#hug the boy caleb never let him go

[sea-buns]

Essek willingly leading a group of complete strangers down into Aeor, and trusting them with his true identity, AND telling them little factoids about him and his partner is already SO MUCH

But he also did it all KNOWING he'd likely encounter Ludinus for the first time since he gave up a beacon and became a traitor all those years ago. And, again, WITH TOTAL STRANGERS. FULLY absent of the comfort of his wonderful partner

I'm so proud our anxious hot boi look how far he's come ;-;

[promptedwordsmith]

I have a request my birthday is on March 3 so can you write something with the LDS boys?!?

Hi, thanks for the ask! I wasn't sure what you wanted me to write since I've already done a birthday post so I hope you don't mind what I chose instead! Happy birthday!!

(ps I also gave Caleb a shot as an extra treat I hope that's OK!)

LADS guys when you get injured

Rafayel:

Is furious but he’s not sure at who, you? The wanderer? Himself? He can’t believe it happened, it could have been so much worse, you could have died and what was he doing? Painting peacefully in his studio.

Is very clingy for the next few weeks, appearing at your door to make sure you’re taking care of yourself, and that’s after you had convinced him to not just sleep at your apartment.

When the doctor declares you fit to go back to work Rafayel refuses and makes you go for a second opinion, claiming the first is delusional, claiming you still had a slight limp and if you limped on the battlefield it could get you killed.

Claims he needs to nurse you back to health and he doesn’t tease you as much, he’s quite serious actually.

Tries to make you foods that are good for healing, three meals a day and thinks you don’t notice when he slips out to call the nutritionist he hired and collect the food from the chef.

Xavier:

Everything considered, he would give you the silent treatment while tenderly taking care of you, he’s supposed to be your partner at work and outside of work so why were you out there without him? If he had been there the wanderer wouldn’t have had even the slightest chance of hurting you like it did.

He’s constantly thinking about what could have happened and is more driven than ever to be there when you needed him.

When he did start talking to you again, he made sure to drill into your head how it made him feel for you to not even think of getting his help, that he understood you were strong and capable but that he was always available, he knows he could have made a difference and it’s never too safe to bring back up.

Makes sure you go to doctors’ appointments; he may not take proper care of himself, but everything be damned before he let you work yourself to death with this injury.

 Tries to make you food but quickly learns if he wants you to be stationary and comfortable, he should not even approach the kitchen, opting to order the healthiest takeaways he can, sulking a bit you don’t trust him with the oven.

Zayne:

As your doctor he’s startled when you appear with a large injury, but he’s instantly more comfortable when he finds its mainly just superficial, doesn’t stop him from lecturing you about how you could let that happen.

Makes you go through every test he can justify you getting to check there’s no poison or corruption or anything that could risk your life in anyway and pays special attention to your heart.

He’s now more concerned for your safety, especially about if this is going to be more common and starts researching wanderers and whether they were getting stronger or smarter to cause this, start keeping up with any news on wanderer evolution.

Schedules a few more appointments for you than is really necessary but since its large he justifies it as a higher chance of infection because of its location, even though he’s busy he just extends his working hours to see you in a professional capacity or if he can’t do that because of working laws he’ll come see you as soon as his shifts are over to check on it.

When he’s sure you’re healed he reluctantly signs you fit for duty and gives you a stern lecture about avoiding those types of injuries in the future.

Caleb:

Doesn't hear about it for a while because he's occupied by his job, but the second he does he's desperately calling you and texting you, all while booking time off, a flight back and buying you get well soon gifts.

As soon as he's home, he's giving you a big hug asking how you are, what happened, "what does the other guy look like?" in a teasing tone.

Promises he's sticking around for at least a week, preferably until you're feeling better though, and makes you all your favourite food while he's there, insisting you stay at your grandma's while you recover so they can both dote on you.

Let's you talk his ear off, spends the whole time reminiscing with you and doing things you did together when you were younger, just being more careful with you of course.

When you eel better and before he leaves he makes you promise not to get hurt again any time soon, and makes sure you know he'll tease you like crazy if you do, ruffling your hair before he goes.

[eljeebee]

An old thing

Vladislaus stared at the painting.

He was deep in his paperwork when Caleb barged in his office with a package in his arm, and a letter in his other hand. He thanked him before the Vatore left his office.

He opened the letter first. It wrote,

Overlord Straud, Lana wanted to write this letter to you, but I knew she would write unpleasant things instead. I forced her to give the pen and paper to me. Anyway, we made a dedicated team tasked to search for our old belongings. Some would be kept by either of us, while the rest would be put up for auction. The team was able to retrieve this painting. Lana wanted to keep this for herself, but Lenora and I thought it would be best to give it to you instead. After all, this is your family. I promised you. We’re giving this to you free of charge. Please take good care of it. Regards, Valentina Asvang

He remembered taking a deep breath. He remembered his fingers twitching when taking the package from one of the armchairs Caleb had left it on. He remembered slowly going up the stairs, and he remembered taking it to his room.

Then, he took it out of its huge box. An old thing.

He hung the old thing outside his room, on that blank space on the wall.

And then he stared at the painting. The music coming out of Caleb and Helen’s room faded as his vision tunneled towards the painting.

This old thing…

His trance was broken when Helen stepped out of her room. He took a quick glance at her; she smiled. He smiled back, before turning his attention to the painting.

Helen stood beside him, curious about the thing he was looking at.

“Hey, that’s you, Dad,” Helen said, pointing.

Vladislaus chuckled. “Yes, that’s me.”

“Who are they?” Helen asked. She gestured at the woman in red, and the boy beside her.

Vladislaus glanced at her. How would she react?

“The boy looks like you,” Helen noted.

“Indeed, he is,” he replied, “he has her mother’s eyes, however.”

“Yeah, I can see that…” Helen nodded. “Mother, huh? Hmm. Is she your wife?”

It took him a moment to reply. “She is.”

“And that would make the boy your son,” Helen deduced.

He nodded. “That would make Hugo your older brother, my child.”

“Would that make her my mother then?” Helen asked. Chuckling, “Just kidding. I know how I came to be. You picked me up in a random alleyway.”

Vladislaus shook his head, relieved that the memory they’d implanted still holds. “Yes. Mhm. But still, she would be a good mother to you.”

Helen nodded, “She’s beautiful. She…she looks familiar.”

“She’s the eldest sister of Lenora and Lana.”

“Woah, no shit?” Helen let out a laugh. “No way. How is she? Annoying like Lana? Nonchalant like Lenora?”

“Nothing like them,” Vladislaus smiled a little. “A queen. That’s what she is.”

They looked at it once more.

“Do you miss them, Dad?”

He didn’t answer at first. He continued, gazing at the painting.

“I do. I miss them, Helen. Especially Hugo. My son is her greatest gift for me.”

Helen hugged him. “Wherever they are, I know they miss you too. They love you, Dad. I love you.”

Vladislaus embraced her.

“What’s wrong boy?”

Hugo inhaled. “Hello, Lady Priestess…”

“You’re deep in thought,” she stood beside him, “what’s the matter?”

“It’s nothing,” Hugo grumbled.

“It’s not nothing. You’re thinking of your father, aren’t you?”

He sighed.

“I could see it; it’s written all over your face, my dear.”

“I miss him,” Hugo murmured.

“And you want to see him.”

He hummed.

“Not yet,” the Priestess said. “Not now. Too soon.”

“You always say that,” Hugo frowned. “When is now? When is it soon?”

“An old ally of your father is alive, Hugo. He must die before you reunite with the Overlord,” she said.

“Can’t we kill him? Can’t you?”

“We must let the actors play their roles,” the Priestess says. “I can do it in theory, but I vowed to Vladislaus never to step in. Remember who I was, Prince Hugo.”

“The Tiebreaker. The Vampire Hermit,” Hugo said. “You’ll only fight when you know it’s time.”

She nodded. “Now is not the time.”

Hugo sighed.

A beat of silence.

“Tell me one of your mage tales, please?”

She chuckled. “Come inside, then.”

[pollyna]

Tom is fifty-one when he enters a tattoo parlour for the first time. He says "Hello, I'm here to fix an appointment for a tattoo", showing the girl behind the desk two pictures of a robot. He walks out, ten minutes later, with $100 of deposit left behind and an appointment for two weeks from that moment.

(To be there at that time, he has to reschedule half of the meetings and the hirings that day so that his secretary looks at him like he lost his mind for the rest of the day.)

(At the tattoo patrol, Mindy signs the appointment as "Tom the hot dilf", Caleb laughs, "So you want this one?" and Mindy answers, "If you don't let me tattoo him, I'm going to make sure you're not available that day." All smiles and sunshine

(Mindy can be scary when she wants.)

It's Wednesday, and Tom is early, but what's new about that? Mindy is already waiting for him, a cup of coffee between her hands while she explains her ideas for the tattoos he showed her.

"What's the story behind this?" she asks, while she starts tracing the lines on Tom's body.

"I'm-" Tom starts before stopping once and then a second time.

"Sorry, I'm noisy. Don't feel like you have to share." She smiles, biting the inside of her cheek, trying not to blush too much.

"No, it's not a problem. I'm not very used to talking about this stuff with strangers," he answers a couple of seconds later, making a strange expression when the needles trace over a particularly sensitive area on his skin. "I'm in the Navy, and I'm gay. I thought that the Navy would have been my whole life, with nothing behind it, and if something was not surely the family I wanted, then something happened, and I got the whole package: a husband and baby. We were watching the iron giant when he presented me with the papers to legally become his dad. A little after that, he walked out our door, and I hadn't seen him for ten years. And now I'm in a position comfortable enough to get a tattoo because the only person who's going to ask me to strip when I'm at work is my doctor, and I know him for long enough; he won't rattle me out," he finishes, laughing softly. "I hope—I know getting inked won't solve the situation, but I hope my boy will like it whenever he sees it."

Mindy has to stop working to pick up a couple of tissues for Tom and herself.

"I'm sure he is going to love it."

"I really hope so; I really do."

(Mindy gives a brownie to Tom with all the instructions on how to take care of the tattoo, and she gets to give him a hug too, just before he walks out of the shop. When Tom hugs her back, she thinks the guy, whoever he is, must have been the luckiest son of a bitch because her dad never gave him such a food hug.

Three years later, a tall, curly guy walks in, followed by a man she is sure she has already seen somewhere.

"Tom!" She smiles. "It's unfair how you got even hotter since the last time I saw you," she says, all cheeky and smiley.

A man behind Tom, whom she hadn't noticed before, laughs. "Yeah, Tom, you get unfairly hot for sure," he says, looking at the man, batting his long eyelashes, and smiling all sweetly at him.

"Please, dads, not here too," the taller guy says, a hand already covering his face. "Can you guys stop flirting for two seconds? Please?"

"To be fair, I would flirt with him too, and even more openly, if he were my husband," Mindy answers. "So you're the kid?"

"Yeah," he says, a hand flying to his pocket. "I would like to take an appointment to have this tattooed."

He says this, showing her a drawing of a bolt.

"I have a spot now, if you want. One client cancelled their appointment yesterday."

The guy smiles at her before turning to the two men. "You don't have to stick around; I can take a cab home after."

"Nah, baby goose, we will get cosy on the couch and wait for you," the short man answers before taking Tom's hand in his and turning towards the couch.

"See you later, baby goose," Tom adds, a hand on his cheek. "We're going where you left us."

The guy smiles softly, almost a little lost. "I see you later than, papa."

The last thing Mindy sees before closing the door behind them is Tom kissing the other man's forehead while his hands rest over the place Mindy tattooed Tom years ago.

[writeonthrough]

Namy Nuggets (3/13)

A fanfic collection of Amy and Nathan scenes from CBC’s Heartland. (Catch up on the series here)

Nugget 3: Caleb and Nathan Talk

"Thanks for dinner, Lou!" Caleb calls out from the porch, holding the screen door open for Nathan and Amy.

"Thanks again," Nathan waves to Lou. "See you tomorrow."

Lou mirrors his simple gesture. "Bye, boys."

Once in the summer night air, Nathan takes a reflective deep breath, hoping to let go of the day's tension. He snaps back to the moment as Amy walks beside him, looping her arm through his.

He does a double take in surprise, looks at Caleb cautiously ahead of them, and then leans in closer. "Hey."

"Hey," Amy squeezes his arm. "I'm sorry about today. I should have told you where I was going and why—"

"You did. You told me you were doing a clinic."

Amy leans on his shoulder and looks up at him. He meets her gaze. "I didn't want to overcomplicate things. I didn't know how much to say."

Nathan stops walking and turns to face her. "You know you could have, right? If you wanted to."

"Yeah," she looks at him in awe. "I know. I would have—"

"Amy!" Caleb calls from his truck. "Do you have my cabin key? I think I forgot—"

"Yeah," she pulls the key from her back pocket and jingles it at him. Nathan chuckles. "You left it in Lyndy's room."

He walks back to them. "Well, I had to give her a kiss goodnight. I never see her anymore."

"Uh-huh," Amy drops the keys in Caleb's palm. "And whose fault is that?"

"Mine," Caleb's fingers curl around the keys and then scoops her into a hug. "All mine."

Nathan watches as Amy wraps her arms around him. She leans into Caleb for a quick moment before parting. "See you tomorrow."

Amy pivots from Caleb's truck to Nathan's, parked paralleled beside it. She steps towards him. Fighting the urge to reach for his hand, she tucks her hair behind her ear instead. "So, more cattle drive tomorrow morning and then we can still hang out afterward as planned?" Her reconfirmation statement felt more like a question than she would have liked.

"Yeah." Nathan notices her uncertainty and raises his hand to her shoulder. "Just as planned."

"Mm-kay," she smiles at him. "Goodnight."

His hand drops. "Goodnight, Amy," he whispers and watches her walk back to the house.

He turns back to find Caleb leaning against his truck, with a smirk on his face. Nathan freezes at the know-it-all sparkle in his expression.

Caleb speaks first. "I'm happy for you guys."

It takes a moment for Nathan to adjust himself. He situates himself against his own truck door, crossing his arms. "How did you—"

"Amy told me," Caleb clarifies. "On the way to the clinic."

Nathan nods in the information. He takes his time to speak. "We've been keeping it pretty quiet."

"Oh, I know. I'm not going to say anything," Caleb promises. "I think she just told me because I'm leaving after the cattle drive. We were just catching up."

Nathan recalls Caleb's morning declarations. "I guess I didn't realize you all were so close."

"Seventeen years is a long time…" Caleb nods slowly. "Listen…I never would have stood up to Tim like that if I knew there was a different dynamic in the room. I tend to speak before I think."

"That's okay," Nathan shifts from one foot to the other. "So…" Unsure how to start, he searches for words to convey the dozens of questions he had, but would not dare to ask. "Best friends with both Ty and Amy, huh?"

"Hmm," Caleb smiles to himself, lost in the memories. "I got lucky. Two of the best friends a guy could ask for." His words are met with silence, and Caleb kicks himself as he realizes the intent behind Nathan's question. "But you're not asking about me," he says, an apology appearing on his face.

Nathan waves him off with a half-smile. "No, you know what," he reaches for the truck door. "Maybe it's better that you don't say anything. I really don't know what to ask any—"

"He wanted her to be happy." Caleb jumps in, suddenly able to think fast. Nathan turns around, his interest piqued. "More than them being together. More than his own happiness. Ty was happy when Amy was happy and being herself and doing what she loved. He would sacrifice his happiness and their relationship if he didn't think she was happy."

Nathan shakes his head, still unsure what he wants to hear. "So, he puts Amy and her happiness before himself, sacrifices himself for her—all round great guy."

As if he didn't hear him, Caleb continued in the same reflective tone. Yet, he must have heard him, because suddenly, Caleb was answering the questions Nathan didn't even know he had. "Ty was jealous. There were times they weren't together, and even then, any guy that showed a hint of interest in her, he would go crazy on them. He was badass. He was restless. He couldn't stay still, always off on another adventure. He was overly protective. He was impulsive. He could be reckless. And those things were not a great combination, but his edges softened with time and with Amy. He was driven and passionate about what he did," Caleb paused, not sure of how much more to say. "Ty was a great guy, Nathan. Amy and Ty were great together. No one is going to tell you any differently," Caleb waited until Nathan looked at him to make sure he understood his point. "But they weren't perfect. They had their ups and downs. And since Amy's happiness really was the most important thing in the world to him, you don't need to worry about what kind of guy Ty was. It's more about making Amy happy." Caleb shrugs and pulls his truck keys from his pocket. "And she says you do. So—"

"She did?"

"Hmm," Caleb opens his truck door and then turns back to Nathan. "You don't know how lucky you are. Don't take that for granted."

"I won't. I don't plan to."

"You better not," Caleb warns. "If you hurt her, you're gonna be in big trouble—not just with me—but with Jack and Tim and Lou. Believe me."

"I know." Nathan takes his words as confirmation that he and Amy made the right decision in keeping their new relationship quiet. "If anything, I'm the one that's at risk for being hurt here."

Caleb steps into his truck. "Amy doesn't do that. She has a way of protecting people's hearts." He looks back at Nathan. "Even if things don't work out—she still finds a way to make everything right."

Nathan's forehead creases at Caleb's cryptic words. Before he can say anything, though, Caleb's truck lights beam through the darkness. As the truck backs up and turns towards the main road, Caleb raises a hand out the truck window as a farewell. "See you."

"Bye," Nathan nods back. He returns to his own truck, deep in thought. After one final glance towards the house, he follows Caleb out the driveway.

[huntersmoon1]

If the boys adopted pets.

•Xavier would have a cat that followed him home and refused to leave.

•Rafayel,well he already has a fish named Reddie (sp) so maybe,a bird of some kind or a dog.

(Edit) or some kind of sea creature.

•Zayne would have a dog,an abandoned great big gentle giant Great Dane or Great Dane mix that wanders into the hospital and starts to comfort kids.

-And she kinda becomes the hospital mascot after they realize she’s harmless and get her checked out and get her all her shots.

-And she sorta chooses Zayne as her owner (they say dogs choose their owners as much as cats do.).

-And whenever he has an ice attack whenever his evol starts to take over she gives him a neck hug wherever she can reach,his stomach if he’s sitting in his desk chair or his leg if he’s standing up.

-And even if that’s not happening she’ll often rest her head in his lap when he’s sitting at his desk. (This man needs love.)

(Edit.)

Ok because of this⬇️ he would have a cat and one dog maybe.

•Caleb a dog and a cat duo.

•Thomas a cat.(Rafayel never visits his house after he gets the cat even though she’s a sweet heart and is loving as a dog.) Maybe a dog too, a female Irish Wolfhound Great Dane mix (AKA Irish Dane or Wolfhound Dane) complete with big paws and long lanky legs she doesn’t know what to do with.

-He learned that she can jump a fence with ease and even climb over one if she really really wants to get out when someone tried to break into his house while she was outside and he was away.

-Most of the time she’s pretty calm,quiet,obedient,and well behaved but does have her hyper or excited moments.

-She’s pretty protective of him too.

-She’s his cuddle baby though.

-She does have a bit separation anxiety though,she doesn’t like it when he leaves for the day but is pretty chill while he’s gone cuz she knows when to expect him to come home.

-But as soon as he has his suitcase open on the bed ready to pack she sitting in it like she’s either saying “don’t go” or “me too!” or “take me with you!”.

-If it’s an over night trip or heaven forbid a week long trip god help the house sitter/dog sitter cuz big baby will cry so much,especially at night when she normally cuddles with Thomas aka daddy in his bed.

-Thomas puts a blanket he used for the last week in her crate since it has his scent on it and it makes it a little easier on her and she cries a little less.

-But when he comes home he better be prepared to be attacked with love in a way an only a dog that’s a big puppy could.

-Whenever he comes home after a long day especially if he had to deal with Rafayel,you can usually find him cuddling with his dog and his cat on the couch or the bed or heck even the floor.

I just like this breed. It’s one of my favorites.

•Greyson a fish.

•Sylus a cat or some kind of bird. He has Mephisto but he’s stated Mephisto hates being called a pet.

-Seriously I don’t know why he doesn’t have a pet cat he obviously loves cats and cats are pretty independent if he doesn’t feed it then it’ll go hunting if it’s let outside,assuming it was either a stray or feral cat first or it’s a half indoor cat half outdoor cat.

[fionajames]

war is over

A/N: HEY GUYS!!!! The lyrics in this are from Happy Xmas (War is Over) by John Lennon, Yoko Ono!!!! I recommend listening to the song as you read!!!! ENJOY, SEND REQUESTS!!!!!

(divider by @saradika-graphics)

And so this is Christmas (war is over)

Ahsoka felt the moment the war ended, she felt the flood of relief pouring from all the Clones and Jedi, an overwhelming sense of solace. She turned to Rex immediately, watching him step towards her. His face was contorted with realisation, and before she could realise, she was hugging him tightly with her face buried in the crook of his neck.

Anakin felt it too as he watched Mace pluck shards of glass from his frame. They raised their gazes and locked eyes, and neither could help the grin that covered their faces. Never had Anakin pictured hugging Mace Windu, but now here he was, hugging the man as they murmured the same words over and over. 

Obi-Wan felt it as the alcohol swabs stung his wounds, Cody by his side instantly. All of a sudden, the man’s lips were on his and he grinned widely, the relief and joy from the war ending puring from him and into the kiss.

And what have we done (if you want it)

The reunion was bittersweet, as when Ahsoka and Rex stepped off of the ship they were immediately greeted by Padme. She brought Ahsoka into a tearful hug, her brother standing loyally by her side. Rex was bewildered when Padme gave him a hug too, but embraced it with euphoria.

Obi-Wan ran to meet them, Cody by his side, the men hand in hand. Neither let go when Obi-Wan pulled Ahsoka into his chest, blubbering unintelligibly as he studied his sister. Rex was quickly tackled in a hug by Cody, the both of them sobbing in Mando’a. Padme was pulled into the Jedi and former Padawan’s hug for a minute, before a shout interrupted all of them.

Anakin was hurrying up to them, a large cut on his cheek from the shattered glass. He’d obviously come as soon as possible, as it was untreated. But that didn’t matter, as he pulled all five of them into a hug, kissing Padme freely.

Cody hoisted the not-so-small Ahsoka onto his shoulders as they cheered, surrounded by members of both the 501st and 212th. Many tears were shed as everyone celebrated. Kix managed to grab Anakin at one point to treat his wounds, struggling to do so as his General giddily forced him to dance.

Another year over (war is over)

None of them cared about the repercussions the Order would bring on them for Obi-Wan and Anakin as they continued on throughout the night. All of Coruscant was lit with celebrations, civilians flooding the streets as Clones and Jedi arrived.

Young Caleb Dume pulled his Master through a festival with overwhelming excitement, passing a gangly Cal Kestis as he was paraded around by his Clone Commander. 

The Jedi Temple was loud and bright for weeks, busy with partying and celebrations. Younglings pulled Jedi alike to play games, Padawans danced together, Knights laughed with each other and Masters cried of joy. Not a single minute since the end of the war was quiet.

Soon, the Order was changing its rules, with the persuasive word of none other than Mace Windu, who was getting along with Anakin like they were old buddies. 

Ahsoka moved into Padme’s apartment for the time being and was greeted every morning by Rex, who was crashing on the couch - refusing to take a bed. They were some of the first to meet the twins, and didn’t stop chattering about it for days. 

Cody snuck into Obi-Wan’s room and remained there, unbothered by the curious Jedi who would ask questions. Instead, he would give them glares. Unless they were Younglings or Padawans, who he had a special stash of sweets for.

And a new one just begun (now)

On a planet by the name of Lothal, a small baby boy bearing strange blue hair was born to a happy family, playing with the Force naturally. On Coruscant, Luke and Leia were born with their big grins and chubby faces. 

Anakin too lived in Padme’s house, cherishing his children and treating them as though they were made of glass. Ahsoka sang lullabies to them in her native language, educating Rex about Shili excitedly when he asked. 

The six members of their strange family flocked together almost every night, new traditions being created as their celebrations continued.

Ahsoka would grow to study and rebuild the Grey Jedi Order, educating millions of people in the ways of her forgotten Order.

Anakin would continue to love his children like nothing else, teaching them everything they needed to know, and generally being the best father he could.

Rex would go with Ahsoka, his best friend and sister. The two were never far apart, by each other's side as they travelled the galaxy.

Padme would stand by Bail Organa’s side as the new Chancellor, fighting for Clone rights and stability throughout the Republic.

Obi-Wan would eventually marry Cody on Stewjon, curiosity about his family getting the better of him. 

And Cody would never leave his husband’s side, a pocket full of sweets for the different children he met.

The Order grew to be better, the Republic strengthened, the Clones got their rights, and the galaxy was finally at peace.

Peace, at last.

A/N: I hope you enjoyed!!! Please send requests!!!!! I'm begging you!!!!

(taglist: @skellymom, @techs-goggles9902, dm me if you wish to be added or removed)

[maxverstappensflatbrim]

Show Me Yours | Matty Healy [29]

chapter twenty-nine, act four: somebody else

masterlist

little Author's note /TW before this act begins. There's going to be alot of talk of drug use and addiction within the chapters coming, if you're not comfortable with these kinds of things please don't read.

January 1st 2016

“Happy new year, babe.”

Caleb leans down to kiss her cheek, before she can answer or mutter the phrase back to him Denise is sweeping in to kiss her on both cheeks, “Happy new year, darling.”

Tommie grins, “Happy new year, Denise. Where’s the eldest?”

Denise shrugs, “Tommie, we both know I’ve never been able to control that boy.”

The pair look around the room, “He didn’t come?”

Denise shakes her head, “He’s with his girlfriend somewhere, doing things a mother really doesn’t want to know about.”

Tommie chuckles, eyes glancing towards the front door, “How’s Gabby?”

“She’s lovely, have you met her?”

She shakes her head, “Uh, I was in LA when he brought her round to meet everyone.”

“With Caleb?” Denise asks, smiling over her shoulder at the American.

“Yeah, he’s working on his first album with his band.”

“And how’s that going, dear?”

Caleb clears his throat, clutching the drink in his hand as he steps up closer to her, “Uh, pretty good, yeah, we’ve got a few songs done now. Decided we’re going to use the two most popular ones from the EP, too.”

Denise turns back to Tommie then, quickly bored with the American’s voice, “And how’s LA treating you?”

Tommie frowns a little, waiting for Caleb to get distracted talking to one of Matty’s cousins before answering, “I hate it.”

She frowns deeper and Denise wraps her arms around her, “Oh, darling.”

“I want to come home.”

Denise holds her tighter, “You’re welcome back here as much as you want, you know that.”

Tommie closes her eyes, enjoying the warmth of her arms. Tommie wasn’t used to warm hugs until she started coming to Manchester more often. Shewasn’t used to being mothered until she met Denise either.

Denise pulls back to smooth out her hair, the dye is fading, blonde reaching her shoulders and her natural colour back at the top.

“Caleb’s whole life is in LA, and with Matty wanting to finish the last bits of the album out there I’m stuck.”

“Tell Matty to shove it where the sun don’t-”

“Hey, what did I do now?”

Suddenly a pair of arms are wrapping around the two women, a third head being placed on top of Tommie’s.

“Well, you’re late for starters.” Denise says, pushing his head away from Tommie to give her some space, “You missed the countdown.”

“Yeah, sorry mum, we were on our way back from London.”

“We?” Tommie asks.

Matty’s smile brightens a little as he nods and moves aside, one arm outstretched, “This is Gabby.”

“Tommie,” The woman introduced as Gabby says her name like they’re long lost childhood bestfriends, it’s so sweet, so comforting, Tommie can’t hide the smile that automatically fills her face, “I feel like I’ve known you years with the way Matty talks about you.”

Matty grins as the pair share a quick embrace, wiggling his eyebrows at Tommie over his girlfriend’s shoulder.

“It’s lovely to meet you.”

Gabby grips both her hands pulling her towards the kitchen, “Let's get a drink and talk. I want to know about you, not the Tommie he’s put in my head.”

Tommie smiles, getting pushed by Matty to follow after her.

Denise is eyeing her son who frowns, “What?”

“Nothing.”

“Tell me, mum, what?”

“You think that’s a good idea?”

“What?”

Denise shrugs, “Leaving your girlfriend alone with the woman you’re in love with.”

Matty scoffs, “With herself?”

“Don’t play stupid, Matthew, we both know you aren’t.”

Matty shrugs, scratching at his arm, “Gabby’s nice.”

“She is, which is why it isn’t fair-”

“If Tommie could love someone else I'm sure I’ll be able to too.”

“You can love Gabby, I know you can,” She says, fondly placing a hand on his cheek, “But you’ll never be able to love another like you do our Tommie.”

She pats his cheek and he watches her walk away, muttering to himself how being in love and attracted to someone aren't the same thing.

⋆｡ ﾟ☁︎｡ ⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ

February 27th 2016

“Don’t…. No…. don’t wake….”

Tommy yawns, eyes squinting at the light coming in through the curtains and looks around, “G?”

George moves quickly, brushing her hair out of her face as she tries to spit it out, “Go back to sleep, Tom.”

“No, ‘m not tired now…”

She feels the bed dip beside her, “Have a few more hours, babe…” Caleb says gently, hand brushing up and down her arm, “Big night last night.”

She nods, “Okay… wake me for pizza.”

Caleb smiles leaning down to kiss her cheek before following George outside.

“Keep an eye on her.”

“George, what’s going on?”

“Nothing  you need to worry about, alright? Just, make sure you keep an eye on her, don’t let her ring Matty… or Ross…”

“What?”

He calls after the drummer but he ignores him, “George, hey…”

Before he gets out the door Caleb catches his arm spinning him quickly, “What the hell is going on?”

“Keep an eye on your girlfriend.”

That's what he leaves him with, meeting Adam at the end of the hallway, he’s on the phone with a panicked Ross who’s muttering something about Matty.

“Shit.” George says when the lift won’t move them any faster down the single two floors separating them and Ross.

Adam’s the first down the hallway, going into the room left open with a shoe finding Ross sat on the bed, phone still in hand.

He shakes his head gesturing to the bathroom door and George leans against it, knocking it with his knuckles, “Matty?”

“Go away.”

“Come on, Matty, let us in.”

“Is Hann out there?”

Adam moves towards the door, leaning his side against it and speaking to him softly, “Yeah, I’m here.”

“Then no!” He yells back, “You’ll shout at me.”

Adam sighs, “I won’t, Matt, promise just open the door please.”

It's silent, they hear him move towards the door, his feet dragging before he slides his back down it. There’s a soft thud as his head falls back to meet the wood, “Tom?”

“She’s upstairs, in bed.”

The lock clicks, George pushes Adam back, muttering for him to wait as he goes inside.

The room is filled with bottles, packets of the stupid white substance they’ve been trying to tell him to quit since the second album came out. Some other drugs lay around, some George doesn’t even recognize. 

“What are you doing?” George asks, kneeling beside Matty who leans back against the wall beside the door.

He’s shirtless, yesterday's black skinny jeans on, legs brought to his chest as he shivers. His fluffy hair is soaking wet, sticking to his forehead and George pushes it back to see him better.

“I don’t know…”

“Thought you said you’d quit once the album was out.”

“I did.” He says sitting up and rubbing his nose with the back of his hand, “I tried.” He corrects, “Then, guy who used to deal to me came last night, uninvited, I tried… George-” He takes a stuttering breath, “It’s so hard.”

“What is?”

He shrugs, “Being here, being there, everywhere, I- I can’t do it George. Can’t write, and sing, and perform, and watch them-”

George nods, sitting with his back against the door to let Matty fall into him, curling himself around his long arm, “Don’t tell Baby.”

“She doesn’t know… she hasn’t known.”

Matty nods, then crawls to the sink to pull himself up and stare in the mirror, “Tour starts soon…” He says mostly to himself, “I’ll stop then.”

“Then? Not now.”

“You know what I mean.” He says waving him away.

He opens the door, Ross and Adam perking up quickly, he moves past them to pick up his hoodie, pulling it on and drawing the strings closed as he grabs his keycard and leaves the room.

“Matty?”

“Matty where are you going?”

“Tom.”

Adam shakes his head, Ross is the first to reach him stopping him with a firm grip on his arm, “You want to let her see you like this? Want her to figure out what’s been going on? Why you’ve been so secretive lately?”

He shakes his head, “I just… I need her, Ross…”

Ross, the one who had found him that morning, screaming out the name of their youngest member while harshly kicking sheets from his body, takes pity on their singer.

He lets his wrist go watching him scurry away and stops Adam when he tries to follow.

“He was having a bad trip… not sure what it is but he was shouting- no, fucking screaming her name.”

George grimaces and Ross rolls his eyes, “Not like that gutter brain, more like… in pain.”

Matty considers knocking on her door head resting against it as he listens for any sign of movement. Then he decides against it and moves to the room next door, his room.

He uses his key card to get in, moving to the conjoining door and pushes it open quietly.

He climbs up into the bed, pausing when she sighs out, hand stretching across the bed.

“Matty?”

“Go back to sleep, baby.”

Her eyes flutter open to look over at him, “Hey.”

He instantly feels better, settling behind her, pulling her back until her body is moulded perfectly into the shape of his.

His hands travel up onto her stomach and she winces at the cold, “Why are you so cold?”

“Had a cold shower… hangover cure.”

She hums, hands coming down to lace over him, “Haven’t seen you in a while.” She says.

He buries his face in her hair, breathing in the familiar flowery scent as he relaxes into the pillows.

“Saw me yesterday.”

She shrugs, yawning and hiding it with the back of her hand, “Not really,” She comments, finger now tracing one of his tattoos, “You haven't been here.”

She moves her hand to tap his forehead awkwardly over her shoulder. He kisses her shoulder through her t-shirt and then closes his eyes.

“Can I sleep here? For a bit?”

“Caleb will be back soon.”

He shrugs, moving the duvet further over them, “He can join, can spoon me for all I care. I just need you right now.”

She nods, “You’ll always have me, Roddy.”

He closes his eyes, blocking out the nightmare he was having.

“Tom? Tom, Baby?”

He shakes the redhead violently, her whole body shaking with his hands on her shoulders, “Baby, come on? I promise, I’ll stop, just wake up, stop messin ‘round, come on Baby! Tom! Tommie! I’m sorry, I’ll stop, I’ll stop-”

taglist

@thereisaplaceintheheart, @indierockgirrl, @sofaritsalrightt, @julezs-bl0g, @eaglestar31, @sophinthealpss, @noacfemcel, @if-my-heart-bleeds, @befrwime, @fallingforel, @sexorchocolateorpillowsorclouds, @3terna15unshin3, @1975sophie1975, @thesocraticjunkiewannabe, @littlesoldierelleora

-let me know if you want to be added :)

[demigoddessqueens]

Can’t remember if I sent these to you yet. Y/N reader and CR bois of your choice

You got it! 🫡

This one, Figure of eight - Fjord

Underneath all that initial gruff, Fjord really does care about you. His eyes always follow the smallest direction you travel, even to the point Beau or Jester teasingly wave their hands in front of his eyes.

Playboy to a man - Scanlan

Goes without saying that the bard had his ways in the past but those started to shed away the longer he stuck around with you. Everything was routine with you, in a good way, and though Scanlan doesn’t say it much, it’s a fulfilled relief he feels to enjoy it.

The lovers that never were - Vax

The ravens that arrive to you are a constant reminder. At some point, you find out that everyone else is visited by ravens too. Sometimes you’ll find yourself talking to one of them just to see if one will respond back, and every day when you rise with the sun and fall with the moon, you still think he might be back with you.

My brave face - Mollymauk/Kingsley

Snark and flirtations are means to an end and to get what he wants. You see through the carefree attitude when the tiefling stands a little bit closer to you, always “happens” to check on you first after a battle, his tail whipping in your direction to pull you close.

You want her too, Distractions - Caleb

You bond with everyone so well, and he sees it. Their eyes follow you, the hugs always last a little bit longer every time, and Caleb doesn’t want to let you go. Sometimes he’s the tiniest bit envious of the attention that goes around. Before he gets too last in his thoughts or studies, you’re right there to pull him from falling too deep into his mind.

The other me - Percy

You had seen the worst come out of him, but you were understanding if it as well. Still, it haunts Percy that he was one to lash out at you when he started to lose control. He could never forgive himself if things had gotten worse, but your reassurances no matter how random are a gentle reminder he can forgive himself and still have you.

[invisibleraven]

Angst (cause these are SO good)

I- I don't believe you! There- there's no way they're gone..." || "Denial isn't going to bring them back, (Name)" - PeterPatterLina

“You got everything boss?”

Julie looked over her room-all the empty spaces, the overflowing boxes and suitcases by the door. Plus all the things she was leaving behind, second guessing her decisions for what felt like the millionth time.

“I think so, but if there’s anything I forgot you guys can always bring it to me,” she replied.

Reggie sent Luke a cheeky grin then. “I think she just implied we’re mailmen or something.”

“You could never do that job-dogs would hate you,” Luke joked.

“Plus the whole ghost thing,” Julie added, earning a rare scowl from her usually sunshiney boyfriend.

“You nervous?” Luke asked, fiddling with the zipper of the bag on her bed.

“Of course!” Julie replied. “But I’m excited too, college is going to be a brand new adventure.”

“And you’re sure you want us to come with you?” Reggie asked, eyes downcast as he played with the ends of his flannel.

“Positive,” she stated firmly. “I love you both, and I know you can’t go to college yourselves, so this will be the next best thing.”

Luke grinned, pulling Reggie into a hug. “Come on babe, like Jules would ever leave us.”

“She might if you don’t get your shoes off her bed,” Julie replied. Luke poofed to the couch, never losing his grin.

Later, after triple checking everything, Julie slipped into her bed for what felt like the last time, even though she knew she’d be back for Christmas. Luke and Reggie on either side of her, soft sleepy smiles all around.

Her dad had already said goodnight, and told the boys they were welcome to stay-he trusted them to be smart and safe. He supported their odd little relationship even if he didn’t always get it, and Julie loved that about him.

Though as much as she wanted to stay up all night, she eventually drifted off, her boys joining her soon after.

Only when Julie got up, she woke up alone.

The guys weren’t around anywhere she looked-the house, the yard, the studio. Where were they? She needed to go soon and she wanted to say goodbye to Alex before she did-he was staying here with Willie with promises of frequent visits.

“Willie!”

The skater ghost usually came if she called-she could see him, though not touch like she could her bandmates. As long as he wasn’t keeping the guests of the HGC happy, he usually appeared in moments. Today was no exception.

“Hey Ju Ju, sup? Thought you were headed off to college today?” He asked.

“I am but I can’t find the guys to say goodbye,” she explained.

Willie hummed, searching for the familiar feel of Alex, Luke, and Reggie that he could usually follow. Frowning when he came up empty. The last time he had felt that, the guys had been trapped at the club. But there's no way they could have gone there right?

He looked at Julie's worried face and his expression turned serious. "I think... I think we need to talk to Caleb."

Julie froze internally-Caleb had been a constant thorn in their side for ages now. She thought after she got rid of his mark he'd leave them alone, but that hadn't been the case. Scheme and plot after scheme and plot had him trying to take her ghosts away. Why had she assumed a long stretch of silence from him meant he was giving up?

Resolute, she summoned all her magic, all her love and grabbed a hold of Willie's skateboard-the only part of him she could touch, and even that took some strain. "Take me to him. And don't ask me if I'm sure."

Willie nodded, and concentrated on the club. He didn't like poofing Julie places; it wore him out, and made him vulnerable, but he also knew she was determined, so not to mess with her. The club shimmered into view, and once they were solid on it's grand staircase, Willie let himself collapse, giving Julie a weak smile. "I'll be alright. Go find out where our boys are."

Julie nodded, determined, and marched towards the large, imposing, sparkly figure on the floor. He spotted her immediately, giving her that shark's grin of his. "Why Miss Molina, always a pleasure."

"Can it Covington, where are my boys?" she demanded, hands on hips, face serious.

"I assure you I have no idea," Caleb replied. "You know I would love to gloat if I had them."

"You also love to lie," she snapped back. "So where are they?"

Caleb's smile faded then, eyes icy and hard. "I am a lot of things Miss Molina, a liar amongst them. But right now, I am telling you the truth-I don't have your friends. Nor do I know who does."

Julie deflated a little-she could tell he was telling her the truth-his stony contenance spoke to that. "Then where are they?"

Caleb hummed, looking her up and down. "Have you considered they might be... gone?"

"Gone?"

"Crossed over my dear, to whatever afterlife was supposed to await them," Caleb replied. "You knew it could-nay would happen some day correct?"

Julie froze at that-surely if they were going to cross over, they would have told her right? To say goodbye? "I- I don't believe you! There- there's no way they're gone..."

Caleb looked smug then, and somehow, completely unimpressed as well. "Denial isn't going to bring them back, Miss Molina. I suggest you adjust to your new reality-one without ghosts."

Julie collapsed on the floor, unable to keep herself up. So that was it? They were just gone? No goodbye?

No chance to get one last brotherly hug from Alex as he made a sarcastic quip?

No last lingering kiss from Luke and Reggie as they tried and failed not to cry to leave her with a watery smile?

No getting to tell them how much she loved them?

But that was usually the way of things-she had said goodbye to her mother, but still felt there had been so much to say when she passed. The first time, when those jolts had nearly done them in, she was sure that she wouldn't get to really wish the guys well. That had been half the reason she had went out to the garage, and ended up saving them.

She didn't think she would be able to save them this time.

The club melted away as she sobbed, finding herself back in her bedroom-a move of pity or annoyance from dealing with her from Caleb, she wasn't sure. She just knew that as her tears soaked her pillowcase, that her life was now all the emptier.

"Mija?" her dad asked from the doorway, "I know it' sad to go Julie, but you'll be back for Christmas, come on, we've got to get on the road."

Julie sniffled, nodding, letting herself move on pure automatic instinct-life didn't stop just because you were grieving. She gathered what things were left in her room, looking around one last time in vain, as if that would make the guys pop out in some sort of cruel prank.

But they never did.

"You got everything?" Ray asked as he shoved the last of the bags into the car. "Said all your goodbyes?"

Julie nodded numbly. "Let's go."

And didn't let him know that her shattered heart would never heal over the goodbyes she didn't get to say, and that the most important things she had planned to bring with her-would never get the chance to go.

A loss she would never recover from, and a regret that would haunt her for the rest of her life.

[wishfulstargazer]

Love Changes Everything

This is my third fic of four for the FanFic Library Discord Server's Valentine's Day 4X3 Challenge

Rating: Gen

Words: 830

Relationships: Alex Mercer & Julie Molina & Luke Patterson & Reggie Peters; Julie Molina/Luke Patterson; Alex Mercer/Willie

Series: Valentine's Day 2024

Summary: After playing the Orpheum, Julie and the Phantoms discover they can hug each other. One hug is never enough. Read here or on AO3...

“I love you guys,” Julie said, throwing her arms around Luke. He wrapped his around her, and they just stood like that for a moment, Reggie and Alex looking on. 

Suddenly Julie gasped and pulled back. “How can I feel you?” she asked her ghost crush, who was bathed in a rosy glow that seemed to have come out of nowhere.

Always before, she had failed whenever she tried to touch one of her dead bandmates. (Undead bandmates? No, she was pretty sure that was zombies or maybe vampires. Ghosts were the dead kind of dead.). Her hands would pass through them as if they were made of air. (Which they might actually be, come to think of it. What were ghosts made of? Something for her to Google later. C’mon Julie, focus, she told herself sternly.) 

“I– I don’t know,” Luke stuttered, looking as stunned as she did. He held out his shimmering pinkish arms as if he’d never seen them before, then cupped Julie’s face in his trembling hands, before taking her hand, just like they had both wanted to do so many times. Without letting go, he turned to Alex and Reggie. “I– I feel stronger,” he said in a tone of wonder.

Julie had a sudden idea. “Alex– Reggie, come,” she offered. They exchanged glances before coming over, clearly at least a little reluctant to come between the couple who had been only able to long for each other for so many weeks. Julie pulled them into the hug, not surprised when she was able to touch them as well. What’s one more small miracle, after all? 

A shining white light rose from the core of their group, dissipating above them as if blessing their little band. The trio of ghost boys exclaimed as they felt their strength renewed, and Julie joined them when the marks that had signaled Caleb’s control of their souls vanished from their newly solid skin.

It was the reserved Alex, of all people, who shyly asked if they could try that hug again, and his bandmates were only too happy to oblige. They jumped up and down in a circle of love, the boys continuing to glow with gorgeous light–sometimes the white of a central spotlight, sometimes the pink of the sky just before dawn. 

“Do– do you think we’re coming back to life?” Reggie asked hesitantly. 

“There no way to really test that without going out to see if other people can see and touch us,” Alex said. “It could just be a band thing, like with Julie being the only one that can see us when we’re not playing.” He paused for a moment. “I guess we could do that now, if you guys wanted…” He sounded reluctant, and Julie didn’t blame him a bit.

“Can I have you just to myself for a little while longer?” she asked, wrapping her arm even tighter around Alex’s waist. Nobody would ever replace her father or Carlos, but these guys were her family now, too. Closer, in some ways, because they shared her love for music. Desperately shy Alex, unbelievably sweet Reggie, and deeply passionate Luke–they had somehow become the part of herself that she had never known was missing. 

They couldn’t be her mother, and Julie would never stop missing Rose Molina, but they were hers, and she was theirs.

“All that can wait,” Luke agreed, smiling at each of them one by one. “Tonight is just for us, the band.”

“Agreed,” the other three voices all said at once. 

Reggie spoke up then. “I think, in honor of our band being able to hug, that we should introduce Julie to a Sunset Curve tradition– the cuddle pile!”

Julie giggled. “Really? A cuddle pile?”

“Hey, cuddle pile is serious business,” Reggie exclaimed. “It only happens on the most special of special band occasions, as well as movie nights, and is reserved for bandmates only.”

“And only in the studio,” Alex added. Then he got a thoughtful expression on his face. “Although maybe we could rethink the ‘bandmates only’ rule and let Willie in sometime.”

Luke grinned at his old friend. “There’s definitely room for Willie any place you want him, Alex,” he said slyly.

“Oh, shut up, Luke!”

Julie decided it was time to step in. “Well, as your new lead singer, I demand a cuddle pile!” 

“You got it, Julie!”

“Absolutely, Julie!”

“Your wish is our command!” 

Unwilling to let go of each other long enough to walk over to the black leather couch, the foursome awkwardly shuffled across the garage floor, until Luke gave the countdown.”Three-two–one, fall!” he called out, and they collapsed into a pile of arms and legs, wrinkling Alex’s gorgeous pink tuxedo, crushing Julie’s tulle skirt, and, from the sound of it, ripping Luke’s pants.

Nobody cared. They laughed, and bonked each other with pillows, and snuggled. Just four happy teenagers celebrating the night of their lives– and finding each other.

[poledancingdinos]

Hostile Territory - Chapter 15

Pairing: Captain Syverson x OFC (Leah Coleman)

Word count: 3.1K

Warnings: canon typical violence, injury

Catch up: Series Masterlist

Taglist: @amberangel112 @utterlyhopeful-fics @marantha​ @kebabgirl67 @littleone65 @omgkatinka @luclittlepond @elizabetharegina @enchantedbytomandhenry @narnianaos   @geralts-yenn @peaches1958 @avengersfan25 @sillyrabbit81 @summersong69 @identity2212 @liecastillo @lena-banena @mrsevans90 @confessionbrain-writings @eclecticfashionbookszipper @happydistraction @hannah9921 @valacircareads @toooldforobsessions

Masterlist

A/N: I know this is like ridiculously late and I really do appreciate you all being patient. Also, this turned out to be twice as long as planned so I'm just gonna split it in two and post both chapters at the same time.

Day 185

“Let’s get this done clean, gentleman. We do everything by the book. As long as we follow orders and stick to SOP, we’ll get LT’s boys back to their base and we’ll be off for some well deserved R&R.”

The energy as Sy spoke was unsettling. There was so much tension you could cut through it with a butter knife. Though they had briefed about the op over a week before, they had only just received the missing piece of intel that gave them the green light.

Nikiʼs men were nervous about executing a mission with the Special Forces and it had become well known around Warhorse that getting this mission wrapped up was the key to finally getting home.

Leah didn’t care about getting home or not, knowing she and Caleb wouldn’t get much time together because of his schedule, but she wanted this for the others. They deserved to see their families.

A reconnaissance team had ridden out two hours prior and upon confirmation that the target was indeed where they believed he was, the remaining vehicles in the convoy exited the gates.

Before Leah took her position at the turret, Niki pulled her around a corner, hugging her tightly.

“Stay safe, Killer.”

“You too.”

Niki pulled back, looking down at Leah.

“You like him don’t you? Sy, I mean.”

Leah’s face fell, her hands dropping from around Niki’s neck.

“Am I that obvious?”

“Only to me.” He pulled her back in for another hug. “Just don’t let your emotions distract you. Don’t let that be the reason you don’t make it home. Caleb needs you.”

Leah nodded against his chest, staying in his hold for just a moment longer before finally letting go and joining the boys while Niki made his way to run final checks on his men.

As far as ops went, this one was straight forward. Move in, capture the fuckers that had been messing with the army’s supply runs for months and have everyone back to base in time for happy hour.

If only things had been that simple.

If only they hadn’t walked straight into an ambush.

The building was uncharacteristically quiet as they entered. That should have been the first sign that something was wrong. These cells almost never operated from abandoned buildings. That was too suspicious. They much preferred having a dozen innocent women and children standing between themselves and the American forces.

The first bullet flew through the stairwell window, shattering it and coming all too close to penetrating Pat’s skull. Everyone scrambled for cover as a hailstorm of bullets fell down on them.

“Shit! Everybody get down!”

The teams were scattered across the three top floors and bullets soared across every single one of them.

The men dashed for cover, waiting for a lull before taking position at the window to return fire. That was when they realized their attackers had a sniper.

Connors cried out when the burning metal sank into his shoulder. Molson was on him in an instant, pulling him to the corner of the room where it was unlikely the bullets would be able to penetrate the stone making up the facade.

Nielsen’s voice echoed through the comms, “Watch out! They’ve got a sniper.”

They had already figured as much from the distinctive sound.

“Is anybody hit?” It was Sy who spoke this time.

“Echo-Four Charlie took one in the shoulder. We’re keeping pressure on it but it’s bleeding real bad.”

Sy cursed under his breath, firing off a few shots before quickly retreating to safety.

“Valkyrie, what the hell is going on up there?”

Niki was nearly frantic on the comms. From his unit’s position on the perimeter they didn’t have eyes on the building. Hopefully the two teams from Bravo at either end of the street had been able to take cover.

“It was a fucking ambush. We’re trapped inside and we’re strugglin’ to keep the foot-mobiles off because of the heavy sniper fire.”

“There’s no back way out,” Pepps added.

Leah hadn’t even thought to check, what with worrying about keeping her and her boys from getting shot.

They were alone on their floor, above all the other teams. It kept them safer from the attackers on the ground and in the opposite building but it made them most vulnerable to the snipper.

“Hell Hound, breach that building and find that goddamn sniper!”

“On it, Cap.”

It felt like an eternity went by before Leah heard Niki’s staticky voice again. It could have been thirty seconds just like it could have been thirty hours.

“Valkyrie this is Hell Hound Actual, we’ve located the building where the sniper fire is coming from but it’s too heavily guarded for us to enter. He’ll know we’re coming from a mile away and there are no other buildings that provide enough height for us to get a good long range shot, over.”

Leah frantically looked around the room. What she was looking for, she didn’t know until her eyes locked on some sort of air vent near the ceiling. She dug through her pockets until her hand wrapped around a small pocket knife.

“Raikes, get on your knees.”

“Now is not the time for you to finally succumb to my irresistible charm, Coleman.”

He kept his back to Leah as he fired at the men running through the streets below. Luckily Jer seemed to understand Leah’s plan and he darted towards her, dropping to his knees to slide past the window. He’d barely come to a stop before Leah had thrown her leg over his shoulders.

When Jer stood to full height, Leah used her knife to remove the screws holding the metal grill to the wall. Once it clattered to the ground, she struck the outside grill with the butt of her gun until the rusted metal fell out of place.

It wasn’t hard to find the sniper’s position through her scope. There was only one building that towered above all the others and it was straight ahead of them.

“Ask Hell Hound, how far from our position the sniper is,” she ordered, still looking through her scope.

Rohan repeated the question over the comms. 

“Almost one Klik.”

Leah tapped Jer’s helmet, signaling for him to let her down. Four worried stares locked onto her, waiting to hear the results of her unconventional recon.

“Valkyrie Actual this is One-Two,” she called, “I’ve glassed the building and the fifth floor is loaded with explosives. If a team comes up the street from the East and holds the foot-mobiles’ fire for long enough, I think I can make the whole thing blow.”

“Negative, One-Two, that sniper won’t let you sit in the window long enough to get a good shot. It’s too far away and ya ain’t got the right weapon.”

Leah released a frustrated groan. The odds may have been against her, but she was a damn good shot. Trying to hit the snipper would have been risky, but hitting an inanimate object twice that size was not nearly as hard. She had to at least try. If nothing else, a small explosion would cause a distraction that allowed them to push back the hostiles on the ground.

“Cap, I can make the shot. Sending Niki’s team in to take out the sniper is a fucking suicide mission.”

Sy didn’t have time to get jealous at the use of the Lieutenant’s nickname over the comms. He was too busy picturing Leah being taken out by that sniper or one of his buddies out on the street.

“Keep your fuckin’ head down, Coleman,” he growled.

Leah ground her teeth but did as she was ordered. It would do no good to hog the comms to argue with Sy.

“This is Hell Hound Actual,” Niki cut in, “we’ve found a building with roof access. If the sniper keeps his eye on his scope, we might be able to approach from behind and find a back way into that building, over.”

“Roger that, make sure you have a team ready to provide cover fire.”

At the rate things were going, they would run out of ammo long before they found a way to take out the sniper. Two more people had been hit just in the time it took for Niki to give them an update.

“We’ve made it into the neighboring building. Someone here speaks English and they say there is no secondary entry to the sniper’s building. They chose it well. They even cut off the ladder that should have led up there from the outside.”

The longer they were stuck there, the more it became obvious that their arrival had been anticipated. They’d planned for almost every detail except maybe to plant explosives in the building they were raiding. They must have let themselves be seen in the building by the recon team to confirm the location, then relocated across the street as they waited for the platoons to arrive.

“Cap, let me take the shot. I can sneak up to the roof and blow that fucker up, then provide cover fire while we egress.”

The silence really was deafening as she waited for Sy to respond. Something exploded in the distance while the sound of the enemy AKs continued to echo and bounce between the buildings. 

“Okay. Raikes, you be her spotter while the others provide cover. Don’t let anyone know you’re up there until you get my signal.”

Leah met the gaze of each of the men in turn, looking for any sign that they were not on board with the plan, but they all had matching expressions of resignation.

“We’re on it,” she responded when Benjie gave her a tight nod.

“Valkyrie Actual this is Hell Hound, if she blows up that building, all these civilians are at risk. Give us time to get them out the same way we came in then we can go out through the front while the team on the ground draws the fire from the East and box in the foot-mobiles.”

“Proceed. But when I give ya the order, ya get the fuck out. I don’t care if your pregnant girlfriend is still in there with an armful of puppies, you get your men out.”

“Roger that.”

Leah and the boys snuck up to the roof while one of the teams from the floor below carefully moved up the stairs to take over their position and avoid arousing suspicion. Luckily for them, the door to the roof opened towards the back of the building, allowing them to crawl into position without risking being seen from the rooftops across the street.

Ethan stretched out on his stomach beside Leah. Like her, he had a scope on his weapon which made him the best candidate to be her spotter.

“Valkyrie One-Two, in position.”

“Roger One-Two, keep your heads down and don’t let your scope flash until we have the diversion in place, over.”

“Valkyrie Two-Three in position and ready to execute on order, over.”

“Hell Hound, get the fuck out of there. On my signal, Two-Three will engage. One-One and Two-One will provide cover from the sniper and keep his head down until Coleman can take her shot. ”

As soon as Sy gave the order, Leah took her position and the world around her faded away. She was faintly aware of Ethan beside her but she blocked out everything but the feel of the wind on her cheek and the weapon in her hands.

She took her first shot, shattering the window and sending up a cloud of dust from where a few bullets lodged into the facade of the building.

“Up one, right one.”

She adjusted her aim, this time firing off more than just a few test rounds.

“On target.”

Ethan’s words were redundant as the fifth floor went up in flames.

There was a chain reaction as the first explosion set off another and another before the buildings came crumbling down onto itself. Like Niki predicted, the two neighboring buildings followed.

Everything moved at lightning speed after that. They escaped the building as quickly as possible, joining the teams on the ground to eliminate the last of their ambushers. They loaded into their vehicles, breaking into two groups. The teams with wounded men beelined out of the city limits while the others headed towards Niki’s unit.

“Where’s LT?” Leah asked when the vehicle slowed to a stop.

The men looked around at the bodies and piles of rubble scattered around the street but no one answered. Seeing that they were not ready to flee yet, the men exited their humvees, each team taking position to watch their sectors.

Static crackled over the comms as Niki’s second in command tried to reach him to no avail.

“Where the fuck is Lieutenant Stroubakis!” Sy barked.

“He was right behind us,” one man answered in a tentative voice.

The blood drained from Leah’s face. “He’s still inside?”

Her feet were moving before she could even realize what was happening but Sy’s firm voice made her freeze.

“Coleman, don’t you dare go in there! That is an order.”

She whipped around, gawping at her captain.

“You want us to just leave him in there?”

Sy’s face was annoyingly devoid of emotion as he fixed his gaze on hers.

“The building would have collapsed over him, and he’s not responding. He’s more than likely already gone. I’m not letting you go in there and get trapped with him if there’s a secondary implosion.”

“I’m not fucking leaving him there to rot!”

What if he was still breathing in there? What if he just needed someone to help him find his way out but his comms were dead? Or even if he was gone, his parents deserved to have a body to bury.

“You have your orders, Corporal. Now get back in line.”

Leah looked over the members of Niki’s team. Some of them looked like they wanted to argue as much as she did, others avoided her gaze entirely, but no one spoke up.

When she thought about him still inside, possibly unconscious and bleeding out, the only thought that went through her mind was that Niki had been there for her when she’d needed it. And she was going to return the favor.

“Fuck it.”

Leah bolted at a full sprint inside the building. Her team moved as though to follow her but Sy barked another round of orders and they were physically restrained before they could join Leah in the wreckage.

She choked on the dust, watching her footing as she moved up to the first floor where Niki was last seen. Though Niki had reported there being only civilian residents, Leah kept her weapon drawn just in case.

Her hope to find him alive was quickly fading until she noticed that there was another room partially obscured by a portion of collapsed ceiling. If she moved past it and there was a second collapse, it would leave them both trapped but the sound of a low groan caught her attention, making her push forward

“Niki!”

There was another groan but no words. She took the risk, climbing over the rubble rather than moving it to avoid dislodging any loose ceiling. That was where Niki came into view.

She ran, falling to her knees by his side.

“Niki, can you hear me?” His eyes flickered open for a moment but immediately fell shut again. There was a large boulder on his chest which she moved as carefully as she could.

She lifted his upper body into a seated position, squatting down to wrap both arms around his chest below his armpits. There was a high risk of him having a spine injury from the collapse and that moving him could potentially worsen it but if she left him to a certain death she would never forgive herself. She decided that she would rather be selfish and have him hate her while he spent the rest of his life in a wheelchair than know that she didn’t give him a chance to pull through.

She mustered all of her remaining strength and exited as quickly as she could. She owed Sy an apology. She’d second guessed him pulling her out when she’d gotten her concussion. Now the roles were basically reversed and she’d sooner jump into a pool of starving sharks than give up carrying Niki.

When she reached the stairs, she shifted the position to pick up Niki in a fireman’s carry. She began to stumble as she reached the bottom, her legs threatening to buckle out from under her but by that point, she was in view of the outside door.

As soon as her team saw her, they rushed to her side. Ethan, Rohan and Jer took Niki from her and Ben pulled her by his side to get her away from the building as fast as he could.

“Evac is five Mikes out, we need to get him at the rendez-vous point with Bravo.”

On the drive out of the city limits, Niki opened his eyes long enough to wiggle his toes, exert pressure with the ball of his foot and open and close both his hands. His team medic covered his cuts with gauze and got him as stable as possible before the chopper finally arrived to collect him and the three other critically injured men. Connors, having been hit first, had lost a lot of blood. His skin was unsettlingly gray as they loaded him into the chopper and he’d been unresponsive for way too long. Things weren’t looking good for him.

The convoy still wasn’t safe. They were only a few Kliks from the city limits and the green smoke they had used to mark their location for the chopper would just as easily guide their attackers straight to them but the men simply stood in place, watching the helicopter fade into the distance.

Leah didn’t realize Nielsen had come to stand beside her until he spoke.

“You did good, Coleman. If it hadn’t been for you, we would probably still be in there and Garrett would be in a body bag. You gave him a fighting chance.”

A few of the others spoke up, agreeing with Nielsen and congratulating her on a job well done. She couldn’t enjoy it though. The same action that may have saved Connors’ life could also have taken Niki’s, and if that turned out to be the case, she would never be able to forgive herself.

Chapter 16

[mossyscavern]

No one cares, no body knows.

_________________

“It’s alive!!” The man yelled, finally able to create life! Staring at his creation, Frankenstein vowed to teach his creation everything he had learned throughout his youth, even teach him things he never got taught in-

“Tom.” The dark brunette shrieked as he heard his name.

he looked up from the book he was reading and saw his twin standing in front of him. “Hi… you’re home early.” Tom said, slowly closing the book he was reading.

“Don’t worry, mama’s still at church with Benny, Caleb and Lilian.” Tim reassured, staring at the book Tom has in his lap as said twin sighed in relief. “What’s that you’re reading?” Tim questioned, sitting next to Tom.

“Nothing too special, just something papa gave me after he came back.” Tom answered showing Tim the book he was going to finish. “… what’s this one about?” Tim asked, generally curious about it.

“It’s about this scientist who wanted to create life and prove people wrong, so he created life by using various body parts he found in the graveyard.” Tom answered, smiling underneath the mask he still wears.

“Wow… and I thought you couldn’t get anymore grim.” Tim said, earning a pillow thrown at his face. “Tom, I’m just joking.” Tim assured, chuckling a bit at Tom’s reaction.

Tom huffed and hugged the book in his hands. “Not funny.” Was all Tom said before turning away. “Hey, tell you what? Let’s just talk about what we wanna do for our futures, what do you wanna do?” Tim asked, waiting for an answer.

Turning back to his twin, he thought hard and said without hesitation. “To meet the author of Frankenstein’s monster, heck! Even the character of the book!” Tom said, full of confidence.

“Wow, that’s really something.” Tim commented, his head tilting downwards as Tom placed a hand on his shoulder. “Hey… I also want you to meet my heroes too, maybe one day we can meet them together.” Tom added, Tim smiled and gave Tom a side hug before hearing knocking on the door.

“Sounds like Duncan is here.” Tom said, looking at Tim. “Probably wondering if Benny’s here.” Tim shrugged, both boys walking out of their room.

———

Tom remembers those days well.

He remembers re-reading through the book day and night before his death, it’s still the same except… less reading in the day, more reading at night.

He’s angry, sad and grieving all at the same time. Sad at how he never got to grow up with his twin, grieving at the loss of their own lives crumbling before them and angry at the one person who started it all.

After a while of leaning on Tim’s shoulder, his eyes starting to slip when a howl suddenly broke the silence, alarming the twins. “What was that?”

“I don’t know, but I bet it’s nothing good.” Tim says, about to get up to shoo away whatever was going on-. “Travis!” “Don’t worry we’re almost-.”

Tim’s eye twitched under his mask. “Intruders.”

He says, eyes darkening at the two voices from the distance. “Tim, isn’t it early for wick?” Tom asked, checking the time. Tim checked too and Tom is right. It is 2 hours and 13 days before Halloween and 12:00am.

“Yes, yes it is. But that’s ok… we’ll give them Hell.”

_________________

Monster au is back!

For those that don’t know, this is an au about our protagonist’s and Duncan as monsters.

Duncan: a vampire while he looks like he’s only in his teens, Travis: a wear wolf with abandonment issues and Sam: a reanimated Frankenstein monster that is falling apart because of improper stitching. (That and he died in pieces)

This au is just pretty much a ‘what if’ type of au because of a headcanon by @vinehasnohopeleft who later drew sam with his head off and… yeah that’s pretty much what happened.

I’d thought I’d do this au again because August is ending and… this was pretty much about to collect hypothetical dust so…

Plus, the uh… title for each of the au’s stories are lyrics from the song pet sematery.

[dent-de-leon]

I'm looking at Molly and Caleb, and their need to be GOOD for others, and I go "Damn, what are ya gonna do when it's a relationship with TWO (2) SUBS-"

Then I realized they can be good boys by being good doms for each other. Caleb and Molly the Vers Duo, in this essay I shall-

asksdflkhf-- Okay but I will never get over Lucien admitting he likes that Caleb called him a good boy, or the fact that Taliesin said Molly is a very self-sacrificing character, that his blood hunter powers are, "...all about the desire to be a good friend and a good family member." As both Mollymauk and King, Tealeaf keeps expressing how he tries to be a good person. Molly's always believed in leaving every place better than he found it. And after the Nein sacrificed so much to resurrect him, King admits, "I hope I deserve to have woken up surrounded by such people."

Molly wants so badly to be good, and so much of that stems from his fear that the person he was before was someone cruel and vicious and haunted. He takes pride in being, "a good person, a fine person, a happy person." I think about how Molly would bring Lestera her favorite wine and snacks, how he'd gush about just how much he adored her. The way he always followed her around like a lost puppy when he still felt so terribly lonely and Empty. Molly taking all of her lessons to heart and carrying on her teachings, wanting to keep her legacy alive. Hugging her coat to his chest for comfort and wearing it every day.

He's just...so soft and sentimental and sweet. I think he'd do everything he could to be good for Caleb--a good friend, a good partner. And especially earlier in the campaign, I think that would look like Molly letting Caleb take the lead, because he's still struggling so much with opening up and intimacy, still so scared of letting anyone get too close. Whatever their relationship looks like, I think Molly would only ever go at his speed and comfort level. It's really part of why he's not as forward as King is with Caleb I think; because back then, Molly must've felt Caleb wasn't ready for a relationship, wouldn't have been comfortable with anything more than some kind words and a gentle forehead kiss just yet.

But yeah, Caleb definitely has that constant desire to be a good person too, and it makes my whole heart ache. I'll never recover from Liam narrating the resurrection ritual; how he says that it just feels so good and cathartic for Caleb to finally use his magic to heal, the comfort and warmth of knowing that he's not being used as a weapon anymore. That his power is his, and he can use it to leave the world better than he found it, that he's so much more than destruction and fire and ruin--that he's nothing like what Trent tried to make him.

So I think taking care of Molly would also bring Caleb a lot of comfort ;; No matter what, I feel like they'd both just be so sweet and compassionate and try to always prioritize each other's comfort--

[enchantedchocolatebars]

Fanfic challenge

So here's the idea!

When Philip finally found Caleb after years, he was 15. In this au, Philip was 5 when Caleb abandoned him. But the first interaction Caleb and Philip had was... Upsetting. Caleb acted like NOTHING had happened, and this made Philip EXTREMELY upset. Philip spirals into a bad depression, and rarely left his room. That was untill Caleb finally confronted him about ...

Have fun!

Never Again

Knock, knock.

"Philip?" Caleb called out to him.

The elder attempts to knock the door again, but receives no response. When he goes to twist the knob, he finds it locked. After a third knock, he begins to speak again, his voice filled with worry.

"Pip, it's me, Caleb. Please open the door."

He's met with silence.

"I just want to talk."

No answer.

"Please?"

Still nothing.

Caleb releases a sad sigh and turns to press his back against the closed door, slowly sliding down to sit as he hugged his knees.

He can't blame his brother for giving him the silent treatment after what he did.

He left him at the age of five to pursue a life of magic and fun.

And ten years later, when his baby brother finally found him, he acted as if nothing happened, as if he didn't leave a five-year-old boy alone.

What was he thinking?

He sighs.

"Philip, listen," Caleb began, his tone tender, "I'm sorry for what I did. I regret not being a better brother and leaving you at such a young age. I should have hugged you and expressed my apologies the day we reunited. There was a lot I should have done, but failed to do so."

He was pricked by guilt as tears welled in his eyes. "I'm aware that I can't alter the past, but would you be willing to forgive me going forward?"

The air was quiet for a bit, until Caleb heard a click and could feel the door begin to open.

He glanced up to see Philip standing there, almost as if he were seated on the other side of the door.

The blonde stood up while wiping his tears. "Philip, listen, I'm sorry I left you I--"

The brunette immediately wraps him in a tight embrace, not wanting to let him go.

"J-Just don't do it again," he said, his voice quavering with emotion. Tears were already forming in the corner of his eyes.

Caleb reciprocated the hug, gently stroking Philip's hair with his hand.

"I won't," he assured him softly.

"Never again."

[deadbydangit]

How they propose to you. Survivor.

Dwight, Jeff, Ace

Dwight Fairfield

Oh God.

He's so nervous he forgets to breathe.

He's going to get help from the others to set up a super romantic setting.

Claudette provides a bunch of flowers.

Jane and Zarina are going to help make everything perfect.

Ace, David, and Bill are there for moral support.

Only for Dwight to totally ruin it by blurting it out before he brings you to the area.

He's going to try to get on one knee.

But he's going to fall flat on his face.

He sweats so much he drops the ring at least five times.

The other boys are going to be laughing their asses off.

But they're going to help him get up off the floor.

A blubbering sobbing mess.

In his head, you've already said no.

But, why would you say no?

He's still crying, but they're tears of joy.

Jeff Johanson

He's a very casual relaxed person.

Sure, he's going to be nervous.

But he loves you, and knows this is what he wants to do.

He can only hope you want the same.

You'll probably be drawing with him.

Maybe listening or playing music.

He'll turn to you, show you a picture he was drawing of you.

In the picture, you'd be wearing a ring or in a dress.

"That would look pretty on you."

Pretty obvious he's asking you to marry him.

If it's music, he'll sing songs about love, or marrying someone.

Super obvious.

Or, he might just come out and say it.

"I think I'd like to marry you. Would you like that?"

You can't say no to that.

He'll ruffle your hair, kiss your cheek, and pull you in for a long hug.

Ace Visconti

He's a good flirt.

He can charm the pants off of nearly anyone he meets.

But he never thought he'd be proposing.

He never thought he'd actually fall this hard in love with someone.

But you, you're something else.

He's nervous, and it's evident.

He's never nervous. Ever.

Somehow, he's always able to keep his cool during the most difficult situations.

He'd want at least one other person there to make sure everything goes smoothly.

He's going to make Bill go.

He's going to convince Caleb to let him use the bar.

You'll both be about one or two drinks before he starts to gain his usual confidence.

"You know, I love everything about you, except your last name?"

Kind of came out of nowhere.

"It should be Visconti."

Did he just propose to you?

Bill choked on his drink.

That has to be the absolute worst way to propose to someone.

But, he's giving you the sweetest smile.

How can you say no to that face?

After, he's going to kiss your hand where a ring should be.

"I gotta find one first. I want it to be perfect. Like you."