#but ya no longer a fan. hope everyone around him can get proper help + support. TLDR never have idols. you will always be disappointed.

[grave-farewell]

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[danses-with-dogmeat]

Howdy! I got an ask/react for the Fo4 companions! How would a romanced companion react to Sole (preferably female) doing things to make them feel 'stronger' or 'protective' over her? Some random examples: Sole "can't" open something and has to ask for help/Sole conveniently forgets her overcoat when she knows it's going to be cold out, etc. the little things :) (Extra thing: you don't have to but if you could go into a bit more depth for Deacon and Hancock's response that'd be great :D )

Okay, this was so. much. fun. I took a few... creative liberties with the prompt, but I hope it’s still in the realm of what you were looking for! And, of course, thank you so much for the ask! I hope you like it!

Cait: 

     Sole pressed a cold cloth to Cait's cheekbone, and she hissed at the pressure of the contact on her swollen cheek. 

"Shit, sorry, Cait." 

"Eh, I've had worse licks than this."

"I know, but still… this one is definitely my fault." 

"It's hardly yer fault, luv, I'm the one who got meself inte this."

"How? I'm the one who started the fight." Sole protested, pulling her hand back so she could look her companion in the eye. 

"Maybe, but I'm the one who gave you yer drinkin’ problem, and that's what got us inte the fight in the first place." Sole chuckled at that, shaking her head. The two had had this discussion what seemed like a hundred times, both trying to take the blame for the constant slew of bar fights that they found themselves getting into. 

Tonight, it had been four intoxicated men who had decided it was a neat idea to discuss the details of what they’d do to Cait if they could get her drunk enough. While the redhead hadn’t seemed to hear, Sole had briskly made her way over to the group to give her two cents on these ideas of theirs. So, Cait had a point, maybe if Sole hadn’t had quite so much whiskey, she could’ve tried to solve the problem more... verbally. But alas, her confrontation had officially started with her fist landing at the temple of the man nearest to her, effectively knocking him out. And it had ended with Cait hauling Sole to her feet after disposing of the man’s companions. 

Cait picked absent-mindedly at the scabs forming on her knuckles as Sole brought the wet rag up to her face once more, dabbing at the blood next to Cait's lip. 

"God, how is it that you always end up with the injuries? All I got was a bruise to the cheek, and yet, here you are, looking like a human punching bag."

"I can tell ya that. It's cus it's always me rushin' in te save your arse. Why do you always take on more than ye can handle?" Sole snickered, not knowing if Cait found her own words as amusing as she had. 

"Because, I know no matter how many assholes I take on, you'll always be there to save me." Cait made a disgusted sound, rolling her eyes at that, much like Sole thought she would, before letting her emerald gaze meet Sole's eyes. 

"I wish you weren't, but yer damn right." Cait said, and Sole felt a little jump in her chest at the sentiment. Cait wasn’t the most tender person in the wasteland, but somehow, she always seemed to know what to say; to Sole, anyway.

The pair sat silently for a bit as Sole finished cleaning up her defender. Wiping down her bloodied hands, and the remainder of the crusted crimson on her face.

"Are ya done fussin yet? I'm tellin’ you, I'm fine. Can we just go te sleep already?"

"One more spot left." She told her, bringing the rag up to her bruised face once more. Sole's eyes fell to Cait's swollen lips as she drew the cool fabric over them, before leaning in to press her mouth softly to Cait's. Sole pulled away, but stayed close enough for Cait to feel her warm, whiskey-tinged breath fan over her as she whispered, 

"Thank you for saving me tonight. I really was way in over my head." Sole looked down, embarrassed at her admission, as Cait smiled at her. 

"It was my pleasure, luv. As you said, I'll always be there te save yer arse." 

Curie: 

     "You know, you don't have to come to me for something as small as zhis." Curie said as she examined the minor cut on Sole’s arm. “You could patch zhis up yourself easily!” 

“Well…” Sole felt heat rise to her cheeks as she searched for an explanation. She knew that every time she came to Curie for something like this, she was taking up the doctor’s precious time, but she couldn’t help herself. What was she supposed to do when Curie insisted on working all day when they were at a settlement? They usually came to settlements to relax, to help make repairs and look into any problems the settlers might be having, but Curie always insisted on doing check-ups for everyone in their vicinity. Sole loved her selflessness and dedication to her work, but… When were they supposed to spend time together? This is what I get for having a workaholic for a girlfriend.

“You know, infection is a big problem out here. I just thought it would be best to seek the help of a professional.” 

“Oh, of course, of course. How responsible of you.” Sole bit at her lip as Curie laughed at her. Well, she really has caught onto the whole ‘sarcasm’ thing.

 “Fortunately, you do not need to worry about infection in zhis, it iz not deep. But come here, with me.” Curie urged Sole off of the cot she was seated on and brought her to a table at the back of the clinic. 

“Wait here, se vous plait.” With that, Curie disappeared around the corner, and Sole stood around, twiddling her thumbs, as she tried to think of an excuse to get Curie off of work early. 

“I was going to clean my supplies with zhis, but we can do your arm first.” Curie said as she came around the corner, a bucket of soapy water in-hand. 

“Here.” Curie set the bucket onto the table and had Sole hold out her arm as she produced a clean rag from the pocket of her lab coat, and dunked it into the warm water. Sole watched as Curie wrung out the cloth, and brought it to the miniscule wound on her arm. 

It was comical, really, the care that Curie took in cleaning the cut that couldn’t have been more than an inch long, and was almost too thin to see. Another rush of heat made its way to Sole’s cheeks as she realized how ridiculous she must seem to the doctor, but Curie made no complaints as she used the other side of the rag to dry off her arm. 

“Zhere! It should be all better. I can wrap it for you too, if you’d like.” 

“Thanks Curie, you’re a lifesaver. But I don’t think you really need to wrap it.” The synth laughed at her as she threw the rag into a basket and picked up the bucket again. 

“Oh, mon dieu, I don’t know about zhat.” She shook her head, a pink tint coming to her pale cheeks at Sole’s flattery as she turned to go into the back of the clinic again. 

“Wait!” Sole said, reaching out her “good” arm to stop Curie before she could vanish around the corner once more. Curie looked at her, a questioning expression on her face. Sole stood, her hand still wrapped around Curie’s forearm, utterly at a loss of what to say. I just don’t want you to go. It’ll be another four hours until you get off. 

I think you should take a break?

Maybe you should have a half day?

Do you need some help here at the clinic? God, when did I become so damn clingy?

“Hmm.” Curie’s eyes pierced into Sole’s as a knowing look washed over her face. “I zhink I know what it is you want.” Sole just stared ahead, wondering silently if that were true. The doctor set down the bucket yet again, delicately taking a hold of Sole’s “injured” arm once more. Slowly, she brought it upwards, then lowered her head to place her lips gently over the cut. “Iz zhat better?” 

Sole giggled, still embarrassed, but definitely glad she had come to interrupt Curie’s work. I guess I can wait a little longer. Maybe make us a nice dinner for tonight...

“Much. Thanks again, Curie.” 

“Of course! Anytime, mon amour.”

Danse: 

     Sole sat at the kitchen table, draining the last of her coffee as her gaze fell to Danse, where he was seated on the steps outside the front door of her Sanctuary home. He stared ahead blankly, brows knitted together above his lusterless eyes as his hands worked to remove a spot of rust from a piece of power armor he had taken off his suit temporarily. Lately, the ex-paladin had been adept in putting on a show for Sole, making her think that he was okay, even after everything that had changed in his life over the course of a few hours. It had been over a week since he had found out about his true identity, and in that time,  Sole could tell that he had tried to remain strong. For whom, she wasn’t sure. She thought she had made it clear to him that she didn’t care about his “strength” in these times, she just wanted him to get through them, whatever the means. Yet, he only seemed to don this look of despair and hopelessness whenever he thought she wasn’t looking, and if she tried to bring it up, he would always attempt to change the subject, or he would tell her not to worry and simply say that he was still working on “adjusting.” 

She hated when he didn’t talk to her. The seemingly insensitive man was always happy to listen to Sole’s problems and offer what advice he could, often suggesting that she discuss her own issues as a form of therapy. But God forbid she tries to get him to do the same. Sole sighed as she mulled over what to do, and noticed Danse’s head twitch to the side, listening, before his gaze dropped down to focus on his task.

He’s been working on that same spot for almost an hour. If it’s not out yet, I don’t think it ever will be. Sole looked around the room, trying to find something that could possibly serve as a proper distraction for Danse, and her eyes fell to the wooden stereo below the window in the living room. She had left it there because she simply didn’t have the heart to scrap the old thing. Too many good memories surrounded it. Memories of her and Nate, dancing the night away as the records spun on and on playing soft love songs until the sun rose; of her rocking Shaun in her arms as she mosied around the living room, listening to the nursery rhyme vinyls that she had received as gifts at her baby shower... But those memories, they were from another life.

Sole shook her head. This is about him, she thought, not me. I can deal with my shit later. Right now, I need to focus on Danse.

She huffed another sigh, this time a bit louder, and watched as Danse ceased his hand movements and tilted his ear towards her again.

“Is everything alright?” He turned to look at where she sat, and Sole tried to look melancholic.

“It’s just… You know… nevermind, it’s not important.” Just as she assumed he would, Danse stood up and walked inside the house, setting the piece of armor and the rag on the table, and pulled out a chair so he could sit beside her. He looked down at her hands, which rested on top of the table near her empty coffee mug. She could practically see the sweat beading on his forehead as he hesitantly brought one of his large hands to rest over the top of her own. Ever since he found out what he was, he’s been afraid to touch me. So... this is a good sign, at least.

“If something’s wrong, I want to know.” He said as he looked up to meet her gaze, his worried expression matching the concern she was feeling towards him. Sole took a breath to appear as though she was steadying herself.

“It’s just… being in this house. It’s great, I mean, it’s still my home and everything, and I don’t want to go anywhere else, but…” she trailed off, her troubled expression only half-feigned at this point, given the truth behind her words. His eyes never wavered, silently encouraging her to continue.

“Some things are harder to look at than others. And that damn stereo over there just has to be staring straight at me every time I sit down at the table, it’s the hardest one for me to see. It's just, it was a house-warming present from my parents. They gave it to me and Nate after the wedding, and now… well, there are no more records to play on it. They were all ruined, and even if they weren't, I don’t think the thing would work anyway. But every time I see it, it reminds me of the people I’ve lost. My parents… Nate… even Shaun.” Sole didn’t have to fake the tears that came unbidden to her eyes as she recalled the memories of her loved ones, and she knew Danse hadn’t missed a thing when he started rubbing her hand softly with his. They sat there in silence for a moment, as Danse tried to reassure her with his gentle touch.

Then, still remaining silent, Danse stood, reaching his hand forward to brush his thumb over Sole’s cheek, wiping away the tear that had fallen. He then turned towards the living room, but instead of going straight to the stereo, as Sole thought he might, Danse opened the side door that led to the covered driveway. She watched as he doubled back, now approaching the stereo. Sole wasn’t sure what she had expected him to do when she mentioned her problem to him; maybe offer to help her take the thing apart, or try and see if it still worked, or simply give her another perspective on how she should view the piece of 200-year-old furniture. Whatever she expected, it certainly hadn’t been this. 

Danse squatted down in front of the large wooden beast of a stereo, wrapped his broad arms almost all the way around it, and stood, lifting the whole damn thing up until he was standing completely upright with the stereo held firmly to his chest. Sole’s mouth hung open as she remained seated at the table, seemingly paralyzed by the shock of what she was witnessing, as Danse sauntered awkwardly towards the exit. A thick vein protruded from his neck as he twisted the piece of furniture to fit through the door, and made his way out into the driveway.

Sole heard a groan from outside, accompanied by the sound of something hard hitting concrete. She stood up, prepared to head outside and see what exactly he’d done with her “problem,” but before she reached the doorway, she heard him call from outside,

“You can’t still see it, can you?”

“Um… no. But Danse, is it-- I mean, are you okay? It took like, four people to bring that thing in when we first moved it to the house.” The brawny ex-soldier appeared in the doorway, his chest still heaving from the effort of wrestling the wooden monster outside. He nodded to her,

“I'm fine." He huffed, "You don’t need to go out there. I’ll take it apart later, if you’d like. Or we can store it somewhere for the time being.” She shook her head at him, a little smile touching her lips. Even after everything he’s been through, he's still always looking out for me. Even with something as small and insignificant as this.

“You know,” she said quietly, “you didn’t have to do that.” Danse looked down at his feet, seemingly searching for something to say in response.

“But thank you.” Sole finished, and his eyes came back up to meet hers. For a moment, she saw a spark return to Danse’s amber eyes as the smallest hint of a smile softened his expression, and Sole felt hope. Hope for him overcoming his grief in this time of crisis, and hope for herself in being able to move on from the memories that had kept her chained to her past for so long. Together, she felt like the two of them could overcome anything.

Deacon:

     “Yes. Two please.” Sole said as Takahashi voiced the only question he ever seemed to ask. The robot placed two bowls of scrumptious smelling power noodles in front of her, and she reached for the bag of caps hanging from her belt. As she looked down to count her money, she heard a clatter of bottlecaps hitting the counter beside her.

“Got it covered. Come on, let’s dig in.” Deacon grabbed a bowl in each hand and headed over to a couple of empty seats at the bar.

“I thought you were still trying to stay undercover?" Sole gestured to the Diamond City guard outfit that the spy donned. "Doesn’t it kinda ruin the illusion if you’re seen in public with me?” She said as she followed him over, sealing up her cap purse once again.

“What? You’ve never seen one of these guys at the noodle stand? Cuz I sure have. Just don’t talk to me, and I’ll be good.” Sole shook her head as she took a seat beside him, instantly deciding to ignore his request.

“Hey officer, I’ve got a question.” Sole swirled her chopsticks around the steaming bowl in front of her, before taking a bite.

“Yes, citizen?”

“Hold on--” she said through a mouthful of noodles.

Deacon laughed as he looked at her full mouth,

“Why--” He tried to talk through his bout of chuckling, “Why would you say you’re going to ask me a question and then take a big bite of food? What did you think would happen?”

Deacon thought he heard her tell him to ‘shut up,’ but it was hard to tell, given the noodles that filled her mouth, and the fact that she was nearly choking in her own fit of laughter.

Eventually, she managed to swallow her food successfully, and was finally able to get some words out.

"No, okay, serious question--" Deacon interrupted her with a snap of his fingers,

"Serious answer." Her genuine curiosity forced Sole to ignore him, and continue with her question.

"Tell me, why do you always pay for everything?" She asked.

"Ma'am, I am a law-abiding security officer. I always pay for the products that I intend to consume."

"I said serious, Deacon."

"Hey, shush!" He brought a hand up to Sole's mouth at the mention of his name, "What part of undercover did you not get?" She cocked a brow at his faked panic expression, noting the grin that he was trying to hide, as he lowered his head and turned back to his noodles.

"Like, okay," she continued, expanding on her inquiry, "whenever we go anywhere, you always pay for everything, and it's really odd. I've never met anyone in the wasteland who's done that, everyone's too busy trying to keep themselves alive to worry about paying for others. So, what? Are you, like, rich or something? I mean, c'mon, what's the deal? I have caps on me all the time, you know that, right?"

"Oh?" Sole saw his eyebrows rise above the tops of his sunglasses as he turned to look at her, "you don't think I'm doing this out of the goodness of my cold, black, heart, do you? No, I'm running a tab over here, honey. You owe me, big time." Sole narrowed her eyes at him, her uncertainty keeping her lips sealed.

"You mean, you didn’t know? Look, I don't know what to tell you," Deacon continued, "I thought you knew! Man, I'm glad you found out this way. Now it won't be such a rude awakening when the invoice comes."

Deacon turned back to his noodles, shaking his head at the thought. Sole's gaze bore into him, trying to figure out his level of seriousness. I really wish I was better at this. This is why I believed he was a synth for a month and a half.

"And if I don't have the money… you're not gonna call out a hit on me or anything, are you?"

“Hmm," he brought a hand to his chin, stroking his finger over it animatedly, "surely there must be some way you could pay me back…” He turned to look at her, wiggling his eyebrows as he did so, and she rolled her eyes, looking back to her noodles as she scoffed.

"Hey! What's with the face! I was talking about community service. Y'know, helping the children, and the elderly, all that good stuff. Get your mind out of the gutter, perv. And to think, I was going to have you volunteering at the children's hospital next week."

Sole instantly regretted taking another bite, as she tried desperately to fend off a fit of giggling in an effort to keep from choking again.

"I can't keep up with you Deacon," she said as she swallowed her food. "You're gonna kill me one of these days."

"Eh, don't worry, I can pay for the funeral." Sole raised a hand and shoved him in the shoulder playfully as he grinned at her.

"Okay, really, though. You do know I can pay occasionally, right?"

"Yeah, I know, I'm your partner, remember? I'm pretty much right next to you whenever you get paid.”

"So… then, why do you do it?"

"Do what?" Sole's nostrils flared at his obnoxious question.

"No? Joke didn’t land? Okay. Serious time," he flung his hands in the air as if surrendering, "I read about something… wasn't it, like, customary before the war to pay for stuff for your… friends?" Sole scrunched her eyebrows in thought,

"Friends? Not really. Significant other? Yeah, a little more common." She looked to where Deacon stared down at his noodles.

Is that, is he... blushing?

"But hey, I don't mind if you don't." She finished, tilting her head forward, in an attempt to catch Deacon's eye. She spotted a flushed little grin spread on his face, before he leaned his head back, restoring his cool composure.

"Oopsies, sorry about that, then. But I did warn you, I'm pretty new to this whole friend thing. So… you know, that's on you."

Hancock: 

     The ghoul lounged comfortably on the couch in the Old State House, idly playing with his combat knife as he waited for Sole to finish readying herself for their outing.

“Ahhh!” 

Hancock leapt from his place on the couch at the sound of Sole’s shriek, his combat knife instinctively falling into a position poised for violence.

He ran across the hall, crashing through the door and into the bedroom. Teeth bared and eyes wide, his head lashed from side to side in search of Sole’s assailant. He spotted her, cowering in the corner as she raised a shaky hand to point at the opposite side of the room.

Hancock’s glare followed Sole’s fear-stricken gaze, and he started towards the desk in the corner she had pointed to, but ultimately failed to see what it was causing her distress.

He turned back to her, an eyebrow cocked, as he raised the silent question of what had been the cause of her terror.

“On the desk!” She said, pointing towards it again, this time with greater intensity. Hancock slowly approached the corner of the room, knife still at the ready, as his eyes continued to search for any sign of… well, anything, really. An exasperated smile spread across his lips as his eyes fell to your attacker. A small, brown, spider picked its way through the objects littering the top of the desk, and Hancock had to hold back a laugh. 

“This is what had you all riled up? Oh, sweetheart, he’s just a little spider. C’mon now, he won’t hurt ya.”

“You don't know that.” She said firmly, her round eyes still trained on the desk. It had sounded like a joke, but her expression remained serious.

“Alright, you want me to get rid of him for you?” She nodded her head vigorously, and he chuckled as he turned his attention to the unsuspecting arachnid. He watched as it delicately stepped over a series of writing utensils, and Hancock frowned. Bringing his knife up to the top of the desk, he rested the flat of his blade directly in the spider’s path,

“That’s it, up you go, little guy.” He said quietly, as it stepped onto his steel vessel. Hancock twisted the knife around in his grip as the spider crawled around it, and made his way to the balcony. Once outside, he tipped his knife to the railing, encouraging the spider to crawl off the tip of the blade. Once the spider was safely making its way along the top of the railing, Hancock turned back towards the doorway.

“There,” he said, stepping back inside, “Now he can’t hurt ya, he’s all the way out there.”

“You… you didn’t kill it?” She asked, tentatively standing up.

“Nah, we only hurt the ones who hurt somebody else first, remember?”

“You don’t know that he didn’t hurt anybody.” She mumbled as Hancock sauntered over to her.

“Aw, give him a chance, maybe he can change, y’know? He doesn't really seem like the troublemaking type to me, anyhow.” He brought his hands to your waist, a smug expression playing on his face.

“Oh yeah, just like the way you always tell people you’ve changed?” She said, sliding her hands up his chest to rest them on his shoulders. “Way I see it, you’re still just as bad an influence on me as when I met you.” She said, a playful glint dancing in her eyes.

“Hmm, maybe you’re right, sunshine. Maybe I can't change any more. Maybe it's just my nature to be a bad influence on you.” He said quietly, a wolfish grin spreading across his face as he leaned into her. 

“Huh, maybe so. But bad influence or not," she pulled away from him slightly, to look up into his smoky eyes, "you really did save me back there. And, I know it seems silly... but I am grateful." His eyes softened at her little confession and, though he knew this too was silly, he couldn’t help but feel a swell in his chest at the thought of "saving" her. 

“And I’ll always be here to save you... from any spiders we happen to come across.” He pecked her lips tenderly, their close proximity practically forcing his mouth to hers. He should’ve known better, once he had a taste, he couldn’t get enough of her. 

“Even though,” He continued, as he pressed a kiss to her nose, “I’ve seen you,” then to her right cheek, “take down,” now her left, “deathclaws,” another to her jaw, “single handedly,” and now down to her neck, “I’ll be sure to handle all the unruly arachnids.” He whispered into the crook of her neck, before moving upwards again and pressing one more kiss to her forehead. He watched, grinning like an idiot in love, as a crimson flush crept up her cheeks. He wasn’t sure if it was from the embarrassment she felt regarding her phobia, or from the heat of his lips on her skin, but he decided it didn’t matter. Either way, he found it irresistibly adorable, and with that, he set his sights on her lips once more. 

MacCready: 

     MacCready sat on the floor, legs crossed, as he counted his ammunition cartridges. There were four of the .308, six of the .50, ten of the 10mm, and a few of the .38. There certainly wasn’t as much as he’d hoped there’d be, but he wasn't worried. Sole always seemed to have ammo to spare, and she wasn't stingy with it like he was. It was yet another perk to being with her.

He gathered his full magazines together near the ammo bag resting beside him, so he could begin placing them inside in preparation for their next outing.

"How are you doing over there, babe?" He asked as he stored the outlying bullets in little bags.

"I think... you know what, nevermind. I'm good." MacCready ceased his action, turning to look at where Sole knelt on the carpet of her Diamond City home. A pile of bullets and empty magazines surrounded her, the stack of seemingly full cartridges was pitifully small compared to his own.

"You, ah, need some help?"

"... No.” 

"Mmhm, okay.” he narrowed his eyes at her suspiciously, but she wouldn’t look up at him.

“Well,” he continued, “I'm going to put my full mags in the ammo bag, why don't I grab yours too." The sniper stood up, and made his way over to her, bending down to grab the cartridges that looked full.

"Wait! No, these, um, these ones aren't done yet." MacCready's eyebrows furrowed, but the shadow of a smile began to spread to his lips as he realized what was going on.

"So," he said, kneeling down so he could see her pretty little embarrassed face. "You haven't finished loading any of them?"

“No." She said quietly, refusing to meet his gaze. MacCready lowered his head so that he was looking up at her as her eyes stayed fixed on the floor. A lock of hair was draped over her forehead, obstructing his view. He reached a hand up and gently pushed it behind her ear, leaning in to give her nose a small peck with his lips.

"You want some help?" He said as Sole raised her gaze to meet his, a small blush forming on her cheeks. She didn't say anything, only nodded yes.

"Alright, you know, you could’ve just asked. I might have said ‘no’ the first time, but you know me, I eventually would’ve come around." MacCready said as he set to work with the magazines that had appeared full, but in reality, only housed half of the amount of ammunition that they could fit within them. He snickered in understanding, it really was the second half of bullets that was hard to load.

"Thank you, sweetie. You’re just so much better at it than I am." She said as she watched his practiced fingers make quick work of what probably would've taken her another hour.

"Of course... but, you are paying me for this, right?"

"Ohh, I think we might be able to work something out." She said, a sly grin playing at her lips.

He just chuckled at her words, but she could've sworn his fingers starting moving a whole lot faster at her suggestive phrasing.

Nick: 

“Tell me, why is this now a regular part of my job duties?" Ellie asked as she finished sewing up yet another tear in Nick's trench coat. "You know you're just going to end up with more holes in this coat every time you leave the office, and I don't seem to recall you ever caring about this old thing's appearance before…" she trailed off.

Nick knew that Ellie was fishing for answers. One specific one in particular, but he liked the ambiguity of the situation. It was this little game he and his secretary would play. He would leave clues here and there that pointed to the nature of his and Sole's relationship and wait to see if Ellie would say anything. All while she continued to try and force the truth from him verbally. He wasn't going to lose this round.

"What? A private detective can't keep up appearances for his clients? I think it's just good for business."

"I think it's a load of bologna. You know we gave Sole her own trench coat after she saved you, right? She could just wear her own, rather than steal yours every time you two go out on a case."

"What kinda fun would that be? I don't mind it, it's not like I get cold anyway. And the poor little lady never knows how long we're going to be gone, so I don't think it's her fault when we're out after dark and she wants to wear it."

Ellie rolled her eyes and let out an exasperated sigh as she poked the needle back through the worn, beige fabric once again.

"She's got you so tightly wound around her finger, it's a wonder she doesn't call you 'Jared'."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"I don't know, it’s something I’ve read about, I guess it was a ring shop, or a jewelry company, or something before the war. I thought it sounded clever. Just humor me, won't you?"

The synth just shook his head, uttering a low chuckle as he watched Ellie tighten the thread, forcing the last hole closed.

"There." She said, tying up the last bit of string left over, before cutting off the excess. "It's done." 

"Perfect, thanks a million, doll. I'll see you soon, I've just gotta head out for a--"

"Date?" She finished the sentence for him suggestively, raising her eyebrows in question.

"A case. We're going to head out on a case, Ellie."

"Uh huh, sure. Well, here," she handed him back the coat, "now she doesn't need to worry about the cold air seeping in through all those holes. Let me know if you want me to insulate the damn thing when winter rolls around."

Valentine smiled, an uncharacteristically goofy smile, at Ellie's words. He was so obvious, why didn't he just come clean already? 

"Will do, I’m sure she’ll enjoy that. Thanks again, Ellie. You're the best."

"And don't you forget it." She said, turning back to the mound of paperwork still on her desk beside her sewing supplies.

“Ah well, I’ll get him to admit to it one of these days.” Ellie mumbled as she began sorting through the files in front of her.

Piper:

     Piper looked up at Scarlet from the table in the corner of the Dugout Inn, 

"Yes, so I think we'll both have a nuka cola to start off. Then I'll do the crispy squirrel bits, and she'll have the Salisbury steak." Piper pointed her finger to Sole, who was busy looking down at the table, before making a last-minute decision, "Aaand you'd better bring some of those snack cakes at the end, too." 

"Hm, as usual." Scarlet chuckled at that as her pen scribbled across the notepad in her hand. 

"But that sounds good, you two. I'll have that out in just a minute." The waitress grabbed their menus, Sole reaching up to hand it to her with a smile on her face before turning to peer at her partner from across the table. She waited for Scarlet to disappear around the corner to the kitchen before speaking.

"You really don't find it annoying?" She asked. 

"What?" Piper loosened the scarf around her neck as she looked questioningly at Sole. 

"I know that I ask you to order for me whenever we go out to eat, or drink, and it's gotta be getting a little old at this point, right?" 

"No, not at all, Blue!" Piper said as she took her hat off and placed it on the table, mussing her hair a bit with one hand. "This reporter actually finds it to be pret-ty endearing. It's like, the one thing you can't do. You’re good at, like, everything else, but this I get to help you with. It's a welcome change." Piper's hands dropped to the top of the table as she began absent-mindedly fiddling with her silverware. But her eyes stayed on the woman across the table as Sole smiled at her, still appearing a little embarrassed. 

"I don't know why I can't do it," Sole tried to explain, "I've just never been able to order for myself, even before the war. Just one of those bizarre anxiety things, I guess."

"Well, like I said, I don’t mind at all. In fact, I think it's cute." 

 Preston:

     Sole approached her Lieutenant, shaking her head at him, and she saw him sigh.

“No, the river just keeps going until it reaches a ravine." She told him, "And it’s too steep to climb down. Any luck on your end?”

“Hmm, not really. It's a little more shallow upstream, but it’s still about ten feet wide.”

“Damn.” She said, “We need to get across.” A settlement had sent a distress call across radio freedom almost an hour ago, if Sole and Preston took any longer, they might be too late.

“I guess we’ll just have to go for it.” She said, her face painting a picture of clear disgust at the thought of wading through the murky water.

“Well, let’s at least head upstream a bit. To the shallow part.”

“Okay.” Sole said begrudgingly, her footsteps unconsciously heavy as she followed her companion to the shallow part. Not shallow enough, I bet.

And she was right. As the pair arrived, Preston turned to Sole to gauge her reaction, noticing the way her nose wrinkled at the sight of the brown, swirling water.

Preston heaved a sigh, and started forward. Before he reached the waterline, he turned to see Sole still standing back, feet seemingly glued to the muddy ground. He couldn’t help but smile sympathetically at her, eyebrows creasing upwards as he watched her eyes look longingly at the far shore.

“Come here.” He said.

“I know, I know. Just start going, I’ll follow.” Preston chuckled at the exasperation in her voice. Instead of repeating his command, he simply walked over to her as her eyes remained locked on the other side of the river, when he reached her, he slowly pressed his hand to the small of her back.

“Hey, what are you--?” Before Sole could finish her question, Preston had scooped her up into his arms, bridal style. She let out a squeak of surprise, and he couldn’t keep himself from grinning.

“Is this okay? He asked, the brim of his hat pressing against Sole’s forehead as he looked at her.

“A warning would’ve been nice.” Preston laughed, shaking his head as he adjusted his grip on her, ensuring she was secure before making his way towards the river.

“Hold onto me.” He said, and Sole wrapped her arms tightly around his shoulders.

“Ready?” Sole nodded to him, and Preston took a step forward, frigid water seeping in through his boots as he waded in.

“Wait, are you sure you want to do this?” She said, her eyes trained on the river as it raised up to Preston’s knees.

“I might be wrong, General, but I think I already am.” He said, the amusement in his voice faint as he gritted his teeth against the cold.

She felt his body shutter as he continued forward, the water reaching up almost to his waist, as he held Sole up higher to ensure it wouldn’t reach her. She let out a small sigh of relief as they reached the end of the channel. The water became more shallow, and Preston quickened his pace with each step that brought him closer to their destination.

Once completely out of the water, and past the muddy shoreline, Preston finally set Sole down gently. As her feet touched the ground, Sole kept her arms wound about Preston’s neck.

“Thank you, love.” She said, her voice soft as she addressed him as her partner rather than her Lieutenant.

“It was my pleasure, m’lady.” He said, briefly removing his hat from his head as he did so. Sole smiled at him warmly, but detected the faint chattering of his teeth, and when she looked down, she couldn’t help but notice the goosebumps littering his skin. 

“Oh, Preston…” Sole said as she pressed herself to him, rubbing her hands against his back and arms quickly, in an attempt to warm him with her friction. She felt hot air wash over her neck as he released a shaky breath of relief, leaning into her touch. The pair stood there for a moment, Preston syphoning off Sole’s warmth as she tried to repay him for his earlier act of kindness. Her hands slowed from her vigorous rubbing to a more tender sort of touch, before Preston’s head shot up.

“Shit, Sole, the settlement! We’ve got to move!”

X6-88: 

     This had become a common routine of theirs, and X6 wasn’t entirely sure how to feel about it. Every time they were in Sole’s Diamond City home, she would insist on making dinner for the two of them. That, X6 didn’t mind too much; although, after consuming nothing but food supplements in the Institute for so long, it did take some getting used to. But eating the food wasn’t the issue, it was the making of it that had him perplexed. 

As far as he knew, Sole had been the one to install the shelves in her kitchen; and yet, every time she was in need of a spice of some sort, or a condiment, or one of her dishes, she would ask X6 for assistance, given that the shelves were apparently too high for her to reach. Why Sole continued to store her items on the too-tall shelves, he couldn’t begin to guess. But here she went again, asking him to reach for the box of blamco mac n’ cheese on the top shelf, the highest one, one that he could barely even reach. X6 decided it was time to voice his confusion.

“Ma’am?”

“Yes?” She asked distractedly as she focused on the strength of the flame burning on her stove.

“Why do you use these shelves?”

“What else would I use, silly?” X6 scrunched up his face at that, trying to hold back a verbal scoff at her wording.

“Would you rather I just store everything on the floor?”

“Well, no. That would… hardly be sanitary.” He wasn’t sure if she was joking with him or not. Did she think he was joking with her?

“Why do you ask, X?” She grabbed the box from his hand as he extended it towards her, and began tearing at the top of it with her finger.

“Well, it seems nonsensical to me, for you to continue placing all of your items out of your reach. What happens if I’m not here?” Sole placed a saucepan filled with water over the stove and turned to look at him.

“But you are here.” she said, shrugging, “What? Don’t you like helping me out in the kitchen?”

X6 blinked. What the hell did this have to do with what he liked?

“Well… I don’t dislike it. I’m just having trouble with-- I don’t-- I just... do you want me to fix the shelves so they are the right height for you?”

“No, I like them the way they are.”

X6 felt his eye twitch from beneath his shades. Confusion built up inside him, making the courser feel as though he might explode.

“Ma’am--” His voice faltered as he realized he didn’t know what else to say.

“I know they’re not practical, X. But you can reach them, and I like that about them. Even when I’m here alone, the fact that I can’t make dinner without you makes me smile.” X6 furrowed his eyebrows. That explanation didn’t help at all.

“Don’t you get hungry?”

“I'm not completely helpless, you know, I can usually figure something out.” She attempted to look annoyed at his question, but her grin gave her away. X6 narrowed his eyes at her, still not completely satisfied with the way the conversation had gone. He was still just as confused as he was before.

“Huh.” He said, mulling over all she had said on the subject. “Perhaps... in that case, we should ensure that I am by your side for any missions near Diamond City. That way, I can be sure the future director of the Institute doesn’t go hungry.”

“Well, if you think that’s necessary, who am I to argue?” The left side of X6’s lip tilted upwards in an expression of amusement, and Sole openly smiled at him, laughing a little to herself as she turned her attention back to the boiling water on the stove.

“Can you hand me the pepper mill? Second shelf.”

“I know which shelf. But yes, I can.” He said, turning around to grab it, as Sole continued grinning to herself.

Now I just have to make sure he never looks under my bed. Sole thought. If X6 ever found the step stool she had hidden there, what would happen to her kitchen helper?

[dream-a-little-bigger-x]

Quarantine Lovers (Part Two) | Charlie Gillespie

Part 2 in the “Life in Quarantine with Charlie” / “Quarantine Lovers” series! You can find part 1 HERE!! Hope you like this!

Pairing: Charlie Gillespie x reader 

Warnings: Implication of sex, more sexually tinted scenes

A/N: I used some songs in this one too, none of which are mine. Full credit for those go to the creators of the songs! 

How Can I Say No To This? 

So far, quarantine with Charlie has been a blast. Though things are scary and you both get a little anxious at times, you still have each other, and for now, that’s all that counts. It’s all you have. But it’s more than enough. 

One day, when Charlie has back-to-back interviews, you -- being bored as hell -- figured it would be fun to surprise Charlie and you knew exactly how. There was only one person you could call to help you with it. Tori Caro. The two of you had talked on FaceTime before when Charlie had a bit of a reunion over Zoom with all of them and all of them wanted to meet you after Madi, Owen and Jeremy told everyone about you. 

“Hey, girl!” you greet when the girl appears on your phone screen. “Hey, Peaches!” she greets back, her smile nearly reaching her ears. “What’s up?” She settles herself onto her bed, leaning against the bedframe whilst holding her phone up to her face. 

“I am extremely bored and Charlie’s doing interviews all day, but I kind of had the idea to surprise him, which I need your help for.” Her eyebrows raise in intrigue. “Do spill.” You place your phone on the coffee table, letting it balance against a glass of water. 

“I want you to teach me Madi’s part of the choreo to Perfect Harmony, so when we listen to music while cooking tonight, I might be able to surprise him by doing the dance with him?” You explain, then laugh at yourself. “That sounds lame, doesn’t it?” 

“What? No! Not at all! I think it’s cute! I’ll definitely help you!” And with that said, the two of you spend about an hour teaching the choreography. “I bet he’s going to be extremely surprised by this, Y/N!” You giggle at her compliment, panting a little from the exertion. 

“Thanks, Tori!” You say when you hear the door to the studio/office open. You quickly take a seat on the sofa, grabbing your phone with you and sipping from the glass of water. 

“Please, film it when you do it!” she tells you, and you  just simply nod vigorously. When Charlie enters the living room,  you look up, offering him a smile. 

“Who are you talking to?” he asks with a smile before sitting down next to you and glancing at the screen himself. “Tori!” he exclaims excitedly, his face lighting up entirely. 

“Charlie!” Tori retorts, matching his level of enthusiasm. “How were interviews?” He wraps an arm around you as you lean further into his body, a habit you’ve accumulated over the course of being together. 

“Great! We’ve played a couple games as well. It was good fun!” He explains. Though there’s a smile on his face, you can tell he’s tired and would rather curl up on the sofa with you. 

“Hey, Tori. We’re gonna go, start on dinner and stuff,” you tell her, to which she shoots you a knowing look. “Thanks for helping me out.” 

“Helping you out with what?” Charlie asks, his fingers trailing up and down your arm. 

“Uhm… She helped me pick an outfit for our date tomorrow,” you lie. It’s a plausible lie. Ever since getting to know Charlie’s friends and cast members, you’ve been calling or texting the girls from the cast to ask for help with stuff like that. 

“Aw, that’s cute!” he says with that same, excited, beaming smile on his face. “You could come in pj’s for all I care, and you’d still look gorgeous to me.” Tori pouts at this, and awes loudly. 

“Alright, we’re gonna go and make dinner,” you say, patting Charlie’s thigh twice. “See ya, Tori!” You offer her a wave and the brightest of your smiles, Charlie doing the exact same. 

“Bye, Peaches!” You hang up the phone and get up from the sofa, turning to Charlie and reaching your hands out to help him up. 

“Do we have to cook? Can’t we order something?” he whines, placing his hands in yours. You pull him up to his feet, but don’t really move, causing there to be no space between you. 

“We’ve ordered last night,” you remind him and lace your fingers with his. “Besides, I already bought everything from the shops!” He widens his eyes, faking shock. “Yes, I went to the frontlines, to the most dangerous place on earth at the moment!” You retort dramatically before a giggle escapes you. Charlie lets out an airy laugh before dipping down and kissing you on the lips. 

“Alright, let’s get cooking!” He leads you towards the kitchen and starts grabbing everything the two of you need whilst you turn on the music. You’ve made a lockdown playlist together with all of your favorite songs, including the entire Julie and The Phantoms soundtrack, which is what it starts with; Now or Never. You quickly queue up a couple other songs before adding Perfect Harmony to that list too. The two of you sing along softly at first, until the chorus hit and you’re belting the lyrics at the top of your lungs. This has occurred a few times during lockdown already; the sing-and-dance-along parties in your pj’s or during cooking. 

By the time your pasta is cooking and still has about five minutes left, Perfect Harmony chimes through the speakers. Now’s your time to surprise him. 

“Step into my world Bittersweet love story 'bout a girl Shook me to the core Voice like an angel I've never heard before”

You turn him around and grab his hands, doing the choreography Tori has taught you today. He’s surprised, but dances along as if on automatic.

“Here in front of me They're shining so much brighter Than I have ever seen Life can be so mean But when he goes, I know he doesn't leave”

You push him away to the living room where he has a little more space to do the floor work he did on the show, and does it flawlessly. 

“The truth is finally breaking through Two worlds collide when I'm with you Our voices rise and soar so high We come to life when we're In perfect harmony”

He picks you up into the lift with ease, as though you’re as light as a feather. 

“Whoa-oa-oa, whoa-oa-oa Perfect harmony”

He looks at you in pure surprise and delight, softly singing the lyrics along with the audio. 

“Whoa-oa-oa, whoa-oa-oa Perfect harmony”

“Is that what Tori actually helped you with?” he asks when you reach the part without choreography since the song was cut shorter in the show. He’s still holding onto your hands.

“Yup,” you reply with a cheesy smile. “I was bored and wanted to learn that dance anyway since you and Madi made it look so cool on the show… Plus, I wanted to surprise you after your long day of interviews.” A tender chuckle erupts from his mouth as he shakes his head in disbelief. 

“You’re amazing, you know that?” he kisses your knuckles before turning you around, so you’re with your back pressed against his chest, and throws your hands up, continuing the choreo. 

“We say we're friends we play pretend You're more to me we create Perfect harmony”

He twirls you out and away from him until you reach the wall you carefully place your hands onto to stop yourself. 

“That’s such a fun choreo,” you say as you turn back to the pasta to check how it’s doing. 

“Yeah, I know,” he agrees whilst walking up to you and wrapping his arms around your waist from behind. “Can I tell you a secret?” he whispers in your ear, then presses a kiss underneath it. 

“Of course,” you whisper back, trying to keep your composure. 

“I like dancing with you better than with Madi,” he lets out a giggle after, and it’s the cutest thing you ever did hear. “Don’t tell her.” You turn around, wrapping your arms around his neck and kissing him on the mouth softly. 

“My lips are sealed,” you say and kiss him once again. “With a kiss.” He plants his lips on yours again, for a longer, more passionate kiss this time. “Time for dinner,” you mumble against his lips. 

“I prefer starting with dessert,” he says. You giggle at his comeback, and squeal when he picks you up and brings you to the living room. 

“Charlie!” you protest, detaching your lips, “At least let me put the food off the stove so it doesn’t burn?” He retraces his steps backwards, and plops you back on your feet, so you can take care of the food. “All right, we’re good to go,” you say as you turn to him. “Catch me.” With no time left to think, you jump into his arms, wrapping your legs around his waist as you resume the passionate kiss from before. For once, you don’t mind starting with dessert before dinner. You’ve been bored all day without him, the least he could do is make it up to you… In bed… 

“People are asking to go live on Insta,” you tell Charlie when the two of you are back in the kitchen, heating up the food you’d left out. You didn’t even bother to put proper clothes on. You just grabbed the closest thing you found, which is Charlie’s Canada sweatshirt. 

“Yeah, sure, we could eat whilst chatting to them…” he says, grabbing two plates. After being introduced to the rest of the cast, you’ve been interacting with them a lot more on social media, and -- along with Madi’s blabbing in interviews about Charlie’s secret quarantine partner-- the fans have figured out it was you. And that the two of you are, in fact dating. Especially since Meghan, Charlie’s sister, couldn’t help but jokingly call you ‘sister-in-law’ when commenting on one of your pictures on Instagram. 

Charlie hands you his phone for you to set up the live whilst he grabs dinner from the microwave. 

“Okay, we’re live!” you exclaim when Charlie hands you the plate and a fork. “Thank, babe.” He takes a seat next to you on the couch and sets his plate on his lap. 

“Hello, people!” He greets the now about 1k people watching the live. You watch as a dozen of comments yell back at you that the two of you ‘definitely just had sex!’, and can’t help but giggle at that. “Do you guys have any questions for us?”

At the same time, Alexander Hamilton from the musical Hamilton starts playing through the speakers. You’d forgotten to turn the music off, but it’s quite nice having background noise all the time.

You gasp, capturing Charlie’s attention, and start singing along flawlessly. 

“The ten-dollar founding father without a father Got a lot farther by working a lot harder By being a lot smarter By being a self-starter By fourteen, they placed him in charge of a trading charter”

Charlie looks at you with a surprised smirk on his face while the comments about Hamilton start streaming in, neither of you paying attention. 

“And every day while slaves were being slaughtered and carted away Across the waves, he struggled and kept his guard up Inside, he was longing for something to be a part of The brother was ready to beg, steal, borrow, or barter”

You smile down at your boyfriend as he simply watches you in admiration while stuffing his mouth with pasta. 

“Then a hurricane came, and devastation reigned Our man saw his future drip, dripping down the drain Put a pencil to his temple, connected it to his brain And he wrote his first refrain, a testament to his pain”

The song goes on, but you turn to the phone to see what everyone’s been saying. You laugh when your eyes catch a comment. 

“Someone said ‘Get someone who looks at you the same way Charlie looks at Y/N’.” Others asked if you could do the rap from Guns & Ships, to which you replied with a determined “Yes! And Satisfied too!”  

“We’ve watched the movie on Disney Plus about a dozen times. Of course she knows it!” Charlie adds after swallowing his pasta. “Now eat your pasta before it gets cold!” You comply and eat your food whilst answering some of the questions here and there. Some of them are about Julie and The Phantoms, which Charlie answers, and others are about your relationship. Most of them want to know how you two met and how lockdown is going for you guys. All of which you answer very honestly, chiming in to add something when the other’s answering. 

“Ooh! Tori’s here!” you notice, “Hi, Tori! I’m sorry I didn’t film the surprise!” Tori comments, ‘BOO!’ in all caps, which makes you chuckle. And then all the questions about the surprise started flooding in. “Tori taught me the Perfect Harmony dance, and I surprised him with it when we were making dinner.” 

Everyone’s telling you to do it again, including Tori, so, you obey and put the song on again, showing what you did earlier that evening. 

“AMAZING!” Tori comments with a bunch of hearts plastered behind it. Some other fans comment something along those lines as well, others tell you they liked it better with Madi, but the bigger part of the comments tell you they think otherwise. 

Then, a One Direction starts to play, and you can’t help but sing and dance along from the couch, which gives you an idea. 

“Babe!” you exclaim, gripping his bicep, “We should show them what we do in Quarantine when we’re cooking meals!” Charlie chuckles, shaking his head in amusement. “Yes! Come on!” You turn to the phone again. “Guys! Tell Charlie we have to show you what we do whenever we need a break from work or we’re cooking together!” Comments flood into the box at a fast speed, all of them saying “DO IT CHARLIE!”. 

So, with a groan, he gets up from the couch, taking the phone with him and placing it a bit higher, so you’re both in shot completely. 

“But I need you guys to vibe along, okay?” Comments of assent pile in, and Charlie turns the volume up a little whilst you get up too. The both of you start singing and dancing along to the One Direction song, knowing everyone at home is dancing with you. After that song, Dead Girl Walking from the Heathers musical starts playing. 

“Oh! Where are my Heathers fans?!” you ask the audience, glancing at the phone for all the Heathers comments to come in. “I saw the West End version when I was in London in 2018!” You tell them, and Charlie, though he knows that. 

“Yeah, I know, babe,” he tells  you with a smile before you turn back to him, standing in front of him with barely any space between you. He towers over you, like he always does, and it would normally get you weak in the knees, but not this time. Not with this song playing. 

“Ssh…” You press your finger to his lips, a teasing smirk tugging at your lips. 

“Had to see you hope I didn’t wake you See I decided I must ride you ‘til I break you” 

You wiggle your eyebrows, both of you knowing that already happened earlier. 

“‘Cause Heather says I gots to go You’re my last meal on death row Shut your mouth And lose them tighty-whities!” 

Charlie knew you could sing, but he had no clue you could hit notes this high. 

“Come on! Tonight I'm yours I'm your dead girl walkin' Get on all fours Kiss this dead girl walkin' Let's go, you know the drill I'm hot and pissed and on the pill Bow down to the will of a dead girl walking!”

You see Charlie swallow visibly, glancing nervously at the phone filming all of this and decide to stop before he completely melts down into a puddle of sweat. Now or Never begins to play when you skip to the next song. 

Charlie’s demeanor suddenly changes and fully starts rocking out now, forgetting anything just happened mere seconds ago. You follow his example and start jumping around like a hyper rabbit. 

“When all the days felt black and white those were the best shades of my life!” 

You throw your hands up in the air at this, stopping the jumping. “That’s my favorite line ever!” you exclaim loudly, making sure the viewers hear too. 

Comments of agreement flash onto the screen as you and Charlie lapse into the bridge. 

The next song is one of your favorite Hamilton songs to belt; Say No To This. Though not your favorite scene from the musical, it is still one of your favorite songs. 

“You know this one, baby!” You say to Charlie. 

“No, I can’t, I can’t do--” he cuts himself off and starts singing along with Lin-Manuel Miranda. 

“That’s when miss Mariah Reynolds walked into my life, she said,” he points at you, telling you to take over. 

“I know you are a man of honor I'm so sorry to bother you at home But I don't know where to go, and I came here all alone”

“She said”

“My husband's doin' me wrong Beatin' me, cheatin' me, mistreatin' me Suddenly he's up and gone I don't have the means to go on”

He struggles with the next line, not knowing the musical quite as well as you do. 

“You're too kind, sir,” you sing anyway with a smile on your face. He does know the next line. 

“I gave her thirty bucks that I had socked away She lived a block away, she said”

“This one's mine, sir”

You try your best to imitate Jasmine Cephas-Jones’ husky, warm tone. 

“Then I said, "Well, I should head back home She turned red, she led me to her bed Let her legs spread and said”

“Stay”

“Hey”

“Hey”

Then both of you started to sway back and forth, twirling around the living room, singing along to the ‘no’s and ‘go’s from the ensemble. 

“Ooh! This is my favorite part!” you say excitedly, preparing yourself for the belts. 

“No, sir”

“Half dressed, apologetic, a mess, she looked pathetic, she cried”

“Please don't go, sir” 

“So was your whole story a setup?”

“I don't know about any letter”

“Stop crying God dammit, get up”

“I didn't know any better”

“I am ruined”

“Please don't leave me with him, helpless”

“I am helpless, how could I do this?”

“Just give him what he wants and you can have me” 

“I don't want you, I don't want you”

“Whatever you want, if you pay You can stay”

You grasp Charlie’s bicep as a support to keep your balance while you throw your head back to belt out the note. This shuts Charlie up entirely, impressed with your singing abilities. 

“I knew you could sing, but damn, babe, you got pipes!” He turns to the phone where fans voice their impression and awe, complimenting your voice. 

Connecting with Charlie’s fans and doing things like this with Charlie is literally one of your favorite things you’ve ever done. There’s nothing better than rocking out with a bunch of friends, even if you don’t see 2k of them. 

“Alright, guys,” Charlie says, turning down the volume after a few more songs, “We’re gonna go.” He wraps his arms around your waist from behind, placing his chin on your shoulder to peer at the screen. “Thank you for jamming out with us today! We’ll see you later!” You offer a smile and a wave before ending the livestream. 

“That was fun!” You exclaim excitedly, bouncing up and down as you make sure to save the video onto his IGTV. Charlie turns you around, placing his hands on your hips and pressing a kiss to your forehead. When you’re done, you lock his phone and put it into his pocket, looking up at him with a happy smile on your face. 

“Can you hit that last note again?” he asks with hope in his eyes. 

“That gets you going, doesn’t it?” You wiggle your eyebrows as a teasing smirk creeps onto your face. He bites his bottom lip, which to be fair, gets you going. So, you cough and place your hands under his biceps on his ribcage, gripping at his shirt tightly. “Just give him what he wants and you can have me. Whatever you want, if you pay, you can stay!” 

“We ought to get you on season two,” he whispers before crashing his lips onto yours for a passionate kiss that leads you straight to the bedroom again. 

“How can I say no to this?” You mumble against his lips cheekily. 

This lockdown and quarantine thing isn’t as bad as you thought it would be. If you’ve got Charlie by your side, you’re good to do anything. 

Taglist: @hannahhistorian92​ @marinettepotterandplagg​ @thequirkybookaholic​ @bookdealer5​ @tenaciousperfectionunknown​ @hemmingsness​ @iainttakingshitfromnobody​ @ifilwtmfc​ @angryknightstatesmantrash​ @kiss-themoongoodbye​ @parkeret​​ @lukeys-giggle​ @gingerxarmy​ @lovesanimals​ @lolychu​ @perfectlywrongformend3s​ @luckylouiebug​

[thewildomega]

Master list - Hobbit

Thorin Oakenshield 

Alpha Dwarf - So this is my first Hobbit fan fic. Yay! So basically this is an alpha Thorin and Omega Reader Fanfic. Will do more. Just a story I came up with in my head. Let me know what ya'll think.

For Me? -  Hi uhm, could you maybe do a birthday fic plz? My birthday is coming up in 11 days and i was just wondering. Uh maybe make it something like a thorin or kili x reader and they find out her birthday is that day? And then they like go to all this trouble to set up a really nice day for reader and then like smutty at the end maybe?(if not comfy with smut its cool) and just something cute plz? Tyvm! Love your work btw. Sorry you wont be around much longer Youre great(not tryin to be rude at all)

Short

Lion, Wizards and Dwarves oh my! - From the ask... After the battle of five armies. Thorin is currently courting you, you´re not from Middle-Earth originally and he had for beginning high doubts about you but you proved him wrong and he fell in love with you. Erebor is in peace and is thriving. But that happiness isn´t going to last as an dwarrowdam from the Iron Hills arrives in Erebor with hopes that Thorin Oakenshield would agree to marry her after all these years. She was in love with him when she saw him in the Blue Mountains, Thorin was kind to her but didn´t love her. When she discovers that Thorin has already found his One and it´s a human girl she vows to have her revenge because of the broken heart. She finds a wizard who casts a spell on him which turns him into huge black lion. When you see Thorin in lion form you´re panicking because you don´t know it´s Thorin but luckily he can still communicate with you. So now you´re forced to deal with Erebor´s kingly duties with male lion beside you and that causes quite a few hilarious commotions around the corridors time to time. Luckily Balin has been able to make contact with Gandalf who is on his way to help you.... ( A/n: oh you are lucky I love you! will be a two part fic)

Different Kind of Afterlife - When Thorin is killed by Azog the defiler he drifts off into what he expects to be the afterlife but things are not as he thought they would be. Based off of a dream I had. Story was too good to pass up, Hope ya like it.

Porn Star Dancing - Quick drabble of Thorin being stuck in our world for a while and living with the reader and learning what it is she does for a living. Way out of my comfort zone but writing for a friend for her birthday. Hope you like it and let me know what ya'll think.

Born this Way - Elves and Dwarves despise each other so for someone to be of both races would be considered a down right freak of nature, a mistake. Hated by everyone because of what you are you find it hard to believe when Gandalf, one of your only friends asks you to help your fathers race. You knew you would not be accepted but maybe a king will learn a lesson or two along the way...

The Sick Thief - Hi. I'm sick rn and I was wondering if I could get a fan fiction where the dwarves have returned to the mountain and Thorin has the dragon sickness? His s/o is bed ridden with a terrible cold and he assumes that that means she took his stone, so he barges into her room to confront her and sees her having a coughing fit. When he tries to talk to her he hears how congested she is? Thank you, I know this is a lot. (I'm still sick btw... Ugh!) Lol.

Rut Tired - Got this a while back and I am a horrible person that has only yet to start it but here it is. Basically you are Thorin's intended mate but he is an alpha and you are human and normal. Thankfully she is letting me use some of her work for inspiration. Sorry again for it taking so long.

The Hunt - So I was asked to write more Alpha Thorin fics and yall all know those are my thing so here you go. Basically Omegas are rare and in the dwarven community priceless. So when one is born and comes of age they are forced to go on a run and be hunted like sport to see who their alpha will be.

Darkness - When Thorin finds out that Reader helped Bilbo give away his Arkenstone he decides to make an example of her.

Beorn

The Bear and the Wolf - Beorn is the eldest son of the king of bears. He is known best by his clan for being incredibly strong and overbearing at times. So what will happen when he is brought face to face with the girl he has been arranged to marry, the only daughter of the alpha wolf. Will he force the free spirited shewolf to change? Many trials lie ahead for the totally opposite skin changers. But will they make it through it?

Not Enough - Reader overhears Gandalf and beorn talking about a proper mate for him.

Colliding Worlds - Beorn had accepted that he would die alone. That he was the last skin changer but what if he was wrong. What is two wizards knew of another that had been sent away when the orcs came.

Less of a Man - Was thinking what it must have been like for beorn in azog's prisons.

Frisky Bear - Hi OMG i just wanted to say I love you Beorn stories and I was wondering if you were going to do more with the Less of a man series? also was wondering if you could do one with him where maybe the bear him like gets frisky towards his wife or whatever....NOT bestiality or anything but maybe just little stuff. If not I understand I'm weird I know. Sorry. Thanks.

Hidden Status 

Bofur

Down in Goblin Town - Bofur must hide his wife from the goblin

When you’re Ready - so need a bofur imagine; preferably one about being lost in the tolkien world from our own and he takes you in, until he learns you're an omega and his instincts are to watch over you until you're ready to be his mate!!

Sometimes Serious - Just some Bofur fluff. Pre hobbit.

Dwalin

Fight like a Girl - Unexpected events convince Dwalin that his wife needs to learn to fight. don't know how good is going to turn out but oh well. Just a little thing I thought of before bed.

Thranduil

Hold Still - The elf king has to get a hair cut and doesn't like it. Written for my best friend hope you feel better soon.

Say Too Much - Trade up for my dear Ashely_Winchester_77... could you do Thranduil x reader where they have been fighting. And he almost loses her to orc in battle. And fluff happens later, plz! :-)... now i get my beorn fic YAY!

[readerinsertfanfiction]

The Bae’st of All

Fandom: Ikemen Sengoku

Character: Kyubae the bae’st bae of all aka Kyubei

Prompt: Seeing how Kyubei is named after an alias that the real Mitsuhide Akechi used (Juubei) the chances of fans getting a Kyubei route from Cybird are slim. However, it is simply impossible not to fall for this man. He is too good. So here have my attempt at writing a route.

A/N: Longer chapter this month and no, that isn’t the reason why I’m not back on my weekly nonsense. 

The key of the previous chapter was (Romantic/Dramatic):

+2/+4

+4/+4

+4/+2

Chapters:

1.1| 1.2 | 2.1 | 2.2 | 3.1 | 3.2 | 4.1

Avatar Challenge 1| 3.1 Gacha POV | 1st Letter

Keiji wore an impish smile as he smiled down at me, his eyes crinkling into half moons.

“Well? I know that Kyubei went back to work already.”

Shifting in my seat I wondered if Keiji had been watching me, as he flashed me another bright smile, a hand reaching out to me as he pulled me up.

“Come on, let’s go. Knowing Mitsuhide he really didn’t bother having you shown around properly so far, and knowing Kyubei he has been far too busy to take you out properly. Let me fix that!”

Excited Keiji bounded off, my hand tightly held in his as I flash a look of regret at the sweets and tea I had barely started on.

“Ah, Keiji!”

A friendly old man calls out to us, seated cross legged on the ground he has a drum in his lap, dressed in decorative robes as he waves us over.

“Old man!”

Keiji responds with a beaming grin, earning the look of similarly dressed people, some holding instruments, others in the middle of some warmup poses.

“Is that the new princess the castle town has been talking about? She is much prettier than our princess.”

The ‘old man’ gestures at me, letting go of a dry laugh at my blush. Somewhere in the back a girl dressed in brighter and bolder colours than the rest gives the man a playful push, a huff escaping her lips.

“I just need to dance like one, not look the part.”

Her answer earns her another round of taunts from the rest as they push and pull between their teases as I watch them with some envy.

(They’re all so comfortable with each other, like a bunch of childhood friends, or one big family.)

“They’re not much different from our antics, you know?”

Keiji’s words pull me out of my thoughts as I blink at him, wondering how he managed to read my thoughts so easily.

“Everyone wants to get to know the chatelaine better, but as long as she remains afraid there is little we can do.”

Keiji’s words struck me as I blink up at him, confusion settling over my expression as I wordlessly sounded my question.

“I don’t think Kyubei minds your company, but there is no need for you to actually study so hard. Nobunaga would be just as pleased to have you lean back and indulge in the luxuries provided.”

A bad feeling rises over me, clambering around my heart as I eye Keiji, trying to discern the true meaning of his words.

(I thought I was brought to the Akechi manor to teach me proper manners, but are they saying that I have been sheltered instead? That they were worried that I would be uncomfortable and hence let me stay outside of the castle?)

“Ah, no need to look guilty. No one thinks you are a burden, or a nuisance. We just want you to be comfortable, even Mitsuhide.”

Letting the words sink in I realise the consideration everyone has ever had for me. The presents that the warlords kept on sending me, their occasional visits, and the kindness in which Kyubei taught me despite his own work.

(They have been nothing but kind to me.)

“Hey, cheer up. There is no time to lament, dance!”

Keiji’s voice pulls me out of my thoughts once more as he leads me into a circle where the rest of the troupe is as well. When the old man hits the drum I realise that they are about to start their performance, expectant eyes from the crowd slowly coming to a stop as they eye me.

“I can’t dance!”

(I need to get out of here!)

“No!”

No matter the protests I’m already brought into the crowd before I know it, stringed along to dance with Keiji as the crowd cheers.

(This is actually kinda fun?)

The sound of music slowly takes away my embarrassment and before I know it I’m immersed into their music, enjoying my time here.

“Told ya, there is nothing much to fear, princess.”

Keiji smiles brightly at me afterwards, his cheeks slightly flushed from the exercise, but content.

“Next time I will play an instrument for you, old man!”

His energy seems endless as he continues to banter with the troupe, an instrument pushed into his hands as he plays a little tune each time. I realise that Keiji is familiar with all of the instruments introduced.

In awe I look upon him in amazement, not noticing the rough shoulder that pushes me to the side as the crowd disperses itself, a mean looking man stepping forward.

“What are you low-lives doing here?”

(Yikes, we got a bully there.)

The man and his friend surround the troupe, hands settled upon their swords as they glower down the group, aiming for the old man specifically.

“You are hinin, return to your rightful place outside of the castle-town.”

The man spoke sternly as he kicked out the drum from the old man’s hands. The troupe stilled, their expressions taut as they glower the man down.

“We are at the border of the castle-town. Surely we can play music here?”

The response of the old man is calm and unflinching, as if he has experienced this on a daily basis. It hurts to think that he might.

“Didn’t you hear me? You vile people should leave at once before we cut you up!”

The threat rings through the air as my eyes widen. Without another thought I rush in, spreading my arms out as I stand between them.

“H-hey now, there is no reason to treat people like that. They’re making an honest living, not?”

To this Keiji steps into view as well, slinging an arm around the man with the sword as he smiles gingerly.

“Listen to the lady, she is right, they aren’t bothering anyone, but you are bothering them, not?”

“Lord Keiji!”

The man’s lofty attitude instantly crumbles at the sight of Keiji as the other shrugs his shoulders.

“Wish you could keep that attitude up, scram off and don’t let me hear of this again.”

The words Keiji spoke are unlike the bright bubbly character that I have come to know so far. His expression now severe as he watched the men scramble off, clearly not ready for a confrontation with the real authority.

“You have guts, princess. I knew I didn’t misjudge you. After all, you saved Nobunaga.”

Keiji addresses me once more, his expression back to the bright and bubbly persona from earlier, though I can still see the traces of his earlier irritation.

“Now, you just have to reach out for that courage and I’m sure you'll fit right in with the rest of us.”

(Is he comforting me?)

Confused I turn my eyes to the rest of the troupe, the dancers and musicians looking dejected as they gather their things again.

“Thank you. You shouldn’t have to. You know how common it is for us to face such discrimination.”

The old man addresses the both of us as he slowly gets up from his place.

(Common? That is awful, why would they…)

“Common or not, it shouldn’t be tolerated. Not as long as Nobunaga rules here.”

Keiji’s tone is clipped as he says this, but his smile returns soon enough as he pats the old man on his shoulder.

“We shouldn’t punish you for losing your original home. Not when we are the cause of it.”

I’m still not quite following as I watch Keiji interact. It is only after that the troupe has left to return to their homes outside of the castle town that I dare to ask.

“What are hinin?”

Keiji eyes me with surprise as he grimaces ruefully at me, a hand reaching out to pet my head.

“Under which stone did you crawl from?”

His tone is teasing, though sad as he retreats his hand, a sigh escaping him. For once Keiji’s expression is serious, though more out of respect for the topic than true sadness or pity.

“You know that there are classes, right? Though Nobunaga has abolished them now. Hinin are outcasts, so to say. Foreigners from other lands that have followed warlords in the hopes for a better future.”

I turn to look at the retreating figures of the troupe with a new understanding of their situation.

(How awful. To be discriminated against like that because of the place of birth.)

“Nobunaga values his people by merit. It helps people like them to climb up in ranks, fortunately. It isn’t much now, but hopefully in the future we can all stand equal.”

Keiji’s voice sounds hopeful as he expresses himself and I as well feel my heart lurch up, nodding in enthusiasm back at him.

(I can’t say anything now. But it will be better in the future.)

With that said Keiji returns me to the Akechi manor, his demeanour once more slipping back into his cheery self as he grins at me.

“I hope to see you back in Azuchi soon, princess. Everyone is looking forward to befriending you.”

Though I find it hard to imagine I’m starting to see the sense of it all as I nod in response. Keiji’s eyes crinkling into mischievous slits as he leans over.

“However, I think you will make a certain foxling lonely if you left so soon, so be sure to visit him often?”

I blink a few times as I wonder who Keiji is referring to, earning a boisterous laugh from the male as he pulls away, leaving me at the gate.

“Say hi to the two of them. I will skip by again when I feel like it.”

Raising up a hand he waves himself off without ever turning back.

[danwhobrowses]

10 Things that would’ve Improved the Game of Thrones Final Season (For Me)

So it came to my attention that recently it was the First Anniversary of the Final Episode of HBO’s ‘Game of Thrones’. I was taken back to my memory of the BinGOT thing we had at work where we all made predictions of who lived, died and ‘won’ from the last ep (I was in 2nd or 3rd place). And since my mother has started binging it during quarantine I thought in the spirit of that environment I’d discuss a little what I would’ve changed in the final season.

Spoilers for Game of Thrones Season 8 Below, if you haven’t watched it then you’re better off not reading this frankly, if you haven’t been spoiled already at least.

So for starters, the final episode is not the worst tv I’ve ever seen, it just was a sloppy final season in general that really didn’t satisfy the 2 years of hype waiting for it, it’s like with the How I Met Your Mother finale, but that annoyance being more than one episode. But without further ado here are 10 things I would’ve changed about the final season Note: Most will involve the finale. The first 2 episodes were great.

10 - Ten Episodes The Long Night was 1 episode, the LONG NIGHT. A Culmination of the army of living and dead confined into one episode. One of the main problems with the final season was that the pacing was a bit rushed, it made character progression seem unnatural and dropped long-built plot points like water through a sieve. With 10 episodes, which was not a big ask given that this was the usual number and the gravitas of it being the final season would easily allow it to be green lit. D&D immediately backed themselves into a corner by giving a limit they weren’t used to and too much content to put in.

9 - Bite of the Spider Varys’ death was an upsetting start of the penultimate episode, while I would’ve loved him to have survived start to end and potentially ended on top (because he’s never shown to be as cunning or dangerous as he is in the books) there was some sense in him dying. However, Varys was shown sending a letter before his arrest and that never came back up, the finale could’ve used this by revealing to the public Jon’s true heritage, which would’ve immediately undermined Dany’s claim and set up a better conflict. Also we never knew what the voice in the flames said to him...

8 - A More Fitting Long Night While everyone probably popped hard for Arya killing the Night King, myself included, the nature of it was rather abrupt. I don’t think anyone can buy that she sneaked past that entire army. I do feel like the Night King was just a MacGuffin for the Long Night, given that he did so little in the actual fight. This is where a multi-part Long Night would’ve been key as well, going from the Night King being immune to Dragonfire to dying a bit later was not a good pace, and we lacked any conflict with Jon like we teased twice, Arya probably wasn’t the most poetic person to kill him either but GoT seldom did poetic deaths (Joffrey, Cersei, Euron). While the Long Night had exemplary deaths like Theon, Lyanna, Jorah and Beric, the Night King fell among the ranks of Melisandre and Edd in terms of meh deaths. The Long Night should’ve been a bigger bloodbath than it was, half the Dothraki somehow survived remember, we didn’t get to see Ghost fight at all either, no giant spiders, a lot of the tension was lost with the way some fight scenes were filmed; it was too easy to read between the lines and not enough characters had any true ‘oh god this person could die’ scenes.

7 - Resolution for the Characters we didn’t See and Plots unresolved With so much funding and finality in the show, there felt like there could’ve been more stuff that could’ve been resolved; what was the Quaith’s prophecy about? What really happened with the Doom of Valyria? Why does Dragonglass and Valyrian steel kill White Walkers? What is Daario doing after Dany died? Were the Faceless Men really that okay with letting Arya wander around knowing their skillset? Nobody hired them to help in the war either. What happened to the remnants of that warlock dude who stole the baby dragons, they sent one scorpion and that’s it, what happens with the Little Birds now that they’re leaderless? Who was Azor Ahai? What were the spirals about? There are a lot of questions the show kinda just, ignored. 

6 - The Mad Queen So, Dany going from ‘I’ll stop if they surrender’ to ‘Burn them fucking all’ was abrupt for many, the majority of fans were not ready or willing to accept turning on their Kaleesi in just one episode. While I could see the conclusion coming from being jumped, losing another ‘child’ and her closest friend as well as her new boyfriend being her nephew and a legitimate threat to her legitimacy despite already pledging fealty, Dany’s descent could’ve used more time, and less naivety.  While the death of the dragon was a huge shock, the idiocy fell on Dany in thinking that Cersei would play fair and wouldn’t try to occupy Dragonstone while she abandoned it. There also fell inconsistency when the same fleet and rows of Scorpion crossbows suddenly got Stormtrooper aim during ‘The Bells’. Euron is a renowned sailor, he ruined a Dornish fleet in a previous season, he may be an annoying bastard but you have to treat his naval tactics with a bit more respect - and make Dany less stupid with Cersei doing Cersei things. A lot of people definitely needed more time in buying the idea that Dany had lost her cool and that she blamed all of Westeros to justify burning everyone unashamedly.

5 - Proper Redemption We all know who we’re talking about. Jaime, Jaime, Jaime. In the end he just proved Olenna’s point didn’t he? And his turn away from redemption was only to serve as an example point for Tyrion to use to convince Jon to kill Dany. Jaime didn’t have to live, but he didn’t have to die rushing to Cersei’s rescue, or even due to Euron stabbing him. If anything Jaime should’ve died with some Honour, to be the inverse of Ned as he was presented in Season 1.

4 - My Lady does not have to mean M’Lady This is probably the most selfish ones of my 10 but as a shipper at my very heart and soul I wanted one, at least one, ship to survive this entire turmoil and Gendry and Arya were that couple. We almost had it as well, but then for some mad reason D&D decided that Gendry, despite literally saying that “none of it will be worthwhile if you’re not with me”, stayed in Storm’s End. Arya’s character endgame was right in her venturing off not being bound by the fact that she’s a noble, but Gendry spent a lot of time not caring that he was of Kingsblood to basically being his Father’s son. He’ll rule Storm’s End, marry some woman to have kids, but he’ll still have fallen into the same pit as King Robert did. It would’ve been much more satisfying and hopeful if Gendry abandoned the titles and land he never wanted or needed to accompany someone he loves and who loves him back on an adventure into the unknown. She’s not a ‘lady’ if she’s only marrying a blacksmith and love is the death of duty.

3 - Sansa is NOT Smart (and gets what she actually deserves) Right. So I really, really didn’t like Sansa. Like, I get it, she got held hostage by the Lannisters, watched her father get beheaded, got accused of murder, learned that her brother and mother died, watched the guy who fancied her mother and kissed her kill her aunt and then got effectively sold to an abuser in an arranged marriage. But Sansa is not the smartest player in the game, it was annoying that they tried to portray her as one, she had one idea that anyone could’ve told you ‘don’t be stupid against Ramsay Bolton’. She spent all of Season 8 mainly giving side eye like a petty bitch, completely trying to undermine Dany despite the two being very very similar (remember Dany was raped, sold off in an arranged marriage and watched family members get killed too) to the point where she was conspiring for Jon to usurp her. And in reality she took her ball and left, she was so pissy that the leaders didn’t pick her to be Queen of Westeros that she literally pointed out her own brother’s infertility, claimed that the North wouldn’t bow to a monarch, then declared herself Queen.  Hide the ‘Yas Queen’ goggles for a sec, this wasn’t empowering she was throwing her own brother under the bus because she wanted to be queen, and she learned far too much from Littlefinger and Cersei’s playbook to actually be a just one. The North is allowed to be an independent nation, but Sansa’s ‘victory’ was more earned by virtue of a lot of shit happened to her than her actually demonstrating qualities to be queen.

2 - Bran Stark can’t come to the Phone right now... While we’re on the subject of Stark children not being fit rulers, Bran. What a cockamamie decision that was. I was 100% behind the destruction of the Iron Throne, but the chorus of laughter with a democratic rule was a bit of a slap in the face. Of all the choices though, Bran had to be near the bottom, it felt completely unearned that he spent literal seasons disconnecting from the world even to the point where he told Meera and Sam that Bran Stark is no longer here anymore only for Bran Stark to magically resurface when a crown is in waiting. I think it defeats the whole Three Eyed Raven thing too, the guy isn’t really one for the people, which is the problem every other ruler before him failed at. If you can’t pick a just person to lead, then why not a council instead? Just using Bran was a poor and messy decision.

1 - THE MOTHERFUCKING VALONQUAR One of the few expectations across all of Game of Thrones was the wondering over whether Cersei was gonna get what’s coming to her, the Maggy the Frog prophecy was going along quite well up until the Valonquar bit, where the younger sibling that was going to choke the life out of her was: bricks. BRICKS! Of all the long-winded prophecy foreshadowings to drop this one was the worst, Cersei (and Jaime) died in underwhelming, thoughtless fashion, the lack of fanfare on killing off one of the best and most ‘love to hate’ villains in the show only cemented the fact that the finale was not able to live up to the hype. True, most of these are small changes, but it’s worth remembering that there was some good coming out of the final season and it was the lack of those little things and attention to detail that led to the season ending on an underwhelming note.

We did however get a good ton of memes out of it, and at work a long-winded discussion on who should get the ‘winner’ 5-points (compared to the 1 correct points) since we had technically agreed that the 5 points goes to “whoever correctly guesses who sits on the Iron Throne” XD I still can’t believe I was right in Drogon melting the throne though that was one in a million

[ask-de-writer]

LOST TIME (part 1 of 3) A fantasy of Flocking Bay.

Return to the Master Story Index

Return to Flocking Bay

LOST TIME

by

De Writer (Glen Ten-Eyck)

5556 words

© 2020 by Glen Ten-Eyck

written 2003

All rights reserved.

Reproduction  in any form, physical, electronic or digital is prohibited without the  express written consent of the author or proper copyright holder.

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Copyright fair use rules for Tumblr users

Users  of Tumblr.com are specifically granted the following rights. They may reblog the story. They may use the characters or original characters in  my settings for fan fiction, fan art works, cosplay, or fan musical   compositions. I will allow those who do commission art works to charge   for their images.

All sorts of Fan Activity, fiction, art, cosplay, music or anything else is ACTIVELY encouraged!

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It stands out even in the dark ... It shouldn’t. It’s just a house. A damned old house. Not even that old really, not for New England. It’s a two story salt-box style with an observation deck under a cupola at the peak. It is probably just the setting. Rusty old iron fence, gnarled elderly trees, unkempt lawn not quite out of control, windows that the neighborhood kids haven’t broken. It should be a witch’s house but it isn’t. It is mine. I just closed on it yesterday.

The kids are going to have a field day this time. I don’t like the daylight... been on night shift as far back as I can remember. That’s a longish way back. But I’m not a witch, nor vampire. Nothing exotic that I know of. I’m just one of those people (you probably know one or two) who don’t show their age. If you envy me, think again. YOU try to explain to a traffic cop why your ID has you pegged for seventy+ and you don’t look over twenty. I carry a copy of my fingerprint record from the military, because they can check that.

Funny part of it is, I really don’t have the slightest idea how old I am. Traumatic amnesia the doctors called it, during the war. The head wound was minor, they said.

That is a matter of opinion. It robbed me of my past, my name, my identity, my loves and hates but left my skills intact. I was an empty shell. I am still trying to find my past.

The name that I use comes from more or less modern myth. Vandervekken. The Flying Dutchman. Wandering Dutchman would be more accurate. He sails the seas off the Cape of Good Hope until Judgment Day. He can’t find his home either. I bought the house because it is the first place that I have seen in over fifty years where I want to stay. You explain it.

The rusty gate opened silently, thanks to the bit of oil that I put on the hinges. Going up the uneven walk, between the looming trees is an experience. The door lock is old-fashioned but still works smoothly. Covered furniture could have made ghosts to haunt the place, if I were superstitious or given to being easily frightened.

As I said, I like the night. I even enjoy things with a bit of a spooky atmosphere. I also like antiques and handcrafted things which is why, if I ever find out who did it, I will cheerfully throttle whatever philistine covered the finely inlaid hardwood parquetry floors with battleship gray paint.

Stripping and refinishing those floors was on my priority job list. Actually, I shouldn’t beef too much. Pointing out the problem got me a price reduction of nearly $2000 on an already underpriced house with all of its furniture as part of the deal. Estates can be wonderful when you are on a tight budget. Too bad that someone else had to die to create my good fortune.

As I pulled the dust covers from the furniture, I saw that my good fortune was been complete. It was all sturdy, hand-carved hardwood with Chinese silk brocade upholstery. The furniture alone was worth what I had paid for the house and contents. The tops of even the smallest hall tables were inlaid with rich veneers, ivory and mother of pearl. You couldn’t buy furniture like this any more. Besides the cost, the ivory in the inlays is no longer legal to obtain. I could get as much from the sale of just one or two pieces as I could from a year of writing if I could bring myself to part with any of this treasure. It just feels like the house would not be complete without it.

Whoever it was that had died and left this for me to have has whatever blessings it is in my power to bestow. The only wonder is that this place stayed on the market long enough for me to find it. Usually, deals like this get snapped up by the real-estate brokers before people like me ever see them.

When I got to the kitchen, I received another little jolt. I knew that it was fairly up to date, but some thoughtful soul had stocked the fridge and set out a bit of a snack for me. Just cookies and a glass for the milk, which was staying cold in the cooler. Thoughtful. I wondered who did it.

While munching on the cookies, I opened a few windows to air the place out a bit. Going out to my car, I saw that the flags of the walk needed leveling because of the weeds that grew up between them. I drove around to the alley behind the place, opened the garage and parked Lilitu, my classic pre-war Packard touring car. She looked right at home in there. Few, even of modern garages were big enough for her. I ferried my few personal goods up to the house. On my last trip, I saw a couple of wide-eyed kids looking over the back fence.

“Told ya, told ya so!” one of them chanted. “There’s somebody sneakin’ inta the ol’ Vekin place!”

“I wouldn’t call it sneaking, to move into your own place,” I answered as civilly as I could manage. “I just bought it. Why do you call it the Vekin place?”

“If ya ain’t sneakin’, why ya goin’ in the back way? An’ after dark, too?” she shot back. I could now see that they were a girl and a boy. She was obviously in charge.

“I like nights. I’m a writer, so I can keep any hours I like. Why is it the Vekin place?” I asked again.

“Dun’no - Crazy guy named Vekin used to live there,” she contradicted herself.

“Lot of folks tried to buy the place since then,” the boy piped in.

“But nobody ever stays,” the girl finished for him firmly.

“So, this is the neighborhood’s haunted house?” I inquired jovially.

“No,” was as far as the boy got.

“Its down the street, on t’other side,” she cut in.

“I looked at that one,” I said thoughtfully. “The old Victorian. Somebody’s broken out all the windows. Not like here. If the Vekin house is so bad, why hasn’t some kid chucked rocks at it?”

“‘Cause we’re not THAT crazy!” exclaimed The boy, getting out a whole thought. The girl gave him a push, and they ran off into the night.

I got up about noon, after the most restful night’s sleep that I’d had since the War. After my breakfast and a quiet tour of the place from attic to basement, I went out. My goal was the local newspaper. THE FLOCKING BAY VOICE was sprawled across the plate glass window in Old English style letters of gold leaf and black. Smaller letters proclaimed Est. 1841. I pushed open the door. My nose was assaulted by the multiple odors of printer’s ink, paper and grease. The VOICE occupied one large room. An elderly web press crouched at the back of the space, behind several rolls of newsprint. Cubicles made offices in the middle of the room. An old oak counter that had once seen duty as a bar had several signs suspended over it on thin chains. They read ‘submissions’, ‘advertisements’, ‘subscriptions’, ‘billing’.

There was a bell on the counter. Some wag had put a sign on it, “Please ring bell, it won’t help but it will give you something to do.” I gave myself something to do, energetically, a few times.

A trim little blond lady answered the bell’s summons. She wore a green eyeshade and a pin on her sweater announced, ‘Lois Martin - cook, bottle washer & EDITOR in CHIEF.’ “What can I do for you, today?” she asked.

“I came to see what I can find out about the Vekin place,” I answered, trying not to stare at her.

“Just a moment, I’ll get the file out of the morgue. I was going to get it anyway. Somebody went and bought the place again.”

“Wait a minute,” I protested. “Someone buys a house and that makes news in Flocking Bay? This town must be even quieter than it looks.”

“Oh,” she retorted, “it can get downright interesting around here when the old Vekin place sells. You’ll see.” She disappeared among the cubicles and I heard her feet clattering down a flight of stairs. I heard a file drawer creak and slide, then slam shut. It wasn’t long before she reappeared, a rather fat file clutched in her hand.

“If you’d like, we can have lunch over at Mike’s Soda Shop,” she proposed. “He makes decent submarine sandwiches and real ice-cream sodas.”

“Well ... ” I pretended to hesitate, “I haven’t been invited out by a beautiful blond in a long time, so, yes.”

“I hope that I haven’t just made a fool of myself,” she remarked, laying aside the eyeshade. “You are Mr. Vandervekken aren’t you? The man who just bought the place?”

“Too true,” I said.

“Then I’ll make it an interview and deduct it from my taxes,” she smiled.

“You make enough to pay taxes?” I asked, looking back as we crossed the street.

“I have hidden assets. The paper is a tax shelter.” She opened the door of Mike’s and ushered me in.

As I was seating her, I just couldn’t help blurting out, “Your assets seem to be pretty obvious.”

She grinned, “Go ahead and stare. I don’t mind. If I did, I wouldn’t wear a snug sweater and put my pin just here.” She pointed, then added, “Looking at it will keep you off your guard while I ask my questions.”

“OK, Ms. Martin, but let me look at the file first. You can order for me. You know the food here,” I said, reaching for the file.

“Lois,” she replied, “call me Lois, everyone else does.” Then she hollered to the man behind the counter, “Oh, Mike! Two butterscotch sodas and a big turkey sub! Divide it in half!”

“How did you know that I liked butterscotch?” I asked. “It’s not that common a preference these days.”

“I just had a hunch, that’s all. You looked like another butterscotch type person.”

I was leafing through the file on the rather beat-up table while we waited. I couldn’t resist snorting with amusement at the name of the house’s builder. Capt. Von Der Vekin. The house had been built in 1894 by the Capt. and his elusive son, Charles. Nobody had ever seen Charles until he came into town, on April 1st, 1900, to report his father’s demise and burial on the property. He ordered a headstone hewn of the local limestone. Charles had returned from WW I with honors and lived quietly, claiming to be a writer, though nobody ever saw any of his work in print. When asked, all that he would say was ‘Pseudonyms are great for privacy’. He was not so lucky when he volunteered to assist the French resistance in 1939. He never came home.

Next==>

Return to the Master Story Index

Return to Flocking Bay

[you-andthebottlemen]

61 - Glasgow song fic

Hi everyone!! I know the catfish fic scene here is kind of dead but this is for those of you still out there. A short but sweet fic for a short but sweet song! I hope you enjoy it and thank you for reading (and waiting for me to finally post and fill this request!!) E x 

Based on the requests:

could you maybe do a fan fictions based around the song Glasgow? I love your writing! x

from @smotherme-inlippy

+

Cheating on your boyfriend with Van?

for anonymous.

(Fun fact: I’ve actually been to Sauchiehall Street and went there for a night out! And I totally didn’t imagine that I was going all the same places Van had been....)

************************************************************************

You knew you shouldn’t be seeing Van, but you just couldn’t help yourself. There had always been something so magnetic about him. You’d slept together a few times and had a bit of a reputation as a pair. Though despite your nights together, there were never any real feelings. Maybe that’s what drew you to him the most? You could be yourself and not be burdened by the responsibilities, expectations and everything else ‘being in love’ entailed. You could go months without seeing him or talking but always have things fall right back into place. There was no stress or drama or pressure with him like there was with everyone else. You needed fun and chaos and there was no one better for that than Van McCann. 

“What time do ya’ call this, y/n?!” Van joked as you slid onto the stool beside him, his face lit up with happiness.

His hair was longer than when you last saw him. The ends flicked up under his ears as if they were desperate to grow into a proper curl.

“Fashionably late,” you winked. 

Van just chuckled and ordered you a drink as he had already started.

The bar was lively as always, packed with every type of person you could imagine. It was dimly lit with the walls covered in posters and neon signs, old rock music pulsating all around you. It was your favourite bar on all of Sauchiehall Street. And you’d tried them all to be sure. You loved when Van was touring in Scotland or just had time off to come see you and traipse your way down the strip of bars. 

Just as you placed your phone and bag down on the table, a text flashed from Alex; your boyfriend. Kind of boyfriend. It wasn’t something serious with him, but serious enough that you knew you shouldn’t be drinking alone with Van. Though one glance up into his blue eyes swimming with excitement, was all you needed and you put your phone away. You didn’t want to think about Alex tonight, his clinginess suffocated you and his sickly sweetness turned you off.

You and Van caught up on life since you’d last seen each other. He told you about the band and what countries they’d visited as well as all plans for the next album; the usual. As much as you wanted to make fun of him for always going on about Catfish, you just couldn’t bring yourself to. You loved how proud he was of it all. 

He asked about you too, so you told him about Alex. Van’s expression remained the same, so you weren’t able to tell if he was disappointed or relieved that you were seeing someone. You also weren’t sure you should have brought it up. 

“Have you been seeing anyone?” you asked Van curiously.

“There was one girl for a little while…but it didn’t work and I didn’t really try to be honest. So, no. Single as a flamingo,” he replied, trying hard to rhyme the last part and looking far too pleased with himself. 

“What? Single as a…flamingo?” you laughed, raising one eyebrow. 

“Somethin’ Bond said,” Van shrugged and you shook your head in amusement.

Soon the conversation fell on how Alex was endlessly worried about Van; to the point he would scroll through your phone while you were in the shower trying to find evidence of betrayal. It bothered him how people would always ask you where Van was, how close you looked in photos or how all your best stories featured Van somewhere in the plot. It was toxic and you knew it, but you didn’t have the energy to fight or leave; Alex was just something to fill the time and fill the space in your bed. He was alright and it wasn’t like you were in love with him anyway. 

“You gotta break up with him y/n, can’t be with someone who don’t trust ya.”

Not letting slip that you hadn’t told Alex you were here and that he had every reason not to trust you, you just groaned and gulped down your second drink. 

“Let’s get shots!” you decided, breaking the awkward silence. 

You and Van counted down each time you took a shot, always laughing at each other’s twisted facial expressions from the taste of the liquor and the inevitable throat burn. Van’s proper smile, the one he always tried to hide, all wonky teeth and smile lines made you smile even wider. 

“I’m glad that you’re home,” you admitted. 

You forgot for a moment that this wasn’t Van’s home, but that’s not really what you meant anyway. You meant you were glad he was back here with you. 

“Getting’ sappy are we y/n?” he teased. 

You play elbowed him then with a laugh, Van stood and held his hand out to you. 

“Wanna dance?”

You grinned and nodded then let him twirl you over to the makeshift dancefloor. Standing upright made you realise just how drunk you were. The room was spinning, time was moving fast yet slow and you were convinced it was only you and Van left in the whole wide world and that was completely okay with you. 

The music wasn’t the best rhythm for dancing to but that didn’t stop you. Van wiggled his hips out of beat and waved his arms around, making you giggle and try to move along with his timing. Soon your hands found the front of his soft velvet jacket. You ran your fingers over the fabric and pulled gently. Van’s hands moved to your waist and you shut your eyes.

It felt like when you opened your eyes again, you were sat back on the bar stool beside Van, singing a loud and drunken duet to no one in particular. You couldn’t remember where time had gone or what had happened in between the dancing and now. A sign of too much alcohol, though you didn’t stop to worry. 

You stopped singing and glanced over at Van who was belting out words and had his arms lifted up into the air. You burst out laughing, realising that the bar was in fact empty except for the few staff members cleaning up. They’d locked up but let you stay, probably thoroughly entertained. This was not the first time it had happened either and you had a suspicion that they must have known who Van was. 

Once you had downed some water, said your thanks and goodbyes, you pulled Van out the door and into the night down Sauchiehall Street. He draped his jacket over you and slung an arm around your shoulders. You wriggled your arms into the jacket, grateful for the warmth and shoved your hands into the pockets, shielding them from the cold. 

The usually loud and bustling street filled with clubs and bars and takeaway shops was now eerily quiet. Quiet except for Van’s slurred singing and the clacks of your shoes on the concrete. 

You stopped walking and took off your heels with a small yelp as your bare feet touched the cold ground. 

“Here…” Van mumbled and picked you up bridal style with a bit of a groan. 

“Getting old,” you teased and clung to his neck, your shoes in your hand hanging over his shoulder. 

“I’m gonna be the coolest old man,” Van smiled, unafraid of ageing like most people you knew. 

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. Gonna do music til I’m well old like my Grandad and all my grandkids are gonna be dead excited to come visit me all the time,” he replied, looking out into the night.

You laughed to yourself and rested your head against him. 

Halfway up Sauchiehall Street, you told Van to put you down and have a break. He leant against a wall and had a smoke while you talked to him about anything and everything. You sat down cross legged on the pavement with your back against the bricks by his feet. When Van was finished smoking, he collapsed down beside you looking a little cold and worse for wear. You tried to give him back his jacket but he wouldn’t take it. Instead, he folded over and rested his head in your lap. You stroked his hair and kept talking. 

“I love this,” you said, referring to your drunken nights with Van talking shit and being ridiculous.

“I think I’ve fallen in love with Glasgow,” Van replied dreamily. 

Though what he really meant was that he’d fallen in love with you.

“Why?” you asked, naïve or rather willingly oblivious, to Van’s hidden admission. 

“It’s beautiful and it’s fun and nowhere else is as good. I keep looking for better and I can’t find it.”

“But you’ve been all over the world?”

“Exactly.”

After a long silence, Van tried to sit up, his head clearly spinning. You took some of his weight and propped him up straight against the wall. He rubbed his eyes and sighed. 

“Y/n…” he said with a strange tone that made your heart lurch, “I think I’m in love with you.”

Van’s eyes met yours. 

“No, you’re not Van,” you sighed.

“I am y/n. I can’t get you out of my head, you’re all I think about,” he pushed, reaching out to take your hands. 

You folded your arms to your chest.

“Don’t say that Van, don’t ruin this.”

“What? Ruin what?”

“Everything! Our friendship, our fun…we can hang out and forget everything else and just be us. I don’t want it to become complicated and weird,” you tried to explain, a little exasperated. 

“It won’t ruin things,” Van replied. 

You shut your eyes and groaned, pissed off. Why did he have to do this? You didn’t know what to say so you stood, put your shoes back on and took off Van’s jacket then threw it in his lap. He looked a little taken aback but said nothing.

“Let’s just go home. I’m too drunk to talk about this.”

You didn’t want to hurt him any more than you probably had, and you didn’t want to have a conversation that required thought when you were likely to not remember it tomorrow. You weren’t in love with Van. Part of you wished you were just to be able to make him feel better. Another part wished it because you knew you’d never find a better man. But you couldn’t make yourself feel it and you weren’t sure you wanted to.

Van walked by your side all the way back to your little house, both of you silent except for the sounds of Van’s lighter and deep breaths puffing on another cigarette.

By the time you arrived home, your frustration at Van had disappeared. You opened the gate careful not to make too much noise and unlocked the door just as quietly. Before you could step inside, Van reached out and stopped you. 

“I’m sorry y/n,” Van said quietly. 

“You don’t need to be sorry Van. I’m just…I guess I’m sorry too. I wish I could feel what you want me to.”

Van shook his head and pulled you into him. He held you tight and rocked side to side. 

“I shouldn’t have said anything. I know what we have together, and I should have thought about it. Guess I was just really drunk.”

What Van said didn’t really sit right with you, though you decided to keep your mouth shut. 

When you pulled away from Van’s grip, you looked into his face. Maybe it was the alcohol still floating around in your system, maybe it wasn’t, but you thought he looked kind of beautiful. For a moment, you were both still and just staring at one another. You knew then exactly how this was going to go. 

Van’s lips crashed into yours with force and you melted under his touch. You let him scoop you up in his arms once again and carry you through the front door, kicking it shut behind him. 

Once in the bedroom he placed you down and you threw off your shoes, wrapping your arms around his neck as you kissed him. 

“I shouldn’t do this,” Van breathed into your neck.

You knew that Van, while being one for fun and promiscuity, wasn’t a homewrecker and still had strong morals. He was probably thinking about Alex, or the feelings he had for you, knowing that both of those would only cause you both more pain when the sun came up. You pushed those thoughts out of your mind too; you would work all that out tomorrow.

You kissed him again, showing him that you didn’t mind, that you wanted him. You could feel how much he wanted you too. 

His hands reached under your top and pulled it off over your head. You undid his belt and trousers. Each action exciting you more until there was nothing left to take off. Van stopped for a moment and brushed some hair out of your face. 

“You have me wrapped right round your finger, don’t you?” he chuckled, his voice breathy and rasping.

You weren’t sure what to respond with so began to kiss his neck. You ran your hands up and down his body and all thoughts of anything except the here and now, escaped your mind. 

[ocsxinxpurgatory]

Best Foot Forward (Introductory Drabble)

Series: Wynonna Earp

Disclaimer: Elaine, Roy, Dirk, and Sampson are mine as is the plot and everything else is borrowed in this work of fan-made fiction off of which no money is made. 

Setting: Season 1 Compliant

Pairing: None

Rating: G

On the heels of a relationship gone sour, Elaine Walker isn’t expecting much moving through one town to the next. Purgatory is not supposed to be any different. However, she finds herself more enamored than she likes when a bike shop owner gives her a chance...

*~*~*~*

Best Foot Forward

The town being named Purgatory seemed as much a joke as she was at this point or Elaine had just passed too tired to be amused or entertained. Pulling into an open space by the hotel she can only hope that there would be a room. At this point and with how things were she’s not exactly hopeful.

Stepping for the desk, she’s met with a half-asleep receptionist who nearly jumps at her approach and stares like they’re not actually sure what they’re seeing. “Um...hello! Little late isn’t it?”

“Sorry for the early intrusion,” she responds, “Was passing through and decided I needed somewhere to sleep before I tried any further. Is there a room?”

“Well, yes, of course there is. I just...You should be careful around the outskirts of town a little thing like you. Coyotes are numerous in this part and they can be dangerous.”

She blinks slowly. “Coyotes?”

“Mmhmm. Lots of them. Mostly at night if you’re not careful. So just, you know, be careful.”

As Elaine gives her information and gets the room key, she isn’t sure why she feels like it was the wrong word to be used though she can’t quite figure what else the male might mean.

Deciding she was reading way too much into things considering her exhausted state, she’s glad to be in the small room. The decor is rustic; a tribute to it’s western roots no doubt but it’s not the worst thing she’d seen. Setting her suitcase down, she slumps onto the bed. “It’s just for a day or two,” she mumbles, “Then I’ll figure this out. That’s it. Just a day or two.”

One or two days quickly becomes a lot longer as she explores Purgatory and finds that the rustic charm holds a strange sort of welcome for her. And it soothes the parts of her that had led her to needing out of the city she was born in. A help-wanted sign catches her attention at a bike shop and desires she’d long learned to push to the side flare in her. Couldn’t hurt to ask now could it? They were probably looking for someone more qualified, someone more...masculine. But she was knowledgeable and she was not about to be talked down to. Not ever again.

It’s with this in mind that she steps into the shop letting her shoulders tighten in determination as she strolls to the counter. The man behind it straightens on her approach before greeting, “Afternoon, miss, what can I do for ya?”

“You have a sign on the door. What are you looking for exactly?” she asks without preamble meeting his gaze evenly.

His lips curve upwards at the edges. “Need someone knowledgeable ‘bout bikes and putting them together. Also with makin’ deliveries to clients.”

“Is there an application?”

There is now a definite grin on the male’s face but it’s not the usual one of condescension she’s been used to up until now. “Not an application as it goes. More like a test run. You feel up to showin’ what you can do?”

“Absolutely.”

It doesn’t take an hour before she’s given a job offer and something in her shifts into place. “Thank you,” she tells him after signing the last form.

“Ain’t nothin’ to thank me for. Job should be done by someone capable of it. And you, little lady, are capable as hell. I’d be an idiot not to hire you. Just a few precautions though; one of our biggest clients is also half owner of this place. He owns a few businesses here and there in Purgatory so we tend to stay on his good side; man by the name of Bobo Del Rey. So long as his deliveries are on time and his boys are allowed free reign to come and go and work here everything is fine.”

“So keep the boss happy, huh?”

“Something like that.”

“Shouldn’t be too hard. I can watch myself around men.”

“Ain’t even gonna be that much of an issue there. They won’t care too much so long as you are capable and I have no doubts that you are. And if they do then Dirk or Sampson will get them under control. Those two head up one of the biker groups in town. And one does not mess with either of them if they know what’s good for them.”

“Okay, so just work around them. Gotcha. I can do that. But really, Roy, thanks for this opportunity. I really appreciate it.”

“Somehow, I think you’re gonna be the one needin’ the thankin’, little lady.”

*~*~*~*~*~*

It’s a week before she meets any of them. Walking in, she hears, “So, you hired a woman? Like you seriously…”

She watches Roy gaze at her before his lips curve and without missing a beat calls, “Afternoon, Elaine!”

“Afternoon,” she greets as she makes her way to the register, “Anything special on the agenda?”

“Oh, you know just a couple of idiots who decided to go off-roading and nearly killed themselves.”

“Ouch, someone should save the bikes from them if they’re going to be that awful.”

“Won’t lie, that’s a thought. Oh, by the way, Elaine, this is one of Del Rey’s boys. He was just leaving.”

Elaine watches the male still and look at her boss before something seems to register and he gives a rueful smile before responding, “I really didn’t mean anything by it, Roy. It’s just…”

“It’s just my shop and my rules. You want to sound like an idiot, you can do it elsewhere. You know exactly what Dirk would have said to you if…”

Elaine watches the look of horror that appears and finds it actually comical. “Please, oh god, please don’t tell him about this!”

She hides a grin as she clocks in. She’d liked Roy when he’d given her a chance, more now that he was defending her. Instead of saying anything, she just walks around the male heading for a bike she was finishing up on and resuming the work letting Roy finish the conversation. It’s not long before she hears, “That won’t happen again, I can promise you that.”

“The way he responded when you mentioned Dirk was like you were siccing Satan himself on the guy.”

“Oh no,” Roy chuckles, “That would be if I threatened to tell Del Rey but Dirk’s a scary second where they’re concerned.”

“Will I ever get a chance to meet this Dirk?”

Roy chuckles. “Oh, just you wait and you will. Him and Sampson. I, for one, cannot wait for that meeting.”

As she finishes the last few items needing to be adjusted on the current project, Elaine finds herself extremely curious for that as well. Her gaze shifts to the bikes against the wall looking like they’d been through a ringer. “How long do we have for those?”

“Oh, as long as it takes. Folks of the two who owned that are of the mind that the longer it takes the better the lesson the idiot teenagers will learn.”

“Of course it would be idiot kids,” she snorts.

“Well, at least they were wearing the proper gear so their trip to the hospital was probably short. But yeah, they can wait a few days so no rush on them.”

A moment later, the bell chimes and they both turn to see a new pair walk in. Roy chuckles as he gives them his attention. “Well, speak of the demons, I suppose. Elaine, I’d like to introduce you to Dirk and Sampson Shepherd. Dirk, Sampson, this is Elaine Walker. She’s my newest hire. So if any of the idiots come back grumpy about having nothin’ to do it’s ‘cause they’re being stupid.”

Elaine gazes at the pair who are giving her their attention instead of Roy and she’s sure it’s because they’re familiar with him. She gives a small smile before slowly rising wiping her hands on the smock she was wearing. “Pleasure to meet you, gentlemen.”

“And you,” comes the easy reply, “I’m Dirk. This is Sampson. He doesn’t take much until he gets to know you. Welcome to Purgatory, by the way, since I have a feeling you’re new to town.”

“Sort of stumbled here and decided not to leave,” she admits, “There’s...something of a charm here that I like. Not sure exactly what that charm is but it’s there. Though, I’m getting a little concerned about how often I’m warned about coyotes.”

She’s surprised by the deep, amused laugh that earns from Sampson as he gazes avidly in a different direction and Dirk rolls his eyes at him before offering, “It’s something everyone is told when they come here. Tends to keep people from doing stupid things at night and getting into trouble.”

“See, I thought that might be it but…” She is quiet for a moment, “The word seemed wrong to me. Like they meant something else but…Never mind, I’m sure I’m being silly. It was just...strange to me.”

“Purgatory is one of those places where you’ll find that strangeness is our normal,” Roy remarks.

“I mean with a name like that, I would imagine so, I suppose,” she murmurs, “Anyway, pleasure to meet you both.”

“And you,” Dirk responds with a grin before he pokes the male beside him who still seems to be very amused, “And I am sure Sampson, here, agrees.”

“Of course,” comes the low rumbled response as he slowly gazes at her, eyes intense, “But do take care of yourself, little miss.”

“That’s the game plan.”

[fyrapartnersearch]

Send Help: Addicted to Roleplay and Chipotle

Greetings from Earth! First time poster to this blog and stoked to meet some new partners. My name is Chris and I'm a male nurse (Yo, you're going to get some medically accurate roleplay) in his late twenties. I have a lovely wife and two stupidly handsome animals (Pictures of the animals available on request) but manage to maintain a pretty active roleplay life due to the fact that I work nights. The Basics: I tell everyone that I'm a professional. I try to reply 1-3 times a week and the length of posts depends on amount of characters in play. If I'm going to take longer, I always try to let you know. I'm willing to write male and female characters and focus on M/F as the male and F/F. M/M just isn't my thing, sorry y'all. My limits include pedophilia, rape, and animal abuse. Anything else can be discussed. I prefer e-mail for writing (Chrisx104@gmail.com) but have Discord for plotting (NurseBatman#3674). If we get along really well, you can convince me into discord roleplay. The text limit just drives me nuts. I do use faceclaims pretty aggressively. Is there anything else? Central time zone?

Onto the roleplay stuff. I'll start with originals and then dive into fandoms. I put extra *s by the lines that I will literally lose my mind if you approach me about. Searching hard! -The Social Media Age****** A m/f line that I've given a little thought to, looking for someone to write a young woman that is pretty much making her living being an instagram model/fitness person, etc. I think the proper term is *Influencer*. Meets and starts dating a successful guy with no presence online, the two falling for each other but at odds over their differing attitudes towards the world. -This American Life Something set in the 1970s, focusing on a roadtrip. A group of teenagers leave their small town behind to head out west. I love this time period. Can be supernatural, supernatural lite (think Twin Peaks weirdness) or totally natural. -Stranger Things inspired A group of four to six friends enjoy their last summer together in a remote town as strangeness begins to unfurl. I'd be willing to set this in the present but think it would be way more fun in the 70s or 80s. I have an idea for one of the kids having lost a sibling in a strange way when they were young and possibly some sort of cult in town.

Fandoms!

-Star Wars**

I know Reylo is all the rage these days, as is Qi'Ra/Han. But, man ALIVE, I really want something focusing on the core four: Luke, Leia, Han, and, ya boy, Chewie. Something taking place in that three year gap between New Hope and Empire as they work among the rebellion. Strange new worlds, getting into scrapes, sharply running from the empire, avoiding Vader, bounty hunters, and all sorts of things. This time period is far from explored and we can really thrive in the galaxy. Primarily I want to focus on the budding relationship between Han and Leia and Luke's training, pre-Yoda. In a perfect world, I'd want to write Han and Chewie (If anyone thinks Chewie is just a NPC, get out my face) while my partner takes on Leia and Luke. I'd be willing to switch out Chewie for Luke if need be, I guess? We could also split up C3PO and R2. I also would enjoy writing a young Amilyn Holdo and a few other soldiers. Let's real build out the resistance and delve into the 'WARS' part of those big yellow letters that never get enough attention. On top of all of that, I also have an original love interest in mind for Luke if someone else plays him! She's a spitfire. Alternatively, I'd be down for writing something set in the clone wars. Perhaps two jedi that broke the order's relationship laws and then survived Order 66 together? -Preacher Seriously. Love this show, love this comic. Would happily write Jesse or Cassidy against Tulip. Just definitely looking for a Tulip -The Boys Would love to write Hughie against Starlight! Currently working my way through the season that just dropped. -Marvel -I will love you forever if you write an Elektra against my Daredevil. They are toxic and in love and I love it. Whether it be the comics or the Netflix series, I don't care. Someone please write me an Elektra. Netflix did a good job of portraying this one -Alternatively, I'd also be happy to write against a Black Widow, either with Daredevil. They were a mainstay OTP in the comics in the 90s and I'd love to write against Scarlet's Black Widow. -Has anyone seen the trailer for the neverendingly delayed New Mutants movie? I would love to write something based on that horror aspect of the mutant universe.* -I'd love to write an older MCU Peter Parker (like college) running across a MCU version of Black Cat. Or just a Spiderman roleplay in general. I've always wanted to write Peter but have never gotten the chance! I have a ton of ideas for this, plus faceclaims for a few of the villains. Would also be willing to play him against Zendaya's MJ, Spidergwen, or Silk (Deepcut)**************************** (I so badly want to write Peter) -One of the pairings that was done for a time in the comics was Star Lord against Kitty Pryde and it was actually a lot of fun. If anyone would want to do a MCU version of this, I would so *DOWN* to play Quill, Xmen hijinks a plenty in space -If you write Jessica Jones, I'd be willing to write almost anyone against her (NOT KILGRAVE). Just let me know. I'd be super down to write Luke Cage or maybe Matt Murdock. I do a mean John Constantine, which, let's face it, is a cross company illustration of the two most terrible people together -Hawkguys! I would love to either write Clint against Kate Bishop (This would be a slightly skewed MCU vibe) or Kate against America Chavez. I would really love to do either of these lines. Or a poly version if someone is willing! -I'd love to write Logan as an active member of the MCU Avengers, possibly as a partner in crime/wetworks/murder with Black Widow. Those two could cause some mayhem. -Honestly, any X-men relationship could be sold to me. Just try it. I would love to find a Kitty for Piotr, a Rogue for Remy, or almost anyone for Kurt.

-DC I'd love to write Batman against Catwoman, please. Or John Constantine against literally almost anyone -Hannibal I've been dying to do a sort of season 4 for a while now, focused on Clarice Starlings interaction with Will Graham and later Hannibal Lecter. Just need to find someone willing to create an original style Clarice. -Resident Evil I'd like to write Leon against Claire Redfield or Jill Valentine in an original outbreak or a new one. I know this is an old school fandom but I'm a diehard fan. -Star Trek Okay, so first up, I am not the most well versed Trekkie in the world. Never watched any of the TV shows but am a massive fan of the trio of rebooted films and would love to give Kirk or Bones a try against Uhura, Dr. Eve, or maybe a female Vulcan OC? Hit me with ideas! -The Matrix Another obscure fandom. Maybe just an original crew, set during the movies, after, or an AU where they're the only survivors of Zion? Im not sure but I could plot something out!

-Uncharted I'd love to write Chloe Frazier against Nadine Ross, continuing their adventures. I'm pretty wide open on what we can do with this one. RANDOM CRACK SHIPS! Caught in a Web: I would love to write an iteration (Daniel Craig or an original) of James Bond/007 against a non superhero version of Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow. Spy vs spy shenanigans as two people working for different governments. Totally impossibly but putting it just in case: Did anyone see all that Wonder Woman/Lara Croft art that was floating around the internet earlier this year? I would love to dive into that. I'd prefer to write Lara but I'm definitely not picky. If you made it this far, you're a hero and I owe you a beer. Hope to hear from some great writers! Let's create something *EPIC*

[saywhatjessie]

Fucking Hollywood

Aro!Dean 1.8k (Ao3)

“It’s just so frustrating!” Sam threw up his hands, the breath of his explosive sigh blowing his bangs around.

Dean just nodded non-committedly. Sam had been going on about this for the last twenty minutes.

“I mean, representation is important. Everyone knows that. Studies and stuff, right? So if we all know this, why is it still so hard to find content without sex in it?!”

Dean grunted. Sam waved a hand at him as if it had been a grunt of agreement.

This would be better if Dean had somewhere to go, but it was his own fault for offering to drive his brother back to school after his visit. He could have easily given the kid money for a bus but, no, Dean — being the amazing older brother he was — had offered to drive Sam back to Stanford.

And now he was trapped in his own car, listening to Sam bitch about sex in the media. Again.

“I’m not even talking, like, explicit HBO sex. But just this idea that sex is always the endgame and the thing that’s the most important of all things. When a character has sex for the first time it’s a Big Deal and like, why? Narratively? For what reason? Why does it matter in movies if someone’s a virgin?”

“Well, you know Hollywood, Sammy,” Dean reasoned, doing his best to diffuse the situation. “It’s like Hooters. Just there to do one thing.”

Sam snorted. “What? Titillate men?”

“Okay, A) You’re men. And two I meant make money. Sex sells, Sammy. I hate to say it but it’s true.”

Sam groaned. “Okay, maybe , but media also helps define culture. If we continue in this cycle where sex is the most valued commodity than how are we supposed to move past it?”

Dean sighed, unsure how to respond to that.

Sam had gone to college and come back gay. Or, rather, ‘queer’. Dean wasn’t totally sure what that meant except that, according to Sam, ‘gay’ and ‘queer’ didn’t necessarily mean he wanted to fuck dudes. Actually, in Sam’s case, he was gay in a way that meant he just didn’t want to fuck at all. Or he only wanted to fuck people he also wanted to marry. Something to do with Demi Moore? Dean still wasn’t clear on the details.

Whatever Sam’s sexual status, he had also come back from college with a vendetta against society’s obsession with sex. Which, objectively, Dean could get behind. But as a card-carrying, porn watching, one-night-stand having red blooded American, Dean couldn’t invest any personal devotion into it.

“It’s not even just Hollywood! Fan created content has historically been a refuge for marginalized people to create a space in the universes they love for people who are like them. Like Kirk and Spock in Star Trek.”

“Are you writing a thesis? What the fuck?”

“But even in fan-created spaces it’s like all they care about is whether or not the characters are boning,” Sam said, disgusted. “Like, that’s not what their relationship is about. Kirk and Spock aren’t compelling because they wanna bone. They’re compelling because they’re, like, accidentally the greatest love story ever told.”

Dean sighed again, adjusting his grip on the steering wheel.

“Okay…” he started, aware that the only way out of this conversation was through. “So I admit, I don’t know a whole lot about,” he gestured vaguely at Sam. “That. But me, personally, I have a hard time telling the difference between romantic and platonic love.”

“So like aromanticism.”

“No, what?” Dean glanced at Sam who was looking at him weirdly. “I don’t know. But one of the only ways I know how to confirm the difference is with sex.”

Sam was shaking his head before Dean had even finished. “But that’s not how that works. You don’t need sex to prove it’s love. That’s what I’ve been talking about!” Sam slumped dramatically in his seat, throwing his head back, before sitting straight again. “The difference between romantic and platonic love is there without sex. They feel different. They just do. As an asexual person, I know this better than anyone.”

Sam was pretty sure ‘asexual’ wasn’t the word Sam had used before but he didn’t really understand it all anyway and didn’t want to ask.

“Okay…”

“You can’t tell the difference between romantic and platonic love?” Sam asked, his focus now entirely on Dean.

Shit . Dean squirmed. “No, not really.”

“So you’re aromantic?”

“I don’t know, man.”

“No, no, stop looking like that.” Dean made an attempt to stop grimacing. “No pressure or anything, it’s just that that is, definitionally, what aromanticism is. Not being able to distinguish a difference between romantic and platonic love. Because you don’t really feel the first one.”

Dean was definitely grimacing again.

He looked down at his arm when he felt Sam lay a hand on his bicep. “Thank you for trusting me with this moment.”

Dean shook him off, scoffing. “Shut up, man. Whatever. You know how I feel about labels.”

Sam took his hand back, biting back a smile. “Yeah, I know. But it’s good to have a word for it. Helps other people understand where you’re coming from. Helps you understand yourself.”

“I think I have a pretty good understanding of myself.”

Sam just snorted, not bothering to further respond to that, but then, blissfully, changed the subject.

Dean hated himself for bringing it up but it didn’t stop him from asking. “Hey, Cas, you ever hear of aromanticism?”

It was Thursday which meant it was Roadhouse night. There wasn’t any real reason they’d chosen Thursday for their weekly bar meetup, it had just been the only night they had free early on. Further down the road, they had begun cancelling plans to make it to the bar on Thursday, and now Thursday was firmly bar night. The bar of choice: The Roadhouse.

Cas blinked over at him over his large pint of whatever shitty IPA he’d chosen that day. “From my understanding of Greek prefixes I can presume it means to be without romance.”

Dean snorted, taking a sip of his own (proper, dark) beer before nodding. It figured Cas could guess what it meant without being told. He was smart as fuck.

“Eh, kinda,” he continued, tracing patterns in the water droplets on his glass. “I think it means to be without romantic love. Romantic attraction?” He shrugged, eyes in his beer. “Sam explained it better.”

Cas nodded back, smiling softly. “It was lovely to see him. He’s grown up so much.”

Dean grinned, ducking his head.

It was a little embarrassing how soft he let himself get around Cas. They’d been friends for four years, meeting in Cas’s Sophomore year of college when he needed to interview Dean for his college paper. Dean had been working as a mechanic at the time. He was still working as a mechanic, actually, but Cas, as an actual reporter person, interviewed people far more interesting than Dean.

Cas had been there for John’s death. For Sam’s high school graduation. Sam going off to school. Cas had seen Dean in way more emotionally compromised positions. Dean let himself be soft around Cas.

It didn’t mean he’d let it last longer than he had to, though.

“Yeah. That kid picked up all kinds of wild shit in college. You know he’s gay now, right?”

Cas rolled his eyes, a touch of annoyance furrowing his eyebrow. “You really shouldn’t casually out your brother, Dean.” Dean rolled his eyes back. “But yes, I saw it on Facebook. He posted about it.”

“Well then I didn’t out him!” Dean waved his hand as if to say ‘there you go’. “And, besides, I couldn’t get the words right if I wanted to. I still don’t remember what he actually said he was.”

“Demisexual, heteroromantic,” Cas responded automatically. He blinked and then corrected himself. “Or… aromantic? Is that why you brought it up?”

Dean shook his head, looking into his beer again. “Nah, Sam’s not that. That’s what he says I am.”

A horrible pause of horrible silence Dean stared into his beer.

“Are you?” Cas asked, gently.

Dean looked up. Cas appeared nothing but softly interested.

Dean shrugged, all shoulders, no eye-contact. “Nah. Maybe. I don’t know about labels, man.”

Cas nodded, consideringly. Dean watched him take a sip of his beer. He spent a lot of time staring at Cas’s neck this way.

Cas tipped his head as he put his glass back on the bar. “You don’t have to talk about it. But it may be worth looking up so you can potentially learn more about yourself.”

Again with the learning about yourself thing.

Dean shook his head. “I don’t think I need to do that. I think I’m fine.”

Cas seemed to deflate a little, the sag of his shoulders making Dean cautiously curious.

“Of course,” he said, taking another long pull from his glass. “Forgive me, I suppose I hoped — ”

He cut himself off, looking sternly into the dregs of his own beer.

Dean watched him. His blue eyes were washed out in the yellow light from the bar but the dark shadows defining his profile made him just as striking. The clench of his jaw. The furrow of his eyebrows. The tension in his shoulders.

Dean downed his beer.

He put the glass gently on the bar, pushing both his and Cas’s away from them before turning and putting his hand on Cas’s shoulder.

“You wanna go on a date with me, Cas?”

Cas looked up at him, sharply, eyes wide. “Dean?”

Dean suddenly wished he had beer to nervously swig. Well, no going back now .

“If I don’t feel romantic attraction or whatever – if I’m not just waiting for the right girl and I’m never gonna – then I wanna be with my best friend. And that’s you.”

Cas’s eyes were still wide and it looked like he was biting his lip.

“My best friend who I’m still very much attracted to!” Dean rushed to correct, realizing that Cas might be afraid that this was just him settling. “Jesus fuck , am I attracted to you. I never did anything about it because I was probably straight, ya know? But obviously I’m not so...” He shrugged.

Cas was still just staring at him.

Dean’s hand twitched. “You gonna just leave me hangin, man? I don’t really know wh–”

Cas surged forward, hands coming up to cup Dean’s jaw as he kissed him quiet.

Dean had never allowed himself space to imagine this kiss. But he’s sure he never would have been able to capture it anyway. So easy. So nice.

It was the kind of kiss where if Dean would ever have had butterflies, he’s sure they would have been hammering away in his stomach at that moment.

Guess it’s official, then. I’m aromantic .

Dean could feel Cas smile as he kissed him.

I’m fine with that .

[blueares]

Ruination Rewrite: Bilgewater

Bilgewater Part I

The next day, you step into the map room to find that all the Sentinels have already gathered… All but one.

“Where’s Jayce?”

“Aren’t we missing somebody?”

Jayce: “Sorry for the wait, everyone. It took longer than I thought, but the Mercury Hammer MK II is ready to go.”

Gwen: “My goodness! That’s quite the contraption you’ve made, Mr. Hammer.”

Lucian: “Hot damn, you really pulled it off? Hextech plus Relicstone… Think you could upgrade one of my guns, son?”

Jayce: “If I had a proper lap here, maybe. That said, the MK II is still in its experimental phases. I’ll need to test it out in the field to get more conclusive data.”

“Uh, that thing won’t explode, right?”

“So you don’t even know if it works?”

Jayce: “I wouldn’t expect you to understand. I just need some targets to test this baby out on.”

Senna: “Then I guess you’re in luck. If there are no objections, our next stop is Buhru in the Blue Flame Isles. We were in contact with the Sentinel outpost there when it fell, but with any luck, Fetu and his allies may have survived.”

“No objections here, ma’am!”

“Destination set! Next stop: the Blue Flame Isles!”

In a flash, the Wayfinder brings you to Buhru, where you quickly find that the Sentinel Outpost stands in ruins. You look around briefly, hoping for some sign of Fetu, but to no avail.

Riven: “Doesn’t look like anyone’s here.”

Lucian: “Plenty of Mist, though. The fetter’s bound to be around here, somewhere.”

You peer out across the ocean toward the neighboring isles, hoping for some clue as to what direction the Black Mist is heading. As you search, you hear stones skidding behind you, as well as the cocking of a gun.

???: “Nobody move!”

You wheel around to see a scruffy-looking man with a sizable, double-barreled cannon staring you down.

???: “Well well, looks like I finally caught the perpetrators in the act.”

“Perpetrators? Whatever you think we’ve done, we’re innocent!”

“Uh, I think there’s been some kind of misunderstanding…”

Graves: “Uh huh. You really think it’s that ease to pull one over on Malcom Graves? Only one man I know who can make a whole group of people appear in an instant. So…”

Graves casually places a cigar in his mouth, his shotgun leveled at you the entire time.

Graves: “I’m gonna give you all one chance to fess up ‘fore I blow ya into the water. Where the hell is Twisted Fate!?”

Bilgewater Part II

“Twisted Fate? That’s a dumb name.”

“Twisted Fate? That’s an awesome name!”

Graves response 1: “That’s what I keep tellin’ him, but… Oh no, you’re not gonna distract me that easy.”

Graves response 2: “…Son, you got a lot to learn, not that you’ll have the chance if ya don’t fess up!”

Diana: “We know no one by that name. It was the Wayfinder’s light that brought us here.”

Graves: “The what now? Now you’re just makin’ up-”

Graves is cut short as the sound of wagon wheels suddenly fills the air, accompanied by the sound of inhuman growling.

Olaf: “Wait! Something approaches!”

Graves: “Ah hell, he’s back!”

Suddenly, a shadow passes over you and the other Sentinels. You gaze up to witness something that defies belief: an undead warrior riding through the air on a chariot pulled by a trio of spectral sharks.

Lucian: “…You have got to be kidding me.”

Jayce: “Heads up! That thing’s coming right for us!”

Sure enough, the charioteer turns around and makes a divebomb right for your group. At Senna’s command, the Sentinels open fire, causing the spectral sharks to turn and slam into the ruins. The charioteer soon loses control and finds himself being dragged back out to sea, vanishing into the Black Mist.

Graves: “Well I’ll be… That bastard’s been followin’ me for days, but he didn’t so much as flinch when I shot at him! You all, though… You actually managed to scare him off!”

“We’re Sentinels. It’s what we do.”

“Our guns are better than yours.”

Shen: “We haven’t the time to boast. We must find the fetter as soon as possible.”

Graves: “Now hold on a damn minute! You lot still haven’t told me where my partner is!”

Vayne: “Don’t know, don’t care. You’re outnumbered and outgunned, so I’d suggest you get out of the way before we BLOW you into ocean.”

Gwen: “I’m terribly sorry, Mr. Scruffy. I do wish we could help you find your friend, but we… Oh!”

As Gwen approaches Graves, a familiar light emanates from her chest. That same begins to shine from an item on Graves’ belt. Perplexed, Graves unhooks the item in question to reveal a silver handbell that resonates with Gwen and Senna.

Graves: “What in tarnation?”

“It’s the fetter!”

“He’s got it!”

Jayce: “Huh. That was surprisingly easy.”

The Sentinels quickly advance on Graves, who tries to keep you at bay by raising his shotgun.

Graves: “Now hold on a minute. I’ve still got a lot of questions for you all, and- What the!?”

A familiar shadow appears behind Graves and snatches the bell from his hand.

Vex: “I’ll just be taking that.”

Vex turns and begins running further inland, fetter in hand.

Graves: “Hey! Come back here you little rodent!”

Senna: “She’s got the fetter! Sentinels, after her!”

Bilgewater Part III

The Sentinels give chase through the thick vegetation of Buhru, pushing through the undead that try to hinder their path. Vex and her shadow remain a step ahead, getting further and further away despite your best efforts.

Graves: *Pant. Pant.* “Get back here with my meal ticket, ya little rascal!”

Vayne: “Why is he still here?”

Senna: “Nevermind him! Just don’t lose sight the fetter!”

Graves: “This is why I hate yordles!”

“Shen, can’t you do something?”

“Jayce, can’t you do something?”

Shen (if option 1 is picked): “Something in this land is barring my entry to the Spirit Realm! We will have to pursue on foot!”

Jayce (if option 2 is picked): “Sorry, I used up my last Acceleration Gate back in Viktor’s lab! Haven’t had a chance to make more!”

With no other options, you continue to follow Vex on foot. Finally, you see her racing up a flight of stone stairs toward before vanishing from sight. By the time you reach the top of the stairs, all that awaits you is an empty village.

Riven: “Where did she go!?”

Lucian: “Damn it… We lost her.”

Senna: “She can’t have gotten far! Spread out and search for her!”

On Senna’s command, you and the other Sentinels fan out across the village, searching through the remnants of homes for any trace of Vex and the fetter.

Graves: “Tch. No sign of the furball anywhere. It’s just like Tobias always says: don’t mess with yordles.”

“Tobias? You mean Twisted Fate?”

“Why are you following me?”

Graves response 1: “Yup. Tobias Felix. Better known, for better or worse, as Twisted Fate. But, uh, you didn’t hear his real name from me, got it?”

Graves response 2: “Well, given my prior experience with yordles, I’m thinkin’ you could use the backup.” (Better you get turned into a frog this time instead of me, kid.)

You and Graves continue to explore the village together, peeking into abandoned houses and under crumbling serpent statues. Your search yields no results, until…

*BOOM!*

A building further uphill suddenly explodes, starling you and Graves to your feet.

“What was that!?”

“Please tell me there aren’t exploding ghosts here.”

Graves: “No idea, but in my professional experience, runnin’ TOWARD explosions ain’t exactly conventionally wise. That said, conventional wisdom also don’t make much of a profit in Bilgewater. Come on!”

You follow Graves toward the source of the explosion to the burning building. You find Vex laying on the ground, pulling herself out of the fire.

Vex: *Cough* *Wheeze* “WHAT THE HECK!? Did you seriously just try to BLOW ME UP!?”

A figure leans down to snatch the fetter out of Vex’s hand, keeping a gun trained on her the entire time.

???: “I know it’ll take more than THAT to kill a yordle, but your little shadow friend won’t be disturbin’ us for a while, at least. Now then, what have we here…?”

Graves: “Oh hell. Are my eyes playin’ tricks on me? That can’t be…”

???: “Malcolm Graves. Well well, today is just full o’ surprises!”

Graves: “Damn. It IS you. You’re supposed to be dead! Ah, but hell… This is the Mist’s doin’ too, ain’t it? Missy fortune blew you and your ship to the bottom of the ocean!”

???: “Oh I remember, but much like the yordle here, it’ll take more than a few dozen barrels of gunpowder to kill ME.”

“Uh, sorry to interrupt, but I’m gonna need that bell, if you don’t mind.”

“Wow, that was pretty impressive, taking down Vex like that. Now, about the fetter…”

???: “Hmph. What’s this, Graves? Got yourself a new partner? Good. I can send him to the bottom of the sees with ya!”

Graves: “Kid, remember what I said earlier about conventional wisdom? Well, this here’s just plain common sense: you don’t wanna pick a fight with Gangplank.”

Bilgewater Part IV

Gangplank stares you down as the flames burn behind him. Wraiths begin to emerge from the Mist all around you, drawn by the commotion, but seem hesitant to approach. Behind you, the Sentinels race onto the scene, weapons ready.

Lucian: “Rookie, what’s goin’ on?”

“This old pirate took the fetter!”

“This old pirate managed to take down Vex!”

Diana: “Seriously? Maybe we should invite HIM to join us.”

Gangplank: “I’m not interested in joinin’ YOUR crew, girl. I’m getting back my own, and this bell here… This bell’s the key to doing just that.”

Shen: “You know not what you hold. Surrender the fetter, or there will be consequences.”

Olaf: “Don’t just stand around and threaten him! Let’s grab it!”

Vayne: “For once, I agree with this idiot.”

The Sentinels quickly begin to advance on Gangplank, only to find themselves unable to take a single step toward him. Looking down, you see a massive shadow spanning the ground beneath your feet. Vex quickly stands and brushes herself off.

Vex: “Wow. They actually fell for it. You Sentinels are bigger losers than I thought.”

Gangplank: “It’s like I said, Vex: to catch a fish, you just need the right bait.”

“You two are working together?”

“What’s going on here?”

Vex: “Isn’t it obvious? Ugh, whatever. I’m not obligated to explain myself.”

The wraiths begin to close in on you, though your movements are still sluggish thanks to Vex’s shadow. You and the other Sentinels struggle to free yourselves, though you quickly realize that you are completely at Vex’s mercy. Even so, as you look around amongst your allies, you get the sense that someone is missing…

Gangplank: “Don’t get the wrong idea: this is nothing personal. I just need you Sentinels out of the way if I’m to reclaim what’s rightfully mine.”

The wraiths latch onto, their claws digging into your flesh. You can feel them sapping your life force, but just as your vision starts to blur, something lands between Gangplank and Vex: a metal cannister. Suddenly, another explosion knocks the two of them off their feet, causing the shadow beneath you to dissipate.

Graves: “Common sense ain’t exactly my forte either!”

Now unfettered by Vex’s magic, the Sentinels are free to draw their weapons and retaliate against the onslaught of undead. You feel a sudden revitalizing energy course through your body as Senna drives the wraiths off of you.

Senna: “You alright, Rookie?”

“I’m fine! Thanks!”

“Don’t worry about me! Get the fetter!”

You turn to see Gangplank and Vex quickly scrambling to their feet.

Vex: “Ugh! This is so not cool! You were all supposed to like, fall into despair while getting turned into wraiths!”

Gangplank: “This isn’t over yet! Vex, get me to Bilgewater, and you’ll see their despairing faces yet!”

Vex: “Ugh, you’re not the boss of me… Fine. Guess I don’t have much choice!”

Vex summons her shadow again and conjures a portal in the Mist, through which she and Gangplank beat a hasty retreat.

Jayce: “Damn! They’re getting away!”

Senna: “Not for long! After them, Sentinels!”

On Senna’s orders, you all give chase through the shadowy gateway, diving in one after the order. Finally, you dive in last, finding yourself utterly drenches in darkness as the portal closes behind you…  

Bilgewater Part V

You stumble out of the darkness to find yourself assaulted by the most putrid smell you’ve ever experienced. All around you are the remnants of decaying sea creatures, most of which are several times larger than a person.

Gwen: “My word! What is this awful place!?”

Graves: “I’d recognize this homely smell anywhere! This is the Slaughter Docks!”

Vayne: “You’re still here?”

Graves: “Can’t get rid of Malcolm Graves that easy! ‘Sides, divin’ through an ominous portal beats fightin’ a whole pack of undyin’ ghosts on my own… Not that I was really takin’ all that into account at the time.”

“Where’s Gangplank?”

“Where’s Vex?”

Diana: “That cannot have gone far… Look! There they are!”

Diana points to far end of the dock. Sure enough, you see Gangplank and Vex talking at the far end, as well as a third figure…

Viego: “Well done, Captain… And you as well, Vex.”

Riven: “Uh oh.”

Lucian: “Viego!”

Jayce: “THAT’S the Ruined King? Huh. I thought he’d be bigger.”

Olaf: “Aye, but don’t be fooled! He’s a worthy foe, indeed…”

Viego: “Ah, the Sentinels. I see you have survived. No matter. You are far too late to stop me now.”

Senna: “We’ll see about that! Everyone, in formation! This is what we trained for!”

Vex: “Ugh, seriously? Do you guys ever stop? Your whole ‘never say die’ thing is really getting on my nerves.”

Viego: “Unfortunately, I haven’t the time to waste on entertaining you all now, as I did in Ionia. I have simply come to retrieve what is mine and take my leave.”

Viego takes the bell out of Gangplank’s hand and clutches it tight. As he did in Demacia, the Ruined King appears to absorb the power within the fetter, leaving it hollow.

Senna: “Open fire!”

Senna, Lucian, Jayce and Vayne all let loose a volley of Relic light that briefly illuminates the docks. Shortly thereafter, Gwen charges into the fray with Olaf and Riven, surrounding them in Hallowed Mist to keep the wraiths at bay. Shen takes hold if Diana and vanishes into the spirit realm. Moments later, the two of them reappear behind Viego and lash out with their blades while Riven, Gwen and Olaf attempt to catch him in a pincer attack.

Viego raises his blade to deflect the blow Shen and Diana, while Vex summons her shadow to keep the other three at bay.

Viego: “I see you have improved since our last encounter, but it is still not enough!”

With a snap of his fingers, Viego wills the Black Mist into the dead sea beasts littered across the Slaughter Docks. Giants squids, razor fins, and all manner of other creatures roar to unlife as they pry themselves free of their hooks. Soon, the Sentinels find themselves cut off from Viego by the reborn creatures of the deep.

Viego: “Do you see? My influence knows no bounds.”

Gangplank: “Aye, you’re the real deal, alright. And speakin’ of deals, I kept up my end of the bargain: I help you reclaim your queen, you help me take back my throne!”

Viego: “Hmph. Very well. I am a generous king, and I always keep my word.”

To your horror, Viego plunges his sword through Gangplank’s chest. Black Mist courses around the old pirate, transforming him in the blink of an eye.

Lucian: “Damn it! What’s that old fool doing?”

Gangplank: “I’m reclaiming… WHAT’S MINE!”

Gangplank raises his sword, which ignites with spectral green flame.

Gangplank: “My ship, my crew, my city! Everything Sarah Fortune took from me!”

Suddenly, a massive ship erupts from the ocean behind Gangplank. Its sails are tattered, its hull covered in holes and barnacles, and its crew consisting entirely of spectres.

Graves: “Ah, hell! That’s the Dead Pool! I barely got off that ship alive!”

Gangplank: “Oh yes Graves, I remember. This time, I’ll finish what I started. Volley fire!”

The Dead Pool’s cannons angle upwards and rain down a volley of spectral iron across the Slaughter Docks. At Senna’s command, you and the other Sentinels run for cover within a nearby alcove, while Viego and Vex calmly slip away among the chaos.

Riven: “We’ve got to get out of here!”

Senna: “Damn it, I know! Rookie, get us out of here!”

At Senna’s command, you wind of the Wayfinder and allow its light to carry you all out of danger. The cries of undead sea monsters and the sound of cannonfire fall silent as you stumble back into headquarters.

“That was too close.”

“Is everyone alright?”

Gwen response 1: “Quite right. Although… It seems we have another unexpected guest!”

Gwen response 2: “Everyone seems present and accounted for… Including Mr. Scruffy!”

Graves: *Whistles* “So that’s the Wayfinder doohickey you mentioned? Bet somethin’ like that would go for a lot of money on black market.”

A bolt of light suddenly whizzes past Graves’ head, trimming off a few hairs.

Graves: “YOW!”

Vayne: “Why. Are you. Still here?”

Senna: “Rookie, you’ve gotta start checking your surroundings before you use that Wayfinder.”

“My bad.”

“In my defense, it was a pretty chaotic situation.”

Lucian: “Now hang on. Maybe this ain’t as bad as it looks.”

Senna: “Lucian, please tell me you’re not about suggest what I think you are.”

Lucian: “He DID save our hides back in Buhru.”

Senna: “He’s also an outlaw and a thief. He stole the fetter AND just admitted to wanting to steal the Wayfinder.”

Lucian: “Look, we’ve dealt with worse, and we can’t be too picky when we’re trying to save the world.”

Graves: “Now just hold on a minute. Save the world? Listen, buddy, I ain’t no hero-type. I only came along to keep from getting blow apart by Gangplank or eaten alive by ghost fish. I ain’t plannin’ to stick around.”

“What if we could help you find your missing partner?”

“What if we could help you hide from Gangplank?”

Graves: “…Although, upon reconsiderin’, I hear the hero business is very profitable these days.”

Vayne: “Rookie, for once, could it have hurt to keep your mouth shut?”

Olaf: “Hmph. I like this man. He reminds me of Lokfar!”

Senna: *Sigh* “Alright, fine. Gwen, you know what to do. Just… Keep an eye on him.”

Gwen: “Yes, ma’am!”

Gwen leads Graves further into the Sentinel vault, though Vayne accompanies them to assist in keeping Graves out of trouble. After several minutes, the three finally re-emerged with Vayne pointing her crossbow at Graves’ back.

Vayne: “I caught him eyeing the fetter. Are you sure we can’t just shoot him?”

Graves: “Hey now, I was only lookin’! Out of curiosity, though, how much would ya say that fancy parasol is worth?”

Senna: “I know I’m gonna regret this, but… Come on, Sentinel Graves. Let’s get you sworn in.”

[infinite-xerath]

Runeterra Retcons: Ruination Episode (Bilgewater)

Bilgewater Part I

The next day, you step into the map room to find that all the Sentinels have already gathered… All but one.

“Where’s Jayce?”

“Aren’t we missing somebody?”

Jayce: “Sorry for the wait, everyone. It took longer than I thought, but the Mercury Hammer MK II is ready to go.”

Gwen: “My goodness! That’s quite the contraption you’ve made, Mr. Hammer.”

Lucian: “Hot damn, you really pulled it off? Hextech plus Relicstone… Think you could upgrade one of my guns, son?”

Jayce: “If I had a proper lap here, maybe. That said, the MK II is still in its experimental phases. I’ll need to test it out in the field to get more conclusive data.”

“Uh, that thing won’t explode, right?”

“So you don’t even know if it works?”

Jayce: “I wouldn’t expect you to understand. I just need some targets to test this baby out on.”

Senna: “Then I guess you’re in luck. If there are no objections, our next stop is Buhru in the Blue Flame Isles. We were in contact with the Sentinel outpost there when it fell, but with any luck, Fetu and his allies may have survived.”

“No objections here, ma’am!”

“Destination set! Next stop: the Blue Flame Isles!”

In a flash, the Wayfinder brings you to Buhru, where you quickly find that the Sentinel Outpost stands in ruins. You look around briefly, hoping for some sign of Fetu, but to no avail.

Riven: “Doesn’t look like anyone’s here.”

Lucian: “Plenty of Mist, though. The fetter’s bound to be around here, somewhere.”

You peer out across the ocean toward the neighboring isles, hoping for some clue as to what direction the Black Mist is heading. As you search, you hear stones skidding behind you, as well as the cocking of a gun.

???: “Nobody move!”

You wheel around to see a scruffy-looking man with a sizable, double-barreled cannon staring you down.

???: “Well well, looks like I finally caught the perpetrators in the act.”

“Perpetrators? Whatever you think we’ve done, we’re innocent!”

“Uh, I think there’s been some kind of misunderstanding…”

Graves: “Uh huh. You really think it’s that ease to pull one over on Malcom Graves? Only one man I know who can make a whole group of people appear in an instant. So…”

Graves casually places a cigar in his mouth, his shotgun leveled at you the entire time.

Graves: “I’m gonna give you all one chance to fess up ‘fore I blow ya into the water. Where the hell is Twisted Fate!?”

Bilgewater Part II

“Twisted Fate? That’s a dumb name.”

“Twisted Fate? That’s an awesome name!”

Graves response 1: “That’s what I keep tellin’ him, but… Oh no, you’re not gonna distract me that easy.”

Graves response 2: “…Son, you got a lot to learn, not that you’ll have the chance if ya don’t fess up!”

Diana: “We know no one by that name. It was the Wayfinder’s light that brought us here.”

Graves: “The what now? Now you’re just makin’ up-”

Graves is cut short as the sound of wagon wheels suddenly fills the air, accompanied by the sound of inhuman growling.

Olaf: “Wait! Something approaches!”

Graves: “Ah hell, he’s back!”

Suddenly, a shadow passes over you and the other Sentinels. You gaze up to witness something that defies belief: an undead warrior riding through the air on a chariot pulled by a trio of spectral sharks.

Lucian: “…You have got to be kidding me.”

Jayce: “Heads up! That thing’s coming right for us!”

Sure enough, the charioteer turns around and makes a divebomb right for your group. At Senna’s command, the Sentinels open fire, causing the spectral sharks to turn and slam into the ruins. The charioteer soon loses control and finds himself being dragged back out to sea, vanishing into the Black Mist.

Graves: “Well I’ll be… That bastard’s been followin’ me for days, but he didn’t so much as flinch when I shot at him! You all, though… You actually managed to scare him off!”

“We’re Sentinels. It’s what we do.”

“Our guns are better than yours.”

Shen: “We haven’t the time to boast. We must find the fetter as soon as possible.”

Graves: “Now hold on a damn minute! You lot still haven’t told me where my partner is!”

Vayne: “Don’t know, don’t care. You’re outnumbered and outgunned, so I’d suggest you get out of the way before we BLOW you into ocean.”

Gwen: “I’m terribly sorry, Mr. Scruffy. I do wish we could help you find your friend, but we… Oh!”

As Gwen approaches Graves, a familiar light emanates from her chest. That same begins to shine from an item on Graves’ belt. Perplexed, Graves unhooks the item in question to reveal a silver handbell that resonates with Gwen and Senna.

Graves: “What in tarnation?”

“It’s the fetter!”

“He’s got it!”

Jayce: “Huh. That was surprisingly easy.”

The Sentinels quickly advance on Graves, who tries to keep you at bay by raising his shotgun.

Graves: “Now hold on a minute. I’ve still got a lot of questions for you all, and- What the!?”

A familiar shadow appears behind Graves and snatches the bell from his hand.

Vex: “I’ll just be taking that.”

Vex turns and begins running further inland, fetter in hand.

Graves: “Hey! Come back here you little rodent!”

Senna: “She’s got the fetter! Sentinels, after her!”

Bilgewater Part III

The Sentinels give chase through the thick vegetation of Buhru, pushing through the undead that try to hinder their path. Vex and her shadow remain a step ahead, getting further and further away despite your best efforts.

Graves: *Pant. Pant.* “Get back here with my meal ticket, ya little rascal!”

Vayne: “Why is he still here?”

Senna: “Nevermind him! Just don’t lose sight the fetter!”

Graves: “This is why I hate yordles!”

“Shen, can’t you do something?”

“Jayce, can’t you do something?”

Shen (if option 1 is picked): “Something in this land is barring my entry to the Spirit Realm! We will have to pursue on foot!”

Jayce (if option 2 is picked): “Sorry, I used up my last Acceleration Gate back in Viktor’s lab! Haven’t had a chance to make more!”

With no other options, you continue to follow Vex on foot. Finally, you see her racing up a flight of stone stairs toward before vanishing from sight. By the time you reach the top of the stairs, all that awaits you is an empty village.

Riven: “Where did she go!?”

Lucian: “Damn it… We lost her.”

Senna: “She can’t have gotten far! Spread out and search for her!”

On Senna’s command, you and the other Sentinels fan out across the village, searching through the remnants of homes for any trace of Vex and the fetter.

Graves: “Tch. No sign of the furball anywhere. It’s just like Tobias always says: don’t mess with yordles.”

“Tobias? You mean Twisted Fate?”

“Why are you following me?”

Graves response 1: “Yup. Tobias Felix. Better known, for better or worse, as Twisted Fate. But, uh, you didn’t hear his real name from me, got it?”

Graves response 2: “Well, given my prior experience with yordles, I’m thinkin’ you could use the backup.” (Better you get turned into a frog this time instead of me, kid.)

You and Graves continue to explore the village together, peeking into abandoned houses and under crumbling serpent statues. Your search yields no results, until…

*BOOM!*

A building further uphill suddenly explodes, starling you and Graves to your feet.

“What was that!?”

“Please tell me there aren’t exploding ghosts here.”

Graves: “No idea, but in my professional experience, runnin’ TOWARD explosions ain’t exactly conventionally wise. That said, conventional wisdom also don’t make much of a profit in Bilgewater. Come on!”

You follow Graves toward the source of the explosion to the burning building. You find Vex laying on the ground, pulling herself out of the fire.

Vex: *Cough* *Wheeze* “WHAT THE HECK!? Did you seriously just try to BLOW ME UP!?”

A figure leans down to snatch the fetter out of Vex’s hand, keeping a gun trained on her the entire time.

???: “I know it’ll take more than THAT to kill a yordle, but your little shadow friend won’t be disturbin’ us for a while, at least. Now then, what have we here…?”

Graves: “Oh hell. Are my eyes playin’ tricks on me? That can’t be…”

???: “Malcolm Graves. Well well, today is just full o’ surprises!”

Graves: “Damn. It IS you. You’re supposed to be dead! Ah, but hell… This is the Mist’s doin’ too, ain’t it? Missy fortune blew you and your ship to the bottom of the ocean!”

???: “Oh I remember, but much like the yordle here, it’ll take more than a few dozen barrels of gunpowder to kill ME.”

“Uh, sorry to interrupt, but I’m gonna need that bell, if you don’t mind.”

“Wow, that was pretty impressive, taking down Vex like that. Now, about the fetter…”

???: “Hmph. What’s this, Graves? Got yourself a new partner? Good. I can send him to the bottom of the sees with ya!”

Graves: “Kid, remember what I said earlier about conventional wisdom? Well, this here’s just plain common sense: you don’t wanna pick a fight with Gangplank.”

Bilgewater Part IV

Gangplank stares you down as the flames burn behind him. Wraiths begin to emerge from the Mist all around you, drawn by the commotion, but seem hesitant to approach. Behind you, the Sentinels race onto the scene, weapons ready.

Lucian: “Rookie, what’s goin’ on?”

“This old pirate took the fetter!”

“This old pirate managed to take down Vex!”

Diana: “Seriously? Maybe we should invite HIM to join us.”

Gangplank: “I’m not interested in joinin’ YOUR crew, girl. I’m getting back my own, and this bell here… This bell’s the key to doing just that.”

Shen: “You know not what you hold. Surrender the fetter, or there will be consequences.”

Olaf: “Don’t just stand around and threaten him! Let’s grab it!”

Vayne: “For once, I agree with this idiot.”

The Sentinels quickly begin to advance on Gangplank, only to find themselves unable to take a single step toward him. Looking down, you see a massive shadow spanning the ground beneath your feet. Vex quickly stands and brushes herself off.

Vex: “Wow. They actually fell for it. You Sentinels are bigger losers than I thought.”

Gangplank: “It’s like I said, Vex: to catch a fish, you just need the right bait.”

“You two are working together?”

“What’s going on here?”

Vex: “Isn’t it obvious? Ugh, whatever. I’m not obligated to explain myself.”

The wraiths begin to close in on you, though your movements are still sluggish thanks to Vex’s shadow. You and the other Sentinels struggle to free yourselves, though you quickly realize that you are completely at Vex’s mercy. Even so, as you look around amongst your allies, you get the sense that someone is missing…

Gangplank: “Don’t get the wrong idea: this is nothing personal. I just need you Sentinels out of the way if I’m to reclaim what’s rightfully mine.”

The wraiths latch onto, their claws digging into your flesh. You can feel them sapping your life force, but just as your vision starts to blur, something lands between Gangplank and Vex: a metal cannister. Suddenly, another explosion knocks the two of them off their feet, causing the shadow beneath you to dissipate.

Graves: “Common sense ain’t exactly my forte either!”

Now unfettered by Vex’s magic, the Sentinels are free to draw their weapons and retaliate against the onslaught of undead. You feel a sudden revitalizing energy course through your body as Senna drives the wraiths off of you.

Senna: “You alright, Rookie?”

“I’m fine! Thanks!”

“Don’t worry about me! Get the fetter!”

You turn to see Gangplank and Vex quickly scrambling to their feet.

Vex: “Ugh! This is so not cool! You were all supposed to like, fall into despair while getting turned into wraiths!”

Gangplank: “This isn’t over yet! Vex, get me to Bilgewater, and you’ll see their despairing faces yet!”

Vex: “Ugh, you’re not the boss of me… Fine. Guess I don’t have much choice!”

Vex summons her shadow again and conjures a portal in the Mist, through which she and Gangplank beat a hasty retreat.

Jayce: “Damn! They’re getting away!”

Senna: “Not for long! After them, Sentinels!”

On Senna’s orders, you all give chase through the shadowy gateway, diving in one after the order. Finally, you dive in last, finding yourself utterly drenches in darkness as the portal closes behind you…  

Bilgewater Part V

You stumble out of the darkness to find yourself assaulted by the most putrid smell you’ve ever experienced. All around you are the remnants of decaying sea creatures, most of which are several times larger than a person.

Gwen: “My word! What is this awful place!?”

Graves: “I’d recognize this homely smell anywhere! This is the Slaughter Docks!”

Vayne: “You’re still here?”

Graves: “Can’t get rid of Malcolm Graves that easy! ‘Sides, divin’ through an ominous portal beats fightin’ a whole pack of undyin’ ghosts on my own… Not that I was really takin’ all that into account at the time.”

“Where’s Gangplank?”

“Where’s Vex?”

Diana: “That cannot have gone far… Look! There they are!”

Diana points to far end of the dock. Sure enough, you see Gangplank and Vex talking at the far end, as well as a third figure…

Viego: “Well done, Captain… And you as well, Vex.”

Riven: “Uh oh.”

Lucian: “Viego!”

Jayce: “THAT’S the Ruined King? Huh. I thought he’d be bigger.”

Olaf: “Aye, but don’t be fooled! He’s a worthy foe, indeed…”

Viego: “Ah, the Sentinels. I see you have survived. No matter. You are far too late to stop me now.”

Senna: “We’ll see about that! Everyone, in formation! This is what we trained for!”

Vex: “Ugh, seriously? Do you guys ever stop? Your whole ‘never say die’ thing is really getting on my nerves.”

Viego: “Unfortunately, I haven’t the time to waste on entertaining you all now, as I did in Ionia. I have simply come to retrieve what is mine and take my leave.”

Viego takes the bell out of Gangplank’s hand and clutches it tight. As he did in Demacia, the Ruined King appears to absorb the power within the fetter, leaving it hollow.

Senna: “Open fire!”

Senna, Lucian, Jayce and Vayne all let loose a volley of Relic light that briefly illuminates the docks. Shortly thereafter, Gwen charges into the fray with Olaf and Riven, surrounding them in Hallowed Mist to keep the wraiths at bay. Shen takes hold if Diana and vanishes into the spirit realm. Moments later, the two of them reappear behind Viego and lash out with their blades while Riven, Gwen and Olaf attempt to catch him in a pincer attack.

Viego raises his blade to deflect the blow Shen and Diana, while Vex summons her shadow to keep the other three at bay.

Viego: “I see you have improved since our last encounter, but it is still not enough!”

With a snap of his fingers, Viego wills the Black Mist into the dead sea beasts littered across the Slaughter Docks. Giants squids, razor fins, and all manner of other creatures roar to unlife as they pry themselves free of their hooks. Soon, the Sentinels find themselves cut off from Viego by the reborn creatures of the deep.

Viego: “Do you see? My influence knows no bounds.”

Gangplank: “Aye, you’re the real deal, alright. And speakin’ of deals, I kept up my end of the bargain: I help you reclaim your queen, you help me take back my throne!”

Viego: “Hmph. Very well. I am a generous king, and I always keep my word.”

To your horror, Viego plunges his sword through Gangplank’s chest. Black Mist courses around the old pirate, transforming him in the blink of an eye.

Lucian: “Damn it! What’s that old fool doing?”

Gangplank: “I’m reclaiming… WHAT’S MINE!”

Gangplank raises his sword, which ignites with spectral green flame.

Gangplank: “My ship, my crew, my city! Everything Sarah Fortune took from me!”

Suddenly, a massive ship erupts from the ocean behind Gangplank. Its sails are tattered, its hull covered in holes and barnacles, and its crew consisting entirely of spectres.

Graves: “Ah, hell! That’s the Dead Pool! I barely got off that ship alive!”

Gangplank: “Oh yes Graves, I remember. This time, I’ll finish what I started. Volley fire!”

The Dead Pool’s cannons angle upwards and rain down a volley of spectral iron across the Slaughter Docks. At Senna’s command, you and the other Sentinels run for cover within a nearby alcove, while Viego and Vex calmly slip away among the chaos.

Riven: “We’ve got to get out of here!”

Senna: “Damn it, I know! Rookie, get us out of here!”

At Senna’s command, you wind of the Wayfinder and allow its light to carry you all out of danger. The cries of undead sea monsters and the sound of cannonfire fall silent as you stumble back into headquarters.

“That was too close.”

“Is everyone alright?”

Gwen response 1: “Quite right. Although… It seems we have another unexpected guest!”

Gwen response 2: “Everyone seems present and accounted for… Including Mr. Scruffy!”

Graves: *Whistles* “So that’s the Wayfinder doohickey you mentioned? Bet somethin’ like that would go for a lot of money on black market.”

A bolt of light suddenly whizzes past Graves’ head, trimming off a few hairs.

Graves: “YOW!”

Vayne: “Why. Are you. Still here?”

Senna: “Rookie, you’ve gotta start checking your surroundings before you use that Wayfinder.”

“My bad.”

“In my defense, it was a pretty chaotic situation.”

Lucian: “Now hang on. Maybe this ain’t as bad as it looks.”

Senna: “Lucian, please tell me you’re not about suggest what I think you are.”

Lucian: “He DID save our hides back in Buhru.”

Senna: “He’s also an outlaw and a thief. He stole the fetter AND just admitted to wanting to steal the Wayfinder.”

Lucian: “Look, we’ve dealt with worse, and we can’t be too picky when we’re trying to save the world.”

Graves: “Now just hold on a minute. Save the world? Listen, buddy, I ain’t no hero-type. I only came along to keep from getting blow apart by Gangplank or eaten alive by ghost fish. I ain’t plannin’ to stick around.”

“What if we could help you find your missing partner?”

“What if we could help you hide from Gangplank?”

Graves: “…Although, upon reconsiderin’, I hear the hero business is very profitable these days.”

Vayne: “Rookie, for once, could it have hurt to keep your mouth shut?”

Olaf: “Hmph. I like this man. He reminds me of Lokfar!”

Senna: *Sigh* “Alright, fine. Gwen, you know what to do. Just… Keep an eye on him.”

Gwen: “Yes, ma’am!”

Gwen leads Graves further into the Sentinel vault, though Vayne accompanies them to assist in keeping Graves out of trouble. After several minutes, the three finally re-emerged with Vayne pointing her crossbow at Graves’ back.

Vayne: “I caught him eyeing the fetter. Are you sure we can’t just shoot him?”

Graves: “Hey now, I was only lookin’! Out of curiosity, though, how much would ya say that fancy parasol is worth?”

Senna: “I know I’m gonna regret this, but… Come on, Sentinel Graves. Let’s get you sworn in.”

[stylesdimplefeelings]

Whipped…boyfriend!!!

“Boo!”

Y/N isn’t expecting for Harry to be surprised much, at least not for sneaking up on him.

“Y/N, love! I’ve missed ye’ so much, kitten!”

He tucks his phone into his back pocket before wrapping his arms around her waist and picking her up, a grin so wide and a feeling so comforting that nothing in the world could ruin the moment.

“Missed you loads, too, H!” She whispers into his hair, the feeling of his breath on her neck soothing her instantly.

Harry pecks at her neck before setting her back down, his eyes scanning over her every feature. His heart melts at the way she looks up at him, and when he sees her stand on her tip toes, he leans down to press his lips to hers.

It’s a playful exchange of kisses, with Y/N’s hands gripping at the sides of his printed shirt, and Harry’s large hands cupping her face. Kisses with open eyes and big stupid smiles. Kisses that don’t last longer than three second before their lips separate only to press together again. And in between them, Harry whispers ‘missed ye’ too much’ and 'I love you’ in broken phrases.

Missed. Kiss. Ye’. Kiss. Too. Kiss. Much. Kiss.

He nudges his nose against hers lightly before pressing one last kiss to her forehead and wrapping an arm around her neck so it dangles over her shoulder as they begin to walk.

“Didn’t tell me ye’ were comin’ for a visit, love.”

Not that Harry minds, at all. He just would’ve liked to have been the first person she saw, not some random cabbie or whoever picked her up at the airport.

“Thought it’d be fun to pop by unannounced. Jeff pitched the idea after he overheard Mer talking to me over the phone. Said you could use a little company in that empty hotel room of yours.”

She bumps his hip with hers, giggling for a moment at the famous half smirk he gives her.

“Hm, well if tha’s why ye’ came here then I reckon we should get t’ tha’ empty hotel room, ehh?”

He’s stopped dead in his tracks, moving to stand in front of Y/N to look at her directly. And Harry can visibly see her tense up, the playful look she’d been sporting a few seconds ago gone.

“Y/N-” he begins, eyebrows furrowed into concern, only to be cut off.

“I’m sorry, H. I know it’s taking forever, but it’s just-” and she’s trying so hard not to disappoint him. She knows they’ve been dating far too long for intimacy not to be part of the relationship already, and it makes her mad that she can’t let herself love him in that way. Not because she doesn’t want to, she knows they’re meant to be together, she just doesn’t feel ready yet.

“No. No, kitten, you’ve got nothing t’ apologise for,” Harry’s hands rub at her upper arms soothingly, hoping to assure her that he’s okay with it, “m'not ever g'na rush this. I want ye’ t’ be sure when the time comes that you want it as much as I do.”

“But I know that it’s frustrating and-”

“-and m'g'na wait as long as I’ve got t’. M'not g'na love ye’ less b'cos of it. Jus’ wan’ ye’ t’ be sure, love.”

He gives her that smile. That toothy smile that can make all their problems fade into nothing. And so she smiles, too.

“Tha’s m'girl.”

***

“Well would ye’ look at this lovely picture.”

A 'wuh-PSSSH’ sound follows the comment, a voice too familiar not to notice.

“Still whipped, mate?”

Harry just smiles, unwrapping his arm from around Y/N to stand up and greet his friend in a proper hug.

“Oh, look at this,” Y/N can hear Harry coo before she’s even got the chance to slip out of the booth they’re currently sat at, “Freddie’s here!”

And to say he completely disregarded Louis at this point would be an understatement, he might as well be invisible now.

Harry stretches his arms out, and Louis complies at letting him hold his one year old.

“Nice t’ see ye’ too, Harry. I’ve been great, thanks mate.”

Harry pays the sarcasm no mind as he sets the baby on his hip, and instead smiles and coos at Freddie who looks up at him with happy eyes.

“Don’t worry, did the same to me earlier.” Y/N laughs at the thought of Harry having left her side with out a second thought to hold who she came to find out was an adorable little baby girl named Ruby.

Louis welcomes her into a hug, whispering a low 'outta have kids then’ in her ear.

And that warms her heart. To think that one day, she’ll be lucky enough to welcome a lovely little human that’ll be a mix of her and Harry, she honestly can’t wait. But now she feels even more guilty.

But Harry smiles at her adoringly, baby Freddie in his arms chuckling and trying to grab at Harry’s short but now longer hair.

“I see you two are still disgustingly sweet as usual,” Louis comments.

Just the way Harry looks at you, it’s unreal and anyone who knew you both would swear you were meant for each other, even before either of you realised it. And that’s exactly what your friends thought. Seeing Harry look at you the way he did at the many dinners and house parties everyone would gather for definitely added to those thoughts.

And you two have been practically inseparable ever since New York. You were glad Harry had gathered up the courage to find you that night, don’t know if you’d be in this position if he hadn’t. You were glad he was hell bent on not leaving that hotel room until things were cleared up because “really miss m'best friend. Tell me wha’ I did so I can fix it, kit'en.” And you were glad he’d said those three words that solidified the fact that he was there to make sure you were his, even though you had been all along.

“Will be. So long as this one will have me,” the press of Harry’s lips to Y/N’s has Louis grunting in pretend distaste.

“Better get going, don’ wanna interrupt Harry still being whipped.”

Harry hands Freddie over with a pout.

“Still no complaints though.”

***

To say everything is going perfect would be an understatement. Harry’s music is being praised and appreciated and Y/N can’t explain how happy it makes her that Harry’s happy. His performances are nothing short of amazing, and she loves seeing him gush over “they were singing along, babe! Just a great feelin’!”

She’s been flying back and forth along his side during all this. New York, London, Paris, and then back to New York. And Harry loves sharing this with her. He loves having her watching him from the side lines, singing along as she claps and gives him thumbs up and blows kisses at him for support. He loves getting off stage with so much adrenaline and kissing her so hard because Harry doesn’t take anything for granted, no. He’s thankful he’s getting to do what he loves and even more with his better half by his side.

“A'right. How do I look?” His jazz hands and that big smile plastered on his face are indication of just how hyped he is for this.

“I’ve never seen anyone pull off black better than you, H!”

And it’s true. Harry can pull off any colour. Blue, red, yellow, pink; you name it! But black. Black gives him a sexy sort of mysterious sophistication.

“Think so?” He looks himself over in the mirror, content at his choice.

Y/N looks at him through the mirror from where she’s sat on the couch of his dressing room, nodding a yes as she gets up to stand on the furniture.

“Please no stage diving today?” She’d be all for it, if it weren’t for the fact that he’s already tried it and it didn’t go as planned. She really doesn’t want him or any of the fans getting injured.

Harry only chuckles and nods in embarrassment as he strides over to stand in front of her, his head tilting up just a bit to look at her since she’s standing on the cushions.

“M'serious, Harry!” But she smiles anyway, arms lazily slung over his shoulders and around his neck. She brings a hand to tug at the hairs at the nape of it as Harry sets his at either side on her hips, thumbs rubbing at her hipbones.

It’s the last listening party before the album is released, and Harry’s pretty sure the second he mentions stage diving, Jeff will have him pulled off stage. Or carried because it is Jeff after all.

“I’ll try not to, kit'en.” Harry doesn’t know why it was a good idea to do it in the first place. But he had all that adrenaline and he was just so excited. Y/N of course had scolded him and slapped his arm after he got off stage because, “you could’ve broken something Harry!!” But he’d kissed the small amount of anger away.

“I’ll be watching from the sides?” Every time before a performance or an interview she says that, and every time she does Harry smiles just as big.

***

“Congrats, Ni!!!!!”

Finally, after a few months of all the boys doing their own thing, everyone’s finally got a chance to gather up at a small venue for Harry’s pre-launch party. Jeff had asked Y/N for help in terms of invitees, and it’d be outrageous not to have Liam, Niall, and Louis attend.

And so Niall is the last to arrive, and the moment he walks through the door, a very tipsy Y/N can’t contain her excitement at finally reuniting with another one of her friends.

“Oí, have enough drinks for the rest of us have ya?” Niall just about tumbles back with the sudden weight of her body as she throws herself at him, but he catches her in his arms and steadies her.

“You’re late mister,” she’s slurring just a bit, words somewhat coherent.

“Does 'arry know you’re drunk??”

He wraps an arm around her waist for support, in fear that she might be too over her head to even walk with out tripping and falling.

“Drunk? M'not drunk,” she pokes at his chest, and Niall only now notices the red cup in her hand threatening to spill over his shirt, “you’re just sober.”

He lets out a lively laugh. Drunk Y/N is something else, and he’s only ever seen her like this when Harry’s not really paying attention to her.

She hiccups and continues with a pout, “he’s over somewhere. With some girl,” she motions her hand around and nowhere in particular, again, the drink sploshing around in the red cup.

Harry hadn’t meant to leave her alone, he’d been pulled away from her side by someone he can’t even recall the name of, because that’s how out of it he is. So he’s been handed drink left and right, downing them with out retaliation because he doesn’t wanna seem like a downer. And although he really should go find his Y/N, he doesn’t think she’d mind if she’s having fun too.

But she’s not. At least not as much as she’d like. All she wants is for Harry to kiss her and hold her hand, because they’re both affectionate drunks, and it’s always a plus to annoy their friends in that way. But she hasn’t seen him in a while. Last she caught a glimpse was about an hour or so ago, when he was being led over to a group of people she doesn’t really recognise, and it made her notice how out of it she is. She doesn’t remember inviting half the people in the room, but the little attention Harry seems to be giving her has her drinking with out a purpose.

It reminds her of when they were only friends. In the same circumstance, she’d drink the night away in hopes of erasing the image of Harry smiling wide, eyes crinkled because some girl was whispering god knows what in his ear. He’d be hunched over just a bit to give the girl better access as she mumbled and giggled. And Harry would nod slightly before moving to whisper something back, face too close to her liking. But it, too, was always nothing, because shortly after she would have to turn away. Try to hide the fact that yes, she might have been staring at Harry for much longer than she’d ever admit to. And when he’d catch a glimpse of her doing just the same with a guy, giggling and whispering and smiling like crazy, he’d make his way over. Weaving his way around dancing bodies to get to her. And he’d smile that drink infused crooked smile of his before whispering something like “let’s get ye’ home, pet,” and leading her out of the place with his palm to her lower back.

So yeah, this sort of reminds her of old times. Only this time, they’re actually dating and he’s nowhere to be found.

***

Harry doesn’t remember getting home. He doesn’t remember taking off his clothes either.

In fact, the last thing he remembers is Y/N kissing at his neck and tugging at his pants.

And..oh no. If that’s how…if they were both drunk and-ah shit! Neither of them were suppose to be drunk when it finally happened. Harry wanted to make sure she would be okay with everything going on. He would have wanted to whisper how good she was taking him. Wanted to assure her that he was there with her, that all he wanted was to make her feel good. Harry just wanted to make love to her the right way.

And now he doesn’t even remember half the night.

So he brings his hand over his face, because not only does he not remember, he also doesn’t recognise the room he’s woken up in.

And then he looks beside him at the body under the white sheets.

He doesn’t recognise the person he’s woken up next to.

That’s not his Y/N.

Whipped...Boyfriend!!! Pt.2

[rkohsehun]

september evaluations - skill in focus: rap! without me by eminem

shady’s back. tell a friend. ‘cause it feels so empty without me!

the first thought he has is what am i doing here?

nervousness clouds his mind and makes him fidgety. all those workshop they had prepared for him for this very moment suddenly went out of the window - he couldn’t remember a thing. now he’s starting to wonder if it’s a smart move to pick out a song from one of the best rappers of his time. could he give it justice? probably not, and he’s probably going to be mobbed by slim shady’s fans (he knows he’d mob himself if he slips this up). but at this point, he just hopes he doesn’t bite his tongue off in the middle of his evaluations.

he runs the lyrics one more time in his head as he nervously waits for his name to be called. he finds out tapping his foot on the floor or his hand on his thigh helps him feel the rhythm. it’s probably a dancer thing, and having his body moving is helping him in general. he has the words memorized like the back of his hand, which was surprising considering how tongue twisting the song is. but it’s a challenge he feels himself wanting to take. speed rapping is a hurdle for him. he figures this is the best time to try and overcome it.

…sort of.

I’ve created a monster, ‘cause nobody wants to see Marshall no more they want Shady I’m chopped liver well if you want Shady, this is what I’ll give ya a little bit of weed mixed with some hard liquor some vodka that’ll jumpstart my heart quicker than a shock when I get shocked at the hospital by the doctor when I’m not cooperating when I’m rocking the table while he’s operating (hey!) you waited this long now stop debating ‘cause I’m back, I’m on the rag and ovulating I know that you got a job Ms. Cheney but your husband’s heart problem’s complicating So the FCC won’t let me be or let me be me so let me see they tried to shut me down on MTV but it feels so empty without me So come on dip, bum on your lips fuck that, cum on your lips and some on your tits and get ready ‘cause this shit’s about to get heavy I just settled all my lawsuits FUCK YOU, DEBBIE!

it’s an old one, but the song is probably one of the most iconic song of eminem. it’s a fun song; it practically demands you to jam to it and pulls you to try and sing along even when you stopped making sense by the third line. he had memorized the lyrics before he tried to rap it off with the music, and he remembered himself losing his timing or forgetting which line is next because he forgot a word probably five times. let’s not even talk about how many times his lisp had slipped out a couple of times, too (so many letter “s”!). he lost count on how many times he had laughed at himself when he does little mistakes like that while practising. but when he finally finds the right rhythm and was able to do the song once without messing up along the way, he jumped probably five feet off the ground in celebration.

sehun tries to remember that feeling as he waits for his cue, but he’s already dancing to the beat at the first drop of the bass, finding his rhythm almost like a second instinct. the words are honestly a blurred mess inside his head, unable to make sense of anything so he’s a little surprised to hear himself rap the right lyrics out, like he’s never done anything else before. but sehun knows better than be too comfortable. it’s a long verse and anything happen so he makes sure to be extra careful. he doesn’t exactly know how he’s able to do it, but he’s able to pull his senses together enough to keep his performance in check. the words flow out smoother than expected, and he figures that’s a good sign. he almost sighed out loud in relief when the verse ends.

he doesn’t even want to think over how many times he had cursed in this song. he’ll mull over that later.

Now this looks like a job for me so everybody just follow me ‘Cause we need a little controversy, ‘Cause it feels so empty without me

the chorus is short, but it’s definitely his favourite part of the song. he grew up hearing eminem songs, and he remembered this as the only part he was able to sing along to when he was a kid because he honestly couldn’t understand a word from the rest of the song. soon enough, his arm is moving on its own, waving up and down as if he’s trying to get the panel to dance and sing along with him too.

this is probably the most fun he’s had doing a solo rap performance. he’s usually a ball of nerves, the shaking of his hands seemingly getting worse the more he stood in front. but now there’s nothing but the beat of the song ringing in his ears. he’s enjoying so much that he’s actually smiling, nervousness forgotten.

Little hellions kids feeling rebellious embarrassed, their parents still listen to Elvis they start feeling like prisoners, helpless, ‘til someone comes along on a mission and yells “bitch” A visionary, vision is scary, could start a revolution, polluting the air waves a rebel so just let me revel and bask, in the fact that I got everyone kissing my ass and it’s a disaster such a catastrophe for you to see so damn much of my ass you ask for me? Well I’m back [batman sound] fix your bent antennae tune it in and then I’m gonna enter in and up under your skin like a splinter The center of attention back for the winter I’m interesting, the best thing since wrestling Infesting in your kids ears and nesting Testing “Attention Please” feel the tension soon as someone mentions me here’s my 10 cents my 2 cents is free A nuisance, who sent, you sent for me?

sehun moves around the small area, his hands doing this little gestures that helps him find the right rhythm as word after word spill out of his mouth. the beat has obviously gotten a hold of his body, his hand tapping against his leg to the beat, and if it weren’t for the fact that he needs his brain’s undivided attention to keep his lyrics in proper order, he would have ended up dancing. so instead he settled with head bobbing and walking around with an obvious skip in his every step (anyting to keep his body moving).

eminem’s songs are known for its explicit lyrics, and if his friends (or his parents) could hear him now they’d probably be floored at how the words crawl out of his mouth in the speed of light, his lisp could barely be noticed at all. and it’s probably just him, but this part felt a lot more complicated than the first verse. the lines are longer, and the rhymes a lot more obvious. sehun had been worried (and had been so sure) he’d mix up the words somewhere in the middle of this verse. he had even mentally prepared himself on what to do or how to react when it does happen. but so far, he miraculously survives this part, too. he moves his head around as he does his best batman’s sound.

Now this looks like a job for me so everybody just follow me ‘Cause we need a little controversy, ‘Cause it feels so empty without me

sehun had been honestly worried from the beginning of boot camp. he’s the kind of person to be a little lifeless when forced to face something he doesn’t like. it’s not like he hates rapping, though, it’s more like a hurdle that feels a whole lot taller than him - specially that of speed and freestyle rapping. being a person who’s relatively low on creativity, the wit and fast paced thinking process rapping mostly requires of him usually intimidates him, and so he does his best to stay away from it as much as he can. he’d rather dance or sing, unless of course the situation calls for it… like right now.

but the chorus approaches for the second time and instead of feeling the constant worry secretly eating him alive, he’s smiling. he’s enjoying the performance more than he initially thought he would - something he never would have believed to be possible before. he’s doing eminem’s song, one of the most renowned speed rappers out there and he’s rocking it in front of the instructors, not an ounce of nervousness to be seen. he’s sweating though, probably from the exertion (or because of how many times he had cursed in under two minutes) or the lack of air - the song barely gives you enough tome to breathe in preparation for the next line - but the grin on his face stays even after the music fades, his loud breathing and the squeaking of his sneakers on the floor are the only things to be heard.

he did it. he actually did it.

[haiky-u-lously]

LadyNoir July- Kinda (part 2)

This is a continuation to Pool Party(ish). Hope you all enjoy it! I was going to wait to post this until my drawing was done (its of one of the selfies) but that part is taking a bit longer than I planned.

( @seasonofthegeek here is your second chapter (: .)

(Also, I have no idea how to link things...so even though they are connected I can’t put Chapter 1 and 2 together...)

Update: I finished the picture!!

Chapter 2-Selfies

---Marinette’s PV---

“Hey Chat,” I started as we walked to the next ride. “Could you tell me the time?”

He looked down at me with an expression mixed between worry and guilt, “Of course M’Lady. Do you have someone else you are meeting?”

“Uhm…” I contemplated how much I should share. I didn’t want to make him feel bad just because I wanted to go back to being my civilian-self. “Not really someone else, but I do have to be somewhere else. As, well, me. Not as Ladybug.” I finally laughed out.

Chat’s eyes settled, “Oh right, yea. I do later as well.” He checked his baton, “Well according to this, it’s about 11:00.”

I nodded to indicate I heard the time, “Fantastic! I have about an hour until I want to be there.” I smiled up at my blonde counter-part.

“Purr-fect, that’s when I planned on leaving as well.” He returned excitedly.

Since we had completed many of the water slides on this side of the park, Chat and I were walking towards the surf simulator. We talked about how it’d be fun to compete against each other and see who stood the longest.

Towards the beginning of the day, guests kept trying to let us go through the rides ahead of them. At first, I had been all for it. I’d thought, ‘wow, this is so nice of everyone’ but then I kept noticing Chat and how he would try holding me back. It looked like he did not want to accept, but he didn’t want to say no after I said yes. It felt as though he was troubled by the whole thing. So, I started refusing their offers and was thankful to notice his positive demeanor return.

I looked towards my partner as he took a picture with some guests.

“Are you jealous Bugaboo?” He teased, upon returning to my side. His pearly-whites shining against the sun’s light.

Tapping my forefinger against my cheek, I pursed my lips. “Maybe I am.”

When he blushed and stumbled over a response, I couldn’t help from laughing. Chat regained his speaking ability just to give me the same reaction. “We should take some pictures ourselves. To commemorate our costume changes!” He winked as he pointed to my bare legs.

“I...uh…” I stumbled looking around us, not seeing a way to get out of the predicament I found myself in.

---Adrien’s PV---

As Ladybug stammered, I mentally high fived myself.

I couldn’t believe she had said that. It was totally unexpected. She was starting to show a bit of interest! Plagg would never believe me when I talked about it later!

“Come on Bug, my baton is useful for more than just fighting and telling us the time.” I shook it in between us for emphasis.

She chuckled at my playfulness, and I wondered if I would actually get to take a few pictures with her.

“How about this Chaton…” She stalled for a moment, steadying her breathing and thinking through her plan. “Since we were discussing earlier, for the Riptide, whoever stays standing the longest gets a picture of whatever they want.”

I threw my head back, laughing. “Of course, Bugaboo. And when I--”

“But! Only two!” She added.

Pointing a finger-gun at her, I blew her a kiss. “Whatever you say M’Lady.”

Once at the surf simulator we saw we lucked out and that Nino and Alya had just finished a turn. The blogger immediately saw Ladybug and ran up to us.

“Hello Ladybug, and Chat Noir!” She began excitedly, “How’s your day going so far? Are you enjoying yourselves? Did you see Nino’s attempt at this thing?? He could hardly stand! It was so funny!” The ombre haired girl told us as she latched onto the brunette’s arm.

Nino’s face flushed in response as he stammered, trying to stand up for himself against Alya’s accusations.

“We are having a great time, and it seems you two are having a blast as well. That is so great!” Ladybug answered. “I do wonder if Chat and I could borrow some of your time though. If it’s okay?”

Alya beamed, “I’d do anything the heroes of Paris need me to!”

I laughed, holding my sides with my hands, “Shouldn’t you wait to hear what the task is before you agree?”

“It’s nothing bad I promise,” Bug said when Alya’s face faltered on her smile. “Chat and I have a bet of who could stand up the longest on Riptide. We’d like someone to watch the whole time incase it’s a close call.”

Nino looked to his friend and then back to the young heroes in front of him. “Can we ask for something in return?”

I placed my arm across Ladybug’s shoulders, “Of course! What can we do for you?”

“Can we get a selfie with you two to rub in our friends’ faces?” Nino asked.

I looked to Ladybug, happy to go along with whatever she decided.

---Marinette’s PV---

Seeing Chat turn in my peripheral, I smirked. “Looking for my permission, Kitten?”

My teasing was returned by Chat dropping to one knee, grabbing my hands and looking up at me with kitty-eyes. “But of course, M’Lady. Can we please help these fans by taking a selfie with them so we can continue with our bet?”

I giggled as I pulled the blonde to his feet, “Obviously. We do aim to please our fans.” I smiled at my (unknowing) friends, “So who’s going to take this picture?”

Alya pulled a waterproof camera from a fanny-pack I hadn’t realized she was wearing, “I got it!” She squeezed Nino’s hand before coming to my side, probably thanking him for his question.

We all squeezed together as Alya snapped a few pictures.

“Thank you so much! These are great!” She said aloud after looking through the pictures she took.

Chat kept his left arm draped over Nino, “Any picture with My Lady in it is going to be great.” He winked at me playfully, and I rolled my eyes in response.

“Okay Chat, time for me to win this thing.” I said, walking a few steps away towards the ride we came for.

I heard his steps, indicating he had followed along.

Once we got to the gate, Chat and I explained to the person our plan. The worker smiled at us, giving us a couple of boards and waving us to be the next up.

I lined my board against the edge of the half pipe, then looked over to my partner. He had already lined his and was looking over at me expectantly.

“Ready Bugaboo?” He teased, bending further into his stance.

Shifting my own stance, I winked at him. “May the best hero win Chat.”

And we both released our holds, dipping against the water flow and shifting our boards to stay upright.

---Adrien’s PV---

We had been going long enough to attract a small group of people.

I was confident that this would be the case, because of how much work Ladybug and I put into superheroing. We were definitely in shape, but I did not expect My Lady to pull as many tricks as she did.

It felt like she was testing me, seeing if I’d tried to copy her and fall into the artificial wave. But, every time, I would do my own tricks and we just kept going.

Looking into the crowd I noticed Alya recording us. “I think we lost our timer,” I yelled over to my scarlet partner.

She turned so fast, Ladybug almost lost her balance. “Good try Chat,” She said after she straightened her foot hold. “Maybe she is recording to get the most accurate data?” Bug offered.

I realized she wouldn’t be looking, but I nodded. To focused on preparing for my next trick.

After Ladybug finished hers and returned to her corner, because at some point we started taking turns and getting out of each other’s way even though we hadn’t discussed anything, I leaned towards the front of my board. I wanted to get as close to the front as possible.

As soon as I felt the board heading towards the top of the ramp, I flipped and started riding in a handstand. I knew I couldn’t hold the riding stance long, but I wanted to impress my Bugaboo with anything I could.

When I took back a proper surfing position and was on my side of the ramp, I looked over to my number one girl. Her eyes were bugging out of her mask, and she looked completely shocked.

“Your turn, Bugaboo.” I winked.

---Marinette’s PV---

I couldn’t think of a stunt to do that could top, let alone compare to, Chat’s latest. But I saw no harm in doing my own stuff still.

After all, the bet wasn’t for who was the best craziest, but for who could stay standing the longest.

However, fate had a different plan in mind. Once I was about to start a turn I had done multiple times already, there was a scream.

I looked up from my feet and saw Chloe jumping up and down, before running into a big hug from her father. But by the time I realized my mistake, I felt the board falling from under my feet. I fell face first towards where the wave water started, and felt the floor against my stomach as I was shot back to the top by sheer water force.

I laughed the entire way up. The ice cold water feeling great after the unexpected workout.

As I returned the board to the employee running the ride, I heard everyone’s cheers for another stunt Chat pulled.

A little after, the black-clad boy ran up to me smiling. “I won! I actually won!” He breathing showed he was exhausted, but his smile said he was to happy to care.

While he returned his own board, Alya and Nino ran towards us. “That. was. Fantastic!” She practically screamed. “Marinette and Adrien are going to be so jealous they missed out on this!”

“Missed out?” I started, thinking if I didn’t specify which person I was asking about I wouldn’t give anything away.

Alya rolled her eyes, “Ya. Marinette got called home for a bit, and Adrien told Nino he had a modeling shoot this morning.”

I frowned at her explanation, because Adrien hadn’t told the whole group. Then I thought it might have been last minute and he barely was able to tell Nino and I started feeling bad at my reaction. So, smiling once again, “I hope they make it soon!”

The two nodded their agreement, just in time as Chat made it to the group. “Saw you taping us, I bet it was awesome, huh?”

While Alya and Chat discussed how amazing the little contest was, I turned to Nino. “It was very nice of you to ask us for a picture for her.”

“I-It. It wasn’t for her,” He tried as a blush covered his nose. “Our friends couldn’t be here and we had talked about getting a picture of you two in case you left before they came.”

I rolled my eyes at his excuse, “You should just tell her you like her.”

He was still stammering through a response when Alya came back and grabbed his arm. Supposedly dragging him across the park to all the slide rides they had passed on earlier.

---Adrien’s PV---

I watched as my best friend was dragged away, laughing. It took me a moment to calm down before I could speak without immediately starting to laugh again.

“Chat, come on!” Ladybug chided, falling into another laughing fit.

It sizzled out once again, and I took a deep breath. “Yes, yes. You’re right M’Lady, you’re right.” I sighed, but smiled as wide as I could, “Now it’s time for my prize.”

The red clad lady next to me, closed her eyes and nodded. When she opened them, she smirked, “So what’ll it be Chaton?”

I pulled out my baton, opened the camera, slide her over next to me and said, “Say cheese!” Before taking a quick selfie before she could protest.

Her smile radiated back at me through the screen, and I was thankful that I was able to capture a likeness of her beauty.

Pushing against my side, the blue bell eyed heroine smiled up at me, “That was one.” She laughed, “Now only one more.”

I pushed my arm holding the baton out, and told her, “Look towards it.”

She did as I asked. I quickly kissed her cheek and snapped a picture at the same time. “Thanks, Bug” I whispered into her ear, before running away, “But it’s time for this cat to run off!”

Once I reached an empty alley a few blocks from the water park, I called for my de-transformation.

Plagg floated out of the ring, yawning, “That took forever, kid.”

“Here ya go, Plagg!” I excitedly gave him some cheese, so I could hurry back and see if I could catch Ladybug’s reaction before she took off as well.

Unfortunately, Ladybug was said to have taken off shortly after Chat Noir did. I was happy to run across Alya and Nino fairly quickly though.

After rushing through some quick greetings with my friends, and receiving a ‘goody bag’ that Alya said the Mayor got for everyone, I ran towards the changing room. I wanted to get a locker for my stuff, also so Plagg would have a it of space to hang out in freely.