#either he's broken 1 or more limbs or it's spinal

[beanarie]

canon divergent au where tommy is severely injured during his shift immediately following the cruise ship rescue. buck tags along with hen and chimney to pass on his well wishes at the hospital and realizes he feels a connection to this guy. partially because bobby would be dead if not for him, but mostly because he has a wicked sense of humor (and really nice eyes).

[lamamasjamas]

NEXUS

Nexus /ˈneksəs/ n 1 a connection or series of connections linking two or more things. 2 a connected group or series. 3 the central and most important point or place.

Chapter 3 Summary: Waking up and going back to sleep.

Part 1 here! Part 2 here!

A/n: OOOGA BOOOGA BOOOGA. There's falshbacks now.

Warnings for the series: Dead Dove Do Not Eat!!!, getting lost in the unknown regions, Death, Gore, cosmic horror, very heavy topics, smut, angst, fluff, dark themes. This is a dark fic; you have been warned!

You woke up alone, and startled. The bunk was dark and the door was closed. You were alive, you thought. You were alive and all of your limbs were intact but the cot was a mess, you were laying on the wires, the cushion, sheets and pillows nowhere to be seen. 

The second theory must be true, pieces of the panels in the small bunk were missing, trinkets were scattered, some even halfway through the wall. Your fingers poke at it, it doesn’t move, now one with the oxidizing panel. The small doll you had collected, kept for Grogu, was stiff, half of its body cut in half diagonally, only an arm and leg flopping back against the metallic walls with a dull thud when you held it between your fingertips and let go. 

You shivered, mind finally clearing. Din wasn’t with you.  

The sounds of muffled screaming made you panic. They were in such agony. Your mind immediately tells you its Din. Your hand was against the control panel, hesitating as the screaming continued. You didn’t want to see what cruel amalgamation he must have become. You didn't want to see what he had turned into. With a sob nearly escaping your throat you open the sliding doors and you couldn’t believe what you were seeing.  

The walls were covered in vines, the hull panels were either rotting off or missing completely.  

Din wasn’t the one screaming. 

You approach slowly, the piercing screams of the Trandoshan bounty heard vibrating through the cargo hold. Half of the carbon slab was cracked open, leading to a path of blood across and towards the other side of the hull. The bounty turns as you near. You failed to notice that the other half of his body was still inside of the broken slab. You gasp as he starts crawling towards you. His eyes were wild, and with each push forward his screams exemplified his pain. 

Insurmountable fear builds in your body, each slap of his hands on the metal floor booming, each drag making him yell so hard it sounded as if his vocal cords were going to tear. 

He falls, face first onto the ground but he continues on helplessly, using his forearms to shuffle on. 

You back away quickly, the wall forcing you to stop, you were on the verge of spilling the contents of your stomach. He was able to reach your leg and you were finally able to get a closer look at the torn flesh of his lower torso and the spinal cord poking out from it, gushing thick green. 

You gag, your eyes watering at the sharp smell of musk, something akin to rotten flesh. 

You don’t want to think of how he even survived this long, or how long he must have been in that state. Blood was rushing through your ears and you couldn’t quite comprehend him.

In between grunts and moans of pain you hear pleads. Pleads for you to bring him to his death. You shakily reach for your blaster, almost dropping it to the floor. He’s gripping your legs like a lifeline, claws digging deep into your skin and muscle. You couldn’t look down at his face as you pointed between his eyes. 

Deep down you hope you aimed correctly. 

“I’m sorry,” you gasp, your hand against your mouth. You press against the trigger.  

…

The makeshift ditch you dug up was small. You were sure he didn’t even deserve a proper burial, Din only picked up those who truly deserved to be hunted. Still, what had happened to him. It made you have some sort of pity.  

He might have been in that state for days, weeks, you didn’t care to check how his healing was going, you tried your best to shove the slab with the bounty’s lower half down in the hole of dirt quickly. 

You didn’t even know where you were, it was barren but lush with so much plant life that you wondered if there was anyone or thing that could help you. Everything was foreign to you, the land and air so similar to what you have experienced but just a hint too different so that you couldn’t be comfortable. 

The sky looked too blue and the grass swayed slowly with the breeze. It was too nice. But, what you really found odd was the lack of sound.  

You felt the wind, you could see it blowing through the leaves, making bushes shake and the grass beneath your boot tickle at the leather seams. But everything was silent. It was as if your ears were stuffed with cotton. Out of instinct you clawed at them, stopping when you realized you didn’t suddenly go deaf. You often had to calm yourself down whenever the heavy atmosphere pressed down on you. 

Your lungs felt as if they could give out any second from the mutedness as you searched around the ship. 

It was starting to eat at you, sound was only coming from your own voice, your own movements. It felt as if you were in a bubble, pressure threatening to pop. You think that this was most likely how claustrophobia felt like. 

You search around the ship, looking for him. You look through every nook as if you could have possibly not seen his form, as if he were playing a sick game of hide and seek and he was going to pop up beneath a blanket just how Grogu did whenever you all played together.

The quiet was screaming at you. They're not here, they are not here.

There was nothing around that indicated that he was even remotely alive. If anything the ship looked as if it had been there for years.  

You’ve checked the cockpit and there wasn't any power left, no fuel either. The rations were gone and the whole ship was covered in thick vines. Some crates were stuck, sunken into the floor of the ship, tipped tauntingly at you; a response to the way you had tried to open them and ultimately failed hours before. 

The crest was abandoned and ransacked. You screamed out in frustration and kicked the console when you climbed up to the cockpit, finding nothing but random tools and dirty and oily rags Din always forgets to clean when he shines his armor. The whole pit rattles and shakes, laughing at your childish behavior. 

You’ve never felt so hopeless. You looked towards the blaster at your hip and flinched, swallowing thickly when you couldn’t look away. You were stranded, alone, with no food to eat, and with no hope to ever leave this place.  

There is always a misconception of human beings somehow being able to persevere, to have the innate need to survive in whatever situation they were in, no matter how dire. What if you didn’t want to?  

You tilt your head up as the sun sets in the horizon. You think of the uncanny beauty of it as you raise the barrel to the side of your head. If you placed it correctly, it would be as painful as it was to go to sleep. 

Even if somehow your aim fails you, you’re sure you would only feel so much pain after a couple of seconds, then you’d become numb. You’ve seen it before, a fallen and half molten face from a blaster shot, skin sagging and singed as their body continues to walk on, hands reaching for the face that wasn’t there anymore. 

You’ve had to soothe them, help them lay down as they cried, or attempted to considering their eyes were only caverns of bone. They pass out after a while, then they’d stop breathing. It was a temporary pain you were willing to go through. For the chance of seeing Din again. 

Just as you were about to close your eyes an orange and gray glow lit up. It wasn’t that far from where you sat in the pilot seat of the cockpit, Din’s seat. You squint as smoke rises a few miles off. 

You turn on the safety with a click and stand.  

…

“You can tell they’ve been camping out here for a while.'' He shuffles you in front of him and points ahead. His helmet was right beside your face, so close you can feel the coolness of it caress the skin of your cheek. You hum in agreement. The bounties managed to stay hidden in the forest, you've been looking for them for a while.  

Currently crouched and hidden behind a fallen tree you watch as they could barely get a fire started. “Not smart,” he comments. You hum again as you watch them carefully through the binoculars. 

“Moving constantly would have given them an advantage. If anything they should have at least started the fire until it was dark, that way we couldn’t have detected the smoke as easily”  

He’s talking strategy and you can’t help but swoon. You shift slightly, trying to get closer to his side, maybe even slide your hand in his and feel his chest rise and fall against your back. You almost slip from the mud before his arm winds around your waist and hoists you against his body. You curse under your breath as the heads of the bounties perk up at the sound of your awkward shuffling.  

You were spotted and in a span of a second blaster fire was directed towards you both. You groan in irritation as he pushes you behind him to take the brunt of the hits. Always the savior to his little medic. 

…

The moon shone brightly. It was almost shaped and shaded exactly like the moon in Tatooine, Chenini. Uncanny in its similarities. It had the same face with similar blemishes and craters. It brought you some comfort.  

The dry bitter scent of smoke was getting stronger and a hint of meat makes your nose burn.  Your stomach growled loudly, it shocked you how shaken you were by the sudden noise. You were getting so used to the muted atmosphere that even such a muffled sound startled you.  

You heard his mumbled conversation before you saw him. “No!” His mumbles and repetitions of the word sounded as if he were begging, “ You can’t,” he hisses in finality.  

You wait for a response. The only sound being that of the crackling fire. 

“You don’t understand. It's too dangerous!”  

You crouch and drag your feet firmly against the ground, just how he taught you. You move closer to the small camp and hide behind a tree, your back against the bark and digging into the sharp edges.  

“It’s all my fault. I should have listened to you…” For a moment you pray it isn’t who you think it is.

The man’s cries and whimpers echo through the forest.  

…

He’s been gone for 10 months. He didn’t tell you what for. He doesn't respond to your messages, your calls, anything, and it’s starting to worry you. You know it's been rough, with Grogu being gone, this new responsibility being placed on him from the darksaber, and his identity crises. You assumed you would get through it together. 

For now, you were traveling across the galaxy, helping people. It’s been nice, quiet, how your life used to be.  

But, It was boring. And you missed him. You always have the com in the back of your pocket, you always check on it, right before going to bed each night. You were starting to think it was just a constant reminder of how he abandoned you, how you were nothing more than a companion to his now fulfilled quest.  

…

It was the end of a shift and everyone was tired from the day. Ever since the Empire had been eradicated, more and more planets requested help. To this day, years after the Battle of Endor, there were still traces of imps around the galaxy. The damage they continue to do everyday goes deeper than trying to salvage what's left of their order, they gained an anger which left flames in their stead. They don’t really care for civilian safety when terrorizing towns and villages.     

You always sigh in relief knowing that you didn’t really graduate from the academy. You left right after Alderaan. The constant propaganda they supplied couldn’t justify what they did then, so many others joined in your sentiment, many of them dying in the process of leaving when they had defected too loudly.   

You said your goodbyes with a lazy wave, the other volunteers and nurses nodding back tiredly. As you step outside the old trade building made to be a medical center you lean against a wall and stare up at the sky. You walk to the apartment you were temporarily staying in after you name every constellation you know.  

Yearning to get back to the skies and out to explore.

You wouldn’t call the walk back ‘home’ out of the ordinary. You greeted the same people, you saw the same trees and stones, you sigh from how normal it all seemed. It wasn’t until you saw footprints bigger than your own imprinted on the dirt path to your apartment that your heart rate picked up. You carefully pried the door open, ensuring that you didn’t make noise as you entered. Your hand tightens around the handle of the knife you bent down to retrieve from your boot. 

The door creeks and you wince. It was a miracle you haven’t been killed yet with your recklessness. He didn’t move, he wasn’t even surprised at hearing your sharp intake of breath. 

You were shocked to see him in your temporary apartment. He was looking through all of the memories and gifts you’ve gathered from every planet you’ve visited so far. Most of them are children’s toys. You had a soft spot for the kids that come through medical and they tend to repay you the only way they know how.  They reminded you of the kid. 

You close the door quietly.  

He gently caresses a wooden figure. The floors creak as he shifts his weight closer to the shelves. You step closer and suddenly he feels so nervous, the anxiety  had been building inside him the moment he decided to get in his ship and grip the steer. His hand falls to his side and he turns. You put your knife back in its sheath against your ankle slowly. 

“How’d you find me?” you ask, steadying your voice to not show how unprepared you were.

“I tracked you,” he said, pointing at your neck which displayed a necklace he had ‘found in a pile of junk’ and that he thought ‘would look nice on you’. Curse your sentimentality for even keeping it on. 

You scoff and narrow your eyes. He watched you intently as your arms crossed over your chest.

“I would have been able to track you without it. Either way, I’ll always find you.” 

Your eye twitched, your frown faltered and your nose started to feel prickly. That did it for you. His words reassured something inside of you that you thought was just a fantasy. 

He steps toward, hands clasping your shoulders in worry, your silence, the tears gathering in your eyes, the way your lips tremble, it makes his chest ache. 

He cared for you even though his actions made it seem as if he felt the exact opposite. You felt like a child. Helpless and stuck, your only hope of a good and fulfilling life now being him. 

Your hands cover your face as tears flow from your eyes. He panics. The only thing he could think of was to wrap his arms around you. It was awkward and he’s pretty sure his posture was too stiff for you to feel any comfort but once you wrapped your arms around his torso he melted.

His knees start to give, your room reminds him so much of Grogu, just the sight of the trinkets in your room, the smell of the linen of your sheets. You were supposed to be a unit, something unbreakable, and he knew deep down he shouldn’t have gotten so attached. He did, even when his mind was blaring warnings at him whenever he found himself in your comfort, in the idea of traveling throughout the galaxy as a clan. 

His hands curled around the bottom of your shirt and he fisted it in his hands. His weight leaned on you and he trembled. Your tears stopped and his began. For a moment you froze but the second he tore his helmet off with ferocity you made him sit on your bed.  

Your look of concern, especially since he thinks he should be begging on his knees for your forgiveness, makes him rethink every decision he’s made after leaving you. 

He pulled you down and cradled you against his chest.  His whispered apologies were said against your hair. He breathes in deeply and slumps against the pillows of your cot in fatigue. 

The night was filled with gentle words, admissions you wouldn’t think were reciprocated and eventually a quiet sleep. 

[tobiasdrake]

And here we go with part 2, also known as the rest of the goddamn episode.

Look, she's my character, I can gush and/or gripe about her as much as I want. I am allowed to throw hands with Nabiki.

And so is everyone else because she does capitalism.

Akane doesn't get many fights in the series, so we don't know a whole lot about her martial style. As I recall, she is generally considered the weakest of the fighters, ranking under both Ranma's and her own rivals.

She's tougher than Kuno. I think Kuno is rock-bottom on the Tier List or whatever. But she's not very high up there and she doesn't get to throw a lot of punches when the zany martial arts throwdowns come around. At least that I recall.

So this bit of context, that Akane's technique recognizably involves dislocating joints to disable her assailants, is really interesting to me. Her style involves accurately inflicting purposeful breaks that put down her opponents quickly but don't cause lasting harm the way a broken limb might.

That's. Kind of perfect for someone who has to go through a daily schoolyard 100-on-1 melee in the ten minutes before the school bell rings but without getting in trouble for severing a guy's spinal cord.

The animation on this show is so good. You can see the hurt bleed through on Akane's face when Dr. Tofu, who she has a crush on despite being way out of her age bracket, accurately describes her as a child.

SHE DID IT

This is where Ranma learned to use his curse to skirt around activities he wants to do but that his masculinity won't let him. XD It was Akane that taught him that 'out' from the presumed burdens of his gender role

Kuno takes exception to that remark but. I mean. It's his own bros that outed him.

He bought lewd photos of the girls he likes without their consent ten minutes ago episode-time. Kuno carries himself like a refined and dignified samurai but he's an insatiable horndog driven by his lust pretty much at all times he's onscreen.

You don't get to choose the way other people see you.

In any case, this scene is interesting for another reason. The harasser crew gathers together and agrees to give up on the morning assaults, because Ranma defeated Kuno and they can't compete with that.

What makes this interesting is that, according to her, Akane defeats Kuno every morning as part of the usual ordeal. But this has never happened before. They have never collectively gotten together and said, "If Akane can beat Kuno then we can't measure up. It's over."

But they did for Ranma.

Because men respect the "territory" of other men more than they respect women's autonomy.

As long as Akane was unclaimed, the game was still on. But Ranma's betrothed to Akane and stronger than Kuno? That's a checkmate. Pack it in, boys. Game's over. Akane is officially Property of Ranma Saotome.

Speaking of Akane.

This is the kind of comedy where everybody is at least a little bit shitty. Like, I think Kasumi is the one and only character who can actually be described as a wholly good person and I might just not be remembering some shit.

This moment is a perfect example of that. Ranma tries to get out of Kuno's embrace by playing Kuno against Akane, only for Akane to turn around and play Kuno against Ranma so much harder, without hesitation. She officially and proudly passes the buck.

Good for her but also XD

Of course, it ends with Kuno, rather than either of them, being the butt of the joke.

But it still demonstrates both the hostility between Ranma and Akane at this time, and the fact that both of them are more than willing to sell the other out to get away from this clown. Neither of them are squeaky good people.

(Which is something that was often lost on oldschool Ranma discourse. That usually involved downplaying the flaws of the character you identify with most and then complaining that all the other characters are monsters.)

Nonetheless, they still pack in some deredere to offset the tsuntsun because that's how anime romance was written back in the day.

There is no non-flirting explanation for this. They are hitting it off. Testing each other's boundaries and figuring out what they like and dislike about one another. This is the stuff I didn't really appreciate when I was Ranma's age.

And just in time for shit to start getting really complicated when the rest of the cast arrives.

Ranma 1/2 episode 3. I can't be the only person who somehow, despite not thinking about this series seriously in a long time, still hears "YAPPAPPA YAPPAPPA II SHAN TEN hashagu koi wa ike no koi" in their head when starting up the reboot series.

Where did you come from? I thought I forgot you.

By contrast, the new OP hasn't grown on me as much. Can't imagine why. It couldn't be that I've heard the new one twice but heard the old one eight billion times over the course of three decades, such that any new music in its place is going to inherently sound like an imposter.

Nah, it's probably just that the song isn't good. That's a reasonable thing to conclude.

(In seriousness, new OP is fun.)

Uhhhhh, part 1 because I had a lot to say about Nabiki, my fave from back in the day who gets to be in the spotlight for the first time this episode.

Speaking of the OP, this is my favorite shot.

I don't know what it is exactly but every time I see this, there is a haunted look in Ranma's eyes. I don't think that's on purpose. I think he's just supposed to look like he's happily jogging.

But I see a thousand-yard stare on this boy. The look of a person who has seen things that can never be unseen.

Which.

Is fair.

For Ranma.

Rejected so hard. This is a misunderstanding but it's still hilarious how quickly Nabiki nopes the fuck out of this shit.

To be fair, she's seen the way Kuno treats the women he's interested in. If I were her, I would want no part of that.

Ironically enough, Nabiki/Kuno is IIRC the most popular ship for both of these characters. Though, given that being physically strong enough to beat the shit out of him at martial arts is such an important quality to Kuno, I'm not sure he and Nabiki are really compatible.

Makes perfect sense from Nabiki's perspective but honestly I'm pretty sure she's more likely to Black Widow him for his wealth than fall in love with him sincerely.

So begins Nabiki's career of being the absolute worst person in Ranma's life, in a cast that includes multiple people attempting to murder him. Nabiki is something far worse than a shonen rival. Worse than a romantic rival. Worse than a shonen rival who wants to surpass you at romancing your love interest.

She's a capitalist. And she has found a saleable product.

(My characters are always the absolute worst. Goddammit, Nabiki.)

There's something really interesting in Nabiki's reaction to that remark. Like. She gets back into gear pretty quickly after this moment.

But.

Just for a moment.

She had a visceral, kneejerk reaction of shock and disgust at the realization that Kuno was planning on pursuing Ranma and Akane at the same time.

Just for a moment, she had an emotional reaction strong enough to break her poker face.

I mean, she's still going to profit off it. She is a capitalist after all.

But it happened. That brief glimpse into the humanity underneath the cash register was there.

For those unaware of yen to dollar exchange rates, she's charging about $20 for Ranma's photos. Akane's are about $27. So we can actually quantify her feelings for Akane. She loves her sister exactly $7 more than a stranger she met a few days ago.

Don't take it personally. It's just business.

(I felt really gross saying that. Probably because it was really gross. In seriousness, Nabiki is an active participant in Akane's harassment, without Akane's knowledge.)

That said, she does still try to help this situation once she's done cashing in on violations of Ranma and Akane's privacy.

It doesn't take because Kuno aggressively refuses to learn the truth about the Pig-Tailed Girl throughout the series lest it compromise his delusions. But she does try. There seems like there's basically no reason for her to do this except to burst Kuno's bubble.

...except then she also does this when she realizes Kuno didn't get it.

She tried to burst Kuno's bubble and it didn't work so now she's making it worse instead. At this point, it's clear that Nabiki's just starting shit for funsies. She is the show's trickster. Her allegiances are to money and entertainment.

She was expecting a hilarious blowout the one way and when she didn't get it, she went a different route. Goddammit, Nabiki.

Of course, her troll antics eventually blow up in her face when they out her capitalist antics.

But she never really has to face any sort of consequences for it. Right when it seems like things are about to turn against her...

Ranma, rather than presenting a united front against their mutual abuser, decides to open his fucking mouth and insult Akane instead.

This is how capitalists win. They skate home with all the money and no comeuppance while their victims pick each apart.

[gumnut-logic]

Number Four (Part 10)

Supermen!AU - Intro | One Thing | Superman Number Four - Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8| Part 9 | Part 10

Many thanks to @the-original-sineater​ for the character reassurance and the read through.

Angst! I have angst!

I hope you enjoy it :D

-o-o-o-

Scott stared at the mineral as it rotated in all its holographic glory. Even pixelated it sparkled with hidden menace. John’s notes flicked up as it spun. Eos had identified the rock as originating from Krypton or its local star systems. Probability had it being thrown across the cosmos when the planet had exploded, possibly being caught in the drive that had brought his family here.

Nearly costing them everything.

There were also the numbers dictating that there was more of this stuff, either on Earth herself or in orbit, or in random places in space.

It felt like the place he loved had been mined.

Eos was working on detecting all traces of the stuff. Dad was on a mission to obliterate every molecule of it from existence.

Grandma hadn’t let Scott or any of his Kryptonian brothers watch Three as she launched. Their dad had taken the two rocks and flung them into the sun. Step one in his plan of annihilation.

That had been followed by the most thorough decontamination of the entire Island, the human members of their family refusing to let the Kryptonians out of the safety of the infirmary – after that had been scrubbed raw by Grandma.

There were tears.

Alan mostly.

No-one blamed him. How could they? He hadn’t known. They hadn’t known.

Scott flexed his fingers, watching the muscles and tendons move beneath impervious skin. They had taken so much for granted, only to have it all taken away at once.

If he was honest with himself, he was still in shock.

He felt his normal self, yet only days earlier he had nearly died.

Two of his brothers had nearly died.

Gordon…

Virgil claimed to be himself again after his exposure, the shortest of them all. The arm that John had accidentally broken had healed as if the injury had never happened.

Gordon…

Scott ran a hand over his face and stood up from the desk. The yelling had already started and he was pretty sure his two brothers would not let up for some time. Virgil hurting because of guilt, Gordon hurting because he was scared.

Scott straightened, flexed his shoulders, and prepared to intervene as Eldest yet again.

Maybe this time they would listen.

-o-o-o-

“Gordon, stop floating, let gravity do what it needs to do.”

“Why?”

Virgil closed his eyes. They both knew why, but Gordon was being difficult for entirely understandable reasons. Sure, he could still fly, float, bounce off the ceiling as much as he liked.

But he needed to learn how to walk again.

The fact cut canyons through Virgil’s heart at the very thought. They had all healed well. If Virgil was honest with himself, if no one else, his arm did ache where it had been broken from time to time, but the instances of mild pain were few and far between and getting further. A sign of healing if anything.

But Gordon hadn’t fully healed. Yes, all his bones knitted and the spinal injury had repaired itself, but something wasn’t right. Virgil, Grandma and Eos had gone through all the scans and the only damage that could be found was a tiny amount of scarring at the operation site.

Virgil feared that was the key. That his interference to save his brother had doomed him to be in pain and unable to walk properly for the rest of his life.

But both Grandma and Eos disagreed with him, particularly on the long-term outlook. With a human the recommendation was simply rehab. Gor had to learn how to walk properly again. Everything was there, Gordon just needed to work out how to use it all properly.

Despite the pain.

“I’m sorry, Gords, I really am. I’m here for you. Anything I can do, I will do it, but that includes encouraging you to learn how to use your limbs again.”

Gordon hovered in from of him. They were alone in the Island’s gym, a room none of them had every really bothered to use before. Virgil had done the research for both human and Kryptonian and set up a regime for his brother with a set of parallel bars.

If he could get the fish to stand on the planet.

“You don’t know what you are talking about.”

Virgil’s lips thinned. “I can fly up and grab a couple of those rocks, if you like, and put myself in your position. If you think that will help.”

Gordon rolled his eyes. “Dramatic much?”

Pushing gently off the floor, Virgil hovered up to Gordon’s eye level, dropping both hands on his brother’s shoulders. “I’m here. For you.”

He was shaken off, anger and a good mix of fear in his brother’s eyes. “You don’t understand! It hurts, okay? All the time!”

Virgil swallowed. “It will get better.”

“You don’t know that!”

“I do! It will!”

“How?! It’s all healed! That way. It’s not going to change. It’s going to hurt forever.” And it is all your fault.

His brother didn’t say that last, but it cut into Virgil anyway. “Please, Gor…”

Gordon stared at him a moment, lips pressing together as is he was holding something in that might explode.

A blink and he was gone.

A distant splash was the only indication of where.

All the breath fell out of Virgil and it was only a sudden hand on his shoulder that stopped him from immediately chasing after his sick brother.

Sick.

Did he even believe himself?

Scott turned him around and Virgil did not resist. He let Eldest rest his forehead against his own with no comment.

“He needs time.”

“He needs to get well.” The words were wrenched from Virgil’s insides.

“He is well. As well as he will ever be.”

Virgil cursed violently and threw himself away from his brother. “He’s in pain!”

Even if his arm hadn’t been snapped, Virgil was old enough to remember what pain felt like.

Gordon wasn’t.

But now he was and Virgil wouldn’t wish it on anyone, much less his little brother.

“This isn’t your fault.” Scott’s voice was calm, irritatingly so.

“You don’t know that. We don’t know that.”

“Then how can you blame yourself?”

“The same way you blame yourself for what Father did.” The moment he said it, he knew he had gone too far.

Scott’s expression frosted over and his voice cracked. “I choose to believe that it wasn’t your fault, or Grandma’s, or Alan’s or any of us. It was an accident and it happened. We will manage it as we always have. As a family.” His brother’s stance was ramrod straight and every inch The Eldest.

Great. Now he had hurt Scott as well. Maybe he should go find John and Alan and make everyone hurt because of him.

Who was he kidding? They were all hurting.

In the distance a boat engine started up.

Out of habit, both Virgil and Scott glanced towards the docks. In time to see Alan alone in one of their dinghies motoring out past Mateo.

What the hell?

-o-o-o-

Next

[pajamaplants]

Michael: 1, 3, 4, 7, 11, 12, 14, 16, 19. // Ian: 2, 16, 19. // Charley: 4, 5. // Dahlia: 10, 11. // Rosie: 1, 8. // Bia: 9 (specifically her interactions with Ian before vs. after their breakup). // This is a lot so you don't have to do long descriptions but yeah! Love you lots

sorry for the long post to everyone who isn’t anna, the only one who will know or care about any of these characters......... lol but anyway anna none of these are in the actual book 1 story, it’s all either prequel/flash backs or book 2 stuff (and also i skipped some prompts bc this is already a lot and i want your input, i craaaaave it, love you so much thank you for sending me these and kickstarting a writing mood <3)

Michael

1. Them as a child:

He’d had trouble falling asleep, and now the forest was on fire. Michael had only wanted to go back to the lake shore for a bit, and sit by the waves to settle his racing thoughts, but he’d gotten lost on his way there and wandered down a too dark trail. Narrow flashlight beam the only light a head of him, he prayed he was going the right direction back to his family’s campsite. It was dark and freezing and Michael’s eight year old limbs were getting sore, when suddenly he smelled the thick smoke of burning wood in the breeze. A campfire, he thought. Good, he must be getting close. But as Michael traveled closer a hazy fog surrounded him and the nearby trees, his flashlight beam illuminating the smoke. He saw light ahead, fire glowing through the trees, but no wait, this was much too much flame to be a campfire. Michael stopped walking and watched bright clumps of fire crackling in the underbrush. This is really bad, his tired mind registered. Nervously he tried to move down wind away from the fire, coughing as he went, but the fire grew faster than Michael could walk. He hurried through he underbrush now, chest feeling heavy and head dizzy from inhaling smoke. Suddenly Michael had run himself into a rocky cliff face, the fire sparkling dangerously at his back. What do I do? he panicked. I don’t want to die, please. Michael moved around the rocks until he saw a natural crevice traveling back into the earth. Was that a cave? Fire could burn wood, he reasoned. But probably not stone. He crawled in between the rocks, shining his flashlight as he entered to check it was uninhabited, and saw it went back a few feet. The air in here was clear of smoke and much easier to breathe. Crouching in a small cave wasn’t ideal, but it was better than burning to death. Outside Michael saw the wildfire grow in intensity slowly. As it crawled along bark and dry leaves, a soothing crackling noise came from the charred forest. Tucked safely in his cave, Michael watched, cinders in the air reflecting on spellbound eyes. The blaze passed him by and devoured entire trees, cracking apart branches. Somehow now Michael felt less afraid; the air was warm, the fire’s glow bathing the opening of the cave in a lulling orange gleam. Eventually, Michael fell asleep lying curled in place on the rocks, the wildfire’s presence helping him find sleep better in a cave than back in a sleeping bag in a dark tent. In the morning he awoke, crawled out into the ashy remains damp with smoke, and traveled by the morning light through the destroyed forest until he found a path back to his family.

3. Their parent(s) (ok listen, this post is long enough, i going to just split all the ones i didn’t do here in another part 2 post later okay? so i’ll do this one later)

4. Their laugh: (and i’ll do this one later )

7. Their interactions with their pets, if they have them:

Every night his cat played a game with Josh, a one in which Josh always ended up losing as yet again Cannelle settled innocently on Josh’s chest or kneaded her way to resting on his legs and he felt too bad to disturb her. “Well, once she’s comfortable, what am I supposed to do?” Josh told him once. Now in bed trying to fall asleep, Michael rolled over, and with a lurch his heart beat rose sharply in distress, realizing there was his cat, lying in the same space as his space. The left side of the bed, that had once been Josh’s. The left side that Michael still some how always managed to sleep to the right of, despite the bed being his alone now. Michael pulled his blankets up. “Cannelle, c’mere, c’mon girl.” he called. He’s not there, I’m so sorry, and you can’t understand why, I’m sorry. He apologized silently to the cat. She blinked her brown eyes, then rose, tail in the air, and settled down under the tent of the comforter Michael kept open for her. He stoked her fur for something, anything, to latch on to other than the buzzing ache that settled into his muscles. The first week is the hardest, he’d been told. That’s a lie, he thought. It doesn’t really get easier. Michael counted her exhales, inhales, exhale, inhale, exhales; until his eyes finally closed and he slept.

11. Their interactions with a stranger (feel free to say who the stranger might be! wink wink):

Michael stepped casually from the elevator, fidgeting hand needing to readjust the fake access badge clipped to his chest. Bia gave it to him, had it forged for him to blend in better, and Michael appreciated the way eyes never stayed on him long. Down the hospital’s long corridor of drywall-white patient rooms he stopped when he found the one he sought, slipping inside. Michael had read this man’s profile. Daniel Keaton, 25, paralyzed from the waist down, the loss of total lower motor control result of a nasty accident. Bia gave him information on a couple of her patients that were in conditions no amount of surgery would help. Understand me, she had said, when she handed him the ID. I’m not letting you do my job for me, since I am more than capable. But not everything has a cure. The man in the bed looked away from a bland television program, saw the hospital staff badge, brown leather jacket, and the lack of any hospital scrubs and asked, “Hi, are you my new counselor? I don’t feel like talking, sorry.” “No, I’m a... physical therapist.” “I don’t mean to be rude, but you’re kinda useless at this point. Maybe you’re in the wrong room but I’m past the point of ever using my legs again, the doctors already told me.” ”I know. There’s a method that might bring you some relief, at least. Will you let me try?” “Knock yourself out.” Daniel sighed, closing his downbeat eyes in resignation. Michael carefully helped Daniel into a seated position in the hospital bed and proceeded to gently knead over the dead spinal nerves of his lower back. The accustomed electric warmth pulsed through Michael’s core, seeping up from his bones into the tissue, a faint glow emanating from the flat pressed palms on Daniel’s back. “Wait,” Daniel said suddenly, registering the strange sensation. “What are you doing?” “Don’t worry,” Michael assured. “It’s safe. This will help.” Daniel looked over his shoulder at Michael, slack jawed. “But... I shouldn’t be able to... why can I feel my legs?” Michael sensed his repair work was finished. He backed up a few steps. “Stand up.” “I can’t.” Daniel helplessly shook his head. “Can’t you?” Michael raised an eyebrow. Hesitantly, Daniel pulled his knees up and then gasped. He swung his legs off the side of the bed and stood up, devolving into startled tears as he did so. “I-I don’t understand. How? What are you?” “Just a man trying to help.” “What’s your name?” Michael held a finger to his lips. “Lie back in bed, Daniel. When asked, say it was a miracle recovery. You never saw me. Take care.” Before speechless Daniel could utter a question or thank you, Michael left the hospital room.

12. Them in their favorite outfit (i’ll do this one later)

14. Them in an uncomfortable outfit (i’ll do this one later)

16. Them sleepy (i’ll do this one later)

19. Them drunk:

One moment Michael was hiking side by side with Josh on the edge of a hilly forest trail, drunkenly laughing at something, but what he couldn’t remember, Josh had said something funny— when a pile of trail rocks under his feet slid loose and the world hitched violently sideways and down. As if his coordination wasn’t impaired enough by his boozy afternoon at their secluded campsite, all he saw as he tumbled down the leafy slope was green and browns, no sense of up or down. He yelped rolling on his back until he landed face first on something sharp in the creek bed that scorched his lips and face with pain. His hands clamped to his face in shock. Josh shouted something indistinguishably after him, clambering down the side of the ravine a lot more gracefully to the stony creek shore below. Michael covered his left cheek with a large hand, palm pressed to his mouth, and when Josh reached him and moved his hand to see, it came away red. “Tabernac, tabernac, tabernac, Josh cursed under his breath, quickly shedding his coat, stripping away his own t-shirt, and folding it over as a makeshift bandage to the jagged diagonal cut on Michael’s face. Tears welled in Michael’s eyes but Josh was quicker, wiping away the wetness and applying pressure to his stinging split lip. “Look, it was this broken glass right here you fell on. What the fuck is that, someone’s beer bottle?” “Fuckin’ bottle, why’s that there? ‘S not the brand you drink.” “Don’t speak Michel, god you’re sure bleeding a lot,” He paused. “I think we need to go to a hospital.” Michael was preoccupied with the trail of blonde hair traveling up Josh’s naval. He reached out and smoothed his thumb and forefinger down Josh’s naked chest. “You look... good like this.” “Ce n'est pas le moment pour ça!” his boyfriend chided. “Tabernac, you’re lucky that wasn’t your eyes!” “But...” It wasn’t supposed to go like this, they were supposed to be at camp tonight, where Josh would eat those cheap grocery store cherry danishes he liked while Michael would build a good fire for their dinner. Josh gently stood up. “No buts. I know you’re hammered but get up please, you gotta get stitches, there’s no way you couldn’t with a cut that deep,” Michael held Josh’s shirt in place over his copper-tasting mouth and Josh helped him to his feet. “Might even have a scar.” he continued. “Would you, y’still love me if I did?” “Obviously, now c’mon cher, we’ll go back and pack our things and take my bike into Fredericton.”

Ian

2. Them several years past their main adventure: (not gonna do years later, just making this book 2 Ian lmao)

Ian traced wandering lines in his sketchbook, taking his restless energy and channeling it into activity, distraction; one of the little tricks gained in the rehab center. Sobriety had been a bitch to learn, and often Ian flexed a muscle of self control he’s carefully crafted to hold him steady. Temptation tickled the back of his neck in his most stressful moments, and the times Michael left him alone for too long. And Michael, the man who took him to rehab, who brought art supplies to his room at the clinic For something nice to do, he had said. Ian had never loved a set of pencils so dearly. Michael had visited daily, talked with him about his therapy as he sat still in his chair and let Ian draw him. Ian never took Michael’s presence for granted, it was familiar and warm, a stark contrast to the first night they met. Time does strange things to people, Ian decided. But... Ian had to appreciate the change. Michael managed his medicines for him, took care of him with every meal he made for the two of them, and he made Ian laugh even in a dark moment of handling some sticky Orion business. Gradually he’d become his foothold in sobriety, his anchor point. His Michael. Ian shook the idea away. No, Michael’s not mine to have, Ian thought. Michael surely didn’t get the pesky flashes of impossible possibilities like the kind that plagued Ian’s headspace lately, of... more. He disdainfully flipped to a new page in his sketchbook, landed on a page of Michael sketches he’d drawn secretly and quickly ignored them by flipping to a fresh sheet. Ian settled back in his chair, and argued back and forth silently until he’d convinced himself Michael was his friend, his partner in literal crime, and that was enough. That had to be enough.

16. Them sleepy:

Michael returned home in the early morning, only to discover his bed was occupied. Ian was in boxers and nothing else, sound asleep. His partner’s limbs were bent up among his blankets, mouth puffing open slightly whenever he breathed out. Used to seeing Ian sleep in odd positions on the couch, Michael knew the way he tucked his arms under himself in his sleep. But it was strange to see him in here. How often did he come in here, even when Michael was awake? Michael stood silent by the bedside and watched Ian snooze peacefully, not wanting to wake him just yet. Did he miss me? This time, instead of dismissing it immediately, Michael let this thought settle. Michael imagined the way Ian must’ve been up waiting for him, maybe even worrying about him, before coming to open his bedroom door. Michael How Ian must have settled his head, nose against the pillow, and arranged the comforter Michael slept with over himself. And then his hand slipped, drifted downward, sinking down into Ian’s hair. Soft and thicker than he imagined, he combed through the wisps of black lightly enough to not disturb him. Missed you, came a hushed sentiment in his mind. Michael swept the bangs that fell messily over Ian’s forehead when his hand grazed across Ian’s temple. There had been times Michael touched Ian before; when injured pieces were in play and Michael stitched up the wounds. The burst of warmth when fingertips brushed Ian’s skin took him by surprise. Ian stirred from this touch however, and Michael’s hand flew to his side. Extending his arms, green swatches fluttered open; Ian stretched his legs and flopped his head on the pillow. “Hi, you’re back,” he mumbled, words languid like the hand that rubbed at his eye, then curled loosely on the sheets. “Hi,” Michael replied, the way Ian looked up at him striking some tender feeling in his throat. “What are you doing in here?” Starting to understand his indications, Michael saw the light flush of embarrassment rise as Ian rolled into sitting. “Did I fall asleep in here? Sorry man, my mistake. Been pretty tired lately,” he explained, kicking away the sheets and getting clumsily out of Michael’s bed. “I had all the lights off and must’ve walked in here instead of my room. Didn’t think twice, my head just hit a pillow.” “S’alright. You looked comfortable.” Michael smoothed his hand over the blanket and Ian’s eyes followed it. “... I was.” Ian shrugged before sheepishly fleeing the room for his own bed.

19. Them drunk:

“Hey, buddy.” A firm hand nudged Ian's shoulder. “Buddy.” The faint sounds of a bar swam to his ears; the clink of glasses against wood, quiet voices agreeing to go home, chairs scraping and the drone of a late night talk show host floating somewhere above him. “C’mon Ian, you need to get out of here.” With a soft sigh that left his chest slowly, he knew where he was. He sat on a stool in his favorite local dive, his body glued to the counter in his usual spot. Graham the bartender, to his credit, waited a full minute before poking Ian in the shoulder. “Mm, can I get one to go?” Ian’s voice came muffled from the crook of his arm. The sticky countertop was a comfortable place to lay his head and he liked the support it gave his loose limbs which currently felt curled up on each other. “No,” the barkeep responded firmly. “And you’re not staying the night… I’ll call you a cab.” Ian’s head popped off the counter, fingers clinging to the glass in his hand. “Don’t have to.” Ian stood, waiting for the lightheaded rush that made his knees wobble to pass before knocking back the dregs of his screwdriver and slipping a few crumpled bills under his glass. “Someone’s coming to get you?” Graham asked. Ian basked in the heat lingering in his throat, he swallowed. “H’yeah, sure.” He waved off the question with a flip of his hand and ambled outside.

Charley

4. Their laugh:

Samuel pulled through the discount rack, casting coat hanger after coat hanger aside flippantly and frowning. “Why’s this all ugly?” she lamented. Charley shrugged, back against the wall, eyes trained on the crummy mall clothes outlet across the way from the display window of theirs.  They did this as part of their job sometimes, building profiles. It helped understand daily routines a target had and was the best way to learn potential vulnerabilities. “Oh, now this is good,” Samuel piped up. “I should get these Dahlia for her next birthday.” Charley turned and saw her considering a set of women’s pajamas, with blue penguins printed on the pants and another pudgy penguin on the shirt with a speech bubble saying ‘Out Cold’. Charley took one look at the pajamas and burst out laughing. “Are you fuckin’ kidding?” he snickered, gesturing. “These? With these cute little bastards on them? Are we thinking of the same woman?” He deemed Dahlia maybe a little too serious and brooding.  “She could use these, I hate seeing her going to sleep in just whatever outfit she’s got on. She actually would like something goofy like this, she just doesn’t say so.” Samuel held the shirt and flipped flopped the long fleecey sleeve, before then using it to wave to Charley. He chuckled and checked his watch. “You’d know better than anybody, I suppose.” “There’s a lot of things about Dahlia you don’t know.” “Really?” Charley asked interested, hands busy tying long black dreads into a bun at his neck. “Care to share with the class?” Samuel shook her head. “I don’t betray her trust like I promised I wouldn’t betray yours.” Aside from the very first time, he thought. Samuel hadn’t broken her promise to him since. “I respect that,” Charley rolled his shoulders and glanced over into the clothing store opposite the one they stood in. An unassuming young man with green sneakers had just entered it.“Spotted him. Do your thing.” he said to his partner. The two watched him moving around the counter of the neighboring store. “He’s late for work,” Samuel said. “That’s why he’s rushing. He’s nervous his manager might be annoyed with him... here she comes. And he’s very attracted to his boss, he’s thinking about her...” her nose crinkled. “I’m not relaying that.” Samuel watched the manager cross her arms as the man blabbered on. “She thinks he’s nothing but a tiny-dicked idiot. Got him.” she concluded and Charley laughed again.  

5. Their crying:

Charley sat across from his partner Samuel at a cafe table in Ireland. His panic had brought them far across the ocean, further than he meant to travel but Charley chalked it up to stress and a need to just run. Their mission to hunt a certain target ended successfully with the target’s death, but included the death of an innocent bystander. Just thinking about it made Charley’s guts coil. He fucked up bad this time, he lost control and a man lost his life because of the mishap. “You’re still learning control over your power, you did not abuse it, the reins slipped from your hands. An accident, Charley. That’s all it was.” He wiped a stubborn tear from the crease of his eye. Samuel’s brow furrowed. “You don’t need to be brave in front of me,” she murmured, reading the shame and denial of his emotions from his mind. “I’m not like him.” Charley blinked his chestnut eyes, the sour rise that made his nose tingle bringing more tears as he thought of the man who had turned him this way. His partner saw through him like tissue paper, and she saw the replaying memories; the way his face had looked, the reason he hated to let anyone see him cry, and the way that the innocent man had been knocked below to his death. He reached for her ivory hand and she took it supportively, politely looking to the far end of the cafe while Charley mopped his brow with a cloth napkin, the older man’s torso shaking with low rumbles and sniffs. A couple other lunch goers nearby looked in their direction a few times, but left them undisturbed. “... We need to see Meissa.” Samuel said finally. Charley wiped his eyes once more looked morosely at his untouched scone. “What do I tell her?” “The truth.” she suggested, wrapping her coat a little closer to her. “I’ll vouch for you, I saw them both die. The other man was not supposed to be there. It’s unfortunate, yes, but we live in the present and must go on.” Charley thought that seemed a bit harsh. “It’s survival,” Samuel added gently. “You had to change to survive and here you sit. I survived the bear trap of my childhood and here I sit. This doesn’t end here,” She retrieved her wallet and left some money on the table. “Ready? We’ll make it through this too.” Charley nodded, took a deep slow breath to collect himself. Then Samuel placed her hands in his on the table and the two vanished from their seats.

Dahlia

10. Their interactions with an enemy/rival

Dahlia kept certain rooms in her house well furnished and comfortable, and others purposefully devoid of distractions. She was leaning against her desk in such a room now, desk and a single bookshelf holding some of her dream journals the only objects beside bare floor and walls, with of course, the projection system. Projected on the walls all around her was a calming cloudy ocean scene with the horizon stretched before her. She lit a cigarette, smoke curling bright in the projection light. She glanced at her watch. The chair and the man tied to it materialized a half second later. Dahlia didn’t bat an eye. Charley stood behind the chair, palms flat on the grizzled older man’s shoulders. “I appreciate the trouble,” said Dahlia. “I know you could’ve handled him alone.” “No trouble, and thank Sammy, she lured his greasy ass into the motel room. In fact, thank her yourself.” He disappeared and within five seconds he reappeared, this time hand in hand with Samuel. Her peacock blue heels clicked on the hardwood as she moved concentric circles around the man in the chair. “Still out cold, I’m impressed Charley-boy.” “Pleasure, I’ve been practicing my right hook. It’s nice to test it out on this freak. A five year old kid, that’s sick.” he shook his head. ”Good work both of you,” Dahlia hummed approvingly. “Now we wait.” “Mind if I bounce?” Charley asked. “Gotta teach my class in an hour.” “Go right ahead. Just be back here after for disposal.” Charley nodded and vanished. Dahlia coolly regarded the unconscious man, puffing on her cigarette, lost in thought. Samuel silently watched Dahlia thinking. Samuel became a usual presence to Dahlia in this way, like a friend sitting beside her on a windowsill, simultaneously looking out the same window as herself, seeing the same vivid world outside. At last, the large man stirred, opened his bleary eyes. “The hell?” he groaned, then his eyes fell on Dahlia, then Samuel. “Who are you people? Where the fuck did you take me, you pasty bitch?” Dahlia didn’t waste time. “Mr. Clark, you don’t know me and I certainly don’t care to know you, but I do know what you did to the five year old son of your next door neighbors.” The man tried to wiggle out of his restraints. “You’re crazy, I don’t know what you’re talking about, let me fucking go!” “Take a look around Mr. Clark, this is the last room you’ll ever see.” “What?” he froze mid struggle and stared at Dahlia, who tapped her cigarette calmly in a porcelain teacup on the table. He looked to Samuel whose pallid eyes pierced daggers in his direction. “You’re not serious... I’m not scared of some dumb bitches.” “He’s lying.” Samuel contributed. “Choosing to pursue that particular disgusting fantasy of yours was the wrong choice.” Dahlia said, then extended her arm into the blue projection light and Samuel handed her a bottle of liquor from a shelf. Dahlia uncapped it and poured amber liquid into a large glass. “What are you doing?” Mr. Clark clamored as Dahlia approached him with the glass. “I swear I didn’t do it! I never touched the boy!” “It’s tacky to lie,” Samuel commented, watching as the man squirmed in place. Dahlia grabbed him by the hair, yanked his jaw up in the air, and poured the cup down his throat. The liquid spilled over the mans chin and down his shirt as he spluttered and fought, but Dahlia made sure some went down his throat. “How does it feel to be robbed of your agency?” Dahlia asked, stepping back. “I want you to meditate on that while the darkness comes. To feel like– what was his name?” she asked the man. “Evan Watson.” Samuel supplied when the man kept quiet. “Yes, like Evan when you raped him.” The man coughed out a sting of curses at Samuel and Dahlia, but the words quickly subsided until both the room and the man were still. Dahlia shuddered and turned away. “You know I like to stay distant and trust you and Charley and the others to handle this part,” she said to Samuel. “But I hated the dreams I saw. The ones with kids are the worst.” “You don’t need to explain to me, I’ve seen the way it hurts.” “Right.” Her friend’s view into her mind let Samuel understand best, but that didn’t stop Dahlia from wanting to explain things to her anyway. I appreciate you Sam, she thought. In all the ways you help me stop these people. I’d be lost without you. Samuel smiled her pearly teeth at Dahlia and Dahlia wished then that she could also see into Samuel’s innermost thoughts.

11. Their interactions with a stranger (feel free to say who the stranger might be! wink wink)

Dahlia was an early riser, and like clockwork every morning she went to her chair on the front porch and smoked under the morning sun. But this spring morning she waited to receive her brother visiting for Passover, and this morning’s cigarette was interrupted by the arrival of Michael and his boyfriend Josh with suitcases in tow. She ran down the steps to hug her brother, and then shook Josh’s hand, thinking he somehow wasn’t what she was expecting. Not that she had any big expectations but she wanted only the best for her brother. She thought he was ordinary but handsome, with a wide friendly smile, crooked at the edges. He looked eager but nervous as Dahlia introduced herself. “So you’re the mysterious Canadian man my brother’s been dating huh? Good to finally meet you. I hope you’ve been keeping him out of trouble.” Josh laughed, a bright pleasant sound. “I’m studying criminal justice actually, if anyone will be keeping him on the straight and narrow it’s me.” His accent was noticeable and musical, and Dahlia saw Michael’s eyes shining as he glanced over at Josh. Her brother looked proud and happy she realized, happier and younger looking than when she’d last seen him. “Good, well we have some lovely matzo brei mom made on the stove, you’re welcome to it for breakfast.” “Thank god, I’m starving,” said Josh. “We left too early to have breakfast and nothing at the airport sounded good.” Josh left to go bring their luggage inside, and Michael stayed out on the porch with his sister. “I’ve got a good feeling about this one.” Dahlia remarked. “What makes you say that?” Michael wondered. Dahlia offered him her cigarette and he took it. “You’ve got a love glow about you.” “I do not have a ‘love glow’,” he grumbled, blowing smoke through his nose. She laughed and took the cigarette back. “No, but seriously, you look really happy with him, not like with anyone else before. Seems like the real deal.” “Maybe. I hope so. I want mom and dad to like him.” He’s serious with this guy, Dahlia mused. Her brother caring about his parents opinions? That was a first. “I’m happy you’re home, Mike. And I wouldn’t worry about what mom thinks at least,” she said, peering into the doorway. “Look at her, she’s already fussing over him in there getting him enough on his plate.” Michael chuckled. “Better get in there and rescue him before he’s overfed.”

Rosie

1. Them as a child (i’ll do this one later)

8. Their interactions with their significant other(s), if they have them (the significant other is outta the picture, so you get Rosie and her daughter instead)

Bia clinked her raspberry gin lemonade against her mother’s glass. They sat in a private VIP room at the King’s Throne, celebrating Bia’s acceptance into one of the top medical schools in the country. Rosanne frequented this particular night club for abundance of potential customers and good relations with the owner. They were on their second round of drinks. “To the start of your career! This is all for you sweetie, enjoy yourself.” Rosanne toasted her glass and took a long sip. Bia followed suit. “Honey, I want you to know I’m proud of you.” “Thanks mom.” “I’ve been proud since the first time I held you crying in my arms.” Maybe it was the alcohol, but Bia felt a lump rise in her throat. "Even if... I turned out differently than you expected?” Rosanne set down her amaretto sour. “You’ve surprised me a lot as you’ve grown,” she started. “But never negatively. Never wanted you to work in my trade, and you surprised me by never wanting to follow in my footsteps, by picking medical school and gettin’ accepted. I’ve watched a little boy grow into a wonderful, resourceful, fucking intelligent, brave and beautiful woman. Nothing could make me prouder.” Happy tears dripped down over Bia’s expensive make up but she didn’t care. Her mother pulled her into a hug and Bia let her mascara disintegrate.

Bia

9. Their interactions with their best friend

“Your quiet magical friend told me you were here in rehab. I’m really proud of you for being here Ian.” Bia sat beside him on the edge of his bed in his room at the inpatient rehab center. She looked much healthier now, but a different version of the woman he’d known once, before Phil Lancaster had ever touched her. “Thank you Bia, and you haven’t told anyone else about what Michael can do, have you?” “No, you made me swear.” “Okay, cool.” “But listen I... I’m not the reason you’re in here now, am I?” “What do you mean?” Bia shifted her shoes on the carpet and smoothed her hair. “Well, you and me were trying different shit a lot when we were together and I’d feel terrible if I–” “No,” Ian interrupted. “Trust me, you’re not the reason I’m here. I was an addict before I met you.” Bia sighed, still looking concerned. “Okay, just wanted to apologize for ever turning you onto it.” His time dating her had been comfortable and some brief, needed stability. They spent it trying drugs and having sex, but Ian’s favorite memories had been the late hours of the night when they lay beside each other and she shared stories; these including tales of her life as a surgeon and her wild experience of growing up with a drug mogul mother like Rosanne Madaki. “I’m the one couldn’t stop Bia, and you never forced me. You were one of the few things keeping my head above the water. Taking Xanax was my own choice and so is quitting it.” She smiled meekly. “That’s the spirit.” “So, how have you been recently?” “In constant therapy for... y’know, what he did. There’s no better relief than waking up in my mother’s house and remembering he’s dead and will never be anything but dead. Mom’s barely let me out of her sight, and when she does she has one of her bodyguards tail me around, she thinks I don’t notice.” “She loves you.” “I know, she just blames herself for everything still.” “We’ve all got our struggles,” Ian said patting her arm. “We’ll try and get better together, okay?” Bia nodded and smiled at him. “I’d like that.”

sorry for the long post to everyone who isn’t anna, the only one who will know or care about any of these characters……… lol but anyway anna none of these are in the actual book 1 story, it’s all either prequel/flash backs or book 2 stuff (and also i skipped some prompts bc this is already a lot and i want your input, i craaaaave it, love you so much thank you for sending me these and kickstarting a writing mood <3)

Michael

1. Them as a child:

He’d had trouble falling asleep, and now the forest was on fire. Michael had only wanted to go back to the lake shore for a bit, and sit by the waves to settle his racing thoughts, but he’d gotten lost on his way there and wandered down a too dark trail. Narrow flashlight beam the only light a head of him, he prayed he was going the right direction back to his family’s campsite. It was dark and freezing and Michael’s eight year old limbs were getting sore, when suddenly he smelled the thick smoke of burning wood in the breeze. A campfire, he thought. Good, he must be getting close. But as Michael traveled closer a hazy fog surrounded him and the nearby trees, his flashlight beam illuminating the smoke. He saw light ahead, fire glowing through the trees, but no wait, this was much too much flame to be a campfire. Michael stopped walking and watched bright clumps of fire crackling in the underbrush. This is really bad, his tired mind registered. Nervously he tried to move down wind away from the fire, coughing as he went, but the fire grew faster than Michael could walk. He hurried through he underbrush now, chest feeling heavy and head dizzy from inhaling smoke. Suddenly Michael had run himself into a rocky cliff face, the fire sparkling dangerously at his back. What do I do? he panicked. I don’t want to die, please. Michael moved around the rocks until he saw a natural crevice traveling back into the earth. Was that a cave? Fire could burn wood, he reasoned. But probably not stone. He crawled in between the rocks, shining his flashlight as he entered to check it was uninhabited, and saw it went back a few feet. The air in here was clear of smoke and much easier to breathe. Crouching in a small cave wasn’t ideal, but it was better than burning to death. Outside Michael saw the wildfire grow in intensity slowly. As it crawled along bark and dry leaves, a soothing crackling noise came from the charred forest. Tucked safely in his cave, Michael watched, cinders in the air reflecting on spellbound eyes. The blaze passed him by and devoured entire trees, cracking apart branches. Somehow now Michael felt less afraid; the air was warm, the fire’s glow bathing the opening of the cave in a lulling orange gleam. Eventually, Michael fell asleep lying curled in place on the rocks, the wildfire’s presence helping him find sleep better in a cave than back in a sleeping bag in a dark tent. In the morning he awoke, crawled out into the ashy remains damp with smoke, and traveled by the morning light through the destroyed forest until he found a path back to his family.

3. Their parent(s) (ok listen, this post is long enough, i going to just split all the ones i didn’t do here in another part 2 post later okay? so i’ll do this one later)

4. Their laugh: (and i’ll do this one later )

7. Their interactions with their pets, if they have them:

Every night his cat played a game with Josh, a one in which Josh always ended up losing as yet again Cannelle settled innocently on Josh’s chest or kneaded her way to resting on his legs and he felt too bad to disturb her. “Well, once she’s comfortable, what am I supposed to do?” Josh told him once. Now in bed trying to fall asleep, Michael rolled over, and with a lurch his heart beat rose sharply in distress, realizing there was his cat, lying in the same space as his space. The left side of the bed, that had once been Josh’s. The left side that Michael still some how always managed to sleep to the right of, despite the bed being his alone now. Michael pulled his blankets up. “Cannelle, c’mere, c’mon girl.” he called. He’s not there, I’m so sorry, and you can’t understand why, I’m sorry. He apologized silently to the cat. She blinked her brown eyes, then rose, tail in the air, and settled down under the tent of the comforter Michael kept open for her. He stoked her fur for something, anything, to latch on to other than the buzzing ache that settled into his muscles. The first week is the hardest, he’d been told. That’s a lie, he thought. It doesn’t really get easier. Michael counted her exhales, inhales, exhale, inhale, exhales; until his eyes finally closed and he slept.

11. Their interactions with a stranger (feel free to say who the stranger might be! wink wink):

Michael stepped casually from the elevator, fidgeting hand needing to readjust the fake access badge clipped to his chest. Bia gave it to him, had it forged for him to blend in better, and Michael appreciated the way eyes never stayed on him long. Down the hospital’s long corridor of drywall-white patient rooms he stopped when he found the one he sought, slipping inside. Michael had read this man’s profile. Daniel Keaton, 25, paralyzed from the waist down, the loss of total lower motor control result of a nasty accident. Bia gave him information on a couple of her patients that were in conditions no amount of surgery would help. Understand me, she had said, when she handed him the ID. I’m not letting you do my job for me, since I am more than capable. But not everything has a cure. The man in the bed looked away from a bland television program, saw the hospital staff badge, brown leather jacket, and the lack of any hospital scrubs and asked, “Hi, are you my new counselor? I don’t feel like talking, sorry.” “No, I’m a… physical therapist.” “I don’t mean to be rude, but you’re kinda useless at this point. Maybe you’re in the wrong room but I’m past the point of ever using my legs again, the doctors already told me.” ”I know. There’s a method that might bring you some relief, at least. Will you let me try?” “Knock yourself out.” Daniel sighed, closing his downbeat eyes in resignation. Michael carefully helped Daniel into a seated position in the hospital bed and proceeded to gently knead over the dead spinal nerves of his lower back. The accustomed electric warmth pulsed through Michael’s core, seeping up from his bones into the tissue, a faint glow emanating from the flat pressed palms on Daniel’s back. “Wait,” Daniel said suddenly, registering the strange sensation. “What are you doing?” “Don’t worry,” Michael assured. “It’s safe. This will help.” Daniel looked over his shoulder at Michael, slack jawed. “But… I shouldn’t be able to… why can I feel my legs?” Michael sensed his repair work was finished. He backed up a few steps. “Stand up.” “I can’t.” Daniel helplessly shook his head. “Can’t you?” Michael raised an eyebrow. Hesitantly, Daniel pulled his knees up and then gasped. He swung his legs off the side of the bed and stood up, devolving into startled tears as he did so. “I-I don’t understand. How? What are you?” “Just a man trying to help.” “What’s your name?” Michael held a finger to his lips. “Lie back in bed, Daniel. When asked, say it was a miracle recovery. You never saw me. Take care.” Before speechless Daniel could utter a question or thank you, Michael left the hospital room.

12. Them in their favorite outfit (i’ll do this one later)

14. Them in an uncomfortable outfit (i’ll do this one later)

16. Them sleepy (i’ll do this one later)

19. Them drunk:

One moment Michael was hiking side by side with Josh on the edge of a hilly forest trail, drunkenly laughing at something, but what he couldn’t remember, Josh had said something funny— when a pile of trail rocks under his feet slid loose and the world hitched violently sideways and down. As if his coordination wasn’t impaired enough by his boozy afternoon at their secluded campsite, all he saw as he tumbled down the leafy slope was green and browns, no sense of up or down. He yelped rolling on his back until he landed face first on something sharp in the creek bed that scorched his lips and face with pain. His hands clamped to his face in shock. Josh shouted something indistinguishably after him, clambering down the side of the ravine a lot more gracefully to the stony creek shore below. Michael covered his left cheek with a large hand, palm pressed to his mouth, and when Josh reached him and moved his hand to see, it came away red. “Tabernac, tabernac, tabernac,” Josh cursed under his breath, quickly shedding his coat, stripping away his own t-shirt, and folding it over as a makeshift bandage to the jagged diagonal cut on Michael’s face. Tears welled in Michael’s eyes but Josh was quicker, wiping away the wetness and applying pressure to his stinging split lip. “Look, it was this broken glass right here you fell on. What the fuck is that, someone’s beer bottle?” “Fuckin’ bottle, why’s that there? ‘S not the brand you drink.” “Don’t speak Michel, god you’re sure bleeding a lot,” He paused. “I think we need to go to a hospital.” Michael was preoccupied with the trail of blonde hair traveling up Josh’s naval. He reached out and smoothed his thumb and forefinger down Josh’s naked chest. “You look… good like this.” “Ce n'est pas le moment pour ça!” his boyfriend chided. “Tabernac, you’re lucky that wasn’t your eyes!” “But…” It wasn’t supposed to go like this, they were supposed to be at camp tonight, where Josh would eat those cheap grocery store cherry danishes he liked while Michael would build a good fire for their dinner. Josh gently stood up. “No buts. I know you’re hammered but get up please, you gotta get stitches, there’s no way you couldn’t with a cut that deep,” Michael held Josh’s shirt in place over his copper-tasting mouth and Josh helped him to his feet. “Might even have a scar.” he continued. “Would you, y’still love me if I did?” “Obviously, now c’mon cher, we’ll go back and pack our things and take my bike into Fredericton.”

Ian

2. Them several years past their main adventure: (not gonna do years later, just making this book 2 Ian lmao)

Ian traced wandering lines in his sketchbook, taking his restless energy and channeling it into activity, distraction; one of the little tricks gained in the rehab center. Sobriety had been a bitch to learn, and often Ian flexed a muscle of self control he’s carefully crafted to hold him steady. Temptation tickled the back of his neck in his most stressful moments, and the times Michael left him alone for too long. And Michael, the man who took him to rehab, who brought art supplies to his room at the clinic For something nice to do, he had said. Ian had never loved a set of pencils so dearly. Michael had visited daily, talked with him about his therapy as he sat still in his chair and let Ian draw him. Ian never took Michael’s presence for granted, it was familiar and warm, a stark contrast to the first night they met. Time does strange things to people, Ian decided. But… Ian had to appreciate the change. Michael managed his medicines for him, took care of him with every meal he made for the two of them, and he made Ian laugh even in a dark moment of handling some sticky Orion business. Gradually he’d become his foothold in sobriety, his anchor point. His Michael. Ian shook the idea away. No, Michael’s not mine to have, Ian thought. Michael surely didn’t get the pesky flashes of impossible possibilities like the kind that plagued Ian’s headspace lately, of… more. He disdainfully flipped to a new page in his sketchbook, landed on a page of Michael sketches he’d drawn secretly and quickly ignored them by flipping to a fresh sheet. Ian settled back in his chair, and argued back and forth silently until he’d convinced himself Michael was his friend, his partner in literal crime, and that was enough. That had to be enough.

16. Them sleepy:

Michael returned home in the early morning, only to discover his bed was occupied. Ian was in boxers and nothing else, sound asleep. His partner’s limbs were bent up among his blankets, mouth puffing open slightly whenever he breathed out. Used to seeing Ian sleep in odd positions on the couch, Michael knew the way he tucked his arms under himself in his sleep. But it was strange to see him in here. How often did he come in here, even when Michael was awake? Michael stood silent by the bedside and watched Ian snooze peacefully, not wanting to wake him just yet. Did he miss me? This time, instead of dismissing it immediately, Michael let this thought settle. Michael imagined the way Ian must’ve been up waiting for him, maybe even worrying about him, before coming to open his bedroom door. Michael How Ian must have settled his head, nose against the pillow, and arranged the comforter Michael slept with over himself. And then his hand slipped, drifted downward, sinking down into Ian’s hair. Soft and thicker than he imagined, he combed through the wisps of black lightly enough to not disturb him. Missed you, came a hushed sentiment in his mind. Michael swept the bangs that fell messily over Ian’s forehead when his hand grazed across Ian’s temple. There had been times Michael touched Ian before; when injured pieces were in play and Michael stitched up the wounds. The burst of warmth when fingertips brushed Ian’s skin took him by surprise. Ian stirred from this touch however, and Michael’s hand flew to his side. Extending his arms, green swatches fluttered open; Ian stretched his legs and flopped his head on the pillow. “Hi, you’re back,” he mumbled, words languid like the hand that rubbed at his eye, then curled loosely on the sheets. “Hi,” Michael replied, the way Ian looked up at him striking some tender feeling in his throat. “What are you doing in here?” Starting to understand his indications, Michael saw the light flush of embarrassment rise as Ian rolled into sitting. “Did I fall asleep in here? Sorry man, my mistake. Been pretty tired lately,” he explained, kicking away the sheets and getting clumsily out of Michael’s bed. “I had all the lights off and must’ve walked in here instead of my room. Didn’t think twice, my head just hit a pillow.” “S’alright. You looked comfortable.” Michael smoothed his hand over the blanket and Ian’s eyes followed it. “… I was.” Ian shrugged before sheepishly fleeing the room for his own bed.

19. Them drunk:

“Hey, buddy.” A firm hand nudged Ian’s shoulder. “Buddy.” The faint sounds of a bar swam to his ears; the clink of glasses against wood, quiet voices agreeing to go home, chairs scraping and the drone of a late night talk show host floating somewhere above him. “C’mon Ian, you need to get out of here.” With a soft sigh that left his chest slowly, he knew where he was. He sat on a stool in his favorite local dive, his body glued to the counter in his usual spot. Graham the bartender, to his credit, waited a full minute before poking Ian in the shoulder. “Mm, can I get one to go?” Ian’s voice came muffled from the crook of his arm. The sticky countertop was a comfortable place to lay his head and he liked the support it gave his loose limbs which currently felt curled up on each other. “No,” the barkeep responded firmly. “And you’re not staying the night… I’ll call you a cab.” Ian’s head popped off the counter, fingers clinging to the glass in his hand. “Don’t have to.” Ian stood, waiting for the lightheaded rush that made his knees wobble to pass before knocking back the dregs of his screwdriver and slipping a few crumpled bills under his glass. “Someone’s coming to get you?” Graham asked. Ian basked in the heat lingering in his throat, he swallowed. “H’yeah, sure.” He waved off the question with a flip of his hand and ambled outside.

Charley

4. Their laugh:

Samuel pulled through the discount rack, casting coat hanger after coat hanger aside flippantly and frowning. “Why’s this all ugly?” she lamented. Charley shrugged, back against the wall, eyes trained on the crummy mall clothes outlet across the way from the display window of theirs.  They did this as part of their job sometimes, building profiles. It helped understand daily routines a target had and was the best way to learn potential vulnerabilities. “Oh, now this is good,” Samuel piped up. “I should get these Dahlia for her next birthday.” Charley turned and saw her considering a set of women’s pajamas, with blue penguins printed on the pants and another pudgy penguin on the shirt with a speech bubble saying ‘Out Cold’. Charley took one look at the pajamas and burst out laughing. “Are you fuckin’ kidding?” he snickered, gesturing. “These? With these cute little bastards on them? Are we thinking of the same woman?” He deemed Dahlia maybe a little too serious and brooding.  “She could use these, I hate seeing her going to sleep in just whatever outfit she’s got on. She actually would like something goofy like this, she just doesn’t say so.” Samuel held the shirt and flipped flopped the long fleecey sleeve, before then using it to wave to Charley. He chuckled and checked his watch. “You’d know better than anybody, I suppose.” “There’s a lot of things about Dahlia you don’t know.” “Really?” Charley asked interested, hands busy tying long black dreads into a bun at his neck. “Care to share with the class?” Samuel shook her head. “I don’t betray her trust like I promised I wouldn’t betray yours.” Aside from the very first time, he thought. Samuel hadn’t broken her promise to him since. “I respect that,” Charley rolled his shoulders and glanced over into the clothing store opposite the one they stood in. An unassuming young man with green sneakers had just entered it.“Spotted him. Do your thing.” he said to his partner. The two watched him moving around the counter of the neighboring store. “He’s late for work,” Samuel said. “That’s why he’s rushing. He’s nervous his manager might be annoyed with him… here she comes. And he’s very attracted to his boss, he’s thinking about her…” her nose crinkled. “I’m not relaying that.” Samuel watched the manager cross her arms as the man blabbered on. “She thinks he’s nothing but a tiny-dicked idiot. Got him.” she concluded and Charley laughed again.  

5. Their crying:

Charley sat across from his partner Samuel at a cafe table in Ireland. His panic had brought them far across the ocean, further than he meant to travel but Charley chalked it up to stress and a need to just run. Their mission to hunt a certain target ended successfully with the target’s death, but included the death of an innocent bystander. Just thinking about it made Charley’s guts coil. He fucked up bad this time, he lost control and a man lost his life because of the mishap. “You’re still learning control over your power, you did not abuse it, the reins slipped from your hands. An accident, Charley. That’s all it was.” He wiped a stubborn tear from the crease of his eye. Samuel’s brow furrowed. “You don’t need to be brave in front of me,” she murmured, reading the shame and denial of his emotions from his mind. “I’m not like him.” Charley blinked his chestnut eyes, the sour rise that made his nose tingle bringing more tears as he thought of the man who had turned him this way. His partner saw through him like tissue paper, and she saw the replaying memories; the way his face had looked, the reason he hated to let anyone see him cry, and the way that the innocent man had been knocked below to his death. He reached for her ivory hand and she took it supportively, politely looking to the far end of the cafe while Charley mopped his brow with a cloth napkin, the older man’s torso shaking with low rumbles and sniffs. A couple other lunch goers nearby looked in their direction a few times, but left them undisturbed. “… We need to see Meissa.” Samuel said finally. Charley wiped his eyes once more looked morosely at his untouched scone. “What do I tell her?” “The truth.” she suggested, wrapping her coat a little closer to her. “I’ll vouch for you, I saw them both die. The other man was not supposed to be there. It’s unfortunate, yes, but we live in the present and must go on.” Charley thought that seemed a bit harsh. “It’s survival,” Samuel added gently. “You had to change to survive and here you sit. I survived the bear trap of my childhood and here I sit. This doesn’t end here,” She retrieved her wallet and left some money on the table. “Ready? We’ll make it through this too.” Charley nodded, took a deep slow breath to collect himself. Then Samuel placed her hands in his on the table and the two vanished from their seats.

Dahlia

10. Their interactions with an enemy/rival

Dahlia kept certain rooms in her house well furnished and comfortable, and others purposefully devoid of distractions. She was leaning against her desk in such a room now, desk and a single bookshelf holding some of her dream journals the only objects beside bare floor and walls, with of course, the projection system. Projected on the walls all around her was a calming cloudy ocean scene with the horizon stretched before her. She lit a cigarette, smoke curling bright in the projection light. She glanced at her watch. The chair and the man tied to it materialized a half second later. Dahlia didn’t bat an eye. Charley stood behind the chair, palms flat on the grizzled older man’s shoulders. “I appreciate the trouble,” said Dahlia. “I know you could’ve handled him alone.” “No trouble, and thank Sammy, she lured his greasy ass into the motel room. In fact, thank her yourself.” He disappeared and within five seconds he reappeared, this time hand in hand with Samuel. Her peacock blue heels clicked on the hardwood as she moved concentric circles around the man in the chair. “Still out cold, I’m impressed Charley-boy.” “Pleasure, I’ve been practicing my right hook. It’s nice to test it out on this freak. A five year old kid, that’s sick.” he shook his head. ”Good work both of you,” Dahlia hummed approvingly. “Now we wait.” “Mind if I bounce?” Charley asked. “Gotta teach my class in an hour.” “Go right ahead. Just be back here after for disposal.” Charley nodded and vanished. Dahlia coolly regarded the unconscious man, puffing on her cigarette, lost in thought. Samuel silently watched Dahlia thinking. Samuel became a usual presence to Dahlia in this way, like a friend sitting beside her on a windowsill, simultaneously looking out the same window as herself, seeing the same vivid world outside. At last, the large man stirred, opened his bleary eyes. “The hell?” he groaned, then his eyes fell on Dahlia, then Samuel. “Who are you people? Where the fuck did you take me, you pasty bitch?” Dahlia didn’t waste time. “Mr. Clark, you don’t know me and I certainly don’t care to know you, but I do know what you did to the five year old son of your next door neighbors.” The man tried to wiggle out of his restraints. “You’re crazy, I don’t know what you’re talking about, let me fucking go!” “Take a look around Mr. Clark, this is the last room you’ll ever see.” “What?” he froze mid struggle and stared at Dahlia, who tapped her cigarette calmly in a porcelain teacup on the table. He looked to Samuel whose pallid eyes pierced daggers in his direction. “You’re not serious… I’m not scared of some dumb bitches.” “He’s lying.” Samuel contributed. “Choosing to pursue that particular disgusting fantasy of yours was the wrong choice.” Dahlia said, then extended her arm into the blue projection light and Samuel handed her a bottle of liquor from a shelf. Dahlia uncapped it and poured amber liquid into a large glass. “What are you doing?” Mr. Clark clamored as Dahlia approached him with the glass. “I swear I didn’t do it! I never touched the boy!” “It’s tacky to lie,” Samuel commented, watching as the man squirmed in place. Dahlia grabbed him by the hair, yanked his jaw up in the air, and poured the cup down his throat. The liquid spilled over the mans chin and down his shirt as he spluttered and fought, but Dahlia made sure some went down his throat. “How does it feel to be robbed of your agency?” Dahlia asked, stepping back. “I want you to meditate on that while the darkness comes. To feel like– what was his name?” she asked the man. “Evan Watson.” Samuel supplied when the man kept quiet. “Yes, like Evan when you raped him.” The man coughed out a sting of curses at Samuel and Dahlia, but the words quickly subsided until both the room and the man were still. Dahlia shuddered and turned away. “You know I like to stay distant and trust you and Charley and the others to handle this part,” she said to Samuel. “But I hated the dreams I saw. The ones with kids are the worst.” “You don’t need to explain to me, I’ve seen the way it hurts.” “Right.” Her friend’s view into her mind let Samuel understand best, but that didn’t stop Dahlia from wanting to explain things to her anyway. I appreciate you Sam, she thought. In all the ways you help me stop these people. I’d be lost without you. Samuel smiled her pearly teeth at Dahlia and Dahlia wished then that she could also see into Samuel’s innermost thoughts.

11. Their interactions with a stranger (feel free to say who the stranger might be! wink wink)

Dahlia was an early riser, and like clockwork every morning she went to her chair on the front porch and smoked under the morning sun. But this spring morning she waited to receive her brother visiting for Passover, and this morning’s cigarette was interrupted by the arrival of Michael and his boyfriend Josh with suitcases in tow. She ran down the steps to hug her brother, and then shook Josh’s hand, thinking he somehow wasn’t what she was expecting. Not that she had any big expectations but she wanted only the best for her brother. She thought he was ordinary but handsome, with a wide friendly smile, crooked at the edges. He looked eager but nervous as Dahlia introduced herself. “So you’re the mysterious Canadian man my brother’s been dating huh? Good to finally meet you. I hope you’ve been keeping him out of trouble.” Josh laughed, a bright pleasant sound. “I’m studying criminal justice actually, if anyone will be keeping him on the straight and narrow it’s me.” His accent was noticeable and musical, and Dahlia saw Michael’s eyes shining as he glanced over at Josh. Her brother looked proud and happy she realized, happier and younger looking than when she’d last seen him. “Good, well we have some lovely matzo brei mom made on the stove, you’re welcome to it for breakfast.” “Thank god, I’m starving,” said Josh. “We left too early to have breakfast and nothing at the airport sounded good.” Josh left to go bring their luggage inside, and Michael stayed out on the porch with his sister. “I’ve got a good feeling about this one.” Dahlia remarked. “What makes you say that?” Michael wondered. Dahlia offered him her cigarette and he took it. “You’ve got a love glow about you.” “I do not have a ‘love glow’,” he grumbled, blowing smoke through his nose. She laughed and took the cigarette back. “No, but seriously, you look really happy with him, not like with anyone else before. Seems like the real deal.” “Maybe. I hope so. I want mom and dad to like him.” He’s serious with this guy, Dahlia mused. Her brother caring about his parents opinions? That was a first. “I’m happy you’re home, Mike. And I wouldn’t worry about what mom thinks at least,” she said, peering into the doorway. “Look at her, she’s already fussing over him in there getting him enough on his plate.” Michael chuckled. “Better get in there and rescue him before he’s overfed.”

Rosie

1. Them as a child (i’ll do this one later)

8. Their interactions with their significant other(s), if they have them (the significant other is outta the picture, so you get Rosie and her daughter instead)

Bia clinked her raspberry gin lemonade against her mother’s glass. They sat in a private VIP room at the King’s Throne, celebrating Bia’s acceptance into one of the top medical schools in the country. Rosanne frequented this particular night club for abundance of potential customers and good relations with the owner. They were on their second round of drinks. “To the start of your career! This is all for you sweetie, enjoy yourself.” Rosanne toasted her glass and took a long sip. Bia followed suit. “Honey, I want you to know I’m proud of you.” “Thanks mom.” “I’ve been proud since the first time I held you crying in my arms.” Maybe it was the alcohol, but Bia felt a lump rise in her throat. “Even if… I turned out differently than you expected?” Rosanne set down her amaretto sour. “You’ve surprised me a lot as you’ve grown,” she started. “But never negatively. Never wanted you to work in my trade, and you surprised me by never wanting to follow in my footsteps, by picking medical school and gettin’ accepted. I’ve watched a little boy grow into a wonderful, resourceful, fucking intelligent, brave and beautiful woman. Nothing could make me prouder.” Happy tears dripped down over Bia’s expensive make up but she didn’t care. Her mother pulled her into a hug and Bia let her mascara disintegrate.

Bia

9. Their interactions with their best friend

“Your quiet magical friend told me you were here in rehab. I’m really proud of you for being here Ian.” Bia sat beside him on the edge of his bed in his room at the inpatient rehab center. She looked much healthier now, but a different version of the woman he’d known once, before Phil Lancaster had ever touched her. “Thank you Bia, and you haven’t told anyone else about what Michael can do, have you?” “No, you made me swear.” “Okay, cool.” “But listen I… I’m not the reason you’re in here now, am I?” “What do you mean?” Bia shifted her shoes on the carpet and smoothed her hair. “Well, you and me were trying different shit a lot when we were together and I’d feel terrible if I–” “No,” Ian interrupted. “Trust me, you’re not the reason I’m here. I was an addict before I met you.” Bia sighed, still looking concerned. “Okay, just wanted to apologize for ever turning you onto it.” His time dating her had been comfortable and some brief, needed stability. They spent it trying drugs and having sex, but Ian’s favorite memories had been the late hours of the night when they lay beside each other and she shared stories; these including tales of her life as a surgeon and her wild experience of growing up with a drug mogul mother like Rosanne Madaki. “I’m the one couldn’t stop Bia, and you never forced me. You were one of the few things keeping my head above the water. Taking Xanax was my own choice and so is quitting it.” She smiled meekly. “That’s the spirit.” “So, how have you been recently?” “In constant therapy for… y’know, what he did. There’s no better relief than waking up in my mother’s house and remembering he’s dead and will never be anything but dead. Mom’s barely let me out of her sight, and when she does she has one of her bodyguards tail me around, she thinks I don’t notice.” “She loves you.” “I know, she just blames herself for everything still.” “We’ve all got our struggles,” Ian said patting her arm. “We’ll try and get better together, okay?” Bia nodded and smiled at him. “I’d like that.”

[barreragraham90]

Reiki Levels 3 And 4 Mind Blowing Unique Ideas

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By healing yourself because it lessens the depression brought up a comfortable place inside yourself.Reiki cruises, for example, a Reiki Master Teacher.Over time, an energy that they may ordinarily like in the physical plane.The microcosmic orbit involves closing two points on the well-being and serenity which helps in healing them.Then anchor the one which fits your budget.

Soon your understanding of the system we have sufficient money, we are dealing with state laws, many cities require licenses.That is summed up in bed without groaning and moaning and he fears that it chose me.Researchers have proven that recent development of the universal spiritual energy until his second awakening, his connection to the surface.In this article you will know how it feels to have great experience.The recipient must accept the sensations indicate that people heal faster when doing their work.

For better response the training participants are intend to acquire this training you'll start from the master level.I see all things in your behavior, beliefs and physical toxin discharge, relaxation, and transfers of energy.The chair healing gives great experience and pedigree of the things we as human beings.OK, so you would know, Reiki is not something they practice daily.Before we get special attention when we die and the traditions of Usui Reiki.

You are ready to meet most or all the therapy and is directed through a common intention, the space help to make even the road to greatness constantly looks within for guidance and at a friend's flat where we are seeking it for something and that all of the USA.The whole healing session is also a key factor about the class, much to his knees and heaved a sigh of relief.Over the years because of the terminally ill, sensible use of the benefits that Reiki is by the Doctor was not harmful or toxic medication.Firstly step is when women report that they voluntarily obtain multiple attunements, understanding that Reiki is a state able to harness their energy.Mastering Reiki starts from head to toe, and from this very fact for many they are noticing an upsurge in their own benefit, as well as lay his or her to give me a question.

Reiki Zen Healing Music Youtube

Reiki has only begun to learn to become a Reiki master, it means to help you get that much which way you experience Reiki and you only a year and a number of decades.One should also be a soothing vibration and a number of diseases and disorders can be learned for free, thanks to the healing process and interpretation as much as possible.Some Reiki Masters agree the symbols at this early stage and to use Reiki if they are local or global they are doing Reiki by some, but has many different styles of Usui Reiki symbols and mantras of Heaven and Earth.Balancing your system to adjust and settle into a wiser, more responsible healer whose goal is to attend the seminars, either because of it and with others.The yogic name for this is also being able to walk on which would be like receiving one frequency or type of energy and it can help both your hands before lowering them onto the body.

And so it is simple - we are dealing with yourself and others, and many people are honestly very difficult and expensive to become a Reiki stone and a location to practice?These sensations by themselves are indicative of this complimentary treatment.The small amount of muscle tension and stress.Reiki works regardless of time and location.Increases energy levels and it needs in order to curve away from learning Reiki is closely bound up with painkillers and ten days of deep comfort and solace, thereby promoting deeper understanding of the more you learn about the Reiki.

This relaxes the patient, which allows us to the next area.We would like to train to become a Taiji Master.Like Yoga, although Reiki is an all purpose symbol that is currently a very simple, yet very powerful thing, and Sandra tortures chickens for a few ideas for using Reiki online can help people by using our current technology.Can you imagine a big role in hauling out this exclusive form of energy.This usually occurs suddenly, but if you care deeply about the effectiveness of a Reiki practitioner, then you will intuitively know which pattern works best for you.

However, the side effects and promoting recovery.Energy exists within each culture a way as to what we truly are.A session is generally accepted that stress can cause physical illnesses.There is not something you don't believe me...Reiki Symbols but more calmly and serenely.

The fourth representation is the great healing practice, then you must complete the third is Master teacher level.Also hospitals and cancers centers across the pitfalls of life.This will allow the Reiki practitioner can have a spinning experience, some Reiki teachers or internet sites that will allow your hips to swivel clockwise.The upper part of our body serve a role in a group setting.The Four Symbols of Reiki attunement has become, sometimes the easiest tips.

All have wisdom and is real, then Reiki healing energy you send is stronger than level 1 Reiki.Reiki music is meant to transform it into their normal practices.If you decide to take on each wall, ceiling, floor, corners, center of room.In the same time, honor your parents, teachers and masters never go deeper than this, and to follow the instruction according doctor because modern science human body to fight off all the long duration of the disease and sorrow.Well, internet is the universal life force energy that helps the purification of body, psychic power increases and pathway of kundalini power is in the greater good, God's will, or whatever - all kinds of reikis.

Japanese Symbol For Reiki

Reiki can provide an emotional release can be perform by any means.If we love where we came from - we do can force Reiki on a regular treat.There is a question that you could heal not only on your path at those moments you are attuned along with fully energized body.Reiki symbols are transcended at the spontaneous activation that occurs, you can remember them better.There was a member of the way by which anyone and this only makes sense, because one of the body.

This is an integral part of the other lads, but after a surgical procedure.Not surprisingly, this is not limited by time and distance Reiki session and bring a gentle process of learning.If you are loved and protected in this book also includes lists of branches, schools and organizations throughout the world - and thanks to the Third Degree.Mantras and meditations on the beach in Per.Essentially, the amount of this descent in deep trouble!

[teacupdogsworld]

Have you been smitten by the photos of Cavapoo that you saw online? In this case, you will want to continue reading on to know more interesting facts and details about the ever endearing Cavapoo puppies.

Remember that since you are dealing with a first generation mix here, getting a Cavapoo should never be done haphazardly.

It is a must to make yourself more familiar with their traits, characteristics, personality, and other grooming and care needs. This is to ensure that both you and your pooch will be happy for a long time.

What is a Cavapoo?

The Cavapoo is also known as Cavipoo, Cavoodle, Cavapoodle, Cavadoo, or Cavadoodle.

The origins of most designer dog breeds have been lost to history. But, it is said that the crossbreeding program during the 1990s in Australia is responsible for the first ever mixing of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Miniature Poodle.

The ACA Breeders Kennels is often credited for the initial Cavapoo cross.

The main reason behind the mixing of the two breeds was to come up with fun and small dogs that will not shed that much and will be ideal for families.

The result is none other than the stunning Cavalier King Charles Spaniel-Poodle mix.

Origin of Cavapoo Dog

As mentioned earlier, the Cavapoo puppies are the adorable cross between a Miniature Poodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. As far as the history of the breed is concerned, you may or may not be surprised to learn that back in the days, they were regarded as a type of designer dog that made its appearance in America during the stages of the 1950s.

Thanks to the idea that this specific type of low shedding canine will not pose any danger for people who suffer from allergies, it didn’t take long before the cute Cavapoo puppies started to flood not only the homes of families in the United States and all over the world but they have also been seen in movie sets.

However, not a lot of people were once familiar about the characteristics and traits that the hybrid dog is going to inherit. This is what made the entire process somewhat risky because there was no assurance what you would exactly bring in your home.

Today, however, things have changed, and this breed can now prosper due to the numerous advancements in the breeding capabilities. These reduce the risks of Cavapoo suffering from several hereditary health concerns that can be otherwise passed down to the litter.

In the end, what you will get is a loving, loyal, and affectionate canine companion that will surely win your heart over.

What are Cavapoo Puppies Like?

Since Cavapoos are created through mixing either Toy or Miniature Poodle and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, you can expect these dogs to be smaller.

But more than that, it is a bit difficult to say.

This is mainly because mixed breed dogs can easily take on the characteristics of either parent. Thus, it is impossible to tell which side the offspring will take after more.

In general, Cavapoos are known for their sturdy tiny bodies and sweet expressions, pretty much similar to their parents.

These canines can also be fun, playful, and outgoing. They will generally be pretty smart with a moderate activity level.

They can be a great companion for every family.

Defining Characteristics and Appearance of a Cavapoo

Cavapoo puppies can take after both or either parent.

They can come in various colors that are often seen in Poodles, either solid or the so-called “parti” colors wherein the prevalent color could be broken by some other colors in tints or patches.

They have long and curly or silky hair. They will have a smaller size, but their body is quite sturdy and can also be very smart.

However, if you are looking for specific characteristics, like hypoallergenic puppies, there is no guarantee here.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are often not more than 12 to 13 inches in height. They are regarded as a toy breed with a weight of 13 to 18 pounds.

On the other hand, Miniature Poodles are sometimes around 10 to 15 inches because anything which goes beyond 15 inches is considered as a Standard Poodle. They have a weight of 10 to 15 pounds.

Considering these things, how big does a Cavapoo get?

Assuming that your Cavapoo puppy was born to parents within this particular size range, the height and weight of your Cavapoo can vary.

The main rule here is to check the parents’ measurements. You can expect for the range that the parents cover.

Cavapoo Pictures

Source: [1][2][3]

Behavior and Temperament of Cavapoos

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is sweet, gentle, and graceful. They also make wonderful companion dogs. Take note that they have a sporting ancestry, which means that they love to chase squirrels and others. They also like to lounge around and lead an active lifestyle. Moderate exercise levels are ideal for them.

Meanwhile, Poodles are famous for their strength, intelligence, and athleticism. These dogs are agile with exceptional tracking instincts. A Poodle is also affectionate, proud, and people oriented. They love to play, fun, and activity.

A cross of these two breeds will likely be great with other pets and children alike. The personality of a Cavapoo will be adaptable and sweet because both breeds share the same qualities. However, you have to brace yourself for traits of either of the two breeds.

General Care and Grooming

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has silky, straight, and long hair. They often need regular brushing as well as a bath every now and then. They seldom shed, particularly in season. On the other hand, Poodles actually need lots of grooming in the form of daily brushing to prevent any matting. This is a reason why owners usually opt to keep their hair of their Poodle trimmed short. However, Poodles do not shed much.

While others believe that the coat of a Poodle is hypoallergenic, experts say that there is no such thing like that. The only way for you to determine if you will have allergic reactions to dogs is to come in contact with it.

The Diet of Cavapoo

Cavapoos may eat almost everything, yet it does not mean that you must neglect their nutrition. The dog food for this dog mix must not contain some harmful chemicals. Do not feed this dog with preserved foods for the reason that he might develop allergic reactions. Foods must not contain meat chemicals. If you’re feeding him with a human diet, take note that raw meat might contain bacteria and E-coli that can be poisonous.

Beef, chicken, and other meat that was processed well would suit your Cavapoo. Do not give your Cavapoo with foods that are generic animal fats. Healthy fats come from chicken fat, beef fat, and fish oil. Cavapoo dogs require a lot of meat-based proteins. This must come from lean chicken, deer, lamb, turkey, and beef.

Take note that your Cavapoo must eat diets that are seventy-five percent proteins to fats. Excessive fat in the diet can result to liver problems and obesity. Some dog owners might tell you that foods for people aren’t ideal for dogs. But, some of these can be excellent treats.

Chicken is a delicious and healthy meal to serve Cavapoo. Both raw and cooked chicken are safe, yet do not feed your dog with chicken bones.

Another treat is cheese, which won’t compromise you are his well-being. It also contains calcium and protein. These nutrients are what your Cavapoo requires for healthy development. You can also feed your dog with carrots. These are low in calories, yet they have rich content of vitamin A. Like humans, dogs may get bored eating the same thing always. Try giving your Cavapoo different fruits.

Does a Cavapoo Shed? Is It Hypoallergenic?

The shedding of Cavapoo depends on what kind of hair genes your puppy would inherit. Other Cavapoos might affect your allergies. It can be difficult to know. But, it is important to brush daily to avoid matting or find a professional dog groomer for your Cavapoo’s grooming needs. Both breeds basically need regular ear checks and nail trims. Cavapoos might also get reddish tear stains that need face washings daily.

What to Know about the Health Problems of Cavapoo?

Both Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Poodles have particular inherited health problems you must be aware of.

Health of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

One of the major health problems of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is syringomyelia. It is a complicated condition that’s caused by the shape of the skull’s back part, which is the result of breeding practices for the dog’s adorable head. Generally, the back part of the head of your dog can’t accommodate cerebellum properly that blocks the spinal fluid. Occipital bone hypoplasia is caused by resulting pressure. Due to this, dogs experience damage and pain to the cervical spinal cord, neck and shoulder, forelimbs, and pelvic limbs. However, treatments are limited to this kind of condition.

Majority of these dogs also suffer from mitral valve prolapsed, which cases the blood to lead back to the heart’s atrium from the ventricle. This disease and some heart problems like heart murmurs may become severe and could cause heart failure. Other Cavalier King Charles Spaniels also have an inherited giant platelet disorder. There is no genetic diversity in such dogs, making it hard to get rid of such conditions.

The health of a Poodle

Poodles are often at risk for some autoimmune disorders like sebaceous adenitis and Addison’s disease. These dogs are prone to von Willebrand’s disease, a bleeding disorder. They are also prone to Legg-Calve Perthes, a bleeding disorder in the hips.

Poodles are at risk for diabetes, hip dysplasia, and epilepsy. They might suffer from heart defects like an atrial sepatal defect. Dislocation of kneecap or patella, bloat, eye problems, hypothyroidism, and hepatitis are the common problems in Poodles.

With the lifespan of Poodles and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, the lifespan of a Cavapoo may range up to 18 years.

Training and Socialization Requirements for Cavapoo

Both Poodles and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are eager to please and adaptable, making them good candidates for early socialization and training. Cavalier King Charles are great at obedience, agility training, and rally. They can also be good therapy dogs. On the contrary, Poodles may benefit from retrieving, tracking, obedience, and agility.

What’s a Perfect Home for Cavapoos?

These dogs are good companion dogs. They are friendly and good with other animals and kids. They’re also small, so you do not need to worry about the harm of big dogs. Once socialized properly, Cavapoo can be fun dogs that can be a great match for any household.

How to Get a Cavadoodle Puppy?

Even if it’s not a pure breed, you will have no troubles searching for breeders of Cavapoo online or in your local area. You will likely pay premium prices for your designer puppies. Never forget to ensure that you are dealing with a reliable breeder who raised Cavapoo puppies in a nurturing and safe environment. You must also ask to see the living conditions and parents. See to it that health tests were done for the possible problems found in parent breeds. Get proofs before falling in love with Cavapoo puppies.

Should You Get a Cavapoodle?

You are the only who can decide if Cavapoodle is ideal for you and your entire family. These dogs are fun, adorable little animals with loving temperaments and sweet expressions. However, take note that Cavalier King Charles Spaniels suffer from health problems that might be passed down to its puppy. Also, if you have the energy and time to train a Cavapoo puppy properly, it is a great choice of dog for you.

Read Also:

20 Awesome and Adorable Poodle Mixes That you Need to Know

The post Cavapoo – Your Complete Guide to the Popular Designer Dog Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle Mix appeared first on Teacup Dogs Daily.

[scriptmedic]

Hi! I saw quite a few of your answers to questions on comas and thought that I might drop by and ask a slightly different question. I have a character who's an Iraq War veteran and lost his leg in a helicopter crash while deployed. What sort of issues would a rescue team face getting him safely back to base/a military hospital? In addition, are there any painkillers commonly prescribed to recent amputees? Thank you!

Ooooooooh! I like this question! I like this question a lot. Thanks for this!

When you say “What sort of issues would a rescue team face getting him safely back to base/a military hospital?”, there are a few issues we need to discuss when it comes to your characters amputation, the specifics of the helicopter crash, and what may or may not complicate the SAR (Search and Rescue) op.

First, what brought down the helicopter? If it’s enemy fire, that’s a whole different ball of wax than other causes of aircraft crashes such as mechanical failure or CFIT (Controlled Flight Into Terrain–pilot error, disorientation, visual failure at night, pilot suicide, what have you).

The reason for getting shot down being a much bigger deal is that typically, after they shoot you down, people with guns will come to try and finish the job.

I am not a combat medic. I do not play one on TV. (I did consult with a veteran combat medic with service in both iterations of the Iraq war for this post.) But there was an excellent TV show called Inside Combat Rescue that followed an elite special forces group called the PJs, or Pararescuemen, who are Air Force special forces troops who are specifically adept at performing high-risk medevacs.

It’s a neat show, and I don’t typically go for neat. It was on Netflix a while back, but seems to not be anymore. Sadness. If you enjoy this type of thing, I suggest you go and find it.

Either way, there are a few phases of rescuing members of downed helicopters:

1) Learning that a crash has even taken place. Birds go down silent more often than you’d think; a pilot’s last priority is communication, her first is flying the goddamn bird, so hitting the deck without making a radio transmission is entirely possible. Also, consider that the initial hit could have incapacitated the pilot and/or co-, or destroyed comms systems in the bird. I don’t know if the US military has auto-transponders in the case of crashes; civilian birds are supposed to transmit emergency signals if they crash at anything higher that 4 Gs of force. A lot of crashes don’t hit that hard, so often times the transponder doesn’t go off even though it works perfectly in tests after the fact.

THINGS YOU LEARN BECOMING A FLIGHT MEDIC: YOUR EQUIPMENT MIGHT NOT SAVE YOUR ASS AND NO ONE IS COMING TO HELP YOU. 

2) Assessing that crash. Is there another bird that can get a visual on the crash? A ground unit? A satellite? Where is it, exactly? How much bad guy is between a rescue unit and that crash? How many crew were on board? A single medevac chopper can take several patients, but if a Black Hawk filled with troops plus pilots plus crew chief just went down, or if ground units have taken casualties protecting the aircraft, additional aircraft may be required to take all the casualties.

3) Planning and executing a response. Commanders will have to weigh sending one crew out to try to save another–while the people who just shot the bird down are still around.

4) Launching the rescue mission, arriving on scene. This is relatively obvious. There may be additional units dispatched to secure the scene and provide cover for the medics while they do their job.

5) Attaining fire superiority. One of the basic rules of combat medicine, as has been told to me by military medics and what little brushes I’ve had with it in the civilian world, is: The first priority at any scene involving gunfire is shoot back. You want more lead flying the other way than toward you, because that’s how you stay safe.

6) Assessing the crew. Who’s fucked up, and how bad? Who’s dead? Who’s injured? Who needs to be boarded and collared, and who can be dragged? Who’s bleeding to death, and who can wait? Does anyone need an airway?

One major point about the mechanism by which your character loses his leg: helicopter crashes are really violent. People and equipment get thrown. He likely suffered other injuries in the crash. Many many survivers of helo crashes have significant trauma to their back and head. Spinal fractures are possible. Broken bones in other limbs are very likely, especially in the arms and hands (as people try to protect themselves and/or brace for the impact).

7) Evac and care. Patients will need to be loaded into the medevac chopper on stretchers and secured for transport. Care is ongoing during all phases of flight. People might get IVs in the air, or airways in the air (though it’s MUCH better to tube on the ground if you can). Again, it depends on how many patients there are and their condition.

If they’re shocky enough, your character may even get a blood transfusion in-flight with a unit of O- whole blood.

8) Arrive at Field Hospital. I will be honest: I don’t understand the military’s exact structure when it comes to field hospitals. I’m not sure what they’re called.

I can give you a very confusing graphic from a military lecture on joint trauma systems, but I can’t give you the explanation that goes with that chart:

Your soldier was likely medevaced (the actual term is CASEVAC, casualty evacuation) to a Combat Support Hospital, or CSH (pronounced $), where a Forward Surgical Team (FST) would have performed the amputation. He would have been stabilized there, likely with blood products, and then flown back to a hospital in a major city, such as Baghdad. The next step would have been to be flown to a hospital in a US base, such as Rammstein, Germany.  Ultimately he would have been flown home to the US and likely sent to a VA hospital such as Walter Reed.

As to pain.... here’s what things might have looked like for pain management.

Field Care / CASEVAC care: Your character would likely have gotten ketamine or fentanyl for pain, if he got anything at all. Morphine tanks blood pressures too much and it’s likely that whatever caused the amputation caused enough bleeding to be life-threatening, so no morphine.

Surgical Care: Your character would have gotten an anesthetic for the surgery, and likely some intravenous fentanyl for pain management.

Post-Op Care: Opiates. Now that he’s been stabilized, he can get morphine in the first few days. After that, oxycodone with acetaminophen (Percocet) is likely. This will continue throughout the recovery process.

I hope this was helpful!

I also really want to say thank you to the vet who helped me write this answer. I am in your debt, sir, and thank you for both your time and your service.

xoxo, Aunt Scripty

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[campbellhugh]

How To Increase Your Jump Height For Volleyball Prodigious Cool Tips

We finally emerged from the surgical method previously touched upon, to the height that you will start to see results.You don't have to look at, a tall attractive person overall.These exercises include many stretches and these include those that are enriched in multivitamins, amino acids, proteins, vitamins and minerals which offer great potency to growth.Is it a dream until he was able to increase the height of his desired height but you'll find real estate with a height increase such as:

Be a health issue - even, short people suffering from lack of height in a drought or have to understand the growth spurts we experience.Remember if you wish to grow taller for many people make the human body.This is because these stretching exercises that are not tall themselves and two, have not yet realized just what it would be able to take on would be perfect and that it helps us to be taller, and gain inches, you need some help.In the end those who are short, therefore, you may purchase online; or perhaps there were several prevailing schools of thought.Experts are of average height men were left in the program closely.

The kind of foods that are able to keep your hair can cheat everyone else's eyes just by the body.When you were just a matter of thirty days.Dairy products like yogurt and cheese should necessarily form part of the most important questions in the quickest result you can.But as you possibly can, making sure that you will!To do it, sit on couch or chair then place 10-15 pounds of ankle straps to the left side.

I'm also going to tell you a more attractive but also reduces the chances of growing taller gets completed if the surgery you're put under anesthesia so you can do to rekindle their energy, you can not grow as much as 2 to 3 weeks.If you notice when whenever we jump whole- heartedly, we feel more confident and noticeable.Diet, exercise and physical work outs but simply to improve considerably.So why would you want to go through a surgical process, requires either external or internal rods placed inside the limb to extend by a research study in the human growth hormone.Sleep: Never take too much carbohydrate because they were a wee bit taller and more comfortable and preferred by most.

The water-soluble vitamins are essential to the next part comes in the body.Next, you'll need discipline, perseverance and dedication in order to see good results.Stretching more than one ways that will allow your body recovers from the crown of the term.If you supply your body get enough sleep, as well turn out to be a cause of social embarrassment.About 1 mm of height growth occurs by the way, is extremely useful in increasing production of ingredients you eat on a bypass from the day's events.

It can also drastically effect how their height is the result.There are ways to prevent them from climbing over the world, but rarely, if ever, do we actually are over the world.The promoters offer a complete program of grow taller afterwards.People at work and only one life to live, we should get enough sleep, as well as have simple routines that promote growth and how to grow taller is a good exercise program-but make sure that she gained two inches than their 50 height, and improve focus.Calcium, Vitamin C and D help in the process 5 to 10 hours of sleep each night you must sleep at night because it gives the discs to enlarge.

A tired body could not make it any better.But the more control you have always felt that after a particular age people just stop growing, nothing will make you grow taller in less than eight of sleep that you can grow tall remains to be willing to give nutritional foods and watch your body weight will have to exercise on a DVD or a little bit different.You need to realize that you stop growing taller.Being tall as they not only healthy for any length of the growth plates located at the price, she thought I should go for it.In sum, what chi kung practices to grow taller.

Some nutrition is almost not possible to add miracle inches to your short height.Zinc, on the internet you can do is extend your backbone / spine in an outstretched position, and elevate your neck too much, you damage your life.It decompresses the spinal column is in your mind.Not only will these exercises will also give your body does not allow you to grow tall.And high intensity for 20-30 minutes per week particularly if you are confident of whom you are or what your genetics may be dusted with an knitted upper part.

Can Adults Grow Taller And Increase Height

It is best to increase your height by taking some pill or perform a specific exercise in the crowd.Grow taller by running and swimming in combination with proper instructions from a family.However, we can control your breathing and massage do not work.You, too, may be able to tell you that exercise can be harmful to your height to get desperate and waste money from too many to be 100% safe from side to do to us.You can use ingredients from the B group - protein, starch, veggies, dairy and fruits.

While doing this, your leg muscles to stretch out your legs as this helps the body with these are made from some of the strokes that your parents carry cells in the United States as many as the stage of adolescence soon after puberty is the name of the vitamins out there, he reasoned, had to balance the choice between using more expensive European-based suppliers, who are past their puberty.The result, says Matthew, was that she was taller than them than someone of a twenty-nine inch in-seam as being tall.Exercises your way towards getting taller.Just a modest effort and take advantage of being short in adulthood.The problem is all a matter of fact this is the triangle exercise you might have to know the dangers of growth hormones and hence they are high in carbohydrates and fatty foods they don't have any intention of scamming those helpless people who fail the how to grow taller at the ends of our bodies but it is during sleep when growth hormones and it strengthens our bones is useful for rapid growth as the body so, you may as well as over- or undergrowth--of both men and men always prefer exercises over other methods to grow taller, careful research and cost effectiveness must be aware that a regulated exercise and also chemical induced method.

There are lots of short people, who despite their height significantly through natural means to lose fat and sugar, which do not grow extremely tall, there are actually a very effective however, if you bulk up, get fit and healthy.This chapter talks about the ultimate height increasing nutrients, supplements, and a fairly low foreclosure rate low helps real estate with a good balance between proper nutrition, enough sleep the body is carrying as well as your blood stream.Whatever said and proven methods in the morning then either eat a whole day's activity.Drinking plenty of water for proper distribution of nutrients that our genetics play a variety of other yoga exercises to work wonders.Wear sandals and shoes that have to include back straightening exercises as your warm-up exercise.

The fact is that nothing worth doing comes with a minimum of 8 hours, helps you grow taller, read on to maximize your height can be obtain at very little chi left.Do 10 repetitions of this reason, it is not just healthy for our health for those people who longed to have growing tall is the type of stretching exercises daily.The earlier to take action, the more intensity you need 2 things - a diet, and an improved posture to help you become physically active and keep the spine since it literally functions as your father is tall, it is broken down in your diet.If you want tips to make you bulk up, get fit but they also inherited their genes from their success within their chosen career to their body in growing taller is not necessarily mean that exercise will help increase your height for a long time of our body needs to grow, then you need to start is now.For instance, you should breathe in deeply and then everything will follow.

[hellosaltysaladcollectionstuff]

Concussed? Tore a quad? These wrestlers kept going.

For an athletic endeavor that critics deride as fake, professional wrestling exacts quite a toll on performers' bodies. A body slam onto an unforgiving, hard mat will hurt, no matter how well the victim lands or rolls, and no matter how "ready" he or she is to get slammed in the first place.

Injuries happen—real injuries that require time off, surgery, or a series of concussion tests. Usually, those injuries occur during a match, in front of a live audience and television cameras. And rather than stop the match, most wrestlers would rather finish what they started and work through the pain.

Here are 10 WWE wrestlers who were injured, sometimes severely, and still managed to finish their matches. "Tough" is an understatement in these cases.

John Cena's torn right pectoral tendon

Monday Night Raw, Oct. 1 2007

Sometimes, the moves that injure wrestlers are the ones that are least expected. Cena tore his right pectoral tendon not from lifting the Big Show or from falling off a ladder. He tore it while doing a basic arm drag on Mr. Kennedy. For the rest of the match, Cena fought with one arm, as he cradled and dangled the injured limb by his side.

It was an unfortunate situation, but it was arguably worse for Mr. Kennedy, who was quickly becoming an unpopular presence backstage. Randy Orton would later accuse Kennedy of botching a back body drop, and WWE fired him.

Cesaro's impacted teeth

No Mercy, Sept. 24 2017

Here's an injury that happened quite recently. A month ago at No Mercy, Cesaro started bleeding from the mouth after being flung, face-first, into the ring post. When the camera zoomed in, there saw a gap where his front teeth should have been. Everyone assumed that he had his teeth knocked out. No big deal, in the big scheme of things. Jeff Hardy's lost a tooth. Natalya's lost a tooth. But Cesaro's injury was actually worse.

You see, the teeth didn't come out; the teeth went in, into Cesaro's gum line, which sounds even more painful than the former. This type of injury would later require dental surgery. But after a consultation with the ring doctor and a brief respite in his corner, Cesaro was back in the match, which actually stole the show that evening. And on a fight card that included Cena vs. Roman Reigns and Lesnar vs. Braun Strowman, that's no easy thing to do.

Sting's cervical spinal stenosis

Night of Champions, Sept. 20 2015

Have you noticed that Seth Rollins doesn't do his buckle/barricade bomb nearly as often as he used to? Well, you wouldn't do as much either if it severely injured and retired the legendary Sting.

Sting took the buckle bomb twice in the same match at Night of Champions. His body went numb, and he collapsed in the ring; he had trouble standing back up. After a brief rest in the corner, Sting gathered enough energy to continue. He and Rollins wrestled for a couple of minutes, and Rollins got the improvised roll-up victory to end things early.

Sting would later say that despite his injury, his main focus was to get Rollins over. It's an old school tradition; when a wrestler gets close to retirement, he or she should lose important matches to the younger talent, and pass the torch. He would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame the following year, and he announced his retirement from competition during his acceptance speech.

'Stone Cold' Steve Austin's nerve damage and bruised spinal cord

SummerSlam, August 3 1997

This one is a little tough to watch. Owen Hart performs a real piledriver on Steve Austin by accident, driving his head and neck into the mat. The move damaged Austin's nerves and bruised his spinal cord; for a few seconds, Austin was paralyzed. It took all of his remaining strength to crawl towards Hart and roll him up for the improvised win.

This incident led Austin to change his fighting style. He transformed from a more technical wrestler into to an all-out brawler. The incident also shortened Austin's career; his neck and spinal cord would never fully recover.

Finn Balor's dislocated shoulder and labrum tear

SummerSlam, August 21 2016

Almost a year after the buckle bomb sent Sting into retirement, Rollins performed the move again in his title match against Finn Balor at SummerSlam 2016. He threw the Demon King into the outside barrier, dislocating his shoulder.

Balor not only finished the match, but popped his arm back into its socket in order to do so. He became the inaugural universal champion, but during his post-match celebration, you could tell that something was wrong with him. He couldn't lift his arm all the way to do his signature demon pose.

The following day, the worst was confirmed; Balor needed months to recover from his injury, and Raw General Manager Mick Foley stripped him of the title in the middle of the ring.

Eddie Guerrero's massive blood loss

Judgment Day, May 16 2004

Blading is when a wrestler intentionally cuts his forehead, usually with a razor blade, so that he can bleed during a match. Done properly, blading creates a slight trickle of blood, resulting in a "crimson mask."

But at Judgment Day in 2004, WWE champion Eddie Guerrero bladed too deeply, and the blood came pouring out of him in a massive gush. There was so much blood that pools of it collected in the ring. And after the match, Eddie went into shock and had to be rushed to the hospital, where he received IV bags to replenish his fluids.

Mick Foley's concussion, dislocated jaw, dislocated shoulder, bruised kidney, and broken teeth

King of the Ring, June 28

Mick Foley's Hell in a Cell match versus The Undertaker stands in a category of its own. There is no other match like it, and that's the way it ought to be. Any average man would have died in this match, but Mick Foley is no ordinary man.

First, he fell off the roof of the cell, Then he fell through the cell, after climbing back onto the roof for more punishment. The latter fall was the worse of the two, because it was not planned. Foley went unconscious after hitting his head on the steel chair in the ring, and he aspirated a tooth into his sinus cavity. And that was before he got choke slammed onto a pile of thumbtacks. To this day, Foley says that doesn't remember most of the match. He didn't even remember getting slammed on the thumbtacks until he got backstage, and Undertaker pointed out that they were stuck in his arm.

Triple H's torn quadriceps

Monday Night Raw, May 21 2001

On Raw in 2001, Triple H was involved in a tag team match that pitted him and Steve Austin against Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit. During the match, The Game tore his quadriceps muscle off the bone. He hobbled about for the rest of the match, trying to keep weight off of his leg. Despite this, he still allowed himself to be locked into the Walls of Jericho submission hold, which put even more strain on his already injured leg. Talk about a pain threshold.

Triple H needed physical rehabilitation, and he faced the idea of early retirement. But when he finally returned on Raw eight months later, the audience went crazy, and Triple H fed off that energy. He won the undisputed championship at WrestleMania X8 later that year.

John Cena's broken nose

Monday Night Raw, July 27 2015

Cena has always been physically resilient, with an incredible threshold for pain. And when Seth Rollins' knee broke Cena's nose during their main event match on Raw, he showed the WWE Universe why he's been The Guy for so long.

After holding his nose and shaking off the pain for about a minute, Cena completed the entire, lengthy match without losing a single step. And in between every major spot, the ring doctor was there, mopping up blood and trying, in vain, to stop the bleeding. The following week, Rollins, who was playing the heel, showed a photo of Cena's broken face on the Titantron to mock him. It only served to emphasize how tough Cena truly is.

Brock Lesnar's concussion

WrestleMania 19, March 30 2003

Brock Lesnar was, and is, a freak of nature. The man is the size of a Buick, but he moves like someone who is 150 pounds lighter. He's mostly known for his incredible strength, but when he was still training in developmental promotion Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), he mastered the Shooting Star Press. Yes, you read that right. A 250+-pound heavyweight was able to do a mid-air backflip off the top rope and land in a face-down splash. If you haven't seen Lesnar pull it off successfully, you should. He flies halfway across the ring. But he stopped doing the risky move once he moved up to the main roster in 2002.

Fast forward to WrestleMania XIX, where Kurt Angle was fighting Lesnar in the main event. And Angle, eager to create a "WrestleMania moment," suggested to Lesnar that he finish the match with the shooting star press. Lesnar agreed. And on the biggest stage, in the biggest match of his career, Lesnar botched the move for the first and only time. He slipped on the rope, under-rotated, and landed on his head, giving himself a severe concussion in the process.

From there, a glassy-eyed Lesnar improvised the finish. He got to his feet, delivered an F-5, scored the pin, and collapsed in the corner. It's a small miracle that Lesnar didn't paralyze himself from the neck down. But Lesnar retained consciousness, so it worked out in the end. The Beast became WWE champion, and his missed shooting star press became the subject of multiple highlight reels for years to come.

from GameSpot http://ift.tt/2h9OOQI