroots education effort, but did so using the “both sides are equally valid” framework often deployed by mainstream media, saying the agenda is “championed by some creators as a guide to less government oversight and slammed by others as a road map to an authoritarian takeover of America”. There is no valid case it brings less government oversight. [...] Last winter, the New York Times columnist Paul Krugman, who has a Nobel prize in economics, told Greg Sargent on the latter’s Daily Blast podcast that when he writes positive pieces about the Biden economy, his editor asks “don’t you want to qualify” it; “aren’t people upset by X, Y and Z and shouldn’t you be acknowledging that?” [...] It’s hard to gloat over the decline of these dinosaurs of American media, when a free press and a well-informed electorate are both crucial to democracy. The alternatives to the major news outlets simply don’t reach enough readers and listeners, though the non-profit investigative outfit ProPublica and progressive magazines such as the New Republic and Mother Jones, are doing a lot of the best reporting and commentary. [...] A host of brilliant journalists young and old, have started independent newsletters, covering tech, the state of the media, politics, climate, reproductive rights and virtually everything else, but their reach is too modest to make them a replacement for the big newspapers and networks. The great exception might be historian Heather Cox Richardson, whose newsletter and Facebook followers give her a readership not much smaller than that of the Washington Post. The tremendous success of her sober, historically grounded (and footnoted!) news summaries and reflections bespeaks a hunger for real news.

[misguidedasgardian]

Wild Cats (Part IX)

IX. The road ahead

MASTERLIST

Summary: You leave Atlanta in hopes of finding refuge, a place to be, to belong

Pairing: Daryl Dixon x Fem!Reader

Warnings: Zombie apocalypse AU, living dead, zombies, guts, blood, guns, injures, cannibalism, 

+18, MINORS DNI

Notes: Bare it with me, my favorite trope is arranged marriage because I have no idea how to build it up, haha, and Daryl is so complex, but I’m giving it my best shot alright?

You ran out of Atlanta, abandoning like it was riddled with the plague, not that it wasn’t already, but you get the meaning.

You were not going to DC, you were not going to Lake Lanier. 

At least not yet, you were driving Noah to his house first which was on the way to Washington DC, Beth had insisted, You were a big group, you were slower because of it, but all of you were seasoned survivors by now, you were strong together.

You came to know that you had lost Bob, which didn’t personally upset you since you never even spoke to him, but Sasha was terribly sad, as he was her partner, and it was awful to lose someone, whoever that was.

You gathered Gabriel, Michonne, Carl and Judith, and you started your long journey

Usually, it would be like eight hours of driving to DC, but traveling had gotten extremely slow in the apocalypse, especially since most roads were cut. You had barely drove for a couple of hours until you had to stop in a small industrial neighborhood, both because rather the car had decided to stop working and also you needed to change cars and regroup

But the sun was falling over the horizon, so you offered yourself to clear out a bodega nearby, with a couple of floors of offices, more comfortable for sleeping.

“I’ll go with ya”, jumped Daryl, who had barely even looked at you since they rescued Beth. You wanted to say no, that you didn’t need a babysitter

“I’ll go too”, said Rosita, and you were relieved. Something had shifted in the dynamic of that group, Abraham barely spoke, usually he was so driven, but now, since it was revealed that the whole cure thing was a lie, Eugene had an ugly bruise on his face and Abraham sat in the back seat and just looked forwards, didn’t even offer himself to drive.

You and Rosita took the lead while Daryl, behind you, had his crossbow standing in attention. You opened the thick door to the outside to reveal an empty hallway, you took your ax with your left hand and your gun with your right, you had been gifted with being ambidextrous, and you had nurtured it during your time alone.

You knocked on every door, clearing it office by office. 

It wasn’t until you reached the warehouse at the very end of the hallway when the fun began, at least ten walkers came for you as soon as you opened the door.

“Let’s get the party started”, you muttered, Rosita only smirked.

Daryl stood behind you, you felt him shift uncomfortably, as you and Rosita, knife and ax in hand, threw yourself at the walkers

Piercing skulls was more difficult than it seemed, truly. Well, in your experience it really depended on the… state… of the walker you were about to hit.

You drew the first walker blood, as you took the first one out of his undead misery with a swing of your ax, the second one was coming near, so you kicked it, made it stumble back giving you a few moments to take foot and end him too.

At some point this became cathartic. like a relief, you were ending the enemy, fighting the fight, the living VS the dead

You and Rosita fought them all, Daryl ended a couple of them, saying nothing, but you appreciated that he gave you your space to do what you had to do, what you offered yourself to. 

Rosita was badass, she was, her movements were impeccable as she took those walkers out, you exchanged looks and she smiled at you

“Those were some sick moves”, she admitted, “not bad new girl”, you chuckled

“Not so bad yourself Espinosa”, you said back with a wink

Daryl just watched the scene, interested. 

���Should we clean more floors?”, you said

“Damn straight”, she said, “let’s see what else we can find”, she said, after taking a look around, there were only boxes filled with odd metallic pieces you couldn’t recognize. So you moved on from the warehouse, Daryl barely nodded, and followed you like he was your bodyguard

With everything that had happened lately, being saved by Daryl repeatedly and then judged harshly by Carol and him too, you wanted to show what you could do, looking to prove yourself again, but this time, for your own sake, rather than to prove anything to them, if anything, you were annoyed that Daryl was there looking over your shoulder.

You went room by room on the second floor, as usual, you didn’t find anything too exciting. a couple of walkers.

A thing that you never liked to do… was to play detective, to draw a story about who these people were, how did they die if they were alone, you tried not to… look… too much at the scenes. You had seen things, terrible things, that you did not wish to remember right now.

So you tried to separate… walker from person…. they were not people anymore, and that is what you were comfortable with

You took a swing so hard your ax got stuck in the wall, you had to use your leg as leverage to take it out. 

It was a good exercise, you were afraid you were getting out of practice 

You cleaned up every floor, without a single bullet being shot, you took them out one by one.

As you cleared the last office, finding a couple of nice bottles of scotch in what it looked to be the boss’ office 

With complacent smiles and a good bounty you returned to the group after having a couple of swings from the bottle, only Rosita and you, Daryl, denied to take a sip.

You returned and Rick seemed impressed, so they all entered the building you had secured. 

The rest of them were scouting the area, searching specially for gas for the cars. You still had the things you had from your safehouse, so you ate together in a cleared office. 

These moments where odd, dining all together, like a strange family, with lots of uncles, and nephews and nieces

It was odd, but it felt nice.

Then the scotch appeared and they all seemed content, taking drinks, for different reasons…

Many of them celebrated they found Beth and their group was put together again, the others, for sorrows, for the broken promise of a solution to all this madness. Some celebrated that we were fine, and on our path to something better, others tried to drown their fears of the uncertainty of the near future.

But there wasn’t enough buzz for anybody to get really drunk, so after dinner, everybody split up.

Everybody knew what to do for the night, the scavengers looked for useful things around in the small neighborhood, the others prepared for the journey the next day, others set up lookouts points to take guard, Beth and Rick stayed with the kids. 

You felt weary of Rick, and how he treated you so delicately, so, you did what you used to do best, you went to the roof. You were a bit tired after slaying a dozen walkers so, you guessed you could take the first watch from the high point of the area. 

You came out the door of the roof, and you weren’t surprised when you saw Daryl there, you had seen him sneak out of the room when the liquor started pouring 

You were starting to… getting to know him better, he was the guardian of the group, always making sure everyone was safe and fed. You couldn’t sneak up on him, he was already looking at you when you found him.

“You should sleep a bit”, you said softly, he only acknowledged you and nodded, growling a bit. He tended to do a lot of that, just a little rumble, a sound from way inside his throat, but you were learning to interpret them

“What ‘bout ya’?”, he asked

“I have been training myself to sleep at day”, you said, with a soft smile. 

You sat right by his side, completely violating his personal space, but he didn’t seem to mind. It was not that he was paying close attention to what was going on, it was just that he couldn’t sleep. You didn’t say anything, you didn’t speak, you just sat there, breathing softly, looking at the scenery with sharp eyes. He was seated against a big squared vent, close to the edge, so you could see a lot of the area front here, even if you were setting there

You didn’t say anything else.

. . . 

It’s been a while since Daryl felt this peaceful

He felt relaxed, even deep in slumber, when he started to come to his senses, he felt a soft sway, like the one of a boat in a tranquil lagoon with barely any ripples in water. Then, he heard, he felt, your soft breathing, on top of his head, on his forehead, the first thing he saw when he opened his eyes was the top curve of your breasts, hiding comfortably in your brassier, under your soft looking shirt with a generous V-neck line. He saw your chest, your beautiful skin, how soft it seemed, he wished he could touch it… he tried to look up but the angle didn’t allow him to see your face, so he regained control of his body and he separated himself from you.

There you were, peacefully sleeping as he had been, the sun was already shining softly in the horizon.

When he realized how much he was leaning into you he separated himself from you, and that is what woke you, the lack of the presence of the archer stuck to your side as it was when you finally went to sleep

He couldn’t believe he had lowered his guard like this, and not because he didn’t trust you, but because he was supposed to be on guard, vigilant, taking care of his group

“It’s already morning”, you said groggily

He couldn't believe he had been looking at your cleavage, what was he thinkin?

He couldn't believe he had been looking at you like a deer in headlights since he met you, that he had never felt this comfortable in who knows how long, that he was almost impressed when he saw how you took down those walkers with only your ax, he couldn’t believe he was… feeling this… things… he… he stood up like the floor was lava, like you would burn him

“We gotta go”, he said quickly, you barely nodded, and he left you there, alone.

You didn’t even understand what was going on, but he almost sprinted full speed away from you. 

You stood up, the uncomfortable position you took all night taking a toll on your sore extremities, but to no matter, he was right.

You went down the stairs and found Rick, Carol, Glenn and Maggie, who looked at you and where you had come from. Rick looked at you kind of concerned, Maggie and Glenn with funny faces, entertained, and Carol seemed angry.

“Morning”, you greeted softly, “is everything alright?”

“Except by the fact that Daryl ran off, yes”, said Maggie with a silly smile, you felt your cheeks heated, looking everywhere but at their faces

“We were discussing how to proceed ahead”, said Rick, “with the big group we have”, you nodded and kept walking.

“No luck with more gas?”, you asked, and they shook their heads, “there are other towns nearby”, you said softly.

“Yes, let’s move to the next one”, said Rick, “let’s pack up and go”, he commanded

“I’ll make sure everybody has some place to take provisions, so we can divide the weight”, said Carol.

You walked back where everybody was refreshing themselves, you had found a working bathroom so everybody took turns to freshen up. You had checked the tank upstairs and still was halfway filled with water.

“Where have you been?”, asked Rosita with a smirk

“I slept on the roof, old habits die hard I guess”, you said with a shy smile

“Alooone?”, she tease, but you only shook your head with a smile, and kept moving

Last night meant nothing, you literally just offered your shoulder to sleep on and he accepted, nothing less or nothing more. 

Everybody packed up, and you started moving, leaving the huge fire truck behind.

You started walking North, you were a big group and you felt safe, for the first time in ages, there were no hordes or walkers near and you followed a road up north, a small road, to not draw too much attention to yourselves, from neither the living or dead.

You walked until you saw a sign, saying that you were already in South Carolina, you had left Georgia behind, and your plan to go to Lake Lanier. You don't resent Rick for leading you towards Washington, it was the sanest idea.

You didn’t even know what was there, an old margarita ville, cabins, yachts and a big hotel, it could be a huge bust, right?

So you just went along, is not like you could separate from them and go yourself, you didn’t want to split up, you felt safe with them, you felt like a force of nature, to be reckoned with 

At first, you were walking all together, on a line, as the day progressed you started to separate in groups, some started talking amongst themselves, you got a bit delayed and walked behind them, hand in your holster, ready for everything.

You were guarding them, taking care of them even from a bit afar, so that would give you a bit of perspective for possible dangers.

The sun was burning you from above, right a the center of the sky when you stop for something to eat

You still had bottled water to last you for today and maybe breakfast tomorrow, but no more than that, so you hoped you could find a town for tonight.

RIck looked for you with his eyes, and when he found you, he seemed concerned

“You alright?”, he asked, cradling Judith against his chest, you nodded

“Yeah sure”, you muttered

“I know you believed Lake Lanier was the way to go, but…”

“It's fine Rick”, you said simply, “I was just protecting our backs”, you said with a smile, he nodded placing a hand on your shoulder

“Thank you”, he said

You helped Tyresse, Beth, Carol and Noah to make food for everyone, Daryl set the fire of course and then escaped into the woods, out of sight. 

You baked some canned beans, in cans, and everyone seemed contented, you didn’t have anything better, and there were a lot of you, 

You wondered what happened to all the farm animals… in farms… the dead also ate animals, the fuckers, they were going to eat you too… farms you gathered, were screwed, specially those with small paddocks, nowhere for the animals to run from the dead.

You really wanted some eggs and rice right now, you never liked beans.

You chuckled just thinking about it, oh the things you had to eat now…

“What’s so funny?”, asked Rick, truly interested, you only shook your head

“I was just thinking how I wish I could eat eggs with rice right now, I never liked beans, and then I remembered we are in the middle of the apocalypse”, you laughed, and despite the surreal of the situation, everybody laughed

“I would give everything for some barbecue ribs”, muttered Abraham

“Tacos al pastor”

“A cheeseburger”

“Sushi form that japanese place near my apartment”

“Ceviche”

“Some pizza from Domino’s”

And everybody shared their desired foods, well, except Sasha, she looked utterly horrified by the topic, like she couldn’t believe what you were saying

You continued after that, taking out the fire.

You kept moving.

This time, you wanted to walk back, like you have done, but Daryl, surprisingly, had the same idea, he walked behind the group, and naturally, you started walking together.

“What was your favorite food?”, you asked him softly

“Wha’?”, he asked back

“Back there we all shared what we would like to eat, from before”, you said, “what would be your food?”, you asked softly, he looked back at you quizzically

“What kind of idiot question is tha’?”, you looked down, a bit embarrassed

“Well, just making conversation”, you whispered. an awkward silence stood between you now.

“Roast chicken”, he said then, you looked up at him

“Good choice”, you said, “A classic”, he looked at you, you looked back at him, and he actually smiled softly at you.

You kept walking, in a silence that wasn’t awkward anymore.

@crazyunsexycool

[sc0tters]

Stay | Thomas Milic

summary: If there was one good thing about staying in the WHL it was you.

request: yes/no

warnings: swearing?

word count: 1.05k

authors note: I truly do not know what this was and I tried to write it like two or three times and just never really liked it. This is a trope I've used before so I wanted to end it differently. This is also goalie number 2 in the goalie dedication, so if you want to go see number one then you can find it here!

You felt sick as you reread the headline. 

Thomas was moving to Norfolk and he hadn’t even told you. Six months of giving him everything and allowing him to become one of the most integral parts of your life in Seattle. 

Having had grown up out of state when you arrived at the university of Washington and found a friend in the goalie. Never in your life had you predicted that it was going to end in the way that it seemed it was meant to now. 

On the other hand Thomas had been sat in his car staring at his lock screen that was a picture of you in his jersey. His arm had been wrapped around your waist as he kissed your head once he won playoff game. 

That day had been filled with so much love as Thomas had asked you to be his girlfriend. But now he was trying to figure out how he was meant to tell you that he was moving across the country. 

Sure you both knew that the possibility was there especially with him being with the Jets. But still the amount of hurt that went through your heart in that moment was something that not even you could predict in that moment. 

So that was how you ended up in an emotional state wrapped up in his hoodie with tears streaming down your cheeks as you looked at the transfer announcement. Silently praying that you were in the midst of a horrible dream “go away.” You mumbled hearing a knock at the door.

But Thomas couldn’t leave you that easily “open the door f’me.” He begged hoping that you would listen to him. 

Your weight shifted beneath you as you made your way to the door “what do you want?” You sighed opening the door to see him.

It seemed that Thomas had also been struggling today as his hair was messy “I needed to see you.” His confession hung in the air as it made you feel sick “did you decide that before or after you booked the flight to Norfolk?” You crossed your arms as you clicked your tongue.

Thomas sighed as he felt like he deserved that blow “so I take it you know?” The hockey player chewed at his cheek as he ran his fingers through his hair. Even though he had requested a few hours to tell people, this was still his worst outcome. 

You nodded as you scrunched your nose in disgust “that my boyfriend is leaving?” You asked as you nodded subconsciously moving to the side so that you could let him into your apartment.

Of course he took it as he dropped his bag on your floor “I need to hug you baby.” Thomas pleaded when tears formed in his eyes as the idea of him leaving you actually went through his brain “you don’t get to do that.” You chocked on your words as you frowned.

It probably would have made you sound like an idiot as you were upset that he was leaving you “I wanted to tell you, just me I did.” Thomas reached out to grab your hand but for once your reaction time was quicker than his when you pulled away. 

You wanted to yell at him or say that he needed to leave. Yet somehow you still couldn’t do that “when did you know you were going?” Your lip caught between your teeth as your eyes screwed shut silently praying that his answer was this morning. 

Thomas finally felt like something was in his favour “I thought it was gonna happen but they called me last night and said I needed to be in this morning.” He began to ramble as it made you laugh “T-” you raised your hand cut him off.

It made him stare at you as his lips screwed shut “when do you leave?” The new question came into your mind as it made your chest feel tight “tomorrow.” At that point you were crying finally giving the boy a chance to hug you.

His arms were warm as it comforted your soul when his lips kissed your forehead “let it out.” He sighed rubbing circles against your back.

Thomas knew you were going to be hurt by him leaving but never would he have predicted this “I don’t want to say goodbye.” You confessed looking at him with a pout “you don’t have to.” Thomas ran his fingers through your hair wanting to comfort you. 

The boy tilted your jaw up “I still love you.” The hockey player smiled as he wiped your tear away “I did really want to tell you first.” Thomas’ voice was soft as he sighed.

You felt your heart swell at his words “you love me?” It wasn’t something that you two had spoken of yet “of course I do baby.” His fingers pinched at your chin making you laugh.

He didn’t even care that you hadn’t said it back as he squeezed your hand “I know you hate packing but maybe you want to come help me?” Thomas proposed as he had now decided that he wanted to spend every last second of the rest of his time with you “I’ll put my feelings aside just for you.” You nodded pushing yourself onto your tippy toes to peck his lips.

And that was exactly what you two had done. From sleeping together in his room one final time to sealing that final box, all the way to finally being at the airport. 

Thomas watched you in all of his clothes as he moved half of his closet into your place so now they were basically your clothes “you promise you won’t miss me too much?” The goalie smirked as he pecked your lips wrapping his arms around your waist. 

The two of you were enjoying your moment until the sound of his boarding call came in “I can’t promise that.” You pouted causing him to sigh “but I can promise that I do love you.” Your confession made his pupils grow full.

He squeezed your body as he spun you around “Thomas!” You squealed as your hands squeezed his shoulders “I love you too.” The hockey player mumbled moving his hands to your face so that he could make this final kiss count.

[neurodivergent-fox-demon]

Day 3 - Pumpkin Spice

Stiles gazed around the apartment and nodded. “I like it.” He looked over at the realtor. “When can I sign the lease?”

The woman smiled sweetly at him. “You can sign them now but the apartment won’t be ready to move into for another week.”

Stiles nodded, scratching at the scruff on his chin. He hadn’t really shaved since he got into Beacon Hills 5 days ago. “That’s fine. It’ll take me about a week to close everything up in Washington.” He gestured for the woman to lead the way. “Let’s get the papers in order. It’s a lease with an option to buy, right?”

“Yes sir. Mr. Hale was very clear on wanting to give you as much flexibility as you needed.” The blonde grinned at him.

Stiles rolled his eyes, stopping in the doorway. “This property is owned by the Hales? Which Hale is it?” He knew the woman was just trying to do her job and would get a heavy commission for this.

The blonde stopped and watched him. “Peter Hale. I assumed you knew that he owned all three properties we looked at today. He’s offering you your choice of apartment at 30% of market value.”

Stiles cursed, shaking his head. “That meddling assface.” He ran his hand through his hair thinking. “How much is he offering to sell this property to me?”

The woman blushed, taking out the paperwork. ”$260,000 for this apartment or $899,000 for the entire building.”

Stiles groaned and went to lean against the kitchen counter. “And how much for the 6 month lease?”

The woman grinned at him. “$400 a month.”

Stiles just started laughing. “This is California! Rent is supposed to be at least eight times that much.” He looked over at the woman and sighed. “Give me the damn paperwork to buy the fucking building.”

🐺

Stiles stormed into Derek’s house and found his ex husband at the counter making some sort of orange smoothie. “Guess what you just fucking bought because your uncle is a meddling asshole?”

Derek raised a brow at him as he pushed the blender to the side. “And this is my fault, how?”

“I’m not sure. Give me a few minutes to think of a reason. You bought an apartment building.” He glared at him for a moment before looking at the blender. “What the hell are you making?”

Derek laughed. “I already own 5, why not make it an even 6.” He looked over at Stiles. “Did you think this would piss me off? I never took you off the accounts, knowing you might need the money.” He poured Stiles a glass. “Eli wanted pumpkin juice.” He licked his lips. “So, I’m guessing your apartment hunting went awry somehow?”

Stiles took the offered drink. “Somehow your uncle managed to hijack my realtor and all the properties she showed me belonged to him.” He winced while taking a sip of the overly sweet concoction.

Derek groaned, rolling his eyes. “So…essentially you purchased a Hale property, using Hale money?”

Stiles smirked at him. “Yup.”

“Stiles! That is money laundering!” Derek gaped at him. “Do you realize how much trouble Peter can get into?”

”I’m in the FBI, Derek. I know exactly what I’ve done.” Stiles chuckled. “Your uncle is basically a serial killer. I doubt he’d let a little thing like money laundering take him down.”

Derek let out a long breath, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Why are you trying to be difficult, Stiles? He just wanted to make sure you had a comfortable place to live.”

“No, he wanted to control everything, once again.” Stiles growled. “He wanted me to pay $400 a month in California.”

Derek stared at him, blinking rapidly. “So you’re upset because he wanted to… what? Save you money on rent?”

“No! I’m upset because I’m sick and tired of everyone meddling and pushing me back here. I’m tired of everyone trying to make me forgive your ass.” He ranted, running a hand over his face. “I came back for Eli. Nothing changes between you and I, got it?”

“Understood.” Derek held up his hands in surrender. “So did you really use my account to buy an apartment building?”

“Yeah, but all the paperwork is under my name. It’s on the up and up.” Stiles chuckled. “You know why I have never used your money until today?”

Derek shrugged. “I assumed it was an independence thing. You make your own money, Stiles.” He put the pumpkin juice in the fridge. “Eli and I just wanted you to have access to the accounts as a safety net.” He raised a brow at him, “How much did the apartments cost?”

Stiles hummed. “After all the closing costs, $945,000. It is just a drop in the bucket. It’s three apartments. I figured Eli and Hikari could have the other two.” He sighed, lighting a cigarette.”

“Smart.” Derek chuckled. “You just wanted to rankle me?”

Stiles gave him a little smart ass smile. “It’s still kind of fun, after 18 years.”

“God love you, Stiles Stilinski-Hale.” Derek sighed, shaking his head. “Eli should be home from school soon. Do you want to tell him you bought him an apartment?”

“I’d like to steal him for dinner, if that is alright with you.” Stiles sighed, looking around the kitchen. The place had not really changed in the last few years. The walls were still the same shade of white. The counters were the same marbled granite. He could still see his wine rack by the refrigerator. “I… why do you still have wine?”

Derek looked at the wine rack and shrugged. “This is still your house. It’s your wine.” He chewed his lip. “I’m sure Eli would love to go to dinner with you tonight.”

Stiles nodded. “I’ll be back at 6 to pick him up. I still have to swing by your Uncle’s and yell at him.” He

got up to leave. “Good talk, Derek.”

Derek sighed, watching him leave. He wasn’t really sure where he had screwed up this time.

🐺

Eli threw his books on the counter and began digging in the fridge for something to eat. “Thanks for making me the juice dad!” He called as he pulled the blender and drank directly from the container.

Derek walked into the kitchen and raised a brow. “How about using a cup next time? I know we’re werewolves but try to act civilized.” He stood in front of Eli and let out a breath. “You’re going out to dinner tonight with Stiles.” He handed him a credit card.

Eli frowned, sliding the card into his back pocket. “Okay… why are you making it sound like I’m going off to my execution or something?”

“It’s just a little hard.” Derek sighed. “Your father is moving back to town and… I don’t know if I’m handling this well. I don’t want to get between you and Stiles. It’s completely up to you how you want your relationship with him goes.”

He nodded, biting his lip. “I don’t have to go, if you don’t want me to, dad.”

“That is not what meant, Eli.” He chuckled. “Don’t be worried about how I feel. I’m giving you the credit card for emergencies. Not just for tonight. Don’t overdo it, okay?”

Eli nodded. “Alight.” He said slowly. “I’ll just get started on homework. What time is papa getting here?”

“He said he’d be here at 6. He went to yell at Peter.” Derek shrugged.

Eli laughed. “What did uncle Peter do now?”

“I’m sure your father will tell you.” He smirked. “You can do your homework this weekend. Go get ready for dinner.”

Eli nodded and ran upstairs, leaving his backpack on the counter. Derek just sighed and hung the bag by the door.

🐺

“Peter.” Stiles growled, banging on his door.

“Not so loud, Stiles.” Peter sighed as he opened the door. “I do have neighbors. And what can I do for you this lovely afternoon?”

Stiles glared at him as he stormed into the apartment. “How many times are you going to interfere with my life? You hijacked my realtor!”

Peter watched him, tilting his head. “You make it sound like I killed your best friend. I nearly ensured that you had a few affordable options, should you decide to relocate.” He walked into the living room and lit a cigar. “Janice informed me that you purchased one of the properties.”

Stiles rolled his eyes. “I do agree it was a good investment. But Peter, you can’t keep trying to manipulate my life behind the scenes. If I am going to move back here, I need to show Eli that… I’m not really sure. I just want you to stop interfering.”

Peter chuckled. “You are family, sweetheart. We take care of family.”

Stiles scoffed. “You make us sound like the mafia.”

“Are we not? Well my mistake.” Peter joked, giving him a wolfish smirk. “Look, despite you and Derek’s separation, for lack of a better word, you are family. I just wanted to make it easier for you to move back. There was no ill will.”

“I hope you know I used the money from the Hale accounts.” Stiles grumbled.

Peter nodded. “Yes. You are entitled to that money. Derek and I were legally dead, and assets went to you and Eli.”

Stiles glared at him. “As soon as the paperwork goes through, I’m transferring the property into Eli’s name.”

“As you should. The boy needs to learn to start investing.” Peter grinned.

Stiles huffed. “Does nothing faze you anymore, zombie wolf?”

“Not really.” Peter laughed. “I’m married, happy, and fully domesticated. Plus, I find joy in watching you try to annoy me.” He put out his cigar and sighed. Welcome back to Beacon Hills, Stiles. We’ve all missed you.”

Stiles groaned, tossing his head back. “It was good seeing you, Peter. I have to go get ready to take my son out to dinner.”

Peter nodded. “Take him somewhere nice. He’s got this nice little black dress he’s been wanting to wear out.”

Stiles nodded and flipped Peter off as he left the apartment.

🐺

Stiles lit a cigarette as he walked into Derek’s house. “Hey.” He smiled nervously at his ex husband.

Derek frowned, finishing up the dishes from Eli’s snack earlier. “Do you not knock anymore?”

Stiles shrugged. “This house is still partially in my name.”

“Whatever.” Derek sighed, rolling his eyes. “Eli should be down in a moment. I wasn’t sure where you were going to dinner so I told him to dress accordingly.”

Stiles nodded, placing his cigarette in an ashtray. “Nothing too fancy but I’m taking him to that Italian place that just opened up in the next town over.”

Derek smiled. “He’ll like that. Perhaps tomorrow night you’d like to eat dinner here with us.”

Stiles blushed, shaking his head. “I’m not sure I’m ready for that, Derek. I’m just moving back into town. Let me settle in first.” He knew Derek was just trying to mend things between them, but he needed more time.

Eli stumbled down the steps in a casual black suit with a matching black turtleneck. “Sorry. I wasn’t sure if I needed to do my makeup. I figure I look pretty amazing without it tonight.” He blushed and hugged Stiles. “Hi.”

Stiles chuckled and shook his head. It was these clumsy moments that really reminded him that Eli was his kid. Then he would open his mouth and Stiles was reminded that the pack had helped to raise him. “You alway look great, son.” He hugged him tight and kissed his forehead. “Who bought you this? It looks like something Peter would wear.”

Eli blushed, running a hand over the back of his neck. “It was Isaac actually. He was in town last month.”

Stiles nodded. “Yeah, that tracks. Let’s get going. Are you in the mood for Italian?”

Eli grinned, nodding emphatically. “I’m starving.”

Derek rolled his eyes. “You just finished off two bowls of soup.”

Eli chuckled, pointing to himself. “Teenage werewolf.”

Stiles nodded,smiling and pointing at Derek. “Therewolf.”

“What?” Eli frowned.

“Have we taught you nothing?” Stiles grumbled. “We are watching young Frankenstein after dinner. Get your ass in the car.”

[enid-rhees]

please can you write something for Tara? maybe an argument that ends in a love confession? 🩷 sorry I don’t have many good ideas but I love your writing

oh god i love Tara so much. tysm for requesting!! hope you enjoy <3 and this is an amazing request dont apologize! and tysm 🫶🏻

warnings: arguing, slightly suggestive.

a/n: hope you all enjoy! requests are currently closed but will be opened again very soon 🫶🏻! this is a bit short but i hope that is okay!

it had been two hours since you came back home just to discover that Tara wasn’t there. she never left the house without telling you. even if it was just a small run that would take an hour max, she always told you.

you asked Rosita, Glenn, Eugene, everyone, and no one had known where she had gone. your mind was racing a million miles a second with possibilities you didn’t even want to think about.

Tara meant everything to you. it had been around five months since you and your group made it to Alexandria. but before that, you and Tara met in the train cart at Terminus. you were with Rick, Carl, Michonne and Daryl.

the two of you got along quickly, mostly due to one thing: you both liked girls. you figured her out quickly, when you watched the way she watched Rosita. and with you, she just… knew.

you followed her when Eugene needed to get to Washington, well, before he lied about even being a scientist and knew a “cure”. the entire journey brought you guys closer. so when Aaron appeared and offered your group to live in Alexandria, you guys decided to live together.

as the months went by, you felt your feelings for Tara grow more and more. it was hard to keep it in, you wished you were able to tell her, and just spit it out finally.

you weren’t sure what was stopping you, because all you wanted was to finally call Tara yours, or be able to wake up in the morning and see her next to you, or just be able to finally kiss her. you’ve dreamt of it too much.

your leg shook under the coffee table as you sat with your head in your hands. this wasn’t like Tara, at all. she always, always told you where she was going. always.

this was killing you. not knowing if she was okay or not. not knowing if she’s gotten hurt, and is stranded somewhere where she’s defenseless, or if she’s gotten bit-

the front door opened.

Tara stepped inside, taking her shoes off and hanging her hoodie like it was nothing. you stood up and ran to her, “where the fuck did you go?!” you yelled.

her eyes widened as she took a step back. “i just went to the pharmacy a few miles down…”

“why the fuck didn’t you tell me? or anyone?! i was worried sick about you, Tara!” her face was full of confusion, not knowing why you were so upset at her.

“i-i didn’t think it was a big deal. i wasn’t gone that long, Y/N. i’m fine!” she defended. “but what if you weren’t?! i mean- what if you got hurt, Tara? you always tell me when you’re leaving. do you know how worried i was to come home and see that you’re gone? and when i asked everyone where you were, none of them knew. do you not know how scary that was?”

tears ran down your cheeks and you quickly wiped them away. you didn’t want to cry over this, but nothing had truly frightened you like this. losing Tara is something you try your hardest to avoid thinking about at all times.

“Y/N- i’m sorry, okay? i know i always tell you when i’m leaving, but all i needed was one thing. i don’t understand why you’re so mad-“

“because i’m in love with you!” you yelled, causing her to freeze. “i mean- fuck Tara! i’m so in love with you, and i can’t fucking hide that anymore. you’re everything to me. just the smallest thought of you getting hurt scares the shit out of me. i can’t imagine how i could ever live with myself if you’ve ever gotten hurt somehow. i can’t do this without-“

Tara lunged forward, smashing her lips onto yours. she held on tightly to your waist, pulling you impossibly closer to her as you kissed her back just as hard. your hands wrapped around her neck, not even leaving a millimeter of space between the two of you.

you pulled away briefly, but you immediately dove back into each other, unable to get enough of each other. one of your hands tangled itself into her hair, and she moaned into your mouth at the feeling.

Tara moved forward until you were pressed against the wall behind you. the deep kiss continued until you were both out of your breath. she leaned her head on yours as you caught your breath, still holding onto you tightly.

“i can’t lose you.” you whispered breathlessly. she nodded, “i know, i can’t lose you either. i’m sorry for leaving like that without saying anything.”

you shook your head, pulling her into another kiss. your head hit the wall when she suddenly brought her head down to your neck, bringing you nothing but complete bliss.

[captain-mj]

memory loss fic part 3?

👉🏽👈🏽

whenever you’re ready of course…..the chokehold it has on me is WILD lmao 😅

I did ALL of this on mobile so forgive any problems lol

Last Part!

Soap spent every moment he could by Ghost’s bedside. Ghost tried to stay awake, flinching when the morphine forced him under.

He looked so normal while asleep. Soap expected him to twitch but he never did, completely still besides the gentle up and down of his breathing. Then he’d wake up, pleading with Soap.

“Make it stop. I don’t want to go back anymore. Please don’t make me go back.” Simon mumbled to him, holding on to him like a lifeline. “Why can’t I just stay asleep with you?”

Soap sighed. “Simon, they’re not real. Roba is dead. You’re reliving memories.”

“I hate it. I hate it so much. I don’t want to wake up again.”

Soap felt sick. He knew Ghost didn’t understand. It was probably impossible to tell what was real and what wasn’t, so he assumed Soap wasn’t.

“I know. I know.” No ones knew if or when this would end. They weren’t sure if he was “gaining the memories in a linear timeline” or “just having Night terrors”. That’s what the nurses said. It didn’t make any sense to him. Their explanations were pointless. None of it really helped the situation.

Ghost changed. The person he had met the first day of his injury faded. Although he still trusted Soap, he didn’t let him touch him anymore. It was subtle, but he started to cover himself up, trying to prevent any of them observing him.

Soap left for just a moment and found him quietly painting a skull on his face in the bathroom, using a marker that had been left behind. When asked, he didn’t have an explanation on why.

Soap hated it. He tried to get Ghost to remember at first. Showed him anything he could think of. Their dogtags, sketches He made of the two of them, but they were all met with a blank stare and frustration.

Right now though, it was quiet. Simon had grabbed his hand.

“They left me there.”

“Who?”

“Washington and Sparks. They left me there…” Ghost stared at the tv. “I told them to. I wish I hadn’t. I don’t want to wake up.”

Soap rubbed little circles into his hands. “I’m sorry.”

“I miss my mom. Do you think she’s doing okay?”

“I’m sure she’s fine.” Soap’s voice cracked. His big, bad Lt looked very small. “You’re a good man for telling them to leave.” He knew it hadn’t mattered. Both were dead. Ghost didn’t yet.

“If this is real, why are you always here when i wake up?”

“I don’t want you to wake up alone.”

“I barely know who you are. Why would you care?”

Soap stared at him.

“Please don’t bring up the memory thing again.”

“It’s the memory thing again.”

“Why? What did i do to deserve you?” Ghost looked at him and it took Soap to realize what he was asking.

“You saved my life. You let me in. You didn’t judge me too harshly.” He leaned in, very slow so Simon could pull away. He kissed him softly and maybe some cheesy part of him hoped he’d pull away and Ghost would be fixed.

“Johnny. I really hope you’re real.” Ghost mumbled against him. He grabbed his shirt, trying to pull him closer but Soap stopped him.

“You have a still healing bullet wound. I’ll hurt you.” Soap said softly to him, cupping his face. Pretty eyelashes. Giant brown eyes. Just as gorgeous as always. “Do you want me to get you a surgical mask?”

“Yes.” Ghost nodded and Soap got him one, watching him cover that part of his face. Soap watched him eventually go to sleep.

Johnny tried to stay up but it was pointless. He fell asleep.

When he woke up, he heard movement but he assumed it was Price or one of the nurses, eyes staying closed. He felt gloved hands on his face a minute later and groaned.

“Johnny.”

Ghost.

Soap knew as soon as he heard him. He threw himself at him, making him stumble.

“Healing bullet wound, remember?” Ghost didn’t seem all that upset though.

"There you are. Fuck." He kissed his face all over, gripping his shoulders tight. "Don't ever fucking do that again."

"I'll try not to get another head injury. Where's my mask?"

Soap pulled away just long enough to find it and give it to him. He patted over him, as if checking for injuries again. "How did you get out of the cuffs?"

"Picked the lock."

"You're a scary bastard sometimes." Soap kissed Ghost until he was physically shoved away to let the man breath.

Ghost huffed and relaxed. "That was hell... Thanks for sticking with me."

"Aye... You said you didn't like my voice."

"Because I don't"

"Ouch." Soap held his hand over his heart.

"Okay, I like it a little."

"There you go, big guy."

[kxinv]

I finished iwwv a few days ago, and obvi cant stop thinking about it. Here are my thoughts.😵‍💫

‼️Spoilers‼️

Specifically, I can’t stop thinking about James and how upset he must have been, for all the multitude of reasons he would be.

Everytime I think about how he didn’t want to stay in the Castle, and def didnt wanna stay in his and Oliver’s room alone (whenever oli stayed with Meredith), always on walks or somewhere else we don’t know, I felt sooo bad for him.😭 And how Oliver explained that he hadnt seen or barely saw James for a couple days before the combat class.

I was so upset I felt sick.😫 Like— James is grappling with keeping two secrets from Oliver: one, that he’s in love with him, and two, the murder. So he watches his best friend end up with Meredith and he can’t do anything about it. And then there’s the fear of letting the truth out about Richard and potentially not being accepted by Oliver anymore, not as a friend, let alone as a lover.

Just… how isolating that must have been for him. Not being able to tell—I assume—the only person in the world he’d want to speak to about what happened, and also how he clearly felt unworthy of Oliver bc of what he did. While oliver didn’t believe that he was worthy of james as well—always the sidekick. GOD I HATE IT😖😖

(Sidenote, that point when Oli realizes why James was never at the house, and didn’t want to be alone in their room, bc James asks Wren to come to bed with him. Like yeah, Oliver, catch up. That shit fucking hurt.)

For context, I read through the whole book wondering when they would kiss bc I read a spoiler about it and I WAS NOT PREPARED FOR IT TO BE 16 PAGES FROM THE END WTF. So many times throughout they were literally this close 🤏 from each other and I was like, “this has got to be it, right??” lmaoo

And I’m sure that for both of them, maybe more James than Oliver, they were afraid of messing up their friendship or afraid of being rejected by the other. Which I usually love that about the friends-to-lovers trope, but I could not handle the angst in this fucking book, i was, and still am, distraught😭😭

“‘I never wanted you to look at me the way you’re looking at me right now.’”

FUCK

And then Oliver calling James a prince in that iconic line!!

(seriously tho, Richard used the term “prince” numerous times and meant it in a derogatory way, but Oliver saying it with acceptance, forgiveness, and affection, I—🫠)

Then when the both of them notice Colborne is off to the side, they know things are not going to be the same, and James realizes he might not see oliver again (at least not out of prison, knowing he would be forced to confess im sure), so he cant hold back anymore and kisses oliver. And in that one moment, they experience all the pain and emotion of this is our first kiss, but also (likely) our last.☹️☹️☹️

I get the point of the slow burn and gay tragedy, but MY GOD I just wanted these two boys to be happy.

So I am on the delusional side of things; they deserve a happy ending. James HAS to be alive, plss omgg. (i love reading the theories in fanfics of where ppl believe James disappeared to.) (Also, didnt realize he drove all the way to washington state to drown himself btw, didnt consider where the san juan islands were, just something i looked up and thought was interesting, anyways)

They’re so in love😭😭 I can’t stand it. Espec James. I feel so fucking bad for him, just thinking about how much he was struggling.

Moments that broke me:

- When James showed up at Oliver’s house unannounced. (which ofc he would, where else would he go, who else would he go to or want to be near.)

- Alexander said James couldn’t pick himself up off the floor for like half a week when Oliver was first arrested.

- The kiss on the hand, the last time they saw each other.

- The hope in Oliver when he’s finally out and all he wants is to see James.

- Oliver breaking down at Meredith’s place.

\\

Okay, now this is just a few other notes I had on the story.

First is just a theory of mine, but I don’t believe James and Wren had any kind of romantic or sexual relationship. I believe it was always platonic / protective. Bc I think that James knew he was in love with Oliver way early on in their friendship, and just didn’t want to admit it for obvious reasons.

(I also think it’s possible James could have resented his feelings for Oliver bc of how Richard taunted him being the smallest of the boys and, perhaps, for being a little fruity and whatnot, so when Oliver ended up with Meredith, I think maybe he focused on Wren as a distraction, the way Oliver used Meredith.)

Also, I dont think oliver is bi, i think he is gay. I thought he was bi at first because—well clearly he’s with meredith, but i started to reconsider when I remembered how he said he’s never brought a girl home before, and he only seems to like meredith bc everyone does and everyone’s supposed to. She’s the conventionally attractive one, and yk, that’s what a lot of queer ppl veer toward. A sort of, idk if its performative heterosexuality or what, but Oliver ends up following the social script for how a presumably straight/cis person is supposed to act. Maybe there’s also the attention from someone like Meredith that feels enticing to him. How she’s considered to be “the hottest girl” at their school and all that, and what being with her would mean for him. I just think Oliver is oblivious to his superficial feelings for her.

Another thing I wanted to mention is that I feel the story lacks in-depth characterization.

Maybe that was a choice to focus on the characters’ archetypes, how they get pigeon-holed to play certain people, but I personally thought it made them feel empty and I couldn’t connect to them. I felt like I didn’t get the full or clear picture of who each character was. Meaning sometimes they didn’t feel like an actual, real person I could meet.

I wish there was more complexity to them, I wish we got to see how each of their internal conflicts—how they deal with their archtypes and their struggle to go against it or accept it, how it causes them distress. I think more explicit examples of that would’ve helped fill in the gaps of their personalities for me. There should have been more moments in the book to show the full depth of who they are, maybe compared to who they want to be. (Not to mention, some characters def got more development than others.)

To be honest, a lot of the story felt disjointed, broken, and put together with pieces missing. Apart from the lack of individual character depth, the dynamics and relationships between the friend group felt somehow superficial and empty as well. I kept thinking how they’ve been friends for three years, but it seemed as though they didn’t really know each other sometimes.

Anyway, that’s all I can think of right now, idk if anyone else felt this way. I’d like to know if someone did/does, bc I honestly felt like there should’ve been more to the story, as I said above it seems like pieces are missing that i beleive if expanded upon would have helped to really develop the characters’ identities, their relationships between each other, and also helped to connect with the audience better.

But maybe I’m just picky🤷 tbh the story resembled one of those average netflix original tv shows most of the time I read through it lol.

[beardedmrbean]

WASHINGTON — Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan of Alaska slammed his hand on a table and yelled at a Democratic colleague Wednesday to voice his anger over a change to legislation that he said would harm his home state.

Sullivan grew uncharacteristically upset during a public meeting of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, where he accused Democratic Chairman Tom Carper’s staff of killing a provision he had advocated for in the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill.

"I’m getting tired of my state being singled out by this staff, Democrat staff, on everything," Sullivan said.

He said that he had pushed for legislative language that would allow Alaska more time to implement an EPA requirement to transition off of standard leaded aviation fuel. Sullivan wanted Alaska to be exempt from the fuel requirement through 2034, instead of the 2030 nationwide exemption.

The FAA reauthorization, which is making its way through the Senate, has become a grab-bag of priorities for senators.

“This goes to safety of my constituents,” Sullivan said, slamming his hand on the table. “And you guys jump in at the last minute, and I’m so goddamn sick of it. Anything that deals with Alaska, you feel it's open season because the radical environmental groups want to shut my state down. It's wrong."

"It's bull---, and I'm really mad about it," he added.

At one point Sullivan said he wanted to question Carper's staff, a move that is not typically allowed.

“Can I ask your staff right now?" Sullivan said.

“No, I think this markup is coming to an end,” Carper, D-Del., responded.

Ben Dietderich, a spokesperson for Sullivan, said in a statement to NBC News that Alaskans rely on air travel in a state where more than 200 communities are not connected by road.

Sullivan had secured the fuel provision "recognizing a state as big and reliant on older aircraft as Alaska could not feasibly implement this mandate in that timeframe," Dietderich said.

He said that "without any data supporting the move, the Democratic staff of Delaware Sen. Tom Carper, Chair of the Environment And Public Works Committee, slashed Alaska’s exemption in half. Once again, doing the bidding of far-left environmental groups, national Democrats are targeting Alaska and endangering the lives of Alaskans. It is shameful."

In response to a request for comment, a spokesperson for Carper told NBC News: “As Chairman of the EPW Committee and a believer in the principle of treating others as they would want to be treated, Senator Carper has always engaged with his Senate colleagues who reach out on issues that impact their constituents. Chairman Carper takes seriously his job of protecting the health of communities across the country and doing so in a way that understands the needs and impacts on the ground.”

[runwithwolvcs]

Addicted to You

Satellite

Word Count: 3186

Mentions of Smut?

“Great idea, Pup!” Paul shouted as he walked into Sam's cottage after Sulli had stormed out of his house. His phone now shattered along with a broken TV as his emotions had gotten the best of him. He had launched his phone hard enough to have a phone shaped hole it the tv, before he had stormed out himself in search of Brady.

“I gave you an opportunity to fix things with her, if you fucked it up its not my fault!” Brady shouted back. Clearly the boost of confidence Sulli had given him had stuck.

“You could have warned me!” Paul yelled, his anger getting the best of him, “You know what she said, she said that she hates both of us now and that's on you and your stupidity!”

“Wait, what?” Brady asked with wide eyes. Paul sneered at him, before he could grab a hold of the pup, Kim stood between them.

“Paul, leave him alone.” Kim turned to Jared who had sat quietly at the table, watching the scene unfold. “Jared, you can't just let him beat up Brady like this!”

“Go patrol.” Paul shoved Brady towards the door.

“You need to get yourself together, Paul. Her friend warned you and you completely ignored it. Why are you so surprised she's upset?” Kim snapped as she gave Brady a comforting smile as he headed for the door.

“I didn't do anything, this was all the kid!” He exclaimed. Brady had fucked up this time, not him.

Kim scoffed at his response, “No? Did you apologise to her for ruining her friendship? Did you apologise for not sending her anything to let her know you were thinking of her?”

“You know I had no idea where she was,” He said through gritted teeth. Jared and Sam had helped search for her, the three of them had covered almost every inch of Washington to try and catch a scent. But they always came up short.

“Doesn't matter, she's hurt by you.” Kim said as if it was obvious.

Paul narrowed his eyes at his friend's imprint, he knew better than to explode at her, but she was crossing a very thin line of patience he had when it came to his own imprint, “I know she is! I feel it every fucking day!” 

“So apologize, explain it to her. Sulli is not eleven anymore. She's a grown woman and you're toying with her life.” Kim said with annoyance.  As if it was that easy. The amount of times he had awoken in the middle of the night from the imprint bond, from a physical pain he could never quite explain. Or double over from a sharp stitch in his side, or a lingering feeling of fear that wasn't his own. No matter what he did, or where he went in the state of Washington to look for  her, nothing could dull those feelings. It was like that social worker that picked her up dropped her off the face of the earth.

“No--” He started, only to be cut off.

“At the bar, you made Brady cut her off and you watched with a smug little smile on your face. When in reality, you should’ve walked your arrogant butt over to her like you do to every other woman and charmed her yourself. Maybe then she wouldn’t have dragged the next guy she could find to the bathroom. Have you ever thought of that?”

“What are you? The Sulli Whisperer?” Paul quipped, leaning back in his chair with a scowl on his face. He had in fact thought about walking up to her that night to be that new option to quench her need after Brady had cut ties with her. But as soon as Sulli had laid eyes on him, he could feel her anger. He could deal with the fact that she was angry with him, what he couldn’t deal with was the underlying feeling of pain. Paul knew he had caused it and it made him sick to his stomach.

So he watched her talk to some man that looked out of her league before dragging him to the bathroom. He stayed until their escapade was done, listening to every moan and groan until he couldn't take it anymore and decided to wait outside for her. He wasn't leaving that bar until she was on her way home herself. He hoped she would be alone, if she wasn't, he had asked Brady to intervene and make sure she did leave alone. It was a purely selfish move, but he wanted to make sure she was safe and sound wherever home was for her.

Kim acting like he knew what was best for his imprint was sparking a light inside of him that he knew he had to diminish before a fire started in him. He's blown up before on the topic of Sulli, and Sam had warned him. It felt like he was back to square one, a young pup he couldn't control his emotions.

“No, I’m a woman.” Kim said harshly before standing up from the table, “Let's go, Jared. If he wants to self-destruct, that's his issue. I’m tired of hearing about it.”

-----

“She’s here to take you to a nice foster family.” Sue said gently, as she explained why the mean old social worker who had dropped her off at her aunt's house over a month ago had come back.

Sulli started to hyperventilate at what Sue was telling her and was on the verge of bolting out the backdoor. That was her plan as she tried to wrench herself out of Sue's hug. Despite the fact that her aunt was only trying to comfort her, she only wanted to get away. If they couldn't find her, she didn't have to go.

She noticed Paul as soon as he walked in the door, his eyes frantic until they landed on her.  Sulli carefully avoided the social worker's reach, and crawled under the kitchen table to get to him.

“Please, I’ll be good. I don't wanna go!” She cried, holding on to Paul's legs tightly.

“Sulli,” He started, crouching down to her level. She quickly wrapped her arms around his neck in a suffocating hug. 

“Please, please!” She begged him. She didn't want to leave. She didn't even know where she was going!

Her social worker, Julie, interrupted them, “Time to go to your new family, Sulli.”

“No!” She screamed in fear, gripping Paul's shirt with her tiny fists as the social worker tried to pry her out of Paul's arms. She watched with tears in her eyes as Paul narrowed his and swatted Julie's hands away from Sulli.

“That's not helping,” He said roughly to the annoyed social worker. He wrapped his arm around Sullis waist and picked her up with ease, sitting her on the table. He wiped the tear gently from her cheeks and gave her a soft smile.

“I wanna stay with you.” She begged Paul again, “Please, I don’t want to go.”

“It’s going to be okay, you’re gonna be okay. I’m sure this family will be nice.” He said as he rubbed her back comfortingly. He was so sure and that helped ease her nerves slightly. Though she still didn’t want to go. She was having so much fun with them. Leah had taught her how to jump rope, and Seth taught her about the Quileute histories. Paul even promised to take her to a football game after the few they had watched together. He even taught her how to catch a football.

“But I want to stay with you.” Her lip quivered as tears filled her eyes again. Nothing about this felt right to the eleven year old girl. Sulli still didn't know where her mom was and Sue had even gone to the lengths of getting in touch with her father to see if he knew where she had gone. Now she was being torn away from the only other family she had, and they were just letting it happen.

Paul held her to him, combing his fingers through her hair as he soothed her anxiety, “You just have to go for a little while, then you’ll be back, okay?”

“Can you come too?” She mumbled into his chest.

“I wish I could, Sulli.” He said honestly as he pulled back, placing his hands on her shoulders as he bent to look her directly in the eyes,   “I’ll visit, okay?”

“Promise?” She asked warily.

He nodded, and pressed a kiss to her forehead, quietly telling her, “I promise, you don’t need to worry about anything, alright? It’s only for a little while.”

The old memory distracted her as she walked out of the exam room to drop off her clipboard to be logged.It was all that had been on her mind since the day before, seeing that Paul had kept the photo of the two of them had sparked something in her and now, he plagued her mind. 

Every single memory hit her like a mack truck, good and bad.

She nearly bumped into someone while looking down at her clipboard, double checking to see if she had missed anything.. She felt their warm hands steady her and her head shot up to see who she had nearly crashed into. Paul, with that stupid smirk on his face, held her steady as she tried not to glare at him.

“Sorry.”  She mumbled, side stepping past him to put her clipboard onto the receptionist's desk before turning back to him and mustering her best customer service smile, “Can I help you?

“Relax, I’m just picking something up.” He said with a slight chuckle at her uncomfortableness, “Brady get his car fixed?”

“Dunno.” She shrugged him off, trying not look at him.   “I haven't spoken to him.”

“Been busy at the bar?” He asked awkwardly, causing her to look at him with wide eyes.

“Is that your way of calling me a whore?” She asked with a scoff. Her eyes narrowed up at him, the audacity he had to ask her that. As if he didn't just upend her entire life. 

“What? No.” He backtracked, a look of regret crossing his face, “Fuck, no. I just--”

“Sulli, Poppys ready for you..” The vet tech let her know before turning to Paul, “Oh, Mr. Lahote, Dr. Gray will be with you in a minute.”

“You’re a doctor?”  Paul looked at her with wide eyes. Instantly, she was offended. It was the first time someone had questioned her choice of career, but for some reason, Paul looking at her with a shocked expression hurt.

She only had one more semester of school left before she began her residency, she was quite young compared to her classmates having been able to fast track into vet school and everyone spoke to her as if she were a child. She hated it, considering she wasn’t treated like she was one when she was actually a kid.

“I have to go.” She said with the roll of her eyes and pushing past him into her next room.

------

Sulli was glad to not see Paul after dealing with Poppy the pomeranian and quickly made her way to her car. She wanted nothing more than to cuddle with Tommy and watch Love Island with a glass of wine.

The sound of her name quickly interrupted that fantasy as she heard her name being called from behind her. She looked over shoulder and saw the tall, muscular man who had a knack for offending her taking long strides towards her.

She let out an exasperated sigh and opened the back door to her car and threw in her bag and jacket.

“Sullivan!” Paul called after Sulli as he jogged up to her, “That wasn’t what I meant.”

She pursed her lips and turned to look up at him, “That's what it sounded like.”

“I just meant that you seem like you like to have a good time. You know, work hard, play harder.” He explained, though it didn't make her feel any better.

“You sound like a fumbling idiot.” Sulli narrowed her eyes at him, not amused by his choice of words.

“I think that's the nicest thing you’ve said to me.” He told her seriously. 

She let out a genuine laugh,  “You’re ridiculous.”

“Got you to smile though.” He cheesed.

Butterflies erupted in her belly and just hoped her cheeks didn't betray her by turning bright red. She brushed her hair behind her ear, not knowing what to say next. She had two options, tell him to fuck off and leave her alone or pull him into her car and quell the throbbing between her legs. 

The latter would be more satisfying in her opinion. His tight black shirt left little to the imagination of what was underneath, she could practically see his muscles flexing and the hardness of the abs she had seen with her own eyes the day before. She felt like a drooling dog.

His own smile wavers, “I’m sorry I never sent a letter or um, visited you like I promised. Julie wouldn’t tell us where you were.”

“Don’t do this.” She shook her head with a frown. Clearly he was keen on ruining every conversation they had.

“I just need you to know that I tried, okay?” Paul said desperately. 

“Okay,” She breathed out, “But it doesn't change anything.”

“I really had no idea what Brady was doing, I still don’t understand what his plan was and I’m sorry, it's complicated.” He explained apologetically. The regret was clear in his eyes for how everything panned out the other day.

“Complicated.” She repeated slowly. Sulli didn't understand why she had been dragged into it.

Paul hesitated in speaking before muttering, “A wolf thing.”

“Right.” She nodded trying not to get annoyed by the vague answer he gave her. She knew the pack's secret was a secret for a reason, adding “Not something I’m entitled to knowing. I get it, just, keep me out of it.”

“It’s not that easy, Sulli, sorry, Sullivan.” He corrected himself “ There's a reason I told you our secret, just like your friend gets to know.”

“Why does she get to know?” She asked, trying to keep an even tone. Kaycee never mentioned why Colin told her, but now Paul was standing her telling her there's a reason for it all.

“Bonfires aren’t just about roasting marshmallows in La Push.” Paul joked.

“Fine, I’ll just ask her myself.” She said with a huff.

“I’ll tell you,” He said quickly as he leaned her arm against her car, “But it isn’t exactly a conversation I’d like to have in a parking lot.”

Sulli watched him curiously, “You tryna kidnap me, Paul?”

“No. I think taming a lion would be easier than getting you into a car.” Paul said with a teasing smile,  “Or out of one. Though I don't think you’d fit under a car anymore.”

“First of all, Julie was a bitch.” She pointed out. She was the social worker from hell, putting zero effort into the homes she was placed in and never letting her communicate with her parents. Or at least her father. 

“Yeah, I know she was.”  He agreed and that sparked a fire in her belly. Paul was agreeing with her yet, he did nothing to stop her being taken away from them. From him.

Sulli crossed her arms as she tried to contain her budding annoyance, “Paul, I’d get into a car with you if it meant I’d finally get some honesty around here.”

“Without fucking an Uber driver?” He asked jokingly, referring to her comment the night she had first spotted him, “I mean, I could always sign up to be one if that would quench your kink.”

“I tend not to have sex with guys who can’t control their jealousy. You were so blinded by it you didn’t even see your shot.” Sulli shrugged.

“At the bar?” He asked with a cocked eyebrow. She wanted to laugh. No, not at the bar. Not even close. All she had felt that night was rage because of Brady and him and stupid smug look on his face. Even when she had fucked that blonde in the bathroom, all she thought about was him.

“At your house.” She said nonchalantly as she opened her car door. If he had grabbed her and kissed her like he had in her reoccurring dream, she wouldn't have stopped him. She would have let him bruise her lips until they were both gasping for breath and clawing each other's clothes off. She would have been putty in the palm of his warm hands.

Paul put his hand on the frame of the door,  trapping her between him and the car. Heat continued to pool between her legs, and the feeling only intensified as he huskily said, “Honestly, I thought I was dreaming having you show up on my doorstep. It’ll be different next time.”

She asked confused, “Next time?”

“Yeah, I think that lucky shell is starting to work,” Paul said with a crooked smile. A feeling of realisation hit her hard. Back when she was eleven, Sulli had been shell picking at the beach with Leah, Sue's daughter.  The shell she had found at the beach was quirky and unique, she had made up a tale that it was lucky and gave it to him. Prior to her beach visit, Paulhad given her a dream catcher because she was having nightmares and because he wanted her to have good dreams, she wanted him to have something good too. She was surprised he still remembered it.

 A gust of wind blew Sullis' hair into her face causing her to giggle as she tried to shake it away from her eyes. Paul didn’t hesitate to gently brush it back behind her ears with both hands. His thumbs grazed her jaw and she let him keep his hands on her face until he reluctantly dropped them. She wanted him to kiss her, that fairytale, only in the movie type of kiss that would have her knees weak.

But he didn’t, which disappointed her more than she wanted it to.

 Paul licked his bottom lip before mumbling, “I’ve got to get back to work, but I’m sure I’ll see you around.”

She tilted her head to the side slightly as she looked up at him, “I don’t doubt it.”

Sulli watched him walk away and wanted to follow after him, She scolded herself for even thinking about it. It was obvious he wasn't into her like that after he had dodged a second opportunity to kiss her. If he wanted to, he would have. It was clear that the reason he didn't want Brady around her was more of a power trip than anything else.  

Paul looked over his shoulder as he had reached his truck, giving her a small smile. She shook her head as the butterflies returned to her belly, with her own smile gracing her face. 

This was not good. 

[bearbait-adventures]

The the main thought in my head, which is rotating so fast, is just. Some kind of time travel shenanigans happen with Older Wash going back in time and seeing the mid PFL freelancers before everything falls apart and at some point he ends up admitting that he does have a mate. There are questions and he is blushing as he talks about how pretty and smart His Omega is and also mentions that Caboose is the "strongest Omega I've ever met". This does *not* prepare them for the person larger than maine in Full Spartan Gear who comes through the Time Portal. Like. That's clearly a full on Spartan.

And then Caboose takes off his helmet so he can start nuzzling Wash and they can all smell how sweet his scent is as he says, "Wash! Wash! You were lost and I found you! I'm so glad I found you!!" And easily picks him up in a hug as Wash just chuckles, "I missed you too Caboose."

The shock. The Awe. The confusion. South saying, "that's an Omega??" At the same moment North says, "you got a *Spartan*?" Listen I know, logically. They wouldn't be able to tell he's a Spartan immediately but the COMEDY of it.

Also as for questions- I do have one. Do you think after retirement Wash and Caboose ever have kids? Either biological or adopted.

I love that idea. I didn't really touch the time travel shenanigans so much in the story cause that's just a lot to deal with. I did do a section of season 15, though mostly where they get separated in Temple's place. And Caboose goes crazy when Wash gets shot. But that's not 'perfect for me', it's in the next part 'looking for no one'.

But I definitely love that idea! Maybe it happens like before, Wash in that timeline(circle) gets with Maine. And they're all sitting around talking trash on Wash like normal, but it's older Wash and not younger Wash, so he pipes up and argues back... Just to be found moments later by Caboose because he said something one time which let Caboose know exactly where he was, and boom Caboose shows up. ><

Love it.

As for Caboose having pups, I did think about it... Like really hard. But I felt like people would get upset with me if I did that. Being that it was my first fanfic and all, plus I kinda came out swinging with a rarepair and the only omegaverse rvb fic on AO3 (at the time, at least searchwise I couldn't find one, believe me I checked), but since you've asked.

I think Caboose probably would have pseudo adopted the lieutenants on Chorus. Being that canon describes them as all being so young and inexperienced and mostly parentless. I still love the idea that every time Washington gets grumpy with them during training, they go get Caboose. Caboose has to carry his alpha away to calm him down... Washington being grumpy and embarrassed about it the whole time. >< I love that so much.

If they did have a pup, I feel like it would be completely by accident. Like they don't know until Caboose suddenly starts getting morning sickness and starts being super clingy (even more than usual). Maybe he starts nesting more than normal, and the others are like, Oh no. Especially Tucker. Like everyone else figures it out before Wash does. Wash being a nervous wreak when they tell him to get Caboose checked. >< Oh, the potential.

[rcubens]

TASK ONE ✉ —

A courier arrives with a letter marked with Mrs. Tristan’s elegant cursive. With a sense of foreboding, you open the letter and read the devastating news: Richard has passed away, leaving behind Woodrow House and its vast estate.

Adams Morgan was an interesting neighbourhood. A sort of party spot— or as lively as Washington, D.C. could muster. He was used to sidestepping the contents of someone’s stomach and abandoned pizza boxes as tired eyes trailed a copy of the morning paper and tired limbs dragged him to the local coffee shop with the cute barista that looked a bit like Kirsten Dunst. A door jingles as he enters and a few bleary eyes look up from iBooks before returning to their screens. Today she smiles, beams at him actually, and is chatty and cracks jokes with her male coworker— today is going to be a good day.

The purple Sharpie smiley face on his coffee cup makes him stand a little taller on the walk down Columbia Road. He skips up the steps of his pre-war building and comes face to face with his doorman.

“Morning Alphonso—”

“Mr Sharpe this came for you this morning, said it was important I see that it got to you directly,”

The older man looks nervous as he hands Reuben an important looking cream coloured envelope. Reuben’s job occasionally (very occasionally) had important elements that required his attention. Concierge Alphonso didn’t want the fall of the country to fall so squarely on his shoulders so he made sure Reuben’s important mail was delivered personally.

“Oh cool, thanks,” Reuben takes it without much of a glance, tucking it under his arm with the post. Waving nonchalantly at Alphonso as the elevator doors shutter closed. He drops his things at the little table in his doorway, maybe if it’s an invite to the Hill he’ll be able to brag about it in the office.

His lobbying firm was in an old limestone building. A place that commanded a presence, it felt like the kind of place you’d conduct backroom shady deals that doomed your constituents. Though inside, it was renovated into a sleek, modern, amalgamation of glass, leather and light Scandinavian wood. It commanded a presence in a different way, a way that said they were ready to lead the charge into the new political landscape.

As he drops into the chair, a secretary sets a stack of papers on his desk and rattles off things he should be paying attention to but all he can see is the brown strand framing her face that bounces as she speaks. He thanks her with a smile and sends her on her way.

He opened it in the office. What stupid fucking idea that was. A paper cup of coffee hits the sleek glass desk and a sweet espresso-y stain blooms onto documents that definitely shouldn’t be covered in coffee. “Fuck,” he says quietly at first. The heavyweight card stock feels like it might fall through the floor. He’s blinking back tears. Richard Woodrow was a sick old man for doing this. Of course weeks after Reuben saw him and yelled and ranted and raved and behaved like he was thirteen again. “Fuck,” He says a little louder this time. Throwing the letter down on his desk. He would leave them all. The 16 of them all messed up in their own unique ways, in his stupidly massive house, acting like some sort of real world version of the X-Men. Hopefully Reuben was Scott Summers. They didn’t deserve this, they’d already lost so much already. “Fuck!” This time he’s shouting. The secretary pokes her head in and Reuben snaps at her to shut his door. This was all his fault. If he didn’t go this never would’ve happened. He upset the 70 year old to death. Well if there was anyone to ever do it, of course it’d be Reuben.

The wet and sticky paper is squished between his forehead and the desk as he quietly weeps. He doesn’t know if he spends an hour like that or ten minutes. He turns his head to the side before reaching out for his office phone and dialling Angus’ number.

[mcrshlands]

hannah marsh, a dependent rp for calamityshq.

𝗯𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲: hannah may marsh 𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀: hannah banana, anna, may, marsha 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗯𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵 & 𝗮𝗴𝗲: december 2, twenty5. 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 cisfemale 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘀: she/her 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: bi-sexual 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝘂𝘀: single 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: white 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻: seattle, washington 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: san francisco, california 𝐨𝐜𝐜𝐮𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: works as a medic at the SF medical center 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗸𝗲𝗻 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀: english, can read spanish.

𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲: dirty blonde, long 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱: mesomorphs, lean 𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: 167 cm 𝘄𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: 120 lbs

𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐬: passionate + candid, yet opinionated + casuistic. 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐬: watching the sun set and fireflies swarm fields of meadows, eating her favorite candy bar, having a nice bed to sleep in 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐬: going to bed without knowing if her people are safe, having to kill the infected 𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐚𝐬: abandonment, heights. 𝐡𝐨𝐛𝐛𝐢𝐞𝐬: reading, learning new skills, keeping up with her nursing skills 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐤𝐬: laughs when something is morbidly wrong, always cold hands, paces while thinking 𝐩𝐞𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐬: chewing with your mouth open, someone spoiling a good book

ｂｉｏｇｒａｐｈｙ hannah may marsh was born in the coldest winter on the brightest day in seattle, washington. she was a late bloomer, late to speak and uninterested in social events. when the outbreak occurred, she barely started forming sentences. the only person she could have full conversations with was her older sister, Arin. so, when they moved out of their childhood home and into a camp, she was just happy to still have her family. as the years went by, their encampment grew further and sparser. her little camp was all hannah knew, a nook where she felt safe. yet, time was evading and warping the very world that had comforted her. she grew up with her sister and mother, although it always felt like her sister tried to step into the motherly role to often. when she was seven years old, a boy her age came into the camp and got half of their population sick with pneumonia, leaving them broken and bruised. but, that's where hannah found her passion in helping people. she watched others bandage and comfort the ill-willed who didn't have much time or energy left to live and eventually picking up characteristics to aid and assist in dire situations when she got older. by the time she was eighteen, most of the camp were going to her for anything and everything, as if she were a guru. even attempt sole runs for herbal and natural remedies for the older folk. one day, when she came home to finding arin having killed their mother. upset and tunnel visioned, hannah couldn't understand why arin didn't wait. . .wait for her to come home and say goodbye. since then, a wrench had been lodged into their relationship. all the bickering and nagging between them caused her to run away. to where? she was going to find out. she needed a new, fresh place where she could breathe and not see every little detail of their mother and arin's cold demeanor in everything around their home. soon, she found a mansion in the middle of the city, filled to the brim with everything she needed. thanks to doomsday preppers, she stayed in the nice and cozy home for a day before trouble arrived and she was staring down a knife. after clearing the air, the two become close, not quite friends, but she would trust her life in their hands. she was content, happy again. until a storm blew in and knocked down doors and destroyed windows, allowing the infected to find their way in and causing them to get slit up. on her own again, she stayed on roads she knew, places she's been, and sites she knew weren't heavily infested with the infected. one day, rummaging through some cabinets, another intruder found her and embraced her to the fullest. her older sister had found her among the rumble and desolated buildings in the city. hannah welcomed arin after two and a half years of solitude from her family, joining her in her best chance to survive. they relocated to jackson, wyoming, where she found herself solidifying her role as a nurse, a helping hand always willing to go the extra mile.

ｐｅｒｓｏｎａｌｉｔｙ

she has always has an urge to help people, even when they don't look like they need help. her nurturing side evolves into self-neglect, so when she is overworked, overwhelmed, and malnourished, she breaks down into a hole and buried herself into dangerous situation like she can take down a couple infected as if she had first-hand experience ( which doesn't happen to often )

she is very friendly until y/m cross the line, which she doesn't have many lines to begin with, but if y/m find the right buttons to push, she will explode like a fully loaded volcano

depending on who you are, she will introduce herself as marsha if she doesn't want the person to know her name.

[forever-eternal]

You sent in two, so they’ll all be here!!

🔴 (Angsty/Sad)

Colorado’s one of the few States that gets attached to humans. He sticks by those he sees as friends for decades, always around to see them age and eventually die. The end for all mortal creatures, but it still hurts.

Colorado’s biggest fear is those he loves dying, and seeing so many of his friends— mortal human friends, people he knew would die long before him— pass upsets him more than it would other States, States who get used to people they know dying. States who can grieve for a day or so and move on.

Every time, he goes back to Mom and Dad’s house, he stays there for days. He brings his dogs, because he knows they’ll leave him too, one day, and wants to spend as much time as he can with them.

At Mom and Dad’s house, there are no expectations. He doesn’t have to work, can just curl up in his childhood bedroom and grieve. If it hurts too much, he’ll even lock his Mom and Dad out of the room. They won’t force themselves in. Just remind him to eat, and leave food at the door. They don’t quite understand, they’ve never really cared about humans, but they do their best to comfort him.

Sometimes, he and his human friends will grow apart before it gets to that point, but they still pass away all too soon. It still hurts, but it’s not as bad.

It hurts more when he looses a pet.

He’ll grieve pets for years, has kept all their collars and favorite toys, even when he eventually finds another stray and takes them in.

...He has a lot of pictures, all the way back to when he was a child himself, playing in the streets with the human children while his Mom was in the markets. He has hundreds of photo albums full of friends and pets, and they all have one thing in common...

They’re all someone he lost.

🌑 (Sleep)

When he was younger, he slept horribly. Always too hot or too cold. It was always too loud or too quiet. Definitely one of those babies that kept his parents up for hours before they finally figured out how to get him to sleep.

Thinner shirts, thinner blankets, but combined they were warm enough to keep him from getting sick. A quiet music box he still has to this day, and even used with his own Cities.

As he got older he grew out of his pickiness with sleeping conditions, and can pretty much sleep wherever. He can’t nap though, he just can’t sleep during the day.

The marijuana definitely helps, though.

👔 (Clothes)

Very much a black cargo pants man. He loves the pockets. Perfect for holding everything the local weed dealer needs…not that he’s a dealer (Don’t tell Mom or Dad—).

Hiking boots, he may love to ski and snowboard, but he loves to hike in the warmer months— he’s often invited to join Oregon and Washington with his dogs.

Puffer vest, one with a hood. I love vests and he seems like the type. It’s his State flag colors and the funky little ‘C’ and circle they have. I love it, it such a weird (affectionate) flag to me.

In colder months, he’ll wear a white sweater, a thicker black beanie, and his ski goggles.

In the warmer months, he’ll wear a white t-shirt underneath the vest. He also has one of those thinner beanies made for summer, also black. In place of his goggles, he’ll have those sporty sunglasses.

He also has a silver chain necklace, and all his cities have a matching one. He also wears a watch to keep track of time, he’s very time blind— probably made worse by the marijuana. It’s an older model of watch, he gets a new one every few decades. But the first one he ever got was his Dad’s old watch, and he keeps that old thing in a drawer of his desk.

(Gov has tried to get him to throw the old watch out; “Joshua, it doesn’t even work anymore. It’s taking up space.” “I don’t care.”, he’s very sentimental)

🏡 (Home)

All the States have several homes throughout, usually apartments in major cities and homes in suburbs.

Then they have their Main House, usually wayy bigger than the others (most being manors) somewhere in their State.

Colorado has a rustic-style, manor-ish (not as big as a manor but close) home in the mountains, pretty far away from other people.

He likes humans, more than he probably should, but he likes having the big open space-- his doggos love it too. It’s perfect for when all his kids come visit, enough space for them all to have their own thing, yet close enough for them to be meshed together. He can’t have them all over at once, unless some want to share beds, sleep on couches, and camp in the yard.

There are plenty of natural trails he likes to take around, and its just a pop away from anything else!

🟣 (Romantic/Sexual/Shippy)

Panromantic Demisexual, not currently in a relationship.

He’s not really looking for a romantic relationship right now, but if it happens naturally...

🍜 (Food)

He’s a stoner. He’s got the munchies. He will eat pretty much anything edible thats placed in front of him.

But if Mom or Dad makes cinnamon rolls...he has to be held back from eating all of them. Like, literally restrained.

It’s ONLY if Mom or Dad makes them. He will not do it with anyone elses cinnamon rolls.

It’s not that strange, we’re pretty sure everything Gov and Assistant make is laced with something...the lab results have shown nothing weird, but we can’t be too sure. It might be magic.

🧵 (Hobbies)

Skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing...of course, those are expected. He will try everything outdoorsy once! Its fun for him and his dogs, and his kids often join him.

He also has a synthesizer and plays grand piano, though he usually only does the grand piano at Mom and Dad’s house. He also has a portable beatmaker. He likes the flashy buttons.

He does yoga and other exercises, and likes jigsaws.

Mom taught him to crochet, and he often does it when he’s stressed.

Most States know how to sew, Mom and Dad taught them so they could fix their own clothes if needed, but Colorado is one of few that wanted to crochet too.

[agent-pennsylvania]

Sick

Penn is sick, he’s tired...he’s sick and tired. His anxiety has his skin crawling and his head buzzing with constant headaches. Sleeping a this point comes in unpredictable bursts, mostly only when his body just shuts down. His body aches his skin burns his stomach is a mess. He’s barely holding on… He shouldn’t be like this… He’s a super soldier...One of the best...A SPARTAN...He should be an unstoppable machine-like force...At least that’s what they told him…Something was wrong but he didn’t know what...which set his anxiety off more.

His suit though would hide it all. It hid his scarred face and skin. It hid how pale and sickly he felt. His wall of jokes would keep the others from asking questions. Nothings wrong with Penn, nothing to see here... No reason to drop his position on the leader board… If it dropped he wouldn’t get his AI...The counselor...Price said it would help him...He was banking everything on that AI, but he wasn’t sure how much longer he could go.

Ever since he joined the project they had sent him on mission after mission. After being introduced to the other agents he was mostly kept away. The Director had a special experiment for Penn, see how long he could go before breaking. Penn had a special medical condition an extremely rare allergic reaction to cytoprethaline, for some reason it affected Penn differently. It caused swelling in the memory centers of his brain, which in turn causes him to lose his memory. The UNSC had discovered it after long term exposure while he was cryo’d... Although they had caught it rather late as it had already caused severe damage to the right side of his brain. They however, had conveniently forgot to mention that to him...

Short term though Project Freelancer had discovered the drug still causes the same effect… and they were still experimenting... They had been doing it for long enough though they had the dosage figured out. They could safely make him forget weeks at a time…and they did just that, purging the information from his helmet and resetting him after every mission. Unless of course something happened that wasn’t able to be covered up without looking suspicious... Like direct interaction with other agents.

Unfortunately, the drug still had the downside of making him sick but it was a necessary evil for the greater good of humanity, the making of a better weapon. He was the first of what they hoped they could replicate in others, a soldier that couldn’t question, because they didn’t know better. Easily reprogrammed, rewritten, brain-washed and the best part is they wouldn’t even know. The carrot that kept Penn going, was his promised AI. He was told it’s name was Iota. The program had procured two AI this time so he was to get the second alongside South Dakota who would get Eta. At least that was what he was told.

Penn had managed to get himself up and going, the armor did what it needed to do... hide everything, it gave him the edge and the security he needed to go on. It was a crutch at this point… The AI would make it better, make him better. He could only hope. Walking into the locker room though was not a pleasant experience.

South and North Dakota, Washington and York were all present. That’s when he heard South yelling. So he moved off to the side to observe, something that was ingrained into him, an instinct at this point. Information gathering was key...What was going on that she was so upset about? He’d figured she’d be happy after all she had been waiting for an AI just as long as he had been. He sat on the bench, in the row of lockers behind the set they were all in. They hadn’t noticed him as they were all paying attention to South.

“What! This is Bullshit!” South yelled.

“South calm down.” North told her.

“Calm down! Well that easy for you to say you already have an AI. But, who the fuck is she to take away our place?” She countered North aggressively.

“Our turn will come, They’ve already put me back on the list...” Washington tried to reason with her.

She interrupted him though with an angry sounding,“What!”

About here is where Penn stopped listening for a moment and started thinking. South was yelling about AI being taken away and a “she.” Well, that sounded a lot like Carolina, or at least what he had heard she was like from the triplets. But, what Wash had just said about being pushed back...he didn’t understand. Was it Washington’s turn? Had he pushed him back without meaning to? Or was it Washington’s turn in the first place and Penn wasn’t getting one at all? Had they had been lying to him all along…

“And Two AI! What makes her so special, What makes either of them so special!?” South shouted again and a loud slam of a locker followed.

Carolina was taking both AI’s whether or not one of them was his or Washington’s. They had lied to him either way… That was his last straw… Once the others had cleared out of the locker room he sat there for a minute. He was mad, he was panicked, he was so fucked, and he was surely going to kill Price. He needed to get out, and get out now. He would be paying the Counselor a visit... He growled in anger. Punching his mechanical arm straight through his own locker in frustration, before ripping the whole thing off the wall. If anyone came by they’d probably think he was Agent Maine and just move along anyway. He was leaving he wouldn’t need it anyway the only things in their were two pistols that he hated anyway, so nothing lost and hey he felt a bit better after smashing it.

[nercyar-ika]

Bad Habits: Chapter 08

Fandom: Cyberpunk 2077 Pairing: Johnny Silverhand/Fem!V Read on Ao3 - Master List Previous Chapter - Next Chapter

"We gotta prepare for the worst," Johnny warned V. "Something seems off about that call." "Yeah, I know." V groaned at Johnny trying not to worry. Once V was finished getting dressed she ran out of her apartment heading right for the elevator that leads to street level. Normally the wait was short for the elevator to arrive but today felt like forever. The doors opened and V walked into it before pressing the down button repeatedly. Thankfully V was the only one waiting. "Not sure that will make it faster but I like your spirit." Johnny laughed making himself known again. "I know I know but -" "It'll be fine. Yes, we need to prepare for the worst but it'll be fine." He interrupted "- I worry, but yeah you're right..." V sighed removing her finger from the button.

Before the doors could open up all the way, V squeezed herself through the gap. She then started to run again. It would be faster to drive or take the metro but V wasn't fully thinking. In the moment all she knew was to run. V pushed herself harder and harder not wanting to take a break.  Not knowing what to expect when she got to Judy's, V ran as fast as she could up the fire escape that led to the apartment. She could make out talking from the other side of the wall but was unable to understand it. With a shaky hand, V rang Judy's door before knocking a couple of times. "Hey Judy it's me!" V yelled a few seconds before the door opened. Judy seemed shaken up, her makeup had been smeared. "What's going on?" She asked walking into the apartment. "Where's Evelyn?" V added getting a sick feeling in her gut. "I think the people who Eve got work from just tried to get to her. I was able to scare them off but I don't think we're safe here..." Judy didn't answer the question before starting to explain even more. She then leads V into the kitchen to make them both some coffee hoping to calm down. "So they know she's still alive," V frowned unsure if that was even still a true statement. "Any idea who?" She asked right as the bathroom door opened. Evelyn stepped out, she was still in the sweatpants and tank top Judy let her borrow after saving her. "Yeah, I got an idea who." Evelyn stated making her way over to the two. "For a moment there I thought the doll offed herself." Johnny stated leaning out Judy's apartment window to smoke. What is wrong with you?!  V snapped at Johnny, who just laughed at her reaction. "Don't worry about it." He answered before V brought her attention back to Evelyn.

Judy handed Eve a cup before handing V one as well. "It was the Voodoo boys or someone they hired," Evelyn stated after taking a drink. "I was hired by them to get the chip. I don't know why they need it but I believe they are upset about me not giving them it. I feel like they sent someone to forcefully grab it thinking I was keeping it for myself to sell, but because it's in your head we just had to fight them. I'm sorry V… I owe you for saving me and I feel like I just put a hit on your head even if they dont fully know about you." Eve looked down at her cup. "No, it's alright. I want you both safe. Maybe they know a way to get the thing out of my head." V smiled at the two hoping to help Evelyn feel better about things. "That explains the one corrupted tape I was able to fix some of." Judy said softly more like she was thinking aloud. "That was probably when I made the deal." Judy nodded at Evelyn. "Do you want me to try and put a stop to them? I could crash on the floor here if you need a bodyguard or something." V offered trying to think about how to help them. "You don't have to go out of your way for us, but I do have a favour to ask," Judy did her best to smile at V, she looked and sounded nervous. "We need help with making sure the Voodoo boys don't find us," Judy looked down at her coffee. "We're moving either to Oregon or Washington. Anyplace up North is where I've always wanted to move and I feel it will be safer for Eve." Hearing this hurt V. She wasn't fully aware why it did but it did. Judy hadn't been her friend for very long at this point but deep down V felt she knew Judy way more than she did. Maybe it was because this was due over, which was V's only explanation. "If there is anything I can do, I will do it." V told the two causing Judy to smile at her. "I do have a few things I need to clean up with the Mox before leaving. I might have to ask a favour there too once I get more figured out. I just felt like you were the only one who could help us after this. Eve just happened to agree." Judy was starting to get emotional. "That does remind me V I owe you an apology and a thank you," Evelyn smiled at V. "I don't know how or even understand how but thank you for saving me." "Just had a weird gut feeling something was wrong and went where I thought I needed to." V told her before Johnny laughed. "Gut feeling? That's what you're going to call me?" He asked reminding V he was still in the room.

The three stayed and chatted for a while. Judy explained the plans she was trying to figure out for how the Mox could take over Clouds. She also explained that most of her BD work she could do remotely and never really thought about it until lately with helping Evelyn. To V it all sounded like a great opportunity and idea, she just hated knowing her friends would be moving away. Night City was never for Judy but she stayed. V felt selfish wishing she wouldn't move away, but V also didn't want to remind herself she was dying. Judy moving away would make things easier, even if it meant losing a friend like her.

After leaving Judy's apartment V called the only fixer she knew who had contact with all of Pasifica, Mr. Hands. He was a very secretive man but, he's the best fixer who knew how to get you into contact with who you needed to, both in Pacifica and Dog Town. Rogue may have been able to help out, but the way Mr. Hands knew that V had stepped into Pacifica the very first time said a lot to her. So she contacted him and explained how she needed contact with the Voodoo boys and had something they wanted. She didn't go into too much detail with the Fixer. He told V he'd see what he could do before ending the holocall. V did her best to keep busy for the next few days while waiting for Mr.Hands to get back to her.

One of those days Takemura had gotten into contact with V again. He asked her to meet with him that night by the Japantown docks. V found herself waiting for the man and someone he contacted who still worked with Arasaka. The two men talked and V just listened. She didn't want to get into the middle of their fighting but at the same time, V found herself not caring what happened. Maybe Johnny was rubbing off on her a little too much. The man Takemura had contacted wanted nothing to do with them and left after their chat was over. "Well... can't say we didn't try." V snarked at the older man, trying her best not to laugh. "We tried yes," Takemura nodded at V. "And obtained some useful information. What Oda said. They return to Tokyo after the parade... Do you not see? The parade it is our chance perhaps. If, somehow we can get Hanako-sama. We must do a proper reconnaissance. We'll need a precise map of Japantown." "I guess we could talk to Wakako for that," V stated not putting too much thought into it. "She runs a pachinko parlour on Jig-Jig Street." "We must pay this woman a visit." Takemura stated as he stepped into his Van. V made her way into the passenger seat. The drive to Wakako wasn't very long, just like their meeting with her wasn't very long either. Wakako did have the info for a map and the parade just like V thought she would. Takemura took the date once they were done talking to the fixer. He claimed he would look into it and do more calling around before getting back into contact with V.

The next day Mr.Hands finally called V back, he had the info for V which sounded more like a gig than getting help, but V knew she needed to accept it. Mr.Hands filled in all the details to V and off to Pacifica she went. The meeting spot was an old church building. It was run down and seemed to be from before the rebuild of Night City. Inside V was supposed to meet up with the person Mr.Hands was in contact with. V opened up the doors and walked inside. The building was crowded with patrons for whatever service was going on. Pushing her way through the sea of people, V looked around doing her best not to seem out of place. But she stuck out like a sore thumb which made it easier for the contact to find V. He pulled her to the side and explained how he was just the man in the middle and that she needed to meet up with someone else named Placide, who was at the local butcher's shop by the shopping center. After being told the address and what to do V left the building. Something about all of this felt off to V but she didn't know exactly how to put it. It could just be the paranoia kicking in. Heading to the stairs next to the chapel V found herself stopping after taking 2 steps down. Her head started to hurt as an old memory hit her. Closing her eyes V started to remember having a talk with Judy about the tapes she found on Evelyn. She remembered what was on both of the ones where Evelyn was talking to Brigitte, seemed like these were the same stairs Evelyn was watching her talk on the phone. "Hey…" Johnny's voice was clear. "Yeah?" V asked opening her eyes and looking at him. "You okay? I can feel that you're nervous." "Yeah yeah just fine… I guess I remembered something about Brigitte." She sounded unsure but Johnny reassured her she wasn't wrong. Mr.Hands had mentioned a name like that to V in their talking but she didn't think it was too important. V then began to walk again making her way to the butcher shop. Johnny stayed close to V as she walked, it was clear he was worried about her but V couldn't tell if it was because of her memory moment or what was about to happen to them.

Entering the butcher shop V was told to head to the back after a quick scan was done. Placide had been expecting her while working on butchering a chicken. He wasn't hard to find. "What do you want?" The man asked, in what V assumed was Haitian Creole. "I wanna talk to Brigitte." V stated. "But dey send you to me?" He asked now speaking English while sharpening his knife. "And you'll tell me more about the job?" V asked watching Placide chop off the head of the chicken. "Yes but not here. Follow me." He sounded almost annoyed by V's presence. Placide then wrapped up the chicken before hiding it in his jacket. V followed behind him closely as the two talked more on their way to another building. He explained how Pacifica was supposed to be its own city and a closed circle. They made a spot so Placide could point out the Grand Imperial Mall or GIM for short. The GIM was overrun by the Animals Gang according to him. Placide didn't go into much more detail than that before starting to walk again. As they entered a market area Placide was greeted by almost everyone they walked by before making another stop. This time he dropped off the chicken he had butchered to a woman working one of the market stalls. The woman kept telling him she couldn't accept the food but he wasn't going to take no as an answer. She then thanked him before Placide began to walk again "Let's go not far now," He told V once again leading the way to some stairs leading to what seemed to be run-down offices. "You deal with Animals before?" Placide asked breaking the silence. "Yeah, a couple of times here and there," V told him. "You want them gone from GIM?" She asked getting no answers yet. "Kinda weird for them to be here blocked off from their main group. Hell even badges don't come here anymore… How many are we talking about?" She asked hoping to get more answers. "Bout 30 or more," Placide said as he sat down behind a computer at a desk motioning for V to sit on the other side. "We talk here." "When do I see Brigitte anyways?" V asked starting to get frustrated but did what she was told and took a seat. "You do job. Dat is first." Placide began to type on his computer before reaching over the desk and yanking V's arm that had her personal link. He then forcefully plugged her in to do a scan. "Your chrome shamen - is it Viktor?" "This relevant or are you trying to scare me?" V asked raising an eyebrow. "I need you to be able. I need know," Placide demanded before his tone changed. "Dis chip - it has no signature. What is it?" "It's nothing don't worry about it. Plus it's broken anyway." "Mh how?" He asked sounding unimpressed. "I got a bullet to the brain. Hasn't worked since," Johnny gave V a thumbs up as he watched from behind Placide. "Once inside what do I do?" V asked knowing she had to do this gig now. Placide then showed V a picture of a van pulled from some of their security feeds. He explained how it showed up when the Animals did and that they wanted to know who or what was behind it. It was clear to V the Animals were just hired muscle and not behind it. Something in her gut said this had to deal with NetWatch but V didn't tell Placide this. Once finished talking Placide then synced up V with their subnet so he could have contact with her as well as see everything. He told her to meet with some of his people to get closer to the mall before releasing V to do the gig.

V was escorted to part of the GIM that seemed to be less guarded than other parts. She was able to sneak her way past all the groups of Animals. There was a larger room in the middle of the GIM where V could see the parked van. "Okay van is in sight," V whispered to Placide. After remote deactivating the turrets from around the room V snuck her way next to the Van. "At the van and no 'runner in sight." "No chatter." Placide snapped before telling V to jack into the van. Rolling her eyes V jacked in. "While I have you here might as well fill me in." V whispered as a map popped up for her. "Dataflow map of Pacifica... Dey hunt Agwe." "Wait who's they?" "NetWatch. Dey always out to fuck us." "Okay, so what's on me to do?" V asked realizing her gut was right about NetWatch. "You must reach de agent. easy now to find him. Look at de map. He is in cinema." "Step away now this isn't your fight" A new voice entered V's head causing Placide to curse. "Uuuh... What? Placide?" V sounded panicky now. "We are cut. Pushed out. The runner know you are here. Hunt him." "Okay, what do I do?" V asked while jacking out of the van. "I will tell you. De agentman tries to cut you off. De Animals be here soon." Placide stated before explaining to V where she needed to go now. The Runner from NetWatch kept closing doors in front of V.

Before long V found herself in the cinema theatre. The projector was on and showing a Western film. Placide began to explain that they needed the data before being cut off. Seemed like NetWatch was stopping their communications. V then made her way into the projector room for the theatre. "Whoa hey, easy!" The NetWatch agent yelled unsure if V was holding any weapons but making it clear he just wanted to talk. "What did you do?" V asked unsure if she should trust him. "Well, now we can talk in private. Just severed the connection to the rest of Pacifica. Gives us a little time." "I hate to say it and I'm sure this seems out of character for me but hear the guy out..." Johnny stood next to the NetWatch agent before turning to watch the movie. "I didn't come all this way to talk." V crossed her arms over her chest before tilting her head to the side. She was going to listen to Johnny but still knew she needed to intimidate the guy some. "Had a specter on you, didn't you? Saw and heard all you did? You followed his orders?" V nodded at his question. "No idea what the Voodoo Boys are paying you but our pockets are deeper. "Are you trying to buy me out?" V laughed. "Not at all! Consider it a counteroffer," He smirked. "Don't gamble your life away on the Boys. They aren't exactly known for their professional integrity." She nodded again "Yeah you are right there, but this isn't a money job for me. I just need an in to Maman Brigitte, Voodoo chefin." The NetWatch agent then explained to V about how Brigitte and her lapdog had been frozen in the subnet for a few days now. NetWatch had shrouded their subnet with ICE and the VDB was using V to free them. He continued to explain to V why she was brought in for a job even though she had just wanted contact information. She was being used for a job that should have flatlined her. V didn't question it with how this whole gig was making her feel. "Alright, how do you help me?" V groaned after being told more information than her head could handle at the moment. "I remove the virus they planted on you and then I'll remove Brigitte and her lapdog. They'll wake up like nothing happened. All you have to do is let us walk with the data." "Fine..." V stated before taking a chip from the man. A removing malware notice popped up for V "Oh and almost forgot," The agent smiled as his eyes began to glow. "Mercenary will be leaving and she's joined our team... Please be nice," His eyes stopped glowing right as the notice stopped for V. "Good luck! I have a feeling we'll be seeing each other." The agents smiled at V before letting her leave. "Lesser of the two evil," Johnny said as V left the projector room. She looked at him raising an eyebrow. "C'mon let's head back to Batty's and get this shit settled for good. Grumpy motherfucker... I hope he likes surprises." He said walking off leaving V alone with the agent.

Once V was outside she got a holocall from Placide again.  "What de fuck V? You are off net. I lose your eyes." He yelled. "Brigitte and the other guy are they back?" "Who told?" Placide paused. "Yes, Maman B is awake." "Perfect because I need to talk to her!" V did her best to sound cheery just to mess with Placide. "And what of NetWatch?" "Taken care of like you asked." "Look for my people out front." Placide told her before hanging up.

V made her way back by herself, after all that she didn't trust Placide's men. Johnny didn't say anything as V made her way back. This made her worry, with how much he loved to talk some days it felt like whenever he wouldn't comment on things something was on his mind. Johnny? No answer. V tried not to worry about Johnny as she made her way back to the Batty Hotel. Climbing up the stairs again V was greeted by a very pissed-off Placide. "What de fuck you do in de GIM? You were to hack de agent not cut deal wid him!" "How he gunna pull through?" V asked before getting lifted into the air by Placide. "Oh no foreplay?" She joked as he started to grip her neck and slammed her on the wall. "Best you worry about yourself not him!" Placide snapped "That him? That the scopsucker you sent into the mechdragon's den first?" V struggled to speak trying to get out of his grip. "Tell me what is going on or I break you open and see for myself!" "I fucking dare you." V snapped before giving the man a good punch which made him drop her. "Ase we must head under," A woman said breaking up the fight. "I do not know what NetWatch has planned but they are not done." She added before folding her arms over her chest and looking V over. "You worried about agents? Then shoot her in de head," Placide pointed to V. "I do not know what dey put in her. What corruption is in her system." "You don't know what is in there to begin with. How much it's worth." The two began to argue even more about V before Placide stormed off in a huff. "You must be Brigitte. Hard woman to find." V gave a sheepish smile at her. "You have something for me." She stated. "You know about the biochip, don't you?" V asked watching Brigitte look over the scans they had done of her earlier. "Yes, and we must check its conditions." Brigitte then walked over to a computer before talking with V more. She didn't give much details other than she worried about if it was truly broken. V explained that the chip was already broken before going to the GIM, trying not to laugh when Brigitte asked if it was for sale. She then explains how it wasn't for sale and no ripper could remove it without killing V.

After asking if they could help, Brigitte told V to follow her as she explained to V had to give them the data they wanted and then they could help her. To V this sounded too good to be true but she needed the help. Brigitte continued to explain where they were headed, and what it was for as they made their way to the Crypt. The Crypt was located in the basement of the church V originally had been told to meet at. There was an abandoned maglev system they had turned into their subnet. The maglev system crashed back when the net crashed after the war according to Brigitte. One of the many netrunners greeted Brigitte before informing her they were ready. "We take you into de cyberspace. No better place for you to interact with de construct." Brigitte told V as she began to work on one of the many computers around them. "Okay hang on... I want to know what you need Silverhand for first." V sounded unsure about asking for help now. "We wish to contact Alt Cunningham. We know she and Silverhand were close." "Alt?" Johnny sounded confused now making his presence known. Oh now you show up? V asked glaring right at him. Why do you sound surprised anyways? Johnny didn't answer her question. "The Relic which Arasaka held close. It is our only lead." Brigitte added. "Alt Cunningham yeah I've heard of her. V watched Johnny to see if he reacted more to this. "Oh? Where? From who?" Brigitte sounded surprised by V's statement, she turned around to look at her. "From Johnny?" V sounded confused by what she was saying, almost like she was doubting herself. "Really?" Brigitte lifted an eyebrow. "Alright V better tell her." Johnny sighed. About what? Us? She asked, Johnny nodded before lighting up. It was clear he was nervous. "Construct is active. It lets me and Johnny shoot the shit here and there," V folded her hands over her chest. "Why contact Alt anyways?" "We try to cut out a unique piece of Silverhand's engram from de biochip. Alt will know it. If something of de human is left after years beyond de blackwall, she will answer." Brigitte led V over to an ice bath used for netrunning. "Wait what you said nothing about breaking through the Blackwall." V followed her closely. "Well now you know," She stated matter-of-factly. "Here." Brigitte motioned for V to get in the tub. Johnny sat down on the side of it as V got in. Anything I should know first? V asked Johnny hoping his talking would distract her enough from the ice-cold water as she stepped in. "You've already heard part of what they will use to get Alt to come out. I won't lie and say I'm the hero. We need to find Alt and chat with her. I know you can do that," Johnny then placed a hand on top of V's. "I'll see you soon." Johnny's tone had softened, just above a whisper as she was plugged in and the world around her became code.

Everything turned to red and blue. V looked around trying to figure out where she was, the world around her was now made up of blue flickering pixels. There was no one else around except one red figure standing in the middle, Maman Brigitte. "Where are we?" V asked walking over to the woman. "This is our BBS, Data fortress," She held her arms insisting V look around. "Bridge to de deep Net." "It's so alive... so real. " V started to look around, taking it all in. "Cyberspace moves, breathes at all times. De interface will adjust ebb and flow of data to de capabilities of your brain. But you," Bridge paused. "You are an exceptional case." "So what now?" V asked trying to move things along "We can begin! All is ready. We enhanced your link to Silverhand's neural network for a short time. To grab de fragment. We must find the data on Alt. Alt alone. Dis should only take... "Brigitte?" V asked as the world around them started to go dark.

Time began to rewind. V knew she was watching Johnny's memories this time. She could make out bits and pieces of his past that had already shown up when V was rebooted. The talk before his death, Rogue dropping Johnny when losing her grip on him, Fighting Adam Smasher, Johnny's goodbye to Kerry. Then new to V memories began to play, The riots of 2013, Johnny being stabbed by what seemed to be Mantis blade, Johnny with a blonde woman who V assumed was a groupie, and Johnny waving his gun on stage at a concert. V's vision went back to cyberspace but Brigitte was still missing. There was a stage now in front of V that she slowly walked over to before standing behind the make. Something inside her told her to touch it. Her vision changed to being normal. V could see the blonde woman standing in the crowd as Johnny's memories of the concert began to play for her. She could tell he was surprised to see this woman but excited at the same time, the woman didn't seem to be enjoying her time there with her arms held over her chest. Parts of the memory seemed to fast forward, once it began to play again Johnny was waving his gun around yelling about how they would never fade away before turning to black as the gun fired. The memory then fast-worded again to how the show had ended, Kerry and Johnny were arguing again to no one's surprise. Kerry was angry about what Johnny had done on stage, He had every right to be upset with Johnny. But V could tell Johnny wasn't sorry about what he had done. Before the argument was finished Johnny pushed Kerry out of his way storming off into the dressing room. " - Go fuck yourself!" Johnny yelled before slamming the door. He turned around to find the Blonde woman from earlier sitting down. The Rockerboy seemed surprised to find her here, but this didn't stop him from turning to the counter next to him and looking at every pill bottle lying around. He needed something to make him feel good, some kind of high as his high from the concert began to leave. "Fuck..." Johnny sighed after downing some of the pills he found. "Is it the concert or Kerry?" The woman asked now standing next to him. "Said you weren't coming tonight. Not if I can help it." "Changed my mind lover," She smiled at him before removing his glasses. "Look at you... all hot and bothered." V knew this voice but couldn't think of why other than when she overheard Johnny's one memory that had her voice. This had to be Alt  V thought to herself realizing what she was about to be forced to watch, unable to skip over it. Johnny moved to pin Alt down on the counter. The two began to dry hump each other on the counter so Johnny could look at himself. Alt grabbed onto Johnny's face forcing him to look at her before smiling as she pushed him off of her with her foot. V tried her hardest not to pay attention to what came next, she worried that somehow seeing Johnny like this could get her worked up. It didn't help that V was slowly beginning to question her feelings for the man and knew this would boost his ego. After what felt like hours of passion, both love and hate, the two finally finished. V was relieved by this even if it did leave her with a bit of a problem she'd have to figure out later how to take care of without Johnny knowing. She watched as the two held hands before starting to argue. Alt stood up as she went to gather her clothes and Johnny let his ego get the better of him.

Johnny made his way over to the counter to look for pills again. He found an empty bottle and threw it. "See, I thought..." Alt said before joining him again now fully clothed. "That this meant something? That we're close? So close you can give me shit about everything I do?" Johnny asked her grabbing onto her head so they could look each other in the eyes. Alt didn't struggle before removing Johnny's hand and pushing him away. "Got quite the imagination, then" He snapped before she left the room. V watched as Johnny followed after her, he had given her enough space that Alt had a good head start. Alt seemed to be waiting behind the building in a back ally for someone when Silverhand caught up to her. "Where are you going?" He asked grabbing her arm and turning Alt around. Johnny sounded worried about her. "Got somewhere to be" Alt snapped at him before some drunk fans started to hassle the two. Playing it cool Johnny tried to invite her to Samuri's next show hoping their anger had blown over enough. "Let's get out of here." Alt whispered to him as the thugs came a little too close to them for comfort. Johnny pushed her behind himself trying to fill the gap between the group and Alt. "Fuck off!" He snapped at the group of drunks before pulling out his gun. Silverhand began firing before he could hear Alt screaming, one of them had gotten a hold of her and taken her into a van. Before Johnny knew it two mantis blades had stabbed into him from behind, and the group left him for dead. He could hear Alt screaming for him as the van left without a trace. The world turned black for a second before Johnny opened his eyes again to see a hairless cat next to him. The amount of blood made him pass out.

"Look," Johnny sounded like he was talking to someone else when V began to wake up. "All I want is your approval of this," V started to look around, her vision was still blurry. "Alt if I have to apologize I will." "The Alt you knew is gone, do I have to keep reminding you of this? They were not welcome here and I speed things up on V's end." The woman who was talking sounded confused by his questions. "What all did she see then?" Johnny then looked at V realizing she was awake. He then walked over to her to help her up off the ground, she let him. "She saw some of what needed to be seen and that triggered memories of the first time she met me," Alt announced as she watched the two closely. "V now understands why you know what you do." She added. "Where is every -" "They are dead." Alt interrupted not wanting to explain more about the Voodoo boys. "How did we even get this due over?" V asked looking at Alt hoping for an answer. "I found another option for you. Are you not happy?" She raised a digital eyebrow at them. "I made a dissection for us if you want to blame anyone it's me." Johnny told V. She turned to look at him unsure exactly how to react to this. Part of her said to be pissed off at him but another part of her said to hear him out maybe he was doing this out of a place of love not selfishness. But after all, V has seen she questioned if Johnny Silverhand even truly knew was love was. He clearly knew lust which can be mixed up with the feeling. Closing her eyes V tried to clear her mind, everything was starting to feel like it was moving too fast for her and no answers were truly given. "I will send V back so we can talk in private." Alt told Johnny. "No wait!" V yelled opening her eyes, but it was too late suddenly the world around her turned dark and all V could see was something red pushing her deeper into darkness.

Waking up in the ice bath V could tell something was very wrong. All the Netrunners had been fried except the port she had been plugged into. Johnny? V called out in her head but no answer. I guess he really is still with Alt somehow. She thought to herself slowly trying to sneak her way out of the Crypt. Most of the Voodoo boys knew something had happened by the amount of waiting for V. She could feel a relic malfunction was due any minute now, V didn't have much choice but to fight her way out. At the top of the stairs leading back into the church waited Placide. He was even more pissed off than before but his rage blinded him, the longer things took the worst V felt. The fight ended in V winning but she wasn't feeling like much of a winner as she stumbled out the front doors of the church. Instantly her holo began to ring, and with her vision blurring V wasn't able to read who it was. Right as she answered V couldn't hear who was on the other end, everything was being drowned out by the ringing in her ears. As the relic malfunctioned things turned dark again for V and she fell to the ground.