#prompts: isaak

[amoromniaodium]

I have a terrible need to make these two characters the saddest people in existence. The quote that inspired this prompt on unrequited love:

The heart will break, but broken live on.

Lie to Me by Chris Isaak is so Bucky/Buck coded. Enjoy

—

Loving someone who doesn't love you back is terrorizing. There's something profoundly sad about seeing your beloved smile, unaware of how it tears your heart out. The saddest part is the lack of reciprocity—the love, the brotherhood, and the deep friendship, is all there. However, only one person loves more than the other and at the end of it all Buck can only hope for Bucky’s friendship.

The most terrible aspect that makes Buck want to cry out to a higher power—one he stopped believing in when his father's fist first hit his face—is how lovable Bucky is. Bucky loves openly, wearing his emotions on his sleeve, and everyone loves him for it. He hugs, laughs, drinks, and talks with everyone. Buck is the opposite he never would be that open, his openness was destroyed by memories of a father who never expected anything good from him. But he does late at night, lying in his bed, beg God to stop his pain, his hurt because sometimes he tells like his heart will never stop hurting.

Buck was baptized by a man made of sunshine, who gave him part of his name like a deity naming his favorite creature. He was named Buck by him, and he knew he should have resisted, kept his guard up, but that smile was so bright that it melted his cold walls completely. He hated how much he loved Bucky, the first real person to offer him a piece of himself. But Buck didn't realize until it was too late how dangerous and hurtful it would be to accept that name.

Bucky is loud, always speaking about himself, and enjoys singing, dancing, and going out with different women. He frequently turns back to search for Buck, winking to him as if it's a personal joke, unaware of how much it hurts Buck. Like a hopeless soul, Buck simply smiles and swallows the pain, but his heart grows colder with each passing day.

Nights like that he always walks back alone from the pub, the cold night deepening his melancholy. His chilled hands, runny nose, and tear-streaked face reveal the wall Buck has built inside himself grumbling into the ground. With every wink from Bucky, Buck becomes even colder. The only true way he has to defend himself.

Some people believe heartbreak can kill. Buck has read stories about people who die alone and cold, their love unrequited. He feels kinship with them, knowing one day this will be his fate. Each night, as he returns from the pub, he hopes not to wake up, wishing Bucky would find him and mourn the friendship lost, to understand the pain he caused, feels it so deeply into his soul that he looses the ability to breath, the ability to live and that he will have to grieve him for the rest of his life. Because Buck knows that Bucky will grieve for him like he does all the men they had lost to this war. But Buck would never intentionally hurt his love.

What Buck doesn't realize is that every time Bucky makes someone laugh or kisses another blonde, he's thinking of Buck—his beautiful angelic Buck. Whenever he returns to the table and Buck isn't there, his heart and lungs ache. And he drinks more and hates himself and the routine continues day after day after day.

If only they both knew how much they loved each other, and how much they unknowingly hurt each other. If only.

—

And they communicated and loved each other. The End.

[rose-sophia-isabella-rogers]

A Steel That Went Through Hottest Fire: Chapter XVII - Moving Heaven and Earth

Chapter Summary: You fulfill your promise to Nikolai and complete an antidote to jurda parem in Lazlayon. But it gets an unwanted attention from your enemies. To protect you and the recipe, you head back to Os Alta. But someone is already waiting there for you.

Pairing: Aleksander Kirigan/Reader, Nikolai Lantsov/Zoya Nazyalensky, Ivan/Fedyor Kaminsky

Characters: Aleksander Kirigan, Reader, Zoya Nazyalensky, Nikolai Lantsov, Yuri Vedenen, Fedyor Kaminsky, Ivan, Genya Safin, David Kostyk, Tolya Yul-Bataar, Isaak Andreyev, Tamar Kir-Bataar, the Apparat

Word Count: 3818

A/N: Inspired by prompt: https://pl.pinterest.com/pin/207306389090591501/

Tag list (let me know if you want to be added or removed):

@budugu

@intothesoul

@mizelophsun11

@pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy

@zeeader

@marrymonrich

@wonderland2425

@chelseyyouraverageluigi

@thehufflepuffavenger1

@drinix

You're back in Lazlayon, where you work furiously on the antidote. Aleksander has, of course, insisted on coming with you. He'll not be parted from you ever again. Ever. There are, however, some conditions about his presence there.

While Nikolai has agreed to give Kirigan the position he wants, he and his friends have concluded it's better to keep him hidden and under observation. They want to prepare the people for his return first. The Darkling is not happy about it, but he concedes. For now. He knows, after all, they're going to need him sooner than they think. And hope.

One day, the first sample of the antidote is finally ready. All that you need is to test it on someone. Just then, Nina arrives in Lazlayon along with her companions and some women Grisha that are under the effect of jurda parem.

You go outside to tell Nikolai about what you think is a success. You were told he's there. You stop, seeing him talking to Nina and two other Grisha you don't know. There's also a Fjerdan with them for some reason. Not bound. So maybe an ally? You don't care about that at the moment. You care about a huddled group of women that look terrible.

'Are they under the effect of jurda parem?' you ask, letting others know about your presence. Nikolai, Nina and the three people look at you.

'Yes,' Nina confirms grimly. 'How's your work on the antidote going?'

Instead of answering her, you march toward the women. There was a time where you would hesitate. But you're another person now. So, you tap one woman. She looks at you with suspicion.

'Pardon me,' you say, reaching into a small box in your hand. 'Say "ah".'

'Huh?' she asks, confused. The moment her mouth opens, you quickly put your fingers in it. Her eyes go wide. You take your fingers out.

'Swallow, please,' you say. She doesn't want to, but has no choice. Her body suddenly starts shaking and she gasps.

'What did you do?!' Nina demands, rushing to the poor woman. You feel someone grabbing you and pulling you away.

'Helped her,' you answer calmly. A moment passes and something changes in the woman's appearance. No one can tell exactly what it is, but she looks healthier. She looks at you with surprise.

'I… I don't feel it,' she says, stunned. 'The need to… take it.'

'You should also lose your enhanced abilities,' you explain. 'But we should wait before testing it. Sorry for giving this to you in such a way.'

She shakes her head, understanding. You turn to Nikolai. He's stunned as well. He looks at you hopefully.

'We should keep her under observation to see if there are any side effects,' you tell him.

'You can make more in the meantime,' Nina suggests.

'If you get me jurda, then sure,' you say. 'And I'm going to need a lot of it. More of it goes into an antidote that into the drug.'

'It's going to be a problem, then,' Nikolai sighs. 'Since I made a deal with Kerch, that is going on a war with Novyi Zem, which has the most of it.'

'Just bring me some of it,' you say. 'It'll be enough.'

'You just said the opposite,' the Fjerdan, confused, says. You look at him curiously.

'And you are…?' you ask.

'Matthias Helvar,' the man introduces himself.

'He's with me,' Nina quickly says. You shrug and smile.

'Get me as much jurda as you can and I'll get us even more,' you say mysteriously and go back to your workshop.

A few days later a crate of raw jurda is brought to you. Your eyes light up at the sight. You quickly order to have it taken outside. There, Zoya and David watch as you take the seeds of jurda and plant it.

'It will take time before it will grow,' Nazyalensky points out. 'Anyway, I don't think it has proper conditions for it.'

'You forget about something,' you say and touch your neck. Your friends frown. You simply press your hands to the ground and concentrate. A moment later the plant grows rapidly until it's blooming. You tell someone to gather what you need and you plant the seeds. You repeat the process over and over again.

'That is… a bit terrifying,' David says, stunned. 'And she doesn't look tired at all.'

'But she will get us what we need,' Zoya says. 'Gather whoever is available. They will plant the seeds. So she could focus only on growing them.'

Kostyk quickly hurries away. Nazyalensky looks at you. You're lifting your hands off the ground, as you've just bloomed the next portion of flowers.

'Impressive,' your friend says. You smile at her. Your eyes land on the building.

'Where's Aleksander?' you ask.

'At the meeting with Nikolai,' Zoya answers. 'As always, these days. I have to admit, he has a point in some matters. And good ideas.'

'And when he'll be able to stop hiding?' you ask.

'As soon as we locate the Apparat,' Nazyalensky answers grimly. 'The rat can make a riot because of the Darkling's resurrection and us working with him.'

You hum and return to growing more jurda for the antidote. Zoya observes you for a moment longer. When David returns with others, she turns and walks inside the building to let Nikolai know about the process. When she does that, she can see Kirigan smiling with pride in his eyes. It annoys her. Because with every day she starts to see your point more. That they need both you and the Darkling to save Grisha and win the war. And she hates it.

*

Some time later, you're working on another portion of the antidote, when suddenly there's a loud explosion. Then you hear screams, shouts and sound of running. You look with confusion at David.

'That wasn't us,' you say. 'So… who blew something up? And more importantly, why they didn't invite us do help them?'

'Let's better check,' Kostyk says. Every Durast and Alkemi that are in workshops hurry up. The source of the commotion is outside, so you rush there. You stop on top of the stairs, stunned. You're under attack.

'What in the names of Saints?' David asks, stunned. You see a small army fighting with your Grisha. Khergud attacking from above.

'Shu-Han,' you say. 'How did they find this place?'

'It doesn't matter now,' Nikolai says, hurrying past you. 'For now, we need to stop them from getting inside.'

But then you see more of them showing up. The King curses.

'We don't have enough men,' David says, showing up. 'Most of our soldiers are in the Grand Palace or looking for Grisha affected by jurda parem. Because it was supposed to be a secret lab!'

'I know!' Lantsov scoffs. 'I have no idea how they found us.'

He looks at the battle, gnawing at his lip. His face becomes grim. He looks at you and you already know whatever he's about to say, he's not happy about it.

'We need Kirigan,' he declares, causing Kostyk to sharply inhale. 'Only he has enough power to stop it. Zoya is away. And maybe, if we're lucky, his sudden appearance will scare them enough.'

'Are you sure this is a good idea?' David asks nervously. 'People are not ready for it. We aren't ready.'

'We have no choice,' Nikolai says grimly and looks at you. 'Go and get him. Tell Tolya it's time to get out of the shadows.'

You nod once and sprint back inside. You suspect what you're to say to the Heartrender is some password. So Tolya would know that these are really the King orders and not you trying to deceive him. You applaud to their smartness and speed up.

In his chambers, Aleksander argues with Tolya. He wants to go outside and help. The Heartrender is against it, obviously.

'You can hear very well it doesn't sound like we're winning,' the Darkling growls, losing patience. 'We're losing. I can change that.'

'You know very well you can't show up yet,' Tolya says, irritated.

'If things continue going the way they are, there will be no people to show up to,' Kirigan barks.

'And why do you care about that so much?' Yul-Bataar asks, crossing his arms.

'Contrary to your belief, I care about Grisha,' Aleksander says, clenching his fists. 'Besides… why do you think they are here? At that time?'

Tolya frowns. Kirigan scoffs.

'We finally have an antidote to jurda parem,' he explains. 'We can finally deal with the innocent Grisha they and Fjerda sends at us that are under the influence of it.'

'They're here for it,' the Heartrender says, going pale.

'And for the person that knows how to create it,' the Darkling adds. Yul-Bataar stares at him.

'So, it's about the girl,' he says and scoffs. 'Not about Grisha, but the only person who wants to be by your side from their own free will.'

'Both reasons are why I want to get out of here,' Aleksander says through gritted teeth. 'We need-'

He's interrupted by a loud explosion. It must be close, because the ground shakes and they have to hold on to things so not to fall. They look at each other. Before Tolya can react, Kirigan bolts out of the room. The Heartrender scoffs and hurries after him.

They're forced to stop at some point because of rumbles on the ground. There's a hole in the wall and another one in the ceiling. But what causes the Darkling's heart to stop, is a hand sticking out of the rubbles. An arm in a purple kefta with grey and black embroidery.

'No…' Aleksander says, horrified, and throws himself at the rubbles. He quickly moves them away. He's not even aware Tolya is helping him. Nor that there are also more hands, as Ivan and Fedyor also have showed up after hearing the explosion.

'[Y/N],' Kirigan says, his voice shaking, as he finally can take your body out of the mess. There are scratches on your face and some bruises are also forming already. But you're breathing. You're alive. And suddenly, your eyes flutter open.

'[Y/N]?' the Darkling asks, anxious. You smile slightly at him. Your eyes find Yul-Bataar.

'Nikolai says… that it's time… to get out… of the shadows…' you whisper and lose consciousness. Tolya's shoulders slump.

'What does that mean?' Fedyor asks. Yul-Bataar looks at Kirigan.

'That it's time to show the world you're alive,' he explains.

'Good, because there's nothing that could stop me now,' Aleksander says, his voice low. 'Fedyor, take her to the Healers.'

'Yes, sir,' Kaminsky says, his face serious. Kirigan stands up slowly, the look in his eyes absolutely murderous.

'Don't worry, [Y/N],' he says. 'They will pay for this. All of them.'

*

Nikolai kills another enemy and looks around with a grim face. It's not looking good. But for some reason, the soldiers are not trying to kill every one they see, but they clearly are trying to get inside. For what, Lantsov has no idea. He managed to hear a fragment of a conversation between them. He only managed to hear something about 'finding the girl'. But what girl? Ehri? But she's in the Grand Palace. Alina? Zoya?

He gets his answer when everything is covered in the darkness out of the blue. He instantly looks at the entrance to the building. There stands Kirigan, the look of absolute fury on his face.

'Someone did something to [Y/N],' David guesses, showing up by Lantsov's side. 'Very bad move.'

These, who recognise the Darkling, stop fighting. There are looks of fear and surprise. And also, some of awe.

Kirigan sends his shadows to attack soldiers from Shu-Han. Everyone now know who he is. The King's soldiers quickly scatter. Ivan shows up by Nikolai's side and grabs his arm. He pulls him away.

'What are you-?' Lantsov starts. But he doesn't finish. He doesn't have to. Because he sees Aleksander bringing his hands together and forming the Cut. With an angry roar, he sends it at their enemies, cutting them in two parts. They don't even feel it.

Silence falls. Kirigan straightens up, breathing heavily. Others slowly turn to face him.

'The Darkling…'

'It's the Darkling…'

'He's here…'

'He's alive…'

To Nikolai's astonishment and horror, some Grisha fall on their knees, staring at the Shadow Summoner with stunned expressions. But what shocks Lantsov even more, is that Kirigan just glances at them and marches back into the building with Tolya at his heels.

'You know, I expected some grand speech at his first public appearance,' the King says after a beat.

'He has other things on his mind,' Ivan explains, finally releasing Nikolai.

'[Y/N]?' David asks with worry. The Heartrender clenches his jaw.

'They blew up a hole in a wall,' he explains. 'We found her in the rubbles.'

Lantsov curses and runs a hand through his hair. Kostyk rushes back inside, not waiting for anyone.

'She didn't look too bad,' Ivan says.

'Let's see how much she got hit, then,' the King says and glances at still stunned people. 'And after that we have to do some damage control.'

The Heartrender nods. They hurry after David. They reach an infirmary. To their relief, you're already sitting on a table with an amused expression on your face. You're surrounded by Fedyor, Aleksander, Tolya, David and Tamar.

'I'm telling you, I'm fine,' you say, exasperated, and notice two new guests. 'Ah, maybe you can talk some sense into them. You see I'm fine, right?'

'I'll have to ask a specialist to say that,' Nikolai says, reaching your group.

'She's fine,' a passing Healer says. 'She managed to protect herself from more serious hits.'

'See?' you ask with triumph.

'You still need rest, milaya,' Kirigan insists. Lantsov nods.

'I agree,' he concurs. 'We can't afford to lose you now, [Y/N]. Or drop dead from exhaustion.'

You huff and cross your arms. But you don't argue anymore. You allow Fedyor and Ivan fuss around you a bit.

The King catches the looks of the Darkling, David and Tolya one by one. They follow him out of the room.

'How is the mood outside?' the Heartrender asks.

'Hard to say,' Nikolai sighs. 'Everyone is mostly shocked. Some Grisha kneeled. But for now, no one has started a riot.'

'So… what now?' David asks hesitantly. Lantsov and Kirigan look at each other. Aleksander calmly puts his hands behind his back. The King thinks for a moment.

'We're coming back to Os Alta,' he finally decides. 'All of us. The rumours are about to spread anyway. We must control the narrative.'

'Are you sure the people are ready?' Tolya asks doubtfully.

'I don't think they'll ever be, to be honest,' Nikolai answers after a pause. 'We've been just putting away the inevitable in time.'

'What about the Apparat?' Aleksander asks. 'We still haven't found him.'

'He will show up the moment we arrive to the capital,' Lantsov answers. 'I'm sure of it.'

'And then?' David asks. 'What do we do?'

'We'll put Yuri to good use,' Kirigan suggests. 'Let them argue publicly.'

'I don't want another civil war,' the King protests.

'There won't be,' the Darkling says with a disturbing smile. 'Some people will side with the Apparat, but not enough to cause a riot.'

'How can you be so sure?' Tolya scoffs. The Shadow Summoner looks at him.

'Because I've just stopped an attack of Shu-Han,' he answers. 'For months there have been miracles that people believe were my doing.'

'But they weren't,' David reminds him.

'They don't need to know it,' Kirigan argues. 'And sometimes manipulation of the people is necessary if you want to keep this country save, Your Majesty. And since the three Saints are dead… no one will tell on us.'

'Let's say I agree,' Nikolai says glumly. 'What else?'

'Well, I've been resurrected, haven't I?' the Darkling asks, shrugging. 'It's both fascinating and terrifying for the people. And they all adore you. If they see you with me, assuring them we've made peace for the good of Ravka, they will calm down. Ah. There's also one more thing.'

'The antidote,' Lantsov immediately guesses. 'Yes. We have to make it known we can make it.'

'They will come to steal it,' David points out. 'Or destroy it.'

'They've already did,' Tolya sighs. 'At least that's what we suspect with Kirigan.'

'I've heard Shu-Han soldiers talking about "finding the girl",' the King says, understanding. 'They were talking about [Y/N].'

'Somehow they've found out she's the one who created it,' David says, going pale.

'Which makes her and you our most valuable assets,' Nikolai says, looking at Aleksander. 'They will expect you two to travel together. Which is why you have to arrive in Os Alta separately. You can handle yourself and she'll have the best protection. I swear.'

'She can handle herself, too,' the Darkling says calmly. 'Unless a wall falls on her, that is. So, send Ivan with her. He's very protective of her. More than of me.'

Lantsov nods, agreeing to this. He smiles wryly at his companions.

'Shall we then?' he asks. 'Better to arrive before the Apparat. I'd like to keep the crown for a while longer.'

*

The journey to Os Alta is not boring only thanks to Ivan. He keeps you entertained thanks to telling you all about his life with Fedyor during the last three years. You're glad to hear they've been happy. They also plan to get married. They waited with that for you and Aleksander, which makes your heart melt.

'Everything alright in there?' Isaak, who's been assigned to you as well and is riding on a horse next to you, asks as you get close to the capital.

'We can't wait to get out of this coach, but other than that we're good,' you answer. 'Do you have any messages about others?'

'Just that they were attacked on the way but easily subdued the attackers,' the soldier answers and chuckles. 'Apparently, they were surprised not to find you with the Darkling.'

'Who would have thought that Lantsov was right about that,' Ivan murmurs.

'He's not an idiot, contrary to your belief,' you say, rolling your eyes. 'And yes, that plan was brilliant. I trust everyone got out of it alright?'

'No serious injuries nor worse,' Isaak confirms. You exhale with relief.

'Good,' you say. 'Now the worst part. Convincing people we mean no harm.'

'Luckily, the party is to start without us,' Ivan comments. 'Maybe they will finish without us as well?'

'I doubt that,' you chuckle. 'Thank you, Isaak.'

'Milady,' the soldier says, nodding his head respectfully to you and disappears from your view. Ivan looks at you curiously.

'I saved his life, remember?' you ask. The Heartrender nods, understanding now.

Some time later you arrive in Os Alta. People are on the streets. The mood varies. You see shocked faces. Stunned. Angry. Overjoyed. People are praying. Crying. But no one is shouting.

'It's quiet,' you murmur. Ivan nods, noticing it as well. You quickly find out the reason. In front of the Grand Palace two groups are facing each other. Followers of the Apparat and followers of Yuri. In the middle of them are Nikolai, Aleksander and others. Lantsov doesn't look happy. Kirigan is calm and collected as always.

'Looks like they got here in time,' Ivan says. 'Do you think we'll make it worse?'

You don't answer him. You listen to the argument with a sour mood, as you pass the people. All eyes are on you and Ivan, as you step out of the coach.

'And here's a creator of the miracle!' Yuri cries, causing you to wince. '[Y/N] [L/N], the most powerful Durast, has brought the Starless Saint back to us!'

People murmur, astonished. Some also angry. You ignore them and join your friends.

'How we're doing?' you murmur.

'It varies from moment to moment,' Genya sighs. 'I'm not convinced about this plan of yours.'

'It will be fine,' Nikolai assures her, forcing a smile. It drops, the moment the Apparat points an accusatory finger at you.

'I've warned you, Your Majesty!' he shouts. 'I told you releasing her will do Ravka no good! She broke the rules of life and brought the enemy of Ravka back among us!'

'I wasn't thrilled about it at first either,' Lantsov says loudly. 'But after calm conversations we came to an agreement. We need them both to make Ravka safe and secure.'

'They've corrupted you!' Apparat cries. 'You no longer deserve to be our leader! You've been seduced by power and that Durast girl!'

'I beg your pardon?' you ask, astonished. 'I did what now?'

People murmur. You can see that some agree. You must do something and fast.

However, you're not the one who does that something. One of the followers of the Apparat pulls out a knife. People scream and pull away.

'Die, witch!' he shouts and throws it at you. No one has time to react. It lodges itself in your chest. People scream and gasp. You look at the knife and then at the monk.

'Do you need this back or…?' you ask. Silence falls. Everyone stares at you in shock.

'You're asking if you can keep the knife in your rib cage?' Nikolai asks slowly.

'Yes, it's very… homey,' you confirm.

'It's a fucking knife!' Zoya scoffs. You pull out the knife easily, causing people to gasp, and show it to her.

'Look how pretty it is!' you say.

'Sankta!' someone cries. You look at the crows, surprised.

'Sorry?' you ask. People look at you with awe.

'She resurrected the Darkling and now didn't die herself,' someone says. 'A true Sankta.'

'Now hold on just a minute,' you say, panicked. But people look at you tears in their eyes. They fall on their knees, saying:

'Sankta. Sankta [Y/N].'

'No, I'm not!' you protest. 'It's… It's just my kefta-'

'Don't, lapushka,' Aleksander says, grabbing your arm. 'Let them believe it. Look at them. And now look at the Apparat.'

You do as he says. You see how people look at you with joy. And Apparat is nervous. It's clear he's lost today.

'I know you don't like it, [Y/N],' Nikolai says quietly. 'But for now, let them believe you're their Saint.'

You stare at him with horror. But when you look at the people again, you know he's right. They're ready to defend you from the Apparat. As longs as you're on the King's side, they will support him. And the Darkling as well.

'Fine, but under one condition,' you say.

'Name it,' Lantsov agrees quickly. But when you turn to him, he regrets his decision. There's that unnerving look in your eyes again. And his blood runs cold, when you say:

'Bring me Alina Starkov.'

A/N: Thank you for reading! Let me know your thoughts! Reblog, like and comment if you could. Every comment makes my day!

This can also be found on Archive of Our Own: https://archiveofourown.org/works/52696933/chapters/135301627

[ghost-town-story]

FebruarOC Day 12: Locryn

(Loosely combining with the ockissweek prompt "reach")

“Coranth.” Locryn chased Coranth out the door and down the front lawn. “Coranth, wait.”

Coranth whirled around, eyes wild. “What?” he spat.

Locryn held up his hands. “I understand that you’re angry,” he said, keeping his voice low and even. “But you cannot lose your temper like that.”

Coranth let out a humorless bark of laughter. “Oh, I’m sorry,” he said, insincerity dripping from his tongue. “Is there some more socially acceptable way of losing my temper then?”

“She may be our aunt, but she is still the queen,” Locryn shot back. “That sort of outburst would have landed anybody else in prison, or worse. I don’t want to see how far you can push her before she decides your disrespect outweighs familial ties.”

“I don’t care,” Coranth spat.

Locryn faltered, then hesitantly reached a hand out. “Cor…”

“Don’t.” Coranth swatted away his hand. “I don’t need your pity. It’s not going to bring him back.”

“It’s not pity.” Locryn still obliged and lowered his hand. “I just don’t want to see you hurt any more Cor.”

Coranth scoffed. “It’s far too late for that.” He turned and began walking again. “Make apologies for me, if you want,” he called over his shoulder. “I don’t care. I’m leaving until she’s gone.”

Locryn made no move to stop him. Only once Coranth had disappeared past the gate did he let out the breath he’d been holding and turn away. Rather than return to the house and the inevitable disapproval of everyone within (except Isaak), Locryn made his way around to the back.

There, he found Firae curled up in her den with her head poking out, dozing in the afternoon sunlight. As Locryn approached, she blinked awake and raised her head.

He’s still hurting. It was a statement rather than a question.

Locryn sighed. “Yes. I just wish there was some way I could help him.”

You’ve done all you can.

“I know.” Locryn reached up and cradled Firae’s snout between his hands so he could press his lips against her nose. “I hope it’s enough to make a difference.”

[beastwars-transformers]

Stolen prompt: shuffle your likes or your favorite playlist and post the first ten tracks

I’m doing my on repeat playlist since I don’t trust my actual everything playlist…plus you gotta talk about the song and I can’t do that with the hundreds of random music I saved because I sort of liked it…

The Rain - Smash Into Pieces. One of the few vent songs I play when mommy issues flare up lol…also I always love songs that use the sun as a goal, to finally feel it after years of darkness and cold. It goes hard.

Dreams Without a Future - Sabled Sun. Beautiful piano but it’s the title that really punches me. I can’t articulate it. Just let it sink in. Dreams without a future, hopes with no hope, yearning for what is forever out of reach. Consider that the song is part of a project about a dying, overindustrilaized earth and…

The Blood is Art - Pastelle. This is one of my main ship songs uhhhh so to spare everyone…I really enjoy the singer’s voice, she nails the ethereal and angelic, and hearing it with such angry lyrics and sharp turns in notes is really interesting. And I adore the ending, just haunting vocalizations that are seeped in regret and sorrow…

Pottle - Bengalfuel. For once I cannot wax poetic about an ambient song. It’s just really calming and relaxing, 10/10 noises.

Love You (When You’re a Mess) - Jadudah. found this song during a really lull era where I wasn’t finding any new good music so I became so obsessed. The guitar riffs go crazy. Also I found this song when I was first getting into my stupid ship so 😅

Island - Bengalfuel. This is from the same album as 4 so…still applies. Nice noises, I like it a lot more for having reverb and longer notes.

Wicked Game - Chris Isaak. Quintessential post-hang out song. I use it mainly to relax but still want something more song-like than ambient. Again, I love guitar, and the strumming in this is really something.

Your Eyes Open - Keane. Another thing I really love is unconventional instruments together. So I really enjoy how the piano is used alongside drums and vocals. And again, I really enjoy long notes which the vocals easily supply.

(I skipped a song because it was another BENGALFUEL ALBUM ONE) Into The Unknown - Starset. I actually used to hate this song haha. But then it grew on me. Did you know there’s piano in this too? You can only hear it with good headphones, buried in the chorus. But, starset has my favorite hard rock/metal guitar riffs, hence why they’re like…my #1 band. I paid $140 to get my albums signed 🤨

Secret of Life - Lord Huron. The chorus would help me reach like 20mph on my bike it went so hard. Also reminds me of one of my favorite OCs…I should really go back to writing…oh well.

Tagging…..!!!!!! @umbralundertaker @nightfuryqueen @nightfuryqueen @prussianmemes @prophet60091 @stoplookingformee @imgoingtoputscorpionsinyourmouth and do it if you want even if you’re not tagged Teehee

[volgeblaft]

Hi again!

I saw that self ship ask game you reblogged and I'd like to send a few questions that I believe could work for them: 11, 14 and 20! :D

Thank you for the prompts!! <3

11 - Do either try to hide their emotions if upset? Can the other still tell?

Aubrey wears his emotions on his sleeve, basically, apart from sadness or grieve. Those emotions he pushes down, mostly. Anger he's vocal about, however. I think a very trained eye could still see sadness in his eyes though, so I would think Levi as a partner would be able to tell. Levi seems to be a little held back in showing emotion, but not denying them completely. I'm pretty sure Aubrey would be able to tell if something was up.

14 - How do their personalities compliment eachother? How do they clash?

Aubrey can be somewhat explosive at times, or over exited. I believe Levi would be extremely good at keeping him in check, making sure he doesn't go overboard with as little as a sharp look.

Where would they clash? I imagine Levi to be stubborn. If he set his mind on something, it won't change. I'm pretty sure this would cause a fight every now and then. Levi wouldn't back down, Aubrey might think Levi is wrong and get angry.

20 - Choose one song that perfectly describes their relationship

I think Wicked game - Chris Isaak is a pretty good one! I imagine Aubrey doesn't actually wanna fall for Levi. He's a busy man in a different part of the military with a very dangerous job. But he gets just that liiiitle bit of attention that keeps him hooked 😩

[reformedvillain]

Viddy game night in Atlantis

So I joined the StS server and got this prompt or Isaak, Baian, and Io playing video games

More prompt should come around someday xDD

[nitecourtfairytail]

Someone far more talented than I am, here is an Elriel prompt:

Wicked Game by Chris Isaak

Idk if it’s been done before, if so please direct me that way 💜 lol

[painsandconfusion]

Whump Prompt Line!!!

"Oh you stupid boy... now you're broken" Elias mockingly called to Isaak. "Now I'm going to have to fix you..."

(P.S. he does not, in fact, get fixed. He just gets beaten up some more. AND YES this came from a wip of mine!!!)

whats the point of fixing a whumpee if theyre just gonna get broken again

[agentcable]

Law & Order Special Victims Unit Season 23 Ep. 9 "People vs. Richard Wheatley"

Carisi investigates Richard Wheatley for the murder of Kathy Stabler. Wheatley changed lawyers frequently. Rafael Barba ended up defending him. Benson found herself with Barba when she learned he took the case. Several people testify, including Angela Wheatley, Sergeant bell, and even Stabler, who is held in contempt of court. The case ends in a mistrial, and Stabler must find his son.

This episode starts a crossover event that ends on "Law & Order: Organized Crime" Season 2 Episode 9.

If you want to watch the series for yourself, stop reading! This post contains spoilers to the storyline.

Olivia, Elliot, and his family gather at Kathy's graveside to pay their respects. They each place flowers on her grave. Eli expresses a desire to skip the memorial lunch to spend time with his "study partner" Sara. Olivia is pleased that Elliot is beginning to trust Eli more. Elliot reveals that he has installed a tracking device on Eli's phone and security cameras around the house, which prompts Kathleen and Dickie to react. Elliot confides in Olivia that the past nine months have been a blur and he needs Wheatley's trial to begin for closure. Olivia reasures Elliot that Wheatley's postponements are over.

However, during the trial, Wheatley fires his lawyer after the judge blocks a recording of Becker's statement, securing a one-wekk delay. Carisi and his boss are angry, especially since they have evidence against the judge who should not be on the bench. SVU agrees to assist with preparing witnesses. Meanwhile, Wheatley interviews lawyers. Barba is the last lawyer of the day to be interviewed, and he tells Wheatley that he does not suffer fools...

The Deputy Chief asks Olivia about Barba. She confirms that she knows him well and that he is good. She attempts to introduce Barba to Elliot, but he doubts the sincerity of Barba's condolences about Kathy's death and walks away.

Later, Olivia confronts Barba privately and asks him why he is defending Wheatley. Barba responds by saying that he believes Wheatley is being unfairly targeted and that the NYPD is engaging in vigilantism. If he drops this case, someone will go after Olivia and her relationship with Elliot. Olivia doesn't believe his motives are pure.

During the trial, Barba suggests that Elliot should have been recused from the case and that Olivia allowed him to beat up Jacob Peters. Bell testifies next. Barba tries to get her to say that Elliot used excessive force with Isaak. Barba also doubts that Isaak really purchased the bomb-making material.

Wheatley asks to see Olivia, but he is disappointed that Barba insists on being in the room. Wheatley insinuates that Angela's testimony will be disturbing. The Stabler kids and Olivia should skip court. Olivia is disgusted by him and goes.

Olivia meets Elliot on an empty street. Elliot expresses concern about how Barba treated her. Olivia inquires about what happened between Elliot and Angela, but he refuses to disclose the information, stating that it is not her business. Olivia expresses her frustration that their relationship seems to be one-sided, focused solely on Elliot's grief and not on her well-being. Why did he give her a letter he didn't write? Elliot and Olivia don't know.

During cross-examination, Barba gets Angela to admit she loves Elliot. Eli and Olivia look upset, but Wheatley is furious. In private, he throws things off his desk and complains that Barba made him look like a cuckold. Barba believes that Wheatley's reaction confirms the validity of his strategy.

Next, Richie testifies. Wheatley directly addresses Richie, breaking court rules. Richie stares off into the distance and then suddenly denies hearing Becker say anything. Carisi reads Richie's statement that he heard Becker plotting to kill Kathy. Richie admitted to lying because he was angry at his father.

Carisi and his boss suffered a significant setback. Stabler is convinced that Wheatley influenced Richie. Stabler is scheduled to testify next and must remain composed to avoid giving the impression that he was reckless during the investigation. Carisi advises Stabler to ignore Wheatley's attempts to manipulate him.

Stabler's testimony begins calmly, but Barba's cross-examination rattles him. Stabler repeatedly asserts that Wheatley is responsible for multiple murders, not just Kathy's. The judge reminds him to only answer the questions asked. Stabler accuses the judge of being bribed by Wheatley and is held in contempt.

Wheatley insists on testifying, even threatening to fire Barba if he doesn't allow it. During his testimony, Wheatley maintains his innocence and claims that he was unaware of any wrongdoing. He argues that Elliot falsely accused him and confused his testimony with that of another mobster. However, during cross-examination, Wheatley loses his composure and makes a statement that could be interpreted as an admission of guilt.

Despite this, the jury is deadlocked and must deliberate further. Later, Barba spots Benson at a nearby bar, but she refuses to speak with him. She feels betrayed by him.

The jury is back, but they say they are hopelessly deadlocked. The judge declares a mistrial since it's been less than a day, and he won't hold them any longer. Meanwhile, Elliot discovers that Eli has disappeared along with all the drugs in the medicine cabinet. Elliot is convinced that Wheatley will not be retried, so he takes off to find his son.

[peonyblossom]

for Isaak- 1,2,5,12 for both the trama and the technology prompts

Trauma:

How are their parents? Are they good? Are they terrible? Are they dead? Isaak's mom and stepdad were amazing. His biological dad was a piece of shit. Now his mom and stepdad are dead :(

Any interesting scars? Isaak has some scars on his leg that broke when he was stuck in the bottom of the lake in ILW.

5. Have they killed anyone? If they have would they kill again? If not would they kill at all? Yes <3 Isaak killed Richard <3 And yes he would kill again <3

12. Do they have any self-destructive habits? Yes <3 Usually when Isaak is self destructing, he uses a lot of avoidance techniques when it comes to his problems. One thing he tends to do is stay up reeeeaaaally late which then leads to oversleeping and being late to things and.... yeah

Technology:

Describe their phone case. Isaak's phone case is just black. But it has one of those little pockets on the back for his credit cards and ID and stuff

What’s on their lock screen? this guy

5. What’s their texting style? (EX: abbreviations or perfect grammar? One-word texts or paragraphs?) definitely a bunch of individual texts instead of long paragraphs. also lots of abbreviations and slang

12. Open the notes/note-taking app on their phone. What’s there? So much random stuff about the Power. Like just whatever they think about when they think about it. Also some shopping lists. Some things he wants to tell Elliot but knows he's gonna forget if he doesn't write it down.

[theafrochick]

My mom looked as sad as I felt when I told her I should grab the rest of my stuff from the garage.

Also I guess my house in palia needing 2 more hours to be finished was a sign I wasn't playing anymore when I got off to go to work cus I have the worst fucking headache bro.

Still doing my genshin dailies though cus I'm gonna do another 10 pull then save for Navia I guess. I need to do summer but every time I see the quest prompt 'follow isaak' I like astral project out of my body and feel so unreasonably annoyed that I physically cannot do the quest. Fuck dem kids.

[myththefangirl]

Driving Lessons [Ineffable May]

The prompt for this chapter is day 14 of Ineffable May; 'The Bentley'. Crowley teaches Aziraphale how to drive, and unfortunately the Bentley sufferers some minor damages.

Here is where he prompt came from! :)

Edit: Here it is on Ao3.

[thenxghtwemxt]

She's the color of crimson, with burning cheeks and a nervous tick to her movement. A proud woman, a serious woman, the notion of being embarrassingly frivolous is unheard of. Yura's laughter only adds to her embarrassment, prompting Katarina to squeeze their hand reprimanding. "Are you about done, Yura?" She snaps impatiently. "It is not funny!" In the clarity of the morning after, she could concede - it was funny. "What? So you can laugh some more?" Even in her state, she knows Yura's heart. No malice there, where they might be with Isaak or Nik. "I aim to be half-decent at anything of import." She tries to explain, dancing around the query. What is she, if not the master of law and justice? "Clearly, it is a skill set necessary at court. I made a joke of myself at the last ball, in front of the Spanish Prince."

they are frozen as they stand, eyes wide, mouth half open. in all of their years living together, yura has never seen katarina like this — and once they are pulled further into the room, it takes a few seconds before they completely crack. bursting into laughter, a hand, going up to their mouth to hide it. there is an attempt not to make much noise, lest they wake anyone up, but the giggles can be heard through their hand. "oh my god — that was- that was-" grasping her hand in their own, shaking it up and down. "that was great- you should dance more often, sestra." yura does not mean to tease, though this most likely comes off as just that. a grin is on their face as they try again. "tell me what you are preparing for, please? and you could have asked me if you needed a partner to practice with."

[connorshermann]

“There’s no reason for this hostility ! I come in peace.” || “You love him ?” || “I am never leaving you again !” || “Did she say anything about me ?” || “Breakfast of champions. Want some ?” || “I can’t protect you. I can’t even protect myself.” (give me give me shermann brothers after midnight)

“There’s no reason for this hostility ! I come in peace.”

“Casse-toi,je viens de te dire!” La voix de Connor est juste audible alorsqu’il enfouit un peu plus sa tête dans le coussin pour que sonfrère n’aperçoive pas son visage affaibli.Mais Isaak commence à être interpellépar son état. Il ne manque que quelques minutes avant qu’il lèvela couverture et qu’il surprenne les tremblements de son frère. SiConnor n’arrive pas à le virer d’ici là. “Fermecette foutue porte et laisse moi.” Les sourcils d’Isaak sefroncent avec inquiétude. Il ferme bien la porte, mais c’estderrière lui, une fois qu’il est rentré dans lachambre. “Explique-moi ce qui t’arrive là.” Connoraimerait bien, mais ilne sait pas lui-même ce qui est train dese passer.Il a juste l'impression là de suite que son sang s'est transforméen poison.Sesdents claquent violemment et contenir leurmouvement causeune contraction douloureuse à sa colonne vertébrale.“Isaak…Pars.” Il souffle entre ses dents. Le plus vieux se rapproche d'unmètre,et là impossible de ne pas remarquer les quasis secousses du drap.Il s’avance alorsjusqu’àdevant son frère pour le regarder, et celui-ci sort sa tête ducoussin, résigné.“Donc t’es malade. J’appelle ta mère.” Connor attrape lebras d’Isaak avec une volonté de fermeté qu'ila du mal à appliquer dansson état. “Non.”Etavant même que le grand frère puisse riposter quoi que ce soit, unesauveuse blonde rentre dans la chambre. “Elleest en rendez-vous, onverra quand elle sortira.” Dit Athéa, faisantlâcher à Connor le bras de son frère puisqu'il sait maintenantqu'il n'y a pas de risque qu'il aille voir sa mère. Il laisseéchapper unsoupir rassuré. La jolieblondevient s'approcher de Connor à son tour et va jusqu'à s'asseoirdevant lui sur le lit pour poser sa main sur son front, nonsans arracher un sursaut au garçon depart la différence de la température de leurs deux peaux. “Isaak, tu peux aller récupérer un gant d'eau froide?” Elle demande gentiment. Le joueur lâche un “Hmm.” unpeu soucieux, maiss’exécute,et sors donc de la chambre pour aller chercher le gant en question.Athéale suit des yeux jusqu'à ce qu'ildisparaissedel'embrasure de la porte. C'est le moment dont elledoit profiter. “J'appelle Matthew, d'accord?” murmure-t-elle à Connor, quilui répond directement par un court hochement de tête. C'estvraiment une sauveuse. Parce que là, elle vient de lui offrirexactement le soulagement dont il avait besoin.

“You love him ?” 

Lecoin des lèvres de Connor se redresse dans un sourire en coin unpeu amusé. “Oui.Je l'aime.” Le loup-garou se laisse surprendre par l'absencede crainte dans sa voix quand il dit ça, et aussi par lajoieque ça lui procure de le dire. Parce que c'étaitpas si mal, en fait,d'aimer quelqu'un. C’était pas toujours facile, évidemment, mais c’était pas si terrible. Le regard que son frère jette sur lui estmi-surpris mi-amusé. Surpris non pas parce que Connor estamoureux, ça sûrement qu'il l'avait compris depuis un bon bout detemps.Mais surpris du naturel avec lequel lesmots sont sortis de sa bouche. “Je dois m'inquiéter ? Parceque tu viens de dire que t'aimais quelqu'un, là.” Dit Isaakd'un ton taquin en remplissant le verre de son frère et le sien avecdu whisky. “Mais tais-toi.” Le loup-garou répond en riantlégèrement, récupérant le verre qui venait de lui être servipour le porter à ses lèvres, avant de reposer son dos dansle canapé. Enmême temps, la remarque de son frère a du vrai. Qu'il aimequelqu'un. Lui. Il y a encore quelques mois ça sonnait comme uneblague. Leregard d’Isaak vient se poser sur lui, plein de bonssentiments. “Je suis content pour toi, p'tit con.” Son grand frère estsincère, Connor le lit clairement dans ses yeux. EtsiConnor avait juste envie de le remercier, il restait quand même lui. “Tu vas pas te mettre à chialer non plus.” Et c'étaitplutôt çason genre de remerciement. Ca fait lever les yeux d'Isaak vers leciel et ça le fait rire un petit peu. Le grand frère pose à sontour son dos dans le canapé, etrécupère son air plaisantin. “Acroire que Ephram avait pas qu'un pénis magique alors.” Connor se met à rire en repensant à cette discussion. Et le sourire que ça trace reste marqué, parce que maintenant ses pensées repartent directement vers le vampire. Il répond avec un air malicieux: “Pasque, non.”

“I am never leaving you again !”

Lecerveau de Connor fonctionne à trois à l'heure, comme anesthésié.Il va chercher à tâtons son boxersur le sol, roulant sur le canapé pour se remettre sur le côté.Il ouvre les yeux pour découvrir la maison dans un état pitoyable.Des bouteilles un peu éparpillées, des vêtements un peu partout,et pleins d'autres choses suspectes qui lui rappelaient qu'il avaitpassé une bonne soirée. Un sourire satisfaitse dessine sur ses lèvres, qui s’étale un peu plus quand il croise le regard exaspéré de son frère. “Aucontraire. Heureusement que t'es parti parce que t'aurais pas aimévoir ça.” Comme seule réponse, un rouleau de sac poubellevient frapper le torse du loup, arrachant à celui-ci un grognement. “Tu ferais mieux de ranger ça si tu veux que les parentsacceptent encore de quitter la maison ne serait-ce que cinqminutes.” Dit le joueur d’un ton agacé. Le rabat-joie est bien de retour. Connor pousse unlong soupir alors qu'il se frotte un peu les yeux pour se réveiller. “50 dollars si tu m'aides.” Connor décrète. Leregard d'Isaak inspecte la pièce pour faire le tour des dégâts. Il réplique: “70 dollars.” Leloup soupire et lève son dos du canapé pour se mettre en positionassise, plantant son regard dans celui de son frère comme un vrainégociateur. “60 dollars.” Isaak sourit légèrement en signe de validation. “Deal.”  Connor se lève finalementducanapé, enfilant son boxer par la même occasion. “Je vaisvirer ton meilleur pote de ta chambre ou tu t'en charges ?” Ildemande avec un sourire narquois. Levisage du plus vieux se décompose et là il a vraiment un air désespéré. “T'es pas sérieux,Connor ?” Le loup lâcheun rire jubilatoire qui suffit pour répondre.

“Did she say anything about me ?” 

Il y a une pointe d'hésitation maissurtout d'espérance dans la voix d'Isaak quand il pose cettequestion, et son frère la perçoit directement. Connor pousse un soupiralors qu'il s'assoit à côté de lui dans le canapé. Le loupaimerait lui répondre, mais en vérité Pandora n'avait pas dit tantde choses que ça. Juste les mêmes choses que d'habitude, comme quoicette histoire était passée et qu'elle n'avait pas envie de laressasser plus longtemps. Si elle avait montré un soupçon d'espoirque la situation change dans ses propos, Connor aurait pu en fairepart à Isaak. Mais là, il n'avait rien à lui donner. “Ont'a mentionné, mais c'est tout.” Il dit en haussant lesépaules pour prendre un air détaché, mais en réalité quand ilvoit la déception dans le regard de son frère Connor ne peut pass'empêcher d'avoir mal au cœur pour lui. Plus il envisage lesraisons qui n'étaient pas des excuses mais qui l'avaient poussés àfaire ce geste-là, plus il plaint son frère. C'est dans ces momentsqu'il se dit que si Pandora connaissait la vérité sur ce qui étaitarrivé à son frère avec son ancienne petite-amie ça auraitpeut-être fait une petite différence. Qu'elle aurait peut-être puenvisager qu'il avait simplement cherché à la retrouver quelquepart après son traumatisme. Mais enfin, ce n'est pas ses histoireset ce n'est pas son rôle de communiquer toutes ces informations. Etpeut-être même qu'elles seraient inutiles finalement, parcequ'elles ne justifieraient pas un quelconque pardon de la jolie blonde. Il n'en sait rien. Mais il aurait aimé pouvoir faire quelquechose. “Pourquoi tu essaies pas de lui en parler, toi ?” Connor demande innocemment même si il sait qu'il y a un million deraisons qui pourraient empêcher Isaak de revenir vers la jeunefemme. “Et qu'est-ce-que je lui dis, hein?” Isaakrépond dans un souffle, ramenant la bouteille de whisky entaméevers ses lèvres, l'air résigné. Connor fait une recherche dans ses souvenirs et ça lui permet d’offrir à son frère une première réponse : “Que c'est absolument pas elle leproblème pour commencer. Et après, que t'as commis une énormeerreur.”

“Breakfast of champions. Want some ?”

Connor hoche la tête froidement alors qu'il va pour s'asseoir à table, son frère divisant la portion d’œufs brouillées à moitié dans leurs deux assiettes avant de s'asseoir en face de lui. C'est un de ses matins d'après guerre entre frères où ils sont naturellement supposés faire comme si de rien n'était et laisser leurs différents de côté. Pourtant la tension est encore bien présente à ce réveil. Le jeune loup jette un coup d’œil rapide vers Isaak qui lui ne le regarde pas non plus. Sa lèvre a à peine commencée à cicatriser que le plus jeune n'a lui plus aucune marque sur le visage. Sa condition lui offre quelques avantages, même si il aurait aimé offrir les mêmes à Isaak pour ne plus avoir son œuvre de brutalité sous les yeux. Et surtout, plus le rappel de ce qui l'avait engendré. “Je pensais pas ce que je t'ai dit hier.” Isaak lui sort, comme un cheveu sur la soupe, bien qu'ils sachent tous les deux de quoi ils parlent. Le plus vieux doit sentir assez bien que la tension n'a pas disparu si il relance le sujet. Il fait un geste. Mais Connor est trop en colère pour le prendre en considération. “Alors je suis pas qu'un gosse égoïste, immature, irresponsable, trop occupé à emmerder le monde pour se rendre compte des conséquences de ses actes?” Le ton sarcastique et brutal de Connor montre bien que l'éponge est loin d'être passée aujourd'hui. Et le fait qu'il ait mémorisé chacun des mots de ce que lui avait dit son frère, ça, ça traduit bien qu'ils l'ont blessé plus qu'il ne l'aurait voulu. “Et toi, tu penses aussi que ta vie était bien mieux quand papa savait pas que j'existais? Que t'aurais aimé qu'il me fasse jamais venir dans cette famille?” Isaak lui renvoie ses propos sur le même ton. En fait, d'un côté comme de l'autre, c'était allé trop loin. Peut-être que le loup en avait fait encore plus que son frère. Ce rappel fait revenir un peu le calme chez Connor. Il se tait un instant, et serre les dents. Il se doit de lui dire lui aussi ses regrets : “Je le pensais pas, moi non plus.” Isaak hoche la tête en réponse. Ni l'un ni l'autre n'a l'air complètement convaincu des excuses de l'autre. Mais au moins elles sont dites. Ca ferait son chemin dans quelques temps.

“I can’t protect you. I can’t even protect myself.

Enmoins de temps qu'il ne le faut pour le dire, les genoux de Connorregagnent le sol où s'est échoué son frère. Il vient faire unecompression à l'endroit où le couteau a frappé Isaak, dansl'épaule. Il y a un bain de sang sous les mains du loup mais il nepourrait pas être plus heureux qu'il n'y ait que ça. Mais il estaussi très en colère de l'idiotie du geste du joueur et du dangerdans lequel ça l'avait mis. “Je t'ai jamais demandé de meprotéger, Isaak!” En même temps qu'il lâche ça dansun cri, Connor arrache sans d'unseul coupla manche de sa chemise blanche préférée pour en entourer laplaie. Putain,sa chemiseThomBrowne.Qu'est-ce-qu'Isaak lui ferait pas faire… Cedernier serre maintenant les dents dans l'apparente douleur que luiarrache le geste de Connor. “Je voulais la tuer.” Isaakrépond, en saccadant les mots à cause de l'accélération de sarespiration. Connor s'était souvent lui-même dit prêt à tuer pourson frère. Ca lui arrache quand même un sourire que cet espèce de con ait luivoulu mettre la théorie en pratique. Rien que pour enlever uneennemie de sa route. “Et si c'est elle qui t'avait tué,hein?” Il demande l'air taquin,mais toujours énervé.Il ne veut même pas imaginer que ça ait pu arriver. “Penseau frère malheureux que t'aurais pu laisser en voulant jouer leshéros.” Un peu plus de sarcasme dans sa voix encore, c'estcompliqué pour lui de faire autrement quandune situation dégénère.Mais quand il recroise le regard d'Isaak en entourant sa blessured'un nouveau nœud, c'est comme si il venait de réaliser qu'ilaurait vraiment pu le perdre.Il pose sa main sur l'autre épaule de son frère en lui faisantface, tentantd'imposer son regard dans le sien et regagnant furieusement sonsérieux. “Je t'aime mais si tu tentes une nouvelle fois un truc commeça, je te garantie que je te tue de mes propres mains.”

[themiss-miller]

“This world has been so unkind to you.” || “Why didn’t you say goodbye?” || “I have so many questions, and I don’t even know where to begin.” (je sais pas si y a beaucoup de joyeux pardon mdrrr)

“This world has been so unkind to you.” 

Lesmots d'Isaak ramènent Alexis à une réalité qu'elle avait eu tropde mal à reconnaître jusqu'à présent : mais c'était vrai,elle en avait bavé. Peu importe qu'elle prenne son visage froid etdétaché: depuis même qu'ils étaient enfants, Isaak avait toujourssu voir sous son masque. Si bien qu'il lui arrivait même del'enlever devant lui. Comme maintenant, où elle pose doucement satête brune sur son épaule et qu'elle laisse les larmes couler. Maisencore une fois, elles sont peu nombreuses, parce que tellement enfouies au plus profond d’elle-même. Elle a du mal à réalisertout ce qui s'est passé, tout le sang qui a été versé prèsd'elle et toutes les images d'horreurs auxquelles elle a du seconfronter. Toutes les horreurs qu'elle a elle-même du faire pour de plus ou moins bonnes raisons. Elle a mis une telle limite à ses émotions qu'ellen'est peut-être même plus capable de se rappeler ce que ça luiavait fait, au moment où c'était arrivé. Son cousin passe son brasderrière elle et la serre un peu contre lui. Lui au moins il avaittoujours été là, c'était un des seuls qui était resté. Ouplutôt un des seuls qu'elle n'avait pas fait fuir. Et ça comptaiténormément. “Au moins je t'ai toi, même avec tout ça.” Elle murmure dans le cou du garçon, avec un petit sourire triste que personne ne peut voir. “Tu m'as moi, t'as ta sœur, et t'as plein de belles chosesautour de toi.” Ses paroles se veulent encourageantes mais enréalité elles ne la rendent que plus triste. Sa petite sœurmériterait autre chose, et Isaak ne devrait pas avoir à s'occuperd'elle alors qu'il avait déjà assez à gérer tout seul. Le mondeavait peut-être été mauvais avec elle pour une bonne raison.Peut-être que ça ne servait plus à rien de tenter de se venger.Peut-être que le monde était mauvais avec elle pour lui fairecomprendre qu'elle n'avait plus rien à y faire.

“Why didn’t you say goodbye?”

Laquestion de son cousin confronte Alexis à un ancien problèmequ'elle était bien heureuse de ne plus avoir sur sa route. Son autrecousin, Connor. C'était la raison principale de la nature abrupte deson départ après ce repas de famille foireux où les engueulades yétaient allées de bon train. Assez pour qu'elle puisse s'échappersans que personne ne la rattrape. Sauf Isaak, qui avait réussi à latrouver, assez prévoyant pour se douter que si elle devait filerquelque part, c'était bien au cimetière. Il s'assoit à côtéd'elle, devant la tombeau familial des Miller. “Il aurait fallu queje monte sur la table pour qu'ils m'accordent deux secondes de leurattention.” Elle allume sa cigarette avec son briquet rose(non sans un regard désapprobateur d'Isaak, parce que ce n’était quand même pas très bien vu de fumer dans un cimetière), la seule chose colorée qu'elle trimbalait avec elle. “Il s'est passé quoi tout à l’heure?” Ildemande sans aucune intention de prendre parti sur ce qui s’était passé, Alexis le voit. Maismême sans ça, elle ne pouvait pas lui dire ce qui se passait. “Rien qui te regarde mon petit Isaak. Je préserve mon intimité.” Elle lui dit avec un grand sourire en lui faisantun bisou un peu enfumé sur la joue. “D'accord.” Ilacquiesce, sûrement pas trop ravi de ne pas avoir toutes les cléspour comprendre mais compréhensif quand même. Il regarde un instantautour de lui. Alex se doute que ça ne doit pas être l'endroit rêvépour se poser, pour lui. Mais elle, elle s'y sent bien. Tout se tait ici. Toutes ses racines sont juste derrières ce marbre froid. “Est-ce-quetu veux que je te laisse… te recueillir?” Elle trouve cettedemande adorable. “Tu es sûre que tu veux pas m'entendre meplaindre devant une tombe? C'est encore mieux qu'ailleurs.” La chasseuse dit, avec toujours cet air amusé quand bien même sesmots n’ont pas la même résonance. Isaak a un petit sourire bienveillant. “Je suis sûr quec'est mieux si on préserve encore ton intimité.” La brune rit doucement. Il avait raison après tout. Comme souvent quand ça la concernait. Isaak se lève et Alex leregarde partir en souriant. Une fois qu'elle ne l'a plus dans sonchamp de vision, elle pose sa tête contre la pierre, en tirantencore sur sa cigarette. “Papa. Est-ce-que je vais êtreobligé de tuer son frère?”

“I have so many questions, and I don’t even know where to begin.”

Unlarge sourire fier s'étale sur les lèvres de la brune alors qu'elleexhibe son meilleur fusil à Isaak. “On va faire une chose àla fois.” Elle lui dit avec un air très professoral,s'avançant dans le jardin pour se retrouver face aux cibles que sononcle lui avait installé dans un coin un peu plus reculé. “Commence par m'expliquer ce que tu chasses exactement.” Alexis ne se défait pas de son large sourire alors que la questionqu'elle attendait est enfin sur la table. “Je tue lesloups-garous.” La chasseuse annonce fièrement. Isaak a comme un léger rire, parce qu'évidemment il ne prend pas ça au sérieux. Il avaittoujours fermé les yeux sur ce genre de choses, même quand ellesétaient en face de son nez. “Et les vampires aussi?” Il demande d'un ton doucement moqueur. “Non, eux c'est pas moiqui m'en charge.” Elle répond avec sérieux, avant de tendreson fusil, regardant par son objectif pour viser la cible, et tirantpour l'atteindre du premier coup. Le gros bruit qui retentit est super agréable pour Alexis. Elle s’imagine qu’elle a visé une tête bien particulière. “Bon, Alex. Explique-moisérieusement.” Isaak insiste gentiment, après l'avoir vutirer avec autant de talent. “Accompagne-moi ce soir, et tuapprendras tout ce que tu as besoin d'apprendre!” Comme ça,aucun moyen qu'il recule devant la vérité de la situation. “Oùtu vas m'emmener?” Son cousin n'a pas l'air certain devouloir s'embarquer dans l'aventure. Elle n'allait pas lui laisser lechoix pour autant, le savoir c'était une protection qu'elle voulaitabsolument lui accorder. Elle tient trop à lui pour le laisser dans un déni plein de danger. “Ce soir, tu vas venir avec moi dans laforêt.” Et c’est décrété assez formellement pour qu’elle soit sûre qu’Isaak l’écouterait. 

[dolores-hazy]

Sour Grapes

Tried to develop a taste

Plump and ripe off the vine

Pressed into wine finely aged

Still there's a mismatch, some clash

Either taste buds require refining

Or the fruit is best left forgotten

A forbidden venom-bitten thing

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Tough to tell and hard to please

Anybody, even oneself, with mixed feelings

Bubbling up all around like fizz in champagne

But fun drained out only leaving

The pain of another bitter mistake

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Well it's hard to say

Much of anything with a mouth full

Of sour grapes

Inspired by the Chris Isaak song "Wicked Game", as prompted by @seerinlove