#i don't know exactly what to tag but i know i gotta tag something cause wtf are you talking about babe

[shapeshyft]

Is the fact that you didn't know Graydon wasn't a mutant the only reason you didn't abort him?

Baby Blue Canon Questions Research Segment! feat. anonymous!

Her extremities are cold. Even as her dermis shifts and cracks, layers and layers of skin cells being generated to keep frostbite from clinging to her, to keep it from clinging to the babe swaddled in her arms. They're already naturally blue, this 'natural hue' would have no purchase with them. An explosion behind them. The castle is on fire. She promised she'd be safe- No!

❝ F-five minutes. I'll be back before you know it. Sleep. Sleep. ❞

She's warm. Hot, even, judging by the way she shifted in her seat. Legs uncrossing, body sliding a touch into the depths of the chair, a bead of sweat pooling at the nape of her neck- and then being absorbed back into her flesh. No.

❝ If I'd known just what an annoyance that waste of nine months would've been, I'd have done away with him. Mutated or otherwise. That he lived to even see adolescence was a mistake on my part... a weakness I didn't know I was carrying at the time. ❞

Graydon wouldn't have been the first. He wouldn't have been the last. She was an old hand at emptying herself of life and love by that point... it- Fuck!

❝ It certainly wasn't any lingering sentimentality for time spent with Victor, if that's what this is meant to imply. I could've fed that animal the scraped remains of our child with a Negroni, and he'd have thanked me for the delicacy. ❞

[osaemu]

GOJO SATORU: ❛❛ SHE GOT MY HEARTBEAT SKIPPIN' DOWN 16TH AVENUE! ❜❜

.ೃ࿐ streamer!au: he's always so confident and self-assured, but a couple kisses from you and he turns into a mess.

contents: fem!reader. kinda suggestive ending (inumaki's comment). you spend half the fic making out lolll anyways we love flustered gojo he's so precious <3 tagging @rinniessance and @rizsu to see streamer!gojo's latest shenanigans :3

author's note: this one was requested and i rly liked the idea sooo yea. i wrote it. shocking right?! anyways thank u guys for all the streamer!gojo requests, saves me the effort of having to think of plots ꨄ︎

"baby, what time is it?" satoru mumbles against your lips, holding you in place on his lap. the two of you are seated on his plush chair in front of his computer, and you've been kissing like teenagers for the last... hour? or two?

satoru tilts his head in to kiss you again, soft lips gently pressing against yours for the thousandth time. his hands roam over your body, and one rests on your waist while the other reaches around you into your back pocket. his eyes flutter open when he feels your phone, and he turns his head briefly to sneak a glance at the time.

"shit, i gotta start the stream in two minutes," satoru mutters. he gives you a quick kiss on the cheek and leans back, azure eyes drinking in your heated cheeks and fluttering eyes. a smug smile slowly grows on his lips as you look away. 

"aw, d'you want more?" he cooes, reaching out and touching the side of your face. satoru gently pushes your face back in his direction, moving his slender fingers to your chin and holding it in place. you're all sweet and flustered in the aftermath of your makeout session, and every time he sees you like this, another part of his heart surrenders itself to you.

you nod bashfully, brushing a strand of hair behind your ear as you feel satoru's grip on your chin tighten. he pulls you in for another long, minty kiss, and you feel him smile against your lips. his hand moves from your chin to the back of your neck as he hugs you against his chest, which rises and falls in sync with yours.

"you're so cute," he murmurs in between kisses, eyes flickering back and forth from you to the time. "c'mon, honey, we have a minu—"

you cut him off with another kiss, which catches him off guard—usually he's the one leaning in. but no, you had to take him by surprise and throw him off his game. the little hm? that slips out of his lips when you kiss him causes satoru to go redder than you've ever seen him. 

seeing satoru embarrassed is rare—he's so cocky and confident that embarrassment is basically unheard of, but in this moment, you've got him. he laughs nervously when you pull away, wide eyes looking everywhere but at you and your cheeky smile.

you reach up and grab his chin, tugging it in your direction the same way he did earlier. "you know exactly what you're doing," satoru mumbles, pulling you closer and burying his face into your neck. 

"i have no idea what you're talking about," you reply smugly, kissing the side of his face. "don't you have a stream to be starting soon?"

satoru looks up instantly and groans when he sees the time—it's a minute past his start time, and that could cost him a couple hundred viewers. you laugh as you hop off his lap and into his bed, curling up under his sheets as you watch him scramble to start the live. 

"love you, 'toru," you call, wrapping your arms around one of his pillows. 

after a second, he turns around, a loading sign on his screen. "love you too, baby," satoru replies, face still noticably red. you blow him a kiss and watch as he pretends to faint in an attempt to hide his childish grin.

a soft ding then signals him that he's about to be live, so satoru spins his chair around to face his computer. he forces his usual collected smile onto his face and starts, "hey, everyone. sorry for the delay, just got... held up with something."

inumaki: u look like a tomato LMAO

yuuji-itadori: yea ur really red, are u ok?

satoru looks away, mumbling something about how it's just the lighting that's making his face look red. naturally, everyone disagrees and starts speculating as to why he seems off his game today, and eventually, someone gets it.

megumi-fushiguro: he always looks like that everytime he sees his gf wdym

inumaki: WAIT THATS IT

inumaki: he was def doin unspeakable things with his gf just two seconds ago. trust

you can't suppress the small laugh that escapes your lips when satoru stumbles over his words at the comments, face redder than ever. "a-anyways, today i'm gonna— hold on," he cuts himself off by looking down at his phone, where a text notification from you had popped up.

love of my life: ur so cute :(

love of my life: but get ur shit together 

love of my life: im the only one who gets to see u like that (¬_¬)

[james-silent-hill]

PLEASE MIND THE TAGS AND NOTES!!

(NOT ALL TAGS APPLY YET BECAUSE ITS A MULTI CHAPTER FIC)

A Female reader/ James Sunderland fanfiction, part 1.

Enjoy:

‘Violate me'

"What?" James spins around, a mixture of confusion and distaste written all over his Features.

"What? I didn't say anything." You huff, he's been on edge this whole time. Sure you both seem lost in this place, you don't even remember how you got here. All you know is that you woke up with your upper body resting on a bar table. Wearing something you would have never picked out for yourself.

Red high heels with a slightly ripped and thin Pantyhose.

A tight denim skirt and a stomach free Black top. The only jacket you got is James green one, pulling it tightly around your shoulders.

"Sorry, I thought I heard you say something" James shakes his head to himself, guiding the two of you with his flashlight towards another empty and cold looking place. Maybe he can get a fire started or something.

When he helps you climb inside through the window he stops to stare at something causing you to lightly run into his side "What?!" He spins around again, a form of anger on his face.

"What's wrong with you? You stopped moving and I didn't see shit in here" You huff.

"No you said something this time, I know you did." His body language makes you feel uneasy and you are slowly reconsidering if you can actually trust him.

"I didn't. I swear. What do you keep hearing me say?" Now you are curious.

"Forget about it. Just...if you are messing with me, stop okay?" He turns away and starts collecting wood. Or more like parts of the inner walls tossing them on a pile. Hopefully a fire works out here.

After a few too many failed attempts of him trying to make a fire you step in, you manage the first time you try. Watching the dry wood burst into a bright and big fire, it warms your skin, it looks tempting to touch, if only it wasn't so dangerous.

James pulls up two chairs close by the fire, holding on tightly to his metal pipe with an eye on the window.

"Ugh these are fucking killing me, I don't even know why I'm wearing them" your hands pull on one of the Red high heels. Rubbing at your ankle before you do the same with your other foot. "I don't know why I'm wearing any of this" You sigh.

Not exactly survival attire.

His gaze is glued on your legs, watching your hands massage your ankle and calf muscle.

'Hurt me'

He hears you whisper even though not a single sound left your lips.

"I'm sorry." James frowns deeply.

"Sorry for what?" You place the heels next to you, inching your feet closer to the fire, picking at the torn fabric of your pantyhose.

"For being angry, I don't mean to be. It's just...this place" it drives him mad the way your fingers toy with the thin fabric. Tracing your thigh with his eyes, fighting an urge to pull at the denim skirt to see your legs connect to your hips.

"It's okay, I'm kinda used to that stuff, you just gotta be able to handle it when it comes back at ya" when your eyes meet his thin lipped polite smile is almost unsettling.

"You get angry too?" He asks.

"Yeah, I've lived in an angry home for many years, so, there will always be anger." But you don't want to go down the trauma lane today.

And thankfully James doesn't ask anything further. It's just the two of you and a blazing fire in a run down old store. His face lit up by those flames almost seems nostalgic, but the sad kind, fond memories written over with painful ones, the kind you'd rather forget about.

"We can rest a bit but we shouldn't stay too long" James is always in a hurry to get somewhere but only barely knows to where.

"Okay." You nod, breathing in deeply, the scent on his jacket reminds you of something. Decay. And a probably failed attempt to mask that scent with a way too aggressive aftershave. You enjoy not having your feet in those shoes and your legs strained from the uncomfortable angle for a few moments longer before James seemingly gets more and more uncomfortable.

"Hey you okay?" You put your hand on his shoulder but he flinches away from your touch.

"You are sure you aren't saying things?" His eyes seem desperate for reassurance or...for you to confess to something you didn't do.

"Positive. We were sitting in silence" He seems to dislike that statement a lot.

"So i'm just crazy then, great" He nods, he's tired, god he's so tired.

"If you tell me what you heard or what you keep hearing then maybe we can figure it out or something?" You shrug.

Something in his eyes seems off again.

"No..No it's...- it's Vile. It's awful." His breathing picks up speed when your body turns towards him and you place your feet at the edge of his chair.

"Just talk to me. Everything about this place is Vile and..awful" You huff.

"I keep hearing you say things that you aren't, stuff you certainly don't mean. It's so...off putting. It's like I'm reading a mind that isn't there, because I know It's nothing you would think or say." He really is uneasy about this.

"James, what am I saying?" You wonder.

"Violate me."

"That's what I heard the first time. And then I heard Hurt me." He can't look at you at all.

"Oh? Wow. Yeah I really didn't say that" Why would you say such things? Doesn't make any sense.

"Is that all you heard?" Is there more? If there is, you hope it won't be as bad as 'violate me'.

"Just a moment ago I could have sworn I heard you say 'let it all out on me' " His eyes wander to your legs again, how easily spreadable they look. The voice is dripping filth in his ear again, he can't believe he's hearing such words especially knowing the woman in front of him didn't say any of them.

"Let what out? Anger? Frustration? In what way?" But while you finish your sentence your eyes trace his, the way his gaze is lingering on your knees, picturing something.

"Wow...okay, that's, that's a lot and that's not okay" You turn away from him putting the shoes back on.

"That's what I mean, I'm sorry, I know this all seems so messed up. I'd never.." He shakes his head "I would never." He says in a firm and loud tone.

"Bare minimum but good to know" You give him his jacket back, feeling uneasy in the cold and under his gaze now that you stepped away from the fire. You don't do that anymore, be a thing for fucked up guys who need to unwind. An object they can toss out once they get tired of it.

"Don't go! Please, you're gonna get yourself killed in those heels. Or in the cold." He keeps his distance but offers his jacket back to you.

You hate that he's right.

The longer you hesitate to take his jacket back the sadder his eyes seem. Almost as if he's really haunted by what he said, and by what he's hearing.

You reach out and take his jacket, pulling it over your shoulders and tugging your arms in front of your chest. "I used to...say these things. I don't say them anymore" his gaze truly does appear to soften.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said anything." He slowly takes his seat back by the fire.

"Used to drink and Party a lot. Hook up with the fucked up ones you know? And one night I.. -" You hear the brakes of a car loudly in the distance. The sound of a horrible crash almost bursts your eardrum.

"Did you hear that???" You jump up to look out of the window but there aren't any driving cars. Or people. Let alone a real road for cars to drive onto.

"Hear what? I didn't.. " James follows to peek outside. It's just as silent and as foggy as it was when you two came in here.

"Sounded like a horrible crash" You frown. A memory floats in your head somewhere unable to reach it, unable to really remember.

"Strange. Feeling like there is something you have to remember. Need to remember. But it won't come to you no matter how hard you try" You point out and when you turn around James is just a few inches from you.

He's beautiful.

If only his eyes weren't so haunted, it's a look you remember, the edges of the eyes slightly red and the shape of the eye feels..taunting.

It's a pair of eyes you see staring down at you, slamming your body into the mattress as hard as they can while pouring another drink down their greedy throats. You let them. You didn't fight. You didn't want to fight it.

A part of you always liked it.

It feels as if he knows, knows that deep down you want to be roughed up, have bruises on your hips and wrists for days.. reminders of their brutality.

He looks at you as if he can see you touching yourself to those memories. Clench your bruises while you climax to be reminded of the feeling again, and again and again.

He looks away first, trying to keep his composure. God he's trying so hard.

"This has to stop. These things we keep hearing, I can't..- I can't focus, I forgot where i was heading! What I had to look for." He frowns. A bottle of whisky smiles brightly at him in the rubble of the rundown store. He can't. He can't have a drink not now. Not here. Not with you.

He can't even look at you for too long or these thoughts or voices whatever they are come back. They always come back.

"Let's just stay busy, let's keep going, you said you had to find something in an Apartment?" You tilt your head taking the map from his jacket pocket. A set of heavy door keys jingle in the same pocket.

"Let's head there and not stop no matter what we see or hear, okay?" You shift your weight on your heels when you don't get an answer straight away.

"Okay James?" You try to see what he's looking at this time but.. you two don't see the same things in here. You probably never will.

"Yeah." He grabs the metal pipe from the chair and then he's out the door, waiting for you to catch up.

______

At the Apartments.

The tension didn't ease up much but at least you have something new to do, you have no idea what he's searching for but as long as he kills those monsters for you, you gladly tag along.

"You okay?" You ask when he's staring off into the distance again.

"Voices." He replies with an exhausted sigh.

"What did they whisper this time? I mean.. can't get that much worse right?" He doesn't respond at first and you sense this weight on his shoulders again, if his Guilt was a rain cloud it would follow him around everywhere.

"Squeeze until my eyes roll back" He whispers.

"Oh" choking was a big part of it, everytime you were dumb enough to trust someone with it, it could have been the last mistake you've made.

Nobody luckily ever took it too far, or you wouldn't be here right now.

"Are you hearing things about me?" He asks before trying to solve some kind of puzzle looking thing.

"No, I don't hear any voices but..-" You hesitate.

"But?" He turns looking at some type of button in his hand not sure yet what to do with it.

"But I can see it.”

“In your eyes I mean." You avoid his gaze this time.

"See what?" He takes a gentle hold of your shoulder.

"Death." You frown when his haunted gaze turns sad, desperate, trapped.

"My wife, she- she passed" He lies.

"Oh shit. Sorry! I'm so sorry about that, I shouldn't have said it" You really didn't mean to remind him of that.

"Was it very recent?" Trying empathy on a man like him is playing a dangerous game, you've done it too many times.

"It's been three years" He mumbles while solving the little mystery by replacing some buttons.

"You look like it happened yesterday".

You hear a door in the distance unlock and watch James step away from the table the puzzle was on, he seems colder now, you probably overstepped a little. You two are strangers after all. Maybe it's not for you to say how he looks or how he might be feeling.

"You don't look too happy either, it's in your eyes too, your cheekbones, the way they look a bit sucked in. Alcoholic?" He asks not so gently.

"Used to be a lot of things, but I never had a Problem with that" You stand on this. Wrongly so.

"Sure." James nods before he walks past you, he doesn't seem to believe a word you said. Takes one to know one maybe? No. You never had a problem right?

_____

The stroll through the different run down Apartments it's exhausting in its own way. Your feet really really hurt by now and ever since you mentioned how James looks as if his wife passed yesterday he's been distant. Maybe the memory of it just simply hurts and he needs some time to cool down again.

You suddenly feel a grip on the jacket, yelling out as you get flung across the room by something, something big and scary wearing a Triangle shaped helmet carrying a huge sword.

You hear James gun go off a bunch of times but the landing you took knocked the air out of your lungs. That thing turns around and walks towards you, James Shooting doesn't matter at all.

It grabs you by your throat and...this must be it. You'll die here. Your punishment for what happened 3 months ago..

The realization of it weighs deep in your gut, the guilt you feel pouring into every inch of your skin makes you sick. And then the Monster drops you,it slowly walks out of the Apartment and you hear the sound of the sword dragging behind it get further and further away.

"I did it. I killed him..- I killed him, I killed that poor kid" You shake your head violently. Hands shaking. Every fiber in you craves a drink.

"What? Hey, calm down, what are you talking about?" James tries to lift you up from the floor but you won't budge. So he kneels down next to you.

But instead of confessing anything you just push yourself up against him, arms wrap around his torso while your head rests on his chest.

Being held like this while the memory of a crash comes back to you helps but in the end..you are here for a reason, crying about it won't be enough, everyone in silent hill needs to pay for their sins. You shouldn't have driven that night, in the rain, after a bunch of drinks. You took a risk and it backfired.

And then you ran. Not wanting to rot away in prison for killing that 17 year old in the other car, you ran and you ran until you woke up here, lost, stranded.

Now two haunted pairs of eyes are gazing at each other. None of them are better than the other.

________

I hope you liked it!

Here you can read it or bookmark it on A03 !

Part 2 right here

[wwinterwitch]

buy me presents — joel miller

summary: you and your ex situationship reunite at a christmas party

pairing: joel miller x fem!reader

word count: 3.1K

tags: age gap (mid 40s and mid 20s), no outbreak, you fell hard and didn't know he fell harder bc he's an idiot!, miscommunication, angst, awkward reunion, everything gets fixed at the end tho don't worry, tommy is featured

note: i've been listening to fruitcake non-stop and i had this little idea that turned into an entire fic. it was kinda shitty at first but i decided to give it a try anyway

reblog or comment if you enjoy please!

all masterlists | pedro pascal masterlist

You always thought that going after older guys meant having absolutely no problems when it came to maturity and commitment. Guys your age are so good at playing games, keeping you guessing, too afraid to make it official.

So, evidently, when you met Joel at his workshop you were over the moon. He was charming, incredibly handsome and single. You still remember his attractive smile and the way he'd lean way too close to you, offering to fix the piece of furniture that you showed up with that day in exchange for a nice dinner and your phone number.

Everything looked good in the beginning. He was a true gentleman, so sincere and attentive, and you were foolish enough to believe he actually considered you special enough to pursue a relationship with you.

In your defense, he really tricked you. Showing you pictures of his daughter, taking you out on countless dates, interested to know as much of you as possible, texting non-stop...it was like a dream come true. After many terrible relationships with pathetic and insecure little boys, you found a wonderful man willing to give you exactly what you were craving.

But then everything changed after seeing each other for almost four months. Because he'd always get super defensive whenever you asked him why you always had to meet at your apartment and never at his house. Or why he refused to introduce you to his family. Or why he kept introducing you to people that happened to see the two of you together as 'a friend of his'.

Tired of this uncertainty, you decided to confront him. It was a very messy conversation. You asked what you were, he said he didn't know. You asked if he had any intentions of asking you to officially be his girlfriend, he said he probably wouldn't. You cried, he didn't know what to do about it.

You kicked him out of your apartment that day and that was the last time you ever heard of him. No texts, no calls, no one waiting outside your apartment or showing up at your work with a well-deserved apology.

Were you just stupid for thinking he was into you the way you were into him? Did you get your hopes too high a little too soon? Was there something wrong with you? Were you overreacting?

Yes, no, whatever– you wanted someone to go all the way with you, thought it was Joel, and he turned out to be like every other guy you've met. It sucks, but you gotta move on. You've dealt with a lot of shitty men to know better than to suffer for one.

The heartbreak Joel caused soon turned into a mixture of disappointment and annoyance before it turned into nothing but an unpleasant memory. Soon enough, Joel Miller was out of your mind, and you were more than ready to jump right in into the dating world again. Maybe it was pathetic, but you still refused to lose hope that the right guy will show up in your life and change things for the better.

You kept your options open for a while, not wanting to immediately rush into something like you did with Joel. If any of these guys you're seeing want to keep you to themselves, they'll have to put that extra effort. You're just tired of always chasing after them.

A whole month went by and you never heard from Joel again, which was completely fine by you. He doesn't even cross your mind at this point. He's probably spending all his hours at his workshop, keeping his nights free for his no-commitment dates. And probably getting ready for the holiday season too.

Christmas has always been your favorite holiday. There's something about it that cheers you up like no other festivity. Maybe it's the decor, the food, the fact that it's everywhere you look...it's always been a magical time.

You also love the parties and gatherings around this time of year, so you immediately agreed to be someone's date to one of them. You met this guy a few weeks ago– three years older than you, tall, dreamy eyes and great in bed. There was no reason as to why the two of you couldn't have a good time at this little party...or so you thought.

He casually mentions who's hosting on the way there. A friend from work, he said while offering you a hand to help you out of his car. His good ol' buddy Tommy Miller.

Your smile practically drops at the mention of that name, immediately going back to that date at the bowling alley. Joel bought a large portion of nachos to share after you completely beat his ass at bowling (he totally let you win, he said), remembering the way he talked about a brother named Tommy.

But...surely this is all a coincidence. The universe couldn't possibly hate you that much, right? At one point you almost thought you were crazy for even thinking of the possibility of this friend being the brother. There has to be a million Tommy Millers out there. It's such a common name!

What are the odds of this actually happening? That you're really going to Joel Miller's brother's Christmas party? And even if you are, that doesn't guarantee that you'll see Joel there.

And why should you care? You haven't spoken in so long, he probably doesn't even think about you when he hears something that could potentially relate to you. He doesn't think about the chances of reuniting with you for longer than a second. He surely doesn't think about you at all! You should give him the same treatment.

Holding onto your date's arm, you walked inside the impeccably decorated apartment. Red and white everywhere you look, with a large table filled with various snacks, a lit fireplace that gives the room a much cozier look, and a Christmas tree standing tall on one of the corners of the living room.

Tommy Miller was at the entrance greeting the two of you and enthusiastically introducing himself to you. Nerves were starting to overtake you because shit, there's definitely some resemblance.

Still, you tried to ignore your racing mind, wanting to have a good time with this great guy who's glad to keep you close to him, introducing you to all his friends in a manner someone should introduce their date. You feel important next to him, like he's really trying to show you off. Something Joel failed to do.

Eventually, you were able to relax when you got to meet everyone at the apartment and realized Joel wasn't there. With a beer in hand and a polite smile on your face, you joined a conversation by the fireplace, talking amicably and genuinely thinking the night was safe.

That is, until you heard the doorbell.

You watched Tommy walking towards the door, immediately opening his arms wide to receive whoever just arrived. When the stranger leans forward for the hug Tommy was offering, your smile completely fades when you notice it was none other than Joel.

He walks inside the apartment and leaves his jacket hanging by the door, taking a quick look around. You immediately turn around, not wanting him to recognize you– yes, it was stupid because he'll sooner or later notice your presence, but maybe you can avoid the awkward encounter for a few more seconds.

It takes everything in you not to turn around again, putting your hand on your date's back as you lean closer to him, trying to seek any kind of comfort you possibly could. He immediately wraps his arm around your waist, inevitably making you smile. God, this guy really knows how to treat you exactly the way you want it.

Unfortunately, Joel reaches the group of people you were talking to. He starts greeting everyone until his eyes land on you, standing there completely speechless for a few seconds before a smile appears on his face.

He leans forward for a quick kiss on the cheek as a way to greet you, and you barely move away from your date to return the greeting, moving back immediately to refugee on the guy's side.

"You two know each other?" your date asks. You almost wanted to kill him.

You stay quiet, deciding to leave Joel the responsibility to answer. It's genuinely intriguing to see what he has to say.

"Uh, yeah..." he starts, clearing his throat. "I think...you took a coffee table to my workshop for a repair?"

Wow. Glad to see things haven't changed in the slightest! Of course you two just met each other for a little repair. Of-fucking-course! It's not like he woke up completely naked next to you on your bed more times than you'd like to admit out loud.

"Yes. Exactly," you faked a smile, agreeing with his statement.

That was pretty much the only thing you said to each other. After greeting everyone he quickly joined a completely different group to talk to (because it's obvious he couldn't handle being close to you for much longer). You actually appreciated that, making the task of ignoring him until you left that apartment just that much easier.

Things went downhill when your date had to go to the bathroom and you decided to get another beer from the kitchen. You didn't notice Joel following you, and by the time you did realize, he was standing in front of the exit, blocking it entirely.

"Oh, hey, workshop guy!" you greeted with fake enthusiasm, sarcasm dripping from your words.

You hear Joel sigh, and as if that didn't piss you off enough he decided to open his mouth. "Yeah, I figured you'd get upset."

"Then why did you say it?"

He raised a brow. "What, you wanted me to tell everyone– your date included, that we were seeing each other like a month ago?"

The kitchen was completely silent after that. Perhaps he had a point there, but it was impossible to deny you were still hurt by the way things ended and how poorly he treated you, so that last thing you'd ever do is admit he's right.

"I thought perhaps now that it's done, you wouldn't care about keeping it a secret anymore," you shrugged defensively.

He smiles softly, seeing right through you. "Perhaps I've just never been the type to kiss and tell."

Again, you didn't have much to say, so you just scoffed. "Whatever."

Much to your irritation, he laughs. A low, deep chuckle escapes him before he's looking at you up and down. "You look good."

"I know."

Another chuckle. "Of course you do," he sighs, the smirk on his face fading. "You always look fucking incredible."

You stand there like a complete fool, taken by surprise when you hear him say that. It sounds so...defeated? Is that even a thing? As you try to come up with an answer to that, you just look back at him with a lost expression.

"Is there a point to this conversation?" you eventually ask.

Now it's him who's looking back at you in complete silence. Unfortunately, you know him enough to know there's something in his mind and he's not telling you anything about it. He's hesitating, doubting, the engines in his brain moving faster than ever.

For a moment, you thought he'd say whatever random bullshit he can come up with in that very moment and be done with it. And you'd roll your eyes because you know that's not what he wanted to say, right before moving him away from the door so you can go back to the party.

But in a surprising turn of events, he doesn't do that. He looks at you with nothing but honesty, and you even catch the smallest glimpses of hope when he speaks. "Yeah," he answers your question. "I've missed you like crazy."

If you were speechless before, it's almost impossible to even remember how words work right now. Never in a million years would you've expected Joel Miller to confess he misses you. Not when it was you who was always trying to arrange dates. Not when it was always you the one remaining him you really liked him and him barely saying anything back.

Maybe he just needed a wake up call? Had to live that 'you don't know what you've got until it's gone' type of situation to realize how he feels?

Your heart beats faster as you process his words. He's missed you like crazy.

Still, despite feeling so fuzzy inside, you show none of it on the outside. "No," you promptly warn him. "No, no. We're not doing that."

"What?"

"That, Joel!" you exclaim, frustrated. "You can't break my heart and then say shit like that when we happen to meet by accident."

"Is it an accident?" he asks shortly after.

You chuckle sarcastically. "Oh, so is this some Christmas miracle? The festive season brought us together because of some nonsensical fate-thingy that's written up there in the stars?"

Joel looks slightly embarrassed, letting out another frustrated sigh. Before he can answer, you hear footsteps down the hall that leads to the kitchen so the two of you stay completely silent and turn around to see who it was. 

"Hey...oh," Tommy says, his initial smile fading when he notices the tension between the two of you. He quickly raises both of his hands in the air as he walks towards the fridge to grab two beers. "Don't mind me, I just wanted to grab these," he quickly explains.

When he turns back around, he immediately focuses on his brother. At first he looked very confused, like silently trying to ask him what the hell is going on, a small smirk appearing on his face just seconds later. Without another word, he quickly makes his way outside the kitchen to give the two of you much needed privacy. You could feel your cheeks heating up after witnessing that little exchange.

Focusing back on you, Joel decides to continue the conversation. "Okay, if you put it like that of course it sounds silly..." he mutters, scratching the back of his neck. "But, I don't know, I’d like to think something out there wanted us to meet again so I could make it right."

"No," you repeat. "You had a chance to make it right as soon as I kicked you out of my apartment. There was a chance to pick up your phone and give me a call or send me a text or...anything, Joel– fucking anything!"

There's a brief pause, and you're so glad to see he has nothing to say because boy, oh boy did you have things to say.

"You don't get to come back a month later and claim to miss me when you didn't even try to get me back. And you were a real piece of shit with me, by the way. You really made me think we had something special, just to treat me like it was nothing," you continue, visibly upset by the incredibly uncomfortable and difficult situation he's putting you in. "You made me feel...you made me feel like I was some stupid little girl you only wanted to get into bed with."

He looks absolutely horrified by your last statement, taking a few steps forward until he's standing right in front of you. The proximity makes it so much worse, forcing you to look down at your shoes. He gently grabs your chin to force you to look into his eyes, and for some reason you allow it. Maybe you were vulnerable, maybe you wanted to feel his touch. Maybe both.

"I promise you, that was not my intention at all," he immediately assures you in the most serious voice you've ever heard coming from him. "It was never just that. I was really falling for you."

You frowned, feeling so incredibly confused and frustrated. "Then why did you never show it?"

"Because I was dumb and I was scared," he reveals simply. It surprises you how honest he's being, how you don't have to ask more to get information out of him. "You were the first woman I started developing actual feelings for after my divorce, and at the time I thought things were moving too fast between us and...I didn't know how to handle it."

Joel can tell you're still not having none of it, so he decides to continue. "I really wanted to be with you officially, but I guess my insecurities got the best of me. I'm just an old man and you're gorgeous, and young, and...Jesus Christ, darling, you're the most amazing person I've ever met," he sighs again, hoping you'd understand what was going on in his head when he made the terrible decision of letting you go. "I didn't want to fuck it up or get my heart broken again...but I totally did fuck it up, and the worse thing is that I broke your heart in the process. I'll forever be sorry for that."

You were speechless yet again, and Joel didn't know how to take that. Are you going to say something nice or are you going to yell at him and tell him to go fuck himself? The uncertainty was eating him alive at this point.

Eventually, you speak up. "You did fuck it up," you agree. "Like, big time."

He sighs yet again, nodding. "Yes, I did. And I know I don't deserve it, but I'd like to have a second chance to prove to you just how much I care about you," he continues, not giving up this time. He couldn't live with himself if he managed to lose you twice. "To give you all that you deserve, to be there for you, to show the world how happy I am that you're my girl...I'd make it right."

Letting go of your chin, he moves his hand to the side of your face, anxiously waiting for an answer. The fact that you're not pushing him away is already a good sign, because he knows you're capable of throwing a beer bottle at him for saying what he just said.

You considered your options. There's a guy outside in the living room waiting for you. There's a bunch of other guys on your phone that'd run to your doorstep if you give them the chance. All of them have behaved better than Joel...but you can't fool yourself.

Even if you combine all of them, there's no way that everything you've shared with them can come close to what you experienced with Joel. You've never liked anyone so much before, and holy shit how badly you've missed him.

If he thought your proximity was a good sign, the soft smile that appears on your face makes him relax considerably, almost wanting to pull you in for a hug and start thanking you already.

"I guess you can take me out to dinner or something to prove you're sorry," you eventually reply, making him grin from ear to ear. You notice he's leaning even closer with the intention of kissing you, but you quickly stop him. "Don't even think about it. You'll have to earn the right to do that."

Joel silently agrees to that arrangement, immediately taking a step back from you, the smile on his face never disappearing. He doesn't care that you're not kissing him right now, not when you agreed to give him a chance. That's more than enough for him. The best Christmas gift he could've ever received.

[majorbuckyegan]

I was tagged by @nicijones tysm 🫶 (I know its Thursday oops lmao)

Rule: share a snippet of your current WIP (or one of them) and tag other writers to spread the love.

Posting a snippet from their last fight, because I'm not loving the part I'm writing rn (gotta write the bad thing and then rewrite it!)

“John, what exactly is your problem?” He asked, when John still hadn't said anything.

“You! You're my fucking problem.” John snapped, letting out another angry bark of laughter, “You're doing that thing that you always do when I say I'm fine, and then you go and smother me anyway. I told you I don't need your help, so just fuck off and leave me alone for once in your life.”

“You know what? Fine.” He snapped, standing up so that he could take the porcelain shards that he'd already gathered and throw them into the bin. Ordinarily, the sound of breaking glass would have upset him even further, but he was angry too now, and so he couldn't have cared less about that, “You want me to leave you alone? I'll leave you alone, but don't come crying to me when you can't patch yourself up properly. Go bleed all over the bedroom for all I care.”

“You know what, Buck? Go fuck yourself.” John huffed, tossing the shards of the broken plate that he was still holding into the sink, “Jesus Christ, I feel like I can't breathe around you sometimes without you pulling the whole Saint Cleven act.”

He shut his mouth with a click, refusing to let himself say something that he'd only regret afterwards. He doesn't mean it, he's just having a bad day. Telling himself that didn't exactly help the situation, though, and so he really wasn't sure what he was supposed to say or do.

“You can't fix everything, Buck.” John continued, obviously refusing to be put off by his silence, “I don't give a fuck if you think I'm some broken little pet project for you to fix, ‘cause you feel guilty for leaving me.”

“Is that what you think?” He asked, refusing to acknowledge the prickling of tears in his eyes, “Fine, if you're really that sick of me, then just say the word and I'll be gone. You won't have to put up with Saint Cleven anymore, if it bothers you that much.”

the girls are fightinggggg 👀 bucky will feel bad and apologise though, I promise

Tagging: @buckbiddick @alienoresimagines @moghraidhs @hogans-heroes

@swifty-fox @ackackh @c-goldthorn

@joeyalohadream @spaceshipkat @whirlpool-blogs @amiserableseriesofevents

[werewolfsmile]

Fam, your Were-wolf Eliot head canon post came up in my queue for reblog and I re-read it and gotta ask,

Does Lieutenant Bonanno know? And if so how did he react?

Tara was with them long enough to find out, how did she react to "Sparky"?

(Also I am majorly inspired by the image of Quinn just showing up when he's in town for a wolfy play date (and yes both Eliot and Quinn have threatened Hardison not to call it that, Parker gets a pass calling it that cause she's Parker and she'll call it that anyway threat or no threat) and I was wondering if you'd be okay with me trying to write that scene and tagging you when it's done?)

-- @scotchiegirl

Ahh thanks so much for asking!! You've made my brain start thinking about this fic and headcanons all over again!!

Bonanno finds out during the events of The Boys' Night Out Job. After all the other crazy stuff he has to deal with from Nate Ford & Friends, he just throws his hands up and says, 'of course you are. of course werewolves are real. i should'a known.' and goes about his life. But every time they play cards, he squints at Eliot and warns him against using his enhanced abilities to win.

"No funny wolf business, y'hear? We try to keep it a clean game." Eliot just blinks at him. "I don't have x-ray vision, dammit!"

Tara figured it out before the rest of the team did but she never said anything about it, knowing that he was keeping something like that secret for a reason. But when Sophie calls up to rant about something Eliot's done (after the team's found out), Tara just laughs and says something along the lines of "classic Sparky". Sophie is like, wait, you know??? And Tara's like, oh you know now too?? Finally!!! And then they gossip about Eliot and werewolves and all the weird stuff they've encountered on grifts. Because, really, finding out Eliot Spencer is a werewolf is one of the least-weird things to happen in Tara's life.

WOLFY PLAY DATE OH MY GOSH YES THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT IT IS!!! Ahhh you may absolutely write the scene, I would be honoured! Though fair warning that I have plans to include it in my fic of this whole AU, The Full Moon Job. And if I read your version of it before I write my own, I may be influenced by what you write. So as long as that doesn't bother you, have at it!

(shameless link of my fic included for anyone who might be interested)

[hiyori-ii]

I've Been Meaning To Tell You ...

Paring: Zoro x Reader

Word Count: 1018

Tags: fem!reader, inexperienced!zoro, wildly horny!reader, alcohol consumption, inebriated reader, no sex but reader has a filthy mouth. zoro is struggling BIG time. don't take this too seriously, this is my first time writing in like ... eight years so it might be a bit rough around the edges. not really proof-read lmao.

a03 link

Author's Note: feeling very normal about zoro lately so i decided to share my feelings. minors and ageless blogs dni! nsfw under the cut. enjoy!

Zoro prides himself on knowing exactly where his strengths lie. Years of practice and combat have made him a sure-footed man.

But this ... this was way beyond his skill-set.

The crew is lively tonight and the drinks seem endless; he wonders to himself where the shit cook has been hiding it all this time.

But that's really the least of Zoro's concerns right now.

'Cause right now your back is pressed to his chest, head tilted back to catch his eye, "Zorooo, I've gotta tell you something-"

He can smell the alcohol on your breath and before he can even respond you twist around to press your chest tight to his, lower lip pushed into a pout.

"I've been meaning to tell you for a while now, I really really have, but you're just so ... intense sometimes."

Zoro's heart constricts at your confession.

"Wha'd'you mean I'm intense?" he asks, hands hovering over your shoulders, unsure whether to put distance between you two or not.

You drop your forehead to his chest and deflate against him with a sigh, "I guess I'm just nervous is'all."

Zoro tears his gaze away from you to see if anyone has noticed you two yet. Unfortunately for him, Robin seems to have seen the entire thing, if the gentle but teasing smile on her face is anything to go off of.

Panicking at the thought of a growing audience, Zoro grips you by the shoulders and squeezes, "...Y/N, I can't read your mind. You're just gonna have to spit it out."

You whimper into his shoulder and oh- that does something weird to him. His grip tightens and you finally pull back enough to look up at him, "I- "

You hesitate, blurry eyes darting from his right eye down to his mouth.

"I really want to fuck you."

...

What?

Zoro's face erupts in red, his entire body flushing with heat.

All he can manage to get out is a faint, "H-huh?"

Your eyes are squeezed shut, face flushed as brightly as his. If he pays close enough attention, he can feel your heart thundering against his own.

"Y/N ... what are you talking about?"

You squirm in his hold, blinking up at him as you reach up to grip his coat by the collar, "I want you so bad that it makes me feel insane and I just can't take it anymore!"

His vision begins to fall out of focus the longer you speak, heart hammering in his chest.

You're still rambling on as he comes back to himself, " -didn't mean to be so forward but Nami says I have no right t'complain if I'm not gonna say anything but it's just that I like you so much and you're so pretty and no matter how hard I try I can never make myself cum enough to make the feeling go away!"

Zoro feels like he's been punched, really fucking hard. The air stutters from his lungs and as you press closer to him he finally realizes where that weird feeling from earlier has settled.

Just as you open your mouth to continue your confession, you feel a pressure at your hip.

You pull back and look down to see the shape of his cock pressed into you and its all you can do to keep yourself from creaming on the spot.

As if in slow motion, you let your hand fall from his coat to the hem of his haramaki before sliding down to the seam of his trousers. Your breath stutters in your chest as you watch his cock twitch at your proximity.

"O-oh," you look back up at him, eyes glazed and mouth open as you practically pant with want, "Does this mean you like me too?"

Zoro thinks he might faint.

"No! I mean- no! What are you saying?! Are you crazy?!" he practically shouts, eye widening and blush painting his features all the way up to the tips of his ears.

Your face falls and he thinks he must be the worst person alive.

"O-of course! I'm so sorry, Zoro!" You begin to pull away, hands pressing against his chest to put as much space as possible between you two, "I don't know what's wrong with me. I think I just need to get some rest and sleep this off!"

You've started to laugh, desperately trying to ease the tension and play your confession off as a drunken mishap. But before you can spin away and rush off to your cabin, he grabs your wrist, stopping you in your tracks.

"Y/N, fuck, listen I didn't mean to-" but you cut him off quickly, trying to get away from him as fast as possible.

"No! No, it's completely my fault, I stepped way out of line I- !"

You yelp as he pulls you back against his chest, just as you had been when this all started, and flush at the feel of his cock pressed tight against your ass, “Oh fuck,” you whine. 

Zoro hisses between his teeth, the pressure on his cock making his vision swim, “I didn’t mean what I said,” and with a sharp inhale, he rocks his hips forward into you, your answering moan leaving him desperate to hear more, “I have no idea how to do this.”

You puff out a breathless laugh, feeling high off the sudden shift in atmosphere, “You mean it?”

Zoro’s expression falls, deadpan, “What do you think?”

You smile to yourself and turn over your shoulder to catch his eye, “I’m not sure, you haven’t been very honest about your feelings so far.”

As you break eye contact, you grab the hand that had settled on your right hip and push it just above the crease in your thighs, “I’m gonna need you to show me exactly how you feel in a bit more detail.”

Zoro lets out a breath he didn’t know he was holding, the hand over the front of your hip pulling you tight against him.

“In that case, lead the way, princess."

[empires-boundaries]

Transcript

Pearl: Thank you very much. "How do you feel about people shipping your character, not you as a person. You're your own person and don't need others being weird about your ships." I mean, when it comes to me and just myself as a- Sorry, I can't build while I'm doing this question. When it comes to me and shipping and also my character, I kind of embody myself in my character. So whenever someone does kind of headcanony-type stuff with my creator character, it kind of feels like they're headcanoning me in some way when it comes to shipping and things like that. I tend to don't mind as much nowadays. Like, before I used to kind of mind a little bit more because I did kind of put myself in my character a bit more back then than I do now, but- Sorry this answer is probably an absolute mess, but I don't think I mind as much these days.

Pearl: Before I used to kind of mind a little bit more because I did kinda put myself in my character a bit more back then than I do now. But- so in a sense this is probably an absolute mess, but I don't think I mind as much these days. I'm not exactly comfortable with shipping, but at that point, I just don't really look at that stuff, you know. It's like kind of like people do what they want to do, just no not-safe-for-work content by any means. Just don't main-tag any of it, cause things like Twitter and Tumblr and all that kind of stuff, I do look at the main tags, but I don't look at anything else. So, if you do want to ship, don't main-tag it and nothing not-safe-for-work cause that's really uncomfortable. Otherwise, I don't really care too much about it. I'm not going to like-

Pearl: I'm not gonna like block people's- I don't know how to word it really. I can't word today. This is one of the worst days for me being able to word things. But, at the end of the day, neh, if it's separated from me individually as a person in real life, you do what you want, it's all right. Just no not-safe-for-work. And don't main-tag. There you go. That's a much clearer, defined answer. As long as it's not me in real life and it's just a character that's fictional and isn't inappropriate and isn't main-tagged, all good, it's fine. "It's gotta be such an odd thing to have to process as a creator." Yeah, it's something you kinda gotta figure out how to navigate around.

Pearl: I'm kinda iffy about it to begin with is because people would ship me like on my streams and in my videos and in my comments. And I think Gem's talked about this before cause I think people have asked Gem the same question, and she's kind of the same as me – is that in the past it was a very common thing that we would record a video with a male friend or just a male colleague in general and then any time we did that we would get shipped in our Youtube comments and in our streams. It would be said every time, like, "Oh, I totally ship these two together" as something we could read directly to us. And that's the part that I didn't like. It's like, I didn't want to see that. Specifically as well, when people are in relationships, it just gets really awkward. So, you know, don't do it in the main spaces and it just kinda- People were seriously saying, "Oh, you two should be a couple" whenever we recorded.

Pearl: So that's why I was a little more uncomfy with it back in the past because it was just such a common thing. And I just didn't like it. I was like nah, I didn't want to see any of that. So, didn't enjoy it at all. And of course I'm with Karn nowadays. Like if you want to ship me with anyone, ship me with Karn because Karn and I are actually dating. Like, that's fine. I don't have a problem with that. But anyone else is just- It gets real uncomfortable.

[royalwriteroftheuniverse]

Baby gazing

Comments Welcome and reblogs welcome to not repost translate or publish anywhere 18+ just in case as always nothing but fluff chris being a dad if thts a warning

Part 2 here

I woke up suddenly. Not to a baby crying or a shrieking but rather me reaching out and finding a cold spot a very cold spot

"Chris?" I said softly maybe he was in the bathroom or I don't know. I sat up. Still confused. The ensuite was open slightly the light was on

"Chris?" I said into the opening I heard nothing opened the door fully and walked in. It was empty. So I turned the light off and closes the door. He would've heard me if he was in the walk in but if he was there instead of bed I'd murder him. Why I dont know. I blame hormones.

"Chris?" I hiss out the door. I didnt hear anything. And Sodger wasn't here because of the baby. The baby. Of course but the bed was very cold. I quietly walk to where the Nursery is, not too far from our room and the door is open and hes just standing there staring.

I wish I had my phone to take a few pictures. My phone. Ugh what am I in a bad horror movie I should always take my phone.

I walk up to him taking his hand

"Chris, honey what are you doing?"

"Watching her."

"She sleeping."

"I know she's so beautiful look at her so peaceful."

"She is isn’t she. And her hair. I think she has the cutest curls." I really wanted to play with them but now was not the time. If she woke up she'd want cuddles and to eat and my body heat or Chris for the rest of the night and mamas gotta sleep so does dada but his brain isn't receiving memos correctly

" I went to get water and I wanted to check on her."

"You got water from the bathroom."

He had turned and looked at me

"You left the light on. Not exactly the on the way back from the bathroom."

"I took a detor"

"I can tell," I wisper, "pretty far detour considering it's not in our room. Babe you have camera and monitors. Shes fine. Look I love her just like you but we need rest hon. Hes pouting and it's the cutest thing ever but its not making me change my mind and what let him stand here hours on end. Nope.

I get Chris to come back to bed and lay across his torso like dead weight because I know what will happen the ninute I fall a sleep and he chuckles.

"Is it so bad to want to watch my baby girl." He plays with my hair.

"I guess not but what if she does something so unbelievably cute or starts to climb and your miss it cause your tired?" I pout

"Or even more, trying to watch two of them you have less than nine months to figure it out." I smirk turning on my side

What?

"You heard me," I smirk. I play Chris like a fiddle. Hopefully he'll get some sleep, after all we're watching our friends baby for the weekend. But I have a feeling Chris won't figure it out for a bit. Hehehe

Tag list

@nana1000night @sapphire-rogers @hawkeyes-queen @patzammit @sparklybarbarianninja @coltrainbat

[elvenbeard]

OC INTERVIEW: Vincent "V" Ezaki

Tagged by: @pinkyjulien @chevvy-yates @wraithsoutlaws and @v-eats-bugs thank you so much!!! <3

I'm gonna steal the idea some of you had and let him answer in character, but I'm gonna put some more context (and/or the truth xD) after Vince's reply where I see fit!

Tagging everyone who sees this and hasn't been tagged yet :3c I think most of you have done this at this point, but do please tag me if you do, I wanna read about your blorbos!!

■ NICKNAME ■ "Just 'V'."

100% going with the "only people that know me really well can use my real name" canon, because I love that scene and moment so much (and the lil nod to it again in the Tower Ending with Johnny ;_;). In my hc, Jackie gave him the nickname "V" on the day they met. Up until then he had always insisted on the full "Vincent" with everyone, and Jackie was the one to urge him to be careful with whom he shares his full identity. Meanwhile it's the other way around and "Vincent" is reserved for friends only... and "Vince" exclusively for Kerry really xD

■ GENDER ■ "Could say I'm a self-made man." ;)

This highly depends on who is asking the question here, if it's a very casual setting he'd say the above, if it's something to go into a screamsheet or whatnot he'd be more like "well, take a wild fuckin' guess" or just "male". He doesn't hide the fact he's trans, and he's proud of his journey and identity, but it's still not something he'd want to publically discuss with strangers without anything to gain from it.

■ STAR SIGN ■ "Gemini I think, but I gotta say, astrology isn't exactly something I have deep knowledge or opinions about."

He celebrates his birthday June 10th, but his real birthday in in September, so he's actually a Libra xD

■ HEIGHT ■ "5'6."

■ ORIENTATION ■ "Sorry ladies." ;)

Again, highly contextual on who is asking, and depending on that his answer might be more evasive or he'd just decline to answer. The less details about his private life are in the public's eye the better. But if the context is a fun night out with friends and he feels safe, he'd definitely give a more cheeky response and, to not get anyone's hopes up, just straightforward let them know he's gay.

■ NATIONALITY/ETHNICITY■ "Born and raised in Night City and a proud citizen ever since."

He doesn't talk about his family because he's cut ties with them long ago. His mother, Marcella, was also from Night City, your average NUS citizen with mixed European heritage. His father, Kousuke, was Japanese. He and Vince's mother met through work for a certain corporation that wasn't necessarily welcome in NC at the time (but I bet my ass still very much present in one way or another).

■ FAVE FRUIT ■ "When I was a kid, I once had daifuku with real, straight-from-the-ground strawberries. Somewhere way out there on the Japanese countryside, couldn't tell you where exactly anymore. Still got no idea where they even got the strawberries from, but no RealFruit ever matched those."

■ FAVE SEASON ■ "Don't think I have a real preference here, 'specially cause Night City's warm all year round. I like it that way. Could do with less sandstorms though. I like it when it rains now and then, the steam on the asphalt, everything is just... quieter, in a way."

■ FAVE FLOWER ■ "One made from plastic."

Vince doesn't have a green thumb and no mind to care for plants either. He's far from an outdoorsy, nature-loving person XD Do not gift him flowers, he will not know what to do with them. That being said though: he has two big stylized lotus flowers tattooed. The first one he got shortly before he left his home, when he began his transition. The second after his top surgery, when he already worked for Arasaka, as a reminder to stay true to himself on the inside, especially whenever he couldn't outwardly. He just likes the lotus aesthetically, the shapes and symmetry, and that it symbolizes rebirth and transformation.

■ FAVE SCENT ■ "Clean bedsheets and freshly brewed green tea."

And the odd mix of Kerry's overpriced bodywash and favourite cigarettes XD

■ COFFEE, TEA, HOT CHOCOLATE ■ "Yes, in that order please. Coffee with milk and sugar, tea is fine just plain, green or black."

He's definitely more of a coffee than a tea drinker, and whatever it is, it's gotta be a little fancy xD Vince is the kind of person with a long-ass signature order at the coffee shop, and I 100% see him loving bubble tea in any combination and variation in existence. The only time he drinks his coffee black is when he accidentally orders "the same as him" in a moment of distraction at Caliente's with Kerry. But tea he occasionally likes just plain, but then it has to be high quality organic real tea leaves. Hot chocolate is a nice special treat, too.

■ AVERAGE HOURS OF SLEEP ■ "Even in my line of work a regular sleep schedule is possible - and necessary, to stay sharp. I try to get my 7 hours of sleep in."

The somewhat regular sleep schedule is really something he values and tries to stick to, although the Relic and Johnny's presence really mess it up for a long while. But especially because his lack of sleep while working at Arasaka contributed to him developing a drug addiction to cope with the stress and sleep-deprivation it's something he doesn't want to fall back into.

■ DOG OR CAT PERSON ■ "Defintiely cats."

■ DREAM TRIP ■ "I'd like to return to Japan one day for a short vacation - see if I can find that daifuku shop again, haha. Would also love to visit Europe more extensively than what I've seen of it so far. And, who knows, maybe the Crystal Palace one day."

And the Phillipines with Kerry <3

■ FAVE FICTIONAL CHARACTER ■ "Ooohhh, that's a hard question, let me think for a moment... [insert long analysis of different movie and video game characters and why they're good or bad and why he likes them or not]"

Evading this a little bit because I don't wanna dive into a rabbit hole of seeing what canonical fictional characters there are and why Vince might like them or not xD He is a big nerd and a gamer and knows so much more than I do XD Also, he'd 100% be the kind of person who's rooting for the evil guys, because often their motivations and goals are much more complex and interesting than the "hero's" in his eyes xD and he's fascinated by the concept that they're doomed to lose by the narrative usually (because the good guys usually win), but still fight tooth and nail to achieve their goals and safe their own skin. He can relate to that a lot more than the selfless goodie-two-shoes who just want to save the world and make it a better place.

■ NUMBER OF BLANKETS THEY SLEEP WITH ■ "In this weather one is more than enough. Sometimes none is better."

■ RANDOM FACT ■ "It takes around 7 seconds for someone to form a solid first impression of you in a face-to-face conversation. It takes my Kiroshis' scanners half as long to additionally supply me with all the data on you I need to permanently ruin your life for good."

[tactax-art]

Hey! I loved your art of god of explosions soap and alb ghost. Do you have a post going into any of the lore/world building? I love creature aus! If you don't already have a post, I'd love to hear more about it! (Also what's an alb?)

I've not shared anything anywhere yet! Just the two drawings. Not super solid on the world building yet, so I'm gonna wait with sharing that for now until I have a better grip. Do intend to write a fic for these two when I've got some scenes together though!

Ghost being an Alb is generally inspired by the german "Nachtalb". I'm not aiming for him to be precisely that, but it was my jumping-off point. Also I grew up on the 'Alb' spelling, but that might be a regional thing? No idea why in english they quote it only as 'Alp'.

Ghosts abilities aren't something I've completely settled on yet (gotta keep my options open for plot and angst, you never know *rubs hands*), but he's a kind of fear entity.

Alb's are myth's answer to sleep apnea, sleep paralysis, nightmares, and night terrors. As such he sustains himself on consuming dreams (rare) and breath, and causing fear (more effectively when it's during people's rest but also when awake), nightmares etc. I'll probs keep some of the mischief Albs are known for, not that anyone would believe it's Ghost which he finds super funny, and also some shapeshifting.

His body is sand based, as a nod to the sandman (folklore), golden sand being dreams he consumed and black his base being from nightmares/dear. His bed's full of sand. His gear is full of sand. He prefers knives to guns cause guns and sand don't mix and having to keep it all together is so annoying. It's rumoured Ghost can control shadows, but it's actually his own black sand he moves around.

I'm pretty sure the skull mask is his actual face, and him making it gold is bragging about eating dreams (not that anyone would know, but it's enough that ghost knows, and considering that there's a god of dreams they're not exactly easy to get ahold of).

The tag is: #tactax mwii creatures au

[petertingle-yipyip]

WORLD CLASS SINNER - FRANK CASTLE

epilogue : i know it won’t work

tags: n/a // one // finale // masterlist // season two //

Pairing: frank x reader

Word Count: 582

Summary: After a couple weeks, Y/N decides to open Frank’s letter.

You were seated back on your rooftop. You had stayed out there the night prior, while the moon was at her peak. You had taken up the routine of talking to the moon in the late hours of the night, hoping Matt was on the other side and he was talking back despite knowing he wasn’t.

Dex had left for work after having stayed the night. You had physical therapy later that day, one of four sessions every week. You were also required to do traditional therapy to ensure there was no lingering trauma, but you were able to use Curtis’ support group for that requirement.

Karen tried calling ever since you were discharged but you hardly answered. Usually it was just a run in with her every few days when she felt the urge to come check for Matt’s suit. You grew more and more irritated with her intrusions since you knew he wasn’t coming back. Yet she still came, still pried that wound open again.

You felt suffocated, like all of your pain - both physical and emotional - were massive waves that crashed into you and knocked you down everytime you thought you could stand.

There was no relief, no healing. You were broken. You were tempted to even slide off your rooftop and let Matt’s God decide for you. But you didn’t. You didn’t because… Well you didn’t quite know why, but something about death didn’t seem so appealing anymore.

Instead, you opened Frank’s letter.

“hey princess.

when i left this with you i hoped you wouldn’t need to open it but here you are. if you are reading this then that means youve hit your limit. im sorry im not there with you right now but its for the best. thats what they said at least.

i want to tell you that you arent defined by any persons inability to choose you. dont abandon who you cause russo did. dont neglect or question yourself alright? cause i know damn well murdock never did. that guy saw you for you y/n. he knew exactly who you were and he probably knew it before you did.

what i know is that not everyone has a heart like yours. most people don't know how to give the way you do. they just take yknow? carrying a heart big as yours gotta be exhausting. but you got this light and its really a gift but i know youre starting to feel like a curse.

as cheesy as this is gonna sound you gotta keep pushing. life for me and you isnt easy and youre too damn stubborn to let anything take you down. jesus y/n the stories i would hear about you in the costume had me convinced you werent human.

i want to leave you an address to write to but i dont even know where imma end up. its real shitty that i had to leave you like that but i wouldn’t have if i didnt think you had it in you to pull through.

murdock saw your light. i saw it. karen and nelson see it. pretty sure russo saw it too before everything. and no one can take from you unless you let them. i know youre going through hell right now but keep going. how are you gonna see it get better if you quit now?

i love you y/n. stay alive till i made a trip back alright?

ps: forgive yourself for everything.

-f “

[goddevouringserpent]

WOTR Companions First and Final Impressions

taking the open tag @the-raging-tempest left over at Discord cause I really really wanted to do this hehehehe :3 it was very very fun, even if time-consuming, so I am open tagging anyone who wants to do it! (& please do feel free to tag me in it because I very much want to see 👀)

the first impressions match the first actual interaction my KCs had with the companions, for which I am using the first real dialogue they ever had; so, for example, although they both technically met Camellia at the Kenabres festival, I am counting the first meeting as being in the caves under Kenabres.

First impressions

Seelah

Irenni: "A spot of hope in the middle of so much destruction! You lighten my heart with your presence, lady knight."

Kaija: "Paladin of Iomedae, huh? Well, you don't seem as stuck-up as the rest of your kin, at least. Mind your own business, I'll mind mine, and we should get along fine."

Camellia

Irenni: "So poised and elegant... I'm surprised by how nonplussed you seem, but in all fairness, you look high-born, and I suppose nobles are taught to conceal their emotions."

Kaija: "Ugh. Do we really have to babysit this spoiled brat? Hope you actually know how to use that rapier of yours, pretty girl, 'cause I'm not sticking my neck out for you."

Lann

Irenni: "A valiant warrior with a noble heart, I can tell. 'Tis a pity you downplay your own worth with such ferocity."

Kaija: "I know your type. You hate who you are, don't you, underground crusader? Tale as old as time. Shed those chains already—they'll never see you like you want them to see you. We're all just horned freaks to the respectable folks."

Wenduag

Irenni: "You are so angry... We mean no harm to you or yours. Let us help, please. We can only save each other if we stick together!"

Kaija: "There's a shrewdness in you, isn't there? You're a clever one. A survivor. Dangerous. It's fine, I can work with that. You're nothing new to me, huntress."

Woljif

Irenni: "I hope I'm not making a mistake by helping you. You seem harmless enough, but that shadow... There's something wrong about it. Do you even know the nature of the magic you wield?"

Kaija: "A kindred spirit. You're the only one here who understands. I see it in your eyes. We have the same look, you and I, the same kind of dirt under our fingernails, the same bloodied teeth. I've got your back, for as long as this arrangement lasts—way things are, turning my back on you would be like turning my back on myself."

Ember

Irenni: "Oh, you sweet soul... 'tis fortunate Andoletta watches over you, but still—you should be somewhere safe, enjoying your childhood, not bearing witness to the horrors of war."

Kaija: "I can tell there's some sort of strength in you, but you've gotta toughen up, kid, or the world will chew you up and spit you out."

Daeran

Irenni: "You behave as though you knew exactly what to say in order to vex me, Count Arendae. I ought to chastise you for being so irresponsible and inconsiderate, but you would not care at all. And... truth be told, you are fascinating, in your own way. A weakness in me, perhaps. We shall see. In the meantime—make yourself useful."

Kaija: "Hello there, yet-another-noble-prick in the endless assortment of Mendevian noble pricks! At least you're fun to be around, I'll give you that. Maybe someday I'll crash one of your parties. You might even thank me for it."

Nenio

Irenni: "A fellow scholar! Oh, this is so exciting. I cannot even blame you for your... peculiarities; truly, all of us who share an interest for the academic can sympathize, to one degree or another. I do so look forward to trading theories with you."

Kaija: "Heard about people like you, here and there. Strange stories. Sad, often. Leave it to a genius to lose her mind—there's a certain irony in it. But I think we'll work well together, long as you follow my lead."

Galfrey

Irenni: "Everlight, I feel so inadequate. The Queen of Mendev! Here! Sitting at my table! It is a pleasure and an honour, Your Majesty, although I wish the circumstances were different... and I wish I were a bit more put-together for the occasion..."

Kaija: "Bah. Mendev's golden figurehead. Must feel good, to come marching in and have everyone prostrate themselves at your feet, even though you did absolutely jack shit. Don't expect any special treatment from me, Your Majesty. Far as I'm concerned, you're just some freeloader at our table."

Sosiel

Irenni: "A servant of the Eternal Rose is always welcome! I see a sincere kindness in your eyes that puts me at ease... and Sarenrae knows that is exactly what I need right now."

Kaija: "Nice to have another artist nearby. Not many of us here. And there's a steel in you, a fire. It burns low, more a simmer than anything else, but I can tell. I've been there. No wonder, after the losses you've experienced. You'll do fine. Channel that fire."

Regill

Irenni: "Hellknight, is it? Hmph. I guarantee you will disagree with my methods, Paralictor; I hope, for both our sakes, that you are still willing to obey my orders."

Kaija: "Credit where it's due, you're one hell of a fighter. Don't really mind the stick up your ass if we can use it in our favour. 'Sides, a little spot of pragmatism might do us some good in the long run. Tired of all the crusaders with their heads in the clouds."

Arueshalae

Irenni: "My heart reaches out to you, as yours does to mine. I am aware it is ill-advised to trust a succubus, but, as servants of good, ought we not embrace any demons who choose to leave behind the stain of evil and embark upon a different path? Is it not our duty to aid them in this difficult journey? I open my arms for you, Arueshalae, even if it means the death of me."

Kaija: "I should be suspicious, and yet... I heard you. I saw you. In the temple of Desna, and in the shrine. That... that can't just be a demonic trick, right? There are some things the Abyss can't touch. But an ascending succubus... Demons aren't capable of redemption. It isn't in their nature. It's what everyone says, isn't it? But... but maybe... Maybe there's a chance... Maybe, if you..."

Greybor

Irenni: "Why in the world would you refuse to address the demon invasion going on, but take on an assassination contract? I am astounded by the greed and selfishness involved in your thought process, but, most of all, I am baffled by your short-sightedness. There will be no gold to reclaim should the armies of the Abyss prevail, good sir."

Kaija: "'Go and get reinforcements from the Defender's Heart,' heh... You don't know who you're talking to, master assassin. Don't need help to kill these demons. Go ahead and take care of your mark—just don't get in my way. Wouldn't want ya to have your limbs cleaved off."

Parting thoughts

Seelah

Irenni: "What a joy, to have shared this fight with you. You have kept me steady, grounded in hope, and I am so glad to have done the same for you. Do not let anyone extinguish your spark. It is people like you that give our struggles meaning."

Kaija: "You've proven me wrong, time and time again. Never thought I'd be happy about that, but I guess there's always a first time for everything. It's been an honour fighting at your side, Seelah... And an even bigger honour drinking at your side!"

Camellia

Irenni: "I... I tried, Camellia. I really did. I would have helped you, if only you had been truthful. But in the end, I... I did what I had to do. I am not proud of it, but you forced my hand."

Kaija: "I keep telling myself it was for the best, and maybe one day I'll believe it. We would've ruined each other, beloved, you know that as well as I do. Better to stop when... when we still could. But that doesn't mean I've stopped loving you. I never will. You'll always have a part of me. Wherever you go, whatever you do... be safe. Think of me, from time to time. I'll think of you."

Lann

Irenni: "It is so good to see you happy, at long last. You deserve it—you always have. You have performed all your duties admirably, Lann, both towards the crusade and towards your people. Find comfort, now. Live the life you want. May your aim be ever true and steady, my friend."

Kaija: "You've got to let go, at some point. Move on. Bury it or it'll bury you."

Wenduag

Irenni: "I bear you no ill will. You were deeply wounded, I can tell that now, and my only regret is being unable to heal you. May you find peace in the afterlife."

Kaija: "Hasn't always been easy, because I'll be fucked if you don't like to make everything as hard as possible, but... Here we are. Looking at us from where we stand at the end, I can say I'm glad to have met you. Glad to know you. You've found your own power, your own strength, and—I respect you, for that. See myself in you a little bit. Who would've thought, huh?"*

Woljif

Irenni: "I am so, so proud of you, and deeply ashamed I ever doubted you. So many would have fallen prey to the temptation of demonic power, but you... I know it was what you had wanted all your life, and yet you found strength enough in yourself to refuse it! I am humbled by you, Woljif."

Kaija: "The light of my life. That's what you are. Can't say I believe in soulmates or none of that, but I do believe in choosing someone over and over, with your whole heart, every day of your life, and... Well, I'll keep choosing you, over and over, for as long as I draw breath. You've changed me, deep to my core, and once upon a time I would've fought against that—you would've had me kicking and screaming to get out, heh—but now I wouldn't have it any other way. Wouldn't have you any other way. I'm with you, dearest, 'til the end, through thick and thin. It's you and me."

Ember

Irenni: "Your kindness is brilliant, Ember. Blinding. I hardly understand it myself, and I have felt the touch of Heaven! I know you do not believe in divine intervention, but... I cannot, in good faith, claim our meeting to be a coincidence. Both of us, devoted to mercy and redemption and salvation... We are the company we keep, I suppose, but we are altogether too similar in ideals for it to not mean something. I shall be pleased to accompany you further, should our paths meet again."

Kaija: "First time in my life I've ever been so thankful for someone getting their thoughts in order. You were heading down a bad road, kid. Putting yourself in danger. And—d'you think I could've lived with myself if I'd let you and you'd gotten killed because of it? I know it feels bad to have to temper your expectations, but you'll thank me later."

Daeran

Irenni: "Ah, my love, what I wouldn't do for you. We have not had an easy time of it, have we? A rocky beginning, a middle fraught with difficulties and obstacles... We have been our own worst enemies, in truth. But there is not a single thing that I would change. I am honoured to love you and to have you love me; to know you and to have you know me. I am so fortunate that you have chosen to trust me with your life, your heart, your freedom, even. I will keep you safe, no matter what it takes. You can rest lightly in my hands—I promise. You will never regret letting me love you."

Kaija: "Not too proud to admit I misjudged you. I mean, in a sense I had your measure as soon as I met you, knew exactly what kinda person I was dealing with, but in another sense, you've surprised me. Never thought I'd find a real friend in you. My best friend, even. Life's full of little jokes and twists, isn't it? I think we can both drink to that, and not just because we'll take any excuse to drink. So—here's to your health, Count."

Nenio

Irenni: "I... I don't understand. Why would you ever want... What led you to... to make the choices you made? You are worth more than that, Nenio. I pray it is not too late for you."

Kaija: "Somehow what's going on with you is less outlandish than what I thought was going on with you. It's fine. Seems like a lot, but you'll pull through, if you really want to. I believe you can."

Galfrey

Irenni: "You carry your burdens, and I carry mine. I neither envy nor resent you. Let us part in peace. I wish you well, Galfrey of Mendev."

Kaija: "Fool. If you keep holding your chin up, your neck'll snap. We're not on even footing anymore—I've long since surpassed ya, and you know it. Write a letter to your goddess if you're so mad about it."

Sosiel

Irenni: "It is good to see you have healed. You were teetering on the edge of something so grim, far from the light of Shelyn, and although I had faith in your ability to remain steadfast, I worried for you, Sosiel. Yet you have so gracefully recovered from the blows life dealt you. A soul as gentle and good as yours deserves nothing but that, my friend."

Kaija: "I know it wasn't what you expected, but did good. Kept your spine straight when it counted. Didn't back down. Opened your eyes. So that closure you got, Sosiel, those answers—that was all you, in the end. It was your actions that saved both of you. Take pride in that."

Regill

Irenni: "We have not always seen eye to eye... quite the opposite, in fact... but in the end, I am glad to have fought alongside you, Regill Derenge. I think, in better times, we could have been friends, but war can make strangers of us all."

Kaija: "Surprised at how well we work together. Or maybe not. It's all in the fighting mettle, after all—we're warriors through and through, and I guess even through our differences we could recognise that in each other. Steel calls to steel. I respect you, Regill, and I'm pretty sure the feeling's mutual. Wouldn't be where you are now if it weren't, yeah?"

Arueshalae

Irenni: "There are too many things I should have told you, too many things I should tell you... but now is not the time. Later, once we are free. Then I will... Everlight's mercy, I just need you to know how deeply I care for you, how much I treasure and cherish and admire you, how badly I want to—augh, later, Irenni, later!"**

Kaija: "You say that I saved you, that you owe me so much, but c'mon, Arue, don't sell yourself short: you saved me every bit as much as I saved you. A mutual thing, yeah? Pulled each other outta the Abyss. I'm so proud of you, sister, and so grateful for everything you've done."

Greybor

Irenni: "Truthfully, I was not expecting you to take my advice to heart, and I am pleasantly surprised you have chosen to do so. I wish you an uneventful life, Greybor. Enjoy every moment."

Kaija: "A professional, through and through. We did some good work together. You've a... productive future ahead of you, I'm sure—who knows, maybe I'll require your services sometime, hah."

*Kaija's parting answer for Wenduag is largely a placeholder because this is my first time recruiting Wendu (I'd wanted to before, but I couldn't rationalise how/why Kai would, until now) & I am still figuring out their dynamic. however, I feel there might be... Something there. as in, the inklings of a very interesting ship dynamic. and I can never say no to toxic yuri, it's my kryptonite, soooo I am just kinda leaving that reply there for now lol

**Irenni romances Arueshalae, but only after the game ends. during the events of the game itself she's too busy dealing with her feelings towards Daeran to even try and address her feelings towards Arue. they are very much present, Irenni just... sets them aside, for the time being, because she already has enough on her plate emotions-wise as-is LOL but after everything is done, they become an item :3

[sol-shines]

@ your tags PLEASE talk abt your parker designs!!!

this is for you and @dreaming-of-stories-and-stars THANK YOU for enabling me :3 sorry this took a little bit

if you don't know what this is about i drew my takes on the parkers here !

rambles under the cut:

SO what i sorta wanted to do was make. each parker flow into the next while subtly changing in between ,,, something something losing yourself to the game, becoming unrecognizable. so let's cover it parker by parker:

prime: i personally Love the hc that the coin is parker's mom. so prime is a lil ancient roman coded guy. he's SOOOO eldest sibling coded help. like he and his mom have a very strained relationship but also he thinks that if he just does whatever she wants she'll finally be proud of him :P whoops! and yeah v explosive anger (firewalker reference!), leading to ego, leading to. You Know. anyway. oh ALSO the parkers get younger as we progress so :))) they all STARTED at 19 but have varying degrees of age. so prime is in his mid-thirties.

parker ii: AH the most elusive of the parkers. SO: in my personal lore interp, parker ii was created when prime starting to push back against the coin more and more to the point where it was becoming a problem. and prime of course is very destructive and makes a mess when he's angry. so ii came about from me going "...what if parker just. said fuck it and left. didn't give a shit about ego just didn't wanna play the game anymore and found a way out." and that's exactly what my ii did. absolutely fucking vanished and quit the game for good. somehow. which uhhh MIGHT have been what caused prime to go apeshit ("why does ii get to leave and i'm stuck here?") and end prehistory. whoops. so i wanted to make them look very vagabond-y. somehow got even edgier than prime (impressive). also they're abt 30-ish. and have crazy gender stuff going on. possibly transfem. "but how is that possible if you hc the parkers as transmasc-" shhh. i don't know <3

park3r: GOD i loved doing this one. this parker is such a bitch and i love him. the first commissioner parker, created bc "OKAY so we gotta make him more young and impressionable and less unstable AND take him out of this game bc very clearly Bad Things will happen if he stays" so they made. a chronically online teenager and made them commissioner AMDNFM. god yeah i love this design he's sooo. just a 19-year-old trying to fill an impossible role and putting on a cool face about it. tragic, yes. but they're gonna complain the whole time and make everyone else miserable too. fully believe he was just scared and out of his depth the whole trial :( oops why are parkers iii and iiii so sad. i drew him closer to mid-20s here but honestly he could easily be younger

p4rker: LOVE this guy's lore so my hc is that after the trial that killed park3r it was like "uhhhh FUCK we need a new one of those. stat." so. they just. took park3r's incin'd body (ik it's not really Canon that park3r was incin'd he just Died but. let me have this) and like. stitched it back together. so p4rker is covered in burns and stitched together like frankenstein all over, and they just threw a mask on them like "see!!! new guy!!" the result of this being they didn't have. a whole ton of time to add shit like Personality, so p4rker is the outlier in that they're very naive and even polite? they don't understand what all the fuss is about them and just wants to be. nice? shame he didn't stick around long :/ the drippy bits are a little percolation nod! in this particular drawing he's like 20 :(

pvrker is. obviously the least human. park3r was more of a prototype of a commissioner, p4rker was a temporary placeholder at best, pvrker... was well and truly made For The Game. and his appearance reflects that. kinda a combination of iii's bluntness and 4's naivety. in-universe some people think he's the most sinister or whatever bc he's so directly Controlled By ILB Shit and that's not NOT true but like. give him a break guys he's like 6 days old he's new at this :(

ANYWAY that's so long holy shit. here are my rambles i hope u like them. im So Bad at blaseball lore so someone yell at me if something i put in there isn't accurate but. yeag :)

[buckyismybicycle]

I don't know how terrible this quality will be on Tumblr, but the higher resolution/original can be found on AO3!

Title: swim for the music that saves you Pairing: Bucky Barnes/Steve Rogers Tags: ShrinkyClinks, Social Media AU, WIP/teaser Summary: It all started when he sent a video singing Happy Birthday to his sister, not knowing that she would post it on her social media.

Now, JBuckyBarnes has millions of followers all hearing his story, following his recovery, listening to him sing. Little does he know, he's going to change the life of one follower in particular.

Steve Rogers, chronically ill and spending most of his days inside, has to live vicariously through others. He longs for adventure, trying new things, feeling the sun on his face. A/N: This fic has been sitting in my drafts for some time now... Thanks to @buckybarnesevents: Alternate June-iverse giving me a little kick, I've decided to post an excerpt/the beginning and the rest of it will come in due course.

“Hiya folks… Well, it was, uh.” The brunette on screen pauses and then smiles sadly. “Alright, you know I can’t lie to you. I wanna say it was fine and dandy, but it was honestly rough. That’s why this video’s a bit late, sorry ‘bout that, by the way. It took longer than I thought it would to edit so I honestly kind of gave up.”

He lays his head in a propped up hand, resting against his piano. 

“So, I got home Sunday afternoon and crashed. I don’t even remember getting into bed. Didn’t sleep through the night, of course. I never do. But! That’s just me, my body’s not a fan of the meds. I was feeling crummy — you know when you’re so hungry you’re nauseous but you can’t eat ‘cause you’re nauseous? Anyway, so that for like, six hours. Finally got to sleep when the sun was risin’ but only managed about an hour or so. You lot haven’t heard Brooklyn traffic.”

Steve can’t help but smirk at that because he has, and he is in fact listening to the god-awful Brooklyn traffic outside his window. He could always move his desk away from the window, but he needs some sort of sunlight from time to time.

The YouTube video plays on his phone while he takes a break from work, stretching and wincing as his joints crack.

“So, it’s like, ten in the mornin’ and I decide I’m gonna get something to eat. Nausea won that round, unfortunately, so by three o'clock I am starving. I was cranky for the whole day, and I don’t wanna make cranky videos for you guys. So, that’s enough rambling from me. My brain’s been a little all over the place so I haven’t written anything in ages, but how about a cover of the best of the best? Thanks for sticking around! Hope you like this one.”

Steve watches as Bucky lifts the cover of his piano and stretches the fingers on his prosthetic. Today, it’s the metal titanium one, with its beautiful plate work and a small Hydra Industries logo on the forearm. 

You gotta swim… Swim for your life

Swim for the music that saves you

When you're not so sure you'll survive

You gotta swim… Swim when it hurts

The whole world is watching

You haven't come this far to fall off the earth

The currents will pull you, away from your love

Just keep your head above

I found a tidal wave begging to tear down the dawn

Memories like bullets, they fired at me from a gun

Cracking the armor, yeah

I swim for brighter days, despite of the absence of sun

Choking on salt water, I'm not giving in, I swim

You gotta swim… through nights that won't end

Swim for your families, your lovers, your sisters, and brothers and friends

Steve listens to the beautiful voice fill the empty space of his studio apartment, caught up in the soft yet powerful melody. What really hits him are the words, though. 

Bucky’s life is no secret — except maybe his real first name because there’s no parent on this planet that hates their kid that much. Steve doesn’t know exactly how Bucky had started off, but the channel was a newer discovery for Steve. 

Well, there it is. As always, thanks so much for tuning in! Hope you liked the song, and maybe I’ll see you guys next time with something original, huh? Bye!” 

[disco-elysium-via-polls]

🎵 Instrument of Surrender

For a reason that you'll see... soonish, but not today, I'm going to attempt this check again now.

BACKYARD WALL - Just an ordinary wall. Nothing to see here.

[Conceptualization - Impossible 18] Why am I looking at this wall?

+1 You have a keen aesthetic sensibility. +2 Cindy's artistic impulses are infectious. +1 Dresscode: Pseudo-SKULL

CONCEPTUALIZATION [Impossible: Failure] - Yeah, why? It's a wall, an ordinary wall.

INTERFACING - Snow covers the white-on-blue police livery of the motor carriage. The white colours nearly meld together.

Wait, why am I even thinking about this? Wasn't I supposed to…

"No time for this, gotta run." [Finish thought.]

INTERFACING - ... do something important? Something murder-related? There's always *something* important. Doesn't mean you can't take a moment to admire this piece of machinery.

ENCYCLOPEDIA [Medium: Success] - This is a Coupris Kineema, the Coupris MotorCorp's follow-up to their highly successful workhorse, Coupris 40, and the answer to the LUM's racing-bred 'Fevre' series.

INTERFACING - With its air-cooled, rear-mounted twelve cylinder compression ignition engine driving the rear wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox, the Kineema is able to reach 100 kilometres per hour in 13.5 seconds. And go on to a top speed of 180 kilometres an hour.

Won't it roll over in the first sharp corner?

Turn your attention to the motor carriage itself.

Motor carriages don't interest me. [Finish thought.]

INTERFACING - The high centre of balance is offset by a large battery bank mounted at the bottom of the cabin, feeding all the auxiliary systems and making the Kineema effectively a mobile power plant.

This tech-talk is really rubbing me the right way here.

Turn your attention to the motor carriage itself.

+1 Torque Dork

INTERFACING - Due to a quite steep price tag it is very unusual to see one in police livery.

COUPRIS KINEEMA - Even at a standstill the uni-body Coupris Kineema looks sleek and dynamic. The cabin is tilted frontward to give it a more aggressive *hunched* look.

PERCEPTION (SIGHT) [Easy: Success] - Someone has waxed it recently.

"That machine really puts the 'loco' back in 'locomotion'!" (Point to the vehicle.) "Very cool."

"I don't like your machine, lieutenant. Looks impractical."

(Shrug.) "A motor carriage. One of many."

Actually motor carriages don't interest me. [Finish thought.]

+1 Torque Dork

KIM KITSURAGI - "Mhmh." The lieutenant smiles ever so slightly. "You want to take a closer look?"

"What's it packing there?" (Point to the engine.)

"What in there made the infernal whining sound that woke me?"

"A fine machine..." (Run your hand over the smooth metal surface.)

"Okay, let's move." [Leave.]

KIM KITSURAGI - "Hundred-and-thirty."

INTERFACING - I reckon that's a seven-litre V12 there.

"That's what..." (Rub your chin.) "... a seven-litre V12?"

(Let out a whistle.) "Momma's serving some serious macaroni."

"Oh, I thought it would make more."

KIM KITSURAGI - "Seven-point-two. Supercharged." The lieutenant is trying to suppress a smug smile. Unsuccessfully.

EMPATHY [Easy: Success] - Saying these words brings him immense joy.

2. "What in there made the infernal whining sound that woke me?"

KIM KITSURAGI - "You mean the coil noise?"

"What is 'coil noise'?"

KIM KITSURAGI - "When variable current passes through wires that make up the coils on the electrical systems on this machine -- it causes vibration in the wires and the cores of the coils."

"When the frequency of the current in the coils falls within the audible range the resulting vibration creates the *whiny sound* you mentioned."

PHYSICAL INSTRUMENT [Medium: Success] - What a binoclard!

SUGGESTION [Easy: Success] - Whatever you do, don't make fun of the lieutenant for explaining this to you.

"You are such a binoclard, Kim."

"Wow... how do you know all that?"

"Mhmh, that's exactly what I thought."

KIM KITSURAGI - "I have pretty much maintained my vehicles by myself ever since one was assigned to me. You inevitably pick up some knowledge on the way."

EMPATHY [Easy: Success] - There's pride in there. A trained driver, *knows* his ride.

3. "A fine machine…" (Run your hand over the smooth metal surface.)

KIM KITSURAGI - "Yes." There's gentleness in the lieutenant's voice as his eyes run over the vehicle's contours. "An extraordinary machine."

ELECTROCHEMISTRY [Easy: Success] - It's nice and all, but why so modest? Put some zing into it. Flare it up. Slam it down!

VISUAL CALCULUS [Medium: Success] - Helium headlights would improve the range and quality of the visual field a lot.

AUTHORITY [Easy: Success] - It's a bit *girly* right now. Fit it with some proper off-road components.

"You need to *slam* it, Kim. Make it more imposing."

"Ever thought about switching to helium headlights?"

"With a winch and mud tyres we could take it off the beaten path, Kim."

"Okay, enough about the details."

KIM KITSURAGI - "Sorry, I'm not following you?"

INTERFACING - Lingo it up.

"Drop the ride *two hundo mill*, get the camber to frosty-frosty minuses..."

"I'm not either. Don't know why I said that."

KIM KITSURAGI - "No, that's... *porno*-tuning."

HALF LIGHT [Medium: Success] - USE BIGGER WORDS!!!

"It needs a *MASSIVE* aero-kit and *GARGANTUAN* roof-mounted..."

"Trust me, it's cool."

"It's what?"

KIM KITSURAGI - "Porno. That's short for pornography."

CONCEPTUALIZATION [Medium: Success] - The sole purpose of 'pornography' is to stimulate one's visual sense to evoke sexual arousal -- the same is true with the modifications you're proposing.

"So? What's wrong with pornography?"

"Pornograpy is something completely different, Kim."

"Alright, I guess it did get a bit porny there."

KIM KITSURAGI - "That's a negative on the porno. Thank you, though."

VOLITION [Easy: Success] - No one in the history of convictions has been more sure of *anything*.

3. "With a winch and mud tyres we could take it off the beaten path, Kim."

KIM KITSURAGI - "We are not going to though, because this is clearly a *sports* motor carriage." Sounds like he has a strong concept of what this machine is.

2. "Ever thought about switching to helium headlights?"

KIM KITSURAGI - "Actually, I have a pair at home -- just haven't gotten around to fitting them yet. I need to lay some wiring for the ballasts first..."

"If we ever get this case solved, maybe we can do it together?"

"Sounds like a hassle, but good luck."

KIM KITSURAGI - "Maybe," he replies with an apologetic smile and nods. "Yes, definitely maybe."

RHETORIC [Medium: Success] - ... and means *no*.

Didn't *quite* know enough about the engine to convince him there, unfortunately.

4. "Okay, let's move." [Leave.]

🎵 Martinaise, Terminal B

CARGO CONTAINER DOOR - You're back before the cargo container. Its draw has not lessened since you were last here. If anything, it seems to have grown slightly.

3. [Rhetoric - Impossible 18] Persuade the door to open.

+1 Erratic, yet thorough. +1 Been in the world for two days. +1 Been in the world for many days. +1 One more door.

RHETORIC [Impossible: Success] - Aaaaand as it's always been -- it's impossible to open a container with rhetoric. Maybe you're losing your mind?

Knock on the door.

CARGO CONTAINER DOOR - No reply.

PERCEPTION (HEARING) [Medium: Success] - The knock produces a hollow ring of metal. Doesn't sound like there's anything inside the container.

2. Open the door.

CARGO CONTAINER DOOR - You attempt to turn the handle, to no avail. The doors seem to be mechanically locked.

ESPRIT DE CORPS [Trivial: Success] - To your left, the lieutenant considers your actions -- with some puzzlement.

4. Nothing more to do here for now. [Leave.]

None of that helped, but we're not necessarily done there.

🎵 Evrart's Theme

This is not a fishing rod, is it? It's...

REACTION SPEED - Is that an Insulindian phasmid? It looks like an Insulindian phasmid. Quick -- catch it before it scuttles away!

"Stop right there!"

Pirouette toward the phasmid.

Creep up to the phasmid quietly.

Wait a moment. Is that really the phasmid? You don't want to make a fool out of yourself.

FISHING ROD - Beautiful leap! But this isn't a phasmid in your hand -- it is a fishing rod.

EVRART CLAIRE - "What are you trying to accomplish, Harry?"

"Uh, it's a novel fishing method."

"Sorry, I thought the fishing rod was... something else."

"I was just trying to surprise you. To throw you off, you know."

EVRART CLAIRE - "Well, you certainly succeeded, Harry." He adjust himself in the chair. "You are a very surprising police officer indeed."

EVRART CLAIRE - "Mr. Du Bois, 'Every worker...'?" He leans toward you, waiting for your to complete his sentence.

"... a member of the board?"

"... is a living god!"

"... is an organ in the great state organism of war! Also, looks just like *me*."

"… for himself!"

EVRART CLAIRE - "That's right, Mr. Du Bois!" He nods in approval. "I see the socialist-democratic fervour now burns in your heart too. How can I help you today?"

"I'm looking for a cell of underground communists. Can you help me?"

"I opened the door you asked me. Can we discuss the murder now?"

"Let's talk about my lost gun."

"I did it, Evrart -- I made it even shadier."

"A few more things regarding Joyce..."

"What's in the container that's outside your office?"

"Evrart, I'm going to leave now, but we might talk again later." [Leave.]

EVRART CLAIRE - "Mr. Du Bois, really. Do I look like a man who has time for *underground* communists? I'm as aboveground as it gets!"

LOGIC [Medium: Success] - That's a non sequitur if you've ever heard one!

"Let's drop the funny stuff. I'm trying to make contact with my revolutionary brethren."

EVRART CLAIRE - "Sure thing, Harry. We're *all business* now. The answer is still 'no'. I'm a busy man, as you can see. I don't block off time on my schedule for 'underground' types..."

DRAMA [Medium: Success] - That note of contempt in his voice is sincere, sssire.

EVRART CLAIRE - "You've already spoken with Mañana, as I understand. I'm afraid I don't have anything else for you on *this subject*..."

RHETORIC - That's all you're going to get out of him, it appears.

EVRART CLAIRE - "Now, was there anything else you wished to discuss today?"

"I opened the door you asked me. Can we discuss the murder now?"

EVRART CLAIRE - "I'm very glad to hear that, Harry," he says with a smile. "One question: you didn't actually happen to stumble in and see what's inside the apartment, did you?"

Task complete: Open apartment door for Evrart

+70 XP

Level up!

DRAMA [Medium: Success] - He's trying to figure out if you're lying.

SUGGESTION [Easy: Success] - There is no way to sway this man in any direction. He is un-suggestable and un-swayable. Just tell the truth.

"I *may have* gone inside and seen a collection of racist mugs."

"I did go inside. Weasel had the flag of the Old Revachol on his wall."

"The deal wasn't for me to go inside, so I didn't."

EVRART CLAIRE - "Just as I thought. Culturally antiquated mug collection. What a weasel..." He shakes his head. "*Pissing* on Evrart's Rainbow Coalition."

DRAMA - He *was* testing you. And you succeeded.

EVRART CLAIRE - "Now let's get down to brass tacks. It's time for men like me and you to figure out who's killed who and why." He pretends to roll up his sleeves. "Real police work is gonna start happening now. I promise you, Harry, this is gonna be good."

"I've heard about a connection between the lynching and the strike. I'd like to hear what you know about it."

EVRART CLAIRE - "By now I'm *sure* you've figured out who the dead man was working for -- the bad guys. Wild Pines. Sent to scare us. Another *violent measure* of the top hats against us flat caps."

"I'm listening."

EVRART CLAIRE - "Harry, this strike is the culmination of many *many*, mistakes made by the Wild Pines Group. They tried to shut the strike down by sending in armed mercenaries."

KIM KITSURAGI - "You mean our victim?"

EVRART CLAIRE - He nods gravely. "A security contractor. Can you imagine that? Workers standing in peaceful protest -- united in the spirit of fellowship! -- and they send hired killers to *mow* us down with machine gun fire."

COMPOSURE [Medium: Success] - He performs a motion, as if spraying bullets from a machine gun.

EVRART CLAIRE - "I'm talking *beasts*, hardened killers from proxy wars in Yeesut, Semenine, Saramiriza -- you name it, they've done it. Raping, killing, burning villages -- killing little children for the Señorita Pineapple company, Harry..."

"Everything they did there, they brought over here. They want to turn Revachol into a Third World slum. Honestly, the only thing they didn't do, is kill the village elephant."

"Hold on, you have a village elephant?"

"Go on."

"I think I've heard enough."

EVRART CLAIRE - "No, Harry, the elephant is metaphorical and so is the village, but the mercs -- and their brutality -- are very real."

"Go on."

EVRART CLAIRE - "Now, I haven't *personally* witnessed the brutalities out there. I have the luxury of staying in my container, you see -- if I need to go somewhere, they just move my container." He laughs.

"Wait, they move the container?"

"Go on."

EVRART CLAIRE - "Yes! I'm an old man, Harry. My legs aren't what they used to be. They lift my office with that big crane. It's actually very fun, you should try it."

"But enough about me and my fun container." His face turns serious. "The killers the company hired… I think there were three of them. All hardened commando-types."

"One of them got downright suicidal. Getting drunk, violent, a little rapey..." He shakes his head. "Even their own negotiator couldn't control him. That's your boy, the one who likes *hanging out* and trees."

KIM KITSURAGI - "By *negotiator* you mean Joyce?"

EVRART CLAIRE - "Harry," he says, ignoring the lieutenant, "what you need to realize is -- we dockworkers are not pushovers."

"We got grit, Harry -- this whole neighbourhood does. Push us hard enough and we push back -- and when we do..." He raises his finger. "We push to kill."

"Wait, the whole *neighbourhood* is in on it?"

"Who exactly did the *pushing*?"

EVRART CLAIRE - "Potentially, Harry, potentially. We got arm wrestling champions, rowing club people, ex-coal miners -- tough guys, all ready to spring into action for their home base."

"Who exactly did the *pushing*?"

EVRART CLAIRE - "There's a militant wing inside the Union. A group of people whose duties don't involve manual labour, but peacekeeping in the neighbourhood. Making sure everything runs smoothly."

LOGIC [Medium: Success] - That sounds a bit like organized crime.

EVRART CLAIRE - "They're like you guys," he nods to you and the lieutenant. "Idealistic people who want to make sure bad things don't happen. And if they already have... well, punishment must follow."

LOGIC - Again: that sounds like organized crime.

KIM KITSURAGI - "So these *idealists* killed our victim?"

EVRART CLAIRE - "Mhmh. One day Titus Hardie -- leader of this peacekeeping faction -- comes up to me and says: 'Boss, socialist-democratic fervour drove us to take it upon ourselves to kill this beast that was burdening the land.'"

"He probably worded it differently, but that was the idea. Sure sounded to me like they killed him." He chuckles. "I gave them two weeks paid leave and told them to lay low to avoid retaliation."

KIM KITSURAGI - "Aren't you worried we might arrest them for this?"

EVRART CLAIRE - "Oh, I'm not *at all* worried about that. These are not the kind of men who get arrested. They're Martinaise boys, tough and gritty. I'd like to see the man who takes them in." He chuckles. "Besides I sent my lawyergirl to look after them."

EMPATHY [Challenging: Success]- Despite his boastful tone, he's having doubts about something -- but what?

Maybe he doesn't believe the boys *really* had it in them. They're his boys after all.

"I think you're sharing information with the police, because you don't think they *actually* did it."

"Okay. Another question."

EVRART CLAIRE - "That's very clever, Harry. Yes. They might have said it just to impress some girls or something." He rubs his chin. "But Titus has a bad temper, so the chances are 50-50."

+5 XP

DRAMA [Medium: Success] - He thinks it's closer to 60-40. 60 they didn't do it.

"I want to hear again about how the lynching and the strike are connected."

"There was a bullet in the hanged man's head."

"How do you know the mercenaries were hired by the shipping company?"

"You mentioned a *lawyergirl*?"

"Tell me about Titus Hardie and his crew."

"Good talk. Let's conclude for now."

EVRART CLAIRE - "So they shot him?" He sounds pleasantly surprised.

KIM KITSURAGI - "He was shot in the head *before* he was hanged."

EVRART CLAIRE - "How odd." The man shrugs. "I don't know what to say, lieutenant. They told me they hanged him. A hanged man is what I saw when I took a look into that yard..."

DRAMA [Medium: Success] - It's impossible to say if he's telling the truth, sire.

EVRART CLAIRE - "What I *do* know is -- the case is in safe hands. If anyone can get to the bottom of this shot-and-hanged-man, it's my two little policemen. Godspeed, policemen!"

3. "How do you know the mercenaries were hired by the shipping company?"

EVRART CLAIRE - "How do I know? Let me tell you about these people." He slams his fist on the desk. "That's their MO. It's what they do."

"Last winter some poor workers in Terminal E went on a little strike. The company sent in *Sediment* -- a security contractor. The strike was over the workers' right to wear protective footwear, Harry."

"These guys turn up and start beating people. Tell you what, Harry, I wouldn't be surprised if we got the same mercenary company -- after a little *rebranding*. And I'm sure as hell not surprised to see an army of scabs under my gates."

KIM KITSURAGI - "So you believe the scabs were organized by the security contractor?"

EVRART CLAIRE - "You said it. Hell..." The fist slams on the desk again. "... one of those guys looks big enough to take down that proverbial elephant! Boys like that don't just *happen* to show up during strikes."

"The name of the company is Krenel this time. It might have been Sediment before."

"Another question."

EVRART CLAIRE - "Of course, you're always one step ahead of me, Harry. I'm no genius. I'm in this position because people *like* me."

"The remaining mercenaries are organizing a tribunal to take on the Hardies."

"Let's change the subject."

EVRART CLAIRE - "Tribunal?" He appears aghast. "That sounds *serious* Harry. We Union men should be *shitting* ourselves..." He rubs his chin and smiles suddenly: "I wish you hadn't told me that. I'm gonna lose *sleep* over this. Let's change the subject."

EMPATHY [Trivial: Success] - He's clearly happy about the tribunal.

"You don't *seem* too worried about it."

"Okay. Yes."

EVRART CLAIRE - "Oh, Harry, what do I *really* think about the tribunal? You're trying to climb to second base with old Evrart before you've even courted him properly."

+5 XP

RHETORIC [Easy: Success] - He wants you to do more *things* for him before.

4. "You mentioned a *lawyergirl*?"

EVRART CLAIRE - "Oh, Liz is a bright one!" He grins broadly. "I paid for that law degree myself, thinking it'll probably turn her all fancy, but hell, Harry -- she came back a firebrand socialist! Sometimes she scares *me* with her zeal."

5. "Tell me about Titus Hardie and his crew."

EVRART CLAIRE - "Oh, they are simply fine young men -- all seven of them! Exemplary Union members. Always working to advance their position in the local socialist-democratic movement. Core members."

"Old Theo used to run them, but things really *kicked into gear* when Titus took the reins and named the group after himself." He starts laughing. "Gotta love his initiative."

KIM KITSURAGI - "Interesting. Who's second in command?"

EVRART CLAIRE - "They're almost all of them *great* guys, born leaders. Whatever happened, I'm sure they only had the best interests of Martinaise and Revachol in mind."

"Work with them -- hell, interview them! But don't fight them. They really are just like you -- men who like beer, women, and some *order* on the streets."

AUTHORITY [Medium: Success] - That's him *allowing* the police to ask his men questions.

LOGIC [Challenging: Success] - He's betting on them being useless to you.

6. "Evrart, I met these Hardies. Can you ask them to cooperate with me?"

EVRART CLAIRE - "But of course! It's the least I can do for my good friend, Harry. I'll do it right after we've concluded this talk."

+5 XP

AUTHORITY [Trivial: Success] - You can now go and tell Titus about this. See what he has to say.

EVRART CLAIRE - "Also, Harry, here's five reál." He holds out a banknote.

"Wait, why are you giving it to me?"

Take it.

"I don't need it, I only wanted you to help me with the Hardie boys."

EVRART CLAIRE - "I'm not giving you anything. I'm just holding out five reál."

VOLITION [Easy: Success] - Needless to say, this is another *move*. Don't take it.

We also just genuinely do not need more money. This will still make talking to the Hardies easier.

2. "I don't need it, I only wanted you to help me with the Hardie boys."

EVRART CLAIRE - "Oh, I wasn't offering it to you, just holding it out there." He pockets the bill. "But I am willing to share *information*. Was there anything else?"

+1 Honour +1 Reputation

7. "Good talk. Let's conclude for now."

EVRART CLAIRE - "*Was* it a good talk?" He leans back, suddenly worried. "I'm not sure we made much headway here. I was hoping we'd bust the case wide open, heck, I even wanted to tell you what I *really* want to achieve with the strike..."

"I don't know what happened, Harry. I wanted you to feel like Mr. Martinaise! And, of course -- I also wanted you to *find your gun*." Great sadness comes over him. "But... it's like I can't completely trust you. Yet."

"Yet?"

EVRART CLAIRE - "Yes, Harry. It's like I can't *fully* trust you if you're not a man of the left," he says, slowly shaking his head. "I *want* to, but I just can't..."

RHETORIC [Easy: Success] - A man of the left? So you have to be a social democrat?

EMPATHY [Trivial: Success] - He's been *hurt* too much in the past -- by men who aren't *social democrats*.

"I am not a 'man of the left'. I'm a patriot of Revachol."

"You're right not to trust me. I take care of *me*. I'm a hustler. I grind. I'm a money engineer."

"What's that supposed to mean?! I'm more left than *you* are."

"This is another corrupt scheme, isn't it? I'm neither left nor right. I do what my *heart* tells me to do."

+1 Communism

EVRART CLAIRE - "You're saying it, but I don't believe you. You know how it is -- company snitches, *agent provocateurs* everywhere... I'm barricaded in this fortress of mine, and I need to get a message out. Will you help me?"

KIM KITSURAGI - "And what would this entail?"

EVRART CLAIRE - "Once again I require nothing unethical or illegal of you. You just need to get two little signatures on this piece of paper." He pulls out an envelope. "And then mail it to my accountant in La Delta."

"Kim, what do you think of this?"

"What are the signatures for?"

"Fine, if I happen to be there, I can ask them." (Accept the task.)

"No, I'm not going to do this." (Reject the task.)

KIM KITSURAGI - "It depends. I don't think what we just got from Mr. Claire was very useful." He studies Evrart.

ESPRIT DE CORPS [Easy: Success] - But, he thinks, it's your call.

EVRART CLAIRE - "As I said, it weighs on me heavily..." He bows his head in shame, then looks up and smiles: "But once we get *really* talking... well, I'm gonna hand you the keys to Martinaise! And maybe even help you figure out who's behind this killing."

RHETORIC [Medium: Success] - He's saying as little as possible as vaguely as he can. Deliberately omitting things.

2. "What are the signatures for?"

EVRART CLAIRE - "I'm glad you asked, Harry -- the Union is going to build a modern youth centre in Martinaise!" He grins broadly. "It will be *righteous*. We're gonna get those teenagers off drugs -- and *on* roller skates!"

"There's a nameless little street on the coast with some old houses around it. Most people have already signed. I just need *two* more signatures to get this mission off the ground, Harry."

3. "You mean the fishing village?"

EVRART CLAIRE - "Yes, yes, the little cul-de-sac on the coast. Where all the men have drowned -- in either the sea or the bottle. A gloomy place, doesn't have that Union attitude."

4. "What will happen to the current occupants?"

EVRART CLAIRE - "They're just gonna have to deal with the construction noise for six months and then they'll be living like kings -- right next to a fancy new youth centre, designed by the best architects from Stella Maris."

RHETORIC [Medium: Success] - Is he absolutely sure the tenants won't be thrown out in the street?

"Are you 100% sure no one's going to end up homeless?"

"Sounds like everybody wins."

EVRART CLAIRE - "Am I...?" The big man shakes his head in disbelief. "Harry, these people... Martinaise is the most important thing in my life. I would never let anything bad happen to them."

"We're gonna build a youth centre there. The value of their properties goes up and kids have a place to play in. I'm looking out for these people, not pulling the rug from under them, Harry. I'm looking out for all of Martinaise, not just the harbour."

EMPATHY [Easy: Success] - He means it.

5. "Fine, if I happen to be there, I can ask them." (Accept the task.)

I don't see any problems with this, and it's the only way to get a lead on our gun.

EVRART CLAIRE - "You bring joy to my heart, Harry -- such a pleasure to be working with you. Here..." He hands you an open white envelope.

Item gained: White Envelope

"You need to get signatures from Isobel Sadie and Lilienne Carter. The cul-de-sac is right past the pawnshop and across the canal. I heard there was some trouble with the water lock, but it should be fixed now."

"Once you have the signatures, mail this to 13022 La Rocca in La Delta. *Then* I'll know you're a solid socialist." He runs his fingers through his thin hair.

New task: Get two signatures for Evrart

2. "Let's talk about my lost gun."

EVRART CLAIRE - "Yes, yes, my best men are tracking it down. Some kids saw some other kids running away with it. Some folks said a paranoid schizophrenic might have it. Leads are being checked, Harry."

"What's that, Harry? You're getting a little pale. Is it the words *paranoid schizophrenic* and *lost gun* in one sentence? Don't worry, it's just a lead. It'll probably turn out to be nothing."

4. "I did it, Evrart -- I made it even shadier."

EVRART CLAIRE - "What?" The big man looks at you surprised.

"The brew! The shady, shady brew."

EVRART CLAIRE - "Oh, how could I forget your little side-project! Well done, Harry. Well done! Don't even tell me what it was. But good job! I love it when workers take the initiative like this."

+5 XP

ELECTROCHEMISTRY [Medium: Success] - So do I. That's one tasty brew, you should drink some right now if you can!

4. "A few more things regarding Joyce..."

EVRART CLAIRE - "Great! You wanna bounce something off your old friend, Mr. Claire, right?" He seems genuinely pleased. "Well, let's hear it, Harry!"

Only one new dialogue option here...

2. "I told Joyce that I met you."

EVRART CLAIRE - "It's *perfectly* okay. Even if you've told her everything we've talked about, it's *absolutely* fine."

EMPATHY [Easy: Success] - He seems happy about the prospect of you telling Joyce about your conversations.

"It sounds like you *want* me to tell her about our conversations."

"Okay, that's cool."

EVRART CLAIRE - "No, no, Harry. I'm perfectly neutral *and* one hundred percent for transparency. I know people say a lot of bad things about the Débardeurs Union, but we are actually," -- he squeaks his chair -- "squeaky clean."

+5 XP

EMPATHY - Yes, he really doesn't seem to mind.

KIM KITSURAGI - "Hmh..." The lieutenant seems incredulous.

ESPRIT DE CORPS [Easy: Success] - Sure, he thinks. It's about *transparency*.

7. "Okay, let's talk about something else." (Conclude.)

EVRART CLAIRE - "Absolutely, Harry! What's on your mind?"

"I mailed the signatures you asked me to get." (Lie.)

EVRART CLAIRE - "No, you didn't." He waves you off with a chuckle. "I know the mail-man, Harry. I know everyone and everything that happens in this town and I *know* there's no letter in that mailbox yet."

"Just like I *know* you'll get it done. Once you stop horsing around." He nods reassuringly. "Let me know when it's done."

5. "Evrart, I'm going to leave now, but we might talk again later." [Leave.]

EVRART CLAIRE - "See you soon, débardeur!" The big man raises his hand in farewell. "Just kidding. But not too much."

WHITE ENVELOPE

A white envelope with a stamp attached to the upper-right corner, handed to you by Evrart Claire. Inside are some legal documents with two names printed on them: Isobel Sadie and Lilienne Carter. Both signatures are required.

>INTERACT

WHITE ENVELOPE- You take the legal documents out of the envelope: a 12-40 month construction period and the zoning plan in the addendum.

Look at the zoning plan.

"Kim, what do you think of this?"

[Logic - Medium 11] Try to find a loophole in the deal.

Put the documents back in the envelope. [Leave.]

WHITE ENVELOPE- The youth centre cuts into the ocean like the bow of some great modern ship. Apparently it's going to cover most -- if not all -- of the street and the square between the existing houses. It's three storeys tall.

VISUAL CALCULUS [Medium: Success] - It's going to be awfully close to the already existing buildings. Almost wall to wall, practically integrating them into the youth centre.

INLAND EMPIRE [Easy: Success] - This is either an ominous or cool architectural choice -- hard to say.

CONCEPTUALIZATION [Medium: Success] - My money is on cool. Looks like a cubic pyrite.

2. "Kim, what do you think of this?"

KIM KITSURAGI - "I'm no property lawyer, but it looks fine," the lieutenant replies, flipping through the documents. "I like the print size. They're not selling or leasing anything. It's not a perfect solution, but..." He shrugs.

RHETORIC [Medium: Success] - ...how else are you going to build something? It's always inconvenient to build things, and citizens inevitably have disagreements over such construction projects, but there's no other way.

You know what, let's not stand right in front of Evrart while we do the next thing.

3. [Logic - Medium 11] Try to find a loophole in the deal.

+1 Centre's very dclose to houses. +1 Ominous shape. -1 Cool cubic pyrite.

LOGIC [Medium: Success] - There is no loophole. The simple truth is the current residents are going to lose their street access and for the next 12-40 months their lives will be dominated by constant construction noise right next door.

Wait, what are the ramifications of this?

"Look, Kim..." (Point to the photocopy.) "These people are going to have to move away. Can we do something about it?"

"The noise will be tough on the villagers, but I guess that's just the cost of progress."

LOGIC - Once the construction starts it'll probably take a few months -- a year maybe -- for even the most stubborn occupants to get tired of living like this. After that they'll sell their property for cheap and move out.

"Look, Kim..." (Point to the photocopy.) "These people are going to have to move away. Can we do something about it?"

KIM KITSURAGI - "I should have seen it." The lieutenant frowns as he reads over the document again.

"Evrart probably has eyes on us, but..." He pauses to think. "We could try to get other people to sign this instead of those listed. *Or* you could forge their signatures yourself. By the time he finds out, we'll already be gone."

Attempting to forge the signature has a -10 penalty, as Evrart's people could be watching us here. If we're going to attempt this, we'll need to do it somewhere else. Or Kim's other suggestion might be easier...