#so i did not want to automatically treat erik like he's a bad

[shieldrevive]

USER :// @magnetish​ INQUIRY :// “ you don’t know when to give up, do you? “ public string { uncharted } ;  accepting

          “ nope.  never been a thing. “  he couldn’t.  there’d never been any room in steve’s life for something like giving up.  what would his childhood have looked like if he weren't so god damn stubborn?  wouldn’t be having this conversation for one.  depending on who you spoke to that could be a pretty good thing.  now that he was thinking about it the captain was conflicted.  maybe bucky would still be floating around if he’d never interfered.  maybe the commandos would’ve stormed hydra all those years ago and maybe his best friend would’ve gone back home to heal rather than forcing himself to follow this dumb little punk around.  “ i can do this all day. “

          his father tried to keep him down.  the kids on the street tried.  everyone bigger had always tried.  someone who could mentally flick his shield around wasn’t going to make him think twice.  where there was a will there was a way.  then again, maybe this was just some giant misunderstanding.  steve went into punch mode before asking too many questions.

          “ any chance we can take a time out?  talk this out over some coffee? “

[paradox-psyc-hoe-sis]

X-men preference - how they flirt with you!

Charles x reader, Erik x reader, Hank x reader, Logan x reader, Kurt x reader

Word count: 1.4k

A/N: yo yo yo, this is my first x-men related fic but I've been so engrossed with the fandom recently that I'll definitely be writing more :D (also the reader is a teacher at the mansion) - Honey

CHARLES

• Charles was very discreet with the way he flirted with you, wanting to get to know you more.

• He'd spend more time with you between classes, asking you about your abilities, talking to you about your life before you came to the academy, etc.

• Before you two were really close, he treated you in a strictly friendly manner. As you both grew closer, his feelings manifested into physical actions.

• Small hugs, kissing you on the cheek, instinctively clutching your hand at the sense of danger, and even you letting him into your mind.

• Obviously, it was pretty clear there was a thing between you.

• After a few months, you realised you liked him, too.

• You were both in the courtyard one evening, Charles talking about recruiting some new students.

• The way the purple sky reflected on his glassy eyes, his stubble-littered jaw, soft lips curved at the edges as he spoke.

• As he was halfway through a sentence, you impulsively leaned in and placed your your lips onto his.

• It took him a second to realise what was happening, but once he caught on he firmly kissed back, closing any remaining space between you.

• After a while, you both leaned back, a smile lingering between you both.

• "I really like you, Charles."

• A small chuckle escaped his lips as he cupped your cheek.

• "I didn't have to read your mind to figure that one out, y/n."

ERIK

• Erik was NOT subtle with the way he flirted.

• Eying you up and down with a smirk, staring at your behind when you weren't looking, wrapping an arm around your waist whenever you were near.

• He was just naturally affectionate, which you certainly didn't mind.

• He'd randomly bring you flowers in the middle of the day, because "they were on sale and just reminded me of you."

• And when others were off on a mission, he'd insist on cooking you dinner.

• The way you really knew that he liked you was that he'd sometimes open up to you about his emotions.

• The only person he's talked to in the past about his feelings was Charles, but it always ended in arguments.

• But often he'd wake up in the middle of the night and go downstairs to see you, also downstairs & wide awake, drinking hot cocoa.

• It became a weekly tradition for the both of you to have a cup of cocoa on a Sunday night, usually around midnight.

• When you were both downstairs, he'd talk to you about his childhood and his mental health. You were always there for him, listening to every word.

• So one sunday night you were creeping down the stairs, waiting to find Erik in the kitchen with 2 mugs of hot chocolate.

• However, instead of preparing your hot drinks, he was stood next to the record player. "Care for a dance?"

• Slow music played as you swayed across the floor.

• That night, he told you that he loved you. And, of course, you said it back :)

HANK

• As soon as you and Hank met, everyone knew he had a crush on you.

• Whenever you talk to him, touch him in any way, or even flash him a smile he'll automatically blush and get all flustered.

• "Hey Hank, I really like your sweater!"

• "Uh..m-my sweater? I uh...I don't...um, thank you."

• Once he became more comfortable around you, he started to flirt a lot more.

• Teasing little jokes and compliments were thrown back and forth a lot between you both, as well as longing glances when the other isn't looking.

• He loved to have you in the lab with him, and you were completely happy supporting him & listening to him drone on about his discoveries.

• He had been working on a serum for months, when one day he finally cracked it.

• He was working at his desk in the lab, you directly opposite reading a book, when he suddenly erupted.

• "YES!!! I'VE DONE IT!"

• You saw the small vile he was holding and automatically knew what he was talking about.

• You ran over to him and instinctively gave him a hug, him gripping you just as tight.

• However, you also absentmindedly went in for a kiss.

• It was small and light, and you pulled back straight away.

• "I...I'm sorry, I shouldn't ha-"

• He cut you off by pressing a firmer kiss to your lips, his hands gripping your waist with delight.

LOGAN

• We all know that Logan can be a stupid bitch when it comes to emotions.

• So when he realised he had feelings for you, he immediately distanced himself.

• He rarely showed up to meals, seldom participated in group activities, and avoided you at all costs.

• The only time you saw him was between classes, making your way to your next group of students and seeing him lurking in the corridors.

• His sudden withdrawal came so randomly to you & the other x-men, though.

• He'd often help you grade papers, drive you to the local convenience store for grocery shopping, and even help you cook meals for the staff.

• But all that stopped once he figured out his feelings for you.

• And frankly, you were sICK of it.

• One night, you got back late from visiting a family member. It must have been 11pm by the time you arrived back at the mansion, and the only thought that played on your mind during the drive home was Logan.

• Once you got in and put your bag down, you went straight to Logan's room. Trying to keep your cool, you knocked three times on his door.

• No reply.

• "I know you're in there, Logan. Let me in!"

• No reply.

• So, you let yourself in. And there he was, sat on his bed, flipping through a book, not at all surprised that you'd let yourself in.

• Once he saw you stood in the doorway, brows furrowed, he stood up and walked towards you.

• "Everything okay?" He grumbled, scratching the back of his neck.

• "No, Logan. Everything isn't okay. Why are you ignoring me?"

• You closed the door behind you, walking closer to him.

• Without a second of hesitation, he strode towards you, pushing you up against the wall.

• He waited a second before cupping your cheek and kissing you, teeth grazing your lips.

• Let's just say...you didn't get much sleep that night ;)

KURT

• Kurt was similar to Hank when it came to expressing emotions, yet he was certainly more romantic.

• Yes, he could get easily flustered around you, but he always found a way to turn it into a romantic situation.

• He'd write you small poems on sticky notes and leave them in your room, buy your favourite chocolate and put it under your pillow, and even pick you flowers from the gardens to surprise you on a bad day.

• It was obvious to everyone - including you - that he had a crush on you. And sure, you liked him too, but you wanted him to confess his feelings.

• When I tell you this boy was whipped; he was WHIPPED.

• Spill some water? He'll he there to clean it up. Break a glass? He's already scooped up the pieces and put them in the bin. Trouble grading papers? He's right behind you with the marking scheme to keep you on track.

• Although you'd tell him so many times that you can do it by yourself, he was eager to treat you like the princess that you were.

• It was the evening of your birthday when he confessed his feelings.

• The x-men had thrown you a party, and when the festivities were over, he stayed to help you clean up.

• "Y'know, I never managed to give you your birthday present."

• He told you to close your eyes and stick out your hand. Once you did, you felt him take your hand, and suddenly you felt a cool breeze against your arms.

• You opened your eyes in awe at your surroundings; you and Kurt were on top of the Eiffel tower, gazing down at the French city behind you.

• "Holy shit, Kurt - this is s-"

• He cut you off, placing his lips on yours. He didn't add too much pressure, waiting for you to respond, but loosened up when you lifted a hand up to cup his cheek.

• Your lil blueberry just wants everything for his queen <3

[melo-yello]

Baking with the Wakandan Royals would include:

A/n: I've been watching a ton of baking shows lately so I've been mad inspired to write some domestic headcanons.

*I added Shuri

T'Challa

If you mention to this man you're thinking about baking he's already checking for necessary ingredients quantities and locating the measuring cups

T'Challa's need for order and a systematic approach to life can either be really helpful when you're baking or really annoying

This man takes pride in prepping the pan

I mean oiled, floured, and lined with parchment

T'Challa didn't come to play. He got a cake stuck one time and he's never been the same

I'm tellin you he's a complete ace when it comes to measurements

This man will measure, level, sift, and whisk together the dry ingredients in less than 90 seconds

"Here you go, Love." handing you the bowl and kissing your temple

He even will have the separate little glass bowls in various sizes like he stepped out of his very own cooking show

T'Challa is definitely the clean as you go type

Boi is washing dishes almost as fast you can make them

I've got that, Sweetheart." snatching up dirty bowls and taking them to the sink like clockwork

You already kno he's a stick to the recipe type of guy

You kno better than to tell him "We can just eyeball it" or end any measurement/cook time with "or so"

He will absolutely lecture you on the acute chemistry of baking

After so many times of 'sneaking' in extra pinches of 'this' and 'that' and him catching you'll be forced to put him out to stop his constant meddling

"Challa, I swear to Bast if you say one more thing about the 'balance of baking' and don't get yo ass outta this damn kitchen, Shuri will be an only child!"

He occasionally peeks back in offering his two cents before you glare at him and he slinks back to whatever he's preoccupying himself with

Once everything out of the oven and cooled you can't help but smile and bring T'Challa a goodie for all his efforts and help even if he's kinda a pain

Erik

He will 100% be minding his own business until he peeps you in the kitchen baking something

He immediately steps in to take over whether he knows what you're making or not

Deadass has slid across a counter, swiped the bowl, stuck the landing and been like "Ok Ma, what am I makin?"

Boi will even take your apron and do it smooth as hell too

The first time you thought he was trying to be freaky by grabbing ya ass and kissin all down ya neck in the kitchen but before you knew it the apron was untied and around his neck and he was stirring the bowl that was just in front of you

Growing up basically raising himself and being bounced around from relative to relative made learning to cook essential and he's a pretty damn good at it

And he knows it

Erik deadass cooks like somebody's Auntie

"Baby, lemme go ahead and do that." Is something you'll hear every step of the way

He'll just stare at the recipe for .5 seconds then be like "Do that shit, That shit right there and it'll be bland as hell!"

Erik starts off measuring but gradually shifts into eyeballing everything

He's prone to add pinches of different spices that are no where to be found in the recipe

Erik refuses to cook in silence and will always throw on one of his playlists

Y'all bop all the way from TLC to Daniel Caesar to Anderson. Paak

When all the baking is done Erik loves to humble brag about his baked treats

"Yea me and Bae, kilt that shit." Or "Oh you know, Babygirl can throw down"

That is until his cousin says something

T'Challa: "These are great."

Erik: "Damn Straight it is, T'Chump! Didn't kno my baby could FUCK it all da way up! Who you think taught her that! Who!"

M'Baku

*nervous laughter*

M'Baku has an enormous sweet tooth but can't bake to save his life

Not that hasn't tried but most of those trails ended in flames

Since then the great gorrilla has been banned from most of the palace kitchens

Naturally when you ask "Baku, help me bake some cookies."

He's a little hesitant

M'Baku tries to explain to you that his strong suit is really savory and much rather do anything

He really hates that he's not naturally good at it like most things he does (fighting, leading, flirting, etc.)

This gets him out of helping the first few times before you drag him in kitchen promising "Trust me, I can teach you. It can't be that bad."

With M'Baku's help be prepared to remake batters at least twice

He's either heavy handed or extremely light handed there's absolutely no inbetween with him

He's gonna apologize each time he messes up no matter how many times you tell him it's fine

You put him on mixing duty but he gets bored so he starts distracting you

"Oh that look absolutely scrumptious, My Love." grabbing your ass as measure out brown sugar

"That tastes amazing, My Queen." giving you bedroom eyes as he sucks your finger clean of the batter you were about to taste

"You smell like heaven, Dear Heart." nipping at your neck as you place a pan in the oven

This is also the kinda man that eats as you bake

As soon as they hit the cooling racks he's bodying half of them

Putting up high doesn't work either when your mans is 6'5" and can reach all your hiding places

Only on rare occasions do you actually have sweets to show for you efforts if you only make one batch

3 seems to be the sweet spot since M'Baku eats half of 2

He actually does pay attention when you show him how to do things correctly and each time he makes fewer mistakes and he's so proud of himself

Shuri

Shuri is allergic to anything remotely domestic. Not that its difficult she just isn't interested

Mysteriously she always has all the software updates to do when you ask "Wouldn't it be fun to help me bake something?"

"Yes, My King?!?!" Shuri yells running down the hall after a very confused T'Challa that tells back "Stop calling me that!" as the two run in the opposite direction as you

She's definitely not above making up tech tasks to get out of being forced into baking

"Oh I'd love to but I need to check... Erik's torso to make sure he's healing ok. Too bad he's shy so you can't come." She shrugs pulling Erik into lab before he can get in a word

Or "Oh yes Sergent Barnes, I do have time to look at the mechanics of each synapses of every nerve ending in your arm. This could take a while." practically tackling Bucky as he enters the lab

The only way to get her there is by treachery

"Shuri, come quick! The stan mixer is smoking you have to fix it. Or I'll never bake again." is enough to get her to bolt out of the door and into the kitchen

There's no way she can let your Double Fudge Sea Salt Pecan brownies vanish from her life

"This mixer is absolutely fine, Y/n. Don't scare me like that ev..." trailing off as she turns to see you locking the door to the kitchen

"Noooooooooooooooooooo!"

Once she finds that all exits are blocked off

Vents, windows, and personal secret passages she has installed for times like these

She starts offering 'helpful' advice to really 'expand' your baking horizions

"I'm telling you, Y/n, 1 and 1/4 teaspoons of white vinegar would really help these sweets raise to the ocassion." as she presses record and steps back

You soon learn after several batter explosions and looped videos and gifs sent across the Insta, Twitter, and Snap she can't be trusted

"Oh come on,now! How was I supposed to know it was going to do that?" Laughing as you glare at her wiping yet another batter blow up off your face

Before you accept her advice now it is questioned with "And if I add that it won't end up in my face?"

Shuri will pause then offer something else because she's no evil just mischievous

She pretends to be bored out of her mind the whole time even though she's mentally pocketing all the little steps so she can later try by herself

Every once in a while she'll hit you with an absolutely old school but completely clutch trick you've never heard of before (most likely something she picked up from cooking with Queen Mother) and you pause to look at her

Like "Where the hell did that come from?"

She just shrugs and offers some off the wall flavor combo to throw you off her trail

"Chocolate and peanut butter? Boring. How about anasis and chardonnay." genuinely curious about the combination

Shuri loves to experiment and play with structures and variables esspecially in the kitchen

So tell her your trying to make a souffle or flan and she's there automatically no plots involved or locked doors

Afters all the sweets and practical jokes are out of the oven and cooling and the doors are unlocked

Shuri takes a treat or two and hums looking satisfied with your team work "This was actually fun." mouth half full and gives you a quick hug before leaving

Ever so often she'll come of her own prompting to you wanting to be shown how to make a cookie or some other baked good

And you do but as soon as they're done

She steals like 75% of the goodies as you check some of the few left in the oven and splits them with M'Baku who was already waiting at the door and they run down the hall like small children

Always leaving a note "XOXO, Princess Shuri" and scribbled in the biggest calligraphy that is usually saved for royal documents "Thx from Great Gorrilla,M'Baku" at the scene of the crime

[uzumaki-rebellion]

“Wet Sugar” [Part 6 of 30]

"I'm making you wait for the fifth date I need to know if you're worthy Making you wait Never too late I need to know if you're crazy I'm making you wait A-ha, I need to know that you're worthy I'm making you wait (wait, wait, wait, wait)

I'm making you wait I can't give the sweet of me so quickly I gotta know if you're strictly Dictation, saying what you said before to that other girl You know I gotta find out if it's true…"

Jill Scott—"Making You Wait"

NSFW. Mature Audience Only.  Share. Comment. Like. You know!

CW: Some mention of sexual abuse.

Summary: Trouble in paradise and Erik has to leave with Klaue...

Linda Chambers.

Her fair skin was deeply tanned and a bit sunburned. She was in Spain on vacation. She spoke to Erik from a small tablet propped up on a table inside a private villa. For someone with so much debt, Linda was living large.

"You're fast," he said while sitting inside Klaue's living room.

"Glad I passed," she said. Her voice was playful, her eyes trying to be sly as they checked him out.

"How's the gazpacho?" he asked staring at the bowl in front of her.

"Quite tasty. How did you know I was eating that?"

"What else would you eat on a warm day in Spain?"

"So…," she said.

"So?"

"How does this work? Do I come in for an interview, or does this count?"

"You've been vetted, but this is an extra formality. I gotta see what we're dealing with."

"Like what you see?" she said.

"My boss needs superb skills. You might just be what we're looking for—"

"So you're not the main dude?"

"I'm the man next to the man."

"Got it."

Linda waited for him to say more, but he studied her face. Her look was cute but plain. The kind of plain that could be forgettable which was a plus in their work.

He spoke to her in Arabic and she conversed with him for a full ten minutes before he switched back to English.

"Are you available now?" he asked.

"I'm in Spain getting burnt to a crisp. What do you think?"

"How long are you staying there?"

"You offering me work?"

"How long?"

"Another week—"

"I'll get back to you."

"When—"

He cut off communication.

She would do. Afghanistan could be her preliminary probation gig. Her Arabic was good, and she wasn't intimidated by him.

He checked his watch. He was late for dinner.

###

Yani brought out another tray of broccoli casserole hot from the oven and placed it on the self-serving table. The men fixed their own plates and all she had to do was watch for anything that needed replenishing.

Her eyes kept checking the side entrance that everyone used to come into the dining room. Erik hadn't shown up yet and she felt her tummy getting butterflies waiting for him to walk in after he had made her cum so hard from dry humping.

When he finally stepped into the room, his face looked serious, and she figured he was trying to act normal around the others.

Klaue eyed Erik from the head of the table.

"Things going well?"

"Spoke to Linda."

"And?"

"We're good. She's good."

Erik fixed his plate without looking at Yani.

Linda?

Her eyes tried to connect with his, but he ate his meal and concentrated on Klaue.

He had a woman?

She felt ridiculous now. Of course he did. He probably hooked up with all kinds of women wherever he went. She was just another girl on his hit list. He was sweet and seductive when he wanted to get between her legs, and did the same thing with others. Did this Linda know that about him?

Yani felt her cheeks tighten as she walked into the kitchen to retrieve a fresh batch of dinner rolls. The guys were going through Leona's food like it was going out of style. There was only half a tray of grilled steak left and one bowl of glazed carrots warming on the stove.

She went to put another pitcher of iced tea on the second serving table and Erik was there refilling his glass with water. His eyes finally looked at her.

"Why you frowning, girl?" he said, his voice playful but low enough so that only she heard him.

"Who is Linda?" she hissed, leaving the ice tea and the room.

He followed her into the kitchen and went into the freezer looking for ice. Leona took the last of the steak out to the men.

"What's with the attitude?" he asked.

She couldn't answer him.

"Can't talk to me now?"

She crossed her arms over her chest.

"I like it when you look mad," he said.

He stroked her arm and she pulled back.

"You have a woman, Killmonger?"

"Now you're being nosey—"

"You do," she said moving away from him.

Leona came back into the kitchen and saw them in the corner together.

"Yani. More blue cheese, please. On the table," Leona said grabbing a food net cover for the meat.

Yani opened the fridge and grabbed the extra blue cheese crumbles. Erik blocked her when she tried to leave.

"Let me give you a word of advice. Whatever you hear that isn't directed at you, you best pretend you never heard it. You got that? Now take that blue cheese out there," he said.

He was serious when he spoke and he pushed her toward the dining room.

"Watch your fucking hands," she said while shoving him back as she left the kitchen.

She watched him sit back down in his place at the table. Huntsman's eyes were on her and she felt the uncomfortable gaze that some of the men gave her when they looked at her in that way. Disgusting.

She went back into the kitchen and pulled out her cell. Texting her cousin Twyla she asked about Sydette. All was well and she was able to relax. She wanted to go home. As soon as these men were finished, she could help clean up and take her Aunt's car back to the apartment.

Thirty minutes later the men were done eating and moved down to the pool to smoke cigars and cigarettes. She saw Shipley grab a full bottle of rum from the kitchen pantry. There were four steaks leftover, so she would be able to take three home for herself, Twyla and Kendall. Leona would eat the fourth steak.

Yani filled a plastic food container with the carrots and a few dinner rolls. Everything else was gone and she felt bad that she didn't grab some broccoli while she had the chance. Clean up was relatively fast. They were finished by eight.

"I can handle breakfast tomorrow. They will make their own breakfast burritos. Sleep in with the baby and come in around three. They will be gone after breakfast and won't return until dinner," Leona said.

Nice.

She could maybe get some real sleep and have time to fill out her school application. She put away the last of the silverware and washed her hands.

"I forgot to show you the vid of Kendall," Erik said walking back into the kitchen.

He ignored Yani and stood next to Leona with his phone. Of course, her Aunt was all smiles for him. She waited quietly by the sink as Leona watched his phone. She could hear Kendall being hyper and shouting out to the crowd and then she heard her own voice singing to Erik. Her eyes glanced over at him and he was staring at his phone and stroking his beard.

"What him say?" Leona asked when the vid reached the part where Chez called her out.

Erik's eyes sought hers and Yani looked away, letting her eyes stare at the floor as she heard her voice rip Chez a new one. When the vid ended, her Aunt's eyes were on her. She was not happy at all.

"Why would you say that to him in public like that Yani? Other people probably recorded that and upload it for the world to see. You nuh disrespect your pickney faddah like that. What if Sydette see that one day? What that gyal think about you both? Huh? You nuh wan the sins and hate of the parents going down into you pickney like that. You nuh think 'bout that? Think about Sydette's feelings?"

Yani felt shame heat up her cheeks and throat. She cut her eyes at Erik for showing all of the recording. All he had to do was show Kendall's part.

"You always take his side. He treats me like dirt and I have to think about his feelings? I never get to say how I feel. And yuh know how him treat me—"

Leona shook her head and waved her hand.

"He still your baby's faddah. No matter what. His blood is in yuh baby—"

"And so is mine, Auntie, and so is mine. You should be on my side. Him say all kinds of evil things about me in front of alla dem. Erik heard him too—"

"Who is Erik?"

"Me," Erik said, his face looking slack. Almost like he regretted showing the vid.

"And him fight Zachary and beat him up…knocked me over too. But I have to be nice to him?!"

Leona still shook her head.

"Let me have the car keys, Auntie, I'm leaving now," Yani said picking up the bag of leftovers she was taking to her family.

Leona pulled her keys from a kitchen drawer and handed them to her. Yani didn't bother to say goodbye. She left them both in the kitchen.

Stepping outside she swiftly made her way to the car and placed the food in the backseat.

"Yani."

Erik approached her and stood by the driver side door. His eyes looked remorseful. Towering over her she felt crowded by his body again. Men were always boxing her up, invading her space and making her feel small. She didn't need another man stealing her joy again.

"I don't want to talk to you. I don't want to know you. Just fucking turn your head when you see me from now on."

She climbed into the car and slammed the door. The compound gate automatically opened for her and she drove off.

Fuck alla dem men.

###

Erik walked back into the kitchen and found Leona sitting at the dining room table. She ate a re-heated steak and picked at some carrots.

"I'm sorry I upset you and Yani with the vid," he said.

"It's not your fault. We go through this often. I have to learn how to hold my tongue with her sometimes. I do tend to take up for Chez. I don't want Sydette to be ashamed of her Dad. Him no good. I know this. But he wasn't always a bad man. Him change—"

"He's violent and he did say some terrible things about your niece. He brutalized Zachary. If Tahir and I hadn't been there—"

"I know, I know…I just don't know what to do for her."

Erik sat down at the table across from her. Leona scratched the skin of her left shoulder, lifting up the short sleeve of her shirt to do it. He noticed two dark black tattoos inked on her flesh. One looked like a flame and the other some sort of knife.

"My niece so sweet…Yani special. She carry so much shame because of her parents. She was on her way to University y'know. She so smart, and she has healing hands…hands of a doctor. She gave up her dream of being a baby doctor, but she's going to be a nurse, and I want her to succeed…so she can show her parents that she is still a good girl. A brilliant young woman. She walk around her family like she's no good no more. And it hurts me. She carries shame and it's so heavy on her…on her baby. I don't want to see her have any more problems with Chez, but that vid…"

She put down her fork.

"Will Chez come after her for that vid?" she asked.

"I won't let him."

"I don't want you getting caught up in this mess. His friends pulled guns on you—"

"Tahir and I took them. His anger was directed at Zachary, not Yani. I think he still wants her."

"Having another child with another woman was not the way to keep her. Jesus…that girl always have problems with you men. Them chase after her, fight over her, but never want to take care of her right."

Leona picked at her steak and took a few sliced bites. She wiped her lips with a napkin.

"You want something to drink?" he asked.

"No, I am done eating."

She stood and picked up her half-eaten plate.

"Thank you for saving Zachary. I am sorry you got caught up in Chez's foolishness."

She left him and he heard her washing her dishes.

Erik walked out to join the other men by the pool. Tahir handed him a cigar and he smoked it, enjoying the sweet cherry taste blended with the tobacco on the first drag that hit his tongue.

The other men laughed, cracked jokes and let loose more once Klaue left them alone. Shipley pulled out a joint and Erik gladly toked it up. Yani was upset with him. Perhaps it was a sign. Focus on the job at hand. There were other women on the island he could chase after if he really wanted to smash yams.

But damn.

Yani had him wound up and ready to give her anything when she had her legs wrapped around his waist. He hadn't even enjoyed the full fruits of her, and she was cutting him off already.

Fuck.

###

She hardly saw Erik anymore.

At least not alone.

The energy in the compound was tense and the men spent most of their time in Klaue's main house. She and Leona were not allowed in there when the men were meeting with him for hours.

The last conversation she had with Erik was over ten days ago when she told him to leave her be. And he did.

He never looked at her directly. Not even during meals. When she did have to speak to him because Klaue needed something, his eyes cut away from her and he only nodded his head or shook it, and gave one or two words to answer her when he had to. His gorgeous face was pinched tight all the time, she rarely saw his dimples anymore, and when the other men were done meeting with Klaue, Erik and Klaue would hole up alone for another few hours, often skipping lunch with the group and arriving to dinner late with grim expressions.

Yani worked her hours and minded her business. She still went down to the cove to swim and they never ran into each other alone. A few times she saw him return to the compound in the early morning, so she knew he was out fucking. And on those days her stomach would feel sour when she saw him strolling through the gate.

Once, when she brought their lunch out to the gun range, she noticed red marks on the side of his neck. She watched him gulp down a large glass of cold water and felt her blood boil when she saw those hickeys. She lingered above the gun range, covering her ears with her hands so she could watch him take his turn shooting weapons when he was done eating. He was fast, precise, and clearly dangerous with a gun. All kinds of guns. Especially the big ones she only saw in movies with the rapid-fire bullets. Chez's friends never had a chance with this man. Erik…no…Killmonger…that man was a killer for true.

Tahir was timing Erik with his turn at the gun targets, and when Erik was done with his Glock, the two men high-fived and she saw him smile, his gold slugs gleaming. The tight long-sleeve white shirt he wore accentuated the muscles in his arms, his pecs outlined so clearly.

Some woman outside the compound was getting him at night, getting those muscles, getting those teeth on her body. Her stomach was in knots thinking of him sticking his face between some other woman's legs, kissing her down there…

The back of her left back pocket vibrated with her cell. She checked the message. Her Aunt was letting her know to get started on Klaue's house. She had laundry to do and needed Klaue's household sheets to clean within the hour.

Yani walked to the first house and grabbed the laundry net bags from the laundry room. Spotting Jerome near the pool wall, she took a moment to feed him leaves and talk to him about his poor behavior, always blocking the walkway when the men needed to pass through.

Once she was inside Klaue's house, she got to work on the bedrooms, stuffing Boss Man's dirty linen in the laundry bags and re-making his bed with clean sheets and pillowcases. She took time to dust and sweep his bedroom floor and checked his bathroom for toilet paper and toiletries. She tidied up and switched out sheets in two more bedrooms before she hit the master bedroom. The bathroom there was spotless and when she dusted the furniture, she noticed prescription pills on the bureau. She read the pill bottles, recognizing the medications. One was paroxetine an anti-depressant and the other was doxepin, a sleep medication to help with insomnia.

She read his name on the bottle.

Erik Stevens.

Such a normal-sounding surname. Killmonger had to be a nickname.

She pulled back the thin yellow velour blanket from his bed and grabbed one of the pillows to remove the pillowcase. Reaching for the other one, she lifted it up and discovered a gun underneath it. A hefty-sized piece with a silencer—

"Fuck you doing in here? Told you I clean my own room!"

She jumped when she heard Erik's voice barking at her, and she dropped the pillow. Her eyes stayed on the sheets.

"I forgot. I'm just getting the dirty linen to wash—"

He snatched the sheets from his bed, balled them up and shoved them into her chest.

"You want me to put the clean-?"

"I said I can do my own room. I can put some damn sheets on the bed. I don't need a maid to do it for me."

Erik's gold slugs flashed, the teeth sharp and menacing, his eyes gone dark and brutal.

He grabbed his weapon and placed it inside the drawer of the nightstand next to the bed slamming the drawer hard as he closed it.

"Get the fuck out!"

She crammed his dirty linen in the bag she had with her and backed out of the room without another word to him. Snatching up the other bags of sheets, she made haste back up to the front house.

When she made it to the laundry room and started loading up the washer, she finally noticed she was crying. She stopped to wipe her eyes and saw that her hands were shaking. She was terrified. Was that the real Killmonger?

His true face?

That couldn't be the same man who fed her baby and burped her gently on his lap. No way that was the man who cradled her face and said her name so softly that it sounded like an angel speaking to her.

She finished loading up the bedding and detergent, then turned on the washer. She texted her Aunt to let her know the first loads were in. Klaue always had his things cleaned first. Shoving her cell into her back pocket she took a deep breath and shook out her hands.

She saw the outside light in the laundry room darken and when she turned around, Erik was taking up all the space in the doorway staring at her. His eyes were still hard and his lips were poked out.

He was so huge compared to her. And they were alone. Her Aunt was in the middle house cleaning and all the others were at the gun range. Her hands automatically balled up into fists.

Erik stepped into the laundry room and she made a run for it, pushing past him. But she wasn't quick enough. He grabbed her arm to stop her and she yanked back from him, hitting him with her other hand.

"Yani, stop!"

His voice was still coarse, surly even, and she didn't want to be alone with him. Her mind flashed to his meds. Those were drugs that people with PTSD often took. She knew this because her Uncle took meds like those before he killed himself. Maybe Erik was having an anger episode. He was ex-military like her Uncle. All of Klaue's men were ex-military.

The thought frightened her more and she pulled back from him falling onto her backside. She turned over pushing up from her knees and she felt his strong arms lift her up by her waist. Instinctively she tightened up her body pressing her balled up fists against her eyes.

"Don't hurt me!" she shouted. All she could think about was her baby and what would happen to her Sweet Pea if this man physically harmed her.

Tears stung her eyes again and she could feel water leaking onto her thumb and index fingers still jammed against her face.

Erik put her back down on her feet, but he didn't release her waist. He squeezed her tighter and pulled her closer against him.

"I wouldn't hurt you," he said.

She tried pulling away from him, clawed her fingers against his arm, but he was steadfast.

Heat.

Soft wet heat.

His lips kissed the back of her neck and she froze up. She could feel him exhaling gently on the back of her nape and his warm breath made her body relax in his grip. She waited for the worst, her mind automatically jumping to the worst-case scenario. If he was going to molest her or sexually assault her, it was best to let him have his way so she could just get back to her daughter without injury. He was faster, stronger, and she knew what he could do with his hands when he was in attack mode. And he had a gun. She had been abused once as a young teen, playing around with a boy she liked, sneaking kisses with him until he wanted more and she wasn't ready. He had groped her breasts until her other friends found them and distracted the boy from doing more and she got away, but her body automatically did what it did back then, grew slack and endured.

Erik's lips continued pressing into her skin, and she could feel his hot tongue giving her tiny licks, pulling goosebumps on her arms.

"I could never hurt you, Yani. I'm sorry…sorry I talked to you like that back at the house. Some shit is going down and I'm in a fucked-up mood and I took it out on you."

Yani remained motionless, still too scared to move. His arms released her and she took a tentative step away from him, the open door only eight feet in front of her. She turned to look at him and when he saw her eyes his face grew less tight.

"Fuck, I didn't mean to make you cry—"

"You scared me," she said feeling her eyes well up again, "I was only doing my job. That's what a maid does!" she spit out.

His eyes darted away from hers. He pressed his hands together and lifted them to his lips.

"I shouldn't have said that about you—"

"But you did—"

"Okay, okay…I know. I'm not in a good place right now and I lashed out—"

"I don't wanna talk no more, Killmonger."

She left him in the laundry room. She had to finish Klaue's main house. She had to stay away from him.

Rubbing her arms, she saw that she still had goosebumps on her skin, her body still reeling from his kisses on the back of her neck.

###

He would have to start taking his meds regularly. Up the dosage perhaps.

The sleeping pills weren't helping anymore and his body was reacting to the lack of sleep now, making him irritable and easily agitated. He noticed some of his obsessive behaviors kicking in, things that developed in his childhood that were appearing in intensity, mainly making sure everything around him was in order and running on time, and constantly checking his computer for communications in Angola that he had already checked a gazillion times already. He was also having nightmares, memories of his childhood visit to Sao Paulo, on that day, memories of running into his Baba's apartment, on that day, memories of his grandfather taking him to his mother, on that day…all the bad days, all the traumatic times that molly-whopped his life into the trajectory he was riding on now.

The sleeping pills didn't knock him into oblivion, and because they didn't, his body would get anxious when he did lie down at night afraid that the dark dreams would come again. The dread of it was the worst part, creating negative chemical reactions in his body that made him lash out in the daytime, turning him into the bullish leader that he was, pushing the men hard and often antagonizing them too.

Huntsman and Gertz had fucked up some communications in Angola because they weren't persistent in staying on top of some contacts as Erik had insisted that they do, and some paperwork they needed was delayed, possibly tangling up their transportation dates. Erik's obsessive need to control all outcomes kicked in along with his quick anger, and he had gone to his room to blow off steam. Finding Yani there touching his things set him off and he reacted as he normally did by bringing on that heat and he had frightened the girl. She was a woman, but in many respects, she was still a young girl. She was terrified of him when he walked into the laundry room.

In the past, he wouldn't give a shit how someone felt when it came to his personal things and his privacy…but…damn, she was really trying to flee from him.

She was so soft.

Holding her by her waist as she struggled against him, he was re-introduced to the delight her body gave him by being lush and round, and so damn soft. Holding her made him feel calm. Eased the stress in his mind. Tempered the tension in his limbs. He wanted to give that calm back to her.

He caught sight of the back of her neck, the space where the bottom of her neck and shoulder met. Why he hadn't noticed before surprised him, but she often wore necklaces, and he wasn't always behind her to see that she had two small tattoos there. The same tattoos her Aunt Leona had. A small flame…no a small torch…a small torch and an ancient curved blade. The onyx ink-stained her satiny brown skin making the tats extra vivid and his lips automatically kissed her there. She smelled like sugary vanilla and nutmeg, and the tip of his tongue darted out to taste her. She had relaxed in his arms then, and when he dropped her to her feet, she turned on him, her tears weakening him where he stood. The last thing he wanted to do was bring her grief because he couldn't temper his emotions. He didn't want his Sweet Pea's mother feeling hurt by him.

His Sweet Pea?

A smile grew on his face thinking of that little bundle of energy. He wanted to sit and hold her again, tickle her toes, and try to make her little dimples pop out for him.

Probably wouldn't happen now since Yani was frightened and shedding tears because of him.

Being at the compound with various levels of competence surrounding him was choking his spirit. He was glad Tahir was there with him. Klaue was a serious taskmaster, but after the Angola job, he was going to have to get rid of several mercs from the man's team. The tensions among the men only exacerbated his nerves because they knew he had Klaue's ear and what he said nearly always made Boss Man jump.

Erik walked back to the gun range and the moment he put in his earbuds and slipped his goggles back on, he froze up. The way she was acting, the way she tried to get away from him…even the way her body went slack when he wouldn't let her go…had someone done something to her?

He ripped the goggles off of his face and placed the AK-47 back on the gun rack.

"Where are you going now?" Tahir called after him.

"Gotta check on something," he called back.

He had to find her.

###

He should've known she would be there.

The cove.

He found her sitting on the sand, her knees tucked up to her chest, her eyes closed.

"Yani."

Her head turned toward him and he saw her body tense, the fight or flight response already set in motion.

"I just want to talk, that's all. You don't have to get up. I'll stay over here," he said, crouching down. He let the fingers of his right-hand drag in the warm sand.

Her big wide eyes watched him carefully.

"How is Sydette? She still being greedy?" He gave her a smile.

"She's fine."

"Chez hasn't been giving you any problems-?"

"What do you want?"

Her eyes had narrowed, her dark brows furrowed with annoyance.

"I wanted to make sure you were okay. I don't want you to be scared of me and I want to make sure you can work around here without worrying about me picking you up like I did in the laundry room. I just didn't want you to leave without hearing me say sorry, and when you fell down-"

"Forget it," she said. She turned her head and stared at the water.

"Are we good?"

"I'm here to work. That's all, man. I'll stay out of your room. You can do what you want…whatever. I don't want you grabbing on me—"

"I won't lay a hand on you unless you want me to."

"Fine."

He stood up and gazed out upon the water. It glittered and beckoned to him to wade in and swim.

"You want to take a quick dip with me?" he asked.

"No."

"I'll leave you alone then—"

"Please."

He felt his lips twist up a bit in a half-smile. She was not going to cut him any slack. Good.

"We'll be leaving in a few days."

She looked over at him.

"Less money for me, that's all," she said.

"Won't be back for a minute."

She stuck her index and ring finger sideways giving him the deuces sign. He laughed out loud.

"You going to hold my feet to the fire from now on, huh?" he said.

She shrugged her shoulders.

"I know you can't have your baby here, but…could I come by your house and see Sydette before I leave?"

"Why?"

"The dimple mafia has to stick together."

She smiled at that and it made him feel better.

"I'll see you around. Let me know if I can come see her," he said.

Heading back up the path toward the main house he felt a heaviness come down on him. He might not see her for weeks, and that depended on if Klaue wanted to come back to St. Thomas after the Angola job. He'd been hinting at setting up shop back in South Africa, and Erik didn't want to stay there until the Kabul gig. He considered going back to Sao Paulo and maybe heading back to Oakland if Klaue stayed in Jo'burg.

Until then, he hoped she would let him see Sweet Pea.

He needed to be around a tiny bit of innocence.

###

The sky at dawn was layered. Scarlet orange. A hint of purple with a sprinkling of magenta. A vivid violet-blue and the silvery glint of the moon slowly fading behind a cotton candy pink cloud.

Yani made sure to wear her bikini…just in case…and her body dived under the first warm wave of the day at the cove. She arrived extra extra early only because she had to hitch a ride with Twyla who took Sydette with her. She needed the car to run errands and Yani had no choice but to go and then come down to the water before the fish in the ocean had even woken up.

Erik was true to his word.

They moved around the compound together in a cordial manner and whatever troubles he was having with the other men seemed to have subsided, probably because they were leaving. She was glad to see the others go, including Klaue. But she would miss Tahir's kind words in the morning and evening, and of course, Killmonger. She knew for sure her Aunt was feeling sad about Erik and Tahir departing the compound. They had only been there a little over a month and Leona was moping around the grounds like her own children were leaving her.

The sun was beginning to lighten the horizon more and she left the water quickly, pulling on capri pants and a long sleeve hoodie. She took her time meandering up the path enjoying the solitude and quiet before the compound came to life with burly men and loud voices.

"Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar! Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah. Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah. Ashadu anna Muhammadan Rasool Allah. Ashadu anna Muhammadan Rasool Allah. Hayya 'ala-s-Salah. Hayya 'ala-s-Salah. Hayya 'ala-l-Falah. Hayya 'ala-l-Falah. Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar! La ilaha illa Allah…"

Tahir's beautiful voice stopped Yani in her tracks. The echo of his lyrical words surrounded her and thrilled her spirit. She crept closer to Klaue's main house

Tahir and Erik were standing and facing away from the ocean out on the veranda. Tahir wore a long cotton white shirt and a light-colored skull cap. Erik also wore a long cotton shirt in a light blue color. His locs wore tied up with a white headwrap knotted at the nape of his neck. They both held their arms cradled in front of them, heads bowed slightly, and Tahir's melodic voice reverberated throughout the space.

"As-salatu Khayrun Minan-nawm. As-salatu Khayrun Minan-nawm…"

Yani clasped her hands as she watched the men stand together as the sun rose.

"Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem Alhamdu lillaahi Rabbil 'aalameen Ar-Rahmaanir-Raheem…"

Yani closed her eyes and tried to remember the Arabic words as Tahir repeated himself. He sang the prayer, his voice doing runs that made Yani's heart flutter. She had never heard a Muslim call to prayer before and yet it moved her just as much as her Aunt Leona singing in their little Baptist church some gut-wrenching gospel verse. She knew that the word "Allah" meant God and Tahir kept saying it. Soon they were prostrating themselves, the sunlight bathing them in a golden glow. She could feel the warmth on her face and she closed her eyes again and let Tahir's voice carry her to a peaceful place.

When she didn't hear his voice anymore, she opened her eyes and saw Erik staring down at her. He was alone and looked so regal with his hair wrapped up, the long blue shirt made him look like a King peering down on his royal subjects. And then he smiled, making her swoon a bit.

"You're here early," he said.

She nodded and he walked down from the house to get to her.

"That was so beautiful," she said still feeling moved.

"The adhan…the call to prayer," he said.

"You two do that every morning?"

"I try to when I'm with Tahir."

"Are you Muslim?"

"Nah…I uh, I had an ex-girlfriend who was raised in the faith a little bit. I kind of do it like meditation… to help relax my mind. Keep myself focused."

She thought of the prescription pills in his room and it made sense.

"I like how Tahir sings. It sounds like he's rounding up the morning angels," she said.

"It's good to see you smiling at me again," he said.

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah."

His eyes felt a little too intimate on her. She still wanted to keep some distance between them. Her eyes fell upon the fading hickeys on his neck.

"Your woman nuh care you have that all in the open?" she said.

"Have what?"

She pointed at his neck and his teeth grabbed on his bottom lip in a grin that made him look embarrassed.

"She give you a proper goodbye, Killmonger?"

"Nah, I haven't had a proper goodbye yet," he said.

"Killmonger! Let's talk!"

Yani saw Klaue standing on the veranda, dark glasses on and his face pensive.

"You can come by tonight and see Sydette…if you still want to," she said.

His face broke out into a wider smile and he walked away from her. The swag in his walk when he sauntered over to Klaue had her thinking terrible things. When had a man's back been sexy to her? A fully clothed back at that?

She kept watching Erik until Klaue pulled off his glasses looking back at her.

"You need something, Yani?" Klaue asked.

"No. Mr. Klaue," she said scurrying back up the walkway to get to the laundry room.

###

He would be leaving in the morning.

Erik rubbed some cologne onto his neck and then checked the black rubber bands keeping his locs tied back. He had twisted his hair into four big rows and tucked it in the back. He trimmed up his beard and thought about shaving it all off and starting all over again. His shit was getting patchy and it had been a minute since he had been clean-shaven. His father's ring dangled on a new silver chain on his neck. He wore new diamond studs in both ears and stood back to gauge his appearance better. A soft dark yellow button-down linen shirt. Black jeans. Black Oldschool timbs. 

He wanted to look nice for his visit to see Sydette…and Yani. He snuck off to an island Kmart and bought Sydette a cute little three-piece outfit. A big yellow bow with a matching halter blouse and the cutest white bottoms with yellow sunflowers all over it. Leona told him at lunch that Sydette's birthday was due in a couple of months and there was going to be a big beach party for her because it fell around a big island holiday. Erik felt bad that he might miss it for he hadn't had a chance to see that side of the island. He was tickled to know that Sydette's birthday was only three days after his. He was an April baby too. Two fire signs. No wonder he liked her so much. A fellow dimple twin and an Aries too.

He borrowed one of the compound SUVs. The other men were having pizza brought to them and Leona had the night off. He looked forward to being on his own. He had to fight Tahir from coming with him because he wanted this time to be his.

He was happy to see Leona when she opened the apartment door. Sydette was in her arms and Erik broke out into the biggest cheesy grin when he saw her.

"Hey! Sweet Pea!" he said.

Erik held out his arms for her and Sydette turned her face away at first. "Sydette!" Leona said, and the baby grinned, gifting Erik with her dimpled cheeks.

"There she is!" he said.

Leona handed her over to him, and Erik braced himself in case she started to cry, but Sydette looked him in his face and grabbed for the diamond in his right ear.

"She already knows quality," he joked.

He held up the gift bag.

"A little something for her birthday. Really early," he said.

"How thoughtful," Leona said.

He walked into the apartment still holding the baby. He looked around.

"You think Yani will let her open her gift now?"

"Yani's not here," Leona said.

He couldn't hide the disappointment on his face and Leona caught it.

"She's working at the restaurant tonight. She's a hostess. Won't be back until later tonight."

He nodded his head.

"You are welcome to wait for her—"

"Nah, I just came to see the baby before I jet out of here."

"Compound won't be the same without you and Mr. Tahir. Sit, sit…"

Erik sat on the couch. He handed Leona the bag.

"Sydette, you want to open your present from Mr. Killmonger?"

Sydette had one hand on Erik's ear and the other on his father's ring. She tried putting it in her mouth and he tucked it into his shirt.

"You don't want to chew on that little girl," he said giving her a kiss on the cheek. She smelled like Yani, a touch of vanilla and nutmeg.

Leona opened up the bag and dug through the lavender tissue paper covering the outfit. She pulled it out and her face broke into a wide grin.

"Oh! This is just too darling! Lookie, Sydette!"

Sydette's hand shot out grabbing the big hair bow.

"I have to change her right now. Here, let me go dress her and we can see how pretty she looks!"

She took Sydette from him and he didn't like the feel of her absence from the crook of his arm.

"Would you like something to drink?"

"I'm good for now,' he said.

"Be right back."

Leona took the baby and the bag and left the room. He stood up and looked around, his eyes focused on the photos hanging on the wall next to the flat-screen TV. A few recent photos of Yani and Sydette and her younger sister Anika. Yani and Sydette could be twins. The same round face, big eyes, and snarky facial expression. They looked like they were waiting for someone. Something tugged at him and he pulled out his cell and took a picture of their picture. Maybe he would just pretend they were waiting for him while he was in Angola.

"Lookie!" Leona squealed.

He turned and saw Sydette wearing the full ensemble he picked out. The big bow sat on top of her forehead and everything else fit well. He was good at guessing her size.

"I put some earrings in to match yours. They not real diamonds, but them still cute."

"Aye!' he said holding his hands out for Sydette again, "We match Sweet Pea. Yellow on yellow and diamonds in our ears. Can't tell us nothin'."

Sydette balled up her fists and pressed them on his cheeks.

"I eat cute fingers," he said slipping two of her fingers in his mouth. She laughed and he felt his heart soar. His eyes fell on Leona.

"Miss Leona, go get dressed. I'm taking you and Sydette out to dinner. I can't be here for her birthday, but we can celebrate tonight."

"You don't have to buy me no dinner Mr. Killmonger—"

"You took care of me for a whole month. Let me show you my appreciation."

Leona touched her hair, her gray plaits neat against her face.

"My hair's not even fixed, and you two look so fancy—"

"Your hair is beautiful. Put on one of your church dresses and let me treat you and baby girl."

He needed her to be with him. She had made his stay at the compound bearable and she was so much like his great-grandmother that he wanted to have that elder energy around him. Sydette leaned back in his arm, her bright black eyes studying his face hard.

"Please?" he said.

"Give me twenty minutes," she said.

She practically skipped to her bedroom and it made Erik chuckle.

###

Auntie wasn't answering the house phone or her cell, and it had Yani worried.

Her break times were always spent calling and checking on her daughter and catching a cool breeze from the back of the restaurant. She rubbed the bottom of her feet after taking off her heels. The weekend crowd was intense and the restaurant was doing a brisk business and the tips had been off the chain for all the waiters and even her. A summer regular, a Mr. Guyot from New York slipped a crisp fifty-dollar bill in her hand when he left.

She tried calling Leona again and even texted Twyla to see if maybe they all went somewhere. Her Aunt had been complaining of feeling more tired lately, and it concerned Yani, especially when she was alone with Sydette. What if she fell down, or maybe had a serious health crisis? Everyone was gone tonight, and there would be no one going to the apartment to even check-in if something did happen. Her nerves kicked in. Would she have to leave her job to go check? The owner would not be happy about that, especially since she was a popular Hostess and she knew how to handle an overflow crowd and keep people happy while they endured the long wait for a table.

Checking her phone one last time, she texted her Aunt, put her heels back on, and hustled back into the restaurant to find her boss. She needed to go check on her Sweet Pea.

"Samantha, have you seen Olivia?"

"Yani, there you are!"

Her co-hosting partner, Samantha a bubbly British red-head with a love for bright matte lipsticks and hair gel pulled on her wrist.

"You didn't tell me you had a husband!"

"Come again?" Yani said.

Samantha dragged her out from behind the Host podium and led her to the main room. "I know you are very private, but my God woman, where have you been hiding him?" Samantha said, her voice all breathy and excited.

Yani saw her boss Olivia laughing while standing next to a table that sat her Aunt, Erik, and her Sweet Pea. She felt her mouth drop open. Leona was dressed to impress. Even her plaits were undone and her gray curls fluffed out. And Sydette was wearing the cutest outfit that Yani never bought her.

At the center of it all was Erik, holding her daughter in his lap.

"I'll be right back. Make sure you look after the customers," Yani said as she made her way to Erik's table.

Leona noticed her first and waved her hand at her.

"Surprise!" Leona said.

"What are you all doing here?"

Leona stood up.

"I need to use the restroom, but your boss has been really nice. Gave us the best seat in the house!"

Leona kissed her cheek and scooted around her.

Erik's eyes rested on her face and for a moment they were the only two people in the room. He gave her the same look he did the first time he saw her away from the compound. She did have a more dramatic look when she dressed up and put on make-up, but the way he was looking at her now…

"Hey," he said.

"Kill-…Erik…"

"Yani, you have such an adorable family! Why are you hiding them?" Olivia said.

Olivia's aquiline nose that was often up in the air at everyone all the time, that same nose was now wide-open sniffing at Erik like he was God's gift to her establishment.

Yani's left eyebrow went up at Erik and he tilted his head.

"I work in the states and she wants to keep Sydette here with family," Erik said. Yani tilted her own head at that before she wrenched her eyes away from Erik and put them on her boss.

"Muh-muh-muh."

Sydette's left hand touched Erik's lips and he nibbled on her fingers and Yani watched her daughter cackle and give a high-pitched squeal. They both smiled at each other, their dimples complimenting each other.

"Oh, how sweet, she has your dimples too!" Olivia said to Erik.

"I'm going to head back to the front—"

"Spend a few minutes with your family, I'll handle the front for you. So nice to meet you Mr. Killmonger."

Olivia stepped away leaving Yani with Erik and her daughter.

"Have a seat," Erik said.

"It's really busy tonight—"

"Your boss just said you could chill for a few minutes."

Yani glanced over her shoulder and watched Olivia entertain her customers.

"I thought you were going to be home."

"Gotta work. You said you wanted to see Sydette."

"I wanted to see you too."

"Why?"

"Why?"

"Yeah, why."

"I might not see you again."

Sydette started fidgeting in Erik's lap. She reached her hands out for her daughter but Erik reached down into her baby bag and pulled out a large silver cylinder. He popped it open and one of Sydette's bottles popped out. He put away the cylinder and slipped the bottle nipple between Sydette's lips. Her daughter's feet wiggled and she calmed down in his arms while sucking away to her heart's content.

"You told my boss that you were my husband?"

"I didn't really say that she just assumed because of the dimples and me holding the baby, and I just ran with it."

"So what happens when you disappear and they ask me about you? They'll think mi pickney's Daddy left me. You're messing up my personal life. Now, these people are going to bug me all the time—"

Samantha walked past them ushering a couple to a table next to them.

"Hi, Yani…hello, I'm Samantha."

Samantha stood in front of Erik being flirty, and Yani didn't know what annoyed her more, this pushy white woman hitting on Erik in front of her even though she thought he was married to Yani, or this pushy white woman butting in on their conversation because she knew she could regardless of the situation.

Samantha stood there, teeth all out in the open, literally blocking Yani's view of Erik and her child. Yani smoothed down her dress and stood up.

"You're being really rude right now. I'm having a conversation with my wife and you just insert yourself right in front of her? What's up with that?"

Yani felt her face go still. She tucked her lips into a thin line waiting for Samantha's reaction. Him calling her his wife already had Yani squirming.

"Excuse me?" Samantha said, her voice fluttering.

"You heard me."

Erik's tone was not playing. His lips were slightly parted and his gold slugs looked even sharper up close.

"I'll see you up front, Yani," Samantha said scuttling away in her six-inch heels.

"I'll never hear the end of that," Yani said.

"Shit was hella rude," Erik said.

"I don't appreciate you telling people I'm your wife or you letting them think you're my husband. These people talk and it's going to get back to the wrong ears."

Her eyes were already peeping Kim, one of the waiters who lived in Red Hook like her and knew Chez. Kim was already scoping Erik and would probably jump on her phone the moment she went on break. Perhaps it didn't really matter. He said he might not return to the island again…

Her eyes jumped back to his and he was watching her.

He looked so good.

She liked how he fixed his hair, liked the way his outfit matched Sydette's and liked the way he took his Aunt out to the most expensive restaurant on the island.

"You wearin' the hell outta that dress, girl," he said.

His eyes drifted down her body and she felt her skin tingle from the sound of his voice.

"I need to get back to the front."

Looking down at her daughter she wanted to pick her up, but she looked so peaceful in his arms, her cheeks puffing and her left foot lifting up and down on his arm as she fed. That big adorable yellow bow made her look like a doll baby.

"You buy that for her?"

"Early birthday present. Her birthday is a few days after mine."

"But her birthday is not for a couple of months."

"Like I said, I might not be around."

His eyes held hers again and she walked away

She watched her Aunt and Erik eat a big meal as they took turns holding Sydette. They used her car seat as a booster seat and had her sit between them. She moved back and forth throughout the main room and out on the beach section, her eyes checking on her daughter each time she passed their table. Olivia returned to their table and shared a bottle of wine with Leona.

She had finished seating an older Asian couple out on the beach when she ran into Erik and Leona back in the front leaving for the night.

She took another break to walk them out to Erik's borrowed SUV. She fastened Sydette's car seat in the back of the car.

"That food was wonderful. This was such a nice evening. Thank you for treating us Mr. Killmonger," Leona said.

She clutched a doggy bag filled with rolls and a container of lobster bisque that Olivia insisted she take home for free.

"Can you hold on for a few minute? I need to use the restroom before we go. The traffic looks bad and I don't want to get stuck doing the dance," Leona said placing her bag of food on the passenger seat.

"Take your time," Erik said.

They watched Leona head back into the restaurant.

Things seemed so final now.

"Thank you for doing this for her. She hardly gets to do nice things. We both work all the time and I never get to do things like this with her. And thank you for the baby clothes. Sweet Pea looks amazing."

"You're welcome," he said.

Awkward silence.

Yani twisted the toe of her right shoe nervously.

There were so many dimensions to this man. She still felt cautious with him, but not so much for him with her daughter.

"You all head out on Monday—"

"I leave tomorrow morning," he said.

"Tomorrow?" Her voice hitched a bit and her eyes dropped to his chest. He was really leaving. And so soon. She thought for sure he was leaving in two days like the others.

"Lemme get a picture."

"A picture?" she asked.

"Sit up next to Sydette," he said pulling out his cell.

He helped her climb up onto the backseat next to the baby car seat. Sydette was wide awake and watching them. She leaned in toward the baby.

"What's your favorite thing about Sweet Pea?" he asked.

"Her dimples," she said.

"Muh!" Sydette squeaked and Yani laughed. Sydette giggled with her when she touched her nose and Erik snapped the picture.

"One more look this way," he said.

Yani kept her finger on her daughter's cheek and stared at Erik. For a moment he stopped looking at the cell phone screen and looked at her. The flash went off.

"Can I see?"

He handed her his phone and she swiped between the two shots.

"Cute,” she said.

"You really won't come back?" She didn't mean for her voice to come out a whisper.

He shrugged.

"It's up to Klaue."

"Well, thank you for all of this. It was really cool—"

He moved closer to her and she felt him take up so much space again in front of her.

"Take good care of my daughter," he said.

She smiled.

"I kept getting bugged about that all night. The chef is mad because I never invited him to my wedding—"

He brought his face closer to hers.

"Take care of yourself too, okay?"

"Yeah, I will—"

Heat.

Wet softness again.

There were lips that kissed and lasted a moment, and then there were lips that kissed and promised a lifetime. Her mouth fell in sync with his and she forgot everything…her name, what she did five minutes ago, what day of the week it was and where the hell she was. There was only his kiss. His lips. His mouth. His teeth. His scent. The tiny tickle of his facial hairs. The sharp tang of the chocolate espresso he drank with the desert.

"I want to come back," he whispered in her ear when he released her lips and she pulled his face back to her front so she could kiss him again, suck on his tongue and hold onto that small piece of him.

"You come back and I'll make you wait for alla mi. I'm not easy," she sighed. She licked the seam of his lips and reached up to cradle his neck, pulling him closer, strumming her nails across his nape making him shiver.

"I don't want you easy, girl. Make me work for this shit."

He picked her up and brought her back down to her feet. She stood on tippy-toe to get his lips back on hers but he turned her around so that she faced the inside of the car. His mouth came back down on the back of her neck and he spent delicate time there licking and kissing her sensitive skin. His fingers skimmed her breasts, holding them tight as his tongue explored every inch of her neck.

"I come back and you tell me about these tattoos, yeah?" he asked.

"Deep history. You handle that?" she panted.

"I can handle anything you give me."

"You sure 'bout that?"

"You my wifey now, whatchu think?"

She groaned when he sucked on her neck harder, his fingers pushing her breasts together.

"Will you let me have you if I come back?"

It was best to be honest. She twisted her body around so that she faced him again.

"Killmonger…I haven't been with a man since I had my baby. I mean, really been with a man."

"That's okay. Your speed. I take whatever you give. Okay?"

"Okay."

She took his lips again, her mouth feeling impossibly wet while joined to his.

"Muh-muh-muh—"

Yani released Erik's mouth and turned to look at her daughter. She realized that the entire time Erik had Sydette at the restaurant, her daughter didn't reach for her or fuss for her not one time. It was like she wasn't even needed with Erik caring for her. That sneaky dumpling. Not even needing a real titty with this strange man around her. Erik cradled the back of her smooth head.

"Now see, this right here…this is a proper goodbye," he said.

She smiled and he plundered her mouth.

Lookie.

###

[Part 1]  [Part 2]  [Part 3]  [Part 4]  [Part 5]  [Part 6]  [Part 7]  [Part 8]  

[Part 9]  [Part 10]  [Part 11]  [Part 12]

Taglist (Please let me know if you would like to be added): 

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[fussingoverfassbender]

Michael Fassbender & James McAvoy Interview

Source: Moviestar 02/19 (174) June 2019 (Germany) Interview by Claudia-Janet Kaller Translated by fussingoverfassbender I apologise for any mistakes.

Finally it’s here, we had to wait a long time for it: Dark Phoenix, the story about the final transformation of the young mutants into the X-team as we know it. The dark phoenix let us wait, but comes back with a impact which lets us forget that. After the presentation of the first completely finished scenes, Claudia-Janet Kaller had the possibility, thanks to 20th Century Fox, to talk to James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender for Moviestar in London.

Moviestar: How much of the movie have you seen so far? James: Nothing! Absolutely nothing! I only know the trailer that was released one week ago. Michael: I only know the trailer too. But it’s still very soon, which means they are still working on most scenes. It’s always like that at this kind of film. MS: Okay, but in the trailer you look good! James: (laughs loudly) Fantastic! I actually always look good in trailers, but I love hearing it again! That’s the goal of every film - looking good in the trailer! Michael: (nearly rolling in the aisles) Right! Super trailer performance, James! MS: Does that also count for the trailers in which you gotta wait before the next scene is filmed? Michael: (keeps laughing) Hey, good joke! Trailer and trailer! James: You mean the trailers we hang out in? Michael: (won’t stop laughing) Have you got another trailer; James? James: (chunters) All right! Michael: No, seriously, I don’t like watching trailers! I also dislike reading reviews or summaries. In the end everybody has their own opinion. I may like things that others don’t. I like watching films completely unprepared. I wanna be surprised, wanna discover the film for myself or find it bad. That 100% film experience is very important to me, because I don’t have much time going to the theatre.

MS: How do you pick the movies you’re watching? Michael: I mostly read about who made the film, what kind of film it is, where it’s set, and what else is on. It’s often also the theatre I select. Is it a small arthouse cinema, it’s certain from the beginning that I won’t watch a blockbuster there. MS: Why are you doing it like that? Michael: The reason I do it like that is an easy one. Years ago I’ve read a review about The Big Lebowski. The critics had given it barely three out of five stars. Then the film was released on DVD and I finally saw it. To me, The Big Lebowski would have deserved more than five stars, until today it is still one of my favourite films. James: I agree on that! Many reviews annoy me. Because often the critics haven’t seen the film, but write reviews as if they knew it. Some magazines only rewrite preexisting texts, also not very thorough. There might be many reasons for that, but it rather damages the film instead of helping it. Michael: What I also dislike with trailers is that you already see too many things that happen in the film. People always speculate wildly then. Each shadow or glimmer of light is getting analysed... MS: Let’s talk about this fourth joint movie; is this the movie where Erik Lehnsherr and Charles Xavier go separate ways in the end? James: Wasn’t that already the last one? Michael: No, there I helped rebuilding the completely destroyed house. James: Oh right! Thanks for that, by the way, or else the X-Men wouldn’t have had a house this time. Michael: See, I’m important for the X-Men! James: (laughs again) Yes, so the characters are still talking with each other. We’re in the 90s now, so I probably send Erik e-mails. Michael: (laughs too) No, I don’t think so. WiFi didn’t exist yet. More like letters in bottles from Professor Xavier. MS: It looks like Magneto is repairing cars on a junkyard, doesn’t it? Michael: (laughs) Sure, I love repairing cars! There so much metal in them, it’s one of my easiest exercises. Each twisted car, Magneto bends it back. No, seriously, Erik has established Genosha in the meantime. We - Magneto and other mutants - live in that independent nation for people who feel unwanted or are refugees. As long as those people blend in the group and work harmonically there for the community of Genosha, it is their home. MS: Does that only count for people with special powers, or also for those without? Michael: A justified question, I’ve been thinking about that too. That is surely the shadow-side of Genosha. It’s a pure mutant haven. While Professor X stands more for the mutants integration with the humans, Erik is the one who rather stays among mutants. He has experienced so many bad things with humans, he doesn’t trust them anymore. At this point of time, he has nothing against cooperating with humans, but that’s it. In the end he wants to keep both groups separated. That’s what’s so fascinating about this comic area, we can talk openly about topics such as building walls, separation, etc. In my eyes it’s very important, especially now that everything somewhat starts to separate, dissociate, building walls, etc. It may sound strange, but if there is something those fantasy-films serve as well, it’s surely to talk about such recurring phenomenons and to point the finger at them. One can only hope that many young people will watch that film and understand what such dissociations can cause. We have to watch out what happens to us and how we are being manipulated! To capture that zeitgeist has always been the strength of all X-Men films. I think it’s good we did it again. MS: You’ve known each other for more than ten yours through that work? Michael: Longer! James: If I calculate correctly, it’s been twenty years. But that really does sound like a long time... MS: What was your chemistry on set this time? Michael: Terrible! There barely was any! James: Yes, really terrible! We barely worked together, were almost always separated. I had my school, my mutants, and my problems. Erik had Genosha, his mutants, and his problems. Michael: (laughs again) Yes, we only met during lunch oder between the studios. Short Hello and how are you, nothing more. During X-Men: Apocalypse it was better, we were stuck on a mountain for two weeks. James: (laughs too) Right! You looked like a glamrockstar! While I looked like I had come straight out of Miami Vice, with the light suit and dark shirts. Bald Sonny Crocket! MS: Okay, let’s ask like this: what was the mood like among the entire cast? Any accidents? James: None, actually. Except that I got Josh (one of the doctors in the movie) so badly that his skin broke open. He was bleeding and had to be treated. I got in trouble with his then-fiancée, who is now his wife. I didn’t want to harm him. Unfortunately it happened. She was seriously mad at me. Michael: So you weren’t invited to the wedding? James: Right, I wasn’t invited. MS: X-Men will be part of the MCU now, what to do you think of that? Michael: What is the MCU? I only know MC Hammer and “Can’t touch this”...do we go on tour with MC Hammer now? MS: No, MCU is the abbreviation for Marvel Cinematic Universe; Iron Man VS Magneto or something... Michael: Who might win there? The answer is very easy: Magneto! I will totally twist the guy. That iron guy against Magneto? No fair fight! Two seconds, a very short film! Iron Man will look like a squashed can. James: I wanna see that! MS: What’s the message of Dark Phoenix? Something evil is in everyone of us? Michael: I actually don’t like the word ‘evil’ because I don’t always know what exactly that is. People who achieve the unbelievable can at the same time be horrible psychopaths privately. As an actor I rather orientate myself by positive thoughts or negative views. I can handle that better. I understand that better. I don’t understand ‘evil’ as the umbrella term. It’s a drawer where you put the things in that you can’t or don’t want to explain. If you ask, though, if there are two personalitites in every one of us, then my answer is Yes. To me, there is light and darkness in everybody. In some more than in the others, that’s what makes us who we are. MS: James, you have experience with many different personalities in one person... James: Right! There’s a film of me running in which I give a good sample of when there is a lot of darkness, only a bit light, and that in a lot of variations. But that’s a different film! MS: How did it feel to revisit the 90s? Michael: I prefer the 80s! James: Right, but I found it cool. This X-Men film is down-to-earth. Simon wanted it that way, and I like that. Michael: For example, I don’t wear that superhero outfit anymore. Only the helmet is left. James: Which was great for you! MS: Professor Xavier looks more like a rockstar in the trailer? James: A bit. Charles is definitely more possessed by things, got problems, without telling too much. You can say he is less the leader of a social group, than he is of a politically motivated one. That shows specifically when he sends his family, the other X-Men, into a fight. A fight they actually can’t survive. He is ready to sacrifice his family members for his views and his matter. That’s new and inevitably leads to huge tensions with the other X-Men. MS: Which automatically makes Magneto the man who wouldn’t do that, right? Michael: Right! The man you can suddenly identify yourself with more. I’m not allowed to say more, though!!! MS: So this time Magneto is the one who’s right? James: No, Charles is always right! Michael: Not true! You see, rockstar-attitude! He thinks he’s always right! MS: Alright, I’m getting the sign for the last question. Can you say that the term Phoenix has to be understood mythologically? Michael: Hm. As if the film begins good and then turns into dust? MS: No, more like Jean Grey as a person turns into ash due to the accident in space, disappears. Through which the Dark Phoenix rises, the dark side of her personality gains the upper hand. But during the course of the movie Jean learns throught he other X-Men to deal with her powers, so that in the end the real phoenix will rise from the ashes? Michael: I’m not saying it’s wrong! Mythology is always good! James: I’m not saying it’s wrong, either! I like your explanation!

[thecorteztwins]

✍️ Anne Marie and Charles

Xavier had neverbeen looked at like this by someone. Like he was a predator, and she was waitingfor him to attack…but not afraid herself. No, the woman in white scrubs  behind the transparent walls was tactically regardinghim, watching him, readying to react, to engage.Good, he wanted toengage.That was why he was here.“Why do you not trust yourself, Anne Marie?” he asked, “Youhave a moral compass. You wish to follow it. Yet you make your sense of right and wrongbeholden utterly to another.”Anne Marie did not answer him. That was her own tactic, one Xavier found very unusual. In his own experiences with so-called supervillains, many were eager to explain themselves. Sometimes it was simply ego, the love of their own voices and getting to extoll their brilliant plans to what they considered a less mind, but just as often, it was a need to be heard, to be understood, as everyone had. In some cases, it was this need that had made them ‘villains’ in the first place.Anne Marie, by contrast, had proved difficult to…’break’ was not the word he wished to use, but she was clearly determined not to say anything to him, and it had thus far been very difficult in finding any sort of question that could prompt her into it despite this resolve.He was beginning to suspect that she believed he was trying to manipulate her, and felt that the best way to avoid that was to simply not engage, to not give him the chance. Again, different from a great many foes he had faced, who had seen it as an opportunity to best him at what he supposed, for better or worse, his own game. By contrast, Anne Marie apparently did not, if this was the case, believe that she could beat him. Not at this, anyway.Or he might be overthinking all this. It could simply because she didn’t like him.But like him or not, he was going to keep trying.

“Iknow what it is like to feel the burden of control, of the ability to control so much, and so easily,” he continued, ”I wished verymuch growing up that there was someone to tell me what to do. Whenother young men were rebelling, I was longing for any kind ofauthority who could show me right from wrong.”He’d had authoritygrowing up. But it had not been good. Though he supposed, in his own way, Kurt Marko had shown him right from wrong, by so much demonstration of the latter.“Such a distinction is more difficult the older we get, for anyone. But it is even harder for people like us, for psychics. Because we have so many more options than most, and we are given them so earlier.”Perhapswhy she fell so hard into black and white. It was easier than trying to the endless shades of gray. He knew that from personal experience. And yet, if he had not tried to do that, thenhe might be like the very woman he was trying to guide out of thatmindset now.The woman did not answer him. She in fact began to apparently ignore him, no longer staring at him with intense and expectant watchfulness but occupying herself with some smudge on the transparent wall catty-corner to him.He tried another approach.“If you must put your faith in someone, may I askwhy Magneto? I have seen him attract followers through charisma andcoercion alike. But he never met you before, did he? What guided youto him?”Anne Marie did not seem a victim of Erik’s abuse like Toad, nor a schemer like Fabian hoping for apiece of the power. She was far more akin to Exodus, especially inthe religious regard.Charles had been raised nominally Catholic,but he suddenly found himself wishing his upbringing had been moredevout, there might be some cultural aspect to her mindset he wasmissing here. “Will you at least answer me as to why you’re notanswering me?” he finally implored when the silence persisted and she had settled into sitting crosslegged in a corner with her back to him.He could read her mind. But he didn’t want to. Notbecause it wouldn’t be right—he felt it would be, if it would helpwith progress—and not because he couldn’t—he had the power—butbecause her shields, while not sufficient to deny him entry, made‘sneaking’ impossible. She might not be able to keep him out, but shewould know he was there. And that would not make her any moreinclined to trust him.“Coming back to previous points, believe me,I can understand his argument,” Charles said, now offering her information about himself and his own beliefs, rather than interrogating her. Perhaps she would be more inclined to share if he gave her what he asked for her. “In fact, I agree with some aspects. Weshould use our powers to better the lives our fellows. But I believethat should be ALL of us. Human and mutant coexistence is possible,and the more desirable option.”“That’s what we want!” she snapped, suddenly on her feet, facing him, fists clenched. He didn’t think he’d even seen her move. Thought was a fast thing, after all.

“Whydo you keep saying—”And then she stopped.Charles surprised. Not just that she had replied, nor just at the speed and anger with which she’d delivered it, but her claims to have the same ideals. He and Magneto did have similar ideals in many ways, yes, but Erik had neverbelieved that what Charles had just posited was possible. That was why he did what he did, why atworst he had threatened to wipe out the human race—though Charlesbelieved that he would not truly do it, certainly not while in his right mind—and at best desired a benevolentdictatorship in which mutants dominant.He steepled his fingers and leaned forward, displaying polite but sincere innocent interest in his voice.“What do you mean, Anne Marie? Have I been mistaken all this time in what Magnetobelieves?”If she thought he was merely mistaken—she had no wayof knowing all the talks he and Erik had had, he doubted Erik hadrelayed such a thing to her—then might think she could win him to her side over bycorrecting him. Thus, she would explain her beliefs to him, and that would begin a conversation.“If I’ve thoughtwrongly of you, of Magneto, I would like to know. I would hate for usto have been fighting over something we did not in fact disagreeon.”Anne Marie looked distrustful, but also like she was weighing it despite herself. To Xavier’s thrill, she began to speak.“There can be a better world. No suffering, no evil, where humans don’t hurt mutants—or each other. Lord Magneto can bring that about by leading mutants to their destiny, their intended purpose, as the new inheritors of the Earth. We can be shepherds, if they’ll let us. If they let us in charge, if we can make them, however it is we get there—I know they think, maybe we’ll hurt them, like they hurt each other. But we won’t. We’re better. We’re going to be better. But that can’t happen if we’re not the ones in the control. And that has to be fought for.”Ah, so it was the same thing that Magneto desired at his best; mutants in charge, and humans their subordinates. Simply because it was out of good intentions—and good intentions that included the well-being of humans, no less, something he had not expected from her—did not make it a less dangerous idea. As a disabled man, Charles could see the danger in particular of one group deeming another unable and unfit to make their own choices, and to appoint themselves custodians over them.He wanted to ask her more, to ask her why the focus on Magneto, what made him so special and necessary to this end more than any other powerful mutant, but he didn’t get a chance, for she burst out“I want the hurting to stop!”The hurting? Was she inpain? She sounded as though she was when she said this, and she had begun lapsing into Spanish as she went on, clawing at her arms unconsciously as she held herself, flinching away from something he could not see…something he could not see, but was all too familiar with himself.“They hurt each other! It’s all they do! It’s all they everdo! They hurt one another, and then they hurt mutants! It never ends,everything bad keeps happening, they do it over and over and over,and if I have to hurt the bad ones to make sure it all ends, I’ll doit, they SHOULD be hurt for trying to stop this, for not wanting thepain to end! Why can’t they understand, I want to help them, we allwant to help them, Magneto will help us all!”Yes, she was in pain. But not for herself. For others. For the suffering sheunderstood to be in the world. Xavier had  believed her insensitive tothe suffering of others, callous to it, a common ailment among psychics. When you were exposed so constantly to something, you built an immunity to it. And yet, right now, she seemed the reverse. But, it need not be one or the other. He knew that too from what he had seen in other psychics…and, sometimes, in himself. She believed herself cutting off a diseased limb to save a healthybody; her care for the healthy body was the compassion that he saw now, but her desire to remove the limb, despite the fact that it was not a limb but living people, was the callousness. Evil begins when you begin to treat people as things.A student who was a fan of fantasy had quoted that at Charles once. He was inclined to agree. Though he knew that in doing so, he damned himself too. Speaking of that…“And,” he said softly, calmly, resisting the urge to try to offer comfort, too sure it would alarm her back into suspicious silence, “What do you believe I’m trying to do?”It took her a moment through tears, but she got it out. That was easier here. Her English was better here too. Or his Spanish, perhaps. With the automatic translation program running, he realized he didn’t really know.“You don’t want us to do that. You want them to be able to keep hurting us. That’s why you try to stop Magneto, with your lies and your claims of peace and your brainwashed X-children.”Not a new accusation. Not from her, not from anyone. Rather than arguing, he asked another question,“Why?Why would I do that? Why would I want that?”“I don’t know!” she screamed, “You’reevil! You’re bad!”Ah, there it was. Despite knowing she thought this, he was rathersurprised at the blunt simplicity of it, No one had ever put it likethat before, said it so plainly. Usually they wrapped it up more complicated wording. But, it made sense from Anne Marie, from what he had seen and sensed of her black and whiteviewpoint. Evil needs no explanation in that paradigm, and it becomeseasier to cope with, easier to fight, because the answer is simply towipe it out. Charles knew that. Charles knew better. He had seen too many minds of bigotsand abusers that were so much more complex in their motivations andreasonings than their actions, and their emotions, would suggest. Indeed, he himself was guilty of so, so much with nothing butgood intentions. In a strange way, he found himself almost longing on some level  for theworldview she was locked in, even as he saw what it wrought. Because if he could let himself think like her, then allthe struggles and conundrums and sleepless nights full of secondthoughts come too late…all that would be done, would be gone. He could finally beconfident that he was always doing the right thing.Had she evergone through this, what he felt now? Had she been so lost in ambiguity that she haddriven to the opposite extreme by it? If so…was she happier? Charles had started this session by saying  that she didn’t trust herself, but now he envied her forexactly that, for her trust and confidence an unshakeable faith, forher holy hubris, for her unconditional–Andthen a wave of motion swept through her whole body, like a horserearing, moving in a way that should not be possible for a human,sweeping up her spine and out of her arms and then into the wholeroom, the whole room bucking and twisting and swirling, becomingnothing but color—a vague dusty reddish  pink that swirled out froma center point—and then color became feeling, war now or neverbanal eden red show me the way to get back to the garden show me thethings I’ve been wishing I’m fading falling star all fire anddefiance and brilliant brilliant light star of wonder star of hope beour defense against the wicked–And he was thrown out.In the real world, Charles blinked, regaining his bearings.“I did notexpect her to do that,” he said, despite knowing his companion had no way of knowing what he referred to.“Did she become aware?,” Erik asked, the companion in question.They were in a reproduction of the Virtual Reality Rehabilitation Room from Utopia, where the being known as “Danger” had been warden to captive enemies of the X-Men such as Donald Pierce and Sebastian Shaw. There, using the virtual reality technology once used to train the X-Men when she had been a room rather than a robot, she kept these men—by coincedence, it had all been men at the time—in a constant virtual world, which they believed to be the real thing, so that she could study them…and, through that, hopefully help them.Utopia was no more, but Danger’s idea lived on. Lying on one of the chairs in the room, the Cerebro-like helmet on her head obscuring her closed eyes, lay Anne Marie in the flesh, seemingly comatose. “No, I don’t thinkso,” said Xavier, looking at her, “But emotions are as much products as the brain as thought, andthought is what this technology is designed to simulate and controland influence. It sends signals to the brain to produce the perception that the subject is in whatever environment, with whatever things happening around them…but a psychic subject can send signals back, and they can alter the world just as much sometimes. It’s something Forge and Jeffries are working out. Danger says we had similar problems with Empath.”He paused, regarding the unconscious woman again, and said, rather distantly, looking at her and not Erik,“You know, she makes me wonder about myself. What I would havebeen if I had been like her, an empath rather than a full telepath.Able to feel the sensations of others, but not the thoughts to givethem context, explanation, to see the reasons why people felt as they did. I wonder if I would not have been morelike she is.”Erik stared at him in utter bafflement. Charles wasamong the most intelligent men he had ever met, cunning andcompassionate in equal measure, his true equal and more. AnneMarie, on the other hand, was at best a mentally ill child, perhapsmentally incompetent even, who had latched on to him as savior likeso many other weakminded scavengers looking for someone else to thinkfor them, deserving of care but not respect, who he pitied and wishedto help…at worst, a deranged lunatic who needed to be containedwhere she could do the least harm, and whom he had nothing butdisgusted contempt for in her thoughtless fanaticism done in his namebecause couldn’t even at least claim her own actions. But no matterwhich way he was currently thinking of her, the idea she could everhave anything in common with Charles, or that Charles could ever be anything like her, no matter what thecircumstances, was…incomprehensible. Erik chalked it up toCharles’s neverending kindness and need to see the best in people; he had witnessed no shortage of that, and been the recipient of most of it. After all, asmuch as mutant power was important to one’s identity, surely it couldnot shape anyone so much as that.

[sassyhazelowl]

A few more of our favorite characters make an appearance or get a mention. It could probably use a better edit than I gave it, so tell me if anything is confusing or problematic! Onto the next part of the mini series~

@mags-duranb @everybodys-chains @the-archangel-of-zeref @raijindork

Secrets Underneath

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

"The hospital?"

There was a long pause on the other end of the line. Too long. And Sorano settled for a motion stuck between grinding her teeth and nibbling her lip. It was a petty little habit she'd had forever but she'd kicked it to save on the dentist. And now it was back. Lovely. How many fucking other bad habits had come BACK with Angel? Hopefully not THAT one too.

Juvia's voice came back through with fake cheer, too high-pitched and rushed to be relaxed and happy. Sorano bit down, hissing as she punctured skin on accident, and narrowed her dark eyes threateningly. Juvia had been in perfectly good health when she rushed out of the department store with... HIM... and now she was in the hospital? Awfully hard coincidence to swallow.

"Uggh," a shudder went through the woman as she stepped through the automatic doors, immediately being hit with noise and smells. It wasn't just that it ruined her aesthetics to be here. The last time she'd been in a hospital, it was as a patient, and after ninety days of JELLO and SOUP, the bile choked up. "Yukino, think of Yukino." She counseled herself, trying to look cool and collected about it, not green and ready to puke on the nearest screaming brat. "And Juvia. I swear if that bastard did anything..."

When had the little... Sorano stopped dead then sighed. She'd truly become soft if she'd taken in a flighty airhead like that woman. Erik kept telling her she'd changed and she'd punched him for it, but maybe... maybe there was too much Sorano and not enough Angel left. And that worried her in a bad way because if it came down to it she needed to be sure and ready. Hesitation had no place in Angel's world or HIS.

"Sorano!" Juvia scrambled up, red in the face and eyes puffy with tears, but she looked up with distress, "Juvia heard you were fired."

Goddamn blabbermouths. That hadn't taken long at all, and if Juvia knew, then so did Yukino. She was going to catch fucking hell for this. Little put terror in her soul like hearing about her fuck-ups from Yukino's sweet mouth.

"It happens," was her flippant answer. "Were you?"

"Ah... no... Juvia explained about the hospital."

"Well good," Sorano said and Juvia flinched before blinking with surprise. Did she really think she was going to be hated on for keeping her job? It's not like she stole it from Sorano or some shit. Her fingers curled at her side, wanting to ruffle Juvia's hair, just a little bit, like she would when Yukino was upset and crying. Stifling the urge viciously, she gave a smirk, "I'd have to give them hell if they fired you; you're one of the best workers they've got considering the shitty pay and crappy customers and bossy bitch managers."

Within moments, she had her arms full of a sobbing woman, wishing she'd worn something that covered the skin of her chest. It was getting slimed and if snot went into her cleavage...

"Juvia is so glad you're here." Okay, well, throwing her off might make an unwanted scene. Tentatively, she patted the woman on the shoulder a few times, which prompted a fresh wave of wails and sniffles. "When Jellal came..."

Whatever she'd said after that was lost to Sorano. Stiffening, she roughly pushed Juvia back, hands no longer patting but now grasping, eliciting a painful yip as the fingers dug in.

"Jellal? How do you know Jellal?"

"Soran-- ouch, stop, oww, Sorano let go, that hurtsssss!"

Stumbling back, Juvia stared before she motioned for Sorano to follow without a word. Sorano had expected tears or a slap or something for her assault, and several people were staring already and Sorano knew the nurse's hand was hovering on the small security button beneath the desk, but Juvia's eyes were liquid molten steel. There was no fear in them and more than a little promise for the next time Sorano crossed that line.

Juvia... who was Juvia.

Sorano had half a mind to shake her again just to find out, which was a really, really stupid idea. She knew that look; Juvia was one of THEM. Of course, it was impossible to know which gang she belonged to without finding her tattoo or asking, but of which were terrible ideas. It occurred to her thing that HE was exactly who she thought HE was, if she was one of them.

This was a trap, she knew it.

Taunt as a wire, she hesitated at a rather unassuming door, senses straining and hair raising along her arms. Juvia'd vanished inside without a second's pause, her pretty sundress swishing behind her. Only the beeps of machines and the pounding of blood in her ears reached her as a sweat broke out on her palms.

This was a hospital. It was safe. If it hadn't been, Erik never would have let her go alone. There were witnesses everywhere. Nurses and doctors and security staff. Hell, the fucking police station was just a block over. Nothing could possibly happen here, could it?

Her mind raced frantically through every scenario, trying to see it.

A small scream sent her crashing in, wishing she'd brought her gun; she hadn't because she thought the hospital might have screened for concealed firearms and didn't want to get into that clusterfuck. Of course it was legal and all... she might have misplaced the permit... yes, yes, look it's okay... she was a fantastic liar but it was so much work and took too much time.

"GRAY!"

"Woah, Juvia, careful, I'm on duty," a tall man laughed roughly, straightening his uniform and steadying her with a firm hand. His gaze traveled up toward Sorano and he froze.

Oh for FUCKS SAKE, did Juvia know every single person who had it out for Angel? This was getting hazardous for her sanity. And don’t think she didn’t notice the man’s partner standing unobtrusively in the corner, golden eyed and with long purple-black hair falling down to her waist. Something about the policewoman made Sorano bristle but her eyes were watching the patient solemnly not the new arrivals.

"Officer Fullbuster," she managed wryly, leaning against the doorframe, trying to fight the blush on her face. He straightened, smile fading, "Miss Aguaria."

Flinging her hands up sassily, she couldn't help it, "So happy to see me. And is that anyway to treat me after what you did last time we met?"

Juvia stared at him questioningly and a flush spread up his neck. Clearing his throat, he adjusted his belt and scrubbed his hair nervously, making her smile grow. Oh ho, so she had made an impression on him.

He frowned and she cut him off, "I'm legal. Ask Mest Gryder; he's my parole officer." Oh son of a bitch, she'd forgotten. He was going to chew her ass about the job too. Couldn't she catch a break? With all these nannies, it was amazing she could take a piss by herself.

Sighing with relief, he nodded, "Great. I, er, we're actually here for official business... um, Lucy will be by later though. She's kinda busy with the wedding stuff."

"You proposed?" Juvia squealed with excitement making Sorano clap her hands over her ears with a wince. She also winced at the thought of Lucy marrying that idiot, not that they were on good terms or anything either, but... dammit, Sorano made enemies the way other people made friends it seemed. At least Lucy wasn't here too. "Oh, is Juvia invited? Juvia wants to come! Juvia wants to bring Erza and dress up!"

"Well, I'm ruining the surprise, and Lucy'll have my head for it, but she was going to make both of you bridesmaids," the officer beamed proudly, his handsome face lighting up sickeningly. As if on cue, both of them turned their head towards the patient in the hospital bed, and Juvia crept over, "Did Erza hear? Gray and Lucy are getting married! So you need to wake up and be a bridesmaid soon."

Gray cleared his throat, "I was actually hoping she'd woken up. I have some questions for her... about... y'know..." A very unpleasant and unwelcome look was shot her way. "No luck."

Juvia hummed a bit, "Juvia knows Erza is stronger than this. Erza is just resting a bit..."

"I hope so," Gray replied softly, reaching over Juvia’s shoulder and gently brushing a lock of bright red hair out of the comatose woman’s face, "She's my friend too you know."

Great.

Wasn't this so touchy-feeling?

Sorano would rather be watching porn than this crap. Time to bail. There was definitely no place for her in this room right now. She didn't even know this Erza chick, and clearly everyone else did. Well, maybe not the other police officer, because her serious and angry expression hadn’t flickered at the news of her partner’s wedding.

Yup, definitely time to bail. Sorano’d had her fill with dealing with people who had chips on their shoulder. They tended to be unpredictable. Dangerous. And she had enough of that just getting to the bottom of the Jellal mystery.

Backing away slowly, she felt someone solid and warm hit her back. Whirling, she turned to either say excuse me or rip them a new one for sneaking up on her, she wasn’t sure which, but both curdled on her tongue. Jellal seemed not to notice, or at least pretended he didn’t, and gave her a moment to catch herself. Which she did, by flinging herself away nearly into the wall, glad she was in a hospital.

Given the number of near-heart attacks she’d had in the last ten minutes.

“Careful there, Lingerie Girl,” he cautioned reaching forward, “The tiles are slick.”

Her skin burned where he’d touched it and every noise she tried to make strangled in her throat. Instinct kicked in then, her arms jerking up to flail, knocking him square in the nose. Wincing, he stumbled back, more surprised than hurt. Flinching and cowing down, she expected a smack for her insolence.

Frozen, they were locked like that in the hall, when a new voice floated out from the room, “Tell me where Jellal Fernadez is, Miss Lockser, or be taken into custody for your obstruction of our investigation.”

[a-smilethat-explodes]

Chapter 27- Night Drive

The moment I pulled into the driveway, she was, as usual, out the door. But instead of coming around to the passenger side though, she came around to my side. I rolled down the window. "I'll drive," she offered with a smile.

"Okay." I agreed, not about to turn down an opportunity to save on gas. I parked my car and then got into her Civic.

I was glad to see that she wasn't a crazy driver. I slouched down a little in the seat to relax myself and then heaved a long sigh. "You okay?" she asked me quietly.

"Tired." I grunted back, thinking of everything that had happened in the last 24 hours.

"Good tired?" she asked.

"No." I replied honestly. "We'll talk about it when we stop. I'll be okay; I've just had a lot going on lately."

I saw her frown a little in concern. I glanced down at her hand on the gearshift and, since the car was an automatic, then gently touched her hand. She let go and offered to me. I kissed it softly and then brought it to my heart. She relaxed a little and smiled without taking her eyes off the road.

She drove up a back road. We drove out of the valley, into the hills, and I stared down at the lights, rubbing my thumb lightly across the back of her hand as we drove.

She pulled off onto a small overlook and we stared down at the valley in front of us as she turned off the car. The radio was left on, playing music quietly in the background. She turned toward me, still holding my hand, and looked at me. "What happened?" she prodded quietly.

The whole story poured out. Everything… Cassie drunk, her crying this morning, the movie store, everything. Christine listened attentively, nodding once in a while and making sympathetic noises and faces every now and then. I fell back into silence once I was done and she let me be for a few minutes.

"I'm so sorry," she told me finally.

"Me too." I said softly.

"I hope it gets better," she told me softly. "I know you and Cassie are close."

"Yeah." I agreed. "I don't really know how either of us can come out of this unscathed and go back to normal though."

"I'm sorry," she whispered, squeezing my hand. We sat in companionable silence for a few minutes.

"Why did you stay with Ben for so long?" someone asked. I suddenly realized that it had come out of my own mouth.

She looked at me, startled. I instantly wished that I could take the words back but they were already said. "Why did I stay with Ben for so long?" she repeated, clearly still startled. After a long pause, she finally smiled dryly and then asked, "Don't you know it's in bad taste to talk about ex-girlfriends?"

I wasn't about to let her avoid the question though. "He treated you like crap."

She looked away and shrugged. "We treated each other like crap," she said softly, a faraway look in her pretty eyes. She looked at me as she added, "And I forgive easily." I must have looked unconvinced because she laughed slightly and then said, "All right, I usually forgive easily. You have to understand, I stayed mad at you after that whole night with Ben because I was blaming myself for believing secondhand word of mouth about my boyfriend when I should've just asked him myself."

I felt my eyebrows rise. "Wow," I said softly, surprised at her long admission.

She sighed and grabbed both my hands, leaning forward so that we were closer. "He was an asshole and I was a bitch… it was a bad relationship on both of our parts. I screwed up, I admit that, and if you were affected by that, I'm so sorry… you deserve better then that crap."

I stared at her blankly; still surprised at everything she was telling me. "Christine-" I began.

"I promise you that it's in the past now," she told me softly, smiling slightly apologetically at me. She finished off simply with, "You make me act like a better person."

It was true; the old Christine would've exploded after me asking her what happened with Ben. She was a different person now.

It made me want to kiss her badly at that moment.

Not to say that I hadn't been thinking about it before she had apologized and admitted being wrong. I just wanted to do it more then ever at that moment.

It wasn't that Christine was just a pretty face; she was really someone I considered her someone I could talk to, I considered her a friend. Sure, she had made mistakes in the past, and I acknowledged them, but everyone was human… right?

I let go of one of her hands and cupped her chin, intention written all over my face. I saw her catch my expression and then her eyes darted down to my lips. I looked down at hers too and then looked into her eyes. They slowly fluttered shut as I came close.

And, of course, her cell phone rang in the back. She began to pull back but I whispered, "Leave it."

She dodged my kiss as she replied with a sigh, "It's probably my dad. I'm in deep shit as it is," she said as I sat back in my seat and she reached into the back for her purse. She pulled out her phone and then answered, "Hey, Dad," of course, the man probably had a sixth sense for when we were about to kiss. She talked to him for a few seconds and then got off the phone, turning to me apologetically. "I'm really sorry… I have to get home," she told me quietly.

"It's okay." I sighed in reply as she started the car.

"My dad, he's really been on my case since the whole staying out until morning and-" she began, still sounding apologetic as she turned around.

"Yeah, I know. It's okay." I took her hand. We drove home quietly. About a block from her house, I spoke up again. "I want to take you out."

"What do you mean?" she asked, though a faint smile played across her lips.

"On a date. We've never really been out before." I replied, whatever slight tension had been in the car lifting.

"Are you asking me out?" she asked, smile slowly growing into a grin.

It was the first time that we had actually said anything in that direction. But I knew I was ready for the next step. "Yeah… I am." I replied simply.

She stopped her car in front of her house and then grinned at me. "I'd love to go out with you."

"Cool." I smiled back. "You want to go out to dinner?" she nodded. "See a movie?" she nodded again. "Go to the beach?" she nodded once more. "I don't know, you pick." I laughed.

"Let's go to the beach," she replied. "What time do you get off work?"

I grimaced as the reality set in. "10."

Her eyebrows rose but she didn't lose her smile. "It'll be an evening stroll."

"Yeah." I agreed with a smile again.

"Shit, there's my dad," she suddenly blanched as she looked over my shoulder at the house. I turned around to see her dad in the window (of course). We jumped out of the car like two high schoolers caught making out. "I'll talk to you tomorrow," she told me awkwardly.

"Yeah, bye." I replied as she hurried up the front walk. I jumped into my car and watched as her dad held the door open while he glared over her shoulder at me. I sighed as he shut the door and then backed out of the driveway, driving back to the apartment.

I stepped over Jake and Adam's X-Box controller cords amidst their bitching and then went into our room, collapsing onto my bed, exhausted. I was almost asleep when my phone rang. "Hello." I answered sleepily.

"Hey." Ana replied. "Did I wake you?"

"Kind of." I replied, sitting up, and wearily taking off my sweatshirt.

"I'm just checking on you… what's up?" she asked me.

"About to go to sleep." I grunted back after taking off my shirt.

"It's 10:45," she replied dryly as I unbuckled my belt.

Annoyed, I yanked off my jeans then shot back, "Yeah well some of us work," with a little too much bite.

She was quiet for a long moment. "I'm worried about you," she finally told me faintly.

I was worried about myself. But I brushed it to the side anyway, annoyed, as I replied gruffly, "Why?"

"You haven't been yourself lately," she replied. "Not since we got into that fight."

"An-" I began with a hard sigh.

"You didn't speak to me for a while. You walked out on Mom in the hospital. You got into a fight with Cassie. Erik…" she sighed for a long moment before repeating, "You aren't acting like yourself," she told me, worry in her voice.

"Well my life's been pretty chaotic lately, hasn't it?" I pointed out wearily.

"Yeah I guess so," she agreed reluctantly.

"I'm sure once it settles down; I'll be back to normal." I reassured her.

"I hope so," she replied in a small voice.

"Don't worry, An." I reassured her softly. "It'll be okay."

"Okay," she agreed, her voice sounding stronger. "You need to get some sleep… don't want to be sleeping on the job tomorrow."

"Yeah." I agreed.

"Night," she said softly.

"It'll be fine." I assured her one more time. "Night An."

"Bye," we hung up. I flopped back down on my bed with a sigh and then fell asleep.

The next day, Jake punched me awake as usual. "My mom and the kids are on their way over," he told me as he left our room. I mumbled something back and rolled out of bed, deciding to grab a shower.

I soaped up, waking up slowly, thinking of my life lately. I thought about my phone conversation with Ana the previous night. I really had become a different person of late… I had never snapped the way I snapped the night dealing with Cassie before. I washed my hair and the rest of my body then ran my face under the shower head and shut my eyes, feeling the water pulse. When I came up for air, I-

"Ewik!" I heard Aidan squeal behind me.

I jumped, whirling around to see him, holding the shower curtain with one hand, beaming up at me with the other. "Aidan!" I exclaimed, stunned. Didn't I shut the door, how had the little monster…?

"Me! Me! Me!" he exclaimed, climbing up on the bathtub.

"No-!" I began to yell as he jumped into the shower, fully clothed. He squealed as he jumped around in the water, his little shoes splashing in the shower. "Aidan!" I exclaimed as he danced around.

I quickly shut off the shower, grateful that I'd been done with my shower anyway, and then grabbed a towel. I wrapped it around my waist and then knelt down on my knees to be eye level with the little dripping wet monster. "Aidan, no more showering with me, okay?" I said seriously.

He giggled, shaking his little body, spraying me a little with water. He babbled, pointing at me, then at himself, and then grinned up at me. I sighed, shaking my head. It was hard to stay mad at him. I put my boxers and t-shirt back on then toweled off Aidan as much as I could, which was hard since he was squirming around like crazy, being his typical squirmy self.

"WHERE IS YOUR BROTHER?" I heard Mrs. Carlson roar from the kitchen once I was done. I sighed, picked up Aidan, who (what else?) tried to jam his fingers into my ear, and then left the bathroom.

"Here he is." I said as I entered the room.

"Why is he all wet?" she demanded, looking surprised as she took him from me.

"He somehow got into the bathroom while I was showering. I tried to stop him but he got into the shower with me." I shook my head at Aidan, who grinned back at me.

"WHY WEREN'T YOU WATCHING YOUR BROTHER?" she wheeled around on Jake.

"I was too busy listening to you rag on me," he shot back then added sarcastically, "Sorry, I don't multitask well."

I could almost see the smoke pouring out of Mrs. C's ears and decided to make a quick exit. As I reached our room, I heard her explode with, "YOUR BROTHER WAS MISSING AND-" I shut the door quickly and then changed into my uniform for work.

[viralhottopics]

7 SXSW films that you don’t have to be a film snob to enjoy

Another year, another South by Southwest conference buried in noise.Though tens of films premiered and hundreds of others screened at this year’s SXSW, here’s a definitive list of movies that, fingers crossed, we’d love to seedistributed later this year. Catch them soon at a theater near you (hopefully), or in a few months on a streaming provider.

The best movies from SXSW

The Blood is at the Doorstep, directed by Erik Ljung

Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Magazine

Before the police-involved deaths ofMichael Brown, Eric Garner, and Tamir Rice, there wasDontre Hamilton, who was shot 14 times while sitting outside of a Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Starbucks.The Blood is at the Doorstep, a documentary that spans the twoyears afterHamilton’s death on April 30, 2014, and shows what happens when we actually pay attention to cases of police brutality instead of quickly losing interest. DirectorErik Ljungdoesn’t focus on the pathosof tears and soundbites, but takes audiences into the heart of the Hamilton family’s struggle to bring justice for Dontre,uncovering the Milwaukee police’s conflicts of interest while showing how family members are taking center stage withinsocial movements.

The Disaster Artist, directed by James Franco

From the gateTheDisasterArtist appeared a clear winner for people who either love to hate, or hate to love, or even love to love the “Citizen Kane of bad movies,”The Room by Tommy Wiseau. Based on the autobiographical book of the same name written by Wiseau’sRoom co-star and best friend Greg Sestero,The Disaster Artist is best described as a hilarious love letter toWiseau and his amazingly bad film, while showing just how Wiseau and Sestero’s friendship, and the making of The Room,were just asdisastrously awful as the film itself. James Franco, who’s always been a bit of an eccentric creep, does amazing character work as Wiseauthe mannerisms and the voice are so uncanny, even Seth Rogen‘s grandmother couldn’t tell Franco was himself.

DRIB, directed by Kristoffer Borgli

In 2014, comedian and “performance artist” Amir Asgharnejadgained notoriety for viral videos in which he provoked strangers on the street and tried to fight themonly, all these videos were staged, and weren’t actually fights. However, that didn’tstop one unnamed energy drink from attempting to capitalize onAsgharnejad’s fame and stage a “leaked” advertising campaign with him at the center.Somewhere between a documentary and a mockumentary,DRIB details the real-life accountof howAsgharnejad landed himself a major advertising spot, and all the low-key ways he attempted to fuck with ad executives the entire timea lesson to be learned by those all meme-totingbrands vying for the attention of millennials on Twitter.

Free Fire, directed by Ben Wheatley

All taking place within an abandoned warehouse in the 1970s, Free Fire followsa mass gun dealgonebad, resulting in the two sides in a literal arms race for abriefcase of cash. Inthis action comedy, everyone’s the badguy with a gun, all attempting to answer the question, “what could be possible if we treated semi-automatic weapons as Nerf toys?” An approximate 7,000 rounds were shot in the making of the film, according director Ben Wheatley. As an action aside, the film also features some great accent work, biting humor, and a ridiculous John Denver story from Armie Hammer’s Ord.

Lemon, directed by Janicza Bravo

Lemon follows the painful yet comedic reactions of a failed actor as his relationship falls apart, his star pupil gets a movie deal, and is hindered by family drama. After leaving the theater, I found myself attempting to count how many times I gawked at the screen in awkward disbeliefit’s just one of those comedies, dark and confrontationalwhile also hilarious. Our protagonist, played byBrett Gelman, doesn’t go through the hero’s journey, but instead reveals his vulnerable mediocrity to the audienceyou want to feel bad for him, but when you’re acquainted with the core of his placid life, italmost seems like hedeserves to, say,encounter a bout of violent diarrhea while walking home.

Maineland, directed by Miao Wang

Mainelane follows two Chinese teens over the course of three years as they settle into a boarding high school in Maine as a means to forgo their country’s arduous college entrance exam. All the while they become sequestered in Western culture and grasp a better understanding of what the American dream really means for themselves and their families. The film is a genuine portrait of immigrant teens adjusting to the U.S., as well as the expectations and realities projected upon them by both Americans and their own family members. Director Miao Wang’s vision shows just how different the two cultures are,and the difficulties that come with attempting the bridge them.

Mr. Roosevelt, directed by Nol Wells

InMr. Roosevelt, Emily, played by Nol Wells, shows how to go about making the worst of an already pretty-fucking-awful situation. Against a backdrop of comedy, humiliation, and lost love in Austin, Texas, audiences actually get to watch snapshots of Wells’s own life. The film is fairly autobiographical, she said, and it showcases a few impressions she did for herSaturday Night Live audition, as well an Emily version ofthe viral video of her pouring food on herself. While the film doesn’t make up for the supposed mediocrity ofSong to Song, it does make fun of Austin’s disingenuous hipster culture, and features a few hat tips to staples like Wright Bros. Brew & Brew, Texas tacos, and Austin Beerworks.

Read more: http://ift.tt/2mX6CAj

from 7 SXSW films that you don’t have to be a film snob to enjoy

[a-smilethat-explodes]

Chapter 17-A walk in the park

Later that night, I locked the door of Video Warehouse and pocketed the keys as I walked over to my car. I smiled a little to myself as I pulled out my phone and dialed Christine.

"Hello?" she answered, sounding hushed.

"Hey, it's Erik." I replied, surprised at her hushed tone. "Is right now a bad time?" I asked curiously.

"No, no, it's fine," she whispered back. "My parents are having some dinner party for their friends right now and I'm just trying to keep my voice down."

"Ah." I replied and then asked, switching gears, "Do you want to do something?"

"Sure," she replied, sounding more enthused.

"Well… I suppose Ben's back at the apartment now…" I said slowly.

"Why don't you come over and we can just take a walk?" she asked me.

"Sure that sounds good." I replied. She gave me directions to her house again. "I'll be there soon." I promised.

"Okay," she replied, sounding happy. "Bye."

"All right, bye." I smiled as I hung up with her and then drove over to her house.

I let my car roll to a stop behind the two cars in the driveway and then shut off the engine, opening the door. Christine surprised me by coming out the door. "Were you watching for me?" I asked curiously as she hurried across the lawn.

"Shh," she put a finger to her lips, grabbed my hand, and then pulled me down the driveway. We hurried across the street to the park, which was filled with shadows. I didn't mind the flight; her hand was warm in mine. I probably would have run off a cliff with her hand in mine. I pushed the thoughts out of my head as we slowed once we were in the shadows. "Sorry, I didn't want my parents to hear me leave the house," she said once her house was out of sight. She smiled up at me.

"It's cool." I replied, keeping a good hold on her hand. She wasn't slipping away this time.

A breeze whispered through the trees and caught her perfume, blowing it over me… a surge of hormones ran through me and I had to fight myself wanting to grab her, pin her against a tree, and kiss her for the next hour. I suddenly realized she had spoken and I hadn't been paying attention in the slightest. "I'm sorry, what?" I asked, embarrassed.

She frowned a little but not too much. "You know, this always seems to happen to me with guys! We'll be walking in silence, I'll say something, and they'll be totally clueless about what I've just said!"

That's because you're stunningly beautiful, even in the dim light from the moonlight half blocked from the trees. "Guys are shit listeners?" I shrugged.

She shrugged too, pushed it aside, and then asked, "How was work?"

"Oh it was all right." I rolled my eyes. "My manager's a pain in the ass."

"Yeah?" she asked me.

"Yeah, he acts like he's the movie king." I snorted. "We had a new hire, which means that he might get off my case if she's working with me."

"Is it her first job?" Christine asked.

"Nah, she said she had worked at Blockbuster before." I replied, swinging her hand in mine a little. "Paul's just an anal retentive video Nazi."

She laughed. "Poor you," she moved a little closer.

"Cold?" I asked her as our arms touched.

"No, my sweatshirt's holding up fine," she replied with a half smile.

We were quiet for a while as we walked through the park. I felt her shiver and then called her bluff with, "Okay, you're shivering."

"I'm fine!" she exclaimed, trying to smile.

"Come here." I let go of her hand and put my arm around her, bringing her to me. She grabbed my sweatshirt lightly and cuddled into me a little. "So a dinner party, huh?" I asked after a few minutes of quiet.

"Yeah… my dad told me to be like children of the old days: seen and not heard," she replied sarcastically.

"What does that mean?" I asked.

"I get the introduction and then I get the, "Honey, don't you have homework?" line so that I can disappear for the rest of the evening," she replied then asked, "Do you want to sit for a little bit?", motioning to the bench.

"Sure." I replied. We sat down on the bench, my arm still around her. She turned slightly toward me so that I was still holding her. I brushed some of her hair away from her face and we shared a smile. "So is your dad cool?" I asked her, changing the subject.

She looked disappointed. For a split second I wondered why and then I kicked myself. Oh you idiot, why didn't you kiss her? That's what she was probably expecting, when you touched her face! And then you ask her about her dad. Way to kill the mood, dumb ass. "I guess," she shrugged. "A little impersonal, a little stand-offish, but he's my dad."

"Cool." I said lamely. The breeze picked up again, she shivered, and I automatically drew her closer, cradling her in my arms. She smiled up at me, resting her head on my shoulder. "Better?" I asked her gruffly. I know I've said it before but damn, was she beautiful.

"Yeah," she nodded in agreement, never taking her eyes off my face. She reached up and touched my cheek, running her small thumb across my cheekbone. I lifted my hand and ran my finger along her jawbone. I felt her shiver in my arms but this time I knew it wasn't from the breeze.

Her lips parted in anticipation as her eyes locked on my lips. I could hear her telepathically sending the message, "Kiss me. Kiss me, you tweak, kiss me."

That's when her cell phone rang. She exhaled harshly, pulling her hand down. "Don't answer it." I blurted out before thinking.

"I have to," she replied, annoyed, as she pulled it out. "Hello?" she answered. "I'm in the park, Dad," she replied. "No, I'm with my friend Erik. It's okay… it's not that big of a deal," she looked extremely irritated. "All right, fine, I'll come home. Yeah… yeah I'll see you in five minutes, bye," she hung up and then looked up at me with apologetic eyes.

"You have to go." I stated flatly, disappointed.

"Yeah… my dad doesn't like me being in the park late at night with just you, he doesn't think it's safe," she replied, eyes still huge and apologetic.

"It's okay." I replied, standing. She stood along with me and I produced a weary smile as I took her hand. "I'll walk you home."

"Thanks," she replied softly. We walked in silence on the way back to her house, hand in hand.

I saw a tall man with dark brown hair standing in the window, looking less then pleased. I dropped Christine's hand at his glowering look. "So I'll call you." I told her lamely as we reached my car.

"Okay," she agreed, slowing down a little but looking nervously at her dad. "Bye Erik."

"Bye." I replied, disappointed. I got into my car and watched her go inside the house and then caught the look her dad threw over her shoulder at me before he shut the door. The "You touch my daughter again, I'll make sure you don't have children," look. Great.

I unlocked the front door of the apartment and walked inside.

Ben, Adam, and Jake all stood in the kitchen, talking amicably. They looked up and went silent at the sight of me.

The look on Ben's face was one of pure venom. He stared me down as if daring me to say something to him. I calmly looked back at him. I didn't want any trouble… but I knew that if he said anything about Christine, I planned on breaking his jaw.

"Are we going to be able to get along, ladies?" Jake asked, trying to keep it light, but I could tell that he could feel the tension. You could have been blind and still felt the tension between me and Ben.

"If the tension gets any thicker in here, we won't need food for the next week." Adam added dryly, reading my mind.

"Shut up." Ben snapped at Adam, finally breaking his glare at me to glance at Adam then looked back at me. "Look. Stay out of my way and I'll stay out of yours."

"Agreed." I replied quietly, folding my arms across my chest.

"Whatever," he mumbled, stalking out of the kitchen.

Jake and Adam looked at me. "Who wants to play X Box?" Jake changed the subject, walking over to the TV. We dutifully walked over and sat down on the couch next to him.

The following day, Jake punched me awake in the afternoon and told me to get up to go to work. I groggily sat up, rolled out of bed, stumbling out the door, and down to the bathroom.

The door opened as I reached it and Ben appeared in the doorway, towel around his waist. His scowl returned when our eyes met. I kept my mouth shut and my expression neutral, turning to one side so that I could pass him on the other.

It was going to be crappy until he got over this. If he ever got over it.

I walked into work later that day at the Red Rooster and looked around. Taylor was in the middle of wiping a table when our eyes met. She quickly looked down, looking half scared, half angry. I walked over to her immediately. "Hey." I said quietly to her back as she over-wiped the table. "Look, I'm sorry about last time I worked. I was in a really bad mood and I took it out on you and Abby and… I shouldn't have." I said quietly.

"Damn right you shouldn't have." Abby said gruffly from the bar. I looked up to see her furiously cleaning glasses behind the bar as she glared at me. "Whatever, I gotta take out the trash," she grabbed the bag and stalked out the back door.

Taylor finally straightened up and met my eyes. "You really treated us like shit, Erik," she told me, voice quiet. She looked more sad then angry, which was good because if I kept on apologizing, she'd probably give in.

"I know I did, I was completely out of line to take out my anger on an innocent person." I replied, putting a hand over my heart. "It was a bad day."

She wavered in her resolve. "Okay. But that gives you no excuse for your behavior and if you ever treat me that way again…" she stopped, letting the words hang ominously in the air for a moment, then turned away, and headed over to go clean another table. I knew that it was going to take her a while to completely trust me again but she'd probably be over it by the end of the night.

Abby, on the other hand, was a different story. She caught sight of me walking up to the bar as she stalked back into the bar and barked, "Don't sit down, you're not of age."

"I wasn't going to." I replied, putting my hands up in self defense.

"What makes you think that just because you're having problems with a girl, you can treat your co-workers like shit?" she demanded of me. "We could have lost customers! In your angry little snit you were in, you could've snapped at someone in a bad moment and we would've lost money! Did that ever occur to you?"

Give me a break. I knew that I had screwed up but this was completely overboard. I felt my expression turned annoyed as I said, "There's no way I'd ever treat a customer that tactlessly and you know it." I told her, voice taunt with held back anger.

"Oh so then it's okay to just take it out on me and Taylor!" Abby snapped back at me, looking like she was about to break the glasses she was cleaning with her hand.

"Look, you're being irrational right now." I said quietly. "I'm gonna go get to work but before I go, just know that I feel bad about the way I treated you and Taylor and I promise it won't happen again."

"It better not happen again," she shot back, turning away to check the stock behind the bar. I sighed and went over to clock in.

Later that night, I took off my apron, put on my sweatshirt, and left Red Rooster. I pulled out my phone to check to see if someone had called. Sure enough, missed call… I didn't recognize the number. That was odd. I frowned and dialed my voicemail box.

"Hello, Erik, this is Henry from Springs Hospital. I'm calling about your mother."

Oh shit.