#honestly for the sake of campus security i hope it was me

[astranauticus]

apparently a female student reported seeing a man go into a woman's toilet at our school library and that's why i got a call from campus security today because they wanted to check if it's me and as a closeted trans guy i genuinely can't tell if this counts as an L or a W (????

edit: it was me!! passed but at what cost 😔

[peanutpinet]

Lucas (mafia leader) x Reader (female)

A/N: I had this thought for days now and was like, ya know, just let it out. This is my first NCT (?) WayV (?) fanfic? Scenario? Yea XD For those who have read my past fanfics/scenarios, you know how horrible I am in explaining XD but yea, essentially I just imagine that you, the reader are a uni student whilst Lucas is part of the NCT mafia, "leader" of the WayV unit (I know Kun is technically the leader, but just for the sake of the story), okie, leggo

Sighing in defeat, you gathered all your books, stationery and some clothing before sneakily going out of your dorm and to your boyfriend's apartment since he gave you the spare key, saying that it was for emergencies or whenever you wanted to come over.

After texting Lucas that you were heading to his apartment, you went to grab a cab and head there. Truth be told, you never really went there and only got the address from Lucas. Which is why upon arriving, your jaw nearly dropped when you saw his apartment; even making sure whether the address Lucas gave last time was the exact one and making a mental note to yourself to look up things beforehand.

Upon arriving, you felt like you just came from the countryside to the big city. You went to the front desk and inform them who were you looking for, handing in your ID card and was immediately directed to the elevator, one of the securities pressing the highest floor of the elevator and left you in the elevator on your own.

Just when you thought that it couldn't get any fancier, the minute you stepped out of the elevator, you were amazed at the decor and the fact that there was only one door made it even grander. Taking out the key Lucas gave you, you were actually hoping that it wasn't the correct one and Lucas just sent you the wrong address but as it turns out, the key fits and you took a deep breath, walking into the room.

But on Lucas' side, he actually didn't receive your text message. So, the second he heard someone coming into his suite, he was already reaching for his gun because he wasn't really expecting anyone to come. But as soon as he heard your signature nervous voice, he felt relieved but worried at the same time. Did something happen to you?

"Lucas? Ar-are you in here? The people at the front desk just directed me here. I uh sent you a text" you called out

"I'm here sweetheart. Now, what brings you here at this late hour? Is there anyone I should be concern with?" Lucas stated, coming out of his bedroom

"Huh? Wow. I mean, no. Sorry, it's my first time here. I uh, I was just wondering if I could stay for the night. The dorm was so loud that I couldn't study nor sleep" you admitted, trying to avoid eye contact with Lucas, thinking that it was a lame excuse to come over

"Of course you can. I gave you the spare key for a reason, didn't I? Uh, sorry about the mess and all. I didn't expect you to come. I didn't receive any messages. C'mere sweetheart" Lucas mentioned, giving a hand motion for you to go to him

"Really?! I could've sworn I...(looks at your phone) I forgot to click the send button" you sighed, hitting your head as you went over to Lucas

"Hey, hey. Don't do that. You'll hurt your brain even more. No harm sweetheart. My place is yours. Come. I'll order some McDonalds as well if you'd like" Lucas cooed, bringing you into his office

"Damn. Two desktops?! Bro and this processor is the latest one?!" you commented, placing your bag down and immediately inspecting his desk

"Sometimes I play some games with the guys. Feel free to use it if you'd like. Lemon tea or coke?" Lucas asked, scrolling through his phone

"Lemon tea, no ice. It's worth the money better. Are you sure I can study here? Am I not disturbing you?" you questioned, sitting on the chair

"Not at all, sweetheart. It's almost 10pm. I'm done with work. You're free to use my computer. I've ordered your favourites already. I'm going to go for a shower for a bit. Feel free to turn on some music as well, alright? And please don't study for too long. I worry you'll hurt that gorgeous head of yours" Lucas chuckled, kissing your forehead before leaving you in his study room

After settling, putting on some music with your account (which was already in Lucas' Spotify), you grabbed your books and stationery then started to study for your finals. In the midst of it, you heard Lucas coming in with McDonalds; wearing a plain T-shirt and sweats.

Because there was only one chair in his office, with your consent, Lucas placed you on his lap as he was feeding you McDonalds whilst scrolling through his phone, occasionally leaning his head on your back as he does so.

After finishing the food, Lucas was about to get up and cleaned up so you could study a bit better since he knew you didn't like a messy space but when he felt your head slightly leaning backwards, he questioned whether you were already sleepy or not.

"What's wrong love? Tired?" Lucas murmured as he placed his chin on your neck, wrapping his long arms around your waist

"Huh? Oh? Sorry. I didn't realise I was leaning back" you yawned, scrubbing your eyes but Lucas stopped the motion

"Don't. Your eyes will get irritated. I think it's about time you sleep, hmm?" Lucas commented, tucking a hair behind your ear as he kissed the side of your cheek

"Hmm. I guess so" you sighed, leaning onto Lucas's chest

"Alright princess, let me just shut everything off. Kay, let's go to bed" Lucas chuckled, carrying your small figure in his arms and tucking you into his bed before going to the other side of the bed

The next morning, you were woken up by the sound of your phone's alarm but just stayed in bed whilst scrolling through your phone until you realised that you had exams that starts in 45 minutes. Immediately, you got up and went back to the study room to grab your clothes, without even calling out to Lucas and head to the bathroom to get ready.

After getting ready, you were so ready to rush out the door and call a cab until Lucas finally called out to you. Once you told him that your exam was starting in literally 15 minutes, he just chuckled and told you that he'll drive you there; which was a first since all this time, you guys just have dates near your campus since your dorm had strict rules and Lucas would just walk you there (A/N: how you guys met is a story for next time, lol).

After packing some food for you, Lucas grabbed his car keys in one hand and your hand in the other, making your way down to the parking lot where your jaw also almost dropped again since the car Lucas owned is probably enough to pay your whole entire undergraduate life.

Whilst in the car, Lucas told you to eat so you wouldn't be hungry during the exam. He also mentioned that he'll come to pick you up to celebrate finishing your finals since he knew that you've been stressing over this last final for weeks; saying that he'll treat you out.

Once you've arrived, Lucas pulled you to give a slight peck on your forehead, encouraging you to do well in your finals and that he'll see you right after you're done. You smiled and thank him. Getting out of the car, you saw nearly the whole campus that was by the front gate staring at you; even your friends were stunned before rushing to you, managing to get a glimpse at Lucas who just smiled before leaving.

"Gurl!! I knew your boyfriend was hot, but well off? You definitely hit the jackpot!!" one of your friends blurted

"Sis!! Can we save the conversation for later? I need to get this exam over with first" you bargained

"Okay, okay, good luck with your exams!! I'll see you later!!" your friend exclaimed as you went to your exam hall

Thankfully, the exam wasn't as hard as you'd thought. You didn't know if it's because Lucas actually helped you study since he actually knew the subject or something else but you were glad to finally be done with it. After the exam, you got a text from Lucas, saying that he'll be running a bit late which you didn't mind. Your friend, who was also done with her exam, came to your exam hall and didn't spare a second before plastering with all sorts of questions.

Asking you where you've been the night before since you weren't at your dorm; and when you told her you were at Lucas' place, she squealed, asking if you guys did anything spicy which you immediately cut her off, saying that you just went there to study because the rooms near yours were getting too loud and rowdy.

You also explained how kind and caring Lucas was; despite the amount of work he had to deal with, he was still soft when it came to you. Ordering your favourites from McDonalds, letting you just barged into his apartment whenever and even using whatever he had; hearing this, all your friend can do was just squeal, saying that Lucas was the perfect boyfriend.

And right on cue, Lucas texted you saying that he's almost at the front gate. Your friend saw your smile and teased the heck out of you before letting you off just because she supported your relationship; knowing that you had a rough past and it was nice to finally see you happy with someone; someone that genuinely cares about you.

But of course, life ain't that easy. Because just as you were skidding along the halls to the front gate, you accidentally bumped into someone and dropped your phone. You immediately apologised about to get your phone when the person you bumped into stepped on your phone. Looking up, you met with the campus' miss popular with her boyfriend.

"Can you please let go. I really have to go now" you sighed, looking up

"Can't your boyfriend get you another one? Oh wait, is he the one that you're meeting? Honestly, I dunno what he sees in you. Oh wait, I think I do. He's probably just in it to play around or probably did it because of a bet" the girl scoffed but you were just not having it and shoved her feet off, nearly falling if it weren't for her boyfriend being there

After getting your phone, you were about to make a run for it before she grabbed your hair, pulling you back and making you fall; calling you names and all. When you got back to your feet again, she nearly slapped you when you got ahold of her hand about to push her back when her boyfriend came and took your hand, twisting it behind your back, allowing an opening for her to get a good punch out of you.

It felt like forever since you were trapped between the two "bullies" of your campus and for Lucas, it meant something was wrong. It's been almost 30 minutes since he arrived and called you but there was no answer at all. Frustrated, he called Winwin to track your phone as he went in to find you; thinking that you were held captive by one of NCT's enemy.

When he did see you, he felt a slight relief that it wasn't one of NCT's enemy but he was still very much pissed at the sight. When the girl was about to hit you for like the 15th time, Lucas grabbed ahold of her arm, throwing her to the floor before looking at her boyfriend who turns out to be one of the bartenders in one of NCT's bars.

"B-boss..." the man stammered, letting go of your hand as you almost dropped if it weren't for Lucas catching you

"You better come to work tonight. We'll have a lil discussion about respect? Hmm? Make sure everyone comes. Or I'll just have to report Taeyong about this" Lucas growled, making the man cowered in fear

"N-no sir. Everyone will come tonight" the man stuttered as Lucas stood up, holding your figure firmly in his arms

"Good. Wouldn't want to make a big deal out of this hmm? Oh, and do bring your girlfriend while I take mine to treat the wounds you both caused" Lucas scoffed, bringing you out of the campus

Once you've reached his car, he gently placed you and put your seatbelt on before going to the driver's seat. Once he was in, he called Kun, telling him what happened and that he's planning to have a meeting later tonight in the bar. After the call, Lucas took your hand in his, stroking your knuckles as he drove back to his apartment.

Upon arriving, he helped you get out of the car and into his apartment. Inside, he brought you to his room before going to the bathroom and grabbing some medicine for your bruised face and cut on the lips. Lucas treated all your wounds as gently as possible, worrying that he might accidentally hurt you, treating you as if you're as fragile as an egg.

After he was done, he threw all the cotton buds and ordered some food for the both of you; knowing that you will tell him whenever you're ready. He put his hoodie onto you before bringing you to the living room to cuddle and just watch the whole day. Occasionally, food will come and it was all from your favourite restaurants.

After the next 5th Disney movie ended, you told Lucas that you wanted to take a shower and he told you that you can borrow any of his clothes. He even said that he'll run you a bath but you told him that you were just going to take a light shower which Lucas didn't mind. Whilst you were showering, Lucas prepared a T-shirt and shorts along with the hoodie you were just wearing.

After your shower and putting on the clothes Lucas prepared, Lucas came and redid the medicine on your wounds before going back to watching some heart-warming movies on the bed. Feeling better, you decided to tell Lucas what happened and whilst it seemed that he was calm, his mind was off wondering the endless possibilities of teaching the two that harm you; whether it'd be physically or mentally.

Either way, Lucas listened to all your rambles, wrapping his arm around your shoulder, leaning you onto his chest, giving kisses on your forehead, cheeks and occasionally your neck, chuckling when he saw you flustered; basically making you 10x better, treating you like a queen up until you fell asleep.

When you did fall asleep, he gently tucked you into bed, kissing your forehead, smiling at your sleeping figure before leaving the room to the bar where he was more than ready to make the two-person harmed you suffer; not forgetting to ask Hendery and Yangyang to come over to watch over you.

"Sleep tight sweetheart. I'll be back before you know it, alright? No one treats my queen like trash and gets away with it" Lucas mumbled, kissing your forehead as he left as quietly as possible

and let's just say that everyone in the bar that night experienced a side of Lucas that no one would like to see or hear ever again.

"Try and lay a finger on her again, I won't be so nice next time" Lucas scoffed, seeing all the staff looked down, especially the two-person who hurt you

A/N: I hope that this was alright but yea, this fanfic has been stuck in my head for days

[storiesofsvu]

Serendipitous Secrets & Surprises Ch 8

Warnings: language, SVU canon related issues including attempted suicide. Fluff otherwise. A/N: Sorry not sorry for dragging this mystery out for eight chapters. Also PLEASE!!!! if you’re going to scream about who the partner is, come to my dm’s/my inbox, or do it in the tags. Cause it’s technically a spoiler, and I had a few people come to me/comment about Seeing Red getting spoiled for them by reblog comments. I personally love seeing y’all scream, but for the sake of other readers...scream in the tags or in private lol. Love you. 😘

Y’all were absolutely so wonderful & kind with the well wishes & love today that you treated me well so I am rewarding you with an early drop of the next chapter. My present to you 😉

**

You were honestly surprised when the rest of the day went relatively smoothly. You picked up a tray of gourmet coffee for the squad and Carisi on the way back to the precinct, and you were sure that helped the juju a little bit. Amanda and Fin were catching, taking the next case while you and Kat tried to further you work on the Jenna v Zach case. Which meant mindless hours staring at computer and phone screens as you each searched through various social media accounts and dug into more of the back grounds of both of them. Zach’s to see if he had any other complainants and Jenna’s to see if she’d ever accused before (you knew if the defence got any info like that before you guys did, she’d use it, and you’d have little to no warning).

Kat had spent the first half of the day at the campus security office, making sure she had access to as many of Hudson’s complaints as she could, but especially those involving Zach Thompson or any of his closest circle. She’d texted you the names while you dug through profiles to try and link things together. You’d been lucky enough that your only stop out of the office was to drop off those warrants and question one witness before Fin took off for the hour on his own business. It was just before six p.m that you sighed, shutting your laptop, stretching your body out as you stood.

“You finally done?” Kat teased and you laughed. Before you could reply your phone started to buzz, a phone number that you didn’t recognize on the screen.

“Maybe not..” you grumbled, picking it up, “Special Victims?”

“Sergeant Winters?” You heard the panicked voice on the other end and your body tensed, your hand shooting out to alert Kat to get ready to bolt, “you told me to call if anything happened with Jenna?”

“April? Yeah, yeah I did sweetie, what’s going on?”

“I just got back to the dorms, the people underneath us say the ceiling’s been leaking water and I can’t get into the room, the door’s blocked.”

“Okay, we’ll be right there, don’t worry honey.” You turned the phone away from your mouth, “Kat, let’s go!”

“Please hurry!”

“We will!” Was all you managed to get out before April hung up. As you were racing to the stairwell Olivia nearly stopped you.

“Whoa, Winters, don’t you have somewhere to be?” She reminded you of the anniversary dinner, as if you’d forget at this point.

“Trust me, she’ll understand!”

You tossed the keys to Kat as you reached the street, telling her to throw the lights and sirens on, and hoping she could drive as well as you’d imagined, you knew you needed to get there fast. Meanwhile your hand quickly called your wife, sighing softly as she picked up

“Hey baby…”

“Something came up didn’t it?” She replied, hearing the sound of the siren over your voice.

“Yeah. I just got a distress call from a vic’s roommate, I don’t know how long this is going to take, but I doubt I’ll make it, at least not dressed properly. Baby I am so sorry.”

“I get it. You go do your job.”

“Thank you.” You couldn’t help the small smile, “I love you, so much. Happy anniversary baby. I’ve gotta call a bus though, I’ve got to go.” Again, you couldn’t help the smile at the sound of her laugh, knowing that you probably should’ve done your job first but couldn’t help updating your love first.

“I love you more than life. Happy anniversary sweetheart. I’ll see you at home.” You swiftly repeated the words before calling who you needed repeating the information that you were aware of as Kat swerved around the corner.

“You sure you’re wife’s okay with this? I really could’ve taken someone else.”

“I’ll buy her something pretty.” You waved it off, “besides she’s probably still at the firm. I swear she works more than I do.” You had enough time to comment that before your 9-1-1 call went through and you specified the coordinates and your best memory of the dorm building, saying their were plain clothed detectives on scene.

Jenna’s door had been blocked by a chair, on top of being locked, but between the man power of you and Kat together you’d broken it down. You figured the over running water was coming from the bathroom, not surprised to find her in the tub, though she was surrounded by pill bottles. It was at your instinct and expertise in narcotics that Kat lugged her out of the tub while you swiftly gloved up, checking at what she’d taken as Kat checked for Jenna’s pulse. You swiftly moved her onto the floor before you administered the narcan and she very blearily came to. Since you’d taken first aid action before EMS had arrived you were the one required to ride along, you assured Kat you were fine with a late night, prompting her to stay there and take statements.

Thankfully, it didn’t take long at Mercy, you were known to a couple of the nurses, and they knew you were more than knowledgeable with the subject. You discovered more details of what Jenna had done, and you spoke to her briefly, wanting her to be able to actually get some rest, while Kat got statements from her roommate and the neighbours beneath her and across the hall. It was only after checking in with Kat that you decided it was safe to call it a night. Knowing Jenna herself was alive was all you needed. You didn’t need to pressure her anymore, reminding hospital staff of that, and that she needed to take her meds, and to call you with any issues, before you finally flagged a cab home.

The comfort of your apartment sunk over you the instant you stepped inside, you stepped out of your shoes, groaning at the feeling of bare feet on the floor for the first time all day. Part of you should’ve known better than to wear brand new heels to work, even if you had been promised a day of desk work.

“You finally home?” A voice called and you followed it into the kitchen, tossing your blazer onto an empty chair.

“Yeah.” You let out a heavy sigh, “but that doesn’t mean work’s over quite yet.” You tossed the folded blue paper onto the kitchen island.

“What’s this?��� Rita asked softly, her hands opening it to read through the words.

“An OOP for Jenna against the Thompson’s.”

“What the hell happened?” Her face shot up to yours, taking in the dejected expression on your as your shoulders dropped again.

“After whatever meeting you had with them this morning, from what we got from neighbours and a barely conscious Jenna, Mrs Thompson showed up at the dorm. She was beyond angry, yelling and screaming at Jenna about how she was a murderer. She tried to kill herself, she’ll be at Mercy for a few days, but even on her meds she’s unstable, there’s no way you’ll be able to take her trial anytime soon.” You let out a heavy sigh, “it’s just..worse than normal. Jenna will never get her day in court, never get to see her rapist go down, instead she’s suddenly the perp, it’s like she doesn’t get any kind of justice for this.”

“It’s not your fault darling.” Rita’s hand stroked at your arm and you sighed,

“I know.” You gave her a soft smile, leaning in for a quick kiss, “but it is my fault for missing dinner. I’m so sorry baby. I should’ve sent someone else, tonight meant a lot for us, I mean…ten years?”

“Technically only five if you count the married ones.” Rita chuckled softly, pulling you to her as her nose nuzzled against yours.

“Oh and I suppose that makes it any better?” You pecked her gently, “I still owe you one. Besides, we never cancel a night at River Café.”

“Well…” Rita turned away from you, pouring out a second glass of wine for you from the bottle she’d been letting breathe, “when you become regulars at a place like that, they tend to cater to your needs.”

“What’re you talking about?” You smiled.

“When I called to cancel the reservation they knew what day it was. Manager told me to call back whenever you were home or close to home and if they were still open they’d send our regulars over.”

“Rita!” You laughed out, cupping her cheek softly, “that delivery boy better be tipped a hundred percent.”

“Last I heard your Mother was paying for dinner.” She teased and you laughed, swatting at her arm,

“Call the Café, you know where the card is.” You pulled her to you for a gentle kiss, “let me go change. I love you.”

“I love you more.”

��Impossible.” You smirked as you kissed the tip of her nose before darting off to the bedroom. You could hear her on the phone, taking your time to change into pyjamas, removing your makeup, returning to the open apartment when you were ready.

“Less than an hour.” Rita stated and you nuzzled into her shoulder at the island.

“Considering their quality I’d expect nothing less.” She chuckled softly, turning to kiss your cheek. Your hand shifted, curling around her cheek to turn her face to yours, “I am really, really sorry for missing tonight.” You leant in to kiss the tip of her nose softly, “and I know you always say you’re fine cause we work the same kinda shit and both of us have bailed on countless dates over the years but…tonight…I should’ve been there.”

“Hey…sweetheart…” Her hand came up to stroke at your cheek, “all I needed was for you to end up at home with me and safe. Hopefully to have dinner, even if it was a two a.m grilled cheese. Jenna actually needed you, and she certainly needed you right away. You were off saving a life, I’m not going to blame you for shit like that, even if the offence is my client.” Your eyes nearly blurred with tears at the true understanding of Rita’s words, you’d always understood each other’s careers over the decade you’d been together, even if those around you didn’t. Even if you worked on opposite sides of the law, you both got it.

“Thank you.” You leant in, kissing her softly, “but I do still owe you. I mean, aside from this morning’s gifts. Should we reschedule dinner?”

“How about next time we’re both free from work we get the best takeout the city can buy and curl up with a movie marathon of our favourites?” Rita suggested, nuzzling against you before pressing a soft kiss to you lips before giggling. “You gonna make me suffer through Legally Blonde again?” She teased and you punched her arm.

“It’s not that bad! You only hate it cause Raf made you watch it in college.” You grumbled and Rita circled her arm around your waist, pulling you to her as she kissed your temple.

“He has a weird obsession.” She laughed, and you couldn’t help but laugh with her, the love flowing through the apartment as your arms circled around her neck.

“I guess everyone has some weird obsessions.”

“You weirdly obsessed with me?” Rita cocked a brow and you scoffed, hitting her arm.

“Rude! You’d think after vowing to be with you til death, you’d know I was obsessed with you.” You laughed, leaning in to kiss her again.

“Oh, so obsessed is the word you’d use.”

“Oh shut up.” You leant in again, your lips meeting Rita’s, the kiss gentle and much more soft this time. Her tongue had barely snuck past your lips when there was a knock at the door. And as much as you wanted to ignore it, you knew it was dinner, and you wanted to experience that, no matter where you were.

While you busied yourself with paying for the take out Rita flitted through the apartment, managing to find a couple of candles hidden away in the bedroom, lighting them and lowering the overhead lights. You scooped the meals onto actual plates instead of eating out of boxes and made sure the wine glasses were refilled and placed with the appropriate plates on the island. Rita went to sneak around you and your hand roped around her waist, pulling her to you with a quiet giggle of a yelp. Your arms settled around her shoulders and you kissed her with impeccable softness.

“I love you baby. And I always will. You mean the world to me.” You kissed her again, “happy anniversary.”

“I love you too.” She murmured against your lips, pressing another kiss to you, “and you are, without a doubt the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me. Happy anniversary.”

_________ @tbhidkwutimdoing @bisexualcrowley @natasha-danvers @ineedafinghug @veteranwerewolf95 @billiedeannovak @stardust-galaxies @laurenhope13 @randomthingssss @Farahs-faeling @imlike-so-gaydude @wannabe-fic-reader @gaylorrds @infiniteoddball @thatesqcrush @altsvu @disneyfan624 @svulife-rl @svushots @gay-ass-bitch @lesbianspacecowboy @delphineecormierr @venablemayfairgoode @whimsicallymad @mysticfalls01 @oliviaswifey @thatgaygiraffesquirrelgirl @Cloudymd @swimmingstudentchaos891 @1000spices @screenee @nocreditinthestraightworld @beccabarba @redlipstickandplaid @cmmndrwidw @bumblebear30 @enduringalexblake @denpine14 @molllss @wosoimagines @solemnnova @lawandorderimagines @infernumlilith @yourtaletotell @Aprylrxse @australiancarisi @cerberus-spectre @whispered-tear-drops @snowsgay19 @michael-rooker @jj-arms @emskisworld

[moodyvalentinestories]

Part 3: The First Date | Rachel Fields x Thomas Hunt

He didn’t care that they were in the middle of the dance floor, standing in the path of the other dancers, as he relished the feeling of her kisses.

Summary: Their first date is going so well... it would be a shame if something were to happen to it...

Pairing: Thomas Hunt x Rachel Fields

Word Count: ~ 1,600 words

Notes: I would just like to say that I don’t have any control over what happens in my fics lol my hands just type what they want these days

❥ Moodyvalentine’s Full Masterlist ❥ The First Date: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 

After enjoying a wonderful dinner together, Thomas and Rachel were going to take a stroll along the beach, but their plans changed when they walked out onto the veranda and were caught in what looked like a wedding reception. A live band was playing ballroom music on a stage off to the side and couples were spinning around the dance floor.

Thomas was reminded of the masquerade ball so many months ago and how perfect she had felt in his arms. How much he would have loved to dance with her a second time, and a third. How much he’d hated to see her dance with another. “We should join them.”

“I thought you didn’t dance with just anyone?” Rachel said, raising an eyebrow teasingly.

He smiled. “I think I’ve made it sufficiently clear tonight that you, my dear, aren’t just anyone. Now, please, will you dance with me?”

“As if you even have to ask,” she said and dragged him onto the dance floor with her. Her heart pounding in her chest, she placed one hand on his shoulder and the other in his hand. Just like at the masquerade. “I didn’t think I’d get to dance with you again.”

He placed his free hand on her waist, pulling her closer. “I’m sure you would have found a way to trick me into dancing with you at some point,” he said with a smile that quickly disappeared when he noticed her pained expression. “What is it?”

As they started dancing, she looked up at him, her lips trembling at the memory of that night. “Thomas, last week… if you… if you’d told me to leave you alone, I would have. That would have been goodbye forever.”

“You were going to give up?” he asked, his mouth staying open even after he finished speaking. To think he’d almost let her walk away then… that he would have lost her if he had…  

She nodded and, despite her best efforts, a tear escaped her eye. Thomas quickly removed his hand from her waist to wipe it away.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered. He couldn’t even begin to express how sorry he truly was. “I thought resisting you was the right thing to do… it very well may have been… but I shouldn’t have hurt you as much as I have in the process. Can you ever forgive me?”

Of course she could. She already had. She didn’t blame him half as much as she probably should have. “I think I’ve made it sufficiently clear tonight that I can.”

He smiled softly as he let his fingers run along her cheek. She was far too kind to him. “I don’t deserve you.”

“Don’t say that,” she said quietly. It pained her to know that he honestly believed that. “In fact, why don’t you just stop talking altogether?” She stood up on tiptoes to brush her lips against his. “Unless, of course, you’d prefer to talk.”

No. No, of course he didn’t. Without hesitation, he captured her lips with his and let go of her hand, wrapping both his arms around her. He didn’t care that they were in the middle of the dance floor, standing in the path of the other dancers, as he relished the feeling of her kisses.

Kisses that came to an end far too soon when they were interrupted by someone shouting. “Professor! Professor Hunt!”

Shit, Rachel thought. She didn’t recognise the voice but it was very clearly one of her classmates. And while she certainly wasn’t the most popular student, she was among – if not at the top of – the most infamous ones. Whoever the girl was, she would likely recognise Rachel.

“We need to get out of here,” Thomas said and grabbed her hand, pulling her with him as he weaved through the crowd in an attempt to escape whoever had found them.

The girl followed them. “What are you hiding, Professor? Who’s that with you?”

Thomas had hoped they’d lose her in the crowd, but she was still behind them. Not very close but she’d catch up soon enough.

“There,” Rachel said and pointed to a fairly well-hidden staircase to the side. It wasn’t ideal but it would have to do.

Not letting go of each other’s hands, they hurried down the stairs. Just as they reached the bottom step, the girl appeared on the landing above them. Before she could see them, though, Thomas had pulled Rachel under the staircase, into the shadows. He wrapped an arm around her protectively, pulling her close to him.

They remained there, bodies pressed against each other, even after they’d already heard the girl walk away. Breathing heavily – a result of their running as well as the close proximity to Hunt – Rachel finally said, “We almost got caught.”

“Yes,” he stated matter-of-factly. He couldn’t believe he’d been so careless. Of course fifty miles from campus weren’t enough. What had he been thinking? “We can’t stay here. Come on.”

He took her hand again and they ran down to the beach together, where they found an outcropping of rocks. Hunt tugged her behind them and they both sat down in the soft sand, out of breath.

“We should be safe here,” Thomas said, hoping to God he was right. When Rachel didn’t say anything, he looked over at her and noticed she was shaking. His heart sank when he realised she was crying and he didn’t know what to do. “Are you okay?”

What a stupid, stupid question. Of course she wasn’t okay! She was crying, for heaven’s sake! And it was because of him. Because he’d made the mistake of lulling himself into a false sense of security. He should have known coming here wouldn’t be enough. He should have known.

“I’m sorry,” she eventually whispered between sobs, refusing to look at him. She’d been such an idiot to believe that this could actually work. “I’m so, so sorry.”

Why was she apologising? It should have been him doing that! She hadn’t done anything wrong.

“You were right, Thomas. This… it isn’t worth it.” She’d always known, in theory, that there would be consequences if they were to be discovered. But actually getting so close to it… made it all feel so much more real. She couldn’t possibly do that to him. “I would never forgive myself if you lost your job because of me. I think I should leave.”

No. No, he was not going to let her do that. She’d fought so hard for him, done everything in her power to make him face his feelings and now it was just all going to be for nothing? No. Absolutely not. He wasn’t going to lose her. He couldn’t lose her.

As she got up to walk away from him, he quickly jumped up as well, took her by the hand and spun her back around so she was facing him. “Don’t you dare walk away from me now, Rachel.”

She barely had the time to gasp in surprise before his lips came crashing down on hers, and every rational thought was wiped away by his kiss. A kiss more determined, more passionate, than any she’d ever experienced. He poured every emotion he felt into the kiss and she couldn’t help but return it with just as much fervour.

After what may have been an eternity or only a second – neither of them would have been able to tell – Thomas pulled back slightly, keeping his arms wrapped around her and their foreheads pressed together, his face flushed and his breath uneven.

“What… was that?” Rachel whispered, slowly opening her eyes to look into his.

“You didn’t give me a chance to say anything.”

She closed her eyes again. “What else is left to say?”

“Everything,” he breathed and tightened his grip on her when she tried to take a step back. “There is everything left to say, Rachel.”

“What do you mean?” It wasn’t like she wanted to walk away. But how could she stay when it put everything Thomas had worked so hard for at risk?

He let out a sigh. “You’re right that this was a bad idea. I was careless.”

“So you’re agreeing with me. This has to stop.” She hated to even say it. She couldn’t even begin to explain how much she hated to say it.

Thomas ignored her. He wasn’t finished yet. “It was a bad idea to dance with you at the masquerade despite knowing who you were. It was a bad idea to take you to New York. It was a bad idea to kiss you in my office. It was—”

“I get it. I’m a bad idea,” she said and pulled back, starting to walk away again. She didn’t need to hear this.

“It’s going to be an even worse idea when I ask you to come home with me tonight, but that doesn’t mean I won’t do it.”

She stopped in her tracks. Had she heard that correctly? No, that wasn’t possible. Slowly, she turned back around. “What?”

“Come home with me tonight, Rachel.” He knew he shouldn’t have even thought about it. But he couldn’t let her slip through his fingers. Not again. “Please.”

If she hadn’t been ready to run back into his arms before, hearing the desperation in his voice would have done her in.

“Yes,” she whispered just before she brought their lips together again. How could she possibly walk away from this man? The truth was, she couldn’t. As long as he didn’t change his mind about her, she would never be able to walk away.

Oh, dear lord, I’m in so much trouble.

Tags: @lilyofchoices @trappedinfandoms @flyawayboo @alleksa16 @silversparrow02 @hopelessromantic1352

[ciaossu-imagines]

Hey! Think you could write a mystic messenger ask? Do you have any soulmate headcanons for Yoosung?

I not only think I can but I desperately want to! Thank you so much for this request - soulmate AU’s are really fun! The only issue was deciding which soulmate AU to use! I hope you’ll enjoy the direction I went in!

Yoosung had heard of soulmates for as long as he can remember. It’s just a natural part of his world. His mother told him all about it every night when he was young as a bedtime story, about how every person has a soulmate and that, every time they fall asleep, they can go and meet their soulmate in their dreams. Yoosung was always so happy to hear it and always so eager to fall asleep because of this (which is definitely why his mother repeated it to him for so long).

Yoosung saw his soulmate for the first time that he can remember when he was five. He’d fallen asleep wishing, as always, for him to meet his soulmate in his dreams and, for the first time, it happened. He dreamed he was sitting on a swing set in the middle of a playground, set in a huge park. When he went to look around, there they were, right next to him. He stared at them, wide-eyed, a look they returned for a second before breaking out in a huge grin.

"Hi! I’m so glad you’re here! It’s been soooo boring with no one else around! Want to play with me?”

It was that grin and that first greeting and Yoosung was already in love. He didn’t know it then, not at that age. He wasn’t emotionally mature enough yet to know how to describe the feeling he felt then. But love it was, quick to bloom and easy to take root.

Yoosung and his soulmate visited each other in their dreams every night from then on. When they were children, they played together on the playground or laid on the grass together and shared childish secrets. They looked at the sky and pointed out shapes in the clouds to each other. They told each other all about their lives - the only problem was that, whenever either of them went to tell the other their name, it was like the world went silent for a second. They called each other by name in his dreams, Yoosung knew they did, but he didn’t know their name, not consciously, and he never heard it in his dreams. Yoosung asked his mother about this one time and she said it was normal and happened to everyone, that he’d hear his soulmate’s name for the first time when the two of them first met in the waking world and he’d recognize it only then as having heard it a million times before in his dreams.

As they grew older, they started leaving the playground and walking around the park together. They became each other’s confidantes and best friends, the feelings that took root as children flourishing and growing stronger with each passing day and month. 

Yoosung always took an interest in his soulmate’s life and was so eager to share his own world with them. He told them everything - about his family, about his school, and especially about Rika. He spoke a lot about Rika - it got to the point where his soulmate’s smile got a little forced whenever they heard her name from his lips, not that Yoosung was quick to notice. It made them sad sometimes, to have their soulmate spend so much time talking and thinking about someone else even when they were with him. But they were the one Yoosung always came to see and they tried to console themselves with that and really tried to like Rika for Yoosung’s sake. If nothing else, they were happy that she was making Yoosung happy. He was trying so hard with his life too because she was helping him. His soulmate loved hearing about his volunteering and especially about the RFA when he joined (who seemed so entertaining). His life sounded good and that was all his soulmate wanted.

Everything seemed so wonderful. They both discovered they got into their top choice for schools and that the universities were only a few hours away from each other. They celebrated that fact and were both so sure they’d be meeting each other any day.

And then it happened. Yoosung’s high school graduation and that awful, terrible news.

MC didn’t know about that news though. All they knew was that, all of a sudden, out of nowhere, Yoosung just stopped showing up. As more and more days went by and their dreams were lonely and barren again, they got more and more worried about him. He couldn’t be dead, could he? They would’ve known if he was, wouldn’t they? Weeks turned into months and they were left wondering about him and worried and angry. After all, they didn’t know his name or phone number or anything to check up on him. All they knew was the name of the university he got into and they couldn’t just show up at a huge university and start frantically accosting every single student on campus until they found him. For one, they were pretty sure they’d get arrested if they tried and definitely sure that campus security would kick them out and two, they had their own university to attend and their own life to lead. Time passes but every night MC waits for Yoosung in their dreams.

Yoosung’s can’t bring himself to see his soulmate. He’s still so preoccupied by Rika’s death and he’s so depressed. He stops trying for anything in his life - stops studying and working hard, stops taking care of himself really well and he eventually falls into gaming addiction. How can he see his soulmate like this? How can he make them see this side of himself? Besides, he knows they’ll want to know what’s going on and he’ll have to tell them. And he can’t tell them. He can’t bring himself to tell them that Rika is dead because he knows how sad they’ll be for him and how much they’ll want to talk to him about it and try to help him and he just can’t deal with all that on top of everything else. So he hides and retreats further into the ennui of his life. The few times he finds himself slipping back into the dream-world that he and his soul-mate inhabit, he makes himself wake up right away and won’t allow himself to fall back to sleep that night. He just...he can’t. Not now.

It continues on for so long that MC can’t help themselves. A potential arrest be damned, they have to at least try. Putting their school on hold for a bit, they move to the city near SKY University. It’s shortly after their move there that it happens - a complete stranger pops up on their phone and asks for a favour. They were initially wary and were going to refuse but they stop themselves with the old familiar thought. Their soulmate would help. After all, their soulmate was always going on about how nice it was to help people in need. It was something MC admired about them and they’d kind of started asking themselves at some point in their life what their soulmate would do in any given situation. And in this situation, they would’ve helped. So help MC did.

Only by helping, they found themselves inside an apartment and connected to a mysterious app.

An app for a group they quickly realized they’d heard of before. The RFA...wasn’t their soulmate a part of that? MC’s heart started beating faster and faster. They couldn’t let everyone know they knew though...that would be extremely suspicious and they were already suspicious enough, what with some unknown stranger leading them here, to Rika’s apartment.

Wait, Rika’s apartment...did that mean they’d finally get to meet Rika? Maybe they could ask her what had happened to their soulmate.

Or maybe not.

Honestly, the first chat with the RFA is a fucking roller-coaster ride for poor MC. They recognized Yoosung right off - they’d been seeing that face in their dreams for years after all. A wave of relief had spread over them seeing his messages pop up on their screen - he was alive and he was okay.

They agreed to join the RFA because it was a link to Yoosung and they did everything they could to cheer him up and help him during the day while waiting for him in their dreams every night. 

He never showed up. It hurt - he made it clear he was falling in love with them during the day. Falling in love with the MC over an app but apparently fallen out of love with the MC in his dreams, even if they were his soulmate. All that to deal with on top of a bomb and a hacker threat? Those eleven days were not kind to MC, especially when Yoosung accompanied Seven to Mint Eye.

But everything was made okay at the party. Everything was okay when they heard his voice in the same room with him. Everything was okay when they finally heard his name for the first time instead of just seeing it typed on the screen. It was such a beautiful name too. Everything was okay because....

“It’s you,” Yoosung whispered as he approached them after his speech. “I guess it’s always been you.”

“It’s me. It’s been a while.”

“I know. I’m so sorry....I’ll never leave you again.”

“Promise?”

The promise was sealed in his lips against theirs.

[scftuan]

Get Oh (Part 1)

Genre: romance/thriller

Rating: M

Characters: Sehun x reader feat. Chanyeol

——————————

There were many things you prided yourself on.

Your academic achievements, your musical accomplishments, your ability to be liked by every teacher on campus (though you swore you weren’t a teachers pet).

Yet there was one thing that you were having to reconsider as being something to be proud of (mainly because you were lacking in it greatly at the moment).

And that thing was: patience.

For somehow you had slept through your alarm and wound up barely making it to your morning lecture, which meant the only seats left were the ones in the back and there was only one person who made a habit of sitting in the very back.

Oh Sehun.

Tall, broad-shouldered, nice ass, a handsome face with a stern brow over a pair of dark brown eyes that were always somehow partially shrouded by his messy black hair-it was blonde a week ago, the jackass would be bald before he graduated college-and a mouth that would make even a straight man melt.

And you hated him.

Why?

Because currently he was in the back of the class, completely at ease as his latest catch of the week draped herself across him, whispering what must be the most disgustingly pathetic sexual promises and emphasizing it by touching everything she could and not-so-subtly trying to suck a hickey into his neck.

You ground your teeth as you tried to ignore their antics and focus on the lecture, but it was becoming increasingly hard as the giggles and soft sighs of imaginary pleasure continued behind you. By the end of the lecture, you had managed to write a handful of notes and leave with at least the beginning and ending statements intact in your mind.

As you gathered your things to leave, you rolled your eyes at the continued chit-chat between Sehun and his…girl. She seemed to be pouting about not having sex with him immediately but he assured her he’d give her a call. You scoffed, rolling your eyes at the two of them. ‘Of course he won’t, the jackass.’ You thought as you tucked away the last of your things and prepared to make your exit.

Unfortunately, you were met by firm resistance in the form of the aforementioned jackass.

For whatever reason, Sehun had parked himself right in your way, his signature smirk turning the corners of his mouth up slightly.

With a slight sigh, you looked up at him and asked with the most deadpanned tone you could manage: “What do you want Sehun?”

In mock hurt, Sehun placed a hand over his heart and gasped at you, “Why Y/n, you wound me so, I thought we were closer than that.”

You laughed, shooting him a unamused look as you replied: “I think all of those bleaches and dyes are going to your head Sehun, in what universe have we ever been close?”

He grinned at that, his perfectly white teeth practically blinding (seriously, who was his family dentist?). “For the record, I only ever choose colors that allow me to never have to bleach my hair. But anyway, I wanted to ask you how you enjoyed the show in the background?”

You glared at him, pulling the straps of your book bag up as you prepared to make your escape. “Oh you mean the soft porn that was going on in the middle of a lecture concerning only the highest of philosophies known to man?” You took a step closer, ignoring the obvious height difference and the fact Sehun smelled like mint and something distinctly woodsy, “Honestly Sehun, we all know that if it wasn’t for the money your daddy pays this school every year, you’d have been kicked out before your first month of freshman year.”

Not waiting to see his reaction, you pushed past and headed for the exit, a small part of you feeling almost as bad for the jab as the other part felt victorious.

——————————

In all honesty, you weren’t sure why you hated Sehun so much, at first you assumed it was just a general dislike for his fuckboy ways. But when he’d slept with your roommate and left her absolutely broken, you’d sworn to hate him with every ounce of your being.

Oh Sehun was the epitome of everything you despised. Loose with his morals, thought with his dick more than his brain, unnecessarily privileged (his dad practically owned half the school), and lacking a basic conscience and academic desire-you weren’t even sure what his major was.

With a sigh, you leaned back on your apartment’s couch, tipping the contents of the beer your roommate had smuggled in into your mouth, the harsh burn of the alcohol welcoming with all the shit you had going on.

Though you never let it show, your academics were beginning to crush you, leaving you drained and unable to find joy in almost everything, even your music, the thing you’d dreamed of since childhood, felt unreachable and far too luxurious to imagine.

“For fucks sake Y/n, I can practically hear your depressing thoughts from the hallway.”

You smiled slightly, looking over to see that your roommate Suzy had finally arrived, takeout in one hand, random movie from the local redbox in the other.

“I hope you brought as much chow mein as you could afford because I am ready to drown all of my problems in as much greasy and unauthentic Chinese food as I can.” You shot her a grin, and though her eye roll was probably meant to be ‘tired of your antics’, it came off as more of ‘let me support you with food and beer.’

As you and Suzy began to spread out the takeout and the extra bottles of beer, the conversation quickly picked up and wound up revolving around the subject of your day and just how suckish it was.

“So tell me,” Suzy began, tilting her head inquisitively at you as she twirled her chopsticks around, “why exactly did Sehun cause you so much trouble today?”

You rolled your eyes and stuffed another bunch of noodles into your mouth in order to buy enough time to think of a proper answer. Once you had gracefully swallowed and taken a long sip of your beer (okay maybe it was more like downing the rest of the bottle in one go), you finally replied. “In all honesty I don’t quite know myself, I just know that he’s an overly privileged jackass who treats women like dirt and they all still fall down on their knees for him.”

Suzy laughed, “Oh Y/n, if you only knew what he could be like in bed…”

You practically choked on your piece of chicken, the memory of Suzy having once slept with the asshole (and promptly had her heart broken) suddenly coming back to you. “B-but he broke your heart?”

Your friend shrugged and continued to dig into her food, “You have to remember that was almost a year ago and I’m an overly sensitive type who gets attached for the amount of time it takes to have an orgasm and then promptly forgets all about it.”

You opened your mouth to argue but quickly realized she was right. Suzy had no qualms about her sexuality and enjoyed the occasional hookup. You’d only just met her when she’d had the fling with Sehun and so seeing her with a ‘broken heart’ had made your dislike for the young man secure-not knowing that Suzy would easily move on within three days.

Once the takeout (and the beer) had been demolished and Suzy had discovered a comfortable sleeping position on the nearest couch, you managed to stumble your half drunk self into a shower and then promptly into your bed. That night, your dreams were filled with brokenhearted cries and the flash of a charming smile before a mouth was pressed against your own.

Morning came much too soon for your taste; the sun streaming in through the curtains making your eyes squint and your head throb. You discovered your body was slightly sweaty and uncomfortable from your dream last night (images of being kissed by someone you swore you knew still flashed across your mind). “I’ve really gotta stop drinking.” You mumbled, a large yawn assaulting you as you stretched your arms above your head. You hadn’t even managed to pull on a more decent pair of pants (what? Last night you were drunk and tired, panties seemed like the best option) before Suzy was bursting into your room, eyes flashing with excitement as she bounded towards you.

“You would never believe it!” she half squealed, “We’ve just been invited to what is going to be the largest-second only to the end of the school year bash-of the semester!”

Translation: Suzy had been invited and she was dragging you along with her.

You scrunched your nose up at the thought and finished properly buttoning your jeans. “Thanks, but no thanks.” You replied, grabbing the nearest brush to drag through your hair before tying it into a rather realistic looking ponytale. “You know that’s just not my thing, I prefer to get drunk in the safety of my own apartment.”

But Suzy gave you a look that told you you would indeed be going if she had to drag you out by your book bag.

And all you could do was sigh.

—————————

The party proved to be as much of a bore as you dreaded. College kids swayed together with the overly loud music, red solo cups overly full with booze grasped in the hands that weren’t trying to grope each other.

You frowned at your colleagues and continued sipping at the bottle of soda you’d brought with you (someone had to be the designated driver). Suzy had disappeared into the crowd and abandoned you to observe the scene in a lowly corner of the room. You sighed as your eyes scanned the room, distain at the obvious grotesqueness of the way most of the others acted, and curiosity at any scene that looked slightly interesting. As you continued your menial task, your eyes happened to land on none other than Oh Sehun himself.

As usual, some random girl was draped on him, his arm holding her possessively by the waist. Yet he seemed…distracted. His eyes darted this way and that and he kept shifting from side to side, he even ignored whatever the girl was trying to whisper to him as she pressed herself against him. You hadn’t realized you’d practically been staring until his gaze landed on you. For a moment, you thought he’d throw one of his stupid winks and smirk at you, instead, he shot you a frown and subtly shook his head.

But now you were fully intrigued.

For the rest of the evening you kept an eye on Sehun, the young man drifting from place to place, the girl following him about, yet he remained uninterested and distracted.

You stared down at the now empty bottle in your hand, your eyes flicking between it and Sehun, who had managed to somehow magically detach himself from his girl and who was now standing closer to the end of the room. His look continued to grow more intense as the night wore on; he couldn’t stay in one place, always walking this way and that, as if he were waiting for something.

Out of pure boredom, you looked away for a moment (you didn’t think Sehun would go far), but by the time you’d looked back to his original position, the tall young man was gone.

You frowned, wondering where he could have disappeared to. Setting your bottle down, you prepared to go after him when it occurred to you just how odd you were acting. Go after Sehun? What were you, one of his admirers/stalkers? With a groan, you stepped back, deciding that you had obsessed over Oh Sehun quite enough for one night.

Yet even as the event wore on, you couldn’t shake the oddness of Sehun’s behavior.

——————————

The next couple of days passed in a blur. Ever since the party (which had proven to be just boring as you originally thought), you hadn’t been able to take your mind off of Sehun, and with the way he’d been acting in class lately, it became even harder.

For some reason, Sehun hadn’t seemed like himself. To anyone else, he looked like just as much of an ass as he always had, a girl always on his arm; yet his eyes betrayed that something else was going on. For some odd reason, you’d find random excuses to glance back at where the boy sat in his usual spot in the back. He always looked calm enough, his aura one of boredom with whatever the professor in front of him was babbling on about, but his eyes held a dark determination you’d never seen before.

Finally, after hardly a week of this behavior, you couldn’t take it anymore.

You were going to confront Sehun head on and get whatever this curiosity was out of your system.

It was late on Friday when you found yourself in the library, the place practically empty save for you, a librarian, and none other than Oh Sehun. You glanced up from your studies to see the aforementioned wandering farther into the rows of books, his brows furrowed in concentration as he looked over their titles.

You barely heard the librarian give her ten minute warning till closing time, instead choosing to quietly move from your seat to follow Sehun as he kept walking.

This was crazy, there was no way you were stalking Sehun (okay you wouldn’t call it stalking, just keeping an eye on him until you got up the nerve to let him know how his behavior had been bothering you). You only noticed the dimming of the lights and just how deep into the recesses of the library you had walked when Sehun suddenly spun around, his dark eyes catching you and pinning you into place.

You waited for him to send you a smirk (maybe a laugh if he was in a good mood), followed by some flirty comment on how you just couldn’t stay away. But instead his eyes were like steel, his expression clearly not amused.

You just barely registered the click of a lock and the final dimming of the lights, leaving you and Sehun shrouded in the evening shadows, the fading sun doing little to give you much illumination.

As you opened your mouth to speak, the sudden sound of a door being opened reached your ears, followed by a few harsh whispers.

You didn’t move, choosing to continue staring at Sehun as the whispers cut off.

Why your breathing was so heavy you had no idea, but you did know that it was too much for the extreme silence in the room.

Sehun stared back at you, his breathing just as heavy but much more silent. You barely had time to register the flash of annoyance in his dark eyes before he was grabbing your hand and pulling you harshly into the closest hiding place.

You tried to protest but were cut off by his large hand over your mouth, though the proximity of your bodies in such a small space was enough to leave you speechless anyway.

“If you make a single noise,” he hissed, “I will personally kill you myself.”

[jarienn972]

Only a Little Superstitious - Chapter 18

I realized yesterday as I was getting ready to post the latest chapter of my other ongoing story that I hadn’t posted this recent chapter update on Tumblr yet.  It’s been up on AO3 and FF.net for a little while so I apologize for the delay getting it posted here.   This new chapter picks up right about the same time as the cliffhanger ending of Chapter 17 and if you haven't figured out yet why Kronk continues to pursue Emma and Killian, I've dropped a few not-so-subtle hints here.

Previous chapters on Tumblr:  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  11  12  13  14  15  16  17

Carlos managed to make the hike back to his government-issue SUV in approximately fifteen minutes less than it had taken to ascend to the cavern. Armed with photographic evidence of the matching symbols, he had practically skipped down the mountainside, still lost in disbelief that this hidden hiking trail just might hold a gateway to another world. If they were right about everything, by tomorrow, he would be able to physically witness magic. Grandmother had always insisted that it existed and now, they would be able to see its return. He had heard these legends since he was a boy and never dreamed that some might just be true.

He tossed his backpack onto the rear seat before sliding behind the steering wheel and stretching across the center console to flip open the glove compartment, retrieving the charger cord for his phone. Not having a signal out here in the middle of nowhere was quite draining on the battery. He'd barely glanced at the phone all morning except to check the time or to make use of the camera since he knew he wouldn't have service until he reached Highway 60. As soon as his phone was in range of a tower though, his phone chimed with notifications and Carlos would soon learn of the drama unfolding down in the Valley.

Unlike his own beat up Suburban, the Park Service SUVs were fully equipped with built-in Bluetooth so he could listen to his messages without needing to fumble with the speakerphone button. He had only a single message but it had Carlos pulling off to the side of the highway the moment he heard it. There was no mistaking both the urgency and hint of fear in Emma's voice as he listened to her words, realizing that she'd left the voicemail for him just ten minutes earlier. Had she contacted Tim already and if so, what action might they take?

He'd barely screeched to a stop before slamming the gearshift into Park and grabbing his phone, dialing Emma's number impatiently while hoping she would pick up quickly.

"Carlos, I'm so glad you called," Emma answered on the third ring. "Did you get the message I left and are you back in the city yet?"

"Yes, I got the message but no, I'm not quite there yet. I'm still a few miles east of Apache Junction – maybe forty minutes away if I disobey a few speed limits… Did you get ahold of Tim?"

"I had him paged by one of the nurses here in the Emergency department. He's on his way." She didn't sound entirely convinced though.

"I'll give him a call myself in case they didn't relay the urgency, but I'm sure he's on his way. I'll make sure he knows what it's about and call you back when I'm closer to Mesa. I don't know how we'd do it, but I think we may need to get the two of you out of there…" Even as he suggested it, Carlos reflected on how risky that idea might be but he didn't see any other option.

"I'm honestly inclined to agree, but I don't think that would be easy…," Emma replied as a tall, dark-haired man in a cadet blue uniform pushed open one of the double doors across from her. "Carlos, hang on a minute… This might be your friend, Tim, now…"

"Sheriff Jones?" the uniformed man asked as he approached, extending his hand toward her in greeting. Emma nodded as she shook his hand, reading the name on his badge which confirmed who he was even before the security chief introduced himself. "I'm Tim Stillwater, head of security here at Mesa General. Glad to finally meet you in person, despite the circumstances…"

"Tell Tim hello for me," Carlos said with a chuckle from his end of the phone call. "I'll leave you in his capable hands and call you back when I reach Mesa."

"Excuse me one moment, Mr. Stillwater," Emma apologized as she wrapped up the call. "Thanks, Carlos." She disconnected the call and returned her attention to the man standing before her. "Carlos days hello and he's on his way."

"No need to apologize," Tim replied. "If anyone should be apologizing, it should be me as I got dragged into an incident out in the ambulance bay trying to help restrain some high as a kite guy paramedics brought in who attacked two orderlies. So sorry for that delay, but how can I be of assistance?"

Emma contemplated her words carefully. She knew that Carlos had provided Tim with portions of their situation but she hadn't been privy to those conversations so she didn't know exactly how much had been discussed. "You're familiar with how my husband got here?"

"I'm sure I don't know all of the details but I know that Carlos rescued you from up in the mountains after your husband was stabbed by someone. He also told me that the attacker was still at large which was why he chose to bring you here for my oversight…"

"He's here," Emma interrupted, not wanting to waste too much more time explaining right at this moment. "I just saw Killian's assailant, Nehemiah Kronk, in the cafeteria a few minutes ago. He was carrying around a box of flower bouquets, probably pretending to be a florist…"

"Okay, in that case, why don't you come with me?" Tim suggested, reaching for the radio clipped to his belt. "Let's go look at the security camera footage so you can point out the man, then I'll have my people get this place on lockdown…"

"No, you don't want a lockdown," Emma stopped him. "That might push this guy to do something rash. I don't want to put anyone else at risk."

"Okay, Sheriff," Tim began, taking her warning under advisement, "how do you think we should proceed?"

"Well, the first thing I need to do is get to my husband. He doesn't even know any of this yet but I don't want to go back through the cafeteria to the main elevators in case Kronk is still there. Is there some other way to get upstairs?"

"There's another elevator back this way that isn't open to the public. Your husband is still in the ICU right?"

"Yes. He was sleeping when I came downstairs to get coffee so he doesn't know Kronk is too close…" Emma stopped when she realized she was rambling, worried that Tim might think she was unstable.

"Do you think this Mr. Kronk knows your husband's room number?"

"We've kept that information pretty quiet so I doubt it. My parents don't even know the room number, but Kronk knows how seriously wounded Killian is. I don't know if he'd think about ICU though."

"This is a very large hospital campus so there are a lot of rooms for him to search unless he knows where to begin. Obviously, he would eliminate certain floors like pediatrics, but it will still take a while. Our staff is trained to protect our patients' privacy, but if he starts talking to other patients or their families and friends, we can't control what information they might give out."

"We're going to have to get Killian out of here," Emma stated as Tim pushed open one of the double doors into the Emergency area. "And we've got to do it fast, before Kronk finds us."

"This guy's pretty tenacious to have hunted you down. What exactly does he want from you?"

"I honestly don't know," Emma replied and she didn't even have to skirt around that answer. She really didn't know for certain why Kronk was trying so hard to find them. "It feels like he needs something from us and maybe it's about something that happened after the attack… I just don't really know…"

"Hard to gauge the intent of some people," Tim said, not questioning her vague response. "Now, I'll be happy to help you both out with getting your husband moved to another facility, but are you sure about this? It might not be safe to move him."

"No, it might not be, but I have to weigh which would be the bigger risk – potentially causing my husband further injury by moving him or the possibility of putting others in danger if Kronk doesn't find what he wants?" Emma's dilemma was certainly a valid one and she sensed that Tim didn't envy the choices she was facing. She knew she would also be making this same argument to medical staff very soon, but she didn't doubt her decision and she knew that neither would Killian. No innocent people would be put at risk for their sake.

By the time Carlos called back, Emma had already engaged in two separate arguments with medical personnel who didn't agree that Killian should be discharged and moved to another facility even if his condition had improved overnight. Tim Stillwater had intervened as best he could, explaining that it was a necessary relocation due to personal security concerns for the law enforcement officers. Tim was in agreement that remaining here at Mesa General wouldn't be safe for anyone so Emma had made a phone call to Dr. Whale, requesting a favor from him to set up a fabricated transfer of Killian to a private, unnamed location. After a few minutes of protesting, Whale agreed and had his administrative assistant draw up formal-looking instructions which were sent to Killian's attending physician in Arizona. The Mesa medical staff had finally relented, still voicing their disapproval while a nurse began disconnecting the multitude of monitors and machines he'd been connected to.

With Carlos only a few minutes away, Emma was hurrying to help Killian get dressed while Tim and his staff kept a watchful eye on the hallways and security camera monitors for any sign of the man Emma had identified for them in footage filmed earlier. Getting Killian clothed however was proving to be a more daunting challenge than planned due to his mobility limitations, and he was growing increasingly frustrated by his inability to perform even the simple task of pulling on his own trousers. She'd grabbed the most basic pair she could find amongst the clothing Carlos had acquired for them a few days ago – elastic waist, soft fleece pants which weren't too dissimilar to the ones Emma often wore to bed.

Killian despised this helpless feeling as he lay there allowing his wife to dress him. His chest still itched from the irritating adhesive that had once secured various medical sensors to his skin and he was anxious to be rid of the last remaining tether – the IV catheter taped to his forearm which was delivering a last dose of medication. He might as well get the last of the pain medicine before they departed this building. Emma had a long-sleeved, button-up shirt draped across his waist and was digging his boots out of the backpack when the nurse returned to yank out the IV, placing a bandage over the tiny crimson bubble left behind.

Emma gave her husband a quick sideways glance as she gathered up their belongings, shoving them nonchalantly into the backpack while awaiting their friend's call. As much as she was loathe to admit it, she still found the sight of Killian's bandaged chest unsettling, but she did her best to keep up a brave face. She knew he was doing the same in attempt to bolster her spirits, but she recognized the cracks in the façade, knowing all of this exertion was bound to take a toll on him.

With his arm free from the tubing, Killian reached for the shirt, determined to do at least one thing for himself. Despite a mild tremor, he managed to hold up the charcoal grey shirt long enough to shove his maimed arm into a sleeve, tugging the fabric as far up onto his shoulder as he could manage, already thankful to no longer have his deformity on display. He then raised his right arm above his head, reaching behind his neck in attempt to grasp the collar of the shirt, but it was just beyond his fingertips. With his teeth already gnashed from the discomfort this position was inflicting on his body, he struggled with the reality that he was going to need to ask for help. Emma spared him that indignity though as she moved swiftly to his side, taking hold of the fabric and moving it into a position where Killian could grab it and maneuver the other sleeve so he could slip his right arm inside. The pain he'd just inflicted on himself was agonizing but at least he felt as though he'd accomplished something, however small, but he conceded defeat when he stared at the row of itty bitty buttons.

"Could use a hand with these, Love," he said, eyes still downcast with embarrassment.

"Of course," Emma replied without judgement, recognizing how difficult all of this was for him. She buttoned it as rapidly as she could, wanting to be ready to move the moment Carlos called. Killian didn't even fight her as she pulled socks onto his bare feet then shoved his boots on. He was basically ready to go as soon as an orderly brought them a transport chair.

It was Tim Stillwater who first poked his head into the room though, informing them that one of his guards spotted Kronk on the floor below them, delivering one of the bouquets Emma had seen him carrying earlier, evidently in attempt to maintain his cover. He seemed to have no indication that he'd been made which was Emma's one consolation. Kronk was just getting too close though, she fretted, so caught up in that thought that she practically jumped when her phone rang. Carlos' timing couldn't have been better.

The conversation was brief – Carlos instructed her to meet him outside by the ambulance bay. She relayed the plan to Tim who ducked out of the room in search of the tardy orderly while Emma tossed their last few items into the backpack, the last of which was the specimen jar containing the broken tip of the dagger. They were going to need this later.

In minutes, they were ready to go and despite some minor grumbling on Killian's part, Emma and the orderly managed to get the pirate maneuvered into the wheelchair. He wasn't particularly enthusiastic about his wife having to push him, still cursing his inability to walk, but with no other choice available at the present, he swallowed his pride and accepted the aid.

Handing Killian the backpack to hold onto while she pushed the chair, Emma was noticeably tense while they awaited Tim's signal that Carlos was in position. Tim had already waved off the orderly, circumventing standard hospital protocol in this situation to avoid additional sets of prying eyes. So many thoughts were swirling through her head but her primary concern was for Killian. The morphine would wear off soon, plunging him back into severe agony. It pained her to even think of subjecting him to it all over again but hopefully, Grandmother would have a solution.

"Carlos is here," Tim announced as he re-entered the room. "Coast is clear to the service elevator, but we need to go now. I've got two of my men guarding the main elevators and one watching the east stairwell. They've been ordered not to engage Mr. Kronk should they encounter him, but I don't want to push our luck."

"We're ready," Emma assured the security chief. "No one else has spotted Kronk yet?"

"We've been keeping a close watch on the security cameras," Tim began as Emma carefully spun the wheelchair around, then pushed it through the doorway and made the turn to her left. "Unfortunately, the cameras don't cover all areas, but unless something has changed in the past few minutes, he's still on the third floor." Emma nodded, quickening her pace as Tim led the way down the unauthorized corridor toward the private elevator.

Reaching the ground floor, the elevator doors parted to reveal another uniformed guard standing sentry. The guard stepped aside to allow them to pass while confirming to his boss that their quarry wasn't in sight. No words were spoken as Tim cleared a path through the busy Emergency area for Emma to follow, making their way toward a side door that exited into the ambulance bay which was typically only used by paramedics. On the other side of that door, Carlos stood outside of the Park Service SUV and he immediately jumped into action to help Emma get Killian into the vehicle. They had to do this quickly as they didn't want to remain out here, exposed, for too long.

While Emma and Carlos scrambled to get her mobility-impaired husband into the relative safety of the SUV, above them, Nehemiah Kronk had reached the fourth floor, closing in on their prior location. Intensive Care was a little trickier for the former Marshal to navigate as the rules generally permitted only immediate family. He'd approached the desk in his guise of delivery man, inquiring about a patient by name of Killian Jones and very briefly explaining that he had a delivery from the patient's family back in New England, but they hadn't known his room number. The nurse behind the desk denied him any information, but as he listened to her response about patient privacy and safety, Kronk's eyes were soaking up every little detail around the desk. He noticed that the rack of patient charts contained six clipboards, but the names or codes printed on their labels were far too small to read from his vantage point so he mentally tried to correlate them to the surrounding rooms that might appear to be occupied. Out of the eight rooms in this ward, six had closed doors and but open curtains to allow nurses clear view of the patients, one had an open door and open curtain, and the eighth had its door open but curtains were drawn closed. If occupied rooms were indicated by those closed doors, what was different about this possibly unoccupied room that led to its curtains being closed?

Kronk grinned at his good fortune as an alarm suddenly drew the nurse's attention away. In the brief seconds that her back was turned to focus on another patient, Kronk darted into the room with the open door, prepared to apologize should the room be occupied but he couldn't help but indulge his curiosity that this room could be related to the pirate.

Ducking inside, he could tell that the room was either occupied or had been very recently vacated as the bed linens were still rumpled and a not-fully depleted bag of IV fluids still hung above the bed. The patient's chart had already been removed so Kronk took a brief inventory in hopes something might have been left behind that could confirm the identity of the room's occupant. The countertops were bare and monitors were already powered off, but he realized that the trash can hadn't yet been emptied as a basic brown, heavily taped cardboard box caught his eye. He snatched the box out of the waste can and a smile widened across his face as he recognized the addressee – Emma Jones, Care of Ranger C. Littlecreek.

The remainder of the address label was torn but he had enough evidence to confirm his suspicion. The Storybrooke savior and her pirate husband had been here, the injury he'd inflicted on the pirate severe enough to warrant Intensive Care treatment and scrutiny. He also realized that it meant that the item he sought likely wasn't here any longer. A surgeon would certainly have removed it, probably with complications, but it meant he'd still have to track down Sheriff Emma and his first clue was the second name on the discarded package.

C. Littlecreek. Ranger?

Was that how they'd made their way off of the mountain? Assistance from a Park Ranger?

He tried to speculate how this new information would aid him when his train of thought was momentarily derailed when a young, dark-haired woman clad in flowery scrubs strolled into the room pushing a small cart, presumably to collect the used bed linens.

"Oh, sorry," the startled woman stammered. "Wasn't expecting anyone to be in here…"

"Apologies," Kronk replied, plastering a fake smile onto his lips. "The patient who was in this room, Mr. Jones, do you know what happened to him?"

"Sorry, all I was told was that the patient room was empty and I got sent to clean up," the woman responded.

"Ah, well, someone Mr. Jones knew back East sent him a get well bouquet that I was trying to deliver. Unless we have a new location to deliver it, I guess it's going back to the shop," Kronk explained, hoping it would make his presence less questionable.

"Afraid I can't help you," the young woman stated as she yanked the blanket from the bed. Kronk smiled at her one last time before exiting the room, thankful that the nurse at the desk was still occupied and didn't appear to have noticed his nosing around the vacant room without authorization.

Pausing in the elevator lobby, Kronk took a moment to gather his thoughts and ponder his options. Had the pirate been move to a different room within this same facility or had he been discharged? The latter seemed unlikely from Intensive Care, but then the possibility remained that Jones died. If he wasn't dead, he might have been moved, but was he still here or had he been transferred to another facility? There were still dozens of rooms to search in this building but while he knew he was on the right track, should he keep searching or regroup and try another approach?

He thought about that second name on the torn address label, C. Littlecreek. He wasn't in Texas so the title of Ranger most likely would refer to a National Parks Service Ranger, the same inclination he'd had earlier, before he'd been interrupted. A fortuitous encounter with a Park Ranger had likely saved the pirate's life and it didn't seem like much of a stretch to think that the Sheriff might have befriended that same Ranger. She'd obviously had her package mailed to the Ranger's address, probably a place of employment based on use of the title. A Park Service field office maybe?

Now, armed with this new lead, he was convinced he was close. His prize was well within his grasp and with that, he'd be home soon.

Tagging @killian-whump for this latest update as I think I forgot to tag her on the last chapter.  (I realize that this chapter is a little light on the whump unless you want to count bested by a button down shirt)  Not done with the pirate just yet though.  If anyone else would like to be tagged for future chapters, please let me know!

[approachyou]

In the beginning..to the end

So near yet so far. The world for us had just begun. I didn’t know where and when did all things start that we have to end it with the 4 years of span being with each other. The world is a reckless place for us. We believe that time is Gold but the memories we’ve made are more precious than jewelry of different karats.

Life for us is a joke. We didn’t bother if a certain deadline will be having its nearer due. We did care about our different types of crams during exams. We didn’t care about people telling us that we don’t exist because our classroom which is the DOST is really far away from the designated campus. We care about how we passed with the grades that we don’t even know how we obtained those values.

So near yet so far, that our moving up is near. So far that the road is still longer than what we have expected because of the added 2 years from our k12 curriculum.

So near that we are having a lot of loads from different subjects. Different requirement such as blogs, reports, certificates to apply for awards, booths, boybands, and mob dances or in short the preparation for HS day. So far that we have to have our distances with each other to take focus with improving ourselves without those people whom we built warmth with.

With those people I’m going to start with Johnroe. Johnroe is a very faithful person and I hope he is going to continue is beliefs even if the world to him is too cruel. With his friend Jonard, I want to let him know that he is man of truthful acts and words that he would even dare to say something that one can get offended. But what can I do? It is what it is that built his personality. Same goes with Ronnie. He sometimes defend his answers or insights within things over topics that I already know of. I mean, I do respect his opinions but then he puts a lot of things that sometimes made me cranky and think of negative impressions about me. I’ll never forget that day when he pat my head very loudly that he really had the intention to do it. But with his personality, I don’t know how Micah got along with them. I mean Micah is a very genuine person. She would do things that could make you feel better. She would not care with how the world improved its complexity. She would be carefree but still she could move and make the real job at its finest. They are the group of people who would attend bible studies. But wait, her girl best friend Salve. She is a very fragile person. She is used to do good things to other people. And we are still waiting for the day that she would be ready for accepting the fact that the world is not the way with how she thinks it is.

Back on with how I described their group. They are the ones who are left who still know God better than the room’s entire population. Godly people with how we call it.

If we have this people who are innocent and pure, we also have the Cranky and Bold Group. I mean a group of people who would choose to stay happy and truthful with the goals in their life as a banner of pride and their showoff as their dignity. They would care about their reputation and they are also known in our class as the joker group.

I’ll start with Kenneth. Kenneth I am sorry for what am I about to say but at first, I thought you were a really evil person. You are so intimidating. With your behavior alone I could say you are a Taurus.  But I didn’t know that if I am to evaluate or give myself some more time to think of what you really meant with those words. You are true with those judgements you’ve made. If all people would think so rational with how you delivered and rebut the words with our other classmates, you really are an intelligent person. But don’t get your head big. Jemarie; All this time I still idolize you for your persistence at school. You show so much efforts and sacrifices just to have high grades. I want to be a person like you. Really.  I think Kristel is the person whom I didn’t have conversation that much this year. I guess you were one of the hollow-mans in our room. Honestly I didn’t like how you anticipated with those words you spoke of when you have an argument with our classmates. But then, I am still going to miss you. Kryssha is a very kind person. From grade 7 to grade 10 you were my classmate but never have I ever argued with you. I hope that by the end of the year we’ll have an argument so that I’ll never forget you. Just kidding! Laurence is the type of person who would tell you to stay out of his way because he doesn’t care if you have your business has a connection with his issue. He never ran out of things to say because he is tactless. Then lastly, it would be a Freidrich. He was my classmate when I was in elementary. He improved a lot because he was afraid of how would his parents compare him to her sister. But then, he is a man of motivation. He sets his goal before the day ends.

If we have cranky type of people, of course we would never forget the rich kids and bibo kid people. They are the ones who are not running out of money and always consider fast food as their lunch serving buffet. CJ is the only oy in their group. He is very and extremely aggressive. He’d prefer to stay in high profiled identity. But he is a warm person for me that no one in the room can see. Of course who would not know Kath? She is very pretty with her glowing skin that suffice everything besides of her height. She is known for her mathematical abilities. Beauty and brain elf, Joke! Janae is the type of person who would prioritize people’s feeling and their sake. She would not let you feel down in spite of a very depressing situation.  With the people whom I’ve known for a long time, she is ont of those people whom I would treasure. The next one would be Kezia. She is the slimmest of them. The one with the pointiest nose. People would notice her because she is one of the hollow people. But I’ve known her for quite some time. That she is very depressed with things that happens with her surrounding. Then Jeanelle. Jeanelle is the type of person who is cool about everything that happens. Whatever might things would go on intertwined fate, she would go on like nothing ever happened. With her friend Shany, they would go hunting his crush on other school at ‘tscie’ which is Eleeson. She would fight for her friends sake. But when she will get disappointed, she would fight and argue things in her own ways. With these people, who would forget Ayra? She is the most cheerful person in their group. She s full of jokes that will never disappoint your humor. She won’t lack things that would complete your day.

People will never tend to forget their classmates who made impression that is quite impressive. Such as the group of smart people. Starting with Andrew, he is the type of person whom you would never imagine you could be leveled with. He is outrageously smart that you’ll never expect. He could idly do things effortless. He achieved many things in life. Next would be Grace whose known for her undeniable Mathematical abilities. She is also a person of humor. With her friend, ABCD whose forte was all about speech and debates or grammars. Everything that is connected to English, you should be asking her with full confidence. Well, you couldn’t actually approach her that easily. Last one would be Naiza whose known for her photographic skills. She’s quite doing a lot mess with her stuffs. But she’s cool with it.

Actually, I have these three classmates whom I didn’t approach that much including the ‘Tres Marias’ group which would be Karen, Precious and Darylle. I actually would want to tell them that they should not be afraid of the world and seeking for everything that adds flavor to it. They should be ready for what might come next because they aren’t that socially active with our calssmates.

Then we got our Got-7! But practically just the 4 of them, because their other members got distributed after the demotion upon reaching grade 9. Starting with Christelle. She is the essayist of the group. She was known for being a national winner at Palaisipan. But she’s not also brain smart but she is also a heart smart. I’ve told her quite of my biggest secret. And I feel like I’m secured and open since I’ve got other people whom I trust enough to tell my flaws and accept it. Also, Angelica C. I’ve been paired with her at doing DNA models and I find her quite responsible enough with the tasks she has to do. Since, Grade 7, I’ve been a classmate of Julia. I’ve known her for a person whose mature enough to accept the challenges in her life and do it in her best way. Last but not the least would be Buena Jane. She is the person you’ve thought was innocent but not really. She really is a person full of surprises and is not afraid to do things that might get people disappointed. In short, she is very carefree.

I’ve been friends with these people when I was in Grade 9. They are also open for things that could get you surprised if you’ll know what they might bring. With them, I’ve had a lot of things that I thought I could never have in my entire life. Our classmates would think that we are the worst squad back in grade 9. But I think we are the best one. Starting with Editha. She is a person who would start a fight even if you really do have a point. Despite of her height, she would beat you up and you have no match to her when it comes to verbal fights. Then, Joanna. Actually she’s a part of the squad now because she was a silver last year. She is a very generous person and is a very considerate of the things that happen around her. Samantha. Samantha is the person who would cheer you up because she knows what it feels like to be in that stage. She’s a very emotional person but in her zodiac sign, it says there that she is not a scorpio. I’ve also told her a lot of my secrets including my hopeless case of lovelife. HAHAHAHAHAHHA! This person is the one whom I thought was all about his rude fights. Wait.He would not fight a person physically. But instead he would ask you to fight him over small things. He gets a bad temper easily. With these characteristics, no one would ever think that he could help you in some ways. I’ve once left my laptop inside our room. It was locked because we have to do our research outside the school to seek for a consultant in our study. He was the only person who is there. He was about to leave when he saw me and he didn’t actually leave but instead he reached for my bag and with my laptop in it. I had a hard time thinking of how could I get it. But thanks to him, I got my bag and my valuables before I got home. He is a very emotional person beside of his flaws in life. I hope he will change for the better. Also Yran. I hated him for a couple of weeks after I was promoted. He is a very tactless person.  He would continue to bash people even if it hurts. I never knew that one day, I’d realize his role in our class. That he existed within our room to let other people that you could not aways do what you want inlife. But instead let your sacrifices bear up into something big and mark it with your name with pride. Lastly would be Kat. She is so full of insecurities. I never would have thought that beside of the things that she possess, she would still have the insecurities. I mean she is beauty and brains and all. But sometimes in life people could just actually break down because of how the society managed to control their mindset. I hope that one day she would heal. With her broken pieces intact inside her.

Again, with the hollow people I didn’t talk with this school year including Ryan, Karlos, Daryll, Emil and Joshua. Honestly I’ve hated some of them because all they ever did was to play computer games and never cared for the cycle inside our room. They would just go to the nearest computer shop and play there ‘til our next subject. But with the goodness of miracles, they could balance it and still maintain a good amount of grade. I think they are smart but still, I would hope that one day they would stop doing these things and just focus on doing productive things.

With such systems that existed in our room. I wonder how did able to manage living and spending most of the time with them. I would consider they are the one who contained most of the memories that has gotten into my High School life. They are the real and realest of my friends. It is Nika and Karissa. I never thought that one day these people would approach me out of nowhere. Actually, I’ve been a hollowman once. And it sucks.

In our room, I thought such people would never exist. They are very funky and all. They could say the worst of things to you because it is the real thing. I could not get offended because it is actually so true that my toggle inside my brain would be driven out just because they have managed to put it in with their heartfelt sincerity. I hope that someday I could meet someone like them. But I would never.

They are the people who would be found in rare moments.

A true friendship.

I could freely spill my secrets to them because they got my trust with them. I’ve also embodied my decisions with their dreams to make a goal which is which I have to prioritize. We’ve had so much sleepovers that with this number I never would have thought I would still want more.

With all the moments I’ve had. I still want more.

I hope that one day these people I kept in my heart are the people whom I could meet in such ways that I would not expect to know them because of some instances that they have changed a lot throughout the years. That we would bring ourselves into the path we want. That we would achieve everything in life. That we could cross out some of our bucket list. That we could conquer our biggest fears and turn them into an opportunity to improve ourselves. That one day we would still know each other and help one another.

So hard that we have to take our paths straight.

So confusing since we would still want to stick with the same room and building.

So near that in the next weeks of our lives would be completely different.

So far that I could say our road that we would take is so far.

So near,

Yet so far.

[thatgaylittlefrog]

Is it too late to request all the TAZ asks

Not at all, my dear anon! (Side note: you should listen to The Adventure Zone if you haven’t already!)

PCs:

Remmy: Love is a motivator - who do you want to make proud?

I’d love to make my family proud. I’m not always on the best terms with them, and I just can’t help but always feel like a disappointment. I know in theory that I make them proud, but I just want to know that they’re proud of me, you know?

Nadiya: Be proud - talk about something you’re good at.

I’d like to think I’m a pretty great singer. I’ve been in the top choirs at my schools for years, and have a good ear for music and can learn it with relative ease. Now if only I could transfer that talent to other instruments..

Irene: You are brave - describe a time you persisted despite your fears.

Just recently I was searching out for spooky places on campus with two dear friends of mine. Now, I’ve had a fear of the dark for as long as I can remember. Don’t get me wrong, it’s gotten better since I was younger. However, it’s started to resurface a bit more lately due to my fascination with horror games. Despite this, I found myself leading them around dark buildings. I felt brave, and had a load of fun with them.

Kardala: You are divine - describe a time you felt free.

Honestly, I’ve felt really free since I’ve started going to college. There’s something about living on your own that really forces you to be independent. Now that I have my own room on campus, I feel even more free. I can choose who I spend my time with and what I spend my time doing. It’s devine, and while I miss my family and friends from home, I just feel like I can finally be who I want to be.

Merle: Even if we forget, we are important - name at least one way you matter.

I’m capable of doing good for so many people. I have rather big plans of being a therapist or a social worker. I’ll do my best to help those in need of it.

Magnus: Don’t always take the big hit - what is your definition of strength?

Truly strong people use what they were given to help others.

Taako: You’re worth more than you think - how do you defy expectations?

I’m much more intelligent, insightful, and friendly than my introverted demeanor lets on.

NPCs:

Lucretia: We have calcium in our bones, iron in our veins - what was a time you thought you couldn’t go on, but kept pushing?

Oh heck, I’m about to get a bit vulnerable here. Well, high school was a whole lot of that. I went through a lot of really shitty friendships and just really didn’t feel wanted. Anxiety and depression reared their ugly heads, and have never truly left. There were some points where I just felt so alone that I didn’t want to be alive. I never attempted anything, but I was also so afraid to get help for a long time. Thankfully I got help, and while my depression and anxiety are still with me, I’m equipped to handle it now.

Lup: You are so loved and love in return - gush about at least one sibling, friend, or partner.

I’m going to go ahead and gush about my little sister. We’ve always butted heads with each other, much to my parents dismay. She’s a hard headed little girl with very little filter. She gets into a lot of trouble for it and isn’t always well liked, but I love her and appreciate her so much. She came to my dorm and helped me organize and place all of the new supplies brought for me. She also is the person in my immediate family that’s most accepting of the LGBT community, which is such a tremendous relief. And honestly? I miss her a lot, and I really hope she knows how much I love her. She’s my baby sister, and I won’t let anyone hurt her.

Barry: Home isn’t just a place - recall a joyful reunion.

My first reunion with my pets after leaving for college was joyous. I had gone a month without seeing them, which has been the longest I’ve been away from them. When I first entered the house, the dachshunds were barking at me like I was a stranger. It took them a moment to realize who I was, but when they finally did, loud, excited barking followed. All four of my dogs were equally enthusiastic to see me. My cats even reacted, meowing loudly at me and demanding to be pet. The pets were so excited to see me again that there was a brief moment of peace in which my cats actually tolerated being around our big dog. It wasn’t necessarily a fear of mine, but I’m still glad I wasn’t forgotten.

Davenport: Become the stars you gaze upon - how have you been defined by a journey (literal or metaphorical)?

I’d describe my realization of my bisexuality as a journey. I’ve come a long way from when I was first questioning it, but I still have a way to go. Still, I’m much more comfortable with this aspect of myself. I still need to face coming out to my family though, so we’ll have to see how well that goes.

Angus: Adoration might be hidden - describe a time you felt loved or appreciated.

Last month I went back for a birthday party of a friend of mine. It was at the theatre I used to work at, so I got to see a lot of old coworkers of mine. Plus, going into the theatre to be greeted by a huge group of people happy to see me again was just incredibly reassuring.

Kravitz: It’s never too late - what makes you feel alive?

Honestly, being outside. This can be hard to do when it’s so damn cold out, but even now I just find myself invigorated by the sunlight and fresh air. I feel like I’m at my best when I’m outside. I’m pretty much a plant.

Julia: No battle is forever - what is your happy ending?

Oh heck man. I suppose in a perfect world, I’d like to have a secure job and settle down with someone I love. I’d love to have kids if possible, but if not definitely some dogs. Dogs are a must in any happy ending of mine.

Johann: You will not be erased - what do you want to be remembered for?

I want to be remembered for the good I did. I don’t have any religious beliefs, so I really just want to be a good person for the sake of being a good person. There’s so much pain and suffering in the world. I want to do my best to help combat it, even if it’s just in small ways.

Arcs:

Commitment: Don’t give up - what are you committed to?

I’m really committed to getting my education. A year ago going to a four year college didn’t seem to be on the table, yet here we are. I don’t want to waste this opportunity.

Here There Be Gerblins: Embrace nostalgia - what was your first encounter with a loved one?

Ohh this is a doozy. I have a best friend from home. This friend has been in my life since the fourth grade. Now, I’ve always been a bit of a socially awkward little nerd, so I was going around my computer class asking everyone if they played Wizards 101. She was the only one to say yes. What started out as a person I played Wizards 101 with grew into my oldest friend. I miss her dearly, and wish I could see her more than I do now.

Moonlighting: Tomorrow is a new day - when have you begun a brighter chapter of life?

Honestly, college. I went through a pretty bad breakup at the end of my senior year that took me awhile to get over. College was a fresh start, a clean slate, a chance to forge myself. I’m super involved here, getting good grades, and have made some amazing friends here. So yeah, I’d say things are definitely looking up.

Murder on the Rockport Limited: Not everything is clear - how do you feel about mysteries?

I’m open to them! I like the challenge of trying to solve them, so long as they aren’t spoiled for me. Then it can just be frustrating.

Petals to the Metal: Sometimes we need to let loose - when have you done something you shouldn’t have because it made you happy?

Over Thanksgiving Break. It was my first time really sneaking out late. Now, if it’s all the same with you, I’d rather not go into any more detail.

Crystal Kingdom: There is more to existence than we could ever imagine - discuss.

Humans can’t even begin to fathom just how small we are in the grand scheme of things. We haven’t even fully explored the Amazon Rainforest or the Ocean. Beyond our planet is the vast universe, which we haven’t even begun to explore. It’s just so exciting because in the expanse of space there is most likely life elsewhere. We have no idea what else is out there, and at this rate, we never may.

The Eleventh Hour: There is relief in letting go - write about it.

So… That aforementioned breakup. I had dated this guy for most of my high school experience. We broke up because he lost feelings for me and he didn’t want to date anyone in college. Nine days later he’s dating a new girl. I was hurt. I was angry. For the longest time I thought he cheated on me, and just questioned what was wrong with me. I’ve gotten the chance to talk to him since then, and he didn’t cheat on me. I forgave him for what happened, and I’m doing my best to be on good terms with him again.

The Suffering Game: This too shall pass - how are you stronger for your struggles?

High school sucked. I’ve talked about this in a previous question. I survived it though. And because I survived it, I’ve learned how to cope and combat it. I’ve grown from it. It still really fucking sucked though.

Reunion Tour: Everything can change in seconds - what is your definition of trust?

I suppose trust is allowing yourself to be vulnerable with a person. Letting down your walls and opening up to somebody else. It is so exhausting when you don’t have anybody you can trust. You always need to have your defenses up and never can really be real with people.

The Stolen Century: Bonds have power - who do you consider family, and why?

Well, there’s obviously my family, but they’re far away from me. I’ve found my own family here. I have a support system here, and some good friends who I consider family.  (the found family trope is the best trope.)

Story and Song: You’re going to fight and you’re going to win - how or why?

Because there’s still horrible inequality and injustice in this world. Because there are people around the world who struggle to survive day to day. Because it’s my responsibility as a caring human being to fight against inequality.

Goofy:

Tom: “That one was called… Wizard Shout” - tell us about a time you hilariously failed at hiding something.

I ordered twenty dollars worth of stickers. Most of the stickers were McElroy based, and pretty.. Eccentric. For whatever reason, my computer had my neighbor’s address saved in it. So, my stickers went to my neighbors how

Lenny: “You may remember, you subscribed to the cylinder of the month club” - what is something you are well-known (or notorious) for?

Among my family, my crazy liberal ideals. Among my friends, my horrible jokes consisting of both memes and puns.

Troth: “Go home and pray for sunrise” - when have you said something badass?

The only things I can think of are the times I’ve basically told customers to fuck off in my customer service dialect. It usually goes something like “Well, I’m very sorry you felt that way. I hope you can have a good day after this” Customer service is so passive aggressive. It’s excruciating at the time, but it makes for some excellent stories after.

Tres Horny Boys: “Nobody ever say that out loud ever again please” - what is your worst nickname?

Probably Gabbus, although my friend called me Babby today so that takes the cake.

Team Sweet Flips: “Me and Carey and a robot ghost with a gun arm, fuck yeah” - if you and your friends had a spin-off show, what would it be called?

I have two groups. One is Tales and Tights, while the other is Two and a Half Men.

Reapers: “ARE YOU AFRAID?” / “Merle, it’s me, Pan” / “Also! Greg Grimauldis-” - do you have a flair for the dramatic?

I’ll sometimes get into bits with friends where we just go off citing quotes from some shared pop culture interest. I also have had a few good one liners. One of my friends has been keeping track of funny things our group says. He’s an angel and I appreciate him greatly.

Magic Brian: “Haello haello welcoeme to my caeve” - do you have any unique speech patterns?

Ooohhh dear. Yeah. Apparently I have a horrendous Minnesotan accent, so I over pronounce my os. This habit intensifies when I’m made fun of for it. (You have not lived until you’ve been cussed out by someone with a heavy Minnesotan accent)

Jenkins: “…aaaand he misses by a country mile” - are you any good at planning?

I try my best at it. But damn, I’m indecisive. To help combat this I’ve been keeping a planner.

Marvey: “Well, let’s see if I can make a mark in that book on my– in my– hey, fuck you!” - are you any good at comebacks?

I’d like to think I’m a pretty witty person. As of late it seems that most of my comebacks are positive in nature, and lift my friends up. I can still sass with the best of them, though.

Garfield: “Do you like deals?” - describe a time you expertly negotiated.

I was able to convince my parents to let me stay at my significant other’s house in high school, which felt like quite the feat at the time.

Lunar Interlude: “I hand Leon the token” - how do you make your friends laugh?

With my excessive use of stupid jokes, memes, and puns. *finger guns*

Fantasy WWE: “I Morco [guitar sting]” - describe your wrestlesona.

(NOTE: it is past 1 and I am weary) I’d be the gingerbread man. Enough said.

Camp Goodfriend: “You guys know you earned a teamwork penalty for that one, right?” - do you work well with others?

I pull my own weight and keep group morale up when I’m working with others. I don’t like having other people carry me, and would prefer to carry my own weight.

Neverwinter High: “Magnus, it’s another day of high school! Taako and Merle, you immediately realize something horrible has gone wrong” - how observant are you relative to others? Has this led to any goofy situations?

I’m good at reading emotions. I can usually tell when someone isn’t feeling well and will ask them about it in a safe space. However, I cannot for the life of me interpret when someone is being flirty or friendly with me. Just recently, this led to me thinking of a coffee outing with someone I was interested in as a date. These hopes were shattered when she told me about her new partner. So yeah… It’s hard navigating this stuff.

Tomb of Horrors: “I expected you to catch a fucking fish in the fish minigame!” - when has something gone ridiculously off the rails? Were you the derailer, the voice of reason, or a bystander?

As the Mom Friend, I try to be the voice of reason in most scenarios. Sometimes though, it is out of my hands, and all I can do is sit back and watch the disaster unfold. 

[weeklyreviewer]

Japan’s Would-Be Silicon Valley Wants You

Masashi Tomita, who leads municipal efforts to attract tech startups to Fukuoka, Japan, is laugh-out-loud tipsy. The laughter is a clue, but so is the empty mug of Mega Jim Beam Highball, his third. We leave the bar and roam the streets for shime, or drunk food, hunkering our hankering at a solo yaki-ramen cart in the posh Tenjin district. Clinking glasses of plum liquor, I ask what I think is a cheery question: “Why can’t all of Japan be this fun?” He looks crestfallen, not insulted but embarrassed.

The Japanese call it nazonazo, a mystery upon a mystery, a riddle: Why is Japan — a 130-million-strong G7 nation with the world’s third-largest nominal GDP, bullet trains, robotics, a space program, and tech renown — such a dud in the startup world?

For all its business and engineering prowess, Japan has just one unicorn, or privately-owned, venture-backed tech company worth at least $1 billion, according to CB Insights. For the record, that company is artificial intelligence startup Preferred Networks.

But despite behemoth native power players including Honda, Mitsubishi, Nintendo, SoftBank, Sony, and Toyota, its corporate salaryman circles are full of squares, by design. Nearly every member of the Japanese workforce is a de facto senior vice president of rules and regulations. Japan’s national sport is protocol. In June, the country’s largest initial public offering of the year raised ¥33.8 billion ($315 million) and shares soared 21% on the first day of trading. What was all the fuss? It was Sansan, a tedious business card management app and sales-lead generator.

But what if the lack of Silicon Valley-style disruption is a cultural asset? Consider the Japanese art of kintsugi, in which broken pottery is repaired by filling the hibi, or cracks, with gold. What if “move fast and break things” — the early Facebook motto adopted by brogrammers everywhere — isn’t lost in translation as much as it’s discarded in translation? Why break when you can beautify?

Cue the startup incubator

Cue Fukuoka Growth Next, the country’s largest startup accelerator, which debuted in 2017, refurbished this May, and in August launches a nearly half-billion yen internal venture capital fund, FGN ABBALab, that will double investment in the next year. The fund is bankrolled in part by Mistletoe, owned by Taizo Son, the brother of SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son.

Backed by 22 companies, including Fujitsu, Ricoh, and Seiko, FGN joins other global tech hubs in the hopes of becoming its nation’s, um, Silicon Hibi. On site, in a converted three-story elementary school built in 1929, there are no foosball tables or vintage arcade games like in Silicon Valley. The whimsy comes from within.

Fukuoka Growth Next startup accelerator in Fukuoka, Japan.

“This city has been accepting different cultures for 2,000 years. And 100 years ago Toyota was a concept of entrepreneurial spirit—it is within us,” says Tomita. “We got organized after the war, but uniform—same, same, same—salarymen. It’s time to take our neckties off.”

Fukuoka, on the west coast of Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost big island — a five-hour bullet train ride from Tokyo — is preternaturally suited to the task. Amid Japan’s infamously aging population, Fukuoka’s 1.6 million residents comprise the nation’s youngest city. That includes 80,000 students across 19 universities (a 120-member student club at Kyushu University runs an office at FGN).

The exquisitely Instagrammable Kawachi Wisteria Garden nearby and Nokonoshima Flower Island, surf town of Itoshima, and wine country across Kyushu, famed for its hot spring spa towns, give Fukuoka a distinctly California vibe — as does its diversity.

Large populations of American, Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Indonesian, Korean, Nepalese, Portuguese, Thai, and Vietnamese immigrants were bolstered by relaxed labor laws in March. The Fukuoka Asian Art Museum, which has collections from 22 countries, bills itself as “the only museum in the world that systematically collects and exhibits Asian modern and contemporary art.”

The port town is the cruise ship capital of Japan, not including the ferries that jet to and from nearby Busan, in South Korea. And Seoul, Shanghai, and Tokyo are just two hours away by plane.

The world is at its fingertips. The city’s unofficial mantra is samiyasui (easy living).

The force behind the tech push

Fukuoka, Japan

Its youngest-ever mayor, Soichiro Takashima, a television news anchor elected in 2010 at 36, returned from a trip to Seattle intent on remaking Fukuoka in its image. In 2014, he convinced the federal government to declare Fukuoka a National Strategic Special Zone. FGN opened three years later, in tandem with a startup visa specifically designed to lure foreign entrepreneurs. The mayor still drops into FGN almost weekly.

Future prospects are buoyed by Fukuoka Smart East, a 124-acre smart city campus in Hakozaki district that will be a playground (and showroom) for Internet-of-things prototypes and hydrogen power, with its own accelerator division within FGN. In June, a smart city incubation program launched. But that kind of thinking has already begun: in January, Line, Japan’s largest social network — with 78 million users — tested a digital wallet in Fukuoka.

Yuichiro Uchida, FGN’s executive director, throws his arms into a human emoticon: ¯(ツ)/¯. “There’s just less pressure here,” he says. “That leaves more room for creativity and inspiration.” His bemused grin radiates “duh.” He continues: “Tokyo aims for the U.S. or London for status. But our proximity to Asia — Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore — is our strength. I’d rather be big in Asia than big in New York or San Francisco.”

To keep stress low, FGN offers free consultations to startups on, say, accounting, copyright, or intellectual property (what Tomita calls “startup defense”). Uchida talks about the smart city project as a “grand vision,” a physical, infrastructural white paper.

When we meet, Uchida is dressed down in a t-shirt. A rugby star in school, he’s now 43, but retains a boyish breeziness. In contrast, his entrepreneurial radar is mature and specific: the drone startups of Bordeaux and its Darwin station, the design scene in Copenhagen, tax structures in Singapore, and the European Union’s de facto IT bureau in Tallinn, Estonia. I ask him what’s better than creating — what is the entrepreneurial equivalent of omotenashi, Japan’s hyper-hospitality? — and his answer is kyoso: co-creating.

His is a train of thought born of wabisabi, the Japanese notion that imperfection is often better than perfection. As Tomita puts it: “I value diversity. You can’t embrace diversity and expect perfection.”

At its debut, FGN’s initial goal was for its tenants to raise ¥500 million ($4.6 million) by December 2018, but they instead raised ¥8.2 billion ($75.9 million). Amid the Japanese economy’s Abenomics, the fiscal reforms of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, FGN offers a radical oasis of wabisabinomics. As opposed to existing for the sake of getting on Google’s radar (and the acquisition bounty that comes with it) FGN’s startups seem genuinely, refreshingly focused on their users in a way that prioritizes purpose and risk over buzz and security, harkening to the era when Silicon Valley was defined more by garage-built moxie than IPO bluster.

Sakiko Taniguchi developed Nyans, a social network for cat lovers, at FGN. “There’s no word for salarywoman but there doesn’t need to be when you’re family. Here I have drinks with the mayor,” she says. “In Tokyo, I can’t think of anything other than work. I’m more than that. My company would be possible in Tokyo — I expanded there in February — but there I wouldn’t be able to run the company the way I want. Fukuoka gives me what I want and how I want it.”

Early success

She hopes to follow FGN’s successful alumni: Alterbooth, a cloud integrator, raised ¥100M ($922K) in June; Authentic Japan, an SOS app that sends rescue drones to users, became mandatory at a major ski resort in April; and Skydisc, an air quality startup with both agricultural and home/office applications, was called a “future unicorn” by Nikkei news service. In all, FGN’s 293 total companies, 21 are established players like local banks and Yahoo, while the remaining 272 startups have pulled in $82 million and lured entrepreneurs from nine countries.

FGN member Kenji Umeki frequents FGN’s ironically named bar, Awa (Bubble), a satellite of a spot popular among techies in Tokyo’s Roppongi district. Umeki named his human resources startup, You Make It, as a pun on his name. His users include Bangladeshi, Chinese, and Vietnamese workers. “Honestly, I have a Vietnamese friend and I just wanted to help him,” he says. “I want that to be a good enough reason for a business proposal.”

Strolling the bank of the curly Nakagawa River, a ¥1-a-day shared-economy umbrella in his hand, Kazuya Shidahara, FGN’s head of engineering events, sits me down with some FGN leaders among Fukuoka’s other great startups: the yatai, the here-and-gone nightly food carts selling ramen, mentaiko, and yakitori. I ask the group what would happen if one of the ramen stands were so successful that it opened locations all over the world like McDonalds or Starbucks. “Like Gong Cha?” asks Shidahara, referring to the Taiwanese bubble tea chain. “Do you know people wait up to three hours there? For what? A tea and an Instagram upload? It’s a trap, a prison. Maybe that’s why they’re called chains.” His words are scalability heresy, but they also call out a Silicon Valley contradiction: its dueling ambitions of ubiquity and unique experience.

Perhaps FGN’s roundabout unorthodoxy can solve a riddle that has been plaguing San Francisco, too — especially the toxic tumult at Facebook, Google, and Uber — while paradoxically paying tribute to an ancient Japanese tradition: Fukuoka is primed to be a beacon of entrepreneurial bushido, the samurai code, helping restore honor and morality to tech (cough, Theranos, that once-celebrated Silicon Valley blood-testing startup that ultimately imploded). Now would be a good time to practice bowing.

Credit: Source link

The post Japan’s Would-Be Silicon Valley Wants You appeared first on WeeklyReviewer.

from WeeklyReviewer https://weeklyreviewer.com/japans-would-be-silicon-valley-wants-you/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=japans-would-be-silicon-valley-wants-you

[embklitzke]

Just a little taste (reblog from Patreon)

Just to give everyone a little taste of what I do as a writer and what people can expect out of me at various levels of patronage, I thought I'd provide some examples from a couple of works in progress from a couple different universes.

As a general rule, I write speculative fiction--urban fantasy, science fiction, post-apocalyptic fiction, space operas, traditional sword and sorcery fantasy, and supernatural stories, all of which are sometimes layered in with other genres such as horror, thriller, and romance.

My website has a little breakdown of things people might like that's based on my publishedwork, but around here, what you'll be able to catch a glimpse of as a patron is unpublished work--or pre-publication work, as the case may often be.  I won't replicate that here unless someone tells me that it's necessary--in which case you'll see an update to that effect.

Below are examples of a scene and a chapter, both of which are available to patrons at different levels of monthly patronage.  In the future, these will only be viewable by patrons, but these examples are free for the sake of demonstration.

Scene from UNSETIC Files: Lost and Found - urban fantasy

 The location Ezecaius said he needed to get to was just south of the Loop, near enough to Columbia College’s campus that Dr. Ford had asked me to drop him off well before I got Ezecaius to the address—as if Adam knew that I was planning on going to headquarters after I dropped his friend off at his destination. Ezecaius, for his part, stared quietly out of the window, a strange, not quite disconcerting smile on his face.

It was a few minutes of sitting in traffic after dropping off Dr. Ford before I finally asked, “So what do you teach, again?” I tacked on the “again” as an afterthought, struggling to remember if Adam had actually told me in the first place what Ezecaius’s specialization was. It had already been a long morning on top of a long last 72 hours.

“Oh, a few different things,” he said, almost airily. “International law, human rights, foreign policy—all of that and a few more besides.” He smirked, finally looking sidelong at me. “Why, are you thinking about a change in profession, Dr. McConaway?”

“No, no,” I said quickly, fingers tightening on the steering wheel as I swallowed a sudden attack of nerves. God knew that I was doing more than a little diplomacy these days whenever Kate and I went across, but I sure as hell didn’t have much of a desire to change my specialization at this point. “I was just curious, that’s all. I sometimes like to know who I’m driving.”

“And Adam has unusual friends.”

The grin was in his voice as he spoke.

“That too,” I agreed, smiling myself. I found myself wanting to like him, this eccentric man my friend and mentor had saddled me with. “How did you two meet, anyway?” Ezecaius had at least a decade or more on Ford and clearly hadn’t been one of his professors, since as far as I knew, all of Ford’s work—undergraduate and graduate—had been in anthropology, archaeology, and linguistics, not anything to do with foreign relations or international law.

“Ah. It was during his brief stint at State.”

It took a second for me to realize what he meant. “Wait, the State Department? I didn’t know that he worked for the State Department.”

“Oh, yes,” he said, shooting me another crooked smile. “His tenure was rather short-lived and that was probably a good thing. He’d been brought in as an expert to help prepare an ambassador for an upcoming assignment—cultural briefings, map reviews, historical briefs, language training, that sort of mess. He and the ambassador didn’t exactly hit it off and honestly, I could see that from the second they shook hands. I was the one doing the political and intelligence briefs and if I’d had my choice, that particular ambassador wouldn’t have been going where they were going to send him in the first place.”

“Let me guess,” I said as I steered the car around a corner, freeing us from the glut of traffic that was already clogging Michigan Avenue. “Adam had a knock-down, drag-out with the ambassador in question and told someone to shove his State Department credentials where the sun doesn’t shine.”

Ezecaius laughed. “You know him well.”

“Just a bit.” I was grinning now. “Am I right?”

“He would have if I hadn’t stopped him. I reminded him that he might need State someday and convinced him to finish out the job, which he did, though he was very sure he was going to resort to violence by the end of it.”

“But he didn’t?”

“No, he didn’t.” Ezecaius smiled faintly and shook his head. “He finished it off, wrote an assessment of his experience with the ambassador, and turned that assessment in with his resignation.”

“And then what?”

“Well, I imagine you know the rest. He did a few semesters of teaching here and there out East, did a few digs under the auspices of his alma mater and a few other institutions, and then finally landed here in Chicago in time to run into a rather promising young graduate student he was blessed to take under his wing even as he was learning to fly.”

My cheeks got warm. “You’re not—”

“Adam thinks quite highly of you, Dr. McConaway. I don’t think you realize how highly.”

“Maybe not,” I admitted, then exhaled in a sigh. “Honestly, it never really crossed my mind.”

“Perhaps it’s a thing you should give some thought to.” He looked away from me and out the window. “Ah. This should be close enough.”

I blinked, glancing at the row of buildings to the left and right of the car. “Are you sure?” I asked. “You’ll still need to—”

“To walk a little way, I know. It’s all right. I’ll manage.” He smiled at me. “Thank you for the ride, Dr. McConaway. Perhaps you’ll join Adam and Marie and I for dinner tonight?”

“Probably not,” I said as I pulled over and shifted the car into neutral. “But thank you for the offer.”

“Of course.” He didn’t wait for me to get out to open the door for him, just checked the street for oncoming traffic and then got out of the car. He opened the rear passenger door to pull out his overnight bag, slinging it over his shoulder with more grace and practiced ease than I admittedly expected from him.

“Professor?”

He tilted his head, peering at me through the open door. “Yes?”

“The ambassador,” I said. “Did they end up sending him anyway?”

Ezecaius laughed. “No. No, they didn’t, much to Adam’s relief. Mine, too.” He closed the door, still smiling. “Good luck, Doctor.”

He winked at me and then turned away. He took a pair of steps before vanishing from sight.

“Fuck me,” I whispered, staring at the spot where he’d just been. There was no sense of magic in the air, but I knew damned well that magic wasn’t the only game in town.

“Adam really does have interesting friends,” I whispered to no one.

I waited a few minutes more, just to see if perhaps Ezecaius would reappear. He didn’t, and I gave up on waiting. I shifted the car into gear, trying not to worry too much about what had just happened.

Maybe I should have agreed to dinner.

Too late now.

Chapter from The General's Lady - science fiction/romance

“That’s three,” Graden rumbled. “Your father should be more than a little pleased, I hope.”

The promenade of Argossa II’s capital, Triskelle, was littered with the remnants of battle, haunted by its ghosts. It stank of death and fear. He was accustomed to both but enjoyed neither.

“In record time, too,” Arlan murmured, keeping a wary eye on their surroundings. The city had surrendered and been reported secure by the second infantry division, but one could never be too careful, as they’d both learned the hard way time and again. “More costly than anticipated, though.”

Graden shook his head. “Your father wanted haste and damn the consequences. He got what he wanted.” At the cost of a ship and seven hundred dead or wounded on our side alone. Three additional ships damaged. Bastard doesn’t think of the human cost of war sometimes. Star-Lord Camden hadn’t been on the battlefield for two generations, though. He’d forgotten what war was like. “At least he has so far. We’ll need to resupply and lick our wounds before we can hit Talrena.”

Arlan shook his head. “He won’t be happy to hear that, but I’ll make him understand.” He rubbed his temple. “Of course, it’s going to mean another twelve rounds over when I’m going to give up soldiering.”

“Fine, I’ll tell him, then. We’ll have a shouting match and he’ll try to demote me, then I’ll remind him that he can’t because our men won’t follow anyone else.” Graden smiled wryly. “Except for maybe you, but that would just end with a few more rounds, wouldn’t it?”

Two soldiers snapped to attention as they passed through the gates to the governor’s mansion, set on a hill above the sprawling city. The place was silent as a tomb. Graden waved the men back to their duties as he and Arlan continued on.

“Has he bothered to name succession?” Graden asked suddenly. “Your father. He’s getting on, isn’t he?”

“He’d like to,” Arlan said, brow creasing and lips thinning. “But he said that he won’t do it until he knows he won’t have to meddle with it again. ‘Once and never again,’ he told me when we discussed it last.” Arlan blew out a breath between his teeth and shook his head. “He won’t name succession until I’ve given up soldiering and I won’t give up service until there’s peace enough in the galaxy that we’re not fighting new battles every day. Once our borders are secure, I think maybe I could give it up. Of course, we’ll have to convince him that the borders are secure at some point.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “It’s a vicious, never-ending cycle, Mike. He wants me to give up the fight but at the same time he keeps throwing us back into the fray.”

“It’s not as if House Harper can do the fighting for us out here,” Graden said. “Though I think we may have to ask for their assistance if Star-Lord Camden wants us to move immediately on our next target.”

“Johnathan Harper won’t agree to it.”

“Your father will just have to put his diplomatic skills to good use and damned fast, then, because I don’t know that we can take Talrena with our division in the shape it’s in.” We might pull it off, but not without getting thoroughly bloodied in the doing. It won’t be pretty, for us or the people of Talrena. “We’ll have to see. Maybe if I lay things out using small words and a lot of pictures, Star-Lord Camden will understand what I’m trying to tell him about the disposition of our troops.” Graden pushed open the doors to the grand entry hall to the governor’s palace and paused for a moment on the threshold. Banners hung tattered from the rafters and blood smeared the floor in some places.

“Damn,” Graden muttered. “I didn’t realize there was fighting in here, too.”

“It was everywhere,” Arlan said quietly, gaze scything across the scraped marble floors and ripped tapestries, toppled statuary. “There wasn’t a safe place to be found, not even here.”

Graden felt a brief tightness in his chest. “The governor here, did he have a wife? Children?”

“He surrendered before any harm came to them,” Arlan said quietly. “I’m sure Star-Lord Camden will allow them to retire somewhere sufficiently out of the way, I hope."

One can only hope. Graden nodded slowly.

Arlan clapped him on the shoulder. “It’s not all bad news, Mike. Some good came of all this death and destruction.”

“You mean beyond your father gaining three more worlds?” Graden asked, voice dripping with sarcasm. Our borders may be vaguely more secure with the taking of the trio, but can we maintain our grip in the long run? I’m not so sure. “Tell me what it is, Ar, because I sure as hell don’t see it.”

Arlan reached into a pocket and passed him a data stick. “Remember that derelict courier we came across on the edge of the system? I cracked the encryptions.”

Graden shook his head, taking the stick. “And you thought you’d never use that training ever again. What’d you find out?”

“Well, she was coming back from the Arm when she got chewed up, for one thing. Data’s about two years out of date.”

He stopped in mid-stride. “We don’t have anything from the Scandian Arm dating back to that period of the war.”

“No sir, not until we found that courier.”

That was a military courier. It would have been carrying information back to Command—and failing Command, it would have brought that information to the highest-ranking survivor of the Star Corps. Troop disposition, status reports, requests for aid, classified information—a goddamned treasure-trove for anyone that came across it. We’re lucky that the crew didn’t have time to wipe their drives before they died. Graden found himself short of breath, light-headed. His voice came as a hoarse whisper. “Did it…did it have anything about…?”

“I didn’t read much of anything, just enough to know what we were looking at.” Arlan gave him a long, hard look, then continued. “But I ran it through some search algorithms and flagged everything I could find about the Eagles, Mike. It was the least I could do. Other than, you know, finish up all the formalities so you can take a few hours to have a look at what’s on there.”

Graden had to take a few breaths before he could answer. “Thanks, Ar.”

“Anytime.” He squeezed his friend’s shoulder. “I hope it’s good news.”

So do I. Graden nodded, staring at the stick, then turned and walked away.

• •  •

Fifty-second Battalion, designated Eagles, attacked on Talrena…estimate only ten to thirty survived assault…no word on disposition of those who escaped…list of dead appended…

Graden closed his eyes as tears blurred his vision. He felt a momentary flash of gratitude to Arlan for taking over today but at the same time felt anger begin to bubble up. It was irrational. His XO didn’t know exactly what was on the stick, just that there was information on the Eagles—on Laney.

He couldn’t have known. Graden pressed his fist to his brow, teeth grinding. “Damn. Damn!”

He suppressed the urge to fling the tablet across the room, though barely. Instead he pounded a fist against the edge of the table, splitting a knuckle. He growled quietly and slumped back in his chair, staring out the window. This room overlooked the gardens in the governor’s palace, brown and dead at the trailing edge of winter.

“I always thought she was probably dead,” he muttered to nobody. “But there was always just this little part of me that dared to hope that she wasn’t.” He pounded his fist against the table again.

Maybe there’s something about them escaping in a later report. That wasn’t the last file flagged, was it? He forced his attention back to the tablet. His hands felt like leaden weights as he scrolled through the files. It felt like an eternity before he found the next file Arlan had flagged for him.

Graden closed his eyes as he tapped the file open, heart feeling like a ball of ice in his chest. The Arm was supposed to be a fucking safe assignment. All the fighting was going on elsewhere. I got her that assignment. I should have taken it myself.

Why? So she could stay at Mialos and die with everyone else?

He barely stopped himself from punching the table again.

Words glowed at him on the tablet’s screen as he opened his eyes. His hands squeezed into fists, blood flowing freely from his split knuckle. He ignored it.

--have not located the bodies of twenty-three members of the fifty-second Eagles, including commanding officer Maj. E. E. Harris. Unconfirmed reports have at least twelve, including Harris, were captured by rogue officer Maj. Travis Delmarco and transported elsewhere in the Arm. We are working to confirm these reports and will advise ASAP.

“Bastards.” The word hissed out before he was conscious of saying it. Damn them all. Damn them.

He started searching for the next file. The news didn’t get any better from there.

Command, be advised we have confirmed that the following eighteen members of the fifty-second Eagles have been captured by the rebellious House Delmarco and are presumed deceased en route to Corvaris.

Her name was at the top of the list.

This time, he did throw the tablet against the wall.

He left it in shards on the floor as he stormed out of the room, down the corridor and the stairs, bellowing at the top of his lungs. “Commander Byers!”

Three shouts later, Arlan materialized, looking slightly overwrought himself. “General?”

“How long before we’re refueled?” Graden demanded.

Arlan rocked back against his heels, blinking rapidly. “I—what?”

“How long before we’re refueled?” Graden asked again, the words grating through a set jaw and gritted teeth. “When can we ship out for Talrena?”

“I was just explaining to Star-Lord Camden tha—”

“Forget it,” Graden snapped. “We leave as soon as we’re fueled. Recall everyone. Leave the wounded and a skeleton garrison here. They can catch up with us once the Star-Lord’s occupation forces arrive.” He started walking, heading toward the doors out of the godforsaken manse and into the weak winter sunshine. Arlan had to scramble to keep up.

“Mike, what’s wrong?”

“They killed her, Ar. That’s what’s wrong. Now they have to pay.”

Like what you saw here?  Consider becoming a patron on Patreon!

[gossipnetwork-blog]

The Disappearance of Maura Murray: Everything You Need to Know About the Baffling Unsolved Case

New Post has been published on http://gossip.network/the-disappearance-of-maura-murray-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-baffling-unsolved-case/

The Disappearance of Maura Murray: Everything You Need to Know About the Baffling Unsolved Case

On Feb. 9, 2004, Maura Murray vanished without a trace.

The 21-year-old nursing student emailed her supervisor and professors at the University of Massachusetts Amherst to inform them there had been a death in her family and she would be missing work and class. She emailed her boyfriend: “I love you more stud. I got your messages, but honestly, i didn’t feel like talking to much of anyone, i promise to call today though. love you, Maura.” She packed a bag, withdrew $280 from an ATM, bought $40 worth of alcohol and hit the road. Her last known call was to check her voice mail at 4:37 p.m.

It was a cold, snowy night and, between 7 and 7:30 p.m., Murray’s black 1996 Saturn skidded off the road and hit a snowbank off of Route 112 in Haverhill, N.H. She was about 140 miles away from where she’d started her journey. A passing school bus driver asked if she needed help. Murray said no, AAA was on the way. The man, who lived nearby, called 911 anyway, knowing full well there was no cell phone service in the area.

Murray wore jeans and a dark coat and was carrying a black backpack. That’s the last anyone saw of her.

Police arrived at the scene within 10 minutes. A box of Franzia wine—one of her liquor store purchases—had spilled in the car. Her textbooks were there, as was a MapQuest printout of directions to Burlington, Vt. There was no wallet, keys or cell phone.

There were also no apparent signs of a struggle and, with authorities at first suspecting she was a troubled kid who had wandered off to escape her issues, Murray’s family wasn’t informed that she was missing until 24 hours later. Moreover, an all-hands-on-deck search—dogs, helicopters, people combing the woods—didn’t begin until 36 hours after the crash. A search dog followed her trail for about 100 feet, then lost the scent. There weren’t even any footprints in the snow. Her credit cards remained unused. Two days after the accident, a Haverhill Police press release called Murray “possibly suicidal.”

For years afterward, her father, Fred Murray, went out every weekend walking that same road, searching for clues, trying to get a sense of what his daughter was doing, where she was going.

Because there had been no death in the family.

“She was in good spirits and had no worries or reason to run away from her life,” her dad told CNN in 2008. A $40,000 reward was still on offer at the time for any information leading to her whereabouts or the arrest of someone involved in her disappearance.

But the days leading up to Feb. 9, 2004, had been a mixed bag for Murray.

Some reports say she had recently gotten engaged to her boyfriend, Bill Rausch, a U.S. Army lieutenant who was stationed in Fort Still, Okla. They had met at West Point, where Murray was a cadet for two years before transferring to UMass. She had reportedly secured a summer nursing job in Oklahoma for the upcoming summer. She was on the dean’s list and worked part time as a security guard at an art gallery. In high school she was a star athlete on the basketball and track teams. Those close to her said she had no history of mental illness.

Four days before she disappeared, she left the gallery early after receiving a phone call from her sister and becoming visibly upset. Fred Murray said his other daughter told him she had called Maura to talk about a “monstrous” fight she’d had with her own boyfriend, but he didn’t think that would have distressed Maura so much.

Two nights before she went missing, on Feb. 7, Murray had dinner with her father in Amherst and late that night, or technically 3:30 a.m. Sunday morning, while driving back from a campus party she caused $10,000 worth of damage to her dad’s new Toyota Corolla when she hit a guardrail.

A New Hampshire State Police officer told a local news station that they found a note to Rausch in Murray’s Kennedy Hall dorm room, where she had also boxed up her belongings before she left. The note indicated they were having problems as a couple, he said.

Maura’s mom, Laurie Murray, and Billy’s mother, Sharon Rausch, later told the Massachusetts Daily Collegian, the university paper, that the couple had had problems back in 2002 but patched things up and everything had been great since. Moreover, Sharon told the paper in January 2005, her son had gone to Maura’s dorm room upon his arrival in town and found no recent notes written to him. “There is no note,” she said.

What was actually atop the boxes, according to James Renner, author of True Crime Addict: How I Lost Myself in the Disappearance of Maura Murray, was a printout of an email Rausch had sent to Murray that was part of a thread about Bill apparently seeing another woman.

Meanwhile, Rausch got a leave of absence from the Army and took off for New England after learning Murray was missing, joining the search and driving across New Hampshire and Vermont stopping at police, bus and gas stations asking if they’d seen his girlfriend. Friends and family put up missing posters and called local news outlets to get the word out. “Obviously, we’re hoping for the best,” Rausch told the Boston Globe at the time. “If I just got some news, although I guess no news is good news.” Noting the spilled wine, he speculated that, while he never knew Murray to drink and drive, maybe she fled the scene out of fear she had broken the law.

Days later he told CNN’s Soledad O’Brien that he got a voice mail from Murray while he was en route from Oklahoma.

“I could hear only breathing and then towards the end of the voice mail, I heard what was apparent to be crying and then a whimper, which I’m certain was Maura,” he said. The number the person called from turned out to be a prepaid calling card.

No one who spoke to authorities about Murray seemed to know why she was upset the day she left work early, or what she wanted to talk to Rausch about. Renner, who was working as a freelance journalist when he started devoting himself full-time to the case in 2010, also reported that Maura used a stolen credit card number to charge $79.02 worth of pizza deliveries to her dorm, and three months before she disappeared, police gave her a warning to stay out of more trouble or else face charges. Renner was of the belief that Maura was still alive.

And now, with the 14-year anniversary of her disappearance fast approaching, Oxygen is revisiting the still baffling cold case with the six-episode series The Disappearance of Maura Murray, part of a new franchise that launched last month with the The Disappearance of Natalee Holloway. (The 18-year-old from Alabama disappeared on a post-graduation trip to Aruba in 2005 and her body was never found. The person authorities most suspect was involved, Joran Van Der Sloot, is in prison for murder in Peru. Human remains were discovered during a more recent 18-month investigation that was chronicled on the show, and DNA testing was underway when it premiered to try to determine if they belonged to the missing teen, whom her father had declared legally dead in 2012 so he could access money he had locked away for his daughter’s college fund to pay tuition for Natalee’s brother.)

The Maura Murray case also remains very much open, her father and siblings having never given up hope that, even if Maura is gone, they can still get answers and perhaps even justice. Maura’s mom, Laurie Murray, died of cancer on May 4, 2009—her missing daughter’s birthday.

AP Photo/Jim Cole

“I wake up. It takes just a few seconds and then it crosses my mind,” Fred Murray, who never retired because working helps him focus on something else besides Maura’s disappearance, told the Boston Globe in February. “I’m aware. It hits me. It’s a constant pall. To tell you the truth, it really isn’t any better than it ever was.”

“And there’s no answers,” sister Julie Murray told the Globe. “There’s that constant churning of your brain like: Well, what if this happened? Or: What if that happened? There are not a lot of answers. Was the timing absolutely perfect for someone to be there on the spot and snatch her up and do something bad to her? What are the chances of that? So I try to weigh that with reality and common sense.”

Added her brother, also named Fred, “There’s so many things that could have happened. It’s going to take someone coming forward with a piece of information to solve it and it’s probably something simple. The likely scenario is that she got picked up by someone. Maura is very smart but she’s not street smart. She grew up in Hanson, Mass.”

“My dad’s 74. I don’t want much more time to elapse without him knowing something,” Julie also said. “I want some answers for my dad’s sake. Somebody knows something. Somebody doesn’t just disappear literally without a trace. This case and my sister are in his every waking thought. It never leaves him. Thirteen years is long enough. We need some answers.”

Journalist and public radio producer Maggie Freleng—who was a journalism student at UMass when Maura went missing—is the one spearheading the deep dive into the Murray case on The Disappearance of Maura Murray. The case is also the subject of the Missing Maura Murray podcast, which, according to hosts Lance Reenstierna and Tim Pilleri, has been downloaded more than 8 million times since it began in July 2015.

Reenstierna and Pilleri joined Freleng in her search for answers, which included walking the woods near the crash site in New Hampshire to personally look for clues. On the series’ premiere episode, talking to retired U.S. Marshal Art Roderick, who knows Fred Murray and the ins and outs of the case, Freleng was told that question No. 1 was, What was Maura doing on that road on Feb. 9, 2004? Answer that, and the rest of the puzzle pieces may just fall into place.

But years before Freleng and Oxygen got involved, Maura’s disappearance had long since been a case for more than just the police—thanks to the Internet.

According to Boston magazine, a second cousin of Maura’s started MauraMurray.com in November 2004, armchair detectives from WebSleuths.com got involved in February 2005 and by 2007 there were Facebook and MySpace pages dedicated to the case. In summer 2013, a young Massachusetts attorney launched the website Not Without Peril, named after a book about the dangers of hiking the New Hampshire woods that was found in Murray’s car.

Murray also happened to have disappeared the same week that Facebook (or “The Facebook,” as Mark Zuckerberg first called it) launched at Harvard; soon after, the service arrived at other Boston-area colleges, branched out to the entire Ivy League and then ended up at pretty much every U.S. university. Even though it was a student-only social media network until September 2006, Internet message boards provided more than enough of a platform for those who had theories about what happened to Maura Murray: the police were covering up their own botched investigation, her family wasn’t telling the whole truth, Maura was cheating on her boyfriend, was mixed up with drugs, was suicidal, was picked up after the crash and OD’d at a party… the list went on.

Questions remained about why it took police so long to start searching for Maura. Fred Murray drove to Haverhill immediately after getting the call, relieved at first that a state trooper was on the scene in addition to the local cops, but when he got there, “evidently, they had not done anything,” he told the Caledonian Record in 2009. “My first question was, ‘You had an officer at the scene. What did your guy say?’ Five years later I have the same question. He was the best chance Maura had. Why can’t they say?”

In the months following Maura’s disappearance, Fred wrote to the New Hampshire governor’s office, pleading for his assistance in urging the State Police to accept help from the FBI. He said he never heard back and in the meantime had filed a Freedom of Information Act so that he could see what authorities were doing about his daughter’s case. He told the Daily Collegian in January 2005 that he would even hang out in local bars, hoping to overhear any snippet of info in case anyone was talking about Maura.

He enlisted a team of private investigators and they too had a falling out over disagreements about the way information was being shared, or not shared, but the PIs continued to work the case on their own.

Fred alleged that the police refused to properly investigate the possibility that Maura had been abducted. “There’s a bad guy on their turf in their backyard,” he said. “The skunk is on their doorstep.”

Authorities didn’t want to badmouth a grieving father, but they became frustrated by Fred Murray’s continued insistence that they screwed up the investigation and haven’t done their due diligence over the years.

“Fred has been a difficult person to deal with from the beginning,” Jeff Strelzin, chief of the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office homicide unit, told Boston magazine in 2014. “I understand a lot of where he is coming from, but I feel his anger is misplaced.”

Strelzin said he didn’t mind the case’s massive Internet following, so long as the conspiracy theorists or the earnest amateur sleuths didn’t actually interfere with the investigation.

A decade ago, police probed a possible link between Maura’s disappearance and that of 17-year-old Brianna Maitland—like Murray a pretty, young brunette—who was last seen in Montgomery, Vt., on March 19, 2004. Maitland had clocked out of her job at 11:20 p.m. and less than two hours later, her abandoned car was found backed into the side of an empty farmhouse, the headlights still on.

In May 2004, Vermont State Police Lt. Thomas Nelson said in a statement, “We have looked at [the possible connection] and talked with the New Hampshire State Police about both cases. We have not found anything that connects the cases in any way.”

Police also shot down speculation that the missing girls may have fallen prey to a serial killer. But the Maitland and Murray families shared similar grievances about how the cops were working their respective cases.

AP Photo/Jon-Pierre Lasseigne

“Just because there isn’t any evidence is not a reason to close the door on that theory, or any other,” Brianna’s father, Bruce Maitland, told World Net Daily in 2006. “If you look at the vital statistics on all of these missing women, you’d see right away that most are startlingly similar. If none are related, then that means there are a good 100, or so, individual murderers out there roaming about free to do anything they want.”

Similar to Fred Murray’s outrage when local police publicly claimed that Maura was possibly suicidal, Maitland’s friends and family were incensed by Lt. Nelson’s assertion at a press conference that Brianna had gotten involved in the local rural drug culture and “made unhealthy lifestyle choices in her life prior to her disappearance.”

“Nelson’s statement in my view was an exercise in character assassination,” Bruce Maitland told WND. “It was a calculated effort to paint my daughter out as a bad person that got what she deserved. It was an effort to draw the heat away from the police. It made me sick to hear it. No teenager deserves to be portrayed that way by a public servant, especially when they are missing and nobody knows the facts or their fate.” 

Brianna Maitland has never been found, either. The unsolved case has been featured on Dateline and on the Discovery (and now Discovery ID) series Disappeared.

At the same press conference where Nelson made those comments, New Hampshire State Police Lt. John Scarinza said about Maura Murray, “What’s also clear is she did not want to tell any of her family what her intentions were. And she did not tell any of her friends.”

“It does not matter why she left or if she told anybody about it,” Fred Murray also told World News Daily. “She had an accident and this presented her with a completely different set of circumstances, any other plans went out the window. I believe that my daughter would be home safe and sound right now if the police had not ignored the case until it was way too late. They would have known where she was heading if they had bothered to check the last phone call she made three hours before she left Amherst. I told the police where she was going two days after the accident but they didn’t check that either. The police failed to follow their own procedures and are now striving to prevent this from coming to light. Maura probably did get a ride with one or more of the area’s multitudinous sex offenders who law enforcement can’t catch because they waited too long to get started.”

On The Disappearance of Maura Murray, premiering tonight on Oxygen, podcasters Reenstierna and Pilleri told Maggie Freleng that the Murray family wouldn’t speak to them when they tried to get in touch “because of the James Renner factor.”

Fred Murray wouldn’t speak to Renner for his book, and Renner has been of the opinion that Fred hasn’t shared everything he knows about his daughter’s disappearance. Reenstierna and Pilleri had Renner on their podcast. 

But despite his reluctance to work with certain people, Fred Murray hasn’t given up his search, nor does he crave justice for Maura any less than he did 13 years ago.

“The case has to stay alive,” he told the Globe in February. “That’s the only hope I have. I can’t help Maura now. The only thing I can do for Maura is to grab the dirt bag who grabbed her. That’s all I can do. I must find her and bring her home.”

The Disappearance of Maura Murray airs at 7 & 9 p.m. on Oxygen.

(E! and Oxygen are both members of the NBCUniversal family.)

Source link