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eddycurrents · 6 years

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For the week of 27 August 2018

Quick Bits:

A Walk Through Hell #4 focuses largely on flashbacks to the case the agents were working before whatever’s currently happening happened and...I’m not really sure of anything that’s going on. I think that’s kind of the point, unsure as to how everything is supposed to connect and what any of it all adds up to. Great art from Goran Sudžuka and Ive Svorcina, though.

| Published by AfterShock

Beyonders #1 is off to a great start. Between this and The Lost City Explorers, it seems like AfterShock right now has pseudoarchaeology stitched up and it’s wonderful. Paul Jenkins, Wesley St. Claire, and Marshall Dillon kick this one off with a wee bit more crunch, though there’s a very interesting upheaval this issue that will make you wonder what’s going on.

| Published by AfterShock

Blackwood #4 brings this series to an end and it is dark. Very dark. Evan Dorkin, Veronica & Andy Fish have crafted a wonderful horror story here, with some interesting twists, and one hell of an ending.

| Published by Dark Horse

Bone Parish #2 takes a deep dive in to some of the foundational moments of the Winters clan, even as they begin to deal with the fallout of one of their dealers dying from an overdose. This is great stuff. The art from Jonas Scharf and Alex Guimarães is incredible. Great detail and atmosphere, perfectly bringing to life the premise and characters from Cullen Bunn.

| Published by BOOM! Studios

Brothers Dracul #5 circles back around to the beginning of the story, as we reach the end of this interesting retelling and interpretation of the intersection of both the historical and legendary story of Vlad the Impaler, from Cullen Bunn, Mirko Colak, Maria Santaolalla, and Simon Bowland. There’s an interesting twist here that certainly paints Vlad’s action in a different light, and I hope we see it followed up upon in a second series.

| Published by AfterShock

Cyber Force #5 is a nice change of pace as Bryan Hill, Matt Hawkins, Atilio Rojo, and Troy Peteri introduce us to another old familiar face. This incarnation of the team definitely is taking its time to be brought together, but when the storytelling is as entertaining and the artwork is as gorgeous as this, it doesn’t really matter. To note, though, this is not the kind of decompression that feels empty or padded, it’s just fleshing out characters and their lives more than what we’ve seen before.

| Published by Image / Top Cow

Daredevil Annual #1 presents a standalone story of Misty Knight’s days as a detective and her first meeting with Daredevil. It’s good. It feels a bit more like a pilot for a Misty Knight series than necessarily a Daredevil tale, but, as I said, it’s good. The art from Marcio Takara and Marcelo Maiolo is nice. I really like Takara’s style which gives me hints of Phil Hester, Jim Mahfood, and Tomm Coker.

| Published by Marvel

Dungeons & Dragons: Evil at Baldur’s Gate #5 is another fun one, with a focus this issue on Boo. I’ve really enjoyed this series, with Jim Zub giving the party a bit of a breather between larger adventures and giving a great look at them as individual characters. Great art, too, including this issue from Francesco Mortarino and Jordi Escuin.

| Published by IDW

Edge of Spider-Geddon #2 gives us a view into another alternate Spiderverse, circling back around to SP//dr, and giving us a new twist on the power and responsibility rubric and VEN#m. It’s nice to see Lonnie Nadler and Zac Thompson play with more technological horror, with some incredible artwork from Alberto Alburquerque and Tríona Farrell.

| Published by Marvel

Euthanauts #2 is a thing of beauty. Nick Robles and Eva De La Cruz are seriously delivering some of the best art in comics right now with this series. The page layouts, character designs, use of colour, and incorporation of lettering choices from Aditya Bidikar, just elevate the storytelling immensely. Not even to mention how Tini Howard is making the weird science seamless in the dialogue. This is great.

| Published by IDW / Black Crown

Exiles #7 concludes the Old West-ish arc with cowboy T’Challa. Drop dead gorgeous artwork from guest artist Rod Reis. His depiction of the ultimate villain here shows some nice influence from Bill Sienkiewicz.

| Published by Marvel

Extermination #2 brings the fight to the school, even as the team (and the reader, although it’s not a bad thing) is still confused as to what is really going on. I love this, the tension that Ed Brisson, Pepe Larraz, and Marte Gracia are building is palpable, and the hints of kid!Cable’s actions are chilling. Also, the art is just phenomenal.

| Published by Marvel

Harbinger Wars 2 #4 is kind of the end to this, but the ramifications and fallout are all supposed to appear in the Aftermath issue. That being said, Matt Kindt, Tomás Giorello, Renato Guedes, Diego Rodriguez, and Dave Sharpe go all out for the spectacle in this final confrontation between Livewire and X-O Manowar. It is still kind of insane how Capshaw could possibly consider what GATE and OMEN have done as being “good”, especially in light of Palmer going absolutely batshit insane, but it does lead to interesting set-up for future conflicts.

| Published by Valiant

Hillbilly: Red-Eyed Witchery From Beyond #1 begins the next adventure of the black-eyed tramp. I get a bit of a Beowulf vibe from Eric Powell’s set-up and I’m interested to see where it goes. This series sees Powell passing on the artistic duties to Simone Di Meo, Brennan Wagner, and Warren Montgomery and it’s an interesting visual shift from the washes of Powell’s own work in the original series. I quite like Di Meo’s style, which reminds me a bit of James Harren and Troy Nixey.

| Published by Albatross Funnybooks

House Amok #1 is something I’m not sure I can describe. It’s kind of a family drama, but if that family were all collectively sharing a hallucinatory experience or delusion. It’s a very interesting concept that’s only partially revealed by Christopher Sebela, Shawn McManus, Lee Loughridge, and Aditya Baker, but it leads to a very compelling start here. Gorgeous artwork from McManus and Loughridge.

| Published by IDW / Black Crown

Hunt for Wolverine: Dead Ends #1, like all four of the Hunt for Wolverine mini-series, is kind of a bit of treading water. I cannot say it or any of the previous series are bad, taken on their own separated from this “event”, they’re usually quite good, but as a whole it’s kind of disappointing. It’s a search for Wolverine that kind of comes up empty, acting as a prequel to the return of Wolverine, despite already having returned in Marvel Legacy and hopped across numerous different titles, before apparently being used for evil, as per throwaway bits in the fourth issues of those previously mentioned minis that didn’t necessarily connect with the plots of those minis. It feels a bit scattered and unnecessary, unfortunately, especially when it comes to comparing notes, coming up with the organization we already knew was behind it, and a bit of hand-waving mystery and grandstanding that still tells us a whole lot of nothing. It’s sound and fury. All of which is a bit of a shame because I otherwise generally enjoy the work of Charles Soule and Ramon Rosanas.

| Published by Marvel

Isola #5... Just look at the artwork. Karl Kerschl and Msassyk just keep delivering page after page after page of beauty.

| Published by Image

Jessica Jones #2 reaffirms that this is one of the best things that Marvel is currently publishing, with the next two chapters in this story. Kelly Thompson’s dialogue, narration, and banter throughout this issue is spot on, propulsive, and funny as hell when it needs to be, but what elevates it is that this isn’t your typical talking heads approach. The characters are doing stuff, like hunting sea monsters, instead of sitting at a desk or whatever. It’s a refreshing change that overall just makes this all the better. Not to mention Mattia De Iulis’ stunning artwork. It’s slick and polished with a line style that somewhat reminds me of Paul Gulacy and a bit of Rick Mays, and an approach to shadow and colour similar to Frazer Irving. This is a great series that really shouldn’t be missed.

| Published by Marvel

Judge Dredd: Under Siege #4 wraps up this entertaining series from Mark Russell, Max Dunbar, Jose Luis Rio, and Shawn Lee. I really like Dunbar’s take on Dredd and the Russell’s idea of people creating their own law in the absence of law is an interesting philosophical counterpoint to the idea of man naturally sliding towards a state of chaos. Even the mutants striving for society is an interesting challenge to the typical idea of things falling apart.

| Published by IDW

New Mutants: Dead Souls #6 concludes the series with Illyana putting the pieces together for what actually has been going on, it isn’t a pretty picture. This has been a great series from Matthew Rosenberg, Adam Gorham, Michael Garland, and Clayton Cowles and the revelations this issue are heavy. The implications for the X-universe is huge and I want more.

| Published by Marvel

The New World #2 essentially reveals itself as a romance comic, amidst the ultraviolence and social engineering. Didn’t really see that coming, but it’s an interesting move. Trippy art from Tradd Moore, Heather Moore, and Ludwig Olimba.

| Published by Image

Paradise Court #2 continues to be an entertaining horror comic from Joe Brusha, Babisu Kourtis, Leonardo Paciarotti, and Taylor Esposito. This gives us the part of the story where our protagonist is experiencing the horror and everyone else is telling her she’s just imagining it, but it’s still well told and well illustrated.

| Published by Zenescope

Rick and Morty vs. Dungeons & Dragons #1 is about as perfect a crossover of two properties as you can get. Morty trying to get into D&D because he thinks it will get him laid is the perfect in to the world of the game and the cartoon, perfectly blending the two for fans of both without alienating or diminishing either. Jim Zub, Patrick Rothfuss, Troy Little, Leonardo Ito, and Robbie Robbins are faithful to both and in doing so deliver a wonderful beginning to this story, that also educates along the way.

| Published by IDW & Oni Press

Runaways #12 is easily one of the best issues in what has already been an exemplary series. Rainbow Rowell, Kris Anka, Matthew Wilson, and Joe Carmagna focus here on forgiveness, acceptance, and second chances, with some truly beautiful character work between Gert & Victor and Nico & Karolina. If you don’t have a giant grin on your face by the end of the issue, I question your humanity.

| Published by Marvel

Submerged #2 is still weird, very weird, but there’s some really good bits in here demonstrating some of the emotional manipulation that family members sometimes employ. Beautiful, ethereal artwork from Lisa Sterle and Stelladia.

| Published by Vault

Venom: First Host #1 is somewhat strange to see in light of where Donny Cates and Ryan Stegman have taken the character, but this limited series from Mike Costa, Mark Bagley, Andrew Hennessy, Dono Sánchez-Almara, and Clayton Cowles serves as both an interesting addendum to the symbiote’s history and as a continuation (and likely capstone) to the previous creative team’s run. It’s pretty decent.

| Published by Marvel

Web of Venom: Ve’Nam #1 is a one shot fleshing out the backstory of Rex Strickland and the SHIELD experiment that bonded the early symbiotes to soldiers set loose during the Vietnam War. It’s an entertaining tale with some nice guest stars and sweet art by Donny Cates, Juanan Ramírez, Felipe Sobreiro, and Clayton Cowles. I particularly like the scratchy, faded look in the art to make it look a bit “old”.

| Published by Marvel

X-23 #3 is great. Mariko Tamaki has nailed the characters and the art from Juann Cabal and Nolan Woodard is incredible. The page designs alone elevate the storytelling immensely.

| Published by Marvel

The X-Files: Case Files - Hoot Goes There? #2 concludes the second of this new approach of a series of mini-series and it’s...weird? Funny, but weird. Definitely taking a page out of some of the more outlandish episodes of the series, where you question whether or not what you saw happened actually happened. Still, it’s entertaining, which is all that really matters. Fun from Joe and Keith Lansdale, Silvia Califano, Valentina Pinto, and Shawn Lee.

| Published by IDW

X-Men Blue #34 looks like it largely serves as a capstone to Cullen Bunn’s work with Magneto over the past four years or so, as he winds down his run here and continues to tidy the characters up a bit before he’s done and hands the reins off to the next band of storytellers. It feels like there’s a lot more here that he would have like to have told, but what we get here is still excellent. The hints at the next stage for Magneto and mutantkind are intriguing. Great art from Marcus To and Matt Milla.

| Published by Marvel

X-O Manowar #18 gives an interesting transition from this flashback of Aric’s pre-Shanhara life to his return to Earth, focusing on how ideas, people, and culture keeps changing. Matt Kindt delivers a pretty chilling reaction to it. All with some nice artwork from Trevor Hairsine, Brian Thies, and Diego Rodriguez.

| Published by Valiant

Other Highlights: Deadpool: Assassin #6, GI Joe: A Real American Hero #255, KINO #9, Marvel Two-in-One #9, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Shattered Grid #1, Modern Fantasy #3, Moon Knight #198, Ms. Marvel #33, Red Sonja #20, Rick & Morty #41, StarCraft: Scavengers #2, Star Wars: Lando - Double or Nothing #4, Star Wars: Poe Dameron Annual #2, Star Wars Adventures #13, TMNT: Bebop & Rocksteady Hit the Road #5, Wayward #28, X-Men: Grand Design - Second Genesis #2

Recommended Collections: 2021 - Volume 1, 30 Days of Night, Big Trouble in Little China: Old Man Jack - Volume 1, Black Cloud - Volume 2: No Return, DuckTales Classics - Volume 1, Eugenic, Factory, Femme Magnifique, I Hate Fairyland - Volume 4, James Bond: Hammerhead, Judas, Killer Instinct, Stray Bullets: Sunshine & Roses - Volume 2

d. emerson eddy is not the very model of a modern major general. Nor a scientist salarian for that matter.

#This Week in Comics

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storiesofsvu · 2 years

Text

A Redemption Earned Ch 13

Heather Dunbar x reader Warnings: language, tiny smidge of smut, alcohol, minor chaos.

Summer had always been one of your favourite seasons, and not just because it was when school was finally out of session, though, that never hurt. You enjoyed the time off to adventure, travel, get to discover some far off corner of the country that you hadn’t seen yet. It also helped to escape out of Florida as the tourists flooded the zone and the heat became unbearable. It was how the travel bug had originally bitten you, running off with your closest friends wherever you thought was the best place to try that year.

Though this year, you were found with a new kind of adventure that required staying right where you were, and you certainly weren’t complaining.

While Heather was still working, her hours were less heavy than during the year. You knew she was a senior partner and figured this might actually have to do with the fact that she wanted her schedule a little more open while yours was wide open, able to spend more time with you. The days she was at work, you easily passed the time by finishing up on the yard and starting to remodel one of the extra rooms in your house. She’d usually send you a text when she was done and see how you were feeling, you’d either end up out on the town, or snuggled up on a backyard patio with a homecooked meal.

The first night you were back at her place you practically melted at the sight of the painting you’d done for her. It was framed, front and center on the living room wall for all to see and you couldn’t help but let out a small squeal that it meant that much to her, smothering her with kisses that she laughed into.

You spent July fourth’s evening on a blanket in your backyard, telling stories of summer vacations past while the fireworks sparkled in the sky above. Heather then made you see her very own kind of fireworks as her mouth sunk lower and lower onto your body until your fingers were gripping into her hair, trying to not make so much noise that the neighbours would know what was going on. Heather surprised herself when you managed to convince her to join you at Jazz Fest down at the Wharf. The days full of sunshine, incredibly fresh seafood, festive music floating through the air, evenings filled with firepits, good drinks, and concerts filling the air with joy.

It was the perfect summer romance, and neither of you would have had it any other way. Heather felt a new sense of freedom around you, your ability to just let go of all responsibility and remind her that life meant there was fun to be had. She found it a little ironic that it was you that could make her think this way when some of her past partners had been in their twenties, barely adults themselves. But it wasn’t that you were out there suggesting parties, late nights, and too much time under the influence. You were about enjoying the things life was giving you, and with one of your favourite people by your side. You waned to share these things with her, make sure she knew just how wonderful those summer months could be, and she was nothing but thankful for it.

The halfway point of August came before you’d expected, looming in the distance. Your days in the sun, lazy morning sleep ins, breakfast in bed, hours exploring each other’s bodies were finally coming to a close. You returned back to school, redoing all the decorations, ones to welcome the kids back to a new year, ones that were more fall themed. Your evenings now were spent on the couch, most days with Heather, but this time she was working through case files as you read through curriculum, coming up with lesson plans for the upcoming months. You spent the time going through the information of what kids you would have in your class this year, slightly frowning at the fact that your kids from the previous year had moved on, a new year meant new fresh faces. Your nights were shifting back to those of cups of tea or decaf coffee after dinner while you wound down, happy to curl into each other’s arms while you showed each other your favourite movies.

Before you knew it, the school year was back in full swing and work began taking precedence over lazy days off. You still managed to see Heather at least once during the week for dinner or a quick couple of drinks, and usually spent Saturday afternoon and night together, making time for more elaborate dates on the weekends. September flew by, your classroom now redecorated for Halloween as October began to creep its way into your lives. The air was cooling, leaves changing and covering the sidewalks in gorgeous reds, yellows and oranges. You tugged your jacket a little tighter around you, letting out a small smile at the crunch of a leaf under your foot as you made your way up Heather’s walk.

You knocked gently on the door before letting yourself in, she knew you were coming so it was already unlocked. You stepped out of your shoes, hanging up your coat and bag, following her voice into the living room where you found her on the phone.

Heather glanced up at the sound of the door opening, smiling when it was you that wound the corner into the living room. She let out a soft hum as your lips softly met her cheek, careful to keep quiet as she continued the conversation. Figuring it might be work, you occupied yourself by heading to the kitchen, snooping through it to find a little snack.

She couldn’t help it, her eyes following the direction you disappeared, happily distracted with the thought of an upcoming dinner hopefully followed by a night of you staying over. The voice on the phone suddenly interrupted her,

“Mom?” Becca asked, a sly grin in her voice, “she just got there didn’t she?”

“Oh stop.” Heather scolded, laughing lightly, making a complete redirect, “you were just about to tell me your birthday plans.”

“I don’t really have any.”

“Becca it’s your thirtieth, you need to do something.”

“Dad’s out of town for a conference, Nat and Jackie are in Nigeria for work. It’s literally just me and Steve chillin’ out.”

“What about Sarah?”

“She’s here, well, not like, right now. She’s working, but we were gonna hang out this weekend.”

“Why don’t you let me buy you dinner at the very least, you two can keep your date night, I don’t need to intrude, but you don’t turn thirty every year.”

By this point you’d returned from the kitchen, a pop tart in your hand that you were munching on. Your eavesdropping had resulted in you realizing it wasn’t a professional call and you wrapped yourself around Heather from behind, nuzzling into her neck.

“Why don’t you just come with us? That way Sarah can meet you before she meets everyone at Thanksgiving. I don’t exactly want to throw her to the wolves when it comes to our family.”

“Oh… that is a good idea…”

“Oh my god you haven’t talked about the holidays with her yet, have you?”

“I…” Heather glanced down at you, but your free hand was busy scrolling through your phone, you weren’t aware at all, “no. It was on the to do list.”

“Well why don’t we just set up a little like, double date for Saturday?”

“That’d be really nice. You pick the restaurant, and I’m taking care of the bill, no questions. It is your birthday.”

“I wasn’t planning on objecting.” Becca laughed, “but no presents okay?” Before Heather could persist, Becca let out a small shriek, “fuck! NO! Outside!” There was a flurry of movement on the other side of the line before Becca sighed heavily, “Steve just puked all over the living room rug. I’ll text you later.”

“Alright.” Heather let out a small laugh, saying a quick goodbye before hanging up the phone. She quickly kissed at your temple as she turned in your arms, looping her own around your shoulders so she could steal a kiss.

“Becca?” You asked with a raised brow.

“Yes.” She let out a breath, “she is… wondering if maybe you’d like to join us for her birthday on Saturday.”

“Who is us? Like, the whole gang?”

“No, just her and Sarah. She doesn’t want to freak Sarah out by jumping in head first and I realized it’s probably a good idea for us too.”

“Mmm…” she watched as the smile on your cheeks turned sly and she raised a brow, “so are you bringing a friend to dinner then?”

“I would certainly hope to bring more than just a friend.” She teased back and you laughed.

“I guess now would be the appropriate time to have this discussion.”

“It would.” She agreed, feeling the butterflies in her stomach pick up, she’d been so hesitant about bringing up exclusivity, worried that you wouldn’t want to, that you’d find someone else. Instead, you were only focussed on her in that moment, your smiling face gazing up at hers as you waited for her reply.

“I’ve kinda been wondering all week actually…”

“Really?”

“Yeah. I called you my girlfriend to another teacher earlier and then spent the rest of the day wondering if I’d mislabelled…”

“I mean, I was getting grilled back in June if you were my girlfriend or not.”

“Well it’s not like either of us have been seeing other people.” You surveyed her for a brief moment, just long enough for her to object without making it awkward, “and for what it’s worth, I would very much enjoy being your girlfriend.”

“Then I guess it’s settled.” Heather smiled softly, lips meeting yours for a tender kiss. You only pulled away a few moments later, Heather laughing lightly, her thumb coming up to swipe a little dab of icing from the corner of your lips, “that better have not been the last one, they’re Becca’s stash.”

“There’s one left.” You protested with a laugh, “and I’ll make sure there’s a fresh box, gotta start off on the right foot after all.”

“Maybe if things go well, you’d like to join us for Thanksgiving?”

“Ah,” you turned back to her, leaning against the back of the couch, “that I actually can’t do.”

“Don’t they give you that long weekend?”

“They do.” You nodded, “which is exactly why I book off the Tuesday too. Some friends from Japan and I, we all live in the States again and we always meet up in New York that long weekend. I’m not exactly sure when it became tradition, we vacationed there years back and just fell in love with it, so…” you shrugged, “it’s a thing.”

“Well I guess the rest of the crew will have to wait until Christmas then.”

“That I can definitely do.” You smiled as Heather wound an arm around you, kissing you deeply, letting out a sigh into the kiss. “Are we going out or staying in tonight?”

“I made a reservation at Silver but we could cancel if you’d like.”

“Oh! I have been dying to go there!” Heather chuckled at your enthusiasm. “What time?”

“Not til seven.”

“Good.” You grinned, wrapping an arm around her waist and tugging you to her, “because I have been having very impure thought about my girlfriend’s hands all afternoon.”

“Mmm…” she hummed, smirking into the kiss, “you want me to touch you kitten?”

“I want you to make me forget my own name.” You murmured back, kissing her again.

“Well then let’s see how many times I can make you come before the car shows up, shall we?” Heather raised a brow and you let out a little giggle, stealing a kiss from her before bounding up the stairs.

Saturday rolled around, Heather had texted you the name and address of the restaurant since you said you had some extra errands to do, you wouldn’t be arriving together. Becca had chosen Lost Society, an American high end (though not super high end) steakhouse in the central area of Washington. You were pleasantly surprised when you stepped into the foyer to find just Heather waiting, you’d been worried you were going to be late.

Heather caught the movement of someone heading straight for her out of the corner of her eye and glanced up, her breath catching in her throat at the dress that draped around your body. A deep wine red, just the hint of cleavage peeking out from the v-neckline with an asymmetrical hem, exposing your thigh when you moved, the back of the dress flowing behind you. You’d paired it with a black almost blazer jacket, and a pair of matching black heels.

“Jesus.” She greeted, her eyes still roaming your body and you chuckled, “you look phenomenal.”

“Speak for yourself.” You replied, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her to you for a kiss, “it’s a shame it would be wildly inappropriate to run off to the car right now.” Heather chuckled into the kiss, accepting it with a smile still on her lips as her hands found a home on your hips.

“As much as they did hit traffic, I don’t think we have quite that much time.”

“I have noticed you’re not exactly one for quickies.” You teased and she laughed once again, stealing another kiss before murmuring into your ear.

“You deserve to be spoiled kitten.”

“And I thank you for that.” Smiling you glanced up at her, catching the warmth flowing from her eyes, the gentle grin on her cheeks, not to mention the way her skin was practically glowing in the evening light.

Becca stalled in the entry way of the restaurant, nearly jerking Sarah back between their linked hands. She looked back at her girlfriend, whose gaze was across the lobby, her head tilting in confusion and let out a little laugh,

“What?”

“They… look really happy.” Her voice was soft as she examined you and Heather for a moment, the faint laughs, blushing cheeks, the way Heather continued to pay attention to whatever you were saying as she tucked a loose piece of hair back behind your ear. She knew her mom had been happy and headed in the right direction, but in that moment she almost felt like she’d accidentally stumbled upon a private intimate moment. Which honestly, was saying something for Heather, Becca felt weird about it because Heather had been very anti-pda aside from a little hand holding with Rob, Becca hadn’t ever witnessed anything like it before.

“They do.” Sarah replied quietly, leaning in to press a kiss to Becca’s cheek gently.

“And y/n is way prettier than I remember.”

“Which one’s which? Cause they’re both very good looking.” Sarah asked and Becca’s gaze jumped up to her, her eyes widening briefly before her nose crinkled.

“Please don’t fuck my mom.” It was a tease, one that she was used to throwing at Nat for years now.

“Becks!” She laughed heartily, “I know you’ve had some friends make that jump before, but I assure you, I’m not going anywhere.” She lean in, looping her arm in her girlfriend’s, pressing another kiss to her cheek as the two began to cross through the lobby.

Introductions were swiftly made, amidst lots of smiles, handshakes and brief hugs between family before Becca quickly checked in and the group was lead to a table. Drinks were ordered, the bread basket was dug into and the usual small talk began to easily flow across the table as more in depth and in person introductions were made. The semi-awkward time where everyone already knew a handful of facts about the others at the table, but still had to have something to talk about until the comfortability took over.

“What school are you at?” Becca asked.

“Shepherd Elementary.” You replied and Sarah let out a little excited squeal.

“No way! I went there!”

“Means you probably know your way around there way better than I do.” You laughed, and Becca spoke again.

“Yeah, Mom said you taught overseas?”

“Japan. Yeah.” You smiled, “I hear the two of you have some upcoming travelling, have you made an itinerary yet?”

“Not really.” Becca glanced over at her girlfriend, “we’re thinking Europe though, at least to start. Maybe do Asia in a couple of years?”

“Well I can definitely help you out with any questions you guys have while planning.”

“I’m not gonna lie, I would love to creep through vacation photos to make sure we don’t miss anything incredible.” Becca admitted and you let out a small laugh,

“I’m sure that can be arranged.”

You let out a small hum, glancing towards Heather at the feeling of her hand softly curling around your thigh, catching a smile on her cheeks before she turned back to her daughter to ask a question. Your hand settled over hers, linking your forefinger around her pinky. From the stories you’d heard about Becca so far, you weren’t surprised when the evening was full of conversation and stories, she had a spunk to her, there was never a dull moment when she was around.

Heather adored having the chance to get to know Sarah a little bit more, happy to see that she seemed to keep up with Becca’s infectious energy. And that the two of them seemed so incredibly in love and happy together, it took a little bit of warming up from the new girl, but there was no holding back from small moments of PDA.

Appetizers were spread across the table rather quickly after being ordered, calamari, sliders, crispy brussel sprouts and empanadas for everyone to share. A second round of cocktails were ordered and dropped off, a couple of bottles of wine ordered to be drank with dinner as well. Heather insisted on the splurging since the restaurant wasn’t as high end as she would have chosen for an important birthday, saying if she had been planning on spending more, she may as well make sure that everyone has some leftovers to take home with them afterwards.

Being that it was a double date, and with two gay couples, the conversation of families came up, and Heather was very relieved to find out that Sarah came from a very supportive family. She simply moved to Washington for university and didn’t see them all that often anymore. Entrées of blackened salmon, grilled chicken and steaks found their way out to the table, wine glasses refilled by the service staff as Becca went a little brazen, asking about your personal life history and you let out a little laugh at the way Heather tensed. Giving her hand a reassuring squeeze you explained to Becca that your family had no issues with your sexuality, and despite needing to keep things a little under wraps on some of your world travels, you’d always been pretty open about it all. You went on to say that you’d always done your best to educate locals or other travellers who became friends whenever they had questions or didn’t understand how things ‘worked’.

This moved the topic back onto travelling, Becca admitting that they’d been debating between backpacking through Europe, taking the more luxury route, or a mix of both. You laughed at how insistent Heather was against staying in any hostels if they backpacked, strictly for safety reasons. You assured her, and the girls that as long as they read reviews and did their best to stay in private rooms or all female dorms, they’d be absolutely fine. You’d done it over ten years ago when things were sketchier and a little more chaotic, they would be absolutely fine.

“Okay,” Becca started, quickly finishing chewing the bite of food that was still in her mouth after Heather shot her a scolding look, “but we do want some fancier experiences too, can we have the villa in Barcelona for a week or two?”

“You’ll have to ask your father.” She replied with a shrug, “he got it in the divorce.”

“Wait…” Becca’s brow furrowed, “I thought that’s where you were after the blow out.”

“No.” Heather took a sip of wine, “I went to the chateau in the French Alps.”

“Can we have that for a week too?”

“Course.”

Before either you or Sarah could get a playful jab in about having multiple properties around Europe, or the mount of wealth the Dunbar family had, Becca spoke again, sitting upright in her chair.

“Wait.” She looked across at her mother, who raised a brow, “did you give any of your sugar babies access to these places? Cause I don’t want to waltz into the villa to some bimbo and her daddy that’s older than dad. That’s fucking gross.”

“No!” Heather barked out a laugh, “how the hell would I do that? Tell your father I’m taking the jet and gallivanting off to France for a week without him or the kids?”

“The jet?” Sarah managed to get in and the two of you exchanged a look.

“You’re right. You always covered your tracks.” Becca huffed, tucking back into her food before glancing back up at her mom with a mischievous look on her face, “can… we take the jet?”

“That… is something you’ll have to ask your grandmother yourself.” Heather rolled her eyes, “and if she says yes, it’s only to get there and back, no city hopping in it.”

“Oh, please!” Becca laughed, “that’s so fucking bad for the environment! It’d just be nice to not have to deal with other people for such a long flight. You really think she wouldn’t pick up if you called?”

“I haven’t been cut out of the will yet.” She muttered in reply, “but you know how it is with her, family property, business and money has to go to family. She cut Rob out after the divorce which surprised me honestly, as far as I know I’ll get it still, she doesn’t like to skip generations, she probably still sees you as a messy kid.”

“Gross.” Becca sucked back a little bit more wine, “okay, so jet… maybe. Chateau? Yes?” Heather nodded, “and villa, ask dad?”

“I’m sure he’ll say yes. It’s not like he can jet off with Steve.”

“Oh but he would.” Becca snorted, “could you imagine?”

“You know you’re right.” Heather laughed.

“I’m sorry.” Sarah had to cut in, “Steve is…?”

“The dog!” Becca’s hand flew out, gently grabbing her girlfriend’s arm with a squeeze and a laugh.

“Oh! Right!” She returned the laugh, shaking her head, “the one that ruined that rug in your living room.”

“That’d be the one.” She turned back to the table, her eyes on you as she spoke again, “tips on the French Alps?”

“Can’t say I have any.” You laughed in return, “it wasn’t exactly in my budget.” You prodded at Heather’s side and she playfully swatted your hand away with a grin, “I swear every time I’m with you I find out more about just how fucking rich you are. What’s next? A cruise line?”

“Nah,” Becca replied with a smirk, “Dad has a fishing boat, but Mom does have a yacht.”

“Washington’s landlocked!” Both you and Sarah laughed in near unison.

“I’ll remind you Rob and I grew up in Connecticut, which is not.” Heather stated with a small laugh, pausing to thank the server for beginning to clear the table of dinner plates. Dessert had been pre-ordered thanks to it being Becca’s birthday (it was one of everything on the menu, naturally). You took a large sip of wine, your thumb rubbing at the back of Heather’s hand that had found it’s home in your lap once again.

“Okay, can we rewind for one second though?” You asked and Heather let out a chuckle, glancing toward you.

“Yes I can take you to the chateau, and I’m sure Rob would let us have the villa for a week.��

“Okay, good, cause that was my next question.”

“What was the first?” Heather’s brow raised curiously and you glanced toward Becca.

“You said sugar babies?”

Becca’s face darted over to her mother, a flash of panic shooting across it as you felt Heather’s hand timidly slip away from your lap.

“You said you told her!” The younger girl hissed.

“She did!” You cut in quickly, saving Heather the explanation, “she was very open about all the affairs.” Your hand snuck into Heather’s lap, reclaiming the hand it had been holding earlier and giving it a little squeeze as you smirked, “I’m just wondering if I’m missing out on any compensation.” You said with a tease and Becca snorted a laugh.

“I mean, she was paying them two grand a week for sex.”

Heather’s face dropped into her free hand, elbow propped up on the table as she took a heavy breath, shooting a glare over at her daughter, “could you have possibly said that any louder?”

“Sorry.” Becca winced, and Heather sighed.

“Two grand a week? Damn.” Sarah commented with a tease and Becca turned to her,

“Yeah, but you get all the bad behaviour that comes along with it, don’t forget.”

“I think it’s safe to say I got the best kind of deal then.” You stated with a smile, nudging gently at Heather until she chanced a glance up at you and you snuck in to steal a quick kiss.

“As long as she didn’t make you sign anything, you’re in the clear.” Becca teased and Heather rolled her eyes as you glanced toward her with a raised brow.

“What?” She asked rather exasperated, “I was married! And had a highly public career and image, I had to make sure no one was going to find out.”

“No, it makes sense actually.” You laughed, picking up your drink in your free hand, “I mean, use your lawyer skills to keep that shit under wraps, and use what you’ve got to get what you want. People will do anything for a good chunk of money.”

“You want the full breakdown?” Becca suddenly asked, reaching for her phone, “cause I’ve got it.”

“How?!” Heather asked.

“We found Nat’s file.” She shrugged, “you really did keep every single receipt and statement…”

“I’m good.” Your hand reached cross the table, gently pushing Becca’s hand back towards the purse with a small laugh, “as long as she picks up the tab once in a while, that’s all I need.”

Heather let out a small hum, her cheeks flushing at the acceptance and warmth coming from your eyes as you gazed at her. She couldn’t help but let out the quiet giggle when you leant in to steal another quick kiss, the feeling in her chest swelling at how easily you always accepted her for who she was. She’d been a bit worried about you meeting Becca first out of anyone, knowing just how chaotic and brazen her daughter could get, but today had gone as well as it could have, even better. You got along with Becca, and Sarah fit into the group just as well, she felt no pull back or hesitation from anyone and honestly, that was about all she could ask for. She sometimes wondered what she did to deserve someone like you, and was then reminded of Becca’s words, reminding her that she’d already been to hell and back, that she’d been actively putting in the work to change, so perhaps… love was something that could possibly be on the horizon.

Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted by dessert being delivered, Becca shooting half a glare across the table as one was brought out with a sparkler. Heather insisted that she hadn’t arranged anything and you let out an embarrassed laugh, saying you’d mentioned it to the server while you’d been on your way back from the bathroom earlier and Becca accepted that. It wasn’t much later that Heather settled the bill and the four of you started to say your goodnights.

There were hugs all around this time, you and Heather watching as the two girls ran off hand in hand to their waiting cab and Heather asked if you’d driven. You said you’d taken an Uber, not sure how much wine would be drunk and she offered to take you home. You tugged her to you for a kiss, smirking against her lips as you reminded her you had nowhere to be the following day, and if she was taking you home, it better be to her place. In response Heather chuckled, nipping at your lower lip and you couldn’t help but let out a small gasp, thankful for the empty and dark sidewalk.

“Guess it’s a good thing the car has an opaque divider then.” She nuzzled into your neck, her lips trailing messy kisses down it.

“I’ve been waiting to get my hands on you all night.” You murmured, letting out a laugh when her teeth sunk into your skin.

“How about I get my hands on you first?” She suggested, her face coming up to meet your gaze and you smiled.

“I certainly wouldn’t complain about that at all.”

“Well, get in the car kitten…” She murmured back as the suv pulled up beside the sidewalk and you let out a little giggle, quickly climbing into the car, eagerly awaiting what she had in store for you.

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#heather dunbar #heather dunbar x reader #house of cards #a redemption earned

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