#fun fact i finished lining this @ 4 am then fell asleep!

[h-doodles]

Bärchen my absolute fucking beloved, ur my babygirl & lovely little meow meow <3 <3 <3 I need to cuddle her sooooo bad y'all don't understand!!!!

once again, a doodle for Little Cat by @lady-dimimi :] bc I think Bärchen deserves it

[kuredono]

when the clock strikes midnight | Sukuna x gn!Reader

TW: mentions of being sick, fainting, hands on neck but not strangulation?

“Yuuji!” You scream as your boyfriend finally loses consciousness. 

Sukuna isn’t surprised, in fact the damn brat had actually exceeded his expectations and lasted longer than he thought, though it meant that he was in terrible shape. Well, he’ll get healed up later by that girl anyway, so Sukuna just sat back and watched as you defended his vessel from being eaten by the curse. It was a nasty curse, a particularly tenacious vengeful cursed spirit that appeared to learn their moves the more they performed it. You had caught on this pretty quickly, and figured out that it was a new curse only just starting to learn its capabilities, and you were its test dummies. Not that Sukuna cares, but it would mean bad news if it escaped with all the knowledge it has just accumulated. Not that you would let it. 

Sukuna’s smirk grew as he saw that switch flick in your head, your gears changing from calculated moves and intelligence to pure strength and instinct, your eyes seeming to glaze over. He loved it when that happened.

 Since you entered his vessel’s life, he rarely had to raise a finger because you would always finish the job for him and often stopped his vessel from nearly killing himself. He still took over if and when he felt like it (if Yuuji wasn’t actively suppressing him), and had spoken to you more than a few times. Yuuji would let his guard down when he was tired or sleeping, which was the perfect time for him to talk to you, especially since you stayed up late the majority of nights in a week. 

You were interesting. He wanted to know how you were so strong, but you never gave him the answers he wanted. You were usually studying, and he often heard the line ‘if you aren’t here to help me study then please be quiet.’ with a heavy sigh, though you always used polite language when speaking to him. Some nights if he was especially stubborn, he would manage to annoy you enough to have a proper conversation with you, but you were just as stubborn as him when it came to hiding your secrets. You never told your boyfriend about any of your conversations though. Sukuna had considered exposing you to his vessel, but then he probably would never get to speak with you again.  

Just as Sukuna had predicted, you dealt with the curse. He almost moved from his throne when you had stumbled over your own feet for crying out loud and nearly lost an arm, and probably your life if you didn’t react as quickly as you did after catching your footing. Sukuna had overheard you throwing up yesterday evening, but he didn’t say anything. Why would he? You insisted it was just exhaustion from doing back to back missions and went to bed, flopping next to Sukuna and promptly going to the land of nod before he could tell you he didn’t care. 

Currently you were laying on your back, hand clasping the front of your shirt while gasping for air after finally exorcising the curse. After a minute of catching your breath back, you hauled yourself up, knuckles kneading your temples. 

“Ugh... Let’s get you to Ieiri.” You sighed as you looked over at your boyfriend’s body. You shuffled over and ripped up your camisole under your shirt to make bandages to wrap around his head while calling Ijichi requesting a lift to the HQ. You looked beyond exhausted and your cheek was fast blooming into a bruise from when the curse has backhanded you. Ride home confirmed, you let your head hang lowly with a heavy exhale. “I just want to go home.”

After a visit to Ieiri, resulting with the vessel regaining consciousness and fussing over your vast collection of small injuries, nearly 4 hours later, you both arrived home. Sukuna’s vessel was still exhausted and you both had a simple soup which you had the foresight to make last week in anticipation of this week being busy (you somehow could always sense when you were both going to be busy and prepared in advance). Yuuji had wanted to stay up and wait for you to finish your nighttime routine, and he put up a good fight, but lost as fell asleep before getting to wrap you up in his arms. 

When Sukuna decided it was safe to switch, he opened his eyes to an empty bedroom, a line of light coming from under the bathroom door where he could hear your strangled sobs and gags. He waited. There was a flush, the sink running, then a gruesome thud. The tap continued running. He waited. You weren't moving. Heaving a sigh, Sukuna rolled out of bed, carpet soft under his feet as he stopped in front of the bathroom. He kicked the door open with his foot, the door stopping as it hit a hand laying on the floor. Stepping in, Sukuna found you laying on the cold tiled floor.

“Human, wake up.” Sukuna nudged your limp body with his foot. Thankfully your eyes fluttered open.

“Huh?” You asked dumbly, watery eyes clouded with sickness, “How did I get here?”

“You passed out. Now get up.”

“I can’t move.”

“Why not?”

“Everything is broken.” You huffed, voice wobbling dangerously, “I feel really wrong.”

“Wrong?”

“I don’t know. Something’s wrong with me,” You stifled a sob, Sukuna rolling his eyes.

“Only now you realise? There are many things wrong with you dumb creature.”

“Sorry...” You rolled your head to the side as your lip quivered, “You’re such an asshole Sukuna.” You hiccuped, tears now falling which only increased Sukuna’s urge to kill you. He hated weak creatures. “Am I dying?”

“No you’re sick. But I might kill you if you don’t stop crying.”

“I’m sorry. I don’t want to die. Can't stop crying.” You wailed.

“You really have a death wish don’t you?”

Sukuna had enough and straddled your unmoving form, wrapping his hands around your neck, but not squeezing just yet. You looked so small in his hands, and now he was close enough, he could feel heat radiating from your frail body.

You bit your bottom lip and sniffled like a child, eyebrows knitting together. “I’ll beat you first.”

“Oh is that so? Not if I kill you here and now.”

“That’s cheating, I told you I can’t move. What’s the fun of killing something that doesn’t move?”

Sukuna’s brows raised as you pouted, serious in what you said. He whipped his head back in hearty laughter, “Oh you know don’t you?”

“I don’t, I just thought you might spare me if I said that because it seems like something you would say.” You were exceptionally chatty tonight, and refreshingly honest with your reactions, though you still kept the polite language. “Can you get off me, I can't breathe and it hurts. I’ll fight you in earnest if you get off me.”

“Will you now?”

“I can try my best King of Curses.” You smirked, though it looked strange when you had fresh tear tracks on your cheeks which were flushed a deep red. This was certainly amusing.

“Fine then. Show me your true self Y/N L/N!” Sukuna strode back to the bedroom, waiting for you to follow. He watched as you shuffled out the bathroom after him, eyes almost shut as you leaned on the doorframe, cursed energy surrounding you and swelling. “That’s more like it- ?!” 

Sukuna rushed forwards as your body slumped forwards, a deadweight in Sukuna’s arms.

“S’kuna, can’t see. Sorry. Feel wrong.” You slurred. 

Sukuna easily picked you up and unceremoniously dropped you on your shared bed, “If it’s not one brat dying, it’s the other...”

“Sorry.” You huffed, lifting your hand in front of you and slowly closing your hand into a fist, “Fight me...”

“You can’t even stand up.”

“Can too.”

You began to wiggle your arms under yourself to lift yourself up until Sukuna growled, “Don’t you dare.”

“Sorry.”

“Do you ever shut up?” Sukuna growled.

“Sorry...”

Sukuna pinched your cheeks painfully between his fingers, amused as you squirmed in his grip, whining about your bruised cheek, “Apologise one more time and I will rip your little mouth off.”

“No! Don’ do dat! How else am I s’posed to talk to you o’der’wise?” You cried out.

“Hah? That’s what you’re worried about?”

“I like talkin’ to you a’ night. E’en if you are a jerk sometimes.” Sukuna squeezed your cheeks tightly for a second before releasing you. You grabbed onto his wrist before he could walk away and lightly kissed the back of his hand, “Thank you.”

Sukuna snatched his hand out of your grip, “What do you think you’re doing?” He snarled.

“You said I can’t apologise. And I’m thankful to you.

“Stupid human...” 

It was silent for a moment as Sukuna glared at your panting form, sweat rolling down your temples. He wet a towel and slapped it on your face, startling you out your probably delirious thoughts. He then went to get you a glass of water when he heard another heavy thump from the bedroom. He growled to himself as he swore he really would kill you. Just as he anticipated, you were collapsed in a heap next to the bed, one hand gripping the bedside table and the other squeezing your temples like a lemon. 

“I should leave you to die seeing as you’re so keen.”

“Where’d you go?” You panted helplessly, unseeing eyes briefly scanning around the room, cursed energy flickering around you, before you gave up and hung your head in defeat.

With a sigh, Sukuna set the glass of water on the bedside table and hoisted you back onto the bed.

“Just lie down and go to sleep, idiot.” He sighed, putting the wet towel back on your forehead. You were really in a terrible state, he couldn’t deny it anymore. 

Just as Sukuna moved to go back on his side of the bed, your hand gently caught his wrist.

“Are you going now?”

“I was going to lay down. I’m tired from making sure you don’t die.”

You interlaced your fingers with his, “Oh okay. Thank you.”

“Let me go, I want to lay down.” You wordlessly released his hand, albeit hesitantly. But the moment he crashed next to you on the bed, you clung to his arm and began to trace the marks across his chest.

“What are you doing?”

“Thank you for the towel.” You hummed quietly. A smirk grew on Sukuna’s lips, leaning over and caging you between his arms, closing the space between your faces,

“If you wanted to thank me, you should’ve just-” Sukuna found his lips pressed to the back of your hands as you covered your lips. “Hah..?”

“You’ll get sick.”

“I’m the King of Curses.”

“In a human vessel susceptible to illness.”

Sukuna glared at you but couldn’t for long with you looking up at him with big innocent eyes. Your hands moved from your lips to Sukuna’s face, cupping his cheeks and tracing his marks with your thumbs.

“Thank you.”

Neither of you spoke for a while, Sukuna paralysed in place as you gradually weaved your hands into his hair, gently carding your hands through, watching intensely as your eyes watched him lovingly through the growing sleepy haze.

“Thank y-”

“Shut up and go to sleep.” Sukuna finally moved away and lay down next to you. He had expected you to say something, so looked over, only to find you asleep. You did listen to him. He stretched his arm over to rest the back of his hand on your cheek, freezing as you placed your hand on top.

“Love you.” You murmured into his fingers, rolling over to face him, the wet towel falling onto the pillow.

Sukuna rolled closer to you and put the towel back on your forehead before snaking an arm over your waist and pulling you closer to him. If he was going to be stuck sharing this body, he might as well enjoy the perks it came with. 

(If anyone asked though, it was because that brat Itadori would usually sleep holding you in his arms, so if he did the same, Itadori wouldn’t suspect a thing when he switches back and wakes up.)

[gumnut-logic]

Who do you save, John? (Bit 10c + The End)

Bit 1 | Bit 2 | Bit 3 | Bit 4 | Bit 5a | Bit 5b | Bit 6 | Bit 7 | Bit 8 | Bit 9 | Bit 10a | Bit 10b  | Bit 10c

Always end up rushed. Didn’t have a chance to edit the end so I’m likely to be swearing at it later. Sorry for the delay, muse crashed and burned on Friday. here’s hoping I’ve resuscitated it. 17,000 words. So much for the under 10K I estimated. Typical.

For @5hadow-alpha​​​  cos they wanted Shopping and a Tracy brother. They got more than one, and I got more than I expected.

-o-o-o-

The next time Alan woke, the room was full of golden family.

The sun was setting through the window, lighting up the room in shades of gold. His brothers were lit up as they clustered around Virgil’s bed.

They didn’t notice Alan, and it gave him the opportunity to both wake up fully and observe his family undetected.

He was feeling much better. His head was a lot clearer and he was calmer.

The reason why no one noticed his wakefulness was because Virgil was already awake.

His brother was smiling and poking fun at a sunlit Gordon near the end of his bed. Gordon appeared to be enjoying it. When the attention drifted away from him and whether or not he was allowed to film Virgil on drugs, the expression on his fish brother’s face was one of fondness and hope. His eyes barely left the prone man.

That fact could have been annoying from a little brother’s perspective, but Alan found himself doing the same thing.

Virgil, who had literally died in his arms, was supported by his bed, sitting up at an angle and talking quite animatedly. There was a healthy flush to his cheeks that hadn’t been there before.

John was standing calmly on the other side of the bed, the setting sun catching his hair from behind as it darted through the hospital window.

John had a habit of striking such a pose. It was unclear if he did it on purpose or was completely unaware of his surroundings in those moments.

Virgil had photographed him on multiple occasions for that exact reason, much to the astronaut’s annoyance.

Grandma stood beside him; her arms wrapped around his. That was an unusual sight. But then they had almost lost a brother and the threat had been to John.

That thought led into unpleasant directions so he brought it to a halt.

He could only see Scott’s back, but his brother was gesticulating, making a point about digging up Gordon’s baby videos and broadcasting them to the world if he didn’t behave.

As if Scott would ever do something like that.

Though, come to think of it, the threat at least wasn’t a bad idea. Alan had much less a solid reputation than Scott and could probably carry the threat enough to get some good ones out of his brother.

“How did you know it was a fake detonator?” John’s voice cut across the conversation, his expression puzzled. The question came out of the blue, ever a sign that John’s mind worked on more than one track at a time.

Virgil blinked up at him. “I…I didn’t at first. It was a good replica of a T-325. But I noticed he was holding his hand strangely. The T-325 has a trigger rest here.” His brother held up a hand as if to sketch out the design in the air, only wince and withdraw the gesture.

Grandma frowned at him from the other side of the bed.

“Long story short…if you waved a T-325 around as much as he did, with that grip, chances are we would have blown up long before he had started his second rant. That one is a touchy model.” Virgil shifted awkwardly and Scott laid a hand on his arm.

“Well, I’m glad we had our expert on hand.”

Scott’s smile was reflected in Virgil’s eyes.

“Oh, ho, ho, look who’s awake!”

Trust Gordon to dob him in.

Suddenly all the eyes in the room were on Alan. His father and eldest brother spun, both faces lighting up when they realised Alan was awake.

Alan couldn’t help but grin back. “Hey.” His voice caught and he coughed.

Talk about ruining a moment. Scott was on him immediately, his dad not far behind.

“How are you feeling, Alan?”

He cleared his throat. “I’m good.” He reached out his uninjured arm and nudged his worried brother aside gently. “Virgil?”

Soft brown eyes caught his and his big brother smiled. “Hey, Allie.”

A hand landed on Alan’s leg and he looked up to find a pair of grey eyes peering down at him. Alan frowned. “Dad, you should sit down.”

“I’m fine, Allie. Are you comfortable?”

An arched eyebrow. “I’m good, honest.” And he was. There was definitely still something in his system. It was keeping him quite happy. Too much movement probably wasn’t on the cards yet, but to be honest, the sight of Virgil smiling at him was enough endorphins to keep him going for weeks.

He turned back to Virgil and soaked it in.

The smile turned to a grin and Alan flushed in embarrassment.

But those brown eyes were reassurance itself.

“Hmm, did you two want to be alone?”

“Shut up, Gordon.” It was sharp, but no less reassuring that Virgil could spin the familiar phrase off so easily.

Alan laughed. “Good to see you, Virg.”

Again with the smile. “Likewise.” Those eyes turned inwards for a second before fixating on him. “And thank you.”

The line ‘just doing my job’ climbed onto his lips, but he vetoed it. “Always, bro.”

The room was embarrassingly silent after that and the moment broke.

“Dad, I would rather you sat down.” Virgil was definitely feeling better.

“I can look after myself, son.” It was firm and a touch threatening if Virgil chose to push the point.

But his father took a seat.

Alan shifted position and his arm twinged. He must have shown it on his face, because Scott reached out and touched his shoulder. He looked up to find worried blue eyes staring down at him.

Apparently, he needed to repeat himself. “I’m okay, Scott.”

His brother grunted before letting go, grabbing his plastic chair and dumping himself in it.

The room fell silent.

Turquoise hit him from across the room as the sun dipped behind a cloud and the room chilled.

“So, who was that guy?” Anything to get the conversation moving.

For a second, he regretted the topic as Scott’s lips thinned, but he had to know and clearing the air wouldn’t hurt, would it?

It was John who answered, though. “Timothy was a rescue we were unable to attend. Eos pulled the records and what he said was true. He lost his family. Any other day and we would have been there, but the Tsunami Disaster had all our attention.” A pause. “I am sorry.”

Scott started at that. “Hey, it was not your fault.”

A copper eyebrow arched. “Really? Do you want me to list exactly where our forces were deployed at that moment? It was Day Three. Scott was en route to Tracy Island for refueling, Virgil, you were asleep. Gordon had dragged you to the bunk on Two. He had threatened to tie you down. You were all down for the count. His call was one of twenty-three we couldn’t respond to on that particular day.”

“Johnny-“ Gordon held out a hand.

It was almost snapped off. “Don’t call me Johnny.”

“John.” Their father’s voice managed to be both warning and worried at the same time.”

His astronaut brother didn’t back down. “This isn’t out of the ordinary. It happens every day. It is happening now. People are dying because we are not there.”

“We can’t save everyone.” His father’s voice was firm.

“I know that, Dad.” John’s expression was exasperation itself. “It doesn’t make it any easier.”

Silence fell again and all Alan could think of was how this whole thing had been aimed at John and how it had obviously reached its target despite Timothy not succeeding in his plan.

Something was burning in his brother. He could see it from here. John was tense and agitated.

It was likely the drugs, but Alan just wanted to climb out of bed and hug him.

“Well now, I think, you could all do with something to eat.” Grandma squeezed John’s arm and he looked down at her as if snapped from a dream. “Don’t look at me like that, young man. I know you haven’t been eating.”

“What?” Scott sat up straighter, his eyes narrowing in on his brother. “John?”

The astronaut rolled his eyes. “Fine. Whatever.” And Grandma was nudging him towards the door.

His father stood up and followed.

Scott eyed Alan a moment, but stayed seated.

As their grandmother and father herded John out the door, Gordon took the opportunity to steal the chair beside Scott.

“Is John okay?” The words fell from Alan’s mouth before he could think twice.

Scott sighed. “He will be.” There was a silent ‘I hope’ after that.

“Eh, he’s just pissed Eos got found out.”

Alan blinked. “What?”

“Gordon!”

“Just trying to lighten the atmosphere. Cool it, bro.”

Alan frowned. “What?”

“Eos electrocuted a guard with his own comms circuit.” Gordon was smirking.

“What? How?”

“Upped the signal power enough to arc through his baldric.”

Alan stared at his brother. “She hurt him?” He turned to Scott. “She can do that?” To us?

“Don’t worry, it is not happening again.”

“He deserved it.” Gordon snarled the words. “Betraying us for money. He’s lucky it was Eos and not Kayo.”

Scott tilted his head. “Kayo hasn’t finished with him yet.”

Alan’s eyes were bugging out. “Who? And why?”

Scott sighed just a little. “The guard outside the dressing room was an accomplice.”

“One of our own?”

“Yes.” That single word said so much. Kayo wasn’t the only person angry at such a betrayal. No doubt whoever it was would have to face the Commander at some point.

Alan had faced an angry Scott before. Not an experience for the faint hearted.

“And Eos was able to electrocute him with his comms?”

“Brains is working on it as we speak. It won’t happen again.”

Scott would never be entirely comfortable with Eos. Alan had to admit he had a few issues of his own having had to scoop up his astronaut brother as he lay dying in space, because of her.

A hand landed on his. “It won’t happen again.”

Alan swallowed. “Good.”

“Well, we’re lucky it happened this once. John found traces of an alien computer program in the z band network. Brains is having conniptions. This one security breach could have destroyed everything.”

“But it didn’t.” Virgil’s voice was quiet, but strong enough to stop the conversation. “We’re all safe. It’s over.” Brown eyes flickered in his direction.

The same brown eyes that had closed on Alan as his brother died in his arms.

Anger flared up. “So, this security breach let Timothy do what he wanted and Virgil died because of it.” Three pairs of eyes widened at Alan’s sharp tone. “How did this happen? How did he get past all our security checks? Kayo is pedantic to the point that I sometime wonder if I’ll be allowed access to anything. How did we not know?”

“Allie, it’s okay.” Again, Virgil’s voice was soft. “We’ll fix it.”

“You died, Virgil!”

“No, I didn’t.” Those eyes blinked slowly.

“You did!”

“Alan!”

And he found himself breathing fast and hard. Scott was holding him down. Gordon had a hand on his leg.

“Calm down, Allie.” Intense blue eyes caught his. “Virgil is safe. You are safe. We will fix this.”

Alan stared up at his big brother, soaking in the reassurance Scott was broadcasting. A deeper breath and he willed his heart rate to slow. He swallowed and managed the briefest of nods.

“The guy had money and resources. Kayo will, no doubt, rake our entire security force over hot coals. We will learn from this experience and it will not happen again.”

“It should not have happened in the first place.” Alan found his voice cold and as Scott flinched, he knew it had hit home.

“Allie…” Virgil looked half asleep and Alan realised that he probably was. “We’ll fix this.”

Alan pressed his lips together and glanced between all three of his brothers before once again fixating on Scott.

“We better.”

-o-o-o-

Jeff dragged John out of the hospital room with the full intention of cornering him. The fact his mother came with them was only an inconvenience.

“Mom, could you run ahead and dig up some menus from the cafeteria and perhaps let the nurses station know that the boys are awake?”

His mother eyed him and arched a silver eyebrow. “Certainly.” A flick of that gaze at his son before she turned and walked off.

No doubt he would be paying for that one later.

But first he wanted to speak to John.

“Walk with me?”

The astronaut frowned at him, but nodded once.

Jeff cursed being so slow, but he led his son down to the hospital garden. Security made itself known as Iz appeared from nowhere and he caught a glimpse of Leone not far off. Kayo was laying it on thick, but he couldn’t blame her.

The garden was a small one and this late in the day, quite dark and empty. Most patients had been hustled off to bed and their visitors went with them.

If Iz was seen to lock the door behind them and secure the green patch for them alone, Jeff wasn’t going to argue, just this once.

He found a bench under a large shrub that gave them some privacy and ushered John to sit down beside him as he lowered himself on to the seat.

“Dad, I’m okay.”

“That seems to be a theme in this family even when it is a blatant lie.”

That shut his boy up for a moment.

Jeff sighed. “John, when I sent you up there, I knew it was going to be hard. I am sorry.”

“No, Dad. I knew what I was getting into. This is not your fault.”

“Isn’t it? Aren’t I hailed the creator of International Rescue?” He tried hard to catch those turquoise eyes, but John refused to look at him.“Pfft. The media. What do they know?”

That got a reaction. Copper eyebrows arched and his son looked up. Jeff took every advantage.

“I may have taken the first steps, but it is you boys who have kept it all going. Lived it. You’ve lived it for ten years. That is four times as long as I have and, trust me, I have guilt for those numbers.”

“Dad-“

He held up a hand. “No. This is where you listen, John.”

Something flashed in those eyes and Jeff’s lips twisted in response. “I set you boys on this path and you have succeeded beyond my wildest dreams. You have made both your mother and I ever so proud.”

John just stared at him, eyes a little wide.

“But there has been a cost. You carry scars that have me questioning every decision I ever made.” He swallowed, all of it suddenly threatening to overwhelm. He shifted in his seat. “John, I know you sit up there day in and day out with lives in your hands. I can see that every life lost has as much effect on you as it does your brothers and often even more so because you see more of them.”

Jeff paused and tilted his head. “What’s the average number?”

John blinked. “Excuse me?”

“How many lives are lost per day because we can’t respond?”

There was a flicker of the professional emergency responder and his son’s face fell calm. “Ten to fifteen. It varies. The number includes rescues that fail due to local authorities incapability, situations that become more severe than predicted on initial assessment and situations we can not attend simply because we do not have the resources.”

“And what do you tell these callers?”

“What I can.” John’s voice grew quiet. “We do our best, Dad.”

Little more than breath. “Exactly.” He held his son’s eyes and couldn’t help but see the young man he had once been during that cyclone all those years ago. That same youth and concern. That care for those he couldn’t help.

“What’s the average daily rescue count?”

John blinked. “Uh, it varies between ten and several hundred.”

It was Jeff’s turn to blink. “That many?”

John shrugged. “Well, the statistics were blown during the asteroid crisis with Fischler and the aurora generator was full of hypotheticals.” His son was frowning, his hands expressive.

Jeff grabbed them.

“If you had a choice, all over again, as to whether you would take this path or another, what would you choose?”

The frown he received was castigating. “Dad, that’s asking the ridiculous.”

“No, who do you save, John? Them or yourself.”

“That’s a stupid question. Of course, I, we, choose to save everyone we can. We do it every day, Dad.” His son looked offended.

“Even despite the cost?”

“Of course.” The offense turned to an expression questioning Jeff’s sanity.

“Why?”

“Because it is worth it, Dad. When someone calls for help, they have to know there is someone out there who will answer. That’s what I do, Dad. I’m The Voice Who Answers.”

Jeff couldn’t help but smile. His boys made him so proud. Worried, yes, but so, so proud. His own words from so many years ago, echoed back at him by the very son who enacted them on a daily basis. The son who sacrificed so much to be up there, apart from his family, apart from the world, just so he could do exactly that.

The Voice Who Answers didn’t even consider the question, a question.

Who do you save?

Everyone you can.

-o-o-o-

FIN.

[icharchivist]

hello icha!!!!! learned from my mistakes and typed this out in a separate document. first i have to say im feeling a very deep connection with citron as of late bc i was giving myself a pep talk abt like physics and i told myself "face up and man the music!" and was like "...is that wrong. theres that song called man against the music isnt there... yeah it must be right" and. well i realized later. i also think the phrase "dont cry because it happened, smile because its over" is very good. also I’m halfway thru creating a very eclectic list of like. a Pokémon team for each a3 character which is… something. kinda knew it would happen to me. might take a while for me to finish it tho now that I’m halfway bc I’m suddenly having a crisis like “wait shit I’m only confident on my understanding and characterizing of like 4 characters am I good enough” so… it’s slow going lol. anyways. i finished that damn physics thing I was giving myself a pep talk about and so am treating myself to autumn/winter. happens that watching these events is also like. the only thing which reminds me to actually like. log into a3 lol. i am so bad at gacha games. probably a good thing in the long run. ok starting from the top!

hisoka going "zzz" as his reaction made me immediately go... oh dear, please dont fall asleep in the bath and guess what happened. yeah. good thing homare was there lol. speaking of i fucking adore homare and his poetry. id buy his collection. i also wish there was a collection like if there was a master list of every poem he says in like. at the very least main story. if not i will literally do it myself. i love homare so much im like him in that back when i had to play dodgeball id always be like kufufufu they cant hit me if im friendless enough that no one pays attention to me but like in my case it actually worked out. on the subject of the pillow fight tho, hisoka's crazy strong pillow fight throw... one more mark on the list for suspicious, maybe assassin occupation. this event made me realize how much i missed winter like. i saw the stranger pretty recently (which has caused the effect of be being like "taichi!! thats my boy!!" in my head everytime he shows up lol but anyways i havent gotten to a winter play yet so im VERY hype. especially bc this seems like it stars hisoka and homare??? like oh!! oh!!!! also detective fiction... im swooning. i also just enjoy the hisoka homare dynamic a whole fucking lot i think its nice how homare was like "yeah im ride or die for this funky lil amnesiac, why wouldnt you be?" and its just like. nice. feel like hes always reaching out to hisoka which is like. man homare is so nice.

back to chronology. ofc sakyo goes cheap for the hot springs lol. on brand as ever. was very hype for the azuma sakyo dynamic bc all i remember is like azuma trashing everyone including sakyo at some game or the other in one of the winter chapters and it was very good. or was this a clip in like a stage play? either way it was delightful. at first i misinterpreted taichi going "…" after azuma and sakyo said theyd never been on a field trip bc like. taichi being quiet or noncommunicative... after going thru autumn troupe act 1 it makes me fear for my life a little lol. anyways im glad he was just like planning fun times. speaking of taichi tho we got a tasuku taichi pair for etudes!!!! im not spoiling myself for later events but i hope to GOD tasuku and taichi do like a lead co lead in SOMETHING or at least like some mixed troupe event i want them to talk!!!

also dunno if this is an intentional pun but i enjoy that its called high spirits at the hot spring bc like oh theyre having fun but also bc like. "spirits" is used to refer to a certain type of alcohol i think? which is cool. dunno if its intentional but i liked that. anyways the talent show. taichis moving rendition of single ladies... ok i know it said single fellas but like. we know. wonder if that line was a different song in japanese? its not too old at ALL tho imo. anyways the way banri and juza being themselves Are the entertainment... flashback to when banri slaps juza live on stage instead of doing a stage slap lol. my reaction to azuma essentially went:

azuma: I can offer to bare my soul, and a little more ;)

izumi: what do u mean by that???

me: hey tasuku and omi were shirtless what's ur problem with azuma

anyways i reread and from what i understand they were maybe only flexing and doing a gun show? which like. no wonder it didnt last too long then lol. also explains why they didnt have shirtless sprites i suppose lmao. i am SO curious abt what azuma ended up doing tho that fade to black is so mysterious! did he tap dance? did he pole dance? the world will never know...

oh also im not like super familiar with azuma yet but my read on his personality is definitely like "I am so touch starved All The Time but I will be chill. :) :) this is fine :)" like he just seems to rly like being around people! just like basking in presence whether or not hes rly talking that much.

i enjoyed that juza mentioned pillow fighting with his lil brother... thats nice! i think a lot of this event was just focused on ppl having fun over the drama lol bc it got wrapped up sooo quick. i liked the bit where sakyos worried that izumi was out late searching for him tho it was so sweet. table tennis match was very fun although id argue calling hisoka and juza the two quietest tho lol like... banri exists so juza isnt quiet. just like inevitably. finally, the event cg!!! azumas hair tied up... so nice! thats how I tie my hair up sometimes tho it doesnt look nearly as nice lol. taichi rambling abt his first love for so long tho... lol. ill be honest i have to reread autumn bc i was not aware of this whole situation until it came up in the stranger and i like inferred from there. the end of this event was nice! it was cute. i dont rly have much thoughts on it but im so hype for the winter play

Hello:!!! so good to see you again, freshly learning from your mistakes then :3c

the connection with Citron is a BLAST to read about. I am glad that Citron is there, on your mind, supporting you at every turns of language. It's beautiful.

AND OH THE POKEMON LIST!!! thrilled to hear about it being a wip ongoing! take your time ofc and i hope you'll feel more confident as you go for your characters interpretation! i believe in you!

lmao i'm glad the events help you remember to play a3, i'm sure that by the time you'll be done with the events you will have unlocked so much of act 2 you won't have to worry too much about it. Anyway i'm glad you treat yourself to good things :3c

of course Hisoka fell asleep in the bath. tbh this event was a lot of "Hisoka almost dies in a spring house multiple times if it wasn't for his troupesmates". Between sleeping in the bath and almost swallowing the table tenis ball... where would we be without Winter, and especially Homare, taking care fo him.

I'm SO GLAD you like Homare that much! he's so so good! i'm sure there must be a masterlist somewhere, or well. can be done anytime i guess?? but yeah Homare is fantastic and LDJFDLKFJDF the evil plan to avoid dodgeball from both of you.. this is incredible DLKJFDLKF. But yeah alas he's loved by his own so he gets hit smh.

And yeah Hisoka is just acting sus huh.

BUT YEAH... YEAH... WINTER... BELOVED.... I feel regular and normal feelings for Winter as you know, s o .

(i'm so delighted that you feel that way about Taichi though, as he deserves!! what a good boy!!!)

But yeah Winter play next!!!!! i love the winter plays so much i hope you'll like it as well!! aND YEAH HISOKA AND HOMARE AS A DUO... for a DETECTIVE story?? so good.

I'm sO GLAD you like their dynamic! yeah i adore it too. Homare was so quick to leap into taking care of Hisoka? Like i mean he immediatly called him sleeping beauty when they first met, and immediately decided to be his roommates to watch over him, and then he did everything to take care of him and it's just so sweet. Homare has such a big heart he's so gentle with Hisoka. Homey and comfortable, whenever Hisoka admits it or not ahah.

ahah wouldn't be Sakyo if he didn't need to stay cheap. BUT YEAH the Sakyo/Azuma dynamic is pretty good. oh the event you talk about i think is in some of his very first backstage storyes (that you can read if you have them since they're at this point of the chronology). There's one where they play a mafia game and Sakyo is warry of Azuma because "people like him are those you need to worry about the most" and Azuma is just ":) you wound me :) i would never :)" and then Azuma wins the game and starts to mess with everyone. It was so fun. and yeah i see which clip you mean for the stage play!! it's so so fun they have such a neat dynamic and i loved to see it in this event as well.

and omg worrying about Taichi while he was just there preparing a fun time! this child really would have worried us all back then huh

but AHH YEAH TASUKU TAICHI.... It's such a neat dynamic! ofc i won't say anything but man i love the potential of their stories, as the two ex Godza boys. To see them bond and be comfortable with each other always make me so soft.

OH NICE CATCH FOR THE PUN! i think it must be the reason for it tbh, i love it! thanks for pointing it out!

The talent show was really fun yeah ahah! I wonder what it is in Japanese too but at least the localization was hella fun!

"anyways the way banri and juza being themselves Are the entertainment." THEY'RE SO SILLY I love them so much

AND LMAO YOUR REACTION AT AZUMA I LOVE IT. YEah i think Tasuku and Omi are just flexing (which is Still. SO FUNNY. Just there saying "our talents is.. our muscles...") meanwhile Azuma is like "my talent is that i'm crazy hot :)"

But YEAH Azuma... AZUMA WHAT DID YOU DO....

your read on Azuma's personality feels pretty spot on to me ahah omg. Staying with what you know about him, the fact that with his job and all, he seems like he's starving for connection while also terrified to make himself emotionally vulnerable. He loves staying with people, listening to them, caring for them, and he's touch starved as hell (i mean it's his job) but he doesn't seem to really know how to be on the receiving hand of affection. there's a flair talk, i can't remember where, with Omi at some point, where Azuma compliments him, and Omi is just "mhm.. but you know i think that it's more about you" and ends up complimenting Azuma in depth and it let Azuma dumbfounded because he didn't expect Omi to trick him at his own game, while Omi just genuinely don't get why Azuma is reacting that way. He gives he gives he gives, and he's genuinely happy with that, but he seems to have difficulties to take, or to demand for something, while also starving for it. I have so many emotions for Azuma.

Any mentions of Juza's little bro are the best things. I love this type of mention TwT

And yeah it was such a laid back event. Honestly deserved after the crying fest that was The Stranger imo. It's good to relax once in a while and it was nice to have them have fun. There was the bitterness of both Azuma and Sakyo's past that was always a bit looming but everyone was working so hard for them to enjoy themselves that the joy just overtake any sadness i loved it.

Sakyo worrying about Izumi is always adorable TwT

And yeah the Table Tennis match was so fun and chaotic LMAO. I love the dynamic between Juza and Hisoka. Just two usually quiet boys who like sweets. Except that yeah like you say, as long as Banri is around, Juza cannot be 100% quiet. Rip.

THE CG WAS SO PRETTY i loved seeing it. And omg you can share your hairtips with Azuma how nice :D Azuma manages to make everything look beautiful smh....

Oh yeah Taichi and his first love! if i recall he mentions it quickly at the begining, that Yuki reminds him of his first love, and he says that again at some point - then the fake Portrait he does he mentions his first love again. And since then it's been a reccuring topic so yeh :3c

but yeah! this event was really sweet and laid back, not much to say about it, but it was nice to have it at all!

Hope you'll like the winter play :3c

Take care and thank you again for your thoughts <33 i love reading them!! bless you!!

[snowdice]

Big Bang (Sort of) Editing Story [Day 24]

I started writing this fic while editing my Big Bang story, but am going to continue doing it for other things now that Kill Dear is out. I will write and publish 100 words of the story every time I finish doing whatever task I’m doing. If you’d like to block these proceedings, please feel free to block the tag proofread stories. I will reblog this post with the parts of the story I do today. Edited chapters are linked; everything else I’ve done so far is under the cut.

My Master Post Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7

Got a little editing to do and instead of studying... I’m going to do that! (And then study later... I hope.)

Chapter 8

Whatever the potion was that the prince had just given him made his mouth tingle slightly. It was not an unpleasant sensation. In fact, it was actually kind of nice, and it tasted pretty good though not as good as the honey he’d been offered earlier. It did, as Logan had said, have a bit of a sour taste under the sweet of the honey. Yet, the way it sort of warmed his tongue almost made up for that.

He bit his lip, wondering if he was making a mistake and having more than a taste would rip apart his insides, but still replied, “yes,” when Logan asked if he was willing to drink more.

 “Okay,” Logan said, tapping his finger on the container in his hands. “I’d like you to drink about to this line today if you can, but you can go as slow as you like.”

Virgil nodded. “Okay.”

Logan offered the container again and this time Virgil opened his mouth for it slightly. Logan tilted it slow, letting Virgil control the pace. It was still slightly warm from being cooked, but there was a bit of unnatural warmness to it as well. It slid down his throat easily when he swallowed, and Virgil could feel it go to work the instant it hit his stomach.

 Virgil paused and Logan let him. The warmth didn’t fade. Instead, it seemed to radiate out and through him. He opened his lips again and Logan tilted a bit more of the liquid into his mouth. He drank until Logan pulled the container away and looked at the level of the liquid. Seeming to be satisfied with how much Virgil had drank, Logan capped the container and moved away.

“You should drink a little bit more each day until this is empty,” Logan said.

“O-okay,” Virgil agreed. The effects of the potion hadn’t faded. There was a pleasant, warm buzzing all over his skin at this point.

 It seemed to congregate where he knew there were still a few leftover bruises on his back fizzling there slightly under the skin. He let out a breath and felt his head slightly droop, suddenly felling very sleepy.

Logan turned back to him and seemed to notice. “Apologies,” Logan said, “I did forget to mention that it has a general healing potion in it as well. If you were at all injured and it needed to activate, you may feel some drowsiness. Though it should in no way be enough to force you asleep if you do not wish it.”

12766

A potion with a sleeping agent sounded like something Virgil should be concerned about, he thought, but he couldn’t quite manage to summon any anxiety over it for once. He felt himself list a bit to the side.

“…Of course,” Logan continued. “I did not account for the fact that I have no idea when you last slept, and you are also likely suffering from an adrenaline crash considering your panic a few minutes ago.”

Those… sounded… like… words?

“Oh dear,” Logan said. “Let’s not fall asleep in the chair.” He felt Logan hovering over him and squinted up at him.

 “I’m going to touch you now, alright?” Logan asked. Everything felt kind of floaty and he felt warm but not too hot all over, like he’d fallen asleep at the exact right distance from a fire. His eyes slipped shut and he couldn’t quite recall why that made a bit of panic shoot up his spine. Said panic was dulled immediately by the crashing waves of exhaustion and a comforting lack of pain anyway. “…Virgil?”

“Mmmph.” The identity of the speaker didn’t quite stick anymore, but it didn’t sound mad so it was probably fine.

“...I will take that as consent.” Gentle hands pushed him back up into a sitting position where he had been listing to the side and then Virgil’s wrists were grabbed. Virgil confusedly staggered to his feet when he was pulled up and immediately stumbled into something warm. He decided to lean against it. Leaning against it sounded good.

“When is the last time you slept, Virgil?” The voice rumbling from the warm thing supporting Virgil’s weight registered as chiding, but there didn’t seem to be any danger coming from it. He was given a soft push and he tripped in that direction. A warm band went around his waist to steady him and then pulled him forward. Virgil allowed himself to be guided, leaning heavily against the warmth next to him. He was stopped after an unknown amount of walking. “I’m going to have to put you in the closet again for now since I have to keep watch over the binding potion. However, it seems as though Patton has already constructed a comfortable enough sleeping area there anyway.”

“Mmmnum.”

“Would you lay down for me?” Laying down sounded fantastic right now. The walking was not fun and had made him even more tired. He let his body slump forward until his knees hit something very soft and then toppled onto his face. There was a sigh from above him and then hands were pushing at him until he rolled over onto his side. When one of the hands strayed near his head, he pressed his cheek into it.

“This would be something Patton would find adorable if it wasn’t a result of my unintentionally drugging you, injuries, and sleep deprivation.” The hand Virgil had been leaning into carefully lifted his head and when it was lowered again, his ear sunck into a plush thing. Something soft was pulled on top of Virgil, covering him from head to toe and then the warm thing drew away. Virgil whined at the loss.

There was a pause. “Here.” Something soft and squishable was placed under his chin and Virgil curled his arms around it, pulling it to his chest. “Sleep well. I’ll be back to check on you periodically” There was a soft click and then the world got even darker behind his closed eyelids. Virgil drifted off to sleep.

 “I think if we put a few more blankets and pillows in here, it would work okay,” a voice was saying when Virgil started to wake.

“You think he needs more?” another voice asked.

“Yes, Logan,” the first voice chided. “We want him to be comfortable.”

Speaking of comfortable, Virgil had no idea where he was at the moment or what was happening, but he was very comfortable. There was soft fluffiness closing him in on all sides and what felt like a really nice pillow under his head. He curled up even more around whatever he was holding against his chest.

 “Aw, Logan look,” the first voice cooed. There was a slight pause and a light smacking noise. “Don’t roll your eyes! You’re the one who gave him Barnaby!”

“…He was distressed.”

“Uh huh.”

“Shut up.”

Virgil was starting to wake up a bit more. He squirmed a bit and opened his eyes a crack to see two figures in front of him.

“Hey there,” Patton said, noticing him move. “You waking up?”

Virgil blinked a couple of times. He was still a little sleepy… right, Logan had given him a potion that had a sleep aid. He should probably be a bit more upset about that, but considering he was waking up without any problems, he thought it was okay.

 “Hey there,” Patton said softly. “How’re you doing?”

“Uh… I’m okay,” Virgil answered.

“Good.”

Virgil looked around himself and found that he was covered in a thick blanket and had something wedged between his restrained arms near his chest. He gave it a confused looked.

“That’s Barnaby,” Patton said. “He’s my stuffed bear.”

“Oh,” Virgil said staring at it. He couldn’t see much more than the top of it’s furry head. “Do you want him back.”

“You can keep him for now,” Patton said. “His job is to help make people feel better and you seem like you maybe need him right now.”

 “O-okay?”

Patton smiled brightly at him which seemed weird because all Virgil had done was keep something that belonged to Patton. “Are you hungry?” he asked. “Lo and I already ate a bit ago, but we kept the rest of it warm for you.” Well that was an offer Virgil wasn’t about to refuse.

“I would like to eat,” Virgil said hesitantly. “I-if that’s okay?”

“Of course, sweetie,” Patton said.

“Actually, if you wait a few more minutes,” Logan said. “I will have a way for you to eat more easily.” Virgil looked over at him questioningly. “The new binding potion finished up and I have been letting it dry on new restraints that will give you more freedom of motion,” he explained. Virgil did not relish the experience of having more binding magic applied to him, but at least it didn’t sound like he’d be forced to drink anything or that it would be poured directly on his skin. Virgil didn’t know what he meant by ‘more freedom of motion,’ but it sounded like something he’d want.

“Okay,” he agreed.

  Chapter 9

Logan had explained briefly what had happened while Patton was gone getting food. Patton had lectured him a bit about the whole drugging the poor boy on accident over breakfast, but he understood why it had happened. Logan had been too busy explaining to him that the nutritional potion would not hurt him, that he’d forgotten to explain everything about it.

The poor thing. Patton didn’t have any personal experience with binding potions, but he’d been around that one time Logan had accidently gotten some on his hand and that had been a nightmare. Swallowing it had to hurt really, really bad.

 So, it made sense that Virgil was tense when Logan came back in with the new restraints. It was just two thick leather bands that looked like simple bracelets and had little engravings on them. Patton wasn’t sure if those were decorations or meant something, but he did know at first glance they didn’t look like something to keep someone prisoner.

“I’m going to put these on first,” Logan told Virgil. Patton had brought him out of the closet and set him down in one of the comfy chairs while Logan had been gone. “Then, I’ll take off the old ones. Once that’s done, we’ll do some adjustments okay?” Virgil nodded, looking resolutely at his knee.

 Logan’s expression grew pinched, but he still reached out to take Virgil’s wrists. Patton saw Virgil close his eyes and clench his fists. The leather bands were quickly fastened around his arms above where the metal ones sat. Then, Logan removed the metal ones and set them aside. “I’m going to tighten these around your wrists now,” Logan said, already sliding them down so they settled around his wrists. “Please tell me if there is any discomfort. I want them to be tight enough not to chafe, but I don’t want to tighten them too much and cut off your circulation.”

 Virgil peeked open his eyes and blinked down at the cuffs. “That didn’t…” hurt, Patton filled in to himself.

“It’s not meant to hurt Virgil,” Logan said. “Whoever has applied binding magic to you before clearly is not only grossly negligent, but cruel. Now,” he finished fiddling with the cuffs. “There are three different settings that only Patton and I can change for these cuffs. The first setting is like the basic binding potion on the metal cuffs. It keeps your wrists locked in place wherever they’re moved.” He moved Virgil’s wrists, so they were both at his side and tapped the cuffs once. They glowed slightly making Virgil look at them curiously.

 “This setting allows you some range of motion. You can move slowly, but you will feel a pull back to this position and if you move too quickly it will snap your wrist back into place. Go ahead and try it.”

Virgil stared at him for a long moment. “Just… just move them?”

“Slowly, but yes.”

Virgil’s arms moved very slowly at first, but eventually he did pull them in front of him. Then he let them return to his sides.

“See?” Logan said. “You can do things like eat with that setting easily. The third setting gives unrestrained range of motion, but Patton or I can make them snap back into place with a thought.”

 “We’ll likely keep it on the second setting when we are actively watching you and the first when we are not, but I wanted to have the flexibility of the third as well. For now, we’ll keep it on that setting so you can eat.”

“Okay,” Virgil agreed.

“Here,” Patton said, walking over to where they had stored Virgil’s breakfast. “Logan put it in a stasis thing to keep it warm for you.” He walked back and sat it down next to him. “So, we’ve got bacon, eggs, blueberry pancakes, and blueberries by themselves. I suggest we start with the pancakes.”

 “Um,” Virgil said. “Okay.” He still didn’t seem comfortable with moving his arms much, so he nodded at the plate. “Are those the pancakes?”

Patton gasped. “You’ve never had pancakes before?!”

Virgil looked startled. “Uh… no?”

“We need to rectify this immediately!”

“You were already going to have him eat pancakes,” Logan pointed out.

Patton ignored him and instead pulled over one of the other chairs so he could sit next to Virgil. “If we’re going to do this, we’re going to do this right,” he informed Virgil.

Virgil blinked at him and then looked over at Logan. “What is he talking about?”

 “I have no idea. Just do what he wants. The worst it will be is a slight annoyance,” Logan said. Patton stuck his tongue out, but also it seemed to make Virgil relax marginally so he couldn’t actually be annoyed.

“So, these are blueberry pancakes,” Patton said. “They’re my favorite types of pancakes,” Patton said. “Though chocolate chips ones are pretty good too. Have you had blueberries before?”

“Uh, yeah.”

“Well, these are blueberries from the castle gardens and they’re really good. Here, try one!” He picked up the bowl and offered it to him. He looked at it hesitantly. “Oh! Right!” Patton said. He reached forward and popped a couple into his mouth.

 Then, he offered the bowl again. Virgil very slowly reached out to take one and brought it to his mouth. Patton watched as his eyes lit up when he bit down on the blueberry.

“See they’re really good!” Patton said. He shook the bowl. “Have another one.” He was a little quicker to grab a second blueberry, but still cautious of the restraints. He popped it into his mouth and happily chewed it. The way he perked up a little bit at the taste was absolutely adorable

“Okay,” Patton said, smiling in excitement about the next part, knowing if he had never had pancakes, he probably had never had syrup either. “You can have more of those later, but first we’re going to introduce you to one of the most important parts of pancakes other than the actual pancakes: syrup.”

 Patton grabbed the still slightly warm bowl of syrup and stuck his finger in it before putting it in his mouth.

“Patton that’s disgusting!” Logan scolded. Patton rolled his eyes, popping the finger out of his mouth.

“Don’t mind him,” Patton instructed. “He’s just silly.”

Logan sputtered. “You didn’t wash your hands.”

Patton met Virgil’s eyes and then rolled them halfway. He saw Virgil’s lips twitch just barely. Patton offered the syrup and Virgil carefully dipped his finger in and brought it to his mouth. He made a small sound when he tasted it and then blushed slightly when he realized that he did.

 “And then the best part,” Patton tore off a little bit of the blueberry pancake with his fingers and dipped it into the syrup.

“Patton silverware.”

Patton looked over at him. “Are we giving Virgil a fork?”

“Right…” Logan said. “Probably not.”

“It’s better to eat it as finger food anyway,” Patton advised Virgil. “Go ahead.”

Virgil tore a piece of the pancake off and dipped it into the syrup. He got maybe a bit too much on it because it dripped onto his shirt, but it was worth it to see his expression when he ate the bite of pancake.

 “Like it?” Patton asked. Virgil nodded. “Well have as much as you want and don’t forget about the bacon and eggs. You need some protein too.”

“Okay,” Virgil agreed. He reached forward and grabbed some bacon.

“Patton and I were discussing sleeping arrangements before you woke,” Logan said after a few moments. Virgil looked up warily at that, and Patton wondered what he expected out of that. “I’m going to ward the closet you were in earlier and you can sleep in there.”

“I’ll make it up real nice and comfy for you,” Patton assured. “I bet we can even convince Logan to make you some of the fun light thingys he does for it.”

 “Unless you have an objection,” Logan said, “however, you seemed to be comfortable in the closet before. Also, with is warded, I’ll set it so whenever you are in the closet you can move your arms freely.”

“The closet is good,” Virgil said. “It’s comfy.”

“And that’s without all the other stuff I’m going to put in it!” Patton bounced a bit in excitement. “We can decorate it too! However, you like!”

“…Okay?” Virgil replied, seeming confused.

“Great!” Patton chirped. “You keep eating and I’ll go get stuff to decorate it if Logan’s able to watch you.”

“Sure,” Logan agreed. “Go ahead.”

 “Okay,” he turned back to Virgil. “What type of decorations do you want? I have a lot of cat decorations in my room so we can do that. Or mama has a lot of flower themed things I can get from her. Ooo and I think I still have star themed stuff from Logan’s birthday last year.”

“I like stars,” Virgil said after a moment’s thought. “But anything is fine.”

“Stars work,” Patton said with a smile. “I’ll go get the stuff and we can decorate the closet together today so it’s nice and comfy for when you go to bed.”

 “I’ll be right back with the stuff in a few minutes,” he said before leaving Logan’s room.

  Chapter 10

Patton spent most of the day setting up the closet into a makeshift bedroom. They moved the clothing that had been in that closet to a storage area in the potion’s lab, and Patton fussed over the arrangement of the pillows and blankets for far longer than necessary. Now he was putting up little decorations on the walls. He continuously asked for Virgil’s opinion, and Virgil always seemed startled by that fact. Logan observed them sitting halfway into the closet while fiddling with the star shaped lights Patton had wanted him to make.

 He figured Virgil would appreciate having the option of multiple light settings for the lights since they’d be above his head all night. Logan had only ever made them with on and off settings before, so he’d grabbed a few of his books; he currently had one in his lap. While he’d already figured out how to make preset settings and had programmed four: off, 100%, 50% and 25%, now he was working on the possibility of making a sliding dimmer. It was a bit more complex of a task, but it should be doable.

“There!” Patton said. “Nice and comfy!”

 Logan glanced up to see the way Virgil’s head tilted like he was trying to puzzle Patton out. Patton just smiled at him. “Go ahead and test it out!” he said. “We can switch things around if you want.”

Virgil obediently crawled into the closet and onto the makeshift bed Patton had made.

“Lay down and make sure it’s okay,” Patton coaxed.

Virgil did, laying down on the pile of pillows and blankets and laying his head on the pillow that had been reserved for that purpose.

“Is it okay?” Patton asked.

Virgil blinked long and slow like he was very much contemplating going to sleep right then and there. Logan wondered if the potion was still affecting him or if he was just still exhausted from before. Perhaps it was both. “Yeah,” he said softly.

 Patton turned to look at Logan. “Are the lights done?” he asked.

“Not quite yet,” Logan said. “They will be ready before it is time to sleep.”

“Sounds good!” Patton said. “We should probably think about dinner soon.”

Logan hummed in acknowledgment and waved his hand over the light he’d been working on. It lit up dim and then slowly increased in power as he moved his hand. Perfect! Now that he’d figured it out, it would not take long to get the rest of the lights working properly. Then he’d just have to install them.

He was just about to shut off the first light when there was a soft knock at the door.

 “Patton,” Patton’s mom’s voice called.

Logan shared a panicked glance with Patton. “Just a second,” Patton called back. “I told her you were sick,” he whispered just loud enough for Logan to hear him.

Logan jumped into action. He shoved the unlit lights under his desk along with the books and lobbed the lit one towards the closet. It missed and bounced on the ground, but Patton seemed to get the idea and picked it up, handing it to Virgil. “Sorry, sorry,” Patton said to the boy. “Just be quiet please.”

Logan hurried over to his bed and pulled the covers up over himself. Patton was there in the next second tossing a cloth over his forehead; hopefully she wouldn’t notice that it was not wet.

 Then, Patton was zipping to the door. He glanced back at Logan when he got there who nodded, laying back. He pulled open the door. “Hi Mama!” Patton said cheerfully.

“I brought you boys up some dinner,” she said.

“Oh, you didn’t have to do that,” Patton said sweetly; for someone who always preached the virtues of truthfulness, he was an awfully good fibber. “I could have come down and gotten us something. I was actually thinking about it right before you knocked.”

“It was no trouble,” Patton’s mom said. “I brought chicken and noodle soup for Logan since he wasn’t feeling well.”

 She looked over at Logan and smiled. “How are you feeling, sweetie?” she asked.

“I’m doing better. Ms. Heart, thank you,” Logan said.

She pushed a small cart past Patton loaded with food then and brought it to his bedside. “I brought chicken and noodle soup, some bread and butter, and a few apples from the garden for you two. Do you want anything else?”

“No thank you, ma’am,” Logan said.

“This is great, Mama,” Patton said. “Thank you.” He seemed to be subtly angling to hurry her out of the door, but she did not leave right away.

“What did you two do today?” she asked.

 “I mostly slept,” Logan lied. “And I read a bit.”

“I mostly just read too and helped Logan out.”

She continued to talk to them for a few more agonizing minutes before standing to leave. “Are you staying with Logan again tonight, sweetie?” she asked.

“Uh huh,” Patton said. “If that’s okay.”

“Of course,” she said. “I’ll come check on you both in the morning.”

They both smiled and nodded as she left the room. Patton slumped against the bed when she was gone. “Hiding an assassin in your closet is stressful,” he said.

“Indeed,” Logan agreed, sitting up in bed.

 Patton got off the bed and went back over to the closet. “Sorry about that,” he said. Virgil was still sitting in the closet with the light in his lap. “But we have dinner! Want to come eat?”

He nodded immediately and crawled out of the closet. His bracelets vibrated slightly when he crossed the threshold and they shifted from the mode that let him move freely to the one that made him move slowly.

They split the dinner. Luckily, Patton’s mom always provided more than enough food so there was plenty for each of them. Virgil seemed content with all the food but seemed particularly fond of the apples. Between that and his reactions to the honey and pancakes, Logan wondered if he had a secret sweet tooth.

 After eating, Logan quickly finished up the other lights and worked on installing them as Patton went poking around in Logan’s other closet and drawers for something Virgil could wear for sleeping and possibly a change of clothing or two for future days.

“I’m going to go get some stuff from my room real quick,” Patton said once they’d found suitable clothing. He set the clothes in the closet next to the bed so Virgil could change in privacy later. “Will you two be okay?”

Logan hummed his assent, continuing to work on getting the lights in the exact right place.

 Once he was satisfied, he motioned Virgil over. “These are your lights,” he explained. “You can control them with this panel I set up.” He pointed to it and then flicked through the four preset light settings. “You can also customize how much brightness you wish to have by waving your hand over the panel slowly.” He demonstrated. “You should be able to reach it fairly easily with your right hand when you are laying down.”

Virgil nodded and then tilted his head up so he could look at the lights on the ceiling. Logan had set them to 25% intensity.

 “It’s the sky,” Virgil said awed.

Logan smiled, please that he’d noticed. “It isn’t completely accurate, but I did my best, at least with the brighter ones.” Virgil looked over at him and for the first time, Logan thought he didn’t see any fear in his eyes. “Is it adequate?”

“It’s great,” he breathed. After that brief moment of calm, he seemed to remember himself, growing wary once again. The contrast between his usual countenance and the one from the moment before inexplicably saddened Logan.

“You must have watched the night sky many times if you can recognize it in a glance,” Logan said.

 “Yeah,” Virgil said. “I did every night at the orphanage in the summer. There was a book on constellations that I found. I don’t remember them all, but I remember a few.”

“Which is your favorite?” Logan asked.

“I really liked the one of the Girl Who Sowed the Forest.”

“I made that one,” Logan said. He leaned over and fiddle with the panel a bit, causing most of the stars to dim except for a dozen.

Virgil smiled at it, and even held up a finger to trace the design of the girl with her basket.

“Do you know the myth behind that constellation?” Logan asked.

 Virgil shook his head.

“It’s about a young girl,” Logan began, “who lived in a town at the edge of a forest. Her exact age varies in the retellings, but usually she is somewhere between 10 and 12 years old. She loved the surrounding forest and would spend hours in it some days picking berries, watching animals, and just exploring. One day, there was a fire. In some stories, a group of soldiers came through and set it; in other’s it was a god who was angry at them. Yet, in most it was a member of the village who was careless and accidently set their village on fire during the night. The village burned down, and the fire spread to the forest. It killed most of the people in the village and burned for weeks. Eventually, it was put out by a rainstorm. The girl was taken by the surviving members of her village somewhere else to finish growing in a less baren place. Years passed until she hit adulthood. Her people sent young men and women on soul searching trips when they came of age. She did not mean to return to her old village and the still destroyed forest, but she stumbled upon it anyway. She looked upon the landscape that had once been her home. The land had not healed since she had left. It was still all ruined and it made her heart ache. She decided then and there that she would take it upon herself to heal what had been broken. She remembered from her childhood what plants and trees used to grow there and went and found seeds from other places and people and brought them back to her home. She spent the rest of her life living in a house she built in her old village, planting seeds, and helping the forest grow once again. By the time her life came to an end, the forest was returning. They say when the trees of that forest finally grew tall enough, years after her passing, they themselves placed her image in the sky.”

 “Wow,” Virgil said. “I didn’t know the myths were that complex.”

“I also enjoy watching the stars,” Logan said, “and constellations are good for navigation. I’ve found the stories people have made up about them more often than not are meant to help one navigate life.”

“Do you know others?” he asked tentatively.

“I do,” Logan confirmed. “Would you like to hear another?” He nodded, and Logan reached over to turn all of the stars back to 25%. “Which one would you like to hear about next?”

When Patton returned, he didn’t disturb their conversation. Instead he just sat down silently next to him and listened to Logan tell the stories.

 Virgil started to droop part way through the third story, and Patton suggested he lay down. He tucked the boy in as Logan continued the story. Eventually he fell asleep, face lit lightly by the hanging stars.

“Okay,” Patton said when Logan ended the story and Virgil still didn’t stir.” I think it’s probably time for us to go to bed too. Logan nodded and they both stood. Logan quietly shut the closet door and checked the binding spell around the closet’s exit to make sure it would hold. Then, he and Patton got ready to go to sleep themselves.

  Chapter 11

Over the course of the next three days of Virgil’s captivity, Virgil would come to the conclusion that his captors were idiots.

This thought flickered to life once again as Logan leaned into the closet to point out another constellation on the ceiling, tottering unstably on his knees as his weight shifted forward and distracted by his enthusiasm.

They were alone in the prince’s room. Patton had left only a few minutes before to help his mother in the kitchen (less because she needed help and more to not make her suspicious about why he’d spent so much time away in the last few days).

 He wouldn’t be back for a while and Virgil had full mobility in the closet. With Logan leaning over the threshold like that, it would be easy to kill him or even just incapacitate him. One rough yank on his arm would have him completely in the closet. Virgil had no question that he could pin him down so he couldn’t activate the restraints, and even if he managed to do so, he’d have been drawn close enough that Virgil could use his legs. He could either force him to take off the cuffs or, since they automatically went to the second setting when he left the closet, just deal with it until he managed to get away.

 It would just be so easy. Yet, he did not. He just watched Logan as he leaned stupidly over an assassin while info dumping about stars.

This was the first day that he hadn’t felt at all tired when he’d drank the provided nutrition and healing potion, though it had never affected him quite as much as it had the first day. Logan said that meant that his injuries must be healed. It was a weird feeling. He didn’t remember when the last time was that he wasn’t damaged in some way. Even before his grueling training, there’d always been bullies at the orphanage and he’d been the youngest and smallest in his age group.

 He was also more well rested and fed than he had been in as long as he could remember. He felt better then he knew was possible today, and he suspected that he would only feel better after a bit more time under their care.

He told himself that is why he didn’t lash out now. He was waiting until he was as strong as possible to make sure his escape went as well as it could, even if it was a risk. They’d mentioned that the king would be gone for three weeks. After he returned, Virgil would surely be turned over to people much more capable of actually keeping him well trapped and less likely to feed him well, give him a nice place to sleep, and leave him without injury. It was a gamble to stay, because it was possible that he wouldn’t find another opportunity in time and would get handed over to his fate. Really, if he was being reasonable, he should get out now while he felt good and had a secured opportunity.

 Still, he did not. He had not any of the times they’d given him the opportunity in the last few days. Logan finished his sentence and leaned back out of the closet to safety. He still was speaking though in that soft happy tone. Logan liked the stars. He liked to talk about the stars, and Virgil found he liked to listen to him. They tended to end up in this position whenever Patton was away, just talking as Virgil laid in his closet.

Eventually, Logan’s latest story tapered out. There was silence then for a few moments. Virgil stared up at the fake stars on the ceiling. The stars that Logan had made for him when he really did not have to. Virgil had not been expecting lights in the closet, let alone ones so beautiful and thoughtful. Not ones with stories behind them. Just days ago, if someone had told Virgil the prince would be keeping him in his closet for the next few weeks, Virgil wouldn’t have expected a blanket let alone all of this.

 He turned his head to look at Logan. “What?” Logan asked.

“Your magic’s very beautiful,” Virgil said.

Logan seemed pleased by the complement, lighting up almost as much as the stars he made. “Well, it’s just a basic light spell,” he said, “though I did make some adjustments to them and the dimmer was a bit more difficult. Anyone could do it with practice.”

Virgil shook his head. “They’re special, I think,” he said. “Your magic’s different than most people.”

“How so?” Logan asked curiously.

“It’s gentle,” he said. “Gentle and warm, like eating the warm soup you fed me a couple of days ago.”

 “And other people’s magic feels different?” he asked.

Virgil nodded. “I’ve met a lot of magic users, but it always felt bad. Usually it hurts or makes you feel sick or just makes you uncomfortable. Even healing magic always felt like bugs nibbling at my skin, but the potion you’ve been having me drink in the morning feels… safe. It doesn’t hurt or make me want to cry. It’s just good.”

“Magic often has much to do with the caster’s intentions,” Logan said.

“I think you could poison me gently.”

Logan made an odd expression. “That…” he said, nose scrunched. “That is a strange thing to say.”

Virgil cocked his head. “Is it?”

 “Yes!” Logan said, shaking his head. “You are far too comfortable with the concept of death for your age.”

“I’m fourteen,” Virgil argued. “That’s old enough to be sent on missions without a blood compulsion!”

“…A what?” Logan asked.

“A blood compulsion,” Virgil said. “You know, with a multrum.” Logan was frowning at him. “One works in your gardens and you’re a prince. You had to at least have seen one or two. They take a bit of blood and multrums process it into a little bead. Then you’ve got to do what your told or it hurts a lot.”

 “I know what a blood compulsion is,” Logan said. “I am simply wondering who would put one on a fourteen-year-old.”

“They don’t,” Virgil said. “They stop putting them on people when they turn fourteen.”

“And exactly what is the age range for it?” Logan asked. Virgil was almost startled by the way his tone was quickly hardening. He’d never heard him be that harsh even when he’d first woken up in his custody. It made Virgil tense up.

“They take kids usually when they’re about 8 and it’s a year of training before your sent on a mission so 9-13,” he said.

 “That’s horrible,” Logan spat so violently that Virgil flinched. Logan didn’t seem to notice. “They force children to kill under a blood compulsion?”

“Well, no one really wants to do it without one when they’re that little. They get scared, and usually try to chicken out so…”

“So, they torture them unless they kill someone.”

“I mean… it’s not. They have to agree to the deal.”

“And if they don’t agree to it?” Logan asked.

Virgil thought back to the second time they’d made him get a blood compulsion. It had been with the multrum before Janus, a girl by the name of Alina. He’d made the mistake of hesitating on his first kill and faced the consequences before finally giving in and doing the job. When the second mission had come around, Virgil hadn’t wanted to accept the blood compulsion.

 That had been the first time they’d made him drink a binding potion. Logan seemed to be able to get an idea about it by the look on his face.

“So, your options were to be tortured, be tortured in a different way, or murder someone.” Logan looked at him. “You said your fourteen. Have you ever even killed of your own volition?”

“I… no,” he admitted, but quickly added, “but that doesn’t mean I can’t. I know what I’m doing.”

“That explains a lot about your personality and reactions so far.”

Virgil rankled at that for some reason. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

 Logan just stared at him for a long moment. “What they did, what they are doing isn’t right you know?” he said.

Virgil blinked at him but said nothing. He became more and more uncomfortable in the silence that ensued.

“Would you like to learn more about magic?” he asked. “There are many uses other then to hurt. I can teach you a few basics if you like.”

Virgil was confused about the topic change but was relieved about it. “Uh,” he thought. “Sure. That would be… interesting.”

Logan smiled at him. “I’ll set up something and we can work with it in the next few days. What would you like to learn?”

“Um, I have no idea. What is there?”

Logan considered it for a moment. “We could do a hair color changing potion. Or perhaps a small protection charm or I can teach you to make fire shapes.”

 “Protection charm,” Virgil said without hesitation.

Logan gave him a sad smile. “Of course. I’ll start showing you how to make them tomorrow and we can actually make some the next day.”

“Okay,” Virgil agreed.

“Would you like to hear more about the stars?” he asked. Virgil nodded. He once again leaned into the closet to point and Virgil once again did not move to attack. Nor did he attack when that afternoon Patton turned his back on Virgil for far too long when they were alone. Nor did he when they settled him to bed once again in the closet. He told himself it was strategic, but he knew it wasn’t.

  Chapter 12

Logan had needed to spend some time performing royal duties today which left Patton and Virgil alone after breakfast. Patton had started out trying to teach Virgil different board games. He’d seemed intrigued at first, but after a few games of checkers seemed to grow bored. Patton had gotten a blank stare when he’d asked if Virgil had any ideas about what to do for fun, so now he was trying to figure out something else they could do. He cast his eyes around at what Logan had in his bedroom.

“How about I read you a book?” he suggested.

 Virgil seemed very intrigued by that idea. “Sure,” he said.

“Okay!” Patton said cheerfully. “He popped to his feet and glanced through the small shelf of fiction books Logan kept in his room. He decided to choose one of the lighter ones that Logan and he had liked to read when they were younger. “This one is called The Never-ending Garden,” Patton said. “It’s about a group of four children and their adventures in a garden. It’s full of magic and adventure and friendship! Is that alright with you?”

“It sounds good,” Virgil answered.

Patton happily walked back over to sit next to him. “It is!” he said.

 First, he showed Virgil the picture on the cover of a wild looking garden with four kids roaming through it. One of the children was in a little red wagon being pulled by another one wearing a fancy hat. One of the others was walking, looking at a map while the last had a wooden sword. After giving Virgil a couple of moments too look at the picture, Patton cracked it open.

“We start with Lydia’s perspective,” Patton said. “She’s one of my favorites!” He pointed to a picture of a girl in a raincoat at the beginning of the chapter and Virgil leaned slightly closer to see. Then, Patton cleared his voice.

 “It had been raining that day,” Patton began, “but Lydia had been so bored that she still begged her father to go out and play when the storm lightened into a sprinkle. He made her change from the yellow dress she had been wearing into the one she often used to help him garden because he knew she was certain to get herself muddy. Her younger brother Marcus asked if he could come too and though part of her wanted to say no because she wanted to explore on her own without her baby brother slowing her down, her father had taught her to be a good big sister, so she agreed to let him come.”

 Patton watched Virgil out of the corner of his eye as he read about Lydia meeting up with the neighbor boy, Al, and the three children started to explore the garden in Lydia’s backyard. Virgil leaned in slightly to look at the pictures and listen to the story intently as the three children traveled deeper and deeper into the garden, but never made it to the back fence. They’d just made it to the part where they heard rustling behind the blackberry bush which Patton knew was the last main character, Melly, when Patton felt the need to adjust his posture a bit. Virgil moved in kind and ended up leaning further into Patton.

 Without even really thinking about it, Patton brought his arm around to touch the top of his head. Virgil flinched the second Patton made content and Patton drew the hand away immediately. “Sorry,” he said with a wince. Patton was a naturally touching person and he’d been having trouble battling his instincts to cuddle everyone and everything while around Virgil, but he knew most touch was not welcome. The poor thing startled every time Patton went to touch him unannounced and even sometimes when he’d said something before doing it.

“I-it’s okay,” Virgil said.

Patton gave him a tight lipped smiled and turned back to the book.

 He stilled a second later when Virgil leaned back in and their shoulders brushed. He blinked over at him. “Oh,” he said softly. “Do… do you want me to touch your hair?”

Virgil curled up into himself a little bit but then nodded.

“Okay,” Patton said. “I’m going to put my arm around you and do that then, okay?” He drew upon his years and years of convincing easily startled cats to allow him to give them pats as he slowly moved his arm back to where it had been before and gently touched the side of his head. He tensed, but didn’t startle this time, and so Patton gently ran his fingers through the hair a couple of times. Eventually, the tension bled out of him and he sort of slumped against Patton’s shoulder. Patton just barely restrained a coo before going back to reading. He continued to stroke the side of Virgil’s hair as he described the gang meeting up with Melly and them being told she was a fairy that lived in the garden.

 He'd only gotten to the part about them finding the wagon when Virgil started to shift a bit uncomfortably, his neck craned in an awkward angle. Patton kept reading as he brought the hand in his hair down to his shoulder and pushed lightly. There was the slightest bit of resistance as Virgil didn’t know what he was trying to do, but then he allowed Patton to move him. Patton leaned back a bit and picked the book up off his lap before continuing to push him down. Virgil did not help at all, seeming confused about what was going on.

 Patton had to poke him around until he was on his back laying across Patton’s lap. He grinned down at the boy who was looking at him in blatant bewilderment and propped the book up on his chest. He held it there with one of his hands and stretched the other out to resume messing with his hair. Virgil relaxed into the new position after a few minutes of reading, eyes shutting as he enjoyed the attention. His eyes would flicker open every time Patton moved to show him a picture, but other than that, he seemed content to not move.

 Eventually, he stopped responding when Patton moved to show him the pictures.

“Are you asleep?” he asked quietly. When he didn’t get a response, he bookmarked the last picture Virgil had responded to, and then continued reading to himself.

Eventually, there was a knock at the door. It was the one he and Logan had decided on to tell the other one that it was just them and not to panic when the door opened. The door opened to Logan a moment later.

He paused, taking in the sight of the assassin sprawled across Patton’s lap like a sleepy kitten. He shook his head fondly and walked over to them on silent feet. He bent and pressed a hand to the top of Virgil’s hand. Virgil stirred just barely, but didn’t open his eyes, pressing into the touch a bit.

Logan smiled. “He wanted to learn how to make protection charms today. I assume you’d like to join us?” Patton perked up and nodded happily, making Logan chuckle softly. “I will go set it up then. Would you like another book for the time being?”

“Just the one I was reading last night would be nice,” Patton said.

“Of course.” Logan stepped away to grab it and handed it to him. Then, he disappeared into his potion’s lab. Patton smiled down at Virgil’s sleeping face and settled the new book onto his chest to replace the children’s book. He didn’t even stir.

  Chapter 13

Logan was able to quickly set up the station for making protection charms. Patton had always liked making them, though he often used his more as fun accessories than for protection. The one he was going to show Virgil how to make was a very simple low level one used for little more than to keep bugs off of yourself and, in the event of a well made one, alert one to imminent danger by changing temperature. It was a nice thing to hold in the middle of the night if one was frightened by real or imagined threats. It would be warm to the touch when your environment was safe; he thought Virgil might appreciate it.

 He and Patton decided to wait until Virgil woke up naturally which only took about 30 minutes. Then, Logan brought him to his set up supplies. He explained briefly the process for making a protection charm. “I will be the one performing the enchantment for today,” he told Virgil. “I will show you how to make your own later, but I thought seeing how to make them would help with the learning process.”

“Plus, it’s fun!” Patton said.

Logan flashed a smile at him. “And that as well. I’ve prepared a small number of possible pendants for you to choose from. You can choose the shape and color, then we will put on a custom engraving, as well as decorations.”

 “Glitter! Glitter! Glitter! Glitter!”

“Yes, Patton, everyone knows you’re going to choose glitter,” Logan said, amused, “but why don’t we let Virgil decide for his own pendant?”

“Fine,” Patton said, “but mine will be glitter.”

Logan grabbed the box of blank pendants and offered it to Virgil. “Choose whichever one feels right,” he suggested. Virgil moved forward and looked over the box. “You can touch them,” Logan said. “In fact, I would suggest it as it is meant to be held when it’s done and you may as well get a feel for it.”

At his prompting, Virgil did. He reached into the box and shifted a few to the side. Eventually, he started picking a few up. “I like the crescent shape for holding the most he said,” holding a blue one up, but I don’t know.”

“What’s your favorite color?” Patton asked.

“Oh, um,” he mumbled. “I dunno.”

“Well here,” Patton said, reaching for the box. He dug through it and pulled out every single crescent moon shaped pendant and lined them up. “What do you fancy?”

Virgil considered them all for a long moment and then tentatively pointed the purple one out.

“Great!” Patton said. “Then, we’ll use that one.”

Virgil nodded and Patton picked up the pendant to drop it into his hands. His fingers curled over the shape and he seemed satisfied by the choice, so Logan turned to Patton. “Your turn,” he said.

Patton happily grabbed out a heart shaped blue one, but then paused and exchanged it for a purple one. “We match!” he said.

Virgil smiled slightly at his enthusiasm, and Logan dug out a blue crescent moon shape for himself. “Now that you have your base, you get to choose the engraving.” He opened up the instruction book to the correct page and showed it to him.

Virgil looked over the two pages of designs with carful focus. He wavered between the spiral sun and the flames for a moment, but eventually settled on the flames. Patton chose the interlocking hearts design as anticipated; it was his favorite, and Logan chose the spiral sun design for himself.

“Now, I’m going to engrave this design onto yours,” Logan said getting out the thin pen like instrument and dipping it into the slightly glowing bottle of potion he’d set out. “In the meantime, Patton will show you what we have for decorations.”

He was careful to get the symbol as perfect as he could and then started on Patton’s. Patton apparently managed to corrupt the boy because both of them came back with brushes and glitter to add as decoration.

Logan shook his head and handed them their freshly engraved pendants. “Apply the glitter how you like,” Logan said, moving on to his own engraving. Once he was finished, he selected some glow in the dark paint to decorate his own.

[naughtyneganjdm]

The Guest - Chapter 4

Summary: Negan and the reader play a game that leads them to getting naughty with each other again.

Characters: Negan, the reader (OC)

Warnings: Swearing, Dirty Talk, Smut, Blowjob

AO3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/20333263/chapters/51146437

Notes: Just more smutty goodness. 

Shifting in bed, Y/N stretched out and felt her body aching, but in the best possible of ways. Cuddling her head further into the pillow beneath her, she thought about the middle of the night and how she had spent most of the night kissing Negan. That’s all they pretty much did. After Negan had done what he had, he was honest. He stayed under the best behavior and spent plenty of time kissing her. Eventually they had fallen asleep together and she was surprised how much Negan liked cuddling with her. It was like he was more comfortable with someone to hold at night. She wasn’t going to fight him on it. Hell, she loved it. She just kind of saw Negan as a one and done kind of guy, so the fact he wanted to do that afterwards really impressed her.

Looking over her shoulder in search of Negan, she saw an empty bed beside her and was surprised to find that. After how Negan had been the night before she figured he may have been there when she had woken up. Lifting up in the bed, she pulled the sheets close to her body knowing that she was still very naked. She was thankful that her parents would be gone for a few more days because things had already turned out so amazing. She was hoping that they would continue to be so wonderful.

Getting out of bed, she moved toward the bathroom at the end of the hallway to grab her robe. Instead of getting dressed, she just wrapped herself up and then headed downstairs. She was surprised to be matched by the sound of nothing once she was down there. Looking around, she found no sign of Negan and found herself confused. Moving to the door, she saw both his car and truck there so she knew he had to be at the house still. Walking into the kitchen, something in the window caught her eye and made her smirk.

Moving to the back of the house, she walked outside onto the deck to stare out at Negan lying on a floating lounge chair in the inground pool in her backyard. He had sunglasses on, his dark hair was slicked black and a cigarette was in his mouth. He hadn’t noticed her yet and at this point she wondered if he was even awake. He seemed to be so relaxed, but when she saw a puff of smoke escape his lips she chuckled.

“This is the first thing you do in the morning?” she called out and Negan lifted his head up to stare out at her before a smirk expanded over his handsome features.

“Not that early in the morning, it’s about lunchtime doll,” Negan informed her and she looked back into the house to see the time and to see that he was right. She didn’t think she overslept that much, but her body must have gotten super comfortable. When she moved back onto the deck, she saw him pulling his cigarette from between his lips and exhaling a large amount of smoke.

“You just relaxing?” she moved from the deck and down beside the pool to sit in one of the chairs beside the pool. Negan stretched out his arms and folded them behind the back of his head. He nodded and rest his head back again. “What are your plans for the day?”

“I never really make plans, I just run with the flow of things,” Negan informed her, finishing up his cigarette before pushing himself toward the edge of the pool to put the butt into the ashtray he had set out beside the pool. “I feel like if you make plans, you just end up fucking disappointed and shit. If you let things flow, it turns out to be more fun.”

She nodded, watching him before pulling the robe closer to her body. Negan smiled brightly and sank his fingers into his hair, “Why don’t you hop in with me right now?”

“I’ve got nothing on underneath,” she explained with a heavy sigh and he shrugged his shoulders. He looked down at his bathing suit before getting relaxed again on the float. Her eyes glanced over his long torso, enjoying the lines of his body all over again. Negan was stunning and she could never get sick of seeing him.

“Let’s play a game,” Negan slurred, pushing his sunglasses up to rest at the top of his head and he saw her eyebrows perk up in interest. Licking over his lips in a long sweep, he sighed and nodded. “Truth or dare?”

“Seriously?” she snickered and he nodded. She wasn’t really one for that game, especially since growing up it always felt like a childish ploy to get people to do something stupid or to get someone in trouble. Relaxing at the thought, she sighed and nodded. “Okay then…dare.”

“I dare you to get in this fucking pool with me right now,” Negan snapped his fingers and she rolled her eyes before scooting back and further away from him.  Negan grunted when he saw her embarrassment at the idea flushing over her. “Your parents have fucking hedges surrounding this fucking backyard. We could be having a fucking nudist party where everyone is fucking and the neighbor’s would never know.”

When he noticed her still nervous at the idea, he huffed heavily and reached for his bathing suit. Negan pulled the material from his body being careful enough to still stay on top of the float he was on. Negan tossed his wet bathing suit aside and gave her a dramatic, over the top look before resting back on the float again.

“Cocks out, your turn,” Negan demanded, his eyes narrowing out at her and he could see the gears turning inside of her head the more she thought about it. “Remember what I said last night. Stop letting your mind control your actions. You’re fucking gorgeous, so take that robe off and get in this fucking pool.”

A proud smile expanded over his features when he watched her stand up from the seat. She slowly unhooked the knot in the robe before pushing the robe cautiously from her body. When the material hit the ground, he let out a small rumble of a laugh before resting back onto the float more comfortably, “Good girl.”

Y/N jumped in the water with Negan and he watched her swim in closer toward him, “Truth or dare?”

“Hmm…truth,” Negan licked over his lips and when she got close enough to him, she could see that his eyes were hooked on hers.

“What’s the outcome here between the two of us?” she inquired and her question caused a small huff to escape his lips. “What is this?”

“I’m giving you a present before you go to college. I’m thinking a few times we fuck around. We fuck once with a one and done. We both go our separate ways,” Negan answered honestly, shrugging his shoulders as he spoke. “We both know better that we can’t have something from this, but I want to fuck you and you sure as hell want to fuck me. So I figure before you go off to college and I go back to teaching a new school year…we get the single deed done.”

His answer made her blush and a deep, guttural laugh fell from his lips. He traced his fingertips over his chest and he could see her eyes following the movement. Negan licked his lips again in amusement, “Your turn doll.”

“Truth,” she responded and swallowed down hard. The way Negan was teasing his fingers over his wet, hairy chest was causing a chill to press up her spine. Her eyes fell over the tattoo that covered his flesh and she gulped down heavily. The tattoos that covered his body made him all the more appealing to her.  

“In what way do you want to lose your virginity to me?” he inquired, dropping his sunglasses back down his face before folding his arms back behind his head again. Negan was cocky, but he looked good and she knew that he clearly understood how she felt about him. So this felt more like flaunting his body in front of her since he knew how much she loved it.

“I thought you didn’t like planning things,” she pointed out and he snickered.

“I didn’t say tell me what way I’m going to take your virginity, I asked in what way would you want it to be taken? You’ve had to have thought about it?” Negan adjusted his long body out on the float and she swam in closer to him. When he noticed her closeness, he looked to her.

“I don’t know, I think most girls naturally dream of losing it in a way that they find special.  Like, under the stars or some shit,” she explained with a half laugh and Negan’s nose wrinkled at her response. “If you were someone I was dating, maybe take me on a date, rent out the local aquarium, do something special and then…we do it.”

“At the fucking aquarium? What? You want me to be balls deep while a whale watches?” Negan teased with a snort and he felt her splash him, making him laugh. “That actually sounds fucking wild. I mean, can’t say that’s something you’d really enjoy for your first time, but you’re kind of a freak. You want me to take you while pressed up against one of those glass aquarium walls with a bunch of fucking fish watching?”

“I meant taking me on a date somewhere cool like that and then doing it in a bed, like I imagine would be the most comfortable for a first time,” she reached out to smack him in the hip hearing him snort when she did it. “I just think it’s really pretty there at the aquarium.”

“Ah, I see,” Negan nodded, his nose wrinkling again when he thought about what she said. “Under the stars, that’s so fucking extra. I’ll make you see stars if that’s what you really want from me.”

“You really think you’re that good, don’t you?” she laughed with a roll of her eyes. His smirk expanded and he nodded confidently.

“I don’t think darlin’, I know I am,” Negan insisted with a sigh and he brought his hand down to slide it down his abdomen in almost a tease again. “I’ll go with truth since that seems to be where our game is headed here.”

“And I can ask you anything?” she confirmed and Negan gave her a single nod. The smirk on his face did things to her. There was something in his arrogance that really got her going. She reached up to trace her fingertips over his thigh and could see him shudder at the touch. “Why don’t you like kissing people Negan? You’re really good at it, but until I kissed you myself, you were very anti kissing.”

“I can’t answer the real reason for that. You’ll hate me,” Negan bluntly responded making her laugh. “I’m serious. If I were to be completely fucking honest with you, you might never want to talk to me again.”

“Okay, well then tell me in a way that I won’t hate you,” she reached further up his body to squeeze over his inner thigh and he let out a soft moan at the sensation of her teasing over his flesh.

“Alright,” Negan cracked a smile and looked down to watch her touching him. His lips parted and he licked his lips when her hand slid further up toward his groin. Negan hummed when she cupped softly at his testicles making him arch his hips toward her. The touch was delicate and he was impressed with the fact she was actually bold enough to touch him. “I don’t like kissing because it’s too personal. When you’re kissing, you’re with someone on a personal level. There is a connection and a bond that I really don’t want to share with people. If I’m fucking someone and I’m never going to see them again, I don’t want to fucking kiss them. Plus you end up tasting like that person. To be quite honest with you, this thing we have going on between us is fucking weird for me. I don’t kiss and I don’t go down on people in flings. It goes back to that whole tasting like someone. That’s why I find myself fucking shocked shitless that I’ve done both those things with you.”

“Are you saying we have a bond then Negan?” she poked further at him and he smiled brightly. He leaned up on the float and Negan reached out to grab a tight hold of her jaw. He pulled her close to him and his lips crushed in over hers, kissing her firmly. She whimpered against his mouth and his tongue dipped between her lips, caressing over hers in a heated fashion before he hummed.

“I’m saying you taste fucking amazing and it makes me do things,” Negan pulled his mouth away and he rest his forehead against hers. He reached up to caress his thumb over her bottom lip before bringing his thumb up to his lips to suck over it. “Aren’t you the slightest bit interested in how I fucking taste?”

“I can already tell you that I think you taste amazing,” she went in to kiss him again and he pulled away with a smirk. He made a tisking noise and then sighed heavily.

“Truth or dare?” Negan grumbled and she laughed before feeling his fingertips sliding into her hair and caressing at the back of her scalp. “To be honest with you, I’m really fucking hoping you don’t pick truth again."  

“Well when you put it like that…dare,” she answered with a smirk knowing she was giving him what he wanted and he licked his lips.

“Taste me…” he ordered, swallowing down heavily as he watched her cheeks blush over. Negan felt her moving in closer to him and he felt her hand connect with his body. He looked down to see her caressing her hand over his length and he groaned.

“Yes sir,” she nodded, looking down to see him getting harder within her caress. Negan urged her to his mouth again and he kissed her sloppily. His moan vibrated against her mouth and he grunted. “I might need…”

“Direction?” he finished her sentence seeing her eyes shifting between him and his body. “Good thing you have the best fucking teacher I know right in front of you doll.”

“You must not know a lot of teachers then,” she teased and he half laughed, grabbing firmly at her jaw to pull her close to him. His teeth nipped at her bottom lip while her palm continued to caress over his length.

“You’re a little smart ass, you know that?” he muttered against her lips and she giggled. Negan’s tongue flicked out over the inside of her bottom lip and she softly moaned into his mouth. “Something tells me once I teach you right; we’ll be able to put that mouth to good use.”

Negan’s hand slid in over the back of her neck before urging her to lower her head down his body. Obeying, she did as he urged and pressed kisses down his chest making his stomach cave in from heavy breathing. His body shuddered as she got further down his abdomen and when she lowered herself, she felt his fingertips caressing at the back of her shoulders.

“Angle your body the other way, I want to watch you,” Negan growled as she turned her body so she was facing him. Negan reached down to grab at the base of his thick body and he squeezed firmly at it. “You don’t want to go in and choke yourself out. I’m bigger, that would turn you off of this immediately. Just, focus on the tip until you’re ready. You’ll be able to tell when I like something and when I don’t, but I know this is your first time and shit, so I’m not going to give you a hard time.”

“I think I get it Negan, but thank you,” she smirked finding it kind of charming that he was telling her he wouldn’t go hard on her. He still had his sunglasses on and it was hard to see what his reactions were, but she saw his Adam’s apple bouncing in his throat and she smiled. Tipping forward, she pressed soft kisses against his shaft and he tilted his head to the side to watch her. His hips arched up toward her and she reached for his hand that was wrapped firmly around the base of his cock to get him to release it. Her hand replaced his while she firmly caressed up and down over his body. Dragging her tongue along the side of his erection, she heard him inhale sharply and looked up to see his jaw clenching. Taking her time, she pressed teasing flicks and kisses all along the length of his body and could hear his breathing getting heavier. “Okay so far?”

“You’re a cock tease so far, but yeah…you’re good,” Negan grunted and she laughed against his body making him shudder. Negan’s fingers reached out to sweep over her jaw and into her hair while she raised her tongue up to the underside of his cock right under the tip. Negan shuddered and she smiled brightly when he did it. Negan’s tongue swept out over his bottom lip in an erotic sweep before she wrapped her lips around the tip of his cock. “Good girl…fuck…”

Negan’s hips somewhat raised toward her mouth while she took him further back and teased her tongue over his body. Carefully lowering her mouth over his length and then back, she took her time flicking her tongue over his sensitive flesh. After a while, she pulled her lips from his erection with a popping sound and heard him whine. Raising her hand up, she caressed at the tip of his cock while teasing her tongue over the slit. The taste of him was foreign, but by the way he was reacting to her doing this to him was perfect and she found herself getting used to everything really fast. Negan’s head dropped back, his lips parting while the vein at the side of his neck was showing clearly. The reactions he was giving were so damn sexy and she could feel chills filling her entire body. Pulling away, she saw him lift his head to look down at her and she playfully pouted.

“Take the sunglasses off and I’ll keep going,” she insisted with a nod and Negan frowned. Clearly he was used to being in control of everything, but he did as she requested. He pulled the sunglasses from his face and tossed them aside. When his hazel eyes narrowed and looked down at her she smiled brightly. “It makes things more interesting.”

“Whatever works in making you wrap those pretty little lips of yours around my cock again,” Negan snorted, sweeping his tongue out over his bottom lip again in an eager flick. She was amused with his reaction and lowered back down to take him into her mouth. Negan’s fingertips tightened into her hair as he urged her movements over his cock. “Do you think…you’re okay…with taking more?”

Attempting to do what he asked, she tried to loosen up her throat and bobbed her head over his body at the pace he was setting with his hand. Negan’s moans were filling the air and she lifted her eyes to watch him. Negan’s eyes were hooked on hers and she could feel his fingers hooking tighter into her hair to help her with her movements.

“Fuck sweetheart,” Negan dropped his head back and hissed out. “Don’t be afraid to put a bit more pressure…”

She took his suggestion while pumping her hand over his body at the pace he had set with her mouth over him. Negan’s chest was rising and falling heavily and his eyes were hooded. When she followed through with his motions, a deep grunt fell from his throat and he tossed his head back. His neck was flexed, his chest the same and she found herself working harder to get him to the release he was clearly eager to have.  

“Fuck…fuck…” Negan stammered when she pulled her lips away from his body again. She quickly caressed over his body and he whined. Looking over his erection, she could see it twitching in her grasp. Pre-cum was developing at the tip and she leaned forward to drag her tongue over the head of his cock making him groan as she collected the taste of him on her tongue. Negan reached out to press her hair behind her ear to watch her while she did it and he huffed heavily. “Fucking tease.”

Negan firmly grabbed at the back of her neck and she took his urgings to wrap her lips back around his cock. Her tongue dragged over the underside of his body while her head made bobbing motions over him. There was a desperation in his breathing and she wanted to help him reach what he had done for her last night. His hisses were filling the air giving her the sure signs he was close and she pumped at his body harder.  

“I’m gonna cum soon. If you don’t want to swallow…” Negan moaned out when he felt her starting to bob faster and suck harder at his body. Negan hissed, his stomach clenching while she continued through with her movements. He was surprised how bold she actually was while giving him a blowjob. She was nervous as hell with what he did last night, but right now she was going through the motions with no fear. Her eyes were hooked on his and his eyebrows clenched. His jaw lowered and a moan fell from his lips. Negan’s hips arched up when he felt his body twitching inside of her throat. Her eyes flinched closed for a moment when the first line of his cum hit the back of her throat, but when he touched her face she opened them. He could feel her swallowing around his body and he reached down to grasp at her head with both of his hands. God she looked amazing with his cock in her mouth. It was something he had pictured, but never truly believed would actually happen. His body was shaking and his heart hammering inside of his chest. “Fuck…me.”

Negan’s moans filled the air while she continued through with the movement of her mouth over his body. Negan’s orgasm hit him harder than he expected while her tongue continued to lap at his body. He was surprised how she eagerly swallowed down his seed and he dropped his head back when she finished milking him of his release. His chest was rising and falling heavily. Y/N pulled her lips from his body with a slurping sound and he lowered his head to watch her jerking him a few more times to make sure she milked him completely of his orgasm. Her tongue dragged over the head again and he whined, reaching out to caress over the side of her face with his rough fingertips.

“Was that okay?” she confirmed gasping when he hopped off the float and into the water with her. He backed her up against the side of the pool and his mouth was over hers in no time. His tongue teased and flicked over hers, almost as if he was desperate to get the taste of himself from her mouth and tongue. He hummed into her mouth causing shudders to fill her body and she clutched at his wet, dark hair.  

“Let’s just say,” Negan breathed against her lips, his hand squeezing over her sides while he pressed himself up against her. “If you were my student, I’d be asking you to take a re-test and not because it was awful.”

“And that’s a good thing?” she purred against the warmth of his mouth. Negan chuckled and he nodded. His tongue flicked out against hers again causing her body to warm up to his. He was getting her hot all over again and with how eagerly he was touching her and how forcefully he was kissing her, she assumed there was more to come.

“That’s a very…very good thing,” Negan muttered against her flesh when he started to kiss over the side of her neck. His teeth nipped at her skin and her body was shaking from his reaction. “I was worried too. First time and all, I never thought I’d want to do it again…but fuck, you’re a good little cock sucker.”

Negan gave her one final kiss before pulling himself out of the pool. She watched as he reached for the towel he had out on the table for himself. He started wiping himself off while she looked up at him from the water. For some reason she had thought to herself that it would go further than it had. Negan reached down to grab his sunglasses that he tossed and pulled them back over his face.

“I’m fucking hungry,” Negan informed her, wrapping the towel loosely around his waist. He wiped at his bottom lip and nodded toward the house. “I’m thinking pizza. You have a preference on toppings?”

“No,” she shook her head watching him brush his wet hair back and she found herself amazed that he was just acting like nothing happened between them so fast. Pulling herself to the edge of the pool, she felt Negan helping her out. Negan grabbed her robe and held it up for her so she could pull the material back over her body. “So now what?”

“I’m gonna call a pizza place and get some pizza delivered. I’m also thinking of watching a movie or something. You interested?” Negan inquired hearing her sigh as he nodded back toward the house.

“Sure,” she agreed before he moved back inside. What was going on with Negan was definitely different and she knew that she should feel lucky for what she was getting, but to say it was awkward and confusing was an understatement. She still had the taste of him over her mouth. Reaching up to trace over her lips, she thought back to a time when she never saw this as possible and now she was living out everything she could have dreamt of and more. So she really thought she should ignore the odd feelings about everything and continue to roll with the flow of it all. Heading back to the house, she entered to hear he was finishing up with the phone call. “Is everything okay?”

“Everything is fucking great, but I’m gonna go upstairs and get dressed,” Negan nodded, rubbing his hands together. He pointed upwards and she felt him moving in closer to her. Part of her was excited at his closeness, but he smirked and moved beyond her. It almost disappointed her until she felt him firmly smacking over her bottom. The echo filled the kitchen and made her gasp. “Just saying, that was the best game of truth or dare I’ve ever done.”

A shit eating grin pressed in over her features before he quickly moved back up the stairs to get dressed. The fact that he seemed to be at least impressed with her made her feel good. Knowing that he stressed that he’d want her to do it again for him made her feel all the better and eager for more.

[per-ineptia-ad-astra]

fixing The Menagerie

The circumstances behind The Menagerie pose an interesting writing problem: how do you take an already shot, totally completed episode for an earlier version of a TV show that differs considerably from the version that actually made it to air, and turn it into an episode that you can use now, as part of that later version, in a way that actually makes sense for your audience? That would be challenging enough without the additional problems that 1.) you can't reshoot any of the original episode because you no longer have access to the sets, costumes, most of the cast, etc., and 2.) the whole reason you're doing this in the first place is because you can't get a completely new episode out in time to meet your air date, so whatever your framing device is it has to be something that can be shot and finished very quickly--and cheaply, because at absolutely no point in the making of this show has there been spare money to throw around.

When I recapped The Menagerie (eons ago, it now seems) I said in the conclusion to the second part that I thought the framing device used wasn't as effective as it could have been. So, I figured I’d put my money where my mouth was and see if I could come up with another one. Before I start I want to put out the same disclaimer I used for the Return of the Archons post: I am not a professional TV writer (or a professional anything) and I intend this only as a fun exercise and not an angry and serious screed about the writing quality of TOS, which I do very much love for being what it is. I can only offer what, in my opinion, would make a more enjoyable episode, which may not necessarily be what you would find to be a more enjoyable episode. And if you already greatly enjoy The Menagerie as it is, you probably won’t want to read this.

For the purposes of this post, I’m going to take The Cage itself as written. It has its own problems, and that might be worth its own post at some point, but I’m not going to take it on here. We’ll assume The Cage exists exactly as it was produced, and the problem now is entirely focused on how to turn it into an episode—or two—of TOS.

(And, just to get it out of the way: I’m not going to talk about how either The Cage or The Menagerie play into Discovery, AOS, or the rest of Star Trek in general. It’s obviously a very important episode backstory-wise, but for this, right now, I’m just going talk about it purely as a TOS episode.)

So, with that out of the way, let’s talk about The Menagerie for a moment. What’s wrong with it?

Well, the framing device could certainly have been worse. It’s not terrible. Hell, Part I even won a Hugo, so, guess I’m up against the Hugo committee on this one. But, there are a number of things that I find awkward about it.

In a general sense, there’s the way that, once the flashbacks start, the story is attempting to maintain two separate threads of tension: the flashback story, with the tension being on what’s going to happen to Pike, and the present-day story, with the tension being on what Spock is doing, why he’s doing it, and whether he’s going to wind up getting the death penalty for it. This second thread starts out well—by this point in TOS, we’ve gotten to know Spock well enough to know how out of character all this is for him, which makes the mystery quite gripping. However, once the flashback starts, the story struggles to maintain the tension of this second thread. The attempt to keep the present-day story as tense as the past story only results in breaks away from the action for scenes in the courtroom where something or someone stops Spock from showing the footage, which never results in anything because by the next commercial break they’re back at it. Most of these interruptions are either arbitrary (the screen goes off for no reason and then comes on again for no reason; fake!Mendez randomly decides he’s had enough and tries to stop things) or just not that interesting (Pike fell asleep), and with each one it only becomes more obvious that the only real purpose they’re serving is to pad out the framing story.

The resolution of the present-day story is also rather unsatisfying for a lot of reasons. After so much tension built up about what’s going on and why Spock is acting this way and is his life on the line and is Kirk’s career on the line and how’s he going to get out of this...it turns out that Mendez has been fake this whole time, so nothing he said or did since Kirk left the Starbase matters at all; Starfleet casually waves the whole thing aside with no repercussions, making all the build-up about Spock risking the only death penalty remaining in the Federation mean nothing whatsoever in the end; and we never really get a satisfactory answer as to why Spock insisted on carrying out his court martial the way he did. Sure, eventually the Keeper says the whole court martial was basically staged to stall Kirk so he wouldn’t focus on getting control of his ship back, but not only does that raise further questions—if Mendez was only ever an illusion sent by the Talosians, why did he try to stop the court martial several times? Why did the Talosians turn off the footage at a crucial point, and why did it come on again?--there’s also no reason given why Spock couldn’t just recount what happened himself, which could have taken up enough time if he was careful enough about it, instead of needing the Talosians to broadcast a video version of the events.

There’s also the simple fact that Pike’s ending is itself rather dubious. I suppose this one comes down to a difference of opinion between me and Gene Roddenberry (one of many) since both The Cage and The Menagerie end with a character going to permanently stay with the Talosians, with no concern at all expressed about the fact that the Talosians are cruel, torture-happy, and frankly insufferable wannabe-slavemasters who see humans as nothing more than brute animals to be caged, bred and make to work. I said I wasn’t going to tackle The Cage here so I won’t go off about its ending, no matter how much it pisses me off. But The Menagerie is also at fault here, because it needlessly repeats the exact same problem (with a bit less sexism, but still). The ending of The Menagerie gives us no sign that the Talosians have reformed in any way, and no explanation as to why they suddenly care so much about Pike to go to all this trouble for him. We’re just expected to believe that Pike’s gonna go have a nice happy illusion-life with them even though the last time we saw them they were trying to breed a race of human slaves. Really, Gene? Really?

On that note, the treatment of disability in both The Cage and The Menagerie bothers me a great deal. The effect of Pike becoming disabled is to essentially strip him of all his autonomy. I mean no disrespect to Sean Kenney here, but if they’d replaced him with a mannequin it wouldn’t have made any difference at all to the episode, because in The Menagerie Pike is not a character, he’s a prop. We’re assured repeatedly that Pike thinks and feels as much as he ever did, but we have to be told that by other characters because the episode certainly never takes any opportunity to let us in on any of it. Here’s the sum total of what we know Pike thinks about the events of The Menagerie:

1. He doesn’t want to visit with Kirk and McCoy at the beginning of the episode but allows Spock to stay.

2. He tells Spock “no” when Spock tells him his plan.

3. He keeps repeating “no” the rest of that day, which everyone is confused by but no one makes any effort to understand.

4. He falls asleep at one point.

5. He votes for a guilty verdict for Spock during the court martial, when asked.

6. He says “yes” when asked if he wants to go live with the Talosians.

Pike is treated with sympathy and the respect due to his rank and history, but mostly he’s an object of pity. We’re told he can move his chair himself, but he appears to be confined to one small hospital room that’s not even set up for his needs, and he spends the entire episode being moved around by other people. Everyone talks about how bad his situation is, but only Spock attempts to do anything to improve it—and he does so knowing that Pike doesn’t want him to do it. When Pike tells him “No,” Spock doesn’t ask any questions, he doesn’t try to find out what part of this whole thing Pike is objecting to, he just overrides Pike’s objection on the assumption that Pike is only concerned about Spock doing something so very illegal, a concern he pretty much disregards. He turns out to be right—as far as we can tell—but for all the information Spock has at the time, Pike might have been saying, “No, I don’t want to live with the Talosians.”

It doesn’t need to be that way. Pike’s condition is certainly very severe, but as I mentioned in the recap, there are plenty of other things that could have been done for him, or at least attempted. And even if none of those were done, there are other ways that the episode could have developed his character, or at least treated him like a character. Spock’s discussion at the beginning of the episode could have been a mind meld that allowed us to hear Pike’s thoughts on the matter. Spock could have heard his objections and addressed them, and he and Pike could have come to come to an agreement and actually become co-conspirators instead of Pike spending the entire episode as a helpless hostage to Spock’s plan. We could have gotten a scene of Pike and McCoy interacting after Spock tells McCoy to look after Pike—McCoy’s not only highly suspicious at that point and unlikely to be greatly put off by Spock's order to not ask Pike any questions, he’s also the one who gives a whole speech about how cruel it is that Pike “can’t reach out, and no one can reach in”--so give us a scene where he does reach out! We could have had a scene of Kirk talking with Pike—he’s certainly got plenty to ask the man about, both in general and in regard to the current situation. All he has to do is put a little extra work into how to frame his questions. The Talosians could have delivered a message from Pike at the end, or one of them could have astral-projected in earlier to have a telepathic exchange with him. We could have seen Pike express himself by moving his chair, turning towards or away people when they talk to him, interjecting a “yes” or “no” into a conversation instead of only replying when asked something, or repeating a response incessantly to show that he’s emphatic about something. (Yeah, we kinda get the latter when he’s saying “no” over and over early in the episode, but that’s only treated as a “what could he possibly be trying to communicate??? oh, if only we knew!” moment.) There were so many ways Pike could have been treated as a character, as a person, instead of a plot element who exists to be pushed around in his chair and have speeches made about how tragic his situation is.

Both The Cage and The Menagerie end with a character who is disabled choosing to spend the rest of their lives isolated from the entire rest of humanity on a barren planet inhabited by jackass aliens because, as everyone around them nods and solemnly agrees, that’s a better fate for them than living among human society. To be clear, it’s not Pike and Vina seeking solutions to their problems that I object to. If Vina wants to be represented by what is essentially an avatar of her own choosing, or if Pike feels that an illusory world offers better quality of life for him, that’s entirely their right. But when life with the Talosians is set up as a situation so horrible that we see four characters literally willing to die rather than remain on Talos 4, and then have two disabled characters say “actually it’s better this way if I stay here,” you kind of wind up with a message that looks a lot like “being disabled is a fate worse than death.” I doubt that was intentional, at least not entirely, since we see other disabled characters in TOS who are treated considerably better—but there it is, all the same.

This is not to say that there’s nothing of value in The Menagerie’s framing story. The tension between Kirk wanting to trust his friend but being forced to act in authority over him because he’s undeniably done something very seriously against the rules, and he won’t tell Kirk why, is great while it lasts. Spock’s character is expanded considerably by showing us that there are some things he places above his honor and obligations as a Starfleet officer—and indeed above his own life. We see a bit of his history, a glimpse of a relationship with a former captain that he respects so much that Spock will put everything on the line to secure a better future for him; and we see how much he respects and values Kirk, that he foregoes the chance to explain himself—and thus gain an ally and aid in his cause—because to do so would put Kirk in danger as well. And we get that great little moment where Spock tells McCoy to call security on him and McCoy has absolutely no idea how to react. And we get backstory! And kind-of-continuity! Okay, it’s not much backstory, but by TOS standards it’s practically a goldmine.

I don’t want to throw all that away. But I think there must be some way to address the problems without totally losing the good parts.

It’s only fair, though, that any attempt to improve the episode should keep in mind the circumstances it was made under. I don’t know enough about budgeting and producing TV in the 1960s either generally in or in this specific case to know exactly what was available to them when it came to producing The Menagerie, so I’m just going to try to deduce roughly what we might have to work with based on what what was in the finished episodes:

Much of Part I and all of Part II take place in preexisting sets, either the Enterprise ones or the shuttlecraft interior set. The new sets include the Starbase 11 exterior—which is mostly a matte painting—Mendez’s office, Pike’s hospital room, and the Starbase computer room. The computer room is a redressed Engineering set; I suspect the hospital room is also a redressed existing set, but I don’t know for sure. It’s quite simple regardless, and is clearly mostly using existing pieces (the bed and the chair). Mendez’s office is likewise set up with pretty standard preexisting TOS set dressing pieces, with the exception of some cut-outs outside the window standing in for the Starbase exterior.

Discounting any background extras we have five new characters: Commodore Mendez, Piper, Chief Humbolt (the computer room guy), Lt. Hansen, and Pike himself. Of these, only Mendez and Pike have much significant screen time. So, we can assume that hiring an extensive guest cast is probably not on the table here.

Most of the original cast from The Cage are probably not available. Pike we know is definitely out—Jeffrey Hunter wasn’t willing to come back after The Cage failed, and probably would have been too expensive to hire for two episodes anyway. Leonard Nimoy and Majel Barrett were, obviously, still working on TOS, so presumably we could incorporate past-Spock and Number One if we really needed to. Since Malachi Throne was also on hand for The Menagerie, we could record new dialogue for the Keeper (as The Menagerie did indeed do), but presumably no new footage (Throne voiced the Keeper, but they and all the other Talosians were portrayed onscreen by female actors). I don’t know if any of the other original cast could have been gotten back, but since they weren’t, let’s assume we can’t use them.

Let’s also assume that all of the sets, costumes, makeup, etc., from The Cage are inaccessible. In reality I’m sure at least something was still kicking around in storage somewhere, or was reused for TOS, but there’s no point in trying to figure out exactly what, so for simplicity’s sake we’ll say anything we might want to use from The Cage has to be recreated from scratch, and if it can’t be then we can’t use it.

Because the entire reason this is going on in the first place is because the effects work was making TOS run behind schedule, we can’t have much in the way of effects for The Menagerie, especially post-production effects. There’s a shot of the planet Starbase 11 is on, a matte painting for the Starbase 11 exterior, a couple uses of the transporter, Pike’s chair and makeup, some shots of the Enterprise and the shuttle flying around in space, and some things being shown on screens—and I think that’s more or less about it.

So. If I was told that I had to take The Cage and wrap it up as a TOS episode with the above restrictions in mind, here’s some things I would keep in mind:

If we look at this from a starting-from-scratch perspective, it seems to me that if you have an episode that you need to incorporate into your main show that has an almost entirely different cast, and one of the characters from your original episode, who has never once been seen or even referenced in your main show, is played by an actor that you can’t get back, the simplest thing to do is to not show that character. We don’t actually need Pike himself to be onscreen for The Menagerie. That he would be at least mentioned in some capacity, sure, but we do in fact have the opportunity to avoid putting some poor dude through five hours of makeup by simply having Pike remain offscreen. We'll probably wind up putting someone else through five hours of makeup, but we'll get to that in a bit.

For me at least, if the Talosians are going to re-appear, they either need to still be villains in some sense or we need to know that they have begun to change their behavior in some way. To have them simply show up again and be treated as friendly after everything that happened in The Cage, with absolutely no acknowledgment of the fact that they did do everything they did in The Cage...it just doesn’t make sense, and it’s much too distracting for me to get past.

Although I’ve set the rule that I’m not going to change The Cage itself, The Menagerie being a sequel to those events opens up the opportunity to follow up on the ending of The Cage in a different direction. In other words, I’m going to rescue Vina, because her fate in The Cage really, really bothers me.

Insisting on the preexisting footage being literally shown as a video in-universe has always felt pointlessly awkward to me. It’s so weird that the characters have to stop and go, “Hang on, what? Where’d this come from? This can’t possibly be security footage. Why does it have different camera angles?” to forestall the exact same questions the audience were probably having at that point. And, as I said above, there’s really not a good explanation as to why the footage did have to be shown in that manner. It seems to me that it would be much simpler to have the flashback footage be just that: a flashback. A story which is being recounted, but not literally shown, in-universe. By doing so you avoid having to open up a bunch of dead-end plot threads about why the footage looks the way it does and is being shown the way it does. I think we can give the audience at least enough credit to assume they’ll understand that if a character starts recounting an event, and the scene cuts to footage of that event, that footage is a representation of what the character is saying, not literally something being shown in-universe.

I’m not going to bother with the whole “going to Talos 4 warrants the death penalty!!” thing. It doesn’t make a great deal of sense to begin with, and it never actually pays off in The Menagerie. We can manage a better source of tension than that, I think.

All of this would ultimately take my version of The Menagerie in a pretty different direction than the actual episode, I admit. It's a rather drastic change, but, if I was tasked with writing a framing story for using The Cage in TOS, here's how I'd do it:

The Enterprise is out tooling around doing their usual business when Uhura picks up a distress call from a ship stranded in space. It’s very faint, distant, and there’s something odd about it, but of course they’re gonna follow up on it because that’s how they roll. So they head off in the direction of the call, but the funny thing is that as they get closer, Uhura says that the source of the distress call appears to be moving around. They follow it, send some hails, and finally get back a scratchy, staticky response: it’s coming from a ship that’s been heavily damaged, and the crew is no longer able to steer it, so it’s drifting erratically through space. Kirk has Uhura send a hail: “We’ve received your signal. Keep broadcasting it and we’ll find you.”

They keep following the ship. It’s difficult—the call is weak, and the Enterprise has to go carefully or risk overshooting it. After they’ve been chasing it for a while, Spock points out that they should be wary of entering a nearby star system, because it contains a planet all Federation ships are warned to avoid. Kirk, of course, doesn’t want to give up on the damaged ship, but Spock steps over to his chair and quietly says, “Captain...I should warn you that it may be the lesser of two evils to abandon this ship, rather than risk going too close to Talos 4.”

Kirk, of course, is stunned to hear Spock say this, and asks what makes Talos 4 so dangerous. Spock says it would take rather a long time to explain. Kirk says that Spock almost sounds like he’s familiar with the place, and Spock replies, “More than familiar, captain. I’ve been there before.”

[dramatic sting, cut to commercial]

Since it looks like the damaged ship will take a while to track down, Kirk has McCoy, Scotty and Spock convene in a briefing room to hear Spock’s story. Spock gives a short introduction: “What I am about to tell you, gentlemen, occurred as I said thirteen years ago, when the Enterprise was under the command of Captain Christopher Pike. I’ve pulled up the log entries of Captain Pike pertaining to this time to provide his own perspective on the matter, as it was he that had the closest encounter with the Talosians. At the time, the Enterprise had only recently escaped a disastrous encounter on Rigel 7 which had resulted in the deaths of three crewmen and injuries to several more, including myself. Some of the injuries were beyond the capacity of the ship’s doctors to treat, so we were en route to the Vega colony for treatment when we began receiving a distress signal...”

Spock’s voice-over fades out over a transition to the Cage footage. We watch that--perhaps interspersed with the occasional bit of narration from Spock, or a question from Kirk or McCoy or Scotty--until about the point where the landing party encounters the fake survivors' camp and Pike is captured by the Talosians. Then Spock is suddenly interrupted by Sulu calling Kirk to the bridge. Everyone hurries up to the bridge, where Uhura reports that the distress call has suddenly disappeared. Sulu says it's not just that: somehow, he doesn't understand how or why, his sensors are suddenly showing that they're not on the same course or even in the same place that they were only moments ago. Somehow, they've wound up in the Talos star system--and they're heading directly for Talos 4.

"It is just as I feared," Spock says gravely. "This has all been a trap."

Kirk orders Sulu to change course, and he tries—but somehow the ship doesn’t divert even a little. It’s like the helm just isn’t responding. Kirk does all the usual things, telling Scotty to do something, etc, nothing’s working, and then Uhura reports that they’re receiving a hail. And it appears to be coming from Talos IV.

Naturally Kirk tells her to put it on. The voice on the other end is staticky and faint. "Greetings. Is this...the Enterprise?"

"This is the Enterprise. I'm Captain James Kirk."

Silence for a moment. Then the voice on the other end, obviously surprised, says, "Captain Kirk? Not Captain Pike?"

"Captain Pike no longer commands this vessel."

There's a long pause. "I see. We were...in error. We apologize for the deception, Captain Kirk. It was important that we bring Captain Pike to this planet, but we feared that his...past experiences here...would leave him unwilling to come close enough to hear our message.”

“That would be a most logical decision for Captain Pike, were he here,” Spock says coldly. “Considering the nature of those experiences.”

“You speak as though you are familiar with what transpired here before, then.”

“I am First Officer Spock. I was present aboard the Enterprise as Science Officer during the events thirteen years ago.”

There’s an even longer pause. When the voice returns, the signal is even more crackly than ever. “Our apologies, this communication is...difficult to maintain. We must wait to deliver the message in full until you are...closer to our planet. However...until then...you may be assured, Spock...that this time...” [pause for more crackling] “This time...the intent of the Talosians...is peaceful.”

The signal cuts out, and Uhura can’t get it back. The ship appears to still be locked on course for Talos 4. With seemingly nothing else to do for the moment but wait, everyone goes back to the briefing room, where Spock continues recounting Pike’s story.

At some point, Spock has to pause so everyone can go take a break, and everyone else files out of the room while he remains behind for a moment, staring at the computer contemplatively. Then suddenly, we hear a voice saying, “Spock--” and Spock turns around in surprise. We can’t see exactly what he’s looking at, only a soft glow at the edge of the camera, and then the scene cuts away.

Kirk’s grabbing a nap in his quarters when he’s woken by an urgent message: they’re still some way from Talos 4, but the ship appears to have stopped moving all on its own. He hurries up to the bridge, where Sulu tells him that it seems like they’re having some kind of computer error with the helm, but they can’t track it down yet. In the middle of all this, Uhura whirls around and exclaims, “Sir! Shuttle bay reports Mr. Spock has knocked out the tech on duty and is boarding one of the shuttles!” Kirk yells for security to get down there, but they are, of course, too late: Spock rigged the shuttle bay doors to open automatically and flies out before they can stop him.

Stunned and confused, Kirk orders Uhura to raise the shuttle, which she does.

“Spock, are you out of your mind?!”

“Negative, captain. My reasoning is quite sound, though I regret I cannot explain it to you just yet.”

Kirk yells for the tractor beam to grab the shuttle, but Sulu can’t get the tractor beam to respond either.

“You need not be concerned, captain. I believe it is well within Mr. Scott’s abilities to repair the computer in due time.”

“You did this to the computer?”

“It was necessary. You will find the transporter similarly incapacitated. I could not risk you coming after me, or stopping me. Not yet.”

“Spock—do you know what you’re risking by doing this? You were the one who warned me not to go near Talos 4!”

“Yes, captain. And it is because I know what the Talosians are capable of that I am doing this. Either they are telling the truth, in which case there is no danger...or they are not, in which case it is better that I alone risk doing this.” A pause. “Jim...wait 24 hours for me. If I do not contact you by then...you must leave in all haste.”

“I’m not leaving you behind!”

“You must. 24 hours.” And with that, Spock ends the call. As Uhura’s trying fruitlessly to reestablish contact with him, she suddenly looks up and says, “Captain...we’re receiving a message from...Fleet Captain Pike?”

“What?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Well...put him on.”

So Uhura puts Pike on speaker, and Kirk says, “We’re, er, in the middle of a bit of a situation, sir...what can I do for you?”

“I might ask what I can do for you, captain. Mr. Spock left a message requesting that I contact you.”

Stunned pause for a moment. “He did what?” Kirk finally says.

“About an hour ago. I regret I wasn’t able to return his call earlier, but it’s the middle of the night here...Kirk, what’s this all about?”

Kirk sighs. “It’s a long story, captain, and I don’t entirely understand it myself. Uhura, patch this into the briefing room...it’ll take a while to tell.”

A little later, we see Kirk and McCoy sitting in the briefing room as Kirk finishes up explaining everything to Pike. “What do you make of that, captain?”

“I’m not sure what to make of it, Kirk. I can’t imagine why Spock would want to go to Talos 4. All Federation starships have been warned away from there ever since our encounter with them, and Spock’s well aware of that.”

“Yes...Captain, I confess I’m not familiar with the entire story of that encounter myself...Spock was telling us about it before he, er, left, but he hadn’t finished. Could you enlighten us about the rest of it? We do have your logs, of course, but you might have more information--”

“Yes, I see what you mean. I’m not sure I’ll be able to help, but I can at least tell you what I know...”

Pike continues telling the story where Spock left off. Around about the point where Pike and the others escape from the cell, there’s a call from the bridge reporting that their sensors show that the shuttle has landed on Talos 4. Frustrated, Kirk wonders once again just what Spock thinks he’s doing down there.

We then cut to a shot of what looks kind of like the barren landscape of Talos 4, only this time there seems to be a small surface settlement among the cliffs. Then we see Spock entering a small, plainly decorated room with windows looking out to the rest of the settlement. “I am here, as agreed,” he says, and then the camera turns to show us a figure wearing a robe and a hood sitting at a table in the middle of the room.

“Welcome, Mr. Spock," the figure says. "Won’t you sit down?”

Back aboard the ship, Pike finishes telling Kirk and McCoy the story.

“So...that’s all of it?” Kirk says.

“Yes. We left Talos 4 and never looked back. Never heard anything from the Talosians, either, but Starfleet marked the place as too dangerous to visit just in case.”

“Poor Vina,” McCoy murmurs.

Pike sighs. “Leaving her there is one my greatest regrets. She seemed determined to stay, but...Even put in a request to go back, once, but Starfleet wouldn’t allow it. Too risky. I often wonder what happened to her. If she was really happy with them after all. But, as you may have gathered, Kirk, none of this explains just what the devil Spock thinks he’s doing--”

He’s interrupted by a call from Uhura: “Captain—message coming from Mr. Spock!”

“Put him on! Spock, what’s going on? Are you alright?”

“Quite well, captain. Has Captain Pike contacted the ship yet?”

“I’m on the line right now,” Pike says. “Spock, what do you think you’re playing at?”

“Ah, captain. I have someone here who wishes to speak to you.”

We then cut back to Spock sitting at the table with the figure, who takes his communicator and says, “Hello...captain.”

Pike is too stunned to speak for a moment. “Vina...? Is that you?”

“The very same. I’ve missed you.”

“I don’t understand. What’s going on?”

Between them, Spock and Vina explain just what is going on. There's been a change in Talosian society since the Enterprise left. Not all of the Talosians agreed with the plan to breed a slave race to begin with—others felt that they could, and should, attempt to reclaim the surface themselves. The incident with Captain Pike brought matters to a head, and a rebellion erupted shortly afterward. Once in power, the new leaders dedicated their efforts to repairing their ancestors’ machines and establishing a colony on the surface.

The reason the Enterprise was lured back to Talos 4 was Vina: she's had medical problems as a result of the crash and the botched surgery, and it's been getting worse for years, to the point that she likely won't live much longer if she doesn't get proper treatment. The new Talosian leaders wanted to make up for what their predecessors had done and gave her the best care they could, but simply didn't have the human medical knowledge to fix the problem. So Vina asked if they could help her get home, instead. The Talosians were concerned, however, that the Federation wouldn't believe a genuine call for help, given their history, so they hatched the plan to lure the Enterprise, and Pike with it, back to Talos 4. They've been waiting for quite a while, listening to subspace chatter, hoping the Enterprise would come near. Once it did, they put out the illusion of the damaged ship to bring the Enterprise close enough that they could maintain an illusion over the helm controls, making sure the helmsmen were not altering their course as they thought they were.

When they discovered that Pike was no longer aboard the Enterprise, they instead sent a telepathic message to Spock, hoping that his own experience with the Talosians would make him see the difference between their current society and the old one, and thus be more likely to believe them. They had to wait until the ship got close to Talos 4, because the new society of Talosians have been deliberately letting their psychic powers weaken, attempting to break the addiction to illusion that was holding them back from reclaiming the surface. They were able to keep up the illusion of the damaged ship for a while, but couldn't manage that and the illusion on the helm and extended contact with the Enterprise at the same time, making the whole thing very nearly fall apart at one point.

Kirk demands to know why Spock ran off on his own, and Spock explains that while he found the Talosians' message plausible, a risk remained that this was all an elaborate set-up. They might have been attempting another pass at the plan that failed thirteen years ago. If that was the case, Spock would be the least risky member of the crew to make contact with them, since as a non-human he wouldn't be suitable for their plans. Since he knew Kirk would never agree to that, he took the shuttle and hacked the ship's computers to ensure that they wouldn't be able to follow him, at least for a while. He now feels confident that this is not a trap, though, as the Talosians' powers have weakened enough that his own mental defenses are strong enough to mostly see through them.

So Vina accompanies Spock back to the shuttlecraft, and they fly back to the ship. Vina's taken to Sickbay while Kirk confronts Spock about stealing the shuttlecraft. Spock says he'll accept all punishment, but felt he had to do it--he saw what almost happened to Pike on Talos 4, and couldn't risk the same fate happening to Kirk. But he also felt he owed it to Pike to investigate Vina's story, and help her return if that was truly what she wanted. Kirk lets the whole matter go, because of course he does, telling Spock not to try that shit again because he can't lose his best officer and all that.

Kirk and Spock go to visit Sickbay, where McCoy reports that with proper Federation medical care Vina's prognosis is good. Kirk wants to talk to her, but McCoy tells him to wait because she's got another visitor. Kirk glances around the doorway and sees Vina sitting up in bed looking at a video monitor, from which Pike's voice is coming. Kirk smiles and says he'll come back later.

Everyone goes back to the bridge, and with the computer damage now fixed, they're preparing to leave, when Uhura reports that there's a call coming from Talos 4. Kirk has a short conversation with the Talosian on the other end, who is glad to hear that Vina will be alright. They also ask that Kirk relay a message to Pike, extending their apologies for what he went through, which Kirk assures them he will. He then adds that the Federation would likely be willing to open trade negotiations with the new Talosian government, and the Talosian says they may take them up on that. And with that, the ship flies off.

Most of this story would only require the existing Enterprise sets, and potentially some brief shots of the shuttle interior. The only new locations needed would be the Talosian settlement exterior, which could be a matte painting, and the inside of the building where Spock meets Vina, which wouldn't require much dressing. The only non-main-cast characters would be Pike, Vina, and the Talosian that contacts the Enterprise. The Talosian is a voice-only role. Pike is also a voice-only role, and would require someone who can approximate Jeffrey Hunter's voice, but it's a lot easier to find a sound-alike than someone who's a sound-alike and a look-alike--plus Pike would be thirteen years older than in The Cage, which allows some leeway. I don't know if Susan Oliver would have been willing/able to come back to play Vina, but if she wasn't, a hood, wig, careful camera shots and some old-age makeup would probably serve well enough to disguise another actress. The only special effect needed is a bit of glowiness for the Talosian that appears to Spock just out of frame.

As for the fate of Pike himself, I don't want to erase a disabled character, but I also don't really feel that Pike's appearance in The Menagerie does any justice to him as a disabled character. Did Gene always envision that kind of fate for him or did he simply seize upon it as a plot device in a desperate moment? I don't know, so in the end I decided to leave it more or less open. There would be considerable leeway for multiple options that would still allow him to serve the same role in this episode: he could be commanding another ship, he could retired and settled down somewhere, he could have suffered an accident as he did in canon and spend this entire episode talking through a voice synthesizer. Imagine whatever one feels most suitable to you.

This is only my own take on the story. I know it would have considerable repercussions to later Star Trek canon and I'm not going to make the claim that those repercussions themselves would be better than what actually happened. It's certainly a more hopeful ending than The Menagerie, on the whole, which may not be everyone's cup of tea. But it was an interesting exercise.

[perspective-series]

Kingdom Perspective (7)

By: @arc852 and @hiddendreamer67

Warnings: Fear, panic, kidnapping, keeping/treating people like pets, threats, and unwanted touching/grabbing

First Chapter || Previous Chapter || Next Chapter

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 Roman woke up the next morning, a little later than usual as the events from the night before had been a bit draining. He stretched as he sat up and looked over at Virgil, remembering they had plans to have lunch with Logan and Patton. Smiling, Roman started humming to himself as he went to go get ready for the day.

 He was still humming as he came out, smoothing out his tunic as he came over to Virgil’s cage. He bit his lip in thought for a moment before deciding to just pick the cage up with Virgil still asleep, bringing it over to place it back on the desk. Only then, did he try to wake Virgil up. “Virgil?”

“Five more minutes.” Virgil moaned, pulling his blanket closer.

 Roman rolled his eyes but allowed Virgil the few extra minutes as he silently made his way to get breakfast. When he came back, he figured enough time had passed. He placed the plate of food onto the desk. “Alright Virgil, it’s been five minutes.” He said with a smirk.

“...ten more minutes.” Virgil pressed his face into his makeshift pillow.

 Roman shook his head. “Nope, time to get up! We’ve got a busy day ahead of us!” He opened the cage door and tugged the blanket off of Virgil. Not only did they have the playdate today but Roman also wanted to go to the tailor. To fix the clothes that didn’t fit Virgil.

“No thanks.” Virgil insisted, tugging the blanket back over himself.

 Roman huffed and tugged the blanket off of him again, this time taking it out of the cage so Virgil couldn’t get to it.

“Hey!” Virgil protested, finally sitting up. “I was using that.”

 “Not anymore,” Roman said, setting the blanket off to the side and moving some food onto Virgil’s plate. “I said it was time to wake up. Here.” Roman set the plate in Virgil’s cage. Today breakfast was an omelet filled with cheese, meat, and veggies.

“How the heck am I supposed to eat this?” Virgil looked at the messy meal before him that was certainly far from finger food.

 Roman looked from Virgil to the food. He shrugged. “Just use your hands like normal. It’s fine.” Roman took a bite of his portion after he said this.

“I’m not an animal.” Virgil deadpanned. “That’ll be a huge mess! You’re using silverware, don’t you have some human silverware around here somewhere?”

 Roman paused. “Uhh, no actually. We don’t.” He hadn’t even thought to get some. “But, uh, it’s fine! Here, look, I’ll show you.” Roman put his silverware down and with slight hesitation picked up a piece of omelet between his fingers and popped it into his mouth. It was a little messy, sure, but it worked.

“That’s just one piece.” Virgil goaded him on. “I’ve got a whole mess of an omelet here. C’mon, prove it. Grab the whole thing and prove to me how exactly you expected me to do this.”

 Roman glared down at the human but he was not one to back out of a challenge. And Virgil’s words definitely sounded like a challenge to him. Without another word, Roman grabbed the entire omelet and started to eat it. Several pieces of the stuffing fell off and into his lap but Roman ignored it as he finished up his omelet. He wiped his mouth and hands off with his napkin and smiled smugly at Virgil.

 “That is how I expect you to eat it.”

Virgil was dumbstruck for a moment before he burst out laughing. “Oh my god I did not expect you to go through with that, you looked like an idiot!”

 Roman gasped in offence, placing a hand over his heart for the extra dramatics. “Rude!” Roman exclaimed. He huffed and pouted, crossing his arms. Though he didn’t want to admit it, he probably had looked like an idiot. “But I did prove that you can do it, so now it’s your turn.” He smirked.

Virgil wanted to insist he wasn’t hungry, but the growling of his stomach said otherwise. “Fine.” Moments before grabbing the food he paused, realizing that it would suck for his hoodie to get dirty and Roman to insist it get washed again. Virgil took it off, tying it around his waist instead. 

Wanting to get this over with and feeling exposed in just his t-shirt, Virgil took up the food and tried not to make as much of a mess of himself.

 Roman couldn’t help but grin as he watched Virgil eat the food. Okay, yeah, if Virgil looked like that while eating the omelet than Roman definitely looked like an idiot while eating one. He had to admit, it was pretty funny looking. But he kept his laughs to himself.

“Alright, there.” Virgil ate less than he could have, not liking the way Roman was just watching him the whole time. Virgil took a step back, looking down at his hands. “You got a napkin or something?” Virgil would use those hoodies, but something told him that wouldn’t be such a good idea.

 Roman chuckled and ripped a corner of the napkin to give to Virgil. “There you are.”

Virgil took it, wiping his hands off. Then he put the napkin on his plate, and put his hoodie back on properly.

 Roman grabbed the dirty dishes and put them with his own. He then turned back to Virgil. “Well, we have some time before we have to meet with Logan and Patton.” Roman said. He thought for a moment on what they could do before then, when he remembered something Logan had said before. If he wanted to bond with Virgil, they needed to do an activity that Virgil liked. And since Roman wasn’t sure what that was, he decided to ask.

 “What would you like to do before then?” He asked with a small smile.

“...I think I’ve made it pretty clear what I’d like to do.” Virgil raised an eyebrow.

 “Besides that.” Roman rolled his eyes. “Like, a fun activity we can do or a game or something. Just to pass the time.”

“Oh! Here’s a fun idea!” Virgil snapped his fingers. “Let’s play the ‘send the human home’ game.”

 Roman groaned. “Come on, Virgil! There has to be something you want to do, other than that.” Roman leaned against his elbows on the desk. “I mean, I’m a prince. If you have a game or activity in mind I can get the supplies we need for it in a snap.”

“I get it, you think you’re a big deal.” Virgil rolled his eyes. “Well newsflash, I’m not exactly thrilled at the idea of playing board games with my captor.”

 Roman ignored that last part. “Well, we need to pass the time somehow.” Roman huffed. “What about something like...chess? Chess is fun.”

“Chess is for nerds.” Virgil countered. “Why don’t you just go do your own thing again and leave me alone?”

 Roman gasped. “Chess is a game of strategy. It’s not for ‘nerds’.” Roman put the word in quotes, because while he knew Virgil was insulting him, he wasn’t quite sure what the word meant. 

 Roman stood up. “That’s it. I have to show you how great chess is now.” Roman walked over to a lower shelf in his room and pulled out his game of chess. He brought it back with a smile. “I’m guessing you want to be black?” Roman asked as he started to set it up.-

Virgil paused, watching Roman pull out what was, to him, a life-sized chess set. Virgil knew how to play chess as his brother had taught him back when they were kids, but it had been a long time since Virgil played a match.

“I already know chess, I just don’t want to play.” Virgil stubbornly leaned back against the far most bars of his cage, crossing his arms.

 “Come on now, it’ll be fun.” When Roman was satisfied with the set up, Roman grabbed Virgil out of the cage and set him on the other side of the board. Since he was white, he made his move first and then looked at Virgil expectantly. “Your turn!”

“I think you and I once again have different definitions of fun.” Virgil huffed. “I mean, how do you even expect me to play? These pieces are like as big as me.”

 “They aren’t that heavy. Just push them.” Roman said. “Or, if you really can’t move them, just tell me where you want them to go.”

“Uuuuugh.” Virgil let out a groan, hating to do things. He glanced at the board, wondering how long Roman would make him do this.

 “Just one game, and then we can stop. I’ll even leave you alone for the rest of the time before we have to go.” Roman promised.

Virgil paused, having taken into account the move Roman had made. It was just a simple pawn move, but if Roman were truly that stupid….well, Virgil’s luck might just be turning around. 

“One game.” Virgil hid his smirk, climbing up into the center of the board. “Then we’re done.” He held out his hand for a shake to make it official.

 Roman grinned, glad he had finally gotten through to the human. He shook Virgil’s hand. “Deal.”

Virgil went over, surveying the line pawns to make sure he grabbed the right one. Each one stood up to Virgil’s chest, and it was with a strained grunt he pushed it forwards one space. 

 Roman grinned as he watched Virgil, not paying much attention as he moved another pawn.

Virgil’s smirk grew, eyes widening at his dumb luck. He couldn’t believe Roman was actually this stupid. He strolled over to the square H-4, tapping with his foot. “Roman, could you be a dear and move my Queen here?” After all, it’d be near impossible for Virgil to move the larger pieces himself.

 Roman frowned. “Uh, sure?” It wasn’t until he actually moved Virgil’s queen that he realized what had happened. “...no way.”

“Check. Mate.” Virgil’s grin was equivalent to that of a shark. “Fastest possible win in chess, only two moves. You have to be playing black and your opponent has to be an idiot.” His brother had tricked him with it once, and Virgil was certainly happy to pay the favor forward.

 “But-I-that’s…” Roman stuttered, looking from the board to Virgil. “That’s not fair!” He pouted. 

“Life’s not fair.” Virgil was reminded of that fact every day he spent trapped in this world. He hopped off the board, shoving his hands into his hoodie pocket. “Face it Princey, you lost. No rematches, we shook on it.”

 Roman groaned but Virgil did have a point. “Fine.” Roman said, admitting his defeat. “I’ll leave you alone then until it’s time to go.” Roman scooped Virgil up and put him back in the cage, closing and locking it.

 “I’ll be back in a couple of hours.” Roman said, before heading down to the training area to get some exercise in.

Virgil’s victory smirk faded only slightly when he was put back in the cage. He sighed, pulling up his hoodie and going back to try and get a few more hours of rest. While he was asleep it was easy to forget everything that was happening.

At least chess was alright.

***

 When Roman came back a couple hours later, like he had said, he found Virgil asleep. “Seriously Virgil?” It was almost noon.

“I need my beauty sleep.” Virgil insisted, tiredly rubbing his eyes.

 Roman snorted at that but didn’t otherwise comment on it. “Well, are you ready? Cause it’s time to go.” Roman opened the cage door.

“Go?” Virgil frowned, still waking up. “Go where?”

 “Um, to the playdate?” Roman raised and an eyebrow and smiled a little. “You’re going to meet Patton today, remember?”

“Who’s Patton?” Virgil muttered to himself, eyes widening as it all came back to him. “Oh! Patton. Right.”

 Roman chuckled. “Man, you are really out of it.” Roman reached in and picked Virgil up before letting him sit in his open palm against his chest. “Are you excited? Because I’m excited.” It’ll be adorable seeing the two humans interacting with each other, he was sure.

“I mean, I guess I’m excited.” Virgil shrugged. More so he was curious. He had a lot of questions about Patton, but he’d rather ask the human directly than try and get Roman to tell him. “More like...interested? Nervous? I dunno.”

 Roman hummed as he walked through the empty halls. “I guess that makes sense.” He smiled down at Virgil. “It’ll be great though! You’ll see.” 

 They came across Logan’s door and just like all the other times, he didn’t bother to knock as he just walked in. “We have arrived!” He exclaimed, throwing his free hand in the air for a dramatic entrance.

Unlike before, this time Logan was ready and waiting for him. “So I’ve gathered.” Logan smirked, waving him over to a table in the corner set for lunch. A large display of food was waiting.

Patton turned at the sound of Roman and couldn’t help but smile as he saw the other human in the giant’s hand. He was so excited to meet this human. To interact with someone his own size for the first time in a year. 

Roman grinned at his brother and rolled his eyes as he saw that Logan had everything already prepared. He went over to the table and set Virgil down. His eyes landing on Patton as he started to walk closer. He grinned. “Patton! This is Virgil! Virgil. Patton!” He introduced them.

 “Um...hi.”  Virgil waved awkwardly, now able to actually talk to the guy. 

 Patton grinned as he came closer until he was standing right in front of Virgil. “Hello! It’s...It’s nice to finally meet you.”

 Roman couldn’t help to ‘aww’ at the sight of the two humans.

“Yeah, it’s nice to meet you too.” Virgil dropped his voice to a whisper. “This is...so weird.” He chuckled, referring to the two giants hovering over them.

 Patton chuckled as well, shrugging. “Heh, you get used to it.” 

Virgil didn’t ever want to get used to it. 

“Virgil,” Logan tried out the name, making the human jump. “Is that your name, or a given name?”

Virgil winced, not really eager to talk to another Giant. “It’s...my name.” Virgil answered, glancing only briefly at Logan. 

“Well it’s a pleasure to formally meet you Virgil.” Logan considered sticking out his hand, but thought better of it after remembering the human’s lack of training. “My name is Prince Logan.”

“...uh huh.” Virgil gave him a terse nod.

 Roman nudged his brother. “Aww, come on. You don’t have to be so formal. It’s just Virgil.” Roman chuckled. 

 Patton glanced up at the giants before turning back to Virgil. “How are you doing? I know last night got a little...rough.”

“Yeah, no, I’m fine.” Virgil rubbed his arm. “You...you didn’t have to do that, you know.”

 “Oh, I know. But I just couldn’t leave you like that.” Patton sighed. “I’m just sorry it didn’t work.” Patton wished he could have done more.

“No, it’s fine.” Virgil shook his head. “Don’t beat yourself up about it.”

Virgil looked at Patton, all of his questions bubbling to the surface. Now Virgil was almost afraid to get answers. “Patton...how long have you been here, anyways?”

“13 months.” Logan answered for him.

“I didn’t ask you.” Virgil hissed, glaring up at the giant. Logan’s eyes widened in surprise. 

 Roman frowned at Virgil. “Virgil. Be nice.”

 Patton shifted a little. “Um, Logan’s right. It’s been just a little over a year now.” Patton said, almost not believing his own words. It had been so long, to the point he had trouble remembering his old life.

“Over...over a year?” Virgil’s mouth felt dry as he repeated what Patton had said. Over a year. A whole year’s worth of life, wasting away as Roman’s plaything. Virgil’s stomach became a twisted knot at the thought.

“Perhaps we should actually start lunch.” Logan suggested, noticing the tone was getting tense. He reached for one of the sandwiches himself, knowing he had limited time to socialize before returning to his studies.

 “Brilliant idea!” Roman exclaimed, grabbing a sandwich for himself as well. He turned to the humans. “You two can grab whatever you like.” He said pointed towards the many plates of food.

 Patton nodded and that was all the permission he needed to start heading over to pick and choose what he wanted. “Come on Virgil!” He motioned for the other human to follow him.

“I’m not very hungry.” Virgil admitted, having lost most of his appetite, but he followed just the same.

 As the humans went off to get some food, Roman leaned towards Logan. “Hey, Lo. Uh, mind if I ask you a few things? About human care and stuff?”

“By all means, ask me anything.” Logan nodded, always eager to teach.

 As the giants began to talk to one another, Patton lead Virgil in between the dishes. At this spot the giants were out of sight and Patton hummed thoughtfully as he looked at all the options.

“You’ve really been here a whole year?” Virgil repeated, keeping his voice down so the Giants wouldn’t overhear.

 Patton paused before nodding slowly. “Um, yeah. I guess so.” He let out a small humorless chuckle. “It’s been so long, I can barely remember what our world is actually like.”

“Man you’re bumming me out.” Virgil’s face contorted into a grimace. “I mean, what, these guys really expect us to live the rest of our lives as some sort of pets and be happy about it? That’s insane!”

 “Yeah…” Patton trailed off. “But, I mean, it’s not so bad. Logan is really nice and Roman seems to be learning. You-You just have to give it time and then it’ll be okay.” Patton sent Virgil a small smile, turning away to grab a bit of a sandwich.

“Patton…are you sure you’re okay?” Virgil looked at his fellow human intently.

 “I-I’m okay. It’s just-I’m not used to another human being here. I’ve been the only one this whole time.” Patton admitted.

“That’s terrible!” Virgil said earnestly. “You must have been so miserable. Haven’t you ever tried to do anything about it? Tried to escape?”

 Patton’s eyes widened. “No! I-Do you know how much trouble I would be in if I tried something like that?” Patton shook his head, not even wanting to think about it. “No, no it wouldn’t be good. Besides, I...I like being with Logan and I wouldn’t want to end up with someone else if I tried to escape…” Patton trailed off, looking away from Virgil as he took a bite of his food.

“How can you possibly like this?” Virgil asked incredulously. “He parades you around, he keeps you in a cage. You’re not even a person anymore, you’re just a- a lapdog that can talk!”

 Patton wanted to argue but he knew Virgil was right. “I know...but Logan takes care of me and if it weren’t for him I don’t know where I would be.”

“You could be home.” Virgil insisted. “Don’t you have people back there who have been missing you? A family or something?”

 Patton looked at Virgil for a moment before lowering his head. “...No...I don’t.” 

“...oh.” Virgil winced, embarrassed. “Sorry.”

 “It’s okay, you didn’t know.” Patton said, biting his lip. “Do...you have anyone missing you?” Patton asked tentatively. 

Virgil shifted on his feet. “I mean, I had classmates.” Virgil shrugged pathetically. “They...they might have noticed.” They wouldn’t care though.

 “I’m sorry.” Patton said, sensing Virgil’s sadness. “Maybe...Maybe we were meant to come here. So we wouldn’t be alone anymore!” Patton tried, smiling a little.

“What? No!” Virgil shook his head. “It probably just made us easy targets. You’ve gotta snap out of this thinking, Patton. It’s dangerous. Do you even want to go back?”

 “Yes! I mean, well, I-I think I do?” He sent a glance in Logan’s direction, despite being unable to see him. “M-Maybe?”

“Patton.” Virgil grabbed Patton by the shoulders, turning him back to face him. “You and I can escape this. Together. We can go back to Earth and have each other instead of depending on some giant creep for companionship.”

 Patton had to admit, that did sound nice. “H-How though?” The giants were almost always around and when they weren’t, they were put into a cage.

“You’ve been around for ages, you must know something.” Virgil bit his lip. “Or, does Logan, like, trust you? Maybe you can ask him some questions, figure a way out of here. Discreetly, obviously.”

 Patton fidgeted with his cat hoodie around his shoulders. One of the only things he had on him when he came to this world. “I...I can try?” It was true that Logan did seem to trust him. Getting information could be fairly simple for Patton.

“Great.” Virgil breathed a sigh of relief, glad to have Patton on his side. “I believe in you, I know you can do it.” Virgil wasn’t actually sure if this would work, he’d hardly known Patton an hour, but at this point it was looking like Patton was his only shot.

 “I hope I can.” Patton said quietly. “Now you should probably eat something, kiddo.”

“...Sure thing.” Virgil took up his own bit of sandwich staring at it thoughtfully. “But Pat?”

 Patton blinked. “Uh, yeah?”

“If we really get the chance to do this, we’re gonna have to run.” Virgil took an angry bite. “No hesitation, no looking back, nothing. Got it? Think you can handle that?”

 “I-I...Y-Yeah.” Patton said, despite being incredibly unsure of himself. He took another bite of his sandwich.

“Good.” Virgil nodded. “I’m counting on you.”

“Wait a moment.” Logan cut his brother off, noticing the humans had been gone for a while. “Patton?”

 Patton perked up and immediately headed out from behind the dishes and towards Logan. “Right here!”

“Ah, there you are.” Logan smiled, giving him a pat on the head.

Virgil cringed, watching the scene from afar. Perhaps this might be harder than he thought; Logan seemed to have Patton whipped into shape.

 Roman watched this with a smile before looking around for Virgil. “Virgil? Are you there?”

“Where would I have gone?” Virgil pointed out, but he begrudgingly came back all the same.

 “Just making sure.” Roman chuckled before turning back to Logan. “Anyway, thanks for answering my questions. That should really help me out.” 

“Questions? What questions?” Virgil glanced between the giants, paranoid as to what they might be planning behind his back. He had been tuning the princes out completely while instructing Patton.

 “Oh just a few questions on how Logan took care of Patton and whatnot.” Roman answered with a shrug. 

 Patton blinked and looked up at Logan, wondering what kind of answers he had given.

Virgil glared up at Logan, but the prince just calmly took a sip of his tea.

“Well, this has been pleasant,” Logan announced, finally setting down his cup. “But I really must return to my studies.”

 Roman huffed. “Already? It seems like you’re always studying nowadays.”

 Patton couldn’t help but agree. More often than not, Logan was studying. Even Patton thought it was a bit too much sometimes.

“Father’s due to leave the throne within the year.” Logan explained. “He’s becoming senile. My advisors suggested I be prepared, so I’m studying while I still have time to myself.”

Virgil looked Logan up and down. He was going to be king? Really?

 “Ugh, fine. I guess we’ll see you later then. There are some things I need to do as well, I suppose.” Roman turned to the two humans, giving them a grin. “You two say goodbye now, alright?”

 Patton nodded and moved a little away from Logan to be next to Virgil. “It was nice to meet you!”

“See you later, Pat.” Virgil nodded, giving Patton one last knowing look.

 Patton bit his lip but gave a subtle nod. 

 Roman grinned. “You two are just so cute.” He scooped Virgil up into his hand, holding him close to his chest. “Welp, I’ll leave you to your studying. But we definitely have to do this again. The humans really seemed to enjoy it.” Roman rubbed Virgil’s back with a knuckle.

“Don’t do that.” Virgil leaned away from the touch, glaring up at Roman.

Logan watched the two of them with a raised eyebrow, noticing Virgil’s unease. “Best of luck.”

 “Bye!” Patton said with a wave as Roman sent a wave back and left Logan’s room.

[mtvswatches]

Jane the Virgin 3x03 Chapter Forty-Seven

Click here for previous recaps!

Stray thoughts

1) I really hope this is not another bait...

There’s so much buildup that I wonder if this is going to be disappointing. Or if it will even happen at all…

Well, we’re back to where they got the go-ahead from the doctor, but...

2) People keep interrupting them, and I just wonder why Jane won’t just be open about it and tell her mom, dad, and grandma that they want some privacy to finally get laid!

3) “If you weren’t a singer, what would you be?”

It’s an interesting question indeed, considering she’s not really a singer and she hasn’t done much with her life so far. It’s a weird question to be asking yourself when you’re pushing forty, right? But I guess Xiomara always followed her impulse and that’s how she led her life, there wasn’t really much time to think about what she wanted to do. I’m kind of curious to see where they go with this.

4) New character, I guess?

So, this is Cecilia, Alba’s sister and the one responsible for telling everyone Alba wasn’t a virgin on her wedding day.

5) Oh, thank god!

I found the whole “You and I finishing at the same time” comment… odd? And tbh, Jane doesn’t look very satisfied. But at least she got it over with! Of course, he fell asleep right after, and it doesn’t feel as magical as she’d expected, I guess. But I mean, why should it? Expectations about the first time having sex should be very low, but culturally women are raised to make this huge deal of their “first time” and “losing their virginity”, and it’s very difficult to shed those expectations, right?

6) OMG she’s sending a sex tape of her first time with her husband to her advisor!

But… the most important question is, is she going to watch that video? Will Michael and Jane watch it? Will they do a play-by-play analysis? Will he notice that she didn’t really come?

7) “It was actually my first time” “Oh, that explains things…”

Well, the advisor (I’m sorry, can’t remember her name!) made it out to look like she was talking about her writing – which she might well have been – and how it was lacking something. I think I’ve actually mentioned this before, but It’s kind of odd for Jane to be a romance writer and to be writing sex scenes without actually having experienced sex herself. The advisor makes a good point – romance without sex is just fantasy. And I’m not saying that you can’t have romance if you’re asexual. But that’s not the type of stories Jane is writing or the audience she’s writing for. Anyway, I think the advisor was actually talking about her performance in the tape and not her writing. Or maybe both.

8) I knew it.

And of course, her friend tells her NOT TO TELL MICHAEL, and I’m like, huh? I just wish this would stop being a storyline? Both the faking and the not-talking to your partner about your feelings regarding the sexual experiences you share with them. Not having an orgasm is just part of the sexual experience and there’s nothing wrong with it, and sex can still be enjoyable even when you don’t have an orgasm. So let’s see where they take this storyline. I’m guessing Michael is going to be super supportive, and will try to make it up to her.

9) Why is this still a thing in this show? We get it, Luisa is a fucking moron, and she makes terrible decisions. I wish there was more to her character than that.

10) And I know that we crave representation for LGBTQ+, but… Rose is a fucking psycho? And this is almost a textbook abusive relationship? She’s literally kidnapped Luisa, isolated her, and keeps telling her how she’s alone and Rose is the only one there for her. (and I’m not even touching on the whole murderer/drug lord thing because that’s just part of the zaniness of this show.)

11) Okay, Xiomara is considering moving on from singing, but move on to what?

12) I genuinely laughed at this.

13) Okay, I liked this joke.

JANE: What’s the CW? Like a streaming thing? ROGELIO: No, no! It’s a huge network! Look it up! Amazing shows! Fabulous line-ups! 

Anyway, Jane is very intent on manipulating her mom into finding her passion for singing again, and I don’t know how I feel about this. Yes, Xiomara loves singing, but what is wrong with giving up? She hasn’t really made it, and there are other things she might be passionate about that she hasn’t figured out yet because she’s been pursuing her “singing career.” I know Jane is trying to be supportive, but if she truly were, she would just try to help her mom to find what other avenues she can pursue instead of tormenting her with her unfulfilled dreams. It just feels like another thing Jane does because it’s what she wants rather than being selfless and thinking of others.

14) See? This is why you should be honest with your partner about your orgasms or lack thereof…

At least it led to an honest conversation. Which led to this…

15) I’m loving this Cecilia character. I kind of wish she was the leading lady, actually. She’s so fun, even if she’s a figment of Jane’s imagination!

16) Rogelio is selling his show to the CW, but Rob Lowe will be the leading man, not him. I see how this could easily lead to an existential crisis for Rogelio, but I have so much faith in him, he’ll probably take it in stride and turn into a bigshot Hollywood producer.

17) Hm. Day two and Jane is already trying to spice up their sex life? This doesn’t bode well. And Michael is telling her not to discuss their glitch with anyone to protect his fragile ego? Because he tells her she can say they had sex, but that she shouldn’t mention how it wasn’t good? Double hm. And now Jane is with Xiomara, someone who could actually help her get out of her head and understand what she’s going through, but she keeps her mouth shut because Michael’s ego is more important.

18) And then she finds this…

I hope this sets her straight.

19) So… instead of getting on board with Xiomara wanting to move on after finding the list, Jane and Rogelio continue to plot to get her “back on track.” But why?

20) For a second, I thought Rafael had truly sent a caring, loving email to his sister, but it seems to be a ploy to get her to reply and reveal her location. Considering she’s a moron, she’ll probably fall for it, but it’s kind of sad? When she was reading the email, I was hoping it would be her wake-up call (if the fact that she literally jumped and gasped when Rose walked into her room wasn’t already a warning sign…) and that she would try and leave this toxic relationship. But if she’s being lured by false declarations of brotherly love… I don’t know, it feels wrong. Yes, she’s a fucking moron, but what makes her a moron is that she’s constantly looking for love and affection. That’s always her downfall.

21) Now, that is a cameo…

Loved the fan bit! 

22) So… Rogelio got freaking Gloria Estefan to help Xiomara, but it never occurred to him that it might have the opposite effect. Because Xiomara has seen Gloria and Emilio casually sitting there and watching her show and she’s freaking out.

You bow to royalty. 

23)  So… Lina Has just offered to help Michael and Jane and demanded a play by play, and Michael remembered the sex tape. He’s not going to show it to Lina, though, right? He’s just going to watch it and figure out what went wrong.

24) Oh, no she didn’t!

Why is she so intent on convincing Xiomara to continue pursuing a career that hasn’t really worked out for her? She hasn’t made it, and it doesn’t look like she will anytime soon, and that’s OKAY! What’s wrong with wanting to try other things? What if she’s really talented at something else and she’s missing the opportunity to shine because she’s stubbornly fixated on being a singer? And why does it matter so much to Jane? Why does she need to control everything and everyone’s lives?

25) So… this whole obsession with Xiomara’s career is because… Jane gave up her virginity? Huh? That doesn’t make sense? How is Xiomara’s singing career a metaphor for Jane’s virginity? I’m just confused! The show is usually very good at pulling off this type of parallelism and metaphors, but this time it just didn’t work for me.

26) See? Xiomara had the right answer all along:

“With sex, it can take time to find your groove and figure out what you like, what you need. You’re just starting out. You’ll get there.”

27) So… they end up watching their own sex tape, and finally have satisfying intercourse, I guess. I kind of wish this storyline hadn’t been resolved in an episode, though, it doesn’t feel realistic.

28) So, that was the reason for the riff between Alba and her sister Cecilia…

29) Why am I always so much more invested in Rogelio’s storylines?

He apologized for the way he broke-up with her, and then they decided to embrace their artistic connection. And now he has six months to become famous in America so that he can be the lead of his own show in the CW hahaha! I feel this storyline will be lots of fun.

30) Look what the cat dragged in…

…a moron thirsty for love.

31) So… I guess Rose lied about the whole “I’m not a criminal anymore” thing. Shocker.

Rafael’s mom was on her kill list, before she even killed her. And Muter died holding a bible and clamoring for her son. I guess this will be Rafael’s storyline, then.

32) To be honest, I wasn’t a fan of this episode. Usually, the plot A and plot B are connected in a way that makes sense, and this week, it felt a bit far-fetched to have Jane obsess over Xiomara’s singing career because she had let go of her virginity. I don’t know, what are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments!

33)  Hope you enjoyed my recap, and, as usual, if you’ve got this far, thank you for reading! If you enjoy my recaps and my blog, please consider supporting it on ko-fi. Thanks!

[willows-adventures-in-words]

Now that October is over I’m gonna share my thoughts on my prompts from the month. I guess this could be considered a director's cut of sorts. So if anyone is interested in that sort of thing it’ll be under a read more since I have 16 prompts so it’ll be long.

The Whumptober prompt from day 1. I can't remember if I wrote this one first or if I wrote the other day one prompt first. But this one was interesting since it's the start of a new au. (Honestly, I need to stop making more.) As well as a honest attempt at writing a zombie apocalypse type story. I took some reference points from the game 7 Days to Die, hence the au title. But in regards to the prompt, it was the set up for the other day one prompt since I knew what I was doing for the other one already. I had to get Chase and Anti to meet and become travel buddies. But for that to happen Chase had to suffer a little. He had to lose what he had otherwise he wouldn't end up traveling with Anti. It was interesting to write. With Chase's regret and attempted suicide... Obviously, I knew he wasn't going to die but it still hurt to write it. And his little voice of doubt. Also, I can't help but like the quote, “She was my wife, you insensitive fuck.” a little more than I should.

The Egoshiptober prompt, as I said I knew what I was doing already. It hadn't taken long to decide that it would be Anti who had fallen for Chase. That he had no knowledge if Chase would feel the same for him or not. I had debated it for a bit if it would be unrequited or not. After discussing it with one of my two readers IRL I have concluded with certainty that, no it is not unrequited. Chase, at this point isn't aware that that is how he feels yet though. He cares a lot about Anti at this point, they've been through a lot after all. But since the only relationship he's had was with Stacy he can't quite comprehend his relationship with Anti in that way yet. Though despite that, I feel like the hints are there. I'm happy with how this turned out. Chase's concern for Anti. The trust and the history between them. As well as Anti's realization over how he feels about Chase. Realization settled over him like a warm blanket. I loved that line. I'm proud of that line.

The Whumptober prompt for day 3 was different than what I'm used to. I had an idea, but couldn't quite work it out. And originally this one and day 15 were going to be one and the same when I realized I could break them up and complete two prompts (yay). But anyway, the beginning of this one was difficult to figure out. But once I got to the confrontation between Jackie and the gang leader I started to work through it pretty quickly. This one, like all my prompts actually, I have all this background info in my head that has no place in the prompt that I can work with. With this one for example, Henrik was kidnapped by the gang as he was leaving work because one of their own was injured. As well as the fact that the gang leader really didn't intend to injure Henrik but Jackie inadvertently pushed him into action. It was a convenience that they still had Henrik there when Jackie showed up. In the end I enjoyed writing this one.

The Whumptober prompt for day 4 was pretty much an excuse to write what happened immediately after Marvin was sold at the auction in my winged AU. I'd been mulling over what happens after off-and-on ever since I'd written it and now I had a reason to write it. Or part of it anyway since he's going to be there for awhile.

Now, the Whumptober prompt for day 7 I knew when I saw the prompt option of Enemy to Caretaker that I was going to do a superhero-villain thing with Jackie and Marvin. Than Anti came into the picture because, obviously, Marvin had to become Jackie's rival turned caretaker. I pretty much had this one mapped out from the get go. Background info on this one is that Marvin has history with Anti so when he saw the shape Jackie was in, as well as the uncomfortable feeling in the air, he knew Anti was involved. At the end of this one though I had debated on how Marvin was going to seal off the place so Anti couldn't get to them. One option was a sort of switch next to the door making the place disappear or something. In the end I ended up leaving it vague. I'd also thought to make this one longer and add a bit when Jackie wakes up in a bed but decided against it.

Whumptober day 8 prompt. This one was... This one was personal. I wrote it about myself. So... yeah.

Anyway, day 9 was Egoshiptober. And this one was unexpected. I hadn't expected or planned to write it. I was at work thinking about the prompt list and the idea came to me. How Jackie goes to Henrik to patch him up when he gets hurt. Then one day he accidentally blurts out how he feels about him. Before Henrik really has a chance to address it Jackie makes up an excuse and bolts out. He avoids Henrik for two weeks before Henrik searches for him and, upon finding him, asks him on a date. And voila! The story was born from there. It was surprisingly easy and fun to write. Especially the second half when Jackie started to relax. Their banter was my favorite part. And when Jackie takes Henrik's hand at the end just makes me smile when I reread it.

Day 10 for Egoshiptober was the fastest and easiest for me to write. Simply because I had already written something with them before; though I'm constantly unsure if I'll ever post it (a snippet of it is posted now tho). So when I saw the prompt I knew right away. This was one of the first prompts I wrote. I also believe it's one of the sweetest things I've written as well. I love it. It never fails to makes me smile.

Now the day 11 prompt for Egoshiptober was an accident. It was the tenth and I was doing my updates on here when I realized it was the day that has been labeled as Anti's birthday. Which I didn't realize. So, I checked my list to see who was available to pair him with (everyone except Chase) and came up with this. Originally I was going to add a part when Jackie finds out he missed Anti's birthday, but couldn't make it work. My favorite bit was the very ending. I was smiling nonstop when I thought of it.

And this one. Day 13 for Egoshiptober. My god it took me forever to figure out what I was going to do with it. All I knew for weeks was that it was going to be with Jackie and Marvin. Then finally (after I wrote the last prompt of the month) I figured it out. Jackie's hair changing when he wore his mask. I was so happy when I figured out what to do. I remember writing a good portion of it at work. There are a lot of little things I liked with this one but my favorite part to write was when Marvin magically kept Jackie from coming in the room and the bickerment that went with it.

Ah yes. Day 15 for Whumptober. The second half of day 3's prompt. This one took time. I knew what I wanted with it but had no idea how to go about it. I actually found myself doing research (which is a rarity for me). Once I thought of it, I fell in love with the idea of Henrik teaching Marvin how to heal and repair the human body. The problem came in when I had to actually write it. I had, and still don't really know, how to write someone doing magic. I had also thought to add a scene at the end of this for when Jackie arrives at Henrik's place to find them both asleep. This is one of the prompts that made me the happiest when it was finished. That I actually wrote magic in a way that made sense. Honestly, I am so proud of how that turned out.

Prompt 19 for Whumptober wasn't supposed to be so long. But I couldn't just have the grief and mourning without some lead up. Then it turned into this. I mean, there couldn't be no side-effects to what happened in the very first prompt of the month. The thing with this one was I wanted them indoors, that's where the lead up came in. 'Cause clearly homes and residential areas aren't going to be 100% safe during a zombie apocalypse. Some background on this one; I already, more or less, know Anti's background. He's lost someone as well. Though they weren't in a relationship like Chase and Stacy, but he's gone through it as well. He just handled it differently than Chase did and had more time to coup with the loss. Though Chase was glad he finally had a name he could call his travel buddy. As well as being happy at the little bit of conversation they had.

When I saw the prompt Crown for the 22nd day of Egoshiptober the first thing I thought of was royalty. But with no idea how to make that work, I remembered those cardboard crowns from Burger King from when I was a kid. I thought, hey, I could work with that. It was slow progress figuring this one out after that though. I knew it would be Henrik, Chase, and Chase's kids, but outside of that I was clueless. I don't know how to write children. How was I going to make this work... Well, after I finished it and had my IRL proofreader read it, I was pleasantly surprised to be told I hit the mark on the age bracket I was aiming for. As with some of the other prompts, it's the little things with this one that I liked. The willingness of Henrik to join in on the antics. While at the same time taking control of it. The kids siding with Henrik. This one was fun.

I kinda felt bad that for Egoshiptober day 25 I made it sad. I mean, I coulda done haunted house or something. But no. I went with one of the two dying and 'haunting' the other. That Marvin's spirit stayed with Chase. Though despite it being sad there is some distinct sweetness there too. Marvin doesn't want Chase to drink himself to the bottom of the bottle. How Marvin is trying to take care of him while getting used to his own situation. I love how heart-wrenching yet sweet this is. Marvin's little 'I love you.' that wakes up Chase during the last bit. Then he brushes his hair out of the way and kisses his forehead. It's just... so sweet. I also had thoughts to continue this one and make it longer. But I didn't since where I ended it felt like enough. Also, I felt it would loss the 'haunted' feel to it if I made it longer and expanded on it.

The prompt for the 28th day was an Alternate prompt from the Whumptober list. This one I was really nervous to post. I was so afraid of having negativity thrown at me for writing something I have zero personal experience in. Despite my concerns, I personally like how it turned out. It's part of backstory to another story I have started. As I said, I have no personal experience in the situation I had written. I have much sympathy to anyone who has as well as much resentment to those who have put someone in that situation.

And finally, day 30 for the Egoshiptober prompt. As well as an Alternate prompt from the Whumptober list. This was surprisingly one of the first prompts I'd written. I think it was anyway. It turned out longer than I had expected it to. But I'm very happy with how it turned out. My proofreader, one of the two people who I feel comfortable enough with to read my writing IRL, liked this so much she wanted a continuation. Personally, there's so much I like with this one. Again a lot of little things. The ending is just... heartbreaking for Jackie though.

[yungimmortals]

long drive | graves & miranda | part 1

date: friday, may 22, 2020

summary: two of the hermes siblings wake up at the crack of dawn for a road trip. final destination, myrtle beach. current location: somewhere on i-95 south.

“Hey! Monty! Let’s go!” Graves strolled into Cabin 11, making a beeline for the kitchen. “Loretta’s outside, doors are unlocked. Put your shit in the truck. Vamos, vamos! We got a long drive hermana.” He checked his watch as he dug through the fridge. 4:30. He closed the fridge, scooping up the food he’d gathered and dumping it rather unceremoniously into a bag. He snagged his water bottle from the counter and popped into his room to give it a once-over, making sure he had everything for the weekend. 

“Mira!” Graves called, after unloading more supplies into the truck. “We’re already behind schedule, andele.” He decided to forgo nicknames, his tone a little more serious than usual. “My mom’s cookin’ dinner tonight and we are not missin’ that!” Grave picked up his duffel bag and hooked the strap over his shoulder, seconds away from knocking on Miranda’s door.

Miranda opened her bedroom door, shuffling out of it with a few bags in tow.  "Okay, okay! Te escuché." She bent down to grab her magic bag, which was currently in its usual black backpack form, and threw it over her shoulder.  "Coño, don't remind me about the drive, I'm tired just thinking about it." She headed over towards the front door, pausing to slip on the flip flops she had left there before she finished packing. "Do you need me to bring anything out? Once I get to Loretta, I make zero promises that I'm coming back for you."

Graves shook his head, stepping back so she could pass. He made a shoo-ing motion with his hands in an attempt to usher her out the door. "Nah nah, she's already loaded up. I just need my-" he looked around the room, spotting the item and swiping it off the edge of the couch. "Hat, and now I have it. We're good to go. You're navigator and DJ, you know the drill." He put his hat on, turning it backwards. He gave the cabin one more cursory glance and closed the door behind them. "I hope Roz doesn't set the place on fire while we're gone." Graves hopped in the truck after loading in Miranda's bags and closed the door; he turned the key and the engine roared to life.

Miranda climbed up into the truck, dropped her backpack at her feet, and immediately started getting her phone connected to the stereo system Loretta had.  By the time Graves had finally joined her inside of the truck, she had already kicked her now bare feet up on the dash, and had her road trip playlist loaded and ready to go.  "Nah, we should be good, I didn't tell her what not to do, so it should be still standing when we get back.  I told Mace we were going to be gone, so maybe she'll swing by occasionally and check up on the place." She shrugged, ignoring the small part of her that was in fact worried about leaving her younger sister in charge of the cabin.  Once the engine started up, she turned on the radio to let her playlist start, leaning her head back into the seat as they started to drive.  The music filled the silence between them as they started getting onto the highway, and the farther they got from camp, the more excitement started to flutter inside of her. "I'm glad we're doing this, Gravy.  I didn't realize how badly I wanted to get out of that place."

He took the exit, as instructed by the GPS and looked over at Miranda. "Yeah, me too. I haven't been home since...I got here." It was weird to say out loud; now that he had, Graves' excitement doubled. "I can't wait for you to meet my mom. And Gran! And see the shop. And-" he cut himself off with a laugh. "I'm gettin' ahead of myself. This is gonna be fun as fuck."

Miranda nodded her head as he spoke, a smile appearing on her face at his very obvious excitement.  "Yeah, especially since you're such a momma's boy, and all." She teased, choosing to do that instead of thinking about the last time she had gone home herself.  She hated thinking about it, but the idea of going on an adventure to meet Graves' mom had her feeling a little on edge about the whole family topic.  Regardless, she plastered a smile on her face.  "I'm mainly in it for those fishbowls you showed me, but yeah I guess the rest of it is fine too."

"Hey, I have a great mom! Of course I'm a momma's boy. You'll love her too, wait and see." Graves bobbed his head along to the song Miranda had picked. He checked the time. 5:00. He was not awake enough for the drive ahead of them and decided that the first pit stop would be at a Starbucks. His ears perked up at 'fishbowls'. "Oh fuck yeah, Monty, you're gonna love Duffy's. Well- actually you might hate it, it's kind of a dive? But the fishbowls are fuckin' bomb and we can walk there from the house."

"Why the fuck would I hate it? I'm not an elitist or some shit. But I am very okay with being able to just walk down the street whenever I want a drink." Miranda rolled her eyes, shuffling in her seat a bit until she was comfortably situated while half facing her brother, then pulled a blanket out of her backpack and draped it over her legs.

Graves shook his head with a laugh. "We'll have to walk there every day then. It's like a ten minute walk to the main avenue and there's Duffy's and really good pizza and we can get ice cream at Sweetz and- I'm ramblin'. You have to wait and see." He looked over at Miranda as she got comfortable in the passenger seat. "You wanna nap for a bit? I'll wake you up at the next rest stop."

Miranda laughed as well, though hers was laced with exhaustion.  "You, ramble? Never, Manito.  But, as long as they have black raspberry then I am in for ice cream."  She curled up slightly in her seat, and smiled when she heard Graves' offer.  "Yeah, I didn't really sleep last night, so that would be awesome." They talked for another few minutes, Miranda's voice slowly getting quieter before her end of the conversation dropped altogether as she fell asleep.

~~~ 

The rest stop parking lot was packed, considering it wasn't even 9 AM. It took Graves two loops around the place before he found a parking spot. He cursed himself silently for forgetting about the holiday weekend as he turned the car off and gave Miranda's shoulder a shake. "Mont, wake up. We're in New Jersey." When she didn't stir, Graves tried another tactic. He shook her arm again, talking louder this time, "Hey, hermana, levántate! I'll buy you coffee. There's a Starbucks here." As his sister began to wake up, he hopped out of the truck and sent two quick texts: one to his mom, the other to Macey, updating them with the progress of their road trip.

Miranda let out a small groan when she felt her shoulder get shaken, adjusting herself so that she was away from the source of the movement.  When it returned, but stronger this time, she let out a louder whine, though it cut off when she heard 'coffee'.  It took her a minute to wake up enough to register where they were, then another three to stretch and climb out of the truck to join Graves in the parking lot.  "Oh gods, coffee. Yes, please."

Graves stretched his arms over his head and yawned. "Okay, cariña. Let's make this quick, we still have nine hours to go. You grab breakfast, I'll grab the coffee?" He handed her a very wrinkled twenty dollar bill from his pocket then bumped her shoulder with his. "Meet you back here in five?"

Miranda looked down at the money he handed her, then back up at him and raised an eyebrow to silently ask him why this moment was happening.  Then she saw the look on his face, and the excitement in his eyes and decided not to say anything, instead pocketing the bill and following him towards the rest stop.  "Lo tienes. See you in five."  She started to walk, put turned around when she thought of something, but continued to walk backwards.  "Iced coffee!" Miranda turned back around and over to the food court.  The line made her take a little longer than five minutes, but roughly ten minutes later, she returned to the truck with two breakfast sandwiches in hand.

Graves was sitting in the driver's seat already, door open, his feet hanging out the side. The line for coffee had been much shorter than that for food and he'd beat Miranda back to the truck, taking the opportunity to check his texts. As she walked up to the car, he grabbed her iced coffee and handed it to her, eagerly trading for a sandwich. "Thank gods you're back. I'm starving to death, Mont. You ready to get back on the road?"

Climbing back into the truck, Miranda let out a huff. “I swear to gods, people are idiots. Someone was trying to get a vegan egg sandwich. At a rest stop. Like, where the fuck do they think they are, a gourmet coffee shop?” She rolled her eyes, exchanging food for a coffee and took a long sip. “But si, vamos, get me away from this place.”

He chuckled, waving his sandwich at her, "I assume this is not a vegan egg sandwich then?" Graves unwrapped his sandwich and took a bite before putting on his seat belt and turning the key in the ignition. "'This place' as in the rest stop? Or 'this place' as in New Jersey, armpit of America?" He joked before pulling out of their spot and getting back on the road.

Miranda laughed, returning her feet to the dash as he pulled back onto the highway.  "Sorry to disappoint you, I know how much you're dying to have something in common with 'tough guy' Brent." She teased, unwrapping her own sandwich and taking a bite out of it.  "I was going to say just the rest stop, but you know what, either one is fine by me at this point."

"Oh my gods, did Macey tell you about that?" Graves asked, indignant. He took another bite of his sandwich. "Brent is cool, and scary. Y'all stop makin' fun of me for bein' intimidated or I'm not talkin' to y'all about anything anymore." His eyes flashed to the GPS and he switched lanes before focusing back on the road. He repeated his earlier statement, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel in time with his words, "Nine hours to go, hermana. Luckily, we'll be out of Jersey in about an hour. "

"No? I was just there after the first night of fight night.  Brent just said the same exact thing Macey and I had already said you practically fell over trying to get back to the cabin after that.  Though now I will be texting Macey." Miranda took another sip of coffee.  "Cool, I'll give you. Scary? Sorry, can't agree there, Gravy."  When he switched topics, she decided to ease up, considering he was driving and was honestly in complete control of her not getting lost while wandering around Myrtle Beach.  She started the process of connecting her phone back to the stereo to get the music playing again.  "That's not bad, Any requests for the DJ?"

“Ah, fight night,” Graves confirmed, finally understanding the moment Miranda was referring to. He took another bite of his sandwich, mumbling, “punched a god” around his mouthful of food. He was thankful Miranda didn’t press the topic; Graves wanted to get to know Brent better. He didn’t really find the older demigod that scary, but he didn’t know him well enough to see the softer side that his sisters always pointed out. And if this guy had punched a god in the face without being vaporized on the spot? Well, Cam definitely wanted to call him a friend. He blinked, registering Miranda’s question a few seconds after she asked. “Hm, somethin’ we call yell along to? Somethin’ that’ll keep me awake until we make our next stop. It’s a long drive, but it’ll be worth it, I swear.”

Miranda nodded.  "Alright, I can work with that."  She debated offering to drive for a little bit, but her brother was stubborn.  Besides, it didn't even matter if she said anything or not, they both knew that they would swap if he needed a quick power nap, so she decided to not bring it up. Tapping her phone a few times, she pulled up a new playlist of songs they could easily jam out to and pressed play, reaching out to turn the stereo up as it started blasting out.

[smcc212]

Damaged Goods- Part 4

Warnings- fluff, SMUT- P in V, praise kink kinda, Mentions of past abuse, swearing cause Negan, duh

Word count- 1,350

A/N- HoLy FuCk this has taken way too fucking long to upload. I’m sorry, I’m a fucking idiot. I hope you enjoy this, there will be a part 5. I give you my word. Let me know if you wanna be tagged when I upload in the future, If you only want to be tagged for certain types of fics, let me know what kind. Anyway, enjoy! Xo

Read the first part here, the second here and the third here.

You rolled onto your side, stretching as you looked around the room for Negan. You couldn’t remember the last time you felt this happy in the morning, or at any time of the day. You couldn’t  Negan anywhere. You started to panic as you got up and got dressed. You carefully walked down the stairs. Someone was in the kitchen. You crept into the kitchen and saw Negan had made coffee. He turned to look at you.

“Morning, sexy,” Negan drawled as you remembered the fun night before. “I made you coffee.”

“Thanks, handsome.” You smiled sitting down next to him. You were still a little sore after last night. It had been a while since you you’d sex you actually enjoyed, you just put up with it when you were with Mark.

“How was your sleep?” Negan asked, taking a sip of coffee.

“Great, you?”

“Fine.” He shook his head. “You ready to go back? I am the leader and I just up and left,” He chuckled as you drank your coffee.

“Yeah, okay. We’ll finish our coffee then go back,” You murmured.

“Cool, c’mere,” Negan said standing up and walking to the fireplace, you followed along behind him. He had lit the fire after he got up and was just adding a few new logs. You walked and to him and captured him in a longing kiss. He kissed you back using his foot to push the coffee table towards the sofa so you two would have room. His hands wandered over your body, lifting your top-up over your head before he took off his smooth leather jacket and his t-shirt. Your eyes roamed over his body, taking in his masculine figure. Tanned and toned. You reached for his belt, undoing it and unzipping his jeans. He grabbed your hands and pushed them back before he worked on undressing you. Once you were naked he followed he followed pursuit. You got on your knees in front of him but he stopped you.

“What’s wrong?” You frowned upset at him stopping you.

“I won’t last thirty seconds in your mouth,” He said nonchalantly.

“Oh, okay,” You mumbled as he gently pushed you onto your back. He climbed on top of you, kissing down your neck and collarbone. His throbbing cock rubbing against your clit. He carefully inched his way inside of you; giving you time to adjust to him. As he moved back and forth he captured your nipple in his mouth. Sucking on it, swirling his tongue around it. You arched your back, moans falling out of your mouth. You could feel the coil in your stomach tightening and tightening until it finally snapped. The pleasure rushing through your body. You screamed in ecstasy and Negan followed in pursuit, groans and curses spilling out of his mouth. He filled you up with his thick, white, sticky come.

“God-fucking-damn, baby!” Negan shouted lying down next to you. “That was unexpected and fucking awesome!”

“Yeah, it was,” You laughed breathlessly, cuddling into his side. The two of you lay there for a while just talking and getting to know each other better.

“Right, we should probably get up, dressed and head back to the sanctuary,” Negan huffed out, getting dressed.

“Okay,” You sighed as you began to dress.

*

Once you were back in the sanctuary, Negan walked you into his room, which was now also your room, you were still struggling to wrap your head around that fact. He had had to go out on a run, leaving you alone in his room. You didn’t know what to do; the place looked clean, but when you were with Mark cleaning was all you did. You decided to do his washing and iron for him since all your stuff was already clean. After you finished you decided to polish everything since you didn’t want to be lazy.

As you polished the island in the kitchen, you heard Negan come in the door.

“Hey, baby. Whatcha doing?” He asked sounding a little confused.

“Polishing. I did your washing and ironing as well, everything else was already clean.” You smiled as you continued to polish the island.

“Thanks, but why?” He asked perplexed. “I could’ve done it myself,” He said making his way towards you.

“What else was I supposed to do?” You asked, realising it was just instinct to clean whenever you were left alone.

“Whatever you want. Read a book, watch a movie, I don’t know. Do you really enjoy cleaning? He looked at you, his hazel eyes burning into you.

“Well... no, I don’t,” You mumbled, looking down embarrassed. “It’s just... Mark always said-”

“I don’t give a fuck what Mark said! He’s gone, baby girl. Stop living your life how he wanted you to. It’s your life, not his,” Negan said walking to stand in front of you. He grabbed your hands as he saw you begin to cry. “What wrong?” Negan panicked, worrying he’s done something wrong.

“Nothing, it’s just no one has ever cared about me enough to worry about what I’m doing with my life.” You cried as Negan pulled you into his embrace.

“Sh, sh. It’s okay, baby.” He gently pulled you back a tiny bit. “Hey, look at me.” He grabbed your chin, making you look at him. “I love you and I’ll never hurt you okay? I’ll never let anyone hurt you ever again,” He said, pulling you back into his warm, comforting embrace.

“Promise?” You sniffed, tightening your hold on his strong body. He made you feel safer than anyone else ever could.

“I fucking promise you, baby girl.” Negan smiled at you before planting a sweet, tender kiss on your lips.

“I love you so much, Ne,” You said, kissing him passionately. He fell back a little but remained up-right when you jumped on him, wrapping your legs around his waist. You laughed, looking into his deep hazel eyes. “Sorry,” You giggled.

“Your giggle is fucking adorable by the way.” He bit his lips, his eyes roaming over the top half of your body.

“Thanks,” You laughed, biting your lip. “Is it bad that I want to have sex again you asked, knowing Negan wouldn’t think it was bad, he’d think it was great.

“Not at-fucking-all,” He exclaimed, carrying you to the bedroom, dropping you on the bed. You squealed in excitement. Why the fuck were you excited? You’d fucked him already that day, but you were still excited. He climbed on top of you, lined himself up with your entrance. He pushed his fat cock inside your tight walls. You groaned as he sped up, moving his arm in between your legs, he rubbed your clit with the pad of his thumb. You threw your head, ecstasy-filled noises escaping your slightly open mouth as Negan ploughed into you. His swollen tip brushing against your g-spot for the second time that day.

“Fuck,” You mewled, wrapping your legs around Negan’s waist, pulling him as close to you as possible.

“God, baby, you’re so fucking tight,” Negan praised through gritted teeth.

“You’re so fucking big, Ne,” You praised in return. Your stomach tightened, pleasure burning through you, towards your centre. Your eyes rolled into the back of your head and orgasm shook through you as Negan came inside you; painting your walls with his white, thick come. You both panted before you cuddle up with Negan and feel asleep.

***

You and Negan had been together for two months. It was amazing to be with someone that actually loved and respected you. You had to work hard to deal with your flashbacks or mental breakdowns.

This morning you ran to the toilet and threw up, you had been for the past few days and you were starting to worry. You got a few pregnancy tests and took them. Fear pumped through your veins, Negan waited nervously on the other side of the door. You looked at them; picked them up, and opened the door. You locked eyes with Negan.

“What does it say?” He asked nervously.

“They’re all positive... I’m pregnant...”

~~~

Tag list

@jamiekingofmen

[hopesbarnes]

Unconventional Life

Summary: Y/N Stark lives a strange life. Her dad’s Iron Man, her mom runs a multibillion-dollar company, and her boyfriend is Spider-Man. She loves it though. The only problem is her dad would kill her if he knew she was dating his protege.

Pairing: Stark! Reader x Peter Parker

Warnings: Few curse words and a slightly heated makeout scene 

Being Tony Stark's one and only child was a feat, to say the least. Paparazzi followed you from an early age, trying to get pictures and when you could talk, an interview. Dad wasn't the most attentive father, and you couldn't fault him for it it's just the way he was. Pepper did most of the actual raising part of raising a child since your mother didn't bother to stay long enough to do it. But you'd be lying if you said you didn't love your unconventional life. Not many people can say they've traveled the world, had an absurd amount of money to spend, and have built technology far behind a normal person's ability. Also, the fact that you're only 17 makes it all the cooler.

Dad has always been super protective of you, you'd scrape a knee and it was like you were dying. Every person you've liked or tried to date never lasted too long. So this time you decided just not to tell him, hard to scare someone away when he doesn't know there's a reason to. Pepper knew you told her, but even she agreed keeping him out of the loop would be for the best. It's not that you thought dad would hate your boyfriend, quite the opposite actually, you just knew he would hate that you were dating someone.

Peter was the sweetest guy you've ever met. You went to school with him for years but never really talked to him until this past year. You tried to talk to him before, you did always have a crush on him, but every time he'd stumble over his words and awkwardly walk away. But that kind of changed when you ran into him inside the tower, in the spiderman costume minus the mask.

"Hey, Y/N what's up?" he asked nonchalantly.

 "I- uhm nothing, you're spiderman?" 

"OH CRAP, yeah I, I'm not so good with this whole secret identity thing yet. Guess it's a good thing you're the one who saw me not someone else right?" he shrugged and went to the other room to change. 

While doing this your dad walked out, "Hey dad, were you gonna tell me that Peter Parker is Spiderman?" 

"No why?" 

"Maybe because I go to school with him, and he's my age," you say sarcastically. 

"Huh, guess he is." Peter walked back out now, this time in jeans with the suit in hand. 

"The suit keeps malfunctioning and Karen keeps speaking German. Can you fix it Mr. Stark?" he asks but your dad's head is in another world. 

"Here I can fix it, come on to my lab." you grab the suit and walk down the hall.

 "You have your own lab?!"

After that day the two of you spent most of your free time working on the suit, or other technology in your wing of the tower. You guys became friends fast, and Peter seemed beyond stoked to share the superhero life with someone besides Ned, your father, and Happy. Your crush went from just a small one where you thought he was cute, to a full-blown one where all you thought of was Peter. Was he hurt? How did his Spanish test go? Did he like how you looked in this dress? etc. One day after he left a study session in your kitchen, Pepper found you daydreaming. 

"You should tell him" she advised. 

"Tell who what?" you inquired. 

"Tell Peter you like him, I think he feels the same way." 

"He doesn't, I don't- we don't like each other. We're just friends." you stutter. Pepper just hummed in disbelief.

Things stayed this way for a few months until one night when he came to your window hurt. 

"Peter, what happened? Are you alright?" 

"Not so much, think you can help me?" he grunted in pain. You tried not to show how worried you were, but seeing him in any kind of pain was hard to do. 

"You should be in the medical bay, let me go get my dad." 

"No, no, NO. You can not get Mr. Stark. He can't know I went out. I promised I'd leave this one alone and if he found out I got hurt, I'd be in so much trouble." If anyone knew what it was like to disobey Tony Stark and have him figure out, it was you. So you went and got a first aid kit. Luckily when you were 15 you took a couple first aid courses after a series of minor injuries in the lab that you didn't want to worry your dad over. It took an hour or two but you fixed him up, and it wasn't anything serious anyway. It was a nice night out so you guys moved out to your balcony with a blanket. He told you the entire story of what happened that night, and somewhere along the line both of you fell asleep in each other's arms.

After that night Peter pulled away. He stopped coming over to study, stopped showing up in your lab to work on projects and avoided you in school. You raked your head for what had happened but came up blank. Thinking he just maybe needed some time apart you gave him two weeks. But after zero contact for those two weeks, you had enough. You decided to corner him at his apartment after school. May answered the door and invited you in, saying you could go to his room where he was. 

You knocked, and heard "Yeah May, come in!" so decided it was okay to go in. 

"Hey." 

"Hey." Since when had things been this awkward between the two of you.

 "I haven't heard from you in a while and thought I'd check up on you. Is everything okay?" you said quietly. 

"Just been busy, sorry." You decided taking the sweet approach wasn't working. 

"You're always busy, but before you made time for me. Why are you avoiding me?!" 

"God Y/N I don't want to avoid you, but maybe it's better we stop hanging out." 

"Bullshit. I am calling bullshit. Tell me what's really going on." 

"I LIKE YOU, okay? I like you and hanging out with me is a bad idea. I get hurt, and you looked so worried a few weeks ago when I came in injured. And it sucks knowing you don't feel the same way." He liked you, Peter liked you. 

"You do know that my dad is Iron Man right? Everyone I know is always hurt, and I'm always worried. Also, who said I don't feel the same way. I have had a crush on you for years." his eyes widened at the last part. 

"You do? I uh- you like me?" He may be a superhero but man was he a dork. 

"Will you kiss me now?" you smiled and he pulled you close to him. He reached up and cupped your face and tentatively met your lips.  

Kissing Peter was by far the best thing you've ever done. At first, he held back, not wanting to hurt you in any way. But after you grabbed his hair something switched. When you pulled away both of you started giggling. 

"You dork." 

"Hey!"

Dating Peter was like a dream. He always made sure to text you good night, take you on dates after his spider duties. (Your favorite dates were the ones where you just sat on top of buildings talking.) It had been four months of you being the happiest you've ever been. But while in the beginning sneaking around was fun, you really hated lying to your dad now. Whenever Pete came by you would have to act like friends, no touching and definitely no kissing. As things became more serious the two of you decided you had to tell your dad. It was all planned out, on Saturday both of you would have dinner with dad and Pepper, and tell him calmly.

The Friday before telling him the tower was empty, which had to have been a first for the place. You and Peter walked in planning to study but instead took the emptiness as a blessing. 

"FRIDAY is anyone but us in the top floors." 

"No Y/N." 

"Where's my dad?" 

"Your father is at a SHIELD meeting across town and not set to be back until 8 pm." It was only 4 pm. 

"Pete, my room?" you said not even waiting for a response. The two of you ran to your room like the teenagers you are.  

While at the beginning of your relationship Peter was nervous about kissing you, now was a completely different story. The minute the two of you made it to your room he had you pressed up against the door with his mouth moving ferociously against yours. You could practically hear your heartbeat thumping out of your chest. One hand of his was pressed against the wall, the other holding your hip. The groan that came out of his mouth when you broke for air sent shivers down your spine. You pulled at his shirt, wanting it off but not having a clear enough mind to convey that to him with words. He got the hint though and threw it across the room before hoisting you up and carrying you to your bed.

You loved Pete for who he was, but the muscles in his chest were just the icing on top. As you kissed your hands mapped every inch of his body. He was all yours. In a moment of bravery, you rolled over so that you could be on top of him, straddling his hips, and removed your top. Not wanting to waste a moment you met his lips again and started to slowly grind on him, releasing little moans of pleasure. The door to your room then swung open suddenly. 

"Hey Y/N, I got out early and was thinking-AHHH" your dad screamed and you tried to cover both you and Peter but the damage was already done. 

"CLOTHES ON, LIVING ROOM NOW," he said walking away. Poor Peter looked as white as a ghost.

Walking into the living room you see your dad sitting on the couch with his head in his hands. Peter is right behind you and your dad calls Pepper on FRIDAY. You awkwardly wait for her to come, but secretly are glad to have an adult on your side. When Pepper enters she looks between you, Peter and your dad before saying 

"I thought we were waiting until tomorrow." You try and motion for her to not finish the sentence but she did. 

"YOU KNEW?" dad yells. "YOU KNEW THEY WERE AND YOU DIDN'T TELL ME. SHE'S MY KID AND HE WAS CORRUPTING HER." 

"Uh Mr. Stark, I didn't do anything she didn't want to. In fact, she was liking it very much." Peter stutters. 

"PETE SHUT UP" you yell. Your face is the color of a tomato and you swear that this is the single most embarrassing moment of your life. Dad points at Peter, then you. 

"I- nope. This isn't going to happen." 

"Tony, this has been happening." Pepper chimes in. 

"How long?" when nobody goes to speak he asks again. "How long!?" 

"4 months" you mumble. 

Then dad looks at Pepper, "How long have you known?" 

"Since before she realized she even liked him," she says smugly. 

"Mr. Stark I-" 

"No, zip it not another word from you. I need a minute" he says. Everyone then goes quiet and all look at your dad. After a minute or so he finally speaks. "Okay, but if I see what I saw again, or I see any sort of prequel to it then I will kill him." You smile and hug Peter. "What did I JUST say?" 

"DAD it was a HUG"

After your dad found out things eventually went back to normal. As normal as they could be at least with having a dad as Iron Man, and a boyfriend as a part spider superhero. Dad and Peter seemed to get over the awkwardness after a few weeks. Although you did have to hear both of them complain about the other more frequently. Being a mediator when they fought over what movie was better was actually physically draining. Maybe this was an unconventional life, but you wouldn't trade it for the world.

[lady-olive-oil]

Work Out: Chapter 5

A/N: IT’S FINALLY HERE!!! It took me a while to get this out but it’s here. I’ll be on vacation next week and so I’ll be writing just not updating per-say. If you or anyone has experienced a loss of a child or family member, and you want to talk about it my inbox is always open. It’s chapter 5. That means it’s time for another project to be started. I have 4 started already and I am going to pick which one i like best to start typing chapters for. Which will most likely be Chris Evans x Roxie in So Into You. There’s one line in here that I asked to use from my good sis @madamslayyy and it’s in here. Let me know if you’d like to be tagged in future projects.

Warnings; child death, unprotected sex (wrap it up!), language

Word Count: 5,029 [my village knows this is was gonna be long]

Lil Nasties: @maddiestundentwritergaines || @themyscxiras || @crushed-pink-petals || @honeychicana || @dc41896 || @chaneajoyyy || @jojolu || @titty-teetee || @inlovewithmakeupcomicsanimelove || @ljstraightnochaser || @mimigemrose || @fumbling-fanfics || @amelatonin || @screamingdrago || @breddiefrooks || @ellixthea || @designerwriterchic || @destinio1

_____________

It was 3 am, dark and eerily quiet. Only the sound of my Sunter oscillating floor fan being on, and Florian’s occasionally snoring, could be heard. He took my offer on staying at my condo, instead of a hotel when he’d come to New York. Missing him from going back and forth from here to Munich, Germany, did some things to me. I never felt like this in a while about someone.

Only thing I could see in the dark from the moon, peaking through the window shades, was my big brown bear with an ‘I Wuv You’ pillow attached to it. Florian has shipped it to me from visiting his family.

He’s done something to brighten up my life, that I didn’t think needed to be brighten up. I couldn’t sleep. I could never sleep around 3 am and there’s a reason for that.

It had been a couple months or so, nearly in March now with the spring weather, and things were starting to look up a bit. That is until the gut wrenching moments with Jake happened. The bad memories came flooding back and the nightmares became worse, and worse. It came at least once or twice a month, but now they’re more frequent.

Around this same time I’d have the same recurring nightmare: me losing my baby girl at just 16 weeks. I let the dream play out this time. Normally I’d wake up in different scenes.

I was at work with a client and my phone rang to a news flash. Typical news about politics, and crazy folks. At the time time Jake and I weren’t on speaking terms due to his infidelity. I went home that day, around noon, to an infuriated Jake.

“Where the hell have you been?!” He yelled in my face,’I could smell the alcohol on his breath. This wasn’t the first time I say him this frustrated.

This time it was his job at a restaurant; he got fired, again. He always blames me for his misfortunes when I’ve been holding him up. I’ve been there for him time and time again.

“At work. Where else would a 3 ½ month pregnant lady be? I have bills to pay Jacob, and a baby to feed soon.” Apparently he didn’t like the hint of attitude in my voice, because the next thing I knew I was being thrown against a wall with force.

The wind was knocked out of me; my throat was sore from screaming and he was in my face.

“You know where you need to be at all times. You are MINE, and no one else’s.”

“We’re separated remember? Or did you forget?! Hey out of my face and out of my house now.” I pushed passed him, on my way upstairs, till I felt an even more powerful force push me down. I had landed on my stomach, the pain was too much to bear.

I froze in place, crying and praying to the heavens, hoping that my little Angelique would be alright.

“Geneva? Oh my god, please come on baby.” Jake was frantic, picking me up and taking me to the car. Making our way to the hospital I was in too much shock to love around.

Several hours later of being in the room, the doctor gave em the final verdict. It was too much damage to be done for my baby. I was stunned. Too traumatized to even move. The doctor gave us some time to ourselves, after the procedure was done.

Jake reaches out to touch my hand and I draw back from him.

“Don’t. Touch. Me.” I seethed through my teeth, not even glancing in his general direction. I could tell he grew impatient with me, by the way he yanked my head to face him.

“If you weren’t so disobedient, we’d have a baby soon. But you just had to defy me and get hurt. I thought you loved me, Geneva.”

“I do. But you make- you’re blaming this on me? You’re blaming the death of our baby on me?!” My anger surfaced as my parents walked through the door.

Jake was faster than they were, because he tried to  choke me. His grip was too tight, my nails dig deep in his arms. Deep enough to draw blood. My dad was pulling him off, with my mother in tow. My vision grew dark, I couldn’t move again. All I could hear were my parents screaming for the doctors to come help. The nightmare ended.

I woke up screaming in the dark, causing Florian to wake up abruptly and be on the lookout. I felt bad for waking him up but I’m glad he did.

“Geneva? Is everything ok?” He held me close to his chest, as I cried in heavy sobs. I finally let the dream play out. I explained to him what my dream was, his rage about my ex increased ten fold.

Pulling me close to his chest even more, he mumbled something in German as she rocked me back and forth. He couldn’t fathom how any may would I ever lay his hands on a woman like that. Pregnant or not. He know his own mother would be livid if he went that route.

“I vow to this very day, he won’t come near you. I know you gave me the green light to rough him up, and I did, but I need full control Genevieve. I need to you give me full control, my love.” The sincerity in his voice was calming. It was as if he was sent from the gods to protect me. As he caressed my cheek, I kissed his hand on instinct, holding on to his hand.

Looking into his soft green eyes, the moonlight shining through the windowed curtains, making them glow with love. Upon resting my head on his, he snaked his arms around my waist.

“You made a promise to keep me safe and I believe you. So without question, I give you full control, Florian. Full, control.” Whispering against his lips, he smiled at me genuinely and held me close. He fell back against the fluffy pillows, taking me along with him. The still calmness made it easier for me to fall asleep next to him.

I think I’ll keep him a little while longer.

-The Next Day-

“Ain’t no way in hell! You can’t do that!”

“The hell I can’t. House rules cuzzo, house rules. Now draw your 4 and the color is red.”

“You ain’t right.”

Game night has been a tradition in my family for generations. To keep it alive, I had the crew come by my half finished apartment, along with the typical game night food. First game of the night was Uno. Not just any old game of Uno, it was Uno Flip. It brought out the worst in people but it was all in fun.

“Now she taught me this game last night, simply because it’s new, and even I knew she’d say ‘house rules.’ ” Florian was invited as well, why wouldn’t I invite the guy that I heard beat up my ex?

“You trained him well, sis. I like him.” Nefertiti, Winston’s girlfriend of 3 years, was always the insightful one of the group. She was always busy with her stylist job, but when she has time she comes back home and chill.

“Yeah but you still can’t do that. Cheater.” Mike mumbled under his breath, which earned him a smack upside his head by Johari.

My dog Dragon, my reddish-brown Pomsky, was asleep in his kennel in the laundry room. He loved it when Florian came over to visit, because he had someone big and strong to play with. He clearly loved the fact that I had someone too.

The vibes were perfect for a night in with no responsibilities. I was already out of the game so watching was always my forte. Joahri was looking at Florian and I, as I was snuggled into his side as he played the card game.

“So what are y’all exactly? Cause y’all for sure as hell, ain't friendship with benefits. Y’all emotions are too attached.” The question threw me off, because I started choking on my Seagram's Jamaican Me Crazy wine cooler. Johari was never one to hold back, and that’s what Mike loved about her.

Florian couldn’t help but chuckle and rub my back a little to calm me down.

“Uh well. We’ve just been hanging out lately. Enjoying each other’s company.” I looked to Florian to help.

“We like hanging out with each other. I enjoy her company and she enjoys mine. Why put a label on things?” He explained a bit further and the look on Jojo’s face was unwavering. She wasn’t falling for it at all. Heating the doorbell ring, we were saved by the bell.

“What he said, labels aren’t needed. Imma get the door.” What did I want? I wanted him but I couldn’t say it yet. Answering the door, Cynthia and John stepped in, along with Destiny and Ryan. Filling the room with more love.

Just by the look on Florian’s face and the tone of his voice from earlier, he seemed to want things to go further that what they were. I couldn’t tell.

Did I want things to go further? I’m still married to the asshole who won’t sign the papers. Maybe it is time for a new outlook on life.

-Florian’s POV-

Did I want Geneva to be mine? Did I want her to feel safe; secured, loved and wanted? Did I want her away from Jake anyway? Yes I did.

I didn’t want her to feel unwanted anymore. I can’t stand seeing her hurt anymore either. With all the stories I’ve heard about Jake, and how he’s mistreated her. I just knew I had to make things right for her.

While she was distracted with the girls in the kitchen, I had to ask the guys for some help with a very creative strategy.

“Guys, I need your help with something.” I was nervous to say the least. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before and I think it’s time I make my feelings known.

“What’s up? You need help asking Geneva to be your girl?” Mike went straight to the point.

“Oh you tryin to ask our sis to be your girl? This outta be good.” Ryan chuckled gently, glancing around the room real quick.

“Well since we’re playing games tonight, got anything in mind?” Winston asked curiously. I had never met Winston fully, just in brief passing with Mike at parties.

“How about scrabble? We each form a word for me ask, I’ll take the last word.” Letting the guys know my plan, they all were in agreement and helped set up the board.

The guys gathered the game up and set it up. I had a necklace in my hoodie pocket I was gonna give her tonight anyway. Now was the best time.

“What y’all up to?” Once I heard that angelic voice I had to move fast, giving every team their pieces.

“Just getting ready to play scrabble. We’re doing teams, so little mama come here.” The slight blush on her caused the whole group to chuckle, as I placed her on my lap on the floor.

“Team scrabble? Interesting. Alright I’ll play.”

-Geneva’s POV-

The game went on for about an hour or so. My ass was getting sore from sitting so long, so I had to get up to so I could stretch. Placing a kiss on Florian’s head, I made sure to give him some love.

“Y’all need anything while I’m up?” Making my way to the kitchen, I grabbed the empty plates and cups. Turning up the volume on the speaker a bit.

“A few beers and Seagrams. I’ll come with ya.” Johari got up to help me while the others continued to play the game.

“So what’s up with you and Florian? Foreal sis come on now. No games, no shade.” Leaning against the counter, sighed gently with a smile.

“I like him. We mesh well together and he’s great company. I do kinda wanna date him though, it’s only fair since Jake moves on.” I started biting my lip thinking of all the moments Florian and I have shared over the last few months.

“You should! It’s your time now. Plus he sounds like a keeper.” Johari was glancing back into the game from for some reason.

“Gege! Come on it’s your turn with Florian!”

“Coming! He is. We should get back to the game.” Grabbing the bottles, making our way back to the game, I snuggled back in Florian’s lap. He moved to the couch this time.

For some reason the room was more mellow than normal, and the girls were giddy. What was going on?

“Alright. Mike went; Winston went next, Ryan and John. Now it’s my turn.” Florian explained and kissed my cheek. I was too preoccupied with my phone.

My mom had texted me about graduation, and when it was. I kept forgetting to let the family know about the date and time. Florian took his turn and tapped my thigh to let me know.

“Alright guys we are all out of tiles. I’ll tally up the scores.” Grabbing the notepad and pen, I glanced at the board once or twice. I saw something and I didn’t know if I was reading it right.

The group was minding their own business, till I got their attention by reading everything out loud.

“ ‘Will you be my girlfriend?’ How did y’all- oh my god.” I immediately looked at Florian with tearful eyes and the group erupting in cheers.

“Couldn’t think of a better way to ask, with the blessing of your friends of course, and Mike. So Geneva, will you?” Florian’s soft voice pulled me in, as the sounds hushed around us.

All I could focus on was him and him alone. Holding his face in my hands; taking in his after rain scent and resting my forehead on his I knew I was home. With him I was always home.

“Yes. I’ll be your girl, Florian.” Kissing him with everything in me, he held me close to his hard body but he felt soft in my hands.

“Ahem. Y’all we got others games to play.” Mike cleared his throat, before having to pulling us apart.

“Sorry. Oh Geneva, turn around real quick.”

I did as instructed and felt cold metal hit my neck. Glancing down, I noticed my zodiac sign around my neck, shining in the light of the ceiling fan. He clamped it shut and turned me back around.

“Perfect fit. Alright now, let’s play.” Kissing me gently, Florian busted out Jenga.

-3 games and yelling matches later-

It’s an intense game of Jenga going on. It was my turn to go, and I was nervous as hell.

“Ok babe. You got this. Don’t be nervous.” A little encouragement from the new boo, made it even worse.

Pulling the block from middle, watching the tower lean for he left I got nervous and it all came tumbling down.

“In that rubble, lies our relationship.” The mocking hey joking tone of his voice, caused me to smile.

“Ok Kyle.” Patting his cheek gently, I was gifted with a gorgeous smile that he is never afraid to show. The smile that would put the stars on Egypt to shame.

His type of smile though, was like no other. His smile was so bright and happy; full of life and wonder. Like a kid in a candy store, or a kid on Christmas Day. His smile was truly contagious.

John nodded towards Florian, to grab his attention. “Hey Florian can I ask you something?”

“Sure. What’s up?” Draping his arm around my shoulder, drawing me closer.

“Seeing as though Jake fucked up everything for himself, I want you to be one of my groomsmen. I see how well you’ve been treating Geneva and I think you should walk down the aisle with her. You’ve gained a friend in me.” He paused a bit and did the typical bro handshake with him.

“You’ve gained a brother from Ryan and I. Welcome to the group man.”

The look on his face was priceless and full of pure excitement. He couldn’t have been happier to be included.

“I’d be honored John. I’d love to walk with Geneva.” I felt his lips on my forehead, making my body feel all all warm and inviting.

“Game over let’s do something else. Mortal Kombat anyone?” Breaking my concentration wasn’t ever easy, but Florian managed to do so.

“Sure. I’ll play. Not sure how to do so, but I can always learn from a great teacher.” Sending a wink in his direction, I grabbed the other controller for the PS4 and got into position so her could “teach me” how to play.

Everyone else was in their zone, minding their own business, as Florian was giving me the rundown on the game. Little did he know, my two brothers taught me how to play whenever I’d come home on the weekends from college. They prepared me for this moment.

“Ready, draga?”

“Bring it.”

Fifteen minutes into the the game, he was kicking my ass in both matches. Time to kick it into high gear. The gag is, I was just messing with him.

“I’m gonna change my character real quick. If that’s ok with you?” The gentle tone of my voice made that precious smile come back.

He shrugged. “That’s fine with me baby girl.”

Going through the character list, tuning out everything around me, I focused on my strategy. I found the right character.

“Jade. Let’s do this baby.” Pressing start on the controller, I maneuvered in my spot on the couch and started to annihilate Florian in this game.

“What the hell…” he was in shock and I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Finish him!” The tv yelled through the Sony speakers, placed around the 75” flat screen.

With a sly smirk, and a burst of energy to leap up to squat on the couch, I caught the attention of our friends and they gathered around.

Michael got too excited, stomping his feet against the hardwood. “She’s gonna beat you bro.”

“Not by a long shot.” Florian gritted through his teeth, maneuvering the buttons on the controller.

“Final kill shot…”

“Nice try babe.” With one final move, Jade had sliced Raiden’s head clean off and stood proud with her staff.

“Fatality!” The room went silent, Florian dropped his controller in defeat and was wide eyed.

“How in the hell? I just taught you 5 min ago?” He looked at me in utter disarray.

I chuckled a bit. “No you didn’t.”

“Uh were you paying attention when I taught you earlier?” He was in straight disbelief and I was living for it.

“I was. But you forgot that I have two brothers that play this on the daily baby. I faked it, unlike other things.” Sending a wink in his direction, I got up to clean the rest of the plates.

As the party died down, our friends left for the night, I was left cleaning and Florian was messing with something in the house.

Next thing I know, I hear some Michael Jackson music and the adrenaline kicked in with me. Grooving to the beat to past the time, I felt his strong hands on my hips.

“Oh so I take it you’re feeling better after getting crushed?”

“You wound me Printesa. You wound me.”

Placing a kiss on his cheek, I moved my hips along with his to the funky beat of Pretty Young Thing. Truth be told he’s the first person I’ve danced with in my house. I never got to do a lot of things with Jake because he’d always be “busy” with work and it affected our relationship a lot.

I cherish the little moments I do get with Florian. When he’s away I find something to do, but it makes it all worth it in the end, when we meet back up in my hometown. The song shifted to a real old song that brought back memories and just felt right.

“Do you remember, when we fell in love. We were so young and innocent then.” He sung in my ear so elegantly, as he swayed with me in solitude and confinement.

I couldn’t help but sing back to him, doing a little spin turn, to have my back pressed against his chest.

“Do you remember, how it all began. It’s just seemed like heaven, so why did it then.”

His strong arms that were wrapped around me just right. I felt safe and secured in his embrace, I never wanted to leave. We continued to sing the song to each other, and gravity took us both towards my bedroom.

There was a glowing light illuminating from my room. The closer I got, the more the room came in visual and it was sight to behold.

It seems that when I was cleaning, he was setting this all up for us the whole time. I felt the tears on the edge of my eyes, one shed as I held my face together. Turning towards him I sniffled.

“Florian. What is all this for?”

He held my hand and guided me towards the grand king sized bed, that took up a good portion of space in the master bedroom. This condo was perfect in every way and I still have yet to call it my own.

“Well seeing as though we just started dating a few hours ago, 6 to be exact, I thought we’d consummate our relationship. By making love to my lady love.” We both looked into the mirror I had installed and just took in each other’s reflections.

He truly listened to me. It was rare to find a good man that listened. I was going to enjoy this by any means necessary. Changing the playlist to smooth jams, I faced him fully.

“You do listen to me. I’m glad you do.” I wrapped my arms around his neck.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” He wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me closer.

The music pulled us and guided us like a magnet. I took his black v-neck shirt off first, tracing the hard muscles with my nails with a featherlight touch. Our foreheads were touching, his hands were under the grey racerback I was wearing. My skin was on fire, but I loved every second of it.

Our lips were ghosting one another’s, a teasing game that only could be won by one. He gave in and smashed his lips against mine. Our lips moving in synchronization to the rhythm of our heartbeats, drawing me closer to him.

He broke the kiss for a split second, analyzing the room once again.

“Don’t need us both being poked with electric candles, now do we?” He set all the plastic candles on my dresser, then came back to me.

“No we don’t. But we do need less clothes.” Trying to be sexy, I slipped my tank top off. Only remaining clothing were my shorts; white lace bra and matching undies to hide my heated desire for the man standing in front of me.

I took it upon myself to slide off his basketball shorts, eyeing the man in front of me in all his naked glory.

“No boxers or briefs huh? You were thinking of getting lucky today weren’t you?” Kissing his chest softly, my hands gripped onto his ass tightly, gaining a moan from him.

In a blink of an eye, he yanks the rest of my clothes off, throws them somewhere in the room and made me jump up. Wrapping my legs around his waist, to continue the kiss, he laid us both on the bed.

“You’re the first woman I’ve ever gotten intimate with on this level. Face to face, pure and raw intensity. Just close.” He whispered in my ear hotly, as his fingers dragged along my curves. Making the room seem hotter than it already was.

“So far, you’re doing everything right.” In one hand I held the back of his neck while the other, yanked him by his chain around his neck, back to down to kiss me. His tongue fought for dominance with my own, a shaky moan erupted through my body once again.

The movement of his hips against mine were orgasmic and sensual. His weight on top of me, felt so delicious. I trusted him enough to not use a condom this time versus all the other times. Who knew that kissing could get you off.

“Geneva, do we-”

“No. I trust you. Remember what I told you? I trust you.” Nodding in more confirmation, I brushed my hips another time to get him inside me. I knew for a fact that I was not about to go to work in the morning and I didn’t care.

Smiling up at him, deep into his green-hazel speckled eyes, I saw a man that shown me so much love these past few months. A man who really cares for me deeply; physically, mentally and spiritually.

“Then I guess we can.” He captures my lips with his once again, lacing our fingers together above my head in an exultant feeling all over. My body overheated; I felt him rut against me, as I squeezed his fingers tight.

He broke the kiss to let me know to fully relax. I did so, and felt my velvet walls being stretched deliciously by by his hardened dick. I moaned sharply, arching my back off the black sheets, and dragged my nails up and down his back. We came once again just off of us humping each other.

My legs went back around his hips and constricted him like a python, egging him on even more to go faster. Letting out mini yells of his name along with multiple phrases in Romanian and German. His hands gripped my thighs tight.

“Lil Mama, come here.” He sat back, pulling out of me. I felt an emptiness, craving for him to be back inside me. He pulled me on to his lap, I sunk back down on instinct. I could tell he was chasing his 3 orgasm with me, so this next one was about to be ruthless.

The temperature increased; his hands hot and heavy on my hips, helping me rotate up and down. Forward and back, this time going with the rhythm of the music. I held the back of his head, gripping for dear life, resting my head on his as I went faster.

“Ah ah- fucking shit! Right there. Oh come on daddy.” I whined digging my nails deeper into his shoulder, feeling my 3rd orgasm coming faster. He looked me dead in my eyes and spoke with such dominance.

“Don’t call me daddy unless you trying to make me one.” Once he growled that against my lips, I purred back at him and caught his tongue with my lips, sucking gently. His eyes went big at how frisky the move was. I pushed him on his back, squeezing his dick inside me again and closing my eyes tight at the feeling of him. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes tight at the feeling.

I whispered against his lips, “If you play your cards right, maybe we can talk about kids. But I need a ring first.

“Only way I’d see it happening, baby girl.” One final kiss session, feeling the vibes again with one of my songs playing on my phone. Rolling my hips sinfully, leaning my head back and gripping my hair I gasped sharply.

“I’m so close…”

“I am too. Let go with me baby girl.” He leaned up, kissing my chest, sucking one of my nipples in his mouth and then moved his thumb against my clit. My orgasm erupted before his own.

I moved quick and fast to slide off him and take him in my mouth. He had to get off by the end of the night or I wouldn’t feel good about it. Tasting myself on his dick, made me wet all over again.

“Shit baby- goddamn.” He held the back of my head, I relaxed my jaw and used my tongue to my leverage. I had him whimpering like a little kid, and I loved it. Using one of my hands to get the rest of him in my mouth, I kissed his thighs a bit before going back at it.

He smacked my ass one good time, which made me moan around his throbbing dick. He released down my throat, I swallowed every drop and crawled back up his sweaty body. Kissing him gently, rubbing my nose with his.

“You smacked my ass like you own it.”

“I kinda do, draga. I kinda do.” He smirked at my gasp, as I hit him playfully.

Stretching a bit, I sat up and smiled at him.

“I trust you remember that ok?” I reminded him. He nodded sweetly and pulled me back down onto his chest. Which was heaving up and down a bit.

“Shower or sleep? Or both?” I traced shapes on his chest gently, hiking my leg over his.

“Both. I’ll even switch the sheets out. Plus I owe you in the morning.” Picking me up bridal style towards my master bathroom, I let out a sweet giggle.

“Definitely gonna need that cause I’m not into work tomorrow.” Loving the feel of the bow water on my body and my hair, I helped him wash his hair and he did mine.

After what seemed like hours, we were both dressed: the sheets were changed and the room was cooler. Falling asleep to his voice made it easier and the nightmares were gone.

“I could stay like this forever with you.” Is what I could’ve sworn I heard him say, but I was too deep into my sleep to pay attention. I couldn’t see myself with anyone else.

[ain-t-bovvered]

Epiphany 11

read first ACT 1

EDIT:  @waywardbaby​

Summary: Less than two years later, you finally passed the men of letters’ initiation and, finally, you now set foot in America eager to be reunited with the Winchesters. But if Dean thought that you spent your days only with your nose in books and hands in monster’s guts, he was dead wrong. Your mission? Something that the British branch tried and failed miserably,  or at least that’s what they told you anyway.

Pairing: Dean X Reader

Characters: Dean, Sam, Castiel and Jack

Warnings: slow burn guys…slow burn. Also, some fluff, humor, feels and angst.

You were testing the sharpness of the blade of your machete after strapping on your thigh holster, filled with dead men’s blood darts.

“I thought you were going to stay back and give me cover,” Dean asked, as he put his usual gun in the back of his jeans.

“Changed my mind,” you said curtly, swinging the blade and swiftly sliding it back in its sheath, on your hip.

Dean’s critic eyes studied you. You were dressed lightly, arms and neck completely exposed, armed only with that machete and those darts. His blood boiled.

 He grabbed your arm as you were moving past him. 

“Hey! hey! Where do you think you’re going?”

“To make some vamps’ heads roll.”

“The hell you are! Not like that!” he barked, putting himself between you and the door, arms crossed.

“Dean…” you rolled your eyes.

“Do not fucking ‘Dean’ me.” he hissed and you blinked surprised.  “Look at yourself!” you followed his hand which was pointing at your attire.

You felt your cheeks burns and bit your lips in shame. You had gotten carried away. What a rookie!

Dean’s tone and eyes softened as he saw some sense washing over you. “I know you’re angry and all you wanna do is go and kill every single bloodsucker son of a bitch in there. Believe me, I do too!” 

You lifted your eyes at him. “Oh hell, I wanna kill them slowly and painfully. But if I let you go with me like this, we are going to be their next meal, because I’ll be busy not letting them take a bite out of you. You know I will.”

He paused to see if you were listening. “You asked for trust, and against my better judgment, I’m gonna give it to you. But you gotta ask yourself if, right now, you’d trust you.”

You wanted to avoid his gaze, but it held yours, unwavering and your eyes watered. “….No.” 

Your hand unfastened the sheath, letting it fall on the floor. “I guess, I’ll wait for you here then,” you said, voice cracking.

“No…” he signed, bent down and grabbed the machete. “I want you with me but first, I need you to get your shit together.”

Taking a big breath and tightening your grip on the machete handle, you looked at him, dead in the eyes. You both nodded.

Getting up, you changed into something appropriate and also fastened Darcy on your back.

Standing side by side, in front of the motel door, you searched for his hand.

“Let’s go kill some vamps” he squeezed back, grinning.

You have never seen Dean fight.

He moved like a machine, a perfect killing machine. Every blow seemed calculated and precise. Each move, smooth and natural like he was born with it. 

That was Dean Winchester. 

Hunter. 

Legacy. 

Michael’s true vessel. 

A descendant of Cain. 

One half of the Winchesters that had saved the world more times than you could count on your fingers.

You were transfixed. He didn’t even need your help, actually. You were already down to the three last bastards. The difficult ones, you guessed. Got the one that flung from the head of the stairs with your darts. You quickly run to him as he wobbled, weakened by the poisonous blood and you swung your blade.

While Dean was fighting the one to his right, you noticed one that was watching the scene. That must have been the ‘father’ of the nest you thought. Knowing the hierarchy of the nest, that must also be the one that gave the order on the attacks.

“You son of a bitch” muttering under your breath, you were ready to run blindly towards him, uncovered and purely on instinct. Without a plan. But Dean’s words resonate in your head. Halting yourself, you quickly took cover and instead fired at him. The bitch was quick enough to dodge the dart, but you already expected that. In fact, you just wanted to distract him, as Dean, who you saw had already killed the other, charged him from the blind side you had provided him with.

As Dean, with some trouble, pinned him to the wall, you shot again, this time hitting him on his thigh. Once weakened, it was not difficult to keep him in place. Dean’s elbow nearly crushing his throat.

He looked at you as to offer the kill. You shook your head.

“ All yours.” 

You knew the little girl’s death had shaken him too. He needed this more than you, now.

He nodded and turned around, slowly lifting the blade, raising it to the vamp’s neck. “Look at me, bitch!” he said, in a tone you’ve never heard from him. You felt shivers.

He bent forward putting pressure on the blade and the vampire began to squirm in pain.

“She was just a little girl, you sick son of a bitch!” and with not so much of a single noise the edge of the machete blade, hit the wall behind.

A single thud was heard as the body detached from the head and fell on the floor followed by your labored breaths which were the only sounds left in that disgusting place.

“You okay?” you asked, as your fingers traced his chest. The hand that was grazing softly your shoulder stopped and went to rest on your head. He bent down a little and kissed you.

Sighing contently, you closed your eyes. Tangled in your bed, showered and tired, both just wanted to sleep, but the adrenaline buzz was taking its time to wear off.

He hummed and you looked at his face. His eyes were closed, the red neon lights sharp on his features. He looked more relaxed now, the crease between his eyes smoothed down a bit. Sensing your gaze he opened an eye.

“I am, now.”

“You’re thinking that if we had left sooner, that girl might be still alive,” you said matter of fact. He closed his eyes and sighed.

“I did, but ...even if we had left the instant I found the case, we still couldn’t have been here to save her in time. Nothing we could have done.”

You rested your cheek on his chest. “Sorry I freaked out.”

“Don’t…!” he turned on his side, curling around you. Your arms sneaked behind him, “I saw you back there…” he mumbled in your hair. He sounded tired. “... you were ready to jump on him, but you stopped….” 

He squeezed you tightly. 

“You stopped and made the right call”

“Yeah, well…I didn’t want your insults to be the last thing I heard before dying.” 

You laughed. 

He didn’t. 

Dean pushed you back to look at him, his face dead serious.

“I don’t want to lose you, and let’s be real. In this line of work ...” he let the words float between you.

“Dean…” he buried his face in your chest, keeping you tight against him.

“You did good, kid...” 

His words were slurred against your heart, “…really good …” he said, so low you almost didn't hear it.

His body went limp, his breaths slowed down and he was asleep.

You looked at the window above his shoulders, seeing the red neon lights reflecting on the thin curtains. You felt your heart squeeze and your chest constricted. Words were wrapping around your throat like ivy.

“I love you...” you whispered at the night.

The next day you drove all the way to Florida. You were starting to understand what could be classified as a long drive. Before, a journey of 4/5 hours seemed long to you. Now, you just ate 9 hours on the road in a vintage car. 

Kudos to Dean that made the drive hilarious. 

 “Dean…I like classic rock. I just can’t name all the band members or know what year a song came out! You are being unreasonable!” 

Your lack of classic rock knowledge sparked an outraged gasp, and a long, very long explanation. At least it kept you busy for an hour or two. 

Then came songs with guitar solos longer than the lyrics, and the way he drummed his fingers and knuckles was endearing and entertaining.

“You have a great sense of rhythm.” 

Your head tilted watching him. “Have you ever tried karaoke?”

“No!”

“That….. was waaaaay too fast!” 

Squinting your eyes at him you mentally promised to get him drunk enough one day.

“‘Sure you wanna go alone?” he asked slowing down next to a little cabin in the middle of a little run downtown.

“Yep, it’s my job. And anyway you’ll get bored. Go and eat some pie and I’ll call you once I’m done.” you said, checking the address. You began to chew on your lips as your hands smoothed out your dress skirt.

“Just ask for coffee this time” he shouted at you as you took your trolley and headed to the front door. You stopped, turned around and stuck your tongue out at him.

“Y/N, are you even listening to me?” Dean waved a hand in front of your face.

“..Eh?” you blinked, refocusing your sight on him.

“You’ve been chewing on that straw for half an hour and you didn’t even finish your fries.” 

Looking down at your half-eaten food you pushed the plate towards him. He gladly switched his empty one for yours.

“‘Shouldn’t take it so bad. I’ve warned you and anyways, there are plenty of hunters.” he said licking the salt from his fingers, your eyes following his tongue.

“…I know. But you are all so …..so American!” you huffed, falling back heavily against the worn backrest.

He shrugged, squirting the ketchup on the fries. Your stomach rolled, making you feel queasy. Looking out the window, you lost yourself in your thoughts again. This time you had other orders. All guns, firearms and other little fun toys. But they had quickly dismissed all that regarded your department. They seemed skeptical at your attempts to explain your products. 

'Hunters don't use all those ...things.' they had said.  

Dean was right though. There were others. Still, it had stung, seeing your work dismissed as not better than witchcraft and that put you in a foul mood.

“So now what ?” you asked bored, swirling your straw, the ice cubes clinking.

“You are done with your thing, I’m done with mine so... I guess …” he began tentatively,

“Home?...yeah, I guess.”

You blushed as you realized what you had just said. “…The bunker, I mean.”

Dean studied you for a moment “It is your home now. That is if you want …well um… I mean if …you can think about it as your home …err…as long as you want it to be.” he said scooping a big blob of ketchup with a fry, not looking at you.

Shit, you hadn't thought of that. Your time here was not permanent, and you hadn't  expected things to ... get complicated like this. What were you going to do once HQ called you back? Just the thought of going back, leaving Dean here, Sam, Cass, and Jack too, caused a knot in your throat and a throb in your head. This was something you would have to face when the time came, though but for now…

“I’d like that!” 

“Damn, it’s hot,” Dean groaned while walking back to the car. He shrugged off his light jacket and tossed it over his shoulder as his hand searched in his pocket for the keys.

“It’s like you are naked, “ you said, eyeing him pleased.

He looked at you strangely, as he slid into the driver seat, you following on the passenger seat.  

“Just two layers? Aren’t you showing too much skin for an unavailable man?”

He grinned mockingly and rolled the grey Henley up his forearms. You could see the veins and how his muscles twitched and moved under his skin as he drove. You rolled down the window, feeling your face hot. Not only your face, everything else felt hot and uncomfortable so you took off your leather jacket and threw it on the backseat where it joined Dean’s. Sighing, you slid a bit down the seat, Led Zeppelin blasting again, Dean talking to you over them. You weren’t really listening but nonetheless, you were staring at him. He was a bit tanned, all those hours driving with the sun high in the sky.  

He looked good… he looked really good…glowing almost. His hair was made lighter by the sun, freckles more visible, lips pinker, the shadow of the beard on his jaw and those striking green eyes which now, in contrast to his tanned skin, looked even lighter. Good, God! He is gorgeous ...and yours.

The thing he could do with those li-

“Hey!”

“What?” you asked, startled.

“You're  staring…..and for some reason, it’s making me uncomfortable.”

You scoffed and turned to him fully. 

“Oh?.... I don’t believe for a second that you aren’t used to being checked out.”

“Well…no …but… ” he said, his voice low as a hand slid up your thigh. You could see the difference between his tanned skin and yours. 

“I can, literally, see what you were thinking!” he winked at your blushing face.

“You can not! “ you said laughing. God, you hoped he couldn’t.

He side glanced at you again and slowly smiled. 

“You…my little minx…” he began, and his hand slid up, the skirt ruffling around his fingers. You used all our willpower to press your knees together since they now decided they wanted to be as far from each other as possible. 

“…You were thinking about what I could do …” his hand, now under the skirt, reached your upper thigh, thumb circling your skin and your legs relaxed under his silent order. It was enough for Dean to gently but also suddenly shoving them apart, “… when my head is right here!”

Reaching his goal, your hips jerked and you involuntary kicked the box full of tapes near your foot.

“...Guess I was right… judging by the situation here!” 

He licked his lips and you made a sound between outrage and a surprise when he moved those fingers the way only he could.

“Dean...” you tried to say, clutching his forearm.  “... you are driving, you need…” He managed to slide under the soaked fabric. “...ah…you need to …need to look ...Dean, the road!” you breathed out gasping, trying to push his arm away and parting your legs more at the same time. “Oh don’t worry sweetheart, “ he said, his gaze never leaving the road “I don’t need my eyes on you...” 

One of your hands gripped the door handle and the other slammed against the car ceiling. 

“I can feel you just fine!”

Baby never swayed.

“What’s up, Sammy?” Dean chirped, very pleased with himself as he glanced at your dreamy expression. Still, in a state of blissful afterglow, you barely heard him. Lazily you turned your face at him and he chuckled passing you his phone.

“Yes..?” you whispered.

“Y/N, it’s Sam…you okay?”

“…eh?”

“Were you napping?” 

Sam sounded confused and his brother tried to conceal his amusement.

“…Ah no…NO!..I mean, yes!” you shot Dean a stern look. “Sorry…I’m just a bit…tired” 

“Oh…well, maybe...”

“Something happened?”

“No...well yes. One of our contacts. She just came back on the job and heard about you. She’s on your route if you want to check it…but if you are tired ...”

“No, no, I’ll take it. Text me the address.” 

“Ok, it’s a small detour but you may need to take another day to be back.”

“It’s alright. More customers. It’s great. Thanks. What about you ...found something?”

“Maybe ...Dean will brief you” You heard Sam moving the phone and saying something then some more sounds. You waited. “ …Jack says hello.”

You chuckled, “ Tell him I said hello, too.”

“…Yeah…Cass, hey...ok...ok… Cass says hello, too.”

“Hello!”

Sam snorted, once in control of the phone again, “Well, safe journey guys. See you in a day.”

“Bye!”

You handed the phone back to Dean and you stared at him waiting.

“What?”

“I’m waiting for you to tell me about your mom. Is there something else I don’t know

He squeezed his hands on the steering wheel and you definitely didn’t miss that.

“…Dean?...please tell me.” 

You gently put your hand on his. He relaxed, took your hand and squeezed it, lowering it down on his thigh.

“ I said that Mom punched the devil into the other universe and the rift closed behind her…”

“ …yes…  and that she was trapped there.”

“Thing is ...she's dead, Y/N! I know she is!” 

He looked at you, his expression haunted. “She trapped Lucifer too, and I really don’t think he let her live.”

It made sense you thought. Never met the devil but you guessed he wouldn’t be too pleased. Your thumb rubbed against his skin, trying to give him some comfort.

“…but…Sam…” you began, trying to find some way to give him hope.

“Sam’s convinced she’s not… but …come on, even you don’t believe it.” He smiled sadly and bitterly and you lowered your eyes, feeling guilty.

“…You are indulging him…” you concluded.

“It’s my baby brother. I don’t want to crush his hopes... just yet.”

You nodded. “…But there is news now…?”

“Dream walkers.” 

“…Oh.”

“We could use them to find that world, and maybe…maybe we could…I - I don’t know…”

You could see that Dean’s faith wasn’t big on this and you searched for the right thing to say.  “Dean…don’t you at least want to be sure? If there is even a small possibility, wouldn’t you want that? You’ll mourn or you’ll have another reason to fight. One way or another, you need to know.”

He stayed silent and you glanced nervously back and forth between the road and him until he lifted your hand that was still in his, kissing it softly. You smiled and laid your head on his shoulder. Disentangling your hands, he passed his arm around you and brought you closer.

“So…Sam’s said her house should be in the suburbs, just outside Wichita Falls.” Dean said, slowing down and passing from house to house checking the numbers.

“I’m trying really hard…” you said, looking out the window to check the other side.

“I know you want to…come on, spit it out!!” he said with amusement.

You inhaled and let the words spill out of your mouth like a waterfall, “Oh my God, oh my God… it looks just like I had pictured it. I’m just waiting for the newspaper boy with his bicycle or some dad having a barbecue in some yard, drinking beer. Where are all the soccer mums going for a walk all together throwing shade on the neighbor's gardens??? Where is the cul-de-sac??” you said, excitedly.

The car stopped abruptly in front of a big house with red bricks, perfectly mown, green lawn and a white painted fence. 

You both looked at each other, confused.

“Well…this is …different!” you said, being accustomed to run-down houses, run-down dirty lawns, menacing barking dogs and warning shots... You walked on the perfect footpath made of carefully placed flat stones and stopped in front of the front door. With some hesitation, you knocked while Dean was, not so subtly, peeking through the window. You quickly pulled him beside you by his shirt, right before the door opened. 

In front of you was the perfect soccer mom, like the ones from TV shows. She even had a pastel cardigan around her shoulders and pearl earrings adorned her ears.

“Yes? “ she said, balancing something on her hips. Your eyes looked down at the toddler she was holding, who looked back at you with big questioning eyes.

You were still frozen on the spot and she was staring at you, suspiciously.

“‘Morning ma’am. Sorry, we must have the wrong house.” Dean began, pulling you back.

“Wait!” she called back, “Are you the hunters?” 

You both turned slowly and nodded.

“Well, you are definitely in the right place. Come on in, come on in!”

You slowly entered the cookie smelling house, stunned.  

“Dean…” you whispered, leaning into him. “What the fuck?”

He was at a loss for words too. She turned back and you both tensed and plastered a tight smile on your faces.

“Oh, don’t just stand there! Sit down! I just baked some cookies. Would you like some? Coffee? Lemonade? Sweet tea?”

She asked chirping as she put the babbling toddler in those…play jail thingies.

“Anything is… fine…” you managed to say.

“I know what you must be thinking.” she smiled while sipping her lemonade. “Someone like me couldn’t possibly be a hunter.”

You both nodded, you sipping your coffee and Dean slowly chewing on a cookie.

“Well …I was a hunter, met my wife on a hunt. She’s in life too, mind you. Got married, still hunted and then we decided to have Avery. I thought that was it. Nail the shotgun and machete to the wall kind of situation. But you know how that thirst never leaves you, right?” she took a cookie and chewed happily.

“So there we were, struggling to go back into life when my old friend Jacob - you know the one in Topeka - called us about these new toys going around. He was at one of your first ‘parties’ when you sold some stuff. Anyhoo, he told me about some of the things you sell and I must say… big fan. So… whatcha got for me?”

Dean poked your side with his elbow.  “Ah...yes ...well...here-” 

You spent the rest of the hour advertising the variety of the products. She was indeed a big fan because she made a huge order and emptied your last reserves. You were distracted though by that thing babbling and drooling in the room, though. Especially, when she started crying. Hunter soccer mom, rocked her while still talking nonstop. Not hearing a word, you interrupted her. “Wait ...wait ...I'm sorry but I gotta ask…what… how … why?” you stood up from the couch, Dean’s eyes following you. Stuttering, you gestured at her and the toddler that was drooling on her cardigan.

She looked confused “ Why… hunting is who I am. I knew we couldn’t stay away long.”

“But…the..?”

“Oh, honey. We don’t hunt like before, just simple cases. Some salt and burn, maybe some vamps but nothing more. We are very selective. There are other hunters too around here, anyway.” 

You opened your mouth to say something when a ‘ping’ coming from the kitchen was heard.

“Oh sorry. Here, can you take her? I need to check on that pot roast.” She put the toddler in your hands and vanished in the kitchen.

You stood frozen on the spot, a drooling tiny human in your outstretched hands, your eyes fixed on her as hers were on you. Studying each other for a few seconds, she slowly raised her chubby fingers, grabbing a lock of your hair and pulling sharply.

“Ow!” you exclaimed, causing a fit of delightful, baby giggles. You felt like something had just punched you in your stomach.

Dean stood up quickly, wanting to take the baby from you, but stopped midway when you brought the squirming bundle to your face. Her giggles grew louder then and Dean resumed his steps, coming to stand in front of you. You were making the stupidest, ugliest face he’d ever seen, Avery still pulling the lock of hair in her fist and the other slapping gently on your cheek. Dean’s eyes widened and his chest felt tight when a hearty laugh escaped your lips, a laugh he never heard you make before. 

As a bit of drool threatened to spill out of the toddler, you giggled through your nose, snorting adorably, and used the cross-stitched bib, around her neck to clean her mouth. Dean was transfixed on the image before him, watching you both interact, as you placed her on your hips like her mother had done before and pried your hair out of that steel grasp, replacing it with your crystal pendant which she promptly put in her mouth. Only then did you remember that Dean was there, too. Blushing, you shifted your eyes on him. “Mmm… sorry I…I look stupid…” you said, tucking the lock of hair behind your ear and out of reach.

“I...I think you look magnificent...” he said, before clearing his voice.

“Oh, my…aren’t you two absolutely adorable!” 

Soccer mom chirped, entering the room again, a pair of oven gloves still on her hands. “Where were we?”

She refused to take Avery back since she seemed happy where she was and you continued your work, trying not to be too distracted. Once the check and the documents for shipping were signed, you noticed that Avery had become heavier and slack against you.

“She doesn’t usually fall asleep on other people,” she said amazed. “You must give out the mom vibe.”

Before she could see you grimace, she stood up quickly, “Well, I’m gonna pack you some leftover cookies for the road!” and without waiting for your response, she disappeared again.

You looked down at the sleeping child in your arms, and your heart squeezed, as a lump formed in your throat. Without looking away you gripped Dean’s arm, to get his attention.

“….can you…” you gulped, “ can you take-....” you placed the sleeping child in Dean’s arms, “I…I’ll wait in the car,” you said, quickly picking up your stuff. 

He wanted to follow you the moment he had seen your eyes, but the sudden movement rouses the child, causing it to whimper. Dean stopped himself and sighed bitterly, looking down. 

Your expression and laughter had shaken him deeply. 

That…that had been something else. 

It almost looked like a possibility that he had never dared to look at. Thinking about it was a thing, but seeing it right in front of his eyes, touching it…. He pressed his lips together and looked out the window, searching for you.

You were putting away your phone and leaning on the side of the car. He watched as you lifted your head, searching for the sun as a gust of wind moved your hair, trapping it in your aviators. Annoyed, you swatted them away, only to worsen the situation. He laughed softly almost hearing the swears that were passing through your mind, as you tried to disentangle the sunglasses from that mess.

“You two together? Because if not, you better tell her soon. That look on your face is ridiculous!” 

Startled Dean turned around, finding soccer mom staring right into his eyes, smiling brightly.

“ …Err…” was the only thing he managed to say before handing her back her sleeping kid. He glanced back at you as your hands were still busy in your sunglasses- hair mess and he smiled, “…yes...yes we are together…”

He closed the door behind him and walked down to the car. You were turned around, facing the other way.

“ That went great, right? And look…” he said, lifting the plastic plate, “...free cookies!!” You let out a shaky, sniffling, soft laugh. Dean’s eyebrows furrowed worriedly and he turned you around with one hand.

“…Sorry…I…this damn thing! I can’t …I can’t disentangle it.” you were on the verge of tears as the sunglasses dangled in front of your eyes.

He gently put the plate on the roof of Baby and started freeing your hair patiently. Murmuring ‘thanks’ as he handed you the glasses back, you both slipped into the car, Dean glancing at the house on more time before taking off.

“What kind are these?” you asked, eyeing the cookies.

“Don’t know…they look like chocolate chip.” 

“I sure hope so. If they turn out to be oatmeal or raisins I’m gonna throw them out the car like a Frisbee!”

“Sam might want them.”

You looked at him pausing, “...ew!”

[purplesurveys]

581

Where did you get the pants you are wearing from? They’re my sister’s; I borrowed them for the semester because these shorts are conducive for my PE classes, but since we already finished the class last week I should probs give it back to her soon. Do you find smoking unattractive? I used to, but now I can’t really say that I hate it. Have your parents ever searched your personal belongings? They did, back in Grade 6. They took away two of my very private diaries and ever since then I never wrote down my thoughts in a notebook. I never did get the two back. Could you go for the rest of your life without drinking alcohol? I thought I could, then my friends made me try a margarita a month after I turned 18 hahaha. Is there someone you'll never forget? There are loads of people I haven’t and will never forget; this is a very broad question.

Do you miss someone right now? Yes. Last time you were on the phone? Just to use it? Maybe some four minutes ago. But the last time I was on a call – if that’s what you meant – was last night. Do you get distracted easily? Yeup. Earlier I was doing a reading, picked up my phone for a short break, then never realized I was on my phone for the next two hours. Have your parents ever caught you drinking? They never ‘caught’ me; whenever I do drink I let them know/ask permission. I respect them enough to do that because I know how alcohol had nearly ruined our family in the past. Do you think flirting is cheating? Uhhhhhhh yes. Do you hate the last girl, other than family, you had a conversation with? I could never hate Gab. Who was the last person you sat next to in a car with? It was my brother.  Is your room messy or clean? Fairly clean. I had a general cleaning of my room not too long ago. Do you drink tea? Not the hot or herbal kind. I only have iced tea occasionally. Wish you could be somewhere else right now? Sort of? Kind of? Idk it’s either way. I’m content that I’m home but I wouldn’t mind being out drinking right now too. What are you listening to right now? I can only hear the electric fan’s white noise. I don’t feel like listening to music. Where did you get your last bruise from? I don’t remember my most recent bruise but it probably has something to do with PE and me hitting the mat/floor way too hard. Are you looking forward to anything? The weekend. When is the last time you wanted to punch someone in their face? The fact that I stared at this question for a good minute must mean I haven’t thought this in a while lmao. That’s gotta be a good thing! Whose house where you last at? Other than mine, Gab’s. When someone says 'we need to talk', what do you think: If I know that that person doesn’t have a problem/potential problem with me, I just assume it’s something light. The only time this was said to me and it turned out to be something bad was my mom gathering us to say that our grandpa died, so I don’t really have a bad experience in general with that sentence. Tell me what's on your mind? I would have been able to sleep in tomorrow if I didn’t accept a 10 AM commitment and now I’m hating myself loads. It’s exhausting to accept an executive position sometimes. Will you be in bed before 11 tonight? I doubt it; it’s already 9:55 and I just started on this survey. Do you have a good relationship with your parents? It’s fine, but it’s not super solid or anything. They don’t know anything about me other than what I post on Facebook. How much money did you spend today? I spent P45 on an egg and cheese sandwich just to get through my hunger this morning, and my orders from online shopping came so I dropped P1,120 on that hahaha. In other words, I’m slowly GOING BROKE Can you see a cat from where you're sitting? Nope. I can see a dog, though. Who was your last text from? My professor for a history class. I’m the beadle in this class, so he texts me reminders from time to time. What was the last bad thing that happened to your phone? It’s fairly new so it hasn’t acted up ever. The only bad thing that happens to it is me dropping it D: What's been upsetting you lately? I am so fucking burned out from this semester and just wish it’s over already. Is there anyone getting on your nerves at the moment? Nope, everyone’s safe. Is there a member of the opposite sex on your mind? Nopes.

Last place you fell asleep other than a bed? The living room couch, I think. Does it take a lot to make you cry? Not at all. I’m an easy target. Do you have a dog? Yes, the goodest and bestest. Do you like to wear pants? No, I hate jeans and wish I had more shorts than jeans. How many people do you trust fully? I trust everybody I know, is the thing. I feel like my loved ones and friends deserve that. But I can cut off ties with them very easily if they abuse that trust. When you're bored in class, what do you usually do? I use my phone but make sure I’m hidden behind my laptop. If that’s too risky, I’ll doodle whatever lyrics on my notebook (if I’m writing). Otherwise I’d just check my social media on my laptop. What’s your favorite color out of these five? Green, Yellow, Blue, Pink: Pink. What was the first thing you said when you woke up today? “...Already?” I set my alarms this morning for 4 AM, 4:30 AM, and 5:30 AM. I woke up at the 4 AM alarm, went back to sleep, and the next alarm that woke me was the 5:30 one. I must have turned off the 4:30 one too but I was probably half-sleepy and groggy AS FUCK because I don’t remember turning that one off at all. Do you get 8 hours of sleep everyday? Yeah. I kinda have to because the way I run during the day depends on the amount of sleep I get. Ever like someone older than you? I haven’t. What's your favorite amusement park? I don’t really have any. Universal Studios in Singapore was great fun though. Are you cold at this very moment? A little bit. I’ve since turned on the AC and also have an electric fan directed at me, so I’m quite chilly. Do you prefer people who talk a lot or are quiet? Depends on my mood..sometimes I’m talkative, and sometimes I just want to be on my laptop and be undisturbed. Is there someone in your life you wish you never met? Other than incompetent groupmates from past projects who temporarily made my life a living hell, not really. How many hours of sleep do you need to function? 7 to 10. Nothing more, nothing less. What do you think Avril Lavigne is doing at the moment? This question is so creepy. What's one fear are you most paranoid about? Not getting a nice enough job that doesn’t pay enough. Have you ran into an old friend recently? A couple of weeks ago I bumped into Mils; I was headed to my car and she was headed to class. It was super brief; we just said hi and she complimented my water bottle (which I have since lost lmao). Have you ever had a song stuck in your head for more than a day? Most likely. Could you go a whole year without cursing? I doubt it. Would you rather give up the computer or the TV? TV! I gave that up like, 6 years ago lol. That’s no problem for me now. Have you ever liked someone who had a girl/boyfriend? No, I haven’t. As of this minute, what is going through your mind? I want to play Mario Kart Tour again but I have to finish this survey first. Does anyone know your password besides you? Gab and my sister. Would you ever take someone back if they cheated on you? I dunno, I’ve never been in that situation. Have you ever ridden a horse? Yes. Are you a patient person? I’m patient with people more; I don’t like the other aspects of waiting, like traffic or waiting in line for something. Could you go a day without eating? I could, but it would suck and it would hurt and I’d probably pass out. Honestly, are things going the way you planned? More than, I guess. I mean I didn’t plan on making it to 21, so I guess everything I do from here on out is more than what I had planned. Are you a forgiving person? No. I prefer holding grudges. When you shut off your alarm clock, do you tend to fall back asleep? HAHAHAHAHAHAAHAH YES What is something you disliked about today? My anthropology professor instructed us to watch a film over the weekend. Completely forgot about it of course, and crammed my viewing the night before even though I was already tired. Today, I walked into the room to find out we were gonna watch the exact same movie as a class anyway; meaning I could have rested up last night lolololololol but guess not When's the last time you had a headache? A week ago, I think. Is there anything that you are craving right now? A burger from Pound :( And samgyupsal, ughhhhhhhh. What was the first thing you thought of this morning? How I fucking hate my Wednesday schedule. What part of your body hurts right now? I’m good at the moment. Eyes are starting to feel heavy though. Is there anyone you would like to just appear at your front door right now? Not really. Gab’s working tonight and I wouldn’t want her to drop everything just to surprise me at home. What is something that you realized today? I really dislike my course. I had a very productive afternoon today and started work on each of my final requirements for all my classes this semester – I met progress with every single major requirement, except for those of my journ electives, about which I could really not care less. Is there someone on your mind that shouldn't be? No. Do you remember who your first crush was? Yeah, my 5th grade science teacher. I remember feeling ashamed to disclose it on these surveys back when I was new to this, but it’s been like ten years and I’ve gotten old as fuck and I can just spit it out now lmao. Ever walked into the guy's bathroom? I don’t think so. Have you ever cried from being so mad? Sure. What's a word that starts with the third letter of your first name? Binoculars. Do you have a bad temper? I can, most especially on my period. How many wives or husbands do you want? Wow, just one please. What's the closest pink object to you? My keyboard cover. Do you consider yourself lucky? No. Whats on your bedroom floor right now? A single sock that I’m too lazy to pick up for now, and my dog. Do you trust anyone? I trust lots of people. What's your favorite color gummy bear? Maybe red? I like strawberry/cherry flavored gummies. What's the last movie you saw in the theater? Portrait of a Lady on Fire. If you could push one person off of a mountain, who would it be? Duterte. Wish you could be somewhere else right now? Meh, yes and no. What color is your iPod? I don’t use it anymore, but my Nano is blue. What should you be doing right now? Sleeping maybe? Or at least settling in. Do you like roller coasters? Nope. One famous guy you would marry in an instance? Does it have to be a guy? I got nothing.