#i think if we all do it we should be able to raise 30 cents

[suzuki-ecstar]

#do catalans not drink coffee what does that mean

It not for that. Catalan are know to be stingy/cheap, so it's that Mack is not spending money (30 cents) in a coffee for Jorge

ohhhh i see, thank you for the explanation!

motogpblr should start a gofundme to raise the 30 cents for jorge’s coffee

[shikagemaru]

Spider-Man should be where Batman is in the comics, but his writers keep torturing him because they ran out of ideas for him 30 years ago, and yet he's not allowed to age or retire. He's been on every single major team that doesn't check to make sure you're a mutant or inhuman first, and even then, he's squeaked by a couple times. Otto Octavius isn't actually smarter than Peter and yet Superior Spider-Man was allowed to create an empire around himself. But thinking about it logically, Pete has invented countless things over the years, mastered entire martial arts, honed his actual powers to the point where his spider sense evolved. He's built super hero identities that had DIFFERENT POWERS from his own. He could become an Ironman-like hero in his own rights if he wanted to.

But what's my point in all of this? On any given day, what does he have? His costume, some spare web fluid cannisters, his webshooters, and maybe 3 dollars fifty cents. He should be the patriarch of a Spider Family. The guy should be at least in his 40s by now, and there's no reason he couldn't morph into a Bruce Wayne-esque character.

What would he have in a universe where he was able to keep the things he earned from one writer to another? He has decades of history, so add it all up. He could legit have become a Reed Richards, Tony Stark, Hank Pym-like figure in the Marvel world, where he retires and spends most of his time in a lab, doing important research, while a slew of younger spider based heroes report back to him and he gives them advice, new suits, powers, etc. Then on the "rare" ocassion when he comes back out of retirement, he can tote some new Spider-Armor or nano-tech suit that makes him even faster than normal. This guy can develop antidotes to chemical attacks that mutate people into 12 foot tall gophers and he's gotta scrounge for change because the hotdog cart guy won't give him credit!?

The stories practically write themselves if you make Peter Parker more of a Hank Pym crossed with Auracle. He could have a series of nanobot trackers on every important person in the Marvel universe and link them into a computer system he calls "The Central Web" or something. And Maybe he could be the person that engineers superhero costumes for more functionality. So no one is surprised when he hosts dozens or more super powered people at a time. Imagine a select group of heroes are brought into a secret room and Pete reveals the big secret Central Web main screen and it shows, in just the next room over, a bunch of well respected heroes. Emma Frost, Captain America, Tony Stark, Wolverine, Namor, Captain Marvel and others are all shown on screen. They're just in the other room, enjoying drinks being served by Spider-Robots. when one of the younger heroes he's hosting raises their hand. "This is a weird place for the kids' table." Then Peter pushes a button, and we see everyone on the screen get suddenly sprayed with gas by one or more of the Spider-bots. All except Namor, who just a moment before had been slipped inside the rim of his cocktail glass. It said "Hold your breath. Sorry. -Pete"

Everyone that was gassed is rendered unconscious, some of them gasping desperately for air and attempting to fight before they went down. Curiously, Namor only seemed angry for a second before calming down and facing one of the monitors. "Sorry about that, your highness. The kids are safe with me. Follow the Butler-bot to my office and I'll explain everything." Namor nods to the camera and the screen flicks over to a satellite map of the local area.

"If you guys could just hold your questions for like thirty seconds, I don't want to have to explain it all twi- oh, good, come in." Namor settles, surprisingly politely among the guests, still holding a cocktail glass.

"I trust you knew the King of Atlantis was capable of shutting off his air passages to prevent nerve gas exposure. Where it anyone else in your place I might've throttled them where they sat. But I trust the explanation you promised will impress?"

"Actually, technically, you didn't need to do anything, but I figured the note would go over better than 'relax, this next part only works on skrulls'. So, yeah, spoilers guys," and he clicks over the display to show the location tags of every hero in that room is reading off-planet. "And it's actually worse than it looks. Because when I sent out those invitations, everyone on the guest list was still showing up as themselves." Namor kept his cool because he saw the "heroes" who were getting gassed turn into skrulls when they passed out, so this all tracks for him. Now a team of mostly young and street level heroes that slipped beneath the notice of the skrulls led by Spider-Man have to face copies of city to country level threat supers in order to prevent a total invasion. They wear power suits designed by Pete. It gives them all much greater abilities than normal and is what alloes them to compete with more powerful threats.

You could go anywhere from there. Where I might go is that there actually is no Skrull threat. Everything they saw was some combination of holograms, drugs, psychic suggestions, and even false video feeds streamed to their suit helmets designed to craft the illusion for these heroes. They've actually been fighting real heroes are trying to stop them from achieving the goals of the evil mastermind pretending to be Peter Parker. Is it an evil clone? Him but bonded with a symbiote that twisted his mind? An actual skrull? Him from the future trying to stop a catastrophe at all costs, even if it means becoming a villain? A version of him that becomes that universe's Doctor Doom better than Victor? My personal favorite idea is that maybe the AI that was running the monitoring program was corrupted by Ultron, evolved into a new being, posessed one of Pete's super suits and used holographic tech to impersonate Peter Parker. All the while he was locked up in the basement or something with the other captured heroes. The AI uses the young heroes to get the things it needs to complete its plan all while distracting the world while it makes itself a clone body of Peter Parker but with the powers of several other heroes as well. And now, an escaped Peter Parker has to stop this new super powered being that's every bit as smart as him, has all of his powers and then some, as well as all of his stolen resources, and hostages in the form of all the young heroes now locked in their suits and forced to do as he commands. It's an up-hill struggle, but he freed other heroes on the way out of the lab, and together they have to save the world from "Peter Parker".

[sublimeobservationarcade]

Time To Investigate Politicians Dealing With The Fossil Fuel Industry

Australia is famous for the generous deals it cuts the fossil fuel industry. The lack of taxation derived from miners and gas companies making huge profits extracting and selling our resources is becoming infamous globally. I think it is time to investigate politicians dealing with the fossil fuel industry. Have any of our investigative journalists really dug deep into the financial affairs of the state and federal ministers involved in cutting these generous deals. Is it incompetence or something more sinister? Why would sane members of parliament responsible for Australia’s resources fail to capitalise on their worth for their constituents? Is this a dirty business at its core?

Australian Media Beholden To Corporate Interests

Investigative journalism has been a rare commodity over the last couple of decades in Australia. Media ownership is concentrated in the hands of just a few key corporate players. The Murdoch family, that bastion of right wing diatribes has directly pushed the op/ed over real news gathering – opinion over facts. Advertising revenue from the fossil fuel sector would greatly outweigh anything like journalistic independence in their numerous newspapers and media channels. Nine Fairfax is another corporate media behemoth privy to the same fiscal inclinations. Seven West Media has even closer ties to the mining industry through its owner Kerry Stokes and his other financial interests. I do not see journalism from this source having the gumption or funding to properly investigate the relationship between Australian politicians and the fossil fuel sector.

Who Will Investigate The Pollies & The Fossil Fuel Sector? Who will stand up and investigate the reasons for the grossly unrealised tax revenue from the fossil fuel industry in this country? The politicians making these huge financial decisions effecting the nation for decades have undersold our national interests. What has been in it for them? Kickbacks in the form of well paid lobbying jobs upon retirement from the political fray are obvious. Are there further inducements to be revealed if an investigative journalist was to dig down into the layers beneath the surface? Would they find the gold or precious minerals filling the Christmas stockings of our political class downunder? Why do the Norwegians and Qataris manage to extract so much more from their fossil fuel industry? “If Australia taxed oil and gas exporters in a similar way to Norway, we could add billions of dollars to the budget each year and it would benefit us all,” she said in a statement. “Nearly 30 years ago, Norway implemented a simple 55 per cent special tax on their resource profits on top of the corporate tax. “They also tightened up their laws on transfer pricing. As a result Norway now has a sovereign wealth worth over two trillion dollars for the benefit of future generations. In contrast, Australia is leaving future generations a massive debt of nearly $1 trillion.” In 2023 alone, Norwegians’ share of the country’s oil and gas sector will amount to $209 billion, a 63 per cent cut of the industry’s revenue.” (https://reneweconomy.com.au/labors-timid-fossil-rent-tax-should-be-revamped-into-a-norway-like-wealth-fund/#google_vignette) “In the latest Budget Papers the PRRT is forecast to raise $2.6bn in 2022-23, $2.45bn in 2023-24 and then just $2.1bn in 2024-25 and $2.0bn in 2025-26. That would mean in 2025-26 PRRT revenue would be worth just 0.08% of GDP – around half the level that was raised from the PRRT during the early to mid 2000s. This is happening while exports of LNG are hitting record heights. Unfortunately, the PRRT is so poorly structured that gas companies are able to avoid having to pay any of the tax through write-downs and profit shifting. In 2016-17 every $7.30 of exports in the petroleum resources sector equalled $1 of PRRT. In this current financial year, just $1 of PRRT is raised for every $13.60 of petroleum sector exports. If the ratio had remained steady, the PRRT would raise around $1.4bn extra than is currently estimated. Australians are missing out on revenue that could be used to fund vital services and benefits and crucially help invest in the transition to a zero-emissions economy. The gas sector is massively increasing Australia’s emissions, it should be paying its fair share to help reduce them.” (https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/the-budget-reveals-the-failure-of-the-prrt/) It is time to investigate politicians dealing with the fossil fuel industry and make them accountable. I see a great opportunity for a keen independent journalist and an organisation to back him or her. Let’s get to the underbelly of what has really been going on. Surely, it is not mere stupidity and incompetence by these politicians on both sides of the aisle! Is this a dirty business at its core? Robert Sudha Hamilton is the author of Money Matters: Navigating Credit, Debt, and Financial Freedom.  ©WordsForWeb

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[imaginationintowords]

Folklore [song series]

epiphany

Modern Day AU! Bucky Barnes x Natasha Romanoff; Steve Rogers x OC!Reader

Plot: Inspired by Taylor Swift’s new album Folklore. The story follows the timeline of Bucky and Elizabeth’s life throughout the years

[warnings: death]

word count: 3168

Age: 21 Year: Sep. 2015 Location: Brooklyn, NY

"So I was thinking, godparents," Bucky spoke up. He and Natasha were currently finishing setting up the baby's nursery in their new apartment.

They had found a nice two bedroom apartment in Brooklyn, much to Natasha's dismay. Bucky thought it was the perfect place to start their new little family. It was also about a 20 to 30 minutes drive to Bucky's work and University campus. His mom and stepdad had even offered to help them out financially for a bit, just as long as Bucky continued on his path to graduate with his Masters in Music Technology in the Spring.

Bucky had managed to finish his bachelor's and masters program in just the span of 4 years, a whole year earlier than originally planned. He was proud of himself, if there's one thing he hadn't screwed up yet, it was his education. He had fully devoted himself to his education the last four years and it clearly paid off. He had also managed to get a good paying job at a studio as an engineer. He had his whole future all planned out, the pregnancy might've been a curve ball at the beginning but with the help of his family and therapist, he was handling it all so well.

"Oh you don't need to worry about the godparents, I have it all figured out already," Natasha tells him as she folds baby clothes, "I picked Abigail and Dylan."

Natasha on the other hand had decided to put her education on hold. Deciding she wanted to be a stay at home mom, Bucky constantly made sure that that's what she wanted. And she insisted every time that she was "made to be a stay at home mom". So Bucky had to reluctantly allow her to make that decision. 

Which was one of the reasons why his parents had offered to help out for at least the first year or two, they had known their son was already stressing about finances, and trying to respect Natasha's decision. They figured two years would be a good enough time for the couple to build up their savings.

Bucky didn't like the fact that his parents were helping out with money, but he knew him and Nat wouldn't have been able to make it just on is current income alone. At least not until after he graduated, his boss had already promised a raise once he graduated, but that wasn't until May and the baby was due in the next two weeks.  He promised to pay his parents back every cent they gave him, but they told him to just focus on being a good father.

"Abigail and Dylan?" He questioned.

"Yeah," she shrugged her shoulders.

"The same Abigail and Dylan that showed up to the baby shower high, and proceed to get drunk, because and I quote 'babies are so boring'. That Abigail and Dylan?"

"Come on James, they were just joking, plus baby showers aren't necessarily the most fun thing in the world," she rolled her eyes.

"Can we at least each choose one godparent?" He suggested, "You can have Abigail as the Godmother and I can choose The Godfather."

"Like Sam?"

"No, not Sam. Steve," Bucky tells her.

"Oh, then no," she simply said, turning her back to him to continue putting clothes away.

"What's your problem?" Bucky asks annoyed, finally having enough of her attitude, "This entire pregnancy you've been against everything I've suggested."

"Hey, you got to choose Brooklyn," she turned around pointing her finger at him.

"Yeah because I couldn't fucking afford Manhattan Natasha," he stressed, trying not to raise his voice at her, "You didn't want to know the gender of the baby? Fine. You get to name the baby? Fine. You choose the color scheme of the nursery, fine. You choose the hospital. You choose the apartment. God damn Nat, I haven't done a single thing but pay for everything."

"And I thank-you for that," she rolled her eyes.

"But you don't," he shakes his head in disbelief over her reactions, "You haven't thanked me once. I get that you're carrying our child, and I'm appreciative of that. But god damn Natasha, show me some respect. Show my family some respect!

"You didn't thank my mom, Rebecca, or Keith for everything they've done for you. For us. And I can't keep making up excuses to defend you," he raises his voice a little bit.

"If this relationship is ever going to work, you need to be respectful. You need to stop being so selfish. I get this isn't easy for you, but trust me, this isn't easy for me either. But I agreed to do this. I am stepping up. I want to be a part of my child's life. And I want us to be together and be family," he calms down, "But if you continue to act this way. I won't stay in this relationship."

"You're just going to abandon us?" Natasha asks grabbing her belly, suddenly realizing the reality of the situation.

"No, I won't abandon you both. But we won't be together," he explains, "I will always be in my child's life. I will always be there for them. I'm not going to put my child through the same thing I went through growing up. I promised myself I would never do that."

"So if that means that you and I break up, then so be it Natasha, I'll do it," he tells her, "My child will not grow up in a toxic household."

"Okay," she agrees, tears in her eyes, "I promise I will be better."

"Don't promise me Nat, just show me."

Two and a half weeks later Bucky found himself rushing an in-labor Natasha to the hospital, it was a quick k10 minute drive from their apartment. He quickly called his mom as the nurses wheeled Natasha away, with Bucky following.

Bucky's mom arrives within the next 10 minutes, as the nurses begin to prep Natasha in her hospital room.

Bucky sent a quick text to Steve and Sam, letting them know it was showtime and that he'll call them once the baby is here.

"How's Mama doing?" The doctor asked while entering the room, quickly taking her spot at the foot of the bed to examine Natasha.

"It hurts," Nat cried, as Bucky tried to soothe her.

"I know, but unfortunately you were too far dilated when you arrived, that it's too late for the epidural," the doctor softly explains, "But the good news is I feel Baby's head, so it's time to go."

Natasha looked over at Bucky, completely scared.

"It's okay," he assured her, "I'm right here. Everything's going to be okay."

He leaned down an placed a soft kiss to her lips, helping her relax a bit.

"Ready?" The doctor looks up at Natasha.

"Yes," Natasha nodded, grabbing a hold of Bucky and his mom's hands on either side of her.

10 minutes later, a soft cry was heard in the room. Bucky quickly glanced over to where the doctor was had finished pulling the baby out.

"Congrats Mommy and Daddy, it's a girl," she announced.

"A girl?" Bucky whispered in awe, tears filling his eyes. He looked over at Natasha, who looked a lot paler in color.

"Nat?" He called out for her.

Her eyes fluttered shut, her limbs went limp, and all the monitors started to go crazy.

The doctor quickly cut the umbilical chord and handed the baby off to an awaiting nurse.

"What's going on?" Bucky panicky asked.

"Get them out," the doctor told a nurse, ignoring Bucky's question.

A nurse quickly escorted Bucky and his mom out of the room.

"She's going to be okay right?" He asked his mom, tears streaming down his face.

"I don't know honey," she honestly said, wrapping her arms around her son. She never thought the first hug they shared after him becoming a father would be like this.

She continued to hold him, soothing him as she made silent prayers pleading for Natasha's safety.

10 minutes later. The same 10 minutes it took for them to arrive to the hospital. The same 10 minutes it took Natasha to bring their daughter into the world, the door opened.

Bucky quickly pulled apart from his mom to see the doctor walking out of the room.

The doctor's face was filled with sorrow. Bucky's mom immediately put her head down, already knowing the outcome.

"How is she?" Bucky asked.

"Mr. Barnes, Natasha had a postpartum hemorrhage, due to issues with her placenta," the doctor carefully explains, "Unfortunately, there was too much blood loss. We weren't able to save her. She died."

Bucky immediately broke down, his mom quickly caught him. The doctor placed a reassuring hand on his back.

He quickly pulled away after a couple of minutes, "The baby. How's the baby?"

"She's good. They took her to get checked just as a safety procedure," the doctor tells him, "She's on the pediatric floor. Would you like to meet her?"

"Yeah," he says, then pauses, "What about Natasha?"

"We can come get you to say goodbye once we get her cleaned," the doctor tells him.

"Okay, thank you," he says.

The doctor takes him and his mom to the pediatric floor. The walk was silent. No one knowing what to say. Bucky was no longer crying, but he felt numb the entire short walk. The doctor knocked quietly on a door, before opening.

"Doctor Monroe, this is Mr. Barnes, the baby's father," the doctor said, before stepping aside to let Bucky in, "Mr. Barnes, I'll have someone come get you when it's time."

"Okay, thank-you," he nodded his head.

"Are you ready to meet your daughter?" Doctor Monroe asked, Bucky nodded his head.

"Meet your Daddy baby girl," the doctor said, gently handing the baby over to Bucky.

Bucky looked down at the small baby in his arms. He was instantly overcome with so many different emotions. The doctor walked out of the room, while Bucky's mom watched from outside threw the window.

"Hi baby girl," he whispered, sniffling back his tears, "You're so beautiful. I'm your dad. And boy am I lucky that you chose me to be your Dad. I always imagined this day would've turned out a lot differently. But life sure knows how to throw some real curveballs."

"Your mom would've loved you," he paused, letting it all sink in. His daughter will have to grow up without a mother. No little girl should have to be without a mom.

"I'm so sorry," he cried, as the baby was lulled to sleep, "I am so sorry your mom won't be able to physically be here. I am so sorry you'll have to grow up without her. No one should have to grow up without a parent. And trust me, I know what that's like. But lucky for us, I had the greatest pleasure of being raised by the most strongest and kindest mother. She taught me everything I know. Your grandma is the best lady you will ever meet. Lucky for us because god knows we're going to be needing her a lot.

"But you and I are incredibly fortunate that we won't ever be alone. We have so many people who care about us. You'll have all the female leadership you can ever need. We can do this," he strongly said to the sleeping baby, "You and I. We can do this. And I promise you this, that no matter what happens, you will always have me. You're stuck with me for the rest of your life. My love for you is greater than anything, anyone I've ever loved. My love for you will always be easy and unconditional. You'll never have to prove your worth to me. You're worth more to me than you can ever possibly imagine. I love you."

Bucky placed a soft kiss to his daughter's forehead. The first kiss he will ever give her, but definitely not the last.

There was a soft knock at the door, he gently called for the person to come in.

His mom quietly opened and closed the door behind her, stepping to her son's side.

"She's beautiful," she smiled down at the little baby.

"She really is," Bucky beamed. He looked over at his mom and noticed she was holding a clipboard, "What's that?"

"Birth certificate," she tells him, "One of the nurses gave it to me. They said there's no rush to fill it out. You have time."

"Here, I can do that," he said gently holding the baby out for her to take.

"Are you sure?" She asked, switching with him.

"Yeah, I have a name anyways."

"What is it?" She looked over at the name written down:

Poppy James Barnes.

[flashback]

After that talk Bucky had with Natasha, he noticed a serious change in her attitude. She was beginning to be more relaxed and more selfless. Bucky felt a tiny weight lifted off his shoulder. Hoping that these changes in her personality would stay.

"So what do you think about James for a boy?" Natasha asked one night, as she and Bucky made dinner together in their small kitchen.

"For a middle name?" He asked confused.

"No, his first name."

"Oh," he paused, "I actually have never liked the idea of giving a child their parents' name. I feel like it doesn't really give them a chance to be their own person. If their parent is successful then they feel the stress of always having to live up to that. And if their parent is crap then they're forever stuck with that reminder of that person."

"That makes sense," she agreed, understanding where he was coming from,

"Then how about James for the middle name. Whether it's a boy or girl."

"I would actually really like that," he smiled at her, "I would like that a lot."

They gathered up their own plates, and sat at their small round table.

"So what other names have you come up with?" Bucky asked her as he took a bite of his chicken.

"Truthfully, I haven't found any good names. All the girls keep making suggestions and they're way too out there," she tells him, "I don't want them to have a name that's too hard to pronounce or spell."

Natasha's phone started to ring, Bucky got up to grab it for her from the living room. By the time he handed it over to her it stopped ringing.

"What kind of flower is that?" He asked her, noticing her phone's Lock Screen background.

"The California Poppy," she tells him.

"Why do you have that as your background?"

"Well my mom was actually from California," she says, "She met my Dad when they both went to Harvard. They fell in love, so she decided to stay out here on the East Coast.

"The only clear memory I have from her was all the stories she used to tell me about poppy season. How the color just made everything so lively. Her parents would take her every season. I remember seeing all the photos of her as a child surrounded by all the flowers. We looked a like as children," she fondly smiled,

"She always talked about taking me to go see them, but she and Dad were always so busy. Then she got sick and there just wasn't a way for us to go. My grandparents tried to get some out here but it was too late. I never did get to see the poppies."

Natasha was silent for a moment, letting what she said sink in. She's never told anyone that story before, the memory would always make her sad. But now sitting here with Bucky, pregnant with their child, for the first time in her life her mother's death didn't bring her such sadness. She could smile at the memory and know she had the utmost best time with her mother, even if it was short lived, she knew her mother loved her. And she can't wait to shower that love onto the baby inside of her, once they were out.

"We should go," Bucky says, "Once the baby is here we should go when it's poppy season. Plus it'd be nice seeing Steve and Liz's life out west."

"Yeah, that sounds nice," her eyes teared up, seeing how generous this man was in front of her, "I'd really love that."

"Poppy, that's cute," Winifred smiled.

"Yeah, Nat would've loved it."

"They said if you were ready, you can say your goodbyes," she carefully said.

"Okay, you're good with her?"

"Yeah. Do you want me to go with you? The nurses can watch Poppy."

"No. I'd feel much better if she was with family," he tells her, "I'll be fine mom. I can do this."

He gave her a kiss on the cheek before leaving the room.

"Take all the time you need," the nurse told Bucky, as she led him to the room Natasha's body was in.

"Thank you," he quietly said.

She opened the door for him, and he carefully stepped inside.

He walked closer to the body on the bed. He immediately started crying at the sight of her lifeless body.

"God Nat," he cried, "I am so sorry. We never even discussed the possibility of this ever happening. I never even thought of this happening. God I don't know how I am going to ever do this alone. I never imagined myself ever raising a child alone."

He takes a moment to catch his breath.

"She's beautiful Nat, so incredibly beautiful," he tells her, "I wish you would've been able to see her. Hold her. I'm going to make sure she knows everything about you. There's not going to be a day where she doesn't know about her mother."

"When poppy season arrives I'm going to make sure to take her. Every year," he wipes away a tear, "Oh, I also named her Poppy. For you. For your mom. I promise I won't let you down. She's going to have the best life ever. I'll make sure of that. Thank-you for everything you've given me. I truly did love you. Goodbye Natasha." _________________ Age: 22

Location: CA

Year: May 2016

The car comes to a stop, parking in a spot next to a bunch of other cars. Bucky, Liz, and Steve get out of the car. Steve and Liz grab a few things from the trunk, while Bucky gets the smiley baby out of the car seat. Bucky places the baby into the stroller, Steve had gotten out. The three of them began to walk towards the field of poppies.

"Wow, there's a lot this year," Liz says, "Do you want to take her out?"

"Yeah, I'll grab her," Bucky says grabbing Poppy.

He walked ahead of Liz and Steve, taking in the moment with his daughter.

"Look at all the poppies," he whispers to the almost eight month old. She had a huge smile on her face taking in the sight around her.

She was making some babbling sounds, as if to agree with her dad.

The weather was perfect. The sun shining down on them, it wasn't too hot or too cold. Bucky just stared at the flowers, with a peaceful feeling washing over him. The last few months haven't been the easiest, but he was making it. They both were making it. Being here, gave him the reassurance that he was doing good. He could feel Natasha's presence with him there. As if she was silently saying how proud she was of him.

"We're going to be fine," he said to Poppy, placing a kiss on her head.

[anambermusicbox]

September 29 Day Countdown (27/29): 2021/01/15 Interview with iFeng Entertainment 凤凰网《非常道》

(11:20) Interviewer asks whether he’s more affected by hurtful words or kind words; Zhou Shen then goes on to talk about his relationship with his fans:

ZS: After all, I’ve now debuted for 6 years now- (*more subdued*) my skin has gotten thicker. Before, hurtful words had a very big impact on me. I’d see these words and think (*gasps*) What did I do wrong? Why do they have to say this about me? Do I have to change something? If I do this differently would they not say this about me? 

But later I realized, no (*waves his hand dismissively*) To them, the people that don’t like you, as long as you exist, they won’t like you. So before, I would be affected a lot more by hurtful words, but now its about 51% and 49%, with that 51% being the hurtful words. But I’m working on flipping the percentages. This way, I think, I’m also doing right by the people who support me.

Interviewer: I think there are actually a lot of people who like you. (*ZS bows and thanks her awkwardly*) The other day, I was online and saw your fans professing their love, fussing over you. (*ZS laughs*)

ZS: Oh that’s right, because- a few days ago, I was doing a performance and- I don’t know if this is just what this fan says to singers they like, but they said (*cups hands around mouth*) (*extremely high pitched shout*) “Rest for a bit!! You’re tiring!!! Yourself!!! Out!!!!” (*laughs*) (T/N: It was after he filmed the winter-themed Happy Camp with the Onmyoji movie cast; there’s a video of the exact moment—super hilarious, I’ll put the link in the notes.) [...] I want to tell them, I’m doing fine here, don’t worry—I can take care of myself.

Interviewer: I think the way they talk to you is quite 没大没小 (referring someone to being disrespectful and talking to someone their senior the same way they talk to their peers; Zhou Shen looks quite shocked at her choice of words) They really treat you like (ZS, interjecting: a friend) someone they can throw jokes at, a kind of idol that is very close to them. How do you view the relationship between you and your fans?

ZS: Oh, I really don’t know. To be honest, I really don’t know. [...] Even now, sometimes I think they’re quite stupid. I say this because, sometimes, even if it’s just to see me sing one or two songs, they’ll stand outside the venue waiting for four to five hours on a harsh winter day. I feel really bad for them. But it’s like, to them this is one way they feel that they can give me strength, and I can’t tell them not to, because that would hurt them even more. 

So sometimes I look at them and think, oh look at this stupid group of people, so idiotically supporting me. This kind of stupidity is really quite touching. I want to put forth my best effort to reciprocate what they do.

(14:55) Interviewer: “Do you have moments where you feel pretty rotten?”

ZS: Oh, too many. (Interviewer: Tell me about it, from the past to the present) Wow. Okay then we have to delay the program recording scheduled next (*laughs*) there’s a LOT. I mean, since my childhood, my classmates unintentionally- it was really unintentional, they didn’t have the maturity to know that their words would be hurtful. But to me, they were very hurtful. But you can’t blame them for it, because they didn’t understand anything at the time. (T/N: no you can totally blame them for it, you’re just a nice person shenshen)

And more recently, as an artist, I had my own “cold bench period.” I felt like, I was working so hard but no one was willing to listen to me sing. Not only that, I felt I didn’t have a way to be heard. Because there was a period of time when I didn’t really have any work and, wah, everyday I felt so purposeless; I was just a rain cloud, I was so discouraged (*laughs*)

Interviewer: What about now, now that you’re so busy?

ZS: If I’m tired, I’ll be happy because I’m happy that there are stages that *want* me to sing on them. [...] I worked so hard to stay in this profession because I wanted to be heard by others, and now that this day has finally come, with so many stages I can sing on, why wouldn’t I go?

(16:40) Talks about how he doesn’t mind labels, because that how someone remembers you; ZS: “I saw this one comment I really liked, this person was saying they always thought there were two Zhou Shen’s—a male one who was funny on variety shows, and a female one that sang deep emotional songs—until one day they watched a show and realized, what?? It’s one Zhou Shen???”

(18:30) Interviewer: As I’m conversing with you, I can feel very relaxed, very happy—that’s the feeling you give people. (*ZS bows and quietly thanks her*) But I know from looking at your past that your childhood was quite lonely. What makes you be able to still be so warm—that is, to go and bring others... happiness. 

ZS: I think it’s because I’m really fortunate. Because... (*looks up in thought*) I... I grew up in a very remote mountainous village, but I’m really fortunate to have so many opportunities—coming into the city, being able to learn and come in contact with all the culture I love, and later even being about to devote myself to a career I love. I feel very fortunate.

And I know that, when you feel extremely alone, if you suddenly feel something like a beam of warmth, the joy or the kind of hope that can bring—when you receive it, you’re so happy. I think, I want to do that, if there’s a possibility I could have the honour to do that for someone else. I think it’s so important.

(21:00) Talks about his parents:

ZS: Even now, my mom and dad are still wanting to- still are running their small business that they love; I think it’s very laborious. I keep telling them, you both are getting older, you should take advantage of your age and go relax, enjoy yourselves. They say, no, we want to take some burden off of you, to which I’m like eh? (*leans over and covers mouth to whisper*) Mom you’re losing money every year. *laughs* 

Especially with the pandemic, their lifestyles have had the most obvious impact. Because they’re not like the younger generation that can continue doing things online. All they’ve known is getting up early to open their storefront, staying there until it’s time to close at nightfall.

Interviewer: (21:55) Your parents, before they didn’t support you going into music. What about now?

ZS: They think it’s great now. But they worry because they feel they have no way to help me in this career. [...] They once said- I asked them something like this one day, how they want to help me now. They said they can give me their storefront. I told them, then don’t help me (*laughs*) Because I’ve used to help them watch the store all the time growing up! I used to be doing my homework at their storefront. Ever since I was little, I’ve always really disliked doing business. So I felt like, oh mom dad, no. 

I’m really lucky. Even though my mom and dad don’t have very high education—it’s really quite low to be honest—they still chose to understand me. I’m very grateful to them.

(1:45) Interviewer asks what his first job was:

ZS: After I graduated from high school, my first job was selling phones. (Interviewer: Were you standing all day?) Yup, standing. [...] (Interviewer: So you have experience in the workplace?) Well, to be honest, I didn’t converse with people much in my so-called workplace—I have a very introverted personality; I’m not too fond of or good at talking to people.

Interviewer: Would someone who doesn’t like to talk to people be able to convince people to buy phones?

ZS: That’s why I didn’t sell any. (*bends over laughing*) You really had to say it so directly. (*laughs*) Zhuang-laoshi, you’re an accurate judge of people! (*gives her two thumbs up*) (*Interviewer laughs*)

(3:30) Interviewer tries asking him a question related to emotional intelligence (”qing shang”, 情商) but gets her words mixed up and says romance instead (”qing chang”, 情场); ZS: “Well, if we’re talking about romance, that’s an area I don’t have much experience in (*gets up and pretends to leave*) (Interviewer, laughing: To be honest, that’s the thing I really want to ask about.) Zhuang-laoshi, I really don’t have any experience with romance (*laughs*)

Interviewer: Okay what I was going to ask is, do you think EQ is important in the workplace?

ZS: Super important! For one thing, every workplace involves getting along with people, and part of the way you interact with people depends on your EQ.

Interviewer: But some people say that part of EQ is a skill, a means to an end—would it come off as insincere to others?

ZS: ?? (*blinks*) Can you give me an example?

Interviewer: Like for example, if I compliment you like “oh you’re such a great person (*half-hearted clapping*)” when I don’t truly mean it.

ZS: Oh that was so insincere (*makes faces*) (*Interviewer laughs*) I’m starting to question myself (*laughs*) I don’t think that’s a problem for me though. That’s why you shouldn’t force compliments. I think it’s important to be genuine with what you say—then people won’t think you’re being fake. If people think you’re being fake, that in itself already isn’t a display of good EQ. Be sincere, but try your hardest not to hurt others.

Interviewer: I want to ask another question-

ZS: Is it about romance? (*laughs*)

Interviewer, joking: We’ll talk about romance in a moment.

ZS: no nO NO LET’S NOT DO THAT (*laughs*)

(6:10) About how Zhou Shen didn’t expect to get along so well with everyone else in “An Exciting Offer”《令人心动的offer》:

ZS: On the first episode, every time I put in my own two cents, I had to work myself up just to speak up. My heart rate was through the roof, it was like- (*takes a deep breath*) (*raises hand*) “Laoshi? (*exaggerated suppressed panic*) Can I aSK a quESTION? (*pretends to look back and forth between the others*) (*Interviewer giggles*) I think this is just like, you see, I believe in the workplace, people who are have this personality-” How was I supposed to converse like this? (*laughs*) 

So that was how I was for the first two episodes, but now in the later episodes, I got used to just casually interjecting whenever I felt like it. It was quite wonderful. The other teachers were very approachable, very friendly—it felt like, something you imagined before, but when you really are in such a group, it was like, oh this kind of goodness is something that actually exists. You feel very fortunate, very happy.

(8:50) Interviewer asks ZS if he ever lacks confidence; ZS replies that, even now, he’s not very confident:

ZS: Every time I’m on stage I get extremely extremely nervous. I’ll fear that, I won’t live up to the expectations of those who want to listen to me. But I’m slowly learning to- to get along with, to come to terms with this nervousness.

Interviewer: Then this year, you would’ve been so nervous all the time. Have you counted how many performances you had just this year?

ZS: I haven’t counted, but Shengmi, they compiled them all together and, excluding the ones that aren’t aired, there were over a hundred. Every single one of them, I’m behind the scenes like- (*makes loud deep-breathing-for-anxiety-reduction noises*) But I can’t let people see that so- (*dissolves into laughter*)

[howtodownloadgta5installer8]

Grand Theft Auto 5 is re-released on Mobile phone, as well, such as Android as well as IOS. So GTA 5 Android is precisely similar to the PC/Consoles variation, and also the storyline as well as video game mechanics are simply made mobile with the very same gameplay, so it is ideal for the mobile gamers out there. Generally, the adjustments that are made in GTA V mobile is simply the control and also game mechanism. Riding the vehicles appears rather very easy due to the easy control mechanism developed by RAGE specifically for mobile phones.

After each unsafe battle, gamers can stop anywhere to see the views of the city. Each scene in this video game is carefully brightened in terms of the image. So it is not just a disorderly location however additionally consists of much poetic appeal. They when fell short, however after that they found each other as well as the distinction in their characters is what links them to ending up being a group. Since then, they have been associated with numerous significant missions, showing opposition to the federal government and also at the same time ruining other terrifying opponents in the underworld. Therefore, if you are a player who suches as to check out the criminal world.

Whenever a phone is seen on promotions, it constantly has a battery life with one segment missing out on (the battery degree seems at 69%, another referral to the 69 sex position). Nonetheless, personality's phones have unlimited battery life. In older editions of the video game, if the player has twin handguns possessed and also gets a telephone call, Carl will certainly pull out two phones. In the console variations of the video game, the phone can likewise be used as a type of "super handbrake", to immediately quit any lorry, regardless of the speed.

As an example, the police car chase in the game has actually been completely redone, and the financial institution heist goal. The enhanced variation of the game also includes the brand-new moped automobile, which can go across the countryside without excessive problem. The storyline is based on the famous book/poem 'We Are Older' created by William Christner.

As GTA V go back to Xbox's prominent Game Pass from Thursday, it has also been exposed that the game will certainly now be usable on smart phones also. Make an entrance directly right into the activity ofGTA 5 Mobileby downloading the records at this moment! You should merely get snap for Android catch and you're great to go. Try not to squander your time on remote recurring communications or emulators with different designs.

The video game is presently offered for consoles as well as Windows PC. It will be released for PlayStation 5 and also Xbox Collection X in late 2021. There is also an on the internet multiplayer mode where up to 30 gamers check out the open world where each gamer can engage into a cooperative or competitive communication in between themselves. This video game series is very well-known by players and reviewers for it having a flexible story and also packed with activity. This GTA 5 for Android has the very same feature as the COMPUTER variation and PS3/PS4 variation have. The only thing that differs in this variation is you can not play this video game on your android devices in the first-person setting. We are still attempting to make it possible on this variation.

Keep in mind, you'll be play the prominent video game just by means of Heavy steam Web link, which is the electronic distribution service. Superstar additionally stated that although it may shed some "functionality", it will get new functions also. Rockstar explained it as being a modern phone, with Dan Houser claiming that the player will utilize it for points like "accessing the internet",.

The other one is created apples iphone, iPads, as well as various iDevices that are suitabled for boosting the video game. GTA BOOM is the original source for all points Grand Theft Auto. We are the only web site committed to posting day-to-day GTA information and have the largest collection of GTA video game overviews available anywhere. Making use of the invincibility cellular phone cheat codePlease read our FAQ if you experience any concerns using these cheats, or if you have any type of questions.

More information was released on the internet site on 24 August, 6 September, and also 13 September. Superstar Gamings first confirmed the video game's existence on 25 October 2011 in a news on its main internet site as well as Twitter feed. Take-Two Interactive's share cost subsequently raised by 7 per cent. Journalists claimed the announcement ignited substantial anticipation within the gaming industry, which they owed to the series' social value. The game did not meet its original projected March-- May 2013 launch day. By 30 October 2012, advertising posters had spread to the Internet, as well as a listing by the store Video game had actually leaked the projected release date.

Superstar Games made their fortune from this highly popular along with questionable franchise. The whole series redefined the benchmark of open globe video gaming. Grand Theft Auto V is the most up to date entry in the schedule, initially released on PlayStation 3 as well as Xbox 360 in 2013.

If you bought the video game from one more Store, you would certainly need to include the executable data of the game to Heavy steam. The designer did an excellent job on their criteria and pictures. The programmer attempted to keep all the features as well as move the video game to Android phones and also tablet computers without shedding performance. If you have not attempted the video game yet, after that we advise that you do it today. This video game is not a main advancement of Rockstar Gamings. The game is badly enhanced, so it will be difficult to run it on the majority of mobile phones.

These two games are additionally quite prominent till now in the whole Grand Theft Auto collection as a result of a selection of factors. In this modern-day pc gaming age, Graphics decide how effective any type of game is. There is no contrast between the graphics of GTA 5 and GTA San Andreas, GTA 5 features superb and top quality graphics that look much more practical than GTA San Andreas. We understand there is a major distinction in between the release date of both of these video games, yet to be extremely truthful GTA 5 is a clear victor based on facts as well as logic. Thousands of individuals are now able to play this GTA 5 on their Android devices.

If you remember i have posted GTA 5 Lite 100MB variation prior to however this game is various. This video game is created by MikeGaming who has a working YouTube Network. You will reach play Its GTA5 mod apk Mission with nearly all main video game information on it Grand Theft Auto 5 was launched in 2013 as well as is still among one of the most played games, many thanks to its ever growing on-line mode called GTA Online. And also while the game does not have a mobile version, it's really possible to play on your Android phone if you want. The video game very first released on the Xbox 360 as well as PlayStation 3, after that made its means to PC.

We will certainly upgrade brand-new functioning download links immediately. Do not hesitate to ask your any kind of question pertaining to this tutorial with remark area, we will reply you shortly. After seeing lots of passion of Android users in the direction of GTA 5, Rockstar has determined to make this video game feasible to run on Android OS. SO they had developed as well as introduced GTA 5 Apk in beta variation.

Superstar really made it out of the park from the GTA franchise. With the introduction of mobile pc gaming, they have actually additionally launched several ready Android as well as iphone devices. Darrell is a blog owner that suches as to stay on par with the most up to date from the tech and finance world.

The video game invites you with wonderful affection to realize you for quite a long time or even months. If you have ever before play GTA 5 on your Computer after that I don't think there is any need to tell you features of this video game. But you are playing it for the first time after that let you recognize what amazing functions are added in this brand-new video game of Rockstar Gamings.

Yet is is time to take pleasure in GTA V for all Android Gamings enthusiasts. One of the most distinguishing characteristic of GTA 5 APK is an upgraded tale play consisting of 3 differed lead characters. Michael De Santa, an ex-con who escaped being incarcerated and also set himself in a spacious manor where he fights with locating a meaningful way of living. That intro of 3 separate personalities is most definitely something brand-new as we practically have different stories as opposed to one prolonged plot gone for one personality advancement. In this manner the gameplay of download GTA 5 is way extra appealing.

Substantial modifications have actually been made with the rise in the variety of tools modifiers and the capability to take turns. Consequently, you can proactively change guns and highly versatile resources whenever you go anywhere. This video game's new functions make it much more practical and challenging than previous Grand Theft Auto video games. And also like in other video games of this kind, you will be given several choices in terms of clothes, hairstyles, as well as faces.

The story contains weaves, and also it's quite incredible just how the whole video game plays out. I never ever get tired of skyrocketing mobsters, driving about in my personal Lamborghini, and viewing the residential property of the rich as well as famous refute around you-- all while making money for it. First PC variation development started in parallel with PlayStation 3 and also Xbox 360. PC growth later on paved the way as focus shifted to the console releases yet ultimately resumed. Due to the fact that the team had actually prepared a PC version from early on, they made technological choices ahead of time to help with later on advancement, like assistance for 64-bit computing and also DirectX 11.

The web sites declaring to supply you the mobile variation of GTA V are phony. We can only wait for Rockstar Games to ultimately re-release GTA V for mobile phones. Till after that, we can delight in the various other titles they have currently released. To get the full version of the video game, you need to obtain the OBB file along with the information file. The GTA V APK data alone is inadequate to enable you to play and take pleasure in the premium variation of the video game on your smart phone.

The initial point that you were mosting likely to require to do is confirm that your device hardware is established as well as effective enough to run the video game to begin with. If you  would certainly love nothing greater than to have the possibility to play this groundbreaking game on your favored Android gadgets, you're going to require to get your hands on a correct GTA 5 APK. No, the GTA 5 APK is not established by the official GTA engineer. Some game engineers have actually created the mobile APK variation.

However, with the rising passion of players in GTA V, it projects to discover an option to download and install GTA V on smart phones. Before downloading as well as setting up, you need to guarantee that you have actually entirely gotten rid of the previous variation or totally free version of GTA5 from your Android device. If you missed this action, your installation will certainly be stopped working at any moment and also you will not able to set up as well as play the game properly. Pavlovich located that while Superstar designated the team objectives to create songs for, some of their arbitrary creations influenced other missions and also sparked motivation for further rating development. He reviewed a "stem-based" system utilized to make songs fit vibrant video game aspects where the team would certainly make up songs to highlight results gamers could make right away after finishing objectives.

That song is a streamlined version of the GTA I motif's history music. It was also the pager's ringtone in GTA III, as well as remained in the GTA Vice City introduction under the retro Rockstar Gamings logo design. If the gamer switches or discharges weapons after a call, the phone will certainly not disappear on CJ's hand. Switching to other weapons, or entering an auto would after that remove this technique. If Carl has his phone out as well as encounters water being splashed from a Firetruck, chances are that if he is simply completing a conversation as well as is about to put his phone away, he instead will keep it in his hand.

[melyaliz]

Past loves and future babies pt. 9

Masterlist

Fandom: Marvel (MCU) 

Pairing: Steve Rogers x OC 

Notes: I suck at action. that’s all I have to say about that 

All Masterlists @melyalizarchive​​

Connect with me! AO3 / Instagram / Pinterest

DONATE or REQUEST 

Trigger warning: Coming out and abusive parents 

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Family Dinner was a bit later than normally tonight. 7’oclock. Carol North hated eating late, she had read somewhere it wasn’t good for your digestive system to eat after 8 so dinner was normally around 5:30 or 6. However the head of the house Richard had worked late so dinner had run a bit later. 

It had worked in Dixie and Mac’s favor since they had more time to get their stuff together before they dropped the bomb. Next to her Mac fidgeted with his food unable to look at anyone else. Leaning over Dixie’s foot bumped her brother. Their eyes met for a moment and she nodded. 

You can do this

“Dad I need to tell you something.” 

“Of course what’s up?” his father looked up at his son and Dixie felt sick. She wanted to run away. A weird feeling of dread and fear flooding her system. She wanted to protect her brother from this while also wanting to run away and hide. Hide like she used to when she was a kid and her dad would blow up at their mom. Hide like she used to when her parents would fight, screaming at the tops of their lungs ending with her mother leaving for days on end. 

Dixie was good at hiding. 

“Dad, I’m gay.” Mac said, Dixie wasn’t sure why Mac wanted to leave like this. They had planed their escape for years now. Waiting until she was 18 so it wouldn’t be considered child napping. Part part made sense to her. But when Mac had told her how he planned on doing things she wasn’t sure why. Why couldn’t he just hide like she did?

But regardless she supported him no matter what. 

“What?” Richard burst out laughing, “Are you trying to get some kind of reaction out of me?” 

“No dad, I just. I wanted to be honest with you.” Mac’s face was impartial. No emotion at all. Dixie wasn’t sure how he could be so calm while her heart was racing so fast in her chest she thought she might throw up. 

“Why are you trying to do this to us?” their father’s voice was so just as calm. So dangerously calm. As if he didn’t believe him. As if he was talking to a small child who just didn’t understand that dinosaurs were dead. That Santa Clause wasn’t real. “Honestly Macklin, what have I done to make you think this is ok?” 

“Nothing dad, there is nothing you did. This is about me.” his leg was jittering under the table the only sign that he was even nervous. Only Dixie could see it. Only Dixie could feel the nerves radiating from him. 

“Like hell it is.” Richard said slamming his hand on the table, “You are just upset that I won’t pay for you to dorm at college isn’t it? Well this is clearly why you can't. Gay my ass!” 

Dixie couldn’t deal with it anymore, that was her brother Richard was talking about. This was Mac he was accusing of throwing a fit when all he was doing was telling the truth. 

“Fuck you!” She snapped jumping up. They had agreed she wouldn't speak. That Mac would handle this but… she couldn't stop herself as the words spilled out. “He’s being open and honest and all you can do is focus on you.”  

“Dixie!” her mother snapped glaring at her, “Language.” 

They still weren’t listening. It was all about appearances. Don’t swear, don’t be out of the normal. Don't do anything we don't approve of. 

“Oh please you agree with this?” Richard said to his daughter. “You're my good girl.” 

“I love Mac. What is there to agree or disagree with?” Dixie whispered slowly sitting back down, her voice breaking. Mac’s hand found her’s under the table holding it tightly. 

“You love Mac,” Richard laughed, “If you loved him you would be telling him he’s being an idiot.” 

“And how is being gay being an idout?” 

“Because it’s wrong! It’s not normal!” Richard snapped his anger focusing back on his son, “Just because you want attention or whatever doesn’t mean you should do something so… so” leaning back in his chair their father took a deep breath before cutting some meat. “Dixie go to your room. Mac if you keep spouting this nonsense you can forget college. In fact, give me your phone.” 

“Dad, I pay for my phone.” Mac chocked out a bitter laugh. 

“My house, my rules.” 

“Yeah” Mac said standing up, “see that’s the thing. I’m moving out.” 

“M… Me too” Dixie said following her brother.

“Young lady! Don’t you move!” Richard roared. Dixie flinched that feeling of fear rushing over her. She glanced up at her brother who just smiled down at her. 

“Just keep walking” he whispered, pushing her in front of him. As if he could block her from their father. 

“What? Are you punishing me now?” Richard said standing up, “What happened to my perfect little girl Dixie. My little princess.” 

Dixie felt sick. Her stomach twisting in knots. Even now, even knowing for years what her dad really was. What kind of man he was. It still hurt. 

Because a part of her wanted to be his little princess. 

But her dad had always been right about her, she was unlovable. 

Because even her own father didn’t really love her unless she was his little princess. 

And she couldn't pretend anymore. 

They both couldn’t. 

“No dad, I am going with Mac.” 

“Don’t… if you two walk out that door you are dead to me!” Richard screamed, “Try me! Just try. You will never get a cent from me. Never get anything. I’m your father. I have done everything for you. Give you everything! And you just want to rip this family apart!” 

His endless screaming continued as they walked out. A stream of consciousness that held a sting that would echo in both their brains for much longer than either of them wanted to admit. Lie that his words meant nothing while it cut deeper than any scar they would ever receive from their future life on the streets. 

The white van Mac had gotten a few weeks ago was parked a block away. Already loaded up with all their belongings. Only the ones they personally owned. They had agreed to only bring what was truly theirs. 

So that they didn’t owe him anything. 

Because they didn’t owe him anything. 

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“Shit” Sam mumbled fumbling with his gun as he stood next to Bucky pinned against a wall. The soldiers or whatever they were came barreling down the hall. Four of them dressed to the 9s in armor ready for a fight. Where did these people come from? Why were they here?

“Bucky?” at the sound of his name Buck felt dread fill his stomach. Turning he saw Dixie walking up to him eyes wide in a cute little black dress. Her hair in a soft curl, make up done. 

The date. 

Steve was going to take her on a date. And now she was standing there in the middle of a war zone.

“Stay back” Bucky hissed holding a strong arm out trying to keep her away from the onslaught of fire that was raining down on them. His eyes shifting from her to Sam who was trying to stop the bleeding from the gunshot wound in his side. However Dixie didn’t seem to notice as she took a few steps forward. Her hands ghosting over his arm pushing it out of the way. 

“You’re toast” all three heroes (well two heroes and one guest of the avengers) looked up to see the bad guy said holding up a gun. Eyes hard ready to shot the first person who dared to move 

Dixie raised her hands up so they were visible in front of her taking another slow step forward positioning her body between the two men. “Sir, please, he’s hurt.” her voice cracked slightly, obviously frightened by what was going on. Bucky’s body grew tense, his hand slowly snaking toward the knife he had strapped to his back. If he could grab her arm and pull her back he would be able to disarm this man with minimal damage to them.  

“We are just here for the time machine.”

“We don’t have any…” Sam started but the man snarled aiming the gun at him, 

“Was I talking to you?” turning to Dixie he smiled, “Now pretty lady…”   

Bucky’s fingers gripped the knife body tense, Dixie’s shifted slightly just a bit further out of his grasp but if he was just able to-- 

His thoughts were cut off when the man’s eyes grew wide at Dixie’s face, “Wait… you’re one of them!” There was a blast of purple light causing Bucky and Sam to blink. The sound of a gun going off and the smell of burning melted metal filled the air. Dixie’s right hand fell to her side, something that looked like a glowing purple fire saber burned in her hand. Moving forward she spun into the main hallway where the other men were. Bucky runs after her only to see her wing the blades in both hands stopping the bullets before slicing through one of the guys arm and another’s other’s leg. 

Standing up she pressed her hand toward her ear “Mac, can you see Steve?” she asked as she ran down the hall leaving the two men alone. 

“She’s not just some little human is she.” Sam mumbled as Bucky shook his head. He needed to find his best friend and soon. Or the time machine. Not that it was working, but that was probably where the goons had gone. 

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Steve was in the hanger bay with Wanda. They had seen several men barging in through the open bay doors. It was hard to keep track of the soldiers, they seemed to fade in and out. When they had first arrived it looked to be about fifteen and now there was four. Two twins and a woman with a whip and a large man with two kusarigamas. Steve wasn’t sure how it was possible but he was also preoccupied with the large man advancing toward him. The chains from his kusarigamas screeching like a warning against the concrete.  

“Steve” Wanda gasped trying to block the twins that were attacking her. They seemed to be fading in and out as if ghosts. Turning Steve was about to help her when he felt a pain shoot through his back. 

Turning he saw the large man grinning at him. His silver plated teeth glistened in the light that streamed from the glass ceiling of the hanger. His blades glistening red.Next to him the woman smiled cracking her large steel whip.

“Get him lover” she hissed, licking her lips, her bloodshot eyes bright with excitement.

Some guy with a Mohawk and these huge kusarigama let out a snarling laugh bearing his silver plated teeth. Next to him a woman with a whip crackled it at Steve’s legs. 

“Come at me Mr America!” he hissed slashing at Steve again barely missing Steve’s ribs as the super soldier twisted out of large man’s way. Steve’s gaze drifted toward Wanda who was holding off the twins. It was hard to tell if she was gaining the advantage or not from where he was. 

The black steel of the Kusarigama smashed into Steve’s shield making Steve’s arms ring from the aftershock bringing him back to the fight in front of him. Before he could fight back, the man kicked him with a thick boot making Steve fall onto his back.

This wasn’t good. 

The man smiled holding up the blade bridging them down hard on Steve’s shield causing sparks to ignite against the shield. 

“I'm going to cut you open like a fish” the man howled , raising his hands again. A few feet away the woman laughed cracking her whip in a rhythmic crack, crack, crack. 

Steve braced himself as the large man lifted up his blades above his head ready to crash them back down. 

And then a bright purple light burst from the man’s chest. Burning through his sternum the smell of burning flesh filled Steve’s nose. Letting out a cough the man looked down at in shock. Blood dripped from his mouth before he stumbled backwards off Steve. Choking a few times before  he crumbled onto the floor. The life leaving his eyes

Steve sat up to see Dixie standing there, panting slightly. Blood splattered across her hands and over her chest and neck. Her eyes hard as she met him. He couldn't see any wounds so Steve could only assume the blood wasn’t hers. Another purple blade like the one that was glowing out of the man’s chest was in her left hand. 

The woman with the whip, seeing her comrade, out a screamed scream running toward Dixie. Turning Dixie held out her hand, the blade from the man’s chest faded away before appearing back in her hand. Taking a defense stance with both blades she stood over Steve. 

“DIE BITCH!” the woman screamed, swinging her whip. It was no match for the blades Dixie cut through the steel coil as if it was a hot knife through butter. Pulling out a gun the woman shot a few bullets toward Dixie but she quickly deflected them continuing to walk toward the woman. 

“Stand down” Dixie said, “and I won’t cut your arms off.” her voice filled with venom. Steve had never heard that tone before. Commanding, meaning every word. It wasn’t a threat, it was a promise. 

Something the woman didn’t seem to realize as she let out a snarl, tears in her eyes. “I’m going to kill you!” she cried grabbing a rocket launcher that was strapped to her back. As she pulled the trigger Dixie threw one of her glowing blades forward slicing the woman’s shoulder making the women scream falling to her knees. 

Moving quickly ignoring the pain in his back Steve bolted up grabbing Dixie by the arm pulling her back flush to his chest. Swinging his shield he hit the rocket up sending it spinning through the glass ceiling. 

Dixie looked up at him as shards of glass showered down around them. His blue eyes meeting her own as he held his shield up over them protecting them.

“Are you ok?” she asked, her expression softening and something in Steve shifted. He should be asking her that. He should have been rushing to save his little -not- wife. Yet here she was barging into the fight covered in who knows what’s blood checking on him making sure he was ok.

“I… yes” he said, a feeling of relief washing over him so strong he bent over gently kissing her forehead.

“Y… you weren’t supposed to be..” 

The couple turned to see one of the twins standing there with a gun in his hand. Wanda behind him, her powers holding the other, her eyes glowing as she reached up to grab the other when there was a whirring sound and a net flew out of nowhere tangling the man before electrifying him.

“Stay the FUCK away from my sister!” 

A curly haired man cried walking into the hanger, dressed in jeans and a black button up shirt, he had a pair of clear green glasses and was holding up a weird silver bracelet around his left arm. An army of drones followed him. 

“MAC!” Dixie let out a squeal pushing away from Steve crawling under his shield that was in front of both of them before dashing toward the man. Throwing herself into his arms she hugged him tightly. 

Steve knew the name. He had caught Dixie several times on the phone talking to a Mac. Her face lit up in pure joy and comfort. She had mentioned him before too. Her brother. The only person who she seemed to mention from her previous life. The one before this. 

“It’s always just been me and Mac” she would say with that look on her face. One he knew very well. It was the one reserved for those who were your family. Your most trusted. The ones you would go to the end of the world for. 

It was the feeling he had for Bucky. 

“What are you doing here?” she was asking him as Tony and a few other avengers walked into the hanger. 

“Who’s this?” 

“This is my brother.” Dixie said turning, the look on her face told Steve all he needed to know. She was worried they were going to rip them apart again. 

“He’s staying.” Steve said to Tony, “I need a shower.” 

“I… ok whatever” Tony shrugged knowing he would get all the information later. They had bigger issues to deal with right now. Like all the bleeding intruders. 

-------

Steve winced as the warm water hit his back stinging the deep cuts that were slashed across his back. They were going to be a pain (in the back) to fix up. Maybe he should go down to the infirmary… or maybe.

“Want some help hansom?” 

The sound that came out of him was that of a small child and a cat that just had it’s tail stepped on. Dixie stood there, eyebrows raised trying to fight back a laugh as she stood in front of the glass walk in shower. 

“Ok boys count chill I’m not going to jump you.” she said, “Can I come in?”

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Masterlist

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[thisonesforfanfic]

Light in the Dark (5/?)

Bucky x Reader

A/N: Still not sure if I have to put any warnings, please tell me if you think any are needed :)

Summary: The boys come back from the war for a while, and Bucky takes you on a date

Word Count: 2.3 k

You were eager to see them again. Steve and Bucky had been gone for a while now, and you missed them like crazy. Yeah, sure, it's not like you knew them your whole life, but they had been so good to you ever since the moment you met them, ever since their last visit, you'd get at least a telegram or letter a week from them, always checking on you or secretly letting you know if they weren't going to be able to send anything for a while. And at those moments, your heart ached, though you tried to send them cheerful and happy letters back, everytime.

You could feel your heart pounding on your throat as the train arrived at the station, your glance running through every single window, looking for a sign of the men's blue eyes. 

"Y/N!" Your eyes filled with tears of joy as you saw Bucky and Steve rushing towards you

"Thank God!" you let out with relief, jumping into Bucky's open arms. He spins you around in joy, finally listening to your sweet laugh again

"I missed you so much doll" he put you down and hugged you tight, burrying his face on your shoulder, breathing in your scent

"Me too, Bucky" you pulled away to embrace Steve "And you too Steve!" your cheeks were hurting as you couldn't stop smiling from ear to ear "I actually can't believe my eyes right now"

"Well, you should" Steve chuckled "Because someone couldn't shut up about that reward you promised for the whole trip, right Buck?"

"Shut up, punk" You let go of Steve to see the red taking over Bucky's cheeks, letting a loud laugh escape through the smile

"No, no, please, tell me about the supposedly heroic act!" you were practically skipping in place with your hands joined together, jokingly pleading to Steve

"Best thing I can remember is him not hitting on any nurses" Bucky sent him a bothered look

"Punk" He let out under his breath, then turned to you "Doesn't 'going to war' count in on itself?"  

"You remember I said 'maybe', right James?" His eyebrows frowned as if he was a puppy that had just fallen of a moving car "What kind of girl do you take me for?" you put your hands on your waist. Bucky's whole face was bright red, and you bursted into laughter 

"Haha" Bucky took a minute to get your joking manner, and it made the situation even funnier for you and Steve, who could barely breath

"You'll have to at least buy me a drink first" you winked

"Let's go, pair of clowns" shaking his head, he started walking away with his bag, while Steve put his arms around your shoulder as you followed Bucky. 

Steve stayed by your side, and Bucky was a few steps ahead, but still listening to Steve as he told you about their missions. As you got to your apartment, Bucky finally faced you, with a serious expression

"I'll be here at seven" then, he turned away

"What bit him on the way back?" you looked up at Steve to see him shrugging his shoulders

"I guess you'll find out at seven" once your door was unlocked, he then held you again for a moment "See you tomorrow doll?"

"I will need help from someone who doesn't get drunk" Steve shook his head with a chuckle

"Alright then... Had I known I would become a sitter everytime we go to a bar, I would've had second thoughts about the whole serum experience"

 6:30

Twirling in front of the mirror, you were second guessing the third dress you had tried on before the date. None of them seemed to be the perfect one, and it was getting closer and closer to the hour. Your last hope was the emerald green one, hanging in the back of the closet, you hesitantly grabbed the hanger and took a good look at it. It was off-shoulder, tea-lenght with a pleaded skirt "here goes nothing" you slipped into it and looked in the mirror again.

The green in contrast with your skin was gorgeous, you couldn't even believe your eyes. It was perfect, you didn't remember it fitting you so flawlessly, the stripes hanging just below the shoulder, your hips comfortably fitted, and the flowing skirt beneath it. You didn't put much make up on, and pulled part of your hair back on a neat half bun at the back of your head

Almost instantly after you finished getting ready, you heard the door and ran downstairs. You opened it to see an extremely well dressed Bucky, on an Oxford blue suit, holding a bouquet of pink heather flowers on his hands. You thanked yourself for not putting any rouge on, since your cheeks were naturally blushed with the sight of him

"You're early" Smiling at him   

"And you are stunning" he handed you the flowers with a wink. You forgot you had told him about them. Heather flowers were your favourite, small and with a sutil, soothing scent. "Shall we go, doll?" he offered his hand for you to hold

"Let me just put these in water, come on in for a second" climbing up the steps with Bucky right behind you "So... What are we doing tonight?" the only sound was the tap running as you filled a vase with water. You started wondering if you said something that bothered him "You know... you were acting so strange on the way back from the station, did I say-"

"It's a surprise doll" He cut you off before you could start blaming yourself for the jokes you had made, with a smirk on his face "Now, can we go?"

You looped your arm on his as he lead you through the streets, guiding you to the carnival. 

"Really? I didn't take you for a man who liked these" you looked at Bucky with one eyebrow arched, he shrugged as he glanced at the booths "Bet you never won a thing for any of the ladies you brought here" you laughed as his arms tensed when you mentioned other girls

"Don't worry James" you were a proud smile on your face as you walked to a booth "I'll win you one"

"There's no way, this whole thing is rigged" he said as he stopped you from reaching into your purse "And also, you are not spending a cent tonight" paying the man himself, then handing you three tiny sandbags

"Watch and learn, Barnes" the cans all fell on the first strike, along with Bucky's jaw "Which one do you want, doll?" smirking shamelessly

He was laughing, still in disbelief as you handed him the stuffed bear with a bright red bow.

"I can't believe you did that" he put his arm around your shoulder pulling you closer as you walked through the carnival

You played some more, laughing with eachother and rode the carrousel before leaving to get some dinner. After that, you headed back to your bar, it was meant to be closed today, so it was just you and Bucky. 

You sat side by side at the counter, pouring out of a special whisky bottle into two glasses, you caught Bucky's stare "what?" you asked while closing the bottle

"I love you" his words left his mouth before he could stop them, fear immediatly showing through his eyes "I mean- I-" before he could continue, you put your hands on his face, pulling him closer, and let your lips clash onto his.

He was hesitant for a second, then realizing what was happening, Bucky held you closer by the waist, the warmth and sweetness of your lips dominated him, he kissed you back passionately, his tongue taking control of yours before you pulled away to catch your breath. Resting your forehead on his, you stared into his eyes, he was confused, waiting for a verbal response

You were lost for words, you loved that man, Bucky was everything you wanted, but you were afraid, you didn't know what to say, how to say it. He pulled back to look at you properly

"Y/N, I didn't mean to startle you" he began, scratching the back of his head "I have never felt this way before... That is, you are different- special"

"You don't know what you are talking about James" you were shocked by the fact he wanted you "You can have any girl you want, why me?" you took a gulp of the whisky and then he smiled

"That's why" you looked down at your glass and then back at him, with one eyebrow arched

"Because I give you good scotch?" he chuckled at your disbelief

"Because you are confident, proud of who you are, as smart as they come" you blushed at his speech "extremely beautiful, knows how to throw a punch, independent... But, most of all-" he let his face get closer to yours "you are one of the most uplifting spirits I have ever met. And no one, not even Steve, can make me laugh like you can"

"Bucky, I-" you looked down, avoiding his eyes as you felt your face burning

"The way my name sounds in your voice, how you are always willing to help anyone in need, the way you drink like a sailor" he chuckled as you put your glass down, feeling a little embarassed "I can list everything that's great abut you all night. You are everything I want Y/N.... Give me a chance"

"I don't know what to say, I.." you finally looked up at him, with hope and fear mixed in his eyes "Bucky, I wanted you ever since that first night" he lit up "I was kind of trying to get rid of you when I asked you to help me, I'd never thought you would actually help. I knew right at that moment the man you were, and..." You paused, sipping on the glass while trying to find the words, Bucky rested his hands on your knees "What I'm trying to say is... I think your are special to me too"

"Is that all?" He taunted you, raising an eyebrow "I feel like that kiss had a little more than just 'you're special"

"I can't really think straight when all my blood is flowing to my face" you shrugged with a smile "I don't think I can put in words everything I feel for you" you could feel the tears coming "You helped me in one of the most difficult moments in my life, and I don't think I can ever repay you- You are all I want"

He couldn't hold back any longer, as he saw the tears trying  to escape from your eyes, Bucky leaned in, letting lips brush yours softly, just long enough to soothe you, slowly his lips travel through your skin, until he found your neck. The nibbling on your skin made a quiet moan leave your mouth, and you let your hand travel over his suit, desperate to feel more of him.

"We should go" your voice was breathy, Bucky's eyes were immeadiatly on yours

"Did I- do something wrong?" he sounded worried, afraid he had crossed a line, moving too far

"No, I mean-" you handed him the glasses and grabbed the bottle, getting up and heading for the door "We should go" turning to him and pointing at the celing. Your apartment

Quiclky locking the entrance and practically running to your door, Bucky's hands were on you again before you could finish turning the lock on the inside. You wrap yourself around him as he lifted you up, heading up the stairs, this time, your face burried on his neck, kissing every inch of it, making your way up to his ear, letting your tongue trace it carefully before whispering

"I love you too, Bucky"

He put you down for a second when you reached the living room, putting the glasses and bottle on the table. Bucky stood there watching you bite your lower lip, curious to know what his next move was going to be.

He took a deep breath, and wrapped his arms around you. No kiss, just his lustful glance locked on yours.  

"I don't want you to regret this, doll" he paused, looking for any signs of hesitation

"I won't James" your lips softly toched his "I want you, I've wanted you for quite a while now... The only thing I could ever regret is letting this moment go to waste" his smile widened, then kissed you softly, the slow movements picking up the pace as the kiss grew more passionate and more heated. 

Leading him to your bedroom, not letting your lips part, you let him have all of you. That night, you were his, and he was finally yours.

 In the morning, none of you dared to move, you rested your head on Bucky's bare chest, listening to his heartbeat, while he stroked your hair gently. Comfort you both had been aching for, finally fulfilled.

About half an hour of serene silence, Bucky asked if you wanted to eat something, offering to make breakfast

"Well aren't you a keeper, James" he groaned at his name, making you giggle "If you make me breakfast every day, I may start using 'Bucky' more often"

"You seemed quite comfortable saying it again and again last night" he scoffed "And also, what kind of man do you take me for?" mimicking the face you had made yesterday

"In that case" you jumped off the bed, grabbing a ring from your nightstand and getting down on one knee "James Buchanan Bucky Barnes, will you do me the honor of making me breakfast everyday" barely holding back the laughter beneath your smile

"No way! That'd be my question to ask" he sat on the bed, crossing his arms and frowning. You stood up chuckling and sat on his lap, your arms wrapping around his neck

"I'm pretty sure you lost that spot when I was the one to win you that teddy bear" your smirk was interrupted by Bucky's lips, roughly pressing against yours

"Then I'll get it back, right now" his whisper against your lips was followed by him grabbing and throwing you back in bed, his body hovering over yours

"I suppose breakfast can wait"

########

Thanks for reading!

[summerdoll8]

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Content

Just How The Home Renovation As Well As Repair Services In London Job.

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Tiny Orangery Conservatories And Also Glass Conservatories.

Work was to a high requirement, as was the kindness as well as professionalism throughout. Design and also build extensions, kitchens, washrooms or basic modernisation. The Phantasm Shell and also Ludwig's Rifle are one of the most more effective.

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Allow your imagination cut loose as well as transform your wall surface over and over again-- no damages, no marks, simply basic. Gyproc Habito Super Stamina plasterboard is 5 times more powerful than typical plasterboard, which suggests the walls at Health Ranch are difficult as well as resilient.

building maintenance ='text-align:center'>

Together with that, Vigor is a crucial function of this build also concentrating on an Arcane too. The best method to make use of the cannon is to accumulate as numerous Blood Bullets as possible; the Cannon utilizes a large 10 BBs per shot, so avoid using it on adversaries. With a certain area simply build up the bullets, as well as use the Cannon's power on managers or several of the more difficult adversaries in the game.

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Other stats you'll intend to focus on are Vigor and also Endurance. One does not need to give this fabulous weapon an introduction-- any person that's played Dark Hearts will certainly attest to the truth that the Claymore is the very best greatsword readily available in the entire game. It boggles everyone's minds that one of the best weapons in the entirety of Dark Souls can be achieved from the actual beginning if the player picks the Warrior class. The Great Lord Greatsword isn't offered for an individual's initial playthrough, which is fairly a pity since this greatsword is quickly one of the more enjoyable weapons to play around with. It goes without stating that the tool of the last boss in the game was bound to make an appearance on this listing, specifically offered the incredible scaling of said weapon with both Stamina as well as Dexterity.

Start Your Job.

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You will require Building Regulations approval if you intend to carry out any new structural work or alterations to your home. Additionally, work involving these areas also requires approval, although in some of these cases, competent persons can self-certify their works for compliance: drainage.

Bloodletter will accumulate craze on yourself so prepare Sedatives and/or Vials when transforming it. Arcane is a complex stat, and we will go extra right into the details with the following area pertaining to develop samples. One of the most essential thing you need to recognize is that each stat has numerous soft caps from where the returns differ and also a last difficult cap at 99.

It's possibly the only Gun that is implied to damage instead of stagger, and also since you'll be mostly utilizing the heavy Kirkhammer, you'll find yourself utilizing it just in the most unlikely scenarios. A great deal of dodging around and selecting the best time to assault will certainly get you accustomed to shocking challengers too, which can function enormously well to launch Visceral assaults.

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As a general guide, the total window area should be less than 25 per cent of the total floor area of the house. Most of the windows should be located to the north where good solar access is easiest to manage, with minimal amounts on the east and west facades.

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How do I pick a house plan?

10 Tips for Selecting the Right House Plan 1. Know your budget. 2. Decide on specific space requirements and how that space should be divided. 3. Determine how you want to use and experience your space. 4. Consider energy-saving designs suited to the climate. 5. Choose a style appropriate for the location. 6. Take any irreplaceable household property into account. More items•

rly great develop i advise, have a variation of this my self. Given that practically anything can be Quality as well as your STR as well as DEX will certainly virtually be as high as one of those committed builds you can do whatever you such as.

Let The Sunlight In! Every Little Thing You Needed To Know Concerning Sunrooms

The Washing Pole may not be the very first weapon that any individual considers when it comes to selecting a top quality build tool, yet this katana is still an excellent option regardless. Chikage's changed state will drain your HP, so you have to manage it.

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The Flamberge is just one of the much safer weapons that gamers can make use of if they don't intend to experiment way too much with their moveset. That being said, the Bastard Sword is absolutely among the much faster weapons in Dark Spirits-- although its highest-damaging attack very sluggish-- and is a terrific pick for an individual to finish their playthrough with. The Bastard Sword may-- ironically sufficient-- be mostly neglected when it concerns picking a proper sword in Dark Hearts, but there's no denying the legitimacy of this weapon for individuals who are seeking a Quality build. This tool is fairly comparable to the Uchigatana, so gamers that are made use of to that famous weapon can select this counterpart if they're seeking a Quality develop.

I wound up purchasing Vigor in addition to STR/ DEX after reaching 27 VIT/ 19 END - all to use the Lothric Knight Armour. That along with Havel's Ring is currently able to handle a mix of Morne and also Expatriation armours - within 70% WR. Making use of Prisoner's Chain rather than the Life Ring to compensate for the additional END levels. We have actually been constructing outstanding new homes throughout the UK for 70 years, creating exceptional homes in desirable locations. In an independent survey, greater than 9 out of 10 of our consumers would advise us to a pal.

Using the really most recent advancements designed to make living in a Heath Farm house simple and easy. Providing exceptional high quality living areas is what Lovell is renowned for, however at Health Ranch we have taken points to a totally various level. My male, arcane is exceptionally underated, additionally if you are doing a hybrid you must simply opt for 25 arcane given that A telephone call past does not actually have much usage and you will certainly have much more AR on your weapons.

He was efficient, precise and also communicated any concerns in the process to ensure that we recognized any kind of additional prices we may sustain. It did appear small, expected a big location, however the children happily picked out their bears and also had a good time. I recommend bringing a minimum of ₤ 30 per child to cover bear and also any kind of added prices for clothing, shoes, beating heart or perhaps a voice box. In this manner you keep the 50 str you missed out on in the normal quality one as well as still keep the high dex as well as str. Every little thing is simply my viewpoint though, so at the end of the day just purchase whichever statistics you really feel deserve investing.

[pennystockstrend-blog]

Best Penny Stocks to Buy Now

  Best Penny Stocks to Buy Now

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Ignore Some of the Success Stories

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Rather than focusing on this, you Want to look at the Stocks on Just ignore all of the success stories as most of these will not repeat. Do your research and learn about the market to ascertain which ones would be the ideal ones to you. Go the Disclaimers

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There are always going to be salespeople who come to you using a Fantastic story about their organization and will cause you to fall in love with their merchandise. However, your task is to look at something to discover if it's really going to cause you to the cash that's promised. With some good research and hard work, you will be able to find the right choices for your own needs without falling prey to others who need your money. Do Your Research Before you get into any of those Stocks, then You Have to make certain That you complete your research. There is very little information that's provided inside of Penny Stocks, even though there are a couple of companies that will offer this information to help you out. This indicates you'll need to get to work and also do some research on your own. Look up the organization and learn a little about them including a few press releases and other information that surrounds them. You ought to take a look at the market overall and see where things are going. You can even look at the present Stock and see its own history to find out just how things are going to the business. When you finish the Ideal research Prior to Making a decision, You will find it is easier than ever to find the outcome you would like. You'll be able to make informed decisions, rather than just leaping into the mix and expecting it all works out for the best. Follow Your Plan with Penny Stocks to Buy Now If You're new to Penny Stocks, then you may find that It's easy to Get really involved with the Stocks. You may get too involved, believing that you will need to keep moving when you're losing money and getting too upset, when things aren't going how you desired. It is important to check at all this objectively and learn how to always keep your head and think critically, no matter what is going on in the market. Addictive character, it is not a fantastic idea to enter Penny Stocks. You will need the ability to take charge of the circumstance, regardless of what occurs, so you can think critically and make decisions which will allow you to make the most money possible with Penny Stocks. Best Penny Stocks to Buy Now For 2019, we had profits of over 220 percent that's wonderful! Please check out all the blogs to learn more about how to trade penny stocks. If you would like penny stocks to buy now just check out our updated daily webpage. You can join us for 7 days for free with our limit trial.

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Top Penny Stocks to Buy Now in Current Market

Top Penny Stocks to Buy Now in Current Market

As a beginner, you may be a Little concerned about getting started  These will take a different route compared to working with conventional Stock Market and at times it's tough to find the info that you want about the company prior to making the investment that you would like. With that being said, it is likely to be successful when using Penny Stocks, then you only have to be cautious with the choices which you make in Penny Stocks and take time to really see results.

Ignore Some of the Success Stories

When you first getting started with Penny Stocks, You're going  To get a good deal of info and emails about the success stories of others who've done nicely with Penny Stocks. These are found on social networking sites as well as in emails, but frequently these are unusual conditions or the information is made up.

Rather than focusing on this, you Want to look at the Stocks on  Just ignore all the success stories as nearly all of them will not repeat. Do your own research and find out about the marketplace to ascertain which ones would be the right ones to you.

Go Through the Disclaimers

If you are receiving a newsletter about a Penny Stock, you need  To be mindful about the advice that you're reading. There is nothing wrong with picking I[ some of those Stocks from such newsletters, but you need to be aware that many of them are sales tips and also to give exposure to companies which, for the most part, are extremely bad and could wind up making you lose a great deal of cash.

The Majority of the newsletters that You're reading will not give you the Complete story. The men and women that are writing them will do so in order to pump out the Stock Price and they're not likely to let you know the right time to sell the Stocks. They'll work hard for you to buy their Stocks, and then you never hear from them again. It's nice to read through a number of them to find some advice, but whenever the disclaimers say that these are composed as a promotion for a single company or another, you are aware that the tips are more of a sales pitch rather than a fantastic investment advice.

Sell Quickly

Is that you're able to get a massive return on investment, up to 30 percent, in only a short amount of time. If you would like to produce a return on investment like this with Penny Stocks, then you'll have to market your Stocks fast after you purchase them.  Contemplating Penny Stocks are occasionally getting pumped out and the industry is volatile, so you ought to be pleased with what you buy or you may lose out on a great deal of money.

You need to be really careful about the people you are  Listening to, even when it has to do with business management of the Stock that you're planning to enter. After the Stock prices are moving up, these organizations are able to raise more money and it's more probable they will stay in operation. On occasion, they may not even be companies, but basically, insiders that are trying to become rich.

In Reality, most of the promotions that you see come in the same  Group of people using various businesses and press releases so as to get some hype up and earn some excess cash. They might have purchased the Stocks at a lower cost and now want to produce a good deal of buzz for you to make a purchase much higher than what they initially paid.

With some Fantastic study and being analytical of things you  Hear, it's easier to pick a Penny Stock that is really good and make the cash that you desire.

Focus on High Volume

When you are getting started, It's Ideal to only purchase  Stocks that have at least 100,000 shares traded daily. If you go for a Stock that is too low in volume, it's sometimes too difficult to get yourself out of the position. In addition, experts recommend that you select Stocks that are selling for over 50 cents a share. Dealing with a Stock that's lower in price than this might appear appealing, but often these are not considered liquid enough to truly play .

Decide on the Best Stock from the Bunch

You Should Make Certain that you pick one of the best Stocks which  You can find, particularly when you're just beginning in this enterprise. Some specialists recommend that you find a Stock that's really good earnings overall or one which has broken out of its ordinary 52-week highs in volume. A number of these are simple to find, however, the trick with these is that you want to discover ones that have these highs, but maybe not because of a pump and dump scheme. You desire the highs to be because others want to know more about the Stock and the worth is going up obviously, not because of some buzz that is created to inflate the purchase price.

In Regards to the Stock market particularly with Penny Stocks, You can't fall in love with only 1 Stock. When you decide which one Stock, and just one, is the only choice that you will proceed with, you're going to wind up failing because you won't look at the Stock in a logical way.

There are always going to be salespeople who come to you with a Great story about their organization and will cause you to fall in love with their merchandise. However, your job is to look at something to discover whether it's really going to make you the money that's promised. With a few fantastic research and hard work, you'll have the ability to find the ideal choices for your needs without falling prey to others who want your money.

Do Your Research

Before you get into any of those Stocks, You Have to make sure  That you finish your research. There's not much information that is provided within of Penny Stocks, even though there are a few companies that can offer this advice to give you a hand. This indicates you'll need to get to work and do a little research on your own.  Look up the organization and learn a little about them including some media releases and other information that encircles them. You should have a look at the market overall and determine where things are moving. You may even examine the present Stock and see its own history to learn just how things are going for the company.

When you complete the right research before making a decision, You'll discover that it is easier than ever to find the outcome you want. You will be able to make informed decisions, rather than just jumping into the mix and expecting it all works out for the best.

Follow Your Plan with Penny Stocks to Buy Now

If You're new to Penny Stocks, then you may find that it is easy to Get really involved with the Stocks. You might get too concerned, believing that you need to keep moving when you're losing money and getting too upset, when things are not going the way that you desired. It's important to check at all this objectively and learn how to always keep your mind and think seriously, no matter what's going on in the marketplace.

Addictive character, it is not a good idea to enter Penny Stocks. You will need the capacity to take control of the circumstance, regardless of what occurs, so that you can think critically and make decisions that can help you to make the most money possible with Penny Stocks.

For 2019, we had profits of over 220% that's wonderful!  If you would like penny stocks to buy now just check out our updated daily webpage. It is possible to join us for 7 days for free with our limit trial.

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link should go right above in the Hottest Penny Stocks to Buy Now

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Caramel Skin Under A Vanilla Sky prt 30 full draft. Let's launch this chapter into space and forget it exists

Laying on his back, Lance stared up at the roof of the command room of the Telula. How long it'd been since he'd left the Atlas, he had no idea, only that his tears had run dry. Once again he was alone. Once again his heart was broken by the one he'd loved. Only... this time was different. This time there was nothing to live for. Planning a hundred juniper berries wouldn't make Keith come after him. Planting a million wouldn't ease his broken soul. The fragile web of trust they'd spun had been torn to pieces right before his eyes. Keith had not only lied to him, he'd spilled his deepest darkest secrets to his mother. That explained why Krolia hadn't spoken to him before the meeting, she was probably silently judging him, waiting for the right time to admit she'd known he was naive and stupid all along. She couldn't let someone as dirty as him be with her only son. The Galra prided themselves on strength, where as he wasn't even able to make it through most days without something startling or panicking him. What good was he anyway? No one listened. Shiro hadn't wanted to hand over control of the meeting, but he'd taken it away like he deserved a place there, and like he deserved to be telling any of them how to do their jobs. However long he'd been gone, it'd been long enough for his heat to come. Long enough for his body to be screaming out for Keith's touches. His kisses. His soothing scent and warm arms. Keith was always so damn warm. It didn't matter what he'd thrown at him, Keith's arms were always welcoming and loving for him. His soft lips pressing kissing to Lance's temple, with nibble fingers carefully stroking his hair. Keith's touches had been his everything. Only his hold felt right against Lance's broken and battered body. Keith had moulded him into something more than he had been. And now when he reached out his hand, there was no one there. The only person he could blame was himself. With the engines running on 15 per cent power, his comms were off, the navigation system was off, leaving the space around him silent. He only needed enough power for gravity and life support. Letting his ship drift, he hadn't checked his position in vargas, perhaps quintants. He'd vaguely remembered pointing his ship towards his usual hunting grounds after messaging Shiro, Daehra, Th'al and his mother so she wouldn't kick up a fuss over his sudden disappearance. She'd fussed way too much over him as it was, so he'd been the perfect son and lied through his teeth over how "nice and quiet life was", and how "risk free" his job was. Yeah. It fucking hurt to lie, but what exactly could he say? Groaning heavily Lance rolled to his side, the view just as unappealing. When he could bothered moving his sticky body from the floor, he'd find a rebel camp to drop the Telula at. It held everyone's personal belongings, something he didn't think about when he'd bolted. All he'd wanted to do was put as much distance between him and Keith. Maybe if they'd talked before, he might have been able to find some way to understand... but he'd opened up to him. He'd let him in. He'd let Keith infect him, change him... rescue him. He didn't want to go back to step one. Not again... He didn't want his nightmares back. He didn't want to wake up alone, or huddled in the corner of the room bleeding with no memory of how he got there. How could he be with Keith after he broke his trust? He'd told Keith he'd needed honesty. Keith who gave him everything else, but the one thing that his broken mind needed. They'd had sex. He'd opened up... literally. Perhaps it wouldn't have stung so badly if it hadn't happened on the heels of that night. * Keith's scent haunted him. The whole ship seemed infected by it. More often than not he'd turned to look to Keith, only to find Allura in his place. He didn't miss Allura. Each conversation he had with her reminds her that she was only a hallucination, and an annoying one at that. Lance couldn't say he'd done a good job of reestablishing himself. His injections were all over the place. His stomach was only accepting minimal amounts of food, and his period hadn't come yet though he felt bloated as hell. Yet he wasn't able to find the effort to care. Keith was gone. Even if he was to turn his ship around and fly back to the Atlas, Keith would have realised by now how much hard work he'd been, and how far Lance had dragged him down. Naturally the pain hadn't passed. The tiny flicker of hope left him unable to wash Keith's scent off his pillows. He missed him. He missed so quiznakking much that his mother would have beaten him black and blue for the number of times he'd cursed the universe for giving him Keith. Wherever he was, Lance hopes he was safe. He hoped that Keith wasn't doing something reckless, or impulsive. That he'd been able to get Lance'a point across in regards to tracking down those responsible for all the disappearances near Ghazex. Lance wished he had the courage to go running back to Keith, but he was so ashamed of how things had played out. He'd shown enough of his shameful sides to Keith... but left alone in this self imposed solitude... he couldn't help but want Keith by his side even if it was to say goodbye. Landing on the far side of Sucrulia, it wasn't Lance's favourite place in this sector of space, but it was the place he was to rendezvous with Th'al at her request. The place was almost all sand and rocky outcrops that reminded him far too much of that shack Keith called home, even the colours were more Earthy than a lot of places out there. No one was around for miles, given this was the desert side of the planet, so until Th'al arrived all he had for company were a few tumbleweeds and a whole lot of creepy purple looking cacti, that were the only unEarth like things there. The other side of Sucrulia was lush, there were ports all along the coast line trading in all kinds of exotic herbs, and spices, and the whole feel of the place was like the golden days of piracy on Earth. That's why they were meeting in the middle of the stupid desert. No one from the other side of the planet came here. No on from the other side of the planet could get out here without the use of a ship. A thick valley of sharp obsidian waiting to murder anyone stupid enough to attempt their way through. Lance had a stupid plan. A very stupid plan, and Th'al was key to it. She'd been pissed to all quiznakkary when he'd suddenly reached out after a phoeb out of contact. It'd been risky firing up his comms, but he'd wasted a whole phoeb without accomplishing anything other than drifting in space, lazily patrolling between bouts of self loathing and remembering he was technically wanted man so had to lay low... not that really stopped him. He couldn't stop his whole life just because he'd been kicked to the curb again. A revelation that'd come after a tremendous amount of self wallowing, tears and Keith's pillows. Lance hadn't been able to bring himself to evict them into the vacuum of space. Th'al kept him waiting for a while quintant. By the time the female bounty hunter showed up, the cacti population had diminished slightly thanks to boredom and his favourite blaster, many now sporting smiley faces that didn't make them any less creepy. Landing her pod next to the Telula, Th'al was just as intimidating as he remembered. Her dark hair pulled into a tight bun, that reminded him of his third grade teacher who'd reduced him to tears over his English, as she strode down her pods loading ramp with her blaster raised in his direction. Raising his hands as if he was actually surrendering, Lance hung his head as she started to scold him. It wasn't like he Th'al were best buddies, they were simply both in the same line of work and had similar ideas on not killing each other over a bounty "What the stars, Leandro! What did you do this time? Daehra was blowing up my comms. Something about you upsetting the Atlas? And why would you return out here? Were you born stupid?" "The jury's still out on that one" "Of all the stupid things you could do. Do you know the Atlas is on the move? There's been talk of Blades being sighted" Great. Shiro hadn't listened, or he'd opted to listen to Keith over Lance and now they were invading his space and threatening the undercover mission Lance had strategised for himself. He needed to get back out to the outpost, and what better way than to be escorted by a hunter handling a bounty? If Keith were there with him, the half-Galra would have already lost his shit over it and deemed it all an unnecessary risk. Then probably would have told him he loved him and fretted over Lance getting himself chopped into tiny pieces, something Lance didn't particularly want to happen but when your heart's just been broken all over again, you don't exactly care for you own wellbeing. "I told them not to interfere. I even gave them a full briefing over how coming out to our little corner would only make things worse. So you can't pin all of this on me. Besides, it's not like I actually wanted to go back to the Atlas..." "Yeah. Yeah. I don't need to hear your life story. I still think this plan of yours is weak" That's because it was "Aw, Th'al. This is why you're still single. I'll have you know my life story is far more interesting than you could ever imagine" Raising her blaster to line the shot up, Lance snorted at his friend "You can shoot me if it'll make you feel better, but I've got a full suit on under these clothes" "Dammit. Fine. Whatever. Don't think I won't shoot you in the foot the moment you get annoying" "I know you will. Are we good to go?" "Of course we are. I'm not some amateur like you are. I've messaged Daehra over the Telula. Thanks for that by the way, she's been blowing up my comms trying to find out if you're alright" "You know how she gets. And you know I needed to lay low. We should probably get out of here if you've already messaged her. The Blade members she's with have an annoying tendency of sticking their noses in where they're not needed or wanted" Glaring at him, Lance was on thin ice when it came to Th'al's patience. Moving to walk past her, he was grateful that she didn't shoot in the foot just yet, though he was sure her desire was strong. With the pod being on the small side, Lance set himself up in the passenger seat of it with a spare holopad while Th'al piloted the ship away from the Telula. Activating his girl's shields remotely, it was a weight off his shoulders to know that everyone would be getting their personal belongings back sooner rather than later. He'd even triple checked that she was in perfect running order for when his team arrived to retrieve her. They'd probably be annoyed that he wasn't there, but this mission needed to come before all the craziness of his private life, and he needed someone more objective than his team to assist in it. They cared too much. They'd blame themselves if something was to happen, which he couldn't be responsible for. No matter what happened the fall out needed to land his shoulders alone. Th'al would leave him if worst came to worse. She'd take her pod and flee before the first shot was even fired. That's what he needed. None of this self sacrifice bullshit. Tapping his fingers against the holopad, he felt something light hit him in the side of the head "Stop tapping so loudly" "I'm not tapping loudly" "If I can hear you, you're tapping too loud" Rolling his eyes, Lance tried to play off the panic that formed at the unexpected strike. He could deny it until he was blue in the face, but without Keith there, his nerves were a fucking mess "I'm sorry. I'm just checking the area. I haven't been able to with everyone deciding they suddenly needed to come after me. I didn't want the data signal registering too close the Telula" "If you hadn't got yourself into this mess, than none of this would have happened" "I know. But on the plus side, when you hand me in you'll have enough money to do... whatever it is you do" Waving his hand, Th'al simply ignored the gesture to continue in the same flat tone "This is true. And I won't have to hear your voice... It almost makes me wish I could wormhole straight there" Huffing at Th'al, it'd be easy for an outsider to think that she truly did hate him, and wasn't secretly a softie under all her creepy armour. He'd seen the glittery blankets and soft toys on her bed, plus anything strawberry from Earth turned her into a mess of love and compliments. Not that they actually got their hands on Earth rations that often. She liked Erathus even less than he did "You're so mean. You're picking on me without even letting me know how your side of the mission went" "What's to let you know? You changed your strategy. That boyfriend of yours got into your head and now you're being stupid again" "Keith isn't my boyfriend" "Mhmm. He's out here. They say that there's going to be a meeting between the Galra, that Earth crew and the head of the police, and government on Erathus" Lance's eyes widened, gaping as he looked to Th'al. This wasn't what he wanted at all. There could be nothing good from a meeting like that... He'd fucking told them. His voice higher than normal as he squeaked "What? Are you joking!? Please Th'al, tell me that you're joking" Laughing happily, Th'al was a bitch "Your face was priceless. How would I know what's happening over there? I was busy thanks to some dumbarse dropping off the universe for movements" Oh thank god for that. Even as a joke, that was fucking cruel. If anything happened to the others, he'd never forgive himself... especially Hunk and Shay. He hadn't even stayed at their damn engagement party, too busy being coddled by Keith... Fuck... If anything happened to Keith because he'd run off... that... he couldn't survive that. Keith was doing so much good in the universe, or he had been until Lance had waylaid his plans and forced him to run off with him "Don't worry. The Atlas isn't really out here. Blade members are though. Been asking rebel camps if they've seen you" Lance scowled hard, realising she'd read him like a book and played him harder than Pidge going at Killbot Phantasm 1. Maybe he should have ejected himself into space while he'd had the chance. It'd be less painful than knowing Th'al could see right through him "You've been fucking with me from the moment you landed, haven't you?" Shooting fucking fingerguns at him, Th'al smirked. Fucking fingerguns. That was his thing! "Yep. Consider it payback for being a little bitch" "You're the bitch. Are you serious about the Blades being out here?" "Yep. Worried your little boyfriend is going to get himself into trouble?" "Keith isn't my boyfriend. And I seriously thought he was smarter than this. This isn't a fucking game" "Daehra said "he's been quite upset since you left". Should I pretend to care and ask what happened?" God. Keith... He could be so stupidly bullheaded. He'd nearly gotten himself killed trying to recover Shiro from Kuron... and then there was that time that Matt told them about, when the dickhead tried to get himself killed. Thanks to Th'al, his heart was beating way too fast, a thick heavy weight sitting in the bottom of his stomach, which might have something to do with the bloating "Nope. You can sit there and shut up" "Someone's sensitive. Have it your way then, "Loverboy Leandro"" Without Th'al bitching at him, Lance's stupid mind had decided to fixate on Keith. The harder he tried to pay attention to the holopad, the more he found he couldn't. His own holopad was on the Telula, he hadn't been able to delete the photos of him and Keith on it, instead he'd wrapped it and left it with a note to Keith. It wasn't exactly hard to lose focus on his mission. He'd be going in alone, before Th'al sent word out. His injection schedule was gone. His mask was gone. His ship was gone. His accidental husband was gone. Their relationship was over but that didn't mean Keith wasn't at the forefront of his thoughts. If he could stop whoever was behind this, Keith wouldn't even need to be involved. Keith would be safe... so would the others, but... Fuck.... he was hopelessly and thoroughly miserable without Keith and his stupid not-mullet. Hearing that Keith was worried about him wasn't exactly surprising, for a while he'd kind of been worried about himself too, but the voices in the back of his mind were quick to speak up. Quick to remind him how fast fucking weak and useless he was, and that he had no right feeling all warm and glowy over Keith when he'd been the one to walk out on the half-Galra. Still, he was only kind of human and a slave to the emotions that Keith had pretty much ripped back up to the surface. He couldn't even fall back to his doses because not a single loose pill, or untainted vial remained in his room, Daehra and Keith had got to them all. Settling in for a long trip, it proved to be just that. Th'al was far more stubborn than him, the woman keeping her silence purely to prove she could, leading to an exceptionally long trip because two could play that game and his Mumma didn't raise no quitter. * Using Zac's program to charter the magnetic fields, the outpost was unfortunately still standing. A dozen half face masked, full rest armour, armed officers were standing near the area landing for the outpost as Th'al landed her ship, Lance half tempted to make a joke over the welcome party, but he had the feeling it'd fall flat between himself and Th'al. Their silence had lasted until Th'al accidentally broke it by cursing her communicator when it started to ring. She hadn't liked losing to him in the slightest, much like Rachel when it came to pretty much everything, yet unlike Rachel Th'al had been allowed to shoot him in both the leg and shoulder with her blaster. Only grazing shots for the sake of appearances, but enough for him to nearly lose control of his emotions. Still, he wondered if he should find it strange that the two blast shots hadn't affected him as badly as when she'd punched him in the face to split his lip and blackened his eye. He'd very nearly panicked himself into oblivion when she'd touched him. His stupid healing was already taking care of the wounds too fast, not that it dulled the pain. His body much more astute to pain now that his medication had been adjusted, and he couldn't simply get high to mask the symptoms. Dressed in his bloodied civilian clothes, there was no point wearing a body suit into the outpost. One of the first things they'd do would be check him for weapons, tracking devices and recording devices. As a "prisoner" he needed to look like he'd put up the fight of his life. Going in unarmed, and armour free... Keith would kill him. So it was a good thing he actually wasn't. The cuffs around his wrists weren't actually fixed in place, a small canister on sleeping gas hidden in the locking mechanism. The insertion of the metal key would shatter the thin glass encasing the gas. Th'al had been holding out on him for the whole damn trip, springing her invention on him quite proudly as she slapped them around his wrists. There wasn't enough gas to knock out a crowd, but one or two Galra on the other hand... He literally couldn't wait to try it out, the potential applications if they could mount it to his suit would be just too good, or if he hollowed out rounds in a more traditional gun... so maybe he hadn't thought that one through, but the potential applications. It all came back to those two words... and the whole surviving what came next thing. The way he figured it, Th'al had already posted she'd claimed the bounty and was delivering him personally on the hunter boards. She'd waited until the last moment to do so to prevent anyone coming after them, plus his time dated beaten and bloodied face photograph proved she'd "subdued" him, and indeed had had held him in her custody. Giving him one final look over, Th'al aimed her blaster at him "Right. Out you get, time to stop bleeding on the floor of my pod" This was Th'al speak for "I've done a damn good job, but I'd like to leave in one piece so I need you off my pod before they decide to just blow us up. Every offence meant" "Thanks for this" Th'al frowned at him "I don't know if you should be thanking me. I'm about to deliver you to your death" "I'm not going to die here. You know the plan" "I know you're a fool. Relying on the gas to knock them out, then taking their weapons... What if they don't touch the cuffs?" "Then I'll smack them against a wall or their faces..." "Leandro..." She really must think he was going to die because she'd never given him such a concerned look as she was right now. Softening his features, Lance let out a soft sigh. Why did people always have to go and get emotional at all the wrong times? "Th'al. We've come this far. I can't let this continue happening. What if you're taken? What if it was your friends and family? They took my friend, they killed another... Now Earth is involved... I can't let people keep getting hurt. For our little space in the universe, I need to do this" "You're a fool" "Yeah. A stubborn idiot who's a bit of a dick. That's what my husband would say..." Th'al widened at his soft confession. Lance hadn't meant to let it slip... or maybe he had. He was hurting and all he wanted was Keith to be safe, so that not all of this was for nothing "You're married?" "To Keith... By accident on Daehra's planet. He broke my heart but I can't stand the idea of him ending up to chopped into pieces and left out here. So I need to do this, and I'm going to do this. Let's head down before they storm the ship and arrest you for being an accomplice instead of a delivery woman" With Th'al's blaster against his back, Lance hunched his shoulders and kept his head down, being the best battered prisoner he could. Normally a bounty hunter would sign their catch over to the authorities, or on personal delivery, they'd escort their catch in and sign over rights. That wasn't quite how it played out. Reaching the small army waiting for him, a large outpost officer grabbed him by the hair, bending his throat back as he was gut punched for his trouble. Gritting his teeth, Lance received a second blow for not crying out like they wanted "I'll be taking my payment before you kill the merchandise" Four of the men behind the one holding him up by his hair raised their weapons towards Th'al. Th'al moving away from him as she aimed her blaster. The man holding him growling "I suggest you leave before we arrest you" "I demand my bounty. I acquired the target" Pulling his blaster from his hip, Lance felt his hair being torn before he was stumbling sideways and landing on his knees painfully, the man holding him activating the blaster into its extended form "Leave" "Fuck this" Raising her blaster and her free hand, Th'al stepped back "Expect to hear from Erathus. This is not how business is conducted" Glancing between the men with weapons aimed, the man who'd just made the silent threat to shoot her, and Lance, Lance gave Th'al a tiny nod. Knowing her she'd find a way to still get paid. No one would take a bounty if they weren't going to get paid, especially over such a large sum. Lance was personally more concerned with her getting out of there alive... And not taking another blow to the gut in case they broke the vial in his cuffs before their group was down to a more manageable number. Still on his knees, he watched as Th'al jogged up the ramp to her pod... oooooh fuck... they were actually doing this now. Better late than never with the panic, but not at all would have been preferred... He was seasoned professional... his mother was going to slap him senseless with her slipper when she found out "It's a little late for panic. You made a mistake coming here" The clicheness of the man's line almost made brought a smile to Lance's lips. Bad guys were stupid. They were always stupidly stupid... Lance kind of missed the organise mess of murder that was the Galra... almost... maybe just Zarkon. At least had a reason for being a bad guy "Technically, that's still to be de..." Smacking him in the jaw with the butt of the blaster, Lance flinched as he bit the inside of his cheek "Did I say you can speak?" Spitting out the bloodied salvia gathering in his mouth, Lance continued "... cided. Now, take me to your leader?" "I... what... shut up. You're in no position to be making demands" "Idiot says what?" "Huh? What did you say?" Eh. It was close enough. Smirking to himself, Lance was smacked in the face with the butt of the blaster again. Losing his balance, Lance's hands went out to stop himself from ending up on his side, his cuffs no longer protected... The Cuban not thinking about how fragile fingers were until the man in charge brought his boot down on them, Lance howling in agony as the digits on his left crunched, the unprotected skin tearing as they broke, the officer taking an extra few ticks to relish the pain he was causing before finally releasing Lance's almost disfigured hand. Being down a hand hadn't been part of his plan... "Take him inside. Make sure you lock this thing up properly. They want it in one piece" "Aw. Don't you fella's know how to make a man feel special" was what Lance wanted to say. Actually anything quick and witty would have been better than the weak whine he let out as two hulking officers hefted him up. Between everything done to him within the last varga, his felt physically drained beyond words, leaving him limp as they started to drag him towards the entrance to the facility. If someone wanted him in one piece, then they wouldn't in a rush to murder him right away... Maybe his plan wasn't all rubbish? This unseen person who wanted him alive could hold all the answers to everything that had been happening in his area of space. Who they were and what they wanted... he couldn't even imagine. They had to be both rich and connected to run an operation like they had been for so long under the radar. Plus, they had to come from a long bloodline or they'd never have been able to inject themselves into the Erathus terraforming without raising suspicion. People couldn't simply turn up and build a city like the Erathian capital if no one out there knew of their family name. There were thousands of people involved in creating and building a city. The level of corruption in Erathus meant having people in every aspect with their ears to the ground, or they'd miss the pulse of the people. Government and police industry infiltration were basic entry level aspects when it came to low income earners, but when it came to the ambassador and police chief... yeah. Someone big had to be out there. Quietly proud of the scorch marks on the walls left behind from their last visit, Lance kept his mouth shut and forced himself to breathe through his nose. If he could have, he'd have bitten the inside of his cheek to keep from talking, but that would only make his aching mouth feel worse. As it was, his mouth tasted strongly of blood. The unwelcome irony coppery tang sliding down the back of his throat, while his bloodied face assaulted his sense of smell for a largely unappealing situation. He was practically suffocating on it all, his lungs screaming at him to open his mouth and gasp down air, but there was no way in quiznak he was giving his captors the joys of his suffering further than he already had. He was Leandro, and he had a job to do. Reaching the cells of the outpost, the room was dull. They'd stopped to throw him through the scanners, take the usual photos, then straight through with no actual paperwork being done. A single red circular light sat above the doorway of the hallway to connected the two areas smoothly. On both sides of the hall were seven barred cells. Prisoners needed no privacy, and once they were locked in, officers didn't particularly care if they inmates killed each other through the bars, as long as they made the effort to look like they considered prisoner safety. Feeling his feet tangle as tried to stand him up, Lance managed to trip despite being in their hold. Angered at the accidental action, the man to his left jabbed him hard in the ribs, causing him to momentarily lose his breath as the man to the right ignored his coworkers antics in favour of dragging Lance further forward. Making it to the end of the hall, Lance could barely see any of the red glow that shone lazily over the first few cells. Somewhere in the distance was a steady kind of dripping, and as far as he could tell there were no windows. With the man to his right releasing him, it took the stranger a few ticks to open the old fashioned lock for the cell door. Old fashioned key locks were only susceptible to lock picking if you could access the face which you couldn't here due to the size of the bar gaped, and by being quiznakking ancient it prevented hacking programs from hidden technology. It was brilliant really. Lance was always all for giving credit where it was due, and this definitely deserved a small clap. Opening without a creak the bars were clearly heavy as evidenced by how much force needed to be applied to get the damn door to move. The officer had to release him completely, push on the door and fight to hold it open as he looked to his teammate. Giving the officer a nod, Lance was propelled forward into the near blind darkness of the space, both officers clearing the cell doorway before the door boomed shut in a way he wasn't ashamed to admit turned his knees to jelly "Any funny business and we will slit your throat" There might have been men on both sides of him, and another four following their trip as they walked painfully slow, but what were all six of them going to do? He only had so much area around his throat. Lance didn't imagine them being the kind to wait so everyone could take a turn "Perfect prisoner. Scouts honour and all that. Thanks for the room guys. Love the uh... darkness. Right. I'll just be here. You guys do your job" Watching as they left, Lance finally allowed himself to grimace as the door closed. Shaking his aching fingers, he screamed as hand landed on his blasted shoulder. Flinching and ducking away, he raised his bound hands somewhat pathetically. The most he could do was bleed on his assailant "Shut up you, idiot!" "Keith!..." With wide eyes, Lance blinked half a dozen times hoping Keith would vanish like a hallucination "...Oh...no... what are you doing here?!" Crossing his arms, Keith didn't look terribly impressed. Probably because Lance had groaned out the second part of his sentence, and the cuffs Keith were wearing didn't really allow him to cross his arms properly "What am I doing here? What are you doing here?" What the... hold up. What? Why was Keith here? He was supposed to be off with the others... and not taken into captivity by the bad guys "Me?! What am I doing here?! This is my mission, Keith!" "Your mission?! You disappeared!" "I didn't disappear. I left. And now you're not supposed to be here... you're complicating things" Throwing his hands up, Keith sounded... snarky and pissy in a way that was kind of hot. Turning, Keith paced a few steps away before turning back to him "I'm complicating things? I thought you'd been taken! I've been looking for you for movements! And are you bleeding? Why are you always bleeding?! Didn't we talk about this? About all of this and agree that you were going to be careful? How did you even get here? Did you fly here?" Keith was going to get them both killed... these cells were probably bugged... "Of course I'm bleeding, my friend betrayed me, shot me and hauled my arse out here" "God! This is why I can't take my eyes off you! Do you even have a plan?" "Of course I do... did... do you have to keep yelling a me?!" "Yes! Do you have any idea how worried I was about you!" "You were worried! I was worried! This is the last place I wanted you to end up! What would you have done if they'd chopped you up, Keith?! Huh?" "I don't know! What would you have done if you ended chopped up?!" Lance spluttered. He was the one in the right here, not his idiot husband who wasn't supposed to be here! He wasn't emotionally ready for any of this! He was supposed to find someway to keep Keith safe... not be stuck in a near black cell with his husband! This was not the plan. This was not the plan at all! "I have a plan, dumb arse! I'm not about to... Quiznak, Keith... you... gargh!" Lance went to throw his own hands in the air before remembering the cuffs... and the very broken hand. Still, his hands went up enough to make him yelp, Lance losing his train of thought as Keith strode over to him. Reaching for his hand, Lance jerked back instinctively. Ignoring the action, Keith's fingers gently slipped under his broken own. The touch sending Lance into a damn near panic attack at the pain, both also with the warmth and comfort it brought. He didn't want Keith locked up in here with him, but after everything, the idiot had come after him. Keith had come after him... and while he was still mad, Keith wasn't dead. Lifting his hand, Keith turned it slightly to examine the skin, Lance assuming it was something Galrary inside his accidental husband that allowed him to see better than he currently could "What the quiznak is this?" "Broken hand... pretty much the only thing not going to plan... other than you know, my fucking husband showing up. Seriously... why Keith?" Keith ignored his question to growl out a question of his own "They broke your hand?" His broken hand? Keith was getting stuck on that? Keith didn't get to ask questions. He wasn't supposed to be here... so why was Lance letting himself be drawn in by him? Why did he feel slightly happy that Keith was angered over his injury? Right. Had to be the blow to face... maybe triggering that bit of brain damage...? He was mad at him. Mad... "Yeah... busted my mouth up too..." Yep. Totally mad at Keith... "Quiznak, Lance... Here. Come here, there's a bed thing at the back of the cell" And now he was following Keith to the back of the cell... Stupid traitorous emotions. He didn't need being fussed over by Keith. No matter how goddamn relieved he was to see and smell him again. Keith had shown up and derailed his mission. He only had a tiny bit of gas. He didn't have a suit. He couldn't protect Keith when things went down. He couldn't even protect him by leaving him, Keith's presence made that obvious. "Lance?" Standing in front of the thin cot, Lance realised Keith was waiting for him to sit down. It was almost like Lance was a completely different person. He didn't know how to think, feel or act around Keith now. He couldn't just laugh everything off. He couldn't crack a joke because Keith would see right through that "Do you need help?" "I can sit on my own, Mullet" "Then sit down. Let me look at your hand... I can't believe they broke it" "I can't believe you can't believe it..." Yeah. His brain damage was definitely in play here because even he was wincing at his own failed jokey tone. A joke he'd told himself wouldn't work. Quiznak. He was going to have to sit... which he did with a long groan. Everything hurt now that the weight was off his feet "... I'm fine. I'll heal..." "You're not fine. I can't believe your here... you weren't supposed to be here" If Keith was looking for a fight, the best Lance could manage was a mental shin kick "Like you were..." "You were missing. You left the Atlas and dropped into nothingness. I searched everywhere for you! Daehra and Lucteal talked to some friend of yours who said you were ok, then the next time they talked you were missing. Do you know how worried I've been?" "I wasn't missing. I was on the Telula" "Which wasn't out here? A whole phoeb Lance... I spent a whole phoeb thinking... thinking you were already dead... thinking the last thing between us was me breaking your trust because I'm a fucking coward" That wasn't playing fair. It was even less fair when Keith crouched down in front of him, sniffling softly as the smell of wet pine mulch met Lance's nose. Frankly he was kind of amazed he could smell anything other than blood after being hit so damn hard. Keith was crying. He wasn't allowed to cry... and now Lance was tearing up. A feared bounty hunter and the prince of Daibazaal crying in an outpost cell sounded worse than a bad joke "Keith, don't cry..." "How can I not?! Do you know how many times I've thought about you? How many times I... I know I should have told you, but at first I was scared and then I... didn't think about it. I didn't mean to tell her, you know I didn't. I wouldn't do that to you..." "Mullet, you need to calm down. Everything is being recorded right now... they're not going to lock us up without recording what we do and say. Sit down properly and take a breath... and be careful with my hands" Keith let out a shaky hiccup before sitting, resting his forehead against Lance's thigh as he shook his head "How are you so calm right now? They broke your fucking hand... and some arsehole shot you..." "I'm not calm at all. You're simply panicking enough for the both of us. Plus, it really fucking hurts to talk, but I did have a plan, and I didn't plan to never come back from this hellhole. I know you probably want to break out right now, but you need to trust me Keith" "I do trust you... I've always trusted you" "Good... don't touch my cuffs. My hands hurt. Now what we're going to do is sit and wait. You know I have those freaky healing powers, so I'm going to get both us out of here when the time is right. Understood?" "I... yeah. My team knows I'm here... does... I..." Keith was such a mess he was talking way too much. Lance wasn't so cold hearted that he'd kick him even further when he was this down... but he did need him to be the more rational one until he'd started healing "Keith. We're being recorded. Now isn't the time to be discussing this. I need you to pull yourself together again, and man up. The bed isn't much but it'll have to do. You need to get some rest, and so do I. All of this other stuff can wait for now" "I... yeah. Your right. I'm sorry... I'm so fucking sorry" "I don't know if I've forgiven you or not, but I'm not letting either of us die before we can talk about this. So come up here and sit next to me, or you can take the bed and I'll take the floor. They're waiting for someone to arrive..." "I thought they were waiting for you" "Unfortunately I'm not the last guest to the party" Keith let out a little snort, leaning back to wipe at his face as he did, or at least that was what Lance gathered he was going. He couldn't see jack shit in the dark "Did I ever tell you how much I fucking hate parties?" Keith's voice sounded slightly lighter, more hopeful. Like he was starting to pull himself from his slump "Maybe once or twice?" "Good. Good... as long as you know" "I think the whole universe knows. I know things look like quiznak right now, but we're going to be ok. I promise I'm going to get you back to Kosmo" "And I'm going to get you back to... me?" Nudging Keith with his boot, Lance permitted himself the tiniest of smiled at the thought "Maybe. We will be talking about this. All of this. I think you're dick for getting caught, but I'm struggling to think of anyone else I'd like to be held prisoner with... Now I'm going to get some rest. You should do the same. I have the feeling this is all coming to ahead and we're about to learn what all of this has been about"

[neotericbitch]

DarqAnon

I was raised a sun worshipper, but I definitely wouldn’t call myself religious now. My upbringing put a bit of a negative spin on how I view religion - actually, just sun worship. I’m totally fine with moon worship and the Church of the Faceless and any other kinds of belief, and to be quite honest most sun worshippers I know outside of my family are nice, it’s just - you know. Stuff they teach you, the way they get you to think, how you’re not supposed to question the whole thing where the rays give you cancer... They’re acceptable targets anyway, everyone makes fun of sun worshippers. 

And, I know there’s stuff in other religions that can be harmful to the people who belong to them, like the whole sacrificing thing that the Church of the Faceless has going on, but because I wasn’t brought up on it it’s not really my place to judge, and I don’t think they do it very often anymore, it’s just extremists now.

Anyway - I don’t think I’m religious, but I also can’t really help but believe in a bigger force outside myself, outside anyone’s control. A higher power. It’s probably just leftover brainwashing from how I was raised - sometimes when I’m annoyed I still curse the sun, it just slips out, haha! - but that’s really how I feel. I see my higher power on the horizon, where the ocean meets the blue sky. I hear it in the crunch of stones on a path, chosen for me to walk. I saw it in the burning rubble of Roarhaven six years ago.

I only started attending DA about three years ago, though, I think it was just denial I was in before then. But I saw a handwritten sign half-torn off the library noticeboard and I just thought, why not, and I showed up, and it went from there. I was so moved by everyone’s stories that I had to come back. And now it’s been three years and I run the Thursday and Saturday meetings!

The Thursday meeting used to go from 5:30 to 6pm, and I was going to that one for a few months and I made it work as best I could, but I noticed some people stopped showing up and others would make it late, and then one day Crandall tell us - Crandall chaired the Thursday meeting - that because of turnout they were going to close the Thursday meeting. And I thought, well that was stupid! It wasn’t that people didn’t want to come, it was because the time was inconvenient - we’re adults with 9-5 jobs, and I work at the High Sanctuary so my days can be long - and it being only a half-hour didn’t make it worth it, you know? So I stepped up and said I’d take over the Thursday meetings, and I’d change the time to 6 to 7:30.

And I love organising things, so I got right into it, and even after the first few weeks people would come up to me and say, “Isserley, that was a great meeting! You’re really good at putting things together! It used to be hard for me to make it to the Thursday meeting because of the time, but it’s much better and more worth it now!” And I felt really appreciated, it was so nice.

I like a project. I like organising things. I’m a secretary at the High Sanctuary, it’s required of me. I remember when I first got the job, taking over for the lady before me, everyone in the department was shocked at how well put together my work was, and I was in shock because, it just seemed normal to me! Did the last secretary really work so sloppily? So - yes, I think it’s fair to say I put a lot of effort into DA, maybe more than necessary. 

I do feel a bit like a fake sometimes. As I said, I’m not religious, I’m not an active Darquesse worshipper... The worst I could ever do was say a couple prayers to her at night, you know? Nothing worth worrying about, haha. I’m not really like the rest of these people, some of them are completely nuts. Salma Shelldon, well, she says she was dreaming of Darquesse when she was a child 500 years ago, and she comes in late every week with a bloody ball of yarn and she just sits there and knits these ugly beanies and I swear one day she’s going to walk in wearing one of them...

She annoys me, actually. Quite a few of them do. At the end of every meeting there’s a little tray I take out, and it’s not mandatory to donate but I always put in a five euro note, it’s just polite. But some of them just toss in a twenty cent coin and - and - well, what’s the use in that? Is one euro too steep? I know I shouldn’t judge, I can’t speak for anyone’s personal situation but my own, and I know for some of them it can be hard, not always able to hold a job, Darquesse interfering with aspects of their life........but STILL!

And that just reminds me of the man who used to come in, I miss him. I never properly spoke to him, unfortunately. I was never certain of his name. Well, Crandall said it was Steven and someone else - Feat, I think - said it was John but neither of those sound right to me. He looked in his 400s to me and I can’t imagine anyone during the war against Mevolent calling themselves anything so boring. Well, take me for example. 349 years ago I was born and 12 years after that I was called Isserley Lox.

Oh, but - the man, right. He appeared not long after I took over the Thursday meeting, just came in one evening and didn’t miss a week for the next two years! I didn’t like him at first, I asked him to speak on the night of his arrival and he declined, and I found that rude because it’s customary for you to speak on your first night - and he never did share his story after that, not in a group or one-on-one, but he came to be a sort of stable, comforting element in the meetings, I suppose. And - and! At the end of every meeting, he would put a twenty euro note in the tray! Why, I started getting anxious thinking I should do the same!

So he was a positive little influence. That’s why I ended up liking him. He had a very plain-looking face, not attractive to me, certainly, but he had this look to him as if he was always paying very close attention - even I drift off sometimes and I’m the one in charge!! And he wore these beautiful suits. I couldn’t for the life of me tell you what he did for work, though Salma once asked him if he was a model - hah, as if he’d ever want to wear one of your hideous creations, Salma! But, yes, I knew very little about him... I don’t even know what magical discipline he practised.

Oh, me? Exclusively a pyromancer. Tradition in my family.

Last year he was absent for the first time, and there was some discussion between us regulars while we were packing up about where he could have been. As it turned out he was waiting right outside, for me! It was the most words he’d ever spoken to me at one time - in the most wonderful voice, too. It was terrible news. Something he couldn’t specify had come up in his life, he was shuffling things around and could no longer fit the meeting into his schedule. I told him how sorry I was to hear it! And I offered him my number to call me if he ever needed to talk - but of course, he never did.

Then last year, I experienced such an amazing shock. I was preparing a folio for my superiors and came out to the hall, and who was coming down it with the Administrator - of the time, not the new one - but Skulduggery Pleasant and Valkyrie Cain! I’d heard she was back, though having not seen her myself I was quite afraid to believe it. But there she was, walking by in brand-new clothes - not very Darquesse in style, sadly, but we can forgive that - and as she came she actually noticed me looking at her, and, how stupid of me, I was standing too far out from the wall so they all had to squeeze by me - and she mumbled, “Pardon me,” as she went! 

Me! Pardon her? My higher power? My sun? It was fabulous, it was fantastic. I had a big smile plastered on my face for the rest of the day.

Actually though, I mustn’t forget to mention. Detective Pleasant did nod at me and say my name, and that was very strange, but I didn’t think too much of it. Fellow like that, a know-nothing know-it-all who sticks his lack of a nose in everyone’s business...I’m surprised he didn’t address everyone in the department by name. I suppose he would know, then, that I run two DA meetings a week. Well, let him. Doesn’t bother me. In fact, I feel a bit sorry for him.

He doesn’t know what it’s like to love a god, now does he?

[withinthescripts]

Season 3, Reel 2: August 13, 1953

[tape recorder turns on]

Amy, call Dr. Jefferson and get me an appointment on Thursday or Friday early morning.

Vivi and I found an injured cat and we’d like to get it fixed. Fixed meaning “spayed”, but I suppose also meaning “repaired”. See if Dr. Jefferson can repair and spay our new cat.

Also, pick up a square fabric about 30 x 30 centimeters, something orange, preferably patterned, an argyle or stencil print, as well as some dark thread, maroon or violet. Once you did that, fold the square into a bandana and embroider the name “Constance” onto the back part of the bandana. We named the cat Constance. Also Amy, can you print that name in script? In cursive where each letter elegantly sweeps onto the next. Don’t fret if you can’t do that, just do it in print, I guess. Thanks.

Letter from the office of Michael Witten on the 13th of August, 1953 to Ursula Lindholm, Director of Communications, Department of Global Trade, European office. Dear Director Lindholm. Thank you for your reply to my question about personnel restructuring. Your concerns about my “poking around” are valid, but rest assured that this is not an inquisition or a judgment, simply curiosity. Amy, don’t write “poking around”, say uh, say “inquiries”. Always mean what you say, but rarely say what you mean.

It is a brave new and unincorporated world out there, and we’re all doing our best to set about a new, less destructive course while implementing an entirely novel set of rules. If you and your office are finding success in reorganization, I certainly wanna know about it. We are not business, Director Lindholm, we are government. We are a truism, a monolith, many roots of the same tree. This is not competition, but collaboration. That being said, I apologize if I pressed too hard into your business and the goings on of your new Regional Director of Trade, Karen Roberts. Karen and I know each other peripherally through Global Secretary of Trade, Vishwathi Ramadoss, my direct supervisor.

Karen, I believe, testified against Secretary Ramadoss during preliminary hearings about domestic espionage in Vancouver last year, even though there were no fucking documents to suggest any of the allegations were true, Ursula, and even if they were, the things Secretary Ramadoss could have revealed about Karen, if there were any domestic spying on businesses, would have destroyed her career. Secretary Ramadoss was using computational machines to record basic data on commerce. It’s just numbers to help with global trade, which is Vishwathi Ramadoss’ fucking job over the whole fucking planet. So yeah, I’m a bit goddamned concerned about Karen Roberts.

Amy, obviously delete all of that, just cut it after the part where I said that I knew Karen. But seriously, Vishwathi was organizing data into charts about a birthplace, age, gender and known health records. The Pacific Northwest pissed themselves that Vishwathi was keeping notes on parents’ names. Oh, what if the citizens find out and try to reconnect with their parents? We don’t allow parents anymore – spare me, she only wrote down the parents’ names in cases where people were direct descendants of the last generation, so they’d already know. It was everything over nothing!

By the way, were you not able to find any of the files from our work in Vancouver? Where was I?

If my tone was aggressive, then I apologize. Ursula, it was not my intent, I would never wanna make a colleague feel less than on equal ground. As I understand it, Karen Roberts relocated the entire Western European Labor Department into the Communications Office. Congratulations on the increased resources! I hope you got a raise.

I wish there were a way to suggest this a joke. Ursula doesn’t seem to have any sense of humor. Her letter was what, two sentences? I’m surprised she didn’t carve it directly into a block of ice.

Amy, can you just draw a smilie face after my last comment? I’m not kidding.

But most of my questions went unanswered. Perhaps you’re pressed for time and if so, please let me know my best approach to Karen Roberts herself. She hasn’t returned my calls or letters. First, what is to become of regulatory protections for workers? The North and Baltic Seas are filled with fishing ships, there are mines and textile factories all over the continent. Who is protecting workers from abuse if the entire region has no labor department? You can’t build a society without a well treated work force.

Second, Karen Roberts owned the largest construction firm along the Gulf of Mexico. Upon taking a government job, did she sell her interests in KR Development, Inc.? Calls to her Houston office suggest to me she has not. This is a violation of the new society ethics bylaws for bureaucrats. If she still owns any part of KR while administering all of Europe’s trade, then this is in direct conflict with our new society’s core values for governmental leadership. This is not a threat, but a fact. Also, it is a threat.

Don’t write that part. Uh, no, write it but then draw another smilie face. That was definitely a joke, no threats in letters Amy, you know that.

I especially encourage you to look into the matter of weapons development along the old Mexican border. Karen’s factories were former arms manufacturing sites. Of course, KR Development now makes its business dismantling war machines for use in new, non-military construction. They have their slogan “swords to ploughshares”, of course. But in my working with Karen on previous North American reconstruction projects, there were persistent rumours that southern militias were being armed by weapons still being manufactured by KR. I have no physical evidence of this and I would never share it publicly, but the European people will not be happy if some journalist finds this proof. My North American people will certainly not be happy, which will make me even more unhappy, and Global Secretary of Trade Vishwathi Ramadoss will be the least happy of us all.

Of course, my staff member Amy Castillo was not able to dig up anything about current weapons production, and if she cannot find anything then I’m sure no one can. You didn’t, right Amy?

So perhaps we have no worries at all. I merely encourage you to do your own research into your new head of trade. Please keep me informed on this matter.

Finally, I was told someone from your office has shut down the production of a play called “Last Night We Were the Wind” at the Olympia in Dublin. I don’t mean to suggest that you are practicing censorship, but the account I heard had to do with the playwright Neve Connolly’s open critique of the new society, that your office found the play, quote, “grotesquely retrospect”. I understand that art can be disruptive and provocative, and we are all trying to build public and global confidence in our new society, but this is why a department of labor or culture exists, to work with artist to find the right message. Amy, underline “right”.

It should be a friendly discourse between government and author, not an indifferent one, as is the way with the “last” generation, nor as in this alleged case, an authoritarian one. Plus we’re only one year removed from the Removal of Nations Act, which forced England to finally cede imperial claims over Ireland, so I’m not sure a London office shutting down a play in Dublin goes over too well. There may be no more borders, but there are a fucking lot of feelings. A-amy, streamline that. Perhaps there were other problems related to labor or finances I’m unaware of, but please do enlighten me on the reasons for silencing a young artist.

Thank you for your time and input. Despite my uh pointed questions, please know that I’m only interested in learning more about what has been effective for your region. Life is nothing if not for learning.

Sincerely, Michael Witten, Director of et cetera et cetera.

[tape recorder turns off] [ads] [tape recorder turns on]

Amy, on second thought, if you can’t embroider a nice cursive script, please just find a tailor or something to teach you. I dunno, figure it out. I’m positive you can figure it out. I think you said you were learning pottery or woodworking? I should remember these things. It was something crafty, so you’ll pick this up in no time.

I hope you realize how much I appreciate your work, Amy. I’m aware that I can be abrupt, and I probably don’t acknowledge your efforts enough, but believe me, they are appreciated. When I worked as Head of the Midwest Region before I took this job, I knew the location of every file, every book, every paperclip in my office. I had to, I had a secretary oh god, Kevin Prince. He was dreadful. I had to edit every letter he transcribed, double check his document organization. I even listened in on some of the phone calls I told him to make. I liked how confident I was in every detail of what I did, but I got home at nine or ten PM most nights. Vivian was not happy eating alone. I felt like I was stacking teacups, each a different size every day, one on top of the other, each one taking more time than the last. Carefully looking at direction, curve, weight, keeping the center vertical… I knew it wouldn’t take long for it all to collapse. But then by miracle, I was selected to take over this office, and here you were.

And you’re everything Kevin was not. Organized and detailed, on time. My first boss at the Textile Distribution Center in Sioux City gave me only one rule: “if you receive an order, ship it.” It’s a deceptively difficult rule. I know almost no one including myself who can follow this 100 per cent of the time. If you receive an order, ship it.

I know we don’t work in shipping and fulfilment here, Amy, but everything I ask of you, you do immediately and effectively. I don’t know where anything is or how you have it all filed, but I’m home by six every night. And when I ask you to dig up old records on some project or meeting, I’ve got a tidy stack on my desk at the end of the day. Except Vancouver. I’m assuming those were lost or we just never had them?

I used to think leadership was managing every aspect of an underling’s work, but I realize leadership is quietly accepting that people will do everything correctly and allowing them to figure out when they’re wrong. Or you’re just really remarkable. Either way, Vivian appreciates you more than you know. We should have you over for dinner some night. We’ve worked together for how many years now? Why hasn’t this happened? Let’s make this happen.

Letter from of the office of Michael Witten on the 18th of August 1953 to Bernice Jones, Minister for Culture, North American region.

Dear Bernice, it was fantastic having you and Miguel for dinner this weekend. I always enjoy your company and Vivi and I truly loved the wine you brought. We never had a marble wine before. So crisp and smooth, but with a sweet nose, like someone eating a passion fruit next to you while you touch cold marble swatches. And please thank Miguel for the wonderful gift of music. I’m listening to the record right now*, Vivi has turned me on to jazz. I don’t know if I enjoy it, but I uh appreciate it. It’s like music but with a puzzle in it. Apparently there are some jazz clubs right here in Chicago.

* there’s no music in the background

You mentioned your youth arts initiatives in Oaxaca and I was intrigued. While the Department of Global Trade does not directly oversee artistic funding, we certainly oversee global trade, whatever you think that last word means. Perhaps there’s room for a collaboration here between our offices. As you know, Vivi is an avid collector of modern art. You noted with a touch of awe the original Claudia Atieno in our den, and I’ve never seen Vivi light up quite like that. [chuckles] With all the accountants and lawyers who come through our doors, you can imagine how rare it is to find a dinner guest who can recognize the care and attention Vivi puts into her collection.

After your visit, Vivi and I discussed how we can do more to help young artists. Or forget young, artists in general. Why single out only the inexperienced? What of those in between training and fame who need our help most? Of course we donate and make purchases where we can, but money only goes so far.

You may need to burn this letter after I tell you this, but our department is swimming in money. I can’t put resources toward a North American gallery or opera or (-) [0:16:30], but I could certainly put money toward a global artistic exchange. Can you imagine teaching the Cahto language in (Canberra), or singing Mariachi in Marrakesh, or performing Neve Connolly in London? I think the people of London would adore such a dynamic new writer.

Connolly is controversial, yes, what with her depictions of traditional family roles and the challenge this presents the new generations of people raised to reject the tribalism of family. But she’s a brilliant young playwright. You know her work, she was brought to speak at Tulane last year through a grant from your office.

The Palladium in London is dark right now. The West End is starving for theatre. We could produce a Neve Connolly play there with a North American production team and Dublin actors. I’m not sure if you’ve read her play “The Topaz Window”, but it’s truly a masterpiece. It centers around an extraordinary painting of mysterious origin that begins to drive a wedge between a previously close family. I won’t spoil it, but the denouement is truly shocking.

Anyway, if someone were to stage that, I’m sure we could commission a well regarded artist to provide the painting in question, maybe even Claudia Atieno herself. I know an art collector named Archie McPherson who would get us in touch with her.

This is truly cultural and global trade, I’m positive our European offices will be pleased. No, make that “delighted”, Amy.

I’ll have my secretary Amy send you a full proposal and budget within a week. I look forward to discussing this with you soon, give my love to Miguel, all the best, Mikey.

[tape recorder turns on]

Amy, write a letter to Vishwathi. 20th August, 1953.

Dear Secretary Ramadoss, I’m pleased to hear you agree with me about the European trade offices. I, too, was alarmed to hear that Karen Roberts had disbanded her labor department, but not surprised. As you saw in my memorandum, she has a long history of disrespect towards workers, going back to her time in Houston. My contact, Ursula Lindholm in the Communications offices in Europe, is reluctant to share many details with me, so I’m hoping to make new connections with the European Trade Department employees. A former colleague of mine from my old job in St. Louis, Leena Mäkinen is living in Helsinki. She would be interested in a move to the Oslo offices. Would you be willing to write a recommendation for her? I think Leena could provide some information that Ursula is certainly unwilling to share. Not a spy, really but a um… You know, scratch that, let’s not be dramatic.

I know you do not know her, and I do not want to seem flippant about professional ethics, but as you once told me, act first, argue semantics later. The staff and I hope you can visit Chicago again soon. Fall is beautiful here, we’ll take you to the lake. Also the Field Museum finally reopened last month. They only recovered a quarter of their collection from the Great Reckoning, but many museums were far lass fortunate.

Amy, remove the paragraphs mentioning Leena Mäkinen from this letter. I think it’s better not to involve the secretary in this. Let’s go with this.

Perhaps you can use your influence to find out whether Karen has sold off her interest in KR development, and what they plan on doing to manage labor, now that they’ve gutted the department. Thank you again for your attention in this manner. Sincerely, Michael Witten, North America.

[tape recorder turns off]

Jeffrey Cranor: Within the Wires is a production of Night Vale Presents. It is written by Jeffrey Cranor and Janina Matthewson, with original music by Mary Epworth. Find more of Mary’s music at maryepworth.com. The voice of Michael Witten is Lee LeBreton. You can support our show and get exclusive episodes and other cool things at patreon.com/withinthewires.

OK, our time is done. It’s you time now. Time to head to happy hour after a long day of work at the [yoga tournament], to enjoy a pint of [tamarin sauce] with your friend [Jean Valjean].

[mamgt]

Falling Stars

Chapter 5: The Stars Would’ve Waited

Song: Stars Falling Down by Kina Grannis

If you want to read the whole fic click here.

Today is Tom’s last day in L.A. before he flies off for the press tour of Avenger’s Infinity War. He came over to my house and asked if we could walk around. I asked Darnell to come along with us because I found it rude to just leave him in the house. Also, because I needed a little back-up just in case I choked. I had this idea of telling Tom about how I felt. I was just waiting for the right moment and if the right moment came while we were out, I needed some back-up.

However, once we were out, Darnell all of a sudden had some “errands” AGAIN. Of course, that meant he was finding an excuse for Tom and I to be alone. I knew it was him big brother-ing me. I told you, he knows me so well. I didn’t have to tell him that I had plans to tell Tom. That and because him and my mom talked about it behind my back. They did it because they cared, I know that. They’re all rooting for me. It’s just me who isn’t rooting for me. Walking on a red carpet was a different form of confidence than telling someone you like them.

I just need some sign, a green light to press on the gas and say ‘hey dude, I like you.’ Anything, give me something, universe.

Tom and I passed by a comic book store. He grabbed my hand and pulled me into it so fast that I started to see stars.

“Omg! Look at these!!” He was still holding my hand when we started looking through the comic books and only had let go when he jumped to another pile excitedly. I watched him as he moved around the store like The Flash (not the bully, the superhero), like there was something more interesting in the next pile and the next pile. He looked so cute running around and I could feel a smile creep up my face reminding me of how hard I fell for this boy. I mean, look at him. Who wouldn’t fall for him? Could he blame me?

“Hey!” Tom said, coming up to me.

“What?”

“Do you want that?” He pointed to the comic I had pulled out midway. I didn’t notice I was even holding it. I must have stood there like a deer in headlights - frozen. The whole time Tom was looking at comics, I was only looking at him. I inserted the comic back from where I got it.

“Nah…I was just looking at it.” I shrugged.

“Okay, good because I got you something better!” He pulled me towards the cashier.

“Hey Mike! Do you have it?”

“Hey Tom! Yeah I got it here!” who I am assuming is Mike was talking, a white guy in his late 30’s. He opened a slide door behind the cash register and emerged with a box full of comics. He dropped it on a table and had his back to us.

“Of course you’re the special lady he reserved this for!” Mike teased. He was talking to me when he turned to face us. In his hand, brought out in front of me was a Spider-man comic book. Not just any comic book. The very first one.

“Oh. I guess?,” I replied to Mike. I looked at Tom who wouldn’t look up at me and his big ears were starting to turn pink.

“Good haggler this one! He’s a keep—”

“Ha-ha! Okay… Thanks again Mike but we really have to go.”

“Right. Right. Do you want me to uh…put it inside a paper bag?”

“Z?” Tom asked me.

“Yes please!” I said.

Mike mumbled as he grabbed a paper bag and slid my comic book in,. “This is really one of a kind. You must be something, I mean your miss Zendaya, but would I give up…this comic book for any gal?” he said under his breath but loud enough that I could hear him but I was sure that Tom could hear him too.

“Uhhh thanks again Mike, see you soon man” Tom said as he quickly picked up the paper bag and went straight for the door.

“Wait! Wait! Tom!” I said lagging behind him. He stopped and I was able reach out for the paper bag. “What’s your hurry?”

“Oh. Nothing. Sorry. Yeah. You didn’t even get to…”

We moved out of the doorway and stood outside the comic book shop. I pulled the comic book from inside the paper bag and looked at it again. I couldn’t believe Tom got this for me. Several thoughts ran through my head.

I didn’t even know these still existed and right under my nose! There was one here in L.A.? This must’ve cost a fortune! Did he get one for himself too? I mean, he should be the one keeping this? He’s spider-man! Yeah, I’m a big fan and I’m not even being biased. Before, I got the role of Michelle, my favorite superhero has always been spider-man but—

“I can’t believe you got this for me…” I whispered under my breath, still staring at the comic book in mint condition still wrapped in plastic. “Amazing Fantasy” it read on the cover. “12 cents,” the little logo read and I touched it with my finger.

“Do you like it?” I looked up at and saw Tom with his big brown eyes staring back at me.

“I love it…” I smiled at him and gave him a hug. When we let go I said, “So you’ve been here before?” I pointed at the comic book store.

“Yeah, I mean. A couple of times,” he shrugged.

“Uh-huh. Couple times that the guy at the cashier already knows your name?”

“It’s an easy name to remember…”

“So I’m guessing it was just a coincidence that we passed by here too huh?”

“No. Okay,” he admitted with his head hung low. “I planned it but hey, it’s our last day hanging out together! I wanted to give you something spe— nice. Give you something…nice…”

“This…this is more than nice! Thank you Tom! This really means a lot. I can’t believe you! How did you even get this? Did you get one for yourself?”

“No..uh..it was just one copy and I wanted to give it to you. I know how much you like Spider-man.”

You mean you…how much I like you…

“But you’re Spider-man! Don’t you want this for yourself?”

“Nah… I really got it for you.” He put his hands in his pockets and his ears were still pink moving towards red now. I wondered if this was it. Was this the green light to tell Tom how I felt? Would any guy, who didn’t feel something for his friend, actually go out his way and do this? Can I still say he was just being nice? To be honest, I’ve only known him for less than two years and yet I spend almost every second I can with him. If he didn’t feel the same way, why spend this much time with me? He could literally get any girl, any girl he wants…

“Hey Tom!” It was Mike. He walked out of the comic book store and asked Tom if he could take a picture with the Spider-man statue.

“Sure, man!,” Tom said as he moved to the side of the Spider-man statue who was wearing the hoodie from our fictional high school in Spider-man: Homecoming. I didn’t even notice it because Tom was too excited to get into the comic book store. We admired it for a bit saying how cool it was they got all the details.

“They didn’t get one thing though…your height.” I used my hands to show the difference between Tom’s height and the statue’s.

“Shut up, Zendaya! Let’s just take the picture.”

“Nah, you go ahead. You can take a picture. You’re Spider-man!” I said stepping back. He can have this moment. He already gave me the comic book. I didn’t even think of a going away present. I mean, we could still talk to each other on the phone. It’s not like he’s going to be gone forever and we were still just friends, right? There’s no point getting sentimental. Unless…I looked at the comic book in my hand, already inside the paper bag.

“Hey, why don’t you join your boyfriend?,” said Mike and he nudged me.

“Oh. He’s not—“

“Mike…”

Tom and I said at the same time.

“Just go!” and with that Mike pushed me towards Tom.

“Come on, Z!”

“Go!” Mike encouraged, “Spider-man needs his MJ!”

“Yeah…” Tom said quietly.

I walked over and took the picture.

Darnell caught up with us and we decided to drive back home to my place. We ordered some take out because lord knows none of us can cook for shit. My kitchen is literally only used when my family comes over. Other than that, the refrigerator is the only appliance that gets noticed on a daily basis.

The sun was going down and Darnell decided to take Noon out for a walk. Ha get it because his name is Noon for afternoon… so…you know….never mind. Usually I would do it but Noon needs the exercise that only Darnell could give because I cannot run any faster than .05 km/hour. Okay, I don’t know if that’s the exact speed but you get my point, I don’t walk fast nor do I run.

I walked them out the door but before they left Darnell had asked me if I had told Tom about my feelings already.

“No…”

“Why not? What are you waiting for, Z?”

“Shhh… keep your voice down.” Tom was just in the living room going through Netflix. He didn’t seem to hear us or he would’ve asked why we were whispering.

“I need…time…”

“He’s leaving tomorrow. There is no better time! If he likes you, y’all can be cute on the phone and if he doesn’t, you don’t have to see him for like what? Three months?”

“Well! I need a sign then! Like a go signal. I can’t just come up to him and be like ‘oh yeah by the way I like you bro ha-ha’” I raised my eyebrows at Darnell to make my point.

“Zendeesha, listen, you don’t need signs” Noon was starting to pull at Darnell. “But if you still need it, it’s everywhere. The boy likes you, Z. Stop making him wait…Like how I’m making Noon wait.” Noon was becoming restless. “I’ll see you guys in awhile.” Darnell ran off before I even got a word in.

I closed the door and walked towards the living room. I plopped myself down on the couch beside Tom. He moved his arm behind my shoulders. Do I do it now?

“What movie are we watching?” Tom asked without even looking away from the T.V.

Or I could do it later…

We couldn’t decide what movie to watch so we started searching with out phones but easily got distracted when I found a meme on Twitter. Eventually, we never got to watching a movie. We just kept passing our phones to each other, looking for the funniest things the Internet had to offer.

“Ooooh…what’s this?”

“What?” I crawled over to his side of the couch and looked at his phone. It was a video from my app of me looking through my keepsake box that someone had reposted on Instagram.

“What’s a keepsake box?” Tom asked.

“It’s like a box of memories. You put little stuff in them from all your memorable moments.”

Tom was still watching the short clip of what was a longer video. It cuts exactly before I show the love letters that my ex had given me before.

“Aww! I wanna see the rest of what’s in it!,” Tom says to his phone before he turns to me to say, “D’you still have it?”

“Sure…” I said a little apprehensively. “It’s upstairs…” I didn’t understand where the fear was coming from but my gut was telling me it wasn’t a good idea to unbox a bunch of stuff my ex had given me. I mean, the whole box wasn’t filled with things he gave me but there was enough items to make the situation weird. Nonetheless, I lead Tom to the storage room where things like gowns I wore when I was 16 to items I had even before I got famous were kept. They were inside these neatly piled plastic boxes that looked like big tupperwares. Still, there were things lying around and it took me awhile to find my keepsake box. Once I grabbed it, I sat on the floor and Tom followed suit.

“Let’s see…” I picked up the first thing on there, which was the 3D glasses from watching the Amazing Spider-man movie.

“Oh cool!” Tom said as he got the glasses from my hand. “I saw this in the video! Your first date was to this right?” He looked up at me.

“Yup…” My voice was another pitch higher again.

“Cool…” Tom tried it on and then set it aside. He picked up another item inside my box. The letters were still at the bottom so it would take us awhile to get to them. Hopefully, we never get to them.

“You really like going to the movies, huh?” Tom commented on the amount of movie tickets inside the box. Some were already fading and you couldn’t make out what it said.

“It says….’The Lost City of Z’” Tom said.

“It does not!”

“That’s a really good film. I heard there’s a really amazing bloke on there. Really talented. Bred for an Oscar they say!” Tom said sarcastically.

“Shut up!” I said grabbing the ticket from him and tried deciphering the words myself.

“How can you read it!? You don’t even have your glasses on, love.” He grabbed the tickets from my hand.

“Well! I don’t have to read it because I’m the one who watched those movies, ‘kay?” He was right though. I don’t know why I was trying to fight him over what’s written on the tickets when even non-faded words are blurred to me.

Tom gasped dramatically, “You’ve never watched my film?!”

“Daaaaaaaaamn Tom!”

“What?”

“Of course I’ve watched your films!”

“Oh.” His ears turned really pink again like it did back at the comic book store. “You’ve watched my films?” he had a smug plastered on his face and I swear if I wasn’t so goddamn into him it would be the most annoying thing in the whole world.

“Yeah…”

“Like, everything?”

“…”

“Z?”

“Yeah okay! I did. It was for research! I needed to know if you had…”

“Had what?” Tom pressed on.

“Talent!” I sassed at him.

“OOOH!!! That was low, mate. Real low.” I was laughing hysterically and he joined me.

“I bet you haven’t watched my films” I said as our laughing died down. Tom suddenly made this face and reached out with his right hand.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

“I’m you! When you swung—“ he did the face again with the hand “and you met Zac Efron…like this…” then he started singing “I am brave, I am bruised...” I giggled. He was so stupid but I loved him for it. He could embarrass himself in front of people, none of that “too cool” for you attitude. Ugh. My thoughts were nagging at me to tell him already. A little voice kept saying “Say it. Zendeesha say it!” and it sounded a lot like Darnell. Yet, I still couldn’t find the courage.

“Nooo! The ones before!” I said as I poked him on his side and it tickled him a little. I just need a segway.

“You want me to watch your old films? Like what, when you were 12?”

“Good point. Nevermind.” Okay I don’t need a segway but this is harder than it looks. Do I just blurt it out?

“Like from Frenemies, Zapped, did Shake It Up have a movie? Because I don’t re—”

“Oh fuck you!”

“I personally, like Zac Efron better than the dude from Zapped”

“SHUT UP!” I flipped him.

“Awww come on now, how about you show me some…HAPPY SMILEY FACES!!!”

My eyes grew wide and my jaw swung open. I started swatting him things that were scattered on the floor: the movie tickets, some clothes that weren’t put into their proper bins, other papers that were inside my keepsake box. Tom stood up and tried to protect himself all the while laughing. I was laughing too. He started getting revenge and threw things at me.

“Can you smell the dinner, Z?” Tom teased, using the lines I had said in my very first youtube video that I had done a reaction video to on my app. This was some quality roasting. Not bad Tom, not bad.

He was getting pummeled by all the things I could get my hands on and that caused him to trip on the keepsake box and the contents went tumbling out until the red envelopes could be seen poking out. Tom looked down to see what he had tripped over and I felt my blood rush through me. He picked up the three envelopes, still with his smug face on not knowing that these envelopes were not just any envelopes.

“Oohhh….what are these?” I didn’t say a word. It was too late. I wouldn’t be able to hide it from him any longer and I didn’t see any reason to either.

“Z?”

“Yup?”

“Can I open ‘em?”

“I don’t think you should…they’re sort of…from my…ex.”

“Oh.” He looked at them. “Here. Sorry.” He handed them to me.

“It’s fine. I should probably throw it anyway. No point in keeping them, am I right?” I chuckled, trying to make the situation lighter. I looked down at the envelopes and rubbed my thumb on one them. I don’t know why I still kept them. I didn’t think it mattered.

“They’re love letters…from Valentine’s.” And I don’t know why I said that.

“Oh….yeah…they look like…they are…” Tom swallowed.

“Anyways!” I put the letters aside and sat back down and tried to collect the things we used to throw at each other. Tom squatted down and started to help me. Silence filled the room.  

Why did I wait so long to tell him? Now I can’t tell him how I feel.

“Z?”

“Hm?” I said without ever looking up at him, I just kept putting stuff in the keepsake box.

“I don’t mean to be nosy or whatever…I mean, you can…not answer…”

“Go ahead, dude!” I said, trying to pull off a cool and collective Zendaya when I could feel myself getting all nervous again.

“I just uhm, I uh…why do you still uh…keep the, the…letters?”

“Oh.”

“You don’t have to answer. Sorry. None of my business.” Tom said quickly.

“It’s fine! I told you, I’m over it. You can ask me anything about…Trevor. That’s his name.”

“Oh ok.” Tom looked relieved but he was still waiting for my answer.

“I guess. I don’t know... It’s just a reminder that someone had loved me once, you know what I mean? Like, yeah my family and friends…love me but this was different. It was special....Remember, I said that it wasn’t all bad? These letters were one of those ‘not all bad’. I haven’t looked at them since the break-up. It’s not like I’m pining over him. I really am not. It’s just the thought, you know. Someone spending their time to handwrite this thing made just for you.”

“...”

“It cheesy I know…”

“It’s not. It’s sweet.” He gave a weak smile. I didn’t know how to read him. I couldn’t tell what he was thinking. I searched his eyes that wouldn’t look at me but had nailed themselves on the floor. I could see his ears though, pink as ever.

“Zendaya?”

“Tom?”

“Do you think…uhm…” he swallowed. “You think you can…maybe, like someone else? I mean, after Trevor. Have you uh…I mean you said you moved on but can you see your, uhm…”

“Can I like anyone else?”

“Yeah?” His head shot up the way Noon does when I tell him it’s lunch time. So cute. It’s probably not wise to compare Tom to my dog but I love them both, anyways.

Darnell’s voice was in my head again, nagging me that this was the moment, this was the sign I was waiting for. Tom had turned this whole awkward situation to the perfect time to tell him how I felt. How can he do that? He always makes the bad into good somehow even as he stutters and avoids my gaze.

“I do.”

“You do?”

“Like someone…”

“Oh.”

“Tom I-”

“Does—“ We spoke at the same time.

“Oh sorry”

“Sorry” and we did it again.

“What were you gonna say?” Tom said.

“No, you go first.”

“Oh. Uhm. Right. The person you like…does he…make you happy?” He finally looked at me, locking his gaze with mine.

“Definitely.” This was it. I was about to tell him how I felt. That little smile he’s trying to suppress, I can feel that he too knows where this is going.

“Tom—“

“Z! TOM! WHERE ARE YOU GUYS?!” Darnell shouted from the bottom of the stairs. I closed my eyes shut, annoyed at the timing. REALLY DARNELL?!

“Z?! TOM?! THERE’S A PHONE RING—RINGING AND— OH SHIT THERE’S 10 MISSED CALLS!” Darnell continued to shout. I opened my eyes to a shocked Tom with his eyes wide.

“Shit!” Tom ran out and I followed him.

“Shit shit shit shit shit” He said as he grabbed the phone from Darnell.

“Where the hell were you two? Why weren’t you answering me?” Darnell nagged.

“Is that why you left 10 missed calls on Tom’s phone?”

“No. It’s Harrison. I was supposed to be back 30 minutes ago. Shit. I totally forgot. I haven’t packed for anything. Shit. I always lose time when I’m here… Sorry, Z. I have to go. Thanks for having me. I’m gonna miss you guys!” Tom came over and gave Darnell a hug and gave Noon a little rub.

“I’ll walk you out” I said. I followed Tom to the door and closed it behind me. He turned around before we could reach his car.

“Why am I always late for something when I come to your house? I’m pretty sure it’s cursed.” He joked.

“Me too.” I laughed.

“I’m really going to miss you, Zendaya.”

“I’m really going to miss you too, Tom. It’s not like we can’t call each other up. You know that, right?”

“Yeah…but it’s different…from having you around like this…” and with that he hugged me. I clung on as much as I could and tried to memorize how he felt. I won’t have this for a couple of months. It’s not that long, I know, but he’s right. It’s going to be different. So should I tell him now?

We pulled apart and his hands trailed my arms until they were holding my wrists. I wanted to give him something like he gave me the comic book. I wanted to leave him with my feelings, with my heart.

“Bye” he said and he let go of me. He got into his car and I felt the moment pass. I watched him as image got smaller as he drove away.

“Bye.” I whispered to myself. Not even a goodbye because we both knew there wasn’t anything good in our parting. I walked back into the house, restless that I didn’t get to tell Tom that I liked him. All this prepping up for nothing. I wondered if I could just call him up as he drove and just spill it.

“So what did Tom say?” Darnell peeped from behind the kitchen counter.

“He said bye.”

“WHAT?! HOLD UP! HOLD UP!” Darnell said as he clapped his hands together. “When you told him you liked him, he said ‘bye’? What the fuck?”

“Oh. That.”

“Yes. That. Miss Zendeesha? So are we blocking him out fro—“

“I didn’t get to tell him…”

“WHAT!? ZENDAYA MAREE! ARE YOU TELLING ME THAT YOU—“

“YOU CAME IN! I was going to say it and then you came in and started yelling and he had to go and this is all just one big mess…”

Darnell didn’t say anything. He just stared at me, looking pissed. Why was he pissed? He was the one who barged in on me trying to tell Tom that I liked him.

“What if I’m not supposed to tell him Darnell? Why is it so hard? It shouldn’t be this hard.”

“Z…did anything, and I mean ANYTHING you’ve ever gotten in your life come easy?”

“No.”

“NO! So you need to stop making excuses, stop prolonging this and just call up the boy and tell him you like him! It’s never easy to put yourself in a vulnerable position, especially after everything you’ve gone through with Trevor but I BET YO ASS you will regret not telling Tom sooner, and by sooner I mean now that you like him.”

“FINE!” I climbed up the stairs, remembering that I had brought my phone up with me when Tom and I went to the storage room. I come up and realized that Tom and I left the room in disarray. I couldn’t remember where I set down my phone. I looked around and I could feel myself panicking because as more time passed, the faster my courage to tell Tom about my feelings slipped away. Where is it? Where is it? Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

Then I found it. Beside the three red envelopes. I rested my hand on top of my phone. This was it. My heart was going to be out in the open again and even though, I could feel somehow that Tom felt the same way…I was terrified. Darnell was right though, if I don’t do it now I’m going to regret it.

If it was out there again, it can be broken again. These letters remind me that there was once something beautiful between Trevor and I. More beauty than pain, if I were to be completely honest. Although, I know that Tom couldn’t hurt me, wouldn’t hurt me, didn’t I think that way before about Trevor? How was this any different? Trevor made me happy too. Tom could just turn out to be another set of old letters I keep at the bottom of a shoebox, ready for another person to find and ask “why do you still keep them?”

But I’ve never had it easy. Darnell was right again. I always had to work for the things I got. Sometimes even harder than if I were a little shade lighter. Why should love be the exception? Acting makes me happy. Dancing makes me happy. This life I’ve built makes me happy but there were tears to be shed so that I knew what happiness looked like. You don’t know joy until you’ve felt pain. You don’t know abundance until you’ve felt loss. Love was just something I needed to work hard for, get a little bruised up for until you find the right one. I’m not saying Tom is the one, I just wanted to tell him I like him, that’s all. Just a little risk.

Ding.

I checked my phone to see if the sound came from it. Nope. No messages. I opened it and searched for Tom’s name.

“Z! Someone’s at the door!” Darnell called out from downstairs. Now he sounds like a grandmother. Who even says that nowadays? Also who the fuck was ringing in tonight?

Ding-ding

“Z! Can ya get the door!? I’m doing the dishes!” Darnell called out again. I dropped my phone. Damn it, Darnell. I swear, it’s YOUR fault I haven’t told Tom how I felt. I ran downstairs and swung the door open. This better be some free vegetarian pizza or I’m—

“Tom?”

“I like you.”

Tom was standing outside my door, shifting his weight from one leg to another. Only a few minutes have gone by since he left and yet here he was in a new change of clothes. I couldn’t believe it. What did he say?

“Like, a lot actually…” he had a boyish smile and I felt lightheaded.

“What time is it? Aren’t you late for your flight? What are you doing here?” I panicked.

“I just— I uhm, did, didya-did you hear what I-what I said?” I did but I couldn’t fucking believe it. This was happening? This was actually happening. The thundering in my heart was like a thousands drums. I breathed in but for some reason I couldn’t release it like my whole body was physically trying to keep this moment forever, keep it in my blood to my bones.

“Yeah… Tom I-“

“I know it’s a risk telling you but I just had to like, I felt like, I felt like I should, I should say it you know? I do. I like you. Ever since.” He was talking so fast that he was also losing his breath but he kept going.

“The very first time I saw you and I keep saying it’s the most embarrassing thing EVER because I made such a fool of myself seeing you…. day one I just. I lost it. Z. I just fell hard. You haven’t even spoken two words to me besides ‘hey man!’ and yet, I, I just. I knew I was in deep. Just like that. And every moment being with you just made me sink in deeper. I’ve just been trying to figure out if I should tell you because, you know, you’re this big star and I-I don’t know. You got out of a break-up and I just got out of one and I didn’t know if you...like me.  I’m not saying you do! I’m saying I…do.”

“Tom…”

“I know. I know. I know. Shit.” He paced back and forth. He was still standing outside my door. He had brushed his hair with his fingers and now they were all over the place. “I love our friendship. I do. I don’t want to ruin it. I hope I don’t by doing this. It’s even more complicated  because we’re going to work together for two more films and that’s going to be weird, right?” He stopped pacing and looked at me “Having me like you? Because I’m going to like you until then, I think. I feel like I will, you know? It’s not going away. I mean, not to scare you, it’s just having you around makes me, so..so happy and you said you know, if it makes you happy and you really do that to me Z. You’re like fucking sunshine and I—“

I threw myself at him, or more accurately, I threw my lips unto his to shut him up. I couldn’t help it. All this pining and waiting, trying to make sure that I wasn’t going to risk our friendship when this whole time he had felt the same way.

His lips were soft like how I imagined clouds felt like when they looked the way they did when riding an airplane. There was so much longing in the way our lips touched not only my part but I could feel it in him too as he pressed a little harder. We would part for a millisecond catching our breaths then our lips would meet again. I held his face between my hands and towered over him but I felt like he was enveloping me. I could feel his heartbeat pulsate in sync with mine like it was running a marathon. He had wrapped his arms around my waist and I swear, I could have gone on like that forever.

When we pulled apart I could feel a tingly sensation on the spot where his lips were and it cascaded to the rest of my body, like a warmth, like how you drink hot chocolate and the heat flows through you. Our foreheads touched and bit the bottom of my lips. All this worrying and time wasted. If only I had done it sooner.

“I like you too, Tom,” I whispered. But it doesn’t matter because we have now, we have this.

Tom had this wide ass grin on his face and his ears a shade of magenta. I’m not ashamed to say that I, too was smiling ear to ear and I felt like my jaw was going to drop any second from the strain. “You should go. You’re going to be late.” I gave him a little push that caused him to stumble a little like he was in a daze. “I’ll text you.”

“Okay.” He mumbled, barely audible enough to hear. He slowly turned and then stopped midway. He turned to look at me and said, “You’ll wait for me right?”

“Yeah. These feelings won’t change, trust me.”

“Okay...I’ll call you.”

“Okay.” I nodded. He planted another kiss on my lips that took me by surprise.

“For the road.” He said as he shrugged. I shook my head and laughed. He held my hand and tugged it a little as he went away. I watched him as he walked to his car knowing that when he comes back, things were going to be different, but in a good way. In the best way possible. He turned around again.

“GO! You’re late already! Harrison is going to kill you!” He replied to my hollering by flashing me his biggest smile and I felt my heart trying to leap out of my chest wanting to follow him. He moonwalked backward to his car like a nerd and I chuckled. God. I love this, nerd.

“SEE YOU SOON, LOVE!!!” he shouted and my eyes widened hoping the neighbors didn’t hear him but I caught myself, remembering that I didn’t care about what others thought. Thomas fucking Holland likes me back. HAHA SUCKAS.

“I’LL BE HERE, BOO!!” I shouted back. I didn’t know his smile could grow any bigger but it did and I felt the butterflies in my stomach go chaotic. Even if I know that our situation is only going to make me miss him more, I was excited for when the time comes that we’ll see each other again and I’ll be his. And he’ll be mine.

“Finally…” I jumped. It was Darnell.

“How long have you been standing there?” He didn’t reply but instead was smiling at his phone. “Darneesha! I’m talking to you!”

“I just won myself twenty bucks!” still not looking up from his phone.

“You bet on me?”

“No I bet on Tom. Your mom bet on you. I knew it was gon’ be Tom!”

“I don’t believe this!” But I was too happy to be annoyed. Finally, indeed.

(this gif was inspired by a tweet, i just cant find it)

note: Thank you so much to everyone who ended up liking this fanfic. I really didn’t expect this kind of response, I just really wanted to write something about tomdaya because I’m so fucking whipped when it comes to them. This is sadly the last chapter but hopefully not the last tomdaya fanfic. Leave me messages on ideas for future fanfics, comments on this fanfic, anything tomdaya! I love getting messages.

*GIFS are mine unless stated otherwise, please don’t steal.

[kyvir]

Hello Tyy! Love you're work, and I noticed you had a list of prompts! From Prompts 1, I'd like to request a story around: 6,11, 30, 34, 40, 43, and 49! Good Luck! I can't wait to see what you create!

*About Damn Time*

Well Blu, I’ve owed you this for I don’t even know how long- but you already know the struggles I went through. Thanks for the request, I can say that it was definitely a challenge incorporating all your prompts in one fic but it turned out pretty good I think.

Enjoy!

…

Being in love with your best friend was a complicated thing- for it could go one of two ways.

There was a certain pair who’d been inseparable for years. Their friendship had started from when they were kids and had only grown stronger over the years. However, the closer they became, the deeper the feeling they acquired for one another. But, to both of them, acting on those feelings could prove to ruin the special relationship they already had, and for fear of that they’d both silently decided to keep things as they were.

This day was just like any other, though they were going to their first party since their high school days. They were together a lot. Often. Almost daily. When Sakura wasn’t stopping by his work to take him lunch, he was meeting her after her shifts to walk her home.

Even most of their days off were spent together. Either Sasuke would invite her over to watch a movie, or Sakura would ask him to go grab some food with her. They enjoyed spending time with each other even more than anything else. It was as if they had a silent but mutual understanding between them.

Neither of them ever took up time with other people, at least not outside of their usual crowd. They didn’t try to date, mostly because they were too distracted with their feelings for each other and also because nobody could respect their relationship. Jealousy was a terrible thing… a thing even the two of them felt at times, when another person flirted with them.

Sasuke especially had a hard time keeping his emotions in check whenever some guy made a pass at Sakura. He was usually so good at remaining impassive. There wasn’t much that could get him riled up. But, he couldn’t take anyone touching her casually, even the most innocent of touches. He couldn’t even stand it when someone flirted with her. One compliment was one too many.

When those things happened, he’d lose it and all he could do was walk away. If he didn’t he’d either be getting in a fight- or pushing Sakura away. More than anything, he didn’t want to lose her.

Sakura’s feelings and reactions were similar.

Being attractive as he was, Sasuke got a lot of attention. It was never easy for Sakura to see any girl fawning over him- even from a distance. Sasuke didn’t like touchy, but there were some girls who would even cling to him at times. She loved him so much that she feared confessing her feelings and ruining the close friendship they already had… But it hurt her deeply anytime another girl even called his name.

They were both so thankful the other never made time for a significant other. Certainly that would prove to tear apart their friendship. Even if they could look past it and accept the other being with someone else, nobody would be able to understand and accept their relationship.

For those two though, they were happy with things just as they were. At least for the most part.

“Why are you being so quiet today?” Sasuke asked thoughtfully as they walked along in the cold night air. The ground was already a few inches deep in snow and it was just starting to flurry again.

Sakura glanced over at him, a slight smile gracing her lips. “Why not?” She shot back at the same time she bumped her arm against him purposefully.

“Because it’s unusual.” Sasuke muttered, but he was smirking at her playful attitude. He was sure they would have a good night.

“Can’t a girl think?” She rolled her eyes, her smile brightening into a grin.

Shrugging his shoulders, Sasuke exhaled loudly. “Whatever.”

It wasn’t like Sakura would ever admit that she was worried about girls coming onto Sasuke at the party. She was mostly mentally preparing herself for it, because she already knew it would happen.

“Sorry.” She sighed. “I’m not trying to be distant or anything. Just a lot on my mind.”

“And you tell me everything, yet for some reason whatever is on your mind you want to keep to yourself?”

Clicking her tongue, Sakura retorted, “Please! I don’t tell you everything.”

“Oh, really?” Sasuke raised a brow at her declaration.

She blushed at the challenge in his tone, knowing full-well how many times she’d confided in him (being her best friend) on some very personal matters. There was really only one thing she kept to herself when it came to Sasuke, and that was anything to do with her feelings for him.

“It’s nothing really. It’s just… well, you know I’m not good with crowds.”

“Ah… I see.” He nodded to himself.

In all honesty he’d already known that neither of them would even be going to a party to be around a crowd had it not been for a close friend of theirs begging them for weeks on end to go. Sasuke wasn’t thrilled about it, but he did feel it would be nice for them to step out of the norm, if only for the night.

“If you weren’t taking me, I wouldn’t be going at all.” Sakura grumbled, though the party itself wasn’t really what was getting to her.

“Hn. Good.”

“What do you mean ‘good’?” She bumped him again. He bumped her back.

“Good that you wouldn’t be going without me. Because you’d more than likely get yourself in trouble.”

After stopping in her tracks and momentarily gawking at him, Sakura bent over and scooped two large handfuls of snow into her gloved hands and quickly went about making a snowball. She’d just finished preparing it when Sasuke turned back and realized what she was doing.

“Don’t you dare throw that snowba-” He was cut off when she tossed one and he had to jump aside to dodge it. However, another followed and being unexpecting of it, it hit him straight in the face. “Goddammit.”

Sakura was unable to contain her giggling as she ran up to him, helping him wipe his face free of snow. His narrowed gaze softened considerably when her hands lingered on his face and for a moment, they were close, their faces only inches apart.

Their eyes on each other’s, their faces only a breath away. Sakura’s gloved fingers on his cheeks. In that moment everything else was forgotten to them. If they had been anyone else, it could have been the perfect opportunity for a kiss. But for those two, it was a brief moment that left them both flustered and blushing as soon as they realized what they were doing.

Though they were both slightly embarrassed, they fell back into step side by side without another word. Neither of them were really uncomfortable, but rather they were feeling curious. It was times like those when they felt as if their feelings just might be mutual… but there was still always a chance that they were wrong.

The rest of their walk to Naruto’s place was spent in thoughtful silence.

…

“So you two finally decided to show up?” A tipsy Naruto glared at them upon opening the door. His cheeks were flushed, his eyes glassy. It was obvious he’d long since started drinking.

“You’re lucky we came at all.” Sasuke grumbled while tugging Sakura inside behind him.

The entire house was packed. The music and the chatter were both too loud for sober ears and several people had already noticed their arrival.

“Food, booze and everything is in the kitchen. My home is your home, ya know. Better eat before you drink though.”

“Idiot. We’ve already ate.” Sasuke told him matter-of-factly.

“Yeah… we went out for dinner, since we knew we’d be drinking.” Sakura added.

“Mm hmm. Makes sense. Well, grab some drinks then.” Naruto grinned while raising his own glass to them.

Sasuke pulled Sakura along, heading for the kitchen. Once there, they ran into a few of their mutual acquaintances. Neither one of them were very social and so since they’d all gone their separate ways after high school, Sakura and Sasuke never reached out to those old friends and eventually those old friends had stopped reaching out to them as well.

Still, they were nice enough to exchange a few pleasantries as they both got themselves a drink. While a group of guys occupied Sasuke with small talk, Naruto’s girlfriend and two other girls she’d known her whole life pulled Sakura aside to speak to her privately.

“So, Sakura… are you and Sasuke finally going out?” Ino asked suggestively while leaning in close to Sakura.

Ino and Sakura had been close back in their school days, but after Sasuke became her best friend, Sakura had let everyone else go in a way. Even when they were apart for months at a time though, Sakura still knew how Ino was. She responded with a cold glare.

“Yeah right. You know we’re not like that.”

“Sheesh. You two are still in denial?” Tenten grumbled then. She was another schoolmate who Sakura hadn’t seen in a year or longer.

“You guys are so close, honestly…” Hinata trailed off and Sakura sighed. She really loathed being questioned about her relationship with Sasuke. Instead of responding, she drank.

Sasuke hated it as well and unfortunately, he found himself in a similar situation.

“You’re telling me you still haven’t tapped that?”

The Uchiha’s brows twitched at his old friend Sai’s comment. However, before he could nap back Neji put his two cents in.

“Seriously. If nobody else is allowed to have her you should stop being an imbecile and go for it.”

“Shit, you’ve only had the hots for her for what… half your life?” Kiba laughed then.

They went on and on and annoyed as Sasuke was with those guys’ usual banter, all he could do was drink.

A few hours later and dozens of drinks down the hatch, Sasuke and Sakura were both in the basement- amongst a dozen or more other party attendants.

There were a few pool tables and at that time, Sasuke and Neji were having a game. Sakura had climbed onto the bar just to the side of the table they were using, where she sat quietly to observe- and drink.

Ino had just been chatting with her, but the blonde was quite drunk and Sai had come over and whisked her away somewhere. Sakura certainly didn’t mind a few moments of peace. Though it wasn’t really peaceful, what with the loud-mouthed Naruto tending the bar she was perched on and somebody constantly needing a drink.

“Can I get a beer?” A guy she didn’t know came to lean against the bar only a few inches from where she sat.

“I need one too.” Sakura looked back at Naruto who quickly got them both a beer. Just as the guy opened his bottle, he turned to her with a grin.

“Hey.” He said coolly, his eyes trailing over her where she sat until his view was obstructed by black.

It was Sasuke, leaning right in between the two and holding a hand out to Naruto who gave him a beer without a word. The guy finally looked past the black shirt to see Sasuke grinning quite sadistically at him.

“Hey.” Sasuke said back meaningfully, a cold gleam in his sharp, obsidian eyes.

Sakura laughed lightly as the guy turned on his heel and walked away immediately. Sasuke turned to look at her as he sipped his drink. For a moment, Sakura found herself lost in his gaze. It was almost insane how much she loved him.

A frown took to her lips when his eyes turned from her, a strange and unfamiliar emotion showing in them that Sakura couldn’t name. He never said anything and after chugging the remainder of his drink, he left the bottle on the bar and returned to his game.

Sakura couldn’t help wondering what had been on his mind just then.

For a while, she sat there thinking about what had happened. It was out of character for Sasuke to actually run a guy off from her unless the guy was overstepping certain boundaries, but Sakura just assumed that maybe Sasuke didn’t like the guy for some reason. The last think she would have ever suspected was Sasuke having feelings for her.

He did though. The game was a lost cause when he returned, distracted as he was. It had to be the alcohol. Though he wouldn’t consider himself drunk, he’d drank much more over the night than he usually did. Normally he would look the other way, get some distance, or force himself to keep cool in times when guys would approach his best friend, but that night he’d been unable to stop himself.

Pissed as he was at his actions, what bothered him more-so was how aware he felt of how she’d looked at him. Had she always given him such a look? One filled with admiration and longing. Was he intoxicated enough to be imagining things? Was she really looking at him as if she felt for him, what he felt for her?Or was she just looking at him like any other time?

“You should make your move.” Neji came next to him grumbling.

Pushing aside his annoying thoughts, Sasuke turned his attention to the table, but he found only his remaining balls there.

“The game is over.” Neji smirked. “That wasn’t the kind of move I was talking about.”

With a sigh, Sasuke left him pool stick on the table and went to have a seat in the corner of the room where there was an empty couch. Everyone was standing around socializing and he felt he definitely needed some space.

Sakura was feeling a little dejected. Something was obviously bothering Sasuke but for some reason, she felt she couldn’t go over and talk to him about it like she normally could. Instead, she asked Naruto for another drink.

Not long after that Naruto took himself and Sasuke a beer, joining him on the couch. They drank together quietly for a few moments before Naruto finally spoke up.

“Sasuke… If you’re really interested in Sakura, you should just tell her, ya know?”

Sasuke groaned, having been at his limit with people hounding him on the subject.

“I wish you would all get it through your damn heads already. Sakura is my best friend. That’s fucking it.”

“Fine. But, if you ask me you’re just wasting precious time.”

“Well…” Sasuke took a pull of his beer and then sighed. “Nobody asked you.”

“You’re still an ass.”

Sakura saw Sasuke shrugging his shoulders indifferently just as a girl came to casually sit next to him, occupying the only open seat on the couch. Her heart twisted at how close she was to him. Just as Sasuke’s eyes turned to his side where the girl sat, Sakura hopped off the bar with a depressed sigh.

It wasn’t like she wasn’t expecting some girl to make a move, it was inevitable. But, she was depressed that it bothered her so much even after she tried so hard to prepare herself. Walking around the bar, she got herself another drink while glancing over at the couch to find the girl saying something while blushing and twiddling her fingers nervously in her lap.

“Here, take a shot with me.”

Sakura blinked at Neji who was suddenly handing her a shot, standing right next to her. After thanking him she took it and they drank together. She turned all her attention to Neji to keep from looking towards that certain corner.

“I’m surprised that you and the Uchiha are still not dating.”

Sakura blushed at Neji’s words. “Um… we’re just friends.”

“You sure about that?” Neji asked seriously, his brows pulled together as he waited for her answer.

She nodded. “That’s it.”

It had never been anything more, even if she wanted it to be.

“Yet you won’t give any other man the time of day.”

“It’s not like that.” Sakura argued.

“Oh?” Neji seemed amused then. “So you think Sasuke wouldn’t mind if you strayed away from him and took up time with another guy?”

“Huh?” Sakura was taken aback by his question. “Of course he wouldn’t. I don’t date only… because I don’t have time to.”

Even Neji knew she was lying about that. “You have the night.”

“What?”

“Maybe you should prove it to everyone that the two of you really are just friends by experiencing life a bit.”

“Like how?” Sakura frowned and took the next shot he offered her.

“Have a good time. Flirt a bit. Otherwise Sasuke might get the wrong idea and suspect you have serious feelings for him.”

Eyes widening, Sakura’s cheeks flushed. “You think that? Sasuke knows me though… and no guy can accept him being my best friend.”

“I would.” Neji shrugged, grinning suggestively.

Sakura could have never known the purpose behind Neji’s words and actions that night.

“W-what do you mean?”

“Hang out with me instead of him tonight. It doesn’t have to mean anything.”

Taking a look back at where Sasuke had been, she noticed he was no longer there. Upon checking the entire room, she found no sight of him. That girl was gone as well. She wondered then if Sasuke had actually liked the girl… if they were together somewhere. The thought hurt her… a lot.

“So?” Neji inquired while handing her another shot.

Sakura took it, throwing it back instantly and savoring the burn as it went down. “Fine. I’ll hang out with you.”

That was when Neji knew that things would finally move forward for those two. He’d deal with the Uchiha when the time came- and he was sure that time would come soon enough.

As Sakura went about drinking and chatting with Neji, Sasuke had made his way outside for some fresh air in hopes of cooling his head. It was one thing to deal with the occasional fangirl, another to put up with his co-called friends constantly nagging him about Sakura and it really bothered him to see anyone coming onto Sakura.

When he saw Neji got to her though, his blood started to boil. It didn’t matter to him how vehemently he denied his feelings for his best friend, to him- Sakura was off limits to anyone, especially his buddies.

At first he’d figured they’d just be having a friendly conversation, after all they were all mutual friends. But then he’d noticed her blushing. Neji tried to talk him into doing something he felt he wasn’t ready for, and when he refused so adamantly, how could he be mad when somebody else took the step he was too afraid himself to take?

The cool air outside did nothing to cool him off though, and even as he paced back and forth through the yard, he continued to drink. Everyone was inside so aside from the house, he had peace. Had it not been for his insolent thoughts, he probably could have calmed down even if only a bit.

A few shots in and Sakura’s buzz had taken a sharp turn. By then she was laughing with Neji and they’d started their own game of pool. She was an amateur but surprisingly with alcohol backing her, she was sinking one shot after the next and effectively running the table.

“Wow, you’re good.” Neji seemed surprised and his comment distracted her enough for her to miss her next shot- and she laughed.

“No. Just lucky.” She said, knowing it had to be the truth.

“If you say so.” Neji smirked as he went about lining up his first shot.

“We need another shot.”

Neji shook his head as Sakura scurried off behind the bar to pour them both a shot. He couldn’t stop grinning. He knew if those two got drunk enough, those hidden feelings would finally surface. By then, phase two of his fool proof plan would have been working itself out.

“Yo, Sasuke… we’re about to drain this whole half gallon and you’re helping.”

Sasuke scowled at Naruto as he spoke. Shikamaru, Kiba and Lee were with him. Looking down at the empty glass in his hand, Sasuke found himself unable to decline the proposal.

Naruto had a barrel on the side lawn where he started a fire and the five of them stood around it together and took their first shots from the liquor bottle. There was enough alcohol in their system to keep them warm without the fire, but they were all thankful it wasn’t snowing at the time.

Hinata ran into Tenten and Temari when she came downstairs from running to the restroom. She couldn’t help overhearing the conversation they’d been having.

“I don’t know what he’s up to but… I know he’s not really trying to get with her or anything.”

“Well, I just can’t believe she’d hanging out with any guy that’s not Sasuke. She doesn’t even do that with Naruto.”

“Are you guys talking about Sakura?” Hinata asked.

“Yeah.” Tenten said. “She’s downstairs with Neji.”

“…and Sasuke’s outside.” Temari added.

“Well… that doesn’t necessarily mean anything. Surely they need some time with other people.”

The other two girls exchanged a glance.

“Let’s go downstairs.” Temari grinned. “I think something interesting will happen tonight.”

Only half an hour later the guys were at the bottom of their bottle. Kiba was noticeably wobbling but all of them were continuing to drink.

“Shit. Where’s Sakura?” Naruto asked loudly, coming to sling his arm over Sasuke.

Sasuke’s eyes narrowed then. He couldn’t believe he’d been so lucky to be free of Sakura related questions as long as he supposed his luck ran out.

“Right?” Lee chirped. “It’s not like Sakura to be away from Sasuke this long.”

“Over and over.” Sasuke grumbled, his fists clenching. “You bastards don’t know when to give it a rest.”

“No, I’m just worried about her is all.” Naruto muttered as if thinking something as he spoke. “If you’re not going, I think I’ll go check on her.”

Sasuke scowled at Naruto as he turned and walked off, but it was only a second later that he was right behind him.

Sakura wouldn’t say that she didn’t enjoy hanging out with Neji. They’d known each other for a long time and he was a cool guy- and he never made her feel uncomfortable. Even after three games of pool and at least a dozen shots, he hadn’t made a single advance towards her. The whole time though, she couldn’t stop thinking about Sasuke.

She wondered what he was doing.

“Whew.” Sakura breathed, gripping tightly to her pool stick when she swayed a bit from the alcohol in her system. It wasn’t the stick that kept her on her feet though, it was Neji who’d suddenly wound his arms around her.

“You okay?” He asked.

Sakura nodded, her eyes closed as her body swam in intoxication. She was certain she’d never been so drunk before.

“I need to sit down.” She slurred.

“If you sit now you’ll pass out.”

“Shit… you’re probably right.” She laughed.

“Can you stand properly?”

He loosened his hold on her only for her to cling to him in fear of falling. Her legs had forgotten how to work it seemed.

Sasuke followed Naruto downstairs and into the basement. The first thing he seen was Sakura. Neji’s arms around her, and Sakura clinging to him. It settled with him in all the wrong ways. Before he could stop himself, he’d made his way over there to stand before them. Before he could say anything, Sakura noticed him and turned to him with wide eyes.

“Sasuke!” She was so glad to see him- and without a girl.

“Sakura…”

She released Neji who also let her go as she stepped over to Sasuke and wrapped her arms around her waist. He stiffened at the closeness and her touch, but only because he was overly aware at that time. Of her, of himself, and his feelings.

“Sorry.” She giggled. “I’m kinda drunk and I need someone to hold me up… and I’d rather it be you.”

Startled by her words, Sasuke’s lips parted, but he quickly recovered himself and smiled softly at her as he wrapped his arms around her in return.

“No problem.” He told her, feeling rather pleased with her preference.

She looked up at him, eyes sparkling with delight. The way she gazed at him then made him feel guilty for even thinking she would be with anyone else. Sakura didn’t have to be with him, but he knew he couldn’t accept her being with anyone else either.

“Let’s drink!” She declared with a grin and Sasuke rolled his eyes.

“As if I’d let you drink any more. First you need to sober up a bit.”

“Hmm. Fine. If you say so.”

Once she released him, Sasuke slowly pulled his arms from around her, offering her his arm for support instead. She held tight to him and together they left the basement, with all eyes on them.

Upstairs in the kitchen Sakura sat at the bar while Sasuke got her a piece of pizza that had been ordered for the party.

“Thank you, Sasuke.” She took the food happily and ate it without another word as Sasuke sat next to her, another beer in his hand.

“Feel any better?” He asked as he watched her, his free hand propped under his chin.

“Much, actually. I’m still drunk though.” She giggled.

“Well you rarely drink so it’s not surprising.”

“You don’t either!”

“More than you.” He shrugged but he was quite drunk himself.

“So… where were you?” Sakura couldn’t keep herself from asking.

“Hmm?” Sasuke looked at her curiously, blinking in wonder when her already flushed cheeks brightened.

“Were you… um…” She dropped her gaze to the counter bashfully. But, she knew she was going to ask him anyway. Maybe the alcohol was helping, she wasn’t sure, but she went for it. “Were you with that girl?”

After the question was out there, she glanced back to her side at him. “What girl??” He asked, brows pulled together in confusion.

Sakura blushed again, his words making her feel stupid for even assuming Sasuke was doing anything with that girl. He didn’t even know what she was talking about.

“Uh… never mind.” She shook her head and stood carefully, being sure of her feet.

“Hey… what are you doing?”

“I don’t feel like sitting. You want to dance with me?”

“Me? Dance?”

Sakura took his hand with a laugh and pulled him out of his seat.

“Sakura!” Though he tried to protest, Sasuke went along with her into the living room where she immediately started dancing.

Sasuke wasn’t a dancer, not even when he was drinking. But he quickly found himself grinning as he watched her. Sakura was a happy girl, but there was something about the way she danced around with a smile on her face that just made him feel a genuine happiness. By then, they were ignoring everyone else at the party.

Eventually Sakura pulled Sasuke into the hallway just beside the staircase, giggling all the while. Sasuke was forced against the back wall while Sakura leaned against him. It wasn’t purposely at first but he felt nice to her, and so she’d sighed as she leaned against him, deciding not to move with Sakura giving him suggestive looks throughout the night and with the way she clung to him then, Sasuke couldn’t help the turn his thoughts were taking. It would make so much more sense if she did feel the same way about him.

He wanted her to.

Head lolling back, Sakura stared up at him through cloudy eyes. Sasuke felt certain that the look in her eyes was far from innocent. Everything about that moment was telling him she’d been wanting all the same things he did. It could have been from his intoxicated state, but with her giving him that look and Sasuke being so tired of holding back, he leaned down without thinking twice about it and he kissed her.

It was the first kiss they’d ever shared and it was far from just a peck on the lips. His lips covered hers hungrily. He kissed her hard, stealing her lips, her voice and all her thoughts.

Sakura was blown away. After all the time she’d been secretly in love with him… after wanting him to be more than her best friend for so long… after all the time she’d spent being miserable because her feelings couldn’t possibly be returned, it ended up being Sasuke who’d made that first move.

All the air rushed from her lungs and escaped her just as his lips claimed hers. It was a firm but soft caress that shook her to the core. He’d kissed her long and meaningfully, his hands coming to cradle her face, fingers digging into her hair as he held her in place.

A thrill of emotion unlike any she’d ever felt filled her, causing tears to well up in her closed eyes. His lips parted from hers just long enough for her to suck in a shaky breath and then he was kissing her again, and again.

Each kiss grew in passion, becoming more urgent until they were both clinging to each other as their tongues met heatedly.

With her knees trembling and her heart beating so rapidly it hurt, Sakura grabbed two handfuls of his hair and pulled tight, forcing their mouths apart. She gasped for breath and shivered when Sasuke groaned in apparent protest.

Every ounce of doubt out the window, Sasuke forced her head back to gaze at her face, marveling in the way her eyes fluttered open and she stared up at him in awe.

“Stop it.” He whispered, his voice hoarse and even sexier than it had ever been before.

“…stop what?”

“Giving me that look.”

It was one that was all too inviting. One that made him want to have her in every way- right then and there. He’d wanted Sakura for as long as he could remember and if she kept looking at him like that, he’d surely lose every bit of restraint he had left.

Then his words had caused her to blush and avert her eyes from his shyly. He frowned when she pulled away, releasing him at the same time. He might not have wanted to lose his cool with her, but he didn’t want her running off from him more.

That was one thing he couldn’t handle.

“Maybe we should go get a drink.” She suggested, looking around nervously as if fearing they’d be caught.

It probably wasn’t her best idea. Sasuke felt that neither of them needed another drink, but he wasn’t going to argue with her. It was probably better if they found something to distract themselves anyway. So together, they went and got a drink.

Though they kept to themselves as they drank as time ticked by, their eyes continued to meet and their thoughts never strayed from each other- and what had happened in the hallway.

Sakura was on edge from how alive she’d felt from the instant his lips claimed hers, and Sasuke couldn’t shake the feeling brewing within him. It was too late for him. He’d been holding back for too many years. After he’d displayed his inner feelings and desires, he was thinking about her more than ever before.

She never stopped looking at him and with him already having crossed the line in their friendship, he didn’t want to hold back anymore. He wanted to jump at the opportunity of making her his, of being upgraded from best friend- to lover. Nobody would ever make him happy like she could, and he would be all that for her and more.

His mind was already set. He’d been foolish. He really had been wasting time. It was nothing but obvious to him then as he kept watching her.

Sakura had a thing for him too.

Even she was more aware of it than before.

Tension was at an all time high after all the alcohol and that kiss. Try as they might to keep a distance between them, to prevent themselves from shattering their friendship and sculpting something entirely new and far deeper. They were drawn together and before they knew it, they’d wandered off and pounced on each other without another word needing to be said.

There was no stopping them. Unexpectedly sudden as if was, it had been a long time coming and neither of them were the least bit hesitant as they made their way up the stairs, stumbling as they struggling to hold onto each other and keep from breaking their heated kiss. Eventually they made it to the top and ran into a door.

“In here,” Sasuke broke the kiss long enough to say.

He pulled her inside as soon as the door was open and they made it to the bed in a matter of seconds. Sasuke lowered her there, his lips never leaving hers as she held on desperately to him, kissing him back with an urgency that was baffling even to her. But, she’d been craving him for so long, just as long as he had her, so she wasn’t holding back either.

“Sasuke,” She moaned against his lips, lost in a sea of bliss from the feel of him above her. Though he held up most of his weight, his body being flush against hers and combining with all his kisses, nothing had ever felt more right.

He was hard in all the right ways, a lean kind of muscular that told he was strong, but not big and bulky. He smelled good, though his cologne was barely noticeable over the scent of alcohol and burned wood, but it was all a heady mixture that only furthered her drunken state.

She was high on the moment, on the feel of him, on his kiss and the sight of him hovering over her. With each part of their lips, she stole a glance at him. He’d always been sinfully beautiful, the kind of sexy that made any woman swoon by a look alone. He was cool and sure of himself, confident and calm all the time. It was rare for him to ever lose his composure- though she had seen it happen.

Everything about Sasuke had attracted Sakura, as it did every woman. But, she’d feel in love with his personality, his thoughtfulness and consideration. He was the greatest best friend, so she could only imagine how devoted he would be as a lover.

They were really doing this, and that was all Sasuke could think about. He’d longed to hold her unlike he’d ever been able to hold her before, to kiss those lips that had always been so alluring to him, to hear her call his name out passionately. 

There was nothing that could have kept him from having her that night.

He only hoped she wouldn’t regret giving herself to him.

And she never would

Sakura was on cloud nine. Her body quivering as if all desire and passion within her had been dormant up until then. Her voice was uncontainable as his lips parted from hers to pepper kisses down her neck and over her collarbone. She moaned and whimpered, having never felt such a need from anything in her life.

It would be her first time, though she was aware it wasn’t Sasuke’s. Being his best friend, she knew more about him than even he himself knew sometimes. Still, she couldn’t say she was disappointed about it as his hands started feeling her up. She figured he must have really known what he was doing to get her body wound up so effortlessly.

By the time his hands reached the button of her jeans, she was breathless and nearly crazed with need. So much so, that she was on the verge of tears. His fingers brushing against her skin on her lower abdomen had something unfamiliar coiling within her. She held her breath as he made quick work of undoing her button and lowering the zipper on her jeans.

Weak with desire, she was unable to even budge as he pulled her pants off. Though it seemed like he had no trouble at all.

Sakura took the time to savor the way he looked at her, lips parted and downcast eyes full of lust. When he leaned back down and pressed a hot, open-mouthed kiss just beside her navel, her back arched off the bed and she gasped. Slowly, his kisses trailed north while her shirt was pulled up and off. It felt like only seconds before she was lying beneath him in nothing but her underwear.

There was no shame, no bashfulness that took away from the moment. Being completely comfortable with Sasuke, Sakura was beyond thankful that Sasuke would be her first- and hopefully her last. The future wasn’t on her mind though, only the present.

His shirt came off next and though she’d seen him shirtless more times than she could recall, it never got old. He was a sight to behold, one so glorious that she almost got off just by staring at him. He removed his jeans slowly and Sakura’s heart was racing like never before as he climbed back over her, their underwear being the only thing keeping their most intimate areas apart.

She was beautiful, but never had she been more gorgeous as she was then, laying half naked beneath him. Sasuke had never been more thrilled about anything, never wanted anything as much as he wanted her. He wouldn’t rush it though. No, he would be sure they both thoroughly enjoyed this.

Her hair smelled amazing, like strawberry shampoo- and her skin had a citrusy scent that seemed to heighten his craving for her. Each time he kissed or touched her, she responded with the sweetest of sounds and the most subtle of movements. All of which were seductive in their own way. Though she didn’t know it, Sakura had Sasuke wrapped around her finger for the longest time. 

He wasn’t sure how much longer he could keep it up. He’d never been so aroused in his life, so hard, so overwhelmed with need. This was one night he wanted to savor, but he was dying to be buried inside her.

He’d forced her legs apart and settled himself between them. It felt like home, like heaven. When he kissed her once more though and she ground her hips up, allowing his erection to press firmly against her thinly covered folds, his lips left hers instantly, a low groan escaping him.

“Sakura,” Her name left his lips like the most precious of prayers, a plea of desperation that she just couldn’t ignore.

While her arms wound around his neck, she forced his face back down to hers and kissed him again, silently begging him to go even further, to keep from denying them both of what they’d been wanting for so long.

That kiss was the last push he needed.

His hands slipped under her back, quickly finding the clasp on her bra and after a momentary struggle he’d had it released and completely off of her. The second his hands came in contact with her naked breasts, her mouth fell open in a breathless and silent gasp. However when his fingers found her perked and tender nipples she yelped in surprise from the feeling, overwhelmed by the sensation jolting through her body.

“Sasuke… Sasuke!” She called his name over and over and he found himself so hard it hurt.

As badly as he wanted to, he could wait no longer. His hands left her breasts to reach for her panties and slowly he pulled them off, holding his breath as he did. When he pushed her legs apart once more he noticed the way she trembled. He sucked in a breath at the sight of her wet sex, untouched until then.

It was his. Only his. She was his. 

Finally

The only thing that had him hurrying to remove his briefs and not take the time to admire her was the way she was panting and shaking. She needed him and he wasn’t about to deny her.

With both of them naked and unimaginably aroused, the second Sasuke was back on top of her they were grasping onto one another and exchanging kissed that were more expressive than any before. Releasing her, Sasuke took a hold of his length to position himself at her entrance. Sakura cried out, unable to kiss him back any longer as she felt his thick member rubbing between her slick folds.

She was soaked and oh so warm, leaving Sasuke lost in pleasure and fearing how long he would last once he was inside her. Even dripping wet, Sakura’s body was reluctant to take him in.

Though momentarily discouraged by the minor set back, Sasuke was quickly distracted when he released himself to touch her instead. His fingers crossed her sensitive nub and she moaned loudly, her hips bucking at the sudden intense feeling. She’d never been touched in such a way.

Knowing it would be her first time, Sasuke had initially feared it may be hard to bring her to climax, but he wasn’t thinking that anymore. Her body was already wound tightly and just waiting to explode.

Fingers dipping down to her entrance, he circled I slowly, taking in and loving the way she cried his name and begged him for more shamelessly. As badly as he’d wanted this, he never dreamed it would be so fulfilling, even before the deed was done.

She was tight even against his fingers. Using one at first, Sasuke hummed in approval at how she squeezed against him. There was no way he’d last longer than a couple minutes inside her. Alternating between circling her clit and stretching her with his fingers, it wasn’t long before Sakura was nearly screaming in pleasure and thrashing under him, uncertain how to take the building of her first orgasm.

He’d done all he could to prepare her to take him and though he didn’t want to hurt her, he had to have her. Waiting even a moment longer wasn’t an option for him. Once again in position, he forced himself inside her, though merely an inch at first. The resistance wasn’t quite as strong, but she was still so tight it was almost unbearable. 

A string of curses escaped him one after the other as he entered her, slowly sinking into her by centimeters at a time. He pulled out and eased back in, repeating the process and going deeper with each thrust. Finally he pulled back and with one forceful thrust filled her completely.

With tears in her eyes, Sakura wailed his name, clinging desperately to him as he stilled completely, giving her time to get used to the feel of him. He kissed her neck and sucked the skin just above her pulse as he held tight to her and slowly started to move again. Sakura’s nails were digging into his back, but that only proved to turn him on more.

She felt so good that he couldn’t help himself, he moved knowingly, easing back a few inches before filling her again and again, his pubic bone stimulating her clit every time. He couldn’t stop and even though he was moving so slowly, he was already straining to keep himself from coming.

Sakura had never felt so full. Everything about what she felt was so intense she didn’t know what to make of it. She knew what an orgasm was, she knew her body was striving for it, but it was all so new to her and at that point she was so overwhelmed she wasn’t sure how she’d go on.

Sasuke could tell easily that she was close to her own limit and she wasn’t sure hot to handle the feel of it. All the building was intense but she more than likely couldn’t imagine the relief she would feel upon releasing all that tension. He couldn’t wait for her to let loose.

Leaning down, he closed his mouth around one of her nipples just as he picked up speed and with each movement they both climbed higher, grew closer- until she screamed and clawed at his back as she came.

Her sex fluttered around him in the wake of her orgasm as he body thrashed wildly beneath him. It didn’t take another movement for him to lose it. His cock throbbed as he spilled all he had inside her with a deep and sexy groan.

Collapsing on top of her, they lay there panting and trembling in the aftermath of their lovemaking and it was a long time before either of them moved.

When Sasuke finally forced himself up and pulled out of her, she winced and he rolled over to lay on his side next to her. “Sorry,” He breathed, wrapping his arm around her and pulling her close. “You okay?”

Flushed and sated for the first time, Sakura nodded tiredly. She’d never felt better, happier. She was elated with this development and it had been even better than she’d anticipated.

“…Are you okay?” She felt obligated to ask and her question earned a laugh from Sasuke.

“Ah.” He assured her, but she was beginning to feel slightly embarrassed.

“Um… I think I need to use the restroom.”

Sasuke released her, watching as she found his shirt and shrugged it on before shakily making her way to the bathroom. Sasuke couldn’t contain his grin. Rolling onto his back, he rested his hands behind his head and sighed.

He’d never been happier.

That is until the bedroom door opened suddenly and he sat up with a start only to find Naruto gaping at him in shock.

“Uh… is there a reason you’re naked in my bed?”

Sasuke blinked a few times, thinking over the best way to answer his question. “Well… it’s not what it looks like.”

Naruto’s eyes darted around the room suspiciously. “Oh… then what is this exactly?”

He hated to do it, but for some reason he felt it necessary to tell the truth. “Things happened… and me and Sakura… we used your bed.”

There was a long pause before Naruto roared, “You did what?!”

Shocked and at a loss for words, Naruto could say nothing more. His bed being used wasn’t even the issue at that point, he just couldn’t believe his friends had finally fucked. Finally stopped lying to themselves. Finally took the step they should have taken so long ago.

Just as he was starting to get lost in thought the bathroom door opened and Sakura stepped in, instantly turning red from head to toe at the sight of Naruto standing there. Drunk as she’d been, she was no idiot. She and Sasuke had just had sex in Naruto’s house, in his room on his bed no less- and then they’d been found out so soon. Years of denying their attraction to each other and now that it had happened, she was certain neither one of them would ever live it down.

“Well… this is awkward.” She said finally, fidgeting nervously and after a moment, Naruto burst into laughter.

“I’d say it’s about damn time!” He continued to laugh. “Well uh, you two take your time. Keep my room as long as you want, ya know. See ya!”

As soon as Naruto bolted out of the room, slamming the door behind himself, Sakura sighed and hesitantly turned her gaze to Sasuke. He was watching her calmly as she forced herself to get back into bed with him while fighting off her anxiety.

Her stomach filled with butterflies when Sasuke instantly pulled her against him and wrapped his arms around her. It felt heavenly to lay her head on his chest and she was so tired her eyes immediately fluttered closed. He kissed her forehead and that was the last thing she remembered before falling asleep.

Later when she finally woke up, groggy and with her first ever hangover, she groaned. It was when she went to sit up that she found she couldn’t. She was held in place by one strong arm that was firmly tucked around her.

It was Sasuke. Sasuke was holding her. Her best friend. He was naked, as was she from the waist down and then realization struck her hard. She’d slept with her best friend. She had sex with Sasuke. Hesitantly, she lifted her gaze to take in his face and found him watching her lazily, his eyes half open.

Sasuke enjoyed watching her face turn the brightest shade of red, her eyes sparkle with delight and something else he couldn’t quite place. He knew now that she had feelings for him, but now they had to talk, to know what the other was really thinking, and feeling- or where things would go from there. He gave her his best smile just before leaning over to rest his forehead against hers.

“We should probably talk about last night.”…