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the-ace-with-spades · 2 years ago

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5 times Jake crossed paths with Fire Lieutenant Bradshaw and 1 time he met Maverick's son

i told you I'd write it people

to @redfurrycat and @emseebeans: thought you might like it so I'm gonna tag you here 👉👈

Part One | read on ao3

The Meet Ugly | 2.3k

They’re stuck. They’ve been stuck in traffic on I-15 near Miramar for over an hour now — the cars stopped not far from where they are, maybe a hundred meters away. There’s a fire truck there now, parked across both lanes, the lights blinking as it shields whatever is happening, and they’ve heard the sirens going on and off as different emergency services arrived but he doesn’t know what the accident was about, completely.

There’s been something on fire, for sure. The smoke that was floating around behind the truck changed from a black cloud into a semi-transparent puff, but he could still smell the nasty odor of burned gasoline and plastic penetrating the air.

They’ve already spent six hours getting to San Diego from Lemoore and Jake will explode if they did that just to kiss the doorknob of the base housing office — it’s almost five in the afternoon and their time is running out. They can’t just sit there in Javy’s truck indefinitely, they need to pick up the keys by six or they’ll have no roof over their heads.

Jake isn’t spending the night in a hotel either, not when he paid to be able to move in today.

And Javy’s truck doesn’t even have a working air con and they can’t sit there for hours in San Diego heatwave.

“I’m just going to check how long it’s going to take,” he tells Javy, opening the passenger door after the conversation stalls.

“Jake—”

He slams the door before Javy can finish and leaves, walking past the cars on the hard shoulder. There isn’t enough space between the barrier on the right and the truck so he walks around it, maneuvers between the cones that close off the road and looks around.

The accident is actually stretched out for another hundred meters. It’s a bus swayed to the side, a scorched-to-the-ground car that is still being managed by two firefighters, masked up and hosing down the remains, and another car that’s become a pancake through a run-in with the bus’s side. A group of firefighters is standing near the bus, two pairs of feet sticking out from underneath it and two putting blocks under the wheels.

There’s a rescue squad parked not far from where he’s standing, number 56 on it’s side, and an open ambulance further away, the stretchers already prepared close to the bus.

The door of the rescue squad as a firefighter steps away, two yellow poles in his hands.

“Hey there,” Jake calls out.

The guy turns around like a deer caught in headlight and Jesus , he’s a literal kid, Jake can swear he’s not even out of high school. He’s shorter than Jake by a couple of inches and the turnouts are practically swallowing his hands and face.

He walks toward Jake and starts, tries for a firm tone but that baby face is not giving him any favors, “I’m sorry, sir, this space is reserved for first responders—”

“Look, I just want to know when we can move along,” Jake says. “It’s been hours.”

“This is an active scene,” he says, totally ignoring Jake’s words, sounding a bit like a robot. “Please step behind the line designated by the red cones.”

He waves in the direction behind Jake and turns around to go to the bus. When Jake follows, not giving up, he stops again, shielding him from going any further.

“Kid, come on,” Jake presses. “Where’s your boss? Can I talk to him?”

He’s looking at Jake but glancing behind his shoulder every other second. When Jake doesn't relents, he shouts out, “Lieutenant Bradshaw! Sir—”

The walkie-talkie thrown over his collar crackles up and a smooth, deep voice speaks up, “Use your radio, Santos, and how many times did I tell you not to call me that?”

When Jake looks behind the kid, he sees a firefighter holding a radio pinned to his front pocket walking toward them, detaching from the group from around the bus. He’s wearing a red helmet with a shield with Lieutenant 13 SDFD written on it in thick letters, the oxygen tank still on his back but the mask limps freely clipped to his side along with a pair of gloves.

“Is there a problem here?” he asks as he comes close enough for them to hear.

Jake freezes as the deep, steady voice reaches his ears and puts his focus on the lieutenant. He’s standing tall, towering over Jake with his back straightened up, jaw set, a couple of dark smudges of dirt on his face, one making a perfect extension of his mustache. His tan turnout jacket is open, a black hood folding around his neck, and the fabric has a gray smudge here or there, too. He makes clear, burly strides as he walks, his hips visibly swaying even in those bulky pants and Jake can see how big his chest is despite the heavy material.

He’s hot.

The kid nods his head at Jake like that explains everything and Jake makes himself focus on the issue at hand. He got exactly what he wanted — a talk with the kid’s boss. Maybe they’ll actually get here somehow, maybe the guy will be reasonable.

“Jesus, kid, when I told you to do crowd control, the idea was to control the crowd,” he says and his voice is light and he smiles, eyebrows slightly quirked, like he is amused to see Jake there.

“Maybe if you didn’t employ middle schoolers, we wouldn’t have been waiting here for hours,” Jake spat out as his brain short-circuited.

The kid takes a step back, hiding half-behind the lieutenant. He really is just a kid.

“Go learn how to use the lift bags, Santos, I’ve got this,” he orders. The kid moves without hesitating. The lieutenant grabs his radio, clicks a button, and adds, “Andre, the kid is coming your way, make use of him. Over.”

“On it, Lieu.”

The guy turns to Jake, shifting on his feet. The oxygen tank is metal and looks heavy enough that Jake is almost impressed at the grace his back is moving with.

“Okay, let’s begin again,” he says, turning back to Jake, and his tone holds an edge. “Lieutenant Bradshaw, I’m the current Incident Commander on scene. What’s the problem, sir?”

“We’ve been stuck in a traffic jam for over an hour now,” Jake points out.

Bradshaw looks at him, giving him a full glance over. He seems unimpressed as he starts walking toward the ladder truck, and tells him, “We’re doing our job as fast as we can.”

“Well, not fast enough, apparently,” Jake retorts, following him like a moth to a flame. “We need to be in Coronado by six, there’s no other way to get there but forward, at this rate, you’re going to make us late. Just one lane would be enough.”

Bradshaw opens one of the gates on the side of the truck, lifts it up to reveal more oxygen tanks and a huge sign with OXYGEN! NO OPEN FLAMES! In the middle of them. His profile shows the curve of his nose and the little curls behind his ear. He has a sticker with PARAMEDIC on the side of the helmet, too.

He unclips the harness from around himself, putting the tank in the empty line on the right side, and takes out a clipboard, writing something on it with an attached pen. “Should have left earlier, sir.”

Jake senses this is going nowhere. He’s running out of time, no matter how good looking at Bradshaw feels, they’re not sleeping in a hotel today.

“Look, at least let us through, just us, we need to pick up the keys for our house or—”

“This is not how it works, sir,” Bradshaw cuts him off.

And he’s adding that sir at the end but it actually holds no weight and it’s gritting at Jake’s nerves.

“I’m actually a real lieutenant, okay? I can show you my military ID, I just got restationed, we need to get there before six or we’re spending the night in our car,” Jake explains again, voice slowing down like he is talking to someone stupid. “We’re just really in a hurry here, five minutes and we’d be on our merry way—”

“Oh, you’re in a hurry?” he asks and he’s smiling but there’s something in his tone that works like spikes on Jake.

“Yeah, we are,” he confirms.

“Well, I have two dead here because someone has already been in a hurry today,” Bradshaw says.

Jake licks his lips and the silence falls over. Bites his tongue not to add something stupid. Fails.

“You can’t just hold us here for hours.”

“I can and I will,” Bradshaw says calmly. “Now get behind the barrier before we get you some zip ties and a free hold cuffed up in the truck cabin until the police arrive.”

He pats the side of the truck and looks Jake dead in the eyes, a fake smile back on his face.

Jake laughs straight into his face because that has to be a joke. “You’re threatening to arrest me? On what basis exactly, impatience?”

Not missing a beat, he replies, “California Penal Code Section 402a, lingering at the scene of an emergency in such a way that it hinders first responders from performing their duties, and California Penal Code Section 409.5, unauthorized entry into an emergency area.”

And he was staring at Jake with a narrowed gaze, the black smudges still on his chin, one eyebrow raised as he put his hand on his hip, uncovering the suspenders from behind the turnout jacket, his navy blue uniform shirt visible — the buttons on his chest are stretched tight, screaming to be let go, showing the see-through, sweaty tank top underneath.

Jake’s mouth is dry as he tries to concentrate on putting words together but it doesn’t work.

The guy is really hot.

The radio on his collarbone crackles up as a new voice comes through, “Lieu, we extracted the patient.”

Bradshaw turns away from Jake but keeps him in the corner of his eye, bringing the radio up. “Condition?”

When Jake looks toward the bus and the bus is now lifted on its axis by two airbags, the yellow poles the kid was carrying stabilizing it. The two paramedics that were underneath it are working on a patient, another firefighter leaning over them, and a path of blood follows them under the backboard.

There’s a motorcycle, crushed into pieces and bent in half like a glowstick, under the chassis.

Bradshaw grabs him by the shoulder, turning him around so he doesn’t look, and gets into Jake’s face, shielding the view.

“Life functions intact but pupils are still unresponsive,” is the radio response. “Ivan and Alex are almost ready to go. Should the kid go with them?”

“No. No, it’s too early for that,” Bradshaw says back, his warm palm still on Jake’s shoulder, but his thumb on the radio button. “Tell them to take him to UC Medical if he’s stable enough, he’s going to need Trauma I.”

“Copy that.”

He lets go of Jake, switches the button on the radio, turning away again. “Dispatch, this is Lieutenant Bradshaw, we’re ready for that heavy tow truck.”

It takes a bit longer but he gets a response, too. “Copy that, Lieutenant, there should be one in twenty.”

“So you’re going to open up the lane in twenty,” Jake quips and it comes out extremely snarky.

Bradshaw laughs but it’s humorless. “No, I’ll have a tow truck in twenty. This is an emergency scene until I declare it otherwise.”

“But—”

The siren comes through again and Jake turns to see two police cars rolling at the end of the close-up, stopping near the ambulance. They’re towing one of those gigantic bottleneck signs, the neon blinking.

“Look at that, sir, Highway Patrol has arrived, they’re going to open a lane for you, make us both happy,” Bradshaw says and he’s not even trying to hide how irritated he is as he grins through his teeth. “Now, go back to your car, lieutenant.”

And there’s just something in the way he articulates the words, in how calm and unmoved his voice is even as he’s sending Jake an unimpressed look, in how he’s cocking his hip, one hand on his belt.

Jake bites down on his lip, regretting putting his foot in his mouth — he’d have asked for his number if he hasn’t known he has no chance after backchatting like that. It’s too bad.

They aren’t going to make it to the housing office on time, anyway.

He walks back to Javy’s truck like the fool he is, the ambulance’s sirens going off as whoever they were transporting drives away. He sits down and sighs, not feeling like talking.

“So,” Javy begins. “Do you know when they will open up the road?”

“The Highway Patrol is going to open the opposite lane in a few,” he says as he reaches for the seatbelt over his shoulder. There’s a smudge of soot on his white t-shirt, shaped like fingertips.

His face warms up as he recalls the image of Lieutenant Bradshaw, his big hand weighing down on Jake as he stirs him away, the smell of smoke that encircled Jake as he leaned forward, as his bulk towered over him.

This is so inappropriate, he realizes.

Javy is silent for a minute, observing his wide-eyed expression. “What did you do?”

“I might have—I might have made an ass out of myself,” Jake admits.

“That ain’t new,” he points out.

Jake licks his lips and, with a straight face, says, “Well, there was this sexy fireman—”

“Oh my fucking god, Jake,” Javy gasps, staring at him in disbelief, his hands flopping on the steering wheel. “Please tell me you didn’t mouth off at a first responder.”

“What? You know my brain shuts off around hot guys.”

Javy huffs at him and Jake doesn’t know why he’s so surprised — he’s known Jake long enough. He says, shaking his head at Jake, “Well, at least this one we’ll never see again.”

“Yeah."

...

Part Two Coming Soon

#hangster #tgm #bradley rooster bradshaw #jake hangman seresin #my fics #op #ignition tag #charlie writes

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republicsecurity · 1 year ago

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Dispatched Realities: Life Among the Red Suits

The moment I stepped out of the rented car, the brisk chill of the European air hit me like a splash of cold water. The scenery stretched out before me, a quaint rural landscape nestled under a thick blanket of gray clouds. A small, unassuming ambulance station stood before me, its red walls blending with the surrounding scenery, yet managing to stand out with an air of purpose.

Before I could fully absorb my surroundings, a figure appeared from the entrance of the station, striding towards me with the confident gait of someone who knows their place in the world. It was C459L, the local supervisor of this remote outpost. His red one-piece flightsuit was a stark contrast against the muted backdrop, like a flame amidst the fog.

His shaved head and toned physique conveyed an aura of determination that seemed to emanate from every fiber of his being.

"Welcome to our little corner of the Republic," he greeted me with a firm handshake and a grin that suggested he was used to being in charge. "We're a tight-knit group here, all serving the same purpose."

As I looked into his eyes, I could sense a mix of camaraderie and a hint of something deeper – an awareness of the weight of their responsibilities in this society. The Republic might have its idyllic environmental initiatives, but beneath the surface lay a complex web of conscription and service that formed the backbone of their way of life.

He gestured for me to follow him inside the station, his footsteps echoing in the corridor. "

We've got some fascinating stories to share, if you're up for it. You'll see how this place runs, how we navigate the fine line between duty and individuality."

With that, I stepped over the threshold, the door closing behind me with a soft click.

“By the way, most people here call me “Ninell”, that’s from the last digits of my designation: C459L, but saying Ceeforfiveninelll is to cumbersome for most, so the just call me “Ninell”.

Amidst the hum of activity inside the station, my attention was momentarily diverted by a handmade piece of grey paper near the entrance. Pinned to the wall, it held a series of Polaroid snapshots. Each photograph captured a moment frozen in time, a glimpse into the lives of the men who served at this remote outpost.

One of the photographs featured a young man, his face still marked with the faint traces of healing from wisdom teeth removal. His eyes held a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty, reflecting the fact that he was at the beginning of his journey here. Luke pointed at the picture as he spoke, introducing him as "C1/CAD/4510/PS48F."

"That's our first-year cadet," Luke explained, his tone affectionate. "The baby of the station, we like to say. He's on his six-week out placement, after his initial time at the Academy, getting some fresh mountain air.

The designation system seemed complex, yet to these men, it was an integral part of their identity.

Beside him, another photograph captured the visage of a conscript – E2/CON/3234/KRE7PP. He exuded a sense of purpose and dedication that came with experience. This was his second year of mandatory conscript service, and his shaved head and athletic build spoke to the physical and mental conditioning he had undergone.

The red flightsuits and shaved heads might have been a visual symbol of their collective identity, but within those confines, each man carried his own background, dreams, and struggles. They were a microcosm of the Republic's complex societal fabric, where personal stories intertwined with the greater whole.

Moving down the corridor toward the row of waiting ambulances, I found myself immersed in an environment that seemed to play tricks on the senses. The walls, the floor, even the ceiling – everything was cast in varying tones of grey, creating a sense of neutrality that was both calming and disorienting. My gaze was drawn to the paramedics in their bright red uniforms, their shaved heads a stark contrast against the muted backdrop.

Ninell's voice broke through my thoughts, offering an explanation that shed light on the deliberate design choice. He spoke of the desire for a low-stimuli environment, a space where the mind could focus without distraction, where the senses could be honed to the task at hand. The absence of vibrant colors and elaborate decor was intentional, designed to create an ambiance of concentration and efficiency.

Ninell led me further down the corridor, where the ambiance shifted from the greyscale calm of the interiors to the practical dynamism of the ambulance bay. The bay was illuminated by the soft glow of overhead lights, revealing the sturdy, crimson ambulances lined up in a row. Each vehicle seemed to exude a sense of purpose, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice.

As we approached, I noticed two figures engrossed in their tasks, the embodiment of readiness. On one side was Paramedic KRE7PP, his strong presence radiating a quiet sense of authority. His movements were deliberate and focused as he inspected the equipment, his hands working with practiced precision. The clean lines of his uniform emphasized his readiness, and his shaved head seemed to capture the very essence of dedication. Though his expression was serious, his posture exuded confidence, a testament to the training and experience that defined his role.

On the other side stood LXC41, a Cadet who had clearly embraced his journey within the paramedic community. His demeanor was warm and welcoming, a smile playing on his lips as he adjusted the supplies within the ambulance. With athletic build, blond-stubbled face, and striking blue eyes, he embodied an approachability that seemed to contrast the intensity of the setting. Yet, it was a reminder that even amidst the seriousness of their duties, camaraderie and humanity thrived.

Ninell's voice broke the silence, his words a bridge between the contrasting figures before us. He introduced Paramedic KRE7PP, noting his experience and role as a guiding presence within the team. Then, he turned to LXC41, a Cadet on the cusp of transitioning into full service, embodying the next generation of paramedics.

With a gentle encouragement from Ninell, LXC41 began to open up about his experiences.

"The Academy… it's a unique path," LXC41 began, his hesitation giving way to a reflective tone. "Some of us, like me, choose to go there for Senior Secondary School. It's a commitment, but it's also an opportunity to fully immerse ourselves in this world from a young age."

As he elaborated, the pieces of the puzzle began to come together. The Rescue Academies, dedicated institutions where cadets underwent comprehensive training, emerged as a crucial part of their journey. These institutions, he explained, provided both medical education and general subjects, an intriguing combination of practicality and academic growth.

"Living at the Academy or even within the ambulance station itself... it's a way of life," LXC41 continued. His words carried a mix of pride and a touch of nostalgia, as if he was reminiscing about his own journey. "The regulations, the conditioning... it's all part of creating a cohesive and disciplined unit. We're bound by the same rules, the same expectations."

Ninell's nod of affirmation seemed to bolster LXC41's confidence as he shared further details about the cadet experience. The rigorous regimen, the immersive VR training, and the focus on physical fitness all painted a picture of a training process that shaped not just their skills, but their very identities.

"And yes," LXC41 added with a faint smile, "shaved heads become more than just a symbol. It's a uniformity that connects us, transcending any external differences. It's about being part of something greater."

"Ninell," I interjected, my curiosity piqued by the mention of Neuro Based Conditioning. "Could you explain more about this conditioning process? It seems to play a significant role in shaping the paramedics' experiences."

Ninell turned to me, his expression thoughtful. "Of course," he replied, her tone indicating a willingness to elaborate. "Neuro Based Conditioning is a fundamental aspect of our training and service. It starts as soon as a cadet's brain has matured enough to undergo the process. Through a combination of techniques, it helps align our thoughts, behaviors, and emotions with the core values of the Paramedic Corps."

"And it doesn't stop with the cadet years," Ninell continued. "Throughout our service, the conditioning continues to adapt, ensuring that we stay aligned with our mission and responsibilities.

"I heard you didn't go through one of those fancy academies. Can you tell me about your path?”, I said as I turned to KRE7PP.

KRE7PP let out a chuckle that seemed to carry a mix of irony and weariness. "Nah, no fancy shit for me," he replied with a casual shrug. "I went the conscript route, signed up for the Paramedic Corps when my time came, could have chosen the easy way like Environmental Corps… They gave me the Basic Medical Training, or what some call the 'meat grinder.' Trust me, it ain't a vacation."

"Six months of that shit," KRE7PP continued, his voice tinged with a mix of exasperation and pride. "I'm talking about intense conditioning, neural-psychological stuff that messes with your head. Excoriating physical training as balance and constant surveillance, like Big Brother's little brother. Shit, for the first four months, I felt like I was lost in some twisted maze."

The invasive nature of the process and the constant monitoring seemed to strip away any sense of personal privacy, leaving him exposed to the whims of the system.

"But you know what?" KRE7PP's tone shifted, a glint of resilience shining through. "Eventually, that disoriented feeling started to fade. You adapt, you adjust, and you come out on the other side, stronger in a fucked-up way. It's like they want to mold you into a perfect paramedic machine, rugged, ripped, strong.”

We moved through the ambulance station. Ninell guided us to a sleeping room, a place that seemed to hold an air of solitude amidst the collective energy of the station. My attention was drawn to two paramedics in different states of awakening: E1/CON/3234 /F2IL0 and E3/CON/3689 /YXX31.

As E1/CON/3234 /F2IL0 stirred from slumber, I couldn't help but observe the seamless transition from sleep to wakefulness. The ritualistic motion of removing the grey linen and depositing it into the bin spoke to a structured routine ingrained in their daily lives.

Ninell's voice cut through the ambient air as he provided insights into the intricacies of the paramedics' sleep regimen. The concept of personalized sleeping capsules, molded to conform to each individual's body, piqued my curiosity. These capsules, with their light and sound-proof design, offered a haven where rest could be maximized and monitored with precision.

"In these capsules our paramedics find solace from the demands of their duty. The foam conforms to their contours, providing a comfortable and tailored sleeping experience. The capsules monitor sleep patterns, ensuring that our paramedics receive the rest they need to continue their vital work."

In an unassuming corner of the sleeping room, YXX31 and F2IL0 continued with their morning routine, their actions efficient and devoid of any sense of discomfort. Without hesitation, the red Union Suits, their night garments, were carefully stowed away in metal lockers.

They then inspected each others penis and testicles for red parts, chaffing or injuries, then sprayed the others private part with a cleaning foam and dried it with a towel. Afterwards they seemed to sign off that they had done their duty.

The chastity device, a significant emblem of their paramedic identity, was retrieved from the night-time cleaning station. With practiced ease, the two paramedics navigated the process of securing the device, effectively enveloping their most intimate parts of another men, within its confines.

As I observed this intimate interaction, YXX31 took the lead in explaining the meticulous measures in place. "The cleaning station," he elaborated, his voice a mix of nonchalance and matter-of-factness, "ensures the hygiene and maintenance of the device. The presence of another paramedic during this process, offering inspection and support, emphasized the accountability of us.”

"By inspecting each other's devices and penis and testicls,” F2IL0 chimed in, his tone resonating with camaraderie, "we're ensuring that our fellow paramedics are comfortable, that there's no chafing or complications.

Observing the scene before me, a wave of bewilderment washed over me as the gravity of the situation deepened. The paramedics' bare chests bore tattoos with their ID numbers. Summoning my courage, I directed my attention to F2IL0, who had an air of approachability. His demeanor seemed at odds with the detachment I had witnessed in the actions unfolding.

"Can you explain the significance of the ID tattoos?" I ventured, my voice betraying the complexity of emotions swirling within me.

“The tattoos are a rite of passage," F2IL0 began, his voice steady but tinged with a deeper resonance. "When we join the paramedic corps, we relinquish our individual birth names. It's a symbol of shedding personal identity to embrace our collective purpose."

F2IL0 leaned slightly closer, his tone carrying a weight of remembrance. "I still remember the day I received mine," he admitted, a flicker of emotion passing through his eyes. "It was a moment of acceptance, a step into something bigger than myself.”

YXX31, the Search and Rescue Specialist whose physique hinted at both strength and endurance, caught my eye as I noticed a similar tattoo etched onto his slightly darker skin. He offered a small but confident smile as if sensing my unspoken inquiry.

"I like it,"

"But," he continued, a hint of amusement glinting in his eyes, "we've got to get to our scheduled exercises. The morning routine waits for no one."

In his simple statement, I heard an echo of the structured existence they all shared

"When we're on duty, we wear the chastity device," Ninell explained and as the training was part of their duty, they had to slip into it every morning.

Outside guided by a synthesized voice, the AI trainer directed their movements with an uncanny precision. Its digital commands resonated like a symphony of discipline, orchestrating their bodies through a series of exercises that seemed almost choreographed. YXX31 and F2IL0 moved in synchrony, their every action a testament to the embodiment of their training.

With each push-up, each squat, the muscles of their bodies flexed and strained, a testament to the physical strength that had become second nature to them.

The AI's voice rang out, crisp and unyielding, as if it were the very embodiment of their collective will. It guided them through their paces, shaping their bodies and minds into a synchronized unity that defied the boundaries of individuality.

We watched in silence for some time, marvelling at the sight of these toned bodies.

And as the AI trainer guided them through their final stretches, a sense of accomplishment lingered in the air. YXX31 and F2IL0 stood shoulder to shoulder, a silent testament to the bond they shared. Their chests heaved with exertion, their faces flush with determination.

"Tell me, do you like the sight of those toned bodies?" Ninell's voice held a tinge of mischief as he leaned in, her gaze steady on me.

I hesitated for a moment, caught off guard by the question. But honesty seemed to be the best approach. "Yes, I suppose I do," I admitted, my cheeks warming slightly.

Ninell's lips curled into a knowing smile, as if my response had confirmed something he had suspected all along. "You see," he began, her tone taking on a more serious note, "our conditioning runs deep. It's not just about the training or the physical appearances. Our minds are shaped, our preferences molded."

I blinked, trying to process her words. The notion that their likes and dislikes were influenced by their conditioning wasn't entirely surprising, given the level of control exerted by the system. But to hear it spoken so bluntly was jarring.

"Muscular bodies, the uniform, the shaved heads – it's all part of the conditioning," Ninell continued, his gaze distant as if contemplating the complexities of the system. "We're designed to appreciate these things, to find them attractive."

I couldn't help but feel a mix of fascination and unease at his words. The realization that even something as personal as attraction could be dictated by external factors was disconcerting.

I was perplexed perplexed: "Is this why they make you wear the chasity cages? So you don't get destracted at work? But you can remove them for the night?

"The chastity devices serve multiple purposes," he explained, her voice measured. "Yes, part of it is to minimize distractions while on duty. The conditioning ensures that our focus remains on the task at hand, and the devices help reinforce that focus."

I nodded, the pieces of the puzzle slowly coming together. It was another layer in this intricate system of control – even their sexual desires were harnessed to maintain their efficiency and unity.

"But you're correct," Ninell continued, a faint smile touching his lips, "we do have our moments. When off-duty, we're allowed to remove the devices and have our own time. It's a chance to unwind, to connect in more personal ways."

The idea of prescribed moments of freedom within a structured framework was both baffling and strangely captivating.

The canteen felt surprisingly quiet as I followed Ninell through the entrance. The hum of conversations was absent, replaced by an air of focused efficiency. The space was utilitarian, with rows of tables and chairs neatly arranged, all decorated in grey.

Amidst this muted backdrop, YXX31 and F2IL0 sat at a table, clad in their distinctive red flightsuits. Their presence, while unassuming, was a stark reminder of the discipline and dedication that underscored every aspect of their lives. Their features were now fresh and clean, a testament to the regimented routine they adhered to.

Approaching them, I was met with friendly smiles, a stark contrast to the austere surroundings. As YXX31 and F2IL0 conversed and laughed, I couldn't help but be captivated by their camaraderie, a shared bond forged through experiences both unique and shared.

Their attention then shifted to the meal in front of them – a precisely measured portion of food that seemed to echo the efficiency of their environment. A machine dispensed their sustenance, a reminder of the calculated way every detail of their existence was managed.

"Morning chow," F2IL0 quipped with a grin, a hint of irony in his voice as he picked up his utensils.

The conversation shifted to a topic that had piqued my curiosity – the medication regimen that the paramedics followed. With genuine interest, I inquired about the nature of these medications and their significance within their daily lives.

Ninell, ever the informative guide, began to explain how the medications were an integral part of their routine. "You see," he began, his voice steady and measured, "our medications are carefully curated to support both our physical well-being and our mental clarity. They're designed to enhance our focus, energy levels, and overall performance."

"Each dosage is precisely measured, tailored to our individual needs. And, of course, there's a comprehensive quality control system in place to ensure that we adhere to our medication schedules."

F2ILO took his cup with two pills and swallowed it: "The system tracks when and what we take, ensuring that we remain in line with the prescribed routine.”

As they sat YXX31 spoke: "Isn't it today time for your conditiong session, C459L?" he smiled mischievously. His words, delivered with a hint of mischief, carried a subtle undertone that suggested a shared camaraderie among the paramedics. C459L, the supervisor who had initially welcomed me to the station, responded with a good-natured chuckle. "Indeed, Exxthree”.

YXX31's suggestion hung in the air, a tantalizing invitation to delve deeper into the paramedics' world. As I glanced between YXX31 and C459L, the shared agreement that passed between them was palpable.

"You're welcome to join us," he offered, his voice carrying the weight of someone who understood the significance of what he was proposing.

The conditioning room exuded an air of purposeful functionality. As I followed C459L and YXX31 into the room, a sense of anticipation mingled with a touch of trepidation. It was a space where the lines between the physical and the psychological blurred.

C459L's actions were deliberate, methodical. He moved with a sense of practiced routine, a familiarity with the steps that lay ahead. The placement of a diaper – an unexpected detail – hinted at a process that was more intricate than it initially appeared.

As YXX31 assumed his role, his hands moved with an assurance that spoke of countless similar interactions. He secured C459L within the intricate web of electrodes and VR apparatus, a network that connected their minds to the unseen currents of the conditioning program.

As the final connection was made, and the electrodes settled against C459L's shaven skull, the room seemed to hum with an anticipatory energy. It was a stark reminder that even within the realm of the extraordinary, the paramedics' lives were shaped by a complex interplay of tradition, technology, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

With the VR headset in place, C459L's presence seemed to shift, his focus shifting to a reality that existed beyond the confines of the room.

YXX31's voice carried a sense of assurance as he glanced at the system, his fingers deftly navigating its controls. "This process will take a few hours. Once it's done, C459L will be pretty much out of commission for a while. It's intense."

I nodded, absorbing the information. "So, the AI and regional Headquarters will be monitoring the session?"

He nodded in confirmation. "Yes, they keep tabs on these sessions to ensure everything's running smoothly. Gives us some peace of mind knowing we're not alone in this."

He turned to me with a faint smile. "You've got quite a bit of material to work with now. This is gonna make a hell of a story."

I returned his smile, a mixture of appreciation and curiosity in my expression. "It's been eye-opening, that's for sure."

YXX31's eyes twinkled with a hint of mischief. "Well, you've seen enough for now. I've got a Youth Group Session to prepare – the next generation of paramedics."

"I appreciate your time. I'll leave you to it."

As I stepped out of the station, the weight of my experience lingered in the air around me. The images on that hand-made grey paper, the polaroids that captured the essence of these paramedics, seemed to hold a deeper significance now. Each snapshot represented a life, a commitment, a journey that had been marked by sacrifice and dedication.

The world within those walls was a symphony of grey tones and red uniforms, of shaved heads and chiseled bodies, of routines and regulations that shaped every moment.

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ancuninbrainrot · 3 months ago

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My Dragoncon ADVENTURE (slightly abridged)

Or, "how this trip was entirely cursed." This is so long, so cutting it.

I have wanted to go to Dragoncon for decades, but I live far away and the cost has always been hideously prohibitive. But this year, the stars fell into place and ya girl had enough money to go. Tickets bought, plane tickets bought, cheap hotel booked, gonna grab Lyfts to and from because my childhood memories of Atlanta traffic told me this was NOT an option.

So I get to the airport on Thursday 2 hours early. Line up at the gate to figure out where I needed to be.

My flight had been canceled. I'd received notice THAT DAY from the third party site I booked through that I was good to go. So I sit on hold with them for 45 minutes because babies, I have nothing but time. Meanwhile I'm booking a same day flight, which leaves about 2 hours later, has a stop in DC, and then off to ATL (side note, not having a direct flight to ATL is stupid, I have NEVER not been routed through there).

Get the booking sorted with American Airlines, prepare to wait. I have books, I have headphones, emergency granola bars...we're fine. Get to DC, about 2 hours layover, grab some truly disgusting chili and settle down.

Check email. Flight from DC to ATL canceled. Go to customer service, which is ofc a ginormous line (This will be a theme). They give us handouts essentially saying, "please just go on the website." I do. Next flight they can offer is the next afternoon...with a 10 hour layover in Dallas Ft. Worth. Look at a map and explain that to me.

I'm still in line for the customer service desk, because maybe they have a better option. They do not. They can get me there Saturday afternoon!

Did I mention I have a 4-day pass and a hotel booked from Thursday to Tuesday? Glad I'm made of cash.

So I book a flight with Delta, get a hotel near DCA that has a shuttle service, and go to grab my bags.

I do not get to leave the hellscape of DCA until 10:30 p.m. I got to my local airport at 10:30 a.m. This should have taken about half that time with the last minute booking. I can’t leave because they made me check my single carryon because every aspect of air travel is designed to be the worst possible experience. And ofc since the plane was canceled due to weather, the baggage carriers can't unload the plane in case Thor seeks his revenge on puny mortals.

So we all wait in the endless hell of DCA's baggage claim. It is a desolate prison with approximately 5 seats. The rest of us are sitting on concrete floors for hours while occasionally, maybe every 20 minutes a single bag will make it off the plane and onto the conveyor belt.

I use this time to call my other hotel and try to explain what's going on, to try and coordinate things (because there was supposed to be a car to get me to the hotel in Atlanta, but obviously that's not happening). The ride company tries to get shitty with me and I tell them to keep their $30 because I don't have the time or patience. I read fanfic, I eat a granola bar, and I wait because I have NO OTHER OPTIONS. Trust me, I checked to see how long it would take to just goddamn drive to Atlanta. Finally I am free, and the shuttle is there, and the hotel is much nicer than I pick because I didn't have a choice.

The next day I eat a reasonable hotel breakfast (freeeeeee), get to the airport and things go fine. ATL is less of a hellmouth, I get my bag, grab a Lyft, have several moments of confusion with the front desk about my reservation, get up to my room and debate going to the con. Nah. Rest, steam the wrinkles out of my clothes, have a food.

Google is amazingly unhelpful about delivery here, but Pizza Hut will deliver in about 45 minutes. It's a Friday night, that's fine. It takes an hour and a half. Did I mention I hadn't eaten since breakfast? My blood sugar hates me and I also hate me.

I get up the next day, try to figure out which hotel I should be dropped off at, pick wrong, and walk there. Wait in line for an hour to get badge, and I am free. Dragoncon is across like 5 hotels. There is no fast way to do anything, nor any way to see and do things you want to because they are packed fucking schedules. I sit in at a couple panels (full, so mostly on the floor). I find out where the signings are, not realizing the authors and actors are in 2 different, non adjacent buildings, so I am in the actor's hall. Or at least I am in another line to get in there.

Time passes. We get in. I do a circle and see Neil Newbon's table and have a mini crisis.

I am HERE for BG3, and Neil specifically. I am, however, the worst human in the world at interacting with people whose work I admire. This is why I wanted my husband along, but he didn't think there'd be enough for him to do. So I made insane plans to try and mitigate my bad brain. I know immediately that my struggles have been in vain and I will absolutely fuck this up. But I've traveled too far and I will DO THE THING DAMMIT.

I don't want to say the con was not prepared for the draw of Neil. But the line for him is bananas, weirdly spread out into 3 overflows. We get through the first couple in a reasonable-ish amount of time. And we are in overflow one, huzzah. By this point I've been chatting with the other people in line, talking cosplays and whatnot, we're all friends here.

Well. Then the actors leave for photo ops. We try to settle, we tell each other our hopes and dreams, we are yelled at for sitting, 2 of them make a dash for water, I give a starving college cosplayer one of my emergency snacks, and he's adorably grateful ("do you want me to give you something for this?" "No, I want you to eat it, man.").

And Neil returns! And now I can see him and my knees aren't okay and my hands are shaking. FUCKERY BLAST IT, WHY AM I SO BAD AT THIS? I am a competent, funny, smart person. I can talk to anyone, I speak on panels, I am not shy, dammit.

His helper asks me what I want, and I say a signature. "You want him to put something particular?" "No." "Sorry?" "No thanks." I am too quiet and anyone who has ever been in my proximity knows that is NOT NORMAL. My nervous stupid self knocks stacks of pictures askew, and I am third in line.

Another assistant asks if I'm doing a selfie as well, and I chat with him like a normal, sane person who is allowed to vote. And then I get to Neil.

And I freeze tf up. As I knew would happen. I literally made a card for this occasion because of who I am as a person.

Neil: Hi Tanis, I'm Neil. (Hubs later during my scream session, "'oh really? I thought this was the line for the bathroom.'" "IF I HAD THE BRAIN FOR WIT AT THE TIME, MY LOVE.") Me: presents pic to sign and card of panic I'm nervous. Him: You're fine, Tanis. Me: I also have a picture with you tomorrow. Him: Good, I'll see you then. Me: Hopefully by then I'll be more able to talk. Him: I think you'll find you're talking now, you're just being too hard on yourself.

I flee and send a series of panicked missives to friends and spouse:

I order dreadful Chinese takeout (funfact, not a single delivery place remembered my drinks, so ya girl was running on bad hotel coffee and lukewarm tap water this weekend) and pray that I have done my worst. I was going to go to the Voltaire concert there, but alas my social battery is dead, my feet hurt, my pride is bleeding out, and I'm just staying in for the night.

(Funnily enough Friday he's going to be like an hour away from us, so I tell hubs to get tickets so we can both go.) Next day is surprisingly fine, some panels, absolutely no author's signings I could go to, so I schlepped a bunch of books around for 3 days for no reason. I eat overpriced hotel buffet brunch in the place the photos are supposed to be. I decide to find Voltaire's booth, since apparently we're going to see him soon, and have a normal, human conversation.

I do a commerce and have a CD, bid him farewell and go downstairs to wait for my picture for the next hour and a half because I'm broken as a person.

My beta wrote me a cheat sheet and husband wrote the single sweetest thing anyone has ever written in case I got to talk to Neil again.

Contrary to the lines everywhere else, this one moves fast. So fast. Too fast. I am flung at Neil like a gazelle and take the second worst photo with a celebrity I have ever had (first goes to a picture with Joel from MST3k because I'm wearing a bright neon yellow volunteer shirt, and with my complexion, I look like I have a disease). I go back to my hotel feeling like a bedraggled potato and take a selfie just to prove that I do have human features still (remarkable because I do not take selfies, as a rule).

The next day is the last day of the con, and I only have one goal since I missed it Friday because American Airlines sucks balls: I will go to the BG3 panel. I leave the hotel hilariously early, and am dropped off at the wrong Hyatt hotel. GPS says I can walk there in 15 minutes, and proceeds to give me the worst directions anywhere ever (example, it is 8:30, I am facing the sun. The GPS: HEAD WEST. Bruh, I'm not a girl scout, but that's objectively not correct). I run into another con-goer and follow him to the hotels, thank fucking god. I am two hours and some change early to the panel.

The line stretches outside already.

I wait on concrete to be let back into the building with a zillion other people, but the seat I get is phenomenal, literally the best seat in the house. (I do not take a picture of the people because I feel like a creep doing so. I know it's fine, but my brain is broken. Hubs: Maybe I wanted a picture. Me: YOU SHOULD HAVE COME, THEN.)

The panel is lovely, I have a magnificent time. I leave the con after one last attempt to get books signed (nada), and go back to the hotel to do laundry before my flight the next day.

I venture outside after my nap to try and get change at a CVS and maybe some laundry soap, but no dice on either. I try at a gas station, and also no. The hotel does have laundry soap, but won't take my cash, but whatever. What the fuck ever.

Minor digression: Traveling solo as a woman sucks for a variety of reasons, but one I didn't expect at my advanced unfuckable age was the sheer volume of catcalls I experienced this weekend, like more than in the last decade combined in 3 days. Just dudes on the streets and in trucks felt the need to comment on my appearance, and I'm puzzled and also not a fan.

Minor Boomer moment: Doing laundry at hotels is stupid now because I had to download a fucking laundry app. Just let me use money, or scan the QR code and have it work, ffs.

The laundry is gently wiggled damp, and I check my email. Delta: hey, check in for your flight. American Airlines: Hey check in for your flight.

I'm sorry, what?

Apparently I'm going from ATL to Charlotte on American Airlines which is news to me because I'd canceled any return trip with them days ago, and a return was supposed to be processed. I call them and the lady's like, "Oh so you need to cancel?" "I never scheduled it, so yes. And a refund." "Oh we don't give refunds, there's a credit on your account." "Yeah, I'm not flying with you again, how do I get money instead?" "Go to the site and fill out a form." "What information will I need for that?" "Your ticket number (rattles off a 72-digit long string of numbers)." Glad I asked because that number was nowhere in the email. Sometime eventually my money will return to me, but probably not the extra expense of an emergency DC hotel room, and certainly not the lost two days of fucking convention that I paid for.

Now I'm home, thank gods, in possession of an autographed piece of art, a hideous picture of myself, and 3 impossibly velcro cats who have never been loved in their lives and I am not doing this again. I did the scary things, I'm not sorry I went, but this has been the single worst traveling experience of my existence.

#me irl #dragoncon2024

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oliviajames1122 · 7 months ago

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Car Repairs Near Me: Finding Quality Service When You Need It

When your car is in need of repairs, finding a reliable and trustworthy repair garage near me becomes a top priority. Whether it's a minor issue or a major repair, entrusting your vehicle to skilled professionals is essential for ensuring its longevity and your safety on the road.

Importance of Car Repairs

Ensuring Safety

The safety of yourself, your passengers, and other road users should always be a top priority. Ignoring car repairs can lead to potential hazards, such as brake failure or engine malfunction, increasing the risk of accidents.

Preventing Further Damage

Addressing car issues promptly can prevent them from escalating into more extensive and costly repairs. A small repair today can save you from a major overhaul tomorrow.

Finding Reliable Car Repair Services

Online Search

In today's digital age, the internet is your best friend when searching for car repair services near me. Use search engines and online directories to find repair garages in your area.

Ask for Recommendations

Seek recommendations from friends, family, and colleagues who have had positive experiences with car repair shops. Personal referrals can give you valuable insights into the quality of service provided.

Check Reviews and Ratings

Before making a decision, take the time to read online reviews and ratings of repair garages in your area. Pay attention to feedback regarding customer service, reliability, and expertise.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Repair Garage

Location and Convenience

Choose a repair garage that is conveniently located to minimize inconvenience during drop-off and pickup. Consider proximity to your home, workplace, or public transportation.

Expertise and Experience

Look for a repair garage with certified technicians who have extensive experience working with your vehicle make and model. Specialization in certain types of repairs can also be advantageous.

Cost and Transparency

While cost is a factor, prioritize transparency and honesty in pricing. Avoid repair shops that provide vague estimates or surprise you with hidden charges.

Common Car Repairs

Brake Repairs

Brake issues should never be ignored, as they can compromise your ability to stop safely. Common brake repairs include replacing brake pads, rotors, and calipers.

Engine Repairs

Engine problems can manifest in various ways, from strange noises to reduced performance. Addressing issues such as overheating, misfiring, or oil leaks promptly is crucial.

Transmission Repairs

Transmission problems can lead to difficulty shifting gears or slipping gears while driving. Prompt diagnosis and repair are essential to avoid further damage to the transmission system.

DIY vs. Professional Repairs

Pros and Cons

While DIY repairs can save you money, they may not always be the best option, especially for complex issues. Professional repairs ensure quality workmanship and warranty coverage.

When to DIY and When to Seek Professional Help

Simple maintenance tasks like changing wiper blades or replacing air filters can often be done at home. However, for more intricate repairs involving electrical systems or internal components, it's best to leave it to the experts.

Tips for Maintaining Your Car

Regular Inspections

Schedule regular inspections and maintenance checks to identify potential issues early on. Addressing minor issues promptly can prevent them from turning into major repairs.

Timely Maintenance

Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule for tasks such as oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid flushes. Proactive maintenance can prolong the life of your vehicle.

Driving Habits

Be mindful of your driving habits, as aggressive driving and rough handling can accelerate wear and tear on your vehicle. Drive responsibly and avoid sudden stops and starts.

Conclusion

When it comes to car repairs, finding a reputable repair garage near you is crucial for maintaining your vehicle's performance and safety. By prioritizing factors such as expertise, reliability, and transparency, you can ensure that your car receives quality service when it needs it most.

#service my car #car repairs near me #car repairs #repair garage near me

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wiackcom · 1 year ago

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Washing your own vehicle at a self-service car wash offers a convenient, flexible, and low-cost cleaning option. Understanding what to expect and how to properly use self-serve bays provides a quality wash experience without the expense of full-detailing services. Finding Self-Service Car Wash Locations Self-serve washes provide drive-up wash bays outfitted with high powered wands and cleaning tools. Track down wash stations in your area with: Online Maps and Directories Search Google Maps or YellowPages.com for “self-service car wash near me”. Listings with photos, directions, and reviews will populate. Location Aggregator Sites Websites like Washos.com compile and map self-serve wash locations across the U.S. for easy searching. Driving Around Simply cruising local streets reveals many self-serve stations. Corner gas stations and stand-alone wash bays are common. Seek out washes with pristine facilities, ample parking, vacuums, convenience stores, and great online reviews. Testing different ones helps identify a favorite. What to Expect at Self-Service Car Washes Self-serve washes provide everything needed to clean your car yourself. Here's a typical setup: Pay Per Use With Cash or Cards Self-serve bays require payment per wash via coin slots, bill acceptors, or credit card stations. Timed payments like $1.50 for 3 minutes are common. BYO Cleaning Supplies and Towels Bring your own car soap, brushes, buckets, towels, etc. Some washes sell soap on-site if you forget. Washing towels from home often work best. Powerful Motorized Wands and Nozzles Wall-mounted wands connected to a central pump provide adjustable spray nozzles for intense cleaning strength. The hoses extend to reach every car surface. Vacuums and Fragrance Most self-serve stations offer powerful vacuums for $0.25-0.75 for interior cleaning after washing. Some also have air fresheners to apply. Open Late or 24/7 Many self-serve washes are open early mornings or very late nights for added convenience. A few operate 24/7 for anytime use. With the right supplies and realistic expectations, self-washing satisfies without professional detailing costs. Using the Self-Serve Bays The DIY nature of self-serves washes makes proper technique important: Study Posted Instructions Look for signage depicting operating instructions for the spray wands, soaps, vacuums etc. Follow directions for best results. Wash Top to Bottom Start spraying the roof and hood before lowering sections to avoid dirt dripping onto already cleaned panels. Use Proper Soaking and Rinsing Allow soapy water to soak briefly before intense rinsing to avoid swirl marks from grit trapped in wash mitts. Bring Drying Towels Wipe off and dry as you go to prevent water spots, streaks, and soap residue. Having multiple soft towels on hand speeds drying. Watch Fragile Areas Use lighter spray pressure around badges, trim, mirrors, and lights to avoid damage. Don't use abrasive brushes on clear coat. Leave Bay Clean Dispose of trash, hang up hoses neatly, and sweep out dirt so the bay is clean for the next customer. Just common courtesy! With some practice, most drivers can master the self-serve wash routine to keep their vehicle looking great. The Pros and Cons of Self-Serve Car Washes Self-service washes provide compelling advantages but aren’t perfect. Consider these key pros and cons: Lower Cost Than Full Service Doing it yourself saves money with self-serves typically costing $5-15 versus $30-70+ for a professional car wash. More Control Over Wash Process You control the soap, accessories, timing, and tools for a truly customized wash rather than quick automated systems. Requires More Physical Effort Washing your own car takes real work unlike passive drive-through washes. Be prepared to hand wash all surfaces on your knees. May Not Achieve Perfect Results DIY washes won’t equal a pro detailing but offer reasonably clean cars.

Perfectionists may want added professional services. Overall self-service delivers a solid wash for far less than full detailing. The trade-off of doing the manual labor yourself pays dividends for frequent washers focused on value. Key Takeaways Self-serve washes provide wands and vacuums for DIY cleaning at low cost BYO towels and cleaners or purchase basics on-site Study posted instructions before using the bays Work top to bottom washing gently to avoid scratches and spots DIY saves money but requires more physical effort than automated washes While not for those wanting flawless show-car results, self-service washes enable frequent cleaning on a budget. With smart supplies and techniques, drivers can tackle the DIY option to keep their cars looking sharp. FAQs What is a self-service car wash? A self-service car wash is a type of car wash where the customer washes their own vehicle using the equipment provided at the facility. Instead of having your car washed by employees, you have the freedom to clean your car at your own pace and according to your preferences. What equipment is typically available? The equipment available at self-service car washes can vary, but typically includes: High-pressure hoses for rinsing and washing the vehicle. Foam brushes for scrubbing the car's surface. Soap or detergent dispensers. Water sprayers for rinsing. Vacuum cleaners for cleaning the interior. Fragrance machines for adding a pleasant scent to the car. How much does it cost to use self-serve bays? The cost of using self-serve bays can vary depending on the location and the services offered. Typically, you pay for the time you spend using the equipment, and the cost can range from a few dollars to several dollars per minute. Some self-service car washes also offer package deals or discounts for longer durations. Do they have vacuums and fragrance? Yes, many self-service car washes have vacuum cleaners available for customers to use in order to clean the interior of their vehicles. Some self-service car washes also have fragrance machines that allow you to add a pleasant scent to your car after cleaning. Are employees available for assistance? In most self-service car washes, there are typically no employees available to assist you with the washing process. However, there may be staff members on-site to handle payments, provide change, or address any maintenance issues with the equipment. It's important to read any instructions or guidelines provided at the facility to ensure you use the equipment correctly and safely. #Wiack #Car #CarInsurance #CarRental #CarPrice #AutoLoans

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sportyconnect · 1 year ago

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johndsmiths1 · 2 years ago

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Why Should You Worry About Low Brake Fluid? Explained!

Automobiles do prefer liquids, not for hydration but mostly for lubrication. Apart from fuel or coolant, there is always a need for lubrication in every nook and corner. Brakes also need essential fluids.

It majorly transfers the pressure and helps in slowing down the vehicle that a pedal generates when a driver presses it. However, brake fluid is critical for a car, and it is impossible to stop a car if brake fluids go down.

The scarcity of brake fluid may be dangerous, especially when your car is in driving mode. However, it would be hard to imagine a vehicle without brakes, or more specifically, fluid.

How do you feel about running out of brake fluid in your car?

Though vehicles cannot converse, they still possess the capacity to tell about the problems. Look at these intimations that tell you about problems with brake fluids.

1. A brake light warning illuminates on your car’s dashboard

Warning lights on a car’s dashboard send strong signals to existing problems. Though a brake light might illuminate for any reason, not necessarily for the emergency of brake fluid, but if it comes on, just consult with a professional.

2. The pedal does not work properly

Usually, when brake fluid is low, a car’s brake pedal does not work properly, and it goes down too easily when you just put your foot on it. However, it happens due to contaminated fluid and a lack of air in the brake unit.

3. Spots of fluid near wheels

Brake fluid leaks usually create spots around the wheels. If you find these spots consistently, never delay visiting the nearest Service My Car workshop.

Brake fluid does not require frequent replacement unless it goes low in quantity and quality. But, how do you conclude that your vehicle’s brake fluid is going to be low? However, if you find oil spots under your car regularly, dig deep for a better conclusion.

The colour of the fluid and where it appears definitely help you make a decision about identifying the brake fluid.

Most frequently, brake fluid is clear to brown in colour and slightly yellow. Additionally, it has a smooth viscosity. You will probably find a puddle that fits this description close to one of your car's wheels if you have a brake fluid leak.

Keeping the importance of brakes in mind, there is no point in putting yourself at risk. Once you notice any sign of low brake fluid or any hesitation while braking, avail yourself of the services of Service My Car, and also get other services like:- car tinting, car sanitization, and car recovery service etc.

What makes a car’s brake fluid go low?

Unlike other automobile fluids, the brake fluid shows a tendency to absorb water. It is also limited in quantity. Besides, leakage is always behind low brake fluid quantities. Leakage often happens due to damaged parts, specifically the worn reservoir.

However, brake fluid must be replaced every two years due to contamination and loss of efficacy during braking.

Besides, the worn brake pads are known to be a major reason behind the low brake fluid. Worn pads may require more from the brake fluids, and their capacity may be reduced due to extensive usage.

However, identifying worn brake pads is simple because there is insufficient pressure after pressing the pedal. Therefore, opting for the brake pad replacement is the better choice, and Service My Car is definitely going to help you make yourself more secure, And you can also search for a car specialist near me on the web, to opt for car repair and air con regas in Manchester at a very reasonable price.

Is there any problem if you drive with low brake fluid?

Low brake fluid might end up resulting in a failure. However, it does not occur to you that you are experiencing any troubling symptoms. Failed brakes are something a driver would not prefer in their dreams either. Though you can control a vehicle in such an extreme condition, it is better to prevent such a problem.

In case of brake failure, you should take care of your and others' safety. You should inform other vehicles about the brake failure by pressing the brake to highlight the rear lights. On the other hand, you can use the hazard lights.

Gradually apply the parking brakes while lowering the RPMs by shifting transmission. Once your vehicle slows down enough, try to move it off the road and run into some rough terrain or grass. Also, turn off the engine so that external friction can assist the tyres in slowing down and eventually stopping.

Is it possible to add brake fluid on your own?

Refilling brake fluid is an expert’s job, as there are a number of risks associated. Not many of us possess those technical skills either. But what can you do? Check out the brake fluid level to determine the actual level.

The level definitely helps you in determining the need for brake fluid. If the brake fluid level falls below the minimum, a top-up or complete refill is required.

You should come to Service My Car for an expert service. Here you will get a professional solution for your car's brake needs. However, booking a car service or ordering a car repair order on our website and app is easy now.

#car service #car repair

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nicanicani · 2 years ago

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Airbnb Review

Cha's Staycation at Amaia Steps Altaraza

Address: Q3PG+VHH, Quirino Highway Unit 705, San Jose del Monte City, Central Luzon, Philippines

I booked an overnight stay at Amaia Steps Altaraza using the airbnb site, check-in for overnight stays are fixed at 2pm and check out will be 12nn or earlier the next day.

An overnight stay costs 1,753 pesos as you'll see on Airbnb's site, but once you proceed to pay for your desired date an additional service fee will be added. Service fee is 240+ pesos for 1-2 people, so that's around 2k pesos total, you'll need to add more fee if you will booked for 3-5 people. Maximum 5 people only.

Before you can go inside you need to surrender your proof of identity to the condominium's security guards, the host already informed them about my identity and my reason of stay. The guard will also ask you to fill-up on their visitors log. Once everything is settled they will give you a visitor pass and off you go.

The next thing that will greet you once you get inside the premises is their clean swimming pool. This is a pool sharing facility and you need to pay 100 pesos (per person) every weekdays and 150 pesos (per person) if weekends. Pool is close every Monday.

Pool hours 9:00AM-5:00PM

At the ground floor there are mailboxes for each units, my stay here is self-check-in, the host informed me to get the unit's key on her mailbox.

The place is small, just right for an overnight stay. Whole unit is neat and clean. There are different home appliances provided by the host that guests can use during their stay. Basic toiletries are also included. The room is air-conditioned and there's a spare stand fan provided. Free Netflix + free unlimited during my stay.

The bed was okay during my stay, pillows though are thin, either the host change it or at least add one more for more comfort.

The facility during both day and night are peaceful, other peole who are living there as a regular resident or staying there as a guest like me are all very mindful about noise. My stay overnight stay there is indeed relaxing.

Before I forgot, outside foods are allowed. Food deliveries are allowed too even after midnight, but you need to get your food at the guard house because riders are not allowed inside the building.

My host has a CLAYGO policy which means Clean As You Go, what you bring inside you must take with you when you leave.

I want to add that their elevator smells nice.

Overall stay was great, I actually want to extend my stay but aside from tight budget, I'm also worrying about my mom. Will definitely come back again soon, hoping I have someone to stay with me to make the overnight more fun. Ayieeeee~

pros:

Responsive and kind host

Accommodating and friendly guards

Peaceful place

Near a hospital, mall, church, food establishments

cons:

No public transportation going outside the subdivision which is hard if you don't own a car

No PokeStop in the area, most gyms and pokestops can't be reach, as a pokemon go player it's a little sad

rating: 8/10

experience is good but i believe they can still level up the service.

Expenses breakdown:

Airbnb fee - ₱1,753

Service fee - ₱248

Transportation - ₱140

Food - ₱1,159 (food from feb 5-6)

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THANK YOU VAMPEDIA FOR LETTING ME EXPERIENCE A MUCH NEEDED BREAK LIKE THIS ONE! 💖

#staycation #vampedia #airbnbreview

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toyotacamryinsacramento · 2 years ago

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Toyota Camry in Sacramento Secrets

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crystalvalet · 2 months ago

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sisterspooky1013 · 3 years ago

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Only One Choice, Part 2, Chapter 3

Read it here on AO3 / Tagging @today-in-fic

Winter soldiers on, the cold and occasional snow giving way to the promise of spring. Her birthday comes and goes, celebrated at her mother’s with her family as it had been before there was someone else to lay claim to her time on special days. The vacant spaces in her apartment that had been occupied by Ethan’s books and clothes, his toiletries, and VHS collection, begin to be filled by evidence of her new, single life. Her solitary toothbrush in the cup by the sink starts to look normal, the indent on her finger where his ring lived begins to fade, and the silence she arrives home to at the end of her workday becomes mundane instead of painful. Though this change was initiated and welcomed by her, change is always hard. She goes through the motions of being okay until one day in early April, she realizes that she is. The budding crocuses bring with them the optimism of a new life, another chance. A third chance, as it were, to get it right. Now she only has to figure out what right is.

Though they’ve always been close, she and Missy become even closer, taking up the space in each other’s lives that would otherwise be consumed by boyfriends or lovers. They are each other’s better half, sharing the minutiae of their workdays and staying available for unexpected illness or the need to move heavy furniture. While every human needs other humans to thrive, the Scully sisters fill that need with each other, shunning the idea of casual dating simply for the sake of companionship. There is no companion more perfect than the one who has known you since before you could understand the need for such a partner in life, and who is by your side not out of obligation, but because their soul is stitched so firmly to your own. They have always pledged their dedication to each other through thick and thin, and the new year of 1997 proves that to be a sincere promise on both their parts.

As such, they sit at their favorite local coffee shop on Sunday afternoon when Missy finally dares to ask her sister the question she’s avoided for the past four months. Not because she was afraid of her reaction, but because she knew Dana wasn’t ready to talk about it.

“Have you heard from Mulder at all?” she asks so casually that Dana flicks her eyes up and stares in disbelief, not sure that she heard her right.

“What?” Dana asks, her heart having lept for one single beat at the mention of his name.

“Mulder. Have you had any contact with him, or seen him?” Missy is misleadingly casual, acting as though this is not a question she’s been waiting months to ask.

“No,” Dana says flatly, her eyes dropping down to her coffee cup. “I wouldn’t expect to.”

“Does he know that you and Ethan split?” Missy asks next, her feet folded underneath her in the oversized armchair.

“I don’t see how he would,” Dana posits.

“Have you considered reaching out to him?” Missy tries, watching her sister for signs that she is going to shut the conversation down.

Dana shakes her head glumly. “After what I put him through, I’m sure I’m the last person he wants to hear from. That was nearly nine months ago, he’s probably long since moved on.”

“Have you? Moved on?”

Dana pulls in a deep breath and lets it out slowly. “I don’t know how to answer that. What does it mean, to move on?”

“Do you still think about him?” No assertions, just gentle questions, leading her sister to the conclusion she knows she needs to come to.

Dana nods softly. “All the time. Every day.”

“Then I think your answer would be no. You should contact him, Dana. It feels like unfinished business.” Missy has a thing about unfinished business. She believes it prevents you from achieving your full potential in life.

“Missy...what would I even say? ‘Sorry I broke your heart, good news is it didn’t even work out so it was all for nothing’? I don’t want to cause him more pain than I already have.” Her tone is resigned and defeated. Another regret she will come to live with, pinned to her lapel with a collection of other mistakes that she can never quite atone for.

Missy shrugs. “You know what I think. The rest is up to you.”

Missy is right. The trouble is, she doesn't trust herself to make these decisions anymore. She’s proven to herself that she doesn’t know how to make the right one.

———

“Excuse me,” a rough, nasally voice calls from behind her. She turns to see a red nosed young man in the doorway of the pathologist’s office, slumped against the doorframe with watery eyes. “I’m here to pick up an autopsy report, for, um...I think it’s Richards or something.”

Scully has worked with this courier before, and compared to his typical demeanor it’s easy to tell that he’s unwell.

“Are you alright?” she asks as she uses her feet to push her rolling chair over to the file cabinet, retrieving the report in question.

“Uh, not really, no. But if I call out sick one more time I’m gonna get canned.” He leans his head against the cool metal of the doorframe. She suspects he’s feverish.

“You don’t look well enough to work. Where is this headed?” she asks, still holding the file in her hand.

The young man blows out a stream of air and she holds her breath for a moment, not wanting to inhale whatever he’s infected with. He pulls a slip of paper from his pocket. “Hoover Building, Behavioral Science Unit. Agent Kissop.” He stuffs the paper back in his pocket and looks around, taking refuge in the extra chair near the end of her desk.

She feels a little flutter in her belly; what are the odds?

“I’ll tell you what,” she begins, “I was just about to head out for the day and I live in Georgetown, so I’m going that way anyway. Can I drop this off for you? You don’t look well enough to drive and I’d hate to see you on the news in the morning if you cause an accident.”

He sighs deeply, the biggest display of excitement he can muster. “Are you sure? I’d really appreciate it,” he says, his eyelids barely maintaining half-mast.

“No problem at all,” she replies, gathering her coat and purse. “You get home and take some Tylenol, okay? And get some rest.”

He nods weakly and she leaves him there, climbing into her car with the file and a pounding heart. She can’t help but feel like this is a sign. She’s been thinking about signs a lot lately, and she’s recently resolved to start paying attention to them.

———

Mulder stands beside the copy machine, doing his Wednesday afternoon ritual of fighting with the toner cartridge and cursing profusely. From around the corner, he can hear AD Kirkbride drumming up his own song of profanity, which is more of a daily ritual than a weekly one.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” Kirkbride is shouting. “Now that dipshit is conning goddamn doctors into doing his pathetic job?”

Another much softer voice answers him, but Mulder can’t quite make out the words. He moves closer to the open door, bored enough to bother eavesdropping and seeing which of his colleagues is going to get their ass handed to them today.

“Yeah, I’m sure he is sick, that fucking lowlife. He’s sick every fucking week, it’s always something with him!”

“Sir, I don’t know what the history is between you and the courier,” answers the other voice, and it’s familiar in a way that makes him stop in his tracks, his stomach clutching in a mix of nervousness and excitement. “Can you direct me to Agent Kissop, please? Then I’ll be on my way and you can work it out with the courier service.”

It’s Scully. It’s her, he’s sure. He’s been dreaming of that voice for months, the soft sibilant S’s and the way her plush lips rest against her adorable overbite. Without thinking, he enters Kirkbride’s office and sees her standing in front of his desk with a file in her hand and an exasperated look on her face.

“Scully?” he asks, and she turns to him. Her hair is a bit longer, now just past her shoulders, and she’s wearing black slacks and a white blouse. She’s as beautiful as ever, maybe even more than he remembered. She doesn’t look all that surprised to see him. If anything, she looks relieved. Emotion boils up in his chest immediately and he feels his throat constrict.

“You know her?” Kirkbride asks, gesturing to Scully, and Mulder nods. “Great, then show her where Kissop sits so I can call the fucking courier service and tell them to fire that lazy asshat before I strangle him.”

Scully walks towards him and he turns wordlessly to show her out of Kirkbride’s office and down the hall to where Kissop sits. His heart is beating slowly but firmly, his pulse resounding in his ears. What is she doing here? Did she come here to see him? And if so, why? When they arrive at Kissop’s desk, Scully hands her the file and they exchange words that Mulder doesn’t bother to listen to. Then Scully looks at him hesitantly and slowly turns to walk away, towards the exit. He feels suspended, unsure if he can believe his own eyes that she is really here, and entirely conflicted over what to do about it if she is. He’s spent nine months trying to forget her, but she’s as real and alive as ever, standing before him. His self-protective instinct says to let her go, but his heart says to run after her.

“Quit standing here like a dumbass and go talk to her,” Kissop orders him, clearly picking up on some tension though she doesn’t have the faintest idea what’s causing it.

Shaken from his daze, Mulder follows Scully into the hallway.

“Scully,” he calls out, and she stops walking but doesn’t turn around. When he catches up to her, he touches her shoulder and she turns to face him with wet eyes.

They stand there for a moment, looking at one another, an expectant feeling hanging over them. He wants to touch her, to feel the press of her body against his again, but he doesn’t dare. That would seem like a relapse, of sorts.

“Would you have coffee with me?” she finally speaks, her voice small and unsure. It’s an invitation she is not at all confident he will accept.

“Okay,” he answers, and they walk out of the building side by side, silently.

They seem to understand without saying so that Mulder will lead them to where they ought to go, which is a little cafe called Burial Grounds just a block from the front doors of the Hoover Building. They stand in line stoically, tension crackling between them like static as they order something that will occupy their hands and give them a safe place to avert their eyes while they talk. They sit at a small table near the door and wait, glimpsing at each other’s faces and then away, summoning courage. Because this was at Scully’s invitation, it seems like she should have the floor.

“Ethan and I aren’t together anymore,” she finally blurts out, and his first instinct is to look at her hand, which is indeed bare of any jewelry. Next he looks at her face, considering her expression and whether she takes this to be good news or bad. She looks pained, but not about what she’s just said. She’s had this look on her face since he first spotted her in Kirkbride’s office. He’s unsure if he should be offering congratulations or condolences, and irritated that he’s being put in the position to figure it out, so he says nothing.

“I’m sure that I’m just about the last person you want to see,” she continues, her ocean irises tracing the logo printed on her cup. It wasn’t a question, but if it were he’d tell her that she’s the only person he wants to see, the only one he ever thinks about. The reason he can’t sleep and, when he does, the only thing he dreams about. “If it’s okay, there are some things I’d like to say to you. I understand if you don’t want to hear them.”

She flicks her eyes up to meet his for a moment and he nods softly, keeping his expression neutral. She returns her gaze to the skull and crossbones bearing the name of the coffee shop.

“I have always believed that life is about making the right choices. That we are presented with an ongoing series of options, opportunities and situations, and that we are tasked with determining the right choice that will put us on the path towards the best possible life. But as of late,” she pauses to take a sip of her coffee, stealing a glance at him before she continues, “I’ve come to believe that there is actually only one choice. One path we’re supposed to be on, and there are signs along the way to pay attention to. The choices might not always make sense at the time, but in the grand scheme of things, they are the ones you need to make in order to have the best possible life. Or the right life, the one you’re supposed to have.”

She pauses and slides her hand across the table, covering his with her own. The soft warmth of her skin electrifies him a little, sending a flush to his belly. She brings her eyes up to meet his, her brows knit with emotion as her chin gently puckers. She’s so beautiful it physically hurts.

“I ignored the signs,” she says tightly. “I made the wrong choice, Mulder. I thought I was doing the right thing, the best thing, but I was wrong. I’m so sorry that I hurt you.”

He feels his chest tighten, a telltale precursor to tears, and he looks away from her. Why is she doing this? To make herself feel better? She pulls her hand back and sniffs, then stands and slings her purse over her shoulder.

“Thank you for having coffee with me,” she says, and then he watches her leave. He sits there, staring at the pink lipstick that stains the rim of her cup, wishing she’d given him some more time to absorb it all. Wishing she’d never made the wrong choice.

#the x files #txf #dana scully #fox mulder #gillovny #msr #sculder #x files #x files fanfic #alternate universe

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twinkleimagines · 4 years ago

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✨The big fight✨

Summary- you and Tom have a really bad fight the day before he leaves to film spider-man 3. He’ll be away for months before he comes back home and neither of you are sure the relationship will last.

⚠️⭕️ Smut and language !

( I didn’t double check this so excuse any misspellings )

“What the hell is this?” You hear your boyfriend of a year and a half yell from across the bedroom.

“What?” You yell back , not looking up from your phone while you’re laying across Toms couch.

“ my clothes are soaking wet and I have to leave for the airport in 30 minutes ! “ he yelled back walking into the living room with a handful of wet clothes.

“ why are you yelling at me for it?” You asked, getting an attitude because of his tone .

“ because I asked you one simple thing!” He said throwing his hands up. “ I said please put my clothes in the dryer while I shower so I can just put them in my suitcase when I get out “ he said with frustration.

“ uhm you have a closet full of clothes chill out I’m sorry I forgot” you said shrugging your shoulders , going back to your phone .

“ that’s not the point Y/N you never do anything around here and when I ask you to you still can’t get up and do it!” He yelled with frustration before walking back into the laundry room. You sat for a second, replaying what he had just said in your head. He knew that you had issues with some fans calling you a gold digger, claiming you were lazy and lived off of Tom for his money. He always reassured you that it wasn’t the case and he didn’t feel that way towards you, but now that he had made those comments you couldn’t be too sure anymore.

“ so what the hell is that suppose to mean?” You questioned walking into laundry room. You stood propped up against the wall while he starts the dryer waiting for his response.

“ what are you talking about? “ he snapped before brushing past you to the bathroom , packing more essentials.

“ I do nothing around here? “ you replied, referring to what he had just previously stated. He stopped for a second questioning what he was going to say next . You both were too pissed to just apologize and let your pride go so you knew this fight was about to get ugly .

" I mean I’m always on the go, always working whether it’s filming , interviews or something and I don’t ask you for much but I asked you to do this one thing and you couldn’t even do that.” He said looking at you with disappointment before walking past you again into the bedroom. You watched him pick a black t shirt out , putting it over his head.

“ yanno I may not be some rich famous actor but I pull my part as much as possible . I’m going to school, I do the online customer service job, anytime you need me to help you book something , or figure up your schedule- I do it. When you’re home I Cook for you, I clean for you, I do anything you ask me too. So I am sorry if I fucking forget to wash your damn clothes one time” you stated before walking out of the room straight into the bathroom.

“Y/n” he said following you.

“ just leave me alone” you said as you sat down on the side of the tub, crying into your hands.

“ love let me in.. I’m sorry okay “ he said turning the knob some. “ i’ve just been stressed out and I don’t want to leave you. I have so much to get done and so little time that sometimes I get overwhelmed and I didn’t mean to snap on you” he sighed heavily , leaning his head against the door. “. And darling you are right I have plenty of clean clothes in the closet”

“ no Tom I’m so tired of people talking down on me like I am some horrible gold digging girlfriend. “ you said looking at the door. “You were supposed to be on my side” you cried out, your voice cracking with every other word.

Tom sighed heavily, laying his head against the door. “I am on your side love, I am just stressed out” he assured. “ please let me in I have to leave now”. He said turning on the door knob again. You knew you’d regret saying this but you did it anyways.

“ just go” you said lowly.

“ what?” He asked in disbelief.

“ go Tom!” You yelled out before crying into your hands again.

Tom looked at his watch and realized he was now running late.

“ I love you” he said , pausing for a response before walking back towards the living room and grabbing his stuff. You sat for a second , question if you made the right choice or not.

Of course not. You quickly ran to your shared bedroom and tossed on one of Toms t-shirts and a pair of joggers grabbing your phone. You grabbed the keys and ran outside only to see that Tom and his ride had already left . You tried calling him to tell him to wait but his phone went straight to voicemail.

“ shit!” You said out loud while you ran to the garage , getting into your car. Your nerves were shot.

“ what were you thinking y/n?” You yelled out hitting the steering wheel. His plan was set to leave in 15 minutes but you were about 8 minutes away. By the time you got there you left your car with the door open , running inside frantically searching for him. You were starting to panick. The place was so big you honestly didn’t have a clue where to look.

But then you saw him. In the security line . He looked upset but still managed to smile for the security guard while they scanned his bags. You quickly ran towards him about to call out his name when a guard grabbed your arm pulling you back.

“ ma’am !” He said stopping you dead in your tracks. “ ma’am you can’t just run around here where is your ticket ? What plane are you going to? Have you gone through security?” It seemed like his questions were just jumbling together as you tried your best to keep your eye on Tom.

“ n-no I don’t have a ticket sir I’m just trying to say goodbye to my boyfriend” you said looking back and forth between Tom and the guard.

“ okay I understand that but you have to go through security first to get to that section ma’am “ he said before swaying his wand around your body frame. You watched Tom grabbing his stuff off of the belt and you realized you were running out of time . You went to go towards him when the guards wand started beeping. You looked down in Toms pocket of his joggers .

“ sorry it’s just loose change” you said while pulling it out and showing him. He nodded and pointed ahead.

“ okay you can go” he said. You started to head towards Tom but when you looked he was no where to be found. Your heart dropped . You quickly ran that way towards the hallway leading towards the plane , you could see the back of his head and some of his security has he walked down the hallway.

“ TOM! TOM!!!” You yelled, trying to get his attention. But then you realized there were too many fans screaming his name for him to pin point you out. your shoulders dropped as you realized you weren’t going to be able to tell him goodbye.

The whole walk out you had your head lowered, tears falling.

‘ i really screwed this one up ‘ you said to yourself as you drove back home in silence. It always felt empty going home and knowing he wouldn’t be there, but it was so much worse when you didn’t even get to tell him bye. It was an empty feeling that just wouldn’t go away.

It had been a whole whopping week since Tom had left, and you hadn’t heard a peep from him. He had posted one time to his Instagram story saying the plane had landed in LA but that was it. Nothing. No posts , no calls no texts.

Was the relationship really over? Did your pride and ego ruin the best thing that had ever happened to you ? You sat on your shared bed contemplating on what was your next move. Do you pack and leave ? Do you just wait? Or do you chase him? All night long you thought about the pros and cons but you finally decided .

You managed to get in touch with his friend and other cast member , Jacob Batalon.

“ hello?” He answered .

“ hey Jacob it’s y/n!” You said excitedly that he answer.

“ oh hey what’s up ? Everything okay?” He asked.

“ yeah ! I’m sorry to bother you but me and Tom had an argument before he left and I wanted to surprise him and show up to really apologize for how I acted” you explained.

“ ohhhh” he said. “ so that’s what’s wrong with him, yeah that makes sense.” He said with a chuckle following behind.

“ what do you mean? Is he okay?” You questioned fearfully.

“ yeah I mean he just been pouting the whole week we’ve been here like he stays in his trailer unless we’re working. Everyone knew something was wrong but we didn’t know why. But yeah you needing a spot to come to?” He asked

“ yeah yeah! And please don’t tell him I really want to surprise him okay” you pleaded.

“ oh yeah no I won’t say anything ! I’ll send you an address!” He said before y’all said your goodbyes.

You had just gotten of the air plane in LA, a weeks worth of clothes in your suitcase. You were hoping things would go good so you could stay in a hotel near by so you had brought it just in case . You quickly covered yourself up, sunglasses , a wig and baggy clothes so no one would recognize you. It is after all LA and a bunch of Toms fans knew who you were. You quickly sent Jacob a text letting him know you landed.

“Okay you have about an hour and a half window to get here before he’s back in his trailer”

You quickly got a ride over to the filming spot where you met Jacob at the entrance . He pointed you in the direction to Toms trailer before going back to the stage buildings before anyone came looking for him. You had made it inside and instantly smiled. It smelt like Tom. You quickly undressed, and pulled out a black laced lingerie set. The top had padding, making your breast really stand out, lace strings crossing your stomach, down to lacked thongs, really making your butt look plump. The last thing was the high knee stockings you put on. At first you wanted him to walk in and see you with just your lingerie set on but then you decided if he had in fact broken up with you it would be really awkward to be standing there half naked. You decided to find Tom’s robe and put it on while you waited. You looked in the mirror in the trailer fixing your hair down and touching up your make up while you continuously checked your phone to see the time. And sure enough right within the hour and a half mark you heard the familiar ding from your phone indicating someone had messaged. Jacob had message to inform you that the filming was over for that day and that Tom would probably be on his way over. You started to feel butterflies forming in your stomach as you sat down in one of his chairs, crossing your leg over , trying to look as good as possible. You started to hear Toms voice but then you heard a female giggling. your stomach dropped. Who the hell is he with?

You sat up straight as you heard Tom turning the door knob before he walked in , a short blonde following behind him. He was looking back at her while walking in so he hadn’t noticed you sitting there.

“ uhm who’s that?” She piped up when she saw you staring at her glaring. You had never seen Tom turn his head so fast , his eyes landing directly on you.

“ y/n??” He said with half excitement and half shock. “ w-what are you doing here?” He asked stepping towards you still in shock.

“ looks like I’m leaving you said while standing up, picking up your bag. “ looks like you’ve got all the entertainment you need here” you remarked, pointing towards the girl.

“ what?” He asked in confusion looking back at the girl. “ wait no !” He said grabbing your arm as you tried to pass by him. “ we were just going to rehearse lines because we’re shooting the scenes with her in it tomorrow” he exclaimed. He sounded sincere but it also sounded like the perfect excuse.

“ good one Tom” you responded, glaring at him while tugging your arm back from him.

“ what is wrong with you? “ he snaps, stopping you in your tracks. The girl quickly ran out of the trailer, not wanting any sort of drama. “ first you force me to leave without an I love your or anything, you go a whole week without talking to me and then you show up to my job and accuse me of cheating !” He exclaimed in disbelief.

You sat back for a second. How dare he turn the tables on you.

“ this is not on me Tom! I sat at home alone every day waiting for you to call or something and you couldn’t even send me a single text message! And I came here to apologize and waited almost 2 hours in this trailer just for you to show up with another woman! “ you yelled back. You hadn’t realized in all this arguing , part of Toms robe had slid down your shoulder, revealing part of your laced see through lingerie . Toms eyes gazed over your perky nipples as your breathing was heavy from the adrenaline.

He took a step closer to you , looking into your eyes. “ I would never cheat on you” he said , his voice a lot lower than before. “ you’re my world and I was just trying to give you the space I thought you wanted” he said taking steps even closer to you. At this point you were only inches apart, you could smell his cologne and sweat all in one from working. You started to feel tingles shooting through your body.

“ give me space?” You questioned, trying to remain tough. “ I-I never wanted a weeks worth I mean cmon what kind of logic is that “ you chuckled trying to hide what Tom was so effortlessly doing to you. “ and I mean still what if I was dead or something and you’d just be shaking it up with some other gir-“ you were immediately cut off by Toms lips pressing against yours. You moaned unexpectedly, your body craving his touch more than you had realized.

“ just shut up already” he whispered before kissing you again, this time more rough. He nibbled on your bottom lip until you opened your lips, giving him access to kids you harder. Your tongues went back and forth while his hands pushed the robe completely off .

“Wow” he said while taking a step back, admiring your body.

“What?” You questioned. Slowly pulling your arms around yourself.

“ you’re just.. wow you’re just so beautiful “ he exclaimed before pulling you back in another kiss. You started walking back towards the chair that you were previously sitting on, pushing down on his shoulders making him sit down. His hand slid around your waist while you sat down on his lap, feeling his budge press against you.

“ I just missed you so much and I wanted to make it up to you for how I acted back at the house”. You said while kissing down his jaw line to his collar bone .

“ oh yeah?” He asked, “ how so?” You grinned while removing his belt from the belt buckle .

“Lemme show you “ you suggested while pulling his shaft out . You felt him pulsating in your hands, jumping at the slightest touch. You pumped him a few times before wrapping your lips around the tip, rolling your tongue against it. You heard him suck in air through his teeth, making a hissing noise as you slip your mouth down further. You continued to move your hand up and down him while your head followed, squeezing as you went to the top.

“ fuck” he murmured holding tightly against the arm rail with one hand , the other squeezing against your head. You pushed yourself down further and further until you felt yourself gag, your throat clenching around him. He let out a long deep groan throwing his head back. He started lifting his hips , thrusting into your mouth as you bopped your head down. You could tell he was getting close by his heavy breathing and right squeezing against your hair so you sat up wiping at the crease of your mouth. You stared at him while you slowing un clipped your bra , slowly pulling it off of your arms before tossing it to the side. You looked down at his cock, watching it jump , needing some release. You grinned, enjoying the sight unfolding before you.

You turned around slowly before pressing your thumbs under the lining of your underwear, slowly lowering down to your ankles. You looked around you a little to see Tom pumping himself at this point while staring at your bare behind. You quickly sat up, shaking your head.

“ nuh-uh” you said while flicking your tongue. “ I do all the work tonight” you said while grinning, removing his hand off himself. You pulled his pants and boxers further down to his ankles before climbing back on top of him, this time letting him slide into you slowly. You threw your head back while moaning as you felt him all the way in you.

“ I love you” you whispered before kissing him, grinding your hips on him in back and forth motions. You leaned your head back again, one hand on top of his that laid on the arm rest, and the other squeezing your breast while riding him. His other hand was wrapped around your waist, pushing on your hips trying to get himself as deep as possible inside of you.

“ fuck baby” he moaned his eyebrows furrowed together watching your breast bouncing with each thrust you did. You felt you itself getting closer so you place your hands on his shoulders, lifting yourself up and down him faster. Your moans became so loud you knew somebody had to have heard you but at the moment you didn’t care .

You pulled his head in towards your breasts, while you grinded fast and hard against him, sweat beading down the side of your face.

“ I’m almost- I’m almost there” you moaned out as you looked down , watching him put his mouth around your nipple , swirling his tongue in circles. You felt the climax hit, letting out almost a squeal from feeling so good.

Tom quickly grabbed onto your hips pounding up into you filling you with his cum. You slowly rode out your climax with yo legs trembling before laying your head down in the crease of his neck.

“ you’re going to have to surprise me more often” Tom said laughing while you tried to catch your breath.

“ no shit” you responded laughing before attempting to climb off.

“ oh god” you said your legs wobbling.

“ you okay?l he asked as you flopped back down onto him.

“ I can’t stand up” you laughed, “ my legs are shaking to much” . He started laughing before kicking his pants all the way off, and picking you up, taking you back toward the bed in the back of the trailer.

“ so, how long do I have you for?” He asked laying down next to you, running his finger tips down your stomach.

“ all week baby, but next round you’re on top” you exclaimed while closing your eyes, grinning from ear to ear.

“ anything for you love”

#tom holland smut #tom holland fanfiction #smut #tom holland #Tom Holland smut fan fiction

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oliviajames1122 · 10 months ago

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Car Repairs Near Me: Navigating the Maze of Auto Services

Car troubles can strike at the most inconvenient times, leaving us stressed and frustrated. Whether it's a strange noise, a warning light on the dashboard, or an unexpected breakdown, finding reliable car repairs becomes a priority. In this guide, we'll explore the intricate world of car repairs, from navigating the search for trustworthy services to understanding the benefits of DIY repairs.

Introduction

In a world where our daily lives heavily rely on automobiles, the importance of reliable car repairs cannot be overstated. However, the challenge lies in finding trustworthy services that won't break the bank. Let's delve into the process of navigating the maze of car repairs near me to ensure your vehicle receives the care it deserves.

The Search for Trustworthy Car Repairs

Local vs. Chain Repair Shops

One of the first decisions you'll face is choosing between local repair shops and larger chain establishments. While chains may offer consistency, local shops often provide a personalized touch and a sense of community.

Online Reviews and Testimonials

In the digital age, online reviews play a crucial role in decision-making. Explore various platforms to gauge customer satisfaction and identify potential red flags.

Asking for Recommendations

Word of mouth remains a powerful tool. Don't hesitate to ask friends, family, and colleagues for recommendations based on their personal experiences.

Factors to Consider

Cost Estimation

Understanding cost estimates is vital. Get quotes from multiple repair shops, considering both the overall cost and any potential hidden fees.

Turnaround Time

Time is of the essence. Choose a repair service that can provide timely repairs without compromising quality.

Quality of Service

A balance between cost and quality is crucial. Ensure the repair shop has certified technicians and uses genuine parts.

DIY Car Repairs

Pros and Cons of Do-It-Yourself Repairs

For the hands-on enthusiasts, DIY car repairs can be satisfying. However, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons before attempting complex repairs.

Common DIY Car Repairs

From changing oil to replacing air filters, there are several DIY tasks that can save you money and enhance your understanding of your vehicle.

Importance of Timely Repairs

Preventing Further Damage

Ignoring minor issues can lead to major problems. Timely repairs can prevent further damage and extend the lifespan of your vehicle.

Ensuring Safety on the Road

Safety should always be a priority. Addressing issues promptly ensures you and your passengers remain safe on the road.

Signs Your Car Needs Immediate Attention

Strange Noises

Unusual sounds can be indicators of underlying issues. Learn to recognize different noises and their potential causes.

Warning Lights on the Dashboard

Understanding dashboard warning lights is crucial. Ignoring them could lead to severe consequences.

Unusual Smells

Strange odors can signal problems with the engine, brakes, or other critical components. Don't overlook peculiar smells.

Regular Maintenance vs. Emergency Repairs

Scheduled Maintenance Benefits

Regular maintenance is not only about addressing issues but also preventing them. Explore the benefits of scheduled maintenance.

Dealing with Unexpected Breakdowns

Even with proper maintenance, breakdowns can occur. Learn how to handle unexpected situations and minimize stress.

How to Find the Best Car Repair Deals

Coupons and Discounts

Many repair shops offer promotions to attract customers. Keep an eye out for coupons and discounts to save on your repairs.

Seasonal Promotions

Certain times of the year may bring special promotions. Take advantage of seasonal discounts to cut down on repair costs.

Benefits of Building a Relationship with a Local Repair Shop

Personalized Service

Local repair shops often provide personalized service, as they value their community. Building a relationship can lead to more attentive and customized care.

Loyalty Programs

Some repair shops offer loyalty programs that reward frequent customers. Explore the perks of staying loyal to a trusted service provider.

Choosing the Right Repair Shop

Visiting the Facility

Before committing, visit the repair shop to get a sense of their professionalism and cleanliness.

Meeting the Technicians

Establish a connection with the technicians. Communication is key to ensuring your concerns are understood and addressed.

Common Car Repair Scams to Avoid

Overcharging for Unnecessary Repairs

Be wary of repair shops that recommend unnecessary repairs or overcharge for simple tasks. Get a second opinion if needed.

Using Substandard Parts

Some shops may cut corners by using substandard parts. Ensure that your chosen repair service prioritizes quality.

The Future of Car Repairs

Advancements in Automotive Technology

Explore how technological advancements in vehicles impact the services offered by repair shops.

Impact on Repair Services

From electric vehicles to advanced diagnostics, the future of car repairs is evolving. Stay informed about the latest trends.

Customer Testimonials

Real-life experiences provide valuable insights into the quality of car repair services. Read testimonials from actual customers to make informed decisions.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of car repairs may seem daunting, but with the right knowledge, you can make informed choices. Whether opting for a local repair shop or attempting DIY repairs, prioritize the well-being of your vehicle to ensure a smooth and safe driving experience.

#car repairs near me #Car garages in reading #Garages in reading #car repairs #repair garage near me

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downwiththeficness · 3 years ago

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In the Bond-Chapter 19

Summary: Lilah often wished she’d never said yes to working with the Gecko brothers—usually while dodging gunfire. At no time was she regretting that decision more than when she’s hanging upside down from the ceiling, staring down a group of hungry culebras and one (1) extremely powerful sun god.

Word Count: ~6,300

Warnings: Smut

A/N: This is an AU of my Story In the Blood, which can be read here. Basically, this fic explores what would have happened if Lilah had met up with Geckos before she met Brasa.

Taglist: @symbiont13

Start from the beginning Previous Chapter Next Chapter

Read on AO3 Masterlist

She’d made the call not really knowing how it was going to go. Lilah had an address, a plane, a packed weekender bag, and not much else. Sitting at the airport bar was the extent of her plan. She tipped back the last of her beer, eyeing the mirror that reflected the entrance.

Kate was early. Lilah checked the digital clock next to the wall of liquor. She’d asked her to be there at one. It was barely twelve thirty. There was something to be said for punctuality, a quality she had found strangely lacking in most criminals—go figure. Lilah signaled for another round, two fingers in the air, her free hand gesturing at the approaching woman.

Dressed in a long sleeved shirt and jeans, her hair tumbling in soft waves around her face, Kate looked barely old enough to even be in the bar. Lilah supposed that was true, though she’d never bothered to ask Kate’s age. She fixed the bartender with a soft, sweet smile and didn’t even get carded.

Sliding onto the stool next to her, Kate rested both arms on the bar top, “He doesn’t know I’m here, by the way.”

There was no need to expound on who Kate meant. Lilah doubted that Seth could have stopped Kate, even if he wanted to. And yet, a small part of her appreciated the discretion. An angry, possibly vengeful, Seth was one variable she didn’t have the energy to contend with on this particular trip. And still, it chafed that he hadn’t reached out. Lilah hadn’t received a single text message or call. It hurt her more than she cared to admit.

Not bothering to spare Kate a glance, Lilah shrugged, “Wouldn’t matter if he did.”

“It might.”

“Doubtful.”

Lilah knew she sounded petulant, but she couldn’t quite make herself care. She sipped at the too expensive beer and leaned lazily back in her seat. Kate fiddled with the bottle, thumb rubbing at the label.

“So, Iceland?”

Smiling, Lilah nodded, “Reykjavik, actually. There’s a huge church there, and the knife is in, like, a reliquary.”

She’d had to look up the definition of reliquary when Brasa told her about it, tablet in hand, finger swiping from one picture to the next. When Lilah had commented that they were lucky it was in a church and not in another private collection, he’d sighed and said he’d rather deal with the private collector. The capital “C”, Church, could be a harrowing enemy.

Lilah disagreed. A church of this size and age was unlikely to have up to date security systems. And, to be fair, a lot of churches were underfunded, which left little to know staff to wander the halls in search of delinquent women looking to pocket ancient relics.

“Uh huh,” Kate drawled, taking a swig, “How do you expect us to get in?”

Lilah shrugged, “I hadn’t gotten quite that far.”

“Uh huh,” then, “How far have you gotten?”

Hands giving a sweep around her, Lilah pronounced, “This is about it.”

“Uh huh.”

With an expression that was nearly a glare, Lilah groaned, “Stop saying that.”

Kate shrugged, “Its just that you usually have a plan. Way before we get to the airport.”

She was right, Lilah usually had a solid plan before they even left for the job, before they even bought the plane tickets or booked the motel. She didn’t like being rushed, but the reality was that they needed to get the job done and get back as fast as humanly possible. For this job, Lilah was willing to wing it just a little.

“I know,” Lilah sighed, taking a deep pull, “This was sort of last minute. There was...an attack.”

She didn’t think it would be wise to hide what had happened from Kate. Context and background information usually sat well with her. Like Lilah, Kate liked to know what, exactly, she was dealing with. And, there was part of her that just needed to tell someone.

Beside her, Kate stiffened, “What kind of attack?”

“Benny tried to open the portal,” Lilah explained, waving away the bartender’s offer of another round. While they waited for the check, she continued, “A lot of the people he was with died. Some of them were injured—horrifically. The knife is all we need to close the portal for good.”

That, and a shit ton of Brasa’s blood. He’d told her over and over again that he’d put in safety measures, that there was nothing to worry about. Lilah was dubious, at best.

Nodding, Kate slipped off the stool and looked at Lilah expectantly, “When’s the flight?”

Lilah glanced again at the clock, “About an hour from now.”

Kate frowned, “We’re not going to get through security in that time. Why didn’t you tell me to be here sooner?”

Smiling coyly, Lilah lifted a shoulder, “Probably because we’re flying private. We’ve got plenty of time.”

Head cocking to the side, Kate regarded her closely, her mouth parted in something near enough to a smile, “I guess you’d better show me your plane.”

Leaning down, Lilah grabbed her weekender and slung it over her shoulder, “Boarding is that way.”

The plane was exactly as she remembered it, right down to the stewardess offering them a glass of champagne for the flight. Lilah settled into the plush seat and sent off a text to Brasa to let him know they were on the tarmac.

When she looked up from her phone, she noticed Kate tossing hers back into her bag, likely doing the same thing.

“So, you do any research on this church?”

Lilah’s head ticked to the side, “A little. Its huge. Big ol’ pipe organ that’s pretty famous.”

Kate sipped her champagne, “You read that off Wikipedia?”

That was exactly what she’d done, right after Brasa spelled out the name for her.

Laughing, Lilah confirmed, “Pretty much.”

“You got a way in?”

“There’s services a couple days a week,” Lilah said, resting her head in her palm, “I figure, we go in with the church crowd, sneak away, hit up the reliquary, walk out with the church crowd.”

Kate blinked, “You said its a big church. Do you know your way around?”

“Javier got me some maps,” then, “I told Brasa we’d have a seventy two hour turnaround.”

Brows coming together, Kate shook her head, “It might not be that simple.”

“You and the boys do it all the time.”

Lilah and the boys had done it many times over.

“Yeah,” Kate shot back, “In banks, in museums, jacking cars. We’re stealing from a church.”

Lilah rolled her eyes, “What’s the difference?”

Her expression closed tightly, and Kate took a beat too long to respond, “Its the church. Its...God.”

Ah. Touchy subject.

Taking a deep breath, Lilah chose her words carefully, “Technically, they stole it first. The knife is Xibalban, it belongs to Brasa’s people. We’re not stealing it. We’re just..playing a bit of Robin Hood.”

Kate glared at her, “You can’t be Robin Hood when you’re sitting on a private jet, Lilah.”

That was fair.

“Point. Then, we’re reverse Indiana Jones-ing it.”

Laughing, Kate shook her head again, “I don’t think that fits, either.”

“Well, we can’t all be Richie with the pop culture references, can we?” Lilah retorted, half amused, half annoyed.

“No,” Kate murmured, “He really does have a connection for everything.”

“Oh, my god, he does,” Lilah agreed, one hand covering her eyes, “The first day I met him, he called me Scully. And then he proceeded to show me that there are, in fact, things that go bump in the night.”

He’d actually flashed his fangs at her, his eyes glowing behind his glasses. Lilah had scrambled back from him, too scared to even scream. It had been Seth that had calmed her down, had told her what they were doing, what their mission was. It had been Seth that set her on the path she was on now.

“That sounds like Richie,” Kate said with a small smile, “He likes to go ahead and rip the band aid off.”

“That’s one way of putting it.”

It had taken about two days before Lilah could bring herself to sit within ten feet of Richie, and even longer before they had a conversation over three sentences long. Once she’d gotten over the initial shock, Lilah had grown to really like Richie. Despite the constant one upping and the long tangential digressions on canon, he could be sweet. He could also rip a person in half. Pros and cons being what they were, Lilah had eventually put him on the (extremely) short list of her friends.

They stopped for fuel in New York, and then they were taking the last leg of the trip. Landing went smoothly, and a car was waiting to take them to the hotel Brasa had booked. It hadn’t occurred to Lilah to ask him to book something low key and under the radar. When they pulled up to a swanky awning with gilt embellishments, she cringed internally.

Lilah appreciated a good hotel like most any other person. When she was on a job, though, it was always better to stay at a highway motel. Less surveillance, and if the police showed up, there were usually more concerned about the drugs in the room three doors down than a single woman drawing as little attention as possible. This was...ostentacious.

“I bet the beds in there are phenomenal,” Kate said as she walked ahead.

As she took in the extravagant lobby, Lilah couldn’t help but agree, but they would pale in comparison to the bed she shared with Brasa. Nothing could or would match those mattresses—which she still hadn’t asked Javier about. She resisted the urge to check her phone for the thousandth time, looking for a message from Brasa. He’d been busy dealing with the wounded, dealing with increasing calls for violence, dealing with all the things that came with governing a growing mass of people. She didn’t want to add to that.

As Kate predicted, the beds were pretty fucking good. Soft as clouds. Silky sheets. Very nice, but empty. Lilah would have slept on a futon to have Brasa here with her. She missed his presence, missed his touch. Since she’d left Jackknife Jed’s, Lilah hadn’t spent more than a few hours without him.

Spoiled. Lilah was fucking spoiled, now.

Shaking herself from her thoughts, Lilah focused on unpacking her pajamas for the night. First thing in the morning, they would scout the church, find their entrance and their exit. Maybe come up with a few back up plans. She was pretty sure that the base plan she’d spouted off on the plane was their best option. But, she liked to have some alternatives.

As she crawled into bed, Lilah reached out and touched the bond. He was tired, she could tell. Gently, she suggested that he sleep. Lilah was met with a wall of stubborn willpower that had her physically rolling her eyes. Turning to her side, she reached up and turned off the bedside light. If he wasn’t going to get some rest, she definitely would.

Lilah slept hard. It was the kind of sleep that could make someone wake up and not know what year it was, the kind of sleep that stole the freshness of the morning. On her back, hands near her face, she blinked up at the ceiling as she tried to get her bearings in the unfamiliar room.

The shower was on, water sloshing.

Kate.

Her bed was warm—hot, even. There was a weight on her legs and hips, hidden by the comforter. She shifted, surprised when the weight moved with her. It continued to move even when she’d settled, enveloping her from belly to knees.

Hands. There were hands trailing up her sides, sliding underneath her pajama top. She sucked in a breath, releasing it forcefully when they cupped her breasts, thumbs circling her nipples. The comforter shifted, rolling in a singular wave upwards until the fabric parted to reveal dark hair and brown skin.

Brasa.

He smiled at her as he climbed her body, his eyes reflecting darkly in the low ambient light of the room. She smiled back, hands resting on his shoulders as he settled over her.

“Hi,” she said lowly.

He echoed her, leaning down to kiss her sternum. His mouth was warm, his hands massaging along her waist and down over her hips. He nuzzled her skin, rubbing his cheek against her neck and collarbone.

Lilah relaxed into the pillows, let him do as he liked. Her fuzzy mind reveled in the feel of him, his tongue tracing patterns ahead of his fingers. He pushed her shirt up and over her breasts, palms cupping them together. When he drew a nipple into his mouth, her body arched up, knees clutching at his sides.

Her thighs rubbed sensuously against bare skin. She bit her lip as she realized that he was very clearly naked, and very clearly aroused.

The shower cut off, drawing her attention. She tensed beneath him, turning her head to look towards the closed bathroom door.

Undeterred, Brasa pulled at her top, trying to get her arms through it. Lilah pushed at his shoulders, jerking her head towards the bathroom.

“Kate is literally going to walk out any second.”

His jaw clenched unhappily, but he let go of her top. Lilah pulled it down over her chest with one hand, the other reaching up to touch his cheek.

“I’ll be home soon.”

Lips pouting, he nodded. In between one blink and the next he was gone, though Lilah was left with the distinct feeling of his mouth pressed firmly to hers.

She was right, though. The door to the bathroom opened and Kate wandered through it, towel drying her hair. Lilah sat up and flicked on the bedside light, rubbing at her eyes.

“I didn’t mean to wake you.”

Lilah waved her off, “I needed to get up, anyways. You take all the hot water?”

Kate smirked, “For the price of these rooms, it should take at least three days to run out of hot water.”

“You can thank your resident sun god for that,” Lilah drawled as she rose from the bed, picking up her clothes for the day from where she’d set them the night before.

“You think he takes tithes?”

There was a strange kind of sarcasm in those words. No bite. Just barely touched with the dark amusement that came with doing the things that they’d had to do in the last year and a half. It peeked out periodically from behind all their lips, cut through tension, acknowledging the oddity that was their lives.

Lilah shrugged, “I can ask him next time we’re in the temple.”

Kate paused from where she was combing through her dark locks, “He has a temple?”

“Yeah,” Lilah answered from the bathroom door, “I mean that literally.”

“Weird.”

“You have no idea.”

After showering and getting ready for the day, they headed out into the city. Lilah managed to Google Translate her way through ordering the pair of them a coffee that they drank while they walked. The church was pretty big. Scoping out the entrances and exits took most of the morning. By the time the noon services started up, Lilah’s legs were demanding a break.

The pews were filled with churchgoers as they took a spot near the back of the sanctuary. Lilah spent about ten minutes distracted by the artwork and the architecture before she realized that Kate was softly crying.

“What’s wrong?”

Sniffing, Kate shook her head, “I haven’t, you know, been in a church in a long time.”

“Oh.”

Lilah was not good with soothing crying people. She looked awkwardly around, grateful that most people were focused on the sermon ahead of them and not the weird American girls behind.

“You know my dad was a preacher, right?”

“I,” Lilah whispered, “Did not know that.”

To be fair, not a one of their crew delved too deeply into each other’s backgrounds. That was the trade off: they worked together as a team to hunt down rogue culebras, might even share a few stories of their more notorious exploits—no digging into old wounds.

“He was.”

“Oh.”

“After my mom died, he kind of...lost God. He drank a lot, and I had to take care of my brother and me.”

“That must have been hard.”

“Yeah,” Kate said, her voice cracking, “And then all of this shit with Richie and Seth started happening. And then Amaru. I thought I’d never feel right in church again.”

“Oh.”

Kate cut her a look, “Stop saying that.”

“Sorry,” Lilah said on reflex. “I don’t know what else to say.”

Shaking her head, Kate lifted a shoulder weakly, “Nothing to say, really.” Then, “I miss it. Miss the ritual of it—praise and worship, sermon, invitation, closing. You know exactly what to expect.”

Ah. Lilah lifted her toes in her winter boots, knowing what Kate meant, and not knowing how best to respond. She sat next to the woman throughout the sermon, not a word of it in English. Then, when the nonverbal cue for prayer sank into the crowd, she tapped Kate’s arm and jerked her head to the side.

“Now?” Kate asked.

Lilah smirked, “Why not?”

While the congregation’s heads were bowed, giving them an opening. while all eyes were closed and no one was looking about, Lilah and Kate disappeared into a back hallway and towards a series of meeting rooms. Lots of unlocked doors. They moved through the halls, ducking into a bathroom when steps sounded a little too close.

Eventually, they found the pastor’s chambers. Lilah was pretty fucking shocked when Kate pulled out Seth’s lock pick set and went to work. Impressed, she leaned against the wall opposite the door, keeping watch while the other woman worked.

It took several tries and one foul oath, but Kate got the door open. They slipped inside, and Lilah tapped her phone to pull up the picture Brasa had sent her. She showed it to Kate, her eyes scanning the shelves.

And there it was. Sitting unceremoniously on a low shelf, holding up a set of biblical commentaries. Lilah paused, thinking that this was deceptively easy. Gilt in gold, the reliquary was formed in Gothic angles and sharp spires. Serving as a stand for the knife, one could be forgiven for almost missing its significance.

With care, Lilah checked it for a pressure switch, then pulled the knife from the stand. As she stood, she held it out for Kate’s inspection.

She looked at it, looked at Lilah, and shrugged, “I guess that’s it.”

“I guess,” Lilah muttered, slipping it into her bag.

They tip toed back into the sanctuary, right as the invitation started. People were walking forward, taking the hands of church elders, making commitments to God. Lilah sat in the pew with her pilfered relic, feeling as if the room had tilted ever so slightly to the left. As soon as was socially acceptable, she rose and headed out towards the street.

On the walk back to the hotel, the sun beginning its descent towards the horizon, Lilah shoved her hands into the pockets of her coat, “You know, when I think of all the jobs we’ve pulled, this one was surprisingly anticlimactic.”

Kate nodded, pushing her hair out of her face, “After the year I’ve had, I could use a little anti-climactic.”

Lilah had to agree. After one too many high intensity situations, the ease of this theft was so very welcome. And strange.

When they reached the hotel, they took advantage of the little restaurant at the back of the building. Lilah ordered a nice wine and a pasta with a heavy cream sauce. Though it smelled amazing, she found that she could only pick at it, full after just a few bites. She wasn’t surprised. The adrenaline of having taken something that didn’t belong to her often suppressed her appetite.

Despite only eating a small portion from her plate, Lilah tipped the wait staff well. The meal was delicious, even if she wasn’t in the mood to eat. No need to take it out on anyone else.

When they returned to their room, Kate flung herself haphazardly on the bed, her boots hanging off the end. She flicked on the TV, saying, “You want to tell me about this knife ritual thing?”

Lilah opened her mouth to speak, and found that she didn’t have words. Brasa had been remarkably reticent to give her details about what they needed to do to close the portal.

“I honestly don’t know,” she answered, finally, “We use the staff, the cup, the knife, and some of Brasa’s blood—that’s as far as I’ve gotten.”

Lifting a brow, Kate regarded her steadily, “No magic incantation?”

Huffing, Lilah rolled her eyes, “I mean, probably. There’s always some sort of magic rhyme to shout into the abyss, right?”

“For sure.”

With Kate momentarily distracted by the television, Lilah pulled her phone out and tapped out a text.

L: Got it.

She set the phone down, intending to get comfortable on the bed. No sooner had she sat down to remove her boots did it vibrate twice, indicating a text. Lilah picked it up, tapping on the screen.

B: Excellent. ETA?

Smirking, Lilah pulled up the keyboard.

L: Tomorrow, late. Midnight, maybe?

His response was almost immediate.

B: You plan to leave in the afternoon?

L: Depends on when Kate wakes up.

There was no immediate answer, and Lilah set the phone aside. She tugged off her boots and socks, leaning back into the pillows.

“Have you noticed,” Kate started, her voice cutting through the noise of the television, “Changes?”

Lilah cast her a look of confusion, her brows coming together.

“Since you and Brasa got together. Like, physically?”

Thinking about it, Lilah pursed her lips, “I don’t think so?”

The sentence came out more like a question because she honestly didn’t really know. With everything that had been going on outside of her, it hadn’t occurred to Lilah to look inwardly.

“I mean,” Kate continued, one hand rotating, her palm pointed towards the ceiling, “Obviously, you know about the immortality.”

Lilah nodded, though the concept had been purposely set aside so that she could deal with the more pressing matters of the bond and her growing relationship. She figured that she had plenty of time to deal with it later.

With a ‘tsk’, Kate reached over and grabbed the remote. She shut off the TV and threw the control down. Then, she scooted over to the edge of the bed and pulled her legs up and underneath her.

“I knew it would be different...after. I knew things would change—more than they already had.”

Lilah nodded. Different was all that Lilah had known for so long that it had made the complete circle all the way around to perfectly normal. Looking into Kate’s face, though, Lilah could tell that their unique circumstances, the odd path of their lives, wasn’t all that the other woman meant.

Kate tucked her hair behind her ear, “I haven’t slept in two weeks.”

Spluttering, Lilah’s brows rose in surprise, one hand covering her mouth.

“I mean,” Kate continued, leaning forward in concern, “not really. Not like I used to.”

Hands up in question, Lilah asked, “What the fuck does that mean?”

Kate sat back, her shoulders dropping, “I,” she stopped and shook her head, “I sleep maybe a few hours a night, wake up, stay awake for a few hours, and then sleep another hour. That’s it.”

Looking around the room, Lilah found herself once again trying to find words of comfort. She was not good at this.

“That must suck.”

Kate, thankfully, laughed, “It does. I tried everything. Sleeping pills, weed, hot baths, I ordered a special tea from the internet. Do not recommend, by the way.”

Mouth in half a smile, Lilah rolled her neck, “I’ll keep that in mind.”

“And that’s not all of it,” Kate went on, “I don’t get hungry, not really. I eat. I can eat. But, if I don’t think about it, I won’t.” She fixed Lilah with a hopeful look, “Is it like that with you?”

It took Lilah a moment to think of her answer, “No.”

All the air went out of Kate. She picked at the bedspread, “Oh.”

“Its still new,” Lilah said quickly, unable to take Kate’s down expression. “I’m just now learning how to use the bond.” Her eyes turned to the ceiling, “For the first, like, six months I didn’t even acknowledge that it existed, let alone participate.”

Kate huffed, “Oh, Richie wasn’t about to let that happen. He said he’d spent enough time knowing and not acting.”

Lilah frowned, “What does that mean?”

Expression indulgent, Kate said, “They know it immediately. They know it.”

Brasa had known, had said as much in the first minute of conversation. Lilah had been too intent on getting away to ask questions. Now, she wished she had. The book on bonds had been helpful for troubleshooting and basic knowledge. The way in which bonds worked, how they changed the bonded, was vague, at best.

“Does…” Kate trailed off, her eyes looking away, pink tinting her cheeks, “Does he, you know, feed you?”

She blinked, “I mean, yeah. Usually after he takes it from me.”

Nodding, Kate’s gaze seemed to lose focus, “For the first two months, Richie would insist on it, every day. He said that it would make me stronger.”

“Brasa said that same thing.”

Another nod, “I do feel stronger. There are mornings where I wake up and I feel like I could run a hundred miles.”

Lilah barked out a laugh, “Maybe I need to insist a bit. Get me some of that energy. With everything that has been going on, I’m constantly tired.”

The treaty, the bond, Seth, Benny, learning a her new role, the injured, all of it was building up into one big ball of awful. Lilah had to constantly remind herself that, as stressed as she was, her bondmate was likely infinitely more frustrated and exhausted. The thought made her reach out for him. He felt stable, but his side of the bond was pulled somewhat shut. Open enough that she could tell he was physically well, but closed to any detail as to his feelings. Lilah pulled back as gently as she could, not wanting to disturb his privacy.

They watched a few more episodes of really bad reality television while Lilah double checked their flight itinerary. She’d gotten a confirmation email to her inbox for a car service after lunch. Everything just sort of fell right into place. They’d gotten what they’d come there for, their exit was prepped, all they had to do was pack up and get in the car.

Lilah stared at the ceiling, half listening to the reunion episode of the show. Over the din of yelling voices and accusations, she began to feel...a little bit useless. The planning, the coordinating, the logistics of every job she’d ever done had been something she’d taken care of personally. In this case, all she’d had to manage was getting a partner that, in the end of it all, the job hadn’t required. And then, everything had gone so god damned smooth that is made Lilah suspicious.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Kate pushing from the bed and tugging on her boots, “I’m going to go to the evening service. You want to come?”

Eyes narrow, Lilah asked, “To the church we just robbed?”

“Yeah.”

“No thanks.”

Kate shrugged and grabbed her coat, slipping the hotel key into her back pocket, “I’ll be back in a few hours.”

“Have fun,” Lilah deadpanned, shaking her head.

She watched as Kate gave her a little wave and headed out, the door closing softly behind her. The room settled into relative silence, only the drone of the TV to keep her company. Rubbing at her eyes, Lilah rolled from the bed and grabbed her pajamas.

The shower was perfunctory, going through the motions to get the grime of the day off her skin. She toweled off and pulled on her clothes. Dirty laundry in hand, Lilah stepped out of the steam filled bathroom. She tossed her used clothes into her bag and stood near her bed, staring at nothing.

Annoyed with the newest episode of the show, Lilah grabbed the remote from Kate’s bed and shut it off, leaving the room completely silent. She continued to stand there, looking at nothing. Lilah stood there long enough for the heat to kick on, startling her. She glared at it and rolled her eyes, catching her reflection in the mirror.

There were smudges from the last of the day’s makeup underneath her eyes, but the shadows weren’t there. She leaned in, noting that the usual breakout along her chin had cleared up, the skin smooth. The whites of her eyes were stark and clear against her irises. Maybe there had been changes. Maybe Lilah had been too distracted to notice.

Her hair was still a bit thin along her temples, the permanent line between her brows still there from near constant frowning at a computer screen. The scar from when she’d fallen and cracked her chin open in that bathtub at age five remained, a thin line just beneath her bottom lip.

Maybe not too many changes.

The air in the room rippled. Gasping, Lilah braced herself with her hands out. Stillness. Feeling the air stutter in and out of her lungs, she glanced around, looking for danger. When nothing but the sound of the heater kicking off met her expectant gaze, she dropped her hands.

Another ripple, this time with the accompanying scent of coffee and caramel.

“Brasa?” she called out to the empty room.

Ripple.

“I am here, querida.”

Lilah spun in place, an aborted shout stuck to the back of her throat. She clocked the broad shoulders, the warm brown eyes, and sighed.

“I think I’ve asked you not to scare me like that.”

Ticking his head to the side, he offered her an unrepentant smile, “But then I wouldn’t get to hear your heart beat so beautifully in excitement.”

“There are other ways to achieve that, you know,” she said ruefully, one hand coming to rest where her heart was, indeed, beating a pounding rhythm.

Brows quirking, Brasa gathered her to his body, arms folding around her waist, “You have a point.”

“Of course I do,” she retorted, rising on her toes to kiss him briefly, “What brings you here?”

He pressed his forehead into the skin of her neck, breathing deep, “I missed you.”

Arms draped over his shoulders, Lilah laughed softly, “Its only been a day. We’ve been apart for much longer.”

Letting out a long breath, Brasa said, “I disliked it then as much then as I do now.”

Lilah tightened her grip on him, swaying a bit, “I’ll be home tomorrow.”

“Too long,” he groused with a shake of his head.

She pulled back, cupping his jaw with both hands, “Its faster than I anticipated. I could be gone another whole day.”

The hands on the small of her back clenched, and Lilah heard the fabric of her t shirt tear. Gasping in shock, she twisted her body and found that he ripped the shirt up to about the middle of her back.

Saying his name in censure, Lilah stepped back, holding the shirt away from her body and assessing the damage in the mirror. There was no saving that shirt, not without a sewing machine that she not only didn’t have, but definitely didn’t know how to use.

Firm hands turned her so that he could look at it, and Lilah caught the banked pride in his expression as he tugged, “Oops.”

“Oops?” Her voice was high and incredulous, “That’s all you have to say? ‘Oops’?”

He shrugged, his palms following the line of her spine until the fabric bunched around his wrists, “Perhaps it is an improvement.” When she fixed him with a doubtful look, he went on, “Perhaps I can make it up to you.”

Her brows lifted in interest, but she said nothing. He took that as a ‘yes’, his hands slowly rounding her waist to rest below her breasts. Watching in the mirror as his hands encircled them, gently rolling her nipples between his thumbs and forefingers.

Humming against her skin, Brasa played with her lazily, the distinct lack of urgency lulling her into a low simmering arousal. Lilah leaned into him, her hands resting on the dresser to keep her balance. In the mirror, her reflection undulated. The long line of her throat exposed as she tipped her head back against his shoulder.

“Beautiful,” he groaned, teeth catching her ear.

Lilah focused on his face in the mirror, watched as his eyes devoured her image. His hand rucked up her shirt, squeezing her breasts together, their touch no longer teasing.

Mouth laying sloppy kisses wherever he could reach, Brasa leaned his weight into her. He pinned her to the dresser, shifting her to the side when one of the pulls dug into her belly. Lilah arched back, catching his mouth, the angle too acute for her to get anything more than the barest of kisses.

She whined, tugging on his arms so that he would let her turn around. He held her still, and she could feel the shape his mouth against her skin, spreading into a wide smile.

“Did you need something?”

Lilah grit her teeth against the honey of his words, the way they melted over her, the cajoling tone peeking out from underneath. After so long where he’d given in to her easily, after he’d offered no quarter in the building of her pleasure, the teasing chafed.

She writhed, shimmying her hips against the erection behind her, trying to get him to break. He took it, took every bit of her want, absorbing it so that she only got the tiniest ricochet in return. It left her wanting with such force that she could keep the needy moans inside.

It might have been his name she was chanting, might also have any one of the nonsense syllables that he had been known to pull out of her. All Lilah knew was that her core was clenching down on nothing when it could be fluttering around his hands, or better yet his cock.

Brasa repeated his question, his voice dropping down into his chest so that it came out in a harsh rasp. Lilah nodded, biting her lip. Through the bond, she felt his pleasure, felt how satisfied he was to watch her fall apart in his hands.

Teasing fingertips traced the waistband of her shorts, dipping just below, “Is this it?”

Again, she nodded, her eyes squeezing shut as he pushed down past the elastic to rest all four fingers against her mound. She widened her stance and rocked forward into them, getting a little bit of needed friction.

“Fucking wet,” he groaned, one arm wrapping around her middle and pulling her up and into his body, “You’re ready for me?”

For the third time, she nodded, relieved when he pulled down her shorts just below the crease of her ass, his other hand pressing her forward so that she was leaned over the top of the dresser. She heard the sound of shifting fabric, and then he was pressed against her opening.

With the taut band of her shorts cutting into the meat of her thighs, Lilah could only drop her forehead to the dresser as he pushed steadily forward. He was careful with the initial thrust, hands massaging.

“Good?” she heard from over the pounding of her ears.

Rising, Lilah rotated her hips, seating him deeper and relishing his sharp inhale, “Very good.”

One hand grabbed her chin, turning her head so that he could kiss her, his tongue dipping inside. He kissed her like that as he pumped slowly inside, taking up once more his unhurried pace. Lilah swallowed around a dry throat, her hands closing into little fists.

“More,” she cried out, hoping to coax him into a faster, harder pace.

He chuckled. And though his pace remained the same, the intensity kicked up a notch. He buried his cock inside her all the way each time, the intermittent sound of skin slapping against skin overtaking the silence of the room. Slow. Deep. Unhurried. Brasa fucked her as if he had all the time in the world, as if he wasn’t at all concerned about coming.

It built inside her in intervals that were so small Lilah barely noticed them until it was too late, until her pussy was contracting around him in dizzy pleasure. Brasa snarled, his hips grinding against her ass, one hand holding her steady as he arched over her body.

Lilah relaxed her upper body against the dresser, blinking slowly as Brasa grabbed her hips and pulled them back hard. The air was punched from her as he did it again. And again. He got another five or six good thrusts in before he hissed and she felt him pulse.

When it was over, Brasa pulled out and adjusted her short before doing the same with his down pants. He wrapped his arms around her and walked her back to the bed. Lilah went, reaching back to ruffled his curls.

She hummed as he helped her to lay down, his big body molding to her side, “That was nice.”

He pet her hair, “I’ll do it again when you get back.”

“Promise?”

#from dusk til dawn #from dusk til dawn: the series #Brasa #In the Bond

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s1cparvism4gna · 4 years ago

Text

I Like You A Lot

WARNINGS: cursing & angst

Pairings: Chloe Frazer x Nadine Ross, Sam Drake x OC

Tags: @desertvvitch, @courtenbae, @ammaliatrici

A/N: I will fix the read now later today

Chapter 18

Sam’s POV

I sighed as the wind pushed back my hair, air drying myself and my clothes a bit. Also it was hot as hell. So this nice breeze was doing me a great service. I wiped the shmutz off the tinted glass of a pair of aviators I happened to find in the back seat. “These are nice, heh?” I said, examining the quality and putting them on my face before turning to Sunny with a rather charming smile (if I do say so myself). She didn’t even move. She stayed with her chin resting in her hand as she leaned on the side of the car; Staring at the Indian wilderness as it passed by, wind pushing at her curls. I huffed and shook my head, noticing Chloe glancing at us from the rear view mirror. She frowned a bit and then returned her eyes to the rocky path before us.

“Look! Railroad tracks!” Nadine pointed out. Sunny’s head shot right up as she moved to the middle seat to lean forward for a better look. Right ahead in the distance was a bunch of abandoned cars on the tracks.

“We’ll stop here, then.” Chloe said, pulling on the hand brake and the car skidded in the mud for a second. All of us hopped out of the 4x4, our boots landing on the ground heavily. We all groaned. I was sure all of our bodies were aching— I, myself, was tired and sweaty. My hands were dirty and bruised (much like the rest of me) with a few cuts that had yet to be looked at. And I mean the way my knees felt after that simple jump… but it was better than being left to drown in a flooded chamber, I’ll tell you that. Luckily, my cigarettes had dried so immediately I pulled one and lit it. I needed one. With the way Sunny was acting and how this job was going, I needed a bit of nicotine in my system to help me along.

“Asav will definitely have lookouts throughout the area.” Nadine told us.

“Best be careful then, huh?” Sunny commented, adjusting her jeans.

“Right, right, right… And then we lose the tusk.” I added sarcastically. Sunny made a face. One I knew all too well. One she tended to make when she was done with whatever “pessimistic” outlook I tended to have on things.

“Jesus Christ, Sam—” Sunny groaned, rolling her eyes in annoyance.

“Ay— I’m just bein’ realistic here!” I retorted. Nadine chimed in as well, also rather fed up with me.

“You’re welcome to stay behind if you’d like.” She said. I made a sarcastic expression, mocking her.

Chloe calmly hushed us up, shaking her head, tired of the ongoing arguments and petty comebacks between us all.

“All right, all right… Less talking, more walking.” She said before hopping off the cliff. Sunny looked at me in disbelief and forced out a rather derisive laugh.

“Sounds good to me.” She said, following Chloe off the cliff. I groaned stressfully; letting smoke fill my lungs and exit my nostrils as I watched her walk away, dropping down to the next level. I picked up my pride and began to follow them as well.

“So all that time with Asav and you couldn’t get any intel on the buyers?” Nadine asked me.

“He’s uh…. he’s a cagey one, Asav is. Never talked shop in front of me really.” I answered, adjusting my newfound sunglasses in the sunlight.

“Gee, I wonder why not…” I heard Sunny comment sardonically ahead of us.

“Sunny, you’re being very puerile right now.” I said to her.

“Ooo, look at the ex con using his big boy words.” She replied with a rapid fire tongue. I rolled my eyes and took another drag. I decided I’d be the grown up here and ignore it… Sort of.

“Hey, he believed me long enough to think I was an expert in all this Hoy-sah-la crap.” I said rather pigheadedly.

“It’s Hoysa-lah. Not Hoy- sah-la.” Sunny corrected me.

“All right, Hermione.” I shrugged, trying my best not to let her get to me. But, boy, she was really working on my nerves.

“Thanks for keeping him busy for us.” Chloe said suddenly, taking me out of my thoughts and smiling at me as she looked at me with those stunning blue eyes. It was clear to see why I slept with her to begin with. There was a calm about her that tended to ease even the most chaotic of souls. I wanted to be calmed too. I wanted to be near that energy for just a moment. But in retrospect, it wasn’t worth it. Not to have Sunny this upset with me. I’d take it back if I could… I ran my fingers through my hair nervously and nodded, feigning a confidence that wasn’t really there to begin with.

“Yeah, I mean, I knew everything would work out…. I just wanted to buy you guys some time…. in case you were coming to get me.” I said, looking over the edge of the next cliff. She placed a gentle roughed up hand on my arm and squeezed it.

“Of course we were!” She grinned. Her energy brought a faint smile to my face and I forced a laugh, leaning towards her.

“Seriously, though. Thanks. I thought I was a goner.” I whispered to her.

“I wouldn’t let that happen. Sunny wouldn’t let that happen.” She said, nodding in her direction. I sighed. Even being upset with me, she once again saved my ass. “And your brother would never let me hear the end of it.” She added. I burst into laughter as I followed her across the cliff. Sunny and Nadine both looked back at me. Neither was very happy with me. They seemed to be talking amongst themselves. I could only imagine what about.

We walked along the green grass, looking out at the tracks that hovered above a misty and grassy wetland. It was rather nice if I was being honest. India had spectacular views and I was glad I got to see it all. That Sunny got to see it all. She deserved to see the world more than anybody. I finished my cigarette and tossed the filter over the edge as we came upon a waterfalled cave. Looking in, there was a mudslide inside. “Let’s find out where this goes.” Chloe said before jumping in and sliding away. I stepped aside and gestured to the cave.

“Ladies first.” I sighed. Nadine glared at me, bumping her muscular shoulder into me as she passed, knocking me off balance.

“Very mature.” I grumbled as she slid down after Chloe. Sunny just walked by and slid down without even really looking at me. I took a deep breath and slid down after her.

“I found the train tracks! Sort of….” I heard Chloe say as I approached the bottom. Sitting at the door of the hill were a bunch of broken slabs of wood. The cave probably was once part of a train route from what I gathered. As we came out onto the sunlit cliff, we could see more tracks in the distance.

“It’s weird to see everythin’ sorta go back to normal… After bein’ around Hoysala ruins all day. More modern structures are showin’ up now.” Sunny said as she looked around. I took the opportunity to attempt a conversation again.

“Well it’s either British or Portuguese. So not quite modern. Probably around 18— aaand you don’t care…” I said, biting my lip. Sunny grunted as she dropped to the ground to follow Chloe. I threw my head back in discouragement. Nadine shrugged as she looked at me and began to go behind them. Then she stopped in her tracks and turned to look at me, her bright brown eyes narrowed.

“You did a stupid thing, Drake. She’s hurt.” She told me. I blinked at her a couple times. It seemed like she was maybe trying to…..help me. I wrinkled my bushy brows as I continued to listen to her. “I don’t know why but… she loves you. And she won’t say it. Not to your face. But I know she does care a great deal about you. Just give her some time.” She said. I was surprised. When did she start to care about how Sunny was feeling? Regardless, I took the advice and pushed on. Just as I jumped down, I watched Sunny be the first to cross a wooden beam. Immediately, that familiar niggling feeling kicked in.

“Sunny, what the hell?! Is that thing even stable?!” I yelled. She just kept going until she got to the other side.

“It’s fine. Hurry up and cross it before it’s not. Your luck, it’ll break in half.” She retorted, climbing a wall and crawling into a tight space. As she disappeared, I couldn’t help but to be surprised. Heights weren’t her thing. Now all of a sudden it’s “Balls to the Wall”, “No Guts, No Glory”? Maybe the job had cured her of her acrophobia. Or maybe I pissed her off that much…

I followed the girls across the beam and through the crawl space (And no. It didn’t break). Above us, the sound of a chopper could be heard. The winds from its propellers pushing the treetops about, shaking loose leaves to the ground. As long as we stayed in the shadows and tree lines, I knew we’d be fine. “Asav thinks we’re all dead. Let’s keep it that way.” Nadine said, before heading up more rocks. It was interesting seeing her on the other side of enemy lines. And even better, without a gun to my head. Or a knife to my throat. Maybe if I asked the right questions, I could find a glimpse of a person inside that walking dead shell.

“So, Nadine—” I began but she growled and folded her strong arms across her chest.

“We are not on a first name basis.” She said. I chuckled.

“Okay, fine… I heard you worked for Asav, too?” I asked, carefully.

“What about it?” She grunted, narrowing her eyes and cocking a thin brow.

“I mean… How did you deal with the torture?” I asked.

“Wha… Did he torture you??”

“Oh yeah...” I groaned in all seriousness. He didn’t torture me physically but he might as well have. “Wouldn’t stop talkin’ about himself or his cause. Like, I get it, man. You don’t gotta sell me on it— I’m just lookin’ to make some scratch, y’know?” I chuckled lightly. Chloe shook her head and groaned.

“I can’t stand when people prattle on incessantly.” She said, climbing the next short cliff ahead.

“God, me either.” I agreed. Then Sunny walked by making some odd noise of disgust.

“Wow, you have so much in common.” She said, staley before climbing the cliff behind Chloe. I took a deep breath to calm myself. At this point, she was really just irking me. I’m not exactly what you would call a patient man. But I was enjoying the job, to be honest. And I damn sure wasn’t gonna let her ruin it.

We followed Chloe up the inside of a waterfall’s cave and out through thick vines. “If I had known, I would’ve packed my machete.” She said simply, herself and Nadine pushing the vines apart. The way Sunny’s face lit up when she said that, almost made me forget I was in hot water for a moment. Her big brown eyes, widening and practically shimmering as her freckled cheeks fattened up when she gave that dazzling smile. I could feel my ears burning up and I turned away to light myself a cigarette. Chloe gave her a doting smile as she passed between the vines.

“You have a machete?” She asked, softly.

“Tell you what. We make it out of this alive? I’ll mail it to you.” Chloe grunted as she struggled to keep the vines apart. She nodded to Nadine to go next but just to be an ass, I slid in at the last second.

“Thank you, good gentlewomen.” I grumbled as I weaved my slender limbs through to the other side. Sunny just crossed her arms and scoffed at me. I huffed, dropping my shoulders and gesturing to the vines. “They’re gonna need someone to hold open the other end!” I said, trying to cover myself. But truthfully, I wasn’t a total ass. “Come grab the other side.” I told her as I let my cigarette hang loosely between my lips. I grabbed a vine towards the middle and began to pull.

She stared at me a moment and groaned lightly as she came to grab the other vine. She grunted as she began to pull as well, her muscles taut and flexing as she did as much as she could. Just then Nadine had come out, then Chloe. Soon as they were fine, the path was pretty clear. Even for Sunny, who had already run and jumped across the rushing ravine and was starting to climb up the seeable handholds. I rushed across after her just to make sure she’d be okay. She made it up and over the cliff with no problems. I was impressed. It was like for the first time, I was seeing Treasure Hunter Sunny Spurrs. She didn’t need me. She was excellent all on her own. Which in a way made me feel stupid for thinking my selfish thoughts before. I climbed over the cliff and Sunny reached out a hand to help me up. Just then, I could hear rocks crumbling below us. I looked down to see Chloe falling into the ravine and sliding down off a cliff. All I could hear was her screaming. The both of us (and I’m sure Nadine) gasped, calling out her name.

“Shit!” I exclaimed. But Nadine raised her hand to us a moment and listened closely. I guess she could hear something we couldn’t.

“She’s okay!” She yelled to us. “I’m gonna follow her! You two stay close! We’ll meet up!” She said before jumping into the ravine and down the mudslide, after Chloe. I could hear Sunny groan and swear loud as hell like she couldn’t stand to be with me or something. That was the straw that broke the camel’s back for me. We didn’t have time for this.

“Alright, ENOUGH!” I barked, tossing my cigarette off the edge, forcing out the excess smoke from my lungs through my nostrils in an ire manner. I stood up and turned to look at her with a screwed up expression. Sunny looked at me like I had lost my mind. And maybe I had… I wasn’t so sure. “You’re gonna have to talk to me sometime...” I told her. Begged her, really. She shook her head, chuckling at me. She placed her hands on her hips and bit her lip, standing her ground.

“You really wanna do this now?” Sunny asked me, raising her voice as she approached me slowly. I nodded. I was amped up and tired of the third degree.

“When the hell else are we gonna be able to do it, Sunny?! Yeah! Yeah, I wanna do this now. Right now!” I said in an authoritative voice, puffing my chest out a little. A snarl curled at her lips as she boldly looked me in the eyes.

“Alright then, let’s fuckin’ get to it!!” She shrilled, angrily. Last time she yelled at me like this, I had left for Libertalia without her and we both thought Nathan had gotten hurt. She was just as scary as I remembered. Maybe I shouldn’t have picked this fight so soon. But it had to happen. We needed it out of the way so we could work without distractions. Most of all…. I just wanted my girl back. For real this time. Sunny looked up at me, her eyes never leaving mine, nostrils flaring like an angry bull and her lips pursed; possibly biting her tongue from starting off with the hard hitting questions right away. But this is Sunny we’re talking about. She couldn’t help it. It just wasn’t in her nature to be subtle or tactical in any way. She had to attack it head on.

“Chloe? Really, bro? No offense to Chloe at all, but how desperate are you?!” She exclaimed. I had to laugh. Never in my life had I been before called….

“Desperate?! No, sweetheart. I ain’t desperate—” I chuckled, raising my voice in irritation, both of us beginning to lose our temper.

“So then what the hell, Sam?!” She shouted, furrowing her brow at me. That wasn’t fair. She’d been holding onto this anger about me and Chloe for so long. Yet she hadn’t brought a word about herself to the table.

“What about you?! Huh?!” I shouted, opening my arms to her, welcoming any excuses she could give me. I might be a hardass but I do have my feelings, too. “You don’t get to yell at me about sleepin’ with other people, Sunny!”

“And why the fuck not?!” She yelled. Since we were putting it all out there, I didn’t think it’d hurt if I begged the question.

“How long you been sleepin’ with him?” I asked in a tone so calm, it even scared myself. I stared her in her eyes, waiting for an answer I thought already knew. Her expression never faltered though.

“Who?” She asked, playing dumb. But she knew exactly who I was talking about.

“Erik.” I said, firmly. After I brought it up, my heart began to speed. To be honest, I was a little scared to know. But I could see she really thought I was oblivious to it all.

“Sam—” she began.

“Do I look stupid to you?! Eh, do I?!” I interrupted. “D-Did ya think I didn’t notice? That I didn’t see it? All those little looks he gave you? And still gives you! The way he hugs and kisses all over you? ‘My little Sunflower’?!” I bombarded her with information and evidence that didn’t take me long to pick up during my week of being in San Francisco. She and everyone around her was an open book. The look on Erik’s face when he looked at her like she was the last source of water on earth. Like he was absolutely infatuated— no. In love with this woman. I knew it well. It was the face I made at her quite often.

“Sam, I told you he’s my best frie—” she started but I didn’t want excuses.

“Just answer the goddamn question!” I snapped. She was talking around in circles and I didn’t have time for it. We didn’t have time for it.

“Since long before I met you.” She growled, staring me deep into my eyes. I stared her down and she looked right back. I wasn’t intimidating her for anything. Why I thought I could for a moment, I didn’t know. Nobody scared Sunny Spurrs. Something about knowing officially that she slept with Erik… It hurt more than I thought. And suddenly, I began to understand how she must’ve been feeling. On the other hand though, I couldn’t help but wonder… I winced before bringing up my next question. This one I hoped wasn’t true.

“So you’ve been leading him on? Have you been leading me on?” I asked. I couldn’t be lead on. I didn’t have time for it. I was a grown man with grown man shit to do, treasures to discover. Putting energy into something that wasn’t going anywhere was the last thing I wanted to do.

“Sam, you fucked several girls in several countries. And you fucked Chloe! You don’t get to be pissed over the one guy I fucked, out of your seven! Did it really take so many girls to realize I was waitin’ on you?!” She exploded, throwing her arms about. Her brows knitted together and her lips curled into a snarl. I was shocked…. but she was right. As I looked into her now watering eyes, I lit myself another cigarette and shook my head. She continued on. “All summer…. I did nothin’ but think about you and your sorry ass!” Tears began spilling past her cheeks as she spoke. Here we go: I’d done it.

“Yes. I did fuck Erik. I fucked him as soon as we got back from Libertalia. One time! It was routine. He was safe, he was my friend. And I love him so much but… I’m not in love with him. After the one time we slept together, I called it off. I couldn’t do it anymore…. I just kept thinkin’ about you. So what’s your excuse asshole?!” Her lips trembled and she crossed her arms over her chest protectively, running her hands down her arms to calm her raging nerves.

I really didn’t know what to say… I began wrestling with my feelings, tapping the ashes off of my cigarette. If I kept her around, that was bye bye freedom. If I didn’t tell her how I felt, I’d lose her forever… Once I weighed these options, I knew then what I had to do. “You have no idea… how hard I tried to forget you.” was what came out. For some reason, when I argued with Sunny, things tended to come out far different than intended. In all actuality, she was the intimidating one. She made a face at my sudden comment. And I knew how it sounded already, so I took the time to get ahead of it.

“I tried... so very hard to get over you. I didn’t want that attachment— I didn’t need it. Not when I’d just gotten my life back! Not when there was still so much to do... Selfish thinking: I thought you’d only slow me down.” She looked hurt. But I had a point to all of this. I just had to get it together. “As cheesy as it sounds…… ugh…. my heart had other plans for me. I always thought the guys in the movies were overdoin’ the whole ‘missing you’ thing but…. Every time I turned around, you were there. In a beer, in a song, in some crappy silver diner menu… some stupid bracelet...” I began, chuckling nervously as I gestured to the jewelry on her arm. She didn’t laugh but a twitch came about the corner of her full lips. She looked down at her wrist and touched the bracelet a moment as if she’d forgotten it had been there all along. I didn’t know if anything I was saying was getting through to her, but I continued anyway, just bearing my feelings to her.

“Some girl tried talking to me once… All I could see in her eyes were yours. It annoyed me to shit, so I fucked her. Hoping that just maybe… I’d stop thinkin’ about you. And it worked… Not for long though. It wasn’t until I called someone else your name that I—”

“Wow, Sam. Is that supposed to make me feel better? That you called some other girl my name—” she said, starting to storm off but I grabbed her by the arm and ran in front of her to keep her from going anywhere.

“Sunny, let me finish!” I snapped. I didn’t mean to be so aggressive about it. In all honesty, it was the nerves. I couldn’t fuck this part up. I couldn’t afford to. I couldn’t afford to lose her on behalf of my stupidity. This was the important part and I needed to say it. I felt like my heart was going to jump out of my chest. Her expression was as still as stone but she stayed quiet and let me continue as I struggled to make sense of things.

“Chloe was like a wake up call for me. And I realized…. when it didn’t feel right… that I only wanted you. I didn’t care how— I just wanted you. And then back there, I thought you were gone…. I’d never been so worried to lose someone…. Y’know, it’s been a while since I’ve dated anyone and I was scared.” I said.

“Scared of what?” She asked.

“To feel…” I answered rather quickly. I hated to do it but if there was ever a time that I needed to be vulnerable, it was now. “I was scared to care… I didn’t wanna face the inevitable that I would hurt you somehow… Or that I wouldn’t be able to care for you like you’d want… I might’ve gotten what you wanted a little confused. But I think I get it now...” Her expression softened a little and I approached her, linking my large pinky with her small first finger, gently swinging out hands between us. I chewed on my lip and looked off a moment before staring into her hypnotizing brown eyes. It was time that I owned up to my mistakes…

“I shouldn’t have expected you to wait for me… I guess I just thought that maybe when I was done with my foolishness that you’d still be there. Which was stupid of me— gorgeous as you are.” I babbled. I stared at her beautiful face and began to let the apologies pour. I’d lay it as thick as I need to. I just wanted my girl back. “I screwed up, Sun. I know that. And I know… I haven’t exactly been the best character in your life… But every second I spend with you means more to me than you even know and I can’t lose th—” Before I could even finish, Sunny placed her hands on either side of my face and brought me down to kiss her warm lips. I could feel a faint smile on her as she kissed me. I seemed to melt into her as my hands circled her waist, pulling her closer and deepening the kiss. I rested my forehead against hers, parting our lips to give us a moment to breath.

“I wanted you from the moment I laid eyes on you. Whether I liked it or not. Although, you kinda didn’t give me a choice so...” I laughed and a small giggle sprung from her lips. One that sounded like music to my ears. It made me smile. A bout of seriousness came around as I spoke. “I need you, Sunny. And I was wrong. You don’t slow me down or hold me back. You’re in this with me. And you can hold your own. I won’t doubt you again, sweetheart.” I told her. I could see her eyes dart over every feature of my face as her thumbs stroked at my cheekbones.

“I forgive you…. and I’m sorry—”

“No, no, baby— don’t be sorry. I understand why… I really do.” I cooed, caressing her cheek and staring into her eyes. “Hey… let’s table this for later, eh? Catch up with the girls, go make some money? Maybe stop an arms deal or somethin’?” I asked, running my hands down her arms. She gave the airiest giggle. Boy, it was much better to be on her good side than bad. The whole silent treatment/ cold shoulder shit? Brutal.

“Sounds like a plan.” She said as I threw an arm around her. Suddenly, she shoved me and leaned back away.

“What?” I asked in confusion. She tuned up her face and covered her nose with her hand.

“Ross was right. You smell like ass.” She croaked our. I burst into laughter.

“Oh fuck off, loser!” I grinned, flipping her off. She just interlocked her fingers with mine and kissed my cheek.

“Let’s go do work.” She said with a smirk. And with that, we were off to finish the job.

Read More on AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/26555698

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