#my commissions are open! So come around anytime to bless me with your money if you want help in exchange for goods and services

[dapper-lil-arts]

So yeah, I'm on brasil, and the Twitter thing...

So Twitter was the place where I got most of my commissions, and since I'm brasilian, I can't use it anymore. Though I will say, I am in awe of my government being surprisingly based and giving elon musk the middle finger, I'm definitely upset of how this screws me over. Can't fight against it, that was my primary place of posting the 'tiddy' stuff that actually got me followers and commissions, and now that's gone, meaning most of my revenue. Meaning that since the situation is that dire, I'm going to have to look for a job and put art on the backlog, maybe, we'll see.

Kind of ironic, first there was the ban, then this, it's kind of a sign that freelance artist ain't for me, lmao. Divine intervention! It seems Bluesky has messaging now, so I'm going to try to post there too. I'll see ya'll on the flipside.

[johnkrrasinski]

𝙞𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜

Chapter 2: bad was the blood

full masterlist // series masterlist // commission open // support my work

Pairings: bucky barnes x reader

Word Count: 4,376

Summary: blessed with telepathic abilities since birth, you were captured by HYDRA and turned into one of their weapons to kill. after the blip, you were pardoned by the government and you were obliged to check up with dr. raynor everyday which you had no clue would lead you to the one soul you’d been waiting for.

Warnings: SMUT!! (18+) angst, mentions of anxiety, nightmares, murders.

A/N: this series is dedicated to the lovely @ohmickeyhenry who commissioned this story and developed the concept. thank you for trusting me with your story. i sincerely hope you like it.

It had been a week since you and Bucky reunited and ever since that night, you and him were practically inseparable. Your bedroom was next to his and each night, he always came to yours to catch up on things and some nights, your conversation would go so deep that he would find himself waking up in your bed when the sun rises. He’d always leave your bed slowly to go into his room so that he wouldn’t wake you.

Each night he sleeps next to you, his nightmare became less intense. They still haunted him but they were vague, it was as if the faces of his victims become blurry and the echoes become whispers. One night, Bucky came back home from a small mission late and by the time he arrived at the compound, you were already asleep. Bucky knew the passcode to your door so he could let himself in anytime. He typed in those numbers and slowly opened the door and he smiled at the view of you sleeping peacefully. He would watch you sleep all night if he could, but he was exhausted and so were you, so he left you alone to rest.

Beads of sweat rolled down your skin as the cold air sent shivers down your spine. You watched the emotions in Natasha’s eyes vanished, as if her soul left her body and that’s left was the vessel. Sam, Tony and Bruce stood there like statues, waiting for your order. They had one thing in common with Natasha and that was the void of emotion. You felt a sense of pride in turning the Avengers into lifeless soldiers. They were at your mercy, you could command them to destroy the entire world with only a whisper.

Then you felt a cold grip on your arm, “Y/N… Why are you doing this?” Those steel blue eyes held so much pain in them as if he had just been betrayed by the person he trusted the most. “Stop this now! This isn’t you.” Bucky pleaded.

“Stand back soldier, or you are next.”

“No, I won’t let you do this to our friends.”

“Stand back. I will not ask you once again,” you warned him without a hint of uncertainty.

“Stop this, now or I will.” Bucky opposed.

“Very well,” with merely a glare, you activated the soldier you once knew. Years ago in the cold bunker of Hydra, ready to murder with a single order.

“готов подчиниться.”

You watched his blue eyes turned to ice, imitating his infamous name. You smirked and leaned close to his ear, “welcome back, soldier.”

You thrashed your body in your sheets and woke up with a loud scream. You thought you were doing well but the nightmare returned. You were doing what you dreaded again to your friends, the people you considered your family now. You sat up in your bed and sobbed until you heard Bucky opened your door with a concerned gaze. “Y/N, are you okay…?” He didn’t hesitate in running to you and sat next to you on your bed.

“I didn’t mean to, I- I never meant to hurt anyone…” You sobbed against Bucky’s chest as he wrapped his arm around you. His flesh arm held your head close to where his heart was beating and he tried to calm you down by stroking your hair and shushed you. He didn't know what you meant by that and he had many questions to ask but he understood better than anyone that in this state, integrating you would only cause more damage, so he let you cry it all out and comfort you in every way he could.

“It’s okay, y/n. I’m here, it’s going to be okay.”

You cried as you laid on Bucky’s chest until exhaustion took you over. You didn’t remember when you both began to drift away but as Bucky was sleeping, he saw visions of you doing heinous things to people, innocent souls who were held against their wills. He heard their screams and their pleas, but they weren’t looking at him, they were looking at… Her. Bucky had never seen her gaze so cold. Then he was transported into another scene… The place where HYDRA used to store him. It was one of the Russian Armed Forces, Vasily Karpov who was in charge of him during his Winter Soldier years.

Bucky remembered every second he spent trapped in the chair as he was given his orders. But this time, it was her strapped on that chair, screaming in agony. He watched him spelling out the activation words, they were different than his but just as effective. Bucky tried to reach her out, wanting to punch all those men and get her out of there but somehow his feet were stuck in place.

As the last word was uttered, he watched the woman he had slowly fallen in love with disappeared, replaced by a soulless soldier who was ready to kill anything that stood in her way. Bucky woke up to faint echoes of his name being called, “Bucky…” And slowly, he began to come back to life, and he saw her face, still the woman he knew, not the soldier in his dream, looming over him. “Did you see it?”

Bucky instantly sat up as he stared at her, “you were one of the winter soldiers. You were there.”

You nodded, “I was… They never referred to me as the winter soldier, however, I was treated just the same as you were. I had the same purpose as you.”

“How come you never told me?” His gaze was soft, he didn’t sound disappointed or betrayed, he just sounded… Worried.

“I couldn’t… I just didn’t know where to begin. I didn’t want to ruin what we had so I figured, if I left you first, I wouldn’t have to hurt you too and I was afraid that if you found out, you’d never look at me the same.”

“Sweetheart, we are both haunted by the same things. I’d never hate you for what you did. Don’t you think I didn’t have the same fears before? We’ll get through this together, I promise.” He held your face in his hands, the contrast of temperature in both of his hands was somehow soothing you, reminding you that he was once just as peccable as you were.

“But I don’t trust myself, Bucky. Someone could find the book and if they say the words, I could hurt people again… I could hurt you too. And I don’t know if I would ever come back.”

“I won’t let that happen, I promise you. I couldn’t trust my own mind too until I went to Wakanda and they fixed me. They removed the winter soldier program and now I’m free.”

“Is that… Possible?”

“Yes, I’ll explain everything in the morning but, right now, we need to rest.”

“Okay…” you were feeling rather drowsy, not only physically but emotionally too. It was never easy to unravel such shame and remorse.

Bucky laid back and opened his arm for you to sneak under it. You placed your head on his chest, feeling safe and sound being so close to him. Bucky’s fingers tangled with your hair as he kissed your forehead. “Promise you’ll be here when I wake up?”

“I promise,” he whispered.

The sound of his steady heartbeat lulled you to sleep.

-

The next morning, Bucky and you had breakfast together. It was early, the dawn had just begun, and some of the Avengers were out for a run or still asleep. You and Bucky had some alone time in the kitchen and you were thankful for the brief moment of solitude.

“So, what I said last night…” Bucky initiated the conversation as he put his coffee mug on the table. “I really think our best option is to go to Wakanda, y/n. They’ve got the best medical equipment, the people are extremely smart, they’ll take care of you. Just like they took care of me.”

“What makes you think they want to treat me, Buck? I mean, they took you in because the king and Steve made an agreement, but they have no idea who I am and even if they do, they don’t owe me anything.”

“The Wakandans may be resourceful and independent, but they are generous people too. I’ll call Ayo and sort everything out. They can spare me a few more favours.”

“If they agree to treat me, I only wanna go if you go too. I don’t wanna be alone in a country I’ve never been to before, Buck. I’m not familiar with their culture, I don’t speak their language, I don’t wanna fuck it up, you know?”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be there with you every step of the way. I promise.”

“Why are you so good to me?”

“Because you’re the only good thing that happened to me in the past seventy years.”

You never believed in butterflies, but you swore in that moment, the whole damn zoo went nuts. Bucky had a way to make you feel loved and cherished, and you were falling fast. You just hoped that he’d be there to catch you.

The sincerity in his eyes made you smile like you never had before. Looking back, the only times you had ever genuinely smiled was because of Bucky. His texts, his face, his touches, they were your newfound grace. Bucky told you that you were the only good thing that happened to him in the past seventy years, but so was he to you. Was it possible for two fucked up people who had done heinous things to find such love? You could only hope that nothing would come in the way of that.

-

Wakanda was a breath of fresh air. Figuratively and literally. You loved New York, no matter what, it would always be your home. However, Wakanda could definitely give New York a run for its money. The air was free out of pollutions from vehicles, everywhere you look, the landscape was filled with scenic greenery and not to mention the futuristic architectures yet deeply rooted in their culture. The people were welcoming and kind, yet they were not to be crossed over.

When you and Bucky first landed, the king himself, T’Challa with Okoye and Ayo by his sides welcomed you. It was intimidating to be in their presence, yet you were fascinated by how graceful they were. You were hoping that your anxiety wouldn’t make you do something dumb or stupid in front of them so as soon as you were out of the quinjet that Sam was flying, you bowed in front of the king. “We don’t do that here…” T’Challa declared.

You swore you could pass out from embarrassment. Bucky chuckled when you straightened your pose. T’Challa shook hands with Bucky like they were old friends, so did he with Sam. Bucky had been communicating with Ayo regarding your visit today so he didn’t have to explain why you were there anymore. They led you to Shuri’s lab where the miracle occurs.

When she saw you, she was nothing like you expected. She was younger than you but she seemed so ahead of you. She seemed so ahead of everyone in the room. She was bright and had an effervescent personality. The lab was unlike anything you’d ever seen, even Tony’s lab in the compound wasn’t as swanky as this one. Shuri’s lab had equipment you didn't even know existed.

She greeted you both, “welcome back Sergeant Barnes, and who’s your girlfriend?” her bluntness caught you off guard.

“Princess, this is y/n and y/n this is Princess Shuri. King T’challa’s younger sister. She was the one who fixed me eight years ago.”

“Hi Princess, it’s an honour.” You shook her hands.

“Welcome. Now let’s get you comfortable so we can take a look inside your brain, yeah?”

Now here you were, sitting in front of a burning yule log, the fire illuminated your face in the dead of the night. Ayo was standing across you, watching you with her spear ready but she trusted you, regardless. Bucky sat next to you, close enough to reassure you that he wasn’t going to let anything happen to you or anyone.

“It’s gonna work, y/n. I promise.”

“What if it doesn’t? How will you bring me back?”

“Shuri would know what to do. I was sceptical of my own mind too at first, but I turned out fine. Better, even. You’re in good hands.”

“If she comes back, and you can’t stop her, promise me you’ll put her out, even if it kills me.”

“Y/N…” He looked wounded, how could he possibly do such a thing to the woman he loved?

“James! I can’t hurt anyone else anymore, and worse, if I hurt you, I wouldn’t be able to live with myself.”

He nodded, though his heart was saying otherwise. “Okay, I promise.”

The tears in your eyes crawled down your cheeks and he held you close in the hut you’d been sharing with him. He kissed your hair like he would when he comforted you. The hut was simple and far away from the modern life you were used to in the compound or in New York, but you loved the tranquillity and simplicity of it. Some nights where Bucky and you would lie together, warming each other up, wearing nothing but customary clothes, you’d quietly think, you could get used to this. The simple life, with Bucky. Just you and him, and the rest of the world fade into the background. You wondered, could you still have it? That life? Or was it just wishful thinking? Right now, you could only hope that you’d be released from the demons of your past, that still lived in your head.

“I’ll be here, doll.” Bucky whispered and held your hand until the very last second.

“I won’t let you hurt anyone, Y/N. We successfully removed the winter soldier programs from James’ mind like rotten fur, you have nothing to worry.”

You nodded, “okay Ayo… I’m ready.”

You inhaled and stared at your own feet. The soil seemed like a great distraction at that moment. You wished you could hold Bucky’s hand but you didn’t want to look like a scared little baby. Then you heard it, Ayo’s assured voice spelling out the first codeword and the tension in your body rose. You trembled from the cold air, preparing yourself for the worst to happen as she uttered the next one. With each word, the fear in your veins amplified, thinking that any second now you were going to be a passenger in your own body and the demon that lived within you was going to take over.

But as Ayo uttered the last word, you were still there. You remembered your name, you remember where you were, you remembered the people around you and why you were there. You didn’t feel paralyzed, but rather alive. Freed from chains. You couldn’t believe it, you were never one to believe in miracles but that night, you did.

“You’re free, y/n.” Ayo smile like a proud mother.

“I’m free…” You repeated her words as if you were trying to convince yourself that it’s true.

She nodded, and you looked at Bucky who couldn’t hold himself back from wrapping his arms around you as he kissed your temple. “Oh, baby….” You could hear the genuine happiness in his voice and the shape of his lips forming a smile against you.

“You are both free,” Ayo declared.

You looked into his blue eyes that were gleaming with joy and love for only you. In that moment, you wished you had your phone with you so you could capture the priceless look on his face. You knew he was happy for you, however, you felt like you were celebrating his happiness instead. Maybe that’s what true love really is, celebrating each other’s happiness.

He grabbed your face and kissed you so deeply, taking your breath away. You could taste the saltiness of your tears cascaded down to your lips, but it was okay because you could feel Bucky’s soft lips against yours too and it was all you needed.

You held hands with Bucky, walking down to your shared hut, never wanting to untangle yourself from each other. Each night in Wakanda was an entire voyage itself. The scintillating stars in the sky and the quietness was paradise. You could see why Bucky adored Wakanda so much, everything about this country is perfect.

You laid on Bucky’s chest, playing with his dog tag. Even while sleeping, he never took it off. “I can’t believe I’m finally free…” you whispered.

Bucky looked down at you, “believe it doll, you deserve it.”

You sat up and leaned on your elbow, looking at him, “Thank you for getting me here and for being with me through it all. You’re amazing, Bucky.”

“No, doll, that is you. You’re one of the strongest people I know and I admire that.” Bucky sat up and he stared into your eyes as he strokes your cheek with his thumb.

In that moment, there was a sudden urge to have him in a way you hadn’t had. You didn’t care about anything else, you just needed to feel every inch of him, and you needed him to feel every inch of you. You slammed your lips onto his, taking Bucky by surprise yet he leaned into it. Bucky grabbed your arse, pushing your body closer to him, despite the nonexistent gap between you. Bucky licked your bottom lip, and you took his cue as parting them, allowing his tongue to take over your mouth.

You stopped for a second to gasp for air, and you closed your eyes, letting Bucky take the wheel. Bucky moved his flesh hand to your hair, holding a fistful of it to your face in place. Then when he felt like he needed more, Bucky moved his hands to your thighs, lifting you onto his thighs, then he shifted his body around so that he was on top of you and you were lying on the pillow.

Bucky was still kissing you until he started moving his kisses down to your chin, then to your jaw then to your neck, the spot that he knew would elicit a sound of you. Bucky might’ve been over a hundred years old and he hadn’t been intimate with anyone since 1945 but he still remembered how he used to make a woman scream for his name and he wasn’t going to waste that talent.

Bucky lifted the hem of the tank top you were sleeping in and you raised your hands to make it easier for him to get rid of it. This was the first time Bucky had seen you naked, you were always sleeping in clothes next to him, whether it’s a tank top and super short shorts, you were always covered. But now, you were all bare and you were slightly nervous because you hadn’t let anyone see you like this since you were captured by HYDRA.

Chills ran down your spine from the crisp air, but it was also because of the way Bucky was ogling you. You could see how dilated his pupils are, overshadowing the blue. “You’re fucking gorgeous,” he breathed.

Bucky continued his lecherous act, kissing down your chest then to your right nipple, swirling his tongue around like a lollipop while his other hand toyed with your left breast. You arched your back as you shut your eyes, letting him do whatever he wanted to you. You whimpered, needing more of him. “Bucky…”

He wanted to taste more of you so he trailed kisses down your stomach, waking up the butterflies inside until he was breathing to your core. Even in the darkness, he could see how your wetness glistens. He wrapped his arms in each of your thighs and spread them apart for him to dive in. He could tell you were feeling a little shy but he made sure to make you feel otherwise by kissing the insides of your thighs, telling you, “I bet you taste real sweet, darling…”

His words made you open your eyes and looked down at him, between your things. He smirked mischievously at your reaction. Then he dipped into your core, licking a stripe up to your clit, making you moan out his name. The way his stubble burnt your delicate flesh made you want to close your thighs however, Bucky held them firmly in place. He savoured every drop, devouring you like a famished man. Your thighs trembled around him and you bit your lip trying to surpass the moans. The slurping sounds that he made were sinful.

Then he shoved two of his fingers inside you, scissoring you open for him. You gasped, the intrusion shocked you, causing you to open your eyes and look down at his act. “Oh God, Buck, I’m fucking close…”

He dipped down again, savouring more juices flowing out of you. “Shh, I know doll, let go. I got you.” He continued his assault on your cunt until you felt the bubble in your belly exploded, making you see stars. You had forgotten the pleasure of chasing your orgasm until Bucky reminded you. Bucky swallowed every drop you released, not wanting to waste anything. He stayed there until you had nothing more to give.

Bucky rose from between your thighs, kissing you passionately and you could taste yourself on his tongue. It was so fucking debauched yet you fucking loved it. You wrap your arms around his neck and run your hands through his hair, messing it up and he looked so fucking sexy.

“I want you Bucky, please fill me up,” you pleaded in between makeout.

“You want this doll? You want me?” He knew what you desired, he just wanted to make sure one last time before you go all the way so you wouldn’t regret it in the morning.“

“Yes Bucky, I want all of you… Only you.”

“I got you, sweetheart.” Bucky grabbed your hands and put them above your head. He pulled back to take off his pants, freeing his cock out of his boxer. To say Bucky was packing light would be a massive lie. He was long and thick, not to mention he was painfully hard. You really didn’t expect it. You had thought about it and you guessed he was more on the lengthy side yet, he seemed to surprise you more and more every time.

Bucky saw the way you stared at it and he smirked at your reaction. “Like what you see, doll?” He stroked the shaft, getting it ready to plunge into you.

You bit your lip as your chest heaved at the licentious scene, “can I taste it?”

Bucky scoffed and shook his head while still stroking himself, “not tonight, doll. But I’ll hold your word.” He crawled back up to your body and you spread your legs apart to make room for him, you maintained eye contact as he held both of your hands that were still above your head. You could feel the nudge of the tip of his cock on your bud, making your toes curl, “are you ready?” he asked.

“Yes…” you practically whined. “Please, take me.”

Without a second thought, Bucky pushed himself inside you, slowly yet you could feel every inch of him stretching your walls open and you threw your head back, the friction caused your head to spin. You cried out his name as you tightened your grip on his hands, needing to hold onto something.

Bucky grunted when he was fully inside and he took a moment to hide his face in your neck, “ah, fucking hell, doll. You feel amazing.”

“Move Bucky, please…” you pleaded after you adjusted to him being inside you.

Bucky began to move slowly, started with shallow thrusts, pulling back a bit then pushed it back inside. When you didn’t show any signs of resistance, he began to pick up the pace and it made your moans grow louder. “Oh, fuck…” you cursed due to the sensation. “Faster, Buck…”

Your wish is Bucky’s command, he did as you asked and he was enjoying more and more of it. You lifted your legs higher on his waist, locking them there for dear life. You wailed as his cock impaled you, forgetting that there were probably kids sleeping around your hut but you were too clouded with pleasure to worry about that. The onslaught caused you to clench around him and your coil tightened. Knowing you won’t last much longer, Bucky detached his flesh hand from yours and moved it down to your clit, rubbing it in circles over and over again and you plummeted into bliss, electricity ran through your veins as you hit your peak, releasing yourself all over him.

Bucky kept thrusting, seeing the way your face contorted in satisfaction because of him and how your walls tightened around him threw him off the edge, causing him to reach his own orgasm. He spilt himself inside you, finishing with shallow thrusts until every drop was stored. “Ah, fuck…” He groaned.

Bucky laid on top of you while still staying inside you. You loved the intimacy of being this close to him, honestly, you wouldn’t mind staying in this position until dawn. Both of you tried to gain control over your breathing as you were completely spent. Once he regained composure, he pulled himself out of you and laid next to you.

“That was…”

“Fucking amazing? Yeah…” Bucky completed that sentence as he held you in his arms and kissed your forehead.

“You were amazing, doll.” He continued.

“I haven’t had sex since… Well, since as long as I can remember.”

“Me too, doll. You are my first since everything that happened.”

“You are mine, too.”

For a few seconds, you just stared at each other lovingly with satisfaction plastered all over your faces. You relished in each others’ warmth, despite the hut reeking of sweat and smell of sex, you found comfort in each other, putting both of you to sleep.

tags; @ohmickeyhenry @suitofvibraniumarmor @themaddies-obx @beminetokeep @bluemoon-icecream-blog @bluemoon-icecream @harprs @thefridgeismybestie @abitofeverythingg @wolfonthemoonwatchestvshows @julimelodi @bookscoffeandotherstuff @tanyaherondale @artisancowbells @ferxaniti @intothesoul @hallecarey1 @buckybarnesplumwhore @thefallenbibliophilequote @andiyholly @emizla @capxwinter @jevans2 @alwaysreadingimagineschick @swtltlmrvlgrl @extremelyblackandwhite

[plutojones]

Chapter Eleven: Trinity Restored

Riften. It felt like it had been ages since she’d been home. Heh. Home. It’d only been a couple months since she’d come to Skryim. The cold air of winter was beginning to set in, and she could feel the chill deep in her bones as she made her way down to the Ratway. Opening the door to the Ragged Flagon she felt a mixture of emotions. Comfort, Peace, Anxiety, Fear. Keeping her hood up she made her way past the merchants towards the tavern. Karliah was sitting at one of the tables, looking towards Andie as she approached. She stands up and walks over, keeping her voice low so only Andie can hear.

“I'm glad you're here. I think some of these people are beginning to suspect who I am. Are you ready to face the Guild?”

“Ha. No. What if Mercer is there?” “Then we show them Gallus's journal and hope for the best. Remember, we have proof and all he's got is his word.” She pulls out the journal and shows it to Andie. “Let’s go.”

The two make their way into the back, through the false wardrobe, past the two guards on duty, and into the Ragged Flagon’s cistern.

Immediately standing between them and the rest of the cistern is Brynjolf, Delvin, and Vex.

“You better have a damn good reason to be here with that murderer.” There’s a quiver to Brynjolf’s voice. An expression Andie was all too familiar with. The need to take care of his family torn with his desire to help her.

“Bryn-”

“Please, lower your weapons so we can speak. I have proof that you've all been misled!”

“No tricks, Karliah or I'll cut you down where you stand. Now what's this so-called proof you speak of?”

Karliah holds out the journal to Brynjolf. “I have Gallus' journal. I think you'll find its contents disturbing.”

“Let me see. No, it... it can't be. This can't be true. I've known Mercer too long…”

“It's true, Brynjolf. Every word. Mercer's been stealing from the Guild for years, right under your noses.” Andie looks between Brynjolf, Delvin, and Vex, hesitantly waiting to say something.

“There's only one way to find out if what the lass says is true. Delvin, I'll need you to open the Vault.” Brynjolf turns to begin walking across the bridge to the vault on the opposite side.

“Wait just a blessed moment, Bryn. What's in that book? What did it say?” Delvin and Vex turn after Brynjolf, following him. Staying behind a good bit, Andie and Karliah follow as well.

“It says Mercer's been stealing from our vault for years. Gallus was looking into it before he was murdered.” Brynjolf holds out the journal before taking it back and skimming through it again.

Delvin crosses his arms.  “How can Mercer open up a vault that needs two keys? It's impossible. Could he pick his way in?”

Vex stands next to Delvin. “No way. That door has the best puzzle locks money can buy. There's no way it can be picked open.”

“He didn't need to pick the lock.” Karliah pipes up from behind Andie.

“What's she on about?” Delvin turns to look at Karliah.

“Use your key on the vault, Delvin. We'll open it up and find out the truth.” Brynjolf motions for him to step forward towards the pair of double doors. While he does, Andie’s mind races back to the ruins, to the impossible doors that Mercer seemed to pick effortlessly. What did Karliah know? If he didn’t pick the lock, how did he do it?

“I've used my key, but the vault's still locked up tighter than a drum. Now use yours.”

Brynjolf approached the door, inserted his key, and together the two men pushed the doors open to reveal a chamber filled with empty chests, shelves, crates, everything.

“By the Eight! It's gone, everything's gone! Get in here, all of you!” Brynjolf runs inside.

“The gold, the jewels... it's all gone.”

Vex slams her hand against one of the doors. “That son-of-a-bitch! I'll kill him!”

“Vex! Put it away... right now. We can't afford to lose our heads... we need to calm down and focus.” Brynjolf turns to look at her, Andie, and Karliah.

“Do what he says, Vex. This isn't helpin' right now.” Delvin moves to calm her down.

“Fine. We do it your way. For now.”

“Delvin, Vex... watch the Flagon. If you see Mercer, come tell me right away.”

The pair nod and begin to head out. Karliah follows after them shortly, leaving Andie and Brynjolf alone in the vault. The ginger is currently running both hands through his hair, looking around in disbelief. His eyes eventually fall to Andie and his hands fall to his sides. “I swear to the gods, Andie, I didn’t know. He-he told us Karliah killed you.”

“Hey, it’s okay.” She moves forward to put a hand on his arm. “I’m here, I’m alive. It’s okay.”

“Fuck.” He looks down at her, his stone cold demeanour from before cracking. “And when he heard reports of you in Markarth, Mercer told us you had betrayed us and were working with Karliah. I didn’t want to believe him… I’m so sorry, lass.”

She gives him an understanding nod. “I forgive you. You were protecting your family-” “You’re my family, Andie. You were looking out for a group of people you just met, whereas Mercer has been stealing from us for years. I should have seen it, I should have…” His gaze falls to the ground between them. “I should have come lookin’ for you. Spoke to you.”

Andie nods again and then offers a solemn smile. “I can only forgive you so many times. Eventually you’re going to need to accept it.”

He offers a half-hearted chuckle. “Smart lass. That’s what I like about you.” He looks back up at her. “I want to help you track Mercer down, but before that I need to know everything you do.”

Andie lets out a large, long puff of air. “Woof. That’s a tall order.”

“Start where you can.”

“Mercer killed Gallus, not Karliah.”

“Aye. I feared that was the case. From that last entry in Gallus' diary, it looks like he was getting close to exposing Mercer to the Guild. Anything else?”

“Gallus, Karliah and Mercer were Nightingales.”

“What? Nightingales? But, I always assumed they were just a tale... a way to keep the young footpads in line. Was there anything else she told you?”

“Karliah was behind Goldenglow and Honningbrew.”

“Trying to make Mercer look bad in front of Maven, eh? Clever lass. Was there anything else?”

“No, that’s it really. Everything else is just speculation on my end.”

He raises an eyebrow.

“I-I’ve heard of Nightingales before. From my Grandfather. I think maybe he used to be one.”

“Huh, well, maybe we’ll find out as we delve deeper. First though, I have an important task for you. I need you to break into Mercer's home and search for anything that could tell us where he's gone.”

“He has a house here?” “Aye. A gift from the Black-Briars after they kicked the previous family out... place called Riftweald Manor. He never stays there, just pays for the upkeep on it. Hired some lout by the name of Vald to guard the place.”

“I’ll handle it.”

“Be careful, lass. This is the last place in Skyrim I'd ever want to send you. Just find a way in, get the information and leave. And you have permission to kill anyone that stands in your way.”

“Understood. What’s my best way in?”

“Good question. I've only set foot inside a few times myself and that was in Mercer's company. If you can get past his trained watchdog, I think your best bet might be the ramp to the second floor balcony in his backyard.”

Andie crosses her arms. “I don't suppose the ramp is easy to access.”

“No. It's some sort of crazy contraption Mercer commissioned for quick escapes. I'd wager a well-placed shot at the ramp's mechanism would lower it in a hurry.”

“And the watchdog?”

“That'd be Vald. A real piece of work, that one. Mercer's holding something over his head, keeping him loyal. Talk to Vex. She used to know him very well... if you catch my meaning.”

Andie nods and begins looking around the vault. “Is there anything left?”

“Mercer took everything. Even all of our plans are gone.”

“Plans?”

“Before Mercer took over, Gallus started collecting every bit of material he could on locations the Guild could heist. Museums, keeps, estates... you name it. By the time Mercer took over the Guild we must have had a few dozen.”

“Do you know how he could have gotten in?”

“I don't have a clue. That door is impenetrable. Without two keys, it's impossible to open. I have a key, Delvin has a key, and Mercer has a key. That's it. There are no other copies. I get the feeling Karliah knows something though.”

Andie gives one final nod before turning to go. “Right. I’ll be back.”

“Wait, lass.” Brynjolf reaches out and grabs her arm. “Careful at Mercer’s place. I don’t want to lose anyone else to that madman.”

She gives him a soft smile and a nod. “I’m not planning on dying anytime soon.”

She slips out of his now loosened grip and makes her way to the surface.

Entering the Ragged Flagon, Andie makes her way over to Vex before leaving.

“Hey-”

“If I see Frey, I’ll pluck his eyes from his skull with my bare hands!”

Andie blinks twice before speaking again. “Anyway, I need to know about Vald.”

“That pig? Oh, I have info on him. More than you care to know.”

“Oh?” “The only thing Vald understands is gold. A man after my own heart.”

“So, I should buy him off?”

“Sure, but he'll ask for a whole lot. I mean, you are asking him to betray Mercer Frey. Your best bet would be to erase his debt with Maven Black-Briar. If you talk to her, she might be able to give you the details. Of course, you could just run him through and take what you need off of his corpse... I could care less.”

Andie nods slowly. “Yeah, I’ll just talk to Maven first real quick.”

“While you’re there help yourself to anything in Frey’s manor. I would.”

Andie goes to the Black-Briar Manor and asks to speak with Maven. Annoyed as usual, she agrees to speak with her anyway. On the subject of Vald, she speaks in an incredibly frustrated tone. Apparently he messed up a job for her recently and was paying it off by working for Mercer on her orders. If Andie can retrieve the enchanted pen he lost in the lake, she’d be willing to let his debt go. The things she’s willing to do to avoid killing someone…

Meanwhile while Mercer is who knows where, Andie spends the entirety of her afternoon and evening searching for this strongbox at the bottom of the lake. Once she finds it there��s a loud, underwater “fucking finally” before she picks the lock, grabs the pen, and swims to the shore. Upon returning to Maven, she presents the pen.

“I found the Quill of Gemen-Gemin-I found the fucking pen.”

“Really? I wrote that off a long time ago. Well, I suppose I need to fulfill my end of the bargain. Give this document to Vald. It frees him from the debt, but I never want to see him in Riften again.” She pulls a document from out of her desk and hands it to Andie. “Thanks. See you around.”

She rushes out of the manor and makes her way to the alley behind all the houses. Finding the gate to Mercer’s house she shouts to the man pacing in the backyard.

“Hey. Hey you. Fuckface. Get over here.”

“This is Mercer Frey's place and he don't like visitors. Now go away.” “I paid off your debt with Maven. Let me in, bitch.” She holds out the paper Maven had given her to prove his freedom. “I can't believe it! How did ya' talk her into this? Never mind, I don't care. I'm just glad I don't gotta' work for Maven anymore. Here, ya' did me a favor, I guess I owe you one.” He hands her a key and then steps away to stare at the paper. “Wh-you could just, fine.” She uses the key on the gate, swiftly pulls out her bow, shoots at the ramp’s mechanism, and then makes her way to the upper floor of Mercer’s home.

Once inside, she could hear voices. Mercenaries. Great. Pulling her bow back out, she slinks down to the floor, keeping to the shadows and dimly lit areas. One by one she strikes them in the head, making her way through his house. Eventually she spots a strange looking wardrobe that sits slightly above the floor - barely noticeable to the naked eye. She opens it up and pushes out the false backing, finding the secret passage down. Despite that however, she triggers every trap he had set down there. Unsure how she was still alive, she eventually finds his secret planning room and steals Everything. His gems, the Chillrend sword that was locked away, even a random pair of boots in one corner. Of most interest, however, is a map on the desk, and a bust of the Grey Fox. Another gift for Delvin. Boy was getting spoiled.

Bag and arms full, she continued down the tunnel, only to find it connected to the Ratway catacombs. Quickly finding the door to the Ragged Flagon, she moves to regroup with the guild.

She finds Brynjolf, Delvin, Vex, and Karliah all seated at a table. She interrupts their conversation by setting the bust on the table and then pulling out the cube she stole from the wizard. “Happy Birthday, Delvin.”

The man’s face lights up. “Well I’ll be. These will go nicely in our little collection - the one thing Mercer decided to leave. Probably because we don’t keep it in the vault.” He was, of course, referring to the shelves behind Mercer’s desk. Every time she got something interesting for him, he’d put it up on the shelves to display to the whole guild.

“You find anything, lass?” Brynjolf interrupts. “We've scoured the town and I've spoken to every contact we have left. No sign of Mercer.”

“He wasn’t there, but I did find this.” She pulls out the map and plans she found. Brynjolf takes it and immediately begins looking over it.

“Shor's beard! He's going after the Eyes of the Falmer? That was Gallus's pet project. If he gets his hands on them, you can be certain he'll be gone for good and set up for life.”

“Then we need to stop him.”

“Agreed. He's taken everything the Guild has left, and to go after one of the last greatest heists is just an insult. I've spoken to Karliah, and made amends for how the Guild's treated her. Now she wishes to speak with both of us.” Andie looks over at the Dunmer.

“Somewhere more private.” Karliah stands up and walks over to one of the corners of the tavern. The pair follow, both crossing their arms as they approach.

“Brynjolf, the time has come to decide Mercer's fate. Until a new Guild Master is chosen, the decision falls to you.”

“Aye, lass... and I've come to a decision. Mercer Frey tried to kill both of you, he betrayed the Guild, murdered Gallus and made us question our future. He needs to die.”

“We have to be very careful, Brynjolf. Mercer is a Nightingale, an Agent of Nocturnal.”

“Then it's all true... everything I heard in the stories. The Nightingales, their allegiance to Nocturnal and the Twilight Sepulcher.”

“Yes. That's why we need to prepare ourselves and meet Mercer on equal footing. Just outside of Riften, beyond the Southeast Gate is a small path cut up the mountainside. At the end of that path is a clearing and an old standing stone. I'd ask you both meet me there.” Andie and Brynjolf look at each other and then at Karliah, giving her a nod. “Good. I’ll see you there.”

As she leaves, Andie watches her but speaks to Brynjolf. “Since when do you speak Falmer?”

He looks down at her with a raised eyebrow.

“You read his journal with no issue.”

He gives her a smirk and looks away. “I have my secrets.”

She looks up at him and squints. “Uh huh. Well, we should get going.”

“Aye. I’ll be there shortly. Just need to talk to the others briefly.”

Arriving at the standing stone outside of Riften, Andie gives Karliah a wave as she approaches.

“I’m glad you’re here.”

A few moments later, Brynjolf arrives and takes his place next to Andie. Exchanging a glance, with him first, Andie then looks to Karliah. “What's the significance of this place?”

“This is the headquarters of the Nightingales, cut into the mountainside by the first of our kind. We've come to seek the edge we need to defeat Mercer Frey.”

“What kind of edge?” Brynjolf raises an eyebrow.

“If you'll follow me, I'll try to explain on the way” She motions to a set of doors behind the stone that Andie swears wasn’t there a moment ago. Following Karliah in, Andie thinks for a moment before speaking again.

“Tell me about the Nightingales.”

Karliah speaks as they head down a dirt tunnel. “Gallus, Mercer Frey and I were once members of what's known as the Nightingale Trinity. The Trinity disbanded twenty-five years ago when Mercer Frey betrayed us by slaying Gallus and dumping his body in the ruins of Snow Veil Sanctum.”

“Were they always a part of the Thieves Guild?”

“Indirectly. The Trinity is usually selected from the ranks of the Guild although its existence is a closely-guarded secret.”

“What is their purpose? Sorry, I just… I have a lot of questions.”

“It’s alright. The Nightingales protect the temple of Nocturnal, a place known as the Twilight Sepulcher.” “Who exactly is Nocturnal? I’ve heard the name before, but never with context.”

“She's the mistress of night and darkness and the patron of every thief in Tamriel. She isn't one for worship and reverence. There are no priests and no sermons, no services and no alms. She influences our luck and in return demands payment.”

“Like a guild contract?”

“You're closer to understanding than you realize. The only difference is she doesn't demand payment in the traditional sense and sometimes the cost can be quite high. Whether you know it or not, Nocturnal dictates how well we perform as rogues.”

“But I have my own skills.”

“Again, you have to think differently. Haven't you ever noticed how our luck behaves? Like a novice picking an impossible lock or a blind man suddenly turning to face you as you reach for his pocket? It's through these subtle means that Nocturnal influences us.” Andie is silent, contemplating the words, thinking of all the times she’s survived traps or blows when she shouldn’t have.

“Nocturnal's whim is the greatest mystery to everyone. There have been volumes written on the subject. Does she expect payment when we die? When we suffer does she revel in our misery? No one knows. The return certainly seems worth the risk though.”

After a few moments she speaks again. “What happened to wanting Mercer alive?”

“From the moment you were struck with my poisoned arrow at Snow Veil Sanctum, my path changed its course. Perhaps I couldn't bring Mercer back alive, but together, we were able to clear my name and to put Gallus's memory to rest. I'd always intended Mercer's fate to ultimately be decided by the Guild, and it seems they've spoken.”

“Karliah-” Andie stops her by grabbing her arm. “-Am I to become a Nightingale?”

“It’s my hope that you will.”

As they reach the end of the tunnel into an open space, Brynjolf lets out a low whistle.

“So, this is Nightingale Hall. I heard about this place when I joined the Guild, but I never believed it existed.”

“The assumption that the Nightingales were just a myth was seeded within the Guild on purpose. It helped avert attention from our true nature. What's wrong, Brynjolf? I can almost hear your brow furrowing.”

“I'm trying to understand why I'm here, lass. I'm no priest, and I'm certainly not religious. Why pick me?”

“This isn't about religion, Brynjolf... This is nothing more than a business transaction between yourself and Nocturnal. Consider this an extremely risky job but with a massive potential for profit, and you'll do fine. Now, this is Nightingale Hall. You're the first of the uninitiated to set foot inside in over a century. Now, if you'll both proceed to the armory to don your Nightingale Armor, we can begin the Oath.”

She motions ahead to a platform with three pedestals, each with the symbol of Nocturnal. Andie goes first, standing in front of one of the pedestals. In a flash of smoke, her clothes change to one of grey, tightly fit leather. In a similar flash, both Karliah and Brynjolf’s clothes change as well. Andie gives a slow nod, though her expression is hidden behind the mask

“Damn. We look good.”

“Okay, lass. We've got these getups on... now what?”

“Beyond this gate is the first step in becoming a Nightingale.” She motions to a gate on the other end of the armory.

“Woah there, lass. I appreciate the armor, but becoming a Nightingale? That was never discussed.”

“To hold any hope of defeating Mercer, we must have Nocturnal at our backs. If she's to accept you as one of her own, an arrangement must be struck.”

“What sort of arrangement? I need to know the terms.”

“The terms are quite simple, Brynjolf. Nocturnal will allow you to become a Nightingale and use your abilities for whatever you wish. And in return, both in life and in death, you must serve as a guardian of the Twilight Sepulcher.”

“Aye, there's always a catch. But at this point, I suppose there isn't much to lose. If it means the end of Mercer Frey, you can count me in.”

“What about you? Are you ready to transact the Oath with Nocturnal?” She turns to Andie. “I'm not sure I understand the terms.”

“By transacting the Oath with Nocturnal, you're entering into a business deal. You'll be provided all of the power and knowledge befitting a Nightingale. You're free to use those powers as you see fit to further your own goals or the goals of the Thieves Guild.”

“And in return?”

“In return, you'll be required to defend the Twilight Sepulcher and everything within when the need arises. More importantly, upon your death, your spirit will be bound to the Twilight Sepulcher as one of its guardians.”

“And there’s no going back either, is there?”

“Once the Oath has been struck, the terms are binding. Knowing this, are you ready to undergo the ceremony?”

Andie takes a deep breath, looking down at the armor and then to Brynjolf, and finally back to Karliah. “I’m ready.”

“Then let’s continue.” She leads them to the gate which she opens by the pulling of a chain and then leads them into an inner sanctum with three platforms. “Stand on one of the platforms.”

Andie moves to the left-most one, while Karliah takes the middle, and Brynjolf the right.

With a deep breath, Karliah raises her arms in the air and begins to speak to the platform all three of theirs was connected to.

“I call upon you, Lady Nocturnal. Queen of Murk and Empress of Shadow… hear my voice!”

A swirl of energy filled the space in the chamber before them as an unfamiliar voice speaks out.

“Ah, Karliah. I was wondering when I’d hear from you again. Lose something did we?”

“My Lady, I’ve come to throw myself upon your mercy and accept responsibility for my failure.”

“You’re already mine, Karliah. Your terms were struck long ago. What could you possibly offer me now?” The voice was cold, like a scolding mother.

“I have two others that wish to transact the Oath; to serve you both in life and in death.”

“You surprise me, Karliah. This offer is definitely weighted in my favor.”

“My appetite for Mercer’s demise exceeds my craving for wealth, Your Grace.”

“Revenge, how interesting…Very well, the conditions are acceptable. Continue.”

“Lady Nocturnal, we accept your terms. We dedicate ourselves to you as both your avengers and your sentinels. We will honor our agreement in this life and the next until your conditions have been met.”

“Very well. I name your initiates Nightingale and restore your status to the same, Karliah. And in the future, I’d suggest you frain from disappointing me again.” With that the energy dissipates and Karliah begins to step off her platform towards the center of the chamber where the voice came from.

“Now that you've transacted the Oath, it's time to reveal the final piece of the puzzle to you; Mercer's true crime.”

Andie stands there dazed for a moment before snapping out of it and walking down from her platform. “There’s more?”

“Mercer was able to unlock the Guild's vault without two keys because of what he stole from the Twilight Sepulcher... the Skeleton Key. By doing this, he's compromised our ties to Nocturnal and in essence, caused our luck to run dry.”

“So the Key unlocks any door? That explains…” “Well, yes. But the Key isn't only restricted to physical barriers. All of us possess untapped abilities; the potential to wield great power, securely sealed within our minds. Once you realize the Key can access these traits, the potential becomes limitless.”

Andie is quiet for a moment, looking at Brynjolf, but unable to read his face in their new uniforms. She looks back to Karliah. “Sounds like no one should possess it.”

“Good, then you understand why this is about more than just Mercer's lust for power."

"If the Key isn't returned to its lock in the Twilight Sepulcher, things will never be the same for the Guild. As time passed, our luck would diminish to the point of non-existence. And whether you know it or not, our uncanny luck defines our trade.”

“Let’s go then. It’s time to teach Mercer a lesson.”

“Before we depart, Brynjolf has some business to discuss. I suggest you listen to him. I’ll be waiting out front.” Karliah continues on ahead as Andie turns to face Brynjolf.

“What’s up?”

“There's one last piece of business we need to settle before we go after Mercer... the leadership of the Guild.”

“Okay…?”

“Karliah and I had a long discussion while you were at Mercer’s house. Thanks to your efforts, Mercer's treachery has been exposed. After we deal with him, all that remains is restoring the Guild to its full strength. As a result, we both feel that you have the potential of replacing Mercer as leader of the Thieves Guild.”

“Me? What about you?”

He gives a long, tired sigh. “I've been at this game a long time, my friend. A long time. I've stolen trinkets from nobles and framed priests for murder. I'm good at what I do, maybe even one of the best. But it's all I know. I've never been one to lead. Never desired it, never cared for it. Don't want it.”

Andie is quiet for a moment. “But...I don’t…”

“Look. Everyone in the Guild admires what you've done. Maybe they won't come out and simply tell you, but I promise you it's true. And now they know Mercer never genuinely cared about the Guild. He lacked the loyalty you obviously possess. I can't think of anyone better.” He placed a hand on his shoulder, and while she can’t see it, she knows he’s smiling beneath the mask.

“Alright. I accept.”

“Then it's decided. When this is all over and Delvin's contacts assure me that we've regained our footing in Skyrim, we'll handle the details. Until then, we have quite the task ahead.”

“Indeed we do. We should get going.”

“I've been pouring over the plans you brought us, and I'm convinced the Eyes of the Falmer are in the dwarven ruins at Irkngthand. Karliah and I will meet you there. Prepare yourself, lass. This will be a fight to remember.” He lowers his hand from her shoulder and motions for her to continue after Karliah.

Andie is quiet for most of the way out of the Hall, but as they reach the end she stops and turns to look at him once more. “So...Nightingales.” “Aye, and some of what Karliah said is starting to make sense. Mercer may have damaged our reputation and raided our coffers, but this goes well beyond even his twisted form of larceny. Old Delvin kept calling it a curse and we all laughed at him. Looks like the joke's on us.”

“Do you think we stand a chance against Mercer?”

“If you would've asked me that yesterday, I'd have said no. But now I think our chances have improved. Look, call me crazy if you like, but I trust Karliah. I don't think she'd lead us down a suicidal path. Besides, I'd rather die with some of Mercer's blood on my blade than spend the rest of my life regretting that I ran the other way.” And with that the pair exit the Hall.

Outside Karliah waits for them, her mask currently pulled down. “Shall we get going then?”

“Sure...but…”

“Yes?”

Andie shrugs. “I don’t feel stronger.”

“With the Skeleton Key missing from the Twilight Sepulcher, I'm afraid Mercer's seen to it that none of us can benefit from Nocturnal's gifts.”

“But she spoke to us.”

“You merely transacted the Oath; signed the unwritten contract with Nocturnal. In order for us to receive our abilities... our end of the bargain, I'm afraid the Key must be returned.”

“Then Nocturnal's angry at us?”

“If Nocturnal was truly displeased with me... with any of us, she wouldn't have answered my call. I have no doubt that we still hold her favor and I believe it gives us enough of an edge to defeat Mercer Frey.”

“I see… and… May I ever come back here?”

“Yes. Now that you're a Nightingale, you may consider this your home. You'll find that this place offers many things that will help you in your endeavors as well as a wealth of information for you to learn. Once the Skeleton Key has been restored to the Twilight Sepulcher, I'll make this place my home as well.” She offers Andie a short smile before turning to walk back to Riften.

Andie looks once more to Brynjolf before sighing and taking a step forward. Neither of them really planned for all of this to happen, yet here they were. Who would have thought that their first real mission together would involve killing their former Guild Master...

[pastelgrungewrecker]

Little Details {An Au}

“Y’know, like, Nya?” - Ancient Furry Proverb

“Art is hard.”

“Yeah, but money’s nice dude.”

Drift glared at his... colorful companion. Sketchbook untouched next to mug number five of the dark coffee he swore you could only find at the Shotgun diner- where they currently sat.

Roddy; poli-sci major, “fashion” icon, and Drift’s best friend since high school- cackled and slurped loudly from his coke glass, “At least you won’t be spending four hours hunched over a sewing machine like Gollum with the One Ring.”

“Not everyone can make a grand off of a giant blue dog’s head.”

“What can I say? I’m blessed.”

“I’m not sure ‘blessed’ is how I would describe someone willingly wearing a vaporwave tank top in public.”, teased Drift, plucking at Roddy’s shirt cheekily and managing a tired laugh when Roddy swatted his hand.

“Pardon me, gentlemen- would either of you like a refill?”, asked a clipped voice from the side of their booth. Roddy turned with his Patented Debonair Smile and emphatically said, “That’d be sweet dude, thanks!”

Drift coughed awkwardly, wishing his beanie would slide down and swallow his entire head as he nodded silently.

The waiter, the nametag branding them Percy (written in curly cursive, by hand it looked), smiled from under the dark circles often brought about by midterms. Drift swallowed hard as the smell of dark coffee drifted by him as the mug was refilled, and Percy murmured that they’d be right back with another coke for Roddy.

The brightly colored student across from Drift grinned, head resting on his fist as Percy walked away with a click-clack of shoes over linoleum.

“Dude, just ask for his digits. You know you wanna.”

“The last thing he probably wants to hear at 3 in the morning is some artsy douche asking for his number.”, sighed Drift, letting himself watch where Percy worked behind the counter, “Besides, he’s probably taken, I mean- pretty guys like that are NEVER available and you know it.”

“It can’t hurt to try, I mean- you’ve only been pining over him for what, three weeks?”

“Listen.”

“I HAVE listened, man- and you got some bad puppy love going on. Which is... pretty ironic.”

“Shut your face.”, snorted Drift, taking his mugs in his hands, “Though... isn’t he STEM? You’d think the studying would kill him working nightshift. I mean, didn’t your friend Nautica almost have a breakdown?”

“Nah, she just had... way too much caffeine. Like. Way too much.”

“How much is too much?”

“Remember that time someone dared me to down a whole case of-”

“Don’t. Don’t remind me, nevermind, I understand. Poor thing, Lordy. She must’ve been vibrating into another dimension.”

Percy returned, tired smile and all, and set the glass down on a little blue napkin square in front of Roddy.

“Can I get you two anything else?”, they asked, voice gentle even as it was almost clinical.

“No, we’re good I think.”, said Drift, trying to keep his voice from dipping into that ooey-gooey I-Have-A-Stupid-Crush tone, “Thank you, though.”

“Anytime.”, said Percy with a tiny laugh, “Let me know if you change your minds.”

Drift watched the waiter walk away and pocket the tiny notebook used for taking orders and he could FEEL his face sinking into a dumb dopey smile.

“Oogachaka oogachaka you can’t fight this feeeeelin’, deep inside of-”

“I will fling this coffee at you.”

“Jeeez, alright, alright. I see we have a hater of the classics, wow.”

“You’re a demon, why are we friends.”

“Because I may be a demon, but I’m an awesome demon who throws the best parties and doesn’t narc on your big gay crush on the cute waiter at the diner you like to sketch at. AND I pay for your coffee when I come with you.”

“....Good point.”

“Speaking of sketches, have you thought of any adoptables? I hear they’re all the rage for commissioners- you could probably make a good chunk of change.”

Drift nodded absently, watching Percy as they bustled about behind the counter-

“Oi Percy! Can you run back trash out real quick for me? I’m in the middle of clearing out one of the fryers- second shift destroyed it, it’s like a warzone man!”

“Alright, coming!”, called Percy, irritation present in the tone of voice. Drift watched them rustle around behind the counter- pulling out a hoodie with a very familiar superhero logo branded on the front before tugging it down over a crisp white shirt.

The idea-bulb dinged in Drift’s head.

“Bats.”

“What?”, said Roddy.

“Bat adoptables. Why not, right? Bats are cute.”

Drift flipped open his sketchbook, passing over three or four feline commissions until he found a blank page and began to sketch. Bats with glasses, bats with little patterns like bowties and aprons and all manner of odd spots. He dragged open the backpack next to him, pulling out a few colored pens and scratching out what color would go where as Rody leaned over the table to watch.

“...Okay, those are REALLY cute.”

“Yeah, fruit bats.”, said Drift, “Based on actual fruits-”

He looked up to see Percy returning from wherever they’d gone, drying hands after having scrubbed them clean. The tired waiter glanced around the diner, and seeing no one immediately in need of his attention, dug back into the pile where the hoodie had come from.

A lunchbox was pulled free- nothing spectacular or fancy; but functional nonetheless. Percy unzipped it, reaching in and pulling free a tangerine and a bag of those weird banana chips Drift sometimes saw the vegan in his history class eating.

“And I think the first ones will be bananas and tangerines.”

“That sounds like a capri sun flavor.”

“Not everyone lives on capri-sun and retro rock music Roddy.”

“Uh, clearly they are not living life to the fullest then- unlike me.”

Drift snorted before looking back to his sketchbook and setting to work. A few more coffee refills and another set of snuck glances at Percy and then Drift had enough to work with. Roddy waved the artist off, snatching up the bill and bouncing up to the counter with some song stuck in his head already. Drift snickered to himself as he left a healthy tip on the table, following his brightly colored friend out to the parking lot after the bill was paid only for Roddy to call out “Shotgun!” and all but dive into the passenger seat of Drift’s car.

“Dude, that’s only necessary if there’s other people riding with us.”

“With as big as your crush is I wanted to make sure there was room for me in the car.”

Drift blew a raspberry at Roddy, who only winked back before shutting the passenger door.

When they arrived back to their dorm, Drift made a beeline for his computer desk, moving his tablet off his chair and onto his lap.

And he began to draw.

After a “quick” marathon of five hours (and a juice-pak being lobbed at his head from Roddy), Drift had a set of 4 bat adoptables- ready made and ready to go to post to his art profile.

“How much should I charge per?”

“Probably your usual for those cute chibi designs?”

“Yeah, took about the same amount of time.”

The clack of keys and Drift yawned wide- until there was a notification beep from his phone.

He blinked, looking down.

[EldritchKawaii: Zomg so cute!!! I’d like Tangerine if its alright?]

[deadl0ck: sure thing, lemme send paypal info?]

[EldritchKawaii: Awesomeness, me and my wallet eagerly await!]

Drift leaned back, “I just got these up, what the hell?”

“What, you sold one already?”

“Yeah, Tangerine- hang on, wait. Tangerine, Blueberry, and Fruit Punch.”

Within the hour, all had been sold and there were already inquiries about a new batch.

Drift couldn’t help but laugh, turning back to his sketchbook, “I should’ve tipped Percy forty bucks; I think he just helped me pay this months bills!”

Roddy cackled from where he sat at his sewing machine, picking through his threadbox, “I guess we’ll just have to go back to Shotgun, huh?”

“Guess so. I can’t wait.”

[stephaniefchase]

Bajan Newscap 7/24/2017

Good Morning #realdreamchasers. Here is your daily news cap for Monday 24th July 2017. There is a lot to read and digest so take your time. Remember you can read full articles via Barbados Today ((BT), or by purchasing a Daily Nation Newspaper (DN).

STUART’S WARNING – Go ahead and march, declared Prime Minister Freundel Stuart yesterday. But any “proposed” social unrest would be dealt with by the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF), he has warned. Additionally, he has made clear that there will be no rescinding of the National Social Responsibility Levy (NSRL) from its present level of ten per cent, and which is the subject of a protest march by the business sector and labour unions today. Stuart spoke to the issues at a Democratic Labour Party (DLP) St Michael West branch luncheon at Almond Bay Caterers. (DN)

REMEMBER YOUR PLACE! – Prime Minister Freundel Stuart is warning the trade union movement to remember its place in the food chain with Government and the private sector. He said when the trade unions got into an alliance with the private sector there could only be one winner as cats did not lay with mice; they ate them. “I hope that those elements in Barbados who feel that a cat and mouse can enjoy fellowship in the same space are not fooling themselves,” he said. “This new-found fellowship that I am hearing about, not too long from now these same leaders are going to have to sit down across the table with these employers to negotiate wages and salaries and conditions of service.  (DN)

DON’T BE FOOLED, STUART WARNS BARBADIANS – Prime Minister Freundel Stuart today urged Barbadians not to be fooled, as he warned that the “new-found fellowship” between sections of the private sector and the island’s trade unions would not last. “Anytime you see a lamb and a lion lying down together, the lion is dead,” the Prime Minister further cautioned, adding that, “at worst, both the lion and the lamb are dead”. Ahead of tomorrow’s national march that has been jointly organized by the trade unions and the Barbados Private Sector Association, Stuart stressed that “anytime you see a mongoose and a chicken together there is only one element in that relationship that is going to end up losing, that’s the chicken.” It was a veiled warning to the Barbados Workers’ Union, the National Union of Public Workers, the Barbados Union of Teachers and the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union that their members were the ones who were likely to lose out at the end of the day. However, Stuart said he remained hopeful the “same fellowship, goodwill and choral singing commonality” now being displayed would prevail when the time came around for the unions and the private sector to sit across the table from each other to negotiate wages, salaries and conditions of service. In an hour long speech before party faithful, Stuart also suggested that there were elements in the country who were bent on removing the ruling DLP from office, ahead of the constitutional deadline next year. However, while warning Barbadians not to be misled, he referred to the biblical story of Esau and Jacob in which Jacob contrived with his mother to deceive his father Isaac into blessing him instead of his brother. He further warned that there was no such thing as one private sector in Barbados and that “when people hear that the private sector wants something, one should always ask the question, ‘which private sector?’ Amid obvious strain in his relationship with the BPSA in particular, Stuart also sought to explain his side in the current impasse over the recently increased National Social Responsibility Levy in which he has been accused of failing to budge. On the contrary, Stuart said he had been engaged in ongoing dialogue with both the unions and private sector – in particular the BPSA President Charles Herbert  – on the matter. Therefore, the Prime Minister said it came as a surprise to him when Herbert issued a 72-hour ultimatum to him on Friday, July 14 to either schedule a meeting of face social unrest. “He [Herbert] said he was giving me until 4:30 p.m. on Monday, July 17 to get back to him. He was giving the Prime Minister of Barbados a deadline of 4:30 on July 17 to get back to him,” Stuart stressed. In response, the Prime Minister said he sent Herbert a strongly worded letter in which he told him he felt compelled as Minister of Defence and Security to refer the threat of social unrest to the Royal Barbados Police Force. Stuart noted that Herbert has since toned down “because I think there are things he did not understand which he understands now”. (BT)

AG TAKES DIG AT MARCH LEADERS – Senior cabinet members have launched a major broadside against trade unions and the Barbados Private Sector Association as members of the two groupings prepared to hit the streets today.  “Only madmen would take the kind of decisions that have been taken over the last couple of weeks,” said Attorney General Adriel Brathwaite to a standing room-only audience at the St Giles Primary School. He was referencing the decision by trade unions to hold a protest march against the increase in the National Social Responsibility Levy (NSRL). “I’m very, very disappointed and sometimes I ask if we’re getting good value for money in terms of education because some of our people who are allegedly in leadership positions don’t seem to think through things carefully anymore,” added Brathwaite, at the FACT conference held by the ruling Democratic Labour Party. (DN)

MORRIS HAS CROSSED THE LINE, SAYS BSTU – The Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union (BSTU) has expressed its “absolute displeasure” with what it calls the recent unfair attack Robert Bobby Morris on the integrity of its President Mary-Anne Redman. Speaking during his Astor B Watts Lunch-time Lecture on last Friday, Morris, a former Deputy General Secretary of the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU), said a reported accident in which Redman was involved seemed “a bit contrived”. But the BSTU has fired back describing the opinion by Morris as distasteful, reckless and insensitive. The BSTU said it is unfortunate that Morris, a once active Trade Unionist, could so conveniently forget what trade union representation and solidarity is all about, and to speak ill of the BSTU, and its current leader. The BSTU says it believes the least Morris could do at this time, is to offer a public apology to Redman and the members of the BSTU, for his unwarranted and irresponsible verbal attack on her professional and personal integrity. “The BSTU shall maintain its call for a much-deserved public apology from Morris. In fact, it would be meaningful if Morris could seriously reflect on his recent comments, and perhaps question his own understanding of a trade union’s role to fairly and fiercely represent the interests of its membership, without distraction and influence by political affiliation,” the union said.  (BT)

UWI-LINKED UNIONS ‘MUM ON PROTEST’ – There are certain organizations which have been mysteriously quiet as four of the island’s major trade unions and the private sector association geared up for today’s march. This is the view of political scientist and retired dean of the UWI Faculty of Social Sciences, Dr George Belle. He told the DAILY NATION he had expected unions and associations linked to the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies to have come out and state their position on the march. “My career at the University of the West Indies stretches over 35 years,” Belle said. (DN)

RC CHURCH URGES PM AND UNIONS TO END IMPASSE – The Roman Catholic Church here has expressed its “deep” concern about the current impasse which is escalating with a march planned for Monday, July 24, with both the trade unions and members of the Private Sector Association participating. Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown Charles Gordon says there is an urgent need for all the parties to have meaningful dialogue in the best interest of Barbados. “The Church therefore respectfully urges our Prime Minister to call an urgent meeting of the Social Partnership, so that the Social Partners can constructively examine and discuss possible solutions to the current crisis,” Gordon said. “We ask the unions and the private sector organizations to positively respond to an invitation to such a meeting. It is vital that we all commit and work for the common good.” Bishop Gordon says the Church will pray for the nation and calls on all citizens to join it in prayer on Monday “so that these social tensions may be resolved, that true reconciliation may emerge from genuine dialogue and that we may find the path to authentic development and peace for our nation”. (BT)

CAVE SHEPHERD ANNOUNCES NEW OPENING TIME FOR MONDAY – Cave Shepherd has joined a growing list of businesses which have been adjusting their opening hours for Monday, July 24, to give employees the opportunity to take part in the march being organized by trade unions and the Barbados Private Sector Association (BPSA).

“In an effort to facilitate staff who will be attending the march on Monday, July 24, Cave Shepherd Main Store, Nicholas House and Colombian Emeralds International Broad Street will be open to business from 1 p.m.,” Cave Shepherd said on one of its social media pages. Other companies which have announced their support for the march include Carlton and Emerald City Supermarkets, Woolworth, Automotive Art, and all but three of businesses of Williams Industries Inc. (BT)

TOOTHLESS – A call has been made to abandon the office of Auditor General and replace it with a much more powerful Contractor General empowered to bring criminal charges. Sir Frank Alleyne, chairman of the supra-regulatory Financial Services Commission, is frustrated that for years the financial irregularities highlighted in the Auditor General’s reports as well as his recommendations for action continue to be ignored by successive administrations. The economist, known for his no-nonsense approach to the administration of Government, described the situation as a “scandal”. “Generations of public servants certainly of the 1980s those who have passed on would roll in their graves if they see that [what is happening],” Sir Frank said. (DN)

REGISTRATION ON FOR BCC’S CONTINUING STUDENTS – The Barbados Community College (BCC) has advised all continuing students in the second, third and fourth years that registration will take place from Monday, July 31, to Friday, August 4, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Students of the Division of Commerce are asked to meet with the Divisional staff in the Liberal Arts Auditorium after registration. (BGIS)

DIABETICS STRESSED TO FIND TEST STRIPS – The search for blood glucose test strips has been long and difficult for many diabetics. Some parents of children living with the disease are worried by the challenges in getting an adequate supply of the strips which play an important role in helping people to monitor their diabetes. Parents who attended the closing of the Diabetes Association of Barbados Camp Pride told the DAILY NATION that for many of them, it was not just the difficulty  accessing the strips but it was also the quantity they got since each vial contains 50 which may not be an adequate supply for those who do testing two or three times a day. Luckily for Ryan Weekes, he said the Barbados Diabetes Association provided him with a good supply but acknowledged that there was an issue. (DN)

FIVE INJURED IN HIGHWAY ACCIDENT - A four-vehicle accident on the Kingsland stretch of the ABC Highway has left five people, including a ten-month-old child, nursing injuries. Two fire tenders and 11 firemen, under the command of Deputy Divisional Officer Mayers were called in to help the accident victims around 8 a.m. They responded to the accident on the Adams Section of the highway, which involved two cars and two vans. Driver Tenroyson Crichlow, 65, of Fairview Hill, Christ Church, and his two passengers walked away from their van without injuries, as did van driver Noel Beckles, 53, of Martindale Road, St Michael. (DN)

GARNER SIGNS OFF - Joel Garner has bowled his last ball as president of the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA). And it was a beauty that was given a nod of approval from spectators. Presiding over the body’s annual general meeting for the final time last Thursday night at the Radisson Aquatica Resort, Garner used his closing remarks to thank members for the opportunity to serve, told them what inspired him to stand for the presidency and promised to make himself available to assist in the future. On completing his statement, close to 200 members applauded the outstanding former Barbados and West Indies fast bowler who was first elected as BCA president in 2007. (DN)

EMPIRE SNATCH DRAMATIC WIN – A surprise declaration by ESA Field Pickwick ended in disaster after ICBL Empire accepted the challenge and won by eight wickets on the final day of their Barbados Cricket Association’s second round Elite Division match yesterday. The hosts were tearing the Bank Hall men’s bowling apart, reaching284 for two in their second innings just after tea. Openers Craig St Hill and Kyle Hope posted an opening stand of 229 in 45 overs with little bother. St Hill played every shot in the book to fashion 153 from 170 balls with 17 fours and two sixes. Hope had eased up to 81 with three fours and three sixes before he holed out to midwicket. (DN)

WINNING START FOR YOUNG WINDIES – Bhaskar Yadram extended his fine of form with another half-century as West Indies Under-19s made a winning start to their three-match One-Day International series against Zimbabwe Under-19s with a 39-run victory yesterday. The 17-year-old right-hander top-scored with a fine Man Of The Match 68 as the Caribbean side mustered 211 for eight off their 50 overs after being sent in. Captain Emmanuel Stewart chipped in with 34, Joshua Bishop got 32 while Alick Athanaze struck 31 not out. Left-arm spinner Tinotenda Jakachira claimed three for 27 off eight overs while Frank Mwaita ended with two for 37. In reply, Zimbabwe were held to 172 off 44.1 overs with left-arm spinner Jeavor Royal picking up three for 20 and fast bowler Darren Nedd, two for 25. (DN)

WORRELL PLACES FOURTH AT JUNIOR PAN AMS – Multi-eventer Aaron Worrell had to settle for fourth place in the men’s decathlon at the Pan American Junior Athletics Championships in Peru on Saturday. Worrell finished on a total of 6 577 points in the gruelling ten events as the United States’ pair of George Patrick (7 514) and Kyle Garland (7 212) won the gold and silver medals, respectively. Brazilian Jordan Santos (7 212) gained the bronze medal ahead of Worrell, who stumbled in the last three events, arguably his weakest. Competing in the pole vault for only the second time on Saturday, Worrell earned just 357 points after clearing 3.00 metres and finishing sixth. He was fourth in the javelin with a throw of 43.42 metres, gaining 492 points and finished sixth in the 1500 metres in 5:14.95 minutes. (DN)

NO TEAM FOR QUALIFIERS – The absence of quality players and financial constraints prevented the Barbados Football Association (BFA), from sending a team to the CONCACAF Women’s Under-20 qualifiers in Bermuda. Only hosts Bermuda, Jamaica and Curacao contested the qualifiers, which wind down today. BFA general secretary Edwyn Wood explained that though tournaments came up it was important to be selective in the ones in which they competed since it came with a cost. “The thing is, too, your hear about tournaments in different categories, but if you try to enter all you may find yourself very broke,” he told SUNSPORT. (DN)

TURF READY FOR FESTIVAL – The new turf is finally down. And not a moment too soon. International hockey will return to Wildey for the first time in six years, as the Barbados Hockey Festival is set to christen the sport’s brand new sand-based surface next month. Barbados Hockey Federation president Mark St Hill confirmed the news yesterday ahead of the August 20 start to the international festival. “Everyone is so excited as you can imagine. We keep getting calls from travel agents and overseas teams about the state of the turf and we can now tell them that we will have the turf for our festival,” St Hill said. (DN)

LATE SPIRITUAL BAPTIST ARCHBISHOP TO BE LAID TO REST ON JULY 28 – A thanksgiving service celebrating the life and work of the late Spiritual Baptist Leader Malcolm Babb will be held on Friday, July 28. The service will be held at Jerusalem Apostolic Spiritual Baptist Cathedral, Ealing Grove, Christ Church, at 11 a.m. The funeral will then proceed to the Westbury Cemetery for the interment. Relatives and friends of the late Archbishop will be given an opportunity to pay their last respects at the Sons of God Zion Apostolic Spiritual Baptist Faith, Richmond Gap, St Michael, on Thursday, July 27 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Babb died on Wednesday, July 18 at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital after ailing for some time. He was 68. (BT)

That’s all for today folks there are 160 days left in the year Shalom! #thechasefiles #dailynewscaps Follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram for your daily news. #bajannewscaps #newscapsbystephaniefchase