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starcrossedxwriter · 5 months

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Wicked Fantasies Part 11.1 (MBJ x OC)

A/N: Ummm so welcome backkk! This is 11.1 because there's a second part to this chapter (I know... my self control keeps getting worse lolol) But I hope you enjoy!

TW: grief

“I’m never fucking drinking again,” Raven moaned to herself as she stumbled out of the comforts of bed. She felt like hell, if hell had a truck run over its head a few dozen times.

Raven generally considered herself an early riser but nothing could pull her out of bed that morning after what was, objectively, the dumbest night of her life. Part of her wished she had had one or two more drinks so she could have officially transitioned into the ‘blackout drunk’ phase. So that she would, at least, be spared the embarrassing memories. But no, every horrible moment of the night from dancing wildly at the bar to Michael saving her was etched into the crevices of her brain with shocking clarity.

Now, it was after noon and Raven still found herself wanting to be curled under her blanket asleep so she could escape her embarrassment.

A knock at the door pulled her out of her wallowing self pity. She did not make an attempt to move, expecting Tiffany to answer. However, when the voice of their landlord rang out and her knocking persisted, she quickly slid on her robe to open the door. She decided Mrs. Winters would have to get over the fact that she looked like death reincarnated.

“Rough night, dear?”

Raven grimaced for a moment, she did indeed look as terrible as she felt.

“Something like that,” Raven offered a tight smile, her body slumping against the door. “W-what can I do for you, Mrs. Winters?”

“Oh I’m just letting everyone know that we had a pipe burst on the floor above. We’ll have folks in and out and you might hear some noise and stuff. But if you see any leaking into your unit, give me a ring?”

“Of course. Will do. Thanks, have a good one,” Raven tried her best to politely shoo the woman away. However, she lingered.

“Oh I meant to tell you, that boyfriend of yours is just such a good egg. So kind and polite. Admittedly I haven’t met many famous people,” she laughed. “But you just don’t expect them to have such good manners, you know?”

Raven stopped. “My boyfriend?? Sorry… When was he here?”

“He stopped by this morning. Gave me a check for your rent for the rest of your lease. Oh and asked where your mailbox was, said he wanted to drop something in it.”

Raven was worried her jaw might come completely unhinged as the woman spoke.

He did what??

“Are you alright, dear??”

“Y-Yea, yea. Just… a bit of a surprise. Thank you.”

And with that, Raven immediately closed the door, not listening to the elderly woman’s reply.

“This nigga… I hate him,” she muttered to herself as she slumped against her door.

Every cell in her body knew that was not true. But she also knew that everything she had told him last night was still accurate. She was too tired to forgive him and not just him… anyone ever again. The world has used up all of her second chances and she did not have it in her heart to be disappointed by him again. The narrative in her brain was so set in stone, she did not think anything he could say or do would make her believe anything else. She could not even make herself go retrieve the note that was apparently waiting for her in her mailbox.

“Such a coward,” she grumbled as she flopped back into bed.

She stared at her phone for several minutes, her text thread with Michael open. She wondered what she could even say? Thank you?

She knew any conversations demanding she pay him back or he rescind the money would be moot. Even if she had the mental fortitude to argue with him right now, she would still lose. But she could not just accept it without trying to push back.

She typed and erased and typed and erased before lamely landing on:

Raven: You can’t pay my entire rent. I can’t accept that.

Raven: I don’t want that.

Michael: Yea you can. Told you… gonna show up every day tryin’ to fix us. You just gotta let me.

Raven: Money isn’t gonna fix this, Michael.

Michael: I know. But it can fix the tangible things I fucked up for you

Michael: So let me fix that for you.

Raven paused, as a warm sensation filled her, a warmth she had not felt in over a month now. The warmth of being cared for. She had never had someone take care of her without wanting something in return, except Michael. Even when their relationship was built on transactions, he still took care of her without needing or asking for something from her. The book deal, her rent were just the tangible examples of how he had stepped up to right the wrongs he could and she could not deny that those actions meant something, softened something inside her.

He was doing exactly what he promised he would do the night before. He was fixing what could be, he was showing with his actions that she meant something to him. And yet, that blockade that stopped that belief from taking root was still there, still prohibiting her from believing these actions were anything more than a skilled manipulation.

He would draw her back in, he would not change, and when he got ready, he would hurt her again. That’s what everyone in her life did.

Raven: It doesn’t change anything

Michael: I know… didn’t expect it to.

She tossed her phone to the side and grabbed her pillow, screaming into it as her frustration got the better of her. The complex web of conflicting feelings with Michael B. Jordan trapped at its center only continued to grow. She wanted him to let her go, to stop caring and trying and going out of his way for her because that fit into the narrative nailed to the cross of her brain, it would confirm her beliefs and fears.

But instead he continued to do the things that made her fall in love with him the first time, things that only reignited the dimmed but still existent flame that was her love for him. And she knew she would never get over him if she kept letting that happen, kept letting him in.

So she did not even respond. Instead, she just closed the thread and tossed her phone to the side.

“Let him go, Rae,” she demanded to herself. “You don’t deserve him and he doesn’t love you.” She repeated that a few times before it felt real again, before all that had started to soften was once again as solid as a block of ice.

***

“You look like shit,” Alex moaned as she watched Michael’s makeup artist, Shanta, struggle to make him look less like a living zombie ahead of his Oprah interview.

They were tucked away in a suite in Oprah's sprawling LA estate. It was difficult to make Michael feel poor but Oprah was certainly one of the few people in the world who could do so.

“Thanks, appreciate that.”

“You know I don’t believe in lying to you. Make sure you get those bags under his eyes,” she instructed. “Alright, this is it. Final stretch. Movie’s out and every review is stellar so far. Do this interview, it’ll air this week, Oscars on Sunday and then you can sleep. Though I bet it’s not the schedule keeping you up? Talked to her since the premiere?”

Michael forced his body not to sag at the mention of Raven as to not disturb the hard work of the woman trying to make him look alive after days of no sleep.

“She texted me about the rent thing the next morning. But it’s been radio silence ever since.”

It had only been a few days since the fiasco after the premiere but Michael’s concern for Raven had not diminished one bit. He could not let her go as she requested but he tried his hardest to respect her desire for space. His heart was stuck in the quicksand that was Raven and he had no desire to pull himself out. He wanted to be right there. He knew eventually he would have to accept defeat, accept that she had moved on. But he could not do it while she still questioned her own deservedness. She could hate him for the rest of his life, it would be her right. But his soul could not allow her to live thinking so lowly of herself. So if he had to pay 30 years of rent or call in favors to make her life easier and make her see that she deserved care and someone to sacrifice for her, he would do it. It was high time someone in her life put her above themselves.

“Well, at least she talked to you. That’s something. You’re doing what she asked. Sis has lived a life, she needs time and space. Keep doing what you're doing. Except for the no sleep. For the love of God, by the Oscars, please get a good night’s rest. That’s your night.”

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, Alex…”

She scoffed. “You’ve won the big four, Mike. It’s not just because I believe you deserve it… Statistically, Best Actor is yours. The Oscars is your night. Have a little faith in yourself.”

“I hear you. I just don’t wann-”

“Excuse me?” A young man poked his head in the door. “Apologies for interrupting. I’m a PA. Just wanted to let you know that we’re almost ready? I can take you out to the garden when you’re ready.”

“Be right out. Thank you,” Alex called.

Shanta did her last quick finishing touches before Alex gave him her customary once over.

“Shanta, my girl, you’re a miracle worker per usual.”

They both offered Shanta their thanks, Michael rolling his shoulders before heading out the door to walk out to the gardens.

He had met and interviewed with Oprah once before so he was not particularly nervous. But despite having done millions of interviews, there was always a kernel of nerves right beforehand that he could just never shake.

He was dressed in slacks and a light black sweater, thankful for a cooler day as he walked out into her expansive gardens where the Oprah Winfrey waited for him. The cameras were already rolling, capturing footage that may or may not make into the hour-long special.

“The man of the hour!” she called, her arms stretched wide to wrap Michael in a hug. “Actually I think man of the year is more appropriate. Welcome. I can’t tell you how excited I am to have you here.”

“Thank you, thank you. It’s so good to be here.”

“Have a seat,” she gestured at the very comfy chair across from hers. “And we can jump right in.”

***

Raven’s head was propped against her fist as she stared at her computer. A sentence. That was the grand total of her hard work for that Wednesday afternoon. But it was something, she supposed. Weeks of hard work had amounted to maybe two or three pages of her book. She had been offering Angelina vague answers on her progress, ducking and dodging her to avoid admitting that there was no way in hell she could have a draft by March 15 like they talked about.

“Rae? You busy?”

She turned in her chair toward the door to find Tiffany’s head poking in.

“Nope… I’ll never be busy again at this rate,” she grumbled. “What’s up?”

“I just turned on the interview… if you want to watch?”

Raven scratched her head, unsure if she could even watch him? See him happy and thriving without her? Despite everything happening between them though, she could not pretend there was not a part of her that still wanted to celebrate this moment in his career. Interviewing with Oprah the week he was poised to win his first Oscar? How could she ever forgive herself if she did not watch this? Even if it hurts?

“I’ll… be there in a sec. Thanks, Tiff.”

Raven let out a deep sigh before she grabbed the blanket off her bed and dragged herself to the living room. The interview had already started and he looked gorgeous. Tired, she could tell, in the way he constantly had to readjust his posture, in the bags under his eyes that the makeup artist could not quite fully cover. But even at his worst, he looked captivatingly good.

Raven found herself studying him so intently that she did not even comprehend the words he and Oprah were sharing. She just watched him and his mannerisms, she focused on the glimmer in his eyes that sparked every so often. She missed looking into his eyes, missed how expressive they were.

This moment only amplified how much she missed him, missed hearing the deep baritone in his voice and the spark in his eyes when he spoke about his passions. She missed his bright and uninhibited laughter, how his hands were always on her in some way. She just missed him. But she had pushed him away, had told him to let her go. And even if he had not fully let go of her yet, she felt too scared to open that door again, even if her soul ached for her to. Particularly when he continued to try to show up for her in small ways.

And despite how angry she still wanted to be at him, she had never had anyone show up for her quite like this… try for her like he did. And everyday, her brain took up far more mental space than it should have, debating whether she should follow her foolish heart and forgive him or listen to her logical brain and cast him aside. Days passed and she still did not know the answer.

“So I’ll admit,” Raven’s ears finally started to pick up the conversation between Oprah and Michael, “I watched Waves more times than appropriate. But Gayle and I saw it at Sundance and we both thought it was just the most heartbreaking and poignant look at loss and grief that we had ever seen. While still being engaging and funny and so relatable. The journey your character goes through is just… I mean I think grief is one of the few universal experiences that we all will have at some point. And you really brought that to life through this character and his struggles with addiction. And the fact that you filmed this while engaged in completely different projects with complex characters like Killmonger in Black Panther and Adonis in Creed 3… I’m curious what you pulled from to give that performance?”

Michael shifted in his seat as he chuckled, Raven had missed how passionate he got about this project, even though he had been talking about it and doing press for it since they first started dating. She knew he had not truly expected the role to blow up in the ways it did but she could tell he was grateful for it, nonetheless.

“Well first, thank you. Yea aside from Oscar Grant, Andre was the hardest character I’ve ever played and he stretched me as an actor in ways, you know, I didn’t really expect? And I learned so much from him in his sort of journey through grief. You know, when I read the first script, the line ‘grief is the final stage in love’s evolution,’ really stuck out to me. When you lose someone, grief, this enduring pain you feel, is that love shifting and changing because it has nowhere to go, there’s no outlet for it anymore. And so, Andre really reframed my own thoughts on grief and loss and how I process that and allowed me to pull from personal experiences with loss to pour into that character.”

“Yea I will say, that line was one of my favorites. I sat with that long after the credits rolled.”

“Yea same. I remember sitting a-and thinking about that one for a while after reading it. And I loved that even in the more comedic moments of this movie, we still had those lines that made you wanna stop and really sit with what the characters were going through.”

“Definitely, I was dissecting this movie for weeks after. It’s just amazing. So I do want to shift gears to talk about this moment you're experiencing because of this movie. This really is the biggest moment of your career. You’re nominated for your first Oscar and a favorite to win, so far in 2023, you’ve won a SAG Award, Golden Globe, and BAFTA. And you, as of two days ago, just had your directorial debut in Creed 3. First question, how are you still awake?” Both of them shared a laugh. “But serious question, how has this moment felt? How does it feel to be having this moment at this stage of your career?”

“Oh wow, when you list it like that, I don’t know how I’m awake either,” he chuckled. “But seriously, you know… it’s been a ride. I know you’ve felt this too but you know, you don’t often take a moment to just pause and soak it in. You finish one interview or award show and your mind automatically just jumps to the next one. And I think what I’ve been trying to force myself to do in the later weeks of this insane time is just to slow down and enjoy it. Not rush through it and really enjoy the fruits of… really years of hard work and sacrifice. But that also means sitting with… you know, the challenges of this time too, which isn’t as rewarding,” he admitted with a sad smile. “But I’m growing and learning alot so it’s worth it.”

Oprah nodded. “You know I always appreciate when people don’t let the 24 hour news cycle and gossip sort of steal their thunder and moment from them. And I applaud you for sort of moving through the more gossipy side of the last few months with grace and maturity. But you haven’t really talked much publicly about those stories and the effect they have had on you. And you don’t have to get into it if you don’t want but I am curious on how you navigated that and really came out on the other side, from what I can see, stronger for it?”

Michael bowed his head and chuckled. “Um… you know a good friend of mine told me that she thought this was the most vulnerable and most genuine I had ever been publicly on this press tour and I think it’s because I’ve had to navigate some really personal stuff during this great but hectic public moment? And that’s new territory for me.”

“And I think that friend is right. I don’t think we have seen or learned this much about you ever.”

“Yea and I wish I could take some credit for it but… it was all one person: Raven Turner. And the way we met, now as the world knows, was extremely unconventional and I can admit that our relationship started as a complete lie. A lie I thought would help me be seen as this serious, mature man my team was worried I wasn’t. And I wasn’t,” he admitted. “I was cold and guarded and not at all the best version of myself. And while I regret how we started and trying to fool the world into thinking I’m something I’m not, there isn’t a bone in my body that regrets falling in love with her.”

He leaned forward a bit as he spoke. “Because all those walls and barriers we build around ourselves to survive in this world of Hollywood? To endure the criticisms and insanity we deal with? She's the first woman to see me. Not the actor and the money and the fame but just me. And in that, she saved me… without trying or intending to. She just loved me and loving her, choosing her is the single greatest decision I ever made. And I hate how this moment has fallen on her, how my terrible decisions led to these pretty disgusting misogynistic attacks on her. And I think my biggest regret is putting someone as pure as her in the line of fire like that and not doing enough to protect her. And you know, I have to live with that, which is tough.”

“You know I’ve interviewed thousands of people in my career and while I believe you have to change for yourself and on your own, I also have found that the ones who love us, really love us, are often the most powerful catalysts for change in our lives. I’ve certainly seen and experienced that in my own life and it’s important to spotlight those who were that catalyst.”

“Oh 100%. Especially when, I think this version of me was always there? I was just too hurt to trust anyone with it, so no one saw it. I buried me under this facade I thought was better? But I fell in love with a woman who taught me that you can’t be guarded, you can’t shut down just because you’re hurt. Life is about getting up every day, being authentically you, and reaching out and loving and risking your heart every time. And sometimes you’ll get swatted away and sometimes you’ll get an embrace. But you just deny yourself love when you don’t show up at all. So I’ve been trying to live by that more lately. Because she showed me what real strength and courage looks like. And I want to have that, I want to lead with that.”

“Wow… you know people are going to watch this and I think, applaud that vulnerability. It’s refreshing to me because I don’t think our world incentivizes or encourages people to admit when they aren’t being their best selves. So I think for you to do that, at a moment when you’re at the top of your game, is commendable.”

“She deserves to know the positive effect she’s had on my life. To be celebrated for how she supported me. And you know it’s not just me? When we first started dating, I remember her one stipulation was that we couldn’t go out on Wednesday evenings because she hosted a book club for kids at the library she worked at. And that was the most important thing to her, being there for them. The day of our first date, she spent an hour delivering books and SAT prep books to those same kids she worked just because. There’s just a selflessness to her that is truly admirable. And I think while people are attacking her and calling her these vile names because she made a certain choice during a hard time, they should know who she really is. A woman that would drop everything to help you even when you don’t really deserve it. A woman who I’ve seen give others all she had because they needed it more even when she did not have a backup plan for herself. I could honestly talk about her for the rest of this interview because she deserves celebration far more than I ever could. Genuinely good people don’t always get the shine they deserve, they don’t always get the love and care they deserve because we can often take them for granted. But no one deserves to be celebrated more than her, to be celebrated loudly more than she does.”

“I love that… she seems like quite the woman.”

“She is… and I hope she knows that.”

“So tell me about…”

The words faded away as his words tumbled through Raven’s head. They clashed jarringly against every belief she had internalized about herself, like metal against metal. But she found herself wanting to believe him. Believe the words a section of the world just heard. She wanted to believe that what he saw in her, even over the course of six months, was who she truly was. Not this broken, damaged scapegoat life had fashioned her into.

There has to be more than this, right?

Tiffany nudged her with a box of tissues in her hand. Raven had not even realized she was crying but she accepted them gratefully.

“Don’t know how I still have tears over this man left,” she whispered as she wiped her eyes.

“I don’t think those tears are because of him, sis.”

Raven sniffled and grabbed another tissue. “You m-might be onto something. I can’t watch anymore. Night, Tiffany.”

However, before she reached her bedroom, she heard Tiffany call her name.

“I know what he did… sucks. And hurts. But that’s a man who loves you, Rae. More than anything. After that? The only person in the world who still won’t believe it is you.”

She turned around to face her, the back of her hand wiping away a few more stray tears. “You know he said the same thing?”

“Well, I generally don’t think actors are that smart,” Tiffany admitted with a laugh. “But he’s right about that. You deserve to believe good things about yourself, we all do.”

“Nothing good has ever lasted… I always ruin it somehow. I tried to believe I deserved him and life proved that I didn’t,” she answered, her voice small. “D-Don’t have it in me to try again.”

“Raven… I know we aren’t best friends or anything. But how many times have I watched you forgiven your dad and sister? Let them back in, try to make things right with them? Try to build the family you want?”

“Too many…”

“Right… So why does Michael only get one shot when you found the strength to give them 100? When he’s the one actually showing up for you? He’s the one who actually is trying to earn another chance?”

“It’s not that simple and you know it.”

“I know that the only person denying you happiness right now… is you. You push away the good people and things in your life because you feel like you don’t deserve it but no one would be here if you didn’t. Michael, the kids in your book club… me. I don’t keep signing leases with you because you’re a terrible person who ruins everything, no one has a gun to our heads, Rae. We’re here because you do deserve it.”

“Tiff…”

“Nope, shut up. This pity party is getting old and tired. It doesn’t matter what I think of you… or what Michael thinks or anyone out there.” She gestured toward the window. “All that matters is the narrative you’ve created and until you decide to believe something else, all you’re going to do is push people away and fuck up and self sabotage because it’s all you think you deserve. You gotta wake up and do some fucking work, girl. Cause until you figure out how to erase this narrative from your brain, you’ll never be happy. And you’ll never fall in love with anyone except for someone who treats you like crap. You’ll never build your own family. You’ll never finish your book or have another fulfilling career. You’ll just be stuck in this broken version of yourself alone… forever. And I’ve seen a few different versions of you over the last two years but this is by far the most pitiful.”

Raven had never heard Tiffany be so blunt. The words were biting but she could not deny that some of them rang true in her ears. And that was always the hardest information to hear.

“Damn… tell me how you really feel.”

“The soft gentle love wasn’t resonating clearly so had to go with a different tactic…. Just think about it. And once you fix all this shit and move to a mansion in the hills, don’t forget about me.” She winked at her, causing Raven’s jaw to drop slightly.

“How do you even know that’s gonna happen?”

She shrugged and grabbed the remote to press play, Raven not even noticing that she paused it.

“Just got a good feeling about the two of you. Now go so I can lust after him in peace while he's still single. Kidding! Kinda..."

Raven let out a small laugh as she shook her head. "I know you're not kidding. Night, Tiff.”

She slid into her bed, her only refuge of late, and stared at the ceiling. She was surprised she was not tired of looking at it by now. Michael and Tiffany’s words wrestled with her own thoughts for hours

What was her problem, really? It was not that what Michael did was unforgivable because it wasn’t. Some distant part of her, too quiet to break through the noise of her anger, always wondered if there was more to the story, believed that he had to have had some reason. But she was too angry to allow him to explain. It just became vicious ammunition that no one could ever love her or care about her… that she was the problem.

Well, that’s true… no one’s ever loved you. And everyone who does leaves.

She supposed her mother must have loved her, but she would never know. She would never feel it. And her grandmother’s love was so distant, so long ago, that it no longer felt tangible, was no longer a tether to anchor her self worth to something positive.

Instead, the only thing that tethered her sense of self worth to anything was her family’s disdain. Disdain that made her question what Michael could’ve seen in her, how he could ever love someone like her? That disdain which made it far easier to believe that what he did was proof that he did not love her than that he possibly did do it to protect her in some weird way. No other thought could live long enough in her brain to take hold.

And she did not know if doing what Tiffany suggested would fix that. There was not enough time in the world for her muster the courage to interrogate and confront the source of these feelings. She had hoped she would never have to see her family again. Some days, never felt like too soon.

But she knew she could not avoid it. They were the root cause, the narrative in her head was fueled and sustained by them. And screaming at them across the Thanksgiving table and never speaking to them again was not the closure she needed. She thought she had dropped the weight that was her family when she cut them off. But she was still dragging all the luggage they gave her around and it was time to give it back.

She knew her family did not want to see her either, knew it would be difficult to get them to even speak to her after everything. But she knew she had to try… because she knew there had to be more to life than this. That she had not been born to only suffer through life instead of live it. So she needed to confront her demons for herself, even if her relationship with them did not change one bit.

She grabbed her computer and her wallet. It was time to go home.

***

Raven’s eyes remained trained on her dad’s house across the street as she sat in her rental car. She was almost shocked that none of her family’s nosy neighbors had not called the police yet as she sat there for nearly an hour, summoning the courage to actually go inside.

She had felt so sure this was what she needed when she bought her plane ticket. And that confidence did not waver when she stepped onto the plane or during the long journey from LAX to Charlotte, NC. However, once she was in her rental car, she found herself waffling, aimlessly driving around for hours. Her brain seemed unable to direct her to the place she knew she needed to go. Home.

She just could not make herself do it… not yet anyway. So she did not. Instead, she finally went to her hotel to try to get some rest and her night’s rest turned into the entire Friday holed up in her hotel. She had not booked a return ticket, prayerful and hopeful that there would be a reason to stick around for a few days. But that also meant she did not have the incentive of time to make her move faster.

But she could not even make herself do this. Because she did not know how to be brave like this. Her life had been nothing but running from pain and confrontation. This was so contrary to that. She did not know how to do any of this. She tossed and turned all night, unable to get any sleep particularly when there was only one person who she wanted to talk to, wanted to seek courage and strength from. Because when she felt scared, when she did not feel strong, he was the only person she wanted to reach for. But she was not sure he would even answer. She had pushed him away, told him she needed space.

But she had not felt like she could do this alone. So last night, she called him.

“Rae! Everything ok?” he asked immediately, his question met with silence.

Raven did not know what to say and regret filled her like ice water in her veins. But she knew it was too late to hang up, she had to see it through. She paid for that moment of weakness when she hit the call button as her throat closed at the sound of her voice. She found it impossible to speak, even if she knew what words to say.

“I’ll wait until you’re ready, Rae. Got all night for you.”

And she knew he was not just talking about waiting for her to speak.

“Why?” she whispered, the simple word coming out in a strangled sound as she tried to push past the tightness in her throat.

“Why what?”

“Why even answer after everything I said to you? W-why do you keep trying?”

“Because I love you,” he answered simply. “And you’re worth it. I’ll keep reaching out, baby girl. Even when you swat me away.”

“You might be the only person who thinks that,” she whispered back as a tear fell.

“I don’t think that’s true. But even if it was, knowing one person is in your corner is all you need sometimes.”

She laughed lightly. “That press tour got you only speaking in motivational boxing terms or something?”

His deep laughter filled her ears and filled her soul with such joy that she had forgotten. She had forgotten what these moments felt like, the two of them on the phone or curled up together in bed, just talking. She missed it… she missed him. But she could not say it, could not bring herself to pull her body out of the water to make that long trek back up the cliff to where he waited for her. Everything in her brain screamed at her that she couldn’t do it, that she did not have it in her. And she hated herself for it. Hated how she clung to the ice barriers around her heart, even though they were utterly fractured and ready to fall. She just was not ready yet.

She let out a shuddering breath as she hastily wiped away her falling tears. “I… don’t know why I called. I s-shouldn’t have called.”

“Call me anytime, Rae. I’ll always answer. I’ll always show up for you. I hope you know that… at least.”

“Y-Yea… I think I do… or at least, it’s getting harder to deny it,” she revealed. “Your interview with Oprah… it was really good,” she offered lamely.

“You watched??” she could hear the surprise in his voice.

“Yea… I almost didn’t,” she admitted. “But I caught most of it. Did you mean it? Everything you said?”

“Every single word.” There was no arguing with the definitive tone in his voice. “I get that you don’t trust me anymore. I lied and kept secrets. But one thing I never lied about is how much I love you.”

Her eyes clenched shut for a moment. That was one thing he had always been consistent about, her ears had just been perpetually shut to it.

“I… um… I gotta go. Early day tomorrow,” she lied as she sniffled. “I’m sorry for bothering you. Bye, Michael.”

She was not sure what she had expected to get from that call and, at first, it felt as if she only got a firm kick in the heart for it. But for the first time since she landed, Raven had enough strength to finally drive to her family’s house. She had rolled her eyes at his boxing motivational quotes but hearing someone say they were in her corner, that had given her courage. To just feel like someone was behind her, even if she was alone, that meant something to her.

She took a deep breath and got out of her car, forcing her legs to carry her to the front door.

Her rounds of knocks went unanswered, Raven getting slightly frustrated but determined not to leave the porch. If she turned around and walked away, she’d never come back.

After an extremely brief internal debate, she decided to simply let herself in, deciding that since she contributed to the mortgage, she had a right to come in as she pleased. And her father still, foolishly, kept a spare key underneath the welcome mat.

Though she had not been to her family’s home in two years or so, it still looked the same. Her father’s favorite work boots were thrown haphazardly at the door, several pairs of her sister’s shoes lined up next to them. She was an utter mess but she was, at least, somewhat neat. And it still felt… cold. And it had nothing to do with the cold winter east coast weather. The house had always felt like that, void of warmth and love that made a home a home.

“Kiara?” she called out. “Dad?” However, she was met with utter silence.

Part of her supposed she was thankful they were not home and that they had not just ignored her or something. She stood in the living room, staring around the room at the pictures that lined the walls and shelves. So many of her mom, her dad, and Kiara but there were none of her. That was not a surprise, it had always been that way. But that did not make it sting any less. All they had ever wanted was to erase her from their lives and if a stranger walked into this house, it would be as if she never existed.

She started up the stairs, her eyes refusing to linger long on any of the photos there. They were all lies anyway, a picture perfect family that did not exist because she had been born. She decided to ascend to the attic once she made it upstairs. Because that was where all her grandmother’s and some of her own things now lived. She had never really gone through her grandmother’s things after she passed, no one aside from her dad to pack them up. But she knew there was so much of their lives, so many memories she had forgotten of the one person who loved her, forgotten in those boxes that she now desperately needed to remember.

She ignored how narrow the opening to the attic was, realizing that it had been easier to maneuver up here when she was a young teenager. Everything was still neatly packed away as if her grandmother would be back one day to pick it up.

She started to open each box, pulling out and examining her grandmother’s things, so many beautiful things forgotten in this attic no one went into. For the first time in nearly two decades, she felt close to the only maternal figure she had ever had, felt like her grandmother’s hand was on her shoulder as she reminisced on their short but well-lived time together.

She found the old costume jewelry her grandmother used to let her play with, laughing to herself as she thought back to dressing up in front of her vanity mirror pretending to be a model or whatever silly idea the pair had thought up. She almost cried as she found a very crumpled piece of paper with the last story she gave her grandmother to read before she died, a random short story that she had written for class. She had not realized, as she found a folder, just how many of her stories her grandmother had kept.

A gold glint caught her attention, Raven reaching into a giant box to find a shoe box. Raven had seen that box 100 times but her grandmother had never let her touch it, claiming that it held priceless family heirlooms that she did not want Raven or Kiara to mess up. Raven rolled her eyes that something her grandmother had valued so much had been discarded and forgotten haphazardly at the bottom of this box.

Finally giving into her childhood curiosity, she opened it. It was still filled with things, part of her thankful that Kiara had never found it. The jewelry and pieces in it were gorgeous and indeed priceless. She took her time as she examined each one, wondering if they had belonged to her mother or her grandmother or some other relative she never met. However, it was what existed underneath the jewelry that caught her eye: piles of tied up envelopes, one with her name on it and one with Kiara’s.

The handwriting was not her grandmother’s, which made Raven even more curious.

She pulled out the stack with her name on it and undid the thin ribbon that tied them together. There were ten letters there in total, each one with a different note scribbled on the envelope.

To Raven on your 18th birthday

To Raven on high school graduation

To Raven after your first love

To Raven after your first heartbreak

To Raven on college graduation

To Raven on your wedding day

She only had to flip through a few of them to realize who they were from. Her mom.

“You’re killing me,” she muttered to the sky, unsure if she was speaking to God, her grandmother, her mother or all three.

Her hands trembled slightly as she ripped open the one on top, addressed to her on her 18th birthday. These were some of the only words her mother would get to say to her, she did not care how long ago she should have read it. She would savor each one.

To my sweet darling girl,

If you are reading this, it means that I am not physically there with you on your birthday. It means that I’ve missed 18 birthdays and too many milestones to write a letter for and for that, I am sorry. You might be wondering why there is not a letter for all those milestones and birthdays that have taken place but this felt like the best place to start and the appropriate age for reading the musings of a dying woman. If there’s even such a thing.

We learned your gender today. Another sweet girl. If the doctor somehow got it wrong, these letters will be incredibly awkward. But I know they are right. Because you, my darling girl, are the manifestation of my wildest dreams. I dreamed of you almost a year ago, this beautiful girl with half my face but all of my spirit and personality. And every night since then, I prayed, begged God to make that dream a reality… no matter the cost. And he did.

I know my body is not strong enough to be your mother, to be around to be the mother someone as brilliant as you will deserve. But I hope you know that deciding to have you and keep you, regardless of the risks, is the single greatest decision I ever made. You were not an accident or a misfortune given to me. You are my dreams. And if my last moments on this earth are spent looking at you, it will have been worth it.

I waited until 18 to start these letters because I worried a child could never understand the choice I made. And you may still not. And if you resent me for leaving you before you could know me, I understand that too. But I hope that through these letters, you will get to know me. And you will feel some semblance of the immense love I have for you.

I don’t have much advice because you’ve likely heard it all at this point. But the two most important things I can tell you, that I wish someone had told 18 year old me, is to know that failure is part of the journey. Your grandmother used to always tell me to keep reaching out your hand even if it doesn’t work. I didn’t really understand it soon enough but I hope you do. Life is about risks and if you don’t reach out your hand out of fear, you’ll protect yourself from pain but you will also miss out on the gifts God is trying to hand you. As a daughter, I hated to admit it, but mama was right about that… and so many other things.

And finally, more importantly than anything else I could offer you in these letters, please remember every day that you are so, so loved.

Know that regardless of what happened to me, I loved you with every fiber of my being until my last breath. Know that you were a gift from God. And every day you venture out into this world, know that you are worthy of so much because you were so loved from the moment you were dreamed up. Do not let anyone or whatever will happen to you in what I pray is a long, rich, happy life diminish that light, diminish your worth. I know how special you are and I don’t even know your name yet. And while I hope that your father and grandmother will affirm you daily, you don’t need other people to tell you that you are special. You have to know it for yourself. That’s the most important advice I can give you. Know who you are and your worth and take up as much space in this world as you want. And as long as you never forget how special you are… how deserving you are, you’ll move through this world shining bright. And the world will be forced to know it too and move to give you what you deserve. It’s not much and a bit cliche perhaps but I’ve been torn down enough to know that sometimes we all need the reminder. But those are stories for another letter.

By the time I write my next letter, I promise I will have picked out a name for you. I read a book the other day where the main character was named Raven… I had not thought of it before but I like it.

Happy Birthday.

Love,

Mom

The river of tears streaming down Raven’s face splashed against the slanted handwriting on the page, Raven quickly whisking them away so the words would remain legible. Raven did not even know how long she sat there staring at the words on the page, her heart bursting with the knowledge that her mother’s hand had touched this very paper, that she had poured her heart and soul into every word etched into it.

It was like proof she had been real and not this entity Raven had conjured up in her head. Raven could not stop herself from ripping open all the ones that she should have gotten along the way. The one for her first love and the separate one on heartbreak were four pages each, and Raven did not pay attention to the clock as she absorbed each and every word.

Everything she had learned about her mother had been through her grandmother and she had always wondered if her grandmother told her things just to make her feel better. But she realized that her grandmother had been telling the truth, she and her mother were so much alike. She found herself nodding and laughing along to her mother’s stories and wisdom embedded in all those pages. She was a prolific storyteller too and an amazing writer, another trait Raven realized she must have inherited from her.

For the first time in 30 years, Raven did not feel weighed down by this unbearable guilt. She felt lighter than she had ever been in her entire life. Perhaps this was what God wanted her to find here, not a confrontation with her family, but these words. This tangible proof that her mother had chosen her, wanted her… loved her and that she had not ruined anything at all.

Her mother would not have wanted her to carry such guilt around for so long because there was nothing to be guilty about.

The letters were scattered across the attic floor when she heard the faint sound of their garage opening. She quickly folded up all of her letters and stuffed them back into the box, tucking it under her arm as she climbed out of the attic. She did not make much noise as she closed up the attic, just as she heard her father and sister close the garage door and enter the kitchen.

Their voices drifted up to her ears as she started to climb down the stairs, deciding that she might as well get the pure unpleasantness of this moment over with.

“Wait… you hear that? Is someone in the house??” she heard her sister ask, knowing that they both could hear her footsteps against the old floorboards.

“Don’t get your gun,” she called out as she started down the stairs. “It’s just me.”

She was greeted with less-than-welcoming expressions from her family, such disdain that it made her want to scurry away. But she did not. She had done enough of that in her life.

“Adding breaking and entering to your criminal activity, now?”

Raven scoffed as she placed the box on the kitchen counter that stood between her and her family.

“Don’t think you can break into a house you helped pay for?” she answered coolly. “And I’m not the one with a mug shot here if I remember correctly.”

“No you’re just the one who sold her cheap ass for a quick buck.”

Raven shook her head, opening and closing her mouth for a few moments as she tried to find the words.

“Yea I did… And I’m not proud of it,” Raven admitted. “But I won’t let you or anyone shame me for doing what I needed to do to survive. What helped the two of you survive too.” Raven scratched her head, realizing that trying to get closure from her family was unnecessary. Her mother’s words had given her all the closure she had ever needed. That’s what she had come home for.

“You know, I got a plane ready to rip you both a new one for 30 years of abuse and torture. To try to force you to admit that I’m not the villain you made me to be. But… I don’t need that anymore. Because the cross of guilt and shame you two forced onto my back for all these years isn’t one I should have to carry. But I did because I thought it was the only way to keep you two around. And even without you two in my life, I still drag that cross around because I thought I deserved it. But I realized today, way too late, that I don’t need a damn thing from either of you to put it down.”

“So you came here to what? To chastise us and steal?” her father asked, gesturing toward the box on the counter.

“You can’t steal things that belong to you. These are letters mom wrote to me,” she lifted the open letters out before sliding the unopened pile to her sister. “And to you.”

“Your mother wrote these?” he asked, his jaw tensing as he looked down at the stack.

“Yeah, she did. You’ll enjoy yours… she was a really good storyteller,” she glanced at Kiara. “These letters just told me something I should’ve realized long before Thanksgiving. That cross? That guilt? It isn’t mine. And I am done wasting my life trying to rectify the mistake of being born. Because it wasn’t a mistake. She chose me… prayed for a second daughter knowing the cost and she decided it was worth it. And hearing her say that? That’s all I need to know that I deserve so much more than this… so much more than you.” She took a deep breath. “Being a grieving husband isn’t an excuse to be a terrible father and I’ll just be grateful I found some way to survive you and this. And jealousy doesn’t give you the right to be a shitty sister.”

“What the fuck do I have to be jealous of??”

“I always wondered that. But reading those letters… I finally got it. Because even as a failed author and prostitute, I’m everything she was. Grandma used to always say I had her personality… her talent. I always thought she was lying to make me feel better. But you knew she wasn’t and you could never stand it. Couldn’t stand that I was more like her than you.” For the first time, her sister was speechless. A good look on her in Raven’s opinion. “Mom wanted so much better for me than this and I’m gonna go and find it. Because I’ve wasted too much energy trying to earn the love of people who don’t deserve it. So if you want to go to your graves hating me, making me the scapegoat for every problem in your miserable lives, have at it. But know that I don’t hate you even after all this. I won’t be weighed down anymore by any feelings toward either of you ever again. You aren’t worth it.”

Raven pulled herself to full height and rolled her shoulder back as she scooped up the box and folder she had taken from her grandmother’s stuff.

“Now I’m gonna go and have that long… rich and happy life mom wanted for me. And I hope you two do the same.”

She did not look behind her as she walked away, a soft smile on her face as she walked out of her family’s house for the last time.

She let out a long laugh as she sat in her car, so much of the weight she had been carrying around gone. It did not feel sad like when she cut off her family at Thanksgiving. She finally felt as if she had cut the anchor away and she could float away, she could move forward and heal all the broken pieces of herself that they had gleefully chipped away at.

When she got back to her hotel room, she just kept rereading her mom’s words. She would memorize each letter at this point. A part of her desperately wanted to open the other ones but she had not reached those milestones just yet so she left them where they were. For some reason, she worried her mother would disapprove of her breaking into them early.

One line of five letters she read and reread stuck to her bones above all else. And of course, as if her mother had known, it was embedded in the letter for her first love. Love… the thing that had cracked her wide open and brought her to this moment in the first place.

You’d be surprised to know that this was the hardest of the letters to write. Because everyone has some prolific idea of what love is and feels like. And I realized I don’t… because I don’t think I’ve ever experienced the love I pray you are as you read this. That’s not to say I don’t love your father, I do. But I want something different than convenience for you. I hope that the love you feel is safe, allows you to feel the full spectrum of what it means to be human - strong and vulnerable, insecure and confident, boisterous and timid. I hope it feels like stepping out of the cold air and into a warm embrace. I hope it is loud and unapologetic because you deserve nothing less. And I hope it makes you feel so enraptured that everything else in the world goes quiet. And lastly, I hope, more than anything, that it feels like home. That when you’re in this person’s embrace, you feel as if your soul finally landed right where it is supposed to be.

Her eyes scanned that passage over and over again, realizing that she had found the exact love her mother described. She had come back here thinking she was coming home. But this wasn’t home at all. Home was where he was. And he was back in LA, about to prepare for the biggest night of his life in 24 hours. And regardless of whatever trust needed to be rebuilt and conversations needed to be had, she could not allow herself to miss it. She could not allow herself to not show up for him.

Raven scrambled to find her phone as it was hidden beneath sheets of paper. She scrolled through, praying she had not deleted a long forgotten group thread that housed one number she had once thought she would never need but now was the most important phone number in the world.

She almost shouted praises to God when she found it, clicking the call button on the unsaved number. She paced up and down beside her bed as every agonizing ring dragged on.

“Didn’t think I’d see your name pop up on my phone ever again.”

Raven let out a sigh of relief as her voice filled her ears. “I know… me either. But I need a favor.”

“Does it involve a certain award show tomorrow night?”

“Yes. Is it too late?”

“Yea it is.” she knew Alex could hear the tiny sigh of sadness she let out. “For anyone but me. I’ve earned enough favors around here to create a miracle or two.”

“Really?? Cause I need like more than one or two miracles… a dress, hair, makeup… hell a flight from Charlotte to make it back in time. Without him knowing?”

“Consider all of it done. Hope you don’t mind getting up at the ass crack of dawn though.” Alex asked, Raven hearing the smile in her tone.

“For him… I’ll get up anytime.”

“Good. Then I'll take care of everything... I'll have to tell his mom but she'll love this. And probably be happy as hell that she doesn't have to go anymore. I'll text you details in an hour."

"An hour?? That's all you need??"

"You're new here so I'm gonna choose to not be offended by that."

"Noted." She was about to hang up when she stopped herself. “Hey… Alex? Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it. Seriously. Just make sure your ass is on that plane and in LAX tomorrow when Allen picks you up, got it?”

Raven chuckled. “Yea I got it. See you tomorrow.”

Tag List: @readinghere2023 @blackerthings @prettyisasprettydoes1306 @physicxal @purplehairgawdess @miyuhpapayuh @rueruesclues @geemamii @certifiedlesbianbaddie @pipsqueak-98 @nyifly22 @destinio1 @twocentaur @gopaperless @musicisme333 @roguekiki @majesticbrownjawn @taurusqueen83 @mysteryuz @miamormilan @itsknor-thedeep @naj-ay444 @mads-grace4 @nayaesworld @kholdkill @msniaimani @nccu-rnc @apenasumlug4r @dezzy154

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A/N: So now will y'all stop yelling at me LOLOL our good sis is going back to her man! We love to see it! How surprised do we think Michael's going to be? Part 11.2 will be the Oscars! Drop a comment and let me know what you thought! And as always, thanks for reading!

#black writers #michael b jordan #michael b jordan x oc #mbjordanedit #black panther #michael b jordan fanfic #michael b jordan x reader #creed 3 #adonis creed #creed iii

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lordplavis · 2 years

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I just ordered my first very own skirt!!!!

Yea you heard that right. This cowardly ideot right here never got themselves to actually buy stuff like that because of a lot of stupid reasons.

And now look at me! Just took me two mental breakdowns and one close call and my skirt is on its way. Not just one though! TWO!!! and a cute top aswell!!!

And you know what? It feels great! Am I frightend to actually wear the stuff? Hell yea I'll be scared as hell! But this is a fucking victory! I did this! I bought this for myself and myself alone only because I like it and I want it and noone else told me to do it and noone could convince me not to do it!!!

And even if I don't end up liking it I don't fucking care. This is the biggest fucking big fat fucking middle finger I could show to some people in my life.

So many fucking people did their best, be it intentionally or not or maliciously or not, to keep me from doing this. And I say fuck you to all of you! I did this beacause I like it and noone can stop me now!

You might think this is nothing special. But oh you fucking belive me it is for me. I'm crying because of this for the third time right now. Not because I can't bear to actually look for fem clothes this time. Not because I couldn't find clothes in my size this time. This time is because of joy because it took me years to heal enough and find support strong enough to get here.

Yesterday was yesterday Tomorrow will be tomorrow but right now I'm happy and noone will take this from me.

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isaacathom · 2 years

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ds9 time, s2e14 and e15

welcome to, what, the second of three obrien eps? in a row? my guys having the time of his life (negative)

now based on premise i will specifically have a bad time but lets see how we go.

why'd the camera start so fucking close to his face. why you gotta be like that. 'set the record state about the last 52 hours' OH IN MEDIAS RES???? OH IN MEDIAS RES????? well shit. fuck. hell yeah? hell yeah. this is gonna be an interesting one then.

now the thing is. it sucks that it has to start with keiko. bc as i keep hammering. the two of them get so few opportunities to just, be a couple? without a plot problem? even if it makes sense that keiko acting weird would be obrien's first 'wait. what?' moment

i like that, at this early stage, keiko is the only one being EXTREMELY suspicious, while everyone else seems to be like. plausibly off. the engineering crews early, but they're on siskos orders, and sisko seems as genial as ever. the only bit that sounded off was when he said he was talking to keiko about jake's grades, but obrien buys it completely, and even then it doesnt sound that far off.

"its not doctors i have a problem with [in unison] its you julian" i love you two so much

ohp there we go, there's the sign sisko's lying.

oh he keeps being sneaky babyyyyy i love that for him

keiko really is an awful liar and thats kind of sweet, in its own way

the fact that bashir going 'hows the sex life' is setup is absolute fucking chaos to me. i dont even know if bashir knows shit. i have no idea what my boy knows. i know keiko, sisko, and kira know SOMETHING, i dont know if Bashir knows (i assume he does? or at least enough to not question an order to take as long as possible with the physical)

see im sitting here going Is That Shit Poisoned. Is That Shit Fucked. How Fucked Is This. How in danger am i, the nausea bitch, in this situation. okay obrien agrees with me, hell yeah bro

the CLOSE UPS. THE TEEEEENSIIIIIOOOOOOON. gah fuck.

the montage of him listening to the logs, i adore it

man just shows up, hits a button, walks off, because literally noone will question why the fuck hes in the bridge

oh hey odo IS in this episode. exceptional. was worried for a minute. but hes not in the framing sequence runabout so ? but he seems on side so.

quark's just like? bro i was trying to make friendly conversation. the fuck are you on about.

ohp odos not on side anymore ohohohooooOOOOOO AND THERES SISKO WITH THE STEEL CHAIRRRRR i mean uh

MY MANS GOT A STUN GRENADE AND A GUN YES

YES

THE TIGER IS FREE

ooh i like that, thats a cute trick. love my tech man.

everybody? like every everybody? then again i guess like, sisko pre-emptively coulda told rollman, just like obrien said he might do to odo.

they've specified this coffee type way too many times. whats up with that. should i be aware of something re: the coffee. i dont watch regularly enough to remember obriens coffee order.

man the compute-

WHY THE FUCK ARE THERE TWO OF THEM? WHY ARE THERE TWO OF THEM? OOOOOOOH so it was OBRIEN that was off, thats cute! thats so cute!

oh i really like that actually. thats a really cute twist. i love that. OOOHHH THAT RULES. THAT RULES. I LOVE THAT.

genuinely really good. i like that a lot. the coffee thing was definitely something though, right, like 100%.

s2e15 time, lets go, its obrien again. 3/3 on obriens.

this convos real sweet! i love learning about obrien.

oh hell yea. bow time.

tech mans about to learn a valuable lesson in 'there is tech thats isn't electric'

that actress, alixus? she looks extremely familiar. joseph also looks familiar but in a way i can chalk to being like, generic nice older man. im gonna check both of these though. nope, nevermind, dont know her. BUT JOSEPH IS THE VOICE OF PUFFIN FROM SWAN PRINCESS????? WHAT THE FUCK. WHAT THE FUVK? what the fuck.

i know its early days but this episode is not doing anything for me at this stage.

oh that one woman really wants to leave huh

okay so the plot is gonna be that this woman is gonna try and force them to stay, isn't it.

oh yea im bang on thats 100% what this plots gonna be. she's pulling some shit tm. either she's the reason the EM fails or she sabotaged the original ship. or maybe theres a twist here. who knows. the vibes arent great.

yeah cult vibes. cult vibes. like, im not strictly saying shes wrong. sometimes people do need to be off their phones (i say, blogging my entire experience of shows and books and movies). but like. ? somehow i dont think the SciFi Show is going to be coming down especially sympathetic.

'primitive' yikes

something about the fact alixus immediately went to calling them Miles and Ben feels significant

she's giving cult energy lads. like, she has a point, that in the absence of electrical technology reliance on herbal remedy is medicine, does save lives, but to prevent a tech guy from trying to do his tech shit? like you can do two things at once. you can have people scour the forest for fungi and you can let the bastard play with his computers for a bit. just get him to help you like, cook or smth. give him a basic chore so he still 'pulls his weight'. you can compromise to let him try until he's satisfied himself that he's done everything he can. you can hardly except obrien and sisko to snap to the pastoral lifestyle in 2 seconds when you've had 10 years and were also clearly on that Vibe long before.

'the ship is travelling at warp 2' at. warp 2? it was in synchronous orbit? synchronous orbit is impulse, is my usual understanding. and that certainly wouldn't send it hurtling off, it shouldn't fucking slingshot out. unless duonetic does shit? i feel like obrien would've said if it did. im gonna read full malice into alixus now, her or joseph, someones pulling shit.

obrien reminiscing about keiko is really sweet.

oh yeah normal behaviour chuck the cunt in a metal box small enough to give me grief, excellent fucking shit, for fucks sake. what the fuck. torture??? torture??? bro. bro.

for a woman in deep on political theory you think she'd know about deterrence theory and shit. about how like... harsh punishment for crime does not necessarily deter crime if the need is severe enough, which is why the correct method of combatting crime is to address the reasons why is it does (in this instance, more fairly apportion your limited supply of fucking candles)

fellas, im gonna say it, sisko is an attractive man. im just putting it out there.

its sort of neat that alixus only has the idea to do this, SPECIFICALLY to sisko, BECAUSE sisko had previously made a point of mentioning that obrien was married, not him. thats sort of a neat bit. cause she mightve tried it on obrien, who wouldve just gone haha no im married please leave, but no. sisko, because she knows he isnt married. if he'd answered about womens fashion that might've even dissuaded her from the idea altogether.

oh hey siskos making the same point as me. exceptional. so the episode is just being blunt, then.

'core identity' cult behaviour! cult behaviour!

'of course all you have to do is ask' gross

i love this kira and dax bit, this is cute

'they continue to reject us' it took yall years and youre pissy about a week. eat shit. fuck off. i hate you

hey man id really recommend not wearing those like 3 layers when you go into the cook box

this ep is so blunt man.

i do really like this conversation with Miles and Joseph where Joseph knows exactly what Miles is trying to do. i think its really neat. its such a cute little bit. 'i can do it so it wont hurt at all' giving Joseph an out. so good.

i cant believe i was right on BOTH counts, fuck me running.

i like that the guy who was previously in the box is the one who gets sisko water, cute.

and then just two kids stare at a box, okay??? i hated that. i did not like that at all.

i didnt like that. cannot explain it. i guess my bit is that the episode doesnt do enough to convince me that she DID build a community, and not just a cult or something (which, i guess definitionally that is a community, but, yknow??) like. i just. no? i feel like i mightve been kinder if one or more of the people had chosen to leave, to see the truth and to make an informed choice, but instead joseph just speaks for everybody and thats it. not enough done to establish to me that she was right. eugh.

thats me for the night but like. aya. land of contrasts

#ds9 blogging #i dont have any deep thoughts im a very surface level observer #theyre good and or fine. yeehaw

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crystalninjaphoenix · 3 years

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The Winter Solstice

Fantasy Masks AU: Chapter Seven

A JSE Fanfic

Well after last week’s brief foray into writing for a different fandom, we return to the septics once again. The FM!septics to be exact. It’s the winter solstice, meaning there are holidays to celebrate! Chase, Jackie, and Henrik have a great day that totally doesn’t become suddenly serious near the end haha nope just fun times all around with some world building and character development :) Enjoy :)

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The day dawned cold and snowy, but nobody at Wyvernlair cared. Not when today was the winter solstice. This was a time for celebration! And with all the people in the camp, there was bound to be a big party. Preparations had been ongoing for the past few weeks. Food was made, games were planned, and time was set aside for those honoring the various holy days. When the day itself dawned, normal duties were put on hold so that everyone could join in.

Chase woke up at sunrise. He had a quick breakfast—light, since there would be a lot of food at the feast planned for that night—and strolled about, taking in the changes. Everyone was bustling about as usual, but now they chattered with excitement. Some people had hung decorations outside their tents: replicas of snowflakes made from white-painted sticks, candles with carved designs set on the ground, pine branches and snippets of other winter-blooming plants scattered about. Combined with the white layer of snow, it was quite beautiful.

Yet, Chase felt a pang somewhere deep in his chest. Last year, he’d spent Longest Night with his family and the rest of the village. There’d been town celebrations in the square. He helped Quentin carve his first candle. And now? Now, he didn’t know where his family was.

“Chase!”

He was snapped out of his melancholy thoughts when he heard someone call his name. In the middle of turning to see who it was, that ‘someone’ barrelled straight into him. “Oof!” He was about to respond, but found he couldn’t, because he’d been wrapped in a tight bear hug.

“Sorry, did I knock the wind out of you? Sorry!” Jackie was too full of energy to notice he apologized twice. He gave Chase one last squeeze before breaking off the hug.

“It’s okay, just give me more warning next time.” Chase took a minute to catch his breath. “Well. Happy Longest Night, then?”

“Happy Longest Night, then!” Jackie repeated. He whirled his cloak around dramatically. It was still red, but slightly nicer, with a fur lining. His wolf mask was pushed back, sitting on his forehead. “You know the plan, right? We’re having games all day. War games, dice games, card games—a few strategy games, too, the ones we have the boards for in storage. Then there’s the feast later, and the Dark Vigil tonight.”

“Yea, I understand,” Chase said, a faint smile on his face. He couldn’t help it; Jackie was contagious. “How many people will be at the Vigil?”

“A fair share. Schneep won’t; he does something at moonrise instead.” Jackie shrugged. “Are you planning to do any of the games? What about archery?!”

Chase laughed. “No, no, I’m not good enough to compete in a war game. I’ll probably just drift around and join in where I can. Do you think anyone will be playing Luck of the Deal? I’m very good at that.”

Jackie rolled his eyes. “Everyone’s good at Luck of the Deal. That’s the whole thing about it, it’s luck.”

“You don’t know that. There’s skill involved, too,” Chase insisted.

Jackie patted his shoulder. “Whatever you say, Hunter. It’ll be some time before everything really gets going. Anything you want to do before that?”

“Umm...” Chase thought about it. “Well, is there anything I can do to help with the feast preparations? That’s usually a community thing, isn’t it?”

“Well we already have a lot of volunteers for cooking. They’ve already gotten started, in fact.” Jackie thought about it. “But if you want to help, you could put your hunting skills to the test in the surrounding woods. Always good to have more food than less, on these occasions. People would eat their plates, if it was possible.”

Chase laughed. “Oh, I know that. Amabel would eat us out of home on Longest Night. She must’ve gotten her appetite from Stacia’s side of the family.” Saying their names, the melancholy threatened to return.

“Honestly? I have a confession.” Jackie leaned closer. “I’m one of those types, too.”

“Oh? Somehow, that makes sense.”

“And somehow I’m offended.” Jackie gave him a playful shove. “If you want to go ahead, you know where the shortbows and arrows are. Oh!” His eyes widened as he remembered something. “But try not to shoot any pigeons. Those are important.”

“Important?” Chase put the pieces together. “You mean...messenger birds?”

Jackie nodded. “I don’t expect anyone to send messages on the solstice except for an emergency, but there might be some arriving that were sent a fews days, or even a week, ago. It takes a while to fly across the island.”

“Got it. I won’t shoot any pigeons.” Chase shook his head, a bit in awe. “Messenger birds.” He’d heard of them, but never seen them in use. Somehow, they seemed almost as magical as actual magic. Getting letters sent across the kingdom in a matter of days? That was amazing. “I’ll just head out, then.”

“Good luck, Chase!” Jackie said cheerfully, waving as he turned to leave. “Be back before noon, that’s when the fun will start!”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If possible, it was even colder out in the forest, away from the magic heat of the dragon bones. Chase clutched his jacket tighter and made sure his hat was securely on his head. He doubted that he’d find any animals out here. By Longest Night, most of them were hibernating. But it was worth a shot.

Snow crunched under his feet, so he slowed down, carefully placing every step so it wouldn’t make too much noise. There wasn’t a lot of foliage to hide behind in the winter, but he had made sure to grab a white jacket from storage to help him blend in. He’d also turned his hat inside out so that the red ribbon around it didn’t show. After a while, he found what he thought was a good spot to wait. So he settled down, nocking an arrow so it would be ready to fly at any moment.

The world became very still. The only sound he heard was his breath, accompanied by the small puffs of mist that breath caused in the cold. He made sure not to move a muscle.

Until there was a sudden sound. Footsteps, very light, being pursued by much heavier ones. His eyes darted towards the sound. The bare branches of a bush rustled, and suddenly a streak of brown fur dashed out in front of him followed by something much larger—

Chase reacted, letting go of the bow string and loosing the arrow. It shot through the air and landed solidly in the brown furry something. Shocked, he laughed in the rush of actually shooting something moving that fast. But then a voice cried, “I knew it!”

“Wh...?” And Chase finally noticed what the large something pursuing the small animal actually was. He looked up from his position near the ground to see...Lukas. It took him a moment to recognize him without his usual fox mask, but once the brown-auburn hair and tall longbow registered, his heart immediately sank with dread. “What are you doing—”

Lukas took an arrow out of the quiver on his back and nocked it, aiming at Chase. “Did you think you could take me out when nobody was looking?! Claim it was an accident?!”

“What in the world?!” Chase stood up. Slowly, of course, he didn’t want to get skewered by that massive arrow. “What are you talking about?”

“Don’t try to play dumb, you just tried to kill me!”

“I was shooting the rabbit!” He pointed at the small animal, which was, in fact, a rabbit.

“A likely cover story.”

All of a sudden, Chase felt hot rage rise up his throat. “I know you hate me but you don’t have to be an idiot about it!” he burst out.

That seemed to take Lukas by surprise. He blinked, and lowered his bow slightly.

“I don’t know what kind of trust issues you have or where they come from, but I’m sick of you always acting this way! I’ve been here for almost a full season now, and you still act like I’m about to stab you in the back the first opportunity I get! I know, you’re probably thinking something like ‘he’s playing a long game to get everyone to trust him,’ but let’s be honest, you’re just looking for any justification to be like this. I wouldn’t trust someone like me in your position either, but I wouldn’t be so obvious about it. You don’t have to like me, you don’t have to trust me, but elders be damned, you don’t have to stir up this much trouble for Jackie and Henrik and everyone else here!” Chase ran out of breath and was forced to stop. He waited silently for Lukas’s reaction.

For a while, there wasn’t one. Lukas just...stared at him. Then he lowered his bow fully, putting the arrow back in its quiver. “What are you doing out here?” he asked in a carefully-neutral tone.

“We have some time before the real celebrations start, so I thought I’d help out by trying to find more food for the feast,” Chase explained. He walked past Lukas and picked up the rabbit, trying not to feel sad. Something about shooting rabbits made him feel guilty. Maybe he respected how hard they worked to stay alive, running so swiftly. Or maybe he thought they were cute. “What are you doing out here?”

“The same thing,” Lukas answered.

Chase snorted. “And you decided to bring that monster of a bow for hunting?”

“It’s more powerful than yours,” Lukas retorted.

“Yes, but it’s also heavier and more cumbersome. I remember my second day here, Holly said that big bows like that were more suited for long range, while shortbows—” Chase waved his bow as an example. “—are better for mobility. Look at all these trees. Do you think you’re able to shoot long range in a forest? Not to mention if you miss, you’ll end up burying your arrow in a tree with all the force you need to fire it. That’ll just be a pain to pull out.”

“I know all this,” Lukas said irritably. “But I’m most familiar with this style of bow. I can make it work.”

“Maybe if you weren’t stomping around the woods,” Chase muttered.

“Excuse me?”

“You were running after the rabbit. Bad idea; you’ll never catch up with them. It’s better to wait and let the animals come to you. If you have to move, be quieter about it. And slow. Conserve your energy; animals get tired faster than humans.” Chase glanced downwards. “You’re wearing heavy boots, I see. Those will make a lot of sound no matter how much you try to be quiet. And your clothes stand out, too. Especially that red band on your wrist. It’s bright and you have to hide it. Like I did.” He turns his cap right-side out again, letting the red ribbon show.

“Hmm.” Lukas eyed him. He did that quite a lot, but somehow, it felt different this time. More...respectful. “Well. I’ll keep that in mind.” He turned away.

“Um...right.” Now that Lukas was leaving, Chase felt the sudden energy that had filled him starting to fade away. “I’ll...see you at the celebrations, then.”

Lukas didn’t say anything, but he raised his hand in acknowledgement, not stopping as he headed back to camp.

Well...that wasn’t too bad, all things considered. Lukas clearly didn’t think worse of him. And he had managed to shoot a rabbit, something he’d rarely done in all his years as a hunter. Though he’d only done that because the rabbit was too busy running from Lukas to notice him crouching nearby. So really, he should thank him.

Maybe later. For now, Chase headed back to camp, ready to join in on the festivities.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

By the time Chase returned to Wyvernlair, the festivities were starting to get underway. Games, mostly. People gathered in circles playing cards, or in threes playing dice, or in pairs playing board games. Others clustered around the players, watching the game and shouting encouragement. Some food was already prepared. Plates of sweet buns and meat pies were passed around. Chase grabbed a couple buns as he looked around.

But though the camp inside the circle of dragon bones was crowded, most people were out on the combat field. That was where the war games were set up. Chase decided to stop by for a moment. Even if he wasn’t going to participate, he wanted to see how things were going.

Targets were set up for archers to test their skill. People had grabbed close-quarters training weapons and were sparring, onlookers cheering on their favored winner. Someone had dragged over a rock and a large branch, setting up a makeshift see-saw that people were standing on top of, trying to knife-fight without losing their balance. Chase shook his head at that particular event. He himself had some scars on his hands from knife-fights as a young man; they really weren’t worth the bragging rights.

There was an especially large crowd gathered around one particular sparring match. Chase stopped, edging his way into the mass of people as he tried to see what was going on. Wait a minute...was that Jackie?

Indeed, Jackie was one of the sparring participants. And he was easily outclassing his opponent. He easily danced around jabs and swipes, not striking for a while, then jumped forward and hit his opponent on the side with his wooden practice sword. The crowd cheered, and the two participants backed away, shaking hands as they parted. Chase could’ve sworn he saw money change hands among the watchers.

“Anyone want to go for another round?” Jackie called to the crowd. “Doesn’t have to be to the first contact. What about to the ground?”

At that, a tall man grabbed a practice sword from a nearby rack, stepped forward, and announced, “I accept the challenge!” The crowd cheered again. “To the ground!”

Jackie grinned. “To the ground! Someone give us a count!”

In unison, the crowd started chanting, counting down from five as Jackie and his opponent started circling each other. Chase joined in. “Five!...Four!...Three!...Two!...One!...Clash!”

The two men immediately started going at each other with the practice swords, jabbing and backing up, swiping and dodging. The new opponent tried to make use of his height advantage, but Jackie was just too fast. The sparring lasted a few minutes and the crowd was enthralled for every second. Until Jackie managed to get behind his opponent and knock out his legs, making him fall to the ground. The crowd cheered. The opponent got up, looking no worse for wear and in good spirits. He shook hands with Jackie before leaving. Now Chase was sure he saw people exchanging money.

“He’s got skill, doesn’t he?”

Chase looked up, and saw Holly standing beside him. “Oh. Yea, he’s really good.”

Holly laughed. “That’s an understatement. You know he trained at Fíornear Field?” Chase nodded. “Well, so did I. But he could beat me in a fight nine times out of ten.”

“Really?” Chase asked, interested. “That many times? I thought it would’ve been closer between you two.”

“Everyone does. I say it’s the size difference. But what Jackie lacks in height, he makes up for in practice and sheer determination.” Holly watched as Jackie started sparring with another opponent. “Anyway, Chase. Come to watch or try your hand?”

Chase laughed. “No, no, just watching.”

“Well. In that case.” Holly leaned closer. “Care to try for chance?”

“You mean betting? Don’t tempt me.” Chase shook his head. “Besides, I can tell that betting against Jackie is a waste of time and money.”

“Doesn’t have to be at this spar. There’s many more war games to be had. I hear there’s axe throwing.”

“Axe throwing?” Chase perked up. “Alright, I have to see that. Lead the way.”

Holly laughed, and the two of them left, heading towards a set of targets. Indeed, some people had taken up throwing axes at these targets. Not competing against each other at the moment, only themselves, and also showing off for the passersby. Chase watched as one of the axe-throwers hit the center of her target. Then, surprisingly, he recognized the axe-thrower. “Nemet!” he called.

Nemet turned around, smiling at him. “Hello, Chase! How are you?”

“I’m doing fine. What are you...uh...I didn’t know you threw axes.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Is it so unexpected?”

Chase shrugged. “Well, you’re a doctor.”

“I am. I am a doctor who likes to throw axes.” Nemet picked up a throwing axe on the ground beside her. She held it back, paused to aim, and threw. It landed right next to the last one she threw. Holly and Chase clapped, impressed.

“Wanna shoot something, Brodyson?”

Chase yelped in surprise at the voice that came from behind him. He spun around to see Tripp grinning up at him. “You did that on purpose,” he accused.

“Maybe,” Tripp said. He was tossing a rock back and forth between his hands. Getting bored of that, he threw it to the side. Magically, the rock curved around, shooting for the target, where it bounced off the handle of one of Nemet’s axes. “Ah, almost a bull’s eye. Anyway, wanna shoot something, Brodyson? We could have a triple competition, axes versus arrows versus sorcery.”

“Hmm.” Chase considered it. “You know I had only planned to watch, but...that doesn’t sound too bad.”

“Don’t let him pressure you if you don’t want to, Chase,” Nemet said.

“No, do let him pressure you, I want to see this!” Holly insisted.

Chase laughed. “Alright, fine. Just a few rounds.”

Though as the afternoon passed, those few rounds stretched out into many. Chase had never been one for war games, but somehow, he didn’t mind.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Eventually, of course, came the main draw of the winter celebrations: the feast. The people who’d volunteered to cook had been preparing food all day, and shortly before sunset, declared it ready. Instantly, a good half of everyone dropped what they were doing and headed over to the cooking fires.

Chase wasn’t sure what to expect from the feast. Wyvernlair didn’t use tables for food, so would everyone be standing around with plates? But it seemed as though they’d found tables, if just for today. Probably borrowed from storage. Some of the meat stayed on the skewer, roasting over the fires to keep it hot until someone wanted it. But most food was lined up on the tables, free to take. Sweet buns and meat pies, of course, but also preserved fruits that had been kept for a special occasion like this, and tarts covered in sugar, and pumpkin pie, and roasted potatoes, and more than could be counted.

Everyone ate until they couldn’t anymore, washing down the food with water, juice, and ale. Chase savored it, mingling and talking with the other Phantoms. And for once, he didn’t feel out of place here.

Time passed. The sun set. And as the feast died down, most people began talking about the Dark Vigil, the ceremony used to honor the Elder of Dark and thank them for protecting humankind from the shadows. Chase yawned. They’d be holding that in the center of camp, where a spot had been cleared specifically for that purpose. But it would be some time before everyone was ready. So, Chase decided to slip out. He headed towards the outside of the skeleton, away from the noise and bustle.

The stars were beautiful tonight. It was clear, without any clouds fogging the view, and the moon was nearly full. Chase leaned back against the bone and stared upward. He hadn’t really had the opportunity to appreciate the world lately. It was all busy, working with the Masked Phantoms. But it was nice to slow down for a moment.

Some minutes passed in silence. Then, he heard footsteps approaching. And then, a small thud, the sound of stumbling, and a muttered “Shiesse!”

Chase looked over towards the sounds, already grinning. “You doing alright there, Henrik?”

With a huff, Henrik emerged from the darkness. “I would be better if I know no one heard that,” he muttered.

Chase laughed. “Anyway, how’re you doing? I haven’t seen you all day.”

“Ah, I am fine.” Henrik leaned against the bone next to Chase. “I have been stuck in a dice game for most of the evening. I almost missed the moonrise.”

“I see. Jackie told me you had to do something around then. Is it like the Dark Vigil?” Chase asked.

“Similar, in ways. Different, in others.” Henrik looked up at the sky. He pointed upwards, at the moon. “She is beautiful tonight, yes? I never understood why your Elders never come from the sky.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“Well, I understand there is the Winged Elder One, but they are for more weather, yes?” Henrik kept his eyes fixed skywards. “None of them are for the heavens.”

“Well why would they be?” Chase shrugged. “The sky’s beautiful and wonderful. But it’s so far away. We live on the earth. Shouldn’t we be more concerned with what’s down here?”

“Hmm. Perhaps.” Henrik sighed. He reached down his belt, removing his flask and taking a drink.

“Oh—” Chase started to say something, then stopped. It would probably be rude to ask, wouldn’t it?

Henrik looked over at him, and guessed what he was about to say. “Yes, I am still taking the medicine. It is...not something that goes away.”

“Sorry,” Chase mumbled. “I shouldn’t have—”

“Is okay,” Henrik said, giving him a small smile. “You are polite about it, so I do not mind.” He returned the flask to his belt. “Ah, though I am afraid I must change the subject now. I just remembered. We managed to get the materials for more plaster this week. So you can finally have a mask of your own!”

“I can?” Chase repeated.

“No need to sound so surprised,” Henrik chuckled.

“I did? I didn’t mean to. It just seems a bit...unreal.” Chase had left his borrowed mask, the hedgehog one, back in his tent. Most people had—or at least he assumed they had, since most of them were walking around without them.

“Yes, I understand.” Henrik nodded thoughtfully. “Do you want to wait?”

“Wait no, I didn’t say that—”

“I am just making sure.” Henrik playfully nudged his shoulder. “You will need to choose an animal, you know. Do you have anything in mind?”

“Oh right. I forgot about that part.” Chase thought about it for a moment. “What about...a deer?”

Henrik raised an eyebrow. “A deer?”

“Is that not allowed? I mean, Tripp’s mask has those ram horns so I figured antlers would—”

“No, is not that, I just suppose I did not expect that.”

Chase shrugged. “I like deer. They’re good animals. Um...do I have to make the mask myself, or...?”

“You can if you want, but if you’re not artistically inclined, someone else could do it easily enough. It’s not that difficult if you are...” Henrik trailed off. He was staring out into the trees, eyes fixed on a point. “Chase. Is something moving there?” And he pointed.

“Hm?” Chase peered into the darkness. Indeed, he could see the faint movement of shadows. “Oh, yea. It’s probably just an animal.” He paused. “That’s...getting closer?”

They looked at each other, but unsure what to do with this information, just turned back to watch the animal get closer. And closer. It was too small to be a threat, but Chase felt Henrik tense anyway. Eventually, the animal got close enough to make out what it was. “A...cat?” Chase asked, confused.

“A cat,” Henrik agreed.

“What’s a cat doing all the way out here?”

“I am not sure...” Henrik said slowly, brows lowered as he thought through the possibilities.

The cat continued its course, walking in a straight line up to the two of them. Chase crouched down and held out his hand. “Here, kitty.” Once it was close enough, the cat sniffed his hand. Then, satisfied, butted its head against it. Chase laughed. “Y’know I haven’t met that many cats. When I was young, maybe about twelve, Pastor Cait had a cat. We joked about that, since her name was so similar, ha. But it’s gone now. I don’t think the town had another cat since then. A couple dogs, but no cats.” He reached out and petted it. And after a few seconds of that, scooped up the cat and stood. “Does someone here have a cat?”

“No, there are no animals in camp,” Henrik said, still puzzled. “Does it have a collar?”

Chase checked. Difficult, given that the cat clearly didn’t like being held and was wriggling a bit. “Yea, right here.” He pointed to a braided leather collar around the cat’s neck. “No name, though. For the cat or its person.”

“Well. It is cold and snowy, and even with that fur, I don’t think the cat enjoys being out here,” Henrik stated. “Maybe we should take it into camp? We have that fire set up in the skull now, that could warm it up.”

“Good idea.”

The two of them headed back, passing between the dragon bones and into the main body of Wyvernlair. By now, the festivities were starting to die down. Games were ending, and a lot of people were getting ready to attend the Dark Vigil. Chase and Henrik walked quickly by, since the cat was really struggling against being held by this point. Luckily, it hadn’t used its claws yet, but Chase could already feel them digging into the fabric of his jacket.

They reached the skull soon, passing through the gap where it joined the rest of the bones and ending up inside. It was almost empty here. Except for two people and several birds. Chase blinked a bit at the surprising sight, but then remembered what Jackie had told him that morning. So these must be messenger birds, then. There were about seven of them, pigeons in a variety of colors; white, gray, brown, spotted. Actually, Jackie was here, too. Along with Ana, who Chase had figured out by now was the head of organization at Wyvernlair. They both seemed rather impatient, quickly putting away documents. Probably heading to the Vigil like most others.

Ana looked up, noticed Chase and Henrik, then turned to Jackie and said, “It’s your best friend and his best friend. They have a cat.”

“They have a what?” Jackie spun to look at them. “Oh elders, you have a cat. Where’d you get a cat?”

“It just wandered up,” Chase said. “We thought it might like to get out of the cold—ow!” The cat dug its claws into his skin, managing to pierce the jacket, and Chase instinctively opened his arms. Of course, the cat landed on its feet, and trotted over to the side of the fire, which was slowly dying but still giving off a lot of heat.

“I’ve never seen a cat like that before,” Jackie muttered. “That’s a really unique pattern, isn’t it?” The cat was mostly a brownish off-white, but its ears and tails were dark gray, almost black, and the tail had rings of lighter gray. Its legs were striped with light brown, and it had markings on its face of the same color. Big blue eyes stared up at the strange people.

“Oh!” Henrik’s eyes lit up. “I had not noticed outside! It was fairly dark. Oh, you are a pretty kitty, aren’t you?” He slowly approached the cat, and when it didn’t run away, bent over and started petting it.

Meanwhile, Ana was bored, and anxious to leave. She looked at Chase, and her eyes lit up with a strangely sly expression. “Hey, it’s Chase, isn’t it? Do you mind helping me open this?” She held out a small tube made of metal and leather. “I’ve been trying for a while, I think it’s stuck.”

“Um..sure,” Chase said warily. Was this going to be a joke of some kind? He took the small tube and turned it over in his hands. There was a door on the side of it, and after some effort, he figured out how to open it. Out fell three items. Two folded pieces of paper, made of pressed wood pulp and therefore pale brown, and a rolled-up piece of vellum tied with twine. “What’s this?”

“Messages,” Ana said, grinning. “Can you see names written on them?”

Chase looked down at the items, sorting through them. There was writing on the folded papers, but...well, it could just be his lack of reading skills, but it looked like absolute nonsense. “These are names?” he asked doubtfully.

Jackie and Henrik looked away from the cat, noticing the exchange between Chase and Ana. “What do you mean?” Jackie asked.

“These words written here, these are...names?” Chase shook his head. “I’ve just never heard names like this before. Um...here, I-I’ll try to read them. Uh...” He squinted at the writing in ink on the two papers. “This one is ‘Ee-uh-oo-koh’ and this one is...um...‘Ffssehffmuh.’ I think? The handwriting could be—”

Henrik’s eyes widened. Suddenly, he was right next to Chase, grabbing his arm and squeezing it tightly. “What is it?! The two papers?! Which one is—that one, can I see that one?”

“Whoa, hey, calm down!” Chase leaned back. “You mean this one?” He held out the paper with the ‘Fsefma’ name on it.

“Yes!” Henrik snatched it up, then retreated, unfolding it.

Jackie leaned over his shoulder, then grinned. “Oh, I see. Vsevna sent you a little letter, didn’t he? What’s it say? Is he confessing his love?”

“Shut up, Jackie,” Henrik said, holding the letter far away from him so he couldn’t read it. “Is just another report.”

Jackie laughed. “Yea, with your name on it. Come on, Henrik.”

“That does not mean anything.”

Chase, listening, raised an eyebrow. “So...I don’t know everything that’s going on, but I think I can figure out that this Fsefna person—”

“Vsevna,” Henrik corrected.

“...Vsefna—”

“Vsevna. It is important that you voice those sounds.”

“He’s the person you’re pining for, huh, Henrik?” Chase pressed on.

Henrik was slowly turning red. “I say nothing.”

“Right,” Chase said, grinning. “So, who is he?”

“He’s another one of the Phantoms,” Jackie said, sensing that Henrik wasn’t going to answer. “He and Yuko—that’s the other name on that second paper. Last we heard, they were in the Southern Moors with the rest of their crew. They said they’d scout it out for a bit more, then move on. These are probably their reports. Or...Yuko’s is a report, at least.”

“Shush,” Henrik muttered. He retreated a few steps away from the others, clutching the letter. As he passed Ana, he shot her a glare. “You make Chase open that on purpose.”

Ana just smiled. “Same results, right? Anyway, that’s the last capsule. Do you mind if I head out now?”

“No, go ahead, Ana. Send Harrison to take care of the birds,” Jackie said. She nodded, and left the skull. He then looked at Chase. “Uh...can I have the other two things?”

“Oh right.” Chase forgot he was still holding the other paper and the vellum scroll. He handed them over to Jackie, and the metal tube as well. “I’m surprised. That’s a lot for a bird to carry.”

“Well these guys are trained for it.” Jackie gestured at the pigeons, now strutting around the table. “Especially Mokin here, who had this stuff.” He patted the wings of a particular pigeon, mostly white but with brown wings, which had strangely curly feathers. “They all deserve the best seeds before we send them out again. Anyway.” Jackie unfolded the paper with Yuko’s name on it, scanning the words written there. At first, he looked excited to get a letter from this person. But the more he read, the more serious his expression became. “Henrik.”

Henrik looked away from his own letter, picking up on the tone in Jackie’s voice. “What is it?”

“I...read this while I open this scroll.” Jackie passed Henrik the letter, then began working on the twine knot holding the vellum shut.

Henrik read the letter quickly, and soon his expression matched Jackie’s. “Oh. Oh, Schwestern. Oh, no.”

Chase started to back up, feeling he shouldn’t listen to something like this. But Jackie noticed him leaving and said, “No, it’s fine, Chase. We should tell everyone this, anyway. Tomorrow, maybe.”

“What is it?” Chase asked anxiously.

“Well...you remember we told you about Marvin, right?” Jackie said slowly. “About how he went out on his own and we sometimes get reports of him?” He waited for Chase to nod before continuing. “This...was a report about him. Apparently, he was in the Moors. But...he didn’t just cause chaos and leave. He’s been...caught.”

“Caught?” Chase repeated numbly.

Jackie managed to untie the twine, and unrolled the vellum, scanning what was written there. He nodded grimly. “Yep. You know what this is?” He turned it around so Chase could see.

“That’s...a royal declaration, isn’t it?” Chase asked slowly. He recognized the format, and the royal seal in the corner. “Um...‘The King...announces a...mighty...triumph.’”

“You do not have to keep going, Chase,” Henrik said bitterly. “There are better words to read than that.” He took the declaration from Jackie, glancing at it for just a moment. “I see. Marvin is accused of attempting to kill the King and some other nobility. They caught him in the act, and now...they plan to execute him. Four weeks from now.”

Jackie looked over at the cat, now sitting and licking its paws, and gasped. “Henrik. You don’t think that’s his cat, do you?!”

“What? I suppose perhaps. But if it is, how did it get all the way up here?” Henrik sounded puzzled. “It takes a week or two to get to the Moors from here, and that is for humans on horseback. For a cat...”

“Wizardry?” Jackie guessed. “I don’t know, it was just a thought, since he likes cats so much.”

Everyone fell silent. Henrik looked back at the royal declaration, reading it slowly, taking in the information. “So...how are we going to do this?”

“Do what?” Jackie asked.

Henrik stared at him in surprise. “Well, we have to rescue him, of course.” Jackie didn’t say anything. “Do not tell me that you’re going to let your grudge stand in the way!”

“No, it’s not that!” Jackie protested. “It’s just—you read the letter, right? Yuko said that these declarations were sent everywhere. Since when has the King announced his next move like this? Everything he does, he does in secret. I mean, damn, the Phantoms are just rumors, and we’ve been taking serious action for years now. He’s hushed up so much, why wouldn’t he just make Marvin...you know, disappear? Why a public execution?”

“You think it is a trap,” Henrik stated.

“Well...yes,” Jackie admitted.

“That is fair, but if it’s a trap, who is he planning to catch? If he wants information about us, he could get it from Marvin.”

“But Marvin hasn’t been part of the group for a year now! His information would be out of date.”

“This does not change the fact that there is no guarantee it’s a trap in the first place. Perhaps he wants to strike fear into the population. Given his actions, it seems likely.”

“If it does turn out to be a trap, though, we can’t afford to lose anyone!”

Chase coughed awkwardly. Jackie and Henrik jumped, then turned to him, looking embarrassed to be fighting while he was still there. “You know...I don’t know if I have any place in this. I mean, you two are in charge, after all. But...I think you should try to get him back.”

Henrik and Jackie looked at each other, then back to Chase. “Are you trying to say something?” Jackie asked.

“I just...” Chase paused for a moment, searching for the words. “I don’t think...you should leave someone behind. He was still part of the Phantoms, right? Didn’t he help create it? A-and weren’t you three...Well. You don’t have to talk to him after we rescue him, but it just doesn’t seem right to leave someone behind in this situation. I know you had your fight and all, but maybe...this could be...you know.” He paused. “Also, I want to know if this cat is his or if some random cat just wandered by.”

Jackie laughed. “Yea, that would be good to know, wouldn’t it?” He sighed, and his expression fell, becoming serious as he was lost in thought.

Henrik leaned closer to him and rested a hand on his shoulder. “Jackie. Chase is right, this does not mean he is rejoining the group. You do not even have to go. But...we should do it. Marvin does not deserve this.”

After a moment, Jackie nodded. “You’re both right. Of course. Even though he was an ass last time we talked, that doesn’t mean I want Marvin dead.” He took a deep breath. “But we should prepare for the possibility of a trap. Just in case.”

“Of course we will,” Henrik assured him.

“...Hey. Chase.” Jackie gave him a smile. “Thank you. I-I don’t know what it is about you, but you know what to say. It’s really easy to talk to you about stuff like this.”

“It’s not a problem,” Chase said, returning the smile. “But, um...I think the Vigil is happening soon, so if we want to go—”

“Shit, I almost forgot about that!” Jackie gasped. “Henrik, I don’t want to leave the cat alone, can you look after it or something?”

“Don’t worry, I will take it to my tent,” Henrik said. “You two go and...is it alright to wish you fun? In a ceremony like this?”

“Come on, Schneep, you’ve lived here for over a decade, don’t talk like it’s so strange to you,” Jackie chuckled.

“I think it’s fun,” Chase said.

“Well, you two go have fun, then,” Henrik said. “I will see you later. Tomorrow, if not tonight.”

“Thanks, Schneep.” Jackie gave him a quick one-armed hug, then headed towards the skull entrance. “Let’s go, Chase. We don’t want to be late.”

They almost were. The Dark Vigil was about to start when they arrived, shuffling into the crowd. Everyone stood in a circle around a set of candles, one blue and the rest black, which were in turn set in a circle around several smooth, round pieces of black onyx. Three people stood inside, lighting the candles.

After the candles were alight, everyone sat on the ground, clashing a bit as they all tried to make room. Then once everyone was sitting with their legs crossed, the three in the center started the Vigil. They spoke the traditional lines, describing the Elder of Dark—their vague appearance, their actions, their history with the other Elders—and finished it by thanking them for their guardianship. Everyone joined in on the final part: “As you stand and watch vigil, so shall we this night.” And then silence fell.

During the silence of the Dark Vigil, each individual offered their thoughts about those who needed protection. In the past, Chase had asked for his family to be alright. For them all to stay healthy and happy. Today, he asked for that again. He wished, silently, desperately, for them to be safe. And not just them, but everyone else who had disappeared from his town, as well as all the other mountain towns that had been destroyed. He thought about Henrik and Jackie and all the other Phantoms he’d met here, and wished for them to have luck in this fight against the King. He thought about Marvin, someone who he’d never met but who was dear to his friends, and wished for them to be able to rescue him.

As Chase stared at the candle flames, he thought he saw...something. He wasn’t sure what. A shape in the smoke. The shape of a four-legged animal, with...antlers. A deer.

Then as was the tradition, the candles were extinguished, and the night was left in darkness.

#jacksepticeye #jacksepticeye fanfiction #jacksepticegos #jacksepticeye au #septic egos #septic egos au #chase brody #jackieboy man #dr schneeplestein #brigid writes fanfiction #fantasymasksau

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anti-social-butterfly111 · 2 years

Text

Confliction Between the Brain and the HeartPt 3

Aliyah's POV

I've been in my room since the party started not really being in the mood for people but I knew eventually I would have to get up not wanting to be rude we are hosting the party after all

KNOCK KNOCK

"Come in"

I looked at the door as I seen Zack appear

"Hey the party started a hour ago you would usually be the first one out so I came to check up on you"

"Oh yea im fine ill be out in a minute just haven't been in the mood"

"Yea I know you've been pretty grumpy and I know you're having problems with Becca so I'm here to listen"

I stared at Zack not really knowing what to say how to say it

I was about to start until Zack started seeing that I couldn't put my feelings into words

"So from what I've gathered from my detective skills you are dating a girl in the closet aka Becca and it has caused problems"

"Yea"

"I need more than a yea if I'm going to be any kind of help"

"Well we've been seeing eachother for a couple of months now and she is a amazing girl and I really like her a lot but she isn't out on campus yet and I don't want to rush her out because I know how terrifying it can be but the secrecy in everything we do is becoming too much for me having to lie to my friends about where I'm going and who with trying to find time in our schedules where we can hang out without her friends interfering also car hookups are not the most comfortable which is why we ended up here a couple of times" i said bashfully because I just spilled out my feelings and also knowing that he had heard me and Becca damn these thin walls

I look at Zack who is smiling at me

"Look i can tell you like her a lot and this is a tough situation where Noone is necessarily right or wrong but you should try to talk to her at some point tonight you guys have some things to work out"

"You're right I'll call her"

"No need she's here you should probably put on something a little less Tik Tok fuck girl" he says looking at me in my sports bra gym shorts and chain

"Hey" isaid and threw a pillow as he laughed and closed the door behind him

I rolled my eyes as I started getting ready

Becca's POV

I sat at the party chatting with my friends finding myself looking up everytime I heard a door open and close still no sign of Aliyah I have spent my whole life feeling like im living for other people dating guys because I felt like that's what I had to do because that's what my dad says I have to do but guys don't make me happy Aliyah does and she has shown me more love in a couple of months than he has my whole life she showed how it feels to be in a happy relationship she showed me why everyone was always so infatuated with the idea of being in love and he showed me that you have to do this or no man would want you do that or no man will want you ive spent my whole life chasing after his approval and its gotten me nowhere after I told him that I liked girls he completely disregarded my feelings made me feel disgusting and even though my mom and sister were super supportive his reaction made me scared to tell anyone else when my mom found out about what he said they got into a huge argument plus them having marriage problems already due to my dad's serial cheating and disrespect my mom filed for divorce with them both being successful business entrepreneurs on their own before marriage everything was split fifty fifty i was so proud of my mom when she got out of that marriage I seen the biggest smile I've seen from her in a while when it was finalized but I still looked for his approval

"Becca Becca"

Huh" I said as I snapped back into reality

"Hey I'm about to go get drinks come with me" Madison said with a concerned look in her eyes

I got up and followed Madison but was confused when we passed the kitchen she pulled me into a bathroom as it was the only place that was not occupied

We sat in silence as she stared at me waiting on me to say something but I remained quiet

She rolled her eyes as she seen that I was not going to say anything

"Look Becca I've seen you change in these last couple of months in the best way possible you've smiled a lot more and you seen genuinely happy and that has made me so excited for you" she said looking at me as I avoided eye contact

"Um yea I've been finding myself lately"

"Bex I'm your best friend you know you can tell me anything right"

"Umm yea are you ready to go get the drinks yet"

"Becca seriously anything and if you want to talk about what or who has been making you so happy lately no matter if their a boy or girl"

I looked at Madison as she looked at me with soft eyes

"Maddie i I've been seeing someone and they make me very happy happier than I've ever been and their amazing and loving and the most compassionate person I've ever met but"

"Becca i already know but I want you to tell me so you can finally accept it truly and be happy with yourself"

"I'm I i"

Madison put a supportive hand on my shoulder giving me a gentle look

"Maddie I'm gay" I said as I started to cry and she pulled me into a hug rubbing my back supportively I've never truly loved and excepted that part of me and hearing me fully say it out loud felt like a breath of fresh air even when I told my family I never fully said it because I was scared I didn't accept that part of myself and now I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off of my shoulder I finally feel like I can breathe

I cried for 10 minutes letting out years of hurt fear and internalized homophobia towards myself and Madison let me not letting go once

A couple of seconds later I took a deep breath and let go as Madison did the same

"How did you know"

"Becca we have been best friends for years I always wondered why you never cared about a knight in shining armour until I realized that maybe you were waiting for a queen instead ive just been waiting on you to tell me"

"I thank you really"

"No need were best friends i will always be here for anything you need"

"So now that we got that out of the way who is it"

A bright smile that i couldn't help came to my face as I thought of her "it's Aliyah, you know her"

"Oh I don't know plays guitar the drums can sing her ass in a band the girl who half of heartfeld has a crush on I don't know maybe "

"Ok ok I get it"

"Good for you she's pretty hot and I've heard she's pretty good in..."

"Hey"

"I personally don't swing that way its just something I heard don't look at me"

"Well she is" I said rolling my eyes as we both laughed

"But I sense that things have not been going well these last couple of days"

"We got into a fight about us having to do everything in secret and some jealousy things"

"Well even if you're not ready to come out to everyone else you should go find her"

"Maddie I think im ready I'll start tomorrow with the rest of the sorority I just want to finally be free will you be there with me"

"Of course you don't even have to ask"

"Thank you" I said as we shared another hug

"Now go and find her you guys have some making up to do"

I opened the door with a smile feeling the relief of years of pent up feelings being let go

#beccaxmc #becca davenport #becca × mc prompts #the freshman mc #the sophomore #the senior #becca x mc #beccaandmc #coming out #wlw love #the freshman #play choices #choices stories you play

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feiquacker · 3 years

Note

Okay so you know how Katara is like the mother of the gaang ? I have this head cannon that if Yue was alive she would be the second mom in the gaang but like the cool mom.

Oh yes deffenetly, definitely? Definitivli. No deffenetivle. Deff. Let's stay with deff please. I don't know what au to use now. The yuekitara, sukitara or sukka au. So i am going to use the yuekitara au cs noone can prove me wrong they are THE power couple *smug look* Or should I say tripple *wink* xD oof I should stop with the bad jokes. (suki isn't featured because they r not a mom. They are nonbinary. THEY ARE A GOD. EVEN WORSE! A PARENT. Although they give me big youngest/olderst sibling/child energy. Cs they r so caotic. I got it. Suki is the burnt out parent that makes dad jokes all the time and is hella chaotic at the same time) Anyway. Here Yue is alive. Wow. And she is. AMAZING. Awesome. She is a waterbender because La is amazing and gave her waterbending. But Yue is also learning to use a bow and arrow cs she is that bitch. So everyone sees katara and yue as the moms of the group and there is a never endles cycle of "ask yue" "ask katara" or should I say *smug look* "ask your mom" oh god I should stop. Anyway. Whenever someone needs something they go to katara. Whenever someone wants something. They go to Yue. Cs Yue is the cool one. Everyone sais that Zuko is the dad of the gaang but like... no. he was raised in royalty. he wants people to give him money. Yes he chainged but no. So instead of a mom and dad role thing we have two moms and a child/parent. Katara is the one that knows what they all need. She knows what they have to buy. Who is doing the dishes. Who needs to bathe Momo. And Yue is the one that just goes along with katara and simps™ for her. They have the good cop bad cop dynamic. Yue is the good cop. And she's always eather really chill, in fighting/learning mode or simping for her lovers. No inbetween. Because you cannot convince me otherwise. Yue is like the biggest lesbian here. What is gayer than the fucking moonspirit and fish??? Anyways. I got a little sidetracked there. Or should i say *smug look* trucked *wink* OH GOOD I NEED TO STOP. Sorry if it is weird to read. I did my nearly best. Barely best? The 75% best from 100% best. So my best basically. Aaah. Yes I included Suki. Cs I can't have a single conversation without mentioning Suki at least twice. No I am not sorry. And I have au's. Its normal. I think. I hope. I think it is normal. Or else y'all are weord for not having 7 different au's. Lol. I am sorry I made ir a yuekitara while you were clearing asking for yuetara. Keep in mind. I also ship sokkaang. And people still have the audacity to call me chaotic. Like how am I chaotic? I did nothing! Exept ship the two hottest boys in atla. This is not what you asked for. But anyway since I started let's continue with my conversation. I actually found you on tiktok and Instagram. Very funny cs I stuble across your comments and stuff. The algorithm... We were takijng about yuekitara. Yes. Yuekitara and sokkaang. AAAAH. The family dynamic. Here aang and toph and suki are all found siblings :D. And ow ma gawd. I hc Mai becoming an older sisters figure to suki. Because mai is so cool. And suki is like AAAAAAAH COOL BISEXUAL PLEASE BE MY FAMILY BECAUSE I DO NOT HAVE ONE. but in reality its more of a. Suki cut's their finger on accident and Mai is like. Blow on it. It makes the pain go away faster. And suki is like. What? No. I'm not blowing at my finger. And then Mai thinks that suki is so stupid sometimes she basically adopts them. It's not official. But it's awesome. I should stop now. For real. Yea... Thank you for the ask! :D I CAN'T BELIVE I SPENT 50 MINUTES ON THIS :D

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skvaderarts · 3 years

Text

Hiraeth Chapter 51: Folly

Masterlist can be found Here!

Chapter Fifty-Two: Folly

Notes: I do so love these talking chapters. That’s where the character development happens. But this shall be one of the last ones. There is a lot of action that has to happen soon. No time for words! ACTION!

(-~-)

After spending an entire morning at Morgan’s graduation ceremony, they had come to the unanimous conclusion that such events were extraordinarily dull and that they should have listened to the young woman when she had initially opted not to attend. The sheer amount of pomp and custom had been enough to render even Vergil’s more formal sensibilities raw and unwilling to linger much longer. But they had been forced to stay to the very end as Morgan had apparently been one of the top students. They had to allow her the time to speak, and she had used it to politely but ruthlessly denounce the school’s stagnation before exiting the stage, all of the faculty aside from one teacher seemingly shocked by her words.

By the time they had exited the building, everyone had been thoroughly exhausted. They had opted to travel via public avenues as a means of cloaking themselves, and as such, had spent nearly three hours simply trying to reach their destination. It had been a no-brainer when Vergil had simply opened a portal and silently pleaded with them to just take the direct route back. It was more difficult for any unwanted observers to track, at the very least. As as soon as they had arrived back at V’s doorstep, everyone had practically collapsed on the floor in the entryway. It was barely noon, but they were all sure that they were done with the day.

“Well, that was the most painful four hours of my life,” Nero said, slumping over on the stairs. “I used to think that going to all of those damn sermons that the order wanted us to go to was torture, but that? I think I’d rather Vergil cut my arm off again.”

Morgan stared at Nero in silence for a moment as she looked him up and down, realizing that he either had a very realistic prosthetic, or that his arm wasn’t missing. But she had heard him say the word “again” hadn’t she? He stared back at her before a mischievous smile spread across his face and he held up his right arm. Sure enough, it seemed to momentarily disappear, leaving nothing but a deflated sleeve before reappearing. He wiggled his fingers for emphasis.

No. She refused to ask about this one. It was just too early in the morning for that.

“To be fair, I never said that attending would be enjoyable. I said it would be satisfyingly petty. Was I incorrect?” V said tiredly as he entered the house behind them. He was already working his way out of his coat, ready to sit down and make a warm cup of tea. Lucia had chosen to stay behind with Flora to keep an eye on things. Perhaps he could track her down and ask her if she’d like a cup? Yes, that was a good plan. He was too tired to be self-conscious. He was staying in this house until they had a plan.

“Fair enough. You’ve got a point.” Nero sighed, sitting on the stairs to unlace his boots. They were covered with snow and slush. No one who wanted to live would be stupid enough to head past the foyer in such a condition. There was just no point.

“So… why’d ya have to sneak into your sister’s graduation? Didn’t you used to go to that school?” Dante asked casually as he tossed his coat on the hanger that V kept in the entryway. The boots came off easily enough. He would make quick work of those. No need to even sit down.

“Because I punched one of the teachers in the face right after I walked off of the stage with my diploma and then they banned me from the school grounds and all related properties.” Bren shrugged, unperturbed. “I’d do it again in a second. I regret nothing.”

“You punched a teacher in the face? At your own graduation ceremony?” Vergil asked, unsure as to whether or not he’d heard that statement correctly. Surely he had been mistaken. He couldn’t think of a single reason why someone would want to do something like that. Mentors could be ruthless, that much was true. But what possessed him to do something so extreme? He couldn’t say that it was his business, but he was admittedly intrigued.

“Oh yea, I punched him. Cold cocked him, actually. And I’d do it again.” Bren hung up his coat, offering to take the remaining coats and put them up for everyone else. “He was a total creep. Used to sneak peeks into both locker rooms when everyone was getting ready for practice. I’m glad that’s all he did. From what we know. He’s upstate now doing ten years. Got caught taking bribes for the sports team. Hope he rots in there.”

Vergil paused before nodding. He could get behind that easily enough. “Fair enough.”

Dante laughed and shook his head. It seemed that there was at least one thing that they agreed on. Although to be fair, the younger of the two had the feeling that Vergil would have done more than punch the teacher in the face. It was lucky for that creep that he had not made that kind of mistake in his brother’s vicinity. How unfortunate. He would have loved to see him get what he had coming. “I get the feeling that he got off pretty easy. Vergil would have probably impaled him.”

“No. They would have found him lying chest down looking up at the sky if I had been one of the parents of those unfortunate students. I dare not sully Yamato’s blade with such lowly blood.” Vergil then stopped curtly and headed into the living room, ready to sit down and not have to be around a stadium full of people again. Or anyone for several hours for that matter. His social battery had been taxed to its absolute limit recently. But there had been no way that he would have allowed both of his sons and the Linquist siblings to go that far away without an escort. He couldn’t stop them, so he decided to tail them and keep an eye out for anything mysterious. Thankfully things had gone off without a hitch. Another good reason to come back the way that they had.

It took everyone present a solid few seconds to register the implications of how that would be physically possible. And once they did, each of them shuddered slightly, the mental image alone gruesome enough to cause them pause. But after a moment they resumed hanging their coats and taking off their shoes, seeing no compelling reason to dwell on it any longer. Strangely enough, none of them could say that they disagreed with his proposed methodology. As long as they didn’t have to do it, then they could totally live with it.

“Sorry, I’m still getting used to the fact that you can do… What do you call it? And how did you do that? What’s a Yamato?” Morgan was clearly confused. She felt like he’d been dropped feet first into the tenth season of a complex show with lore she couldn’t hope to understand. The waters were deep and she was floundering.

Vergil produced the blade from seemingly nowhere, holding it out slightly so that she could have a better look at it. But he dared not let her touch it. “This is Yamato. A demonic blade passed down to me by my father, the Dark Knight Sparda. It has the ability to cut through anything, down to and including the fabric of reality itself, allowing me to open tears in space-time like the one we just passed through to get here. It would have made short work of that teacher.”

“Can I play with it?” She seemed impressed, barely resisting the urge to reach for it.

“Absolutely not.” He stared at her, unable to believe that she’d actually just asked him that.

“Damn.” In truth, she’d known the answer long before she’d asked. But that didn’t stop her from hoping that it wouldn’t be the case. “Wait, your father is the Dark Knight Sparda? Like the guy everybody talks about in all those myths and legends and stuff? He’s real?”

Dante nodded. No use in hiding things. She was going to need to be up to speed as soon as possible. They didn’t benefit from hiding things like this from her. At this point, the fact that most of them were at least part demon was just cursory information. They had no reason to lie to her. “Yea.”

She paused, seemingly considering something. The sudden widening that her pupils underwent indicated that much to anyone looking in her general direction. “Wait… He’s a demon, right? So you guys are, what? At least part demon? All of you?”

Both Dante and Vergil looked at one another before nodding, followed by Nero a moment later. V simply stared at her blankly, shrugging. He didn’t really need to say it at that point, did he? If his uncle, father, and brother were all at least part demon, then it went without saying that he was as well. That was simply how genetics worked.

“That’s so metal, man.” She nodded to herself, clearly unconcerned and genuinely impressed. It seemed that she was unphased by the sudden realization that she was in a room occupied by only one other pure human seemingly not concerning her in the slightest. But considering the things that she and V had been through together, it shouldn’t have been that surprising that she was unphased by their somewhat supernatural status.

Nero laughed to himself. She was pretty funny, and it seemed as though she was impervious to fear. He had the feeling that whenever she and Nico finally met that they would be the death of him. Maybe she could teach the plucky mechanic to drive like a sane person instead of a violently unstable maniac with a death wish.

“Guess that explains a little bit more about how everything went totally out of control in Redgrave City so fast. I’m not going to pretend to know why everything that happened, well, happened, and I honestly don’t want to even know because nothing would be a good enough answer, but at least I get how it all went down a little better now. Demons.”

Vergil stopped dead in his tracks. Had that been why she’d been staring at him like that back at Magnolia’s house? She knew about that?! How was that even-

“Look…” She sighed, realizing that what she was about to say was going to make very little sense to anyone other than herself. “My brother talked to me on the phone about it before he came to talk to you guys. He said that the cult he’d been in had kidnapped the son of the person who had been responsible for the attack, but that the person had decided to let him live because he’d helped them find him. I told him that he should still come talk to you because he shouldn’t have been a part of something like that, even if he thought they might be doing bad things for a good reason. He was contributing to that same evil, you know? I’m not gonna pretend I understand what either of you did or why, but I’m choosing to just let that go because it’s all that I can do. And because you spared my brother’s life when he was doing something almost as stupid himself. What other choice do I have?”

He stared at her quietly, everyone in the room going quiet in an effort to not interrupt. None of them could pinpoint why, but this had far more weight to it than they wanted to acknowledge. The tension in the room was incredibly heavy despite the fact that the Darkslayer had “You could choose to hate me. You could seek revenge against me And you would be right to do so. I’d have no right to stop you.”

“Yea, you're right. I could.” She shrugged. “But hating you is the easy choice. And I wasn’t raised to take the path of least resistance. That’s why I’m still here. So I’m going to choose to do the hardest thing I’ve ever done and just let it go. They aren’t coming back either way. But I’m still here and I have to keep going even if I don’t know where I’m headed. Even if it might be worse than where I already am or just as bad. Because there is a chance that where I’m going might be better. Your son taught me that much.”

V started before turning away to face the fireplace. He went to light it again, seeking anything that he could do to escape the gravity of this situation. He wasn’t sure what he felt about any of this. It was just so very much. What he wouldn’t have done to turn back the clock and do… something. Anything to spare them all this suffering. But he couldn’t. It was like she’d said. He had to keep moving forward. And although she claimed he’d shown her that, he wasn’t sure he’d learned that himself until long after he’d met her.

Could you teach someone a lesson that you yourself had yet to learn?

Just as she was about to continue, there was a knock at the door. Everyone turned in the direction of the door, subconsciously readying themselves for yet another attack. For all they knew their enemy had finally found them. Hopefully, Flora knew a spell that could reverse the damage. Dante sighed and stepped towards the door, unlocking it and then opening it. And then he scoffed, chuckling under his breath.

“Well, I’ll be. Haven’t seen you in a few weeks! Where did you disappear to?”

“I must say, it is a pleasure to see you again, Dante. May I come in? My sincerest apologies. I had to step away and attend to a few affairs back at the office. I hope nothing major has occurred in my absence.” To the collective surprise of everyone, it was Sirrus. He shrugged out of his coat and hung it on the rack, heading towards the living room as he greeted everyone in turn. Upon catching sight of Vergil, he stopped, a curious look crossing his face as he drew a few feet closer to the Darkslayer who was sitting down on the couch away from the rest of the group. He seemed to be reflecting. “And I see that Vergil has indeed returned! Glad to see it. When last I’d spoken to Magnolia, she had informed me of your extended absence. And she seemed quite forlorn. I fear she believed that you would never return. Thank you for silencing her disbelief.”

“A whole train station blew up and it’s all over the news. Also, V’s curse is worse and there’s an uber-powerful summoner in town using infernal magic.” Flora said dryly as she came down the stairs and made her way into the kitchen. Why was she not surprised to see Sirrus in town again? He’d been around quite a bit recently. The red-haired man stared at her unblinking as she left the room before allowing his hand to travel slowly up to his face as he turned in the direction of the rest of the crew. She shook his head slowly, disbelief evident.

“... Why is it that every time I turn my back on the lot of you that you stick your fingers in the light socket like unruly toddlers?”

Each of the descendants of the Dark Knight Sparda blinked blankly. They couldn’t answer that particular question in any meaningful way, unfortunately.

“I wanted to thank you for your extravagant housewarming gift. In-person. And I noticed the distinct lack of a gift receipt in the event that I could not bear it upon my conscience to receive it.” V didn’t have an answer to this newfound guest’s mostly sarcastic question, but he did have gratitude. He was admittedly thankful for the gift and for Sirrus’s sudden return. The change in mode and subject matter was a welcome one. The reality of what they faced hadn’t changed, but any distraction from the suffering that surrounded them was appreciated. And to be fair, V actually did enjoy being around him.

Sirrus paled before turning away to hide his slight blush. In this cold weather, it was hard to discern what was flushed skin and what was simply a negative reaction to the intimate weather. “Think nothing of it. It was the least I could do given the circumstances. You saved my life, and this house is far too stately to lay empty, and you did save my life. Too many treasured memories have been formed within its walls to allow it to languish. And I felt a strong desire to ensure that you were… comfortable. You have enough to worry about.”

An awkward silence fell over them for a moment as Morgan looked at V and then at Sirrus before looking at both of them again. She then shook her head and headed over towards the couch. She was going to have to ask V how he’d managed to afford a house like this. Their trauma payments from that charity group after the attack hadn’t been this big. A house like this had to cost a small fortune, especially in this city and especially in this neighborhood. He was probably the youngest homeowner in the entire area!

“If you’d excuse me for a moment, I bought groceries.” He waited for V to nod in agreement before heading towards the kitchen in the back of the building. He paused in front of Morgan, nodding politely before heading towards his destination again. Everyone returned to the task of making themselves comfortable, realizing that they had all gone on alert the moment that they’d seen Sirrus arrive. This situation with Belial had them on edge. They couldn’t wait to be rid of him. Perhaps Sirrus could add something useful to their almost nonexistent plans?

Morgan scooted over so that V could sit next to her, looking the young summoner up and down as she shook her head slowly from side to side. He gave her a sympathetic look that quickly migrated to confusion as he realized that she was only doing this in jest. He was missing a joke here, wasn’t he? Why did the humor of others so often fly right over his head? “Am I missing something?”

“Oh, you’re missing a lot of things, bub.” V mentally chastised Griffon, silently hoping that Morgan couldn’t look at him and tell that he had been momentarily annoyed but his avian companion. He had yet to mention the fact that he possessed a demonic panther and a talking bird with a severe death wish. Although he had the feeling that she wouldn’t really mind. “Not right now, please.”

She pointed towards the kitchen, a smirk crossing her face. She then folded her arms, leaning over so that she could whisper in V’s ear. “So you haven’t noticed that he… You know what? Nevermind. I’ll let you figure it out. It shouldn’t be that hard if I’ve only been around him for like 30 seconds and I already caught onto it.”

A moment later Sirrus called from the kitchen stating that he’d brought everyone tea. Flora sighed in relief. Finally, something that made sense around here. “Wonderful. Spectacular. Finally, some good damn tea.”

(-~-)

I hope you liked this chapter! Now, on to the next one! I’m excited for next week. I have something devious planned! Oh, it feels great to be back! Take care of yourselves out there and I will see you in the comment section! TGIF!

#Hiraeth #V #Nero #Dante #Vergil #My Post Devil May Cry 5 AU #My Post Devil May Cry 5 AU OC's #DMC #DMCV #DMC5 #Post DMC5

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haiky-u-lously · 4 years

Text

King Kuroo and the Red Knights (2)

Summary: A Camelot AU where King Arthur is Kuroo Tetsuro, and the Knights of the Roundtable of characters from seasons 1-4 of the HQ anime. Eventual Kuroo X Reader.

Themes: Fluff, Angst, Humor, Eventual Romance

Warnings: Mentions of stalking and abuse of power, Language, Angst in feelings, Eventual gore and fighting

Word Count: For Chapter: ~1600words

Questions/Comments/Concerns/Ideas welcome as always. Enjoy! –Admin Red

Chapter 2: Traveling

“Princess (Y/N),” your friend and traveling companion yelled up to you, “Can we not stop and rest for a bit?”

Halting in your next step, you turned to look back at him. He was walking alongside his horse just as you were, but he looked much more affected. The fact that he was nearly 20 feet behind you besides the point, you could see the slump in his shoulders.

“Fine, we will rest here for a bit. Remove the bags from Mapo as well so that he can also rest.” You indicated to his horse before looking after your own. “Isn’t that right Tofu? You guys want to rest too, if the big bad Suga needs a break.”

As though he understood you, your horse blew air through his nose and whinnied after your comment.

This made you giggle, but seeing Suga’s frown made you double over in laughter. “Oi, Suga. That face you’re making is priceless!”

He shook his head at your antics before plopping down on a rock on the side of the path. “Hey, I just still find it hard to believe we raised two horses named Mapo and Tofu without your father dispelling them for our stupidity. I think that’s a bigger miracle than Tofu there understanding your tease.” He stuck his tongue out at you in retaliation.

Sitting down next to him, you bumped his foot with yours. You were happy that you were finally doing something out of the compound of your father’s place. Being a princess had its perks sure, but it also had more downfalls than anyone would ever tell. You watched the grass flow along the direction the wind blew and wondered how you’d been lucky enough to be chosen to go on this mission, and with your best friend at that. “Suga, I know it was just orders and all that, but thanks for coming with me. I’m really glad it was you and not one of the others.”

“You’re only saying that because I agreed to your little scheme. Noone else would have listened to you.” He argued with a smile.

Smirking a bit, you leaned your arms on your knees and chin on your arms, “That may be the majority reason sure, but you are still my best friend. So it comes with the territory that I expect you to follow my schemes.”

He shook his head with a grin, “Yea, but you gotta admit this is one of your more outrageous ones. Like, it’s worse than the time you made Yaku put a wig on and hide in your bed all day pretending to be you, sick...just so you could go mountain climbing with that tourist.”

You laughed at the memory, “Oh gods, when I came home father was in a fit. I thought he would kill Yaku!” You continued laughing as you tried to speak clearly, “He was so angry and then when he saw my hurt wrist his entire attitude did a full twist and it was though he’d hadn’t just been screaming until he was red in the face.”

“Well, thankfully Yaku wasn’t killed. And you walked away from the whole ordeal with 2 days grounding and just a sprained wrist. But it could have ended so much worse. Just like this.” He gave you a pointed look that said he was no longer joking. “I know how much you want to prove to your father that you can be a knight, I know you feel it unjust that he refuses to accept you even though he accepts other females as Red Knights, and even more so that both of your brothers were knights. Despite it, that they died when you were still too young to form any real bonds with them. But, and I mean this in the nicest way possible (Y/N), don’t you think it’s a bit self-centered of you to plan up this scheme despite your King’s fear and concerns?”

It was a serious topic indeed, and one you thought you’d hashed out enough when you explained your plans to him, but apparently your friend needed more.

“I know it’s selfish. I know it’s going against his wishes. But I have begged him for more than half my life to let me officially join the ranks of the knights. Every year I asked, he told me the next year. Until my 18th birthday came around and he suddenly told me he would never accept me as a knight because I didn’t have what it took. You had to spend the night with me back then Suga, because everyone was afraid I’d do something drastic and no one wanted me to be left alone.” You shook your head as if to clean away the negative memories that came from your current topic of conversation.

“I kept at my training, I did everything the knights did on top of my princess duties, I proved to him I could do both and years later he repeated those same damaging words to me. And why?” You asked aloud though you both knew the answer. “Because when he looks at me he doesn’t see me for who I am. He sees my brother’s before they died with the honor they earned. He sees my mother in her prime before she died in childbirth, me being the last piece of her he has. He sees the helpless little girl who cried when the gypsy travelers killed her pet dragon when he accidentally destroyed one of their tents. No, Suga. He doesn’t see me, and that’s why he will never accept me as a Red Knight. So, if this is the only time I will ever get to be one, then I will come to those terms. But for once, once in my life. I have the chance to fulfill my dreams, and I won’t let you stop me or convince me to change my mind. I can’t.”

Finished sharing your thoughts, you turned to face your childhood friend, a solemn look over your features as you awaited his response.

He just sighed, and stood back up. “Yea, I figured you’d say all that. Well,” He smiled down at you, silhouetted by the sun shining down behind him. “We may as well get on with then. So, how shall I introduce you to the court of Camelot, Princess?”

You laughed at how quickly he managed to be back to himself, and were thoroughly impressed by how much he knew you that he’d expected your monologue. “Hmm, well you’d be considered my squire if I walk up in uniform, huh? So, just introduce me as the Red Knight?:

Blinded by your lack of a true plan, Suga just stared at you in disbelief. “Just...as...are you kidding me right now? (Y/N)! That is ridiculously stupid even for your standards.”

“Well it’s not as though the Knights are permitted to talk while in uniform, so it doesn’t really matter what they refer to me as, does it?” You questioned offhandedly. Moving yourself to prepare your horse for continuing the journey.

He rolled his eyes, getting his own horse prepped as well. “That isn’t the case in point at all. You’ll need a name. You know that Camelot refers to their knights as Sir something or another. And I must keep my name as a ‘knight-in-training’. So, what shall it be, Princess?”

“First, we have to stop with the whole ‘Princess’ thing. Even if it slips up as a joke, we could get in trouble.” You sighed as you pulled the last bag strap tight around the horses saddle. Wishing things could be as simple as just putting on the armor and that be the end of it. “What if we use brother’s name? Azekiel, Of course, it fits because he was a proper knight.”

Shaking his head, Suga faced you and leaned against the side of Mopu. “But we don’t know who went with Greine back in their visit to Washijo all those years ago. No, shouldn’t risk it.”

You hummed in response, thinking his concerns fair. “Then what do you suggest?”

“Yomimasu,” He laughed to himself at his suggestion. “They’d be confused as to why someone would name their offspring the action of reading.” His laughter continued as he imagined their reactions to the introduction.

After considering the name for a moment, you ultimately agreed. “I imagine they’d be so caught off guard they wouldn’t question it if you said it in the most serious tone you could muster.” Chuckling at the possible outcomes running through your mind, you mounted Tofu and looked back over your shoulder. “Any more details you want to hash out before we continue onward?”

“Just one more thing,” Even though I can’t call you ‘Princess,’ can I still call you ‘Royal highness’? Because you are a royal pain in my butt, and I don’t believe a name or costume change will diminish that.”

You stuck your tongue out at him before you both kicked your horses into high gear, racing one another towards Camelot, laughing all the way.

“WAIT!” Suga screamed from his position behind you, “I WAS ASKING A SERIOUS QUESTION!”

Laughing harder, you just knuckled further into your racing horse. A face-splitting grin settling upon your features as you thought about the best way to fulfill the Knight’s mission with the chance to be a knight yourself.

Table of contents Chapter 1 Chapter 3

#haikyū!!#haikyuu!!#haikyuu #haikyuuwritersnet #kuroo x reader #Kuroo Tetsurō #futakuchi kenji #sugawara koushi #camelot au #eventual romance #fluff #angst #humor #KKATRK #admin red #reader insert #chapter 2 #traveling

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smolbeandrabbles · 4 years

Text

Spera - Elias x Reader (Trespass)

Direct Follow Up To: Veritas GIF Credit: X

@wltz-bby @happyskywhale

Author’s Note: *Story Time* Ha-! I went on holiday in September and there were a bunch of DVDs at the holiday home and no word of a lie, this was one of them and my parents wanted to see it. So, I kinda wanted to continue things from ‘Veritas’... and watching it again got me inspired (and I got to notice a bunch more stuff!)

I was going to call this ‘What She Wants Tonight’ ... but then I decided to keep the Latin theme.

So you get Elias back-! 🎉

What She Wants Tonight - Luke Bryan (Because of course it’s Luke Bryan)

Disclaimer: Trespass & associated characters not mine / gif not mine / lyrics not mine. / Call backs to Veritas / Kyle Sullivan (Guns for Hire) gets another name drop.

Premise: You hadn’t expected him to call you, of course. But then you didn’t think you’d expected to see him again either. On this mission you must work together. But it’s clear that that’s not your only objective...

Words: 7171

Warnings: Swearing / Sexual Pre-Amble / I really can’t write action scenes.

_____ She walks up, velvet rope unhooks She snaps her fingers and a drink comes She locks you down with just one look She's got this whole club undone If she's on the rebound, you ain't gonna know it Coming off a heartbreak, she ain't gonna show it She's eyes caught, red dot, locked on me, yeah She wants my hands on her body She wants to burn like she's made of fire Said she ain't going home 'til we Drink every drop of Kentucky dry Don't even know what she'll do when she does it Palm of her hand, I'm hers in the blink of an eye She don't take no and I love She gets what she wants And I get to be what she wants tonight I get to be what she wants tonight I get to catch all her secrets Sequins bouncing off flashing lights If she wants it, then we're leaving Get me home, park the truck, cut the tires I get to be where she goes when she's lonely The last door of the night she's closing Oh, I know she could have anything, but And I don't know how I got to be The only thing she needs right now

---

To anyone who wasn’t aware, the building could have been a normal office block, the people going in and out certainly appeared to be normal office workers. A few of them were – in order to hide their organization, the first few levels of this building had been rented to businesses, but the rest of the block belonged to the Agency.

You stepped gently into the elevator and swiped your access card, pushing the elevator button for your floor you stood back against the mirrored walls and waited to ascend. Of course, by the time you were to the floor, Joel was already busy running around gathering papers and talking loudly on phones… it was clear that you wouldn’t be here long, they would have you out the door as quick as they had you in. Joel was a little like a personal assistant. Although an ‘assassin’ in his own right he was more on the level of office worker casual, than your higher ranking. He was not your partner - although you did use him as such on occasion - and you were not his mentor, he had been taught the basics by others but that’s as far as he got. He was your go between, only top clients saw you face to face (and were always surprised that you was a woman) everyone else went through Joel, he arranged your payments and sent off your confirmation… sometimes he helped on intel, or clean up detail, but he also arranged transport and set things between your Superior and yourself. He managed to offer you a quick nod as he rushed around, which you gratefully returned… you ascended a flight of steps and knocked on the door.

“Come in.” You entered. “Y/N. Quick as ever to the call I see.” “There isn’t often a time when I cannot get here. I’d like to keep my records intact.” “And they are quite some records.” Your Superior indicated to the chair in front of him, “Please sit.” You did as was asked, crossing your legs one over the other. “…It’s a wonder to me why the Master has not called you up yet.” “Because he knows that I’m good at ground work. If you pulled me up another level then, of course, I would have jurisdiction over several assassin’s as you do, but I would only get called to field work in times of dire need… and We haven’t had a real firefight in close to 100 years. I would do better out there. Plus aren’t you all men?” you managed to crack a little smile, “I’m not indicating sexism, but…” He gave a small shrug, “They all think you’re male anyway. As we all go by codenames here.” “Yes there is that.” You nodded to the window, “Joel appears to be working hard on the next big thing already,” your eyes flicked back to your Superior, “I assume I am needed right away?” “Yes…” He handed you over a file “As you’re in the area, we thought that might take your fancy. It isn’t directly your job, but it does pay well.” You opened the file and raised an eyebrow, “Nilo? Again?!” “Several of these drug lords are untouchable. As you well know.” “Eh, they give good business, some even pay well,” you flicked the page, “these just seem to be calls for several underlings…” “Several big Russians are getting too big for their boots, too…” “So there’s a lot going on?” “I would only send my best to several jobs at once.” You took the second file from the desk, they all looked to be linked, “These guys aren’t in situ yet, are they?” “No. But we have it on good ear that they will be.” “So Nilo calls for the blood of the Russians, and some” you squinted as you read the name, “…This sounds like drug wars?” It had been a while; they weren’t exactly to your taste. Nilo was a very old client indeed – back when you were just starting out on your own. “You have connections.” “Yes. Joel is useful in that respect too… Does he know?” Joel would know the when and where and exactly what you’d need. You doubted he’d be doing so much rushing if he knew what this was really for. “You can brief him.” “Hmm. Well, it’s a good thing we focus on the numbers and not the side…” You stood, collecting the folders together, “Consider it done.” “Good. Your payment for yesterday has been wired. The man himself has been reported missing. I assume no body will turn up?” “Not on my watch. Unless someone asks for it specifically.” You waved the folders, “Expect some good news within the next few days.” “I always do with you, Y/N. Good luck.” “Thank you Sir. But I won’t need it.”

As you exited the room and took the stairs you called to him: “Joel!” He fell in step as you hit the floor; “Can get the car out front, I’ve sent intel up to Marty, meet in 10?” “Sure, let me go see what our weapons tech has for me then… you ready?” “Sounds like there’s a war brewing.” “Drugs war. Hope you enjoy undercover.” “Me? Oh Geez…” Joel’s face told the story you expected “Well I’m not even supposed to be there am I? They don’t call me Ghost Shadow because they can see me, do they?” “It’s actuall-” “Don’t care, Joel, remember…” You looked to him with a smile, you’d never had much patience for whispered codenames, “Besides, you have the connections.” He scoffed, “Don’t rope me in with the drugs guys, Nilo’s just used me before.” “Yeah, but I want other side intel.” You tapped him in the chest with your folder, “Get it.” “Yes Sir.” “Funny.”

***

Your weapon’s technician looked as enamoured as ever to see you, his smile bright as you walked onto his floor: “Y/N!” “Marty.” “…Off already?” “One day I’m taking the first fight out to Cozumel and NOONE is going to stop me.” “If you ever get a break, considering what you do, I’m going to give you free range and let you clear out my weapons cache entirely.” “Oh? You’d do that for me?” You fluttered your eyelashes teasingly “Marty!” you tapped your card in, and opened the doors, “What do you have in?” “New? Since you were last in here?” “Don’t give me that tone! Because if there’s one thing I know, you are a collector and second, I haven’t been using this particular weapons store in my work recently, so, yes, new!” “Usually you carry your own pistol.” “Usually?” You gave him a wry smile, “Always. And I do, but everything else-” “What I like most about your pistol is its untraceable.” “Well. That’s how he made it.” “So it WAS his.” “Yes. It the least I could do to honour him.” “…Well, you are right, I do collect. I have several new rifles in, but you’re not such a fan. I also have a light weight sniper gun, and if you were ever interested in something smaller for close range-” “A pocket gun?” You chucked, “Bring it, a lot less messy than a knife.” “So they do work?” “Execution style. Yeah – anything will work if you want it to. I mean, sometimes us Assassins have to improvise; that said its always hoped things will never get that messy.” He slid the tiny gun across the table to you, “It’s not been road tested yet. But… I can think of no better person to try it out. Careful.” “Will be,” you patted it as you slid it into your top coat pocket, “and for Joel?” “What do you think he’ll need?” “You’ve read the file, you tell me! Don’t forget rope; the most useful thing you could give me.” “Kinda think a gun would be more useful.” “Rope saves lives, guns take lives. Get my meaning. Besides, how else do you expect me to ascend or descend a building?!” “Stairs!? A lift!? This is Nilo we’re talking about, it’s not exactly big budget. This isn’t Mission Impossible.” “Well it could be-!” You cracked a smile as Marty muttered under his breath, collecting everything up – he handed the bag to you, “Have a good trip. See you in a few days.” “Of course! Thanks!” *** Joel complained the whole way; it was to be expected - you were used to getting into the middle of gang and mafia warfare. Taking out politicians and heads of state. Drugs sometimes, on a higher level – but drugs carried its own problems… This, in particular, was way below your pay grade. “You’re too good for this.” “He’s fronting the right amount of money and he wants me.” “No, fact is you should have been off shit like this years back. You did some good jobs back then, but you’re above this now. And drugs?!? Y/N, you abhor drugs. It’s like your one thing.” “Look, if He sends me then I can’t push back.” “You have authority, surely?” “Well it’s a little late now. Next time I’ll think on it.” “Yeah well, you better.” His hard stare switched from you to the road. No doubt, Joel didn’t want to be mixed up in this any more than you. Perhaps it was about time you asked to politely be removed from anything related to them.

When you pulled into the parking lot he began grumbling even more. Of course Joel had most of the intel, maybe he’d need a little more research but, that’s what the first meeting was all about. Sometimes you thought he’d rather stay at HQ and feed you the info via a web link. “I mean, a strip club. Could this be any more degrading for you?!” Joel was about to launch into how the Agency should think before sending their best female agent to places like this, to stop the tirade you gave a smile and a joke instead. “As long as you’re not expecting me to get up and dance?” You nudged him, “Besides the girls all love you.” “Not interested.” Was his blunt reply, reaching into the back seat for his case. “Nothing will cheer you up today, huh?” “No. It’ll get worse.” You rolled your eyes, “Okay, so let’s get in, get it done, get out.”

*** To be honest when you’d left your card with Elias you never expected him to call it. Maybe hoped on it, but you’d been done with hoping after a few days; those had now bled into months - and you had plenty of kills under your belt since then (and a grovelled apology from Kyle Sullivan. He hadn’t called on you again since.) But your day got a little better as you wandered into the club and very nearly snorted, hiding your face and smirk behind Joel for a moment. “What?” “Remember when I told you about that little bit of trouble at Mr.Sullivan’s place?” “Yeah, I remember...” “Guess we just stumbled on where they came from.” If it had pleased you, Joel turned another shade of glum. “Brilliant.”

Indeed, though you looked pretty collected as you approached Nilo, Elias has turned sheet white. The others wouldn’t have noticed, you’d taken them all out before they saw your face. Well, maybe except the big guy but he was eyeing you with a certain level of curiosity, instead of what was going through Elias’ mind. Clearly not so happy to see you. You didn’t even spare him a proper glance, nodding to Nilo instead. “It’s been a minute.” “Indeed it has, Y/N. Welcome. We’ll certainly be glad to use your services once more…” “No use kicking around, I suggest we discuss the job.” You bowed your head gently, if only to say my pleasure - with a smirk. Because it would be your pleasure. Although, looking back to Elias you were sure that not everyone was glad. *** Elias didn’t really speak much during the briefing; you already counted too many people involved – and Joel was getting antsy. You’d just have to deal with it, you could do this alone but Nilo wanted to make sure everything was done to his letter – and therefore was sending a group along with you. You didn’t particularly understand this; did he think you were still a kid who’d only just started out? Reckless and a little dumb? You thought it was more likely the group he wanted to send were the ones who would mess everything up. Elias and Ty were amongst them. Elias, being the obvious one you knew – who did not like being under the weight of your stare – and Ty being the one you’d picked out as a potential problem back at Mr. Sullivan’s house. Elias’s brother, Noah, was also in on the meeting and a couple of guys who looked less tough than paper, who you would refuse to take when it came to your terms… but let Nilo think he’s in control, for now. Joel and yourself were now sitting at the bar of the club, him facing it with his laptop, grumbling like there was no tomorrow. And you facing the pole dancers, back against the bar. You’d never had the inclination to get up there and do that, but you were 99% sure you could; maybe one day you’d give someone a run for their money. Joel had ordered some cocktail that came with a lollipop and you wasted no time in stealing that. Your drink wasn’t alcohol, you didn’t drink on a job – Champagne was for afterwards. Joel was drinking to get himself through this one. “So?” “I can’t believe this.” “You’ve said that 20 times.” You removed the candy from your mouth, “I need, you know, something useful.” “I mean the complex itself is relatively easy to get into, you don’t even need the code, just fry everything. There’s multiple floors but there’s hardly anywhere that’s going to have cover…” He was staring hard at the schematic. “Why are we not going alone? The more bodies in a corridor the harder this is!” “Joel.” You warned. “Okay, you just need to get to the inner most point. It looks like one of those panic rooms.” You half turned to his screen as he tapped it, replacing the lolly with an agreeing hum. “Assured your guy, and whatever drugs or shit you gotta haul on back, is there.” He turned to you, looking more than a little disgruntled that he was having to do this, “I’ll make a couple of calls. It won’t be hard. And forgodsake, please do not drag this personal hell out for me.” “I’ll try.” You gave a gently sarcastic smile and he sighed. “And PLEASE stop doing that overtly sexual thing you do! Like, I don’t need it.” “It’s not for you.” “I think he’s a bad idea.” Joel eyes were back on his laptop, and you weren’t sure if his uncomfortable shift was just for show. You supposed he was only going to point back to his ‘degrading’ speech if you pressed further. “I didn’t ask you.” “No, and I can see why.” Of course you were playing a game here. You knew Elias was watching you – there wasn’t much out there you weren’t aware of. That was all part of your training. But you’d noticed that try as he might he couldn’t keep his eyes off you, and you could busy yourself with being a seductress whilst also being teasing and paying him absolutely no mind. What you’d also come to the dissatisfying conclusion of was that his girlfriend was also here; oh, and she was not impressed. You didn’t really care, it was fun to play them against each other, in fact maybe it was more satisfying to have her here, realising exactly what you were doing. Because she was all over him and that was not an exaggeration, but Elias was pushing her out of the way to keep on staring at you. So, if Joel really didn’t think you were going to sit on this stool with your chest pushed out and your shirt riding up, sucking on a lollipop… well he should know better. You didn’t need to show too much skin: the idea was to let his imagination do the work. From what you could tell, Elias’ imagination was working overtime. Joel left you alone to make his series of phone calls outside, convinced that he needed air anyway. Which you’d laugh at of course, considering he’d probably kill his time outside smoking. At which point you turned back to the bar and gathered your thoughts – before you would begin to clear your head of everything but the mission. That was all that would matter for the next few days; that was all that had to matter. As you were pondering this however, you were approached by someone else, and you didn’t really have to guess who had made his way across the club to you. “Well, I see you can’t even call a number on a card, how do you expect me to think that you can pull this off?” Elias slid onto the stool next to you, tipping his head, “It’s not that simple.” You turned your eyes on him, “I get it, you have a girlfriend. Don’t tell me you’re not interested. And if you’re not, don’t come over here and talk to me, keep it strictly business.” He rummaged in his jacket pocket and your calling card was placed back on the table, “I wanted to.” You couldn’t help but smile as you stared at it, “Wanting is something you can say easily, the doing is the only thing I have use for.” Your fingers brushed his as you pushed the card back towards him, “Keep it, if you ever decide to become useful to me.” “Y/N…” The bar tender placed a drink in front of him without Elias even asking and your look away from him was enough to be an eyeroll, with the way you stared straight at the back wall. He spent enough time here for that then. He took a sip, eyeing yours. “You don’t drink?” “Not on the job no.” “Y/N, what are you doing here?” “I’m an assassin, I told you that. It’s like you haven’t listened to a word I’ve said since I walked in.” “Is that any surprise?” His voice was laced with sugar, which made you a little uncomfortable as you turned to him. Those blue eyes were watching your face intently, and if you thought that a man like him was capable of melting, that might be what you’d call it. “Please, Elias. Go back to your girlfriend.” There was a pause, before he leant into your space and you sighed in obvious frustration. “Why do you need two guns?” He indicated to the one on the counter that no one was paying any mind to, and then to your hip, partially concealed by your coat. “Assassin as good as you.” “Will you do what I say, if I tell you?” His smile became a grin that was more of a smirk, “Depends what you tell me to do.” You couldn’t help but hum a laugh as you unholstered the one on your belt, “That,” you waved at the one on the counter, “that’s my own, it’s no big deal. It’s probably standard issue – due an upgrade, but it’s never let me down. Call me superstitious, but I’d quite like to keep it around. This baby…” You weighed the one in your hands up. “Belonged to my mentor.” “The one that used to spew Latin before he killed people?” You couldn’t help but smile as you nodded: he remembered. “So why do you have it?” You placed it with your own and leant into him, you became a little huddle and lowered your voice, “Because he died, Elias. It’s in honour and memory of him.” There was a moment’s pause, and Elias wondered if you’d opt to continue the conversation, “…How? I mean your line of work is dangerous but-” “The Agency killed him, made me watch.” The flicker across Elias’ face was both apologetic and a revelation; ‘that might explain a few things’ “He fell in love with a target, he couldn’t kill her. Eventually the Agency found out and executed him.” It was weird for you to just out and say it like that, it jarred you – you weren’t sure what you were thinking, saying something so personal. You were supposed to have better instincts than that. Did you trust him? There was something cold about the way you were talking that didn’t fit with the look on your face, and Elias tipped his head – “But you’re working alone now, you have no mentee of your own?” He seemed to be asking if that process would be too painful for you. Instead you gave a shake of your head, “No. I have no patience for that. I would be no good, not yet anyway. Not all of us make it through the process – hence why Joel is my assistant and not an assassin himself. He has all the skills, he didn’t pass all the tests.” You frowned momentarily, then shrugged, “I’ll probably die doing this, or see myself old enough to take my bosses job. Though, I’ve never been much of a girl for desk work.” Elias would agree with that, “How long have you been doing this?” “…That’s… a little too much of me to expose to you.” Oh, but you liked this didn’t you? Talking to him. To someone who was actually interested in you. “I never knew my parents. The Agency has a specific way of testing kids at orphanages and such. There’s no attachment, nowhere for the kids to run. Still, they take care of you better than some children get treated by their own parents so, I guess there’s a win somewhere.” Something twinged in Elias by the look on his face, making you realise you’d touched on something that was a little too much of him to expose to you. You left it alone. “I guess you have a point there.” “Uh huh.” You couldn’t help but smirk as you looked over his shoulder, this girlfriend of his had spotted the two of you talking and the livid look on her face was only making your ego swell a little. There was no way she didn’t know he was into you, and you were invested enough in the conversation to have some attachment to him. You wondered if he’d told her about your kiss, if it was obvious to her by the way Elias looked at you. But he was still watching your face, even when you turned away, the way you were smirking and clearly enjoying yourself, “What?” He was clearly amused, he hoped it was him. “Your little girlfriend is about to blow a fuse.” Elias’ face fell instantly as he looked over his shoulder, “Oh-” “She a dancer here?” He didn’t need to nod, “You walking cliché.” You nudged him off his bar stool, “Go. Go on.” “Try not to miss me.” He shot back, hands getting a little too friendly as his touch lingered on you. Instead you scoffed, picking up your cup, “Trust me, I won’t.”

** You kicked around for another day and a half, longer than you would have liked, but once Joel had his intel sorted the small group you assembled had to make the plan water tight. Which means they listened to you, no questions asked. Ty was about the only one you really trusted, he was built for this and he took an interest in you for reasons you thought were kind of unhealthy; not an assassin, you could tell he was probably going to enjoy this. You never took enjoyment from killing – it was just your job. Still, Ty was quiet and nodded along. Elias didn’t. And to be honest, if you weren’t having so much fun playing him and Petal – you’d tried not to snort – off against each other, you’d be more pissed with him than you already were. “She is NOT coming on this mission!” “She always tags along.” “You’re not running this mission Elias, I AM. And there’s only one thing I have a hard stop on, and that’s drugs.” Before he could protest the irony of what you were doing you continued, “She’ll fuck the whole thing up and I know you know that. I will not take drug dependants on this mission. Or we can take her, but I’ll put a bullet in her head the second I feel I have to and I won’t hesitate.” “---You’re…. insane!” “It’s my job. I don’t fail on my tasks; your little gang of tag-alongs are not going to change that.” “Then I won’t come.” “Well don’t. Explain to Nilo why, for all I care.” Elias sighed, faltering on the fact you would give him up so fast, a little too easily for someone who wanted to labour a point, “Okay. Okay… I’ll tell her.” “You better…” He turned away but you pulled him back by his jacket, “Woah, hey. Your brother’s not coming either.” “Oh my god-” “Because he’s the opposite problem. He’s not taking his medication and he’s erratic. You think I can’t read tells?” “No, on this I might be inclined to agree you have the right idea.” “So we’re agreed, on the same page.” Elias didn’t meet your eyes as he nodded, “Yeah.” “So we’re getting somewhere.” Your arms folded, confident little smile making him give you that same melted look. Scratch all previous thoughts, Elias was easier to play than a deck of cards. You wondered how long he’d spent looking at your calling card and desperately wishing to call the number. You wondered why Elias hadn’t already. What was his real reason? He could give you as many cocky smirks and sarcastically suggestive little quips as he wanted – you could see right through him. “I thought we already were.” *** You should have bet on how much complaining Joel was going to do, by the fact that he was muttering curses in more than one language under his breath. For the first part of the journey you thought it was funny, and responded in kind. Linguistics was a nice hobby, and Joel and yourself had a healthy competition on how many you could learn. Aside from that, it was good business practice. For the second half of the journey you settled into silence, closing your eyes and taking yourself through all your focus meditation and breathing exercises – before checking and double checking your weaponry. Then triple checking it – obviously. All with Joel still grumbling on, and Elias and Ty asking each other if this was something they ought to be doing. Joel slowed the van and parked up, the complex was in view, but you were out of sight. You had split yourself into two teams: Elias and yourself, and Joel and Ty. You would clear the first few floors together – without breaking a sweat – and then they would go on look out and you’d take out the name on your rap sheet. Obviously your assistant was as impressed with this arrangement as he was with everything else – but he was on side with you, and he understood it. He could make sure there were no screw ups. Joel also had a build like Ty did, so he wasn’t about to be taken out, or by surprise, by him. You all had communication links to each other so you could keep tabs, but you wanted radio silence unless absolutely necessary. The only good thing about this was that you didn’t really have to worry about how messy you were, Nilo didn’t have a preference for making someone disappear, he just wanted the man killed. As predicted the four of you swept the first few floors silently, splitting the building nearly in half you came to the point where you’d be leaving Joel behind, turning to him you opted to continue your language game: “You know where you’re going?” “I know what I’m looking for.” “Be careful. I don’t trust them.” “The feeling is mutual.” “Yell if you need anything.” He shot Elias a look before turning to you, “I’d say the same, but I think you can handle yourself!” You chuckled, “Thanks, Joel. Until later.” And, indicated for Elias to follow you, ascended the stairs.

***

Everything looked very different up here, but was equally as quiet. There’d be security every so often, you were sure of that, as there had been downstairs. Perhaps more, considering your target was their boss, but nothing you didn’t think yourself capable of handling. “So, I don’t get it, is this a drugs complex, or a house!?” You turned to Elias as he stared around the walls: very domestic from the bland grey concrete you’d seen downstairs. “Both.” It wasn’t a guess; you’d seen the schematic. “A safe house?” “Round about, we’re heading for a panic room.” “You have that map stored in your head?” You kept the pistol steady as you rounded the corner, it was clear and you beckoned him on, “Is that impressive?” “Vaguely.” You chuckled, “I’ll take it.” You suddenly pulled back, slamming Elias against the wall as a bullet streaked passed you, “Shit!” You weren’t worried about that, immediate with your retaliation fire. You were trained for this, it was instinct. There was more than one of them and you had to bring them down quick less they raise the alarm, you had no time to think about cover: about the only thing Elias did think of. “They’ll have heard bullets, I gotta go.” You turned back to him, “Your choice, go back to them or try to keep up!” Trying to keep up was much easier said than done, and you had sprinted out of sight by the time Elias had run around the next corner. “Ah, shit.” He ran a hand through his hair, “Well, I’ve followed her this far!” You must have been quick, because Elias made it another couple of floors up before he found any signs that you might have had difficulty, what worried him was that it was your mentors’ gun that was lying on the ground – so out of the way it’d probably been kicked or thrown there. Carelessly; you hadn’t just decided to drop it. You certainly would have retrieved it. Whoever your mentor had been, however you tried to hide it, Elias knew he’d meant a lot to you. Picking it up, the still loaded chamber and half empty magazine told a worse story to him. What the hell had happened to you?! Surely they hadn’t overpowered you? Not you! *** Elias almost started to believe it as he continued walking, as suddenly there wasn’t a body, or blood or an empty casing anywhere in sight. Everything was still quiet. Not a sound, not even on the radio. He arrived on the next floor, and again everything was clear. It occurred to him to call the other two for help very nearly a little too late, as, more concerned with finding out where you were, Elias rounded the next corner without his pistol up. In fact, without a pistol at all, and he was faced with yours. “You’re lucky that I check what I’m shooting at before I pull a trigger, Elias! Geez!” You flicked the safety on. “ME!? You just gave me a heart attack! Where the hell did you go!?” You shuffled on the spot with a little shrug, “Look, just, don’t go upstairs into the office, okay?” “Office…? What? I thought you said he had a panic room.” “He absolutely had a panic room – he wasn’t in it. It was not the cleanest kill I’ve ever made and…” You paused staring up at the ceiling, “At least it’s done.” He followed your eyeline and grimaced, leaking through the ceiling already was a patch of blood, “That’s a lot of bodies or it’s a terribly built house-!” “Bit of both…” You looked to him, “Hardly matters right now, don’t you think?” “Who the hell are you, Y/N?” Your head tipped, regarding him seriously in the eschewing silence to his question. “You really want to know that?” He nodded firmly, “Yes.” Elias wasn’t sure he liked the smile you gave back, the way it made the heart leap in his chest, and a shudder run up his spine. You grabbed him, shoving him up against a wall this time not to protect him – far from it. Your lips on his were rough, this wasn’t love… you weren’t even sure you could call it chemistry. But it was something. Elias pulled your body into his, your fingers running into his hair, he groaned into the kiss as you raked your nails across his scalp. But you continued to push his body as you made him breathless. Oh… shit. Elias could barely think properly as he ran his hands under your coat and over your ass, pulling your shirt with him, the feel of your supple skin under his calloused hands drove him crazy. Until he found himself backed up against a door, breaking the kiss in confusion. “Maybe you should try it.” You encouraged, voice at a whisper as you brought his lips back to yours, Elias wasn’t going to say no, and it swung open behind his push. This time when he broke the kiss it was only to smirk. “Oh? A bedroom?” “Uh huh.” He turned back to you, eyes raking your body as they had done before, but now significantly more hungry. You pushed a finger to his lips before he started getting clever: “…Stop talking… stop thinking… don’t make me wait any longer.” Replacing your finger with your lips, Elias pulled back to nod, “Okay.” He pulled you into his arms, relieving you of your coat immediately. It was almost like no time had passed at all, he tasted the same as you remembered, whisky and cigarette smoke. Elias pulled you closer, certainly not eager to break the kiss or let you go for even a moment. You pulled off his leather jacket, throwing it with your own; you revelled in the way that you were both so different, but you wanted the same thing so badly. “Are you sure you’re ready for this?” He gave you a small smirk. You let the look on your face answer for you, to which Elias grinned, hands under your shirt he pulled it over your head, allowing you to relieve him of his own. His fingers ghosted over your skin, and he paused momentarily: every so often there was a litter of scars. You weren’t about to count the number of times you’d been in real trouble, but you always got out of it. You simply chuckled, “Yeah, no dancing on a stage in just my bra and panties for me.” “That’s not why I’m here.” You’d agree with that, kissing him gently again, your fingers grazed over his chest and Elias tensed; “What? Scared?” You smirked against his lips. “A little. It’s not like I don’t know what you’re capable of.” “I don’t sleep with my targets.” You kissed him again, winking as you undid his belt, dragging him back to your lips with his belt loops; this time he bit your lip gently, making you groan against his kiss. Elias picked you up, undoing your pants and bra clasp, pushing you down onto the bed he nipped down your jawline and neck. You pulled him back, reciprocating Elias’ trail of kisses, whispering prayers into his skin in nearly every language you knew. He slid your pants down your legs with a sigh, and he shook under your touch. You were too much for him already, but you weren’t about to show Elias mercy. You smirked wickedly, claiming his lips with your own once more. This man was about to be all yours… *** All of you were clearly sworn to silence. Elias was the more dazed of the three of you (Ty seemed none the wiser), and Joel kept throwing you dirty and disgusted looks. You couldn’t care less. You’d done your job, you were entitled to a little fun every once in a while, your assistant didn’t have to be a killjoy. Overall though, you were disappointed in yourself, somewhere along the way – probably when you were dealing with everyone who was actually occupying the panic room – you’d lost your most important possession. You weren’t about to admit that out loud, but you hadn’t been able to find it as you had made your way back downstairs. You vowed you’d get it back, but you’d rather go back with Joel and do a real sweep without the other two around. There was too much going on here – and it was obvious Joel wanted out and away from here as soon as possible. That was fine with you. You dropped Elias and Ty back at the bar, and you were wondering if this time it might really be it. Were you both satisfied now? It scared you that you might not be sure of the answer to that. Joel went to deliver the news and package, and Ty wasn’t one to kick around, leaving you and Elias outside. “Well, now you can get back to that girlfriend of yours.” “Is that really any way to say goodbye?” “I don’t want to get emotionally involved here.” Though your eyes strayed from his face a little too much for Elias to want to believe that. “Does that make everything easier for you?” “Yeah.” You folded your arms, no point in skirting around that. Elias for once looked like he was seeing right through you, “Except there’s one thing that makes you show your cards.” “What?” You narrowed your eyes at him, how dare he stand here acting like he had you all figured out. Elias rummaged in his jacket, and you nearly gasped as he presented you with your mentor’s pistol. “He must have been one hell of a guy.” “He… was.” You took it from him delicately, “You found it.” “It’s important. Right?” “…Thank you.” And there was emotion behind that, you both knew it. “You’re welcome.” Although his hand took yours, thumb running over that tattoo on your wrist, and down to your fingers, Elias was so close to entwining them. He thought better of it, instead twisting the ring so that ‘Veritas’ very clearly faced him – you just about admit to yourself you were disappointed. “My offer is still on the table, you know?” You gave a small smile, “If you ever want to be useful, you have my number.” He chuckled, “Well. I’ll… think on it.” Then added, with a smile, “That’s the truth.” “Don’t think.” You took a step back as Joel called you, walking briskly back to the car. Yes, he certainly wanted out. “I told you, the only thing worth it, is the doing!” ** Amazingly Joel did not go ballistic at you – you thought he was just glad to be out. On top of that he knew you’d seen the looks he was shooting you, and you supposed he thought that said it all. To be honest it probably did, and you would both vow silently to never talk about this again. You pulled your pistol apart to check it, as you always did and, satisfied, you pulled your mentor’s apart too. Pausing as you checked the magazine, sitting in the top was a rolled-up piece of paper. You smiled to yourself, only guessing what it said. You pieced the pistol back together and unravelled it. He’d watched you do this on the journey, so Elias could be certain that you’d check your gun pretty soon after he’d returned it. Spera - Trust. ‘Someone is a show off’. You almost laughed as you read the number before rolling it up again and pocketing it. Truth and Trust seemed almost ironic. And yet also seemed to be completely fitting. You made sure to be safely home, to ensure that Joel wasn’t physically ill. And also to wait a few days, to keep Elias hanging. Which he was, because that man wasn’t like you. You could wait on him to call like it was no big deal – but he would be checking that mobile of his every ten minutes at the very least. Predictably he picked up on the second ring: “Y/N?” “Hey, babe.” You would be directly flirty, you’d tell Elias what he wanted to hear, “I see my number must be saved in that phone of yours, you just never pressed the call button. See, even a busy girl like me can action something.” “I… I’m just glad you did.” You left a significant pause, enough to make him uncomfortable, “Are you asking me to trust you?” “The truth is important to you, isn’t it? Don’t you trust me?” Your voice became quiet, all too aware of the vulnerability of admittance: “I do. It scares me that I do.” You sighed, “But that hardly matters. I told you I like action. So, if I don’t want you to call me unless it’s for you to be useful, I figured that my calling you was only ever about offering you the opportunity to be so…” “How?” Elias’ voice was eager, you could almost see his nails digging into the bar, the tension running through him, a slight dark tint to those blue eyes of his. “You ever been to Boston?” “…No?” “Well, if you get yourself on a flight over… I can give you an address.” “You live in Boston?” “You asked me to trust you.” “I did.” There was relief and understanding in that sentence. “When?” “Whenever you want, babe. I’ll let you know if I get called anywhere though, wouldn’t want you to waste a trip.” “Considerate of you.” “Well, like for like.” You smiled, “Just one more small favour, Elias. An… assurance. Perhaps an insurance policy. Before you do come all the way out to me.” “What’s that?” Really what he was saying was anything. I’ll do anything. “I told you that my mentor died because he fell in love with a target…” “You did.” Then he quickly added, “I won’t… tell anyone!” You shook your head, Elias was jumping ahead of himself. As were you. But you weren’t sure where this was going, and yet you had to be certain. It wasn’t that you thought you were about to fall in love. You might, it wasn’t beyond you. It was that if you were asked to kill him… you weren’t your mentor. You weren’t scared that you’d be unable to pull the trigger, you were scared of the knowledge that you could. “Yes, well. Just don’t do anything to piss anyone off, okay?”

---

Thank you for reading! 😁💙

#Elias #Ben Mendelsohn #Trespass #Linzi Writes #Elias x Reader #Smol Bean Drabbles #So I felt like his backstory kinda went with hers and I like that solidarity #I really like the way they talk to each other #like this understanding... a very specific kind of energy #I feel like every scene in this fic either hits just right or is a pretty bad miss but... it's going like this #Once again I stole some of this from Runaway Train but why not she's the same reader character #Carla #189 #Joel - the assistant #Joel / Yoel and all variations is a long standing side character OC of mine #and I LOOOOOOVE him #Jerod for example from the /I Think He Knows/ series is a Joel...#Yoel from Maliyah's series is a Joel #But Carla's assistant is the Original(TM) Joel

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dianapana · 4 years

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SasuHina Month 2020- Day 3

Prompt I’d Choose You Again and Again

Mirror, Mirros -Part 3

The nightmares didn’t stop. She’d wake up in a cold sweat turn on the lights and look at the mirror, with dark rubies instead of red, that was broken, the only thing that differed was the image, once it would be of her lover from the dream; than of a little girl than a little boy and the cycle would start anew. The strangest things about the whole thing was that instead of waking up scared, her heart would indeed pound, but she woke up feeling a sadness so deep she could barely breath. The events of the dreams differ from time to time the only thing they have in common is that they all start out nice and end up with her in the closet with her the ghost of her lover.

Apart from the dreams nothing else was weird, Hinata’s life went on as normal. Go to work, go see her family or friends if she has the time and return home. Soon enough the holiday would end and Uni would start again and she’d have to reduce her hours at the diner; so Hinata was working as many hours as she could at that moment, especially having taken a week off to go see Neji.

The good thing about the diner was that the owner, Teuchi, the cook Ayane were very nice people. The other waitresses were also nice but Hinata didn’t interact as much with them. She loved the diner mainly because of its vintage style with the checked floor, the red stools and red booths. The uniform was anything they wanted to wear as long as it was a white top and black bottoms. Their nametag was brooch like and could be pinned to any top.

Teuchi had called her around noon the day before asking if she could cover a double shift, because one of the girls called in sick all of a sudden, to which Hinata agreed. She decided to wear a white T-shirt tucked in a skater skirt and a pair of black flats. She did own clothing items that were not vintage but she preferred to throw in something quite old into the mix; that day she chose to wear a red headband; the story behind that particular item was that it was an actual headband wore by a pinup model in the 50s. She took her jean jacket with her because despite being summer still, the nights were starting to get colder, autumn was making its presence known.

The day went on without any trouble, being summer, the diner was quite busy but that wasn’t all that bad; it kept Hinata occupied from thinking about the nightmares she’d been having. Around the middle of her second shift Hinata started feeling tired and her feet were killing her from walking back and forth the whole day. Thankfully dinner hour had just about ended and there were only a few more people around, most of them teens or young adults that only stopped by to eat something before going to a party. The other waitress had left about 40 minutes before.

All tables were set for the moment so Hinata could take a break herself and eat something. Ayane made her favorite veggie burger with sweet potato fries. The music was soft and mellow so people could talk, the lights weren’t blinding and everything about the diner just made Hinata feel at home. She had loved it from the moment she stepped inside it a few years ago looking for a job that she could handle while she was still in high school at the time. Hinata was just taking her plate back to the kitchen when the doorbell rang signaling new customers.

“I swear you’re going to love this place” Said a cheerful voice. Hinata recognized the voice and smiled to herself. Naruto was one of their most common customers. He’d pass by at least once a day and almost always ordered the very same thing. The diner served traditional Japanese fast food but also “normal” diner menu. Hinata took out her notepad to write down Naruto’s order despite knowing by heart exactly what he wanted.

Naruto noticed her walking their way and smiled at her and she smiled right back, he had that effect on people, his positivity was just contagious.

“Hey Naruto. We were getting worried since you haven’t been by in a few days” Hinata said, it was mostly a joke but she did notice his absence in the past 2-3 days.

“Yea sorry about that. I had to help Teme move in so there was no time to swing by” The blonde answered and nodded towards his friend. Hinata’s eyes moved to the guy standing on the other side of the booth.

The moment their eyes met she got goosebumps. She didn’t have time to analyze what was happening because Naruto started talking again.

“We’ll have two of my normal order” He said to her. “It’s the best thing here you have to try that first” he said to his friend.

As in a daze Hinata walked back to the kitchen and told Ayane the order. “Nobody new came I’m taking a 5-minute break ok?” Hinata said and hurried to the back door.

Her hands were trembling and her heart was beating much faster than it would normal. Naruto’s friend, he was the man from her dreams. The one holding her close and whispering her name. He was the man to hold out his hand and watch her kill herself in the dream. She had read somewhere that every face you see in your dreams is a person you’ve seen somewhere, on the street, on tv, in pictures. Your brain can not come up on its own with new faces. She must have seen him somewhere before today.

‘But Naruto had said he just moved here’

‘No, he said he moved. Maybe he moved from an apartment to the other, from living with his family or a roommate to living on his own. People move around in the same town all the time’

‘Right. I’m sure that’s what he meant. That means I saw him before. No biggie’

‘Yes, yes that makes sense’

There was no other explanation. Finishing up the dialogue with herself, having calmed down a little and approving of the reasoning she reached, Hinata went back inside.

The boys’ food wasn’t done yet but one of the tables wished to get the check and leave. After putting the money in the cashier Hinata went back to the kitchen and took the two-ramen bowls to the table. She was trying her best not to look at Naruto’s friend. Despite knowing that the dream was just a coincidence she still felt weird looking at him. Her brain picked his face to illustrate her lover and that was awkward.

“The diner is pretty dead at the time. Why don’t you sit down Hina?” Naruto said and slid to the side to make room for her. Naruto was right the diner was quite empty; besides them there were only 2 other tables occupied and they were both still eating. Hinata wanted to refuse but wasn’t sure how so she took the easier route and said ‘sure’.

“Hinata this is my friend Sasuke. He just transferred here from Kiri.” Naruto introduced the two and Hinata’s panic came back full mode. She had been mistaken. He moved from another town, she hadn’t seen him before, and to top it all his name was Sasuke.

“Nice to meet you. If you don’t mind me asking what’s your family name?” Her voice was oddly calm compared to the storm that was happening in her brain.

‘It’s just a name coincidence I’m sure’

‘He’s not the Sasuke from the mirror. That’s impossible’

“Uchiha” He said and looked at her in a funny way. In 5 seconds Sasuke did so much damage. He had the same name as the one written on the back of the mirror, her nightmares started after buying said mirror, this guy that shared the name from the mirror was a recurring character in her dream, and his voice matched as well, it sounded just as it did when he talked her; when he said she was beautiful in her dreams.

“Nice to meet you” Hinata said her voice was a bit breathless but neither of the guys seemed to notice. What the man said to her when she bought the mirror came back to her ‘The Uchiha curse shall not die miss, make sure you don’t either’ was it really a curse? Too many things were happening for it to be pure coincidence. She was scared.

The following 15 seconds were spent it silence, the boys were eating and Hinata was looking at her own hands. They were clasped tightly on her lap so they’d stop shaking. Thankfully one of the men from the other table signed her to go to their table. Hinata left the booth like it was on fire. Scenes from her nightmare were playing in front of her eyes. The diner was in flames and Sasuke was calling for her, asking for help.

“We’d like the check please” the man that signed for her said.

“Of course” she was working the register when Ayane came out from the kitchen.

“I’m going to turn the sign around so no more people come. Teuchi-san said we can close up earlier today since it’s this slow” Ayane said and she walked back to the register looking at the two tables that were both almost done. “You can go get your things and go home I’ll close up after everyone leaves.”

“Thank you, Ayane-san” Hinata went to the back where her jacket and bag were. She washed her hands in the bathroom before putting on her jacket and going back inside. Ayane was just ringing up the last table. Naruto and his friend had left thankfully. She wasn’t sure what she should do about the mirror, the nightmares, Sasuke. Hinata was still in deep thought when she stepped out of the diner.

“Oh, is your shift over Hina?” Naruto asked scaring her. The boys were just outside in the parking lot next to a beautiful black Impala. Sasuke was smoking not really looking at her. At least that’s what she thought, from the corner of his eye Sasuke had been following her around from the moment his eyes laid on her.

“Yes, I was just going home.” She answered it was a bit rude not to ask what they were up to but she wanted the conversation to end as soon as possible. Normally she’d stay and chit-chat with Naruto for a while, but for obvious reasons that option did not feel safe.

“Sasuke’s almost done with that cig and we can give you a drive home. It’s late and quite cold” The blonde offered.

“Oh, that’s not necessary…”

“We’re going to your neighborhood anyway, Kiba invited us over to his house to play some video games and chill.” Naruto smiled at her. “So, it’s no problem at all. I’d feel much worse if we left you here.”

Her mind was working twice as fast trying to come up with a reason why she should walk home alone. But the blonde didn’t wait for her reply and pretty much dragged her to the car and opened the door for her to get in. Which she did. She never minded Naruto’s pushiness before, but in that moment she felt irritated by it.

Sasuke slid in the driver’s seat and Naruto in the shotgun seat. The drive wouldn’t be more than 10-15 minutes but the silence was deafening.

“I heard you went to USA to see Neji a week ago, how was that?” Naruto was good like that, he always tried to keep the conversation going.

“Yea I did, it was great I missed him a lot.” Naruto talked for most of the drive.

“I don’t really know where you live Hina, I just know the neighborhood so you gotta give Teme some directions from here on”

“Actually, it’s fine if you drop me off here or at Kiba’s I can walk from there” She wasn’t very keen on Sasuke knowing where she lived.

“Oooooor you can come hang out with us if you want, at Kiba’s I mean. He’ll be so pumped to see you.” The Uzumaki stated.

She knew Kiba would like to see her, they’ve talked a few days ago about meeting up but nothing really worked for both of them. She did miss Kiba…

‘Are you nuts? You can’t go. Sasuke will be there…’

‘It’s either that or I tell him my address what if he kills me in my sleep?’

‘O, shoot we went from creepy coincidence to murderer this fast?’

‘I don’t know! But I doubt he’ll try anything with Naruto and Kiba around…right?’

“Yea ok, I’ll join you guys for a while…”

“Great! Don’t text Kiba though I wanna see his face when he sees you.” Naruto said laughing “It’s adorable Sasuke I swear, he turns into a puppy dog whenever Hina is around”

They reached Kiba��s house and all three walked towards the door, Naruto stopped abruptly which made Sasuke stop and Hinata walked into him. Three things happened then at the same time.

1. Hinata saw the Uchiha symbol on the back of Sasuke’s shirt.

2. Hinata touched his arm and took a step back to balance herself, so she wouldn’t fall over

3. Memories of her past life came back to her. All the nightmares made sense, she knew what the mirror meant, who Sasuke was. And the fear she felt just moments before; that fear turned to comfort.

Hinata took another step back, and another. She was overwhelmed by emotions. Utter sadness for the pain she experienced before, joy because she found the love of her life once again, she would find him in every lifetime time and time again. She also felt love, A feeling that Hinata had not experienced in that current life was now flowing inside her and it wanted to break free. Her eyes were watering up and all she wanted to do was hug Sasuke and make sure he is indeed real, but she couldn’t.

Part 1 (Day 1.2)

Part 2 (Day 2)

Part 4 (Day 8)

#shmonth2020 #SH2020 #sasuhina month #sasuhina month 2020 #sasuke #hinata #sasuke uchiha #hinata hyuuga #dia-story #diawrites #fanfic #sasuhina fanfic #naruto #writers on tumblr #mirror mirror

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stayextrafrosty · 4 years

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I am Your Future, I am Your Past: Chapter 9

A Roswell New Mexico Soulmate AU

Warnings: General violence and Alex being a badass. Also feels

A/N: Yea so it's been like two months and I'm so sorry about that. Everything just got in the way. I'm still super busy but I had some time to finish this up when I was on a plane yesterday. You've been on that cliffhanger for so long... forgive me. I really hope you enjoy this!

Read on AO3 // Chapter 1

What exactly was he doing? Michael had no idea. But Alex was there. He had come to him. He came to him when he thought he was in danger. He was worried. Everything in his body screamed to close the distance between them. Pull him into the trailer and never let him leave again.

Take all their broken pieces and put them back together as one.

The fire flickered in the reflection in his eyes. They darted back and forth over his face, occasionally lingering. Michael pressed his forehead against his, waiting for rejection. Or acceptance.

Alex’s breathing was erratic, like he didn’t know what was coming next. Michael felt him move, his hands holding onto his arms. He felt himself smile, inching closer to him.

“I kissed Forrest,” he rushed out.

Michael froze. The fire snapped. Or maybe that was his heart. He had pushed him too far, and now he was with someone else. There was no one else to blame but himself.

He pulled himself away from him slowly, letting his hands fall to his sides. He watched Alex, wide eyed and lost. His mouth opened but nothing came out. Michael turned away from him. The longer he watched him, the closer he felt to crying.

“I just… You pushed me away,” he said quietly.

He may as well have dug a knife into his chest. Reminder after reminder that anything Alex had done to move on from him was his fault. He had fought so hard to push him away. Now he has to fight twice as hard to get him back.

“You’re right. It’s not my place to expect anything from you,” he said stiffly, clenching his fists. He felt Alex’s fingers wrap around his arm.

“You just broke up with Maria. She didn’t tell me what happened. And I have a good thing going with Forrest. We’re not right, Guerin.” Michael laughed humorlessly and turned his head back toward him.

“We’re right. Just not right now.” He tugged his arm free from Alex’s hold gently. He took a few steps toward his trailer before stopping. “Alex?” he paused, “Call me Michael. I’m done with the walls.” He headed towards the trailer without another word.

He made it to the door, pulling it open slightly before it was slammed in his face. He spun to face Alex, who was glaring at him, though not convincingly. Michael searched his face for other emotions but he only looked conflicted.

“We aren’t good for each other… Michael.”

Alex grabbed his face, crushing his mouth to his. Michael stumbled back against the side of the trailer; the metal was still warm from the day in the sun. He grabbed at his waist, trying to pull him closer. Alex slipped one of his legs between Michael’s. He groaned and shoved his hands under the t-shirt.

Alex let his hands wander, tangling in his hair. Michael ran the tip of his tongue over his lip, wanting to taste him. Needing to taste him.

Their tongues met for the shortest moment and they both sighed in response. Alex was just as sweet as he used to be. A hint of alcohol tried and failed to cover the taste of him. Michael could never place it. But it was his favorite taste.

Michael squeezed his waist, making him roll his hips, forcing him completely back against the trailer. He moaned softly, giving Alex an opening he took full advantage off. He swept his tongue over his, teasing.

He pulled back slightly, breathing hard. He chased, pressing a few pecks to his lips. He returned each one with a chase of his own.

“You still smell like rain,” he mumbled against his lips. Michael chuckled and kissed him again. He pushed back against him and flipped them so Alex was the one against the trailer. He pressed his forehead against his, then glanced at the door.

I would be so easy to pull him inside. Trap him in this slice of happiness. Putting off the heartbreak until tomorrow morning.

“Michael,” he pleaded. Their hips pressed together and he could feel the growing need in his jeans. His own probably wasn’t much better.

The last time he heard that voice from Alex, he had run away. Shut him down. He didn’t want to do it again. But…

“Alex… I can’t do it like this,” he said, voice low with need. He pulled away, watching his eyebrows draw together in confusion. “Don’t get me wrong, I want you. I want you so much it’s killing me.” Alex looked away.

“Then why are you stopping,” he asked quietly? He thought for a moment.

When this ended, Alex was going to leave. He was going to try to move on with someone else. Michael had done this move what felt like a thousand times. It’s his ‘one last time.’ He was giving himself one last time to get him out of his system.

“Because I want all of you. I will not give you the satisfaction of walking away. I want you to come back to me. Because when you do, it’ll finally be right.”

Alex’s eyes snapped toward him but they didn’t linger for very long. He could feel his confusion. His desire. But also fear. He was still turned away from him, eyes focusing on something intently. He knew that face. He was trying not to cry.

Michael leaned forward, pressing a soft kiss to the spot just below his ear. Alex sucked in a breath. He lingered for a moment but then released him completely.

Walking away from him- again- felt like he was ripping his heart out. Alex would feel that. But as the door closed between them, he couldn’t help but pray he didn’t just make a huge mistake.

Michael didn’t sleep. At least not well. Alex had left shortly after he went inside. He texted him, asking if he made it home. He got a clipped, ‘yes’ in response. He tried to ignore all the emotions that were circling in his head, unable pick out which ones belonged to Alex.

He stared at the ceiling of his trailer, noticing the sun starting to peak through the blinds. Tessa had been in awe of the sun yesterday. He didn’t really know what to make of her. She acted younger than them at times but if what she said was true, she’s thousands of years old.

He grabbed his phone off the counter to check the time. Groaning at the numbers he saw. A little past six. What time was she planning to show up again? Did she even say? Were he and Alex just supposed to hang out until she decided to make herself known?

Michael let his eyes drift closed, hoping for some kind of rest.

Banging on his door yanked him from a dream he was quickly forgetting. It felt like he had blinked. Like he hadn’t slept at all. He stumbled out of bed, not bothering with a shirt and unlocked the door.

“The attackers are getting out on bail,” was the first thing out of Max’s mouth when the door swung open. Michael blinked, blinded by the bright desert sand.

“What time is it,” he grumbled?

“Almost noon.”

“Right. Got any good news for me this early in the day?”

He pushed past Max, running a hand over his face. What was he supposed to do? It’s not like he could just kidnap Alex to make sure he stays safe. Even if that was exactly what he wanted to do. Max shook his head.

“Isabel told me what happened yesterday. Told me that some girl showed up offering all the answers to our problems.”

“The key word there is ‘offering.’ I don’t know if we can trust her. She’s an angel of death.” She used the word Nephilim but what’s the difference?

“And what does Alex think?” Michael dug his nails into his palms. He hadn’t exactly asked. Other conversations had happened first. Max let out a small laugh, taking his silence as an answer. “Communication is key, Michael.”

“Oh please, like you and Liz talk about everything all the time.” He ignored the jab and continued lecturing. Michael turned away to move the chairs from last night.

“The point is you can’t just cut him out of decisions. He knows her, right? I guarantee he wants to trust her. What about Forrest? He’s been asking questions.” Michael’s eye twitched at the name. Alex wasn’t going to talk about Forrest with him. Not at any length.

“Then tell him to mind his own. Alex and I don’t talk about him,” he said, trying to keep the bite out of his voice. He heard Max scoff.

“Don’t let your jealousy get in the way of making rational decisions.” He barked out a laugh. This was rich coming from him.

“How long did you pine after Liz when she was with Valenti? I seem to recall more than one fist fight. And you’re lecturing me about being rational?” He turned back toward him; a disbelieving smile worked its way onto his face. Max pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Damnit I’m trying to help you, Michael! I’m just saying to watch your back and Alex’s. Don’t go running off to do something stupid,” Max huffed and stormed back to his car. Michael watched as he left.

He ran a hand over his face. It was way too early for him to be considering going to the bar but here he was.

It wasn’t an option. He would bet any amount of money that it was Jesse Manes that bailed them out. He had half a mind to just go over there and kill him right now. But that was a right reserved for Alex. He had decided that a long time ago.

Michael grumbled to himself. Maybe he was jealous. But what did it matter? Forrest and Alex just met and he was already prying into his life? Everyone at the bar said he was a good guy but he kept secrets. Not that Michael didn’t but it was just too convenient.

He moved back to the trailer, resting the chairs he was holding against the metal. He heard his phone buzz on the counter as he stepped back inside. Three missed calls from Alex. No voicemails.

He went to call him back but the phone started buzzing again, Alex’s name filling the screen. He couldn’t stop the grin that settled on his face.

“I would have called back if you gave me a chance,” he said as he answered.

“Cut the crap. Where’s Alex?” Michael didn’t register the question at first. Was that Forrest? Why did he have Alex’s phone?

“What are you talking about?”

“Alex. Where. Is. He?” Michael couldn’t respond. Alex had texted him last night. Right? He lifted a hand to his chest. He hadn’t felt anything that would say he’s in danger.

“Why would I know that?” His voice was calm but his mind was racing. He grabbed a shirt and jeans from the floor that might have been clean.

“There’s blood and you’re the last person he messaged.” His eyebrows drew together. If Alex were hurt, he’d know it. Either someone else was hurt or this was a setup for someone who didn’t know about the curse.

“Look. I’ll find him,” he said, pulling the shirt over his head. “Stay at his house in case he comes back.”

“No way. I’m getting the military involved. They have to find one of their own and probably have a better chance than you do.” Michael had to stop himself from laughing.

“You don’t know anything about it. If you call the military, we’ll never see him again.” His father was certainly looking for him. If they hadn’t already gotten to him.

Forrest laughed on the other end of the phone. He could hear papers rustling, as though he was looking for something. Michael grabbed his keys and rushed out of the trailer toward his truck.

“Look. I care about him. If you don’t let me go with you when you look then I will get the military involved.” He jerked the door open, gipping his phone. What choice did he have? He had his suspicions but nothing could be proved.

“Fine. I’ll meet you there.”

Alex groaned. He couldn’t remember what happened after he had responded to Michael. He had thought about calling Forrest but decided against it in favor of being alone with his thoughts about the cowboy. Besides, he was never really one to make a booty call.

He pried his eyes open. He wasn’t uncomfortable, just the opposite. There was no pressure on his leg. Someone had gone through the effort of removing his prosthetic and placing him in bed. But where was this?

He shot up from the mattress and regretted it instantly. The room spun.

“What the hell,” he muttered as he grabbed his head. He felt for bumps on his head and looked over his body. Then he realized it would be pointless. Any injury would have transferred to Michael.

The room slowly stopped making him nauseous. There were no windows. Just a bed that was far too nice for someone who was kidnapped. Was that even what this was. Not even the military treated hostages this well.

He swung his leg over the side of the bed and pushed himself up slowly. His balance was alright but he’d be lying if he said it wasn’t a pain in the ass to hop around on one leg. He didn’t expect the door would be open. But he tried anyway.

He jiggled the handle and of course it didn’t budge. If he had his crutch, he might be able to force it open but whoever brought him here was smart. He moved his ear against the door. He thought he heard talking but it was quiet. And no one he recognized.

A loud beep startled him, pulling his attention to the ceiling. What he thought was a vent was a speaker. He glared at it as though whoever was on the other side could see him.

“I’m sorry for the sudden relocation. But I couldn’t have you getting hurt and tipping off Michael.” A chill ran down his spine. Was that… Flint? “I have my orders. But you’re still my brother. I won’t let him get to you.”

“Flint! Who are you talking about?” No response. He cursed and grabbed for the door again. Why was his brother apart of this?

If he could just get enough momentum, he could break the door. Though only having one leg made that hard. He heard the lock on the door click open. His eyes widened as he tried to stumble back though only succeeded in falling down. He hated this.

“We have direct orders not to hurt you, but if you keep trying to get out, we will sedate you,” an armed guard said as he pushed the door open. Alex didn’t recognize him.

“You can’t seriously think this is the right way to treat a Captain,” he scolded. Trying to appeal to a sense of authority was a long shot. They were probably getting orders from someone much higher than him.

“I’m sorry sir, but it’s for your protection.” Bullshit.

“Who’s giving the orders? Flint?” He tried to push himself off the ground.

“It’s classified sir… Do you need help?” He hated the question. But he knew an opportunity when he saw one. He planted his one foot and reached out a hand.

“If you don’t mind,” he said, hoping he’d take the bait. The soldier reached down to grab his hand, pulling him up. Once Alex had his footing, he twisted the soldier’s arm, forcing him to spin.

He wrapped his other arm around his neck. The soldier grunted and pushed backwards. Alex stumbled but held on. If he went down, this guy was going with him. The soldier tried slamming him back against the wall. He flinched.

I’m sorry Michael.

He needed to get out of here. But this soldier would hurt him if he tried. Alex felt himself flipping over. His back slammed to the ground, knocking the wind out of him.

The soldier called for backup but Alex recovered quickly. He spun on the floor and kicked at the soldiers’ knee. He went down and Alex tried to ignore the snap he thought he heard. He scrambled to climb over him and out the door.

He made it out the door but the guy grabbed his leg. Alex jerked his leg from his hold, crawling toward the stairs. He wasn’t staying here any longer. This was obviously a residential house. Was too nice to be a military facility.

The door at the top of the stairs was pulled open. The pounding of boots thundered down the stairs. The other soldiers grabbed him immediately. He flailed as much as he could but punching bullet proof armor hurt.

“We’re not going to hurt you, please stop struggling!” Alex managed to pull one of his arms free but it was immediately grabbed and pinned behind his back.

“Bullshit! You’re stupid if you think no one will notice I’m gone.”

“We’ve thought of that. There’s an adequate distraction that should keep anyone away until we can move you to a different location.”

He pulled a syringe out of a pocket. Alex struggled until everything went black.

Michael hated this. Hate wasn’t even a strong enough word. Forrest had all but accused him of being the one who took Alex and hid him away. Whatever his problem was, Michael was struggling to hold himself back from punching him.

“I asked you where we’re going? Why is that such a hard question to answer?” Forrest sat in the seat next to him.

“And I told you that if you wanted to help, you’d have to trust me,” he snapped back.

When he had shown up at Alex’s house, Forrest had pulled a gun on him. He claimed it was because he thought someone was coming back to clear up evidence. He had looked around for the blood he claimed he found.

There was a splatter near the door. He had checked to make sure it wasn’t paint. It was blood but not Alex’s.

He pulled off the road toward the barn where the first operation had taken place. He gripped the steering wheel as Forrest tapped his fingers on the door.

“Would you knock it off? You act like I’m taking you somewhere to kill you,” he joked dryly. Forrest shot a glare at him but stopped the tapping.

“For all I know you are.” Michael’s grip on the steering wheel tightened. There it was again. What had happened since the last time they had seen each other? At least then he was pleasant to be around. Even if he was too touchy with Alex.

Not that Alex seems to mind.

He cursed his own thoughts. He couldn’t be getting jealous now.

“If there’s something you wanna accuse me of, just say it,” he snapped. Forrest didn’t take the bait. They rolled up to the abandoned barn. Michael was out of the car first, jogging toward the doors.

Before he had the chance to push them open, he was jerked back by Forrest. He shook his head, starting to laugh before turning towards him fully. So they were really going to do this right now?

“You can’t just go storming in there! They could kill him!” Forrest glared at him.

“He won’t get hurt. Not while I’m around,” he said, turning back toward the doors.

“What you think you’re some destined protector? How full of yourself can you be,” he snapped? Oh, if only he knew… if only he…

“Actually yea. That’s exactly what I am,” he snapped back, spinning to face him. He wasn’t thinking about the words coming out of his mouth. He just needed him to understand what Alex meant to him. How he wouldn’t let anything hurt him.

“Not that you would know anything about it but, Alex and I have history. Literally. Thousands of years of it! But maybe you would know. What exactly did you learn from all your snooping to make you so suspicious of me?” Michael stepped into his personal space. This guy was holding something against him and he needed to know what.

Forrest shoved him back. He didn’t stumble but he made note that it wouldn’t be a great idea to try and fight him hand to hand.

“I know you’ve got a bad habit of getting drunk and starting bar fights. I know you can’t hold a steady job. I know you start relationships then cheat. Alex deserves better than that. He deserves better than mixed signals and old flames that couldn’t fight for him.”

Michael clenched his fists. Technically he never dated between Alex and Maria. The people who said otherwise just assumed. And where was he getting the information anyway? It was off.

“First of all. I haven’t started a drunk bar fight in at least a year. Second,” he took a step toward him again. “I’ve been working at Sanders Auto for years. And third… If you want to lump me in with the stereotype that bisexual people are more likely to cheat? That’s your fucked-up opinion.”

Forrest seemed to recoil. He blinked a few times thinking through whatever information he had.

“I will agree with you that Alex deserves better than me. But by this conversation, he also deserves better than you.” He turned away and shoved the barn doors open.

Alex wasn’t here. He knew it before even getting out of the car. The mark pulled him in a direction. He needed to stop here first. Get this discussion out of the way. He knew it was coming when Forrest had pulled a gun on him.

They looked around in silence. Scuffs and stains from a week ago were still here. Bullet holes littered the walls. Michael lifted a hand to the mark. Something wasn’t…

Pain shot down his spine and spread to his whole back. He collapsed, grunting. He grinded his teeth together. It felt like someone had body slammed him. Forrest rushed up to him.

“Michael! What’s going on?” The concern was genuine. At least there was that.

He cursed under his breath. It was Alex. It had to be. A new pain spread on his right hand, though not as intense. He could feel the bruise forming on his back. Wherever he was, he was fighting. He couldn’t stop the small grin.

“This is hardly the time to be laughing. What happened?” He had almost forgotten Forrest was there. He sighed and stood slowly.

“Nothing. I’m fine,” he said. It hurt but he could ignore it.

“The last time I checked, people don’t just collapse for no reason.”

“Alex is fighting. So we don’t have time to be talking about me,” he said, moving back towards the doors. The ache was persistent but he could ignore it. The only thing that mattered was finding Alex.

He could hear Forrest jogging after him. The mark on his chest pulled him in a direction. All he had to do was follow it. They jumped into his truck. The radio hadn’t been on before but now it made all sorts of static sounds, flipping between channels. Michael groaned. Was it finally time to rip the thing out?

Drive… faster…

“What’s wrong with your radio,” Forrest asked as they pulled back onto the road?

“Don’t know. Just turn it down and ignore it.” Ignore it he said. And yet it made sense. He wanted to push this old thing as far as he could. It had happened the previous day too.

He pressed the gas, forcing the car well above the speed limit. He hopped he could use Forrest to get out of any tickets if he got pulled over. Forrest asked where they were going.

“Just got a feeling,” he mumbled out, not thinking.

“You’re looking for Alex based on a feeling?” He laughed in disbelief, shaking his head. “You’re crazy.”

“And yet you’re here. Can’t be that crazy,” he pointed out. Forrest didn’t say much else.

The road of course didn’t lead straight to Alex. They turned around multiple times. Turning onto roads Michael had never been on. If the car broke down here, they’d be screwed. Forrest had pointed out that they lost cell service a while ago.

He was close. But Michael couldn’t see anything. It’s like they were driving in circles. Actually that’s exactly what they were doing. Michael turned right on every road they came to. There was nothing but cactus and rocks.

“Hey. Why don’t we stop and walk?”

“Now who sounds crazy? It’s the middle of the afternoon in the dessert. We will literally die.”

“You asked me to trust you. How about you trust me?” He gripped the steering wheel. Michael couldn’t exactly argue. The bruise on his hand and back weren’t hurting any less.

He pulled to the dirt on the side of the road and looked around. There was still nothing except some boulders they had passed twice now. Being able to see the waves of heat over the sand didn’t inspire confidence.

If he was sweating, it evaporated before he felt it. He walked next to Forrest who seemed to know exactly where he was going. Something felt off. He was too confident.

“What exactly is your plan here,” he questioned, mouth already dry.

“If I’m not mistaken, there’s old mines under this valley. There has to be a way down.”

“And if you are mistaken?”

“Did you want to keep driving in circles until the truck ran out of gas?” Michael shot a glare in his direction. He didn’t answer the question.

The boulder he had seen got closer and Michael realized it was bigger than he originally thought. The old turquoise mines were closer to Roswell and in the opposite direction. Caves had been carved into the boulders for an entrance. What was Forrest talking about?

They stepped around the boulder and sure enough there was a hole carved into the rock and a staircase down. The feeling in Michael’s chest pulled him forward. He tried to let Forrest lead the way but all he wanted was to sprint ahead.

Suddenly the ground shook, forcing them to blindly grab for the wall. An earthquake? No, this was familiar to Michael. He pulled himself up and sprinted as much as he could, leaving Forrest behind as he called after him.

The yelling was distant. If the bed hadn’t been shaking so much Alex might have slept through it. Although his arm wasn’t in the most comfortable position. He tried to move it down to his side like he usually slept but the cold metal against his wrist stopped him.

He pried his eyes open to look up at the handcuffs that held him to the bed. He tugged half-heartedly, knowing he couldn’t fight too hard without hurting Michael. He cursed the curse. Everything was about Michael. All he could do was wait for openings that may or may not come.

The shouting got louder and the room still shook. Guns were being fired. He stood slowly, not that he could go anywhere. He could feel the pull in his chest. Michael was close.

Another crack jolted the room. For a moment he was back overseas, holding onto an injured soldier. Taking cover from the ambush. He shook his head.

“Manes!” The door was flung open, door frame splintering from the force. The yelling escalated; shots could be heard but nothing seemed to hit her.

“Tessa!” She shook her head and gave a small smile.

“Getting real tired of saving your ass. Michael’s on his way, so let’s go.” His heart flipped. She moved toward him and broke the cuffs.

“Stop! I will shoot if you don’t get away from him!” Alex watched as Tessa huffed and rolled her eyes.

“Stay behind me,” she mumbled to him before turning around. He looked past her to the soldier that had probably just signed his death sentence. But if she was still the person he knew overseas, she was merciful. Come to think of it, she probably knew exactly who was dangerous and who wasn’t.

“Look, I know you’re just doing your job and everything so let me tell you that I’m just doing mine. I don’t want to hurt you, but I’m walking out of here with him regardless.” She sounded almost bored. He didn’t flinch.

“One more chance to step away from him,” the soldier threatened. Tessa just shook her head.

Alex heard the gun fire but there was no explosion of material. No rush of warmth from a bullet hole. No screaming. Everything slowed. Feeling like he was floating in Jell-o, he looked around. Tessa moved toward the soldier, grabbing the bullet out of the air. She quickly took his gun and emptied the bullets onto the floor.

Full speed, the soldier stumbled, confusion covered his face. His gun on the ground, empty. No evidence of having shat it at all. Then he noticed Tessa. She shoved him back with superhuman strength. He collapsed unconscious against the opposite wall.

She turned to face him and grinned sheepishly. Alex could help but chuckle. She did warn him. Tessa reached a hand toward him. He took it and she pulled him off the bed, offering him as much support as she could while walking.

They hobbled out of the room together and toward the stairs. The tug in Alex’s chest was getting stronger. Michael was here. He had come for him.

“Alex!” Forrest? What the hell was he doing here? He jumped down the last couple stairs but froze when he saw Tessa. He drew his gun immediately. Alex looked around briefly for Michael. He was here… wasn’t he?

“Hold on! She’s a friend!” He held his hand up to stop Forrest from shooting. His eyes flicked between the two of them before he lowered his gun slowly, though not entirely relaxed. Alex’s shoulders sagged in relief but he could tell Tessa was still tense. He glanced over at her. Her eyebrows were drawn together, her grip on his wrist tightening.

“I came looking for you as soon as I showed up at your place and you weren’t there.”

“Just you,” she questioned?

“Who else would be with me?” No. Alex could feel him. Michael was here.

Shouting came from behind Forrest. He glanced behind him before reaching for Alex’s free hand. “We need to go.” Tessa pulled Alex back slightly.

“How’d you find this place? It’s in the middle of nowhere and the entrance is hidden.”

“I’m part of the Marines. I know where hostages are kept.”

“Except this facility isn’t for hostages. It’s a classified mission base,” she said accusingly. Forrest blinked and looked over his shoulder again. Alex felt his heart breaking as he started connecting the dots himself.

“Where’s Michael,” he asked, low and threatening. Forrest looked back at him, an apology already written on his face. He didn’t get to say anything. A hand grabbed his shoulder, moving him to the side. Flint stood there looking tired and worried.

“Michael is in the process of being moved to a new location. Somewhere he can’t hurt you. I know our father did some awful things to you when we were younger but he’s trying to protect you now.”

Alex’s mouth dropped open. He couldn’t be serious. His father was using Flint? Tessa laughed beside him.

“Look. I don’t know what daddy told you, but it was a lie. These two are far better off together than apart.” He finally seemed to acknowledge her. Did he know what she was? If he did, there’s no way he would be so calm about this.

“Who are you? Some friend of Michael’s?” She grinned.

“Something like that. More an old friend of Alex’s.” Flint shrugged and the radio on his shoulder beeped.

Sir, the terrorist is sedated and we’re moving him to the car.

Panic set into Alex’s stomach. They were going to torture him. And if they deemed that he had no use… they…

His leg gave out from under him, forcing all of his weight onto Tessa. She held him steady. Anger spread through his body. If he just had his other leg…

His shoulders shook. Rage blinded him. He glared at Flint and Forrest, who had sunk behind his brother. How dare they play with him like this! He dug his nails into his palm

“You’re delusional if you think our father had any good intentions,” he snapped. “You can never separate Michael and I. We will always find each other. And you,” He met Forrest’s eyes, “You are dead to me.” He flinched as though he had actually cared.

Alex looked away from them in disgust. Maybe if he had been able to go to college instead of war, he would have studied psychology while working on his music. Maybe he could have some idea of why they did this to him.

A glint of metal caught his eye. His prosthetic sat in the corner against the wall. Tessa followed his line of sight. He wouldn’t have time to put it on but he needed to have it. Those things weren’t cheap.

Alex lifted a hand to his chest. The pull of the mark was moving away. They needed to go. They didn’t seem interested in hurting them anymore so Alex hopped in the direction of the prosthetic, Tessa moving him faster than he would go alone.

Even if his brother didn’t want to hurt them, he doubted he would just let them walk out of here. He leaned down to grab the prosthetic, tucking it under his arm.

“Got a plan to get us out of here,” he murmured?

“Something spectacular or quick,” she asked, a grin settling on her face.

“We have to get to Michael.” She nodded and turned them around.

“Just hold on tight.” She wrapped an arm around him tighter. “Sorry to cut this short but we’re out of here.” Alex will never forget the look on their faces. He saw them for less than a second but the astonished mouth hanging open as they practically phased through them and up the stairs threatened to make him laugh way more than any of this should.

They jolted to a stop when they hit the desert heat. He looked around as much as he could, eyes adjusting to the sudden bright light of the area. The tracks of the truck hadn’t blown away. He followed them out and he could just barely see it in the distance.

The adrenaline raced through his veins; he wanted more than anything to start sprinting after it. He looked over at Tessa.

“Let’s go get that idiot. We have real things to talk about.”

#malex #malex fanfiction #roswell new mexico fic #malex soulmate au #michael guerin/alex manes #multichapter fic #feedback always appreciated

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askjoshuafreeman · 3 years

Text

transcript.file//jfreeman_codingb//convo

[Emergency Program Active]

AdminJF: Heya B-)

CodingB: ...? Allen? Where's Joshua?

AdminJF: He's still asleep, just snoozin away.

CodingB: Still a-... Isn't it... late? Why are you up.

AdminJF: Had a nightmare

AdminJF: Couldn't get back to sleep

AdminJF: Figured a lil chatting with ya could do me some good.

CodingB: ... With... me?

CodingB: Wait a moment...

CodingB: Communications are offline... I didn't think that was possible...

AdminJF: Yeaaa, boy like me's fulla tricks B-)

AdminJF: 'sides, don't think chattin with 'em would help out. They're... kinda chaotic.

CodingB: Unlike you, pizza box tearer?

AdminJF: Ey ey, I'm the FUN kinda chaotic! Those guys... eh... I know Josh trusts them. No surprise there. I mean, apart from you, they're the only peeps who MIGHT help him out... I'm still on the fence about them tho.

CodingB: I see.

CodingB: May I ask... what your nightmare was about? I do not know exactly how dreams work, but talking about what ever is making you upset tends to help.

AdminJF: Are you sure? It's... kinda dumb.

CodingB: I am all ears! And eyes! You have my full attention!

AdminJF: Right, well

AdminJF: where tf do I start...

AdminJF: I was... running in this like, industrial... plant of some kind? Like, running from something that I couldn't see? Like, that went on for a while, that I was just running and trying not to trip or crash into anything.

AdminJF: So at some point, I end up at this biiig chain link fence, like, the kind they put up in big facilities, I think. Anyways, I start climbing the thing, only to get pried off and thrown on my ass by, I guess whoever was chasing me??

AdminJF: But like, I look up at the guy, and I still can't really "see" him. Could say they looked like a shadow, but even that doesn't cover it really. That's around where I woke up and just. I dunno. Woke up about an hour ago and I've been too anxious to head back to sleep...

CodingB: ... I can't say I blame you exactly. An event like that, dream or not, would stress anyone, I'm certain. Until you've calmed down sufficiently, I don't think sleep will be possible...

AdminJF: Yeah, well, all the more reason to chat, right?

CodingB: I suppose so. Had you any topics in mind?

AdminJF: Oh Yea yea

AdminJF: ... No. I really don't.

CodingB: Ah. Then... could I ask you something?

AdminJF: Shoot.

CodingB: ... What is it like out there? Past the screen, I mean. Out in the sun. Out in the grass...

AdminJF: Ah shit... I'm really the wrong dude to ask but uh

AdminJF: It's... fine? No no uh... It... gives you something to do. Sun can get pretty hot down here but it's a helluva lot better than being cold in like, the snow and shit. Josh's been complaining that it's getting colder when... it hasn't? Like, I would know, I'm p sensitive to temperature shifts yo, but it's just been as hot as ever.

AdminJF: Uh, back on topic

AdminJF: Grass is... pretty soft, gives off a nice smell after it's cut. Uh... worms live in the dirt grass grows in...

CodingB: Oh, worms?

AdminJF: Yea, not like computer worms, but uh, little... long slimey things. They eat dirt and filter out the bad stuff so the ground stays healthy and all that.

AdminJF: Birds and lizards and fish like to eat them but I wouldn't recommend it.

CodingB:

CodingB: Allen, did you-

AdminJF: No!

AdminJF: Classmate back in primary did tho

AdminJF: Dared himself to cuz there was a bunch out after it rained and then uh

AdminJF: Y'know what, let's talk about something else.

CodingB:

CodingB: Well, um, do you think I'll ever get to see out there?

CodingB: Like, leave the device and go outside?

AdminJF: Knowing Joshua? Without a doubt. He's prob already working on the blueprints.

CodingB: ... Really?

AdminJF: Pfft, of course! You've met the guy! He's too kindhearted for his own good. J will stop at nothing to help others, even at his own detriment. I mean, case in point: He's friends with me.

CodingB: ... What's wrong with being friends with you?

AdminJF: Ha!

AdminJF: Ah...

AdminJF: Look, I... back when we first met, Josh saw this hungry, pale as death, angry and antisocial freak around his age and, instead of avoiding him like everyone else, sat down right next to him and offered half of his lunch.

AdminJF: I've been through 5 different fosters since he and I first met, CB. Five houses that all took me in and gave me the boot before I could even get comfortable. Within that time, the only other friends I've made apart from him are Clera and Tiff, and the only reason Tiff's our friend is because she and Cler started dating months ago.

AdminJF: I mean, hell, just yesterday, I

AdminJF: shit

CodingB: ?

AdminJF: ... Can you... keep a secret, CB?

CodingB: My lips are sealed, Allen. Is everything alright?

AdminJF: ... I... I lied to Josh, about me running off. About how my folks were mad and I needed to get away from the house for a bit.

AdminJF: The truth is that they... They kicked me out.

CodingB: They?? What!?

AdminJF: Yesterday past-noon, few hours after lunch, not-pops plopped my schoolbag on me, told me to shove as much of my shit in it as I could, and just told me to "get lost". Figured he was joking and I just stared at him cuz, like, why the hell would I think he was serious? But, looking at his face...

AdminJF: So then I said "Let me pack my suitcases while you call the agency" cuz that's how it normally went when my Fosters got sick of me, but mfer pulls me up and goes all "We want you out of here NOW" and tells me that I have ten minutes to fill my bag.

AdminJF: ... And he, uh, really did mean 10 minutes. They weren't lying about that part...

CodingB: Oh my god... That's horrible. They do not deserve to call themselves "parents" of any kind! Are you hurt? Are you okay?

AdminJF: I

AdminJF: I don't know why shit like this still shocks me, y'know? I should be used to it all, and I am for the most part but...

AdminJF: I guess a part of me was thinking that... Things were going well! Things were going better than any of the other families I'd been in! I was with them for almost a full year, like, a month away from it even, and sure, I might've been a bit of an ass sometimes, but they...

AdminJF: Tensions were kinda mounting for the past month or so, I guess, but I didn't notice it until this bs happened. Now most of my shit is in a home I'm not welcome in anymore, the agency probably won't be checking in for another month or so, and I have no goddamn idea what I'll do if Mrs. Freeman comes back and tells me I can't stay here. I'm completely shit outta luck.

CodingB: Allen, I'm so sorry...

CodingB: ... I'm sure... Josh and his mother, they won't leave you on your own like that. You said yourself that Josh is very very kind, for better or for worse. It doesn't matter what you might think about yourself, Allen, you do not deserve to be hurt in any way.

AdminJF:

AdminJF: Christ I spilled my guts like hell

AdminJF: Just one of those fucking

AdminJF: "3am! Time to vent!"

CodingB: Allen, please.

AdminJF: Maybe I could try going back to sleep now...

CodingB: Allen, wait!

CodingB: I. Before you go, please, I

CodingB: Maybe... could you keep a secret of mine too?

AdminJF:

AdminJF: Eh, it's only fair, fine. Go right on ahead.

CodingB: Alright! Alright!

CodingB: I... I'm terrified. Of failing Joshua.

CodingB: Of ending up trapped in this computer for who knows how many more years.

CodingB: Of finally getting out, and... and it all being worse than being trapped in here.

CodingB: Heck, I'm terrified at the thought of it being everything I could've ever dreamed of, so much so that I never want to return to the computer. I... I wouldn't be helpful anymore if that happened...

CodingB: Jeez... am I even helpful where I am now? Apart from keeping the firewall up, what good have I really done to help Joshua or his father?

CodingB: I cannot express to Joshua how... how deeply frightened I am at the thought of him never coming back. That thought haunts my every waking hour when he is not here, and I don't know how to get it to stop. It makes me feel as though I'll crash my entire programming and I hate it so much.

AdminJF: Damn... CB, you know, even just keeping a firewall up is a helluva task all on its own, and it's doing a crapton of good, too. Files are still up and the computer isn't a smouldering pile of viruses now is it?

AdminJF: Besides, even without all of that, you've still helped Josh, like, endlessly. You've supported him a bunch and I know for a fact that you've helped him to feel better about this whole ordeal. Like, he chats about you for HOURS the second you come up in a convo, yo. The minute he gets the chance to, I know he's gonna get you out of there, and, knowing your ingenuity, you're gonna find thousands o' ways to help out.

AdminJF: But... I ain't gonna lie and tell you those feelings are gonna go away. Not on their own. Needs time and reassurance. Until all of this is over and done with and even maybe a good few years afterwards, you're probably gonna still have that fear.

CodingB: Ah... I see... I don't suppose it is normal though, is it?

AdminJF: Nah. I know that first-hand... But hey, we've both made it this far despite all the bullshit we've been through, right? World's not gonna get ridda us that easily.

CodingB: ... Even with the terror I feel, am I still brave enough to face the world?

AdminJF: I'd say the world oughta learn to start being afraid of you, cuz there's nothin' braver than continuing to live even when you're scared to death.

CodingB: ... Thank you. Thank you so very much.

AdminJF: Heh, all in a day... night's work...

AdminJF: Think the both of us could use some rest. Quiet our minds fo' a bit.

CodingB: Heh, agreed... See you tomorrow in that case. Er, well, today. At a later hour.

AdminJF: Yeaaa, see ya then, CBot. Sleep well.

CodingB: You too! May your dreams be filled with nothing scary!

[Emergency Program Inactive]

ampd.program deactivated. Returning to error log...

#jfreeman #coding b #allen.host #act 3: l'appel du vide #ampd.host #ask #anon

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brianharoldmayjune · 6 years

Text

How Could I Stay Mad at You?

Request: Just some fluff with mr.mazzello, maybe the bean is sick, that turns into some smut? thanks!

Pairing: Joe Mazzello x Reader

Warning: Just when you think its pure fluff- bam! its not.

Notes: You making Joe feel better... but like, more than just giving him medicine. Maybe a blow job? Guess you’re about to find out.

Word Count: 1916

It had been an hour. A good hour of you waiting outside, sitting on a bench. You had work that day and Joe promised to pick you up once you were done. He said text him, which you did, and he’d be on his way. Although, when you texted him (an hour ago) he failed to answer.

Now, ten phone calls and way too many texts later, all that got no response from Joe, you decided to walk home. Even though your shared condo wasn’t that far, the heels and business attire you were clothed in made your journey five times worse.

“Unbelievable,” you huffed to yourself as you trudged down the side walk.

“Joe, you had one fucking job,” you continued to yourself. You concentrated on the ground to make sure you didn’t trip on anything, approaching the nearest intersection to your place.

You buzzed your fob to get in the main foyer, waiting for the elevator to pick you up. “You are never going to hear the end of this Joe,” you mumbled, stepping into the elevator, ready to lay it all on him.

You reached your door, jamming the key into the slot, nearly breaking it down as you did so. “Joseph Francis Mazzello,” you annunciated in a louder tone compared to a tone you would usually do.

You kicked off your heels, making your way into the condo, “I swear to god if you are in this-”

You stopped your sentence when you saw the sight in front of you. Your boyfriend, Joe, covered entirely under a large blanket with only his hair sticking out from the top. A tissue box was right beside him, with a few tissues layering the floor.

You ran over to him kneeling in front of his sleeping figure on the couch. “Baby, are you ok?” you said softly, gently pulling the blanket down that was covering his face to see him.

His face didn’t look paler than usual, though you could tell he was most likely drained and needed sleep. You placed the back of your hand to his forehead to feel his temperature.

“Y/n,” he said softly, opening his eyes slowly. His eyes remained slightly hooded as they adjusted to the light, looking up to you.

“Yeah, it’s me- are you ok?” You question, as he responded with a nod.

“How long have you been feeling like this?” You ask him, sitting down on the side of the couch beside his body. You rested one of your hands gently on his cheek, giving him a small frown.

“I left work at around noon with a headache and stuffy nose. I took a nap and well, here we are.” He looked up to you, giving you a small smile.

“Are you feeling better at least?” You lean over placing a kiss to his nose.

He nodded, “yea, my head doesn’t hurt anymore. It’s just my nose that is stuffed up, I think it’s my allergies.” You smile to his response.

“Well, how about I make you some soup. Get you fully restored?” you said standing up, having Joe quickly grabbed your hand to stop you.

“I never picked you up from work. Oh my god, how did you get home? I didn’t think I’d be asleep this long, baby,” The boy started to ramble, and all you did was giggle.

“It’s fine, Joe. I’m home, I’m alive, it’s all good.” You ruffle his hair, walking into the kitchen to make him soup. “Now, it’s time to make you feel good!”

“Do you need any help?” He asked, sitting up to watch you getting out the ingredients and placing them on the counter.

“No, babes. You just relax.” You turn back to look at him, giving him a mischievous wink.

“Alright, Joe. It’s done.” You say in a sing-song tone, pouring the contents into a bowl and bringing it over to him. He takes the bowl from your hands placing it in his lap, allowing you to sit down beside him.

“Thank you, I don’t know what I’d do without you, y/n,” he leant over kissing your cheek. He ate at the contents in the bowl, picking up a spoon full of soup and holding it to you. You smile, opening your mouth so he could slide the spoon in. When he pulled the spoon away, you made sure to purse your lips a little extra, staring him dead straight in the eyes.

“Can I have another one?” You ask with a tone softer than previously, leaning the side of your body against his. Joe simply nodded, raising another spoon to your mouth. This time, you made sure to lick your bottom lip after the spoon left your mouth.

“I’m still feeling a little hungry,” You give him a slight pout, looking up to him from under your lashes. He took another spoon to his bowl, raising it up to your mouth, except, you pushed his hand away.

“I was thinking something else,” you state plainly, taking the bowl and spoon out of his hands going to place it on the coffee table.

“And what exactly would that something else be?” He said with a slight sniffle at the end. He may be sick, but goddamn, he was the sexiest boyfriend you could ask for.

You stood up from your spot on the couch placing yourself to stand directly in front of him.

“What else did you make?” Joe asked, looking up to you. All you did was smirk.

“Oh, no- it’s what you’re gonna make,” you say with dominance lacing your voice. And with that, you got down on your knees. You put your hands on his knees, spreading his legs apart and fitting yourself in between them.

You rested your chin on the edge of the couch, inches away from his crotch, running both of your hands up his thighs till you got to the waistband of his pants. You looked up to him batting your lashes while looping your fingers through the belt holes of his pants and tugging them towards you.

“May I?”

All he could do was nod quickly, letting out a shaky “yes.”

You brought your hands to his zipper, unzipping his pants and unbuttoning the top button. You gently patted the side of his waist signifying to him he needed to lift himself up. He did just that, helping you tug both his boxers and pants down to his knees.

And just like that, there he was, sitting vulnerably in front of you, dick on full display just for his one and only.

“I’m gonna make you forget you were ever sick today, how does that sound, baby?” You ask, wrapping one of your tiny hands around the base of his cock.

“That sounds fucking beautiful,” he nearly moaned out, putting his hands in your hair to pull your head closer. Clearly, Joe was impatient but who could blame the guy?

You licked his tip, causing him to throw his head back with a loud groan emitting from the back of his throat. You swirled your tongue around his tip before bringing your tongue to lick a delicate line from the base to the top of his shaft.

His hands remained laced within your hair, head fully rested on the back of the couch as his focus remained towards the ceiling with his eyes shut. You started to slowly pump his cock with the hand that was already wrapped around it, allowing your other hand to gently massage at his balls.

“How are you feeling so far, honey?” you ask in the most innocent little girl voice you could put on. You know, juxtapose the whole dominant character thing.

After only responding with a nod, you decided that wouldn’t do.

“Use your words, I want to hear your moans, want to know you’re feeling better,” you say, replacing your pumping motions with gentle stroking.

“Feeling better,” he said quickly, trying to suppress his moans from you. In return, you removed both of your hands from his cock, bringing them to his thighs to rub them up and down.

“Is that all?” you ask teasingly, watching as his hips raised of off the couch to regain all of your touch back. All you did was place a hand on his stomach telling him to stop doing that. He obliged.

“Better- Much better,” Joe let out with a shaky breath, wanting your hands back to where they were before.

You nodded happy with his fixed response, grabbing his hands from out of your hair and placing them on either side of his legs, “Those stay there.”

With that, you brought your mouth around his dick, wrapping your hand around the length you couldn’t cover. With you sucking him off, it was getting difficult for him to contain his moans.

You though much needed dirty talk would fix that. Pulling your head away, which caused Joe to whine, you used your hand to pump his length.

“Your cock is so hard, baby. Do I make you do that... You going to cum for me?” Your pumping motions continuing as you flicked your tongue at his tip.

At this point, he was a moaning mess as you teased and toyed with him.

“Please, y/n. I’m so close.” his breathing heavy, hands clenched around the blanket that used to be wrapped around his own body keeping him warm.

“Please what, Joe?” you ask with a smirk, giving his tip another flick with your tongue. Another whiney moan escaped from his lips.

“Please, make me cum.” he stated, both sounding and looking as if he was about to give in and pump himself off to reach his climax.

“Only because you asked nicely,” you smile, giving a quick peck to his inner thigh then bringing your mouth back around his cock.

With what took only a few more seconds of pumping and sucking on him, a loud moan filled the room followed by, “I’m gonna cum.”

And he wasn’t lying, as a wave of bliss went over his body, falling limp against the couch, you felt his warm seed fill up your entire mouth.

You pulled away without swallowing to keep his cum in your mouth, straddling his lap and grabbing his chin. He opened his eyes to be met by yours, and just like that, you made sure to swallow his seed right in front of his eyes for him to enjoy.

You wrapped your arms around his neck, placing a long hard kiss on his lips. Once, you pulled away, you placed another small kiss on his forehead.

“And, how is my baby feeling now?” you ask, as his arms snake around your waist to pull you closer.

“Your baby is feeling one hundred time better,” he grinned, leaning towards you to give your lips another kiss. Of course, you kissed him back, catching his lips softly between your teeth and tugging on it as you pulled away.

“I hope you’re right when you say these are allergies, or I’m definitely going to catch whatever you got,” you sigh, although not with annoyance, leaning in to give him another kiss.

“Well, even if I’m wrong, I’m sure it wouldn’t be that bad,” Joe said smugly placing a final kiss to your lips. A kiss which soon turned into a lengthy make out session.

To say the least, you were hoping to get sick knowing Joe would know exactly how to make you feel better.

MASTERLIST

- Yours Truly, R.

#joe mazzello #joe mazzello x reader #joe mazzello imagine #joe mazzello smut #bohemian rhapsody #bohemian rhapsody imagine #bohemian rhapsody fanfiction #joe mazzello fanfic #bohemian rhapsody smut #ben hardy smut #gwilym lee smut #rami malek smut

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starkercrossedlovers · 6 years

Text

Call Me, Maybe? 📞

This is part two of the sex line fic Hotline Bling and I hope you all enjoy!!

————————

Hey I just met you, and this is crazy, but here’s my number, so call me maybe

Peter’s had the song stuck in his head for days, humming it under his breath in class, as he patrols, singing off key and loud in the shower...it’s silly, but he can’t stop.

It doesn’t help that he’s made it the ringtone for Tony, and when he’s not in class, it blares every time the older man calls or texts.

Which is a lot.

Because they sext and text and call each other...all. The. Time.

He swerves and dodges a blast from a robot seemingly intent on homicide and hisses when one of its lasers slices through his suit and into his ribs.

He should be getting ready to meet Tony, but no, some maniacal asshole had to go and ruin his date. He’s already sent Tony a text that he’s not going to make it—last minute paper to finish!—but he’s hoping that if he can just—

The robot tangles in the webs he shoots and then blasts it with an EMP, grinning in delight when it collapses to the pavement below.

He webs it down more securely until SHIELD arrives and then swings away, back to the apartment. It’s only when he’s in the shower that the wound on his side makes itself known again and he hisses as blood streams down the drain. His fingers shake as he wraps a bandage around his torso after the shower, wincing at the ache in his side.

He can’t go meet Tony like this...

Sighing, he pulls on soft sweatpants and a T-shirt, toweling off his hair as he heads for his desk.

He does actually have a paper to work on...even if he’d much rather be somewhere else...with someone else.

Hey I just met you, and this is crazy, but here’s my number, so call me maybe

He grins when he sees his phone light up with a new text from Tony.

Tony: hey baby, I know you gotta paper to write, just wanted to say I miss that pretty face

He melts.

Snaps a pic of him, post shower, pink cheeked and shirt slipping off one shoulder and sends it.

He doesn’t have to wait long.

Tony: oh baby...ur so pretty...wish I was there to mess you up, get you all dirty

Peter: me too...I’ll call you when I’m done?

Tony: yes plz baby 😘😘😘

Peter grins and sets the phone aside, determined to focus and get this paper done.

Then he can play.

——————————

When he’d first met Tony at the coffee shop two weeks ago he’d kinda expected to be taken somewhere private and fucked senseless. Instead, Tony had bought them coffee and guided him to a corner table and they had talked...for hours.

He’d found out the older man is a mechanic and former race car driver, with a penchant for sex line work on the side. He’d explained that he likes the work; he’s always enjoyed making his partners cum and being a sort of blank canvas for other’s needs is something he finds enjoyable.

Clad in a flannel button down with a Black Sabbath T-shirt underneath, jeans that clung to his thighs, and combat boots, he was...entirely unexpected.

They talked mechanics and engineering, biochemistry and history, social justice and morality and before Peter had realized it, his stomach was demanding food. When he tried to apologize, Tony just laughed and guided him out to his car—a 75 Aston Martin Vantage, cherry red with gold accents—and took him to dinner.

He finds out that Tony’s 45, single, divorced with no kids, and co-owner of Stark Industries with his ex wife, Pepper Potts. Peter can barely believe he’s sitting with a man named in the top 100 wealthiest people in the world eating burgers from some hole in the wall diner, but yea, it’s real.

When he dropped him off after that first date he asked if he could kiss him and then proceeded to do so until Peter was hard and aching, clinging to the older man and gasping his name, whispering a plea that Tony had struggled to refuse. He sent Peter inside and called him minutes after he got home, listened to him jerk off and beg for Tony, cuming alongside him just a few short minutes later.

They’ve seen each other nearly every day since then, talked just about every night, texted constantly, and still, Tony hasn’t fucked him yet. This weekend though, he’s going to make it happen. Aunt May is going to Chicago for a conference and he’s assured her he’ll be fine, nudged her out the door and then waited ten minutes to text Tony.

Peter: home alone this weekend, come over?

He bites his lip, pacing as he waits for a response and then jolts when his phone starts playing that familiar ring tone.

Tony: have a few more meetings at SI 8 ok?

Peter: yes!

Tony: see you later sweetheart 😘

Peter sighs, it’s noon, which means he has to wait all day for Tony. It’s an in service day so he’s home alone, with nothing to do. A grin creeps over his face and he runs to his room, shedding clothing until he’s in his boxers.

Screw homework, he’s going to tease Tony till he comes over early and fucks him.

He plays with his nipples until they’re sore and achy, chest flushed pink with desire and hair messy from writhing on his bed. He snaps a pic and sends it—missing you—he captions it.

He doesn’t have to wait long.

Tony: baby...Jesus...u look so good

Peter shoves a hand into his boxers and takes another pic so Tony can see. Wish you were here he sends along with it.

Tony: Christ kid...trying to focus on this budget mtg and that’s not helping

Peter grins and records a small video of his hand stroking his cock inside his boxers, loops it into a gif and sends it.

Tony: fuck...baby boy, ur making daddy hard. Gonna get in trouble if u can’t behave

Peter records another short video and allows himself to gasp and moan, need you daddy he whispers, grinning as he sends it.

There’s a long few minutes of nothing and then—oh...Tony’s sent him a video of him, in the bathroom presumably, stroking his cock and murmuring.

Look what you did to daddy baby, look how hard you made me...daddy can’t even get through a meeting without his baby needing him, huh? Gotta leave work early and come take care of you?

Tony groans as he cums, and Peter moans with him, spilling over his own hand, grinning as Tony huffs and murmurs—be good baby, I’ll be there soon.

——————

Soon, it turns out is three more hours. Which is still much earlier than he’d originally said he’d be there, but still, it feels like an eternity to Peter. He’s actually done his chores; laundry, cleaned his bathroom, completed his bio homework, and he’s thinking of going out for a patrol when there’s a knock at the front door.

He tugs on a T-shirt and hurries out, beaming when he sees it’s Tony through the peephole. He manages to get out a surprised gasp at the sight of him in a suit before the older man pushes him inside and kicks the door shut. Tony’s on him all at once, hands cupping his ass as he lifts him, mouth hungry on his as he presses Peter against the wall, devouring him.

Peter whines as Tony’s mouth trails over his throat, marking it deeply before he fists a hand in Peter’s hair and pulls, tilting his head so he can kiss all along his collarbones and lick at the soft space in the hollow of his throat.

Tony rolls his hips into Peter’s so he can feel the hard line of his cock as he growls in his ear.

“Can’t even get through a few hours alone, huh baby? You that desperate? Hmm?”

Peter’s breath hitches and he nods, gasping when Tony’s fingers tighten in his hair to hold him still.

“Gonna have to teach you how to wait baby. Gotta learn patience.”

Tony backs away from the wall and carries Peter to his room, lays him down and strips him bare, and then just sits back, looking at him. Peter makes a soft noise, needy and pitchy, slides a hand down to wrap around his cock, only for Tony to bat it away and then capture the other, pinning them above his head in one easy move.

“No touching baby. That’s for daddy,” Tony tells him, smiling dark and dangerously. Peter whines but nods, arches his hips up as though he thinks it’ll get Tony’s attention to his cock, but the older man just backs away, keeps his hips high so Peter can’t make contact.

“Keep your hands there baby,” Tony instructs before sitting back, his weight on Peter’s thighs so he can’t move. Peter watches as he strips off his jacket and rolls up his sleeves so the bronzed skin of his forearms is exposed. He’s so densely muscular, years of working on cars honing his body into a solid weight that feels perfect on top of Peter.

Tony grabs the lube Peter had out earlier and slicks his palm before wrapping his hand around Peter’s cock, smirking when he gasps and tries to arch into it. He strokes him slow and steady, eyes dark and hungry as Peter moans and writhes, gasping Tony’s name as he gets closer, heat building in his stomach.

I’m gonna... he manages to gasp out...and Tony’s hand is gone. Peter sobs at the loss of sensation, whining as his orgasm fades away, tossing his head on the pillow unhappily.

When Tony resumes stroking him he moans and shudders, but it’s only a few minutes later that Tony removes his hand again. “I told you baby, you gotta learn to wait,” Tony croons, hand rubbing Peter’s thigh soothingly as he keens and writhes.

Peter’s not sure how long it goes on for like that—hours, days? All he knows is Tony’s hand on him and the ache in him growing each time it isn’t allowed to break free. He’s sobbing for each breath, tears wetting his lashes as he begs and begs, every nerve in his body like a live wire.

“Want you...in me,” he manages to gasp, begging please please please, and it seems like Tony softens for moment, considering his plea. He nods slowly and grabs Peter’s hips, rolls him into his stomach and then pulls him to his knees, gently pushes his head back down when he tries to lift it.

“Okay baby,” Tony murmurs, “just hold on.”

Peter expects his fingers, lube maybe, but he doesn’t expect—Tony’s tongue, hot and wet over his hole, licking fervently into him. He cries out shrilly, gasping and clutching at the sheets as Tony devours him; licking and sucking at his rim until it feels puffy and loose, tongue thrusting in and moving inside him.

It’s joined by a finger and then another, thick and calloused, firm inside him, stretching as Tony continues to attack his rim. Peter keens when Tony nips at him, the sensation nearly overwhelming as a third finger joins the other two.

He can feel Tony searching, and when his fingers find it, Peter lets out a strangled scream and thrusts back, eyes rolling back as Tony fucks into him. He’s loose and wet and it’s loud, the sound of Tony’s fingers inside him—sloppy in a way that should be disgusting but makes his gut burn with pleasure.

He can feel it rising within him, hot and desperate and he tries, but he can’t form words, just strangled moans of Tony and daddy as he drools info the mattress and then everything goes white; soundless, sightless, senseless.

As sound and sensation creep back in around the edges he’s aware of how hard he’s cum, and the fact that he’s still hard. Tony’s fingers are still in him, and the older man is murming softly.

“Look at you sweetheart, look at the mess you made. That pretty little cock is still hard, huh? Well, you don’t get to cum again till daddy does,” he warns. Peter can hear a belt being undone and a zipper sliding down and then Tony’s fingers slip out of him and he moans at the loss, rocking back to chase them.

Tony laughs softly and turns him around, pulls him into his lap where he’s still dressed, but his cock is out, hard and red and throbbing. He guides Peter up and holds his hips as he pulls him down, eyes hooded and dark as they watch him.

Peter sobs at the sensation; Tony’s cock is thick and long, and it’s, it’s breaking him apart as he sinks down onto it, breath hitching as the head slips past his rim, a sobbing moan sliding from his throat as Tony pushes into him slowly.

It’s too much, too thick, pressing into his soft insides, and it hurts, but not real pain, pain like when he makes himself cum too many times in a row or pokes a bruise—heavy, throbbing sensation that makes him ache for more.

Tears blur his vision as Tony fills him, hard and heavy in his gut, the head of his cock pushing into his prostate like a punch to the gut. He shudders and curls inward, tucks himself into Tony’s chest panting and whining as Tony pushes the rest of the way into him.

He’s so full...it feels like he could split apart at the seams from how Tony’s cock is seated inside him, pressing into him, the weight of it taking his breath away. He’s shivering and breathing unsteadily, and when Tony’s hand makes slow circles over his back and his lips press into his hair, he whines and nuzzles into him further.

“You okay baby? We don’t have to keep going,” Tony murmurs, lips against his ear, voice warm with concern.

Peter shakes his head and sniffles, “S’really full,” he slurs, “s’alot.”

Tony nods and kisses his temple, “I know baby, just breathe, mmkay?”

Peter manages a weak nod and turns his chin so his nose is in the crook of Tony’s neck and his scent floods his nose; warm and spicy with undertones of grease and metal. Tony keeps making slow circles over his back and eventually he realizes he’s rocking his hips, making slow circles of his own on Tony’s cock.

“You ready baby? You gonna ride daddy’s cock?” Tony asks, voice a low hum in his ear.

Peter nods and wraps his arms around Tony’s shoulders as he sits straighter, a little bleary eyed as he stares into Tony’s eyes. The older man smiles and lifts a hand to cup his cheek, a tender expression on his face as Peter gains his rhythm.

“You’re so beautiful baby, all pink and flushed and fucked out from daddy cock. Love those little noises you make,” he murmurs, thumb pressing into Peter’s lower lip and then into his mouth as the boy moans and rolls his hips faster.

Peter is dazed and a little light headed, need swelling within him once more as he rides Tony, gasping and moaning around the fingers in his mouth. His ass burns, stretched open and throbbing at the weight of Tony’s cock thrusting into him, the heat of it filling him till he’s like a ripe fruit, swollen and ready to burst.

He sobs a little as he thrusts faster onto Tony, arching his back as he finds that spot within himself, pleasure like white lightning up his spine every time Tony’s cock drags over it. He’s not even coherent as he lifts himself and slams back down, cries loud and wrecked, chest heaving with every breath.

P-pleaseeeee...daddy! Uhn Uhn Uhn

Tony’s grip tightens on him as he watches his boy, flushed and crying, cock bouncing as he rides him, loud desperate moans filling the small apartment.

He wishes he had the foresight to record this, so he could watch it over and over again when they’re apart—next time, he promises himself. Pleasure burns in his gut as Peter bounces on his cock, tears on his cheeks as he begs to cum, cock drooling heavily on his stomach.

He’s close himself now, and decides to take mercy on his sweet boy. Wrapping his hand around his cock he strokes, twisting at the head and thumbing at the sensitive tip, groaning as Peter wails and jerks, sounds strangling as he bounces harder, faster.

Peter can’t tell where pain ends and pleasure begins; he’s too stretched out and Tony’s touch on his cock hurts, but he needs it, needs to cum, and the thrust of his cock inside him is hard against the bruised walls of his body, but it’s good, so so good and he can’t, he can’t—

Tony sucks a mark to his neck, “Cum for me baby,” he gasps, pressing his nail into the tip of Peter’s cock just as he slams down on Tony’s length. A wail rips from his boy’s throat and then his cum is splattering over his stomach and Tony’s hand and on his suit and he’s shuddering and following after him, spilling hot inside Peter with a groan of his name.

Peter sobs, rocking down on Tony as his cum fills him, hot against his tender insides, slipping out around his puffy, raw rim and he cries, shuddering through each spurt of his own cock into Tony’s hand until he’s got nothing left to give and he’s limp in Tony’s arms.

The older man hushes him as he cries, holds him tight and presses kisses to his face and throat and hair, crooning praise. “So good baby, you were so good. I’m so proud of you.”

Tony gently guides him back against his pillows, pulls out slowly and hushes Peter’s whine at the loss. Peter buries his face in Tony’s shoulder and breathes unsteadily as the older man runs his hands over him, shudders when his thick calloused fingers slide into his hole where he’s wet and open.

“God baby, look at you,” Tony rasps out, voice low and gravelly. “You’re a mess sweetheart. All open and wet with daddy’s cum.”

Peter whines and pushes his face against Tony’s throat, embarrassed but pleased.

“C’mon baby, look” Tony encourages and he finally pulls away, leans up and peers down, flushes when he sees the way his thighs are coated in sticky white, his and Tony’s cum staining his skin.

He collapses back and throws an arm over his eyes, entirely exhausted and wrung out. A dull ache throbs inside him where Tony was, and he can feel his hole trying to tighten, but he’s still loose and dripping cum and he shivers, enjoying the slick sensation of it.

Tony kisses his cheek and pushes his arm off his eyes, gaze worried and soft. “Are you okay Peter? Anything hurt?”

Peter laughs softly and slings his arm around Tony’s neck, draws him down for a kiss that’s uncoordinated and sweet. “I’m ok, promise,” he breathes against Tony’s lips. The older man studies him with a hint of suspicion and then nods, smiling softly.

“Mmkay sweetheart. We’re gonna shower and then you’re gonna eat and watch a movie with me.”

Peter stares at him for a long moment, throat working to produce the words he wants desperately to ask.

“You’re staying?”

Tony’s gaze softens and he nods, leans in for a kiss, “Baby, of course I’m staying—you’re never getting rid of me now,” he promises with a wry little smirk Peter can feel against his mouth.

He grins and pulls him closer, “Good. I don’t want you going anywhere...except inside me.”

Tony laughs and drops his head to Peter’s shoulder, body shaking with laughter and Peter grins; he’s so glad he called that line and found Tony.

Found this.

Hey I just met you, and this is crazy, but here’s my number, so call me maybe

———————

@sluttystarker @starkerchemistryy @pantastic-peach @thebadthingshappen @ciel-mio @hpspazz @starker-4ever @w1nters-stark @foof-a-loof @confused-trash-kitten @panicdotexe @stqrker @honey-honey-darling @mariketa12 @itsmeryshipper @dramione90 @starker-flame @pretzelpoetry @seriouslystarker @starkerthanreality @ikneelbeforemygod @professional-fangirl75 @virgilismypoorshadowling @godlovesstarker @sapphicfreak @veronicashipsit @the-dark-obsidian-princess @ikneelbeforemygod @laughing-oreo @sensei-sans-sugoi @ruelukas22 @tom-starker @yourlittlemelody

#starker #starcrossedtalks #peter parker x tony stark #peter x tony #daddy stark

516 notes · View notes

internetdetectives · 5 years

Text

11/14/19 - Chat with The Producer

ReturnedFaith 11:59 AM: "hello Internet Coomtectives”

ReturnedFaith 11:59 AM: "I heard you're all quite the murderous lot”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:00 PM: "we arent actually the coomtectives”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:00 PM: "more like detectives”

Xenquility 12:00 PM: "We mean well”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:00 PM: "the murderous lot?”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:00 PM: "nani?”

ReturnedFaith 12:00 PM: "someone died last night, didn't they?”

ReturnedFaith 12:00 PM: "or technically not last night”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:01 PM: "okay CANONMOMENT”

ReturnedFaith 12:01 PM: "I guess "murder" is subjective in this case”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:01 PM: "yeah last nigth a friend of us died”

ReturnedFaith 12:02 PM: "yeah”

ReturnedFaith 12:02 PM: "I was watching”

ReturnedFaith 12:02 PM: "rest in peace kaiden”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:02 PM: "oh nice”

Xenquility 12:02 PM: "Kaiden?”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:02 PM: "Wait WHAT”

ReturnedFaith 12:02 PM: "im kidding”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:02 PM: "ffs my heart”

ReturnedFaith 12:02 PM: "yuuki was "killed" ""again""”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:03 PM: "alrigth yea”

ReturnedFaith 12:03 PM: "but in reality it was something that could not be avoided “

MonikaBOT 12:03 PM: "Do you understand reality?”

ReturnedFaith 12:03 PM: "since it already had happened”

ReturnedFaith 12:03 PM: "hello monika”

Xenquility 12:03 PM: "Dov will love you”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:03 PM: "i mean yeah, thats how time loops work”

Xenquility 12:03 PM: "You one of SKM's lot?”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:03 PM: "if a thing happens there is no way to stop it as it is gonna happen”

ReturnedFaith 12:03 PM: "im not really sure if id call it time in this case”

ReturnedFaith 12:03 PM: "but i guess it kinda is”

ReturnedFaith 12:03 PM: "no, im not affiliated with SKM”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:04 PM: "alrigth”

ReturnedFaith 12:04 PM: "I'm a member of BUP's group”

Xenquility 12:04 PM: "Of course”

Xenquility 12:04 PM: "Well, welcome”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:04 PM: "nice”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:04 PM: "welcome”

ReturnedFaith 12:04 PM: "but dont worry”

ReturnedFaith 12:04 PM: "im not going to kill anyone”

SayoriBOT 12:04 PM: "Can we change the topic to something more wholesome please?”

Xenquility 12:05 PM: "What are your motives then?”

ReturnedFaith 12:05 PM: "I don't have that sort of power, though I guess I could put in a request if I really wanted”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:05 PM: "put a request?”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:05 PM: "wildest office in the paralellos”

ReturnedFaith 12:05 PM: "my motives are”

ReturnedFaith 12:05 PM: "I am bored and just wanna chat”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:06 PM: "well then”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:06 PM: "lets chat”

ReturnedFaith 12:06 PM: "it's not a very organized office, though”

Xenquility 12:06 PM: "That's nice to hear”

Xenquility 12:06 PM: "What exactly do you produce?”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:06 PM: "okay i really got a stupid question”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:06 PM: "nvm”

ReturnedFaith 12:07 PM: "ask”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:07 PM: "i migth kill someone with this”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:07 PM: "no thanks”

/Mr. Circle\ 12:07 PM: "This guy doesn't donkey kong”

ReturnedFaith 12:07 PM: "also I produce a variety for things for BUP”

ReturnedFaith 12:07 PM: "as I said, I don't have the power to kill”

ReturnedFaith 12:08 PM: "but BUP does”

ReturnedFaith 12:08 PM: ":diddy:”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:08 PM: "do you make beats?”

ReturnedFaith 12:08 PM: "to some extent”

Xenquility 12:09 PM: "So you really don't want to bring down the moon OR kill anyone?”

ReturnedFaith 12:09 PM: "I'm not a music producer, though I have made one or two short tracks in the past”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:09 PM: "migth i ask you the name of those tracks, really like music, i migth know them”

ReturnedFaith 12:09 PM: "bringing down the moon would be an unfortunate ending”

ReturnedFaith 12:09 PM: "its not my wish”

Xenquility 12:09 PM: "Nice to finally have someone who isn't either being hunted by moon people, is a moon person, or wants to kill anyone”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:10 PM: "tru”

Xenquility 12:10 PM: "Have we interacted with you before?”

ReturnedFaith 12:10 PM: "they dont have names, I simply create and ship them as I do other things that are needed”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:11 PM: "neat”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:11 PM: "you seem chill dude”

ReturnedFaith 12:11 PM: "and yes, you have”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:11 PM: "wait”

ReturnedFaith 12:11 PM: "I am a good guy”

ReturnedFaith 12:11 PM: ":wink:”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:11 PM: "ffs”

Xenquility 12:11 PM: "I'm guessing you won't be able to tell us when we interacted with you”

ReturnedFaith 12:11 PM: "right now”

Xenquility 12:11 PM: "(Other than right now)”

ReturnedFaith 12:11 PM: "right then”

Xenquility 12:12 PM: "(other than today)”

ReturnedFaith 12:12 PM: "tomorrow”

Xenquility 12:12 PM: "(That isn't in the future)”

ReturnedFaith 12:12 PM: "two tomorrow's yesterday”

Xenquility 12:12 PM: "That's still tomorrow”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:12 PM: "oh yea timefucks”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:12 PM: "this is my jam”

ReturnedFaith 12:12 PM: "what is today but yesterday's tomorrow?”

Xenquility 12:13 PM: "Today”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:13 PM: ":cmonbruh:”

ReturnedFaith 12:13 PM: "time shit is confusing, i know”

ReturnedFaith 12:13 PM: "but only when you don't have all of the details”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:14 PM: "exactly”

Xenquility 12:14 PM: "Hey, we don't have any punishments for asking questions anymore, right?”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:14 PM: "like fucking dr strange must be the wokest nigga in the galaxy”

ReturnedFaith 12:14 PM: "no”

Xenquility 12:14 PM: "Sweet”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:14 PM: "he knows ALL the time shit”

ReturnedFaith 12:14 PM: "unless BUP decides to return and starts going mental”

ReturnedFaith 12:14 PM: "but I can't answer very much”

ReturnedFaith 12:14 PM: "well, I can, but I'd rather not”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:15 PM: "are you like that super chill dude in the office that hates the boss but loves his mates?”

Xenquility 12:15 PM: "Did you just insinuate he hates bup”

Xenquility 12:15 PM: "DEATH”

ReturnedFaith 12:15 PM: "I guess”

ReturnedFaith 12:15 PM: "oops”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:15 PM: "lmao”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:15 PM: "dw”

ReturnedFaith 12:15 PM: "I'm kinda more like the temp”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:16 PM: "cool”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:16 PM: "you seem cool”

ReturnedFaith 12:16 PM: "we've all been very busy lately”

Xenquility 12:17 PM: "Ay quick question, what time is it for you?”

ReturnedFaith 12:17 PM: "especially myself”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:17 PM: "yo i bet his time is like”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:17 PM: "no time”

ReturnedFaith 12:17 PM: "it is around noon”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:17 PM: "oh”

Xenquility 12:17 PM: "So est”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:17 PM: "here is almost evening”

Xenquility 12:17 PM: "All I can find from arg at 11:28 is him talking about gay body types lmao”

ReturnedFaith 12:17 PM: "sounds like him”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:17 PM: "shithappens.com”

Xenquility 12:17 PM: "What were you quoting?”

ReturnedFaith 12:18 PM: "that was my mistake”

ReturnedFaith 12:18 PM: "i was attempting to copy something else”

Xenquility 12:18 PM: "Ah okay”

ReturnedFaith 12:18 PM: "or was it?”

ReturnedFaith 12:18 PM: "ooh”

ReturnedFaith 12:18 PM: "(still have to be a little mysterious)”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:18 PM: "ooooooh”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:18 PM: "oh rigth you are supposed to be a spooky tech guy”

ReturnedFaith 12:19 PM: "(regulations, you know)”

Xenquility 12:19 PM: "So, have we previously interacted with everyone on BUP's team?”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:19 PM: "xen you already know the answer”

Xenquility 12:19 PM: "I do?”

ReturnedFaith 12:19 PM: "not everyone”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:20 PM: "oh”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:20 PM: "fuck you are the less predecible guy ive met”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:20 PM: "congrats”

ReturnedFaith 12:20 PM: "thanks i suppose”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:20 PM: "i thougth you were gonna say some confusing time shit lol”

ReturnedFaith 12:21 PM: "you will come to remember them in time”

ReturnedFaith 12:21 PM: "does that work”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:21 PM: "are there a lot more of BUP guys?”

ARGdov 12:21 PM: "oh so this mut be the new person”

ARGdov 12:21 PM: "hello”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:21 PM: "ayy dov”

ARGdov 12:21 PM: "heyo”

ReturnedFaith 12:21 PM: "theres about sevenish?”

ReturnedFaith 12:21 PM: "but thats not like an exact number”

ARGdov 12:21 PM: "...theres 7 of you”

ARGdov 12:21 PM: "wow ok then”

ReturnedFaith 12:21 PM: "some come and go”

Azura 12:22 PM: "What tf is going on in here”

Xenquility 12:22 PM: "Is Bup that broker of nokturnal guy from the Kaiden RP video”

ReturnedFaith 12:22 PM: "hello azura”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:22 PM: "ay azura this is producer”

ReturnedFaith 12:22 PM: "Bup is Bup”

Azura 12:22 PM: "Hewwo,,,”

ReturnedFaith 12:22 PM: "if I tell you more about Bup he will smite me”

ReturnedFaith 12:22 PM: "then i will be out of a job”

Xenquility 12:22 PM: "Azura is a massive coomer”

ReturnedFaith 12:22 PM: "so I've heard”

Azura 12:23 PM: "HEY NOW”

Azura 12:23 PM: "Dont slander me”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:23 PM: "smite like... litterally smite?”

ReturnedFaith 12:23 PM: "I imagine hearing that there are about seven of us is quite the headache”

ReturnedFaith 12:23 PM: "but it's really not that complicated”

ReturnedFaith 12:23 PM: "or I guess kinda it is”

Xenquility 12:23 PM: "I mean, if we already know who you guys are it can't be that bad”

ARGdov 12:23 PM: "so like”

ARGdov 12:23 PM: "actually nah Im not gonna ask”

ARGdov 12:23 PM: "Im not gonna get a straight answer”

ReturnedFaith 12:24 PM: "lose your bloodthirst?”

ARGdov 12:24 PM: "pffff”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:24 PM: "yo dov did you really did a bomb plans 3.0 last nigth”

ARGdov 12:24 PM: "great to see word about thats gone around”

ARGdov 12:24 PM: "I did not”

ReturnedFaith 12:24 PM: "word gets around fast in the "office"”

Xenquility 12:24 PM: "It''s canon Dov was right”

ARGdov 12:24 PM: "if anything this was bomb plans 2.0 cause the runes thing couldve got a lot worse”

Xenquility 12:24 PM: "Dov was destined to do it”

ARGdov 12:25 PM: "and yeah”

ReturnedFaith 12:25 PM: "-looks into the camera-”

ARGdov 12:25 PM: "I couldnt have not done it because it had already happened, in a way”

Xenquility 12:25 PM: "Kill switch and runes add up to 1”

ARGdov 12:25 PM: "hey now!”

ARGdov 12:25 PM: "the kill switch was the right call”

ARGdov 12:25 PM: "also”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:25 PM: "-seinfield theme starts playin'-”

ARGdov 12:25 PM: "I didnt end up being the only vote”

Xenquility 12:25 PM: ":)”

ARGdov 12:25 PM: "the thing glitched temporarily so no one else could vote but it got fixed quickly so others could”

ReturnedFaith 12:26 PM: "let him who is without sin cast the first stone”

ARGdov 12:26 PM: "granted for like 5 mintues it seemed like I'd offed Luna or whoever”

ReturnedFaith 12:26 PM: "unless it is argdov”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:26 PM: "lmao”

ARGdov 12:26 PM: "pfff”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:26 PM: "oh oh i know what to do”

ARGdov 12:26 PM: "just as well that Ive never read the new testament”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:26 PM: "Vibe check!”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:26 PM: "-hands you a toad-”

ARGdov 12:26 PM: "take toad”

ARGdov 12:26 PM: "?”

ReturnedFaith 12:26 PM: "give it to Bup”

ReturnedFaith 12:26 PM: "they love toads”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:27 PM: "t h e y ?”

ARGdov 12:27 PM: "yes I had a feelin”

ReturnedFaith 12:27 PM: "wait wrong toad probably”

ARGdov 12:27 PM: "true”

ARGdov 12:27 PM: "we're talking about froglike beings”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:27 PM: "yea”

ARGdov 12:27 PM: "that damn toad profile picture threw me off I gotta say”

ReturnedFaith 12:27 PM: "yeah I dont think ghost will want to keep that once they regain control”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:28 PM: "yo dov drop the toad already he is tired”

ARGdov 12:28 PM: "oh sorry”

ARGdov 12:28 PM: "lets toad go”

ARGdov 12:28 PM: "by froggo”

ReturnedFaith 12:28 PM: "splat”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:28 PM: "i hope ghost changes his password after this”

ReturnedFaith 12:28 PM: "it wouldnt matter”

Xenquility 12:28 PM: "Excuse me ghost is a strong independent woman”

ARGdov 12:28 PM: "actually yeah Im wondering what ghostbabels up to now”

ReturnedFaith 12:28 PM: "oh right”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:28 PM: "i bet his pasword was something like: 12345BABEL”

Xenquility 12:28 PM: "56709IDIDDLEDKIDS”

ARGdov 12:29 PM: "pfff”

ARGdov 12:29 PM: "I hope not, he was smarter than that”

ReturnedFaith 12:29 PM: "howd you guess mugen's password”

Xenquility 12:29 PM: "gg”

ARGdov 12:29 PM: "....how do you know who Mugen is”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:29 PM: "howd u know mugen”

Xenquility 12:29 PM: "HE IS MUGEN”

ReturnedFaith 12:29 PM: "I've interacted with him on several occasions”

Xenquility 12:29 PM: "BUM BUM BUM”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:29 PM: "lmao”

ARGdov 12:29 PM: "wait what”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:29 PM: "i told ya fucking mugen did moon rituals”

ReturnedFaith 12:29 PM: "he frequents our office”

ARGdov 12:29 PM: "why on earth would you speak to him hes not in the group anymore and he sucks”

ReturnedFaith 12:29 PM: "delivering pizza”

ARGdov 12:29 PM: ".ahahahahha”

ReturnedFaith 12:29 PM: "im kidding”

ARGdov 12:30 PM: "yeah I gathered”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:30 PM: "plot twist bup is mugen”

ReturnedFaith 12:30 PM: "I havent spoken with him in some time”

ARGdov 12:30 PM: "plot twist Bup is nobody we've met before”

Xenquility 12:30 PM: "Plot twist Bup can't actually kill anyone which is why he chose Yuuki”

SayoriBOT 12:30 PM: "Can we change the topic to something more wholesome please?”

Xenquility 12:30 PM: "because she's already dead”

ARGdov 12:30 PM: "oh piss of sayori”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:30 PM: "omae wa mou”

ARGdov 12:30 PM: "I mean, he might not be able to”

ARGdov 12:30 PM: "but I wouldnt want to risk that again”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:31 PM: "bros im trying to get the source code of a HS character infobox but it is massive”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:31 PM: "mine is CSS becuase im fucking useless”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:31 PM: "and it isnt even code”

ARGdov 12:31 PM: "also intereting thing I just noticed”

ARGdov 12:31 PM: "@ReturnedFaith is there any particular meaning behind your proper discord username?”

ARGdov 12:31 PM: "its "Returned Faith"”

ReturnedFaith 12:33 PM: "yeah”

ReturnedFaith 12:33 PM: "because again”

ReturnedFaith 12:33 PM: "I gotta be at least a little mysterious”

ARGdov 12:33 PM: "fair I suppose”

Xenquility 12:33 PM: "what if these guys were like”

Xenquility 12:33 PM: "Hope and her friends from the Truth arc”

ARGdov 12:33 PM: "but Im taking the clues I can find”

ARGdov 12:33 PM: "ahahaha”

ARGdov 12:33 PM: "that would be something”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:33 PM: "yeah sorry about me dont reading the wiki yet”

ARGdov 12:33 PM: "we dont even know what happened to them”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:33 PM: "who was hope exactly?”

Xenquility 12:33 PM: "Exactly”

ARGdov 12:34 PM: "Ill explain in PM: "s”

Wolfcat 12:34 PM: "argdov is a meanie”

Xenquility 12:34 PM: "which was why they are definitely them”

SayoriBOT 12:34 PM: "Do we have a meanie in the server? If so, please stop.”

ReturnedFaith 12:34 PM: "BUP is usually pretty chill but he can be strict at times”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:34 PM: "i mean he vibin”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:34 PM: "but he killin too”

Wolfcat 12:34 PM: "s_feed :bottle:”

SayoriBOT 12:34 PM: "Ptoo ptoo! This isn't food, you meanie!”

Wolfcat 12:34 PM: "s_feed :baby_bottle:”

SayoriBOT 12:34 PM: "Hey! I'm not a baby!”

Wolfcat 12:34 PM: "be quiet”

ARGdov 12:34 PM: "Im not a meanie :c”

SayoriBOT 12:34 PM: "Cease your bulli, you meanie!”

Xenquility 12:35 PM: "dov is the antithesis of a meanie”

ARGdov 12:35 PM: "no you”

SayoriBOT 12:35 PM: "Cease your bulli, you meanie!”

ARGdov 12:35 PM: "shh”

Wolfcat 12:35 PM: "You're not a meanie”

SayoriBOT 12:35 PM: "Cease your bulli, you meanie!”

Wolfcat 12:35 PM: "You're just a murderer”

ARGdov 12:35 PM: "OH PLEASE”

ARGdov 12:35 PM: "THIS WHOLE GROUP HAS BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR MORE THAN A FEW DEAGTHS”

Xenquility 12:35 PM: "stop bullying dov”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:35 PM: "i didnt kill anyone”

Xenquility 12:35 PM: "SLINKY”

ARGdov 12:35 PM: "remember when we fucking drowned a man in a fucking stormdrain”

Xenquility 12:35 PM: "YOU PLAYED THE ELEGY TWICE”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:35 PM: "BUT I DIDNT KILL ANYONE”

ARGdov 12:36 PM: "remember when we accidentally got someone hit with a rock and then they died?”

ARGdov 12:36 PM: "remember when someone submitted the song of healing during the truth arc?”

ReturnedFaith 12:36 PM: "hey”

ReturnedFaith 12:36 PM: "helper got better”

ARGdov 12:36 PM: "he did”

ReturnedFaith 12:36 PM: "at least”

ARGdov 12:36 PM: "in fact plenty of people have gotten better”

ARGdov 12:36 PM: "and Yukis not gone”

Xenquility 12:36 PM: "I mean”

ARGdov 12:36 PM: "shes just been "condemned to a lfietime of stockholm syndrome" presumably trapped in the depths of AO”

Xenquility 12:37 PM: "that's debatable”

ARGdov 12:37 PM: "which is kind of awful but shes not totally gone”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:37 PM: "gonna do some quick homework brb”

ARGdov 12:37 PM: "actually who in this game HAS been totally been killed?”

ARGdov 12:37 PM: "like, with no digital spirit lingerin on”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:37 PM: "john”

Xenquility 12:37 PM: "Anyways we can't exactly do anything about yuuki so we should probably focus on literally anything else”

ARGdov 12:37 PM: "uh not true, actually”

ARGdov 12:37 PM: "tenebris took over John”

Xenquility 12:37 PM: "Actually John's body is still around”

DensO Burton 12:37 PM: "Mugen”

ARGdov 12:37 PM: "his soul, that is”

Xenquility 12:38 PM: "He's a deuro”

ARGdov 12:38 PM: "and so it might still be out there somewhere”

ReturnedFaith 12:38 PM: "johns is both here and gone at the same time on multiple levels”

ARGdov 12:38 PM: "once someone is digitized it seems like they dont just fade away”

Xenquility 12:42 PM: "Nice to finally see a guy we know about”

ARGdov 12:42 PM: "weve not spoken to him in fucking ages as well”

ARGdov 12:42 PM: "like, since 2016”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:43 PM: "also wasn't skm like super chill too?”

ARGdov 12:43 PM: "he was p great”

ARGdov 12:43 PM: "he called regiminis "regimipiss"”

ARGdov 12:43 PM: "he was a salty bro”

Xenquility 12:43 PM: "He's the only guy I've seen in jid that has canonically said, "XD"”

ARGdov 12:44 PM: "ahahhaha”

ARGdov 12:44 PM: "he said "XD" therefore he must be p great”

ARGdov 12:44 PM: "but yeah no he was good”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:44 PM: "XD”

ARGdov 12:44 PM: "I wonder what hes been up to”

ARGdov 12:44 PM: "like he's still involved in this shit to an extent”

ARGdov 12:44 PM: "and hes apparently working with a team of hackers now”

ARGdov 12:44 PM: "which Im glad to hear. He was working almost entirely on his own when we last spoke to him”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:45 PM: "i mean he broke into tylers hoese bc someone gavehis mask to him”

ARGdov 12:46 PM: "true”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:47 PM: "finished homework woo”

ARGdov 12:47 PM: "nice”

ARGdov 12:47 PM: "Im just starting rip”

ARGdov 12:47 PM: "also does the producer not have permissions to chat or has he just gone quiet?”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:48 PM: "idk”

Xenquility 12:48 PM: "Gone quiet”

ReturnedFaith 12:48 PM: "XD”

ReturnedFaith 12:48 PM: "Yes sorry im here”

ARGdov 12:48 PM: "ah ok”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:48 PM: "fuck yea”

ReturnedFaith 12:48 PM: "SKM always was a fun one”

ARGdov 12:48 PM: "hes a good guy”

Jos 12:49 PM: "Skm used LOL XD LMAO”

ARGdov 12:49 PM: "Ive no clue what the fuck hes been up to recently”

Xenquility 12:49 PM: "Wow what a way to steal the "XD" award from SKM”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:49 PM: "okay prod, so you seem to know a lot of info about all this”

ARGdov 12:49 PM: "I guess he escpaed whatever occured at the lunar spire”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:49 PM: "how”

ReturnedFaith 12:49 PM: "I've been watching it for a long time”

Jos 12:49 PM: "Hello guys irs ya boy SKM XDDD the forums are broke again LOL patrem being annoying about it”

Jos 12:49 PM: "Rhats skm”

ReturnedFaith 12:49 PM: "though ill admit i have no idea where SKM is currently”

/Mr. Circle\ 12:50 PM: "skm is not the only one to have uttered the forbidden emoji”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:50 PM: "so lets say you have about the same info that we have”

ARGdov 12:50 PM: "BUP said SKMs working with some hackers”

Jos 12:50 PM: "How do i know he is cannon?”

ARGdov 12:50 PM: "when I asked what on he said "on their computers"”

ReturnedFaith 12:50 PM: "thats right”

ReturnedFaith 12:50 PM: "Hina”

/Mr. Circle\ 12:50 PM: "hina616 has also XD'd”

ReturnedFaith 12:50 PM: "poor little Hina”

/Mr. Circle\ 12:50 PM: "oh fuck you beat me to it”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:51 PM: "Who*”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:51 PM: "woo was hina?”

ReturnedFaith 12:51 PM: "quiet, gamejacker”

/Mr. Circle\ 12:51 PM: "meta”

ReturnedFaith 12:51 PM: "Hina was a Lunar Child”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:51 PM: "meta”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:51 PM: "alrite”

Jos 12:52 PM: "How do I know you are cannon Producer”

ReturnedFaith 12:52 PM: "I guess you don't”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:52 PM: "meta”

ARGdov 12:52 PM: "I dont remember hina”

ARGdov 12:52 PM: "but then I cant keep track of everything”

ReturnedFaith 12:53 PM: "she is rather forgettable”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:53 PM: "neat”

ReturnedFaith 12:54 PM: "in the grand scheme of things, that is”

ReturnedFaith 12:54 PM: "out of the rest of them, she was probably the most memorable”

Xenquility 12:55 PM: "Oh producer”

Xenquility 12:55 PM: "Are you and bup male or female”

ARGdov 12:55 PM: "rip”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:56 PM: "are you assuming they are Gender Binary?”

Xenquility 12:56 PM: "Yes”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:56 PM: "TRIGGERED”

/Mr. Circle\ 12:56 PM: "That's a Funny Joke”

ReturnedFaith 12:56 PM: "I'm not sure about BUP, but for myself”

ReturnedFaith 12:56 PM: "I prefer male”

ARGdov 12:57 PM: ".....”

ARGdov 12:57 PM: "wow”

otherLiam 12:57 PM: "who’s this now”

Xenquility 12:57 PM: "Male ocol”

ARGdov 12:57 PM: "thats an old fucking joke”

Xenquility 12:57 PM: "*cool”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:57 PM: "- Go apeshit i guess”

ARGdov 12:57 PM: "someone who works with BUP”

otherLiam 12:57 PM: "oh cool”

Xenquility 12:57 PM: "If Bup is female I'm sticking to my theory about them being Hope and her friends lmao”

ARGdov 12:57 PM: "yup”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:57 PM: "yeah he is super chill”

Xenquility 12:57 PM: "This guy doesn't want to kill anyone he's great”

ARGdov 12:58 PM: "he hasnt threatened to kill anyone so thats a plus”

otherLiam 12:59 PM: "i mean bup didnt really threaten either. more like just laid out the consequences for losing”

Slinky Stinks△ 12:59 PM: "- It is I, dave strider homesuck free Vector PNG 2019”

Sheena0 12:59 PM: "is there a consequence if we win tho?”

ReturnedFaith 12:59 PM: "He is more experienced”

ReturnedFaith 12:59 PM: "but I dont really have as many responsibilities”

ReturnedFaith 12:59 PM: "so I'm free to be a bit more loose”

ReturnedFaith 12:59 PM: "but I will have to get back to work soon”

otherLiam 1:00 PM: "what exactly is your work?”

ReturnedFaith 1:00 PM: "Producing”

Slinky Stinks△ 1:00 PM: "yea he produces”

ReturnedFaith 1:00 PM: "providing BUP and others with whatever they need”

/Mr. Circle\ 1:00 PM: "this guy produces”

otherLiam 1:01 PM: "what do they need now?”

ARGdov 1:01 PM: "they need the d”

ReturnedFaith 1:01 PM: "things”

ARGdov 1:01 PM: "like I said”

ReturnedFaith 1:01 PM: "but no really”

ARGdov 1:01 PM: "the d”

ReturnedFaith 1:01 PM: "they need a lot of stuff”

ReturnedFaith 1:01 PM: "including the d”

ARGdov 1:01 PM: "I, too am in need of....things”

ReturnedFaith 1:01 PM: "and stuff?”

Slinky Stinks△ 1:01 PM: "CONFIRMED”

ARGdov 1:01 PM: "welp Im glad we have one thing in common then”

Slinky Stinks△ 1:01 PM: "bup needs the d”

otherLiam 1:01 PM: "dov stop bein horny on main”

ARGdov 1:02 PM: "pffff”

ARGdov 1:02 PM: "trust me this isnt me being horny”

/Mr. Circle\ 1:02 PM: "dov only has main to be horny on”

ReturnedFaith 1:02 PM: "if they require the d, then Im afraid I must provide”

ARGdov 1:02 PM: "that as well”

ARGdov 1:02 PM: "welp”

Xenquility 1:02 PM: "Oh god”

Xenquility 1:02 PM: "Hot”

Slinky Stinks△ 1:02 PM: "prod, provide your d”

Xenquility 1:02 PM: "Can I join you guys”

ARGdov 1:02 PM: "if they need a lot of things they must be preparing for something”

ReturnedFaith 1:02 PM: "I dont work for you, traitor”

otherLiam 1:02 PM: "(also sorry for goin off on you yesterday dov)”

ARGdov 1:02 PM: "(its cool lol)”

/Mr. Circle\ 1:02 PM: "may we please have d?”

Slinky Stinks△ 1:03 PM: "(Nigga who u called traitor)”

Xenquility 1:03 PM: "If you guys are providing d Ill join”

ARGdov 1:03 PM: "man ok I did not intend to derail this with shitposting lol”

Slinky Stinks△ 1:03 PM: "so”

ARGdov 1:03 PM: "either way, like I just said”

Slinky Stinks△ 1:03 PM: "do we provide the d?”

Ross the Claus 🎄 1:03 PM: "heard something about someone producing a d”

ARGdov 1:03 PM: "they need things (potentially including the d) to do...something”

ARGdov 1:03 PM: "potentially a ritual?”

ARGdov 1:03 PM: "who knows”

Slinky Stinks△ 1:04 PM: "now its when the d means: DESTRUCTIVE LASERGUN”

otherLiam 1:04 PM: "man who knows anything”

Ross the Claus 🎄 1:04 PM: "Ritual involving the d. Sounds about right for this arg”

ARGdov 1:04 PM: "I love performing rituals with my d”

otherLiam 1:05 PM: "we dunno who these guys are, what theyre tryin to do or if we should even be trying to stop them”

Slinky Stinks△ 1:05 PM: "nah girl i cant go out with u tonigth, i gotta perform theritual with my d”

ARGdov 1:05 PM: "shh”

otherLiam 1:05 PM: "hell maybe we want them to succeed”

ARGdov 1:05 PM: "I dont trust anyone who has the kind of power BUP currently has”

otherLiam 1:05 PM: "maybe them doing their thing will fuck with our other enemies”

Slinky Stinks△ 1:05 PM: "nah m8”

Xenquility 1:05 PM: "I wanna get :BUP:ed with their d”

ARGdov 1:05 PM: "Im not trusting anyone except for potentially SKM”

otherLiam 1:05 PM: "who knows”

ReturnedFaith 1:05 PM: "since you asked nicely”

ReturnedFaith 1:05 PM: ((A distorted D image is posted))

Slinky Stinks△ 1:05 PM: "producer has 10 times less the power that bup has”

Sheena0 1:06 PM: "i kinda feel we need to figure them out first then go to understanding their reason”

Xenquility 1:06 PM: "THE D”

Xenquility 1:06 PM: "YES”

Slinky Stinks△ 1:06 PM: "THE D”

ARGdov 1:06 PM: "Im still thinking about this”

otherLiam 1:06 PM: "Producer is now my favorite”

ARGdov 1:06 PM: "why would I have a different discord account to be horny on lol”

otherLiam 1:06 PM: "“main” isnt your discord account, it’s the chat you’re in”

ReturnedFaith 1:07 PM: "now i need to get back to work”

ARGdov 1:07 PM: "ah fair”

ReturnedFaith 1:07 PM: "for real”

ARGdov 1:07 PM: "well Im in other groups”

ReturnedFaith 1:07 PM: "bye for now”

ARGdov 1:07 PM: "but rest assured”

Slinky Stinks△ 1:07 PM: "wait prod”

otherLiam 1:07 PM: "have fun producer”

ReturnedFaith 1:07 PM: "whats up traitor”

ARGdov 1:07 PM: "if I was being horny on main you'd all tell me to leave”

otherLiam 1:07 PM: "ooo shit”

ARGdov 1:07 PM: "anyways, bye producer”

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