#cleo the hurricane

[jessajaguar]

Is it a Bird of Paradise? Is it a Jade Split? No, it's JESSA JAGUAR 🤣

LOVE all the pictures and videos captured by @AustinZeli and I can't wait to share more! I had an incredible time performing with the @YborCitySirens in the Horrorlesque: Kick Off to Halloween show 👻

THANK YOU SO MUCH TO EVERYONE WHO CAME OUT!!! YOUR SUPPORT MEANS EVERYTHING!!! I TRULY MEAN IT!!! THAT'S WHY IT'S IN ALL CAPS!!! I PROMISE I'M NOT YELLING!!! I'M JUST NOT GREAT WITH PUTTING EMOTIONS INTO WORDS SO I'M TRYING TO APPROPRIATELY CONVEY HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU ALL!!! *HUGS*

[vampriestpoison]

Juliette spin -> barrel roll -> backslide. Cute lil combo even if My juliette is an abomination. I love pole dancing

[uselessalexis165]

tried making some ttte memes (110)

[pcguelife]

tag drop part one .

[dragonologist-phd]

ran more characters through this uquiz!! again, not all of them what are what i expected (Piper and Cleo's are pretty clear, but Lilith's did surprise me), but these descriptions do get me thinking

Piper Chanterelle

Love as a Performance

Your love is a masquerade, a dance, a work of art. You love with a veil across your face, unable to allow anyone to see the real you. Can that be considered love, you wonder? As a performer, you have all your lines prepared, and you know exactly what to say and when to say it. You’re charismatic and bold, seductive and hypnotic. Your love is a snake’s melody, the siren song of the sea. Your love is enchanting. Your love is melodic. Your love is afraid and fearful and longing. You ache to tear the veil off, you ache to cast poetry aside for the sake of something real and gritty. You’re terrified of the very thought. Being loved by you is to be loved by an artist; it is to be a muse. It reflects others beautifully, but never, ever yourself. Not really. Not truly.

Lilith de Marc

Love as a Choice

You choose to love. Love does not come to you easily, but every day you wake up and choose it. It would be so easy, wouldn't it, to grow cold and callous and grim. But you rise to greet the world, making the conscious effort to find something, anything to love. When you fall for someone, you do not kid yourself of their flaws. Instead, you resolve to see them for who they are, mistakes and all and you love them all the same. Your love is work, and it does not come easy. Your love sweats and toils. It is calloused and sunburned; it bears scars and comes with stories. Your love is worn, but it is no less valuable for it. Being loved by you is like being loved by a gardener, a mother, a teacher. Your love may not always be the simplest, but it is worth the effort.

Cleo Ironbark

Love as a Force of Nature

Your love is like whiplash –– it comes in with the rain, it blows the doors wide open. When you fall in love, it is sudden and hard and immense. It is powerful. It is earth-shaking and world-ending. Nature is a force, and that force can be destructive if you're not careful. See how the world is doused in gasoline and set on fire –– your love consumes, your love takes, your love burns. You're hot and cold all at once, a hurricane and a wildfire bound together in skin, and when you're in love, it can feel like it's eating you alive from the inside out. When you love, it is with everything you have because it is everything you have. Be careful, darling, because not everyone survives the storm.

[hackerqueen]

Lost without you

a/n: yes im on my period, and yes im crying rn. JakexMC as always

A life went on. It was not the same.

But it went on.

Who would have believed two years ago that we would be where we are at this moment? In the beautifully decorated church where, less than twenty-four months ago, the funeral of one of our friends was held.

The decorative flowers, however, did not overshadow the beauty of the gorgeous bride, who was just walking down the aisle to join her soul there with the man of her life. The organist was playing a wedding tune on the piano, which was now ringing in my ears. I watched, listened and felt their love as they looked deeply into each other's eyes, put on rings or swore fidelity to each other until the end of their days. If someone were to ask me about a couple that went through so many storms and hurricanes together that didn't wipe them off the planet but only made them stronger I wouldn't have to think long.

Hannah and Thomas.

They were perfect. They had survived a nightmare from which they were nevertheless able to wake up, and the life that lay ahead seemed like a long-desired dream.

The wedding was also wonderful. But as I stood in the middle of the crowd, boisterously chanting the names of the new newlyweds a wave of loneliness and alienation hit me like hail on the first days of spring.

Life flashed on, even though it only took one look at each of them for me to know the loss they had experienced. Dan and Cleo stood under the bar and sipped whiskey, drinking up the fact that Richy was not here with them. Jessy sat distant, and although a small smile wandered on her lips, her eyes remained blank.

Similar to mine.

Where had he gone? What had happened to him? Was he still in hiding, or was he now being brutally interrogated by the FBI? He had to be alive. I didn't believe anything else.

Why did he leave me with only the memory of oceanic eyes and the bitter aftertaste of the last three words he wrote to me? I didn't know what feelings accompanied me. Anger, grief, sadness?

All that was certain was that I damn missed him.

What if I never forget him?

What if, all my life when I meet someone new I can never fall for them because they aren't him?

And just like that I started to cry.

I thought we'd have more time. If I had known how our story would turn out I would never have allowed it to end this way. Was it even possible to call it a story? What were we?

A failed potential. A faded picture. A memory.

We were memories that blurred each new morning when I had to wake up and get on with my life.

And even though my heart screamed that this chapter was not yet over, I knew deeply the painful truth. Sensitivity and longing believed that Jake would one day return. Perhaps he will write and explain that this was the only way he could keep us safe. Perhaps he will stand on my doorstep one day and beg for forgiveness. And perhaps he will sit in the last pew at my wedding, when I will finally give my heart to someone else, and I will never know of his presence.

But one thing hasn't changed and never will. I felt a warmth in my heart that told me that the hacker who turned my whole world upside down was alive. In the same city or on the other side of the globe. It didn't matter as long as he was safe.

Despite my gaze blurred by tears, I smiled. We were under the same sky at least.

My gaze then fell on Thomas. The man I had comforted as much as I could two years ago and convinced him to fight on. That his beloved one was alive and together we would find her.

But when he regained the love of his life, I lost mine.

[tomorrowusa]

Far right Gov. Ron DeSantis, a bigtime loser in the race for the GOP presidential nomination, is trying to make climate denial official policy in Florida.

Climate change will be a lesser priority in Florida and largely disappear from state statutes under legislation signed on Wednesday by the state’s governor, Ron DeSantis, in a move which experts say ignores the reality of Florida’s climate threats. The legislation, which comes after Florida had its hottest year on record since 1895, also bans power-generating wind turbines offshore or near the state’s lengthy coastline. Florida is facing rising seas, extreme heat, flooding and increasingly severe storms. The legislation takes effect on 1 July and also boosts expansion of natural gas, reduces regulations on gas pipelines in the state, and increases protections against bans on gas appliances such as stoves, according to a news release from the governor’s office. “This purposeful act of cognitive dissonance is proof that the governor and state legislature are not acting in the best interests of Floridians, but rather to protect profits for the fossil fuel industry,” said Yoca Arditi-Rocha, executive director of the non-profit Cleo Institute, which advocates for climate change education and engagement.

Republicans are in thrall to fossil fuel companies which are intent on destroying the planet. Recently Donald Trump solicited $1 billion from Big Oil in campaign contributions in return for him eliminating climate friendly policies and ignoring pro-environment laws.

Trump promised to scrap climate laws if US oil bosses donated $1bn – report

Florida is arguably the most climate sensitive US state. DeSantis seems eager to make it even more vulnerable.

Florida is already about 74% reliant on natural gas to power electric generation, according to the US Energy Information Administration. Opponents of the bill DeSantis signed say it removes the word “climate’ in nine different places and moves the state’s energy goals away from efficiency and the reduction of greenhouse gases blamed for a warming planet. Greg Knecht, director of the Nature Conservancy in Florida, told the Washington Post the new measure was “very much out of line with public opinion”, with polls showing that a majority of Floridians believe in climate change and want action. Knecht said: “We’re seeing flooding and we’re seeing property damage and we’re seeing hurricanes … [and] we’re turning around and saying, ‘Yeah, but climate change isn’t really real, and we don’t need to do anything about it.’”

Apparently DeSantis likes having President Biden bail out his state every time there's a new climate disaster like record-braking Hurricane Ian.

The only way to keep fossil-fuel Republicans out of office is to Vote Democratic.

Adding "don't say climate" to Florida's "don't say gay" policies hurts not just Florida but all of Earth.

EDIT: Just heard this item on NPR. The upcoming summer will be hotter than usual in most of the US. And warmer oceans mean a greater chance of hurricanes.

Another hotter-than-normal summer lies ahead for the U.S., forecasters say

If a major hurricane hits Florida this year we should call it Hurricane DeSantis.

[steam-beasts]

Is there any engine/living vehicle that has not been infected?

Cleo, Winston, Elizabeth, Caroline, George, Bulgy, Butch, Flynn, Ace, Marion, Jack + the Pack, Owen and Merrick, Terrence and Madge, Stafford and Freddie, Yong Bao, Kenji, Gina, Ashima, Shane, and Charlie (including the hellspawn, Billy). Frankie, Hurricane, Lexi and Theo, Merlin and Gator, Judy and Jerome, Sam, Rocky.

Oh yeah, and Stepney :)

[iamrizaka]

In Greek mythology, the gods punished not only guilty mortals, but also their families... Naomi Solace was unlucky enough to get into a gang shootout in Puerto Rico. Darren Knowles was returning late from training with and did not notice the truck. Latitia Lake was almost home when a strong hurricane blew up and one of the lightning struck her.

It's good that Apollo knows how to find an elegant way out of such situations...

One day, Hecate's 11-year-old daughter Lottie Cleo, the one whose eye was blackened by Apollo, quietly calls Will with her to her master's possession. Will goes with her boldly and confidently, he knows her, she will never do anything dangerous unless there is a serious reason.

She takes him to the kennels and.. there are no dogs there, only three wolves, - two females and one male.

One of the females, very beautiful, large and graceful with silky golden hair, breaks away from a silver bowl of meat and raises her long muzzle at him... And her eyes are a beautiful sky-blue shade and they literally light up with joy at the sight of him.

Her bright silver collar is exquisitely engraved with "Naomi"...

Lottie Cleo opens the bars and the son, turned into a slave and deprived of his voice, reunites with his mother in wolf form.

He hugs her and buries his face in her fur. The tears spill themselves and dampen the beautiful golden coat. It was almost the same shade as his hair, before the gods cut off his and his siblings' tongue and forced them to wear nothing but bland tunics.

The wolf wails at the boy, pushing her face into his shoulder. The two others wolves stare at them in sympathy, not ready interrupt the moment.

Lottie leans on the bars and watches. She almost feels envious, observing the reunion between her master's son and the mother.

Almost. She still has hope that her father quietly awaits at home, unaware of the gods' deeds.

[jessajaguar]

Meowy Christmas everyone!!! This video is 6+ years old but it will forever be one of my favorites 😻

Mr. Larry always had to be involved when I was working out, especially if I was pole dancing! So much so that we nicknamed him "Larry the Pole Dancing Cat" 😹 He has since passed away (may he RIP) but Christmas was by far his favorite holiday! He loved the music, the food, the decorations, and most importantly the pole dancing challenges!

This video is from one of the Cleo's Rock n' Pole Christmas challenges from years past, I think around the time the Cleo the Hurricane Asteria Velvet collection was originally released 💖

Music: Christmas Tree

Musician: SoulProdMusic

URL: https://pixabay.com/music/-christmas-tree-chillhop-lofi-christmas-background-music-126617/

[vampriestpoison]

How do we feel about the flex and point of the foot girlies? My pole dance instructor said it accentuates the leg twerk but I'm not sure I like a flexed foot when dancing

[hermajestycleocatra]

Cleo had an adventure for a few days as we evacuated to my sister’s due to the hurricane. She was not pleased but here are a few pictures of her suffering.

Upon arrival, we barricaded ourselves in my niece’s room. This is partly because my sister is highly allergic to Cleo and partly because there were also three dogs downstairs. Cleo spent nearly an hour just sitting here under this desk.

I was watching live news coverage of Milton the whole time. Mostly she slept on the pillow next to me but when she was awake, she was very interested.

She survived and is back to her usual snoozing on my desk or in my reading chair. And of course yelling for food.

[mvrtogg]

— character info sheet.

(repost, don’t reblog)

name: richard murtogg. name meaning: ( richard ) old french name meaning "powerful leader". ( murtogg ) irish surname meaning "mariner" and "navigator". alias/es: rich. richie. mur. eagle eyes. ethnicity: english and irish.

one picture you like best of your chara:

three h/cs you never told anyone:

he can actually swim, but he's not too great at it.

he can cook and bake pretty good but doesn't do much of it.

he actually did see the black pearl aboard the HMS dauntless on the way to port royal.

three things your character likes doing in their free time: 

painting / drawing; he loves to paint and draw. he's very good at both.

playing the flute and fife. not all the time however.

making wooden models of ships, animals, and things like that.

eight people your character likes / loves:

james norrington. ( @ashortdropandasuddenstop ).

elizabeth swann ( @itismissswann ).

peri brown ( @lightcreators ).

cleo ( @crainiisms ).

carina ( @starsmapped ).

iggy ( @oddlies ).

mullroy ( friendship only ).

everyone else he's ever talked to. because he likes everyone. <3

two things your character regrets:

not saving elizabeth swann when she fell into the water.

anything that involved mullroy talking him into something stupid.

two phobia fears your character has:

lilapsophobia ( fear of hurricanes ). this came about when he was aboard the HMS dauntless and it rode into a category 3 hurricane.

not being good enough.

tagged by: stolen from the dash. (:

tagging: anyone who wants to.

[opalsiren]

thinking about how in 1x18 'bad moon rising' rikki's powers go haywire and nearly set all of mako island on fire, how if the same thing happened to emma she would probably have an elsa frozen moment and conjure up a snowstorm. if lunar madness struck cleo in the same way she would probably create a tsunami or a hurricane based on her powers, or maybe every nearby water source would jump up at her not unlike the water tentacle

what would happen if charlotte's three powers were to go awry like that? would she face a forest fire, a snowstorm, and a hurricane all at once? what about bella? would everything around her turn to jelly in a more pronounced version of her allergy fiasco? would everything solidify like glass or just explode? much to think about

[instructionsnotincluded]

This may seem like a very controversial take, especially for fans who really love Kiara and think she’s the greatest character in the whole show…but to me, is it weird to say she’s just sort of…ehhhhh? Like on most of the time to me?

She’s clearly very passionate of humanitarian issues and equity and addressing disparities within the Outer Banks, but she also doesn’t really seem to do anything about it but complain?

Yes, we as an audience know that she’s a “Pogue” because she’s part of the crew, but there ways of how she behaves that showcases her Kook background. She is beyond recklessly impulsive at times, nor does she do anything that could actually bring benefits to the Cut and the Pogues.

Yes, she is still a teenager, but as a teenager on the Figure 8, she’s much more likely to petition to help the Pogues and those who live on the Cut to decrease the amount of disparities the Pogues face.

She could have raised money for generators, organized petitions from nonprofits and government programs to get her friends some REAL help. Hell, I don’t doubt she could have even organized community wide cleanups if she’s so damn concerned about the environment! But she doesn’t! She just complains and rants of how things should be, rather actually taking the first step.

Again, yes she’s a teenager and very young. But if the writers expect us to see her as this force of nature who’s gung-ho about humanitarianism and environmental causes, why not actually give her scenes where she can showcase this and hopefully use her privileged background for good instead of demonizing her parents?

She doesn’t realize how truly and completely lucky she is to have parents who love and care about her so much. The show wants to villainize them when there are times where Kiara WAS in the wrong.

Yes, her parents aren’t nice to her friends, but it’s not a completely unfair assessment considering what the first scene of the show shows us what they do in their free time.

Anyway, this is a weird thing to rant about because I really love the show, and I was actually watching Bridgerton and making comparisons to Penelope and Eloise, and this popped into my mind for some reason lol.

Anyway, sorry if my long ass rant inconvenienced you. I love Kiara but I have some ticks with her.

LONG ASS COMMENTS/RANTS ARE NEVER AN INCONVENIENCE! hahahahaha.

I totally agree. I think Kiara is really lacking, and I think they could have really done a lot more with her character. Aside from the Pogues collecting trash while looking for the gun in the sewer, Kiara hasn't been shown actually doing anything she says she's super passionate about. And even that wasn't her idea, Pope brought the trash bags.

But Sarah and Topper and the other Kooks did the beach clean up after the hurricane, (while drinking, but hey, the beach was clean) and I find it really interesting that Kiara wasn't there. I know she doesn't like them, but still...it's part of the clean up.

It would be nice to see her actually doing something for her, rather than just going along with the boys. We see Pope trying to get back into the groove of school in season three, we see JJ trying to get a job/figure out his living situation, and we always see what John B's doing, but Kiara isn't doing anything. Aside from fighting with her parents. All the time.

Which is realistic to a point, I fought with my parents all the time when I was her age too, but I also had a job and hobbies and organizations/movements I was passionate about that I volunteered for too. So I think they did a disservice to Kiara by not giving her anything to do except follow the boys around.

Does OBX pass the Bechdel test? I'm not so sure. I know Sarah/Wheezie have had one or two conversations that may pass? But I don't think Sarah/Kiara/Cleo have.

[lyon-amore]

What if...? Duskwood Chapter 5

Chapter 4 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  

*Macie POV*

 I open my eyes remembering last night's news. They had found a body, which may or may not be Hannah's. I don't want it to be her. I want to be able to find her and her kidnapper.

As I make myself breakfast, I let Henry out to hang around the house for a bit before I go, deciding to search Hannah's cloud and fixing Mister Hacker something else to eat. Advantages of waking up earlier than normal. I think it is the first time that I dedicate my hours to someone I know nothing about. But I don't feel upset. I like Mister Hacker and I want to know more about him.

I find blurry photo, although it seems… I'll send it to Mister Hacker right away. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

??? What’s that?

 Macie A… prescription?

 ??? Mmh the resolution is really awful. But I can fix that. Give me a little time. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well, I'd better get ready.

 It was as soon as I walked into the offices that Christian came straight at me like a hurricane. My surprised face is priceless.    "So you've finally delivered that news, congratulations," he tells me in an angry tone "you and I will talk seriously now."    "What?" I look at him confused and see how he leaves. "But if I don't-     I watch everyone gossiping from their desks, writing breaking news. I have not delivered my notes, who could have been him?    "Well, looks like everything worked out for you." says Aiden, a sportswriter.     His knowing smile makes me smile too.    "Was it you?" I ask, a little excited.    "I hope I didn't bother you," he says as we walk to my table "I think that with the effort you put in, you deserved to be given a chance to everything you investigated."    "I don't know right now whether to kiss you or get mad at you. You may have a problem with this! I try not to get excited."     It was incredible that he would have done for me, if we hardly related. Aiden laughs. He could be described as the lovable guy that everyone catches with his positive aura. It had to be said clearly, he was quite cute, although…    "I wouldn't mind a ki-"    "Oh! Sorry Aiden" the mobile notification rings, as I'm focused on the investigation, I can't let a message go by. It was Jessy "Shall we talk later? I owe you a meal."    "I'll remind you."    "Sure." I walk away with a laugh, I think he's nice, I wouldn't mind going out with him. 

In the end, it turns out that Cleo had jumped the fence of the car graveyard. More than a suspicion, I feel like I’m gossiping. She hasn't told Richy yet and she's left it up to me to talk to Cleo. Perfect. 

After an hour, Cleo adds Hannah's sister Lilly to the group and finally talks to me. She wants to talk about Hannah. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cleo What would you like to know about her?

 Macie Does Hannah have siblings?

 Cleo Lilly is her little sister, You mean to tell me that you didn’t know this by now?

 Macie I meant to say besides Lilly 🙄

 Cleo Oh ok. No, just Lilly That’s why it was so important to me that she would not find out about the body from strangers 🙁

 Macie I am a stranger and I told Thomas

 Cleo I think that there’s a diffence ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Different? I can understand it because Lilly is her sister, but telling a kidnapped girl's boyfriend that a body was found is not good news. 

At that moment I receive a message from Richy through the group. Her message makes my blood run cold. The fear that Hannah might be dead comes back to me... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Richy What I forgot to say earlier: Please be careful out there y’all. There is a murderer on the loose in Duskwood. We can’t forget about that 😕 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 This reminds me that I need to talk to Cleo about her breaking into the car park. I hope no one realizes that I am more aware of my mobile than of doing my job. Our conversation ends with the idea that she is going to ask the owner of the motel: Mrs. Walter. Duskwood's gossip: Mrs. Sully and a bar owner: Phil Hawkins about Hannah. Apparently, they are good options to obtain information.

 I look at the clock on the computer. It's already lunch time and I should go write down the new information and give the hacker the food.    "Well Macie, is that food still standing?" Aiden walks over to my table just as I'm clearing up.     I'm sorry to say no, but I have an important job.    "Sorry Aiden, I got a last minute research paper." I apologize, picking up my things.    "Have they already given you a piece of news to cover?" His eyes flicker in surprise, but then he lets out a laugh "Come on, I won't entertain you, there will be another time next time to eat together."    "Thanks Aiden, see you later." I hurried off to get the food and heat the bags.     This time I have prepared a little more for both of us, so I keep him company. 

I buy a drop-down chair at a nearby store, not too flashy and not very comfortable either, for what I'm at, I don't think I need anything more exaggerated than a magnetic whiteboard.

  Before I get to the flat, I get a message notification from a chat. Richy and Jessy. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Richy You told Macie about this firs?

 Jessy Yeah, I did Why?

 Richy I was just wondering

 Jessy She was on the top of my list

 Richy You should be more careful

 Jessy Are you worried about me again 😝

 Richy 😳

 Jessy Macie and I just had a such great connection right away 🙂 Are you ok?

 Richy There is something I have to tell you about Macie

 Jessie Huh? What is it?

 Richy Hold on, I am going to stop by the office real quick

 Jessie Ok ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 I was going to knock on the door, but instead of the door, I put my hand on the Hacker, who had opened the door. I stare in surprise at how quickly he opens me, until I realize my hand is still on it. I quickly remove it, blushing.    "How fast you opened." I replied, entering without looking at his face.    "You're the only person who comes here" I look at him a bit and I see that he avoids looking at my face too ", your steps are too recognizable, you should learn to climb them quickly in silence, you can get into trouble."     Ok, you don't have to bother. I roll my eyes and he returns to the computer, staring at the screen.    "How annoying." he says annoyed, as if he were reading.     Ah, right… He must have read Richy and Jessy's chat.    "I should have know," I sigh, placing the chair I bought in front of the table. "Oh! Also today I brought something to eat and for both of us. Today I'll keep you company!"     I hear how he makes a throat sound, as a 'Yes'.    “What do you say?” I ask, almost as if I’m reproaching him.    "Thanks." I smile, and he rolls his eyes. "Likewise, you never know where you can find the next piece of the puzzle."    "You are really creepy." I commented as he took out the taper.     I see a shadow move next to me and I look up, seeing him next to me. He really is taller than me.    "You are reading their messages too, same as me." He answers with a smile, almost malicious.     I frown as I feel my temperature rise. It makes me angry that he's right.    "Guilty as charged."     He takes the camp stove and a small pot out of the closet. He takes the container and puts the food inside.    "The only reason we are doing this is to find Hannah." He drops the friendly tone and turns serious.    "A means to an end, I get it." I walk away and go to the whiteboard to jot down new data while I wait for the food to finish heating.

 I direct my gaze towards Mister Hacker, looking him up and down from behind. I tilt my head, I feel like a teenager right now looking at him this way but… I have to admit, he doesn't have a bad-    “What do you think Richy was going to tell Jessy about you right now?” he asks me, taking my distraction away.    "I don’t even know," I replied, erasing the line she had made from being distracted.    "Really? Not even an inkling?”     He places the food on two plastic plates and I reach over to get my plate.

We sit in our chairs and I shrug.    "I never even really talked to him before."    "That is pretty strange then." I see how he thinks before eating. He makes a sound that he likes him and I keep from laughing in happiness. He finishes swallowing and wipes himself with a tissue. "It sounded like he wanted to tell her the reason why he does not trust you."    "Don't trust anyone, your words not mine," I answered, looking into his eyes. "Do you trust me?"    "Would I have given you access to Hannah’s cloud if I didn’t?" He sets his plate aside and rests his chin in his hands. The way he looks at me really makes me forget why I'm really here.    "But you don't even know me like that." I answered, doubting his words. Sometimes I think he's just playing nice with me so he'll help him save Hannah.     I notice how he seems to soften looking at me. It's a strange silence.    "Maybe Jessy isn't the only person who felt an immediate connection with you." His voice sounds soft and calm.    “Is that a compliment?” I asked with a half-smile. After how we met, I can't believe he's serious. I know he needs me, that's why I find it hard to believe him.    "It is."     He cuts off my breath for a second as my senses begin to analyze him. He clearly means it. I have gone from doubting him to believing his words.

No one says anything, we just stare at each other. I see how he moves his eyes looking at every part of my face and I know it because I do the same, thinking about what he must be imagining at this moment. If he could get inside my head, I'm sure he would find out that I imagine him kissing me, just because I'm curious what it must be like to kiss him? Is it weird to think about this? I don't know him… He'll think I'm a stalker.

I look away embarrassed, it's not like me to think about these things. It had never happened to anyone to imagine kissing a boy, I mean... I've always focused on my research... Not even with my first boyfriend... What's wrong with me with this man?    “Your cell phone.” he tells me, waking me from my thoughts again.    "What?"    "You just got a message." he says looking at the screen, his voice sounding annoyed? "Although it's nobody important, just a guy named Aiden-"    "Stop looking." I get up, hands going to the screens. "Don’t look, this has nothing to do with the investigation."     I see how he is surprised to see me like this. I don't want him to read my messages if it doesn't have to do with the group or much better explained, I don't want him to think I have something with Aiden. Although I shouldn't care that he knows either, right?    "He's just a coworker," I try to explain. Damn, it can't be that I feel this guilty without having done anything ", it's nothing from me, and I just owe him a meal for helping me."    "Okay." His tone sounds very dry, almost like he's bothered.     I pulled away from the screen slowly, my face burning. It's like he got me. I'm twenty-six years old, what's wrong with me? This behavior is not normal. 

We finish eating and I put the rest in the fridge, bagging the dishes to throw away.    "Well, I think I've written down everything I need..." I answered without looking at his face, still embarrassed. "If I find out anything else, I'll come write it down."    "All right." I know he's leaning on the door, waiting to open it for me to leave the apartment.     Everything was going well until that message that I haven't even looked at yet, what happened? He opens his mouth to tell me something else, but I see how he hesitates. I wait a little longer, but he ends up just saying goodbye.    "See you later Macie."    "Yes, see you later."     He opens the door for me and I leave the apartment without wanting to look at him. 

I take my phone to see what he has read. I hope he didn't think I ratted him out at some point because of something fishy Aiden said. I have been careful at all times, I have not talked about the hacker to anyone either.    "Let's see what he said…" I hit the chat and when I read it I start to laugh. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Aiden Well my plan didn't work 😩 I'm so sorry Macie But I hope that doesn't mean our date has been cancelled, right? 😉 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 I look at the apartment door and laugh again.    "Have he been upset by this?"     I put my phone away without answering Aiden. I'll talk to him when he gets there. 

So he… Has connected with me huh? I like that. *Jake POV* 

I watch through the window as she leaves.

 Today's meeting...

 I couldn't help but have carefully observed her face, trying to perfectly remember its shape and size. Even thinking about what it must be like to kiss her, why did I think of that? It's wrong… I shouldn't think about this.

 Maybe it's because they haven't had contact with someone in a long time? No… Her… I remember being next to her in the kitchen, like it came naturally. Whenever I see her by my side I have the thought that something bad could happen to her and I just want to protect her.    "That Aiden guy... is he her boyfriend? But… He said she had a blind date… " I start thinking about things that aren't like the investigation, letting my mind only think about the things Macie likes. Maybe Aiden is the type of guy she likes? He seemed like someone quite sociable from the way he talked about her "No, no, I don't have to care who he goes out with, we just work together to find Hannah."

    << Is there any way I can stop thinking about Macie now? >>

Chapter 6