#i am so sorry for hijacking your response but also thank you for pressing the button in my brain that activated unhinged ranting mode

[neonhellscape]

hope you dont mind me jumping in here i have too many thoughts- tbh I'm kinda of the mindset that it's less the mechadendrites will do the work and more. i mean tech priests are making themselves in their own image, effectively. they dont even have beauty standards to influence them, they only have the direction of flesh bad/metal good and then go absolutely fucking wild with it

so a human would decide okay, i need returned function as quickly as possible. achilleas gets functional, elegant prosthetics made up that do comply a lot to his personal style and more typical beauty standards within that. but fundamentally, theyre there to serve a purpose, and are blackened metal with exposed components. you can barely even see them aside from the light of the data slate [and artist intention], he could passably pretend to have gloves on, if you're in a dark room. he doesnt want them to be a focal point, even if they kinda are to a viewer not used to these things [augments being way more common in 40k that people would probably barely notice]

pasqal meanwhile has gone a different way. his prosthetic is incredibly stylised- i mean again see the fact i can't actually count any practical component there. it's not what a human would go for, realistic or subtle, or overelaborate- it looks like industrial machinery. pasqal has his in a burnished silvery-gold alloy, distinctly displays it by keeping his axe in that hand which pushes his sleeve back enough to show off the exposed wiring in his forearm- wiring that makes no sense unless its decorative. looking at this again its even in little curved waves- a repeating pattern. the rivets too are unnecessary and decorative, they Cannot hold any structural force where they are. but they do tie in to the industrial look fantastically alongside the shaped metal

when you look at the art, his other hand/wrist is pretty slim, and kinda delicate. as proven by achilleas, if he wanted to match he could. by nature of differing proportions kinda messing with the brain, him having one really bulky arm/hand and one really slim one isnt the choice most people would go for. it'd be the substandard choice to patch the gap until your custom piece came in- not a custom crafted piece

through the eyes of a man who will become and is becoming machine, it's perfect. its heavy and durable- no weakness of the flesh. it's crafted to display a level of technical skill even beyond base requirement, then maintained perfectly to further show technical skill- better than his fucking robes at least jesus christ the dust and tears on that thing [btw- something he doesnt care about. something organtic, and irrelevant to the machine- only required by him for social protocol].

the guy has heavy looking weapons gear and reels of chains around his waist- idk if you lot have handled thick metal chain like that but im pretty strong and it is fucking Heavy, and thats without the quantity he's wearing. hell thats probably again a decorative counterbalance system just to put his center of gravity lower to the floor bc so much is at his shoulders. i know i draw him different [i kinda see it as resting mode [noodle mechadendrites] vs explorator mode [diamond drill bit easy access]] but based on the art his mechadendrites look like industrial tech- it looks like someone bolted two crane arms to his back. tech wise these do look like they make more technical sense, even if they are decorative in themselves, which reinforces the extremely decorative nature of his arm. and too his respirator- that isnt standard tech priest respirator. its heavy looking, its elaborate with its tubation and wiring- again if i were to list every function of every tube going into/out of that thing i'd run out of options, and thats if i ignored the vapour/smoke coming out of the vents by his face. we also know he's kept it despite the damage- considering the staples on his face highlighting the scar on his body that matches, i'd say the lack of repair is decorative too. he Could get it repaired or replaced with absolute ease, so this is an aesthetic choice

this is so many words but [throwing my tech priest at the crowd] look at him he's getting gender affirming drill attachments and god does he have an ego, just one the average human cant really process because your kind cling to your flesh as if it will not decay and fail you one day the crude biomass that you call a temple will wither and y

i was told to post these observations i made at whatever fucking hour on how functional achilleas' prosthetic hands are vs how decorative pasqal's are despite each kinda looking the opposite way round. i hope they are interesting

[mongooseblues]

Bless You Father for I Have Sinned (Fleabag, Hot Priest) 1/1

Did anyone watch Fleabag and/or want to read about a hot priest sneezing?

This works just fine as a standalone if u haven’t seen the show but for context: Hot Irish prob alcoholic “cool swear-y” priest and recovering sex addict and all-around hot mess main character (who doesn’t have a name) strike up a “friendship” that is just a poorly veiled excuse for spending time with someone they want very badly to fuck but can’t bc priesthood vow of celibacy and whatnot.

Here’s ~2k words in which I continuously get off on the idea of blessing a priest and unresolved sexual tension I also don’t resolve.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

“Fuck you, calling me Father like it doesn’t turn you on just to say it…”

It happens for maybe ten minutes before it starts to stick out to her. Because it’s cold, as it always is on early-spring nights in London, and while they’re both fully dressed (unfortunately), neither is probably quite dressed enough to be out in a garden at this hour. And they’re a bit drunk—not that drunk, they’re both pretty practiced—on the G&Ts he’s so fond of for whatever reason. He specifically likes the kind you get already mixed in a can, which are especially shit, but it’s almost endearing that he likes those in particular. Well, very endearing actually. Goddamn this man—or… hmm, poor choice of words.

It doesn’t really grab her attention until he combines the sniffling with pinching his nostrils together.

“You alright, you’re quite sniffly?”

“I know, I dunno what’s going on,” he says, and punctuates it with a harsher sniffle than the ones previously unacknowledged, “Think ‘m just cold.” He zips his sweatshirt up a bit as if to illustrate.

“We could get you a blanket and swaddle you up like baby Jesus.”

He laughs. She extracts from her coat pocket a pack of cigarettes, takes one herself and angles the carton toward him in offering. Mostly because she wants him to scoot closer to her on the bench as she flicks the lighter for him. The flame illuminates the angles of his face in orange, the back of his fingers grazing her hand by happy accident, and yes, it’s a little pathetic that this momentary skin-to-skin contact is as erotic as it is to her, but that’s what you get when you fancy a priest isn’t it?

“They’re always describing him as being swaddled. Odd word, swaddled. Sounds kind of violent.”

“It does kind of,” he agrees, leaning back against the bench and exhaling a stream of smoke into the night air. Her plan worked, he’s ever so slightly closer to her now, post cigarette exchange, close enough that when he sniffles she can feel the slight vibration of his shoulders through the loose fabric on her coat sleeve. It unites them like an accidental spark of electricity she can sense just faintly enough to feel jumpy. Or turned on. Or both.

She really shouldn’t be this shameless about trying desperately to corrupt a man of the cloth she wants to get under. Maybe she’d feel properly guilty if she wasn’t quite so fucking horny.

“So you did read more than just the passages I marked for you?” He asks, at once surprised and pleased and maybe nervous, grinning but also looking away for a moment as if he could disguise all of that.

“Not really, just the birth of the ol’ lord and savior. It seemed like it’d be climactic.”

“Was it?”

“Can’t say I climaxed reading it, no,” she says with a cheeky look that elicits the laughter she’s looking for, “No offense but it’s really quite boring, this book you love so much.”

“Yeah… that’s a tragically common sentiment among reviewers.” He’s scratching at his nose with the back of one wrist with such intensity it’s unmistakeable how much it’s bothering him.

“Don’t care much for the writing style either, I have to say.”

If the irritation could be resolved with a mouse-like scrunch of the nose he’d have figured it out by now, and clearly he hasn’t because he still has to shrink into his crossed arms like an accordion with a fairly high-pitched, vocal and thus somehow Irish-accented, “Hehh-ishhYUE!”

“Bless. The only way I was able to get through it was by imagining you in every speaking role.”

It’s a sentence meant to provoke him, not unlike most of her sentences, and for a minute as her eyes are on her own exhaled smoke and he fails to respond, she wonders whether it sounded even weirder than she meant it, but as it turns out he’s just about to sneeze again — squinting into the distance and bringing an arm to his face in slow motion.

“Mmff-SHOO!” He blinks in surprise as he resumes his previous position on the bench, now shifted just a bit farther away from her. Damn.

“Ugh, sorry. Every speaking role?? Ohfuck— ahh-ishSHEU!”

“Jesus.”

“You imagined me as Jesus??”

“No I mean Jesus, are you okay, did you catch something?” Of course she imagined him as Jesus.

“Ooh I hope not,” he says with a nervous look, “that’d be lousy timing.”

“The lord works in mysterious ways.”

“Thuh-that he does—” A sudden inhale, a crooked arm rising at a much hastened speed. It begins in a manageable way, somewhat controlled, but then it seems to get away from him.

“Hh… hehd’SHHUE!”

“Bless you, Father."

He mumbles a thank you bookended by soft snuffling.

“Maybe he’s sent you a plague of sneezing. He does that sometimes doesn’t he? Send plagues?”

His face just scarcely conveys amusement before it’s hijacked again by the same expectant expression, but he still attempts to talk through it, even as irritation becomes evident in every feature. “S-sometimes…”

She thinks about saying bless you in advance but decides instead to just wait for him to succumb to it. A flicker of lashes, a reveal of the very tips of canines, his entire face crinkles around his visibly twitching nose. It pulls him downward and then forward in that order, as he collapses into a crooked arm as if stumbling despite being seated.

An especially desperate, “hehhSCHOO!” that begins quietly but certainly doesn’t end that way.

“God bless you, Father, again.”

“Wow,” he says with a sniff, knuckles swiping under his nose in a single smooth motion, “Maybe I’m allergic to you. My body’s having a reaction.”

“Is it?”

An eyeroll and a grin, and then he goes back to scratching at his aggravated face in a manner that’s becoming aggressive.

“Well stop manhandling your nose that’s clearly not working.” Before she can think better of it, she takes his elbow to pull the offending arm away from his face. She can feel his muscles tense with the movement, but when she looks up at him there’s only a blurry-eyed smile chased by a nervous huff of a laugh. Another line she can’t uncross but doesn’t particularly want to.

The therapist hadn’t needed to point out that her all-consuming attraction to someone she couldn’t have was probably a healthy coping mechanism of her recently adopted abstinence. She hadn’t really expected this though — for her advances to not be rejected entirely. She hadn’t planned for hope to cease feeling like such a daft, one-sided notion.

“Should I even be blessing you or is that overkill? Or am I even qualified to bless you? Can one bless a priest if they’re not like, anointed or something?”

“You can bless me,” he confirms, looking like he’s barely got a handle on controlling his own eyebrows. Or lips for that matter. God, that mouth, those lips. Parting by accident the way she’d like to make them open on purpose.

“Little greedy of you. You’re not blessed enough as is?”

“Neh—neverhurts…” He pitches sidewards with a slurred, tellingly tipsy, “hehh-ESHHyoooo!”

“Bless you…”

“Thank you,” he sniffles with embarrassed necessity, bringing the back of a sleeve to his nose.

“Hold on, I think I have some tissues,” she says as she feels around in her bag in the darkness, “Well, cocktail napkins at least.” Another knuckle brush as she hands them to him. How arousing. How pitifully arousing. She really should come up with ways to hand him things more often.

“Ahh you were holding out on me,” he says, and then after a gentle blow, “Sorry.”

“You are coming down with something aren’t you?"

He thinks about it, bringing the napkin away from his nostrils with a final follow-up dab. “I dunno, maybe?”

“Do you feel ill?”

“Mostly just very itchy.”

How many other chances will she get… She reaches a hand to gingerly press the back of her fingers against his forehead. He blinks a few times in response, rapidly and reflexively, and swallows back a smile. There’s a burning in her stomach that’s neither pleasant nor unpleasant.

“Um, you feel okay I think?” She says, attention course-corrected back to the cigarette crumbling in her hand, but still glancing at him to measure the aftermath of the relatively bold gesture and they lock smiling eyes in the process.

If he really wanted to ward her off he’s doing a phenomenally shitty job of it. She knows he wants her. God if only that was enough, to know he wanted her.

“I think you’re right I’ve been sent a plague of sneezing. Probably trying to tell me something.”

“Something about how your new friend could take care of you?”

He grins with half of his mouth. “Or something about how I probably shouldn’t be drinking G&Ts in the middle of the night with my new friend who I like a little too much.”

Oh he… really shouldn’t have given her that.

“ExxSHHUE!!” He shakes the whole bench with this, then straightens back up, not looking entirely recovered, and says almost to himself, “And about how I probably shouldn’t tell my new friend that I like them a little too much.”

“But you did anyway and he hasn’t, I dunno, smote you down yet.”

Irritation is still etched into his features, his chest slowly swelling with air, hastily fiddling with the napkins.

“Are you actually going to sneeze again? You haven’t finished?”

He shakes his head as his eyes close and seizes into a rushed, “hehESHHyue!"

“It’s a plague I can’t stop! Snf, it’s out of my hands."

She knows the night’s over, she does. She gets the sense that she’d been invited to overstay her welcome, but it’s getting past that point now. Whenever she leaves after being around him her face hurts from smiling like an idiot the whole time and she comes away aching in more ways than one. That ache is starting already, another sign they’ve stretched this interaction too long once again.

However, alcohol. “If you tell me to leave and you sneeze again perhaps we’ll know whether or not it was divine intervention.”

“He might just be punishing me now anyway,” he sighs, remembering a cigarette he may not have taken a single drag from, neglected and foreshortening in his fingers.

“We haven’t done anything we’re just talking. I’m a—what is it, parishioner?”

“That is a word, yes. Snf! Though it implies someone who’s actually going to church to, you know, practice their faith."

“I’m a parishioner here to…” she’s not even sure what to say, she still doesn’t know shit about Catholicism aside from the fact that it’s a massive cockblock, “seek your… counsel? Guidance? Guidance counseling.”

He puts a hand over part of his face, tired but amused. “You can’t act innocent even when you’re trying your best, can you?"

She almost snorts. Is this what he thinks trying her best looks like?—No, don’t actually say— “Who said I was trying my best?”

Why can’t she stop herself from saying things like that to him? The only thing that’s going to stop her now is a ‘no’ that’s actually firm enough not to give way when she presses against it relentlessly. He honestly needs to just get it over with before he really gives her too much to hold onto. She’s not going to win out over God, the guy’s pretty fucking stiff competition.

Goddamnit, just break her heart already, what the fuck is he waiting for? This should have ended ages ago, and now it’s getting dangerously close to too late.

Was it unfair to assume he’d be stronger than her? Or is he trying to hurt himself too? A duetted exercise in masochism, mutually assured destruc—

“—ESSHHYUE!” He looks at her through wet lashes, bleary and sheepish and drunk and cute and fuck.

She sighs loudly, looks skyward and says, “Right, you’ve made your point! I’m leaving!”

[obsessivedino]

The literary device of comforting one that is fearful has always been a favorite of mine. We see this used in TWC quite a bit and it got me thinking. The detective can have nightmares about it but their LI probably does as well. So how does that play out? My essay in 500 characters or less to follow. Enjoy the hunt for the other four. If you want to make it easy for others #twc RO hunt

[cont.]

They felt hands searching them out. Arms and legs tangling as their bodies were brought closer together. M's hot breath on their neck, coming hard and fast not from arousal but from fear. A mumbled curse barely heard as needy kisses were placed on shoulders, neck, and cheeks before finding two damn near perfectly kissable lips. 

"You alright?" the detective ask. 

"Just shut up and kiss me," came the growled response. 

"I'm right here. I'm okay. Well, I'm a little more than okay at the moment."

- - -

Yes. They’re here. Alive. Safe in their arms.

At that realization, M pulled the detective in closer into a tight hug, pressing their lips onto the crook of the neck. But M could feel it. The fragility of a human life. The bones grinding against each other in the embrace. Any harder, they could snap in half.

A growl emanated from the back of their throat; M won’t let that happen.

However, the detective returned the same favor by wrapped their arms around M’s torso tightly.

They are here for them too.

- - -

Thank you so much for including me in the hunt!!

Also I am very sorry for hijacking your writing and added a little bit more myself. It was fun as I do not write very often. So thank you for the opportunity!

[baekhyuq]

“Mister Off limits.” | Baekhyun (m)

Part 2

Genre: Smut

Word count: 3k

Mini Playlist: Won’t Bite - Doja Cat

Summary: Your brothers friends were off limits, your dads coworkers were off limits. But if one your dad’s coworkers are too handsome to resist, you might have to tip toe around his rules.

Masterlist

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After the incident with Baekhyun in the copy room, you’ve been skittish since then. You’re feelings about Baekhyun hadn’t shifted, you still hate his guts and his confusing style of flirting isn’t going to change that.

You’re on your way to Baekhyun’s office from the copy room with a stack of warm papers. You find his office door cracked and you hear a female’s voice.

“I know you keep looking at me with those eyes, but I already have a partner, you know. I could get in trouble for doing this with you.” Your ears can’t believe what they’re hearing. You wait to hear Baekhyun’s reply but it’s too quiet to hear as if he’s mumbling it.

So Baekhyun already has a lover at the office. But better yet he’s a home wrecker? You felt a rush of adrenaline as if you would be caught eavesdropping. The door opens and the woman catches your gaze, she smiles kindly greeting you then walking off. You feel a prick of jealousy but also can’t believe she didn’t catch you.

“Y/n?” Baekhyun’s voice calls you from his desk. You whip your head around to face him, ears red from knowing.

“Yes Vice President?” You laugh nervously.

“Why are you standing there, come in.” He says as if he’s talking to a stupid person. You enter and sit at your usual spot. You place down the stack of papers and cross your arms.

“Thanks for copying these for me.” Baekhyun says as he flips through the papers.

You hum in response finding your nails more interesting than speaking with him. He throws you a look, his brows pinched together. He bites the end of his pen lightly before sighing.

“Y/n, is there something wrong?” He wearily asks, not wanting to have you explode on him.

Your gaze remains on your busy fingers. You shrug not telling him much, your posture is slouching almost. He’s annoyed even further by your lack of response.

Baekhyun drops his pen by his desk, purposely. “Hey Y/n, can you get that?” He asks, leaning back in his chair.

You scoff but bend over to pick it up nonetheless. You feel a sting on your backside and shoot up to find the culprit. Baekhyun’s sitting there with a smirk on his face.

“Stop being moody or I will punish you again.” Baekhyun commands. He’s got that same look he had when he pulled you into that room the other day. You can’t believe he spanked you like a child.

“Don’t treat me like a kid, I’m 19!”

“Ohh big scary 19, i’m 27.” He teasingly coos at you in a babying voice. His mocking voice irks you till no end.

“Ugh! I’ll kill you Baekhyun!” Your threat is empty but your anger hides behind it.

Baekhyun displays a grin on his lips, he stands from his chair towering over you. His aura becoming darker by the second.

“To kill me you’d have to go through hell and back.” He traps you between his desk and himself. You’re having flashbacks to the copying room, which cause your cheeks to redden.

“You’re blushing? I thought you didn’t like me Y/n, why? What changed?” He’s too close, the heat from his body is radiating to yours, his cologne is wafting to your nostrils and you can’t think straight.

“I.. like you?” Your brains making up a sentence but you don’t comprehend what it’s trying to say.

“That’s what I thought.” Baekhyun’s at the door in a split second and you’re left a stuttering mess by his desk. You can hear his laughter as he exits the room.

Screw you Byun Baekhyun.

The day dragged on with you stealing glances at Baekhyun and wondering if he will catch you. He had you run some of his errands around the office and one resulted in you losing a nail. Your feet were killing you by all the walking you were doing. You let your heels slide off your feet for a few seconds to let them be free.

Your phone rings and the caller ID displays Jongin’s name. You smile and answer it immediately.

“Jongin, hey!” You say happily to talk to him since winter break began.

“Hey Y/n, am I calling at a bad time?” His voice is calm and soothing.

“No, i’m not doing anything right now.” You giggle.

Baekhyun gives you a side eye, frowning slightly. His mind is drifting to different places as he watched you talk on the phone for what feels like an hour.

“Y/n, I would like to remind you you’re at work.” Baekhyun says professionally. You almost scoff at him but you hold your tongue.

“Hey Jongin I have to-“

“Did I tell you about those new gucci shoes that released?” Jongin says interrupting your sentence. You gasp, you almost forgot about the launch you and Jongin were following so closely.

“No, oh my god! Tell me!”

Your phone is ripped from your hands and you glare up at Baekhyun who’s holding your phone. He places it up to his ear, “Sorry, Miss Y/n has to go now.” and presses the end call button.

“Baekhyun what the fuck?”

“Y/n I think you’re forgetting where you’re place was and where you’re working.” Baekhyun’s voice is cold and hard, like a stone in a winter river. You’re scared by his strict tone it almost reminds you of your fathers when he’s angry. Your gaze casts down on the ground, too embarrassed to meet his eyes.

Baekhyun’s fingers lift your chin up causing you to adamantly let your eyes land on anything else but his.

“Y/n.” Him calling your name sets your eyes on his, his scarily dark eyes. The deep abyss like orbs stare back at you sternly.

“Your job is to be my assistant, not speak on your phone.” Baekhyun lecturing you feels like hours long, he goes on and on.

You zone out and focus on his eyes, his lips are moving but you can’t hear anything. His dark eyes are staring right through you, into your deepest part of you and you feel your cheeks heat up. You wanted him in the deepest parts of you..

Wait, no. You despise this man, he’s the reason your father is lecturing you so much nowadays. He’s to blame!

Baekhyun calls your name and you snap out of your daydream.

“Yes!” Your lips are smushed by Baekhyun’s grip on your cheeks. You furrow your brows.

“Are you even listening to me?” He almost grins when your eyes trail down to his lips. “Of course you’re not.” He laughs letting go of your face.

“I-I’m sorry about the phone call. It won’t happen again.” You’re surprised at your apologetic words toward Baekhyun, you didn’t think your pride would allow you to.

“Good. Now sort through these papers and arrange them alphabetically. Since you have so much free time, thanks in advance.” Baekhyun smiles falsely at you.

How could you be so cruel!

Lunch time rolls around and you drop off your fathers lunch and head to the cafe down stairs to pick up something to snack on. You press the button on the elevator and wait.

“Getting lunch?” You hear Baekhyun’s voice as he slides right next to you. You spare him a glance and nod. You’re still kind of mad from sorting stupid documents as a punishment.

“Alright where are we eating?” The elevator arrives empty and you both get in.

“Uhm, I’m buying a pastry from the cafe downstairs.” You quirk a brow at him.

“Oh. The place with the scones?”

You nod and giggle at him remembering.

“Still interested in my lunch?” You tease.

Baekhyun puffs out one side of his cheek, and nods. “I guess I’ll see what they’re all about.” He says skeptically.

You both stand in line at the cafe and you can already smell the baked goods. Your eyes scan the displays and your mouth waters at the sight of the cakes and cookies.

“Ah...” You moan at the thought of eating one, food just sounds so good right now you would scarf down the whole display of you could.

Baekhyun crosses his arms and taps his foot. “What’s taking so long?”

“Why are you in a rush?” You turn to see his cheek is puffed out again. Must be a way to shut him up.

You turn back in line and it’s your turn to order. Baekhyun breaks in front of you and you gasp.

“Hey!”

“What? I’m ordering.” He says side eyeing you with a smirk. “Two orders of the strawberry cake, please.”

He took the last two! ‘That absolute brat I’ll kill him.’ Your thoughts were dangerous.

You cross your arms at Baekhyun carrying the two small boxes of strawberry cake. You refused to order after Baekhyun hijacked your food.

Baekhyun asks why you didn’t order and you glare at him looking from the cake boxes to him. He laughs at your childish manner and slides the box to you.

“I bought it for you doofus.” He hits you on the head with a plastic fork. You pout and take the fork.

“Why can’t I live without being teased.”

Baekhyun snorts boyishly. “You’re one to talk.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I’m just saying you’re not all that nice and innocent either.” Baekhyun takes a bite from the cake and gets icing on the side of his mouth.

You snicker at him behind your hand.

“What?”

You point to your face and he licks the wrong side. “Other side.”

He misses the spot completely.

“No, here—“ You lick your thumb and wipe the side of his mouth taking the icing off. You lick it from your thumb tasting the sweetness.

You look back up at Baekhyun and his face is completely red.

“Baekhyun?”

“Don’t call my name!”

“Then what do I call you!”

“Don’t say anything, i’m embarrassed right now!”

You hide behind your hand as you let out a very ugly loud laugh. The very same Baekhyun who lectured you is the same Baekhyun that is embarrassed by having icing wiped off his face. You want to take a picture of his red cheeks to blackmail him later but you spare him.

“Woo, I haven’t laughed that hard in ages.”

Baekhyun’s finishing his cake with a grumpy face. You smile at how cute he looks.

“Thanks for the cake.” You say to Baekhyun as you both head back to his office. Baekhyun has a meeting to get to, and you’re not invited!

“No problem.” He peers down at you, you’re standing with your hands behind your back patiently. Baekhyun shakes his head.

“Come, lets go to this meeting.” He says dragging a hand down his tired face to wake himself up.

“But I thought you said I couldn’t go.”

“Well I’m saying otherwise.” He drags you to the conference room. It’s huge and there’s a long table that stretches from one end to the other. It’s filled with swivel chairs and people. You’re nervous to say the least.

“Vice president. Miss L/n. Glad for both of you to join us.” Your father greets as you both enter. You smile back, deciding where to sit, Baekhyun pulls you to sit by him naturally.

You remember what your father said the other day about having no relationships in the work place. It all flies out the window when Baekhyun pulled you down in your seat. His hands were rough.

The meeting was boring, uneventful as you expected it to be. But seeing Baekhyun in his zone was interesting. He was charismatic and talkative, but also serious and attentive. His forearms exposed by his rolled up sleeves left you drooling over them the whole time, squeezing your thighs. You couldn’t focus on anyone but Baekhyun. The meeting might as well be called the Baekhyun gun show.

As everyone’s dismissed and you get up from your chair as Baekhyun does. Everyone’s leaving the room except Baekhyun. He stays by his chair till everyone’s gone but you two.

“Aren’t we leaving—“

Baekhyun cuts you off by pushing you down in one of the swivel chairs, his arms trapping you. Is this a running theme for him!?

“I warned you once Y/n.” Baekhyun’s voice is quiet, it’s dangerously low.

“What did I do? I was good the whole time!” You protest, frowning.

“You were teasing me—the whole damn time. Your little dress left your legs bare and I saw. Every single time you pressed your thighs together.” Baekhyun traces your jawline with his finger.

“What’s got you so worked up, Y/n?” He comes close to your ear. “Is it me?”

You gulp, not trusting your voice to come out even as his.

“I warned you to not tempt me vixen. But I guess even little girls like you need reminders. Don’t try me.”

“W-why not.” The boldness in your statement made Baekhyun quirk an eyebrow. His lips curled into a smirk. He pushed your legs apart with his leg, letting his knee come up and go under your dress. He brushes your clit with his knee and you gasp.

“Is this what you wanted?” Baekhyun asks in your ear, his hair tickling your nose. You nod slightly, ashamed but pleased.

He rubs you with his knee further until you hear the door click and he detached himself from you and leans on the table with his arms crossed.

“As I was saying, it’s not that simple to catch on to it. You’ll learn with time.” Baekhyun strikes up a fake conversation.

The man who came in left his brief case, once he grabbed it he was gone again.

“Fuck Y/n.” Baekhyun runs a hand through his hair. “Stop inviting me like that. Next time I won’t stop.” He helps you up from the chair, and you shimmy down your dress covering your ass. Your cheeks are flushed and your chest is heaving. You’re undeniably affected by his small act of stimulation to your cunt. You’re staring at him, all of him. You can’t believe you almost had all of that.

“Next time, I won’t let you stop.” You can’t find where this confidence came from but you’re not complaining when Baekhyun pulls you by your arm into a kiss. His lips are soft and plush, his hand resting on the small of your back. It’s a deep kiss, nothing you would’ve expected coming from this one. You both pull away and you snicker at the red lipstick stain on Baekhyun’s lips.

“My lipstick transferred.” You point to his lips, he shakes his head and pulls you in for another kiss.

“I cant get enough of you. I’m going to drive myself crazy.” His lips are even more red. “Your father can’t know about this.” He looks down at you, his brows furrowed. He’s serious.

“I wasn’t planning on telling him.” You bite your lip at his disheveled state. You can’t believe you’re going to disobey your fathers rules just for this man.

“Good girl.” He kisses your forehead and leaves a mark from your lipstick.

“Ahh, Baekhyun!!” You whine wiping it off as best as you can. Baekhyun’s laughing and shaking his head.

“Lets go.” He pushes you to the door guiding you with his hand on the small of your back.

You both exit and Baekhyun walks ahead of you. You find the same man by the door, he looks suspiciously at you. As if he has something to say.

“Are you alright mister?” You ask.

He replies with a scoff “I know what you two did.”

You could hear your own heart shatter into a million pieces.

You’re back in Baekhyun’s office when you slam his door shut quickly.

“Y/n what—“

“Somebody knows.”

“Knows what? Are you good?”

“Baekhyun that man fucking knows what we did in that conference room!” You harshly whisper, as if anyone outside could hear you two.

“Wait wait wait. Y/n. Are you talking about that man who came back for his briefcase?”

You nod eagerly, “What if he tells my father?” You start hyperventilating about the thought of getting Baekhyun in trouble.

“Listen, I will speak with him. Don’t worry about it I’ll take care of this.” Baekhyun’s by your side in a second, his hand on your cheek.

“Do you promise?” You say childishly, it gives you comfort when he nods with a smile.

“Now don’t stress, and get home.” He lets his hand slide down your arm to your hand.

You grin then nod, you pick up your purse and reach for the doorknob. A thought makes you pause your actions. You turn to Baekhyun and open your mouth but no words come out.

Baekhyun raises an eyebrow at you, he’s grinning at your speechlessness. “Yes, Y/n?”

“Can I get your number?” You shyly ask, you’ve never asked a man that question before.

Your heart beats out of your chest when Baekhyun pulls out his phone from his back pocket. “Sure, I’ll let you have this privilege.”

You both exchange numbers and it makes you feel cheesy.

“Okay i’m really going now.” You say, hand on the doorknob once again.

Baekhyun smiles sending you off with a wave. He watches your retreating figure and at the sound of the door clicking close. He sighs with his cheeks rounding at him smiling once more.

“Silly girl.”

[emma-nation]

Within You - Bloodbound AU - Chapter 13

Summary: One year after defeating Gaius, the gang has finally found peace… Until a tragic incident awakens the ultimate and most dangerous threat they ever faced.

Genre: Angst/Adventure/Romance

Rating: T - Warning for violence and language

Lysimachus

Demetrius' blood was the most lethal weapon in the vampire world. No one could survive its power, not even the First Vampire herself. When his body hit the floor, Lysimachus could barely feel it. In truth, he could barely feel anything anymore. Within seconds, darkness was consuming his mind and soul completely.

The last thing he was able to see was Rheya escaping through the dark sections of the museum. Screaming and shouting suggested Kamilah still tried to go after her, only to be stopped by Amy.

"I-It'll be okay," he felt a warm hand holding his face. "Everything will be okay... I promise."

That was Katherine's voice. So calm and soothing, but also frightened and mournful. If only Lysimachus could touch her one last time or tell her how he truly felt. He tried to reach her hand but his arms wouldn't follow his commands.

"Katherine, I..." he coughed, black blood gurgling inside his mouth. "I..."

"Brother!" Kamilah cut his sentence as she joined them on the floor. Lysimachus felt a few tears dropping on his forehead. "Please... you can't leave me again..."

"Sister, kill me. Please, don't let me die as a monster."

"Hunter..." even Priya Lacroix seemed to be deeply affected by his imminent fate. And Lysimachus could swear that was impossible for the fashion designer. "Stop this bullshit. You saved me, we'll find a manner to save you too. Won't we, mortal?"

"I'm holding on to that."

The poisonous blood had already taken most of the veins of Lysimachus' body and his skin had acquired a grey coloration. He forced one last smile before feeling his conscience and his heart were being completely swept away, turning him into a Feral. He couldn't explain what happened next, but a sudden explosion on his chest made the pendant of his new necklace shatter in a million pieces. The blue light it contained involved all his body, starting some kind of healing process.

"W-What..." Lysimachus' pain started to ease and he didn't feel so cold anymore. He was even regaining some of his conscience back. "What's happening?"

"Get some rest, sweetheart," Katherine kissed his forehead and stroke his hair. "I'll tell you later."

For the next long hours, he had a restoring sleep. In fact, Lysimachus couldn't remember sleeping that well in ages. In his dreams, he was back to his home in Egypt, where he and Kamilah were having their usual spats over a feast. But differently from reality, his mom and dad were also there. They were together at the table. Happy and celebrating, as a family. More people appeared there too, Katherine, Amy, some of their friends and a few children running across the room.

"Time to wake up, lazy," Katherine's voice called him, in an attempt to wake him up.

"Five more minutes..." he complained. "Please."

"Five more minutes? You've been sleeping for over twenty-four hours!"

Against his will, Lysimachus forced himself to open his eyes and sit down. He glanced down at his stomach, to the spot where Rheya had stabbed him. The injury was mostly healed, but how he survived was still a mystery.

"This is what I went shopping for. I went to the Fae Realm," Katherine broke the silence. "The necklace contained Lady Thalissa's magic. Her power was able to overcome the darkness inside your body and bring you back to life."

"Katherine..." Lysimachus searched for her hand, enlacing his fingers with hers. Tears started rolling down her cheeks. It was the first time he actually saw her crying.

"This is why I gave it to you in first place, because I knew you'd do something stupid. For a moment, I feared it wouldn't work. I thought I'd lose you forever."

"I had to save you, I couldn't let Rheya do what she was planning. God, I don't even know what that would've Turned you into."

Katherine rested her head against his chest, holding him tightly. Lysimachus kissed her forehead and they shared a very long moment in absolute silence, only enjoying each other's company.

"I'm starving," he finally spoke. "I feel completely worn out."

"That's right," Katherine brushed some hair from her shoulder, exposing her neck. "Lacroix said I should give you some of my blood, that it'd help to speed your recovery."

"She did?!"

Katherine nodded in response. Lysimachus chuckled at the information, then he carefully traced her jugular, applying a soft and delicate bite. He tried to do it as painless as possible, drinking only enough to regain some energy.

"Are you okay?" He healed the puncture wounds on Katherine's neck. "Do you feel any different after consuming Rheya's blood?"

"I'm fine. Being human it doesn't affect me, unless she had killed and Turned me."

"Thank god, I was so worried."

Lysimachus pressed his lips on Katherine's. She deepened the kiss, parting his lips with her tongue and then she finished by nibbling on his lower lip.

"Oh, I forgot. Kamilah asked to update you about the last events as soon as you woke up."

"What happened?" He asked, concerned. "Is it bad?"

"I don't think so," Katherine shrugged. "But some big changes are coming to your world."

Indeed, big changes were coming. As Lysimachus looked himself in the mirror after a shower, he could see something had changed. There was a new power, a new force inside him.

----------

Amy

"Okay..." Priya paced anxiously around the room, together with Lester. They both glaring at Adrian. "Hunter's gonna make it, the Nighthunters managed to carry him out through the side entrance, but the cops are coming inside at any moment. How the hell are we going to explain this?"

"You mean Adrian betraying us and forgetting to mention the First Vampire was around, ready to kick our asses?" Lester angered.

"I'm sorry, but you two didn't witness how powerful and manipulative that woman can be."

"Adrian, babe... in case you've forgotten she hijacked my brain!"

"This is no time for accusations," Kamilah interrupted their discussion. "We need a cover up story immediately."

"Like the doors automatically closed after the bomb warning," Jax suggested, "and we got trapped inside?"

"And how did Lysimachus got stabbed? His blood is still all over the floor."

Amy watched the scene in silence. Her psychic powers were keeping the doors closed until they settled an arrangement. The Council Of New York could never find a way to solve their conflicts in a pacific manner, whoever was sitting on its six chairs. There was never an agreement. There was never peace. They were always on the edge of a war against each other, against their own species. She walked to where Lysimachus wounded body previously was, the bloodied dagger was still there, lying on the floor. The Nighthunters didn't dare to touch it, not without properly protection. It affected them harder than the others. Amy kneeled down and held it in her own hands, something in what was left of that black poisonous blood attracted, called for her...

"No fear, child," she heard a voice deeply inside her mind it, "embrace it."

The tip of her finger touched that toxic blood, but surprisingly it didn't cause her any harm or pain.

"Amy!" She heard Kamilah screaming distantly, as her mind was being pulled into a void.

A man, wearing a white tunic waited for her in a mindscape, with a soft smile on his face.

"Granddaughter, we finally meet."

"A-Are you..." she opened her mouth to ask, choking on her own words. "Demetrius."

"I've been waiting for you for centuries."

"Why am I here?"

Demetrius approached and touched her shoulders slightly. Different from Rheya, he didn't gave her chills. His touch was warm and made her feel secure.

"Amy, I have seen your journey. I have seen your path ahead," he spoke. "It's your mission to undo the original sin that birthed so much pain and darkness and bring a new era to the world."

"An era of peace?" Amy asked. That was always Rheya's main purpose, to unite vampires and mortals. A purpose that got lost in the middle of so much power and sorrow.

"It will be your choice to make. A choice that will change the world forever."

"W-why me?"

"You're the first Bloodkeeper in history to be Turned. The fusion of the two lines. Rheya's vampire blood in her human descendant. The sap of the tree in the blessed chalice. At last."

The prophecies, they finally made sense. Amy could finally see it, it was Demetrius all along, trying to guide her into her journey through those dreams and visions. She tried to speak again, but she started being attracted back to the real world. She could hear Kamilah calling her name.

"I am honored to have met you, Granddaughter."

Those were the last words Amy heard from Demetrius before everything vanished and she was back to the museum, in a shock state.

"Amy," Kamilah shook her body, "talk to me. Oh my god, you weren't supposed to touch this blood! It's..."

"It's okay," she was finally able to speak again. Somehow she knew exactly what she was supposed to do next. "He won't hurt me."

Her wife was kinda puzzled by this last part, and even more by what she was about to ask.

"Let me handle it? The situation with the police and the reporters?"

"What? Adrian will call some of his contacts, they will help us to come up with a cover up story."

"Kamilah," Amy held her hand tightly, with the same confidence Demetrius had when he touched her. "Not anymore. I will make it right, I promise."

She couldn't say no, they were out of options. Kamilah exchanged a glance with Adrian, who approached too, confused about what was going on.

"Adrian, I didn't come to your company for nothing. There was always a reason behind it. You believed in me that day, can you believe me now?"

"Yes," he encouraged her. "I can. Go ahead."

Amy opened the doors and the police rushed inside with heavy armory, inspecting everything and checking out each one of them. After concluding the entire group was clear, they forced them outside to search the museum for the rumored bomb. The press immediately started to take pictures and ask questions.

"Do it," Kamilah stood by her side. "It's time."

"I'll speak," Amy announced, loud and firm. The reporters surrounded her, asking a million questions all at once. "I'm Amy. Amy Sayeed. You all know me as Kamilah Sayeed's wife. But now you're about to know the truth. The truth about me, about all of us."

"Kamilah," Priya snarled, "what the fuck is this girl doing? Make her shut up or she'll cause us a lot of trouble."

"Lacroix, chill out."

"When I came to New York, I was just a normal girl trying to find a job, trying to figure myself out. When Adrian hired me, I discovered something. A new world. A world hidden in the shadows, causing years of pain and conflict."

"What is she talking about?" The reporters murmured to each other. "What does it have to do with the bomb?"

"For years, thousands of years, there have been two worlds. The world of day and the world of night. Your world... and ours. But it's time we ended that division. It's time we stopped living in secret. It's time this endless cycle of blood and pain comes to an end."

Amy revealed herself to the hundreds of cameras in front of her, exposing her red eyes and fangs and encouraging the others to do the same. Everyone started to follow her lead, even Priya and Lester.

"That's right. We're vampires. But we're not going to live in the shadows any more. It's time we come into the open. Time we put old conflicts behind us. It's time for a new era to begin. An era of peace and reunification."

----------

Kamilah

4 weeks later

Only one word could describe the last few weeks, Hell. The whole world wanted to know about the secret vampire society in New York. Kamilah didn't have a single minute of peace and privacy anymore. Especially being the oldest vampire in America, the one that walked the Earth for over 2000 years, witnessing all the changes, fighting wars and leading revolutions. Journalists and paparazzi followed her all the time.

Adrian became their main spokesman, giving hundreds of interviews and exposing details about their history. But no one had became so popular as Amy, especially among the youngest mortals. She was now some sort of role model, being photographed and worshipped everywhere she went. Her face was present on the magazine covers and on TV, her followers on social media also started to increase on a daily basis.

Amy could easily handle that celebrity life, but not Kamilah. Using that new revelation and Rheya's actions as excuse, she decided to take a break from Ahmanet Financial and stay away from the spotlights for a while. At least, locked inside her penthouse she was safe and sound from questions like...

"Kamilah, you were Cleopatra's cousin," a first reporter shoved a microphone right into her face as she left the car, "can you tell us more about her?"

She ignored him, following the way inside the building. She lost the count of the unknown information she had already revealed about her cousin and the disagreements they had in a distant past. A female reporter continued to follow her.

"Kamilah... what's the secret of your hair? There are hundreds of YouTube videos trying to achieve this level of smoothness!"

"I call it good genes."

A third reporter emerged out of nowhere, before she entered the elevator.

"Kamilah, the question everyone has been asking... you're older than Jesus Christ. Have you met the Lord... in person?"

She simply rolled her eyes, and pressed the button. Once she was back home, she could finally breathe.

"Rough day?" Amy asked from her laptop, while drinking a cup coffee with Beruthiel on her lap.

"A woman can't even buy supplies for her future garden without being harassed with unwanted questions and pictures!" Kamilah complained, making her wife muffle a laugh. "I like this new era... in parts. Some parts I truly hate."

"Guess what? They're making a movie about us and out of all people they invited Lily as screenwriter. I refuse to be part of any projects that traitor is involved!"

Since Rheya's sick game, Amy had ended her relationship with her best friend. She didn't want to see, or even hear, Lily's name.

"Amy... come on. It's a silly thing, you should forgive her. Rheya did that on purpose to cause conflict between you."

"Kamilah," Amy stood up from the chair, "you have no idea of the things I watched inside her mind, okay? How could she hit on you? Or have those disgusting fantasies? She was my best friend!"

"I see," Kamilah approached her, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "But I still think you should talk to her, get to know how she truly feels. Rheya can be extremely manipulative and you know it, better than anyone."

Amy sighed in response, still not fond of the idea.

After the night at the museum, Rheya had disappeared completely. Adrian was still alarmed, contacting vampires from every part of the world but no one had seen any signs of the First Vampire's presence anywhere.

"I have a surprise," Amy announced, showing Kamilah her laptop screen. "I'm organizing an event. A huge event. It's a concert to bring together humans and vampires. There will be musicians from both species. There will be a food buffet, as well as a synthetic blood bar. The best of both worlds, in one place, during a whole night. I spoke to Adrian and he totally approves it. He thinks it's a good manner to end any misinformation we're bloody killers."

"This is a great idea," Kamilah read the flyer and embraced her wife from behind, pressing a kiss on her neck. "You're getting popular, famous, quite influent and powerful... I love it."

"I wouldn't do this without you, Kamilah. When we first met, I was just a girl, scared and insecure. You made me a woman. You always believed in me. You made me better."

"No, you made me better. How can I be so lucky to have you, huh?"

They shared a long and passionate kiss. Kamilah looked at the flyer again. A strange sensation erupted inside her chest. She was afraid, concerned about something, yet she didn't know what.

"Amy, you didn't detect Rheya's presence around anymore," she asked, "did you?"

"No," Amy told. "I was just speaking to Adrian, he still found no traces of her. I also used my powers to try to locate her but... she vanished."

Kamilah hoped she was right. But that feeling something dark was lingering in the air wouldn't go away.

----------

Lysimachus

2 weeks later

A lot changed in everyone's life in over a month. Though Lysimachus wasn't present when Amy made the revelation to the whole world, he wasn't free from the fame and spotlight. Clothing lines wanted hire him as their model. Girls screamed his name wherever he went to. Things only intensified when Adrian announced him as one of the candidates to lead Raines Corporation, after he gave up on his position to run for Senator and dedicate himself to the campaign.

Those weren't the only changes in his life. Being stabbed with that deadly dagger had consequences too. Every magic had a price and he was paying it for staying alive. A part of Demetrius remained inside him, granting him some new powers and abilities to be explored. So far, Lysimachus discovered he could enter Ferals' minds and control them.

That wasn't the worst part, Death became a part of him too. He'd often experience visions and dreams with those who already left this world. Amy's help and some training put that under control, but when the deceased person still had ties, unfinished business with the living, he'd see them around all the time.

"So..." Lysimachus deflected a blow of Katherine's sai as they trained together, "it has been six weeks."

"Since you got stabbed?" She furrowed her eyebrows, trying to find an opening in his defenses.

"That too. It has been six weeks you're staying in New York. In my apartment to be more specific."

"Well, maybe I'm not bored yet. But if you want me to go..."

Katherine was finally able to disarm him, pointing the sai to his chest. Lysimachus threw his hands in the air, indicating surrender.

"This is not what I meant. Isn't it easier to admit we're..." he lowered his voice, whispering the next word, "dating."

"Are we?" Katherine smirked. "I mean, now you've got tons of women at your feet. You're rich, famous, successful. Why would you want to settle down?"

"Because I want you. It's you that I love, Katherine. Why is it so hard for you to accept it? We have this thing going on for over a year now and we never talk about it."

She silenced, not giving him any response. In that moment, Lysimachus was sure he had ruined everything between them.

"Okay, I'm sorry," he apologized, walking away to the shower. "Forget what I said."

"No, wait," she called him back. "I... I feel the same. l Iove you too, but it's complicated."

"Because of what? The deceased woman who's constantly following you around? Who was she? A girlfriend, fiancée maybe?"

"I knew it'd be a matter of time until you discovered it with these new powers. I was planning to tell you at the right moment. She was my best friend, like a sister to me. And my whole world."

They sat down and she told him the entire story. Katherine and her best friend, Ava, were born only a month apart. They grew up together, having a really close friendship. Until the night Ava got murdered in the middle of the night by a creature, while they were camping at the desert. Katherine never stopped blaming herself, turning into a lonely and closed woman, who was unable to feel much of anything or create attachments with another person. When she finished, she was sobbing.

"Amy has been helping me... she showed me how it'd have been if I had died instead, but it wasn't enough," she wiped off her wet cheeks. "Then she keeps shaping that monster and I kill it inside my head, over and over again but... it doesn't go away. It'll never go away."

"Katherine, she's not moving on because you're not moving on. It's not the monster you have to kill, it's these bad feelings inside you," Lysimachus placed a hand over her chest. "You gotta let her go."

"What's keeping her around? Can't she forgive me?"

"No, actually she wants you to forgive yourself. She wants you to live, to fully live again. To smile, sing, have friends and a family. That's what she wants."

She leaned her head to the side, resting it on his shoulder.

"I'm trying," Katherine said. "I'm really trying. Would you help me?"

"Of course," Lysimachus kissed her forehead. "If you let me."

"Are you really giving up on all those women... for this one?"

"You mean the most amazing and beautiful woman I've ever met and also the one who saved my life? I totally am."

----------

Amy

The day of the concert had finally arrived. Amy went to the location very early in the morning to make sure everything was going according to the plans. She monitored everything, to the artists' arrival to the organization of the buffet. Without the financial support of Adrian, Kamilah and Priya, as well as their influence, that event would never be possible. The money raised from the tickets sale would be going to multiple charity organizations.

However, an early encounter with Lily was almost enough to ruin her mood for the rest of the day.

"Hey," she heard her ex-best friend voice behind her, while she inspected the synthetic blood bar received from Japan, "can we talk for a minute? I mean, this is a thing we should be doing together."

"No, it's not. It was my idea. Alone," Amy didn't even bother to turn around to face Lily. "I have no time right now, Lily. I'm sorry."

"Amy... will you ever be able to forgive me?"

"Someday, in a century maybe. If by then you've already stopped having a fetish on my wife. You were supposed to be my best friend and you betrayed me!"

"Amy, it's over already. It was only a stupid crush, but I realized it wasn't even real. It isn't worth losing your friendship for that. I'd do anything to fix it."

"You'll have to try harder," Amy stared at her with a cold gaze and followed her way. After all, she had other priorities at the moment. "Bye, Lily."

People started to arrive, crowding the huge concert venue. From the backstage, Amy watched proudly as vampires and humans started to interact and wait for the performances. Many journalists waited to enter her private room to interview her. She received them, one by one, answering some short questions. By the time it was over, she went to a VIP box with a privileged view of the concert, reserved exclusively to herself and her friends. Everyone clapped as she came inside.

"Come on, guys," her cheeks were on fire. "I wouldn't have done it without you. All of you."

She forced a smile when her eyes stopped at Lily. Kamilah had saved her a seat by her side in one of the comfortable couches. Amy grabbed a drink at the bar before sitting down.

Her wife had a mischievous smile on her face, while her brown eyes aimed at her twin brother, who was standing nearby with an arm around Katherine's shoulders.

"Hey, Amy. Remember what I always say? That I've been many things in my life, but it took finding you to make me a wife?"

"Yes," Amy nodded. "I can't get tired of hearing you say that."

"One thing I had already accepted I'd never be was a sister in law. But it's finally happening, after almost 2066 years of existence."

"Oh! So we're official now?" She glanced at the new couple. Katherine hid her face in embarrassment. "It was about time!"

"Our first event as a couple," Lysimachus confirmed. "The pictures are already everywhere. It's too late to have second thoughts. Right, Katherine?"

"Who's having second thoughts?" The Nighthunter punched him playfully.

"It calls for a toast!" Lily attempted to join their conversation.

Everyone silenced, looking at each other awkwardly, expecting someone to answer.

"Why don't we go down to the floor for a while?" Amy suggested, being uncomfortable to be around her former best friend. "The two of you, me and Kamilah?"

"Sure," Katherine agreed. "Let's get going. I can't even remember the last time I attended a concert."

Before leaving, there was one last thing that came to Amy's mind. She approached Adrian and asked:

"Where's Priya, by the way? Last thing we need is a scandal."

"Oh," Adrian pointed to the stage area, laughing. "Too late for that. Last time I checked she was already causing one, she got caught making out with one of the musicians."

----------

Kamilah

When Kamilah thought about having everything she wished for, that new life was exactly what she had in mind. Together with Amy, she planned to a small garden at the rooftop of her penthouse, as it felt rather empty. That would be a good start to gain experience, before doing something big in their house in Hamptons.

The first thing to do was to install a modern, complex and eco-friendly irrigation system. Amy watched in silence as she studied the blueprints.

"So when are they coming to install it?" Her wife wanted to know.

"They?" Kamilah raised an eyebrow.

"The workers."

"I'm installing it myself. Do you think you can help me?"

When it came to handwork, Amy was not the most talented person. She was too clumsy for all of that. An early experience, when Kamilah started to set out the first plants in the soil, was enough for them both to know she'd be better stay away from the garden.

"I'm a disaster," Amy lamented, wet and cover with mud from head to toes. "I hope I didn't kill all your new plants."

"Me too," Kamilah joked. When the girls eyes filled with tears, she realized she had taken it seriously. "Amy, no. I was joking!"

"I know I am, Kamilah. Look at you, you're so naturally talented at everything and I couldn't even press some buttons without fighting the sprinklers and rolling on the mud."

"Hey, I may be a good gardener, but you have your specialties too."

"Do I?" Amy raised an eyebrow. "Because I feel I suck at everything, most of the time."

"Okay," Kamilah involved her in her arms, without minding how dirty she would get too. "Let me see... you're good in the kitchen."

"Yeah, but I spend more time cleaning the mess than cooking the dinner itself."

She was thoughtful for a moment, thinking of more items to that list.

"You're a great vampire and fighter. In centuries I hadn't seen someone to adapt the vampire life so easily and learn so many skills in only a few months."

"I only had those advantages for being she-who-shall-not-be-named's granddaughter," Amy huffed. They both had agreed to not mention Rheya's name, or Gaius' name, anymore. "Otherwise I'd be like... my ex-best friend."

"You're angry at Lily now," Kamilah spoke. "But you're an amazing friend, listener, advisor and now, a good leader."

"Leader?"

"Amy, not every 24 years old girls will organize such a big event as you did. And that day at the museum... you handled the situation with... she-who-shall-not-be-named so well."

"I almost got your brother killed. If it wasn't for Katherine..."

"If it wasn't for you, she'd probably had killed me in that game. I saw when you moved the bottle. Also, if you hadn't stopped Serafine, all of us and those mortals would be dead too."

Amy stopped crying, but she didn't seem fully convinced of her talents yet.

"You're the best Marketing Director, everyone in the company says that. But most of all, you're the most perfect wife. I learn so much from you everyday."

"Oh my god, you're gonna make me cry again."

Kamilah cupped Amy's face, bringing her lips to hers. Amy placed her hands on her waist, bringing her closer to her body. Kamilah's mouth descended, placing kisses all over the girl's jawline and neck.

"Kamilah," Amy broke into a laugh when they parted, "now you're dirty too! We both need a shower urgently."

"There's another thing you're great at, you know?" Kamilah looked at her and raised a suggestive eyebrow.

"Oh really?! Well, but we can't take long. I need to be at the concert venue in a hour."

"In this case, we can save it for a celebration, after the concert."

Now she could finally see the accomplishment in her wife's eyes too. Being in the middle of the crowd, at the event she organized. They first stopped at the synthetic blood bar. Kamilah had heard about it previously, but she never intended to visit Japan to try it. She had some... problematic businesses in that place. In fact, she was surprised by that courtesy of The Five.

"Not like real blood," she concluded, "but it can satiate me for a while."

"I think it tastes great," Lysimachus added. "For someone who's spend most of life without drinking human blood, that should do."

They clicked their glasses before finishing them. Kamilah could tell how happy and accomplished her brother was too, even after going through such a traumatic experience at the museum.

"So, will you accept the position at Raines Corporation?" She asked, hopeful to hear a positive answer. Having Lysimachus back to New York was everything she wanted.

"I don't know yet," he sighed. "I miss my life in New Orleans but... after almost dying, I feel I should spend some time with my family too. I think I'll accept it, but not permanently."

Lysimachus stopped for a moment, pensive before adding:

"It's up to Katherine too. If she agree to stay, I'll stay."

"Oh! This is actually more serious than I thought..." Kamilah smirked, nudging her twin playfully.

"Kamilah..." Lysimachus cheeks went red. She broke into a laugh. "Can you not?!"

"I didn't want to say it in front of everyone, but congratulations, brother. Katherine is a good woman. I couldn't be happier for you."

"Thanks, sister. We still have a long way to go, but I like how we're progressing so far."

They turned around, observing as Amy playfully pulled Katherine to take pictures with her. From when Kamilah met her brother's girlfriend for the first time, she could already noticed the difference Amy's presence had caused in her life too.

"Look at that," Kamilah smiled at the sight. "She's such a natural in bring the best in a person's life. Isn't she?"

"Definitely. Katherine has changed a lot since she and Amy started hanging out. I remember how she also made me better when I first came to New York, we became friends even when I was trying to use her to get information on The Council."

"I think we can finally consider ourselves lucky."

The next song was announced and as the first notes started playing, Amy pulled Kamilah by the hand to the middle of the crowd.

"Sorry, guys," she said. "I'm gonna need my better half for this one."

Kamilah wrapped her arms around her waist, as she slowly moved to the rhythm. She recognized the song. It was one of Amy's favorites.

"This was one of our songs when we started dating," she had her eyes closed, enjoying the music. "It seems like yesterday."

"I could never forget," Kamilah whispered in her ear. "To many years to come?"

"No, to an eternity."

She turned around, kissing Kamilah for some long minutes, while the music played in the background. Time seemed to have stopped in that moment. It was the moment Kamilah realized everything was really going to be okay. They were finally in peace. And ready for what came next.

When the performance ended, they had a short interval before the next one started. Not long after they rejoined the rest of the group at the VIP box, somebody knocked the door.

"I thought we were done with interviews?" Amy furrowed her brows confused.

As soon as she opened the door, a cold breeze filled the room. It send shivers down Kamilah's spine, making every bone and every muscle freeze in place. She glanced at the others and could tell they were experiencing the same sensation.

"Congratulations, Bloodkeeper," Rheya entered the room with the same arrogant posture as always. "I had to come and see your accomplishments with my own eyes. In only six weeks, you managed to do what I never could, unite vampires and humans."

[redfoxwritesstuff]

Clover and Lace, Chapter 14

As always, a massive thank you to @winterisakiller who cheered this story into existence far faster than is sane. The masterlist can be found on my page but if you can’t, search Kit’s Masterlist. 

-------------------------------------------------

Julian sat in the comfortable leather seat of his too expensive car and he felt like vomiting. After a few deep breaths, pulled his phone out and scanned both his iris and fingerprint. There was time for that later. Now was the time to take action and find Rosemary before she got hurt. Or worse.

“Engage Black Rabbit override.” He spoke calmly.

“Good day, Lord Ramsey.” A small black rabbit came onto the screen.

“Not a good day.” He mumbled.

“What can I do to help?”

“Two tasks- Tend the web for the Lady’s location.”

“And the second?”

“How do you feel about playing with Stark’s Jarvis? I need the AI occupied and security systems overridden.”

“Consider it done. I look forward to meeting Jarvis.”

“Find me the location of Steve Rogers once you’re in.” Julian plugged what anyone would assume was a blue tooth headset into his ear. After connecting the systems, he stepped out of the car.

By the time he stepped onto the grounds of the Tower, Rabbit had engaged and hijacked Jarvis. The she blocked his control while filtering his responses. Black Rabbit was designed in part with the rumored Stark AI in mind from early on. It was finally time to test her against it.

When he stepped through the doors, Rabbit directed him to take the elevator to the left. He had to walk passed two security guards and the information desk. As he approached, the door opened for him.

“Sir?” A receptionist called out but was ignored. She picked up the phone intending to inform security that someone was on the Avengers private elevator without authorization or checking in at the desk. When she picked up the phone she found that the line was filled with a high pitched voice singing ‘black rabbits playing in the sun’ over and over again. That left her no option but to wave down the floor security who wouldn’t make it in time to stop him.

“When we stop, you’ll walk out and into their meeting room rather unannounced. A dramatic entry complete with the setting sun, just like you like it.”

“Thank you.” The doors opened and the show was on.

------------------------------------------

Tony was pinching the bridge of his nose as he sat at the large conference table. On either side of him were Steve and Nick getting into the closest thing to a screaming match he had ever seen. Steve wanted answers and Nick seemed to dodge every question. The team sat divided. Looking up at the sound of the automatic doors opening, Tony saw something he never expected.

“Mark? How the hell did you get here? Why are you here? Jarvis, did we forget security?”

“Sir, I’m not feeling so well.”

“Black Rabbit, let him go however remain present in his systems.” The voice that came from Mark was different than Tony had ever heard before and was now carrying a heavy accent.

“Yes Lord Ramsey.” A voice Tony did not program into the system spoke from the in house sound system. Steve’s head shot up as soon as the unknown AI spoke the name.

“Who are you?” Tony asked as Steve stood, drawing some of the others to their feet as well.

“Where is she?” Julian asked instead of answering.

“How did you get in here?” Tony shot back.

“Our Black Rabbit system unlocked your doors. Perhaps you shouldn’t be so cocky, Stark. Even you can be hacked.” Tony had to admit he was impressed. “Now, tell me what you did with her you bloody cock!” Julian’s voice grew louder with each word and no one was wholly sure who he was screaming at exactly.

That was, no one except Steve. “You’re her brother?”

“Yes, now return her to me. Save me some time and I won’t sell every shield secret.”

“What are you talking about?” Steve asked as the room erupted into a mess of questions. “I left-”

“You left the bloody flowers behind. Where did you take her?!”

“She’s gone? What flowers?”

“Oh you have some nerve acting so fucking surprised, like a clueless cock.”

“What the fuck is going on?” Bucky snapped, trying to draw Steve’s attention before turning to the stranger. “Who the hell are you? Who’s missing?”

“My bloody sister. You lot fucking weaseled your way into her life- into her heart. Fucking golden boy sweet talked his way into her pants just to capture her and use her for what? Information?”

“Lord Ramsey?” The unknown voice of Black Rabbit called out only to be ignored.

“Now that you’ve betrayed her, you’ll not get to dip your cock in her again. She won’t even make the web sing for you. You think she’s weak?”

“Lord Ramsey!” The voice of the AI came louder.

“What?!” He finally snapped.

“I’m not able to find trace of Lady Ramsey within Stark databases nor Shield’s.”

“Excuse me but mind getting out of my computers?” Tony snapped at the AI.

“I’m sorry Mr. Stark, I’ve a job to do. I’m sure Jarvis can understand my concern with my Lady being missing. He is being most accommodating.”

“I’ve not had much choice in the matter.” Jarvis added, seemingly annoyed.

“No trace? So, he doesn’t trust Jarvis as much as we do you.” Julian tried to ignore how unlikely it was that Stark would keep a secret from his AI.

“No trace.” Rabbit confirmed.

“She’s missing?” Steve again asked, taking a few steps closer to the stranger that looked in some ways so much like the woman he loved.

“Sir, I am finding records of every medication Mr. Stark has taken over the last three years. Every diet he has been on. Ever lab result. Every doctor’s report. Every STD test. Every panic attack. I feel safe in the assumption that he is in no way involved in the abduction of Lady Ramsey.”

“You took her.” Julian seemed to ignore the information that the AI had provided.

“We didn’t take her.” Steve looked back toward Fury, the one person he couldn’t be sure of.

“I had no part in her disappearance. Shield wished to source her for information in exchange for protection- Assuming she is indeed who we believe her to be.” Fury offered.

“And who do you think Steve’s girlfriend is exactly?” Bucky asked critically.

“We had reason to suspect that the woman claiming to be Sara Wilson was in fact young Miss Ramsey- who’s first name we’ve not been able to verify or obtain.”

“Rosemary.” Steve offered. “The detective called her Rosemary.”

“I am aware. And yet- we’ve not been able to find a single piece of paperwork to verify the name. What we were able to verify in the birth records was the fact that she had a twin brother who’s name we also couldn’t verify. So, I’ll ask you Mr. Ramsey, what is your name?”

“Ramsey.” He said simply, crossing his arms. “Why should I trust you?”

“Frankly, you probably shouldn’t.” Steve answered. “Shield has an agenda- they always do.”

“What an honest way to speak in front of the Director himself.” Black Rabbit commented. “Perhaps one that would speak of his own Director and organization might be worth trusting?  

“Who asked you? Shut up, Rabbit.” Julian snapped at the AI earning a snicker from Tony.

“Good to know I’m not the only one who’s AI forgets their place.”

“Sir, I’m always aware of my place. I simply choose to step out of it.”

“You can trust me.” Steve offered. “I told her I would protect her and I meant it.”

“And look how bloody well that worked out, trusting someone else?” Ramsey had a point. Steve had said he would protect her and now she was gone and he hadn’t even known. He still didn’t even know what had happened.

“So…” Sam leaned back. “What are your actual names then? And who would want to take her? That pretty little detective didn’t seem to be one for kidnapping.”

“No- I’ve had eyes on her since she landed. Whatever her issue is with Miss Ramsey, it’s personal but she isn’t aware of the depth of Mrs. Ramsey’s ties to the underworld.” Fury added.

“Just call me Ramsey.”

“So if you’re Ramsey and she’s Ramsey…?” Sam pressed.

“You can call her whatever he was calling her. I don’t really care- once she’s safe I’ll make sure you never find her again.”

“Or we can arrange something that gets you and the little Lady Spider both protection, papers and even the opportunity to live something of a normal life.”

“Lady Spider?” Natasha asked only to have Steve parrot the question.

“She is the woman known underground as ‘Lady Spider’, is she not?” Fury asked.

“Is she the ‘Lady Spider’?” Steve asked, while Ramsey debated if he wanted to answer truthfully. “If she is we need to know!”

“Why?” Julian didn’t care for being yelled at but there was something about the way Steve’s demeanor changed. “Why’s that so important?”

Bucky pulled out and unfolded the note that had saved their lives. It had been their intention to look into who the “Lady Spider” was and to possibly even find a way to thank her. They had their questions for her as well. After all, she had somehow been able to find information about the mission and their location. They needed to know how she knew.

Before the contents of the paper could be disclosed to Julian however, Rabbit spoke up. “Sir, I’ve been able to obtain footage of Lady Ramsey that appears to show her not in Shield custody.”

“Why do you say that?” Julian asked.

“Shield doesn’t utilize powder blue Ford’s in their official operations.” Julian had to admit that the damn AI had a point. A powder blue Ford wouldn’t be standard issue. That raised the question of who she was with. “Shall I display it?”

“Fine.”

For the first time since Steve walked into that conference room to demand answers from Fury the room was silent. Steve and Ramsey both intently watched when a crystal clear screen lifted up through the center of the table. Ramsey moved to stand regretfully close to Steve in order to see better.

They all watched as a black brown Subaru first pulled in front of what had once been a Blockbusters seemingly a lifetime ago. The building now sat empty in what clearly was a dilapidated and less than savory neighborhood. The location details scrolled across the bottom of the screen but Steve and Ramsey both paid the information no mind as they watched the scene unfold.

The doors to the Subaru opened and a large man stepped out of the driver side while a powder blue Ford pulled up from the other direction. More men stepped out of the Ford. As they spoke the back door of the Subaru opened and a woman was pushed out onto the ground by yet another large man. The auburn hair that was so uniquely hers was the first thing that Steve saw.  

“J, can you zoom this?” Tony asked out of habit. In reality he wasn’t sure if Jarvis even had enough control over the systems with the Rabbit AI present.

“Will do, Sir.” Jarvis answered and appeared to be functioning normally.

With the feed zoomed in they could see the small rip in the knee of her jeans and the dark patch that could very well have been blood. Still, both Steve and Ramsey give anything to know it was mud. They couldn’t be so lucky.

They watched as Rosemary crawled away only to have the man who had shoved her out of the car reached down and grabbed a handful of the hair Steve so loved. She was violently yanked up by him but swiftly turned and landed a kick between his legs. Pride swelled in both the men watching on as the man buckled over.

“Is that her?” Clint asked only to be ignored by both Steve and Ramsey.

“That is indeed Lady Ramsey.” Rabbit answered as the team watched.

The man grabbed her ankle before she could get more than a foot or so away however. She was pulled back toward him and as she turned to kick at the man again they could see the blood on her palms. The man had no trouble swatting the blow away and grabbed her by the wrist. She was hauled to her feet and her arm was twisted behind her. Steve was thankful for the lack of audio as she appeared to cry out in pain. He wasn’t sure what hearing that would have brought to life within him.

Ramsey was watching him closely, not wanting to continue to watch as his beloved sister was harshly yanked around. He could watch the footage again and gain just as much from it. What he had now was the only opportunity to observe and analyze Steve’s reactions to what he was seeing.

A silent rage was brewing within Steve as he was observed. Ramsey had spent much of his life learning to read people. At first only to know who’s pockets he could pick and get away with it, who wouldn’t notice their wallet missing for an hour or so but later in life to read businessmen and women both in legal scenarios and in the underground.

Steve’s jaw twitched and clenched as he stood stock still, frozen in place. The man held Rose on the screen with one hand in her hair again and the other keeping her arm hiked up high behind her back, keeping her securely in place. His eyes trained on one man in particular that he recognized.

“Give me a look at the man in black.” He ordered and the AI opened a side window with a zoomed shot of the man in question’s face. It wasn’t clear but Steve had no doubt that he recognized the man. He was one of the few high profile faces contained in the mission folder for their most recent mission.

Steve’s attention was drawn back to the larger video. The men appeared to speak for a minute before money was exchanged. They watched as the men nodded and shook hands before a few words were spoken before Rose was violently shoved forward. She landed against the chest of another large man who wasted no time in grabbing her arms and shoving them behind her back and securing them.

Their touches were harsh and violent leaving Steve with no doubts that she would have bruises from them. Harshly, she was shoved in the back of the vehicle and out of sight. The men spoke for another moment and in the window Steve could see where the sole of her boot repeatedly made contact with the window, trying to break it out. The men entered their respective vehicles and drove away.

“Run the plates.” Ramsey ordered.

“Lord Ramsey, they are forgeries. The DMV has no records of these plates.” Rabbit answered.

“I have access to traffic cameras.” Jarvis supplied. “I’ll begin tracing their path as best I can.” Ramsey had to admit that it was nice not to have to waste even more valuable time hacking into the systems.

“Why did you want to know about Lady Spider?” Ramsey was calmer now that he’d had a moment to observe and think. Bucky held out the paper again to Steve who handed it to Ramsey. “What’s the story with this?”

“We were on mission and the letter came to the safe house delivered by a villager. He ran off before we could get more information.” Clint offered.

“He wouldn’t have told you anything anyway.” Ramsey tossed the paper onto the table. “Rabbit- What was Rosemary’s last transactions?”

“Lady Ramsey purchased information regarding the location of the safe house in question.”

“How?” Sam asked.

“It was offered on the open information market. Shield should show more appreciation toward their lower level agents.” Rabbit answered. “She blocked Marques from purchasing the information.”

“shit.” Bucky sat back. “We could have been ambushed that night.”

“Indeed. Lady Ramsey did not wish for your team to be endangered. Additionally, she called in a favor from one of Marques’ high ranking confidants in order to arrange the movement of a large supply of bio weapons. Subsequently, she had the weapons transferred locations seven times. As of this morning she was negotiating the disposal of the weapons.”

“Steve, I think your girlfriend saved our lives.” Tony pointed out, leaning back in his chair.

“That was Lady Ramsey’s intention.” Rabbit added.

“And put a bloody target on her own back.” Ramsey grumbled. If only she let them all die and listened to him. “You better have been worth it.”

Ramsey found himself regretfully falling into a tentative truce with the people he never in his life expected to be working with. He didn’t like them. He didn’t want to work with them. It was their fault that she was taken. He still held that animosity in his heart. Yet he knew without a doubt that by working with them, Rosemary could potentially be saved sooner.

That didn’t mean he had to like it. Still the longer he spent with them, he could see why Rosemary was drawn to Steve. She had always had a goodness to her that seemed to survive no matter what she had been thought. Shield was offering her a way out.

His company was profitable enough to support him in a legal life if he wanted. They’ve come so far that if they wanted to, if they had protection there was no reason why they couldn’t turn back and live an honest life.

Would that be what Rosemary wanted? He hadn’t even given it any thought but what if Rosemary wanted out? What happened when they got older and wanted families? What if she was ready to settle down? What if didn’t want to say goodbye to Steve? What if he was forcing what he thought was best on her? What if he hadn’t been giving Rosemary a change to live even as he worked to keep her alive?

What if?

---------------------------------------------------------------

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[weeklyhumorist]

Sorry, My Impeachment Testimony Won't Include the Juicy Stuff From My Book, by Smokey the Bear

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Feinstein, members of the committee. Former National Wildfire Prevention Spokesbear Smokey the Bear here. Thank you for inviting me to testify before you today. As a 75-year employee of the United States Forest Service, a one-time trusted advisor to the president, and a patriot, I appreciate the opportunity to participate in Congress’s impeachment inquiry into President Trump. I have prepared a brief opening statement.

As you all know, I have dedicated my career to educating our nation on the impact of unplanned wildfires. I’m immensely proud of the “Only YOU” campaign, an achievement that stands above all others in my oeuvre. That’s why I feel compelled to “fill in the gaps” regarding my knowledge of the president’s direct involvement in the politically-motivated attempt to withhold FEMA wildfire survivor funds…the so-called “Rakegate.” The American people deserve to know what happened, and after reading my book — which will hit shelves before the 2020 elections — they will.

I will, of course, testify today to my dealings with the president in the matter before this committee. But I can’t just share all of the details, like whether or not he once told me, “I’m going to schlong Governor Newsom on these FEMA funds” at Mar-a-Lago. I’m saving that story for the book, specifically Chapter 7: “California Gets Schlonged.”

Members of this committee, I am acutely aware of the responsibility I “bear” to reject not just Mr. Trump’s FEMA “drug deal,” but also his dangerous and ill-informed theories. His outrageous “raking and cleaning and doing things” claims threaten everything the USFS, The Ad Council, and I have worked so hard to achieve.

On the other paw, wasting my best anecdotes on this hearing threatens my ability to buy a summer home on Kodiak. No one’s going to buy my book if they just saw the good stuff on a CNN chyron, right? As my publisher told me during our press junket prep meeting, “Only YOU can prevent this book from really catching fire, Smokey.”

Still, I agreed to testify today because it’s the right thing to do, and Mitch said I had to. I do indeed have firsthand knowledge of “many relevant meetings and conversations” that the president is correct to be worried about. I will not merely “go into hibernation” after leaving my post, as the president hoped I would when he hijacked my Twitter account. I’m ready to paint a picture of the inner-workings of the Trump administration for the American people. Speaking of pictures, my book includes over 25 full-color photos. Perhaps one that features Rudy Guliani (in drag for some reason) smoking cigars and recording video birthday cards for the grandmothers of two Ukrainian timber oligarchs? You’ll have to read to find out!

Well, read or listen. Members of the committee, I’m this close to nailing down none other than SAM FREAKIN’ ELLIOTT to record the audiobook! He did a great job reading Woodsy Owl’s tell-all book about his brief time running Trump’s EPA, No More Hoots to Give. That’s a great read, by the way. We’re giving away a free copy to everyone who donates to SmokeyPAC this quarter.

Writing this book (well, dictating it to my ghostwriter) has been incredibly rewarding and liberating. Still, it feels strange not being out there in my old gig — in the schools, the National Parks, and on the airwaves — reminding folks of their accountability when it comes to preventing wildfires. I may have resigned, but an American black bear never backs down from a fight. The president’s statements don’t just put lives and property at risk. They jeopardize my life’s work. My legacy is essentially my cub, and Mr. Trump is standing directly between us. So yeah, I’m going to set the record straight. I’m just going to do it in book form, plus the speaking circuit. And maybe a few podcasts.

Anyway, I know we have eight hours scheduled for this thing. But unless you want to hear me say, “I’m sorry, Senator, I don’t recall…I’d have to check the very detailed appendix of my new book, A Betrayal Falls in the Woods” about seventy-five times, we should probably wrap this up.

Maybe we could repurpose this time to chat about my new job? I’m a lobbyist for Weyerhaeuser now! So, I guess I’ll be seeing many of you all around the Hill if your state has trees or whatever? I know you can’t accept gifts from lobbyists, but maybe a few autographed copies of my book will fall out of my laptop bag or something. I’m just kidding, don’t start another inquiry!

Sorry, My Impeachment Testimony Won’t Include the Juicy Stuff From My Book, by Smokey the Bear was originally published on Weekly Humorist

[paperclipninja]

Do you see the Liza/Charles/Josh love triangle continuing until the show is really over and Liza has to make a decision? I really hope they’re done with it once and for all soon. I understand that they have to sort of dangle that because there are those who love Josh but... come on. I think Liza has outgrown that relationship and Josh deserves to be in a healthy relationship as well.

Hi Anon,

Oh the triangle. Le sigh. I have made no secret of the fact I can’t stand love triangles, I find them really tiresome and this one has run its course and then some IMO. I agree with you that Liza has outgrown the relationship she had with Josh and I also think that Josh deserves a healthy relationship with someone who loves him the way he loves - wholly and without complication.

Unfortunately I do think that they will tease the triangle out for as long as possible to keep all shippers engaged (although it’s a mighty fine line before ALL shippers get frustrated). And if they do then I think that at least a revisit of Josh is most probably inevitable. Before my fellow Team Charles peeps start throwing fruit at me, I have been pondering this for a little while and thinking about where we are now and how, if I was imagining this narrative long-game, the story would most likely unfold. Let me also point out that I am clearly not a writer or a screenwriter so this is just what my brain has decided makes sense if I was for some bizarre reason involved in writing this show and told that the triangle needed to be maintained. I should disclose that my brain also decided yesterday to ignore the storm warning on the weather radar and take the dog for a walk, which ended with much hail and an unimpressed dog, so take what my brain decides with that in mind…

When Liza and Josh broke up, aside from Liza falling for Charles and being caught doing so, her main reason for feeling that the relationship wouldn’t work was because he wanted a family and she did not want more children. Liza’s justification for them not being together has consistently been, ‘I can’t give you the life you want’. There was always a sense that she could not provide for him the life he deserves and that she did not want to be responsible for that. The thing is though, there never really seemed to be a consideration of whether life with Josh would be the life she wants. Perhaps it was just easier to play the martyr than to consider that long term, the relationship may not be entirely fulfilling? 

In contrast, the relationship Liza has with Charles is obviously more complicated, for a myriad of reasons, but there is no question of the compatibility that would allow for long term fulfilment. The other stark difference, which we’ve seen numerous times and I have rambled about on numerous occasions, is that Liza is and always has been an advocate for her own needs and desires in the relationship with Charles. I mean we saw it last season when she pressed pause because she didn’t want to be in a relationship that she couldn’t be open about. Liza knows what she wants in the relationship with Charles, isn’t afraid to express that and expects those needs to be met.

So my guess is that the writers giving Josh a baby this season is a way of evening out the playing field. And what I mean by that is that on paper, it puts Charles and Josh as ‘equals’: both divorced dads. I am not suggesting that they are the same, obviously.

The thing is, Liza knows what she can have with Charles and she knows it’s emotionally and intellectually fulfilling and she obviously has the physical connection and chemistry, but she needed to be sure that all those things were in place because the risk and potential fallout of a relationship with Charles was far greater than the relationship with Josh. The stakes are far higher and so I can imagine that Liza will fight for this relationship to work because it is what she wants.

But if this show is adamant on keeping the triangle alive, I can see them using the setups of this season to show Josh moving forward and becoming more mature in parallel to seeing a side of Charles that is more about taking risk and potentially being more irresponsible (I’m massively wild guessing here, but I could see him just throwing caution to the wind a bit in his new situation. As long as they don’t make Charles an a-hole because I LOVE him and I will defend him to the death…but I digress). 

In order for the triangle to ever be resolved or close, I unfortunately feel that Liza needs to realise that the reason she and Josh weren’t going to work wasn’t that she didn’t want a baby, it’s because the relationship didn’t have enough beyond the physical attraction and new experiences to challenge her. And so depending on how long the series goes for, I imagine that there will be some kind of break for Charles and Liza at some point, at which time Liza revisits the Josh relationship and finally realises that it wasn’t that she couldn’t give Josh what he wants, it was that ultimately he couldn’t give her what she wants.

I really feel that the series will end either with Liza alone or with Charles. And while having her end up alone, if done really well and without damaging any of the other characters I love so fiercely, should and probably would be a great moment of female empowerment on TV, the hopeless romantic in me hopes that her revisit with Josh and some alone time makes her realise that it’s always been Charles (or even better that I’m completely wrong, this show totally surprises me and Charles and Liza are together from now until the end of the series, and Josh meets a wonderful woman and the four of them become fab friends). 

Because yes, seeing a woman rebuild her life and find incredible success in her career surrounded by other fab women is inspiring, but to me, showing that it’s never too late to forge new friendships, have a successful career and find love shows that a woman in her 40′s really can have it all. And that is just plain exhilarating.

I realise that this is a very long response, I’m not even sure I answered your question sorry! But I have been thinking about this a lot, so thanks for letting me hijack your ask with my rambling. 

[readyfreddieforyourbullshit-blog]

Deep in the Meadow, Chapter 1.

Rating: Mature

Warnings: Attempted suicide, torture, brainwashing, kidnapping, attempted murder, traumatic flashbacks, twelve year old writing, drinking, swearing, betrayal, and probably more stuff. (Yeah this isn't light hearted. At all.)

Plot: The boy she loves is basically gone, her sister is dead, with her best friend to blame, she's responsible for the death of hundreds. But somehow, she and Peeta learn to heal. But just as their nightmares start to cease, they come to life in the worst way possible.

A/N: Like I said, this was written by my twelve year old self, so is the writing the best? No. But I am kind of proud of this! Don't be too harsh, please. This was my first attempt at fanfiction. Please let me know what you think! I'm going to upload one chapter a week. Anyways, please enjoy!

We arrive in District twelve at night. The sun no longer there. The fire burned out.

I go straight to my home, Haymitch following me. When I get there, I lock the door behind me, and go straight to the kitchen. There has to be a knife in there. I hear another door open, but I know it's only Haymitch. Locking the door. drinking all of his remaining liqur. If there is any. I highly doubt it, but knowing Haymitch, he probably hid some incase a disaster was to happen, and he wouldn't have to be sober for once in his sorry lifetime. For instance, me and Peeta winning the Hunger games.

Peeta.

I haven't thought about Peeta in a long time. I wonder how he is, if the hijacking took over his mind after what I did. Probably so, and just as he was coming back too. The old Peeta, whose smile brightend the whole room, his hands, that could create such beautiful paintings, his words, used to heal. Not hurt.

I am attacked by racks of sobs. I cry and wail. I just can't help it.  I killed him. I killed Finnick. Prim. Madge, who had no reason to die other then being my friend. And now I've lost Gale. My friend. My hunting partner. The only one besides Peeta that I would allow to see the weak and defenceless side of me.

I know that the world would be better without me. Without a mad, murdoress girl. I make my way somehow to the kitchen, and find a butter knife. Not as sharp as I was hoping for, but enough that it would work. I start to put it up to my throat, when someone comes bursting in thru the door.

"Katniss?" Peeta. So, he's not gone over the bend yet. Good. I didn't kill him after all.

I start to drag the knife across my throat, when a terrible thought hits me. If he finds me in here, then he surely would go mad. no doubt about it. He would try to find me, and when he did, go completely insane. I will have to get him out of here, and try again when he leaves. But before I can even move, he's right there in the doorway, almost as if he expected me to be there.

"Katniss, what are you doing?!" He grabs the knife from me and throws it at the wall, causing it to pierce right into it. He kneels down onto the floor in front of me, and grabs my shoulders and starts shaking me. "Why did you do that?! Don't ever do that again! Do you hear me?! Ever! I can't lose you too!" His face is now red and puffy from crying. He holds me in his arms. rocking me back and forth. His sobbing dies down a little, but not much. "Do you know how many times I wake up from a nightmare telling myself 'not real'? Only to find you about to slit your throat?!" He grabs my face, and pulls me closer. "Don't ever let that be real. Please Katniss. I can't lose you too." His tears fall silently down his face. His blue eyes locking into my gray ones.

"Peeta, I can't-"

"Yes you can, Katniss. If you won't do it for me, do it for Prim." This strikes a chord in me. I bow my head in shame. Peeta puts his hand under my chin and tilts my head up. "Look at me."

I force myself to meet his gaze.

" I love you too much Katniss. Please make me this promise." I can't. I can't even lie to him. Not while he is in this state of weakness. "Do you remember in the Quarter Quell, how I told you nobody needed me, and you said you did? Katniss, no matter how much you think nobody needs you, you're wrong. Think about it. Your mother, Gale, me." I feel the tears welling in my eyes. "Katniss, if you die I will have nobody. I would rather die than lose you. Do you understand?" I nod my head. Peeta gives a slight smile. I fall into him, his arms wrapping around me. Even with Peetas warmth, I start shivering. "God, Katniss. What did they do to you?" I realize that this must be the thinnest he's ever seen me. Even when me and Prim were slowly starving to death, we weren't as thin as I am now. I scratch my throat and discover a small cut that the butter knife must have made. "Oh Katniss." He cradles me like an infant.

I must have fallen asleep, because when I woke up, I was in bed with Peeta laying next to me. His arms still wrapped around me. I look at him. He looks like he's at peace when he's asleep. Before I know what I'm doing I gently press my lips into his. I pull back when I feel him doing the same. His eyes open and he smiles. "Hey." I say as though I didn't just kiss him in his sleep.

"Hey. You're up early." Confused, I turn my head to my window facing opposite of me. And it turns out Peeta was right. It didn't look close to dawn, either. "Did you have a nightmare?" Peeta asks.

"Huh- oh! No! I...I think this is the first time that I didn't wake up from a nightmare."

"Mine too." Replies Peeta. He doesn't seem to want to know why I kissed him. "You kissed me, real or not real?" Never mind.

"Real." I admit. He wraps his arms around me. I gladly go into his warm embrace.

When I wake up again, I smell something. Cheese buns. Peeta knows they are my favorite. I walk downstairs into the kitchen and my suspicions were correct. Peeta from what I can tell is nowhere to be found, so I eat alone.

I think of last night. How did he get here in time to stop me? Did he hear me crying? If he did, then does that mean Haymitch did too? And if he did, why didn't he come here with Peeta? Was he so drunk he passed out, or did he just not care after almost two years? About a million questions run through my head, and even after almost an hour and a half, I still don't have a slightest clue. Like as to why Peeta was in District twelve, and what did he mean by 'I need you'? Could he have meant it in a non-lovers way like I did? Or was he just saying it in a moment of desperation? By noon I still don't know.

Greasy Sae comes at one to make me lunch with her granddaughter. She picked up one of my mothers blue yarn balls she used to knit with.

"Claire, put that down!" Greasy Sae yelled at the little red-headed girl, who seemed to like to live in her own little world. If my world wasn't so dark and terrifying, I might just join in on the idea.

"It's alright. She can have it." I tell greasy Sae. I eat my breakfast while greasy Sae watches me. Making sure I eat every last bite. No doubt told to by Haymitch or Plutarch. When they leave, I become aware of the fact that I smell terrible, so I take a shower. After about an hour of combing out my thin hair, I go to the kitchen to see what to do about the knife in the wall. I pull it out and look at the hole. It's not to big, so I could probably just put a table in front of it, and nobody would notice.

I go to the meadow later that day, and try and answer my question. Like how is it that I can survive over sixteen years of starvation, two Hunger games, a rebellion and yet not know anything about love, other than it's impossible! I groan in frustration.

Then I see it. The evening primrose. I look at it, afraid to touch it, like if I did I would set it on fire.

"Prim." I whisper softly. It's still a little cold in district twelve, so I notice that there's is some frost on it, left behind by the cold. I feel tears wealing up in my eyes as I touch the soft petal, watching the frost melt at my touch. I feel the tears starting to fall down my cheeks. "Prim." I say a little louder this time. I hear something 'meaw' behind me, and snap my head around to see what it was. Buttercup. Of course it's Prims stupid cat. "Go away." He hiss' at me. "Go. You won't find her here, so just GO!" I scream at him. I grab a thin stick that won't make a dent in him, but all I want is for him to just go away. "Prim is dead! Do you hear me, you stupid cat!?" I wave the stick around like a manic. But he doesn't run away. He just sat there, taking it. Along the way of me screaming Prims death he must of realized something terrible has happened, and starts giving his own animal crying. I fall to my knees and hands and try to catch my breath. Buttercup comes to me and rubs against me. But instead of pushing him away, I hold him as we cry. At dusk me and Buttercup make our way to my house, where when we get there we find a frantic Peeta. "Peeta?" I'm very confused as to why he's here.

"Katniss!" He holds me in his arms tightly while Buttercup goes off to find a place to sleep, and I don't blame him. He looks like he also has had a couple of sleepless weeks. "I thought you were dead! I didn't know where you were! Oh my god are you okay?!" He asks hysterical. I must still look like I've been crying and made him think something terrible has happened to me.

"I'm fine Peeta. I just went out to the meadow and...I found a primrose..and-" A look of understanding appears on his face, and he holds me in his arms and rock me gently. Murmuring that it's okay and he's still there for me. I pull away and look at him. "Thank you." I say softly. We both start leaning in and our lips have barley touched when the door opens with Haymitch stumbling in.

"Well sweetheart, looks like you're alive." He says as he takes a swing from a flask. So I was right about the alcohol.

"Yeah. I see you're as drunk as usual." I'm a little mad he came stumbling in on an important moment.

"I got it Haymitch." Peeta says after seeing the look in my eyes. Haymitch  grunts and turns to walk out saying

"Fine. I didn't wanna see you makin' babies anyway." and slams the door behind him. I look at Peeta and see what must be a mirror of my face. He has wide eyes and his face was an interesting shade of red, with his mouth partly open. We lock eyes for a moment and bust out laughing at how ridiculous we look. After our laughing fit we go to the kitchen.

"Peeta, why were you here? I mean, I thought greasy Sae was making me dinner." I ask him in confusion.

"Sae came to my door to tell me that she lost her granddaughter while shopping so she wanted to ask me if I could fill in, and I said 'yes'." He replied. I nodded and watched him for a while. After we ate, I asked Peeta a question that had been on my mind.

"Peeta, why did you come last night?" He sighs and thinks for a moment.

"I was sent here last week after you killed Coin for my safety. Or at least that's what they told me. I didn't care really, I just wanted to go home. They told me you and Haymitch were coming home that day and I wanted to see you. It was almost eleven by the time you got home, so I decided to wait until tomorrow. Then I heard screaming, and...I...I almost had an attack." I look at him. He looks like he's lost to the world, staring at the fire in the fire place.

"Peeta?" He looks at me, but not in the same caring way he did only a few moments ago. I try and move away, but his hands are around my throat before I can move. "P-Peeta." I can't breath. "P-Please. Peeta."

"Mutt!" He throws me away. I feel my head snap backwards and forward. I put a hand to my throat and cough while I try to get up, but I stumble and fall.

"Peeta..." I whisper as I drift into unconsciousness. Waiting for death to come from the boy with the bread.

A/N: Like I said, not the best writing in the world, but I'm still proud. Please reblog! Thank you for reading!

[mel-the-fangirl]

Lady Killer - Requested

Tom Holland x Reader

Words: 2,174 (wooooo)

Requested by: anonymous

“Can you do one where tom is like sort of a player and you like him but pushed your feelings aside since he would never commit. But then he realizes he loved you the whole time you were friends and tries to win you back after you started dating someone etc etc??”

I have two completely different versions for this one, I’m such a mess lol. I am so so sorry this took forever. Ily. Good lord, I hope you like this one. REQUESTS ARE CLOSED FOR NOW. I’m sorry!!

----------------------------------------------------

“So what was her name this time?”

“I’m not entirely sure.. I think it was DeeDee? Something along those lines.”

“Your phone says it was Corinne and she thanks you for an amazing night.”

“Oi, give that here!”

Your friend, Tom, snatched his phone from your hands. Although hanging out with him was always the highlight of your day, there were always unanswered texts and missed calls that you would spot on his phone from different numbers that made your blood boil.

Tom was a full blown player, he didn’t look like it but that was what he was. And what were you? Oh, you were just his best girl friend (note the space between the words), who would hang out with him all the time until a booty call worth his attention called him away.

You were also his best girl friend who was in love with him, very reluctantly in love. It was such an unpleasant cliché, falling for a handsome, wickedly charming lady killer like Tom. Why you kept hanging out with him, you didn’t know why. Actually you did. You kept hanging out because you loved being with him.

But whatever, right?

“How did I get DeeDee from Corinne?” Tom mumbled to himself, standing from his seat. You two were on the train, heading back to his apartment from a late lunch. Your stop had just been called.

“Excuse me.”

You two turned around to find a chesty blonde eyeing Tom flirtily.

Really? On public transportation?

The blonde slyly handed Tom a slip of paper and winked at him before walking off to another part of the train. The doors opened and you couldn’t get out of there fast enough, your feet carried you speedily towards the turnstiles.

“Hey, Y/N! Wait up!”

Tom caught up with you and placed an arm around your shoulders, you really, really wanted to shrug him off but you didn’t want him to know you were affected. You two exited the train station like that, his arm around you. People looking on the outside would assume that you two were together and you wished they were right.

It was such a lovely day, as lovely as it could get in grey old London. The sun surely wasn’t going to be shining any time soon but it wasn’t as dreary and miserable as it usually was and it certainly wasn't as dreary and miserable as you.

“What’s up?” Tom asked you once you reached the park in his neighbourhood. He sat on one of the benches and patted the space next to him.

“What do you mean?” you asked as you sat

A harsh gust of wind blew past, making your hair fly into your face. You heard Tom laugh as he scooted closer to help you out. His hands wove into your wild hair, smoothing it back so you could finally see. The feel of his fingers combing through your hair was soothing, you closed your eyes momentarily.

“Y/N, we've been friends for quite some time, love. Don't you think I'd know when something's bothering you?” he spoke softly, tracing your cheekbone with the tip of his fingers

It felt heavenly.

“Was it the blonde on the train? I won't call her if you don't want me to. She's pretty fit though, it'd be a shame to miss out.” he mumbled the last part under his breath

That made you crash back down to earth. Why did he always have to ruin moments like this with his stupidity. You caught his hand before he could touch you again and you gave him a tight smile.

“Don't flatter yourself, Tom. I'm not jealous, I just got a bit dizzy.”

“Oh, so you don't mind if I call her up?” he already had his phone out, typing in the number on the little piece of paper he was given

“I'll be a minute, Y/N.” he kissed you on the cheek and went farther away, phone pressed to his ear

Why did it have to be like this? You just couldn't understand it, was there something wrong with you? How come Tom couldn't see you that way? Why was he always looking for something else when you were right there at his side?

All the questions floating around in your head didn't have answers, none that you could find, at least. You'd always tried your best to push aside your feelings for Tom since he was.. Well, Tom, and he didn't want anything serious. But every time you looked at him and he gave you that stupid smile, it felt hopeless.

Tom walked back to you, a smug look on his face.

“Got your date?" you asked, hoping his answer wouldn't hurt you too much

“Don't I always?” he replied, sitting back down and stretching his arms above his head

Ugh.

The following weeks, you and Tom continued your tradition of meeting for a late lunch then sitting at the park, swapping stories. The names in his would change regularly while only one name was the headline of yours.

“Y/N, you talk about this Sebastian a lot. Is there something I should know?” he questioned once he finally got fed up with it

You couldn't help the rosy blush that coated your cheeks, Tom noticed it and felt his heart drop. He waited for your reply with mild nervousness.

“Well.. Sebastian is the guy I'm dating, sort of."

“Dating? You're.. Dating someone?”

The stare he was giving you almost bore holes onto your face. Why was he looking at you like that?

“Jesus, Tom. Is that really so unbelievable?” you ran a hand through your hair, flustered

“No! No, that's not what I meant, Y/N! I just.. You do talk about him a lot but I didn't know you were dating him.”

Or anyone actually, he thought to himself. Tom crossed his arms and squared his shoulders, struggling to push off the uneasy feeling he was getting.

“So, tell me about him.”

You fiddled with the ring on your index finger, twisting it around and around. Tom observed the soft smile that was beginning to form on your lips.

“Well, he's quite nice really. Handsome.”

Tom rolled his eyes but you went on, giddiness blooming in your chest. He watched you beneath furrowed brows, the light in your eyes, the way you radiated a different aura when you talked about this Sebastian. He didn't like it one bit.

“Don’t tell me you fancy him already.” he didn't like the jealous undertones in his voice. He wasn't jealous. He shouldn't even be jealous.

“Maybe I do.”

“Oh, come on, Y/N. You've been on what, a couple of dates?” he scoffed in an attempt to hide how hurt he was starting to feel

“At least it’s been a couple of dates, you bed your date in the same fucking night.” you retorted harshly

Neither of you spoke, the stinging truth of what you said was still making its rounds within Tom. You wished you could feel bad, the way he was dejectedly looking down at his hands should've made you want to apologise. But it didn't.

“I'm going to head home. Text you whenever.”

He didn’t acknowledge that you said anything nor did he make a move as you left. Tom remained there on the bench, deep in thought.

Later that night you were all dressed up and ready for your date with Sebastian. He'd texted you that he was on his way but it’s been quite some time since then, it wasn't like him to be late and not let you know.

You were just about to call him to ask where he was when there was a knock on your door. You excitedly rushed to get it.

“Hey, I was just about to call you-”

“Well, I'm glad to hear that.”

There was indeed a handsome man on your doorstep, but it wasn’t the one you were expecting. Tom was standing in front of you, a big smile on his face.

“What in the hell are you doing here?” you hissed, stepping out and shutting the door behind you

He just gave you a dazzling smile in response, it just made your heart flutter. You hated it how even though he manages to piss you off monumentally, just one smile could thaw your initially icy demeanor towards him.

Before you could even stop yourself, a smile came unbidden onto your face. Once Tom saw you smiling back at him, he visibly relaxed. Because if his initial plan of standing at your doorstep while he smiled charmingly at you didn’t work, he’d have to resort to plan B, which was getting down on his knees and begging you not to slam the door in his face.

“I’m glad you’re dressed, you look beautiful, darling.”

Heat climbed up to your cheeks at his compliment. Despite dating Sebastian, and despite Sebastian being so sweet and nice, Tom still owned your heart, he always has.

“Tom, what are you doing here? I have a date, he should be arriving any minute now.” you made it a point to look up and down your street, searching for any sign of Sebastian

“That Sebastian really is nice.” he told you as he led you into his car, you wondered why you were just going along with him.

He slid into the driver’s seat and started the engine.

“What made you say that?” you asked as he left your street

“Well.. I might have.. Intercepted him as he arrived at your house. He was quite gracious about it.” Tom sounded impressed

“Oh my God, Tom. What the hell is this? Where the hell are we even going?”

“This is a date. And it’s a secret, sort of.” he stated, plain and simple. Tom Holland was finally taking you out on an actual date, after years of friendship and your one-sided feelings.

This certainly wasn’t what you thought you’d be doing with your night. A hijacked date and your womanising friend driving you to some mysterious location.

Turns out the mysterious location wasn’t exactly mysterious. Tom had taken you to the park in his neighbourhood, the park where you two always went. You climbed out into the cool night, Tom brought out a picnic basket and a few blankets.

You made the familiar trek to yours and Tom’s usual bench but as you walked closer, you noticed that fairy lights were strung along the sides, making it look like it was glowing.

“You did this?” you asked

“Uh, yeah,” he scratched the back of his neck, chagrined. “I know it’s not much.”

“It’s beautiful.” you mumbled as you sat down

Tom set the picnic basket down on the ground and wrapped a blanket around yourselves. He sat facing you, you felt the need to position yourself the same way. And so you two sat there, the fairy lights projecting shapes and shadows on your faces.

“Y/N,” he began, taking your hand in his “You’ve always been so kind to me, so patient. You’ve always been a good friend and you’ve always been there for me, even when I was being an asshole. And I never deserved any of it.”

You started to shake your head but he squeezed your hand to stop you from saying anything.

“Just, let me finish.” he took a deep breath and continued, “I never deserved you, Y/N. The things I’ve been doing, how I’ve acted, I know you never approved but you never said anything, you just let me be myself until I realised that I wanted to change.”

“And that’s what I love about you. You never pressured me to be something I’m not but I’m ready to change now, Y/N. It took you dating someone else just to make it all clear for me. I’ve been so busy getting caught up in other people,” his eyebrows knitted together

“That I didn’t see that I had this amazing person right next to me. And I’m sorry, Y/N, I apologise from the bottom of my heart that-that it took so long for me to realise..” Tom trailed off, gazing into your eyes like a man seeing colour for the first time in a field of flowers in the spring

The weight of his words began to sink in, you looked at him with wide eyes.

“Y-You mean..?” you stammered

He nodded, scootching closer to you. His hands moved up and down your arms.

“I’m here, if you’ll have me. Flaws and all. I know it might be hard considering.. What I was like, but Y/N, I promise you. On my mum’s life. I won’t hurt you. I may already have before but I swear to you,” Tom’s eyes shone with such emotion against the glow of the fairy lights

“I swear I will take care of you, I will love you and only you for the rest-”

You’d heard enough, you leaned over and pressed your lips against his.

Finally.

[gulescamisade]

New York:  Day 2

JOHN: - ASSUMING they ended up sleeping in an alley, John probably cuddled up with Kankri. However, he miserably wakes up over and over to vomit, straying farther away from the group during these excursions for courtesys sake. He gets more sweaty, stumbly and shaky the more this goes on-

ROSE: -She looks up from her typing to watch John. At some point he feels her hand on his back, rubbing in little circles.- Good morning. ROSE: It is a punctual wake up call, if I were pressed to say one good thing about this place.

JOHN: - he is NOT having a good morning but he wheezes and smiles anyway. He's chewing some peppermint gum, and still slathering on the Vicks which is helping somewhat- yeah, no kidding. bright and early in flavor town.

ROSE: As far as I can tell, based on the feed, no one else is in any danger. ROSE: Immediate danger, I should say. But we're not sure where Roxy, Jake, your father or the cherubs are.

ROSE: It could be a good sign that they're off the grid like that.

JOHN: - Thank you for providing a positive option he'll be choosing that one- yeah. i mean... my dad is with them. i'm not worried. he probably has things on lock down. - oh how ironic this statement is-

JOHN: d'ya want some water? the only food i have is cake but i have lots of water bottles. - also the sort of shock blankets EMTs carry. there were likely three that they all had to share. -

ROSE: Wherever it is, I presume it's better than what you'd get if Banksy were commissioned to construct a parody of a city.

ROSE: ...Yeah. that would actually help a lot.

JOHN: - passes her one-

JOHN: - SIGHS because he already really hates this place. - this is beyond banksy this is like what michael bay would've done if youd asked him for a dystopian flick. pretty on the nose, betty. just sayin...

ROSE: Nothing is on fire except for our reliable steel trash fire, John, and I would never insult our most stalwart ally that way.

ROSE: Although if I see one single depiction of Ronald McDonald anywhere, I am extraordinarily liable to flip a tit.

JOHN: well i hate to say it, Rose but in all likelihood your tit is getting flipped.

ROSE: I said a tit, John, not necessarily any of mine. Ronald -- can I call him Ronald? Is that deemed appropriate?-- likely has at least one under that puffy yellow garment.

ROSE: All I am saying is that it is likely to be golden brown on both sides.

ROSE: Not unlike the McGriddle.

JOHN: - laughs helplessly even tho he doesn't want to. STAHP-

ROSE: -She twists open the water bottle-- grateful that they've got something-- taking a sip. Her head still hurts, but it's normal style headache, not migraine getting nuked by all the lights of times square, so she can deal a lot better.- ROSE: I mostly have some of Baldur's baby food I prepared. ROSE: I doubt that will last terribly long, but I'd like to avoid any of the food here if we can help it.

ROSE: So, we have banana and peanut butter mush, and cake.

JOHN: maybe the others have some more stuff. - he doesn't wanna wake them up yet tho. let them rest... -

ROSE: Well, it could be a lot worse.

JOHN: hey I'm not knocking banana peanut butter mush. sounds good honestly. - except he's not interested in any food rn, he's too nauseated. the only reason he stopped vomiting is because is tum is empty except for water-

ROSE: It is. Protein and at least one kind of potassium. The possibilities are endless.

MEULIN: -She's slept pretty restlessly -- post-traumatic stress and dangerous locations will do that to you -- and only manages to sleep soundly once she sees familiar words scrolling over her sunglasses, knowing that at least someone else was awake to watch out in her stead. It was difficult having only so many senses, being unable to tell if any noise should alert them. Now, though, she stirs again, squinting in whatever haze of light manages to permeate the neon signs.-

http://www.guyfieri.com/wp-content/themes/guyfieri/images/xshow-header-bigbite.jpg.pagespeed.ic.2DQMNZ--Hj.jpg

[ GOOD MORNING MEULIN ]

MEULIN: -SQUINTS LOUDER AT THIS SIGN.- (GUY CAN TAKE A BIG BITE OF MY BOOTY.)

JOEY: =rubs at her eyes, sitting up= ...what guy?

[HE MIGHT]

ROSE: Fieri, comma.

ROSE: Morning.

JOEY: oh....

JOEY: he's still a thing?

ROSE: I took the liberty to scout by air a bit. I can confirm two things.

ROSE: One is that this city is hopelessly large, and most of the buildings are equipped with searchlights on the highest floors.

ROSE: The other is that he is very much still a thing.

ROSE: He's plastered all over the place.

JOEY: sorry ive been out of the loop in this universe for quite some time now

JOEY: i can tell you in some of them he is but a distant memory

JOEY: although it might be to give the world a false sense of security, waiting to rise again

MEULIN: UGGHH...

MEULIN: I'M SO MAD THAT MY BODY IS EVEN LETTING ME F33L HUNGRY RIGHT NOW.

ROSE: Let's start a fair clip back, actually.

ROSE: Should I be horrified by him? more so than everything else about this place, I mean?

[He's only the high chaplain of interstellar war. The key architect of the hilarocaust itself. Pay no mind to the fact that he ruthlessly murdered and cooked every supreme court justice in his rise to power]

JOEY: your guess is as good as mine =shrugs= i dunno what this version of him is supposed to be like

JOEY: hes either a harmless cook with his own tv show using way too much grease or not many really know about him

JOEY: here its obviously not the case

ROSE: Right.

ROSE: It's fine. We should eat, anyhow. Keep our strength up without succumbing to the Big Bite. Do any of you have food on you?

JOEY: oh shit! =rummages through her sylladex= i have a bag of milky ways!

ROSE: I wonder how long we can last on candy and baby food.

MEULIN: I HAVE. UM.

MEULIN: ...

MEULIN: ...EDIBLES...

JOEY: =places a milky way fun size bar on her sleeping brother's head=

ROSE: Edible what, exactly?

MEULIN: ...RR...

JOEY: boogers are edible, yet....im not feeling that

MEULIN: PRETZELS. AND... RICE KRISPIES...

MEULIN: BUT THEY'RE. YOU KNOW.

JOEY: ???

ROSE: I really don't. Although I should disclose I was working under the assumption you were talking about edible panties or body chocolate.

ROSE: So they're probably not worse than that.

JOEY: =LAUGHS=

MEULIN: HAHAHA!

MEULIN: UH... WELL THEY'RE. YOU S33... THEY ARE NIP INFUSED.

MEULIN: SO.........

ROSE: Oh.

ROSE: Well, that'll at least help us cope.

MEULIN: YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT, AND ALSO. WE PURROBABLY SHOULDN'T EAT TOO MANY IN ONE SITTING.

ROSE: We'll ration.

JOEY: hehehehehe

JOEY: we get high or get cavities

JOEY: it's a race to either

MEULIN: -casually pulls out Rice Krispies on that note... TIME TO GET FUCKING BLAZED. She offers one each to Joey and Rose.-

ROSE: ...Thank you. -TIME TO DO A WEED BREAKFAST. she might reconsider but she's sick of her head hurting, and she hasn't had a thing in her stomach since they arrived.-

JOEY: thanks

JOEY: =she wipes her hands on her pants before taking it. Does it help? Who knows?=

JOEY: =nibbles the krispie=

MEULIN: -They're pretty tasty and definitely Rice Krispie treats. They don't seem to taste any different than a normal one, but in about five to ten minutes they should feel a nice buzzy body high and a bit more floaty than before... depending on how high or low their tolerance is. They might be a lot floaty and a lot buzzy.-

JOEY: =she's a lusus vet. the occasion never called for drug use!=

JAMISON: =slowly lifts a manhole cover then jumps out of it. Where has this old man been?? Puts the cover back and scurries to the group= Oh fantastic you're eating! Here I've got some clean water. =thunks down a gallon jug, yes he's still shirtless... AND ARMED=

ROSE: -She's just starting to relax and let that buzzing feeling take over when JAMISON THE SUDDEN.-

ROSE: Fuck!

MEULIN: !! -IT'S THE RESPONSIBLE ADULT PARTY, EVERYONE SCATTER. But no she just smiles at Jamison.- HI! THANKS.

JOEY: =Nearly jumps out of her skin and fumbles with the rice krispie, almost dropping it. It's like when your parent catches you smoking! It's...almost like that, actually.=

ROSE: That was sudden. I figured you'd gone somewhere, but... It seems you went... There. This is good to have.

ROSE: Hello. Also.

JOEY: hiiii dad! um...where did you get the water?

JAMISON: Oh... didn't mean to give you all a start! Good morning! I'll go hunting down normal appearing meat later! No worries on the water I staked out a source and purified it myself with something I whipped up! :D

JOEY: =I knew it, it IS sewer water=

JAMISON: =LISTEN. SURVIVAL.=

ROSE: That's a relief. ROSE: We were just taking supply of what we've got. Suppose we'll be able to manage for long enough to figure which way is... out.

JAMISON: Any way can be out, missy! Haw! Simply pick a direction!

JOLENE: -waddles over after disappearing herself. this is a bad habit this family has.- agreed! and if it requires blowing holes into any of the buildings then i have explosives. :)

ROSE: Well. Shit. 

ROSE: Alright. I'd first want... a car. Because it seems kind of desperate if we're going to be making our getaway from acts of explosives on foot.

ROSE: I was thinking we could try and tail one of those freight trucks.

JOLENE: that's probably a good idea........ -she just wants to level this whole place-

JAMISON: =beams at Jojo= Like the old days!

ROSE: The old truck hijacking days.

JOLENE: it really takes me back...

JOEY: ive never heard this story =chinhands, munching on this riceweedie=

JAMISON: Oh! There's tons of stories we can tell!! =proudly beams=

ROSE: I'm sure there's... plenty of time.

JOHN: - HE GAVE MEULIN A LOOK LIKE... so it's you... you're the supplier. but given they're in a crisis situation he lets it slide. And takes a bite of a rice krispy hoping it will help with the nausea. -

JOLENE: yes, true. for now let's focus on getting out of here. -peeps the rice krispies- what have you got there?

ROSE: Breakfast. 

ROSE: Laced with a relaxant to dull the overwhelming stimulus of our environment.

ROSE: -WOW she's starting to think she's really good at being high-

JAMISON: They've scrounged up some-- oh? Hm........ 

JAMISON: So long as your reflexes are kept sharp!

JOHN: - How elegantly she puts it-

ROSE: :)

ROSE: :)

JOLENE: ... -squints-

JOLENE: are those weed rice krispies????????????????

ROSE: ...There is a mite touch of THC.

JAMISON: Awww come now Jojo! The youngsters aren't used to such dastardly dangers as we are!

JOHN: - please body digest these faster so he can feel not sick-

JOHN: - pleading with your body is a common medical practice don't you know-

JAMISON: Also it's a bit hard to find something that seems safe to consume out here.... I've even got looking for meat but I apparently haven't gone far enough on my last search!

JOHN: well i have lots of cakes

JOHN: they're safe... my dad made them.

JAMISON: Oh! Well that'll do finely! Good job old boy!

JOHN: it's not the most nutritious thing but...

JAMISON: Mustn't be picky about what you get to feast on in the wild, it could be the last meal you pass up! Haw!

MEULIN: CAKE IS GOOD. -thankfully being high makes you also want to eat just about anything... unless it's made by Guy, because fuck him.-

JOHN: - he breaks two out right now. months old but they're kept fresh although they might taste like they've been in hammer space for a little too long-

JOLENE: -frowns thinking about the cakes because she knows james is missing...- i'll have some cake. thank you, john.

JOHN: - he's frowning for the same reason-

JAMISON: I'll take one as well! Need to keep my wits sharp!! =THEY'LL FIND EVERYONE AND FIX JADE, BUCK UP EVERYONE!!!=

JAMISON: =HE BELIEVES!!=

JAMISON: Now then! I'll take that to go and SCOUT! :D

JOHN: -there's yellow cake that says HAPPY LATE DECEMBER and another one, chocolate that says HAPPY EARLY JANUARY

ROSE: Be careful. Try to avoid shooting anything.

ROSE: -EYES the cakes. REALLY, EGBERT FAMILY...-

JOLENE: .... -james............-

JAMISON: =DIBS ON THE YELLOW CAKE, pistol-winks at Rose= No promises but I will gather a route for us so get your rears in gear!!

JAMISON: And drink some water!

ROSE: -She is interrupted by a STOMACH GROWL. She levitates over a pretty large slice with her majyyks.-

JOLENE: -grabs a slice of chocolate cake and gobbles it down. YUM.-

JOHN: - HE makes sure everyone gets a large slice except himself because he's waiting for the cannabis to kick in-

JAMISON: =Bends down to touch his toes, stretches this way and that. If they're in the alley still he takes a running start at the wall and hardcore parkours his way up to the roof of one of the buildings= TALLY-HO!!!! =There he goes....=

JOHN: - bemused amazement at Jamison-

JOLENE: ... there he goes.

MEULIN: ...-shimmery eyes.- I WOULD TOTALLY DO THAT IF HE INVITED ME.

JOEY: so now we have dessert, candy, and happy times to fuel our energy =giggles=

ROSE: I... You know, that sort of reminds me. 

ROSE: Obviously you are not beholden to stay, but I haven't seen any other trolls, outside of our group. Right? Just humans and... Less... Healthy looking humans.

JOHN: that is weird now that you mention it...

JOEY: if the troll to human ratio is low here, theres a chance of another group out there with one human surrounded by trolls 

JOEY: =presses meulin's nose= boop

JOHN: hehehehe... boop! - does it too-

MEULIN: -IS BOOP!!!- (=ﾟ･ﾟ=) 

MEULIN: PRRP! -bunts at their hands. Pet her.-

JOHN: - It's good luck! he gladly gives her head scratches. -

MEULIN: MAYBE THERE'S A FLEASON. PRRRRR.

JOHN: i kind of imagined... more trolls?

ROSE: Yeah...

JOEY: =Pats Meulin's hair floof, shrugging=

JOEY: maybe were meant to be here

JOEY: if youre saying this isn't a coincidence

JOHN: -...THAT IS NOT A COMFORTING THOUGHT-

JOEY: =sorry! it's not a lullaby to her either=

ROSE: I don't doubt there was intent in the decision.

ROSE: What I would like to find is the purpose behind this place.

ROSE: What these glamorous banalities mask.

ROSE: You know, that shit.

MEULIN: PRRR PRRR... 

MEULIN: NOT GOOD STUFF. WHY WOULD THE EMPURR WANT TO F33D PEOPLE?

ROSE: Chemicals, probably. Fuck it.

JAMISON: =APPEARS again= Mind-control! Well.. it's a theory. Also if you have the necessities then you control the land. 

JAMISON: A typical tactic done with water mostly but food isn't any different!

ROSE: Chemicals. -nods-

JOHN: maybe the food is... - dramatic pause- PEOPLE

JOHN: nah just kiddin

JOHN: or not..???

ROSE: Let's not rule anything out.

JAMISON: True, we should keep open minds so to not be surprised! JAMISON: Whatever these devils are eating isn't good for them and I can't say cannibalism does a body good!

MEULIN: .....

MEULIN: UMM...

MEULIN: WELL...

JUDE: -he's in the bg here just perpetually going hhhhhhh-

MEULIN: I'M PURRETTY SURE THAT'S STILL A THING ALTERNIA DOES...

JAMISON: =Peeps Jude.......=

JAMISON: Well yes, for you troll lot it is fine you're biology is capable of handling it. The same can't be said with our own digestive system. =Do you need a hug Jude? A sweaty, shirtless, hairy dadhug?=

MEULIN: BLEH. MEULIN: BUT WASN'T THERE A SIGN ABOUT D33P FRYING BABIES?

MEULIN: -stares off into the neon distance...-

JAMISON: Then it's quite possible that cannibalism has been introduced or even forced upon locals!

JUDE: -nO NOT REALLY DAD BUT THANKS...-

JUDE: okay but haven't you noticed the traits the humans around here are taking on?

JUDE: ashen skin... they've got growths on their heads??

JUDE: it'd make sense if they're being forced to eat their own

JUDE: if the condesce is trying to convert humanity to troll customs-- no, worse

JUDE: convert them into trolls themselves

[No? Maybe. Look, it's a decent proposal. However, no, there aren't any signs EXPLICITLY advertising frying babies, or any other humans for that matter.]

MEULIN: -SHE COULD SWEAR SHE SAW ONE LAST NIGHT-

JAMISON: Why that's a silly thing to do EVEN FOR Fish Hitler...... =squints= so she might just be doing it..... JAMISON: Confound it the seabeast is no genius when it comes to biology!.... Perhaps capturing one for testing is necessary....

JAMISON: I'm sure I would whip up a DNA analyzer!

MEULIN: OH... -geck face- THAT'S SO SUPURR GROSS?? WHY WOULD ANYBODY DO THAT???

JOEY: its a motivation if the fish queen wants an army of mindless followers

JOEY: rebuilding her race to the extent that all choice or doubt in her reign has been taken from them

MEULIN: MAYBE SHE SHOULD CLAWNSIDER REBUILDING HER BUTT WHEN I PUT MY FOOT IN IT. -grumpy growls. This cat does not like this town.-

JAMISON: Well said! There's ample space for my fists of fury along with your boot old girl!

MEULIN: OH MY GOD I ONLY JUST REALIZED YOU CAME BACK.

ROSE: Haha. Fuck.

MEULIN: WE JUST HAD A CONFURSATION AND EVERYTHING.

JAMISON: Right-o! Never stray for long when there's work to be done!

JAMISON: So, seeing how shooting is against the group consensus what about capturing?

ROSE: I could justify that, yes.

ROSE: We want to avoid a ruckus until we're certain they cannot corner us.

MEULIN: (ฅ•ω•ฅ) MEULIN: I'M GOOD AT POUNCING. I'VE B33N PRACTICING MY WHOLE LIFE.

JOEY: .....(adorable...)

JAMISON: Meulin! Would you like to capture a zombie with me? :D

MEULIN: -SNRKS and nudges bashfully at Joey. She heard that!!!-

JAMISON: =Holds up a net he made=

MEULIN: OH HELLS YES.

[ LOOK AT THIS NET THAT I JUST FOUND ]

JOHN: i think we should establish a base first that isn't an alley out in the open :0

JOHN: what about hijacking one of those trailers

ROSE: Was there room in those sewers?

JAMISON: Do we plan on being here for long? JAMISON: We could appropriate a building!

JOHN: - scratches under beard as he considers all these options-

ROSE: No, we need to catch up with the others. And despite her enthusiasm, I don't think Jolene has enough bombs to demolish this whole place.

JAMISON: Oh, well that's just a matter of creating more.

JOEY: we should keep a low profile before coming up with a solid game plan

JOEY: THEN we can make things blow up

JAMISON: Hm.... actually I would like to meet this "Guy" and take all his files.

ROSE: Well. Ideally, we would have a bomb on the side of town opposite we're going to escape from.

JOHN: hmm we're more than 20 hours from minnesota... if we somehow scored a trailer we could get out of town quickly if we need to and then take turns sleeping on the way there...

JAMISON: That is my near-end game to see what the devil is going on!

ROSE: Establish some sort of distraction.

JOEY: or direction

JOEY: if were going to sightsee, lets make an itinerary

JOEY: =smiles blissfully=

JOHN: - takes a deep breath. his stomach feels better and his nausea is gone. - those were really bomb ass rice krispies, meulin.

JOHN:... you still have that pb and banana...

ROSE: -SNORTS and laughs uncontrollably-

JOHN: @Rose

ROSE: -slides a lil plastic baby food container towards JOHN-

JOHN: - here he is, a grown ass man with a child eating baby food-

MEULIN: YOU ARE FURRY WELCOME.

JOHN: - incredible-

JOHN: - also he feels all tingly-

MEULIN: -she hasn't kept up with the conversation too terribly, thanks to the fact that she doesn't have to listen and can read it instead.- I THINK THE SEWERS MIGHT BE GOOD. THEY HAVE LITTLE AREAS DOWN THERE RIGHT?

MEULIN: IT WON'T SMELL GREAT BUT I THINK IT MIGHT BE BETTER THAN ICKY BUFFALO RANCH NOOK HELL.

JOHN: alright well... we have a lot of different ideas. and i honestly don't know what's the best choice.

JOHN: should we vote?

JOEY: =her eyes get spherical=

JOEY: theres such a place as buffalo ranch nook hell?

ROSE: Let's steal the zepplin.

JAMISON: I would like to have a base of operations and the sewers weren't so terrible for tha- oh a zepplin would be grand!

JOHN: is that a serious option because if so i like it.

JOHN: - HAS WIND POWERS-

ROSE: Yes. Fuck it. Fuck the sky. Let's steal it.

JOHN: yeah! - fist pump-

MEULIN: -leans toward Joey- WE'RE IN IT. WE ARE IN BUFFALO RANCH NOOK HELL.

JOEY: does anyone know how to actually fly one of those? it's hard from what i have heard :\

JOHN: oh, I have wind powers

JOHN: plus they probably do... - points at jo jo and jamison-

MEULIN: HE SAYS, SUPURR CATSUALLY.

JOHN: - he just takes for granted that the old people know everything-

JOHN: - floats as an example for joey-

ROSE: I, too, have powers, but I'd also think that hauling everyone up into the sky will attract a measure of attention we're not prepared for.

ROSE: Which is second to my previously stated stance, fuck the sky.

JAMISON: Oh! Yes you have been floating as of late I recall... =strokes mustache=

MEULIN: FUCK THE SKY!!

JOHN: ohhhh thats true. - considers this-

JOEY: ... =glances down at the rice krispie- aight, how strong is this stuff?

ROSE: Thank you.

MEULIN: I MEAN... IT'S A WHOLE KRISPIE...

MEULIN: (ฅ•ᆺ•ฅ)

JOHN: - only took a bite of his and put the rest wrapped up in his pocket-

JOEY: since when can people fly??

JOHN: it's not such a weird thing where we come from.

MEULIN: OH YEAH, PEOPLE FLY AROUND ALL THE TIME.

JOEY: i come from earth. this earth! everything is weird to me!

MEULIN: ARADIA HAS THESE TOTALLY BALLER WINGS, AND SO DOES MY BOSS ANGER STARE.

JOEY: anger....stare....

ROSE: Redglare.

JOHN: but like... if we had somewhere to land it, i could use wind currents to bring down the zep. maybe rose's psiionics could steady the landing.

MEULIN: (●ↀωↀ●)

ROSE: I am a psionic, of sorts. -Little finger sparks to demonstrate...-

MEULIN: BUT THEN WE WILL ALSO HAVE TO KILL WHOEVER IS ON BOARD! PURRBABLY.

MEULIN: RIGHT?

JAMISON: Probably!

JOEY: =whispers to meulin= (why is redstare so mad?)

JOHN: wow haha... settle down there.

JAMISON: Or capture them HAW!

JOHN: we don't have to kill anyone.

JOEY: =JUST....WATCHING THE SPARKS....LIKE ITS A NORMAL OCCURRENCE!=

MEULIN. -fails to whisper back- I THINK SHE HAS A BAD DAY, BUT LIKE, EFURRY DAY. WE SHOULD DO SOMETHING NICE FOR HER LATER.

MEULIN: -considers giving her boss weed... hmm-

JOEY: =gasps= does she like desserts? what about one of your riceweedies?

MEULIN: YES. I AM UPVOTING THIS PLAN.

JOHN: ok all in favor of trying to steal the zep say aye.

MEULIN: AYYYY ELL EM AY OH!

JOHN: that works.

JAMISON: AYE AYE!

JOEY: okay if you know what youre doing! :D

JOHN:... but we're not going to kill anyone unless they try to kill us first. - STERN GLANCING. -

MEULIN: OKAY CAPTAIN JOHN!

JOHN: - makes a face. don't even joke about that. he wants to hide behind rose. -

ROSE: And we should kidnap a... are we really going with Zombie? As a name?

MEULIN: -what?? IS HE NOT THE ZEPPELIN CAPTAIN AND/OR TEAM CAPTAIN?? JEEEEEZ-

JAMISON: I haven't the slightest what the devil else to call them.

MEULIN: I AM ALSO VOTING FOR "SQU33BS."

JOHN: hey we can knock out two birds with one stone. there has to be a pilot, right?

ROSE: Yes, but I doubt the people down here are running anything of importance.

ROSE: I mean, look at them.

MEULIN: CATCH ONE SQU33B, HOP ON BLIMP, NYOOM OFF INTO THE SUNSET.

JOHN: maybe the pilot will know more. - head scratcher-

JAMISON: By the time you all have the zeppy down Meulin and I should have one secure.

MEULIN: YUP!!

JOHN: alright. that works too!

JOEY: =starts singing, clapping john on the back= 

JOEY: she says that my life is over 

JOEY: "boy you don't know what you got till it's gone 

JOEY: come put your head upon my shoulder" 

JOEY: she gave me her hand but i ignored her 

JOEY: oh dr. john 

JOEY: what am i doing 

JOEY: what am i doing i wrong? 

JOEY: cuz i keep on trying 

JOEY: something ain't going 

JOEY: something ain't going on 

JOEY: oh dr. john

JOHN:... - THIS CHILD. he loves her already-

MEULIN: -she would sway but she has no idea this is a song-

JOHN: - pushes her playfully- get back jojo!

JOEY: =im 37 my dude=

JOHN: - he has no idea-

JOHN: - you're like 10+ years older than him-

JOEY: =theres probably something in grubloaf tbh=

JAMISON: =PLUS GOOD GENES=

JOEY: =aww you say that cuz im your kid=

JAMISON: =Also he and Jojo have THE BEST GENES. Spry old folks=

JOEY: =that she wont deny=