#i finished the night war today and it's bowled me over frankly

[jbbarnes]

so i'm working on a new carrd and i'm including an 'influences' section, for those fics that have just impacted me so much that i can't untangle their influence on how i write buck. not in a directly lifting way, but in a 'i agree so hard with this' and they deserve credit/to be seen. like you engage with a character enough and with fandom enough and your portrayal is never going to be purely based on canon. i want to acknowledge that, basically.

[breadoffoxy]

Jin - Joke’s on You

Pairing: Jin x f. Reader

Words: 2,905

Summary: You blame everything on Jungkook. Sure, the prank war started because Jin and you wanted to put the brat in his place, but it takes an unexpected turn neither of you expected.

You laugh as you mix the red icing in the bowl. Your best friend leans against the counter with a satisfied smile on his face. You just received one of Jin’s famous puns. No matter what, they always make you laugh.

“How do you even come up with this stuff?”

“What can I say I’m just a genius.”

“Oho genius sure.”

“Speaking of genius.” Jin pics up a salt shaker next to him on the counter and gently shakes it as he smirks.

“And how does that make you a genius?”

Jin makes a show of pulling out a small bowl and spoon. You let him take a small scoop of icing that he dumps into the bowl along with a pile of salt. You grin at him and give him a thumbs up. He looks proud of himself too as he mixes the two ingredients together.

This all started because of Jeon Fucking Jungkook. The three of you are in the middle of a prank war because that man brat has the nerve to keep calling you the O word. The unspeakable word. The two of you took action by hiding some of Jungkook’s things around the house, like just one shoe and one glove. It drove him mad looking for it. Your’s and Jin’s snickering kinda gave it away so young man planned his revenge. He planted fake spiders around the men’s shared apartment, which led to lots of screaming and jumping on furniture. The screaming turned worse when Jungkook flung the spider at Jin.

After giving Taehyung some pocket money, he distracted Jungkook with enough time for the two of you to sneak into his room. There you changed the hot keys on his computer hoping it would frustrate him as Jin held Jungkook’s cell phone and filled his storage with many attractive photos. These actions resulted in you coming home to your apartment filled with pictures of Nicholas Cage. You still find some to this day. Jin came home to a strategically placed cut out of Nicholas Cage. It surprised him so bad everyone ran to his at his scream to check up on him. Yoongi even brought a knife.

Things like this have been going on for the last week. And frankly all your other friends who share a living space with Jin and Jungkook are getting tired of it. But no one is going to stop until the other party forfeits. Which doesn’t seem like it’s going to happen anytime soon. Especially since he keeps calling you both-

“Hey Old Couple, when are the cookies ready?”

Your hand tightens on the spatula as you grind your teeth. For starters, the two of you weren’t that old. The both of you are just a few years older than the brat. If he considers you both so much older, he should show some respect. Secondly, you weren’t a couple despite how nice that sounded to your ears. You’ve known the man for what seems like forever and– oh no he doesn’t!

A resounding slap echoes slightly in the kitchen followed by a yell. You’re glad Jungkook’s hand tried to steal some of your precious icing. It broke your train of thought and gave you a reason to hit him. The young man examines his hand and licks the small amount of icing the spatula left on him before winking at you. Another slap rings out. Jungkook grimaces as he rubs the back of his head.

“Yah! Don’t come in here making demands and stealing things. Out, out!” Jin waves his own spatula around and periodically pokes Jungkook with it until he makes his way out of the kitchen. You examine Jin as he continues to wave his spatula, all the while complaining about the nerve the youngest has to call the two of you old and to boss you around. He mentions nothing about being labeled a couple. Does it even matter to him?

Jin and you grew up together and are practically glued to the hip since diapers. You survived the awkward teenage years, late study nights, and the shitshow that is adulting together, well that last one is still in question. Your moms always tease the two of you about being in a relationship, and your pretty sure they already have a wedding planned out. However, all of that made you uncomfortable growing up. The both of you were upset that boys and girls couldn’t be just friends. Now though you wished the opposite.

“You OK, or are you just dazzled by my face that much?”

You jump slightly, almost spilling the bowl of icing. You fumble with it a second before you start mixing again. “Yep, sorry just lost in thought.”

His gaze is questioning as it lingers on you. You nervously look away. Jin can read you like a book and you hope he doesn’t know about your feelings. You’ve been awkward lately by avoiding his touch, not giving as nearly as much eye contact, and always nervously biting your lip because the butterflies are too much. You were hoping it would just be a simple phase that would quickly pass but you feel yourself falling deeper at the compassion he has always shows you and even when he tells you an awful pun.

The oven dings signaling the cookies being done and his gaze finally leaves you. Jin pulls the cookies out of the oven. For a minute you are both silent as you wait for the cookies to cool.

“Have I ever told you the one about the alpaca?”

You smile at his efforts of trying to make you more comfortable again. “Hit me with your best shot.”

The two of you fall into comfortable conversation as the cookies cool. Once they do so you start icing them while making sure to keep one separate for a special someone. The two of you make a plate for each of your friends and take them to the living room. There most of your friends are sprawled out watching a movie. Oos and Aaahs fill the room as they scramble for their plates. You and Jin give a high five as Jungkook sputters on his cookie that he inhales.

“What the hell guys!”

Everyone stops and stares at the body standing in the hallway. The voice that yelled was not Jungkook but an angry Yoongi. A very pink haired Yoongi.

“We match!” Jimin points and yells. His eyes turn into crescents as he giggles. He collapses into himself and falls out of the chair. Taehyung barely catches his friend’s cookies as the young pink haired man is a giggling mess on the floor.

Your eyes are as wide as saucers as you stare at the pink hair on the glowering man. It would be unbelievably cute if Yoongi wasn’t glaring daggers at you, Jin, and Jungkook.

“It looks very nice- “Hoseok gets cut off as Yoongi holds up a finger.

“Not. Another. Word. Except that is for someone to tell me who fucking did this.”

Ok this was not how this was supposed to go. You were not supposed to meet your untimely end because of these pranks. Yes, it was you who waited for everyone to leave the apartment and sneak in with the extra key Jin gave you. It was you who took some of Jimin’s pink dye and funneled it into Jungkook’s shampoo. You were sure you put it in the right bathroom. Then why the hell is Yoongi’s hair pink!?

You pale as Jungkook smirks at you. “I saw Y/N going to your bathroom earlier Hyung, it must have been her.” Oh if this is how he wants to play then you’ll play.

“You couldn’t have seen me since I did it earlier today while no one was here, and I put it in your shampoo Jungkook.”

Jin nods and adds, “Yeah Jungkook. Then explain then how it got into Yoongi’s shampoo if she put it in yours.”

“So, let me get this straight.” Yoongi intervenes. “It’s all three of your faults then.”

“They pranked me first!”

“You switched the dye!”

“Yah how could you think that!”

Yoongi ignores all of your outbursts as he stares coldly at the three of you.

“Ok this has been all well and lovely but I think it’s time to go now!” Jin grabs your hand and darts for the door before you know what’s happening. You stumble behind him as you make your escape. You barely hear Jungkook’s startled pleas, sounds of a scuffle, and the mixture of laughter and giggling as the two of you run down the hall.

The two of you continue running to your nearby apartment. By the time you get there you’re both panting.

“Is it…do you think it’s safe?”

“Yeah…for now. He’s probably too busy murdering Jungkook.” Jin throws a cautionary look over his shoulder anyways just in case.

“And too lazy to follow us.”

“Yes, that too. Unfortunately, he’s more the type to plan his revenge and drag it out.” He brings a hand up to his head as he sighs. “Ah, I’m too handsome to die.”

You go to pat his arm and that is when you realize his hand is still holding yours. You quickly pull your hand away and angle yourself so he doesn’t see your burning face as you pull out your keys. “Um…do you want to come in? You can stay if you want till it’s safe…um safer?”

He laughs lightly, “Thanks. We’re in this together right. I can stay here forever?”

Opening the door, you shake your head. “At least until Yoongi doesn’t completely murder us.”

“Yep because slightly murdered is a lot better.” He steps in behind you and the two of you slip off your shoes. “Hey since I’m here let’s finish our tournament. You game?” He can’t help but laugh. You snicker slightly and give him an eye roll.

“Set up the game loser and I’ll make some popcorn. I’m hungry and we didn’t even get to eat any of the cookies.”

You walk into the kitchen, pull out the popcorn, and start heating it in the microwave. The ding of the game system starting up fills the small apartment. When the popcorn starts doing its thing you feel your phone vibrate. Pulling it out you instantly freeze when seeing the sender. Yoongi’s name displays threateningly across your screen. Ever so slowly you open the message.

‘The pranking stops now. If you do one thing for me, I’ll maybe spare you.’

Hesitantly you type back, ‘and what would that be oh great genius who I love more than anything.’

Your phone dings back quickly. ‘Flattery won’t buy you anything. And we know that’s not true. We all know you love Seokjin so tell him your feelings. Or else.’

Ok so its certain death vs tell your best friend that you have strong secret feelings for him. You think you may be leaning towards death.

“Uggh! What is that smell!?” Jin rushes into the kitchen and rips open the microwave door. Smoke blows out and you spot a rather black bag of popcorn that smells pretty disgusting now that you notice.

Hurriedly you turn on a fan and try to wave some of the smoke away. “I am so sorry! I got distracted.”

Jin reaches into the microwave and carefully pulls out the bag. There is no salvaging it. “Must have been some distraction.” The popcorn goes into the trashcan with a thunk, and he gives you a pointed look. He knows how much you detest burnt popcorn. You’ll complain about the smell for the rest of the day.

Ok. This is it do or die.

“Um…its nothing really.”

Dying it is then.

“Bullshit. You’ve been acting weird lately, and don’t deny it.” He adds on as your about to open your mouth. His gaze then moves to your phone you left on the counter in your haste to turn on the fan. Crap.

The both of you dive for the phone at the same time. With his longer limbs he makes it there just before you do. You scramble with him to try to reach it but he holds it barely outside your reach.

“Give it back!”

“Not a chance!”

His fingers rapidly start typing in your passcode. Your breathing increases as you panic.

“I got a text from Yoongi!”

He stops right before hitting the last digit. “Oh?”

You’re silent and his finger starts slowly moving closer to screen.

“He said the pranks have to stop!”

“And?”

You bite your lip as you look down at the ground. Nails bite into your palm as you make tight fists with your hands. Why does this have to be so difficult.

“Hey, its ok!” Jin puts the phone down and grabs your shoulders with both hands. His thumbs start rubbing small distracting circles. Surprised at the action you glance up at him and you let out your breath. Quickly you find that you can’t hold his gaze, something about it too tender and soft, so you turn your head quickly away again. Almost immediately a large hand leaves your shoulder and is placed on your cheek. It guides you to look back into Jin’s eyes. “I’m just worried about you.”

You lean into his hand slightly, close your eyes, and take a deep breath. You decide you can’t keep worrying him like this. It wasn’t fair to him and it definitely wasn’t fair to yourself. You felt like you couldn’t completely be yourself and you decided you no longer wanted to feel like a lie. Plus, you didn’t survive so much together for your friendship to end here or so you hoped. You open your eyes and do your best to look Jin in the eye.

“Errr so OK he gave me an ultimatum you could say. Either you know the certain death or um I tell you something.”

“You know you can tell me anything right?”

You nod. “Yes. Its just…hard. Sorry I’m trying.” Again, you can’t look him in the eye anymore. “You see the thing is…I um…for awhile now…” In the smallest voice you can muster, you manage to say,” …I like you…a lot.”

You feel Jin’s hold stiffen for a moment before the hand on your cheek moves to your chin and your eyes meets his once again. He’s looking at you in a way you’ve never seen before. His eyes are shining and he’s wearing a grin as he chuckles. Honestly, he has never looked as handsome as he does now. His breath hits your face as he chuckles.

“I got a text from Yoongi too.”

“…You did?”

His thumb traces over your lips as his eyes drift down. A small gasp leaves your lips and his eyes meet yours again.

“I like you too Y/N, a lot.”

The next thing you know there is a pair of soft lips touching your own. When you press back you can feel the smile on his lips. The hand on your shoulder slides down your arm until it reaches your hip and drags you closer. Your hands come up and grip Jin’s shirt as you fall into the kiss.

You only pull away to take a breath of air. Jin’s forehead comes to rest again your own. “Thank you for telling me.”

You huff, “You could have easily told me first.”

He kisses your forehead. “I know. Sorry for taking so long, but I’ll make it up to you.” His lips lightly graze yours again. “I promise.”

“I look forward to it. Right now though I hate to ruin the moment, but I really can’t stand the smell in here.”

“What this isn’t romantic enough for you?” Jin stuffs your face into his chest and his arms wrap around your head. “Here, try to smell only me.”

The sounds of his laughter fill the room along with your screams of protest.

When you and Jin walk back to his apartment you do so hand in hand. Cautiously you open the door and peer inside. No one is there ready to murder you as you walk through the door so that’s a good sign. A head peeks around the corner and your relieved to see its just Taehyung.

He stares openly at your hands before sending a wink your way. “I thought you’d love birds would be gone longer.”

You groan as Jin answers, “We would but someone’s house smells like burnt popcorn.”

“Huh.” Taehyung points behind him into the living room. “Also, you may want to see this.”

He disappears as the two of you take your shoes off. Curiously you round the corner and are surprised at what you see. There before you is still a pink haired Yoongi but instead of being murderous he’s wearing his gummy smile and laughing with Jimin. The two are taking selfies and being super adorable with their matching pink hair. Jungkook spots you from where he’s sitting and grins.

“What’s going on?”

Yoongi doesn’t even bother looking at you. “You know I think pink is a nice look.”

“Eh?” Both you and Jin are equally confused. Jungkook’s grin only gets larger.

“I figured out you messed with my shampoo when I got home, and asked hyung if he’d help me out. He wanted to have fun too.”

“Got you!” Yoongi yells out as him and Jimin take another selfie.

“What!?”

[furiousqueenmarmaroth]

HC for the horsemen and Azreal assisting or just being friends with an expectant human mom-to-be? Doesn't have to be romantic if you dont wanna, but im all about the wholesome shit yo these guys deserve all the love in the world, just like you~ have a wonderful evening (or whatever timeit is, idk

((Here you go, love. I think I’m going to make Azrael his own thing, just cause he was the one holding me up. Anyways, I hope the others are okay because I’m kinda sleep deprived.))

Death:

“So yeah… I don’t want you to feel obligated to co-parent or anything. I know you don’t like change and if it’s ever too much for you I’ll be happy to move out.” Fingernail polish certainly didn’t last long with the nervous woman, as the littered flecks of paint that accumulated on the wood floors could attest.

“For you, I can make adjustments.” Death finally said, crossing his legs and returning to his book.

“Wait, really?” He took it much better than she had anticipated. It was so suspicious that she felt certain he would pee in her shoes like a cat she used to own. She didn’t know much about the Horseman, as no one seemed to, but she knew him well enough to know that “adjustments” weren’t a part of his skill set.

“We should probably start with child locks on the cabinets.”

“You’re joking.”

“The scar on War’s lip would say otherwise.”

“No I mean… What I’m trying to say is…” Oh boy, he really wasn’t easy to talk to. “You don’t have to be involved at all if you don’t want to be.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. You are important to me, as you were before we started this little experiment. I would lay down my life for you, and as such, I would lay down my life for your child as well.” His eyes spoke of sincerity, a rare and vulnerable moment indeed.

“Well… Thank you, Death. You’re sweet.”

“I know. That’s why we’re not calling it Alice or Richard.”

“Those are my parent’s names and you can’t change my mind about them.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s good luck.”

“They both died before 30 how lucky can they be?” He knew he had went to far, but giving people permission to refer to what he considered his son as “Dick” wasn’t an option.

Fury:

By the pale tint to Fury’s face, she knew she had gotten to the part of the parenting book about childbirth. Probably the part about mucus plugs and placentas and the picture of a baby’s head crowning. You know, the gross stuff that no one told her about before her and her wife agreed to become pregnant.

When the Horseman’s face turned toward the human, she wasn’t sure if her expression was one of concern, pity, or disgust. Knowing her, it was probably both. There wasn’t anything exchanged between the two of them except a handful of pleasantries during breakfast.

“So… you knew about this?” The vague gesture toward the ‘gross’ chapter of the book was indication enough of what she meant.

“Yes. I am an OB/GYN. Kinda my job to know about it.”

“And there was no… man?”

“There was, but he wasn’t there during conception if that’s what you meant.”

“How…?”

“Well, you have three brothers. It’s just like that, except it goes in a vial instead of a sock.”

Fury’s face scrunched before concluding in a shudder. “At least we’re having a girl.”

“And you’re going to be an amazing mom.” She pressed a quick kiss to her partner’s temple, “Once you finally let me paint the nursery pink.”

“You know what,” she flung the book across the counter, “you deserve to punish this baby however you see fit, since your going to have your vagina ripped to your betty button anyways.”

“That’s not how a C-section works, Fury. Read the book.”

“I don’t want to anymore.”

She sighed and laughed, “Well at least come help me paint the room and get the to-go bag ready.” Wiggling fingers beckoned her to follow, and she did.

Strife:

“It’s like a fish bowl.” Strife concluded as he stared at the fuzzy image in his hands that only vaguely resembled something that would turn into humans. He was told the babies looked healthy for twins at 12 weeks. About the size of kumquats, the doctor said. Whatever the hell kumquats were. And the mother? Oh, even bloated and fatigued he still thought she was the most perfect woman in all of Creation.

She giggled and hooked an arm under his. “I can call one Fineas and one Finwick.” She sobered quickly, “Thank you for coming with me today, Strife. It means a lot to me.”“Always. I’m sure the father will be very happy to hear the news.”

“I called him a few weeks ago but he said he didn’t want anything to do with them. Happens, I guess.”

A hand appeared in his periphery and beckoned the picture back. Roused from his stupor, he realized the red box in front of them was her car and it was time for their brief time to end.

“Well, if you ever need anything, or nothing, you know, give me a ring and I’ll be here. For the baby or for yard work or something. And I’m totally fine being the guy you bring to these things.” Air sucked in between his teeth to make an awkward hissing sound. “Yup it’s… totally fine by me.”

“Okay…” Strife’s stomach sank as the car door popped open. “Bye, Strife.”

“Yup. Okay. Bye.” He held up his hand and turned away with a sigh. Lovely to spend time with her, as it always was.

“Actually, Strife?”

“Yeah?”

“Do you wanna… come with me to pick up my prenatal vitamins?” Her grin was intoxicating, “If that’s fine with you, that is.”

If it wouldn’t have been completely weird, he would have done the happy hippo dance from Fantasia. “It is.”

War:

War had become distant since the revelation of the new roommate that would be joining the house, even more distant still as he realized that her ever-expanding belly held this new life. His hands had crushed things significantly less fragile than the petite woman, and their few nights together proved that even at his best he still left bruises. And, worse still, the thing that was growing inside of her.

As to how he was able to sire an offspring was beyond him. Between his hybrid status, their differing species and centuries of horseback riding, he had considered the possibility unlikely, to say the least.

Neither his brothers nor his sister minded the addition to the Nephilim family, seeing as it would be taught the values of a human they considered level headed, for better or worse. But War minded. He minded quite a bit. But the decision was ultimately hers and there wasn’t much he could do about that except keep her somewhat entertained during the mandatory bedrest that began a few weeks into her pregnancy.

“Oof.” She clutched her stomach.

He was to her side and leaning over to examine her before she could finish a deep breath.

“It’s fine.” She pat his arm. “Just a kick.”

The father grunted and moved back to his shadowed seat to sulk and pretend like he wasn’t watching the show that was on. Quite frankly, he ate those reality TV shows up like Skittles.

“Do you want to feel?” Her grip on his hand was surprisingly strong as she pulled the only hand he had down towards the obscenely stretched and visibly moving skin.

“No.” He wasn’t about to fight against her, though.

“Just feel and I’ll stop bugging you.”

And so, he did if only to be done with it. But he was in love by the first kick. There was no way he could explain the sudden surge of emotion when the little warrior to be jutted a foot against the gentle pressure of his hand. What he was certain of though, was he had to turn away lest anyone should see the tears that suddenly attacked his eyes.

“The doctor says you can see that she has hair on the ultrasound.”

“She?”

“Yeah, she. Did you want to say something to your daughter? She can hear you, you know.”

“Is that why you’ve been reading out loud like a mad woman?”

“Yeah, that’s the reason.” She offered the shoddy book of poetry to him, “This is all we have with rhymes. Though with all the detective shows I’ve been watching I’m sure that’s had more of an impact.”

[longassr1de]

Stained

Pairing: Doyoung x fem!reader

Genre: smut 🔞

Word count: ~3k

Summary: In which you and Doyoung are self proclaimed mortal enemies, and all your friends are tired of the underlying sexual tension neither of you ever seem to notice.

Warnings: Shit attempt at plot. Slight femdom reader, switch!Doyoung, oral (female receiving), a complete waste of drinks, getting locked in a room, oh and uuhh an otphj.

A/N: I actually hate this and might delete it later but... I just wanted to have some new content on here, I guess..?😞

It had been the most wonderful of days, emphasis on was. The sun was shining, there was an amazing breeze, you’d finally finished your week and were ready to relax at home for the weekend. That was, until he happened. You were making your way across campus to your car, eager to enjoy some of your favorite music and refreshing air conditioning, but sparing a glance at your phone due to an incoming message was all it took. Due to your distractedness, you had managed to bump into someone, spilling the coffee in your other arm all over the innocent bystander. But this was no ordinary bystander, it just so happened that you had the misfortune of running into your self-proclaimed mortal enemy, who was now glaring at you and cursing everything you stood for as the realization and implications sunk in.

“Do you ever look where you’re going, Jesus Christ,” Doyoung begins to complain, seething at the sticky iced substance seeping through his knot sweater and down onto his jeans. He must have assumed you never pay attention to where you’re going due to you always pretending to be very interested in whatever was on your phone when he was around, little did he know that was just so you would avoid having to deal with him and his attitude. When you finally look up at him, having felt like all of this happened in slow-motion despite not even being a minute’s worth of time, you find yourself caring a lot less than you would have if you’d spilled coffee over... well, just about anyone else.

“Oops,” you ooze sarcasm, giving him the fakest of smiles as you fully intend to just keep walking by. Doyoung quickly moves to grab your arm, exasperated by the cold shoulder he was given after something he didn’t even cause.

Was there really any one solid reason you hated Doyoung, you pondered. The way he always seemed to carry himself around your presence had never quite rubbed you the right way, let alone not having gotten off on the right foot to begin with. You’d sat next to him once during a sociology lecture you’d been late to after having overslept, and he made sure it was absolute torture for you, relentlessly teasing everything from your pajama pants to the night before’s smudged mascara. It was the little things about him, you think, that pissed you off the most. How arrogant he was, how much of a know-it-all he was, and how he always bragged about his family’s money, flaunting endlessly. So as you come back to the moment, watching as Doyoung prattles your ear off, you realize he’s expecting an answer to a question you never heard; all of his monologue had sounded to you the way a fish in a bowl would hear anything, truthfully.

“Come again?” you say with clear disdain.

He begins to repeat himself, but not before rolling his eyes to high heaven and dramatically running his hand through his bright blue hair- wait, since when had he had colored hair? You mentally slapped yourself to try and focus, which seemed to be something you were incapable of today. “I asked what you were going to do to remedy the situation?” He arches a brow and crosses his arms expectantly, instantly regretting it and uncrossing his arms as his sweater sticks to his skin in all the wrong ways.

“I was just planning on remedying my mood by walking away from you entirely, Dodo,” you chastise, mocking his sour attitude with a childish nickname. As if he wasn’t already tired from a long day, running into you had been the cherry on top, and he was about ready to tear you and your smart mouth a new one by this point.

“Look here your highness,” he emphasizes the pet name but appears as if it had burned his tongue to even offensively call you such a thing, “listen to me, and listen very well. I, quite frankly, couldn’t give less of a shit what you wanted, much less if you’d rather I dropped dead right now. You fucked up and you spilled your coffee on me. Now you either get it together and fix the situation, or I’ll fix it myself, and it won’t be pretty,” Doyoung spat, turning red in the face by the time he’s done yelling at you in the near desolate parking garage.

“I hate to break it to you, but the situation will never be pretty, not as long as it somehow involves you,” you snort, leaving him to stew in a puddle of blind rage and coffee stains.

It isn’t until about two weeks later that you even see Doyoung again, but you can be sure that he has not forgotten about his revenge for even a minute since. And it was just all too easy now, seeing you at the library studying for your exams, and just his luck that you’d picked today of all days to wear a white t-shirt. To him, god was a woman and her name was Ariana Grande, but to you... karma was a bitch, and you were about to find out his name was Kim Doyoung.

As you’re turning the page to answer one of the final questions of your psychology review, you see someone trip out of the corner of your eye, noticing a second too late to dodge the oncoming downpour of nearly an entire red Gatorade bottle. Once again, in slow motion, you watch what feels like a murder scene of your hard work and innocent shirt, all the meanwhile Doyoung has the audacity to smirk at you before acting the victim. As he gets up to clean off his arm in the bathroom, you grab onto it and glare at his form. If looks could kill, he’d have been burned to a crisp the second your eyes landed on his form.

“Is there something that seems to be the matter, darling?” he grins cheekily down at your shivering form, lips upturning further victoriously when you can’t seem to find an answer. “Or has the cat got your tongue?” He’s gone before you know it, satisfied with having been able to even the score.

And so the childish war began, with either of you attempting to trip one another, or steal a parking spot from the other, or just screw each other over at the campus cafeteria somehow. Both of your groups of friends were honestly sick and tired of the way you two would act when it came to the other, and had decided upon a revenge of their own; a mouse trap of sorts for you both to dispel the underlying tension that had gone unnoticed to everyone but the both of you.

One of your closest friends had invited you to a dorm she’d claimed was having party, and you were more than happy to oblige. (Phase 1 complete.) Meanwhile, Doyoung’s friends had lied through their teeth, managing to convince him that they were bringing over some guests to have a boozy game night. (Phase 2 complete.) It wasn’t until you were being shoved into the bathroom of said dorm upon arriving, hearing the door lock from the outside, that you had noticed Doyoung sitting on the floor, having already been locked inside. He may not have been Einstein, but he was no idiot, and now that he knew what his friends’ plan had been all along, he was absolutely furious.

“Are you kidding me? So what, this was their master plan? Lock us in a room and hope we don’t kill each other?” Doyoung runs his hands through his messy hair for the umpteenth time since being stuck in the small room, feeling as if his roots would be tugged out any minute now.

“Or maybe they were hoping you’d confess your undying love for me, aww how romantic!” you gasp dramatically, cooing before blinking innocently at his deadpan expression, although you were anything but. “Did they at least leave us any food or drinks?” You start to look around the bare room, grateful to at least have kept your phone on you.

“I’d first profess my undying loathing for you,” he smiles but it doesn’t reach his eyes, standing up to try once again and open the door somehow. You simply watch him struggle, takin a seat on the sink and trying to lie to yourself about totally not checking him out in that tight little tee of his. Perhaps you could loathe someone’s entire being and yet still think that maybe, just maybe, they weren’t completely unattractive in your eyes. (And other lies you told yourself as you absolutely did not imagine scratching up his broad shoulders.)

You hadn’t even realized you were say dream until Doyoung had snapped you out of it. “The hell are you thinking about that you’re biting your lip for?” he muses, wondering how you’ve remained calm instead of trying to fight his head off by now. “You must be real hungry if you’re that spaced out.”

“Yeah, starving.” Lying seems to be all you can do today, and it’s all you can do to keep yourself from losing the last grips of your sanity.

“You’re always welcome to eat my ass,” he retorts, smiling sweetly as if he’d offered anything of value.

“First of all, what ass? And second of all, fuck you.” You picked at your nails, starting to feel boredom hit.

“Fuck me? You’re more than welcome to, if that’s how you’d like to kill your time in here,” Doyoung teases back, curious as to how far he could push you, wanting to see you break.

“The nerve! To think I would ever fuck you, in your dreams!” You scoffed at the proposition as if you hadn’t just been wondering what it would feel like to ride him a few moments ago.

“In my dreams or yours, darling? Is that why there are bags under your eyes, are your wet dreams of me leaving you restless?” You felt your jaw drop at his shameless statements, racking your typically witty brain to come up with any sort of retort. Any conscious thought leaves your brain when Doyoung leans in and purrs at your ear. “Why not make your dreams a reality then?”

You’re unsure of just how it happens or why you go for it, but before you know it, you’re pulling Doyoung in by the collar and sucking on his bottom lip, dragging it away with your teeth as you pull back.

“W-What was that for?” he asks, incredulous.

“Don’t start what you can’t finish,” you say as you lean back in your seated position, almost falling deeper into the sink before he catches you out of reflex. His arms on your waist have you feeling some kind of way, you realize, and it isn’t long before you’re devouring his lips in another kiss. He lets out a little whine as you move down to kiss across the expanse of his throat, pausing to suck at his Adams apple and making his knees buck in the process.

“You’re all talk, aren’t you?” Your eyes sparkle at the realization, watching as Doyoung freezes in fear of being caught. “You act tough but you let yourself get bossed around in bed huh? No, actually, you get off on this, don’t you?” Your newfound confidence seemingly oozes out through your pores, a wicked grin playing upon your lips as your nails scratch lightly along his spine, forcing a shiver from him. “So tell me, are you gonna be a good boy for me, or am I gonna have to punish you like the little bitch you are?” Your eyes don’t falter in registering the way his mouth almost visibly waters.

“N-No, I’ll behave, I swear!” Oh, this will be fun, you thought. You’ve only ever been in charge a handful of times, but you craved the power that this kind of intimacy brought you. Let alone the fact that you’d managed to get the Kim Doyoung, former bane of your existence, on his knees for you. Quite literally.

You remain seated at the edge of the sink, having tugged your dress upwards just enough so that Doyoung could properly eat you out. He wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t his tongue that had impressed you, no, it was his fingers. He had long, slender fingers that curved just right inside of you, making you clutch at the edge of the sink until the color of your knuckles began to shift. As you saw his free hand reach down to coax his length through his pants you reached for his hair and pulled him off of you.

“Did I tell you you could touch yourself?” He murmured a negative, trying to pout as if it would change your mind, because he felt as if he was going insane from ignoring his throbbing length. “You’ll only get to come if you play nice, so if I catch you touching yourself again, you’re gonna regret it,” you scold. Doyoung makes you come around two of his fingers, biting lightly at your clit as your hands can’t decide whether to pull him closer or push him away entirely. You end up opting for the latter as it becomes too much, breaking away from him to catch your breath as he pants from exhaustion. “Should I be nice and let you have some fun now?” To which he nods enthusiastically, unconsciously letting out a small moan at just the thought of it all.

You guide him to sit on the floor, straddling his lap as you do so, unbuckling his belt and tugging his jeans and briefs down just enough to pull out his length. You slowly take his cock in your hand, just barely grazing at first and luring him into a false sense of security. He closes his eyes and leans his head against the wall behind him, a string of profanities leaving his mouth as your own sucks at his tip. Your thumb runs down his sensitive shaft and you deem him hard enough by now after all your teasing.

“Ah ah, open your eyes, I want you to look at me,” you command as you peel his arms away from your hips, allowing them to settle on your lower thighs instead so he couldn’t control your movements. Weakly, Doyoung opens his eyes to look up at your face, wondering when the little devil in front of him suddenly became the angel on top of him, holding the key to a paradise of pleasure. Your grab his cock as your hips slowly sink downwards, running his length through your wet folds, enjoying his whimper before you lower yourself onto him completely, thighs now in contact with the rough denim of his jeans. Short, jagged breaths escape past his lips, his vision blurring as his glassy eyes try to fathom the pleasure of your tight, wet heat encasing his needy cock.

“P-Please, do something, anything,” he mutters out, too scared to disobey but too horny to stay quiet. You shush him gently before slipping your tongue past his lips, beginning to ascend off his shaft before lowering yourself back down, repeating the process in a tortuously slow manner. You enjoy every single one of Doyoung’s moans that you swallow, a few grunts of your own when your self control begins to slip, grinding against him every time you descend and meet the added friction of denim. Chasing your second orgasm, you remind him that he can’t cum until you give him the ok, rubbing at your clit until you’re seeing white and the coil in your belly hits just right. You’ve just finished coming all over his cock when you pull away of him and climb off his lap, leaving him baffled as to why you were tucking him away and zipping his jeans back up.

“D-Did I do something wrong? What happened?” Doyoung grabs at the hem of your dress like a lost child, eyes wide and mouth gaping in disbelief.

“Sshh, it’s ok baby, you’ll get to cum, we’re just doing something different now.” He’s too wrapped up in finally being allowed to come that he thinks nothing of your strange ways, his brain was mush at this point under your heavenly touch. You stroke his length over his pants, placing open-mouthed kisses across his stomach as you wait to exact the perfect revenge. And you get your wish when moments later, he’s coming hard and fast, a large, dark, wet spot forming across the front of his light blue jeans.

You fix yourself up using the bathroom mirror, making sure you’re presentable when you jangle the doorknob, and sure enough, it finally gives way this time. Looking back at Doyoung who looks like he might pass out on the floor any minute now, you bend down to wish him farewell. “Thanks for the orgasms, baby boy,” he smiles shyly in return. “Oh, and I hope you enjoy walking back to your room covered in cum,” you finally bring up before walking out of the bathroom and out of the empty dorm room. Only once you had left and Doyoung had gotten over his post orgasmic bliss did the meaning of your words sink in... you’d gotten your revenge by leaving him with an even more questionable stain, making it look like he’d just finished jerking off in the bathroom. And as he goes to quietly leave the restroom, he runs into all three of his roommates, eyes widening comically upon their collective laughter. It looked like this war was far from over, but perhaps a truce could be called in the form of the age old system of enemies with benefits.

[rain0205-blog]

Terminal State

Summary:  She tried leaving, submerging herself in work to escape the horrors she had seen. The horrors she kept seeing. She never wanted to go back to that life. But when the Empire takes her home, she’s forced to face her past. Can she move on? Can she cope? Or will she require a bit of help? still bad at summaries, still working on it. ever so slightly more than slight AU gadioxoc

Physchology

...

Day six. Athenacia woke up with the biggest hunger pang in the history of her life. Groaning, she wrapped her arms around herself to try and soothe the pains she felt there. The doctor also had this undying need to leave, no longer able to handle this sort of containment. It had been long enough and she was completely done with it, never liked being stuck in one place for too long anyway, not even sure how she managed it. Promise or not, she was done just sitting around on her hands helplessly, so she threw the covers off her with a purpose, noting the sky was still dark out. Her nightmare had her up earlier than usual but that didn't deter her in the slightest.

The physician walked into the bathroom to start her examination and healing process. There wasn't a notable difference, aside from maybe her eye was a little lighter on the black. Everything was external now so it could go it's natural course. Athenacia unwrapped her right hand to have a better look at it. The knuckles weren't broken but they were puffy and bruised. In the end she decided to speed up the process a little, internally cursing herself for giving away her gloves far too soon. It was a little sore but manageable at least. Shrugging, she started the shower, taking longer than she needed to. There was no more of this sitting around, she was determined to go outside today. Stepping out of the tub, she brought the towel around her slender frame, another towel for her hair and wiped off the mirror so she could see herself. At least with that hematoma, no one could see the dark circles she usually carried under her eyes. Skin was still pale though, nightmares leaving no chance for sleep. Sighing slightly at her appearance, she dried off herself off before pulling on her clothes, thin light blue jean capris with a rip on the left knee. Her shirt was also thin and dark blue coming down to her mid forearm. Athenacia wanted to hide as many of her injuries as she could, beginning the braid that would hide the rest of her neck scar. There was nothing she could do about the laceration on her face but at least she had most of it done. Giving herself one more look, she kicked her mess into a corner and then stepped out of the bathroom.

The sun had come up during her preparation for the day and Iris was beginning to stir. Athenacia walked to her bed and slipped on some socks before pulling on one of the pairs of boots she had bought nearly a week ago. They were brown, laced up to her knees with a buckle at the top and just before her ankle. The best part about them was the padding on the feet and she relished in it for a moment before standing from the bed. Just as she was going to walk to the door it began to open. The girl nearly groaned when Ignis had stepped through it, the look he was giving her speaking volumes.

"Don't you knock?" she asked pointedly.

"Forgive me but I hadn't heard movement and was certain you would be asleep. Going somewhere?" he asked with a brow raised.

"Yeah, I'm going outside. I don't care what you say or about your opinion, I've been stuck in this stupid room for a week and I'm going nuts. You are not going to stop me, I am fully ready and willing to fight you to get out of here," she replied, crossing her arms defiantly over her chest.

"You're more than welcome to leave the room," replied Ignis calmly.

Athenacia narrowed her eyes suspiciously, "Is that so?"

"Certainly. Frankly, I'm shocked it's taken you this long to fight your containment."

"Are you serious?"

He nodded, "The Marshal assured me you'd be ready to move the minute you were no longer submissive."

The look she was giving was harder than before. The girl turned over the words in her head, growing angrier by the second. Both him and Cor had played her for a fool. Damn, he was good, she really had to keep her eye on him. Still, she growled, throwing her hands up in defeat.

"I hate psychology!" she cried.

...

Ignis accompanied the doctor outside of the hotel and down to the nearest restaurant where Gladiolus and Prompto were also sitting. There was no sign of Noctis and Athenacia knew that Iris was still in her bed. There were far more people outside than last time, given that it was a hot and humid sunny day. Anxiety wished to bubble up within her but she internally shrugged it off as hunger. And make no mistake, she was ravenous. The physician took her seat beside Gladio, across from Prompto who only smiled at her. The girl knew this place well from her war days, making a stop here for a decent night's sleep while on the road for weeks at a time. Most of all, she remembered the food.

"I want a peameal benedict, three eggs medium. I want three sausages as well on the side and a bowl of fruit. Also a stack of chocolate chip pancakes with a fruit smoothie. What did you guys want?" she looked at them expectantly.

Prompto had his mouth agape at her while Ignis looked mildly shocked. Gladiolus, on the other hand, had a knowing grin on his face and carefully placed his arm around her lower back so his hand rested on her left hip. Athenacia tensed at first but calmed herself down enough to relax her body, not wishing to deter him but she was still having a bit of trouble now that she had left the safety of her room. This is what she wanted, however.

"It seems your appetite has returned," stated Ignis once the rest had ordered.

"You're not really gonna eat all that are you?" asked Prompto.

"You bet she is," answered Gladiolus proudly.

"Perhaps you should refrain from overburdening your stomach," suggested Ignis politely.

"Iggy's right. I mean, where are you even going to put it all?" Prompto was still disbelieving.

"In my mouth. You both seem to be forgetting I'm a doctor who hasn't eaten in a week," she replied in a nonchalant manner.

"Then you can tend to your own illness," replied Ignis dryly.

"I mean if you can't finish something..." Prompto left it hanging.

Athenacia held up the butter knife and pointed it at him, "You will not touch my food or I will cut you. And remember, I'm well versed in the human anatomy so I can make it count even with this dull knife."

"I thought you were nice."

"Not when it comes to my food."

"Gladio!" whined Prompto.

"You heard the lady," Gladiolus shrugged, pulling her closer to him on the bench seat.

Athenacia felt a blush rise to her cheeks. After their walls fell yesterday there wasn't much uncertainty left between them. Harsh words were said ages ago and they had attempted to repair that damage before the tragic incidents had occurred. They spent all the time in between worrying about each other even if she was the only one who knew of his whereabouts. They never really thought about what would happen if they were put into the position that they were now, but they wanted to be around each other, even if they didn't get the chance to do so alone. Athenacia wanted to be close to him but was having trouble with his physical contact while Gladio just wanted reassurance that she was still his even if they hadn't really talked about it. The doctor had been on her own for so long and felt terribly exposed, however, if she didn't push past it then she would never get over it and she didn't want to hurt him anymore - not after yesterday.

Gladiolus kept his arm around her even when their food came and they began to eat. Athenacia made true on her promise and ate everything she had ordered. Prompto was still in shock, and even Ignis couldn't hide his own amazement, but Gladio knew what her eating habits were like and was relieved to see them back to normal. There were only minimal pieces of fruit left in a bowl but everything else was gone. The physician took the bill at her own insistence and looked far better than she had in days despite the cut on her cheek and purple eye.

"What happened to your hand?" asked Prompto.

They had risen from their seats, Athenacia intent on not going back to her hotel room just yet. So they walked toward the market, giving Ignis a chance to gather the last round of ingredients he may need. The girl had no desire to buy anything but just enjoyed the outside air. Gladiolus hovered close to her, noting she was a little tense when people bumped into her. Prompto was on her other side though he didn't really pick up on her uneasiness. It was something that one really had to look for and the Shield was in protective mood knowing that she was still healing.

"Ask his face," she jerked her head toward the towering man beside her.

"That's where that came from?"

"It almost hurt," Gladio shrugged.

"You really are thick headed."

"You willing to find out first hand?"

Athenacia laughed. At least nothing much had changed the dynamic between them. Prompto still did what he could to get a rise out of the big man and he responded as expected. They could still have some fun despite the trying time and it made her feel hope that she could return to normal one day. They continued their wandering, leaving the market and coming down to the streets toward the hospital. Ignis had decided that maybe today would be a good time to start making their way to Caem and no one was really all that reluctant to leave. The main reason they had remained in Lestallum was now no longer an issue, but she wanted to see Gin before she left. Athenacia knew that the woman wouldn't be able to go with them, too close to term she needed to stay near the hospital for any complications. The nurse was waiting for them outside the main doors, sweating with the heat all around her. That girl did not do warm weather well when she was carrying all that extra weight. Athenacia smiled at her friend as she left the safety of her escort and toward the woman wearing maroon scrubs. They even bore her name, signifying an essential part of the team now.

"You still look like shit, but a lot better than the first day," said Gin.

"At least I'm not waddling," replied Athenacia.

"That's only temporary."

"We'll see."

"So you guys are really leaving then?"

She nodded, "Time to go now that I can."

"You'll come visit though right?"

"When it is safe to do so," assured Ignis.

"You can't have my nephew without me," said Athenacia, placing her hand on the swollen womb.

"That's not up to me," Gin held her hands up.

Athenacia removed her hands and hugged her friend. When she was finished she gave one last rub and then stepped aside. Prompto came and knelt his head by Gin's baby.

"Have a good one, buddy," said the gunman.

"Do take care, my Lady," said Ignis politely, bowing his head.

"Are you sure I can't keep that one?" asked Gin, looking longingly over at the young doctor.

Athenacia just laughed.

"Maybe when we're done with him," replied Gladiolus. He placed his own massive hand on the pregnant woman's stomach, nearly covering it entirely, "Keep your mom in line," he said with a grin.

"Don't you listen to him, he's a troublemaker!"

With one last hug for the doctor, Gin bid them all farewell as they left the hospital area. Athenacia sighed a little sadly as she walked away, but least things would be safer without her wandering the streets and attracting unwanted attention. As they came back toward the line of street vendors where the cars drove through the city, Gladiolus was gone to procure his stash of cupped noodles. The doctor could only laugh as he enlisted Prompto's help with it. Ignis had gone two vendors down from where she stood and that left her alone on the street. Instinctively she put her hands across her body to hug herself, keeping her eyes everywhere, looking for her exits just in case she ran into someone she needed to get away from. Gladiolus and Prompto were easy to make a beeline for and Ignis would be the first to reach her should she need any sort of assistance. Exhaling deeply, she noted people were coming by and every sound had her eyes darting towards it. Anxiety bubbled within her but she held it together, trying to convince herself that she wasn't in danger, that safety was all around her.

Athenacia gasped, jumping out of reach of someone who had put a hand on her shoulder. The man she was faced with held up his hands in surrender, trying to show her that he wasn't going to hurt her. Pulse quickened, hammering in her chest while she fought with herself to control her breathing. Ignis was at her side in an instant, observing the stranger just as she was. The doctor could swear she had seen him before, piercing green eyes, messy untamed hair on the top of his head and an obscured scar hidden by his short black beard. He was taller than her, as most people were, but he was looking at her with concern at having startled her.

"I'm sorry," he said instantly, "I didn't mean to scare you."

"Do I know you?" she asked.

"No, you wouldn't. But you're Athenacia, aren't you?"

"Depends on who's asking."

"I'm Jerem."

"I can't say I know any Jerem."

"I'm Tash's son, her youngest."

Immediately she tore her gaze away, looking down guiltily. Athenacia let out one deep breath, the image of Tash's body in the rubble coming to her mind. The image of her failure, of her friend who was counting on her.

"I'm sorry for your loss," said Athenacia, very aware of Ignis's eyes boring into the conversation.

"Gin told me. I just wanted to say thank you," replied Jerem.

She looked at him with a frown on her face, "For what?"

"For being a pain in her ass. She loved you like you were her own. She kept trying to get me to go to work with her and take you out. I just figured you were one of her dumb friends, pictures don't exactly tell the truth. But I bumped into you the other day, I thought it was you but I wasn't sure."

"I'm sorry I don't recall."

"Are you okay? That eye looks rough.'

"I'm fine, just an accident."

He nodded, "Well, I know it's kind of late and after the fact but... I mean maybe I should have listened to my mom. If you wanted to, that is?"

Was he seriously asking her out right now? Athenacia tried not to raise a brow, to show him the complete disbelief in his actions because she did not want to make him feel any worse than he already did after knowing he lost his mother. That didn't change the fact that she was caught off guard by this whole situation, having no idea that Tash was so pushy like this, nor that the woman even had pictures of her. This was the last thing she needed right now. Besides, she had other obligations.

"I-I can't, I'm sorry," she bit her lip, her eyes travelling over to Gladiolus.

The Shield was finishing up his purchase, totally oblivious to what she was up to. Athenacia let a gentle smile pass over her lips as she watched him before tearing her gaze away and back to the other man.

Jerem looked over as well, "Ah," he nodded in understanding, "Lucky guy. Hopefully, I'll see you around and thanks again for being there for my mom."

The physician didn't have a chance to respond, he was already leaving. It was a strange turn of events and she looked over at Ignis helplessly. The man kept his face neutral as he watched Jerem disappear, however, to her it was evident that this encounter didn't sit too well with him despite the man being a friendly face. There wasn't much time to speculate, the other two in their party joining them so that they could return to the hotel and make their final preparations.

...

Upon entering the room the boys were sharing, Iris was in there sitting quietly and Noctis was on the terrace. Instantly Gladiolus saw a dilemma. They were going to leave the city of Lestallum today and head toward Caem and he had something personal he had to do. Athenacia went to sit with the young girl while Prompto and Ignis began their packing. Noctis kept his gaze out toward the city, a bored expression on his face. The Shield walked out there, knowing that they had to resolve his personal issue somehow.

"Noct," he got the Prince's attention.

"What's up?" Noctis didn't move from his position.

Gladiolus started his pacing, up and down the terrace, "I got a problem."

"What is it?"

"Iris. I can't let her go it alone after everything that went down," the Shield came to lean his own arms on the balcony.

"You're forgetting something," chimed in Ignis.

"I'm not, I just haven't solved the problem yet."

"What problem?" asked Athenacia, perking up while Iris looked on curiously.

"The space in the car. No room for both of you in the back."

"They're not that big," said Prompto.

"But Gladdy is," replied Iris.

"Is it really that cramped back there?"

"Will be if we add even just one extra body," answered Noctis

"I have a truck," piped up Athenacia in a small voice, looking for an opening.

"Problem solved," said Prompto.

Noctis shrugged, "That didn't seem so hard."

Gladiolus nodded, "You guys take Iris. I'll follow with her truck."

"Sounds good."

"Are you packed?" asked Ignis, looking at the two women.

They both shook their heads, getting up to walk back toward the room they were sharing. Athenacia let Iris step in first before walking to the bathroom and gathering up anything she had left in there. Everything was tossed on the bed, noting that as time went on she was only gathering more and more things. The doctor packed up her toiletries, put her dirty clothes in a separate bag and somehow managed to fit her spare boots in there. Old habits really did die hard, zipping it up and placing it on her left shoulder so as not to agitate her healing wound. Athenacia then double checked her med bag to make sure that everything there was where she needed it. Lastly, she pulled out her sheathed weapon from underneath the bed. Iris seemed to have far less stuff but waited patiently for the other woman to be ready. Finally, Athenacia nodded, taking one last drink of her water bottle before walking through the open door courtesy of the young Amicitia. They made their way down the stairs and through the lobby toward the outside of the hotel. The men were waiting there, all of them ready to go as well. All of them journeyed to the parking lot, Iris actually excited to be going on an adventure with them. Athenacia, of course, knew that she was really happy about being so close to the Prince without her big brother looming over them. Too bad the young man was totally oblivious to the young girl's affections.

They reached the Regalia and packed up their things sans the doctors. Athenacia held onto her two bags and sheathed weapon, waiting patiently for them to be finished their preparations to leave. Ignis got in the driver's seat at the insistence of the Shield, who promised to tear off the arms of anyone else who drove. The physician did her best to contain her smile at the protective big brother and the light in Iris's eyes when she sat next to Noctis.

"My truck is back there. Ugly as sin not hard to spot," said Athenacia.

Ignis nodded, "Don't stray too far."

"I got this," replied Gladiolus.

The two of them went to the light blue truck parked on the other side of the lot. Athenacia tossed the keys at him and he caught them effortlessly. Grunting, she yanked open the door, a little stuck, and placed her things on the ground. Gladiolus bumped his knees on the steering wheel, instantly putting the seat back as far as it would go. Athenacia climbed in as well, shutting the door and heaving a sigh. The Shield looked around the truck with a smirk on his face. There was garbage littered all around the floor, crushed cans and containers probably starting to mould. There was also some dirty laundry in the mix. One quick look at the bed and he noted the piles of garbage back there as well and he was sure that some of it had flown away while she drove. There was also bedding in a bin that was strapped to the bed to stop it from blowing in the wind. When he was done his observation he looked at her with a brow raised.

"What?" she asked, catching his gaze.

"You've barely had this thing and it's messier than your apartment," he laughed at her.

"Well I don't exactly have a home," she huffed, crossing her arms and looking out the window.

"Sure Doc, you're not a slob," he continued to laugh.

"If you don't like it you can go in your fancy car and I'll drive my own truck."

Gladio only grinned as he started the engine despite her looking back at him with a pointedly.

"That's what I thought," she said triumphantly.

'You're a slob," he said one last time, before taking off after the Regalia.

"I'm homeless, there's a difference."

"Homeless people have less trash piles than you."

She scoffed, "Like you would know Mr. Overly Privileged. I bet you never cleaned up after yourself."

"Listen you, keep talking like that and I'll kick you out of this truck."

"It's my truck."

"You're welcome to fight me for it."

"Clearly you don't remember what happened to your jaw."

"Lucky shot. Won't happen again."

"I can't believe that the ego on you has gotten worse."

"You knew what you were getting into," he grinned at her again, "You can't resist it."

Athenacia giggled at him despite herself and looked down shyly when she met his brief gaze. Biting her lip in order to hide her nerves, she sneaked her small hand into free one and he held it firmly, glancing at her once more before going back towards the road. The girl didn't know why she was afraid to initiate contact with him, it's not like he was going to pull away but at least things between them were starting become more normal, like before. Smiling lightly, she hesitantly moved toward him, leaning her head on his shoulder. Gladio gave her a reassuring squeeze and she placed her injured hand on top of the one she was holding. Letting out a small breath, she felt better about breaking out of her shell, at ease for the first time in a while since the city had fallen. It wasn't long before she was dozing off, squeezing him tighter when she began to dream.

[shortiegardengnome]

I Need a Hug - Dan and Phil

This is something i wrote when i was feeling extremely down and could seriously use a hug from my favourite YouTubers.

Genre: fluff.

Warnings: None.

Pairings: None.

Today was a truly shit day. From start to finish I had run into nothing but misfortune. It all started with a mistake that I will readily admit; I didn’t get enough sleep last night, and today I had to get up at 5:30am. Why on Earth did I think that I would be able to function on 4 hours of sleep when I had a huge day today I couldn’t tell you. All I can tell you is that It was entirely due to my lack of self-restraint. Last night I was up in the wee hours of the morning, surprisingly not on Tumblr but on skype chatting to my two favourite people on the planet, Dan and Phil. Now, they would’ve completely understood if I had to cut the conversation short because I needed sleep; hell if they knew what god forsaken hour I had to get up today they’d probably tell me to go the fuck to sleep then promptly hang up on me. But alas, I didn’t tell them and I couldn’t cut the conversation short because frankly, I’m a glutton for their company and a masochist when it comes to my sleeping schedule so we were up seriously late. Well, late for me.

 So of course when the demonic sound of my alarm clock ripped through my sleep and quite happy dreams like a chainsaw through curtains I was not happy. I blearily opened my eyes, squinting in the darkness and hating myself a little for the decisions I made last night. Deciding that the only way I was going to get out of bed was the painful way I reached over with a shaking hand and turned on my bedside lamp. Resisting the urge to hiss and hide beneath the blankets I stared at that evil light and my hand still gripping it until my eyes no longer hurt. Now that my retinas were burned to a crisp I had to face my next challenge, stepping out of my warm cocoon and into the blizzard of my house. I sighed dramatically, this was going to take a while. I reached for my phone as a method of procrastination as turned off my alarm, reading the numbers spelling out the time I whimpered a little at my fate.

 I sat up a little with a groan; throwing my arms above my head I arched my back and stretched as far as I could. I loved the feel of my non-existent muscles stretching and relaxing after a sleep. The chill of the air nibbled at my arms and hands and I dropped them back in my lap before cracking my neck. Okay, here’s what I will do. My inner-voice took on a motivational tone. You will figure out what you’re going to wear while your still in bed, then it will be a race to launch myself out of bed collect my clothes and sprint into a hot shower. Let’s hope I can do this.  I went through a mental catalogue of my wardrobe vs. what’s in the laundry and tried to figure out what the hell I would be wearing today. I decided on my favourite pair of high waisted denim jeans, a button up red and black check top with three quarter sleeves and a cream scarf which I would wear with knee high brown boots and my brown leather satchel. Of course I would grab my black leather jacket as well for the cold. Taking stock of what I would need I made to fling myself out of bed and land gracefully on my feet and make a run for my clothes; so of course It didn’t work like that. Instead of landing on my feet, my foot got stuck in the sheets and I tumbled down to the ground, m face being squished quite thoroughly into the carpet. My muffled swearing sounded garbled in the carpets soft fabric. Since that was a massive flop I pushed myself off the floor and yanked my foot out of the sheets. It came free easier than I expected and I was sent careening back into the floor. At least I landed on my back this time. I got up for the third time and managed to only stub my toes on my bed when collecting my clothes. My shower went without incident. I imagine the mischief fairies who made their lives in my apartment realised that any accident I could have in the shower would be deadly so they left me alone. They however decided that as soon as I was out of the shower I was fair game as thrice I burnt myself on my hair straightener; and don’t even get me started with how many times I accidently poked myself in the eye while doing my make-up.

 I left the bathroom trying to resist rubbing my eyes. I knew they were sore as all hell but if I did give in temptation then I would smudge everything and have to start all over again and I sure as hell wasn’t going to risk poking myself in the eye again. I walked into the kitchen determined that today would get better from now on. Especially once I got a mug of tea into my system. While I completely understood why some people lived off coffee, hey I can’t blame them for needing the caffeine… I for one wish I liked coffee but I juts didn’t, so of a morning I settled for a good cup of tea. Pulling out my massive mug with the words “grumpy old man” written on it (something Phil brought me for my birthday, and to this day he still finds it hilarious) I turned the kettle on and searched the cupboards for something edible for breakfast. I managed to scrounge around long enough to find some yoghurt and fruit that was edible, which I consider a win; especially when you consider how long I have procrastinated going grocery shopping, I would do it online but I have a deep mistrust of buying online sometimes. Besides, it makes me leave the house.

 I pour the boiling water into the mug and add the milk to the already added tea bag and sugar and stirred. I put some yoghurt in a bowl and added strawberries and blueberries to the mix. Picking up my mug and bowl I went to the lounge room to watch some TV. Managing not to trip on the way had quickly become the first positive of my day. It was quickly ruined by spilling hot tea all over my fingers. I swore loudly and ran to the sink drenching my fingers in cold water. “Dammit.” I hissed through my teeth my fingers going slightly numb from the cold water, the heat from the burns being sucked out of my skin. When I felt the heat was all taken out of my fingers I pulled them away from the sink, grabbed a tea-towel and icepack and wrapped them up before returning to my breakfast.

 The rest of the day went much the same way. I was in a constant state of atrocious clumsiness, constantly tripping over the smallest of objects; dropping almost everything that came into my hands and accidently running into people. I was an absolute mess today and the day was just too long and filled with too many opportunities to make a complete idiot of myself. I also spent the day apologizing to everyone I harmed in my frenzy of flailing limbs and unsteady hands. So much so that I had the entire apology memorized. Now it was finally the end of the work day and the mean comments muttered about me as I made my way out of the building each created a chink in my armour of self-control. I was on the brink of teas as I exited onto the street and made my way to the taxi bay. Usually I didn’t listen to those comments but rather made an effort to block out my surroundings until I got home; but today I was just too bone tired and I couldn’t find the energy in my reserves to block out everything. I bit my lip to hold and the tears and prayed that my voice wouldn’t wobble when I asked the driver to take me to my home address. I received a funny look in the rear-view mirror but he didn’t ask any questions… for that I was thankful.

I leaned back into the chair and tried to think about nothing, I focused on the feel on the seat beneath my head and the scratchy material pressing itself against my palms. I let my breaths become long a deep and visualised the path the oxygen took. My calming methods were working perfectly, I could feel the tears receding and the stress working its way out of my shoulders. I let out a deep sigh and tried to keep going. The shrill noise of my phone ringing jolted me out of my state abruptly. I jolted in my seat and made a mad scramble to find my phone in my seemingly bottomless bag. I pawed my way through the contents pushing objects from side to side but of course at the very bottom beneath so tissues sat my phone still going off and vibrating like mad. I lunged for the phone seeing that it was a call from Dan. The phone fell out of my hands a couple more times before I got a good grip on it and I hurriedly answered the phone.

 “Hello?” my voice sounded unsteady even to me, he was definitely going to be able to tell something was up.

 “Hey Y/N.” his greeting came softly through the phone as if he were trying to make his voice sound as gentle and as caring as possible. It wasn’t exactly helping my ‘don’t cry until you get home’ situation. My lip wobbled and I bit it to stop myself from crying further.  “What’s wrong?” he knew without words that I was on the brink of crying.

 “N-nothing.” The first tear fell and I started shaking in my seat, little sniffles escaping from my nose.

 Silence reined on the other side as I cried as quietly as I could. I didn’t feel like I could talk to Dan properly without giving away what was actually happening. Without warning there was a scuffle on the other side of the phone it sounded like people playing tug of war with something before a voice interrupted the noise.

 “Y/N where are you?” Phil obviously stole Dan’s phone to talk to me.

 “In a taxi on my way home,” I mumbled trying desperately to keep my tears out of my voice, I didn’t want to bring them down into my depressing mood with me. They didn’t need that in their lives, they were already so busy as it was. Their lives on the internet and as radio show hosts was very demanding on their lives. I didn’t want to add my bad day into the mix, they needed to focus on keeping their lives in order so they both could have some time to themselves without going crazy.

 “Tell the driver to bring you to our address.” Phil’s tone brooked no argument, didn’t mean I wasn’t still going to argue.

 I took a moment to control myself before saying “You really don’t have to do that Phil… I’m fine.” I was proud that my voice wobbled only a little. Another scuffle happened on the other side of the phone, this time I could tell it meant that they were switching who had the phone.

 “Either you come over here or we break into your house. No matter what you’re seeing us tonight, so I suggest you pick the easier option.” Dan threatened into the phone and I knew without a doubt those knuckle heads would at least attempt to follow through with their threat. I couldn’t really see them being able to break down my door but I could definitely see them showing up and attempting to, and when they inevitably failed at breaking down my door they would hammer their hands on it until I got annoyed and let them in so they would knock it off. Believe it or not it had happened before. At a completely unreasonable hour too. I sighed and then told the driver the change in location. He smiled at me and let me know that it wasn’t a problem and that we would be there in a couple of minutes.

 Dan and Phil must’ve heard what the driver said because all I got in reply was a “Good girl!” before they hung up. I sighed for the umpteenth time today. I seriously was a sucker when it came to those two, lord only knew that I certainly couldn’t say no to them. Though there was a time when I could say no, but that was back when I hardly knew them, and we had only just met; plus, I never actually said the word ‘no.’ just some persuasion of it. But I can openly admit I was a completely marshmallow for the two gentle giants from the beginning. Something about Phil’s happy and kind demeanour and Dan’s constant state of sarcasm and dimples that just made my heart melt around those two. If they knew what effect, they had on e I doubt they’d take advantage of it… at least not anymore so than they do now.

 Before I knew it, the car rolled to a stop at the curb and I blinked out of my reverie. I leant forward and paid the driver and made sure to thank him for changing course without any complaining. He smiled and wished me a good night. I gathered my things in my hands and just as I was reaching for the door handle, to door of the taxi was yanked open and I was pulled out with a swiftness that rivalled ninjas. The thump of the car door closing and the Taxi taking off was the last things I saw before I was enveloped in a hug. Both Dan and Phil wrapped their arms around me and squeezed me close until we resembled a human sandwich. I clenched my hands in their jumpers and pulled them close into me as I felt the tears I had managed to get under control pouring out of my eyes once again. “Dammit” I muttered into the black jumper –which I assumed belonged to Dan for obvious reasons- I had my faced smushed into.

 The boys pulled back and took a look at my miserable face. “Come on,” Dan said kindly and Phil draped his arm across my shoulders. “Let’s go inside.” I managed a smile at the two as they led me into their apartment.

 That night we all stayed up late talking, playing video games and doing whatever else came to mind. When I tried to go home, the boys just about tackled me to the ground insisting I stay over. I ended up borrowing a hoodie and a way too big jumper and we all fell asleep curled up on the couch. Today started off truly shit, but it ended in one of the most peaceful and content ways that I’ve ever known. That is why I am so glad I’m friends with Dan and Phil.

[sizzleitupofficial]

Valentine’s Day Special ;)

Oh ho ho? What is this? Well judging by all the gaudy decor hanging around the bureau and the multitude of glittery cards and chocolate stuff under our door, it must be Valentine’s day! That’s right guys, gals, and nonbinary pals - it’s that special day and Taako has a sizzlin’ special date ;) 

...ha. Psych. 

No fucking way, man, Valentine’s day is dumb as hell. And I’m not just saying that ‘cause my date cancelled on me or some equally lame excuse. I just honestly, genuinely, don’t care. This wizard slash chef has bigger things on his metaphorical plate, thanking you VERY much.  

Also? Company parties are the pits, my guys. Like hell I’m going to that blah fest. 

Nah, boy, instead this seems like a great opportunity to chillax with my boys, throw on my comfy pants, ring of frost some sweet bevs, and kick it with a Boy’s Night In! 

And what do all good good adventure boys need for a perfect Palentines day? 

Hot diggity shit, that’s right! Today’s dish is...

PAN-TASTIC PAN PIZZA! 

Now, just so you know, this one dooooess take a bit of prep work, so be sure you either prepare in advance, or start early! 

Lessgo! 

Pizza Crust Ingredients

3 cups white flour

2 1/4 tsp active yeast

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 tsp kosher salt

1 tsp honey

1 cup warm water

2 tsp dried basil

2 tsp dried oregano

2 tsp dried thyme

Aight! As you know, the fundamentals of a great pizza starts with the crust. As with all Taako based adventures, this can either go wonderfully right or horribly wrong with very little in between so hopefully you don’t fuck this up. 

Start by mixing the honey and yeast in 1/4 cup of warm water. This is, like, super important- make sure the water is WARM but not boiling - you don’t want to kill the yeast. Let that brew sit for about 5 minutes, until it’s starts getting foamy. That frothy goodness means the yeast woke itself up and is going to DOWN on that sugar like Magnus on a robots arms. Well he doesn’t, like, eat the arms- well that one time he ate Merle’s crystallized arm but that was an accident. Anyways, science is going on in the bowl so let it happen man. 

Moving on - Mix all your remaining dry ingredients together in a big old mixing bowl (I highly recommend a stand mixer if you’ve got one, it’s going to make this process far less painful and much much easier, especially if you’re classed as a nonmagic loser like some sort of idiot).  

Throw in the olive oil, remaining water, and yeast mixture, and then mix it on at a low speed until it forms a ball-like-shape and stops sticking to the sides.

Transfer that glob of soon-to-be-pizza-y goodness to a floured surface! And, since it IS Valentine’s day, after all... time to get physical. 

Ah man, but not even too much. Just knead that dough for, oh, about the length of time it takes to really jam out to a Eurythmics song. Until it’s smoother than the pick up line from your unreturned dinner date invite  Merle’s balding head. Ha, sick burn. 

Now we play the waiting game - stick your dough under a cool, damp cloth for two hours until it’s risen and expanded. Someone make the weiner joke, because I’m not gonna. 

(Get it, like a boner). 

(Hehe). 

Now, trust me when I say that you don’t wants to fuck around with time magic, but for the sake of expediency and Mangus’s loudly growling tummy, I’ll go ahead and burn a spell slot to, uh, take care of that rising problem you have going on there. Snap! 

(Weiner jokes going 2/2 here. Boys’ night!)

Delightful! 

Split that sucker up into perfect personal portions! 

Of course, you don’t have to split it up, but if you’re rolling with the boner squad then this just saves time otherwise spent on arguing over topping preferences because SOME PEOPLE are wrong and don’t like FLAVOR, Magnus. 

So now we get to the, like, real cooking part! Get a cast iron skillet, or similar pan that can do some hard time in a hot hot oven. Throw a tablespoon of olive oil in there and grease it up. I know it might look like a lot, but trust me, it’ll give you that crispy, perfect crust you’ve only dreamed about baby. 

Spread the dough out in the bottom of the pan - you should be able to just do this with your fingers, but if your hands are currently suitable for squishing dough, you can use a rolling pin, war hammer, or other blunt force trauma instrument. 

(Ideally, you can fill the pan, but sometimes you and your roomies get bugged down with world-saving adventures and don’t get the dishes done, so you work with what you’ve got handy. Shrug.) 

AND NOW - TOPPINGS. I let the boys cook up their own combos, so I’ll hand it over and let you know how we each prepared our pan pies! 

TAAKO’S [actually good] Wowie Maui Pizza 

BBQ Sauce

Crushed Candied Pecans

Chopped Apples

Cream Cheese

Carmelized Onions

Minced Garlic

Grilled Chicken

Mozzerella Cheese

MERLE’S Panite Pantastic “Holy SHITtake” Pan Pizza 

Pesto sauce

Chopped black olives

Shittake Mushrooms

Fresh chopped garlic

Parsley

Gouda Cheese

Chopped Pine Nuts to finish

MAGNUS’S Mighty Meat Lovers Pizza! 

Hearty, rustic marinara sauce

Bacon bits

Shredded Beef

Pepperoni

Spicy Sausage

Mushrooms

What is, quite frankly, an alarming amount of cheddar cheese

Ranch dressing on top

Now, once you’ve got your topping on, go ahead and heat the pan up for about two minutes - this help get your crust cooking and get the pan heated up before it goes into the oven. Trust me, it’ll save you some headache and soggy dough at the end. 

Finish it off by cooking in the oven at 500F for 7 minutes! Keep an eye on, though, because when cooking at high temps, it can from perfectly cooked to “Phandlin” style cuisine in a matter of minutes. Yikes. 

Now, slice it up, kick back, put on some fantasy netflix and have a chill night in with your buds instead of spending atrocious amounts of money on overpriced steak and wine or awkwardly sipping punch and Brad Bradson’s company mixer. Yuck. Just be sure to wipe off your hands before braiding anyone’s hair (HINT). 

Enjoy, and happy Palentine’s day <3 

-Taako

[keywestlou]

BEGGERS OF ATHENS

DAY 33…..Greece the First Time

Posted on June 29, 2012 by Key West Lou

I saw something for the first time yesterday. Something never seen before by me.

Begging.

The real kind. Not a homeless person looking for a hand out on Duval. The homeless receive some degree of care in the U.S. A place to sleep at night, cots, showers, at least one good meal a day.

The beggars I viewed seemed to have nothing. They looked pathetic. Quite frankly, as a visitor to Athens I found it abhorrent that some social network was not available to help these persons. This is the same Greece that I spoke about on my international internet show several months ago. The Greece that was preparing to give life pensions to pedophiles. Life pensions instead of life prison terms. To child abusers. While those begging and with serious problems receive nothing.

What did I see?

I was walking on a main downtown street of Athens. Two blocks from the Greek Parliament. The street is only open to pedestrian traffic. No cars. Crowded.

There on the sidewalk was an elderly woman dressed in black. She was holding on to a small wheel chair. In the wheel chair was a 30ish man. His body distorted in every conceivable way. The woman holding one hand out.

A block away, I happened upon a young man sitting on the curb. His legs were extended in front of him. His left foot was twisted dramatically to the left. He sat with his hand extended.

Then there was the young mother holding what I assume was her young child. The baby was no more than 6 months old. The woman was dressed in black. She had the baby in one arm and her hand extended with the other. Her eyes followed me.

Children 4, 5 and 6 years old came up and put a hand out. In the hand, a rose. They say nothing. Just look at you with big sad eyes.

There was one begger I shall never forget. I think young. Could have been in his 30’s, however. Hard to tell. He had neither arms nor legs. His face was totally scared. Minimal hair. What there was was disheveled. I am not sure he could see. His eyes seemed to be fixed. No movement. In front of him a dish for those wishing to give.

He was propped up on the curb with some sort of home made wood apparatus.

There are those who say the beggers are thieves. Some probably so. Periodic news reports indicate such. Pick pockets the most prevalent.

No one bothers with these people. Including the authorities.

A shame.

I had an otherwise nice day. A manicure. The nails grow regardless of where you are. Drinks at the Plaka at cocktail time. My manager friend gave me a bowl of cut up fruit. On the house. Dinner was again on what is known as the poor side of Acropolis and the Parthenon. A different restaurant. A terrific meal. I needed protein. I ordered an overflowing dish of all kinds of grilled meats.

Did I think of those who had less? Who were required to beg to exist? Yes. Did I do anything about them? No.

Today, I leave Greece. I feel like I have been here forever. Time to go. I fly to Milan this evening. Tomorrow night I will be staying some where on Mount Blanc. I will also be having dinner in France tomorrow night.

It is a good life. Thank you, Lord. There but for the grace of God could have been me on the street begging earlier in the day.

The Hotel Grande Bretagne where I am staying has an historical background of note. Many events have happened at the Hotel over its roughly two hundred year existence.

Two that interested me.

I am a World War II history freak.

In October 1940, all guests were removed from the hotel. The government and headquarters of the British forces replaced them. It was World War II time. Then the Germans came. Their invasion was successful. The Nazi hierarchy took over the Hotel for their headquarters. Greece was liberated in October 1944. The Hotel became the seat of the new temporary Greek government.

Demonstrations occur.

Generally in the plaza across from the Hotel Grande Bretagne. The plaza is in front of Parliament. Thousands come out to protest. Last year a demonstration occurred. The people came across the street to the Hotel and ripped out the Hotel’s gigantic marble steps. As well as the marble steps in front of the other hotels on the same block.

Yesterday’s blog screwed up. Spelling, English, etc. The bottom third of the first part of the publication. Nothing I could do. As terrific as this hotel is, their computers are a generation ago. Slow and mistake inclined. Suddenly, I could not correct my mistakes nor the computer’s.

Terri White. A love of my life. Donna writes that Terri will be appearing in The Razzy Room of the Hotel Nikko in Los Angeles on July 10. A big deal! Go Terri!

I published another article on Amazon Kindle yesterday. Chevron Officials Banned From Leaving Brazil. Theme: Fool me once you may get away with it…..try to fool me a second time and you are in trouble.

That is it for today. The end of the Greek portion of my trip. Tonight back in Italy. Tomorrow night dinner in France.

Enjoy your day!

—

I got my vaccine shot yesterday. Finally!

I am not ashamed to advise I was thrilled. Mentally felt better.

The shots were being given at the Frederick Douglas Gym in Bahama Village.

I was impressed with way the whole thing was handled. Such efficiency! Everyone providing the shots pleasant and respectful.

Before I even entered through an outside door, I had to go past at least 6 workers. Each had a particular piece of information to verify. Each had my name and age on a list.

Inside a form to be completed. Simple. A 5 minute job. Then escorted down a long way to the gym. Tons of people in the gym. Tables and chairs situated everywhere. Except for the shot, when otherwise seated the 6 foot rule was followed.

Within 10 minutes of arriving, I was seated with a nursing student. Dressed in nurse attire. She explained everything and gave me my shot. Such politeness. If nervous, would put a person at ease.

I was now finished with the first 15 minutes. Fifteen more involved. I had to sit for 15 minutes to make sure there was no reaction. None and still none this morning.

Even the seating was organized. I received a paper saying 15 minutes and time I could leave. Had to return it. To make sure I did my 15 minutes for any reaction.

Done and out the door in 30 minutes.

What I had thought would be a disaster was not. I might add there were at least 100 persons in the gym at all times.

The only ID I had t show was my driver’s license. To identify me and my age.

I have appointment to return on March 27 at the same place and time for shot #2.

I received the Moderna vaccine.

The Republican Party was formally organized in 1854 in Wisconsin. It is time for a reorganization.

CPAC has been meeting in Orlando since Friday. Today their “star” speaks. Donald Trump.

It is a Trump crowd. Not all conservative thinkers. Purpose thus far to debunk the election and election process. Efforts being made on two fronts to change the election process to benefit Trump followers.

The first to reduce early voting days. Second, to limit access to voting by mail. It is assumed each will make it more difficult for Blacks to vote.

Today’s CPAC in reality represents a group of white men who recognize and fear Blacks who are increasing in numbers and will soon win elections on a frequent basis.

Interestingly, I heard on one of news shows yesterday that seven of the committee meetings concerned election issues. Not conservative ones as in previous years.

I am not a happy camper. Syracuse lost again yesterday. To Georgia Tech 84-77.

One sportscaster wrote this morning Syracuse was off the bubble. Meaning doubtful Syracuse will be invited to the NCAA tournament. One writer disagreed. Thought Syracuse would because it plays in one of the toughest leagues in college basketball. The writer thought the invitation list to the league would go 11 deep.

Enjoy your Sunday!

BEGGERS OF ATHENS was originally published on Key West Lou

[auburnfamilynews]

Will a Bulldog majority in Atlanta matter? (Photo by Acid Reign.)

     War Eagle, everybody! It is SEC Championship week, and this year, Auburn is in the game! The Auburn Tigers will face the Georgia Bulldogs, an annual opponent that Auburn has already smashed once this year, in Auburn, by the score of 40-17. I have to hand it to Georgia fans, ever optimistic, ever supportive of their program. They are behind their school, and have loudly voiced their opinions that Auburn wasn’t better than Georgia this year, it was just that the Bulldogs made uncharacteristic mistakes. Is all of that true? We will find out definitively, Saturday evening, in the new Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The SEC Title Game will be televised nationally on CBS, and it will kick off around or a bit after 4:00 PM Eastern Standard Time.

     Typically on Thursday this year, I’ve done sort of a meandering preview of the game ahead, and what my worries for Auburn are. I also try to balance that with some optimism, and what Auburn might be able to do, to ride to victory. I wrote one of these, 3 weeks ago today. What a difference that short period of time has generated! We were hoping for the best back in early November, and expecting the worst. Instead, Auburn has won the SEC West, and in the process, has blasted number one Georgia and Alabama to the combined tune of 66-31! Auburn finished November 4-0, and is looking to add another Bulldog scalp to the Tiger collection.

     First off, most of the Auburn angst I’ve seen this week centers around a possible defacto home field advantage for Georgia. Secondly, the health of Heisman-worthy Auburn running back Kerryon Johnson is up in the air. I think it’s likely that he will play, as word out of Auburn is that there aren’t obvious bone breaks or muscle tears in Kerryon’s injured shoulder. That said, how effective can he be, and how vulnerable? Pundits like Gary Danielson do not think that Auburn can win this game without him. Me? I’m not sure I hold with that mentality. Auburn has other backs, very talented backs, who’ve shined in limited minutes, for the most part.

Concerns, and answers from three weeks ago, after the jump!

     I felt like Georgia was just a little bit better in the front seven, on defense, than Auburn. I’ve been proven wrong. Georgia had to blitz, to try and slow Auburn’s ground game and to put any pressure on Auburn quarterback Jarrett Stidham. On the blitz, they were burned repeatedly on hot-read passes. Meanwhile, Auburn was able to shut down Georgia’s run game, and mercilessly hammer Bulldog quarterback Jake Fromm, mostly with just a 4-man rush. This trend continued against Alabama, last weekend. Auburn did not blitz Bama QB Jalen Hurts but 2 times. I feel like a possibly partisan Georgia crowd isn’t going to change what happens in the trenches.

     I had a big worry about Auburn special teams, and still do. Auburn did allow some big returns against Georgia, and had a kickoff run back 55 yards by Alabama. Furthermore, speedy return men get an extra step, on a fast artificial surface. That said, Auburn won the special teams battle against Georgia, as the only major factor for Georgia was a muffed punt that led to a quick Auburn touchdown. We Auburn fans complain about Stephen Roberts not returning enough balls, but I am thankful that he’s never given the ball over to the opposition while he’s been back there. Keep on keeping on, Stephen!

     I felt like Georgia’s offensive line was a little bit better than Auburn’s. Maybe so, but it did not matter in the matchup 3 weeks ago. The two lines don’t play each other. Georgia’s offensive line was destroyed up front by Auburn’s defensive line, and Auburn’s offensive line was able to stalemate the Georgia defensive front. Georgia was forced to blitz to slow Auburn down, and after some initial Tiger trepidation, the Auburn attack adapted, and took the Georgia defense apart. Meanwhile, the Auburn front seven made Georgia pretty miserable, on offense. Again, I don’t see any crowd advantage making any difference, here.

     Some new plays and variations were unleashed upon the Alabama Crimson Tide, by the Auburn offense this past weekend. Alabama was able to limit the Auburn running game, and force some 3rd and medium-longs. What Alabama, Kirby Smart and Georgia all like to do on those 3rd downs is to blitz the quarterback, and get to him before the receivers can even run to the first down marker. Sounds like a solid strategy, right?

     Auburn cooked that strategy against Alabama, by running an old Air-raid staple, the mesh. Alabama had some suspect nickel/linebacker coverage going into this matchup, and Auburn ran the mesh on 3rd down with Ryan Davis and Will Hastings, two of the fastest guys on Auburn’s roster. Some folks noticed, and were laughing that Hastings and Davis were high-fiving each other as they crossed, short over the middle. That’s a staple that comes from old Mike Leach football. The mesh is basically a legal rub/pick play, designed to beat man-to-man coverage teams have to use, when they blitz. The high-five is a tool to make sure the receivers pass close enough together to shave off their defender. Both receivers got open quickly on this play, repeatedly, especially on 3rd down. Jarrett Stidham took a 3-step drop, and hit those guys in stride for big gains, consistently.

     Teams, including Georgia, like to stack the middle of the formation, to try and slow down a powerful Auburn inside running game. Again from Air raid philosophy, Auburn has the perfect counter. It’s the quick screen, which in various sources is called the “bubble screen,” the “now screen,” etc. Basically, Auburn runs 2 receivers out to one side, and if the coverage is cheated inside to help with the running game, Stidham takes the snap and immediately fires to the slot receiver behind the line. Auburn has had really good blocking from Nate Craig-Myers on those for much of the season, but I haven’t really seen him get much credit. Prior to the November, Auburn mostly had only the option to throw this to one side. Lately, Auburn has been splitting H-back Chandler Cox out wide to the opposite side from Craig-Myers, and the threat works to either side. Against Alabama, this quick screen worked repeatedly. Alabama was forced to cheat outside on the coverage, which opened up lanes for KJ to pick up over 100 rushing yards, plus the option for Auburn to have quarterback Jarrett Stidham take off running and burn the spread-out defense.

     It has been intriguing, this year, to watch this offense develop. If one was to watch it and describe it, it’s a spread attack, to be sure. It incorporates wing-T running philosophy, and air-raid passing strategy. Auburn has an arsenal of trick plays it runs regularly, and then we have some under-center plays for short yardage and beyond, too. Jet-motion by receivers isn’t just a useless decoy with this offense. Auburn has picked up a bunch of yardage by handing it off to Eli Stove and others, on this motion. Auburn has even shown the willingness to run the jet sweep on critical 3rd down plays, making this motion a real headache for defensive coordinators.

     I feel like Auburn head coach Gus Malzhan has been brilliant, and aggressive in his previous SEC Title Game appearances. Malzahn’s offenses have scored 56 and 59 points in 2 appearances, and this is the most balanced and talented squad yet, that he’s had to work with. I would be shocked if Auburn doesn’t open up on the UGA defense with both barrels, again this year.

     We haven’t even really mentioned Auburn defensive coordinator Kevin Steele. Since his arrival at Auburn a couple of years ago, we have not seen an offense able to consistently take advantage of his schemes, except maybe Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl. That Sugar situation was greatly exacerbated by a really inept, three-n-out Auburn offense, in that game. Frankly, this year, Georgia’s not that complicated on offense. Offensive coordinator Jim Chaney is a guy I’ve long respected, in this league. However, he’s having to make Georgia go with a freshman quarterback. That limits what Georgia can install and execute. Georgia this year has been built to hand off, and hand off often to Nick Chubb and Sony Michel. I can’t imagine that will change much, this week. Auburn won big in the trenches, in the first matchup. I suspect it will again, with the linemen actually looking healthier. I expect we’ll see a few quick first down passes, to loosen things up. That’s what I would call against the Auburn D, too. The bad thing for Georgia is that Auburn has the secondary to cover Georgia’s receivers, and they will clamp down, as the game goes on.

     Barring miscues of epic proportions, I see Auburn again controlling both lines of scrimmage, and strangling Georgia again. Auburn’s plethora of speedy skill guys will make big plays on the fast track indoors, and Auburn should be able to comfortably win again. The Tigers just have to ignore the pressure of the big stage, and execute again like they have the past 5 games. I’m confident that they will. We will have our usual Trackemtigers.com open thread up Saturday morning, and we’ll be in and out all day. I’m a night-shift guy lately, so I’ll try to catch a bit of a nap Saturday morning, but I will be at the keyboard for my usual play by play come game time. I’ll be covering this one remotely, on my laptop, but that set up has not caused me any issues, in the past. The classic Thinkpad keyboard is world-class proven! War Eagle, and let’s kick those Bulldogs!

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