#there’s sooo many ways to go about each and every new file that I love getting to explore with this game

[skoulsons]

i plan on doing a fifth ghost playthrough after im done my ng+ lethal+ one (about to enter act 3) and i just know I’ll be lamenting walking into a vanilla game without all the bulks of ng+

[my-writings-and-musings]

I have another lovely commission to share! This one is a sequel to the last, with the Brave Police spending more time on the Lost Light to answer questions, and it's just as precious in my opinion!

"Now, now, there's room for everyone. Single file please!"

Ultra Magnus thankfully had ample experience and skill getting his voice to fill the entire classroom, and so the crowd was able to take their seats in a mostly organized fashion at last, filling up the entire room from back to front in short order. Scarcely a single bot on the ship wasn't present for the day's presentation, and one glance at the tightly packed rows of tables made that obvious. No one wanted to miss the long awaited event.

At the head of the classroom, Ultra Magnus murmured about the ill manners being displayed to their guests before nodding at the bots in question. Sitting in their own row at the raised stage, the Brave Police looked like a full representation of all the reactions possible for the center of attention. Some were happy, others flustered, and a few quite casual about all the fuss. Deckerd, ever the responsible leader, held his small collection of notes tightly as he nodded in return to the much bigger bot. Rodimus took that as his cue to hop on stage.

With a single whistle, the captain reduced the fog of chatter to absolute silence, something he took with a proud smile before speaking. 

"Alright, everybot, you know the drill! The Brave Police have been kind enough to agree to this little Q and A panel, so let's show them the proper courtesy while they're up here." he announced happily, looking about the crowd and lingering his optics on a few potentially troublesome bots in particular. Making sure to use his Captain voice, he leveled a serious look at each as he issued his warning. "That means no talking unless you get called, and no hogging the mic when it's your turn."

"Discipline will be administered if anyone breaks these rules." Ultra Magnus said, finalizing the warning with an undeniably serious threat. Beyond a few nervous glances, the room remained frozen in total silence after the big bot went back to his dutiful watch. No one present would dare risk incurring the wrath of Ultra Magnus, not even for the questions that they wanted answered more than anything. 

"Sooo…" Rodimus interjected, taking back the stage briefly to try and bring some life back into the event. Gesturing to the main guests, he gave the best parting warm up he could before stepping off the stage. "Without further ado, I'm going to give the show over to them. All yours, Deckerd!"

Clearing his throat politely, the police cruiser stood up on his spot, briefly taking hold of the rim on his hat-like helm accent as he often did when nervous. Taking hold of his notes, he spoke up with the somewhat ineffectual tone of a practiced but uncom public speaker.

"To start, we would all like to offer our thanks! For everything you've done, and for allowing us this opportunity, you have our deepest gratitude." the well mannered bot said humbly, briefly glancing at Rodimus for a flash of pointed thanks before returning to his notes. The captain couldn't help but puff up a little, quite proud of his suggestion all over again, but he was otherwise still and silent as he watched. 

"Now, I understand you have many questions, and we are happy to answer them as a group or individuals." he explained, looking to his teammates for group confirmation. Each gave some form of assent, ranging from Duke's proper and stiff nod to Gunmax putting his pedes on the table with a vague gesture of agreement. Deckerd merely narrowed his optics for an instant before returning his smile to the crowd. "Through the system, I will begin the process of selection!"

A button on the desk, intended as a method of selecting students to answer questions, was activated. Every bot froze in anticipation that they might be selected first, with each hoping they might be the lucky winner. Magnus had mandated the algorithm select at random to prevent any cries of unfair choice for good reason…

So of course it was quite fitting that Whirl of all bots get the first question.

A group groan was cut off by another Magnus stare, yet the orderly mech was clearly beyond apprehensive at the possible chaos about to unfold. Uncaring of the tension his selection created for the crew, Whirl merely cleared his vents and stood up with obvious purpose, having planned his potential query well in advance of the moment. Looking to the bots on stage, his optic betrayed little emotion as he spoke. "So uh, were you guys actually built by humans? From scratch? Processor and all?"

There was an immediate cringe amongst the entire crew, as the question was immeasurably rude by Cybertronian standards, but the Brave Police didn't flinch. 

"Yes!" Deckerd replied happily, completely unaffected by the cultural faux pas he'd just had directed his way. "Each of us was constructed by the Japanese police force, starting with myself."

"Except for Duke, he was made by the Scotland Yard." McCrane specified, drawing attention to the brightly colored and reserved mech at the end. The attention actually seemed to fluster Duke, who flashed an expression of surprise to be singled out before dropping his gaze and quietly confirming the fact.

"That is correct."

There was a moment of mixed murmuring amongst the crowd, with Whirl looking satisfied to have gotten his answer along with getting the ball rolling, and he sat down to allow the next bot a turn. It took just as little time for the next selection to occur as the first. 

"How recently was that, exactly?" Swerve said, looking confused but happy to be the central figure of the moment. It was a much less disrespectful question by Cybertronian standards than the first, and the bots on stage appeared equally content to answer it.

"As of this date, it has been four years and five months since my activation." Deckerd replied casually, unintentionally sending a wave of disbelief through the entire room. This mature, well rounded bot was barely more than a protoform?! 

"We were constructed seven months later." McCrane said, speaking for the Build Team with a gesture that only deepened the shock in the room. Deckerd was young even by human standards, yet he was still the oldest one on the team? How young was the newest among them?

"Shadow Maru was next, by about a year, then six months later I joined up!" Drill Boy declared loudly, loving the surprise each answer drew from the crowd. Gunmax, equally a fan of stirring things up, smirked confidently as he leaned back in his chair. 

"I haven't even been kicking around for a year." he declared smugly, adding to the shock of the bots several times over. Sure, Cybertronians were ready to go in mere hours, but no one had been born in so long… to be confronted by a mechanical being so young was nearly unfathomable. Not to mention that the oldest among them was still so inexperienced! A fresh wave of hushed gossip washed over those assembled, only to fade out into silent anticipation as the next opportunity for a question presented itself.

"What kind of criminals are you fighting? Most of the time, anyway." a bot in back asked, making the Brave Police perk up as a group. Like anyone, the opportunity to retell their adventures was hardly one they'd ever pass up, and even the humble Deckerd was a little boastful as he set up their panel to reply.

"Our division is uniquely suited to handle threats too powerful for humans to safely combat. The criminals we face have a multitude of motives, and it is not uncommon for us to face creatures designed to cause maximum destruction. I will allow my team to recount some of these events in greater detail." he said, opening up the discussion with a smile and a nod. There was a shift in the classroom as if every being leaned forward at once in anticipation.

"The underground bug people were my first mission!" Drill Boy announced proudly, unintentionally creating far more questions than he could have ever hoped to answer in a single sentence. Gobsmacked expressions were shared all through the crew, even by Ultra Magnus and Rodimus at the front. While they'd figured their new friends got into some wild adventures, like themselves, there was clearly so much more to the group than they'd let on… 

"There was a giant moth one time." Dumpson recalled thoughtfully, only adding fuel to the fire with his calm expression of thoughtful recollection.

"Don't forget the giant panda." McCrane said helpfully, the tiniest hint of a smile hinting that he was perfectly well aware of the reactions they were getting. Rodimus had to admire the skillful stirring of the pot. Some bots were taking notes now, especially as the list continued to grow and the Brave Police grew no less unpredictable in their retellings. Brief tidbits about mind control, ghosts, aliens and cults were undoubtedly going to spawn some incredible conversations at Swerve's later on.

Drill Boy finished the segment with a beaming smile. "Without the Boss, I don't think we'd have been able to catch that brainwashing nun!"

While every single adventure would have probably called for a panel of questions in its own right, that statement alone made for an excellent segway into something every single Lost Light bot had been curious about, and the moment the next bot was selected they said what everyone was thinking. "Who's this "Boss" we keep hearing about? Are they a bot like you?"

"Our Boss Yuuta Tomonaga is a human boy, and the first being I ever met. He became my first and most trusted companion." Deckerd replied, smiling affectionately at the description. It had been clear from the onset he cared deeply for his mysterious "Boss", yet most had assumed them to be something like an Amica, or perhaps an older mentor bot. To hear they were a human, and one that sounded exceptionally young at that…? Deckerd recognized the confusion, and while obviously a little bashful to be so open, he was more than happy to talk about the achievements of his dearest friend. "I owe him my life, several times over."

"Many of us have gained human friendships." Power Joe said helpfully, taking some of the pressure off their leader and bringing the attention to himself. Not missing the opportunity to brag, he gestured proudly to himself. "I've befriended many of Yuuta's classmates, they see me as a superhero!"

"Yuuta's sisters are compatriots of mine." Shadow Maru said in a polite and subtle one up, setting the stage for the others to continue naming their friends. 

"Hmph, I'm the only one besides Deckerd to have called Yuuta by his first name." Drill Boy bragged.

"Colonel Seia has taught me much through our professional relationship." McCrane said calmly, returning the focus to one of individual bonds over boasting. Unfortunately, Dumpson chuckled and quickly took aim at the comment.

"Are you sure it's entirely professional?"

McCrane froze for a second, optics widening and face flushing, before he calmly folded his hands on the table and replied. "I could say the same of you and Ayako."

"I suppose Shunsuke and I get along okay." Gunmax said somewhat dismissively, cutting off Dumpson before he could stammer out something he'd regret. The fact that every bot seemed to have a complex and long standing relationship with humans was quite the surprise to many crewmembers, especially those who only knew the species from second hand accounts. The Brave Police weren't too different from Cybertronians, so if they could find friends amongst Earth's inhabitants, maybe it was possible for everyone? More than a few of those in the audience were considering visiting to see for themselves when the attention turned to the only member who hadn't given an answer. 

Lowering his helm to hide his optics from view, Duke appeared to be blushing as he spoke into his microphone, his volume barely more than a murmur as he did so.

"My Lady, Regina, is very important to me…"

While the statement undoubtedly had plenty to unpack, Deckerd mercifully chose to move on, selecting the next lucky audience member. Tailgate stood up in a flash, getting up on his chair and raising his arm so everyone could see him. Smiling with excitement, he was nevertheless quite polite in his tone when he asked his question. "You can transform, right? What are your altmodes?"

"I transform into a police cruiser." Deckerd said simply, earning some nods of approval from the audience. That was a fairly solid alternate mode, from their perspective, and fit quite well with his appearance and abilities. As the team each volunteered their own altmode, there was little fanfare.

"I'm a dump truck."

"My alternate mode is called a power shovel."

McCrane was the first to smile, though his good humor was shared when he gave his answer. "A crane, fittingly enough."

"I have two; a drill and a jet!" Drill Boy declared with a puffed out chest, and the mood went from calm to shocked all over again. Though he had no concept of a triple changer, the young bot knew that having a plurality of modes was special, and the audible gasps confirmed his guess. Rodimus cast Drift a look of surprise from the stage, speaking without words as they so often did. Not only did this guy have two altmodes, but a drill and a jet? Could you get any more wild? Drift replied with an equally stunned but good natured shrug.

"Like Deckerd, I transform into a police cruiser." Shadow Maru said simply, giving his younger friend a look that drew out a very unhappy pout. Sitting up with a smile, he continued and made very clear why his companion was so upset, and in doing so only made the room erupt once more. "I can also take the form of a tank, a jet, and a canine."

Gasps filled the classroom, and even Ultra Magnus was too shocked to silence them, his jaw dropping in total disbelief at what he'd just heard. Five modes?! Not only that, he was a beastformer to boot?! The ninjabot smiled somewhat smugly at the reactions, getting a few looks from his friends that ranged from jealous to bemused as whispered conversations rushed through the bots. Most had never even heard of such an ability, and yet here he was, a bot from earth with so much talent! Several made a note to ask him for tips as Duke took advantage of the chaos to get his simple reply out of the way.

"I am an ambulance."

The medics of the ship all shared a look at what only they seemed to hear, wondering if perhaps the shy bot knew a few things about human medicine he might share with them later. In the murmurs that followed, however, there came a considerable silence as everyone realized the most anticipated answer had not yet been given.

Gunmax leaned back further in his seat, making a face few could decipher when all the attention zeroed in on him. Pretending to cough, he spoke just loudly enough for his mic to pick up his answer. "Don't have one." 

Somebot made a comment about "Monoformers'' before Deckerd stepped in, reading the emotions of his friend as well as the room to skillfully redirect them. It saved Rodimus the trouble of jumping in to make an example of the bot who'd made the comment. 

"Gunmax typically has a motorbike, one that he can merge with to form a very powerful weapon." he explained, looking at the visor that allowed the mech in question to hide so many of his emotions. A flash of gratitude behind the veneer of apathy allowed him to continue with a smile. "When I combine with J-Decker, I can utilize that weapon for defeating extremely powerful foes."

"We can also combine!" Drill Boy added enthusiastically, pointing to the Build Team and perking up the entire crowd with references to "combining" of all things. Combiners were a precious rarity amongst their own kind, could the humans have truly mastered such technology in addition to multiforming?

"Yes, Dumpson, Power Joe and myself form the Build Tiger." McCrane replied helpfully, gesturing to the group of them and further compounding the confusion. How could they all transform into a single entity, their colors didn't even match! Not only that, but the name absolutely baffled those who had been to earth and those who hadn't. The crane bot only continued his talk and further confounded his audience. "With Drill Boy, our abilities are increased, and we form the Super Build Tiger."

Deckerd, wanting to discuss other things, was granted mercy when he selected Brainstorm via the system.

"What kind of energy do your weapons fire?" he asked, having observed the holsters and folded rifles some of them carried. Being intensely curious as to whether earth had progressed beyond the initial steps of plasma based projectiles, he waited eagerly for a reply.

"Most are based on shells, similar to what humans utilize but on a larger scale." Deckerd said, helpfully taking out his pistol to show what he meant. Metallic bullets fell from the chamber and into his cupped palm, unintentionally shocking the scientist and the more ballistic trained crewmembers. Primitive lead based projectiles, fired by simple chemical reactions?! How were these bots just as intelligent as themselves but defending their lives with the Cybertronian equivalent of stone age technology?!

"Yes, that's what my shotgun fires." McCrane added, patting the sizable weapon on his back as Brainstorm noted a million potential improvements he might offer before they left. 

Shadow Maru, somewhat for the sake of dry comedic effect, unsheathed a blade from his back and shrugged as he held it up. "Personally, I prefer swords." 

Laughter rippled through the audience, though Rodimus caught the clear sight of Drift looking far more like he wanted to applaud the other bot who seemed to gel so well with him. Unable to keep a grin off his face at the friendship forming before his optics, the captain considered setting up a communication line on earth so they could all stay in touch going forward. 

"Where do you all live?" a shy bot said when selected next, bringing to mind how their home planet didn't seem to be built for beings as large as themselves. 

"I stay with Yuuta each night, in the garage. His family has made it my personal home, and I keep them safe." Deckerd replied, describing the situation quite wistfully despite the uncertain expressions that flashed before him. The idea of staying within a single room, like a machine for storage… even bots who didn't mind resting in their altmode couldn't wrap their heads around the idea.

"The rest of us stay at the base, but we're free to go where we please when not on duty." McCrane added, wanting to dispel any ideas that they were at all confined. His words did indeed provide some reassurance, especially considering that a few had been considering "liberating" their new friends if necessary.

"When we travel for work, we live wherever we can." Dumpson said, recalling the many times they'd each had to go across the planet undercover. That notion was quite relatable to the group of travelers, especially those who had gone long periods of time without any home to speak of. Needing to find somewhere suitable while moving undercover had been their existence for years.

Gunmax perked up a little at the topic sitting forward a bit so he could be heard as he extolled the wonders of driving around on his bike. "The roads go on for miles, and some have pretty nice views."

When the next question was called, the Brave Police as a group found it was their turn to be surprised. 

"Do you like earth?"

In another turn of events that no one could have predicted, it was Duke who spoke up first, saying his piece simply but confidently before returning to his usual silence.

"It is the only planet we've ever known, and I would have it no other way."

"Earth has everything dear to us." Deckerd confirmed, a barely contained gleam of pride shining from his optics, both for their home and his friend. Everything about the planet was dear to him, from the life that flourished there to the people who had made him, and he wasn't at all ashamed to say as much. That was something each and every member of the Brave Police could agree on, and in order, they all expressed the same sentiment. 

"Earth has everything we could ever want." McCrane added plainly, looking like he wanted to say more but was held back by his own reservations. The simple smile on his face spoke volumes for him, thankfully. His past mentions of friendship and more with humans resonated deeply with certain bots in the audience. 

"We fight lots of bad guys, but that's to keep all the good humans safe, and they're more than worth it." Dumpson said, sharing a glance with Power Joe, who immediately agreed. The big bots many small friends made his answer and confirmation quite easy.

"Most of the people that live there like us, and we like them too. They have a lot to teach us." he said, recalling his love for martial arts as well as everything else he'd ever been passionate about. The need for patience, the importance of seeing the bright side of life, mentoring the younger beings around oneself… Speaking of the younger, Drill Boy jumped in to reply with his own experiences.

"They've invented all kinds of cool games and sports for us to play!" he said happily, tapping the soccer ball in his chest to emphasize his point. The sport was a genuine passion for him, and without humans he wouldn't have it to enjoy. Slightly more bittersweet thoughts of the many adventures he'd had, and the beings he'd met and lost, but wouldn't trade for anything made him smile far more softly. Tapping his digits together, he added a soft addendum to make his point. "Plus they make lots of other cool things."

"There's not much better than going for a drive on earth, or watching the sunset." Gunmax said in agreement, nodding and closing his optics as he played the memories in his mind. The crew talked plenty about their home of Cybertron, and while it sounded wonderful, he doubted anything could ever surpass his home. One of his first memories was going for a drive on a beautiful day, and he didn't believe any planet could ever offer anything more. Not that he'd be opposed to visiting somewhere else...

"It's our home, and it always will be." Deckerd concluded, unintentionally making the crowd a little emotional with his dedication. A far quieter whisper of conversations briefly passed through them all, this time centered almost entirely on the planet in question. Sure, these bots hadn't ever known another world, but they made their own sound quite wonderful. The many who'd never had a chance to see earth were suddenly feeling quite a bit of longing and curiosity of their own. When the quiet descended once again and Deckerd selected the next bot, the query was hardly a surprise.

"Can we come visit you all sometime?"

The entire team exchanged a look, and Deckerd glanced at Rodimus with the kind of knowing smiles leaders could share when they knew what was happening. While the logistics of such a thing would be a nightmare, there could be no denying the eager faces all around, and any potential benefits were far too great to ignore. Though it would be an impossible amount of work, they both nodded to one another in agreement.

"We would be honored to have you as guests, just as you have taken us into your home."

[10millionyearsdungeon]

Praesidium Pt II: Talionis

A/N: Sooo...Merry Crisis one and all. Secret Santas are supposed to be fun and tailored for the recipient, yeah? Here’s hoping they enjoy given how the first thing they said to me after reading part one was, “Where’s the rest of it?” Mafia AU continuation where the endgame changes slightly. Thanks again to @dymphnasprose for the lovely banner (the raging dumpster fire that is tumblr won’t let me load the gorgeous gif banner you made for me D:<!!!)and for keeping my ass on track and on time with this shit. You know how I feel about deadlines. 

TW: Non-Con, Kidnapping, implied drugging, sensory deprivation, gunplay, spitroasting, bondage, rope, fuck or die, forced cuckholding, coercion.

====================================================

The cabinet meeting adjourned per usual custom; the ministers in their bland, off the rack suits filed out of the chambers, their slow, humming chatter fading with every step taken out onto the polished marble. Shinsou straightened his tie and cast a wary eye to his phone, the vibrations buzzing through the laminated table like a hornet. Your number burned through the screen in starlight pixels-- it wasn’t like you to call him during a recess. Typically, you waited for him to call knowing just how arduous the arguments between old men could become when given a public forum. 

“Yes, love?” 

The familiar keening of your whimpering through his smartphone in reply sent a chill through him so cold it could only be described as hiemal. Almost frantically, your voice hitched and another breathy moan caught in your throat. Mangled pleas for release, for an end to the madness building in your core were punctuated by those same haggard cries. Shinsou froze at his desk in the auditorium, fixated on the harsh panting he knew was accompanied by the heaving of supple breasts and the telltale flush of your imminent end. He ached against his navy blue Dior suit pants, transfixed by the haunting song of tortuous pleasure you sang in his ear. Throat dry, Shinsou dropped his voice and tried again. “Kitten, I’ll be home shortly if you can keep edging for that long.”

“I’m sure you’ll find she’s about as far from home as she can get. Doubt the little princess can last much longer.” 

Shinsou held his breath and the dread found a new way to boil the acid in his stomach. Through gritted teeth, he growled under his breath as your wailing continued to soundtrack a less than touching moment between surrogate father and son. He could hear the smug smirk as the formidable Boss Aizawa continued to taunt you closer to the edge. 

"If you've hurt her--"

"Wouldn't dream of it. You're coming home, and not that over-indulgent highrise you've made your love nest in. Time is of the essence, Hitoshi." An unmistakable scream, your scream left him paralyzed as the line went dead. Though his mind raced, Shinsou had to will his feet to carry him through the maze of bureaucrats and journalists hindering him from his car. He knew the way to the compound without thinking. Muscle-memory had him weaving through city traffic to the outskirts of town, the memory of your scream a silent echo in his ears. 

He knew Boss Aizawa was capable of anything, and that knowledge had his blood run colder the closer he drove to his family's homestead. Yamada and his perpetual grin was nowhere to be found when Shinsou pulled in, a surprise for the political upstart. An empty house for an organization as large as his was never a good sign. He ran through the maze of hallways, each door the same heavy ebony and gold lacquer, until he found the one room he never dared enter even as a young orphan running the streets. The silence of the compound left his ragged breathing suspended in a palpable dread. Hitoshi drew up his courage, caught his breath, and rapped his trembling knuckles against the door. 

"Ah, the prodigal son." Boss Aizawa smirked and waved him in with an air of affability not unfamiliar to the young politician. Aizawa rested a hand along your hairline, gently running his fingers through your sweat-matted hair. Curled into his lap with heavy black cord caging your limbs in familiar lovers' knots and a bolt of black silk covering your eyes, you rested soundlessly as if unaware of the monster whose slacks you rested against. Shinsou slid into the room and closed the door behind him, the lump in his throat growing the longer his violet eyes traced the track of his surrogate father's fingers. "Couldn't stay away, could you?"

"Let her go. She has nothing to do with this." 

Aizawa chuckled darkly, running his wandering hand to trace the gentle slope of your back and waist. "You're right," he mused, rubbing the reddened globe of your ass. "Her involvement is inconsequential. Nothing more than a pretty, little obstacle, really." Shinsou was fixated on the tender way Boss Aizawa danced his fingertips along your skin and choked back bile and rage as the mafia head continued to calmly voice his proposal. His onyx eyes darkened and a cruel glare frosted over his rugged features. "You've grown overly comfortable with the freedoms I've so graciously allowed you to indulge in these past months, Hitoshi." 

Your brow furrowed slightly under the harsh grip on your thighs prying them apart to reveal the glistening secret between them. Shinsou chewed on his tongue, watching his mentor pull your lower lips apart with calloused fingertips. As much as he wanted to rip Aizawa's hands off of you, as hard as he tried to look away he knew it was a far better alternative than seeing your gray matter and bone splattered on the drywall behind him. 

"Enough. Let her go."

"If only it were so simple, Hitoshi." Aizawa curled your hair around his fingers and gave a rough pull, arching your neck painfully back as your mouth flew open in a choked cry. "What I don't think you understand is this…" His smug grin burned against your skin, his thick fingers slid inside your slick walls stretching you through your waking moments while your husband watched on, helpless to intervene. "...Everything you own is mine. Everything you've built and become is because of me-- I own you, Hitoshi." Each syllable dripping with thinly veiled irritation punctuated another curl of those blood-stained fingers up into your dripping maw. Still oversensitive from earlier abuses, you wailed as Aizawa forced you to spread yourself open onto his lap for your husband to observe in silent disgust. 

"It's simple, Hitoshi: you come back into the fold, and I'll let her go." Shinsou clenched his jaw and watched the gaping maw of your pussy accommodate his mentor's thick digits. Aizawa's free hand snaked its way around your pretty throat and gave an experimental squeeze, your gasping stirring his cock to life under your squirming core. "Refuse and she breathes her last." Stone-faced as ever, Shinsou watched impassively, his rage building in his chest like a war chant pounding a warning across the distance. The tighter Aizawa squeezed the angrier Shinsou became, all too happy to ignore the faint zip and sudden strangled moan pulled from your wanton lips as a foreign cock sheathed itself inside a stranglehold all your own. "Looks like you need more convincing," the dark-haired boss grunted. He rutted into your writhing body, pulling careless cries of frantic pleasure with a casual smirk.

Shinsou stepped closer, reaching out to put a stop to the madness, only to be stopped by the clicking of a hammer cocking from a discreet sidearm. He dropped his arm to his side and looked on at the familiar quiver in your thighs signaling the beginning of your many ends. 

"'Toshi, please," you whimpered, desperate to reach that peak. On closer inspection, he could see the dark outline of noise cancelling earbuds resting in the shells of your ears, no doubt playing something soothing and wordless to supplement the drugs dulling your senses. Just when he thought to silently thank his mentor for the small mercy Aizawa's thrusting intensified. The high, keening scream Shinsou took pride in coaxing was a stiletto to the heart when you sang it for another man under such duress. Your cream coated Aizawa's cock, adding another layer of traitorous lube to the act. As the boss ran his aquiline nose along the column of your neck, Shinsou traced the curve of your parted lips with his ultraviolet gaze. 

"I'm waiting, Hitoshi." Aizawa held the barrel to your temple and groaned at the full-body shiver that tore through your bound frame on his throbbing length. His finger rested on the trigger, each thrust bringing the reality of potentially losing you to a stray bullet in the midst of his mentor's passion sinking to the forefront of Shinsou's mind. Frozen, the politician swallowed hard and hung his head in defeat. It was one thing to insult him by kidnapping and fucking his wife, but dangling the prospect of losing you was an injury he doubt he could fully recover from. "Be a shame to ruin something so beautiful, but if this is how you demand to be taught, who am I to argue?" 

Another moan nearly sent both men over the edge, Aizawa's finger squeezing the trigger reflexively. Fear was a beast clawing through Shinsou's chest, moving through him to grab the gun and pant out in desperation. 

"Alright! I'll do it. Just let her go." 

Aizawa released his hold on the firearm and allowed it to slide barrel first into Shinsou's shaking hands. With both hands free to manipulate your body to his whims, Aizawa redoubled his efforts. For the first time since childhood, Shinsou saw true joy light his mentor's hardened features. He might have felt a twinge of relief if he wasn't balls deep inside his ignorant wife's dripping cunt. 

"Was that so hard? I'd say let's shake on it like men, but my hands are a little full at the moment." Aizawa shifted your weight forward, mouth hungry and open, waiting to be filled as saliva tracked down the corners of your lips. Shinsou hesitated, eyes flickering between your parted lips and Aizawa's empty black eyes. "Guess sharing your whore should suffice." 

As if it was all the permission needed, Shinsou dropped his designer trousers and buried himself to the hilt in your throat. He tossed the handgun aside and gripped your hair as he lost himself in the moist contractions as you gargled another aria of wanton moans. With every stroke Aizawa took to bruise into your twitching cervix Shinsou backed off to allow you the half-beat to breathe before abusing your gag reflex. Halfway through you began to realize something was amiss as you clawed against your husband's bare thighs. Shinsou yanked roughly on your hair and continued to bite back his disgust with the situation. He was supposed to be better than this; he swore he was done with Aizawa and his gang, that he was done being a thug at his mentor's beck and call. Your grip left angry trails of heartbreak along Shinsou's pale legs as your body betrayed you. 

The pace was brutal-- pounded rhythmlessly from behind, you felt pressure let off as thick, hot ropes painted along your back in viscous pearl. Head thrown back, Shinsou wasn't too far behind, his grip soon wrapping around your throat. With the fight fucked out of you long before reason sunk in, strength left your limbs leaving you limp between the two thugs. Growling out his release into your belly, Shinsou's grip softened and he lovingly rubbed soothing circles on your cheek with his thumb. Lost in the dark sensation of freefall, you succumbed to unconsciousness. 

Warm light and the smell of dark roast roused you from sleep. Tongue thick and body numbed from your rest, you stretched futilely back into your pillows. Shinsou sauntered in, unhurried as ever, with a steaming mug to greet you with an apologetic peck. 

"What's the occasion?" Your husband darted his gaze away with uncharacteristic sheepishness. "It's not like you to not send your assistant to fetch my coffee." 

"I wanted a more personal touch this morning, kitten."  

You hummed gratefully into the brew, soaking in its warmth and Shinsou's company with a smile. Your body ached curiously in muscle groups you forgot you had, sparking flashes of remembrance as he began packing an overnight bag for the two of you. "'Toshi…" you began. "I had the weirdest dream last night…" Your husband froze over his collared shirts and cufflinks as you mused over the morning paper. As he packed your counterfeit passports and offshore account information carefully between dinner jackets and evening gowns, you sighed in contented ignorance. Perhaps it was better you didn't find out how significantly the cost of living had increased overnight. 

Tags: @thewheezingwyvern

[albarivas]

ana de armas, cis female, she/her    —    whenever i see alba rivas meandering down agnes street la escalera by pablo alborán starts to play inside my head. maybe it is the vibe they give off. bullet journals, colorful dresses, hairstyles with bandanas ;   you know ? artistic impressions is what keeps them interested in agnes. i heard they are a thirty-three year old teacher at bright future. they look like the kind of person who would make you do a vision board. 

hi again, it’s ella again. okay so i had cameron (the lily james) but tbh she’s a new muse and right now i don’t have the brain to develop a muse from scratch but i still want to write and that’s why i decided to bring alba, one of my oldest muses. i’m so happy to give her a new home and i can’t wait for her to meet all of your characters.

basics

NAME: alba carolina rivas borges

NICKNAME: al, albie

GENDER: cis female

PLACE OF BIRTH: boca raton, florida

DATE OF BIRTH: april 19, 1988

AGE: thirty-thirty

SEXUAL ORIENTATION: bisexual

OCCUPATION: teacher at bright future

background

tw: illness, cheating

CHILDHOOD

her story starts between cuba and spain. her mother, carolina, fled from cuba and her father immigrated from spain with no friends or family and only with a few dollars. the two newcomers were matched by fate and just a year later they welcomed their daughter, alba.

two years later, a son completed the rivas family. they didn’t have much and often had to deal with homesickness and many times they considered moving to spain, but eventually they decided to stay.

it was a big change for both julián and carolina. he used to work as a lawyer back in spain and carolina had almost graduated from med school. now in the united states they both had to start from zero.

her mother traveled an hour from boca raton to palm spring every day where she worked cleaning those luxurious houses.  her father got his credentials to become a spanish teacher and taught in the local high school.

alba always knew she didn’t have much. she grew up going with her mom to those huge houses and from a young age she understood what wealth could buy. however, alba never envied those who had a lot more than her. in fact, her childhood best friend was the girl that lived in the house her mother cleaned. the two were inseparable.

ADOLESCENCE AND COLLEGE YEARS

alba excelled as a student. education was something her parents always deemed as important and so she made it her goal to make them proud. 

she earned a spot in a prestigious public high school. as a teenager, she was the model child. always listening to her parents, rarely giving them problems. she had an active social life, she went on a couple of dates and she was part of several groups.

these qualities eventually earned her a place at nyu. moving to new york was something she’d never considered. she liked florida, and her family were there but her parents convinced her that this would be a great opportunity and that she could comeback.

becoming a teacher was her ambition. she admired her father for doing it and she knew from a young age that she wanted to teach children. 

to make ends meet, she got a job as a waitress and she really didn’t have a social life as she worked and studied full time. there was no time for friendship and even less time for dating.

it was during one day at work that she met someone that changed her life. she met another student while she was working who asked her out but she refused, however, he came back and did the same thing every night until one day she finally accepted.

one date turned into two and then three until soon people couldn’t see one without the other. most people thought they wouldn’t last, their personalities and values were too different. he came from a wealthy family, the typical spoiled kid that was set to inherit his parents’ fortune someday, the one that always featured on page six with a different woman every night. meanwhile, alba came from a working-class family, daughter of immigrants who always had to work to get what she had in life. despite the skepticism, they proved everyone wrong.

at twenty-two, alba graduated with a degree in early childhood education and began working as a teacher.

ADULTHOOD

her relationship with this guy (i dont have a name for him lmao) was better than ever and after dating for three years, he proposed and alba said yes as she was convinced she’d found her other half.

however, not everything was perfect. his family didn’t like her and things only got worse after they got engaged. the couple married only a year later. they left new york and moved to florida where they bought one of those houses alba always had dreamed to have and the best part is that they were neighbors with her childhood best friend.

but all good things must come to an end, and soon her fairytale turned into a nightmare. the relationship with her in-laws was awful which eventually caused tension in their marriage. they began to fight more often and he started to spend more time at his office than at home. however, she was determined to make their marriage work, a love like theirs couldn’t end like this, she wouldn’t allow it.

tw cheating: one day, alba returned to their home early and what she saw was heartbreaking. there he was, in bed with none other but her childhood best friend. heartbroken, alba refused to accept any of his excuses and immediately filed for divorce, to the joy of her in-laws. end of tw.

after her divorce, alba moved to california where she started a year course at stanford. she planned to stay there but that when she received news from home.

tw illness: her father was very sick, and her parents had decided to move to islebury, rhode island. without anything holding her back, she packed up her stuff and moved here as well so she could help her mother with her dad. end of tw.

she’s been living here for three years now and works as a teacher at bright future.

personality

She has the ability to see the good in almost anyone or anything and tends to sympathize with even the most unfriendly person. She often hides the extreme depth of feelings from her, even from herself, until circumstances elicit a passionate response. 

She has a deep sense of idealism that comes from a strong personal sense of right and wrong. She sees the world as a place full of possibilities and potentials and is governed by her intuition. She is quite reserved and is not easily manipulated.

She is a good listener and considerate, they try to care for and understand others in a deep way. She can be very calm and intuitive with the people around her, being able to search for hidden meanings in the actions and words of others.

Of course, all of life is not rosy and Alba is not exempt from suffering the same disappointments and frustrations that are common to others. She tends to be a perfectionist and often strives for personal ideals that can be exhausting or very difficult to obtain.

headcanons

she’s a bookworm. her favorite book is the persuasion by jane austen

she speaks fluent spanish

alba has a beautiful white persian cat named nube

she loves wearing bandanas in her hair

claims she’s allergic to strawberries, she’s not. she just hates them and that’s easier than explaining why

connections

Younger brother: I’m gonna make a wanted connection because I love this dynamic. He is two years younger than her and she adores him. She tries to stay in touch with him and in general, they are close.

Ex-best friend: they met as children and grew up together, they knew everything about the other. alba’s mother worked as a housekeeper and she used to go with her sometimes, that’s how they met. this person came from a different background, she lived in one of those expensive houses alba could only dream to own. their friendship was so strong that they even applied to the same university (although her friend was not accepted). alba considered this person as the sister she never had, but then she did the worst thing in the world, she slept with alba’s husband. they haven’t spoken since she found out.

Ex-husband: They divorced two years ago, after alba found out he had been cheating on her with her best friend. they met while she was a student at NYU and were together for three years before getting engaged and married. he comes from a wealthy family, the typical perfect american family. their relationship was never approved by his parents. she hasn’t spoken to him since the divorce.

Best Friendish: Okay, so this is a tricky one because her actual best friend turned into Judas and slept with her husband, but maybe this person is the closest she has to a best friend. she trusts this person and since her divorce, this is the only person that she has been able to speak without limitations.

Bad influence: Alba has never been one to go to many parties or even to drink, but this person is the only one that can convince her to have a good time.

Co-workers/Parents: She works as a teacher at bright future, maybe your character works there or their kids go/went there.

Neighbor: self-explanatory

Unlikely friendship: The two have different personalities, but somehow, both have managed to get along and form a weird friendship.

Hook ups: She’s not really the relationship kind bc she’s always busy but once in a while she hooks up with people ghdghdhgd (open to everyone)

Flirtationship: they act like friends, but cannot help to throw flirty looks or comments at each other.

Unrequited: It could go either way, I’m fine to plot it out. I’m an angst hoe sooo

Bad tinder date: after her divorce, her friends tried to set her up with someone but it didn’t go well. There was nothing wrong about her date, but she wasn’t ready and in the end it was a very uncomfortable situation for them.

One night stand: she was drunk, he/she was drunk too. They didn’t plan it but happened and now whenever they see each other in town it’s a bit awkward.

[cruddyborderlandstheories]

so i’d really like to finish my guardian takedown lore analysis, but honestly the game isn’t really fun to play at the moment anymore (even with the health debuffs they added) so I think im going to be taking a break for now because I’m just not having fun anymore.

this game has a lotta mechanical problems i think need to be addressed so im gonna summarize it as bullet points below. I’ll play the new dlc when it drops, but idk if i’ll be on more than that (grinding, end-game stuff) until they make some serious changes. I’ve been playing (near) daily since launch, followed the patch/hotfix notes every single week, and my patience has finally, FINALLY run dry, especially with that really disappointing Phase 1 Patch and then the hotfix this week not adding anything else. What is the balancing team doing??? 😩

tl;dr: FIX THE VAULT HUNTERS!!!!

anyway. That’s all I needed to get outta my system. I might log on to this blog every now and again to post some random shit that pops into my head (probably with regards to my AU), but I’m not going to be actively playing and posting for the time being. Goodbye (for now), and here’s hoping the new DLC is good!! 

guardian takedown only problems:

there’s a lot of waiting around, and sometimes it’s not explicitly stated that you’re waiting for something, so you’ll be lost on what to do next (not sure if that’s a dialogue glitch or not)

the crystal charge insta-death is bull. just. what the hell. at least make it so you just have to start over. killing ur players for failing a “puzzle” that they then have to fight all the way back to is so infuriating.

dying because you fell off a platforming puzzle is also bull. 

i remember playing the first DMC on my playstation in middle school and having a conniption over the part in the observatory(? it’s been a hot minute since I played DMC 1) with the disappearing/invisible platforms. I h a t e jumping puzzles. why are they in a section of the game where death is semi-permanent and a detriment to your teammates. i tried the takedown 2x with friends and both times one friend didn’t make the first big jump to the temple and had to wait for our inevitable deaths. that’s so unfair to them.

there’s absolutely no reason for a boss to have 12 fuckin immunity phases. 4 per health bar with 3 health bars? Who the fuck designed this? *pumps shotgun* i just wanna talk. 

i appreciate a tasteful immunity phase every now and again (the ones in the Valkyrie fight are actually p reasonable), but christ. that is overkill. I don’t mind the main boss fight, since u can end those early through certain actions, but jesus. the mid-boss fight is annoying as hell. you spend more time running from the immunity phases and finding the damn boss than u do actually shooting it.

drop rates are crap, which I guess should be expected given what happened with the Maliwan Takedown and the handful of months it took for them to fix that, but also you think they’d have learned.

in the maliwan takedown there’s a sense of progression thru the facility after you kill each area’s batch of enemies, but in this one it’s... dampened by the crystal charging sequences. you kill all the enemies in an area, press a button, and now you have to kill 3x that number of enemies in the same area, expect you’re just standing there motionless. It’s not fun.

the crystal charging stuff is just not fun in general. standing in a square is not entertaining. it’s worse that it was clearly designed for 3+ players when a majority of people play/grind solo

i gotta admit the boss fights just aren’t as fun as the Maliwan Takedown fights overall. I felt like a real badass fighting Wotan for the first time, but the main boss for this Takedown is kind of a bitch. Wotan’s fight is chaos, there’s so much shit happening at once and you don’t really have time to process everything and I love it. This one is p meh...

This would be fine and I’d 100% not care that much if there weren’t all these OTHER problems

General Issues with the Game

There’s no endgame stuff to play outside of the takedowns. 

I assume they’re working on the first raid given some stuff I found in the Guardian Takedown files, but I really wish they’d keep the seasonal events/areas. They give us the option to disable/enable them while they’re ‘active’, just give us the ability to do it whenever we want.

when i hop on i either run through Athenas (my favorite map), or farm a boss or two. I have all the loot i really need from the maliwan takedown/elsewhere, and the guardian takedown just... isn’t fun atm, so i have nothing to do.

I’ve reset my playthru multiple times to play the main story at m10, but u can only play it (and the dlc) so many times

Mayhem levels and modifiers are a hot m e s s

a majority of the modifiers just aren’t fun to play with

they incorporated like 2-3 fun modifiers (from the community), then added a bunch that straight-up aren’t. I’m fine with the game being more difficult, but at least give us modifiers that make it more entertaining to play at a higher level instead of more annoying. I like the ones that have trade-offs or add new ‘enemies’, but I hate the ones that just straight up reduce your damage output.

a majority of the weapons with the mayhem 10 anointment (scaling) do not work on mayhem 10 (we’ll go more in-depth with this later)

Player Characters (Vault Hunters!!!) are also a hot mess and a lot of problems plaguing them haven’t been fixed SINCE LAUNCH

theyre literally the basis of the game and its balance. why havent you guys fixed them yet. stop adding new content until they’re fixed. no new skill trees until the base 3 trees work ON EVERY CHARACTER.

seriously. Why is amara p much limited to using Phasegrasp. Why does Iron Bear not matter to Moze except to proc anointments. MAKE ALL ACTION SKILLS EQUAL AND HAVE HEFT.

i wrote an essay here about it bc i feel that strongly about this

SERIOUSLY FIXING UR VAULT HUNTERS WILL MAKE BALANCING SO MUCH EASIER PLEASE IM BEGGING YOU THEY ARE THE BASE OF UR BALANCING WOES

ZANE IS STILL UNUSABLE WITHOUT THE SEEIN’ DEAD CLASS MOD!!!!!!!!!!!

MOZE IS SCREWED BC HER DAMAGE IS TOO RELIANT ON ASE ANOINTMENTS!!

AMARA DOESN’T HAVE A FUCKING MELEE BUILD AS THE ADVERTISED MELEE CHARACTER???

FL4K’S HEADCOUNT SKILL IS S T I L L BROKEN EVER SINCE THE RELEASE OF THE MALIWAN TAKEDOWN

ARE YOU GUYS LISTENING TO THE COMMUNITY *PLEASEEEEEEE*

BUFF AND FIX THE GODDAMN VAULT HUNTERS

Anointments were a mistake. Damage end-game is wayyyy too reliant on them

anoints should have a maximum of, like, a 20% damage bonus. the damage necessary to kill enemies *should be coming from the VHs themselves*. i don’t care if you have to revamp every single Vault Hunter’s skill trees and buff them all by 9000%. THEY DESERVE IT AT THIS POINT

at the moment in m10 there really isn’t much build diversity *even between Vault Hunters*. We’re all using the same 5 guns (OPQ System. Kaoson. idk. fuckin brainstormer? is that still a thing? jesus fuck) with the same 3 anointments (100% on ASE, cryo while SNTL, and 300% while 90%).

you want to diversify builds like you said during the gameplay reveal???? you want our choice in Vault Hunter to actually fuckin matter???? FIX THEM!!!! THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO DEAL DAMAGE WITHOUT STUPID POWERFUL LEGENDARIES AND ANOINTMENTS!!!

Anoints also shouldn’t be common. At all. They should be, like, Pearl rarity. To let that happen, their damage needs to be tuned way the fuck down (again, 20ish % bonus MAX) and ALL ANOINTS NEED TO BE USEFUL IN SOME WAY

NOBODY IS GOING TO USE THE AIRBORNE OR SLIDING ANOINTMENTS JUST REMOVE THEM ALREADY AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

obviously these changes can’t happen because they fucked up and buckled down with everything being anointed in m10, but still

imagine a world where the VHs actually did damage on their own without anointments and the damage buff from them was just an incentive to grind for the 100% perfect weapon and NOT A REQUIREMENT TO DEAL DAMAGE

>:(

A majority of gear is borderline worthless at M10

I’m fine with the difficulty of M10, i should let it be known. The enemy health isn’t really the problem IF ALL GUNS ACTED THE SAME AS THE OPQ SYSTEM

ffs.

you know, if you fixed ur vault hunters so they all did damage with just purple weapons (abt the same damage as legendaries w/o special effects) and removed the anointment requirement from late-game play, balancing your guns would be sooo much easier. you know. just saying.

right now only 10% (im being generous) of guns in the game are viable. 90% are worthless. We need AT LEAST 60-70% viable at M10. WHERE IS MY BUILD DIVERSITY. WHY ARE ALL LEGENDARIES NOW JUST “HEY THIS GUN IS STRONGER THAN THE LAST 4 WE RELEASED. HAVE FUN”

how to fix this problem? do as above: BUFF YOUR PLAYER CHARACTERS. MAKE ANOINTMENTS LESS STRONG.

then, at least the 10% already strong weapons would be stupid strong and OP as fuck, BUT AT LEAST WE COULD HAVE BUILD VARIETY!!! I don’t care if other people are dummy strong one-shotting everything in sight. I don’t! so long as they don’t play with me, I couldn’t care less!!! I want to be able to play with the unique, interesting legendaries. instead of the OPQ System. which, by the way, I dislike compared to the normal Q-System. let me use the frozen heart shield and the infiltrator mod. I don’t wanna be chained to the Seein’ Dead anymore :(

honestly at this point im starting to think removing slag was a mistake bc then at least we could use guns that aren’t solely damage-based guns. you know how fucked up you’ve got me that im thinking maybe slag wouldn’t be so bad this time around??? YOU GOT ME FUCKED UP B A D.

FIX THE GAME

IM TAKING A BREAK

MAYBE I’LL BE LESS UPSET WHEN I COME BACK FOR THE DLC BUT HOT. DIGGITY. SHIT.

[letterstothemidnightsociety]

THAT’S RIGHT BITCH! It’s October and I am still watching and inexplicably blogging about Supernatural - a dinosaur of a television show that’s been on the air longer than most children I know have been alive. 

I know I’m An Old because I don’t think kids these days understand the struggle it was watching television before streaming. We had to wait for episodes. Hell, I don’t think kids these days even really have to wait for seasons. I mean, Voltron premiered on Netflix in 2016, capped off their seasons at 13 episodes a piece and, oh yeah - aired seasons 5 - 8  all in 2018. Was I mad about that? No of course not. Do I also say phrases like “kids these days? Yes, so who even knows if what I think is relevant anymore. 

Alright, so speaking of seasons, last time I looked at pilots and pilot seasons and how the streaming era is changing everything we know about starting a TV show. But once you’ve got your pilot down, now what? 

Not this kind of pilot. Also, based on the prerequisites for demon possession, we’re all agreed this co-pilot’s like, an alcoholic, right?

There’s a rule in TV (sort of) that the first six episodes (some might argue the first season entirely) should be a kind of rehash of the pilot. The pilot sets up your premise and once you’ve got your pilot down, your job as a TV writer is to re-establish that premise over and over again. You’re building your world, you’re writing it’s rules. You’re setting up a template, a formula for how your episodes are gonna play out. This helps your audience get to know the characters, get familiar with your world, get comfortable spending time with them. Essentially, you’re getting your audience to trust the show that they’re going to be tuning in to for at least the next 20-some-odd episodes. 

I’d also argue that this is important so that later, you can break that format later. I’m not saying you should break the trust your audience puts in you, and that’s probably a real fine line of distinction. But if you break your rules right, it can hit the audience with a big emotional sucker punch. Or, it can stand out as a real breakout, tentpole of an episode - I’m thinking specifically about Ghostfacers! In season 3, or Once More, With Feeling, from Buffy. Those episodes work, really work, because they deviate from the formula, but they only work because we know the formula so well.  And these aren’t big changes to the way episodes are done, they’re just shifted ever so slightly that they felt new again.. 

So what is the premise of the first four episodes Supernatural? What’s the formula they set up for the rest of the series? 

Brothers. I said it in my last post, I’ll say it again, Sam and Dean/Jensen Ackles and Jared Jared Padalecki are what makes this show. Full stop. I think we could have gotten 5 seasons out of a show starring two other dudes. I do not think this show could have gotten 15 seasons with two other dudes. So from the pilot through Phantom Traveler, we learn that Sam and Dean have a sh*tty home life - their mother was killed by some mysterious evil thing and their father raised them to be little demon-hunting child soldiers while they look for the killer. Oh yeah, and Sam’s girlfriend died the exact same way which we will never forget because Sam’s gonna have a dream about it almost every episode from here on out. We set up the tension between the brothers - that Sam got to go to college while Dean stayed with their dad like a good boi. We learn that everybody hates each other probably because they are deeply and unhealthily codependent love each other so damn much. 

Next we get the basic rundown of the season arc: 

Dad’s on a hunting trip and he hasn’t been home in a few days. The Winchester brothers are looking for him and by extension, looking for answers as to what killed their mom/Sam’s girlfriend. We also get the basic rundown of every episode: dad is a mysterious and elusive sonuvuabitch, so every episode they go about, say it with me now:

“The family business.” I would also accept “Killing as many evil sons of bitches as I possibly can,” but why can’t I find a gif for it?!? 

Backtracking on this but you know what else gets hecking established with the Winchesters? Sam is the cute one with the people skills and the puppy dog face, so you’d naturally assume that he’s the soft one. No. Not the case. Dean is the Sofffft Boi. The SOFTest boi. Dean wants Sam to talk about his feelings, Dean wants Sam to not keep things bottled up, Dean is the one who desperately wants to keep a hold of his family and also is just deeply broken and traumatized on the inside and oh no, I told myself I wouldn’t do this but I did it anyway. Sorry not sorry. This watch, I’m really picking up on the fact that Dean is, weirdly, the Mom Friend in this first season. Like, he’s basically a Trailer-Trash-Teen-Pregnancy Mom who’ll give you spaghettios five nights a week and a shot of whiskey so you’ll quit yer bitchin’ and go to sleep faster, but he’s the Mom nonetheless. Later in this season and in other seasons, I think you even see him do his dumb-baby-best filling in as the Mom when John went off the deep end. Anyway, I have a lot of feelings and we don’t have time to unpack all of that so I’ll just move on.

RUDE.

Next we set up our Supernatural Bag of Holding - what’s in it? What are the mystical artifacts they use to kill those evil sons of bitches? First up is The Car. Damn, I am not a cars girl, but that 67 Chevy, it does things to me. 

This car has some weird pavlovian trigger for me, it’s not NATURAL. 

The journal. 

John Winchester, you journal the way I imagine a psycho killer journals and I would just really appreciate it if you could be ANY MORE ORGANIZED THAN THIS.

The Trunk Full of Weapons - I love that in these first few episodes (and possibly the rest of the series???) they give this HELLA conspicuous look every time they open the trunk full of weapons. It’s hilarious EVERY TIME.

No, you’re not being obvious at ALL, guys.

The Fake ID’s - from credit cards to impersonating feds, these boys are not afraid to break the law to save some lives and I feel like that’s...that’s the theme of the show maybe? They’re here to save people and they’ll do what they have to to do that? In a world that clearly establishes a dark vs. light/good vs. evil dichotomy, the Winchester make it their job to live in a world of grey? Basically? 

Next on the checklist for this first season of Supernatural - it’s spoopy. *Spoop mileage may vary.* I said it last time, but I’ll say it again: this first season aired at 9:00pm at night. That means it’s primetime stuff for the 18 - 25 year old crowd, but they don’t want to risk some 13 year old watching it and getting too scared before bed. 9:00pm is X Files time slots, Fringe time slots. 9:00pm says you’re gonna get something a little more gruesome and gory and shocking than at 8pm. 8pm is for Friends. Vampire Diaries aired at 8pm its first season. 9pm is for the real adult content (but not too adult because the audience is still mostly children). 

SPOOP!

But yeah, let’s look at the real horror vibe that you get off of these first four episodes. We talked about La Llorona from the first episode - this is a legit ghost that they fight. The kids at the end that literally drag their mom to hell? Pretty spooky stuff. The Wendigo in episode 2 is a literal monster of the week and so for me personally, it’s not that scary, but it is a cannibal monster that eats human flesh. Dead in the Water has vibes from both Jaws and Friday the 13th. Everything from the lighting to the sound design let’s you know this is a horror show, or as horror as you can get on network television. Listen to the scenes just before somebody dies and you get a nice creepy “Come play with me” whisper coming out of the water. I’m a little spooked just thinking about it now. Yes I know I’m a chicken, and I’m OK WITH THAT. And if we go past my season 1 disc 1 into episode 5, Bloody Mary is STILL terrifying and I STILL watched that episode with half my face covered. That’s where I am these days. It’s 2020 and the world is a nightmare but imagining Bloody Mary creepin’ out in my mirror does not need to be a part of it. 

SHE F*CKIN CLIMBS OUT OF THE MIRROR GUYS! I DIDN’T KNOW SHE COULD DO THAT!!!

Then we get Phantom Traveler and our very first case of black-eyed-demonic possession. Watching this episode now, it’s like watching someone’s home movie of their first steps as a baby. They’ve never even done an exorcism before guys! They have to read the exorcism rite out of the journal! It’s so cute!!! Let’s not think too hard about how they got that full sized bottle of holy water past TSA in a post-9/11 world. And try to ignore how poorly these special effects have aged - the smoke from the demon possession?? OMG! THIS EFFECT! I’m pretty sure I could make that effect with my first ever graphic design software on my, like, 2009 mac book pro. So cute and soooo good! I’m gonna leave that CG plane alone, they’re doing their best. 

SO cute and SOOO good!

You want to know what my favorite established staple of Supernatural season 1 is? The extras. LOOKIT these guys - 

Wendigo you have Cory Monteith who later goes on to star in Glee. 

You have Alden Ehrenreich, Debatable Han Solo, doing a lot of face work with very little dialogue. 

You have Gina Holden who is in SO. MANY. Spooky-type things! My personal favs are Blood Ties and Harper’s Island, but she’s in Fringe, she’s in the SAW franchise, she’s in the Final Destination franchise, she was in some deleted scenes on an episode of Teen Wolf! I LOVE seeing Gina Holden, anywhere she pops up. 

And speaking of Harper’s Island, you’ve also got Callum Keith Rennie who played John Wakefield in Harper’s Island, a show that was A+ Great and I highly recommend if you like Agatha Christie and/or murder mysteries. 

Honestly, Rennie looks like he’s about to murder a bitch in this episode of Supernatural, it is not a stretch to believe he’s a psycho killer.

Dead in the Water you’ve got Amy Acker, a regular in Joss Whedon and Whedon-adjacent type shows.

Good LORD, this wardrobe was SO 2000′s WB and it PAINED me.

And finally in Phantom Traveler, you have Jaime Ray Newman who also shows up in a lot of the shows that I like to watch. She was in Eureka, she was in Midnight Texas, both kind of terrible shows that I love because they are terrible, but she was ALSO in Bates Motel and Veronica Mars, which are generally considered to be more quality, so there’s that. 

This still implies that they actually LIT scenes, which is a SURPRISE TO ME. 

Point is, seeing these actors in Supernatural back in the early 2000’s felt like I was seeing the start of their careers. That may or may not have been the case, but as a viewer it was exciting to see them pop up again in other things.

So what about TV now? Do we still use those first 6 (sometimes more) episodes to re-establish the premise? Well, it certainly hasn’t gone away. Look at any network show that still produces 22 - 24 episodes a season and you’ll still see that the pilot season just keeps re-iterating the premise established in the pilot episode, specifically in anything that’s procedural - that’s you’re monster/problem-of-the-week shows. Think sitcoms like Brooklyn 99 or Superstore or dramedies like Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist. The reason being that these shows play in the traditional model of television - on a network, once a week. They are not releasing episodes all at one time or relying on their audiences to stream a whole season in one sitting. These are shows that still assume that someone out there is going to tune in or stumble across their show one night while they’re surfing channels (lol) and need to be told, no matter what episode they’ve just turned on, what the premise of the show is. They need to be formulaic so that people can pick it up anywhere at any time.

But what about shows that don’t follow this traditional model? I mentioned in my last post that seasons are getting shorter and shorter, so when you’re writing a show that only has (8) episodes instead of 22, how much time do you really want to spend establishing the premise? Because of these short seasons, you’re also dealing with shows that are more serialized and less procedural than their predecessors - meaning, you’re dealing with a show that focuses on a season long story (think Game of Thrones or Stranger Things where each episode is an important chapter that you can’t skip) vs. a procedural (think the shows I mentioned above or any cop drama really) where each episode is it’s own contained story, neatly wrapped up at the end. These are shows where you can skip an episode and still know where you are in the show no matter where you start or stop watching. Supernatural is a little bit of both - procedural with their monsters of the week AND serialized with a season long arc. We’ll talk more on that in a later post. 

Not only are we getting shorter seasons, but we’re also dealing with shows that are not released over long periods of time. A few streaming channels, like Disney+ and HBO Max, make a deliberate point to slow-drip their seasons, but most streaming channels will release entire seasons in one shot. You don’t need to worry about your audience missing an episode because they have 24/7 access to all the episodes all at once. And for the most part, they’re designed to be binged. They start at full speed and they don’t slow down to keep driving you to the finale. 

Do I think the procedural is ever going to go away? No. As much talk as there is about dropping the cop drama from TV all together, I think audiences still love a good mystery series. And you can’t just think of procedurals as cop dramas either - a procedural also covers most if not all sitcoms. New Girl, Letterkenny, Parks and Rec, Superstore - these all have a premise that doesn't change from week to week. They may make tiny shifts away from what they set up in the pilot, but by and large, you know what you’re getting into any time you turn on an episode. I think we as an audience still like that kind of familiarity. We may be seeing a bigger swing towards more serialized content, but that doesn't mean that the procedural is dead and gone. 

So that’s what we’ve got for Supernatural - two dudes, driving around in a car full of spears and hand guns, killing bad guys. Some day, they may even find that father that’s missing. What could possibly go wrong? A lot. Stay tuned. 

[queenmendes]

new life chapter || pt. 3 ||

Summary: Y/N is a young actress; already one of the most known in the industry, She started out on Marvel, playing Feuer (Foi yer) Stark, the adopted daughter of Tony Stark; now with that coming to an end, she is ready to start a new chapter in her life. Who knew it would all begin with a livestream?

Word Count: 3,840 

Masterlist 

A/N: Sooo, I have no idea what the hell “camp” means for the Met Gala so I am stealing the Zac Posen dress (big one that lit up)  from the 2016 one as Y/N and we are just going to act like Zendaya isn't there so they don't clash (love her to death tho, she’s queen) and I wanted to do a Social Media part for this chapter so please go with it ;) thanksssss, enjoy xxxx

“Whatcha mean you have never had Joe’s Pizza?” Your eyes wide as you stare at the tall Canadian in front of you. “You’ve been to Manhattan how many times? This is unacceptable.” Shawn laughed but let you drag him into the pizza joint. Shawn had just arrived in New York last night; he called earlier today to take you up on your offer of showing him New York. With him, was his best friend Brain and a few of his other team members, including Cez and Josiah. You also decided that your team deserved a day out and they joined as well.

The day was spent running around the city like wild teenagers. Going to all the basic places, like Time Square and the Empire State Building. You also stopped by the World Trade Center memorial, as no one has seen the masterpiece created. You showed them the small, hole-in-a-wall shops that you loved as well as the hidden park that barely anyone knew about. The group even walked along the Brooklyn Bridge, but that was photo aesthetic purposes mainly. However, it was almost 10 o’clock and everyone was hungry, so it was time to hit up your favorite pizza place.

“This better be the best pizza of my life.” Shawn said as the group filed into the small restaurant. You scoffed.

“Trust me. It’s amazing. Classic pizza.” You replied as you waited in line. Shawn stood behind you, his chest lightly brushing against your back. Each of you have been a bit touchier; the reuniting hug lasting long and random ones throughout the day also, with hands brushing against each other’s constantly.

“Oh my! Y/N!” Joe, the owner, exclaimed as you came into his sight. He rushed around the counter and gave you a friendly hug. You smiled at the middle-aged Italian man.

“Joe! You are a sight for sore eyes.” You said as you pulled away from the man. He rolled his eyes at your compliments but still smiled. He turned his attention to Shawn, who stepped to the side to give you some space.

“And who are these lovely people?” Joe asked, his thick accent more noticeable, as he scanned the small group.

“This is Shawn.” You introduced before continuing for the rest of the group. “They are also here for the Met.” You explained. Joe shook hands and introduced him. Joe returned behind the counter, placing an apron around his waist. Everyone placed their orders and went at sat more towards the back as you waited.

“I take it you come here a lot?” Brian asked, referring to the reunion that seemed like two old friends reuniting after years apart. Chris laughed, almost mockingly.

“Oh, you have no idea. Anytime we are in the city. And I mean, every. single. time.” Chris explained dramatically.

“Hey, is not that bad.” You defended yourself and all of your team stopped to give you a deadpanned look. You pouted but nodded your head. This was an addiction for you. You thought. The next few minutes was filled with random chatter across the group. Everyone having their own small conversations.

“So, Mendes.” You started and he turned to you, a look of amusement in his eyes at the use of his last name. “Any new music coming?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” He teased.

“There is then! No one is suspicious unless something is happening.” You observed. Shawn laughed.

“How many investigating shows do you watch?” He mocked.

“Many.” You proudly smiled. The two of you laughed as pizza was set in front of each person at the table. You rubbed your hands together, grabbing the slice and biting into it. The taste of heaven filled your taste buds. You looked at Shawn as he bit into his own slice, waiting for his reaction. He looked at you from the corner of his eyes and chewed slowly to mock you.

“Alright, that’s pretty amazing.” He said finally, and the rest of the group nodded in agreement as everyone chowed down.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

Everyone decided to come back to the penthouse your team was staying at. The small group was formed around the living room, deciding on what movie to watch. Since you were picky about what movie is picked, you were in the kitchen making popcorn for everyone and gathering other snacks.

“Need any help?” Shawn asked from behind you.

“You can get some drinks.” You laugh as he salutes before making his way to the fridge. He grabs a variety of drinks and places them on the counter.

“Thank you for today.” Shawn said after a moment of silence. “It meant a lot that you let my team come with us.”

“Of course. They work their ass off for you, I know mine does. They deserve fun, random days in the city.” You waved you hand in dismissal. “Besides, you friends are awesome. I had a lot of fun with them today too.”

“Just them?” He asked, stepping closer to you until he was inches away.

“Well, I guess you played a part in it too.” You whispered. A small, soft smile appeared on his face. The two of you just stood there, chest to chest now, in your own little bubble. His eyes going back and forth between your lips and eyes. One of his hands gently grabbed your hip, pulling you as close as possible while the other made its way to cup your cheek. His thumb gently brushing it. Finally, Shawn begins to lean into you.

“What is taking so long?” Chris yelled from the living room, causing the peaceful bubble to burst. You sighed in annoyance.

“Coming.” You softly yelled back. Shawn’s hand dropped from your cheek, but before he stepped away, you kissed his cheek. “Soon, Rockstar.” You promised before stepping away and gathering the popcorn and other snacks, making your way into the living room. Shawn stood there in a daze for a moment, before smiling big. Soon.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The next afternoon could be described as one thing and one thing only. Hell. Everyone was in a frantic frenzy, running all over the penthouse. It didn’t help that you were exhausted from the all-day outing yesterday and late-night movie marathon that took place after. Apparently, you could not just watch one Harry Potter movie. Nope, it had to be three.

Now here you were, sitting on the couch, slowly drinking your second cup of coffee. Already knowing you would be needing another one. Everyone else in the background, setting up everything needed to make you pretty. And judging by the reflection you saw in the mirror; it was going to be a challenge. There was even a camera from Vogue here filming the entire process.

“Uh, what are you doing?” Stacy all but screamed. She didn’t even let you breathe before continuing. “We have 5 hours until you have to be walking across that carpet, and it is going to take an hour to get you in the dress and out the door and you are just sitting there, drinking coffee? Ass, shower, now”

“She took my coffee.” You whispered to Angie. Angie patted your shoulder.

“I’ll make you another. Go shower before she comes back.” You did what you were told because no one wants to face Stacy’s rage. Once you were out of the shower and into a robe, Chris led you to the makeup chair. It was like a swarm of people immediately getting to work. Simultaneously, Chris started drying your hair, Stacy start doing a skin mask to prep your face and your hands was pulled as your nails started getting painted.

“Do not touch your face.” Stacy instructed as she finished applying the mask. You nodded and began scrolling through social media to pass the time. A minute later, however, you phone started ringing.

Curly-Haired God is requesting to face time. Those words sent you into a slight panic since the two of you almost kissed last night; since you promised him it would happen soon enough. Oh, and your face looked like a monkey splatter mud all over it.

“Hey.” You finally answered. Shawn paused, trying not to laugh. “Don’t laugh at me. Stacy pretty much threatened me to do what she says.”

“I’m not laughing at you.” Shawn said, but you see his mouth twitching. However, he didn’t even try to hold it in, and his laughs filled your ears. You rolled your eyes but smiled. He had such a cute laugh.

“Was there are reason you called, Mendes?” He finally stopped laughing but his smile was still there.

“Yeah, did you know we are sitting at the same table?” You got excited.

“Wait, really? Oh my god, sweet! Who else is sitting with us?” You asked.

“I only know Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth.”

“We are going to have a dope ass table.” You concluded. Shawn nods in agreement. However, the moment was ruined by non-other than Stacy.

“Say goodbye.” Stacy said. You looked at her and pouted. “No, no, no. Put those eyes away and say goodbye, we have to get you ready.” You nodded.

“I’ll see you later?” You asked.

“How will I find you?” Shawn teased.

“Oh, trust me, you won’t be able to miss my dress.” You smirked before waving goodbye and hanging up. Stacy began taking off the mask as Crystal got all the makeup ready. You other hand started to get painted as well. Now, you simply leaned back and let yourself get pampered.

++++++++++++++

“Is it too late to eat something?” You were ignored by every single person as the small army was getting you into the dress. It was truly beautiful. It was a Zac Posen design; it was a light, sky blue gown that flared out passed the waistline. It was your own Cinderella dress. The best part was that it completely lit up, but it also made it a struggle to get in, so nothing shifted.

Your makeup was done amazing perfectly. Y/E/C standing out at the dark, navy blue eyeshadow that surrounded it. “I want to be a Targaryen” was all you told Chris about your hair and he did not fail. It was loosely curled into waves and had a complex braid wrapped the back. Stacy came over with the famous baby blue jewelry boxes.

“These are beautiful.” You gasped as Stacy started placed the three-layered choker around your neck before placed another one, that was thicker and almost looked braided, right above the other. A series of diamond, ring bands were wrapped around your fingers; all random widths. You decided to do simple, small studs for earrings. The last piece was a bracelet that resembled the three-layered necklace. All the pieces were very elegant but simple, so the attention isn’t away from the dress. Angie held onto you as the see-through high heels were placed on your feet.

“Are you nervous?” The Hailey, from Vogue asked from the side.

“A little. These kinds of things are a really big deal. I’m always more nervous for the publics comments because I don’t ever want to be like out of theme or anything. The critics and even just general people are really judgement if you don’t fit the theme.” You explained “But I completely trust Zac and I am in love with this dress.”  

“Who are you most excited to see tonight?” Hailey asked.

“Kim Kardashian West. I love her and she is a really good friend of mine. She actually called me like a week ago because she found out that Zac was my designer, so she was really excited to see what I was wearing. I’m excited to see her because she is the cover girl and she’s wearing Mugler, who is amazing.” You answered as you gather some things you would need for the night.

“Alright, we need to be out the door now people.” Angie said.

“Let’s go to the Met.” You smiled at the camera before carefully walking out the door.

+++++++++++

The flashes were constant. Shouting was coming from every direction as you made you way down the pink carpet. You’ve been on the pink carpet for about ten minutes now and so far, everything was going great. You weren’t going to light the dress up until you got closer to the end of the carpet. Thankfully, the photo portion doesn’t last long.

“Y/N! Oh my god. Hi” Liza waved from her spot mid-way up the stairs.

“Hi.” You greeted once you were in front of her

“Wow. Okay, look at you. So, tell me about what you are wearing.” She said after a moment of fangirling.

“It by Zac Posen. It really is just incredible. I told him, jokingly, that I wanted to feel like a princess, but he made that his inspiration and added his own twist to it. Look.” You said, before pressing the small button on the side of your waist. The entire dress lit up softly from the blue lights embedded inside it. The crowd from behind instantly gasped in shock at the new feature of the dress. More people trying to get more pictures.

“WOW.” Liza gasped. “Now, Endgame has premiered, we won’t spoil anything, but what is next in your career?”

“I really don’t know.” You honestly answered. “I’ve been acting since I was 10 years old and I am forever grateful for everything that has happened to me and how amazing the whole MCU has been and what we created. I am looking forward to a break where I get to just travel where I want and be with my family and friends; if I find a project along the way, then that’s great.” Liza nodded.

“Well that sounds like a great plan. You really have made a great name for yourself and anyone would be lucky to have in their movie or show.”

“Thank you so much.” Her attention went behind you and before you could turn to see what she was looking at, a hand gently laid on your back.

“You weren’t wrong when you said I couldn’t miss your dress.” Shawn said as he came into your line of vision. You smiled as you looked him over. Damn, he looked good. Like really good.

“You look great. Your hair! Let me see.” You said, grabbing his head to turn his head to the side so you could see it better. “I love it.”

“Thanks.” He blushed. “You are absolutely stunning.” The two of you completely forgot about Liza and the camera, simply staring at each other with soft smiles.

“It’s great to see you again, Shawn.” Liza said, breaking the silence. You stepped away slightly.

“Sorry I should keep moving, it was nice talking to you Liza.” You bided goodbye to her before turning to Shawn. “I’ll see you inside.” With that, you walked away, heart beating uncontrollably. Unknown to you, Shawn’s eyes didn’t leave your retreating figure until it was out of sight. Damn, she looked breathtaking.

Inside was even crazier than the carpet. Everyone’s attention turned to you as you walked in. It was quite nerve-racking but what else would you expect when you were literally glowing. As you made the way to your table, you stopped and mingled. About every 30 seconds, someone approached you, designer and celebrity.

“This is fabulous.” Kim said as she approached you. You smiled as you looked over her outfit. It was gorgeous. The silicon dress fitting her like a glove, the jewels representing water droplets.

“Me? Look at you.” You gestured. “This is amazing. How can you even breathe?”

“Oh, I can’t. And I am praying that I don’t have to pee because this corset isn’t coming off for a while.” She laughed and you with her. “I can’t help but wonder, what is going on with you and Shawn Mendes?”

“I don’t know what you are talking about.” She just gave you a look. “Ugh, I don’t know. He’s so sweet and funny, and god, have you seen him? Don’t get me started and when he performs?”

“What are you waiting for then?”

“The right moment, I guess.” You shrugged. Kim smiled.

“Trust me, the right moment doesn’t happen unless you make it.” You were silent for a moment. She was right.

“When the fuck did you get so wise?” You laugh.

“Law school changes you.” She joked. The two of you got some photos taken by one of the photographers before parting ways. Finally, you made you way to the table you were assigned too. Miley and Liam were already standing near it.

“Thank god, I haven’t sat down in like 2 hours.” You said after greeting them. The three of you sat down and began talking about random things as you waited for everyone to settle and the event to get started. A few more people joined the table, most your recognized. Shawn took his seat next to you, his hand brushing against your back once again. He greets everyone at the table before turning slightly to face you.

“You really do look stunning.” He whispered as the event started on the stage. You blushed.

“Thank you.”

The night continued on. Dinner was served and conversation were held. Cher did an iconic performance that sent everyone into a buzz. Now, you were slowly going through the museum gallery, looking at all the pieces. Hailee Steinfeld was walking next to you, taking about random things or what you liked in the gallery.

“A certain tall, Canadian hasn’t stopped looking at you.” She commented.

“You are the second person tonight to mention him.” You comment back. She grinned.

“Well, I’m not one to believe social media but you two look like you’ve got some chemistry going on.” Hailee explained. You didn’t say anything back, just smiling as you continued to walk the gallery.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

If you thought earlier was hell getting ready, then you were wrong. Everyone rushed around you once again to get you ready for the afterparty. Finally, though, the dress was off, and you could breathe; mostly in relief that you didn’t ruin the dress. As everyone got what they needed, you went into your room to have a minute alone. It didn’t last long before you phone rang though. You answered without looking to see who it was.

“Hello?” You answered as you laid back.

“Hey.” Shawn’s voice softly came through. Immediately, you could tell something was wrong by his tone.

“Are you okay?” You asked softly. Shawn let out a shaky breath.

“Actually, I know it’s a lot to ask but is there any way you wouldn’t want to go to the afterparty and maybe just hang out? It’s just my anxiety is kind of getting to me and-“  

“Shawn, of course we can just hang out.” You interrupted. “It’s not at all a lot to ask.”

“Thanks. I’m really happy you said that because I’m in the lobby” He shyly said. You laugh.

“Come on up. I’ll tell everyone.” You make you way back into the living room after throwing on leggings and a big hoodie. “Hey, I’m not going to the afterparty.” You said loudly, making everyone freeze.

“Uh, what?” Angie asked.

“I’m not going to the afterparty. Shawn is coming over to hang out.” You said as a knock sounded through the room. You quickly answered it, seeing Shawn standing there in a hoodie and sweats. You opened the door wider, gesturing for him to come in.

“Thank you, again.” Shawn whispered. You grab his hand, hoping to give some comfort.

“You don’t have to thank me Shawn.” You led him towards the living room. Everyone was still standing where you left them.

“You’re really serious?” Chris asked. You nodded. “Okay, less work for us.” Chris shrugged before placing the comb down and threw himself on the couch. You laughed before leading Shawn down the hall, into your room.  He sat on the bed as you stood in front of him, still holding his hand. Despite the size, it fit nicely around your own.

“Are you okay?” You asked. He nodded.

“Just a lot of people at the Gala, lots of questions.” He explained. You stayed quiet. “Actually, there was a lot of questions about you.” He confessed. Your eyes widen.

“You too, huh?” You laughed lightly. “This can wait. How about we order some food and maybe finish that Harry Potter marathon?” You suggest. Shawn smiles and nods. You call in the food as Shawn gets the movie started. While he was distracted, you rush and grab all the blankets you can find.

“Let’s get the movie night started.” You throw the blankets on top of the soft giant that laid across the bed. You lay down next to him and pressing play on Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Grabbing the blankets, you lay them all across the bed, snuggle under them. No words were said, both entranced by the movie you’ve seen many times but it’s a work of art.

“Here’s the food.” Chris quietly said, placing the two pizza boxes, an order of wings, and a cookie down on the bed. He even brought plates and water for you. You smile in thanks before he walks out. Shawn laughs when sees pizza.

“You really are always down for pizza, huh?” Shawn asked, as he sits up and grabs one of the boxes.

“Always.” You reply before grabbing a slice of your own and a few wings. The two of you ate and watched the movie. There was no pressure to talk; you were just enjoying each other’s presence.

You lay back down after eating as much of the food as you both could handle. This time, closers than before. The next movie began playing when Shawn shifted closer to you. You smile lightly before making a bold move and placing your head on his chest, snuggling into his side. Shawn sighed in content.

“What did you mean when you said, “You too” early?” Shawn asked. You tilted your head to look up at him.

“A few people asked me what was going on between us.” You explain, shrugging.

“And what is going on between us?” Shawn asked, looking down at you.

“All I know is, that I like you too much for it to be a friendship.” You confess. His eyes widen in shock but light up.

“What is I told you it was mutual?” He asked, smiling. You sit up and turn so you are facing him. His had grips your hip slightly, just like the previous night. Unlike last night, no one interrupted you. Your lips met his. Your hands cup his face as both of his move to wrap around your waist. This kiss was soft and sweet, nothing rushing either of you. Only pulling away when you needed to breath. He rested his forehead against yours, softly panting.

“Can I do that again?” He sweetly asked.

“I’d be upset if you didn’t.” He did and it was better than the first. 

Tag List: @yourwonderbelle , @neralondon  ,@bensbuttercup , @andibecamethestars , @feliciaceciliamariajacobsson , @winterin127

[scarletraven1001]

Linked: Chapter 5

Summary: Bulma and Vegeta begin to truly understand their feelings, with a little help from their friends.

Previous Chapters:  1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Also on Ao3.

8-8-8-8-8

Note: I am sooo sorry for this incredibly late update! Some of you may remember that I had gotten really sick soon after posting the last chapter of this, but now that I am better, I am back!

I hope you enjoy this, and as always, feedback gives me liiiiife.

8-8-8-8-8

Chapter 5: Synced

8-8-8-8-8

“Hello?”

Bulma held the phone to her cheek with her shoulder as she tried to answer the call and sort through the growing pile of papers on her desk.

“Good morning. Am I speaking to Ms. Bulma Briefs?” asked the voice on the other line.

“Yes, this is Ms. Briefs. May I ask who is on the line, please?”

“Ms. Briefs, I am Dr. Gero from NRRU, the New Red Ribbon University,” he said, making Bulma straighten in her seat, papers forgotten as she quickly grabbed the phone with both hands.

NRRU was a premier academic and research institute, and she knew of Dr. Gero through the several books he had written on nuclear physics.

“What can I do for you, Dr. Gero?” she asked, her heart leaping within her chest.

“We had received a recommendation for you from one of our colleagues, and I wish to ask if you would be interested in coming in for an interview to fill a job vacancy as a Research Fellow for our Physics Department?”

Her jaw fell slack, mouth open in shock, as she digested what she had just heard.

She had just been asked to try for a post at freaking NRRU.

She nearly wheezed, one hand flying to her chest to keep her heart from ripping straight through her rib cage.

This… was unbelievable…

And she knew exactly who had made it possible.

“Ms. Briefs? Are you still there?”

“Yes!” she yipped, before she cleared her throat and tried to answer with a smidge more dignity. “Yes, Dr. Gero. I am still on the line. And I am, of course, very interested regarding your offer for an interview.”

“Alright then, have you a pen and paper? Please take down these details,” Gero said, and Bulma made a mad scramble for a pen to take down the interview details, now set for three days away.

She thanked him profusely before she practically flew to HR to file for a day of vacation leave, and as she sat back down on her desk, she had the widest smile on her face, immediately alerting Chichi.

“What’s up, Bulma?” she asked.

“Oh, nothing.”

“Bull crap,” replied her friend. “You have been morose for days. Ever since- well, ya know…”

And she did.

When she and Vegeta had agreed to part ways, she had know it would be difficult, but never imagined that it would be so all-consumingly painful.

She wholeheartedly blamed the marks, as she knew that it was the stupid things that caused her so much grief, but she couldn’t help but wonder if maybe…

Maybe…

Maybe she had really been falling for him, Soulmate or not.

He was intelligent, handsome, determined to succeed and unconventionally caring… things that she had always known that she wanted in a man, but had never found until he came along.

And in her – their – stubbornness, they had pulled away from each other before they could discover what they truly had brewing, because both were overly cautious about being manipulated by a fate that they cannot control.

She snapped out of her thoughts when Chichi reached forward to hold her hand, and Bulma’s lips quivered when she spied the pitying sadness in her friend’s gaze.

“Bulma,” Chichi hesitated. “Don’t you think that maybe you should-”

“No, Chi,” she said, cutting off a sentiment that had been repeated to her several times already.

“But…”

“I am not gonna ask him to come back,” Bulma said. “This… this is nothing! I’ve just hit a bit of a snag, but I’m gonna be fine.”

Chichi looked unconvinced, but nodded, pulling her hand back.

Chichi smiled with forced brightness as Bulma did the same, asking again, “So, why were you so happy just now?”

Bulma excitedly told her about the phone call, expecting Chichi to be as ridiculously happy as she was, but Chichi just frowned again.

“What? Why do you look so sad?” she asked.

“Because… well, can’t you see, Bulma,” she responded haltingly. “This was Vegeta’s doing. He is still looking out for you. And if that isn’t a sign of true affection, I don’t know what is.”

“Chichi, I can’t just accept that he’s the one, all because of a dumb tattoo-”

“It isn’t, though!” Chichi exclaimed, suddenly standing up, hands balled into tiny fists at her side. “You are self-sabotaging, as usual!”

Bulma’s eyes widened, and she was about to say something when Chichi held a hand up to her to silence her.

“You always give up before you can start. You find a negative sign before you see the go-signal,” Chichi ranted. “You have sacrificed everything for everyone else, and have gotten so used to compromising that you have never tried to take a risk for yourself!”

“Chichi-”

“Do ya think Goku and I had it all so easy?” she asked, raising a hand up to pinch her eyes in frustration. “You know what he’s like. He wasn’t ready to settle down. He didn’t even seem to understand what it meant! But I knew that I wanted him, and I fought, Bulma. I wanted that man, I fought for him, and now I have never been happier.”

“It’s not the same thing!” Bulma protested. “You and Goku fell in love with each other-”

“Didn’t you?”

Bulma paused, stunned.

Did she?

Did she actually, really fall for Vegeta?

“Maybe you need to see him again, Bulma. Or talk to him. Just one more time… Your soulmate mark has been wilting so badly lately and… maybe if you talk to Vegeta again, you can use that as your guide.”

Bulma looked down at her arm, where her soulmate mark looked like a branch of wilted leaves, the previously bright scarlet lines now a fading, brownish red.

Her mark looked as miserable as she felt…

“Maybe… maybe after this interview. I just need some more time,” Bulma said.

Chichi smiled sadly at her, leaning down to once again hold her hands in hers.

“I wish you luck, Bulma.”

And Bulma knew, that Chichi was not just talking about the interview.

8-8-8-8-8

NRRU was massive, and Bulma was in heaven as she looked around at the high-tech cars and freshly-painted buildings comprising the Scientific Research Department.

Dr. Gero, a kindly old man with long gray hair, was an amazing person, and Bulma somehow managed to answer all his questions in spite of her rioting nerves.

The fact that Gero was so supportive helped a lot, and nearly an hour after they had shook hands as they met, Gero leaned back in his chair with a very fond grin.

“You really are as brilliant as I had been told you were,” Gero said. “Then again, coming from this colleague of mine, I knew that his recommendations are valuable, as he is rather hard to impress. And you really impressed him, Ms. Briefs.”

Bulma hesitated, before she asked, “I just wanted to confirm… I was referred to you by Mr. Vegeta Ouji, am I correct?”

“Yes, and I should give him a call to thank him. This interview we just had was one of the most entertaining ones I have had in years!”

She beamed, “Does this mean that I pass your screening then, Dr. Gero?”

He nodded. “I shall be forwarding the results of this interview to our Recruitment team, and I will be asking them to expedite your paperwork. I think you will be an asset, Ms. Briefs, and I am looking forward to working with you.”

Bulma wanted to cry from how happy she was, disbelief running along with her unparalleled excitement.

“Thank you so much, Dr. Gero,” she said. “I am so excited, and I am really going to do my best here, I promise.”

Gero stood up, and both of them reached forward to shake hands.

However, as they did, Bulma noticed something strange…

Gero’s sleeve had ridden up, and she saw that his arm was riddled with a pale, ash gray tattoo that was in the vague shape of a butterfly.

Gero noticed her gaze, and with a fatherly smile, he moved to pull his sleeve up, exposing him arm to her.

“Is that…” Bulma began.

“My Soulmate Mark,” Gero confirmed. “Back in the day, this was in the form of a lovely golden butterfly.”

Bulma swallowed, unsure, but curiosity won over and she asked, “Did it also start to fade when you rejected your Soulmate?”

Gero’s eyes widened at her question. “Rejected?”

She nodded, confused.

The old Doctor smiled, shaking his head. “I did not reject my Soulmate. She was my wife, for many years, and this mark turned into this… after she passed away.”

“I am so sorry…”

“It was quite a few years ago, and she left me with my wonderful son, who is working in the NRRU Robotics Department,” he smiled, before he asked, “What made you believe that I had rejected my Soulmate, Ms. Briefs?”  

With an embarrassed blush, she pulled her sleeve up to show him her own wilting tattoo. “My… my mark turned into this after my Soulmate and I parted ways. We weren’t quite sure of each other…”

Gero frowned. “Ms. Briefs… the way your mark has reacted… that is not how the Marks react to rejected or unfit Soulmates.”

She furrowed her brow at him, curious.

“If you and your Soulmate find yourselves incompatible, the Marks would change from their original state, but would not transform into more complex patterns,” he explained.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, that the way your Mark looks, is how it would if both your heart and soul have found your match, but you have been made to part ways,” he said kindly, a fond smile on his lips. “The mark would have grown beautiful, but after you left your Soulmate, it faded, as if your soul was in mourning… just as mine mourns every single day after I had lost my dear wife.”

Bulma gaped, stunned. “This means… that my Soulmate… is also the man for my heart?”

Gero’s smiled widened. “I suggest that you try to be with him again. No spat is worth not being with your Soulmate. Believe me, Ms. Briefs… if you return to him, it would be the best decision you will ever make.”

She felt the tears gather in her eyes, and she nodded, mind made.

“Thank you Dr. Gero,” she said sincerely. “Both for this opportunity, and for the advice.”

Within minutes, she was racing out of the university, determined to make things right…

She was going to get her Soulmate back.

8-8-8-8-8

Back in NRRU, an old gray-haired Physics expert was grinning as he dialed the number of a certain colleague in the EASA.

“Yes,” came the curt reply.

“Boy, I suggest you get your butt moving back to that city,” the doctor said. “That young lady looks just as miserable as you do.”

“Dr. Gero-”

“Vegeta,” he said, a note of warning in his tone. “Remember our discussion about Entropy?”

8-8-8-8-8

Bulma sighed, feeling stupid.

She had just realized that she didn’t have Vegeta’s number.

“For a smart person, I sure can be dumb,” she muttered as she sat on her bed in the wee hours of the morning, sleepy but unable to sleep, scrolling helplessly through her phone contacts.

How the hell did she never think of getting his number?

She would have to ask Piccolo if he had it.

She needed to talk to Vegeta. She needed to have him with her again.

As the thought filled her mind, she felt a small tingle begin to run up her arm, like a slither of a current moving beneath her skin.

She placed her phone down on the center table, glancing at her arm…

Her eyes widened, and she brought her arm up close to her eyes, squinting.

The mark had changed, the first visible movement that Bulma had seen since she last saw Vegeta.

The pale red that she had been used to seeing lately had shifted, as if a light had been injected into it from the inside. It bled into a deeper, brighter shade, from the very bottom line that slashed across her wrist to the edges of the wilted leaves along her arm.

A pulse ran through her as she watched the changing colors, and a strange sensation crept up from her chest, as if waiting anxiously for something that was sure to happen…

A sudden knocking sound startled her, and she shook her head to clear it as her addled brain slowly realized that the sound was coming from the front door.

Lost in thought, she walked robotically towards it, but as she turned the knob, she didn’t peer through the peephole to see who had come knocking.

She pulled the door open, and her heart nearly stopped at the sight that greeted her…

Painfully familiar dark hair in riotous flame-like waves, a sharp widow’s peak that accentuated severe dark eyes… whose penetrating gaze went through her like shards of lightning, making her heart beat a thunderous rhythm within her chest…

She trembled, overwhelmed; her hands slowly raised to hold in a sob that threatened to break through her lips…

She choked on his name as her eyes greedily roved his form, grateful for the chance to see his frowning face and his muscular body clothed in a simple white button-down shirt and blue denim jeans.

She clutched her throat as she finally found her voice, but now it was her mind that began to claw for something to say.

Yet, she came up blank, and the only thing she managed to do was choke out a single word.

“Vegeta…” she called softly, eyes searching his as he stared intently at her.

He too opened his mouth as if to speak, but quickly snapped it shut, his brows furrowing so low as his brilliant brain cast around for his thoughts, and just as she had begun to think that he was also coming up empty, he growled.

“Entropy,” he said, making her grimace in confusion.

Of all the things to say, she never expected that.

“What?” she asked, lost.

“We were too hasty. We rushed through our inferences and came to incorrect conclusions,” he said, his words stumbling quickly, one after another.

“Vegeta, are you alright? You’re not making sense-”

“We’re not in chaos, Bulma. We just need to analyze our degree of entropy,” he said, eyes now wide and unreasonably bright. “We have a bit of disorder and randomness on our hands. But it is not the disarray that we had first seen it as.”

Bulma was still lost, her confusion giving way to irritation as his cryptic words stirred up her already jumbled mind. “Why are we talking about physics at two in the morning?”

“Physics is our point of commonality, is it not?” he asked. “It seemed as if we were thrust into this strange situation in complete bedlam, but it is all simply random, and not really chaotic, isn’t it? May I come in?”

Dumbfounded, she nodded, wordlessly stepping aside as he moved past her and promptly took a seat on her couch, dropping a backpack on the floor beside him.

She moved to close the door behind him before she turned to face him once more.

Vegeta looked up at her then, brows furrowed together, and much to Bulma’s amusement, he gestured towards the chair, patting a spot beside himself as in inviting her to sit on her couch.

She chuckled in disbelief before she obliged him, promptly taking the seat beside him, her knees knocking softly against his when they both turned to face each other.

“Ok, Vegeta… I need you to slow down. What are you trying to tell me?” she asked gently, trying to placate the clearly manic man sitting before her.

He shook his head. “Bulma- This… Us. It is not as chaotic as we had thought. It was just that it had felt so random. It was just a seemingly random match-up, but if we sit still long enough to analyze it…”

He trailed off, staring intently into her blue eyes, a look akin to helplessness leaking from his dark gaze. “Randomization removes the risk of bias. If we had been left to our own devices to find our matches, we would have been stuck searching uselessly within a biased set, an easily-accessible control group that did not contain the variable that would yield the best possible outcome.”

Bulma sucked in a deep breath, her sleepy mind jolting awake as she finally began to understand what Vegeta was getting at.

“I suppose…” she started, gulping between unsteady breaths. “If we had searched by ourselves, we would only be able to look within our current environments, our separate crowds. We would never think to look beyond our own cliques and the people surrounding us.”

“Exactly,” he nodded. “And these Soulmate Marks… They were not random, after all. They were the most calculated things to have ever come to be. They were installed upon us by a higher power who knew that something-”

“Someone,” she corrected softly.

He stared harder at her, his eyes melting her from the inside and out, before rebuilding her, sculpting her into something that would only grow more beautiful beneath his hands.

“Someone,” he amended in a whisper. “Someone better for us… is out there, previously completely inaccessible to us both.”

“For who would think that my Soulmate would be a hotshot astronaut?” she agreed.

“And who would suspect that the woman I would someday fall in love with was a blue-haired academic writer stuck in a backward, sleepy city?”

She gasped, eyes going wide as his muttered question spread from her ears to every fiber of her form.

“In… in love?” she asked hoarsely, her breaths shallow in elated disbelief.

“I do not know how… neither do I know when,” he said earnestly, “But somehow, between the time I pushed you away from the path of a speeding car, and the time you spoke of your past to me in that small restaurant…”

She began to shake, and as if sensing her turmoil, Vegeta hesitantly, slowly, reached up to grasp her trembling hands within his larger, steadier palms.

“My... My heart,” he stuttered in a voice nearly too soft for her to hear, but Bulma knew that her own heart could have heard his words, even if her ears had not.

“Your heart…?” she egged on.

He swallowed, face simultaneously pale and flushed. “My heart… began to yearn for what my soul knew I needed. And… and…”

She hiccupped, and it was only as she tasted salt on her lips that she even realized that she had been crying in response to his words actions.

“Vegeta,” she spoke, trying to see him through her watery eyes.

She needed to watch him, see him clearly as she finally accepted what her spirit had known all along.

“I need you with me,” she said, her heart threatening to pound through her chest as she finally, finally understood. “You’re what I want. I was so stupid to try to reject it…”

“We both were,” he admitted. “Bulma, our minds were the only ones in chaos. We had been overthinking things-”

“And it conflicted with what we both could already feel,” she cut in. “And what I feel for you… Vegeta…”

She felt her arms begin to burn from her Soulmate Mark, but the sensation was not painful…

On the contrary, the flowing fissures of energy felt invigorating, divine…

And as Vegeta moved closer, taking her face in his palms as his thumbs wiped away the tracks of her tears, Bulma surrendered to the all-encompassing knowledge that, gods and tattoos aside, this man was the man for her.

Her hands clutched at his arms as she trembled, as she felt his own body shake in response to her nearness, and compelled by the beauty of his lips, the depth of his eyes, she moved closer to him as he too reached down to clutch her against him.

Their lips met, his caress but a soft touch that felt like clouds upon her mouth, and Bulma closed her eyes with an eager moan as she felt him hold her tighter. His powerful hands felt sure, secure against her back as he pulled her to him, his mouth devouring her while she luxuriated in his warmth.

It was as if his kiss had filled her with light, as Bulma felt glorious in his arms, the shivers running through her pulling goosebumps beneath her skin.

Vegeta groaned, and she gasped as he deepened their connection, as he held her even tighter, and Bulma didn’t even consider resisting when he pushed her down to lay upon her couch.

His backpack on the floor was later joined by his shirt, her thin sleeping gown…

As they gave in to their hearts, to the songs of love ringing in their souls, the rhythm of their pulsing hearts serenaded them as they slowly, gently made love until the early morning light began to filter through her windows.

And when they woke up after their night of passion, both looked down upon their Soulmate Marks, smiling at each other as they realized that the leaves on the tattoos had come back to life, with flowers that were now in resplendently full bloom.

8-8-8-8-8

To be continued…

Read Previous / Read Next

[lovingdelusions]

Car Hop (Kevin Keller x Male! Jughead’s Brother! Reader)

Word Count:1,799

Kevin Keller was your everything. To him, you weren’t Jughead’s brother or Archie Andrews’ other best friend, you were you: someone who he loved so much that it hurt. Kevin had no problem showing anybody that he loved you, and that’s why you had to get him a promise ring. You had every intention of marrying Kevin Keller, and you wanted him to know that. 

Unfortunately, you were a bit tight on money. You had taken a job at Pop’s to earn some extra cash. You hadn’t told your brother or his friends because they were the worst when it came to keeping a secret. They thought that just because they got away with a few things meant that they were amazing liars. The only one who even held up a chance at keeping a secret was Cheryl. 

Tonight was going to be your last night working at the diner, but you loved this job. It paid decently, and skating was fun. Plus, it didn’t hurt that you got free milkshakes. 

“Y/N is-” Kevin started. The gang groaned. They knew what he was going to say. Kevin gushed about his boyfriend at every chance he could, and each time he’d start, it got more descriptive.

“Yeah, Kevin. Y/N is so sweet and sooo hot. He’s amazing, and nobody will ever treat me better than he does. He’s too good for me. The little dips on his chest make me want to melt,” Cheryl said, rolling her eyes. Kevin pressed his hand to his chest and pursed his lips, clearly offended. 

“I was trying to say that Y/N won’t be able to make it tonight because he has homework to do,” Kevin said. He flipped off the amused eyes of everybody in the room. 

“Hey, what’s up with that?” Jughead asked. His brother had been skipping out on every plan they’ve made within the last month. It wasn’t like him to cancel out like that. 

Kevin shrugged. He thought nothing of it. Your last days at Riverdale High School were rapidly approaching, and you had yet to choose a college. Throughout most of your time in school, you didn’t focus much on grades but focused on your brother and Kevin. However, you knew that your grades were the one thing that would get you and your friends out of Riverdale, so you spent many weekends studying instead of getting caught up in the town’s drama. 

“You know, he has been acting a little suspicious lately,” Betty said. 

“His car wasn’t in the driveway when I left,” Jughead piped up. 

“Okay,” Kevin said. “Are you guys trying to convince me that my amazing and wonderful boyfriend is up to no good?”

The Northside gang looked at each other, glints in their eyes. Kevin groaned. He hated when they had ideas. Their ideas always led to laws being broken or immediate danger. Most times it was both. 

“We’re not saying that he’s cheating on you, but-” Veronica started. 

“No.” Kevin glared at them. “There’s no way that he’d ever do that. Don’t even suggest it.”

“But he’s probably doing something stupid and illegal,” Jughead said. Everyone looked at him, a bit shocked. Jughead and his brother were tightly knit, and out of the two of them, Jughead was the more mischievous brother. “What? Just ‘cause he’s the good child doesn’t mean he isn’t a Jones. The Jones’ are always up to something. Always.”

Kevin sighed. Before he could speak, Cheryl pitched in. “I already texted Toni to see if any of the Serpents have seen Y/N. And look! I’ve got an answer.”

It was too late to back down now. Everyone was already deeply invested in this, including Kevin. 

“What the fuck? Is that Joaquin?” Archie asked, squinting to make out the low quality picture. You and Joquain were sitting together in the corner of the Whyte Wyrm, and your faced was scrunched up. It must’ve been pretty serious.

Whenever Kevin talked about Joaquin, he could never look you in the eyes. Instead, he focused his attention on his shoes and unconsciously tapped his fingers against his thigh. He would sigh and take your hands in his. It broke your heart to see a usually confident person so vulnerable and frankly a little heartbroken. You never got angry at him even though he was still hung up on his last break up. Instead, you held him and peppered kisses to his face because you wanted him to know that you weren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

“Guys,” Kevin said. They looked at Kevin, waiting for him to wave it off as nothing, but he didn’t. “You now what this means, right? We have to go to the Whyte Wyrm right now.”

They smiled at him, knowing that he would come around. Quickly, the gang all piled into Cheryl’s car with Archie sitting in the trunk and drove to the southside.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

“Where is he?” Kevin asked, grabbing Fangs by the collar of his shirt. Their noses were touching, and Fangs began to sweat. He wasn’t supposed to reveal anything about your plan, and if he did, he’d probably end up like Jason Blossom. 

“Where is who?” Sweet Pea asked innocently. He was slightly amused because he knew Kevin meant no real harm. 

“You know who,” Veronica spat. “Y/N.”

“How daring for a Lodge to be here at this time of day,” Fangs said, avoiding eye contact with Kevin, though it was nearly impossible. 

“He said something about the sheriff,” Toni said. Sweet Pea and Fangs shot her a look, but she paid no mind to it. “I don’t know what Y/N has in store, but if it involves the sheriff, then it must be something really illegal or dangerous.”

“Thanks, babe,” Cheryl said, pressing a kiss to Toni’s cheek before they departed. 

“What?” Toni said. Fangs was looking at her incredulously. Was she afraid of anything? 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Heyyyyyyy, dad,” Kevin said, stumbling into his office. Sheriff Keller stared as his son and his nosy friends all clambered into his office. Knowing them, they were most likely getting into business they didn’t need to be involved in. 

“What is it?” Sheriff Keller replied gruffly. 

“Have you seen Y/N by any chance?” Archie asked, trying to be nonchalant about it. He was leaning against a filing cabinet and lost his balance, falling and taking a whole drawer of files down with him. 

“No, I haven’t,” the older man sighed. “Andrews, will you please stop trying to destroy everything?”

“Officer Keller, please,” Jughead said. “We’re afraid that my brother may be getting into something that could get him killed. We just want to know that he’s safe.”

The older Keller recognized when he was being played, and Jughead Jones had just pulled the sibling card on him. Unfortunately, he didn’t want to wait all night to keep them away because now he had a case to solve and a filing cabinet to rearrange. 

“I assure you that whatever Y/N is doing is perfectly safe. Now, please, go to Pop’s and get a burger or something. You can’t cause trouble if you’re eating,” Sheriff Keller said, subtly hinting at your location. 

“Fine,” Kevin huffed. 

“What am I going to do with him?” Officer Keller said, rolling his eyes. 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“I’m starving,” Archie complained. “Can we actually go to Pop’s?”

“When are you not hungry, Andrews?” Cheryl said, glancing at him in the mirror. “Alright, we’ll go. I’ve been craving a strawberry milkshake anyways.”

It was almost midnight by the time they arrived at the diner, so they called in their orders and waited for someone to come out. 

You yawned, happy that your shift was almost over. You would be able to cuddle with Kevin and sleep for a few hours before beginning your next shift. Right as you were about to leave, Pop Tate whipped up the food and put in a bag for you to bring to the customers. 

You skated out to the parking lot, not paying attention to whose car it was and knocked on the window. You began to repeat their order to confirm if it was correct when you were interrupted. 

“Y/N?” Betty said. You snapped your head up from the receipt. 

“Uhhhhhhh,” you said. You were at a loss for words. “Double cheeseburger with three strawberry milkshakes and two orders of fries?”

“Since when do you work at Pop’s?” Kevin asked. 

“Hey! Kevin!” you exclaimed. There was no use in denying it now. You had been all over town, trying to make sure that the ring you had in your pocket was perfect. Even though you had a slight grudge against Joaquin, he was really close to Kevin, and he would know if this was right for him. You knew that Kevin’s dad loved you as if you were his own son, and he respected you more when you asked his permission to give Kevin a promise ring. “Baby, can you get out of the car for a second? I need to talk to you.”

Kevin dreaded this moment. He knew that your relationship was too good to be true. You would leave him like Joaquin. Wait, were you going to leave with Joaquin? Although he was internally panicking, he kept a blank face as he stepped out of the car. 

You got down on one knee, bringing the jewelry box out. 

“Holy shit,” you heard your brother mutter. 

“Kevin Keller. I love you so, so much. You are the light of my life, and everyday, I find something new about you that makes me fall more in love. Your eyes sparkle brighter than any star, your lips are softer than any flower petal. You’re so confident and sarcastic and amazing. I know that we’re too young to get married now, but I promise you that one day, Kevin Keller will become Kevin Jones. So. . . .” you trailed off, not knowing how to end it. Your heart was close to jumping out of your chest as you waiting for Kevin’s reply.

“God dammit, Y/N,” Kevin sobbed out. How could he have ever thought you were going to leave him?

You panicked, scrambling to get off of your knee, but Kevin wouldn’t let you. He took you in his arms and buried his face into the crown of your head. 

“Yes,” he said, through his tears. “I love you, my handsome Prince.”

The gang cheered as you two kissed. Sliding the ring on his finger, you lifted him off the ground without separating and carried him to your car. You were going home to sleep with your future husband. 

Bonus:

“Uh, guys?” Archie asked, still in the trunk. “Don’t get me wrong, this is touching and everything, but I’m still pretty hungry.”

[jumphq]

Post-Mortem, Sparrow Tour 2018

This was a month that felt like four months. I don’t mean that in a bad way. I mean that in the amazing way that doing all sorts of brand-new things and being very much in the moment seems to slow down time. There are articles written about this phenomena, actually: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-empowerment-diary/201705/how-slow-down-time. According to this article, the reason September went by so freaking meaningfully is that we were bombarding ourselves with Firsts. First big tour in support of Sparrow. First time in a long time heading back to the Northeast and Midwest. First time I had to add an actual keyboard to the list of instruments I bring on stage, and within that one instrument there were dozens of sounds I had to reproduce. Etcetera, etcetera.

We worked hard. I don’t know if it’s readily ascertainable that being in a rock and roll band is tons of work by looking at one. It’s fun work, usually, but has its moments of being very intense. Especially when a new album comes out. There is radio to do in the mornings, interviews scattered during the day, loading in and out of venues, and we added soundcheck meet & greets that meant that once we arrived in a city, we were going to be working from then until show, basically.

It’s so fulfilling, though. I am the kind of person that works hard, all the time. I push and push myself (sometimes for no seeming reason), and am frustrated and disappointed with myself when I don’t get enough done. I would be classified as a “type-A” person, and I don’t mind. But sometimes I’m just working on “things” that I’m not as passionate about. An eight hour day of working on something I’m not emotionally connected to is much more tiring than working sixteen hours a day on something I believe in and care about. Being in JLC is that kind of job.

We needed every second that we had to put this tour together. These new songs are hardto play. There is so much going on in each and every song on Sparrow. Not necessarily more than on earlier recordings, but keep in mind that we never had to re-learn songs after other albums; we had been playing them live forever before we got to the studio and didn’t change them much after. There has always been a “live version” and a “studio version” of early Jump songs.

Not this time. Jay spent a crazy amount of time accessing the original recording files and turning his voice and Ward’s cello parts into samples that I could play on the keytar. While Evan didn’t really want to play to tracks, he add some electronic drums to his repertoire to approximate some of the parts live. Ward brought two guitars on tour for the first time, and Johnny played not only electric bass but a beloved new Moog Phatty. It was complicated, felt a little bit fragile, at first, but once we got the hang of things it was fun.

Hurricane Florence, while not visiting Charleston, still brought chaos to the city. There was anxiety felt wondering whether we’d be hit and how that would affect our practice. Shops and roads started closing down and we made a move so the entire band could be close by in case of flooding. In the end we were very very lucky, but there were still repercussions for us. We were trying to fulfill our PledgeMusic items, to get them sent out before tour, but this didn’t happen because mail basically shut down in NC, SC, and GA. This put us a full week behind, and we spent the rest of the month trying to catch up on many things.

Even in the last few days of rehearsal we were all feeling a bit overwhelmed. We camped out at the Footlight Player’s Theatre and the goal was to have a “listening party”, a final rehearsal before we hit the road, and that night, to be honest, I was not ready. Lyrics weren’t memorized and I had to think way too much about parts and how to play them. We were being hard on ourselves, though, and the response was so encouraging afterwards I didn’t mind spending the rest of that week’s dinner breaks to get in some extra practice so that the songs could feel comfortable.

Once the shows began, a quick weekend to some of our favorites: Charlotte, Atlanta, Columbia, where we were starting to find our groove. Raleigh, though, and the Lincoln Theatre, was a special surprise. It was Sunday, we hadn’t had a day off in three weeks, we were exhausted. It wasn’t the largest crowd we’ve played to, but that show was so much fun. People there were there to have a good time, and it put us into overdrive. Thank you so much, Raleigh.

The next leg was in the Northeast (and DC, where I insulted many a mid-Atlantic inhabitant). We hadn’t been there in fifteen years, but every show was sold out or nearly so, and that made us feel so great. These shows were our first of the City Winery gigs, and they were good to us. Great sound, great food. There were many highlights, for me, up North. We had a duo of ASL interpreters in DC that had mad sign-singing skills, and were more fun to watch than we were. Our show at Le Poisson Rouge made us feel so sexy to sell out such a great place in the Big Apple. Performance-wise, the NYC show was my favorite performance-wise; I felt really “on” that night. The super-intimate punk-rock feel of Union Pool in Brooklyn was refreshing after the lovely but slightly clinical City Wineries. We had to put Wardie in a corner to fit on stage, and many Dirty Dancing jokes were necessary. Our old pal the Mommyheads came to play with us, and they were as good as they were 20 years ago. Lots of our fans came just to see them that night and I didn’t mind at all. We had a lovely evening off with three people that pledged for the album and got to go to a Dr. Who-themed bar with us. The trio couldn’t have been more interesting and fun to hang out with: the professional bassoonist, the research monitor, and the Facebook developer. Loved that evening, and Ward got to show off his hipster Brooklyn knowledge by taking us to great places for dinner and dessert.

And Chicago! My kind of town. Chicago was a big deal for me personally, because I knew that the audience was going to be made up of a lot of friends and family that had never seen the band before, never seen me in that light, literally. I was a little nervous about that show, and I rarely get nervous. I also wanted very much for Chicago to be the show that was 100% accessible to the d/Deaf and hard of hearing. City Winery worked so hard with me to provide CART real-time captioning for all the goofy stuff we said in-between songs. And the captioning of the lyrics was provided by my other passion job, CaptionPoint, built by my wife Lindsay and run by my dear friend Lora. It was even more successful than I had hoped, the captions looked great on both sides of the stage. It was the first time Lindsay had ever been able to fully experience a JLC show; I am sure that our stage patter was absolutely worth the wait.

Wow. As I’m writing this I realize again how relatively short the tour was: after Chicago there were only three more dates. But it felt like we did so much. We saw so many of you, talked to everyone as long as we could and took pictures. The “soundcheck parties” were so fun for us. Seeing everyone again was energizing, to me. I wished at times that I could have spent more time. You said such wonderful, heartfelt things, things that I heard very clearly and appreciated completely. I am honored that this band and music and community has meant so much to you over the years; you mean everything to us. When people told me that they liked Sparrow I knew they were telling the truth and not just making conversation. Nothing could have made us happier. Like I said: fulfilling.

Athens was a highlight: we hadn’t seen the GA Theatre since it burned in 2009. The renovation was beautiful. They managed to keep the vibe of the place while making it all so much…better. But the fans in Athens have always been a special breed and we could have played on the streets if that was the only way to get to them. In the new GA Theatre we didn’t have to.

And finally, the Charleston Music Hall. Our new home. Our new “Dock Street”, a place that just makes us feel like the chamber-pop stars we are. We will see you soon, CMH.

This post is a marathon. If you’ve gotten this far, you must be a fan of the band, so I appreciate it. I want to thank many people for making this tour and this year possible, because…contrary to pop belief, we are not a famous rock band with loads of cash and there were many many donated hours that made this tour work.

Our manager Vance’s sidekicks on the Crew were Nick Stewart, the Ultimate Intern, hazed by his boss into oblivion and seemed to love every minute. He sold you tee shirts this time, but he’s going to be running something big someday. Herbie Jeffcoat, monitors and front-of-house, the sweetest “country boy” (his words, but also true) you could want on your team. Especially funny this time was hearing Herbie converse in his potent Southern accent with the FOH in Boston with a potent accent of his own. Translators were required.

Mike Rogers: what a treat it is to have gotten to know you both as a professional sound engineer and family member. I think that if Dad and your Mom had a reason to work with each other growing up like Evan and I have with you, our families would be closer than they are. Let’s keep working at it.

Alison Kendrick! The person that would be sooo bad at being a ninja because she simply wouldn’t be able to be quiet because life is just SO MUCH FUN and worth every giggle: thank you. Teasing aside, Alison is a complete and utter professional, a doer but more importantly a Problem Solver, and I truly would not have been able to do all the things internet-related without you. Thank you for being a mentor and a real friend. If you’d like to work with Alison yourself, please go to akshouts.com

Our uncomfortably attractive lawyer Gabe Fleet is genuinely fun to hang out with, giving attorneys a good name. Old pal Josh Terry and his amazing team in Maddison and Jen at Workshop Management opened doors that are closed to most people so thank you for helping us walk through them. New friends Sue, Lindsay and Tyler at Stunt Company put us in front of the movers and shakers and some (NPR, Paste, American Songwriter) actually liked what they heard.

Chris Slack, you hold all the archival keys to our kingdom and are dear to us for much more than that. Nate Baerreis and Ed and Val Schooling Brantley made us look so cool, so often. How, we will never know. Thank you.

Thanks to our families who let us be gone as much as we have been, this year. Some of you haven’t experienced not having us around, and I know it was hard, but thank you for being so supportive. We love you.

And Chief “Not-Getting-Paid-What-He’s-Worth” is Vance McNabb, who is still working on this tour two weeks later and won’t be done for a while. There are no ways to thank you, V, except perhaps to find a way to make Sparrow huge so you can get a massive raise and hire tons of people to help you. So, we’ll work on that.

Actually…will y’all please help us work on that? If not for us, for Vance? Thank you. And thank you most of all, for letting us make this album. Sparrow is a beautiful thing to us and we’re so lucky that you wanted to hear it. We are lucky that we got to make it. But it isn’t over, is it? There are ways we can try to keep this machine going, if you are willing. More in another post.

[fleetofshippyships-archive]

WIP tag meme

aaah, I was tagged over 2 months ago by @parkkate O.O sorry for not doing this sooner @parkkate​ XD I’ve been offline for a few months! Just now catching up on everything I missed! but I’m ignoring asks for now because my inbox is a mess

The Rules: Post the names of all the files in your WIP folder, regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous.

I’m gonna cheat and only do this for my drarry wips, since I post everything else on another account now, and tbh I have so many drarrys it’s still gonna be a long ass post XD

Oh man *sweats nervously* I’m a bit of a hoarder in all aspects of my life...I don’t even know where to begin! 

I’m not tagging anyone cos I was tagged 2 months ago and I have no idea who has and hasn’t done this and don’t want to be a pain. But if you wanna do it, go a head, and please tag me so I can be nosy and hopefully find someone with a wip problem as bad as my own so I can be less embarrassed XD

Also I’m putting this under a cut for reasons

1. 4th year au idea 

Sooooo, right off the bat, I often open a new file to jot down an idea even though I have docs specifically to dump ideas...and then at some point during the process of jotting down basic details of the idea...I start writing it....? This is one such occurrence...but I had to open it to check...and now I want to keep writing it XD

But also yikes it’s super dark

2. ... 4th year au idea

I swear, this is an entirely different wip and I am going ‘wtf’ at myself because wtf that’s confusing! I had also totally forgotten the existence of this before opening it....probably because of the name of it and the only reason I apparently have 2 files the exact same name is that one is a word doc and one is a libre office doc XD

3. drarry character death idea

Soooo, I need to stop turning idea files into wips without changing the names because I actually forget they are wips apparently

Also, I really want to finish this RIGHT NOW IT HURTS SO GOOD GIMME GIMME GIMME

4. Veela fic followup

LOL LOL LOL I’m rewriting my veela fic so I don’t know what the fuck I’m going to end up doing with this XD I might have to try and merge it with the re-write if the story has a similar outcome when I’m done. or maybe I’ll just turn this into its own thing....

5. Veela fic present tense

I really need to get back to working on this, this is actually the full re-write that re-doing the tenses spawned...I was binge writing this before my life went to hell but then my life went to hell and I went offline for like three months and didn’t do any writing or anything XD

although, the last time I looked at it I got the itch to change it back to past tense so who fucking knows what I’ll do with it now

6. Veela fic Draco pov

Curse my obsession with alternate povs of the same story and Draco for being such a good angsty pov

7. Veritaserum idea start

At least this one has ‘start’ in it so I know it is in fact a wip and not just an idea outline XD

7. Veritaserum

So, turns out I started that fic over in a new file and just left the old one lying around XD I do that too often. I should delete that other one...

Also...this better not turn into another ‘Amortentia’ with me unable to think of a fucking title and going with the file name because lame

This is also my first time trying to do god’s eye 3rd person instead of 3rd person pov...also first time trying to do this weird structure thing...I dunno but I like it XD

8.  CTS followup

9. CTS sequel

Two separate followups set at different times in the same story verse... I hate myself. I love them both. I can’t pick which one to stop writing so I’m gonna keep them both around and try and make them merge at some point...

10. MMB saying sorry

11. another erase the shame

12. next erase the shame

I work on followups and lose interest so often (usually because people bug me for followups and I get very ‘fuck you’ about it and stop writing them...but I keep them around and tinker with them every now and then soooo they’re still technically wips

13. Tea and Coffee oneshot series (Tea and Coffee, Coffee and Dark Marks, The Cottage Kitchen, next untitled one)

There’s also a present tense version of the first one of those *sweats nervously* first 3 are finished, of course, but my original purpose is lost to them becoming a long fic soo....gonna merge them into one long fic soon...once I decide what tense I like better......kill me now

14. Communion of the Soul (folder name)

This is the sequel to One Touch and this is spread across 5 files because apparently I did that and even though each time I got to work on it I have to figure out which file holds which part of the sequel timeline and which I feel like working on...I have yet to merge them into one file to make my life easier...

15. Crumbling Facade

ugh working on this always makes me want to re-write restraint and actually put in the major plot line, or what was supposed to be Harry’s major plot line before the relationship crap got away from me and I had to cut out all the plot stuff because by the time I got around to addressing it, it started reading like a completely different fic and I had to cut a huge chunk and end it instead, because back then I sucked more than I do now and couldn’t juggle

sooo...I still work on this in starts and stops and then get frustrated for having to stick to Restraint’s chain of events when I have better ideas now for working in Harry’s plot about his damn magic problem and ARRGEHGEHGFVEDHDBVUIOFNBFKDB EFBVJ

I should just let Crumbling Facade take me where it wants to take me and fuck Restraint

16. Potter’s Insatiable Heart

This is my longest wip at 130k XD and I’m stalling now because if I keep going with it where I was intending to go it will end up my longest fic and I’m getting intimidated by the length and how much work it will be to edit that long of a fic so I just go in and write a few paragraphs now and again, get scared of the length and move on to another wip XD

I also periodically binge read this bitch because I love it to death even though it’s severely flawed XD

17. Corset Drarry

oh boy, when I started writing this this I was weirded out by writing a kink I didn’t understand and kind of tailed off and left it...then I did kinktober for voltron and now I’m laughing at myself because corsets and lingerie is so fucking tame after that kinktober list and all the the crap I wrote for it XD

18. Music in the Periphery

Emily bugs me about finishing this a lot...I bug me about finishing it, progress is non-existent because I have a clear plan for it and when I have a clear plan I can’t write for shit

19. Saying Sorry (Round 2) (MMB)

I gotta kick that habit of starting over with something but keeping the first attempt and still working on it parallel to the second attempt, because then I wind up with 2 fics too similar to each other to post both and I’m completely unable to pick which one I like more *facepalm*

Also, MMB is dead if I can’t stop turning the next fic attempts into angst, I just look at that big fluffy mess and want to angst it all up

20. scrapped MMB ficlets - theo’s letter

not technically drarry thought the greater series is drarry...torn between making it mmb or making it its own fic for a rare pair

21. Weather the Storm

*cries* my 6th year war au, I have such plans for this, but the plans get in the way of writing =(

22. Soulmate AU (folder name)

fucking hell, this is 10+ files and I’m not naming all of them, current count is 5 completed versions 60k+ each, 1 incomplete alternate version, all of which I’m seriously unsatisfied with, none of which I can bear to delete, all of which I periodically go and tinker with, thus leaving them all wips i’m such a fucking hoarder but also I have never gotten over all the awful comments that were on the original soulmate fic on ffnet before my purge and now I can’t ever be satisfied unless it is perfect and wont result in such horrible comments again

23. Turnabout (folder name)

Once again, multiple wips in here of the same 60k finished fic I’ve been unhappy with since the moment I finished it and keep trying to fix by starting over and changing things here and there to change the course of the story. Honestly ready to hit the delete button with this one unless my latest attempt pans out, liking it so far buuuut I’m a mess about my writing so who knows

In the Ways that Matter was based off this fic XD

24. Dependency 

Oh boy, I abandoned this cos it was so dark I got too uncomfortable writing it...I’ve since started revisiting it after being in the Voltron fandom gave me a new tolerance range for dark content XD

Plan on posting this on anon if I ever finish it, obviously changing the title XD it stopped being relevant after the first 30k anyway 

25. Dependency V2

LOL light version of the above that removes most of the dark aspects while maintaining the core plot, but I’m finding it a bit dull XD not sure how long I’ll keep trying to chug along with it

26. *censored title*

hahahaha omg why is this in a different subfolder, this is actually one of the soulmate au ones only it’s actually a spin off au of the original soulmate one I from ffnet and therefore it’s new ground and I’m less unhappy with it

.....I’m probably going to stop working on turnabout today and work on this instead now

(censoring the name because I might post this on anon because I’m too scared to post another drarry soulmate fic under my own name)

27. Retrospection

Sooo, I’m always on and off this fic cos it triggers my anxiety and depression, but fuck that I want to write it so I keep trying XD

I’m also thinking of splitting the two main plots and only going with 1 and using the other to write another story....see if that eases how difficult it is for me to write without self triggering

28. Sequel to mornings

29. Sunrise (loose prequel to mornings)

30. Surrender

I had no idea what this was, opened it and then holy shit THIS BITCH, THIS SLOW BURN FRIENDS TO LOVERS PIECE OF BULLSHIT. I DON’T WRITE SLOW BURN! I DON’T WRITE FRIENDS TO LOVERS. I REFUSE.

but also I really really really love what I wrote so far and now I’m itching to write more *cries* making this list is leaving me with so many open files to work on

31. day 2 ass worship

32. day 3 sensory deprivation

*laughs nervously* the kinktober oneshots that starting turning into a long fic hahahaha cos I really needed more wips

33. Perception of Angels

*wistful sigh* one day I will be able to finish a heavily plot driven story full of fantasy elements and creatures and magic I made up, and when that day somes, Perception of Angels....or that timetravel war au drarry fic idea I have sitting around.....which isn’t on this list only cos I’m not stupid enough to start writing it

So that’s all the drarry files in my wip folder.... I also have heaps more for other ships and fandoms, but I’m keeping that separate =)

And...now I have some writing to go do, cos after 2 months of being unable to write thanks to the bullshit in my life, I started binge writing again 2 days ago =) and opening a few of these to remind myself what they were has a lit a fire under my ass

[iliketowrite1996]

Royal Wedding Series: Engagement Party- T’Challa x Reader

The Engagement Party

TRIGGER WARNING: Mentions of Cyberbullying, no actual bullying though. Mentions of insecurity.

    ‘’Oooo, Miss Y/L/N! That ring!,’’ Blessing, a young girl who is the sopranos for your fourteen to sixteen year olds looks at your ring.

    ‘’It is beautiful!,’’ Efua, now twelve, beams up at you, tossing her box braids over her shoulder, ‘’Please! Tell us the story!’’

    It has been nearly a week since T’Challa proposed, and the first time that you showed the ring to your students. They had been asking you for details, and you promised that, if they got all of their work done and did not play around too much in rehearsals, you'd take some time off at the end of the day on Friday to tell them the story.

    Much to their delight, the day had finally come.

    ‘’Yes, please!.’’ more of the children demand playfully, their grins enticing you to delay the start of practice a bit.

    ‘’Alright,’’ you laugh, ‘’Then, it’s straight onto rehearsal for the end of the year concert, alright? So, it started off as an ordinary Saturday…’’

    Three hours later, you are done with the rehearsal, and the students are filing out one by one, making their way home and chit chatting with each other.

    ‘’Miss Y/L/N, may I walk with you,’’ Efua asks, grinning at you.

    ‘’Of course, Efua.’’

    In all honesty, you were on your way to the palace. T’Challa promised that your parents would be here in the evening and you wanted to get changed a bit before you see them.

    ‘’Miss Y/L/N,’’ you hear a familiar voice behind you as you finished packing your bag for the weekend.

    You look over to see none other than Ayo and Kya, a Dora Milaje warrior in training.

    ‘’Ayo, Kya, hello. Um, this is my student, Efua,’’ you gesture to her, but she is staring at the warrior women in front of her in awe.

    ‘’My future Queen,’’ Ayo gives you the salute, which you return ,’’We are here to escort you to the palace.’’

    ‘’I was on my way there now. Is everything alright? Have my parents arrived early?,’’ you ask, and Ayo is quick to reassure you.

    ‘’When you are queen, you will have one of us with you at all times. T’Challa thought it to be best if you begin this now so that it will be an easier transition when you do become Queen.’’

    ‘’Miss Y/L/N, you know the Dora Milaje. That is so cool,’’ Efua finally speaks.

    ‘’Indeed,’’ you smile down at her, ‘’I will be with you both in a moment.’’

‘’I understand if you can not walk me home,’’ Efua tells you as she watches the woman leave, ‘’But I think I want to change my mind about what I want to be.’’

‘’Oh you don’t want to be a journalist and a pilot,’’ you question, knowing how much she loves to write and loves to fly and how it has taken her forever to come to the conclusion she’d just have to do both, ‘’What do you want to be then?’’

‘’A Dora Milaje.’’

‘’My love, you look absolutely amazing,’’ T’Challa grabs your waist and presses a tender kiss to your lips.

‘’So do you. I like this on you,’’ you notice that he’s wearing a white jacket instead of his usual black one, and it just makes his skin look even more breathtakingly radiant.

Could he be any more beautiful?

‘’I adore this outfit on you,’’ he looks down at the Green jumpsuit with a skirt that Shuri had selected, ‘’And those heels… I thought you did not like heels.’’

‘’I do not, but these are very comfortable. Shuri designed them. They don’t make that click-clacking noise I hate.’’

‘’Did she call them ‘Sneakers’,’’ T’Challa raises an eyebrow, and you look at him confused.

‘’Yes, how did you know?’’

‘’Wild guess, beautiful. I Can't wait until I can be alone with you later. The Black Panther, finally alone with his beautiful wife.’’

‘’So do I take on a super cool, crime fighting alter ego as well,’’ I ask ,and he laughs.

‘’Yes,’’ he answers ,’’If you would like to do so. After all you and I, we are equals. Though I would ;like to maintain some traditional customs, if you feel like you have the need to help save the world and protect Wakanda, then go for it.’’

He is so loving.

Yes, you have your moments. You don’t always see eye-to-eye, and you’ve had small arguments and one huge fight. However, he has never made you feel like you were inferior. He knew you were battling your own insecurities, he knew the way some people judge your relationship, knew the heated conversations you've over hears when making your daily walk to work. While many people were accepting, there were a few that were not. There always where. Now, with the announcement of your engagement to the world, the hate comments had begun to flood in from every direction.

Not that you told him that. He had enough on his mind with policies and such, and protecting Wakanda. You can take care of yourself, and you’ll tell him if it is truly unbearable.

‘’Y/N…,’’ T’Challa begins, looking past you, ‘’You know that my mother adores you. As does Shuri. I just want to know what the plan will be if your parents do not like me.’’

That shocks you, because how could anyone not like him?

‘’Why would you ask that?’’

‘’It is a possibility. I am well aware of my own flaws, and I know that others are, too. I know that your family means a great deal to yo, and it is important to you that we get along, so it is important to me as well.’’

There are very few moments when he shows you his insecurities, that the Black Panther is still human.

‘’Listen to me,’’ you take his face in your hands, ‘’I love you, alright? We will get through this dinner, and they will love you. We will go and exchange pleasantries with your friends and associates and then we will go back to your room and watch movies, but really we will kiss because I have to get up early tomorrow, as do you.’’

He chuckles then, thanking you and holding your hands and leaning his forehead against yours.

‘’Thank you, my love.’’

It never occurs to you that he gets insecure. Physically, she looks impeccable. He is also sweet, soulful, intelligent. He is the ultimate package.

But he is human, he does receive hate, he does have insecurities and cracks in his armor.

Vibranium may protect him physically, but not emotionally.

And that is where you come in.

You are brought out of your deep thoughts by T’Challa pressing sweet kisses to your shoulder, his warm lips pressing against your skin.

‘’Ew, save this for the bedroom,’’ Shuri whines as she enters, dressed in a strapless purple dress.

‘’Hmmm, I think that she is right. Maybe we could retire early this evening.’’

‘’Gross, T’Challa,’’ she deadpans, taking your hand and pulling you away, ‘’Come on, big sister. I want to ask you some things before your parents arrive.’’

    ‘’Where are you taking my fiance’?’’

    ‘’To talk smack about you,’’ she blows her brother a playful kiss, and you laugh along with him as you two scoot down the halls.

    ‘’So what did you really want to know,’’ you ask as she links her arm through yours

‘’Well,’’ Shuri begins, ‘’I want you to know that I really do appreciate you and see you as a sister. You make T’Challa happy and he makes you happy. And that’s all I want for my brother.’’

    She’s being uncharacteristically sweet until…

    ‘’Plus you are the only person in this palace who likes Vines as much as I do and will roast T’Challa with me.’’

    There she is.

    ‘’And you are like the big sister I have always wanted. Mother adores you and I am sure that Baba would have as well. And now that you are going to officially be apart of the family…’’

    She opens her bedroom door to reveal Ramonda, who is holding a beautiful necklace with a jade jewel in the middle, ‘’That it is time that you were given some family apparel.’’

    She steps forward, placing the necklace on you and adjusting it, ‘’You look beautiful, my daughter.’’

    ‘’Are you both trying to make me cry,’’ you ask, tears starting to form, ‘’That’s not fair.’’

    ‘’Get used to it. T’Challa is going to write the mushiest vows of all time, and he’s gonna be all like ‘’I love you sooo much, my love’.’’

    ‘’He really does,’’ Ramonda nods with a  fond smile ,’’You Are simply taking the next step in your journey.’’

    Yup. Here come the tears.

Not too much longer later, you find yourself in the foyer, and your parents are being escorted in by Kya and Okoye.

    ‘’Y/L/N,’’ your mother practically squeals, rising over to pull you into a hug as your dad does the same.

    ‘’Mom, dad,’’ you sigh, breathing in the scent of them, the scent of a home that you have not known for a while now.

    ‘’Sweetheart, we have missed you so much,’’ your mother sings, the presses a kiss to your forehead.

    ‘’I have missed both of you as well. Please, let me introduce you to everyone.’’

    T’Challa steps forward then, extending his hand, shaking your parents’ hands one at a time ,’’Hello, it is nice to meet you. I am T’Challa.’’

    ‘’Well, we have heard a lot about you. Thank you for putting us up at that wonderful resort! It was so nice to get in and take a nap before arriving here. You are very generous,,’’ your mother practically gauges, ‘’Y/N is right, you are also very handsome!’’

    ‘’Mother!’’

    ‘’It is nice to finally meet you,’’ your dad says then, and Ramonda and Shuri Step forward as well, making their introductions.,’’ T’Challa loops your arm through his then, ‘’We’d better get going. Our guests have arrived.’’

    The party is in full swing by the time you get three, people dancing, and eating and drinking while waiting for you and T’Challa to arrive.

    You meet leaders of the other tribes, including M’Baku. T’Challa seems to have slightly mended his friendship with W’Kabi, but he still keeps his distance. Your parents get to know T’Challa and Shuri and Ramonda, and soon your mother is dancing with Shuri and Ramonda and your dad are having an animated conversation.

    You love them and can not wait to spend the day tomorrow showing them your beautiful new home, but right now, you are exhausted.

    Still, you smile through dinner, laugh with M’Baku and Shuri as they playfully tease T’Challa, dance with your parents and catch up on the happenings at home and arrange for them to fly back for the wedding.

    It is not until after dinner, when you're considering convincing T’Challa to take you back to his room so you can watch movies together.

    Okay, fine, and make out too.

That is when you see a familiar face, one you recognized on the news with T’Challa shortly after you moved here, but never really seemed to see again. Not in person t least. You’d spoken to her on the phone with T’Challa, as he said he wanted you to meet another important woman in his life. You’d video chatted a few times as well, but this is the first time. Of course she is here today. T’Challa had said that it was a possibility, but unlikely. That she was busy, hadn’t talked to him in months.

The one woman that T’Challa would gladly leave behind in his life if it meant that you would be happy and secure in your

And here she is- this graceful, brave, intelligent beauty that you have heard about before. One who you harbor no ill-will towards, anyone who seems rather indifferent to you as well.

Because the only thing that you have in common is the one that is standing in front of you right now, staring at you with heart eyes.

‘’My king,’’ the woman smiles genuinely, and you see T’Challa freeze before turning away to face her.

‘’Nakia… hi.’’

Disclaimer: These characters belong totheir respective owners. I own nothing in Marvel.

Note: I absolutely adore Nakia and she will not be painted in a negative light, but she will be used to force T’Challa and the reader to have a conversation that they have both been avoiding.

[boneandfur]

An Unexpected Island [5] [Raj x Michelle]

Chapter Five

Song: Bad at Love, Halsey

Pairings: Raj x Michelle, Raj x Quinn

Summary: Michelle doesn’t like to share. A very angsty chapter with an unexpected twist.

Notes: So, characters have a mind of their own, even the ones you borrow. How dare PB make their pixels human? Ahahaha, I write as I go with a bare bones outline, but even the best laid plans can go awry. Sooo, hope you all like angst. The smut will return later. This part is rated simply M for mature content and drug use.

Thanks to @lizzybeth1986 for the help with cultural context, the name of the Indian village where Raj’s grandparents hail from, and the Marathi word for “grandmother”. I don’t know anyone who is Vietnamese-American, so hopefully Michelle’s background parts are culturally sensitive as well. If you think I’ve gotten something wrong, feel free to shoot me a PM.

Also, I couldn’t find a screenshot with Raj’s file, so I have his major listed differently than canon I think.

Words: 1905

Raj rubs Michelle's nose with his own, then gets up, whistling all the way to the bathroom. The elevator pings, and Quinn emerges, a basket over her arm like she's been through the woods. Her lips are swollen, like she's been kissing a wolf. (Maybe she has.)

"What happened to you?" Michelle asks. Quinn has a flower tucked behind her ear that wasn't there before. 

"Oh, you know!" Quinn winks. "I ran into Jake and he offered to carry this big, heavy basket for li'l ol' me... All the way back to his room." She grins. "But I told him I was busy."

Raj returns, still whistling. He grabs Michelle by the waist and she laughs, pulling his mouth to hers for a hot, wet kiss. She thinks she can still taste a little of herself on him, and it amazes her how easily she has fallen back into his arms, still, after all this time. Like she never left. Like Sean was her intermission. Michelle makes a sudden noise as a fist clenches her heart, and Raj strokes her back, holding her close. 

When she pulls away, he rubs a thumb under her lashes. "Nuurii," her lover's voice rumbles in concern, and Michelle's whole body trembles. He drops his arms from her to grab the fruit basket from Quinn, and she is surprised by the ferocity with which she wants the other girl to leave (but maybe not so surprised.) 

"What's wrong?" Quinn lays a hand on Michelle's shoulder. 

"I..." Michelle can't breathe when Raj's hot eyes catch hers, devouring her. Her stomach flutters. 

"Come sit with me on the couch and tell me. You'll feel better." 

Michelle allows Quinn to lead her to the couch. As they pass the jacuzzi, she gathers up her clothes and puts them back on. There's something too vulnerable for her about being the only half-naked person in the room. Michelle can feel Raj's gaze caress her, it's like his name is branded all over her skin. She sits on the couch with Quinn, drawing her legs up. "I don't think this is going to work out tonight." 

Quinn smiles, then kisses Michelle on the cheek. "Yeah, but it was fun while it lasted. Raj is... yummy. That's like the best kept secret at Hartfield, isn't it?" She sighs. "I really did want a massage, though." 

"We can still do that! It's just..." Michelle leans in. "Can I trust you with a secret, Quinn? This is going to sound so weird, but I feel like we've known each other for a long time." She rubs her temples. 

Flash. 

Quinn, standing in the ocean with Taylor, a flying seahorse materializing before them. 

Flash.

Michelle, a crumpled Quinn before her, barely breathing, someone is sobbing, sobbing. Wake up! Please, Michelle, you have to save her! 

Flash. 

Quinn and Michelle, bound with ropes to a rock, while above them rears a three-headed sea monster, all fins and sharp white teeth. Someone is shouting her name, but Michelle can’t look away.

Flash. 

"...Yeah? I mean sometimes. I don't know. Maybe some things are meant to be." Quinn twists a strand of hair around her finger. She laughs. "I know that sounds so silly!"

"Not at all." Michelle can't seem to stop stealing glances at Raj. "Raj tells this story better than me." She crooks her finger at him, and he rubs a hand through his hair, a goofy smile on his face. 

Me? Raj points to himself, and Michelle nods. He bounds over to the coffee table with a pitcher of something alcoholic and fruity, and a platter of artfully arranged fruit. She intercepts him before he sits down, taking his hand, and Raj pulls her to him, searching her face. He must like what he sees, because he brushes his thumb across her lips, stealing a scorching kiss. His body is so hot, it's like his touch is burning her up on the inside, and he bites her lips, gasping like a man drowning. 

When they break apart, her heart is pounding. Raj cups her cheek and sits on the couch, pulling her into his lap. "Michelle," he croons, nuzzling her neck. 

"Michelle and I were just talking about --" Quinn clears her throat. "I feel like we already know each other, like we've always known each other. Like we've lived this life a thousand times before." She looks between them and smiles, drawing her legs up and wrapping her arms around them. "Michelle was telling me that you know a story like that. Will you tell it?"

"Have you been telling my secrets, maahiyaa?" Raj slides a hand just under her shirt, rubbing circles against her lower back with his thumb. He's teasing her. She can hear the smile in his voice. "Yeah, I know a story about it." 

A thousand and one stories, one for every night of their captivity. "Once there were two lovers..."

Raj inhales a breath, his nose buried in her hair. "You know, I searched the whole wide world until I found you," he says in a deep whisper, for her ears only. "And the whole time, you were right in front of me." Then, turning to Quinn, hand under her chin and blue eyes shining, he begins. "My Ajii would tell me this story when I was a little boy, making jilebi with hibiscus jaggery syrup for my sisters' weddings." He smiles, continuing to make circles on Michelle's back. "And now, I will tell it to you." He clears his throat. "Once there were two people, born on the same day and the same hour, and the oldest ajii in the village, who delivered them both,  said they had been born under a lucky star. A comet, streaking across the night sky, with two tails, like a dragon..." his voice is lulling Michelle into the past, and she closes her eyes, leaning back into his caress. 

"My grandma, my Ajii, wants to meet you," Raj had told her one hot summer night as they lay in one another's arms, his fingers whispering like ghosts down the path his mouth had taken so many times before. The crickets sang in the long grass, and beneath her cheek, she could feel Raj's heart beating. His skin was warm, and when she kissed the side of his jaw, he growled, rolling over on her in the meadow, tickling her until she begged for mercy. 

It was the end of that first summer, in just two weeks time they would move to Hartfield to start their first semester as freshmen. She was pre-med, and he was *Economics.

But we'll still see each other, won't we? Michelle had asked, tucking her hair behind her ears. If I rush for sorority and you get into a frat, I mean...

We'll still see each other. I need my best friend to shotgun smoke with, don't I? I could suck on those pink lips all night. He'd pinned her to the ground when she'd slapped his chest, playfully, and proved it to her.  Come meet my Ajii, nuurii. I've already told her about my new friend...

Her own mother and grandma were making the trip from Washington to see her settled in, and they planned to treat her to a nice hotel and spa stay near the campus, in Northbridge. After twelve weeks of cabin life and washing her hair in creek water, Michelle was ready to be pampered like a princess. And she missed both her mother and grandmother too, though she didn't miss their heavy expectations. Be a good girl, don't let any boys touch you. Wear more makeup, you must be pretty. Study hard, you must be a doctor! 

Raj, she knew, came from a big family in Queens, he was the youngest of many older siblings. His sisters had married first, and all his family lived together, brothers and their wives, nieces and nephews, mother and father and his father's mother, who had come from her home village when Raj was not yet born, to live with her favorite son and his growing family in New York City. 

Now his brother was to be married, an arranged marriage to a girl from Nanda, in Maharashtra, India, where his Ajii was from. Raj had mentioned it offhand, would she be interested in going with him to the wedding? 

Only if you meet my grandma first, she teased him.

But when Michelle's grandmother met him, she knew she was in trouble. Her grandmother pulled her to the side in a fury. "No, no, no!" When Michelle protested, angrily, her grandmother had grabbed her by the chin, hard. "Will you be like your mother?" Her grandmother demanded in a harsh voice. 

It was the worst thing she could have said. Michelle reeled back, like she'd been slapped. Her mother had raised her alone, with help from her parents, after Michelle's father had abandoned them. "Bà," she pleaded, in a choked voice. "Just give him a chance!" 

"You do not know what is best for you, Michelle," her grandmother said, in a dark voice. "If this is what a summer of sleep-away science camp has done to you, maybe Ong and I will take college away and not pay for it after all. Do you want to be a doctor or not?" 

Meeting Raj's Ajii was almost easier, after that. Until she took Michelle aside, and gently informed her that Raj's future bride was a girl from Nanda who had been arranged to marry him since birth, their horoscope charts matched by the priests and the dowry already paid. Michelle, from a traditional family herself, knew what that meant. So while his Ajii was as warm and effusive with him as her Bà was with her, and if no one said aloud that they disapproved of Raj bringing a foreign girl to his brother's wedding (besides the sidelong looks his mother gave her when no one was watching), she felt the distance all the same. 

Someday soon, maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, she will have to say goodbye to him, and he will walk out of her life forever, becoming nothing more than a name and a photograph, and her lonely hands will trace the path his kisses once took down her body in the dark.

"...and they keep searching for one another, for a thousand years. I will always know you, he told her, and I will never stop searching until I find you again." 

Quinn wipes a tear from her eyes, sniffling. "That was so beautiful, Raj Bhandarkar!" 

"And now, let's smoke this spliff, and start the massage chain." He nips the nape of Michelle's neck, swirling at it with the tip of his tongue, but she's having none of it. 

"And what if the man had been promised since he was a child to a girl in his grandparents' home village -- the horoscopes already matched and the dowry already paid?" Her laugh is brittle. "What then?" 

Raj's hands tighten on her hips. "What?" When he sees the look on her face, his brows draw together in concern. He cups her cheek in his big hand. Usually, this would make her melt. But not now. 

She pokes her finger into his chest, but before she can get a word out, a pounding on the door startles all of them. 

"Michelle!" Someone is shouting. The voice strikes her with the clarity of a bell. It belongs to Sean. 

[3tinkgemini]

Review Campaign.

                     It’s as simple and yet as powerful as the name implies.

                                          I do it. You do it. We all do it.

So many of us fall victim to the dreaded, I’ll-Review-Later-Bug or the even more dreaded, The-Next-Chapter-I-Swear!-Virus. And that’s how we go from reviewing each chapter at the start of a story to leaving between 1-10 reviews on a 30+ chapter fic.

It’s how a writer watches in nervous excitement as their views/visitor numbers go up, soring from the 100’s, 200’s, 300’s+ sometimes in the matter of only 12-24 hours. And yet the reviews are still left at nothing. That number still sits, mocking them with harsh silent jabs, as it doesn’t move from the last review count.

That’s when the self-doubt kicks in, that battle between trying to stay calm and give everyone time (even though they/we have had plenty of time to read the thing) and wanting to curl in a ball and never write again.

It’s not about everyone loving our stories.

It’s about the feedback. 

Even a simple-

Loved it!

Awesome! Can’t wait for more!

Seriously?!?! SOOO GOOD!

Really liked this chapter! Thanks for writing!

-Would do wonders for the writer’s self-worth and make them see that their efforts have not been wasted. It might even inspire them to get the next chapter out even sooner.

 No matter which fandom we are involved in, which ship is our favorite, we are all part of a vast community that is connected by our love of those fandoms. We should be there for each other, show our support. If we spot a mistake, call it out while also building up what we enjoyed about the chapter/fic.

As writers, we like to tell ourselves that those one or two super well-thought-out reviews are enough, that those hand full of short little messages filled with love and support are enough. That together they make up for the lack of review-vs-views tally.

But it doesn’t.

Nor is it fair to those who do leave a review to carry all the weight.

You know what I’m talking about, fellow writers, when one or two of those core group of reviewers doesn’t leave a review it sends you into a massive tailspin of worry.

Did they not like it?

Are they okay?

Did they DIE?

Maybe I should write them…No! Don’t be a stalker! But what if something is actually wrong?!

Don’t beg! If you dare to comment about the lack of reviews it will scare everyone off and you will never get another review again!

 To those readers who might think,

Well the story I’m reading is like, four years old, hasn’t been updates in ten months and is marked complete. So why should I review? It’s not like they still check the thing, lol, I mean come on! What else could I possibly say that they haven’t already heard?

My answer to you is this-

SERIOUSLY?!?!?! HHOI#Y*$E*@#(*@$&($@($&*(@$&*(!!???!?!

Phew, alright, now that that is out of the way ;)

When a person in your life tells you “I love you” should they only ever tell you once? Should that be enough? I mean, they’ve told you once already, so you should just know right?

Trust me when I say that 100% of us active writers still check EVERY SINGLE STORY! 

We get totally and completely geeked out and re-inspired when we have a new reader to an older story.

It fills our very souls with the fuel needed to continue entertaining you, to crack open that dusty notebook or that file that is so old that it has to be completely reformatted to even work with all the new updates our computers have gone through since the last time we worked on it.

And then think! What if your review on a story that hasn’t been touched in over a year is that one notification that gets through to the writer and sends them into a flurry of inspiration?

 And just so we can clarify this, the review that simply says-

Update please!!!

When are you going to post an update???

It’s been forever! Where are you???

All those do is drive us away. Especially if done by someone who hasn’t ever left more than a, Loved it, once or twice on a 100k+ story.

 Look, we aren’t looking for you to write us a story yourself here. Just give us some love! Let us know what you liked, hated, want more of, would like to see happen, etc.

 So here is my “challenge”, for lack of a better word here, for the Review Campaign.

Go back to those stories that you’ve read, breeze through them and remember your favorite parts, what made you laugh, what made you cry, what you liked but were too embarrassed to say (PS- there is no need to be embarrassed, the writer did write that after all! So it’s not like they will judge you), what you think could have worked better…and then write a review about it!

If you are feeling ambitious, review a couple of the chapters!

And then remember this; Tell yourself that you cannot click to the next chapter without reviewing when you start a new story or continue with one you’re reading now.

It’s not like it is out of your way! It’s literally right there at the end of the chapter!

And then something magical might happen so watch your own inbox! Most of us writers have taken to answering back each and every review we receive.

Do this EVERY TIME.

Now as a show of support, go back to those stories when you had a case of one of those dreaded viruses and leave those reviews you always meant to type but never did.

There is no deadline here, no time frame of doing this. No need to report back and tell anyone that you’ve done this. This is not an Event. This is a Campaign for change!

Thank you all that have taken the time to read through this, hopefully I have inspired you to write more reviews. Please know that each and every word I wrote here was done with a heart full of love and a mind full of humor. ;) 

     Be the inspiration. Be the hope. Be the friend. Be the support of your fandom                                                     and community.

                           Leave a review and watch your fandom grow. 

[st-str-strangerthingsfic]

Chapter 3: September 1.5, 1985 Lunch at Hawkins Middle

Chapter Selection: [Chapter 1]--[Chapter 2]--[Chapter 3]--[Chapter 4]--[Chapter5]--[Chapter 6]--[Chapter 7]--[Chapter 8]

First through third period passed by in a whirl. After English, they’d shuffled back and forth down the hall to social studies and then math. The only minor hiccup so far was when Mrs. Wentworth had taken role at the beginning of second period.

“Jane Hopper.” She rang out, eyes peering over her silver frames. El was lost in thought looking at the book cover of To Kill a Mockingbird, the first book Mr. Sanders had slotted them to read that month. She ran a hand over the shadowy figure of a bird perched on a branch and wondered why Mr. Sanders was having them read a book about killing birds.

“Jane HOPPER.” Mrs. Wentworth repeated. Mike, sitting next to her this time, reached across and nudged her.

“El, that’s you!” he whispered.

El’s eyes bolted from Mike to Mrs. Wentworth. She raised her hand tentatively and with a short, sharp “Here!” Mrs. Wentworth nodded and marked her down. A titter of laughter erupted around El. Some girls toward the back of the class were leaning over and whispering. El absently looked over her shoulder and made eye contact with a blonde haired, blue eyed girl who grimaced at her. She turned back around, glancing at Mike who smiled back at her and mouthed ‘It’s okay!’

After Social Studies, they stopped at El’s locker rejoining with the rest of the group before heading to Math. El hesitantly stowed the Harper Lee novel in her locker. This time, Max took her arm, pulling her ahead of the party much to Mike’s chagrin.

“Sooo. How’s the first day going?” Max inquired, secretly chomping on a piece of gum. El watched the way her mouth opened and closed for a minute, the faint minty smell washing over her. She decided not to mention the girls laughing. It hadn’t been that bad.

“Good so far. I’m glad I have classes with everyone and Mike. It’s a lot to remember though.” El was having a great day so far, but first days were also overwhelming.

“Dude, I know. But don’t worry, it gets easier. What do you have after third period?” Max squinted trying to remember (the party had made sure to memorize El’s schedule in addition to their own as a precaution. Mike had asked them to, just in case anyone got separated from El). El withdrew her schedule from her pocket.

“Biology with Mr. Clark” she replied, looking over at Max who nodded in sudden realization.

“That’s with me! Hell yeah!” Dustin reached between Max and El’s shoulders to high five with El. She slapped his hand with a wide smile.

When Math began and they were distributed their textbooks El flipped through it quickly. Dustin had assumed this might be the hardest subject for El, since it was for most anyone. But Mike had quickly responded with: “You don’t know that, she’s smart! She might be really good at it without even trying.” Always quick to defend that Wheeler.

Miss Shelby was a new math teacher this year at Hawkins Middle. She was young, bright-eyed and enthusiastic. She welcomed them in with a clap of her hands and had them each introduce themselves while she ticked them off on her role call sheet. This time, El didn’t hesitate. After Max, she sat up straight in her chair and with a bright smile announced, “Jane Hopper!”

“Nice to meet you Jane.” Miss Shelby smiled back and marked her down. After role, Miss Shelby set them the task of doing a practice quiz. After the audible groans (and an excited gasp from Mike and Lucas), she passed out the papers. El leaned over and began.

Math was hard, but she enjoyed taking the pieces apart in each problem, the way Mike and Lucas and even Dustin had showed her on different occasions during their tutoring sessions. She parsed out each problem methodically, her breath evening out, her mind relaxing and thinking quickly. She enjoyed the sound of her pencil softly scratching across the page, the shuffle of feet, the quiet humming breaths of her classmates around her. She glanced over at Mike after finishing a particularly taxing problem. His eyes were trained to his quiz, focused and excited, his pencil flying across the page. He was almost finished.

She allowed a quick smile to flash across her face before setting back to work. Mike was the first one to stand up and return his paper to Miss Shelby. Slowly, more and more students filed up to turn in their papers. Eleven was one of the last three students to slip from her chair and hand her paper in, but she did so with a satisfied smile and even breathed a ‘Thank you’ to Miss Shelby before returning to her seat. Dustin gave her the thumbs up and Lucas slipped her low high five. Mike beamed proudly.

After third period, the party split up. El was confused for a minute.

“Wait, Mike, you’re not coming to biology?” She asked as Dustin tried to tug her off down a side hallway.

“No, I have biology during sixth period with Lucas and Will, remember? You’re just going to be with Dustin for this class but I’ll see you for lunch. I’ll meet you right by your locker after okay?” His hand was clasped around the wrist that wore the bracelet he’d made her. His thumb absently outlined the heart there. El nodded an affirmation.

“Right…I-I just forgot,” she said shaking her head and looking down. The nervous butterflies returning to her stomach. Classes had felt easy and swift with Mike and the rest of the party around her, but she had forgotten that it was impossible to have every single class together.

“Hey, I’ll see you in an hour okay?” He pulled her into a quick hug, running a thumb across her cheek before nodding toward Dustin.

“Have fun!” He said to both of them before turning and running off to join the rest of the group. El turned and linked arms with Dustin who grinned from ear to ear.

“Biology is so awesome, you’re not even going to believe what we’re going to do this year! Mr. Clark told me everything over the summer…dissections, experiments, crazy health videos, shit we’ve never seen before —,” as comforting as Dustin’s voice was, El looked over her shoulder back down the hallway where Mike had gone. She could just see him about to turn a corner. Just as he was about to slip from her view, he turned around and caught her stare and started waving wildly at her with a huge eager grin. She couldn’t help but laugh a little.

“What?” Dustin asked, looking over his shoulder, but Mike had gone.

“Nothing,” El smirked, “Dustin what did you mean by ‘dissection’?” El’s eyes looked worried, her face tilting forward toward the ground trying to sound the syllables out exactly as he had said them. Dustin’s eyes widened in that way when curiosity overcame him.

“Oh man, just wait. It’s brutal but seriously awesome.”

He pulled her through the door to biology room. “My lord.” He called toward Mr. Clark.

“Dustin,” Mr. Clark called back in affirmation. “Oh, welcome Jane! It’s so nice to see you again. We’re so glad to have you with us at Hawkins Middle. Let me know if you have any outstanding questions, I’d be happy to answer them as I’m sure Dustin has let you know.” Mr. Clark’s eyes twinkled affectionately. El wasn’t sure if he recognized her as Mike’s blonde-haired cousin from a couple of years ago or not. If he had, he never let on. He simply accepted the story of Jane Hopper, the chief’s daughter from a wayward affair resurfacing after tragic circumstances. Mr. Clark was already her favorite. The boys only spoke about him in the kindest terms and he was a key figure in providing the textbooks she had needed to help tutor and get her up to speed for this year. She was truly grateful.

She nodded at him and made her way to the black two-person lab table that Dustin sat at. When Mr. Clark turned on the projector after welcoming the class back from Summer break and clicked onto the first slide of a flayed toad with diagrammed body parts, she heard an excited Dustin whisper:

“Oh NICE!” El’s furious note taking recommenced.

After the bell signaling the end of fourth period, El shoved her notebook and new biology textbook into her backpack. She jumped from her chair and nearly sprinted toward the door, pausing to mention a thanks to Mr. Clark before leaving.

“HEY! WAIT UP!” Dustin called, furiously trying to stuff all of his papers into his backpack. El loved biology, but it was by far the hardest class to take notes in. For one thing, she kept finding herself glancing around looking for Mike. She had to keep reminding herself that this and sixth period were the only two classes they didn’t have together. Dustin had poked her more than once during the hour to refocus her attention.

For another thing, Mr. Clark seemed to say so many important things it was hard to capture everything he’d said in her notes. A few times El had glanced over, exasperated, at Dustin’s notes only to see that he wasn’t really taking any. He was staring in awe at the slides. She’d have to get better at taking notes quickly since Dustin wasn’t going to be any help in that department.

El rounded a corner too quickly, walking fast but not quite running toward her locker. Her curls bounced and her eyes were wide as she struggled to remember the route back to her locker. Finally, she saw the rest of the party huddled around her locker. She leaned forward a little and quickened her pace, skidding to a halt next to Mike. He received her brightly with:

“Hey! There you are! How was biology?” He handed her her lunch box after opening the locker for her. She reached in and switched out some books for her fifth period class that she’d needed. “Wait, where’s Dustin?” Mike asked a frown coming to his face.

Mike peered over El’s shoulder and she turned her head just in time to see a frantic Dustin sprinting down the hall.

“OUT OF THE WAY OUT OF THE WAY!” he yelled, taking fitful breaths. When he stopped in front of them, he buckled over, hands on his knees catching his breath.

“Dustin, what the hell?” Lucas shot at him, annoyed. “You broke Rule #1 too!?”

Dustin held up a finger in front of him, pulling in breaths before leaning up, a pained look on his face.

“Mike…[breath]…your girlfriend…[breath]…needs to slow down..[breath].” At this Mike blushed. The topic of girlfriend/boyfriend had yet to be broached between he and El.

“She doesn’t run at the speed of light Dustin, I think you can keep up.” Max shot back.

“She just TOOK OFF OKAY?! I TRIED.” Dustin slowly regained his breath and threw his hands up over his head, “Jesus.”

“It’s okay just…” Mike turned to El, “You have to stay with a party member at all times, remember Jane?” The name didn’t roll off of his tongue the way ‘El’ did. He wasn’t practiced at saying it the same yet.

She nodded and turned to Dustin, “Sorry, Dustin.” He waved her off. “Lunch?” she asked brightly of Mike. A grin swept over his face and he took her hand leading her toward the cafeteria.

The lunch room was like nothing El had ever seen. It was packed with kids her age and younger, with resounding laughter, bickering and just a constant hum of noise. It was, in one word, overwhelming. Her hand tightened around Mike’s for a minute. The party made their way to their designated table, a low cracked bench and wobbling table top scribbled on and chipped. El set her lunch box on the table and they settled in.

“Mike, where’s your lunch?” Will asked. El looked concerned and rattled herself for not noticing sooner.

“I forgot it at home. It’s fine you guys, I’ll eat when I get back,” Mike waved it off and turned his head to meet El’s gaze. She unpacked her lunch and pulled out half of her sandwich handing it to Mike. At this, everyone else parsed out pieces of their lunch for Mike. He was trying to push it away, protesting that he wasn’t even hungry when out over the intercom a voice blared:

“MIKE WHEELER TO THE FRONT OFFICE. MICHAEL WHEELER. FRONT OFFICE PLEASE.” Mike looked up toward the intercom in confusion.

“I’ll be right back,” he touched El’s shoulder and jogged off toward the open doors leading out to hall. El watched him go for a minute and turned back to her lunch. She and Max were discussing their excitement for next period (art!) when from behind, El was bumped. It wasn’t even accidental, she was bumped so hard that she was pushed into the table her top half curling over the table top. She turned around quickly in her seat.

“Oops,” the same blonde hair, blue eyed girl from Social studies stared back at her. El’s eyes narrowed a little before stating, not making eye contact: “It’s fine.”

The girl erupted into a peal of laughter as her friend leaned in whispering something in her ear and staring pointedly at El. “I KNOW!” she laughed nodding toward El before turning on her heel and moving across the cafeteria followed by a gaggle of tittering teenagers.

“Who was that?” Max asked, concerned. El shrugged. And then, on a second thought turned to Max and under her breath said:

“Don’t tell Mike.” Max looked at her with a flash of concern and glanced back to the retreating girls. She didn’t’ have a good feeling about this. She’d been the new girl once and had only escaped their teasing because of the crazy, hectic rumors surrounding her brother. El turned back to her lunch and began eating and joining in on the conversation. Will gave Max a worried glance, having quietly witnessed the entire interaction. But when Mike returned, his mom-delivered lunch box in hand, El was laughing and joking with Dustin and Lucas about Dustin’s obsession with Dig Dug. Mike was thrilled to see her so wrapped up in his life with his friends and school. It was everything he’d hoped it would be.

Before the bell dismissing them from lunch rang, the group had already planned an excursion to the arcade later that week, homework permitting, and a potential sleepover the following weekend for Dustin’s birthday.

Before shuffling off to art class with everyone, Mike pulled El back a little behind the rest of the group and laid a quick peck on her cheek, overcome with excitement, “I’m happy you’re here.”

She smiled up at him, wrapping both her arms around his middle, smooshing her face into the crook of his neck and walking awkwardly sideways. He reciprocated by wrapping his arm up around her shoulders, pulling her in tighter, their feet knocking into each other as they walked.

“Me too.”

[ibitesharkbubbles]

The Restless Worshippers

He didn't expect her to agree so readily. They had discussed taking the trip weeks before and she had seemed hesitant, cautious. Now, laying in bed, the subject came to mind again.

"I know it's a bit of a drive. And we'll definitely have to be careful once we get there," he said while watching her play with her hair. It was a habit she had when there was deep thinking going on. "Daytime is safer for going in... we should still bring a flashlight, just to be on the safe side, y'know?"

His careful planning was what tipped the balance of her indecision. She was the one who was rash, spontaneous; she loved having him around to pull into last minute adventures. "Flashlight and a picnic?"

"Let's grab something on the way there. The less we carry, the better -- we might have to run."

"Run? From who?" The thought of having to run made her less excited to go.

He moved close, kissed her cheek. "The place is abandoned, and the cops do patrol around from time to time. I'm sure we'll be okay as long as we're careful and quiet."

Feeling a little less nervous, she perked up. Nearly rocketing from the bed, she turned to him. "C'mon then, slow poke, no time to waste." Rummaging around for jeans and something with long sleeves, she didn't see him smiling, only heard the quiet laugh as he started to dress.

On the way, he told her more about their destination: "It's been abandoned for at least twenty years now. Place was shut down for all kinds of bad shit -- mistreatment, sexual abuse, keeping people well after they shoulda been released... patients just wandering around half-naked and drugged outta their minds. Sure, it was an insane asylum, but that's crazy."

He chuckled at his own joke while she rolled her eyes. "Why haven't they torn it down then? Place has gotta be falling apart."

"Some kinda governmental land dispute crap. Y'know, trying to figure out who's supposed to pay for demolition and all that. It was built back when they built shit to last, all brick and steel. You saw the pictures I pulled up on the internet... still standing tall and proud as the day it was finished."

"Yeah, it looks impressive in the pictures. I hope we don't get there and find it burned to the ground."

Slowing down to catch their exit, he glanced at her quickly. "If it's a bust, I'll take you shopping, okay? I already found an outlet mall not far from it." She wiggled in her seat; he knew how to plan ahead for every occasion.

Finding the parking lot that was within walking distance, they took a moment to gather their provisions. Fast food wasn't his first choice for breakfast, but she had insisted on getting some "eggy goodness" for energy. They began to make their way through the first patch of forest.

After a couple minutes, a path opened in front of them. He figured it was an old access road to the asylum and stopped to scan their surroundings. Across the way, there was a large wooden post with a sign on it. As they approached, he knew they were headed in the right direction:

"Sayermount Hospital

Private Property

No trespassing"

Underneath, scrawled in black marker: "Welcome to Hell" and an arrow pointing ahead.

She paused. "Hell? That sounds so inviting."

"Kids think their so dark and evil. Be prepared for lotsa dumb graffiti full of devil horns, bad grammar, and tons of penises."

"Wasn't sure if I wanted to go until you mentioned penises," she quipped, grabbing his hand and dragging him onwards.

It wasn't much further before they saw the tops of the main building peeking over the trees. Even from a distance they saw the overgrowth, greenery jutting off the roof and down the sides. The path wound around as if they had made it to avoid nature. A parking lot that had become a field appeared on their left; the concrete posts that marked the reserved spaces were tombstones of the past.

An intact gazebo, large enough to fit a wedding party, stood next to the lot. They decided to take a break, eat their food, and stare at what lay in front of them. Pictures did it no justice. As much as it seemed that the earth was attempting to reclaim the land stolen by man, man's testament to time fought back. Many of the windows were broken, and in a few spots the walls were open, but overall it was still in charge of the ground it stood on.

"Geez, will ya look at that," she pointed up at the edge of the highest building. A tree was sticking out, careless of gravity. Someone had tied a rope onto one of the lowest branches, and what appeared to be a stuffed animal was dangling in the wind. "Fucking weirdos... 'Oooh, I'm sooo clever, this'll be freaking people out'." She waved her arms in mock excitement. "'I'm so cool'... Tuh, idiots."

They stuffed their trash into an over-flowing receptacle full of beer bottles and other fast food wrappers. "C'mon," he said, stepping down onto the broken pavement, "Let's find a way in."

There were signs of a makeshift path along the side of the main building: trampled grass, broken branches, and shifted debris marked the way inside. A fire door, rusted and bent, was pried away just enough to squeeze through. The only light was what crept through with them, so he took out the flashlight. In the darkness of the stairwell, above and below swallowed their sight.

Even with the beam of light, shadows loomed all around. The way up seemed promising but after the first landing was blocked with stone and file cabinets, they worked their way down. Smells of mildew and stale air were heavy, and she tired not to breathe through her nose.

At the bottom, they could see sunlight pushing past the remains of low windows. It looked like a service corridor, doors spaced out along the left side. They peered in the first one and were disappointed by the empty room. The next two were much the same, only filled with litter.

The third room held their attention. He thought it was the furnace room, but a lingering odor pushed the truth into him quickly: they'd found a crematorium. Its large metal door was wide open and a series of platforms were slid out. A previous visitor left a sneaker sitting on the edge, probably hoping to give someone the creeps.

It worked on her. "Okay... I'm ready to move on now." She could see another stairway at the end of the corridor, and felt the need to get up and out of the basement.

Going up this time was easier. There were tiny windows all the way up, and aside from discarded paper and more broken bottles, nothing was in their way. They looked through the doorway at the first landing, seeing patient quarters on both sides. They traversed up to the next floor; it was the same except for a collapsed inner wall at the far end. The next floor held more interest, as he could see the signs for the asylum's chapel.

"This way. Watch your step." In one of the forums he had read there were talks that the chapel was the only room untouched by vandals. He hoped it was true.

Pushing on the door, it budged slowly, trying to keep him out. "Gimme a hand, please?"

"Only because you said please," she laughed, putting her shoulder to the door next to him.

It relented to their combined efforts. He was not disappointed; she stood there, in awe of the scene. The pews were straight, evenly spaced, moldy bibles sitting in the pockets on the backs of each set. A beautiful stained glass window in the shape of the cross lit the pulpit in a cascade of rainbows. High above, two ornate chandeliers still hung, bulbs glimmering. The only signs that anyone had been in there were scuff marks and handprints in the decades old dust. It was truly a stunning sight.

He walked slowly, taking it all in. Normally talkative, she was swept into silence, trying to fumble with her phone to take photos of their find.

*click*

He spun on his heels and shouted, "NO! DON'T!"

Startled, she dropped her phone. "What the fuck is wrong with..." was all she got out before he ascended on her. He snatched her by the arms and pulled her close, spittle frothing in the corners of his angry mouth.

"Taking images in this holy place is a sin!" His voice tore at her ears. "Blasphemy in the house of the Lord is a sin! Do you understand?!?"

Terrified, she tried to pull away, but his grip was iron, his hands hot. Something passed over his face, a shadow in the light.

A whisper wormed into her brain: "Blasphemer... heretic... sinner..." It repeated over and over, wrapping around her consciousness. 'Yes,' she thought, 'I am a sinner.'

He started yelling, more gibberish than words. "Foul foul foul thing arghhhplease thy faaaaathrrr... lick cleeeeannnn their harrrrrrrts..." Voices welled up from the ceiling, from beneath the pews. More shadows stirred, enticed by the new intruders. She was weeping, pleading for mercy, tears blurring her sight as the shadows blurred reality.

A newer noise piped in -- her phone chimed, the alarm she had forgotten to cancel. The sound grabbed the faint bit of her memory, dragged her back to temporary sanity. She could see the whites of his eyes, the tendons in his neck taunt with the strain of his ramblings.

With a jerking motion, she broke free of his grasp. He was motionless except for his mouth, drooling and spitting out nonsense. In a panic, she ran from the room, sprinting faster than she could ever imagine. Halfway down the stairwell she paused for a second.

'I should go back and get him,' she briefly thought, but a loud scream from the hall above pushed her back to flight. Retracing their steps was simple, yet the darkness of the basement disoriented her. Everything was closing in, the sun shying away from assisting her exit. She fell once before making it to the next stairway. The wet walls were almost comforting beneath her hands as she carefully groped her way up and out. The final door was there, right in front of her, the world waiting for her return.

The hand that snatched her by the ankle tripped her forward. Instinctively she kicked, screamed. It let go and she scrambled for freedom.

By the time someone found her wandering in the parking lot, the sun was beginning to set. An hour later, with police and an ambulance arriving, it was dark outside. The red and blue lights swung through the night. An officer on duty that night told his wife, "I wish they'd tear that damned place down already... I'm getting tired of all these missing kids...

"Tear it down and salt the earth."