#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.

[vanityrift]

🗝️ open to everyone. ⏰ 12:22am @ 12welve.

🪐 : her capacity for clubs has a finite limit & tonight's full attendance is truly putting that to the test. deep breath in, deep breath out. it's fine. it's fun. it's— 〝 i need out. 〞 is what spills out of her mouth. nory blinks, like she's surprised by her own revelation, then pushes herself away from the booth. she's already fumbling around her pockets, winded relief at the outline of her lucky lighter. 〝 m' gonna go smoke, is what i mean. 〞 she doesn't bother with invitations, simply begins to make her way through the sea of people.

[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

[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.

[alkalinc]

a closed starter for my heart, @devoureden, for aurora & naomi.

walking in through the front door after a long day of baking in the morning and kids in the afternoon had rory ready to face plant into bed for the evening. she was two steps inside when she saw naomi curled up on the couch and the thought of heading to bed completely vanished. "hi, my love." there was a tired smile on her lips as she toed her boots off, slid off her coat and scarf to hang them up, then her bag was placed down before she moved along and curled up beside her girlfriend. "i'm cold. warm me up," she spoke with arms wrapped around the other.

[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

[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.

[buddywellls]

buddy 📲 zehra.

Buddy: Hey. Buddy: Thought of you today, felt like a sign to check in. Buddy: Everything all good? @zchraa

[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

[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.

[pastghcsts]

✦ ・ EXT. WILLOW PARK, HOT CHOCOLATE BAR — LATE EVENING. ( closed event starter for @blotchedpaper )

Though it’s not uncommon for Everett to stay awake into the wee small hours of the morning, he nevertheless finds it a tad frustrating he’s still walking around this godforsaken Snow Frolic when it’s already nearing ten o’clock — Lily should be in bed by now, he’d told his sister, to which she’d replied with an unhurried wave of her hand and a reminder that it’s Saturday, she’ll be fine, they’ve nothing to do tomorrow, anyway. 

Still can’t be healthy for a five year old to stay up this late, he hadn’t pointed out. In fact, he’s almost positive this is going to make Lily a nightmare to deal with for the next week or so — but then again, it’s Evangeline’s problem now. Everett has the luxury of hiding out at his place and waiting it out, so long as his sister doesn’t bust down his door and force him to experience the hell of her own making, as well. He’d muttered something to her about grabbing them a hot chocolate before dragging his feet over to one of the many bars sprinkled throughout the park, helmed by part-timers with smiles plastered on their faces that should not be so fucking toothy. 

He’s not really looking where he’s going —as long as one foot’s making its way in front of the other, that’s all that really matters — so it’s not a surprise when he accidentally shoulder-checks someone on his way to the front of the line. Sighing irritably, he glances up to meet some strange man’s gaze, tousled hair and warm brown eyes, understatedly handsome in that kind of way that Everett pointedly ignores when he comes across it. Besides — it’s late and it’s cold and he doesn’t want to be here. So instead of coming up with any sort of apology — which is what Evangeline would probably tell him to offer right about now — he frowns at the stranger in annoyance. “You mind?” he huffs, looking past the man and toward the holy grail of hot chocolate. His ticket out of this fucking nightmare — so close to him, and yet. “You’re in my way.”

[romanrhodes]

where: nourish bistro with: laila mir ( @lailaxmir )

roman sat in a booth, looking out the window but focusing on nothing. he reached down under the table to grip his knee, giving it a squeeze. his leg stopped twitching, thank god. air came out in a rush from his nostrils, the anxious energy in his chest barely settling.

he'd agreed to make a dating app profile after his sister, josie, and his so-called friend, viktor had seemingly teamed up to twist his arm.it was entirely new territory. in new york, he'd met people through friends. in kismet, he'd met andrew, his last serious partner, after he'd wandered onto the farm and offered to help tidy the place up. now, apparently dating apps were the way, and roman felt very out of depth.

somehow, he'd managed to land a small handful of dates. laila was one of them. she was gorgeous, intelligent, and good-natured - at least through a phone screen. she was british, and an event planner at the appropriately named forever and always, a wedding property. and meeting her made roman nervous.

sighing again, he ran his hands through his hair, getting used to the new length. the caveman had been tamed, partially so he looked more like his photos. wouldn't want to be accused of being a catfish, and had to be on his best behaviour for a first date, even if it was only lunch.

roman turned back to look across the room when he spotted her. her sudden appearance, and confirmed existence startled him, but he covered it quickly, raising his hand in greeting. "laila? hey--" roman got up, standing too quickly and slamming his knee against the table. he grimaced from the sharp pain, but quickly covered it up, a flush spreading across his face and darkening the tips of his ears.

[thearcherbrothersx]

Closed starter for @aftermiiidniiight / Muse: Aaron Leto

Aaron wasn't usually the type to go to a strip club of all places. He very much preferred his women within reach, touchable, and most importantly his. This whole business with looking at naked women you had no connection to did nothing for him, just as he'd never had any interest in porn. And yet, he could play along with the best of them. So he'd joined the small group of partners and senior associates from the firm when the idea came up. The group was loud for the most part as they came inside, many of them already a little (or a lot) drunk from the bottles of wine and champagne served at the celebratory dinner earlier.

Aaron for his part, kept a level head, though smiling and joking around with the others as they found different spots around the strip club to settle down in. He joined a smaller group of four at a booth, and soon the party continued, bottles on the tables, half naked girls scattered across many a lap, some grinding happily away to the music and the bills tucked into their thongs. Aaron was like a shadow; part of it all and yet not at all, happy to be situated perfectly to watch the whole ordeal without actually partaking.

And then his eyes spotted her, scantily clad as she made her way onto the stage and began moving to the music. Several of his colleagues caught sight of the newest dancer on stage too, he noticed, nudging each other and grinning as they discussed. He couldn't hear what was being said, but he could easily imagine.

Unwilling to make a fool of himself in front of the firm, he sat quietly, sipping his whiskey while watching her, eyes slightly narrowed and so intensely focused, it was a wonder they didn't burn a hole through her. He wondered, briefly, if she'd be able to spot him in the dimmed lights of the club, one among many suit-clad patrons this evening.

[naomiayodele]

who: naomi & @bryanxlawrence

where: from brush to canvas (snowflake gala)

prompt: foodies bring food critics

“Okay, so I haven’t tried much.” naomi slide in the empty seat. truth be told, she only had a drink but no food at all - she hadn’t been here for long. “What is the one thing you’ve tried so far that I should try first? I debated eating before I came.” which was bad, but she wanted to know what she was working with. “Please tell me there is a favorite amongst all the goods offered.”