#haven’t tried watching anything newer

[hyped-up-on-girl-pills]

What's YOUR favorite scene(s) in the tremors series?

TREMORS MUTUAL MY BELOVED!

I’ll do a top 5!!

5: Can you fly you sucker?!? CAN YOU FLY??!!! (Tremors 1, basically the whole ending)

4: When the graboid breaks into the Gummers’ rec room and gets blown to bits in Tremors 1, specifically when it first pans over to the absolutely cartoonish amount of guns on the wall.

3: “I’d Prefer… *puts on sunglasses* that we keep this to ourselves” *steps up out of graboid* (aka the vore scene in Tremors 3)

2: “It’s a whole new ball game! It’s a whole new goddamn ball game!!” (Tremors 2)

1: The scene where Dr. Jim and Megan get grabbed in Tremors 1, I’ve posted about it before it’s like a perfect little horror short all on its own.

I haven’t watched 4 in ages I need to watch it again

[cranberryjuice-posts]

Hi!!!!!

I need some more protective Clarisse kind of angst in my life. Maybe something when it’s not an established relationship, but it’s obvious Clarisse wants R. But since Clarisse isn’t doing anything about it R just goes on oblivious. Until one of Clarisses brothers starts hitting on R doing the bonfire. Clarisse comes up angrily and stills R away but then reader is mad. Anger confession core pls. Feel free to make it your own. I love your writing!

- my flower -

Pairings - Clarisse La Rue x Fem! Reader

An - im struggling so fucking much writing fics rn 😭😭 my recent works haven’t really been the best and I’m sorry abt that I’m just having major writers block rn

Beauty was an important thing at camp. Being beautiful brought all sorts of things, from an extra s’more at the bonfire to having charmed guys around camp to do your bidding.

Charming guys wasn’t just the limit however: which is how clarisse found herself in your cabin watching you model different cut up camp shirts.

“What do You think of this one?” You asked wearing a shirt you had cut into a halter top. Posing yourself in-front of a mirror you hadn’t realized the daughter of ares over looking your curves and chest in the top.

“I think it looks just as fine as all the other shirts you showed me” she rolled her eyes leaning back on your bunk. You shot her a dirty look while mumbling something under your breath.

Taking the shirt off you tossed it in clarisses general direction. “You are the worst person to ask for clothing advice I swear” 

“First of all I know a lot about clothing”

“You wear camo military pants”

After a moment clarisse threw your shirt back at you causing you to laugh. Rummaging around through a pile of cut up shirts you eventually grabbed one that was off the shoulders.

Throwing it on and looking at it critically you just shrugged your shoulders. “This is Fine i guess”

“Thank god” Clarisse complained (much to your dismay) standing up, placing a hand around your waist she gestured her hand to the door. “Now can we please go to dinner”

You shook your head following her out. Breaking free from clarisse once you arrived to the dining hall, she kept her eyes on you.

Everyone knew she liked you, everyone also knew she wouldn’t do shit to ask you out but would beat down anyone else who tried to.

——

“Clarisse” silena tilted her head while rolling her fingers on the table beside the curly haired girl. Receiving a harsh stare the daughter of Aphrodite just smiled.

Sitting down beside clarisse , she took a moment to observe how the ares kids behaved. Half the table was arguing while the other half was debating up coming camp events and how to win them, though Henry a newer member to the cabin was over at your table. Sitting beside you and well to put it bluntly, flirting with you.

Silena looked back at clarisse. Having to resist laughing as she gave a hateful glare to her brother. “Who the hell does he think he is” she muttered under her breath. “I mean honestly how does he think he even stands a chance with her” sitting up straighter clarisse scoffed.

“Maybe he’s just trying to find a relationship here at camp” silena softly teased.

“He should already know that she’s off limits though”

“Is she though? You’re not dating her”

Silena had a point. You weren’t dating but still she didn’t want anyone else to be with you. As much as clarisse wanted to love you she couldn’t, take a look at her. She was known as the camp bully, arrogant and with the amount of pressure she received from her father clarisse knew she couldn’t contain her anger well and would ultimately lash out on.. clarisse didn’t want to think about that.

“I don’t need your smart ass mouth silena” pushing her plate forwards clarisse quickly mad her way out of the table.

——

It made her sick how causally you flirted with Henry. Crossing her arms she didn’t even bother paying attention to the bonfire, rather clarisse was more focused on you.

Your laugh, your hair, you. All things she knew Henry didn’t or couldn’t appreciate like her.

Once she saw him leading you away towards the woods most likely to make out. That was her final straw.

Making her way over to where you were clarisse grabbed Henry by his shoulder and shoved him back. “For fucks sake clarisse— what’s wrong with you”

“I could ask you the same question who do you think you are flirting with my girl”

“Your Girl? Pfft as if clarisse you wish she was yours”

Quickly stepping between the siblings you tried to deescalate the situation. Placing a hand on clarisses chest with the other on Henry’s arm you were starting to tell that the woman before you wasn’t going to back down anytime soon.

The two continued their argument, throwing petty insults at eachother. You let out an aggravated sigh before grabbing clarisses Hand dragging her away.

—

Quickly finding the ares cabin, you threw the door open before forcing clarisse in. Taking a moment to collect yourself you let out a deep breath.

Finally facing clarisse you held your hand up before she could speak. “What.. the fuck is wrong with you”

“Henry was being a creep”

“Not every guy I go off with is a perv!”

“Yeah but if their from my cabin they sure as hell are!”

The argument continued to grow louder and louder. Clarisse was determined to prove she was right and you the same.

“Why do You Care if I want to make out with someone? Every time I show Interest in someone you are always on my ass”

“Because nobody actually deserves someone like you!” She moved some your way. She tried to make her stance show that she was innocent, that she was right, and it pissed you off even more

“What is that even supposed to mean” scoffing you shook your head looking away. “And why in what situation did you think it was ok to call me your girl?! We’re not dating clarisse”

“But we could be!” She shouted back. The room went quiet.

You furrowed your eyebrows confused, now realizing how close both you and clarisse were it flustered you. “Clarisse do you like me” you mumbled.

She just nodded, huffing you wrapped your arms around her. Hugging her tight you spoke into her neck. “You’re the stupidest person at the camp I swear”

Pulling back and placing a hand over her mouth to keep her from responding; you tilted your head up softly kissing your hand. “I’m going back to my cabin. And tomorrow morning I expect you to be at the door ready to ask me out got it”

She nodded her head once again. “Good” you pulled your hand back but not before patting her cheek. Leaving the ares cabin clarisse walked to her bunk in shock, with how fast everything had moved it didn’t click in her mind that she now had a girlfriend.

———

Clarisse - so do You want to go out with me

YN - no

Clarisse - oh.. I Just thoug—

Yn - yes Dummy I want to go out with you 😭😭

[sebastianmichaelisslander]

Any unpopular opinions/headcanons about shinigamis?

Lessgooo! I’d been waiting for this for a while!

Headcanons

• Not fully sure there’s a proper academy for Reapers, though that’s the case in a lot of fanon hcs and even the anime.

The Dispatch setup resembles a very typical one in the corporate world, though - newer Reapers are all assigned a mentor who they train under and who asses them for their capabilities in varying fields. According to this, they join a particular department and work under its head (e.g., collections, forensics, auditing, etc.).

• There are several different branches of the Dispatch spread out over major cities in England - and the same goes for branches in other countries. Headquarters will be either at the capital or in a major city (e.g, London).

• Though Reapers are all pretty much blind as bats without their glasses, younger ones would probably have it slightly better. Slightly.

• As for whether they would retain any memories of their past lives, it depends for me.

What would be worse than having memories of who or what was dear to them wiped to prevent them from straying would be remembering it all, but knowing they will not be able to return under any circumstances.

But as I’m uncertain about how to make sense of that, I’d say that I share my mutual @grimreaperauthority ‘s headcanon about their memories of their past lives being wiped and thus remaining mostly fuzzy. I’d say that’s the case, save for the day of their death or anything particularly defining which shaped or changed their beliefs, imho.

• Relationships between colleagues aren’t forbidden, but it’s expected that one adheres to decorum and keeps their liaisons under wraps. Especially if there’s a major power imbalance involved, because you’d be cooked.

Unpopular opinions

I’ll probably have several of you trying to break down my door with pitchforks and torches in hand, but here goes.

• I don’t see Eric as Scottish, lol.

I haven’t fully watched the musical so I don’t fully get where the whole headcanon about him came into being, but it’s not just that. I tried looking his last name up, and ‘Slingby’ isn’t even a real surname - closest thing is ‘Slingsby’, which is of English origin. ‘Knox’, however, is a Scottish surname, so make what you will of that. 😉 (Yes, I unapologetically write Ronnie as a Scotsman.)

• I do not ship Sascha with Ludger.

I always saw the former as a very young student figure of sorts to him, and not just because they appear rather young to me. I’ve never seen them as a couple given their interactions in the manga, and there’s also the fact that Sascha seems to be a literal teen.

Whilst Sascha’s age hasn’t been stated in canon and they could very well be an adult for all I know, which would be highly unlikely, them as a ship just isn’t for me. Ludger as their father/brother figure, though? That’s where it’s at.

• I’m mostly indifferent to Undertaker. I don’t know why, but I never paid him any special attention. Like, he do be kinda fit, but that’s about it.

• I don’t vibe with the fanon interpretation of Ronald as a player or fuckboy - and not only because I headcanon him as on the asexual spectrum. Even in the manga, he appears to be (quite a major) flirt at most - which can also be backed up by how he disappears.

• If Othello could talk to women, he’d be like a more toned-down Ronald when he’s interacting with them, but shyer too. But he can’t, lmao - he’s forgotten how to. Takes personal space and being respectful to them seriously, though.

Bi Othello is my fav headcanon for him. I can definitely see him with a woman as well as a man. And though he’s often absorbed in his work or Dispatch shenanigans and doesn’t think about girls (or guys) all that much, he definitely likes a pretty one as much as the next man.

• I don’t see William as a prick with all the emotional range of a teaspoon and little empathy whatsoever. Is he too harsh on himself and his subordinates? Yes. Can he be an asshole at times? Also yes.

But is he a terrible person with no redeeming qualities whatsoever and a rock in his chest where a heart would otherwise beat? No.

He seems like he’d be an overthinker and feel extremely strongly towards people and ideas both, but tries to suppress this as he thinks that he needs to. Not only to remain impartial for the sake of professionalism, but also because how men in general are socialised plus his tendency to withdraw when he’s overwhelmed mean it’s difficult to confront his emotions.

• I do not see Ludger as German William, but rather someone who’s similar to him yet incredibly different in a lot of ways. William is pensive, almost overly fastidious, and coldly professional. Meanwhile, Ludger is reserved, a tad rough around the edges, and focused - but he’s surprisingly patient and better with conflict than Will.

If I have more, that’ll call for another post!

[slippinmickeys]

Old Chem, pt 4

The funeral, then weeks of work; Scully catching up on all she missed. Mulder had to head two symposiums, back to back. They tried to plan a few scattered dates here and there, but life got hectic. The one weekend Mulder was home, Scully had to head up to Maryland to help her mother clean out her father’s study, which was depressing and dusty. Mulder had offered to come help, but she told him no.

She went home to an empty apartment. Opened the drawers she’d given to Mulder; looked at the clothes he hadn’t worn in weeks. His toothbrush sat in her bathroom, limp, dry.

He felt distant, but she didn’t know if she was imagining it. Another week went by with schedules that just didn’t align, and then on Friday, a text: meet me at the Project 562 Bar at 7:00? They hadn’t actually spoken in days. Was this a break-up? She wondered. Set in a public place so as not to cause a scene?

Not knowing what else to do, she gave the text a thumbs up. 

She pulled up to the address at 6:45, all nerves and disquiet. It was one of the newer hotels in town, boutique and upscale; the bar it hosted was small, but nice. Scully felt underdressed. 

She grabbed a dry martini and a table and kept her eyes glued to the lobby entrance, waiting for Mulder. By 7:00, she’d drained her martini and was contemplating another one when she felt a looming presence next to the table. She looked up. 

“Mulder,” she said, surprised. “I didn’t see you come in. I’ve been watching.”

“I didn’t come in that way,” he said, holding out his hand to her. 

“You-”

He gripped her hand and pulled her up and led her through the back of the bar through a dark curtain that Scully assumed led to the kitchens. Instead, behind it was an elevator bank. Mulder, still holding her hand, pushed the Up button. 

“Where are we going?” she asked. 

“You’ll see,” he said. 

On the fourth floor the elevator stopped and Mulder pulled her out and around a corner, using a key card to unlock room 478. Had he gotten a hotel room for them? They lived here. It seemed like a waste of money but-

She walked into the room and turned to him. “What are-”

“Our last weekend away,” he interrupted her, “was truncated and traumatic. I feel like we haven’t connected in weeks and you’ve been so sad and so busy and…It’s not a real fireplace, not really,” at this he turned to the small electric fireplace on the wall behind him; wavy, blue unnatural flame creeping along the polished rocks on its bottom. “And the room has a two person jacuzzi that’s not nearly as big as the hot tubs up north, but-”

Realization dawned and she lowered her head in relief and stepped forward to clunk her forehead onto his chest. 

“For a weird minute earlier today, I thought you were dumping me,” she admitted, and he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her in. 

“Hardly,” he chuffed. “I just thought we could use a weekend away is all. A full one. A happy one. I wanted to surprise you. I’m sorry if I-”

“Don’t apologize,” she said, finally tilting her head back to look up at him. “Not for this.”

He smiled down at her. “Anything I should be apologizing for?”

“No warning,” she said. “We’re spending the weekend here and I didn’t pack a thing. I don’t have any other clothes.”

“Oh,” Mulder said, leaning down so his lips were just touching hers. “I don’t think we’re going to need any.”

[spadesolace]

love you twice: new jeans

synopsis: it had been almost 2 years since their breakup, haerin and yn had met new people, become newer versions of themselves. the same feelings still linger.

words: 1.8k

previous | next

It had been almost 2 years since the best friends had decided to remain friends.

8 months into the break up, YN had already started dating someone new that she was classmates with the year before, Yoo Eunji. At first glance, clearly Eunji had the personality for anyone to fall for her, it was a bonus that she was attractive (according to YN). When asked about their relationship, people assumed that YN made the first move, only to be surprised that Eunji had liked YN for quite some time. This did not go unnoticed to Haerin, she watched her best friend who always had time for her on the weekends slowly spend it with her girlfriend.

“YN, wanna go to the arcade this weekend?” Haerin was hoping you haven’t made plans. She misses her best friend more than anything but it was as if she was slowly drifting away.

“Sorry, Hae. Eunji already asked me to go to the cinema this weekend. How about next week?”

YN kept her word, if she missed out on a hangout with Haerin, she’ll spend it the following weekend. She shouldn’t feel butterflies in her stomach for when her best friend would come over and spend her time with her. She shouldn’t be jealous of Eunji for calling you “hers”, most definitely not. Haerin was left in the state of confusion, clearly YN still knew the way to her heart yet it wasn’t intentional, YN now viewed Haerin as her childhood best friend who was born on the same day but an hour earlier than her, the same girl who had confessed under the cherry blossoms, and the very same person who took her first kiss.

“Haerin, if you’re so bothered with YN having a girlfriend, why not try dating as well?” Danielle was always willing to listen to Haerin rant about YN whenever she would say no to a hangout or if Eunji really wanted to go on a date with her girlfriend. Until that time, nobody knew of their past.

“I don’t know, Dani… YN still tries her best to spend some time with me.”

“There’s a guy in my class that’s been asking me to introduce you, why not start with that?”

That was the start of how Kim Minwon, part of the baseball club, had the looks yet the personality was a bit questionable. Lee YN sure noticed how the boy did not understand the concept of personal space when he was with Haerin, hand around her waist, leaving no space at all. YN shouldn’t feel rage, sadness, and wanting to punch his face when she has Eunji. She shouldn’t feel butterflies in her stomach if Haerin ditches him for her, definitely unacceptable when she has a girlfriend of 4 months.

Haerin let him court her, some feelings were already being developed and she had finally seen YN as her best friend. It took him 3 months only for him to ask the question and Haerin agreeing. The pair was happy for each other in the public eye. If they could put their past relationship behind and move on, that means they could remain best friends. Slowly, the feeling of jealousy and butterflies was bottled up, keeping up the front that they’re only best friends. Going on double dates and yet at the end of each date, they’re together in the comfort of Haerin’s bed, watching a documentary about sharks or frogs, laying down with no space in between. We’re best friends, this is fine.

“Hae, you got any plans after class?” Usually on Tuesdays, Haerin was free, YN was sure of this, because Minwon has practice every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. What threw her off was Eunji answering for Haerin. She likes her girlfriend but it was getting on her nerves how she would try her best to not let you spend your free time with Haerin.

Yes, Eunji has been her girlfriend for almost two years, but Haerin has always been the top priority (with Hyein). All she could do is agree and go on the impromptu date with Eunji, everyone in the group knew there was something going on between YN and Eunji behind closed doors. Asides from being called the power couple, YN being one of the active students in their Science club and running for student council president, while Eunji was a well-known ballerina and straight-A student; something was off.

“Alright, where do you wanna go?” Eunji always picks where and what their date is, if a certain place holds a core memory with Haerin, YN would immediately suggest something else. One time, Eunji wanted to go on an arcade date where YN and Haerin frequently go to, she had suggested a different arcade that was a bit smaller but was still good.

“Dog cafe? I wanna see the corgis again.” There was an unspoken rule about cats between the pair; never mention them especially when YN would space out and look at one siamese cat that looked like Haerin. It was never mentioned why she looked so lost looking at the feline, Eunji assumed she was afraid of cats.

“Come on, if we go now we can catch them before supper.” 

Eunji loves holding YN’s hand, it was soft, smooth, and it was the perfect size despite being bigger than hers. She loved the way YN would tuck a strand of hair behind her ear and shyly look away if they made eye contact. Eunji had fallen so deep for YN that even when she clearly sees that YN doesn’t see her the same way as when they started dating, she stayed.

After their first year of being together, Eunji watched as YN slowly drifted her attention back to Haerin, she understood that she was a close family friend, nothing wrong with that. Even when Hyein had admitted to her that she does not feel any sort of connection with her, she didn’t mind. The Lee sisters were close with Haerin, no one could take that spot, it was made aware to her when she was having dinner with the Lee family and Haerin came over as her parents were out of town. Eunji was going to sleepover and there was no spare bedroom as YN’s grandparents were in town to visit the sisters. Hyein was not that comfortable to share a bed with Haerin, so she agreed to go home that night. YN walked her home, held her hand, talked on the way to her house, kissed her good night and thanked her for understanding. Eunji watched as YN walked back home in the dark, hands in her pocket, earphones plugged right away… slowly drifting away. Haerin had taken her spot.

Eunji knew that there was little to no space for her in YN’s heart.

“Look, the corgis just finished their bath. They smell so nice.” Eunji watched her girlfriend play with the dogs, a huge smile on her face as one of them sat on her lap. She missed seeing her like this, carefree and all attention on her. Her lemonade nearly finished along with her dark chocolate chip cookie, where was this version of YN hiding? Somehow she was happier despite her cancelling her supposed plans with Haerin to spend it with her. Nothing made sense anymore, it was as if one day YN wouldn’t care that much and spend her time with Haerin and the following was that she’ll be following Eunji like a lost puppy.

“YN, babe.” The girl hummed as a response, still petting the dog on her lap. “If I asked you to choose between me and Haerin, who would you choose?”

Almost two years of being together, Eunji never asked that. YN assumed that she knew that Haerin has been her top priority along with Hyein, that the comfort of her sister and best friend is what matters. She also knows it's wrong to put Eunji last, second could have been fine but last between the three people she cares for, says a lot.

“What makes you ask that?” YN knows and understands completely why Eunji asked that, she has imagined this scenario multiple times, overthinking and overanalyzing everything. Feelings have been bottled up for so long, she knew she’ll slip someday, she didn’t expect it to be today.

“Your priorities… somehow you put Haerin first almost every single time.”

“She’s my best friend. I see her as family.” Not a complete lie, but YN knew that, Eunji as well.

“Be completely honest with me, YN. When you told me you had an ex, was it her?” Was there a point in lying when her facial expression screams guilty. Eunji finally caught up.

“No.” Haerin was still YN’s number one priority, it was a promise that neither one of them would snitch or admit they were exes. It was between the pair and Hyein.

“YN… to be completely honest, I don’t believe you.” Who would? I clearly lied straight to your face. Haerin is my ex, my first love, I’ll choose her. Why bother asking me this, Eunji?

“Eunji… if you’re jealous of Haerin-”

“I am… it hurts to watch my own girlfriend put her best friend first over me. Be honest, just this once. Was she your ex?”

I want to lie. I don’t need you to know that.

“Haerin is dating Minwon, she’s into guys.”

“We’re not getting anywhere with you deflecting my question.” Eunji, please stop. The last thing I want right now is for you to be hurt.

“It’s between me and her, YN. I can’t always be the second option, the last choice.” Eunji was right, she’s the girlfriend, the first priority should be her and not Haerin. Deep inside, YN wants to lie, she wants to properly love Eunji but how could she?

Eunji isn’t the quiet girl who would always sit next to her. She wasn’t the cat-like girl who had a fascination with frogs and cats. Clearly, she wasn’t the girl who is a part of the dance club and could dance as if her life depended on it. Eunji wasn’t Haerin. She can never be Haerin, and it pains her to admit the truth.

“I’m sorry… it’s just-”

“Haerin is your first love. I understand, although it pains me to say this.” Eyes glossy, trying not to cry, voice hoarse as she tries not to look at YN who had a saddened expression.

“I’m letting you go. I do hope you make a move rather than waiting for a miracle to happen.”

“I’m sorry… and thank you.”

YN walked Eunji back home, holding her hand, it was quiet compared to when she first walked her now ex-girlfriend home. Once they reached the gate, one last kiss; a kiss goodbye mixed with guilt and gratitude. If her heart wasn’t occupied, she would have properly loved Yoo Eunji.

I guess it's time for a new me. A better me… for Kang Haerin.

[galaxythreads]

Honestly I always just assumed that it was only the power stone that could vaporize you by touch (because it’s the *power stone*) but everyone always says that it’s all the stones. So I’m wondering if there’s any time where another stone hurts someone just by touching it? I haven’t been watching any mcu recently, especially not the newer stuff, so maybe that’s why I didn’t know?

no worries! When Fury touches the outer casing of the Tesseract in Avengers 1, he is visibly in pain and he has to shake his hand to get rid of the numbness.

(do not have gif of this, but it's when he's putting the Tesseract in the suitcase before Clint shoots him in the chest and Loki says "please don't, I still need that")

^ Red Skull is vaporized when he tries to break the Tesseract in Cap 1:

^ just lightly touching the mind stone activates Wanda's innate magic 3000 + gave Pietro his powers

^ ULTRON won't touch the mind stone

^ Raw energy of the tesseract gives Carol her powers

^ CONTACT ALONE with the power stone is enough to make Thor scream

+ the scene you were talking about from gotg1 with the power stone

^ an enormous plot point of TDW is that hours after getting possessed by the infinity stone, Jane is on the brink of death. Is it instant vaporization, no, but I think that's only because it's not in one go, she's taking it in her body like a fluid, so there's more skin to absorb the power, if that makes sense?

+ other examples I'm too tired to think of. Like vaporization is only shown with the Power Stone on screen, but all of them clearly have an adverse effect when you touch them and we know that even though they don't state it explicitly because of the WAY the infinity stones are presented to us. ALL of them (except the soul stone) are encased in something to make it easier to touch. That was done on purpose, not just convenience. if you watch mcu infinity saga closely, you'll notice just how much care was put into making the infinity stones visibly powerful without ever having to say anything about it. People use the magic from them, but they rarely, if ever, actually touch the stone.

i.g.

the scepter ^

^ an entire magic spell has to be cast in order to OPEN the necklace that holds the time stone, let alone USE it. it's dangerous to touch, so they have it locked away

^ he's USING the time stone, but look how much effort was made into NOT touching it

when he gives Thanos the time stone he makes an effort NOT to touch it

^ the reality stone is consumed by Jane, but any time anything tries to touch her, a magic shield appears that protects it from threats (Also couldn't find a gif of this, but again, massive plot point of TDW is that they can't get the aether out without Malekith's help)

HOWEVER. you are right. People do touch the Infinity Stones with what is basically bare hands a lot, but not really until Endgame/Infinity War

So...rules are fluid? I guess? Personally, I just don't understand why so many infinity stones would be encased in such powerful objects for protection unless it WAS dangerous to touch them

The Tesseract was put in shatter-proof glass that survived centuries, the Soul Stone is...under some sort of spell via God(?)(unclear), the aether was broken into pieces so it's evil kool aid (which is a protectio device because you can touch the bits of the aether without it killing you, rather than the entire infinity stone), the time stone is in a necklace you have to use magic to open, the power stone was hidden in an unbreakable orb and the mind stone was encased in the scepter (Thanos might have done this himself, also unclear)

The point is that I think MCU didn't really decide one way or the other, and even if they DID, thanos is intended to be a bit sturdier than the average human, so him making contact wouldn't vaporize him instantly, I think.

[anubisandco]

Ghost and Rabbit. pt4

Part four! will have another out either tomorrow or tonight depends on how much of this coffee I drink.

Rabbit stood on the almost empty tar mac, the few rows of trainee soldiers before her were really the only other thing around. She had been persuaded by Price to help combat train a few of the newer Rookies on base, something she didn’t really want to do but as he had said she was the best he knew. Most of them standing in line before her were shocked to see her walk up a few seconds ago. 

They knew who she was, it was hard not too, Rabbit was always bouncing around base somewhere. Usually in the mess hall or med bay sure, but otherwise, she was racing around the halls as fast as she could. 

She had tried to ask Simon earlier to help her out, be there for moral support more than anything else. That had really been the only time he’s said such a hard no to her before, if there was one thing about being on base that he hated, it was the trainees. He was infamous to them for being a dick. Something Rabbit found funny.

One of them in the front row raised his hand. 

“Why would they send you, a medic to teach us how to fight?” He asked with out waiting for her to call on him. Rabbit eyed him up and down, sizing him up. 

“ I’m sure Captain Price, told you all about me and what I can do.” She spoke in her usual soft but firm tone. 

“ He told us I just don’t believe you.” 

She smiled at him. A wicked sharp-toothed smile. 

It took about a week for them to realize just a fraction of what she could do. People started to talk, started to come watch. It made her itch, all the attention and whispers. Rabbit had tried to back out to find someone else to teach them, Price wouldn’t let her go. He went on and on about how she had what it took, not only the patience but the skill that they needed. 

She never actually fought the rookies herself, she more told them what to do. But her reputation grew anyway, people watched her a little more. They grew bolder asking questions. 

It made Ghost mad, he stalked around the halls following close behind her a frown always present, keeping most people away. He hated that people now bothered her for details. How she learned this or that. As if they deserved to know, as if it were their right to understand her. 

She’d politely dodge the questions, He’s down right snap at them. 

Ghost was protecting her in a weird way, he knew how much the questions hurt, he knew what memories they drug up with them. He hated that she was being made to remember. 

It was late one night She found him outside smoking, the moon was full and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky, She walked up making as much noise as possible. 

“ Wanna share?” She whispered.

“ No, smokings bad for you.” He shook his head and she couldn’t help but laugh, it was such a Simon thing, he’d smoke like a chimney, always had, but if he were to ever catch her with one he’d possibly kill her. 

“ What are you thinking about?” She asked, He looked away from the sky to catch her gaze, his balaclava was pulled up to his nose, she’d seen his face before many times. But there was something simply breathtaking about his eyes. If she had to pick they’d be her favourite feature. “ Why’s that matter huh?” He muttered taking another drag, blowing the smoke away from her. 

“Because, I haven’t seen you all day.” She bumped her shoulder against his. 

“ I saw you though.”

“ Oh cause thats not creepy Simon.” Rabbit laughed, and he shook his head trying to explain. 

“ I watched the training this morning, that sanders is an arse.” He shook his head recalling this morning. He had sat far in the back of the small crowd, and he watched her instructing the rookies, she was a great teacher, calm and patient. Something he never understood. 

They were getting better because of her, most things around here were better because of her he’d thought. 

“ Oh?” 

“ You’ve still got it.” He chuckled, “ Takes me way back.” 

“ Aw come on, back then I know you let me win most of the time.” Rabbit hid behind her hair, the frizzy curls acting like a shield. She wasn’t shy around Simon till he started talking like that, like she was something special still, someone that was ever really special. 

“ never. I was a prick back then, I had wanted to knock you down a few pegs. Then you sweet talked me.” He now bumped his shoulder against hers causing her to look at him, he cocked his head watching her with his endless eyes. 

“ You’re back on the field tomorrow?” He asked even though he already knew the answer. 

“ Yeah my knees all healed I’ve been cleared.” Rabbit smiled happily, “ Back to work, no rest for the wicked.” She shrugged. “ too bad the trainees will miss my lessons for a few.” 

“ I’m sure you’ll wreck your knee or something again soon and they’ll steal you away from m- from us.” He stood up quickly, holding his hand out for her to take. She grabbed onto him and together they slowly walked back inside. 

“ I’ll always come back to you.” She whispered quietly. He didn’t respond.

[reminiscingtonight]

Guess We Lied

Lindsey Horan x Reader

Word Count: 1.8k

[WOSO Masterlist]

“Your tattoo is fading.”

The words are mumbled quietly in the early hours of the morning. While the skies are still dark, the girl still in your bed, and your head not yet caught up to your heart. 

You don’t turn to face her. It’s only in moments like this you can pretend the two of you are still okay. That you are still Lindsey’s and she is still yours. 

But you aren’t, not anymore. 

“I miss you.”

The words cut deeply into the dead air. 

You’re unable to stop your sharp intake of breath. You shut your eyes tight. 

---

The worst part of breaking up with a friend is just that. Not only do you lose a lover, you lose a friend as well.

Six years of friendship, three years of companionship, gone, just like that.

Not lovers, not friends, not enemies. After the break up, the two of you simply became nothing. 

“We just aren’t working anymore.”

All it takes is five words to end it all. 

“I think what we need is a bit of space from each other.”

The last thing you want is space. But you love her. So you don’t put up a fight when she makes up her mind. 

“It’ll bring us closer in the end. Promise.”

When Lindsey says she’s leaving, you didn’t think she meant the country.

The wound’s still fresh when you watch the love of your life walk through the airport doors.

When you get traded to Seattle a couple weeks later, you try not to let your bitterness show. 

First it’s Lindsey not thinking you are enough. 

Now it’s the Thorns. 

.

It’s clear your friends don’t know what to do. 

You don’t see much of Mal. She was always more Lindsey’s friend than yours. 

Rose tries to fill the gaps in your life with coffee dates and dog visits. You don’t say anything when you hear her making the same plans with Lindsey.

Sam awkwardly hovers, always stumbling over her words as she tries to avoid the clear subject that is your failed relationship. It’s clear she doesn’t know what to do as much as you know what to do yourself.

Sonnett is your saving grace. She never once acts differently. Jokes here and there, giant ribbings that only increase when you don’t react the way she wants. She doesn’t pay heed to any of the warnings the other girls send her way. She was always the closest with Lindsey, but ultimately it’s your determination to keep in contact when she herself was traded away that she holds onto. 

.

“What’s it like playing for the dark side?” Sophia jokes when she sees you at the next camp. You can almost feel the way everyone cringes when you give your weakest smile and shrug. 

You try not to take it to heart when you notice the way Lindsey avoids you all camp. Lindsey seems further away here than she is when she’s in France. Not for the first time since you broke up, you question if you’ll truly ever be over the fallout of your relationship.

When camp ends, you return to an empty house and emptier heart.  

.

A year passes. You’ve acclimated to the Washington temperate. You haven’t acclimated to the spot left by Lindsey’s absence.

You do everything you can think of. You adopt a puppy at the insistence of Rose. Taking care of the tiny German Shepherd helps a little to take your mind off things. It only works until the second day, when you think of how much Lindsey would’ve loved to give Ferguson a little brother.

The puppy gives you a lick when he picks up on the sadness clouding your mood.

.

It takes everything to keep your face neutral when you first hear about Ty. 

You’re at camp, sitting at the table adjacent to Lindsey. That’s another thing that changed when the two of you broke up. You found a new seat beside a mix of older vets and some newer players and have stuck there ever since. 

It’s almost impossible to miss Rose’s shriek of “you have a boyfriend?!” and Lindsey’s quiet mumble of affirmation. 

Megan sends a look your way, but you make sure to keep your eyes trained on the plate in front of you. Sofia’s hand gives your knee a sympathetic squeeze, but you barely feel it. Your next bite tastes bland, swallowing is an even harder task to do. 

It’s hard to ignore all the stares when you quietly make your exit a couple minutes later, appetite fully gone.

.

A couple years pass. 

The space only gets bigger. 

By now you’ve already come to the conclusion that Lindsey lied when she said the two of you would get closer someday.

.

You’ve also come to the conclusion that you’re never going to get over her.

.

You’re in Portland again when everything changes. 

The highly anticipated Cascadia Rivalry was back in town and Lindsey was finally back and playing in Portland. Her loan had been extended another year, with an injury upon her return that had her out for the rest of the NWSL season. So, for the first since you broke up, the two of you are playing in the same league again.

The stadium is loud when the players march through the tunnel. You’ve been in the blue jersey for a while now, but you’re still not used to the feel of being a visitor in Portland.

The game is high paced from the start, but it isn’t until the second half that things come to a head. Seattle scores first, but it’s quickly followed by a Thorns goal. The next thing you know, the ball is at your feet. 

The crowd is deafening as you streak down the field. 

One second you’ve got the ball at your feet, sprinting towards goal.

The next second you’re curled up, hand clutching your ankle as you press your face to the grass. 

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry, I thought I had all ball.”

It’s the light hand pressed against your back that has you turning over. Your eyes meet stormy ones before you’re pushing her hand away. Lindsey stays crouched beside you, unsure what to do due to your reaction. 

Her hand cautiously hovers near your shoulder, but it isn’t until you’re nearly shoving her away that Sinc pulls her away. 

“Where does it hurt, kid?” Megan’s concerned face blocks Lindsey’s crestfallen one.

My heart, you want to answer. Instead, you grit out “my ankle,” through clenched teeth.

When the trainer comes out to evaluate your ankle, it takes everything in you not to unleash your entire swear vocabulary onto the field when she gently grips your foot. 

Lindsey doesn’t fight the yellow card. 

You’re still in too much pain to care about the looks she keeps sending your way. 

You limp off the field, head hung low. 

A mild sprain is the official diagnosis. Out for two, possibly three weeks. 

You spend the rest of the game stewing in anger. 

The anger only grows when the rest of your team trudges into the locker room, stormy expressions on their faces. 

You don’t have to ask to know you lost. 

Later, when you spot the head of blonde hair chilling by the locker room entrance, you spit out the first words on your mind. 

“I hate you.” 

Even just saying those three words made you sick. You don’t hate her, not really.

Lindsey looks taken aback. You know she thinks you’re talking about her tackle from earlier. 

Your ankle hurt, but it didn’t hold a light to the pain in your heart.

You push on, not letting her have enough time to come up with anything to say. “I hate-- I hate the way you make me feel. The way my skin crawls whenever I think about you. The way I don’t know if I want to scream or cry whenever I see your face.”

Shock is the first expression that flashes across her face. Lindsey opens her mouth, but nothing comes out. 

“You said the space would make us closer.”

Your finger digs accusingly against Lindsey’s chest. She doesn’t push you away. 

“You’re a lot of things, but I didn’t take you as a liar.”

There are tears falling down your face now, but you don’t care enough to wipe them away. Lindsey’s already seen you at your worst. What’s a couple more tears?

“I’m not a liar.” Her words come out choked.

You scoff, running a shaky hand through your hair. “You’re a liar,” you repeat.

“I’m not.” Something flashes in her eyes, but you’re too caught up in your own emotions to decipher it. 

“Liar,” you spit out. “It only took you, what? A year and a half to find someone else? You’re so caught up in your new lover that you can’t even--”

Lindsey lunges towards you and your words die in your throat.

Her lips still taste as you remember. She still feels the same. 

The kiss is in no way gentle. Her lips press bruisingly against yours. Her fingers dig firmly against your jaw. Your hands helplessly clutch at the sides of her sweater as you get swept up in all that is Lindsey. 

When you finally break apart, it’s to pull in lungfuls of air. Lindsey doesn’t pull away. All she does is scan your eyes as you stay inches apart. 

“Tell me you don’t need me.”

The words are whispered harshly against her lips. 

“Tell  me you’re never thinking of me.”

Your voice cracks. 

Lindsey’s hands only tighten.

“Tell me whatever it takes for me to finally let you go.”

---

“Don’t.” It comes choked out as you shut your eyes. 

After the adrenaline has faded, all you feel is the shame. The shame of how weak you are. Of how you haven’t been able to move on.

You’re pretty sure there’s something wrong when it’s been years and you still can’t move on from a person. 

“I’m not a liar.”

Her hand drifts across the blankets. You have to fight the urge to pull back when it brushes yours. 

“I broke up with him a while back.”

Your breath dies in your throat. You can feel the burn of her gaze against the side of your face. 

“He was a great man.”

Her hand bumps purposefully against yours again. 

You don’t fight it when she hooks a finger around one of yours. 

“But he’s no you.”

When you open your eyes, it’s to soft eyes peering across the bed at you. 

“Your tattoo is fading,” she repeats, finger moving down to trail against your wrist before moving it back towards your hand. 

Her hand lingers, not touching, but not quite pulling away.

No, the two of you aren’t okay.

You hesitantly close the distance, letting your fingers lock with hers. 

But with Lindsey’s hand clasped in yours, you know that you will be someday.

Because with Lindsey’s hand clasped against yours, you finally feel like you could breathe again.

[the-cult-of-russo]

Just Beneath The Flames (Part 10)

Pairing: Billy Russo x Reader

Warnings: cursing, smut at some point probably lmao, zombie shit, typical canon violence. You know the drill.

A/N: I’ve been itching to write some Billy POV in this story for so long lmao I didn’t do a whole ass chapter with it, although I could have done. I want to keep some mystery alive in not knowing fully what’s going on in that complicated head of his. But I couldn't help myself with the start of this chapter looool

Fun fact; When I started this story, I didn’t really know where I was going with it and it’s all free written, but as I went on, I did get some ideas of things I wanted to do. What happens in this one was going to be the end of this series, but as you know if you’re reading this, Billy and Reader haven’t even gotten anywhere yet lmao So it’s going to continue for god knows how long and I have no idea where the fuck it’s going from here once again loooool

—-----------------

Billy stared off into the fire, his ears and eyes not able to focus on the map in Frank’s hands as he talked strategy with everyone. He was wearing a far away look on his face, the same one Micro was wearing as he sat in the mouth of his tent. He was starting to wonder if he’d made a real big mistake in sending you off the way he had. His first instinct after that asshole had been in his camp was to get you as far away from Rawlins and his bullshit as possible, being here put you in danger. But what if that was the plan? What if Rawlins wanted to split the group up so you’d all be easier to pick off one by one? He was damned if he did and damned if he didn’t and in his impulsive need to get you to safety, he’d sent you off with no one to protect you. He couldn't shake the dull ache in his chest when he remembered how hurt and sad you’d looked when he asked you to go, how your voice trembled lightly when you asked him to come with you. He wanted to, lord knows he fucking wanted to, but he couldn’t until this shit was done. He couldn’t lose anyone else to Rawlins, he thought he’d lose his damn mind if he did and he certainly couldn't lose you. He was incredibly protective of the people he cared about and while you were a newer addition to his little group, he was protective of you too. Maybe even more so than the others and he wasn’t sure why. He knew you weren’t some damsel in distress that needed saving and you’d told him that right to his face a fair few times. He knew you could handle yourself, yet he couldn't help the deep need to look after you, to keep you safe. And he thought sending you away to the safe house had been the answer. He hadn’t been able to think straight after the man came here, pointing a gun at Leo like that. He’d seen red, watching as one of Rawlins’ men threatened one of his own like that and a kid no less. But then the asshole threatened Karen and then he threatened you. He couldn’t take it, couldn't have stopped himself from pulling that trigger even if he’d tried. Frank was still salty over that and Billy wasn’t sure just when Frank was the patient one and the voice of reason. He didn’t regret it though. He knew that piece of shit would have never told them any information about Rawlins and if anything, he might have even led them into a trap knowing how desperate they were. It still didn’t change the fact that now they had nothing to go off and now he felt more panicked and rushed to get this shit over with than before because you were getting further and further away from him as he sat there staring into the fire. It was like he could physically feel it the more miles you put between you both and it made his chest burn with a searing hot pain. He wasn’t quite sure what had you both clicking so well but he couldn’t deny that you did, fitting together perfectly like two jigsaw pieces. Maybe he saw a little of himself in you sometimes. Or maybe it was the melancholy that seemed to follow you wherever you went that seemed to draw him in, wanting to help. He really didn’t know. It usually took him a while to warm up to people, after he sussed them out. It had taken a while for him to accept the ragtag group of his but he’d known them for years now. The only exceptions being Frank and Curtis but he’d met them in extreme situations and that usually made you form bonds quicker or learned that you couldn't trust someone. Wasn’t that what this whole world was now though? An extreme situation? Yet he couldn't shake the fact you were different. They’d come across people on their travels, not all of them bad, but no one had inspired such feelings in him as you had. No one had touched him so deeply that he needed them to join the group and be with him no matter what. 

He heaved a sigh and wiped a hand down his face and Frank seemed to get the memo that he wasn’t really present as he spoke more to the others than to Billy. He was in no state to help make plans or anything with his head like this and he needed to get a handle on it. The quicker they dealt with Rawlins, the quicker he could be on his way to you. But this awful tugging in his gut made him tense and he tried to quell the voice in the back of his head that asked him what he would do if you weren’t there. He was a fool. He’d stayed behind out of the sheer need for revenge for his fallen family and for his loyalty to Frank and it might cost you your life because of it. He might not have been able to go himself, needing closure to that chapter in his life, but he could have sent someone else with you. Curtis or Matt, someone he knew he could count on to keep you safe. But no, he’d been desperate to get rid of you before Rawlins attempted to take your life for the fucking millionth time and he hadn’t thought his plan through. This was all his fault. Rawlins somehow seemed to know way more than he should about everything and he knew from the way the man who turned up to camp had looked at him when he’d said your name that Rawlins was after you to get to him. If you died simply for being around him, because he cared about you, he didn’t think he could live with himself. When the world fell, they’d all thought Rawlins had died. He was never good at looking after himself, always needing people to do his dirty work. Billy had been so sure that the fucker hadn’t made it out that he’d allowed himself to start to move on and he knew Frank had felt the same. It wasn’t exactly the revenge they had planned and he’d admit it was slightly unsatisfying, but he was gone and that was all that mattered. But he wasn’t gone and he was still trying to hurt the people he and Frank cared about, he was still fucking with them even after all this time. He just wanted this whole thing over with. He wanted to be somewhere safe with his family, somewhere they could all build a life together without having to worry about Rawlins on top of everything. He’d already taken so much from Billy. His family, his company, his honor, his goddamn time. He’d wasted so much time being sucked in by Rawlins, not seeing before it was too late just what was happening. And when he did finally claw his way out of Rawlins’ grasp with bloody hands, everything was already too far gone. He’d carry the guilt for not getting to the Castle’s in time for the rest of his life, it was his burden to bear and he’d spend the rest of his life making up for it. But if he lost anyone else, if he lost you, he knew it would break him completely. There would be nothing left of him to pick up and glue back together. Your only crime here was being associated with him and he needed to take care of Rawlins before anything else happened. He just had to hope that they found him soon.

—--

Your brain woke before your body did, eyes heavy and shut as you heard faint groaning. As if turning up the volume dial, the groaning seemed to get louder and louder until it was right down your ear. Your eyes flew open and you gasped, crying out at the pain in your ribs as you tried to get a grip on what was happening. You were upside down, your seat belt the only thing keeping you in your seat and as you looked to the left, a dead one was pawing at you through the broken window. With a shaky hand, you grabbed your knife from your thigh sheath, your head spinning and being upside down not helping with your bearings, before you plunged it right into its eye. 

“Sarah?! Leo?! Zach?!” you called out, glancing to your other side and seeing the seat empty and the door open. You felt sick and it wasn’t just from the probable concussion you had. You looked behind you, seeing the back of the van empty too and a pained noise left your lips. You unclipped the seatbelt, falling to the roof of the car with a painful thud to your head and you winced as you climbed out the shattered window. You barely registered that you’d cut your arm but the pain felt like nothing compared to what you felt on the inside. You used the van to help you stand up, your leg and ribs injuries seemed to be aggravated if the pain was anything to go by but you didn’t think you’d re-broken anything. Your head whipped around the dark and desolate road, finding no signs of anything and the silence was deafening. 

“No… no, no, no,” you muttered frantically, cradling your head as you swayed a little. They were gone. A painful sob ripped from your lips and you slid down the van, the cold of the icy road biting through your jeans but you paid it no mind as you cried. They’d trusted you. They’d all trusted you to keep the most vulnerable members of the group safe and they were just gone. You heaved, leaning over to the side before your stomach emptied its contents on the road. How could you fail again? You could barely breathe through your gut wrenching sobs, your head too jumbled to think straight. You glanced around again, only this time you saw something pinned to the van by a knife. You blinked your tearful eyes to try and clear them as you once again stood on trembling legs. You wiped your eyes angrily, seeing it was a map. There was a circle around part of it, coordinates on the top. You yanked the knife out of the van with a snarl, the tears still rolling down your cheeks and you turned the map in your hands and saw writing on the back.

Castle and Russo for the Liebermans. 

Tomorrow - 9 pm

Your jaw clenched, your eyes dark and fiery as you glared at the writing. A hostage exchange. And you knew well without even knowing the man what he would do with Frank and Billy. And you knew damn well that they would go anyway. Your breathing was coming in short and sharp, partly from pain and partly from the pure panic seizing you tightly in its clutches and you started to make your way back. It would take longer by foot, especially since you were slightly limping and in a lot of pain. The idea of having to go back to camp and tell the others how badly you failed made you want to crawl in a hole and die, but you wouldn't be a coward. You’d fucked up and you’d own it. You had to or the Liebermans were as good as dead. Halfway through your journey, you realized your head wasn’t just hurt, but it was bleeding. The blood had trickled down your face, neck and some of your chest but you didn’t care about your injuries. As long as you made it back with enough time to hand the message over to the others then you really didn't care what happened to you. You didn’t deserve anything after what you’d done. This was exactly why you’d avoided being part of a group. By the time you were slowly weaving through the trees, your tears hadn’t dried up as you’d hoped. You looked a mess, you knew that much. Covered in your own blood, limping a little, a tear stained face with wide shell shocked eyes. You could see the glow from the fire, telling you most of the camp must still be awake. You weren’t quite sure how long you’d been gone but it was still dark outside. You stumbled through the trees and Frank was the first to see you. He stood up, a horrified look crossing your face like he couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

“Y/N,” he whispered, blinking rapidly at you. At your name, Billy stood up, head snapping over to you at breakneck speed. You were too far gone to dissect the look on his face but he almost looked like he’d seen a ghost. But before anyone could say anything as they all started to notice you, Micro was rushing over.

“Where are they?!” he asked frantically, his voice cracking with emotion that had your painfully loud sobs ripping from your throat again. You opened your mouth but nothing came out other than the cries of someone completely broken and it only made him panic more. He grabbed the tops of your arms, shaking you fiercely. It sent white hot pain through your body and made your head spin but you didn’t protest as you tried to calm yourself. He was suddenly ripped from you, being shoved away by a thunderous looking Billy.

“She can’t tell you shit with you manhandlin’ her like that,” he growled, standing protectively in front of you.

“That's my family, man. My wife… kids,” Micro whimpered. Billy’s face softened but only slightly before he turned his bright and concerned eyes to you.

“Y/N… Sweetheart, what happened?” he asked with a voice so soft you barely heard it. Your eyes were unseeing, chest heaving as you tried to get a grip and he moved closer, tilting his head as he stared at you worriedly. You knew you were worrying them more though, for all they knew, Sarah and the kids were dead so you fought hard to make words leave your mouth, even if they were broken up by your sobs.

“We… we were driving and… a car came behind us… It was icy and I-I … I tried to keep control of the van… But they were… I… They had spikes in the road… the-the tires popped and I… the van… we went off road and it-it flipped a few times… When I woke up… they were gone and they left this,” you sobbed, holding out the map you’d been clutching tightly. Frank took it quickly, looking over the front and then the message on the back, sharing a dark look with Billy. Micro snatched it, a whimper leaving his lips as he read it and you squeezed your eyes shut and shook your head. 

Curtis came over then with some first aid supplies. Your mind was in and out of it and Billy hovered next to you, asking him a bunch of questions. You heard something about you not needing stitches, about your old injuries being aggravated. You couldn’t focus enough to pay attention. Curtis cleaned you up though, bandaging your head and the cut on your arm. By the time he was done, your sobbing had stopped but you felt an odd mix of numb and pure self loathing. Billy took your hand, moving you away from the others who were all having a panicked discussion that wasn't really doing you any favors. You’d done this. 

“This ain’t on you,” Billy said firmly once you were nearer the tents, his dark eyes imploring. You shouldn’t have been surprised he knew what was going on in your head but you scoffed and shook your head, the motion making you feel sick.

“How is this not my fault? You… you trusted me to protect them and I failed! I always fucking fail!” you lamented, tears once again pricking your eyes. His face fell at your words, looking almost like he was physically pained by them as he shook his head vehemently. 

“No… No, you didn’t. You wanna blame anyone, you blame me,” he argued, eyes aflame and not wavering. 

“How is this on you? I was the one with them, I was the one who was supposed to keep them safe,” you frowned. A frown of his own marred his face and he shook his head once more as he looked away from you, rolling his shoulder. When his eyes turned back to you, the pain behind them made your chest ache.

“I… I didn’t send you with ‘em to keep ‘em safe, Y/N… I knew it was better than ‘em goin’ alone but I… I sent you there ‘cause… ‘cause I wanted you safe,” he admitted quietly. You blinked through teary eyes for a moment as his words sunk in. You’d partly suspected it but it was another thing to hear him say it. 

“That still doesn’t make it your fault. I should have done better, I should have-” you started arguing hotly, but he interrupted you, taking a looming step towards you.

“I was scared and I let it cloud my judgment. I didn’t… I didn’t think about what I was doin’, I just… We shoulda planned it better, made sure there were enough of you to keep an eye on each other.  Sarah and the kids… they ain’t fighters. You had no one to watch your back, the only one capable of fightin’ back. It was all on you and I shouldn’t have…” he trailed off, his face haunted as he shook his head. You still didn’t believe him. It didn’t matter what he said, you knew this was on you. Before you had a chance to keep arguing with him though, Frank walked over.

“We’re gonna head out soon,” he muttered to Billy and you drew your eyes to him then.

“You’re going tonight?” you asked curiously and he nodded.

“Ain’t waitin’ until tomorrow. Ain’t leavin’ Sarah and the kids with him any more than we need to. We go tonight, use the element of surprise and we end this,” he said darkly and you nodded. He gave you a sympathetic look before sharing one you couldn't read with Billy, then he was off to speak to Karen. 

“I’m gonna kill ‘em. Every fucker that had a hand in doin’ this… hurtin’ you… They’re dead,” BIlly muttered darkly, a cold and sharp look in his eyes that told you he meant it. 

“I’m coming with you,” you said firmly. His jaw tensed, his eyes blazing, but he almost had a look on his face that told you he knew this was coming.

“Like hell you are,” he bit out and you narrowed your red rimmed eyes at him.

“I’m not asking for permission,” you huffed.

“If this is ‘cause you feel guilty-” he started.

“I do feel guilty and I need to do this. I need to… I need to fix this, okay? You know I can be helpful, you know I can help you,” you implored. You weren’t sure if it was your desperate tone or the frantic look in your eyes but Billy sighed, nodding but not looking happy about it. You were just glad he wasn’t still fighting you with this.

“Fine, but you’re gonna listen to me and Frankie, do what we say,” he said firmly, raising his brow that told you this was non negotiable. You nodded and he watched you for a moment, sniffing and cracking his neck.

“Get your shit ready, we’ll roll out soon,” he commanded before going over to Frank. You had no idea who would be going with you but you didn’t care. You went over to the tent you normally shared with Billy, grabbing his bow and arrows out of it. You hadn’t asked but you knew he wouldn't mind and yours was still in the overturned van. Someone would have to go find it after all this and get all the supplies out of it.

 

You were exhausted and you moved over to sit by a tree while you waited. You were running on fumes but you wouldn’t be sitting this one out, not when you had no idea what the hell was happening to Sarah or the kids. You glanced up when you saw someone approach you, thinking it would be Frank or Billy telling you it was time, but instead, you found Micro. Your chest constricted, a lump lodging itself deep in your throat as you looked away from him quickly. He moved to sit beside you and you felt like you couldn’t breathe.

“I’m… I’m sorry,” you breathed, trying and failing to keep the tears at bay. You thought you’d wind up dehydrated at this rate. 

“This isn’t your fault, Y/N,” he frowned and his words took you off guard, making you look to your side at him. You opened your mouth but he continued before you had the chance. 

“I know you blame yourself and I know Billy blames himself and I’m so sick of it. I’m sick of everyone feeling bad for shit they didn’t do. The only one to blame right now is Rawlins. Him and his men. You can sit there dissecting every choice you made or trying to figure out what went wrong, but all roads lead back to him. None of this would be happening if it wasn’t for him. And I know you won’t listen to me and I know you’ll still feel guilty ‘cause you’re a lot like Billy that way… but I don’t blame you Y/N,” he murmured softly. It made the lump in your throat expand and you looked away from his heavy gaze, unable to take the weight of it. It did ease you somewhat that he didn’t blame you but it had been far too long since you felt this crushing weight of failure and worry and it was overwhelming. He gave you a small pat to the back before he got up and walked away, leaving you to your thoughts. Luckily, Billy came over only moments later, before you had a chance to spiral again.

“Come on,” he held his hand out to you and you took it, allowing him to help you up and you swayed slightly. His concerned eyes roamed over you, his tongue darting out and wetting his lower lip.

“You sure about this?” he asked warily, maybe worried you’d snap at him.

“I’m sure,” you murmured with a nod. He stared at you for a long moment, almost like he was considering stuffing you into a tent and leaving you there. He didn’t though, in the end he nodded, still looking apprehensive before he led you away, your hand still in his. 

It turned out to be just you, Billy and Frank going and you were curious given the fact that more hands would help, but you knew it was most likely them not wanting anyone else getting hurt so you didn’t bother asking. You ended up squashed between the men in the truck and as Frank drove, the map in Billy’s hands, you felt lightheaded. You didn’t say anything though, not wanting to give them an excuse to tell you to go back. You just clenched your jaw and tried to will yourself not to throw up or pass out. You were pretty sure you had a concussion. The ride was uncomfortably silent but you were in no position to try and break it so the three of you rode in silence until Frank finally pulled over. You weren’t too sure what to expect, the three of you climbing out of the truck on the road. You hadn’t really looked at the map to see where had been circled. But as you walked a little down the road, you saw the building not too far into the trees. To call it a log cabin would be misleading. It was more like a log mansion, three stories high and looking well made. It reminded you of the kind of log cabin a very rich person would have had built for them and then barely use. The three of you crouched behind some bushes, Frank and Billy looking at each other like they were communicating without words. But once they got their guns ready, you finally spoke, keeping your tone low.

“You can’t just go right in there,” you muttered with a frown, drawing two sets of eyes to you.

“Why?” Frank asked, a slightly frustrated edge to his tone. 

“We have no idea what’s in there. We have no idea how many there are, if the Liebermans are even there, if Rawlin is,” you explained carefully.

“What d’you suggest then?” Billy asked. He wasn’t snarky, more curious and as you turned to him, he was watching you carefully and you didn’t miss how his eyes flit to the bandage on your head. 

“We wait, see if we can gauge who's in there. Or if one comes out, I can get him with my bow, subdue him and you guys can get info out of him,” you shrugged. It felt like a better plan than storming the place blind and you were grateful as Billy nodded in agreement, his eyes going over your head to Frank. Frank was quiet for a long moment and you knew he was anxious to just get this done but you didn’t want his impatience to be his undoing.

“Alright,” he muttered finally and you felt yourself relax. The three of you spied through the bushes, trying to see any movement through the windows and get a feel of what you were up against. And then, as if the gods who loved to torment you finally wanted to give you a break, a lone man slipped out of the cabin, walking over to the side of it as he lit up a cigarette. You felt both men stiffen beside you and you glanced to them.

“I’ll get him, but you guys need to be over there ready so he doesn't scream,” you whispered seriously. They both nodded at you and you felt Billy’s hand smooth over your back briefly before they crept off into the trees out of sight. You waited a few beats, not really knowing if they were in place or not but you had to strike before the man went back inside or someone else came out. You got your bow ready, eyes trained on the man before you let your arrow go. It got him in the shoulder, a wound that wouldn't kill him but would hurt like a bitch. He flew back and before any noise could leave his lips, Billy was on him, hand over his mouth with Frank crouching on the other side, his cold gun pressed to the man's forehead. You quickly rushed out from the bush and over to them, the man on the floor shaking and writhing with the pain. He only looked about 20 and you had no idea how he got tangled in this mess.

“One peep and your brain’s gonna be all over this floor. Got it?” Billy growled at the man. He looked terrified, eyes flitting from Billy to Frank and it was clear he knew who they were. You might have felt sorry for him if he hadn’t chosen to side with Rawlins. There was no way this guy didn’t know what he was doing, who he’d sided with. He’d chosen the wrong team to play for. 

“He asked you a question,” Frank hissed, pressing the gun harder against the man’s head and making him nod vigorously. Billy and Frank looked at each other before Billy removed his hand. You waited on bated breath to see what happened. You knew Frank and Billy would keep their promise if he decided to start screaming, but it meant it would give their cover away. The man seemed to be more scared of Frank and Billy than he was of Rawlins though as he didn’t make a noise. 

“How many are in there?” Frank asked roughly. The man’s eyes darted from Frank to Billy and then back to Frank, his whole body trembling.

“Seven… eight including me,” he explained in a shaky voice. No matter how scared he seemed, you really couldn't muster up any guilt for him, for what would happen to him. Despite how hard you’d fought it, these people were your family now and you knew it down to your bones with how hard this had hit you. You didn’t take too kindly to people fucking with your family. 

“The Liebermans, where are they?” Billy asked, his dark eyes seeming even darker as he glared at the man. 

“In-In the basement,” he muttered.

“And Rawlins?” Frank asked, his voice taking on a dangerous edge. 

“He was in the basement last I checked with them… if not then he’d be on the top floor,” the man rushed out. You knew he was probably hoping that giving the information would spare him, but you weren't stupid. Leaving loose ends would only come back to bite you in the ass and you wouldn't be taking that chance. You watched as Billy and Frank shared a look before they both stood up, Frank’s gun still trained on him and you grabbed an arrow from the quiver on your shoulder, getting it ready. The movement drew the attention of all three men and the man on the floor widened his eyes once you aimed right at his head.

“What? No, no, no! I helped you! I-” he didn’t finish his pleading as your arrow whooshed right to him, getting him through the eye socket at an angle. It did the job as he went limp and you sniffed, looking to Frank and Billy who were wearing odd looks you couldn't place.

“Let’s go then,” you muttered, turning to go to the house. Billy grabbed your wrist, halting you for a moment and you turned to face him. He gave Frank a look and Frank nodded, creeping over to the front of the cabin and leaving you and Billy there and you were confused.

“What?” you asked after he stared at you for a moment.

“You need to go wait in the van,” he said softly and a deep frown graced your face.

“Is that a joke? I came here to help, not sit with my thumb up my ass,” you bit out with a glower. 

“What’s gonna go down in there… You don’t need to see that, you don’t need to see me like that,” he frowned and you pursed your lips.

“You think I give a shit about that? Sarah and the kids are in there, Billy. You need all the help you can get, I’m not just gonna-” your words were abruptly cut off when his large hands grabbed either side of your face and before you could ask him what the hell he was doing, he was firmly pressing his lips to yours. The shock of it hit you like a train and you stood stock still as you tried to understand what was happening. But then he moved even closer, pressing his mouth to yours more insistently as his lips moved against yours. You found yourself responding to him and you felt his hands flex against your cheeks as your hands bunched into his sweater. When he pulled away, he rested his forehead on yours and you could feel how his hands shook against your face.

“Please,” he pleaded in a whisper, his dark eyes imploring and you nodded dumbly. He’d rendered you mute and stupid with that kiss and you still hadn’t wrapped your head around it. You couldn't deny him anything when he was looking at you like that. He looked relieved at your acquiescence, closing his eyes as his thumbs stroked your cheeks. He placed a soft kiss to your forehead before he moved away, giving you a meaningful look before he moved to follow after Frank who you presumed was waiting for him since you didn’t hear any gunfire or shouting. You felt strange as you made your way back over to the truck and you wasted no time in putting into drive and pulling it right outside the house in case you were needed. Despite Billy’s words, you climbed back out, bow at the ready and an arrow nocked as you leaned against the driver’s door. Something in your gut was telling you to be ready and you jumped when the sound of gunfire started. It wasn’t as loud as you knew it should be, telling you Billy and Frank weren’t the only ones using silencers and you felt tense as you fought the urge to go in there and check they were okay. You knew they could handle it. Frank was the goddamn Punisher and you knew Billy was just as lethal. The gut feeling you had was proven right as the front door flew open and a man started to make a run for it. You aimed your bow and fired without hesitation, getting him right through the neck and he hit the floor with a thud. You were anxious as you stood there for a while and then the gunfire stopped. You wound up opening the driver’s door and sitting sideways on the seat, legs dangling out as you waited. As you had nothing better to do, your mind drifted to the kiss. You could hardly believe he’d actually kissed you but any elatedness you’d felt when it happened seemed to drain right out of you as self doubt crept in. What if he hadn’t kissed you because he felt the same? What if he only kissed you to get you to leave like he wanted? Maybe he knew how you felt for him, maybe you hadn’t hidden it as well as you’d thought. The idea that he’d use your feelings against you like that made a bitter taste hit the back of your throat. You knew he cared, that much was obvious. He cared enough to want you safe no matter the cost and that’s what worried you. He saw you as family now and you had a feeling he wouldn’t be above kissing you like that just to get you to get out of harm's way. You started to feel sick. 

Movement at the front door drew you from your morbid thoughts and as you looked over, you stood up quickly as you saw Sarah and the kids coming out. Your eyes darted to each of them, trying to see if they were injured but they seemed fine. The kids ran over to you and you were surprised as they both wrapped their arms around you. You felt your lower lip wobble a little as you hugged them back, your eyes drifting to Sarah as she approached. 

“I’m sorry,” you whispered, pain and shame coating your words. She frowned deeply, moving to hug you once the kids had moved. 

“It wasn’t your fault,” she soothed as she rubbed your back. You knew you’d still carry this guilt for a long while, just adding to your ever growing list it seemed. She moved away, giving you a smile and you smiled back although it was weak.

“Are they okay?” you asked, gesturing with your head to the cabin. You had a feeling they would be or Sarah wouldn't have come out here smiling like she was, but you still felt the need to ask.

“Yeah… they’re taking care of Rawlins,” she murmured with a nod. You had no idea how long that would take, if you were them, you wouldn’t make it quick or easy. You nodded and let them get inside the truck since it was cold but you chose to stay out for a bit. You couldn't settle yourself now after the kiss, worry gnawing at you so badly your head was spinning all over again. You ended up sitting in the bed on the truck, bow by your feet on the off chance you needed it. You were keeping an ear out for the dead after the gunfire but you hoped there wouldn't be any, hoped that they would have been far enough away not to be drawn by the sound. You weren’t sure how long you waited there as your mind tormented you, it felt like forever but it probably wasn’t more than an hour. But Billy and Frank finally made their way outside. They were smiling and you didn’t think you'd ever seen them look lighter and you knew this was something they’d wanted for the longest time. You hopped over the side of the truck bed, boots landing in the mud with a dull thud as you watched them approach. Frank made a beeline for you, the most genuine smile on his face you’d ever seen. He looked exhausted though and you couldn't tell if it was physical or emotional, maybe both. 

“We did it,” he beamed, grabbing you in for a hug you hadn’t expected. You smiled though at the sheer relief in his voice as you hugged him back. He moved away, patting your arm, his eyes shining brightly. You looked to Billy then, expecting a hug from him too since he liked to do it over anything. Instead, he stuffed his hands into his pockets and while he still wore the same relieved smile Frank had, you could see his eyes were closed off as he looked at you and it made a stab of dread hit you in the stomach. 

“Me and Frankie were talkin’... this place is a pretty good set up. We think we should stay here for a while, see how long it lasts before we head off to the safe house,” he said softly. You nodded, feeling unsure of yourself with how he was distancing himself from you. You tried to tell yourself he’d just been through a lot. Sure this was what they wanted, but it didn’t mean it wasn’t overwhelming. They’d finally gotten the revenge they’d wanted for years, it had to feel immense. 

“It’s got solar panels, electricity… even runnin’ water,” Frank grinned and you couldn't help the smile that stretched onto your lips despite it all as you looked at him.

“Seriously?” you asked excitedly and he nodded with a chuckle. 

“Guess you’re gonna get that cabin in the woods with a rigged up water system after all,” Billy smirked and as you turned to him, hoping he was maybe coming back to himself, he still seemed so far away. Frank moved over to speak to Sarah in the van and you couldn’t remember the last time you felt so uncomfortable or awkward around Billy.

“We need you to take 'em back, tell the others to pack up their shit and bring ‘em here. Me and Frank are gonna clean house,” he murmured, eyes looking at you yet feeling like they weren’t really seeing you.

“Okay,” you nodded, your voice sounding unsure. He looked away before back at you, his mouth opening and closing for a moment like wanted to say something and his hands were still deep in his pockets. Nothing came though and he gave you a nod before he made his way back to the cabin and all you could do was watch with a frown. You didn’t want to jump to conclusions, didn’t want to believe the treacherous thoughts from before that he hadn’t wanted to kiss you but he’d done it so you’d do as he told you. But you really couldn't deny the cold you felt that was coming from Billy and not the winter air, making you feel like that was exactly why he’d done it and now he felt awkward with you. Disappointment settled like a stone in your stomach as you blew out a sigh, deciding to focus on the task at hand and not the way his lips had felt against yours or how it stung when he looked at you so vacantly now. This was your own fault. You’d gotten way too attached, you’d gotten feelings for him. He couldn’t have used your feelings against you if you didn’t have them to begin with and it wouldn't have ruined the friendship you’d forged because he felt uncomfortable with you now knowing how you felt. You shook your head as you moved over to the van, ignoring the weird look Frank was giving you as you got into the driver’s side. You had no one but yourself to blame for this. 

Taglist: (if you’ve been asked to be tagged and aren’t here, it wouldn’t let me tag some people.)

@firexfate

@blanchedelioncourt

@ariesbutalibra

@sunshinedaisies-anddeath

@snowkestrel

@music-indie-tv

@idaofinfinity

@sweetserendipity65

@ramadiiiisme

@k-marzolf

@celestialams

@woowwwee

@noortsshift

[overworkedunderwhelmed]

Current State of the Love Square and Reveal Potential

Adrinette:

Pro:  Adrien is finally! on Board

Con:  Marinette’s guilt due to mistaking Felix for his cousin and the implications of Felix’s theft of the Miraculous runs deep.

Why it’s not safe?:  Chat Blanc and Ephemeral.  With the reveal to Adrien this is possibly catastrophic.  When Adrien quietly knew Marinette was Ladybug, he kept his counsel but would do anything to keep from fighting her.  When Adrien knew AND so did she, his heart was too unrestrained and Gabriel ends up overhearing enough to wreck them both.

Verdict: Without a reveal and when Marinette’s guilt is lessened, probably by getting closer to their goal of defeating Monarch and getting all the Miraculous back, this is very likely.  

MariChat:

Pro:  Finally they’re both crushing on each other!

Con:  Marinette’s likelihood of being targeted by Hawkmoth to take out Chat Noir is a gigantic threat.  

Why It’s not safe?: Her being watched could also reveal her identity to Hawkmoth.  Sabine’s Alliance Ring is a big potential risk here.

Verdict: We might want balcony scenes for days, but Marinette is genuinely going to need all the good rest she can get to finally bring Monarch to his knees.  However, Chat Noir is likely to get wicked confused about both the status of Buttercup and to probably be genuinely disheartened at the fact that Marinette seems to like him with the mask but not without.

LadyNoir:

Pro:  Ladybug finally caught feelings.

Con:  A little too late... since she missed her partner falling for her civilian side.

Why It’s not safe?:  Technically, it is probably the safest of the options.  Without a reveal.  Which currently makes it less likely to happen.

Verdict:  As Hawkmoth has tried and failed to break them apart in the past, they’re currently at their most unshakable as a team.  Ladybug’s guilt and anxiety are most likely the current targets but Chat Noir is steadily building that back up.  The safest reveal will be after Monarch is unmasked.   It really does seem that Adrien just cannot know until Monarch's powers are gone because his feelings are like a flame to a very bad moth.

Ladrien:

Pro: They haven’t entirely lost those old feelings

Con:  The newer feelings they are each contending with are strong.  And apparently very requited.

Why It’s not Safe?:  Arguably, the Agreste Mansion is probably the least safe place for the heroes in all of Paris.  Unless Adrien himself is targeted, Ladybug dropping in—unannounced—at his balcony would be highly unlikely.

Verdict:  Probably the most unlikely at this point.  

On the other hand:  If Ladybug were to drop in to see Adrien, mention to him that she knows what a romantic he is and seeking advice on how to woo her partner.  This is an especially viable in a partial reveal scenario where only Marinette gets a reveal for who is behind Chat Noir’s mask.  It’s one thing that canon hasn’t tried yet, so I am cautiously optimistic.

[rreskk]

Tired love

TW: Smutty smut Summary: He returns home wanting attention and sleep but has to work hard to get it.

Emptying out some drafts from ages ago, don’t mind me

“Business, business, business…”

A voice patrolled from behind you on the sofa. You were stationed towards the TV, watching any channel that gains your interest as the clocks would tick and tock.

“I just wanna sleep.”

Trevor revealed himself when he walked around your living room, plotting himself directly onto your lazy body as you grunted at the sudden force and weight.

Your finger, that was buried between the pillows and Trevor’s waist, managed to break free and grip onto his jean pocket. Your other hand lied comfortably on his back as a warm gesture.

Your stomach vibrated as you spoke, “We can go to sleep once I finish this program. There is only 10 minutes left.”

Trevor remained still as he just lied on your stomach and mindlessly gazed towards the TV that had captured your attention. He huffed a bit before resting his chin up, facing you with an agitated expression. You hadn’t noticed.

“Over here, sweetcheeks.” He groaned and you painfully averted your eyes from the screen.

“Yes?”

Trevor tilted his head. “Have you been watching that stupid crap all day?”

You snorted in response but he continued to seriously stare into your blank eyes.

“No, I haven’t. I’ve been working as well.” You sighed.

“What’s so special about it, huh. You just watchin’ some reality show about bimbos and himbos.”

You shrugged. “It’s funny to watch.”

Trevor rolled his eyes before realising you were back watching TV instead of him. Trevor furrowed his face that darkened. He didn’t like it when your world wasn’t evolved around him. It makes him feel small and insignificant, even though he is the highlight of your days.

To regain access to your love, he reached his head forward and began trailing tired kisses and licks upon your collarbone and neck. You tried to shake him off with a smirk but he stiffly exacts himself on you.

“Hey,” You called out. “I thought you were sleepy?”

He grinned against your naked neck and began to nibble your sensitive places, making you adjust in discomfort and unease. You lifted your body to try and escape his grasp but his groin only grinded against yours and you both gasped and moaned at the sudden exotic contact.

“Easy tiger.” Trevor slurred from your ear, his hot breath penetrating your loss of interest in the TV series.

You sent him a side glare.

“What are you doing hm?”

He came into view again and held out his arms, hovering above your face with his mysterious one. A wide smirk sent butterflies from your stomach to down below. His shirt hung open and you could see his defined chest and tanned skin that are smothered in older and newer tattoos. There were leftover love bites from the fun you had a few days ago as well, still freshly bruised due to the roughness of how you handled him.

You blushed at the memories before Trevor lowered his head, lips just about missing yours in a teasing manner.

“What are you doing, Trevor?” You boldly exclaimed, unable to think of anything else.

“Nothing.” His voice going high-pitched.

Without being forceful, you nudged him down again and kissed him. Trevor drops his hands and ends up flattering you as he deepens the kiss. The moment he lost grip, his body pressed against yours, entrapping the warm between your legs that demanded some decency.

Trevor detached from you and pecked the corner of your mouth. “This is better than that stupid show.”

You grumbled to yourself and went to turn your head when his hand whips it back to face him. Trevor was biting his lip but his eyebrows furrowed.

“What is going on?” You ordered out of deadly curiosity.

“Why do you keep looking away from me?” He whines. “I’m here now! Love me!”

You scoffed. “I was checking the time.”

“The clock ain’t gonna give you anymore pleasure than I’m about to give you.”

As if he was deep diving into the ocean, Trevor jumped forward and bashed his lips against your wobbly ones. There was a moment where the surrounding walls caved in and it was just you and him alone in the world. While tangling yourself into his mess, his chest conflicting against yours as your heartbeats synced.

“Let me relax you.” He purred.

Suddenly, there were familiar fingers evading your thighs. His nails taunting your skin as he rubbed them through the inner, and out. He managed to lift your shorts to access full sight of your underclothes and he chuckled to himself.

“Lift your hips up.” You could hear from below you and you obeyed within a second.

As he seemed to promise, your shorts were confiscated and vanished. You could see from the corner of your eye that he threw them away, happening to land on the corner of the TV. You gulped and prepared to feel his face any moment…

But he leaves you waiting.

You glanced down in annoyance, chin pressing against your stomach and he was cackling at you.

“Good. I’ve got ALL your attention.” Trevor cooed as his fingers rubbed the fabrics of your underwear. He hummed whenever he felt heat appear, giving you a beady look that lines with his desires.

You felt humiliated at how long he is taking. You knew he was doing it on purpose and began making you huff and puff.

“I swear to God, Trevor.” You allured with a crackly voice.

He returned a satisfying panting noise, not realising how attractive you were when under stress.

“I won’t keep you waiting, your majesty…”

Your underwear was snatched off and your embarrassingly wet pussy was on display for the monster who craved it. Trevor rubbed his hands at the sight of you wanting him.

“You are so beautiful.”

He finally complimented before positioning his face in between your thighs. His stubble was burning your skin, adding to the sensation you were feeling. The way his steamy breath made you shudder and whine, the contact of his wet tongue marking his journey from outside, to when he soon hits your insides.

“Fuck.” You muttered and moaned when he began kissing and licking your pussy. Trevor moaned when he felt you grip onto his wrists and hair. The vibration of his voice was muffled and you could no longer bare it.

Although Trevor was lying on his stomach, you pushed yourself forward and further suffocating him with your body. His hands went from your hips to your stomach, massaging the vacant skin like he wished he could touch you all over at the same time.

His tongue grew more adventurous, gliding gracefully through your walls and teasing your G spot that had you wailing quietly. Trevor could be heard gasping and panting as you resumed face fucking him. His response makes your stomach turn upside down. The way he’d work to gasp for air, but too eager to dive back in; so much so that he begins to pant and moan while working through you.

“Please!” You cried out, tears brimming your eyes. “Fuck, fuck! Trevor!”

He knew you were going to unwind and let go. He didn’t stop abusing your pussy though. His mouth demands more and you could only hold onto one of your pillows for your dear life.

“Fuuckk!” You troubled and came.

Trevor’s tongue retreated and he kissed back onto your inner thigh, the sensation of your fluids tainting his sacred lips that gave you the most pleasure you could ask for.

“You are so good, huh?” He coaxed, hands stroking your arms and waist. “You done so well.”

“Fuck you, Trevor. Oh my God.” You struggled to say, hands covering your face to recover from the amount of negativity that was ripped from your system.

Trevor menacingly laughed and pecked your lips lovingly before slumping back onto you. His eyes glimpsed with admiration.

“Can we go to bed now?”

“Don’t give me them eyes…” You sighed but wearingly gave in. “Fine, fine. Come on then.”

[crystallizedkingdoms]

Overture

Day 2 of @johann-appreciation-week ! I have received special intel that this fic may be considered suggestive. its not like porn or anything explicit but like. there’s gay feelings that’s for sure.

you can also read this on ao3 <3

As a gamekeeper and bard, it would come as no surprise that Johann’s job in the Bureau of Balance is far from a physically taxing one. The most arduous task he’s had so far in his seven months of working is carrying his monthly box of writing supplies down to his room at the Voidfish’s chamber. As such, Johann is one of the employees that would rather watch the new tradition of sparring matches at the icosagon, rather than participate in them. That is, if he ever actually went to one.

Sometimes Johann feels a bit bad about not going to those matches, but he assures himself that it isn’t his fault. He just happens to be coincidentally busy, like, all the time. Plus, it’s not like anyone ever invited him to watch or anything. That’s just how it’s been for his months of working in the Bureau. Johann certainly didn’t feel like changing that.

So it comes as a surprise when Avi, one of the newer hires Johann had become acquainted with, is standing right in front of him and offering him to watch a match.

“You, um… wanna take me? To watch you fight,” Johann asks incredulously.

“I mean, yeah! You just mentioned you have never seen a sparring session before and I thought, you know, this could be your first time. See how we rough it up in the pit,” Avi says, leaning against the glass of the cafeteria dome. “It’ll be fun, I think you’ll like it, dude. Maybe I’ll inspire you to join in on the next match.”

Johann raises an eyebrow at that.

Avi smiles awkwardly, though it’s still got that friendly quality to it that all his smiles have. “Hah, okay, maybe you’re not the type to do that. My point still stands though, you should come! You’ve been here longer than me, and you haven’t once thought about watching the others fight?”

“Well, uh, it’s just never really something people ask of me. I think Carey tried to ask me a few days ago, but, um, I really had to go feed the Voidfish so I kind of ducked away before she could ask. Damn. I, uh, shouldn’t have done that, huh?”

“No! I mean, like, no, don’t worry about that. She didn’t mind, she totally saw you were busy, don’t blame yourself—”

Johann’s ears perk up at that information. “Oh, did she tell you?” he asks.

Upon that comment, Avi pulls his lips into a tight line. Despite the chatter of the bustling cafeteria around them, their conversation halts to an awkward silence for a couple of moments. It takes a couple seconds for Avi to speak again, “All right, I’ll be honest. Iiiii might have been there to encourage you to join us,” he admits. He tears his attention away to the crowd of people still eating, and his hand reaches up to rub the back of his neck. “Just something Carey and I talked about. You were the first guy that came to mind.”

“I was the first person that came to your mind?” The corner of Johann’s lip twitches up into a half smile at Avi’s confession.

“Y-yeah, seriously. Brian also came up, but uh, Carey informed me that Killian already invited him and that he was definitely gonna participate in our fight. So, yeesh.”

“Oh, man. Now I gotta come and see that,” Johann says. “You really gonna go up against him? He’s, like, one of the best fucking wizards here.”

“Hey, it’s just a friendly match! He’s not gonna obliterate me… I hope,” Avi reassures. Then he goes silent. And then he scrunched his nose at Johann. “Are you— wait, are you insinuating I would lose?”

Johann has to bite the inside of his cheek to hide an obvious smile. His eyes wander to the side to avoid looking at Avi’s face, which he knows will send him into a giggling fit. “I, um, of course didn’t say that, but I suppose if that’s what you hear…”

Avi scoffs and stops leaning against the glass to land a light hit against Johann’s shoulder. Even though it doesn’t hurt, Johann mouths a soft ‘Ow’ anyway. “Don’t pull that shit with me! You’re gonna eat your fucking words, bro,” Avi laughs. He laughs so openly, with his whole face and chest, that it makes Johann feel a little stupid for trying to hide his own laughter. “Now you definitely have to come. If I catch you skipping I’m going to throw you in the icosagon myself.”

“Okay, chill. I’ll go, I’ll go,” Johann says.

Avi’s face brightens even more than before, which Johann didn’t think was possible until then. He’s beaming with excitement and Johann finds himself wanting to see more of it. “All right, dude, see you at the ‘gon!” Avi claps a hand on Johann’s shoulder and gives it a good shake before he walks towards the exit of the cafeteria dome. Johann watches Avi leave until he can no longer see him.

Great, time to watch some jocks fuck shit up.

—

Johann has been in the icosagon exactly two times before this invitation: once when the inside was still under construction, and the second time when he was delegated the task of introducing some new employees to the layout of the moonbase. It comes as a surprise to Johann when he finds that the icosagon is actually not as barren as he expected; there are racks with all sorts of weapons, projectiles, spell books, even a few instruments. Of course, they look pretty cheap, but Johann is surprised to see them there nonetheless.

What also catches Johann’s attention is the benches surrounding the arena’s ring. He knows people liked to watch their friends during sparring matches, but he didn’t think that they would set up bleachers like some high school gymnasium. Most interestingly, a familiar uniform jacket is laid right on top of a bench closest to the right side of the ring. Made unique by a custom addition of a fur-trimmed hood, Johann gravitates towards it quickly.

“Hey, Johann!” A voice calls out to him. Johann jumps and whips around towards the centre of the arena, where he sees Brian, Carey, and Killian congregating with their training weapons in hand.

“Ah, um… hey,” Johann says back.

“You’re pretty sneaky, aren’t you, darling?” Brian asks with a little smirk. “For a second when I saw the door swinging, I thought Mr. Bradson had finally changed his mind and decided to join and watch, but he couldn’t have been as quick as you. Hardly even noticed you entering! Carey, dear, do you think he has a chance at being a rogue?”

Carey laughs and leans against Brian, swirling a dagger between her fingers. “Hah! I could teach him if he wanted. You want lessons, Johann?” she calls out towards him.

Johann raises a hand and waves her off a little. “Ah, um, no thanks. I’m good, Carey. I’m good at being just a bard.”

“Suit yourself,” Carey shrugs.

Johann makes his way to Avi’s jacket, and when he gets there, he sits right next to it. “Looks pretty empty today. So, um, where’s Avi?” he asks as nonchalantly as he possibly can.

“Oh, he went to go and change in the lockers,” Killian says and points a thumb towards a door near the back of the icosagon. “No clue why he dropped that jacket there, though. He usually puts it away pretty safely.”

“I suppose he used it to indicate where he wished for Johann to sit, hm?” Brian’s voice sounds extra sing-songy when he says that, though he makes the point to not look directly at Johann.

“Oh? What makes you say that?” Carey asks with a similar cadence. She smirks in the same way Brian does, but she quickly stops when Killian gives her a look that Johann can’t read, but takes note of anyway. Just as Johann is about to ask what this inside joke they seemed to be on was, Avi bursts out of the locker room door.

The three in the arena turn to Avi, so Johann can’t see their faces from his seat. “Speak of the devil, eh?” Killian says, a smile audible in her voice.

Though Johann can’t see the three’s faces, Johann can see Avi very clearly. Avi’s wearing a white tank top perhaps a size too small, revealing parts of his body in ways that are usually hidden by his uniform jacket. His geometric tattoos that Johann only ever saw on his fingers and wrists extend all the way up his forearm. Not to mention how that too-small tank top outlines and emphasizes Avi’s fit physique…

Oh gods, Johann is thinking way too much about this.

“Sorry I took so long, guys! Had some, uh, trouble in there. We can get started whenever you’re ready…” Avi’s eyes visibly flicker across to where Johann’s sitting. He perks up and waves at Johann, calling out, “Johann!! Aw man, you really came!”

Johann silently waves back, a little absentminded as his eyes trace Avi’s body. He’s really excited to see me, huh, he notes.

“Are you ready, Avi, dear?” Brian backs away from the group a little, the web pattern on his staff growing a brilliant white as he readied himself for their sparring match. “We have an audience this time around, but don’t let that get to your heads. I’m sure Johann wouldn’t like to watch a bunch of show offs tussle it out, isn’t that right, darling?”

The group all look towards Johann, who’s starting to feel like he should just crawl into the Voidfish’s chambers and never come out again. “Haha… yeah, right. Let’s keep it real, guys,” he laughs, monotonous and flat.

“We— we wouldn’t exaggerate or anything!” Avi insists, shooting a glare at Brian. Brian pretends not to notice, focusing more on his staff than anything else. “Like, come on, that just, that just sounds stupid. We’ll keep it, uh, real.”

Carey elbows Avi in the gut, gaining a little whine of annoyance rather than pain. “Okay, okay, let’s quit stalling! And Killian, this time quit targeting my tail! The dull bolts still hurt like hell up near the base,” she says.

“Wasn’t targeting, it was just there, but I’ll try harder this time. Let’s get started!”

Johann is still silent when the four talk with each other and ready themselves for their spat. Admittedly, Johann almost feels… a little forgotten when they talk with each other, while he sits on the quite literal sidelines. He even begins to wonder idly, Why even invite me to watch? No one else is here. I don’t see the point in watching a bunch of coworkers beat each other down.

Of course, that’s because Johann’s never seen how his coworkers fight before.

Where Johann expects he’s going to be bored out of his mind, his attention is whisked away by the reality of what was in front of him: they were damn good fighters.

It doesn’t take very long for Johann to be whisked by the frenzy of the fight. The four of them engage with each other constantly, switching up their fighting partners on a whim, but always falling into each other’s patterns. Johann finds a rhythm in how they fight each other, how one of Brian’s spells trips up Killian, how Avi blocks off a strike from Carey right behind him, Killian’s quick shots against Brian. Occasionally they shout things at each other, encouragements, criticisms, taunting, but they never stop for any of it. Their bodies flow to that unrelenting melody without resting, and Johann watches it all intently.

Well, it would be more accurate to say Johann is watching a certain part of it more intently than the others. It’s not like he’s trying to stare at Avi the most, honestly! It’s definitely not weird that he’s so focused on how Avi’s ponytail whips around as he lands a hit on Brian’s shoulder. And it’s absolutely not his fault that his fingers tap Avi’s specific rhythm against his thigh, that his gaze lingers on Avi’s flexing muscles as he fights against his three friends. That… he’s never thought about Avi like that, never…

Oh, gods, why am I thinking this about him?

Johann tries to shake himself of his thoughts the entire match, but they never quite go away.

—

Johann isn’t very sure when their sparring match ends. He tends to get lost when he has inspiration for songs, after all.

He does notice when it ends. All four of them collapse onto the ground with their weapons sprawled all around them. They are all sweating and panting right next to each other, trying to get as much air as possible before they can speak.

It’s not very clear what a bystander should do in this situation. So Johann just silently claps. “Uh… wow! That was— that was actually really, really fun to watch. Um, good job, guys.”

“Th-thanks, darling… oh goodness,” Brian wheezed out, his accent sounding even more strangled in this state. “Killian, my dear, it’s your turn to grab the refreshment.”

Killian whines into her hand for a solid seven seconds before she tries to stand up. She stretches her arms and bends her back a little to get all the kinks out. Then, she’s off to grab a little basket of water bottles and towels near the locker doors that Johann completely missed. “Hey, so uh, next time? Next time let’s chill out a little. Avi looks like he’s gonna throw up,” Killian says.

“No I don’t!!” Avi yells and sits up straight at lightning speed. “I definitely don’t!” He gathers his bearings, he pulls himself to his feet, then does a big stretch with his arm way over his head. The way he stretches raises his too-small tank top to reveal his midriff. It’s covered in sweat, flexing just enough for his abs to be more defined, and oh man, the start of a happy trail…

Come on, how the hell is Johann supposed to act normal under these conditions?

Killian makes her way to the group with the basket and tossed each of them their water bottles and towels. When Avi gets his, he makes the decision to take a sip of his water and oh gods, he’s walking over to Johann while he’s taking his shirt off. Johann thinks he might gasp without thinking as Avi approaches him completely shirtless, sweaty, and grinning wildly.

“Hey, Johann!” Avi greets him as he leans against the railing of the arena. The way he leans his body lets Johann get an incredible view of Avi’s exposed chest. “Haha… that was a real fun match! Did you enjoy it? Tell me, I definitely looked pretty cool while fighting, eh?”

“Oh you, uh— you looked really, really cool…” Johann chokes out from his stutters. Johann’s visibly struggling with keeping his eyes where they should be, and though he didn’t move a single inch during that fight, he feels his own body heating up. “Really good. Like, wow. You guys were great, all of you!”

“Thanks, Johann!” Carey calls out to him, but Johann hardly hears it from under the pounding in his ears.

“So, uh… Would you be open to visiting us spar more often?” Avi asks. He’s leaning a little over the railing now, so Johann can get a good look at Avi’s face— sweaty, a little flushed, and his eyes showing a hidden eagerness to them. He’s searching Johann’s face just as much as Johann searches his, and the sudden attention is almost excruciating. “Maybe you can join in next time? Or not, that’s fine too. You can also come watch even if there’s a little less of us…”

Johann tears his eyes away from Avi for a single moment. That last part is too obvious even for Johann, and he knows the others must have heard it, because he can hear Brian trying to stifle a laugh as they discreetly try to shuffle towards the lockers. “I’d love to watch you guys spar more often. This was really hot— um, fun. Very fun… first experience,” he says. Then, to ease some of the dripping tension, Johann looks down and sees Avi’s jacket beside him. “Oh, um, here’s your jacket. You left it here.” He picks up Avi’s jacket, stands up from his seat, then extends it out to its owner.

Avi eyes his own jacket, then back up at Johann. He reaches for his jacket, but his fingers brush against Johann’s and lingers there for a few heartbeats. “Thank you, Johann,” Avi whispers under his breath, “it means a lot.”

Johann has only a second to appreciate everything in front of him before Avi pulls away with his jacket. “I’m gonna go wash up with the three now, okay?” he says. “I’ll see you later?”

A dumbfounded Johann can only nod. “Uh, yeah. I’ll get going, too. See you later.”

[prerodinu]

Thinking about it but like, MOST of the wolves have had to watch society grow, evolve and change since they where born. They watched the world go from horses and carriages to cars, to planes, to a computer to a phone in your hand that can access anything. 

Some of these wolves while they don’t like humans, have had human companions. Have had to watch them grow old and die while they stay the same age. 

They have watched the VERY FEW HUMANS they have come to love die, wither away into nothing and be dust upon the ground they walk on. There is a reason that the older wolves REFUSE to get into human business. REFUSE to find a human friend, or even interact with them. 

Because they have held that human friend as they died. Either in battle, in a hospital or in the middle of no where because THE WOLVE COULD NOT PROTECT THEM. 

We know not all humans can change. The bite is like a poison and it can kill the human just as easy as it can turn them. Some of the wolves have tried DESPERATELY to change those they love. Only to have them die in the process, to die before they where able to get enough in them. 

Or just die because the wolf was too worried about killing them so they COULDN’T. 

Or they FINALLY COULD change someone but a hunter found them and killed them before the wolf could protect them.

The wolves don’t just HATE humans. Sure they hate some to a passion. Most though, MOST FEAR BEING ATTACHED to a human because…

what if this one won’t make the change. 

what if this one can’t live through it. 

what if this one does and ends up dying by hunters. 

what if this one… 

All of that comes down to the wolves deciding, humans are NOT to be trusted.  The newer wolves, the ones who haven’t had to live through it wonder why. And whenever they wonder. Artem sends them to Katia. Katia not being the most soft and delicate, sits them down and explains to them what can happen. What the end result could be. 

And when the wolf does cry, she gathers them up and hugs them while they whisper soft words in their ear. Because she knows. She knows what it is like just as much as the others do and she takes the burden of relieving all the death so that the rest of her pack that has had to deal with it doesn’t have to. 

[alfvaen]

Cellular Peptide Cake

I don't remember when I first saw Star Trek, but I was definitely quite young, maybe five years old.  I was born in 1971, so only a few years after it went off the air the first time, but still playing in syndication.  The first episode I remember clearly might have been "Operation--Annihilate!", and I imagine I found those plastic fried-egg cell things to be quite scary at the time.  I watched it sporadically for years, and I'm not convinced I saw every episode for a long time. I was also reading James Blish's Star Trek episode collections (and the Alan Dean Foster equivalents for the animated series) from the library, where they were filed down in the kids' section for some reason.  To some extent those books and the actual episodes blended together in my head.  In particular I remember Star Trek 9 and the episode "Obsession", which I never saw for years and years, but I knew how it went.  Some of my favourites were ones that maybe haven't held up particularly well, like "Court Martial" and "Specter of The Gun" and "The Savage Curtain", but in general I watched them pretty indiscriminately, had no concept of which ones were from which season or anything like that.  I did watch some of the animated series too, but not nearly as much.

I of course saw the first movie when it came out, and had the soundtrack album; I started reading the novels that came out afterwards, too.  (I suppose I had read some of the earlier ones, like "Spock Must Die", already as well, but mostly the newer ones.)  I saw most of the rest of the movies too (I still haven't seen all of Star Trek V); Star Trek IV was my favourite.  I also got the book "The Making of Star Trek" which lots of interesting behind-the-scenes stuff about how the series came to be.

And then TNG came out.  I was kind of iffy on it at first.  I missed "Encounter At Farpoint", but luckily a friend had it on tape so I watched it a little while later.  As a "gifted child" two years younger than my classmates, I had some issues with the character of Wesley Crusher, finding him painful to watch most of the time.  I stopped watching it with any consistency and it became an occasional thing. But I gradually became fond of it, and enjoyed most of the episodes I watched, though again I lost track of which ones were new or old.  At some point I got a book which had a list of all the TNG episodes, which helped me fill in some of the gaps.  (There was a period where they had TNG reruns on one channel late at night after Jerry Springer, and I caught up on a lot there.)  I wasn't as fond of the TNG movies, though; "First Contact" was the best, but even that was never a favourite.  I haven't rewatched any of them, though.

Deep Space 9...my wife and I tried it when it came out, watched a few episodes, but I think "Move Along Home" mostly killed it for us.  I've seen about half a dozen episodes since then--the tribbles one, the "O'Brien replicant" one, and some of the mirror universe ones.  One day perhaps I'll make a concerted effort to get back into it. It’s possible I won’t just consider it to be a Babylon 5 ripoff.

But we did try Voyager when it came out, and it may be the only Star Trek series (or, at least, the only post-TOS pre-Discovery series) that we never gave up on. Oh, we did miss most of Season 2 because we lost access to cable channels for a year, but we went right back to it when we could, and watched it to the end.  I don't recall it having nearly as many standout episodes as TNG, but it was a lot more consistent from the very beginning, at least.

"Enterprise" we also tried but it didn't hold our interest.  Not sure if there was any big reason, but one thing that low-key bugged me was always when stuff taking place before TOS didn't feel continuous with it.  Like, TNG and Enterprise both used "offline" a lot.  TOS never did...and yet it was chronologically in between them.  It makes sense out-of-universe that TOS wouldn't have used terminology that didn't exist yet in the 60s, but it felt wrong in-universe.  Same thing with the visible tech level differences between Discovery and TOS later.  (And let's not even mention the periodic Klingon redesigns.)

The "reboot"/"Kelvin timeline" movies were okay but didn't wholly in me over either.  They seemed a little gimmicky sometimes.  The third one actually felt most like actual Star Trek to me.  I haven't rewatched any of those either.

Of the newer series...we watched three seasons of "Discovery" and may have given up on it for now.  At least, it's on hiatus for us.  The series-long arc thing takes some getting used to, the continuity issues do bother me a little, and some of the stuff just seems outlandish.  The spore drive?  The giant tardigrade? (Does it never occur to anyone that you can't just make a tardigrade bigger and expect it to have all the same characteristics?  Square-cube law, anyone?)  I like most of the characters, though, and the Harry Mudd time-loop episode was enjoyable.  We haven't tried "Strange New Worlds", and we only watched one episode of "Lower Decks" before deciding it wasn't for us.

"Picard" we've seen two seasons of, though not the third yet.  Once again with the season-long story arcs, but it is interesting how they pick up some of the dangling plot threads from TNG and weave them into other stuff.

Honourable mention has to go to "The Orville", which is the Star Trek which is the most Star Trek without being Star Trek.  (Like that Firesign Theatre joke: "Benjamin Franklin--the only President of the United States who was never President of the United States.")  It's most like TNG, but with characters who swear more and have more juvenile senses of humour.  Again, I haven't seen the latest season of it, but I enjoyed the first two and will probably get back into it at some point.

But it's TNG that I'm always going back to.  TOS I can't take seriously any more, for some reason; I did just rewatch it, partly in step with listening to the Mission Log podcast about each episode, but for the most part I feel like I'm done with it. The animated series...well, I'm still revisiting that one, but I suspect it's not going to hold up that well either.  TNG...the first two seasons are highly spotty, but after that it gets really consistent.  It is more episodic than modern shows, but that just means that individual episodes can be experienced on their own with greater enjoyment.  DS9...I've heard a lot of good things about it, and I'm sure if I can just get over that initial hump I'll enjoy it just fine.  Voyager...that one does demand more of an in-order watch, and there is that entire season I've mostly missed.  Enterprise...well, maybe, one day.

Right now we're doing a TNG watch-through (skipping the really bad episodes, mostly) with the family.  Looking forward to it.

[kittyginever]

Imperfection Part 2

Part 2

She had slept deeply that night and almost to noon. When she woke, she was surprised to find Luis in the kitchen. He didn’t look up at her as she entered, instead he poured her a coffee, and kept his eyes on his phone screen.

‘Thank you,’ she said politely, tying her satin dressing gown tighter around herself, before she moved and looked out of the windows at the warm day.

‘You were out late last night.’

Erin paled and looked back at him, seeing his cool brown eyes moving from his phone to her. ‘Pardon?’

‘You were out late. The security cameras send me footage of the entry points if there is movement after ten pm. You didn’t come back until three am. Where were you?’

A flash of the dark courtyard and the sound of Rex breathing heavily behind her threw itself up in her mind, and she had to blink heavily to clear it and reply, ‘I was bored, I decided to go out for a drink. I didn’t realise how late it was getting.’

He raised an eyebrow, switching his phone off. ‘Which bar?’

‘There was a couple, the one on sixth, and that one that we went for Mark’s birthday last year.’

He nodded. ‘You should have called me; I would have been happy to keep you company.’

‘I didn’t want to bother you,’ she said, trying not to blush as she thought of Rex and the way he pushed her down onto the table in the courtyard of the dingy little bar.

‘No bother. And what about tonight? Will you be going out again?’

She had wanted too, she’d wanted to go back, see if it was all as real as it had seemed. She wanted to see him again. But Luis was obviously keeping tabs on her. She was still not free.

‘I’m not sure,’ she said.

‘You should. You haven’t been out much in a long time. You were always a good dancer.’

She smiled a little, turning back to the window. She’d always seen him watching her, and it had given her vastly different chills, to the looks Rex had given her the night before.

‘I’ll take you to a club tonight, I have business there anyway. At least we can both get out for the evening,’ Luis said, and she knew the tone in his voice. It was the same one he had used when he sent Mark to rehab. He was intending to look kind on the surface, but he was not taking no for an answer.

                                                *****

The sleek black car came to pick her up at ten pm, and Erin smiled politely at Luis, knowing it was expected. He nodded at her, finishing a call before he turned to her. ‘You look fantastic Erin.’

‘Thank you,’ she replied.

‘The club is in a newer area for us, not the sort of place we usually go, but we will be buying up a lot of property there soon, so the business has put a lot of effort into this club. Time to see if it is good enough.’

Erin felt her heart speed up as the car drove them into the same part of the city she had been in the night before, and as they pulled up to a refinished old warehouse, that looked like it belonged in a much more expensive district, her eyes drifted to the corner it was on, knowing that just around it, the club from the night before was waiting.

Luis, put his hand on her back and she tore her eyes from the corner, letting him lead her into the club.

She tried to be in the moment, tried to be what she was supposed to be, but the inane conversations with acquaintances barely registered, and when Luis excused himself to talk business, she found herself moving to the hall where the bathrooms where. There was a side door, and before she knew what she was doing, she had slipped out of it.

The heat of the day clung to her ancles as she crossed the road. For a moment she thought Rex was on the front door again, but as she got closer, she realised that this guy was a little shorter than him, though he was very muscly too. He smiled at her, admiring her openly, before he waved her in to the bar.

She was earlier tonight, there was more dancing than anything else going on, though there were a few corners with lap dances going on. She moved to the bar, getting a drink, before she looked back to the dancefloor, beginning to move to the music.

Her eyes scanned the room for Rex, and when she didn’t see him, she downed her drink and turned to leave, when she saw something waving from a corner. A thick arm was waving lacy black underwear at her, and as a woman shifted on his lap, Rex was revealed.

He held her eye, like he wanted to see what she would do, as he saw that he had her attention and put the underwear back in his pocket, but didn’t move otherwise.

She felt disappointment drop into her stomach, and looked away. Why had she thought there was something for her here? Stupid girl, it was a one-night stand with a huge bouncer at some kind of sex club. Did she seriously think there could be something in that?

All the years of sterile life had dulled everything around her, but this place had been in vivid colour the night before. His rough touch was ten times more exciting than her marriage had been. He had lingered after all, touching her, smelling her skin. Mark never did that. He would get up, shower, then go to sleep, or pop some pills and work in the office.

She looked back at the door, thinking she better leave, before Luis missed her. Being here wasn’t smart.

‘Not leaving yet are you gorgeous? I was hoping for a dance,’ the man at the door said, looking her over again as she approached.

Something clicked in her, some attitude that she’d buried deep rose up and she smiled. ‘Were you?’ she flirted.

‘Yeah, so why not? Let’s dance here,’ he said, his hands reaching for her hips.

Erin smiled and began to move her hips, seeing his lips part. She looked across the room at Rex, surprised, but glad to see him glaring at them. She looked away and let the bouncer move her closer. His hands moved over her sides and one grabbed her butt tightly, as he pressed against her.

‘Hey!’ A deep voice boomed, and Erin turned to see Rex storming over.

‘What?’ the bouncer complained. ‘I haven’t left the door Rex! Come on!’ He let go of Erin suddenly as Rex shoved him, breaking the contact. ‘Jesus! What is your problem?’

Rex was glowering in his face, pointing at Erin he only said one word, ‘Mine!’

The other guy frowned, but threw his hands up, submitting.

Rex turned from him to Erin, grabbing her arm, he pulled her with him to a dark corner of the room. He looked furious as he pushed her into the corner and glared at her. For a moment she thought he was going to yell at her too, or worse. Then he leaned in and kissed her heatedly, knotting up her stomach.

Her hands moved on their own to his broad chest, and he pushed right up against her, kissing and grabbing at her strongly. His mouth moved from her lips, to her ear and he whispered in it, ‘You want me again? Did you come back for this?’

Her chest rising and falling against his seemed to answer the question, and he pulled back to look her in the eyes. After a moment, he grabbed her hand and pulled her through the crowd to a door on the other side of the bar. She realised it was an office, as he locked the door behind them, then turned back to her.

‘Come here,’ he said simply, snatching her up into his arms.

‘I didn’t know about the club yesterday, when I came in,’ she said, trying to explain as he lifted her off her feet, turning to sit with her on his lap in an office chair.

‘I figured,’ he said simply, his mouth moving hungrily to hers.

[petalsmooth]

Changelings are back in Trek!

I just wish Rene Auberjonois were still here so he could appear.

Not really concerned about Riker and Picard’s argument. Will be resolved, too close of friends who know each other too well though I suspect that line about playing it safe will play a larger role. The Riker I remember was defined by his willingness to not play it safe. It made him a legend. Linking this change to the death of his son is an interesting way to show how this person evolved.

The note from Picard during the argument with Beverly after she said their relationship had run it’s course (not convincing) and he added...for the fifth time...suggests may be a sixth time. TBH when the show was on I almost went back and forth on the idea of them together. There were time’s it felt it would be too awkward and I wasn’t sure I wanted a more intimate day to day soapy relationship on screen. Other time’s as when they were mind linked when you did. Now? I’m hoping end together primarily because I really don’t have an interest in seeing them paired with anyone else who does not have their year’s (30 plus) together. It just doesn’t hold up next to the chemistry between two actor’s who have spent a generation and half together. You just can’t manufacture that.

I adore Michael Dorn back onscreen. Pairing him with Raffi has redeemed her character. I really didn’t care about her before but he’s given her an anchor in the Trek universe now. I know they tried with Patrick Stewart and then with Jeri Ryan but it didn’t work. Patrick was trying to re-define his place in the Trek universe and Seven’s character was a victim of Voyager’s bad writing and was never fully realized. Putting Picard back with his old crew isn’t just nostalgic but it’s helping to settle his character in a way I think they tried and failed with newer cast. Raffi has really good chemistry with Worf (not talking about romantic) and Seven finally seems to be coming into her own by mingling a little with everyone rather than just one person. Although I’m kind of liking her scenes with Jack (again not talking romance). It’s just you have two characters here with legacies (hers with Voyager/Borg) coming into their own together...somewhat similiar personalities too. Feels appropriate.

For the record I don’t ship anybody in nuTrek except my established couples. I haven’t liked a lot of nuTrek storytelling to get invested in anyone let alone a relationship. I watch Star Trek for the tech, the adventure, the stories, the history and at times the hope/idealism (which nuTrek has lost sight of but hoping will see a bit of return by end of this saga). When the Next Generation started I never really even expected would get my couples. Star Trek famously removed Janice from the original show to keep Kirk single. So it’s never been about that for me even if eventually I got a few. I’m open to shipping new couples but not going to do that based on 3 episodes of an 8 episode season when these characters only NOW seem to be finding their footing. Seven joined Voyager in 1997 and it’s only the past few weeks I FINALLY feel like they have discovered her voice after all. Hard to ship characters when they don’t know who the characters actually are.

This is rambling but I don’t care. I am just happy to have 8 episodes I never thought I would have. I really don’t care about anything else right now. lol