#thread 001

[jxlter]

@robustdragonheart

SNAP

it's the sound the flimsy wooden sword she found herself in possession of made the moment it broke over her knee. she's not happy that much was clear, her teeth ground as she took in her surroundings. she was weakened, no weapon, but the fire that raged inside her heart was still lit (even if she couldn't summon it).

this doesn't seem like a singularity or a lostbelt and my powers are all gone

calm and rational behavior was never her strong-suit. she'd rather fight her way our than anything else. she finally lets out a large sigh, the rage building up to the point where she finally throws her hands up in the air and almost screams at the top of her lungs in frustration.

' where in the hell am i?! '

[carol-dcnvers]

Carol is sure that she's bright read by the end of the interaction and the last thing she wants to do is recognize the beginning of a gentle throbbing in her head, so she scoffs it off and claims that she's totally fine, allowing herself to be distracted with the fact that her number is now in the other woman's phone and they have plans for that night and somehow, despite not even trying, the blonde managed to get completely swept up by the woman in the suit that appeared so randomly that day. Stranger coincidences happened, she supposed, but it wasn't every day that an incredibly attractive woman essentially fell from the sky, right?

She didn't plan on wasting the opportunity, even if it simply amounted to a night of holiday fun and a way to waste the other's time stuck in Louisiana, but there was a part of her that felt hesitant, a guilt that very rarely bubbled up and in this case, seemed to happen at the exact same time that she heard Maria's voice float across the hanger.

"I'm sure I'd enjoy seeing you in action, regardless of how boring," Carol offers, unworried that they're going to get interrupted by her boss as the woman has clearly zeroed in on some numbskull engineer named Scott and is none the wiser about the blonde's own slacking off. "But seeing you tonight will do, I suppose." Then the other's hand was in hers and her knees wobbled just a bit and she realized in that moment that she wanted to see a whole lot more of Val. "You have my number, don't you?" She teased lightly, but nodded anyway. "If you didn't text, I think I'd be worried." Worried that something happened, worried that she'd completely and utterly embarrassed herself? Finally letting go of Val's hand, regrettably, she assured the other, "Let me know where to pick you up and I'll be there."

Val, too, makes a note out of what Carol says, knowing that she needs to know more about the blonde. Who are these lucky people that get to have her in their life, important enough to buy expensive gifts for? Children, perhaps, or nieces and nephews too; and the woman seemed young enough to maybe have siblings that are teenagers too. The professional part of her brain slots the question for later, when they are alone and not surrounded by tons of metal and people desperate to finish their work to go home on a Friday afternoon.

"Hmmm." She muses with a smirk on her face as she's called pretty, the coy comment not escaping her at all, since she holds onto Carol's every word. Her own cheeks linger in their warmth as she watches the other and pretends that the sound that leaves Carol's lips doesn't affect her at all. Instead, her chin tilts upward as the mechanic takes a step back, but the amusing nature of the whole thing fades just a little when Carol hits her head with a loud clang and a curse.

"Oh no—" she starts, trying not to laugh as they both leave the fuselage, "are you alright?" Sympathy is now etched on her face even though the corner of her mouth twitches; devolving into a full laugh when Carol recovers and her own jacket gets the most damage out of it. "Don't go getting a concussion on me now, Carol... I'd want you alive for tonight."

An eyebrow raised, flirty again, and her eyes don't move from the other, even though she feels bad— maybe the touch of the cheek in the workplace had been too much?

The mechanic shows none of the contempt for her, though, and Val has no heart to joke about her jacket, either. Instead, she takes the phone back and saves it simply under Carol— realizing that she doesn't even know her full name to Google her after. There will be plenty of time for that; since she hasn't offered much but her own first name, either.

"I'd better get to the hotel then," she muses, not glad to part ways with the other... but there is barely any hours left until the evening; just enough to clean up and get ready. "Thank you— for letting me see a piece of your work. I'd offer the same in return... but I fear it's way more dull than this." Her hand reaches out, for just a handshake out in the open like this, but the squeeze she gives the blonde is warm and lingering. "Is it alright that I text you later?"

[thearcherbrothersx]

Closed starter for @aftermiiidniiight / Muse: Declan Archer

He'd agreed to come by and pick her up this evening. He'd had a late meeting and she was out with friends not too far from his office, so naturally it made sense for his driver to swing by her venue on the way back to his place rather than have her make her way there later.

Declan left his driver with the car outside and made his way inside the club she'd told him she'd be at, his features maintaining the visual of ice; cool and calm. This despite the fact that his eyes visibly began searching the area for her as soon as he stepped inside. He looked entirely out of place, perfectly trimmed and kempt, dressed in a tailored Armani suit, a Rolex around his wrist. The sheer value of the man's attire probably surpassed the average occupant's yearly income. And yet he didn't seem bothered by the smell, the noise or fact that one person or other was intermittently bumping into him as he made his way through the crowds.

In fact, his expression didn't change until he finally spotted the gorgeous redhead on the dancefloor surrounded by several appropriately aged males, and at that point it was only for his lips to thin and brows to shift slightly higher on his forehead before his features settled back into that same indifferent mien. He watched her for a few seconds, considering the many different actions he could take, as well as the possible outcomes of those actions, before he turned around to leave.

[starsvein]

"Excuse me, where are the 'fruits?' ...Over here? Thank you."

Having gotten directions from the brown-haired civilian also browsing the shop, Veoc walked confidently to a display of colorful produce and picked up a bright yellow lemon from the pile. It was light—surprisingly so, and he wondered how the humans here ever imbibed enough food to keep themselves alive. But in the absence of infusions or nutrient solution, his best bet was to adapt.

He chooses a couple and goes to "check-out," coincidentally running into the same man at the registers. Nodding at him, Veoc finishes paying, takes out the lemon from his bag, and takes an experimental bite.

Crunch.

Bits of styrofoam cling to his chin, but the major general seems unbothered. If anything, he only looks a little disappointed at the lack of flavor as he heads for the exit while still chewing thoughtfully.

Nobody told him that this was an art supplies store, not a grocery...

@kleinstar

[alkalinc]

a closed starter for my heart, @devoureden, for nathan & evelyn.

bumping into her was technically a coincidence because nathan had no clue where evelyn would be when he showed up in town. however, they had been here before, even if it hadn't been in over a year, and always seemed to find one another whenever he showed up again. walking by that particular coffee shop, he recognized her instantly and didn't hesitate to step inside and walk over to her table. "hey, stranger."

[notbirdnorplane]

Her hand in his, Katsuki did his best to continue on with his rescue. His hand gripped onto hers while he assessed the door. "Might be loud, but I'll get us down. Hang on tight!" Without a further word for confirmation, Katsuki swiftly looped her arms around his neck. His hands now freed, he pressed his palms straight against the locked door.

D-DON!

The pair of explosions sent the locked door rocketing off its hinges, saving them from the confines of the stalled car. Then came their exit: those same hands locked behind him like rocket boosters. A few sparks, and they were flying out just as easily as the door! Their descent was speedy, his explosions serving to boost their angles and ease the descent once they were close enough to ground.

"There!" Katsuki was quite proud of himself. There'd been few instances to practice rescuing someone with his Quirk, so he saw this as good experience while on the job! "Safe on the ground! I'm gonna figure out what caused all this and see if I can help more people."

At the mention of his intervention, her eyes snapped open, and quickly turned in Katsuki's direction. She doesn't know them. What if they made things worse? A hero was what they needed. There was plenty to spare; Japan was overrun with them. She wanted to tell him not to interfere. He was a civilian, and a teenage one at that, just like her.

His attempt to soothe her made her feel reassured. She pursed her lips into a thin line, her attempt to smile at him. If he could be brave so could she. She was a hero course student after all, admitted to one of the best schools in Japan with a bright future ahead of her.

Despite the continuous rapid thud in her chest, a pale and timid hand extends to take his. She swallowed, and her body began to loosen up, becoming less stiff. She would trust him—and herself—to make it off this ridiculous Ferris wheel. "How will we get down? My quirk is useless here."

[littlfrcak]

☠︎︎ starter with @kretina

¸ arena + flashback

⭑🕯️ʿ a semana antes dos jogos era uma das piores para se viver ali dentro; com os dias se aproximando , o tempo começava a deixar sasha irritado. apesar de não ter se interessado em entrar em alguma equipe, o semideus participava de alguns esportes e competia por eles. as olimpíadas mexiam com todo mundo do acampamento, não havia como ficar de fora de tudo. para tentar distrair a mente, não havia nada melhor que mergulhar de cabeça nos treinos de suas aulas já que, com também a chegada dos jogos, os campistas começavam finalmente a querer entender melhor seu conteúdo, prestavam mais atenção em suas lições. todo treinamento era válido para agregar conhecimento antes de irem de fato para o bosque. fazia alguns minutos que já treinava ali sozinho, o amuleto grudava no peito já que o calor do ambiente tinha feito com que se desfizesse da regata. a sorte de ter os momentos livres para treinar antes das aulas era justamente poder desligar a mente e se concentrar apenas em cumprir o percurso do treino digitado no computador da arena. com um último golpe em um monstro que tentava se camuflar para se esconder de novo, sasha finalizou a lição. a respiração ofegante era o resultado de uma boa luta. as luzes piscaram em verde para sinalizar seu sucesso e a simulação sumia, transformando de novo a arena naquele espaço branco; e só assim para perceber que não estava sozinho ali como tinha achado. “ ━━━ se quiser assistir a próxima aula, só começamos às 15h." ergueu as sobrancelhas na direção de katrina, ainda teria o local para si por pelo menos uma hora, ao que conseguia lembrar.

[clementinebriar]

[ IT'S A MATCH! 🔥 YOU AND PHOEBE HAVE LIKED EACH OTHER ]

CLEM: 👀 CLEM: stepping out on your man, princess?? CLEM: didn't think you had it in you @thephoebeyates

[reggiellewellyn]

reggie 📱 peter.

Reggie: You know, you could make a real killing if you were spinning those decks in Ibiza Reggie: Have you ever considered 👀 @peterbasara

[avastyetwats]

"You would be right." It was Lavender. Among hints of cedarwood, but the lavender was the strongest out of the two. For good reason. "Lavender is one of the most relaxing scents, did you know that? It's known for it's ability to create a relaxing atmosphere and calm the mind and relieve stress." A reason why Stede had so many lavender scents around the ship, especially in his quarters. Pirating was not a stress-free life after all, especially not lately, and since it's helped him quite often, he figured it would help Izzy, too.

And it seemed to be doing just that.

His smile faded slightly when Izzy confirmed never having had a bubble bath before, understanding why, though, thanks to the simple explanation Izzy provided. He didn't always think about what was considered luxury to a pirate, simply because he was so used to certain things such as large living quarters, fancy clothing, luxurious bed sheets, his very own library... all of which he shared with his crew, of course. He wanted them all to live their best pirate life and be comfortable doing it.

He listens to Izzy talk, listens to him open up, something the man has been doing more and more of lately and it makes Stede happy. Especially because he's doing so with him. Because it means he's comfortable around Stede, he feels safe, and to be quite honest, Stede feels the same when he's with Izzy. Didn't used to. Quite the opposite, really, but now? Well, he's one of the few Stede feels safest around. That he can be himself around without harsh judgement even if Izzy still teases him sometimes, but he knows that now, it's without ill intent. It isn't to make him feel bad or foolish, but to make him smile, to withdraw laughter from him, which he succeeds in doing. Though, if he does act a fool, Izzy will let him know, simply for his own wellbeing and he appreciates it.

But to be learning more about Izzy makes the Captain happy. He's always wanted to know more about him. His likes, his dislikes, his favorite things, the places he's traveled, details around his pirating and his life before, and for Izzy to be telling him without even being asked first is everything to Stede. Perhaps now, he can ask questions about the other man, learn more about him. He's never gone too deep with his curiosity for fear of seeming nosy or causing unwanted feelings or memories to emerge, but if Izzy was initiating, then perhaps it'd be okay. He was wanting Stede to know about him, voluntarily sharing details about his life and he was listening to his every word.

"I'd rather have that, myself. Never was interested in paying for pleasure. Of course, I was a married man for several years so it never even crossed my mind, but even now? No. 'especially not now..." He shook his head. It wasn't something that interested him, seeking sexual pleasure and paying for it. In part because it just wasn't him and the other? Well, he was afraid to somehow embarrass himself, afraid he wouldn't be very good. After all, his wife was never really satisfied, understandably so, and his only other time was with Ed and well, he'd called it a mistake the next day which left Stede incredibly disheartened. Embarrassed. Hurt. Afraid.

All which reflect in his eyes now, the light within them having dimmed from thinking about that night and Ed's comments the next day. It scarred him, really. He'd felt so good that night, proud of himself, only for that to be easily destroyed. Though very cheerful and positive on the outside, and always doing his very best to carry himself with confidence, he's a very self-conscious man, full of insecurities thanks to the bullying and abuse during his childhood, and the harsh words spoken about him even now, though he does his best to brush it off. Most of the time, though, he just hides the pain it causes.

But Izzy's voice, thankfully breaks Stede from his daze. He pulls him from the darkness he started to drown in... his voice powerful enough to save him. And he even smiles at what he thinks is meant to be a compliment, his heart doing a little flutter that's been happening more and more around this man. "Aye aye." Wasting no more time, Stede bends down to grab the pitcher, scooting to the edge of the chair so he's closer to Izzy. "Move forward just a little bit..." He waits for him to do so. "Now, lean your head back for me." Once he does that, Stede dips the pitcher into the warm water and very gently, pours it onto Izzy's hair, his fingers combing through the dark locks to help get every strand wet, his nails grazing the top of his head in the process.

He repeats this a few more times until his hair is drenched and then he picks up one of the small bottles, the shampoo, and applies just a little bit into his hair and then, the best part happens, Stede starts to lather it in. Using his fingers, his nails, the palms of his hands... all though Izzy's hair, against his scalp and down the back of his neck.

When the hell had Izzy ever gotten something as special as this? The answer was never. The low-lighting of the candles painted images on his sun-kissed flesh that made him look almost ethereal. It was clear that he very much belonged there in the water, here at sea. The man had almost wept at the gesture earlier, even slipped to addressing him by his first name. He was moved. Edward would never have done something like this for him, but he didn’t like comparing him to his former captain. They were two entities, entitled to their own rightful attention.

“ Smells like lavender. “ That got the most peaceful of sighs from him. He’d never been so relaxed in his life, and he could simply forget about everything else in the world. He could forget about the loss of a limb, Ed, even the bullet wound he was still healing from and the very real possibility they could be attacked at any moment. This was just perfection for Israel.

“ And I’ve never had a bubble bath before. Not exactly pirate luxury. “ He was a man of little words sometimes, but sometimes he could be more talkative. It was mostly when he was pissed off and the rage flew. This was the exact opposite of that. Here he was sharing feelings and personal things again. “ A hot bath is one of my favorite things that I rarely get. Me and the boys just take a dip at sea. Can’t afford fancy tubs like this. “

“ When I get a bit of coin and I’m on land, first thing I want is a private, hot bath. Rather ‘ave that than even a paid fuck. “ He explained with brutal honesty. Izzy didn’t even enjoy paying to have his needs satisfied but it was what it was. But part of that came from the fact his blessed mother had been a whore. Rarely did he satisfy his needs in such a way, as there was far too much guilt in seeking company.

Only when the blonde started to fret did his eyes open, looking at him sincerely. “ Bonnet, if you don’t put those delicate hands in my bloody hair right now.. “ He didn’t bother finishing the vague threat. He was too relaxed for that as he sunk a bit lower into the heat. It was a light and playful scolding, wanting him not to fret so much. And indeed, he’d complimented his captain as well. Stede did have the softest hands since he came from a life of leisure and money. It wasn’t meant as insult. It was praise.

[walkingdeadshep]

ᵀᴴᴱ ᴱᴺᴰ ᴬᴺᴰ ᵀᴴᴱ ᴮᴱᴳᴵᴺᴺᴵᴺᴳ

Life had never been easy for Shepley Jameson O'Connell. From an early age, one could have argued that he was bound for great failures. His mother had done her best with what little she had, but truth be told, the misfortunes of his upbringing had prepared him for a cold and empty world — a world where order failed to exist and wrongdoings weren't in short supply. His criminal history, forged by the hand of another or not didn't matter. Truth was, nothing mattered outside of the two people he'd searched for as if his life depended upon it... upon them. Most days, it did. For years, he'd replayed the final moments over and over in an attempt at finding out where he'd gone wrong. If he'd made a different choice, if he had listened to Liv — if if if. Against every suggestion made by others, Shepley had held on tightly to the idea of finding them. It was the only thing anchoring him to the broken world, the only true reason he hadn't given up. It was an unexpected group that had swiftly taken him in, their compound safe from the outside world. Dangers lurked within, but after weeks of settling in and being promised aid in search efforts, he'd made his spot permanent. Everything that followed was a means to a particular end — find Liv, find Anya. It was impossible to harbor any guilt with such blindness, despite the stomach turning tasks bestowed upon him at times. News of another settlement had spread like wildfire through the compound, some curious, some furious, and some uncaring. Negan, the self-proclaimed leader that instilled fear in those who questioned him, was among the curious. If the other settlement, Alexandria as it were named, was a threat, he needed to know for the safety of his people. It was the very reason that Shepley found himself face to face with the barbed wire bat carrying leader who wore a smirk as often as his leather jacket. The plan was simple, as was the story. Shepley would stumble within range of the settlement, obtain an invite within, learn from the settlement, and report back. If he failed, the implication was just as simple — failure meant becoming walker bait and becoming walker bait meant losing every chance to find them. ( CURRENT TIME ) "Your kindness is appreciated. Not many people offer that much anymore." For two days, he'd sat in a dimly lit cell. He'd been questioned gently by members of the settlement, each as worried as the one before them. A part of him wanted to spew the truth, but doing so was a far bigger risk than he cared to take. He'd barely gotten off the string of gratitude when the un-oiled hinges of a door sang with the arrival of someone else. The man slowly turned, a smile on his mouth as a sign of good faith, but said smile faded as everything grew quiet around him. Before him stood the very woman he'd been searching for. His heart dared to beat out of his chest, his gaze unwavering. It was the gentle tug at his flannel that anchored him to the moment. According to the woman, Liv would be the one to show him to his sleeping quarters. After all, she was responsible for recruiting and hunting, the latter being why she hadn't been the one to bring him in. "Thank you," he muttered, his dark hues only moving towards the door as it offered the same unpleasant noise upon the other stepping out. "Is she..." he breathed, unable to ask the full question as his gaze glossed over. If Liv was there, Anya was too. Unless... no.

[buddywellls]

buddy 📲 lorna.

Buddy: You're a difficult woman to get a hold of, you know that? @dilcne

[dailydanielchoi]

closed starter for @jiakim who: daniel choi and jia kim where: jia's house, deer park.

One of Daniel’s favorite things about moving to Blue Harbor and living in Deer Park was that he was always just the shortest walk away from his sister. Growing up, he’d experience a lot of instability, but since he met Jia she had become the singular constant. The time that they had spent apart both when separated by the Chicago foster care system, and when he had decided to pursue his law degree in New York had been terribly difficult. It was one of the reasons he had left the hustle, bustle and opportunity of New York. Daniel knew his family – his sister was more important than any opportunities he might have passed up. So, he currently found himself leaning back against the plush cushions of Jia’s couch, almost feeling more at home here than in his own house. “I appreciate you inviting me over, Jee,” Daniel said. “But are you going to feed me?” he asked with an exaggerated pout on his lips.

[ryanlockheart]

sigma chi was renowned for their parties; everyone on campus knew that... but their halloweekend parties were top notch. it was their biggest one yet, and sydney was determined to have the time of his life. his lime green tanktop clung tight to his skin, and somehow, he'd worked up the nerve to wear a skirt. of course, the icing on top was the fake blood on his hands and neck. all he needed to complete his look was a ghostface — and there had been one following him around all night. he would've been creeped out if he hadn't have been able to spot that well-defined torso anywhere. maddox was easily the hottest thing that had ever sauntered into those frathouse doors. sydney wouldn't admit it — at least not sober — but he wanted maddox bad. his nonchalant attitude and his complete apathy towards being in sigma chi, something about it really got him worked up. he finally had managed to get maddox off to a corner by himself, and he was going in for the kill. "so, mr. ghostface..." his voice trailed off, his fingers creeping up the boy's exposed shoulders. "are you gonna keep followin' me around all night, or is there a dark room you want to take me off to? i'll be your next victim," sydney said playfully, a smirk on his lips. "promise i'll make it worth your while."

[thearcherbrothersx]

Closed starter for @svftlove / Muse: Marcus Archer

"How much longer are you going to keep pouting?" Marcus sighed, grabbing himself a beer from the fridge before turning back to the blonde. He'd only just come home and she'd started on her usual bullshit. He pulled his gun out and put it on the table beside him before he took a sip of the cold liquid; no use hiding shit from her, considering she'd already seen plenty of what he did. "It's been weeks, Juliette and it's getting fucking boring."

[starsvein]

A soft thud hit his cap before a small object bounced off it. Out of instinct, Veoc caught the item before it hit the ground and saw, to his surprise, that it was a tiny sculpture of a humanoid female with wings.

It was also cold to the touch, like ice—but showed no signs of melting in his palm.

He looked up again, seeing only a canopy of trees. Where had this thing come from?

The next second, a large shadow obscured his vision as a winged figure flew by overhead.

@anghexescu