#thomas: whoa!!!!!!! so cool!!!!!!!!!!!!! wow!!!!!

[paper-lilypie]

Of the ccrt kiddos, who would Gregory get along with the most? Or... Who will? 👀

tom thinks he’s the coolest guy around, so they’re instant best buds

[noladyme]

My Only Sunshine - Chapter 6

Liv is as human as they come – faults and all. After a dark experience in her past, she is determined to live life on her own terms, and never let anyone claim her as theirs again. This becomes an issue, when she meets a 1000-yearold vampire, who is dead-set on claiming her as his own.

CHAPTER 5

When we returned to the suite, Carl was gone. Eric sat with his elbows on his knees; staring in front of him. “Pam, give us some privacy”. Pam lingered at the door for a moment, before speaking. “I don’t want a little sister”, she sneered. “There. I said it”. For a second, Eric sent her a confused look. She left the room, and closed the door behind her.

For a long moment, I just stood there; waiting. Eric sat still as a statue, making me more uncomfortable by the second. “Is everything ok?”, I said. “Sit”, he said. I walked over to the other side of the coffee table, and sat down on the couch there; worried. “Did he find out I can’t be glamoured?”. “No… Carl doesn’t know anything about you, or your past…”. “What’s that supposed to mean”.

Eric met my eyes with a hard expression. “Carl had information for me about Godric”, he said. “Apparently, he felt obligated to tell me – as his new business partner – that Rose and Stan are going behind my makers back… Trying to start a civil war”. “So… you have a witness… proof”, I said. “We do…”, Eric said. “But it won’t do Godric much good, because apparently, he’s broken vampire law”. I looked down at my feet. “What did he do?”. “You know what he did. You were there”. He’d connected the dots.

I closed my eyes, and sighed deeply. “Godric was trying to protect you… He didn’t want me to tell you, because…”. “Because he knows I’ll die before letting the Authority execute him”, Eric said. “Doesn’t change the fact that you should have told me”. “He made me swear… He saved my life, Eric. I was pretty much dead, beat to a pulp; and he saved me, by giving me his blood”. “But first, he fed on you”, Eric said. “It was part of our deal”. “Yes, well… Try as he might, Godric is still a vampire. And your blood is… it’s hard to refuse, once you’ve had the scent; let alone, taste”.

We sat for a moment longer in silence. “I’m not going to apologize for not telling you”, I said. “I swore to Godric I wouldn’t tell anyone about what had happened. At the time, I didn’t know why…”. “That’s why he wanted to speak with you yesterday… To make you promise again”, Eric said. “No… Last night, he told me why he didn’t want you to know… But he didn’t make me do anything”, I replied. “I made the promise of my own accord. To keep him and you safe… And Nora, I suppose. I didn’t think you’d want her hurt either”. “That’s so very… human of you”, he muttered.

I didn’t know how to respond to that, but luckily Eric was in mood for a subject change. “We have an event in a few hours”. He got up to stand, and I followed his lead, moving towards my room. “Wardrobe preferences? Dinner or dessert…?”, I asked. His lips twitched into a sly smile. My slight attempt at getting him in a better mood, had apparently worked. Eric followed me to the door, and turned me around; wrapping an arm around me. He slipped a hand underneath my robe, to stroke the inside of my thigh. “Candy. Arm-candy… That purple number I found in the bottom of your suitcase, should work”. “Eric, that’s a slip!”, I said. “So?”. His fingers travelled north, soon reaching my folds; which were already wet. It didn’t take much for Eric to get me going. “I can’t just wear a slip in public… Oh, wow…”. Eric let his long finger between my labia and in to me, and used my slick to moisten his fingertip; before stroking at my clit. “I really need to… fuck, that feels amazing”. “So warm and sweet…”. His words came out in a growl. “And wanting to be ravaged”. The last part came with a teasing smile. “Not that sweet”, I whispered, and took a hold of his invading hand, to lift it to my mouth. I closed my lips around his finger, and tasted myself on it – sucking – all while keeping my eyes on Erics.

I backed away, letting the finger escape my mouth with a small pop. Eric gave me an anticipatory look, as I hooked my fingers into the waistband of his pants, and kneeled on the floor in front of him; pulling the fabric down over his erection. As tall as he was, I had to stand on my knees to reach Eric with my mouth. He drew in a gasp, as I stuck out my tongue, and let the head the head of his dick rest on it for a few seconds, while I stroked him gently up and down. “Solsken…”, Eric groaned, when I closed my mouth around him, and sucked him deeply in to my mouth. Eric was tasty – sweet and salty at the same time – and the soft skin stroking against my lips, as I moved my head, was like brushing my lips against velvet. I hummed around him, and smiled up at him with my eyes. He placed his hand on the side of my head, playing with my hair between his fingers. The sounds of grunts and moans from above me, egged me on; as I was bobbing my head back and forth – making swallowing movements and sucking in my cheeks. I cradled Erics balls in my palm, and massaged them; soon feeling them tense up.

Suddenly, Eric took a firm hold of my hair, and used his other hand, to raise me to my feet. “You’re asking for it…”, he growled. “Bed’s too far away”. “What do you mean? It’s right…”. Eric threw me against the wall; before lifting me up to straddle him, and thrusting into me – hard. “Eric!”, I croaked. With wild abandon, Eric pounded in to me. He wasn’t trying to drag anything out this time, and the sheer force of his thrusts made me worried I’d be walking funny afterwards. He was in fact ravaging me. With wanton grunts and groans, Eric had his way with me like this; while I whimpered from the delicious assault. He kissed and nibbled at the skin on my neck, without extracting his fangs. I would have gladly agreed to him feeding on me, but remembered what he had told me about having gone overboard earlier. I held on hard to Eric as he fucked me, cursing breathily into his ear; while scratching my nails across his back. I would have left marks, maybe even very deep ones; had he not been healing so soon. We came at the same time; me with a loud moan, and Eric with a guttural growl.

“So. You’ll wear the purple dress”, Eric smirked. “Not happening”, I chuckled. He lifted me off him, and set me down on the floor again. Steadying myself against his tall frame, I got on my toes, and kissed his lips.

---

I was wearing the purple slip. After Eric literally having tried – in vain, of course – to glamour me into putting it on, I obliged. I’d put a black sequined mesh number over it, making me feel a little less exposed – but still sexy as hell. Heels were apparently required again, but I was getting in to the habit of wearing them.

The event Eric had mentioned, was another party. This time, all of the sheriffs were attending, apparently; as there was a line to get in to the large building – one of those large warehouses where rich people had their terrible art exhibitions. “What is this thing?”, I muttered to Pam. “Another mingling situation”, she said. “Everyone running for sheriff will be kissing each other’s asses, to get votes”. “And my job is…?”. “Looking edible, and not falling over… Oh, and try not to die”.

Eric clearly had zero patience for waiting in any lines, and walked straight up to the door with Pam and me in tow. The girl standing there gulped when she saw the tall Viking. “Sheriff Northman, Area 5; with party”, Eric said. “I am sorry, sheriff; but there is a line”. Eric hunched over, and looked the girl in the eyes. “I don’t see a line”, he said with a soft voice.

“Are you trying to glamour the staff, Northman?”, Carl said; having appeared in the doorway. “You know me, Carl”, Eric said. Carl let out a roaring laughter, and held out his arm, gesturing for us to step inside. We entered the building, which was already full of people; both vampires and humans. Most of the latter were dressed much like myself – meals on heels. “I hear you’re paying for this shindig”, Eric said. “It was a chance for me to clear my conscience”, Carl said. “After all, that unfortunate event involving someone we both know, did happen on my turf, last year”. We headed towards a large buffet table, set up with human drinks, and what looked like carbonized blood. I hoped it was TruBlood. Both Eric and Pam took a glass; and I stood behind them, like a good little blood-bag. Eric sent me a discrete look over his shoulder, letting a sly smile break the mask of the cool debonair.

“Do you have a show set up for us?”, Eric asked. At the far end of the wall, staff was hanging up some frames and screens, for some sort of installation. “Yes well, speaking of said event… The human in question just so happens to be a photographer. I thought I’d throw him a bone…”. Carl ran a hand through his well-coiffed hair. “Wasn’t he glamoured, after what happened?”, Pam asked. “Of course he was. That doesn’t stop me from wanting to clear my guilty conscience… Oh, here he is now! Thomas Porter!”.

I felt my knees give, and almost fell over; when a pair of hands caught my waist from behind. “Whoa, there, miss!”, a cheery voice said. Eric spun around; his eyes aflame. “Please let me go”, I whimpered. I stumbled forwards, and Eric caught my arm. I couldn’t meet his eyes, simply stood shivering in place. “Looks like you drained a bit much from miss Sunday, here”, Carl smiled. “Thomas, do you mind?”. I turned around, and looked at my former assailant. “Of course!”, Thomas said, and grabbed a glass from the buffet table. “Here you go, a drink will freshen you up”. He held out the glass to me. Come on. It’s just one drink, as friends. “I…”, I breathed. Eric pushed me to stand behind him. “Stay away from her!”, he growled.

Carl held up his hands to calm down the situation. “You’ll have to forgive sheriff Northman, Thomas. He’s a bit protective of his human”, he said. “I know how it is”, Thomas said, and rolled his eyes smilingly. “Sheriff Northman, thank you so much for hiring me to restore that picture. It was like having a piece of history between my hands” “That’s right!”, Carl said. “I heard you two had been in touch. You’ve never met before, though. Have you?”. “I never had the pleasure, no”, Thomas said. “But I’ve met miss Sunday before. When she came to pick up sheriff Northman’s picture…”. He winked at me, and I felt bile rise in my throat. Erics stance was taut; he was ready to pounce on Thomas. Just as I noticed him about to bare his fangs, a voice interrupted him.

“Eric!”. Godric was standing next to his son, and Eric instantly froze in place. “Inte nu”. “Du borde ha gjort det då…”. Godric met my eyes with his own saddened ones. I parted my lips, but couldn’t speak; so simply shook my head. ”Gentlemen, I don’t speak Swedish, but this is a party… Not Thanksgiving dinner with the family”, Carl chuckled. Thomas cleared his voice. “Well, I need to go make sure the pictures are hung in the right order…”, he said, and gave me a final smile, before walking away. “And I have to go make sure the ice-sculpture doesn’t melt!”, Carl said; disappearing just as quickly.

Eric was clearly trying his best to control himself. “Pam, take Liv back to the hotel”, he said. “No… I’ll be fine”, I muttered. “I’m going to kill him”, Eric snarled. Godric gave his son a hard look. “You will not”. “He is a monster, and him being here could get you executed!”. “He doesn’t even remember what happened!”, I said. Erics jaw was clenched, and his eyes read bloody murder. There was a long pregnant pause, before Pam decided to speak. “With all due respect, even I feel fucking uncomfortable now”. A young, beautiful waitress walked past us, with a tray of drinks. “I you’ll excuse me…”. She pressed her glass into my hand, and followed her intended meal.

“Your child is as willful as mine are”, Godric said, a smile ghosting his face. “She is as loyal as yours are as well”, Eric croaked, and looked at his maker meaningfully. “Which is why I did not want you to know”. Godric looked at me with an almost hurt expression. “I wish you hadn’t told him”. I stood there with Pam’s glass in hand, before finally snapping out of it, and putting it on the table. “She didn’t. I had to find out from Carl… Not only are you throwing away your post as sheriff, you also fed from an insignificant hum in a dry state; before giving her your blood!”. I tried not to let my face show, what Eric’s words where making me feel. “Everything you’ve taught me, and now you are breaking your own rules!”. “She is not insignificant, Eric… You know that; you’ve tasted her yourself. Her blood is precious”.

I clenched my jaw, and a choked groan escaped my throat, as I stood there, and let myself be spoken about. Godric turned his eyes to me. “I am sorry. You have done so much for me; and yet I still allow us to speak of you in this way”. I nodded, but did not immediately reply. “I hope I have not offended you”. “No, sheriff Godric. You haven’t offended me at all”, I said quietly. The ancient vampire looked up at Eric, who had a sour and yet guilty expression on his face.

“Godric, you will get arrested… killed!”, Eric said, breaking the tension. “If I do, it will be my end. I will not let you to go down with me”, Godric replied. “I will not allow…”, Eric began. “You will… or I will command you”. Godric put his hand on Erics shoulder. “It will hurt this human if you…”. “I don’t give a fuck about that!”, Eric roared. Godric smiled softly. “Yes you do”. “Varför ville du då inte låta mig bli av med honom?”. Hurt traced Erics voice. Godric shook his head. ”Eric, as your maker, I command you to not act on this matter”. Eric nodded grudgingly. Isabel appeared from the crowd. “Show’s about to start”, she said. “You need to make an appearance”. Godric nodded. “We will speak later”, he said to Eric, and to me, it seemed; as he gave me a slight smile, before walking away.

We stood for a long moment, not saying anything. Around us, sheriffs from the different areas were conversing, most of them obviously looking for support to win another term. I wished another sheriff would come speak to Eric, to interrupt the silence between us. Finally, Eric looked at me. “You need to remember your place…”. “Don’t act all pissy with me, because your dad yelled at you!”, I sneered. Eric grabbed my arm, and seemed about to speak again, when that weird classical techno music began again, and Pam appeared; wiping her mouth, from a stray droplet of blood. “Am I interrupting something?”, she asked, not even pretending to care if she did. “No”, Eric said, and let go of me. “You’re gonna want to see this… both of you”.

Quickly trying to regain my composure, I followed Eric and Pam towards the installation. Up close, I saw that the pictures in the frames were of exotic dancers – on, off and behind stage. The pictures were all hung up in threes. One of them as they prepared for their performances; one mid-performance, on stage; and one after – as the dancer was either catching their breaths behind stage, getting a drink, or having a smoke. I recognized a few faces of former co-workers from Sugar and Spice, on some of the pictures. Thomas was talented. He’d managed to capture the rawness of my former profession beautifully and devastatingly.

“Everybody, gather round!”, Carl said, from the small stage set up below a large white screen. Godric stood to the side of the stage, with Isabel and Stan; representing the hosting Area. A waiter came over to Carl, and handed him a microphone. He took it, and chuckled. “I forget, not everyone in the room have as good hearing as some of us… It’s with great honor and privilege – and due to the fact that I paid for this thing – that I can welcome you to this event tonight. I hope you are all enjoying the drinks. You have probably noticed that willing donors are posted throughout the room, if the TruBlood-cocktails are not to your liking. I had a taste of a lovely female, by the name of Stacey, a few minutes ago – and I recommend her highly… Being from a dry state myself, I’m happy to take part in the local attractions”. He smiled leeringly. “Without further ado, I’d like to introduce you all to a very talented artist; that not so long ago moved to Dallas, to set up a new studio here. He is the man behind the pictures on the wall here; which are all for sale, by the way… Thomas Porter!”.

Thomas sprang onto the stage to applause from the humans, and nods from the vampires. Eric tensed up again. Thomas took the mic from Carl, and nodded nonchalantly at him. “Thank you, sheriff Rockford”, he smiled, before turning to the audience. “For the last few years, I’ve been trying to capture humanity in its rawest state; and found that it was no more pungent than in the strip-clubs of America. The installation you’re about to see, is called Truth. Hit it…”.

Heavy rock-music began playing, and the lights went down. On the large screen, pictures began revealing themselves to the beat of the bass and drums. Close up portraits of dancers flashed, and then slowly, in series of three – as they were hung on the wall – were pictures of them before, during and after performing. Pam looked amused as she gazed up at the screen; clearly enjoying the pictures of the women more than the men. Eric, on the other hand, showed no emotion.

I knew what was coming before it happened. A series of closeups of a familiar face flashed across the screen, before a picture came up of a woman holding a cigarette between her fingers, and looking at the camera through a mirror, as she was applying lipstick. I had been wearing my red sequined bra that night, and a pair of frilly black booty-shorts. No shoes. The next picture was as I was on stage, with a seductive grin on my face and one leg in the air; snatching a 10-dollar bill from a patron, with my toes. “Flexible…”, Pam muttered smilingly. Eric shrugged in agreement. “When was this?”. I was finding it hard to breathe. Looking up at Godric, I could see that he also remembered exactly when these pictures were taken. Forgetting for a moment how angry I was at him, I grabbed on to Erics arm. “Eric… Oh, fuck!”.

The final picture popped up. It had been taken from a distance; shortly after Godric was supposed to have glamoured Thomas. I thought he’d left the alley, but he must have stayed behind – hidden, somehow – and taken the photograph. On it, Godric was kneeling on the ground, with his arm around my back; and his open mouth to a gash on the top of my breast. It wasn’t the only wound I had. My entire body was covered in bruises, and my cheeks were stained from my mascara running.

There was a murmur of voices, before Stan’s voice roared from the stage. “Where was that picture taken?”. He knew very well, where it was taken. Carl held up his hand. “Stan, is this really the time…?”, he began. “This was on your turf, Rockford! Wasn’t it?”. Stan wasn’t letting up, and Isabel was looking more and more worried by the second. Godric kept his eyes on the floor. “Stan…”, Isabel said. “California is a dry state!”, Stan boomed. “Godric broke both human and vampire laws!”.

Fangs popped out everywhere, and Rose and the rest of the vampires who had gathered around Stan at the opening-ceremony, stormed the stage to surround Godric. Eric and Pam sped onto the stage, and stood in front of Godric; guarding him. There were flashes of vampires running to take a side. In the midst of the chaos, humans were running scared for the doors; and I was frozen in place, terrified.

A pair of abnormally strong hands strong hands for a human clamped around my arm, and pulled me towards the exit. “Come on!”, Thomas said. “No!”, I croaked; having somewhat found my voice again. “I’m trying to save your ass! It’s about to be a bloodbath in here…”. He yanked at my arm, forcing me to follow him.

“Everybody, calm down!”, Isabel yelled from the stage. “The Authority has been contacted, and this will be handled properly, by the right chain of command”. “Bullshit!”, Stan growled. “As deputy to Godric, I still outrank you”, Isabel said. “Stand down”. “Fuck you! He’s going down…”. “You won’t lay a hand on him”, Eric snarled; his body taut, and ready for a fight. Godric stepped forward. “It’s alright, Isabel… Eric”, he said. “I will hand myself over to the Authority, when they arrive. I will stand trial”. “Godric, no!”, Eric said. “Silver me”, Godric said. “I am sure Stan and Rose brought chains”. Rose smirked, and waved over a pair of humans, who were carrying silver chains.

I went to run towards the stage, but stumbled in my heels; and Thomas pulled me up to stand again by the waist. “Don’t touch me… You don’t even know me!”. Thomas pulled me close, holding me flush against his body; and leaned in to whisper in my ear. “You didn’t think I would ever forget you?”. I pulled my head back, and met his eyes. They were deep, cold and penetrating. I drew in a big breath, and screamed. “Eric!”.

Every vampire on the stage turned to look, and Eric sped towards me. He grabbed Thomas, and threw him against the wall. With surprising gentleness, I was scooped into Erics arms; and he held me against his chest, as I fought to breathe calmly. “I’m not going to let him touch you again”, he breathed. “I won’t let anything happen to you”. Through my tears, I was confused by seeing Stan run to Thomas’ side, and help him back on his feet.

“Enough!”. A short, balding vampire in a suit, and carrying a silver tipped cane, had entered the room; with what looked like a SWAT-team at his heels. “Fuck”, Eric said. He put me down on my feet, and tucked me in to his side. “Who’s that?”. “Someone you don’t want to know…”. I nodded slightly.

“Sheriff Godric…”, the angry looking vampire said. “Magister”, Godric replied, and stepped down to greet him. He sighed heavily. “What the fuck…? I was in the middle of dinner, and suddenly I’m called out for this shit?”. He looked up at the screen, which was still displaying the picture of Godric feeding from me.

“I have to get you out of here…”, Eric muttered. He looked towards Pam, who was at our side in the flash of an eye. “Hotel. She doesn’t leave the suite. If I’m not back before dawn, you leave Dallas as soon as you can”. “Eric, I’m not leaving you”, Pam said. “If you try to stop them, they’ll kill you…”. Eric looked at her with hard eyes. “And you…”, he said. “I don’t want you here for this. Do as you’re told”. Pam looked down, and nodded. “Eric, are they gonna hurt Godric?”. He didn’t respond. “I’ll tell them… I’ll tell them he was trying to help!”. “No, you won’t. I’m not risking your life as well”. I grabbed on to his jacket, but he tore my hands free, and brushed his lips against my forehead. “Go”. “No, Eric. I…”.

Pam’s arms were around my waist, and before I knew it, I was in the back seat of the limo we’d arrived in; dizzy, from having been whisked away at vamp speed. “What’s happening?”, I croaked. Pam looked worried for the first time since I’d met her. “Stop talking…”. “Is he coming back?”. “I said, stop fucking talking!”. She snapped her head in my direction, and I saw blood in the corner of her eye. She was crying.

---

Pam was pacing the floor of the suite, constantly picking up her phone, and then putting it down again. For once, she was the one fidgeting. I was seated on one of the couches, not moving; save for the shudders of fear streaming through my body. Fear for Godric, myself; and Eric.

“Stupid, stubborn… fucking Viking!”, Pam said. “He can’t leave me like this. If he dies, I’ll kill him!”. “Yeah…”, I agreed in a whisper. “Well, get in line…”. “And then he just sends me off to babysit his human”. I frowned at her. “I’m not his human”. “He’s paying you a shitload of money”, she said, raising a disbelieving brow at me. “You’re his”. “I’m my own; doesn’t matter how much he’s paying me. No one owns me”. I sighed. “Look; money or no money, I don’t want him dead any more than you do… Even if he is a dick on occasion”.

Pam looked at me in confused wonder for a moment, before grabbing a sandwich from the mini-fridge, and tossing it on the couch next to me. “Eat…”, she said. “I’m not hungry”, I said. “Bullshit. Eat”. I didn’t have the energy to fight her on it, so simply opened the plastic wrapping, and took a few bites from the sandwich; before getting up to go to my room and change. “I’m really sorry about what happened to your dress the other night”, I said, as I passed her. “It probably cost more than I make in a year, but I’ll pay you back for it… somehow”. “Liv…”, Pam called after me. I turned to face her. “For the record; I don’t hate you… Not that much anyway… And you have nice tits”. I raised a brow at her. “Thanks… I guess”. Pam gave me a slight smile; and I closed the door behind me.

I got into the fluffy robe, washed most of the makeup off my face, and brushed my hair; needing to keep busy. I was tired, but didn’t want to sleep. I knew I’d have nightmares both about the evening’s events, and what happened to me the year before. I already had to fight away the memory of seeing myself on that screen, beat to a pulp.

Hearing the main door to the suite open and close, I sprang for the bedroom door; opening it. Eric was stood there, holding Pam in his arms; and gently stroking her hair. “I was so worried”, she sobbed. “Shh… I’m here now”, Eric said, and pulled back to smile down at her. “Inga tårar”. “Fuck you. I’ll cry as much as I want. I could have lost you!”. “Everyone is ok”. I didn’t speak, simply took in the scene; smiling at the gentleness of it. Eric looked at me over Pam’s shoulder. “Pam, go find someone to eat. You must be starving; those drinks back there were atrocious”. He kissed the top of her head, and she wiped her eyes, before leaving the room.

I timidly stepped in to the room. “Is Godric ok?”, I asked. “They’re setting up his trial and sentencing for tomorrow night”, Eric said somberly. “Before the sheriffs’ announcements”. “That soon…? Doesn’t a trial take several days?”. Eric shrugged off his jacket, and threw it over one of the recliners. “Not for us…”. He stood with his back to me; and I stepped over, and put a hand on it. “I’m so sorry, Eric… I’ll testify… anything…”. “No”. He turned around, and took my still outstretched hand. “I can help. I was the one…”. “No…! Liv, they won’t care what happened to you with that photographer; and if you let it slip that Godric couldn’t glamour you, they will kill you”. “But maybe…”, I tried. “Why do you care?”, Eric said. “You’re not mine… not Godric’s… You have no reason to help us”. I met his eyes again. “I don’t know. I suppose… I don’t want you to get hurt”, I said quietly. “You know how you tell me I have no sense of self-preservation?”. Eric narrowed his eyes at me. “I think we might have that in common”. “And you want to protect me…”, he said. I nodded. “I know you’re plenty capable of taking care of yourself; but…”. Eric’s expression hardened, and he let go of my hand. “I am. Implying anything else is insulting”. I swallowed hard. Warm and sensitive Eric was gone. “Of course…”.

My old phone rang in my room. “I should probably take that…”, I muttered. Eric gestured standoffishly for me to go ahead. I picked up the call. “Liv! You promised to call me…”, Bills voice boomed through the receiver. “Are you alright? Do you need me to come to Dallas?”. “No, Bill. Everything is ok”, I said. “I’ll be back in a few days. Fuck, why are you all on my case about this?”. “Because we care about you. I care about you”. “I’m fine!”, I sighed. In the blink of an eye, Eric had snatched my phone from me, and put it on speaker. “Yes, Bill. Liv is perfectly fine; in so many ways”. “This conversation is between Miss Sunday, and myself”, Bill said. “Eric, give me back my phone!”, I hissed. I jumped for the phone, but he held it up in the air; seemingly enjoying the sight of me jumping up and down. Looking down, I saw that the sash on my robe had opened, and Eric was looking at my breasts bouncing. I punched him in the chest. Eric simply smiled. “Liv!”, Bill barked. “Eric, put her on, right now!”. “Liv is currently unavailable, as she is still in my employ. Feel free to tell Sam Merlotte the same thing”, Eric said. “And that job is letting you feed on her, and have sex with her?”, Bill said. “Yes”, Eric said.

I felt like I’d been slugged in the gut by a sledgehammer. I should have known that was what this was all about; especially after hearing him speak the words he had earlier. An insignificant human. I clenched my jaw, and sent Eric a venomous look. “Bill… Mr. Northman is right; I’m his for the time being”. Eric flinched slightly when I said the word his. “I’ll see you soon. Thank you for calling”.

Eric hung up the phone, and tossed it on the bed. “I have a meeting in 20 minutes”. “Will you be needing my services, sheriff Northman?”, I asked, not meeting his eyes. “No, not tonight”. “Then, I realize I can’t rescind your invitation into this room, but please get out”. Erics face dropped, and he took a step forward. “Get the fuck out”. The vampire recoiled from my words. “This is about what Bill said”. I couldn’t hide my anger and hurt anymore. “This is about what you said… And the fact that I was stupid enough to think I was anything but another fangbanger to you”. He stood up straight, towering over me; looking anywhere but at my face. “I guess it’s my own fault. I just got confused about everything, because you seemed so upset about Sam and Bill…”. “Bill Compton cares about you… Sam Merlotte cares about you…”, Eric sneered. “And I care about them. They’re my friends”. Eric raised a brow at me. “Is this jealousy, Eric?”, I asked. Suddenly, he had his hand around my throat; and stared angrily into my eyes – his fangs bared. “I don’t get jealous about humans”, he hissed. “Especially those which aren’t mine”. “No… I get that, now”, I hissed. “I’m just a well-paid bloodbag, right?”.

Eric seemed stricken by my words, and quickly removed his hand from my throat. After a short second of regaining his composure, he seemed to be back in business-mode. “You will stay in the suite. You don’t leave, unless it’s with me or Pam. And get some sleep. You look tired and anemic”. “Yes, sir”, I said. I walked over to the door, but before Eric could say anything else, I closed it in his face.

I sat on the bed for a long time, just letting myself feel. After a while, I heard the words I had heard that night, a year before. This is all you’re good for, anyway. Lay back and take it. You’re mine… Then the tears came – unrelenting and with deep heaving sobs. I was such an idiot to think I ever mattered. Even Godric had only saved me, because he wanted my blood in return. What I was, was nothing more than a stripper, a bloodbag; and a prostitute to a man, who didn’t give a shit about me. I slapped my own face, to snap out of it. There was nothing wrong with that. I was doing a job, and it was paying well. What stung, was the fact that I’d lied to myself; letting myself think that I’d mattered to him. “You’ve watched Pretty Woman too many fucking times”, I chided myself.

I crawled up under the duvet on the bed, and even though I’d only shared a bed with Eric for two nights – well, two days, if you were getting technical – it felt lonely to lie there. I fell into a restless sleep.

---

I woke a little before sundown, still rattled and sad from the happenings the night before. Eric was gone; but Pam had sent me a message letting me know to stay in the suite, unless she came to get me.

I picked at the stale sandwich I’d brought with me into my room, and then called up Sookie. “Hello?”. I heard glass being moved around, and sounds of cooking in the background. “Sookie? Shit, sorry, I forgot you were probably at work…”. “Hey, sweetie! Don’t worry about it. It’s a slow shift… Sam says hi!”. “Tell him hi back”, I said. “How are you doing? Bill told me about that phone call, but he didn’t go in to detail”. Bill Compton, always the gentleman. “He’s not coming out, is he? I can’t deal with any more vampire-bosses right now…”, I muttered. “Things not going so well with Eric? He didn’t hurt you, did he?”. She sounded worried and angry. “Not physically. He just…”. I sighed deeply. “Sookie, we had sex”. There was a long pause, where all I could hear was Lafayette yelling out orders, and chairs being moved around. “Sook’?”. “You had sex… with Eric Northman… Was it good?”. “Sookie!”, I yelped. “I’m sorry… But… Well, was it?”. I could hear her smile in her voice. “Yeah… It really was”, I said, my cheeks burning red, and Sookie sniggered. “But now he’s treating me like just another fangbanger… I didn’t come out here to be his on-call prostitute. I thought maybe…”. I couldn’t finish my sentence.

I heard Sookie sigh heavily. “He is a big butthole of a vampire…”, she said. “Look, you’re absolutely not the first woman to fall for his tall, blond and mysterious thing… There ain’t nothing wrong with that”. “Then why do I feel like shit?”, I asked. “Because society has told us, that its wrong for women to enjoy sex…”. “Sookie Stackhouse, the feminist… I like it!”, I said; finally feeling a smile trace my lips. “I wish… I wish I’d never come out here… That I never met that 6’4, incredibly good looking, charming and… fuck, Sookie! I was really beginning to like him…”. “You’re only human… Liv, you have done nothing wrong, don’t let him get to you. You just chin up, and finish that job… maybe quit it with the sex-part, though. Get the money, and move on… Take me to a nice dinner when you get back, you’ll be able to afford it; and then you can tell me if…”. “The carpet matches the drapes?”. “Liv!”. Someone called for her in the background. “Sweetie, I gotta run. Call me or Bill if you need anything, ok?”. “I will. And, Sookie…? Thanks”. “See you soon”, she said, and hung up.

While in the shower, I made a decision. I was going to do what I had been hired to do, even if I hadn’t been completely aware of what that meant, when I said yes. But I was also going to do as Sookie had said. There wasn’t a chance in hell, I was going to let that big butthole of a vampire get to me anymore; he was going to get what he paid for, and nothing else.

While drying my hair, I called Pam on the phone Eric had given me. “What?”, she replied, after the first ring. “I need your help”, I said. “In more ways than you know. I repeat… What?” “I want to earn my money, and do the job I was hired for… I guess I’m asking WWGD…?”. “I don’t speak church”, Pam replied. “What Would Ginger Do?”.

I felt a gust of wind, and suddenly Pam was stood in front of me. “Will it piss Eric off?”, she asked. “Maybe… Is that a problem?”, I asked. “He ruined my dress, took away my room; and then almost died on me. No problem at all”, she smirked, but then raised a brow at me “One thing, though… Take it back ”. “Take what back?”. “You know what…”, she sneered. I sighed heavily. “Fine… You’ve never, ever pooped".

---

A few hours later, I was in couture again; at least Pam had told me it was. My chest was bound as tightly and as high as humanly possible, by a black satin corset-top; but when Pam had seen me exit the room after having put it on, she spun me around, and bound it even tighter. I had on a short skirt in faux leather, and strappy high-heeled sandals, that I was sure to twist my ankle in, at some point. I’d done my make-up and hair as I used to, during my dancing days; and I knew I looked both fuckable and eatable. Because of this very reason, I’d put a robe over my clothes. Pam looked hungry.

I was finishing painting my nails a dark color, when Eric entered the suite; wearing another suit – this time, with a shirt underneath. He looked every bit the powerful vampire-sheriff he was. ”What is that smell?”, Eric snarled. “I’m doing my nails, sir”, I said. He took three long strides towards me, and looked down at my freshly painted nails. “You’re keeping me locked up here, I needed to do something to pass the time”. “Doing as you’re told is part of the job, sunshine”, he retorted – letting whether this time, he meant sunshine as a term of endearment, or an insult, hang in the air. “Sir, yes, sir”, I said quietly, and screwed the lid back on the polish, blowing on my nails. Eric took the bottle from the table. “Where did you even get this?”, he asked. “I told you not to leave the suite”. “Pam”, I answered.

Eric shook his head in annoyed defeat. “The trial is in an hour; upstairs. The Authority figured out you’re the one on that picture; and they want you to testify, despite my insistence that you can’t remember anything”. “You told them that?”, I asked. He looked at me with warning eyes. “Yes, and you’ll repeat those very words to the Magister”. “I’m not going to lie! Are you crazy?”. The Viking-vampire tensed his whole body, bared his fangs, and roared at me. “You will do as you’re told, miss Sunday; because that’s what I hired you to do!”.

I wanted to scream, throw something, or even punch him in the face; but that last part would probably hurt me more than it would him. Instead, I stood my ground. If he wanted an obedient little fangbanger who did as she was told, and groveled at his feet; he’d get one. I got off the couch, and shrugged off the robe; exposing my outfit. “Yes, master”, I said. Erics eyes widened, and he turned to face his progeny. “Vad fan håller hon på med? Vad har du gjort?”. ”She asked for The Ginger. I thought you’d want a bit of an upgrade from that”, Pam said, amusement in her voice. I raised a brow at her. “Hey… I wanted to piss him off, not get killed”. Eric rolled his eyes. “We don’t have time for this. We have a trial to attend”, he said, and grabbed my arm. “Let’s go”. “I can walk myself”, I said, and pulled my arm out of his grasp, before grabbing my purse. He clenched his jaw, and opened the door for us to leave the room. The first thing that happened after I stepped out into the hallway, was that I almost fell over. Pam caught me by the arm, and pulled me upright. Eric had the decency to keep his back to me, as he laughed.

---

The top floor restaurant had once again been rearranged for what seemed like a party. I don’t know what I’d expected form a vampire-trial, but this was not it. The vampires present were all dressed to the nines, some of them in fashions that seemed to stem from decades before. There were very few humans in the room; probably to avoid having to do a mass glamour when the trial was over.

Eric strode confidently through the room, with people stepping aside as he went. I heard murmurs, and felt eyes on my back as I followed. “… the human Godric fed from”, I heard someone mutter, as I passed a group of sheriffs and their entourages. “Wasn’t she a stripper?”. “Northman likes them flexible and half naked. Haven’t you ever been to Shreveport?”. “… seems like the type”. I looked back at the group, and had to stop myself from hissing at them. I wasn’t out to get killed after all. Pam grabbed my arm, and made me keep up.

Walking up to Isabel at the center of the room, Eric solemnly nodded at her. “Is he in the building?”, he asked. “He’s been silvered all day in the magisters quarters… I would have stayed with him, but they wouldn’t let me”, Isabel said, a pained look in her eyes. “I know… You’ve been a good deputy to him”, Eric said. “But I should have been there”. “What difference would that have made? They would have found out eventually”. “No… Last conference, I should have been there. I could have stopped it”. Eric let out a frustrated growl. “You can’t blame yourself”, Isabel said. “All we can do now, is give testimony to Godrics character. Maybe we can claim the picture was fabricated… Have your human say it was a misunderstanding”. Eric gazed back at me. “She doesn’t remember what happened…”, he said, giving me a meaningful and warning look.

The hell I didn’t. I remembered everything.

---

[supercalime]

Chain of Gold Commentary pt. 1

Who’s the worst TSC fan of all time? Me! * plays the kazoo poorly *

Yeah so, I’m late to the party but I finally got around to read Chain of Gold and here are my thoughts as I read the first half of it.

Hope you enjoy all my ramblings!

(Part 2 coming next week)

Chapter 1 to 12:

- I hate the pretentious quotes and references. I hate them with a passion!

- Dragged to hell? Just like that?

- James will be another brooding white boy who gets his suffering romanticized huh

- What’s the point of Christopher’s eyes being purple? Or is he just that weird OC that has weird eyes instead of a personality?

- Okay. I like the group dynamic. Some white boys are funny

- Cassie is physically incapable of passing the betchdel test, it seems

- Not me forgetting who Charles was. Wow, fake fan

- If I read this book when it came out, I’d think shipping a teenage girl with a ghost was weird and borderline problematic. After watching jatp, this might as well be one of my favorite romantic tropes. Who would have thought 😅

- I was not expecting a Tessa POV. What a pleasant surprise

- So demon grandpa is important. I’m excited

- Anna is too cool!

- Dude, this picnic scene is making me hungry

- Okay, I really like that cordelia doesn’t hate grace. It’s clear she likes James but it’s not that annoying bs of girls hating each other because they like the same boy. Let’s see if this is true for most of the book

- Matthew listing out their tropes was funny

- Cassie can only write one male main character and it’s always brooding white boy with “dark” secret. Try to vary from time to time, jeez

- Listen, I love how Cassie loves to describe every single tiny irrelevant detail in a scene, but christ, chill out! This book would be half its length if there wasn’t so mush filler! I want plot not half a chapter describing a garden!

- I’m only invested on the ghost boy (shocker, I know)

- “Demon enthusiast” haha, more like “Benedict Lightwood was a demon fucker”

- Let Christopher make more duck metaphors 2021

- I’m living for the Anna Cordelia Matthew friendship!

- The amount of eye rolling I’m doing this first half is not a good sign, yall

- Okay but why are Jesse and Lucie so cute?

- Lily!!! Malcolm can choke

- Are Alastair and Thomas on a date? Cause that kinda feels like a date

- I love Christopher so much

- My gaydar is beeping. Thomas and Alastair definitely have something. That tattoo is important for sure

- What do you mean she died???

- Just like that??? I’m speechless

- Why is cordelias nickname layla? Wouldn’t it make more sense to be delia? Did I miss something?

- The gaydar is almost exploding! Alastair and Charles huh

- Dude, can Sophie not suffer for ONE book? Poor girl can’t catch a break

- I don’t feel an inch of sadness about Barbara. She was barely a character, why feeling bad for her now?

- The pretentiousness of these teens quoting Shakespeare tho. I’m laughing. I shouldn’t, but I’m laughing

- This book is very gay. I love it

- Okay I love lucie and Matthew being siblings too!

- Oh fuck! Grace and Charles???

- Henrondale boys, the most dramatic bitches in existance

- Wait. Aro Grace anyone?

- Whoa!!!!! She’s like a siren or something?? Why did Matthew... what is happening???

[98prilla]

Loved

Follow up to Unwanted, because I love some soft Dark Sides

Next

AO3

...

“Are you sure? Like, really, really, really sure?” Remus asks. Logan squeezes his hand gently, smiling softly, because he understands Remus’s hesitance, he understands why he is afraid, because he is a bit afraid, too.

 “You’ve asked him ten times, Remus. If the answer didn’t change after the first five, why would it change now?” Deceit drawls, though his nervousness shows in his tense posture where he leans against the wall, pretending to examine his fingernails, though he is wearing his gloves.

 “I know! I just, I don’t… I don’t want him to regret it. I don’t want you to regret it and then hate us for making you change and then you’ll be miserable and we’ll be miserable and-“

 “Remus. You aren’t making me do anything. I want to do this. I promise.” He says softly, slipping his hand from Remus’s, approaching the new door in the hallway, hand hesitantly resting against the unblemished wood as he takes a deep breath.

 “Logan! I… be safe. Please.” He nods once at Deceit’s words. He takes a final breath, then opens the door, not hesitating as he steps inside.

 The door slams closed behind him, the echo loud as thunder in the dead silent hall, Deceit and Remus both unwilling to move from their posts, in case anything went wrong.  

…

 The slam of the door makes him jump. Everything is silent, so silent, and the room is pitch black. He squares his shoulders resolutely and walks to the center of the room.

 Then the world seems to spin. He can’t keep his balance, it’s like the explosion of a supernova, it’s silence so loud it’s deafening, it’s nothing and everything and hot and cold and it burns and it freezes and it’s too, too, too much!

 He feels his center shifting, changing, growing, shrinking, it hurts, it hurts, but it also feels so right as his being rearranges itself, adding to his purpose, tilting it on its axis until it is the same, but different, and he doesn’t know whether he wants to cry or laugh or scream as he feels everything settle into place with an ear shattering void of noise.

 He doesn’t know how long it is before he moves from where he fell, crumpled on the floor. He is sore, every part of him aching, as he forces himself to his feet, stumbling at the cresting wave of exhaustion washing over him.

 But he has to know, he has to see, before he can let himself rest, he has to see what he has become.

 He’s not afraid. He thought he would be, but he isn’t. It’s… anticipation. Relief, almost. Because whatever he is now, he knows Deceit and Remus will still want him. Will still care. It’s strange to think that his former family wouldn’t.

 He has changed. His hair is a deep, dark black, in the light it has an almost indigo sheen that he rather likes. His eyes as well, one is that deep indigo, the other a startling silver. His suit jacket is black, buttoned once halfway down, silver embroidery mapping out constellations, his shirt a deep blue. He has a bow tie now, as well, that matches his shirt.

 He reaches up, letting out a small laugh as he feels around the edges of each eye, soft, silver scales dotting up his cheekbones and half outlining his eyes. They sparkle like stars and he loves them immediately.

 He can see. He’s not wearing his glasses anymore, but he can still see perfectly fine, though his silver eye seems a bit sensitive to the light. He wonders if Deceit’s snake eye is also sensitive.

 Deceit. Remus. They’re probably worried. How long… how long has he been in here? He doesn’t quite know, but long enough he’s sure they’re a bit frantic. He stumbles to the door, fumbling with the handle before managing to open it, falling forwards into someone’s arms.

 “gan. Logan!” His ears are ringing, but his name manages to cut through the darkness threatening to overtake him. He manages to blink his vision clear, realizing he’s being supported by Remus, who’s looking at him with fear and wonder and worry.

 “Fine, I’m… I’m fine. Just took a lot… a lot out of me.” Remus’s face softens, some of the worry fading away, and he is pulled into a tight hug before he can say another word.

 “you scared me. You were gone forever!”

 “It was not forever, Remus. It was three hours. That felt like forever. I certainly wasn’t worried, or anything.” Logan chuckles at Deceit’s obvious lie, finding himself unwilling to move away from Remus’s steady warmth. Then Remus takes gentle hold of his shoulders, moving him back, so he can examine him.

 “Nice new look, by the by. Hair, cool, like the blue, new style, nice, very formal rebel chic. You look like a real bad boy, Logan.” He rolls his eyes, suppressing his light blush at the teasing.

 “Dee?” He asks, softly, turning to face Deceit, who hadn’t yet looked up from the ground, as if he were almost afraid to. Slowly, Deceit looks at Logan, examining him from the feet up, letting out a soft, small noise as he reaches Logan’s face.

 He is before Logan in two steps, hands shaking as he reaches out, hovering around Logan’s face, eyes filled with something almost unreadable.

 “may I?” He asks softly, and Logan responds with a smile just as soft.

 “of course, Dee.” He shivers slightly as Deceit’s palms rest on his cheeks, his thumbs carefully stroking his newly formed scales with a feather light touch that just barely tingles against his skin. He closes his eyes, leaning into the touch. It feels so… nice.

 “Logan!” Deceit yelps, startling him awake. Awake? He hadn’t been sleeping, had he?

 “sorry. I... don’t know what came over me.” Deceit had caught him in his arms, holding him carefully.

 “It’s fine, sweetling. You just surprised me, is all. You need to sleep. Preferably in your new room.” He closes his eyes again, nuzzling against Deceit’s chest. One of his favorite things about the Dark Sides, he didn’t feel the need to be the grown up one, the serious one. He didn’t feel embarrassed about wanting or needing touch and affection. They never judged him for it, never made him feel less for it.  

 “What do we call you now, anyways?” Remus chimes in, “I mean, not Logic, anymore, right?”

 “Ambition. I am ambition.” He mumbles, eyes slipping shut once again. “stay? Please? Till I… till I wake up? Don’t wanna be alone.” He feels Deceit lift him up, into his arms, and his hands fist around the fabric of his shirt. “remus too.” He mumbles, and Deceit chuckles, running a hand through his hair.

 “of course, Ambition. Whatever you want, darling.” He feels Deceit kiss his scales, then he succumbs to darkness.

 “Ambition.” Deceit says softly, and Remus can see the gears turning inside his head, trying to process the implications, the meaning, the why and how. “ambition. I think it suits him. He always wanted so much more than they gave him. Still uses facts and figures, uses logic. Logic with emotion. Ambition.” Deceit muses approvingly.

 “God, you two are such nerds. Now, I’m not one to pry,” Deceit snorts, “buuuut since we are spending the night with him, let’s go scope out the new room, already!” Remus is bouncing on the balls of his feet as he skips over to the door, which is now a deep, midnight blue. “c’mon, c’mon, c’mon!” He whines.

 “Shush, you’ll wake him. I’m moving fast as I can. Just go in already!” Deceit laughs, and Remus giddily complies, taking one step inside before he freezes, jaw dropping, eyes wide as he stares up at the ceiling.

 “whoa.” Is the only word that escapes him, and Deceit hurries inside to see what the fuss is, because not much can stop Remus’s endless talking, much less awe him. His eyes widen as he looks around, a soft whistle escaping his lips, because wow.

 The ceiling is moving, swirling, space. It is pitch black, and as they watch, galaxies swirl past, comets shooting across the space, distant stars glittering as supernovas explode in the distance. It is an ever moving, ever shifting, ever changing view of the universe.

 And the floor is like that of an infinity room, mirrored so the ceiling is reflected over and over and over again, like you’re walking through the stars, like you could reach out and touch a sun, like the endless possibility of the universe is unravelling at your feet.

 The walls are dark marble, embedded with shimmering, small moonstones, which shift and glimmer with the light, going from pale, milky blue, to fiery, alit orange, like more endless stars, and gods, it is beautiful and amazing and incredible, and it mirrors Ambition perfectly.

 His bed is still simple, though the duvet is blue and silver, like his jacket. A desk is against one wall, bookshelves line the other, a closet with clothes sits yet untouched. Any personal items, Ambition will have to fetch from his old room. Deceit bites his cheek at that, because he doesn’t know if he can face the others, if he can face Virgil, after this. Because no matter what Ambition says, they will all blame him. They will all say he somehow coerced, tricked, stole, Logan, and forced him to turn dark. As if him and Remus and, once, Virgil, were evil beings sent to hurt them. They aren’t, the terms light and dark arbitrary, but good luck telling that to Thomas.

 It upsets him to be blamed, of course, just because of his role. But that’s not why he’s angry at the thought. It undermines Ambition’s choice. He chose this. The issue shouldn’t be that he changed, the issue should be all the reasons why he changed.

 “DeeDee. You’re overthinking again.” Remus’s soft voice cuts through his thoughts, and Deceit sighs, shaking his head.

 “Caught me red handed, my ever observant Duke. Let’s get settled, before my mind runs away once again.” He replies, rolling his eyes as Remus jumps onto the bed, instantly burrowing under the covers, patting the space beside him.

 “Coming, I’m coming.” He mutters, tucking Ambition under the blankets first, whom Remus quickly secures in his arms, cooing as Ambition tucks his head down against his chest, mumbling something incoherently happy. Deceit slips in next, sandwiching Ambition in warmth, wrapping his arms around both him and Remus, letting out a long breath as his body relaxes, all the tension seeping out of his muscles at the warmth, head resting against Ambition’s.

 “Dee?” Small, hesitant. He smiles, not cracking open his eyes.

 “Yes, Remus?”

 “love you.” Innocent, quiet, the Remus none of the others get to see, don’t give him a chance to show. The one who is sensitive and kind and caring, in his own way. Who is just as insecure as Roman, just as romantic, just as full of love and fierce protection for his family. The one who was the most broken when Virgil left. Because he had loved Virgil, like a brother.

 “I love you too, Remus. So does he.”

 …

 It’s… odd. Waking up, surrounded by warmth, surrounded by arms, gentle breathing near his ear, the rise and fall of a chest, being held like he is the most precious thing in the universe.

 He needs a new name. Logan… doesn’t feel right, anymore. It doesn’t feel like it… fits. Honestly, he’s not sure it ever did. Logan was a name chosen out of convenience. Logic, Logan, simple, clean, easy to remember. It hadn’t mattered much, what he was called.

 But now… now it felt important.

 Idly, he looks up, eyes widening as he sees the ceiling, watching the stars shimmer and spark, earth far away, a vague blue dot against the endless vastness. Space. He’d always loved space, the stars, the theories of the universe’s formation, the mechanics and unknows of it all, how it just… worked. By some miracle, it worked.

 As he watches, the sky changes, swirling, to show what the night sky looks like from earth, the constellations stretching out before him. Ursa major, minor. Big dipper, little dipper. Orion and his belt.

 “Cygnus.” He whispers, lips twitching upwards in a smile. Cygnus. The swan. In Greek myths, so many warriors, heroes, were transformed into swans to escape death, the constellation itself was said to be Orpheus, transformed into a swan and placed in the sky to forever sing his songs. The ugly duckling, finding his place among his species, turning something old and ugly into something new and beautiful.

 “ugh, morning.” Deceit mumbles, and he rolls over to meet Deceit’s eyes, which are still blurry from sleep, his curly hair adorably tousled. “how are we feeling this morning, Ambition?” He smiles at Deceit’s use of his new title.

 “good. Not about to pass out, anymore, at least. A bit sore, still. But better.”

 “Ambyyyy why are you talking? Go back to sleeeeeep.” Remus whines, hugging him tighter around his waist, face buried against his back. He chuckles, heart warming further at Remus’s nick name.

 “We should get up sooner rather than later. Even they won’t be able to ignore a shift this big in the mindscape. Sooner rather than later, we’re going to be summoned. I would prefer to look my best to deal with this occasion.” Deceit says dryly, and Remus groans, but relents, releasing him and sitting up. “go get dressed. I’ll start on breakfast. Everyone needs to eat something today.”

 He shivers as Deceit leaves the bed, wishing they could stay there all day, but he knows Dee is right. Remus plants a soft kiss on his head, before slipping out from behind him.

 “take your time starlight. Look around. It’s pretty amazing, what you made.” Remus slips out the door, Deceit following, shooting him a final, gentle smile as he lets the door close behind him.

 He sighs, letting out a huge, deep, shaking breath. He still couldn’t believe he’d done this. Had the courage, to do this. But honestly, he’s never been happier in his life.

 …

 When he does emerge from his room, his room, for breakfast and makes his way to the kitchen/dining room, much more informal than the light sides dining area, a small table, a counter island with three stools, a vase of flowers on the table.

 “Foxgloves. Pretty and deadly. Literally every part of the plant is poisonous. From your garden, Remus?” He asks, amused as he sits down at the island, where Remus is already leaning, watching Deceit cook, scrambling eggs, based on the smell. Remus’s eyes light up at his classification of the plant.

 “Uh huh. Oh! I should show you! It’s all filled with poisonous plants! I’ve even mixed and bred new breeds! I dunno if they’d actually survive in the real world, but it’s the imagination so, anything goes! If… if you wanna. I know… my part isn’t as pretty as roman’s.”

 “I find that hard to believe, Remus. You have the same level of passion and drive as Roman, and you don’t limit yourself half as much as he does, based on public perception. You don’t let public pressure alter your work. It’s true, unbiased, unfiltered art. I fail to see how that could ever be anything less than beautiful, regardless of how ‘perfect or ‘pretty’ it is or isn’t.” Remus is blushing furiously, and Deceit is staying facing the stove to hide the delighted, glowing grin on his face.

 “And yes, I would love to see your garden. I may be able to offer some advice, as well, if you’re looking to up the toxicity of your specimens. For purely scientific reasons, of course.”

 “Of course.” Deceit echoes, amused as he turns around, spooning eggs onto each of three plates, along with two slices of bacon and a piece of toast, sitting down on a stool on the other side of the counter, across from Remus. They eat in silence for a few moments, before Logan pushes his plate away, mostly finished. Turns out changing burns a lot of calories.

 “I… have something I wish to tell the two of you. In regards… to my name.” Deceit and Remus both freeze, locking eyes a bit frantically.

 “You don’t have to-“

 “It’s not necessary-“ they both blurt out at the same time, stumbling over each other in their rush to stop him from saying anything more. Then they both shut up again as Logan laughs.

 A real, honest, deep, full, laugh. Like church bells ringing, like distant thunder, like heady, summer nights. It’s beautiful, it’s stunning, it’s amazing. And it feels… good. When was the last time he laughed, more than an amused snort, at best? He was too serious, too focused, too adult, for laughing. Not anymore. His laugh finally dies down, leaving him smiling brightly, looking at the two stunned faces of Remus and Deceit.

 “I know I don’t. That’s why I want to. Because I trust you two and I… I want you, to know. I just… I don’t want it to sound… stupid.” It had felt so right, lying sleepily in bed, but he cringed in the cold light of the kitchen, because what if it isn’t? What if they laugh?

 “Ambition. We won’t laugh. We won’t judge. And if you aren’t ready, do not feel the need to say another word on the subject.” Deceit says softly, and he half smiles, taking a deep breath.

 “Cygnus. It’s a constellation. Of a swan.” His face is furiously red, but when he looks up, he sees nothing but warmth and softness and a bright, wondering kind of joy.

 “it’s perfect, Amby. You’re perfect.” Remus whispers, taking his hand and rubbing circles on his knuckles, easing some of his tension, evaporating his fear.

 “Don’t… don’t tell the others?”

 “Of course, sweetling. You tell them if or when you’re ready. We won’t tell them a thing, Cygnus.” He shivers a bit at the use of his name, the way it rolls off Deceit’s tongue, like music. He nods, biting the inside of his cheek.

 “I think… I think we should go to them. Before they summon us. I don’t want to wait around for them to notice something is different. If they haven’t noticed by now, I want to show them. I want to say my piece, before they have time to put words in my mouth.” He squeezes Remus’s hand tighter, determination and a hint of fear spiking through him, but Deceit is nodding.

 “Whatever you want, Cygnus. Everything is up to you. Everything is at your pace. Whatever you want, it’s yours.” And he’s flushing again, at the sincerity of Deceit, the promise in his words, and he knows Deceit means it. Knows he could ask Deceit to walk off the end of the earth, and he would.

 …

 Everyone is yelling. Roman is threatening Deceit, Patton is trying to calm him down but he is also afraid, unsure, and his frantic energy adds to Roman’s. Virgil is staring at him with wide eyed horror and disbelief, his face pale, eyes angry and hard as stone as he spits something cold and cruel at Remus, who flinches, backing behind him, almost as overwhelmed as he is at all the noise. Then Roman breaks free of Patton’s hold and actually swings at Deceit.

 He smoothly steps in front of the snake side and catches Roman’s arm, eyes cold as stars as he halts the swing, and the room goes silent as the sword clatters to the floor, all eyes on him.

 “You don’t want to do that, your majesty.” He hisses, and Roman stumbles back, the three light sides staring down the three dark sides, with Cygnus at their head.

 “Logan… you don’t have to do this. Whatever they told you… it isn’t true. We love you. Please.” Patton, open armed and teary eyed.

 But he knows. He knows Patton wants him back because he’s afraid he won’t be able to moderate Virgil and Roman without him there, that he doesn’t want things to change, that he wants everything to go back to the way it was. But he is not, for a single second, thinking of wanting ‘Logan’ to be happy.

 “You want to be the pinnacle of light, Patton. The perfect father, perfect leader, perfect person. You spend so much time worrying about appearances, Patton. If you looked a little deeper maybe you’d realize no coercion was necessary, nor attempted.” His words are cool, evenly spoken, but Patton still winces, mouth opening and closing several times before he simply looks away.

 “Why? Logan, why go… to them? After everything, after what they’ve done-“ He cuts Virgil off.

 “I don’t know what they’ve done, besides try and do their best for Thomas. Try and help him accomplish his goals. And why? Are you really asking me that? Do you not have a single idea of what could have led to this choice?” He asks incredulously, looking from face to face, seeing nothing but honest puzzlement and it almost makes him furious.

 “I have been gone. For five days.” Patton’s hands fly to his mouth, Roman’s eyes blaze as he glares at Remus, Virgil gasps softly. “I’m glad to see no one noticed my absence.” His lips twist in a grim smile, and he shakes his head, gathering his thoughts for a moment.

 “I have never felt listened to. I have never been valued. I do the work, I put in the time, I try my very hardest to get all of you, any of you, to listen to me, to see me, to care about me, and I am pushed aside again and again and again. It is only when something goes wrong, only when everything has fallen apart to the very extremes does anyone come looking for Logic. So clearly, it wasn’t needed. Logan… wasn’t needed.” They all have the grace to look ashamed at that, and he feels Remus slip his hand into his, before he continues.

 “I was ill. I thought it didn’t matter. I thought I didn’t matter. None of you cared to notice, cared to check on me, cared to ask where I was, while these two were taking care of me, fevered and unconscious for nearly two days. And no one even noticed I was gone. You can have that, as your answer to why.” There’s more, but those feelings are personal, and they have lost all right to his personal emotions, though they barely had it to begin with.

 “Logan-“

 “No. That is not my name anymore. I am Ambition. And that is what you may call me. You have not earned my name. I don’t think you ever truly did. You will leave Deceit and Remus alone. You will not punish them for this. You have only yourselves to blame. If you wanted me so badly, you should have fought for me a little sooner.” With that, he takes Deceit’s hand, and they disappear, back to the dark side, leaving the three lights in stunned, broken silence.

 …

He stumbles, nearly falling, Deceit catching his arm and steadying him.

 “Cyg? You okay?” Remus asks as he straightens, shooting Deceit a thankful glance.

 “Just not used to that popping in and out thing. A bit more dizzying, than sinking in and out.” He replies, sinking onto the couch in the common room, laughing as a blanket is tossed at his face from across the room, which he promptly pulls around himself.

 “You wanna watch anything, Amby?” Remus asks, hesitating by the T.V. Remus wants to play his game console, but only if he is ok with it. Remus, above everything, wants him to be comfortable and happy. He smiles, though he’s on the verge of tears again.

 “No. Go ahead, Ree. The new Resident Evil remake?” He asks, and Remus pauses in turning on the television.

 “How did you know?” His voice is pure curiosity, as he plops on the couch beside him, Cygnus leaning against him as the game loads.

 “New role, new abilities, I suppose. As Ambition, I can tell what people want. Both eventual goals and whatever the current top desire is.” Remus hums thoughtfully, as Deceit comes in from the kitchen, holding a bowl of popcorn. He sits on Cygnus’s other side, wrapping an arm around his shoulders, resting the bowl between them.

 “So, then. What is my current desire, Ambition?” Deceit asks, and he swallows hard, because it is radiating off of both Remus and Deceit, and he has never felt like this before. Never felt this blooming warmth in his chest, never felt so wanted, needed, loved, and it burns in a pleasing, soft way.

 “to love me. To show me I am loved, to give me whatever I need, whenever I need it, no matter if it is space or touch, company or solitude. To… to be here, with me, right now. My happiness, is your ambition.” He whispers, conscious of the tears slipping down his face.

 Slowly, gently, Deceit reaches up and wipes away his tears, before pressing a kiss to each of his newly formed scales, nuzzling his head against Cygnus’s cheek before pulling away.  

 “yes. And it always will be.”

 “MOTHERFUCKER” They both jump at Remus’s screech, popcorn flying, looking up at the screen to see a giant monster chasing his character through zombie infested streets. He recovers from his shock first, and chuckles, getting caught up in the action as Remus dodges and shoots, all three of them letting out a cheer as a stranger appears, blasting the monster with a rocket.

 He can still feel the warmth and love radiating off the two of them as they are all sucked into the game, the plot, and he slowly finds himself relaxing against Remus, Deceit massaging his head, and it feels so good, for once everything feels so good, so right, so perfect.

 He is home.

[bibbidi-bobbity-booyah]

Sanders Sides: Putting Others First reaction

[I just realised the two week spoiler thing is up, so I can post this. I watched the episode last week, so there's some comments about some spoilers I'd seen, but I was mostly avoiding my social media until I had time to watch. Also, if y'all know how to cut this, I've no clue and Google isn't helping]

Honestly, don’t get the video game thing? Is that gonna be this episodes thing?

*Snort* Ineffable. *Realisation* Shit, Patton is Aziraphale. Shut up brain. (But don't, actually, that's great)

ROMAN, baby boy- Effuse? I haven’t heard that since college.

It wasn’t until Patton said “I hope we rhyme like this the whole way through.” that I realised there was a beat and I was about to get another bop

Ooh, this is a solid recap. Wait. Review. Duh.

Yeah, why didn’t he talk to- Oh, yeah, Roman did suggest that. And I agreed with him back then, too.

Ooph, blind fold comment hit a little too hard for Patton.

Roman, with all the respect I have for your beautiful, wonderful ideas, what the everloving eff is going on with that cat analogy?

Catholics. (Side note: Did you know catholic means “universally known?”)

Queen Groovy Binch? Roman

Roman, you can’t use words like effuse and then confuse fair as in equality with fair as in complexion. My head is spinning, broham.

Whoa, ganging up on Patton… Right, forgot. I was also very frustrated with Patton that episode.

Heh, was waiting for the Goodfellas reference

IS THAT WHY THERE IS SO MUCH PATTON FROG STUFF IN MY TUMBLR FEED? I would say that the fandom had an extreme reaction, but I remember our reaction to the Dark Side introduction, so… but, still...

They’re really running with this frogger thing

6am dull is such a mood

Okay, but a wedding is a luxury item, Patton, this isn’t - LOGAN!!!

Okay, but that factoid thing is a really neat fact actually.

Roman, don’t be rude

More neat facts

Patton back tracking in this episode tho

Leslie getting around

Why did you have to make that Cake line after I typed Leslie is getting around?

Again, Roman, I’m stuck on how you can use word like scute, yet confused fair?

Also, that is a great picture of Deceit

According to Patton, my D&D character is not a very good person. My character is okay with this.

More facts, really distracting from the dialogue, but I appreciate your contribution, Logan.

Huh, been a while since I thought of Patton as “Morality”

Ooh, the train problem! I hate that one, but it’s also pretty realistic for actual life.

Kekeke, Trump is a bad word

Patton, I am so confused as to what you are trying to communicate, and I am really trying.

Nietzsche was really fun in my western philosophy class! Wait, no, Patton, you are the one who asked Logan. Jeez, everyone is so rude in this episode.

Roman, honey, baby, no, it’s normal to want to go to the call back. It’s normal to want a new game in a favored franchise. There you go, good Thomas, good Patton

I’m just as lost as you, Thomas.

Logan is back!

Thomas should never go on WMD

Logans Lowdown is being fairly intrusive and I am highkey here for it

Oh. That’s why there’s frogs all over my feed.

What the heckity heck, five abes, and one peck is going on? Why is LilyPadton, like, actually being a villain? He makes the best villain in fanfics, but I don’t think I can take actual morally gray! or dark!Patton.

*Hears Mysterious Paths* BEST BOI ABOUT TO COME OUT!!!

Okay, but actually, where is Logan?

Ooh, Don DeMarco, bang bang, Dee’s hitting him with that tough loven. Bow bow!

And he’s at it again, two parter! It was a two parter! The crowd is going wild! (I am the crowd, and I am going wild)

Dee pulled a Sans, dodging that. Is Thomas okay?

Wait, does Deceit get to be a good boy now? Well, morally gray boy now?

Noice Snakes on a Plane reference. I respect it.

Aw, Roman, I didn’t realise how damaging Deceit had been to your psyche. I’m feeling a lot of Roman centric fanfic reading from me is going to happen real soon.

SAY IT AGAIN FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK -- 📣 SELF CARE SHOULDN’T BE PUT OFF UNTIL YOU EXPERIENCE A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS 📣

Rough luck in the metaphor, Dee. Ooh, noice one, Thomas.

WHY IS DECEITS RESPONSE TO SEEING LOGAN TO HIDE??? Is anyone going to address this? No? K… 🙃

Deceits make up is very striking this time… Is that just me?

Christopher Columbus was not a pretty cool guy.

I know I just said I didn’t realise how badly their interactions hurt Romans psyche, but I really like the verbal sparring him and Dee have. Very reminiscent of Princey vs Anxiety.

Fauxgan is a capital name, I love it. Good job, Roman, five stars! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Slowgan… eh, it works.

Watching Roman avoid flattery is painful. You deserve the world, bubby.

Moderation is key! Self love is Important! Wait, why is Mysterious Paths playing. Dee stop that!

Whoa, the right brain is going off this episode. Calm down, Roman, buddy.

Actually, keep that up, that Deceit performance was great, I need more.

Aw, Dee’s face! GIVE 👏 DECEIT 👏 A 👏 SEAT 👏 AT 👏 THE 👏 TABLE!

NAME NAME NAME NAME NAME - look at their faces, Thomas is such a good actor, wow - NAME NAME NAME NAME

JANUS! WE GOT A NAME! JANUS! No wonder they didn’t change it to Danny Deceito, his name is perfect - SHUT UP ROMAN, DON’T BE RUDE

DECEIT- I mean, JANUS! DON’T BE RUDE! Neither Roman NOR Remus deserved that

Roman, bubby, just because Janus gets a seat doesn’t mean you lose your spot at the table

Deceit- Janus (now I get my families difficulty with my name change and sticking to my nickname instead), I know you’re feeling attacked, but Patton is asking about himself. Oh, okay, good boy.

Yeah, if they are making an honest effort to change! And, yes, even that can be circumstantial.

THOMAS YOU CAN’T JUST DROP LESLIE IN LIKE THAT I ABOUT HAD A HEART ATTACK

This is Sanders Sides, not Odom Sides, ha!

Pattons growth is something I am absolutely here for.

Aw, Patton, we love you

Janus’ faces are so good. Just… so good

“I’ll take care of him.” AWWWWWW

JANUS, WE DO NOT NUDGE THE COMPETITION DOWN FLIGHTS OF STAIRS

Heeheehee, Snek Boi 🐍

VALIDATION

Aw, Lee and Mary Lee!

ODOM SIDES NEEDS TO BE A THING. Like, a short tiktok thing? Something?

[perspective-series]

Vampire Perspective (9/17)

By: @arc852 and @hiddendreamer67

Warnings: Unwanted touching

First Chapter || Previous Chapter || Next Chapter

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

Patton whimpered, coming back into the house with his belly full but a weight on his chest. It had been a bad night. He had broken down, for the first time in years, and actually attacked someone. Not fatally, thank goodness, but the sight of an unconscious person laying in the street still brought back the taste of bile in his throat. What was wrong with him? Even after a few centuries he couldn’t keep himself contained. Maybe the world was right, he really was a monster.

Not only the blood-sucking kind, but a different sort of monster now too. He had treated Roman so cruelly before he left, when all the borrower’s demands had been simple enough. Patton was the one being pushy, after it was all his fault Roman was trapped, too. It wasn’t fair. Patton was nowhere close to being the kind of friend Roman would want, and it was no wonder Roman still hated him with every fiber of his little being. 

Patton knelt in front of the chest, slowly creaking the lid open. “...hey.” He said, his voice sounding ragged from the crying he had done.

 Roman tensed as the chest was opened, glancing out of the corner of his eye at the vampire. He hugged himself tighter, not saying anything. After how mad Patton had left, and yes, he had heard the shouting between the two vampires, he assumed Patton was finally here to eat him.

“I’m… I’m really sorry for grabbing you. And locking you in the chest again.” Patton apologized. “I knew I needed to clear my head and I didn’t want you to get hurt while I was gone, but I know that’s no excuse. It was cruel and unfair of me to use my size against you like that.”

 “...Yes, it was.” Roman said with a sigh. “But it’s not surprising. I’ve always expected that of humans…” Vampires too, he supposed. “Are you going to stop kidding yourself and just eat me already?”

“No!” Patton looked horrified. “No, Roman why would you…” Patton groaned. His argument with Virgil, of course. Poor Roman must have been terrified this whole time. “No, Roman, I told you, I’m not going to eat you.”

 “Well sorry if it’s a little hard to believe you after you went back on your word before.” Roman huffed, turning his head to look the vampire in the eye. His eyes, though still a duller red then Virgil’s had been, were a bit brighter than before. “Honestly, I don’t know what to expect at this point.”

“No, I… yeah, that’s fair.” Patton gave a sad sigh. Going back on his word was so much worse than breaking a promise, because if Roman didn’t trust him than the borrower feared he was actually in danger, and that broke Patton’s heart. “I’m sorry I’ve frightened you, and keep doing it. I’m sorry that I’ve acted untrustworthy, and made you think you’re in danger. I promise to try to do better, but I know my word isn’t worth much now in your eyes, which is fair. I also promise to keep you safe, even from… me. That’s kind of, um, why I went out.”

 Patton was right, his word was not much and Roman wasn’t sure how much he believed but the last part intrigued him. “Where did you go, anyway?”

“Well… first to try and reason with Virgil, which backfired.” Patton sent a small glare to the floor above him, thankful that the walls were embedded with magic so neither could eavesdrop on the other. “And then I… went out. Hunting, I guess.”

 “Yes, I heard the fight. You vamps are not subtle.” Roman said, shivering as he remembered how angry Patton had sounded. “And...hunting? Wait, so you…” Roman felt like gagging.

“Sorry, we’re not usually that loud.” Patton winced. “And, yes, I went and got blood… human blood, this time.” Patton shuddered at himself.

 “Did you…ya know…” Roman made a cutting motion over his throat.

Patton paled. “No, no I didn’t. I got control of myself, eventually. They’ll be fine.”

 Roman looked down. He didn’t even know if he could fully believe Patton on that but...for some reason he did. “That’s...good. I don’t really care about random humans but I’m glad they aren’t dead…”

 He sighed and unfurled himself, looking up at Patton. “So, what now? If you’re still adamant about not eating me.”

“I am.” Patton bit his lip, looking at the cover on his window. “Well, the sun will be up soon. But tomorrow we can still go to Thomas’ home for the paints, if you’d like. I promise not to tell him anything, but I understand if you’d feel safer here.”

 “...No, I still want to go.” That was his best chance it being able to get away, after all. “But, again, how can I trust your word? That you really won’t tell Thomas about me?”

“I mean… I don’t know.” Patton admitted. “Is there anything I can do to prove myself in your eyes? Otherwise I think you just have to trust me, I guess.”

 “Yes, let me just blindly trust a vampire who also happens to be my captor, brilliant.” Roman muttered but sighed, knowing he didn’t have many other options. “...Fine. But if you tell Thomas about me I’ll…” He trailed off, looking down in embarrassment as he realized there was nothing he could do.

“I’ll face your wrath.” Patton finished, a serious look on his face as though this were an actual threat and Roman could actually make Patton suffer. “I understand completely.”

 Roman blinked. “Er, yes, you...better.” He wasn’t sure if Patton was patronizing him or not but he wasn’t going to bring it up. “So...I guess I’ll see you tomorrow then?”

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” Patton reached up to grab the lid of the chest, sending Roman a pained sympathetic glance. “...sorry about this. Again.”

 “Yeah, yeah…” Roman was used to the chest by now.

Patton shut the lid, a sad thud sounding throughout the room.

 Roman sighed and laid down. Trying his best to ignore his thoughts and fall asleep. It...half-worked.

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

Patton woke up the next evening to a quiet ‘ding!’ from his phone, a sure indicator that Thomas was wondering where he was. Thomas thought Patton had a habit of running late, but in reality the vamp just knew better than to risk going out before the sun was fully down most days. Now, though, with the sun’s rays already dwindling there was little time to waste. Patton yawned, rubbing at his eyes as he opened up the crate. “Ready to go?”

 Roman yawned, looking up at Patton. “Where are we...oh! Thomas’ right?” He asked, his sleepy mind still trying to catch up with him.

“Mhm!” Patton gave a pleased smile, remembering to offer his hand instead of grab.

 Roman let out a small sigh as he stared at the hand. He would prefer to stay far away from Patton but he knew he didn’t have a choice. At least the hand was being offered to him instead of simply grabbing. After a moment of hesitation, Roman climbed on. “And you won’t be telling him about me...right?” Roman had to ask again.

“Right.” Patton nodded firmly, slowly lifting Roman to eye level. “I promise to respect your wishes. It’s not my secret to tell.”

 “Good...I hope you keep your word this time.” Although again, Roman could not do much if Patton decided not to. 

“I will.” Patton assured him, and without further ado he placed Roman into his pocket.

 Roman blinked, thrown off for a moment as he was dropped into a pocket. He...should have seen this coming. After all, where else would Patton have put him that was hidden? But still. Roman shifted to a more comfortable position. “Er, a little warning next time would be...nice.” Roman called out.

“What?” Patton opened up the pocket, looking down at the borrower inside.

 “I just...a little warning, before putting me in the pocket. Would have been nice.” Roman said, not meeting Patton’s eyes.

“Oh.” Patton’s eyes widened in understanding. “Yeah, sorry Kiddo!”

 “It’s...fine. The actual pocket is quite comfortable.” Which wasn’t a lie. It was almost like a hammock in the way that it cradles him. “I suppose we’ll be heading out now?”

“Yeah, uh…. Hold on.” Patton advised, realizing the borrower liked warnings. He closed the pocket, and began to take off down the street at his vampiric speed.

 “Whoa!” Roman couldn’t help but exclaim as he was pushed into Patton’s chest as Patton ran fast. He was vaguely aware of the lack of heartbeat behind him, which was disturbing in and of itself but he didn’t have much time to think on it.

Soon enough Patton was at Thomas’ door, knocking on the wood and tussling his hair a bit so it looked more like he was in a hurry.

“Hey!” Patton said cheerfully when Thomas opened up. “So sorry I’m late. May I come in?”

 “Yeah, of course!” Thomas grinned, moving out of the way. “Pizza just got here too, so I’d say you’re right on time.” The human chuckled.

 Roman frowned when he heard Thomas’ voice. He never would have thought he would miss it so much.

“Oh, good.” Patton hid his cringe well, knowing his stomach would be angry with him over the pizza. At least he had properly eaten yesterday, even if the memories made him sick.

 Thomas closed the door behind him and headed into the living room, where the pizza was already opened on the coffee table. “So, how have you been, Pat? I haven’t seen you in a few days.”

“Doing well, I’ve actually started a new artsy project that I was hoping you could help me with.” Patton revealed. “I wanted to borrower your paints.”

 Thomas grinned. “Oh wow! That sounds...wait, borrower?”

 Roman tensed, oh no.

Patton tensed as well. “Borrow! Borrow some paints, haha, slip of the tongue. I’m trying to recreate a cardboard box into a dollhouse, it’s going to be adorable and some color should really help bring it to life and be really fun and lively.” Patton was aware he was rambling, trying to quickly move past his mistake.

 Thankfully, Thomas easily moved past the slip up, which Roman sighed in relief at. “Oh! That sounds cool! Yeah, you can totally borrow some paints.”

“Wonderful.” Patton gave a sigh of relief. “I was actually gonna get started tonight, if you don’t mind?”

 “Yeah, no problem. I think I keep them in the closet here…” Thomas opened the hall closet and reached up to a bin, bringing it down. “Here we go.” He set it on the ground. “Why did you want to start this project anyway?”

“I just thought it’d be a neat idea.” Patton lied through his teeth. “I saw an article where somebody did the same thing.”

 “Huh, nice! You’ll have to send me the article some time.” Thomas laughed. He opened the bin and motioned in it. “Anyway, feel free to take anything you want. I got plenty.” He chuckled.

Patton almost bit his lip in indecision, only at the last moment thinking better of it just in case his fangs made a surprise appearance. “I’m horrible with decisions… do you mind if I borrow them all? Just for a little bit, I promise.”

 “Uh, yeah no, go ahead. I don’t need them anytime soon.” Thomas said. “Now come on, let’s enjoy the night a little. Grab some pizza. Wanna play a board game or watch a movie?” He asked.

“Well… alright.” Patton agreed, taking the smallest slice for himself. Thomas was doing him a favor, it would be rude to decline. “I’m down for a little movie time.”

 “Movie it is! Disney?” He asked, holding up Aladdin.

“You know my heart so well.” Patton teased, curling up onto the couch.

 Thomas chuckled and put the movie on, taking a slice of pizza for himself as he sat back to watch.

 Roman sighed as he sat back. He wished he could see the movie but he supposed hearing it was good too.

The movie was a classic, but despite his love of the film Patton kept finding his attention drifting back towards his chest pocket. Patton did manage to stomach his slice of pizza, but that only made it even harder to sit still when his body kept cramping in protest.

“Ah...I think it might be time for me to head home.” Patton barely managed to hold out ‘til the credits, giving a fake yawn. “It’s getting late.”

 “Oh, yeah I guess it is.” Thomas said, noticing the time. He stood up and stretched. “Don’t forget the paints. Did you need any help with them?”

“No, I should be able to handle it.” Patton assured him, easily picking up the box. Super strength- one of the few perks of being a vampire. “Thank you again, Tomathy.”

 Thomas blinked as Patton effortlessly picked up the whole thing. “Uh, y-yeah, no problem Pat. Hope those help you with your project.”

“I’ll let you know how it turns out!” Patton assured him, giving a little wave and heading out the door.

 “Bye, Patton!” Thomas called out, before closing the door behind Patton.

 Roman sighed as he sulked at the bottom of the pocket. He had been hoping this was his chance to escape but...of course, he hadn’t been taken out. Why wouldn’t he have been when he specifically asked not to be revealed to Thomas? He had been stuck the entire time and though the movie had been nice, he couldn’t help but think how close he had been to seeing Logan again. Only for that disappear as soon as Patton said he was ready to go.

 Roman really was never going to see Logan again, was he?

[chunkecheeks]

a full summary of Joker (2019) because god I wish it was a joke

Okay so... lemme dump all this bullshit under a cut

if you want to know how this movie actually is without all the pain of sitting down for 2 hours feeling like you’re trapped in a very uncomfortable conversation then here you go! (warning for gun violence and inaccurate mental illness stuff)

Joker opens with the Joker (whose name is arthur) putting on clown makeup and manipulating his mouth to be a grin or frown with his fingers. This goes on for just long enough to feel uncomfortable. Joker cries.

Cut to Joker standing outside a shop in full clown getup with a sign advertising a business. A bunch of teens run by and steal his sign so he chases them into an alleyway where they smack him with the sign and then do this to him:

Also it’s revealed he has a laughing condition which I guess is a real condition but I highly doubt the depiction in this movie is accurate bc none of the ways they handle mental illness is accurate. 

Arthur lives with his mother and has a weird Norman Bates esque relationship with her. He loves her a lot. This is important information for later when Really Dumb plot shit happens

So arthur is getting bullied by Mean Teenz and another dude at his clown agency just gives him a gun to protect himself. Guns are (obviously) not allowed to be carried on the job but the guy is like “no one has to know”  Later Arthur is in the elevator with a cute girl who lives in his apartment building. She tries to make small talk with him and when the elevator stalls she mimes putting a gun to her head in jest. After they get off the elevator arthur does this back in a really exaggerated and uncomfortable way and she awkwardly smiles at him. Apparently he’s now in love

The next day he stalks this girl. That night she comes to his door and is like “hey are u talking me” and he’s like “haha yeah” and she’s like “okay cool i like u now”

Arthur goes to perform as a clown at a childrens hospital and then gun falls out of his pants and then he gets fired

Still in full clown suit many many hours later arthur rides the subway. A girl is getting harassed by 3 dudes. There is no reason for her to even be in this scene. I guess they were trying to build these 3 dudes up as bad guys but she looks to arthur for help and he just starts his nervous laughing thing and she leaves the subway train. The 3 dudes start bullying arthur and arthur opens fire on them MULTIPLE time. One escapes the train into the (conveniently empty) station and arthur shoots him multiple times. this part- god I wish i was fucking funny enough to write something like this, I was choking in the theater trying not to laugh because it was dead quiet but i was in TEARS

After murdering three guys arthur enters a public restroom. He hyperventilates for like a second AND THEN STARTS DOING AN INTERPRETIVE DANCE! This felt like it went on for five minutes but it was probably more like 1. But that seems to be a trend with the whole movie because it felt like it took me several years to sit through it.

After this he goes back to his apartment, knocks on the cute girl’s door, and when it opens he forcefully kisses her. She kisses him back because that’s totally not unwelcome and disgusting or anything (this is later apparently something that never happened but it doesn’t make it any less gross to watch in the moment)

The joker killing those three dudes sets off a revolution?? cause they were “rich”? They weren’t like CEOs or big figures in the economic world, they weren’t even rich enough to not have jobs or have their own businesses, they were just employees of Thomas Wayne??? And from what it seems it doesn’t look like the fact they were assholes is known by the general public. Like... I don’t think the murder of three random semi rich dudes would start an eat-the-rich style revolution. If it was like thomas wayne himself then yeah you can go for that angle but the glorification of Joker’s murders doesn’t seem logical

So joker tries doing standup comedy and sucks real hard

It’s revealed that Joker is Batman’s half brother so he goes to the Wayne’s house and does magic tricks for Bruce who is a little kid at this point and then he... sticks his fingers in Bruce’s mouth to make him smile??? for a long amount of time? and bruce never reacts. Also he chokes out a butler (im assuming alfred but he’s never named) in front of Bruce and then runs off

His mom has a stroke while he’s out and he finds out his mom was in an asylum for a while and he goes there and grabs her file and finds out that she was in there for schizophrenia and because her boyfriend abused both her and Arthur and he doesn’t remember this. He then goes to the hospital and, despite all the buildup of him loving his mother and never doubting her and believing her side of the story, assumes the schizophrenia thing makes it true that she was lying to him about thomas wayne being his dad and smothers her with a pillow. There’s a heart monitor that goes crazy while she’s being smothered but instead of flatlining when she dies it just shuts off? he’s never caught for this

He breaks into the apartment of the cute girl (who he has gone on several dates with at this point) and it’s revealed that their relationship never happened to emphasize that he’s CrAzY!! OOOOH! no surprise all of the mental illness stuff they try to pull in this is inaccurate, based off stereotypes, and as someone with psychosis it’s downright insulting.

Arthur then goes home and there’s an entire scene of him pulling everything out of his fridge and then crawling inside and the shot of the closed fridge lasts, again, an awkward amount of time.

He gets invited onto his favorite talk show because the talk show host saw his shitty standup and thought it would be funny if he got him on the show

He gets in full joker paint and also paints his tongue to remind the audience WHOA! THIS GUY IS CRAZY!

The clown who gave him the gun and another clown who’s a little person (and frankly only in the movie so they can make garbage jokes at his expense) come over bc they heard his mom died and then he kills the clown that gave him the gun

He goes dancing down the stairs like in that horrible trailer and the detectives looking for the clown who killed the subway dudes see him and are like “yeah okay that’s the guy” and chase him

He gets to the show and forcefully kisses a woman on air (for a very uncomfortable amount of time! again! also no one does anything the audience just cheers and the talk show host is like “haha wow what an entrance”) and then he makes a shitty joke about a dead kid and everyone is like hm that’s bad don’t joke about that and since the director of this film is one of those “political correctness ruined comedy! i can’t joke about anything anymore!” type guys I feel like this is a very self inserted gripe of his

He announces on live tv he killed the subway dudes and doesn’t get arrested instead the talk show host just like... tries to debate him

and then he goes “what do you get when you cross a mentally ill loner with a society that abandons him? you get what you deserve!” and shoots the talk show host. That’s the worst line I have ever heard in any movie ever

This sets off a riot and after joker gets arrested his supporters free him then lay his unconscious body on the hood of a cop car and crowd around him like he’s jesus

Bruce Wayne’s parents get killed in the meantime and then joker wakes up and does his interpretive dance on the hood of the car while everyone cheers

The movie ends with him in the asylum where he then kills another person and escapes

I don’t know what the end credits scene was because I could not take any more of this

[zen3to5]

J/H 4-24: Eric’s False Alarm

Another partial re-write - the last one of Season 4, I promise. Context for all of these should be clear to anyone familiar with the episode, as these are more adjustments than wholesale rewrites.

FF.Net AO3

***

SHOW TITLE   INT. FORMAN BASEMENT - DAY   A quiet afternoon. HYDE in his chair and FEZ on the couch trade jabs with one another. “What’s Your Name” by Lynyrd Skynyrd plays on the radio.   JACKIE enters through the basement door, dressed for work at the Cheese Palace. She has a bag full of cheese cubes in her hand.   JACKIE: Okay, boys. I brought cheese samples from work.   HYDE: What’s wrong with ‘em?   JACKIE: Nothing. (beat) Well, they were in the trash.   Hyde and Fez share a look.   HYDE/FEZ: Cool./Bring it over.   Jackie hands them the bag, and they dig in as she sits.   KELSO enters, also through the door, and makes for the deep freeze.   KELSO: Hey. You know how my brother locks me in a closet with a pillowcase full of dead fish until the stink makes me cry? Well, while I was in there, I heard him make a phone call. And it seems that he’s got a little surprise for Donna tonight.   Popsicle in hand, he sits between Jackie and Fez on the couch.   KELSO (cont’d): The honeymoon suite at that French motel in Kenosha.   JACKIE: The Le Motel?   FEZ: Oh, no. It sounds like Donna and Casey are going to le do it.   KELSO: Yeah. Eric’s gonna freak out when we tell him.   HYDE: Then why would we tell him?   KELSO: To watch him freak out.   HYDE: Kelso, he’s gonna take it really hard, man. We just need to keep our mouths shut.   KELSO: Wow. That’s very considerate of Eric’s feelings. What the hell, man?   He scoffs, crosses to the record player.   HYDE: I just think that we all need to zip it. (to Fez) Especially you.   FEZ: Hey, I can keep a secret. I didn’t tell Kelso you took five bucks from his wallet.   KELSO: (gasps) Hyde!   Hyde shrugs, gives Fez a sour look.   JACKIE: None of you guys can keep a secret.   KELSO: Well, you sure can. Especially when it’s about you kissing other guys.   Jackie stands, crosses to him.   JACKIE: Michael, it was one guy from work. And I told you I’m sorry.   KELSO: Well, tell me again, and this time, maybe you should cry or give me money.   JACKIE: No, Michael. I’m not going to beg for forgiveness. I didn’t make you do that when you cheated with Pam Macy or Laurie.   HYDE: Don’t forget the Sacred Heart chick and Mrs. Ferguson.   Jackie nods, at Hyde and Kelso in turn.   KELSO: (sputtering) That is totally different. When guys cheat, it’s because they need some hot action. But when girls cheat, it’s way worse, ‘cause girls don’t even like sex.   JACKIE: We do too!   KELSO: Then why aren’t we doing it now?   JACKIE: Because I don’t want to do it right now.   KELSO: I do, point made! Thank you!   He nods triumphantly, Jackie throws her arms up and goes back to the couch, and Hyde shakes his head.

***   INT. FORMAN BASEMENT – EVENING   THE CIRCLE. ERIC stirs in his seat.   ERIC: Well, I called the Le Motel. Fez, you were right. Casey has a reservation for tonight.   Pan to Fez.   FEZ: And Hyde, you were right. I cannot keep a secret.   Pan to Kelso, a slip of paper with a phone number scribbled across it in his hand.   KELSO: Speaking of secrets, look what I found in Jackie’s cheese. Some guy Phil’s phone number. I can’t take this anymore. I just know it, Hyde. She’s cheating on me again!   Pan to Hyde.   HYDE: Well, whaddya know? Two more, and you two might be even. (to Eric) Forman, man, you gotta be cool about this Donna thing, or she’s gonna know you’re jealous.   Pan to Eric.   ERIC: Whoa. Hey, you guys, I’m not jealous. I’m just looking out for her. I mean, Donna’s practically a sister to me. A tall, shapely sister. Who I’ve done it with. About a million times.   Pan to Hyde.   HYDE: Look, maybe Donna and Casey won’t even do it tonight. I’d call it 50-50.   Pan to Eric.   ERIC: You would?   Pan to Hyde.   HYDE: Oh, I’d be wrong. But I’d call it that to keep you from doing something stupid.   Pan to Kelso.   KELSO: Forman, you gotta do something stupid. Sitting around feeling helpless all day – that isn’t healthy. That’s why I’m gonna stalk Jackie.   Pan to Fez, holding up a small slice of Swiss cheese.   FEZ: You know, I really love things with holes. Swiss cheese, donuts, inner tubes. I don’t know what it is about a hole, it just feels good.   He pops the slice into his mouth.   CUT TO:   INT. JACKIE’S ROOM – EVENING   Jackie sits on her bed, flipping through an edition of COSMO. “Sign, Sealed, Delivered” by Peter Frampton plays on the radio.   The bedside phone rings. Jackie picks it up. SPLIT SCREEN as Kelso, in the basement on the other line, holds up the slip of paper with Phil’s number.   JACKIE: Hello?   KELSO: Is Phil there?   JACKIE: Who?   KELSO: Phil, some guy you kissed! I found his number in your cheese!   JACKIE: Michael, Phil is the guy who delivers the sausage.   KELSO: You tramp!   JACKIE: No, idiot, he brings food to our store. He’s our sausage guy.   KELSO: (beat) Tramp! (notices the song) Who’s that singing? Who’s singing love songs to you?   JACKIE: Peter Frampton.   KELSO: Are you kissing him?   Jackie slams the phone down. SPLIT SCREEN ENDS. She has no sooner begun reading again than the phone rings. Scowling, she picks it up.   SPLIT SCREEN as Kelso is joined on the other line by Fez. Fez is on the phone, held up by Kelso as he listens in.   JACKIE: Hello?   FEZ: Hello, this is Norman. Shall we kiss?   On her end, Jackie rolls her eyes. On their end, Hyde appears behind Kelso and Fez. He frogs them both in the arm and takes the phone from Kelso.   HYDE: (into phone) Just leave it off the hook.   He hangs up. SPLIT SCREEN ENDS. Jackie leans back into her pillows and sighs.   ***   INT. FORMAN BASEMENT – NIGHT   The boys are hanging out. Hyde is in his chair, Fez snacks on cheese on the couch, and Kelso fidgets with incense in the lawn chair. “Count on Me” by Jefferson Starship plays on the radio.   FEZ: The red cheese is chewy.   HYDE: The red cheese is wax.   Fez dwells on that for a moment, but continues to eat.   Eric storms in through the basement door. He struggles to rip his jacket off and throw it to the floor.   ERIC: Oh. Hey, guess what, fellas? Turns out I still have feelings for Donna. Yeah. Deep feelings. Warm feelings. Tingly-in-the-pants feelings. And I can’t do anything about it, because she has those feelings for someone else.   KELSO: I think that admitting you still have feelings for Donna is an important step. Because it reopens the door for this. (mocking) Eric loves Donna! Eric loves Donna!   The guys get in a laugh.   ERIC: Look, you guys, I don’t love her. I just think that if she’s not with me, the fairest thing for everyone is if she’s alone and unhappy.   Kelso stands, crosses to Eric.   KELSO: No. That is a bad plan, man. ‘Cause if you leave a chick alone, the next thing you know, she’s licking the roof of another guy’s mouth. Like the cheese guy. I hate that guy!   HYDE: (to Kelso) God, will you give that a rest already?   KELSO: Oh, here we go! Man, we’re supposed to be friends, Hyde, but you take Jackie’s side whenever she and I fight, even when I didn’t do anything.   HYDE: “Didn’t do anything?” Kelso, Jackie took a kiss from her boss after you kept blowing her off. You slept with at least four women behind her back for months. What’s your excuse?   KELSO:  My excuse is that... I can’t think of one. But I will think about it, and I will find one on the way to the mall, where I’ll be stalking Jackie.   He turns up his nose and marches out the door, Fez in tow.   Eric flops down across the couch.   ERIC:  I just... I can’t believe Donna’s in a motel room with him right now.   HYDE: Man, I don’t like it either. But there is one thing you can do. I believe you have a stack of Playboys underneath your bed? Go use ‘em.   He pats Eric on the leg and heads out the door.   *** INT. MALL – NIGHT   The courtyard’s got a new attraction – a kiddie train track, led by an electric Thomas the Tank Engine, advertised by a sign for “ALL THIS WEEK!” A few kids ride in the cars, while the conductor keeps his cap pulled low over his head.   Around this space hog, Jackie walks the floor, offering cheese samples. A GOOD-LOOKING GUY approaches and takes a sample just as the train comes around to them. The conductor lifts his head up – it’s Kelso.   KELSO: (to the guy) Stay away from my girlfriend!   The guy hurries away. Kelso brings the train to a stop.   JACKIE: Michael, what are you doing? What, are you spying on me now?   KELSO: Well, you’re around strange guys all day, and apparently, every once in a while, you up and French one of them.   He starts the train back up. Jackie walks alongside it.   JACKIE: You have lost your mind!   KELSO: Yep, and I don’t miss it!   JACKIE: Michael, look at you! Riding around on a kiddie train so you can spy on me? I mean, do you not see how crazy this is?   Kelso thinks, brings the train to a halt. He stands, and he and Jackie move into the space inside the train track.   KELSO: Yeah. But I don’t know what to do. I want to believe you when you say you’re sorry, but I can’t, because you never seem like you mean it.   JACKIE: Well, I... you’re right. I don’t.   KELSO: What do you mean?   JACKIE: I mean, I’m not sorry, you idiot! I’m still angry at you for blowing me off the last couple of weeks, and I’m still hurt from all the times you cheated on me!   KELSO: Well, I’m – I’m angry too. And not just ‘cause of the kiss. You don’t support me! You didn’t want me to be a model, you always call me names like “idiot” and put me down, and it makes me feel bad about myself. I think that’s why I cheated!   As they argue, one of the kids climbs over the cars to get to the engine and starts the kiddie train up again.   KELSO (cont’d): Man, it’s... it’s like we’re in this loop, going around and around, just spinning our wheels and holding each other back!   JACKIE: Michael, what are you saying?   KELSO: I’m saying... I’m saying I don’t think I can be with you anymore. I want to break up.   Jackie drops her cheese tray. As the kiddie train goes around, kids reach out to pick up the spilled samples.   JACKIE: Wait, break up? No, no, Michael, please, let’s talk about this -   KELSO: No.   He throws his conductor’s hat aside and walks away.   JACKIE: Wait, but Michael!   She takes a few steps after him before she can’t go on anymore. Unfortunately for the kids, that means she’s standing on the train track. The KID DRIVER stops the train and leans his head out.   KID DRIVER: Clear the track!   The other kids chorus the thought, even as Jackie begins to cry.

[toujoursmiraculous]

Party Crasher Reaction!

Adrien and Wayhem chatting as friends, that’s so great! And hey, is the animation in this episode the best quality animation this show has? :O The boys wanting to have a party for Adrien, awww! Planning it together just like Alya and the girls do for Marinette. This is so sweet and so needed. Another parallel. Wait what, they’re lying to the girls after promising to help them plant trees? That’s really bad, how dare you Nino you’re better than this. I know you care about Adrien but whyyy. And honestly though, Alya will find out. I don’t think you want to go there. Marinette’s too smart for this. She is the QUEEN of lame excuses. 4 simultaneous and sudden excuses as to why they can’t come, psh! Gotta go investigate. Gabriel in that outfit to collect his akumas A+ The YMCA-like music was such a good touch. Adrien did NOT appreciate Nino snatching his phone when Marinette was calling him. Not at all. Poor boy wishes she could be there, too. :c Marinette’s his friend, too. Why Nino, why are you implying otherwise. When Adrien’s party to have fun could’ve cost his mom her life. Could you imagine how dark that could’ve gotten, if one day, Gabriel told him Emilie was down there, and because of that party and the power going out, they lost her forever? Oof. CONFIRMED: Roger is bald. Some of those pictures though I mean xD Kim on the piano had me rolling. Jagged hopping in through Adrien’s bedroom window because he heard the music on the way by in his helicopter. What even but this is gold I’m laughing so hard. AND MY LUKA YES MORE PLEASE. Okay so given the people that showed up, like Thomas and Vincent, and Mr. D’Argencourt, is Adrien blowing off his responsibilities for this party? xD Mr. Bourgeois to get away from his daughter with his face covered in make up and then her butler claiming he was there to find Mr. Bourgeois, with his face also covered in make up cracked me up too, what is this episode it’s genius. I think almost every character in this show was featured in today’s episode, apart from Alya’s family, Nino’s brother, Luka’s mom, Ondine, Sabrina, Lila, Kagami, and Marinette’s parents and grandma. Luka, you’re in the middle of a party, why are you looking at your phone? Did you text Marinette hoping she’d show up? x3 Genderbend fans, Marinette is Marino, canon. Not gonna lie, I’m disappointed we don’t know why or how Master Fu (aka DJ WONG) knew about the party and got in. Marinette exposing her identity to him and then him looking shocked and around the room like it was serious business. BUT THEN LISTEN, Marinette doesn’t know that Adrien is Chat Noir, but Master Fu of course does and knew that there was a massive party going on at his place most likely because he keeps an eye on both of them, and the party is a prime target for akumas, so he must’ve thought something would happen. Marinette asked why he was there, but he didn’t actually answer! C’mon Marinette, start putting it together please! Master Fu in ADRIEN’S ROOM. HE DIDN’T ANSWER YOUR QUESTION. Oof bad choice of disguise, girl. Just think, if Master Fu didn’t fall off and have Kim catch him, he wouldn’t be Rio Singe. Hawk Moth releasing an akuma to save his wife as she’s in urgent danger. Okay, that’s okay, it’s like the only akuma I’ll excuse. Gorilla making his action figures kiss. Reminds me of a certain scene in Gorizilla. Which coincidentally also featured Wayhem. Even THEO was at the party? What! Poor Wayhem, man. Guys. There’s an akuma. And you’re laughing at him. You should know better that he’s going to attack you now. There’s an entire party of people at his house that he cares about, but instead of addressing them all and suggesting they hide, all Adrien’s worry and attention is on Marinette. x3 “Marinette! Just hide! Quick!” ARE YOU SURE SHE’S JUST A FRIEND? Luka hiding behind that car looked exactly like how Marinette would. Ladybug finally got taken by the akuma, not Chat. Whoa dang. Master Fu: YOU NEED COMPANY TO HELP YOU Chat Noir: NO, GIVE ME BACK MY LADY Master Fu: Of course he won’t listen to me... Disappointed this episode came out too early so we don’t see Viperion and Pegasus’ debut until later. But VIPERION. LOOK AT HIM. HE’S BEAUTIFUL. Anyone else scream when Chat said his name and he turned with that look or is it just me? Also, Viperion diving into save Carapace, Luka saving Nino, oh I love him so much. And Pegasus seems to know Viperion well enough. WHAT ARE WE MISSING?? ARE YOU KIDDING ME, KIM? You’re still in Adrien’s bathtub swimming?? His interactions with Xuppu were amusing, Master Fu being like oh no what have I done. But he’s AMAZING. He finally got his wish of being a superhero! I knew it was foreshadowing in Syren. Rio Singe’s transformation music is the most incredible thing I’ve ever heard. It’s like Donkey Kong and that game was my childhood with such wonderful memories, thank you so much for this! The team works so well together, it’s astounding! I know Rena Rouge, Bunnyx, and Queen Bee aren’t there but wow. Viperion and Ladybug’s dances were the lamest hahahaha I love it The group pound it. It’s so cool. LUKA DID A POUND IT. Max and Kim (Pegasus and Rio Singe) are best friends. Adrien and Nino (Chat Noir and Carapace) are best friends. And then Marinette and Luka (Ladybug and Viperion) could be a couple at this point for all we know given how much we don’t know. Oooh Nino: I shouldn’t have lied, I’m sorry. Marinette: I didn’t exactly tell the truth today but Nino and Marinette: we did it for Adrien! These two ugh you guys are so sweet. Marinette and Adrien walked out of his house together smiling and talking like friends. AHHHHH THE DEVELOPMENT.  I’m glad they’re going to go help the girls with the trees afterwards. What a nice way to end the episode! x3 Honestly, besides the fact that RTS in Switzerland aired this waaaay too early, this episode was honestly one of my favorites, if not my favorite. It was crazy but so cool and I’m loving all the hero help, because honestly, Ladybug and Chat Noir can’t do it alone. Especially if Ladybug is out of commission right away. Looking forward to the rest of the season so much, and to see what episode will knock this one out as my favorite!

[cottontail20]

Dance, Dance

Summary: On a trip to the local Arcade with the twins, Wanda and Vision rediscover a love for an old favorite game, and Tommy learns not to underestimate his parents. 

Written for Flufftober 2019, Prompt: Dancing.

The end of the School year had arrived, and, as a promised reward for good grades (Straight A's for Billy, and B's and C's for Tommy, with an A+ in P.E), Wanda and Vision had taken their now Thirteen year old twin sons on a trip to the nearest Arcade.

"We have three hours" Wanda told her sons. "Then we have to go pick up Viv before Auntie Nat has to leave for her, uh.. meeting."

"Only three hours?" Tommy whined. "Last year we had four!"

"Last year your little sister didn't have a cold and need to be left behind" Vision pointed out sternly.

"Right.." Tommy replied sheepishly. "Sorry."

"Three hours is great" said Billy with a smile. "Thanks Mom, thanks Dad."

"You both deserve it, baietii mei destepti." Wanda gently ruffled Billy's hair, making him blush. She pouted a little. "Just stop growing so fast. You will be taller than me soon.."

"We're proud of all the effort you've made in School this year" Vision gifted each twin an extra handful of quarters, at which their eyes lit up.

"Thanks, Dad!" Tommy grinned.

"Like your Mother said, you deserve it" Vision smiled. "Go play whatever you like, as long as it won't give you nightmares."

Both boys rushed off eagerly, Tommy just a little too fast.

"No speeding in public!" Wanda reminded him.

"Sorry, Mom!"

Wanda sighed, leaning into Vision's side.

"Poor Viv, getting sick right at the beginning of Summer vacation.. She would have loved this."

"I know" Vision curled an arm around his wife, kissing the top of her head. "We'll bring her back for her birthday." --

For the most part, Wanda and Vision left the boys to their fun, supervising from afar, until they spotted a familiar machine.

"Look, Wanda!" Vision pointed, "They still have Dance, Dance Revolution!"

"I think most arcades do, Dad" Billy said without looking at him, focused on trying to win a prize from the Crane Machine for his sick little sister, silently cursing when he lost.

"You know boys, your Father and I used to be pretty good at this game back in the day" Wanda chuckled.

"Sure, Mom" Tommy rolled his eyes, skeptical.

"It's true" Vision added. "We got a high score, we even had plans to make a living out of it if being Avengers didn't work out."

"Oh?" Tommy approached with a long ribbon of tickets hanging over his arm, smirking, certain that he was about to call his parents' bluff. "Show us, then."

"What do you think, Vizh?" Wanda looked to her husband. "Should we show them how it's done?"

"Why yes, my love" Vision headed to the DDR machine, producing a quarter of his own. "I think we should."

Tommy suddenly paled.

"I didn't mean it! People will see you, it will be embarrassing! Billy, help me stop them!"

"Your own fault, bro" Billy, a little less concerned with being 'cool' than his twin, simply shrugged. "You should know not to challenge Mom."

"Ready, Wanda?" Vision placed the quarter into the machine.

"Ready" Wanda grinned, getting into position on the game pad.

Tommy groaned, covering his eyes as the game started up. Billy whipped out his cellphone to film the occasion. Whichever way this turned out, Viv would love to see it.

While a little rusty to begin with, both Wanda and Vision quickly got back into the swing of things. When word spread through the arcade that Vision and the Scarlet Witch, the Avengers biggest power couple, were killing it at Dance Dance Revolution, they quickly drew a crowd.

As their score rose higher to the cheers of those looking on, Tommy slowly uncovered his eyes.

"Whoa.."

"I know, right?" Billy grinned. "Our parents are awesome!"

As the game came to an end, Wanda and Vision, now a little self conscious, waved to their adoring fans as they stepped of the game pad.

"Wow.." Tommy gaped. "You two really are good at that."

"Of course" Vision smirked. "What did you learn from this, Thomas?"

"Never underestimate Mom and Dad.."

"Baiat bun" Wanda chuckled, ruffling his hair.

Billy collected the tickets that poured from the machine after his parents' game.

"Can I have these, Mom?" He asked. "If I combine them with mine, I can take a nice prize home for Viv."

"Of course, Billy" Wanda smiled. "That's very nice of you."

Tommy hesitated for just a moment, then handed his own tickets to his brother.

"Take mine, too. That should be enough for one of those giant teddy bears that's dressed like Auntie Carol.."

Wanda and Vision followed the twins to the prize counter with smiles on their faces, proud of their sons for their generosity, and more than a little proud of themselves.

"It looks like our back-up career is still on the table, Vizh" Wanda chuckled, leaning up to kiss his cheek. Vision grinned.

"It certainly is."

Notes:

Translation: baietii mei destepti: My clever boys Baiat bun: good boy

[how-to-survive-a-factory-tour]

How To Survive A Factory Tour - Chapter 15

A Sanders Sides / Charlie and the Chocolate Factory FanFiction

PREVIOUS

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 By the time the elevator stops, I feel like I’m going to puke. I hardly paid attention to what Wonka was telling us about all the rooms we passed, too busy counting myself through breathing exercises. Travelling that fast without safety harnesses has to be illegal.

I stumble out the glass death trap, taking a deep breath. I jump a little as a hand is put on my shoulder, but relax as the person speaks.

“You okay?” Roman asks. I nod.

“Y-yeah, just a little shaken from the ride…” I stand up straight, fiddling with my hood strings. I finally get a good look at our surroundings when we do so. “Uh… where are we?”

There aren’t any windows, the only light sources being fire-lit torches on the walls. And speaking of the walls, they’re made of rocky uneven chocolate. In front of us, on the ground, are tracks leading off deep into the caverns.

“I said earlier, we’re in the Rock Candy Mines!” Wonka responds. “Here, hundreds of Oompa Loompas are mining through this chocolate in order to excavate clumps of rock candy, which are driven out in mine carts, and taken to other rooms in the factory. Say, how about we hitch a ride in the mine carts? They’ll help us get deeper in the mines much quicker than if we walk.”

He goes over to the rails and pulls a lever beside them. About two minutes of standing in awkward silence later, a chain of mine carts zooms into view. They stop as they reach the end of the track.

“Hop on in, everyone!” Wonka climbs into the back cart. Ethan hops in the one in front of him, then me, and Roman takes the one at the front. Once we’re all securely in, Wonka leans over and pulls the lever again. There’s a pause… before we shoot off. 

I cling to the edges of the kart, praying I don’t fly out of it. This is just as bad as the lift, Jesus!

Roman lets out a whoop in front of me. What the hell, dude?! WHAT SINGLE PART ABOUT BEING HURLED IN A DEATH TRAP WITH NO SEATBELTS DESERVES A ‘WHOOP’?!

I’m gonna throw up, I am 100% going to throw up. I’ll try not to do so all over Roman, but given he’s right in front of me, and I’m too terrified of losing my head if I lean over the side, he’s right in the firing zone. So… good luck, Roman. It’s not my fault, it’s Wonka’s for almost definitely violating OSHA requirements.

Then finally, after god knows how long, the carts slow and pull to a stop. Roman, Ethan and Wonka hop out, while I more so crawl, knuckles white.

“When we leave here, can we walk? Please?” I ask.

Wonka shrugs, picking up one of the flaming torches from the wall to carry with him. “Sure, if you want to spend an hour walking.”

Roman shakes his head. “No way. We have walked enough.”

You know, there are some times when I really hate him and want to punch him in his perfect fucking face. This is one of those times. I’d take walking over those mine carts any day.

Wonka starts leading us even deeper into the caves, and begins explaining the process of how the rock candy is mined. I kinda stop listening after a bit. This is the most boring part of the tour so far, to be honest. It’s just a bunch of Oompa Loompas mining candy with pickaxes. Nothing particularly special or extraordinary like the rest of the factory.

My mind starts to wander. I wonder what Thomas’ doing right now…? Probably either editing his video at Remy’s place or at home. Remy’s either at home or at Starbucks. Mom’s probably still at work.

Aaaand now my mind’s wandering to Patton and Logan again. Right now, Patton could have been ripped to shreds by the whales, or drowned in lemonade… Logan could have exploded in a mess of juice, or ripened so that he’s stuck as a giant ball…

If he does get stuck, I wonder what will happen to him? Will he be kept in the factory? Or will he go home and just sit around there for the rest of his life, having to rely on his friends and family to take care of him? Either way, sounds horrible…

Ugh, I need to stop this! I need to stop thinking of the worst case scenarios for those two. Come on, Virgil, distract yourself, there’s gotta be something you can distract yourself wi-

… Where the hell is Roman?

Here I am, walking along with Wonka and Ethan, but Roman is nowhere to be found. Oh god, did something happen to him? Are Ethan and I gonna be left alone as the last tour members?! No way in hell! Roman is not fucking dying on me t-

“Psst! Virgil!”

I pause, turning around. Roman is still here and alive - thank god - and standing just around a corner down another route in the cave. He gestures for me to follow him down it, a wide grin on his face. I look back at Wonka and Ethan. They’re just wandering on down, not even noticing Roman and I lagging behind. Well, we probably shouldn’t stay behind and get lost. I don’t particularly want to end up like Patton and Loga-

Aaaand I have no choice in the matter as Roman is dragging me along with him anyway. Great.

“Dude, do you really think leaving Mr Wonka is a good idea?” I hiss at him, trying to pull my arm from his grip, but there’s no budging. Why does he have to be so strong?

“Sorry, Virge, but you have to see this! It’s awesome!” Roman squeals, practically breaking into a run. I do the same, not wanting him to rip off my arm by going too fast.

We continue through the tunnel for a minute or so longer, before Roman slows to a stop. We’ve reached the end of this cavern, and are stood in the mouth of a large cave.  

And in this cave, fast asleep, is a fucking dragon   .

It sounds insane, I know, but there it is, right in front of me. It seems to be made of a mix of boiled and rock candy, and is a reddish-pink colour, with a black stomach and horns. Instead of snoring, it lets out occasional small growls, showing off its long sharp teeth.

Welp, this is the most terrifying thing I’ve seen all day.

I turn to Roman, whispering, “Let’s get the fuck out of-”

“I’M GONNA FIGHT IT!”

“What?!” Wait, no, Virgil, don’t yell, no matter how stupid Roman is, you don’t want to wake the dragon.

“I’m gonna fight it! Just like the Philip in Sleeping Beauty…”

“Are you insane?” I hiss.

“Oh, come on, Virgil, I do fencing, I am skilled with a weapon. Speaking of…” He walks up to a pile of something in the corner and- HOLY SHIT IT’S A SKELETON. It is literally a pile of bones with a sword through the chest!

Roman pulls the sword out. “Here! I have a weapon! I’ll be fine.”

I look between him, the sword, the skeleton, and then back to him. “You are going to get yourself killed.”

Roman just chuckles, flashing me an a-million-dollar smile. “Just watch me.”

And with that, he sprints toward the dragon, sword raised.

“ROMAN!”

My cry doesn’t wake the dragon, but Roman piercing the sword into its eye certainly does. It jolts awake with a howl, before thrashing around until the sword is flung from his eye, heading right at Roman, who… catches it with ease?

...Whoa.

Roman goes running at the dragon again, letting out a battle cry. Thanks to the dragon being blind in one eye now, Roman is able to land quite a few initial hits while it’s finding its feet. It’s honestly incredible.

Extremely anxiety inducing, sure, but incredible.

The dragon soon spies Roman out of its one working eye, pupil narrowing on its target. It raises its tail in the air, letting out a roar, before slamming it down. Luckily, Roman dives out of the way just in time, slickly going into a forward roll and jumping to his feet, before leaping back into action.

I know fully well I should be running off to find Wonka and beg him to save Roman from the biggest mistake of his life. But… Roman actually seems to be handling this pretty well. Like, I could actually see him as a Disney Prince. He just needs the outfit, then he’ll be fully the part of a dashing, handsome prince…

… Did… I just call him handsome? And dashing?

...What?  

“Virgil! Watch this!”

OKAY, Virgil, ignore the weird thoughts and focus back on the situation- ROMAN, WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING ON THE DRAGON’S BACK?!

He’s just stood there, gripping one of the dragon’s spikes to stay in place as it thrashes around, trying to throw him off. He’s just grinning smugly, raising his sword in victory, despite the fact that the dragon’s still alive is directly contradicting the idea he’s won. So, instead of being a celebration of success, it just comes across as a really fucking stupid move.

Suddenly, the dragon stops thrashing. It growls, opening its mouth, a bubbling sound coming from the back of its throat.

And that’s when I remember the biggest defining feature of dragons: fire breathing.

Oh dear god.

The dragon raises its head, mouth opening even wider. A jet fires out into the air…

Only its not fire. Whatever this dragon is breathing is a golden brown liquid, as it falls back down, splattering on the ground. A bit lands in front of me, and I bend down, tentatively poking it. It’s not burning or painful, and whatever it is, It’s starting to harden already. Kinda reminds me of caramel…

Oh wow. This dragon breathes caramel. That’s actually pretty cool. And thankfully less deadly.

“What on earth is going on?!”

Wonka’s come in, Ethan beside him. And apparently the one second I’m turned away from Roman to see them arrive is the only second needed for something to go wrong.

“What the- AAAAAAAH!”

I turn back around to see Roman falling to the floor, the sword slipping from his grip. As he lands on his stomach with an ‘oof’, the weapon clatters away from him.  

Wonka pulls out a walkie-talkie, muttering into it. “Oompa Loompas to the Dragon’s Lair. Bring tranquiliser guns.”

Roman recovers and starts dragging himself over to the sword.  However, as he does, the bubbling sound comes from the dragon’s throat as it starts to prepare another caramel blast. Roman reaches for the sword as the dragon opens its mouth, aiming at him.

“ROMAN, LOOK OUT!”

Right as I cry, the dragon fires, and caramel covers the fallen prince.

Oh god. Oh Jesus Christ.

There are footsteps as Oompa Loompas run into the room, all with guns. They aim them at the dragon and fire. In seconds, it’s fast asleep.

I tentatively walk over and kneel beside Roman’s caramel covered form. I poke it. It’s dried, he’s stuck in the solid casing.

“Roman….? Can you hear me?”

There’s a pause, before a muffled scream comes from inside the caramel casing.

Well… at least he’s still alive?

Wonka turns to one of the Oompa Loompas. “Break Mr Prince off the floor and take him to the Caramel Carving Room, please. Make sure you break him out before he runs out of oxygen in there.”

He could run out of oxygen?!

Oh fuck, oh god…

A group of Oompa Loompas run over and push me back from Roman. One has a hand cart, presumably what they’ll use to take Roman from the room. As they start to break him off the floor, music starts to pick up, until all the Oompa Loompas burst into song.

“Roman Prince, the arrogant pest    He’s always proclaiming that he’s the best    We hope he likes the smell of caramel    As it will infect his final breath  

Roman Prince, ego way up far    His maddening mantra was “I’m the star!”    But now say goodbye to the title role    As he takes his final curtain call  

Yes, now he’ll join the other two    From the tour ejected    Will he survive the tragedy?    Or will corpses be collected?  

One drowned whale food    All eaten up    One stuck as fruit    Or has blown up    Now Roman’s joined the two of them    And he may surely meet his end

Roman Prince, the pompous bitch    Will soon develop a nasty itch    We’ll soon hear the twit screaming from in the food    As his oxygen store runs out for good!”  

And with that, the Oompa Loompas wheel Roman the caramel statue from the cave. They really saved the worst song for him…

“Hm. That’s odd. They usually don’t use such foul language,” Wonka says. “Anyway, shall we move along?” And with that, he skips from the cave.

I just kinda shuffle behind him and Ethan. I can’t take this. I cannot take this, not anymore. All three of my brand new friends could be dead. I feel like I’m going to be sick. And heading back to the door to the room on the mine carts doesn’t help. By the time we’re back in the corridors, I’m trembling from head to toe.

“Right! Where shall we go to next…?” Wonka wonders aloud. “I think the Television Room is just down the hall, as is the Coconut Ice Rink. What would you two prefer?”

Okay, Virgil, tell him your sick of this. Tell him you don’t want to spend any longer in this death-trap, you just want to see your friends be saved and make sure they’re okay, and then go, leave, get out of this torture chamber-

“I need to go to the bathroom.”

----------

Roman is no longer available for asks

NEXT

Taglist:@clone-number-1, @pumpkinminette, @i-have-n0-idea-what-im-d0ing, @jessicakennedy957, @why-should-i-tell-youu2, @dont-lose-urhead

[unofficialkfamtranscripts]

KFAM - Episode 1 - May 1, 2015

View in Google Docs

[podcast intro music]

[Soft jazz music]

Chet Sebastian [Mellow] So then Charlie Parker pulled his gun, but, hey, that’s jazz, right? This has been Chet Sebastian’s Jazz corner. Thanks for listening, and stay cool, cats.

[Rock intro music]

Sammy Good evening, I’m Sammy Stevens and you’re listening to King Falls AM. That’s 660 on the radio dial. This is my first show. Hell, its my first day in King Falls! so let’s talk about it, shall we?

[CENSOR BEEP]

Sammy And I think we just set our first record on the show, ladies and gents. Getting bleeped in the first thirty seconds.

Ben Language. We’re family friendly.

Sammy It’s 2 AM, Ben. *small laugh* I mean, I think we can probably give hell a pass.

[BEEP]

Sammy Okay, new rule: if it’s part of Carlin Seven[1] or derivatives of: bleep away. Other than that, let’s cool the censor jets, Ben. Uh, for all you listening out there, I’d love to introduce you to our producer, Benjamin Arnold.

Ben That’s okay.

Sammy We’re live, Benny.

Ben It’s Ben. And I-I just- I don’t wanna, ruin the, journalistic integrity o—

Sammy Of this show? We’re an AM late night talk show.

Ben As I was saying: I don’t want to ruin the journalistic integrity of myself, Sammy.

Sammy Oh, it’s besmirched. It's solidly besmirched. So, why don't you just, uh, make use of that mic, and pull it up, and have at it?

Ben *sighs* [bleep]

Sammy *laughs* Alright, you’re here with Sammy and Ben. Not Benjamin, not Benny, but Ben. Uh, he’s my producer, our journalist-with-integrity, and uh, professional censorist.

Ben *laughs* Oh, man.

Sammy As I was saying kids, it’s my first day on the job here, my first day in town, and I’d love to open up the phone lines to you, our lovely King Falls listeners, and talk about this beautiful little place.

Ben [proudly] It is nice, isn’t it?

Sammy h- Nice doesn’t even begin to describe it. I mean, the little shops, the scenery. It's literally a mountain Mayberry.[2]

Ben Oh, you have no idea! We’ve been voted best small town in America six years straight by the King Falls Chamber of Commerce.

Sammy … The town voted the town, Best Small- Town in America?

Ben Oh yeah! There was a ribbon presentation, a parade down Main Street. Six years running.

Sammy I’m not sure that’s the way it works, Ben.

Ben Couldn’t imagine being anywhere else in the world.

Sammy Alright, now, wait a second. You were talking to me right before the show started, and it’s your dream job to be one of the great journalists of all time. “Cronkite. Brokaw. Ben Arnold.”

Ben That’s the dream! That-that’s the goal.

Sammy But you can’t imagine being anywhere else.

Ben [awkwardly] Well! Let’s be fair. There’s-There’s the King Falls Gazette, there’s- King Falls AM, of course. Even those clowns over at Channel 13. If you knew King Falls, you’d know that everything you ever need to talk about, is right here.

Sammy Huh. Well, you know, maybe you’ve got a point. I mean, worst case scenario, you’re gonna have a great perspective on the ribbon cutting ceremonies.

Ben [excitedly] Actually, I’ve had a great perspective for the past three years! And last year? I got a seat next to Mayor Grisham. *pleased huff* I could see that velvety blue ribbon being cut.

Sammy Alright, alright. Riveting stuff, Ben. But you know what, before we open up the phone lines tonight, to uh, talk to you folks for the first time, I’d like to take one hot minute and just send a special shout out to a new friend of the show, Deputy Troy, uh, Craiger, Kroger?

Ben [disdainfully] Kreighauser.

Sammy That’s the one! Now, Deputy Troy could’ve dropped an elbow on me with the long arm of the law when he pulled me over this evening.

Ben He pulled you over?! *chuckles* Wow. I thought his car was just decoration. What the heck did you do that he pulled you over?

Sammy Yeah, okay. It was the weirdest thing. So, I’m running late, and I can’t miss the first show, right? So I’m gunning it. Over the mountain, through the woods, no time for grandma, and uh, you know, maybe I’m just not used to the winding roads up here, but I get-I get a little lost and my phone zoinks out and I got no GPS, I got no Apple Maps (not that anybody’s using it) and—

Ben Don’t tell me- Sweetzer Forest?

Sammy That is exactly where! How-How did you know that?

Ben Oh, it gets everybody! The listeners know that. Legend has it, there’s an apparition of an old general that changes the directions on the signs so he doesn’t lead his troops into one of the bloodiest massacres in King Falls history.

Sammy Cool story, bro, but, there wasn’t a sign.

Ben That’s a new one! Thinking on his toes. I like it!

Sammy The ghost?

Ben Whoa! They prefer apparition. Like, when you call a dwarf a midget, and it’s not cool?

Sammy Okay. So you’re telling me that instead of just getting lost up in the hills, a ghost—

Ben Apparition.

Sammy *chuckles* An apparition, was screwing with me?

Ben That's one hundred percent what I’m saying. It gets everybody.

Sammy … Right.

Ben You don’t believe me? They don't have apparitions in the Big City, Sammy?

Sammy Not that I’m aware of, no.

Ben *scoffs* Let’s go to the phones. King Falls, our new pal, Sammy, doesn’t believe in the Sweetzer Forest apparition. 424-279-3858.

Sammy Okay now. I’m not saying I—

Ben [cutting him off] Phone lines are already blowing up! Uh, let’s see, I don't know, oh-uh, line six! Deputy Troy.

Sammy Deputy Troooy!

Deputy Troy [laughing] Y'all should’ve seen it. General Abilene got him good.

Sammy General Abilene? He has a name now?

Ben You never read about Abilene’s last stand? What are they teaching you Big City kids? [making a point] Well, why’d you pull him over, Troy?

Sammy Okay, obviously , I was going a little too fast for my own good—

Deputy Troy I sure didn’t see no speedin’, Benny.

Ben [flatly] It’s Ben.

Deputy Troy Sammy looked like a dog chasin’ its tail for for damn near twenty minutes! Guy was just goin’ in circles. Looked like he was lappin’ the field in the King Falls 500!

Ben Sound familiar, Sammy?

Sammy Circles? No. I mean, I took a left here, and a right there. It couldn’t have been more than a minute or two before Deputy Troy threw up the ol’ red and blues.

Deputy Troy Try twenty minutes. If I hadn’t’a intervened, it’s a fact we’d all be listening to ol’ Chet blow that horn for another couple hours. You gotta watch out for the general! He’s sneakier than a honey badger in a bee hive!

Ben See?

Deputy Troy Ah hell, [low siren in bg] I think I just saw one of the William’s boys just ding-dong-ditch ol’ Ms. Baker. [faint tire squeal] I gotta go boys. [quietly in bg] Ah, son of a b[bleep]! That little mother[bleep]!

Sammy Well, on that note boys and girls, [click] we’re gonna pay some bills and keep the lights on in our little cabin we call a radio station. Ben and I will be right back after a message from our sponsors.

[Car horn, tire squeal, sound of car crashing]

Announcer voice Uh-oh! Have you recently been in an automobile accident!? Are you tender over a fender-bender?

High-pitched voice Owwwiee!

Announcer Don’t let the insurance company fool you into just unscuffin’ and buffin’! Let Rosenburg, Rothchild and Dirk get you the settlement that you deserve!

Caveman voice DIRK GET YOU MONEY

Woman [singing jauntily] ♫Iiif you got your car smashed by some jerk, call Rosenburg Rothchild aaand-♫

Caveman DERRRRRK!

[KFAM music]

Sammy Thank you folks out there for listening to AM 660, home of the King Falls AM. So, you’ve heard our story, now let’s hear yours. Give us a call here at the station. Today’s topic: King Falls. What do you love? What should I know as a new resident? Give me your on-air Yelp reviews. 424-279-3858, or tweet us @kingfallsam.

Ben Line 3.

Sammy You’re on King Falls AM.

Line 3 [Low, gravelly] The producer was right.

Sammy Um, I’m sorry?

Line 3 You shouldn’t make light of the spirits.

Sammy [incredulous] The spirits?

Line 3 Down Sweetzer forest, you jest about the spirits, but you’ll come to regret it. That’s a fact, Big City.

[click, dial tone]

Sammy Oookay, uh, so. *mildly disturbed chuckle* We’re taking your calls, kids. Tell us what you love about the Falls, your likes, your favorite things to do and see—

Ben Orrr, maybe your favorite run in with General Abilene!

Sammy Uh-huh.

Ben We’ve got Finn on Line 7.

Sammy Finn?

Finn [perpetually excited] Oh, yeah! It’s Finn! Thanks for takin’ my call! How ya doing tonight, Sammy!?

Sammy *chuckles* Well, we’re doing alright, thanks for—

Finn See, I’m an over-the-road driver. I drive the big semi-trucks- loggin’ mostly, ya know?! And I have to tell you guys, I absolutely love it every time I drive through King Falls!

Sammy Well, alright! Now, why do you think—

Finn It’s just a beautiful town, isn’t it!? Scenic, and quiet as a cemetery!

Sammy [softly] Is it that quiet?

Finn Don’t you know it! I usually run through about three- four in the mornin’. The town’s just sittin’ there off Route 72 like one of those Thomas Kinkade[3] paintings. You know the Thomas Kinkade!

Sammy Yeah, of course. He’s the uh—

Finn All the twinkle-twinkle lights, pretty-as-a-picture. You know!

Ben We know!

Sammy Do you ever make your way into town, Finn?

Finn I haven’t ever gotten to stop, yet. Other than Rose’s diner, off the exit? But I can rreeally imagine settlin’ down and doin’ all the towny stuff with the family, ya know!?

Sammy *chuckles* Well, you know what? Next time you’re passing through, you swing on by the station and say hi, Finn.

Finn O-can-do, friends! Lookin’ forward to that! Holy SH[bleep]!!

Sammy [alarmed] Finn? Finn, are you alright?

Finn I’m dandy! But I just saw the biggest light-show-hullabaloo I ever seen! Looks like that Captain EO[4] laser light show at the Disney!

Ben [confused] Captain EO?

Finn Lit up the sky like the American Independence Day fire shows!

Ben [still unsure] Fireworks?

Finn Yeah! You know! It’s still going! The night looks- like the day!

Sammy Ben, can you check outside?

Ben On it.

Finn I-I-I’m gonna let you go! Too much goin’ on to be phonin’ into the show! [door closing in bg] Y-y-you fellas take care!

Sammy You too, Finn. Uh, you know, keep it between the lines, buddy.

Finn You know it!

[click]

Sammy [muttering] Uh, okay, how do you d- work this- uh. [normally] Line 2, you’re on King Falls AM.

Line 2 [lisping, kind of] Hey Shammy!

Sammy Heh-howdy! Give King Falls some love.

Line 2 I jush wanted- I jush wanted to call- I’m jusht a really big fan. A Big fan- I mean big.

Sammy The show just started minutes ago.

Line 2 [awkwardly] Yeah, this show’s- alright too… But I’ve been following your days since you were Shotgun Shammy!

Sammy [slightly nostalgic] Oh wow, Shotgun Sammy. *chuckles* Where are you located?

Line 2 Ohhh here and there. It’s a localized global world now! With the internet and technology. I just wanted to say, *awkward laughter* “Hi.” It’s just so- I love the show.

Sammy Well, thanks for listening. [door closing in bg] And we appreciate it! What was your name again?

Line 2 [shouting] Shotgun Sammyyy!

Ben [eagerly] You gotta see this! That truck driver wasn’t kidding! The whole place is lit up like- Christmas! or- something. Uh- Is anyone else out there seeing this? Look, the phone lines are on fire, man.

Sammy Uh, Line 1, you’re on the air.

Line 1 Hey guys, yeah, I’m- I’m, uh- I’m seein’ it the same as you are.

Sammy Well, now, who are we talking to?

Line 1 Oh, sorry, uh, Tim. Tim Jensen. I’m heading home from work out on Route 72? And I’m-I’m looking at the lights.

Ben That looks like the direction they’re coming from.

Tim  Yeah, there’s no doubt about that. They’re-they’re right on top of the old mill down off- Clower Street. It looks like- you’re looking into like, three different suns.

Sammy Three?

Tim  Yeah, these, uh- rainbow- lights? I-I don’t know what you’d call ‘em. They’re coming from these three triangle-shaped thingies.

Ben UFOs?

Tim  Hey- Hey. I did not say the “U” word. I said Triangle. Shaped… Thingies.

Sammy [glibly] You know, a technical term.

Ben W-w-what’re the triangles doing, Tim?

[eerie sci-fi bg music]

Tim  They’re just hovering! I’d say maybe two or- or three stories up off the ground? [getting slightly nervous] They’ve moved on past the mill now.

Sammy Wh-wh- Can you describe—

[deep, ominous, pulsing whir enters music]

Tim  Wai-wait. Hold on a second, they’re- they’re moving closer to the road I think.

Sammy Alright, you are our eyes, Tim. Tell us what you see.

Tim  [absently worried] The hell is that thing doing?

Sammy Be careful out there, Tim.

Tim  It just turned the other direction, and-and- and crossed the road. Couple hundred yards ahead- I-I’m gonna slow down.

[whirring stops]

Sammy Describe, if you can—

Tim  It just stopped! [music stops] Right above the road!

Ben Stopped? W-what’re-

[whir]

Tim  The lights just changed direction again! It’s definitely heading this way!

Sammy Turn around, Tim.

[slow, building whir]

Tim  Oh hell, th- they’re coming fast! Guys!

Ben Get out of there, Tim!

Sammy Ben, call Deputy Troy. [deep whir growing in volume] Stay safe out there Tim!

Tim  Ah sh[bleep] They’re-they’re right above me! I-I can’t see! [whir is louder than voices] The lights! NO! [loud building buzz/zoom, like a racecar accelerating] NO! NOO! *SCREAMING*

[silence]

[dial tone]

Sammy Tim? Hello, Tim? Can- Tim?

Ben [solemnly] Line’s dead, Sammy.

Sammy *heavy sigh* O-okay, uh folks, we’re just gonna take a quick break here. Uh, we’ll be right back to take more of some of your King Falls favorites.

Ben I-I’ve got Troy here.

[quietly in background: Sammy: Troy, hey are you listening to this? Ben, can you try to dial line one back, please?]

[rock outro music]

[CREDITS] King Falls AM is a production of the Make Believe Picture Company. For credits, as well as more information about King Falls AM, you can find us on Twitter @kingfallsam, on Facebook, and at kingfallsam.com. Thanks for listening to 660 on the radio dial.

References:

[1] Carlin Seven - Seven dirty words to never say on air (sh*t, p*ss, f*ck, c*nt, c*cks*cker, motherf*cker, and t*ts)

[2] Mayberry - A fictional small town featured in “The Andy Griffin Show”

[3] Thomas Kinkade - “The Painter of Light”, a popular American artist, known for his paintings of pastoral scenes, cottages, and the like, often with lit windows. (There are a lot of puzzles featuring his work)

[4] Captain EO - a 1986 American 3D science fiction film that was shown at Disney theme parks from 1986 through 1996. The movie stars Michael Jackson, was written by George Lucas and directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The film was shown as part of an attraction with in-theater effects.

[cruzrogue]

F’M Smoak Part II

#Fictober19 @fictober-event

————————————————————————

for fanfiction:

Prompt number: Prompt 31 “Scared, me?”

Fandom (AU if applicable): #arrow fanfiction #olicity

Rating:PG13

Warnings/Tags:  Fluff (friendship)

Thomas Merlyn/ Felicity Smoak/Oliver Queen

Summary: Continuation from F’M Smoak Prompt number: 5  “I might just kiss you.”

Notes: Halloween Bash and Felicity takes the stage. F’M Smoak is has an appearance at Verdant for a one time performance.

~~~~~~****~~~~~~~~sp@ce~~~~~~****~~~~~~~~

I want to thank @fictober-event​ this was a blast! Thank you!

~~~~~~****~~~~~~~~sp@ce~~~~~~****~~~~~~~~

​F’M Smoak Part II on A03

.

Verdant has been gearing up for the Halloween Bash. Tommy loves this holiday. He revels in being someone different and watching people be more enticed to party with as the added bounce to their normal festivities. Having a club, he can decorate as he sees fit keeping of course within a budget. He needs the club to turn a profit. Choosing the orange and black theme. Plenty of pumpkins and black cats, spiders, crows with the usual skulls, witch’s hats, and a few more Halloween décor choices.

He is excited that Felicity is helping him with a few designs. Using this to cover why they are spending loads of time together lately. He excitedly got her aboard to be one of the main event singers. She even deciding to write an extra song or two. That means he hired a local garage band to work with her. It has been so cool to see her walk in and meet the band members. Her squeaky-clean image throwing the grunge band for a loop.

“Tommy?”

Tommy moving some crates around. “Yea?”

“Why is Felicity’s name on some of these foam things?”

Tommy looks at the designs that will be used for the bash and he just shrugs, he promised Felicity that Oliver wouldn’t find out about this. The man is set to go on a trip with his mom and sister to visit a family member and won’t be here for this particular event. It’s the reason Felicity signed on to do her comeback for one night.

“What makes you think those have anything to do with Felicity?”

“Tommy? It’s her name. I may be dense at times but I know Felicity’s initials.”

“Of course, you do, you probably know all sorts of little facts about her.” Oliver gives him a dead stare. “What? You probably do and I’m not taking back that comment.”

“Well?”

“Felicity’s been helping me with designs maybe she took a break and did her name…” He won’t say she hasn’t helped him. She’s been busy practicing with her band. He admits she’s even better than he remembers.

Oliver goes to where the large cutouts that say ‘F’M Smoak’ are and counts a few. “There is about half a dozen here.”

Tommy just waves his hand, “Maybe it’s a prank I’ve set up and don’t need your disapproving overprotective tendencies when it comes to her.” He can see Oliver’s demeanor change as the man is super protective. “You’ll be away anyhow and…”

“No, I won’t.”

“No. You won’t, what?”

“My aunt is coming here to Starling so change of plans.”

“Oh. Does Felicity know?”

“No. Why should she? What are you planning Merlyn?”

“Whoa, you only call me by my last name when your peeved with me. Are you jealous?” Oh, yea the boy is jealous he can practically see the fume come from the man’s nostrils.

“No. You still haven’t answered the question.”

“There is nothing to tell.” Tommy goes back to moving crates. “If you are going to stand there like a stalk you can help me out here.”

“There is something going on.” Oliver does move to help move some crates. “Since you and Laurel are off the table…”

“I’m not seeing Felicity. You don’t have to worry.”

“I’m…”

Tommy puts his hand up as he makes a growly sound. “I wouldn’t go behind your back and you can shove this denial shtick with me.”

“Tommy, I’m sorry. It’s just everyone expects… you know what forget it. Let’s just get these crates moved.”

“Okay, I get it now. At first, I didn’t. I admit I acted like I did but I really didn’t. For that I am also sorry.” Oliver with one of the last crates that need moving looks at Tommy confused. “The laurel bit, the trying to act like 5-years never happened, a few little things. Like acting like everything is okay when it’s not.”

“What do you mean?”

“Let’s start by me telling you. Felicity is a great catch. You know. I know it. Someday the man who is lucky to have her will know it.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

“Because you should hear it out loud, maybe even hear this over and over that she is thee catch. I also think you should not start anything with her until you figure your shit out.”

“Then why tell me this?”

“Oliver! It an incentive.” Tommy shakes his head. “We aren’t those dickheads of our youth anymore. I know I want more. And you know damn well you do to.”

“It’s complicated.”

“When is it not? Life is full of crappy situations but it also has these moments. Ollie don’t be so afraid to live.”

“It’s more not wanting to see her hurt.”

“You know that is a copout, right?”

“Tommy?”

“Hey, I didn’t know I was going to lose my best friend five-years ago. Not once during my grief did, I wish our history stopped existing.”

“What’s your point?”

“That no one is guaranteed a tomorrow. If there is a chance that you can make her happy than it’s worth the gamble.” He can see Oliver just begin to think things over. “Just figure your shit out first!”

“I wish it was that easy.”

“Yea well join the club. If things were that easy, we’d all be happily in love.”

Oliver takes a breath but he asks one more time because the thought came back, “Are you going to tell me the truth about those foam pieces?”

“Nope.” Tommy moves around the bar. “If I were you, I would stop by Verdant tonight.”

Oliver looks around the club. It actually looks really good and that cauldron front center to the stage he wonders how that’s going to look when everything is in motion. “You need any help setting up?”

“Nope, the crew will be here soon. All the last-minute touches will be handled. You go hang out with Auntie Beatrice.”

“Fine. I’ll see you later.”

Tommy wants to tell the man not to text or call Felicity that his plans have changed. Now that Oliver has left, he can place the pamphlets that holds the main attraction the reason the place is going to be packed. F’M Smoak is preforming tonight and her music sample is available online. With his panache of adding some videos taken of her college hey days it brought buzz thank goodness Oliver is so not into trends.

~~~~~~****~~~~~~~~sp@ce~~~~~~****~~~~~~~~

“Tommy! Tommy!” Felicity scrambling around the crewmembers that are putting the last bites of the pieces for tonight bash. “Tommy? Where are you?”

“Hey there superstar.”

“Oliver, hasn’t left. He’s still in Starling.”

“I know.”

“You know. Yea he told me not that long ago.” She’s fidgeting. “I can’t. I just can’t perform.”

“Why not? You sound amazing.” Tommy makes a gesture of rocking it. “Are you scared of a few people rocking it to your music?”

“Scared, me?” Felicity continues, “I… I didn’t think Oliver would be here. He says he’ll be passing by. I just can’t…”

“Yes. Yes, you can. Girl you are amazing. You’ll be in disguise. The music will speak for itself.”

“I can’t believe I’m going to do this.”

“Felici-ty, think of this as something years in the making. You know the club owners and you’ve got the voice.”

“Fine, I know your right.”

“Good, because I know you got this. Go get yourself transformed and become this amazing F’M Smoak I know you are.”

He watches her leave and is glad she listening. Taking a look at the amazing setup that Verdant has done he can’t wait to open the doors in less than an hour. If Oliver comes, he hopes seeing what he is dubbing Ollie’s girl up on stage will shake the man unto his core.

As Tommy gets his crew ready. He goes through the drill. Making sure his people work safe yet keep an eye out for any disorderly clients. People having fun and remembering a good night is all he wants. As the time dwindles down, he calls out, “All right people show time. You all have this. Let’s make this Halloween Bash be the talk of town. Best service, great atmosphere and one hell of a night of musical performers.” Here his crew cheer on everyone is ready. Doors open and the costumed guests start to fill in.  

The music begins to play as the bar fills up. Tommy goes and checks on his musical guests, Thanking them all personally again. He notices he can’t find his number one girl. A little worried until her voice calls to him and he gets a good look at Felicity.

“Whoa.”

“Tommy?”

“Nah, wow you look amazing.” He gives her another look over. “I love the Goth you, not that the blonde you isn’t spunky.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment I think.”

He just chuckles, “Well I can’t wait to your set.” He can visually see her take a moment. She looks nervous. “Hey, you can so do this. F’M Smoak can. Knock them out of their boots.”

As her time comes, she goes up on stage. She’s glad that the lighting keeps her from truly focusing on any person. This way she can just sing to the crowd and not see any familiar faces, one especially.

Tommy is amazed as he watches her first set. He is singing along until he gets jabbed in the side and smirks to see Oliver make his presence known. The man is taking in the foam signs as his eyes fall on the singer. Tommy can pinpoint the moment Ollie recognizes Felicity and wow he doesn’t know which show to watch because Oliver is entranced and it’s like watching a movie as the most stoic man is showing so many different sentiments. From surprise all the way to lust.

Felicity words capturing the audience as her voice rocks the club.

“I'm kicking all the doors down I swear I'm gonna pull you out 'Cause your demons have been screamin' loud Na na-na-na na Throw me up against the wall There's nothin' that could scare me now Na na-na-na na”

She does a few more known songs and when she’s down the roar of the crowd clapping has her take a bow and then she moves to go back stage. Oliver is already moving quick. Tommy trailing behind he does not want to miss this.

Taking an offered water bottle Felicity chugs it. She is so glad this is over. She doesn’t know if Oliver caught her performance. Its freaking her out. She has no idea what he’d say or do and he’s only ever seen her be his tech girl.

“Felicity?”

His soft voice, she never noticed him sneaking up on her. She’s afraid to turn and see. As he calls out to her again, she tightens her closed eyes. She’s afraid of the disappointment she’ll see. He comes around to face her and she finally gazes at him. His blue eyes mesmerizing.

“I didn’t know but you were amazing.”

She’s stunned. Though his brightening smile gets her to smile.

Tommy watching this two fools dance around each other is sickening. “Well yea, you’ve always known she’s amazing.”

Oliver gives his best friend a dire look. Tommy just shrugs. These two aren’t going to move faster than a glacier so he goes back to front to watch the next act.

“You think I did good?”

“I do.” He’s really rattled by her look. He’s really digging it. “You also rock this getup.”

“Its something of a vintage. I first met Tommy wearing this.”

“Wait? What?”

“During some of my college days I may have also dabbled with music.”

“And you met Tommy than?”

“He was unreal and a perfect gentleman as he took a nice shiner to the face.”

Oliver is flabbergasted and actually recalls Tommy telling him about the black eye and his friend shrugging it off saying “The angelic voice was worth it.”

“The angelic voice.”

“What?”

“That is what he called you. This is what you’ve been doing all these weeks?” She nods. “I thought you and Tommy were getting chummy.”

“You did?”

“I almost wanted to give him another shiner to the face.”

“You won’t?”

He smirks, “F’M Smoak, I guess will never know.”

“Oliver, I’d like to get out of this ridiculous outfit.” She already grabbing a bag as she heading to where the foundry is. “I also have some…”

“Felicity?” he stops her.

“What?”

“You mentioned its only Halloween that you’ll where a mask. I was hoping to prolong the moment. Would you honor me with a drink at the bar?”

“Oliver, I would love to but there will be fans out there and…”

“And for a night, allow yourself to be the star, I promise to look out for you.” Getting really close to her as he whispers. “Tommy told be about the stalker.” He can see her processing that info but just nods as she takes his arm and the walk back.

The crowd loved her. For the rest of that night Oliver made sure she felt safe as she mingled with the fans. He enjoyed seeing her so out of the element for the quiet IT girl she has always portrayed to him. His girl is truly amazing and he promises himself that he won’t waste another second and ask her out soon. Though tonight F’M Smoak is in the house as Tommy gets her to do an encore.

.

.

.

This concludes the 31 days of Fictober!

Thank you!!!

.

song inspired:

Notes: https://genius.com/Valerie-broussard-deeper-lyrics

[rubyredsparks]

Blossoming Souls Ch. 6

Relationship(s): Romantic Logince, Moxiety; Platonic every other relationship

“Tags” for the whole story: morally grey!deceit, Deceit, Remus, Thomas as a character, Romance, Minor violence, someone’s potty mouth, Foul language, Minor homophobia (it’s not that bad), Miscommunication (this one is though), Friendship

Chapter Summary: The truth comes out and is a harsh slam to the face.

Virgil watched as a carriage pulled up to the palace, hidden behind the curtains. He had felt anxious about the whole marriage arrangement ever since King Thomas had told him he had signed the papers.

Thomas didn’t know the kingdom of Aowhea as well as he did. They could read and research as much as they wanted, but Virgil would always know more.

Considering he grew up there.

Virgil remembered Emile, his sibling, and their protective nature was no match for the wickedness of Aowhea.

Though, that wasn’t very fair to the kingdom; the setting was lovely, fresh and blooming. It was the people that he hated.

Selfish and greedy. The citizens always thought for themselves, looking forward for a little more gold. Shrouded in their own darkness, clothes dark and eyes even darker, the people of Aowhea were only looking after themselves.

A kingdom full of backstabbers and thieves, Virgil hated that he had lived a life there.

A knock. Virgil turned away from the window. “Come in.”

“Babe, what’s up!” Remy crashed through Virgil’s door, canteen in hand and sunglasses adorned. He smelled faintly of alcohol and bad mead, but Virgil welcomed the familiar, dour smell.

“S’up,” Virgil nodded. He went back to the window, eyes casting worriedly around the castle square.

“Gurl, are you spying on the citizens?” Remy sounded scadelized as he strolled closer to Virgil until he was next to him.

“Of course not,” Virgil scoffed, he glanced back one last time before fixing his gaze back on Remy. “Report.”

Remy rolled his eyes, fixed his hair, saying, “We took a ride into the Fiawl Forest. It wasn’t much. His Royal Pratness also started singing, lamenting really, about how his life sucked.”

“So just typical Roman,” Virgil sighed in relief.

“Well….” Remy looked embarrassed, ducking his head.

“‘Well?” Virgil raised his brow, eyes wide. “That doesn’t sound like a good start. What happened? Who died? And if you killed anyone, was it discreet?”

“What, no!” Remy denied, confused at Virgil’s stress. “We met the Prince of Aowhea on our way home. He was in the midst of getting robbed by bandits.”

“What?!”

Remy winced, sunglasses slipping back over his eyes. “He’s fine. Me and the princess drove them away. Stayed at an inn. S’why we came back a day later sorta with the visiting prince.”

“Please tell me that Roman didn’t do anything stupid when he met the prince,” Virgil asked pleadingly, hands clasped in front of his face.

“No can do, gurl. Introduced himself as his dad, lied about his life, and I think fell in love with him all in the matter of a few hours.”

“I don’t know whether that’s worse or better.” Virgil ran a hand through his hair. “I’ve half a mind to yell at you for this.”

“Whoa,” Remy put his hands up in defense. “I didn’t tell his Royal Annoyance to lie. If anything it’s all his fault!”

“That’s why I have half a mind to yell at you.” Virgil shook his head. “Listen, the carriage from Aowhea just came not five minutes ago. The Prince is expecting Roman or Thomas to be welcoming him into our kingdom. But now I’m pretty sure Roman’s not gonna be there, am I right?”

Remy winced, grimacing, “You’re probably right about that, Vee. Roman majorly clucked up introducing himself as Thomas. He’s probably going to run before he can welcome the Prince.”

Virgil sighed. “That’s what I was afraid of.”

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

Thomas glanced around anxiously. Roman was nowhere in sight, despite the fact that he had sworn to Thomas that he would be here to greet the visiting prince.

He sighed, the stifling robes and regalia on him felt nearly suffocating. Standing in the foyer of his palace waiting for his possible son-in-law felt like a fantastical dream.

There was an old dream of letting Roman have his chance at finding true love, but the kingdom had to come first.

The reality of his kingdom’s situation was that his borders were crumbling, his soldiers exhausted from the expense of protection and his people’s loyalties wavering.

Thomas knew that he had to do something drastic to save his kingdom and the home that he grew to love. Fortunately, the trade and military alliance with Aowhea had needed updating. Unfortunately, the king of Aowhea decided to give his son as a bride price to Thomas.

It had been... an unusual first meeting to say the least.

~25 years ago~

The loud bustle of men cheering and drinks clinking was grating on Thomas’s ears.

Thomas grit his teeth, pulling his hood down further to hide his facet and stifle the noise as best as possible.

He didn't want to be here. Not in this pub with its cramped spaces and squalid manner. But he had to.

This was where the crowned prince of Aowhea was always rumoured to be at night. A tiny pub saturated with mead and men.

Thomas needed to get a glimpse of him, to know what sort of man Prince Ernst was so that their alliance with their kingdoms could still remain.

Perhaps it was underhanded of him to go undercover without anyone knowing, but he was already in the kingdom. Why not take advantage of this opportunity?

Someone slammed their mug on the table, and Thomas was acutely reminded of how much he hated pubs.

The patrons were loud and unruly, a literal brawl happening in one corner of the room.

Thomas’s skin was crawling, unseen dirt sinking into his skin and seeping into him, making him want to claw at himself.

A booming laugh to his right made him jump, knocking into lukewarm mead and soaking into his boots.

He raised his head, an apology ready on the tip of his tongue when he was met with two different coloured eyes seeming to stare into his soul.

Thomas didn't know how to form words. His ability to speak lost as he stared at the most gorgeous man he had ever seen. Wow, Thomas was very, very gay.

He was tall, that was the second thing Thomas noticed. Tall, dark hair, dark skin, strong build with mouthwatering muscles and a jaw that could cut glass.

The blue overcoat had gold outlines on it, hemmed to shimmer every time he moved, reflecting off the dim lights of the pub.

“My apologies,” the man said, words syrupy sweet and lilting. His accent got more pronounced, “I didn't mean to bump into you, darling.”

“That's not okay! It's your fault!” Thomas blurted out.

The most gorgeous man Thomas had ever met only delicately raised an eyebrow. God, Thomas could feel his cheeks burning a bright red at his admission.

“I- I mean you're a problem! It's not fine! Shit!”

A grin curled the edges of the most gorgeous man Thomas had ever met’s lips.

“What a dirty mouth for a rather rude man.” The grin turned into a wicked smirk. “However shall you pay me back for these insults?”

“I'm sorry!” Thomas squeaked, cheeks darkening even further. The pub felt distant, his ears ringing and the man in front of him was starting to get blurry.

There was a flash of something in the yellow and brown eyes that Thomas didn't even try to decipher.

A hand rested heavily on his shoulder, and Thomas barely reacted.

He allowed the gorgeous man to steer him out of the pub, distantly hearing him say some words he couldn't make out.

There was a tidal wave of noise, stretching his mind, and Thomas screwed his eyes shut tight, trying to block it.

His head felt heavy and his mind detached. Ringing in his ears that echoed way too loudly for his taste.

Something squeezed him. He didn't know what.

There was another squeeze, this time somewhere else.

How could people hear with everything this loud?

A rhythmic squeezing started up, and Thomas slowly became aware that his hand was the thing being squeezed.

Hesitantly, he squeezed back. A stronger reaction was returned, and awareness slowly came back to him.

Thomas was met with two different worried coloured eyes.

“Are you alright?” the man asked, Thomas distantly realized that he hadn't let go of his hand. Maybe he didn't want to.

“Fine! Just fine!” Thomas said, high pitched.

A low chuckle and Thomas wanted to melt, “That's good. You had me worried there.”

“It's fine!” Because Thomas apparently didn't know how to say anything else in the presence of this man without making a fool out of himself.

A smirk this time, and Thomas had to actively suppress a shiver. “I'm Damocles, and you are?”

“Single!” the words flew out of his mouth before he could stop himself. Luckily, the man- Damocles- didn't say anything except raise his brow, amused.

“I mean- Cyril,” Thomas said, remembering the last minute that it probably wasn't a good idea to give his real name out, no matter how common.

Damocles lifted Thomas’s hand up, brushing the barest kiss against his knuckles and purring, “A pleasure.”

Thomas thought his face couldn't get anymore red.

~

Thomas had thankfully recovered since that first encounter with the now King Ernst of Aowhea.

An unlikely friendship had blossomed between the two Crown Princes, one that Thomas didn’t even realize he needed.

Ernst had always seemed so organized, well-adjusted, a feat Thomas could barely manage.

When he had last visited Ernst half a decade ago….

Thomas broke out of his musings by the heavy castle doors groaning open. He looked up, feeling every ounce of nerves well up inside him.

Regardless of the fact that the second prince of Aowhea was a child and twenty years his junior, Thomas had heard the rumours of Prince Logan’s cold and calculating ways. He knew that if Aowhea didn’t like Eiehde, his kingdom would be doomed.

Thomas stood, footsteps feeling heavy as he walked down from his throne to greet the prince. A fixed smile on his face and one more deep breath.

“Announcing His Royal Highness Prince Logan Wysteria of Aowhea!”

The King of Eiehde kept his head up high, letting a cool mask slip over his face. The doors opening were heavy, groaning as it opened.

Thomas’s first thought of the Prince was young, very young. The boy, for he could hardly be called a man, strode forward, head held high, pride oozing from his stance.

He was slight, the clack of his heeled boots in the foyer made it known that he was shorter than seen. His dark skin complemented the blue garments he was wearing, a trailing black coat behind him and another man trailing behind him.

The Prince reached Thomas, bowing, “Your Majesty.”

Thomas was frozen. He had married his son off to a boy, a child. Someone who shouldn’t be shouldering the responsibilities of a kingdom.

A small cough, and Thomas plastered on another smile. “Rise, my boy, for we shall be family from henceforth. No need for such formalities between family.”

The Prince- Logan, Thomas reminded himself, for he wasn’t joking, they will be family by the month’s end- straightened, a fixed smile on his face as if he didn’t know quite how to smile and instead lifted the edges of his lips.

“Of course, your Majesty, if I may, where is his Highness Prince Roman?” Logan inquired cooly. The slight poison of his words were barely detectable, yet Thomas still winced.

It was just like Roman to break a promise on such an important visit. Well, it couldn’t be helped.

“His Royal Highness was on an embassy to Hevewnoi.” Virgil smoothly intercepted, taking control over the situation as Thomas stood there, frozen. “His return should’ve been yesterday, but there are situations we can’t control.”

“I see.” It was clear that the Prince did not see. Thomas hoped the boy could not see how unnerved he was right now. “Well, I shall overlook it. These situations cannot be helped.”

Thomas let out what he hoped was an inaudible sigh of relief. “I’m sure you’re tired, your Highness. We shall let you retire to your quarters before dining for supper.”

Logan inclined his head in understanding. Thomas waved a hand to one of the guards, “Kai shall show you and your guard to your quarters.”

Kai bowed his head in agreement, stepping toward the hallway where the living quarters were and the other two quickly followed after him.

Thomas’ shoulders sank, that had not been what he was expecting.

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

Roman was hiding.

He was hiding, had been for the past two weeks or so, and he wasn’t feeling an ounce of shame.

Okay, maybe a bit of shame. He was a knight after all. Captain of the Royal Guard and everything.

He had faced things from a Dragon Witch, Manticore-Chimera, to even a Hydra-Griffin. He was brave, dammit. Brave, courageous, and not to mention handsome.

So why was Roman hiding in the servants’ quarters like a coward? Because the very idea of facing the Prince from Aowhea was so damn terrifying to him. It wasn’t even like there was anything physically intimidating about him. It was outrageous for Roman to even be scared of the other.

When he first saw the Prince, he couldn’t help but think that that was whom he was marrying?

He certainly didn’t think that Prince Logan was suitable to be Prince Consort of Eiedhe. There didn’t seem to be anything special to him. He was more contrary than anything, failing to respond to Roman’s charms.

Well, Roman could also concede to the fact that Roman hadn’t exactly done much to charm Prince Logan either. So he supposed that Logan had a valid reason not to like him.

Gods above, that was so stupid of him to introduce himself as his own Father. Why, oh why, did he happen to meet the Prince on his journey home? Now he couldn’t ever face the other Prince again.

“My Prince,” a gentle voice knocked him out of his thoughts. Roman opened his eyes to see the concerned face of Leo staring at him.

“Yes?” Roman winced at his scratchy voice, clearing it. “What is it, Leo?”

“It’s time for dinner, your Highness.”

“I’m not hungry,” Roman said, rolling over and pulling a blanket over his head. Roman felt slightly guilty hiding in Leo’s bed and subsequently taking over his room, but right now he just wanted to disappear and not have to see anyone again.

“Okay,” Leo said slowly, and Roman felt the disapproval emanating from the gentle man. “If I may, your Highness, why are you hiding in my room?”

“No reason,” Roman mumbled into the bedsheets.

“Of course, and it doesn’t have anything to do with the visiting Prince and your husband to be, yes?”

“What!” Roman shot up, blankets flying and face red. “This has nothing to do with Logan.”

“Mmm, Logan now is it…?” Leo said, and Roman shot him a dark look that made him grin, “Of course it doesn’t. So, again, why are you hiding in my room when you have a perfectly fine room yourself?”

Roman flushed a deeper red, “I just don’t want….”

“You’re scared,” Leo grinned in realization. “Crown Prince Roman of Eiehde, defeater of the Dragon Witch and Conqueror of the Nine Isles is scared.”

“I am not!” Roman screeched, shooting up to his feet and stalking toward Leo. “Lies and slander! I am not scared of a simple Prince.”

“Good,” Leo said simply. “Then you can meet the Prince for dinner and be not scared out of my rooms. Now, shoo.”

Leo had, without Roman realizing, opened the door and pushed Roman out into the deserted hallway.

Roman blinked before he cursed Leo for exiling him from his hiding place. He walked forward, not really knowing where he was going.

He stuck his hands in his pockets, head up and staring at the brick ceiling. The hustle and bustle of the servants was soothing, a buzzing background noise as he walked.

He nodded distractedly at the scattered greetings as he strode forward in the hallways. Roman wasn’t scared of the Prince, but he was scared. Well not of him, but more of falling in love with him.

He hadn’t wanted his first love to be the result of an arranged marriage. He wanted something something romantic, something straight out of a fairy tale if possible.

Bumping into the person of his dreams as he was in the palace plaza, helping the person pick their things up, meeting them in the forest as they were singing their heart out. Something romantic and sweet.

Well, he supposed that he couldn’t always get what he wished for, no matter how much he whinged.

There wasn’t anything inherently wrong with the other Prince. Roman still admitted that the man was handsome, of course not as much as him, but still very handsome.

“Oof!” a voice exclaimed, and Roman stepped back, eyes widening as it landed on familiar curly, black hair. He wasn’t supposed to be here! Roman was hiding from him for goodness’ sake.

“Pardon me, I was-” Prince Logan cut himself off as he seemed to realize that it was Roman he was talking to.

“Thomas,” Logan said, voice set in a tone that Roman wasn’t sure he liked. “Thank the Lady I found someone I recognize. Would you mind showing me to the palace library? I asked for directions, but I can’t seem to make heads or tails of the turns.”

“Of course,” Roman found himself automatically saying. “If you would follow me.”

He held out his elbow, allowing for the Prince to slide his arm securely in the crook of his elbow, and Roman walked forward with the Prince following next to him.

“Have you had dinner yet, your Highness?” Roman said for lack of anything else to say.

Logan inclined his head, “Yes, though I am a little disappointed that Prince Roman wasn’t there to greet or dine with us again. His Majesty, the King, had many things to say about that again.”

Roman winced, imagining the onslaught of reprimands his Father would give him after missing yet another dinner with his Intended.

“Though I can’t help but be relieved,” Logan continued as they reached the library. “I’ve heard and read many things about the Prince, and I don’t know what to do if I ever met him formally.”

There was a peculiar tone in how the Prince phrased that, but Roman wasn’t as interested in that.

“What have you heard?” Roman asked. His heart stuck in his throat, a pain that took hold of his body and made him want to run and hide from those sharp, blue eyes.

Logan had put his hand on the doorknob before he looked him over, eyes roaming and scanning him up and down. Roman could hear the blood rushing in his ears as he waited for Logan’s next words, as if he was on trial and Logan was the executioner.

“That Prince Roman was charming.”

That didn’t sound nearly as bad as he thought it would be.

“And vapid, arrogant, pig-headed and a liar.”

Wait, what?

Roman stopped in his tracks, swallowing past the lump in his throat. “Wh-what do you mean, your Highness?”

“Oh, what kind of fool do you take me for, Thomas? Word travels quickly after two weeks, especially in a castle surrounded by your work. Did you honestly think I wouldn’t find out?”

Roman couldn’t move. His thoughts were a mess, a storm in his mind.

Prince Logan opened the door to the library. “I can see that you didn’t. Thank you for leading me toward the library. Good day, Prince Roman.”

He slammed the door shut as Roman was left blinking outside the library doors.

“What- what just happened?”

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

Masterpost | Previous | Next

[whenimgoodandready]

They said Marinette couldn’t be akumatized cuz she was “too optimistic”. Well, Hawk Moth tried to akumatize her in “Zombizou”, but that didn’t work. Strike 1. He tried to do it again in “Chameleon”, but that didn’t work either. Strike 2. So what’s it gonna take to really crack this clumsy aspiring fashion designer? You’d have to be conning and manipulative enough to orchestrate something so spirit breaking to have the schools Darling akumatized. The culprit achieves this. Find out how:

*Ladybug-Ever feel like you’re being watched? Like, you sense something off, but you just can’t put your finger on it? It’s creepy. Speaking of which, that creeper is Lila Rossi. During her “excessive traveling” she’s been spying on Marinette from her window growing increasingly jealous of all the love and attention she’s been getting. Especially from Adrien. Like how he gave her her own lucky charm bracelet (“Befana”). Season 2’s finale was the last straw for her, so that’s why she came back to school to ruin Marinettes life and take all of the attention for herself (“Chameleon”). After allying with Gabriel to be close to Adrien, she’s been keeping him up to date with Adriens whereabouts and how she says Marinette is a “bad influence” on him (“Miracular”). Gabe of course is only using Lila to trigger negative emotions for akumas. (whispers) She’s getting more wicked!

Since everyone seems to love Marinette, Lila thought she could sabatoge that and make her and everyone else miserable therefore she’d have to be akumatized along with them and Hawk Moth will get his miraculouses and Lila will finally see Ladybug fall. Well, Lila still doesn’t know Gabe and Hawk Moth are one in the same, but she’s technically “allied” with him (Hawk Moth) too, so she can get rid of Ladybug. How do they pull this off? Lila frames Marinette for stealing the answers to a test making it look like she cheated, faking an injury that Marinette pushed her down the stairs and even stealing her fox necklace found in her locker. All of which she planted and made look convincing getting Marinette expelled! Damn! She’s good at being a liar and it’s getting worse!

Marinette is so devastated by all this after failing to call out Lila and with that, Hawk Moth akumatizes Natalie as Catalyst again turning him into Scarlet Moth from last seasons finale so he can akumatize another whole army using his multiple scarlet akumas! Oh sh*t! Scarlet Moth akumatizes Marinette and-WHOA! WAIT A MINUTE! IT HAPPENED!? IT ACTUALLY HAPPENED! MARINETTE DUPAIN-CHENG WAS AKUMATIZED!? HOLY SH*T SHE TOOK OFF HER MIRACULOUS! OH GOD! WE’RE DOOMED! Don! Don! Don! SAY GOOD-BYE! SAY GOOD-BYE! CUZ WE’RE ALL GONNA-Huh!? What happened to Cataylst there!? Phew! Well thank God she’s still sick from the damaged peacock miraculous otherwise it would’ve been the end of the world as we know it. STRIKE 3! YOU’RE OUTTA HERE HAWK MOTH! :P.

Unfortunately, none of this saved the fact that Marinette was still expelled. Sensing fowl play, Alya attempts to play detective and figure out who did this to her best friend. Glad to see she’s siding with Marinette again cuz I’m sure she must’ve learned from her mistakes. During that time Marinette was put under house arrest by her parents to keep her safe while Gabe takes back the peacock miraculous from Nathalie fearing for her health. Not wanting to disappoint her secret love, Nat secretly steals her miraculous to become Mayura and creates a sentimonster of her own. Hmmm, she can do that!? Wow! She creates one in the spitting image of Ladybug! Complete with voice! Oh God! This is gonna be a toughie.

It was a toughie. “Sentibug” was sooooooooooo convincing, Cat Noir actually fell for it and even sided with her over the real Ladybug! 😫 Ugh! C’mon you stupid cat! Didn’t you learn anything!? It was over a love confession and he damn well knew Ladybug loved “someone else”, but his school boy crush just overpowered it. Whomp! Whomp! Whomp! Luckily, it was only for a quick moment until he was called out on his stupidity and the dynamic duo (along with the fandom) learned something new today, sentimonsters have feelings!

Before I begin my thoughts on this, I’d like to say that this ep come out on my birthday! Sept 10! 🎉🎈Happy (Belated) Birthday🎂To Me!🎈🎉 I consider it a gift from Zagtoon and Thomas Astruc, so merci! What a treat I got from this as one of the best things about this episode was when the whole class vouched for Marinette knowing she’s a nice girl who wouldn’t steal (anything that wasn’t a smart phone) unlike how they did in “Chameleon” siding with Lila. Much better! Then there was the well calculated plan to déjà vu “Heroes Day” using Scarlet Moth and Catalyst. I could see how it would’ve gone had it not been for Nats growing health issues. From the Season 2 finale, almost everyone was akumatized cuz they were all in shock that their town heroine, Ladybug, turned evil and “killed” Cat Noir in front of ‘em (illusion by Volpina) and it almost happened again cuz the nicest girl in school, Marinette, was accused of being a criminal leaving everyone heartbroken from her expulsion cuz everyone loves Marinette as much they love Ladybug! (Lila is actually good at elaborate plans in a villainous sense). It almost happened! Marinette got akumatized! The fans were right, her akumatized form would’ve been something justice related, Princess Justice, cuz she’s a huge advocate for it and her mother too! As Verity Queen! However, we never got to see it cuz of Nats health, but it would’ve been cool. Since Marinette was taking off her miraculous, was she gonna give them to Hawk Moth or just took ‘em off before she was fully akumatized for safety? During the almost corruption, Alya and Chloe stood their ground keeping cool in case they were needed for battle (didn’t see Adrien there or even the others who already had miraculouses there, so I don’t know what went on with them). Detective Alya’s research went nowhere as she couldn’t find any evidence to back-up her friend, so it was a bust. Damn, that Lila! The debate over Cats guess on who the real Ladybug was was absolutely jarring! Guy was too blinded by his love for her to think clearly! Do what your real Lady said and LISTEN TO YOUR BRAIN YOU STUPID BANANA HAIRED CAT! Well, we can’t blame the guy, I mean, it was pretty convincing and we need to remember he’s the Heart Thinker to Ladybugs Brain Thinker. Love will be their downfall. Wait for it. Turns out, Mayura can create her own image of a sentimonster and they actually have thoughts and feelings! Their free will is just controlled by Mayura. Once Ladybug figured that out, Sentibug turned over a new leaf, but sadly was short lived as Mayura destroyed her. R.I.P. Sentibug :’(. Oh God! What is this, the 25, 915th time Cat Noir has to see Ladybug die in front of him!? First it was all those heart wrenching times in “Desperada”, then her capture in “Party Crasher” and now this! Guys gonna be traumatized, I swear. Hawk Moth made another of his rare public appeareances and this was to fight his adversaries in Mayuras defense. A little thing I liked was when Gabe woke up and realized Nathalie was out and about as Mayura and asked Nooroo why he didn’t wake him up, his excuse was “You looked so peaceful!” (Badum-tish🥁). XD! Straight outta sitcom! Hawk Moth and Ladybug have a short Mexican Standoff (he had his son right there!) before calling off the fight to escape with their partners. That was close! They almost revealed themselves there! Nat is out of commission as both Catalyst and Mayura as her health is getting worse from the damaged peacock miraculous (let’s not have another Emilie incident) and with that, they’ll figure out another way to find Master Fu (this is after “Feast”. Master Fus ep). In the end, Lila got no comeuppance sadly and instead, became Gabe’s “muse”, but Adrien put his foot down and confronted her, in all his tranquil fury, to bullsh*t her way into bringing back Marinette since she’s too good of a liar to expose (nobody messes with his “not-yet-aware” love interest). This is one of those rare moments where Adrien is pissed off! The last time we saw him this angry was in the Christmas special! It’s scary! He warned her in “Onichan” and now, she’s gonna pay! You go Adrikins! (I would’ve gone a little more tougher, but still, you did good!). “Things aren’t always what they seem” is the quote of the episode here and it plays it straight (No Marinette, it’s not for your benefit). Lila made up yet another “disease” for herself that involves lying (well, its technically true) and is saved Marinette to get her back in school. A little heads up folks, this episode is after “Cat Blanc” and “Felix” and before the big two part finale. Just lettin’ ya know there, *click* *click*.

[marquis-lafayeet]

John Laurens x Spy!Reader Part 2

Don’t hate me, I just wanted something to post.

Warnings: swears

Y/N strutted her way to the barstools at the front of the bar and did a quick scan of the room. Rule number one of being a spy, always scan a room you enter. When she turned back around, she was face to face with the bartender. She glanced down at the name tag. Samuel. Samuel smirked. “What can I get for you, pretty lady?” He said in a not-so-smooth voice. Y/N fought the urge to roll her eyes. “Nothing for now, hot stuff,” she said, plastering on a fake smile and playing along. He raised an eyebrow. Y/N could physically see his ego soar.

Before Samuel could say anything else, she felt a tap on the shoulder. Y/N spun around in the chair and was greeted with the sight of a very handsome man. He was tall, taller than her, and had curly black hair pulled into a low ponytail. He had beautiful sun kissed skin and adorable freckles that scattered across his whole body, she could see some on his buff arms. He had soft hazel eyes that seemed to see right through her disguise. He smiled. That just about did it for Y/N. She felt herself growing nervous. Really Y/N? You just had a boyfriend! She silently agreed with herself. But, that was a while ago! Didn’t you see on his instagram that he’s already moved on? Twice?! Whatever. Hookups were not on her schedule.

Y/N gave him a big grin. “Hi!” She said, trying to sell the “perky” act. His smile widened. “Hey, care to dance?” He said, gesturing to the dance floor. Y/N figured that she could analyze more faces there. Or dance with a hot guy. Either way, jackpot.

Thomas’ POV

I watched Y/N walk into the club. I didn’t want anything to happen to her, over the course of these two years that she’s worked here, she felt like a little sister to me. I shook my head and edited the photo that Y/N wanted me to look at. I zoomed into the writing on the mirror. Fake dealing at Club Adrenaline, lead NYCLE on, kidnap. My eyes widened. Y/N was in trouble.

Third Person POV

As Y/N was dancing with the stranger, she noticed he kept glancing around the room. When he caught her staring she looked away bashfully. “I don’t believe I introduced myself. Winston Parker. And you...?” He trailed off. His eyes were so gorgeous. She wondered how many freckles does he have? “Y/N L/N,” She trailed off. Her eyes widened. Holy shit. She just gave away her cover. But she didn’t catch the little widening of Winston’s eyes, and the little smirk that grew on his face. Y/N immediately turned around and speed walked to the door. Winston stepped in front of her before she reached the door.

He roughly grabbed her arms and turned her around. Before she even knew what was happening, she felt cool handcuffs go around her wrists and a gag in her mouth. He looked down and saw the tiny trademark “NYC” on her wrist. Every NYCLE agent had one. “Where’re you going, sweetie? Back to NYCLE?” He growled the last part. He roughly pushed her into the back room, nodding to Samuel. When he closed the door, Y/N kicked his straight in his jewels with her heel. Winston groaned and fell to his knees. She worked her hands so that they were in front of her and looked around the room. She spit the gag out and found a Bobby pin on the table. She grabbed it with her mouth and unlocked the chains. Wow, handcuff 101 was a really well spent book.

She heard a shout and saw more guys piling into the room. Too many. Y/N knew when she was outnumbered. Suddenly, a kick to the door interrupted her almost defeat. Thomas quickly punched a guy, and paralyzed another guys temporarily using pressure points. “You good Y/N?” He asked worriedly. Y/N furiously nodded. “Just fine.” She grabbed a chair and swung it at one of the guys that was attempting to come at her from behind. Winston stood up, wincing. He pulled a gun out quickly. Y/N and Thomas pulled one out, too. “Put the gun down and I won’t shoot.” Came a low feminine voice from behind Winston. Y/N peeked and saw Maria. Y/N beamed. Winston reluctantly put down the gun. “Fine. You got me. Whatdya want now?” He asked in a frustrated tone.

“Now, we take you back to headquarters and interrogate you,” Maria said, shoving him forward with the barrel of her desert eagle.

t i m e s k i p

Y/N’s POV

We tied up Winston (if that’s even his name) and put a gag in his mouth. “Should we put him in the front?” Eliza, our stay-behind officer, asked. I stiffiled a laugh. She was always so considerate. “No, he’ll try something. Let’s put him in the trunk,” Thomas said, already walking towards it. He opened the trunk door with his key and threw him inside. Eliza winced. If Eliza’s older sister, Angelica, was here, she would have laughed. But she’s on a mission in Bolivia. Peggy, Eliza and Angelica’s youngest sister stepped out the car and pouted. “You guys didn’t call me in,” she said in a whiny voice.

I gave her a sympathetic smile. “Sorry Peggy, we weren’t in need of bombs at the moment,” I said, giving her a side hug. Peggy was our weaponary management. “Next time. Right now, we have to interrogate.”

As we walked inside NYCLE headquarters, I made sure “Winston’s” mask was on tight. I couldn’t have him figuring out where our hq was. I roughly pushed him in the interrogation room and tied him to the chair, and locking his wrists on the arms of the chair. I yanked off the mask and he glared at me in annoyance. I glared harder and started to walk away. “Commander Washington and Agent Hamilton will be with you shortly,” I said uninterested. I walked out the room and sat in the chair looking at the one was glass. To him it looked like a mirror, but I see everything that happens.

Washington and Hamilton walked into the room with files of papers in their hands. “This the secret agent?” Washington asked. Alex on the other hand was jumpy. “How was your mission? Did you get hurt? Please tell me you called for backup when you needed it. Did yo-,” Alex ranted. Washington cut him off. “As you can see, Y/N is fine. Now, let’s go question him.” Washington said in a semi annoyed voice. Alex nodded and shuffled into the interrogation room.

The questioning didn’t look too bad, though Winston wouldn’t give up any information about himself or CMA. Loyal. Bonus. I shook the thought from my head and grimaced. Hamilton clenched his fists and started to yell some explicit things to Winston. Winston just smirked. Hamilton stormed out the room and slammed the door shut. “Y/N, where’s the lie detector,” he angrily asked. I pointed to the table where it was laying. He quickly snatched it up and stormed into the room. He set it up and put the wires on him. He started asking the questions again and scribbled some things down. Finally, the two agents got up and left the room. “So, how’d it go?” I asked in a curious voice.

Washington just sighed and left. Alex groaned and slumped into the chair next to you. “It was horrible. He won’t fess up,” he mumbled. He suddenly perked up. “Could you interrogate him?” He asked in a hopeful voice. I scrunched my face up. “What? I’m a field agent, not an interrogator,” I finalized, crossing my legs. Alex pouted and gave me his puppy dog face. “Pwease?” He begged. I sighed. “Fine,” I muttered. Alex jumped up and cheered. He grabbed my arm and pushed me into the room. Winston looked up and scoffed when he saw me. “If they’re trying to bring out their big guns, I honestly expected better,” he insulted. I didn’t even wince. I knew he was just trying to get under my skin. I sat down in front of him. “So, hows it going?” I asked casually. He rolled his eyes.

“Oh, just peachy. My enemy agency kidnapped me and is trying to get me to break.” He said sarcastically. I looked down at my wrist and stared at the tattoo on my wrist. He started to shift uncomfortably and yanked on his wrist restraints. I looked at them and did a double take on his right one. I got up and squinted. I leaned in closer and inspected his wrist. My eyes widened. On his wrist was a tiny “NYC”. “Y-!” I began. “Shhhhhh!” He hissed. “Nobody can know about this,” he said quietly. I shook my head. “I need to tell Commander Washington,” I said, already heading for the door. “No!” He shouted. He sighed. “If you don’t tell anyone, I’ll tell you why I have this tattoo,” he muttered. I turned around skeptically. I reluctantly sat down in the chair. “Start,” I commanded. He took a deep breath. “First off, my real name is John Laurens, not Winston Parker. And I used to be a NYCLE agent. Just like you,” I took a sharp inhale. “I was a field agent, specialized in being a double agent. It was an undercover assignment. I was assigned with my best friend, and the job was at a wedding party. It was invite only, so we had to wear disguises,” he explained. That reminded me about disguise I thought as I glanced down at my attire. “After a while, I noticed that my friend was missing. I started searching high and low and I wound up outside. I found him in a nearby alley beaten up and on the brink of death. Before I could call for backup, CMA captured me and told me they would set my friend free if I joined them. If I didn’t, they would kill him. So I did what I had to do. I joined CMA, but I disappeared from my friends’ life, and from NYCLE’s files.” He concluded. I shook my head. “Wow, that’s crazy. I’m so sorry you had to go through that,” I sympathized, rubbing his arm. “Do you think I could find my friend?” He asked. I thought for a second and shrugged. “It could be possible.” I answered. He beamed. “Great! Just unlock me and we can start analyzing faces,” he said to me. I put my hands up. “Whoa, whoa, whoa. Slow your roll. You’re still an enemy. And you still attacked me and NYCLE agents. I can’t unlock you. It’s forbidden.” I stated. He rolled his eyes. “Wow, even after three years you NYCLE agents are still goody two shoes.” He muttered under his breath. “I heard that,” I snapped and stalked out of the interrogation room.