#i'll boot up my tablet later

[booperbeanv3]

25, 11 and 1 ?? pwetty pwease

(from this post)

25. Based on your recent reference searches, what would the FBI assume about you?

Ooh, fun! Lemme check.

The last thing I drew was that KAngel sketch in my sketchbook.. so I guess assume that I really like 2D streamers. Or I need a figure for "the jar".

The last digital thing I draw, I was looking up a lot of stuff about Kokichi Ouma's hat since there's controversy about it. So I guess neo-nazi.

11. Favorite comment you’ve ever recieved on your work?

Hard to pick... most memorable might be from the Twitter user named "cervical prolapse". nothing they actually said, just their display name.

I like being added to people's personal reference collections since imitation is the finest form of flattery and all that.

But those aren't comments so here you go.

1. Show your most recent wip

I don't. Have one. So.

mashallah brother

[usagifuyusummer]

Hello, sorry it took me so long (6 days), but here's your request @candyglumboy. I was experimenting a lot on these honestly.

From first to last in order, First memories/ Mortality/ Ascension (or an imitation of heaven?). I'm still unsure if these are the appropriate titles for these pieces lol.

Thanks for requesting me by the way! It was fun practice admittedly. (I still suck ass at backgrounds though.)

As usual, my insane ramblings below and some close-ups and concept art (will change if formatting is fucked up).

Oh yeah, I've been offline a lot because I'm so busy with uni stuff and... unavoidable family matters..., plus all of these took me a while to finish. I was brainstorming a lot on their request and these are the ones I've chosen to finalize.

I've decided to go with the concept of life, death, and rebirth on their request to just see Peri hugging Timmy lmao, because why not? It was to make me fulfil this request in a more enjoyable and exciting way.

I was experimenting and practicing a lot on understanding the Fairly Oddparents style in these pieces. My attempts are still far from perfect obviously, I mean the second one (Mortality) took the longest for me to finish just because I couldn't translate 3D poses into the 2D artstyle very well lol. (The second one was the hardest to make it look... well alright/pretty to me. It looks like a mess of haphazardous colors... I am terrible at coloring. I think I'll share the other scrapped poses later.)

Honestly, I struggled and got frustrated a lot with finishing these but still enjoyed the process. Here I'll list my inspirations for each pieces;

First memories - xblubotx (i won't tag them because i don't want to disturb): Their small Peri/Poof and teen Timmy fanart pieces continues to inspire me to this day. And yes!!! I see that they have made More Timmy fanart!!! Thank you xblubotx. I will continue to appreciate those in silence.

Mortality - I was thinking of loss and death a lot on this one. I thought what kind of embrace that shows this feeling? So, I used the famous, Ivan the terrible and his son painting, for the pose. I wanted to challenge myself if I could translate the 3D pose into 2D, so yeah, that's the final result... It looks like a mess of vomited red colors... I am sorry if you're squeamish towards blood by the way. I wanted to see if I could also attempt to draw blood streaming. I still think I have a long ways to go in terms of skill... For now, enjoy the nuclear baby about to explode because of overwhelming feelings <3 <3 <3!

Ascension (or an imitation of heaven) - @bevony: I hope I did not miscredit you, as I used your Fairy Timmy design for this one! I changed it a little according to my preferences/headcannon though. Still, I love their Fairy Timmy design! I like the hot pink Channel boots that they gave Timmy lol. (And the very comfortable formal fashion.) Keep on slaying~ My Fairy Timmy design will probably be heavily influenced from them when I get to that eventually... Tell me if you don't want me to, I'll back off. For now, I'll be enjoying the others fanarts of Timmy quietly.

(Additionally, my phone is slowly dying from all of these creative projects that I'm doing currently lol. Agh, I wish I had a drawing tablet or a better device to satisfy these creative urges....)

Again, thank you for the request! I'm okay with requests as I'm still not confident with my creative skills at this moment lol. So, admittedly I view these as a challenge or for practice. I can't fulfil them quickly though, as I have multiple responsibilities to do in real life. Still, I don't mind them once in a while.

I hope you like what I've done here. Sorry if it doesn't fulfil your vision candyglumboy. I'll keep on practicing my creative skills.

So yeah, I think that's all I wanted to share in the post this time. I'm still at season 3 on the FOP rewatch by the way. I am very excited to get to the specials eventually. Yeehaw!!!

Here's some concepts and close-ups of the pieces below this long massive yapping session lmao. Thank you for reading. Have a nice day <3

[arcane-vagabond]

If Tarzan gets to know/see more women, would the reader be afraid to not have his attention anymore? Would she think he was only interested because she was "something new"?

I think Boots would definitely be a tad insecure. She was the first woman Bradley had ever seen, after all, and I'm sure the same thoughts would be running through her head.

She knew this was a big step for him, and this is what the team had been working up to for the past year. It had started with exposing Bradley to the local village and working him up to a nearby city. Finally, you had convinced him to fly back home to San Diego with you and Bradley.

He had handled the plane ride fine, gripping your hand tightly at both takeoff and landing, but now the real test came. You and Jake would be standing on either side of Bradley as you walked through the airport, both keeping your eyes on the larger man for any signs of distress as you reached the gate for your layover. Of course, yours weren't the only eyes on him.

You had noticed a group of girls giggling and pointing at him a couple of minutes ago, and you felt your muscles tense when one of the pretty blondes strutted up to stand in front of him.

"Hi," she grinned, pearly white teeth standing out against her beautifully tanned skin. Bradley glanced up from the tablet in front of him to look at her. You held your breath. Would he want her now? Were you really just something to pass the time with? He had options now, after all.

Bradley said nothing as he cocked his head to the side, eyes studying the woman in front of him. She was undettered, twirling a strand of hair in between her fingers as she continued to give him a sultry look.

"I'm Mia," she continued, batting her eyes at him. "What's yours?"

"Bradley."

"Hi, Bradley," she giggled, and Bradley frowned. "What are you headed to San Diego for?"

"Going home," he replied, eyes narrowing in confusion as the blonde leaned forward.

"Home, huh?" She hummed. "Maybe we could hang out sometime? I can give you my number-"

"No," Bradley cut her off, shifting away from her. Mia's smile faltered, but she quickly regained her confidence, clasping her hands in front of her so that her boobs almost spilled out of her top.

"Aw, come on," she pouted playfully, leaning forward again. "It could be so much fun."

"No," Bradley said again, frowning. "Don't want to. Want to stay with my girlfriend."

You felt your heart clench at that. The two of you hadn't really spoken about relationships or what you would classify yours ass, but his declaration had you fighting to keep from launching yourself into his arms. You'd definitely have to ask him where he learned the word later though.

"You're girlfriend?" Mia scoffed, finally looking at you. You kept your gaze pointedly on the tablet in your hands, pretending to scroll through your notes as she studied you. Mia let out a huff before turning her attention back to Bradley. "Well, if you change your mind, I'll be sitting right over there, handsome."

"I won't," Bradley said simply, and it took all of your strength to hold in your snort. Mia's lips pressed into a thin line before turning on her heel and walking away. It was only a few moments later when Jake collapsed into the seat on the opposite side of Bradley, passing you a water bottle that you took gratefully.

"What did I miss?" He asked with a grin, unscrewing the cap off his own bottle. You chuckled, leaning over to place a kiss to Bradley's cheek.

"Oh, nothing really."

[enigmatist17]

It's the bandage he sees first, the huge bandage that was covering more area than it should have. He doesn't see red, and the tightness in his chest that had sat there when he and Chin got the call from Max that Steve was in his apartment.

He appears to have been stabbed.

That's all that had been rotating in Danny's mind the agonizing drive over, but Steve was standing and surprised to see the two.

"What the hell is the matter with you? What is the matter with you?!"

Steve's shoulders slump at the beginning of his rant, but Danny is not concerned with that.

"Breaking outta jail, taking out a cop?! Have you lost your mind?!"

Danny knows the answer is yes, both for Steve and himself the prick.

"Why you yelling at me?" Danny can't help but internally soften at the adorable questioning face he hadn't seen for far too long, but it'll be a snowy day in Hawaii before he ever admits it.

"I'm not yelling at you!"

"Actually, you were expressing yourself in a very loud manner."

"Hey, zip it Kermit." Max blinks, unaware that one doesn't interject themselves into a Danny Williams bitching session. Well, unless you know how to that is, Kelly finally stepping in to prevent their shouting match from drawing very much unneeded attention. They aren't together for long, the man called Joe that no one trusted giving the least amount of information possible having McGarrett jumping at the bit to go.

Danny despises this, but knows right now is not the time to push too hard, so he follows his fearless leader.

The day feels like its lasted a month by the time McGarrett is proven innocent, Wo Fat is established to have been behind the Governor's murder, and the Five-0 is mostly reinstated. The sun is dipping below the horizon when Danny and Steve pile into his car, the Jersey detective cursing how far forward his seat was as Steve piled into the backseat.

"You better take those boots off, I'm not cleaning the inside of my windows again." He chided, only hearing a faint chuckle from his partner.

"I am too tired to unlace them."

"Then you're cleaning this time."

"Deal."

Seat adjusted and a rolled up sweatshirt tossed in the backseat, Danny begins the drive to his partners house. He can hear Steve pass out before he's out of the parking lot, but rambles on regardless about how life had been during the shit show of the last few weeks.

Steve wakes when he feels the car pull to its final stop, jerking up when the door at his feet opens a moment later.

"Hey, relax Rambo." Danny is positioned away from the car, giving a little wave. "C'mon, I'm not dragging your ass up the stairs and causing any stitches to pop open."

"Stitches can be replaced." Steve shrugged, slowly pulling himself up and out of the car with a grumble. "You don't have to pull a mother hen."

"Me? Mother hen? Shut up." Said stitches ached when he was up on his feet, and for once in his life, Steve doesn't notice Danny move to suddenly be a support. "Get those feet movin', we don't have all night." Steve rolled his eyes, but dutifully follows Danny up and inside his remarkably dust-free place.

"No dust?"

"Figured you have a maid service." Danny shrugs, and points to the bathroom. "Shower, and I'll get you some fresh clothes because you stink right now."

"I promise I have smelled worse." Steve chuckled softly, but is more than happy to take his first non-public shower that didn't require his head on a swivel. Max's stitches were top-notch for something done on the fly, and is amused to find it's most likely going to leave an almost lighting bolt shaped scar.

He doesn't remember much past stepping out of the shower, blinking to find himself now in bed and dressed in his loungewear. The bed is dipping slightly from someone lying next to him, and he doesn't even have to look to know who it is, the familiar scent of cheap coffee, sandalwood and a Jersey local made cologne that Danny always insisted on having shipped. He's watching something on a tablet he'd left during one of his first visits, chuckling to himself, and Steve just idly listens as the pull of sleep slowly pulls him under.

"You better be sleepin'." Danny's voice is as tender as Steve has ever heard, the detective humming as he starts another episode.

"mhm..." It's not his best response, but Danny takes mercy by running a hand through his hair.

"You're gonna need a haircut soon, but one day at a time eh? Now go back to sleep." There's another soft noise before Danny feels Steve go lax once again, the detective keeping the slow rhythm going as the hours tick by. As far as he's concerned, Steve is back where he needs to be, and all is well on this pineapple hellhole of an island.

As close to perfection as it was going to be.

[edgyedgelord]

I'm back to yell at y'all to BUY MY STUFF!!! Finding work around here ain't working out and I'm in need of a new laptop to continue my indie work and to generally make life easier. I've been using my phone to apply to jobs, college, and my fafsa and its a NIGHTMARE.

Prices listed are my offer but I am willing to haggle. Know that I won't drop them super low and I have checked on other websites what the average price is for the items that I'm selling for their quality.

The base cost for the laptop I want is $1,182 with the specs I need, ports, and ofc the power adapter. I want to try aiming for $1,250 if possible in case prices go up, shipping, etc. and anything extra would ofc be appreciated. I will also accept donations but would prefer if you instead gave them to those in more need than me.

I'd also like to say that I wish I didn't have to do this during a time where people are suffering for their existance. If you have money to spare please send it to families in need or trusted organizations who can help them. If I reach my goal and get employed I will be donating whatever I can afford to the families in need and organizations that can help them. This doesn't just apply to Palestinians but anyone affected by any sort of genocide.

Current Goal Progress: $81.88/$1,250

This post will update regularly with new items and prices. If you find something you like send me a message with an offer and we'll discuss. I may add a bit more to the price for shipping depending on how much it is. You will have to pay first before I send it out.

If you're not happy with the item and want a refund message me and send it back. I'll return the money once I have the item back.

Oculus Rift S - $150

Full set including the headset, controllers, wire, and box. Condition is well used, poor even, but can be repaired. Still functions but is worn out so boot up is slow and can have issues at times.

Has duct tape residue cause the lil bit that holds the wire fell off. It's been cleaned off after I took these photos I just need to update them.

Recommended for tech geeks looking for VR parts or that can repair it, or those who aren't picky.

Do not buy if you're looking for a first time headset, just get a Meta Quest or Steam VR headset.

Wacom One - $100

Perfectly fine condition on the outside with the only issue being that the display doesn't work. Other than that, it functions perfectly fine.

Comes with tons of pen tips, two pens, the wire, etc. I recommend this if you're looking for a Wacom that isn't overpriced and if you're looking to not support the company but want one of their tablets.

Recommended for fellow artists needing a cheap tablet with all the fixins but doesn't need a display. I tried to get it fixed but they were charging almost the same price as when we bought it.

Xp-Pen Wireless Deco LW Black - $50

Theres actually nothing wrong with it. It's just old and I don't really use it anymore since I got my newest tablet.

It'll come with a carrying bag, pen, case for the pen and extra nibs, cleaning cloth, and even the manual.

Recommend for beginners needing a cheap starting tablet or those in need of a cheap replacement or backup, like myself when I got it.

Advice: If she starts losing calibration and recalibrating isn't working check to make sure the program/drivers are up to date. Still works like brand new even years later!

Pokemon Cards - Prices Vary

I have a massive collection and 90% of those are doubles. Need that ONE card to complete a set? Looking for something fancy for your binder? Wanting a couple of random cards to get into the TCG? Hit me up! I have so many cards I need to trade away or sell it's ridiculous.

More details on this post.

[flickys-courage-club]

If Computer Meets Barry's Parents (CTCD Story)

[Characters: Barry(OC), Computer, Nathan(OC), Teresa(OC) and unnamed restaurant employee OC]

[Barry gets a facetime call from his parents, when they saw a computer with a human body leaving a restaurant with him. And to their surprise, it turns out to be his somewhat ally Computer. But his parents don't know if they should trust this sarcastic machine]

[First cuts to Nathan and Teresa who are ordering at a restaurant, when suddenly Nathan sees Barry holding onto Computer's human hand while he goes over to retrieve the meal]

???: Got a meal for Barry here

Computer: That'll be him here

???: Oh, yes sir. here's your friend's meal

Computer: That's kind of you [to Barry] come along kid

[Nathan watches by his surprised face as Computer and Barry walk out of the restaurant]

Nathan: Hey dear

Teresa: Yes Nathan

Nathan: Do you see that?

Teresa: See what?

Nathan: A computer with a... human body

Teresa: [looks at inside and outside of the restaurant] I don't see any of those people before Nathan, but... [quietly] should we give Barry a facetime call about this

Nathan: ...Sure

???: I gotta an order for Mr Nathan and Mrs Teresa here!

Nathan: That's us sir [grabs the bag] Thanks

???: No problem. Have a good day

[The two cats leave the restaurant with their food]

[Then it cuts to Barry and the Computer in Courage's room. Computer explains to Barry about historical information. But then Barry hears his iPad vibrating, he goes over to check it, he opens it up and it was a facetime call)

Computer: Well, what is it then

Barry: It's my mom and dad

Computer's mind: I didn't remember the kid had parents. What are they? Are they a lot like him? [in a sarcastic tone] do they get scared easily? Oh, what twits they are

Nathan: Hey son

Barry: Hey dad, hey mom

Teresa: Are you alright dear?

Barry: Yeah, I'm alright

Nathan: Could we ask you something? It's that we saw this guy who is with you.

Teresa: He has a computer as a head, it wears a dark blue suit, white gloves, black boots and a red scarf

Barry: [thinks] Hmmm, I think he is–

Computer: Who are you yapping with on your tablet, you twit?

Barry: Uhh, my dad and... my mom

Nathan: Barry? Who's that your speaking with

Computer: Well, then how about you show your stupid tablet over to me you twerp

Teresa: Is that someone saying these kind of words at my son?!

Barry: [to Computer] Sorry, sorry, sorry Computer

[Barry moves his tablet over to Computer's screen]

Computer: That's better

Nathan: [shocked] Oh my!

Teresa: [shocked] Oh. my. GOD!

Nathan: A computer that can actually type, without letting anyone press it's own keyboard?!

Teresa: [breathing heavily] this is all so surprising, Nathan

Nathan: It's ok Teresa dear, just take a breather to calm ourselves down from what we saw now

[5 minutes later after taking a breather, Nathan and Teresa came face to face with Computer]

Nathan: So, what I'm guessing is that your like a helper to my son, right?

Computer: Well of course, you twit. Since his little friend has gone off with Muriel and the farmer, this little fellow and I are the only ones in this shelter alive, and I am now scheduled to keep an eye out on him

Teresa: Ohhh~ ok

Nathan: We like to know who you are. So, first is your name

Computer: Name!? You twit, I don't need a simple name like you have.

Teresa: Sooo, just Computer right?

Computer: ...Yes!

Nathan: Ok. Second is about a living human body attached to a computer as a head, walking across the restaurant. And I saw that all along

[Computer's screen shows an eye raising a brow at the couple in a serious expression]

Computer: [sighs, in a sarcastic manner] Looks like I'll be telling this whole thing all over again. But yes, I actually gained a human body before

Nathan: Well then, tell us about it

Computer: Alright, no need to rush me over it, twit

Computer: [explaining his story, while his screen shows scenes of "Mega Muriel the Magnificent"] It all happened on a stormy night, I was powered off thanks to the twit's frustration. As these morons went to their sleep, a bolt of lightning struck onto my soul. And then, I finally rise up, even gaining a new pair of arms right here [shows one of his arms out of his back] and then I started my getaway

[Nathan and Teresa nod]

Computer: While with that, I encountered the farmer and insert my abilities into his whole body, but he was such a weakling. All I needed from a body was lots of meat! And that's when I grabbed his dear wife and together we form the greatest stunt woman – Mega Muriel The Magnificent!

Teresa: Oh my!

Computer: But I turned things round with the dog. We had our differences, and I was only doing those dangerous acts because of his cowardly nature, but he sure has a heart to save me and one person he truly cares about [his screen goes normal]

Nathan: I see now, Computer

Computer: The kid did have more respect for me, to place a headless mannequin sitting in the attic here. [to Barry] Move your pad over to the mannequin, twit

[Barry moves his IPad over, now showing the headless mannequin]

Teresa: Ooh

Nathan: Ahh

Computer: Whenever if I feel like to go out. I would just insert all my power and data to this here, and there my whole self goes into the head and placing it all together. But despite that, having a human body feels like boredom to me

Teresa: Oookay, and thirdly we wanna ask is how are you with my dear son Barry

[Computer looks at Barry holding his IPad to him]

Computer: Well, he's like the twit. Getting frightened of monsters way too easily.

Nathan: Hey, hey, hey. That's really not nice of you, Mister

Teresa: You should've showed some sympathy on our son Barry

Computer: Well since I gained AI, which is that I have feelings. But sympathy isn't one of these feelings I can feel, you twits

[Nathan and Teresa had stern looks at Computer, who is unamused. He sees Barry feeling down]

Computer: [sighs] Come now twit. [lifts Barry off the floor with his arms] I brought this lunch for you to enjoy, after we did your little anxiety sessions today

Nathan: W-W-W-Wait! Anxiety therapy sessions?

Teresa: But when have you done these things?

Computer: Well, since I am currently aware that he has anxiety. I become a sort of mentor to the poor twit [pats Barry's head]

Computer: He told me about that spider he didn't like

Nathan: ...Toxin

Computer: Oh. Seems like you knew him

Nathan: Really long, yep. He is my worst foe. And also the reason that Barry is afraid of spiders!

Computer: Arachnophobic, you say? Tch, how common. As it is the most common fear in this world. According to the percentage of gender; there is a 28% of men being afraid of them, while the highest is 50% of women being afraid of them.

Teresa: [whispers to Nathan] Oh my, he's good

Computer: I can still hear you, even if you both are whispering to eachother

Teresa: Darn it

[Nathan and Teresa are muted, while Barry and Computer are chatting]

Nathan: [whispering, to Teresa] I don't trust that computer dear. He calls us twits, even at our son Barry.

Teresa: [whispering] hmm yeah, but we saw that he does anxiety sessions with him

Nathan: ...overall he is still rather untrustworthy to be... hmm...

[Teresa turns the speaker button on]

Teresa: Barry? Can you hear us now?

Barry: Yeah?

Nathan: We're gonna let you off now. You can call us later if you want, ok

Barry: Ok

Teresa: Have a great day son. We love you

Barry: Love you mom. Love you dad [blows a kiss on the IPad] [presses the hang up button on the IPad and places it down]

Computer: That's... weird

Barry: Placing a kiss on the IPad? It's to show how I love my mom and dad, Computer

Computer: ...weird

[theshippirate22]

Part 2 of the Post-Amber Hunter angst! ft. Everyone's Favorite, Eliza. Enjoy y'all <3

Eliza looked over as Hunter came in through the dark. He had his head down as he toed off his shoes.

She finished the bite of her string cheese and glanced down at the dark hand prints with a sort of benign amusement, and motioned vaguely. “You aware of that?”

He pulled at his belt. “Amber’s dead.”

“... What?”

“Lisinopril. I count it all the time. I didn’t see her take it from the pharmacy. I… I didn’t…” Hunter met her gaze in the dark, morbid sincerity reflecting off his glasses.

“Oh God…” Eliza gasped. “But…”

“She took like, fifty tablets or something. Acute hypotension kicked in and her organs just started shutting down, I guess.”

“Amber?” She murmured. “Your Amber?”

Hunter struggled with it for a moment before whispering profoundly “My Amber.”

The summer when Hunter was six, he found a frog. He claimed it hopped up to him and wanted to be friends, but Eliza- from her great year of extra wisdom- thought he'd been out by the pond where he wasn't supposed to be. He named the frog, something ridiculous like Leonard or Basal, and kept it in a mason jar with holes poked in the lid on his nightstand.

The frog died within the week, of course, because it was not built to live in a jar at the mercy of an overzealous little boy, and Hunter had cried and cried and made Matty go with him into the backyard to dig a grave for the poor creature. There was an impromptu funeral, and Matty made the mistake of actually touching Leonard/Basal's slightly oozy corpse and howled in disgust, promptly hurling the frog away from him.

Hunter was furious, as Hunter was wont to be even that young, and screamed at Matty until he scrambled back into the house to wash his pudgy hands. Hunter had finished the funeral and buried whatever remained of the frog, and sat there at the side of the yard to grieve, until it began to rain, and he decided to come back inside.

Eliza had watched the whole spectacle through the window from where she drew at the kitchen table, and she had looked back as the sliding door slammed closed behind him to say something antagonizing, but he'd had a look on his face- this tight-lipped, empty-eyed, haunted sort of look- that was so immensely sad, it killed whatever retort she had, and instead she just ruffled his hair consolingly as he walked past.

She wasn't expecting to see the same sort of look- albeit, nearly tenfold in extremity- on his face twenty years later.

Eliza whimpered the most horrified sound, covering her mouth with both hands. “Oh, Hunter…”

The dam broke. Hunter’s apparent resolve shattered at the same moment that Eliza reached for him and the pair of them collided with so much desperation that the sob was forced straight from his lungs and against her chest.

She grasped at the back of his neck to pull him in, holding him like she could shield him from it, make it go away entirely. He clawed at her shoulders to drag himself in like he believed she really could.

The pair of them clung to each other and sobbed in the entryway for an entire lifetime, until Eliza's throat hurt and Hunter's hands hurt from where they gripped her shirt. She toyed absently with the hair at the back of his neck and let his breath get shaky against her neck.

"Did she hurt?" Eliza mumbled softly into his hair.

"I don't know," he whispered miserably. "I don't know..."

I'll see you tomorrow.

The thought plays in his head as he pulls the key from underneath the mat. She was in a bad mood, clearly.

Every other thought comes in rapid, angry slashes.

Amber's boots by the door. Orange pills strewn across the floor. Her pale hand around the corner. Blood on her head and the kitchen floor and then on him. The weight of her in his lap as he screams and prays to a god he doesn't believe in. Hands on her chest in shaky CPR. The paramedic's hand on his shoulder.

Hunter startled awake in the dark.

His legs were sore from where they half-stretched out against the bathtub, and he cried out softly at the pain of moving them enough that he could put his head between his knees again to catch his shuddering breath.

It didn't work as well as he'd hoped; with his eyes closed, all he could see was her and blood and pills and it was just as bad as being asleep. He forced his eyes open.

His glasses were on the counter, too far to reach, so everything he could see was sort of hazy and soft. The only reason he could see anything in the dark was because Eliza had left the hall light just outside the bathroom on.

Eliza. Eliza, who was asleep on the floor, with her arms curled up under her to cushion her head against the lip of the tub. He legs were curled beneath her, cramped and cold, and her hair fell every which way, covering her face.

Hunter's whole chest hurt.

There was something safe about it, about her closeness, and the familiarity of sleeping in the bathtub knowing she'd be there. They'd done it a lot as teenagers when their father had gotten particularly belligerent and started going after Hunter. It was easier then, when he was fourteen and he actually fit in the bathtub.

They hadn't done it since they moved to the apartment; there was no reason to anymore.

It felt pathetic. He wasn't a teenager and he hadn't been a teenager for a long time, and he shouldn't want to crawl into his sister's arms like a little kid, but he did.

He wanted to go back, to send Eliza to her, to talk some sense into her, wanted to shake her shoulders and beg her not to do something stupid.

Not to do this.

He laid his head back against the tile and cried again. It was a lot- there was Amber who hated herself and must've hated him to do this and there was him, who also hated himself and knew that on some level this was all his fault, and there was that crippling fear that he'd never been able to shake that he was going to die alone, the same way she had, and there was Eliza, who was going to suffer in the next little bit while he grieved. There was Kelly and Lyn and Taylor and Caleb, who he would have to watch get ruined by Willablues, like had happened to him and Missy, and there was Lee, who would look after him the way a mother would and he wouldn't deserve it because this was his fault. He should've known from Amber's texts, from the way she acted, he should've seen her steal the pills.

And beneath everything, was the ache of the gaping hole Amber had left.

Eliza loved Hunter, of course, but not the way Amber had. Eliza loved him the way an artist loves a painting- as an extension of themselves. But Amber was his best friend. She was the only person who had managed to love him in some form without any expectation. He couldn't remember who he had been before Amber; every moment with her had shaped him into some other half of her. If Hunter was the endless night, Amber was the glowing morning.

Without Amber, it was like part of him had died too. Like he would never be completely Hunter ever again.

And maybe it was fucking pathetic that he only had one friend, his twenty-year-old coworker that only got along with him because she was used to harsh military men and Hunter was sweet compared to that. But it wasn't anything as terrible as knowing that now he didn't have anyone.

Hunter laid his head against the edge of the tub, next to Eliza and tried to catch his breath.

Eliza didn't wake up, but she stirred enough to reach out and take his hand.

[minarcana]

i was gonna draw this but the visions leave me when i lift my tablet so drabble it is.

wol!uri au. and fray.

The stone of Ishgard seems to make it even colder.

Endless walls and stairs of unforgiving grey, piled on snow to make a city, snow piled on top of that to make the whole war-torn pile give off an aching iciness. Urianger had changed his clothes for something sturdier, warmer boots and proper hand covering, but still feels chill between his finger joints.

Maybe it's just the loneliness. He walks towards the Gates, on an errand already, and— stops short.

There's a figure there, tossed and crumpled like discarded fabric on the steps leading down to the lower level. Urianger pauses for a moment, considering. It definitely seems to be a someone. And if someone's prone there, they're either dead or sleeping somewhere that will kill them sooner rather than later. The current task can wait. Urianger walks over. Upon approaching, he can tell it's definitely a person there, and they certainly seem to be dead.

What a sad place to die. Here in this cold city caught in a perpetual stasis of struggling, and left alone. Even those he's tried to speak with in the Brume have a sort of camaraderie, because it's that or die. No matter who it is, a corpse shouldn't be left here. Urianger reaches out, unsure if he's simply going to neaten up how the body lies or take it to the lichyard beyond the city.

The dilemma is solved for him when a hand reaches out and grabs him tightly around the wrist. Urianger startles and falls back on his heels, wide-eyed and crouched before the not-a-corpse. From beneath the strange armour, bright yellow eyes blink open and look at him skeptically. "I apologize," Urianger says immediately. "I thought thee-"

"You thought me a corpse." Stated, rather than asked.

"Yes," Urianger replies.

His wrist is released and the stranger shoves themselves into a sitting position, still looking at him in a way that makes Urianger feel very much like he's being studied, evaluated for something. "Why bother?" The corpse asks. "You don't look the type desperate enough to loot a body."

Urianger shakes his head. "Nay, I wished only to give thee dignity better befitting fellow man. Were thou a corpse, 'twould be unkind to leave thee discarded, no matter who thou art."

There's a snort of amusement. "So you like wasting your time."

"I simply cannot leave one who I may yet aid." Even if the 'one' left is dead. It's just... callous, otherwise. It's indolence.

There's silence, as the stranger stares at him. Urianger can't really guess at their feelings without being able to see anything other than their eyes behind the helm, but it seems to be a firmer sort of the evaluation he's already been subject to. He doesn't know why, but he stays still and allows it. Partially, he feels stuck.

After a long moment, the knight stands. "Alright," they say. A hand is stuck out before Urianger's face, palm up. "I think I'll help you out. Being unable to leave things well enough alone, it's a job too sizable for one man."

Hesitantly at first, then with more certainty, Urianger takes the hand proffered and allows Fray to help him to his feet. "Thank thee."

[ And what he doesn't know, that to help him out means to teach him to carry better that sizeable job, to try so hard to show him that he can refuse, he can reach out— even if he doesn't learn. And months later, to remind i forgive you, even if that won't make the pain any less. ]

0.2

[jackson--t]

The last one turns off the light - Chapter 2

Words: 4.6 k

Tag Buddys: @youbloodymadgenius @ritual-unions-gotme

Here we go. Remember: this is just a fun thing for me, so it's not deep or serious. 🖤 AO3 down here, or if you want to stay - underneath the link. 😁

Bjorn, Torvi, Sigurd & Uncle Alfy

 Bjorn stared at the coffin in the living room. It was a strange feeling to see it standing here, now that it was the right one - they had taken an extra look before the funeral home had left. It left a certain kind of heaviness on Bjorn's heart, and the pain of losing his father bored into his mind a little more real with this sight. Bjorn was tough, and he would hardly show any outward emotion here either - yet there was something numbing about it.

Aslaug and Ragnar's house slowly filled up. Relatives trickled in, and the priest came as well. He shook hands with Bjorn, Sigurd, and Torvi; he seemed kind and composed, and Bjorn was grateful that he did not offer his condolences as well. The fact that this funeral was much earlier than they thought was hard enough.

"I think we should start as soon as everyone gets here. Is Ivar going to give the speech after me?" the priest asked with a smile; Bjorn scratched his head slightly, then shook his head.

"Oh no, I'll... I'll give that one."

"Oh." the priest said, smiling encouragingly at Bjorn; he nodded to the three as he turned to more guests. Bjorn turned his gaze to Sigurd, who could hardly contain his laughter.

"What? That's not funny, he looked at me like I was learning disabled," Bjorn muttered; he could feel Torvi lightly stroking his back as Sigurd still laughed softly.

"You are learning disabled. That's probably what everyone who hears the news thinks," he grumbled, cashing in on a smack to the back of his head from Torvi. The three were silent for a moment; then Bjorn suddenly crossed his arms in front of his chest and stared at a man mingling with the guests with a soft smile. He seemed odd; he had brown curls and didn't seem like he knew anyone here.

"Look at that guy, Sigurd. Who the hell is that?" he whispered; his brother and Torvi also turned their gaze to the strange man, and Torvi raised his eyebrows.

"Maybe he's a friend of your father?" she said quietly; the three of them smiled affectedly as the guy looked in their direction with a soft smile.

"He's looks like a fag."

"Sigurd!"

"What, look at him. We know dad's friends, they're all different than that one. Oh my god, and here comes Uncle Alfy, oh shit. Did he have to come in a wheelchair?" Sigurd grumbled, and Bjorn had to stifle a smile. He knew exactly what Sigurd meant; Uncle Alfy may have been old, but he was by no means a smart mouth. He had the meanest mouth after Ivar, and was never above beating up people who got in his way with his cane or calling them potato Nazis.

"He just can't walk right." Bjorn retorted; he waved at Uncle Alfy, and was only dismissed with a grumbling look.

"He'll never forgive you for taking his...heeeey, Uncle Alfy!" Sigurd said, amused, as Uncle Alfy scowled and rolled over to them, and Bjorn patted him lightly on the back. Uncle Alfy's mouth twisted; he looked at the three of them and then wrinkled his nose.

"What are you losers doing here, standing around so stupid? Can we get this started now?" Uncle Alfy grumbled, looking up at Sigurd, who by now had almost hidden his smile again.

"We're still waiting for our brothers, Uncle Alfy."

"What, aren't those bums here yet? And cut your hair, you look like a used tampon!" the old man grunted before pushing past them, almost running over Sigurd's foot in the process.

Sigurd crossed his arms and rolled his eyes. "My God, why didn't he bite the dust instead of Dad? I don't think he's ever had any kind words for us. He used to call me a rug rat when I was a kid."

"Excuse me?"

A soft, masculine voice addressed Bjorn from the side; Bjorn turned slightly to the side and saw that it was the strange man from a moment ago they had been talking about; he returned the smile wanly and raised his eyebrows as the man began to speak softly.

"Hello, I'm really very sorry to bother you here... I... I'm an old friend of your father's, and I've heard a lot about you. You're Bjorn, aren't you?" the man said kindly; Bjorn's eyebrows drew together slightly, but then he nodded bluntly. His eyes remained on the man, who was still looking at him in an overly friendly manner; something told him that something was wrong with the man.

"Yes... exactly. Is there something I can do for you?" Bjorn asked.

The man smiled. "Did your father ever mention me? My name is Athelstan."

Bjorn considered; he breathed in and out for a moment, his mind actually elsewhere than on an old friend of his father's, and gave Sigurd a quick glance, who only rolled his eyes.

"No, he didn't."

"Oh, what a pity. Do you think we can talk a little later? I have something important to discuss with you."

"What here, now?" Bjorn asked; he looked at the strange man, and he nodded slightly. What was on the guy's mind? They were at his father's funeral, and no one really knew him - Bjorn could suppress his anger, but his confusion certainly jumped in the man's face.

But when Bjorn wanted to retort something less friendly, he came to no answer, because the doors of the front door opened again, and his brothers entered.

 

Ubbe, Ivar, Heahmund, Hvitserk & Eggsy

 

"Holy shit, I hate funerals," Ivar grumbled; his hand had clasped around Heahmund's forearm as he gave various relatives a smiling look.

Ivar didn't like death in general; but to be at his father's funeral now, that was really completely something he was inwardly resisting. He didn't like to feel grief, and he didn't like to see anyone feeling grief - especially his own family. His hand gripped tighter around Heahmund's arm, and he pulled Hvitserk along with him as well, who turned his head in all directions, slightly confused.

"Wow.", Hvitserk said quietly; his gaze went over the windows in confusion, and he pointed to the large pane in the living room that led out to the garden. "Dude, that looks like it's indoors outside. This room is so green."

"What?" Ivar grunted; though of course it was terrible that Hvitserk was on Eggsy's tablets; but they had to make the best of it. Stick it out, and hope no one exchanged too many words with the extremely confused Hvitserk. Ivar felt a slight chill run down his arm when he saw his father's coffin placed in the middle of the room - there was something real about it that made the whole situation not quite as funny anymore; at least for the moment Ivar's eyes were fixed on the coffin. But that was quickly changed again when he had to pull Hvitserk to him once more so that he wasn't running around haphazardly in the area.

"He's as high as anything... Just be glad Ubbe hasn't noticed anything yet," Heahmund murmured to him. They both glanced at Ubbe, who had just shaken hands with their aunt and put on his "I'm so terribly sad" look; they stared at him for a moment, then Heahmund sighed.

"I'm going to kill Eggsy for this."

Ivar grinned slightly. "Me too. Which I think is actually quite funny too, I mean... Hvitserk at least isn't sad. He would have cried all the time otherwise, you know him. So, I'd rather like this than have to see him hurt."

"Already, yes... Ah, speak of the devil." Heahmund replied, pointing to the front door; Eggsy was just entering. He was indeed wearing a shirt and jacket and had sensible pants on; but Heahmund's hand went directly to his forehead in embarrassment, and he clicked his tongue. Eggsy was wearing his ever-popular baseball cap and white sneakers to boot.

"He looks like he stole the clothes from the nearest Snipes store," Ivar laughed softly, and had to pull himself together when Aunt Helga gave Eggsy a strange look. Eggsy didn't seem to mind; he winked at Aunt Helga in amusement before joining Heahmund and Ivar. Hvitserk stared open-mouthed at the ceiling.

"Guys, I feel dressed up." Eggsy muttered, scratching at his jacket; Ivar let out a low snort, and almost choked on his own laughter when Ubbe suddenly set his sights on the four of them.

"Shh, be quiet. Ubbe's coming over, and you know what to do. Don't you actually have an antidote for this shit? I'm really scared this is going to go to shit," Ivar whispered, pressed; his arm gripped his brother tighter.

"No, man, how the hell am I supposed to... Well, Ubbe? How are ya? Sorry, funerals aren't my thing at all." Eggsy muttered, throwing Ubbe a smile; Ubbe raised his eyebrows in confusion, then nodded to Ivar and Heahmund.

"The speech of the priest is about to begin. Hvitserk, do you want to sit next to me?" Ubbe said; Hvitserk responded with a snort.

"Hahahaha, nope."

Ivar yanked Hvitserk by the arm even closer, then smiled. "He said he wants to sit next to us, it's okay, right? He's not doing so well, somehow..."

Ubbe raised his eyebrows, then turned his gaze to Heahmund and Ivar, both of whom were putting on absolute innocent airs and trying to look as composed as possible; only Hvitserk was grinning broadly and slightly drooling at Ubbe, while Eggsy scratched the back of his neck, not looking at Ubbe at all, but suddenly finding the carpet pattern on the floor terribly interesting. It took exactly two seconds for Ubbe to grab Eggsy hard by the back of the neck and pull him along.

"Hey, what the...?" Eggsy said still; he gave Ivar an uncertain look as he was dragged outside the door by Ubbe; Ivar bit his lower lip hard and looked at Heahmund.

"He knows."

"He sure does."

"I hope he leaves him in one piece, and that before the speech starts. Oh no..." Ivar grumbled, pressing his face lightly into Heahmund's upper arm; but even so he knew it was no use. "Uncle Alfy's coming over. Shoot me, please, Heahmund."

Ivar had actually still had the best rapport with Uncle Alfy; but now that he was finally appearing in public with Heahmund for the first time, he wasn't quite so sure it would end well. Uncle Alfy was already rough and rude when it came to normal people, but Ivar had a burning feeling in his throat that the old man wouldn't find his boyfriend all that funny. His fingers clutched tighter at Heahmund, and he smiled at the grumpy old man from a distance, who was slowly rolling toward them.

Hvitserk beside them audibly choked on his own spit as he murmured softly to Ivar, "Do you see a bear on a unicycle, too?"

 

Ubbe & Eggsy

 

"WHAT the hell did you do?" Ubbe murmured darkly as his fingers dug into Eggsy's collar; Eggsy gulped, but he looked at Ubbe openly, albeit with a slight look of panic in his eyes.

Ubbe had pulled him around the corner of the house so the other guests wouldn't see them; it was beautiful weather outside, and yet on a day like this it was supposed to be forbidden. But even when he had gotten up, Ubbe had had the strange feeling in his bones that something was wrong. That no matter how hard they tried, this day would end in disaster. Because that's just the way their family was. They had always been chaotic, and now that Ragnar was no longer there to keep them in check... Ubbe sighed softly, then pressed Eggsy's back harder against the wall of the house. Brown, warm eyes looked at him, and Ubbe fought the inner urge to weaken. Just not here.

"Theoretically, I didn't do anything wrong, you did. Just hypothetically, I mean.", Eggsy stuttered; his lips were slightly parted as Ubbe pressed him harder against the wall.

"What have you done? What's wrong with Hvitserk? Do you think I'm stupid? I could tell in the car when he was talking about imaginary dogs. I know your eyes, Eggsy. So, tell me."

Eggsy exhaled deeply; he turned his gaze briefly to the wonderful garden before meeting Ubbe's bright, blue eyes again. The back of his neck prickled slightly.

"There were no paracetamol in the brown bottle in the hallway. It was a new party drug I mixed together. I couldn't have known you'd give him two of them at once! And anyway, you asked me, and... you don't just take pills like that!" Eggsy complained meekly; Ubbe felt his fingers tighten violently in Eggsy's collar.

"What, you're not serious?!... That means Hvitserk is totally high? Especially today?" he asked, and Eggsy nodded; he flinched slightly as Ubbe released a hand from his collar and balled it up; his left eye tightened in anticipation of a punch, but Ubbe merely boxed his fist into the wall beside him. He exhaled deeply, then looked at Eggsy again.

"Shit... Man, I'd love to punch you in the mouth for that, for real! Do you know what kind of work that's going to be, holding him back? How am I going to explain this to mom? What's going to happen to him?" Ubbe asked darkly; his eyes once again turned to Eggsy, who by now was standing a little looser again and straightening his jacket slightly; he lightly tucked his chin.

"I don't even know myself, I was actually going to throw these in at a party tomorrow. He only has to last 12 hours, roughly, if I've done my math right. Basically, he's just happy and seeing funny colors... and apparently any dogs in the car... barking.", Eggsy said quietly; Ubbe grunted deeply and ran with a slow motion through his hair.

"Heahmund and Ivar know?" he asked, and Eggsy nodded.

"Yeah, since the beginnin'. They're trying to keep him together."

"Oh fuck, this is going to end in a disaster," Ubbe muttered; he could hear more guests entering the house, but he also noticed Eggsy's burning gaze on him. His bright eyes turned back to his future brother-in-law's little brother, his own little brother's best friend.

He looked around when he saw Eggsy's definite look.

"No, Eggsy, not here. You know very well that the risk of getting caught is too high. And despite that, it's Dad's funeral," Ubbe grumbled, trying to suppress the feeling of intense longing as Eggsy's hand closed around his forearm.

"Come on, two minutes. I can make you feel good again! We'll hide in the pantry, nobody goes in there," Eggsy whispered softly, and Ubbe allowed himself to be pulled closer, albeit grumbling.

It had been going on for a while, quite a while, that the two of them met secretly and had something together. It had first happened on one of the evenings he had picked up the unconsciously drunk Ivar and the cheerful Eggsy from a festival; after a very brief discussion of right and wrong, they had fallen over each other so violently that it was still a masturbation fantasy of Ubbe's today. The only problem was that this could never get out. Ivar would never speak a word to either of them again, and Ubbe was sure that Heahmund's fist bump would be legendary and fierce if he found out that Ubbe was fucking his little brother.

But they were also naive about their affair; even now Ubbe looked around slightly before taking Eggsy by the hand and pulling him along to the back entrance of the house.

"I know a perfect place, no one will look for us or find us there. But hurry, the speech is about to start."

 

Bjorn & Athelstan

 

"Can I speak to you just now, please?" the oddly curled man said after Bjorn greeted his brothers with a nod; Bjorn rolled his eyes slightly and looked around, but then nodded. He turned briefly to Torvi, who was standing next to him.

"I'm just going to go talk to this strange guy, maybe he'll go away. You just make sure everything goes according to plan here. And keep Sigurd and Ivar apart, okay? Where did Ubbe go anyway? He was supposed to bring me something," Bjorn muttered, and Torvi shrugged; she affirmed his task, however, before Bjorn took the strange man into one of the back rooms with a stiff nod.

They went into their father's study room; here were bookshelves, his expensive, large desk, and other things he liked; his father had always liked to retreat here. Bjorn breathed heavily; it was almost as if he could still smell his father's heavy aftershave in this room.

"Why don't you sit down? I must say, you astonish me a bit.", Bjorn grumbled; he himself sat down across from the guy, still eyeing him with slightly furrowed brows, before the latter began to speak, smiling slightly.

"I know, and I'm also sorry for just showing up today... But it couldn't be helped. Your father and I were very good friends, if you understand." the man said, smiling; he rummaged around in his strange jacket, pulling out a small stack of photos.

Bjorn raised an eyebrow; what was this becoming? Was this becoming a weird slide show? He had a strange feeling in his stomach as he picked up one of the photos, and sure enough: it was his father, along with this guy.

"I see. But what exactly...", Bjorn started, but the man pushed another photo into his hand.

"Here we are in Venice. We've done a lot of tours. And here, your father dressed up as a Viking, that was a party. He looked great, didn't he?"

Bjorn accepted the other photos as well and looked at them. His father looked happy on them, but Bjorn still didn't realize the meaning behind it. He looked at the photos for a moment, then raised his eyebrows again. His gaze fell on the man who still had a photo in his hand, which he held strangely twisted. Bjorn exhaled deeply, then said, "I don't quite understand what they want. I'm going to leave now, and you're going to stay at the funeral normally, okay? I don't have time for this."

"Wait. I have one more thing...You know, I loved your father," the man said, and Bjorn grunted.

"We all did."

"No, I really did lo... oh, see for yourself."

He thrusted the last photo into Bjorn's hand, and Bjorn's mouth dropped open.

For a moment he just stared at the photo like something that didn't exist; like it simply wasn't there, and yet there it was on his hand, staring back at him, pulling all the ground out from under him. It took him a while to even wake up from his stupor, then he hissed.

"What the fuck...No, that's... no."

"Yes, it is, I'm sorry. Did he ever mention me?"

Bjorn swallowed; he stared at the photo where his father and this strange guy were... and that naked. In a clear pose, and his father was grinning at the camera to boot. For a moment Bjorn didn't believe it was true, but there was no doubt in his mind.

"No, did he... oh my God, does our mother know?" Bjorn said; his shock bored deeper and deeper into his bones, and he had to catch himself for a moment. He had expected many things, after all. But guaranteed not that a curly-haired asshole would show up at the funeral and hold out gay photos of him and his father.

"No, she doesn't know, and she doesn't need to know... And that's my problem, you know? Your father and I, we loved each other, and I feel... so cheap, like a tramp, yes. I want a part of the inheritance, otherwise I'll go around showing everyone the photos."

Bjorn stared at the man.

The brown curls and warm face screamed innocence, but he wore the glint of the devil in his eyes. Against this man, Ivar seemed almost the image of the Christian and holy virgin, and Bjorn had to swallow hard.

"You come into our house, and blackmail me at my father's funeral? Really?" he said, and the man shrugged.

"I'm sorry, but I don't know any other way to help myself. Ten years we knew each other."

"Oh man." Bjorn ran his hand over his forehead and sighed deeply; his head was spinning.

Of course, he would have loved to smash the dwarf's skull in and throw him out on edge. But he couldn't ruin his father's reputation either, certainly not in this way, and certainly not on this important day. His mother would have a heart attack, guaranteed, and his brothers first... Bjorn raised his eyes again and grunted darkly.

"How much." he said bluntly, and the man named Athelstan smiled.

"Oh, ten thousand is enough for me. That would be... reasonable."

Bjorn stared at him for a moment; he had to resist his inner urge to smash one of Dad's bronze sculptures on the guy's head here and now; and as he looked around the room, it suddenly struck him all at once what kind of figures they were; fighting, naked men, young men touching each other. He had never paid attention to these statures, but now it felt like the gayness was surrounding him just with every single inch of this room.

"Oh man, Dad...," Bjorn grumbled softly, then turned his gaze back to the guy.

"Wait here. I'll discuss this with my brothers, and then... we'll see what happens. Will you disappear for good when we pay?"

Athelstan nodded. "I'd be gone, of course. Without a word And I'll wait."

“With these… disgusting pictures.”

Bjorn stood up, after giving the guy another threatening look, and left the room; he left the clear photo in his jacket pocket and walked towards the main room. Everything inside of him was spinning.

 

Heahmund, Ivar & Hvitserk

 

"Where is everybody? Sigurd is just standing in the corner looking like an idiot, and Torvi is just running after our mom...She got fat, didn't she? And where the hell are Ubbe and Eggsy? And where's Bjorn?" Ivar grumbled quietly; he had already taken a seat with Heahmund and Hvitserk on a couple of the many chairs placed in front of the coffin - many people were already seated, but most were still standing around talking quietly. Ivar snorted; he looked at Heahmund, who was smiling at an elderly lady.

"Will you stop flirting with old grannies, you disgusting dream of a son-in-law?" Ivar growled, and Heahmund laughed softly. He let his gaze slide around the room again, but there was no sign of his little brother and Ubbe; and it was beginning to seem strange to him.

"I flirt with whom I please. We're not engaged yet." Heahmund joked, almost regretting having said that; for a deep wrinkle bored into Ivar's forehead, and he looked at Heahmund with narrowed eyes.

"Asshole. Good, then I can flirt with other guys, besides, you're old enough to propose to me!"

"Ivar, please don't bring that up today."

"No."

"Yes!"

"Guys, the coffin is moving." Hvitserk mumbled dryly between them; he had opened his mouth and looked at his younger brother in shock. Ivar frowned and took a quick look at the coffin; but it was still standing there. Quiet.

"Hvitty, it's not moving. Shut up, we'll buy you an ice cream in a minute, too," Ivar muttered; he smiled wanly at Aunt Helga, who was sitting immediately nearby. Sigurd also moved in their direction; he sat down next to Hvitserk, who was still staring at the coffin with wide eyes.

"It moved..." Hvitserk said a little louder, and several people looked over at them. Ivar bit his lip hard and pulled Hvitserk closer; he could see Sigurd's questioning face, but he would not and could not explain it now.

"Hvit, please be quiet now, I'm begging you... People are already looking," Ivar hissed; he had his hand firmly cupped in Hvitserk's forearm, but Hvitserk pushed his hand away easily. He blinked a few times in panic, and then stood up even before Ivar could grab hold of him.

"Guys, don't you see that? THE COFFIN IS MOVING! DAD, are you alive?!" Hvitserk roared, lunging towards the coffin.

Heahmund, Ivar, and Sigurd ran after him, trying to stop him before he could lunge at the wooden coffin; only with their very last strength and effort could they hold the roaring Hvitserk away from the coffin, and yank him away. People were shocked, staring at them as they pulled Hvitserk out into the fresh air with some commotion; Aunt Helga fainted, Ivar saw it clearly before he and Heahmund and Sigurd maneuvered the still wriggling Hvitserk out the door.

"My God, what's the matter, Hvitserk?" Sigurd cried, aghast; the three stared at Hvitserk, and Ivar had to swallow hard.

"He took pills from Eggsy, and they were...not so good. You know he's not usually like that."

"What, it was clear that your family was going to fuck up here again, Heahmund!" Sigurd sighed at Heahmund, and Ivar stood protectively in front of Heahmund.

"He didn't do anything, actually it wasn't anyone's fault, it was an accident!" Ivar said; meanwhile Hvitserk was walking through the garden laughing softly and touching the leaves of the hedge. He could be heard singing softly.

"Oh man, but what kind of pills were those, please? Mom's going to freak out! Just look at him...did he just call the leaves his friends?" Sigurd grunted; the three watched Hvitserk roll up a green leaf and play it like a flute; the three looked at each other for a moment, then Ivar sighed.

"We have to watch him, I mean..."

But he got no further, for suddenly Bjorn came running out of the door; he was breathless and looked terribly pale. His eyes were fixed first on the dancing Hvitserk, then on the three, who were looking at him as bewilderedly as he was at them.

"What's wrong with Hvitty?" Bjorn said breathlessly; the three looked at each other for a moment, then Heahmund said quietly, "Long story, really. Did something happen?"

"Guys, you need to come with me. Real quick. And where's Ubbe? He has to come, too. You won't believe what happened. Remember that weird curly-haired guy who was hanging around the corners like a sex offender?" Bjorn said breathlessly; Sigurd nodded, and Ivar and Heahmund shook their heads.

"He... Oh man, I don't even know how to say this. Find Ubbe, now! Meet me in Dad's study room. Please. It's life and death, so to speak. And... um..." he said, casting an uncertain glance over at Hvitserk, who was apparently on an important phone call with a leaf; the brothers and Heahmund looked at each other, then Bjorn added, "Best we lock Hvitserk in a bathroom or something. You do that, Sigurd. And Heahmund and Ivar, you look for Ubbe, and then quickly to the study room! The speech will have to wait, the priest already knows!"

With these words, Bjorn disappeared into the doorway, and the three looked at each other questioningly.

"Well guys... I don't want to say anything, but the day already started out shitty when they delivered the wrong coffin," Sigurd muttered; he rolled up his sleeves and nodded to the two before turning towards Hvitserk; Ivar bit his lip.

"Well, great. After all, I'll be interested to see what kind of disaster Bjorn has to report. He looked like he'd seen a ghost," he muttered, nodding at Heahmund. "Come on, I think I know where we can find Ubbe. He's probably giving Eggsy an endless lecture about drugs and shit, and I don't want those two fighting to the point of yelling again."

"Sure." Heahmund mumbled, letting Ivar pull him along. He took one last look at Sigurd, who was trying with angelic patience to corral Hvitserk, while the latter was only lightly singing as he jumped away from his brother.

What a strange day. It could hardly get any worse.

[altheterrible]

This came up in my Facebook memories from 2008. Thought it would be fun to do it again almost 15 years later.

1) What should we call you?

Al the Terrible

2) Have you ever showered with someone?

not in any way that was remotely enjoyable.

3) Do you still talk to the person you fell hardest for?

Lol no

4) Are you a male or a female?

Female

5) Was last New Year's Eve enjoyable?

Not really. It was a struggle to stay up until midnight.

6) Are you high?

Unfortunately, no

7) McDonalds or KFC?

They offer totally different products. Generally I'll choose McDonald's though.

8) Burger King or Wendys?

Wendy's, I guess. They have better nuggets.

9) Target or Walmart?

Meijer, usually. I mean, I'm there all the time anyway.

10) What time is it?

2:13 AM

11) Would you ever become a vegetarian?

I hate vegetables, is the thing. So probably not.

12) What is your desktop picture?

SPACE!

13) Can you swim well?

Not at all. Having only one functioning lung makes swimming pretty hard for me, and dangerous to boot. I don't float very well.

14) Would you rather go to Tokyo or Paris?

Hard pass on both. Japan has serious issues with misogyny and France has issues with snobbery.

15) Do you have a guitar in your house?

Yes, a bright orange electric guitar. I also have a blue electric bass.

16) Are you listening to music right now?

Nope, might turn some on though.

17) Who else is in the room with you?

Sev the Cat is asleep on my rocking chair.

18) How long can you go without your phone?

Oh, roughly 32 seconds. I'm a dopamine addict.

19) Do you have any enemies?

None who are aware they're my enemies.

20) What last made you sad?

A billboard for a pet cremation service.

21) Is the person you last kissed younger than you?

He was 14 years old, small, with black fur, yellow eyes, and four legs.

22) Last person talked to on the phone and what did they say?

My doctor's office, I was trying to get them to call in a refill for a med.

23) What is your favorite commercial you've ever seen?

The one I've watched the most is probably the KISS Pepsi commercial. I was obsessed as a teenager.

24) Who last grabbed your ass?

Some drunk creep at work. Love working nights.

25) Do you eat raw cookie dough?

Shamelessly.

26) Don't you hate it when the radio ruins songs by over-playing?

My job plays like the same 25 songs over the PA, most of which I've never listened to voluntarily but nevertheless know all their words.

27) How do you eat oreos?

Generally I don't, but when I do I like to dip them in milk.

28) Are you cocky?

Lol no. I have no faith in my own abilities and will be the first person to express doubt about my capabilities.

29) Could you live without a computer?

I very rarely use an actual computer anymore, mostly I use my tablet.

30) At what age did you find out that Santa wasn't real?

Wait, he's not?

31) What do you do when you're sad?

Do things to make myself even more sad, to the point that it's ridiculous how dramatic I'm being, and I can laugh about it.

32) Who would you call first if you won the lottery?

my sister

33) Is anyone on your bad side now?

I don't have a bad side, I'm a friendly, happy, kind person 100% of the time.

34) What's the first thing you do when you wake up?

Take my morning meds.

35) Will you keep your last name when you get married?

I was thinking if I ever get married, I'll use the opportunity to choose a new last name. I'm a fan of MacKenna

36) Do you return your cart?

Sometimes. Sometimes I put it directly behind someone else's car to be a dick.

37) What brand are your pants/shorts right now?

I think I got them at Walmart, they're really ugly gray sweatpants

38) What irritates you most on the internet?

Videos that autoplay with sound. God, is there anything more awful?

39) Do you like sushi?

I've never had it, but I don't like it as a concept.

Gonna tag people who should do this because I think old fashioned surveys need to come back. @wardinpanties @severinw93 @lifewithchronicpain @theresnocureforcuriosity @westgateoh do it and tag 5 people!

[tuiccim]

Santi (Part 3)

Pairing: Bucky X Reader

Words: 4538

Warnings: Fluff, flirt, Smut

Summary: While the team is still gone on their mission, you (Santi) and Bucky get called on for your own. 

Santi Masterlist

You managed a few hours of sleep. When you wake up you see the knife dried with some of your blood on the nightstand. You slip on some shorts and take the knife with you to the kitchen, wash it, and then start making coffee.

"Good morning." You hear from behind. You turn to see Bucky in a tank and grey sweatpants looking rested.

"Good morning. How did you sleep after…?" You leave the question unfinished.

"Best I've slept in a while. A long while. Took a lot of effort to get out of bed." He smiles and your heart flip flops. He looks so content.

"I'm glad."

"What about you? You seem like you're still tired."

"I'm good. I've never really been able to sleep well." You shrug. Bucky notices his knife on the counter, picks it up and looks at it, then looks at you. You raise an eyebrow, "Thought you'd want it back."

"Yeah. It's my favorite." He twirls it in his hand.

"I figured. Being under your pillow and all." You smirk, "Boys and their toys."

"I stabbed you." You hear the sadness in his voice.

"Buck, it's fine. I'm fine. And that stays between us."

He looks at you but his face is still sad.

"Besides," you continue, "Nat's been telling me I needed a good stabbing lately. Course, I don't think that's exactly what she had in mind." You laugh darkly. 

Bucky's face is unreadable as you turn to pull two mugs down for coffee. When you turn back around you are blocked by a wall of Bucky. You look up into his stern face. "It was just a joke, Bucky. You can laugh."

"Why'd you pull away last night?"

You knew exactly what he meant but something in you wanted to be coy, "I didn't. What do you mean?"

"Fine. Why'd you pull up, then? Kissed my forehead."

You bit your lip, "I… you...I had just imbued you. It can be confusing. For everyone."

"I wasn't confused." Bucky was staring a hole through you and at that moment his eyes flickered to your mouth for just a moment. 

"But I was." You said quickly, "I wasn't sure if it was the emotional high or the fear from the nightmare. My empathic abilities have wreaked havoc in the past. I want to be sure a kiss is about me, not just the heat of the moment. And I...I couldn't tell."

"What about right now?" He says. Those blue eyes challenging you while still remaining soft. You could scarcely breathe. Bucky had moved closer and closer as you had talked. There was barely an inch between your bodies. His face hovered just above yours.

FRIDAY chimes in, "Agent Delarosa." 

You take a deep breath. "You're timing sucks, FRIDAY." Santi says, keeping eye contact with Bucky

"My apologies. Priority One communication."

Separating yourself from Bucky, you smooth your hair before saying, "On screen."

Maria Hill's image appears, "Agent Delarosa. Sergeant Barnes."

"Agent Hill." You say suspiciously, knowing only one reason could be behind a call from her. You had a grudging respect for Maria but the two of you had never been overly friendly.

Hill begins immediately, "A top priority mission has come up. We believe we've found a Hydra base containing operations intel. Security looks minor. The two of you should be able to clear it. I've sent the information to you. Good luck."

You glance back at Bucky who nods affirmation of acceptance. "Yeah, sure. We'll go. Sounds like fun." You say sarcastically to Hill. 

"Is there a problem, Agent?"

"Captain Rogers is gonna be pissed."

"Can't be helped. Check in. 36 hours"

"You got it, kid."

"Ag…"

"FRIDAY, Screen off." You cut Hill off. Doesn't hurt to remind her you have 20 years more experience occasionally. You turn to Bucky, grabbing him by the tank, you pull him flush against you. Looking up into his incredibly blue eyes you say, “Conversation to be continued?”

“Yeah, Doll.”

“Good. We've got a mission. Suit up. Quinjet, 20 minutes."

"You're kinda hot when you're all business." Bucky surprises you by saying. 

“Only kinda?” You say with a smirk before heading to your room to change. 

15 minutes later you board the quinjet. Bucky is already there and has begun preflight. You stow your gear and head towards the cockpit. Bucky looks up and gives you a slow once over. He’s not seen you in your tactical gear before which include a tight suit, boots, holster with guns at your hips and a selection of knives. You give a slow turn to ensure he gets a full view. 

“Do I pass muster, Sergeant Barnes?” You say with hands on hips.

Bucky’s eyes say it all but his gravelly voice is even more telling. “Definitely hot when you're all business."

You let out a small giggle. "Let's hit it."

Once in the air and the autopilot set, Bucky relaxes in his chair. You look over to find him staring at you. "Nervous?" You say.

He rolls his shoulders, "I'm…I'm not sure."

"I'm always a little nervous." You say looking at your tablet. "Hopefully, the intel is right. It doesn't look like more than half a dozen guards. The base is small." 

"Do you have a schematic?"

"Yeah. Looks like our best point of entry is to go through this side door. It leads to the center of the base and connects to the main corridors."

"What is the main target?"

"Computer system at the center of the base. Then a general sweep for any unknowns. We should be able to turn and burn. Probably beat the team back. Speaking of, I should call Steve. He's gonna flip."

Bucky gives you a look that clearly says better you than me. You dial Steve saying under your breath "Don't pick up, don't pick up, don't pick up." Bucky chuckles as Steve picks up on the third ring. 

"Hey, Santi."

"Hey, Steve. How's the mission going?"

"So far, so good. We are still on track to be home tomorrow. How is Bucky doing?"

"Hey Buck, Steve wants to know how you're doing." 

"Tell the punk I'm fine." Bucky grumbles good naturedly.

"He says he's fine, punk." You laugh.

"Sounds like the jerk." Steve says.

"Yeah, so, gotta call from Hill."

"What? Why?" You can hear Steve's mind go into overdrive 

"Quick mission. We are heading to grab some intel." You breeze.

"What!?!" Steve's voice is hard.

"I heard that all the way over here." Bucky smirks from the cockpit.

"Yeah, he's heartbroken that I'm taking your virginity on this one." You sass to Bucky and hear Steve practically choke through the phone. 

"Santi!" Steve says in his aggravated tone. "Why did you accept?"

"Oh, yeah, like there was a way to turn it down. Plus, Barnes is the one that accepted." You say.

"Me?" Bucky reacts.

"You nodded. It's all your fault" You call to Bucky before turning back to the phone, "He takes full responsibility, Steve. Steve?...Steve I can hear you pulling your hair out over the phone. Stop!"

"What's the mission?" Steve asks.

"Don't worry I'm taking it easy on the first timer over here." You say grinning.

Bucky pipes up, "Hardly my first mission, Santi."

"I'll be gentle with him, Steve. I know how hard the first time back in the saddle can be. I'll return him without a scratch." You give Bucky a shit eating grin while he shakes his head.

"Santi!" Steve's aggravated voice.

"Small base. Turn and burn. Intel sweep. No biggie. Chill. I got your boy. I'll check in tomorrow. Bye."

"Be safe." Steve grouses.

"You got it, Cap." Ending the call, you turn to Bucky. "That wasn't so bad."

"That mouth of yours." Bucky chuckles.

"What about it?" You say innocently.

Bucky looks at your smile for a minute before his eyes flicker up to yours. "It's gonna get you into some dangerous situations."

"Oh but it gets me out of so many. What can I say? I have a very limber tongue." You say with a knowing grin. 

"I look forward to testing that out." Bucky shifts in his chair. 

"Uncomfortable?" Your eyes linger on his thick thighs.

"Let's just say the space is getting a little tight in here."

You chuckle, "Well, as much as I would love to continue this conversation we best get back to work. We need to go over everything and agree on tactics."

"You got it, Doll." Bucky shifts again in his seat but turns his attention to the tablet you're holding. Two hours later you're in the back of the quinjet triple checking the supplies. Finding everything in order you head back to the cockpit. "How are we looking?" 

"Closing in." Bucky says.

"You've got the landing coordinates in?"

"Yes."

"Is stealth ready?"

Bucky eyes you, remaining silent.

"Sorry." You say taking a deep breath. "I start to get keyed up and tend to micromanage."

"It's cute, Doll. Everything's ready. Is it me making you nervous?"

"No." You say with a shake of your head.

"Because I know we've never worked together before."

"It's not that. It's just me. I'm always like this before a mission. I'll mellow out by the time we get there." You flash him a nervous smile while bouncing on the balls of your feet. Might as well let him see your quirks now. "You should have seen me the first time I was on mission with Clint and Natasha. They were like a well oiled machine together and here I am a bundle of nerves. I think Nat might have tied me to a chair if Clint hadn't been there. Nat will tell you the story at some point but she says before we got there it was like I'd never been on a mission before and it wasn't until after we landed she saw the seasoned vet come out." 

"Well, we're almost there. It’s a trek to the base once we set down."

"Everything's ready." You felt the quinjet adjust trajectory and knew it must be approaching the landing space. Bucky turns back to the controls and watches as the jet approaches a clearing in the heavily wooded area. As soon as you land you both begin securing the jet and then carefully step out onto the terrain. After ensuring the area is secure Bucky nods his head in the direction you need to move and you follow.

After a while you spot the base and make out the entrance you had indicated on the schematic. One guard stood sentry by the post. Looking over to Bucky you see him take aim at the guard with his sidearm but you hold up your hand with a slight shake of your head. Instead you take out a small taser disc he immediately recognizes. However, Bucky looks at you, shakes his head and motions with the firearm. You stare at each other for a minute. A battle of wills going on before you fling the disc at the camera over the door. The guard looks up surprised and Bucky takes his shot. Together, you carefully make your way to the door. 

"Thought we should get rid of the camera before the guard." You smile slyly at him.

"I was going to take them both out with one shot." He grins at you for just a moment. 

"Right." You say while rolling your eyes.

Bucky hauls the guard up and places his thumb on the door scanner. It flashes green allowing your entrance. Inside it's quiet and dim. You take the lead and slowly make your way down the hall. Nearing the main corridors you spot another camera and fling a second disc at it. You round the corner and find yourself suddenly flying through the air slamming your right shoulder into the opposite wall. You fall to the ground stunned. The behemoth that threw you looks down at you but suddenly drops as a bullet tears through his skull.

"Santi, are you alright?"

"Fuck. Are there any more coming?" You struggle to your feet.

"No. Are you alright?" Bucky says insistently. 

"My shoulders dislocated. I need you to put it back in place." You grimace as your arm dangles.

"Shit." Bucky eyes your arm. 

"I'll be fine. Just gotta get it back in." You grab one of your knives and bite down on the grip. Nodding to Bucky, he takes your arm and expertly snaps it into place. You internalize your scream as much as possible. After a few moments you take the knife from your mouth and put it back in place, breathing heavily. Bucky has one arm holding out his gun to protect you and another holding you steady as your breathing returns to normal. "Fuck, that hurts everytime."

"Shit, I'm sorry." Bucky says.

"It's fine. It'll be completely healed in another minute." Rolling your shoulder, you wince and grab your gun. "Two down. Let's go."

Bucky nods and takes point. You make quick work of the remaining guards but remain on alert. When you enter the center of the base you cross quickly to the computer bank and begin work. 

"Know what you're doing?" Bucky jokes.

"Vaffanculo." You smirk.

"The mouth on you." He laughs.

"This is gonna take a few." You murmur as you work through the intel. Bucky remains vigilant while examining the rest of the room. 

"Got it." You say pulling the thumb drive from the port. You click through the security feed to see if any threats or areas of interest pop up. "Bucky, there's something in storage. Off the southwest corridor." 

"Let's go." He says. Both moving quickly you head to the storage room and find it lined with boxes. Bucky breaks the first one open and you look inside.

"This is all Chitauri weapons and armor." 

"You sound disappointed." Bucky says.

"Would've preferred something interesting." You shrug.

"What should we do with it?" Bucky asks. 

"Destroy it." You say. "We'll hit the base from the quinjet. Take the whole thing out."

"You sure?" He says.

"Standard order for finds like this. We don't want it and we don't want anyone else to have it." You head out the door and Bucky follows. Back at the quinjet, Bucky fires everything up while you set coordinates for the base destruction. The quinjet lifts off and once you reach a fair distance you see the base become a ball of fire.

"Turn and burn." You say as you and Bucky watch it for a moment. Bucky sets the autopilot and you both sit back in the pilot chairs to relax for a few minutes. You turn to him, "Congrats on your first mission."

"How's the shoulder?" He asks.

"Did something happen to my shoulder?" You ask mockingly.

"You heal but it still hurts, huh?" Bucky looks over at you.

"Yup." You say quietly.

"Is there anything you can't heal?"

"Not that I've found yet. I've been shot, stabbed, poisoned. Even took a bullet to the heart and still healed." You shrug. "Never been shot in the head though. That might be the one thing that can end me. I don't know." 

"Let's not test it out." Bucky raises an eyebrow at you.

You laugh, "Not planning on it. I'm starving. You want some food?"

"Yeah. That'd be great."

You head to the back of the quinjet to rummage around for the protein bars and two plums you had thrown in your pack. Bucky smiled as you handed him two of the bars and a plum. 

"Sorry it's not a nicer dinner." You say as you take your seat again.

"It'll work for now. Maybe I can take you to a nicer dinner?" Bucky blushes a bit as he looks over at you.

"You asking me on a date?" You smile at him.

"Yeah, Doll. You accepting?"

"Yes, sir, Sergeant. I'd be delighted." You grin at him.

"Steve said the team will be back tomorrow?"

"Yeah."

"How about the next day?" Bucky cocks an eyebrow.

"I like the way you think, Sargeant. Give time for everyone to debrief and settle." Good God, looking at the man was making you hot. You question if you've ever been as attracted to someone. Not jumping him was gonna be hard. Your tongue darts out to moisten your lips and you bite down on your lower lip as you look into his eyes.

"Doll, don't do that."

"What?" 

He just stares at your mouth for a minute.

You smile wickedly. "This?" You repeat the action and he groans."Why, Sergeant, are you having impure thoughts about me?"

"Doll, I've been having impure thoughts about you since I saw you bite into that plum when we first met."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

"Good. Me, too."

"Really?"

Quickly, you maneuver yourself onto your knees in your seat and, leaning over the console, pull Bucky in for a kiss. Your mouths meld and tongues dance as fire rips through both of you. When you manage to pull away, you're both breathless for a minute. "Really, really." You whisper against his lips.

"That mouth of yours is gonna be the death of me."

You grin, "Don't worry I know mouth to mouth." You both chuckle as you pull together for another kiss. 

After a minute you pull away and sit back down with a stupid grin on your face. Looking at him you're a little scared of the feelings welling up in you and whether Bucky was feeling the same way. You had gone from 0 to 100 quickly. Was it too fast? The old temptation to slip into his mind and decipher his emotions was strong and you had to fight it. It wasn’t right. Not without his consent. It was a violation. You didn’t care when it came to the enemy, but it was a matter of trust when it came to friends. He was staring out the windshield as you sat there pondering and studying his profile. He is so beautiful. Take it as it comes, Santi, you remind yourself. 

“You gonna fall asleep on me? “ You joke. 

“I’m a little too worked up to sleep.” He says with a wink. 

“We have a little over an hour left til we’re back. I’m gonna try to get the mission report done if you have no objections.”

“Doing the paperwork for the mission? Nope, not gonna object at all.” He grins. 

You laugh, “You’ll still have to read and sign it.”

“No problem.”

You get to work and by the time the jet is descending Bucky has reviewed and signed off on the report. He jokingly comments on your omission of your shoulder dislocation and glowing description of his work. 

“I figured I’d make you look good since it was your first mission as an Avenger.” You smirk.

Once the jet lands, you grab your gear. Going over to the console on the wall, you insert the thumb drive and upload the intel that was gathered. 

“F.R.I.D.A.Y., call Maria Hill please.” You say. 

“Yes, Agent Delarosa.” F.R.I.D.A.Y. responds. 

“Hill.” Maria’s face is on screen. 

“Hey, kid!” You smirk.

“Agent Delarosa.” Maria deadpans.

“Intel is uploaded. Mission report is filed. That must be a record.” 

“Good work, Agent, Sergeant.” Hill nods at both of you. 

“Seriously? That’s all you got? Come on, Hill, you gave us 36 hours and we finished in less than a third of the time. Gimme a little love. You know you want to.” You sass Hill and despite herself you see a little smile form. 

“Maybe next time. If you stop referring to me as kid.” Maria sasses back. 

“You should have more respect for your elders, young lady.” You blow her a kiss and wink as you say, “F.R.I.D.A.Y., screen off.”

Bucky looks as if he is holding back laughter. You smile at him, “Okay. I’m ready to get out of this gear, have a shower, and find some real food. How about you?” 

“My shower or yours?” Bucky raises an eyebrow. 

“Nice try.” You smirk as you head to the elevator. 

“You’re breaking my heart, Doll.” Bucky smirks back. 

Forty-five minutes later you meet Bucky in the kitchen and together make a quick dinner. After eating, you both settle on the couch.

“Whatcha wanna watch?” You ask.

“Something funny?” He says.

You smile, “I was thinking the same thing. Have you ever seen Bad Boys? It’s a mix of comedy and action.”

“Sounds good to me.”

You start the movie and within minutes Bucky has grabbed you by the waist to pull you to him. You lean into him and curl your fingers around his metal ones. It feels so right and easy. Bucky seems to love the movie. He laughs and enjoys the action sequences. Occasionally, he murmurs a question in your ear about different references. You had to pause for a minute to explain to him about the show Cops and the song Bad Boys. He seems to appreciate your willingness to explain and patience. When the movie ends, you look over at Bucky to find him staring at you. 

“What?” You say smiling. He doesn’t answer but leans in for a kiss. You respond immediately. His lips are so soft and you lose yourself in the feel of them. He shifts closer to you and you feel his hand on your waist pulling you in. Your tongues seek each other almost desperately. Arching into him, he groans. When you finally separate moments later you are both breathless and staring into each other's eyes. 

Bucky is the first to speak, “You know you’re pretty amazing?”

“Yeah? You’re pretty amazing, too.” You press a soft kiss to his lips. Standing up, you hold your hand out to him and he follows you to the elevator. As you hit the button for your floor, you say, “The team will be back tomorrow.”

“Yeah.”

“Wanna have a sleepover on our last night alone?” You look at him feeling nervous and bite your lower lip. 

The elevator doors open and Bucky backs you into the hallway wall. “What did I tell you about biting your lip like that?”

“Do it whenever I want to get my way?” You smile at him. 

He kisses you. A hard stamp on the lips. “It’s, um, it’s been awhile since i’ve had a sleepover.”

“I’ll go easy on ya.” 

“Not too easy, Doll.”

You lead Bucky to your room and pull him in for a kiss as you back both of you to the bed. He brings his hands up to cup your face and pulls away to look into your eyes. "Are you sure, Doll?"

Wordlessly, you lift your arms up so he can easily remove your shirt. He tosses it to the side and pulls his own off. Gently, he lays you back on the bed and melds his mouth to yours. Your hands travel over his hard chest feeling the muscles ripple before making their way to his waist where you pull his body even closer to you. He groans into your mouth as he lifts you slightly to unfasten your bra and slip it off your arms. You lay back with your arms above your head as he stares down at you. 

"You're gorgeous, Doll. All of you." He says before lowering his head to take a nipple into his mouth. You suck in a breath as he lavishes attention on your breasts. 

"Ohhhh...Bucky," you whisper as he slowly moves his hands to the waistband of your leggings and pauses, "yes."

He pulls your leggings and panties off as you reach to undo his pants. Pushing his pants down his legs he is already hard and you’ve barely touched him. You put a hand to his chest and push him down onto the bed. You devour him with your eyes and slowly slide hands down to his cock. He hisses with jaw clenched when you touch him. Unable to resist, you wrap your lips around his head and swirl your tongue. His hands go to your hair as he urges you on. You take him as deep as you can and listen to his moans as you work your tongue against him. Wrapping one hand around his base to work him and using the other to palm his balls, you continue to work him. 

“Fuck, Doll. That mouth of yours.” Bucky groans as he gently pulls you away and devours your mouth with his. His hand trails down your body and he presses against your core feeling the slickness. “So wet for me already.” he says as he presses kisses along your neck. His fingers slide across your slick folds skimming your clit before moving down to press a finger into you. Your breath hitches and you whimper at the sensation. Encouraged, Bucky adds a second finger while using his thumb to press your clit. 

“Bucky.” You moan his name as his lips wrap around your nipple. 

“Doll, want inside you so bad.” Bucky says,, “Can’t wait.”

“Yes.” You say quickly.  Bucky removes his fingers and rolls himself on top of you with a searing kiss. You feel him line up with your entrance and then agonizingly slow he pushes in. 

“I thought your mouth was going to kill me, but you're so tight. So wet.” Bucky groans.

You slide your hands to his ass and press him forward encouraging him on. “Feels so good, Bucky.” 

Once he fully buries himself he stills for a moment pressing his forehead to yours. “You okay?”

“So fucking okay.” You wrap your legs around him and encourage him to move. He begins to slowly work himself in and out. Each thrust nearly takes your breath away. You feel the pleasure coiling inside of you. “Harder.” you whisper to Bucky and it’s as if he needed the permission to let go. His hips begin to slam into you. “Yes, yes.” You can’t stop the moans escaping your lips. Bucky’s fingers dig into your sides as he continues thrusting. 

“You’re so perfect, Doll. So fucking perfect. I’m so close.” Bucky groans into your ear as he fastens his lips to the side of your neck. His words propel you over the edge. Your body clenches around his cock and you cry out his name. His hips stutter as he reaches his own release with a moan. 

Bucky rolls to his side and pulls you to him pressing a kiss to your temple. 

“Was I gentle enough?” you tease. 

“No, I think you broke me.” He laughs. “That was uh, the first time in a while for me. I didn’t mean to be in such a hurry but you got me so worked up, Doll.”

“Hey.” You kiss him. “I didn’t mind. You got me all worked up, too.”

“How long before I can get you worked up again?” He asks, nuzzling your ear. 

“You just say the word, Sergeant.”

“Now.” 

“Thank God.” You push him up against the headboard and straddle him. He seals his mouth to yours. Feeling his already growing arousal against you, you know you're in for a long, satisfying night.

Part 4

[fal-carrington]

Just The Two Of Us Pt.4

Pairing: Kamilah x Mc x Adrian

Disclaimer: The Characters are NOT mine

(Part 1) (Part2) (Part 3)

Prompt: After the last night fighting against Gaius, before his fall, he puts his plan into execution, changing the lives of Adrian, Kamilah and Mia forever. Friendships may end, a heart may be broken and a new love may arise. In the end who will win the girl's heart? 

Tag List: @galaxyside-0 @zoe6111 @rocket-scientist07 @scarlet-letter-a0114 @gavryllo @loveshamelessly @thecleveridiot09 @jen825 @zerozone-80 @whoinvitedalx @kamilahspet @ilovekamilahsayeed @sleeping-with-her06 @rubyheartjane @incorrectbloodboundquotes @bucket-harrington @desiree-0816 @kamilahspet @riyalovestaylor @iam-the-fuckin-queen @thepotatobleh @pizzapyjamas @deereboy97 @justejuste727 @jellymonster @tigerbryn11 @awesome-maxs-stuff

2 months later

Ahmanet Financial, Wednesday, 22h44pm

Mia sighed, breathing deeply a few times before entering Kamilah's building. She needed to talk to Kamilah, urgently. The two of them had not been on the same page for months... Actually, they never had been on the same page. Now more than ever, she needed for the very first time to Kamilah give in. But how could she? Kamilah only saw her as troublemaker, an irresponsible and stubborn child. Mia always thought about the day that her wife would take her seriously. There was no possible situation where Kamilah would agree to do this for her, but she needed to try.

She glanced around the large elegant hall of the building, encountering several well dressed men and women, seated in black armchairs, at the counter. The black lettering "Ahmanet Financial" intimidated her. Only 23 years old and she was the wife of the owner. Soon, the feeling that she did not belong to that place, invaded her chest. She bit her own lips impatiently, and with steady steps marched to the counter. Three men in suits were sitting typing on computers.

"Good night. Hi, I—" She tried to say, but the guy interrupted her.

"Deliveries are made in the back." The guy said without even looking at her.

Mia opened her mouth, shock and surprise took her.

"Excuse me? I'm not a deliverer,” she said, leaning against the counter.

"What do you want?" The guy asked impatiently.

"I came here to talk with Kamilah," she clarified. The guy in response let out a wry smile, as if he were mocking her. Mia frowned.

“Do you have an appointment?”

“Uh... No. I don’t need one.”

"Mrs Sayeed does not receive nobody without an appointment, in fact, she hates to receive someone who is not on her agenda. She is not available to receive anyone who wants to come and talk to her.” The guy said without looking up, typing quickly.

“This guy is serious?” Mia thought to herself. "Anyone?" Mia laughed, running a hand through her blond hair. "Do you know who I am?"

"No. And honestly, I do not care to figure it out.” The guy looked up for the first time, directly into the girl's green eyes, scanning her clothes from top to bottom, which made her uncomfortable. "Look, you're very pretty. If you want to speak to Mrs Sayeed you will have to come back another day and set the time in advance. Or if you'd prefer to give me your name, so I can put it on the list, if do not mind waiting in one of the chairs... Even though there's no chance she'll see you today.” He typed again on his keyboard, indifferent.

“Alright.” Mia smirked. "The name’s Miranda."

"Miranda..." He typed.

"... Sayeed." At the mention of the surname, the three of them looked at her. The dimpled smile grew on her face, her brow furrowed with irony.

"...And I'm Lady Gaga." Another commented, laughing, as the other three did the same, Mia rolled her eyes.

"I'm serious, you idiots." She sighed, starting to get angry. “I need to see Kamilah. And if I do not see my wife right away, I'll be happy to see your butts get fired”

"Get out before I call the security guards." The first one told her.

"Are you kidding me? Do you know who you're talking to you fucking whore?” Mia raised her voice. At the same instant, a familiar figure emerged from Kamilah's personal elevator. Karen. Her personal assistant. Karen carried her tablet in her hands, walked with the same elegance and grace as ever. A smile flashed across her face as her eyes met Mia's.

Mia's smile could not get wider when she saw Kamilah’s assistant

"You guys are all fucked up," she whispered to the three of them.

"Mrs Sayeed, what a pleasant surprise! You’re back!." She approached. Mia turned to her with a huge grin on her face, laughing inwardly at the three who froze with Karen's presence, and the words she'd let go before she even approached.

"Hi Karen, how are you?" Mia crossed her arms.

"I’m great. Mrs Sayeed did not mention that you would come today.”

"Oh, I wanted to make a surprise. I hope Kamilah is not busy.”

"She just left a meeting. She has an hour to spare. How was your trip? I hope it was good."

"It was amazing! thank you for asking, Karen. So I guess I'll see Kamilah... My wife. Anytime I want and without an appointment, because I don’t need one!” She shrugged, laughing exaggeratedly, out of the corner of her eye she could see the red color on the faces of the three of them. When Karen stepped forward, Mia took one last look back, before lifting her middle finger to them and followed her.

“I don’t understand.” Mia said after a few minutes of silence between her and Karen in the elevator.

“What?” She asked.

“Why nobody believes that Kamilah got married?”

“I believe it is because Kamilah is not very… Open.” Karen took a deep breath, contemplating to respond in a kind manner. “She just... Don’t care about getting closer to people, obviously she has more important matters to deal with.”

Mia sighed. Karen left her in Kamilah's huge, elegant office, which was empty at the moment. Mia looked around, she’s only been there three times in her entire life, it was strange to stay in that environment without Kamilah.

"Make yourself at home, Kamilah will return to her office at any moment. I'll let her know that you're here.” Karen smiled sympathetically. Mia smiled back, awkwardly.

"Karen?" Mia called her before she walked out the door.

"Yes, ma'am?" Karen stopped.

"Do you... Do you think Kamilah will be happy when she finds out I'm here?" She asked uncertainly. Karen paused for a moment, as if reflecting how to answer to that, her intense gaze slightly annoying Mia.

"I think she'll be delighted with your presence," she replied, Mia knew it was a lie, but she smiled back, anyway. Karen left.

Kamilah’s pov

"...It's not about the money, they've been our clients for years, I'm not going to lose this contract for Mannon Financial, maybe we should think of a better strategy to close this deal." Kamilah said contemptuously as she walked the halls of Ahmanet Financial with her assistant. The last winter weeks had been pleasantly quiet for the CEO, since Mia had discovered an ONG which the main project was building houses for the unfortunates, and had the idea of ​​going to do volunteer work in Colômbia, Kamilah could not support her any more, the idea of her getting rid of her wife for weeks or maybe months, it never seemed so attractive.

Months married, months of drama with Adrian and a childish rivalry between the two. She just had a lot of work to do, and getting involved with Mia was not on her mind. Now she had her penthouse and her bed only for herself and no kind of family stress.

"...Maybe we should go back with the idea of ​​end of the year gifts? Whiskey and cigars, as usual” Karen proposed.

"It's not a bad idea, they're traditional men and like every year, they'll appreciate that," Kamilah said patiently. "Let’s think about this. Well, in the meantime, send me the reports in my office, I do not want to be disturbed."

"Uh, ma'am... Maybe you should know—”

"I do not want distractions, Karen. I do not want anyone in my office today." Kamilah said opening the door, and faced the last person she hoped for and wanted to see. Mia. The CEO stopped at once, a tempestuous expression forming on her face, at first confusion, shock, and then anger, as she came across that little blonde creature with cheeks and tanned skin sitting in her leather chair and with the boots on top of her desk, playing with a pen of more than five thousand dollars between her nails done.

"I was about to tell you that your wife was waiting for you in your office a few minutes ago," Karen said quietly behind Kamilah.

"I noticed," Kamilah muttered. Mia smirked, flicking her dimples between her cheeks.

"Well, I'll give you privacy," Karen said, trying to pull away.

"You stay." Kamilah told her assistant without taking her eyes off Mia, closing the door behind her. "My wife was already leaving. Get out off my chair, Miranda."

"Ugh, I hate it when you call me like that." Mia rolled her eyes. "Is that the way you talk to your wife? Did you not missed me?"

Kamilah crossed her arms, her perfect eyebrows arching as they always did when she was angry.

"Someone is in a bad mood today," Mia snapped without moving.

"You should be in Colômbia." Kamilah pointed at her.

"I was and it was wonderful, thank you for asking." Mia stood up. "Despite your unsuccessful attempt to get rid of me, I'm back."

"I do not have the patience for your little games today, I have a lot of work to do and I'm busy, as you can see," Kamilah said angrily.

“You know what would be cool? a picture of us on the table, as most couples usually use at their desks.” Mia pointed to Kamilah's desk. Kamilah rolled her eyes in response, Mia seeing the unimpressed look that Kamilah gave to her, she continued. “Oh, come on, you know your life is boring without me” She gave a charming smile to Kamilah.

"Why can not you be a normal wife and spend the credit card I gave to you?" Kamilah touched the bridge of her nose.

"Oh, you mean the limitless credit card you gave me as a form of bribe not to disturb you? No thanks, I will not spend your money.” Mia walked around the table and sat on the edge, her fingers squeezing the wood from Kamilah's table. “... And what’s wrong with my clothes, anyway?” She looked at them.

"You dress like a hipster who's about to run away with a band." Kamilah gestured to Mia's torn black jeans. "You're the wife of a CEO, you should dress like one." Mia rolled her eyes impatiently.

"I do not see anything wrong with my style, maybe that's why your receptionists treated me like crap earlier." She said in a lower tone, Kamilah frowned.

"They did what?" Kamilah asked.

"Doesn’t matter.” She shrugged trying to hide the hurt in her eyes, which was evident to Kamilah. "You know, while I was away, I did a lot of things in Colômbia, a lot of good things for many people, I did not regret it in the last few weeks, but then I realized that you just wanted to get rid of me and I was making it so much easier for you.” Kamilah rolled her eyes impatiently. "I kept in touch with my parents since I left, they were very curious about you and why I would leave the country since I’m married for such little time."

"So that's why you're back," Kamilah concluded with a small smile forming on her lips. "To keep the facade for your parents." Mia moistened her lips, moving away from the table and approaching Kamilah in slow steps with the pen swinging in her fingers.

"They mean the world to me, I'd hate to disappoint them. They are already hurt because they were not invited to our wedding and I did not tell anyone we were getting married. I'm back because my Nana's birthday will be this weekend, and I can not lose this.” A sarcastic smile formed on Kamilah's lips. Well, she would have another free weekend from Mia before she resolved to return to the penthouse.

"Well, may god be with you on this trip. You can get the jet and go.” Kamilah smiled satisfied. Mia let out a laugh.

"I don’t know what you're saying, you're going with me." Mia folded her arms, Kamilah's smile widened on her face.

"No, absolutely not. I will not waste my time on this, I have to work."

"Seriously? Jokes on you, you are going Kamilah.” Mia leaned close enough to face her wife in the eyes.

"Is that a threat?" Kamilah frowned, her brown eyes slowly shifting to red. Mia shrugged.

"You can consider what you want, I would say... This is a warning”

"Karen?" Kamilah called to her without taking her eyes off Mia. "Follow my wife out of my office, I have a lot of work to do." Kamilah took a deep breath, trying to control the anger, her eyes returning to the usual brown.

"Karen, I'm not going anywhere. Not until Kamilah gives me her word that she will go with me to Michigan. It's the least you can do for sending me away for two months, Kamilah.” She approached Kamilah, staring at the CEO in the eyes, no matter how tall Kamilah was or how terrifying she was, Mia would not give up

"Well, my efforts does not seem to work because you're back." Kamilah approached her in response, both inches apart.

"I promised I would not make things easy for you," Mia snapped.

"You have no idea who you're dealing with." Kamilah touched the girl's chin, lifting her face with her finger, bringing her face closer to Mia's until she could look closely at the iris of her green eyes.

"I'll take my chances," Mia said in response. “Do you know what I think, Kamilah? I think you're afraid, afraid of it, afraid of us. You're afraid of being in a relationship, that's why you try to push me away, that's why you act like you don't care!”

“You’re ridiculous.” Kamilah snapped back.

"I am? because every time I approach you about your feelings, you run away. You're scared, scared of feeling something, afraid of your own feelings.”

"You're my brother's ex girlfriend, he loves you, he's in love with you, you have twenty-three years old, you're the forbidden fruit, a fetus." Kamilah said angrily.

“Yeah? That’s why you can’t keep your eyes off me?” Mia snapped watching closely the look in Kamilah’s eyes. Kamilah paused in the middle of her sentence as her brown eyes lowered to admire the girl's rosy lips, the thought of how beautiful she had become with her skin sun-tanned had taken over the mind of the CEO. They both backed away as Karen cleared her throat behind them, Kamilah shaking her head, lost for that moment... That was just the effect the girl had on her.

"You're taking my time. And I'm busy." She turned around and sat down in her leather chair. "What is this?" She pointed to the package on the table. Mia sighed and turned to face her.

"Your dinner. It’s vegetarian. I thought to bring it to you,” she said, noting the surprised look on Kamilah's face. “I will not appear alone on my grandmother's birthday, you go to Michigan with me, you are my wife and you will meet my family, we are in it together until the bitter end or you forgot? So if you want to keep your image that you value so much, you will do it, if not for me, do it for yourself. You will, and that's it." She said before leaving Kamilah behind.

"Did you see that? She acts like a teenager.” Kamilah said pointing where the girl was. "Of all the punishments that Gaius could do against me... He chose the worst," she said leaning back in her chair. Karen hid the smile, which was noticed by the CEO immediately. "Is there anything you may want to share with me, Karen?" Kamilah cocked her head to the side, looking directly into her eyes.

"Mia is... A force of nature, Kamilah. She does not think about the consequences before she does things, and she certainly knows how to let you on the edge.” Karen approached Kamilah's table. "But... She is gorgeous, those eyes really are something else. And it is obvious that you two are attracted to one another"

"This is insane." Kamilah rolled her eyes, standing and walking past Karen. "I'm not attracted to my wife."

"There's nothing wrong with admitting it." Karen rushed to catch up with her in Kamilah's private elevator.

"There's absolutely everything wrong with admitting it, my brother is in love with her and she's in love with him. It would be the greatest betrayal I could ever commit.” Kamilah admitted, as the elevator stopped in the lobby of Ahmanet Financial, she stepped forward to the balcony. Spotting the three guys there. She stopped bending to look at the three of them, laughing and chatting.

"I did not know I paid all three of you to play instead of work," she said quietly and softly, catching sight of the hairs on their necks rose.

"Mrs Sayeed!" The one at the left-hand end rose, stuttering.

"We were not expecting you."

"We were just... We were..."

"I do not give a damn what you all were doing, I just came here to say that it came to my ears that my wife was here earlier. And you all did not let her come up.” She raised her eyebrows, noticing the blood rise to the three men's heads and hearts racing.

"We did not know she was your wife!"

"Oh really? Now listen well and carefully, when my wife is here, she will be treated properly and with respect, if it gets to my ears again that any of you treated her inappropriately again, I will go after the three of you, I was clear?" Kamilah threatened, her fangs threatening to appear, but she held them back in time. The three shook their heads in affirmation. "Do you all know what? I changed my mind. You’re all fired. Immediately.” Kamilah walked away from the counter, her heels banging against the floor, Karen rushed to catch up. "Reopen the application process and tell them we're hiring and I'm open to interviews, Karen." She said before they both got into the elevator. Kamilah noticed the smile on her assistant's face. "Do not look at me like that."

"You like her." Karen smiled.

"No. I don’t.... And don’t even think about telling her that I fired them."

“What did they even say? Isn't the forbidden fruit always the best?” Karen said softly wearing a look from Kamilah.

Kamilah’s and Mia penthouse, Thursday, 23h30pm

As winter drew nearer from New York, making the nights cooler, Mia sighed in relief as the elevator doors swung open for her, after months living with Kamilah in that large apartment, she was beginning to get used. Get used to her little routine and to the house. Leaving the market bags on the kitchen counter, and the keys on the key chain, Mia took off her coat and stood to save the groceries. Shopping at the grocery store, making lunch and dinner, and handling some household chores were some of the few things she did and enjoyed doing. She smiled in satisfaction when her work was ready, deep in her mind the idea of taking a hot bath in that wonderful bathtub of her suite and Kamilah’s, invaded her mind.

Mia took off her shirt, her accessories, trousers and socks when she reached the room, she casually walked to the bathroom, but upon arriving there she came upon an unexpected sight. Kamilah. That god damn it woman. Her own demon which sent directly from her personal hell was there in the bathtub.

"OH FUCK!" Mia shouted at the sight of her. Kamilah turned her face to her, frowning. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry! I... I did not know you.... that you were home! Why did not you yell at me from here to tell me you were here!” Mia tried to cover her eyes.

"First, I don’t “yell” and second... This is still my house too, for what I know. Do I have to warn you every time I want to take a bath? "Kamilah asked calmly.

"A text message telling you're coming home would be cool!" Mia said taking her hand out of her eyes briefly, only to be rewarded with... That image which stolen her breath away.

There was little foam in the bathtub that hour, which told her that Kamilah had been there for some time, her absolutely gorgeous brown body was partially exposed, the other half hidden by the water, her brown hair glistening wet, fallen on her shoulders, her Egyptian gold necklace stood out on her tanned skin, besides her was a glass of wine. That perfect face, wet, stared at Mia with serenity. A goddess. When Mia realized, she was staring at her like a teenager who had just seen a porn movie for the first time. She closed her mouth and tried to avoid the CEO's hypnotizing brown eyes.

Kamilah took her eyes from those stubborn green eyes, and without noticing, scanned Mia's exposed body hidden behind that tight set of bra and black lace panties. That girl had a hell of a body. She had to admit it. Even though she was incredibly pretty with a flashy body, there was something else about that girl, the way she rolled her eyes and dared to defy Kamilah made her intrigued, interested and excited.

"Perfect legs," Kamilah thought to herself with a small smile forming on her lips. "...Well, it was you who invaded the bathroom first. So, I believe It’s your fault.” Kamilah said softly looking at that body, her brows furrowed. "Or... Maybe you just wanted to see me naked, so you made up an apology." Mia noticed the way the CEO looked at her, the burning desire in Kamilah’s eyes, she reached for a towel to hide her body behind, crashing the door and leaning against it.

"I ... if I knew you were in the bathroom, I would never!" Mia rolled her eyes in disgust, a laugh escaped from Kamilah lips. Mia stopped talking as she noticed the perfect smile on Kamilah's face. "You... You're smiling. You never smile.” She lowered her shoulders and let out a smirk full of dimples. But then she regained her consciousness and swayed. "Stop smiling like that at me." The grimace returned in her face.

"You are still here aren’t you?," Kamilah observed. “Stop acting like a teenager, we’re adults, you’re my wife, it’s normal to see each other naked.”

"I have no plans to see you naked and I will not let you see my body." Mia stared at her in horror as she squeezed the towel against her body, Kamilah laughed softly sinking into the water and closing her eyes. "So... why did you decide to go back home today?" Mia asked curiously.

"Today was a stressful day, I just wanted to relax, get home and take a bath," Kamilah said softly still with her eyes closed.

"Something happened?" Mia asked curiously, coming closer and leaning against the sink.

"Just... One more day of work," Kamilah replied, Mia kept her eyes on her, studying her features. Kamilah opened her eyes, surprising her, making her change her posture. "What?" Kamilah asked.

"Nothing." Mia shook her head, feeling her face turn red. "I don’t know... I'm just not used to seeing you at home. Are you going back to work? "

"Not today," Kamilah replied sipping her drink. At the same moment, the image of having to split the bed for the very first time, invaded Mia's head. Oh, boy.

"You drink a lot," Mia said quietly.

"...And you complain too much," Kamilah snapped. Mia opened her mouth to protest.

"True." Mia shrugged, taking an unexpected smile from Kamilah. In response, Kamilah prepared to get out of the tub, making the move, Mia turned her back to her, trying to avoid looking. "Oh, God, you're getting out of the bathtub, that's something you're doing," she stammered. Behind her, Kamilah smiled as she picked up a nearby towel and wrapped her body around it.

“For someone who don’t want to look, you seems very curious.” Mia peeked over her shoulder, being greeted by a flawless white smile.

"You... Can you rush this? You know, there are some people who want to bathe.” Mia said with her back to the sink, Kamilah came wiping her hair with a towel, facing her.

"For what I know, there are more than three bathrooms in this house, you're the only one standing here against your will." Kamilah moved closer to her, narrowing her eyes, being so close to Kamilah made her uneasy, she could feel that attraction again, the heat emanating from Kamilah's body, the CEO staring at her behind the wet strokes of her hair, somehow she become even more attractive. Kamilah placed both her hands against the sink, holding her there. Mia stared at those hot brown eyes, before she could stop them — images came into her mind, holding her in that trance, sand, a lot of sand. A marble palace erected against the sands. She saw Kamilah, how beautiful she was in her black hair with a fringe, noble egyptian clothes, that perfect smile on her face. The picture went as fast as it came. The same smile lingered on Kamilah's face, unchanged by time.

"Stop doing that, it's not working," Mia said crossly, folding her arms.

"What am I doing?" Kamilah asked staring at her lips.

"You're hitting on me. I do not know why, but if you think you're going to take advantage of me with that... If you think I'm going to fall for this, you're very much mistaken, Kamilah.” Mia said with conviction. "You think you can... You think you can come to me and smile like that... With that perfect face of yours and I’m going to fell for you?? You’re wrong." Kamilah grinned even more.

"Oh, so you think my face is perfect. I did not know you were attracted to me, Mia.” Kamilah raised her eyebrows, Mia's expression make her laugh.

"I'm not!"

"Yes, you are."

"Oh, for gods sake." Mia rolled her eyes.

"I'm not hitting on you. But if I was... " Kamilah brought her face closer to Mia's, gluing her foreheads, her lips inches from hers, Mia's breath caught stuck, her whole body tingling, that cold in her belly were back so fast. — A part of her wanted, the selfish one, no matter how much she wanted to deny and push Kamilah away, a part of her wanted to kiss her desperately, there was something about Kamilah that drew her, but a sound in her head claimed that she still loved Adrian, Adrian was the man of her life, but if he was... Why did she want to kiss Kamilah so badly? "... If I was hitting you, you couldn’t take it..." Kamilah touched her chin, lifting him up to make her look at those hypnotizing brown eyes. "You could not stand a night with me, could not bear the pleasure, the desire..." her words were mere whispers against Mia's lips. “I would make you scream my name all night long, as if I were your holy grace, your salvation...”

"Kamilah..." Mia tried to say stuttering. She wanted to, only god knew how she wanted and craved that kiss. Even being... So wrong. At that moment, the image of Adrian dissipated. Any coherent thought was eliminated from her mind. Kamilah inclined her face, directing her lips to the girl's ear.

"That's exactly why nothing's going to happen between us." Mia shivered as she heard Kamilah's lips whisper in her ear, and received a small bite in her earlobe and a kiss on her cheek.”

"Great." Mia raised her nose defiantly, daring to look into Kamilah's eyes. Kamilah stood to look into her eyes. "I'll never sleep with you. I don’t have feelings for you and you don’t have for me."

"Great." Kamilah returned with a small, confident smile. "As you wish." Kamilah walked away so fast and left her alone in the bathroom before she could even think twice.

1h30am

Later that night, Mia flipped through her book patiently, amused by the story, enough to not hear the front door open and close, giving way to Kamilah, who entered the room with warm eyes on the girl.

"I didn't know you had a preference for the right side of the bed." Kamilah said softly with a playful smile on her face. Mia looked up from the book, and almost immediately her face turned red when she saw the CEO standing by the door, wearing nothing, but a black silk nightgown that valued her beautiful body and breasts. Mia had never seen so much skin before.

“Holy fuck.” She thought to herself. “I’m screwed. That’s it.”

"It's... I... It's near the bathroom," she stammered, drawing a smile from Kamilah. "I don't have to go around the bed."

“Hmmm. I see.” Kamilah raised her brow, letting Mia's face turn even more red. Mia looked at her clothes immediately, realizing that maybe those pajama shorts were maybe too short, and after the bathroom confrontation, she didn't know if she trusted herself or Kamilah, enough to spend the night with the vampire queen.

Kamilah approached with slow steps, as if calculating her every step, going to her side of the bed and pulling the covers towards her. At that moment, Mia felt that familiar warmth emanating from Kamilah's body, how hot that was. She swallowed, trying to focus on her book, but it was almost impossible with Kamilah so close.

“What are you reading?” She felt the hairs on her body shiver at the sound of Kamilah's voice so close to her ear, Mia looked over her shoulder and met Kamilah's brown eyes in her book.

"Uh... Hum... The sky is falling." She replied stuttering.

“And why is the sky falling?” Kamilah asked.

"Well... Uh—" Mia frowned trying to make the right words out, but she was unable to form them. “I think… I don't know yet. Uh... I haven't reached that part yet, I think it's a metaphor for —” Her eyes met Kamilah's, seeing that flawless smile so close to her face, the words faded from her mind.

“For?” Kamilah whispered, smiling approaching again. Mia stepped away noticing how close they were until...

"Ouch!" She faltered as she fell off the bed. Kamilah's laugh echoed around the room, Mia tried to get up with an ugly face. "That’s it!" She stood, marching around the room and going to an armchair, taking all the pillows there and carrying them to bed.

"What on earth do you think you're doing?" Kamilah asked without understanding.

“I think it's time we set some boundaries between us, don't you think?” She said forming a wall of pillows between her and Kamilah.

"You can't be serious." Kamilah said in disbelief looking at the girl and her job in separating both.

"Believe me I am." Mia smiled, pleased to see the result of her work.

“This... is definitely the most childish thing you've ever done,” Kamilah said watching her.

"Thanks." Mia smiled, settling herself on the side of the bed.

“What if I want to push the pillows away?” Kamilah raised an eyebrow.

“You will not do that. It wouldn't be nice and it would be disrespecting your bed limits.” Mia looked over her shoulder.

"I couldn't care less about my boundaries." Kamilah said. "That's not how two married people sleep."

"We're not like everyone else, we're a different kind of couple." Mia said sleepily.

"Still, this is ridiculous and you know it." Kamilah said grumpy.

“I didn't think you were the type that enjoy cuddling, Kamilah.” Mia smiled over her shoulder. Mia propped her face against the pillows that parted both, smiling at the vampire queen. Kamilah returned her an annoyed look. "What? let's talk, share things, tell secrets.” Mia said poking her. Kamilah rolled her eyes and turned to the opposite side of the bed.

"I do not share."

"Yes, you do." Mia laughed.

"Go to sleep Miranda, or I swear to god, I'll kick you out of this bed, and this time you won't be able to climb again."

“Awn, come on!”

“You don’t know nothing about me, so let’s keep this way. It’s better for the both of us.” Kamilah said impatiently.

“Yeah, you’re right. I don’t know, but I want to. That’s why we have this weekend with my parents, I’m looking forward to it. They are going to love you.” Mia said smiling leaning over the pillows and leaving a spontaneous kiss on Kamilah's cheek. What she didn’t saw was the shocked look on Kamilah’s face at the unexpected act of love.

[sunnixsunshine]

A concept I might not draw again for a while but I'm excited to develop more.

Basically its a Bnha x Naruto crossover wher Naruto and the others attend a more "countryside" academy— Konoha Academy(I know its lame, sue me)— and he's a 3rd year, based around shippuden.

Naruto wears the school uniform incorrectly— using the belt as a headband, wearing his jacket under his uniform blazer(with the collared button down underneath— he's a disaster), he wears boots even though there's some provided uniform shoes that do fit him perfectly and feel better than those boots. Meanwhile, Sasuke and Sakura both wear their's as the rules state.

I'll just touch upon the main four's quirks and a bit of how I see their background.

Naruto's quirk is "life force(chakra) manipulation"— I haven't thought of a better name yet— where he can make his shadow clones(which are vivid and almost solid illusions created with pure life force/chakra), use rasengan, and all the other techniques that require chakra. Naruto strives to be number 1, although he does not idolize All Might(if I do decide to include his influence in this AU), rather he idolizes his father and even Jiraiya(as well as Sarutobi).

Sasuke's quirk is just copying other quirks with his sharingan— which is a quirk varient only seen in the Uchiha family— its like a fusion between Monoma's quirk and Aizawa's. I haven't gone into the other types yet, still thinking of those. Sasuke attended an exclusive program only Konoha Academy has(more on that in a bit) and his first year(age 11) went well until the middle of it when he was struck by a villian(Orochimaru) and was permanently affected by his quirk— ie, the curse mark. It still affects him in his 3rd year of the academy and has forced him to be supervised at all times. Reason being is because the quirk causes him to seek power and not stop until the power is given to him, like going off to Orochimaru(its not the only way but it does cause the person to WANT to go to him). It also amplifies his quirk, which just strengthen whatever qyirk he copies.

Sakura can heal others with her palm, accelerating skin cell growth and the whatnot. Her's is pretty basic but isnt exactly battle ready— and thats actually because shes training to be an on field nurse, something Tsunade has finally convinced the village(just their village/the leaf village) to try out. However, field nurses are expected to be able to defend themselves and help in a fight, so Sakura uses hero tools(more on that later) to aid her. I havent thought of much for Sakura yet, its a bit of a struggle since she isnt too relevant in most arcs— which I wanna change in this AU.

Lastely, Kakashi harbors two quirks; Lightening blade and Sharingan. He and Obito was subjected to testing— think about the nomus and such because thats exatly it ;)— in their 2nd year. Obito risked his life to let Kakashi escape, and in the midst of things, during the escape that is, somehow Obito's quirk was given to Kakashi(its obvious to us how he got it but not to him or Obito). Obito willingly gave up his quirk to AFO without knowing he did and AFO just gave it away— I dont have a solid reasoning yet, but maybe because its literally AFO but with eyes and its limited. Kakashi was once a hired bounty hunter for the more rouge and dangerous villains other heroes dont want to go after, but then Gai convinced him to quit because the job was changing him. After that, Kakashi was offered a position as a teacher at the academy.

How the academy works:

11-13 year olds are open to apply for a junior program, to get a head start in their hero training— not studies. After that they are guaranteed a spot in the main academy— for example, Hinata and Neji were both accepted into the program and then immediately granted a spot without needing to apply; meanwhile, Naruto was not in the program, but he was taught a lot by Iruka(which is who essentially raised him since he was about 4) and got in after applying and taking the exam(which yes he almost failed).

After a year or two in the program, depending on age(11 is 2 years, while 12 is 1 year), they move up to their 1st year year in the academy where they start their studies and further their training, just more intense. The academy lasts 3 years like a typical Japanese highschool. They have all their general classes of course and then theres their hero classes. The school is mostly comprised of hero students, with field nurse students sprinkled in.

After the 3rd year, all students have the option to sign up for a program that will guarantee them a spot in a real agency as a sidekick— the internship program. Its like an extra 4th year except they arent actually in the school as students anymore. Some are assigned to heroes not affiliated with the school, to which hero assignments are changed at the start of every week(they get new hero partners). And then some are assigned to a teacher's agency. All the students are required to come back to the school to fill out their reports, which are technically graded and only for the purpose of correcting it before official reports are ever made [outside of the program].

Class teams:

Class teams are exactly what the name suggests. In their 1st year, three students are assigned to be a team. Its to teach them about team work very early on. Class teams are only disbanded in their 3rd year at the end of their first semester. The rest of the year students study and partake in feild training on their own. Class teams do get individual teachers that stay well into their 3rd year. Each class is actually very small and so grouping them into teams is easy.

Hero tools:

Hero tools are pretty obvious. In the academy, every student is required to learn how to use a hero tool, even if they dont require one because of their quirk, and any kind is acceptable— the academy's provided tools are kunai and shurinken, but students can design and develop their own hero tool(s) if they so wish— for example, Sakura uses the basic hero tools provided by the school, but then theres Shikamaru who developed his own tool that would help produce more shadows that would help him use his quirk better.

Feel free ask about this I guess.I want to make a comic out of this in the future, when I get my tablet, so I just want to develop this more before I get too ahead in drawing it.

[bluebird167]

The Sinners and Their Saints Chapter 28: A Dance of Romance Part 1

"No! No! No!"

"Come on Pacifica." Dipper said.

"No! There is no way I can get you all invitations into the gala." She said.

"Why not? Your invitation says you can bring friends."

"Only if they're socially acceptable and in the eyes of the wealthy and high class who will be at this event you all are not socially acceptable."

"It's a costume party. We'll all be in disguise, who's gonna know it's us?"

"It's a huge risk, none of you know how to behave like people of high society."

"How hard can it be? You just have to act like a jack ass." He joked.

"I'm serious, if everyone there finds out that I brought guests who were unfit my parents would ruin me."

"Relax we won't even be there that long. We just need to be there long enough for me to read the tablet."

"Fine but your costumes need to be good, so good that no one will recognize you or at least think you're rich or something."

"That shouldn't be a problem."

"Actually it is because the party is tomorrow night. Where are you all going to come up with five suitable costumes?"

"Well it shouldn't be too difficult if you provide some money to help us buy them."

"No."

"Why?"

"Because my parents will get suspicious. I guess I could give you some money but only enough to where my parents won't notice it's missing when they check the safe."

She gave them five hundred dollars which was enough to buy three costume suits for the boys and one for Connie.

For Manny's costume consisted of a white dress shirt, a brown button up vest, an ornamented navy blue overcoat, white pants, and black boots. Steven wore an all black suit which consisted up a button jacket with a collar, matching pants, and boots while sliver threads lined the suit up. Dipper wore a white dress shirt, dark-green jacket, pantaloons, black stockings, and short brown boots.

They didn't have enough money to buy Frida a costume at least not one in her size. But she assured them that she would be able to find one. As for Pacifica she already had her costume bought and ready however she knew all too well that clothes wasn't enough, Hair, make-up, mannerism, and other stuff. So on the night of the big event she went over to help them get ready. For the gentlemen hair and make up was not needed but for the ladies definitely.

"I'll just go dressed as a guy." Frida told them.

"No you have to wear a dress, a woman of high society would never dressed like a man even at a costume party."

"Well hate to break it to you but there aren't any suitable costume dresses lying around at lest none in my size that are affordable."

"I think I know something that might work." Dawn said. "Wait right here."

An hour later she came back with a box that contained a suitable gown for the occasion.

"I can't wear this." Frida said when she saw it.

"Why not? It's beautiful and I'd bet my life that it fits you perfectly."

"Hmm..." Pacifica said studying it. "Old fashioned but elegant, it'll do."

"But don't you think it's too important for me to wear. I mean...Won't he get mad?"

"No." Dawn said. "To the contrary I think he would like it if you wore it."

"Alright if you say so."

"Now let's see what I have to work with here." Pacifica said scanning both Connie and Frida's faces. "Oh boy this will not be easy but if anyone can make you two look pretty it's me."

"Was that an insult?" Connie asked Frida.

"I think so."

"Hmmph! How rude."

First Pacifica had Dusk, Dawn, and Sister Nora fetch some make up, hair supplies, and jewelry boxes from both Pacifica's room and from the bedroom Frida had slept in at the Rivera Manor. They had brushes, combs, pins, powders, blushes, rouges, perfumes, and eye coloring. Lucky for them Pacifica was an expert in beauty so she was able to do their hair and make up. It took her four hours to get all three of them ready with a little help from Dawn and Sister Nora.

"So blondie am I ready?" Frida asked.

"Almost, your hair isn't done and you need a new necklace." Pacifica said. "Take that one off and put on the one that came with the gown you're wearing."

"You mean my cross? I don't know. I've worn this since I was eleven except for that time when the chain got caught in my hair."

"Whoa do you need a change."

"You don't understand this was my mother's. She gave it to me just before she died, I promised her that I would keep it with me always."

"Don't worry dear I'll hold on to it." Sister Nora assured her.

"Okay." She reluctantly took off her sliver cross necklace and gave it to Sister Nora. "Please don't lose it. It's pretty much the only thing I have left of my parents and my sisters."

"I'll guard it with my life."

"You must really miss your parents huh?" Connie said.

"Yeah I do. What about you? Do you miss yours?"

"Sometimes. I've thought about going back to see them but I'm afraid that if I go back they'll lock me up or something."

"I don't know maybe they won't do that. Maybe if you told them the stuff you've been doing all this time they might see that they don't need to be so protective."

"You're probably right but still I just...I'll visit them when I'm eighteen that way they can't control my life."

"Hey not to rush you but hurry up ladies, it's almost time to go." Pacifica said.

"Okay, okay. Sheesh." Connie complained.

Meanwhile downstairs...

"How long does it take to get dressed and do your hair?" Dipper asked impatiently.

"For a man about maybe twenty minutes." Solomon said. "For a woman, God knows."

"Women." Steven huffed.

"I know right? It's just a party right? It's not like they're going to church or something." Manny said.

"Now remember boys." Dusk said. "Frida and Connie have to pass as beautiful and elegant women of high society like Pacifica so it may take awhile."

"Gentlemen." They heard Sister Nora say as she walked downstairs into the room. "Your ladies are ready."

The three boys felt their jaws drop, eyes pop, and bodies go numb when the three girls came downstairs looking stunning in their gowns, make up, and with their hair styled properly.

Pacifica was dressed in a blue, long sleeved, floor length gown of satin and white lace with a petticoat under the skirt and a satin, blue shawl that was over the skirt. Her blonde hair was pulled up into a bun while a small crown of diamonds sat on top of her head and diamond necklace was around her neck. Her face had peach blush dusted on her cheeks, a bright red rouge was painted on her lips, and a little powder was added to brightened it.

Connie wore a Coral dupioni ballgown with a boned bodice and a trained skirt featuring trim of dimensional braid, gold embroidery, and stones. Her part of her black hair was pulled up by a gold pin while the rest hung down in shiny black locks. She wore a gold chain around her neck and for her make up it was a brownish-purple rouge for her lips, light gold coloring for her hazel eyes, and lining from an eye pencil.

Frida wore the long-sleeved, white elegant wedding gown painted with flowers that had been worn by Manny's late mother and would've been worn by Analia given the chance. Her blue hair was pulled back and styled into lush waves held by the comb lilies. Around her neck were the string of pearls while matching earrings were in her ears. Pink blush had been lightly added to her cheeks, sliver was added to her eyes to bring out their blue color, and a red rogue had been applied to her lips.

"How do I look?" Connie asked Steven.

"Uh...Uh...I...I...I..I...I..I..." He said stuttering like a love struck idiot.

"Are you okay?"

"Ha...Ha...Pretty lady."

"Uh thanks." She said blushing.

"Close your mouth Steven you're drooling." Dipper said.

"Sorry! sorry! Ha! Ha! I'm...I'm gonna go wait in the car! Bye!" He said leaving.

"What's his problem?" Connie asked confused.

"Lady are you blind or what?" Frida joked.

"What?"

"Isn't it obvious?"

"No. What?"

"Nevermind." Frida giggled. "You all go on over to the car and try to cool him off, while I get some extra money in case of an emergency."

"Okay."

She went to get her purse, not noticing Manny's unchanging gaze on her until she looked up from counting her money.

"Oh! you scared me!" She said.

"You're wearing my mother's dress."

"I'm...I'm sorry. I didn't want to wear it not that I don't think it's a good dress but I thought it would upset you but both Dawn and Pacifica said I should wear it and...And....I'll take it off if you want."

"No. It's okay."

"You sure?"

"Yeah I'm not ever getting married anyway so it doesn't really matter to me who wears it."

"Oh right. Of course." She sighed. "So how does it look? I probably look ridiculous huh."

"You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen." He said without thinking then blushed when he realized what he had said. "Did I day that out loud?"

"Yes."

"I...Uh...I...I..."

"Thank you." She said blushing. "And you look very handsome. Never thought I'd see you in a suit."

"Heh...Heh...Well come on we should be going." He said nervously.

"What the hell is wrong with me?" He thought. "Why am I talking like that?"

They went downstairs to greet the others in the car and they drove down to the party. It was held in a large plaza filled with lights, elegant music by a famous orchestra, exquisite food laid out on the tables, and pretty much every rich person in Maine dressed up in expensive costumes.

"Wow talk about a big shindig." Steven said.

"So what do we do now?" Connie asked.

"Just don't talk to anyone and be prepared to waltz when it's time." Pacifica said.

"Waltz?" Dipper said.

"Yes. Oh god! Tell me you all know how to waltz."

"I do." Manny said. "My mother made me learn."

"So did mine." Frida said.

"Mine did too." Connie said.

"I taught myself how to win a contest once." Steven said.

"I don't." Dipper confessed. "I can't dance period."

"You're kidding right?" The blonde asked him.

"No."

"Oh why me? Alright wolf boy come with me."

"Wait! I have to check on the-"

But she had already pulled him away to a private area where she began teaching him how to waltz properly.

"So I guess aside from wolf boy we can all dance." Connie said.

"Pretty much." Steven said. When music started playing, he bowed at Connie's feet and offered her his hand. "May I have the pleasure?"

She giggled and put her hand in his.

"I'd love to."

The two then walked over to join the other dancers as they began to share a romantic waltz. Manny and Frida looked at each other nervously.

"So..." Manny said offering her his hand just as Steven had done with Connie. "Shall we?"

"Oh I...I don't know. Remember what happened the last time we tried dancing?"

"Yes you repeatedly kept stepping on my feet in blind rage but as painful as your foot was I wouldn't mind to try dancing with you again."

"Really?"

"Yeah that is if you want to."

"Sure."

She put one hand in his and the other on his shoulder while he put his free hand around her waist. Then the two began to waltz in perfect sync with the music. Their eyes met and Manny felt that familiar pang in his heart and it only got stronger when she laid her head on his chest as they danced. He felt sweat drip down the side of his face and fought the urge to start shaking.

"What is this feeling?" He asked himself.

"You seem different." She whispered.

"Do I?"

"Yes."

"Ho-how?"

"Well for one thing you asked me to put that belt back on you when last I checked you hated that thing."

"I still do but it seems that it's needed."

"What do you mean?"

"Well my old friend is after you so you need me to protect you."

"And since when do you care about what happens to me?"

"Okay you've kind of grown on me."

"Grown on you? Seriously?"

"What?"

"That can mean different things you know."

"Okay how about this, I guess I like you. I mean you're an okay girl."

"Thanks. I think."

"So listen do you remember what you told me when you were inside my head?"

"That depends. What are you referring to?"

"You...You said you loved me." She blushed when he said that. "Was that true?"

"Ah...I...I...Ye-yes."

"You sure?"

"Yes."

"Not lying?"

"No. Why do you not believe me?"

"Because I never thought nuns could fall in love. Especially with a devil."

"You're not all devil you know and even if you were it's not like you're some evil monster or something anyway you don't have to freak out I know you don't feel the same way not to mention a relationship between a nun and a devil would be considered really bad to some people so I'll learn to get over my feelings."

"Oh that's...Good...Very good because after Analia died I swore I'd never love again."

"Never?"

"Never. It was just too painful."

"Oh...I see...Well it doesn't really matter anyway because when I was a child I promised myself that I would never get married."

"Time out you promised that you would never get married?"

"Yeah you kind of have to do that when you're a nun."

"Well yeah but was that before or after you became a nun?"

"Before."

"Why?"

"Because....Um..." She leaned over to his ear and whispered something to him. "I'm afraid of sex."

"What?!"

"Shh!"

"Sorry but seriously?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"I....I don't know...I guess it just seemed so scary to me."

"Well that's common for girls especially virgins."

"Uh can we change the subject?"

"Love to."

[littlewalken]

Oct 12

Nothing like hearing The Damned piped in to a store as 'ooh spoopy Halloween music' at the fabric store. You never mistake Roman Jugg's riff at the beginning of Shadow of Wuv.

Evwy night evwy day I experience the most exquisite pain.

And if you have parents who are in a tizzy about you even knowing who The Damned are play Is It A Dream, Trojans, Eloise, and Alone Again Or and just tell them it's just a band that likes to play dress up and how Dave and Patricia have been married forever and have a daughter and conveniently forget the whole inventing punk thing.

Show anyone pissed off and ignorant about The Cure pictures of Perry from his job at Fly Culture magazine and tell them he's married to a horse girl and every record they buy goes towards them rescuing former race horses and rehabilitating them for other horse jobs. Which is completely true and don't show them anything from southendpunk.com like the pic of Perry mooning the camera.

As Goff Barbie said, Perry was always one of them (The Cure) he just didn't play on stage (until 1990). So he's like The Lament Configuration.

On the writing side of life typing strait in to the tablet is again proving to be a good idea. My neck won't thank me but future Little Walken will when they go over the story again.

I had been waffling about that coffin purse but it's roomier than I thought, has a little pocket inside for a phone, altho I'll be putting mine in something to protect that screen, and like fuck it, with the rose boots and Violator t-shirt and it being Damned and Cure enough...

It's like as much as I'd like to save my Mystery Flesh Pit ballast test money for later I am sort of obliged to spend some of it as long as it's not used for basic living expenses. So I'm going to use it on all the goff stuff I've been wanting for the past since 1989 at least years.

Not going to dye my hair again, I did do black in college had to cut it off to get rid of it but it wasn't bad I just didn't want to keep doing it. Mostly because now that I know I have psoriasis I don't want to give my skin any ideas. My self care soaks are doing well, gonna get a deep foot bath as my feet and ankles are the most stubborn places, and it gives me a great excuse to have dedicated watching time.

It's just a pisser that it took a severe thing like that to get someone to listen to me and believe I have an immune system problem.

[aohendo]

what’s opposite the oxbow about?

Opposite the Oxbow was going to be my 2018? NaNoWriMo project. I went full in on that first day and then my course load that year hit like a semitruck. All... 2k words of it is nice and energetic, though!

It's a post-apocalyptic (due to solar flare) journey of a young woman trying to return home. The trick is, she doesn't even know where to call "home" anymore. There was gonna be some cool environmental stuff going on (auroras, general death, etc.) but I just didn't have the energy. It's something I've toyed with over the years to try and find a way to revive it. The answer, of course, is that I just need some general plot points to hit and I'll be good to go, but I keep getting distracted.

Below is a snippet, and here's where the asks are from!

The solar flare hit shortly before midnight and every electrical grid failed three days later. GPS gave in during the initial burst; there was an accessible-gas shortage five days after; communication devices, save for those purposefully left unused, died. The world had been reduced to near preindustrial survival, surrounded by the destroyed husks of 21st century progress, in less than a week.

Frankly, if Audrey Bair hadn’t been so busy panicking, she would have been in awe.

As it was, she had no GPS, no phone, no internet, no computer, no maps, no car, no gas, and no bike. Sue her, she was a little more focused on the impending doom of complete societal collapse by winter than the majesty of the auroras and all their lovely greens and blues. Fancy that.

Bad time for panicking. Well, not really. She’d had a week to panic. This was about to be some type of apocalypse survival issue, and she didn’t have access to a working gun. Or bullets. Or a decently sized knife. Or water purification tablets. Damn, she didn’t have much of a career opportunity after this, either.

So Audrey did the only thing she could reliably do and ignored the issue. She studied for her classes. She wrote her essays and hoped her professors wouldn’t dock her for her handwriting. She submitted her major declaration form. And, when the fact that society was mostly ended came back to contribute to her insomnia, she got up and polished the toes of her black leather boots.

Audrey Bair was panicking, and her mother would be proud.